Haul / Boots pt.1

Ok - so I went a bit overboard in Boots last month but I haven't actually shopped in Boots since November (I've been religiously compiling a list, waiting for the 3for2 offers to start).

I had to split the haul in 2 posts... here we start:

Essie Nail Polish in On A Silver Platter - I don’t even like glitter polishes but I just couldn’t resist this prettiness! It looks silver in the bottle but it's actually gold, when it catches the light; the description says 'violet holographic glitter' but they seem pretty blue to me. In any case, it's beautiful and I bet it will look stunning as an accent on the tip of the nails... can't wait to play with it.

Invisibobble traceless hair ring in Brown - oh yeah, I can’t resist a good gimmick ;) I think they work alright and look pretty. You can do a loose ponytail but can't really go around more than twice (I think they may snap), so couldn't really use them at the gym, for example. Something I wanted to try but I'm not sure that I would buy them again - they feel a bit fragile. Have you tried them?

I bought the Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliques in Royal Burgundy specifically  to wear them with an outfit for an event (link); I’m usually not a big fan of nail wraps since you basically get a single use out of them and they are outrageously overpriced. These are a beautiful pattern but they lasted nothing! I experienced major tip wear in less than 48hrs. I have a few spare ones left so I’ll try and add a top coat and see if it makes any difference…. Very disappointing! :(

I was actually looking for the Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush but I could not find it anywhere in store or online (in Boots). 

I bought the Real Techniques Blush Brush, instead; I meant to add it to my collection at some point anyway. No complaints: it’s just as dreamy as the other RT brushes that I own. It’s truly fantastic to apply powder blush and super soft.

Bourjois Poudre de Riz de Java - first of all, I love the packaging and the scent (the typical baby powder, like the blushes). 

I think it’s a lovely loose powder! Although it looks pretty sparkly, I can safely use it all over the face lightly and it keeps me shine-free all day; I don’t find it to work as an highlighter on me but definitely add radiance to my complexion.

If you read my end of the year mascaras reviews (link), you’ll know that I’ve been replacing all my old mascaras like a good girl. ;)

There’s too much choice around!!! I was set on a Maybelline one and picked up the Maybelline Volum'Express the Colossal Cat Eyes kind of randomly; some people hate it, some people love it… I liked the look of the wand… I shall let you know I get on.

The second part will be up in a few day - Have you tried any of these products yourself? What is your experience?

Don't forget to enter the Spring Giveaway! :)

Review / New from Urban Decay 2014

The Urban Decay Naked range is ever growing and the latest additions come in the form of finishing powders and lipglosses.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder* comes in 5 shades to create a flawless base and to compliment the other products from the Naked Skin line - liquid foundation and beauty balm. Personally, I swear by Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Make Up and the powder is the perfect finishing step to achieve a semi-matte, yet luminous and flawless look.

I’m shade 3.0 (in the foundation) therefore Naked Medium Light works best for me – there’s actually a chart that you can refer to, so you can buy the ideal match for your base.

It can also been worn on its own on bare skin and, because it's so finely milled, it never ends up looking cakey or unnatural.

The powder has a blurring effect on a multitude of imperfections, pores and redness; I have never achieve such an impressive finish before and I swear, it looks like my skin has been airbrushed… it’s that good!!!

It feels amazing on the skin! Silky and soft to the touch and it contains microbeads that burst of hydration when applied to the skin... it is really quite addictive!

The packaging then, deserves a mention of its own: the sturdy round jar reveals a custom gunmetal sifter with the UD logo! In practicality, it's fantastic and the 4 holes dispense the right amount of product, without any mess.

The formula is also free of oil, parabens, alcohol and fragrances.

I think you can tell the difference in the picture below - of course, in person the results are even more impressive - but it’s undeniable that the skin on the bottom half of my hand looks more even, smooth and the redness has been toned down.

The Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss* will convert even the most reluctant of beauty addict and lipstick devotee.

There are no bright colours in this lip range but they are 9 shades of nudes, bronzes and pinks - all gorgeous and sutaible of many skintones.

Again, the packaging is just stunning! They come in a polished, metallic bronze tube with the iconic 'Naked' cutout on the side.

Liar is a pinky mauve that has the power to brighten any make up look! It’s subtle but instantly beautifying and the super gloss finish is perfect to coordinate with an  high-impact smoky eye.

It's called nourishing for a reason: the formulation contains vitamin E, avocado oil and shea butter to hydrate and condition. Rosehip seed oil also provides an extra boost of vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants; it does feel very balmy and non sticky and like you're getting a treatment for your lips, at the same time. 

Are you a fan of the Urban Decay Naked range?
The new products are now available in Debenhams, House of Fraser nationwide and online.

Spring Giveaway - CLOSED!!!

Content:
- No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick in Mango Sorbet
- Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in Peach Kiss
- The Body Shop Ginger Sparkle Hand Cream
- Marks & Spencer Limited Collection Textured Polish in Turquoise Mix 

Rules:
- Please follow GFC or Bloglovin (extra entry for both)
- Leave a comment below with your email address

Extra Entries:
- Like the Facebook page (+5)
- follow me on Twitter @PrincessLeica (+5)
- tweet about the giveaway with #giveaway (+1)
- blog about the giveaway/link back to this post on your blog (+2)

***Please leave only 1 COMMENT with all entries - Thank you***

Giveaway is open internationally and will close on the 23rd of April @ noon - UK time.
Winner will be picked via random.org

Good Luck!!! :)

Review / Nourish Revital-Eyes Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream

Eye creams are one of those beauty products that – growing older – I get really excited to try out.

Personally, I need a good source of hydration since I noticed in recent years that the skin in this area tends to become dehydrated faster; at the same time, dark circles are my weakness and - although I know I will never eradicate them - any improvement is certainly welcome!

Currently, I’ve been using the Nourish Revital-Eyes Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream* which is suitable for all skin types, 79% organic and vegan.

I was immediately intrigued in this product because it contains kale extract which we all know it's a superfood and should be a part of our diet. I find it amazing how they have harvested this vitamin-rich green and we can now benefit from it in a cream form too. 

It also contains pomegranate enzymes to help brighten dark circles and reduce puffiness, biomimetic peptides to firm the skin and it's supercharged with B vitamins & amino acids to fight the signs of ageing.

I don't detect any strong scent and it has a light yellow consistency which is important to prevent the formation of undereye bags; it absorbs quickly into the skin which makes it  an excellent base for your concealer, in the mornings.

It is a bit of a multi-tasker and it’s going to suit a wide range of ages; I find it especially ideal for my age group, when you want to upgrade to a more targeting product  but still feel the need to address many different concerns. I’m not too stressed in fighting wrinkles (just yet) but I feel good in taking care of the inevitable fine lines.

It comes in an attractive white sleek & slim pump bottle with a green kale leaf drawning that perfectly embody the marriage between technology and nature which is at the heart of this product.

Have you tried this cream yet? You can get yours on www.nourishskinrange.com 

FOTD & OOTD / Wedding Guest

Hello lovelies!
I attended an amazing wedding at the weekend - some dear friends got married in a beautiful Scottish location, the bride was stunning and we had a fantastic time.
Since I got all dolled up, I thought I would take full advantage of the occasion... and make a post out of it! :P

***
Dress: Oasis
Earrings: Swarovski
Nails: Revlon by Marchesa Nail Art 3D Jewel Appliques in Royal Burgundy


Face - Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in deauville, Urban Decay Dew Me Moisturizing Make Up Setting Spray, Benefit High Beam, Mac Sheertone Blush in blushbaby, Guerlain Meteorites Perles in teint rose', Kiko Fierce Spirit Sun Bronzing Blush in 103 mariachi pink;
Eyes - Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo in permanent taupe, Kiko False Lashes Concentrate Building Base Mascara, Neve Cosmetics Pastello Natural Eyeliner in cincilla', Chanel Inimitable Mascara, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara;
Lips - Neve Cosmetics Pastello Natural Lipcolor in sfilata/amaranth, L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Balmy Gloss in mad for pomegranate.