Simple Age Resisting Day Cream

Simple is not a brand I use a lot, if I am honest a few of their products have made my skin feel so dry, but I'm not one for hating a brand for just a few products that don't work for me, and I have finally found something that works really well for my skin.

When it comes to cream I like it thick and oily for the night time, and light and firming in the day. Although this has a rather thick consistency it sinks into the skin instantly and is lovely to apply. Massaged in thoroughly this makes your skin feel nice and moisturised without leaving any oily or creamy residue on the surface; so it's perfect if you are applying makeup on top.

I like to use this in combination with the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum *review, I find the two together leave my skin feeling fresh and nourished. I have combination skin so lots of creams I have used have made parts of my skin oily or have not given enough moisture to my dry areas, but this just works really well. At £5.25 this is an amazing little face cream and although not as lovely smelling as my high end creams it is a fraction of the price and is probably much better for my skin. Buy here.

Ciao

  xxx

Brand Focus: Chanel

Recently I have been focusing a lot more on my base makeup and not applying all that much to anything else. I'm not sure if its an age thing, or if I have just been watching too much of Mary Greenwell, I just find that I enjoy spending more time on my skin than my eyes these days. I have proclaimed my love for Estee Lauder for years now (link to Lauder brand focus), and although Chanel is a relative newcomer to my collection, everything just seams to be so effortlessly amazing at enhancing all the good bits about your skin I had to share my fave picks.

Starting with the Perfection Lumière Velvet; although this does not proclaim to be full coverage I find that this is great at covering the red pigmentation on my cheeks. Its velvet like texture seams to even out your tone and allows you to re-blend it it throughout the day. It stays put and looks great with or without powder. 

If you like to keep things a little more natural and glowing the Soleil Tan De Chanel will give you a perfect summer kissed look. If you prefer to use a powder bronzer however the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder in shade 30 is a very similar colour and works great as an eye lid crease powder as well.  

I also have a Les Beiges powder in shade 10 because the brush is so handy when you are out and about, but if you have been looking for a powder that combats shine without covering your skins natural glow I haven't found better than the Poudre Universelle Compacte. This is a much lighter feeling powder and has a better selection of shades for pale skin tones. It's just a shame it doesn't come with a brush.

The Éclat Lumière is my favourite base product out of all the Chanel pieces I have tried. I was expecting it to be more of an illuminating product when in fact this is a really good concealer. It has great coverage, and has a foundation like consistency so keeps crease free throughout the day. It's like having a mini Perfection Lumière Velvet to carry around, but with a less watery consistency and better targeted coverage.

Seeing as I have shared the rest of my Chanel collection I thought I may as well show you my two other pieces. I love a nude lip and I'm not really one for trying different colours for different seasons, but I do love playing with different finishes and textures. For a classic lipstick the Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in shade Adrienne is really comfortable to wear; it's the perfect my lips but better. For a bit of a shimmer though the Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Indecise is exactly the same colour, but has a more glossy finish. 

That completes my Chanel collection, for reference my skin is combination, and I found the Perfection Lumière Velvet lasted better on my skin than the Vitaumiere Aqua. If you have dryer skin though you may be better suited to Vitalumiere. Chanel give good size samples so it is definitely worth giving them a go for a few days before choosing the one for you. 

Ciao

  xxx

What's In My Bag: Date Night Edit

First things first can we just appreciate how cute this clutch is, I'm a sucker for all things black and gold and this Whistles Bubble Leather Clutch is my latest obsession. It is the perfect size at 16 by 24cm, it is big enough to be used alone but small enough to fit inside other bags if you want different compartments. I have even used this inside the clutch I featured in my last What's In My Bag post as a purse and key pocket. At £40 its not the cheapest clutch but its 100% leather and will last you forever; I always go for textured leather as this wears much better over time. 

When it comes to date night I think classic and compact is the way to go so here is a little look at the bits I take with me from boring to beautiful.

Starting with the more interesting beauty bits, date night for me shouts out for pretty packaging, and you don't get more classic than a little Chanel. Here I have my Eclat Lumiere for any on the go touch ups, and my Poudre Universelle Compacte with the brush from a Les Beiges powder compact to kick back any shine. I am loving the Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in shade 125 Indecise. This has a lovely shimmer finish and the click packaging is so much nicer than regular lipsticks. 

If you have dry lips though I seriously suggest you try the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sheer Tints. This stuff lasts forever, feels and smells amazing and leaves your lips so smooth, okay it's £20 but this comes in some great shades and it's a lipstick and balm in one. My little Muji Attomizer comes with me everywhere and my scent of choice for date night is the subtly sweet Miss Dior Eau De Parfum.

My standard essentials are of course my card and some cash, so I can get a taxi home if need be. Some mints or gum to freshen up after dinner, and lastly, a comb, grips and hair elastic, just in case the wind tries to mess up my attempt of looking put together.

Ciao
  xxx