Chanel Les Beiges Foundation

It's exciting for all beauty junkies when Chanel launch a new product, but when you hear it's from the Les Beiges collection you know it's going to be a good'n. The whole collection smells beautiful and makes you feel beautiful. It includes some of the best base products I have tried, so if you aim to look effortlessly flawless you won't go wrong in picking up this new release. 

Normally speaking I'm a medium to full coverage girl, my daily base is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place foundation, so when I say this has a really good coverage I genuinely mean it. Most importantly though perhaps, the longevity of this is really impressive. I worked 8hour shifts both days this weekend and without topping up on powder or anything I found my foundation was not only still there, but still looked good and relatively fresh by the end of the day. It lasted much better than my usual Double Wear. 

The foundation is also really comfortable on your skin, it does not feel heavy, it is not too dewy but not matte or drying either. I wore this with the Les Beiges powder in shade 10 all over my face and shade 30 as a bronzer and I really am impressed with it so far. If like myself you find the Vita Lumière Aqua to have too little coverage or Perfection Lumière Velvet to be a little drying at times then the Les Beiges is probably what you have been waiting for. With just a little illuminating help under my eyes with the Eclat Lumière I really cannot fault these base products. I have so far always felt like Chanel is luxury makeup, wanting to save it for special occasions, but this foundation feels practical with the added luxury of the signature Chanel scent. 

It costs £36 for 30ml and is available on Chanel counters and online here.

Space NK Haul

Space NK is one of my favourite stores, it's the only outlet I find just as pleasing both instore and online so I thought I would do a little collective haul of some of my purchases from the past couple of months. 

I have recently become totally obsessed with using a Beauty Blender to apply my foundation, it just makes everything look more natural, and the Solid Soap is by far the best way to clean them. For an extra £2 it's really worth buying the set, and if you are wondering which colour to buy the black blender tends to come up the cleanest looking.

I kind of skipped the whole strobing craze of 2015 but I have definitely given in to the glow recently and am loving a natural looking shimmer to skin. For an everyday light from within look I picked up the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light, and for more of an evening glimmer I purchased Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal. 

Although I will forever love the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Sheer Tint I have been lusting after a Baume De Rose for about two years so with a handy christmas bonus I finally gave in and picked up a Nutri-Couleur in shade 6 Toffee Cream. I have also been lusting after Aesop for a while so thought I would try the Resurrection Rinse Free Hand Wash and Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. Not really purchases I needed but it is nice to treat yourself to a bit of an everyday luxury product once in a while and these smell really nice. 

A bit of a TMI purchase but I have recently started epilating and have been really worried about ingrown hairs, although I have never had one, I would like to keep it that way so I picked up Shaveworks The Cool Fix which seams to be doing the trick.  

I also picked up the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit and Caudalie Beauty Elixir last month which featured in my Christmas gift guide alongside some By Terry Ombre Backstar's which I have in shades Misty Rock, Frozen Quartz and my favourite Bronze Moon. 

I feel I ought to say thats me all bought for the next couple of months but in all honesty I can never resist a beauty department, so if you fancy seeing the odd this weeks buys Instagram in-between blog posts click here. 

Ciao
  xxx

Best of 2015

Happy new year! I hope you have all had a great start to 2016, time to kick things off with a look back at all the things I discovered and loved in 2015. This was really tough to narrow down as I tried a whole bunch of stuff last year so here is a little look at the products that really stood out to me, and I warn you it's a long one, so grab a cup of tea or just have a little scroll through the pictures; no judging here. 

Skincare wise I tried so many new products towards the end of the year I did not want to include too many new loves but the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Hydration Cream has really stood out to me as the perfect non-greasy moisturiser for sensitive, combination skin, it just makes my skin feel good every morning. Serum wise it is nothing new, I have loved the Lancome Advanced Genifique (review) for a long time, it keeps my skin nice and firm which no other skincare product I have come across has managed.

My hero product for my hair the past year is the L'Oreal Professionnel Beach Waves Salt Spray, I really dislike my hair when fully straight and a spritz of this gives some lovely waves and texture without your hair feeling weighted with product; it also smells amazing. My favourite application duo is a Beauty Blender dampened with the Smashbox Primer Water. I have never had such flawless foundation that stays put for so long and does not look at all cakey; this really is the dream team for applying your base. 

Speaking of base products, this year I have fallen in love with Chanel their Perfection Lumiere Velvet blends and re-blends beautifully throughout the day and doesn't need any powder to keep away the shine. It has a lovely natural skin finish to it and it is perfect for the warmer months. I have also fallen for the Les Beiges Sheer Powder in shade 30, if you are a fellow Snow White and dream of having sun kissed skin then here is the product you have been looking for.

My favourite concealer has not changed since my 2014 favourites, I am still loving the Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (review) it is the only true full coverage product I can rely on to stay put all day and keep me feeling confident even when full of blemishes. 

The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder (review) has remained my favourite contour powder throughout 2015. I have tried cheaper alternatives, but I don't think I will ever find a more perfect cool toned contour powder for my skin tone. My favourite blush has to be the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in shade Mood Exposure. If you are ever short of time this a lovely subtle blush and contour shade in one.

As my skin has become dryer as I get older I have moved away from the Kick Ass Powder by Soap and Glory and on to their One Heck Of A Blot powder. This still keeps things nice and matte but just stops my skin looking thirsty. I have also been loving the Soap and Glory Archery brow pencil in Hot Chocolate; the shade is a perfect match and the spoolie is much better than some high end ones I have used. 

Probably my most exciting find has been the Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara (review), the wand gives perfectly fanned out, long, curled lashes with a tone of volume. The Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Lip Colour in shade Adrienne has been my most worn lip stick it is a beautiful my lips but better shade.

2015 was the year of the lipliner and the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liners, not only have a great selection of shades, but the formula is perfect, they are not at all drying; so comfortable to wear with or without lipstick. in shade meteor. 

For my eyes I have loved the Diorshow Fusion Mono in shade meteor. You cannot beat the colour and glitter pay off and it does not budge all evening, similar the the By Terry Ombre Backstars I have been loving. These are the brush free, fuss free option, and I have particularly loved the shade Bronze Moon as an everyday wash of colour. 

Lastly my favourite post of 2015 was the What's In My Bag: Wedding Guest Edit, I am really happy with the images in that post and it reminds me of my sisters beautiful wedding which was such a lovely day. 

I would love to know what your favourites from last year were, and if you have done this post link it bellow, I love reading these and discovering new things to try. 

I hope you all have an amazing 2016!

Christmas Gift Guide 2015

The countdown to Christmas has officially begun and I cannot tell you how much I love this holiday. This year I have a new nephew due to be born on Christmas day so safe to say excitement levels are at there highest. But aside from all the lovely sentimental things this season brings thanks to good ol' St Nick this is a time for gifting, so here are few ideas for the ladies in your life. 

Starting off with a few make up ideas; a palette is always nice to receive and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit £65 is this years must have it is just so beautiful, I reviewed this in my last post so click here if you fancy a read of that. If you don't want to spend so much the Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Contour Kit is much cheaper at £39 and just as coveted by all beauty junkies. 
If the lady you are buying for is all about eyes then the By Terry Ombre Blackstar £29 are the way to go. Not only are all the shades beautiful this stuff does not budge or crease. These are seriously the best cream eye-shadows out there and a beautiful gift to receive. 
A high end lipsticks is such a classic gift and the packaging of the Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick £26 is just beautiful, it feels like a treat to pull this out your bag and apply, even better if a loved one has chosen it for you. 

If you are looking for stocking fillers then Beauty Blenders are the way to go, the Beauty Blender Blotterazzi is just £16 and has two on the go blending sponges, and the Solid Beauty Blender Cleanser £14 is the perfect gift for anyone who already owns the sponges but struggles the fork out £14 for soap; the struggle is real! be a love and treat them. 

The modern day stocking filler comes ready packaged in Christmas cracker or bauble form and my two favourites are the Emma Hardy Merrily Moringa £10 and the Caudalie Beauty Elixir Christmas Bauble £11.50, these trinkets make high end gifting affordable for everyone. 

Perfume and candles are always a lovely gift; the Neom Candles all smell gorgeous and if you are after a really feminine classic scent I personally don't think you can go wrong with Dior J'adore. Smell is something personal though, so go into store and sniff everything you like the look of until you find something that reminds you of that special someone. 
If you have a loved one that adores all things sparkly but diamonds are out of your price range then head over to Swarovski they have some lovely pieces and not all too expensive, this Maeva Ring retails at £99 but rings start at just £49 and if you can't have a bit of bling at Christmas then when can you?

I hope this gave you a few ideas, I did intend to include a few books as well but as my letter to Santa this year was filled with books I did not want to buy any in advance. If you are after a beauty book though then Face Paint by Lisa Eldridge is sure to be on the wishlist of all beauty fanatics this year. Hope you are all having a lovely start to December and happy shopping! 

Ciao
  xxx

Hourglass: Ambient Lighting Edit

After waiting so long for this little beauty to arrive in stores I could not wait to get my paws on this and I have not put it down since, so aside from the obvious swoon for the beautiful packaging lets break this down as to why you need each of the six beauties this palette has to offer. 

From top left clockwise we have Dim Light, a peachy brown that I have been loving to use as a bronzer to warm up my pure white winter complexion. The new Iridescent Strobe Light, a beautiful pearly pink that gives that glow from within we're all after. Diffused Light, a very subtle highlight that has radiance in place of shimmer, it is perfect for under your brows and setting under eye concealer. Luminous Bronze Light which they call medium tan, it is a little dark for us paler girls but I can see this becoming a firm favourite in the summer months. Luminous Flush, a peachy pink that gives a lovely feminine flush. And lastly Mood Exposure which I own already and is my favourite of all of their blushers, it's plumb tone makes this work well as a blush/contour if you like things natural. 

Lets be honest, you don't get a lot of product for your money. The standard size compacts contain 4.2g where as each of the six in the palette are just 1.4g. If you genuinely love each of the six then buying them singularly would be much better value for money, but if you just want to try each of the products then this little compact will cover all of your powder needs; I think it is perfect for travelling or those of us that apply our face on the way the work. 

If you have been struggling to find a brush small enough to fit in this little compact then the Lancome Cheek and Contour Brush has been my go to, it is the perfect size and shape to apply each of the powders. At £65 this may not be great value for money but it is certainly the most aesthetically pleasing Christmas edit this year and super handy to have in your oh crap I have 2mins to go from beast to beauty kit.  Buy Here

Home Haul

As much as I love beauty and skincare my long term love has been interiors. Even though I moved back in with my mother a couple of months ago to save up some pennies, the shops are killing it at the moment with all of my favourite interior styles so I thought I would show you my most recent buys.

As I have moved back home from my own flat storage has been my main issue and I didn't want things sat in ugly cardboard boxes so I have picked up a few storage baskets. The little and large Jute Storage Baskets are from H&M Home and cost £9.99 and £7.99, and the cream and gray baskets are also from H&M and are on sale for £3.99 here. The cream Linen Zip Box I picked up from Muji for £17.50, a little expensive but the zip means I can actually store things away without risk of spiders so I picked up 2 of these.

Also from H&M I picked up 2 grey towels, you can pick up a similar set here for just £3.99, a marble Ceramic Mug and Ceramic Plate because who can resist buying more marble, and a Gold Metal Bowel I bought to match a serving platter I bought a couple of months back. Sticking with the gold theme I got the Metal Basket to house all my blankets, a Gold Ceramic Plant Pot, Tea Light Holders and a distressed Gold Lantern also from H&M.

From Oliver Bonas I got the cute mint Glass Bottle for just £6 and a Hanging Gold Glass Terrarium which has already been in some blog pictures; I'm sure I'll be buying the other designs soon. Last but not least I finally purchased the Carpe Diem playing card frame that I have been lusting after for forever. At £50 I realise I probably could have made it cheaper but I knew it was running low on stock and just had to buy it and it has since sold out so I'm so glad I baught it. A little reminder to seize the day will fit perfectly by my future doorway. They still stock a Love playing card frame here if you like the design.

Ciao

  Xxx

Super Spendy Boots Haul

I haven't done a haul in forever, most of the time these days I will share my buys on Instagram but as I purchased rather a lot in Boots the other day I thought I would share the things I have been after for a while with all of you. 

First up with skincare; you may know I love the Vichy Aqualia serum which I reviewed here. I have really dehydrated skin, even more so in the winter when I stupidly drink less, so I thought it was about time I purchased a moisturiser from the range. I chose the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Creme Riche, they do have a Light version of this for more normal skin, but I am loving the Riche right now it is a perfect day and night cream, if like me you don't want to have a million different creams this is a great non-oily all rounder. 

I also really wanted to try the Avene Thermal Spring Water. I know it's crazy to spend £10 on a can of water but I have seen such a difference in my skin after using this just twice a day for the past week; if you have dehydrated skin a water spritz is a great addition to your skincare routine.

The Una Brennan Super Facialist Vitamin C Cleansing Oil I had just heard a few people talk about, I am perfectly happy with my Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil that I reviewed here, I just like to try new things and I and I have only heard good things about this. 

Beauty wise I have been after the Smashbox Primer Water for ages, and it has exceeded my expectations; it really does keeps your makeup put all day with just one spritz. Nail wise I have been loving neutrals and you cannot find more neutral than the Maybelline Super Stay in shade Second Skin. I am also loving purple tones this autumn, Essie's Lady Like is a lovely pinky purple and Merino Cool is such a nice plumb purple I thought it would look good with the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre I picked up in shade 83 Illusoire. 

So that's all my buys from boots, head over to my instagram if you would like to see more of my stash and my buys, I would like to say that I will not be spending more pennies any time soon but as I write this I have planed a shopping trip tomorrow and Space NK is going to happen; sorrynotsorry should be printed on my bankcard. 

Ciao

  xxx

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