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 

Summer 2015 Favourites

As I sit here with a bright red nose and streaming eyes from a cold I could not be more aware that summer is well and truly over. I had a lot of new favourites over the past couple of months, probably because I did far too much shopping, so here is a little look at my most reached for. 

My most used perfume this summer was the Miss Dior Eau De Parfum, I love it's fresh scent and it lasts really well so no need to carry around the heavy bottle all day. Skincare wise I haven't had much of a change around, but the Simple Regeneraton Age Resisting Day Cream was a new discovery last month and it is the perfect non-oily day cream, great if you have a tendency of getting shiny throughout the day.

The Smashbox Contour Kit you can read about in my last review here, but simply it has great shades and is a great palette for travelling. Clinique's Airbrush Concealer has been my go to highlighting concealer, I know strobing is the in thing at the moment but I love a matte complexion and this works really well with the matte highlight from the smashbox palette on top.

Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot has replaced their Kick Ass Powder this season. My skin has been a little dry and this is less drying on the skin while still keeping things matte all day. Chanel has probably been my most used brand this summer, I'm still loving the Perfection Lumière Velvet foundation that was in my Spring Favourites, and the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel looks lovely on top of this. If you are not a fan of contour and just prefer to add warmth to the skin, applying this with a beauty sponge works great. My last make up favourite is the Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Intense lipstick in shade 125 Indecise, the texture, finish and longevity of this formula is just as good as the packaging. I know it is a little costly but I am starting to favour Chanel lipsticks over MACs and that is a pretty bold statement.

My non-beauty faves have to be the Copella's Cloudy Apple Juice, its is so sweat and refreshing, perfect for extra long shopping trips. I have also been loving the mini Protein Top Up bars from Graze, at £4.99 for 12 it's a much cheaper and tastier alternative to going to the shop everyday at work; use code F793C4M9P for your 1st, 5th and 10th box for free. 

Of course my most favourite thing this summer has to be my new Sony Alpha 5000 camera, its better quality and has lots more settings than my old one but mostly just because it has a view finder. I am planning to do some more look posts in the future without having to take 100 pictures to only use 1, lets just wait for this red nose to disappear first.

I'd love to hear what your most used products have been recently, so comment bellow with your current favourites; my fave thing to do in autumn in stay inside and read so be sure to leave your blog links.

Ciao

  xxx

Smashbox Contour Kit

Smashbox is not a brand I have tried a lot from, but I can't resist a good cool toned contour, and this palette and brush set has proven to me that smashbox are great at more than just primers. 

This brush I found to be surprisingly good, I can't do without my Lancome Cheek and Contour brush it chisels and blends beautifully, but for such a small brush this still blends just enough to prevent harsh lines whilst still slimming down my football face. 

As you can see the powders have good pigmentation and are shades suitable for pale and warmer skin tones, simply apply more or less depending on how strong the shades show up on you. As I am so pale I use a light hand on the contour and bronzer. The matte highlight should really be called a setting powder though. I actually find it really similar to Soap & Glory's Kick Ass Powder *review, but this is less drying on the skin so it's perfect for setting under eye concealer.

The powders are quite dusty and are picked up by brushes as though they are loose powders, so it is very easy to pick up too much product. I find a very light fluffy brush or duo fibre brush to be best when using the bronzer. To be honest I think I have just got used to using cream bronzers, but if you are a fan of powders, and like the tone of Benefit's Hoola then I am sure you will love this too.   

At £35 I think this set is great value for money, I love my Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder which also retails at £35 *review but when you can get two more powders for the same price you can't go wrong. Buy Here

Ciao
  xxx

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Perfect skin is on the top of most girls wish lists, and while we keep searching for that magic lamp I like to have a few products to help me fake it along the way. MACs Studio Fix Fluid retails for £22 for 30ml which is pretty cheep for a high end foundation, so if you want full coverage on a budget this may be the one for you. buy here

It has an SPF of 15, more than enough if you live in the U.K, and comes in around 40 different shades so you are pretty much guaranteed to find a perfect match. I use shade NC20 as I wear this when I have applied fake tan. I would encourage you to get matched up in store though, such full coverage will look a little odd if not the same tone as your skin. And this really is a true full coverage foundation, as you can see above the vein on my wrist has even been covered, so no need to worry about concealer.

This has a thick creamy consistency so light application and lots of blending is needed to get an even and natural looking finish. I actually mix this with my moisturiser to create a medium coverage tinted moisturiser. If you are using this as a foundation though I would not suggest wearing this over a silicone based primer; it does not blend or sit as well on top of it and can look a little cakey. I suggest using the Nivea Express Hydration Primer which makes this stay put all day *review.  

Overall I really like this foundation, it's great for occasions where you want to look a little more airbrushed, but for everyday use I would still choose my Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place foundation and look a little more natural whilst still having good coverage *review.

Ciao 

  xxx

Lets Talk Tanning

Although a firm lover of over tanning as a teen, orange toned, strong smelling tanning products are long gone on my bathroom shelf. After trying a ton of home tanners I feel I have finally found my favorites, so here is a little breakdown of my top 5 for full on fakery, ready for the day, and all year round.

If you have the patience to go full on with the fake tan I cant find better than the St Tropez Self Tan Express. Having moved out of home and cleaning my own bed sheets, it's just not about discoloured bedding and PJs, and a 1-3hour wait for a fully developed tan is right up street. Admittedly this does still have a fake tan smell but nothing like others I have used, and it does completely go after your second shower. £33

Technically the St Tropez Every Day Body Lotion is a gradual tanner, but if you haven't got time wait for your limbs to bronze before you go out, this stuff actually starts to develop after just a couple of hours. You have to apply this with a tanning mitt as you would the rest of these products, and with a couple of applications you will have a lovely natural looking summer glow. I have absolutely loved this stuff this summer. £14.50

If it's just an event you want to tan for then then I have found Sally Hansen to work better to get ready for the day. The Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup spray makes blemish free skin look more even in tone and beautifully bronzed at just £9.99. If you want a little more coverage from your tanner then the Airbrush Legs Leg Makeup cream product is amazing, and I can't find anything else like it. It sets within a few minutes and there is no transfer on to your clothing. I feel so confident when I use this and it is so inexpensive, 1 bottle could easily last for all your summer events. £13.99 And both products are water resistant, so no need to worry about sweating.

This is my all year round option, and the most subtle of the bunch. The St Tropez In Shower Lotion will top up your tan in the summer and prevent you looking pasty in the winter. Okay so as a newish release I haven't used this in the winter yet but as I am so pale this is lovely for just adding that touch of warmth to your skin. I doubt this would do anything for warmer skin tones, but for fellow Snow Whites this is a really nice, fuss free option. £14.50

Ciao

  xxx