Category Archives: Skincare

Bright lipsticks and happy thoughts
2 »

Posted : 14th January 2012

Only two weeks in my cosmetic/makeup spending ban and i already break the rules. Jeez i have the willpower of a fly!

It just has taken me by surprise, the sale i mean. You see, if i know there will be sale in a shop i prepare myself and if it really comes to it, i just don’t enter the shop at all. The crowds and the mess put me off (unless it is a Zara sale!) and im usually too tired for a good rummage.

But what do you do when the sale its at your counter and you have to re-label the products for the sale?

It all started with some products that didn’t have a tester so i just checked the color out of curiosity. Big mistake! Cue three lipsticks and two lip glosses:

Lancome Color Fever Lipsticks and Color Fever Glosses

Warning! I’ve taken the photos at night time with a pretty crappy camera. Capturing the tones of a lipstick its an art that i haven’t mastered yet. Ill be doing swatches in the morning, with natural light and update the post.

Lancome Color Fever Lipstick 332 (was €24 now €16)

Its a lot prettier and lighter in real life than in the photo, its a beautiful barbie pink suitable for a casual day.

Lancome Color Fever Lipstick 147 (was €24 now €16)

The classic red lipstick! Not too pink, not too blue…just perfect. Need to byte the bullet and start wearing reds, im in my late twenties for heaven’s sake.

Lancome Color Fever Lipstick 104 (was €24 now €16)

My absolute favorite from the bunch. Yes, my camera fails miserably and probably you cant even notice the differences between the two reds. 104 its a coral/orange toned red who would look fabulous on blondes and makes an ultimate summer staple. Tanned skin, tasseled beach hair, a sexy maxi dress and this lipstick, can not wait for summer nights!

Color Fever Glosses in 326 (top) and 334 (bottom) (was €20 now €13.50)

Non sticky, medium coverage, delicious pink tones. 334 its a cooler pink, while 326 has a touch of peach in it, making it warmer.

Perhaps if i’ll stop buying lipsticks, i could afford a proper DSLR…

Disclaimer: I have paid for the products with my own money.

December Sales – the beauty bit
0 »

Posted : 2nd January 2012

Happy New Year lovely people! Hope the New Year found you healthy, happy and safe.

I’m so excited about this year, the last one wasn’t great for me…it seemed i wasted too much time, money and energy on random stuff without focusing on whats important. With this in my mind, I’m planning to do a 2012 resolution post this week, so keep an eye for that.

I haven’t gone mad like other times on the beauty stuff, i received most of my wish list over Christmas so was happy with that.

This is what i’ve bought:

Lush 12 Days of Christmas and Under the Mistletoe gift sets 50% off

I just joined the two sets in the big green box.

These were incredible value, got them both for about 35 euro. I’m storing the lot in the 12 Days of Christmas box, its like my treasure box.

Clarins Complexion Instant Smoothing Essentials 30% off

and my new grown-up scent:

Dior Hypnotic Poison gift set 30% off

Its such a gourmand, sexy, feminine scent…honestly cant get enough.

What have you picked up in the beauty sales?

Alive and kicking
4 »

Posted : 22nd November 2011

Time certainly flies when you’re having fun, can’t believe its almost a month since my last post. Ive been so focused on work and become too excited to think about anything else – im the typical workaholic when im not at work, im thinking about work lol.

Also it seems im not that inspired to blog, im craving for a new site layout and desperately need a better camera. Santa, are you reading this? Im very much into fashion blogs lately, find myself looking up lifestyle and fashion blogs on blogloving more then the beauty ones. Who knows, i might start doing some OOTD in the new year and maybe some videos to spice things up a bit here.

I haven’t been shopping loads in the last month, im trying to save my pennies for the January sales. Every year im promising myself ill have a decent budget to splurge on the sales and on my birthday (new year baby – 3rd of Jan) and i end up broke, so im determined to get organized. Im already so excited about the next year resolutions!

Well, enough chit chating ill get straight to business:

Took advantage of the 3 for 2 offer in Boots at the start of November and got my skincare staples: La Roche Posay Effaclar K and Vichy Normaderm Anti-Age. Seriously, this routine is the best ever for my skin! I tend to test out other products for ‘research’ purposes, but nothing agrees with me better then this two products. In just three days from re-starting with my routine my skin was looking perfect again: smooth, clear, no bumps in sight. I use the Effaclar K in the morning with Shu Uemura spf 30 priming mousse and the Normaderm Anti-Age during the night.

The Kerium Extra Gentle shampoo is for himself, its the only shampoo that he can use. Unfortunately he suffers of seboreic dermatitis on his scalp and face, when i met him was using Nizoral shampoo for every wash. Now he only uses the Nizoral once per week or even once every two weeks, and washes with the Kerium every day. He never looked back.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation

This foundation deserves a proper post by itself, it is absolutely amazing. Excellent color match on my skin (im no 53), light weigh with a medium coverage, dewy radiant finish. Find it very similar to the more expensive Chanel Aqua Lumiere that i’ve had a couple of samples during the summer. The only drawback is that it gives me shine on my t-zone, but again even the Double Wear is not strong enough for my oiliness. Also it doesn’t have any SPF, so make sure you use a primer or skincare with SPF.

Last but not least, got some Clarins goodies: One Step Exfoliating Cleanser and the Energizing Lotion for the legs. Had them both before, the One Step exfoliant is a cult product for Clarins, it gives such a good scrub and the smell is delicious. Felt the need of a more rigourous face exfoliant, the Liz Earle is good and still have loads, but with my oily skin likes rougher stuff.

The Energizing Lotion is a God sent for anyone working on their feet all day, its so refreshing and stimulating. The only warning is that is very, very cooling so use it sparingly.

Any news with you guys?

xo

PS. Sale alert: The Body Shop are having 30% off this Friday (25th Nov) and Clerys Department Store on O’Connell street (Dublin) are starting the Mega Days this Thursday (24th Nov) with 10% off on all beauty counters/cosmetics.

The Body Shop Christmas Collection
4 »

Posted : 26th October 2011

Last night I’ve stepped in the magical land of Christmas, with spicy warm mulled wine, canapes and ginger bread biscuits all courtesy of The Body Shop.

And for the record, no i don’t care that its only end of October…I love Christmas!!! The sooner, the better!

This post is just part 1, i will do another post about what i learned from the ever so fabulous Makeup Artist Karim and some reviews of what ive tried from new collection.

I’m still torn between the Candied Ginger and Cranberry Joy Limited Edition body products, they are both so warming and festive scented.

Stars of the Christmas makeup collection are by far the new smokey eyeshadow palettes. Generous sizes, excellent eyeshadow brush and a travel size eye pencil, what could you as for more?

And my favorite product: The Sparkler in Gold

Add that little bit of sparkle to any night out, the magpie in me adores it! Plus, how fab is the packaging?!

I’m very happy i was able to attend the event, its always such a pleasure to meet my favorite Irish bloggers and try out fantastic products.

From left to right: Suzanne PR The Body Shop, Andreea from ArtDonatella, Karen from Lovelygirlybits, Me :) and Paula from Cornflakegirl’s Musing.

Chat soon x0

Day and Night Hand Treats
0 »

Posted : 17th October 2011

Because im using loads of hand sanitizer on a daily basis, plus the usual washing with soap and water, my hands and nails are horribly dry. They can get so dry, that i developed a little patch of eczema on the side of my hand. Great.

Used a couple of hand creams so far, some better then others like Avene Cold Cream (great for night time), Clarins Hand and Nails (really don’t see whats the fuss about and the scent is to overpowering for me), Lancome Nutrix Hand Cream (ideal for winter, deep nourishing treatment), La Roche Posay Xerand (love it for sensitive skin, beautiful scent).

Need to specify that i hate having moisturiser on my hands during the day, most of the times it feels gross and oily.

However:

Roger & Gallet Creme Sublime Bois D’Orange and L’Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream

Roger & Gallet Creme Sublime Bois D’Orange

This is my day time hand cream and it can be found every day in my bag. Its a hand and nail moisturiser, with SPF 15 (hence the day time use) with and oil-in-water texture that drys to a matte, non-sticky finish. Its the last thing i slather on my hands before exiting the house, i find its really important to use Spf on your hands to help delaying the nasty age spots later.

And the texture

The scent is not offensive, it doesn’t smell of pure oranges its more of a sweet, citrus hint. Love how my hands are not slippery after use and remain soft for hours. Also the packaging looks very fancy and expensive, it gets snapped from my hands to get admired every time i pop it out of the bag.

RRP. €9.00

L’Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream

This is the limited edition L’Occitane 20% Shea Butter Hibiscus Flower scented, free with the November issue of Marie Claire. There are another two versions out there to be collected with the magazine, rose scented le. and the original shea butter version.

Really glad i picked this one out, love the scent and the results are amazing! Like the Sublime Cream, it has a sweet-citrusy scent very unique, just beautiful. I know, suck at describing scents you will just have to sample it in the shop. Really coudnt stop sniffing my hands when i first applied it.

Because the texture is buttery and rich, i use the L’Occitane during the night as a more intensive night treatment. Swear, in the morning even the driest skin will appear smooth and soft. Its just brilliant!

Free with November Marie Claire and in L’Occitane shops.

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish, Gentle Face Exfoliator and Deep Cleansing Mask Review
4 »

Posted : 12th October 2011

If you remember my haul here, a month ago i went and got myself some Liz Earle goodies to see whats all the fuss about.

I got the 100ml Cleanse and Polish set with two face clothes (€15.50), the Gentle Face Exfoliator (€14.75) and the Deep Cleansing Mask pack, with two face sponges (€15).

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

I was very curious about this cleanser, heard lots of good things about it on other blogs and when i heard ArtDonatella raving about it, knew it was time to get it.

Got the 100ml pump version, it is available in a 250ml tube as well.

What can i say, everybody was right! All you need is just two pumps of product tops, massage it all over your face and eyes, leave for a couple of seconds and rinse it off with a hot muslin cloth.

Because i have to use loads of makeup on a daily basis, i removed my eye makeup with the Bifacil, massaged the Cleanse and Polish over my face, hopped in the shower and after a couple of minutes took it off with the muslin cloth. I have about four cloths on rotation (you can get 2 for €4.50), wash them after each use with soap and give them a good machine wash on a high temperature once a week.

Leaves the skin so soft, clean and refreshed. My skin texture is changed for the better due to the gentle exfoliation and my moisturising treatments are better absorbed. Love the scent as well, very herbal.

Liz Earle Gentle Exfoliator

and the texture

Probably you are wondering why do i need a separate exfoliator if you gently polish your skin daily. The answer is simple: my skin is extremely oily on the t-zone (get shine trough the Double Wear + powder) and my pores get clogged rapidly. Suppose the good thing on the long run is that my skin wont age as fast, but at the moment its a pain.

Comes in a pump form very handy to use, again one-two pumps are more then enough for your face, neck and decolletage. Very gentle, buffs away all the dead cells and impurities leaving behind a radiant complexion.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

and the texture

This mask is like custom made for my skin: ‘purifies and regulates oiliness’. Once a week (Sunday) i give my skin a scrub with the Gentle Exfoliator and then apply this mask. It is just wonderful, the green clay absorbs the sebum and mattifies the skin, manuka honey and propolis have antiseptic properties and help heal small blemishes, while the geranium keeps your pretty skin hydrated. Didn’t i say, its like made for me?

Ill be honest with you, wasn’t expecting to like Liz Earle as much as i did. Me and natural stuff don’t really mix, my skin loves the chemicals lol. But i did fell in love and at least these three products are here to stay.

Would’ve loved to try the tinted moisturiser or other products from them, unfortunately the lady in Wilde and Green didn’t have any  samples to offer. Maybe next pay day :) .

September Empties
3 »

Posted : 11th October 2011

Ive decided to do monthly empties instead of month favorites, simply because i don’t seem to change my favorites so much from month to month and usually i need to use a product for a long time to get a favorite status.

What i do find hard to do, is finish up products. It seems to take me ages to consume a tube of something, am i using to little? And then i keep buying new stuff and end up with a never ending ‘use up list’.

The Body Shop Almond Shower Gel

Soap-free shower gel, very gentle and moisturising. The scent is not as strong as i would’ve like it to be, but i suppose for the majority of people that’s a good thing. Didn’t feel the need for moisturiser after, my skin felt very comfortable. Lasted about two months, a little goes a very long way.

L’oreal Elvive Full Restore 60s Intensive Conditioner

This one was a total disappointment. Says that its meant for weak, limp, lifeless hair (read it in Cheryl Cole accent) and that it will intensively nourish. When used on the middle length of my hair, it did feel light but after rinsing it out, my hair didn’t feel moisturised at all. I actually had to add some leave in conditioner from Kerastase, to help detangle it.

Sadly, my mojo wasn’t back.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase Eye Gel

I’ve been using this baby for years on and off, in the morning time. It feels light and moisturising, reduces puffiness and dark circles. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lenses, it will be repurchased for sure.

Lancome Visionnaire (LR 2412 4%) Advanced Skin Corrector
1 »

Posted : 3rd October 2011

‘A product so powerful that over half of women no longer want a dermatological procedure after using Visionnaire.’

*product claim

RRP. €70 for 30ml or €95 for 50ml

I have been using the Visionnaire serum daily since August, once a day in the evening time under my night moisturiser. I didn’t want to rush and post a review after only two weeks – although i fell in love with it instantly – just to be able to have an accurate view of the results.

What is Visionnaire?

It is a skin corrector, a light serum that can be used once or twice a day under the current day/night moisturiser and it is safe to be used even on the gentle eye contour.

100% Active – 100% Safe, Visionnaire its four times stronger then the leading pharmaceutical product Retinol without the nasty side effects (sun sensitivity, dryness, redness).

It has taken Lancome 12 whole years to create the LR 2412 molecule, inspired by nature and the safe healing properties of plants.

Results

Wrinkles appear reduced, as if smoothed.

Skin imperfections seem diminished.

Pores appear less visible.

Dark spots are visibly reduced.

Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin.

My thoughts

First of all, have to mention that i have oily combination skin, don’t have any wrinkle concerns yet! (im 27) so cant say I’ve seen a major improvement in that area. I have been using the product every night for the last two months – three pumps under the moisturiser, including the eye contour and neck.

The serum is very light weight and easily absorbed into the skin and its beautifully fragranced, I really believe that it has the same scent as Chanel Eau Tendre, but it could be only me. Im not allergic to perfume in skincare so not sure how a person sensitive to fragrance might react to it.

It really improved my skin condition in the sense of radiance, pores and overall evenness. It just appears a lot smoother and more radiant, the first word that comes to mind when i see my skin in the morning is ‘relaxed’.

Now the most important thing that convinced me of the product, is the healing properties of Visionnaire. Ony, my fiancee has a nasty cut in the corner of his mouth obtained while shaving, who refuses to heal even after months since the cut. Well, after starting to apply the serum every night on the cut (and overall his pretty face!) it appears that is finally closing and start to heal (he used it for a month now).

Another healing story of the product is of one of my friends who had a little burn on her arm, after an ironing session. After only one week, the burn is so faded almost gone.

Apparently this is one of the most important properties, it restarts the healing process of the skin and boost the whole appearance. Also its a great help in fading scars and acne marks.

Have you tried Visionnaire yet? What are your results?

Done and dusted: Products used up so far
9 »

Posted : 23rd August 2011

Being a makeup and skincare collector (sounds way better then compulsive hoarder or shopaholic), means i rarely finish up a product. Of course, using moisturizers and treatments on a daily basis  i will go through them faster – use up a pot of cream in about two months and an eye cream maybe in three months. More is less people, more is less.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV

Light texture, freshly scented and suitable for sensitive skin. Needed a basic hydrating moisturizer with a decent SPF (15) to use under my makeup. Loved how it felt so soft to apply, gently hydrated without feeling heavy. Beautiful fresh scent – reminds me of cucumbers.

Didn’t break me out and my makeup went on like a dream, definitely recommend it!

Smashbox Photo Up Eye Brightener

This is a product in the lines of YSL Touche Eclat, its an eye brightener and not a concealer – this means it will gently highlight and diffuse the light under the eyes. Coverage wise is minimum, barely there. I applied it under my eyes, before my foundation and then once again, on top of my foundation. Loved how it didn’t set in my fine lines, lasted all day long and generally brightened my whole eye area.

Don’t know if i will repurchase it any time soon, simply because i just have a fresh tube of YSL Touche Eclat on the go and recently purchased (ups!) the Lancome Teint Miracle pen concealer.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

This is a definitely staple of my greasy eyelids and it shall be repurchased by the gallons! Cant believe how long it has lasted me, more then 6 months of daily use! Probably if i would’ve cut the bottom of the tube (have the old packaging version) i would’ve gotten even more use, but i was concerned of possible irritations (due to packaging ash/remains) and i would’ve probably cut my fingers attempting the procedure.

My ultimate goal for this year is to finish up an eyeshadow, never ever finished one! Virgin from the Naked palette might be the one :D .