My L'Occitane Experience

Hey Everyone,

Firstly, I wanted to say "Hey!" to all my new followers - I always get way too excited when I get that notification to say I have some new readers :P! Please don't be shy; I love hearing from you all (constructive feedback is greatly appreciated). 

Anyway...on with the post!

While I was in the Lake District on my holiday this summer, I did manage to get a bit of shopping in (naturally). Now, I have been into L'Occitane boutiques before, but I have never actually bought anything form them - until now!

As I entered the boutique I was greeted with a glass of rose - which was a lovely surprise! (Note: that every time I've been into a L'Occitane shop I have been offered a drink or a chocolate; even when I had not made a purchase!) The staff are always welcoming and friendly. The lady who helped me on this occasion was very knowledgable of the products, and I felt no way pressured into making a purchase.

So anyway, what did I pick up?

 

Hydra Vital Cream - £32.00

I have been on the hunt for a good hydrating/moisturising cream which doesn't feel too heavy on the skin and doesn't break me out. This seems a hard thing to come by for me. As I feel that the lighter, more gel-like moisturisers aren't hydrating enough for my dry cheeks. 

This range was recommended to me as it is good for combination to normal skins. Firstly, this packaging is amazing! It is super heavy and feels expensive. 

The cream itself is relatively thick, but not at all greasy and pretty light on the skin. I can happily wear this as a day moisturiser and a night moisturiser (I just add a moisturising serum for more hydration at night). Also, I absolutely love the smell of this cream - it has this special plant called Angelica, that promotes 24-hour hydration.

I was also intrigued by Hydra Vital Face Mist in this range, but there was a special offer on this set called the Summer Ritual. It was half price at £15, and as the spray is £12 full price anyway. And there was 15% off when you spend over £30. So, basically, I was sold!

Summer Ritual - Face mist on the left.

I haven't actually tried the shampoo, conditioner or hand cream as I am saving them for my next holiday. But the Face mist is a lovely cooling spray, and it has that lovely scent (the same as the cream). My only annoyance is that the spray comes out really weirdly; as it just goes everywhere, except your face. I don't use this regularly as a toner, but I am planning to use it when the weather is hot as a cooling spray.

Overall, I have been impressed with the service from L'Occitane and happy with the products purchased. These are not cheap products, and I can safely say (from the products used) you are getting your money's worth!

I hope you have a lovely day and enjoyed this post!

x

Review Beauty Blender // Worth the hype?

Hey Everyone,

So, this has been on my radar for a long time. This is a much loved beauty applicator by beauty bloggers everywhere and is continuously hyped up. My interest was increased after a number of new posts on it, after it was included in a recent Birch Box. Unfortunately, I am not subscribed to this service - yet ;)! So, I made it my business to find the cheapest seller :P! 

Original beautyblender

It is still expensive for a make up sponge at £14.95 - though it can be as expensive as £16! This is pretty pricey - the question is..is it worth it?

 From the the left beautyblender dry and damp

So, you probably all know the drill by now with this sponge. It is a lovely hot pink sponge, shaped like an egg. The rounder side is for blending on larger areas of the face (such as cheeks, forehead etc.) and the pointy end is for getting in all those nooks and crannies (such as around the nose and under the eyes etc.)

From the left beautyblender, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC15 and Real Techniques Buffing brush

 For this little test, I decided to use one pumps worth of foundation for each side of the face. On the left side I used the beautyblender, and on the right I used my usual brush (RT Buffing brush).

For the left side, the best way to apply the product is to dot it onto the face and then go in with the beautyblender. You use the damp beautyblender in a "bouncing" motion to blend out the foundation. The one thing I will say about application is you do need good lighting when applying; so you don't miss out any lines that need to be blended.

Only right side of photo (left side of face) foundation with beautyblender

As you can see, it gives a gorgeous airbrush look to the skin. This is a medium, build-able coverage foundation; this applicator works best with slightly thicker consistency products. I have used no concealer at this point - so you can still see a couple of my active breakouts showing through (which I would normally cover with concealer). 

On the left beautyblender used. On the right Buffing brush used.

Please excuse my awful skin at the moment (hormonal breakouts suck!). I know this isn't probably the best representation of the applicators; as my skin is pretty bad on the one side. However, there doesn't really seem to be much difference between the two - except the beautyblender may have reduced the appearance of redness (ever-so-slightly more!) 

Both sides foundation.

I don't know if it's just me that sees this - but it appears that my skin on the beautyblender side (right side of the photo) appears less flat. I feels like it gives a more skin like appearance, even when using a medium to full coverage foundation. 

I definitely like the beautyblender, but my only two cons are that it is a bit of a effort. You have to dampen the sponge and tissue it off. Also, this type of blending technique takes slightly longer than your normal buffing brush. Furthermore, I feel you use more product this way than with a brush.

I will continue to use this sponge, and use it when I have a bit more time in the morning to get ready. However, will I repurchase this? Probably - if it slightly cheaper (maybe I'll stock up when I'm next in the US) 

What are your thoughts on the beautyblender?

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

First glance at Charlotte Tilbury // K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Fallen From the Lipstick Tree

Hey Everyone,

I finally caved! I resisted the first time I saw the new glorious, glistening counter in Selfridges - that is home to a new-ish brand of Charlotte Tilbury's. It just had to be done - eventually. I had some time to kill after my work experience in Birmingham, and the swatches got to me...and then I tried it! There is no going back after that point!

I'll start with my only negative comment of the post. I have spoken to Charlotte Tilbury assistants before and they have always been lovely and polite. Except for the one that served me on this occasion. He seemed extremely disinterested in my request to try the lipsticks - as if it was an inconvenience to him; as it interrupted his conversion with a co-worker.  He was very cold, and didn't seem to want to help me make a decision on what shade to go with. I was overall unimpressed - and it is a shame; as I shall now think twice about shopping at the Birmingham counter.

First of all, can we just admire this packaging? 

There is no detail spared - even on the box! 

This is what the lipstick case looks like, it has the signature rose-gold packaging. I love the CT logo on the top; lovely touch :P! I feel very fancy when I pull out this lipstick: it feels and looks good quality.

Shade Nude Kate

It is a light nudey-pink shade - definitely more on the nude side than pink. It is sheerer than some of the other shades I tried, which means it is pretty much fool proof. I was able to put this on on the train with no mirror, and as far as I'm aware I didn't look a mess afterwards! Also, on a side note, love the name - makes me feel extra trendy!  

 This is it on my lips (natural light).

This is now my favourite nude - it is much more wearable than my Tom Ford lipstick in Blush nude, which is much more opaque. The formula is extremely comfortable to wear; it is made from special plant extracts that not only make it a joy to apply, but also protect the lip.

Whole face shot.

As you can see this works really well with my skin tone and I don't feel like it washes me out. Lovely finish - with enough colour pay-off without it being over powering!

So, if you haven't had chance to try these lipsticks out - I'd definitely recommend trying these. I will certainly be looking to add more Charlotte Tilbury to my collection. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

Jewellery with style and distinction...

Hey Everyone,

I've got a different post for you today. It's all about jewellery! If you are looking for something totally unique and original, look no further!

Special Expressions is a wonderful shop in the picturesque town of Keswick in Cumbria. That sells some of the most gorgeous jewellery I've ever seen. I have now visited the store twice and also ordered from their website (linked above) and the customer service is great! All the gold stars! 

My first purchase from them was at least six years ago now! (And they are still going strong!)

Short Single Twist EarSpiral in Gold Fill

They are a very unique piece, which I have never seen anywhere else! I feel like these can be worn in the day, or as a statement evening earring. When ever I wear these I get a tonne of comments! I feel they are different, but classy at the same time.

Now and again, I will treat myself to some nice statement pieces. But, in this case it was a lovely present from my parents when we had a recent trip to the Lake District.

Large Skull ring

If you have seen my most recent monthly favourites video, you will remember this one! I have always wanted a big skull ring *drools over The Great Frog London*, but unfortunately this has never quite been in my price range :'(! However, I feel like this ring is just as good - it's a weighty ring (which I like) and is a perfect fit! It is excellent quality and I have already got a load of use out of this. It adds instead edge to any look :P

I also wanted to show you what we bought my sister; as it is extremely cool!

Spider Web and Chained Spider

My sister was unable to join us on our family adventure to the Lakes, so my mum wanted to get her something special. And these are definitely in that category. This is such a statement piece! I was very tempted myself! It is, again, amazing quality and the cuff is fully adjustable. My sister doesn't often wear jewellery, but has been really enjoying wearing this! 

So, I would really recommend checking out their website or popping to the shop! There are some great gift ideas, that a both good quality and unique. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

Favourites Time! // July 2014

Hey Everyone,

I hope you all had fantastic months in July - I know I did! I have a mammoth of a favourites video for you, and I am using my new camera (everyone shouts "Hooray!"). It actually came out pretty well, it definitely feels more professional - except my camera stand of books!

Stick with me on this one and you may find some gems in there too!

I hope you enjoyed the video and have a lovely day!

x

#7 What's on my nails?

Hey Everyone,

I hope all is well. So, I have finally broken away from my beloved Formula X nail polish (which is still amazing!) To try a new nail polish, which my lovely sister got for me from South Africa - who knew they had Inglot in SA! 

Inglot O2M Breathable nail enamel in 642

Firstly, this colour is beautiful! I am super into the colour purple at the moment (purple hair, purple nails, purple lipstick etc.) I actually didn't have a proper purple nail polish in my collection before this one :O! I love that this one is a slightly metallic purple and has a slight pink undertone, which brightens the colour slightly.

It terms of application - it wasn't terrible, but it wasn't a breeze. You definitely need two coats with this one. 

Longevity: I can't say too much on that as I've only had it on for like a day, but it has survived one day in the office with no chipping :)! So, I shall have to let you know how it goes! (it has large shoes to fill, in the place of the Formula X!)

I hope you are enjoying the warm weather and have enjoyed this post!

x

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads // A Review

Hey Everyday,

So, my skincare routine has been transformed! I know this was quite a while ago, but I had the opportunity to meet the fabulous Caroline Hirons in Space NK in Brighton.

She has such a refreshing personality and her no nonsense attitude towards skincare is wonderful! If you don't read her blog (why aren't you?!?), she literally speaks like she does on her blog! Which I love!

Cheeky photo :P

So, during our half an hour chat, Caroline told me I needed some acid in my life! "I was like okay, I need acid!" Slightly terrified how my sensitive skin would react to this! But, I went on her recommendation and ordered the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.

Now, I had read some reviews on these before and some people found them to harsh to use twice daily. I do not agree with this statement! I have had no problem using these pads twice a day after cleansing, followed by a hydrating toner or spray. I have found that I have had reduced breakouts on my chin and the flakey skin on my nose gone.

The only thing I would say is they are quite expensive at £20 for only 60 pads, which has only lasted me about a month! So, I reckon these shall be a treat now and again. 

I have already ordered my next lot of acid (Pixi glow tonic). I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x