21.3.14

Avène Soothing Hydrating Serum // Review

Avène Soothing Hydrating Serum // Review

Avène is an unique French Skincare brand that has created a line of skincare for sensitive, intolerant and allergic skins and this serum is simple and soothing. I have been using Avène’s Soothing Hydrating Serum* near enough every morning and evening for just over a week and it has become a welcomed addition to my skincare routine. Serums have high concentration of certain products and are formulated to penetrate deeply into the skin to deliver these key ingredients. In the case of this serum, that key ingredient is Avène Thermal Spring Water whiccontains a unique active ingredient, renowned by dermatologists for its soothing properties.

This serum comes in a lovely frosted glass bottle with a pump, which I really like as it is far more hygienic than a tub. This serum is extremely cooling and soothing on the skin when applied, it is non irritating, reduces redness and leaves my skin soft and plump. I like to apply this serum after cleansing and toning and before moisturising and it gives my moisturiser that much needed boost, leaving my skin far more hydrated, than if I had used the moisturiser alone. It also has a very, very, subtle scent which I really like and a little goes a long way - so dont be put off by the 30ml measure.  And don’t over do it otherwise you’ll be left looking greasy! It isn’t as tacky as other serums I have tried and I haven’t broken out since using this product. 

If you feel your current products are quite doing their job, it might be time to add a serum to your skincare routine and I highly recommend this serum especially if you suffer from dehydrated, sensitive, stressed or irritated skin. This serum is a great alternative to Hydraluron Moisture Booster from Indeed Labs, not only is Avène’s serum far cheaper, I much prefer it! You can buy it online here at Escentual who are currently offering 25% off this serum making it just £12.75.

http://www.escentual.com
You might also be interested to know that Escentual are currently offering up to 1/3 off their popular French Skincare pharmacy category on their website for the whole of March - so now is the perfect time to update your skincare routine for spring! Here's a breakdown of the offer:

-VichyLa Roche-Posay and Nuxe at 33% off RRP
-AveneKloraneRene Furterer and Pierre Fabre at 25% off RRP
-Caudalie at 20% off RRP
-A-Derma at 10% off RRP

Have you tried this serum? 
What are your top French skincare picks?
Emily
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19.3.14

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask // Review

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask // Review

Charcoal isn’t just for BBQ’s ladies! Say hello to my new holy grail (yes that’s right, holy grail!) face mask from Origins. This charcoal mask is spoken about frequently in the beauty blogging world and I was lucky enough to receive an Origins mask gift set for Christmas last year. I initially thought it would would another hyped product, that would be full of empty promises, but listen up... it does exactly what it says on the tin.

This mask is packed with active charcoal, which acts like a magnet to draw out deep-dwelling pore-cloggers, that are created from environmental toxins such as dirt and debris. It also contains white china clay, which does us all a favour, by absorbing these environmental toxins and lecithin also helps to dissolves impurities. My skin has been crying out for a helping hand recently, it has been all over the place, with those dreaded under the skin bumps and those spots that just won’t budge not matter what you do and this mask has really helped to get my skin back on track. It has really helped to decongest my skin and let it breathe - I love the stuff! And just a quick FYI, my skin is blemish prone, sensitive and dry. 

Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask // Review
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask // Review

I like to use my facial steamer before applying this product, as it preps the skin by opening the pores.  The product is in an easy, squeezable, no fuss, see-through tube, which is great as you will know when you need to stock up (which you will!). It is pleasant smelling and not overpowering at all like other face masks I have tried - Michael Todd’s charcoal face mask for instance. The mask is thick and applies smoothly to the skin and is quite cooling.  It doesn’t dry uncomfortably tight and you can feel it working with a very subtle tingly sensation (no burning, or warming). After the product has dried which can take up to 20 minutes depending on how thickly you apply it, I rinse my face with luke warm water. Now be warned, the rinsing off of this product is super messy, as the water will turn grey and get everywhere - use a face cloth, or take off in shower if necessary. After I have cleaned up the mess left by this mask, I notice my pores have significantly reduced in size and my skin is left feeling plump, soft and very clean (not stripping) and considering I have dry skin, Im always pleasantly surprised that my skin isn’t left feeling tight and dry - although I do follow up with a toner and moisturiser. In terms of blemishes, it doesn’t clear you skin after one use, but I have been using it twice a week for the last month and have noticed my problem areas are starting to clear up! Bye-bye blackheads and those pesky under the skin spots! The first time I used this mask I defiantly noticed a couple of blemishes that had been lurking beneath, came to the surface but they disappeared far quicker than they would normally would have.

Origins are currently offering free delivery on all orders and when you buy this mask you get a free trial and if you dont like it, you can send the product back and get a refund, so you would be silly not to give it a go! If you dont have the budget for this mask, I recommend you try Una Brennan’s clay mask - you can read my review here

This mask is suitable for all skin types and although this mask is super messy, it does a seriously good job and I can’t recommend it enough.

Do you have a holy grail face mask? 
Emily
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14.3.14

Makeup Essential: Lip Gloss

Makeup Essential: Lip Gloss

Lipgloss is an essential in everyones makeup bag and a must have for this coming spring and summer. I myself love a good lipgloss and have far more glosses than I do lipsticks! Lip gloss is hydrating, a great way to make the lips appear fuller and are also great for layering over your favourite lipstick or lipliner. Applying any lip product helps to complete a look, but lipgloss is effortless and far lower maintenance than a lipstick. There is just one rule about how to wear lipgloss and that is simply not to over do it - you dont want to look like your drooling! So pucker up ladies - I have picked out four shades, all of which are my current go-to(s).

Let’s start with the highly anticipated Tanya Burr Lipgloss. This shade in particular is Afternoon Tea and its a lovely everyday pink, with a peach undertone (this particular shade is glitter free).  The formula is creamy and it has a rich, smooth texture with a wet finish. Unlike the other glosses featured here, I would say that this gloss isn’t as hydrating, but it isn’t drying either. The gloss has a subtle sweet scent and a double sided flat sponge applicator. I personally prefer to apply this lipgloss with a mirror, as it is very pigmented and opaque (no need for a lipstick underneath) and one coat does the trick. There are 11 other shades to choose from and they are priced at £6.99 each - which is very reasonable. If you are looking for a pigmented gloss for this spring, this is the one for you.

A favourite amongst many a beauty blogger, is the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. I have  just the one, in the shade 01 (rose shimmer) and I must admit I always go back to this lipgloss. Firstly, let me just establish the fact that this gloss is not shimmery in the slightest, which throws me as the name would suggest otherwise! Anyhow, this lipgloss is simply wonderful! If a lip balm was to have a baby with a lip gloss, this is what you would get. It is hydrating, smooth, smells delicious (really it does!), it’s light on the lips, gives the perfect amount of shine and it is not tacky and lets be honest, there is nothing worse than getting your hair stuck to your face! This shade is very natural light pink. The product itself comes in a squeezy tube with a sponge tipped applicator, which is more sanitary than a wand with a sponge tip on the end. All in all, I love this tube of ‘bloss’ (see what I did there?) and I would love to get my hands on another shade. These lip glosses are on the pricer side at £18.00 - but dont let that put you off, if you dont own one, you should.

Makeup Essential: Lip Gloss
Left to right: Tanya Burr Afternoon Tea/ Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector 01/  L’oreal Paris Liquid Lipstick 101/ Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss 215 

My current obsession is L’oreal Paris Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick in the shade 101 Rose Melody and I’ll say it now, its a wonderful product and I cant stop applying it! Now, dont be fooled by the name, in all honesty it is more of a gloss than a liquid lipstick (well in this shade anyway). The formula is seriously smooth, its not tacky and has a high shine finish (it just melts into the lips). It is nicely pigmented, but the colour isn’t as opaque as the Tanya Burr glosses. This shade in particular is a lovely soft pink, which has a slight shimmer running through it (not glittery). Oh and did I mention it smells lovely! Unlike other liquid lipsticks I have tried, this one doesn’t stain the lips and once the gloss has worn off, my lips are left feeling ultra soft and hydrated. The packaging reminds me of nail polish, but is very L’oreal! The applicator is a feathered soft wand (love it!), which glides over my lips in just one effortless stroke, without the need of a mirror. There are 9 shades in total and they are priced at £8.99 and whilst you are reading this, I will be in Boots picking up a couple more whilst the 3 for 2 offer is still on. I just can't resist.

Revlon are top dog when it comes to lip products and their glosses are no exception. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss (215 Super Natural) come in 7 colours priced at £6.99 each and I’ll put my hands up now and admit that I do indeed, own all 7 colours and yes that is necessary! Although this range of glosses is unscented, the formula is lovely, smooth and hydrating. This colour in particular, is pinky brown and very natural. It delivers a plump-looking high shine look, which perfect on its own, or over your favourite lipstick. Once again, this gloss is not tacky and has the added bonus of having an SPF of 15 - perfect for spring. Another of my much loved glosses from this range, is the colour Kiss Me Coral (a favourite of Tanya Burr’s too may I add).

What’s your go-to gloss?
Emily
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10.3.14

The Base To Buy: Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

The Base To Buy: Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

The high street stores have been inundated with BB and CC cream releases in the past year or so, all of which have received very mixed reviews. I myself only dabbled into these with two purchases, one being Garniers BB eye cream, which I love and use daily and secondly, L’oreal’s Nude Magique CC cream, which I neither loved nor loathed. So when I watched Lisa Eldridge use Bourjois’s 123 Perfect CC Cream in a recent video (which you can watch here), I thought if it is good enough for Lisa Eldridge, then its good enough for me and she hasn’t let me down.

CC creams are basically colour corrective creams and Bourjois’s 123 Perfect CC cream has three colour corrective pigments, apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness and white for anti-dark spots. It also claims to give a luminous complexion and smooth skin and I would like to state now, that it does exactly that. This CC cream is light weight, applies evenly and gives a natural smooth finish, to be frank, it is a b-e-a-utiful base.

This CC cream from Bourjois has a runny texture, rather like Chanel’s Vitalumiere Aqua, so applies best using your fingers or a stippling brush and has a very subtle scent. It has a satin-matte finish, which is pretty much undetectable on the skin. It gives my skin that radiant, luminous finish which I lust after in a base (not dewy). And in terms of covering blemishes, general discolouration and light scaring, it does a pretty good job giving that lovely blurred quality (it even reduces the appearance of my pores - love it!). I have suffered from pink skin from a very young age and this CC cream works wonders for me and I only need to use a pea size amount. However, I would recommend you pair this base with a concealer, as it may not cover everything 100%. It is most certainly a no makeup, makeup base and perfect for everyday wear.

If like me you suffer from dry skin, you will love this base as the product doesn’t cling to those pesky dry patches, it also brightens dull skin and it is hydrating (however I do have to moisturise still before applying). I would say this product is more on the verge of a very light foundation, rather than a tinted moisturiser and it has very good staying power. I wear shade 31 Ivory, which is the lightest of the four shades they offer and it is perfect for me. I can’t  recommend this base enough, it is defiantly one to buy and try.

Im pretty certain this will be my go-to base for this spring/summer. I love it! Oh and on the note of sunshine, did I mention this CC cream also has an SPF 15? I will defiantly be back to Boots this week to pick up the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Concealer (it could be a base duo to buy, I will have to update you all!).

Have you tried this CC cream? 
Emily
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5.3.14

Body Shop Haul // Swatches & First Impressions

Body Shop Haul // Swatches & First Impressions
I have never really branched out further than Body Shop’s bestselling body butters, so when I came across their online store and saw a very generous discount of 50% off when you spend £50, there was no going back (they knew I was coming!). I spent hours, literally hours on their website browsing and reading reviews of their products and in all honesty, I could have easily of spent way over £100! Unfortunately this offer is no longer available, however Body Shop are always offering great discounts and they are currently offering 35% off, plus free P&P when you buy two products (this offer applies in-store also). Maybe you will see a couple of products you might like to try.


Tea tree oil is a must in everyones skin care stash! It’s a Body Shop bestseller for a reason - its antibacterial, soothing and doesn’t dry out the skin = perfect for those pesky blemishes! I like to apply the oil directly to any blemishes after cleansing, using a cotton bud and I also like to mix a bit into my moisturiser and it works like a treat! This product also gets a huge thumbs up from me, as it is multipurpose - I feel this is a possible post? Bodyshop have tea tree range and I most certainly want to try a few more of the tea tree products they offer. 


This body wash is perfect for a morning shower when you are still feeling half asleep - which for me is most mornings! The scent is refreshing and fruity (like satsumas, if the name doesn’t suggest otherwise) and the smell lingers around the house as well as your skin after use. The texture is a little runny which is disappointing, however it is smooth and it lathers up really well and leaves the skin feeling soft and smelling amazing! This product would benefit greatly with a pump. Not sure if I would run to the shops to repurchase it, however it makes a nice change and Im certain I will get my hands on another scent once this one has run out. 

Body Shop Haul // Swatches & First Impressions

This next product is most certainly a case of the blogger made me buy it - Estée from Essie Button to be precise. I dont feel too guilty about this purchase, as I was in need of a new bronzer as my much loved NARS Laguna is on its last legs and although I would happily repurchase it, I fancied trying something else. This bronzer is matte, so their is no shimmer or sparkle (perfect for a contour) and I have worn it every day since I received it in the post. It gives a lovely even finish and the colour is just right and buildable, giving me that healthy bronzed tanned effect, which is a must for this spring! The packaging is an average plastic compact, with a mirror inside, however the product itself has a honeycomb pattern embossed onto it, which is a nice touch. If I was being picky the packaging is the only part that lets the product down. If you are after a new bronzer I highly recommend this one, however pick your shade carefully - go into store to buy this product, or test colour first.

Body Shop Haul // Swatches & First Impressions

Buying an eye cream has been on my beauty shopping list for a few months now, after running out of my Clinique eye cream. After reading a handful of rave reviews about the Vitamin E range from the Body Shop, I couldn’t not pick up this Body Shop best seller. This eye cream claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines, reduce puffiness and hydrate the eye area. It is most certainly hydrating, as  after a couple of uses, my under eye area was a lot smoother. As for anything else it is too early to say  (not that my under eye area is mega wrinkly or anything...). I was also unaware that my Mum really likes this eye cream and the Vitamin E range in general, if it gets my mums approval it must be good. This eye cream will most certainly become a staple in my skincare routine and for £10 - I’m sold.

Body Shop Haul // Swatches & First Impressions

I’ll be honest, this purchase is not justifiable - but does it need to be? I just couldn’t resist picking up one of Body Shops cube eyeshadow palettes, as Im a sucker for an eyeshadow and anytime I go into a Bodyshop store, I always find myself gravitating towards their quads swatching them up the length of my arm. So I finally took the plunge and bought the shade 06 warm. The shadows are subtle, but can be built up, or used wet for a more dramatic finish. They have a beautiful shimmery finish, which is very similar to MAC’s deluxe pearl finish and they are crease resistant and have no visible fall out (I vouch for that!). In fact, a couple of the shadows in this quad are very comparable to shades from MAC - The shade Marshmellow is very similar to MAC’s All That Glitters, Choc Chip is the closet  dupe I have found for MAC’s Satin Taupe and Dark Chocolate is very similar to Mulch (winner, winner, chicken dinner!). They are also very easy to blend and the shades compliment each other very well. All in all, I’m very impressed. The palette itself is smaller than the palm of my hand, yet the cubes are rather large and will without a doubt last forever. The cubes are individually wrapped, which can be a little fiddly, but this packaging can be removed. The palette is ideal for travelling. Although I initially thought the price of this palette was a little steep, I actually think it is worth every penny and I would happily purchase another palette (there are seven to choose from). This palette in particular is a great for everyday wear, especially for those of us with blue eyes. 

Body Shop Haul // Swatches & First Impressions
Swatches left to right: Honeycomb/ Dark Chocolate/ Marshmellow/ Choc Chip

Have you tried any of these products? 
Emily
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