A Little Beauty Haul

Hi everyone,

I've done a little bit of beauty shopping recently, which I haven't done in quite a while. So, I thought I would share with you what I have purchased.

Thierry Muglar Alien EDP 30ml (Refillable)

I've had my eye on this fragrance for around 18 months, so I decided to 'bite the bullet' and purchase it as part of a gift set. The gift set included the fragrance, candle and also a body lotion. The fragrance and the body lotion I would recommend as they last a really long time once applied, but sadly the candle doesn't have any scent throw. The Alien fragrance is completely different to the Angel fragrance which I also own from Thierry Muglar. The Alien fragrance is a lovely gourmand scent, with a gorgeous warmth to it. But I can find that I can also wear this fragrance both during the daytime and in the evening.

Acqua Di Parma Peonia Nobile EDP 50ml

I wanted to try a fragrance from Acqua di Palma, and I tried quite a few around the same time. This was the one that I preferred the most, as it has a lovely sweetness too it while also being elegant at the same time. It comes across as a sweet floral, but with a depth just to give it that little 'something extra'. 

Kiko Blush Brush No. 10

I have been wanting a blush brush that's a little bit easier to use than my current one from Bobbi Brown. So, I have decided to give the blush brush from Kiko a go, just to see if it does make applying blusher a little easier. Because some of blushers I use can be on the pigmented side.

Kiko Intensive Coverage Brush No. 2

This I decided to pick up as it looked like a good alternative to the Sephora concealer brush I'm currently using, but I sadly can't get a hold of that anymore as Sephora don't ship to the UK anymore.

Patchology Hydrating Sheet Mask (Flash Masque)/ Soothe

I've never been one for the whole sheet masks trend, but I do see why they are so popular. So, when I came across these in Harvey Nichols I thought I would give a couple of them a go, especially since I have heard really positive things about the Patchology sheet masks. I decided to try a hydrating sheet mask and a soothing sheet mask just to see how I get on with them, and if I like them.

Dior Nude Luminizer in '02 - Nude Pink'

This came out a few years ago as a limited edition highlighter, as part of the 'Glowing Gardens' collection. The nude pink highlighter has a lovely pink glow to it. I decided to get this, as I really like the pink highlight shade in Kat Von D's Alchemist palette.

Dior Matte Lipstick in '772 - Classic Matte'

I've never purchased a matte bullet lipstick before, and I very nearly went for the satin formula. This is a very comfortable formula that wears very well on the lips. The shade 772 is just slightly brighter than my natural lip colour.

Kiko Smart Fusion Lipstick in '406'

This is a similar shade to the Dior shade, but in a creamier formula. I have come to realise that these types of shades are my 'perfect' nude.

My Favourite Nude Lip Products

Hi everyone,

I thought I would share with some of favourite Nude lip products. Just a little note to say that my lips are naturally quite pigmented, so I can pull off more darker, rosy shades of nude. The paler/ blue toned pinky nudes and pale beige nudes don't actually suit me as they make me look very washed out.

MAC 'Brave' Lipstick

MAC's 'Brave' lipstick was one of the first lipsticks that I came across that was more my ideal nude shade. It's a lovely darker, rosy pinky nude that's just ever so slightly darker than my natural lip colour; and I can pair this with most make up looks.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in 'Double Dare'

This is a similar shade to MAC's 'Brave', but in liquid lipstick. This is a very long wearing, but also very lightweight formula. This just pulls a little more pink than 'Brave', but its a still a gorgeous liquid lipstick.

Too Faced Melted Matte Liquid Lipstick in 'Sell Out'

The Too Faced Melted Matte formula is very comfortable while also being very lightweight on the lips. The shade 'Sell Out' is more of a browny nude on myself, which when I purchased it I thought it would be more pink. This pulls quite brown on my lips, but at the same time it still looks natural.

That's just a few of favourite nude lip products that I have come across in the past couple of years. I know that these aren't necessarily the typical nude shades, but for someone who has more pigmented lips these could easily be classed as a nude.

Review: Dr Botanicals Japanese Orange Revive & Firm Facial Serum

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Dr Botanicals Japanese Orange Revive & Firm Facial Serum for the past couple of months as part of my evening skincare routine.

The Japanese Orange Revive & Firm Facial Serum from Dr Botanicals has a lovely, lightweight consistency that sinks into the skin straight away. It also has a lovely citrus fragrance which is gorgeous, and very refreshing.

Claims

- Counteracts visible skin damage caused by environmental stresses such as pollution

- Improves the skins overall health & appearance

- Can visibly reduce the signs of ageing for a younger look

The main active ingredients for the Japanese Orange Revive & Firm Facial Serum are: -

- Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil

- Rose Otto Oil

Seabuckthorn Fruit Oil

Seabuckthorn fruit oil is rich in Vitamins A, C & E, & also essential fatty acids. It will help to nourish & hydrate the skin; which will leave it both protected & enriched.

Rose Otto Oil

Rose Otto Oil contains high levels of Vitamins A & C, and these will help to rejuvenate the skin, even out the skin tone & also reduce the visible signs of ageing.

I have been really impressed with how gentle this serum is on my skin, due to it containing Vitamin C. I also really like how lightweight it is, as it just sinks into the skin straight away; and also the fact that smells like oranges. Delicious.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a Vitamin C serum that isn't as harsh as some that are currently available or who are looking for a good starting point for Vitamin C serums.

Review: Clinique 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Oil

Hi everyone,

I have been using the Clinique 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Oil for the last couple of months, and I thought In would share my thoughts on it with you. As you might know that I adore the 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Balm from Clinique, so I wanted to see what the cleansing oil was like from the same range.

This is a lovely, lightweight cleansing oil that I use in the evenings as my first cleanse. 

Claims

- Immediately dissolves tenacious face make up, oil and impurities

- Glides on easily

- Rinses off cleanly with warm water

- Leaves no residue

- Suitable for all skin types

Directions

Apply to dry skin with fingertips and gently message. Rinse with warm water.

If you want to try cleansing balm, but you don't want all the fuss of scooping it out and melting it in between your hands. Then give the cleansing oil a go, as its a lot less fussy to use, and it still gets the job done. 

I'm really impressed with the 'Take the Day Off' Cleansing Oil from Clinique, and I will continue to purchase from the 'Take the Day Off' range' as I love both the cleansing balm and the cleansing oil.