Mother's Day Gift Idea: L'Occitane Almond Collection

Here is a slightly more lux Mother's Day gift idea. L'Occitane is a very safe choice when it comes to gifts, have you ever met someone who doesn't like L'Occitane?! Their skincare products are not only gorgeously scented but they also feel beautifully nourishing on the skin. This particular Almond Collections would be great as a Mother's day gift as the scent is very gentle and most moms are likely to love it! 

The Lighter Legs cream with Almond Tree Bud helps to relieve achy legs which is always a plus point for Mothers and Mothers-to-be, along with an almond milk hand cream which is pretty much a must-have all year around! The Tonic Body Oil is a bit of a special one, the powerful combination of Pink Pepper Oils and a cocktail of five essential oils: immortelle, palmarosa, mint, carrot, and cypress help the skin to look more refined and toned. It's a dry oil which doesn't stay greasy on the skin, while a micro exfoliating lemon extract makes the skin feel smoother and look firmer.

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New! Erborian CC Crème

When Korean and French skincare meets make-up the result is pure skin indulgence. CC Crème is a colour corrector, which evens out your complexion making blemishes and uneven skin pigmentation invisible. Erborian CC Crème is a lightweight texture white cream that has millions of tiny pigment pearls that burst as soon as you start to massage it into the skin matching your skin colour. If you like light coverage foundation you may use this product on its own as it makes your skin look prettier and healthier but if you like heavier coverage you may treat it as a primer. Although I had a spot at the time of applying the CC, after I applied foundation the spot was pretty much invisible and did not need any extra concealing. It has hydrating skincare benefits making the skin looking radiant. 

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Cosmetics a la Carte Rose Skincare!

Hey Beauty Lovers! I had a little rumble in my beauty cupboard in the hope of finding some rescue skincare for my currently under-the-weather dehydrated winter skin and came across this lovely trio! First of all I absolutely love rose scented skincare and secondly these three skincare products are exactly what dull winter skin needs right now. I love the packaging, scent and texture of Cosmetics a la Carte Rose skincare range. The light-weight texture of the Rose Dew Moisturiser & Make-Up Primer is perfect for the awakening of the winter dormant skin, it helps to plump dull winter skin with moisture for that naturally dewy skin finish. 

Both the Rose Water and Rose Dew are suitable for all skin types and are the epiphany of Spring skin! I am also very much fond of the Rose Hydrabalm, which is a collagen enhancing & hydrating lip balm, again the scent and texture are lovely! This sort of skincare gets me very excited for winter-to-spring skin transition. I have always associated the V-Day with the soon-to-come mellow Spring sunshine and the goodbye-wave to  freezing cold Winter days, which in abundance suck all the moisture out of the skin. So why not give someone you love the pleasure of beautiful skincare this upcoming V-Day, or indeed to yourself!

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Le Couvent des Minimes Botanical Cologne of Love!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Here is a great new find which I have become quite frankly addicted to. If you are into scents I highly recommend you check out Le Couvent des Minimes, which are available at Boots.com or directly on their website lecouventdesminimes.co.uk [currently there is a V-Day offer on their website, two products for £28 worth £34]. They are a French brand based in the South of France that believe in the goodness of natural ingredients. On the back of their products you will find the botanical info that will satisfy your inner-nerd and tell you what natural ingredients went into the potion as well as what benefits it has for the skin, which I find to be a very neat idea! 

Botanical Cologne of Love collection is perfect for the upcoming V-Day! My personal pick is the Cologne and the Beneficial Care Oil, simply because I find to make a scent linger the longest it is best to apply it in 'layers'. This oil is multifunctional, you can utilise your significant other and kindly ask for a much deserved V-Day Special massage, or apply the oil through the ends of your hair to give it a natural healthy shine, or you can even indulge in some quality me-time and have a beautiful bath pouring a few drops of the oil into the water. Having a bit of the oil on your hair or skin will make the cologne scent last longer, so that's a little trick for you there. 

Speaking of which the actual cologne scent is incredible, I have become quite literally obsessed with it. It's a combination of sweet and fresh Orange Blossom and Citrus Fruits. Orange Blossom is traditionally known as the scent of love and it was considered a remedy for dry skin. It's a great scent with a hint of sexy to kick-start the Spring! 

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Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face SPF 30!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Face SPF 30 Protective Sun Lotion - is a mouthful to pronounce yet makes a neat bottle to keep in your beach bag this summer! I have been swayed by Hawaiian Tropic sun protective products this year, have never tried them before and now I am absolutely loving just about everything about them: texture, skincare properties, scent and price! What's great about this facial Protective Sun Lotion is that it keeps your skin moisturised but it's oil free and feels very light on the skin, it's also great as a make-up primer. Another plus point is that it's very water resistant, which means you won't need to reapply it as often. The delicious coconut scent makes you want to find the nearest beach and just relax!

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Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect SPF 25!

Hey Beauty Lovers! I have never been the one for shimmer when it comes to body products, however I have been converted by Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Protective Sun Lotion 25 SPF. The more tan you get the more flattering it looks, the bronze shimmer highlights the fresh tan and gives you that bronze goddess skin. The sunshine makes the sheen looks gorgeous, while leaving skin hydrated even after exposure to the sun. Hawaiian Tropic delicious coconut scent makes the sun protective lotion application so much more fun!

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SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque!

Available at: www.skinceuticals.co.uk

Hey Beauty Lovers! As far as a clay facial goes this one gets top points! SkinCeuticals Clarifying Clay Masque has deep purifying properties without that super drying and pulling of the skin, which clay masques are renowned for. This clay masque however feels very gentle on the skin while lifting impurities and declogging pores leaving the skin look polished and clear. I have an oily/combo skin type that is also acne prone, and generally clay facials tend to break me out as they pull all the impurities to the surface, however I have no break-outs to report after this clay masque! 

Natural earth clay is combined with a hydroxy acid, together they work on exfoliating the skin and balancing the oils. A large almond size is enough to cover the face and neck thinly, leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes then gently wash off with a face cloth and warm water. This clay facial masque was designed for all skin types and can be used up to two times a week.

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Cosmetics a la Carte Fresh & Clear Cleanser

Hey Beauty Lovers! Cosmetics a la Carte Fresh & Clear Cleanser is enriched with Vitamin C, which lifts impurities and unclogs pores leaving skin looking clear and super smooth. It's a creamy cleanser with tiny grains that have exfoliating properties. After massaging the cleanser into the skin I love to wash it off with a muslin cloth for further exfoliation, which leaves skin feeling fresh and looking bright!

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ByTerry CC Lumi-Serum Review!

Hey Beauty Lovers! ByTerry Cellularose Brightening CC Lumi-Serum is a CC [colour control] serum, which penetrates epidermis with hydrating and corrective properties. This CC serum is a beautifying skincare, a very lux one at that. The Soft-Focus Micro-Spheres defuse light, which helps to blur imperfections such as enlarged pores, giving you that flawless base with a youthful radiance. As one expects from ByTerry skincare it is packed with amazing ingredients: the rejuvenating formula in enriched with White Roses Native Cells, combined with cell renewing Brightening Agent and anti-free radical Vitamin E. It makes a beautiful foundation primer and if you love rose scented skincare you will be undoubtedly addicted to this serum!

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L'Occitane Jenipapo Shower Oil & Body Lotion!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Last week I have featured the new L'Occitane Made In Brazil collection, so if you haven't seen it yet click here! This Jenipapo duo is my choice of shower gel and body lotion for this summer! This Shower Oil has a luxurious texture, when it comes in contact with water the oil transforms into a milky foamy solution that is super moisturising and helps to keep the skin soft and nourished especially when exposed to the sun during summer. To inject more moisture into the skin it has matching Body Lotion, which also has hydrating properties. The Jenipapo scent is incredibly super addictive, it's a delicious concoction of water melon and pina colada - making it the perfect summer scent!!

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Spring/Summer 2014 Scents at Yardley!

Available at Boots, Superdrug and yardleylondon.co.uk

Hey Beauty Lovers! The essence of spring and summer is the scent. Fresh and uplifting florals tend to linger beautifully on sun-kissed skin. If you are a fashionista that likes to mix up vintage with contemporary you might really like the super affordable Yardley Jade fragrance, inspired by the 60s and iconic fashion models of that era like Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton. Jade encapsulates modern green floral bouquet notes:

         Top: Fruity, aromatic green notes of peach, bergamot and galbanum.

        Heart: An airy floral bouquet of rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang and orris.

Base: Delicately wrapped up in patchouli, sandalwood and moss.

Also new for spring 2014, Yardley has launched the floral Bath & Body Collection in three refreshing scents. In each of the scents you get a Moisturising Body Wash, Hydrating and Enriching Body Lotion and Nourishing Hand & Nail Cream:

Uplifting Daisy - A dewy fresh green fragrance opening with a burst of fresh green leaves and apple, with a heart of hyacinth and white rose, enhanced with warm base notes of sandalwood and musk. Energising Peony - A modern fruity floral fragrance with top notes of fresh green leaves, complemented at its heart by a combination of peony flower, red currant, geranium and heliotrope with undertones of warm amber. Invigorating Blue Orchid - An exotic scent opening with a mix of fresh juicy fruits: mango, orange and red currant with a floral, sensual heart blending water lily, bluebell and vanilla orchid, with warm woody base notes of cedarwoods, mahogany and tonka bean.

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L'Occitane Made In Brazil Summer 2014 Collection!

 

 

 L'Occitane Skincare Room in Covent Garden

Hey Beauty Lovers! This summer L'Occitane is taking us to Brazil!! Made In Brazil collection encapsulates the beauty of Brazilian nature focusing on the beautifully fragrant water lilies from the Amazon river and the exotic jenipapo fruit tree from The Cerrado region. Vitoria Regia Day Flower and Vitoria Regia Night Flower fragrance scent are derived from the same flower known in Brazil as 'Queen of the Waters'. Its beautiful scent transforms from day to night, in the morning it opens with a fresh green floral scent and in the evening the scent developed into a more intense powdery green before the flower dies off.

The Jenipapo line has protective and moisturising properties, it's about suncare and fragranced products for face and body. The scent of the jenipapo flower has green, floral and fruity notes. The scent of the Jenipapo range is completed with the delicious addition of citrus, water melon and pina colada!! It is a super addictive summer scent! Made In Brazil Collection is already available at the L'Occitane store in Covent Garden, and everywhere else in June 2014!

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SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser Review!

Available at skinceuticals.co.uk

Hey Beauty Lovers! SkinCeuticals Foaming Cleanser is formulated for all skin types in particular it's great for oily/combo skin which needs gentle care to avoid aggravating the skin further. This cleanser is a super lightweight and gentle foam that helps to balance the excess oiliness and lift impurities. Can be used morning and evening, dispense a small amount of the foam, apply on dry skin [face + neck] and massage gently then wash off with warm water.

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Sun Protection!

 New La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL  Compact-Cream SPF50+

[comes in two shades]

 New La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid [face] 50+ 

[also comes in a tinted version]

 La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Nutritive Oil [Body] 50+

and La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Sensitive Lipstick 50+

Hey Beauty Lovers! At the La Roche-Posay event it was all about sun protection, the event was organised with one and only mission: to get us ready for the summer! La Roche-Posay Anthelios [SPF30] and Anthelios [SPF50+] is their sun protection range. As the sun starts to come out and skin gets exposed to the dangerous UVB and UVA rays, skincare with a high protection becomes vital! UVB is the light that causes damage on the surface of the skin without penetrating the epidermis, which results in sunburn. Although a sunburn may appear to be only a temporary skin issue it can actually cause permanent damage. A sunburn is essentially dehydrating the skin which leads to premature aging such as wrinkles.

UVA however, penetrates deep into the skin dermis and causes long-term or permanent skin damage that can take years to develop before it becomes evident. UVA just like UVB but worse causes premature skin aging: age-spots, skin pigmentation, deep wrinkles. But the main danger is a potentially life threatening skin damage, that is why you should insure at all times when exposed to the sun that both UVB and UVA protection factors are in your sun protection products! 

Here are a few interesting facts: 80% of premature skin ageing is due to exposure to UVA or UVB rays. What was surprising to find out is that 70% of consumers use the same sun screen product on their body & face. Obviously the skin on the face is a lot more fragile and therefore needs a much higher sun protection factor, ideally SPF30 for the body and SPF50 for the face. 

The two new products are the Cream Compact and Ultra Light Fluid, both already available. The Cream Compact is SPF50+ foundation that is basically make-up and skincare in one, comes in two shades. It has a soft matte finish, creates a smooth texture for a perfect complexion, and doesn't feel heavy. Ultra Light Fluid is a lightweight SPF50+ facial sun protection with no white residue that is great for combination skin, it also comes in a tinted version. So make sure you are protecting your skin this summer!

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James Read Sleep Mask Tan Review!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Earlier this week I have been introduced to James Read's at-home tanning products. It was lovely meeting James himself, who is the UK's leading self-tanning expert. He has worked with many celebrities giving them that perfect sun-kissed skin. His tanning products have been developed for a natural looking tan that doesn't smell or make your sheets and towels dirty. I'm currently obsessed with his newly discovered facial tanner, which was highly recommended by James during a chat we had over champagne...

James Read Sleep Mask Tan is a hybrid of skincare and self-tanner, which makes it the best facial tanner that I have come across so far. You can use it as an over-night treatment or in the morning for a gentle tan that will develop throughout the day. The formula has a transparent gel texture, which is incredibly lightweight. Sleep Mask Tan is infused with moisturising and soothing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Hyaluronic Acid and Red Algae. It also has Citric Acid and Benzoic Acid, which are great for those of us with problematic skin. I have oily/combo skin type which is also acne prone and I had absolutely no break-outs, waking up to flawless skin with a natural golden glow! 

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Bronze Buffer Self-Tan Remover Review!

Hey Beauty Lovers! The Bronze Buffer Self-Tan Remover has now made it to my self-tanning itinerary! As mentioned in the previous blogpost Bronze Buffer is an exfoliating sponge that helps to remove the remaining patches of a self-tanner after it starts to wear off. This enables you to reapply the self-tanner onto smooth skin without caching on the remaining self-tanning patches. However if you have really soft skin make sure to be very gentle with this sponge to avoid irritation. I find it works best after a long soak in the bath, just wet the sponge and very gently go over the patch that needs to be removed by going into one direction. And make sure to really moisturise your skin after exfoliating!

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Perfect Sun-Kissed Skin with James Read Tanners!

Available at jamesreadtan.com

James Read BB Gradual Tan for the face that develops into a light but golden complexion. It has a brush applicator so you can tan on the go. The vital skincare ingredients include hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, anti-ageing Co-Enzyme Q10 and cell-renewing Red Algae. 

Bronze Buffer Self-Tan Remover comes in a box with two exfoliating sponges.

Hey Beauty Lovers! I'm very excited to share with you the tanning products that I have been introduced at the event tonight! James Read personally showcased his tanning line and I also met the lady behind the Bronze Buffer Self-Tan Remover that goes hand in hand with the self-tanning products. James Read is very passionate about skincare and sexy sun-kissed looking skin, which is exactly what his award-winning tanning products stand for. His tanners are loved by celebrities in UK and US, so much so that they even were featured in the last Vogue US issue [the one with Kim & Kanye on the cover]. 

There is a wide range of tanning products for face and body to choose from but I'm particularly looking forward to trying the new Sleep Mask Tan, which is a facial skincare product with Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera, Cucumber and Red Algae, which moisturises and soothes the skin overnight, by the time you wake up next morning your skin is plumped up and beautiful tanned.

When it comes to body tanning you always get the first few days of perfectly tanned skin, then the tan starts to subside and the last few days before it completely washes off you are always left with tiny bits of remaining tan so this is where the Bronze Buffer comes in! It's  basically an exfoliating sponge that removes those tanning bits, which I'm also looking forward to try! 

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Luxury Mother's Day Gift Idea: Coco Mademoiselle!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Here is another gift suggestion for Mother's Day, which is just around the corner. When it comes to beauty gifts especially if you are pressed for time there is always the Chanel beauty counter! You can never go wrong with a beautiful Chanel fragrance and a matching bodycare product. Coco Mademoiselle is a scent that is typically associated with a younger woman, but it's all about the individual taste. Personally I prefer deeper and more sensual scents and my mom adores a scent that lingers freshness. Chanel has a variety of fragrances going from classic to youthful, with matching body lotions, body creams and body oils to choose from, which makes a rather neat gift. I love Chanel packaging, it looks chic and luxurious on the vanity or nightstand. So if you haven't sorted out a gift yet, why not treating your lovely mother to some Chanel!

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Loving Right Now: Astalift Jelly Aquarysta!

Hey Beauty Lovers! Last year I have reviewed Astalift Jelly Aquarysta but recently I have re-discovered it! Jelly Aquarysta is a rejuvenating concentrate, which is a powerful anti-aging serum. Jelly Aquarysta plumps the skin with collagen and peptides stimulating elastin production, which helps to promote smooth and radiant looking skin. As you can see it has an orange jelly texture and you only need a small pearl amount to cover face and neck. It comes with a tiny scoop, first warm the small amount of the jelly in your palms and after it has emulsified into an oil gently apply it onto the skin. 

The Jelly is super lightweight, which for my oily/combo acne prone skin is a major plus point as I don't like anything heavy feeling, which could potentially clog the pores. And I had no break-out problems at all. So it's great for all skin types as it moisturises the skin and feels really light. And I absolutely love the gentle and luxurious rose scent! It makes a perfect spring serum that injects some freshness and glow into your skin!

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New Launch: Diptyque Skincare Review!

Hey Beauty Lovers! I'm super excited about Diptyque's new launch this month, now they have entered the skincare market!! Their scented candles are just timeless and sumptuous, and that's what they are mostly known for. There is something very iconic about the luxurious perfumery that Diptyque candles are associated with, so of course as you can imagine the skincare line has the most lavish scent! Here I have four products in the sample sizes that I have used a couple of times and now want to share my absolute l-o-v-e. 

First of all I love the chic and clean looking packaging, it's simple yet elegant. The scent is just wonderful, if you love roses you will absolute adore the Diptyque skincare. All of these products have this gorgeous rose scent, it's not over-powering however. I find this rose scent quite playful and opulent. Nourishing Cleansing Balm as you can see has a bamly nourishing texture, after massaging it into the skin wash it of with a flannel or just warm water. When it comes in contact with water is just melts away getting rid of all the impurities.

Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay for the Face has a finely milled texture and it takes cleaning an extra step by exfoliating clogged pores and generally lifting off dead skin cells to reveal a youthful and glowing complexion. Infused Facial Water for the Face is in effect a tonic that soothes the skin that has been thoroughly cleansed and it feels like the most precious rose water. And as the final step I then applied the Protective Moisturising Lotion for the Face, which has a super lightweight texture. 

I have oily/combo acne prone skin and my skin had absolute no problem, on contrary in the morning my skin looked really clear and actually less oily than usual. The entire Diptyque skincare routine feels really luxurious and gives you that at-home-spa experience, it feels like a real treat for your skin!

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