Category Archives: beauty

Lady in Red

29th October 2013
I’m fussy when it comes to perfume and tend to have one or two signature scents I know I can rely on. Still, when Oriflame announced the launch of “My Red” by Demi Moore (I don’t think I’ve ever owned a celebrity fragrance before) I was intrigued as the description was quite simply, seductive as was the gorgeously bright, simply and yet somehow sexy bottle.

The perfume was created in collaboration with Demi Moore and renowned perfumer Vincent Schaller. 
Featuring a very special and rare variety of jasmine – red jasmine – My Red is a magnetising fragrance which invokes a notion of sensuality, Hollywood glamour and elegance.

Red jasmine is symbolic of the notions of attachment and sensuality. With its bold and confident scent, My Red is for women who dare to make a statement and who dream of being admired, irresistible and truly magnetising.

Renowned A-list actress, Demi Moore, is the face and inspiration for the exclusive My Red Eau de Parfum. Demi’s strength, talent and incomparable beauty fascinate men and women from all walks of life. With her beauty and talent casting a spell over audiences around the globe, she is a true femme fatale, making her the perfect inspiration for the exclusive My Red.

Prized for its simple beauty and sweet fragrance, women in different cultures have worn jasmine flowers in their hair for centuries, solidifying its reputation as the bloom of choice among modest, elegant and graceful women.

The red jasmine notes are floral, sophisticated and even more opulent than other jasmine varieties with more fruity, sensual and addictive facets, giving this fragrance a more contemporary and audacious signature.

When blending this rare ingredient with white flowers, cranberry and juicy granny smith apples, a beautiful, magnetic and opulent aroma is unveiled.


Both Jasmine and apples are some of my favourite scents so it was pretty much a sure bet I’d love this perfume, but you never can tell until you’ve worn it for a day or so which is exactly what I have been doing. In fact I’ve worn it non stop for the last week and at this rate I’ll be on my second bottle by Christmas.
It’s not too heavy so perfect for every day but it has enough weight to be more suited to the winter months than my usual light and floral fragrances.
Currently the perfume is available at a special price of £20.95 for a 50ml bottle, the normal RRP will be £30.95 from November 9th so now is a good time to snap this up (Christmas present anyone?)
To find your nearest supplier or to order online just visit the Oriflame website– I’ve become pretty obsessed!
What’s your favourite scent?
xxx
I was sent this perfume for review purposes.

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Beauty Brilliance- Winter Skin Heros

03rd October 2013
Everyone has experienced the pain and dryness of winter skin. Chapped feeling eyes, lips and cheeks are no fun and I’ve always struggled to prevent them (I have the type of skin that’s incredibly dry to start with).
I was recently sent two products that claim to help solve the issue, I’m always a bit wary of trying new products on my face as I’m quite prone to reactions but in the name of blogging and on the mission for skin comfort I gave these little tubes a chance.
First up was Rescue Serum from Defensil, £9.95 for a 50ml tube. This claims to moisturise and sooth the skin thanks to two magic ingredients- Cardiospemum seed and cold pressed Echium Oil, which when combined are meant to stabilise and regenerate the skin barrier as well as soothe any itching.
It all sounds very complicated and yet utterly wholesome at the same time- I can’t profess to fully understand all the science behind such things. What really matters to me is whether the product works (although it being more natural than chemical is always a bonus!)
I’ve been using the serum since the weekend and my skin is looking and feeling great! Obviously the real test will be when the coldest of cold weather hits but usually by the time October rolls around I am feeling some tightness and itching and so far I’ve had none. It applies like a dream, sinking in almost instantly and I can apply makeup straight away which is a must have quality for any product when I’m rushing around in the mornings.
I think I’m a fan and I look forward to seeing how it holds up in the months to come.
Next in the package was Dry Skin Eye Gel, £6.95 for a 15ml tube. This little product carries the mighty claim of being able to soothe the red, itchy and dry skin bought on by cold air, central heating and heavy makeup from the party season.
I’m not one for heavy makeup on a normal day but I do work around central heating and/or air conditioning and suffer with extra dry skin around my eyes, especially the eyelids. This is really gentle and has taken away some of the puffiness I get on my lids, too. I’m going to keep supplies of this in for December when the glitter eyeliner comes out…and for now continue to use it on a daily basis.
Have you tried either of these products before?
Both are available from SkinShop.co.uk
What are your winter skin saviours?
xxx

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Beauty Brilliance- Tarte Cosmetics

20th September 2013

Since I’ve decided to have more beauty posts on this here blog I thought I might as well do a beauty wishlist to go alongside it, it’s not something I’ve really done before but it wasn’t really a hardship, not when I read so many beauty blogs. Unfortunately for me, a lot of those blogs I read are based in the USA where they have a plethora of brands not easily obtainable over here (standard!) one of these being the beautiful looking and highly recommended Tarte Cosmetics.


Since I’ve decided to have more beauty posts on this here blog I thought I might as well do a beauty wishlist to go alongside it, it’s not something I’ve really done before but it wasn’t really a hardship, not when I read so many beauty blogs. Unfortunately for me, a lot of those blogs I read are based in the USA where they have a plethora of brands not easily obtainable over here (standard!) one of these being the beautiful looking and highly recommended Tarte Cosmetics.




The blusher, eyeshadow and foundation all come from the Amazonian Clay collectionwhere the products are infused with clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun. I’m not a beauty expert but this sounds pretty good for the skin and I would imagine it enhances colour pay off too. I’m desperate to try the 12-hour blush; the colours available look stunning and the packaging- don’t get me started on how gorgeous every Tarte Cosmetics product looks!
I’m turning in to a lip product fiend too, despite never actually remembering to wear it I hoard lipsticks like the world is going to run out. The lipstick above is called “bold” and looks like the perfect way to inject some colour in to the grey winter days. It’d also look pretty good nestled in my handbag- added bonus!

USA girls, what Tarte Cosmetics products would you recommend?
UK girls, is there ANYWHERE I can get this? I’m a bit makeup un-educated at times!


xxx

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Beauty Brilliance- Oriflame Master Curl Mascara

17th September 2013
As a girl who has always loved makeup I’ve slacked in the last couple of years and stopped making the effort.
In attempts to re-vamp the blog and add variety to my posts I’ve decided to introduce more beauty type posts and I’m starting off with my latest obsession- Oriflame Master Curl Mascara. 
I’m a bit of a Mascara fiend, although I always end up with the same brand and formula as I like a specific look and never seem to be able to get it with any other type.
I was offered a sample of Oriflame’s latest release and figured adding one more brand to my list of “tried and wasn’t right” wouldn’t hurt. As it happens this is one of the best mascaras I have ever used. That’ll teach me to write things off without giving them a chance!
The Press Release claims:

FOR FEMININE FLIRTATIOUS LASHES….. NEW ORIFLAME MASTER CURL MASCARA

Creating fabulous curvaceous lashes just became a little easier with the launch of Master Curl Mascara from Oriflame.

This new luxurious mascara will sculpt short, straight and subtle lashes into intense, full and ultra-precise ones that flick with the most perfect curl – at an impressive 43° angle*.

The innovative arched dual brush ensures that all lashes are coated evenly with the special curl-protect formula that cares for your lashes from the inside, as well as making them look Kelly Brook curvy from the outside for up to 14 hours**.

Oriflame Master Curl Mascara is rich in Vitamin E, which protects and nourishes eyelashes. Bees and carnauba wax strengthen the lashes and gives them vitality from root to tip.

Pack away those eye-lash curlers and get ready for flutter-able sky-high lashes with added curves.

Master Curl Mascara is available to purchase in the UK at a special launch price of £5.95. Normal RRP £8.95 from 28 September 2013 onwards.

Stockists – available through Oriflame’s nationwide network of Consultants. To find your nearest Consultant visit www.oriflame.co.uk.
Sounds impressive right? I did wonder if it was being over-sold here, as beauty products so often are (cynical, me?) but in the spirit of the blog and trying new things I gave it a go and the results were impressive.
One coat gave me lashes that usually takes two or three coats to achieve and I found the curved brush and formula of the mascara really easy to use. The pink packaging just helped seal the deal.


Sorry for the rubbish pictures (and smudged eye makeup) it was early this morning and that strange autumnal lighting.

So yes,
consider me a convert to another brand, adding range to my lash lengthening repertoire. I think the price is also pretty fantastic, even when it’s not on the special launch offer. £8.95 is in line with most brands you can get in Boots and Superdrug, perhaps less depending on which you favour.
In short, if you’re looking for a new mascara (or even if your not) this is certainly worth trying.

What’s your holy grail mascara?
Has anyone tried any other Oriflame products? They are a new to me brand.
xxx

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pretty pampering

13th June 2013
What’s a girl to do when she’s been ordered off work to rest her foot and is bored, in pain and just a little bit grumpy?
The answer is to dig out her prettiest products, sent via the lovely Panier des Sens en Provence and get pampering.
I was put in touch with this brand by the lovely Jill after admiring how gorgeous they were on her blog post. The folks at Ashleigh & Burwood, stockist of the brand were generous enough to send me over a couple of bits to try as well, and I can now see why she raved.
Not only are they very, very easy on the eye and worthy of being on display on any dressing table, they smell and feel amazing too. The Soothing Provence hand cream smells of citrus and summer days and makes my hands (and feet) feel silky smooth and loved.
The Energizing Verbena body lotion was the perfect treat for my dry and dull skin, less scented than the hand cream but not lacking in the performance department these products may cost more than I would typically pay (and yet are cheap compared to many a beauty blogger’s favourite brands) but I would re-purchase for how pleasing these are, both in aesthetics and pay off.
And with that, my silky soft skin and I are back off to work, hand cream in bag to rescue my hands after an over dose of alcohol gel and industrial strength soap.
What are your little luxuries or pick me ups for days when you feel a bit rubbish?
xxx

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