BVLGARI JASMIN NOIR

In my pre-last post I talked about eye shadow palette In the night that is perfect for creating smokey eyes and drama look when going out on Friday night. After that I realised that somewhere hidden in my beauty storage I have one of my all-time favorite perfumes - one I used to use only when going out for a party: Jasmin Noir by Bvlgari. 

Smelling this perfume after quite long time, I realised how much of memories, feelings and sentiment is hidden in this scent. I used to use this one when clubbing while at UNI. Memories, ach. I can't wear it now. Lots of things have changed and I changed, I am not party girl anymore and I am done with studying, Yet I still keep this perfume, hidden, of course and occasionally smell to bring back those sleepless nights, tasty coctails, midnight kisses and random sleepovers. 

What attracted me once to this scent is probably was the sensual and mysterious tone. It's a woody perfume (I love woody fragrances!) with floral notes, but the main scent is, of course, jasmine. Jasmine makes the whole experience tantalizing, addictive and that's why I was so madly in love with this perfume. Now, when thinking about it, I might try to come back, just for the old good times. Maybe not. But still, it's a gorgeous fregrance, seductive, sophisticated and sensual. And sexy. 

ESSIE NUDE DUO

I am a big lover of nude nails. Nude nails are my all time favorite - even my nail polish collections should be called 50 Shades of Nude, because when I see a nude nail varnish - I just have to have it. 

Last week I saw this gorgeous Essie Nude Duo. It was sold out in my local Boots all the time, so when I finally saw it's back at stock I just grabbed it. And I am so h-a-p-p-y about it. I know spring is coming, we all should cover our nails in cute pastel color coats, but for me this timne has not arriced yet. Ireland has been a bit rainy and coldish and no, I am not in the spring mood yet.

Essie In The Mood For Nude:

ballet slipper - very light, almost like white-ish shade with slightly pink hue in it. Very thin, so few layers needed. Looks bit cold on the pics (apologies). In real it's very light baby pink/white.

spin the bottle - very nude shade, almost skin-like. On nails, the color has slightly peachy undertones. It's gorgeous, very classic nude shade. Swoon. 

CLINIQUE DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT MOISTURIZER

Dear redears, I am very proud to introduce you to my new favorite moisturizer. Its name is Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion +. What a name! This little sunshine was around for some time, but now, after months of pursuing a good moisturizer, I finally decided to get my hands on CDDML+, haha. I tried few moisturizers in last couple months, mostly unhappy about them or expecting way too much. Expecting almost nothing, I took little sample in Boots and was nicely suprised. My skin was very soft and mainly, moisturized. I decided to purchase and just try. Reviews good. Brand good. If nothing, 125ml for a price of any other moisturizer is just great. 

Let me tell you something about my skin first. My skin is very dry, very rough, but during a day (and especially when wearing a makeup) it can get quite greasy. Las few weeks I have been suffering from acne, big nasty spots and zits (and yes I cried quite a lot). Cliniques moisturizes is supposed to help skin that is bit dry, bit dehydrated or combination skin. I guess I am in. Now back to the product.

Okay, it's yellow. I know, not very usual. Also, without any fragrance or perfume, but smells bit medicinal (trust factor!). The consistency is but surprising - it' s very light weighting, thin, almost runny - you would not expect much of hydration from it. The truth is opposite, it gives me the best hydration. My skin feels so great! It really does and it stays soft and hydrated all day. Also, my makeup just applies so much easier and I feel like me foundation lasts longer. Another great benefit is the adorable pump that comes with it and the fact you don't have to dive your fingers in a pot. Clap clap clap.

I can' t praise this product enough. It just became my favorite moisturizer and I don't feel like I'll be changing any time soon. 

PS: I changes few things in my skincare routine and let's say this moisturizer might be a biggest change. So it probably contributed to most to one more change in my skin - all my spots are gone, And scars are healing very fast (with combination or BioOil and my new night cream). Worth a try.

LUSH MINIHAUL

Passing around my beloved Lush shop today I just could not resist and  I had to walk in and smell the most beautiful smells and fragrances. Just walking in for a couple minutes made my mood lift. Once in I thought:"There is no harm in buying one or two little things, right?"

I was longing for something to add to my bath for a special pamper time. Something I haven't tried before that would smell gorgeous and make my evening bath an etraordinary experience, haha. So what did I pick up?

Dreamtime - Dreamtime is a luxury bath melt and as you might think from its name, this longer cube after melting promotes nights full of good sleep and sweet dreams. It consists of lavender and chamomile essential oils. To help you leave the day behind.

Amondopondo - the bubble bar. Amondopondo has white color, round shape and in the center there is a little rose. After melting not only it smells beautiful but fills your bath with crazy bubbles. Nice smelling bubbles. What you can smell is mostly lemon and rose, they help to soothe the emotions and bring the fresh outlook.

Tea Tree Toner Tab - something for the face. The rounded greyish bar with capital T is a toner. Bring water to boil, pour it into a bowl and let the toner bar to melt. Bend over the steamy bowl and cover your head with a towel. All the goodness ingredients like tea tree oils and aloe vera will open your pores  and let the dirt and grease go away. Detox for the skin and very interesting experience. 

New Charity Pot - Charity Pot is a pot full of hand and body lotion, again, smelling absolutely wonderful. Smells very floral and consists of moringa oil, rosewood oil or ylang ylang oil. I bought only a small pot but I will be coming back for a big one as it smells divine and 100% of the amount you pay for Charity Pot goes to good causes. 

What is your favorite Lush product?

VINTAGE PINK NAILS

How beautiful is that? I discovered Ballerina by Barry M. in the end of summer, but haven't used it since my purchase. I really liked the shade in the shop, but later at home the color did seem bit boring. So now, after few months I reached for Ballerina to find out that it's actually very nice color!

I would describe it as an old vintage pink, maybe like darker nude-pink. It's quite close to nude. Not a very bright shade, so quite good for this time of year. It's that kind of shade you can wear anytime though. Dried very quickly, two layers and lasted solid 4 days. As a top coat I used No Chip Top Coat by Sally Hansen, but I will be not repurchasing this one, so I am on a hunt for a new top coat! 

Any suggestions ?

TRUE BLOOD

Few weeks before Christmas I mentioned that I got a little L'Oreal box that was a present with my purchase of L'Oreal Nude Rose Pallette in Boots. And I finally got a chance to try the red nail polish I found inside and I tell you what..... I instantly fell in love. 

L'Oreal Color Riche 408 Exquisite Scarlet is the most beautiful shade of red I have ever seen. That kind of red every gal should have. My boyfriend described this shade as very sexy, haha. What I found out it is very easy to wear and looks really beautiful with white shirt or white jumper. 

The packaging is also very pretty, the gold lid makes the whole experience bit more posh and elegant. One layer is bit thin, but two layers are perfect. Lasts around 5+ days with top coat. I had this shade on my nails last three weeks.... yeah, big big love !

THE PERFUME (MISS DIOR)

I always loved quite spicy and woody scents. Floral perfumes just were not for me, althought sometimes I quite liked some floral perfumes. I absolutely hated the fruity ones and the very sweet ones (even in the summer) and all the sporty scents.... were not for me at all. Always attracted by very feminine scents with accords of patchuli or santal wood, I had some very favorite perfumes I loved: Burberry Body or Bvlgari Jasmin Noir. 

Then I smelled this. I bet everyone knows Miss Dior, because of the most beautiful looking bottle with a little bow on the top. And I have to say that this scent is absolutely gorgeous. It is described as a scent for a young woman, who is feminine and elegant, but yet still very joyfull, enjoying her freedom and independence, looking for love.

Miss Dior a very pure scent, described as chypre-floral with blossoming rose as a heart, elegant pachouli as a base and top notes are fresh neroli. 

SUPERFACIALIST MASK (THE BEST)

You guys already know that I am a big lover of all hair and facial masks. Nothing makes me feel better than spending some precious time pampering either my hair or my skin. Recently I have suffered from some hormonal spots/acne. My skin was (and still kinda is) in a very bad condition, Every morning I woke up with 10 new spots, big red ones. I have never had any troubles with spots or acne before (so why now when I am 25?!). Even my Effaclar Duo was hopeless. That´s how I knew something bad was going on with my hormones. I have also troubles with my thyroid and have to take tablets to help my hormones to be okay. So I guess this horrible breakout was nothing I could do about it. Or prevent it. 

On the other hand, there are some products that actually help. One of them is this Superfacialist by Una Brennan Anti Blemish Pore Purifying Clay Mask. And I would like to definitely recommend it, because it helped me a lot. It makes really difference. How I use it: twice a week (sometimes even more often, I admit) I spread quite a thick layer all over my face and let it work for some time, usually an hour minimum. Then I take a damp face cloth and gently remove it all from my face. After this my face is superclear, really. No other mask ever made feel like "Yeah, now I know my skin is really clean". My skin is also glowing. Like super radiant and glowing like I just had a good workout. The spots that were already red and pink and big are smaller and less red. And when I touch my face, I can feel the difference too. So soft and silk, but very firm at the same time. What I really appreciate, though, is the effect it has on my spots. They are better afterwards. No, they don´t miraculously disappear (those who suffer from acne know it is an utopia), but they are just less aggressive, less red, less visible, less painful.  

I will definitely repurchase. Superfacilict is a good quality cosmetic, one of the best brands you can buy in drugstore I would say. Currently my number 1 facial mask, haven´t been using any other for few weeks. 

VICTORIA'S SECRET PINK HAUL

I am so sorry; I know I haven't posted anything for a long time. Apologies, the moving process was just too exhausting, getting things ready and tidying up, I was so busy with the apartment. But now, I would like to share with you what I bought when shopping in VS PINK in London. I just went absolutely crazy there, fell in love with Victoria' s Secret and I just wanted to buy everything. Already thinking about ordering more things from the internet soon. But first, let me show you what I got.

"I woke up like this" nightie in coral pink with golden letters. I will sleep like an angel !

PINK baseball top with long sleeves in grey and black. Perfect for casual days.

PINK grey leggins. The best leggins I've ever had. Thought about wearing them to the gym but they actually look good with jumper or long tee. 

Casual grey tee with short sleeves and V neck. So perfect!

Panties. Knickers. Underwear. Of course. Look at the gems and lace and colors. BEAUTIFUL.

More panties. More lace. More colors. 

Black and Nude wear everywhere push up bras. 

Home slippers. So cute. And warm! 

And the heaven. Oh, I just love these, they all smell amazing. Having a bath in the evening and using these after is such a pamper! 

Do you like Victoria's Secret? Do you have any experience with ordering from the VS eshop? Any comments welcomed!

IN LOVE WITH CHAMPAGNE PINK

I just have a huge crush on color, if that is possible. It started with a birthday present I got from my boyfriend: rose gold watch. This watch has been on my wishlist for some time and having my 25th birthday in December (getting older here!) I finally got them. Then I just bought new earrings in matching color: rose gold/ champagne pink pearls. I found these in H&M, this set I picked contains 4 pairs of pearls in different sizes, perfect.

Another present for my birthday was Swarovski Miss Aura, amazing perfume! I instantly fell in love. The smell is so unusual and so unique, but so easy to wear at the same time. It is mostly floral perfume, with hint of rose and patchuli. The packaging is stunning too. At the top of the bottle, there is this big crystal and again, the color is such a nice rose gold /champagne pink color, elegant yet girlish. Miss Aurora is sold in Sephora.

Looking at my presents, I realized I had two beautiful pinkish nail polishes, perfect to match the goodies mentioned above. I haven’t used them in months, maybe years. And I realized I forgot how absolutely stunning they look. I don’t really fancy shimmering shades, but these are just gorgeous, good for this festive season. One of them is Rimmel Ethereal 801, a shimmering very light pink shade. The other one is Gabrielle Salvate in shade 157, very similar but little bit more pearl and pinkish shade.

VITAMIN E TONER

There are not many affordable toners out there and when you find some, you just want to give it a try thinking it might be actually good one. I have tried a few and I am still looking for the best one. But Vitamin E Hydrating Toner by The Body Shop is worth to be mentioned because it is efinitely a good one. I tried few different toners I found in TBS, but this one is probably the best one TBS can offer. I quite like the whole Vitamin E range because it is suitable for sensitive skin.

This toner is really great for dehydrated and dry skin as it gives your skin a big moisture boost (more then different products). Like I said, it is tailored for sensitive skin so it is not harsh at all. No itching, no redness. There is no scent or odeur, another big plus. It has also a magic power to remove remaining dirt from your already cleansed skin (haha). Sometimes I think it maybe makes my T-Zone bit more oily/ shiny. The consistency is bit thicker comparing to other toners. To use it just tap few drops on a cotton pad and apply all over face, followed by moisturiser. 

Overall it is a very good toner, quite affordable for £8,50 and does the job. Leaves the skin clean refreshed and really hydrated. I will probably repurchase, but now I am looking for a toner that could help to reduce my spots. I am already using La Roche Posay cleansing lotion and it does miracles! What toner do you use? 

BEST BODY BUTTER

Aaaaaaaand it´s gone...... It´s unbelievable how quickly I am out of this product everytime. Don´t get me wrong, the pot is not small, more like a normal size. But after every purchase I just need to use this butter like daily.  The texture is so soft and it´s so easy to spread, dries in few seconds and moisturises for more then 24 hours. But I bet you have already heard about Body Butters by The Body Shop, because they are well known and praised by so many people that it´s impossible not to know about these. 

I just love them. This Almond scent is my favourite one, then I also like Moringa scent and Cocoa is absolutely gorgeous also. They are bit pricey, pot for 13£, but I usually pick up many when there is some bargain deal like 40% off or sale 5£ per piece and trust me, that happens quite often. One can make a nice present, it would definetely make me happy to get few more for Christmas. Especially some with the Christmas themed scents like Frosted Cranberry or Glazed Apple. Yummy!

EFFACLAR

Thinking about my skin when I was teenager and I must say I was a lucky gal. Tiny spot here and there, sometimes little bit of redness but in general my skin was okay. No special treetments, no special needs, no special diets. Just little bit of Clean and Clear, Nivea cream and lets go out partying. That is how it used to be when I was fifteen. I am turning 25 in few weeks and every other week my face turn into mine field and I look like patient zero of some horrible spotty disease. Taping the spots with little bit of tea tree oil didn´t seem to be efficient enough and my passion for squezing every imperfection on my face left me looking like a girlish version of Scarface. Almost crying every time I see myself in the mirror. 

"It´s not that bad," my mum always says, when she recommends to throw all the chocolate bars, pints and crisps in to the bin. Eat an apple she says. Or kale. Avoiding all guilty treats, yet still my face looks like I am in trouble. "Probably hormonal," I was told by Clinique specialist. And recommended to visit a doctor. Ain´t nobody got time for it, so I did a little Sherlock job at the blogosphere and found out there might be a savior (understand everything called Effaclar). 

Since day 1 I have been in love with this couple. I say couple because I just use these two together in the morning and in the evening as well. Basically, these two little buddies are a miracle. I noticed super progress in getting rid of all the spots, blackheads and little red spots. Today is the day 21 and I already feel my skin is so much better. So far I had only one "sore" spot. Really. And I used to have like five at once. Crazy, I know. If you are desperate, but still want to keep it simple and pill less, go for La Roche Posay Effaclar. Effaclar Duo is 40ml cream you can use in the morning and in the evening as well. It contains some super goodies to eliminate all the bad stuff going on in your skin. If you want to go for a really healthy skin, pick up Effaclar toner and I use it to get rid of the dirt and oil. There is also a facewash Effaclar - for a complete antiblemish skincare routine, but I have not tried that one yet. But I could swear by the first two mentioned products, indeed. In love.

ALOE VERA PROTECTIVE RESTORING MASK

What could I tell you about this Aloe Vera Protective Restoring Mask (what a long name!)? I tried it few weeks ago for the first time and I was so surprised. I accidently left it on my face for 50 minutes (while watching Sons of Anarchy - new addiction & star crush. During that time the mask just soaked in and became almost invesible. After rinsing - oh - I experienced amazingly soft and silky and smooth skin. The feeling after was just so so so amazing - exactly what I was looking for. I tried to use this mask several times after, leaving it on for maybe 10-15 minutes, which was okay, but! after experiencing wonders, I think the key is to let it soak properly and leave it on for as much as possible.

 I put my hands on this one because I was looking for something on the restorative side - let' s face, it's not all about exfoliating and deep cleansing and let' s give the old good skin some extra love. And probiotics. That' s on the lid - and I think that' s also what caught my eye. Not too thick, not too thin, without any fragrance but loaded with probiotics.

This week, my skin is just being very mean to me and I think this one will see the showtime many many times more. My advice - let it soak, soak, soak. And then just wipe with warm face cloth. Serum. Moisturizer. And you done. Your thirsty skin will love it.

A bit pricey one, but trust me, the tiny pot will last ages. Also, The Body Shop have some promotion all the time, either on the website or on voucher websites. Go and treat yourself. You deserve it. 

WARMING MINERAL MASK

I was on the lookout for a good facial mask. I do not say perfect, I say a good one. That is because I wanted something not too pricey, but yet still quite effective. And let´s be honest, there ain´t many of masks like these. Either they are usually quite expensive (oh, like the Origins ones on my wishlist) or you don´t see a difference after using. Or worse, your skin feels even worse after the treatmant. And no one wants that, right? 

So I have dacided to pick up my one in The Body Shop. First thing you should now - I really do love TBS. So much. Half of my skincare is TBS. And no, I am not sponsored by TBS, haha. I just love the products, they all smell so good and my skin feel so good after using any product. No bad experience - so far. But back to the masks. I browsed the website in pursuit of my good facial mask. My skin is bit dry, sometimes you can find a spot (or two), sometimes it´s bit oily, there are few scars, not too many wrinkles.... Just was not sure what I am actually looking for. 

And then I found it, the proper spa treatment. The Warming Mineral Mask. Yes, guys, it´s really warming and by warming I mean it´s hot during the application (but not way too hot). You can feel the heat on your fingers and on your skin also. It is very pleasant, good and it feels like it is really working. The consistency is thick, white and bit sticky. The smell is very nice, not very intensive though, more neutral. I usually leave on for around  15 - 20 minutes. The mask does not dry out on your face, so there is no exact moment when you should wash it out. It is a cleansing mask and it is for all skin types, and I really think after trying that is OK for everyone. I usually use twice a week or more when I am feeling like my skin needs an extra cleansing or extra treat (20 minutes spa session, haha).

My opinion? I am very happy with the results. I feel like my skin is more clean everytime, more radiant, more fresh and more happy. I would definetely recommend in case you are looking for a good cleansing mask. I will keep using this one as the price is very friendly - 10 pounds (but check the website - there is some cool deal everytime!), one 100 ml "bottle" lasts quite long and I can really see the results - clean and fresh skin.

THE SERUMS

I think about a serum as a secret fighter. They are usually applied underneath the moisturizer for the special "something". And by something I means hydration, protection, healing, brightening etc. The truth is serums are huge now. Everybody is talking about them and it seems like everyone is using one. Or two. Or even more. To be honest, I am not that sure about if we really do need them so "desperately", but I rather picked up two (just so I don' t regret later, when I am old with super-wrinkled face and neck).I will share my opinions about the two serums I picked. 

I use Hydraluron from Indeed Labs in the morning and The Body Shop Serum Vitamin E in the evening. I always apply them one step before my moisturizer. I picked up Hydraluron, because all over the internet every beauty blogger proudly owns one and praise that product as a Holy grail of the Beauty World. I have been using my Hydraluron for one month now and just started to see the results recently. To decsribe the product a bit: It´s see throug-gel like-sticky cream. Almost like a glue. You need just tiny bit to cover your face. After the application, it seems a bit sticky on your skin. And then, you defo need to apply the moisturizer (Hydraluron never replaces moisturizer). The purpose of this serum is to keep your face skin hydrated for longer ("moisture boost" they say). Not sure how it really works, but basically there is this (natural) hyaluronic acid that holds all the water in your skin. I think. I think last two weeks I have noticed that my skin is really nourished, hydrated and feels so good when I touch it (not so often, I promise). But guys first two weeks I had so many spots and acne all over my face. To be honest, not sure if it's from Hydraluron or not, but my skin had been excellent last few months without any spots, so. And Hydraluron was the only change in my skincare routine, so. But after surviving these two weeks of absolut desperation and spotty face, it started to improve the condition (and I hope it will be better and better!).

But it's a good stuff and bit pricey as well - you can pick one in Boots for 24,90 (Currently 16,66 pounds!).

The other miracle is from The Body Shop, costs something about 11,99 pounds and it is overnight serum. I use this one in the evening after my toner and before my moisturizer. I chose this one as it claims to vanish all the scars (and I have many of them from my teenage not so clever spot squeezing, bad me!). I have been using this serum for couple of weeks as well, and I actually like it very much. I think it really helps my skin, makes it feel more soft, pamepered and nourished. Not sure so far about the scars, but I think this issue needs more time. But so far, I have really good feeling about this. It' s very liquidy, clear and smells nice/purely and it' s full of vitamin E (another quite hyped beauty term). After first application, I was bit concerned about this very liquidy consistency, but I got used to it. Overall, I think we will be very good friends with Vitamin E serum. 

Anyone else experienced breakage after first days of Hydraluron? (or is my skin absolutely mad?)

What serums do YOU use? (come one, very curious here:)

Caitriona