DIVYA THOMPSON: Autumn

Wednesday, 12 November 2014

Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil

I've always loved using facial oils, they balance combination and oily skin and add much needed moisture to dry skins while being such a pleasure to use. The Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil is no exception, it boasts great ingredients, a blend of 10 natural oils such as olive, avocado and jojoba which have been blended to closely replicate the skin's natural sebum.

I've been using it for about 6 weeks now and it's managed to keep dry, sensitive, winter skin at bay. My skin feels soft and healthy, which is very unusual for me at this time of year! I've been using it 2-3 times a week and I don't ever feel like it's too greasy or that it just sits on the skin. It always sinks right in and smells of lavender which makes it very relaxing to use last thing at night.

If I was being really fussy I'd have to say that my one issue with it is the packaging. There is no pump or pipette dispenser like other oils, just an open 'pour' top which almost always means product ends up getting wasted. The thin plastic bottle and lid also feels a little disappointing compared to other oils in this price range which would usually come in a glass bottle. That said you do get a whopping 60ml of product rather than the usual 30ml so I guess you win some, you lose some! All in all it's a great product, definitely worth a try!

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Object of Desire: Rachel Zoe Shiloh Cutout Jumpsuit

Rachel Zoe Shiloh Cutout Jumpsuit

It's no secret I love pieces I consider to be 'wardrobe essentials'. Although a jumpsuit isn't necessarily something that would fall into that category I absolutely love this one for how versatile it is. It could easily be dressed up or down and I can definitely see it becoming something I'd wear for a long time!

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NOTD #30

I always love a good neutral nail varnish, they're definitely my fail safe. Usually I tend to go for the slightly lighter, skin tone-esque shades but today I went for a slightly darker grey toned brown in the form of Barry M Nail Paint in Mushroom. The cooler tones in this shade some how make it seem more seasonally appropriate now that it's autumn. I'm expecting to get a lot of wear out of this in the coming weeks as it goes with everything and the formula is pretty good too!

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Skinted or Minted?

Mango - Double-Breasted Wool-Blend Coat

Stella McCartney Gordon Wool-Blend Felt Coat

The leaves are starting to yellow and the weather is definitely getting colder so naturally my thoughts are starting to turn towards winter coats. I like to add a new one to my wardrobe every few years, something that will last that amount of time both in terms or wear and looking current. England being England, I'll probably be wearing it almost everyday from September to April so it needs to go with everything. I've been searching high and low for something classic, black, minimal and not too fitted, so I can wear a cosy jumper underneath if need be. These ones fit the bill exactly. The Mango number has already been ordered online and is on it's way to me as we speak!

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Clarins 'Special' Eye Contour Balm Review

When it comes to eye creams, I'm quite a newbie. I've only really been using them for the last year and so I haven't tried very many. They are definitely the area of skincare that I know the least about! That said, I have found one that I really love, it's the Clarins 'Special' Eye Contour Balm. So what's special about it? It's a richer version of their regular Eye Contour Balm so it's much better for drier skins in need of an extra moisture boost.

As I've mentioned before, the skin around my eyes often gets really dry, tight and uncomfortable in the colder months and this is the only thing that manages to make them feel normal again. I use a rice sized amount and pat it around the eye area using my ring finger every night and it usually gets rid of any soreness or dryness come morning. If I've been outdoors or my eyes are feeling extra dry then I even use it in the day time, even though it's a super rich formula it still allows concealer to sit nicely on top of it under then eyes. I tend to skip eyeshadow if I'm using it though, mostly because when my eyes are dry and sore the last thing I want to do is put unnecessary products onto them! That said, if you wanted to, a bit of eyeshadow primer would stop any shadow creasing.

All in all, it's a wonderful product that I would recommend to anyone with dry skin or eczema around their eyes. I can't really comment on the 'softens fine lines' claim as I don't have any yet, I'll get back to you on that one in a few years time! The tube is a very generous size for an eye cream and because you use such a tiny amount it last absolutely ages. I've been using the same tube I bought last winter every night since then and I've only used about a quarter of the tube which makes it great value for money!

Do you use an eye cream in your skin care routine?

Botanics Facial Oil 100% Organic Review

Usually I'd wait at least 6 weeks before reviewing a skincare product, that usually gives it enough time to prove itself. With the Botanics 100% Organic Facial Oil I had to make an exception, I just couldn't resist! I've been using it a mere 3 weeks and I'm already seeing such amazing results that I felt them just too good not to share!

First of all, let me just mention the price, with most high end facial oils costing from 35 upwards and most high street/drugstore versions being laden with mineral oil and therefore not worth the effort. This one seems to contain ingredients good enough to rival the most expensive of facial oils but for a mere 9.99, and as if that's not good enough it's currently on half price at just 4.99!

So what's in it? Sweet Almond Oil, Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil and Bergamot Fruit Oil as well as lots of other skin loving ingredients. Rosehip oil is particularly good for fading hyper-pigmentation so if you have old spot scars, sun damage or any uneven skin tone this would work very well for you.

The instructions say to work a couple of drops into the skin morning and night but I find the finish to be a bit too dewy for me in the day time, perhaps that should be reserved for just those with very dry skin. I tend to skip the day dose and double up on the night one, 4 drops massaged into the face and neck until it has completely sunk in, leave it a few minutes (while I brush my teeth), then follow with my usual night time moisturiser.

In just the 3 weeks that I've been using it, I've noticed an incredible improvement in moisture levels and skin texture, my skin gets very dehydrated during the cold winter months and even has a tendency to turn into eczema if left unattended. This has managed to keep that completely at bay, with not a single dry patch in sight. It has also left my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth come morning. It has also noticeably faded some relatively new spot scars and I'm hoping with continued use it will start to make an effect on the older ones too.

All in all it is an incredible product that I would recommend to absolutely everyone! I just can't rave about it enough!

November Favourites

This month I've been continuing to love most of the products I featured in last month's favourites post, obviously I didn't want to repeat myself so here are a few other things I've been loving!

I've been absolutely loving my Caudalie Grape Water (full review), as the weather gets colder, my skin gets dryer and this has been a great life saver. It's great if you need a boost of moisture over the top of makeup.

My absolute worst spot for winter dry skin is around my eyes, they start to feel sensative and uncomfortable and the Clarins Special Eye Contour Balm is the only eye cream that seems to nip it in the bud. I usually just use this as night but when my eyes are extra dry I use it in the day as well.

A rushed morning where makeup was done in the car and mascara was forgotten lead to the purchase of Miss Sporty Fabulous Lash Xtra Black Lash Building Mascara, and I'm so glad because I love it. It's not the quickest to use but it's really buildable and gives great separation. Plus it's cheap as chips. (full review)

Avon Advance Techniques Nourishing Argan Oil Leave in Treatment has been used non stop since I bought it. It tames frizz and moisturises hair in one step. I use it pre blow dry or just on the ends as a touch up. (full review)

I've been continuing to love both my Avon 8 in 1 eye palette and MUA Undressed Palette this month, often being a bit bolder with a bronze or chocolate smokey eye. My Natural Collection Lipstick in Rose Bud has been a perfect partner to that, it pulls the whole look together really nicely without making it look over done. Definitely a 'my lips but better' type shade.

Last up is Avon Rare Gold Eau De Parfum, I bought this a few winters ago and everytime the weather gets colder I seem to pull it out and fall in love with it all over again. It's a very warm, rich grown up scent that smells much more expensive than it is! Keep your eyes peeled for a full review coming soon!

What have you been loving this month?

Redken All Soft Supple Touch Review

This little gem, Redken All Soft Supple Touch has been my autumn/winter hair saviour. At times when the elements have been against me this has been well and truly on my side!

Miserable weather over here usually consists of rain, drizzle or just a general dampness in the air. Which means my naturally curly hair frizzes up like crazy and resembles a dead animal on my head! That's where this wonderful product comes in, described as a softening cream-spray for dry/brittle hair, a few quick spritizes smoothes out frizz and leaves a gentle wave behind instead, it's also really moisturising so it works a bit like a leave in conditioner as well.

I often use it post hair serum, pre blow dry but mostly I use it for frizzy touch ups. When the weather is really bad this travels around with me in my handbag! On the rare occasions that I do wear my hair curly this works as a brilliant second day curl reviver.

The only downside to this product? The pump spray seems to get clogged up quite often, which is really annoying! I've unclogged it with a pin a few times but when I'm in a rush I've had to resort to unscrewing the top, pouring a bit out, and working it into my hair with my hands, not ideal, but still a great product.

Chanel Coco Body Cream Review

When it comes to all round luxury, no one does it quite like Chanel, they really bring it on all fronts, packaging, formulas, fragrances and colours.

I was lucky enough to receive their Coco Body Cream as a gift a while ago and I absolutely love it. It really is the ultimate body cream, in fact think of it as a 2 in 1, fragrance and moisturiser. Just rubbing this stuff onto your hands and arms is enough to leave you with that lovely Coco fragrance all day. No perfume necessary.

The cream itself is really rich and moisturising, you only need the tiniest amount and it leaves the skin with a beautifully subtle, dewy sheen.

The fragrance to me is the ultimate winter scent, while I find the Eau De Parfum and even the Eau De Toilette versions of this scent to be too overpowering for my liking, I find this one to be perfect. It's a very rich, warm, grown up scent which has a musky powderiness about it while still being contemporary. If you generally tend to prefer light, fresh fragrances then this probably isn't for you. It's definitely a fragrance you could describe as heady. Here's what's in it,

Top Notes - Angelica, Mimosa, Frangipani and Mandarin

Heart Notes - Cascarilla, Orange Flower, Bulgarian Rose and Jasmine

Base Notes - Labdanum, Ambrette Seed, Opopanax, Benzoin, Tonka and Vanilla

Although I find it a bit too heavy most of the year, I absolutely love it during the colder months. I've been using it for a few years now and I associate the scent with the coming of Christmas!

Skinted or Minted? Winter Florals

Skinted

Shirt Dress - Mango

Watch - River Island

Jumper - New Look

Headband - Asos

Trousers - Asos

Blouse - Oasis

Dress - Love

Minted

Top - Giambattista Valli

Sweatshirt - Christopher Kane

Coat - Red Valentino

Sweatshirt - House of Hackney

Dress - Alice + Olivia

Bag - Paul Smith

Autumn Nail Edit

It's no secret that I'm quite into nails so I thought I'd put together an edit of my favourite autumn nail shades. Here's what made the cut!

Avon Nailwear Pro in Perfectly Flesh

This nude shade works really well with my skintone, it looks good all year round really but it's a particularly nice option in the autumn for when you don't wan't something dark.

YSL La Laque No 37 (discontinued)

This dark inky blue looks stunning on short nails, it's black in some light but has just a hint of navy. It's been filling the Essie After School Boy Blazer sized hole in my collection nicely.

Chanel Le Vernis 509 Paradoxal

A two toned grey and purple that somehow has a neutral quality about it and seems to go with everything. The formula isn't great, as with all Chanel varnishes, but the colour is spot on.

Essie Aperitif

Quite possibly my favourite polish of all time, this is another one that works well all seasons, but particularly autumn and winter. An ever so slightly darker take on a classic red that you just can't go wrong with.

Nails Inc Ledbury Road

A concrete grey with a subtle metallic finish that I can't help but love in spite of generally being someone who sticks to cream finishes. It only needs one coat, and is super glossy making it a great last minute nail option that adds a little somethin' somethin' to an otherwise boring outfit.

Sephora Colour Hit Nail Lacquer in Will you Jump?

An amazingly rich royal blue which is bang on trend that I just can't seem to stop staring at when it's on my nails. I love these polishes, the brush is great, the formula is great and there's a huge variety of shades.

What have you been wearing on your nails this autumn?

October Favourites

I hate to start a favourites post with a cliche, but I really can't believe october is over already! Christmas will be here before we know it and I am in no way prepared! But then, that's what november is for! Anyway, on with the favourites!

The first thing I've been loving and using no end of this month is the Palmers Coco Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil (Full review here). When the weather turns colder, my skin really starts to suffer, so I've been slathering this on post bath/shower to keep skin soft and hydrated.

Next is Yardley London Peony Body Spray, if you're thinking, Isn't Yardley for grannies? I'll forgive you, because I thought the same. Then I spotted this and because I love the scent of peonies, I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did because I love it. I believe they make an Eau De Toilette as well which I'm planning on tracking down.

My Avon 8 in 1 Eye Palette in In the Nudes has been used non stop this month, I did a full review with swatches earlier on in the month which you can see here. It contains a selection of matte and shimmery neutral shades housed in a compact the same size as my iPhone, perfect for traveling. The formula is really good too, very pigmented and buttery soft!

Next is the Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder which I've been using constantly since my beloved (and discontinued) Chanel bronzer breathed it's last. It's the perfect shade, brown enough to add definition and ever so slightly orangey, just enough to warm up your face without leaving you looking like an Oompa Lumpa.

I've been being rather brave recently and rocking a dark berry lip, see it in action here. My lipstick of choice has been Avon Mega Impact Lipstick in Divine Wine, which suits my skin tone really well, looking autumnal rather that gothic. It has a smooth formula which lasts really well on the lips.

Last but not least I've been piling on The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter during the evenings and at night, the extremely nourishing formula helps to counteract the dryness which often goes hand in hand with wearing dark, long lasting lip colours.

What products have you been loving this month?

Skinted or Minted? Leather Jackets

Skinted

Dove Grey - Whistles

Quilted Sleeve - Mango

Tan - Oasis

Black Basic - New Look

Black Angled - Whistles

Navy - Muubaa

Black with Double Studds - Selected Foama

Black with Faux Fur Collar - Asos

Minted

Black Relaxed - J Brand

Grey - DKNY

Black Structured - Oak

Royal Blue - Alexander McQueen

Patent Contrast - Victoria Beckham

Leather and Jacquard - Helmut Lang

Matte Black - Current/Elliott

Black Basic - Proenza Schouler

Review - The Body Shop Hemp Face Protector

I'm generally a lover of all things from The Body Shop, and this brilliant moisturiser is no exception. Come the colder months, there are a few skincare items I like to add into my routine to keep moisture levels up and dreaded dryness (and eczema) at bay. I find prevention is most definitely better than cure!

One of these products is The Body Shop Hemp Face Protector, it's a brilliant skin hydrator that's ultra gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin. It's quite rich so I tend to use it as a night cream, although I have on occasion used it in the day as well, as it sits well under makeup.

The great thing about it is, despite being a rich and nousishing cream, it leaves skin with a really natural looking finish, not at all shiny or greasy, it just sinks straight in.

If you have dry/very dry skin which has a tendency to be sensitive, or if you have eczema or psoriasis, I would definitely recommend giving this a try!

Cosy Up!

Camel Wrap Cardigan - Asos

Hot Water Bottle - John Lewis

Cream Cropped Jumper - Asos

Cinnamon Stick Candle - Yankee Candle

Fairisle Boot Slippers - Accessorize

Grey Sweatpants - Asos

Pom Pom Socks - Asos

Checked Throw - Marks & Spencers

Oh Boy!

When it comes to dressing I usually keep it pretty simple, jeans and T-shirts with an occasional pair of heels here and there. When I do make a bit more of an effort it's usually a bit more girly, I love vintage dresses and the odd statement necklace.

Brogues were never really something that caught my eye but in the summer I thought I'd try something different and picked up a couple of pairs. If you live in England, you'll know we had a sweltering summer, so I ended up sticking to ballerinas, my usual shoe of choice as well as lots of sandals, and my poor new Brogues were soon pushed to the back of the wardrobe and forgotten.

Not any more! Now that the weather has well and truly turned, I've dug them out and they have so far been my autumn shoe of choice. They add great edge to an otherwise too girly outfit! I bought the Cream Pair from Asos, and the metallic pair from New Look, similar pair here.

What do you think of Brogues?

FOTD #1

I've always loved reading Face of the Day posts but never felt quite brave enough to do one. Today I felt a bit brave so I said, why not? bit the bullet, and went for it! I thought for my first one I'd keep it simple and show you a look I've been wearing a lot lately. It's my version of an autumnal look with berry lips and cheeks.

So here's what I used! I started with L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer which I spoke a bit about in my Project Use Up post. It takes a bit of working in with fingers but smoothes out the skin and makes makeup last all day.

I then worked The Body Shop's Extra Virgin Minerals Cream Compact Foundation in 408 Rose Caramel into my skin using a Real Techniques Buffing Brush, this foundation is quite thick so I always remove any excess from the brush first. It gives a good finish and moisturises dry skin.

Next I hid dark under eye circles using the tiniest bit of MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC45, a little goes a long way with this concealer so use it sparingly under the eyes, too much and it will just crease. I apply it with the Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush, which is perfect because you can really get into the corner under the eye where most of the darkness is.

I then dusted on some of Benefit's Dallas Blusher onto cheeks and into the cheekbone hollows, it's a dusky plum colour so it really brightens up the face as well as bringing out cheekbones. I then added a bit of Sephora Highlighting Compact Powder in Golden onto the tops of cheekbones and along the centre on the nose, all using the Eco Tools Blusher Brush and that's face done!

I kept eyes simple by filling in any sparse areas of my brows in with Avon Glimmerstick Brow Definer in Soft Black. I then added a touch of the highlighter to my brow bone using the Sephora 27 Pro Blending Brush, put on a quick swipe of Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense in 01 Intense Black and lashings of Avon Superextend Extreme Mascara.

To complete the look I applied Avon Ultra Colour Rich Mega Impact Lipstick in Divine Wine. I'm really loving this colour at the moment, I've been wearing it constantly as the formula is really comfortable to wear and it has good lasting power!

What do you think of this look?

The Body Shop Hand Creams

There was recently a code on Vouchercodes for a free 30ml hand cream from The Body Shop, I've always heard great things about these creams so I thought this was a good excuse to try them out! I got one and so did Erik, no prizes for guessing who picked which I'm afraid!

The Wild Rose one has a lovely delicate and fresh rose scent, it's not at all powdery or overpowering, it also contains SPF 15 which is a bonus! The Absinthe one is more of a 'no smell, smell' it just smells fresh and clean. Both formulas are really light and refreshing while still being super moisturising. Plus they sink straight in and don't leave any residue on the skin which I think is essential in a hand cream, especially if you're as clumsy as I am!

If you're ever buying anything online, it's definitely worth checking out Vouchercodes first as they often have codes for free delivery and anything from 10% - 50% off! The Body Shop ones come up really often so keep your eyes peeled!