Review - Marc Jacobs Lola

It dawned on me the other day that I haven't done a full fragrance review yet so I though it was about time! It's quite surprising really because I'm a real perfume lover and I have quite the little collection!

I'm quite fickle when it come to fragrance, I definitely don't have a signature scent as such, but I do have some favourites that I'll always buy again when they run out. I think life is too short to wear the same fragrance everyday! I generally like floral scents particularly anything with peony, rose and jasmine . In the summer I like ones with a touch of something citrusy, like bergamot or mandarin, and in the winter warmer musks and amber. I realise that's quite a few ingredients so I usually go for fragrances that combine them in different ways. 


Lola by Marc Jacobs is one of my favourites, I usually wear it in the evenings if I'm going out, its a floral with warm musky undertones yet it manages to be completely contemporary. Here's what's in it;


The Top Notes: Pink Peppercorn, Pear, Ruby Red Grapefruit

The Heart Notes: Rose, Fuschia Peony, Geranium

The Base Notes: Vanilla, Warm Tonka Bean, Creamy Musk


It has a combination of florals, citrus and musk, which must be why I like it so much! This is definitely one of the ones I'll be buying again! The bottle is really interesting too, it's made of heavy glass with a huge multicoloured rubber flower as a lid, it really does take centre stage on the dressing table but it doesn't travel very well, but then, you can't have it both ways!


Lola by Marc Jacobs Eau De Parfum is available in 3 sizes, 30ml, 50ml  and 100ml.


What is your favourite fragrance?

Autumn Wishlist

      

 

           

Cream Jumper - Asos

Everyone needs a neutral jumper you can wear with everything come autumn and this cream one from asos is the perfect balance between fitted and slouchy.

Knitted Cushion - Next

This knitted cushion just says cosy all over! Perfect for chilly nights cozying up in front of the telly (anyone else excited for the new season of Downton Abbey and New Girl?)

Diptyque Baies Scented Candle 

Scented with red berries and rose, this one is another cosy night in must have!

Barts Jasmine Scarf in Grey 

A lot of warm scarves look very much the same but I love the fun tassels on this one. They are a nice detail but the colour means you can throw it on over any outfit.

Nars Ride Up To The Moon Palette

There are quite a few new eyeshadow palettes that have come out recently but this one is definitely at the top of my list! The colours are all very wearable and the rusty golds are perfect for this time of year.

Love Cup and Saucer - Next 

These super cute shabby chic cups and saucers are great for steamy cups of tea and hot chocolate. 

Caudalie Divine Oil

I did a full review of this amazing stuff yesterday which you can check out here. NOTHING leaves skin feeling softer than this so it's perfect for dry autumn/winter skin. Plus it smells really nice!

Starbucks Caramel Syrup

For caramel hot chocolates of course! Just add whipped cream and marshmallows, yummy!

What's on your Autumn Wishlist?

 

Review - Caudalie Divine Oil

If you thought all oils were made equal, you'd be wrong. I though oils from high end brands just smelt nicer and came in fancy bottles, then I met Caudalie Divine Oil, completely in a league of it's own. 

It comes in a convenient, mess free, spray top bottle and sinks straight into the skin leaving it feeling amazingly silky but not the slightest bit greasy. It also gives the skin a glowy radiant look that looks completely natural. As if that isn't enough, it's also a multi use product, spritz it onto your face, body, hair or nails for instant hydration and radiance. 

As with all Caudalie products, this one starts of life as a grape. The amazingly high quality grape oil contains naturally occurring Vitamin E, which is an ingredient well know for its scar fading and skin plumping abilities. 

I'm afraid I may be becoming as addicted to this one as I am to my Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Caudalie are certainly a brand that know how to bring it! 

Review - Clinique Even Better Concealer

Clinique Even Better Concealer is more than just a concealer, it also has added skincare benefits. The concealer itself works really well, it's creamy, extremely blendable and doesn't crease into lines. The shape of the pot makes it a bit difficult to dip your finger in, especially if you have long nails, but I use a brush anyway. Something like the Real Techniques Shading Brush works really well. I dab the brush into the pot picking up a small amount and then dab the excess off onto the lid, it's pretty high coverage so you only need the tiniest bit.

I then dab it on wherever I need it and blend it into the skin, mostly under the eyes (it covers dark circles amazingly well) and onto any blemishes. At the moment I've just been using it under my eyes as the shade I have (honeycomb) is slightly on the light side for me as I've tanned a lot this summer, but I know come winter it will be the perfect shade! 

This concealer is part of Clinique's Even Better range, a range designed to target uneven skintone in the form of pigmentation from acne scars as well as sun damage while also preventing any new hyperpigmentation from forming. As I said I've only really been using this under my eyes so far, so I can't really comment on these claims yet, once my skin is back to it's 'winter shade' (or if I cave and buy the darker shade) I will be sure to give you an update of the progress! In the mean time all I can say is it's a brilliant concealer and even if it doesn't fade any marks I'll still repurchase it. Not that I'll need to anytime soon because a little goes a long way!

Have you tried any of the products from Clinique's Even Better Range? What did you think of them?

NOTD #7

If ever I had to pick 1 nail varnish brand, and I could only ever buy from said brand for the rest of my life, (I'm not sure why this scenario would occur)it would definitely be Essie. Long lasting streak free formulas? Check. Perfect opacity in one coat? Check.  Wide easy to control brushes? Check. Incredible colour range? Check, check.  

Saying that Essie nail varnishes are relatively new to me so my collection is still quite limited. My favourite colour by a long way is this one, Aperitif, its a perfect Pillarbox Red that seems to work what ever time of year it is and with whatever I'm wearing.  If I can't decide which to wear, this is the one I usually go for!

Have you ever tried Essie nail varnishes? What are your favourite colours?

Autumn Makeup Bag

When the seasons change I like to switch it up a little, it's so easy to get stuck in a makeup rut and doing this makes me remember forgotten products that I love! Throughout most of the summer I've been going for pinks and peaches on the lips and cheeks, a swipe of mascara and dewy skin, so for autumn I thought I'd step it up a notch! Eyeshadows in warm neutrals and golds for day and deep chocolate browns for the evenings.  

First up is MUA Undressed Eyeshadow Palette, this is my favourite budget buy, 12 amazing colours in fantastically pigmented soft formulas for just 4.00! I love all the colours from this palette so this will be my autumn go to.

When I want something super shimmery and luxurious  I'll be reaching for my Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumieres (5 Colour Harmony For Eyes) in Shade 3 Tawny. I've had this palette for a really long time and I love it, but because it lives at the back of my makeup stash it often gets forgotten, well not any more! The rusty-gold colour (bottom left) is great for the day time, very autumnal indeed, and the deep brown (top right) creates a perfect smoky eye on its own.

Dallas from Benefit is a lovely 'dusty sunset plum powder' that is perfect for the colder months, it's a suits-all shade that looks particularly good on darker skin tones. Think of it as a cross between bronzer and blusher, I apply it just a bit lower than where I would apply a normal blusher, in the hollows of the cheekbones and a bit above. It contours and brightens up the face and makes you look like you've just come back from a brisk walk through the fallen autumn leaves (If you actually have then even better!)

For lips I'll be going for warm reds and berry hues. Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple is a favourite that works well all year round but especially well in between seasons.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey is one I discovered by accident, this is a smaller sized version which came in a gift set of 4 last christmas. I much prefer the packaging on these compared to the regular full sized ones which are just plain silver rather than the colour of the product. It's a balm stain type product, it leaves the lips feeling moisturised and comfortable with just a subtle hint of colour. I promise you it's not as scary as it looks in the bullet!

Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss in Bella Bamba is super glossy with the tiniest touch of colour. If you're looking for full on colour then this isn't for you but I find it works really well with a smoky eye. It's super sheer and a nice alternative to the nude/peachy lip I'd usually pair it with. 

I tend to forgo eyeliner in the summer so this is a nice one to ease me back in gently! It's Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliner in Brown Glow, a soft, warm brown with coppery undertones that lasts really well and doesn't smudge. 

Swatches: From left, Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds Eyeliner in Brown Glow, Benefit Ultra Plush Gloss in Bella Bamba, Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Candy Apple.

What are your favourite products for autumn?

Empties #2

I didn't think I got through products very quickly, but obviously I was wrong as I'm onto my 2nd empties post already! I always enjoy reading empties posts on beauty blogs, its all very well liking something but the real test is weather or not it gets repurchased.  

Soap and Glory - Sugar Crush Body Scrub

Another empties post, another empty Soap and Glory body scrub! I really enjoyed using Sugar Crush, it smelt absolutely amazing! Like fresh lime and vanilla, and it left the bathroom scented for hours afterwards. As for the effectiveness of the scrub, it was really good, scrubby enough, and left skin feeling moisturised but without an oily residue. Going on scent alone this is my favourite scrub but for effectiveness I'd probably say I prefer Flake Away. 

Repurchase? Probably will at some point, but there are a few other Soap and Glory scrubs that I haven't tried yet that I'll try out first!  

Avon - Sun+ High SPF 30 UVA/UVB

Unfortunately I didn't get on too well with this one, I took it away with me to France and Italy back in june. When I sprayed it on the first time, it filled the air with a really strong alcohol smell. I checked the ingredients and sure enough, the first ingredient on the list was alcohol. I tried to power through and use it anyway and by the end of my holiday my skin was absolutely parched and any body butter I put on just sank straight in and it was dry again! I've learnt my lesson now, always check the ingredients list when it comes to sun protection! 

Repurchase? Definitely not! 

Herb Garden - Lavender Essential Oil

I love the smell of lavender, cliche, but I find it very relaxing. I put a few drops into my oil burner in the evening after a particularly stressful day and it really chills me out! A few drops in the bath also works really well and scents the whole house! 

Repurchase? Definitely, but I'm not too fussed about what brand it's from.

Avon - Nail Experts Conditioning Cuticle Pen 

Always forget to take care of your cuticles? Me too. This makes it slightly easier for the times when you do remember, just twist the bottom and a bit of product is dispensed into the brush at the top, a quick swipe and you're done. I keep it with my nail varnishes and it always gets used post polish so I'm thinking if I move it to my bedside table it might get used a bit more! It smells like lavender and is really moisturising!

Repurchase? Already have done!

Clinique - 7 Day Scrub Cream

A facial exfoliator that's gentle enough for everyday, I used it 2-3 times per week and it worked well. Got rid of congestion and made my face feel fresh and smooth. Perfect nice, but I'm swapping manual exfoliators for AHA liquid exfoliators! More on that soon.

Repurchase? No 

No7 - Beautiful Skin Hydration Mask

I bought this last year when my skin was going through an dry and sensitive phase. I really had to force myself to finish it, I hate throwing things away! It would probably work for you if you had extremely severe dry skin, but if you just want something moisturising to plum up your skin and keep dry patches at bay then this probably isn't for you. My main issue with this was that it left quite a thick residue that just didn't sink in. I needed to cleanse a few times just to get the residue off and ended up using it on my legs in the end!

Repurchase? No

The Body Shop - Vitamin E Face Mist

I really enjoyed using this, think of it as a poor man's girl's Caudalie Beauty Elixir, now I'm not saying it's as nice, I've yet to find something that is, but it is very good. It has a very subtle scent and is really refreshing, it also moisturises the skin and makes it look nice and dewy.

Repurchase? Yes

Redken - All Soft Conditioner

I've tried a lot of products from the All Soft range and I've been really pleased with all of them, this one is no exception. I find a lot of conditioners to be thin and watery but this ones definitely got some substance to it. It's a great quick fix for when your hair is looking a bit lacklustre. 

Repurchase? Yes, and I'm very fussy about conditioners!

Kerastase - Nutritive Oleo-Relax Slim Smoothing Mask

An intense conditioning mask that's especially formulated for  dry, course hair with a tendency to get frizzy, this is the best conditioner I have ever tried! It's seriously amazing stuff, it has a very thick, almost balm like texture. I like to towel dry my hair after shampooing it, comb a blob of this through (a little goes a long way), leave it in for 20 minutes and then rinse it out. It leaves hair feeling unbelievably soft and smooth, this is my fourth pot of the stuff!

Repurchase? Definitely! I can't see anything replacing this anytime soon!

Kerastase - Elixir Ultime Beautfying Oil

This is a multi use hair oil you can put in as a treatment pre-wash or pre blowdry as a serum. It speeds up drying and makes it feel soft and moisturised. I've been using this for a while and I really like it, a bottle lasts ages!

Repurchase? Maybe, there are a few others I want to try first!

Have you tried any of these products? What did you think of them? 

Review - Clinique Perfectly Real Foundation

I never thought I would actually find the perfect foundation for me, definitely not one that ticks all the boxes but that does seem to be the case. I've never come across any reviews of Clinique Perfectly Real Foundation on blogs, which is where the ideas for most of my purchases come from. 

It came from a casual browse on a Clinique counter a while ago, I was looking at their Even Better foundations but I couldn't find a shade that was quite right for me. One was a bit to dark and another a bit too light, so the lady on the counter took out testers from all their foundation lines and tried to find me one that was slap bang in the middle. This is what appeared. I went home, sample in hand but a little disappointed. I had wanted the Even Better Foundation after all. 

After my first use I was amazed, the consistency wasn't the usual liquidy formula I'm used to, but a richer cream texture not dissimilar to a rich day cream or a lighter night cream.

I dabbed a few dots around my face and blended it in with my trusty Real Techniques Buffing Brush, it sunk into the skin really well leaving my skin tone looking a lot more even but you just couldn't tell I had any makeup on at all. I went for a bit more. . . and a bit more . . . and a bit more, this stuff is seriously buildable! I found dabbing/pressing it with the brush  onto areas that need a bit more coverage worked really well. By the time I was done I had a completely flawless complexion and even under close inspection you couldn't see that I had any makeup on! 

The finish, as you would expect with the name, is 'perfectly real'. Not too matte, not too dewy, it really looks like skin. It wears really well throughout the day as well, when I put it on in the morning, it's just as I left it in the evening. It doesn't go shiny or cling to any dry patches, perfect for my combination skin. 

When Erik got home a few hours later he said that my 'skin looks very nice today', surely the ultimate complement to a foundation. It wasn't long before I picked up a full tube of the stuff!

What is your favourite foundation?