Caudalie Premier Cru The Elixir

When I was in SpaceNK a while ago, I was given a sample of this.

Having never heard of it before I thought I would give it a go and just follow the instructions and apply it to the skin, I wanted to blind test it to see how I got on with it. It was instant love so I immediately ordered it off Escentual the moment I had run out. 

This oil spreads very easily on the skin so a little goes a long way.

I use the pipette to dispense three drops onto the palm of my hand, I then gently rub my palms together- only so both palms have the product on them and then gently massage all over my face.

The smell is divine so it is a very pleasing experience over all, but it was the instant glow giving qualities that caught me off guard.

My skin is on the more dry/dehydrated side so this felt very comforting on my skin. It's not one of those oils that sinks in immediately I had to work it in for a minute or two and then I was left with hydrated, smooth, radiant skin. 

I find some oils absorb into the skin, but once they are gone, they are gone.  This oil is different because I actually felt like it quenched my skins thirst.

I am still trying to get through my Kielhs Midnight Recovery Oil facial oil so I only use this in the mornings on top of my serum and before moisturizer. 

Sometimes towards the end of the day my skin can start to look a little dehydrated and in need of a good cleanse and moisturize, but I don't have that problem here.

It makes my skin feel soft and supple all day.

I have never tried anything from the Premier Cru line but after the success of this I am looking into it.

This oil promises to smooth the appearance of wrinkles and firm the skin- I am still young at 24, but the fine lines I do have around my eyes do look and feel a bit smoother.

This oil also contains an ingreident called Viniferine which helps with the production of melanin and thus helping to protect the skin from free radicals.

Although I don't believe this oil contains Hyluronic Acid, it helps optimize the natural levels that already exist in your skin- so no wonder this feels like a big gulp of water for your face.
This plumps up my skin whilst imparting some radiance. What's not to love?

This is gorgeous- if you have thirsty or lackluster skin, I think you will really enjoy this. 

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If You Buy One Thing This Month....Clarins Radiance - Plus Golden Glow Booster

I must confess that I am in no way a fake tan connoisseur. 

I have tried a few brands here and there but I find fake tanning such a faff, it's such a mission in itself and I really don't enjoy smelling like a foot for eight hours in order to have what will inevitably be a patchy fake tan.

I love being brown and when I tan naturally I can achieve a nice golden glow but I find sunbathing quite boring and I don't want unnecessary skin damage. 

The facial version of this glow booster came out last year and I was intrigued to say the least but it was such a tiny little bottle and as much as I love a golden complexion, it's my pasty neon white legs that I am more concerned about. I want to be tanned head to toe. 

The moment this little guy came out I picked it up and I am so over the moon with it. Finally something that works beautifully and doesn't smell! 

I have had this for 3 weeks now and I have used it probably 4 times a week and I am nearly half way through. I am using quite a lot each time so I am sure you can stretch it out more. 

My justification is that when I have bought previous tans such as the L'Oreal Sublime Bronze, I can get about 5/6 applications out of it and the result is never right anyway. This may be double the price but you get a hell of a lot more use out of it. 

My favorite thing about this is that I can mix it with whatever body lotion I like and then the fake tan takes that smell on. So I have fake tanned smelling of Chanel Chance or Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir- which is infinitely nicer than smelling like a foot. 

My skin is left feeling super moisturized and brown. Seriously, what a win Clarins.

Well done.

As for-mentioned, I have super white legs and it is hard to achieve colour on them so I use a squirt of my body cream and tap in 3 drops of the glow booster (the base of the bottle has a little button that you press which gently releases the tan- brilliant as well so you don't waste anything) that usually covers over my knees and then I go in with another 3 drops for the rest of my legs and bum. 

It is up to you how brown you want to be- I wouldn't recommend going in immediately with ten drops as you will get through it very quickly and it might look a bit overwhelming. 

Start off with a couple of drops and see how you like the results and take it from there. 

The ratio I go by is three drops to one dollop of body cream and then I go to bed and I wake up with a lovely glow.

Also not a mark on the bed sheets. 

I have used this during the day and sometimes after a good few hours I can smell a very faint hint of fake tan- but it's so faint it could never put me off. 

Every few nights I add a couple of drops to my facial moisturizer so my face gets a bit of glow too. 

It's just never patchy or streaky and I don't end up with the tell tale orange palms. I dont know how it works so seamlessly, I just know that it does.

Make sure you wash your hands properly after application just in case.

 Honestly people give this a go, when this runs out I will pick up another. It works so well for me I know I will always have one in my stash.

I have just got my hands on the new St Tropez in Shower Tan- purely because I am so intrigued to see if or how it works, but I doubt it will come close to this.

Watch this space.

Also just a note-  I am lead to believe that the face version has the exact same ingredients- so it is makes more economical sense to pick up this body version as it's twice the size.

It doesn't cling to dry skin nor does it dry the skin out.   

If you are going to buy one thing this month, make it this. 

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Mac Hush : Swatches and Review

If you have caught up on my June Favorites you will know that this has been my favorite highlighter of the moment.

This is very similar to Kevyn Aucoins Starlight highlighter (review here), Hush has the same peachy-ness to it but this is a cream rather than a powder and is has less noticeable shimmer particles making it the more subtle of the two- although both are stunning I don't think its necessary to have both so if you're more into cream maybe pick this one instead!

This just delivers such beautiful dewiness but in such a lovely subtle way.

You wont be left with obvious peach stripes on your face, once this is blended in it just catches the light and imparts such a natural radiance.

I don't have that many cream highlights but I think I will pick up a couple more of these, I just love the formula.

It doesn't slip and slide around, doesn't emphasize pores and I reckon it could also be more flattering on more mature skins that find powder highlights can emphasis fine lines and wrinkles.

I use this on the tops of my cheekbones, cupids bow, and the tops of the eyebrows.

It's just yummy and it looks super fresh on top of a bit of tinted moisturizer and leaving it at that. The peachiness adds a touch of warmth so sometimes I forgo bronzer and blush and just rock this. 

Are you more of a cream or powder fan? 

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So you want a Toner that actually hydrates...

If you have read my June Skincare Favorites you will know that this spritz toner by Orico made the cut.

I have been in the market for a new toner, but one of my prerequisites is that it must actually be hydrating. 

La Roche-Posays Serozinc is great, but that is more for helping out troubled skin-it is more of a mattifier than a hydrator and as much as I love my Body Shop Vitamin E mist, I am a little bored of it.

I have tried quite a few face mists out there and I find that a lot of them are comforting when first applied, but after a minute or so it seems to evaporate rapidly off the skin and actually makes my skin feel drier leaving me desperate to slather my face in moisturizer. 

I saw this on Feel Unique and after reading a rave review from Amelia Liana, I thought I would give it a go.

This is a face mist that actually delivers moisture, hydration and dewy skin all in one. 

This can be applied throughout the day to refresh or after make up application to set- but I find if I do all this I will just get through it in no time as it is so utterly delicious, so I try to limit myself to once/twice a day after cleansing- alternating with Serozinc. If my skin is feeling a little bumpy- Serozinc, thirsty- Coco Spritz. 

My skin actually feels soft and moisturized even before I go in with serums and creams.

The scent of this is gorgeous- it contains coconut, cocoa seed, papaya, mango and orange flower- so you can imagine it smells wonderful, but not in a overpowering artificial way.

I really look forward to applying this and I genuinely will be pretty bummed when I finish this!

Even though it is more expensive than the Body Shop version, a repurchase will be on the cards.

This is the first product I have tried from the brand and so far it is looking promising!

Have you tried anything from Orico?

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Bourjois Aqua Blush : Swatch and Review

I have had these for some time now but I was hesitant to write a review because I just couldn't make my mind up. In theory, I love them, but when applied I just don't really think they deliver.

When I saw them reviewed online they looked completely edible giving the look of juicy, summery cheeks- which I am all over.

This is a gel formula in the cutest little packaging- so that's a thumbs up there, but I think when these are applied to the cheeks, they are a bit of a let down.

In fact since I have now given them a good test they have migrated to the back of my makeup stash.

There are four shades in total and I have two : Cocoricorail on the left and Pink Twice on the right.

One pump is supposed to dispense enough product for both cheeks- which is what I have done in the pictures above but as you can see, that is a hell of a lot of product, you really don't need that much.

Luckily the pump is pretty easy to control so you wont end up wasting unnecessary product.

Here are the swatches blended :

The colours are bright and look like they will deliver a fresh summery glow but actually I just find the application such a faff that I don't really think its worth it. 

The coral shade is better than the pink- you can see this is the picture below.

I left the heavy swatches on my arm for a couple of minutes and then wiped them off with a cotton disc to see if any colour was left behind. 

You can see the coral is definitely still there but the pink has all but gone. I love a subtle blush but considering that is one whole pump of product...I think this shade would benefit from a little extra pigment. 

My main issue is that it's just a bit annoying to apply. I squirt a bit on the back of my hand and gently touch my ring finger in and apply ever so lightly to the cheek, blending as I go.

I find that this product spreads itself a little too well so it is easy to overdo and as you can see with the coral shade, it really does leave a stain behind so if you get the placement wrong, there is not a whole lot you can do.

It's very easy to make this look blocky, due to the spreading of the product, getting the placement correct is quite difficult. Powder blushes are easy enough to apply as long as you have a decent brush it can be done in 7 seconds. A cream takes a little more patience but again, they tend to work in nicely and you create the colour where you want the colour...I just found it tough to get it right and I can't be bothered spending ages trying to get everything in the right place when I can sweep some powder blush on and be done. 

I am going to bring these out again and have another go, maybe it just takes practice.

I so wanted to love these as I don't own any liquid blushers, but I don't think this formula is for me.

 I will persist with the coral because it's such a pretty shade, it did look quite nice on the cheek, but it wasn't in the right place and due to the staining- it's not ideal.

If my mind changes I will let you know - I am hoping they wont appear in my Disappointing Products post but watch this space! 

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June Skincare Favorites

June has been a very good month for skincare! I have discovered a few new lovely things with a couple of repurchases thrown in for good measure. 

La Roche-Posay Serozinc : I know, I know, this is probably the most blogged about skincare item and chances are you are quite sick of reading reviews- but it has been a fave of mine so I had to add it in.

This is a repurchase and it is something quite lovely.

This toner only contains three ingredients; water, sodium chloride and zinc. I appreciate the simplicity and the lack of astringents, but it is the Zinc that is the hard worker here.

This is meant for oily/blemish prone skin, which I have not but it still works for me.

When I am having a dry skin day I go for my hydrating toners, but during the summer months when I am naturally sweating more, I end up with a few little bumps under the skin- the product really helps rid me of some of them. It's brilliant and now more widely accessible to us Brits in larger Boots stores.

Caudalie Premier Cru the Elixir : I had never heard of this facial oil until I was given a sample at Space Nk. Face oils are my thing so I was keen to try but I hadn't read any reviews so I had no exceptions or any clue what it was really meant to do.

Let me tell you, this oil brings the hydration and the glow. It's gorgeous, a full review is on it's way.

Orico Streetwise Coco Spritz : I have been on the look out for a hydrating toner for a while. I do love my Body Shop Vitamin E facial mist but I just get through it so rapidly and I wanted to try something new.

This is gorgeous- totally Amelia Liana inspired- she is one of my biggest enablers and when she compared it to the Omorovicza Queen of Hungary mist but twenty quid cheaper, I was keen.

It is lovely, again stay tuned for a full review.

Clarins Radiance Plus Body Golden Glow Booster : I am sorry to be so annoying today- but a review is also on the way for this one! Just a quick spoiler- I don't think I will be without this product from now on. I have never found a fake tan that I actually liked. This is fab.

Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Body Lotion : This is the body cream that I have been adding the Clarins Booster to.

I have had this cream for some time but I am so bad at moisturizing my body- truth me told I am intrinsically lazy but due to the Clarins only working as a mixer, it has forced me into moisturizing and I love it! I am going to try my utmost to stick to my new routine.

I finished the perfume version some time ago, it's a real favorite with woody,citrus and floral notes- it's pretty but not headachey. I am not a huge floral girl but due to the top notes being citrus and woody, it gives it a bit for depth.

I tend to think that the that fragrance brands that release body lotions tend to be mediocre creams with the scent just shot through- this is not the case here.

This cream is deeply hydrating leaving skin silky soft whilst absorbing quickly.

Another plus is that mixing this with the Clarins gives you a fake tan that smells like Chanel. I'm sorry but that's the dream right? No horrid biscuity smell here.

The scent also lingers or a while, just lovely.

Egyptian Magic : This is another product I hadn't heard anything about but upon receiving a sample from Space NK I become hooked and was desperate to pick up the full size after it was finished.

Review soon.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads : This is another repurchase.

I ran out of these a couple of months ago and didn't really realize how much I was missing them!

These pads are pre-soaked with acids (Lactic and Glycolic) and after cleansing I wipe both sides all over my face in circular motions. I leave it for a couple of minutes and then go in with my facial mist.

I use these in the evening, usually 3/4 times a week and they do a lovely job of exfoliating the skin, leaving it brighter and smoother- it does help with those little milia bumps you get under the skin.

Exfoliating is also very important as it helps whatever serums/oils you put on after be more easily absorbed.

This is my favorite exfoliator but I don't like over using it. It is gentle, you don't really get any stingyness with this and I find 3/4 times a week more than enough to keep my skin looking fresh. It is not necessary for me to use this daily as it's a bit too much exfoliation for my skin.

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June Make Up Favorites

Hello Everyone! 

I am so sorry it's been so long since my last post, I have been crazy busy BUT we will resume the normal schedule of Mon- Fri at 7am GMT.

I have a lot of posts coming up.

SO onto the favorites- there is a lot I have been loving in the month of June - a good mixture of make up and skin care, so I am splitting them into two sections as otherwise this post would take a month to read.

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara : This is actually a repurchase for me.

I find mascara as a whole probably the most disappointing product you can get as they are laden with claim after claim of false lashes, huge volume, can be seen from space and to be honest nine times out of ten they do not deliver.

A lot of mascaras do nothing for my lashes but make them dark. This Mascara no no no. This is a good one. On the whole I love Max Factor mascaras and I do genuinely feel that they do some of the best out there.

 This mascara gives me length AND volume. Volume is what I want. I love this- it also wont break the bank so if you're in the market, give this guy a go.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in 'Camel' : I have just been obsessed with this since I got it! It is the ultimate warm eye shadow and just brings such life to your eyes. If you want to read a full rave review, click here.

Clarins Ombre Eye Shadow in 'Aquatic Rose' : This has been another love of mine since I bought it. It's a beautiful pale rose gold that just makes you look fresh and awake. This is a limited summer release so pick it up quick if you're interested! I do also have Aquatic Grey which is a beauty, but Rose has been used a lot more. 

For a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 'Bitch Perfect' : At this time of year I tend to opt for a lighter, more low maintenance lip colour and this CT lipstick Bitch Perfect fits the bill.

When it's hot and you're sweating, you really don't want to be smearing dark burgundy all over your chin. 

With Bitch Perfect I find that the colour suits all make up looks, makes you look effortlessly polished and it is fairly moisturizing but hugs the lips nicely so it stays put. Also it fades evenly. I'm so into low maintenance right now. Bitch Perfect for the win. 

Clinique Cheek Pop in 'Heather Pop' : The formula of these cheek pops is out of this world. I love the luminous rosey glow of this blush, for full details click here.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 'Misty Rock' : The formula of this isn't as perfect as I would like it to be- if I layer it up it can crease/flake like crazy so I have to make sure I apply it correctly but the shade is just sheer total and utter perfection. I can't think of any one of any colouring that would't suit it. It's a pretty taupy/purply/pink colour with a gorgeous shimmer running through. 

A full review is on its way. 

Mac Cream Colour Base in 'Hush' : I love a good cream highlighter. Done properly it is the most natural looking glow that you can get- Hush is no exception.

 I first starting coveting this whilst watching the Pixiwoo Sisters- Nic always looks so glowy and this is often the highlight she uses. Who doesn't love a peachy glow. Again, a full review is on its way.

Essie Peach Side Babe : This literally jumped out at me in Boots last week. It is part of the new Essie Summer collection, so I am assuming that means limited? If so, I am defintely picking up another one. I just don't want anything else on my nails. This is a beautiful almost neon orange based coral with a cream finish. It makes my hands look so tanned.

This also has really good lasting power, I can't be dealing with polish that chips after 5 mins- I have had this on for a few days now and we are still looking good.

 Literally in love. Get it. 

What are your recent favourites? Anything I need to add to the wish list?

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