The Scent of Summer

Summer scents call for three things: freshness, vibrancy and deliciousness. A fairly recent trip to Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge introduced me to a limited edition fragrance that ticks all three of these sunny boxes - Daisy Delicious by Marc Jacobs - and I've been spritzing it ever since. 

Its packaging is bright and fun with bright pink, teal and peach daisies, like a festival flower band. The glass bottle and gold applicator match the other Daisy fragrances, and the scent is fruity and light - the perfect combination for wear and duration at this time of year. 

I thought I loved the original Daisy the most, but this one is a close second. Next time a Marc Jacobs limited edition fragrance comes out, I'll be purchasing one immediately.

Have you tried this limited edition perfume? Do you like Marc Jacobs Daisy?

All About Plum: Lips, Nails & Fragrance

If there's one hue on everyone's mind in the lead up to A/W 13, it's plum. And after discovering these three beauty gems, it's safe to say I'm pretty obsessed with it too.

MAC's Rebel Satin Lipstick looks a lot darker than it is - when you put it on your lips, it actually has a really flattering pink shade to it. It's quite a matte lipstick though, so I'd make sure your lips are hydrated and flake-free to perfect your pout.

Then we have the stunning Plum Eau De Parfum by make-up artist Mary Greenwell, which I have to say is even better than Lemon. I never, ever thought I would say that, but there's something about the Plum scent that is so comforting and warm. I will definitely need to repurchase this when it runs dry.

The third and final plum product is the Mavala nail polish in Milano, which funnily enough also looks a lot darker in the bottle than it is on the nails. It's a gorgeous colour and has a lovely finish - my only bug bear is the size of the bottle!

What's your favourite plum beauty buy? xxx

Beauty Looks A-Z: Scented

For me, nothing beats beauty products with fruity and floral scents. In fact, I'm often drawn to them when it comes to stocking up on the latest bath & body, fragrance and hair gems. And lemon, lime and lavender will more than do.

Here's my edit of scented beauty buys for the Summer. I can almost smell them as I type!

 Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Shampoo (250ml, £16)
Sara Happ The Lip Scrub: Lavender Limited Edition (30ml, £20)
Diptyque Eucalyptus Scented Candle (£40)
Models Own Fruit Pastel Nail Polish in Apple Pie (14ml, £5)
Nivea Sunny Melon & Oil Shower Gel (250ml, £2.59)
Bic Soleil Scent Disposable Razors (£3.69)
Yardley London English Lavender Hand & Nail Cream (100ml, £3.99)
Revlon Scented Nail Enamel (Limited Edition) in Strawberry Cream (14ml, £6.49)
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Shower Gel (500ml, £6.50)
Denman Apple-Scented Hairbrush (£9)
Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends Shampoo (400ml, £3.89)
D.L. & Co Jardins Fruitiers Boite de Pommes (£90)

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx

Atelier Cologne Collection Métal: Silver Iris

It's rare for me to fall in love with a brand instantly, but I'm pretty sure I'm besotted with Atelier Cologne. Founded by two lovers devoted to scents, Atelier Cologne is hands down the most luxurious and elegant fragrance company I've ever come across. And its new Metale collection - with glass bottles coated in silver and gold - doesn't disappoint.

Pictured above is my favourite scent of the two - Silver Iris. As with every Atelier Cologne fragrance, Silver Iris has its own story, and this one is about a woman who finds love. The story in full is:

'A woman of such intimidating beauty and sparkling vitality gained the adoration of everyone around her. However, no one knew what she had been through. With her wild spirit, she was tough, stronger than metal and never looked back. When she met him, for the first time in her life, she could stand still. She may have found the absolu man '

Then we have the fragrance itself, which is infused with some seriously stunning ingredients. Every Cologne Absolue fragrance blends citrus with precious raw materials, making them long-lasting and highly concentrated. Silver Iris is concentrated at 18% and has top notes of Italian tangerine, Chinese pink pepper and blackcurrant from Burgundy; heart notes of violet leaves, iris Pallida and mimosa; and base notes of Indonesian patchouli, white amber and Brazilian tonka bean. It smells absolutely incredible and I definitely prefer it over the Gold Leather fragrance, which is quite musky and is made to smell like Cognac.

However, I can't avoid the elephant in the room when it comes to pricing - it's expensive beyond belief! But I do think it is worth the money as Atelier Cologne uses rich, high-quality ingredients to create a powerful scent, and the founders' hearts are completely in it. It's £200 for a 200ml spray bottle of Silver Iris, with a 30ml travel size and personalised scarlet leather engraved case and cap. 

Have you tried a fragrance by Atelier Cologne? xxx

Beauty Looks A-Z: Riviera

When I was younger, I was lucky enough to be whisked away by my aunt and uncle to the South of France, which is one of the most gorgeous places I've ever been to. I'll never forget how luxurious everything is there and will definitely be going back again some time soon.

In memory of my trip, this week's beauty looks post is dedicated to the French Riviera. Enjoy!

Here's the products I'd throw into my beach bag:

Dove Intensive Repair Conditioner (£2.99, 200ml)
Jean Paul Gaultier Classique EDT (£67.49, 100ml)
Guerlain Terracotta Terra Nerolia Tan Enhancing Bronzer (£35.20)
Caudalie Vinoperfect Enzymatic Peel Mask (£29, 50ml)
Balmain Hair Creme Hydratante (£20, 250ml)
Piz Buin After Sun Tan Intensifier (£11.49, 200ml)
Melvita Orange Blossom Water (£15.50, 100ml)
Daniel Sandler Instant Tan Wash Off Face Powder (£22.50)
REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30, 50ml)
Dior 1 Coleur Eye Gloss Fresh Luminosity and Crystal Shine in Golden Sand (£16, 6ml)
Dr Hauschka Normalising Day Oil (£24.25, 30ml)
Vichy Purete Thermale One Step Cleanser 3 in 1 (£11.25, 200ml)

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx

A for Atomic
B for Burlesque
C for Caribbean
D for Dynamite
E for Enchantment
 F for Fantasia
G for Gatsby
H for Halo
I for Indigo
J for Jelly
K for Khaki
L for Lemon & Lime
M for Morello Cherry

N for Neverland
O for Ocean Blue

P for Pearl
Q for Quads

Beauty Looks A-Z: Ocean Blue

It's official - I need a week in the sun. Just looking at the selection of deep blue sea beauty products on offer makes me want to drop everything and sail off to Sorrento in a maxi dress and wayfarer sunnies. #dreamy

So just to cause myself some more pain, I've gone for Ocean Blue for my 'O' beauty look.

Here's the products I'd love to take away with me:

Super Neon Blue Eau de Toilette (£35, 40ml)
Bourjois Little Round Pot Light Eyeshadow in Ciel (£6.99)
Biotherm Blue Therapy Serum (£38, 30ml)
Roberto Cavalli Aqua Eau de Toilette (£31, 30ml)
Nails Inc Nail Polish in Warwick Way (£11, 10ml)
Dead Sea Spa Majik Mud Mask (£7.70, 75ml)
Essie Nail Polish in Aruba Blue (£7.99)
Organic Surge Light Body Lotion (£5.99, 250ml)
Aveda Blue Oil Massage Rollerball (£11.50, 7ml)
Superdrug Blue Shower Puff (£1.99)
Elizabeth Arden Chubby Eyeliner Pencil in Iridescent Teal (£16)
OPI Get Your Number Nail Lacquer (£11.50, 15ml) 
 

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx

A for Atomic
B for Burlesque
C for Caribbean
D for Dynamite
E for Enchantment
 F for Fantasia
G for Gatsby
H for Halo
I for Indigo
J for Jelly
K for Khaki
L for Lemon & Lime
M for Morello Cherry

N for Neverland

Lemon Eau de Parfum by Mary Greenwell

Back in the day when Glossybox used to send subscribers real unique, luxury beauty samples, one of the best products I ever received was Mary Greenwell's Lemon Eau de Parfum. And I'm not ashamed to say I haven't stopped thinking about it since.

There's no two ways about it - I love zesty scents. Nothing is better than spritzing yourself with invigoration before you leave to go out to work in the morning, and throughout the day when you hit dips in your energy. 

Let's start with the 'hello yellow' box. I just love simplicity when it comes to fragrance packaging - of all the flowers, spikes and crystals you see on the department store shelves, what says lemon better than a bright yellow cube?

I think the contrast of the vivid box and the black capitals 'LEMON' really works here. As you can see, it's also divided by a pop of lime green, which adds another citrus-like dimension to the product.

The bottle is also pretty special. It feels very heavy at first with the stunning 22 carat gold plated stopper, but its weight makes it feel like an expensive product, which I personally love.

And then we have the best bit - the fragrance itself. Think afternoon cocktails in a hot city, an art gallery launch after party or a stroll through the cobbled streets of Capri. Infused with bergamot, lemon, bitter orange, lime and mandarin, Lemon screams summer elegance.

Overall, I adore Lemon. The only bug bear I have is the cost - it's a little on the expensive side at £60 for 50ml and £90 for 100ml, but I believe the price represents the quality. It's a luxury product that's worth its weight in 22 carat gold.

What's your favourite summer scent? xxx

*This is a PR sample. All views are my own

Beauty Looks A-Z: Neverland

For this week's beauty look post, I've been inspired by famous fairy Tinkerbell. Yes, you did read that right, Tinkerbell. You'd be amazed how many gorgeous baby pink and lime green products there are out there. 

Here's the products that made it onto my list:

Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer (£19.50, 15ml)
Moschino Pink Bouquet EDT (£29.50, 30ml)

Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Conditioner (£17, 250ml)
Narciso Rodriguez For Her EDP (£75, 100ml)

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (£4.95, 150ml)
Barry M Nail Polish in Mint Green (£2.99, 10ml)
Barry M Dazzle Dust in Pale Green (£4.59)
Essie Nail Polish in Pink Diamond (£7.99, 15ml)
Alberto Balsam Juicy Green Apple Shampoo (£0.99, 400ml)
L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream Anti-Redness (£9.99)
Lush Emotional Brilliance Lipstick in Charm (£14.50)
Bvlgari Omnia Green Jade EDT (£27.58, 25ml)

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx


A for Atomic
B for Burlesque
C for Caribbean
D for Dynamite
E for Enchantment
 F for Fantasia
G for Gatsby
H for Halo
I for Indigo
J for Jelly
K for Khaki
L for Lemon & Lime
M for Morello Cherry

Beauty Looks A-Z: Morello Cherry

Whether I'm spritzing myself with a scrumptious fragrance or sipping a fruity cocktail after dinner, cherry always tops my list of ingredients.

This week, I've searched the world wide web high and low for the best cherry can offer and found some delicious make-up and bath & body treats.

 Here's the products you need to pop your cherry:

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Bath & Shower Gel (£13, 250ml)
The Body Shop Wild Cherry Body Butter (£2, 50ml)
OPI Charged Up Cherry Nail Lacquer (£11.50, 15ml)
Carmex Tube - Cherry (£2.69)
Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo (£2.99, 200ml)
Shu Umera Gloss Unlimited in Wine (£18.50)
Essie Raspberry Nail Polish (£10.95)
Maybelline Color Sensational Popsticks in Cherry Pop (£7.19)
Escada Cherry in the Air (£24, 30ml)
Cartier Delices de Cartier EDT (£84.50, 100ml)
Nip + Fab Cherry Tarte (£7.95, 200ml)
Figs & Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm (£4.95, 12.5ml)

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx

A for Atomic
B for Burlesque
C for Caribbean
D for Dynamite
E for Enchantment
 F for Fantasia
G for Gatsby
H for Halo
I for Indigo
J for Jelly
K for Khaki
L for Lemon & Lime

Beauty Looks A-Z: Lemon & Lime

Given that the sun has had her wide-brimmed hat on, I've been so excited to do this week's beauty look on lemon and lime products for face, nails and hair.

It looks like Summer is finally here...

Here's the products that are giving me zest:

Nails Inc Mexican Lime Heel Balm (75ml, £11)
UKA 13:00 Mint and Lemon Nail Oil (5ml, £18)
Mavala Mini Colour Nail Polish in Lemon Cream (5ml, £4.50)
Benefit Lemon Aid Colour Correcting Eyelid Primer (£16.50)
Hawaiian Tropic Lime Coolada Body Butter (200ml, £5.24)
LUSH Lemony Flutter (£6.25)
Ole Henrikson Lemon Strip Flash Peel (£35)
Mary Greenwell Lemon EDP (100ml, £90)
Essie Nail Polish in Mojito Maddness (£7.99)
Barry M Nail Paint in Lemon Ice Cream (£2.99)
NARS Cosmetics Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Celebrate (£18)
GHD Candy Collection GHD IV Lemon Styler (£110)

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx 

A for Atomic
B for Burlesque
C for Caribbean
D for Dynamite
E for Enchantment
 F for Fantasia
G for Gatsby
H for Halo
I for Indigo
J for Jelly
K for Khaki

May favourites: fragrance, skin and make-up

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I've been on a spending ban for over a month now. That's a serious achievement for a beauty addict like me.

Luckily, during the last month, I've discovered some serious beauty staples in my existing collection. May was the time to use them to the max. 

Here's my recent fragrance, skin care and make-up favourites.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum

La Petite Robe Noire is sweet but sensual and I think it has become my signature scent. Guerlain is all about luxury and quality and I'm so impressed with this fragrance. The sad thing is that it has nearly run out! Will I be able to wait another month to get a replacement?

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel

Not only does the gel feel like heaven on the skin, it also warms up on application and then turns into an oil. This cleanser has the skin care X factor - it doesn't lather and turns into a soothing milky emulsion when rinsed off, leaving the skin silky smooth. I haven't been using this every day, but it's fab as an alternative cleanser for every other day.

Givenchy Prisme Blush

This is the first orange/coral blusher I ever bought and I didn't do it by halves when I went for the Givenchy Prisme. It has four different shades of orange and bronze and looks stunning in the palette and on the skin. It's such a beautiful blush for Spring/Summer.

Dr Hauschka Lemon Lemongrass Body Moisturizer

I'm still not sold on the seriously sweet smell of this Dr Hauschka body lotion, but the formula is incredible. It's not too thin and not too thick, it doesn't clog the skin and it spreads really well. When my spending ban is over, I'll be getting my hands on the lavender one! I can't wait.

Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil

Knowing full well that I have oily skin, I was so scared to buy this product as I thought it would make it worse. But I was wrong - the Lotus oil is for oily/combination skin and balances it out. It smells amazing and it's great for an overnight skin care special treat. You only need a tiny amount per use, which makes it well worth the money. And as it's made by Clarins, it goes without saying that the quality is high.

What were your favourite products last month? xxx

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit EDT & Beautifying Oil

Whenever I have breakfast in a hotel or browse the supermarket fruit juice selection, I'm always drawn to pink grapefruit juice. But the truth is, I don't like it. I've tried so hard to train my taste buds to convert to its bitter taste, but it just won't work.

But it wasn't until I sniffed the new selection of The Body Shop's EDTs that I realised why I am so interested in the fruit - I just love the smell.

It was like one of those eureka moments, but with a fragrance. I'd tried and tested the Satsuma EDT, which was far too sweet; the Brazil Nut EDT, which didn't quite match my taste; and the Shea Butter EDT, which was frankly a little bit strange. And then Pink Grapefruit came along and instantly made the grade.

Pink Grapefruit EDT
The thing I love most about the Pink Grapefruit EDT is how much it smells like the actual fruit. As much as I adore the scent of the Strawberry range (childhood memories much?), it has a sweeter smell than strawberries do themselves. The same goes for the Satsuma range, which smells as if 100 spoons of sugar have been mixed with it.

The only down side about the EDT in particular is its staying power - if you applied it in the morning before leaving for work, you would have to spritz yourself with it another two or three times throughout the day to keep the scent alive. But given that the smell of pink grapefruit is invigorating and fresh, I actually like the idea of reapplying at my desk to awaken my senses.

The EDT only costs £8.50 for 100ml, which is a total bargain. You could treat yourself to at least three from the range and it would match the price of a high-end product. Variety rules!

Pink Grapefruit Beautifying Oil
I love that the Pink Grapefruit Beautifying Oil is a dry oil and doesn't leave my face, body or hair feeling greasy. Also, unlike other oils, this one doesn't leave too much of a shine but leaves the skin soft and smelling great.

It's made with a lightweight blend of nut oils, including marula oil (which is one of the ingredients in Clarins' Pure Melt Gel Cleanser).

 At £9 for 100ml, it's a multipurpose beauty bargain.

What do you think of The Body Shop EDTs and oils? xxx

Beauty Looks A-Z: Indigo

For quite some time, purple has been one of my favourite colours, and I love using different shades to create a colourful smoky eye look. 

Wearing mauve eyeshadow or lipstick for a Summer night out can be stunning, so for this week's beauty look I thought I would go for Indigo.

Here's the products in my edit of purple pretties:

Thierry Mugler Alien Refillable Eau De Parfum (60ml, £50)

Rimmel Salon Pro in Purple Rain (£4.49)

FashionistA Mono Eyeshadow in Flamboyant (£4)

GOSH Quattro Eyeshadow in Tempting Purple (£7.99)

YSL Marrakesh Sunset Palette (£42)

Beyonce Midnight Heat (100ml, £39)

Max Factor Colour Effects Nail Polish in Purple Haze (£3.99)

Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color in Cherry Pink (£19)

Essie Nail Polish in Sexy Divide (£7.99)

Laura Mercier Folklore Collection Lip Crayon in Burnt Clay (£16.50)

Lancome Hypnose Drama Eyes Palette in Bain de Minuit (£37)

LOOK Triple Hit Trio Eyeshadow in Party Fever (£7.50)

What do you think of this week's beauty look? xxx

 

Bohemian Naturals - The Capsule Collection

Bohemian Naturals is the most exciting fragrance brand I have heard about for a while. So I definitely had to request some samples to let you know more about them. 

Many of you will be pleased to know that all of Bohemian Naturals' fragrances are 100% natural (so suitable for application on sensitive skin) and handmade in the UK. But, if I'm honest, I was more excited about the luxurious exotic inspiration behind each bottle. All of the scents are based on the 'evocative relationship between world travel, global culture and universal romance'. This means that wearing each fragrance is an experience in itself, creating vivid memories, which I love.

The capsule collection comprises three scents: Thai Sunshine, Amber Rose and Indian Davana (all £30). 

THAI SUNSHINE

Thai Sunshine has notes of lemongrass, lime, ginger and cedar wood, and is softened by neroli and sweet resins. The first word that came to mind when I tested this one was undoubtedly 'zest'. In my mind (or nose), Thai Sunshine is a fiesta of sweet and spicy citrusy scents. You can also sense a hint of sharp cedar wood, which gives it a special edge.

AMBER ROSE

Amber Rose is based on roses, amber, tobacco leaf, italian bergamot and sandal. If you like turkish delight, you'll love this one. The smooth rose scent is dominant, but again you can tell there's a little bit of spice in there. I really get the travel inspiration with this one - I've been to Istanbul and it did take me back.

INDIAN DAVANA

Indian Davana has notes of patchouli, amber, pink grapefruit and incense. For me, this one was a little more subtle than the rest, but I think I did like that. The fruit fragrance took the lead again, with grapefruit coming through, but you could definitely tell there was some incense there and flower-based notes.

Do you like the sound of these? xxx

*This post includes samples, but my views are honest as always.

Two-month spending ban & pre-ban purchases

I can't believe I'm doing this, but I am actually going on a spending ban. That means no new nail polishes, no MAC Baking Beauties collection, and no pretty blushers for me for 2 months.

But it will all end on the 5th July, which will be a few weeks before the exciting London bbloggers meet up. It also helps matters that I am doing the ban with three lovely, supportive bloggers who are as addicted to all things make-up as much as I am.

Joining me will be:
Sasha from Ramblings of a Beauty Bird
Poppy from Let's Drive Far Away
Rachel from Beauty Queen UK

And part of the reason I'll be doing this ban is because I have so many products to test and review. This includes all of the gorgeous bits and bobs pictured above, which I've written more about below.

MAKE-UP

First up we have the make-up purchases, which I got from House of Fraser (in the sale!), Escentual (not in the sale...) and Space.NK (definitely not in the sale...).

On the left is the truly gorgeous NARS & Pierre Hardy tangerine and gold blusher in Boys Don't Cry (£30). Then sitting next to that is everyone's high-end go-to bronzer Laguna by NARS (£23.40), which I have used a few times now and can confirm it is really lovely to apply and gives a natural, golden glow to my face.

Below that is my first NARS Thakoon nail lacquer in Ratin Jot (£12.60), which is such a pretty pink. I couldn't resist investing in that one!

And finally I bought the Guerlain refillable Noir mascara (£32.40) because I just love Guerlain make-up and skin care.

SKIN CARE

Then we have my favourite type of products - skin care - which I bought from Escentual, Dermacare Direct and House of Fraser.

On the left is Effaclar H by La Roche-Posay (£8.05), which is a fab hydrating moisturiser. I got a few samples of this after having my laser and chemical peel procedure done last month and fell in love with it. However, Boots weirdly doesn't stock it! But I got my fix from the trusty Escentual.

Then in the middle is a repurchase of the SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Cleansing Gel (£32), which I absolutely love. I've never been so pleased with a cleanser and this one works its magic every day, especially with the VisaPure electronic cleansing brush. I think I've really converted to gel cleansers now - they feel lovely on the skin and I always finish up refreshed and clean.

Finally in the skin care bunch we have the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (£18), which smells incredible!

FRAGRANCE

Finally we have the stunning fragrance Le Petite Robe Noire from Guerlain (£37.80), which I also got from the sale at House of Fraser. I fell in love with this immediately when I got a sample with my first purchase at a Guerlain counter - it's just such a classic 'smell me now' fragrance. I've only worn it twice so far and I'm seriously addicted.

What do you think of my pre-ban purchases? xxx

April favourites: skin, face & body

What's that I can see outside? Is it the sun? Am I blind?

These are the questions I asked myself yesterday when May got off to a flying start with gorgeous weather, and it's the same today. Makes me so happy.

So I thought, what better time to do my first ever monthly favourites post? There's plenty of products for me to rave about this month, so I hope you enjoy :)

1. Marc Jacobs Daisy
A few spritzes of this floral fragrance and I'm ready to go. It's been making me so happy this Spring and I've had lots of compliments. Initially, I didn't think I would like this - but of course, as with any Marc Jacobs perfume, I soon changed my mind.

2. Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Fuschia Graffiti
This has definitely been my favourite lipstick for April. It goes really well with my hazel eyes and dark hair and just brightens up any make-up look, whether I go for natural or slightly smoky eyes. I just love fuschia, and this is just the right shade for spring/summer.

3. Bomb Cosmetics Blackcurrant Body Polish
I can't rave enough about this product - it's such a moisturising scrub and it smells so amazing. Imagine a pot of blackcurrant fruit pastels slightly liquidised and you have the Bomb Cosmetics Blackcurrant Body Polish. It's lasting me a long time too! 

4. Caudalie Antioxidant Body Lotion
I've actually just run out of this, which makes me very sad! It's such a lovely formula - glides on to the skin beautifully and doesn't take long to dry at all. It also smells really spa-like, which helps it to feel like a bit of a high-end experience putting it on.

5. B.Pure Micellar Water
I bought this just to try it out, as I always remove make-up before i cleanse, but I was hooked from the first use. It's really easy to use and you always use more than you need to by default, but it lasts a long time and removes tough mascaras too. It's a staple product in my skin care routine now. 

6. Philips VisaPure Cleansing Brush*
I was lucky enough to attend the press event for this a few months back now - and I haven't put it down ever since. Ive always been a bit sceptical about cleansing brushes, thinking that companies are making inaccurate claims, but seeing is believing. I can truly say that my skin is in better shape since using it. There's a sensitive head too, which is great. It is really expensive - but if you are willing to invest big in your skin, you need this! 

7. La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
If you follow me on twitter @shotofbeauty then you'll know that I've been going on and on about this beaut of a product. I first discovered it after my laser treatment with Harley Street dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus, after he told me it was the best way to moisturise the skin. Having used this every day, I am convinced it has made my skin softer. And it's also very refreshing. 

8. Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer 
It takes a lot for me to betray Benefit's Erase Paste, but it's happened. Healthy Mix Concealer is a lovely, creamy formula with great coverage. And it's about £10 cheaper! I'm in.   

9. L'Oreal Mythic Oil*
The lovely team at Fabriah sent me the Mythic Oil to try after I tweeted about the best hair oils for damaged and dry tresses. It really does live up to the fantastic reviews - I often wash my hair in the evening and wake up with silky hair in the morning. It smells lovely too. The only thing I would say is you do need more than the 2 pumps it suggests on the bottle, if you have very thick hair like me. Just use it on the mid to ends.

What do you think of my favourites? What are your favourites? xxx

Saturday Beauty Steal #6

When the sun comes out, all I can think about is sitting outside with a nice cocktail, wearing a fuschia lipstick and spritzing myself with a fruity fragrance. So you can imagine how excited I was to find this Marc Jacobs Splash Kumquat Eau De Toilette 100ml for an amazing £14.50 (50% off) on Debenhams' website.

What is it?

Kumquat is part of Marc Jacobs' Splash Tropical collection and has top notes of tangerine pulp, bergamot and orange zest. It's an invigorating, zesty fragrance designed to make you feel like you are on a desert island, and is described as 'sunny, happy and energetic'. Kumquat is also infused with jasmine petals, tiger orchid and kumquat itself. Base notes consist of sun-drenched woods and blond cedarwood.

What do I like about it?

It goes without saying that I like fruit-based perfumes, but having tried Marc Jacobs' Cranberry a couple of years ago I know just how sweet and natural his fragrances are. I also love the simplicity of the packaging - it has a really sophisticated monochrome theme and the colour of the perfume makes it pop. Marc Jacobs just always knows how to make things pretty for women of all ages.

Why is it a steal?

You can't deny that £14.50 for 100ml is an absolute bargain to say the least. Given that Marc Jacobs is a high-end brand, you know you are getting a high-quality product, and my Cranberry bottle lasted me months. You don't need much at all per application and it's also great to use as a 'home' fragrance. 

Buy Marc Jacobs Splash Kumquat Eau De Toilette here.

What do you think of this week's beauty steal? xxx

Lily-Flame Exquisite Candle Review

After falling in love with Lily-Flame's Silent Night and Lavender & Lime candles, I just had to get my hands on Exquisite - the company's newest creation. 

Whereas my existing Lily-Flame collection is perfect for relaxation at night, Exquisite is ideal for daytime burning. The fragrance is fresh and light, and is based on a deep floral scent with a romantic twist. I wouldn't say it's an invigorating smell - it's much more comforting and calming, which is great for laying back and reading a book during the day.

Looking outside the candle itself first, I think the packaging is so pretty and relevant for this time of year. It's a classic tinned candle with a silver shimmery coating, and the top says 'It's time to shine'. The whole vibe around the candle is chilled, pure and elegant.

Opening the tin and looking at the candle itself, again it screams purity with a white base and mini white and sky blue 'pyramids'.

Of all the candle brands I have tried, Lily-Flame never disappoints in terms of fragrance, aesthetic and durability for the price.

Exquisite costs around £8 and its burn time is 35 hours, which is great for its size. I don't think I could love Lily-Flame candles more!

What do you think of this candle? xxx

*This post includes a free sample from Lily-Flame, but all opinions are my own

Beauty Looks A-Z: Burlesque

It's make-up monday and this week I am sharing my product list for a 'B' beauty look, where B stands for Burlesque.

The collection is bursting with all the rouge products you would expect, including Bobbi Brown's limited edition Pretty Pot, an Estee Lauder Double Wear scarlet lipstick and a rosy Illamasqua blusher.

Not only that, but my edit of burlesque beauty products includes a coal-black MAC kohl eyeliner, a pretty pearl primer and a divine Tom Ford fragrance worth £300, which I can only dream about for the rest of my life.

Here's my best of burlesque beauty products from top to bottom:
 Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Lipstick in Stay Scarlet (£19.50)
Urban Decay Urban Lash False Eyelashes Darlin (£11.50)
YSL La Laque Couture in Rose Futuriste (£18)
Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Pretty Powerful Pot Rouge (£18)
ArtDeco Mineral Lip Styler in Mineral Red (£9)
Dr Hauschka Eyeshadow in Smoky Blue (£12.95)
Bobbi Brown Lip Colour in Blackberry (£18)
Givenchy Vernis Please! Nail Polish in Loving Red (£13)
Tom Ford Jasmin Rouge Eau De Parfum (£300)
MAC Kohl Power Pencil (£14)
Illamasqua Generation Q Powder Blusher in Sophie (£18)
Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Liquid Face Highlighter (£24.50)

What do you think of this week's beauty look post? xxx

MALIN + GOETZ Neroli Candle Review

You know you are in for a treat when you can smell a candle through every layer of its packaging!

Ever since I published my candle wishlist a couple of months ago, I haven't been able to stop thinking about one brand in particular - MALIN + GOETZ. There's just something so simple, fresh and pure about the candles in this collection, which is why I am so grateful to the lovely ladies at Pure PR for giving me the chance to review the Neroli candle.

Although Neroli was the candle I was reaching for the most, I am also really intrigued about the Tobacco and Cannabis offerings, as I have heard great things about them.

I love the vibrant, colour-block packaging that comes with the Neroli candle. If I'm honest, it's part of the reason why I am so drawn to them, and the fact I think it's a good size too (albeit a little expensive). I think the use of white text also complements the bright orange box, and I love the way they have highlighted in bold how the candle creates a sensory balance.

Moving on to the candle itself, it has a really strong sweet and citrusy fragrance, which is great for this time of year when everyone is getting excited about Summer FINALLY showing its face. Top notes include bitter orange and lemon and the base is infused with iris and musk.

One thing I will say about the candle is that the scent really does hit you in the face. I had it burning last night for 5 minutes and the room transformed into club tropicana! If you don't like the smell of Lush, I wouldn't recommend you trying this one.

Burn time is 60 hours, which is great. Although MALIN + GOETZ recommend that the candle shouldn't be lit for more than 2 or 3 hours at a time, I would say that's more than fine considering the strength of the scent and also how much time us busy beauty bloggers have on our hands!

You can buy the Neroli candle here for £37.

What's your favourite candle? Do you like the sound of this one? xxx