Monday 16 December 2013

December Empties

I am proud :), to present another empties post. Proud , yes, as I find it hard to finish product. I'm not sure if I am not putting enough on , as I am sure the SA says "should last you 3 months" - 10 months later I am still smothering myself.


Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser - a gel cleanser that gives a gentle cleanse to my oily skin. It does not foam up, but gives a fresh, non-stripped feeling to my skin. I will repurchase.

Perricone MD Firming Facial Toner - a refreshing toner with Glycolic, that gives my skin a tight revitalised feeling. Keeps my pores clear and gently sloughs of dead skin. I will repurchase.

This Works Clean Skin 5 - in - 1 water - I use this primarily to clean off my eyes and give my face a quick once over before I cleanse. This is almost an exact dupe for Bioderma. It is effective on all my eye makeup ( I do not wear much waterproof products) and is extremely gentle on my sensitive eyes. Many eye makeup removers make my eyes weep. Biorderma is easier to get so I have not repurchased.

Natura Bisse Oxygen Mousse - I was disappointed with this cleanser. It comes out the dispenser in a glorious foam . That's where the magic ends. A foaming cleanser like this should make your skin feel fresh and clean. I felt I need to wash after I used this. it did not leave a residue, but did not feel it thorougly cleansed my skin.

Skinceuticals Phloretin CF - This anti- oxidant treatment is a must have for sunny climates. Its lightweight and absorbs well. I will repurchase

Perricone MD Acyl Glutathione - This serum/cream is to treat deep creases. My mom swears by it. I am using it as a preventative treatment and feel it is keeping creases at bay. I have repurchased in the past, but now have a bottle of their Acyl- Glutathione Deep Crease serum to replace it with.

Bobbi Brown Instant Long-wear Makeup Remover - a good makeup remover. I do feel my Bioderma which is more economical works better even for Bobbi Brown's Long-wear eyeliner gel. I would repurchase if (horror) Bioderma became available.

I think I have made some good headway in finishing some products. My next wish would to hit some Pan, to make me feel I am really working my products. Have you managed to use up any products - you can join me in a victory dance!

Monday 9 December 2013

Holiday 2013 Roundup - Guerlain, Chanel and Shiseido

The end of year is rapidly approaching, with most holiday collections being released awhile back. Here is a roundup of the other Holiday items I purchased, while there is still a whiff of cinnamon and spice in the air . I have previously reviewed the gorgeous Shu Uemura holiday here and here. I have also featured the Three Holiday Winter Stardust Set here.

The SA's at the Chanel boutique went all out with their beautiful packaging. So elegant!





The Joues Contaste Powder blush for holiday 2013 is my first Chanel blush. Wow, what an introduction. It is a hybrid between a bronzer and rosy glow on my skin tone. It swatches with a sparkle, but this does not show on the the cheeks. My cheek bones are like KAPOW, once I apply this.

The now famous sponge like Illusion D' Ombre came in two shades of which I chose Fatal. This sultry berry shade really works for one of my favourite grunge lived in looks.

I missed out on last years Guerlain's Wulong spectacular, mainly as I did not want to part with the ridiculous amount they asked for it (blocked from my mind), but the Crazy Paris collection came with two pressed beauties. Above is Crazy Meteorites. A Radiance powder that is so silky smooth to the touch, applies sheer and leaves a veil of skin perfecting powder that blurs and enhances in all the right places.
This Crazy Terracotta compact was actually a second choice to the crazy meteorites. I am so glad I did not miss out. The same sublime texture as above. This 'healthy glow powder' really gives the cheeks a pretty flush.
Lastly, the Shiseido Eye Colour Bar - I nearly camped out for it, as only recently made it's appearance here. I am going to reserve judgment as I have had limited time to play with it. First impression: powder is silky in texture just like my Cle De Peau quads. The colour payoff on the few I have worn are more ethereal than saturated. Time will tell if I like this.

The look above shows the Chanel Illusion D' Ombre and Accent Joues Contraste Blush in action. A simple but effective look. 
Happy Holidays! I do have one or two posts planned before we go on our family holiday. If I do run out of time to finish, I apologise in advance, tis the Silly season as they say!
xxx MR