Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter

This was on my Best of 2012 as the best body cream, so I thought it was time to review it and tell you why I love it so much.

This lovely tub of moussy goodness smells good enough to eat. I can just imagine little bee's a' la Willy Wonka working themselves into a frenzy churning this glorious cream in to it's luscious state of creaminess. Okay- so enough whimsical nonsense!

This cream contains :

• Shea Butter known for it's hydrating properties creating supple skin
• Jojoba Butter which is good for retaining moisture in the skin
• Beta Carotene a good anti oxidant
• Squalene a signature Kiehl's ingredient which promotes softness due to its ability to restore your skin's natural moisture balance

All these ingredients put together make for a nourishing body cream that quenches my dry skin. I use it at night for extra comfort. Its whipped consistency is easily absorbed into my skin and does not leave any 'film' on top of my skin, indicating it has been absorbed well. It has a sweet scent that if worn during the day gives off a light fragrance, that negates the use of a perfume. For me it smells indulgent and makes me feel like I am on holiday in the caribbean ( I wish...).

This is the perfect night body cream for summer or winter, which delivers continuos moisture. Apply on damp skin for easier application and to seal in moisture. I do opt for a more lightly scented body cream for the day, as not to interfere with perfumes I want to wear. This cream can do no wrong in my eyes  and checks all the boxes for the perfect hydrating body cream.

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Caudalíe Beauty Elixir - little droplets of nourishment

Caudalíe Beauty Elixir has been on my wish list for quite some time. Caudalie, made in France , is a luxury natural brand that is widely available. The Beauty Elixir is inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary and her legendary elixir of youth. Well, you got me at 'elixir of youth ' !

The main ingredients are Grape (a Caudalíe speciality ingredient) , Orange Blossom, Rose, Balm Mint and Rosemary. The scent is decidedly minty which is tempered  by the other lovely fragrances, which makes this really enjoyable to spray on. Shake well and spray. Keep yours eyes closed to prevent irritation.  By doing this my eyes have been fine.This was one of Harper Bazaars Hot 100 products and loved by makeup artists. I typically use it midday when I need a metaphorical and physical refresh. The heady aroma's invigorates the mind and the elixir re-energizes my makeup. My makeup looks freshly applied and dewy, any oiliness is subdued. In summer it really is refreshing and in the winter months it plumps up my dehydrated lack lustre skin. It can also be used to set your makeup after foundation, before you apply setting powder, but I do not usually use it that way. As stated on the bottle 0% parabens and phonoxyethanol, 100% natural fragrances and not tested on animals.

I love my Beauty Elixir, which brings a healthy glow to my skin.

What is your favourite facial spritz?



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Giorgio Armani Face Fabric

Giorgio Armani has just launched their spring 2013 POP collection. With their fresh and flirty compacts they have introduced new shades into their already iconic foundation Face Fabric. This makes it a good opportunity to review this foundation that I have been using for over a year. Giorgio Armani just does foundations well - they are effortless and luxurious just like his clothing line.

Face Fabric in Shade 3

The texture of this foundation is mousse-like and you can feel the silicones ( I cannot find the ingredients listing but it has a silicone feel). It has micro-fil technology, one of Giorgio Armani's trademark of their foundation ranges. The foundation glides on over your skin like a fabric and fills and corrects as it is applied. This almost slick texture settles down into a natural satin finish, with a light SPF. My skin looks like skin. I would almost describe this as the precursor to the Armani Maestro Fusion. This might even suit those who have complained that maestro accentuates their dry patches.

My oily skin gets a subtle sheen after about 5 hrs but the face fabric still remains, but I deliberatly did not powder to see the oil control. This does give a 'no makeup' makeup look and I say sits between the Maestro Foundation (reviewed here) and their ultra popular Luminous silk foundation. Maestro Fusion is a runny liquid for a natural finish which evens out skin tones and hides minimal perfections. Face Fabric is spongy, with a "second skin" effect that builds slightly. It hides a few more imperfections then Maestro and does not accentuate my pores. Maestro controls oil breakthrough slightly better. Luminous Silk is more of a medium coverage that builds seamlessly to full for a satin finish which is similar to Nars Sheer Matte foundation. They have introduced one very light shade and two darker shades, but I think Maestro has maybe a better shade selection overall. This has a texture that is best applied with fingers in my opinion, just like Maestro Fusion. Luminous silk will depend on what coverage you want - brush for fuller application .

Shade 3 L - R out the tube, blended

Natural Satin finish in daylight without cheek colour

 This Face Fabric truly drapes and hugs the contour of your face and creates a good canvas for cheek colour and contouring. I think all foundation lovers should check this 'oldie but goody' out at their local counters, as it just might be your daily holy grail. For reference I am 5.5 in Maestro Fusion and Luminous Silk and 3 in Face Fabric, which is slightly warmer than the other two.

I would love to know which is your best Armani Foundation.



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Burberry Lip Cover in Antique Rose - my lips but better you bet!

I was fortunate enough to purchase two Burberry Lip Covers in Antique Rose and Tulip Pink.

I have Burberry's gorgeous Lip Mists and Lip Velvets, but these are my first Lip Covers. Today I will be reviewing Antique Rose. Lip Covers are more opaque than the lip mists and give more coverage, however they still retain their moisturizing qualities. Antique Rose is comfortable on the lips, but wear time is not anything extraordinary. But, usually the finish and feel is more important to me than wear time ( wear time I think is more NB when looking at darker colours as we want them to wear evenly, without patchiness over time). These Lip Covers contain ceramides to deliver a fuller lip look.

L - R Burberry Antique Rose, Nars Dolce Vita

Burberry's Antique Rose is in the category of  ' my lips but better'. It is a sweet warm pink with a slight nude undertone. while it gives more cover than the lip mists, it still imparts a Semi gloss finish. It is similar to Nars Dolce Vita which is slightly sheerer and has more of a red tint to it. This is a perfect everyday lipstick, that can pair with a simple eye -: Burberry Antique Rose eyeshadow washed over the whole lid and diffused into the crease area and smudge under the lower lash line . Use a medium brown pencil like Tom Ford Espresso to softly line the upper lashline for some definition. Loads of mascara, or you could opt for the new trend of brown mascara for a real Burberry-esque look. Finish the look with Earthy Light Glow Blush from Burberry, this will add definition but not colour to your facial structure, to mimic Cara Delavigne in all her glory in the Burberry ad's (if only.....).

For me Burberry can do no wrong when it comes to their lip products. Antique Rose has found a new home in my makeup bag!!




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Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup - Sheer Magic!

What a lovely brand Hourglass is! Flying under the radar, while hitting us square on with fabulous products that I just can't seem to get enough of. I have really become a foundation fiend. Foundation to me me is like a wardrobe. Each day another texture or look is required to achieve the desired effect I am striving for. While I am still warming to Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick (loving it more every day), I am head over heels for Hourglass's Mineral Veil Foundation.

It is housed in a glossy brown dispenser with the retro Hourglass font. The liquid foundation is gel - like in texture and is slightly darker than my natural complexion. I went with Veil 3 . I also bought the Hourglass retractable foundation brush, which has synthetic hairs that buffs the product beautifully into the skin for a natural finish. My real techniques buffing brush and fingers work well too. This foundation imparts a natural finish with a healthy sheen to the skin. I have oily skin, but it looks glowing not oily. It almost glazes your skin, hence the name 'Veil'.

Veil in 3 

This foundation works well to even out skin tone and hide imperfections. Any dark pigmentation or pimples will need extra coverage as this is light to medium coverage. This foundation is not only there to perfect your complexion, but over time it has some skincare benefits as well. Hourglass has packed this foundation with Matryxil ®, Synthe'6™ which claims to support collagen production. Skin Tightner ST ™ PH work on the texture of your skin. I would not forgo my other anti-aging creams, but what a bonus! This makeup is also paraben, oil, fragrance, nano particles, phthalates, sulphate FREE. Also vegan friendly! Lastly ,Veil  Fluid Makeup has a broad spectrum 15 SPF .

I do use this over the cult favourite Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. This primer, also with a 15 SPF, renders any foundation used over it waterproof (Please don't test in a downpour, that might just prove too much!). This makes it good for hot climates and all round longevity of the foundation. This foundation is buildable. when applied with a brush. If you enjoy sheer, glowing makeup Hourglass Veil Fluid Makeup could be for you.  This has become my go to foundation for days that I want to look fresh and natural. I know that Zuneta keeps Hourglass.

What niche brands can you introduce me to?


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Chantecaille HD Perfecting Powder

Chantecaille, while a classically French brand, really pushes the boundaries when creating new products. They launched their HD Perfecting Powder fairly recently. While High Definition products are not a new phenomena (Make Up Forever most notably), Chantecaille's HD perfecting powder really delivers on giving us a product that gives us that airbrushed perfection.

 

I was looking for a pressed translucent powder for setting my makeup and for portable touch-ups during the day. Since I was a fan of their Protection Naturelle powder I thought I would give this a try. This powder is housed in a feather-light, gunmetal mirrored compact that is sleek, elegant and artful. The powder is finely milled and goes on initially with a whitish cast which soon disappears. I am not sure how this would work on dark complexions and I suggest testing this before purchasing. I apply it with my large Real Techniques Powder Brush. At first, my skin is ultra matte, but this become more satin finish with bit of time. This paraben-free powder does have Inchi seed oil and Brazilian Pepper-tree seed oil for hydration. This powder has not settled into any fine lines and smooths over any visible pores. I have oil skin and this wears pretty well on my skin, with touch ups only here and there. This is a lovely product that is a welcome addition to my powder collection.

What are your go to powders for a perfect finish?

(Malin + Goetz) Peppermint Body Scrub - naturally good

(Malin + Goetz) was born in New York. It is a company with a desire to marry natural ingredients and technology to enhance the benefits of these ingredients, while ensuring they are suitable for those with sensitive skins. I was lucky enough to win a face book competition and the gorgeous (Malin + Goetz) peppermint body scrub was mine!

I use this scrub about twice a week for gentle exfoliation. The peppermint scent is as expected, invigorating and fresh. What is great about this scrub is that it foams while it exfoliates, which means it is cleansing at the same time, which most scrubs do not do. This scrub is full of peppermint extract which is a mild anti-septic and clarifier. This scrub has amino acid technology (Malin + Goetz mumbo jumbo term) allowing for super hydrating exfoliation which is Ph balanced and non - irritating.

This is by far my best body exfoliator at the moment, but keep in mind I do not have sensitive skin. It leaves my skin smooth and feeling soft. The scrub itself is not harsh and just gently works. This has made me want more (Malin + Goetz) products. I will definitely be looking to get the Vitamin B5 hand treatment as my next (Malin + Goetz)

product. (Malin + Goetz) was widely available when I was in London, but for us international folk and online shoppers, it is available at Zuneta.

What is your favourite scrub?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Eve Lom Cleanser - A fresh start for a new year!

On my recent escapade to London (blah blah me!) I bought Eve Loms' multi award winning cleanser. She is the modern originator of the balm like cleanser that is 'activated' by a hot muslin cloth. Their have been other that have followed like Liz Earle and The Sanctuary, but EVE LOM created the prototype that none seem to get just right. This was quite a pricey cleanser, but only a small amount is needed to achieve that super 'clean' that is promised. The jar is quite heavy and is filled with a yellow balm which has a fresh aromatherapy scent.

This cleanser is made up of essential oils-: camomile and cocoa butter for soothing and conditioning properties and eucalyptus and clove known for decongesting your skin. This cleanser also tones as it has Hops oil in it as well. Your skin will not be stripped, but gently and deeply cleansed. I take a small amount into dry hands onto my dry face, including my eye area. I then massage it into my face or use my clarisonic. I then take the supplied muslin cloth and run it under hot water (be careful). Wring the excess water out and hold it over your face to release the aromatic properties of the oils, opens pores for benefits of the oils to get deep into the skin. This is done 2-3 time. My skin feels refreshed, deeply cleansed, hydrated and my makeup is melted away.

This is my favourite cleanser at the moment and it has become part of my evening skincare ritual.
I am really impressed with the efficacy of this product and will definitely repurchase.


Do you have a favourite cleansing balm?

Nars Spring 2013 - First Look

Just came across the official pic for Nars Spring 2013. Drool while you look:)

What tickles your fancy?

Burberry Lip Mist in Pink Feather - pink blush prettiness

Burberry Lip Mists are so wonderful to wear. Hydrating and with just enough colour to enhance your lips, these beauties are my favourite everyday lipsticks. Burberry Lip Mist in Pink Feather (209) is slightly more pigmented than my other two in Copper and Field Rose. Pink Feather is a girly peach toned pink blush. This is a good alternative to a nude lip as it just adds a hint of colour. My lips feel hydrated and comfortable, and they have a healthy shimmer to them.

 

 

This colour is soft enough to wear with a dramatic eye as well as for a everyday natural look. This would look good on fair to medium skin tones and would probably be more of a pink glimmer on darker skin tones. This is a a lovely shade by burberry.

Do you love the sheer texture of Burberry Lip Mist as much as I do?