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My Travel Skincare Essentials | 2017 Recommendations

Travel SkincareMy Travel Skincare Essentials – 2017 Recommendations

Travel and skincare are not always the best of friends. There’s a lot to take into consideration: the 100ml liquid rule for cabin bags, baggage space, non-breakables…and let’s not even start on the plane’s air con. For these reasons – and many others – I despised packing my skincare regime into my case. However after travelling so much this year, I like to think I have it down to a fine art.

My daily skincare regime is quite lengthly, and when I’m travelling I try to make sure it doesn’t suffer. And thanks to most brands bringing out travel size versions of their signature products, it doesn’t have to. So I’ve compiled a list which features my favourite travel skincare essentials, alongside some new products I’ve discovered.

My Travel Skincare Essentials

Everything I have included in this post is travel-sized, and can either be purchased separately as such or as part of a gift set. Where applicable I have linked to the specific product or set. However where some products are no longer available in travel size I have linked to the full size product. After all, you can always de-pot a product into a handy travel size kit!

Happy travels! And don’t forget to check out more of my travel recommendations.

Travel Skincare Travel Skincare Travel Skincare Travel Skincare Travel Skincare

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The Buxom Custom Eyeshadow Palette | Review

buxomThe Buxom Custom Eyeshadow Palette*

I don’t wear much eyeshadow lately. That’s a very strange way to start a review on an eyeshadow palette, isn’t it? But stay with me, because I do have a point. Over the years I’ve gone from wearing rainbow looks, to smokey concoctions, and finally to a nude eye. You see I may not wear much eyeshadow now, but I do know what I’m talking about. And it also means I’m quite particular about the shadows I do wear.

Fast forward to present day, and little ol’ me searching for some new eyeshadow. My search ended up leading me to Debenhams, and the new Buxom cosmetics counter – a brand I’ve been wanting to check out for a while. Low and behold, what do I spot? A custom eyeshadow palette. And when I’m presented with the option of customising my own eyeshadow palette, you sure as hell know I’m going to take them up on their offer.

Big, Bold & Buxom

The Buxom custom eyeshadow palette comes with space for 6 shadows, and over 40 matte and glitter shades to choose from. Whether you love bright, bold shadows, or nearly there nudes, there is a colour for everyone. Each shade is infused with primer technology, which means they’re long-wear, highly pigmented, and there’s no need for a primer.

Final Thoughts?

  • Pigmented
  • Primer-infused
  • Applies, blends, and sets well
  • Lasts throughout the day
  • Shadows easily pop into the push-out tray
  • Simple packaging that secures the shadows in place
  • Swatches (no primer)

First things first, the palette is only £36, for six pigmented, primer-infused shades. Considering that individual shadows are priced at £8 each, you’re getting a pretty good deal. Then there’s being able to customise my own palette, which is a dream come true for this picky eyeshadow wearer. I love palettes, but I often find that I only end up using half of the shadows in them. I was able to choose six perfect colours, and when they’re done I can either buy them again individually, or just choose some more. Which may be the best thing for me, what with the way my tastes change.

You can purchase in-store and online (add the palette & 6 shadows to your basket individually).
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

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CHANEL Matte Liquid Lip Ink in Amoureux

CHANEL Matte Liquid LipCHANEL Matte Liquid Lip Ink in Amoureux

I’ve always sung the praises of Chanel’s lipsticks, but in recent years I’ve gone off the classic brand, in favour of more contemporary ones. In fact I’ve found that a lot of the “old school” brands such as Chanel, YSL etc. have been pretty late to jump on the current make-up trends. I’m looking at you matte liquid lips!

There are so many brands out there that have made it big thanks to their liquid lipsticks. And finally late last year Chanel released their own matte liquid lip with “an intense, luminous and long-lasting colour.” But with only minimal marketing, the Chanel Matte Liquid Lip Ink slipped under my radar. In fact I’ve not really seen any of my beauty faves talking about the product. I was still curious though, especially with the shade Amoureux, which is a great nude for my pale skin tone. So when I got my latest Debenhams beauty card points through, I decided I’d visit a counter and take a chance.

CHANEL Matte Liquid Lip Ink

  • Cute packaging
  • Doesn’t dry to matte
  • Handbag/travel friendly
  • Not as pigmented as I would like
  • Sheer application, but can be built up
  • Comes off when eating/drinking

What can I say about a matte lipstick that doesn’t dry matte? Because that’s exactly what Chanel have given us. This liquid lip goes on with a sheer glossy look, and it never fully dries. Instead it just looks like a lip tint with a sheen. I’ve heard some of the other shades are more pigmented, but still have the same issue. And of course all this means that the product doesn’t last. In fact the only way I can see it lasting the 8 hours Chanel state is if you don’t eat or drink during that time.

I personally wouldn’t purchase this again, especially at £28 for such a small product (only 6ml!). Instead I would go for the high street dupe Collection’s Velvet Kiss in Caramel – which is actually a matte lip! In fact this dupe is so good that when I wore it recently and went to buy the Chanel Matte Liquid Lip Ink in Amoureux, the counter staff thought I was already wearing it.

Check out more of my honest beauty reviews now!

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The Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair 1.0NS

Ordinary Serum Foundation Very FairThe Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair 1.0NS

My love affair with The Ordinary and their affordable, amazing products continues. This time round it’s the foundation on everyone’s lips…and cheeks…and forehead…you get my point. Yes, it’s The Ordinary’s Serum Foundation. The most hyped foundation on the market right now.

But what makes this one so special? There are tons of brands out there that offer up serum foundations, that’s true. However there aren’t many that feature 21 shades. Yes, you heard me right, 21 shades! Praise be to the beauty Gods, a brand that finally understands we come in more than 3 shades (don’t even get me started on ‘ivory’ and ‘dark’).

And I had my eye on one particular shade…

The Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair 1.0NS

The Ordinary’s serum foundations offer 21 shades from Very Fair, to Very Deep. The shades are divided into three categories: 1 fair-lighter tones, 2 medium tones; and 3 darker tones. Each one is then marked by a second digit from 0-3 to indicate depth within each shade. Within these shade ranges you’ll also spot letters: P (Pink) & R (Red) cool undertones for lighter & darker shades; N – Neutral tone; and Y – Yellow undertone. On top of this, three of the shades also have S (silver highlights) and G (gold highlights) at the end. These particular shades use natural-looking, exceptionally fine dispersions of metallic effect pigments for added highlight.

So to break down my shade, I use: Very Fair – 1.0 (lightest) – NS (neutral with silver highlights).

Final Thoughts?

  • Very lightweight
  • Good formula
  • Light-medium coverage
  • Applies, blends, and sets well
  • A great base that works well with other products
  • Swatches

This foundation goes on smoothly, and blends really well with my skin tone. In fact it blends so well it’s difficult to see where I’ve applied it at times. I would say the coverage is light-medium, which I prefer because it feels much more lightweight on my skin. It works well with other products, meaning no pilling or movement. I actually potted mine into a cushion compact, which is perfect for this formula.

Now I’m not a foundation kinda gal, which you’ll know if you’ve read some of my previous beauty posts. I tend to prefer concealer because I dislike how my skin feels in foundation. And more importantly, I’ve never been able to find a shade that matches my skin tone. In fact in the past I’ve had to use white foundations – to mix – when trying to get a match. But finally I’ve found one in The Ordinary’s new serum foundation line-up, and I’ve been converted!

You can purchase The Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair 1.0NS online and in-store.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair Ordinary Serum Foundation Very Fair

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream | Beauty Review

Elemis Pro-CollagenElemis Pro-Collagen Marine Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream*

Today’s beauty review features one of my favourite beauty brands – Elemis. I’ve been a fan of Elemis products from day one, as they’re one of the few brands where I see a genuine difference in my skin after usage. The high-end beauty brand offers a wide range of skincare products, for all skin types. I genuinely get excited when I see a new range released. And that’s how I ended up with the new Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. It has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth, improve firmness, tone and hydration in only 14 days. But would it work for me?

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream – Thoughts

  • Applies smoothly
  • Leaves skin hydrated
  • My skin now feels smoother and more supple
  • Thick texture that’s actually lightweight when applied

I absolutely love the application, texture, and the way my skin feels after I’ve applied it. I’ve been using it for over 14-days now, and I can genuinely say that my skin feels smoother and more supple. I love this range so much I also have the Advanced Eye Treatment, Marine Mask, and the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream with SPF30 – which now that Summer has arrived is the perfect moisturiser to replace this one with.

Praise aside, there is one thing we need to discuss; the price. Prices start at a whopping £80 for a 50ml pot of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. Now I’m not silly, I know most people don’t just have a spare £80 lying around to throw at a moisturiser. However, this product really works, and I always say quality over quantity (if you can afford it). If I had a little extra money at the end of the month, I’d buy it. But then I’m very much a skincare addict, and I believe in investing in products that work.

Offers: Debenhams often have Elemis sets on offer during their sales. I recently bought the Elemis Treasures of the Sea gift set for only £49 (was £68). It included a full size eye treatment, mask and 30ml travel size version of the pro-collagen marine cream. Alongside it I also got £10 on my Debenhams Beauty Club Card. Not bad, right?

You can purchase the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream range online and in-store.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Elemis Pro-Collagen Elemis Pro-Collagen Elemis Pro-Collagen

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Take The Day Off with Clinique’s Cleansing Balm | Beauty Review

Take The Day OffClinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm*

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and taking your make-up off. That said, it can also be one of the most annoying tasks. Let me be honest for a second; I can be a bit lazy when it comes to cleansing. Which means I’m often looking for a product that will help me do it easily. For me that means a product that will apply well, take off all my make-up, cleanse my face, and leave my skin looking and feeling great. I don’t ask for much, do I.

Take The Day Off

Enter Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleaning Balm. A product I was recommended this by my best friend VA. She told me she was a big fan, and that was all I needed to know in order to try it out for myself. So let me introduce the product properly. Take The Day off is a lightweight cleansing balm, perfect for getting rid of stubborn eye and facemake-up, as well as those that include sunscreen. Best paired with a cleansing cloth, it cleans thoroughly and washes off completely. It claims to be perfect for all skin types, and as someone with sensitive skin, I can agree. It’s easy to see why it’s the most requested product on Clinique counters.

Final Thoughts?

  • Lightweight
  • Good texture
  • Clean application
  • Leaves skin smooth
  • Removes make-up easily
  • Non-greasy, and non-drying

At £23 this is on the higher end of what I would consider spending on a cleanser. That said, you do get a lot of product with this cleansing balm. It’s perfect for day-to-day use, whether I’m wearing make-up or not. And as an added bonus it can easily be de-potted for travelling. I would definitely repurchase it.

Get a free 15ml Take The Day Off! From 25-26th May, you can grab your own free travel size cleansing balm (no purchase necessary) from Clinique counters, in John Lewis stores nationwide.

You can purchase Take The Day Off online and in-store.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

Take The Day Off Take The Day Off Take The Day Off

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A Hit of Vitamin C with Clinique Fresh Pressed | Beauty

clinique freshClinique Fresh Pressed 7 Day System with pure vitamin c*

Winter is no longer coming, and beauty fanatics everywhere are going vitamin c crazy. And yes you guessed right, I’m no exception. After all the weather is changing, temperatures are rising (albeit slowly), and your skin needs a little boost. Some of you may be shouting “speak for yourself” as you read this. But hey admit it, we’ve all been there. And if seasonal transition affects you as much as it does me, then you’ll be glad to hear that Clinique has a new product to help out.

Clinique Fresh Pressed

The simple, two-step system contains pure Vitamin C. Which I’ve been told by Clinique is one of the most powerful de-ageing vitamins. The products claims to give you brighter, more radiant skin, right from the first application. “With continued use, see transformative de-ageing results: skin that’s noticeably firmer, more even-toned, smoother, with visibly diminished lines and wrinkles and a radiant, youthful glow.”

Clinique Fresh Pressed comes as a set (featured in this post), which lasts for 7 days, and costs £25. However you can also buy the Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C (£24 for 1 month supply), or the Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10% (£58 for 4 x 8.5ml) separately.

Final Thoughts?

The system is simple and easy to use, and would fit into anyone’s daily routine. The initial opening of the Daily Booster was oddly satisfying – you’ll see what I mean if you buy it – and I found the product lasting longer than the 7 days stated. It mixed well with my moisturiser, and naturally made it go further. But I did find it a little sticky on my skin, and it meant my moisturiser took a little longer to absorb than normal.

In my opinion the 7 day set is the best way to test out both products alongside each other, for first time users. And at £25 it won’t break the bank. However it’s the Renewing Powder Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C that I would re-purchase. I loved the sachets, and how simple they were to use. Not to mention how travel-friendly they are! In fact I’m considering stocking up on them just to take with me when I go away. All in all, my skin felt and looked good throughout – and after – the week’s use.

You can purchase Clinique Fresh Pressed online and in-store.
Check out more of my beauty must-haves now!

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