bloomzy /

Review: L’Occitane Hydration Cream

L’Occitane Creme Radieuse Hydration Cream*
It seemed that my search for a moisturiser fit for using on my face was forever ongoing.
That was until I found this little gem – the L’Occitane Creme Radieuse Hydration Cream.
I received this sample size in a Birchbox last November and wasn’t sure what to think of it.
In fact, I was pretty convinced that I would never use it, in fear that it would make my skin breakout.
I have combination skin that is too dry for certain products and breaks out with other rich ones.
That in a nutshell is why I don’t like to use a lot of facial moisturisers as part of my routine.
So I was delighted when I took a chance and started using this.
Pros:
+ Not too rich
+ Smells lovely
+ Works well as a primer
+ Moisturising & Hydrating
+ Only a tiny amount is needed
Cons:
– Scent isn’t for everyone
– May not be rich enough for some skin types
Notes:
Ok, I think you can see that I was stretching with the cons there.
Personally I have no cons for this product, but I tried to think of others.
I’m just happy to finally find a moisturiser that is moisturising enough and not too rich.
The sample size of this is perfect, as I only need to apply a little every morning and evening.
The full size is a little pricey at £30 and honestly I don’t think I’d be able to use it all before it goes out of date. That said, L’Occitane also feature the sample size in a travel set with the cleanser & toner, so I’ll definitely be taking advantage of that when I run out of this one.
You can purchase the full size version online here.
Or you can find the travel kit in L’Occitane stores.
bloomzy /

Review: Imperial Leather Oriental Calm



Imperial Leather Oriental Calm Shower Cream*

As Spring arrives I feel my love for lighter floral scents growing.
The new Imperial Leather Shower Cream in Oriental Calm is a prime example.
As far as shower creams go, Imperial Leather are one of the most well known brands.
Recently I held a giveaway to win the new collection, and I was also given one to try for myself.

“A luxurious and indulgent shower cream combining cherry blossom and vanilla bean. 
Whilst the lather is rich, thick and twice as creamy, the aroma is comforting and promises to relax you.”


Pros:
+ Soft on skin
+ Lathers well
+ Reasonably priced
+ Lovely ‘Spring-y’ scent
+ A little goes a long way


Cons:
– Non-natural ingredients
– Not as moisturising as I’d hoped


Notes:
The application was soft on my skin and lathered extremely well, meaning I didn’t need to use much.
The scent was also pleasant and not overpowering, which meant I could layer with a perfume afterwards.
However the lack of natural ingredients (something that is prominent in my showergel & skincare collection) was a let down for me. I also look for creams that are moisturising but kind to my sensitive skin, but this made my dry skin itch and didn’t moisturise as I’d hoped. Unfortunately I wasn’t overwhelmed by the product. I wouldn’t purchase it myself but I would recommend it to someone who doesn’t suffer from sensitive skin or doesn’t mind the use of non-natural ingredients.

Prices start at £1.89 for 300ml and go up to £2.89 for 750ml.
You can purchase Imperial Leather’s new range of shower creams on the high street and in supermarkets.

bloomzy /

Giveaway: New Imperial Leather Range

Imperial Leather is a brand well known for their luxurious shower gel.
This year they are releasing their new formula, which includes 5 lovely fragrances.
These include: Citrus Burst, Oriental Calm, Ocean Fresh, Japanese Spa and Soft Touch.
The range is formulated to be thick and creamy, offering a gentle gel that feels as good as it smells.
Imperial Leather have offered my readers the chance to win the whole new collection!
What can you win?
The new range of Imperial Leather shower gels
The set includes all 5 of the new fragrances (shown above)

How to enter:
+ Be a follower of ‘Bloomzy’ via GFC or Bloglovin
+ Follow Imperial Leather on Facebook
+ Earn extra entries on Twitter, Facebook etc.
The giveaway is open for 1 week (ending 8th March)
This is open to UK residents only – sorry!
Good luck!
bloomzy /

Review: Birchbox February Box

February’s ‘London Fashion Week’ Birchbox*

Yesterday I received February’s Birchbox through the post.
I’ve found that with some beauty box brands the anticipation is better than the outcome.
However that was certainly not the case with this month’s London Fashion Week themed Birchbox.
As soon as I opened it I was genuinely happy, and quite excited about the products featured. 
What did I receive in my Birchbox?

Korres – Guava Shower Gel
I love Korres – they are a great natural brand with amazing scented products.
I know I will get good use out of the shower gel when I go away on holiday in March.
Nick Chavez Plump N’Thick Thickening Mist
A leave-in product to use on towel-dried hair.
I am always after thicker hair, so I’m very excited about trying this one out.
Vichy Thermal Spa Water
A limited edition item – ohhhh.
You guys know I’m a little obsessed with eau thermal sprays.
I have one by Evian, one by Caudalie and two by Avene – so this is the latest edition.
I’m glad to see a brand I don’t know doing a product I love, and in travel size, which I don’t have!
I’ll be popping this in my handbag and trying it out asap.
Birchbox Eyelash Curler
It was about time I got a new eyelash curler.
I invested in a heated curler a while ago, but not a new ‘regular’ curler.
I know I’ll use this everyday, so it definitely seems like a nice little extra.

Gerda Spillmann – Bio Fond Cream Foundation
The only item in the box that I know I won’t use.
I’m ok with that though as it’s purely based on the shade of the product.
I find it hard enough to get a product to suit my skin tone on the high street, so…
EBoost Energy Booster
When I met with one of Birchbox’s founders; Katia Beauchamp she mentioned ‘lifestyle extras’.
She wanted to add something extra to the box to make it stand out, as your lifestyle is a big part of you.
I liked that idea and it might have been a bit odd to see an energy boost drink, but it was different.
The reason I was so pleased with this month’s box was because it matched me & my lifestyle perfectly!
I was very happy and for £10 (plus p&p) I would have gladly purchased it myself!
If you want to subscribe to Birchbox, or just purchase this month’s box, click here.
You can also buy any of these products on Birchbox’s online store here.
bloomzy /

Christmas Presents from Germany & Japan

Christmas gifts from Rae, in Germany

Christmas gifts from Miyuki, in Japan

Christmas came a little early for me last week.
I was lucky enough to receive not one, but two packages through the post.
One was from the lovely Rae of Love from Berlin who is an amazing person that I met through blogging.
The other package was from one of my best friends in Japan who I studied with a couple of years ago.
Both gifts were amazing, and so very cool in their own ways.
I loved how both seemed to represent a little bit of the culture too.
Rae sent me some German chocolate (we all know it’s the best), magazines and make-up.
I can’t wait to try out the eyeshadow palette, it’s so very seasonal and the colours are gorgeous!
She also knows me very well by including some gorgeous glittery nail polish, which I will have already applied by the time this post goes live. I can’t help it, I’m an addict! 
Miyuki often asks me what I would like and I said I would like to try some new Japanese beauty products.
She also knows that I’ve just moved into my first apartment so sent me a few home items to decorate and relax with.
The nail polish, once again was a delight to receive, especially the Majolica Majorca glass polish – review soon!!
I also loved the Dior products and make-up bag. They’ve already been stashed away in my handbag.
I feel so lucky to know such wonderful people and I am very thankful ♥
bloomzy /

Review: Nourish Golden Glow Toning Soufflé

Nourish Golden Glow Toning Soufflé*

Nourish are a skincare company who targets their products at your skin’s needs and health.
This Christmas they are doing just that and bringing you their golden glow toning soufflé with frankincense & myrrh.
The light reflecting particles in this cream are said to:
 “Even skin tone, giving a smooth lustrous appearance and a naturally healthy sun-kissed glow. Golden resins of frankincense and myrrh, combined with a nutrient rich phyto-active marine extract, tone the skin, firming and boosting suppleness. With super-hydrating hyaluronic acid and tripeptides to stimulate the production of collagen, skin feels smoother, softer and has a refined, fresh appearance.”

Definitely not an easy product to capture on camera

Pros:
+ Absorbs into the skin quickly
+ Leaves a subtle sparkly sheen
+ My skin felt soft and smooth after application
Cons:
– Slightly odd scent
Notes:
First off I have to say how much I love the consistency of this product.
It wobbles like jelly and reminded me of custard – I like both those things so I liked this.
The ‘soufflé’ absorbed into my skin very quickly, and I was really impressed – waiting around for creams to dry is a pet hate of mine. This dried within a couple of minutes so it definitely gets bonus points from me!
As for the ‘odd scent’ I mentioned. It’s not terrible but it just didn’t seem to match the decadence of the product.
Some of you may think this review is a little late for Christmas, but I believe in sparkling all year round.
If you really need an excuse though, this cream would be perfect for any New Year celebrations!
You can buy Nourish’s Golden Glow Toning Soufflé here.
bloomzy /

Review: Joliebox

Joliebox gift box from the Birchbox event*
When I attended the Birchbox champagne afternoon tea event last week I was gifted with a Joliebox.
If you didn’t see that post then you might be confused, but this is because Birchbox have taken over Joliebox.
If I remember correctly the box wasn’t a particular month, it was a mixture of products & previous month’s boxes.
The box contained samples from previous boxes and new items, such as:
– Twistband –
– Ritessens Exfoliant –
– RMK Cleansing Balm –
– L’Occitane Angelica Hydration Cream –
– Dr Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap Pillows –
– Redken Protective Straightening Lotion –
This box was a great way to introduce someone to some of the wonderful brands that Joliebox has worked with.
It also shows you an example of what you might receive in a box; beauty, skincare, hair & lifestyle products, travel essentials, and even full size samples. Birchbox allows you to create a personal profile which your samples will be based on – which is a great feature, I hope they keep it when the takeover happens in January. The magazine is something which is unique to Joliebox and is very popular with a lot of subscribers, so it was nice to receive one with my box.
Joliebox will soon become Birchbox, and is a monthly beauty box service.
For £10 (plus postage) a month you will recieve 4-5 beauty samples to your door.
You can sign up and subscribe here.