CATERINAMARIA BEAUTY, FASHION & LIFESTYLE BLOG

PIXI Natural Brow Duo

2012-09-11T01:53:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I saw this pop up on a blog for review before its launch date and I was immediately intrigued! I'm really picky with brow products, I don't like them too dark or too creamy, just right. When I saw the PIXI Natural Brow Duo I thought it looked like such a good little product as it includes the waxy slanted pencil and the tinted gel in what looked like my perfect shade!

I really love the packaging, it's non offensive and cute so what more could you ask for! I especially like the picture of the product on the side of the box, it's a cute touch! The pencil side of the product is super easy to use and on my medium brown coloured brows gives a really natural but defined look to my brows, the colour is perfect for me which is that added bonus! The slant in the product also makes it that little bit easier and quicker to apply. The gel side is lovely too, it slicks my brows into place with minimal effort whilst adding extra texture and definition to my brows, love it!

Overall I think this is an absolute make up bag essential, especially if like me you love your groomed brows and use both pencil and gel. I love getting out of my make up bag to use as I find it to be such a cool little product and really exciting to use (I know how sad!). Unfortunately this product only comes in one shade of medium brown for the time being. I really do hope they bring out more shades as I would love to venture into a darker one too! I'm pretty sure there's probably been other brands that have brought out similar if not the same products but for now I'm excited for this!

Lots of love, Caterina xo

Sienna X Express Tanning Mist

2012-09-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Whilst on holiday in Malia I picked up an English mag from the overpriced shops over there! It was the Company issue with Nicole Richie on the front. I was reading through there holiday ready tips and they mentioned the Sienna X Express Tanning Mist as the easiest most full proof tanning product! So naturally I had to purchase it...

I had a look to see if there were any reviews online, I think I came across one via Google! So I bought it pretty much based on what the magazine said which isn't very like me, I like to read reviews first. I used it first off as a whole body tanner, I know risky! I found the application incredibly easy, the product didn't even require me to rub it in, just an effortless airbrush application. The great thing about this tan is that you notice development in 2-4 hours! It fully develops after 8 hours but after waiting four you will definitely notice your skin to be more bronzed! Great for last minute resorts on nice out!

The smell of this products is gorgeous, kind of coconut like and fresh. It dries instantly on the skin so no pottering around naked until your no longer tacky!

I was left with a beautifully even, deep bronze colour! I was so impressed and my hands and feet had never had such an even and easy application! The only down side was that I felt I used a hell of a lot of the product for one body application, so I would set this aside for legs or just hands and feet in the future.

The tan lasted a good week on my skin which I was very impressed with, I noticed that the deepness of the colour only started to fade after 3 days so my tan stayed pretty dark for a while! I would highly recommend this product, I really have come to become a fan of the Sienna X tanning products, I purchased the gel tanner after using this and have been seriously loving it! I'd also like to note that the price is pretty reasonable in my eyes for what it does! As long as you don't use it for full body application too much it will be well worth your money!

Lots of love, Caterina xo

Fashionista £10 Custom Palette & FREE Mascara

2012-09-09T09:06:00.002-07:00

Fashionista Custom Palette £10

I've never really been too much of a blush person but the other day I threw on a random peachy shade whilst at work and really loved how it picked up my complexion! The brand Fashionista has been around for a while now with there custom blush/bronzer/eyeshadow palettes but I'd never really delved until now!

I was in Superdrug on Oxford Street (opposite Primark) and noticed that for £10 you could have the palette and fill it with four blushers, bronzers or eyeshadows of your choice! I took this as an opportunity to branch out in the blusher world without forking out £80 for 4! I chose the shades (from top right- bottom left order) Butterscotch, Cinnamon, Juicy Apricot & Glow. All the powders are gorgeously pigmented and soft and the shade range is fantastic! I used Juicy Apricot for the first time yesterday and absolutely loved it and cannot wait to give the other shades a whirl!

As well as the offer of £10 for my whole palette, they had another offer that if you filled a palette you could receive a free mascara! I chose the Maxi Big Lash Impact Mascara which alone costs £8, such a good deal! I am yet to give the mascara a proper whirl but for free I'm not complaining!

I think the idea of the Fashionista palettes is a really neat idea especially for those who love the idea of MAC palettes but cannot afford them, this can give you that custom palette taste without the expense. Next time I will be eyeing up the bronzers!

Lots of love, Caterina xo

Clarins Toning Body Balm

2012-09-09T08:08:00.003-07:00

I have recently really got into body products such as exfoliates, moisturisers and anything that will make my skin glowing and smooth! The Clarins Toning Body Balm has their Tonic scent which can also be found in the body oils, shower & bath concentrate and body polisher. The scent is absolutely amazing! It's so invigorating and really awakens the senses without being overly offensive.

The texture is smooth and non sticky and sinks into the skin like a dream. This is my favourite product if I'm wanting my skin to look glowy and toned as it does just that! I personally love this if I feel my skin feels a bit dry in the morning and needs an instant pick me up as it sinks in so quickly with minimal fuss.

I highly recommend the Clarins Body Balm but as a disclaimer I would like to say that I do now work for Clarins and this product was free but it no way shape or form effects my opinion, it was simply gifted to me for completing my training.

Hope you're all well!
Caterina xo

Things Have Changed

2012-09-09T05:00:00.002-07:00

instagram- delicateheart

My life recently has taken a complete change of events in the space of literally a month! At the end of June I went on holiday to Malia with a few girl friends for a week, I couldn't of been more thankful for a break as at the time I was working a 9-5 job from hell and felt my happiness slowly disintegrating due to the fact that I was disliking my job. I went away and had such a hilarious time in Malia which consisted of relaxing, alcohol, really bad dancing and even worse tan lines. When I got back my mum informed me that I'd received a phone call from a job I'd applied for, It was a job I'd been searching for but been being rejected by for over a year so I was happy but not too hopeful. I gave the lady a call back and left a message, fast forward one week, I'd been offered the job. I honestly couldn't believe I was finally getting my break which to be honest I had given up on, the thing with this job was that it wasn't JUST a job it was the start to my career.

I'd have to say one of the hardest things I've ever done was call my work colleague at the time who made my old job for me and had become one of my closest friends to say I was leaving. She was so supportive and bought me the good luck card above! So now over a month on I am now settled in at my new job and am looking for a new place to live in north London, it really feels like I'm growing up and hitting reality and to be honest I'm loving it.

I cannot wait to get blogging again, I've missed it so much! I cannot wait to start sharing this new chapter of my life where to be honest things can only get better!

Hope you're all well and happy!

Lots of love, Caterina xo

Bioderma Sebium Micelle Solution Combination Or Oily Skin

2012-05-28T10:38:00.000-07:00

eBay £10.25

Ever since it was discovered that Bioderma could be purchased from UK sellers on eBay it has taken over the UK blogging community! Bioderma is a water like Micelle Solution cleanser which eats away your make up (not literally!!) instead of smearing it all over your face. I've tried the regular solution and really enjoyed using it so I thought I'd give the Combination/Oily skin one a whirl.

I really enjoy using Bioderma as a make up remover, it's so quick and simple with minimal fuss required. I find it removes my eye make up in seconds and my face make up disappears in one swipe. I mainly wear powder on my eyes though so if your a liquid eyeliner lover it may be a different story. I tried using the Bioderma Sebium as a cleanser and if I'm honest after about 3 days I was begging for my Origins Zero Oil (holy grail) cleanser back! I really didn't find it did a lot and even though it was super quick and easy in the morning I found by the end of the day my skin felt more on the greasy side and spots were occurring... not a good look! One extra thing to note is that I found this one to have a scent which the regular Bioderma does not have. It smells like the Garnier Summer Body Tanning Moisturizer, that really "holiday" like scent.

Overall I would really recommend the Bioderma, although the Combo/Oily skin version is definitely not a must. I've found that Bioderma only works as a make up remover for me and thats as far as it goes. I wish it worked as a cleanser because it's so quick and easy! It is on the pricier side compared to your regular Boots/Superdrug make up remover but I do prefer it. I find regular make up rmeovers leave my skin quite tight and sensitive however this glides on nicely gets the job done leaving my skin smooth.

Hope you're well!
Caterina xo

What I Bought #4

2012-05-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

2x American Apparel Deep V-Necks, Topshop Nappy Tee, Topshop Tye Dye Clutch, Essie Nail Polish in Fiji and Turquoise & Caicos.

I went to Westfields Shepherds Bush yesterday with a friend for a little retail therapy, I wasn't actually planning on buying a lot! My main goal was to buy some Origins skincare I've been eying up but the products I wanted were all sold out, I blame bloggers!

I picked up the gorgeous Tye Dye clutch I had in my last want list, I couldn't believe it when I saw it in store so I took it as fate and bought it! The nappy tee is actually from the maternity section which I didn't even realize till I was at the till, I just thought it was an over sized one, woops! The American Apparel deep V's are something I've been looking at for a while, I'm really into super casual clothes at the moment literally just jeans and a tee. The deep v's are part of the mix and match 2 for £25 which is mental considering they are £20 each alone!

I finally delved in Essie polishes and couldn't be happier with the shades I chose, really put me in the mood for summer! I think Fiji will be particularly nice with a tan.

Hope you're all well!

Caterina xo

Want List 18/05/2012

2012-05-18T10:05:00.004-07:00

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair, Topshop VEGAS High Vamp Ballet Pumps, Origins Ginger Souffle, Topshop Midnight Snack Tee & Shorts, Topshop Tye Dye Zip Clutch, Origins Out Of Trouble Mask, Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo & Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer.

I love doing these want lists every so often! It's great to browse through sites and find things you really would like! I went on a bit of a clothes kick last month/beginning of this month so it is mainly beauty products.

i-Melt iPhone Cover

2012-05-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

eBay £2.95

This post is kind of random and completely not the thing I would usually post on here but I just had to share my new iPhone cover- the i-Melt! I had a Cath Kidston knock off one before this which really didn't float my boat and most of the detailing scratched off! I really wanted a 3D cover but I really wasn't willing to pay more than £10 for a cover so I was ecstatic when I found this gorgeous one for £2.95!The i-Melt cover comes in various colours I chose the typical girly baby pink and white but I also really like the grey and black one! I love how it continues to melt at the front, it's a really cute idea! The cover clicks really easily into place and feels really sturdy and I couldn't see it breaking easily.

I think this is great if your looking for an affordable chick cover! You can buy it shipped over from Japan but there are also UK sellers out there it's just not as cheap. I also think this would be great as an extra little gift for someone for a birthday, cheap and cheerful!

Hope you're well!

Caterina xo

Caudalie Beauty Elixer

2012-05-15T09:43:00.001-07:00

Caudalie Beauty Elixer 100ml @ FeelUnique.com £28.80
(excuse the yellow looking oil in the bottle, I didn't shake it up before photographing!)

When it comes to the Caudalie Beauty Elixer I feel like I woke up one day having never heard of the product and the next day BOOM it is bloody everywhere! Unless you have literally been hiding under a rock over the past couple of weeks you will know full well about this big beauty buzz product. I've dabbled in a few Caudalie samples such as the body and face moisturizers but never actually purchased a product from them till now, and how could I not with all this hype?! I purchased it from Space NK a few weeks back and remember bringing it home and thinking wait a second what does this actually do? I journeyed back in my brain trying to remember why I bought it and all I could think of was "the smell is amazing" and at £32 (Space NK price) and this not being a perfume thats a bit of mental splurge. So again for this review after using the product for around a month I ask myself "what does it actually do"?

The product sprays out in a lovely fine mist which sinks into the sink immediately unlike some water gun spritzing toners! I use the product kind of like a toner, after my cleanser but before my moisturizer and if I feel my make up looks a little cakey I'll spritz some on my face. I do have to note the smell, it's amazing! It really instantly makes you feel relaxed and calm and like all you want to do is smell it. After the product has sinked in I feel instantly more awake and rejuvenated and my skin appears so much fresher and in a way enhanced? The skin is left soft and supple before moisturizer. Ever since I started using this I've had nothing but compliments on my skin. My mum of all people just doesn't shut up about it! It looks super healthy and alive, no more sleepy skin days! Not only that but I haven't found myself with break outs and the tiny pimples that re occur on my chin are not existent which is amazing considering they haven't been since I went on a tinted moisturizer over foundation kick in the summer. I even feel where my skin is slightly more red it has calmed down, the product has just overall improved my skin in every way possible, never did I think I would receive compliments on my foundation-less skin! I also like to spray the product when my foundation or powder is looking a little heavy to give it a more fresh look.

So it really does seem that the mental investment was worth it! I am beyond pleased with the product and would repurchase in a heart beat, I can really see why it's taken the blogging world by storm. The product does come in a smaller bottle if you don't think the plunge of the 100ml is quite worth it, the cheapest I've found it is at FeelUnique.com (linked above).

Thanks for reading!

Caterina xo

What I Bought #3

2012-05-13T09:30:00.000-07:00

Skeleton Open Shoulder Tee, MOTO Acid Super Soft Leigh Jean, Basic Nappy Tee

The other night I was sat at home browsing through the Topshop website and decided to make some well deserved purchases (it's been stupidly hectic at work this week!). To be honest none of these things are REALLY that exciting but they're some things I've been keeping my eye on for a while.

The skeleton tee is such a great basic and quite cheap for Topshop! I was actually pretty shocked by the price seeing as at the moment the only was is up with the Topshop price tags. I'm not too sure about how it will look on but I plan to wear it with a black floaty skirt. The jeans are a complete an utter love(excuse the super bright photos my camera just wasn't on my side)! Acid wash is something I will forever love and when I saw these jeans I knew they had to be mine and they're super soft! I cannot wait to wear them. Finally the Basic Nappy Tee, I bought this as something to wear casual with the jeans it's just slightly more exciting than your regular plain white tee.

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Caterina xo

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

2012-05-10T12:49:00.000-07:00

Available @ Selfridges £29.50

As I mentioned in my previous post I absolutely ADORE NARS! I had been umming and ahhing over purchasing a foundation from them for almost 2 years and finally in Selfridges the other week I took the completely impulsive plunge! My friend I was with actually ended up purchasing it after seeing it being applied to my skin the lady at the counter. I purchased shade Santa Fe for when I have tan on as I've heard Sheer Glow is exceptionally gorgeous on tanned skin!

The first thing to note is that the foundation does not come with a pump which is annoying to some people but I however do not mind! Just a heads up though you can purchase the pumps in John Lewis as I was offered one in the Oxford Street store. The shade is perfect when I have tan on (I like to use St Tropez Bronzing Mousse) it's such a lovely tan colour. The foundation glides onto the skin effortlessly and almost melts it's way down onto the skin it really is truly gorgeous to apply. The finish is beautiful it's not "dewy" it's just glowy, kind of like that "lit from within" look but still a bit matte! You don't need too much product I've found that a tiny amount really does cover well.

The coverage is a good medium I'd say. You could probably easily get it to full but I really love medium coverage and find thats just enough for me! You can probably see that so far I was really digging this foundation, it was truly ticking all the boxes! The ultimate test was how long it would last. A foundation will DEFINITELY not make it as an everyday staple if the lasting power is not good. I as always applied my Laura Mercier foundation primer underneath which may have helped with the longevity of this foundation. However I can happily say it lasted all day on my skin! It did wear a little in places but very nicely and didn't look patchy or awful just still gorgeous on the skin.

I do apologize for this crazily long post but I am a bit of a foundation geek so when I get into one about one I REALLY get into one. I would highly recommend the NARS Sheer Glow foundation it has crept it's way up to being one of my all time favorites. For reference my skin is combination-oily so this may work for me but depending on your skin type it may not be brilliant for you! I'd definitely say pick up a sample though because it's always worth giving ago especially at such a high price tag!

Hope you've enjoyed this post!

Caterina xo

Make Up Touch Up Essntials

2012-05-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Ferne Cotton Make Up Bag, Sleek Contour Kit, Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder, MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer, L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss, YSL Faux Cils Mascara & Sigma Large Powder Brush.

I apply my make up at 7:30am and arrive back home at 5:15pm (earliest!) so as you can imagine throughout the day my face needs a little touching up! I love seeing whats in peoples "touch up" bags, it's super interesting! These are the basics I bring out with me in my make up bag, I don't really feel the need to lug around a full face make up bag when in reality I'm only gonna be touching up.

I'll start off with the more "base" products. I ALWAYS religiously have concealer in my make up bag especially when I've got a nasty spot, I find it really cleans up my make up when touching up with a bit of concealer. I opt for Studio Sculpt mostly as I love it's constancy and find it blends super fast into the skin with no fuss. I also almost always need my face powder! At the moment I'm loving using this Bourjois one which I've previously reviewed although my favorite of choice would have to be the stupidly expensive Laura Mercier loose powder. I without a doubt wear bronzer everyday and find the Sleek Contour Kit most convenient for touch ups. I apply all the powder products with my Sigma Large Powder which is in travel size so perfect to pop in the make up bag!

For my eyes I only need my two loves- eyeliner and mascara. After applying powder I can sometimes find your lashes go a bit grey where the powders fallen so I always love to carry around a good mascara. I've been using the YSL Faux Cils for touch ups recently as I really want/need to use it up. Of course my chosen eyeliner is the famous L'Oreal Super Liner it really couldn't possibly be anything else! This is fab for touch ups, usually if I want to do liquid/gel liner I opt for my Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in the morning but this is fab for touching up if I get a smudge or crack!

So they are all my touch up essentials! I guess it's kind of a safety net in a way to carry a make up bag around with you as you never know what might occur!

Hope you're all well!

Caterina xo

Topshop Sunglasses

2012-05-08T12:21:00.001-07:00

In just over a months time I'm wizzing off on holiday for a week! I really was on the hunt for some new over sized and glam sunglasses. After eyeballing a few different pairs on the Topshop website I decided to have a proper look in store as usually there's a bigger selection on offer. I popped into the Topshop in the Shepherds Bush Westfield's (my favorite!) and had a nice look at the shades which were on offer and automatically fell in love with these! The shape is perfect not too square or overly round and I love the little gold detailing at the side, I hate sunglasses that get ruined by silly little patterns or logos! I'm really happy with these sunglasses and find that they really suit my heart shaped face nicely!

P.S. I've gained a few new followers over the past couple of days and wanted to say a HUGE thank you for following and I really hope you enjoy my blog :-)!

Hope you're all well!
Caterina xo

NARS Kalahari Eyeshadow Duo

2012-05-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I've mentioned this on my blog before but NARS is my favorite make up brand of all time. I am yet to be disappointed by a product I've purchased from NARS, I love them! I really wanted a new duo from them as I was so impressed by the other one I had previously purchased. I opted for Kalahari as the colour screamed "WEARABLE" "EVERYDAY" "ESSENTIAL".

The colour pay off from these eye shadows is impeccable and the finish is gorgeous, If I HAD to compare them to a MAC finish it would be Veluxe Pearl but in my opinion these really cannot be compared. The gold on the left is a beautiful light shade with slight browny, gingery tones to it. The right shade is similar to satin taupe but a little warmer and in my option is a lot nicer for definition.

I really cannot fault the NARS duos they are incredible. If you find the perfect shades for you and your eyes you will honestly use them everyday and they will be a staple in your make up bag. They are a little on the pricey side compared to MAC but I seriously think they are worth it and I'd highly recommend branching out into the world of NARS shadows.

Thank you for reading!
Caterina xo

Topshop Coy Lip Stick

2012-05-05T04:28:00.000-07:00

The Topshop make up range has just grown and grown in popularity since it begun but for some reason I never ever branched out to it! Up until purchasing this a few weeks ago I'd only ever owned one of their cream blushes which I've got to say is probably an all time favorite but never encouraged me to purchase more.

I'd heard quite a lot of hype surrounding the Coy Lip Stick and seeing as we are closely reaching the summer months (not you would even know with the weather in the UK at the moment!) I thought I'd give it a try. It's one of those pale, neon, bright lipsticks. The colour is gorgeous a really true peachy pink that in no way reflects orange on the lips. The consistency is more on the Matte side which I really like. I could see how this could be drying on someone with dryer lips but if you pop a bit of lip balm underneath you should be good to go!

I've used this when I've had tan on and when I'm at my palest (NW15 MAC) and it looks gorgeous against both. I do get quite apprehensive over these more "pale brights" against my pale complexion as I think it might look a bit too clown like, however I've found this to be perfect!

I would really recommend the shade and the product itself! I'm actually going shopping later so maybe I'll pick another up but to be honest I really do not need anymore lip products!

Hope you're all well!
Caterina xo

No7 Lift & Curve Eyelash Curler

2012-04-23T12:51:00.000-07:00

No7 Lift and Curve Eyelash Curler £7.25

I have never used eyelash curlers, I've just never really got them! When I was a lot younger and wanted to put on a bit of make up to feel grown up, but never really saw crazy difference! Plus I would do it after applying mascara which is unheard of now! I bought this eyelash curler on a whim with a £5 off voucher. I've heard so much about the Shu ones but they are a crazy investment.

I have been really pleased with the results with these No7 curlers. I can see a noticeable difference in the curl and "flutter" of my lashes. The curl does last and I feel like I need to put in a lot less effort with my mascara as they've partly done the work for me!

If I was to rate these out of 5 I'd probably say 3.5. I do enjoy using them but I can help but feel there's better ones out there. Maybe because I've never been wowed by eyelash curlers I never will be but for now these are doing the trick.

Hope you're well!
Caterina xo

What I Bought #2

2012-04-22T13:17:00.001-07:00

Monki Shirt, NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, NARS Duo Eyeshadow, Topshop Lipstick & Illamasqua Cream Pigment.

You know them shopping trips where you absolutely are over the moon with your purchases? This was definitely one of them! We are reaching the end of April (crazily!) and my pay day is on Friday so I thought I'd treat myself. This shirt was actually the first thing I saw when I walked in Monki and I couldn't have fallen more in love! The collar is so adorable and the colour is definitely my thing.

I needed a foundation for when I'm a bit more tanned so opted for the highly raved about Sheer Glow, my friend walked out of the shop wearing it and it looked truly stunning so I'm so excited to start using it. The duo is one I've wanted for a while (post coming soon) as NARS eyeshadow is without a doubt the best. The other 2 bits were things I lusted over ages ago and fell in love with again whilst having a play with at the counters.

I'm really happy with my purchases and literally cannot wait to wear all of them. Successful shopping trips are definitely my favorite.

Hope you're well!

Caterina xo

Sleepy Skin Saviours

2012-04-21T08:50:00.000-07:00

Whether you had one too many drinks the night before or stayed up late watching films we all get that tired and dull complexion sometimes! These are my favorite products to use when I need that little extra boost to make me look slightly alive. These are great for the dreaded Monday mornings at work where you literally cannot think of anything worse than getting out your warm bed.

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation- Since I purchased this foundation just over a month ago I literally cannot live without it. It has a gorgeous natural finish which is why I've included it. When your trying to create the appearance of more awake skin you want a base that looks naturally flawless, which this certainly does!

Origins GinZing- I love this eye cream. It makes such a difference to my under eyes. It may not have any long term benefits but it gives me that instant under eye brighten pick me up. I also find my concealer applies a lot easier too after using this.

Bobbi Brown Corrector- When your a bit on the extra baggy side this really helps eliminate those dark circles. When I haven't got that much sleep I usually put a lot more effort into my under eye concealer and find using this corrector along with my regular concealer really does the trick.

MAC Eyeshadow in Nylon- This is fab for popping in the inner corner. I haven't tried another eyeshadow that makes your eyes look as awake and big as this one. It's also great for blending all over the lid for a little extra something on the eyes.

Illamasqua Cream Blush in Lies- This product is marketed as a cream blush but I find it gives the most gorgeous dewy highlight. If you love dewy skin you NEED this product there's nothing else I've tried that gives as much of a glow as this. It has a slight pink tone but it's so sheer you can barely notice it but the colour that does pay off really does contribute to that more awake skin.

MAC Mineralize Blush in Early Morning- This blush came out with the Naturally collection a couple of months ago and it's my go to blush for putting some natural, glowy and warm colour back into my cheeks.

YSL Faux Cils Mascara- To help contribute to the wide eye effect a good helping of mascara will always be your friend. I'm a huge fan of big fat lashes anyway whatever look I'm doing but I would never skip this step when wanting freshly polished make up.

Lots of love,
Caterina xo

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner

2012-04-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner £5.99 @ Boots

I am a complete hair care obsessive! If something is on the radar that is claiming to work miracles I need to own it! When the new John Frieda line came out I knew I had to trial the products. I have already done a review on the Deep Infusion Ends Treatment which I really love using! The other product I picked up was the mask which claims to restore my over processed hair.

My hair has been bleached, dyed and heat damaged so it needs a treat. I use hair masks sometimes 2-3 times a week which may seem mental but I have CRAZY thick hair so it can handle it. The Full Repair mask is thick but rather runny in constancy which is new for a mask. I really loved the results, my hair was left so silky even silkier than when I use my Moroccan Oil mask (10x the price!). It's so easy to manage and style, just a real dream to work with. My ends look replenished and my hair looks no where near as damaged as it should!

I really am impressed with the new John Frieda Full Repair line and can see myself repurchasing and purchasing more products! I have my eye on the styling spray next! If your on a budget but want some really great quality products if definitely head for this range.

Thank you for reading!
Caterina xo

Bourjois Healthy Balence Unifying Powder

2012-04-10T11:43:00.000-07:00

My Laura Mercier Loose Powder is on it's lasts legs and has barely any product left. I have a few powders which need using up but none of which I enjoy using. I'm not a big fan of MAC MSF Natural and I find it barely lasts an hour on my skin! Whilst in Boots purchasing some essentials I thought I'd take advantage of the 3 for 2 and purchase the Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder. I really love Healthy Mix foundation and have got through a hole bottle of it in the past so I thought the accompanying powder may possibly be a winner!

The powder claims to last 10 hours which we all know is a BOLD claim for any powder! However I was pleasantly surprised with the longevity of the product on my skin and found most of it still in tact by lunch time! The powder itself is super silky, almost cream like and glides gorgeously onto the skin. You are left with surprisingly a matte yet healthy looking finish. I found it did actually boost the radiance of my make up a bit and wore on the skin really nicely! I have combo skin and really enjoyed using this product.

Another thumbs up for Bourjois from me! I'm also a massive fan of their Volumizer mascara which has almost ran out and I think I will be lost until I repurchase it! I would definitely repurchase this powder however powder to me is one of those things I like to dabble in. I rarely repurchase the same powder again I like to try different ones and I personally don't find powder to be a crazily important step in my make up routine.

Thank you for reading!
Caterina xo

What I Bought #1

2012-04-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

ASOS Simple Raglan Long Sleeve, Vero Moda Oversized Melange Tunic, American Apparel Coloured Denim Shorts, ASOS Vest Tunic Scoop Back, River Island Cream Spot Skater Skirt, Bershka Skirt, Missguided Pellar Dress, Missguided Body, Bershka Necklace, Love Hearts & Crosses Triangle Collar Necklace.

I have been doing a bit of internet clothes splurging recently and I thought I'd share some of the bits I've got! The weather has been super temperamental in the UK the past couple of days and it's getting really hard to dress appropriately. I'm on a make up spending ban this month after looking through my drawers the other week and actually being disgusted at the amount of products I simply do not use! So I guess thats my excuse for the crazy clothes binge!

Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universal

2012-04-07T04:08:00.000-07:00

Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universal @ Debenhams £29.00

I'd first of all like to apologize for these photographs as they really do not do the product justice if anything they make it look DREADFUL, but these were taken on my old camera and are all I have of the product unused. On to the actual product and the purpose of this post! For ages I lusted after the Chanel Soleil De Tan and when I finally had convinced myself I needed it, it had completely fallen off the radar and wasn't available at any make up counters, I did a post here about what happened as a lady at the Selfridges London counter explained to me. Finally in early months of the year it had come back in stock and I ordered it off the Debenhams website without even thinking about it!

The product is a gorgeous cream bronzer that sets to more of a powdery finish. In the tub the product does look ever so slightly orange toned but when transferred to the skin just looks bronzey and glowy. When I have tan on I use this product to mix with my lighter foundation to darken it up a little bit and it works perfectly. When I have my paler skin I use this as a contour and it looks so natural looking especially for the summer months coming when it's brighter outside.

A lot of people find it hard to find the perfect brush to apply this with. Personally I love the Real Techniques Core Collection brushes which are nice and affordable and if I'm going for a really super light look I'll use a MAC 188 brush. I think you do need to go through a bit of trial and error with this product but once you find out how using it works for you it really is a fantastic product.

The price tag is on the steep side but you do get a wopping 30 grams of product and I've been using it at least 5 times a week for the past 2 months and there's barely a dent in it! If I was to use a regular powder bronzer as much as I use this it would go down a hell of a lot faster. So in a way the price is justified but I'd say have a bit of a swatch and play at the counter whilst looking and don't commit until you're certain!

Thank you for reading!
Caterina xo

March Favourites

2012-04-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation, Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel, Real Techniques Blush Brush, Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Terre Ambre, Origins Zero Oil Cleanser & John Frieda Full Repair Deep Infusion Treatment.

I've fully embraced getting into the spring/summer routine over the past month (hence why two bronzers are included!). I've been slapping on the tan and going for lighter foundation. I absolutly adore the Invisible Fluid Foundation which I may review in a future post but as it's a fairly new product theirs so many reviews popping up I'm not sure if I need to! The two Chanel bronzers are my two (stupidly, shamelessly expensive) favorite bronzers. I love the powder for more of a contour/glow and the cream for all over sunless tanning.

I did a review on the Origins cleanser the other day(linked above), the perfect cleanser for a more oily skin! I've been using a lot of different hair care recently but the John Frieda Full Repair range has really stood out to me, such great prices for amazing quality products, I would highly recommend the range! The Real Techniques brush is a MASSIVE favorite at the moment, it's really got me back into my blusher. I go through phases of thinking blusher makes me look terrible to the other scale of I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IT! This brush is lovely and makes applying blush effortless and easy every time.

This isn't a massive favorites as I've not been going too crazy with make up recently, just sticking to what I love and know. I've got my eye on so many NARS products for this summer and it's getting really hard to resist temptation but I'm on an unofficial make up spending ban at the moment (it's not really helping my bank balance as I've gone mental for clothes!).

Next month I'm hoping to pop up some more fashion related posts, maybe even do a haul video?! I'm just loving buying new clothes for these transitioning months, and really getting into dresses too.

Hope you're all well!

Caterina xo

John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion Serum

2012-04-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

John Frieda Full Repair Perfect Ends Deep Infusion Serum £6.99

Recently the new John Frieda Full Repair range aimed at completely restoring dry/damaged hair has been circulating the internet. I picked up a few products when they hit the shops and can honestly say I've been really enjoying using them! I have previously bleached, dyed and heat abused my hair so it could be in better condition! I chose the deep infusion treatment as it seemed right up my street! I haven't bleached my hair in over a year now so I'd say most of my hair is none bleached re-growth however my ends are what I get most self conscious about! They are dry and look really coarse without any product, so anything to improve them I'm willing to give a wizz!

On the back they recommend you use only one pump of the product on your hair and apply to the mid lengths and ends. The consistency of the product is quite different in my opinion, it's like a really runny serum! I apply the product in my hair once it's about 40% dry after washing and then proceed to heat style it. My ends are left really supple and sleek with no visible split ends! This product is especially gorgeous when straightening your hair as it looks so sleek as if you've had a salon blow dry and straighten!

I really recommend the John Frieda Deep Infusion Treatment it's a wonderful and easy product to work with, with no fuss! The price is pretty good as the product will last you ages as you only need one, tiny pump.

Hope you're well!
Caterina xo