Saturday, June 28, 2014

ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection

ZOYA's Summer Collection features a textured trio of Magical Pixie Nail Polishes in super shimmery shades of pink, purple and dull gold. Magical Pixie is a mix of fine and holographic glitter that looks close to opaque in two coats and completely opaque in three thin coats. Like all other PixieDust textures by Zoya, this one too can be applied sans any top or base coat, making sure the polish is completely dry in between coats.

ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection


The colors include Bar, a dull gold, Ginni a medium pink and Arlo a gorgeous purple. All of them have super chunky, insanely gorgeous shimmer that looks fabulous on the nails. Drying time can be a bit more with these, so the key is to really let the polish completely dry in between coats. I've applied three coats for the swatches, but you can easily get away with two. The Magical Pixies work well when layered over cremes too and that way they are also easy to remove, which otherwise can be a lot of work to get off.

ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection

ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches


ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches

ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches Arlo Ginni Bar
ZOYA Magical Pixie Summer 2014 Collection Review, Photos & Swatches Arlo Ginni Bar

Available now online at zoya.com.

Price : $10 each; Press Sample

Zoya Nail Polishes are 5-free (Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Toluene, DBP and Camphor).

What are your thoughts on the Summer 2014 Magical Pixies by Zoya?

Four Fantastic Face Moisturizers To Try This Summer!

My choice of moisturizers change quite a lot with the change in seasons and I do like to switch it up from time to time. My skin is mostly on the dry side and leans just a tad towards being combination in the peak summer when humidity is at its highest. I prefer hydrating, but lightweight ones for summer so these are four day creams that I'm absolutely loving currently!



REN V-Cense Youth Vitality Day Cream ($50; shop.nordstrom.com) -  V Cense is a slightly thick, emollient, anti-aging cream that layers really well under makeup. It takes a fair amount of time to absorb but once it does, it leaves skin feeling soft and silky. I do wish it had a nicer scent compared to other REN products though. That apart, the cream is excellent for dry skin at the same time doesn't feel too heavy or sticky even for the summer. I love the pump packaging too, quite hygienic and easy to travel with. This is one moisturizer that can be used year round!



Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation ($14 - $40; sephora.com)  - I picked this up as part of a skincare set from Ole Henriksen. Its a very light, gel creme texture that absorbs instantly and leaves a slight matte finish behind. My skin does feel and look brighter. Since I started using this very recently, I haven't seen much of improvement with blemishes or spots as claimed, but its definitely one that oily and dry skin types could use without  having looking like an oil slick. I'm afraid this won't be enough for my skin in the winter, so I'll finish using what I have for the summer and maybe get a smaller size if needed.



L'Occitane Angelica Hydra Vita Gel ($38; usa.loccitane.com) - One of my favorite moisturizers among everything else I've tried of late! The gel texture is amazingly silky and has a cooling effect on skin. I do think there is very finely milled, scattered shimmer, but it doesn't bother me or the way it looks on the skin -no greasy residue, most importantly. Like most gels, it is a tad sticky at first, but absorbs leaving a sheer, satin finish behind. The scent is just divine and the packaging is luxurious. While I find most gels to be not so moisturizing on my dry skin, L'Occitane's Angelica Hydra Gel is among the richer ones that does the job without all the heaviness. I've used up quite a bit of it, more than half a jar, I must say, and would try the cream version of this moisturizer next and come back to whichever of the two is better for my dry skin! Definitely recommend!




Sibu Beauty Repair & Protect Daytime Facial Cream ($20 ; sibubeauty.com)- Sibu Beauty is a brand new to me and this is the first product I've tried from them. The Daytime Facial Cream features Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil, is 100% natural and has a lovely, light citrus scent. The cream is light, quick absorbing and good enough for me to use in summer. I'm pretty sure I would need something a little heavier in the winter, but for the warmer months this is sufficient and takes care of any tiny dry patches around the mouth and cheeks. The glass bottle and pump packaging ensure the product is stable and hygienic, which I quite like! I do wish it was more easily available though.



What are some of your current favorite summer moisturizers?

This post features some press samples sent for consideration.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover

The Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover ($18; usa.loccitane.com), a new launch from L'Occitane, formulated with floral waters of Immortelle, Rose and Cornflower is a bi phase formula that helps lift away tough makeup and freshen the eye area without drying. *Press Sample


L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover

L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover

L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover Review, Photos




Like everything else from the Immortelle range, the eye makeup remover comes packaged in a sleek, blue bottle. I like how L'Occitane packaged it - there's not much product waste at all and the small opening ensures less leakage and controlled product usage. Just shake the bottle to activate the bi-phase formula, take a few drops on a cotton pad, press on eyes closed for a few seconds and remove. The consistency is very light, almost like plain water, not oily, but it can leave a light oily film behind depending on how much you use. I've also used it for cleanups with makeup mistakes and din't see any sort of a residue, but when you do use it to completely remove eye makeup, it does tend to leave a light film, which can be sorted out by following up with a cleanser. On the plus side, it does get everything off, the toughest, waterproof stuff included and does not leave my eye area one bit dry, or cloud my vision. On days when I'm lazy for any sort of elaborate cleansing, I use this, followed by a good face wash. There's not much of a scent to the product and if you have sensitive eyes or if eye makeup removers in general tend to be drying, Immortelle is definitely something worth checking out!


L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover Ingredients

L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover

L'Occitane Immortelle Eye Makeup Remover Review, Photos


What have you tried from L'Occitane's Immortelle range?

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Eleganza Eau de Parfum

Elegance has always been a defining element of Salvatore Ferragamo creations. Full of grace and refinement, they are further enhanced by the impeccable taste for which the Florentine brand is famous worldwide. In tribute to this sophistication, Salvatore Ferragamo presents Signorina Eleganza, a luxurious fragrance that celebrates feminine grace and seduction. *Press Sample




Salvatore Ferragamo's Signorina Eleganza($87; 1.7oz; shop.nodstrom.com) , launched earlier this Spring, is a sophisticated, elegant sweet-floral and a more sensual take on the original 'Signorina' Eau de Parfum. Signorina Eleganza features notes of grapefruit, pear, almond powder, golden osmanthus, patchouli and white leather. Its quite a strong fragrance for around this time of the year, but perfect for fall or cooler evenings when you can get away with something slightly heavier. Signorina Eleganza starts off as a soft floral, very lightly sweet and dries down to a warm, cozy, sweet scent, with a hint of spice, that lingers on for the longest time on me. Its definitely more of a grown up scent that is sophisticated, yet quite modern. The bottle design is just gorgeous and fits perfectly with the fragrance description. Overall, if you are looking for something light and more youthful, the 'Signorina' might be something to check out, but if you are looking for something that's a little more classy and elegant, 'Signorina Eleganza' is something you'll love. I can't wait to wear this more often come fall!






Have you tried Salvatore Ferragamo's Signorina or Signorina Eleganza yet?

Laura Mercier & RéVive Skincare Friends & Family Sale

Laura Mercier & Revive have their Friends & Family Sale, both going on from Wednesday-Friday of this week!

Laura Mercier:

·        Enjoy 20% Off & free standard shipping on any $75 purchase on LauraMercier.com. Wed., 6/25-Fri., 6/27. While supplies last. No offer code needed.

My top 5 recommendations from Laura Mercier include the Caviar Sticks, Lip Glaces, Translucent Finishing Loose Powder, Ambre Vanille Eau Gourmande and the Small Smudge Brush! 




RéVive Skincare:  
·        Enjoy $50 off your $250 purchase. Plus, also select 2 deluxe samples and enjoy free shipping. 6/25-6/27. No offer code needed.




As for Revive, I haven't actually tried much from the brand, so let me know if you have any recs!

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser ($28; sephora.com) is a fairly new launch to REN's skincare line that also features one of my all time favorite Cleansing Balms - the Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm. The Hot Cloth Cleanser is a lighter, cream version of the balm that comes with a soft washcloth and helps cleanse without stripping the skin of its natural oils.  *Press Sample

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser Review, Photos



It has the same calming rose scent of the Cleansing Balm and the cream-like texture is very comforting on my dry skin. I take less than a pump for my face and neck, massage it in and use a hot wash cloth to gently remove any makeup there is and finally finish off with a few splashes of cold water. The pump packaging has been really convenient so far and I'm hoping it helps me get every last bit of product out as I reach the bottom of the tube. I have used this around my eyes as well and have seen no sensitivities so far, just a little bit of clouding which goes off when washed with cold water. As for the cleanser, I think its something I would definitely repurchase when I run out and alternate between this and the cleansing balm as I feel that both are very non-drying and gentle on my dry skin, yet manage to get rid of every last trace of makeup and gunk. My face looks super clean, soft and glowy without the need for a moisturizer afterwards, but I use one anyways. Its one of those cleansers that does not leave an oily film behind so you don't need to double cleanse. Overall, I would highly recommend it if you have a problem with most cleansers/cleansing oils leaving your skin feel stripped and are looking for a one-step cleanser that does the job well and leaves skin feeling healthy and polished.

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser Review, Photos

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser Ingredients

REN Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser


Have you tried REN's Rosa Centifolia Hot Cloth Cleanser?

Monday, June 23, 2014

Dior Backstage Lash Curler

I very recently picked up Dior's Backstage Lash Curler ($23; shop.nordstrom.com), that launched earlier this Spring. I'm so glad Dior came out with a regular version of a Lash Curler as my Shiseido one needed a replacement very badly. Dior's has very nice packaging - the lash curler comes with two extra replacement pads and a gorgeous little velvet pouch.

Dior Backstage Lash Curler
Dior Backstage Lash Curler

Dior Backstage Lash Curler Review, Photos


A Lash Curler is something I definitely need for my stubby, straight lashes, each and every time prior to mascara or there's absolutely no curling or lengthening I can see, no matter how good the mascara is. Dior's has more of a straighter shape, is less curved and less wide when compared to Shiseido's, but that doesn't bother me much at all. It is very well-made and moves freely even from the very first time. The opening is just a tad wider than the Shiseido one which is something I quite like here. It also doesn't pinch and the pads have a nice soft feel to them that are gentle on the lashes without much pressure. I'll try to do a comparison with the Shiseido one sometime soon, since mine is on its way out. Adifferentface has a comparison of the Dior one to Shu Uemura and Chanel, which I found quite helpful since I haven't seen very many reviews for this one online yet. Overall, I really love it. I've tried it with many average to nicer mascaras and think it works really well without having to curl multiple times. I also like that Dior's version comes with two replacement pads and fancy packaging which makes me feel not so bad about the way it is priced.

Dior Backstage Lash Curler

Dior Backstage Lash Curler
Have you tried Dior's Backstage Lash Curler?

Haircare Products I'm Loving Right Now

I have some tried, tested haircare stuff that I always have in my shower, but recently I did get to try out a couple of newer products which I quite like. Warmer weather means frequent hair washes for me, so my hair also needs some extra nourishment from all the stripping that happens with every shampoo. I don't wash my hair everyday, more like once in two days and I'm not the most comfortable with dry shampoos either. This is not by any means my hair care routine, just some of my current favorites that I've really been enjoying using.





Josie Maran Argan Oil Self Heating Treatment ($36; sephora.com) - With a lot of mixed reviews from Sephora, I wasn't quite sure about an oil as a deep conditioner/mask. Its an oil-treatment that warms up upon contact with water that you apply post-shampoo to wet hair and wash off. I din't need one whole tube per application for my very short hair and thankfully the remaining can just be stored away by placing the cap upside down for next time. I really do like this when my hair looks lackluster. It adds a lot of shine and bounce without weighing hair down. I also don't need to use a serum/leave on afterwards since this by itself is quite moisturizing. Its nothing miraculous, but definitely a nice way  to add some shine back to hair when it looks lifeless.

L'Occitane Aromachologie Repairing Hair Mask ($35; usa.loccitane.com) - One of my absolute favorite hair masks! Its fabulous, smells amazing and leaves my hair feeling super soft and just plain healthy. Definitely something I'd repurchase again and again. Read here for a more detailed review. Pricey, but its a very luxurious and an ultimate pampering once a week treat. The Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Hair Masque ($33; ulta.com) is more of a richer mask that deeply, deeply conditions hair. The scent is great and just lingers around until the next wash! Its quite concentrated though, so a little goes a very long way. I can be sure that my hair ends up feeling soft and well nourished when I use one of these two fabulous masks.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist ($25; sephora.com) - I like both the Alterna Bamboo Kendi Oil and the Kendi Dry Oil Mist and with the weather warming up, its the dry oil mist that I've been reaching out to. It has a lighter texture than the oil itself. It detangles, softens and controls frizz to an extent. If you have fine hair that gets flat and quite oily the next day with most leave in products, this is a good one to try that won't weigh hair down. 

Philip B Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo ($35; shop.nordstrom.com) - I wasn't quite sure of this one as the scent was a bit too strong and a tad masculine - very woody & musky, but it does a fab job of cleansing and leaving my scalp feeling fresh. It also gives my roots a bit of a lift and cleanses without stripping. I haven't used it on my body though, just on my hair when my roots look really flat. The Bumble on Bumble Sunday Shampoo ($25; sephora.com) on the other hand is something that is recommended to be used once a week. It can be a bit stripping, but if you use a lot of styling products, this one gets rid of build up and gunk like no other. On days when I feel like my hair feels a tad too squeaky clean, I follow up with a deep conditioner to put some moisture back. The Sunday Shampoo is a must for me once a week as my hair starts to look limp otherwise, especially with the kind of warmer weather we're having right now. Read more on Sunday Shampoo here.

As much as I like my hair dryers and hot irons for styling, I've recently been loving this low key Salon Shape Hot Air Brush by John Frieda Styling Tools ($39.99; beauty.com). Its to be used on semi-dry hair, so I let my hair air dry for a bit and then use. Its not great for thicker hair types, but good for fine hair or when you just want a natural looking, wavy style that doesn lean too straight or too curly. I do use a heat protectant while using this, but the blast of hot air isn't that much when compared to a dryer. It also comes with a cool shot button to set your style.

*This post contains some press samples sent for consideration

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Soap & Glory Smoothie Star The Breakfast Scrub

Soap & Glory's Smoothie Star The Breakfast Scrub ($25; sephora.com) is a deliciously scented sugar scrub made with organic cupuacu bio scrubs, bananas, almond and honey extracts. It has the most amazing maple scent that leaves skin smelling super sweet. *Press Sample






The Breakfast Scrub has been around in the UK For a while now and will soon be available at Sephora. Its quite a gritty exfoliator in a slightly chunky and creamy base. I can't think of anyone who won't like the scent  - its warm, sweet and very comforting. I could smell even a hint of coffee in there, but its maple syrup and bananas for the most part. As for the product itself, it does a great job with exfoliating, washes off clean and doesn't leave any kind of an oily film behind. Its not the most easiest to spread and can get just a tad messy, but its all worth it compared to how nice it leaves skin feeling. I would recommend following up with a light lotion afterwards, but if your skin isn't dry, you can very well get away without one. Overall, if you like body scrubs that smell great and is gentle, yet effective at buffing away dry skin, leaving it smooth and silky, definitely try The Breakfast Scrub by Soap & Glory!




Available soon at Sephora stores and online at sephora.com

Have you tried The Breakfast Scrub by Soap & Glory?

Friday, June 20, 2014

Perricone MD No Blush Blush

Perricone's new makeup line features a fabulous sheer blush that comes in one universally flattering shade, described as a 'warm rosy pink'. The color is a warm peachy pink with no hint of shimmer or glitter. I absolutely love the packaging of No Blush Blush ($30; perriconemd.com), which comes in a tiny little glass bottle with a small wand for easy application. *Press Sample


Perricone MD No Blush Blush



The color is beautiful and would look flattering on a variety of skin tones. It does go on to look pigmented, but blends out to a soft, ultra natural looking flush of color. The texture leans a tad more on the thinner side making application and blending quick & easy! The color lasts about 5-6 hours on me without fading and there's also a very subtle, soft stain left behind. I prefer using my fingers with this product, although a stippling brush would be good too. Its quite easy to blend out, so there's no patchy application however used. Overall, its a really nice product for anyone who loves sheer blushes that look extremely natural that is great for a barely there makeup look, with some added skincare benefits. The light formulation is perfect for summer! It also comes with an SPF of 30 and is paraben-free.


Perricone MD No Blush Blush

Perricone MD No Blush Blush Review, Photos & Swatches

Perricone MD No Blush Blush Review, Photos & Swatches

Perricone MD No Blush Blush Ingredients

Perricone MD No Blush Blush Swatch
L-R : No Blush Blush - one swipe; blended out.  The blended swatch looks a little more sheer on my face.


Have you checked out Perricone's No Blush Blush yet?