L'Occitane Pivoine Délicate Hand Cream

To accompany the L'Occitane Pivoine Delicate Eau De Toilette that I reviewed here there is a matching hand cream - Pivoine Délicate Hand Cream.

Gorgeously pretty packaging, the hand cream is squeezed out by turning the lid to open. The hand cream is enriched with Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Peony extract.

This is not a heavy duty thick hand cream, more like a lotion in consistency. It lightly moisturises and softens hands whilst leaving them with the same floral and delicate scent that I adore in the Eau De Toilette.

Beautiful.

L'Occitane Pivoine Délicate Hand Cream (Ltd Edition) costs £14 for 75ml.


*PR Sample

L'Occitane Pivoine Délicate Eau de Toilette Review

The more I try from the L'Occitane brand the more I find I like, I have gone on to make purchases from the Almond collection, my absolute favourite bathing products. I have yet to try their fragrances bar a quick squirt of Cherry Blossom last winter which immediately had me sniffing my arm adoringly, it is gorgeous! So when this box dropped through my letterbox with this most pretty of boxes I could not wait to open it up and have a spray.

L'Occitane Pivoine Délicate Eau de Toilette (Ltd Edition) is described as a fragrance that' blends the delicateness of Peony petals with delicate and fresh green scents of Rose and Lily of the Valley'.

My thoughts

The outside box is decorated and so exceptionally pretty, feminine and Spring like. I love the drawings on it and the delicate pink shade. The shade is mirrored in the perfume's colour, although the bottle is wonderfully simple with the L'Occitane logo raised on the glass.

Now I am not a fan of hugely floral scents generally but this blend of peony, rose and lily of the valley is exquisite and just so beautiful and fresh that it appealed immediately, it has already been worn many a day. I do think this is very much a day scent, it is just too 'pretty' and delicate to be an evening scent in my mind. 

This fragrance is ideal for Spring/Summer and as floral scents go this is surely up there with the very best of them.

L'Occitane Pivoine Délicate Eau de Toilette (Ltd Edition) costs £35 for 75ml

*PR Sample

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion Review

I have made so much of an effort to moisturise my whole body as I get older. I don't particularly suffer from dry skin so it is tempting to skip on this step, the routine however is made easier when I find products that I really like.

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (for normal to dry skin) was included in in April's 'Natural' GlossyBox .

Burt's Bees say

For normal to dry skin, this non-greasy, lightweight lotion goes to work the minute you apply it, and it’s scientifically proven to moisturise for up to 24 hours. Milk nourishes while honey helps to soften skin. oconut and grape seed oils and vitamin E deliver beneficial nutrients to the skin

My thoughts 

Although this is a lotion, when you squeeze it out of the tube it is quite thick. It melts quite easily into the skin, instantly softening it and making it feel satin smooth. Absorbing quickly with no greasy residue the milk and honey lotion is very pleasant and leaves skin feeling soft for hours on end. I like the fact that it is 99% natural.

However, as you know I am really fussy about a scent of a product and whether I carry on using it depends  a lot on the scent and if I like it. Personally the scent is not one that I particularly like.I thought it would be sweet but I find it to be a bit rubbery or plasticky. 

I have since passed the lotion on to my mother in law who reported back that she thought it was a fantastic lotion, it really worked. She loved it.

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion (for normal to dry skin) costs £5.99 for 70g.

The Benefit & Refuge Mascarathon 15th – 29th June

This year Benefit has teamed up with Refuge (the domestic violence charity for women and children) to raise money and awareness by organizing a charity run..The run started in Edinburgh on the 15th of June  with Caroline Flack who is fronting the campaign kicking off the proceedings by running the first 2 miles.

The run has already visited major cities across England and Wales including Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff with celebs including Donna Air doing their leg of the run. The team have yet to get to Oxford and the run culminates with Lauren Laverne crossing the finish line in London Spitalfields Market this Friday 29th June at 4pm.

Every two miles a giant mascara will be handed as a baton to run with and there are areas for runners and their friends to have makeovers plus Benefit giveaways. 

Of course this is raising awareness and funds for a very serious subject - domestic violence. Every two miles that each of the mascarathon runners complete will mark the two women a week whose lives are lost because of domestic violence.  The funds raised will enable Refuge to reach out and help many more women who need vital support.

For more details and to find out how you can help please click here.

Scent Of The Summer - Roberto Cavalli Eau De Parfum

Sexy, sultry and captivating Roberto Cavalli Eau De Parfum

The campaign poster called out to me, the instant I saw this perfume being advertised I just knew that this was a scent for me. From the imagery to the bottle I was completely seduced and by the time the first spray had touched my skin I was in love. Ever since that moment I had been lusting after this perfume.

Every so often a perfume comes along that completely grabs your attention and provides the ultimate feel good factor, when I apply this perfume I am transported into the model's life. I AM somewhere steaming hot, I am wearing a designer dress, possess that stunning figure. My skin has a beautiful golden sheen and I have shiny, long chestnut hair. Wearing this perfume I feel so confident and attractive, it just makes me so incredibly happy from within. It is quite simply my scent of the Summer.

Described as a balsamic floral it boasts top notes of spicy Pink Pepper and Green Mandarin, floral heart notes of Orange Blossom and Mirabelle Plum and finally base notes of sweet Tonka Beans and Benzoin Laos.

The result to my untrained scentometer is an alluring, exotic mix of spice and sweet in equal measure that is undoubtedly feminine.

Roberto Cavalli Eau De Parfum 50ml costs £48


*This was a birthday gift from family 

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation Review

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation  - Shade N4 Pure Beige - Review

This 1ml sample was a free sachet sample in a magazine. I do like trying out foundations this way, it can be a great way to see how a foundation works for you before shelling out your hard earned cash.

L'Oreal says


With age skin can becomes dull and tired. Lumi Magique helps give instant skin radiance. You will be glowing inside and out. Light texture lets skin breathe with 24 hours of hydration.
Contains SPF 18

My thoughts 


I have to admit that in the last few years I have become a little addicted to the radiant look, I love face highlighters and any make up that helps to give me that all important healthy 'glow'.


This shade was a bit too dark for me really however it meant I just had to blend well to avoid the tell tale tide mark dark line. I warmed up my neckline with bronzer but it also meant that I didn't have to warm up my face with a bronzer which I normally do. I managed to get 3 applications from this foundation sample.

The first time I used this foundation my skin was looking tired and dull so an ideal time to test out the claims of providing radiance from within. The foundation is a runny liquid and glides on feeling incredibly light and comfortable on the skin and looking very natural.

Coverage is a decent light-medium and is buildable. I found that it evened out my skin tone, smoothed it out and provided a real healthy 'glow' and radiance to my skin which was really rather nice, considering how dull my skin had looked moments before.

The foundation lasted for about 6 hours with no powder or primer. The only thing I would say is that my skin is normal/combination and I did notice that as the hours went on I did get an oily t zone and felt that it was starting to look a bit shiny although others said it didn't look like that to them but more dewy. Personally I wouldn't say this would be great for people with oilier skin but ideal for those with normal skin.

I really liked this foundation, especially the way it lit up my face when the light hit it. As a budget foundation this is one worth considering.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation costs £10.99 for 30ml 

Debenhams Home Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

I recently attended a press preview of the Debenhams Home A/W 2012 Collection. I love home accessories so it was a really nice to see what is upcoming in the store.

Below are the items that particularly caught my eye, these will freshen up and brighten up rooms.

Rocha. John Rocha - Tealight Tree £38

Grey Rose by Jane Packer - Orange Ranunculus in Square Vase £18

Flowers are a great way of bringing colour into a home and these ones require no looking after..

Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson


Pink Butterfly Cushion £18
Yellow Peacock Cushion £25
Birdcage Mirror £40
Cushion £28


The afternoon tea lover in me couldn't resist these cute kitchen items

At home with Ashley Thomas 


Cake Stand £25
Mixing Bowls £18 each
Tins (set of 3) £15
Tins (set of 2) £15

Debenhams Heart Bowl £25

All pics courtesy of Debenhams.

June 2012 GlossyBox - The 'Sexy Summer' Edition

Billed as the 'Sexy Summer' Glossybox, June's box promised to contain samples of the perfect Summer products. Here is what was sent in my box this month -

HD Brows - HD Brows Precision Tweezers £19.95 (full size)

Top of the items value wise, I am looking forward to comparing these tweezers with the Tweezerman version which are my absolute favourites, I have had the same pair for many years now.

BM Beauty - Summer Warmth Bronzer £8 for 4g (I was sent a 1g sample pot)


I love bronzers but have yet to try a pure mineral one so it will be interesting to try this out, I hope it is not too messy!

Caudalie - Eaux Fraiches £26 for 50ml ( I was sent a 10ml sample spray)


In the box could have been any one of 3 fragrances from this collection. I received Thé des Vignes a gorgeously Summer scent that is described on the Caudalie website as a particularly sweet and sensual water that combines sensual notes of white musk and neroli with a hint of ginger liquor, with an infusion of orange blossom and jasmine. I think it is beautiful and an excellent size sample to try out and perfect to pop in your handbag or take on holiday with you.

Vichy - Dermablend Ultra-Corrective Foundation Cream Stick 


In this starter kit are 6 sample pods of various shades of this legendary foundation, I am curious to give this a go. Hello flawless skin! Although. I personally think that it may have been better to receive a generous sized tinted moisturiser which is infinitely more summery than a full coverage product.

GlossyBox - Serie Exclusiv Pro Beauty Brush £15


The 5th item is an own brand professional makeup brush made from natural goat hair which promises a super soft makeup application. I will try this out with the bronzer enclosed.


Final Thoughts 


Overall I think the June box that I received was great, I will use/try all of the products enclosed. My only quibble is Glossybox describing the box as a 'Sexy Summer' box as I am not sure all the products really fulfill the theme of the box.

What do you think?

*PR Sample

Nars Orgasm Illuminator - Review

Nars Orgasm Illuminator was included in the first ever GlossyBox and was one of the items I used most last Summer. As soon as the sun shone this year, out it came again and my love for it was re-ignited.

This liquid Illuminator is packed with flecks of gold, peach and pink shimmer, it can be worn alone, mixed with a primer, moisturiser or liquid foundation for subtle radiance. My preferred use for it however is to just apply it as a highlighter after applying my make up for an incredible summer 'glow' and radiance. The shade also provides a lovely warm colour to my skin tone with almost a bronzing effect, and depending on how much product I use, can give a dewy appearance.

Without flash

With flash

As it is a liquid product, If you do use it as a highlighter it is important not to use it after powder as it will wipe away the powder makeup, for best results use only with other liquid products or apply before powder blushers.

This really is a beautiful 'warm' highlighter, ideal for the Summer months when you may have a warmer tone to your skin. The peachy shade provides a more 'natural' and golden luminous appearance of a healthy glow as opposed to the cooler toned highlighters that are on the market.

It has a really pleasant fragrant orange scent and it blends in nicely if you just want a subtle radiance, but as mentioned before I prefer to use it in more dramatic fashion to highlight my cheek bones (much like the latest advertising to accompany this product!)

This Summer the Illuminator has undergone a makeover with new packaging and the addition of 3 new shades  to alongside the original Orgasm Illuminator.

Laguna - Golden Bronze Hue


Super Orgasm - Peachy Pink with Gold Glitter


Copacabana - Pearlescent Sheen

Nars Illuminator costs £22 for 30ml


*Full size sample enclosed in GlossyBox which was sent for purposes of review

Yogi Tea Choco Aztec Spice - Review

I like chocolate and I like tea so when I was browsing in Holland and Barrett and came across organic Yogi Tea Choco Aztec Spice I had to pick up a box and give it a try.

When I mentioned I was drinking it on twitter, lots of people asked me what it was like so decided to write a review about it.

The 15 teabags in the box come individually wrapped.

Yogi Tea says 


Exotic spices from the Far East blended with pure cocoa shells from South America, give this tea a deliciously unique taste and aroma. The wonderful flavours of ginger and cinnamon delicately mingle with the unmistakable essence of cocoa, warming body and spirit.

Directions of use -

To enjoy the full rich flavour of the tea pour freshly boiled water over teabag and allow to infuse for 7 minutes (or longer for a stronger flavour)

My thoughts

In my head I had imagined a rich chocolate tasting tea but the reality after waiting what seemed like ages for it to be ready (7 minutes is just too long for me to wait for my tea!) was a delicately flavoured water that was more spice than chocolate, with a very subtle after taste of chocolate. It certainly is warming but I felt a little disappointed by it and although pleasant enough for me to finish the box, I won't be repurchasing.

If you like spice flavours then I can see that this might appeal to you. It is not a sweet drink so you can add sugar/sweetener to taste but I always drink mine pure.

Ingredients 

Cocoa shells* (65%), liquorice*, cinnamon*, carob*, barley malt*, cardamom*, ginger*, cloves*, cinnamon extract (natural flavour), vanilla extract (natural flavour), black pepper*, ginger oil*, vanilla beans*.

*certified organically grown IMO GmbH, Germany.

Yogi Tea Choco Aztec Spice is currently on sale at Holland and Barretts for £2.15 for a box of 15.

*I bought this with my own cash

Gillette Venus ProSkin Sensitive Razor - Review

Over the years I have always bought Gillette razors, usually upgrading as a new one comes along. I liked the idea of creams but they just took too long to completely get rid, so much prefer the quickness of hair removal by razor on my legs and underarms.

One of the newest in the Gillette range is the Venus ProSkin Sensitive Razor. I was recently sent it to try out.

Gillette says 


Features 5 floating blades spaced close together to reduce pressure and achieve a closer shave.

Extra-rich protective ribbon of moisture lubricates and protects skin whilst providing a close shave with less feel of irritation.

Enhanced lubricating strip helps improve glide over the skin.

Soft handle gives great control, even when wet.

Razor comes with a Showerpod

5 blades, ribbon of moisture

My thoughts 

This is the best razor I have tried from Gillette. The soft handle is easy to hold and keep grip of and manipulate. I like the curved shape of the razor head, it feels so gentle and is easy to navigate around bends behind knees etc.

The 5 blades provide a really nice close shave, removing hair quickly and easily and the ribbon of moisture really works to make the razor glide nicely across the skin, leaving the skin beautifully soft and completely smooth to the touch. My skin is left feeling soft and moisturised. There has been no irritation at all and no nicks!

A real winner.

Venus ProSkin Sensitive Razor with one cartridge and one Showerpod RRP £9.99
3 pack of blades RRP £9.69

*PR Sample

Father's Day Gift Idea - Savoury Martini Afternoon Tea At Flemings Hotel, Mayfair

Afternoon tea is not just reserved for the ladies, treat your dad this Father's Day to the Flemings Hotel Signature Savoury Martini Afternoon Tea. Perfectly designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life, set in elegant and relaxed surroundings.

Let him indulge in -

His choice of either a gin or vodka Martini,
A delicious selection of cheese and olive scones, canapés and savoury treats.

Flemings Hotel Mayfair Savoury Martini Afternoon Tea costs from £32.50. 24 hours notice is required

Served from 2.30pm - 5pm, Monday to Friday,
1.30pm - 5pm, Saturday & Sunday
Call to book Afternoon Tea
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7499 0000
Email: cocktail&tearooms@flemings.co.uk.

Father's Day Gift Idea - Agua Spa At The Sanderson

The Agua Spa at The Sanderson Hotel have a fantastic offer which would make the ideal gift for dads this Father's day.

Treat him to a 25 minute full body scrub followed by a 25 minute back, neck and shoulder massage. Price includes dried nuts and a selection of fruit to snack on, herbal tea or request your dad's favourite beer when booking!

This special offer costs £90 and is available from 13-20th June subject to availability.

For more details click here 

Sanderson London
50 Berners Street
London, England W1T 3NG
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7300 1414

Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter - Review

With the weather so wet and miserable I have been taking time out and indulging in a lot of home pampering and Spa brand Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter is ideal for this purpose. 

The lemon and sage citrus scent is Summer fresh but light and I find it incredibly refreshing.  The texture of the body butter is thick but instantly absorbing, leaving skin remarkably smooth and silky in seconds with an attractive sheen. The maximum moisture formula keeps skin feeling soft and hydrated all day. 

I tend to steer clear of body butters preferring lotions but this one formulated for professional massages no less is one of my favourites as it performs so well. Any dry skin is taken care of and it is suitable for use from shoulders to toes.

Ingredients include 

Coconut Oil to soften skin

Sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture

Vitamin E to deeply nourish

Paraben Free

Bliss Lemon+Sage Body Butter costs £20.50

*I bought this myself

Orly Feel The Vibe Neon Mini Trio Launches in TOPSHOP

Exciting news!

Orly is launching into Topshop this week. The Mani Mini Feel the Vibe Trio is in stores now costing £13


The 3 fab Summer shades are -


Beach Cruiser (the perfect holiday pink)


Glowstick (neon green)


Melt Your Popsicle (a hot fluoro orange)

Yardley London Royal Diamond

This weekend there were flags and bunting aplenty and great celebrations to commemorate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in recognition of her 60 year reign. As a family we had great fun watching the Flotilla on the Thames, taking part in a Village Jubilee Party enjoying a hog roast, Pimm's, 99 flake and tuning into BBC1 to watch the Jubilee Concert.

My son wore red, white and blue clothing and Union Jack socks, while I painted my nails blue with a statement nail adorned with 'diamonds' in my own tribute to the Queen.

Royal Diamond is the newest launch from Yardley London created and inspired by this momentous occasion.. The scent is the company's first floral bouquet fragrance. Described as a sophisticated, sparkling fragrance opening with a touch of pear and bergamot surrounded by a subtle note of honey (top notes), with a delicate romantic floral bouquet at its heart of rose, peony and lily of the valley (heart notes), enhanced with base notes of soft wood and vanilla.

Royal Diamond is an appealing fresh Summer scent which with the influence of pear bears a passing similarity to Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia, which also has a woody base... As that is one of my favourite scents this was also bound to appeal.

An excellent scent befitting of the Diamond Jubilee, Royal Diamond by Yardley London costs £9.99 for 50ml  (Eau De Toilette)


*PR Sample

Diamond Jubilee Nails! My Tribute To The Queen

For my Royal tribute I thought I would keep it quite simple and chic. I painted my nails a deep and royal blue and on just one nail applied a top coat of 'diamonds' - Diamond Jubilee :-)

I used Nails Inc motcomb street and Nails Inc Diamond Nail Jewellery burlington arcade polishes. I found it so hard to capture how stunning burlington arcade is in real life. The pieces really do reflect and sparkle like diamonds. Beautiful.


For more Diamond Jubilee celebration nails take a look at the BeautySwot facebook page

Terre D'Oc Milky Make-up Remover Oil - Review

I have had a very brief dabble with an oil based cleanser and was pleasantly surprised with how nice it was to use, I was planning to purchase a full size version of it when the offer to review this Milky Make-up Remover Oil from Terre D'Oc came into my inbox.

They say

Inspired by the Japanese ‘Saho’ double cleansing ritual, this beautiful oil transforms into a milky texture on contact with water to gently remove all make-up and impurities. Hot Spring Flowers, Wakame and Camellia Oil purify and protect - revealing renewed soft, smooth and radiant skin.  Suitable for normal skin.

My thoughts

I have been using this natural cleanser for 3 weeks now, so you can see from the bottle how much I have used. A little goes quite a long way.

The oil is very thick and sticky so you need to prepare and loosen it by warming between hands. Apply and massage into the face including eyes in circular movements with fingertips. Add water to transform oil into a milky water and rinse off. (The instructions say to use a wet cotton ball). I rinse off by just splashing with water. The smell is delicate and pleasant. 

This is gorgeous to use and I will be finishing this bottle. My skin feels so soft, fresh, bright and clean when I have finished washing my face. I love it. At the moment I am pretty much delighted with how my skin looks and feels (bar hormonal changes) and I do attribute it to using this cleanser in conjunction with my other skincare products. 

However, although it says it is suitable for face and eyes, I find that it stings my eyes so I avoid using it on my eye area. My eyes are slightly sensitive so this may not be the same for everyone.

Milky Make-Up Remover Oil £19.95 for 150ml available from www.pravera.co.uk

*PR Sample

Introducing The New Faces of BURBERRY BEAUTY

British models Cara Delevingne, Jourdan Dunn and Edie Campbell have been unveiled as the new faces of Burberry Beauty in this new advertising campaign shot by the legendary photographer Mario Testino. 

The Campaign showcases Burberry Beauty signature effortless looks, created by Burberry Beauty Artistic Consultant Wendy Rowe.

 CARA DELEVINGNE

BURBERRY EYES

EFFORTLESS MASCARA                 Midnight Brown No.02

Sheer Eye Shadow                    Rosewood No.09

Sheer Eye Shadow                                Pearl Grey No.17

BURBERRY SKIN

SHEER FOUNDATION (Luminous Fluid Foundation)

Sheer Concealer

burberry GLOW

Fresh Glow

LIGHT GLOW                                   Earthy Blush No.07

burberry LIPS

Lip Mist                                          Copper No.202

JOURDAN DUNN

BURBERRY EYES

EFFORTLESS MASCARA                 Midnight Black No.01

SHEER EYE SHADOW                    Midnight Brown No.21

Eye Definer                                 Midnight Black No.01

BURBERRY SKIN

SHEER FOUNDATION (Luminous Fluid Foundation)

SHEER FOUNDATION (Luminous Compact Foundation)

Sheer Concealer

BURBERRY GLOW

LIGHT GLOW                                   Blossom Blush No.05

WARM GLOW                                  Nude Glow No.03

BURBERRY LIPS

Lip Cover                                      Nude Cashmere No.25

Lip Definer                                   Nude Beige No.01

EDIE CAMPBELL

burberry EYES

EFFORTLESS MASCARA                 Midnight Black No.01

Sheer Eye Shadow                    Almond No.06

Sheer Eye Shadow                    Porcelain No.03

EYE DEFINER                                 Golden Brown No.06

burberry SKIN

SHEER FOUNDATION (Luminous Fluid Foundation)

Sheer Concealer

burberry GLOW

Fresh Glow

LIGHT GLOW                                   Earthy Blush No.07

LIGHT GLOW                                   Misty Blush No.08

burberry LIPS

Lip Cover                                      Romantic Rose No.24

I absolutely love the BURBERRY look, I had a good play with the makeup at the John Lewis new beauty Hall launch and recently reviewed the Warm Glow Bronzer. If you haven't checked BURBERRY BEAUTY I highly recommend you do.