L'Occitane Boutique Opening in Windsor

When: Thursday May 3rd 3:30PM 

Where: 9 Peascod Street, Windsor SL4 1DT

To celebrate the opening of their latest boutique, L'Occitane are going all out and offering you a range of deals, including:

-The first 30 shoppers will receive a FREE Romantic Floral Collection (as pictured above) containing the Pivoine Flora Shower Gel, Cherry Blossom Bath/Shower Gel and Cherry Blossom Hand Cream.

-Also, the Limited Edition Pivoine Delicate Eau de Toilette Roll on & Gloss Duo will be on offer for £12, down from £16.50.

-And finally, from May 3rd-May 7th, they'll be offering an exclusive 15% discount on any purchase made over the value of £25, excluding special value gift sets. 

Will you be there taking advantage of these fab deals?

If you need any ideas on what to purchase, check out my review of their latest Limited Edition Pivoine Delicate collection, HERE. 

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Lionfish Review

Eyeliners aren't the most exciting items in our makeup bags, but they are one of the most important. A good one can give you beautifully defined peepers and a bad one can make you look like you've spent the past hour crying.

That's why I'm so happy I've found one that works wonders for me. For the longest time, I was singing the praises of Urban Decay's Zero, but soon realized for every day it wasn't ideal. I have rather small eyes (you're like "WE KNOW LAUREN, GET OVER IT!"), so black liner on the waterline often made my eyes look even tinier, but I was just so used to it. It was the one beauty step I'd taken on a daily basis since I was like…13? Anyways, I soon realized a brown liner on my waterline would leave me with that "finished" eye look but without being too intense. 

Enter Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Lionfish (£14)

This eyeliner is creamy, pigmented and lasts ages on me. I'm not going to say I don't notice some fading by the end of the day, because I do, but that's typical of almost any eyeliner. The color is stunning as well. A dark brown with some copper sparkles. Goes well with basically any neutral everyday eyeshadow look that I wear.

My only complaint would be the packaging. Why, you ask? Looks pretty standard for a eyeliner, no? And I agree, except it's non-retractable meaning if you push out a certain amount of product and then want to roll it down, you can't. And sometimes it's hard to get new product to come out. You'll twist and twist and get nothing. And then you'll get confused about what way you're meant to be twisting. It's just something I think they could improve on.

What's your go to everyday eyeliner? Any recommendations for me?

MAC Eyeshadow Palette Review (ft. Phloof!, Bisque, Sable and Woodwinked)

I've tried very few MAC eyeshadows, but I've never been as huge of a fan of them as I've been with Urban Decay. Don't get me wrong, I love Satin Taupe, but the others that I've tried (Trax, Satellite Dreams and YES, All That Glitters) left me unimpressed. I found Trax to be extremely lacking in pigmentation and All That Glitters just seemed blah on the lids. It didn't pop on me as much as Sin from UD. The reason I prefer Urban Decay eyeshadows is because they're creamy and feel lovely while MAC shadows just lack that. Does anyone else agree? 

From the top left, going clockwise: Phloof!, Bisque, Sable and Woodwinked.

But let's move onto the eyeshadows I was interested in trying this time. I wanted a MAC quad filled with neutral shadows because they seem so travel friendly. I did a lot of googling (oh how witty of me!) before deciding on Phloof!, Bisque, Woodwinked and Sable Eyeshadows.

The card my witty twin sis gave me with it, har har har!

From left to right: Phloof!, Bisque, Woodwinked and Sable.

I haven't reached for this as much as I'd like to. They're such warm colors (well, not Phloof!) but this was before I realized I prefer cooler tones. But it does create a beautiful eye look (as I blogged about in this FOTD, HERE)

Woodwinked on the lid, and blended into the crease with Bisque, Phloof! as a highlight and Sable as a liner. 

Overall, it's a decent palette and I hope it'll become my go to palette for traveling! 

NEW Lip Products from Models Own

When I say Models Own, do you think LIPPYS or NAIL POLISH? Exactly. That's why I wasn't too sure what to expect from these. But I received them from the company when Models Own came in to do a huge update to their stand. I happen to think it looks so much better. Love the way they've organized it into collections and how much more colorful it is.

But anyways, along with launching some nail collections many were eagerly awaiting (Beetlejuice and Hed Kandi collab) they launched some new lip products: a range of lip glosses and their Matt Brite lipsticks. 

Models Own Lipgloss Wand (£5)

Red Hot

Available in 6 shades: Berry Nice, Pink Wink, Glass, Madame Rose, Ballet Pink and Red Hot.

As I said above, I wasn't expecting a whole lot from these, but I take it back, largely because of the number of compliments I received when I wore this at work, and I wear A LOT of different lip products. It's an extremely opaque gloss but not at all sticky. Once the glossy-ness fades away, you're left with a wonderful tint.

Models Own Matt Brite Lipstick (£6)

Pink Hawaiian

Available in 4 shades: Annalise's Pink, Flaming Red, Orangeade, and Pink Hawaiian.

Borrowed from Google Images

I haven't got a proper review of this product for you, just because it's TOO bright for me so I haven't had a chance to wear it. What a bad beauty blogger, eh? But I can tell you it's PIGMENTED, smells like vanilla-berry and gives you that on trend neon lip look. You need to be careful when applying this though, because it can very easily go where it's not meant to be. Maybe use a lip liner. 

Overall, good stuff from Models Own. I really want to try one of the pink shades from the lip gloss range, especially if it's as pigmented as Red Hot!

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Eyeshadow in Epatant and Illusoire Review

Yup. STILL reviewing products from Christmas. 

"This intensely shimmering long-wear eyeshadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as eyeshadow or eyeliner. Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for this unique formula."

The handy dandy brush they come with. Because of the shape you can use the brush to apply the eyeshadow to the lid, or as a liner.

High end fashion brands aren't always worth the price, but sometimes they bring out something that I think justifies the price. The texture of these is simply amazing. So soft and smooth and very pigmented. And the sparkle these things have! Gorgeous. 

Epatant (yes...I stuck my greedy fingers in these before photographing them, sorry!)

Illusoire

Gonna get this out of the way straight away: they do crease over time when used without primer. But they have amazing lasting power when used over Urban Decay Primer Potion. Don't get me wrong, they do last without primer, but NOT the full work day. 

(left=Epatant, right=Illusoire)

Because they are so glittery, fall out does occur if you go in with too much. I find it's best to work your way up to a more intense color, adding in more and more color gradually, but sometimes I still make a mess of it, which can be annoying. The best way I've found to apply these is with my finger. I tap tap tap my finger into the product and tap on the lid and slowly build up. I haven't actually tried applying them with the brush, just because I worry that would cause more fallout. But I'll have to try it! I've also yet to try these as a liner, but I will and maybe feature it in a FOTD post.

Epatant

Epatant

I love turning to these when I want a simple yet not simple eye look. When I just want to wear one color on the lid, but still want my eye look to scream "done!". These give me that. 

Illusoire

Illusoire

I've taken so many photos of these, but I still feel none of them really do the product justice. Because of the intense glitter in there, it's hard to get a perfect photo of the product. But if you're in doubt, go to a Chanel counter and have a play for yourself. You'll fall in love, if you already haven't. 

Overall, if you're a fan of products that are simple yet give you that done look, and are willing to pay the £22.50, then these are definitely for you. 

L'Occitane Limited Edition Pivoine Delicate Collection Review

This limited edition collection from L'Occitane comes after the huge popularity of their Pivoine Flora Eau de Parfum. Inspired by the Peony flower, the gorgeous Pivoine Delicate collection includes Eau de Toilette, Lip Shines, Lipsticks, Hand Cream, Eau de Toilette / Gloss duo (genius!), Shimmering Powder and a Fresh Mist.

I have three products from the range to share with you today. 

Pivoine Delicate Eau de Toilette (£33 for 75ml):

"The Pivoine Delicate Eau de Toilette blends the softness of peony and rose petals with the green transparency of lily of the valley in a luminous floral accord with a soft powdery trail."

Top notes: citrus fruits and white peach

Heart notes: rose, peony and lily of the valley

Base notes: white musk and light woods

As with most eau de toilettes, I find that the scent only sticks around for a few hours before I feel it's necessary to top it up again. But to be perfectly honest, I find that's the case even with perfumes that are supposedly meant to last all day. It's a stunning scent and I prefer it to the original. I was a fan of the original, but I much prefer this delicate version of it. It's housed in a very similar bottle as the original, except it's pink as opposed to red, to really drive home the fact that it's a lighter version of Pivoine Flora. 

Pivoine Delicate Hand Cream (£13 for 75ml): 

"Enriched with shea butter and subtly scented, this cream leaves hands soft, irresistible and absolutely kissable." 

I've always loved two things about this brand: their packaging and their hand creams. I've never been a huge hand cream person because my hands never feel dry, other than at REALLY cold points in the winter. But when I have used them, they've been by L'Occitane because they smell amazing and sink in without leaving that greasy feeling a lot of creams leave. I've thrown this in my purse because although it's not as travel sized as a lot of their hand creams, it's still a great size for carrying around. It's a light cream that's not runny, it's actually rather thick, so it gives you the moisture you need, but because it's so light it doesn't take ages to sink in. 

The packaging is rather interesting and different from your typical screw cap. You twist the bottom and a hole opens up and from there you just squeeze and volia, out comes product. You don't have to worry about any of it leaking out into your purse though because it twists shut with a click so you know it's sealed. 

Pivoine Delicate Lipstick in Shade 02 (£12.50 for 3.5 gr)

"These smooth lipsticks reveal beautiful lips in natural and vibrant tones." 

The Pivoine Delicate Lipstick is definitely not your average lipstick. It's more like one of those lipstick hybrids that's been everywhere as of late. Meaning it's extremely buttery on the lips with a hint of color. It's a very sheer pinky nude but it's gorgeous on the lips, very light and not heavy at all. It contains some subtle sparkles that just adds that extra dimension to the lips. It's perfect for girls like me who want to rock the nude lip without the chalky concealer effect. This, ladies, is how a nude lip should be worn.  

And can we all please just admire the packaging? Everything from the floral print it's adorned with down to the material used to make it, a lot of thought was clearly put into this tube of lippy. 

Overall, another beautiful collection from L'Occitane. But did you expect any less? 

Have you tried anything from the collection? Love it as much as I do?

*PR Samples. As always, my opinions are 100% my own and completely honest.

FOTD: Bronzed Coral

Recently, I was inspired to give my Garnier BB Cream another shot. My sister told me she was on the search for an American alternative to the Nivea Tinted Moisturiser I bought her for Christmas. Leave it to me to buy her the one product the US doesn't do. ;) She told me she had a sample of the Garnier BB Cream from a magazine and quite liked it.

Now, I reviewed it HERE quite awhile ago, saying while it was a lovely product, it wasn't really for me. Largely because of how moisturizing it is and how orange it looked on me. I'd been doing some gradual self tan on the face so I thought SURELY this will work for me now, especially because my sister said it worked well for her and she tends to be ever so slightly paler than me.

I set this with a powder and didn't even bother with concealer for blemishes because I was just going to the grocery store with my BF. As lovely as it was, IT STILL LOOKED TOO DARK.

I then teamed it with a coral/orange lipstick and a bronzed eye. Overall I liked the look, but sadly, I still don't think the Garnier BB cream is for me. Not when I've found other products that are simply better suited to my light, oily skin.

Products Used:

Eyes: 

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Lionfish on the waterline

MAC eyeshadows: Woodwinked on the lid, and blended into the crease with Bisque, Phloof! as a highlight and Sable as a liner. 

Maybelline the Falsies Flared mascara

Lips: 

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti. 

Face: 

Garnier BB Cream in Light

Clarins Ever Matte Powder in Transparent Light

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed

Garnier Tinted Under Eye Roll on in Light

Vivo Ultimate Brow and Eye Kit (darkest color)

I actually first applied MAC's Viva Glam Gaga lipgloss because I hadn't used it in ages. I really wasn't impressed. I think my tastes have changed too much 1 year on. I just don't think the baby pink does anything for me. What do you reckon?

What's on your face today? I'm currently wearing an expired Lush Cupcake Mask. Daredevil I am.

Boots Haul (yes, another one)

When you're a beauty junkie who works in Boots, it's hard not to buy stuff. Especially when you spend all day convincing everyone how good the deals are, you begin to believe it yourself.

I had a £2 off Revlon voucher and it was also 3 for 2 on all self-selection makeup, so I wanted to make use of both deals before they ran out, which they now have. Well, the 3 for 2 anyways. 

No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream for Normal/Oily Skin in Light (£12.95): 

Some days I have to wake up at 6AM for the early shift, and foundation just seems too high maintenance at that hour. So I wanted something lighter for early mornings and figured a BB cream would allow me to skip moisturizer. I hadn't read too many reviews on the No7 BB cream before purchasing, so I went out on a whim, but I'm glad I did. It offers a good amount of coverage and leaves the skin with a matte but not overly matte finish. Add a touch of concealer and you're good to go. 

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Permanent Taupe (£4.99): 

I really wanted the bronze one as well, but we didn't have it in stock so I just picked up the other color I wanted, Permanent Taupe. It's lovely. I love wearing it on its own for a subtle smokey effect. It seemed so promising for not creasing, because the texture isn't overly creamy like some cream shadows, but alas, it did crease on me. But come on, even Chanel does. It lasted pretty well otherwise. I guess it won't kill me to use a primer under it eh?

Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple and Tutti Frutti (£7.99):

I've been braver and braver when it comes to lip colors lately. There was a time when I'd only wear pinks and nudes, but now I'm happy to wear bright pinks, reds and even yes, orange. I think anyone can pull off these kinds of colors as long as you wear subtle eyes. I think colors like this are the easiest way to look put together without bothering with loads of other makeup. 

Tutti Frutti:

Candy Apple:

Tutti Frutti:

Candy Apple:

I got the Color Tattoo for free on the 3 for 2, the BB cream only cost me about £10.80 with staff discount, I got the Revlon Lip Butter for £2 off and the second Revlon Lip Butter was a gift from a colleague. 

What have you been buying lately? I have to take a little break now from shopping. Need to save up for our holiday in France!

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in Dating Coral Review

Unlike the Revlon Lip Butters, these L'Oreal Rouge Caresse lipsticks came out of nowhere. We were all waiting impatiently for the Lip Butters, because we'd seen them release in the US and heard about how amazing they were through YouTube and blogs. But because these L'Oreal lippys were released here first, before any advertising or hype was created, many girls slowly began to discover them and now they're almost as talked about as the Lip Butters. 

The color I have is Dating Coral (301). I didn't want to get a shade I'd usually get, which is something I've been doing in general in terms of buying makeup, so I went for this gorgeous coral shade, of which I own nothing similar. 

It's going to be impossible to review this product without comparing it to the Revlon Lip Butters, since they came out at the same time and are advertised as very similar products, although I think they're quite different.

The L'Oreal Caresse lipsticks are moisturizing and very light on the lips. They glide on with ease, more so than the Lip Butters. They lack the high intensity pigmentation of the Lip Butters, but they are perfect for more subtle, everyday looks. Like the Lip Butters, it's best if your lips aren't dry, because they're more than happy to cling. The formula is far more closer to what I'd describe as a lip butter than the actual Revlon Lip Butters are. The Lip Butters are far more like lipsticks with some shine and moisture. Whereas the Caresse lipsticks actually feel like butter on the lips. But hey, I'm not the one who gets to decide what constitutes as a lip butter, right? 

From what I can tell, they have an ever so slightly fruity scent, but to be honest, I have to really sniff for it, so it's not at all offensive. The Lip Butters have a faint vanilla scent, which again, I never noticed until I really searched for it. So they're both pretty subtle in terms of scent, which is good if you're picky. 

They're both £7.99 so one can't really complain that one is more affordable than the other. 

In terms of packaging, I did love the Revlon Lip Butters packaging when they first came out, but…I kind of prefer this packaging. I'M SORRY. Yes, the Revlon Lip Butters packaging is cuter, but this packaging is just so much more sleek, very Dior almost? 

Overall, I love both. I've already bought some more of the Lip Butters since my first review on them, but if you want to see what I thought of them, go see my review HERE.

Will I be buying more of the L'Oreal Caresse lipsticks? Yes. They're just too gorgeous not to and the colors are so lovely and quite different from what Revlon are offering. 

On a side note, I do wonder if these will be released in the US. I know in the US L'Oreal released their own lip butters, Le Balm, to compete with the Revlon Lip Butters, so I'm not sure if they'll bother with these? Hmm! Comment if you know and also let me know if you've tried either the Revlon Lip Butters or the L'Oreal Rouge Caresse and which you preferred!