{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with LoveMore

Hello everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the absolutely gorgeous & a true blog fashion icon Bel behind the stunning blog {LoveMore}.

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?
I am no expert that’s for sure! But I have tried so so many different things..I tend to just get what ever is cheapest or best value (shocking I know!). So my experience with beauty products is not the best…but I’ll try and give some good advice.

Q: What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I think my skin is more on the oily side and I tend to pick the foaming cleansers with the beady exfoliating bead things. The last one I bought was a good old Clearasil Morning Scrub..I am happy with it! I also am always looking for creams which aren’t a gazillion dollars that get rid of under-eye baggage to firm that area up..I am yet to find a product I swear by – so if anyone knows of one PLEASE let me know!!!

Q: What is your top beauty secret or product?
Hmmm…..tough one. I honestly don’t think I have a secret product which is not already OUT THERE. The only thing I would suggest is the YSL touch stick for the eye area to cover up lines/dark circles…that stick is god!!!! I need a new one as we speak but just can’t save up..it’s killing me! Also I have a ice-pack-mask I use most mornings to help me ‘wake-up’.

Q: Name 3 other favorite products and why?

ONE - Facial Cleansing Wipes!!! I am sure they aren’t the best but they are sooo good when you come home from a night out slightly out-of-it and it’s such an easy way to remove your make-up…haha.
TWO – Paw Paw, comes in handy far too often! Every girl needs Paw Paw!.
THREE – Sunblock, typical and boring I know! But for the face especially.

If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

A light (not heavy, heavy make-up is gross!) slightly bronzed tinted moisturizer for the face. I don’t ever wear foundation, it just feels too caked on or something…so I light tinted moisturizers to give me a little glow. Second would be mascara. And third blush! Loooove a little blush!

Thanks for joining us today Bel, that ice-pack-mask for the morning sounds really good!! xx

(photo by Liz Ham, YSL Ad, Philip Karlberg)

Self Portrait & {Beauty Tuesday}

Hello my dears :) Sorry for the later than usual post, I've just been back from the Post Office & somehow ended up with a new pair of Bertie heels! Will show you soon ;)

Wondering what the picture above is all about? It is my Self Portrait interview, displaying my favorite and most special things, check out what each one is at Julia's lovely blog The Red Otter Shop!

The inspiration behind this layout was these lovely postcards at a view to, although my things are not quite colour coordinated!

Also, a big thank you to the lovely Dionne for sending me these sweet cards, check out her cute Etsy shop here!

and the lovely Maki for painting this gorgeous picture for our spring swap, I still look at it everyday and think WOW!

Now onto the {Beauty Tuesday} Review, a short one this week, otherwise the post will be even longer!

I have been using the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish cleaner for almost a month now and I have to say it is AMAZING! After the first wash with the muslin cloth, my skin felted smoother & I actually look forward to using this everday -evenings only for me.

The Skin Repair Moisturiser - Normal is also lovely, the cream is rich yet not oily (I have combination skin), and my skin feels plump in the morning. The toner & the Brightening Treatment Mask is great too, I can't wait to try more of their products!! Oh, did I mention the prices are affordable too? It's like Bodyshop price but the quality is better than most designer brands!!

Off now to walk in my new shoes *yippeee! xx

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Made by Girl

Hello everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the absolutely gorgeous & super talented Jen behind the stunning blog {Made by Girl}, I believe most of you are familier with it already? If not, make sure you do, it's one of the first blog I read each morning!

Q: Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

For the most part it’s been a trial and error experience for me. I think you have to try many products before you can finally decide on one that really works with your skin etc. I have to be careful what I put on my skin as it is pretty sensitive.

Q: What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

My skin is usually combination. However, there are days it seems oily, especially in my t-zone. I usually look for skin care products that are right for sensitive skin and that have SPF in them. Also, I won’t buy anything unless it’s oil-free.

Q: What is your top beauty secret or product?

I use distilled water to wash my face. Then I take a cotton swab and place about 5-6 drops of Lavender and 5-6 drops of Rosemary. It helps keep the skin from breaking out.

Q: Name 3 other favorite products and why?

1. Laura Mercier oil free foundation: (it has excellent coverage and of course, it’s oil free).
2. Mac Cosmetics Studio-fix powder
3. Lancome Juicy Tubes keep my lips from looking too dry. (I like Berry Bold and the clear gloss)

Q: Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Aveda Brilliant Emollient Finishing gloss. This is great, it smells so good and leaves hair looking bright and beautiful! Its great for all hair types too.

Kerastase’ Oleo Curl- since my hair is naturally wavy/curly. It gives great definition as well as protects my hair from humidity. Good thing when it’s humid out.

Thanks so much Jen for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I've heard so much about essential oils and should really try them out!

(image from here, here, here & stated sources)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Beauty Interview with Vicki

Good morning everyone! I am back with another Beauty Interview today, with the lovely Vicki behind the absolutely gorgeous & "french chic" blog FRENCH ESSENCE.

Q:Could you give us a summary of your experience with beauty products?

Like all women I think I search for products that are beneficial, show results and are easy to use. I follow a routine when it comes to skin care; I may change products or mix brands but I never miss cleansing, toning and moisturizing my skin. It doesn’t matter what hour of the day or night – I would not be able to sleep if I hadn’t removed my make-up. There are three things that I think are the most important when it comes to caring for the skin: I avoid the sun, smoking and too much alcohol, I drink 2 litres of water every day and I try to sleep soundly. When I was younger I could go without sleep, party on and drink as much as I liked and still walk out the door the next morning looking reasonably ok. Now, I am not so lucky…

Q:What is your skin type and what do you look for in skincare products?

I have a dry and sensitive skin – partly due to age and party due to the climate I live in. The products I preferare those that are derived mostly from natural ingredients and those that are rich in emollients.

Q:What is your top beauty secret or product?

I always add olive oil to my bath water.

I run the bath, add the scent that I prefer – usually lavender or rose – and then pour in a few drops of olive oil; it leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. As a special treatment in the winter, I will exfoliate and then apply the oil directly onto my skin.

Q:Name 3 other favorite skincare products and why?

Right now I am using Jurlique’s Moisture Replenishing Day Creme. It is a rich crème that hydrates and moisturizesthe skin and is particularly good for sensitive skin.

As the temperatures warm up I prefer to use a lighter moisturizer and will change to Dr Hauschka’s Rose Day Cream. In the heat of summer I will alternate between the Rose Day Crème and the Quince Day crème, a lighter alternative.

My other favourite at the moment is La Mer hand creme –this handcreme was given to me as a birthday gift – sheer bliss. Not sticky or tacky and quickly absorbed into the skin without leaving any slippery residue. The scent is soft and fresh and not overpowering at all.

Q:If you wear makeup, what are your top 3 favorite products?

Laura Mercier tinted Mouisturizer SPF 20 in Nude – I nevergo without this, day or night, and find the sheer texture and light coverage perfect for me. I don’t like wearing heavy make up and this provides a good base without that ‘made-up’ feeling.

Laura Mercier Cheek colour in Crushed Hazelnut – this is a light powder that is easy to apply and blends well on the skin. Again it is a natural colour and works well as a blush to wear when you don’t want to look like your wearing a blush.

And the lips:I love a lipstick and seem to be favouring MAC at themoment. For day – Cremesheen, ‘Shy Girl’ and for night– Cremesheen, ‘Spice is Nice’ Topped off with a dab of C-Thru A78 gloss.

Q: (optional) Are there any other products that you love but have not mentioned above?

Chanel – Le Crayon Khol Intense Eye Pencil in graphite –so easy to use for day and night.

The latest nail varnishes from Chanel. The rainbow brightsin pink and purple are just fabulous.

Thanks so much Vicki for joining us today and sharing your beauty secrets! I completely agree with your beauty routine & will definitely try the olive oil too, it sounds so simple yet amazing!

(images from here & corresponding links)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Toners Tried & Tested

Hello everyone, welcome to another {Beauty Tuesday} Tried & Tested, this week it's toners. Toners are one of those non-essential things, as long as you cleanse properly (i.e. rinse with water after whatever cleanser you use), you can skip the toner part.

I tend to use a cleanser face wash whenever I can but most mornings there just isn't the time, so I'd use a cream cleanser instead and use toner afterwards, it's like the "rinsing" stage, also it's cold and wakes me up! I use it in the evening too and also sometimes as masks, I think I typically use up a 200ml toner in about 2 months! ps, I have normal/combination skin & not really sensitive.

In case you missed the first post, here is the rating guide:
- Extremely amazing! A product with a 5 star rating is one which I will buy again and again and is obviously better than the other products
- Great product, will definitely buy again
- Good product, might buy again, say it was Gift Time or something
- Works fine, but nothing special, won't buy again unless it's in the sale & money is tight!
- Works ok, could be better, won't be buying again
- Do not like at all, definitely won't be buying again

Lush Tea Tree Water
Breath Of Fresh Air
Eau-Roma Water
I absolutely love Lush's toners, they are everything I look for in a toner, light texture (non sticky), refreshing, doesn't irritate my skin and affordable! The Tea Tree one is for oily skin types (my teenage days) but at the same time is also gentle and doesn't strip too much from the skin.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2 and 3
3 was definitely too harsh for me, 2 is better but I just don't like having alcohol in a toner, sure it cleanses really well but I prefer something such more gentle.

Clarins Toning Lotion With Iris Toner (Combination or Oily Skin)
Lovely frangrance, nice light texture, not too harsh on the skin either. Slightly expensive when comparing to the Lush prices though.
Nuxe FLORAL 3 ROSES CLEANSING WATER 200ML
A greener toner, light floral smell, perfect texture (like spring water with added goodness for the skin)
Estee Lauder Perfectly CleanFresh Balancing Lotion
A little thick in its texture, sometimes irritates my skin a little when using, especially when used as a mask.
Origins A Perfect World™ Toner
Everything about it is great, I would buy this all the time if it's 50% cheaper! Although it might be worth the extra money if you're jusing the whole A Perfect World range (a wonderful range by the way, more reviews on it later)
Lancome ClarifyingExfoliating Toner
This was one of my first toners and I really liked it, that is until I discovered the other great products, again this has the problem of sometimes irritates my skin a little, maybe because of the alcohol?

Bodyshop Vitamin E Hydrating Toner
A bit too thick in texture for me, a little soapy, sometimes stings a little too.
Aloe Calming Toner
This one is much better, light texture, non-irritating. Good price too.
Tea Tree Oil Facial Toner
Again this is for oily skin types, stonger than the Lush one.
Botanics Pore Perfecting Toner for Blemish Prone skin
The powder dries out the skin, oily skin types are often dehydrated skin too, hence I find this too mattifying.

L'Oreal De-Maq Expert Milk-Toner 2in1 Make-up Remover
This is more like a cream cleanser than toner, although it does turn into liquid, but the skin doesn't feel refreshed after using. As a cleanser it's alright, nothing too special.
No7 Soft & Soothed Gentle Toner for Normal/Dry Skin
Texture is ok but irritates my skin!
Eau Thermal Avene Water Spray
This is just spring water really, but the spray can be really handy in windy weathers to hyrates the skin.
RMK Skintuner Light
This is such a lovely toner, RMK is a Japanese brand that I am really loving at the moment, some of my all time favorites are theirs! The toner has a light scent, light texture but packed with goodness, with many fruit extracts. The only downside is the price, similar as the big brands like Lancome etc.
Kose Medicated Sekkisei Lotion
I bought this when I was travelling in China during August, scared I might get tanned with all the walking under the sun (this might be a little strange to you, white pale skins are the most attractive in Asian eyes), so I bought this in a 400ml bottle. The sub-brand is quite famous for bring out brighter, whiter skin tones but I didn't really notice any. Although I didn't get tanned either so maybe it worked?

Now onto some award giving, I feel so honored to have received 6 awards in the last week, it really means the world to me, and I mean it, I spend around 2-3hrs each day on my blog & reading other blogs for inspirations so this really does mean a lot to me :)

The "I like you" award from the wonderful little clover heart, our.city.lights & Zebra Stripes and Runaway Kites goes to: City of Dionne, P A N D A B L U S H*, Ill Seen, Ill Said, Simply Seductive, Sweet & Low, Girl Japan, Swish and Swanky, Aphex Nation

The "Fabulous Blog" award from the lovely Kosmopolight goes to: a cat of impossible colour, Almost Stylish, Cherry Magazine, Daisy Chain Dreams, Fashion Bananas, Flashes of Style, I am Styleish, phi s t y l e, there's no sex in your violence & Already Pretty

The "lemonade" award from the amazing Carrie Can goes to: PORCHLIGHT INTERIORS, étonnant blossom, street inspiration, Janetteria, mayk all day every day.,

and finally the "Kreativ Blogger" award from the gorgeous The Magic Risotto Diaries. goes to: Femme Rationale, PARK & CUBE, LoveMore, Violet Posy, Zucchero, Zucchero, {this is glamorous} & you are my fave .

Also as part of the Kreativ Blogger award, I have to share 7 things I love, I thought a picture would do a better job than just words :)

xx

(beauty product images from stated links, handbags ,Flickr photos 2 3 4, cats, paris)

{Beauty Tuesday}: Cleansers Tried & Tested

With all the great interviews I thought it's time for me to contribute, this week it's cleansers and eye makeup removers. A little about my skin: I have Normal/Combination skin, normal in A/W and more combination in S/S, not especially sensive, main problems are large pores (oily skin in teenage years), dark circles, skin not quite even-toned (cheeks are especially pale/pink and doesn't tan at all!).

First a little guide to the ratings:
- Extremely amazing! A product with a 5 star rating is one which I will buy again and again and have made an obviouse improvement to my skin.
- Great product, will buy over and over again
- Good product, might buy again, say it was Gift Time or something
- Works fine, but nothing special, won't buy again unless it's in the sale & money is tight!
- Works ok, could be better, won't be buying again
- Do not like at all, definitely won't be buying again

Vichy Anti-Dull Skin Foaming Cleansing Water
The instant foaming makes it quicker to wash so great in the mornings! Works fine but nothing too special, cheaper than the Lancome one though. Would buy again.
Bodyshop Tea Tree Oil Foaming Face Wash
This one is great for oily skin, treats spots and yet not too harsh on the skin.
Lancome Clarifying Self-Foaming Cleanser
Again the instant foam is quick but the more expensive price is not really reflected in the quality.
Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Cottonseed
Great cleanser, not a great amount of foam but cleanses really well but doesn't leave the skin feeling too tight, but it does hurt a lot if you get it in the eyes!
Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Foaming Cleanser
Not a lot of foam, not harsh but it doesn't feel like it gives the skin a good clean, not great value for money either.

Clinique Wash-Away Gel Cleanser
I used a 30ml sample size rather than the full size but for me the gel texture is not foaming enough (I love foaming cleansers) and it leaves the skin feeling a bit too tight after.
Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
One of my favorite cleansers, lots of foam, cleansers very well & leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable.
Origins Checks and Balances™
Jointly one of my top favorites, very similar to the Clinique Foaming Cleanser. I would probably prefer this just a tab.
Botanics Moisturising Deep Clean Foam

Most evenings when I come home the first thing I do is to make off my makeup with a cleansing fluid, and later on wash with a foaming cleanser.

Lancome Gentle Cleansing Fluid
A bit thin in the texture but feels the skin feeling soft and not too tight, the fragrance is a little weird for me though.
Dior Cleansing Gelee
The texture is a little thick, leaving the skin feeling slightly greasy, slightly expensive too.
L'Oreal Visible Radiance Cleansing Milk
I love this product, does the job, smells nice, leaves the skin feels soft & comfortable, and great value for money!
Bodyshop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser
Cheaper than the Dior and Lancome but the cream leaves the skin feeling a little dry.
Clinique Facial Soap with Dish
Couldn't fit the image in the previous two sections so it's here, I just find it's too harsh on the skin, cleanses great but my skin felt so dry afterwards and for that price it's not worth it at all.

Clarins Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover Lotion
Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover
I actually prefer the 1st one as the 2nd is a little greasy and doesn't cleanse better than the 1st.
Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Make-Up Remover
My first eye make-up remover and it was a great choice, not greasy, takes off waterproof mascara really well, if only it was cheaper!
Dior Duo-Phase Eye Make-Up Remover
A little disappointed with this, it can't compare to the Lancome version at all! Hence only the 3 star.
L'Oreal Dermo Expertise Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover
This is a great product, I actually prefer this version than the two layer version, refreshing and definitely not greasy, a great price tag too! I do love the Lancome one but if cash is short then this one does just as a good job!

Right, hope you found that useful, now I am very excited to share with you a sneaky peek at the gorgeous new line by the talented Mary Jo Matsumoto:

How fabulous is that faux fur bolero? The black sequin & ultrasuede clutch is so elegant too! and I wish I have the model's legs! ;)

Sorry I'm a little behind replying to comments but I will catch up with you all tonight :)

(beauty product images from stated links, fashion image from Mary Jo)