I'm done with: Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream and TBS Monoi Miracle Oil

(Apologies for the crappy pic!!)

Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream (PCMC) - Is really one of the nicest moisturisers I've used in a long time. I got it in an Elemis kit from QVC a while back. And when I used it, I said to The Boy "Oh no! Bugger! I actually really like it!!!" So, he naturally gave me a confused look and asked why that was a bad thing. Then I told him that 50ml cost's £73.50!!!!!! See, then he was on my wavelength.  It feels really nice on my combination skin, it seems to balance and moisturise all at the same time. I like the scent and the fact that it's anti-aging. However, I do not like the price tag and this is a major baulking point for me.  So, as much as I like it and even though my skin actually likes it too, I doubt I'll repurchase it again, unless its in another reasonably priced kit. Sorry Elemis. It's out of my price range! If you did want to have a look at it, you can do here.

The Body Shop Monoi Miracle Oil - I love this! You can read about how much here. It's moisturising and has a beautiful scent which lasts for ages on the skin.  I have used it on the ends of my hair, although I do prefer Ojon Restorative hair treatment. It's still a really good multi-function product.  I think the Monoi Miracle Oil retail's for about £10 and it has lasted me roughly 5 months.  I haven't used it every day though.

 I think I will certainly buy this again. Well, when I next need body lotion/body butter - which in all honesty, maybe some time!!

What have you been using and loving at the moment?

I'm a WINNER!!!

Whoop Whoop! I won Chicky Spouts fantastic Nouba Give-away. I cannot wait to try this brand as it comes very highly recommended from Nic (aka Chicky Spouts) and she has chosen some gorgeous colours for Autumn.  As you can tell I'm really excited. I never win anything!!

Ladies, if you don't follow Chicky Spouts you should! She writes a fab blog about beauty, fashion and her love for OPI nail varnish (a girl after my own heart!). Although, I am trying to get her to branch out with Essie, Orly, China Glaze etc.....

Please go and check out her blog and tell her I sent you!
X

Another Magazine Freebie - Cosmo

Cosmo is THE Bible. And along with pretty much every other magazine this month, it comes with a freebie.  Cosmo are giving it's readers a Missguided nail varnish.  Choice of colours are pale pink, nude and what I thought was a plain old black. Obviously I chose the black and after dragging all the mags off the shelf in Tesco, I managed to find one.  When I got home and opened it, I was surprised (and delighted) to see this:

It is a lovely black shot through with gold glitter.  I really hope that this is a good varnish as I have no experience of Missguided at all.  I think this would look great for the forthcoming party season paired up with an LBD. I haven't tried it out yet though, so I cant report on quality at the moment.  Still wearing another magazine freebie from Marie Claire, the Ciate Paint Pot in "Dangerous Affair".  What a gorgeous colour!

I'm Coco-Loco for Philosophy Coconut Frosting

Autumn is well and truly here, so I'm enjoying the last remnants of summer with Philosophy's Coconut Frosting salt scrub and shower gel.  I don't like eating coconut at all (except coconut milk in Thai curries), so I really can't explain why I love the smell of coconut so much! It's weird.  

These particular products, as the name would suggest, are a little sweeter than most run of the mill coconut scents.  In an attempt to replicate the smell of what we in the UK would call icing, this combo has a sweeter, more cake-y scent.  Whatever it is, its delish!  

As you know, I love Philosophy 3-in-1 shampoo/shower gel/bubble bath, but this is the first time I have tried their salt scrubs.  I have to say, overall I'm impressed.  I like scrubby scrubs, so I feel like this one is really getting to work on any rough patches. It's also very moisturising, without being oily.  And the beauty of salt/sugar scrubs is that all the little gritty bits desolve in the bath. Result.

I got this duo from QVC (of course!) but it appears that they have replaced it to make space for the introduction of some holiday scents.  Check out the Philosophy line here on qvcuk.com .

Leanne's September Favourites

If I've been wearing eye make up in September, I've been wearing the Urban Decay Naked palette. From simple, fuss-free work make up, to dramatic smoky eyes - I've done it all.  Thank you again to The Boy for this pressie. I'm getting lots of use from it and can see that continuing for a long time to come.

OPI Ski Teal We Drop is a new firm favourite in my collection. Its such an unusual colour and it really makes me happy.  Thank you Hannah (aka Snowdrop85) for the encouragement!! ;o)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer (in shade Light) is another make up staple that I've been loving this month.  It's so creamy and blendable.  It does exactly what it says on the tin. I love it.  I'm getting quite into Estee Lauder at the moment. Is it my age??

ecoTools Deluxe Concealer Brush has been regularly used to blend the Double Wear concealer. I think they they are great brushes for the money.


What have you been loving in September? 

Guest Review from @SalsaAmy: I'm picking up good foundations

Leanne and Nic have generously invited me to guest on their fabulous blog about my search for the perfect foundation. (***Thank you Ames for being our first Guest Blogger!***)

It all started when I went on a mission to update my eye make up (it’s all a little monochrome at present), got distracted with free foundation samples and started to tweet about it!

I’m never seen in public without foundation so it’s pretty important part of my daily kit and I’ve used the same daily foundation for the last six or so years. It’s pretty good, tried and tested, but tends to have vacated my face by the end of the day especially if I go dancing (which I do, lots). I use Estee Lauder Double Wear when the foundation does need to look good all day but my skin can’t handle it every day. Hence the search for the perfect daily foundation.

My current foundation: Max Factor Lasting Performance

Colour: Honey Beige – matches my skin tone very well in the summer – slightly orange in the winter.

Type: liquid

Positives: It looks amazing when it first goes on, matches my concealer and powder perfectly and I have one and a half containers to use up.

Staying power: By the end of the day it’s slid, it’s patchy and my skin looks and feels greasy – never ever a look I wish to rock. Oh, and it claims not to come off on your clothes?!? Humm, no, not true.

Sample 1: Estee Lauder Double wear light

Colour: I wasn’t hopeful for this foundation as they only do three shades. I got number 2 which I generally write off as too light for my olive skin but surprisingly it matches pretty well! Matched my concealer and powder well too. I have slight reservations about how it would fare on my summer skin.

Type: Liquid

Positives: This foundation glides on like a dream! It’s a pretty light formula (should have guessed that from the name) and you can put layers of the stuff on without it looking blotchy! Comes out a little dewy for me but I managed to adapt with my powder.

Staying power: I was impressed! The claim is 15 hours but I did that and I played badminton then went to ballet class and it still stayed put! Good job EL!

Verdict: I would definitely purchase. It’s very, very good. Might just get them to mix me a new shade though?!?

Sample 2: Max Factor Xperience

Colour: This sample wasn’t really matched to my skin tone. When I first put it on it looked really orange and I was quite sure someone would comment. My concealer didn’t blend at all so there was a slight reverse panda effect happening also.

Type: Liquid

Positives: It claims to be weightless and I agree. It does go on very well but I was nervous about layering it given the colour issues – I really couldn’t risk going orange for the day – so the coverage wasn’t good.

Staying power: I’m pleased to report no slippage but it must have faded pretty well towards the end of the day.

Verdict: My Xperience wasn’t great – maybe the Xperience would be improved by the correct colour matching? Or if the formula was a little heavier, but then I guess it wouldn’t be weightless… I wasn’t sold on it.

Sample 3: Max Factor Miracle Touch

Colour: I chose the ‘Golden’ colour of the two on offer in the sample. It was a very good match and matched the concealer and powder well too.

Type: some moussey odd thing…

Positives: A miracle did occur – I managed to get the moussey odd stuff out of the pot and on to my face with no spillage but once I’d gotten it on to my face spreading it about was almost as problematic! Me no likey the mousse.

Staying power: I did a very hot LBT class on my way home tonight, I don’t think there’s much foundation left to speak of let alone in the place I left it!

Verdict: No, I couldn't, I wouldn’t purchase the odd moussey stuff, because it was mousse and it was odd.

So my conclusion is to savour every drop of the Double Wear Light sample and save up while I finish off the stock pile of Lasting Performance! Maybe I might venture out and collect a few more samples – do you have one to recommend or warn about? Tell us in the comments.

Thanks for listening,

Amy (@SalsaAmy)

PS Foundation etiquette – is it acceptable to have more than two foundations, say like expensive one perfect for long days or long nights, a light one for every days and a cheap old thing that really doesn’t matter?!

Nail Delights!

Last week I stumbled across a great little website called Nail Delights that I think you nail obsessives out there might like.

I was looking for a Nail Polish Colour Chart as I recently realised that I have no idea what colours I have in my collection and I will admit that the idea of getting all my colours out and painting the charts is just too alluring - I know, sad!





I got 3 charts, they each hold 60 little 'nails' for you to paint. I probably only 'need' 2 but at £2.95 each I think it's good to have a spare, total bargain!. If you spend £10 you can have free delivery so I ordered two packets of nail stickers with little black cats on which I think my girls might like for Halloween. 99p each! As I ordered when they were on holiday and I had to wait a little longer for delivery they sent me some freebies; a packet of purple heart charms, some chunky looking glitter and 20% off my next order!



Here is a fuzzy close up of the cute cats!



The delivery was actually very speedy considering they had been on holiday, wasn't expecting my package until next week but it came yesterday. I think they are definitely worth a look if your a nail art fan.


What do you think of the colour charts? OCD fun or Dullsville? I personally cannot wait to paint mine but then I'm a colour code your Smarties kind of girl - Rock and Roll!!