American Beauty Haul

Oh. My. Goodness. 

How long has it been since I ranted and raved about my love of all things beauty? 

A VERY long time, is the answer to that shameful question! I must offer my sincere apologies for seriously neglecting my poor, darling blog so :( 

Recently I paid a visit to the good ol' US of A. I had the best time and was genuinely devastated to return home. We hopped all over the place and absolutely loved it! We visited New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Yosemite and LA! 

Whilst in the US, I had the chance to purchase some gorgeous beauty goodies. Two of the brands featured here, are not available in the UK and all of the products are much cheaper. I can also say without a shadow of a doubt that I would have bought MUCH more if I had more baggage space and if my friends weren't constantly dragging me away from the make-up aisles. Although, It is a good thing that my friends kept me in check, otherwise I would have blown through my money in about 30 seconds flat! 

I purchased these products from Sephora, Walgreens and Macy's. 

When I walked into Sephora, I was like a little kid in a sweet shop - my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets and I literally wanted everything! I've been to the Sephora in Paris, but was too young to appreciate it fully. The walls were lined with loads of fabulous brands, packed with dazzling products.

I was in my element.

NARS Radiant Creamy concealer in Amande

I have been on the lookout for an illuminating concealer for ages. I really wanted something to lift my skin and make it look luminous, but not cakey. I went straight to the NARS counter in Sephora and asked one of the ridiculously sweet assistants for help. She immediately suggested the Radiant Creamy concealer and I fell in love. This concealer feels super light on the skin and is perfect for covering up those pesky dark circles and those little blemishes that refuse to leave. The formula is luxuriously creamy and with its doe foot applicator you can build the coverage from medium to full. All signs of fatigue and stress are banished with this little miracle of a product. The formula is crease-proof, long lasting and is alcohol and paraben free. I like to apply this concealer to my under eye area and around my nose and mouth with my beauty blender. It is absolutely boiling in London at the moment and I have been skipping foundation as it makes my skin feel like its suffocating in make-up. All I need is this concealer which I then set in place with Soap and Glory's One Heck of A Blot powder. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Blushing Bride 

 I knew I had to get my mits on the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush, as I have heard nothing but good things about it. I'm quite pleased as I love the colour which is a gorgeous plumy shade. I'm also a bit suprised as there is a shimmer running through it and I am not a fan of shimmer in my make-up. At all. But I actually love it here. I sweep this blush along the high points of my cheeks and it catches the light nicely. As I have a bit of a tan at the moment (thanks to a heat wave in LA) this blush gives me a bit of a rosy/slightly bronzed look, which I love! The colour is highly pigmented and stays put for quite a while. 

I really like these blushes because the formula is free from harmful ingredients such as parabens, sulfates and synthetic fragrances. It also includes natural clay from the Amazonian river, which minimizes oil in and around pores.  

EOS Lip Balm in Sweet Mint and Carmex Everyday Protecting Lip Balm with SPF 15 in Cherry

 One night, after dinner in San Fran we realised we had to pick up a few bits from Walgreens. So naturally whilst the girls were looking for practical items such as after skin sun care and toothbrushes I made a bee line for the lip balms. 

The EOS lip balm is another product that I have been wanting to try out for a while now. I can't get over the sweet egg-shape of this lip balm and I have always been a sucker for cutsie packaging. To be honest, the performance isn't anything to rave too much about, It's great for flinging in your handbag as your lip balm on the go. Also, the mint flavour is nice and light and isn't overpowering at all. 

Because the sun was so fierce in the US, I needed to get a lip screen, so I went for a reliable brand; Carmex. This  slicks on easily and leaves a nice tingle and a slight cherry taste. As far as I am aware the SPF is sufficient for my lips, as they have stayed nice and supple through the heat wave in California and the one we are currently experiencing here in London. 

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

This is also another product I knew I had to have! This mascara has been around for a while now and at first I thought it seemed a bit silly - to have a mascara just for your bottom lashes? Then I researched the product a bit more and realised I spoke a bit too soon. I LOVE this little mascara with its teeny tiny little brush. It clings to every little lash and has a long-wearing formula that prevents smudging and flaking. It opens up my eyes and makes the bottom lashes look incredibly lush and full. 
My little hero.

Beautyblnder make-up sponge  
This cute little make-up sponge is versatile and eco-friendly as it is non-disposable. This is also another product that has been around for a while. I use this applicator when it comes to applying concealer, it blends the product nicely and smoothly. I like it because it's not fussy and is quick and easy to use. Simply dampen the sponge and use in either a stippling or a light bouncing motion. It can be used with most make-up formulas such as cream, powder (loose or pressed) and liquid. I am aware that It can also be used to create dramatic eyes, but I don't think I'm brave enough to try that out...yet. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette 
Every beauty gal knows that the Urban Decay palettes are pretty awesome. Having said that, I have never felt the need to invest in the hugely popular Naked/Naked 2 palettes. The reason for this is mainly because they're a bit bulky looking and I already have similar shades that exist within my current make-up collection. But I did want this one, as I love how compact and sleek the packaging is and thought it would be great for when I'm in a rush and need a quick eye look. The palette contains 6 shadows featuring both mattes and satin shadows, ideal for creating pretty everyday looks.

- Venus: A semi-matte off white
- Foxy: A matte ivory shade with a yellow tone base
- Walk of Shame: A light cream with pretty pink tones
- Naked 2: A nude shade with a pretty pink tones
- Faint: A light brown matte with light grey undertones
- Crave: A deliciously dark brown that almost appears to be black 

I particularly like the Faint shade, this colour can be swept over the lids for a soft day look or built gradually for a elegant evening look. Add a bit of Venus to the inner corners of the eye as a highlighter. I am so excited to create more looks with this palette! It's great for the girl who loves a bit of subtle colour on her eyes. 

~Nas~

April Glossybox

Ok, so I have been a bit bad this month and I took a bit long to upload this post about the April Glossybox. I know it's May, but I still wanted to do a little post on this spring beauty box. 

April's box is designed by Pearl Lowe, the pretty floral design was inspired by the sublime English countryside. The girl in me couldn't help but smile widely when I saw the gorgeous pattern of this box. 

Now onto the products... 

Nip + Fab - Dry Skin Fix Body Butter in Coconut Latte 

I am a sucker for body moisturisers - I have a vast collection and I am always looking for new additions. This yummy body butter smells absolutely delish and contains Aquaxyl which provides skin with an instant moisture boost. It's super rich  and I am going to save this little treasure for summer travels!

Essie - Nail Lacquer in Art Deco 

I am a huge fan of Essie, and I have been trying to wear lighter shades on my nails recently as I naturally lean towards moody colours of burgundy (my favourite) and navy. So I was pleasantly surprised to find this colour in my box. I'm happy to report that it suited me quite nicely, and for once I had a "cheery" colour on my nails.  

Modelco - Cheek + Lip Tint in Rosy Red

Who doesn't love multi-use products? This one is so cute! I have only used it a couple of times since I opened my box, but it has already won me over. I have recently developed a little bit of a fetish for blush and contour products, so this product is perfect for me at the moment. A little bit is more than enough for the cheeks, dab don't blend - I have been using my trusty Real Techniques Stippling Brush. To use on lips, simply sweep the product over for a natural pop of colour. 

Yves Rocher Fragrance - So Elixir Purple Eau de Parfum 

Up until last year, I had never heard of Yves Rocher, then whilst visiting family in Mauritius my cousins took me to a little beauty boutique filled with Yves Rocher products. I haven't tried any of their make-up or skincare products yet, but I did like their fragrances. My cousin was kind enough to gift me a little bottle of one of their scents and I smile every time I wear it. So obviously, I did get a little twinge of nostalgia when I saw this fragrance. This little scent includes notes of Tuberose, Vetiver and Patchouli. It's very woody and floral, making it a sweet fragrance for summer. I love the little bottle and the fact that it's purple (purple, being my favourite colour).

Sun Sense - Daily Face SPF

This is the one product that I have yet to try. This little cream has an oil-free base, making it ideal for both combination and oily skin. It is also tinted, so will leave a sheer matt finish and will help to fight premature ageing from sun exposure. I will definitely give this product a whirl. 

www.glossybox.co.uk

~Nas~

The Body Shop's Eau De Toilette

My household is a sucker for fragrances. We are absolutely besotted with The Body Shop Body Mists. So when I heard that these scents had been transformed into Eau De Toilettes'* I was a bit too happy. Below are the scents Shea and Moringa. 

I have been a fan of The Body Shops fragrances since I was a little girl. My mum bought me the White Musk perfume as my first fragrance, I fell in love with it and still get little nostalgic tingles whenever I spritz it on. 

The Body Shops EDT's make wonderful little additions to your handbag, as they come in 30ml bottles and won't take up much room at all. The fragrance itself is not overbearing and is light enough for the coming summer months. You may need to re-spritz yourself now and again though. 

What is great with these EDT's is if you pick a favourite flavour, you can team them with more of The Body Shop products, such as the body butters, body sprays, soaps and more. 

The EDT's come in eight scrummy fragrances:


- Strawberry
- Moringa
- Coconut
- Mango
- Shea 
- Satsuma
- Pink Grapefruit 
- Vanilla

~Nas~

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

*PR Samples.

Clinique's Even Better Compact Makeup SPF 15

Clinique's Even Better Compact Makeup SPF 15* came out a little while back (early March) and due to my unstable internet connection I have not had a chance to upload my thoughts about this product.

This compact is the new addition to the Clinique Even Better Makeup family. The foundation contains a formula of Vitamin C and Vitamin E which aims to even out skin tone and create a flawless complexion. The formula targets the appearance of dark patches, age spots, sun damage and blemishes and works to visibly reduce them. There is also an SPF 15, made from physical sun screens to protect skin from UV sun damage. 

I've been enjoying this product for a while now, as It doesn't feel like I'm wearing anything heavy on my skin and it lasts for quite a long time. If like me you have oily skin, you will find that you might have to set it with a powder. 

I am loving the super sleek compact of this product, it's simple enough to carry around with you for touch ups. It does come with a sponge which is great for applying the formula evenly, but I prefer to use my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for a more of flawless look.

~Nas~

*PR Samples 

Benefit's new Colour Collection

We all need a bit of colour in our lives (see what I did there?). Enter Benefit Cosmetics and their new Colour collection. 

The new collection boasts a wide variety of cream shadows, powder eye shadows, lip glosses and lip colours. The first thing I noticed about this collection was the gorgeous Art Deco packaging. The designs of the products are an homage to the stunning Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco (the home of Benefit Cosmetics). 

I was lucky enough to receive the Ultra Plush Lip Gloss* in Fauxmance (a pretty berry colour), the Creaseless Cream Shadow* in Holy Smokes! (a smouldering grey shade) and the Lonwear Powder Shadow in Nude Swings* (a pink champagne shade). 

First up is the Ultra Plush Lip Gloss. Six new shades have been added, including Fauxmance (pictured above left). The gloss glides on smoothly and has a non-sticky, silky texture.  It also has a lovely sweet and fruity scent, which reminds me of summer. 

New Shades: 

-Fauxmance (soft berry)

- Icebreaker (clear)

- A-lister (bubblegum pink)

- Lollibop (hot pink)

- Kiss you (clear fuchsia)

- Poutrageous (bright pink-coral)

The Creaseless Cream Shadows have added seven new shades to their award-winning range, including Holy Smokes! (pictured middle) a sultry grey. The Creaseless Cream Shadows don't budge once applied and are super rich in colour. I find the best way to wear this cream shadow is to pat the product onto your eyes lightly with your ring finger. 

New Shades:

- Holy Smokes (smouldering charcoal)

- Bikini-tini (oyster pink)

- No Pressure! (rich fawn)

- My Two Cents (polished copper)

- Always A Bridesmaid (pearly lavender)

- Blue My Mind (arctic blue)

- Bronze Have More Fun (antique bronze)

The Longwear Powder Shadows come in 12 dazzling shades with a fabulous longwear formula to ensure for all-day colour. The shadows come in three finishes: satin, matte and sheen. I have been playing with this shadow in Nude Swings (pictured above right) a subtle rose gold. This shade is great to brighten up eyes as an inner highlighter. 

New Shades:

-Nude Swings (soft rose gold)

- Milk It (pearly white)

- Call My Bluff (pale shell)

-Pinky Swear (soft matte pink)

- It's Complicated (golden peach)

- Thanks A Latte (golden brown)

- Pause For Applause (soft lilac)

- Blingo! (brilliant silver)

- Raincheck? (smoky amethyst)

- Gilt-y Pleasure (golden sand)

- Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy (spiced brown)

- Quick, Look Busy (matte espresso) 

I have yet to try the lovely Hydra-Smooth Lip Colours, I can't wait to get my hands on them. The lip colours include a hydrating formula for soft lips. I have my eye on the shade Dare Me (true fuchsia), as I have always been a bold lip kind of gal. This product comes in 10 pretty shades with three different levels of coverage: medium, medium-full and sheer.

New Shades:

- Dare Me (true fuchsia)

- Nice 'N Teasy (rosy neutral)

- Frisky Business (shimmering nude)

- Lip Service (sheer pink-peach)

- Juicy Details (natural pink)

- Air Kiss (sheer bubblegum) 

- Tutti-Cutie (sheer coral)

- Talk Flirty (orchid pink)

- Fling Thing (very berry)

- Wing Woman (peachy neutral)

This fabulous range will be available in May. 

www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR Samples 

Clarins Splendours Summer Make-up Collection

I know it might seem hard to believe, but summer will be here soon enough (at least I hope it will be). Clarins have created an absolutely stunning collection for the coming summer months. Although, I have to admit I have been wearing a couple of these products now. I can’t keep my hands off them!

The new Splendours Summer make-up collection by Clarins includes colours of strong golds, reds, jades and sapphires.  The inspiration for the collection comes from the exotic ancient ruins of South America.

Limited Edition Summer Bronzing Compact* (£30)

 I am absolutely besotted with this palette, I'm in danger of using it all up before summer even begins. The soft mix of brown and terracotta shades adds instant glow. This gloomy weather means I am always in need of some extra radiance. In the centre there is a light peach shade, which an be used nicely as a highlighter. 

I really enjoy how round this bronzer is, and although its size might make it seem a tad weighty, this is not the case at all. It's super light and can slip into any handbag nicely. 

Sticking to the South American theme this bronzer is embossed with a gorgeous inspired motif, which is lovely to look at. It's almost too pretty to use...almost. The mineral pigments enhances the complexion and it also has an added summer scent. 

I like to apply this bronzer by swirling all the shades together with my Real Techniques Setting brush and then by lightly dusting it over my cheeks. 

Limited Edition Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balm* (£18)

Clarins have added four new shades to their already iconic lipstick range. The S/S '13 beauty trends feature bright coloured lips, these lipsticks fit in nicely with the coming trends as they have a bullet of neon colour surrounded by a transparent balm. These lip products slide on easily and keep lips hydrated with a dazzling pop of colour.  

The new shades are: (l-r) 05 Crystal Rose (a dusty pink), 06 Crystal Mandarin (a pretty coral), 07 Crystal Gold Plum (a browny-plum) and 08 Crystal Berry (a juicy blackcurrant) 

Limited Edition Colour Quartet & Eye Liner Palette* (£31) 

This selection of soft eye shadows include shades of copper, pale gold and pink gold along with a deep plum and brown-black eyeliner. I really like these shades when worn together, but they also look lovely worn alone. I particularly like the eyeliner as it's quite easy to use and stays put for ages. I like to sweep the copper shade over my lids and then apply the eyeliner as close to the lash line as possible, for simple definition and an easy day to day look. 

The packaging is gorgeous as well, the palette is presented in a compact stamped with the South American motif. These shades would be great for summer travelling adventures. 

Limited Edition Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Gel* (£18)

This new lip gel has a lovely non-sticky and transparent formula. Typically lip glosses can be a bit frustrating as they can feel uncomfortable on the lips. Yet this lip gel feels really light. This transparent product colours lips and leaves them with a crystal shine finish. The formula is enriched with ceramides that work with the lipids in the skin for softer and protected lips from cracking and dehydration . 

The two shades are: 01 Crystal Pink and 02 Crystal Plum. 

www.clarins.co.uk

~Nas~

*PR Samples

Melvita supports Friends of the Earth Bee Cause Campaign

This year Melvita has joined forces with Friends of The Earth to help bring attention to an important issue; The Bee Cause Campaign. The campaign aims to save all 267 of Britain’s bee species. There has been a shocking decline in Britain’s bees recently, mainly due to chemicals, disease and disappearing green spaces. The Melvita Foundation has donated funds in order to product 20 Bee Worlds. The campaign aims to protect the natural bee habitat and to put a stop their disappearance as well as spreading the message of the development of beekeeping around the world.

Throughout the country Friends of The Earth will create 60 Bee Worlds. These sites will supply safe forage and shelter for bees. They will include specific plants and Wildflowers that will help to give bees all year-round forage. 20 of the Bee Worlds will be funded by Melvita. There will be a chance to volunteer for this important cause at the Melvita Bee Day in London in May.

To help this campaign Melvita have released a gorgeous limited edition Wild Flower Beautiful Bee Tote available in stores and online. 10% goes towards Friends of The Earth Bee Cause.

You can also sign the Friends of the Earth’s petition. http://www.foe.co.uk/what_we_do/the_bee_cause_35033.html The petition calls for David Cameron to create a Bee Action Plan. This plan would help gardeners, farmers and park keepers to reduce the use of chemicals that are a danger to bees. The aim would be to help the bees that make our honey and to guarantee that they have enough flowers to feed on and nest in.

The University of Reading undertook a study for Friends of The Earth. The results showed that without bees, food prices would rise rapidly. This would mainly be because the cost of UK farmers pollinating crops would be over £1.8 billion a year.

The Melvita Friends of The Earth Wild Flower Bee Set* (£35) includes the following:

Apicosma Skin Softening Body Milk

Hexagonal Mini Soap

Bee Cause Tea Towel

Bee Cause Notepad

All of these lovely products cone in a gorgeous tote bag.

"Melvita are delighted to help support and raise awareness for Friends of the Earth’s Bee Cause campaign. Bees are vital to so much of our ecosystem; they pollinate our food crops, help keep our farms in business and help our gardens, parks and countryside to thrive.” - Simon Ford, General Manager of Melvita UK

“It’s great that companies such as Melvita are responding to the threats faced by British Bees. This is an urgent issue affecting all of us. Bees are indebted to everyone taking action to protect them.” - Paul de Zylva, Senior Nature Campaigner, Friends of the Earth

For further information on the Bee Cause campaign please visit www.foe.co.uk/bees uk.melvita.com

~Nas~

*PR Sample