Elizabeth Arden Intervene Radiance Boosting Face Cream

This has got to be my third tub of this moisturiser by Elizabeth Arden. I had started using it last year, when I was recommended by the beautician because of my dry skin. I have to say when I started using it, the results were amazing and my skin felt very smooth. This moisturiser was only good for the winters because it felt very heavy on my skin during the summers (however I still continued to use it throughout the summer, which was fine as long as I didnt pile on any other products like foundation).

The smell is a little strong, but I ended up really liking it. It's hard to describe the smell, its almost like a perfumey sort of smell, not natural at all (as I described Bobbi Brown to be).

The website describes the product as:

This multi-benefit moisturiser immediately restores skin's appearance for a radiant, clear, natural looking glow. Over time, naturally-derived Biodormin™ technology supports skin's natural cell metabolism rate to help fight the visible effects caused by stress.

I later found out that this was more for older women skin, and thats why at the beginning of the year I started noticing that my skin was no longer benefiting from this product. I couldnt feel like it was working its magic and with anything you use for a long time, your body becomes 'immune' as I like to call it. Therefore the effects of the product are minimal.

 Benefits:

• Immediately restores skin's appearance for a radiant, clear, natural looking glow.
• Helps even skin tone and texture.
• Helps minimise the look of fine lines and combat the appearance of new ones.
• Provides deep hydration to replenish and revitalise so skin stays younger looking longer.

I have decided to stop using this product after I finished this tub. Although I thoroughly enjoyed using this product when I started, I dont think its worth the money ($90). Im looking around for another face moisturiser, at the moment Im eyeing Bobbi Browns collection.

Let me know what you guys think.

Keep Smiling :)



A Miracle in a jar- EXTRA Bobbi Brown Repair Foundation SPF 25

Until I bought myself this fantastic foundation I didnt know what was missing in my life. I had been eyeing this foundation for a while but because of the huge markup in price in Austraila $132 (US $55) I was slightly hesitant to purchase it. However, I couldn't hold back and decided to take the plunge and try out this foundation.

I had done my research before I purchased it, and most of the reviews on this product were positive and everyone had said they have seen great results for it. I mainly chose this foundation because of its moisturising qualities. I have extremely dry skin and when I apply any foundation my skin looks cakey even if I had applied a liquid foundation.

The packaging adds to the class of the product. The rough texture of the box really makes that slight difference from a plain box.

The websites 'blurb' as so to speak states this about the product:

NEW Extra Repair Foundation SPF 25 gives skin perfect coverage, moisture & broad-spectrum sun protection. Infused with Shea Butter and Evening Primrose Oil, this does-it-all formula combines all the skin-nourishing benefits of Bobbi’s Extra Skincare with the skin tone-correct color and buildable coverage of her foundations. Over time, it also helps replenish & strengthen skin. Ideal for dry and very dry skin types.
Featured in 'Vogue' Magazine (March 2011) & 'Allure' Magazine (April 2011).

I am in the shade 'golden'. Bobbi Brown is known for creating briliant foundations which suit nearly all skin shades, because she encompasses shades with a yellow undertone as well as a red undertone. Yellow undertone is great for Asian/ Indian skins.

Above are the various shades this foundation comes in. As you can see there is a vast range which Im sure will match nearly every skin tone!

Since it has She Butter it is quite a thick foundation. It is ideally great for the winter when your skin needs that extra bit of TLC. Its buildable, so you can work for the correct colour and coverage by adding more product. I find that even with very very very small pea size product it covers my whole face and makes it look flawless! I also love the smell of the product, its very calming.

Since I have started using this product I have receieved a huge amount of compliments on how great my skin is looking! This is one product I would definitely repurchase when Im done with this jar (which won't be anytime soon). But I think I have finally found what I had  been looking for, and it was definitely worth the wait!

These are some reviews I picked up from their website (evidence that this product is hands down amazing):

 

Excellent Foundation

Date:June 26, 2011

Pros: Dry Skin

Cons: Can't live without

"I love this foundation. I can't put my finger on what's different about it, but I love the finish the foundation has and the overall appearance of my skin when wearing it. For me it does not accentuate fine lines or wrinkles. My skin just looks great. I would recommend trying it before buying as it is expensive, but a little bit goes a long way and the jar should last a long time."

Great for drier skin

Date:July 29, 2011

Pros: Dry Skin

"This is great for drier skin types. In the past, I've never been able to wear foundation because it would start to crease on my skin. I love how this includes UVA/UVA SPF plus foundation...it really saves me time in my morning routine. It also smells good and feels good on my skin! I love all the EXTRA products! Thank you BB! :)"

Have any of you tried the new foundation? Let me know, leave a comment below :)



Style an Outfit- Dotty

This is a gorgeous dress to wear during a picnic or just a nice day out! 

I  love the spots because its definitely something a bit more retro!

It  ties up at the waiste which really gives you a beautiful hourglass/ feminine figure (it definitely makes  you feel very lady like!)

Its a wrap dress with an insert

First thing I would pair this with is a red bolero. It just goes soo well with the black dots (again sticking to the 'retro' theme)

I think a definite statement piece can be used. It'll really tie the outfit together. I chose these chunky black beads

As you can see the beads have a umber tint to it so it goes well with the red bolero

if you dont like statement pieces you can always swap it for a more delicate chain necklace such as the one above. it can jus hang loosely from your neck!

I wanted to show you guys a picture of me wearing the dress. I chose to close up the buttons and not include the necklace and instead chose silver hooped earrings. What do you guys think?

keep smiling :)

I am COCONUTS about COCONUT WATER!

I've really been into coconut water for the past few weeks. I generally only drink coconut water straight from the coconut in asian countries. But when I found out that Nudie had brought out a new range of coconut water I had to give it  a try.

I dont know if you guys know how good coconut water is for  you. But I did some research to back up my own thoughts on how I think you should add it into your diet.

Health Benefits

Coconut water contains organic compounds possessing healthy growth promoting properties that have been known to help. Some of the wonderful health benefits of coconut water are:

1. that it keeps the body cool and at the proper temperature
2. it orally re-hydrates your body, it is an all natural isotonic beverage
3. it carries nutrients and oxygen cells
4. it naturally replenishes  your body's fluids after exercising
5. it raises your metabolism
6. it promotes weight loss (great for FIMOJ)
7. it boosts your immune system
8. it detoxifies and fights viruses
9. it cleanses your digestive tract
10. it conotrols diabetes
11. it aids your body in fighting viruses that cause the flu, herpes and AIDS
12. it balances your PH and reduces the risk of cancer
13. it treats the kidney and urethral stones
14. it boosts poor circulation

I think after that you wont have any doubts in your mind whether coconut water is good for you! 

Flavours

The Nudie range that I have tried is the 'straight up' which is pure coconut concentrate and the other one 'with lychee and lime'. The flavoured one is personally not so great, I didnt like the taste at all and as you can see I really tried to get through it but couldnt. However I posted the flavour for those who like options and who might not generally like the taste of the normal one.

I personally LOVE the taste of pure coconut water. Does it taste the same as the natural coconut water I hear you ask? I think its pretty damn close, there is that feeling that it is from a bottle BUT its what I have available and I think i can deal with it :).

I've posted some nutritional facts for you guys to check out!

Price

Including coconut water in  my diet is one of the best things I have done. The nudie bottles can be a bit pricey ranging from $3-$4 for just 350mL. So my other option if you find price getting in the way of making an informed decision, is you can always choose those canned coconut water which is perfectly fine as well.

How it has helped my diet...

Ive been on FIMOJ again, and I want to try to shape up for the Summer and have been working hard at the gym and trying to keep a good diet (with some incentives). I think the coconut water has definitely been excellent as a replacement for fizzy drinks or even juice because its something that I really enjoy drinking!

What about coconut hair oil?....

Coconut has alot of beneficial qualities, and coconut hair oil is another wonderful thing to add to your routine. You can purchase coconut hair oil from any asian grocery/ supermarkets as well as the new emerging health stores. You apply is to your scalp 3 hours prior to washing. Best trick to remove oil from your hair efficiently is to apply shampoo before you wet your hair. This allows the shampoo to remove the oil without leaving your hair sticky after washing.

Feedback

Hope you guys liked this post. Let me know what you think as well as if you have tried coconut water :)

THEFACESHOP Mask Frenzy Haul!

YAY! Another FaceShop Haul. For those who follow me, you know how obsessed I am with this store.

I absolutely love their products,  not only because of the quality but because of the results, they are fantastic!

Yes, those are all the facemasks purchased. 9 Masks and 1 yoghurt tub mask.

I got this new one, 'Rose & Pine' and this is apparently really good for sensitive skin (because I have eczema). Ill try it it out and let you guys know what I think!

This is another yoghurt mask, this time in Strawberry. I raved about the previous yoghurt masks I purchased from their stores. I saw instant results with these masks, LOVE THEM!

Thats what the tubs look like!

Have any of you tried any FaceShop Masks? If so please let me know what you think!!!

Keep Smiling :)

Glam up your mobile!

For most of us, our mobiles are a limb on our body. I take my phone EVERYWHERE and if there are instances when I dont have my phone with me, I feel naked and disconnected with the world. For that reason I think its fun and trendy to glam up your mobile. I receieved this GORGEOUS phone cover as a gift by my special friend. Its leopard print, which is something I absolutely love! Im loving animal print, as you may have noticed from my posts.

Its small rinestones. I am a bit scared that they will fall of but so far so good :). This is from Forever New for $25. You can find cheaper alternatives at Diva (which I had previously). The aim of the whole glamming is to choose somethign that suits YOUR personality and is a great way to express yourself!

Do any of you use pretty phone covers? Post a link  in reply to this post  if you do, I would love to see how you express yourself!!!

Keep Smiling :)

style an Outfit: Picasso Blues

I got this simple blue dress, it has a V neck at the front and I cant wear this by itself ie I need to wear it with tights. But I really liked it and I didnt want to wait t ill summer to wear it so I'll show you how I styled it.

I added this beautiful floral scarf I got from Chiang Mai (and I  have done a post about it before). It went really well with the dress because the scarf had hints of the blue in it.

I think by adding the scarf it really gave the dress a more sophisticated look

Since its cold here, I paired it with a black jacket. The jacket in the picture looks too big for the outfit but once worn it looks perfect. I would also wear black tights and some black boots to really tie the whole look together. So you now you dont have to feel blue in the winter with your outfits, try something different and a pop of colour wont harm anyone if worn properly!

Also I would like to apologise for the lack of posts but I got tied up in my Uni work!!

Keep Smiling :)