This Week's Favourites

What a week it's been! It started in Long Island where I had already been for a few days visiting family, then a day in NYC before coming back to London to be randomly cast with my best friend as featured extras in a film. I am beyond exhausted!!

*Watched the Descendants on the plane.. amazing film!!*

This Week's Favourites

VS Vanilla Lace body line, Victoria's Secret Dream Angels bras, Soho NYC, Super Skincare, Burberry's sheer powder foundation, Željko Joksimović's Eurovision song Nije ljubav stvar, Root Beer, weekly dinners with Grumps, Yerba Mate Khombucha, any peach colored lip gloss, Organix Awapuhi shampoo/conditioner, my girl Tamara♥ having an amazing birthday, my new Nikon V1 for travelling & how random this week has been!

Finished Products

Simple face scrub- a nice, affordable but 'nothing special' face scrub. Ended up using it in the shower as a body scrub as I find it hard to rinse off.
Lush Flying Fox shower gel- still loving this. Have repurchased countless times and already getting through another bottle!
Apivita Honey & Linden eye make-up remover- really fantastic product by the Greek brand. Gets off all my stubborn mascara. You can buy it online here.
Bare Minerals Buxom lip plump in Amber- a great plumping gloss in a beautiful, sheer, peachy nude color. I must have gone through about 3 of these. Already repurchased!

Next Week

After watching Lorraine's videos on her BluePrint cleanse I was inspired to try one out. I had bad Gastroenteritis the week before so a cleanse may be exactly what my body needs.
We don't have the BluePrint company in the uk so I researched around and came across the Radiance company which delivers within London. I went for the signature cleanse option which I will be doing for 5 days. Tough!! Will let you know how it goes. Bring on next week!

How was your week? Any favourite things you would like to share?

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Aromatherapy Associates

Aromatherapy Associates is a brand I have seen a lot in magazines but never got around to trying myself. I was sent a few things to review on the blog as mother's day is coming up and they thought they may be good gift ideas.The brand is known mostly for it's bath and shower oils. I was sent the miniature collection which allowed me to try all the scents out. I quite like that they have a little job for each vial (relax, de-stress, revive..) with morning and evening appropriate versions of a few themes. You are supposed to use a whole mini vial per bath/shower which I did and I agree to use the whole vial to get the most out of the aromatherapy experience. I've used almost all of them and travelled with 2 vials thrown in a cosmetic bag and I am pleased to report they didn't leak! I'm not really a spa person because all I can think of is potential diseases you can catch in them.. so this is a nice way to make my shower time a bit more special!

I was also sent the Indulgence Candle with Jasmine and Geranium. It's floral but there is something creamy to it which makes it a little more interesting. I liked the way the candle burnt but I would not repurchase this particular scent. It's lovely but a little.. boring.
I enjoyed everything I was sent but I must say I was happiest playing with the oils. I think would definitely repurchase them in the future for myself and as a gift. However I don't think I would get the full sized bottles as I really like the variety and portability you get with the miniature collection. I could also see myself getting bored if I had to stick to just one!
I do think this is an appropriate brand to pick if you are looking for a mother's day gift but I would recommend the oils over the candles. They are just a bit more special, impressive and fun. The packaging is simple & clean and the products are great quality. Click here to visit the official website and shop online.

*I was sent these items to review for the blog.*

As for mother's day.. I'm going to stick with a card and a nice dinner when I next see her. If I get her yet another candle (25 years of the same shit! Candle, perfume, scarf, chocolates..) she may just throw it at my head!!

Have any of you come across this brand before? Any recommendations? What are you getting your mother this mother's day?

Loving Right Now..

My Nails!!

I still go to Gundega at Cobella Selfridges in London. She created these gold glitter acrylic tips for me and we christened them my 'gypsy nails.' They sparkle so nicely!!

For those of you wandering.. these are my real nails with a thin acrylic layer on top of them to keep them strong. She applies the glitter and clear part separately which takes time and a lot of skill. Without the acrylic they would never get so long without breaking!

Clarins Instant Light

Natural Lip Perfectors

I am a huge fan of the lip perfectors. They feel great on lips and I love the toffeeish scent to them. They give you a soft, hydrated, natural looking lip. They aren't particularly pigmented and there is not much difference between the shades once applied. As much as I like them, I do not think they are worth £15. I bought them once with my own money and found I used them up very quickly. I will only repurchase if I can get them free with my Boots points.

Boots Advantage Card

If you live in the UK this is one of the few points cards worth getting. I managed to pick up the above 3 Clarins lip perfectors and still have some points left over!

Sweet Redemption by Kilian

I'm wearing Sweet Redemption the most but have also been enjoying 'Prelude To Love' from the discovery set. Beautiful perfumes by Kilian!

Other Things I Am Loving..

The sunshine, Gielly Green Salon, my hair, Tina coming to London is less than a month, Super Skincare, Prince Harry doing a great job representing Britain, Cher (evidence having 7 gay 'boyfriends' is effecting my taste in music), new NCIS episodes, The Big Bang Theory, my Celine Luggage bag & having such a lovely Women's Day today.. my friends spoilt me rotten! :)

Then there is one product I bought which I can't quite figure out if I like or loathe. Yes, like many of you I got suckered into buying the Nicki Viva Glam lipstick.It actually photographs a lot better than it looks in real life. I am not sure if it's the texture or the color but something about this lipstick is not making me happy. Then again.. the proceeds go to charity so it's not the worst mistake to make.

I know many of you on twitter were keen to see my hair after I went back to Gielly Green salon to get my highlights topped up. My camera is being repaired but hopefully tomorrow I will be borrowing a friend's and getting some pictures up!!

What are you liking right now? Any product misses you would like to share!!

Sweet Redemption by Kilian- L'Oeuvre Noire Collection

Sweet Redemption by Kilian

The End

This is the last fragrance from the L'Oeuvre Noire (black masterpiece) collection. It's unisex and described as, 'sweet orange blossom leaf intensified with a religious balsamic accord built around myrrh, incense and benzoin. A scent of liberation.' The scent opens with a burst of orange blossom. These floral notes hold for a good while before the opoponax starts to show off. (Opoponax is sweet myrrh which gives off a mature, honey/ burnt sugar sweetness.) The incense matures the scent and give it it's balmy quality whilst the slight bitterness in the orange flower keeps the scent from entering 'gourmand' territory. It's warm, sensual, relaxed and perfectly unisex.
The lasting powder is extremely impressive. The orange blossom stays vivid for about 4 hours before it bows down to the more warm, incense notes. The matured scent then lingers a good 6 further hours before fading to something warm and powdery. It takes about 12 hours before it completely vanishes on my skin.
I think the packaging is beautiful. The bottle is slim and made from glass with a dark core. It looks like it contains some mysterious elixir. The perfume is packaged inside a beautiful black box and sits amongst black satin lining. You are given a little key to keep your scent safely locked away from unwanted attention. At £145 for 50ml I can see why someone may want to do this!
I absolutely adore this perfume. I have liked the last few perfumes I have bought but this is LOVE!! Discovering 'Sweet Redemption' by Kilian was one of those Holy Grail moments for me. It has catapulted into my top 2 scents!

I discovered the brand by chance last Thursday when I was looking for a birthday gift for a friend. I got her the discovery set and spritzed myself with Sweet Redemption whilst I was waiting for her gift to be wrapped. I spent the whole day sniffing my wrists and scarf like a possessed lunatic. Despite swearing I wouldn't buy any new perfumes.. I bought it and another discovery set for myself on my way home. Well, it's not every day you come across a Holy Grail item!

Kilian Collection

The Discovery Set

This set is a fantastic way of trying the Kilian L'Oeuvre Noir collection. You get 10 7.5ml/ 0.25oz vials. I also purchased the black, travel spray case to fit my vial of choice into. (Currently the mini Sweet Redemption for my handbag!)

I have sat down several times and sniffed my way through the vials and I very much like the majority of the scents. Particularly, 'Prelude To Love' and one of the men's scents in the collection, 'Straight To Heaven'(Rum notes which make me think this is what a posh Jack Sparrow would wear!!). There was only one I disliked and that's 'Beyond Love.' I will most definitely be purchasing a few more full sized scents in the future and a few candles. My mum agrees that the collection is beautiful and out of all 10 scents, Sweet Redemption is also her favourite!

Kilian also has an Arabian Nights collection with Oud based scents. Starting this year they will be launching their Asian Tales collection with the last release expected in 2015. Click here to visit the official website to explore the brand and buy online.

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This Week's Favourites

My new shoes, Burberry Sheer powder foundation, Burberry Bronzer 04 (yes, I repurchased it.. bad Talita!), Village Candle, BE Buxom lip plump in Amber, Kilian Sweet Redemption perfume, Dior 'Rosy Glow' blush, Denman Tangle Tamer, MAC Peachstock lipstick, Big Bang Theory, Whole Foods New England Chowder, 37 days till Fiji, Valentin Bianchi Malbec 2008 & Super Skincare.. especially the Turmeric TM for under my Burberry powder foundation!

The last few Glossy's Wardrobe posts..

Turquoise Louboutins

Click here to see more pics..Zara & Aldo Haul
Click here for more photos and info on items..

What are your favourites this week? Any product recommendations?

Burberry Prorsum Runway Make-up A/W 2012

Burberry very kindly sent me some of the products that they used on their Burberry Prorsum A/W 2012 LFW runway look to feature on the blog. The look is, 'rich, defined eyes with natural pink lips. Effortlessly flawless skin with gently contoured cheeks.'

The Look
As seen on the runway and an adapted version on some of the guests. I went for a softer eye so that the skin took center stage.

How I Got The Look

I started by applying the Burberry primer in 'Fresh Glow' to my face and let it settle. I applied the luminous concealer in '03 Rosy Beige' under my eyes and blended it in with my fingers. (Don't be afraid of it's peachy color.. it blends in well and neutralizes any color issues!) Then using a kabuki brush I applied the Sheer Foundation in '04 Trench' to my face and neck. I then swept the blush in 'no8 Misty' up my cheekbones.

*The products above are what they sent me*

To complete the look, I added a bit of Dior matte bronzer no2 to add warmth to my cheeks, eyes and forehead. I then applied MAC 'espresso' eyeshadow all over and under my eyes and L'Oreal voluminous mascara. On my lips I used Korres pink lipstick.
(The exact Burberry products used to finish the look on the runway were.. Gold Trench, Taupe Brown & Almond eye shadows, Effortless mascara in Midnight Black and Nude Cashmere or Delicate Rose lip cover.)

All in all I was thrilled to be sent these things to play with. They got my coloring in the foundation & concealer spot on! I have two favourite items which are the foundation and blush which I would most definitely re-purchase in the future. The concealer is great but I hate clicky pen products because you can never tell when you are running out and I find the whole attached brush thing gross!

The powder foundation is my kind of product! I have been using it every day since I received it. It gives the right kind of t-zone shine control whilst still being sheer and letting your natural skin shine through. I prefer it to the MAC msf I have been using and I most likely will stick to this for a while. I love powder products as I like the flawless, velvety finish they give my skin.

*Me wearing the primer, foundation & blusher today at the London Fashion Weekend event. Click here to see more photos and my outfit of the day!*

As for the blush I think the above photo speaks for itself. A gorgeous neutral pink that looks good worn alone or with bronzer. The texture of the product is flawless.. it applies so smoothly. Both powder products wore well on my skin which I am sure is partly due to the fantastic, illuminating primer. Writing this post has reminded me of how much I loved my Burberry 04 Summer Glow bronzer which I need to re-purchase asap!

*Products were sent to me for my blog. If you remember my old youtube videos you will remember that I am a huge Burberry make-up fan!*

What do you think? Do you like this runway look for Autumn/Winter? Any Burberry fans?

SUPER by Dr Nicholas Perricone

Super Skincare by Dr Nicholas Perricone

All Super products are free of: parabens, propylene glycol, mineral oil, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic dyes, fragrances and where possible silicones. Products are packaged in slightly frosted glass bottles with a screw top lids. Appropriate pumps/spray attachments are included. Everything is boxed in green (as in eco) boxes. The products are probably not that travel friendly (I'll most likely decant what I need into Muji travel bottles if I have to travel) but for home use the products look clean and stay clean. BIG fan of the packaging!

Super Apple Quercetin

These 3 products are what originally attracted me to the brand! The apple range is for oily yet sensitive skin (that's me!) and is designed to keep skin balanced and clear. I do notice that the cheek & under eye area does look more even and clear since I started using this line. I also happen to love the very soft apple scent.
I like the Free Clean Cleanser a lot. I do occasionally require the use of a separate eye make-up remover when I wear a ton of mascara but otherwise it keeps my skin clean without making it feel tight! The Clarifying Activator is a liquid product a bit like a toner, that exfoliates skin and primes it for moisturizer. The Free Zone Moisturizer I use mostly during the day. It's great under make-up as it sinks into skin well and helps keep oily skin shine free for most (not all) of the day!

Super Coconut Quench & Coconut Lipbalm

I love my facial spritzes.. I go through about one a month! As usual I keep mine the fridge. This one is great for giving skin a hit of moisture and refreshing make-up. I also spritz it all over my hair as suggested as I adore the natral coconut water scent.. It's quite light and I really like the smell of it! The lip balm is pretty decent but not as good as Jack Black or Lanolips.. however the coconut scent makes me reach for it often!

Super O-Mega Moisture

Even though it's a day cream I got this for night time use. I don't use it every night as I don't want my skin to get lazy. I really like the light texture of the cream, it sinks into skin very quickly without leaving a residue. When I wake up in the morning my skin feels super soft and doesn't look too shiny which makes me feel like even though it is for dry skin it is also appropriate for my combination (currently on the oily side) skin.

Super Sun Kissed Turmeric Tinted Moisturiser SPF 25

This is not tinted with a foundation but with a soft, illuminating bronze type color. (Like a softer, more liquid version of Estee Lauder Day Wear Plus.) It's sheer and doesn't give coverage but it does improve the general appearance of skin. There is a very subtle shimmer to the healthy bronze color which makes skin look healthy and radiant. I like using it under my powder foundation that I am currently using as it works well as base.
As a moisturising product I very much like it. I don't use it every single day but when I do and I wash my face at the end of the day.. my skin always feels great. I think it makes a great pollution barrier!

I have been using the products around 2 weeks now (the photos were taken when the things were brand new) and I love the brand. The products are exceptional and at around £25-30 each they aren't too expensive. Yes a lot of products like the Coconut spritz are not necessary but I enjoy using them and if you have the budget for them, they are nice to have! I would re-purchase all the products I have tried and I would try more! I would say in terms of effectiveness & suitability for my skin, this line is on par with Kora Organics and Apivita.. both of which I hold in high regard despite being somewhat harder to source!

I am still really liking Kiehl's Abyssine eye cream but the face cream did nothing much for me. For the £40 price tag, 'good' is just not good enough! If I am going to pay over drugstore price for an item, I expect it to do more than just keep my skin hydrated.. which is why I decided to look for better and try the Super brand. I do feel like I see a noticeable difference in the feel, texture & brightness of my skin using these products. I will of course keep you updated!

Click here to go to the official UK website to read more and buy online.

Have you tried Super skincare? What do you think? Anything look good to you?

Perfume Review & Chat- Midnight In Paris

Spring is here and as I find the intense, sweet perfumes I favour really do not work well in the heat.. it's my last chance to wear something sweet before summer arrives! I picked up two sweet scents in the last 2 weeks and I have a little review on each of them for you.

Nina Ricci 'Fantasy'

A sweeter more fruity edition of the original scent. This is a little childish and sugary at first but once it settles on skin.. it is absolutely lovely! It doesn't last too long but the dry down is very nice. I really smell the cherry blossom and pear notes in this.It seems to be one of those scents that smells differently to men and women (my male friends think I smell fruity whereas my female friends think I'm smelling sweet) but both have been equally complimentary. Not something that would ever become my signature scent or that I would repurchase but I am enjoying using it for occasional, daytime wear.

Van Cleef & Arpels 'Midnight In Paris'

This is actually a men's fragrance but I didn't realise that when I first spritzed it on myself. I really dislike the Van Cleef Feerie perfume for women (although I do think the bottle is to die for) so I was so surprised to like this!
To me the most noticeable notes are vanilla and leather and as it dries down the leather calms down into something more woody. The more I sniff it the more I recognize why it is a men's scent. It's sweet but clearly masculine, although I do feel a woman could pull it off! One thing worth mentioning is the exceptional lasting power. I tend to wear it more in the evening time and when I wake-up the next morning it's still lingering softly. It reminds me of the Juliette Had A Gun 'Citizen Queen' scent only I prefer this. I would definitely repurchase in the future and buy as a gift for a man!

A few of my seasonal recommendations based on perfumes I have tried and liked over the years..

Spring
Spring is the perfect time to go for fruity, juicy sweet scents or florals.
Dior Miss Cherie, Elie Saab Le Parfum & Boss Woman.

Summer
For daytime stick to anything citrus, fresh, aquatic or anything labelled chypre. Sweet scents will become too sickly in the heat!
D&G Light Blue, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino, any of the L'Eau d'Issey Miyake scents & Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche.
For nights you can go a bit sweeter (Hugo Boss Orange) but remember if you live anywhere near water.. no perfume or the mosquitoes will get you!

Autumn

It's still warm but now the intense heat is gone, scents can get richer again. Dry, woodsy, musk finishes work really well.
Molecule 01, YSL Cinema, Hermes Eau des Merveilles & Burberry Brit.

Winter
The best season to wear gourmand, warm & intense scents.
Chopard Wish, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Agent Provocateur Maitresse, Amouage Gold & Dior Addict.

Hope you enjoyed this post! What are you currently wearing? Do you switch perfumes with the seasons?

SHOP MAC COOK MAC Collection- Haul & Review

Watch Me Simmer, Naughty Saute & Runaway Red

I absolutely adore the Pepto-Bismol shade of Naughty Saute. It's like a warmer, more wearable version of MAC's Saint Germain. Watch Me Simmer is a great, summery hot coral. There was no tester for Runaway Red in the shop, so I bought it blind. It's nowhere near as vibrant as I was led to believe by other blogger's swatches.. huge disappointment!

Eyeshadow Quad 'Call Me Bubbles'

A lovely selection of pink/peach/bronze summery shades.. perfect for summer! Normally MAC eyeshadow palettes lack the quality and pigmentation of their single shadows. However I was pleasantly surprised by the textures and pigmentation of this palette. I do however think the lighter colors may be a bit chalky looking on more tanned skin.. so if you are darker than medium/olive I suggest trying before buying!

I picked up all 4 Tendertones. Those of you who have been long-time readers of my blog know just how much I love these limited edition balms! They are incredibly sheer but I just adore the way they feel on lips. If you are looking for color.. skip these! The colors released with this collection are just.. bleughh!

*More swatches*

This collection is currently available at Selfridges London and will be released to all other UK MAC counters in 2 weeks. For me the stand out products are Naughty Saute & Watch Me Simmer lipsticks. Don't be fooled by the bright cardboard packaging.. it's a nice collection but nothing special! It's just the usual, token lipstick shades (pink, red, fuschia, nude and coral..) with a few dupable extras.

Any thoughts? What will you be picking up from this collection?