Sephora Haul!

I got a visitor who was kind enough to bring me some goodies from Sephora. These end-of-the year purchases also made me into a VIB!

Purchases:

• Korres Wild Rose Daily Brightening & Refining Buff Cleanser [Review Here]
• Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream [Review Here]
• Rosebud Salve in a Tube [Review Here]

Freebies:

• Fresh Sugar Kisses Mini Lip Duo [Review Here]
  I have previously bought the full size duo and absolutely loved it. Glad to receive this birthday gift
• Bvlgari MAN Eau de Toilette
• NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (Malaga: Med/Dark1)
  Update: As predicted, this sample is too dark for my skin tone. I do like the light texture, but I will hold off on a final judgment until I try the product in a lighter shade.

I was able to use my $15 off purchases over $50 and I am most excited about the Shiseido eye cream. I will update reviews once I try out the products.

Review: Soap&Glory Scrub Your Nose in IT!

I have heard great things about the Soap&Glory brand while I was living in the US, but I was hesitant to try it because of the packaging. Since moving to the UK, I decided to cast aside my doubt. I was not a fan of Benefit's packaging, but I love their products, so why not give Soap&Glory a chance? I am so glad I did! I picked up this tube of Soap&Glory scrub about three weeks ago and after using it 2-3 times a week since, I am absolutely in love with it.

Although it is a scrub, I felt it was rather gentle and its microbeads (visible in the above image) are not too harsh. It has a mild minty citrus scent. I usually massage it for about 30 seconds before raising it off. It also double as a mask if left on for a couple minutes more. It leaves my face feeling refreshed without excess tightness. Most importantly, true to its claim, my pores are visibly smaller. At £7.50 for 125mL, it is definitely one for the value.

Calvin Klein Quin Trainers

New shoes! Among my collection of flats, heels, and boots, this pair of Calvin Klein Quin is only my second pair of sneakers next to my old pair of Nike (which after 4+ years, has definitely seen much better days).


The logo is so subtle, love it!


...how it looks worn


These shoes are made for walking!

L'Occitane Beautiful Hands Collection

Today, I want to share with you this set of L'Occitane travel-size hand creams that I picked up a few days ago. I have already gone through 3 of the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream and I am eager to try the other scents (click to enlarged photos)



The different scents vary in their thicknesses, with Shea Butter being the most creamy to Pivoine Flora being the lightest. However, all three absorbs equally quickly, leaving the hands feeling soft without any stickiness.

The Pivoine Flora is the most fragrant of the three, but is not overwhelming at all. The Cherry Blossom is delicate and sweet while Shea Butter is a really fresh, warm scent.

I always keep a tube of L'Occitane in my purse and just a dab is enough to cover both hands. At £15.50 for the set, it's the perfect holiday gift.

Update (May 30, 2013): Updated impressions for Pivoine Flora and Shea Butter in my May Empties.

Update (November 30, 2013): Updated impressions for Cherry Blossom in my November Empties.

Review: Garnier Youthful Radiance Multi-Active Care (Eye)

Garnier Youthful Radiance Multi-Active Care (Eye)

Claims:
- Immediately hydrates for 24 hours and illuminates the skin of the eye contour area
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines after 2 weeks

My take:
The scentless cream is quite dense, so a little bit does go a long way. It does sting a bit if it gets in my eyes, but it is no more hydrating than my moisturizer. I have been using it for over 3 weeks and no difference in fine lines or brightness. The 6 pounds for the 15mL will last quite a while, but I will not re-purchase.

Cocktail Workshop Photos

Over 2 hours of learning about techniques and recipes with professional tools. Fantastic experience, check out the drinks made in order of appearance

Variation on a Honeyberry Sour with Honey Wine	Mojito

Something delicious with cinnamon and maple syrup. Light up the cinnamon stick to dust it over the surface of the drink. Surprisingly, it does not taste as sweet as expected. Very very smooth



Cosmo Remember to squeeze the orange peel and light the oil for a nice zesty touch to the classic. It also makes for a great show! Also wipe the peel on the rim and let it soak for extra flavor

Apple Fan	Jelly Donut Berry liquor and Baileys. Favorite drink of the night