Rose Gold Heaven with Nikki Lissoni

I recently came across the Nikki Lissoni jewellery range at a local jewellers and it was love at first sight. I am totally obsessed with rose gold and have been looking for some sort of rose gold neckwear that can compliment my beloved Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch.

Now don't you just hate it when retailers try to sell you their display products? I mean I'm not being funny but if I'm spending a good chunk of money in a store the least they could do is honor your wish of a special order... I mean if I'm paying for the goods it should be up to me whether I want display goods or fresh goods! The girl in the local jewellery store was adamant that they 'don't do special orders as the coin I wanted was right there in display'... ermmm that's my point, it has been manhandled by how many people?!!? This ultimately led me to leave the shop empty handed and surf the internet like a mad woman trying to find the set I wanted online. I ended up buying my jewellery from Jewel First and I would highly recommend them. Not only do they have the entire Nikki Lissoni range available to buy online, but the items are fresh from the warehouse. I literally placed my order Tuesday 12th at 2:30pm, and my goods were with me at 11:30am Wednesday 13th. I was emailed a tracking number as soon as they were despatched (which is very important with e-shopping) and they sent me a little marketing booklet showcasing the entire range for me to lust over. Very happy customer.

With this range you pick your 3 elements separately; the chain, the pendent, and the coin. They come in either Silver, Gold, or Rose Gold (all plated). You can either have a set in the same finish, or mix and match. What I really love about this brand, is that there is a huge selection of coins available. For someone like myself who has an element of addictive personality disorder this may prove to be a financial problem. However, the prices of the coins are very reasonable so that in itself is a good enough justification for me to treat myself. 

As you can see the pendent opens up via 2 little inserts on the side. Now this isn't exactly an easy thing to open up; you sort of need to use your thumbnail of one hand and index nail of the other to flick open the pendent. I have Bio Sculpture Gel nails so I didn't have to worry about breaking a nail but I would imagine this to be quite damaging to natural nails. On the plus side you don't have to worry about the pendent accidentally opening up and loosing your coin! You can then change your coin and re-snap the pendent shut and voila, a beautiful new design. I love it!

I went for the Rose Gold 80cm length chain NR03RG80, Rose Gold 35mm Pendent P03RGM, and 2 coins: one Rose Gold coin encrusted with Swarovski crystals C1131RGM and one Silver coin C1000SM. I am very pleased with the length of chain I went for along with the 2 coins. The quality of this jewellery is beautiful and solid. As it is plated you obviously have to be careful with perfume etc as this could tarnish the jewellery but they have been made with a coating to help prevent tarnishing...but still, it's not a risk I would like to take! I already have further items tucked away in my wishlist so roll on payday :-o.

Heres a picture of me wearing the necklace so you can see the length. The sparkle is amazing!

I am in Rose Gold Jewellery Heaven...

Rodial Bee Venom Eye... The new BUZZ in skincare

A few weeks ago I was kindly sent the Rodial Bee Venom Eye to review for my blog. I have never used any Rodial products before and I think the main reason being the price - they are expensive.

Having said that, I do think that the ranges sound fabulous (Glamoxy Snake Range, Dragon's Blood Range, Bee Venom Range etc) and I also think the packaging is lovely. Rodial are always pushing the boundaries and coming up with new and exclusive product ranges which are always out of the ordinary.

Inject some life and bee venom into your current skincare routine with the latest anti ageing offering from Rodial... Bee Venom Eye... 

The product claims to: 

Immediately plumps and smoothes whilst reducing the appearance of dark circles with a unique blend of 6 active ingredients.

Rodial’s bee venom eye is a revolutionary formula especially designed for the eye area and delivering intense moisture, increased cell vitality and a plumper, more smoothed appearance. It has also been proven to help combact the damaging effects of the Menopause.

Active Ingredients - RonaCare Cyclopeptide-5, P-CELL, Juvinity VC IP,Haloxyl and PROTURON. 

The consistency of this eye cream is very rich with a buttery feel. It's moisturising enough to nourish the eye area without leaving it greasy. I do quite like the scent; its almost got a faint grapefruit type of smell to it but not at all overpowering. It's very fresh scented.

For the past two weeks I have been applying this around my eye area using a cotton bud to apply 4 'dots' under each eye with any remaining product applied to my eye lid. I have been using my middle ring finger to pat in the cream gently around the eye area after my basic skincare routine.

I have taken a 'before' picture of my under-eyes as I do suffer with dark circles so I will be coming back to this review to see if it lives up to the claim of reducing the appearance of dark circles. So far though, my eye area is definitely a lot more moisturised and even after a good 10 hour sleep, when I wake up my eye area still feels hydrated. I don't have any fine lines so I can't comment as to whether it plumps/smoothes, but so far so good. My mum has commented that my under eyes look more 'fresh' but I don't know if thats down to my make up or the product!

There is something about reaching for this bright yellow tub every night that really completes my skincare routine. It's definitely a little luxury that I look forward to applying. Would I spend £115 on this product? Hmm, well, you do get a lot in one tub (25ml), probably enough to last you a good 4 months (I will have to finish using the tub to give an exact figure as to how long it lasts), so at around £28 per month, if this product actually reduces the appearance of my dark circles (again, I will do a further update when I have used all the product), combined with the lovely firm, moisturised feel it gives my eyes, in addition to the lovely packaging, I would definitely repurchase. You can find the entire Bee Venom range here.

Have any of you tried the new Rodial Bee Venom range yet? 

*This review contains a sample product sent for consideration by the brand/PR firm. I was not paid to do this review or to write anything specific & as always, my honest opinion was given!

My journey to clear, healthy, glowing skin

Hey-hey

Hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and New Year!

My New Year's resolution has been to maintain an active lifestyle (gym freak!) and look after my skin a lot more. I say a lot more because I feel at 25, I should now be upping my game in terms of what I use on my skin, and yes, I am also referring to anti ageing methods - I don't mean injectables such as Botox and fillers; more so a decent serum/cream and to treat myself to the odd non surgical procedure such as chemical peels and microdermabrasion.

I have always had fairly good skin with the odd breakout during that time of the month, but I never suffered with acne or anything too severe in my teens. However, the past 2/3 months, I have noticed a constant patch of blemishes around my jawline, which I know is typically a 'hormonal' place of outbreaks, but this has literally been a consistent problem which my current skincare regime is not fixing. FYI I have been using the Liz Earle skincare line for just over 3 years and it has been amazing but I feel like my skin is craving for something more at the moment.

About 5% of women between 25-40 develop acne, and whilst I would like to stress that I do not have acne, I certainly have a cluster of blemishes that are not going away. Seeing as I haven't changed my skincare routine, or lifestyle or anything significant for that matter (aside from over indulging at Christmas), the only real explanation for the condition of my skin right now has got to be my age.

A few days ago I took myself for a skin consultation at an advanced skin clinic as I wanted to purchase the right cosmeceutical products for my skin type in the hope that they would help clear up my skin.

After a consultation I had my face cleansed followed by the practitioner conducting a skin analysis under a microscope. We discussed a course of treatments which I was advised to come back and have after using some recommended retail products for home.

I was recommended a selection of products from the Agera RX and SkinCeuticals range - both cosmeceuticals. Cosmeceuticals refer to the combination of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Cosmeceuticals are cosmetic products with biologically active ingredients purporting to have medical benefits. Agera's range has been developed to stimulate the skin, with anti-aging skin care products that have been scientifically tested and provide fast, noticeable results. SkinCeuticals is another advanced anti-aging line which is heavily backed by science.

Today was the first day I used the products purchased and so far so good - my skin feels soft, supple, taut, and my blemishes are not so red. Here is what I used/did:

Agera RX

Ultra Mild Cleanser (180ml) RRP £26.50 - I used Nivea Visage gentle eye make-up remover to remove my eye make up prior to the cleanse. I then applied the Agera Ultra Mild Cleanser to my damp skin and massaged in circular motions avoiding the eye area for 1 minute and then rinsed with warm water.

Deep Cleansing Salicylic Wash (180ml) RRP £27.50 - While my skin was still wet, I applied this wash in the same motion as above. The consistency of this wash is thicker then the ultra mild cleanser and is more a gel formula.

Microderma System (Mask & Activator) RRP £33.50 - I towel dried my face and then applied the mask in circular motions for 1 minute around my t-zone, cheeks, chin and upper lip, massaging slowly. You can really feel the crystals in the mask sloughing away dead skin sells, almost like an exfoliation process. I then applied an equal amount of activator on top of the mask (which sort of like fizzes on contact with the mask, but you do not at all feel any fizzing or discomfort on your skin) again, in circular motions for 2 minutes until all the crystals were dissolved. I then rinsed off with warm water and patted my face dry.

Oxy Infusion Cream (30ml) RRP £29.50 - I then applied a small amount of the oxy infusion cream to all blemishes on my face - a little goes a long way!

Antibacterial Peptide Cream (30ml) RRP £29.50 - I followed up with the antibacterial peptide cream on top of the oxy infusion cream. I did not feel any tingling or burning with either of these specialist creams (which have been formulated for acne prone skin).

SkinCeuticals 

Hydrating B5 (30ml) RRP £59.00 - I really love the packaging of this serum. Its in a very medical-esque style glass pipette which allows you to equally distribute 3-5 drops in the palm of your hands. I then rubbed my palms together and applied this gel to my entire face in upwards motions. There is no distinctive scent with this gel which is something I really liked as I know that other gels/serum in this range can have quite a strong smell. SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 binds moisture to the skin using Hyaluronic Acid, a natural humectant found in the skin making this product one of the most effective in moisturising the skin. It also contains B5 which helps with the repair of skin tissue and replenishes lost nutrients in the skin. This product instantly soaks into your skin without leaving a greasy residue so is perfect for daily use.

Clarifying Clay Masque (60ml) RRP £45.00 - I am yet to use this masque as I used the Agera mask this morning instead. However, I will apply this one day next week, and do a separate post on my findings.

So far though, I am LOVING my new purchases. My mum commented on how much brighter and clearer my skin looked 4 hours after my at-home facial. I will be doing a fortnightly update on my new skincare regime with pictures to keep you all updated on my journey to clear, healthy, glowing skin.

Have any of you tried the Agera RX & SkinCeuticals range? Or any other cosmeceutical range for that matter? What are your thoughts?...

Happy Holidays!!!

Hey you guys!!!

Ok so I know it has been a minute since I last blogged and I do apologise in advance. I won't go into the details but to cut a long story short, work has got the better of me.

ANYWAY, I am back, and I will be posting regularly as of 2013. 

In the meantime, I wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!

See you in 2013 x

Welcome to Miami / Bienvenido a Miami

"I was inspired by the fresh, glowing look you get at the beach" Bobbi Brown

Shimmery shades of copper, gold, nude, bronze, coral and pink feature in the new Bobbi Brown Miami collection. A concoction of tropical themed warmth, oozing Miami, this collection features everything you need to enhance your inner beach Goddess, this 12-piece release of limited and permanent products is available now.

Shimmer Cheek Glow

Bobbi's new Shimmer Cheek Glow is a sheer powder formula that gives skin a healthy, natural-looking glow with a soft shimmer. It glides on smoothly and blends easily for a weightless feel. £30.50

Treatment Lip Shine

This lightweight, soft shine lipstick doubles as a rejuvenating treatment. It instantly comforts dry, chapped lips and provides long-term moisturisation. Now in four new shades: Peach Sorbet, Pink Seashell, Sunset Beach and Orchard Pink. £18.00

Long-Wear Cream Shadow

Just when you thought your makeup couldn't stand up to the summer heat, now it can. The innovative Long-Wear Cream Shadows deliver saturated colour with a soft, velvety finish. Now in four new shades: Copper, Bronze Sugar, Nude Beach and limited edition shade Candlelight. £17.00

Bobbi Brown Beach Fragrance

Bobbi's best-selling fragrance in a sleek new bottle. Designed with a light, intoxicating blend of Sand Jasmine, Sea Spray and Mandarin, it captures the essence of summer in a bottle. £38.00

Fragrance Oil

This unique, moisturising body oil gives skin a sultry shimmering glow scented with Beach Fragrance. £30.00

Swatches from MakeUpAndBeautyBlog from the left: Treatment Lip Shines SPF15 in Sunset Beach, Pink Seashell, & Pink Sorbet; Long-Wear Cream Shadows in Candlelight, Nude Beach & Copper; Shimmer Cheek Glow in Gold.

Seriously, how gorgeous does this collection look? The corals and golden bronze are right up my street, and so perfect for the Summer. I'll try and do a full review on the longevity of these products as soon as I can.

What do you think of this collection? Will you be picking anything up?