FIRST IMPRESSIONS: THE CLINIQUE SAMPLES

Clinique isn't a brand that I'm too familiar with so it was really nice to have some samples to try as I haven't tried too many products from the brand and of course we all love getting some freebies to try out. These are all really good sizes too so you are able to get a really good idea as to whether you will enjoy the product in its full size form before you buy it.

High Impact Curling Mascara
Probably my favourite of the bunch is the mascara sample. Normally I find that mascara samples aren't as good as the full size but this little sample is really good. I like it because it's quite a thick consistency, so covers the lashes really quickly and can build up quite a dramatic amount of volume. As it's quite a thick consistency, it lasts on the lashes all day and doesn't flake off or anything throughout the day. I'm not sure about it's curling qualities which essentially is what this mascara is all about but I've never felt like my lashes need a curling mascara so it's not really relevant to me.

Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturising Lip Colour Balm
The chubby sticks are definitely staples of Clinique's make up line but I wasn't too intrigued about this when I first got it. After using it I have completely changed my mind and I really like it. They're great for just applying a quick colour to your lips. The formula is very hydrating and feels more like a lip balm on the lips but it does still give a really good amount of colour. I really like how quick and easy they are. This shade is Poppin Poppy and it's a really easy to wear coral shade. 

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion + 
I still haven't found a moisturiser that I am completely loyal to, I have never repurchased the same moisturiser so I'm not that fussy when it comes to liking a moisturiser. I do like this one as it does everything that you need; adds hydration, absorbs into the skin easily and isn't too heavy. I have tried the Clinique Moisture Surge moisturiser and this one is definitely a lot more moisturising than the Moisture Surge. 

Clarifying Lotion 2 
This is probably one of Cliniques more controversial products, with people either loving it or hating it for being too strong and full of alcohol. There is no denying that it does have a very strong smell to it and for this reason I haven't been using it everyday. I have been using it when I feel like my skin seems to be stuggling a bit and needs some extra help. I do apply a lot of moisture and hydration after using it, in case it is too strong but I have never noticed anything bad from it. My skin feels and looks good after I use it. 

Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser Mousse
This was one of the samples that I was most interested to try as the Mousse in the name sounded like it could be really nice. This is the one product that on first impression I am really not getting on with. I will perceiver and try it now and again but so far I find that it is really drying on my skin and doesn't seem to do it any good. 

All About Shadow Duo in Strawberry Fudge and Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Bashful Blush 
This is a really cute little compact and would be perfect for travelling. The colours are really neutral and easy to wear, which is nice as often in freebies, you find yourself with shades that you wouldn't actually wear. 

The set also contained the fragrance Happy Heart, which has such good reviews. It's hard to explain the fragrance but it is a really nice fragrance thats easy to wear. I've had compliments when I have worn the fragrance and it's just nice to have little fragrances lying around if you fancy a change from your usual ones. 

What are your favourite products from Clinique?

THE MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

There isn't anything overly fancy here as when I'm needing to rush off to work, I don't leave much time for a luxurious skin care regime, so the quicker the better! I have quite combination/slightly oil skin and I know I will be applying make up nearly immediately after so I want products that do the job but are also quite lightweight. Depending on how quick I'm needing to be, in other words how many times I snoozed the alarm, I'll either use the Garnier Micellar Cleansing water or the Bare Minerals Mineralixirs cleansing oil. I love the Micellar water as it does the job quickly and is really refreshing on the skin but the cleansing oil does do a better job at cleaning the skin and it does leave my skin feeling more nourished. I like to use the Lush Eau Roma Toner Water after cleansing as it's so hydrating and is a quick skin fix as it calms and soothes the skin. It's also nice to use in the mornings when you need some extra waking up, or cooling down after a hot shower I always have to have! I then like to use Clinique's Superdefence Eye Cream. I like to use a more nourishing eye cream at night but a lightweight formula during the day, so not to disrupt my make up. The Clinique eye cream is really light weight, yet still moisturising. It also has a brightening tint to it so it helps make your eye area look more awake and refreshed. The last skincare item I use is the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief. I like it because it's a gel formula that hydrates the skin but absorbs nearly instantly. It also seems to smooth out the complexion, so it also helps to prime the face before foundation. 

What are your favourite products to use in the mornings? 

A HIGH END WISHLIST

I thought that I was completely shopped out after my recent High End Haul but clearly I was wrong and now I just can't shift the spendy feeling. There were a few products that I knew I had been lusting after so I decided that I would compile together this post partly so I could see how much damage I wanted to do and also to share it with fellow beauty obsessives for some moral support. I didn't quite realise how many products were actually on my list... Oh dear.

First things first, Clarins. I definitely thought I had bought everything I possibly could from Clarins after my Skincare Haul but there's still a couple of things on the list. I did intent to get the Eye Contour Balm but it was out of stock at the time. I also wanted the Liquid Bronze Self Tan as I've heard such good things about it and think it will be great for the summer months. I've had a sample of the One-Step Cleanser and really liked it, for when I'm feeling lazy and want something quick, especially in the mornings. It smells amazing and feels so refreshing. I resisted temptation to buy the Clarins Bronzer last year when it came out but now that they've released it again for their summer collection I'm just not sure I can resist it this time round. 

I've never actually tried anything from Origins but it's always popping up on blogs. I currently don't have a back up product for a moisturiser so I've been eyeing up the Ginzing range and the eye cream also sound lovely. I've also put the Eye Doctor on there as the description sounded so nice. I'm starting to think I'm a bit of a sucker for eye creams...

I like the sound of the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate as a good all rounder serum for overnight. I'm quite lacking in the serum department and only really have the Clarins Treatment Oils which are amazing but I tend to only really use them when my skin is feeling like it actually needs the treatment aspect, so it would be nice to have a good all rounder serum for most nights. Caroline Hirons has recently been raving about the Moisture Surge Face Spray by Clinique so obviously it's taken my fancy. I like using moisturising/hydrating sprays in my routine and this one seems like a good choice when my current one runs out. 

Time for lipsticks! I love the colour of the Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Rapture. It's a perfect easy to wear everyday colour, that gives a plum-pink look to the lips. As it's sheer, it's so easy to just apply it quickly and it doesn't look too over done for everyday. I received a MAC voucher for Christmas that surprisingly is yet to be spent. I haven't decided which lipstick I want yet but I have been admiring Brave, Twig, Plumful and Syrup maybe..? Let me know your favourites! 

I'm a huge Bare Minerals foundation fan anyway but recently I'm also enjoying a lighter coverage of foundation, so I'm really interested in trying the Complexion Rescue. I swatched a tiny amount the other week and it did look really lovely, a decent amount of coverage and really radiant. Urban Decay's Summer launches includes the gorgeous Afterglow blushes; there are so many colours that look amazing so I know at least one will just have to go on the list. The final product on the list is the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. It's such a raved about product and although I do really like the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara I still don't think it's the one, so I'm still on the hunt for the perfect mascara. 

HIGH END BEAUTY HAUL

I've been making the most of my staff discount before I leave my current job which is on a make up counter in a Department store. I couldn't be more excited to get weekends, bank holidays, Boxing Day and New Year's Day off, to not have to spend my day being bored out of my mind or dealing with rude and annoying customers... So yeah I'm pretty excited about leaving. One thing that I will be missing is my staff discount! I decided to stock up on things that I needed and some things that I just fancied treating myself to. I was slightly tame, well maybe that's not the word but I definitely could have bought more, but at the end of the day it's just make up and skincare *cries inside at calling makeup and skincare, 'just' makeup and skincare*. I've got another post coming from my haul, featuring just one brands worth of products as it was just too much to include with this one. 

First up, Urban Decay. I'd been eyeing up the Pulp Fiction palette since it was released last year, but come on, did I really need more neutral eyeshadows!? Obviously I did. Luckily, it was hugely reduced in a recent sale and with staff discount on top, it was only £9, which I could definitely justify. I've also loved Zodiac moondust eyeshadow for ages, I was just about convinced that although it's absolutely gorgeous, I wouldn't get much wear out of it. I then watched a recent tutorial by Pin up Beauty and knew that I needed it. It's a gorgeous shimmery green shade, with so much pigmentation and strong, but classy shimmer. I also had to pick up one of the new Naked Skin concealers. I've heard quite a lot of good things about this concealer lately and as my current collection actually only holds one concealer - my MAC Pro Longwear, I felt that it would be okay to purchase this one... like that really made a huge difference to this decision.  I also picked up a back up of my absolute favourite foundation ever, the Bare Minerals Ready foundation. I think I may even own a back up of this already, but it's the most amazing foundation, especially for the summer as the shade I wear (R330), is so warm and looks so fresh, radiant and glowy. I can't wear this until the summer as it's a good tanned shade and right now I'm pretty pasty, but it will sit patiently with it's other foundation friends in the mean time. 

 Like I said in my previous Clinique skincare post I haven't used much from the brand before. The foundation caught my eye as soon as I heard about its full coverage and long wear and then I saw it on one of the girls and liked the look of it and finally I read a review on Laura's blog, which was also very positive so I obviously had to get it. I've only used it once so far and on first impressions I really liked it. I will probably do a full review on it when I've had the chance to try it out a few more times. My second Clinique purchase was the Superdefense eye cream. I thought it would be a good lightweight eye cream to use daily under my make up, as it included spf 20, which seemed like a good idea, as the eye area is already sensitive enough to ageing. It's also quite brightening which can never be a bad thing. 

 As I write this my first day of my new job is tomorrow, so I'm currently having a little taster of what a weekend off is like, starting with just a Sunday and I'm already loving it. I'm happy with my purchases but can't help still wanting more but I know my bank is kind of thanking me for not putting it under any more pressure! 

Hope you've all had a good weekend and that you have a great week! 

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE & ALL ABOUT EYES REVIEW

Clinique is one of those brands that I've never really had much to do with, but lately it's safe to say that I've tried my fair share and I'm starting to really like the brand. I bought this set at Christmas as the good value price lured me in and I was running out of my current moisturiser, so this seemed like the perfect set. The set included; Moisture surge extended thirst relief, Moisture surge overnight mask, All about eyes and a Superbalm lipgloss. 

Moisture surge extended thirst relief 

This is a lightweight gel formula moisturiser, designed for dry or dehydrated skin. I really like how this moisturiser feels on the skin, as it's so refreshing and absorbs instantly, so it doesn't feel too heavy or greasy, instead it leaves a smooth velvet feel.  It's also surprising how little you need, as it's such a lightweight formula, it's able to spread really easily. My only gripe with this product is that it's fine for my pretty normal -probably a little dehydrated, but no where near dry skin, but I can't imagine it giving enough hydration for people with really dry skin, unless a really good serum is being used beforehand. I've also seen people moan about the fact that it's a jar container, but that doesn't really bother me. Overall, I would definitely recommend to anyone with a normal to oily skin type. I think it would be especially amazing in the summer months, when you don't want to be layering heavy products on your skin.

Moisture surge overnight mask

Although I would never say my skin is dry, it does sometimes look like it needs some intense hydration, plumpness and life put back into it. This is when I like to use the overnight mask. It really helps make my skin look so much more moisturised and seemed to plump out any fine lines that can appear through dehydration. It's a nice mask to use overnight as it isn't too heavy; it's not as lightweight as the moisture surge moisturiser but I am still able to wear it all night without feeling like a grease ball... eeww?

All about eyes 

The formula of this eye cream is very similar to the moisture surge moisturiser, with its lightweight gel consistency. I love to use this eye cream mostly in the morning as it's so lightweight that it doesn't interfere with any make up that you apply. It leaves my eye area very smooth, as almost to prep the under eye for make up.  The gel formula also makes it feel very refreshing, so it's a great product to use when you can barely see through your tired eyes in the mornings. As I am only 22, my main need for an eye cream is to hydrate, to avoid any fine lines appearing, so I don't know how good this eye cream would be if your under eyes are of greater concern to you as this one does seem so light. Clinique also do an All about eyes rich formlua, which may be better to fight intense under eye troubles. 

Superbalm - Grapefruit

I know the whole purpose of Clinique is to provide products for sensitive skin, meaning fragrance is a huge no-no, but If you're calling a product grapefruit, I really need it to smell like that too! The Superbalm feels lovely and glossy on the lips, yet not sticky. It was the product that I was least excited for, but it is a pretty, natural gloss. 

So far I am liking Clinique products and unfortunately for my bank account, there are more to come, so keep an eye out for future posts. What Clinique products have you tried and which do I need to try? You can buy Clinique from  department stores such as Debenhams or the Clinique website.

I hope you're all having a good week! 

HOW TO LOOK FRESH & ALIVE DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

We all know that this time of year is always pretty hectic; with busy schedules, lots of parties, increased working hours, deadlines, illnesses and the stress of Christmas shopping! It is no surprise if you're feeling a little run down and in need of a break! These are some of the products that I like to use when I have had too many busy days and late nights and want to pretend that I've had my 8 hours sleep and several facials of course... 

When my eyes are feeling incredibly tired and pretty much still asleep I always like to use a good hydrating eye cream, like the Bare Minerals Renew & Hydrate eye cream, as it always makes my under eyes feel so smooth and refreshed. You could also try keeping it in the fridge and then applying it to your under eyes to fight those pesky under eye bags.

I've recently been using The Body Shop's Vitamin C Energising Face Spritz; it smells of oranges and really hydrates your skin and makes it look a lot more fresh and radiant. You can also spray this onto your face during the day as a little pick me up. Another product that I like to use to add radiance to tired and dull skin is the Bare Minerals Biolucent Mineral Brightening Treatment. I really notice a difference when I use this product, as my skin looks so radiant and healthy, the kind of finish that a good dewy foundation would give. The cold weather is also a further battle to our skin, making it feel even more dry and dehydrated, so a good overnight mask like Clinique's Moisture surge mask is a must have.

There are of course a few make up must haves that really help to hide the appearance of dark circles and blemishes that have maybe appeared after one too many take aways or other naughty foods this time of year. I love Mac's Pro Longwear Concealer and Mac's Prep and Prime Highlighter in Radiant Rose. I always talk about both of these products on my blog so sorry if you're a regular reader, but they are just so good! I always find that a pretty pink blush makes you look so much more alive by adding a good amount of warmth and colour to your complexion. I've chosen Benefit's Bella Bamba as it's a gorgeous bright pink, that still looks like a natural flush of colour on the cheeks. Finally, to make you look even more fresh and alive, I like to add a little highlighter, like Mac's Soft and Gentle, to the cheekbones, brow bone and inner eye. This really lifts your eyes and makes them look so much bigger, brighter and awake. 

I hope you find some of these products useful to you during this festive season and know that you're not the only one feeling very tired and ready for a day off come Christmas day! It's times like this when I'm especially grateful that us woman can have a little helping hand in looking great with a little, or maybe even a lot of make up!