Battle of the Face Mists - Caudalie Vs Simple

Hi Guys,

Happy monday morning to you all!! I hope you all had great weekends and enjoyed a rare bit of sunshine!

Today I wanted to compare two products for you. There has been so much hype recently about the Caudalie Beauty Elixir all over blogger and youtube, and after hearing the great effects other people had I decided to try it myself. Whilst trialling the product I noticed that there weren't many products like this on the market and that face mists were actually quite rare. This baffled me because I enjoyed using the Caudalie so much and a simple spritz seemed to refresh and Brighten my skin so much. So I did my research and found that 'Simple' had also launched a 'Moisture boost hydro mist'. Once I uncovered this I simply had to try one as they're a tad more affordable than the Caudalie and for us in the UK are more readily available in our local high streets.

So after weeks of trailling the two I thought I'd compile the results into an 'ickle blog and compare my experience with either spray.

Claims

Caudalie - Smoothing, Gowing complexion

Simple - Hydrates, Nourishes, Moisturizes, restores and 'it wont upset your skin'

Packaging

The simple packaging is very bog standard it's plastic and the detailing isn't over the top. It's practical for your hand bag as it's small and not smashable, un-like the caudalie. The caudalie is prettier and a lot more aesthetically pleasing. But it is a heavy glass bottle and I was reluctant to lug it around it my bag. Caudalie comes in a 30ml bottle or a 100ml bottle, so the 30ml bottle is fine for travelling. Simple comes in a 50ml Bottle.

Pricing

Caudalie 30ml - £10 100ml - £30

Simple 50ml - £5.99

Smell

Caudalie has an extremely unique smell and theres not a lot I can compare it too, it is strong and an acquired taste but I have definitely grown to like it. It has very refreshing citrussy tones which is great when your skin needs a pick-me-up and adds a natural and nourishing feel.Simple on the other hand smells a bit muggy, theres no overwhelming scent but I think that subtracts from any effect it has on the skin. For some reason it stops it having a really refreshing effect

Results

I found the Caudalie very refining. Whilst using it my pores appeared smaller, make-up glided on easier and my skin generally felt more nourished and awake.My skin was definitely more dewy and had a subtle glow to it. The spray also prevented spots developing and I had no breakouts during the period I used it for. It definitely lived up to it's claims

The simple spray was also refining, though not on the same scale. It refreshed my skin a bit but it didn't seem to add any moisture or really do anything for my skin. It didn't prevent spots or improve my skin. I think the formulation of the simple spray was, ironically, a little to 'simple'. There is nothing offensive about it, I think spritzing water on your face would probably have the same effect as this - perhaps thats what they mean by 'it wont upset your skin'. My skin did feel more hydrated but that is the only claim it really fulfilled.

Overall Consensus

Im sure you can predict whats coming. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir, to me, totally lived up to the hype and I was really impressed by the results. The simple spray was disappointing and I wouldn't use it on a daily basis. I do, however, think it would be an okay product for holidays when you want to hydrate skin that has been dried out by the sun, the fragrance of the Caudalie would be too overpowering for these days.

I will continue to use the Caudalie on a daily basis and I would really recommend spending the extra few pounds on it as it has such a terrific effect on your skin!!

Thanks for Reading

Please let me know if you have tried any other face sprays and what results you had.

Products I Regret buying

Hola,

The weather in England is still pretty poop and im stuck inside the majority of the time, which is annoying but great for Blog productivity. Today I thought I'd post about a few products I regret buying, im in the midst of testing a lot of products but im not ready to review them as of yet, so this was the next best thing/

This post  came to mind because I noticed how many products I had sitting around doing nothing and just laying there because, quite simply, I hate using them. Of course, this isn't to say that all these products are generically awful, they just don't suite or work for me (with a couple of exceptions I would not recommend for anyone).

So here goes ...

1. Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Mousse

I do like fan tan but it doesn't necessarily agree with my skin and I have to be very cautious when using it, I can cope with most fake tanners and I love having tanned skin but this one seemed to do... well nothing. It's a nice consistency, applies well and doesn't smell too bad. But, and this is a huge but, it doesn't seem to give me a tan at all. It adds very VERY little colour to my skin. Im not sure If I just got a bad bottle but for the £20 price tag it seems ridiculous that it doesn't give hardly any colour. If it gave a darker colour it would be a phenomenal product but it just lacks in the one vital area.

2. Barry M Lip Lacquer Crayon in Light pink

I have always been a fan of nude and light pink lip colours, I love the look of lips with a soft pink blush however this is pretty horrific. Don't get me wrong, the consistency and formula are actually quite nice, it applies easily and is well pigmented, giving a subtle gloss to the lips. But it's the colour thats the problem. The light pink is too bright and garish and the shade is to pale even against my skin tone (and we all know lips lighter than your face is a huge no-no). To add to that, there are large chunks of purple glitter that transfer onto the lips and make it look rather cheap. I know Louise from a sprinkleofglitter is a huge fan of these crayons in the darker colours, so maybe I will try them and see if they work out better.

3. No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil in Black

This is a nice creamy pen, it applies well and it's lasts quite well, the only problem here is the pigmentation. This pencil is quite simply not black, if anything it's a dark grey. It is Okay on the waterline, but if you use it on the lash line its a bit... meh and the pigmentation isn't dark enough for it to make a statement. It can be used for blending and creating a smokey eye but it's to creamy for my liking and it's hard to get a thin precise line using it.  

 

 

4. Pixi Succulent Lip Twin in Red

Firstly, I have to admit that the gods of Tkmaxx meant I got this for just £2..(crafty!)...and for the price I can't complain. But I just don't get this product one bit. The waxy balm is awkward to apply and gives quite an uneven finish, it's extremely inconsistent and messy. The gloss is really gloopy and watery and just impossible to apply. I don't understand what the aim or direction was when creating this and I was so disappointed because I generally love Pixi products and I think they're a fab brand, just this wasn't one of there best ideas.

5. Lee Stafford Sea Salt Spray

When I first heard abou Sea Salt sprays and how they're supposed to give you that 'toussled, by the beach wavy locks' I was immediatly sucked in. I thought this would be the answer to my longing for natural wavy locks that don't involve hours of styling. Yet I was so disappointed when I finally tried one. Don't get me wrong, my hair is thick and very unco-operative, it is generally hard to mould and for this failure, I mainly blame my hair not the product. But on my quest for Wavy locks I used this after washing and followed the recommded amount of sprays and found myself with extremely dirty feeling, greasy hair which didn't look gorgeously toussled. I think if you have thinner hair this would probably work, especially if you have time to let your hair dry naturally, but for fuller heads of hair like mine this is a no-no.

P.S. I freakin' love the majority of Lee Staffords products

 6. Body Shop Body Butters

  This is probably another example of my odd hair and skin not adaping to certain products. The majority of people rave about these and I do love the smells and the packaging and the formula. But for some reason the product does not absorb into my skin. I have tried a few now and no matter how much or how little I use it just lies on top of my skin. I do have tempremental skin and it is most definitely it's fault that the pair don't get on. But, I don't know how to describe this properly but im going to try, have you ever used a product, applied it to your skin and an hour or so later  rubbed your hand over that patch of skin and it's like the product rolls up into little shards? Thats what happens, if you catch my drift?

7.Stila Smudge Pot

This is a gel eyeliner/cream eyeshadow, and initially that sounds like a good idea right? WRONG! This product isn't pigmented enough to be considered a gel eyeliner, it doesn't stand out enough and it's a bit too clumpy to get a thin, even line. Although, I have to admit the gold flex in this looks super pretty, it just doesn't work! As a cream eyeshadow, it's ok I suppose. Still a tad uneven but acceptable.

What products have you regretted buying and why?

Thanks for Reading

xx



The 30 Day Shred Review..

Hey Guys,

So todays post isn't the usual hair and beauty mumbo jumbo talk, it's actually a review of a fitness DVD.

I've always had a negative opinion of fitness DVD's and I never really understood why people felt they couldn't pop out for a jog instead or nip to the gym. I remember being a child and me and my brother would try to do moms Rosemary Colaney DVD's on the VCR on fast foward and since then I haven't been able to take them seriously.

BUT...

Before I went on holiday recently I decided I wanted to loose a few pounds and tone up, firstly so I felt a bit more confident in a bikini and secondly so I felt a bit more free to eat what I want and not have to worry about my jeans not fitting when I got back.

I invested in this Gillian Michaels '30 Day Shred' DVD because I saw it was one of the best selling DVD's overall on amazon and it had incredible reviews. Basically the DVD contains 3 20minute workouts ranging in difficulty from 1 to 3, you are advised to start on 1 and once you feel comfortable at each level progress up to the next.  Each 20 minute work out entails a 3 circuits, including 3 minutes of Cardio 2 minutes of strength and 1 minute of abs, designed to workout all parts of the body for maximum effect. You are advised to do this DVD everyday for 30 days.

So how did I get on? ..

I found I progressed up the levels quite quickly and by day 15 I was on level 3, even though these workouts are not easy. Gillian Michaels really works you hard, it's a short workout so there are no brakes, no pausing for breaths just a solid workout. You really feel like you have worked yourself hard after doing this DVD.

Gillian Michaels herself is a tad annoying, but what else would you expect from a fitness finnatic, American personal trainer who is used to working with reluctant obese people on America's biggest loser. She is encouraging, and her two assistants demonstrate modified versions of the moves so if you struggle you can follow one and if its to easy you follow the other.

Needless to say you can't do this DVD and expect to lose weight eating 20 Mars bars a day, you have to do this in conjuction with a healthy diet.

Overall, in a month I lost 10lbs, but I was following a very healthy diet and doing extra exercise. This DVD was great and I really enjoyed it. I felt my energy levels increased greatly after following it for the 30 days. I also loved that it was just 2o minutes so you always have time to fit it in, although inevitable somedays it is impossible to fit it in. This would be especially good for mothers who struggle to find time to visit the gym or do excercise.

Thanks for Reading

Emily

x

Julys Dreamin' Wishlist Friday

Hello,

On this horrible July rainy,cacky,poopy,wet,cloudy,pitter pattery Friday, I thought I would cheer myself up with a little Wishlist Friday post.

This is simply, me listing things I want, not things im necessarily going to get, but things im tempted to get, ummming and ahhhing about, or generally lusting after.

Basically,

It's my 21st in October and whenever it comes to Birthdays people go 'oooh Emily what do you want?' and I know in my head there's loads of jazzy things I want but they don't come to the surface and in a moment of madness I go 'ahh, nothing I'll just have the money purdy please'. Then, my birthday money gets flitted on everyday things like nandos, cinammon rolls, petrol and chewing gum (just a random sample there! LOL), when infact I could've had nice things i've been lusting after all year.

So,

to resolve this issue each time i've thought of something I want but it's a bit to treatified or luxurious or unnecessary to warrant buying for myself, I have noted it down on my iphone in order to create myself a list of things I can answer that fatal question with.

I've just realised how self-righteous this post sounds right now. BBBBBBBUTT, my intention obviously is not to force all my lovely friends and family into buying me these things, I know I wont get the majority of them but it's just there so people who need guidance when buying me gifts (AKA boyfee, my brother and my dad)have some inspiration.

So,

as this list grows, ima take you guys along with it. There is a high, well sky high, chance I will buy these things for myself anyway. I am a sucker and a weakling when it comes to spending and self discipline, and often take the 'f*** it' approach.

So here's this months bunch...

Left  to Right, Top to Bottom

1.Tory Burch Iphone Case

I've been eyeing these up for a while now but I've never settled on a design, however I love this white one with the gold logo. It's simple and chic which is hard to find in a phone cover as the majority I have found tend to be awfully tacky and garish. 

2.Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Turnlock Earrings

Mmmmmm Rose Gold. I love rose gold. These would match my MK watch superbly! I love the turnlock logo and yeah, they would look pretty in my ears :)

3. Wildfox Couture Blue/Grey Cross Jumper

You may have read in my last post about my love for Wildfox and how I have been scouring about for jumpers and vests from them. I particularly love this top, this is my favourite jumper shape from them, with the ragged torn bottom and I also love the print. I do like the star print and the heart jumper but there a bit too exciting and in your face for my simplistic taste. However, I doubt I will ever own this as it retails as £100+ and im not sure I could ever justify that for a jumper.

4.Diamante Converse

Tacky but casual but cool but comfy. These are just a juxtaposition in themselves.  They are tacky looking but I do have a soft spot for Diamantes, I don't know where it came from and why it's there but every now and again I sneakily purchase something covered in little cheap korean gems, much to the distaste of everyone I know. I do want some converse for more dressed down days and when i'm at uni, but im not fond of being overly casual so the diamante's kinda dress it up, in a WAG style manor.

5.Yankee Candles

I love Yankee Candles! They are the only air freshners I will use in my car (currently im loving the coconut bay vent sticks!!!). I have a few candles that are nearly burnt out and I really want some more as Yankee Candles smell YUMMMY!! My favourite flavours are Vanilla Cupcake and Strawberry Buttercream

6.YSL Faux Cils Shocking Mascara

I have heard rave reviews about YSL mascaras from everyone that has used one! The packaging on them is also delightfully chic and pretty. I hear that this is meant to be the crem de la crem of YSL mascaras!! I naturally have long lashes so I am a mascara junkie! Im off to France early in August so I may pick one up at the duty free as a holiday treat.

7. Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Turnlock Ring

This matches the earrings and I love the chain design. I've never been into wearing rings but recently i've really been enjoying them so I'm looking to expand my collection.

8.Alpha H Liquid Gold

I have heard loads of product raves about this in the blogging circuit and it sounds amazing. My skin is very acne scarred and prone to spots, which is something this claims to target. This is definitely an ummer and ahher, as the price tag is £30 a pop, which to me is expensive for skincare!!

LASTLY,

this month I have been looking at lots of deals on Groupon, Kgb and wowcher for microdermabrasion. I have never tried this treatment before, but i'm intrigued to see how it works and it sounds like something that would be extremely benefiticial to my skin. I don't know anyone that has ever had it done so I would love to hear if any of you have experienced it or know anyone who has, and any opinions on the treatment.

Thanks for Reading

xx



Rainy Day Friday OOTD

Hey Guys,

Today  is a very wet,mundane day in the midlands and I am finally indoors, warm and cosy writing this post to the pitter patter of British Summer (HOORAH :/). I've just been running errands today, popping to the shops and my nans (nothing very glamorous) so I thought I'd do a very casual Outfit Of The Day.

I have never done an OOTD post before, primarily because I am  no style icon, I have no misconceptions about that. I try, but I tend to stick to core pieces an awful lot and just mix up simple items. Im also very safe when it comes to clothes, I wear a lot of BLAH colours and a lot of jeans t-shirts and leather jacket combos,  but my 'syle' lies in each item individually rather than how i've put them together, thats how I like to look at it anyway :).

Even though it is absoloutley weeing it down outside, it's still pretty warm so it's 100% awkward when it comes to putting an outfit together. I went for high waisted dark indigo jeans, cropped jumper and River Island boots to keep me covered up but not sweltering!!

I love this jumper. I picked it up from TKmaxx for £6.99 last week. I have been eyeing up 'wildfox' jumpers for a while now but haven't plucked up the courage to tackle the large price tag. However, this is very Wildfox esc. It features a cropped hemline and 'Wish upon a star' slogan, that are both similar to the kitsch wildfox style. It's comfy and slouchy without being scruffy or super duper casual, and I can still dress it up a bit with accesories.

*apologies for the shoddy camera work but no one was about to take photos for me :(*

Top - Tkmaxx, it's actually from a brand called 'DIVINE'

Jeans - New Look

Boots- River Island January Sale Bargains (£20)

Bag -Juicy Couture Daydreamer Velour Tote

Watch - Michael Kors

Bracelet 1- Brown Pandora Double Wrap

Bracelet 2 - Thomas Sabo Pearl Charm bracelet

Ring - Portugal

Earrings- Recent Dorothy Perkins Sale

Let Me know if you want to see more of these posts.

Thanks For Reading

xx



ELF 50% off!

Hey guys!
Im writing this post from my iphone so its going to be extremely short and to the point!

I love bargains and i pressume my trusty followers do to so i thought i would steer you in the direction of a great sale that has just caught my eye!

ELF (eyeslipsface.com) are having a 24 hour sale on nail varnishes. ELF are known for there great prices but for the next 24 hour there will be 50% EXTRA of all nail purchases. Just follow the link below and enter code '24HRNAILS' at check out!

I have used ELF nsil products before and they're great value quality!


http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/category~catID~8.htm

ENJOY!
Emily xx

Lauren Conrad Inspired Make-Up

Hey Guys,

When I did my last Celebrity inspired make-up post (Pixie Lott look - LINK) I got a lot of positive responses so I thought I'd do a look based on one of my favourite style icons.

I have always loved Lauren conrads simple yet chic make-up. It is always extremely glowy and bronzed whilst remaining very natural and well kept. Whilst doing this look I mainly aimed to created flawless, dewy skin with a subtle bronze. Whilst Lauren's look remains fairly consistant, this look is more of her original 'the hills' look. Recently her look has been a lot more exagerated, for instance the winged eyeliner now has a larger flick and she often uses brighter colours, this look is the more natural and toned down version.

This is the finished result (im well aware I look nothing like Lauren)..

The products I used ..

How I achieved the look.

Face..

The look isn't that dissimilar to my daily make-up, it just involves slightly more concentrated bronzer and a lot more shimmer on the skin. I started with Rimmel wake me up Foundation as a soft and dewy base, this has medium/heavy coverage so it assisted me in getting that flawless finish, on blemishes and red patches I used my trust Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealor in number 2. I used the lighter colour to add a stronger element of light and depth, the look is strongly based around contouring so using this down the length of my nose and under eyes helped to achieve that effect.

Cheeks..

Laurens bronzer is very concentrated under the cheek to give the impression of a strong cheekbone, I used my Stila Bronzing Powder in No.3 with a small blush brush to create this. The best way to find the contour to apply the bronzer is to suck cheeks in and apply just underneath the cheek bone. I then used Bourjois Blusher in Lune D'or on the cheek bone, this is a soft peach shade with gold flex, so it achieves a natural glowing finish very similar to that we often see on Lauren. To add to this I swept MAC mineralize skin finish in Soft&Gentle over cheek bones and forehead. To add more definition I dotted Benefit High Beam on the tops of cheek bones, underneath eyebrows and down the nose. This adds a lot of brightness to the face and helps it reflect light giving a healthy finish.

Eyes...

Eyes began with Estee Lauder double wear cream eyeshadow in golden sands, I then applied Sin from the naked palette in the inner corner and across the inner third of the eye, I then used half-baked across the outer two thirds and Virgin in the crease. This created a contoured but natural eye, with a bronzed shimmer. I used a thin flick of L'oreal carbon gloss across the outer two thirds of the lash line. After this I applied two coats of L'oreal Volume Million lashes, to create an extreme black lash. I tried to leave the lower lashline as bare as possible, only coating the bottom lashes with a thin layer of mascara. You can add a grey eyeshadow underneath or a flesh coloured eyeliner across the waterline if you wish.

Brows..

Brows are thick and strong, I mainly used the darkest colour in my Rimmel Smokey Brun Palette, along with the slightly lighter shade to create well defined and dark eyebrows.

Lips...

Lips are a quick sweep of NARS super orgasm gloss, this gives a natural pinky glow and a soft sheen.

 

 

Thanks for Reading,

Please let me know of any looks you want me to create

:)