REVIEW // DIORSKIN NUDE BB CREME

It's fair to say that I am in LOVE with this product. On a recent trip away I spotted this little beauty in duty free. As you know from my other post, I have been on the look out for something to wear in the day when I don't want to wear hardly any other make-up. I had heard positive reviews about the Diorskin Nude BB Creme so I popped over to the counter to test it out and wow it did not disappoint...

Firstly I'm a sucker for packaging but how beautiful is this. So as the product suggests it is a nude glow skin-perfecting beauty balm with an SPF 10 sun protection (exactly what I need now that the weather is warming up). It comes in 5 expert shades that match every skin tone, I have 002, and claims to moisturise, smooth, protect and correct the skin. The product itself has a light airy formula and the lady at the counter told me it is enhanced with mineralised floral water and a blend of antioxidants.  What I particularly like about the creme is that it has a surprise pump once opened as you can see below. Let's face it, there's nothing worst when the product gets everywhere when you are trying to dispense it. 

I blend it in using just my fingers and it glides on really easy as if you were rubbing in a moisturiser. My skin instantly absorbs it and I can honestly say I am left with an even skin tone that has a fresh glow and dewy finish. It simply illuminates my skin and I never thought there would be a day when I left the house with just a BB creme on. Yes it does have a light coverage, but it is just perfect for those days when you want minimal effort with great results. As you can see from the before and after shots below, it really warms the skin, great for summer, and also helps to fill out fine lines. If you are after a dewy finish then I would totally recommend this, however, for those who are a bit more oily than perhaps you might want something slightly more mattifying. Once I apply I do tend to sweep over some loose powder on my T-zone but apart from that I like to let my skin do the talking.

While it is in the high-end price range, I totally think it is worth the money. This is the first BB creme I have ever purchased, but after buying this, I think I may be make some more BB purchases in the future. 

For something with a bit more coverage than, check out my review of the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation. 

If anyone else has tried this let me know, or if there are any other similar products you can recommend, comment below. 

Love Nic

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MAY FAVOURITES

May is my favourite month, not just because my birthday falls in this month, but everything is just so much brighter and fresher - clothes, weather, makeup and even people. Long gone are the dark, dreary evenings and helllooo sunshine. 

There's just been so many products that I've been loving so far this month, so I thought why not do my monthly faves now - especially since my birthday is coming up and I will be doing a lot of blogging around then. I have used all the products featured for quite some time now so I feel I can give you quite an honest review...

So I've been on the lookout for a light day foundation for a while now and last month after testing out the popular Estee Lauder Double Wear and the Double Wear Light I went for the latter. I tend to stray away from heavy matte looking foundations and love products that give me fresh dewy looking skin. Like the DW the DWL has a 15-hour wear and this is definitely the case. It leaves you with a natural finish and compared to the DW, which feels much heavier on the skin, the lighter version is just that. It is so comfortable to wear and apply. It blends into the skin so easy - I use a damp beauty blender - and I just can't express enough how natural looking it is while still giving you good coverage. I would say this foundation is definitely for the day and perhaps if you wanted something more matte than DW would be more suitable. I have the shade intensity 2 which is a light to medium creamy beige, but I think there are about 6 different shades to choose from. So if you're looking for something light for the summer - you have to give this a go. 

I've always been a fan of the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector - its non-sticky formula, pretty smell and the way it made my lips feel so moisturised. Well if you haven't tried the new-ish Clarins Natural Lip Perfector Balms then you have to. The stick form balms have the same sheer colour and truly feel so nice to use. They have nourishing mango, vitamin e and natural peptide to help boost hydration - perfect.  I think the packaging is also so sleek and pretty I just love getting it out. It comes in 6 shades - getting more pigmented as the range foes along. I have the shade 03 My Pink, which you can see in the picture above. 

For some reason I just can't get enough of Clarins this month. I was given this Bronzing Duo Mineral Powder Compact in the shade 02 medium as a freebie when I was bought some other products. I normally use Nars Laguna as my bronzer, but it was nice to try something different for a change. You have a darker bronze colour on the right and a lighter shader on the left for a highlighter. I just sweep my brush in both colours and apply. What I do like about this is the natural sun-kissed look it gives you. While it may not be as pigmented as Nars Laguna on days when you want an effortless bronzed look this is perfect. It does make the skin look dewy which I love. However, I would say if you want something to contour with than this doesn't give you as much definition. 

Since my brother's wedding last summer I have been growing my nails. Before that I was a serial nail-biter since I can remember. I still think my nails could be a lot stronger and less brittle, but boy do I love painting my nails. At Christmas I was given the Ciate Manor advent calendar and this Cupcake Queen colour was one of the 24 minis included. It's perfect for the summer and I must say it looks wicked with a tan. It also looks great with gold rings. 

It takes a lot for me to move away from my dear St Tropez tan, but when I was in boots recently I was looking for a moisturiser and noticed this Dove Summer Glow Self Tan Nourishing Lotion. So while this lotion is infused with intense moisturisers to pamper and nourish dry skin, it also provides a subtle self-tanning agent. When I first applied it I made sure I had exfoliated, and my skin just absorbed it really quickly. It does give an instant sheen to the skin, you know that look when it looks like you're wearing tights. However, it was not until the next morning that I really noticed the results. I had a lovely glowing bronzed look which was subtle and really made me look healthy, I was really impressed. It obviously wasn't as intense as fake tan, but in a sense, that's great because it's a much more natural look. However, one thing I would say is you have to make sure you wash your hands after application because otherwise you will have orange hands. Also I would pay particular attention to dry areas like elbows and ankles, because if you don't exfoliate properly the colour tends to build up. This lotion is available in fair-to-medium and medium-to-dark, which I have and you can also get it without the shimmer. 

Lastly, perhaps not a scent for summer but still one I have been loving -  Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. It has a sexy, fresh and oriental fragrance made up of orange blossom, rose, jasmine and mimosa. I must say at first spray it can be quite strong but I love it and have had so many compliments when I wear it. So if you're near a Chanel counter make sure to give this a smell.

Has anyone tried these products? If so, let me know I would love to know what you think of them.

Love Nic

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DKNY BAG // BRYANT PARK TWO-TONE LEATHER TOTE

I love bags there's no doubt about it but my problem, when I find one I like, I use it for ages and forget about all the rest in the closet. I was given this DKNY Bryant Park black and taupe saffiano leather tote as a Christmas present and have used it non-stop since. Its sophisticated and sleek style means it's great for work, while also  being perfect for the evening. As summer draws nearer I think it's time to switch up my bag so I thought I would show this one off one last time...

So the details... this bag has a detachable adjustable shoulder strap (perfect for when at work especially when I'm interviewing on the go), gold tone hardware, hanging tag, internal zip fastening pocket, patch pocket and printed lining. It comes with a dust bag and the shoulder strap is 22 inches. Also just in case you were wondering its 14in x 8in.

When I first started using this bag I had so many compliments and I personally think it just oozes sophistication and quality. It is also really easy to clean - just with a damp cloth very durable. It's the perfect size for work and for a day out shopping!

This was my first DKNY bag, but after using this one I would love to purchase more and more and more. If anyone can recommend one please let me know especially one for summer. 

A bag lover? Read my other post about my Michael Kors bag here.

Love always

Nic

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HAIR ROUTINE // JOHN FRIEDA

I'm forever on the look-out for hair products that will give my flat and thin locks some va va voom! When I tried this Luxurious Volume line from John Freida about a year ago I instantly fell in love and to be honest nothing has come close since. They truly give body to lifeless hair, so if your in need of some volume, give it a go...

So from left to right we have the Luxurious Volume styling spray, root booster, shampoo and conditioner.

John Frieda claims the shampoo and conditioner adds noticeable more volume to fine hair and gently cleanses the hair without weighing it down - making it easy to comb through. Even after one use my hair feels really cleansed and so light and airy. It doesn't leave any build-up behind which could weigh my hair down, and let's face it, no one wants that. By using the conditioner too, it is so easy to comb through my hair. I used to use the Tresemme 24-hour Body and while the two are comparable - JF has my vote any day. 

Out of all the products my favourite by far has to be the root booster. You spray the lotion on towel-dry-hair focusing solely on the roots before blow drying. I do spray quite a lot into the roots but the results are the worth the extra effort. Once dry, my hair is noticeably thicker and fuller and with a little back combing, hello va va voom! I think a good test of a product is when you don't use something, and let me tell you, when I don't use it I can tell the difference and my hair goes back to being lifeless. I'm sure this little wonder will be part of my routine for a long time! 

Unlike the root booster, you use the styling spray throughout towel-dry-hair, and it claims to create the illusion of more hair and make the lengths and ends of the hair thicker from the inside out. I wouldn't go that far, but it does add thickness to the hair. I don't use this product as much, only on a night out when I want a lot of volume, however I don't think it's as good as the root booster. 

With this spray you do have to blow dry your hair to activate the product, so if your the type that likes to let your hair dry naturally than this is not for you. 

For more details on the type of hair dryer I use to blow dry my hair check out my Phil Smith post.

Have you tried these products? What do you think?

Love Nic

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LIBERATION SPECIAL // 1940S MAKE-UP

"And our dear Channel Islands are also to be freed today ..." 

Winston Churchill

It was on 9th May 1945 that Guernsey was liberated from 5 years of German rule in the Second World War. Today marks the 70h anniversary of Liberation Day - a time when islanders can look back and reflect and remember all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Without their sacrifice Guernsey and Europe could have been a very different place. There are plenty of events taking place today and tomorrow to celebrate, but I thought I would pick out some Liberation inspired products to get that perfect 1940s look... #Liberation70 

So when I think of 1940s make-up, the first thing that springs to mind is lipstick and red, red, red! This was the colour of the decade, though there was variation in the red, from the classic pillar box to reds with undertones of blue, brown, orange and pink. Lipstick was matte so if a shine was required, a dab of petroleum jelly was applied. Lipsticks were also really staining so a little went a long way - perfect for wartime skimping. For my 1940s inspired look I picked out the Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 111 - Kiss of Life. This lipstick glides on the lips and feel quite weightless, with the deeper shades in particular they are very smooth and even. Although it is matte, it has a slight sheen to it, which I love and it feels quite moisturising. Plus this range is quite affordable. 

Very little make-up was used on the eyes but during the late 1940s eye started to be seen on the upper eye lids. My go-to eye liner at the moment is the Eyeko Skinny Liquid Liner. The liner is a deep-black with a glossy finish and the tip is firm and comes to a fine point. Although you can create thick or fine lines, I find it much easier to create thicker lines, perfect for the vintage look. However, I tend to use it by pressing it sideways on your lid and sweeping the pen across. The tip seems to dry out quickly, so applying the liner straight on is not the best. 

To finish the eye look off, a coat or two of mascara is needed and all I have been using in the past year has been the Benefit They're Real. There's no denying it I love, love, love this product. This jet-black mascara lengthens, curls, volumes, lifts and separates lashes like no other and the brush is specially designed to maximise the performance of the long-wearing, glossy formula. The bristles grab close to the root, give you an instant boost in length and volume. 

Lastly blush, or back in the 1940s, rouge. Back during the war, rouge came in little cardboard pots of compressed powder and popular colours were in peachy, coral and pink tones. Colours were also geared towards a healthy glow, so fast forward 70 years and my favourite for creating a soft fresh look is the new Max Factor Creme Puff Blush. I have the colour 5 Lovely Pink and if you haven't tried this range then I promise you need to give it a go. It just leaves the skin looking so soft and youthful and with the added shimmer it makes your skin look so dewy.

Just as a bit of fun I thought I would also include some nail varnishes to represent the Union Flag colours. To create the blue I think this Ciate in Frozen Daydream would be perfect and because it's a glitter it's sure to add a sparkle to any look. I also bought this Rimmel Rita Ora 60 Seconds in 703 White Hot Love, which is a true white colour - looks particularly good if you have a tan. Lastly and my favourite the Nails Inc. Gel Effect The Boltons. It just oozes deluxe and that's the effect you get on your nails and lasts considerably longer than other polishes. 

So on this 70th anniversary of Liberation, let us not forget all those that paid with their lives to give us our freedom. 

For a live blog of all the events going on today visit www.guernseypress.com

Love Nic

x

COOKING // COURGETTE TART

I love the warm weather! Not only does it mean BBQs, Pimms and flip flops but in our family it also signals the beginning of fresher, lighter (and normally healthier) food! With an afternoon free I decided to test my culinary skills by cooking a Courgette Tart with a Roasted Tomato Coulis from Paul Hollywood's book How to Bake! Hands up I didn't make my own puff pastry, but it was actually surprisingly simple and went down an absolute treat with the fam. The tomato coulis was my favourite, it was packed with so much flavour and I even used it as a salad dressing the next day. So if you fancy trying something new, you have to give this a go....

How good do these tomatoes look after being roasted in the oven with some garlic for half-an-hour yummy!

For this recipe you will need:

• 250g puff pastry 

For the topping:

• Olive oil for cooking and sprinkling
• 1 large red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• Caster sugar for sprinkling
• 500g courgettes
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Freshly grated Parmesan

For the roasted tomato coulis

• About 600g large, ripe tomatoes, halves
• 3 garlic cloves unpeeled
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Olive oil for drizzling 
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• Sea salt and coarsely ground black pepper
• Handful of fresh basil leaves

Method

1. First make the coulis. Heat your oven to 220C. Put the tomatoes, cut side up, in a roasting tin. Add the garlic and trickle over the balsamic vinegar. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with the sugar and season lightly with sale and coarse black pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes until very soft and juicy and slightly covered on the top. Allow to cool. Peel the garlic and put the cloves, along with the tomatoes and any juices from the roasting tin, into a blender. Add the basil and bit more olive oil. Blitz thoroughly, then pass through a sieve into a bowl to make a smooth sauce. Check the seasoning, cover and chill until needed. 
2. Meanwhile for the topping heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan and gently fry the onion until softened. Add a sprinkling of sugar and cook for another couple of minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside. 
3. Plunge the courgettes slices into a saucepan of boiling water, blanch for a minute or two, then drain, pat dry and leave to cool. 
4. Line a baking try with baking parchment or silicone paper. 
5. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a large circle about 2mm thick. Using a large plate as a guide cut out a 26cm round. Prick all over with a fork and use the tip of a knife to lightly mark a 2cm boarder all around the edge. Place on the prepared baking tray. Chill for 30 minutes. 
6. Heat your oven 200C. Spoon the red onion over the pastry within the boarder and then arrange the courgette slices in layers over the top, overlapping them slightly. Sprinkle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Brush the pastry boarder with beaten egg.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. Allow to cool. Before serving, brush with a little more olive oil and squeeze over some lemon juice. Finish with a fine grating of Parmesan and a few twists of the pepper mill. Serve with a spoonful of tomato coulis on the side and a light summer salad. 

Let me know what you think if you try this!

Love Nic x

FEELUNIQUE HAUL

Online shopping... so convenient but so damaging for your purse right? I was in bed one night recently browsing the net when I had an email from Feelunique about its current offers. Like a bee to its hive, I was straight on there and adding things to my basket! Here's what I bought...

With my birthday coming up at the end of the month, I ordered the Starting Over Age-erasing Eye Cream as an early present from my parents, although it's getting wrapped up straight away. As I mentioned in a previous post, I contacted the Origins live team via email to ask about what products would be best for my normal skin type while also helping to hide fine lines around my eyes. This little pot was recommended to me and claims to instantly plump dry lines to give eyes a more rested and youthful appearance. I'm really excited to try it and given the results from other Origins products I have I'm sure it will not disappoint  I will let you know after my birthday what it's like. If you have it however, please let me know what you think.

I have been a super fan of Tanya Burr for the past four years and I already have some of her lip glosses, nail varnishes and eyelashes. But I thought I would treat myself to some more since Feelunique has a TB half price sale right now. First up I heard so many raving reviews about the Daydream lipgloss and I LOVE it! It's the perfect colour for day time, work, and even the night when you have a heavy eye look. As the name suggests its a soft, natural, and neutral colour and to be honest it just makes your own lip colour look 100% better! One thing with the TB lip glosses is that compared to some other brands they just aren't sticky and the applicator makes it really easy to glide on. If you don't own any, you have to buy one especially at £3.50 in the sale right now!

It's not often that I wear eyelashes but when I do I like them to look natural while adding plenty of volume and length. These 'Pretty Lady' pair are perfect! Rather than being the same length right across these dip in and out and I love that in a pair of eyelashes. While I have yet to try these ones, I have tried one of Tanya's other pairs, Date Night, and believe me when I say they are so easy to apply. The lash band is so flexible and once you have applied the glue and allowed it to dry slightly, it's as simple as placing on your eyelashes and go! I am also a big fan of Millie Mackintosh's eyelash range and these are on the same par. 

I must thank my housemate at university for getting me into fake tan about 5 years ago. Ever since then whenever I feel the need to fake it, I always reach for St Tropez! I now have my routine down to a tee, which involves exfoliating, moisturising and application. My old exfoliating gloves were heading for the bin so I saw these He-Shi gloves that claim to gently remove dead skin cells and prep the skin to help a perfectly bronzes tan last longer. 

Next to the tan and to be honest I have not strayed away from the St Tropez self-tanning bronzing mousse. I apply it in the evenings using examination gloves rather than a mitt, because I find a mitt soaks in all the tan and you end up having to use more. The mousse textures makes it SO easy to apply and streak-free. I normally sleep in the tan and wash it in the morning, revealing a lovely natural looking tan. Areas I would be extra careful with are the elbows and hands particularly if they are dry because the tan will build up there so make sure you moisturise. 

If you have any of these products let me know what you think of them or if you can recommend anything comment below!

Love Nic

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