Monday 31 March 2014

Roger & Gallet - Rose and Fleur d'Osmanthus Hand & Nail Creams

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well! Roger & Gallet being a long time favourite brand of mine, tend to get me ridiculously excited with new releases to their permanent line. As you all know, I'm such a huge fan of their fragrance waters, shower gels, and body moisturisers, so when I discovered they were releasing a range of new hand and nail creams, I knew I had to have them!


First up we have the Rose Hand & Nail Cream. This little beauty contains Shea Butter and Rose Extract to moisturise, soften and soothe tired hands. I am in love with the scent of this product. It's an incredibly delicate scent, that smells like a thousand rose petals have been pressed together to make this cream. You really only need the smallest amount of product because it spreads and sinks in beautifully. It leaves your hands feeling incredibly soft and nurtured. I just love it!


The Fleur d'Osmanthus Hand & Nail Cream is more heavily scented but no less wonderfully! It's fresh, it's zingy and the scent lingers long after the creams itself has sunk in. This also contains Shea Butter, but also Apricot Oil to nourish and protect your hands and nails. I can see myself using this during the Summer months to hydrate my hands. The scent just screams Summer to me, as with the original fragrance, which this stays true to.


Both of these hand and nail creams that Roger & Gallet have given us are a real treat! I can only hope and pray that they expand the range and bring out some of my favourite scents to accompany these beauties!

It was pointed out to me in my last R&G post, that nobody seems to love this brand more than me, and you know, that's true. Roger & Gallet never disappoint, I'm always so excited to try new products, and anything from the permanent line that I haven't gotten around to yet. There is something about Roger & Gallet, they just seem to release products that everyone can love and appreciate, and in turn, we have to appreciate R&G for that, because there are no filler products in their collection! Everything is just beautiful and that's why I love them so much! From packaging to the product it contains, it's absolute perfection!

That's it for now ladies,
I hope you enjoyed!
What are your thoughts on R&G's new Hand Creams?
Will you be trying them?!
As always, let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea

Monday 24 March 2014

Kerstin Florian - Hyaluronic Serum

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well! Today's post is about a brand that is totally new to me 'Kerstin Florian'. I guess as a beauty blogger and as a gal who's approaching 30, I made the conscious decision a few years ago to take my skincare routine very seriously. But like everything else it's been a learning curve, and it's not something that you can just snap a book shut on and say 'I have nothing else to learn.' There are always new products, new ingredients, and new ways of phrasing ingredients to blindside you into thinking you need it. We need to be sensible, we need to know when to hold back, be more frugal, and also we need to know when to cash out, to splurge. Of course you can chop and change with what works for you, there's no manual. It can be increasingly difficult to find what works for you, especially if one product isn't working, it can have a knock on effect with the rest of your regime. Which is what happened to me a few months ago, I had the goods to kick my skin into gear, but I was missing a key ingredient, enter Kerstin Florian and her incredible Hyaluronic Serum.


If you perhaps haven't heard of Hyaluronic Acid or HA if you will, (too much Breaking Bad) I cordially invite you to crawl out of the rock you may or may not have been living under, dust yourself off and pull up a chair yo. Hyaluronic Acid is something you want and need to know about, it attracts 50 times its weight in water, to help you achieve pretty incredible skin hydration. It also attracts and binds the moisture to our skins surface to help create and maintain softness and suppleness. Sounds pretty great for every skin type right?

But that my friends is not all this serum does, it improves our skins tolerance to environmental irritations, and increases it's elasticity and firmness, perfect for protecting against the signs of ageing. It also contains a huge amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients for the skin.

The key ingredients are of course our new BFF Hyaluronic Acid, Chamomile Extract to balance and sooth irritated skin, Bitter Orange, Lavender and Geranium Oils to scent the product so beautifully that you feel like you could be having a professional facial, not only that but the oils also help to promote healing and balance within the skin.


So, my final thoughts on this product? I love it, it's given my skin the ultimate kick it needed to ensure my other products did their jobs as effectively as possible. Now my skin is in the best condition it has ever been, it is a key part of a routine I feel I have finally gotten down. As I said skincare and your own skin are always going to be a learning curve, so get to know it, find out what it needs and what it responds to. Don't just assume that because your current routine isn't working that you need to bin all your products, add something new into the mix that you feel like your skin may be lacking, who knows what might happen? When I did, with Kerstin Florian's Hyaluronic Serum it was the missing piece of the puzzle!

That's it for now ladies,
I hope you enjoyed!
What are your thoughts on Hyaluronic Acid?
Are you a fan?
As always, let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea

Friday 21 March 2014

Ziaja - SenSitive Skincare Range

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well. Today's review is about a new favourite brand of mine, Ziaja. I fell in love pretty quickly with their range of Micellar Waters which you can read a full review on here. It didn't take long after that for me to be bitten by the curiosity bug.


I have to admit, I was quite the skincare snob before Ziaja came into my life. I was a firm believer in 'you get what you pay for',  all that has been turned on it's ear. Ziaja was sort of the equivalent of a new boyfriend, you don't expect much, but then he pleasantly surprises you, and you feel guilty for under estimating him in the first place. So ladies, let me introduce you to my new boyfriend.


The Ziaja SenSitive Micellar Water contains zero parabens, alcohol or perfume. Perfect for those with easily irritated skin, those who are prone to flare ups, if you have sensitive eyes, or you're a contact lens wearer, this has you covered. My skin can be quite dehydrated to the point of actually being sensitive, I found it perfect for tackling those issues.


The SenSitive Skin Creamy Wash Gel for Face & Body has been a godsend to this house. My daughter suffers with sporadic cases of Eczema, and can be quite sensitive in other areas too, which as you can imagine, tends to cost a pretty penny when it does happen, in the past I would have gone for brands like Elave etc, but this does exactly the same thing, at a fraction of the price. It contains no soap, silicone's or parabens, which of course is a fantastic thing when it comes to little princess's with sensitive skin issues.


The Soothing Day Cream with SPF20, is fantastic for so many reasons. I find it makes an excellent base for foundation, as well as providing you with your daily dose of SPF protection. It sinks in so quickly, it's light, airy and just leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth and protected!


The second part of your dynamic skincare duo is the SenSitive Skin Firming Night Cream. Don't be perturbed by the fact that it's a 'firming' night cream, I think at this stage no matter what age we are, we all know that prevention is better than the cure right?! Again, like the day cream before it, this is free of nasties, and has a lovely emulsion texture to it, and really feels like it's doing your skin some good. It is one of my favourites from the range.


Last but by no means least, is my stand out product from the collection. The SenSitive Skin Enzyme Peel. Again free from all nasty ingredients, and not just that, but this is one hell of a product for a number of reasons. This is comparable to a number of more expensive peels I have tried, The SkinCeuticals Retexturing Activator €72, REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Peel €38, NeoStrata Glycolic Peel €35 to name but a few, this Ziaja SenSitive Skin Peel does exactly the same job as all of the above, and for a tiny fraction of the price compared to most products, coming in at €4.99. It really makes you question why you've been spending huge amounts of money on your skincare items when you have a brand offering you exactly the same if not a little better, at such a genuinely reasonable price! This product is just perfect, I'm currently trialing the other peels in the Ziaja range so keep an eye out for that review coming soon!

That's it for now ladies,
I hoped you've enjoyed,
What are your thoughts on the SenSitive Skin Range from Ziaja?
Any stand out products for you?
As always, let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea



Ziaja can be purchased online from www.originalbeauty.ie
You can also follow Ziaja Ireland on:
Twitter: here
Facebook: here

Wednesday 19 March 2014

The Body Shop - My Top Fragrances

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well! Today I wanted to share with you my all time favourite fragrances from The Body Shop. My love affair began almost 20 years ago, I was 9 and helping my mother with a raffle in myself and my brothers primary school. You could buy three envelopes for 50p (I'm feeling terribly old) in the hope that in one of those envelopes, you would find a ticket. So my brother found one, and his prize was a 'White Musk' hamper of goodies from The Body Shop, he of course was not overwhelmed with his win, so I offered to give him one months pocket money in exchange for the hamper. He happily accepted. I can still remember feeling so grown up, me and my White Musk hamper. At the age of 10, I felt so sophisticated with my very own bottle of perfume. I wore it every day, and I remember being so disappointed when it ran out. Now, as an adult it's a fragrance I ensure that will always remain in my collection.


Since then, as much as I love the original White Musk, my love of TBS fragrances has taken me down a few different roads, none straying too far from the White Musk family as you can see from the above picture, but in my opinion all just as beautiful in their own way, lets take a closer look.


Let's start with Indian Night Jasmine, this used to be 'Neroli Jasmine', but it was renamed and repackaged not so long ago, I just adore the scent, I feel like this could potentially be quite a unisex fragrance because of the Jasmine and neroli it so beautifully encompasses. It's quite a sophisticated scent, very wearable and very distinguishable, once you know it, you could totally pick it out in a crowd. This is a fragrance mist, I do have the perfume but, I'll let you in on a little secret. I have great affection for the fragrance mists, as you can use them for so much more than perfume. My personal preference is to use them as a room spray, they stay true to the scent of perfume, and stick around for quite a while.


The White Musk fragrance mist, is just perfect. True to fragrance and true to form, this scent for the above mentioned reasons, I like to keep close by at all times. I use this as a room spray, in my Scentsy burner, as a wardrobe freshener, and I pop it on myself before bed to ensure sweet dreams and a blissful nights slumber. There is something incredibly special about this scent, and I know there are people out there who subscribe to the school of thought that white musk is white musk, it's not. For me The Body Shop White Musk, is the only one there is, it is just perfect.


White Musk Libertine is just a beautiful all rounder, it has the original white musk scent, but it's sweetened  up a little with what I can best describe as a mix of vanilla, whipped cream, almond rose, wood musk. I can also get the scent of honey in there when it dries down on me. I know that sounds pretty complex, but really all the notes mingle harmoniously to give you the most incredible day time, Spring/Summer scent. It is a very airy, very fairy scent that you can imagine catching in a cool breeze on a perfect Summer day. I love it.


White Musk Smoky Rose is the newest addition to the family, and what an addition it is. To me White Musk Smoky Rose, this is a soft, spicy, smouldering powdered rose. I really love how there seems to be the scent of tobacco in there that mingles so perfectly with the other notes in this, it's almost bewitching. This is a perfect addition to the White Musk family. Kudos to the The Body Shop for this beauty!

That's it for now ladies,
I hope you've enjoyed!
What are your favourites from TBS?
Let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea

Monday 17 March 2014

Lancome - La Vie Est Belle 'L'Eau De Toilette'

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well! Another fragrance favourite from me today! Lancome's La Vie Est Belle 'L'Eau De Toilette'! It was excitement central for me when I heard about the imminent launch of this l'EDT version of the original! I honestly cannot contain my excitement so lets dive straight in!


A reinterpretation of the original at it's finest, the fragrance now embodies magnolia essence, which freshens the original iris pallida, white flowers absolute and patchouli. For those of you who are as much in love with the EDP as I am,  La Vie Est Belle l'EDT also has the the old reliable notes that that make the original so special. Vanilla, praline, sugar, tonka bean and that delicious almond sweetness.


Coming from someone who is on her fourth bottle of the original since it's release, I have to say, I am so grateful that Lancome did not change the visual aesthetic of the bottle. There is such an incredible story behind it, which you can read in full as part of my review of the EDP here.

I think what makes this fragrance stand apart from the original, is the fact that it is more daytime wearable. The original to me would suit evening wear as it is quite complex, and depending on your personal preference maybe just a tad overpowering for daytime wear. The magnolia adds that fresh oomph to it, which would also make it a very agreeable for Spring/Summer wear. All in all, I would have to say, don't dismiss it if you think 'Oh, I know what the original scent smells like, I don't need to smell it.' because honestly, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised! I think Lancome have done a great thing here, making the fragrance almost more accessible for those who maybe thought the original was a bit too strong of heart for them. I know I for one will certainly appreciate having the choice!

That's it for now ladies!
I hope you enjoyed.
What are your thoughts on Lancome launching an EDT of the original?
Will you be tempted to have a sniff?
As always, let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea   

Wednesday 12 March 2014

L'Oreal Mythic Oil Hair Perfume

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well! My first thoughts when I heard about today's product from L'Oreal was 'A perfume for your hair, as well as your body?! Finally!' L'Oreal's Mythic Oil Hair Perfume is the first of its kind from the brand, and my my my, what a beauty it is!


The packaging is incredibly sleek and elegant, the black and gold bottle with geometric design printed in gold on the back, which can be seen when the bottle is at a window or placed in front of light is one of the little details of design I really appreciate about the packaging, it makes it feel like a very luxe product!


The fragrance oil itself is infused with mandarin, violet, jasmine, creamy vanilla and caramel. The mixture of the woody floral scent makes this one of those fragrances that totally envelopes you and pulls others in. The Argan and Sunflower oil which are of course shine enhancing. So not only are you making your hair smell absolutely beautiful, you're also refreshing your hair and adding shine!

The thing I love about this is that with it being silicone free and having such a lightweight formula, you can use it as much as you want without making your hair feel greasy or weighed down. Unlike normal perfumes, it wont dry out your hair either so you can use it without worrying that you're doing any damage. I just love this product, I love the scent, the fact that my hair smells incredible (even if I do say so myself). It's really peaked my interest to try the rest of the Mythic Line from L'Oreal. I cannot stress just how much I am enjoying this!

That's it for now ladies,
I hope you enjoyed!
What are your thoughts on hair perfume?
Will you be trying this?
Let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea

Tuesday 11 March 2014

A New Twist on an Old Favourite: Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge

Hey Ladies,

I hope you're all well. Today's post is a new offering from a brand favourite of mine, Roger & Gallet. It's no secret to you all that I just adore R&G, I really believe that when it comes to the fine art of fragrance, they can do no wrong. Gingembre Rouge is no exception!


It's hard to believe that the original Gingembre has been around for eleven years. Gingembre is definitely one of my all time favourites from the Roger & Gallet range. I cannot count the amount of people I have bought it for as a gift or recommended to someone. Everyone seems to love it and with good reason! When I heard that R&G were launching a new version of an old favourite, I just new I'd love it, no questions asked, and happily, I do!


To me, if the original Gingembre and Gucci II EDP had a baby, you would get Gingembre Rouge. Not a bad combo right? Top notes in this beauty are ginger, mandarin, and pomegranate, middle notes of litchi, mandarin blossom, and ginger blossom, and base notes of cedar, candied ginger and white musk. So you have the holy trinity of ginger, mixed with some fabulously citrus notes, and what you get is the most exquisite explosion on your sense of smell, which allows you to envision yourself strolling aimlessly through a spice souk on a warm day somewhere far far away.


Really what Roger & Gallet have given us here, is a perfect re-invention of the original, which I was convinced, could not be improved upon. Of course I still love the original, it will always have a special place in my heart, but there is something so uniquely beautiful about this scent which allows you to appreciate that sometimes, perfection can be improved upon. Roger & Gallet are consistent in giving us these beautiful fragrances, there really is something for everyone, a tried and true testament to that is the fact that my father, who has never worn or owned an aftershave in his life, is now an R&G convert, shower gels and fragrances. I know I've said it before but this is one of the only brands that I truly look forward to seeing whats coming next. It never disappoints, and that is a real rarity in the ever expanding fragrance industry. Kudos Roger & Gallet, Kudos!

That's it for now ladies,
I hope you enjoyed!
Have you tried Gingembre Rouge yet?
What is you R&G favourite?
As always, let e know below,
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea 

Monday 10 March 2014

NUXE Prodigieux Le Parfum

Hey ladies,

So after a little break, I'm back! Before we jump into today's post, I just wanted to thank you all for you're amazing words and support, it meant the world to me. If you missed it, you can look here.

So a few weeks ago I attended the launch of a new fragrance by one of my all time favourite brands NUXE.


NUXE have taken their infamous Huile Prodigieuse and created the perfect fragrance in its image. The Prodigieuse Oil has a massive cult following, so when I found out that it was to become a perfume, I had high hopes, and NUXE never being one to disappoint have knocked it out of the park.


This fragrance is absolutely an 'Aundrea will love' scent, it is described heavily as a floral scent, but to me, there is so much more depth to it than that. Top notes are orange blossom and bergamot, middle notes of rose, magnolia and gardenia, and base notes of vanilla, coconut milk and pebbles.

I feel like a lot of people will put this in the Summer fragrance category, and to some extent it is, but for me I can really picture myself wearing this on a cold Winter's night in front of the fire. When you first spray it, you're very much hit with the citrus notes, but as the fragrance dries down, it becomes more complex, notes of vanilla and bergamot become more apparent, the citrus is still there but not as strong, it really is just a perfect all rounder.

I think NUXE have done a truly incredible job with this perfume. Whenever I wear this scent (which I have been doing pretty frequently) everyone compliments it, which is fantastic because it's an excuse to send them to our local NUXE counter with a mile long list of products they just have to try!

That's it for now ladies,
I hope you enjoyed!
Have you tried the new fragrance from NUXE?
Or have I tempted you into having a sniff?!
Tell me some of your must have NUXE products!
As always, let me know below!
Until next time
xoxo
Aundrea