Glorious...

A little something I've been using a lot lately is the cutely-packaged and sweet smelling "Hand Food" by British brand Soap & Glory.

I'd used other products from their range before (mainly bath stuff) but not the hand cream. This one was actually a present from Sarah of Temporary Secretary, sent as part of a 'care package' that she posted to me full of lots of cute things!

The tube I have is in the handy travel size, and it really lasts quite awhile. I've been using it on nearly every flight since I got it a few months ago and it's only just started to run out.

The pros are it doesn't feel too greasy and you don't need a lot to get the job done. Some people who are sensitive to fragrance might not like the smell but then again that's true of most of the S&G range. However I find fragrance to be a bonus in my job as not only will it function as a hand cream but also as a 'stink shield' in the event of a smelly cabin; just a dab under my nose can get me through the worst clouds made onboard with a smile! ;P

Previously Soap & Glory was only available in the UK but I have since seen it sold at Sephora in the US and also in various locations in Oz. For my Dubai peeps who don't travel, you can buy it at most Boots outlets. (Keep an eye out for the 3-for-2 specials to get extra bang for your buck!)

June Empty- Fa Silk & Magnolia

I didn't get through many empties in June, given that I was off from work a lot and not using as many products as normal. So I only have one empty for this post, which is Fa Shower Cream.

To be honest I hate paying a lot for shower gels/creams since generally they mostly do the same thing and often aren't as moisturising as they claim. This one fits the bill nicely since it doesn't cost a lot and has a nice fragrance. It's a 'Cream & Oil' so you don't need much to get a nice lather. It's not wimpy lather either, feels nice and soapy and takes awhile to wash off completely. The fragrance is 'Silk & Magnolia'. It's fairly strong and leaves traces after you shower, which I like. Doesn't clash too much with perfume though. This actually reminds me of the old Dove Cherry Blossom Shower Creme Oil which I used to use back home, but haven't seen here.

Overall I like this product and have bought it again, gives a nice smell, lathers well and doesn't set me back the earth like other brands here might.

Cost: Dhs15 (About USD$4.10)

Gettin' Savvy

Good news, Priceline fans! (Why did I think of Professor Farnsworth just then?)

Anyway, if you are a Priceline addict like me, you'll be happy to know that the brand Savvy by DB is back in stock in stores. It disappeared off shelves last year, and I was sad it had gone until one of the store assistants told me that it was for re-branding and changing of packaging, not because it was being discontinued. (Which is what usually happens to products I like.)

Aside from work, I only wear lipstick occasionally. Usually it's nude or neutral tones rather than brights, though I have been experimenting with these lately as well. My first go-to shade was a Maybelline, but when it ran out and I bought a replacement in the US, I hated it because the texture was weird and it was so hard to put it on smoothly. It dragged at my lips and made them feel gross. Since I didn't buy it again I'm not sure if it was a one-off production error or if they had changed the formula.

Back to Savvy! I really like it as a range for basics, and to cheaply experiment with colour trends as everything in the range is under $15. Most things which are over $10 are brushes or kits. The makeup items are generally about $8 at the most for fancy eyeliners. I'd been using Savvy for work shades, but since the prices are so reasonable I decided to try out some colours I normally wouldn't.

My latest purchase is their standard lipstick in "Guava". It's slightly shimmery, peachy-pink leaning more toward the orange tones. Easy to put on and I love the colour; it really picks up my complexion and gives me a pop of colour. I'd always been shy of orange/peach tones because I always thought I had yellow undertones to my skin but to my surprise they actually really suit me. The day I bought it I got compliments from three shopgirls on it, so it's doing something right!

Now of course being a cut-price product it's not super glam like department store brands, but I really couldn't tell much difference between Savvy and say, Maybelline or Rimmel. The staying power isn't horrible but not super either, but I didn't expect that given it's not advertised as a long lasting. I do need to touch up if I drink out of a glass or eat something substantial but generally there is colour still left on my lips.

My only real gripe has been with past Savvy lipsticks; after some time in my handbag the lids have become loose and tended to fall off. Since this one has the new tube, I'll keep an eye out and see if it makes any difference.

For under $5 you really can't go wrong, especially if you love to try out colours you're unsure of. The range doesn't seem to get updated hugely often but the eye products do change enough that you'd find some variety. It's also good because you can find something you liked last season and want to buy again. Most girls would find at least one lipstick they like in the range, as there's some for all skin tones and range from neutrals to classic colours and neon brights.

Now if only I can work out how to stop my lipsticks breaking in the Dubai heat...! Feel free to post your tips below.

Savvy is available from Priceline stores, range may vary between locations. This product was purchased by me, all opinions and comments are my own.

March Empty...

I've seen quite a lot of bloggers do posts about the empty jars & bottles of products they use up. I'd never bothered before but while cleaning out my bathroom recently I decided that I'd take a picture of the empties I found & do some posts about them.

This is a 'Premium Spa' Frangipani & Coconut Body Scrub which I bought from Priceline for $14.95.  I've actually been using this for about 3 years now. I know I've seen it for sale in a couple of other places, but not consistently, so Priceline would be your best bet. This is a large tub, but you can also get a travel-friendly size. When I'm next in Oz I plan to get the smaller size and refill it from my large tub to take when I go on work trips.

It's a nice consistency; not too rough but enough to do the job. It's thick enough and you can change it up if using in the shower depending on how wet your hands are when you apply. I tend to use this once or twice every week to two weeks, as a full body scrub- both with and without a brush.

The scent is gorgeous- I'm not usually a fan of coconut, or even strong frangipani smells on their own, but this combo is divine. It makes you feel like you're at the beach or just back from holidays.

The tub lasted ages- I brought the first one back with me shortly after moving to Dubai in 2010, and only bought a replacement tub last month. A little goes a long way- about a teaspoonful should be heaps for a leg/arm scrub, and a bit more if you like to use a lot.

Brand: Premium Spa

Jar Size: 500g/17.7oz

Verdict: Would purchase again. Great value scrub that lasts for ages.

(This review is my own opinion, product was purchased with my own money)

Product Review: Banila Hand Cream

On one of my trips to Korea, I ventured upon a cute cosmetics store called Banila Co. It was filled with the usual assortment of Asian cosmetics- bright blushes, an array of fruity smelling face creams, masks in sachets and an range of eye makeup in every colour of the rainbow.

One of my favourite finds was this hand cream, with the cute name of 'Give Me Your Hand'. I purchased the Redcurrant scent, but it also comes in two others which I can't recall at the moment.

Red-Currant Face Pack (Mask/Gel) & Hand Cream

The scent is amazing, and while the cream is slightly greasy feeling at first, if you control the amount used it sinks in very quickly and leaves hands quite soft. I would use this last, before trying to put on jewellery or other fiddly tasks. The scent is lovely but might be too sweet for some. It lasts awhile but not too long to be annoying. All in all I was very happy with this & would definitely buy it again. In fact, I bought the matching 'face pack' on my next visit.

How adorable is the packaging?

 

Sorry- ingredients are only listed in Korean

Currently listed for 8,000won (approx AUD$6.50 at current exchange rates) on the Banila Co website)

I'm not sure if they ship outside of Korea/Asia, but you could probably find this product in other online stores.

Cosmetic Review: Besame Classic Color Lipstick

I've been very behind with this blog post but finally I'm glad to be able to share it with you. Part of the delay was in getting some good photos that I was happy with, but the other night I finally managed to get the elements together that I wanted for the photos.



The lovely Gabriela from Besame Cosmetics sent me a 'Classic Color' lipstick to try out for myself. I'd long been an admirer of the range both for its vintage appeal and also the natural pigments- the reds of which are reproductions of the shades used in old Hollywood films. How glam! :)

Of the ingredients, Gabriela says on the website:


Formulations that I consider responsible luxury, non-toxic, natural, and beneficial to your skin, while still retaining the feel and performance of a truly luxurious product. A mix of today's cutting edge technology and some wonderful natural ingredients that have proven benefits to your skin.

Aloe, ginseng, olive oil, green tea, jojoba oil, rose waxes, lavender flower extract, avocado oil, just to name few. Ingredients that go beyond the glamour and contribute to your well being, delivering the quality that has become synonymous with Besame Cosmetics.

The lipstick arrived in my mailbox the morning I left for a trip, I was excited to try it out but had to wait until I got back. It went in my suitcase and gave me something to look forward to when I arrived at the hotel.

This version of their lipsticks comes presented in a cute velvet pouch for safekeeping. The case is a nice metal embossed with the signature chysthanthemums and the Besame name.

It is heavy enough to be substantial but not too heavy. The size is a little bit smaller than my Maybelline Color Sensational, but still plenty big enough.

The lipstick itself is in the old 'blunt bullet' shape which means you can use either the edge for lining or the blunt face for coloring. Very handy actually!



The shade I tried out is called 'Dusty Rose'. It's a nice, slightly dark pinky brown. The Classic Color comes in 12 different shades, with a good range including a coral-type for those girls who like their bright colors.



I also got a pamphlet in the package which tells a bit about some of the Besame range. The Classic Color lipstick includes Vitamin A, E & C as well as aloe and green tea. I definitely noticed this when I tried it out. Felt very moisturising, but not too shiny or slippery- almost like a balm which is a nice change from the usual drying-out feeling I get from some other lipsticks. (The website describes the CC lipstick as "semi matte"). It also has a slight but pleasant fragrance, nothing too strong but quite soothing which I am guessing is from the aloe and other oils used in the products such as jojoba and avocado.

Photo showing me with makeup but before applying the lipstick.

The colour coverage was great; It only took one sweep to get a deep colour. While I didn't do any heavy-duty eating, I did have a drink out of a glass and while there was a little bit of transfer (usual I think with moisturising lipstick) it wasn't anything major. For me, I usually reapply after eating or drinking so personally I wouldn't find it a problem at all had it been more left.




As I don't usually wear a lipliner for everyday (non-work) wear, I tested this the same way, with just the lipstick. I didn't notice any feathering, even though the colour is quite dark on me. I hate it when my lipstick feathers so this was a plus for me. I think for a deep red a liner would be a good idea anyway, but for this shade it wasn't really necessary.



Another way I tried this lipstick was to put it on & then blot some of the colour away, leaving more of a stain and then some gloss on the top for a more understated look. I liked this method for times when I didn't want so much colour. For night time wear, I'd probably wear it right out of the tube. The only negative would be if you don't like a lipstick that's not matte. In which case one of the other formulas might suit you better. For me, I don't like totally matte so this is a nice compromise.

Overall, I really liked this lipstick, and when payday allows will be getting one of the reds for work. =)

Currently the Classic Color is available to purchase online for $22USD. Considering the packaging I think this is very reasonable. In Australia, the Maybelline I used everyday retails between $12-16AUD and my L'Oreal between $22 to $30AUD. Those are lipsticks I don't know the ingredients of and also with plastic packaging. Besame Classic Color comes in a very attractive tube which is more substantial and an accessory in itself!

(For those of you who are eco-conscious, metal tubes are great for re-using once your colour is done- just Google for how to re-make your lipstick using the tubes)

Overall, I was very happy with the product and think any girl would love to have a little bit of glamour back in her makeup bag, without breaking the bank.

Thanks Gabriela!

Be sure to check out the Besame website as there are some cool instructional videos and other vintage-styled makeup products that might be just what you're looking for to complete your look.



(Note: In the interests of transparency; my Classic Color was sent to me as a gift from Besame Cosmetics. All views are my own and aside from the product gift I was not paid for my review. You should read my review in conjunction with the Besame website to decide if this product is right for your personal circumstance.)

Makeup: Cover Girl Advanced Radiance Foundation in Buff Beige, CG Eyeshadow Quad in Country Woods, CG TruBlend Minerals Powder Compact in #2 Creamy Natural, Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascara in Black & Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in C212 Dusty Rose.