New year, new you

Now I am not promising any miracles with this post, especially as, like I've said numerous times, I can't proclaim to be an expert in any way shape or form. 

It's time for another swift, and not often repeated, beauty blog.   These are all things that I've personally tried and as a total beauty farty (as Ben Elton used to say - one of my all time favourite words describing a total amateur who's ever so slightly crap), the only accolade that I have is that I love them (and have purchased all myself with the exception of one Christmas gift)

They work and they make me feel better.  And at the beginning of January, we all need things that improve either our mood or our appearance.  The other option of course is footwear as, like I said the other day, shoes and boots make no judgement on how many mince pies we're carrying round our midriff.  (there may be more of these coming...footwear blogs not mince pies - dear god no more mince pies please.)

So whilst we're all on health kicks and guzzling water like it's going out of fashion, staving off the alcohol cravings till the weekend and remortgaging so we can cook everything from scratch, buying soba noodles and enough nuts and avocados to sink a battle ship, it does sort of make sense to look at some new beauty options. 

I have found a couple of things recently that I am loving.  And both are super purse friendly as well (which is handy when I'm spending the GDP of Belgium on vegetables.  This is till next week of course or more likely Thursday when I cave and beg The Husband to bring home a kebab)

Firstly a serum from M&S.  I had a tester of this that I picked up at the opening night of our new local store and the lovely lady did say that this range was developed by... some really good people.  Who also develop other great stuff for much more expensive brands.  Alas as well as snaffling the testers, I also partook in the free champagne they were throwing about and I have no recollection of which company makes this for Marks. 

But, I love it.  Really love it.  The reviews are random but today I checked and this range is specifically for 40+ whereas the age range that have left comments are much much older.  



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Personally I prefer a serum to an oil.  It's all horses for courses but I find that a serum soaks in much better than an oil which tends to leave my face looking like a Formula one test track in the rain.  I've not come across one I like as much for as reasonable a price. 

Age Repair Concentrated Serum from M&S £11



Still staying with skincare. I haven't tried the above versions of their night and day cream but they also seem very well priced.

However my current favourite brand is one that I found ages ago and it had been in storage with the rest of my stuff, but I've rediscovered it over the Christmas break and love it - The Superfacialist range from Una Brennan. 

I've been using the day and night creams and I've been so impressed that I've just bought the Cleansing Oil.  I love a cleanser that can be used to take off eye make up as well (yes I'm a lazy hound) and this looks gorgeous. 

Superfacialist Vitamin C Skin Renew Cleansing oil was £10.99 now £7.99  (actually I bought it with my points - yay Boots!) 



This is the day cream I have been using. 

Superfacialist Neroli SPF15 Super lift Day cream £15.99



And the night cream at £16.99



I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before but my absolute go to, "try to look less like a corpse", winter miracle worker is the Soleil Identite from Chanel at £30.  I also use the "intense" which, seeing as I'm verging on blue as opposed to white, really isn't that intense at all.  And a little goes a very long way so whilst it's £30 it lasts for absolutely ages.  I don't think I've bought a new one in at least two years. (no I don't use it every day but at least once a week)  It honestly has some magic ingredient that makes you look healthy - as well as the tan element obviously, it gives your skin this airbrushed look.  Someone's else words about my skin, not mine!  And that is with absolutely nothing on top of it.  

Chanel Soleil Identite in Bronze £30



My other must have winter treat is the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick in Tint - I personally love either the Plum (more plummy - quelle surprise) or the Berry which is a slightly redder shade.  I have tried numerous other more reasonably priced alternatives and frankly, none come close to the quality of this.  My lips are currently approaching cheese grater stage and so I've just ordered another one of these.  Much cheaper at Feel Unique than anywhere else (with 10% off using the code TOP10 - finishes on Tuesday though but there are always loads around with a quick google)

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick in Tint £17 pre discount






Moving onto haircare, I have strayed recently from my usual fave and I am so so pleased to see that it's on offer at the mo at Feel Unique, with free postage and a free mascara. 

Redken All Soft Duo gift set now £19.43




Whilst we're talking about new mascaras, I will admit I am not an expensive mascara purchaser.  I have used Max Factor Masterpiece Max for donkeys years, have strayed and used others but have always come back to it.  However I was recently persuaded by the lovely sales assistant in Boots to try their new one (and it was on offer....)

I'm converted and wouldn't go back. 

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Macara £9.99  I've come to the conclusion that a lot of it is in the brush.  This is ideal for putting mascara on with (ie easy...)  The False Lash Effect one by Max Factor is the worst - it's honestly like trying to apply mascara with a hairbrush. 



Finishing with a recent gift which I am in love with.   My new fragrance from Connock London - Kukui Eau du Parfum £75 for 100ml.   This is stunning.  A floral fragrance that isn't too heavy to wear during the day but isn't a light and wispy scent.  It reminds me of a cross between the floral elegance of the Aqua di Parma Magnolia or Gelsomino Nobile with the seductive warmth of a Tom Ford fragrance.  And it lasts for ages.  Perfect to wear every day. 

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I love it so much and was so so touched to receive it as a Christmas gift from Connock London, I have also purchased the matching hydrating body lotion at £32.70 for 300ml.



So there we have just a few of my "get through to the big 4-2" in a few weeks.  Anyone else have anything they've recently discovered that has made a huge difference to either how they look or how they feel?  I'd love to know - as I say this really isn't my area of expertise at all!  I'm all open to pointers. 

Outfit from today finally, the 8yr old decided that tops of heads were surplus to requirements and is duly fired as Chief Photographer.  I think he may have done it on purpose..... 

All three were back at school today, I had thought I would love another couple of days off with them but by 9.30, must admit, wasn't missing them so much.... The peace and quiet was heaven.   Scooted to Bluewater to return a gazillion things from before Christmas that didn't make the present piles and had a spot of Yo Sushi with a lovely friend.  (by the way - Mon to Frid for the next couple of weeks, they've got their £2.50 plate offer on.  I can't resist.....) 



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White collar - Cos
Black merino jumper - Uniqlo
Black triple zip skinny jeans - Mint Velvet
White leather sneakers - Zara
Camel coat - Zara
Whiskey Medium Marcie Satchel - Chloe

I somehow managed to order a whole load of stuff I have zero recollection of doing in the Zara sale which arrived today.  Don't get me wrong, I do remember doing an order but it was for the 8yr old who I am having jacket issues with (sensory Aspergers gig) and so have ordered every jacket known to man.  It appears I did the order with a couple of glasses (maybe bottles) of vino under my belt and a host of other stuff arrived.  Clearly meant for me.  I don't know which is worse - the fact I didn't remember ordering it or the fact that NONE OF IT FITS.   My sales purchasing is going really well (or really badly, depending on which Sales tribe you subscribe to).  GAH.

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CONVERSATION

24 comentarios:

  1. Kat you crack me up - literally lol-ing here. My lip are also aproaching 'cheese-grater' stage! Xx

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    1. But you know exactly what I mean, don't you?!

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  2. Oh I've done that before! Had a few drinks and ordered clothes and other silly products I didn't need lol! xx

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  3. Have you tried Boots Protect & Oerform serum? It's fab & literally like smearing on filler! Btw, the Connovk perfume - is it similar in any way to Jo Malone Amber & Lavender? Sounds gorgeous. Keep typing.

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    1. OOh no I haven't, I will. And the Kukui egg is definitely from the same stable as Amber & Lavender I would say. Warm without being overpowering. Floral but with a hint of spice. HTH!

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  4. Hear, hear......it's almost like 'drunk texting'......at least purchases can be sent back!!!!! Lol

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  5. Ahh well I drunk ordered ASOS to here in Australia and didn't realise that I had sent it to my old address (damm you drop down menu and tiny phone screens and erm wine) which unfortunately was a block of flats that posties very kindly just leave packages outside. Didn't even realise until 3 weeks later. Thats a package I never saw. Couldn't even blame ASOS

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    1. Oh. My. God. You lose!! You poor poor thing xx

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  6. I swear by Aldi's Lacura Q10 daily mosituriser with SPF15. It comes in a jar (damn nuisance if you have long nails) but recently they've brought out a tube, too. From memory it's around £2.50 a pop.
    The only beauty product I spend big-ish bucks on is YSL False lash mascara in burgundy. Seems to be the only decent mascara you can get in this colour which somehow seems more flattering than black.
    Hurrah for a fellow beauty farty!!

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    1. Oh DARN it. We only have a Lidl here. GAH. And oooh burgundy mascara, I've never thought of that. x

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  7. Hi Kat and Happy New Year. Favour - I really want to buy a pair of Mint Velvet jeans - what are the sizing/lengths like?
    Also talking about skin......I discovered the great Slim Cera Roller (£175) - amazing and after a few months my skin looks brighter and healthier. Highly recommend!

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    1. Right - they are AMAZING. Sizing I would say totally true to size and length - the normal length is the perfect 7/8ths on me at 5ft 10 and the long is good. I haven't heard of one of those rollers... I have been thinking about one of those brush thingies (see how technical?!)

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  8. Kat - also great for skin is Creme De La Mer exfoliator, very gentle (moisturisers too heavy for my skin). Cleansers - there is a fab one by Guinot Demaquillant Hydra Sensitive Gentle Cleanser 200ml around £13-£14 depending on where you buy it. For dryer skin then Guniot Lait Hydra Confort Comforting Cleansing Milk Dry Skin 200ml. Great moisturisers by Guinot too. You name it, I have tried it from ridic spenny to cheap as chips. Guinot is what I go back to time and time again. Serum wise agree that Boots Protect and Perfect Intense serum is amazing. I am now rolling my face/neck and hands with my Slim Cera - very relaxing too.

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    1. I think I used to use their Eye make up remover......... could you get it from QVC?!

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  9. I'm rather fond of a serum too so I might have to try this one although I LOVE facial oils - strictly evening only though! The Una Brennan range is great too & I adore the EA 8 hour lip protector. It's on my list of things to get in duty free next! X

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    1. Yes, I normally buy it duty free but it's a great price from Feel Unique!

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  10. Lol at the Formula 1 comment Kat! I love face oil & use a great organic Vitamin E one at night! I'm yet to try a serum out apart from the P&P one from Boots a while ago! When you find a shampoo that works for you stick to it! I've wasted too much trying other brands that just turn me into a grease ball! Ax

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    1. Very true although I am definitely up for trying the SLS free ones.

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  11. Was the M&S brand Murad by any chance Kat? Not sure why that's in my head, but there's something floating around... maybe I've been on the fizz too. I must try that Max Factor mascara, def think the right brush makes a big difference.

    I've just blogged my Top 14 beauty products for 2014 if you fancy some more inspiration! ;)

    Nic x

    StrawberryBlondeBeauty

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    1. No it definitely wasn't Murad. .was Clinique, Clarins, Chanel, something like that. The Mascara really is good. And YES I'm on it like a rocket onto your list! x

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  12. The shampoo and conditioner I have now is from Kevin Murphy, Angelwash & rinse. It smells like lemoncheesecake en the conditioner has the same sort of consistency but other than that it leaves my hair angelic! (i.e great hair!) I would love to try some of that bronzing stuff you mentioned because I get also very very pale in winter. Thanks for the tip!

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    1. I'll have a look at that, thank you! xxx

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