Sunday 9 February 2014

February skincare purchases


I heart skincare. I have for over 10 years & my love is still going strong. So every month when it comes to pay day I usually have a little list of items just waiting to be added to my basket. These range from the basics (cotton face pads, face wipes etc),  daily essentials (new moisturiser, cleanser, basically repurchases etc) and any new item I've had my eye on, researched and decided I want to give a go

On my February re-purchase list - Bioderma Hydrabio and the Origins Ginzing energy-boosting moisturizer. I first saw this bottle of Bioderma on Glamour magazine's Beauty Director Alessandra Steinherr's instagram, which she claimed was better than the famous red topped one. I completely agree! After reading the hype around the original Biroderma I purchased a bottle from Escentual but wasn't overwhelmed by it. I found the cleansing water made my skin feel quite uncomfortable immediately after use and it didn't seem ideal for my sometimes sensitive and dry prone skin. However, the blue topped version is very gentle on my face and eye area leaving my skin feeling moisturized, instead of tight, before going ahead with my evening cleanse.

Origins is one of my favourite skincare brands and the Ginzing moisturiser has been my go to day cream since last summer after it launched. It's lightweight with a slightly gel-like texture and is super hydrating and refreshing. This is helped by the fact it feels cooling on the skin and has a gorgeous citrus, fresh scent. Used with the Ginzing eye cream, my skin seems to be loving these radiance boosting treats.

My 'new item' purchase is the Indeed Labs Hydraluron serum which I first read about on Caroline Hiron's blog last year. It's a moisture boosting serum packed with hyaluronic acid which claims to significantly increase skin's hydration levels and ability to retain moisture. Over time it's meant to reduce the amount of topical moisturisers needed to maintain skin hydration (which means you use less of what you put on top of this serum). There is a lot of science behind this product and anything you really need to know about it is on Caroline's blog - she sums it up perfectly. Having only used this serum for a short amount of time (1 week so far) means I can't give a fair opinion on it yet but I have noticed my skin feeling significantly softer after using this post toner and pre-moisturiser in the mornings. Everything seems a lot smoother. Time will tell with this one but so far I'm impressed!

What's next on my 'new item' list? The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil which promises to replenish and recharge skin with moisture overnight. It sounds right up my street and it's only £12! I'm sold. 


Sunday 2 February 2014

Pinterest: January

I am a huge Pinterest fan. Having the app on my phone makes me browse through boards almost every day! I find it so inspiring and thought I would share my favorite pins from the month of January (This post is a little late I know, I'm still getting in the swing of blogging regularly again!).

If you'd like to follow me on Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/jessicaroses/


Dubrovnik, Croatia

1. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Flights & hotel are booked to visit this beautiful & intriguing city in June with my friend Sophie. Last year Ibiza, this year we chose a city with a bit of everything. To say I'm excited is an understatement...I literally can't wait! Plus Game of Thrones is filmed here (it's Kings Landing!) which makes it even more appealing! Hurry up June 14th . .

Olivia Pope Ferragamo coat.  This is truly a beautiful coat!

2. It's safe to say that throughout January I was obsessed with Scandal. Obsessed. I got through the first 3 series very quickly and I've literally told everyone I know about it! It's a show that keeps you completely hooked in every episode, the acting is great and Olivia Pope's (Kerry Washington, who is just amazing & my new favourite actress) wardrobe is stunning!! That coat in the above picture . . . wow! Full of soft neutrals, luxurious fabrics and beautiful accessories she really does stand out in the very male dominated political world.

The Small Things Blog: Low Chignon Hair Tutorial (LOVE this blog) So many ideas for ball.. and they're so easy I could *possibly* do them

3. Kate from The Small Things Blog - http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/ , does some of the best hair tutorials (she also has a Youtube channel) I have found. This picture is from the Low Chignon tutorial which I have attempted a couple of times but it hasn't worked out exactly how I imagined. I think the secret is in the texture of your hair so next time I'm going to whip out my Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray & see what happens. Practice makes perfect.

Love this sweatshirt look!!

4. I love everything about this outfit! Would you just look at that Celine bag!! My favourite has to be the Off Duty sweatshirt and I am now on the look for a similar piece! It adds a very casual/cool edge to an outfit which other than that is rather daytime dressy.

Giant Cinnamon Roll Cake - soft, fluffy, and extra large! Get the recipe at sallysbakingaddiction.com

5. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet or anything but I do make very good cinnamon buns. It's all down to a recipe my mum recommended from one of her American cookbooks (the name of which escapes me) . My next baking project is to attempt this giant cinnamon roll cake (the recipe of which is also on my Food pin board). Gawwd it looks so good!!