Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry - Review

Bonjour!

I was rather smitten with my first Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear which you can see  here) - so it was no surprise when 'Sweet Cherry'  (not 'Swee'  Cherry as my particular pot would have you believe!) landed in my shopping basket ...

Sweet Cherry is the deepest of the original shades of the Bourjois cream blush ... rather than cherry as in fruit, think of a rich Japanese Cherry Blossom tree in full bloom ... a dusky, fleshy pink.  Described as a cream to powder formula there's no 'flake or cake' about it, nor is it too gloopy or sticky but just the loveliest silken texture and can be applied with fingers or brush. I think it's meant to be a matte finish but for me it depends on which type of base I'm wearing, dewy/natural over a BB or CC and more velvet over foundation.  It was perfect on holiday for a hint of colour but has also worked well with my 'more full-on work face' for the office and lasts a good few hours. Sweet Cherry is really well pigmented and you don't need to use a loads so although the pot may seem small for the price of £7.99 I think it's well worth the money.

Can you tell my love-affair with the Bourjois Cream Blush has developed further by the dreamy ...  or should I say rather 'stupidly spaced out' expression on my face?

So it's official ... I'm sweet on my Sweet Cherry! Am debating whether to go for the 'Healthy Glow' colour next to help with my usual Winter zombie kite problem ...!

Are you a fan of the Bourjois Cream Blush? Which is your favourite shade?

Jen x

Mismatched OOTD with Fashion Item Friday ...!

Bonjour!

Can you believe that was the last week of the Summer holidays - seems to have flown right by! I was really hoping the weather would behave itself so the kids could enjoy some sunshine before school next week but the only day of sun was whilst I was stuck in the office at work - typical!  I decided to let the kids have one last long lie-in this morning before the onslaught of 'back-to-school' early wake-up calls next week ... so there I was sat with my morning cuppa (in my morning slobs!) when I received a tweet from my lovely blogging buddy Andrea over at In Mama's Wardrobe  inviting me to join in the Fashion Item Friday Blog Hop which she is co-hosting with the amazing Renae over at Simple Sequins. You can share a fashion item, whole outfit or whatever you fancy and link on up!  I'm a newbie to Renae's blog but feel incredibly moved and inspired after reading some of her posts ...

So ... bearing in mind that I'm no fashion blogger (as many of you will know!), I like to be comfortable and I don't care (too much)  if things don't match - here's my effort for today in an attempt to get the kids off their devices and out to the park (raincoat was in car!) ... one of those stupid weather days of mixed up cloud, sun, wind and rain, - one of those days when you dither around trying to decide whether it's worth hanging out the washing or not ... we all have those days don't we ...?

Grey 'RUN DMC' T-Shirt - New Look
Dark Skinnies - Primark
Comfy Navy Cardigan - Primark
Green Bag - Warehouse (old)
Brown Converse - can't remember where from they're so old
Grimace - all my own!

Told you nothing matches but hey ... that's me all over ...!  Apologies for the state of the garden (needs a good going over!).  And ... as you can see in the background I stopped dithering and hung the washing out!

And just to ruin the illusion (whatever that may be!),  here's one of my many (and I mean many) outtakes with hair all over the place in the wind, crooked belt (which the husband didn't think to point out!) ...

... and the dog's tail wagging in the foreground ... utterly professional round ours ...!

So thanks again to Andrea for the invite ... I've linked to both her's and Renae's blogs above and below so pop over anytime if you will and link up if you like!

Will you be linking up to the Fashion Item Friday Blog Hop? Will you be matched or mismatched?


Jen x

Linking up with In Mama's Wardrobe and Simple Sequins.

Evening Skincare Routine ...

Bonjour!

So ... I recently did a morning skincare post the other week (which you can cast your eye over here) - following on with evening products ...

Gatineau Floracil Eye Make-Up Remover - great at removing stubborn (and waterproof) eye make-up but also very gentle and refreshing on the eye area. I've repurchased this supersize at £17 a couple of times. It may seem expensive but works out the same as you'd pay for a high street brand when you take it down to price per 100ml and lasts for months.

Elemis Melting Cleansing Gel - I decided to use this up for my evening make-up removal when I ran out of cleansing oil (have previously only used in the morning - review here).  Am happy to report that it has performed superbly! Lovely purifying cleanser - really good choice for the summer when you may want something a bit lighter but also effective and has kept my skin clear!  I've cut it open to scoop out every last drop - will repurchase for use on Summer evenings.

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner - I use this toner morning and evening and am getting hooked. A great alternative to my usual Liz Earle Instant Boost (and cheaper too!). Will repurchase and also try out some other Organic Surge goodies whilst I'm at it!

Gatineau Melatogenine AOX Advanced Anti-Ageing Eye Concentrate -  I'm using a lifting formula from Gatineau in the morning but have decided to target the old wrinkles at night-time so have turned once again to this eye cream from Gatineau.  (Thanks to my mum for providing me with both as presents!) The Melatogenine range is aimed at those concerned with fine (and not so fine!) lines and is enriched with antioxidants and probiotics. I love the refined, silky texture, you need the tiniest amount and it does seem to help smooth those pesky wrinkly bits!

Dr Jart V7 Turnover Booster - this is a product I reviewed last year - see here.  I did replace it with a facial oil during the cold winter months but all things considered it's lasted for months! I tend to use several times a week now - really cooling and soothing and leaves the skin feeling hydrated and 'juicy'! One I'd repurchase for the Summertime.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil - a recent discovery - full review here. Took this tiny bottle away on holiday this year and used every night under moisturiser to combat de-hydration. Will re-purchase the full size.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light - still a firm favourite. One I tend to favour more so in the Summer because of the light texture -works really well over a serum or facial oil. Shame it only comes in the pot as I'd have loved to have taken this on holiday! Full review here.

Gatineau Firming Throat Gel - this is my second tube.  Up until 'not so long ago' all I did in respect of my neck/decolletage was to extend my usual moisturiser over the area. My mum reminded me that I needed to 'up the ante' on this area and provided me with a couple of tubes of this throat gel! Having not used anything specific before I can't compare ... but this definitely seems to firm up on those wrinkly/slackening bits - you can actually feel it tightening up around your throat - in a totally comfortable way!  I still continue with moisturising at night-time but apply a little of this (you need the size of a pea) over the neck/decolletage every morning.  I noticed a difference when I stopped using so will either repurchase - (it's a bit pricey but can be bought in a more affordable duo from QVC which works out at around £20 per tube) or be on the look out for something similar. Any suggestions for this area welcome!


So that's the current evening line-up. Are you using any of these products? What's you current routine?

Jen x

Back from Holiday ..!

Bonjour!

In which universe did I think I'd have a bit more time to blog over the Summer holidays?  The first two weeks were more or less spent getting ready for our holiday. The middle two weeks were spent on holiday. The last two weeks are being spent sorting out the aftermath of the holiday - this is what happens when you go by car, take too many bags which then need to be unpacked and too many clothes which then need to be washed and ironed (the washing/ironing pile has resembled Mount Etna these last few days ...!).  It's also my son's birthday this week and then there is all the usual stuff to get ready for 'back to school' - new uniform, shoes, trainers, PE kit, PE bag ... and so on ...!

Anyway ... just a few pics from our holiday ... spent in the Dordogne area of France again.   Unfortunately the villa - (a converted barn) was rather disappointing this year, didn't match up to the description and was a bit run down (never before have I held a conversation with my parents through the extremely large gap in my bedroom floorboards which was directly over the kitchen!). We also had a mouse problem, upstairs and down and had to resort to putting the bread etc in the car for the last few nights to stop it being nibbled at! And last but not least the weather was not as kind to us as last year and was rather temperamental! A good amount of sunshine in the first week but after that it seemed to go downhill with cloud, rain and storms (don't like storms!) all making a frequent appearance ... hey-ho!

Before and after one of the the storms - we lost our electricity for a few hours that night due to the weather!

My brother cooked a couple of tasty dishes when he joined us over there ...

Me and my girl's holiday nails - she went for the blues - I went for the brights! Our dolphin just had to get in on that middle polish pic didn't she ...!

All stocked up on Le Petit Marseillais goodies - what can I say - we had room in the car and some are for presents! Monster boxes of wine for the hubby - wonder how long these will last!

The important thing of course is getting to spend time with all the family - so difficult trying to get both brothers in the same country at any one time!  The husband has decided we're returning to the South of France next year and is already checking out villas - only 50 or so weeks to go then!

How are your Summer holidays going?

Jen x

Summer Showers ...!

Bonjour!

Yes I know I have a problem ... I assume 'normal people' open and use one (or maybe two) shower products at a time, finish up and move onto the next?  Not I - I usually have several on the go at once ... I'd like to say I take loads of showers to justify this but sadly I'm just your 'average one-a-day joe'!  Here are the products I was using during the recent 'more than welcome and so long overdue' hot spell ... which sadly seems to have now evaded us ... !

Original Source Coconut Shower - the Tropical vibe - just as it says on the tin really (as you would expect) - like showering in a load of coconut cream on a tropical island in one of those outdoor affairs behind a straw screen - I'd have to be on my guard as I'm scared of creepy crawlies but you get the gist!

Nivea Hawaii Flower & Oil - the Silky one my most recent acquisition which I really did not need but it was half price at just over £1.  I've no idea what a 'Hawaii flower' smells like (unfortunately!) but this has a lovely delicate scent and leaves skin comforted with those micro pearl thingies!

Treacle Moon 'One Ginger Morning' Bath and Shower Gel  - 'Pow' in yer face! - love me a Treacle Moon product and this is no exception!  Great in the morning or after a sweaty gym session (nice!). Proper grabs the senses good style - if 'ginger' is your thing then this is the one!

Original Source Pink Grapefruit Shower - the Tutti-Fruiti - a lovely refreshing dose of 'freshly squeezed' grapefruit in true Original Source style! Another pick me up for a warm evening shower!

Mandara Spa Island Paradise Moisturising Shower Gel  - Zingy-Man! - well if ever there was one to use under an exotic waterfall (again ... always on the watch for spiders and water creepies!) then this is it! More grapefruit here but with the added edge of the zingy lemon - a great one to revitalise - as the name suggests!

So that's my stash of Summertime shower gels that I need to make a dent in - unfortunately Summertime is escaping us isn't it ...? How many shower products are you using at the moment?

Jen x

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation - Review

Bonjour!

I've been intrigued by the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation for a while. I eventually picked it up from my local Sainsburys one Saturday, (when I should have been concentrating on the food shop!) as it was on offer with a few pounds off making it a mere £6.99.  It has been likened to a certain G. Armani foundation of which I have no hands on knowledge so (sadly!) can't compare ...!  Anyway I went for the shade 150 in Nude Beige after swatching on my hand ... and yes I know it was a gamble ...

The composition is described as 'lighter than water' with an 'evanescent texture' due to volatile oils - sounds a bit scientific to my ears (and I hated chemistry anyway!) but apparently a volatile oil is 'a rapidly evaporating oil, that does not leave a stain' - all good then! To apply you just shake the little bottle (as you would perfume) and apply a few dots/blobs to one's kite. I then use my Real Techniques buffing brush to blend in. It's probably more suited to an oily/combo/normal skin type as it does have a tendency to cling to any dry patches.  It has a silky finish leaning towards matte - but not in a mask like way and wears really well over a primer so I've been wearing it to work regularly - it even lasted much of the working day during our recent tropical/non-aircon/sweaty spell in the office!

Left bare skin and right with L'Oreal Nude Magique ...

It can be built up for more cover and doesn't feel heavy or cakey to wear.  I do tend to save for 'better skin days' - that pic on the left believe it or not is a 'better skin day' - though it doesn't quite completely cover my multitude of open pores and anyway I've learned to live with them! This shade is slightly too pale for me at the height of summer and I need a touch of bronzer but all in all it's quite a nice little foundation and one I would consider re-purchasing!

Have you tried the L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint? What's your favourite foundation for light cover?

Jen x

Skincare Routine of the Morning Variety!

Bonjour!

Been a while since I did a Skincare Routine post so here goes with the current morning line-up.  In an ideal world I would have snapped this pic together with rays of early morning sunshine streaming in but I took it in the evening and was losing the light ... as you can see ... the realities of blogging ...!

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash - still a firm favourite for my morning cleanse. The zingy aroma is a real treat on bleary-eyed mornings (I have a lot of those!) - the face wash cleans and softens skin gently with no tight-kite feeling! Full review here.

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash - this is a product I dip in and out of from time to time whenever I feel my skin needs 'that little bit of extra' - it can be used on it's own as a morning face wash or in addition to your existing cleanser - full review to follow.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant - a super-fine exfoliating powder.  It can be used daily but I use every couple of days to gently polish away dead skin cells on the old kite without any of that scratchy stuff going on - love it!

Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner - I was lucky enough to win this in a giveaway held by my lovely young blogging buddy Sasha from Ramblings of a Beauty Bird. I didn't think anything would drag me away from my beloved Liz Earle Instant Boost and granted - you don't get the hit of the aroma that you do with Instant Boost but ... what a lovely hydrating product! It has a gentle orange flower scent - is suitable for sensitive skin, includes aloe vera (I love aloe vera), is free from the usual nasties and is a fantastic value for money at just £7.50/200ml - full details from Organic Surge here.

Gatineau DefiLift 3D Eye Contour Lift Cream - loving this in the morning. Gives a much welcome 'tightening effect' to my saggy/baggy eye area. Full review to follow.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - hooked on this one for hydration - think this is my third bottle. Full review here.

Olay Sensitive Day Fluid - something I picked up by chance in Boots as a 'back-up' moisturiser - it was literally a few pounds for this big bottle and works absolutely fine! I can slap on as much as I need over my serum, it absorbs easily, is light with no greasiness yet moisturises effectively. Bargain!

So that's my current routine ...evening to follow shortly.  Do you use any of these products?

Jen x

Face and Outfit of the (other) Night!

Bonjour!

Bit overdue this post but better late than never! So ... outfit and mug shot from an evening out with the hubby and kids a few weeks back ... yep apologies for yet another awkward pose with yet another pair of creased knees (what is it with me and creased knees?) ...  the husband never thinks to point any of this out - probably as he was impatient (as usual) to get off out, rather than taking silly photos ... men!!

Top - H &M (old)
Creased skinny jeans - Primark
Red Cork Wedges - New Look (very old)
Distressed Handbag - Top Shop (very old)

With the pooch - who happens to be sitting very smartly don't you think?

Make-up ...

Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer and Under Eye Brightener, No7 Instant Radiance Concealer review here, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium, L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation in Nude Beige, Mally Eyeshadow Stick in Antique Taupe and Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight review here, Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara - review here, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony review here, highlight on brow bone from MUA Undressed Palette (not pictured),  Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear - review here and good ol' faithful Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lippie in 110- review here.

And corresponding 'Mug Shot' ...

Had to take this when we got back as I'd run out of time before  - story of my life!

One day ... yes one day I'll do a proper outfit post sans 'creased knees' and make-up before the evening out!

Jen x