Whats In My Bag: Flight Edition

I am off on vacation on Saturday guys and gals.

 Throw your hands in the air one time for sum sum summer. It has been a while since I had a vacay which entailed leaving the country.

 Last year I had two mini breaks, one to Centre Parcs for 4 days and another one over the August Bank  Holiday. However there is just something about laying about on a beach, with a straw hat and a cold drink. On this trip I can look forward to hanging with my chicas, going to the beach, good food and yeah going to the beach. 

Of course traveling out of the country means I have to make some adjustments when it comes to the beauty products I cart along, decisions, decisions. These are the items I have pretty much decided to will take with me to the airport/ on the flight. 

Face

I will taking along my trusty Garnier Cleansing wipes in absence of my Garnier Micellar water (Garnier needs to make this in a 100ml size. Even if it is only sold in airports.) The 3oz rule, +  no aerosols means I wont be able to carry my trusty Avene Thermal water spray, but no worries I have  my Simple Hydrating Face Mist (GREAT DUPE for the MAC Travel Sized  Fix + Spray) to keep my skin hydrated during the flight along with my Korres Pomegranate Cream Gel/Body Shop Serum in Oil. 

Body

Sometimes my hands feel a bit grimey and travelling/being on the go there might not be an available sink with running water and hand soap readily available. My hand bag packet of Wet Ones will keep my hands feeling fresh and not sticky. My trusty Kleenex tissues are on hand to wipe up any spills or drips that might occur (dab the ob bit of foundation/the end of a mascara wand.) Hand sanitizer is my truth my light and my way (plus it will in handy for cleaning my hand before applying my makeup. This little mini tub of Nivea Creme is going to  come in very handy for moisturizing my arms and legs/feet. L'Occitane Hand cream (full tube) self explanatory. 

Fragrance

Davidoff Cool Water edt, Ralph Lauren Romance edp, Marc Jacobs LoLa edp I love a good scent and I love having a choice. The Marc Jacobs Lola is a gorgeous scent, is sold as a 20ml purse spray, the other 2 fragrances are 30ml sizes so they aren't too heavy. 

Breath

I am very suspicious of those mini tubes of tooth pate they give out on flights. There isn't enough toothpaste to get a good scrub on (my dentists recommends brushing for 2 minutes long) and the texture is just weird. This is a mini 19ml tube of Colgate Total. I got it as a free sample from my dentists office. In the event I eat a hot curry or something really garlicky, I have some Extra chewing gum & mints to keep me going until I can brush my teeth. 

Food

I have some Go Ahead cereal bars, and some Oat cakes to keep me going. I usually buy these as my work snacks, but they will keep me going, if I am feeling peckish and a packet of crisps are not to hand (or the stewardess is being stingy with the snacks. 

Miscellaneous

Shilling oil I cannot really explain what this is for, it covered a multitude of sins. Ipod mini this is for listening to music on the way to the airport and in the departure lounge. Revlon Colour Burst lipglosses to keep my lips moisturized with a bit of colour. 

Yayyyyyyyy. I'm going on holiday.

Shimmy shimmy cocoa puff. 

xx

Rollin' in the Creams: L' Occitane, The Body Shop, Carex, Neals Yard

Soooo somehow between magazine freebies, gifts and half price offers I have accumulated a tiny hand cream collection. I know, I know it looks bad but in my defense I like hand creams and these will be used up. I have a little strategy in relation to using them as well, no fear there is a method in the madness. 

Christmas gift 2013

Magazine freebies, yup £58 worth of free handcream

The 30ml L'Occitane Shea Butter  hand creams I keep for carrying around daily/ on nights out. They are the perfect handbag/clutch bag size. I keep one in my Longchamp pouchette 24/7.

 These are good because they are super moisturizing and even the scented ones are not terrible overpowering.

 My sister knows of my "L'Occitane Love" and she bought me the L'Occitane gift box (pictured above) as a part of my Christmas gift. 

The Neal's Yard Hand Cream (Save The Bees guys) I plan to start using this as a hand bag cream when the weather really heats up. I tend to like citrus scents during the warmer months. 

Half priced purchases

The Body Shop Hand creams I picked these up for 2 reasons 1. I had been watching them for a while. From time to time The Body Shop emails would come to my inbox and I would have a gander  to see what products were on offer, these hand creams kept coming up peaking my interest. One day I gave in and purchased them when they were on offer with 50% off discount (these 100ml sizes are usually £10 each, I bought them for £5 each)

2. I toyed with the idea of giving each of my siblings a hand cream and a hand sanitizer as a part of their Christmas presents  (don;t judge one of my sisters gave me socks). Sadly The hand creams did not make it to the Christmas gift boxes but the hand sanitizers did. 

 

I use these during the day if I am at home and in the evenings before bed. I think these are great desk hand creams. 

Cussons Carex Antibacterial Hand Creams first let me say this was a great way for Cussons to diversify their product range. They make so many hand washes, it was just the sensible move for them to start making hand creams. Cussons -----------> WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG? I bought these last August when they first launched in Superdrug and were half priced (£1.20). I originally had two of them the Vitamin E (pictured above, now resides on my desk) and the Aloe Vera ( which has been used and now rests with the hand cream gods). These I use at the office. 

There you are my lovelies.

 I told you there was a method to the madness. 

xx

Luxury Christmas Wishlist - Space NK Edit

This is my luxury Christmas wishlist of all the things I lust over. 

These are the things I would buy, if I had £247 of spare cash lying around after all my bills and day to day needs were met. quite a few of them are gift sets and mini collections, which I love. For some reason with the mini gift sets I get more value for money by being able to try different liners, glosses, products, all in all I to sample without the commitment that comes with purchasing a full priced item. Plus minis are GREAT for travelling and tucking into a clutch bag or jacket pocket.  

NUXE - Cocooning Must Haves

Laura Mercier - Line & Define Mini Longwear Creme Eyeliner Collection 

Stila - Colour Me Glossy Lip Glaze Set

Laura Mercier - Bold Brights Mini Lip Glace Collection

Caudalie - Hancream Trio Set 

Laura Mercier - Shimmer Effects Mini Caviar Stick Eye Colour collection

Laura Mercier - Bare Nudes Mini Lip Glace Collection

What is Christmas if not for wishing. 

Boots Star Gift - Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Winter Essentials Kit

This weeks star gift comprises an industry classic, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant loved by many a beauty blogger and skincare enthusiast. I succumbed a few years ago and purchased a tub of this stuff, and I must say it definitely comes in handy. 

"Eight Hour Cream was created more than seventy years ago, in 1930, by Miss Arden herself and was the first ever cosmetic product to bear the Elizabeth Arden name. The product name, 'Eight Hour Cream', takes its inspiration from a loyal customer who claimed that the cream helped to heal her son's scraped knee in just eight hours. Since its debut, Eight Hour Cream has escalated to near cult status. Testimonials from customers attest to the product's miraculous healing capabilities. Its wonderful versatility also makes this product a favourite of models and makeup artists alike.

This skincare classic restores, calms and helps relieve chapped, cracked skin. It works efficiently to sooth roughness, redness and minor skin irritations." 

Set includes

• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment 30ml
• Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant 30ml
• Elizabeth Arden Eight hour Cream Lip Protectant stick
• Moisturizing Eight Hour gloves and socks, perfect for an overnight intensive treatment
•  the gift also includes voucher for 500 Advantage Card points redeemable instore with the purchase of any Eight Hour Skin Protectant original or fragrance free 50ml

There you have it my lovelies, 

this weeks star gift  from Boots. 

As always happy shopping 

and happy saving. 

xxx

Magazine freebies - Marie Claire UK November 2013

Rose Tenderness, Gentle Violet, and Passionate Jasmine

Among L'occitane's latest offerings, are these  new limited edition shea butter hand creams. Small enough to fit in your clutch, hand bag or carry on, plus they are available with the current issue of Marie Claire magazine as a free gift. The L'Occitane Shea Butter handcream is rich in formular but when applied absorbs into the skin very easily. I absolutely love it and I am not ashamed that I bought 3 Marie Claire magazines, in order for me to obtain all three of these limited edition scents. I saved 53% off the RRP, there is no shame in the L'Occitane game.

**remember these lil hand creams make great presents, there is no shame is grabbing a few to use as stocking fillers** 

Read my review of the L'Occitane Shea Butter handcream here

Read my winter hand cream guide containing the L'Occitane hand cream here

peace and light my lovelies 

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Haul

These are just a  few things I have picked up over the last week.

Burberry Body Eau de parfum 35ml - I have been stalking this for 2 months, it finally went down to half price so I snatched it up. I am currently debating whether to purchase the edt or not. £22.50 reduced from £45.

Garnier Minerals Clean Sensation antiperspirant (x5) - I bought 5 at once. They should last me til about January and then I will stock up again. £1 reduced from £2.30.

Vaseline Compressed antiperspirant deodorant (active fresh and aloe sensitive) - These are for my handbag, travelling/vacation and they are small enough to fit in my Longchamp pouchette. £1 reduced form £1.89.

Cuticura Passion Flower and Mango Anti Bacetrial Hand gel 

Wet Ones Be Zingy Anti Bacterial Hand wipes (x5) - These wipes were 54p,  usually £1.15p in Boots/Superdrug where I usually buy them. I bought all that I could find in the store. #don'tjudgeme

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipglosses -  Fatal apple and Berry allure. My aunt bought me these on Tuesday (3rd Sept,13). 2 for £10, so they were £5 each. 

Sometimes the only things, you need to shop for are the everyday essentials.

Have a great day my lovelies.

xx

Style File - Jack Wills Ludford Makeup Bag

For my beauty gals who like to keep an eye on things,  these see through makeup bags are just the item you need to snap up in the Jack Wills sale.  Larger than the Fairhaven makeup bags, the Ludford bags allow you to more space to carry things which you deem makeup bag essentials ie 30ml L'occitane hand cream, inhaler, hand sanitizer etc etc

Jack Wills: our much-loved make-up bag in four bright summer colours,( and the airplane essential) the Ludford is a girl's best friend. It's transparent, making it easy to grab the products you need and the wipe clean design is great for splashes and spillages. Ideal for travelling.

100 PVC

BRILL PINK 

AZURE - The colour of the waters of the Caribbean Sea

POPPY

CLEAR 

NEON CERIS

Did I mention these beauties are only £6 each, 

the Ludford makeup bag is definitely the item

 I will be counting my sheckles for. 

Happy Shopping, 

my lovelies.

Style File - Jack Wills Theydon Wash Bag

For all my festival goers, glampers and weekend stay over lovers, this is the product for you. The Theydon Wash bag is the perfect size to fit your handy travel sized/Miniature products to make sure you do not have to rough it while not being at home. Voila it all fits. 

NAVY with Union Jack on the reverse

BRILL PINK

I love the  Theydon wash bag in brill pink, 
however I do not think I would be looked upon too favorably for purchasing it. 
I will sit this one out my lovelies. 
Happy shopping. 
xx

Style File - Jack Wills Wyndham Large Shopper

The Zara Plaited shopper is my first love, however I know that is not to everyone's taste. The Jack Wills Wyndham Large shopper is another great item up for picking up in the Jack Wills summer sales, a tote bag for when you just want to throw in all your stuff and go. The Wyndham Large Shopper is available in everyone's favorite neutral tan, a bright pink and a brilliant blue.

Jack Wills: carry it all in the Wyndham Tote Bag. This large leather bag is perfect for books, shopping trips and it looks great too. Unlined. Jack Wills patch on one side.

100% leather

Brill Pink 

Bluebell

Tan

Photos: Jack Wills 

Review - Garnier Intensive 7 Days Hand Cream SOS Repair

If you read my winter skincare series you would already be familiar with this product, but in case you did not I will include the link below. 

      I know washing hands, moisturizing hands, hand creams at times it all seems so trivial. However your hands are one of the first places to show signs of ageing, and one way you can help this is to moisturize. Battling this never ending winter, along with the hand soap battle can leave hands extremely dry. 

     I bought this hand cream through the positive endorsement of my friend Paula. She loved it and it costs £2.99 (£1.50 I bought it in the sale in October at ASDA) a lot less than £8 which is the price of a standard 30ml L'occitane Shea Butter hand cream. This cream contains an ingredient called L-Bifidus which forms a barrier over the skin to prevent all the moisture from escaping.  This is the same ingredient used in the Garnier Intensive 7 Day Nourishing Lotion. The Garnier 7 Day Hand Cream keeps my hands moisturized without a greasy feel and when I wash my hands they do not feel stripped and dry. Though the cream comes out slightly thick, a little goes a long way. If you do decide to purchase this product, only apply a little at a time. I keep this on my desk at work, since it is the largest of my hand creams at 75ml. 

Would I repurchase? - Yes
Would I buy full priced? -  Yes
Would I recommend? - Yes


Winter Skincare Series Hand Creams

L'occitane Shea butter Hand Cream

Garnier Intensive 7 Day Nourishing Lotion

Summer 2012 Handbag Essentials

     Summer is here though you wouldn't be able to tell from the massive game of hide and seek the sun is playing with the British Weather. (Yes British weather is notorious for being crap, but hey) I have decided to share with you my bag and the items that I am carrying around at the moment.  

Zara Plaited Shopper  in Blue.

Now onto the items that I am carrying around with me, lol lol.

M&S Citrus Hand wipes

Avene Hydrance Optimale spf 20 face cream

Nivea sunblock spf 30

Travel sized listerime 

Avene Eau de Thermal face water

Kleenex tissues

Sanex travel sized deodorant

Lens cleanser spray

 Miss mai

Review - Avene Thermal Water Spray

     What Avene says:

According to legend the curative powers of Avene Thermal Spring water were discovered more than 250 years ago by chance. (as these things always happen) Due to a terrible skin complaint a horse belonging to the Marquis de Rocozels was turned loose to wander the slopes of the black mountains in the Southwest of France. The horse found a thermal spring near the small village of Avene. After drinking from the Spring and rolling around in its waters the horses coat became shiny again and soon it was completely cured. 

As the tale of  this marvellous cure spread, local doctors advised patients to treat their skin problems with water from the spring, now named - the spring of Sainte Odile. The Marquis de Rocozels recognizing his springs potential built Avene's first baths in 1743. (yep the French have been hip to the skincare game a long time)  In 1826 scientific leaders in dermatology such as Professor Jean-Louis Alibert endorsed taking baths in the spring waters of Avene. 

Later. the Marquis' baths were acquired by Victor Descays, who established a hydro therapy centre That combined not only treatment but accommodation for the patients. By 1860 the descendants of Victor Descays  were welcoming more than 500 patients a year to visit the springs. 

The waters fame spread far beyond Avene to physicians across France and as far as  America, where the water was exported to treat burn victims after the great Chicago fire of 1871. The spring was declared to be of public interest in 1874 by the President of the Republic of France and officially approved as a dermatological Hydrotherapy centre.

The soothing effects of the Avene Thermal water has been tested on over 500 people with sensitive skin. Its unique and constant composition gives it a soothing effect and anti irritating properties have been proven by numerous scientific studies. 

(source Avene)

MAC Fix + An aqua spritz of vitamins and minerals, infused with a calm the skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber and topped off with a fresh natural energizing scent of Sugi. adds radiance, finishes make-up. Spray it on, skin drinks it up. 

(source MAC)

     What I say:

Cult favourite MAC Fix + has a dupe. The Avene Eau Thermal Thermal spring water. The Avene Spring water comes in 3 sizes the small (handbag) sized 50ml £3.15, compared to the MAC fix + travel size 30ml which costs £7. MAC only recently introduced the travel size fix +.  The second size up of the Avene Thermal water comes in a 150ml sized can, which is the same amount as the regular Sized MAC Fix +, the Avene Water is £6.50 and the MAC Fix + costs £12.50 for the same amount of product. The largest Size of the Avene Thermal Water comes in a 300ml can and costs £10.50, now many personal might say 300ml --------> that is huge. However if you are a budding makeup artist, makeup enthusiast, makeup lover, skincare junkie  the large bottle of Avene Thermal water is cost effective and useful in the long run. 

The Avene Thermal Water is a very versatile and useful product, especially for those who have sensitive, hypersensitive, allergic, and irritated skin. It can be used for diaper rash, various irritations, razor burns(we love products that are guy friendly), after hair removal, to set makeup, sooth sunburns, facial redness, after exercise, during the hot summer months and during travel (to refresh the skin and keep it moisturised). Thermal water is a lifestyle product unlike the Fix + which has a select and limited use, the Thermal water has you covered on all fronts, and also your baby and/or husband. It is a heavy hitter not only is it an all round product, it comes in various sizes and it is also recession proof. 

Check out the Avene Thermal water here Eau Thermal Avene Thermal Water Spray

Miss Mai

xx