L'Occitane Angelica - an initial look

For the sake of science and beauty I don't mind playing the part of a guinea pig from time to time. A few weeks ago Beauty Directory presented local bloggers with an opportunity to try out L'Occitane's Angelica range and I gladly took them up on the offer. It's been a few weeks since I've added Angelica to my rotation while trying to be mindful of my rosacea.  Thankfully, my skin hasn't freaked out, but I haven't witnessed any noticeable changes either.  L'Occitane claims the primary purpose for Angelica water and essential oil is it aids to "reinforce natural skin hydration."  With continued use, I remain hopeful something positive will happen.

Right now, let's wait and see.

Angelica Hydration Cream

Angelica Gel Cleanser

Angelica Exfoliating Gel

As for my initial thoughts, here are a few of my likes and dislikes...

Likes:

• The exfoliating gel beads are soft, not gritty.  I've found this to be extremely gentle and doesn't exacerbate my rosacea.
• The gel cleanser foams up easily and manages not to leave behind any film from the suds.

Dislikes:

• The scent - it's an acquired taste.  It's reminiscent of balsam fir and strikes me as very earthy.  Not really my cup of tea.
• I loathe the glass jar which houses the contents of the hydration cream.  I wish it came in pump form; it would help to ensure how much product comes out.  Plus, you don't have to worry about contaminating the lotion with potential germs, etc.

In two weeks time I'll be sure to round out my final thoughts and give you a closer look at my skin's appearance.

*Beauty Directory and L'Occitaneprovided me with free full size samples in exchange for this review.  Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

Louis Vuitton's Dot Inspired Papillon

I might not know much about Louis Vuitton, but I do know I am infatuated with dots, spots and anything pertaining to glitter (in makeup), sequins (in moderation) and whimsy.  You can find whimsy anywhere, you just need to know what you're looking for.  Marc Jacobs saw that whimsy and flight of fancy in Japanese-born artist Yayoi Kusama.  Yayoi experienced hallucinations as a child, these hallucinations gave way to her creativity and something to focus her energy upon. Here's a quote from Yayoi in regards to the symbology behind polka dots:

"A polka-dot has the form of the sun, which is a symbol of the energy of the whole world and our living life, and also the form of the moon, which is calm. Round, soft, colourful, senseless and unknowing. Polka-dots can't stay alone; like the communicative life of people, two or three polka-dots become movement... Polka-dots are a way to infinity."

While Yayoi's artistry, for me, does not create images of grandeur, similar to what we've seen in our art history books - I'm referring to pointillism here.  I do, however, appreciate her point of view and the ways in which she colours her world (and to some extent ours) with polka dots.

Last week Scott broke down and coloured my world with a few spots and dots.  A statement piece with a lot of heart and flight of fancy.

Dots and spots

Well spotted

More spots on the inside

I am extremely proud to call this bag my own and to have learned a bit about Yayoi in the process.

Lush Emotional Brilliance - photos, swatches and review

Salesperson: "First, take a seat and then close your eyes." Me: "Ok."

Salesperson: "Now I want you to think of white fluffy clouds or even white sheets."

Me (thinking to self): What did I sign up for?

Salesperson: "Ok, so, open your eyes and pick three colours that have jumped into your mind."

The wheel continued to spin until I finished choosing all three.

Spin and Win!

The Selection

Hiding underneath each coloured dot was a glass bottle with dropper-type applicator waiting to be discovered.  I just so happened to pick one lip colour, Glamourous, and two liners, In Charge and Fantasy.  The salesperson was sweet enough to explain what each colour represented, the first being my subconscious, the second conveys what's rumbling within (or something like that) and third, what I want, essentially my desire(s).  If you're into a hippie-dippy experience and don't mind selecting colours on a whim, then have a play online or even visit your local Lush boutique.

As for the colours I walked away with, none of them were the three I chose.  Tho, I may go back and pick up fantasy and a cream shadow.  When you visit your local Australian Lush location, keep in mind they didn't receive the full lip range due to the fact they were held up by customs, pfft! Once the collection is complete, you'll be able to select from 13 lip colours, 11 eye liners and 6 cream shadows - and, they all retail for $24.95 per glass jar.  If you're ecologically-thoughtful, you can even recycle the rubber dropper with your favourite Lush location whenever you've used up all of the product; the applicator and jar is yours to keep, if you wish.

Before I show you my wares, let's take a look at what my psyche chose.

Glamorous (L), In Charge (C), Fantasy (R)

If you love Glamorous, a cool, matte pink lippie, then you're also a lover of MAC's St. Germain. In Charge is a creamy cerulean blue liner which could also be worn as a shadow; act fast or it'll dry quicker than it takes to blink your eye.  Fantasy is a fun metallic gold liner which can also be smoothed out on your lids.  Two-in-one products are a far better bang for your buck too.  The applicators are alright, but you might want to use your own tools in order to get better results.

Don't feel tethered down by what you chose (I didn't) and don't even feel pressured to buy anything; the sales girls were prepped for the day and super excited about what they have to sell. For them, it was all about spreading the word.

In the end, I walked away with Success, a silver liner and Feeling Younger, a creamy skin tint, a.k.a. highlighter.  For me it's all about deflection - wrinkles be creepin' in.

Feeling Younger

Feeling Younger

Success

Success Swatches

And how did these perform?  Both are relatively easy to apply, I used a liquid foundation brush to dab a bit of Feeling Younger along my brow bone and cheek bone areas.  With Success, I actually used the applicator it came with and refined the lines with the aid of MAC's 209.  Much to my  chagrin, I neglected to put on eye primer; let's just say my final look creased.  However, Success stayed in place all evening long.

Above I'm also wearing Chanel's Mirifique and Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Too Cool on my eyes. For my lips, I'm sporting Chanel's Amour.

Total amount for Lush Feeling Younger and Success:

• $19.95 and $24.95

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags – relatively cheaper price points for the Aussie gals and guys

Likelihood to purchase again:

• Like I said before, Fantasy might just become a part of my reality

Butter London's Disco Biscuit - weekly nail review

After wearing Butter London's Disco Biscuit, I've decided I do not like jelly nail lacquer.  While Disco Biscuit is a very pretty and vibrant shade of pink, I hate its translucent appearance. Despite the presence of purple-hued glitter floating, it still couldn't save this sinking ship. I'm more of a creamy formula gal with a dash of sparkle from time to time. The other reason why I think Disco Biscuit didn't work for me was due to the fact it chipped and peeled after a few days of wear.  Talk about disappointing.

Butter London

Disco Biscuit

Butter London's Disco Biscuit

While I do love Butter London, I'd say give this one a miss.