Friday, May 31, 2013

May empties!

May empties

Loads of empties this month!  Hard to believe it's June tomorrow to be honest, January was the slowest month on record but the rest of the year so far has just been a blur!

Christian Dior Instant Cleansing Water and Ren No1 Purity Cleansing Balm

Ren No 1 Purity Cleansing Balm

My first foray back into cleansing balms after the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish debacle.  Now I actively avoid anything with shea butter in it and this balm doesn't contain shea or any nasties that can upset the skin.  I did a review of this balm here and I was really impressed with it.  It's reasonably priced and I picked up a second tube from Space NK recently.

What have I replaced this with?  Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood

Would I repurchase?  Yes, picked one up from Space NK

Christian Dior Instant Cleansing Water

This is a great cleansing water, especially if you find Bioderma too drying.  I noticed this is in the Escentual micellair water blind trial so I will be interested to see how it fairs against the others in the trial.  Brilliant for travelling and quick removal of make-up or for those super lazy days.   I did a mini review of this here if you would to know more about the formula and ingredients.

What have I replaced this with?  Lancome Express Cleansing Water

Would I repurchase?  Yes, not immediately as I have others to try but I know this one works for me if the others don't.

Darphin Aromatic Cleansin Balm with Rosewood

Darphin Aromatic Cleansing Balm with Rosewood

I did a mini review of this cleansing balm here last week.  Although I liked the balm there are two major problems with it.  The first is that if you don't apply it properly (and the 'proper' way is to warm it between your fingertips first then apply it to wet skin) it has the most horrible sticky, honey like texture that is so difficult to work with.  I've also found that you have to be really really careful you remove it properly as it tends to stick to eyebrows in particular!!  Also, I don't recommend using this to remove eye make up-my eyes stung.  The second problem is the price and the size.  This only comes in a 40ml size which lasted me just 2 and a half weeks (using it once a day in the evening) and it costs £30 for 40ml.  Emma Hardie cleansing balm costs £34 for 100ml.  The Ren balm I reviewed above costs £21 for 100ml.  On the plus side it's effective at removing make up and has left my skin clear and soft but I didn't feel I got the benefits stated on the Darphin website of 'luminously radiant' skin.

What have I replaced this with?  A sample of the Rodial Glamtox cleansing balm I got in the Space NK GWP

Would I repurchase? No

Simple eye make up remover

Simple eye make up remover

HOLY. GRAIL.

If you have read my other empties posts you'll know I love this eye make up remover.  I can't buy it in Dubai so I literally buy it in bulk when I go home!  It's non oily, great for sensitive eyes, effective and cheap as chips.

What have I replaced this with?  Another bottle from my stash!

Would I repurchase? 100%

Keihls Ultra Facial moisturiser and Effaclar Duo

Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser

This is another holy grail product for me-it's one of those moisturisers I go to when my skin is misbehaving and nothing is working.  I use it and it seems to settle my skin down and I know it doesn't irritate me.  This 75ml size is technically a 'travel size' but it seems to last forever.  It's such a light lotion yet you only need a tiny bit.  No fancy ingredients in it and it make's no outlandish claims or promises-it's mainly just Vitamin A and E.

What have I replaced this with?  Alpha H Daily Hydration

Would I repurchase? Yes, I already have

Effaclar Duo

I first saw Tanya Burr talking about this and saying it had helped her skin a lot to recover from a spell of acne.  Then everyone was talking about it and I jumped on the bandwagon.

I really liked it at first then I switched back to the above Kiehls when my skin was just a disaster.  But when I ran out of the Kiehls I thought I would finish off the Effaclar Duo and I really liked it again.  It's very similar to the Kiehls in texture-a light lotion-but has a more matte finish.  This is specifically marketed as an acne treatment and contains Benzoyl Peroxide but is not drying to the skin as a lot of acne treatments are.  It's fragrance, oil and paraben free.  There are really positive reviews on the internet of this product for those with acne.

What have I replaced this with?  Alpha H Daily Hydration

Would I repurchase? I think I already have purchased another one

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish Mask

Aesop Chamomile Concentrate Anti Blemish mask

I cannot speak highly enough of this mask!!  It was my first experience of Aesop but I am now totally sold on the brand!  I credit this as being a big part of solving my face acne earlier in the year.  I reviewed it here and it is one of my most viewed posts of all time.   I got 12 applications out of this little glass jar and used it once a week.  There is nothing negative I can say about it-I'd probably give this holy grail status.  I bought mine from Cult Beauty.
  
What have I replaced this with? Using the Ren Invisible Pores Detox mask

Would I repurchase?  Yes!  I have others to try including the Aesop Parsley Seed mask but I am sure I will repurchase this at some point in the future.

Aesop Chomoile Concentrate Anti Blemish mask, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Clarins Multi Active Night

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I don't suppose this refreshing facial spray needs much introduction in the beauty blogging world.

Inspired by the "elixir of youth" used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, Beauty Elixir mist smoothes features, tightens pores and gives a burst of radiance to the complexion.

This spray can be used after cleansing in the morning (my preferred use as I find it quite refreshing and uplifting even if I hate the smell) or can be spritzed on the face during the day for a burst of freshness.  It's recommended on the Space NK website to spritz between your foundation and powder to set your make up perfectly.

I also love to use this on long haul flights to stay hydrated and refreshed during the flight

What have I replaced this with?  La Roche Posay Serozinc which I am LOVING

Would I repurchase? Yes I have recently bought a 100ml size from Space NK and have a 30ml size which I think I might have stolen from my mum by accident!!

Clarins Multi Active Night cream-deluxe sample size

This is a fairly light night moisturiser and is marketed as a full nights sleep in a jar.  I was a bit slap dash with applying this so didn't get to see if my skin really reaped the benefits.  I've just discovered it contains shea butter, along with carob and kiwi but I didn't find it broke me out despite my aversion to shea!  Having said that I now wouldn't repurchase it knowing it contains shea.

What have I replaced this with? Not really using a night cream at the moment as using glycolic acid on my skin in the evenings.

Would I repurchase? No, it's one of Clarins top sellers but the addition of shea butter means it's a no no for me.

Bath and Body works Orange Ginger body cream and Origins Incredible Spreadable smoothing salt scrub

Origins Incredible Spreadable smoothing salt body scrub

I love a good salt scrub.  I love Origins.  So this was a match made in heaven.  This is a beautifully uplifting and invigorating spearmint and orange infused abrasive scrub set in a gel-similar in texture to the Body Shop Sweet Lemon scrub which I also loved.  Although abrasive the granules dissolved on contact with the skin once they have buffed and sloughed away dead skin cells.  It's also easy to wash off-'sticky' exfoliators are a pet hate of mine!

What have I replaced this with?  The Origins ginger scrub

Would I repurchase? Unfortunately I can't get Origins in Dubai but I definitely would next time I find myself at an Origins counter.

Bath and Body Works Energy Orange Ginger Body Cream

Deeeeeeee-licious in flavour and the perfect morning pick up I loved this BABW body cream.  It's a thick and luxurious 'oily' cream-what I mean by that is that although it comes out of the tube very thick, once on your skin it transforms to a much lighter formula which is a dream to apply and absorbs really quickly.  I really wish you guys could get BABW in the UK as their products are so so nice.

What have I replaced this with?  Another BABW cream

Would I repurchase? Yes, these creams are really lovely

Lanolips LemonAid Lip Aid and Elemis Lip Revive

Elemis Lip Revive-travel size

This lip balm was part of my British Airways Club World pamper kit when I flew to NYC.  I don't know if I got a dodgy tube but I found this to be full of bits and felt really gritty on my lips.  Reading the online description I think mine must have been faulty as it makes no mention of being an 'exfoliating' balm.  This balm contains beeswax, olive oil and cocoa butter plus calendula, wild mind and peppermint.

Had I got a 'proper' tube of this I think I would have really liked it as this balm formula is my preferred formula for lip balms.

The size of the tube made it perfect for throwing in your handbag.  The £16 price tag is a big turn off though.

What have I replaced this with? Always have a plethora of lip balms on the go!

Would I repurchase? No

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid

This lip balm seems to have lasted forever!  I don't think I have an allergy to lanolin which can be quite common but I do find if I use this continuously through the day my lips can sometimes feel a little swollen.  The smell is lovely and summery and this balm is thick and moisturising.

What have I replaced this with? Always have a plethora of lip balms on the go!

Would I repurchase?  Maybe


Bumble and bumble thickening hairspray

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray- sample size

This was a freebie from Sephora in NYC and my first experience of Bumble and Bumble.  I wasn't wowed which was a surprise because I have read such good things about Bumble and Bumble.

Used as directed, this spray left my hair feeling a little crispy like a cheap hairspray after I had blow dried it.  It does smell good though!

What have I replaced this with?The new John Freida thickening range spray (the one in the green bottle)

Would I repurchase? No

Mac Brow Set, Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow pencil and Lorac Perfectly Lit highlighter

This sorry trio of items represent my make up empties!

Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadow Pencil in 30E

These chunky pencils are my favourite eye shadow pencils of all the ones I have tried.  30E is described as pearly pink beige but I find it to be the perfect neutral that is brilliant for weekend make up or for looking groomed in a hurry.  Easy to apply and blend out, waterproof and fade resistant.
Great for people who are a little scared of eyeshadow as these are so easy to use and the pencil shape makes it easy to control.

What have I replaced this with? I still have a couple of similar shade MUFE pencils in my stash

Would I repurchase? Maybe.  If I was buying an eyeshadow pencil these would be my brand of choice.

Lorac Perfectly Lit highlighter in Spotlight

Lorac Perfectly Lit in 'Spotlight'

2013 has been the year of skincare and illuminators for me.  This Lorac product came in my Sephora Favourites 'In The Glow' set and I even admitted in my post about it here that I didn't really know what to do with it.

But it's amazing!  Spotlight is a very finely milled, champagne highlight.  No glitter, subtle shimmer and perfect for day.  Doesn't settle into pores.  I applied this with an Illamsaqua highlighter brush which is quite dense and easy to control.  It gives a lovely sheen to the skin when applied on the top of the cheekbones.  I'm NW/NC15 in Mac foundation so pale but this was the perfect shade for me.

What have I replaced this with?  I've loved this for so long I now need to shop my stash and find an every day replacement.

Would I repurchase?  I wish I could buy Lorac in Dubai but unfortunately it's not available so I'll have to wait until my next trip to the States.


Mac Brow gel

This was clear gel when I bought it but they get utterly filthy!  This one isn't too stiff at setting your brows and doesn't leave any white patches or crusty bits on your brows.  I did prefer the Make Up For Ever one I had previous to this however

What have I replaced this with?  An Anastasia brow gel I got from Sephora in the US-it's just a trial size which is probably better seeing how filthy they get.


Would I repurchase?  I'd probably go back to the Make Up For Ever for the same price

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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The Duty Free Haul-Manchester airport

The last haul post of my UK/US trip haul series!!

Here is what I picked up at Manchester airport before flying back to Dubai in April.

Issey Miyake Absolue

Stylish packaging at Jo Malone

English Pear and Fressia

Issey Mikaye is my all time favourite perfume and quite often they bring out special editions and I always snap them up.  This new gold bottle caught my attention and found its way into my shopping basket!

I was also looking for a new light and fresh day perfume for spring and this Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia seemed to fit the bill perfectly (although I just looked on the Jo Malone website and they liken this perfume to an Autumn walk through an orchard so I am not very seasonally appropriate!)

Mac Paint Pots and Select cover up

From Mac I picked up two of the Paint Pots, in Bare Study and Lets Skate.  I haven't used these before but read that they are really good as an eyeshadow base as well as standalone eyeshadow.  I also picked up a Select cover up and a 168 angled contour brush which I use to apply my blusher.  I also like the fact it's bristles are cream coloured so that I can see it's properly clean when I wash it.

Swatches-Lets Skate (pale pink with pearl) and Bare Study (Beige with gold pearl)


Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara and 168 angled contour brush from Mac

I recently bought this Dior mascara for my best friend as part of her birthday present and she told me it was amazing-her favourite mascara ever-and Danielle knows her mascara trust me!  So I couldn't resist picking one up for myself at duty free.

Finally I picked up the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye.  I have been looking for a more moisturising night time eye cream and have read some great reviews about this one.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye


You can read my other UK/US trip hauls by clicking the following links;
Dubai Duty Free haul, Debenhams haul, UK online haul, UK drugstore haul, US drugstore haulMacy's haulBloomingdales NYC haul and my massive Sephora haul.

The trip seems SO long ago now so thank you for bearing with me getting these posts out!  Very happy memories though of special mum and daughter time.

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Tuesday, May 28, 2013

The 30 second read-Lip Six!

My lip choices over the past six days....




Top row; (left) Chanel Rouge Allure in 82 Incognito (right) Clarins Jolie Rouge in Soft Berry

Middle row; (left) Estee Lauder Pure Colour lipstick in Rubellite (right) YSL glossy stain in 11 Rouge Gouache

Bottom row; (left) Mac frost lipstick in Ramblin Rose (right) Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg

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Sunday, May 26, 2013

Sew Lomax



I'm an avid reader of British Beauty Blogger and recently saw a post about these ever so cute toiletry bags by a company called Sew Lomax.

I was then looking for a gift I could personalise with my friends 'new' initials for part of her wedding gift and was looking on www.notonthehighstreet.com and found Sew Lomax on there too-and their bags could be personalised!  So I bought one for Hannah in a lovely cupcake design and couldn't resist one for myself in the nail polish design.  

Emma Lomax is the creative genius behind these lush bags.  Each bag is ethically sourced and hand finished as well as being UK produced.  They are also treated with Scotchgard to protect them.

Sew Lomax do a range of products including make up bags, laundry bags, gym bags and coin purses-I think these are so nice for gifts.  I purchased through notonthehighstreet and was super impressed to get an email from the company as soon as I placed the order telling me exactly when the bags would be delivered-and even though it was personalised it was due to arrive in just two days time.  And it did indeed arrive in 2 days.

I really love this bag and it's perfect for frequent travellers like myself-I think the lipstick one is next on my wishlist!






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Saturday, May 25, 2013

Dior Birds of Paradise Summer 2013-my picks

I love peacocks.  Not in a crazy 'feed the birds' old lady way but there is something about those beautiful green and blue feathers that is truly mesmerising.

The Dior Birds of Paradise summer collection is inspired by this exotic bird and the beauty of nature.

The collection is beautiful-colourful, strong and summer-y.

Here's what I picked up from London last weekend;

Birds of Paradise collection from Dior

Duo polish set in Samba

The first thing I picked up with the Dior Vernis duo set in Samba-a mint green and iridescent blue for tips and toes.  This is the item I am most unsure of to be honest because I'm quite a traditional pinks, reds and corals girl on my nails but I have been more adventurous recently and these will be the perfect polishes for summer.  I couldn't wear these colours in the office but for a splash of colour at the weekend they'll fit the bill nicely-and they look gorgeous on the model in the promo pictures.

Dior 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette in Blue Lagoon packaging

Dior 5 couleurs eyeshadow palette in Blue Lagoon

I have green eyes and blonde hair so I actually really like an accent of green on my eyes for evening and when I have a tan.  Admittedly I wouldn't use all these colours together for a statement eye but I would pick and choose individual colours to compliment my more neutral eye make-up.  There is a second palette in the collection called Peacock but some of the colours are more yellow toned in that palette so I preferred this one of the two.

Dior 1 couleur mono eyeshadow in Feather

This beautiful mono eyeshadow is a really beautiful shade of green I couldn't pass up despite buying the 5 eyeshadow palette.  This is a blue/teal with a silvery shimmer.  It can be used wet or dry and is easily buildable to go from a sheer wash to block colour.  And I love the embossed Dior logo set into the eyeshadow.

1 couleur eye gloss in Zenith (left) and Golden Sand (right)

This is the one product in the collection I was pretty sure I wasn't interested in!  Eye + gloss to me is just not a combination that goes together.  Eye glosses I have tried before have been greasy and creasy!!

I saw Sam from Pixiwoo mention these in a vlog and so when I saw them I thought I may as well swatch them.  Wow!  They are a cream shadow that gives a wash of colour that is so shimmery when it catches the light but sets to a matte and creaseproof finish.  Maybe not a gloss as in a 'wet look' texture but the 'gloss' comes from the beautiful iridescent finish.  I can see these being a summer holiday staple and them also being a great base for eyeshadow-if you can bear to cover them up!


Swatches-Golden Sand, Zenith and Feather

Swatches-Golden Sand, Zenith and Feather

Finally, and not part of this collection I was seduced by this foundation brush.  I love it because the bristles are short and dense and I think it will be great for applying foundation.  I can't wait to try it!

Dior heavy coverage foundation brush

Dior heavy coverage foundation brush

Has anything caught your eye in this collection?  Looking online at swatches I am kind of surprised I didn't purchase the Nude tan/blush compact....maybe another day!


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Friday, May 24, 2013

De-stress Thursday.....

It's fair to say it has been a stressful week and by the time I got home at 8.30pm last night all I wanted to do was shut myself away from the outside world, have a nice bath, a vat of wine and a good nights sleep!

Here's what I used to try and achieve a chilled out state of mind and to pamper myself.

Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress oil, Diptyque Mimosa candle, Himalayan Detox Salts, Lush Magic Wand bubble bar

To be honest, I rarely have a bath.  But last night was just one of those nights that only a bath would do!  I also thought it would be a great opportunity to use up some of the things that I have lying around in the bathroom!

Diptyque Mimosa mini candle, Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts

The first thing I did was light this mini Dipthyque candle which I got with the recent Space NK gift with purchase.   I had to put it right in the corner of the bath as Ali (my littlest cat) had decided I didn't need peace and quiet, I infact needed to watch a ginger cat walking precariously along the side of the bath, stopping to frequently sniff my head.

I was recently watching a Fleur De Force vlog where she talked about the Himalayan bath salts and she was saying that she was struggling to sleep and how after using these she had the best nights sleep in ages.  I have also been struggling in the sleep department and would welcome any miracle cure-I remembered I had been sent a sample of these salts with a Cult Beauty order a few months ago.  Cult Beauty describe these as a 'natural version of Valium and a blissful cocktail of therapeutic Himalayan mineral salts, powdered Amethyst & essential oils of Lemongrass, Juniper & Geranium; these pink crystals work to balance pH levels & positive/negative ions, to help the body establish equilibrium. The Amethyst has a high mineral content, to heal & clarify problematic skin whilst counteracting the electro-magnetic energy we absorb from modern day gizmos. Add to this blood purifying & anti-inflammatory properties & discover that heaven is a bath soak.'

The idea is to relax in the salted bath and then almost 'drip dry' so the salts remain infused.  You should also then relax for 30 mins and not use electrical equipment like a laptop or phone for the best effect.  I literally fell asleep on top of the bed as soon as I got out of the bath so they definitely relaxed me.  I didn't get a full nights sleep but did get a significantly better nights sleep.


Aromatherapy Associates De-Stress bath and shower oil

Before stepping into the bath I massaged a cap full of this oil into my chest, stomach and arms.  Heady with lavender, rosemary and ginger this oil soothes away tension and stress.  You can add this directly to the bath but I preferred to apply it straight onto my skin for an added moi
sture boost.



Lush Magic Wand bubble bar

Finally I added a small piece of this Lush bubble bar to give the bath some bubbles.  I don't think this is available now from Lush as it isn't on the website and is fragranced with their 'Snow Fairy' fragrance which is a winter/Xmas special.

As I was having a bath I thought I may as well throw on a face mask!  My skin has been really good recently (touch wood) and I have been spending more time and effort on sourcing the right products for it.

Darphin Cleansing Balm with Rosewood

I cleansed my face using the Darphin cleansing balm.  I am literally on the last dregs of this balm now so I may as well do a mini review of it.

This is a balm that needs to be applied to wet skin and needs to be slightly warmed in your fingertips before applying.  If you don't the balm 'sticks' to your skin like honey and is difficult to massage in and remove.  Once on wet skin it becomes a milky emulsion which washes off fairly easily.  It's lightly scented and is effective at removing make up and my skin has been clear all the time I have been using it.  It contains marula oil, ylang ylang and sage.

However, this balm only comes in a 40ml size and is £30.  It has only lasted me 3 weeks and so would be an expensive habit to maintain-and that is only using it once a day in the evening.  If I felt my skin looked amazing maybe I would consider re-purchasing but I don't feel it does.

Alpha H Liquid Gold, Ren Invisible Pores Detox mask

I then threw on the Ren Invisible Pores Detox mask, I use this as more of a prevention than cure at the moment.   This is a detoxifying clay based mask designed to draw out impurities and reduce pore size.  I'm a big fan of Ren and have heard positive things about the ability of this mask to sort out blemished skin.

After removing the mask I just swept a soaked cotton pad of Alpha H Liquid Gold over my skin.  I still credit this product for transforming my skin earlier in the year and will be a lifelong fan!  If you want to see the results I had using this product click here

I'm feeling better this morning following my pamper night.  I think sometimes it's all too easy to let every day stresses and strains get to us and I think it's very important to take a little time out.  One thing I am sure of though it that it's super important to look after oneself-because sometimes that's all we have.


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Thursday, May 23, 2013

What's in my bag-the travel edition

Last weekend I was in London so I thought I would show you what was in my handbag for the trip!

I always tend to pack a bit more into my handbag on a flight hence why I love a good roomy tote.  This one from Prada is perfect for 'chucking stuff in', it's a bit like the Mary Poppins of handbags!

Tote bags are my favourite and I prefer to carry them in the crook of my arm rather than over the shoulder-reminds me of my nan in the crook of the arm.  I don't use this Prada one every day and just keep it for special occasions.

Prada Saffiano Leather tote

I bought this Prada on the way back from Vegas the year before last from Terminal 5 in Heathrow.  It's a classic style that Prada bring out every season but in different colours.  I wanted the black so it would go with everything. 

Inside of the bag

It's a classic tote with no compartments and one large zip pocket on the back 'wall' of the bag.
I love it because I can literally throw loads in it and have it all easily to hand.  It has gold hardware and an expandable fastening on each side.

Inside the bag 

Clear make up bag, Louis Vuitton make up bag and Jo Malone Red Roses perfume

I recently did a post on my long haul flight essentials here so you can see what I carry in my in flight 'clear' make up bag.  I have had the Louis Vuitton make up bag for about 12 years-I think it was the first 'designer' item I ever bought and I love it.  I'll do a 'what's in my make up bag' post at another time but I carry this make up bag every single day with me!

Finally I love these little hangbag friendly size Jo Malone perfumes-my current go to is Red Roses.


Prada key fob and Aspinals travel wallet

My best friend Danielle bought me this pink Prada key holder for Xmas a couple of years ago and this is another item I use daily as it has my office keys on it as well as my suitcase key and house key.

I bought this Aspinals monogrammed travel wallet when I started my new job almost 2 years ago and its very worn now as I fly a lot but it's well loved!


Ipad mini, Aspinals social diary and Kindle

When I travel I take my Ipad mini and Kindle but I don't carry these every day-the Ipad mini is brilliant for travelling.  My Aspinals diary was a Xmas present from my lovely friend Hannah and I absolutely love it, it's so handy to carry round every day.  The colour is amazing too-as you can see I love a bit of pink!!


Mulberry pouch, Iphone and Blackberry

This Mulberry pouch is so handy-I store my ipod and headphones in it.  I use my Iphone day to day when I am in Dubai and my Blackberry when I am travelling-both have the same number but I have a fantastic roaming contract on my Blackberry which isn't available on the iPhone so it saves me a LOT of money when I am abroad!


Coin purse, Tiffany money clip and Prada purse

More pink!  I love this little coin purse even though its probably 10 years old now.  The Tiffany money clip and Prada purse were both gifts from Danielle-that girl has amazing taste!  I have a little Tory Burch cross body bag which is fab for hands free shopping but doesn't fit a purse in so the money clip is really useful.

Aspinals card wallet, tangle teaser, Canon camera and Gucci sunglasses

As you can see I am obsessed with having my initials on stuff!!  And Aspinals is great for that.  This card wallet holds all my membership cards and the cards I use most infrequently.  The Canon camera was a birthday gift off my other half and I bought the Gucci glasses on my last trip to London at the beginning of May.  The compact tangle teaser is a genius invention-had to get the pink of course!!


Louis Vuitton scarf

This scarf is my absolute favourite!  It was the first 'Stephen Sprouse' edition LV scarf and it's really warm.  I never use it when I am in Dubai and keep it stored in it's protective case, but it comes on every trip abroad with me.  It's really versatile and a great edition to a plain outfit.


This Works In Transit No Traces and Swarovski pen

This Swarovski pen was a gift from my friend Hannah when I got my new job and I adore the way it sparkles in the light.  I've since expanded my collection and bought two of the other colours and had another one gifted to me by my friend Anna.

Finally the This Works In Transit No Traces was a final, throw it in at last minute addition on this trip as a replacement to micellair water to remove my make up on the flight and they are great!  They're liquid infused individual pads you just swipe over your skin.  They contain rosewater and water mint and feel lovely and cooling on the skin and I couldn't believe how soft my skin felt after using them.  The pads are just 'wet' enough for you to feel like you're really cleaning your skin but not too wet that they're messy to use.  Really handy and definitely something I will use again when travelling or when I am feeling lazy!!

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