As a testament to my epic failure of Project 20 Pan, here are the beauty products I’ve been spending money on lately. Givenchy Photo Perfexion Foundation (my holy grail foundation, and a replacement for the bottle that I am currently running dry on), YSL Touche Eclat (a re-purchase of a much loved product that I’ve not had in my collection for a little while now and I’ve fallen instantly back in love with it), Biotherm White D-Tox BB Cream (as per my recent review, this is a new infatuation of mine), Moroccan Oil Glimmer Shine Spray (I recently ran out of my Fekkai Sheer Shine Glossing Mist, so this was a replacement for that) and Essie’s Pink Parka Polish (I’ve been lusting after this ever since seeing it on Michele1218). Not a bad effort.

I try not to make a habit of posting a lot of press releases, but this one from Adore Beauty was too good to pass up. (And I’m sure by now you guys all know how much I love the ladies & gents over at Adore!) Anyhoo, be sure to head over to Adore Beauty on the 5th of July to spend up big and take part in this fun little event!

The Daily Energizer range is Clarins’ first range for young skin. Now, I’m probably not in the “young” category anymore, (When does that cut off by the way? I’m nearly 26… egad.) but I do have sensitive skin that is prone to breaking out, so this range seems like something that my skin would react well to. The daily energizer cream claims to “help reduce imperfections and boost radiance”, and I do I really like the “glow” that this cream gives to my skin after application. The product itself is thick and seems to be quite a rich sort of cream, but it applies like a gel. It is lightweight but feels very moisturising. I like the fact that a little of the product goes a long way, and for $38 AUD, I can see the jar lasting quite a long time.

I don’t like the smell. And I know you hear this a lot from me so you probably don’t even pay any mind to it anymore. I am notoriously fussy when it comes to product fragrance. The Daily Energizer range claims to have “refreshing fruit scented formulas” but the smell of this cream is definitely botanical. At least to my nose. And the scent does linger for most of the morning, or at least until I apply my makeup over the top. I do enjoy using the Clarins Daily Energizer Cream-Gel, but to be honest I don’t think I would repurchase in the future.

My Rating: 4/10

The Clarins Daily Energizer Cream-Gel retails for $38 AUD for 30ml and is available for purchase online via Australian online beauty site Adore Beauty.

Bath + Body Works Shower Gel & Body Lotion in “Pearberry” – Unsurprisingly I’m sure, I’ve already ordered this. (In fact, it was my first order through HopShopGo – the new international parcel forwarding service set up by Pay Pal!) I visited Bath + Body works while in the US and nearly had a heart attack at how exciting and cheap it all was. My favourite scent by far is the Warm Vanilla Sugar, but I’m keen to try something else – and this Pearberry scent sounds delicious and rather summery!

Givenchy Le Prisme Blush Blooming in “Blooming Fuchsias” – I’m sure I don’t need to explain this one too much – look how bright and colourful it looks! And with a name like blooming fuchscias, it seems like a perfect match for spring. Also, I am a sucker for everything that Givenchy produces – especially in their cosmetic range.

Kevin.Murphy Hair Resort” – ‘Hair Resort has compactly packed a sexy, summer holiday in a jar!’ Um, yes please! I have tried samples of this in the past and really liked it. It gives a really nice beachy wave without making hair horrible and crunchy like some products can (and do).

Stila Baked Eyeshadow Trio in “Gold Glow” – So perfect for glowy summer eyes. This also comes in “bronze glow” which looks just as divine!

Winter for me, means the three R’s: relax, recuperate and renew. There’s nothing more appealing to me than staying indoors with a great big cup of tea, a good book and a rich face mask slathered on. As weather become’s cooler, my skin, body and hair definitely require a little more TLC.

SKIN – Although my skin is best described as combination to oily, I am quite often dehydrated. Especially in Winter when my skin is subject to freezing cold air and then harsh heating quite abruptly. Nothing cures this dehydration quite like a nice layer of Ultraceuticals Ultra Moisturiser Cream. It goes on beautifully under makeup, and if I’m feeling that extra bit dry, I’ll pop a little extra on before bed. Hello supple skin!

BODY – L’Occitane Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream is literally my little slice of heaven. This gorgeously thick cream feels amazing to apply, and
even works on uber-dry spots like my elbows knees and heels. One of my favourite things about it is the fact that it doesn’t have that greasy finish most thick creams tend to have.

HAIR – Ojon Restorative Hair Treatment – Ok this treatment is hardcore. And I need it because I am married to my GHD. I apply a generous amount to my locks and slap on a shower cap. The longer you leave this treatment on the better, so I’ll curl up with a book or a well loved DVD while I let this little beauty work it’s magic. After a good shampoo and condition, my hair is shiny and bouncy and completely restored. Love it.

TRADITION – Every year as soon as it starts getting awfully cold, my best friend and I will put a hair mask in, chuck on some wooly ugg boots and have toasted sandwiches and Earl Grey tea while we watch Love Actually. It’s not glamourous by any means, but it’s out initiation for Winter!

What is great about this product…

I am absolutely in love with this product. I know that seems dramatic, but yeah, I am. It’s a moisturising cream that I initially only used at night, but I’ve started using it in the daytime too because it’s super light and feels really nice under my foundation. It feels silky smooth and sinks into skin really quickly – which is great for morning application if you’re constantly running late, like me. The cream has no smell at all which is a plus for me when facial skincare is concerned. The Sheer Transformation Cream is oil free – which is definitely a bonus for those like me who suffer from oily skin and need to use oil control products. I’m predicting that this moisturiser will be a godsend for me in summer! The product promises to “help fade skin discolorations, such as freckles, age spots and sun damage, without the use of chemicals.” I’m not sure about these results as I’ve not been using the product consistantly enough to tell if any fading has occured, but if the long term effects are as amazing as the Invigorating Night Gel, than I’m definitely adding this product to my Beauty Cupboard list ASAP.

As with the Invigorating Night Gel, I can see the price tag of $97 AUD for 50g of product to be quite off putting. But that is honestly the only flaw I could find with this product. I can see myself becoming obsessed with the Ole range, and it’s not going to be easy on my credit card!

My Rating: 7.5/10

You can buy the Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Creme or shop the range of Ole Henriksen products online at Australian online beauty store Adore Beauty.

What is great about this product…

I have always been rather cynical about night serums. I often find that at night they can feel really nice and seem to work well but in the morning (even after continual usage) I’m not really sure if they are making any sort of difference with my skin. The Invigorating Night Gel gave me results within the first week. Now, I’m not claiming that this is a miracle product because obviously there are a lot of factors that are to be taken into account when it comes to the state of your skin – but I have used this serum for quite a while now, in good skin times and bad, and it’s always shown me great results. I have large pores and am prone to breakouts along my jawline, and this serum has helped me with both of these problems. I’ve also found that my skintone seems to be a lot more even and my redness has diminished quite a bit when I use the gel for a few nights in a row. I have slightly sensitive skin, and although the gel contains fruit acids, my skin has never reacted to it in a negative way. I really love the packaging of the product too, and how brightly coloured the whole Ole Henriksen range seems to be. I will definitely repurchase this product when I run out!

I do have to admit, the smell is not all that appealing to me. It’s a citrusy sort of smell, but is not very nice. The smell does not linger on my skin after use though, which is always a good thing. The only other thing I can see being an issue for some people is the price. The Invigorating Night Gel retails for $99.50 AUD for 50ml of product. I know that seems like a lot, but on the plus side – a little of this product goes a long way, so you won’t be using it up very fast & should get your money’s worth.

The Ole Henriksen Invigorating Night Gel and other items from the range are available for purchase online at Adore Beauty. (note: My birthday is in November. Please feel free to buy me any of the 100 things I have on my wish list from this range. Thanks.)

I didn’t realise that The Book Depository split their orders into different packages for shipping, but I don’t mind so much because the 3rd book I ordered (1984 by George Orwell) is a replacement copy and I’m in no rush to read it again as I have about 15 new books waiting to be started. I am excited to get stuck into my new arrivals – On the Beach & A Dog’s Heart. I also received 2 Ole Henriksen products (invigorating night gel & sheer transformation) from Adore Beauty to trial & review and I am absolutely in love with this brand now. I can’t wait to try out some other products from the range! The third item in this picture is a tube of the Olay total effects 7-in-1 anti aging cream which actually came with a little gift, which I will get to in a minute…

I also received a little sample pack from Australian sensuality boutique for women, “Hapsari“. If you’re yet to check this company out, please do so now! (please remember, as it is a sensuality boutique, the website is probably rated MA+ as it has some adult material there. nothing graphic, but consider yourself warned)

Last but certainly not least was this amazing digital photo frame sent to me by Olay Total Effects to help celebrate their 10th birthday! It absolutely perfect for the bedroom as it’s white and blends in perfectly with the decor. I was so excited to open this up! Please stay tuned because we have some exciting Olay Total Effects birthday presents to give away to readers soon!

What is great about this product…

Where to start… The smell of the hand cream is quite similar to a lot of the Clarins product range that I’ve used previously. I really love the scent but always find it quite hard to describe. It’s a sweet, creamy sort of fragrance that lingers for quite a while after applying the product to your skin. The cream itself is thick, but sinks into the skin very quickly without leaving any sort of oily residue. (I’ve found it to be a great cream to use at work because of this – I can jump straight back on the computer keyboard after applying without having to worry about making a mess of the keys) As it is a hand & nail treatment cream, it is also supposed to strengthen nails. I haven’t really noticed much of a difference with my nails, but I had no real issues there to start with, so I’m not sure what change I should be looking for. I have been using this hand cream daily for a few weeks now, and my hands feel so soft and smooth. The product promises to moisturise and promote smooth, supple hands and I believe it does just that! I will definitely be re-purchasing once my tube runs out.

The only real issue I can think of is that I can imagine a few people considering $40 AUD to be quite a high price to pay for a hand cream. Having said that, I have been using the cream non stop and it hasn’t made much of a dent in the amount left in the tube.

The Clarins Hand And Nail Treatment Cream retails for $40 AUD and can be purchased online from Australian beauty store Adore Beauty. The Clarins range is also stocked at leading department stores and some specialist pharmacies.