Eye Travel with Sunday Riley Start Over travel-size

Now most of us are either holidaying or have one coming up, I'd like to share a travel favourite of mine.

Meet Sunday Riley Starting Over Eyecream. It looks as simple as any other eyecream: 

Tube ✓

Clinical letters ✓

White packaging ✓

Or somehow I find eyecreams to be looking kinda sterile compared to other facial care. 

 Might be because it comes closer to a fragile area, the eyeball?  

In any case, Sunday Riley has Results as their 1st concern:

 Now, I do think the concept of 'having results' is a variable. In normal English: what I want from an eyecream might be totally different from my teenage daughter. She might combat dark circles that come from Festival [lack of] sleeping; I want wrinkle care!

But my love for this eyecream is probably veered towards it's travel purpose: especially airplanes that suck the moisture out of your body like a Saharan desert. Also, the puffiness reminiscent of walking in a sandstorm.

This Metallic top has this perfectly cool feel on eyes. A bit of a squeeze will bring out a small dollop [practice first otherwise you'll have an amount to equalize for the whole face], and the feel of the metallic top with the super-moisturizing eyecream will have your lids soothed to a key.

Ingredients:

V-5 Ageless Complex (Opuntia Tuna Fruit (Prickly Pear) Extract, Agave Tequilana Leaf (Blue Agave) Extract, Cypripedium Pubescens (Lady’s Slipper Orchid) Extract, Opuntia Tuna Fruit, Opuntia Vulgaris (Cactus) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract & Saccharmyces Cerevisiae (Yeast) Extract), Squalene and Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Punica Granataum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Methysilanol Carboxymethyl Theophylline, Butylene Glycol, PEG-75 Meadowsol, Ammonium Polyacrylate, Isohexadecane, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Hydroxyethyl, Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C Ester) Glucosamine HCL & Algae Extract & Yeast Extract & Urea, Algae Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris (Mugwort) Extract, Glabridine (Licorice) Extract, Lecithin, Cholesterol Oleyl Carbonate & Cholesteryl Nanoate & Cholesteryl Chloride, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil & Astaxanthin & Lycopene & Alpha D-Tocopherol, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, DMDM Hydantoin

As for these results again: The ingredients focus on hydratation [eg: Rosehip seed oil, Squalene oil, Pomegranate seed oil] , anti-ageing [eg: Prickly Pear extract, Vitamin C, Algae extract, again Rosehip & Pomegranate] and brightening [eg: Licorice extract & Licopene].

I often feel I "start over" a bit when arriving at a new destination from an airplane. Perhaps because of the fast way of overcoming total areas, timezones and sometimes seasons.

Now I can "start over" with representative & hydrated eye-area.

But why does only the travel format come with the eyecontour-saving metallic lid???

Also, can we have this in the facecream as well? 

Overcoming Cosmetic Snobbery

"I don't do Clinique"

 I heard myself saying these words to a flawless but clueless salesassistant a while ago. I realised my cosmetic snobbery had gone to an extent that I'd say I didn't do Clinique anymore. 

In my defence: I used their infamous 3-step system during teenage acne with poor results. I've found their soap too aggressive and the tonic stingy. I had better luck going to the French pharmacie for Payot or La Roche Posay.

But I'm not a bitter hag & years passed and I was willing to try again: 

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

I'm not a fan of the 'even better' title. It makes me wary and gives me the feeling if I switch products I will get acne again. Or in this case, crepey eyelids. Like messing up something that's already good. 

In my case, I was right about the eyecream. I've been loving my previous travelsize of Algenist eyebalm. It gave me such confidence my eyes were "good by itself" that Clinique would do as follow up.

Ohoh, big mistake and such difference. I've used it for 2 days and I woke up like a crepey mess with some new dark circles. WORSE, uneven eyes (one smaller than the other). I should have looked at the reviews on Makeupalley before:

In this case, my previous one was Even Best:

My second venture went a bit Better!

Clinique Even Better Sunscreen Dark Spot Defense SPF 45

I've gotten curious reading about it from Amodelrecommends. Wowza, I've discussed her years ago when she was known as 'just a model' but now she's become 'Ruth Crilley' with her own haircare range-> from a 'just one of the many' to a proper celeb with her own name.

I've tried a good bunch of sunscreens: Asian, organic, drugstore, French. I have to say I like this one. It has a light-medium base which might not be a good match to 80% of the people: I don't get why Clinique does that as it targets for a widely coloured American public. However, it's an ok match to me.  It gives a good protection but I've only used it twice in middle-range North-European summer; I cannot say how it would perform in tropical climates.

If it is really so much better than the ones I've tried before? I should do a test on that. But it's getting winter over here so I'd opt for that for the next year.

In general, I liked one of the two new items I gotten from Clinique. I'm still going to be a snob if when it comes to buying fullsize from their skincare range but I won't refuse samples. Just not that 3-step system anymore.

Resolution '14: Superfoods with Nourish Revital-Eye Kale Biomimetic Anti-Ageing Eye Cream

Sooo, what's in a name again? 

Nourish is amping up the big names, formulas & even the superfoods for its latest eyecream. 

Or is it that intelligence lies in the eye of the beholder? But if you want to judge a book at its cover the box definitely gets a (pseudo?)intellectual one:

I still know some mimesis theories from social studies...so the idea of Biomimesis? Mmmm, the skin around my eyes will imitate a gorgeous dewy rosepetal leaf??
But the thing that got me into the eyecream this time was health, not intelligence: Kale, one of the hyped superfoods of our era...so how would this perform in an eyecream?

See, my Nourish contains Kale???

 Da Promise:

"Visibly reduces lines and dark circles for a brighter, rested look"

 What's really inside:

Kale [Brassica olerecea leaf extract] is ingredient no 2 on the list, which means it is quite potent.

Source & more info on ingredients here

 Verdict:

• The promise of 'visibly lightening dark circles' is true to an extend. I switched to Estelle & Child for a night and I found myself to me 'more shadowy' the next morning.
• The bottle really looks like my older love Pai Echium & Argan (see here)
• Softening Laughter-lines: the area around my eyes look more relaxed & less crepe-y
• I feel a slight tightening feeling after 1 minute
• Scent: neutral
• Diminishing wrinkles: I pat the extra lotion around my lips & the lines there seem soften too
• Diminishing puffiness: somewhat. Generally a cold chamille teabag works more effectively after really late nights (or emotional events) but it de-slackens when having normal activities/emotions.
• Nourish Revital-Eye is lotion-like, compared to Pai Echium slightly thicker texture
• Pricerange: mid.  £29.50 for 10 ml is relatively expensive, but the thin lotion means you use little for a larger area

Conclusion:

An intellectual health-boost for the eyes that makes them appear younger & fresher.

Availability:
On Naturisimo, BeingContent &  their own Nourish-site ofcourse

November Empties & December Full's

My empties of November: 

1. Inner Me Pretty Locks haircapsules:

The cute packaging of a Zoe Deschanel look-a-like in animation + the promise of bountiful hair = purchase. I'm not sure if I repurchase as similar ingredients come cheaper in other formulas.

2. REN F10 Smooth and Renew Mask: 

I really liked the thicker texture of this mask/exfoliator and it removes enough skincells without going overboard. I'll consider repurchasing as REN is easily available in Holland and it works quite well.

3/4. Intelligent Nutrients Body Elixir in Attune & Restore

I bought both on sale and I liked both (review here). They are oils with a slightly sticky texture, so it works wonderful as an evening oil. I prefer Attune's fragance as Restore is a bit too pepperminty. They're both smaller sizes 50 ml so I'm not sure if I'd repurchase when full priced.

5. Sophyto Exfoliating Treatment

Yes, another exfoliator and another good one as well: I often exfoliate more after a holiday and during autumn. The texture is so much thinner as REN: a lotion-like substance that gives a bit of a tingle after 10 minutes. It works just as adequate as REN in exfoliating terms and is slightly cheaper, but I have to order it online.

6.  Neil George Indian Gooseberry treatment for hair (the whole package of 6)

I once received a free sample and liked it a lot. I love it for my dryer (highlighted) hairs close to my scalp: it adds moisture and seems healing without making it loose volume.  I think it is an expensive set so I tried the pure Amla (Gooseberry) oil but that version was so intensely fraganced and quite heavy & oily in the pure form. So I'd repurchase but only after payday.

6. Aveda Invati Exfoliating Shampoo

A wonderful & slightly herbal scented shampoo. It adds a certain degree of 'thickness' and it never feels stripping. I use it in combination with their Revitaliser so I cannot tell how it works on itself. But my hair on top looks a lot healthier these days.

7.  Pai Echium Eyecream

My second bottle used up (1st review here). I am not sure if I got this one for free or that I bought this one and got something else for free. I love this thicker eyecream but curiosity made me buy the similar looking Nourish RevitalEyes with Kale.

8. RapidLash Eyelash growth Serum

I've gotten eyelash extensions during summer and for my last holiday. They're handy for the beach but at a certain moment I get tired of them: as they feel unnatural after 3 weeks and the constant refreshing is expensive and time-consuming.  I think they slightly wreck your own eyelashes so I'm trying to recover them by RapidLash. It worked lovely the last time as they grew normal and even more sensually long after a month: wonderful!

Those have been my empties, so I bought myself a Ciate Mini Mani Advent Calender to surprise myself every day:

It's really a good value if you like Ciate with a couple of newbie colours too. 

I already 'cheated' and added day 13 to my nails (spoiler: it's Ferris Wheel).

But as a good girl I added day 1 on top today: Snow Globe, a gorgeously greenish-silver holo flecked goodiness:

And that will absolutely not be the only newbie beauty product for December: I'll keep you updated : )

Using, Used, Gonna Use...

Just a quick round and a insta-photo for this week 'Using...' (etc etc)

Using: Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne

A counter-weather fragance: I was not too fond of this one in the beginning but I like how the zesty flowerness gets me through the rainy mornings...

Used: Ren Keep Young & Beautiful Eyecream

Ahh, how smart Ren has been to avoid the word 'anti-age'...or have they? Because those words are still under the more positive sounding 'keep young & beautiful'.

This cream has been wonderful and light enough for summer, and still creamy enough to counter out beach-dryness. I think it qualifies for beginning lines, for people in their early 30s, or if you have been partying too much-> the (middle) twenties, and if you have been organically healthy bladibla -> your late 30s/40s. Beginning lines, that is. For the heavier ones I would suggest more potent eyepotions.

Used: S5 Replenish Serum sample for dry & scarred skin

Organic serums often surprise me that som of them are actually oils. This one too: or, it feels like those dry-oils they have for body-products. In general, a lighter oil that penetrates in 10 minutes. However, I prefer to layer it with a daycream to speed it up and to get more beneficial extras from the daycream too. I like this serum/dry-oil hybrid but I prefer an actual liquidy & non-oil based serum for personal reasons. However, if you are short on time it is a good hybrid between serum & oil. As for the de-scarring: I should try a larger sample to find out. Londonmakeupgirl has reviewed this one more detailed over here.

Gonna Use: Nars Soulshine blush

The 80s Jerry Hall style of the box kinda did it to me. Also, more blush!!! I basically thought I would go for Realm of the Senses but was so happy to see both of the blushes in real life. Soulshine has that hint of mauvy rose inside that feels more like me.

Using Used Gonna Use

I've been seeing so many tanning people on the beach lately that I positioned my bottles and empties in a similar horizontal position: (ps: not advocating tanning: wear sunscreen & hat!)

Eh ok, like people you do not see the labels (or who they are) so easily when they lie on their bellies, so: 

Used:               I have been using up a couple of skincare items.

a. The Omorovzica Gold Serum has been finished for more than a month ago: I started using it (see here), replaced it for Aurelia serum for a while (which I finished), and emptied this one too. I have to give the word like to it but it isn't love. I feel it firms my skin a bit, but for its price I consider it to be not the miracle product I think it should be. 

b. Bioderma Micellar Water: I gotten this baby size on one of my trips to Paris. Bioderma has a great cult following and I can see  and notice the easiness of this water. Nevertheless, since organic and natural varieties have stepped up the scene I think I prefer them instead. See also the bottle of my gonna use.

c. Akin Refreshing and Soothing Toner with Orange Blossoms: a lot of people suggest that the use of toners is completely unnecessary in skincare.  I believe in the ritual and aromatic powers of a skincare regime. Also, I love the feeling of removing the last trace of creamy or oily cleanser and preparing the skin in an aromatic way for the next step. This is my 2nd bottle being emptied and I love the orange flower in this baby.

Using: 

Armani Cosmetics Eyes to Kill in 04 Pulp Fiction: It has been my first Dutch Armani purchase. Not the one from the brick-'n-mortar store I discussed in the previous post, but an online purchase. I've gotten a velvety Rouge d'Armani 400 as a GWP. It's a longlasting red and I haven't been using it a lot: I am not a vivid red lip wearer but it is lovely to have a smaller size of this colour for if I ever want to splash out on a red lip. Or perhaps my friend who loves these type of lipstick is gonna convince me giving it to her (or steal it).

Pulp Fiction is a cult classic and I do not have to discuss why I bought and like it : )

Gonna Use:

My favourite (organic) micellar water from Melvita: Eau Fraiche Micellair. This is my 2nd bottle and I love how it agrees on my 'delightfully'  choosy skin. I could not buy it from my 1st provider because they suddenly did not want to ship it from the UK but I found another webshop who does. (not mentioning names cough, no really not gonna do).

Using, Used, Gonna Use...

Summer is almost here and I begin to enjoy colours again.

 So the products of the "used, using...gonna use" is finally more than just skincare:

Using:
 *Givenchy Le Rouge lipstick in Rouge Boudoir 204*

 This lipstick is bright and happy enough to pair up with a bit of (fake) tan and not too extreme for the lipstick-shy like I am. The moisture factor is not as dewy as Chanel but I actually like its resistance better for warmer weather.

Used:
*Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist sample I got in this set*

 It feels refreshing on the skin, but I was dissapointed in the misting effect: it's a pump instead of an aerosol mister. A pump might be friendlier for the environment but I prefer a thinner, aerosol-based spray instead of the slightly bigger drops you get from a pump. Also, for its price I consider it not that much better than earlier mists I tried.

*By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid blush in 03 Amber Rose*

 It is not fully finished but I have it since 2010 so I think it's due. As you can see, it is a blush lovingly used: it really needs a tiny drop for a gorgeous flush and I used lots of drops...I would absolutely repurchase but it's not for sale in Holland anymore.

Gonna Use:
* Kiko Colour Block in 04 Fierce Violet*

 Yes, I got into a Kiko shop again and fell in love with the vividness of Fierce Violet. First, It was hand-testing...then I decided to test it on my eyes, went into really warm weather, and after 9 hours it still was budgeproof and vivid!

Normally I sheer away from reallllly brights for my eyes but I totally love this sort of purple.

Inglot Eyeliner gel 95

*Cosmetic newbie*

This week I picked up something from Inglot's newer line.

They have these nifty eyeliner pots that I once had in orange: *yes*, really orange...it looks poppin' on green eyes.

However, I am supposed to act more mature as I seem to get to a certain age [space with *blahdiblah* how-women-close-to-40-need-to0-change-their-makeup-routine nonsense: why not have fun & be yourself] -> so that's not the real reason: It's just that the office space often is not too enthousiastic about raver-orange (in Holland: QueensKings-day orange or Soccer-orange).

So I picked up some golden hues:

Swatch on goosebumped arm [outside, no sun, really cold]

It is not your warm gold: it is absolutely a cooler gold mixed with some platinum or a tad of green. However, it is vibrant and I love the greenish hue for complementing the green in my eyes. It has a perfect endurance level, and it will only get off when I whip up the eye-remover (the slightly oil based one).

Conclusion:
A gorgeous and original greenish gold that looks office appropriate without being too boring neutral. Or perhaps that perfect bit of colour fun that the maturing sophisticated woman can wear on her eyes without being seen as a neo-hippy. Also good for young 'uns.

This week's Rediscovery

The glowy & sparkly Eye Fantasist of Beaute De Kose for that neutral-with-an-extra.

Barefoot Botanical Rosa Fina Eyecream

Eyes are the classic "mirror's of the soul". The skin around the eyes are often this first to show "our mortality", or in the cosmetic termology "ageing".

But my "soul" is not that old yet, so I prefer to reflect the same "mirror" around my eyes as my eyes do...

To keep the skin around my eyes on the youthful side,  I use my dose of serums and eyecreams. My blog often discusses organic and natural brands, because my sensitive skin often tolerates them well. But even better, nature is crammed with goodies that are truly effective on the dermis. So why not use her 'ingredients' for beauty's sake?

My personal signs of ageing of the eyes are not (yet) fine wrinkes and laughter lines. My sign is that I can see my eyelids looking heavier (esp. in the morning) and looking somewhat like "Asian eyes" (sorry to generalize the word Asian but a more slanted look). I am from a Caucasian family but somehow the 'hanging eyelids' has been a genetical element.

So I was talking about ingredients?? Well, brace yourself because the Rosa Fina Eyecream is crammed with it. 

I  have been interested in these ingredients: Argan oil, Macademia, vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Witch Hazel, Sandalwood, Alpha-lipoic acid, Calendula, Horsetail, vitamin C & arnica. Particularly in the ones with the bold lettering: these are the ones effective in tightening the skin and 'draining' the excess liquid (that can cause 'hanging') around the eyes.

plenty information on the box

The creators of the cream list their Rosa Mosqueta from Chilean Roses as their most *wonder ingredient*. Logically, I figure that a plant growing at a higher altitude (on Chilean mountains) has to absorb more light in its flower. Similar as the Edelweiss from the Alp mountains (also a flower with specific anti-ageing properties) the oil from the rose will have a better photosynthesis than it's lower situated rose-family. But that is not too scientifically reasoned, just my logical interpretation. Or, a rose is not a rose, sorry Shakespeare...Perhaps to talk in Orwelian terms: not all roses are created equal.

Though it is listed as serum, it has a cream consistency. Still, a thin cream that absorbs quickly:

Does it live up to its claims?

The package has a ton of claims, actually, sounding like a miracle product. I personally listed the "easing puffiness" as my main goal. And yes, it eased my puffiness and my "morning hang-[over]-lids".

I featured that sample size of La Mer Eyebalm Intense on the photo above to compare. I basically loved them both, however, the difference in price is absolutely valid. Also, the ingredient-list of La Mer is not that fantastic, as they feature some questionable elements too (see here on cosnda), like Polyethylene.

Mentioned before, it is creamier than the average serum, but the thickness has been perfect to alleviate dryness/dehydration. It absorbed fast enough for the morning hurries (eyecream...run to makeup-mirror, etc).
The scent is really light: still, with a hint of a natural rose if you really put your nose close to it. The price is mid-range for appr. €32.50 for 15 ml (feelunique)

CONCLUSION:

I really like this eyecream for spring, summer when I do not need superhydratation. For cold winters & staying in heated rooms too  much I would go for my Pai Echium I discussed a while ago (here).

Palette Swatching Project: Maquillage Alexander Wang BR365

In the category "so many new collections, but what about some of the past?" I'll continue to swatch my precious limited editions for you.

*So I am not going to discuss colours in depth, but more the useful-ness of the palette*

as 'palette-ness' has certain standards of *compatible colours* travel-friendly *nice exterior for showing in public* not-too-messy* etc

Alexander Wang was an upcoming designer when he collaborated with Shiseido Maquillage in 2009. Fastforward to 2013:  Everybody who frequently wants to buy something fashionable knows who this Mr Wang is, as his name has become quite the household name in fashion. Or, that bag with the studs at the bottom.

small letters top-left says "a collaboration with a new talent".

The line consisted of their gorgeous eyeshadow palettes and some lipsticks too. In the line of Maquillage the colours are neutrals and this particular Br365 consists of a beautiful collection of taupes, mushroom beige and the red-flecked black eyeliner.

I bought this palette in 2009 more as being incredibly into everything that Maquillage released. Somehow, I forgot to swatch it for the blog, so I am truly late :

In Maquillage's mode, the instructions are in Japanese on the rear of the palette:

Swatches: warm light: 

• the three on the left are powders of the top row in same order (no 2,3,4)
• the two on the right (1 & 5) are cream formulas placed in the bottom of the palette
• the consistency of all powder e/s are buttery and smooth (no dud texture/shade)
• the creams can be used as either an eyeliner as an eyeliner base
• The black on the right has reddish flecks in it, quite beautiful (best seen in upper swatch)
• the cream swatches are good and pigmented.

Swatches in cold daylight:

The palette is really on the go perfect. When I look at Alexander Wang's contemporary designs, they still match his aesthetic of neutral colours with a dash of daring.

All textures are high quality: even that weird white colour that is frequently featured with Japanese e/s palettes. Not that the colour white is weird but often the featured white comes with too much glitter, chalky or hardly any colour-payoff: this is a useful whitish base with a tinge of silver/mushroom beige inside.

As the aesthetics: it's a minimalistic, matte black exterior with a matte & glossy look enhancing the sleek monochomatic M. This totally fits Alexander Wang's fashion aesthetic combined with Maquillage mature feel. Or, perfect for showing off when topping up your eyemakup during the day (not that you would really need it, as the pigmentation and hold of the eyeshadows is really good).

The only complaint about the palette is the messiness:

A palette who has both powder & cream units have the danger of transferring them into each other. This happened to my palette as well.

Still, I have it for 3 years now and it is not that messy yet, so the design and the borders between the separate units are quite good.

Overall, I really like this palette and am glad I found it in my stash again. Why did I forget about it in the first place?

Eye por Pai: Pai Echium & Argan Gentle Anti-ageing Eye cream

Winter eyes need different kind of care.

I was attended on my frailer state of eye-skin after a visit in one of my fave niche skin/perfume shops in Holland. I didn't go for eyecare but after the saleslady asked me for my preference of samples, she asked me several times if I really used an eyecream.

I did, but those remarks and the skin around my eyes in the mirror did seem quite dehydrated for sure.

I eventually went for a brand not available in the Netherlands (yet) based on a GWP and some good reviews. It helps that it's an organic brand, and I've been trying some other samples from them and liked them a lot.

When you take the bottle, the first thing you notice that it's small and thin. It looks like one of those lipstick/balm pencils that NARS has.

Generally, 10 ml is not that much, but the hygienic pump-system hands out the right amount of micro doses that is enough to cover around both eyes.

Pai Echium eyecream: rich, but absorbs easily

I really prefer these kind of sizes as I love to travel as the liquid goods rules only limits you to a certain amount of producs on airplanes.  Bulky jars, even though made of pretty glass, can be unhandy in that plastic satchel carrying around and these sizes are easy to put in. Sample satchets aren't always handy either: sometimes I don't use all the product inside but leaving them opened might get you that *cream/liquid/ect-in-your-plastic-satchel*-effect...bleeeeerg.

I took my Pai Echium on my last long-distant trip and I loved applying in generously and tapping it in for a while. These rituals can be soothing being in a place that is not that normal (to me, some people travel so much for their jobs)

Thus, the verdict:

• a rich, winter-proof eyecream that absorbs quickly
• both suitable for day & nighttime (on semi-mature skin)
• fragance free
• instant relief in dryness after application
• perfect for travel
• more rested appearance around eyes in the morning (after sleep)
• I do not have that many dark circles, so I cannot report on how it works in that field
• perfect doses of product after one pump for both eyes
• one bottle lasted me almost 2 months, with frequent application in a dryer, colder winter
• Last time I visited the niche/cosmetic shop, that same saleswoman didn't say anything about my eyes anymore (not that I had other cosmetics concerns, eg. hair, but that one was covered)
• mid-price range for about £21.60. 

Conclusion:

I really like this eyecream. The only reason I haven't repurchased it yet is because I'm still curious about the Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina eyecream that I have stocked up on, and had really high ratings in the beautybible tests.

Availability:
I bought mine on naturisimo.com (here) but it's also available on feelunique.com. Naturisimo is cheaper, though, and you have the choice between 5 samples of a generous range of products (here).
EDITED:
Thanks to a commenter: If you buy from their website www.paiskincare.com and spend more than £20, use the code GTG on checkout and you get a free full size Echium Eye Cream until February 4th.

Using...used...gonna use..

I've been hitting the plateau of beauty frugality lately. First, it was being compensated by fashion exuberance in spending, then it was both, and now both seem to tone down.

Still, I have been using some things, swapping on makeupalley and want to revise some earlier opinions as well.

Using...Used....Gonna use...

Used: (and up for repurchase) Shu Uemura Full Shimmer Conditioner

Actually almost used: I bought this massively niche and expensive conditioner from Shu Uemura I'd discussed over here. This conditioners has actually been quite good: to be precisely...good in the form I have to discard my beauty-frugality soon to repurchase.
The thing is that my hair-quality have gotten slightly better by Kerastase Elixir Ultime Moringa and some haircuts too, so on healthy hair this makes it even more delightfully shimmery.

Using: Sunday Riley Starting Over eyecream

I really wanted to post about this one because today the retailer of this, cultbeauty, has a sale going on giving discount for a whopping 25 % with code FLASH25 (link)

It seems expensive and it actually is, but I have been using it since may this year, and you can see I haven't even used half of it. It is not the eyemiracle I have been hoping for, however, I cannot stop the complete ageing process and it actually makes my eyes appear more lifted and hydrated in the morning after I slept the night with the heater on (always turn off the heat at night, unless you live in Antartica). It is creamy enough for nighttime, yet fluffy and fast penetrating enough for hasty mornings.

To be used: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill

I received this gem during a swap and I'm dying to use it soon. However, I always seem to be distracted by the virginity of unused makeup and end up staring at it's sparkles and the way the logo still seem to be looking like freshly stamped in...

So swapping on makeupalley?

I've been swapping some beauties in the form of Burberry blush for my latest high end cosmetic crush Giorgio Armani. I looooove blush, but going to winter and seeing my skin going more wintery as well, I find myself into clowncheek dillema that looks fashionable on fashiongirls but basically clowncheek on me (seriously, I think it sometimes looks clowncheek on them too and I almost want to chase them with a stipping brush and blend*blend*blend that colour into something less russian-doll)
I know, and admire pale porceline princesses such as the stunning DrivellerKate flaunting a huge aray of blushes and making themselves even more ridiculously beautiful, but I'm slightly older with less perfect complection so I had to revise some of my stash to see if they would work if

• I'm in a hurry and cannot spend ages on blending/mixing with other colours
• smell ok (Burberry seems to get slightly sickening on me lately with it's hyper-rose scent)
• have a primer-esque quality without actually having primer (hence, not pore enhancing but smoothing)

FYI, the sale of cultbeauty.co.uk is still going on until today at midnight GMT and they have some delightful brands beside Sunday Riley. Again, the code is FLASH25 and international shipping is free after spending £100 (before discount, so after the discount I still got my free shipping even though it was under the £ 100).

BeautyDIY Green Tea Brightening Eye Roll

I was really looking forward reviewing the BeautyDIY Green Tea Brightening eyeroll I've been finding quite effective , weren't it the fact that sasa.com doesn't sell it anymore.

I will still write something about it: it is sold at those blogger-website based sites and I expect to have some readers in Taiwan so I'll give it a short review. 

It has been quite effective in the morning for rolling away the worst of puffiness. Some mornings are not that gorgeous in waking up when you had a smidge of eyemakeup that you missed cleaning the night before, or sometimes your eyes get puffy without an obvious reason.

Working the entire face with the Clarisonic while cleansing gives the whole face a circulation boost which benefits the eyes as well. However, for the specific area and semi-massage the metallic roller-ball of the BeautyDIY is quite effective.

Main ingredients according this person:
green tea, seaweed extract, cucumber extract, soy extract and other natural plant ingredients, fresh beauty fluid (<- yeh, somewhat vague, right?)

The liquid inside is cooling but not too hindering cooling. You will feel it for approximately 25 minutes. Sometimes I apply a creamy eyecream over it, because the tonic-like liquid is not moisturizing.

Verdict:

• the roller-applicator is handy in giving a lymph-draining massage (for Dummies)
• the liquid is tonic-like and feels cooling for 25 minutes, and helps in depuffing the area
• as for the Brightening on long term: not sure, but I feel the area is a bit lighter too
• it's not moisturizing: for moisturizing you need to layer a cream/serum eyecream over it
• it used to be easily to get: but sasa.com removed it from it's site. Some blogger-sellers have it but I won't give links before I'm sure if they deliver.
• I prefer it over the popular Garnier eyeroll (tinted): I feel the green tea and other ingredients give a better effect in depuffing

Conclusion:

I really like it and it's effective enough to roll away the biggest puffiness.