New In

Despite telling myself that this year is a budget year, occasionally I just can't stop myself from spending. This was one of these times. I actually picked these up about two or three months ago now but, after taking all of the photos, I completely forgot to actually post anything (Lazy blogger, I know). This does, however, mean that I can give you a small review on some of the stand out products!

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Mont Blanc and Pump

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Colourpop Lippy Stix in Cookie

Rimmel Idol Eyes by Kate Moss in 04 Black

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in 15 Fair

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

Without a doubt, my favourite products above are the Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (which I am nearly out of! *cries*), the Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. The Nars foundation is lovely and the shade Mont Blanc matches my pale face perfectly. My only complaint would be the lasting power of this. With an exceptional primer (I'm looking at you Hourglass Veil Primer) this will last me the whole day but without it it doesn't quite do the job. The Too Faced bronzer is lovely and works perfectly on my aforementioned pale skin. It meant to smell like chocolate and, whilst I don't particularly dislike the smell, I'm not sure that's how I would describe the scent. Lastly, I finally managed to get my hands on the Fit Me concealer in Fair - no small feat might I add. This was a repurchase so I already knew I wouldn't be disappointed. If you haven't tried the Fit Me concealer yet you definitely need to.

Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Clarins Extra-Firming Body Lotion

Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum

Clarins Total Cleansing Oil

Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream

Clarins HydraQuench Cream

The majority of these products are actually samples that I got when I purchased the Renew-Plus Body Serum and the Total Cleansing Oil. Whilst I haven't had a proper chance to try out the samples yet the cleansing oil and body serum have not disappointed. I first heard about the body serum from Caroline Hirans (possibly from Sali Hugh's "In The Bathroom" with her which, incidentally, if you haven't seen you need to) who said it was perfect for getting rid of keratosis pilaris or "chicken skin" - something that I've been trying to do for as long as I can remember. I've been using it everyday since I got it and, although my chicken skin isn't completely gone, the difference is incredible. Similarly, the cleansing oil is great. This stuff will remove all makeup in about two seconds flat - yes even waterproof mascara - and I can't express my love for it enough.

The Mindfulness Colouring Book

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes

Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser

Zara Black Perfume 

I will sing the simple moisturiser' praises for all eternity and I don't want to tell you what to do but you need this in your life. I am planning on devoting a whole post to its awesomeness so expect that sometime in the near future. I first bought Zara Black in Germany and as soon as I ran out I had to repurchase it. It is a beautiful floral scent and, for only $20, is a perfume I don't feel guilty about being obsessed with.

Review: The Body Shop - Japanese Cherry Blossom

I was shopping for birthday presents for some of my friends when I stumbled across the Japanese Cherry Blossom range completely by accident. I hadn't realised but the Body Shop had a deal of buy two body mists and receive a hand cream free. So on arriving at the counter I was pleasantly surprised to be asked to pick which one I would like. As I was in a bit of a rush I quickly grabbed the Japanese Cherry Blossom hand cream and thought no more of it. That is until I returned home and opened it up to discover that it was the nicest smelling thing that my nose had ever come across. Sadly The Body Shop doesn't actually sell the hand cream as a stand alone product as far as I know (but if I'm wrong please let me know as I absolutely love the stuff) however this did lead to me buying two of the other Japanese Cherry Blossom products which will feature below.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Mist - $25.95

Escape to Japan with cherry blossom. A light spritz infused with Japanese Cherry Blossom. This romantic, captivating blend of floral and hinoki wood accords was inspired by a spring day in Kyoto. 

After chatting to my friend, who is very into perfumes and such, I was a little hesitant to buy the body mist as she said that it didn't smell all that strong however I am ever so glad that I did buy it. The scent isn't overwhelmingly strong but you can definately smell it and it has a lovely fresh fruity/florally scent. I could smell this on me until about lunchtime when I ate an orange that overpowered the smell however that is about six hours worth of lovely smelling freshness which I think is pretty good. I am ever so pleased with this purchase because of the amazingness of the scent. It is probably my favourite one that I have found at The Body Shop which is saying a lot because I absolutely adore The Body Shop! I would definately recommend trying this!

 Japanese Cherry Blossom Body Wash 250 ml - $20.95

I was actually super excited about this one as I thought 'Oh yay This will be long lasting, smell fabtastic and complement my Body Mist really nicely' however I was rather disapointed apon trying it. The smell was actually pretty different to the one I had quickly fallen in love with in the hand cream. It was deffinately less strongly scented and did not smell anywhere near as nice and florally as the hand cream and the body mist. Sadly I was disapointed with this and it has put me off buying Body Shop body wash's again which is a shame.

So those are my thoughts n the Japanese Cherry Blossom range (or some of it because I am most definately not rich enough to buy the whole range). I did buy some other things whilst at the body shop and will hopefully review those ones in a later post! 

What scents do you like from the body shop?

xx Gem 

p.s. As I do not have a camara that actually takes nice photos I have used the photo's from the Body Shop website