Jo Malone Silk Blossom Charity Candle

I spoke last week about my love for the limited edition Silk Blossom fragrance from Jo Malone. A gorgeous, floral scent with a hint of musk that just screams femininity. While I was doing my usual round of the Jo Malone boutique and trying all of their fragrances my boyfriend wondered off to buy me this beautifully packaged candle.

Being a lover of anything pink, the ombre design of this jar is right up my street. It makes for a girly, yet luxurious addition to my candle obsession. The scent itself is exactly the same as the cologne - a powdery floral, full of notes of jasmine, roses and apricot whilst muted down with an earthy tone of moss. To quote my dad 'it smells really perfumery'. Personally, floral scents are my favourite and the ones that I find to be most calming and relaxing. This fits the bill perfectly and I adore how peaceful this scent is. My favourite thing about Jo Malone candles is how strong the fragrance comes across. This instantly filled my room with the scent of Silk Blossom, even with the lid still on. 

For every Limited Edition Silk Blossom Candle that Jo Malone sell, they will donate the full amount of the candle (£42) to a variety of garden charities all over the UK. 

Have tried this scent yet?

Weekly Loves #20

The excitement for my up coming holiday combined with the hot weather have got everything looking very summery on the beauty front. I find myself opting for brighter colours, lighter bases and a lot more radiance. This weeks favourites are combination of new discoveries and old re-discoveries but either way, they have been getting a lot of love lately...

After years of constantly having polish on my nails, my nails are looking a little damaged. Peeling and flaking are my main woes, so I decided it was time to give them a little TLC and purchased the OPI Sensitive and Peeling Nail Envy. I have been using this for a couple of weeks and already my nails are looking much healthier. A simple, clear nail strengthener that you apply every other night for a week, remove and then start again - this can also be used as a base coat.

With out realising, I started applying my makeup with my once much loved Sigma F80 Brush. I continued and finished my makeup to find that I was absolutely in love with the finish it gave. Since then, I have been using this everyday for my foundation. Easily, the most base-perfecting brush that instantly makes your complexion look airbrushed. 

I picked up the OGX Keratin Oil on a whim to complete a three for two offer. My hair loves keratin and now my hair loves this product. I use this dry oil by applying it to my damp hair as my last step before blow-drying. Fizz is reduced, my hair is left soft and my ends become shiny. I am undecided on whether I prefer that it sprays out rather than pumps, but either way I love the product inside.

After a month or two, I have finally been reunited with Origins Ginzing Moisturizer. My all time favourite for the AM. Lightweight, yet moisturizing with a refreshing citrus scent. If you haven't tried this, you need to. Plus, it cannot be beaten on price. 

What has been top of your love list this week? 

Redken Hair Cleansing Cream

Being a bit of a product junkie, my hair can get overloaded with various serums, oils and products to create volume - I'm looking at you Batiste XXL. After doing a bit of research I decided a clarifying shampoo needed to be added into my routine, and being a huge lover of this brand the Redken Hair Cleansing Cream was my first choice. 

White in colour and lemon in scent, this product comes in before your usual shampoo and conditioner. Using only a small amount, I like to massage this into the roots of my hair for a few minuets so that any excess minerals or product build-up is gentle removed. Filled with fruit acids, this cleansing cream not only gives lots of shine to your hair and helps in strengthening your hair cuticles, it also adds moisture to your locks. 

After using this shampoo, my hair is left feeling unbeatably clean and lightweight yet silky smooth at the same time. I can go about three days before the next wash - bonus! Despite being a 'cleansing' product I haven't found this to be at all stripping to my hair, but if you follow this up with a deep conditioning treatment your hair will probably be the nicest it has ever felt and you won't be able to stop stroking yourself - you have been warned! I tend to save this for a pampering session and only use it once a week, however I will use it more often if I have had a product-heavy day. I have been using this 300ml bottle for three months now and I am only half way down but I will be repurchasing it the salon size when I run out.

Do you use a cleansing shampoo? 

Jo Malone Silk Blossom Cologne

Ok, so my love affair with Jo Malone is still going strong. My wishlist is pretty extensive but there is just something about the luxurious nature of this brand and their ever enticing scents that always have me coming back for more. As soon as I heard about the limited edition Jo Malone Silk Blossom Cologne I knew I would like it but once I saw the design of the bottle, I knew I had to have it...

The bottle is designed with silk blossom in mind. Pink and white in colour, perfect for an appearance on your dressing table, with an added tassel falling down the side of the bottle so when you turn it upside down it will actually look like silk blossom. The scent would be described as a soft powdery floral one due to heart notes of silk blossom, rose petals and jasmine. There are hints of sweet fruit notes from apricot and white pepper but there is also a noticeable earthiness to this cologne from base notes of moss. At first spray the scent comes across as quite sweet and fruity but once it has settled on the skin it becomes more green and floral. As with all Jo Malone products, the scent very strong meaning that only three to five spritzes of this feminine perfume will stay for the whole day.

In comparison to Peony & Blush Suede, I would say Silk Blossom is a more 'grown up' take on my favourite scent. Less floral, more musky, this scent is one that you need to try while you can. If you don't love Peony & Blush Suede then you might like this. If you love Peony & Blush Suede then you will love this too.

Have you tried this perfume?

Weekly Loves #19

This week I have been battling a serious breakout. What caused it? I have no idea. But I do know that I wasn't very happy about it (obviously). So this weeks favourites are all blemish-fighting/hiding products that have helped me through the past few days...

I'll start with the treatments. I have been using the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator most evenings as I find the fruit acids really help to clear my skin and generally brighten up my complexion. Despite being acidic, this product is not in any way harsh on your skin and it is step that I think should be in everyone's skincare routine. 

I have spoke about the Origins Out of Trouble Mask countless times now, but this stuff is seriously amazing for spots. The scent is a bit funny, so it the texture however, once you have tried this you can get over all of that. Use it every other day to clear up a break out and once a week to maintain clear skin.

Now for covering those pesky blemishes. The Estee Lauder Double Wear High Cover Concealer is one that I only use in times of need. I apply this after primer, but before my foundation to any areas that have any extra pigmentation - dark circles and red spots. This helps to mask the redness of blemishes in aid to hide them completely. 

The Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer has always been a favourite of mine and it is a staple in my daily routine, however when I breakout comes along this product really shines. Full coverage, not cakey and non-drying? It is pretty perfect! Especially when you consider it cost less than five pounds. I use this post-foundation and build it up until I am satisfied with the coverage.  

What are your favourite products for a spotty week? 

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

For years now, I have been searching for the perfect makeup remover. Something kind to my skin but still powerful enough to remove every little bit of makeup. Something that wouldn't require any scrubbing or multiple applications to work. Something quick, simple and effective...

The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is everything I have been looking for. More on the wax side of the balm spectrum, this product is quite hard to the touch but once rubbed between your fingers turns into an oil. By simply massaging this product on to your dry, made up face you can literally feel your makeup melting away. With a swipe of a hot flannel, every bit of makeup and remaining product is removed from your skin. No tugging, no pulling and no funny oily film left behind on your face. 

This has become a must-have in my skin care collection and I always look forward to using it. Never before has something removed my makeup as well as this does and with such little effort. I haven't had any breakouts from this but at the same I wouldn't say it has made any difference to my skin either. I simply use this to remove my makeup, because that is what it does best. 

Scentless and quite minimal on the ingredients list, this cleanser would a good choice for anyone, no matter their skin type. I also think that this would make the perfect product for a cleansing balm-virgin. Oh and compared to other good cleansing balms out there, this one can't be beaten on price! 

Have you tried this cleanser? 

Weekly Loves #18

After having a little bit of trouble uploading my pictures yesterday, I am finally bringing you my weekly favourites. Better late, than never. This week the products that most had my attention were ones that I use regularly but I seemed to see them in a whole new light in recent days and I have fell in love all over again...

The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder is a product that should be in everyone's makeup collection, whether it be big or small. This miracle product, there is no other way to describe it, can give you the features you've always wanted. For me it is Kim K cheek bones but I also love fuller lips and a slimmer nose. A little warning with this though - it is very pigmented, so go in with a light hand.

I am going through a bit of a none-blush phase. But with lack luster skin, I needed a bit of a pick-me-up. After quick swirl of my brush into NARS Gaiety, followed by a quick sweep onto my cheeks I was left with pretty flush that any English rose would be jealous of. However, if you prefer a darker hue this is the perfect product to build up to your desired effect.

The Dior Creme De Rose Balm (rumored soon to be discontinued) is a staple in my collection. I apply this before applying my makeup in the morning and every now and again throughout the day. This keeps my lips in top condition - soft and smooth, the perfect base for any lipstick. This has become my go to everyday lip product and I have found myself choosing this over colour. 

I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with the MAC Brow Pencil in Lingering. Sometimes it is too much, other times it is perfect and some times it doesn't leave my drawer for weeks. However, I have found a new use for it... After applying powder through my brows I like to quickly go over them with this to give them a bit of texture and to stop any fading through busy days. 

Have you found a new use for any unloved products lately?

Things To Do - Vol. 1

As much as I enjoy making lists and being able to tick things off as they are completed, sometimes there are things that need doing that need more than a list to motivate me and are more of a long-term task. Now, I do have a ton of things that could be included in this post but I am keeping it short and sweet and have narrowed down the ones that I want to focus on the most...

1. Use Older Perfumes.

Over the past few years I seem to have collected many bottles of perfumes that were once well loved but have now been replaced by new favourites, mainly since my tastes have changed (and since discovering Jo Malone). With a collection of fragrances that are almost empty and taking up a lot of room, I have put away my current favourites with an aim to use up unloved perfumes to make way for a whole new selection. 

2. Sort Out My Skincare Game.

In the recent months I have become a bit of a floozie when it comes to my skin care. With an array of different products I either find myself using everything I can possibly put on my face, or just taking my makeup off and being done with it. I am hoping to stick to a set skin care routine so that my skin will start looking a lot better, because at the minuet it seems to be having a bit of a tantrum. 

3. A New Nail Polish Line-up.

I have mentioned before my lack of enthusiasm when it comes to my current nail polish stash. I have picked up a few new colours that are now more to my taste but I still need to rid myself of the ones that are going unloved and/or have started to go off. Why do I have a gold nail polish?!  Of course there are shades that I have and love but I am looking forward to having a more condensed and new collection to choose from. 

What is on your 'Things To Do' list?