Clinique's Moisture Surge

A few months back, I said I'd blog about some of the Clinique products I use. I never got round to blogging about it. -.-

So I decided to blog about Clinique's Moisture Surge to begin with; one of the reasons being Glamour magazine has a free sample size version of it (featured below). So keep a look out for it if you plan to get it ^.^

Clinique has been my facial care routine for 9 years now (unbelievably!). I can't see that changing. Their products can be amazing and deliver truly satisfying results.

I use Moisture Surge once or twice a day. Whenever I feel my skin needs it really.

The Spray version

Before the gel-like Moisture Surge came out, I was using this spray. I got it as a sample initially and I was convinced from the first application that this was going to be a staple product. The spray is less concentrated than the gel - so you might need top ups. For that reason I much prefer the gel. Although I did miss spraying this on!

The Gel-like version

Only a pea size amount is needed to apply to your entire face. It takes about 10-15 minutes to fully absorb.

It has an almost gel-like texture, which helps to keep the mixture cool. A few Clinique staff have actually advised me to put this in the fridge to make it even cooler - I have yet to do that!






I don't wear any foundation so I haven't tested applying this over makeup. As the instruction says, this should be fine to use under or over make-up - how convenient! =P

I think the instruction '5 minute moisture mask' (below) can be a bit misleading as some people might think it needs to be washed off - it doesn't!





The Results?

I always look forward to that cooling feeling it brings upon application. It makes your face look more lively, dewy/almost golden - in a good way (not oily!) and healthier. It moisturises your skin without the greasiness some moisturisers and face creams bring.

It really is a cure for thirst for all skin types.

One jar can last up to a year if you use it sparingly. That's how long I've managed to make my previous jar last. The price is £30 or below, which I think is very reasonable - in terms of how long it lasts and delivering what it promises.

Maybe that's why I can't seem to find any more of these in Glamour magazines........!

The Monsoon Maxi Dresses

Maxi Dresses are making a come back again. I have to say, they'll always remain one of the most elegant fashion pieces to me although I only have one. I plan to add more to my list in the future =P

All that's needed to do to complete these maxis is a bit of mix and match; add layers where needed. Use shrugs and boleros to achieve the look.

But for now, I've been looking through all the maxis at Monsoon and here are my short-listed

top 4!

Monsoon is one of my favourite shops when it comes to dresses. The only let down for me is their prices. They vary hugely. You might be able to find dresses from £50. They can be as high as £200 or over at times. So watch out for any sales. You can visit their site here.

Pick 4. The Pradesh Dress

It's made with 100% organic cotton and traditionally hand crafted with woodblock print. I really like the spring feel to this and the laid back floral look.

Pick 3. The Delhi Dress

Also made with 100% Organic cotton. This is hand sewn with mother of pearl embellished bib. What I like about this is its bursting colour and its casual loose fit look. It looks very relaxed, pretty and girly.

Pick 2. The Cleo Embellished Maxi Dress

I prefer more formal looking dresses to casual ones. This happens to be at number 2, because of the beautiful detail around the neckline. It makes a statement for the dress. I also like the fact that this dress wasn't overdone and the designer stuck to leaving the rest of the dress plain and simple.

One thing I would find a bit tricky to do is to find tops/pieces to go underneath or over this dress without ruining the look. But there is always a way to everything =P.

Pick 1. The Goa Maxi Dress

With hand sewn embellished neck and shoulder detail, this dress speaks for itself. It's so elegant, simple, yet also manages to be sophisticated and modest. I'm totally liking the bow 'tie-back'!

If it weren't for the £190 price tag, I'd definitely get this. All that would be left is to find something to wear underneath, which shouldn't be too much of a hassle =P ... and you're done!

My Weekend In Pictures...

...involved capturing detailed designs like this.

Window Shopping - spotted this shop along the way. Very pretty.

Stopped by at Lush to do some shopping {haul to come after this}... and then stopped by at Snog.

Another bag that rarely sees daylight. I decided to make use of it and dump the huge handbags, at least for the weekend.

If you haven't tried Snog, try it!!

If you have tried Snog, but haven't tried Snog with Apple Crumble... you're missing out!

My mini Lush haul. I got only the things I needed:

- Coconut Powder

-Love Lettuce Face Mask

- Sugar Babe Scrub

- New Shampoo Bar

Check out my previous posts as I have blogged about them all ^.^

I've also been:
- Working - can't escape that =P
- Following the live news on the BBC on Japan's situation
- Reading your blogs!!

Hope you had a good weekend too =)

Earthquake in Japan

Like many others, I was expecting a normal Friday. I was so busy throughout the day, I only heard of the devastating news in the evening. A friend of mine broke the news to me and it took me a while to digest. On my way, I grabbed a newspaper with Japan on the front page news, and it was then that I fully absorbed the news. I was so shocked.
I thought to myself... It's scary how I was in my own world busy with my own schedule for most of the day and something this huge and devastating happened within that time.

But it also told me that whilst we may feel stable and strong under our own roofs, surrounded by everyone we love, all that can change within an instant.

A few seconds is all it takes.

Source

Let us keep everyone affected by the earthquake in our prayers.

Source

Maroush Lebanese Restaurant

After a long busy week, I headed out to Maroush Restaurant.

Here's how it turned out...

Olives were already laid out on the table.

I brought along one of my mini bow bags. This was stashed away for years so I thought I'd let it see some day light (not practically, as it was already evening ... )!

I got it from Dune.

A portion of houmous as usual... simply delicious and earthy.

A sneak peek of the Battata Harra. Soft and slightly spicy. Goes well with everything.

Khubus Bread

And of course, Tabouleh Salad ... which is my favourite salad!

Mixing it up with garlic & chilli sauces.

And some baklawa for the compliments................!

Each of the dishes pictured was delicious! The prices were reasonable. I would definitely visit again. One thing I didn't quite like was the service (not that I'm complaining, it wasn't that bad), which I thought could have been better. There were a few delays in between meals and bringing the bill. There was no music - that could be a good thing for some of you though.

Would I recommend Maroush? Yes.

A Few Spring Lists

Because Trench Coats are ideal for Spring - and with Esprit introducing 7 colours to match the season, there's no excuse (apart from the heavy price tag of course -.-).

I'm all for long classy coats!

I've discovered Paper Plane's designs and I have to say, I'm so impressed! Vintage, girly, simple, chic...

A must have for those of you thinking of changing your large handbags.

Or for those of us who are into satchels. Timeless piece!

To top it all off, perhaps a make-up bag to add to the collection?

You could always use this for something else. The design is convincing enough to own it =P

Chill out to this relaxing music.... This is the only music that syncs with me!

It fits in with the spring season so I thought I'd share it =P

My First Diffuser happens to be ...

...Avon's Thailand Lotus Flower!

Containing my impatience and reading the instructions - even though it's quite obvious =P

And Voila!

I'm liking the diffuser A LOT! It's a perfect room freshener, lasts a long time & there's no need to keep an eye on open lit flames.

Having said that, I still prefer candles more, because it brings more warmth and I just like watching it light up and counting down the time it takes to burn out slowly. So candles are still my favourite room scents.

However, back to the diffuser!

This took a while to scent the room, mainly due to the sticks absorbing the oil. Once they were saturated in oil, the entire room smelt wonderful. It's a nice welcome to step into a well scented room after a long day (I've been having loads of stressful long days, so this has definitely helped with cheering me up!).

One thing I didn't quite like about it though is the scent itself. On some notes, I smell something like coconut & floral (??), which I found suffocating, even though the composition is a tiny percent. I'd say the overall scent is what I'd describe as exotic, somewhat like candy, somewhat like spa...so I don't mind it at all, but I'm sure there are better scents out there!

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Then I got this shower gel. I think it was under £2, so I thought why not try something non-Lush...just for a change =P

Flicking through the Avon magazine, I noticed...

...these Modesty Panels!

I have blogged about them before (around the summer months I think?). And at the time, these weren't popular. So I was so surprised to see these in Avon's catalogue.

Yes to Modesty! =D

Although, for me personally, the modesty panels are still too low cut - but it's a good step forward hopefully for those people who choose to wear them ^.^