Beauty | Boots Haul and M&S Gift Idea

It's 3-for-2 time at Boots again, we all know this is dangerous territory for me but I managed to reign in my feverish excitement and got just a few new products to try.

1. I need a new foundation for Autumn/Winter. I've been trying to re-purchase my beloved Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum for ages but my shade (53-Light Beige) is never in stock so I had a quick scout around the YouTube Beauty Bloggers and heard good things about Rimmel Match Perfection (£7.99) so though I would try it. I bought it in shade 103 - True Ivory.
2. I also wanted to try a liquid concealer. I have a couple of "highlighting" concealers for under my eyes etc. but not an everyday one for blemishes, red patches etc. I went with L'Oreal True Match in Vanilla (£6.99).
3. Whenever the 3-for-2 deal is on I always treat myself to a "lucky-dip" item. The way I see it you win some, you lose some when it comes to beauty purchases so if it's a "free" try I feel less bad if it doesn't work out (did I mention I have OCD when it comes to wasting money/food?!). I went for the Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain and Balm in the shade Twilight. It's a rich plum colour stain (kind of vampy?), and it adds a pop of interest. The dark/vamp lip is a key make-up trend for Autumn/Fall, and so far, I really like it. As long as you keep the rest of your make-up low key, it looks really cool.

I also got a couple of hair products. I've heard really good things about the New Dove Style + Care Range and I need a new Heat Protect Spray. It was a third off so I thought I would give this one a whirl. I mentioned I was using the Lee Stafford Argan Oil Miracle Heat Defence Spray in this post. Unfortunately I've had to abandon it, the oil formula is just too heavy for my fine hair - when I use it my hair will not hold a curl for love nor money.

Finally, I was out of Hairspray and the TRESemmé ones are 2 for £4 so I thought I would try them. I got the Ultra-fine formula, helmet-head is not the look I'm going for.

In other beauty deal news I popped into M&S and they were also having a 3-for-2 event.

To be completely honest, if I think of M&S brand beauty products I think of my Gran. You know, the classic Royal Jelly scent. But I have to eat my words thoughts, as they actually have some really lovely ranges in their beauty section. My favourite is La Maison de Senteurs. It's all really beautifully packaged and the Fleur d'Orangier scent smells lovely, and high-end (think Molton Brown Naran Ji).

When I showed Dan he thought I had been somewhere expensive for this little collection of goodies. Speaking of which the whole lot only cost me £10. (Each item was £5 and it was 2-for-3). I just think the hand wash and lotion would look lovely next to anyone's kitchen sink and who doesn't like a nice candle? These three items popped into a pretty gift bag will make a really sweet gift.

Do you guys like to experiment when the 3-for-2 deals are on? What will you be splurging on this time?!

Note: I have not been payed or perked for this post. Boots, Marks & Spencer and all the other brands mentioned have no idea who I am. 

Beauty | Brand Focus, Korres

Our Athens break was a great trip, but one of the highlights for me was finding Korres products everywhere you looked! 

I first discovered this brand in the beauty aisle at Waitrose, and since then my love has grown.

There is a wealth of knowledge behind this fantastic brand on their website, but here's a quick overview in case you're interested. You know me, I like a good story.

Korres was founded in 1996 by George Korres, and this guy has some serious cosmetics credentials. Whilst studying Pharmacology he worked at Athens oldest homeopathic pharmacy, mixing natural pharmacy ingredients to create herbal preparations, natural remedies and eventually, cosmetics. A few years later he set up a homeopathic laboratory at the pharmacy and started developing his own formulas based on his passion for natural ingredients and his knowledge of over 3000 herbal remedies.

The first ever skin-care product was also launched in 1996. The Korres Wild Rose 24-hour cream (which I have yet to try), was and remains a complete hit.

Luckily for us Brits, in 2000 the beauty buyer for Harvey Nichols spotted the brand in a New York department store and bought it back to the UK. It didn't take long for the British consumer to fall in love with Korres, and they opened their first store outside of Greece in London, in 2002. Since then the brand has gone from strength to strength and is a global success.

George's philosophy towards cosmetics and skin care is evident throughout every element of Korres. They use high quality, natural and/or certified organic ingredients to create their products that are designed to "inspire and make us happy", whilst remaining affordable.

Which brings us nicely to the present day and my shopping spree in an Athens pharmacy.

Let's start with the make-up.

Ginger and Vitamins Foundation - "Lightweight, water-based foundation that balances skin tone and leaves the skin fresh and luminous." And it really does do just that. It is lightweight which is perfect for summer days but if you like a full coverage foundation this definitely won't be enough for you. I love it for day-time, it evens everything out nicely and keeps my skin looking fresh & hydrated.

Raspberry Twist Lipstick - This is like a chubby stick but so unbelievably moisturising! I love this more than I know how to describe....it's glossy, moisturising and really easy to apply. I got it in the shade "Innocence", which is nude and perfect for wearing on it's own or layering over other lipsticks.

Lip Butter - My second tub! I lost the first, and as I'm writing this I realise I have no idea where this one is either....(cue frantic searching of coat pockets, handbags and car). If you like a lip balm/butter for Winter this one is amazing, just go get it, seriously.

And then I bought two sets of shower gel and body milk. I got the Bergamot Pear and the Basil Lemon.

As you would expect the Bergamot Pear is fresh and fruity, whilst the Basil Lemon is also really fresh but zingy and makes me want to drink it....I love them both. The scent lasts on your skin but not in over-powering way. I'm using them like they are liquid gold and like a Lioness protecting her cubs e.g. absolutely no boyfriend use allowed, under any circumstances. Harsh but fair.

I can't wait to try more from Korres, and you know what? After using their products, I think I do feel just that little bit happier.


NB - Korres has absolutely no idea who I am and I have not been compensated in anyway for this blog post.

Whilst I've been trying to find a link I discovered that the foundation has been discontinued.

Tia says that the Watermelon Body Scrub is amazing.....I'm jealous.