Clarins Daily Energizer Cream.

Clarins Daily Energizer Cream (£20 from Clarins). 

I've been using this moisturiser for some time now but haven't got round to reviewing it. I was more than happy to continue using the lovely No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream for Normal/Oily Skin (mouthful) but my boyfriend's mum kindly got me this Clarins moisturiser with some points she'd accumulated over the years. I've always held Clarins in that unreachable expensive high end product group that I've never really considered using. I've been to spas where they've used Clarins products on me and they've left my skin feeling really nice but I've never felt compelled to buy them for myself. The Daily Energizer range is marketed at the 20-30 age group boasting benefits such as radiance boosting, hydrating and minimising imperfections. The main active ingredients in this range are vitamin C which boosts cellular activity, alchemilla which reduces excess oil keeping the skin matte and red currant which is super hydrating.

The moisturiser itself is a peachy toned rich cream which melts into the skin beautifully. It has a subtly sweet, luxurious scent to it which you couldn't mistake for anything other than a high-end product. This moisturiser is immensely hydrating, too much so in fact for my oily skin which I find a little disappointing seeing as though one of it's main active ingredients is meant to be mattifying. I think this moisturiser would be great for ladies with dry/normal skin because it really softens and hydrates the skin, but for me, it's just not the one. Although the glass packaging makes the product look more expensive, I'm always frightened of smashing it as I'm really clumsy- it's also pretty heavy so it's not that ideal for travel. The moisturiser is £20 for 30ml which isn't great value for money in my opinion; especially when you compare it with the No7 Day Cream which is £12.50 for 50ml. Alas, this isn't the cream for me and tbh, I can't wait to finish it off so I can get back to my No7 Day Cream. Are you a fan of Clarins products? Let me know what you think!

Spending Ban Wishlist.

MUA Matte Effect Foundation; MUA Cover & Conceal; MUA Pro-Base Setting Mist; Topshop Lip Crayon in Wave Goodbye; Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks in Bulletproof Beige and Guilty Grey; e.l.f Mineral Eyeshadow in What's Your Name; Benefit Smokin' Eyes Palette; MAC Lipstick in Plumful; Dr Lipp Nipple Balm; MAC Lipstick in Shy Girl; Benefit They're Real Mascara; Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel.

This week I've been lusting after yet more makeup. MUA have launched some new products that I'm interested in- especially the makeup setting spray as I've ran out of all my Collection 2000 spray. I'm liking the look of the Natural shade of their concealer and foundation, plus I'm always on the search for matte foundations. I'm also intrigued to see the quality of their liquid/cream concealer to compare with my beloved Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer. I'm a big fan of Topshop lipsticks but I've heard their Lip Crayons can be quite chalky and drying. However, I've read reviews that this one has quite a glossy finish so I'd like to try it out please. I've seen images of the Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Sticks but I've got no idea when they're out. I love the idea of a quick smudge of a pencil then you're eyes are done. I love the colour of this e.l.f eyeshadow and I love their cheap and cheerful products.

I'm a big QVC fan and I watched their Benefit show this week, let me tell you it was torture! I don't know why I put myself through it! I instantly fell inlove with this smokey eye kit- it's got eyeshadows, brow gel, mini eyeliner and tiny tweezers! Plus QVC sell it with a full size nude Benefit lip gloss which just completes the look really. I also saw their They're Real mascara which I've read rave reviews about so I'd like to see what all the fuss is about for myself tbh! MAC lipstick in Plumful-what can I say about this other than get in my makeup bag!!! I'm still searching for the ultimate nude lipstick (well, I've found it but it's only available in Americi) so I'd love to try MAC Shy Girl. I know the name's weird but this seems to be a cult lip product and I need all the help I can get in that department in these cold times. Finally, it's the Ginvera Green Tea Marvel Gel- I got a sample in my She Said Beauty Box and since then have dreamt of a time when I can justify buying it for myself. Alas, you'll all have to wait another 80-odd days for me my friends. 

Please link me to any of your wishlists!

Top 10 Makeup BLOW-OUTS.

Following on from yesterday's 'Top 10 makeup bargains' post, today's top 10 features makeup blow-outs- high-end, luxury products with a hefty price tag. These are the items I've dreamed about and either saved up for or been lucky enough to have been bought as gifts. As with my bargain post, these aren't just any old expensive makeup items, they're the ones that I think are worth the money and are worth lusting after as they're great quality and generally deliver on all fronts. Most of these products are available in department stores like Debenhams, some are also available in Boots- apart from the Kat Von D palette which is only available in Sephora in the US (or sneaky ebay). 

Urban Decay NAKED palette (£36). 

Kat Von D Beethoven palette ($34). 

Chanel Jous Contraste Blusher (£31); MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural (£21).

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre (£23). 

MAC Lipstick (£14); Chanel Rouge Coco lipstick (£24). 

Benefit Porefessional Primer (£23.50). 

Dior Addict Ultra Gloss Pearl (£21); Clinique Chubby Stick (£16).

What are your favourite high-end makeup products?