Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask

I must start this post by addressing just how much this mask looks like a pot of classic 90's hair gel. I have vivid memories of my hair being slicked back by a similar looking product for childhood ballet exams and school shows. This however, is the latest addition to Peter Thomas Roth's mask line up - the Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Gel Mask. Aiming to reduce fine lines, tighten skin and add brightness and hydration this is marketed as a real multitasker. 

Despite its appearance the mask doesn't feel sticky and actually has a very nice cooling effect on the skin. That, combined with the delicate Rose scent it is a pleasure to use and to leave on for a long period of time. Designed to be used to be used either as a wash off mask or an overnight treatment, I mostly leave this on for about 10 minutes before rinsing. While its not a miracle worker and the effects are subtle, my skin feels fresh, hydrated and smooth. Being 20, I can't vouch for the anti ageing claims,  but I can see how this could have a youthening effect on the skin by adding plumpness and moisture. However, while plant stem cells might have a positive effect on the skin, they are not capable of 'regenerating' human stem cells as this mask suggests, so that marketing claim is something to overlook when considering a purchase. I've seen some reviews claiming that the Rosa Damascena Flower Oil used in this product could possibly cause irritation, but I've had no problems with this, even when leaving the mask on overnight.   

If your looking for a good all round mask that moisturises and brightens your skin or something that just feels lovely when applied and is a treat to use then I would recommend this, but if your looking for a really active mask with a strong anti ageing effect then this might not be for you. Look Fantastic has a 15% off code on site at the moment, so now might be the best time to pick one of these up!

Have you tried any of the Peter Thomas Roth masks? Let me know in the comments! 

Jo Loves... Green Orange & Coriander Fragrance Review

Jo Malone London has always been one of my most loved fragrance brands, producing beautiful, unique and non artificial smelling fragrances, candles, home scents and body products. After leaving her role as creative director in 2006, Jo Malone took a break from producing fragrance until 2011 when she introduced her new company - Jo Loves. Her boutique in Belgravia offers the opportunity for a bookable 'fragrance tapas' experience (something I will have to try next time I'm in London) as well as her full fragrance and candle collection. 

I was recently gifted one of her fragrances in Green Orange and Coriander. Described on the website as 'A harmonious blend of bitter green citrus and culinary herbs create an incredibly warm and soulful spicy fragrance.' Being a lover of zesty scents I had a feeling that I would love this and I was absolutely right. It is very citrusy, herbal and has an almost masculine quality to it so I think this would make a great unisex fragrance. Like the description suggests, this zest is matched with Black Pepper and Oakmoss that make up the spicy base notes. The fragrance has wonderful lasting power on the skin and is one of those lovely scents that develops throughout the day, starting off invigorating and fresh before settling down into a warmer, spicier smell. 

Although the high price point of the brand puts Jo Loves products very much in luxury item territory, I feel that it's worth it for the quality and originality of the scents. Unlike cheaper fragrances, I don't feel the need to apply this repeatedly throughout the day, meaning a bottle will last far longer. I'm definitely going to be paying a visit to the London store to try some other scents from the brand and check out the amazing looking Shot Candles. 

Let me know in the comments if you've got any Jo Loves recommendations for me! 

October

It seems October literally went by in a flash and now the run up to Christmas has truly started (in my eyes anyway). For me this means favouring browny, autumnal looks this month and there are some nourishing skin care bits that I have completely fallen in love with. 

Starting with a new lip combination that I think I've worn all month long, MAC's Etcetera Liner & Naturally Transformed Lipstick. I find Naturally Transformed to be a tad too yellowy on my fairly pale skin tone, but paired with the slightly pinker hue of Etcetera they create the perfect beige nude. As much as I love MAC's Matte Lipsticks they tend to be pretty unforgiving, so definitely prep your lips with a balm! 

On the lids this month I've been loving Burberry's Sheer Eyeshadow in Pale Barley. A light, cool toned brown, this is one of those sweep and go shadows thats perfect for every day wear but also looks great for evenings - especially when paired with a orangey red lip! 

On dreary grey days my skin really benefits from some extra glow and theBalm's Mary-Loumanizer definitely delivers. This super pigmented, champagne toned highlight is definitely not as subtle as some others, but dusted lightly over the high points of your face it's still really wearable for daytime and is my favourite highlight for nights out! 

Aesop is one of my most loved skincare brands - if not only for their beautiful, apothecary style packaging, but also for the wonders that their products do for my skin. I've been a fan of the Parsley Seed Mask for years so it comes as no surprise that I love the Serum from the same line. The Serum is packed full of antioxidants, resulting in smooth, plump and nourished skin. When the first ingredient on the list is super moisturising and soothing Aloe Vera, you know it's going to be good! I've been using this morning and night and found a little goes a long way, although you get a huge 100ml of product for £45.00. 

The Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask is unlike others of its kind, claiming it 'Lifts, smoothes, brightens and tightens for baby skin'. I was definitely skeptical (especially for the price) but have to say this is unlike any other clay mask I own. My skin feels hydrated, super soft and plump, yet soothed and cleansed at the same time. Its a lovely quick fix for happier skin and a really welcome addition to my routine. 

Finally this month I've been loving a fragrance from Caudalíe. With notes of Rose, Grapefruit, Pink Peppercorn, Vanilla and Musks, Divin de Caudalíe is a warming, woody fragrance which is very relaxing in a spa like way. It shares the same scent as the Divine Oil and Candle, so if you love either of those then this is for you! 

What are your favourites this month? 

Maybelline Colour Tattoos - Creamy Mattes

I feel like I have been waiting forever for this release! If your not already familiar with the Maybelline Colour Tattoo's, they are long wearing cream shadows that are in my opinion the best drugstore option out there. The range includes some very pretty shades such as On and On Bronze,  but has always lacked a matte, skin toned shade that can be used to even out the lid or as a base for shadow.

 Finally Maybelline have released Crème de Nude and Crème de Rose -  Crème de Nude a yellowy tone and Crème de Rose being a pale pink (surprise surprise). Think, MAC Soft Ochre and Painterly! They offer the same creamy pigmentation as the original shades, work great as an eyeshadow base and do a really good job at evening out my veiny lids. Crème de Nude has to be my favourite of the two as I prefer a yellow toned base, but I think the rosier option would work better for someone slightly darker than me.

Compared to MAC's Paint Pots, I would say the formula is far less drying and can be built up without looking cakey. As a religious user of Soft Ochre, this is a big claim from me but I can really say these are just as good, if not better than their high end equivalent. There seems to be a little confusion about the shade names, as I have also seen these talked about under the names 'Just Beige' and 'Nude Pink', so I think the name of the shade could depend on which country you live in. I believe these have been available in America for a while now and have just been released in the UK - so I strongly suggest you go buy these eyelid essentials!

Have you tried Maybelline's latest additions? Let me know!

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Smashbox 'Shape Matters' Palette

While wandering the aisles of Boots (a pretty standard post uni ritual) I came across this gorgeous Shape Matters Palette from Smashbox. A new release for Autumn 2015, this palette is currently on an amazing introductory promotion meaning I picked this up for just £30.00! This is really such a great deal, as it contains all three shades from the Contour Kit (which alone retails for £35.00), along with a second highlight shade, nine powder eye shadows, two brow shades and a wax.

This is a wonderful all round face palette, especially for Make up Artists like myself or anyone that travels frequently. The Contour Kit in particular is something I've been lusting after for a long time and the shades really lived up to my expectations. There is a bronzer, contour shade and two highlight shades: one matte, aptly named Highlight and one sheeny called Glow. The bronzer is very warming which I find to be a nice contrast to the cool undertones of the contour shade making it really easy to sculpt the face without leaving the skin looking dull. Highlight works perfectly to set cream highlighters and under eye concealer, or to just add brightness to the face, while Glow imparts a lovely subtle sheen which after running out of my Kevin Aucoin By Candlelight is something I've been lacking in my collection.

The two brow powders included would be wearable for most people and I've found them to mix together well to create the perfect shade. I would say the palest of blondes may even find Taupe (the lightest shade) a little too dark for them, but thankfully for me this isn't a problem. The one thing I'm yet to try is the brow wax as I find they never usually work on me, but its a good inclusion for people with unruly brows or to use as part of a kit.

The eye shades are very well pigmented and creamy in feel and although the shimmery shades are prone to a teeny bit of fallout, this is no problem for me as I prefer my shadows to have an easily blend able texture. Another thing I really like is selection of colours chosen, ranging from pale lid colours such as Vanilla to contrasting mattes like Sumatra to run through the crease, along with pretty purples Posh & Aubergine to keep things a little interesting. Platinum definitely deserves a special mention - its a stunning browny gold shade (that definitely does not do it justice) that I have found myself gravitating towards every day.

This palette is currently out of stock on the Boots website but there were loads on the shelf in my local store so its definitely worth checking out. I believe it retails at full price for £60.00 which I know is pricey, but if you are a fan of all the products inside or looking for a convenient addition to your make up kit, it still works out far cheaper than buying the products individually.

September Wants/Needs

September Want List by laynaduggan featuring H&M

As Summer turns into Autumn I seem to find myself wanting to buy everything... so here is a very condensed version of my current wants!

1. Tom Ford has to be one of the most luxurious cosmetic lines out there and if you can stomach the price, his products are absolutely beautiful. I saw Suzie from hellooctober use this Cream and Powder eye colour in Naked Bronze in a get ready with me video and fell in love. The bronze cream shadow looks so silky and pigmented, then becoming wonderfully sheeny once you add the gold powder. If only it wasn't £46.00 and sold out! 

2. I've been looking for the perfect Silk Shirt for months now and have possibly found it in this pale grey Topshop offering. I particularily love the oversized fit, front pockets and cropped sleeves. 

3. I realise this is the second cream eyeshadow mentioned in this post but there always seems to be a shade in the By Terry Ombre Blackstar formula that I'm after. I've been wearing a lot more shimmery eye looks lately and find myself needing a Champagne coloured cream shadow to use as a base. Blond Opal looks the perfect shade and I love the longevity of this formula. 

4. Baies is apparently Diptyque's best selling Candle which means obviously I'm keen to try. With notes of Rose and Blackcurrant, the description reminds me slightly of my favourite Cassis scent by the White Company, so I'm pretty sure I would love this one.

5. I'm still not over the whole Marble thing and luckily for me H&M home has just released some very pretty bits including bowls, plates and even a chopping board. Dangerously close to when I move into my new flat. My favourite piece has to be this rectangular dish which would be perfect for keeping jewellery. 

6. My obsession with hammered silver continues and I'm still mourning the loss of the sold out Whistles earrings that I had my heart set on. Very similar are these Nest Teardrop Earrings, although they are far, far out of my price range. If anyone knows of any cheaper alternatives please let me know! 

7. I'm pretty sure Topshop did a cardigan identical to this one last A/W, which I loved but never got round to purchasing. Sadly this one is now completely sold out, but I'm hoping they restock soon as its not quite Coat weather yet but its definitely not Summer anymore either!

8. Lastly these amazing cut out Zara Boots. I very nearly bought these in store about a month ago, but  talked myself out of it as the heel is to high to be practical for every day (for me anyway) and last years heeled Chelsea Boots are doing me fine for now. Although I'm sure when my loan comes in in a few weeks it will be a different story entirely...