July 2015 Favourites

A late appearance for July's favourites but before illness struck here is what topped the list for the month.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil Spray*
It's no secret that I'm more partial to the snooze button than leaping out of bed in the mornings and this leads to some speedy running around to catch my train to work. If ever there is a step to skip in my routine then it will be body lotion which isn't always ideal, especially if my legs are out for all to see.

Thankfully Palmer's new oil spray is perfect for quick application. I literally can spray this liberally like I would a body spray, sometimes giving a cursory rub in but often just leaving it to do it's work and off I go.

Whilst not greasy this is more oily as it's name would suggest but than I would have expected from this type of product. I say this as a compliment as I expected to spray and that was that. Instead I would find that my legs were suitably softened well after the working day is done.

As you can see I'm using the rosehip fragrance which was more for testing purposes expecting to not like it and concentrate on the familar Coconut one but I've rather enjoyed it's floral scent - quite unlike me!

Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner
Carrying on the theme of lazy last minute routines, since my holidays I've got into a habit of allowing my hair to dry naturally. I find when doing this, best results come from using my Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner to give me a tousled beachy look, that I can even get away with in the office. I do throw in a few spritzs of the Surf Spray too and this trio is definitely one I would always travel with for ease.

Of course as one would expect from this sort of range it can leave your hair a little dry but as a greasy haired suffer this isn't actually an issue I have a problem with. I think it's time to commit to full sizes of these beauties.

Essence get BIG! lashes triple black mascara
I picked up the get BIG! lashes mascara whilst on holiday in June and it became a firm favourite in my make up bag through July. For my make up look that month I was very much about my NYX Coral Red Lipstick and less going on in the eye area. When I say less going on, of course I don't mean in the lashes area and found that some liner and the Essence mascara created just the right look adding volume and length. I'm definitely a big fan of the Essence mascara range and will be looking at adding more to my collection. See the rest of my Essence haul here.

Elemis Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm
The Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm was a product I came across well before beauty blogging was a thing on Florence and Mary. I think it was on its initial release it that they gave it away as a magazine freebie and such was my love back then that I purchased in full size. As time has gone on clearly beauty blogging has taken over and other products have been introduced into my routine. The poor Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm has somehow been relegated to the back of a drawer, until now.

With strobing all the rage this is the perfect moisturiser to start adding the glow. My routine has been applying the flash balm, followed by my base of choice mixed with Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector. It can be quite a drying product so I do find it's better suited to my Summer skin, or certainly when more on the oily side but otherwise it's a lovely product to use. I also find it makes a perfect primer so I can skip that step when using.

Sleek Creme to Powder Blush, Crimson*
I'm a big fan of Sleek Blushers and am partial to a cream variety so when Sleek released their cream to powder version I was pleased to receive a couple to try. I am not afraid of a red blush and like to wear them with my red lip but I will admit to being a little apprehensive when I saw Crimson in the pan - perhaps it would be more suited to Autumn?

Casting fears aside I tried it and it was love at first sight and sat firmly in my make up bag for the longest time. As we've come to expect from Sleek these blushes are heavily pigmented that just a mere dab of colour on the cheeks is needed and easily blends without fingers making it perfect for on the go application.

Crimson adds a pinky red flush to my cheeks that makes me look wide awake even if I don't feel like and like I've spent a day in the open air. The soft texture blends into a powdery effect which when used with a brush makes for an even better appearance. They actually remind me very much of Chanel's Cream Blush range which makes them a big hit in my eye.

For only £5.99 you can't go wrong especially with its new 'sleek' (sorry, I couldn't resist!) Nars-esq packaging. Why pay more?

What has made your favourites this month?

*This post contains press samples.

My Netflix Favourites

One bonus of being unwell the past couple of weeks is that I have achieved little more than powering through Netflix. I have a fickle relationship with Netflix, sometimes loving it other times achieving more than spending hours flicking through what I want to watch without actually watching anything.

Today I thought I'd have a talk through what has kept my subscription renewed of late, and of course kept me company whilst I was confined to my sickbed. Get comfortable this is a long one and don't worry there are no spoilers here.

Once Upon A Time
This is the show that led me to renew my subscription a couple of months ago. I watched series one and two via Sky Boxsets and when I looked online to see when Series Three would return saw that it was cancelled in the UK. So much was my love for the show I actually brought the third series on DVD and just accepted I would have to wait patiently to do the same for Series Four. Then my mum mentioned she was watching the show on Netflix so I had a look and there was Series Four in all it's glory, appearing weekly as it was shown in the US. Now I'm waiting for the return of series four and 'Dark Swan'.

In short if you haven't watched the show it's based around well loved fairytales with a slight twist. All the residents of the modern day (fictional!) town of Storybrooke are under a curse from the Evil Queen. Without their memories they do not know they are our favourite characters from these well loved tales.

Enter Emma Swan, the only hope the characters have of regaining their memories and breaking the curse. Each episodes switches between 'modern day' and the characters past in the Enchanted Forest. Typically focusing on one character and their story and leading up to the day the curse was cast.

As the series has progressed we've seen the addition of some more modern day characters such as Anna and Elsa from Frozen and series four will see Merida from Brave making an appearance as well as favourites such as Snow White (who is very different from your typical image!).

Is it a little cheesy, at times yes but it's definitely worth a watch if you're a child at heart. Maybe you could even let your children watch with you!

Breaking Bad
If OUAT were the reason for my renewed subscription to Netflix then Breaking Bad was the reason I maintained it. I never watched the series on it's first airing and despite numerous failed attempts to watch in the past I was never able to get past the first couple of episodes.

After making an appearance on Sky scheduling I'd started watching more diligently and by the time I headed off to Ibiza I was on series three. I must confess at this point I wasn't exactly sure what everyone was raving about. Great story and acting it certainly had but I found that episodes could almost become repetitive.

One or two evenings alone in Ibiza I turned to Netflix and carried on with my Breaking Bad viewing so was able to catch up to what was being shown in the UK at the time. Towards the end of the series I found things picked up and overall I enjoyed watching but as with many tv series there is always one that falls a little lacklustre.

That said I am in the minority and overall everyone else thinks I'm crazy for not being completely blown away by the show.

Orange is the New Black
After abandoned Netflix briefly to catch up on my Sky Planner one weekend I found myself without anything recorded and once again turned to my Netflix package and thought I'd see what all the fuss was about with Orange is the New Black.

This show I really enjoyed and pretty much watched the two series in a week. Much like Breaking Bad it's always interesting to see how someones circumstances changes a person, or perhaps brings out the side of them they've kept hidden.

Some episodes actually made me jump or squirm as they can be violence and languages and subject matter can easily be described as salty but I liked that about it. I'm quite keen to read the original memoir the series is based on now.

Pretty Little Liars
Just to complete the stereotypical image of what bloggers watch on Netflix next I turned to Pretty Little Liars, the show I was able to watch all six series of in just over three weeks, due to my illness.

When PLL first aired in the UK I did watch series one or two but long ago I decided to start from the bottom just to familarise myself with it. Am I fanatic like some? No. Have I had a little nose online at theories of course but am I freaking out about tonight's reveal of 'A' I'm afraid not. Initially I really enjoyed the series but by the time I got to series five I was bored and just wished they'd get on with it. Odd episodes were pleasurable, the 'Dollhouse' ones peaked my poorly interest but generally it was just all seeming too far fetched or drawn out.

With the reveal of 'A' happening tonight in the US tomorrow I will be battling my own curiosity to see who 'A' is via Twitter and the like with waiting to get home and watch the episode for myself.

The Good Wife
Once I was up to date with PLL I moved on to The Good Wife. Another show I'm sure I watched sporadically when it was first shown on TV but not kept up with. Last night I finished series one and this evening I'm ready to move on to series two.

I love political dramas, other favourites being The West Wing and of course Scandal (two shows I highly recommend if you've never watched) and this is definitely one that keeps my interest. I like that it's shows are standalone in terms of their legals cases whilst in the background you have the personal side which continues throughout each episode.

As my list suggests I'm more prone to watch TV shows via Netflix than but I've also watched the films Rewrite, starring Hugh Grant and Obsessed with Beyonce (much cringing at times but still worth a watch) and the more interesting 'The Oscar Goes To' documentary.

So there you have my fairly cliched Netflix viewing. Anything you'd recommend I should be watching?

Skincare Empties | July 2015

Some may have noticed that things became a little quiet and haphazard on Florence and Mary the past two weeks. Unfortunately I have been unwell with flu which completely wiped me out and left me unable to do anything blog related, I couldn't even muster the energy for a Tweet. Thankfully I'm now feeling fighting fit so it's time for some catching up to do, starting with some skincare empties.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

I raved about the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads in both my May Favourites and my holiday skincare regime posts. I really enjoyed using these pads and found them quick and easy to use whilst actually feeling their effects working as well as seeing it. I was keen to repurchase immediately after noticing that the stack of pre-soaked pads were dwindling but decided to give the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Pads a try when they were on offer. I plan to do a comparison post of the two shortly so I won't go into too much detail but thus far the Nip+Fab pads are falling a little short.

Decleor Aromessence Neroli Oil Serum

I have no idea where this Decleor serum came from or why I decided to throw a small size into my routine, maybe during my travels. I do know that I enjoyed using it. Decleor products remind me of old school, traditional beauty. When I was into beauty and skincare in simple terms and before I entered into the whole beauty blogging arena. The scent of this serum takes me back to mini breaks with friends where we treated ourselves to pricey facials and there was something very comforting about using this as part of my evening regime. It's a thick oil with a heavy scent that will not be too everyones tastes but as mentioned for me it put me right into relaxation mode which is just what I want of an evening. It was certainly oily but not unpleasantly so and felt like it was going to work on my skin and was a lifesaver when skin was particularly dehydrated or dull. I would definitely look to repurchase in full size despite it's hefty price tag. 

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum*

I love Vichy serums but I appear to go through them like water. Maybe not so surprising since Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Serum is of a watery nature due to Vichy Thermal Spa Water in this product and said to keep continuously hydrated.

My skin is often dehydrated due to smoking, my lack of water intake (why are 8 glasses of wine easier to drink that 8 glasses of water?) and various other elements but I found that this serum would battle against these well and skin would look as if I was living a completely clean healthy lifestyle. 

I'm currently trying another similar hydrating serum so I'm keep to see how it fares against Vichy a brand I can always rely on. 

Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+*

Another serum in my stash and one that is New Zealands best seller. As oils and serums go this was another that I preferred for nighttime as I preferred allowing it too sink into the skin and go to work whereas mornings are more of a rushed affair. My skins appearance in the morning was definitely brighter. You can read more in my review here. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

A dry skin saviour and a handy size for travel it's a perfect night time treat. A light oil that offers hydration and makes skin looks brighter come morning. I'd definitely repurchase this in a full size for my Winter skincare regime or when skin needs some extra attention. Definitely worth trying if you have dry skin. You may enjoy my other post on Facial Oil Favourites. 

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms are pretty much a staple in blogger skincare regimes but I must confess my experiences are limited and I've yet to feel it necessary to explore them in great detail. My mum loves Elemis and when I spotted the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm in her cupboard I asked to give it a try. I would argue this is very familar balm texture and it wasn't exactly pleasant to use. There was quite a waxy scent to the balm and I didn't enjoy the process of scooping from the tub and applying on to my skin. I also feel like I'm tugging at my skin rather than massaging due to it's thick texture. These little niggles aside it was a good product and certainly ensured any make up was removed from skin and there was no dryness to speak of after it's use and skin enjoyed the effects of using it. Whilst I wouldn't necessarily repurchase where I to see it on offer and/or needed a cleansing balm in my routine I wouldn't be against reusing.

A-Derma Rheaclam Soothing Eye Contour*

I can't get excited about eye creams despite my eyes being my 'problem area' with dark circles and the fine lines associated with being the wrong side of 30. Of course I use them regularly and I don't see them getting worse so it stands to reason the creams I'm using are doing their work. 

Hydrating Rhealba Oat seedling extract makes this the perfect eye cream for mornings, especially after my much mentioned late nights. 

StriVectin SD Eye Concentrate*

As mentioned in my holiday skincare regime this eye cream is never ending. I long became bored of using it but stubbornness and intrigue at how long it would actually last meant I kept using it. If you're looking for an eye cream that is cost effective this is the one. Finances aside this is a product that stakes its claims on results rather than fancy packaging. Scientific in its investigations with a no no-nonsense approach this is an eye cream that works for me. Tackling eye wrinkles (check!) and crows feet it's a great formula for use day or night. 

Ole Henriksen Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths

Ole Henriksen Cleaning Cloths are something of a blogging favourite. Despite jumping on the bandwagon I've not been overally impressed. Despite lazy attitudes to skincare in the past I've never been one for facial wipes. Yes they've had and still can have a place for late nights or short breaks but I'd rather go in with a simple facial wash that takes little more than time than using a wipe with better results.

So back to Ole Henriksen and the Grease Relief Cleansing Cloths. I picked this pack with botanical AHAs and Eucalptus to exfoliate, clarify and refine pores (in addition to the popular Clean Truth version) thinking they would be ideal for those aforementioned evenings when I didn't want to go into a full regime. Unfortunately the cloths are harsh due to their textured material and just too bumpy that I really felt like I was stripping my skin. Lack of enjoyment at using them meant they have actually dried up before I was able to use the pack in it's entirety.  

What skincare favourites have you used up recently?

*PR Sample

Lush Lip Scrub | Mint Julip

Lush Lip Scrub | Mint Julip

When my Lip Scrub from Lush in Popcorn dried out to the point it was unpleasant to use I was quite happy as it gave me an opportunity to try a different flavour and scent. On repurchasing I decided to go for Mint Julip. Mint chocolate is the scents claim although to me it is very nostalgic and reminds me of humbug sweets. 

Scent aside this lip scrubs are perfect for matte lipstick lovers such as myself. My pot sits in a basket of beauty products aside my sofa so that I can reach in for them whilst being a couch potato. Things can be a little bit messy but just lick your lips like you've just demolished a donut and all will be forgiven.

The scrub is harsh but not unkindly so and lips are left smooth and all dry skin is forgiven. I add a slick of one of my trusty lip balms and my lips are ready for the next days lipstick application. A must at this time of year when I'm reaching for my bright pinks. 

Have you tried the Lush lip scrubs? Are you a fan?

Karl Largerfeld K Klassic Shoulder Bag Review

Karl Lagerfeld K Klassic Shoulder Bag

Handbags are my 'thing'. I love them and every year I treat myself to a new one for my collection. I have been promising Candypop a peek at my handbag collection for some time so maybe you can call this the start of these posts as this is my most recent purchase. Well unless you count a Kate Spade clutch I brought in Dubai but I'll show you that another time. 

The biggest problem I had when deciding what bag to purchase for 2015 was that there wasn't really anything on my lust list, or what was there was beyond my budget or the very least one I could justify spending on a handbag. I was slightly tempted with a 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli but something about it wasn't just right. Now I appreciate this is totally #firstworldproblems but please bear with me. The 'problem' I had was that last year I brought a bag, a Prada bag no less, on complete impulse and have been in love with it ever since. I own a Chanel bag but still it is the Prada Bucket Bag which holds my heart and actually makes me feel like my handbag collection is complete.

I decided that nothing was going to compare to the love the Prada bag and I had but there must be something I could add to my collection. Then I came across Karl Lagerfeld. Now we all know Karl is the man behind Chanel these days so surely his bags would be a thing of beauty?

I had a look online and unfortunately the Karl Lagerfeld site isn't great so I headed to Very Exclusive and had a look there and it was the Nude K Klassic that caught my eye. Could this be Karl's homage to that classic Chanel bag? There are most certainly some similarities I'll come to shortly. 

The best thing about the bags from Karl Lagerfeld, much like Michael Kors is that the range is in the 'affordable' designer bracket. I appreciate everyones budgets and tastes are different but do remember I'm a hard working, single 36 year old woman and I speak as relevant to me. 

Before hitting the order button I took myself to Karl's shop on Regent which is fantastic and had a look around. They had the K Klassik bag in stock but only in black which was handy as I only wanted to be cheeky and feel it for myself before ordering from Very Exclusive and taking advantage of the interest free payment options. 

I pranced around the shop with the bag and I was definitely happy with this to be the next purchase and promptly when home and ordered online. I don't enjoy beauty shopping online, but clothes, bags and the like I love. I have to give hats off to Very Exclusive as part of the enjoyment, for me at least when buying a designer bag is the shopping experience and to receive a huge box with my initials, sorry Very Exclusives initials definitely ensured I received that same feeling. The box was opened to reveal masses of tissue paper and a Very Exclusive bag which inside contained my new handbag. Clearly no corners had been cut here. 

So onto the bag itself. I chose the K Klassic Shoulder bag in Nude. Most of my bags are what I would call the 'classic' designs and if possible in a bright colour such as my red Prada Saffiano tote. I didn't own anything in such a muted colour which I thought would compliment the large proportion of black clothing I wear and work well for all seasons and the style would easily transfer from day to night.

Some of my bags are not ideal for my boozy nights as they can be heavy (I actually got what I named Prada shoulder from carrying my tote when I first purchased it) and/or left on a side. A decent shoulder bag was lacking in my collection that was big enough to house some make up items, phone and such whilst being small enough to sit on the shoulder comfortable.

The black strap is long enough to wear cross body but I find the stiff structured nature of the bag makes this a little bulky and uncomfortable. Likewise the structured layout of the bag, which is reminiscent to me of the Chanel bags, can make packing it like a game of Tetris and requires some careful editing. 

To really make this the perfect day to night bag you can even remove the black strap and use the rose gold chain handle (hello again Chanel homage) and use as a more delicate evening clutch. 

The question remains, do I enjoy using this bag and what are my findings now it is in my possession? Well unfortunately it's a little bit disappointing. I certainly like the bag and do use it but I find it a little bit too fiddly compared to my other bags.

I love saffiano leather and as mentioned I have a Prada tote so am familiar with it but the K Klassic bag is very sturdy. Great on one hand as it's shape remains but very difficult to manaouvere. Want to talk on the phone whilst pulling out your Oyster card to get through barriers at the station, not the easiest of tasks. Carrying a drink to your seat whilst trying to return your purse inside in the bag, not so easy. I do blame this in part to my Prada bucket bag which is the right combination of throw it all in and/or rummage around without being too big to lose whats in there and as mentioned I reserve this for days when I know I'm heading from the office to the bar.

It's also not forgiving in size. There is no manipulating the shape of this bag to get my Canon EOS M and it's hefty lense inside and if a book is on the thicker side that's not getting anywhere near it. And make up bags, forget about it. Make up is thrown strategically by size and shape to fit alongside phones and keys.

I've also had some problems with the strap unclipping. Again I noticed this at first and may have been my heavy handedness and I also find the button clasp requires diligent attention to close securely.

All this said I'm probably expecting too much from the K Klassic as I'm trying to make it work outside of it's intention. This is a structured handbag which on a weekend or for days when I know I'm heading out after work it's ideal and ultimately looks great. And you can happily ignore everything I've said and take my mum's word on it as she loves it, so much so she went out and purchased one for herself in powder blue.

Prior to this purchase I was thinking idealistically of having one in all the range of colours. I'm less inclined to do this now but I am happy to have a Karl Lagerfeld bag sitting in my collection.

Are you a designer handbag lover like me and have you ever been tempted by Karl Lagerfeld?