Indeed Labs: Eysilix Total Eye Rescuer

Eye creams have never been a part of my skincare regime. *gasp!*

Not because I have a personal vendetta against them, but mainly because I have never felt the need to use them. I'm still in my early twenties (marginally), and have no lines or wrinkles to speak of. At times I do feel a little bit of dryness around my eye area, but whenever I put my face cream on in my usual slap dash manner, my massage covers that orbital area so fast, it just feels like part of the process. It's one of those 'meh' products. But before you judge me and start pointing fingers- I'll plead my case as being guilty of taking a low-maintenance, man's man approach to eye care. I don't have any grave issues, so why bother? What's even worse I suppose, is that I work in the beauty industry. I should know better. 

*hangs head in shame*

However, in the last few months my attitude changed. Not to a cathartic degree, but more along the lines of I'm-turning-25-I-need-to-do-something. I do have a naughty sleep cycle. I do use a lot of under-eye concealer. I do wear my contacts for far too long. I do tire the hell out of my eyes staring at computers for long hours. The result? Puffiness, dehydration, and dark (semi-)circles. I'm not that bothered with lines because I know it'll come. I smile too much and it's just the law of nature. However, those three evils- all consequences of my actions, have to to be kept at bay moving forward. It's not a good look, and being that I am Asian, tired and puffy just makes my eyes look even smaller. All I wanted was a good, no-BS, detoxifying eye cream to begin with; one that would hydrate and most importantly, help with the puffiness- so I went over to the Indeed Labs shelf at Boots (makers of new cult favourites Nanoblur, Snoxin and Hydraluron) because I knew how good the products were in both quality and price point (£24.99! #BARGAIN) 

Months later, I've nearly finished my tube of Eysilix: Total Eye Rescuer, I can finally write something concrete! I firmly believe that you have to take the time to use a product before 'reviewing' it as such. So after over five months (give or take, six) of consistent AM and PM use, I must say, I'm very pleased with it. The tube dispenses just the right amount of product, it's not bulky and its easy to store. I don't mind the lack of prestige in the packaging, because the proof is in the pudding- a principle that Indeed Labs builds its brand around. The cream is enriched with 10 peptide-innovation which helps re-energize, detoxify and reduce the puffiness around the eye. It does also help target lines and wrinkles- but because I don't have many, I don't really see the difference. But maybe that's a good thing? The consistency is rich and hydrating but not overly balmy, and it gets absorbed by the skin easily. It doesn't give much slip, but it gives the same luxe feel of an expensive eye cream and you feel your skin nice and tacky to the touch. In fact, because of that consistency I can dab my concealer on right away without running the risk of it creasing after a while.

I have seen a difference since incorporating an eye cream in my regime. My under eye area is kept hydrated and dewy all day, and as a result, my make-up sits better. I don't look as tired even after just four hours of sleep, and the puffiness, though still there, is not as bad as it used to be. EVEN BETTER, it gives a nice jujj under the eye, particularly after a night on the town when you look like you need Jesus to look presentable. I'm aware of what the market has to offer, and though I also want to try a premium eye cream that boasts a whole lot of 'cutting-edge' anti-ageing technology, fortunately, that's not what I need for the time being. Another winner from Indeed Labs!

You can get Eysilix at your nearest Boots store, or HERE.

S5 Skincare: Nourish Cleanser

Whenever I'm reading up on new brands or cult favourites (definitely non-mainstream) I am filled with equal amounts of excitement, apprehension, curiosity and definitely a sense of gravitas. There's nothing wrong with jumping on bandwagons, especially when particular products are worth the hype, but there's something more satisfying and rewarding when experimenting with something new and unsung. A month ago I was searching the online boutiques for new cleansers and toners to vary up my roster, but mostly to try something new. There were a few repurchased items but those can wait to be used. I wanted something fresh. Then I saw S5 Skincare. 

S5 (Source5) Skincare was created to serve reactive skin and as the first organic cosmeceutical skincare range. Their studies and research showed that certain plants thrive and survive under extreme and volatile conditions, and therefore decided to harness this power into their skincare. Sourced from five extreme ecosystems (Marine, Alpine, Arctic, Rainforest and the Desert), S5's bioactive ingredients are clinically proven to improve and nourish the skin, 100% natural, and are biodegradable and sustainable. Click HERE for more information. 

Ideally, I start with cleansers and toners whenever I look at new brands. They good gateway products into brands because they are easy to use and mid-range in terms of price. I do have a kind of criteria when dealing with cleansers however, so that I do know that it will do what I want. Does it melt make-up? Does it cleanse thoroughly? Does it strip the skin? Is it gentle? These are the questions I ask along with texture preference. These days I favour oils and balms to cleanse my skin, and S5's Nourish Cleanser read like a dream. 

Some of the key active ingredients include (taken from their website!) :

Arctic sea buckthorn oil rich in rare omega 7 and omega 3. In clinical trials, it is proven to improve skin elasticity by 32.3%. Hydrates and reduces the appearances of redness.

Desert pomegranate oil rich in omega 5 and punicic acid, one of the most potent anti oxidants known to man reduces inflammation, supports hormone function and accelerates cellular regeneration.

High altitude rosehip oil rich in omega 6 and retinoic acid. Used for its vitamin a (retinol) and vitamin c content, as well as its antioxidant properties. Promotes epidermal regeneration. Clinically proven to speed up healing Desert argan oil rich in omega 6, 9 and tocopherol. Helps to restore the skin barrier and defend against free radicals.

Desert argan oil rich in omega 6, 9 and tocopherol. Helps to restore the skin barrier and defend against free radicals.

Full Ingredients list as seen on Beauty Bay.

The Nourish Cleanser is an oil-based balm that gently cleanses the skin of impurities without stripping it of its natural oils. Though designed for normal to dry combinations, I don't see any reason why an oily combination shouldn't be able to. In fact, if you're the oily/dehydrated type, this cleanser seems a great choice. The texture is a cross between a cleansing oil and a balm- almost like honey in thickness but less so once its massaged onto the skin. You get a good amount of massage time with it, which makes it perfect for a second cleanse and it smells like candy corn! Yum. When rinsed, the oil turns into a milk, which is very much the nature of oil-based cleansers. I use a hot flannel, but when I tried to just rinse with water on its own, the emulsified milk didn't leave much residue at all, which is normally the case with something like Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil or Una Brennan's. 

I love the feel of this product. It's not that great at removing make-up, especially if you use longwearing products and tons of mascara. However, I prefer to use this as a second cleanse in the evening. As a morning cleanser though, it's fine on its own. It comes in a 250ml bottle for £32, which is relatively affordable for an organic range in the premium end of the spectrum. It is a definite joy to use, and for the technology, the ingredients and the benefits you get, I think it's fair. I think branching out within this brand is a definite in the near future.   

Sochi 2014: Opining on the Ladies Event- The Good, The Bad, and Mao Asada

What an emotionally draining two weeks this has been! I don't know about you, but the Sochi Winter Games has taken me to all different emotional highs and lows- especially the last 48 hours. Let's just get to it okay? There's so much to talk about and I'm on an Asada-induced nirvana that I just want to plough through this crap. And believe me, there is a ton and a half of bullshit to get through, and this is going to be a LONG post.

Let's begin with, OBVIOUSLY, the ultimate Champion of the Games (yes, with a capital C)- Japan's Mao Asada. On Wednesday night, Mao Asada went into the short program as a major gold medal contender. However, the next two and a half minutes were to be the worst  of her skating career. She fell on a downgraded triple axel, underrotated a triple flip, and nulled a planned triple loop combination. It was just *BAM*. Silence fell, not only in the Iceberg Palace, but also in the Ventura household. Four years after losing to Kim, Asada found herself in 16th place. 

All of the sudden, all that hard work- all the pain of relearning her jumps, losing her mother, the success since Vancouver- it all came to nothing. She held it all in at the Kiss and Cry, and when the night finished, Asada lost any hope of ever medalling at Sochi. 

Today however, was a different story. 

Skating to Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto 2, Mao went into the free skate with no pressure, no tension, no nothing- and boy did it pay off. She landed EIGHT triples (and yes, ALL the triple jumps) including her signature triple axel and a triple flip-triple loop! She breezed through her programme with grace, maturity, and performed like the CHAMPION that she is. She got a couple of URs, but even so- she received a personal best of 142.71, and realised her dream of skating the perfect performance at the Olympics. The breakdown of emotion after her final element was just so moving, that nothing else mattered. We'll get to the scores in a minute, but for now- let's all pay our respects to the great Mao Asada, who performed with incredible grace under pressure and did her country proud, despite what any Japanese ex-PM thinks (shame on you Yoshiro Mori!.) There are moments in life when all the method, all the scores, the numbers, the politicking, the stakes, and all rationalisation go out the window- and this was one of those moments. Those four minutes will stand as a momentous event in the history of figure skating. 

Moving forward....here are my thoughts on the rest of the competition (I know... had to sit through two more groups!)

THE GOOD

CAROLINA KOSTER (ITA) finally medalled at an Olympic Games! Third time really was the charm for this statuesque Italian. She broke her unlucky streak by skating two clean programs, and just exuded so much artistry and grace- she really should have won the Gold medal. In fact, I am baffled at how the judges stomached giving her an 8.71 in Transitions? Yes, she is technically inferior to the rest of the field but if there was one thing she could rely on, it was her second mark, which remained in the mid- to low-9s! What the hell? In any case, apart from Mao- Carolina was the only other skater who skated like a star tonight- full of personality, gumption and pure joy. If she was to retire today, her performance at Sochi was nothing short of a spectacular swan song. 

Sochi 2014: Ladies Team Event- Long Program (Live)

Well, that was interesting. How the judges stomached rewarding that bizarre program by Plushenko I will never know. This calls for a shot of something hard and bitter! We'll be seeing the Olympic debuts of Kaetlyn Osmond, Gracie Gold and Valentina Marchei- how will they fare? Two have proven to be prone to meltdowns, so we shall see. 

Here's the starting order for the ladies!

1.) CAN Kaetlyn Osmond- 3F-2T, 2A-3T, 3Lz (fall), 3S, 2F, 3T-2T-2T, 2A. Not her best program. It's a pretty generic 'Cleopatra' routine, and not inspiring at all. She should go back to Carmen. Total= 110.73 (TES 54.53 PCS 57.20)

2.) USA Gracie Gold- 3Lz-3T (hangs on), 2A-3T, 3L, 3F, 3Lz, 3S-2T-2T, 2A. Toddler and Tiara Gracie showed up and showed out on the ice. Seven triples, and clean. Still not the best music fit, but she made it work and it paid off. Total= 129.38 (TES 67.49 PCS 61.89)

3.) JPN Akiko Suzuki- 3F-2T-2L, 2A-2T, 3Lz, 3F, 3L (UR? hangs on), 3S-2T, 3S. FANTASTIC. A little tense today, but still sublime. Total= 112.33 (TES 49.32 PCS 63.01)

4.) ITA Valentina Marchei- 2A-2T, 3Lz, 3F, 2A, 3S, 3Lz-2T, 3S-2T-2T. Vale had a moment, not just on camera but also at her first Olympics! And all that whilst skating like a full-grown woman. Shame about that triple toe, but good job! Should be a good tune up for the ladies event. Total= 112.51 (TES 54.00 PCS 58.51) 

5.) RUS Julia Lipnitskaya- 3Lz-3T (e), 2A-3T-2T, 3F, 2A, 3L, 3S, 3Lz-2T (e). Another clean skate from Julia. A few bobbles here and there, but nothing major. Total= 141.51 (TES 71.69 PCS 69.82)

Source: ESPN

Thoughts?

Frank Caroll clearly has done it again, with Gracie skating superbly. Shame about Akiko's errors, but my God is Julia on a roll! However...the score (esp her PCS) a little too high? Also, if I don't see edge-calls in that protocol... Hmm.  

Somewhere out there, I hope that Kim is adding fuel to that engine, Mao landing those triple axels, and Carolina lighting a whole room full of candles to rival the Olympic flame. 

***

EDIT: 

Click HERE for the protocol! 

Just wanted to point out a few things:
-Julia got one 'e' call on her second lutz. Pretty sure there should be two, as the first lutz was also a flutz. Also, her 2a-2t-2t got +2s across the board, when Gracie Gold's only got +1 with a 2a with great height and distance. A tad generous there. 
-The judges gave Julia high 8s in components, including Interpretation, Choreography and Performance, while they gave Akiko and Valentina, who were superior in the said points, mid-7s. 

I have nothing more to say. The candles are lit. 

Sochi 2014: Men's Team Event- Long Program (Live Blogging)

Hello dear readers and figure skating fans! 

(Source: Cadillac News, Sochi)

I shall be blogging live this afternoon! Armed with a cozy fluffy robe, a cup of spiked coffee (I think it'll a necessity to have some booze especially with these *ahem* scores.) and my laptop- I shall be giving a play-by-play of the Men's Long Program. After a rather disappointing showing from Patrick Chan and a not-surprising meltdown from Jeremy Abbott, what will the Games have in store for us? Apart from Italy and Russia, all the remaining teams will be sending out different members for the free skate- which is obviously the wisest choice, so they don't burn out their star players for the individual event this week (except for Plushenko and Parkinson who are the lone men in their respective teams.)

The short program results:

1.) JPN Yuzuru Hanyu (97.98)

2.) RUS Evgeni Plushenko (91.39)

3.) CAN Patrick Chan (89.71)

4.) CHN Yan Han (85.52)

5.) FRA Florent Amodio (79.93)

...and in the starting order for the free program is... (the current team ranking goes RUS, CAN, USA, JPN, ITA respectively)

1.) ITA Paul Bonifacio Parkinson- 4S(fall), 3A-2T, 3A(Fall), 3Lz (unsteady)-2T, 2A-half loop-2S, 3F (solid), 3L, 2Lz. Not much choreography in this program. Total= 121.23 (TES 66.97 PCS 56.26)

2.) USA Jason Brown- 2A, 3A-3T (solid), 3A, shimmy step stequence (!), 3Lz-half loop-3S (two-foot,fall), 3F-2T, 2A, Tano 3Lz, 3L. Captivating. Total=  153.67 (TES 75.45 PCS 79.22)

3.) CAN Kevin Reynolds- 4S (easy), 4T-3T, 4T, 3A (turnout, hand- overcooked), 2A, 3F-2L, 3Lz, 3S-2T. Good choreography, loved the music, and detailed step sequence. Spins were a little on the slow side. Total= 167.92 (TES 89.00 PCS 78.92) 

4.) RUS Evgeni Plushenko- 4T, 3Lz, 3A (beauty), 3A-2T-2L (wonky landing), 3Lz-3T, 2S, 2L, 2A. Lost stamina halfway through, bizarre music cut, lots of cringe-worthy 'choreography'. This score should be interesting. Total= 168.20 (TES 81.48 PCS 86.72)

5.) JPN Tatsuki Machida- 4T (beauty!), 3T (two foot), 3A-2T, 3A, 3L, 3Lz, 3F-2T-1L, 3S. Not flawless, but my god was he one fierce bird! Beautiful arms, and great choreography. Total= 165.85 (TES 83.13 PCS 82.72)

Final standings: 
RUS
CAN
JPN
USA
ITA

Click HERE for the protocol.

Thoughts?

Sochi 2014: Ladies Figure Skating Team Event- Short Program (Thoughts?)

What's an Olympic event without a few raised brows and a stream of questions on one's Twitter feed? Today's event got tongues wagging as we watched some of the most-anticipated ladies in the field, compete for the first time in the Winter Games roster for their national teams the Figure Skating Team Event. Headliners included Julia Lipnitskaia (RUS), Mao Asada (JPN), Carolina Kostner (ITA) and Ashley Wagner (USA). 

There were a lot of questions afterwards, so instead of writing a preamble, let's just get to it!

RANKINGS after the short program:

(Source: Yahoo)

1. (RUS) Julia Lipnitskaya, 72.90 (TES 39.39 PCS 33.51)- Julia skated a clean program. It was surprisingly excellent- but for me, that was mainly due to the crowd. The Russian audience were outstanding in their support for the fifteen year-old as they cheered her on, complete with a standing ovation before she even finished her final spin. Taking the crowd with you and skating a clean program will get you far in the Games, and this performance took Julia to the top. However, was she overscored? In my opinion- yes. Even before looking at the protocol, it was obvious that there were a few kinks in her otherwise fine program. Julia had a very obvious flutz which was 'overlooked' today, and a terrible double axel that warranted a side-comment from Robin Cousins and +2s in GOE from three judges. Considering the entry and the height and distance that her 2A covers- it's generous to give it a +1. Her components score also kept rising, with 2 points higher than her European Championships score. It's not a surprise that such 'inflation' is seen at the Games but when you have the world watching not just the athletes but also Russia itself- one does wonder who's in charge. I also don't understand how the judges could give her a mid-8 score in Interpretation and Choreography when she's hardly an aesthetic performer. There's no fire, no artistry, no choreography. Unlike her free program, this SP is quite bland. Whatever. All I can say is, if the technical panel proves to be lenient on edge calls all the way to next week, Mao better get +GOEs and no calls on her lutz. After all, the Olympics are all about equality, right technical panel?

2. (ITA) Carolina Kostner, 70.84 (TES 35.92 PCS 34.92)- Surprise, surprise! Carolina skated CLEAN. Complete with a triple toe-triple toe, Caro was fabulous on the ice. She skated to her new short program looking inspired and took on her final Olympic bid head on. She's not as flexible as Julia nor as technically competitive, but her crisp landings and considerable ice coverage earned her enough positive GOEs. I'm fine with her being behind Julia in the TES, although really not by four points, but to have them almost neck in neck in components was a joke. Kostner's lines are much more superior, her musicality and interpretation sublime, and her transitions and skating skills greater than Yuna Kim. I just don't get the mark. I would have given somewhere within the region of 36 and Julia around 31. I'm beginning to sense a pattern here. 

3. (JPN) Mao Asada, 64.07 (TES 31.25 PCS 33.82)- Yes, Asada fell. Not only did she fall, her triple Axel was also downgraded and with the deduction- it was basically a null element. HOWEVER, the rest of Mao's program was absolutely fantastic. Her lines were great as always, her spins were also good- overall, it wasn't a bad performance. All season Asada has been undefeated, and that's with a season of no 'clean' programs (except for GPF, that axel was round.) and her components scores have been steadily around the 34 area. All of the sudden today- what's with the drop? Okay fine, the fall caused a dilemma- but it didn't really affect her overall performance. Her spins, which all season has been awarded a Lv.4 has now dropped. A judge even had the audacity to give her 7s in components (!)- and this is a skater who exudes Chopin's musicality to the tips of her fingers! Her program was well-structured, it has enough transitions and her interpretation and skating skills were otherwise on point. DO NOT EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT STEP SEQUENCE. Mao is the QUEEN of the StSq- and hers today was not in way shape or form a Level 3. WHAT IS GOING ON?! She's in the right position but should be a point higher in her second mark IMO. 

4. (USA) Ashley Wagner, 63.10 (TES 32.16 PCS 30.94)- Another skater hammered down on PCS was Ashley Wagner. Unfortunately for Diva Wagner, despite landing the triple flip-triple toe which she missed during the warm-up, she landed her backend toe on two feet and her flip was called underrotated. Ouch. She was very cautious and nervous heading in, but in the end she pulled off a good program that would have done her great service at Nationals. However, we're in Russia. Of course it wasn't going to be good enough- and the judges were saving marks for a certain *ahem* favourite. Her skating style fitted the music perfectly, and despite not having the best lines or skating skills (or transitions- while we're at it), her PCS shouldn't have been that low. A 31-2 at the most maybe, and that's with Olympic inflation- but the disgust on her face when she was given her scores said it all. 

5. (CAN) Kaetlyn Osmond, 62.54 (TES 33.86 PCS 28.68)- I really am not a fan of Osmond's and I couldn't care less about her performance- however, she skated cleanly after coming back from the injuries that plagued her all season! Well done. She showed flashes of the Kaetlyn that caught everyone's attention last year, full of fire and personality on the ice. I thought it was funny that the judges gave her a mid-6 for linking footwork and transitions. HER WHOLE PROGRAM IS LIKE RAPUNZEL'S HAIR WHEN ITS BRAIDED! In fact, one would argue that there's too much. Whatever. I don't see her medalling, but I would have been generous and given her a somewhere between a 29-30 in components. 

At this point, I don't know if the judges are trying to prop up Julia as THE medal contender, or if they're sending Kim a message, or they're just being terribly inconsistent or if they're being pressured (yes, I went there.) The good thing is, this is only a team event. I see this more as a good tune-up for the athletes to test out the Sochi ice before their upcoming individual events. After all, one would hate to see one's favourite peak at the most unimportant event in the roster. On a positive note, putting the over/underscoring aside, it's surprisingly fun to watch the teams interact with each other. It's not quite as fabulous as the World Team Trophy, but at least it's giving enough good vibes for all the athletes, having their teammates' support at the Kiss and Cry. 

Click here to see the protocols.

Watch out for tomorrow's free skate event. It's set a 19:00hrs local Sochi time. For us in the UK, we can enjoy Robin Cousin's enlightened commentary on BBC Sports at 3pm. 

Guerlain's Meteorites: Just Glow Already!

Rarely do I ever buy something because of its pretty packaging. 

(........somewhere out there, a fairy just dropped dead.......)

Okay, fine. That's a lie. I DO BUY PRODUCTS FOR THEIR PACKAGING. There. I said it. I like the bells and whistles okay?

I may well have been a cat in another life because I gravitate towards the shiny and the pretty. Which then explains why it doesn't come as a shock that I got myself one of Guerlain's BEAUTIFUL tins of glow power. Yup. I got me some Meteorites! 

Sochi 2014: The Ladies Roster- Who Will Win Gold?

The Games at Sochi is just days away from commencement, and sure enough- the ladies' figure skating event remains the jewel in the crown of the Winter Olympics. The fact that it is slotted in the later half of the event raises more tension and excitement in the air. Who's going to take the gold? We have a very deep field of seasoned veterans and fresh young talent, waiting to take their place on the ice and leap their way to victory. Take a look at the ten ladies you should watch out for: (The ranking is how I predict the top ten will finish)

Yu Na Kim (Getty Images)

1.) Yu Na Kim (KOR)- The reigning World and Olympic Champion comes back to defend her title after a rather light, yet still impressive, couple of seasons. Kim managed to prove her critics wrong when she sashayed in at London, Ontario last year, beating the competition to a pulp despite being away from the circuit all season. In the run up to the Winter Games in Sochi this month, Kim showed little signs of wear and tear, failing to skate clean programs at the Golden Spin Trophy and South Korean National Championships. It's not costly as was shown by her victories, but every little counts when she has young and hungry skaters breathing down her neck. Due to her low ISU ranking, she is set to skate in the earlier groups. This can be a good thing in that there will be no pressure as she should stay ahead of the pack going into the final group. However, as history can often repeat itself- the judges may want to save marks for later and leave Kim a few points behind like they did at Worlds, despite a perfect skate. It will prove vital that she lands her triple lutz-triple toe combination in both her programs, and skate with the fire that has been lacking since her win at Vancouver, to win gold again and the chance to add her name to a rather short and exclusive list of repeat Olympic Champions. 

Mao Asada (Getty Images)

2.) Mao Asada (JPN)- She remains unbeaten in the circuit this season, as she was last season in the run up to the World Championships. However, come the showdown between Asada and Kim last March, she made a couple of costly errors that ultimately cost her the gold. Since her silver medal at Vancouver, she seeked out revered Japanese coach Nobuo Sato to help her restructure and relearn her jumps from scratch to regain full use of her arsenal. Asada remains to be the only woman who is capable of landing all six jumps, however, it all depends of whether she does land them. She has matured greatly in artistry in the last four years, and so in the run up to Sochi, Asada once again looks as a heavy favourite for gold. I put her behind Kim because unless she had changed her mind, she enters the free skate with a hope of landing two triple axels again, therefore removing her lutz (which apart from the change of edge, has been looking solid thus far) and her triple-triple combination. This poses as a problem because she had only managed to land her triple axel cleanly, once this season. Nevertheless, she goes into the Games with the strongest short program, a renewed reputation with the judges, and a gutsy fighting spirit that may serve her well and land her on top of the podium. 

(EDIT: Mao has just announced she's ditching the second 3A in the free program for a more balanced layout. Phew! Good girl! Read it here.)

Julia Lipnitskaya (Getty Images)

3.) Julia Lipnitskaya (RUS)- This young Russian prodigy has proven that she is a main threat. She doesn't yet have the artistry of Kim and Asada but she has the technical goods to blow the competition away. Despite her tendency to flutz and her relatively small jumps, she is capable of landing a solid triple lutz-triple toe. Puberty is also on her side, being small still and so flexible- so if she hasn't gone through the ugly shift just yet, then now will be the time to strike! Clean will have to be Julia's agenda heading into the Games, and the fact that she will be competing on home turf and skating to Schindler's List- the stars may very well align for this young talent and get her a medal at her first Olympics. Her recent victory at the European Championships will also help with the judges to cement her status as a serious contender. Yes, her scores have seen a rather dramatic rising from the Grand Prix Series to the Euros, but will we see the same 'inflation' at Sochi? The Russians are notorious when it comes to politicking, but at the end of the day, ice is slippery. She showed cracks when she competed at the Cup of Russia earlier this season, and she heads into the Games as Russia's number two. Anything can happen. 

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Mascara

Joining the canon of mascaras at Estee Lauder is its new family member- Sumptuous Infinite Daring Length Mascara. It's been a while since Lauder had launched a new mascara, but if it doesn't have a purpose that the existing roster does not fulfill already, then there really wasn't going to be much point. After all, we can't all be like Maybelline or L'Oreal who seem to have a new release and a 'new' brush every two weeks (yes, I want 'butterly wings' for eyelashes...) All I'm saying is, if they can afford to spend money on creating new mascaras every week, surely they should just put that in creating a technology and a formula that's good enough to last for years. Anyway, rant over. 

As I was saying, as a company- Estee Lauder seems to be one of those brands who follows the saying 'If it ain't broke, why fix it?'. They already have a reliable and effective selection of mascaras, so there's the question of why release a new one? As soon as I got my hands on one, I proceeded to examine and test out this new tube. And you all know I like my lash wands. Here is what I found:

I couldn't get my camera to zoom in properly, so pardon the tissue background ^^ You can see the graduated comb though!

The wand is of course, the highlight and feature of the mascara. Lauder have finally caught on the trend of silicone moulded wands and although it isn't exactly groundbreaking, trust the brand to give their own twist to the trend. In comparison to the general look of the silicone brush (which is really just either medium sized or super bullet thick; check Chanel, MaxFactor) Sumptuous Infinite keeps a medium-sized wand tip with one of the grooves standing upright like a spine (or a fin!) The idea being that whilst working the wand deep in the lash roots building up the volume, the fin groove combs and separates the lashes to create definition and length. Pretty smart, if I do say so myself! It saves you from having to use a spoolie after using, say, something like Le Volume from Chanel, to separate the lashes, thus avoiding clumps. In comparison to its predecessors, having a silicone mould wand also means it doesn't take on as much product because of the clear grooves, instead of just stiff, straight-edged bristles. This feature gets an A from me.

The formula on the other hand is fine- assuming that it follows the same DNA as Sumptuous and Sumptuous Extreme, this mascara is for those who want big and bold lashes. However, for my personal taste, it is a little on the wet side. From the Estee Lauder roster, DoubleWear is my favourite range of mascara because it has quite a dry(-ish) formula. By 'dry' I mean that the mascara coats the lashes thinly- allowing for gradual build up and the opportunity to really work and separate the lashes for a fuller look. Obviously, it also dries faster. The Sumptuous family on the other hand is very much a 'fashion' and 'wet' mascara, in that although it has that blacker-than-black finish, it also has a tendency to get gloopy and it takes longer to dry. Some people like that look but I personally don't- but the good thing is, Sumptuous Infinite's wand prevents too much product when it comes out of the tube- so you shouldn't run the risk of clumps and a spider-leg finish. The formula gets a B- from me. 

Overall, it is a great addition to the range. It serves its purpose, which for me seems to be- taking Estee Lauder mascaras into the future. It's a modern wand for the modern gal who wants it all. It has a 10-hour staying power, which is pretty accurate. I don't wear mascara on my bottom lashes because I don't like the transfer later on in the day, but since I wear lenses- I blink a lot and I use eyedrops. No transfers all day. 

The mascara retails for £21, and you can purchase yours at your nearest Estee Lauder counter or online here. 

Have you tried Sumptuous Infinite yet? Sound off below!

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

I guess its obvious that I have been on an exfoliating crusade recently, but it has only done wonders to my skin! The texture is smoother, my complexion is brighter, and it has reduced the amount of angry bumps I'd get in-between shaves from in-grown facial hair. Exfoliating toners have since replaced facial scrubs in my routine, and Mario Badescu's Glycolic Acid Toner is the latest addition in my roster of acids. I hadn't heard of the brand before, but when I got my Anthony cleanser and my Liquid Gold from Beauty Bay a while back, I came across the brand. 

Mario Badescu was a Romanian skincare specialist who specialised in creating effective and affordable botanical skin care products, eventually opening since salons in New York in 1967. He has since created an empire that gave unparalleled European-style facial services and a wide range of products available for everyone and anyone (including the likes of Liv Tyler, Jennifer Aniston, Kate Moss AND MARTHA STEWART.) Well, if its good enough for Martha, it sure is gold to me!

I read the reviews, all being positive, and took a chance. Being the cat that I am, I initially didn't think much of the brand because of its very simple packaging (I like shiny packaging! Guilty.) Yes, yes, I know- one musn't judge a book by its cover, but admittedly, covers do play a part in my judgement. However, the positive reviews were glaring back at my judgemental stare, so I took a chance. The package arrived swiftly, and since my Effaclar toner was finished, I started on MB's toner right away. What struck me to begin was how short the list of ingredients was. The toner contains Water, Aloe Gel, Grapefruit Extract and 2% Glycolic Acid. Four ingredients AND no alcohol. 

The toner has a slightly citrusy, powdery scent but nothing too overwhelming. Upon application, it did leave a zingy feeling on the skin- but not was astringent at all. For the more drier skin types- do not fret. I didn't find it stripping at all, and right now my cheeks can get very dry. Normally during winter, even with intense hydration, my skin has the tendency to feel rough as well, but I haven't felt that in a good while so the toner must be doing its job. My skin was not left parched and squeaky, which is a relief because most exfoliating toners can be too exfoliating- like swabbing acetone. The 2% glycolic acid content makes it gentle enough to use daily as well, unless you're really sensitive, which in that case- you should probably check with a dermatologist. After a couple of weeks of using it day and night my skin became smoother and brighter, with all that dulling dead skin lifted in a quick swipe. No scrubbing necessary. No cons from me. 

I guess the saying is right after all. Some products may lavish on their packaging, but the contents of this plain, unassuming bottle from Mario Badescu actually does what it says and to great effect. No need for super space-age sheen. 

Purchase yours here at £17.95 for 8oz. It also comes in a bigger size, which I will be sure to purchase when I run out!

Have you tried this toner before? Sound off below!

Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick: The Ultimate Beauty LBT

LB-what you say?

LBT.

Little Black Tube. Do you own one?

As far as bases go, I firmly believe that one should have one of these fabulous tubes (or in my case, two!) in their repertoire. It's funny because, it wasn't until recently that I finally committed to purchasing Bobbi's cult favourite Foundation Stick. I've tried it in the past, on and off. Loved it, but I always put it in the back burner because my skin was oilier back then. I had it stuck in my mind that cream foundations will just slip off my face because I was far too oily and the consistency is creamy. Not a great combination. I'm sure oily skin types can use it too, but having to powder a lot throughout the day and to set the foundation was simply too much hassle for me. However, fast forward to my mid-twenties- my skin is more normal than anything, and since I've had great results with Kevyn Aucoin's creme foundation I thought maybe it was time to try BB's stick again.

Anthony Logistics for Men: Glycolic Facial Cleanser

Photo courtesy of BeautyBay: I normally take my own but I was camera-less for ages since I bought this. 

I saw this cleanser on Caroline Hirons' blog a while back and thought it sounded pretty good, especially since I have suffered from painful in-grown bumps from shaving a different way a few weeks back. I normally shave with the grain, but I tried to shave against the grain for a closer shave and surprise, surprise, my skin reacted- BADLY. A day or two later, I was nursing red, irritated cysts caused by in-grown hair follicles that obviously irritated my skin. I needed a solution fast, so I went back to this cleanser and did my reading. A miracle wasn't necessary, but a solution and future preventative product was ideal, so I hopped up on Beauty Bay who had an offer going on some of their skincare (including Anthony's) and purchased this Glycolic Cleanser among other things. 

The cleanser is a lovely, silky, non-foaming creme that helps exfoliate and decongest the pores, therefore leaving a better surface for growth of facial hair- especially post-shave. It contains Vitamins A, C, & E that nourishes the skin, as well as aloe vera to soothe and calm after the razor attack. It does say on the website that it was developed for men specifically, but like La Hirons have said- it really doesn't matter. My mom shares this cleanser with me and she likes that it gives her a nice glow after cleansing. Plus, the fact that it is an exfoliating cleanser with 4.9% glycolic acid, my mum has since skipped using granular face scrubs in favour of this. 

Unlike most exfoliating cleansers for normal/combination skin types, Anthony's GFC does not dry out the skin at all, which is really ideal especially when I use it after shaving because I know that my skin isn't completely stripped to an inch of it's life. The creme also has a yummy, citrusy fragrance- almost like chewable Vit.C tablets.  I had since let my beard and 'stache grow considerably to give my skin a good rest, and soon after went back to shaving with the grain. After using this cleanser for about four weeks, I can say that it does work and it had helped save my skin. Not in a miraculous way, but over time and regular use, facial hair growth has gone back to normal and I have not had any angry bumps for the last two weeks. Considering that I shave almost every other day, I'd like to think that those are very good results! 

You can purchase it at Beauty Bay, for £18.90 at 237ml. Pretty much a bargain!

A Tale of Two Balms: Dior Crème de Rose et Crème Abricot

It appears that I'm coming in late in the game, but my god- what a find! This sister pair of balms from Dior have been nothing but impressive, I'm kicking myself for not having used it before! Created back in the 1960s, these cult beauty products have been (so it appears) staples in the industry as super performers. 

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque

Aveda Intensive Hydrating Masque, £28 for 150ml

I, like most people (probably), found out about this masque through Pixiwoo's vlog interview with skin care whiz, the great Caroline Hirons. In fact, up until that video, I hadn't known that Aveda had a skincare range. It's a brand I have always associated with haircare, probably because that's all they sell in salons, but as it turns out, Aveda has everything from haircare to skincare and beauty- the whole shebang. Anyway- Caroline featured this masque as a favourite for having a good amount of hyaluronic acid; moisture magnets that bind moisture to the skin and can hold up to 10x its weight in water. In any case, the world has finally caught on (and so have I)- there's even a drinkable form now! 

This masque is perhaps one of the best moisture masques I have come across. I have been using it for the last couple of months now, on a twice a week routine, and I have noticed a considerable difference in the way my skin retains moisture. It's oil free with a refreshing scent, and it comes as a cooling gel that's rich in potent plant-derived humectants (note: HA) and calming and soothing ingredients, mainly aloe vera, kelp and lavender. I apply a thick layer after toning and leave it on for 10 minutes (sometimes I forget and I leave it for longer), then rinse/wipe with a hot cloth. The result is a much smoother texture, tacky even, but in a good way, like the skin is finally ready to absorb more hydration. I then follow it up with my current roster of winter serums (either ANR2, Hydraluron or Clarins' HydraQuench Bi-Phase Serum) and face creams. 

Its a great masque to have in your arsenal during the colder months, regardless of your skin type. The fact that it's oil-free means those with oily skins can enjoy the benefits of hydration without the worry of overloading the skin and triggering breakouts. In fact, I still use a clay mask in targeted areas alongside this one. I tend to get very dry around the cheeks to I keep the clay around t-zone only. So far, the combo has been fine. 

It is a tad pricy for a face masque at £28 a pop, but it's bigger than your average 100ml and it works. Buy it from John Lewis, here. 

The Czar's Annual Christmas Wishlist!

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer

The packaging is so full of sheen, say hello to my forehead!

I didn't want to go back to cream foundations initially. I had tried them in the past when I was at beauty school and all I remember from that experience was how greasy and cakey the cream foundation left my face. It also didn't set well without a generous pat of stage-grade powder. It was horrendous. So instead I went down the liquid route. It was all fine and dandy, I even found my colours after years of searching- but with all the new technologies and formulations available since my college days (and the relentless proclamations of Youtube sensation Wayne Goss) I found myself zooming in at the Kevyn Aucoin counter at SpaceNK last week and took the plunge. 

That dent was caused by use. Three times this week. I bought this pot on Monday. CRAZY.

I have read many reviews on Kevyn Aucoin's creme foundation, and most of them great (including Goss' of course!) and so I asked the consultant to try it out on me. She used a sponge (eek!) to blend it out which made me cringe a little bit but the finish was wonderful. It was sheer and light, not at all pancake-y, and the colour was spot on for my winter colour. The foundation also set like a dream. Even though I still get oily around the T-Zone from time to time during the colder months, she didn't have to set the foundation with powder. The cream really did live up to its name as a Sensual Skin Enhancer because despite the intense pigments and the super rich, almost concealer-like texture, it was virtually undetectable on the skin, giving an even finish. I was pleased with it. I didn't buy it right away, partly because I had already spent so much on Christmas shopping and also because the branch near St. Paul's didn't have my colour in stock. I thought maybe it was a sign that I should go away and pray over it first, which I did. I did some more Christmas shopping around Bond St. and with the compliments on my complexion getting to my head- I rushed to South Molton Street and purchased my pot (yes, they had it in stock! I needed that extra hour of deliberation.)

Believe it or not, this amount was actually more than enough!

The pot comes in a shiny and minimalist mahogany packaging, a touch that is so very 90s and very Aucoin- as does the rest of the range. Its no bigger than a lip balm pot but with small packages come big things. This little sucker packs 18 grams of pure, concentrated creamy goodness, super intense and super economical. You only need a tiny amount, with lots of emphasis on 'tiny'. You can either use it neat and really buff it in to blend- for this I apply it warmed up with my fingers and my Real Techniques buffing brush, or mix it with a bit of moisturiser and apply. I wouldn't really use a sponge unless I REALLY have to, but its not a last resort. After all, sponges do not absorb as much cream as they do liquids. I have even used this neat as a spot concealer. 

Overall, I am very happy that I went back to a second store to buy this baby. Since then, I have worn this foundation and received many compliments on the way it looks and the completely natural but flawless finish. I fear, I may have given my favourite liquid formulas a bit of a complex. They currently sit at the back of the drawer waiting for me to get over my Kevyn Aucoin high. 

The little pot of heavn retails for £38.00 and you can purchase it at SpaceNK in-store or online here. I wear shade Sx 11. 

Les Nudes: Chic in a Bottle

Call this the anti-nail revolution. In a time when everyone seems to go gaga over twinkles and spangly nail adornments, I for one, revel in the simple chic factor of the nude polish. It just seems to cleanse the palette y'know? And though I have nothing against nail-art and the DIY bells and whistles, I do believe that when all is said and done- a well manicured set of nude talons will remain timeless, effortless, and more importantly- FLATTERING. In varying times of the year, these colours remain in rotation (including my favourite dubonnet shades of wine and slick navy hues- I guess you can say I like my primary-ish varnishes...) and why not? Think about it. Not only does a well painted nude varnish make your fingers look slimline like delicate tapered candlesticks (trust me, in Filipino culture- that is the pinnacle of elegance), but it also sets off just about every outfit. It just goes with everything. Plus- it doesn't have to stay beige! There are so many wonderful nude shades out there to choose from to suit all skin tones. In fact, let me give you my favourite ones to date. These varnishes have all been tried and tested (and as soon as I finish the bottles- trust me, with these colours, I do- they will be repurchased, wholeheartedly.)

Liz Earle Strengthening Nail Colour in Quicksand- my current favourite 'flesh-tone' nude, and the most recent of the lot. Liz Earle's new nail colour range definitely does impress- with a beautiful, non-streaky formula (I swear, it evens out on its own!), fast drying to a beautiful sheen and a long lasting quality. The beauty of the collection is that it features classically chic colours, both fashionable and practical. This colour in particular is a standout for being ultra-flattering. 

Yves Saint Laurent No.22 Beige Leger- the first of the two YSL standouts, Beige Leger came out in the A/W13 collection along with the two other beiges. This one has a touch of pink to it, which, if you have a fair complexion- would be a fabulous equivalent to what Quicksand does for my tan. It's a soft, muted shell colour that gives enough throwback 60s vibes but also a current quality to it.

Essie Nail Polish in Chinchilly- BEAUTIFUL. This colour has to be the prettiest slate gray shade EVER. Essie never ceases to impress, and this colour is one I shall be keeping in my arsenal for the long run. Perfect for the autumn, it gives the nails a city-living edge- perfect for those who trek the concrete jungles everyday. I mean, those who choose to wear grey, choose to go chic. 

Chanel Le Vernis 505 Particulière- Probably my favourite shade from Chanel (and isn't the colour just so? C'est tout!), Particulière is a lovely minky taupe colour, the darkest of the crop, and provides for a nice change. Yes its in the beiges but its deeper colour offers a great alternative for those looking for a clean polished look but beyond the ivories and the pinks. Also, the idea of sporting rich beige talons is just so Chanel no? However, a note to the wise- make sure to team this one up with a STRONG topcoat (I recomment Dior's Gel Top Coat.) Chanel polishes are notorious for chipping easily. 

Yves Saint Laurent No. 39 Beige Gallery- My favourite shade of greige. If I had to choose, I prefer this one over Beige Leger just because it's grey hue gives it a bit more edge. It's almost a milky, softer version of Essie's Chinchilly but with a touch more cream. I do applaud YSL for keeping these colours, this one especially(!), permanent because nothing gets me going like a madman than brands discontinuing potential and already-cult faves. Furthermore, you gotta love the formula too- fast drying, true colour and dense pigments, and strong. 

Lancôme Vernis in Love in 220M Jolis Matins- Last but not the least is Lancôme's saving grace. This is to date, the best nude in the French pink category. It's the perfect shade of pink for a french manicure, but instead of the traditional translucent formulations, Lancome's Jolis Matins is slightly more opaque. The effect is then giving your nails a good base colour that's just a better version of your actual nail colour- especially when they're looking a little yellow after constant polish wear. I do prefer to paint a layer of mattifying topcoat in between coats to make sure it doesn't streak, but if you want to just go for one coat, it gives a nice effortless finish. Like freshly buffed seashells. This formulation is also near chip-resistant, or at least so far for me. I don't really use alot of Lancôme's products but this polish I would buy plenty times over.

What is your favourite nude nail colour?

Winter Must Haves: Hand Creams

It's that time of the year again folks! The biting cold has come upon us, forcing our beautiful hands to bury themselves deep within our pockets for warmth and protection against the chill. That, or we just wear gloves. Unlike most of you though, unless it's as an operatic fashion statement, I actually don't wear gloves that often during the winter season. I like the feel of the cold, especially if it's snowing- I like to really immerse my palms in the frost. Dangerous, I know, but what can I say? I revel in the cold season. Plus, it saves me having to take my gloves off every time I have to send a text or skip to another song on my iPod (damned touch screens!)- that is, if I have any feeling left in my fingers. That said, I do make sure that my hands are protected at all times, and that means only one thing- HAND CREAM.

The cold weather notoriously dries out the skin to the point of chapping, splitting and roughness, so one must always be armed with at least one high performance cream to soothe, moisturize and repair the skin after the daily assaults of Jack Frost. Plus the more you take care of your hands, the younger they will look in the future. After all, if I'm going to be an ice queen, I'd rather have a soft touch and pretty fingers ;)

So without further ado, here are my top picks for Must Have Hand Creams this winter. Rest assured I have tried and tested them all for years and years, and their consistent high performance is what makes me repurchase not only during winter but all year round. In no particular order, here we go!

L'Occitane en Provence Shea Butter Hand Cream, £19 for 150ml- L'Occitane has quite a range of hand creams but out of the lot this remains my favourite. Its a no BS, nourishing hand cream that incorporates the moisturising properties of Shea Butter (20%), coconut and almond oils. The fragrance is subtle but creamy, and the texture lovely and rich- a perfect soothing cream for dry skin that sinks in rapidly to replenish moisture. Non-greasy but gives you enough emollience for a pampering hand massage before bed, leaving the skin soft and comfortably hydrated. 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Moisturizing Hand Treatment, £25 for 75ml- Out of the group, this is the most recent one I've tried. I'm a big fan of the Eight Hour Treatment range (but the original EH Cream, not so much -.-) and it was all started by the lip balm. This beautiful gel cream delivers wonderful results, creating a silky moisture barrier that helps soothe and soften weather-exposed skin. It does take a bit more time to sink in, so it makes for a wonderful bedside staple but during the day, a little goes a long way. It doesn't have an overpowering fragrance either which is good. 

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, £20 for 100ml- This hand cream was my gateway product into the brand. It's a lovely hand cream that helps keep the skin hydrated while it gives anti-oxidant benefits by way of Sesame Oil. This cream also helps reduce the appearance of dark spots thanks to the Japanese Mulberry extract, but that's something I have yet to attest to. After all I'm only 23 and if genetics are any indication, age spots aren't a usual occurrence in my family so I don't expect them anytime soon. However I can say that the cream does help stregthen nails- I am prone to chipping and breaking but my nails are always nourished and in tip-top shape when I use this cream (pre- and post-manicure go-to!) I'm not sure if there has been a change in the formula because the recent ones seem to sink in faster and aren't as emollient in comparison to what I've had before (and this is in between the repackaging period it went through). It's a good thing though if they have tweaked it, which means this is perfect for use during the day if you're on the go. If not, maybe my tube was just old. 

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, £15.50 for 100ml- HANDS DOWN (hey!) my favourite all-purpose balm as of late. I was never an Eight Hour guy, but LRP's Cicaplast Balm is doing everything I expected EH to do and better. You can use it on your lips, your face, and body. The balm contains 5% Panthenol (Vit. B5) which soothes and comforts, and Shea Butter and Glycerin which softens and plumps up the skin. The beauty of this balm is that not only does it address almost all dry-skin related issues, but it is has antibacterial properties which help protect skin with minor grazes and burns and is formulated for people who suffer from sensitive and irritable skin. For me, this is the ultimate Repair + Protect cream on the market today. 

Neutrogena Norweigan Formula Concentrated Hand Cream, £3.85 for 50ml- I remember my mum using the original hand cream when I was very young and since then I have had it as a staple in every bag I own. This little tube, now concentrated, is handy, effective and really cheap- everything you need without too much this or that. You only need a small amount to really soften dry, and chapped skin thanks to its high concentration of glycerin (2nd in the list.) If its formulation really is made to withstand Scandinavian climate, then a winter in England is child's play in comparison. I have yet to come across disappointment from this range. 

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector, £10 for 100ml- This hand cream is Body Shop bread and butter. Absolutely one of their bestsellers and with good reason. The Community Trade Hemp Seed Oil is rich in fatty acids which helps in soothing extremely dry skin, and creating a moisture barrier to keep hands hydrated even under the harshest conditions. If you have tough, dry skin that is prone to splitting and cracks, or if you suffer from eczema, this should be your desert island product. I know a lot of hairdressers and builders buy this tube by the dozen due to their lines of work. It is a thick and rich cream, almost like a balm actually, and you only need a little with each use. One thing I will say about this product is the fragrance. It's got a weird, herby (! *.*) smell to it that at times can be a deal breaker, but the smell remains trivial as it is high performance AND effective. You can apply liberally if you like to use moisturising gloves overnight almost as a masque for the hands. It's no surprise that whenever this hand cream goes on half price at TBS, people flock to stock up three tubes at a time! *Having serious flashbacks of working for TBS* 

What are your winter hand cream staples?