L'OCCITANE, Milk Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap

Are you sill looking for a last minute Christmas pressie?
L'Occitane Milk Shea Butter Extra Gentle Soap, is a great idea. 100% vegetable based, embossed and elegantly wrapped perfect little gift for everyone.

It is generous in size (250g for £7.50 from www.uk.loccitane.com) it is great value for money albeit at the higher end of the soap market. I have been a big fan for the past couple of years and clearly I am not the only one as it is considered to be a cult favourite by many in the beauty industry(very highly reviewed on www.makeupalley.com) and is a Best Seller on the L'Occitane website.

As the name on the packaging would suggest it is indeed a very gentle and non irritating soap making it very suitable for delicate skin for the whole family. It lathers up beautifully and it is so creamy and rich.

The Shea Butter used in the soap which actually comes from Africa; soothes and protects the skin and is well known for its moisturising properties. L'Occitane are socially responsible company and their Shea Butter is harvested by hand by women in Shea-processing collectives of Burkina Faso, supporting economic recovery and heritage of natural harvesting traditions. From there L'Occitane take the harvested butter to Provence, France where it is used in their creams, lotions, soaps etc.

I really like this product and it will continue to be in my soap dish for years to come. I would recommend you to try it out for yourself too. :)

Till next time...
Christmassy Kiss Kiss Girly-G

Petite Bunny Gloss Bar by Tony Moly

Tony Moly (http://www.etonymoly.com/) is a South Korean cosmetic brand that is incredibly popular for their adorable packaging and reasonable price and I have to say the cute packaging is to blame for why I just had to try out Petite Bunny Gloss Bar. Aren't they just adorable?

Of course I did some research and bought four different bunnies;
No2 Juicy Grape, No4 Juicy Cherry, No5 Juicy Peach and No6 Juicy Orange (there are actually 9 different shades in all)

Looking at them reminds me of crayons you use in school. The cap of each Petite Bunny Gloss Bar has a bunny face with different expressions to easily differentiate the colour and scent better. The faint fruity scent is hardly noticeable after application. The product comes out by twisting from the bottom up, a few milimeters is enough as it does not twist back. I do end up reapplying because they don't have too much staying power but that does not bother me at all!

Although they are called gloss bar, they are actually more like tinted lip balm rather then lip gloss. The colour is sheer but buildable and can be intensified with extra coats. I love that it is not sticky at all. The texture is creamy and glides on easily. It is so much fun trying them out.

I really enjoy Petite Bunny Gloss Bars, they make me smile every time I pick them up from my cosmetics bag. I would recommend them to all those who like non-sticky lip balms and cute faces are just a bonus :)
Have you tried them too?
Till next time...
Kiss Kiss Girly-G

HANDROID, Robot Hand by ITK

Last Sunday at Hyper Japan Xmas 2012 showcasing their pioneering innovations Japanese engineering company ITK (www.itk.co.jp) had us all in awe. The star of the show was the HANDROID - a robotic hand

The show was very interesting and inspirational. It gave us a glimpse into a future where the HANDROID could be used not only in dangerous engineering environments but also as a prosthetic hand controllable by brain waves and cerebral nerves. And that would be so helpful to so many people. I am all for it. :)

What makes this HANDROID different from other robotic hands, is that it can move all five fingers and lift small objects like a human hand. And it looks amazing!

HANDROID is remotely operable, lightweight, durable and has a fluid motion. After the show visitors were given the opportunity to try it out, and of course I wanted to give it a go.

There are two ways of operating the robot hand; one being by glove controller and other just by positioning your hand directly above a motion detector, like that used for XBox. I have tried the latter one.

Till next time...
Kiss Kiss Girly-G

''KAWAII STYLE'' Japanese Street Fashion

click picture to enlarge

If you've never been, HyperJapan is an annual event celebrating all things Japanese. This weekend I went along for the first time. Even before I reached the Exhibition Centre in Earls Court, London I could not help but notice groups of girls dressed up in cute outfits. Straight away I knew they were off to HyperJapan Expo too and it just put a smile on my face to know there are so many others that share my enthusiasm for Japanese culture and fashion.

One of the main events on Sunday 25 of November was a Kawaii Fashion Show. Kawaii in few words means cute, cool, sweet ... As the words say this fashion show was like no other, it was cuteness overload in the most of loveliest ways.

The best part of the show to me was seeing the great diversity of crowed watching, from young children to older generation all gathered to celebrate Japanese culture and fashion.

As we walked around the exhibition hall we met many of the pretty girlies and they were kind enough to let us take their picture for me to share with you today. So if you were there, maybe you'll find your picture here; I'd love to hear from you!

click picture to enlarge

Coming soon: Handroid at HyperJapan. You have to see it to beleive it!

Till next time. Sayonara! (sah-yoh-nah-rah) Goodbye!

Kiss Kiss Girly-G

HYPER JAPAN XMAS 2012

Just back from London. HYPER JAPAN 2012 was so much fun. We had a day filled with watching the shows, checking out new games, browsing and taking lots of amazing pictures.

Big THANK YOU to all the lovely girlies posing for our photos.

More to follow very soon so please come back and check it out!

Kiss Kiss Girly-G 

LUSH Rub Rub Rub, Shower scrub

Just recently I acquired a new addiction... yes it was a Lush product.

I have avoided going into a Lush shops as every time I step in I'd find myself overwhelmed by fragrance and so many colours and products that are not necessarily what you might first think. Also, price wise I would put them in the not-cheep, but more of the ''I deserve a treat'' category.

As I have been stressed out recently a friend of mine suggested a nice bubble bath and a LUSH bomb. And it worked.

So, I was back in the shop again and this time I bought Rub Rub Rub, Shower scrub. Soon as I got back from work I just had to try it out.

The consistency of Rub Rub Rub is more of a runny gel like scrub. Salt particles are very fine and even looking therefore they leave body gently exfoliated.

I like to apply mine in the shower (make sure the tub is away from the direct water flow otherwise you'll end up wasting the product), stepping away from direct flow I apply a nice scoop all over.
I even shampooed my hair with it and I was so surprised that it lathered as much as it did. And then I just stepped back and washed it all off :) My hair did need a bit of conditioning afterwards but the skin was so soft.

I really like the smell of Rub Rub Rub (if you like the smell of sea and freshness this one is for you). This product is packed with mineral rich sea salt and organic lemon juice. Jasmin, mimosa and orange flower leave a lingering subtle scent. Just lovely.

Just in case you did not know LUSH produces fresh handmade cosmetics, it's a well known brand that started off in Poole, Dorset, U.K (www.lush.co.uk)

Till next time...
Kiss Kiss Girly-G

 

Great South Run, Portsmouth

Admittedly I am few weeks late but I still wanted to write about this event that makes me proud to live in Portsmouth.

For those you who do not know this The BUPA Great South Run is an annual 10 miles road running race. Its route goes through Southsea and passes some of Portsmouths naval heritage, including HMS Victory and Mary Rose (historic ships) and Spinnaker Tower (www.visitportsmouth.co.uk).

 

This race was on 28/10/12 and it has become one of Europe's most popular mass participation races over 10 miles and attracts some of the most successful runners as well as ordinary public (this year there were around 25000 runners).

 

For me, the most exciting part of the race was supporting and cheering on all the amazing people who were running and fund raising for charities of their choice. Including Ian Flemming who ran the 10mile distance over 3 days wearing a 200lbs diving suit running in support of blesma.org.

One of those amazing people was my dear friend who did outstandingly well finishing the race in 1:49:20 and raising money for the children charity CLIC Sargent (www.clicsargent.org.uk).

Well done E.B!!!

There were some interesting characters doing the race running in fancy dress. Have a look for yourself...

 

 

 

Till next time...

Kiss Kiss Girly-G



Nails Of The Day, Diwali Nightsky Nails

HAPPY DIWALI!

This is a celebration of lights and the time when sky is full of bright colours and all lit up by fireworks - which are set off to scare off the bad spirits. The sparkles of the fireworks have inspired my nails of the day.

To achieve this enchanting nail art I have used Berry M in Blue Plum as a base colour, Models Own in Gold Rush to create graduation and Rimmel London in Disco Ball for my stars.

If you wanted to know more about how I have achieved this pretty look, just leave a message in the comment box.

Till next time ...
Kiss Kiss Girly-G

 

Feel Good Fragrance

If I had to choose a scent that describes the Croatian coastline it would have to be Rebalancing Fragrance by Clarins. Every time I put it on and close my eyes it brings me back to beautiful places and caresses of Adriatic sea and aromatic, soothing fragrances of unspoilt nature.

This lovely balance of essential oils and non fragrant plants encourages a feeling of total relaxation while locking in a delicate veil of scented moisture.

Rebalancing Fragrance comes in a gorgeous blue bottle making it look like captured sea in a glass. It smells cool and aquatic, uncomplicated, soft and feminine. I have been wearing this fragrance on a daily basis to work and I am happy to say my work friends like it too; telling me that it suits me which of course makes me really happy :o)

Some notes of this lovely scent are;
Basil (refreshing)
Florentine Iris (refined fragrance)
Virginia Cedar wood (promotes serenity)
Benzoin from Siam - resin exuded from the tree when it is damaged (provides comfort)
Sarsaparilla (energises)
Robinia (softens, soothes)

It is really long lasting too.
I absolutely love Rebalancing Fragrance, as I almost used up my bottle, I think it will go on my Santa's Xmas list :)

www.clarins.co.uk

Till next time...
Kiss Kiss Girly-G

MUA Nail Constellation Beads

I could not wait to try out MUA Nail Constellation Beads. I heard about this product a few weeks ago and one of the reasons is that it is just a fraction of a price of by now well known CIATE caviar manicure (that sells for around £18). MUA Nail Constellation Beads are just £3 and are available exclusively at Superdrug chemists (www.superdrug.com) and MUA website (www.muastore.co.uk)

3D Beads manicure has become so popular this year featuring in beauty blogs, fashion magazines and being worn by celebrities. It is fun way of updating your usual manicure and fun conversation starter.

Here 's how to do it

1. Start by painting the nail with a nail polish (I used Models Own in Gold Rush)

2. While still wet sprinkle over the Constellation Beads until the whole nail is covered

3. Gently press beads in and allow to dry and set in place, then apply top coat (I have used little dipping dish to catch  the beads)
4. Pour the excess beads back into dispenser

MUA Nail Constellation was inspired by the patterns formed into a night sky and appropriately have names of the star constellations SCORPIO (the colour I have bought), PISCES, LEO, GEMINI and LIBRA.

Even though that it does not last much longer then couple of days I would still recommend it as they are so much fun. And you can always mix and match them to creating your unique 3D nail art.

Here is also a video from MUA on You Tube

Till next time...
Kiss Kiss Girly- G

Ghostly Halloween

Here are my Halloween ghosts and some eyes in the dark nails. Very simple and cute design that took only minutes to do..

Till next time...
Kiss Kiss Girly-G

Mini haul form Hong Kong

Yippee!!! My little order from www.sasa.com has arrived. After unwrapping the package here are the items I have bought...

TONY MOLY Petite Bunny Gloss Bars
Very cute and adorable,  similar to lip butters. In Juicy Orange and Juicy Cherry fragrances.

Another lip product: KOSE, Lip Gloss

KOJI, DOLLY WINK, Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black
The cutest eyeliner with a ultra fine, flexible tip.

JUJU AQUAMOIST Essence 
Serum like moisturising essence. And a sample of vitamin C toner.

A hair bun maker:

A new addition to my nail tools box:

HARAHUDA GREEN TEA, Hand cream
I just love anything with green tea :)

KANEBO, NAIVE Deep Cleansing Foam face wash
With tea extracts and macadamia nut essential oil.

And this beautiful bright orange nail polish.

Have you tried any of this products yet?
I can not wait to give them a try.

Till next time...

Kiss-Kiss Girly-G

A new way to wash your face; Bubble Foaming Face Wash Net

There are many ways of washing your face and one of the most common is to lather a facial cleanser on your palm and apply to your face.

One step up in a face washing routine is to use Face Wash Net. It is well known and widely used beauty tool in Japan that helps to form a creamy, fine, dense lather/bubbles.

The reason why this way of washing your face is so recommended is because using a net creates dense whipped like foam that is impossible to achieve by just using your hands alone. The foam is supposed to clean your face better and really get into the pores. Density of this form then creates a cushioning layer that prevents harsh rubbing on your skin, therefore even someone with a sensitive skin could use it.

The other great thing about Face Wash Net is that I need to use so much less cleansing product and that is always a cost saving bonus :)

This is how I use it:

1. First I run the Face Wash Net under water and put a bit of a cleanser on it. (Any foaming cleanser will do)

2. Then I rub the Face Wash Net between my hands (this creates shaving foam like lather)

3. And squeeze the Face Wash Net like a toothpaste :)

4. Gently massage with fingertips onto face and just wash off with warm water.

You can see the whole procedure on this video:

By the way, DO NOT use this kind of net directly on the face as it is too harsh.

I find trying out Asian skincare and tools so much fun, as they always seems to be ahead of the game compared to what we have here in the UK. Maybe this might become trendy here soon too... I have seen this kind of a foaming net in Muji shops in London (www.muji.co.uk). I bought mine online.

Till next time...

Kiss Kiss Girly-G

Nails Of The Day

Today I had fun doing my nails. This cute design was very easy to do.
I applied nail polish horizontally on the makeup sponge and sponged it on. Then used few flower stickers and glitter nail polish. I've finished the design with clear top coat. Voilà!

Jojoba Oil, multi-purpose moisturising oil

Thinking about it now I am surprised I did not find out about this product much sooner. I wanted to try out an alternative, more simple way to moisturise after having a shower, a product that would be as natural as possible but at the same time very hardworking too. After a bit of research, as I tend to do most of the time when I decide to try something new, I decided to try out Jojoba Oil.

Jojoba Oil is actually not an oil it is a liquid wax. This beautiful 24 carat gold coloured wax is produced in a seed of Jojoba plant, a shrub native to southern Arizona, southern California and northwest Mexico. The oil/wax makes up approximately 50% of the Jojoba seed by weight.

To me some of very interesting benefits of Jojoba Oil are that it has an antibacterial and anti fungal properties as well as being rich in vitamin A(known also as an wrinkle fighter :), B1, B2, B6, and E (known to minimise scarring). Sometimes Jojoba Oil is used to treat acne as it can make oily skin less oily.



There are many ways I use this oil;

• As an Hot Oil Treatment
• As an after shower moisturiser
• As a hair, body and cuticle oil
• To clean my make-up brushes (I just mix few drops of oil with an antibacterial washing up liquid, clean and rinse with warm water)
• To remove stubborn waterproof eye makeup

And so on... Jojoba Oil is so versatile :) I bought mine from Holland & Barrett (www.hollandandbarrett.com)

I really like using Jojoba Oil daily, I even put it into a smaller travel size bottle when I go away. As it is suitable for all skin types I do recommend it to my friends when they need that little bit of extra moisture for their skin, nails or hair.

Till next time...

Kiss Kiss Girly-G