‘Tis the time of year to get shopping for incredible holiday gifts! As someone who loves all things beauty, makeup and skincare, I wanted to compile a list of great gift ideas for under £15 (under $20) with links to the items in the UK and USA. Whether you’re looking for that “something small,” a stocking stuffer or an excuse to treat yourself, I’ve got you covered!
Those that follow my skincare hits and misses know that finding an eye cream has been the bane of my existence. Shiseido’s line of skincare comes highly recommended, so when I saw Shiseido’s Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Concentrate – and the promises that come along with it – I knew I had to try it.
The product is supposed to be used like a serum before eye cream. So, if I’m having such a hard time finding the perfect eye cream, could this be my solution? As in, a booster for other eye creams I am testing? Or, could I just use it alone? The product claims include softening and smoothing skin, improving fine lines and wrinkles, diminishing dark circles, evening and brightening the eye area. Impressive, right!?
While I can confirm that the eye cream is hydrating and does have a temporary brightening effect, it did not dimish my dark circles (I do suffer from dark ones sadly). I tried it alone, with my beloved eye cream and with others that I am testing. On its own, it’s not as hydrating. Together with products, it was more hydrating but didn’t make a big change for me.
As a result, I will not be re-purchasing this product. However, as I suffer from dry under eyes, if you run more oily, this could be a good option for you. I found the texture to be nice, it layered well with my makeup, but it just didn’t last through my workday.
For more information: Shiseido Ultimune Eye Power Infusing Concentrate.
For more of my skincare and beauty recommendations, click here.
I’ve been getting more questions about my skincare regime lately (I blame the daily IG story selfies, which are all done with #nofilter hehe), so I thought I would do a monthly recap blog post and a video explaining what I have used up and my honest review on the product. I’m also going to do a BIG blog post detailing my current skincare regime soon….so stay tuned. Are you ready to snoop inside my beauty cabinet? Read on!
What’s the famous line about not knowing what you’ve got until it’s gone? Well, as an expat living abroad in London, you don’t realize all of the random things you love until they’re no longer available for purchase in your country. For example, when your favorite eye cream is not for sale in the UK and the prospect of buying it comes with a $30 shipping fee. Or, when UK/EU laws for skincare mean they cannot sell a specific formulation of a coveted serum – but they will in the U.S.!? Or, how about that cheap but oh-so-lovely eye pencil that you just cannot find a replacement for in the UK? I could go on – and I’m sure every expat can relate, whether it’s makeup, skincare, food or others.
Inspired by what I cannot have in the UK, here are four of my U.S. favorites for skincare and makeup that I just cannot live without and had to purchase while stateside for the Christmas holiday.
As another month comes to a close, I am excited to share my fab finds. In September, I scored a mix of lovely new skincare and beauty items, plus chic apparel and footwear classics. From a fab moisturizer for dry skin, to an anti-aging wonder, the absolute best concealer for covering dark eye circles, two amazing brow makeup items, my favorite jeans, a chic blazer, the perfect fall blouse and the most comfortable ballet flats, here are my nine fab finds of September 2017.
