Currently On My Shopping List

Hello beauties!

As you already know, if you read my blog, I decided to spend 2017 buying as less as possible and consuming the products I already have without purchasing new ones, if they aren't necessary.

I can say, I did pretty good! I managed to use up a whole bunch of products (empties of 2017 post coming soon) and now I sat down to put together a shopping list of the products I need / want to purchase in the near future.

This will be my guideline and will help me stay on track and not overspend on products I don't really need!

So in this post I'll share with you my current shopping list (from which, at this point, I got 2 products).

Caudalie Make Up Removing Cleansing Oil

Caudalie Micellar Cleansing Water

Both cleansers have great reviews on Caudalie's website, so I'm looking forward to trying them out. I ran out of face /makeup cleansers, so these were at the top of my list.

They're currently on their way to me as I ordered them online through Caudalie's website (better prices, great customer service and fidelity reward program!).

Next items are on my current wishlist and I'm hoping to buy them in January and the first months of 2018.

Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head

I love my Clarisonic and I've been using it in my skincare routine religiously for a couple of years now. However, I'm ashamed to admit that I've had my brush head for way too long! I actually replaced it only once (they recommend replacing it every three months, ugh! I better not say for how long I've had mine then!). 

Tigi Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Nourishing Mask

I'm waiting to use up the conditioner I currently have before purchasing this mask. I have a feeling my hair is gonna love it!

REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil

I love face oils and I've heard great things about REN but never had a chance to try it out. When I'll be running low on my usual skin care products, this product is definitely going to go in my shopping basket.

These few items I'd like to get from Feelunique as I've already had a great shopping experience at that online store. They have great selection of brands, easy to find what you need, good prices, fast delivery, great customer service. They often have promo codes & deals if you subscribe to their newsletter!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

The one and only, they say, but I've never had a chance to try it out (yet!)

I'd like to order it through Kiehl's Italy web store, as the price is a bit better than on some other web stores, plus they have free shipping in Italy.

Paperblanks diary for 2018.

This next item isn't fashion or beauty related, but as it's on my shopping list, I thought I'd show it to you anyway! I love to write in notebooks and planners and Paperblanks is my planner of choice! Their quality is amazing and the prints too! In the previous years I've had the one with the cats and then, butterfly print and for 2018, I'd love to write down all my plans, projects and ideas into this lovely agenda: this lovely print is by Mila Marquis.

These are the items currently on my shopping list! Did I say I wanted to buy them in the first months of 2018.? They all cost quite a bit!

Does anyone want to be my "Secret Santa"? LOL

Anyway, I hope this inspired you. My motto from now on is to buy less and spend on quality items that I really need and will enjoy using! I don't need to clutter my life with a bunch of stuff I won't even be using.

I'm thinking of doing another list for January/ February sales, only carefully selected items, to prevent me from going crazy during the "irresistible" sales period!

What's currently on your shopping list?

xo from Italy,

Some of my youtube videos that might interest you today:

Clarisonic Mia2 Review & Demo | 8 MONTHS TRIAL | AM I SATISFIED WITH THE RESULTS?

CAUDALIE SKINCARE & BODYCARE REVIEW: TOP FRENCH PHARMACY PRODUCTS!

CAUDALIE ON-LINE SHOPPING REVIEW, HAUL & UNBOXING VIDEO!

SHOPPING AT FEELUNIQUE.COM: REVIEW, HAUL & UNBOXING!

* Read more fashion & beauty posts at Glam Express

Product of the Month: Caudalie Eau de Beauté

Hello beauties!

This month I'd like to present to you one of my fave products when it comes to skincare.

You guys know that I like to pay a lot of attention to my skincare regimen, and over the years of testing out different beauty products, I discovered a few favorites that I always come back to, as they indeed work their magic!

One of those "magical" products is definitely Caudalie's Eau de Beauté, or, translated in english, "Beauty Elixir."

This is also probably the most famous product from the french brand Caudalie, as this one appears to be on a "must have" list of numerous celebrities and famous makeup artists .

This product is quite multi functional: You can use it as a toner, after cleansing and before moisturizing; you can use it as a setting spray after having applied your makeup; or you can use it during the day for a quick "touch up" and refreshment when you're on the go!

In the summertime, I like to store it in my fridge and bring it along with me when I'm going to the beach. It really helps me out in the summer heat as it instantly brings refreshment to my face!

It's suited for all skin types and its main function is smoothing and illuminating.

It can be purchased in different sizes, but I like to buy the 100 ml bottle as it's more convenient price wise (and I already know that I love it!).

If you want to test it out or buy a travel size because it suits your lifestyle better, go for a smaller amount (I believe 30ml is also available).

I usually buy it at my local pharmacy (but not all pharmacies in Italy will have Caudalie, as it's French, not an Italian brand). Lately, I've been buying it directly from Caudalie's web store (the prices are better, and they have got a great customers fidelity program, with awesome rewards!)

From Caudalie factory, they say that this product is inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's elixir of youth. This is a powerful plant based facial mist that soothes away fine lines, tightens pores and gives the complexion an instant boost of radiance.

As I've mentioned, this is beauty favorite of many celebs, beauty junkies and makeup artists!

Here is Rosie HW featuring it on her instagram page:

Here is what this beauty said about this cult product:

"Happy 20th anniversary to Caudalie Beauty Elixir!

I'm so happy I discovered you 10 years ago backstage at New York Fashion Week.

My skin thanks you for keeping it looking refreshed and rejuvenated with just one spritz!"

A while ago, I made a video talking about my favorite Caudalie products.

and my Caudalie online shopping haul, review & unboxing video.

I hope that you enjoy watching :-)

Have you ever tried Caudalie Beauty Elixir, or anything from Caudalie?

xo from Italy,

* read more of my fashion & beauty articles weekly on Glam Express

November's Empties

Hello beauties!

This month too, I have some "empties" to share with you.

These are the products I was using diligently over the past couple of months and now it's time to separate from them.

Some of them, I'll be repurchasing for sure, whilst some weren't really that great.

Which ones did I love?

Let's find out! 

This month too, I have prepared my 5 empty products to review for you!

First is Kerastase Resistance Ciment Thermique Resurfacing Strengthening Milk, a really awesome hair care/ hair styling product, that I've already reviewed in my video.

I love this heat protectant because it also helps your hair dry faster and it leaves it very soft, shiny and beautiful!

It protects it from the heat of blowdrying and straightening/ curling, whilst also leaving it wonderfully scented.

My hair felt so lush after applying this product! Needless to say, a little goes a long way, so even though this product comes at a high price mark, it's worth it as it'll last you a very long time!

Yes, I'm definitely putting this one on my "To Buy" list!

Next is a leave in conditioner by Kemon, Happy Color Magic Spray.

I got this one as a gift from my hairdresser, when I was doing some promo work for her new hair salon.

Kemon is a well known Italian brand for professional hair care and hair colouring.

This leave in conditioner is supposed to protect freshly colored hair by sealing in the color and protect it from fading.

It lasted me for absolutely ages, even though I was using it every time after washing my hair. Honestly, I don't think it was doing much for my hair and I think this product is more suitable for red heads (we know how difficult is to mantain red hair vibrant and how quickly it washes off), or dark brunettes.

I won't be purchasing this product in the future, but I appreciate the gift so much, as it's a product meant for professional use (the price mark is higher too) and it was such a lovely gesture by my hairdresser.

Next on my list I have some face care products: Caudalie Moisturizing Mask and Glam Glow Youth Cleanse Daily Exfoliating Cleanser.

I loved them both!

The Caudalie mask I'll be repurchasing for sure, as it was highly hydrating and I loved leaving it on my face overnight for that extra hydration boost.

Glam and Glow cleansing foam felt really pampering but I don't think I can justify the price point. I purchased this one in a kit with other Glam Glow products (and on sale, at my local Sephora), but I can't help but question myself, is it really that great to justify such high price?

If it was just a bit more convenient, I'd gladly purchase it again, as I love it's texture and how it transforms from mud to foam, leaving my skin gently exfoliated, soft and bright.

I did a detailed review of Glam Glow products in this video , if you care to check it out!

The last product that I'd like to mention is one that I already repurchased as it's definitely a must, especially now that I'm a Mum and don't have much time to dedicate to my beauty routine on a daily basis (but don't feel like giving up on it, lol!)

It's this Nivea In Shower Body Lotion

I can say many great things about it!

- Generally speaking, I love Nivea products

- The price is very accessible

- Moisturizing, pampering

- Saves you up some time when doing your body care routine after showering

- it helped me mantain my beauty routine and keep the skin of my body soft in my post partum period, when I didn't have much time, nor strength to dedicate to pampering myself

- It comes in different scents, but my personal fave is the Milk & Cocoa!

These are 5 empties that I have prepared to share with you this month, mostly all went straight up on my faves list!

Let me know have you ever tried any of these products?

With December and the year's end, I might be wrapping up the "empties" posts for a little while. I might be doing them periodically, not on a monthly basis, but before taking this decision, I'd like to hear your thoughts!

Would you like me to keep posting "Empties" on a monthly basis or do you prefer to read about them every now and then?

xo from Italy,

* find out more on Glam Express

Top Winter Fashion Trends Report

Hello lovelies!

With winter time seriously approaching, I thought it was the right moment to do one of those "fashion trend reports" and look into the hottest trend of the season!

I found my inspiration looking at instagram profiles, so here I'll be sharing with you my top 5 faves for the cold weather.

With these items in your wardrobe, you can easily stay warm & be super stylish.

Here are my top picks:

1. Pink & Red Combo

Pink and red, what used to be the colors we never wanted to wear together, somehow became one of the hottest trends of the season!

If you want to be trendy, you must have something pink and something red...and then pair it together!

Even better if we're talking about pink (or red) winter coat, in combination with warm knitwear, or colorful accessories.

Image source: Babu_mag

2. Colorful Faux Fur Jacket 

Colorful faux fur jacket? Yes, please!

H&M this season has got a very gorge blue one, that's actually hard to get as it always runs out of stock!

Multi-colored faux fur jackets are also a must; most high street stores will have something in their offer this season.

Image source: H&M

3. Hoop Earrings / Statement Earrings

Hoop earrings are so 2000! But guess what? They're back on trend, big time!

Big silver, or golden hoop earrings and all the statement earrings are a very easy way how to update your wardrobe and make it more current!

I personally "rediscovered" my old big silver hoop earrings and just recently I ordered a new pair of statement tassel earrings.

I'm actually glad that big earrings are back, as I do have quite a collection from previous years!

Image source: Zara

4. Chunky Knit Sweater

I'm seriously loving the fact that chunky knit sweaters are so popular this winter!

I'm tired of seeing winter trends that can't actually work in real life, in the real cold weather!

In winter time, my priority is to stay warm and I love my chunky knit, warm sweaters.

Here is one that I actually ordered online recently myself (I admit, I'll wear it with a top underneath, just for that additional layer to keep me extra warm!)

Btw...I'm loving this powdery pink color!

Image source: ameliecheval31

5. Baker Boy Hat

I'm so glad this is also back on trend (I have quite a nice "baker boy" hat collections from past years).

If Rosie wears it, it must be one of the coolest accessories for this winter, right? ;-)

You can easily add to your outfit with this cute hat, masquerade the bad hair day, or just stay warm when outside is quite chilly!

Image source: RosieHW

These are just a few of my favorite current trends, but I may do a second part next month, as I have more to share!

Some of them I already have in my closet and some of them are on my wish list!

Now let me know, what are your favorite trends for this winter?

xo from Italy,

* read more of my fashion & beauty posts at Glam Express

Elevator shoes: Your best trick to appear taller!

Hey guys!

I was browsing through the internet web stores, looking for wedge shoes that I'd like to have in my closet for this new season, and I came across some really awesome models that I want to share with you today.
I actually discovered chamaripa elevator shoes that are awesome because they're cool, trendy, must- have models, designed to give you that instant boost in height!
I usually like to wear wedges because they give you an extra height, yet they aren't as difficult to walk in. They're perfect for every season, and great even for every day wear as they're quite comfy.
I'm even more excited that I found height increasing shoes that aren't necessarily wedges, but other models, including "flats" too!

Here is a selection of my favourite tall shoes for short people, they're all super fun, comfortable and they'll make your outfit even better looking, as we all know, everything looks better on tall people! 

I'm 5'7 and I always wanted to be 5'8 at least. I know that my height isn't considered "short", but still, I do feel more confident when I'm wearing a bit of a heel.
The great thing about these shoes is that they actually look like regular shoes; nobody can tell that you're actually wearing elevator shoes, as they look like any other model, and follow the latest trends!
I really liked these brownish chelsea boots, that would look absolutely great with jeans, or anything really, as they're a true classic and must have for everyday wear!

Chamaripa web store offer is really amazing and always up to date!

I also wanted to mention that they have high heel shoes for men and I came across some very interesting models that I immediately wanted to share with you! These are very elegant, classic and timeless pieces.

Chamaripa shoes has got some awesome models for everyday and also men's elevator dress shoes, for special occasions. 
I'm sure it's actually very difficult to pick out only a few favourite pairs!

Even though we're still in winter time and I don't see going out of my winter boots any time soon, I'm definitely thinking ahead and considering purchasing some new arrivals for spring!

Because of its hidden heels, some of these models will add you up to 8 cm (3.15inch) of height, and nobody will even know, as they look like regular flats! How amazing is that?
What type of shoes would you like to get for this winter season?
Now it's holiday season and also a season of good bargains and on-line deals, so I recommend you take a look!
Thanks for stopping by!

* sponsored post

Shopping guide for plus size fashion

Hello loves!

In this post I'd like to tell you about my newest fashion obsession: FashionMia webstore! Their offer is so amazing that I literally spent hours browsing through it :-)
The prices very affordable too, and they offer a great selection of plus size clothing that is also very up to date!

I wanted to share some of my favourite picks with you :-)

Stars print is ultra modern this season, and this particular top you can wear even if you don't usually shop at plus section! Oversized items are also in style. I love the black & grey combo in winter season.

This is another pretty top that caught my attention. It's also quite festive, and you can definitely wear it for going out on a dinner date or such!

These are some plus size fashion tops that I'd recommend to my friend! She wants to renew her winter wardrobe and add some cool new pieces to her existing must haves.
She always has troubles finding lovely pieces that she likes, that actually flatter her body shape.
She really liked these ones :-)

This festive season is all about special dinners, gatherings and celebrations and nice festive dress is in order!
My friend was looking at bodycon dresses for plus size and she found some great models here!

This dress is really pretty and dressy! I love the lace detailing and it's perfect for dinners and special events that usually happen around Christmas.

This charming dress is a winner because of the bright colors, so it brings up a bit of something special to those dull & gloomy, grey winter days. My friend approves!

Actually she loves to wear dresses even in winter time, they're probably her favourite garment, as it's so easy to wear them and dress them up/ dress down. For additional layer, to keep warm, all you need to add is a pair of thick tights and some warm wool overcoat.
Also, for us busy Mums it's easier to have practical items to wear, that you can just "throw on"!
I came across some really pretty models at FashionMia, I'm without words to describe them properly!
You have to see it for yourself!

What do you guys think? How would you style these items?

All the clothes are very affordable, you can find awesome deals and true bargains, so happy shopping!

*sponsored post

Spend a little time with Zaful before 2017 ends!

We have reached the end of the year of 2017, Christmas parties will soon be in full swing. Did you find comfortable and stylish clothes to wear? If not, Zaful is now promoting Christmas sale  with various adorable products at cutthroat price. Below is some Christmas party fashion items in Zaful

which you should have. 

White on White

Fresh and crisp, the white on white trend make a return and it couldn’t look cooler. White sweatshirts, pants, shoes, and accessories are all cool to wear. Let's try to pair these cozy sweater with denim in the perfect way and become the party outfit winner!

Chic Boat Neck Long Sleeve Pure Color Women's Sweater

Cable Knit Pattern Drop Shoulder Sweater

3 Piece Trick 

Ever heard about something called the three-piece trick? The best way to untangle a mysterious, sexy look is to look at the accessories. You will find that all such complicated looks have three things in common – a statement filled handbag, a pair of hot shoes and a useful and trendy pair of sunglasses. Try it yourself to achieve celebrity kind of a look at no time.

Full Rims Cat Eye Sunglasses

Crossbody Bags / Floral Chain Mini Crossbody Bag

Ankle Embroidery Flower Boots

Playful Accessories

A choker or a pair of earring with Christmas elements on it would be fun don't you think? It's Christmas after all. Recommending you these nice little accessories. They are down to $0.99 before Zaful Christmas Sale ends.

    

• Rhinestoned Christmas Bows Brooch     
• Rhinestone Tassel Christmas Santa Brooch
• Denim Fringe Choker                     
• Lace Criss Cross Choker

*guest posting by Zaful