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