My Debenhams Beauty Picks

When it comes to beauty shopping, nothing beats the buzz and assortment of brands and products that a beauty hall can offer. The countless counters and distant aroma of spritzed perfumes that linger in the air create a perfect haven for any self confessed beauty-junkie and Debenhams is always a place you can reply on when it comes to purchasing that new blusher, sampling a new foundation or popping in for a quick, lunchtime makeover. All my favourite brands can be found at Debenhams Beauty from Bobbi Brown, YSL, Benefit Cosmetics and Illamasqua to Chanel, Clarins and so many more. The list is endless and whether you venture in store or stay at home to shop online from the comfort of your sofa, Debenhams has got all your beauty needs covered.

I recently did a spot of beauty perusing online at Debenhams and eventually choose some picks that I have been desperate to try out - firstly the Diorskin Forever foundation which looks amazing and I have read many rave reviews about. For my other selections it probably comes as no surprise to you that I made my way to the lipstick section and went for two (very different!) nude shades from Chanel, Rouge Coco Shine in 85. Secret and YSL, Rouge Volupte in No.1 Nude Beige. Both are very lovely and pleasantly perky on the lips with a rosy pink undertone. The Chanel Rouge Coco Shine lipstick has a sheerer consistency and finish on the lips than the Rouge Volupte which is silkier and more pigmented but both are great lipsticks to reach for for a quick, easy and natural makeup look.

Recently Debenhams have introduced their Beauty Card which is a great addition to any makeup-lover's purse. With lots of rewards and benefits on offer such as 3 points per £1 spent, free online delivery, free samples and makeovers and its own community on Facebook with lots of special deals and competitions, I definitely suggest you pick one up next time you are in store just in time to start clocking up the points during your Christmas shopping spree!

What beauty bits have you got on your wish list at the moment?

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Liz Earle Superskin Moisturiser with Natural Neroli

"We can't turn the clock back, but the Superskin range definitely helps 'slow the ticking'." - Liz Earle. Meet Liz Earle's new super cream, supercharged with nature's potent botanicals and enhanced with natural neroli to visibly plump and smooth mature or very dry skin. Liz Earle's new Superskin Moisturiser* (£39) is a rich and luxurious cream which is delicately scented with neroli to give you and your skin a blissful experience and a radiant, replenished complexion when used day and night. If you aren't a fan of overly-fraganced skincare then I would maybe give this one a miss but if you love a moisturiser with a slightly herbal, decadent scent then this new cream will definitely float your boat. Personally I love the smell of this moisturiser which has a similar, earthy aroma as many of Liz Earle's other lotions and potions and is a lovely addition to my current skincare routine.

This moisturiser boasts the hero formula from Liz Earle's ever popular, original Superksin moisturiser but brings a new layer of affordable luxury to your daily regime with the addition of collagen-protecting pomegranate flower extract plus a gorgeous blend of essential oils from neroli, lavandin and chamomile. It is quite thick and rich so feels like a real treat on your skin yet sinks in fairly quickly without leaving your face feeling greasy or sticky. It is light yet potent enough to be used in the morning and the evening time and contains a high level of omega-3 from the cranberry seed, borage and rosehip oils which help prevent moisture loss and improves skin elasticity.

I have really enjoyed using this moisturiser over the past couple of weeks and have found that my skin has felt smooth and nourished, especially when using it overnight and waking up with a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. I find the scent very calming and soothing so love to incorporate this during one of my weekly pamper nights, smoothing it onto my face and décolletage whilst I paint my nails, light some candles and indulge in some late night blog reading! Do you like the sound of this new super cream? Which Liz Earle skincare products feature in your skincare regime?

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Bobbi Brown Smokey Nudes Collection

When I first heard that one of my favourite beauty brands, Bobbi Brown, was launching a new collection for the Autumn called the Smokey Nudes I just knew this would be pure perfection for me - the girl that can't get enough of uber-natural lips, soft eyeshadow shades and shimmery cheeks. This new launch from Bobbi Brown introduces a fresh take on the sultry, dark smokey eye with wearable, transitional eye shades to take you from daytime to party time, balanced with a subtle nude lip to suit every complexion and a sweep of colour and shimmer for the cheeks to finish off the look. This is one collection where every single product is absolutely beautiful and would complete warrant a purchase - (move quick, it is limited edition!). The chunky, black packaging of the eyeshadow palette and shimmer brick has this unique, smoked-out tortoiseshell effect on them and amongst the four new creamy, matte lipsticks you will most certainly find your perfect, neutral shade.

First up is the star of the show - the Smokey Nudes Eye Palette* (£48) which is a double-decker stack of eight beautiful eyeshadows that contains everything you need to create a nude smokey eye - as subtle, sparkly or striking as you wish. This palette is a mixed bag of formulas, containing creamy mattes and rich metallics to get a variety of different looks and finishes, and all hues from your barely there nudes, shimmery pinks, luxe browns and a smokey grey-black. This palette is great because it is wonderfully versatile for a quick, soft look for the day, then simply pop it in your handbag and whip it out after work to add some glam and glitter for the evening time. Previously some of the Bobbi Brown eyeshadow palettes have been a little disappointing when it comes to pigmentation but this Smokey Nudes eye palette has come up trumps with all eight shades giving you a convincing colour payoff - albeit with the shimmery shadows needing a little bit more work than the matte colours. All in all it is the perfect palette for Autumn, especially if you are someone who loves the idea of a smokey eye but prefer something a little lighter and more wearable for the day or night.

Next is the Shimmer Brick* (£32.50) in the shade Sandstone which instantly gives you a soft, shimmery look that balances out a heavier eye or a bolder lip perfectly. The beauty of this product is that it can be worn alone for a subtle sweep of colour and a pretty highlight for the cheeks or simply layered over a complimenting blush shade for a brighter flush of colour. I share a similar love for Bobbi Brown's shimmer bricks as I do for MAC's mineralise skinfinishes and think they are a gorgeous product to have if you enjoy a nicely highlighted, shimmery cheek. I even wore Bobbi Brown's Pink Quartz shimmer brick on my wedding day. Handmade in Italy, this compact features superfine pigments that reflect radiance and light and gives your cheeks a warm wash of sandy, pink colour with a lit-from-within glow.

Finally, and for me the most exciting part of this new collection, are the four new Creamy Matte Lip Colors* (£19.50) in a variety of pretty nudes to suit any complexion, which will balance out a sultry, smokey eye perfectly. The formula is rich and matte but feel moisturising and comfortable on the lips and leaves them with a subtle sheen and softness. They glide on nicely and are extremely pigmented with the colour lasting a good few hours during the day before any touch ups are required. From left to right the lipstick shades are 20. Pink Nude, 21. Warm Nude, 22. Soft Nude and 23. Nude. I think they are all really lovely but my personal favourites are 20. Pink Nude (which is similar to one of my favourite MAC lipsticks, Creme Cup) and also 23. Nude which reminds me of Illamasqua's Starkers Glamore Nude lipstick with a similar formula and finish. I think these lipsticks make such a nice pairing when used alongside this eyeshadow palette and shimmer brick and altogether this collection is the answer to any Autumnal makeup look.

Have you picked up any pieces from this new release from Bobbi Brown? Which product have you got your eye on?

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Bourjois Delice de Poudre Duo & Gold Bronzing Powders

I am sure most of you, at some time or another, have own the Bourjois Delice de Poudre bronzer. Or more fondly known as the chocolate bronzer - smelling and resembling the look of your favourite block of Cadburys! I certainly always find that I have a Bourjois bronzer lurking in my collection and love the warmth and subtle shimmer it instantly gives your skin for a radiant but non-shiny glow. Well back in August, Bourjois extended their bronzer range with two new versions of the popular Delice de Poudre to help satisfy all your contouring, bronzing and highlighting needs, presented in the same handy, book-like palettes with the addictive chocolate scent to match.

First up is the Bourjois Delice de Poudre Duo (£7.99)* which sees a deep chocolate matte shade accompanied by a white chocolate illuminating shade to be used alone or combined to create a natural, radiant tan. The bronzing powder can either be used with a tapered brush to contour the face by shading in the hollows of your cheeks, sweeping along the hairline and down the sides of your nose or they can be swirled together and just gently swept all over with a large blusher brush to give you a subtle, sun kissed look. The bronzer is warm toned with a slight earthy, red hint which can easily be built up depending on your skin tone and is natural and pretty on the skin, never too orange or muddy looking. The highlighter powder is a very delicate champagne shade which can be used to highlight the skin and add an inner glow to your complexion without feeling too much like a disco ball. The pearly shade contains very fine shimmer with no chunky glitter in sight so subtly highlights the skin in a natural way. The pigmentation of the highlighter shade is not as great as its neighbouring bronzer so you do have to work a bit harder to get the colour payoff but when swept along the high points of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and onto your cupid's bow, you are left with a lovely, soft iridescent glow.

The second new addition to the Bourjois bronzing line up is Delice de Poudre Gold bronzing powder (£7.99)* which gives you a luxurious glow with the midas touch. Bourjois have devised this special sunshine powder to be used on the cheekbones and décolleté for a glowy, radiant result. This powder is a great, multi-purpose product which can be used to brighten the complexion by softly sweeping it over areas of the face, placed along your décolletage for an alluring shimmer or even dusted on your eyelids as a tempting alternative to eyeshadow. The pigmentation of this powder is quite strong so you do need a soft hand and a delicate approach to keep the finish looking natural but blended in well, it has a simple feel and look to MAC's Mineralise Skinfinish in Gold Deposit for about a third of the price! These are definitely great little additions to the Bourjois bronzing collection and are wonderful treats to reach for when in need of a bit of Winter sunshine!

Have you tried these new versions of the classic chocolate bronzer from Bourjois?

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Burberry's My Burberry Eau de Parfum

I am sure you have all seen the campaign shots by now featuring the ever-so-gorgeous Kate Moss and Cara Delevingne, sporting the classic Burberry trench coat and oodles of good looks, fronting the launch of the newest fragrance from this fashion power house. Burberry's new perfume, My Burberry,  pays homage to the brand's signature button-up trench coat that has become such a iconic fashion piece over the years with the fragrance drawing inspiration from the classic design and features of the coat, visually and in its scent - timeless, elegant and sophisticated.

Burberry's My Burberry Eau de Parfum* available from Feel Unique (starting from £45) is a beautiful looking bottle designed with the Burberry trench coat at the forefront of its creation. The angular glass bottle is topped with a button-like horn lid and finished with a hand-tied, gabardine bow made from the same woven fabric as the trench coat itself. The perfume is a pretty, honey tone mirroring the classic colour of the coat and is etched with a golden, italic font on the front. The scent of this eau de parfum is truly lovely and embodies a London garden after a rain shower, a lush earthy dewiness. The main notes that run through this scent are sweet pea and bergamot tinged with the herbal twist of geranium leaves. There is a hint of fruit from golden quince finished with a spicy spritz of freesia, patchouli and linen. I love that the scent begins feminine and floral yet develops into a subtle masculine finish again mirroring the function and design of the classic trench coat. It manages to balance a refreshing air with a warm, comforting aroma and would work perfectly day or night during the golden, Autumnal months. I just love the inspiration and story that exists behind this perfume and am really enjoying wearing it at the moment, giving me a classic scent that is timeless and sophisticated with every spritz.

Have you sniffed this new fragrance from Burberry?

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Knee-highs and skinny jeans

Today Rob and I popped to Westfield Stratford to have a little mooch and for me to start my Winter wardrobe shopping. As the mornings have started to feel an awful lot chillier recently it has come to my attention that I am seriously lacking in warm layers, chunky jumpers and puddle-proof footwear. After a little wander around H&M and Topshop came up trumps with their AW collections and I bought a few new pieces which I am excited to wear as we welcome in the Winter season, including a wonderfully fluffy gilet and some snug woolly jumpers. Whilst taking a minute to admire the beautiful space that is the Mulberry store at Westfield I thought I would get Rob to take a snap of my outfit today as I was feeling very happy (and a little pirate-like) in my new H&M over-the-knee boots and jazzy jacket, also from H&M. My jeans are the fabulous Jamie jeans from Topshop (I think I have these in every colour!) and my bag is my gorgeous wedding present from Rob, the Mulberry Willow tote, which I simply adore.

I hope you have all had lovely weekends. Have you bought anything recently for your Winter wardrobe?

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Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

There is no denying that Emma Hardie's Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm has become quite the cult beauty product over the past few years and is a staple addition to many people's skincare regime. Therefore I find it hard to believe that I have only just gotten around to trying this tub of buttery loveliness and judging by the rave reviews I had previously read, I knew I was going to love it!

The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm* available from Feel Unique (£36) contains a beautiful blend of Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and vitamin E which purify and help minimise the appearance of open pores. The orange, Neroli and Mandarin extracts rejuvenate and revitalise the skin whilst the Jasmine, cedarwood and rose help to recondition dull, dehydrated or dry skin. All in all it sounds like the perfect combination to achieve soft, smooth and moisturised skin when used everyday as part of your cleansing regime and this has swiftly become one of my favourite cleansers to reach for when my skin needs some love and attention. This fragrant smelling balm is rich, thick and buttery in consistency and literally melts your makeup off when combined with a few drops of warm water to create a emulsified milk. Simply apply the milk to your face, neck and eye area in circular motions to massage the skin and melt even the most stubborn of mascara and makeup away, along with any other grime or impurities that may have settled on your skin throughout the day. Then take the cleansing cloth, soak in warm water and squeeze out well before wiping all over your face to finish the cleanse and leave your skin feeling ridiculously clean, smooth and supple. The cleaning cloth has two sides; one gently abrasive side to exfoliate the dry skin and a smoother, micro fibre side to polish and perfect the skin.

This cleansing balm really does work wonders and is such a joy to use; effortlessly melting away your makeup whilst giving you a mini facial at the same time with the addition of the exfoliating cleansing cloth. I love the fact it is gentle enough to use morning and night if you wished and never leaves my face feeling tight or raw. The texture is soft and buttery and a little goes a long way so I can imagine this tub lasting me for a good few months if I switch it up with a few of my other favourite cleansers every now and again. What I also love about this product is the fact it has many other uses asides from just being your average cleanser. Due to its moisturising, skin-loving properties it could be used on your elbows, cuticles, lips or any other troubled areas to help alleviate dry skin or if you fancy treating yourself to a pampering session then simply leave this balm on the skin for ten minutes for a soothing face mask. I am yet to try this out as a face mask but come Sunday night when the bubble bath is filled and the candles are lit, I think I know what I am going to be reaching for!

Have you tried this Cleansing Balm? Do you love it as much as I do?

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