Treat Yo Self 2015

It's been another hectic mommy & Eddie weekend, and I'm a bit late on sharing this video here on the blog. I posted this on Friday, and I do post videos every Tuesday and Friday.

Anyway, last weekend my husband and I had a full date-day in Oslo, and I obviously did a bit of shopping. I had been a very good girl in February up until that day and I had been saving my money for that day. Although I live in the second biggest city in Norway, it is much smaller than Oslo and they have so many stores and we don't have. I got to cross a few items of my wishlist on this trip, and I also found some beautiful things I didn't even know I wanted. I am extremly happy with my haul, and I'm also glad to report that I did stick to my budget and it feels good. All in all it was a great day as well, and it was lovely to just be the two of us, which is a rare treat.

So far I'm also happy with the whole 'treat yo self'-idea. I've only been doing it for a few months now so it's a bit hard to tell if it's something I'll be able to stick to, but if you want an update later I'll do that. I was just sick of shopping so much that I didn't appreciate everything I got. I already have a pretty big makeup collection, and let's be honest there's no need to fill it up with things I don't use. I also believe it will save me money in the long run, because all that little shopping adds up surprisingly quick. I also think it's easier to save money when I have something to look forward to. I'll probably do this twice a year, because I don't think it's realistic for me to only shop, and treat myself, once a year.

As you may very well know I'm trying to lose weight, and I think it's a good idea to incorporate 'treat yo self' into that as well. I know I'm quick to think "just this one time" when it comes to sweets, and that needs to stop, and I think it will be easier to for example skip cinema candy and desert at restaurants when I can always do it on treat yo self-day in the future.

That was a bit rambly, so if you guys want an explanation/update video I would love to do that. As always, I would love it if you subscribed to my channel and you'll always be the first to know when I post a new video. I also want to hear it if you guys have any other video requests.

London Beauty Haul

I'm so glad to finally show you the beautiful things that I picked up in London last weekend. I got to cross several things of my eternal wishlist, which I'm very happy about. I think this may have been my best haul ever, and I'm just so excited to try out every single thing. I have tried a few since filming, and you will definetly be hearing more about a few of these in my October favorites. As always, if you want a review of a certain product, just let me know and I will do my best. And regarding the vlog, just leave me a comment here if you want to see it. If you want to subscribe to my YouTube channel, you can do that HERE.

On My Radar | Shopping in London

If you've been following me for a while you may know that I'm travelling to the UK next week to visit my husbands grandparents. This is my first time going outside of London, but that doesn't mean we're gonna skip it all together! We are of course ending our trip with two days in London, and I've been planning the shopping for as long as we've been planning this trip. I've got makeup on my mind, and I'm planning on picking up a few things that have been on my wishlist for ages, and if I'm lucky I'll also come across a few exciting new launches (I never trust launch dates completly). You can of course expect tons of Instagram photos while I'm there, and a big haul video when I get back.

• Christian Louboutin Nail Colour (£36/$50) I love Louboutin shoes, so of course I'm going to love the nail polishes as well. Sight unseen. I just know. I feel that you either love or hate these, and if you love them, and are willing pay up, you apparently get your moneys worth. Reports say that these are in fact as amazing as they sound! But, they are selling out. Hopefully, I can find the ones I want instore at Selfridges, because they're already sold out online. Of course I want to get Rouge Louboutin, seing as it is the Louboutin red, but the one that's on top of my wishlist in Pluminette, which may just be the perfect bright pink, just check out this picture from one of my favorite Instagrammers.
• Laura Mercier Custom Artist Portfolio (£65) Now, this may just be the perfect makeup bag. Even if it's not technically a bag. This hardcase beauty was once a popular limited edition item, but is now permanent. It has four removable pouches of different sizes, and generous room for your makeup brushes as well. I've get to find a makeup bag that can contain both makeup and brushes, without it being mushed together, which is why this caught my eye. It's not really in my budget for this trip though, so I may just scope it out and put it on my Christmas wishlist.
• Diptyque scented candles (£40) What can I say? Of course I want more Diptyque candles! I'm planning on picking up one or two that will work with gloomy days and sweather weather.
• Tom Ford makeup brushes (£36-80) These have been on my wishlist basically since they launched, but since I had so many MAC brushes that I loved, and considering the hefty price tag, I've always skipped on them. It's just recently that I've been feeling that I can't find the perfect face brushes, and when mid-range just can't cut it, why not look to the top? The bronzer and cheek brushes are on top of my shopping list this time.
• Chanel Beige perfume (approx £100) This beautiful creature is part of Chanels Les Exclusifs de Chanel fragrance range, which is only sold in select boutiques, which is why I hadn't smelled it until my first ever Chanel visit this summer. This is very different from my usual fragrances, and my husband was honest to admit he didn't like it, but for me, it was true love. It's elegant and timeless, and something I can see myself wearing year round for many, many years.
• Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill liquid eyeliner (fall 2014) Now, I don't even know if these will launch the UK, but a girl can hope because they look amazing! There are four metallic liquid eyeliners in the fall collection, and they are said to be limited edition. They look like such a fun and easy way to spice up a look, and I think these would look amazing if lined over (not on top of) black eyeliner.

On my radar: Looking towards autumn

September is only a few days ago, and I am ready. I have to admit, I prefer spring and summer. I love sunshine and being warm, and I love having lots of time to spend with my family. But I'm glad to finally start talking about autumn, and finally unpacking lots of cute clothes and accessories better suited for the darker months. Especially since I already have the autumn feeling (while other people are still wearing shorts), since it's been raining almost non-stop this month. For me, autumn is about working hard and feeling cozy, being with snug clothing or getting that feeling at home. I've picked out a few things that have been on my mind lately, things that are all getting me excited for the colder weather.

• Aesop Damascan Rose Facial Treatment (£51/$75/25ml) and Fabulous Face Oil (£40/$57/25ml) Since I have dry skin I usually need some extra moisture during the darker months. I had samples of both of these a little while ago and really liked using them at night. Not only are they luxurious and very moisturizing, but they're the first facial oils that haven't broken me out! A miracle no doubt. I haven't decided which I should get yet though. The Fabulous Face Oil smells gorgeous, but is meant to use as a daily moisturizer, while the Damascan Rose Facial Treatment has a stronger smell, but it is obviously meant to be more of a treatment and it targeted towards dry or distressed skin.
• Tom Ford Velvet Orchid ($112/50ml) For years now, Tom Fords Black Orchid perfume has been my signature scent. It's so gorgeous and sexy, but it is quite heavy. For the past years I've only used it during autumn and winter, because it's so dark. You may even look at this only as a nighttime perfume too, depending on what you like. Enter Velvet Orchid. It smells very similar, but it's just a bit lighter. I absolutely love this, and I can see myself using this during the daytime and Black Orchid at night. Perfect for those that think Black Orchid is just a bit too much.
• NARS Audacious Lipsticks ($32) I love experimenting with a bright lip when autumn rolls around, and NARS just released these brand new lipsticks in 40 (yes, forty!) different colours. They look incredibly creamy and opaque, and with that colour range everyone will find atleast one (or ten) they like. Some of the shades are exclusive to Selfridges in the UK and Barneys and NARS boutiques in the US.
• Gucci Flora Silk Printed Foulard (£285/$440) I always have atleast five scarves on my wishlist, and right now this is reigning supreme. Silk may not be the usual cold weather choice, but I find that wool scarves just make me way too hot. I love this traditional floral print and the colours. This is such a timeless and chic piece that you can wear any season really.
• Charlotte Tilbury The Ingenue Gift Set (£145) Okay, so this is not really an autumn specific item, but I just really want it! I've become so intrigued with Charlotte Tilburys makeup lately, and I love that you can get these gift sets to make a full look, with full sized products and they come with the cutest makeup bags. I'm especially curious about the lipliners, blushes and eyeshadow sticks.
• Ash Jalouse ankle boots (£155/$198) Autumn equals a need for cute boots. I've seen these particular ones on one of my favorite beauty bloggers, Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup, several times, and they're just so hot. They come in a bunch of different colours (shown in Topo), and I think they would be perfect for a smart yet somewhat cool everyday outfit.
• Diptyque scented candles (£40/$60) So surprise here, we all love scented candles for fall! Diptyque is one of those 'Instagram made me to it' type of things. I fell inlove with the packaging, but they do smell amazing too. I have many on my wishlist, and there's something for everyone. And let's not forget it's super cozy to sit inside in the candlelight when the weather gets dark and gloomy.

Summer Beauty Haul

I'm glad to say that I am finally here with my collective summer beauty haul. I've picked up some lovely stuff over the past few months, and I also added a few bits that I got for my birthday in this video. This video contains make-up, nail polishes and skincare, and you can expect to see brands such as Chanel, Dior, Eve Lom, Aesop, La Mer, and oh, I finally got a Clarisonic! Sit back and enjoy, and let me know if you want to see any reviews, especially of the Aesop products, which is probably what I'm most excited about. If you want to check out my mentioned reviews, you'll find the Diptyque Eau Rose hand lotion HERE, and the Dior Addict IT-Lash HERE and Addict IT-Liner HERE.

Stay tuned these following weeks for reviews on my three facial masks, and more Clarisonic talk will come later this week.

Diptyque Eau Rose Hand Lotion

Diptyque Eau Rose Hand Lotion (£20/50ml) is basically a cute little hand cream that smells just like the Eau Rose candle. I'm a sucker for packaging and this appeals to my Diptyque-loving heart. It's a nice black and white tube, with just a hint of pink in the roses. I really just bought this on a whim when I came by a store in Norway that sells Diptyque. I'm a big hand cream lover, so how could I say no?

First of all, let's talk about the scent. It smells good, but it's strong, and it lingers. This is not one for those of you that are sensitive to fragrance. The smell is delicious, and very similar to the Eau Rose candle. It absolutely smells like roses, and those of you that love rose fragrance will love this. Personally, I think the fragrance is so strong that I wouldn't want to use this several times during the day. And although the smell gets weaker on the hands over time, it does linger for quite a while.

I'm happy to report that the formula is very nice. The texture is light and creamy, and rubs easily into the skin. Hands feel instantly softened, and it absorbs quite quickly. After about a minute you'll be ready to use your hands again. As someone with dry hands I would say this is a "daytime handcream" that I could apply any time during the day and not feel handicapped as I wait for it to absorb.

I would have to conclude that this is a novelty hand cream. It's a good cream, but considering the price tag the formula itself isn't worth it for me. It's a fun little addition to my handbag, and the scent can easily be a little pickmeup during a busy day. Not to mention, this is a must for all Eau Rose-lovers.