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Charlottes Collection | Leeds UK Blog : Fashion | Beauty | Lifestyle
Beauty Blog Review Products Used Up
I'm really pleased I've managed to finish quite a few products recently!  Not only because I've got so many more products waiting in the wings to take their place and be tried properly, but also because it means I'm in the best position to bring you guys an honest review!

It's probably a bit sad to say, but the product I've most enjoyed using out of this bunch was the Original Source Orange and Cinnamon shower gel!  Over Christmas I've been loving the traditional spiced scents... I wish they sold this seasonal Edition year round!  The other really great products from the group are the Avène Skin Recovery Cream (review) and the Bioderma Make-Up Remover (review).  I've repurchased these numerous times now - what more can I say!

A nice simple product, and very affordable, is the Neutrogena Hydrating Spot Treatment.  Though it wasn't always hydrating enough to serve as my sole moisturiser, it did feel like it was working hard trying to clear any breakouts.

The Clinique Moisture Surge was recommended to me by a Clinique lady - who first got me into thinking that my oily skin was due to dehydration.  This is lovely moisturiser, it did make my skin feel a lot more hydrated, it was as if my skin was just drinking it up.  It didn't prevent my skin from becoming oily however - which why I bought it, so I'll be trying other things for now, but the moisture surge is definitely something I'll pick up again in future.  The Clinique Pore Minimizer was also a good product.  A little goes a long way so this tiny tube actually lasted quite a while!  Similar to Benefit's Porefessional in texture and results, the only thing preventing me re-purchasing this (or Clinique's reformulated version) is the price!

Price is a big factor when it comes to my view on the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex.  I think the price was what put me off using this as often as I should have... it felt so lovely and soothing every time I applied it before bed, but because I saw it as a luxury I didn't apply it religiously and so didn't notice that much of a difference with my fine lines.  Doh!

There wasn't anything wrong with the Toni & Guy Frizz Smoothing Curl Conditioner.  I just didn't notice much more of a curl to my naturally wavy hair, and because I didn't find it moisturising enough to replace my usual conditioner, I just don't think it'll make it on to my re-purchase list. 

As for the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF15, what can I say, it's a staple product that everyone should own - I've owned quite few and can't live without it, summer or winter! (Review)

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Hydraluron Moisture Booster
Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Booster with Hyaluronic Acid - £24.99  (Boots)

I've mentioned before that my skin can become quite oily through what I assume (I've never been to a dermatologist!) is dehydration.  Despite the oiliness my skin often feels quite tight and dry.  So when a product hit the shelves that soon gained cult beauty status for solving this exact problem I was all over it!

I've owned the moisture booster for months and months now, and I'm so glad that I held out reviewing it straight away - like a lot of other beauty bloggers did - as it wouldn't have got a great review.  To say I was disappointed with this product was an understatement!  I was absolutely gutted with the reaction my skin had to the hyaluronic acid.  During the first few days I noticed no difference to my skin, but after 5 days or so my skin started to get really dry and a tiny bit flakey, particularly on my forehead and around my nose and mouth - something I've never really experienced before with having oily skin!

A pea sized amount covers the whole face nicely, and I wondered how such a small amount could have such a drastic effect on my skin.  So I bet you won't be surprised that I stopped using Hydraluron!  I only picked it up again when I researched other reviews, where I found that other users of the product had seen similar things happen with their skin, but that it soon balanced out.

I'd say I now use Hydraluron around 5 times a week, and as long as I also follow up with a serum and moisturiser, I don't experience andy tightness or dryness.  I haven't noticed that my skin is any more hydrated, despite the claim that hyaluronic acid can hold 1000x more water and so helps your skin more effectively absorb anything you put on top, however the texture of my skin does seem a little improved.


I don't think this is my imagination, but I'm certainly happy to continue using it!  Let me know if you would like an update in a few months time.



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ACHICA Blog Review
All via ACHICA

I love the TK Maxx home department, but hate the idea of rummaging through the often jumble-sale style stores for the small chance of finding a little gem!  I was recently introduced to the gorgeous luxury online store ACHICA, which has fast become my new addiction!  No more rummaging through rails and shelves, or being disappointed that a gorgeous item is damaged - something which always happens to me in TK Maxx!

ACHICA is a members only store that offers fabulous brands at discounted prices.  I have to admit that 'members-only' made me think twice, but it's free to join and literally takes 5 seconds to get set up!  With departments spanning everything from home and garden furniture to electrical goods, fashion, food and travel, there is actually something for everyone!  The site works by offering daily shopping promotions, for which you can choose how often you receive e-mail notifications.  The promotions last around 72 hours so you have to be quick if you see something you like, and with  new brands added every day it doesn't take too long to end up hooked!

I've put together a few of the items that I'm watching at the moment.  The Rituals Candle is one of the best examples of the bargains you can find on ACHICA.  Though usually £16.50, you can pick this fig candle up for only £8.50 on ACHICA.com.  The furniture and home accessories departs are my absolute favourite though, it's as if everything has been picked out for my dream house!

Have you ever had a browse around ACHICA?  Let me know if you've picked up any amazing bargains?

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*Sponsored post
Aztec Jacket Fashion Blogger
Don't you just love a bargain!  I picked up this Aztec Jacket in TK Maxx last November for £25 about a week later I spotted it on the AX Paris website about a week later for £55, I love AX Paris but I'm so happy I found the coat in TK Maxx first!  Luckily enough for any of you guys that like this jacket, as TK Maxx stock changes all the time, AX Paris not have the jacket on sale!

The coat actually comes with a lovely black fur collar but, despite the cold weather, some days I just fancy wearing it - it's handy that it's detachable!  There is also a cute little belt to cinch in the waist, but I'm still loving the janitor style that's been popular a while, so just tied it in a bow at the back for a bit extra detail there!  The Jacket is lovely and cosy but can get a bit a nippy with the 3/4 length sleeves, it does look fine with a long sleeved black top underneath though.

Well today things will be getting back to normal for me.  My sister has been visiting from Malta with my baby niece for the last 6 weeks, but they went home today.  Beyond sad, I'm missing them already!  It means a bit of an end to lots of big family getting togethers, lot's day trips, and eating out in fab restaurants... at least for a while anyway!  But in the meantime it's back to nights in at home and making may to work and back, in the snow!  Boo!


TK Maxx Aztec Jacket (link to AX Paris version here)  |  Topshop Baxter Jeans  |  Hunter Wellies  |  (Old) TK Maxx Bag  |  Primark Necklace


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Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Rich Blog Review


Avène Rich Skin Recovery Cream - £13.50 (Boots)

I've mentioned Avène a couple of times on my blog already, I'm such a fan!  The French pharmaceutical brand is geared towards sensitive skin - which is why I ended up trying the Avène Skin Recovery Cream.  When I was in Boots looking to pick up my usual repurchase of the Skin Recovery Cream, I spotted the Rich Formula version.

I'm going to be honest, I partly bought the rich formula to see what difference it would make to my skin... but mainly because it was the last on the shelf!  It was a panic buy I suppose, that if I don't try it now I probably won't get to try it in a while!

The most obvious difference between the rich formula and the original is the thickness of the cream itself - it's a lot thicker!  When it comes to treating the dry skin around my eyes (my main reason for using the cream) it works just as well - in as far as I found that, because the formula is so thick, I wasn't using it as much.  I would use the original formula day and night, when I felt I need it.  I would also use it all over my face when I fancied that extra hydration.  The thicker, rich formula just doesn't work for me in those ways though, it's just too heavy.  It's not to say that it won't be fine for others with drier skin, and for use on smaller dry or sensitive patches it works wonders, but with my oily skin the original formula just works better.

I feel bad, but I am looking forward to using up this tube up so that I can return the original!  However, in the meantime let me know if you've tried any of these in the comments below.


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New Year 2012 2013 Fashion Blogger Outfits

... Welcome 2013!

Happy New Year!  I hope you all had a wonderful night over New Year Eve, whether you chilled out on the sofa or partied the night away.  I spent the night at a house party and had lot's of fun!

I wanted to start 2013 with look back at a selection of my outfit posts of 2012.  A lot of my favourite outfit pictures were taken on holiday.  I was lucky enough to travel a lot in 2012!  Visiting France and Malta a number times; I visited family in Normandy, and in the summer road tripped it round Southern France and on to Northern Italy - one of my favourite places.  For relaxing family breaks I also spent a lot of time in Malta, home away from home!... the last few weeks have been particularly fab as, in the form of my sister and niece, a little bit of Malta has been visiting us here in the UK!  :)

I'd love for 2013 to be just as good, if not better, when it comes to family time and travel!  However, to say that 2012 was a pretty pants year for me work wise is kind of an understatement!  There definitely needs to be some improvements in that department in 2013!!

I don't usually think about new years resolutions but I've actually set a few for 2013:

★ We have been talking about doing moving house for so long now!  Once we've finished a bit of DIY, our house is going straight on the market!
★ 2012 has been the worse year for slacking!  I'm seriously not getting any younger and it's show around my belly region!  Exercise and cutting out the chocolate and fizzy drinks are high on my list for 2013!
★ I find blogging and interacting with my readers so enjoyable and relaxing - it really upsets me when I can't find time to blog!  In 2013 I'm definitely going to be a more consistent blogger!
★ Be more organised!  I've already got my 2013 diary - now I need to make sure I use it!  However, I also need to keep my things organised and get out of the cycle of tidying, clearing out and organising my make-up (for example) only to mess it up and do it all again!

Did you make any New Years Resolutions for 2013?  I'd love to hear them!

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Hello!

I'm Charlotte, welcome to my blog.

I'm a mummy and instagram obsessive, trying to blog when my little allows!

If you think we would work well together why not get in touch
charlottescollection.blog@gmail.com

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      • Products I've Used Up #2
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      • WISHLIST: ACHICA
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      • REVIEW: Avène Skin Recovery Cream Rich Formula
      • Goodbye 2012
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LATEST POSTS

  • REVIEW: L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution
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