All it's cracked up to BB?

The BB cream, a topic that has been talked about endlessly for the last few seasons, but a trend that I just can't seem to get excited about. I must admit, I'd set this product aside as a fad but a 700% increase in sales between 2011 and 2012 is a real accomplishment, so what is it about this 'Beauty Balm' that really has everyone going?

I had been reluctant to step out of my face coverage comfort zone, a thick heavy foundation for winter, a light mousse for summer; only when my favourite skincare brand Kiehl's brought out their latest innovative cream last month did I really sit up and listen. Rather than jumping on the BB bandwagon, Kiehl's have taken the time to perfect, test and re-perfect the cream which boasts an SPF of 50, vitamin C, natural mineral pigments, glycerin and water resistant UVA/UVB protectors AND claims to improve the appearance of skin in only 4 weeks. I had to try it. So, armed with £23.50 and a bucket load of optimism, that's exactly what I did. And the results are in... Expensive? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. Unlike other BB creams I have tried which leave a less than desirable coverage and a rather patchy finish, Kiehl's Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream covers all of my blemishes, providing me with glowing, healthy looking skin, an effect which lasts long into the night. Only time will tell if it is capable of improving the appearance of blemish scars and un-even skin tone but I am finally willing to give it a chance.

So perhaps now is the time to let BB into my life - but as for the new product on the block? We'll have to CC.

Stockists: Kiehl's (kiehls.co.uk)

The Sales Edit: Feel Unique

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1. Glam Glow Mud Mask 50ml - £34.99 (was £49.99)
Glam Glow has been the object of my affection, no obsession since it was first brought to my attention whilst interning at Harper's Bazaar. Containing French Sea Clay (fancy) and Volcanic Minerals (ooh) it is the cult product amongst Hollywood's elite, claiming to give you a glowing complexion in just 10 minutes! Now the £50 price tag has been slashed to £34.99 I am definitely giving this one a go, if it's good enough for Natalie Portman...
N.B if you still aren't sure about forking out for this, you can try a sample for a snip at £4.99 here. 

2. L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara - £8.79 (was £10.99)
Though this doesn't have all that much money off, every little really does help so it is still going into my Feel Unique Sales Edit. I really don't know what else to say about this mascara apart from I LOVE IT. My boyfriend bought this for me for my birthday last year (I love imagining him picking it out all by himself - so cute) and ever since I have been addicted, stocking up whenever it is on sale. No other mascara has come close in terms of volume, although maybe length... but that's for another blog post altogether...

3. Caudalie Beauty Elixir 100ml - £25.60 (was £32)
The ultimate multi-purpose product inspired by Hungarian royalty, Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a bit of a wonder product and is featured in this year's Bazaar Beauty Hot 100 - no mean feat! Use this when you wake up to freshen skin, as a base for your make up, to liven your complexion during the day (or after work before drinks) or as a solution on its own for radiant skin. This can also be used as an after shave - the perfect excuse to 'share' with your boyfriend, dad or brother!

4. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick - £19.98 (was £23.50)
I fell in love with YSL lipsticks after my mum bought a coral one a few years ago, I can't remember the name now, probably because I was so distracted by THAT packaging. Isn't it amazing?! I don't even think I care what colour this is, I'm going to buy it for the packaging alone, although the colour is pretty gorgeous too I must admit. I absolutely love YSL lipsticks, the texture, the creaminess they are simply the epitome of luxury, and I want one. Now!

 5. bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer 30ml - £14.25 (was £19)
I got this last year, in the Feel Unique sale as it happens, as I'd received the bareMinerals starter kit for Christmas (loved it) with a tiny sample of the primer and I knew I had to have it. Though the bottle looks mini, a tiny drop of primer goes a long way and feels... just incredible I could apply it to my face all day, simply the best primer I've ever tried. I'm wanting to put some on now as I type this! Anyway, back to the point, I'll be stocking up this year, and I may even try the brightening one to see how that compares. I love bareMinerals in general but this is definitely their must-have product.

Feel Unique 'the destination for beauty' - never a truer word spoken, and with free delivery you really cannot go wrong!

V x