Dr Jart Beauty Balm

I picked up my first beauty balm completely by accident while travelling in Thailand in 2005. I couldn't tell you the name, or even the brand as unfortunately I can't read Thai, but I thought it was such a great product and was disappointed when I couldn't find anything similar back in the UK. Six years later and the beauty world is all a flutter with BB creams, especially with Garnier launching their own version. Beauty Balms/ Blemish Balms or BB aim to combine a skincare regimen in one tube - they moisturise, protect, correct and cover in one step. I love multi-tasking products that can save time in my morning routine, so a cream that acts as my moisturiser, sunscreen, serum and foundation is definitely something to get excited about!

I had never heard of the Korean brand Dr Jart prior to their press release landing in my inbox, but after a quick browse through their website I was very much looking forward to sampling some of their products. I was sent two BB creams to try and have been testing them out over the last few months.

Dr Jart Water Fuse Beauty Balm SPF 25 (50ml - $32) is made with 50% water to help hydrate the skin and maintain a dewy fresh look throughout the day. The oil-free formula is free of artificial fragrances, colours and is suitable for very sensitive skin. It also contains hyaluronic acid and sea water to increase the moisture content of the skin, as well as aloe and Portulaca Leracea to soothe, calm and banish redness.

The magic really happens when you begin to apply the cream! On first application small droplets of water appear on the surface and then become absorbed as you work the cream into the skin leaving behind a cooling, refreshing sensation. I have never seen a cream that works this way before and was a little perturbed the first time I used it! It does take a little extra effort to blend, but melts into the skin well and sets after a few minutes to leave behind a beautiful glow. It also has great coverage and lasts well on oily skin while still looking natural.

However, my personal favourite of the two is Dr Jart Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 (40ml - $39). This BB comes with advanced brightening and anti-ageing properties in the form of a biopeptide complex that promotes natural collagen production and adenosine to improve elasticity and firm the skin.

I love the high SPF in this cream and used it as my moisturiser, sun protection and foundation every day while I was on holiday. It gives such beautiful, flawless, natural coverage and lasts well on the skin, even through the heat. Usually creams with high SPF can sit very heavily on the skin and have often caused me to break out, but I have had no such problems with this and was happy to see that it protected my skin and kept it hydrated throughout the day without making it oily.

I also really like the packaging with the 'upside down' pump dispenser that helps to get every last drop of product out. Though I only need one pump to cover my whole face, so I envisage the tube lasting for quite some time. This is definitely my must have product for the summer!

Dr Jart is currently available from Sephora as well as the Dr Jart website. Have you tried any Dr Jart products? Are you a fan of BB creams?

Gifts for You

In the third and final installment of my gift guide we come to Gifts for You! You have worked hard, you deserve a treat too ;). Plus you can't be sure that your mother/ friend/ other half has read my 'gifts for her' post so they may not get you what you really need... ;).

Xen-Tan Dark Tanning Lotion Trio (Special offer trio - £28.94) - Preparation is key, so when it comes to looking good for that Christmas party you may need a night to yourself. Having recently tried Xen Tan for the first time I am still very much excited about it. I really enjoyed the scent of the lotion, which reminded me of marzipan. Even though the notorious 'fake tan smell' was still noticeable in the morning (I always slather it on before bed), at least the application in my tiny bathroom was pleasant. The body scrub in this trio also works well for a gentle all over exfoliation, but as my winter skin is currently a little dry I used a harsher scrub on some areas, such as the knees and elbows, to achieve a smoother application. The tan itself developed beautifully over night to a natural, albeit deep tan and the mitt provided ensured it was even and streak free.

ELF Party Eyeshadow Palette (£3.50) - With 6 gorgeous colours this palette is perfect for creating a beautiful wintry eye look. As I was kindly sent this for review a few weeks ago I can assure you that the shadows are pigmented and blendable. I especially like the sparkly black to add a little bit of definition and glitter!

Soap & Glory Pink Tote Bag (Originally £60, currently £25!) - When I spotted this bag full of goodies on the Boots website I knew it had to be mine! The re-usable pink bag contains:

• Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel (500ml)
• The Righteous Butter Body Butter (300ml)
• Flake Away Body Scrub (300ml)
• Girligo Scented Body Moisturising Mist (100ml)
• Glad Hair Day Ultra-Shine Super-Shampoo (250ml)
• The Breakfast Scrub Body Smoother (300ml)
• Hand Food Hydrating Hand Cream (125ml)
• Scrub Your Nose In It Face Scrub And Mask (125ml)
• Super Colour Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss in ‘Pink Apricot,’ (7ml)
• Off Your Face Cleansing Wipes (25 wipes)
• Giant Super Sudsy Shower Puff

This is probably the best offer of 2010 ladies, so hurry as I'm sure supplies won't last long ;).

Rapid Lash Serum (£39.99) - Want longer lashes come March without breaking the bank? I have already reviewed Rapidlash (read the review here) and this stuff works! The results are not as dramatic as other lash growth serums such as Lilash, but neither is the price. One tube lasts 3-4 months of daily use along the lashline and you will usually start to see results after 4 weeks.

Eyelure Lashes (£4.35) - In the meantime why not stick to false lashes? No party makeup is complete without them and if taken care of they will last you the whole season! My favourites are the Nicola lashes as they are full and wispy, without being too long and spidery, and have a sexy flick on the side, which will elongate and lift any eye shape!

Karen Millen Statement Spotted Dress (On Sale £89.95, down from £180) Why not skip the LBD this year and treat yourself to a statement dress with style? Luckily many stores are having pre-Christmas sales, so you can easily pick up a stunning new dress for that special party at half the price!

Karen Millen Frayed Silk Dress (On Sale for £175, down from £250).

 Miss Selfridge Nude Beaded Shift Dress (£150).

Aqua Victory Mini Dress (£100)

ASOS Black One Shoulder Organza Tape Dress (On Sale for £60, down from £85).

French Connection Pretty Penelope Dress (On Sale £110, down from £140).

Bare Escentuals SPF 15 Matte Foundation (£20.40) - Now that you have your dress and tan sorted, all you need is the perfect base to last the night. I have been testing out the latest foundation from Bare Escentuals and have to say that it is fantastic. The new click and lock sifter makes application on the go neat and simple, taking the worry out of mineral makeup. The foundation itself blends into the skin beautifully when used with a little kabuki. It has great coverage, yet looks natural and works hard to absorb excess oil and keep you looking matte and polished. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to apply this too liberally, especially as the SPF15 can create a white cast in some photos.

I hope this three part series has given you some ideas and that you have enough time to treat yourselves this Christmas my lovelies! What will you be purchasing in the last few days in the run up to Christmas? xxx