Showing posts with label review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label review. Show all posts

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation and Bronzer Review




L'Oreal have taken inspiration from the Korean beauty trend of cushion foundation, to bring us two new offerings to the high street.

First up is the L'Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation. I HATE foundation. It clings to my dry patches and makes me skin feel cloggy and uncomfortable -however this is a game changer for me. It's lightweight, dewy and so easy to apply. It comes with a little puff which you dip into the cushion filled with product and tap onto the skin. Its easy to layer and blends in really easily. I've been using a damp beauty blender which works just as well.

Whilst in Boots I also saw the Bronzer version which I'd seen in a Youtube video - which sparked my interest! I love the idea of a cream bronzer as it looks a lot more dewy. Exactly the same packaging just a different colour of product. The colour of the Bronzer is perfect. Not too orange and not muddy looking at all. This blends just as easily as the foundation and has a really natural finish.

I hope more companies follow suit - I'm really impressed with these products. They cost £14.99 each which is quite expensive, but it's a really good product and doesn't disappoint.

Have you tried these yet?


Benefit Blush Review - Coralista. Hoola. Rockateur, Fine One One



Good Evening All,

I wanted to get back into the groove of my little corner of the internet - so I thought I'd talk about something I love, to ease myself back into things.

The Benefit blushers are gorgeous. I currently own three, however I wish to add a few more to my collection. I use at least one of these everyday, even if I'm not wearing any other make up - a little blush goes a long way to brightening up your complexion! First up we have Coralista - a gorgeous coral with a beautiful sheen. This is perfect for so many different skin tones and is a really easy colour to wear, I love this especially in the spring and summer to add that youthful peachy - just been running through a field of tulips look. (obviously)

Next up is Rockateur - this rose scented blush is a sheeny dusty rose shade. The scent of this product puts me off sometimes - it's very strong and if you don't like rose scents, you may not enjoy this! However the colour is easy to wear, and flattering all year round. It has a nice glowy sheen to the rose shade blush and the design inside the box is gorgeous. One thing I dislike about this blush is the packaging...lace, studs and snakeskin isn't my style. But the product inside is beautiful. A word of warning to the heavy handed ladies out there (raises hand) this is a lot more pigmented than coralisa - use a light hand!
One thing I noticed is that Coralista is £23.50 for 8 grams of product - where as Rockateur is the same price but for only 5 grams of product. Not sure what's going on there! These blushers have lasted me ages so I have no complaints! Just seems slightly odd!

Benefits Hoola Bronzer is a cult classic - I've never been fond of bronzers. Sometimes they make me look muddy and extra hairy (you know what I mean, when you can suddenly see EVERY tiny facial hair you have on your cheeks because of your bronzer!) and two I've never really known how to apply them properly without looking like an oompa loompa! I spotted a mini size of the Hoola Bronzer in my local Boots, and at £9.95 for 4 grams of product, I thought I'd give it a shot.
I've started sweeping the product on a duo fibre blush brush and focus on the bridge of my nose and across my cheeks - giving me a natural looking sun kissed look. I tried contouring with this but it's just too warm toned for me. I have a new love for this product, and the taster size product means I can try it out without feeling guilty!

I also own The Fine One One cream blusher. This was one of my first Benefit items I purchased from the brand. It has 3 gorgeous sheeny shades, in fool proof packaging. You literally swipe the stick over your cheeks, and blend upwards either with a brush or fingers. The look is natural and pretty! It's certainly an all time favourite! If I'm having a dry skin day, this can cling onto dry patches and make them more noticeable, just as a warning!
I still want to add Dallas and Hervana into my collection, but I'll wait for my Boots points to catch up first! I will say that you can pay a fraction of the price for decent blushers from the drugstore - but for a little treat and a piece of luxury I love these!

Do you own any Benefit Blushers? What are your thoughts?


Smashbox Full Exposure Mini Review




I certainly didn't need it.....but it just happened to fall into my basket in Boots before heading for a weekend away to Bruges.
I'd already started packing for our little trip away and was about to pack my Naked palette...whilst perusing for minis to pack, I stumbled across this teeny weeny (ridiculously priced) eye shadow palette by Smashbox - I'd seen this in Sephora hauls and was so excited seeing it my local boots It didn't even take a second thought! 

The palette is super compact and contains 8 beautiful eye shadows. There are 4 shimmer shades and 4 mattes - each a perfect neutral shade perfect for day and night looks. The pigmentation is really good and they blend together nicely. I still think the Urban Decay shadows are more 'buttery' but these are still really good quality. The shimmer shadows look gorgeous on the lid, and a little smokey matte shade on the crease look perfect.
I find with 8 colours it's a lot easier to create a simple, elegant look. 

This palette was £17.50. Pretty pricey but for a wearable compact palette that's going to get plenty of use? I think it's worth the splurge if you go away a lot or need it for your handbag.


Mac Lickable Review





































I've always wanted a lipstick from Mac but I don't understand how it works in there, and there are far too many colour choices to make, so I'm kinda glad she did it all for me! 

The colour is 'Lickable' in a cream sheen formula. It's a super bright pink, with some darker under tones with a hint of glitter running through it. It's absolutely gorgeous and nothing like anything else in my collection, it's also something I might not of picked up myself which is always a nice surprise. 

The formula is really comfortable on the lips and the lasting power is pretty good too! It leaves a slight stain to the lips, so even after its warn off, your left with a gorgeous pink stain that still looks like your wearing lipstick. 

All in all this is basically the start of a poor bank account as I'm going to want more colours now! 

Monday Most Used




































I was so busy last Monday I didn't have time to post last weeks favourite items!
I love doing a weekly favorites as it allows me to change up my products every week, but also makes sure I'm using up my products and not leaving them at the back of the draw to get lost forever.

I haven't been wearing much in the way of bases recently, I still use my Stila One Step color corrector most days to even out my skin tone, but I've been pretty barefaced this week. I've been adding my new Benefit Rockateur blush to the apples of cheeks and up towards my cheek bones to add an out door looking glow. The blush is a beautiful 'dirty' pink shade with plenty of shimmer to add a nice highlight, but without the chunks of glitter. I find this blush really compliments my skin tone and is incredibly wearable.

Secondly I've been loving the mascara from L'Oreal Miss Manga. I love the wand of this mascara as it really grips the lashes, and it holds a curl pretty well considering how straight my lashes are, that's where my most used tool comes in  - my models own eye lash curlers. These are super easy to use and create a nice natural curl to my lashes to open my eyes up, and allows mascara to look a bit more 'fluttery.'

On my eyes I've been keeping it quite natural with my Urban Decay Naked palette. I especially love the colors, Buck, Half Baked and Smog. I use Buck all over the lid pretty much every day to add a bit of depth and definition to my eyes, and if i feel I need a little extra I'll add smog or half baked for some shimmer. I'm going to start experimenting more with the purple shades in this palette.  I find it very hard to wear blacks though, so Creep and Gunmetal rarely get used - maybe I'll have a little try next week.

Lastly I've been loving the Barry M speedy range in the color 'Eat My Dust.' This is real pastel sunflower blue which really catches your eyes. Unfortunately due to my line of work it chips so easily and I have to re-apply most days but I love the color. It's the perfect color to add some nail art too.

What have you been using this week? And what would you like to see reviewed on here?

Barry M Sunset Collection Review

I found myself in Boots again yesterday, this time to pick some normal items such as shampoo etc; but stumbled across the Barry M counter and saw some new offerings since I'd last been.

I was instantly drawn to the rose gold packaging and the concept: gel nails without the UV lamp. The shade selection isn't my favourite so I picked up an easy nude shade in 'Like A Nude' which is then paired with the 'Daylight Curing' topcoat. The shades are all bright summer shades - where as I prefer my pastels right now, the only other shade I was interested in was a coral pink.
The polish took about four thin coats to get a nice opaque finish. I've heard other colours are around two coats.

From what I understand the shade colour adheres to your nail like a gel polish, and then the top coat uses everyday UV lights in the daylight and artificial lighting to 'cure'/dry like a gel polish. I haven't tried the top coat with nail varnishes not from this range, so I will experiment and report back!

The finish is super glossy and professional looking. They're hard as nails and yet they come off with regular nail polish remover.

My left hand has survived a whole day without chipping and looks just as perfect and chip free as it did yesterday. My right hand looks a bit worse for wear....but my left side was more carefully applied and this shows in the end result. My job is incredibly hands on, so this is to be expected; I don't think even professionally done nails would withstand my work place.

I really like this idea and will be purchasing the coral pink soon to test that out and experimenting with other polishes to see if the same effect happens.

For £4.99 I think it's a really affordable way to get professional looking nails that will last - (as long as you don't have a hand destroying job like mine!)

Have you tried these nail varnishes yet?



Soap and Glory Archery DIY Brow Bar Review




My brows and I are not best friends.
I want to get them done professionally, but that means I need to grow them out to get a decent shape out them....which will mean I'll look like I have two hairy caterpillars on my forehead for a few weeks. Which I cant really be dealing with!

I normally just stick to plucking them now-a-days. I used to wax them...but there's nothing worse than getting a bit wax happy with the strips and going overboard. I love the bold brow look at the moment and want to perfect the shape of mine - especially when I have all my hair out my face and their on show. I really think good brows can frame a face.

I've been looking for a decent brow product for a while now and spotted this little number from Soap and Glory. Inside is a blonde and brown powder, a clear wax and a cream highlight. I've tried brow pencils and just never got along with them...they usually crumbled in my brow or the color was too warm. 

The colors are a pretty good match for me. I wouldn't suggest this product to anyone with light or blonde eyebrows. I have incredibly dark brows and the brown is slightly too warm, but the blonde has a nice ash tone to it so it matches quite well. Its still dark for a blonde shade though..and in the pan it actually looks green (!)
The wax is great for setting them in place, and I've been mixing the wax and the powder together to get a better consistency. And the cream highlight is okay. I'd rather use 'Virgin' from my Naked 1 palette, or my cream highlight from No7. But as it's included its a nice little touch. 

In the packaging also comes a little spool, and two angled brushes. Which I have been using and find a little fiddly; but for on the go would be perfect.

Whilst I wait for my brows to grow a little bit before having them done professionally (I'm thinking HD Brows or Benefit brow mapping) This is perfect to fill in any gaps and to get a good shape going. 

Have you tried this product? Or have you had your eyebrows done professionally?




Boots Haul - April 2015

Apparently I was feeling rather spendy today.

I found myself at boots browsing the Benefit counter and decided to pick up the 'Rockateur' Blusher. I've had my eye on this blusher for a while now. I don't own anything like this. I don't love the packaging but the product inside is gorgeous. When you first open the packaging it's covered in pink holograhpic glitter. After one use this is gone and your left with a dusky rose blush with a hint of brown to it. It gives a natural colour to the face and I think it would suit a lot of different skin tones. It has a nice inner glow look to it too which I love with blushers.

As I'd already fulfilled part of my forever growing wish list I thought I may as well add some more, much lusted after products to my basket. In went Soap and Glory's 'Solar Powder' and 'DIY Brow Bar.'
The brow kit contains a brown and blonde powder, a wax and an under arch highlight. I haven't given this product a proper road test yet, so keep an eye out for a full review!
The 'solar powder' is a beautiful bronzer with two shades. With summer on it's way I wanted to brighten my look up and add a sun kissed glow to the skin. I'm yet to try this out yet either but I've heard great things from other blogs about it, so I'm excited to give this a try as it doesn't look too dark or too orange.

Barry M have got some gorgeous new shades in their 'speedy' range. I brought two shades on a previous jaunt in 'In a Heart Beat' a beautiful toned down neon pink, 'Road Rage' a dupe for Essie - Mint Candy Apple and 'Eat My Dust' a gorgeous pastel purple/blue. I didn't find they dry any quicker than their standard polishes...but the colours are gorgeous and ready for spring in a range of gorgeous pastels.

Lastly I brought the Garnier Micellar cleansing water. I've heard a few things about this and was running low on my normal cleanser. I'm excited to try this to use this as a first cleanse to get rid of my make up before doing a proper cleanse. I always find eye make up the worse to remove and this claims to remove really easily.

Have you brought anything recently from Boot's or the drugstore?
Any recommendations?



Monday's Most Used


Spring is finally here! The weathers still a bit wet, but on the whole its looking up!
With this change in weather comes a change of products too.

First I start with my Stila one step color correct serum, as this evens out my complexion and illuminates my skin slightly giving my make up a good base to start. This gets rid of any redness I may have.
I haven't been using foundation much as I don't find I need to after using the Stila serum, so I go straight to cheeks, I've been loving the color 'Seductive Pink' by Maxfactor in their creme puff range and Bourjois blush in amber rose. I've been applying these colors to the apples of my cheeks with my Duo Fiber powder brush by Real Techniques. Both blushers are heavily pigmented and I find this to be the perfect brush to lightly add a dash of pink, 
The make up looks really fresh and pretty and I also like to layer both blushers to add some depth to the look.
I've also been enjoying the Maybelline Brow Drama sculpting mascara to add some colour and definition to my brows to make them look slightly bolder, and less haywire,
I then finish off the look with a Maybelline color drama lipstick pencil in the color Fuschia Pink. This is such a bright, colorful pink that it really draws them out. I love the color and the finish of these lipsticks and they're so easy to apply!

I've been loving my Salvatore Ferragamo 'Signorina' perfume. This is a grown up, floral scent with some sweet notes of panacotta and pink pepper to lift it up. Its a really light, refreshing scent which reminds me of my birthday month - May.

What have you been wearing this week to celebrate Spring with?

Monday Most Used



This Monday proved that Spring has sprung - light bases, poppy pink hues and fresh feelings.

In the shower I've loved using the L'occitane Almond Oil. This smells delicious and leaves my skin feeling nourished and soft. You only need the tiniest amount to get a good lather going with this. I only have a travel sized version, but as soon as I run out of this I'll be purchasing a full size!

As a base I've been using Benefit's 'That Gal' primer to add a bit of a glow to my skin, followed by my new favourite BB cream my L'oreal from their Nude Magique' range.

I've been leaving my eyes quite nude and using a bit of L'oreal Colour Riche Eyeshadow in the colours 'Quartz Fume' and 'Cafe Saint Germain'  to add a bit of depth to the eyes followed by a good few coatings of 'The Falsies' by Maybelline. on my lashes. I find this mascara really adds some volume and holds a curl really well.
If I'm feeling brave and steady handed I'll add a little flick with my Soap and Glory 'Supercat.' This is only on days I have time to precise my flick.

I've enjoyed wearing pretty pinks on my cheeks since the sun has decided to grace us with it's presence this week! To add that pop of pink I've been using cream based products to get a nice dewy natural glow. I've really enjoyed using my Benefit's 'Fine One One' cream blush and highlight stick.
This is so easy to apply, just one swipe onto the cheeks and a quick blend of the fingers and you have a gorgeous, natural blush effect, with some added highlight to the cheek bones.
I've also been enjoying the BB Blush from the L'oreal Nude Magique collection too. This is more of a baby pink colour than a coral colour,

And lastly on my lips I've discovered an old favourite in the form of Revlon's 'Lip Butter' in the shade 'Sweet Tart.' This is a proper poppy pink with a glossy buttery texture and gives the look a glossy polished feel.
I can't wait till Revlon bring out their new HD Gel formula lipsticks.

Then in the evenings I've seriously been loving the Montagne Jeunesse 'Black Seaweed' peel off fask mask. This gets rid of any blackheads and dry skin I might have and leaves my skin all smooth and prepped for the next day!



What have you been enjoying this week?


Boots Haul - New Finds

I hadn't been in boots for a long time so I decided to pick up a few things I hadn't tried before.

I've been after a new foundation/bb cream for a while now that is compatible with my dry skin. I was browsing the L'oreal stand and spotted the L'oreal Nude Magique BB cream. When I swatched this I was pleasantly surprised.

When squeezed through the tube and onto your skin it appears as a white gritty liquid. Then when rubbed into the skin, the gritty (beads) explode into colour that gives a light natural finish. A finish so natural you can't tell your wearing it which I love. There's nothing worse than cakey makeup! 
When swatched it looks a bit on the orange side, but it blends nicely into my skin tone when applied and is untraceable. And best of doesn't highlight any dry patches.

Whilst I was at the L'oreal stand I also noticed a little tube of L'oreal Nude Magique BB Blush.
This is even stranger. It's a clear silicone gel when squeezed out the tube, but when placed into the skin and mixed with your natural PH it turns into a beautiful natural glowy pink. A little goes a long way with this and it only needs to be patted lightly onto the cheeks to give a youthful 'just been outside' pink glow. This might be a new favourite! Especially as spring is round the corner.

Next up I picked up 5 Montagne Jeunesse face masks. 
I've never tried these face masks but I've heard good things, so I decided to pick 5 different ones up to get a feel for the brand. I picked up two hydrating sheet masks. Apparently these are great for dehydrated skin and are incredibly mess free to use! The other three are either peel off masks or old school mud masks for cleansing as I tend to get blackheads on my chin and forehead. 
I've only tied the black seaweed peel off mask so far. The texture is odd and messy and incredibly black! It reminds me of venom from Spider-Man! It was easy to peel off and saw amazing results! For £1 a mask (I reckon I could get three uses out of that one) I think they're brilliant value for money when you need a quick skin fix. My pores where incredibly clear and it didn't dry out my skin. It was also REALLY fun to feel off. A bit like peeling PVA glue off your hands when in primary school.

I recently ran out of my soap and glory shower gel and scrub and was going to pick some more up when I decided to try something new. So instead I picked up some from Original Source. I picked up the coconut shower gel (I love coconut scented things!) and the tea tree shower daily scrub. This scrub is delicate for my sensitive skin but scrubby enough to get rid of any dead skin before shaving. Great buy! I really want to try the new shower oil range from them too! 

Lastly I got an old favourite from Charles Worthington  - Moisture Seal Shampoo, Conditioner and Deep Conditioner. 
The scent of this range is gorgeous and my hair already feels more nourished and smooth than it did before. My hair was looking and feeling a bit damaged so I need a quick rescue and I sure got one!

Overall I'm really happy with my new purchases; have you brought anything recently from Boots?


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Bumble and Bumble Review




I'm not one to care about my hair...half the time I leave to it's own device's (as it's usually raining outside or humid as hell) or I try and smooth out my naturally frizzy hair.
I'm very lucky in the fact my hair can hold a curl and can be straightened, however the elements get the better of it occasionally.

Bumble and Bumble are overall quite a pricey brand, however I've been lucky enough to pick up these bits from the Boots clearance shelves. I haven't paid more than £5 for any of these products. And I'm trying to decide if any of them are worth purchasing full price.

Lets start with the two at the bottom. These came in a little 'blow dry' set together. I enjoy using the Bb Straight when I know at some point in the day I'm going to straighten my hair. When blow drying it leaves my hair smoother, shinier and straighter (somehow.) However I have a very similar product from Tres Eme '7 day straight' serum which works wonder on my hair! and at about a third the price of a full sized bottle of Bb Straight.
Then there is the Bb Thickening Hairspray which I don't really need. My hair is thick once its been blow dried, however this does add a nice texture and hold to my hair if I've styled it or want a bit more volume as the days gone on.

Another Product from the Bb Thickening range is the 'Dryspun finish' texture spray. This does what it says on the tin. Light, airy texture put into the hair without weighing it down and without that horrible crunchy hairspray feel. I love this for a quick fix to limp heavy hair.

Lastly is the Bb Prep primer. I picked this up not knowing what the hell it was.
After a little reading I found it's great at de-tangling before blow drying, and helps to prepare the hair for any products you'll be using afterwards. I'm not sure I've seen a benefit to it working well with other products...but it's a great lightweight de-tangler, and my blow dry always looks fresher and cleaner after using this before blow drying.

Have you tried any products from Bumble and Bumble? I really want to try the 'hair dressers invisible oil' range as well as their 'Sunday Shampoo.'
Looks like I'll have to keep checking in on that clearance shelf!

Thick and Fast: Soap and Glory Mascara Review





I recently did a post all about Soap and Glory's make up range. But I thought these mascaras needed their own review as they're all so different. They're all priced between £9 and £10.50. So slightly pricier than your average drug store mascara which are usually priced around the £7 mark. 

Thick and Fast 'Super Volume' Mascara


First up is the original Thick and Fast mascara in black packaging. It states that its a 'Super volume mascara.' This mascara has the largest brush of the three and a slightly dryer formula than the others.

My lashes are naturally very straight and not the longest in the world! (My boyfriend has longer eyelashes than me!) So I have to curl my lashes with an eyelash curler before applying mascara anyway or else I end up with thicker straight lashes! 
This formula holds a curl well and is the most volume enhancing of the three.





Thick and Fast 'High Definition Collagen
Coat Mascara
 Next is the Thick and Fast 'High definition collagen-coat' mascara i nthe gold packaging (which feels heavy and luxurious!)
This one has an odd paint smell to it...but it doesn't linger...I'm guessing its the collagen maybe?
This ones want has two sides. One side is really small and fine, whilst the other side has two longer edges to almost grip the lashes? I can't explain it, But this formula is quite messy and wet to apply, but is super lengthening! The formula is quite clumpy if you use too much, but one light coat is more than enough! This holds a curl even better than the last one, it's just slightly harder to apply.




Thick and Fast 'Flash Extensions
Effect Mascara'
Lastly in the silver packaging is Thick and Fast 'Flash Extensions Effect' Mascara. This wand is super thin and precise and is the easiest to apply. As you can see from the photo it's very separating and quite lengthening and almost gives a fluttery look to the lashes which I prefer and generally holds a curl really well.

My personal favourite is the 'Flash Extensions Effect' Mascara as it looks naturally enhances my lashes and makes them look 100x better than normal! For a night out when I want a little more volume I normally opt for the 'High Definition Collagen-Coat' Mascara. As it shows up great on photos and really adds some depth to the eyes.



So there you have it! I hope you've found this helpful if you were in the market for a new mascara. Have you tried any of these mascaras? Or do you prefer another brands mascara range?


Soap and Glory: A Make up Overview

Soap and Glory is one of my favourite high street brands found in Boots. However they're very rarely spoken about and I think they have some great products under their name. (Not to forget their awesome bath range too!)

I'll start off with 'Supercat' liquid liner. This is a liquid liner in the form of a felt tip. It has a nice thin tip but is long enough to get a long stroke to make a winged look. The formula of this is nice too, not too shiny or wet and stays all day; but is still removable at the end of the day! I have a cheaper liquid liner from collection which is impossible to remove. I literally have to scrub at my eyes to get the damn thing off. The collection one also smells like marker pen...might explain something!

I'm a lover of the smoky eye look. Especially if its brown and not black. (Brown suits me much better than black) I always struggled to find an eye liner that I was able to smudge to look a bit more natural. That's when I found 'Smoulder Kohl' in the shade cocoa bean. It also has a handy pencil sharpener incorporate in the lid. This is super blend-able and easy to work with. Perfect for lazy days.

Now onto eyebrows, I have a love hate relationship with my brows. I'm awful at shaping them and they're generally quite unruly. This is the 'Archery' brow pencil. This has a waxy pencil on one end and a fine felt tip on the other. There is another version of this product with a very thin wax end and a spoole on the other.
The only problem I have with this product is that the wax is a little too hard and can crumble and the felt tip dries out pretty quickly. I'm yet to try the other version of this product, however it is on my list!
There is also a new eye brow product in the form of a 'DIY Brow Bar' which looks really good!

Next I have two glowy face products. The first is the 'Hocus Focus' illuminator and 'Glow all Out' face powder. I've spoken about Hocus Focus before; but it gives a gorgeous glow to the skin and hides all imperfections, Great under foundation or on it's own.
'Glow all out' is a great highlighter for the cheeks, or used lightly all over the face to add some more glow and youthfulness into the skin. This has been greatly loved and has a huge dent in the pan! This is comparative to high end highlighters. However I have heard great things about the Mary-Lou Manizer from The Balm cosmetics. (also on my list!)

Bottom to top: Pom Pom, Blush Pink
The Missing Pink
Next are three lipsticks from the range. I have two mattes and one satin finish. The Matte shades are in 'Pom Pom' and 'Blush Pink.' Pom Pom is a nice deep red - but not so deep that your scared to wear it out. And 'Pink Blush' is a your lips but better. Both Mattes are super comfortable on the lips and are pretty long lasting!
I also have 'The Missing Pink' in the satin formula which again is a your lips but better colour but with an added sheen to it. I could wear this everyday and feel confident wearing. My local boots dosn't stock the full lipstick range, but there are some colours on the website I'd love to give a go! These lipsticks a pricey £9 each. but when you can compare them to MAC or Nars lipsticks, they;re incredibly good value for money!

Last but not least are three mascaras. Each one with a different brush and a different formula. I plan on doing a full review of these three as I feel they need it. Pictures will also be needed so you can really see the effects of them. But I'd say they're similar to Benefits 'They're Real' Mascara (which I don't love) but these perform much better and are half the price!

Look out for a full review of the mascaras soon!

There are a few products I don't have but would love to add to my collection! I've heard great things about their 'Solar Powder' bronzer, and their 'Lid Stuff' eye shadow quad in 'what's nude.' I might have to make a cheeky wishlist soon as I'm trying to save money right now...but have too many beauty products I wish I could buy!




Monday: Most Used Products




This weeks most used products are much more make up based!


Lets start with the base I've been using. This is Soap and Glory's 'Hocus Focus.' This is a highlight/primer product that gives a beautiful luminosity to the skin. 
It also perfects the skin by blurring out any imperfections and evens out my skin tone.
I'd say this is comparative to Benefits Girl meets Pearl, and Nars Copacabana Illuminator.


Sometimes I use this on it's own, or with my foundation to add a little light to the skin.


Next up is a new purchase. Its the Maybelline Color Tattoo in 'on and on bronze.' I've seen this mentioned on the internet countless times in favourite videos and make up tutorials and never bit the bullet to get it (even though its less that a fiver.)
I've been using this as a base before I apply any other eye-shadow, or wear it on its own all over the lid to add a bit a colour.

I either apply with my finger or with a brush depending on my mood. I'm in LOVE with this product and can't believe I didn't pick it up sooner.

Next up is my Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette. I've been loving the colours 'Buck' which is a gorgeous natural matte brown; perfect for the defining the crease. Then I either like to add 'Smog' or 'Darkhorse' for a little added colour and shimmer.

Another recent purchase is the Maybelline 'The Falsies' Mascara. This is such a good drug store mascara with a good wand and a really good formula. It makes my lashes look fuller and longer and holds a decent curl!
The only problem with this mascara is how wet the formula is. I always find that its transferred onto my eyelid somehow...no matter how careful I am.

And Last but not Least is the Benefit 'Coralista' Blush which is a beautiful coral blush with a gorgeous sheen to add a slight highlight to the cheeks.


I really want to experiment more with my Naked Palette, do you have any favourite colours or would you like to see a blog post on different looks?




My Evening Skin Care Routine

Following on from my previous post; I wanted to share my evening skin care routine.



First I do a cleanse with my Eve Lom Cleansing Balm. I take a pea sized amount and rub in between my wingers to create a smooth oil and rub onto my skin. Especially focussing on any eye make up I may have on. I then take a flannel and rinse it under the warm tap and wash off the oil. I then repeat the process as a double cleanse to ensure I get all the days grime away.My skin always feels clean and nourished afterwards.




This wasn't my first choice for a cleansing balm, but at the time of purchase there wasn't a lot else on the market. I really want to try the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, and also more budget friendly ones such as the camomile range from The Body Shop, and the Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm. Once my Eve Lom one has run out, I will most certainly try one of these out!

I then use my Benefit Moisture Prep Toner to get rid of any oil residue.

Before I apply anything else I'll put some Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment eye cream under and around my eyes. I've noticed that my under eye area looks dry sometimes and this really helps. So when I wake up in the morning I look all bright eyed and busy tailed (ish.)

I then use a slightly thicker serum. Right now I'm using Soap and Glory Make Yourself Youthful Serum. This is really nice and feels moisturising on the skin. I've heard it uses very good ingredients too.

Then if my skin looks a bit dull and needs a bit of love I'll either put an overnight moisture mask on, or use Ole Henrikson Overnight Treatment including AHA's. This helps brighten my skin up and also makes it feel incredibly smooth in the morning.

Other times I'll just use an overnight moisturiser. Nothing special or a drop of oil to keep my skin hydrated throughout the night.

Then just before I pop my eye mask (from firefox) on for bed I'll put some Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm. This is a mask type lip balm...really thick and nourishing: perfect for bedtime!


Hope this has been useful for anyone with drier skin types. Do you have a evening skincare regime? If so what products do you like to use?



Benefit Corner

I'll admit it.

I caved. 

Benefit packaging and their gorgeous selection of products were just shouting at me to purchase them. 

I've brought a few of their mini beauty kits before to try a few items from their range, so knew I would enjoy their products,

Lets start with 'That Gal' Brightening Face Primer. This dewy primer (which smells like raspberries) has a pink tone to it so that when applied to the face it appears to even things out and gives a nice fresh glow to the skin. It isn't drying and I like to wear this alone on non make up days, or mixed in with my foundation to add a bit of brightness.

The packaging is in a tube with a twist at the bottom, so that the product comes out in a reasonable quantity through an almost sponge like top. It's incredibly easy to use. I first tried the sample size which came in a small tube with a few other products; and it lasted me ages, So I know this will too.

Secondly I have the 'Coralista' Box Blush. This is a gorgeous coral blush with a small amount of shimmer to it so it create the look of a highlight when on the cheeks. It gives the cheeks a natural glow and also adding a small amount of tan due to the deep coral colour. On paler skin tones this could almost be used as a contour colour.
I'm contemplating adding 'Rocketeur' and 'Dallas' to my collection....but I may need to save up some boots points'!

Lastly I have the 'Fine One One' cream blush. Inside the twist up packaging are three colours stacked against each other. A gorgeous champagne highlight. A poppy pink shade and a coral. When swiped across the cheek - with the highlight placed along the cheek bone. you simply swirl upwards with a brush or fingers for a gorgeous creamy blush look that looks complex, yet took 5 seconds.
I don't use this product enough, and I really should because it's beautiful. (And look at that rose gold packaging!)

Do you have any recommendations from Benefit? What's your favourite product?  

Ole Henkrikson 7 Skincare Sensations Review

I was perusing around the beauty hall in Selfridges and came across a little gem.
I've always wanted to try the skincare range from Ole Henrikson ever since following Caroline Hirons's blog. However was always put off by the expensive price tag.

For a mere £30 I managed to get my hands on 7 luxury sample sizes of their products. Heres the low down and what I would re purchase full size and what is not worth looking at.





African Red Tea Foaming Cleanser: 
I was a bit sceptical at first as we all know foaming cleansers dry out your skin; and for someone with VERY dry skin I wasn't sure how I would get on with this. However it feels like silk on the skin, it leaves a nice residue on the skin so it doesn't feel stripping, yet it feels cleansed. This also smells LOVELY. In the mornings this never fails to perk me up.
Would I buy the full size? Yes. It's one of the cheaper items to repurchase.

Walnut Complexion Scrub:
This is very similar to one I've tried from The Sanctuary Spa range. Its quite gritty with large particles of what I can only assume are walnuts? It'd a little too rough on my sensitive skin, However I think it makes a nice body scrub? It's not overly scented either.
Would I buy the full size? I'm afraid not. Drugstore face scrubs are cheaper and more gentle.

Truth Serum Collagen Booster:
This is by far my favourite product. The serum is light and sinks straight into the skin, making my normally tight dry skin feel hydrated and relaxed. Its like a vitamin tablet for your face. It smells divinely of oranges and really gives a boost to my skin before I add my moisturiser.
Because you only need the tiniest amount for your face, this is sure to last a good amount of time.
Would I buy the full size? Yes. However I'd have to hand my credit card to them with my eyes shut.

Truth Revealed Super Cream SPF:
This is a nice light moisturiser, with the added bonus of an SPF. This is nice. However I much prefer my current Benefit Total  Moisture Cream. It's cheaper and its more hydrating. I feel in the summer months this would be nice for a nice light application, whilst being protected by the sun without having to wear a heavy SPF.
Would I buy the full size? Nope. Way too pricey.

Ultimate Eye Lift Gel:
Like it says on the pot. Its an eye gel. It feels cooling and not at all sticky. However after using this for a few weeks straight I can't say I've noticed a difference around my eye area, and it doesn't really moisturise the area either? Maybe if I had more prominent signs of ageing I would benefit from this.
Would I buy the full size? I don't think I'll ever need to! you need such a small amount of product that I think this will last a while! However I prefer my Keihl's Creamy Eye Cream to moisturise under my eyes.

Sheer Transformation Cream:
This is alight air whipped formula which is meant to even out skin tone, rid of dark areas and perfect the skin. I've been using this a few times a week and have noticed a small change. Its great to use under make up as it sits nicely on top and makes make up look better. t just gives you a nice smooth base and good looking skin.
Would I buy the full size? I don't think so... I feel I an live without this. However it is a really nice product.

Invigoration Night Gel:
I've been after an acid exfoliater for a while now, however they're either too expensive or the cheap ones irritate my skin. This however truly does the job! It slays dead skin and you wake up with a beautiful smooth face. No dry patches, no irritated skin, just lovely happy, soft skin.
Once again this a gel formula and you only need a small amount. My little pot is going to last me! I just place a pea sized amount of product onto my face and apply all over, And in the morning my skin looks revitalised.
Would I buy the full size? Yes. This product is the hero product in this set. Again I'd have to shut my eyes at the counter. But it would be worth it!

Have you tried anything from Ole Henrikson? What do you think?
I still want to try the brightening face wipes? However I'm not sure I can justify the £15 price tag?

Blushers | Part 1

Cute polka dot packaging
In this mini series I want to write and review all of my blushers. I hands down LOVE blushers. I don't own anything overly high end because I think there are some great high street finds out there! However I'm always lusting over Benefit 'box o blushers', but can't bring myself round to paying £23 for a cardboard box? Anyway....

Today I'm going to be talking about the brand Topshop beauty.

I currently own two blushers from their collection and I have to say I'm more than impressed!

Firstly the packaging is cute and compact with white spots all over the top, and a nice rounded shape. As well as a small mirror on the inside and 4 grams worth of product.

Left - 'Dream Phone'
Right - 'Do It Again'
The first one is 'Do It Again' which is a shimmery peach colour, almost looks like a dupe for Benefits 'Coralista' it brings a beautiful natural glow to the skin without making you look like a tomato if you apply this too heavily!

The second one is 'Dream Phone' which is a beautiful plum shade. Again this has a small amount of shimmer and is incredibly high pigment, so only a light hand is needed here! The colour looks flattering and healthy and has pretty good staying power!

There are plenty more colours I want to add to my collection, and for £7 a pop I can't see why I can't have them all! I also want to add the 'glow' highlighter to my collection as well as a few Topshop lipsticks!


Have you ever tried anything from the Topshop beauty range? 

Lizzie xx

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