Gigi Hadid's foundation?!

What do you do when you come across a post that tells you what 'high street' foundation Gigi Hadid wore to the AMA's? If you have any sense you would think she... a) probably had loads of high end stuff to compliment it, or, b) wore it, but has heavenly skin that doesn't warrant the need for coverage. BUT, if you're me, you definitely ran (drove) to the nearest boots and threw your money at the cashier. I'm talking about Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation (£5.99). This is a light - medium coverage foundation, definitely not an "out out" - cakey saturday night type contender. I found it suitable for oily skin as it didn't appear to worsen my t - zone area, but it disappeared quickly; off my nose particularly. It's a thin consistency so it's easily buildable, but I found myself having to cover red spots with more concealer. Yes, it's nice if you have decent skin anyway and just want a dusting of foundation, but if you have problematic skin I wouldn't recommend it.

Think twice!

I love sharing my make - up finds. With so many new products out every week, it's really easy to get caught up in the hype and lose sight of whether you actually need something or it suits your skin. On my last visit to Cardiff I found myself in MAC (how did that happen?). I was looking for a new multi purpose concealer. A sort of holy grail that would 1) treat the under eye area 2) hide veins around my nose and 3) treat redness. I left with Pro Longwear Concealer (9ml) in NC20 (Neutral Cool). It does fall a little on the pricey side considering it's £18.00 for such a small tube. This hasn't agreed with my skin as I find it settles too easily in the eye crease and greys out my complexion. It has so many 5* reviews so I'm feeling a little left out wondering why I'm not a member of this youthful skin club. Anyway, I've decided to use it as part of a contouring routine instead and for that it does serve its purpose. Would I buy it again? probably not. My next purchase will be the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer (£22.50). Not wanting to gang up on MAC (but I will...) is the foundation brush I bought in Bristol last year. I spent £34.50 on number 187 Stipling Brush. My advice to anyone thinking of doing the same is, well, don't. The bristles fall out a lot, which for the price is unacceptable. It leaves you having to pinch your skin trying to grab mini bristles from your cheeks and forehead. The positive is that you do use less product and it does work to apply foundation more evenly. However the positives do not outweigh the negatives and I'd say it's definitely not value for money. Next is Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit (Powder) that I ordered from Cult Beauty (£39.00). I haven't seen the results I expected with this kit. I find that the powders sit too obviously on the surface of the skin (especially the banana colour). Some of the shades are way too dark for me but there are nice grey toned shades to contour with. I have my eye on contourcosmetics large contour set as this is a cream not powder based product. Being oily, I thought cream would just make me look like a Strictly glitterball, but I do think that it would blend better and not just sit there. I'm not giving up on the powder kit entirely so the next step is looking for a better brush to see if that improves matters. So that's my summary of some products to think a little more carefully about before punching in your credit card details - thank me later!

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SALIDOT

Salidot is a premium skincare and cosmetics shop based in Pwllheli, North Wales. They were kind enough to send me some of the products that they stock to increase brand awareness and be supportive I suppose of someone else who is starting out. The first product was a 'zao' lipstick (£15.50) - I'd never heard of this brand, but once you google it, you see it's available on a lot of well known sites including notonthehighstreet.com. What's immediately obvious is the push on being very natural and "earth friendly" with recyclable packaging (bamboo case, cotton pouch). The lipsticks are available in a matte and pearl finish, I was given number 463 which is a 'pink red'. Being so used to a dry matte finish (think MAC velvet teddy) I was pleasantly suprised as to how nicely this applied and how moisturising it is. When I was in the area afterwards I took my mum and treated myself to shade 404 which is a pearly brown/red. This again is a little bit different for me and a step away from the twelve nudey beige lipsticks I already have. It also photographs really well, I can't wait to wear it over the festive period. I've already got my eye on the chocolate matte (466) and dark nude (467); hopelessly trying to live out 90's Buffy look. Next, "Eye of Horus" Goddess Mascara (£16.50). Again, this was a brand I hadn't heard of, another quick google and I found this was a finalist in the UK Beauty Shortlist Awards for best mascara. I'm definitely not the best model for mascara as I have awkward eyelashes that tend to split easily. If you have irritable or itchy eyes that are very sensitive to normal high street mascaras, maybe this would be one to consider. It's very easy to use with a flexible brush that's not too big and manages to grab the smaller 'lashes. The colour was very intense and even though I didn't manage the XXL volume we all look for (not on my wimpy eyelashes anyway!) it gave a natural finish that was easy to remove despite being waterproof - bonus. To finish; Lily Lolo Lip Gloss (£7.99). I was given this in shade 'romantic rose'. It's a 'non - sticky' formula with a very glossy finish and a hint of chocolate scent. Again, this sells itself as being natural (containing vitamin e etc). If I was to buy it myself I would probably go for 'peachy keen'. The colours aren't as daunting as they appear on the colour chart so don't be alarmed. The only product I'm yet to try is the 'Balm Balm All Over Balm' in "Detox". In general, Salidot has really impressed me not only because of their kind gesture and focus on animal friendly products where possible, but also the quality of the products stocked and the attention to detail in the shop. I look forward to shopping there again soon.

 

 

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"Better Than Sex" Mascara.

Not my claim(!). This is Too Faced's much talked about mascara "Better Than Sex". Retailing at approx £19.00 it sits at the higher end of the market. Granted, it's not the easiest to put on your Christmas list off Santa thanks to the slighly controversial name, but you can pick it up in most Debenhams stores and online. This beautifully packed mascara with pastel pink exterior sells itself very well, as with many Too Faced products the packaging just adds to its overall approval. When I first bought it, it appeared gloopy and uncontrollable. A few practice rounds and 'more mascara on the eyelid than lashes breakdowns' I got to the grips with the heavier than normal hour glass shaped wand and saw the results a lot of the top reviews were referring to. My lashes were fuller with even the teeny lashes coated. Normally, when I apply coat after coat I end up with just three hard lashes that won't seperate for love nor money. This is a very buildable formula. Unfortunately, i've entered the racoon stage of this mascara's life cycle. Meaning by the end of the day I'm seeing flakes around my eyes, teamed with already tired looking eyes it's not the Tyra 'smize' i'm craving (google Tyra Banks, Smize if you have no idea what I'm talking about!). When this mascara's good, it's really good. However shortlived that time may be. 3.5/5

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April Highlight

It's already April and I'm nowhere near my Summer body goal. I've not been to the gym in so long to the point where I've received a reminder text of their services. I've set myself a target of losing a stone and nine pounds for Ausgust, seems so far away after treating Easter as Christmas indulgence; part two. Feeling fat and uncomfortable has led me to spending on my face (I refuse to buy bigger sizes as that's accepting i'll always be this way!) Anyway, the silver lining is that this has been great for the make up collection which, as ever, is bursting through my unicorn/bambi themed make up bags. I don't know if it's instagram brainwash, but I'm kind of obsessed with highlighters right now (did anyone else read that in a Kardashian nasal tone?!). I've tried loads including; Benefit's Watt's Up, MAC Soft and Gentle Skin Finish and Benefit's 'Girls meets Pearl'. My favourite to date is from a brand I've not come across before called BECCA. I ordered this shimmering skin perfector pressed powder in OPAL. This doesn't make you look an eleven year old at a school disco, but instead gives a golden peachy glow - I can't wait to accompany it with a coral lipstick for the summer months! There's different shades too - pearl, topaz, rose gold, moonstone and champagne gold. I ordered it from Cult Beauty which I highly recommend, service was so quick and the order arrived in perfect condition. £32 isn't ideal to fork out on a highligter, but for something so blendable and soft I have to recommend it. Will definitely be looking out for more BECCA products. Photo below really doesn't do it justice!

 

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All nighters...

Let me apologize for the timing of this post. If you haven't already tried Urban Decay's 'all nighter make up setting spray' then party season would have been the perfect time to familiarise yourself with it. Unfortunately for you, I was too busy spending the festive time drowning in prosecco. So... you apply this setting spray after you've put your make up on, two or three sprays will do. Even though your instinct tells you spraying water on yourself is weird and you'll flinch unattractively... Just roll with it. I've used it on every night out over the past few months and genuinely seen a big difference. I have combination skin, so as well as dry patches around my nose I also have a television shaped pool of oil that enjoys glaring on my forehead in photographs. Simply put, this sets your make up in place for a long lasting finish. Okay, so it's £21.00, but how many of us squash make up that's way too expensive to be taking on a night out and lose it from our clutch bag? I don't take make up out anymore as I have faith my make up is in it for the long run. It won't make your face run when you apply thanks to how quickly it dries. My current 'going out' routine is to gently moisturise, apply primer, follow up with a foundation, concealer and then spray this to finish. If you're still not sure, you can but a smaller version for £9.00. Relax and enjoy without fear of your make up running down your face while you dance to Beyonce, I know I have!

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Nothing changes if nothing changes.

It's Wednesday evening, you'll find me in my slimming world class (post weighing) sitting with other members discussing the plan and whether we went off the rails or not. Quite often I keep to myself the fact that I had a cheeseburger, mozzarella dippers, numerous glasses of rose and mini eggs over the weekend and end up doing the fail - safe smile and nod. Anyway, we go onto motivation and how "nothing changes, if nothing changes". I thought to myself, well, that's obvious, and let the girls discuss it. Friday night comes and I'm at a works do, I visit the ladies toilet and on the back of the door was chalked on, the same sentence "nothing changes, if nothing changes" (i've got to say this saying was a welcomed change from the 'we won't serve you if you're drunk sign. This got me thinking more about it, and even though it's the most simplistic and obvious saying, I find myself relating it to everything at the moment, from losing weight to moving home, no one can make decisions for you! Time to stop dreaming of being comfortable in my own skin and go and make it happen! Anyway, back to make - up.

See above: Urban decay concealer, false eyelashes from eyelure and Urban Decay's revolution lipstick in 'liar'. Not applied that tidily, you will see what it looks like with no filter in terms of colour. The gun metal packaging is amazing, the colour is so so pigmented you really only need one application of this. Yes it's 15.50, but definitely worth it.

 

Next, my loves at the moment. Benefit's Watt's up, Soap and Glory's 'glow all out' and Hoola Bronzer. I apply the champagne coloured 'Watt's Up' first, then follow with the Soap and Glory 'Glow All Out' lightly with a thing brush just above it. To finish, I use Hoola bronzer underneath my cheekbones to keep the definition. See below all used together and urban decay's 'liar' in full show.

 

Benefit's 'Watt's Up'

Soap and Glory 'Glow All Out'

Here's what the above false eylashes look like on...

 

 

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Oh, hiya 2015... Late I know!

I can't believe how long I've neglected my blog for (again!), not having a working laptop really has made it more difficult to blog (my fingers are far too stubby for this Ipad; apologies in advance for my poor typing!). Since my last blog I've moved flat, my hair has seen a miraculous growth spurt (downside; massive roots), I've finally ordered Urban Decay's lipstick in 'Liar' (it's been out of stock for weeks!) and I've lost half a stone in weight on Slimming World - happy Sera. I'm going to start by sharing one of my favourite recent purchases - this primark make - up bag. It's big enough to hold any decent collection and you can wipe the front clean as well, what's not to love when it's paris themed AND only £4?! Well done Primark.

Anyway, moving on, to rollerlash. I got this as a trial size in Elle magazine, kind of desperate of me considering I never buy or read Elle otherwise. I loved it initially, but I've quickly gone off it and think I prefer the 'They're Real' mascara. I don't think it's necessarily the mascara that's to blame, but my natural lashes just don't have much natural curl to them. My lashes look much better with a separating and lengthening mascara - not what the rollerlash promises really. I'm not totally writing it off, but maybe I was too quick to think it was the best thing ever - hindsight is a beautiful thing! See the results below...

Next step; 'Bio Oil'. I've lost count of how many bottles of this I've gone through in the past few months. I started to see stretch marks on my thighs (not the white ones - the dreaded purple monsters!) so I instantly went into recovery mode and slap it on every night. I've seen very positive results after about three months and they are fading slowly, they won't disappear altogether but this is really helping. Note: this is definitely not an overnight oil so don't wish for a miracle!

Now for my Real Techniques sponge. For ages, I've been debating whether applying a brush or fingers is the best for foundation/concealer application. It has lots of different edges to it - making it perfect for all over blending of foundation as well as around the nose and eyelids. You can see from the photo that it's definitely getting a good use! I would definitely recommend this, followed by an application of powder to set it. Find the super sponge for £4.99 on Amazon!

Next, is 'Avon - Magic X' face perfector. This is ideal for everyday use, I wear it under my foundation for work to help keep oil away and give myself a more even base. It has a velvety and soft feel. I'm really happy with it considering the budget price, i'd definitely buy it again, but I wouldn't wear it alone as it advertises - it's not THAT good.

Remember : wash your make up brushes!

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What I thought of Benefit's Push Up Liner

The super mega easy flawless idiot proof liner they called it.. Well, not quite, but you get the idea. The  'Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner' promised it all; long wearing and huggable on the lash line.  Seeing all the girls at my local Benefit counter working feline flicks and precise smoky eyes, I felt envious. I asked for them to apply it on me and I wasn't disappointed, the line was perfect and really gave my eyes that wide - eyed look. This liner is different in that you twist it and the liquid appears from the "AccuFlex" tip. Get rid of any excess and apply direct onto the lash line. They weren't wrong when they said the angled tip was easy to navigate...(although... It's easy to over do it and waste). However, every time I've used it, it has "cracked" and crumbled off - less 'Hollywood glam', more 'washed out twenty something'. On top of this, it's almost impossible to get it off. For £18.50 it's a disappointing buy and I would not recommend. Sorry Benefit.

All I want for Christmas is my eyebrows....

Eyebrows. Probably the first thing I notice about people these days. You don't realise how much they shape your face until you get them done. In school, I thought shaving excess brow hair was the way forward; "so quick and simple" I thought. Doing this was bad enough, but the fact that it was with a cheap Bic leg shaver makes it that much worse. Anyway, in summary, I'm paying the price today with thin eyebrows that just refuse to grow properly. As the Benefit girls always tell me dishearteningly "mhhhmm... one is a bit longer than the other". Thankfully, modern day make - up means that I don't have to have shapeless 'brows. Too scared to risk HD brows, I've mostly been using 'Browzings' the Benefit eyebrow product that will literally last years. However, Benefit have recently bought out Gimme Brow a tiny (but perfectly formed!) eyebrow wand. Available in 2 colours,  it's a gel that picks up your eyebrow hairs, giving you a really natural brow. It lasts me all day and is build-able so you can go for as much definition as you feel necessary. Even my mum has this and she loves it. I've had it a couple of months now, and even using it everyday it hasn't shown sign of drying. I love this product and will definitely repurchase. Have a look for yourself...           

I'm back.

I'm back, with a beaut new camera and a whole load of new cosmetics.

I want to start with my new lipstick/gloss 'Bourjois - Rouge Edition Velvet' in '04 Peach Club'. I've dabbled with red lipsticks but always found myself looking more of a clown than Marilyn. This lets you be a little less committal, but still gives that instant colour. It's so matte and a teeny bit dry, but doesn't crumble off.  I'd label it somwhere between a gloss and a lipstick as you apply it with a wand like you would with a gloss, but it's drying and staying power is definitely lipstick material. Note - be careful to over do it as it will come off unnaturally and leave a line around your lips!

Next;  "Volume Million Lashes" 'So Couture' By L'Oreal Paris. In the past, I've used a similar mascara and seen good results.  I bought this at an introductory discount price, but won't be buying again. It does a decent job of separating lashes and somewhat lengthening them, but it doesn't give you any thickness or ironically; volume. I'll avoid next time.

My favourite mascara at the moment is still L'Oreal, but this time it's "False Lash Telescopic" It's around £10.99, so a little on the pricey side, but it's less prone to clumps, needs less coats and manages to enhance even the smallest lashes due to its flexible wand. To help ease the price tag, it's quite a long lasting mascara, so you won't find yourself in the shops again in 2 weeks. 

Lastly, is another L'Oreal, this time; "Infallible 24h Lip Colour". 

I've tried this three times now, and on all occasions it's crumbled off and I've ended up peeling it off. You can buy this in a range of colours, but I usually tend to buy pinky/reds. I would not recommend this product, it's hard work and there's lots of better glosses out there. 24 hours? Bitch, please. 

Foundation, Foundation, Foundation.

Miserable weather and an equally miserable bank account means indoor activities becoming ever more attractive. For me, this means watching 60 minute makeover, sorting out the pile of clothes I've been tip - toeing round in my room and unnecessarily re-arranging bedroom furniture (also buying heart shaped things from B&M bargains - the greatest place on earth for people wanting 'shabby chic' at the fraction of Next's prices).

Recently I've been loving "Urban Decay" make - up. In the past I've stayed away from the brand, I've always found it to be quite an 'intimidating brand' with the women looking ridiculously polished with almost theatrical make - up. Saying that, when I saw there "Naked" range, I completely changed my mind. The first of my purchases is hands down, my favourite foundation, ever. It costs £27.00 - (maybe not so friendly..) However, I will definitely re-invest, purely because of the results. It's oil free - perfect for me and actually looks like it 'blurs out' imperfections.

Here, after only two small applications, my skin looks so different - obviously the photo on the right has a little bit of blusher. 

At £27.00, you would expect a bottle this big.

The finished product, looks somethings like this

Next, is the Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder from Urban Decay @ £22.00

This is a powder which looks orange and dark - but it's not, at all. This really does what it says on the tin - finishes your face and sets it in place. It provides that airbrushed feel, especially if you use a big brush as seen in the photo above. Apply it after foundation to give a natural look. You will get a softness to your face and your make - up will last so much longer. TIP - apply before putting on your clothes as you may get powder all over you!

Now, leaving Urban Decay and onto MAC - "Prep and Prime Skin". This is a primer - use this BEFORE applying your foundation. Think of a primer like a paste you apply before wallpaper, even the best foundation needs a base. You need something to "lock" make up in place - and this does exactly that. This primer was recommended to me by a friend, when I googled it I was pleased to see so many great reviews about it.

At £20.50 you may think it's expensive, but you literally only need to use the teeniest blob for your whole face. This gem will even out your face and help to eliminate oil, literally prepping your face for make - up. When you apply it, it looks shimmery - but this will disappear and just provide you with a bright and illuminated face - perfect for a night out.


                             Next - "Barry M" lipstick - Under a fiver, I just love it! 

Lastly, Armani: Si. Not the cheapest, with 30ml setting you back about £40.00, but it really does have a beautiful scent.

Until the next purchases..... x

SPOTS & CLEANSER

Hello, lovelies.

F R E E D E R M 

Huge red spot, you squeeze it but it doesn't budge.. pretty soon it breeds and you're left with several spots which have created a land of little craters. Working at a desk means my chin gets unattractively oily, this only makes everything that bit worse. Last week, my skin had hit an all time low; enter - "Freederm" Gel. "Freederm" treats the milder of spots, which have inflamed and turned into red little bitches. Use it if it hurts to touch the spot and it feels sensitive. I noticed a significant improvement in just days of using this gel - ideal if you need clear skin for the weekend and a spot turns up on Tuesday. To use this, you need to wash, CLEANSE and dry the skin. Be careful, because Freederm can be quite drying, so if you suffer from really dry patchy skin, be minimal with usage. Expect to pay around £5.00 for a 10g tube. I can't imagine you'll be disappointed. I'm definitely going to be researching the rest of the range.

No 7 - Beautiful Skin Cleansing Water for Normal/Oily Skin (200ml) £9.50

This product is a result of a 3 for 2 deal at Boots. For years, I've just used Simple face wipes on my skin. Since using this cleanser, I've realized that even after a shower and wiping my skin with a facewipe, nothing gets the grime quite like a cleanser. I've definitely been "product happy" with this, which explains the half empty (or full, depending on your optimism) bottle. I feel that it's perfect for my skin tone and it's so refreshing - it's like a 'cucumber on your eyes' feeling, but for the face. Most importantly, this cleanser didn't dry out my skin, it seems to have dissolved the oily tones. I use it in the morning to "wake up" my face before applying moisturizer, primer, foundation... and so on! Some reviews said it lasted them over 3 months - I don't see how they did this using it day and night. I'm slightly skeptical regarding value for money... but on the other hand I'm loving the results! FYI - don't use it on your eyes.

Spring beauties!

Over the weekend I visited the No 7 counter at Boots. Probably brainwashed by the advert claiming they can detect your perfect foundation using a machine...I was keen to see the results. First, she cleansed my skin (blog to follow about that) then basically took a photo of my skin using this clever device. Unsurprisingly, my "perfect" foundation was "cool vanilla", but when she put it on my skin even that was too dark (pale girl problems). Then came "calico". I was surprised at the difference in colour range between me and my mum who came up as "wheat". The foundation gives my mum a radiant glow and really provides an even base for blusher or bronzer.
The good thing about this service is that it offers the same colour across the range. So you can not only choose your colour, but the type of foundation you're looking for as well. Think of foundation in the same way that you'd pick thickness in tights - high denier - heavy duty stuff, light denier - simple coverage.
I chose "No 7 Stay Perfect Foundation" £14.00 - somewhat of a halfway house as my skin isn't overly dry or overly oily (but somewhere in the middle). You can build this foundation up to give you the best coverage, it's light but does the trick in terms of covering blemishes - including the spots I've been faced with around my chin. Teamed with a primer, this lasted a long time and gave me a radiance without looking oily. Overall - a great foundation that doesn't leave "tide marks" or slip off like some foundations do. What will your colour be? (Remember - if you aren't having much success finding a perfect foundation - think what you're using it for. Concealer is better for tacking spots and under the eye bags, foundation will help give you a more even base).

So, let's see before..

Blemish + Spot Central.....

Just a light application later

all over coverage

Next, "L'Oreal Super Liner" in "Blockbuster" (RRP £6.99). This is part of L'Oreal's new range which covers every possible eyeliner option - from gels, to the very thin liner. I chose the BLOCKBUSTER as a) I have an unsteady hand and b) I'm not creative enough to make use of a thin liner. What I was looking for was a liquid eyeliner that wouldn't dry up, lasted all day and was fade-proof. This eyeliner delivers and ticks all the boxes. I'm so pleased with it and use it in the daytime as well as over false eyelashes at night (hiding the tell tale signs you're wearing falsies). Make sure you buy the liner that's right for you, if you're lucky and have a steady creative hand - maybe a thinner pen is best. Recommended!

Lastly, no blog is complete without a bit of Benefit. When I visited the counter last weekend I was greeted by the girls who told my mum I was "only there last week" and "our favourite customer because she spends so much!". I wouldn't normally associate Benefit with lipstick, but I couldn't help but pick up this one in "juicy details" which is a natural pink. (RRP £15.00). For once - I'm not mad about the packaging, it's kind of.... clunky. The colour however is one of my favourites - pinky - but not too pink! It glides onto your lips so easily, giving them a little shine. The bad part is, you can't buy based on shine alone - it doesn't last that long so for once, I won't be buying it again in a rush!