Saturday 29 March 2014

March Empties!

I've been on a real kick to use up skincare products lately since I seem to have so many. I think i'm doing a pretty decent job since i'm starting to see space in my stash. This months empties is mostly skincare but with a few other bits for good measure. 
Starting with body products, I finished the Waitrose Chamomile and Vanilla Bath Creme, this stuff is so cheap but so lovely. The scent is nice and it creates a good amount of bubbles whilst feeling moisturising to the skin. I will definitely repurchase. Next is the Rituals Fortune Scrub Sweet Orange and Cedar, this smelt so good, it was a gentle scrub but did the job. I definitely want to try something else in this scent since it was so lovely. I also finished the Garnier Intensive 7 Days Gel Cream, I really liked this if my skin was feeling irritated. I would definitely purchase it again.  
Onto haircare, first being the Dove 60 Seconds Intensive Treatment, this was really nice, it definitely made my hair feel softer. It was a little heavy but I would get it again if my hair was feeling dry or damaged. I finished yet another can of the Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo, I don't think i've been without a can of this for nearly 3 years now, definitely holy grail status.
My Revlon Quick Dry Base Coat has finally come to the end of it's life, I really liked this base coat, it does what it says and helps to stop my nails getting stained from coloured polishes. I've already repurchased.
Onto skincare, I finished the L'oreal Absolute Eye and Lip Makeup Remover, I really liked this, it removed eye makeup really well, it left a slight residue but nothing too bad. I would purchase this again. I finished a tube of the Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser, this is a great basic cleanser that does the job of removing makeup and cleansing the skin. I would purchase this again. Next I have the Garnier Soothing Toner, again a great basic product that does the job. This is so gentle on the skin. I've already repurchased it.
Last two products, the first being the Apivita Express Beauty With Green Clay Mask, this was a really nice clay mask that left the skin feeling really clean. I would get this again if I was in need of a new clay mask. Finally I have the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, I think this really does help with oily skin and blemishes, i'm currently using the new + version which I think I prefer so I don't think I would purchase the original version again but I do think it is a good product.

So that's this months empites, as I said a good amount of skincare this month. What beauty products have you finished lately?

Thursday 27 March 2014

March Beauty Favourites!

Another month is coming to an end and I have some products to share with you all that i've been loving. This month has pretty much been doing uni work, the end is very near which means the work load has been a bit intense. I've still managed to make a few pit stops to Boots here and there though! 
To start off I have a nail polish. I've been digging out some more Spring colours and one i've loved is an old favourite, Essie Tart Deco, the perfect pastel, orange, coral shade. A body product i've fallen in love with is the Sanctuary Body Moisture Creamy Body Oil, first off this smells amazing. Second it feels like an oil but is a body lotion, weird but it totally works. It leaves the skin feeling so moisturised. 
For skincare i've been trying out a new eye makeup remover; the Garnier Express 2 in 1 Eye Makeup Remover, this is really gentle on the eyes and removes makeup pretty well without leaving a residue behind. Another new addition is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo +, I haven't seen any dramatic differences but I think it has helped to make blemishes go that bit quicker. Finally i've been using The Body Shop Facial Massager, it helps to make my moisturiser sink it nicely and i've had less breakouts on my jawline and i'm pretty certain it is down to this.
Some base product favourites, the first being the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder, I normally don't like loose powders but this applied to the t-zone really helps to keep things in place all day. Under the eyes i've been loving the Bourjois CC Eye Cream, this is so light and hydrating yet has a decent amount of coverage for me. 
On the cheeks, most days i've been wearing the Topshop Cream Blushes. The first being Morning Dew, which is a fairly bright pink that really adds a glow to the skin. The other being Head Over Heels, the perfect coral colour which adds lots of warmth. 
I've been getting into wearing glosses more, my favourite has been the Maybelline Colour Sensational Shine Gloss in Gleaming Genadine, this feels lovely on the lips and is surprisingly pigmented. I definitely want to pick up more shades of these. For eyeshadow i've been using my MAC palette a lot. Two standouts have been Soba, a yellow toned brown with a slight sheen to it. This is hands down one of my all time favourite shadows. The other being Sketch, a lovely purple shade which is great for adding a bit of colour to a smokey eye.  

So those are this months beauty favourite, hopefully this month won't be too stressful and I will still have time to test out lots of beauty products. What have been your favourite products this month?

Tuesday 25 March 2014

Haul | Boots, Clinique, Origins, The Body Shop

So I may have made a late night trip to Boots to take one last advantage of their 3 for 2 last week (we were on our way to the cinema so it had to be done) and on Sunday we went to the York Designer Outlet and a made a few bargain purchases which I thought I would share today.
 So from that late night trip to Boots I came home with 3 lip products, totally not planned I promise. The first being on of the new L'oreal Liquid Lipsticks in Rose Symphony, i'm trying to get into wearing more glosses and so far I like this one. It is very glossy but wears well and the colour is a nice peachy pink. I've been loving matte lips lately so had to grab another one of the Revlon Matte Balms in Unapologetic, this is a great bright pink which will be getting a lot of wear in Summer. Finally I picked up one of the Maybelline Colour Sensational Shine Glosses in Gleaming Grenadine, i've heard such good things about these and I can see why. This feels like a balm on the lips yet packs a decent amount of colour without being sticky. I can see myself picking up more of these for sure. 
I finally picked up The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist, i've wanted to try this for so long, I like having a refreshing toner to use in the warmer months, especially in the morning. 
My favourite Origins moisturiser is coming to an end so when I spotted this set at the Cosmetics Company Outlet for £24 I couldn't resist. It comes with a full size High Potency Night A Mins moisturiser which has been on my wishlist for a while and a deluxe sample of the VitaZing SPF 15 moisturiser, which I love and this size will be perfect for travel.
The other product I got was the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Mightiest Maraschino, I got this for £11 instead of £17. I've wanted to try these for so long, and this shade is a lovely raspberry red colour. Expect a review on this one soon!

So that's everything I've bought in the past week or so, sometimes you just can't pass up on a good bargain, or two. What beauty purchases have you made recently?

Sunday 23 March 2014

Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash - Reviewed!

I think this product could definitely win an award for having the longest name, seriously what a mouth full! I've actually had this product for a few months and just haven't got around to reviewing it, when I was using it the other day I thought it was best I shared my thoughts on it. 
Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash
Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash
The packaging is nice, it comes in a bright orange tube which is easy to spot in my bathroom cabinet first thing in the morning when i'm not fully awake. Now I will say this product can be used everyday, personally I use it about 2-3 times a week because althought it is gentle I don't like to exfoliate my skin everyday.
Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash
Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash
The product is a yellow, orange shade with tiny grains in it. It has a lovely citrus scent to it which is very pleasant. Applied to dry skin it gentle exfoliates the skin without being harsh. Afterwards my skin feels soft, cleansed and appears to look brighter and less dull. I tend to use this in the morning as it really does wake up the skin. I don't find it to be drying either which is a big plus. I think this is a great affordable skincare find and would recommend it to anyone who finds their skin looking a little dull.


Have you tried this product?

Thursday 20 March 2014

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser - Reviewed!

So i've mentioned a few times that i've been preferring lighter bases recently and the NARS Tinted Moisturiser was definitely on my list to try after hearing lots of good things since it's release a few years ago. I finally got it and have been using it for about 2 months now so thought it was time to do a review. 
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
The packaging is very like every NARS product, black with white writing. The tube does have the ruberized feel to it although i've found that it doesn't pick up finger prints as easily as there compacts. You also get 50ml of product rather than the usual 30ml which is something to consider when looking at the price. 
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
NARS claim that if applied after your typical skincare routine it will give a 'sheer natural glowing finish'. I would definitely agree with this. The name tinted moisturiser always reminds me as something with barely any coverage, this is definitely not like that. It is almost like the coverage you get from a BB Cream.
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
As with all NARS bases the shade range for this is very good. There's a wide range of shades going from light to dark so you should be able to find a good match. I have the shade Finland Light 1, I believe that this is the lightest shade and it is fairly pale. It is yellow toned which I like as it helps to cancel out redness nicely. 
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
The coverage is definitely light but buildable, if applied with a brush in a stippling motion you can really build up the coverage. It covers redness well but I do need to dab a bit of conceal under the eyes and on blemishes. I love how natural it looks on the skin and it feels like you just have a moisturiser on. The wear time is okay, it is best when applied with a matte primer underneath and a bit of powder, I have oily skin so this is normal for me. 

All in all this is a lovely light weight base that looks natural and as a surprisingly good amount of coverage. It also has an SPF 30 so perfect for wearing in the warmer months. 


Have you tried this? What is your favourite light weight base?

Tuesday 18 March 2014

Bedside Table Essentials

So along with decorating my new room I finally have a proper bedside table (with a drawer!) where I can keep products to use just before I go to sleep. I thought I would share some of my essential products that I reach for before I go to bed.
HANDS & FEET:
Ever other night or so I try and use the Soap & Glory Heel Genius foot cream, I change up what cream I use, I go back to this one every now and then when I want something that is light on the greasy, non greasy but still moisturising. For hands i'm currently using The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Butter, this stuff smells so lovely and is really moisturising and again doesn't feel greasy on the skin. It feels surprisingly light to say it is a thick cream. 
SLEEP:
Sometimes I find I just can't switch off at night I use some products to hep me fall asleep. First is the This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, a few spritz on my pillow really helps to relax me. The other being the Origins Peace Of Mind, applied to the pressure points, wrists, behind the ears, again really helps to relax, it is also great to use when you're feeling anxious. Both of these really do help to have a good nights sleep.
LIPS:
Finally, an old favourite, the Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm, this is a really thick, matte balm which is a must have if you have dry lips. It really soothes the lips and gets rid of any dry patches. This pot lasts a surprisingly long time too which is an added bonus.

So those are my currently products to use before bed, I change up a few things but most of these are staples for me throughout the year. What products do you have on your bedside table?

Sunday 16 March 2014

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream - Reviewed!

So after trying out, and loving, the Bourjois CC Cream (review here) I of course had to see if the concealer to go with it was just as good. The fact that Boots currently have a 3 for 2 offer on at the moment was the perfect opportunity to put it to the test.
Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream
Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream
The packaging is in the style of a pen concealer but instead of a brush has a plastic applicator. I like this because I find it more hygienic since you can wipe the applicator clean. Bourjois claim that this concealer will 'conceal brighten and hydrate'.
Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream
The first thing I will say that this is a sheer concealer. If you are looking for a high coverage concealer this isn't the one for you. Instead if you want something that covers fairly well whilst feeling hydrating under the eyes it is perfect. It feels so light underneath the eyes had stays put all day without creasing. It looks very natural on the skin and definitely gives a brightening effect to the eye area. 
Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream
For me the only downside is when it comes to shade range, there are only two shades available; Ivory and Light Biege, I have Ivory and it works perfectly on my fair skin. I would say light to medium skintones will suit this concealer, others I think it will be too fair sadly. All in all it is a great under eye concealer when you want something that looks natural, brightens the eyes and stays put all day.


Have you tried this concealer?

Friday 14 March 2014

The Edit | The Spring Face

So we've finally started to see the first signs of Spring and like most beauty obsessed person i've been looking through my stash and digging out some Spring appropriate products, some old favourites, some new but i've put away the berry tones and brought out the coral. I thought I would share one of my go to makeup combinations with you today. 


BASE:
So i've been using the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer (review) a lot lately, it feels light on the skin but manages to keep whatever I put on top from sliding off my face whilst controlling oil. After i've applied that I moved onto the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream (review), this again feels light on the skin (I see a theme forming) whilst providing a decent amount of coverage and SPF 15. It covers redness really well too. If i'm having a spotty day I got in with the Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer, this has a high coverage but doesn't feel cakey. I prefer something lighter under the eyes so I use the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream, this has just enough coverage for me and looks very natural and brightening. To set everything in place i've been testing the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder, this just locks makeup in without feeling powdery. It controls oil seriously well. 
CHEEKS:
To add a bit of colour to the cheeks i've been using the NYC Sunny Bronzer, this is a light bronzer which adds just the right amount of bronze to the cheeks. For blush i've been loving the Topshop Cream Blushes, this one is Head Over Heels, a lovely coral colour, i've also been enjoying Morning Dew which is a bright pink. Applied lighter with finger tips add a nice bit of colour to the cheeks.
EYES:
Onto eyes, I've been applying the Clinique Chubby Stick for Eyes in Fuller Fudge all over the lid, blended out with the finger adds a nice bronzey colour to the eyes. If I fancy some more colour i've been using the cranberry shade in the Rimmel Brixton Browns Palette in the outer corners of the eyes. For mascara i've been using the L'oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara, not my favourite but does add some volume and length to the lashes. I forgot to photograph my go to brow pencil which is the L'oreal Super Liner Brow Artist in Blonde which I use all the time as it defines the brows nicely. 
LIPS:
Finally for lips i've been wearing the Maybelline Super Stay 14 Hour Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral, which as the name suggests, is a lovely pinky coral colour. This is a matte lipstick so I apply a little lip balm before hand to stop it being drying. 

So those are the products i've been reaching for to create a Spring appropriate face. Have you changed up your makeup recently, if so what products are you reaching for?
 

Wednesday 12 March 2014

Nivea Sensitive Micellar Water - Reviewed!

Whilst have a browse round Tesco's the other week I spotted this, I hadn't heard anything about it and since I have a thing about trying micellar waters I thought I might give it a go. I've been using it for about 2 weeks and felt it was time to give it a review. 
Nivea Sensitive Micellar Water
Nivea Sensitive Micellar Water
The packaging is simple and fit for purpose. Nivea claim this to be suitable for sensitive skin and I would definitely agree with that. I've had no irritation from using this and it hasn't aggravated any blemishes I have.
Nivea Sensitive Micellar Water
Applied with a cotton pad I find it removes face makeup very well without the need to scrub at the skin. It removes light eye makeup, I did find it would struggle with heavier eye makeup, mainly mascara. I tend to use a separate eye makeup remover anyways. There isn't a scent to this either which I like. All in all I think it is another great drugstore micellar water. I would say compared to others i've tried, it is better than the L'oreal version and equal to the Garnier one. It isn't as good as Bioderma but I a lot easier, and cheaper to get a hold of.

Nivea Sensitive Micellar Water retails for £3.99 for 200ml. (It seems to only be available at Tesco's at the moment). 

Have you tried Nivea's new micellar water?

Sunday 9 March 2014

Dressing Table Tour

As i've probably already mentioned a few times, we moved house and the beginning of February, which meant I needed to decorate my room again. For the first time ever I actually now have a decent sized bedroom which means I have space to have a dressing table. There's still some things I want to do to my room as a whole but i'm pretty happy with my dressing table area now so I thought I would share with you what it looks like. 
Pretty much everything is from Ikea, I decided to go for the MALM Dressing Table for the fact it has a built in drawer and also comes with a glass top. The chair is again from Ikea, I had a buffet before and decided I would prefer to have a proper chair, I bought a cushion to go on top to break up the white. I wanted a big mirror to go above the desk, I love the shape of this one and I find it helps to make this corner of the room look brighter. 
I like the top to not look too cluttered so I just have my mirror, my most used brush, muji drawers and a few skincare products. 
The palette holder I like but doesn't go so I will be on the hunt for something to replace that. The tray was a great find in Sainsbury's the other week, I love anything mint and polka dots so this was perfect for keeping odd bits on and my makeup bag which is from & Other Stories. 
My Muji drawers i've had for a while and still love. I've put my favourite lipsticks in the holder on top and organised each drawer into base, cheeks, eyes and lips. I plan on swapping out products in here so I use more products in my collection. The rest of my beauty products are stored in the 9 drawer ALEX unit, which if you're a beauty horder is a must have for storage.
The drawer is surprisingly big, so i've put my daily skincare, some palettes and other makeup bits I might want to use. I still need to find a good way to organise this drawer but for now it is doing the job. 

So that's my dressing table tour, i'm so happy with how it is looking. If you are thinking of getting the MALM dressing table I would definitely recommend it, not too hard to put together and feels very sturdy. Having somewhere nice to get ready in the morning makes getting up a little less difficult! I'm curious to know where you guys get ready in the morning and how you organise you products?