Wednesday 29 June 2016

The Summer Base

Before going to Copenhagen I was trying out a few different base combinations as I wanted something to last all day without me worrying about it getting oily or breaking down. I also didn't want to take a lot of makeup with me as I know when i'm away I don't like to spend a long time doing my makeup. I paired this two foundations together on a bit of a whim and I ended up loving the results. 
The Summer Base
The Summer Base
I love the L'oreal Infallible 24 HR Mattifying Foundation for when I want something matte and longwearing. If you have very oily skin this is an amazing foundation to use as it stays in place so well. I do find it to look a bit flat and too matte sometimes so I end up fixing it with something else to give more of a dewy finish. I often mix it with a BB Cream but for this time I mixed it with the Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation*.
The Summer Base
The Summer Base
The Collection foundation is a really great hidden gem. It gives such a lovely, slightly dewy finish to the skin. I find it gives a medium coverage and makes the skin look glowy. The wear time isn't the best if you're wearing for a long time on a hot day which is one of the reasons I decided to mix it with the L'oreal foundation. I've found when I mix equal measures of both these foundations together you get the best of the both in one. The L'oreal gives the coverage, matte and long lasting side and the Collection gives a glowy more natural finish to the skin. 

This combination together is a new favourite of mine and has become my go to for hot long days as it just lasts so well and gives such a nice finish. If you haven't tried mixing foundations together I would definitely recommend it. I first starting doing it since I struggled to find one foundation that matches the skin perfectly. 



Both of these foundations are definitely worth checking out and together they've become a really great combination. Do you mix foundations together? Have you found a combination that works really well?


Monday 27 June 2016

NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray - Reviewed!

I picked this up when I was in America last September and I mentioned it in my latest Shopping The Stash post as I decided to dig it out and give it another try since my first impression were that I didn't think it did much. In the products defence I think I only tried it a couple of times and gave up, so definitely wasn't a fair test. 
NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
The packaging is very simple and matches the all black with white lettering that NYX have. The spray bottle works really well and doesn't dispense too much product giving a wet face look. Instead it's a fine spray that settles into the skin quickly. When I first tried it I felt like I could feel it on my skin. After using it a few times I haven't had that feeling; my guess is I may have sprayed too close or was just having a bad skin day. After less than a minute I can't feel it on the skin and everything feels normal.  
NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
It claims to be lightweight and comfortable whilst making sure your makeup stays put. I've been trying this with a few different foundations and for all of them it definitely helped to keep things in place and stop my base going patchy. I also think it helps with oil control. I still get a little oily but it is a lot less than normal and it isn't very noticeable. I feel like I have less of a need to touch up because the spray definitely helps to keep looking as good as when you applied your base. 
NYX Matte Finish Makeup Setting Spray
The setting spray in a dewy finish formula if you aren't a fan of the matte look, although saying that I haven't found this one to make my skin look too matte or dry looking. I've been testing this out on long hot days and i've been really impressed with how it performs. I haven't found it to irritate the skin or cause any breakouts either. 

Now that I really like it i'm unsure why I didn't like it when I first tried it. I'm guessing it was just the way I was using it and I wasn't giving it a true test. Now I love it and use it most days when i'm wearing my makeup for a long amount of time. If you find you base doesn't stay in place and you get oily throughout the day I would definitely recommend giving this a try. It's also one of the cheaper setting sprays available which is an added bonus. 


Have you tried this? Do you use setting sprays, if so what are some of your favourites?

Friday 24 June 2016

June Beauty Favourites

This month I really had to think what products I have been loving this month since I was still loving a lot of the things from last month. I'm also writing this earlier than normal since whilst you read this i'll be in Copenhagen. After some thought I got together five things that i've really been enjoying. 
June Beauty Favourites
June Beauty Favourites
SKINCARE:
June Beauty Favourites
Superdrug Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser - £4.99 - This was a big favourite of mine for a long time and I hadn't used in a while since i've been trying other things. I decided to pick it up again when my currently cleanser had come to an end. It is really good value money since it lasts a long time and works well and cleansing the skin and removing makeup. It also makes the skin feel so smooth and clean. 
BASE:
June Beauty Favourites
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light* - £16.50 - This has definitely been my stand out favourite for this month and it's something i've been using everyday. It has an SPF30 and gives a nice tint to the skin that gives a natural glow to the skin. It also leaves a matte finish to the skin and makes a really good base for makeup. 
L'oreal Infallible 24HR Matte Foundation - £7.99 - I've been trying to figure out what foundation to take with me to Copenhagen and I think i've settled on this one. It is a medium to full coverage and gives a matte finish without looking cakey or heavy on the skin. My favourite thing about this is that it wears really well and I don't find it to go patchy or make my skin look oily by the afternoon. 
NAILS AND LIPS:
June Beauty Favourites

June Beauty Favourites
NYX San Paulo
Maybelline Super Stay 7 Days Nail Polish in Hot Salsa - £4.49 - At the start of the month it finally started to feel like Summer so I went into my nail polish drawer and dug out some brighter shades. This shade is a really nice red/coral that looks bright on the nails. I love this formula since it doesn't majorly chip and definitely lasts up to 7 days which is really impressive. 
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo - £5.50 - I managed my big love for the Soft Matte Lip Creams last month and it made me rediscover the first shade I got from the collection. San Paulo is the perfect mix between a pink and a plum colour and looks nice and vibrant on the lips without being too bright. 

So those are this months favourites which is mainly old favourites which i've rediscovered since were finally getting some nicer weather. When I get back from Copenhagen I definitely plan on having a bit of a beauty sort out so no doubt i'll discovering some more old favourites. What have been some of your beauty favourites this month?

Wednesday 22 June 2016

Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water - Reviewed!

I'm a big fan of the Garnier Micellar Water and it's a product I repurchase all the time. I've used oil based cleansers before and really liked them in the past as I find that they remove makeup really effectively. When I spotted it on offer I thought it was worth putting to the test. 
Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water
Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water
The packaging matches the original micellar water but you can clearly see the oil at the top of the bottle. Unlike the original micellar water this claims to remove even waterproof makeup without leaving a greasy feeling on the skin. To use the product you shake the bottle to mix the oil and the water together and then apply the product onto a cotton pad and remove your makeup. The product does start to separate fairly quickly so you may need to shake it couple of times as you are using it. 
Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water
Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water
The product has a really nice, calming scent which I don't find to be too overpowering. I always double cleanse and when I use the original one I still find there is some makeup left on my face, especially eye makeup. It is definitely more effective at removing heavy, waterproof makeup as the oil really helps to break everything down. It safe to use on the eyes and I haven't found it to irritate the skin. After using it I can feel some oil residue on the skin but this goes after a while and leaves to skin feeling nice and smooth. I follow up with a cream or balm cleanser although i've found during the second cleanse there isn't actually that much makeup left to remove. 

If you where full coverage or waterproof makeup I would definitely recommend this as it breaks everything down quickly and easily. For lighter makeup the original micellar water will work just as well. I think the Garnier micellar waters are some of the best available as well as being the best value for money. 

Garnier Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water retails for £5.99.

Have you tried this? What products do you use to remove waterproof makeup?

Monday 20 June 2016

June Empties

This month i've managed to use up a decent amount of haircare products which is a big deal for me since I tend to just use the same products. There's also some skincare products that have helped with my dehydrated, Winter skin. 
June Empties
HAIRCARE:
June Empties
John Frieda Sheer Blonde Moisturising Conditioner - My friend gave me this since she wasn't using it and I was surprised how much I liked it. It's a lightweight conditioner which left the ends of my hair feeling really soft. I'm not sure if it made a difference in maintaining the colour of my hair but I still found it worked really nicely. Repurchase? Yes. 
LUSH Daddy-O Shampoo - This is an old favourite of mine that I always dig out when i've just had my hair coloured. It smells like sweets and really helps to get rid of the brassy look in my hair. It's definitely the nicest purple shampoo i've used and it actually lasts a decent amount of time since you only really need to use it once a week. Repurchase? Yes. 
June Empties
Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - It wouldn't be an empties without this dry shampoo. I have found I don't use as much of these as i've got a haircare routine that means I only need to wash my hair every other day. I still love this for second day hair and I love the coconut scent. Repurchase? Yes. 
Aussie Miracle Recharge Colour Conditioning Spray - I love leave in conditioners since I find they really help to get the knots out of my damp hair. I love the smell of this and I think it's really helped to improve the condition of my hair. Repurchase? Yes. 
BODYCARE:
June Empties
The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter - I used to use this all the time and forgot how amazing this smells. The scent lingers on the skin more so than some of their other body butters. It's a good moisturising cream but is one I tend to use at night as it can be a little heavy. My favourite scent they do is the coconut so I think I go back to that one next. Repurchase? No. 
SKINCARE:
June Empties
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum - I picked this serum up when I wanted to try something new and I had heard a lot of good things about it. It is definitely a great serum for dehydrated skin as it feels so light on the skin. It does manage to hydrate the skin nicely and keep everything looking smooth. I thought the bottle wouldn't last that long but I got a good few months worth of use out of it. Repurchase? Yes. 
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads - I got these again after hearing a lot of good things about them. I found they were very gentle and good for sensitive skin. I didn't see a huge difference when I used theses but they did help with the texture of the skin. I find the Nip + Fab Glycolic Pads to give more visible results and they're cheaper. Repurchase? No.

So that's this months empties. Some old favourites as well as some newly discovered products that i've really enjoyed. Have you used up any of your favourite products this month?

Friday 17 June 2016

The Repurchased Skincare

I'm going to Copenhagen in a couple of days so I popped into Boots to get some travel bits, mainly a mini heat defence spray. I did end up having a browse to check out the new offers and somehow came out with some old favourites. 
The Repurchased Skincare
La Roche Posay Serozinc
La Roche Posay Serozinc - £8.50 - I remember discovering this when you could only buy it in France and loving it. Now you can easily get it in Boots and I would highly recommend it if you have oily, blemished skin. It is so refreshing and doesn't leave that wet feeling on the skin. It's a lovely toner that for me really helps with breakouts and oil control. 
Boots Cucumber Eye Gel
Boots Cucumber Eye Gel - £1.50 - This is a great, bargain product. I love using it in the morning as it's a light gel that feels cooling and refreshing. I really enjoy this in the Summer and my allergies always make my eyes dry. When I use this is gets rid of the dry, tight feeling around the eyes. 
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads - £12.99 - I am a big fan of these exfoliating but I do find them to be a bit pricey when they're not on offer. I finally spotted them on a half price offer and I had to get them again. My skin has been a bit temperamental with the weather changing so i'm glad to have these back in my routine. I use them in the evening and it leaves the skin smooth and brighter. I also find it helps with breakouts and any dry patches. 

So those are some skincare bits I picked up on a recent trip to Boots. Since my skin hasn't been the best i'm happy to have some old favourites back into my routine. These are all products that I love using and have repurchased a few times. What are some of your favourite skincare products that you always repurchase?

Wednesday 15 June 2016

Shopping The Stash #8

I realised I hadn't done a shopping the stash post in nearly a year so I thought I best do one. I had a big clear out at the start of the year but I have been finding that i'm reaching for the same products all the time so i'm looking forward to rediscovering some products i'd forgotten about. 
Shopping The Stash #8
Shopping The Stash #8
Shopping The Stash #8
NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray - I picked this up when I was in America and used it a couple of times then forgot about it. I think I didn't really notice a huge difference when using it so I thought I would dig it out and give it another go. I like the idea of setting sprays and since enjoying the Urban Decay version i'm hoping I like this one just as much. 
Shopping The Stash #8
Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Powder in Golden Tropics - When this came out I couldn't stop using it. As with all things I forgot about it when some new things came out but I thought i'd start using it again since it was such a good Summer product. The bronzer looks natural on the skin and the blush is a lovely peachy, pink shade. 
Collection Speedy Highlighter in Pearl Sheen* - I find I reach for highlighters more in the Summer and this is a big favourite of mine. It's creamy and the crayon style applicator is so easy to apply. It is such a nice shade in that it isn't glittery so looks so natural on the skin. When I saw this in my drawer I got excited to start using it again. 
Shopping The Stash #8
Seventeen Eye Eye Crayon in Molten Metal - I remembered how good this was when I did a brand focus on Seventeen. It's one of those products that easy to apply and you can blend it out which looks so nice paired with some black mascara. I don't hear much talk about these but they're a great hidden gem. 
Shopping The Stash #8
Shopping The Stash #8
L-R Creme Brulee, Peaches and Cream, Coral of The Story
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee and Peaches and Cream - I've been loving NYX products now they're stocked in one of my local Boots and it has made me rediscover the products I already have. I normally don't like glosses but these aren't sticky and have a really nice amount of pigment to them. Creme Brulee is the perfect nude shade and Peaches and Creams is a great pink. 
Wet n Wild Megaslicks Balm Stain in Coral of The Story - Another purchase I got in America. I remember buying this shade when it was nice and sunny in Washington but when I got home it was cold and I was reaching for the plum colours. The formula of these is very creamy and it's the perfect coral shade. Now it is Summer I can see myself getting a lot more wear out of this. 

I definitely need to getting into shopping my stash more often because most of these are old favourites of mine that I had actually forgotten about. Have you rediscovered any of your old favourites recently?

Monday 13 June 2016

Summer Beauty Essentials

It recently got a lot warmer and it's meant i've had to change up some of my skincare and makeup to keep my skin in check and stop me getting oily throughout the day. I tend to do this every Summer and a lot of the things this year are actual new favourites that i've discovered. 
Summer Beauty Essentials
Summer Beauty Essentials
FACIAL SPRAYS:
I love facial sprays in the Summer as they're so refreshing and get rid of that warm face feeling which I get very easily. A cheap option that sits on my desk is the Superdrug Vitamin E Refreshing Toning Mist. This feels moisturising on the skin so would be perfect if you've been out in the sun all day. The only downside is that it isn't a super fine spray so can leave you face a little damp. It is still a really great product and for the price and the amount of product you get it is worth checking out. A cult classic is the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I haven't had this for a couple of years and I got it in a set and i'm pretty excited to have it again this Summer. It is the finest spray i've found and has a herbal scent that is so calming. I'm going to take this on holiday for sure as it is the perfect spray to use on planes or whilst out and about. 
Summer Beauty Essentials
SETTING SPRAYS AND POWDER:
Setting sprays are new to me and I picked up the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray to see what the fuss was about. It's a fine spray so doesn't feel wet on the skin that you put on after you've finished your makeup. After using this with a few different bases and I definitely think it helps to keep everything in place as well as helping with oil control. It isn't going to stop you from getting super oily but definitely helps for those days where you're out for a long time. An old favourite that I rediscovered more recently is the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder which is really great. It's a very fine, white powder which you can't feel on the skin. It definitely helps my base to last longer and doesn't leave the heavy feeling. I've had this for a long time and it still is going strong so it's great value for money. 
Summer Beauty Essentials
BASE:
I new discovery is the Avene Hydrating Skin Perfector Light* which has an SPF30 as well as giving a nice tint to the skin. It leaves a matte finish and evens out the skin making a good base for foundation. I like the fact this is so comfortable on the skin yet is still giving you a decent sun protection. The L'oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation has been a big favourite of mine recently as it gives such a light and natural finish. I use a damp sponge to apply this which helps to give an even better finish. When I set this with the Vichy powder i've found it to last really well even on warmer days. Finally to add a natural glow I am still loving the Seventeen Skin Wow Concealer. This applies really easily onto the skin and gives the perfect, non glittery finish whilst still giving a good amount of coverage. 

So those are some of my Summer beauty essentials. I can already tell a most of these will be coming with my on holiday this month. What are some of your beauty essentials for the warmer months?

Friday 10 June 2016

Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light - Reviewed!

Summer is getting closer and as it gets warmer I don't like wearing heavy makeup, instead I prefer something that evens out my skintone and has a good SPF. When I heard about this new release from Avene it seemed to tick all the boxes so I had to try it. 
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light
The packaging matches the rest of the Avene range which I love. It is described as a light mattifying moisturiser for normal to combination skin which hydrates the skin and leaves a slight to tint to the skin. It also has an SPF 30 so will protect the skin as well. 
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light
When I first swatched the colour did seem a little dark but it blends out very easily and is a really good match for my skin. I think it would work well for both fair and medium skintones. Since it does have a some colour to it you only need a small amount of product to cover the face and it blends evenly into the skin. It leaves a matte finish on the skin which works really well on it's own or as a base to your foundation. For a more matte skincare product it doesn't feel dry and is very comfortable and does feel hydrating. 
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light
Avene Hydrating Skin Tone Perfector Light
If you have good skin this will be all you need to add some colour to the skin and evens everything out. I've found it covers redness well for me but I still need more coverage where I have breakouts. For that reason i've been loving using this as a base for my foundation since I need to use less product and it looks very natural. I love the fact that this has a really good SPF so you can use it to protect your skin but it is also it is going to give some coverage. The matte finish also means you don't feel like you're wearing an SPF and I don't find this gets oily or greasy throughout the day. 


I would really recommend this if you find facial SPF's to be a bit greasy or heavy on the skin and want a product that is going to protect, hydrate and even out your skin. I would definitely recommend Avene skincare product in general since they are perfect if you have skin that can be a bit sensitive. Have you tried this? What products are you using to protect your skin this Summer? 

*PR Sample

Wednesday 8 June 2016

What's In My Bag | Lip Products

I was going to do a what's in my bag post but since I just have the normal things in my bag at the moment I thought it would be more interesting to focus on just the lip products. I've been having a bit of a love for these nudey pink lipsticks and it's what i've been wearing all the time. I am going to try and start reaching for some brighter options but for now these have been the main lip products i've been wearing. 
What's In My Bag | Lip Products
What's In My Bag | Lip Products
What's In My Bag | Lip Products
Revlon Just Bitten Lip Crayon in Honey - £7.99 - Most of these are new purchases but this is one i've had in my stash and is something I dug out when I started wearing these shades. The balm consistency is very comfortable on and leaves a nice, natural colour to the lips. The wear time isn't the longest but it is so easy to reapply even without a mirror that it just a handy shade to have in my bag. 
NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Tea and Cookies - £6.50 - This is a newer purchase and one that I reach for when I want something that is longwearing. This takes a little while to get a good application but when it sets it is waterproof and even stays in place after a few too many coffees. The shade is a really good dusky pink which has a nice brightness to it.
NYX Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul - £5.50 - This is probably my favourite shade at the moment and formula. It is a matte lip that is very comfortable on and this shade looks so nice on. I've been loving these matte lip creams and I keep picking up more shades as the formula is nice with a fairly decent wear time. 
What's In My Bag | Lip Products
What's In My Bag | Lip Products
L-R Revlon Honey, NYX Tea and Cookies, NYX Istanbul, Rimmel Eastend Snob, Collection Liberty, Essence 07 Natural Beauty. 
Rimmel Lip Liner in EastEnd Snob - £3.99 - The lip liner that started the obsession. I'm now actually onto my second one since i've been wearing it pretty much everyday. I wear it alone and it comfortable but mostly as a base to any of these shades as it makes them last so much longer as well as make it wear evenly. 
Collection Deluxe Lipstick in Liberty - £3.99 - This shade is the most like your traditional nude shade and paired with the lip liner is so nice. For me it is the perfect nude lip and something I wear to work a lot as well as at a wedding recently. It looks natural and put together and it wears nicely. It is easy to top up as well without looking uneven. 
Essence Lipstick in 07 Natural Beauty - £2.30 - I feel like the brand Essence has some real stand out products that need more love and this lipstick is definitely one of them. The packaging does feel a little cheap but the formula of the lipstick is so creamy and applies nicely. This shade is beautiful and is very comfortable to wear. I'm yet to pick up another shade but I definitely plan on doing. 
What's In My Bag | Lip Products
All of these are firm favourites and I tend to switch between them all throughout the week. Now it is getting warmer I think I will start reaching for the brighter shades as I love natural makeup with a bright lip in the Summer. Do you find that you have lots of the same shade of lip products in your handbag? What are some of your favourite lip products at the moment?

Monday 6 June 2016

Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask - Reviewed!

I've had this mask sitting in my bathroom cabinet for a little while now and I don't know why it's taken me so long to use it; I think the name did scare me a little. I love brightening masks as they make such a difference in how the skin looks and feels. 
Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask
Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask
The packaging is very bright and definitely stands out; all the Bee Sting line have matching purple and yellow packaging. The product itself claims to increase blood circulation gently, plumping and firming the skin. It can also fill lines and make wrinkles appear smoother. The mask consists of four main ingredients. Propolis Extract which is a skin healer and is the restinous substance harvested by bees. Gransil which scatters incoming rays of light giving a matte look. AC Moisture Plex which helps the skin to retain moisture and improve the moisture balance. Instensyl which has a 3D lifting effect making the skin surface smoother. 
Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask
Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask
The mask has a sticky, gel like consistency which isn't overly noticeable on the skin. When you leave it on the skin it isn't painful which is something I was expecting it to be instead it is very comfortable to wear. I leave it on for about 15 minutes and then rinse it off with a flannel. Straight away my skin appears brighter and feels so soft and smooth. It doesn't feel drying or harsh on the skin and i've even found it to help with breakouts and scarring I have. I use it about once a week and i've really found it to make my skin look healthier. I think it would work well for all skin types but if your skin is very sensitive I would do a patch test to make sure you don't have a reaction to it. I've used more expensive masks that claim to give similar results and I would say this masks works just as well.


If you're into face masks and once that improve texture and appearance of the skin I would definitely recommend giving this mask a go as it is really effective. Have you tried this mask? What are some of your favourite NIp + Fab skincare products?