Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Nars Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

When it comes to eye primers, I have tried them all (or, that's how it feels!). I have oily skin and oily eye lids, which is quite a pain when it comes to shadows lasting! If I do not use an eye primer, the eye shadow will simply slide of my eyes within hours and crease like crazy, which is never a good luck!

The Nars Smudge Proof Eye shadow Base is THE best eye primer I have ever tried. It is the ONLY eye primer that keeps my eye shadows put all day. It is priced at £19.00 and comes in a lip gloss type of packaging with a wand applicator.

This primer stops cream and powder shadows from smudging, creasing and caking and is so lightweight and easy to blend. When I have used this primer, my shadows are much more pigmented and the colors more vivid, which is great.

Overall, if you too need to or like to use an eye primer, then this one is a must! Granted, it is not the cheapest, but its amazingness makes it worth every penny!

XOXO

KÉRASTASE CIMENT THERMIQUE

KÉRASTASE CIMENT THERMIQUE

I have been having bleach highlight in my hair now for nearly a year and for those of you that have had your hair colored or bleach you will know how this can take a toll on your hair. My hair had some breakage and so my hair stylist recommended the Ciment Thermique by Kerastase.

This product is £14.10 and is available from your selected salons or http://www.lookfantastic.com. Kerastase Ciment Thermique is the first heat-activated reconstructor milk for weakened hair. This product strengthens the hair fibres internally, smoothing the hair from root to tip. This product is specially developed to use with heat, so applying heat to the hair increases the effect of this product and allows this product to essentially do its magic! Since using this product, my hair i much more smoother and noticeably more stronger!

I apply a walnut sized amount of this product to my towel dried hair, concentrating on the ends and then blow dry. This product smells great and does not leave your hair feeling sticky and does not weigh the hair down. An amazing hair treatment and the improvement in my hair over the last few months as been impressive, and I owe it all to this product! Would definitely recommend.

XOXO

My Favourite Neutral MAC Eyeshadows

My Favourite Neutral MAC Eyeshadows

When it comes to eye shadows, nobody can do it quite like MAC. I have been a huge fan of MAC shadows for many years and they are a staple product for most make up artists, me included!Today, I have selected 6 of my favourite 'Neutral' eye shadow shades from my MAC palette.

Top; without flash, bottom; with flash

• SHALE - My most recent eye shadow that I have bought from MAC is 'Shale'. This has a satin finish and what I would describe as a brown/purple/grey shade. Not a dark or even extremely pigmented shade, but a great lid or crease colour. I personally think this looks great on people with pale skin.
• KID - This is one of my most used shades. In the pan it doesn't look very exciting, but this shade is a great crease colour when I just want a little bit of definition. This shadow is a beige/taupe colour and has a matte finish. A very useful shadow to have in your palette! Great for those with pale skin.
• WOODWINKED - A beautiful warm gold/bronze with a pearl finish. Looks great on all skin tones but particular darker skin tones. I love to wear this alone all over the lid and under the eye. Stunning!
• BLACKBERRY - This shade is matte burgundy/plum/brown shade. I love to wear this shade on the lower lash line and blended in the outer corners of the eyes for a soft smokey eye. A lovely shade and the burgundy/purple undertone gives it that added pop!
• NYLON - This shade is the perfect highlight shade for me. It is i a pale gold/champagne shade with a frost finish. I love to wear this shade in the inner corner of my eye and under my brow bone. Looks great on all skin tones.
• SABLE - This is a go to shade for me when I want a soft smokey eye. It is a gold/bronze with a plum undertone and a frost finish. I love to wear this shade through the crease, in the outer corners of the eyes and on the lower lash line. A lovely shade and I find it really compliments my blue eyes.

I could have chose lots more neutral eye shadows as I have ALOT and love them all, but these are the ones that I use more often. MAC eye shadows are amazing quality and are just £10.00 each and fit lovely into the MAC Pro palettes. 

XOXO

Sisley Cleansing Milk with Sage

Sisley Cleansing Milk with Sage

I don't often use milk cleansers, but this was an impulse buy whilst at an airport recently. I was able to buy a smaller 100ml size, which was useful as the full size (250ml) retails at a hefty £63.00. Sisley is a 'very' luxurious and high priced brand but I have tried a few of their products and they're always amazing.

This cleanser is specially formulated for oily/combination skin, but as it is a milk cleanser, it doesn't dry the skin out at all. The formula eliminates sebum secretions in combination to oily skin and the skin feels instantly clean and smooth. This cleanser does a brilliant job at removing all my makeup and it did not break my skin out all.

Overall, is this a brilliant cleanser? yes! Would I buy this again? Probably not! Although this cleanser is brilliant, there are more cheaper cleansers on the market. If you do not mind splurging on skincare then do give this one a try but in my honest opinion there are similar products out there that are just as good and won't break the bank!

XOXO

REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser

REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser

A new addition to my skincare has been the REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser. This cleanser was mentioned by the amazing Caroline Hirons in her skincare blog and I knew I had to have this. This cleanser is priced at £18.00 for 200ml and I purchased mine from http://www.renskincare.com.

This cleanser  is a brilliant cleanser for those with blemish prone skin and does a good job at really cleaning the pores and soothing the skin. This cleanser contains french clay that absorbs excess oil and purifies the skin and Zinc Gluconate that reduces the production of sebum, so if you are someone who has oily skin like myself, this cleanser will be your savoir!

Since using this cleanser I can honestly say that my skin has been so much clearer and the congested areas I had around my jaw line are almost non existent. Although this cleanser absorbs oil, I love that it doesn't leave my skin felling tight and dry. After using this cleanser, my skin feel soft and smooth and fully prepped for my makeup.

Overall, and amazing cleanser and one of the best cleansers I have used. I usually find cleansers targeted at blemish prone skin too drying and harsh on the skin but this one is just amazing. I find that it really targets any active breakouts and soothes and nourishes the skin. The difference in my skin since using this cleanser is pretty unbelievable and I cannot see myself using any other cleanser now!

XOXO

New L'Oreal Infallible 24H Foundation

New L'Oreal Infallible 24H Foundation

So, whilst shopping recently, I picked up the L'Oreal Infallible 24H Foundation. This foundation was £9.99 and I chose the shade Golden Beige, which is a pretty good match. This foundation comes in around 8 shades, which isn't a fantastic selection and they don't seem to have any shades for dark skinned ladies, which is a little disappointing!

Packaging wise, I cannot fault. It is nothing exciting but practical, which for me is most important. This foundation comes with a pump (Hooray!) and has a glass bottle with a plastic lid. This foundation claims to provide 24 hour wear and high coverage. This foundation does provide excellent coverage and conceals my redness and blemishes with ease. In terms of 24 hour wear!? I am not so sure! This foundation does last a LONG time, alot longer than most foundations, but it definitely does not last 24 hours on my oily skin!

Overall, I like this foundation alot! It provides excellent coverage but does not look or feel 'cakey' or heavy on the skin. It gives my skin a subtle glow and leaves it feel quite moisturised but not overly shiny. I do need to set this foundation, but this is the case with most foundations as my skin becomes oily throughout the day.

Anybody else tried this foundation?!?! If so, please comment below and let me know what you think!
XOXO

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner

I am a 'huge' eyeliner wearer and always wear some sort of eyeliner on my eyes, whether it be liquid, gel or kohl pencil. I recently picked up the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner whilst at my local Boots store and have been trying out this product for over a week now. It is priced at £13.00 and comes in 12 awesome shades and I opted for 'Intense Black'.

Packaging wise, this liner comes in a sleek, black pen like container and has a 'felt tip' like nib. This is a waterproof eye liner and I can say that this is definitely true. I have oily lids and struggle to get liners to sit nicely all day on my eyes, but this one did just that! 

The felt tip/marker like nib makes application incredibly easy. The nib applies the liner smoothly to eyes and allows you to create a sharp,fine line or build up for a more dramatic bold line. The formula itself is pretty brilliant. It is super pigmented, which I LOVE and has a lovely glossy finish that looks neat and flawless on the eyes.

Overall, this is by far the BEST liquid eyeliner I have used. It is super pigmented, lovely to wear and stays on the eyes a long time, what more you could you ask for!? If you too are a huge fan of liquid liner, definitely give this one a try, you wont regret it!

XOXO

My Favourite 'Everyday' Lipsticks

My Favourite & Most Loved Everyday Lipsticks

I have been loving lipsticks lately and decided to do a post on my top 5 most loved and most used 'everyday' lipsticks. During the day I tend to wear pink, nude and coral shades and usually nothing too bright or bold (unless I am feeling super brave!).

One of my 'all time' favourite lipsticks is definitely by Nars in the shade Niagara. This shade is the perfect coral-pink with a light sheen and amazingly comfortable to wear. I am a huge fan of Nars lipsticks and this one as been a favourite of mine for a long time. I love to wear this shade during the day and it looks amazing when I have a light tan! 

From left to right; Nars - Niagara, Bobbi Brown - Pink Kiss, Mac - Angel, Revlon Lip Butter - Sorbet &  Mac - Costa Chic

A newbie for me and already a staple in my make up bag is Pink Kiss by Bobbi brown. This shade for me is the perfect nude! I am not a fan of brown based nudes and usually opt for pinky nudes. This is the perfect pastel pink/nude. This shade is limited edition I believe so I need to stock up pronto!!!!

The third shade (as shown in the swatches above), is a classic by MAC and it is the shade Angel. This is a shade that I come back to time and time again. It is a pale rosy pink that is creamy on the lips and leaves a natural sheen with no shimmer. On my lips, this is the perfect pinky/nude shade and I reach for this shade ALOT when I am opting for a natural make up look during the day.

The next shade is alot brighter that the rest and it is the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in the shade Sorbet. This is a lovely raspberry pink shade that is quite sheer so not too bold for an everyday look. I love to wear brighter pinks in the spring and this formula is so hydrating and comfortable to wear, aswell as being super affordable!

Lastly is one of my favourite coral shades and it is Costa Chic by MAC. This is a lovely frost light coral shade that is perfect for everyday wear as it isn't too bright and is very wearable. Frosty lipsticks aren't my favorites but as long as you do not pack on tons of this one it is fine! Beautiful for spring and a shade I love in the summer when I have a light tan.

XOXO

My Battle With 'Acne' and How I Achieved Clear Skin

How I Overcome Acne and How I Maintain Clear Skin

If you are reading this, you are maybe going through a rough time with your skin and are feeling pretty defeated!? I know! I have been there. I developed acne when I was around 21 and it stuck around for a few years and now I have finally (fingers crossed!) overcome it and my skin is pretty much clear.There a various factors than can cause and effect acne but in this post I am just going to focus on the products that I used to control my breakouts and what changes I made to my diet that helped. 

MY SKINCARE ROUTINE

I tried various products and did tons of research to find out what works for my skin and I came up with a simple yet effective skincare regime which really helped clear my skin up.I have oily skin but I have learnt not to be afraid to use moistursing and oil based products on my skin. I cleanse EVERY morning and evening, in the evening with The Clinique Take the Day off Cleaning balm and in the morning with the REN EverCalm Clay Cleanser. Both these cleansers are gentle on my skin yet effective at removing ALL my makeup. I always cleanse my skin with a clean washcloth and warm water.

I then like to DOUBLE tone. I firstly like to use a acid toner; my favourite being the Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Toner. I  then go in with a hydrating, antibacterial toner, such as the La Roche Posay Serozinc or the Lush Tea Tree Water. Both of these are brilliant and effective and really affordable. I will then usually keep things simple and finish off with a face oil or moisturiser. My new favourite at the moment is the ESPA Balancing Face Treatment Oil which really leaves the skin feeling hydrated and soothed. 

I like to use treatments on my skin a couple of times a week. I have no particular routine when it comes to this, I just use treatments when my skin needs it or I have time. I like to use a face mask once a week and the one I have been using for a while now is the GLAMGLOW Supermud Clearing Treatment. This is a fantastic mask for really lifting all the gunk from the pores and giving your skin that thorough clean, to help avoid breakouts.

I also use Alpha H Liquid Gold once a week to really exfoliate and smooth the skin. I suffer with dark spots left behind from acne so the Liquid Gold really helps with this along with the Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator. 

I have done thorough reviews on each product mentioned above on my blog so if you are interested in knowing more above the products please refer to there. I cant go in to too much detail on every single product otherwise this post would be far too long.

DIET AND SUPPLEMENTS

• Drink plenty of Water. I cut out fizzy drinks almost completely and I try and always drink at least a litre of water a day.
• Exercise. I starting to do some light jogging and running and partake in yoga and spinning classes weekly.
• Supplements. I like to take multi-vitamins, pro-biotics and Pure Omega 3 Fish Oil.
• Eat Clean. I have tried to cut out as much rich, sugary and fried food as possible. I still have the odd treat of course, but I have incorporated much more fruit and vegetables in my diet.

If any of you guys would like any more info about any of the products listed above then please comment below and I will be happy to help :)

XOXO

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser

Alpha H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera

Those of you who follow my blog will know I have a slight obsession with skincare products and I am always on the look out for the 'next best thing'.

I had previously tried the Alpha H Liquid Gold and was impressed so decided to try another product of theirs, that being the Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera. This cleanser is£23.00 for 200ml and I purchased it from http://www.beautybay.com.

This cleanser is a gentle, creamy cleanser that is suitable for all skin types. I like to use this cleanser in the morning and I find it leaves my skin feeling clean without being too drying. This cleanser gently removes impurities whilst balancing and hydrating the skin. This product leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft and doesn't leave the skin feeling 'tight' like some balancing cleansers often do.

Packaging wise? Nothing special, yet practical! The cleanser comes complete with a pump, which is always handy for use in the shower. Overall, a lovely gentle cleanser that I think will be great for those with even the most sensitive of skins. If I am totally honest; probably not a product that I will repurchase again as I wasn't 'blown away', but I wasn't disappointed either.

XOXO

Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour

Laura Mercier Metallic Creme Eye Colour

I purchased one of the lovely Metallic Creme Eye Colours from Laura Mercier this month, and I am so glad I did. A lightweight, non greasy formula, this is a great cream eye shadow that glides on the eye and does not crease.

The packaging I love, it is small, compact and lightweight and would easily fit in any makeup bag or handbag. At £19.99/$23.00, this product is maybe a little pricey, but it is an awesome eye shadow and well worth the investment. These eye shadows come in 8 amazing metallic shades and I opted for the shade 'Platinum'. This eye shadow glides onto the eyes effortlessly and has a lovely shimmery finish. I like to apply a little of the product to the lid with my finger but you can build up the product for a more vivid/opaque colour.

As you can see from the swatch above if you layer this product (this is quite a thick layer), you get a really opaque colour with a lovely sheen. When built up, this product shows more of a rose gold shade but when applied sparingly to the lid the colour is more of a champagne/light pink shade, very similar to Naked Lunch by Mac or Kitten by Stila.

I have quite oily eye lids and I found that this product stayed alot better than a powder eye shadow would on my lids. It did not crease, which is a huge bonus and did not fade too much throughout the day either. Although a little pricey, you really only need to use the tiniest amount on the eye so this small tube would last a heck of a long time! Great product and I am looking forward to trying another shade from this collection, possibly the shade 'Alloy'.

XOXO

Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack

Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack

I am a big fan of eye creams and they are a huge part of my skincare regime. I have several eye creams and I am always trying out new ones on the market. Lately, alot of the more 'affordable' brands have been putting some really brilliant eye creams out there, one of them being the Puffy Eye Attack from Soap and Glory.

This eye cream, or should I say more of a 'eye gel', retails at just £12.50 for 14ml, and is pretty awesome for those looking for a more affordable eye treatment. This eye treatment contains Botanical Peptides and Oxyginseng Technology that help to de-puff and reduce dark circles, and I have noticed a difference since using this eye cream.

Consistency wise, this eye cream is more of a 'gel' consistency that melts into the skin effortlessly and doesn't feel 'heavy' on the skin. I suffer from dry patches occasionally under my eyes, and this eye cream I find keeps my skin really hydrated, which in turn makes my concealer glide on much more smoothly.

Overall, this eye cream is affordable and does everything an eye cream should. It de-puffs and firms the skin under the eye, reduces dark circles and makes the skin much more smoother and hydrated. Is this the best eye cream I have ever used? No! But it is a brilliant eye cream for anyone that doesn't want to pay the 'hefty' price tag that some have and still get pretty amazing results! Would definitely recommend.

XOXO

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

I don't often blog about haircare and what products I have tried and tested, but I am very much into haircare and always trying new products. One product I have tried and continue to use today is the Super Skinny Serum by Paul Mitchell. I first purchased this serum a few years ago, as recommended by my hairdresser and I have used ever since.

This serum is £17.95 for 150ml and is available from http://www.lookfantastic.com. Not the cheapest hair serum, I know, but this product does last a long time and in my opinion, worth every penny! 

I have long hair, that is not quite straight but not quite curly, but definitely 'frizzy'. I could never let my hair air dry and be good to go, although that would be a dream come true for me. I have my hair colored regularly, which probably doesn't help things, but this serum has been my savior! You can use this serum on wet or dry hair and it smells divine!!

It is a lightweight serum, so wont weigh your hair down and leaves your hair soft, shiny and amazingly smoother! This serum penetrates deep into the hair shaft where it displaces water, greatly reducing drying time, which is a bonus for me! This serum is in a sleek, plastic bottle with a pump and 1-2 pumps is all you need to use! 

Overall, an amazing hair serum. I have tried countless different hair serums and this is one that I go back to time and time again and will continue to do so until I find something that is better or even equally as good. A fantastic product and brilliant for anyone with frizzy, unruly hair like me!

XOXO

ESPA Balancing Face Treatment Oil

ESPA Balancing Face Treatment Oil

If you have visited my blog before, you probably would have noticed I post ALOT about skincare and new skincare products I have discovered. I am a huge advocate for 'looking after your skin' and love to read Caroline Hirons Blog regularly! If you haven't yet heard of Caroline Hirons, definitely check her out! She is a very successful skincare expert and blogger and her advice and recommendations have worked wonders for my skin!

Anyway, Caroline Hirons highly recommends using face oils on your skin, even if you have oily skin like me! I have always been afraid of using 'oil' on my skin, as I thought that this would just make my skin more oily and cause breakouts, this is NOT the case!

I shopped around for a face oil that would cater for my specific needs. As I have oily skin which is often congested and prone to breakouts, I wanted something that would help combat these problems! Whilst shopping around, I came across the 'ESPA Balancing Face Treatment Oil'. 

If you have not heard of ESPA before, it is an amazing skincare brand that is used in many Spas and Salons and sold in many department stores, such as; Harvey Nichols and John Lewis. Alternatively, you can purchase their products online at http://www.espaskincare.com and they even now have an American website. A note to all, ESPA products are not for those on a budget and alot of their products are extremely costly! Their Balancing Face Treatment Oil retails at a hefty £53.00 for 28ml, but I can honestly say this product is worth the investment!

ESPA have numerous oils that cater for different skin types. The Balancing Face Treatment Oil is a purifying face oil that helps balance and hydrate oily skin. This face oil is suitable for those with oily, combination and congested skin types. This face oil is formulated to restore equilibrium to stressed, congested or dehydrated oily skin, without blocking pores. 

This face oil as really helped clear my skin up and my skin is noticeably smoother and less congested. As strange as it sounds, this oil leaves my skin feeling less oily but yet thoroughly hydrated. There is no denying that this product is VERY pricey, but a couple of drops is all you need, so I have a feeling that this product would last me a long time! I also have to mention the packaging as it is to die for!! It looks amazing on the bathroom counter and is in a glass bottle with a marble top, very chic, but probably not the best for travelling!

Sorry this is such a long post and apologies for rambling but I really could say alot more about this product as it really is amazing! If you are looking for a face oil, have similar skin type to myself and this is in your budget, definitely check this one out!

XOXO

New Bobbi Brown Lip Color in 'Pink Kiss'

Bobbi Brown Lip Color in 'Pink Kiss'

Whilst at my local Bobbi Brown counter this week, I was swatching some lip colors when I spotted a new shade on display, in the shade 'Pink Kiss'. I swatched this shade and it was a beautiful pinky/nude shade that I thought would be great for everyday wear.

Bobbi Brown lip colors retail at £19.00 and come in 30 shades. The packaging of these lipsticks are lovely, in a black and gold glossy container. Bobbi Brown describe the shade 'pink kiss' as a bright pastel pink, but I would describe it more as a pinky/nude, or that is how it wears on me at least!

This lipstick provide full coverage, that can be sheered out if desired and has a semi-matte finish. I do find that if your lips are a little on the dry side, this lipstick can emphasize that, so make sure your lips are well moisturised first! This lipstick has a subtle shine and I prefer to wear this shade alone for a 'played down' natural lip during the daytime.

If you are like me, and prefer a pinky/nude over a brown/nude and you are a fan of MAC'S Angel lipstick, you are going to love this shade! A lovely lipstick and I am very happy with this buy!

XOXO

THE BODYSHOP CAMOMILE GENTLE EYE MAKE UP REMOVER

The Bodyshop Camomile Gentle eye Make up Remover

Just a quick post, to let you guys know of ANOTHER awesome product I have found from The Bodyshop. I must say, I have been a fan of The Bodyshop for years now, but they have been wowing me lately with some of their new products!

My favourite skincare blogger, Caroline Hirons, mentioned this product and I knew that I had to try it, so whilst in The Bodyshop recently, I snapped this up! It was just £8.00, for a generous 250ml, which is amazing! This particular eye make up remover, is designed for those with sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, like myself! 

For some reason, I expected this to be a cream formula, but it is actually a liquid. I love that it doesn't leave that 'greasy' residue that so many eye makeup removers leave behind. It left the skin around my eye area very soft and didn't irritate the skin at all.

In terms of its power of removing eye makeup, I would say it is 'Good'. It removes my eyeshadow, eye liner and mascara easily enough, but it struggles somewhat to remove any heavy duty eyeliner or waterproof mascara. I don't wear waterproof mascara, unless going to an event or a party, so this is a great eye makeup remover for me for everyday use!

Overall, a lovely, affordable eye make up remover and definitely worth checking out!

XOXO

Bobbi Brown Apricot Powder Blush

Bobbi Brown Apricot Powder Blush

I recently purchased a Bobbi Brown blusher in the shade Apricot. I was swatching some shades at the Bobbi Brown Counter and this particular one just stood out to me. It looks like a bright, apricot/pink shade in the pan, but when applied with a light hand and blended in, it gives the most beautiful natural flush to the cheeks.

Bobbi Brown blushes retail at £19.00 and comes in a sleek, flip top compact that has a transparent top, so you can easily see what shade you are choosing. The blushes can also be removed from the pan and assembled into one of Bobbi Browns customisable palettes.

I believe this blush would work on most skin tones. I have light/medium skin and this shade looks beautiful on the apples of my cheeks. If you have fair skin, this blush would look equally amazing, just maybe be a little light handed and if you have dark skin, this blush would give a natural flush to the cheeks, and look amazing!

This shade is a bright apricot/pink shade that has a matte finish. It is a silky formula, that glides onto the skin easily and blends amazingly well. This formula provides long-lasting wear, and even lasts a good while on my oily skin. 

Overall, a beautiful and versatile shade and a blush that I will definitely get alot of wear out of. So happy with this buy and if you guys haven't tried this shade, definitely give it a go, you wont be disappointed.

XOXO

The Bodyshop Aloe Lip Care

The Bodyshop Aloe Lip Care

I thought I would do a quick post dedicated to the amazing new lip product I found from The Bodyshop. I purchased the Aloe Lip Care last week for just £5.00 and it has worked miracles on my lips.

I have been running lately in the evenings, and the cold weather has really taken its toll on my lips. I was trying some of the lip balms that I had lying around but none of them seemed to be working. Whilst in The Bodyshop, the assistant recommended this product to me.

It comes in a squeezy tube with an applicator at the end and is fragrance, colour and alcohol free. I knew I was going to love this from the first moment I tried it. As soon as you apply to the lips, it leaves your lips looking and feeling incredibly soft, without being sticky or greasy.

This lip balm is designed to soothe and condition very dry lips and it is suitable for those with the most sensitive skin. This lip care as transformed my lips and did so within a couple of days. An amazing product and I will definitely be repurchasing.

XOXO

St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

I have light/medium skin but when I am going to an event or out for the evening, I often like to self tan. I have used St Tropez since I was in my teens and I love their products and find them incredibly easy to use.

If I am going to an event I will usually opt for a professional St Tropez spray tan at a salon, but most of the time I apply the tan myself. I use the St Tropez Bronzing Mousse, as I find it more easy to apply than the lotion or spray and always get an event, streak free finish.

I buy my St Tropez from http://www.boots.com and it is £30.50 for 240ml. I apply my tan with a mitt and like to spray the mousse onto the mitt and work into my skin. The tan itself leaves a slight guideline when you apply it so you can see what areas you have done easily enough. The tan dries on the skin within a couple minutes and develops over a few hours. I personally like to sleep in self tan and shower off in the morning, as I believe you get a much more deeper tan.

Before I apply my tan, I always shower and exfoliate, focusing on knees, elbows, hands and feet. This ensures that the tan will apply evenly and avoid the tan appearing patchy on dry areas. In terms of fragrance, St Tropez has a floral scent, but I personally can still smell the tell tail 'self tan' scent, but that doesn't bother me as once you have rinsed off it is not an issue.

Overall, I have tried so many self tanning products on the market, some high end and some drugstore, but St Tropez is the brand I have gone back to time and time again. This product isn't cheap, but you get a lovely, more natural looking even tan, so for me, that's money well spent!

XOXO

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

I am a big fan of Balm Cleansers and I use a balm every evening for a thorough cleanse. In my opinion, balm cleansers do a much better job at removing all your makeup at the end of the day, without drying your skin out. One of my all time favourite cleansers is the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm, and I didn't think I would love anything quite as much, until I tried this one from Clinique!

I purchased the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm a couple of weeks ago and I have been using it everyday since. It costs £21.00 for 125ml, which is a steal compared to some of the other high end balm cleansers on the market. This balm is unscented and suitable for the eye area, so you can use to remove your eye makeup also, which is a bonus!

This cleanser is suitable for all skin types and I find it works really well on my oily skin. I only this cleanser in the evening and it removes all my makeup so well, there is no need to double cleanse. It leaves my skin feeling super soft and smooth and not too oily or too dry. 

This cleanser is a really thick balm in the tub, also wax like, but once you apply to the skin, it dissolves into a soft, silky fluid. Overall, I will definitely be repurchasing this product again. I think I may even like this cleanser more than my Emma Hardie one, which I didn't think was ever possible.

Clinique Long Last Lipstick

Clinique Long Last Lipstick

Over the Valentines Day period, Clinique were offering an excellent promotion that if you spent over £40.00 you received a free eye makeup remover and one of their Long Last Lipsticks in the shade All Heart.

These lipsticks usually retail at £17.00 for 4g and are available in 22 shades. These lipsticks are a long wearing, creamy matte formula that don't feather on the lips or dry out. These lipsticks are also unscented, which I personally prefer.

This particular shade 'All Heart' I would decsribe as a pinky-red with a soft shine. This lipstick wears really well on the lips and even stayed on my lips after eating and drinking at lunch. Some long lasting lipsticks can often be quite drying on the lipsticks, but this lipstick is really quite moisturising and glides on easily leaving a soft shade.

This lipstick as sheer/medium coverage I would say, but it can be built up if you require a bolder look. I think this shade is perfect for those who do not feel comfortable wearing a bold red shade, as this is much softer and easier to wear. As I said earlier this shade is a pink shade but looks almost red when applied on my lips.

Overall, I think this is a really nice lipstick. I don't think I would repurchase or buy another colour from the range, I would much prefer to invest in a Nars or a Mac lipstick, but still, a lovely product.

XOXO

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

I purchased the High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara a couple of weeks ago from my local Clinique counter. When I choose mascaras, I often opt for ones that have 'volumising' benefits, as my lashes are long but lack thickness.

This mascara costs £17.00  for 10ml and opted for the shade 01, Extreme Black. From the first time I tried this mascara out, I knew I was going to love it. It leaves a glossy finish to the lashes and lasts all day! Most importantly, this mascara does what it promises to do. It It instantly makes the lashes appear ultra-thick and voluminous and the brush makes application extremely easy.

The brush on this mascara is quite a large brush and perfect for creating thickness and volume. It has plastic bristles, which really help to separate and define the lashes and does not clump. This product is ophthalmologist tested and is perfect for those with sensitive eyes or contact wearers (like myself).

Overall, a lovely mascara and I am very impressed. I have tried a couple of Clinique mascaras and they have all been lovely, but this one is by  far my favourite.

XOXO

Estee Lauder - Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

Estee Lauder - Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator

I have been using the Estee Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator for around 4 months ago and thought I would write a quick post to let you all know my thoughts on this product! This serum isn't cheap and is £48.00 for 30ml but when I read about this product I was so intrigued, I knew I needed to try it!

Firstly, the packaging is flawless! Beautiful, with a gold shiny top and a pump, which is always a plus! I purchased this product as a few months back when I had a 'bad' skin breakout and was left with alot of blemish marks on my cheeks which didn't seem to be going anywhere. This fast-acting serum claimed  to significantly improve the look of uneven skintone, including; blotchiness, blemish marks, dark spots and discoloration, so it seemed perfect!

This product is oil free, dermatologist tested, ophthamologist tested and non acnegenic, so is great for all skin types, even those with acne prone and sensitive skin. This serum smells amazing and when I have applied, it leaves my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth.

I have been using this product now for around 4 months and I have definitely noticed a difference with my blemish marks and my skin as been noticeably clearer, even so much that some days I can wear  this product alone and my skin looks great. 

I apply this product morning and evening, before I apply my moisturiser and it gives the skin the most amazing glow! I love to wear this particularly in the morning before I apply my foundation as it gives my skin a lovely luminous finish. 

This product is pricey, but my skin seems to be loving it and the improvement as been incredible. People have commenting on how radiant my skin looks when I have used this product and often ask what foundation I am using, when it is actually this serum giving my skin a 'glow'.

If you are looking for a serum that is going to help with uneven skintone and leave you skin soft, smooth and radiant, definitely give this one a go. I have been sold and will definitely be repurchasing when I have run all out!

XOXO

The Bodyshop Vitamin E Eye Cream

The Bodyshop Vitamin E Eye Cream

I have tried dozens of eye creams over the years, some impressive, some a waste of time and money. When it comes to eye creams, I was starting to believe that only the high end brands had got it right, until I tried this beauty from The Bodyshop.

A friend of mine recommended that I try the Vitamin E Eye Cream from The Bodyshop. This eye cream costs £10.00 for 15ml, which is great in comparison with some of the 'overpriced' ones on the market today. This product is one of their best sellers in the Vitamin  E line and after using this for only a few weeks, I can see why.

I suffer with moderate dark circles, occasional puffiness and although I have oily skin, my undereye skin area can become dry from time to time. I often look for a moisturising and refreshing eye cream that is going to help reduce puffiness and overall make my eye area appear more radiant. 

This eye cream promises to hydrate skin in the eye area, reduce appearance of fine lines, reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles and leave skin feeling soft and smooth. After using this product for a few months I can say that this eye cream leaves the skin under my eyes so smooth and soft, which makes my concealer apply so much more flawlessly! I have had no 'dry' patches under my eyes since using this product and the skin feels soft and hydrated. My 'puffiness' as definitely reduced since using this eye cream and some high end eye creams I have tried have failed combat this, so this I was impressed with! I don't suffer from many fine lines just yet, but I can see them starting to creep up, so although I cannot vouch that this eye creams 'improves the appearance of fine lines' I can say that it delivers in all the other areas.

Overall, at just £10.00 this product is AMAZING! The packaging is a lightweight, compact tube which makes it perfect for travelling or throwing in your makeup bag. Is the the best eye cream I have ever used!?; Probably not, but it is definitely in my Top 5 eye creams, and the fact that it is only £10.00 makes it even more awesome!!

XOXO

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

I was recently in my local Boots store and the cream blushes by Revlon caught my eye. They were priced at £7.99, which I thought was good and they had some lovely shades to choose from. I opted for the shade Pinched, which was a lovely soft peach shade with a subtle shimmer running through it. I quickly swatched the shades in store and they seemed to have good colour payoff and a nice texture.

Revlon claim that these cream blushes provides a buildable, beautiful  flush of colour inspired by the glowing skin of a beach beauty. They claim to have a lightweight formula with a silky, smooth finish that blends evenly over the cheeks. Now, I personally didn't find any of the statements to be all that true. Firstly, I found the consistency of this product to be quite dry and difficult to blend on the skin. It did feel quite smooth on the skin but the colour payoff of this particular shade wasn't what I expected.

In the pan, this shade looks quite pretty and vibrant but it just didn't show up all that way on my skintone. I have medium/tanned skin and this colour just didn't show up that way and wasn't buildable either. I gave this blush to my friend, who has pale skin and it does work alot better on her skin, so if you have paler skin then this blush may suit you better.

The subtle shimmer in this product is lovely. It does make the cheeks look nice and glowy, without being too much. If you are a fan of subtle blushes, then this blush could be lovely for you. This product isn't awful, by no means, it is just not amazing and definitely not for me I am afraid.

XOXO

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint

There was alot of hype around this foundation when it was first released. It is not normally a foundation that I would opt for, or so I thought, but I purchased it around 3 months ago and I think it is a pretty great foundation.

This foundation is perfect for those who are a fan of that 'no makeup look'. If applied correctly and in moderation, this foundation is virtually undetecatable and yet makes the skin look flawless! L'Oreal claim that this foundation is light as water, and that wouldnt be wrong! I was very suprised when I frst tried out this foundation. This foundation comes in a small glass bottle with no pump and I figured that the best way to apply this product is to use your fingers. It is vital that you give this product a good shake before you use and do not use too much product, a little goes a long way believe me!

This foundation gives a natural and perfect looking nude finish and makes your skin look overall brighter, smoother and healthier. On my oily skin, I have to apply setting powder to my t-zone as my skin does become oily after a few hours wear.

The most impressive thing about this foundation, is the feel and coverage. This product feels so light on the skin, almost like you are wearing no makeup at all and yet the coverage is surprisingly good! I expected this foundation to have the coverage of a tinted moisturiser/BB Cream, but this foundation covers really well. In terms of any redness and pigmentation, this foundation covered really well. I found that any blemishes will need the help of a concealer, but this is the case with many foundations anyway.

Overall, this foundation is pretty good! Ok, so it is not the most amazing drugstore foundation I have used, but it is unique and different to anything I have tried. I probably wouldn't be able to wear this when my skin is going through a 'bad time', I would need something with a little more coverage, but this is definitely a foundation I have been opting for when my skin is looking great. Love the feel, consistency and the natural look it provides. 

This foundation is priced at £9.99 for 20ml and is available from http://www.boots.com.

XOXO

Decleor Aroma Night Neroli Night Balm

Decleor Aroma Night Neroli Night Balm

I recently went for a facial and the therapist used Decleor products. I had tried this brand in the past but not much, and it wasn't really a skincare brand I would gravitate towards. At the end of my facial, the therapist advised me of the skincare products she used and recommended I try the  Aroma Night Neroli Night Balm. She advised that it would help with my oily, congested skin and so I decided to give it a try.

This product comes in a small jar (15ml) and costs £32.50. This balm is 100% natural and preservative free and is suitable for all skin types This night balm helps to purify and balance the skin, soften and refine skin texture and hydrate and repair very dry skin types. I find this product really helps with any breakouts and congestion and when I apply in the evening and wake up the next morning, my skin is noticeably clearer.

This product is a very thick balm, almost waxy, but once warmed in the hands, melts immediately to like a oil. It has a strong scent of aromatherapy oils, so if you are not a fan of scents, this probably isnt for you. I use this balm around once a week, or when my skin needs a 'pick me up',

To apply, I take a small amount and warm between my hands and then apply to the skin in light sweeping strokes. This product melts easily into the skin and is one of the best night treatments I have used. I was a bit dubious at first about putting a oil product onto my oily skin, but don't be put off, it actually helps balance the skin and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth.

XOXO

Dipbrow Pomade by Anastasia Beverly Hills

Dipbrow Pomade by Anastasia Beverly Hills

I was able to get my hands on the Dipbrow Pomade a couple of weeks ago by Anastasia Beverly Hills. It is not as easy to get Anastasia Products in the UK but you can order them from http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk. I ordered the shade Dark Brown and it cost £15.00.

The Dipbrow Pomade is a tinted creamy formula that is smudgeproof, waterproof that is superb at creating defined, natural looking brows. This product looks very similar to a gel eyeliner and comes in a small glass jar and you get a generous amount of product for your money. There were 5 shades to choose from and I opted for the second to darkest shade, 'Dark Brown'.

I LOVE this stuff. I was previously using either my Estee Lauder Eyebrow pencil or MAC'S Espresso eyeshadow to fill in my eyebrows, but this formula is so much quicker and easier! This product makes my eyebrows look nicely defined and groomed but not too overdone (Im not a fan of the drawn on look!).

In terms of staying power, this stuff stays put!! I am so happy that I purchased this product and I am definitely going to try more products from Anastasia in the future!

XOXO