Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation | First Impressions & Review

- Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation - 

£9.99 (Superdrug/Boots)

As my trusty L'Oreal True Match foundation has just run out, I took a little trip into Superdrug to pick up a new one. I have been using True Match for 2 years now (the Lumi and the original), and have really enjoyed the foundation but I get too bored of foundation easily and find they begin to not work with my skin after a while of using it. I thought it was time for a change and having heard so many fab reviews on the Bourjois foundations, I knew I had to try it out. 

I picked up the shade 52 Vanilla. This was the 2nd lightest shade from what they had on offer at my store. It is just a smigen too dark for my skin tone but as my face is always pale, I don't mind this in a foundation. I opted not to go for the Serum as I have heard that it's a lighter coverage that this one. The foundation claims to give you that healthy glow which is what I was looking for. My skin has been looking dull and lifeless lately. It hydrates the skin which I badly need also.

It appears to give me a medium coverage but can be buildable. The texture of the foundation is very creamy and blendable. It feels very light on my face but evens out my skin tone so well. The finish is a semi-matte finish but in no way dry looking. There is still a luminous glow to the skin. It does sound impossible but you really do get the best of both worlds from using it. I can get up to 5 hours wear before I need to powder my t-zone, it does claim to have a 16 hour longevity but I wouldn't leave makeup on my face for that length of time anyway. With ingredients such as apricot, ginger and apple, the scent is really fruity and pleasant (aint nothing worse than plastecine smelling foundation). 

These photographs were taken when I first tried out the foundation. I have combined it with my MAC pro longwear concealer and Rimmel stay matter powder. I was able to achieve a full coverage base that gives a flawless finish without looking cakey. 

Overall I give this foundation a 9/10 so far and I am really impressed by it! Have you tried this foundation yet? What are your thoughts? ttyl, 

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

£1.50 Beauty Blender Dupe | Review

So if you have been alive for the past 3 years, then I guarantee you will have heard about the infamous 'Beauty Blender'. All beauty fans and their grannies went and bought one. It was and still is the craze! A Beauty Blenders job is to provide you with a tool that leaves you with a flawless finish after applying foundation and will save you from using your hands, large sponges and expensive brushes. As a brush lover, I have never had an issue with my foundation/concealer application so didn't feel the need to fork out £16 + delivery for a little egg shaped sponge.

When shopping in Primark the other day, I was standing in line and I spotted an almost identical dupe for the Beauty Blender. At £1.50, I instantly grabbed it and wanted to give it a go. If it was rubbish then I hadn't spent a fortune. There are other dupes of the sponge including the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge, but none as cheap as Primarks!

It comes in the package with no instructions on how to use it. Beginners wouldn't know to try washing the sponge under warm water and squeezing it before use. This will ensure that the sponge doesn't soak up all of the products you are using. But for £1.50 you can't complain. You can also use it dry but I recommend using it wet.

I have used the sponge twice. The first time for concealer - using the tip at the top. Its not as long as the Beauty Blender, therefore the circumference makes it a bit difficult reaching in the corner of my eye. Apart from that it works perfectly for applying concealer under the eyes and on blemishes. The larger side at the bottom was great for applying foundation. By using dabbing motions, it applied a good medium coverage. It only took me a couple of minutes to apply my foundation but no quicker than using my normal buffing brush. Its's easy to clean and hasn't went mouldy yet, like some do. 

PLEASE NOTE: The Primark Egg Makeup Sponge contains latex.

Have you tried this inexpensive makeup sponge? Let me know your thoughts. ttyl, 

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

May Favourites | 2014

The months are officially flying by. Just as I'm getting used to a new month, another one creeps up on me! So, here we have my May Favourites. I have 8 beauty items to share with you so stay tuned to see what I have been wearing lately. 

Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner. I'm normally too lazy to bother with liquid eyeliner every day, but Collection's liquid liner is fab! The formula is easy to apply and the wand is sturdy. MAC's Fix +. Nothing new there. It's nearly time to buy a new bottle but this one has lasted me quite well. I spritz it before applying any makeup and use it to refresh my face during the day. Revlon Photo Ready in the shade Vanilla. I have came back to this foundation after finding that it separated on my skin and abandoned it for a while. This shade is the closest to my skin at the moment and have liked using it for the last couple weeks. L'Oreal Blur Cream in Light-Medium. My new holy grail product. I have a full review on this which you can find HERE. It's silky smooth, reduces my pores and my makeup stays put all day!

MAC Honesty. A golden tan shade. Honesty is a lustre which is quite a pain as it's not as pigmented as MAC's other shades. Although, I do find it works best using it with some Fix + to intensify it and its beautiful.  

MAC Pretty Plush. A sheer peachy nude. My boyfriend got this for me a while ago and its one of those products I had forgot about. It's had a good few days out lately and it's surprising as I'm not a big gloss fan!

Benefit High Beam. A pearly champagne pink. This little miniature has lasted me so well as a little goes a long way. It compliments any makeup look.

L'Oreal Crazy Fuchsia. A fuchsia pink with blue undertones. A little lipstick that was left at home whilst I was travelling. It's fair to say I've worn it like theres no tomorrow this past month. I also love the smell of these lipsticks. They're like the parmaviolet sweets! 

Song of the month: Ed Sheeran - One

There we have it! 'Til next month. ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Night Time Picks SS14 | Ebay Edit

Coord

Clutch

Boots

Watch

Lipstick

Blazer

My Ebay Night Time Picks is the sequel to my post on Casual Picks which both contain fashion items from Ebay. You can find the Casual post - HERE. Ebay sellers are always updated on the latest trends and have something to offer just about everyone. Some people are still sceptical about buying from Ebay but the key is to stick with buying from profiles who have 100% positive feedback or Ebay stores. That way you are mostly guaranteed to receive just what you pay for.

Featured in todays Ebay Edit is a very summery theme. All items listed have been very popular lately from the chunky heeled boots to the floral matching two piece. I would definitely purchase this whole outfit. It's cute, quirky and up my street!

  I hope you like the items I have chosen, let me know if you plan to purchase any of them! ttyl,     
BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

TLC For Your Lips!

 

 

As a huge lover of matte lipsticks, my lips are often dry and in need of some TLC quite frequently.

After realising that Vaseline was only draining my lips of it's natural moisture, I now swear by these next 3 cheap and cheerful products. If your lips are like mine and need a good refreshment every now and again this is for you.

 

Maybelline's Baby Lips.

A great little product for on the go to moisturise your lips (not a long term fixture). I love the slight tint that these lip balms include. Maybelline offer clear lip balms for those who only want the balm with no colour. The colourless balms also have a mint scent. This Baby Lips in 'Pink Punch' is my ultimate favourite shade.

 

LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub.

The key to turning around those dry and cracked lips. I love these little lip exfoliators from Lush as they come in different flavours which you can actually lick off your lips. Mine will sometimes dry out, but if that happens - add a drop of warm water to soften the formula.

 

 

 

Lucas' Papaw Ointment.

I have saved the best for last. This ointment will literally reform any skin issues including rashes, insect bites and sunburn as the ointment has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. After exfoliating I apply this to my lips and it makes them feel as good as new. Your lips will thank you for it. I stocked up on this holy grail product before returning from Oz.

 

 

-Maybelline Baby Lips-

-LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub-

-Lucas' Papaw Ointment-

 

 

Thanks for reading guys! ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

 

 

L'Oreal Nude Magique Blur Cream | Review

As always, I like to inform you of what I am currently loving and I thought I would do a full review on a product that was featured in a recent haul. When I find a product that dupes an expensive product and does an even better job of what it intends to, then I feel like I have hit the jackpot! 

Benefits POREfessional 22ml (a primer/pore minimizer) retails for £24.50 which has been a staple in my makeup bag for around a year now. However, now I have jumped ship onto this little baby - L'Oreal's Nude Magique Blur Cream 25ml. It retails for £9.99. By just looking at these fiqures, you can see that L'Oreal offers more product than Benefit's. If you opt for the Blur Cream over POREfessional, you are saving a whopping £14.51. 

L'Oreal states that their Blur Cream is an "instant flawless perfector". They also say it immediately blurs pores and it refines the skins texture. This description is spot on.

I picked up the Light - Medium although I think the product blends out to compliment your skin tone as it almost seems translucent to me. The tube dispurses just enough of the primer through the nozzle as it is quite small and precise so it's easy to control. As you can see it does look quite funny but the texture is identical to the POREfessional.

I would describe it as a silky mousse formula rather than a cream. It feels soft and silky when applied to the skin which sets a lovely base for any makeup going over the top (cream, powder or liquid). It makes the pores around my t-zone area less visable and banishes the creases under my eyes which is a bonus for me. 

Pros:

The silky smooth feeling

Can wear it just to even skin tone without makeup

Creates a flawless base 

My makeup stays put all day

It leaves my skin feeling super soft

It blurs out pores and any blemishes

Cons:

There was some air inside of the tube the first time I used it which caused it to spray out a little

There we have it lovelies. Go purchase this primer, you will not be sorry! I will no longer need to fork out £24.50 for the tiniest product and neither should you. Cheers to more fantastic high street products !!! You can purchase the Blur Cream from Boots, Superdrug or online HERE.

ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Wearing | Neon And On And On

 

I am not usually a neon wearer as it reminds me too much of those clubland days. Although, as the summer is creeping it's way into the UK, I decided that this coord was totally acceptable. Bright and bold is always better than dull and boring. Agreed?

Co ordinate - Bank

Platforms - Kurt Geiger 

Clutch - (No idea, borrowed from a friend sorry)
Rings - Various

Lips - MAC's Candy Yum Yum

Okay, I wore this for a night out with my best friends on Friday night. I LOVE IT and I hope you find it quite interesting too. I could have paired this loud two piece with a more neutral shade of bag but knowing me I went for colour blocking with a hot pink clutch! My nails are also a cheapy stick on pack from Primark and they stuck so well. There were black with pink pokadots (sorry for no close up). My Nanettes from Kurt Geiger are always good for pairing with any outfit. 

 

Let me know what you guys think! Would you like to see some more personal fashion posts?

 

ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Self Confessed ShopaHAULic

I can never seem to help myself when I walk into Superdrug and Boots. I always find myself buying things I don't need, but since I haven't had the luxury of either stores in Australia it was only fair to pop in and pick up a few things when I returned. Of course, when I made this purchase they hadn't started the 3 for 2 deals yet. Just my luck. Anyway, I thought I would start up a 'Self Confessed ShopaHAULic' series on my blog so let me show you what I picked up last week.

 

 

SKIN CARE & BASE:

I have ran out of my daily moisturiser so I purchased my trusty Simple Kind To Skin - Replenishing moisturiser. My skin isn't sensitive nor does it need a deep moisturise so I find that Simple does the trick. Its basic, cheap and doesn't leave a greasy residue. 

I have heard a lot of positive reviews on the Boots Botanics range lately so picked up the Iconic Clay Mask - Shine Away and the Purifying Face Scrub - All Bright. I have tested out both products and I am really happy with the results. I won't give too much away as I might do a full review on the Botanics Range soon.

Next we have the new Nude Magique Blur Cream from L'Oreal in Light to Medium. I have ran out of my Benefit Porefessional and I did love it. Although, I don't think it's worth the £23 for the small tube you get. I find the Blur Cream almost identical to Porefessional - if not better! I'm obsessed so far.

 

 

PALETTES:

The top palette is MUA's new x10 Matte palette. I really like the range of warm and cool toned neutrals so picked this up for £4!

Sleek's palettes are always gorgeous but this Showstoppers iDivine palette is something else. It was released as part of Superdrugs 50 Years anniversary. I love the variety of matte and shimmer shades and I've already created a few looks with it. 

OTHER BITS:

I actually picked up this Argan Oil hair mask in Primark for £2. I love hair treatments and I will be testing out this sachet sample to determine whether or not to buy the full tub! 

Rimmel's Stay Matte powder is a staple in many beauty guru's make up collections. I am verrry late to the party with this one but I have been loving it so far. 

I couldn't resist this lipstick from Beauty UK in the shade Gossip Girl. It's a hot pink shade with purple iridescent shimmers throughout. 

There we have it guys. Let me know if you would like to see a review on any of products mentioned! 
ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

April Favourites | 2014

I was going to boycott my Favs post this month as I am a bit late but I suppose its better late than never, eh? I have recently returned to Scotland after travelling Australia for the past 7 months. Therefore, I have been recovering from the jet lag and catching up with all my loved ones. I miss it already but I'm positive that it won't be the last adventure that I go on...

First we have my MAC eye liner pencil in the shade 'Coffee'. I purchased this a long time ago but have been reaching for it when I want a softer look. Plus, nobody got time for liquid liner errryday! It's not as harsh as a black liner and I really like the subtle touch it gives my lash line.

My Urban Decay Naked 2 was abandoned and left at home when I went off on my travels. Having it back in my possession was a god send as I was getting a little fed up of my Naked 3. The bronzey, coppery tones suit my eyes much better.

I was gifted this Vera Wang Princess perfume from my mum as I had been after it for a few reasons - The cute bottle, amazing name and of course the gorgeous scent. I am terrible at describing perfumes but Selfridges describe it as "an exotic fruity, floral bouquet teased with vanilla and an unexpected twist of pink guava."  I am obsessed with floral fragrances and warm scents like vanilla and coconut so if your taste is similar to mine - pick it up!

Then we have this stunning golden based shimmer highlight in 'Sun Beam' from Topshops makeup line. Again, I have owned this for a while but love to wear it in the warmer weather. It doesn't look too exciting in the pan but when swatched it is the most glittery, pigmented and creamy formula.

MAC's Creme De Nude lipstick. Need I say more? It's a very popular shade from MAC and compliments many skin tones. It's a neural beige shade and as it's a cremesheen it's it's pigmented enough but nice and moisturising.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer in 'Light'. The consistency of this concealer isn't too thick so doesn't completely cover up dark circles. But I love to use it as a brightener and highlighter under my eyes, fan it out on my forehead and chin area. It reminds me of MACs Prep and Prime highlighting pens but at half the price.

I've included these cute little clips that I got from Primark. They have a few different styles and come in a pack of 2 for only £1.50.

I always mention my favourite song of the month and for April it had to be Mr Probz 'Waves'.

Let me know if you had any favourites similar to these in April. It won't be long til my May Favourites are posted - CRAZY.

ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Elf Gotta Glow “Blush” | Review

Knowing that highlighters are hard to come by on the high street in drug stores, I thought I would share my thoughts with you on this little treasure from Elf. I know that it is only available online within the UK but the price categorises it in the high street/drug store spectrum (in my mind anyway). Elf promotes this product as a blush, despite buyers purchasing it to use as a highlight shade. Maybe it could be mixed with a blush to create a shimmery blush? I have yet to work that one out.

After falling in love with Nars' Albatross, but refusing to pay the expense, I heard that Elf's Gotta Glow was an exact dupe. At the tempting price, it would be silly not to order it. When it arrived, I instantly noticed the Nars packaging replica, although the feel wasn't as rubbery. The 'blush' is homed in a sleek black case with a small mirror inside. The highlight has 'Elf' imprinted on it and is so very pretty.

The shade is a gold toned, champagne shade with fine glitters and shimmers. I am a sucker for anything sparkly and was hopeful that it would show up just as pigmented as it appears in the pan. It did just that. I feel like this would compliment all skin tones as its not too warm or cool hued. I have noticed that it works best when used on my cheek bones and on my brow bone. Due to the consistency being a little chunky, I wouldn't recommend using it to highlight other areas of the face.

Overall, its of excellent quality, a beautiful luminous shade and easy on the purse!

You can purchase this product from the UK Elf site - Eyes Lips Face and also on Ebay.

ttyl,

BLOGLOVIN | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM

Review | COVERGIRL Lash Blast Volume Mascara

As the UK has been neglected of having the pleasure of retailing Covergirl, I instantly thought about all of the brands I would be able to try when arriving in Australia (including Covergirl). It was even difficult to purchase online, whilst I was trying to pretend the cost of shipping didn't bother me. I purchased this mascara in Big W, after much deliberation on which Covergirl mascara to scoop under my wing as they do have a few options. I passed on the waterproof version of lashblast, as I have heard that even the strongest of make up removers wouldn't budge that bad boy. With that being said, I decided on Lash Blast Volume in Black.

First of all, the tube has a larger width than that of the 'norm'. This made it quite difficult to grip the wand whilst applying the mascara. The bright neon orange colouring is fun and different. The brush applicator is plastic, which is my preference over the other bristle brushes. This seperates the lashes as the plastic bristles are more stern. Adding volume is simply done by how thick the applicator has been created. It is able to pack on the formula without making them look too clumpy. The formula is the perfect combination of lengthening and volumising. I am a curler of the lashes - so mascara's that are too heavy are not a good time for me. I can wear this mascara for 4-5 hours without needing to re-curl. I am a HUGE L'oreal Telescopic mascara fan, and I think the results both mascara's give are very similar. Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and will be re-purchasing soon!

Pros: 

• It does what it says on the tin - adding volume to your lashes.
• The formula isn't too heavy considering it's a volumising mascara meaning it doesn't weigh down the lashes.
• I haven't experienced any smudging, (although I don't normally have this problem).

Cons: 

• The size of the packaging? Only because I prefer a smaller wand to turn whilst applying.
• If you're not a fan of the 'clumpy' lash look, then stick to 1 or 2 coats. Any more than that will pack on too much formula for your liking. I however don't mind this look.

If you're interested in testing out Covergirl make up or specifically their mascara's but live in the UK, I suggest browsing on Ebay and Amazon. East End Cosmetics sell a few Covergirl products including: Lashblast Length, Fantastic lash high volume and Lastexact mascara's too. You can visit their website here.