Showing posts with label Foundation. Show all posts

My Make Up Favourites of 2013

21:13

I've come across some many different beauty products this year. It's been a good discovery. I'm starting with my make up favourites as this is the type of product where I have found an array of products that have suited me well.

Here is a list of my favourite make up items from 2013 (with links):

Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation: This foundation works really well with my skin type and it stays but on my face all day, with or without a primer. http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/1231/Products/Face/Foundation/Studio-Fix-Fluid-SPF-15/index.tmpl
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette: This has been and will continue to be an excellent palette that I have enjoyed using. I've hit the pan on most of the shades in the selection so I've had a good use from it. http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123932010699_-1
Eylure Pre-glued Ready to Wear Eye Lashes: A recently new discovery thanks to Glossy box for sending me a sample acouple of months back. http://www.eylure.com/application-false-eyelashes/pre-glued/pre-glued-070.html
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion: There are loads of review on the interwebs about this amazing stuff. I usually wear this more on nights out or usually when I know I'm going to have a long day. Helps eye makeup to stay on all day or night. http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Urban+Decay+Eyeshadow+Primer+Potion+-Original/153359865,default,pd.html
L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim in Black: The best eyeliner I have come across in ages. I prefer using this to the Blockbuster eyeliner addition that came out this summer. It's excellent to use if you get ready in a rush. It has a super thin application brush/ tip so you can create so many different looks with this. http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-Super-Liner-Perfect-Slim-Intense-Black
Elizabeth Arden Shimmer Power Compact: I have found this to be a great bronzer/ highlighter for all year round. It is very pigmented with a good amount of shimmer, without it looking cakey on the skin. http://learnmore.elizabetharden.com/makeup/holiday.php t:b
L'Oreal Le Blush in Old Rose/ Vieux Rose: This is a gorgeous light pink (on pale skin tones) and its enough to wear during the day or night. It gives you a healthy, very natural looking glow. I have come back to this time and time again. http://www.feelunique.com/p/LOreal-Paris-True-Match-Blush
Real Techniques Stippling Brush for Foundation: The Stippling Brush has been another new discovery this year. In the past, I have stuck to using a flat foundation brush but I was never happy with the results. This works brilliantly with the MAC foundations. It buffs and blends perfectly. http://www.feelunique.com/p/Real-Techniques-Stippling-Brush
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer: Hands down, this is the best concealer I have ever purchased. And, with a great price tag - it's a bloody good bargain! Covers almost everything from dark circles and spots to hyper pigmentation and imperfections.
http://www.superdrug.com/collection-2000/collection-2000-lasting-perfection-concealer-4g-light-2/invt/592005
Maybelline Rocket Express Mascara (in waterproof): I have been using this mascara for months and I will love it. I did a review on the Maybelline Volume Express - click here! : http://www.maybelline.co.uk/products/150/eyes/mascara/volum-express-the-rocket-mascara/black/medium-345?shadeId=982
Maybelline Mastershape Brow Pencil: A great brow pencil for when I'm getting ready on a morning. It's a no fuss fix when my brows become a bit sparse. I purchased this in a slow brown and stays put all day. http://www.superdrug.com/maybelline/maybelline-master-brow-soft-brown/invt/498457
Monu First Defense Illuminating Primer (a sample size in photo): I really could and should probably write an extended review on this bad boy. At first, I was slightly disappointed when I recieved this in one of my Glossyboxes. But after I gave it a try, I was very surprised on how much I loved it. http://www.feelunique.com/p/Monu-Professional-Skincare-Illuminating-Primer-SPF15-50ml
L'Oreal Lumi Magique Touch of Light Highlighting Pen: This is an easy to use highlighting pen that has often been mistaking for a concealer. I did a full review on the product - click here! This review was also one of my biggest hits on this blog. http://www.superdrug.com/loreal/loreal-lumi-magique-touch-of-light-highlighting-pen/invt/382551/
Maybelline Colour Sensational in the Shade 175 Pink Punch: I absolutely love this colour. This lipsticks for a creamy feel on the lips and last for a good couple of hours. This is definetly one of my favourite shades and will purchase more this year. http://www.maybelline.co.uk/products/28/lips/lip-color/color-sensational-lipsticks/pink-punch/175?shadeId=657&view=shades&position=600
Pamlers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm: I freaking love this lip balm. It's amazing stuff and can be found in most drug stores. A did a little review - click here! http://www.superdrug.com/hydrated-skin/palmers-cocoa-butter-lip-balm/invt/379131&bklist=

Hope you like some of my favourite products from 2013. Obviously, I am going to continue to use these into 2014 but it's good to outline what I have enjoying using. Leave a comment below letting me know what you think!

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation Review

20:22

Here's a look at the new Nude Magique Eau De Teint from L'Oreal.

The Claims:

"Our lightest foundation formula ever. A feather light foundation, feels as light and fresh as water. A new sensation with a lighter than water formula for non greasy zero make up feel. Instantly fuses with the skin blending seamlessly to leave a silky, second skin effect. Perfect bare skin look Naturally even, shine free look. Undetectable coverage. Silky soft touch. No make-up feel."

My Review:

I decided to test out this 'lighter than water' philosophy by adding afew drops into a small glass of water and compared it with a foundation that I use regularly, Maybelline Fit Me foundation. A picture speaks a thousand words. Suddenly, the Eau De Teint looks more appealing seeing that the formula is floating on top on the water rather than sinking to the bottom like the Fit Me foundation. It's just something to note...and it's claims about being it being a light foundation is possibly evident.

The first observation I made is the lovely packaging. The lightweight formula comes in the frosty glass container which feel really smooth to hold. And, has a purple metallic screw on lid. Most L'Oreal foundations do come in a glass dispenser but there's something special about this one. It feels more high end. Though my only issue with the packaging is with the lack of pump. Not very hygienic. Let's hope we remember to wash our hands before usage.

So, to test it's staying power, I choose not to wear a primer underneath. I have plenty of mild acne scars, dark circles and some hyper pigmentation around the cheek area, so I'm always in the market for a magical, wonder foundation that will complement my skin.

Use as directed: Shake well before use, apply a drop to your finger. Now, I wish that one drop would cover my entire face. Truth is, I used about 12-15 drops to cover my face and neck. The formula is very runny and light in consistency and without a pump, it can get alittle sloppy. It's definitely offers a lightweight formula but can be built upto a light/ medium coverage. I tend to prefer something with medium/ heavy coverage so I didn't enjoy using this as much as I hoped. It did leave matte finish to my skin which is what I prefer. So I didn't feel the need to use power over the top.

After an 8 hour day at work, there is barely any sign of foundation on my skin, which really disappointed me. All my blemishes were on all show, my forehead, nose and chin looked incredibly oily (and I have dry skin)! This foundation would be more suitable for those who have normal skin who like a feather to light weight coverage. Later on this week, I tried using a primer underneath but it seemed to make no difference.

With SPF 18 it provides some protection against UV rays. However, it will give some flashback on photography so it may not be suitable for photoshoots.

To sum this product up here's a quick list of the pros and cons:

Pros:

- the packaging of the foundation feels very high end

- the shade of foundation matched my skin tone perfectly. I picked up 'warm ivory' 110.

- SPF 18 for UV protection

- 'lighter than water' formula

Cons:

- not suitable for those with combination, oily and dry skin. Would be better for those with normal skin

- there is no pump to this container, so it does not feel very hygienic

- for 20ml, there is not enough product to make it worth while purchasing the £10 I paid

- on my skin, it didn't last for any longer than 3 hours, which is not suitable for my life style

- With SPF, it would not be ideal for photography

I am really disappointed that this didn't work for me. But I have to take into account that my skin type is dry for this time of year. Unfortunately, the cons outweigh in the pros in my opinion.

It is available from most drug stores across the UK for around £10.

1 comment bbloggers, Beauty, Coverage, Eau De Teint, Foundation, light weight, LOreal, Magique, Make up, Nude, product, ragerwager, review, super drug

Review: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

16:09

OMG. I really blew the budget on this one. To be honest, I’m not a massive fan of forking out for expensive make up. But, afew of my favourite beauty bloggers wear this and couldn’t resist any longer.I get the impression that this is a massive beauty cult product that’s much loved. So I was keen to try this out. And I have my credit card to thank!

I purchased Mont Blanc from ASOS. This shade is alittle to light for me but I am impressed with the flawless, medium coverage and finish.

As you can probably guess, I'm new to NARS products. Asos have recently started to stock NARS and has 12 good shades from collection of the 20 shades available.

They Say: Sheer glow foundation by NARS. Featuring a skin brightening and hydrating formula for a radiant complexion, the satin-finish foundation provides a sheer, buildable coverage. Minimizing skin discolouration while brightening and clarifying the skin, the foundation is suitable for normal to dry skin types.

Although the packaging looks professional and sleek, getting the entire product out of the bottle can be annoying. With the lack of a pump, there's a risk that you could end up with too much product. And, for the price - I’d rather not waste any. You can purchase a pump devise separately for an extra £3 but why not just give it anyway?

Am I being slightly picky? YES! It does annoy me with most foundations packaged in a glass bottle though I do like the presentation.

The before and after using the NARS foundation. Covers scars and blemishes evenly leaving a flawless finish

Amazing formula! This foundation makes me look radiant without the dewy look that suits me well. It leaves a matt finish with a beautiful fresh looking glow. Using my Real Techniques Stippling Brush it applies and blends into the skin leaving a smooth finish.

It's worth noting, this foundation has no SPF. This can be great for photography shoots to avoid any shine or reflection.

I have to point out that my skin is very dry in winter. I did find at times that the foundation would go slightly patchy around the areas that were particularly dry – so make sure you moisturize well! On my skin, this foundation will last a pretty solid 6-10 hours without needing any touch-ups

Overall, it’s an excellent product! But hate the price tag! I may re-purchase in the future but in a lighter shade.

Available online at: http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/complexion/foundation/sheer-glow-foundation/

RRP: £30.50

Leave a Comment bblogger, Beauty, beauty cult, Cosmetics, Finish, Foundation, Glow, Make up, Matt, NARS, product review, Sheer

Review: Maybelline FIT Me! Liquid Foundation

15:15

Maybelline is one of my favourite drugstore brands as they offer a hugh range of products to suit everyone. So, I was excited to learn a few months back that they had launch a new line of skin products.

There is an excellent range of shades to suit most skin colours. I chose the foundation in 130. However, either I’ve not been getting enough sun and I’ve gone very pale, or this shade is just alittle too dark. I’ve been able to lighten it up with concealer but next time I will purchase the next shade down.

After wearing this product for 2/3 months I would recommend this product to everyone. It’s good value for money, has good coverage, and a great finish. It blends beautifully into the skin giving you a natural, flawless finish. It’s long wearing - I put on my make up very early in the morning and it will still be there at 8pm at night.

The application of the foundation is sufficient. 2/3 pumps of this is enough to get a good, even coverage and can be built up if you are after full coverage.

I would say that it works for most skin types. The foundation can look dewy when you first apply it but dries into a matt finish. After letting the foundation settle I used a loose power over the top to keep it in place.

For £6.95, it’s a great all round product, good value for money and very accessible in most drugstores nationwide. A great little bargin.

Have you tried this foundation? Let me know what you think it the comment below :0)