Hi guys!
So as I have mentioned before I really do not have good skin, and so I am unable to use the cheaper brand foundations (which make me really break out). But I am also not a very loyal foundation buyer, I usually change every time as up until now there have always been issues with whatever brand I have used.
I mentioned a while ago that I had a make up haul, and the oil free foundation from Laura Mercier was one of the products that I bought. I am the shade 'Warm Ivory'.
Before this foundation I was using a Lancome Teint Idole Ultra one in their palest shade (which I have been told has been discontinued any way). The Lancome one was also an oil free foundation which my skin needs as I have combination skin. But the Lancome foundation was quite drying and its coverage (although the fullest coverage in their range, was not enough for my needs).
I had been pointed to Laura Mercier by a friend who assured me that the foundation was 'the best you will EVER use'. The colour matches my skin tone perfectly, I am very light with slight but not strong yellow undertones to my skin; usually I have to compromise on the colour and usually end up having to go a shade darker (or a shade with more yellow/ orange tones than my skin has) or in the case of the MAC foundation that I have used go a shade lighter which really made me look pale.
Even though the foundation is oil free it does not dry out, but has good staying power so that it doesnt 'slide' off my face either (another problem I had with the MAC foundation that I used).
The coverage is also brilliant, without making me look 'cakey'. Its a pump bottle and I only need one for really good every day coverage, which means that the bottle will last next to forever.
The one down side to this foundation is that it retails at £33 here in the UK, so it is by no means a cheap product. But I believe with foundations you really do get what you pay for, and I believe that 100% with this product; totally worth the splurge, especially when you consider its going to be sitting on your face all day every day.
So hope that was help full, maybe if you're thinking about changing your foundation or 'upgrading' from your drug store brand, I would definitely reccommend the Laura Mercier products. But as always, shop around and always go for the product that's right for you.
TTFN
C
Thursday, 16 June 2011
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
VOGUE! Beauty confidential cover lip dupe!
Hi guys!
If like me you're big into the seasons latest looks, both fashion and make-up then you probably read some kind of magazine. My big weakness is Vogue. I love it, even the adverts in it, I love picking ideas from the design houses latest campaigns and looking at the wonderful photography and marveling at the models.
As I live in England I have to buy British Vogue, and this months issue had another small magazine insert 'Vogue beauty confidential'. The cover of which features a sun-kissed Raquel Zimmermann looking fab (and rather late 70's/ early 80's chic). Immediately I fell in love with her lip look, a true red coral matte lipstick.
So I turn to the inside page to look up what lipstick it is. I find that its a matte Shisheido lipstick which would cost you £21 here in the UK, which is almost as much as the Chanel lipsticks. So I start looking for a cheaper dupe.
As any body who is even slightly in to makeup will know, Mac would be the first port of call, and indeed it was. And Bingo! I found the exact matte shade to match. Its a good £8 cheaper and even though its not drugstore cheap, I'm more willing to pay for what I know is quality.
The shade is so hot and on trend that even the Mac one has been hard to get hold of, I have finally managed to order mine today and will tweet some pictures when I get it delivered.
It really is the shade of the summer, I suggest that if you also go for this hot red coral lip, you team it with heavy brows and a nude eye...oh and plenty of bronzer to really bring out those golden coral tones!
TTFN
C
If like me you're big into the seasons latest looks, both fashion and make-up then you probably read some kind of magazine. My big weakness is Vogue. I love it, even the adverts in it, I love picking ideas from the design houses latest campaigns and looking at the wonderful photography and marveling at the models.
As I live in England I have to buy British Vogue, and this months issue had another small magazine insert 'Vogue beauty confidential'. The cover of which features a sun-kissed Raquel Zimmermann looking fab (and rather late 70's/ early 80's chic). Immediately I fell in love with her lip look, a true red coral matte lipstick.
So I turn to the inside page to look up what lipstick it is. I find that its a matte Shisheido lipstick which would cost you £21 here in the UK, which is almost as much as the Chanel lipsticks. So I start looking for a cheaper dupe.
As any body who is even slightly in to makeup will know, Mac would be the first port of call, and indeed it was. And Bingo! I found the exact matte shade to match. Its a good £8 cheaper and even though its not drugstore cheap, I'm more willing to pay for what I know is quality.
The shade is so hot and on trend that even the Mac one has been hard to get hold of, I have finally managed to order mine today and will tweet some pictures when I get it delivered.
It really is the shade of the summer, I suggest that if you also go for this hot red coral lip, you team it with heavy brows and a nude eye...oh and plenty of bronzer to really bring out those golden coral tones!
TTFN
C
Sunday, 5 June 2011
Best Powder EVER
So if you follow me on twitter you will know that I have recently splurged on some new make up products. I say splurged because I have recently come to think how much an investment my makeup is for me, I wear it everyday...all day. And for something that is in contact with my skin for that long, I need to make sure that the products I use are completely compatible with my skin, so that I'm not only looking after the way I look with my make up on, but off too. So for that reason, for products that sit on my entire face (foundation and powder) I took the decision to use higher end products (as I have done for many years). I'm not saying that this is appropriate for everyone, but if you have read my previous blogs, you will know that I have problematic skin and skin that will react badly to the cheaper foundations (as I have found out the hard way in the past). But if you have lovely skin then you can probably get away with wearing any thing, and for this I envy you.
But on to my review. With my problem skin has come an oiliness that means by the end of the day my makeup has almost worn right off, I was up until a while ago unable to use powder as it dried out my skin which just made it more oily and so had the complete opposite effect to what I was hoping to achieve.
But I recently came across a wonderful powder by Clinique that does not cause this effect. Their loose blended face powder is brilliant. I use number 3 (transparency 3) which is suitable for very fair to fair skin. It comes with its own retractable travel brush, which is really good for handbag application but a larger fluffier powder brush is better to apply (but to be fair most days I just use its brush for an application and it works just fine). The powder is fine blended and so goes on really soft. I would recommend a pressed powder for people who want to matte their face completely, but I find that this loose powder matte's any shine without leaving a 'cakey' look to my skin, it also sets my makeup making it last all day, extending the life of my makeup even further by using this and a primer. In winter a primer does this job on its own but in hot summer months I need something more.
The powder is a little on the pricey side (£20 including the brush) but you get a lot of product that uses allergy tested ingredients and Clinique do not test on animals either.
All in all id say that its worth the investment and can take on any high street alternative.
So thats all for now, I'm going to be writing a few more reveiws soon, again about recently purchased products, and a list of 5 must tries and 5 must avoids.
TTFN
C
But on to my review. With my problem skin has come an oiliness that means by the end of the day my makeup has almost worn right off, I was up until a while ago unable to use powder as it dried out my skin which just made it more oily and so had the complete opposite effect to what I was hoping to achieve.
But I recently came across a wonderful powder by Clinique that does not cause this effect. Their loose blended face powder is brilliant. I use number 3 (transparency 3) which is suitable for very fair to fair skin. It comes with its own retractable travel brush, which is really good for handbag application but a larger fluffier powder brush is better to apply (but to be fair most days I just use its brush for an application and it works just fine). The powder is fine blended and so goes on really soft. I would recommend a pressed powder for people who want to matte their face completely, but I find that this loose powder matte's any shine without leaving a 'cakey' look to my skin, it also sets my makeup making it last all day, extending the life of my makeup even further by using this and a primer. In winter a primer does this job on its own but in hot summer months I need something more.
The powder is a little on the pricey side (£20 including the brush) but you get a lot of product that uses allergy tested ingredients and Clinique do not test on animals either.
All in all id say that its worth the investment and can take on any high street alternative.
So thats all for now, I'm going to be writing a few more reveiws soon, again about recently purchased products, and a list of 5 must tries and 5 must avoids.
TTFN
C
Friday, 13 May 2011
5 Products that I could not live without
Hola chickitos'
This is a fun tag that a friend asked me to do for my blog and so I aggreed and here I am writing it. The tag is, to imagine that you are stranded on a Desert Island and you can only have 5 makeup products with you for the rest of your time there, if they run out they will be magically replenished (I didnt say it was realistic) if they run out before you are rescued...and yes on this island with you is also your perfect match (and if your me, that means make-up is needed).
The first product that I would bring with me is concealer, i have this fab Jillian Dempsey pallet that is AMAZING and works for everything so that even I could (possibly) get away without wearing makeup! This would be my first product, as it can cover up blemishes, dark circles and uneven skin tone. But can be used as a highlighter and even a skin warmer (as it comes with an apricot tone).
The second product that I would bring is mascara, at the minute I'm using L'Oreal's Volume Million Lashes, but I must admit that I'm not a very loyal mascara buyer, as I tend to change every time I run out. I just think that mascara is the one product that you can easily chop and change and so I like to see what the new products on the market are at all times. I would probably take a Lancome Hypnose mascara with me as it has to be the ultimate mascara, I just don't have it all the time because its so pricey.
The third product that I would bring with me would be Max Factors brow pencil in Ebony, their brow pencil is fab, it stays on all day and is applied really easily (due to the fact that it comes with a hard bristle brush), and eyebrows are important, they frame your eyes and draw attention to them; and a really good strong eyebrow will do your bone structure wonders!
The fourth product I would bring with me is a MAC eyeshadow, in the shade 'Antiqued'. I really don't care what anyone says about these eyeshadows, they are fantastic value for money and the fact that they're really pigmented means that you don't have to do a lot of build up to get colour, yet if you want to stay more demure you can just blend the hell out of it. The shade that I have chosen is a gorgeous brown/copper/bronze shade that has the power to warm up your face and make your eyes beautifully dark without being over dramatic, and brown eyeshadow really is every girls friend.
And the final product I would take with me is a lipstick. From the new Chanel 'Rouge Coco Shine' range in 'canotier' its a subtle nude beige colour that would suit all skin colours and ages. Its a bit of a splurge product, but its a really nourishing lipstick thats just lovely to wear.
And that my friends concludes this little Blog.
I tag every one who is reading to either blog their own, comment or message me your answers or just think or ask your friends for a bit of a giggle.
TTFN
C
This is a fun tag that a friend asked me to do for my blog and so I aggreed and here I am writing it. The tag is, to imagine that you are stranded on a Desert Island and you can only have 5 makeup products with you for the rest of your time there, if they run out they will be magically replenished (I didnt say it was realistic) if they run out before you are rescued...and yes on this island with you is also your perfect match (and if your me, that means make-up is needed).
The first product that I would bring with me is concealer, i have this fab Jillian Dempsey pallet that is AMAZING and works for everything so that even I could (possibly) get away without wearing makeup! This would be my first product, as it can cover up blemishes, dark circles and uneven skin tone. But can be used as a highlighter and even a skin warmer (as it comes with an apricot tone).
The second product that I would bring is mascara, at the minute I'm using L'Oreal's Volume Million Lashes, but I must admit that I'm not a very loyal mascara buyer, as I tend to change every time I run out. I just think that mascara is the one product that you can easily chop and change and so I like to see what the new products on the market are at all times. I would probably take a Lancome Hypnose mascara with me as it has to be the ultimate mascara, I just don't have it all the time because its so pricey.
The third product that I would bring with me would be Max Factors brow pencil in Ebony, their brow pencil is fab, it stays on all day and is applied really easily (due to the fact that it comes with a hard bristle brush), and eyebrows are important, they frame your eyes and draw attention to them; and a really good strong eyebrow will do your bone structure wonders!
The fourth product I would bring with me is a MAC eyeshadow, in the shade 'Antiqued'. I really don't care what anyone says about these eyeshadows, they are fantastic value for money and the fact that they're really pigmented means that you don't have to do a lot of build up to get colour, yet if you want to stay more demure you can just blend the hell out of it. The shade that I have chosen is a gorgeous brown/copper/bronze shade that has the power to warm up your face and make your eyes beautifully dark without being over dramatic, and brown eyeshadow really is every girls friend.
And the final product I would take with me is a lipstick. From the new Chanel 'Rouge Coco Shine' range in 'canotier' its a subtle nude beige colour that would suit all skin colours and ages. Its a bit of a splurge product, but its a really nourishing lipstick thats just lovely to wear.
And that my friends concludes this little Blog.
I tag every one who is reading to either blog their own, comment or message me your answers or just think or ask your friends for a bit of a giggle.
TTFN
C
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Body Shop - mini haul reveiw
I recently had a mini spending spree in the Body Shop. I have to say that I love all the products that I purchased and the fact that they are against animal testing makes every buy that much sweeter!
I purchased 3 makeup products; the baked bronzer in 02 (warm glow), the brow and lash gel, and the skin primer matte it. I also got 3 skin care products; the cucumber freshening water, the passion fruit cleansing gel and the carrot moisture cream.
I'll start with the bronzer; I am very light skinned and find it hard to find foundation that is light enough for my skin tone (even MAC's NC15 is a tad too dark for me - THATS how pale I am) so you can imagine how hard it has been to find a bronzer that wont make me look orange unless i practically blend it off my skin (which ends up being a total waste of product). The baked bronzer from the body shop is similar to macs but only comes in two colours, its slightly cheaper and I think has a nicer texture. Its not too shimmery which is a bonus as these types of bronzers are really obvious (and I mean isnt that the whole point of face make up? to make it look like thats your natural look, and unless youre Edward Cullen, who has sparkly skin??)
It goes on really well and helps define your cheek bones (where bronzer should always be applied) its not dark but I guess if you wanted a darker colour you could pack it on and build it up, but this was the lightest shade.
The second item I purchased was the brow gel, I have been looking for a good control and condition- product for my brows for some time now, and this clear one is a really good one. I like the clear as you can still apply brow pencil/not apply pencil and manage to control them if (like me) you have thick eyebrows. Its a non greasy formula that conditions as it controls. It also does not dry too stiff to make you feel you've just had botox - which is always a bonus.
The final product I got was the matte it primer, they do a moisturising primer, but i find that its not too good if you want to apply foundation. The feel of the matte primer is lovely, a little goes a long way and it completely perfects the skins texture (obviously it doesnt hide blemishes) but on clear areas and areas with few small blemishes it really helps the look and feel of the skin. Applying it first in your routine will mean that your makeup looks fresher and brighter and will stay put for far longer. And as it is a matte product it also reduces the need for a powder set (which completely dries my skin out).
On to the skin care - the cucumber water is amazing!! after a few days of use my skin looks fresher and has far less blemishes! I use it after cleansing, before I put on my moisturiser. Even though it serves the same purpose as a toner, by using it after cleansing it basically finished the process, by applying a small amount on a cotton pad you and further cleanse your face with it, you will see how much more you can clean!
After I use the cucumber water I apply the carrot moisture cream, at first I thought it was too thick ans would make me break out and alter the oil balance in my skin, but I have to say the outcome was totally the opposite. It makes your skin tone look more even and makes your skin soft and dewey without being heavy or greasy.
The last product, although I like it I was a little disappointed. The passion fruit cleansing gel is a really nice formula, it smells amazing but due to its texture it doesnt lather up well and so it a bit odd to apply and although my face feels cleaner after use, I always feel like it hasnt worked properly.
So my friends that was my mini haul, hope you enjoyed reading and if you walk past the Body shop I'd deffs recommend going in for a look!
TTFN
C
I purchased 3 makeup products; the baked bronzer in 02 (warm glow), the brow and lash gel, and the skin primer matte it. I also got 3 skin care products; the cucumber freshening water, the passion fruit cleansing gel and the carrot moisture cream.
I'll start with the bronzer; I am very light skinned and find it hard to find foundation that is light enough for my skin tone (even MAC's NC15 is a tad too dark for me - THATS how pale I am) so you can imagine how hard it has been to find a bronzer that wont make me look orange unless i practically blend it off my skin (which ends up being a total waste of product). The baked bronzer from the body shop is similar to macs but only comes in two colours, its slightly cheaper and I think has a nicer texture. Its not too shimmery which is a bonus as these types of bronzers are really obvious (and I mean isnt that the whole point of face make up? to make it look like thats your natural look, and unless youre Edward Cullen, who has sparkly skin??)
It goes on really well and helps define your cheek bones (where bronzer should always be applied) its not dark but I guess if you wanted a darker colour you could pack it on and build it up, but this was the lightest shade.
The second item I purchased was the brow gel, I have been looking for a good control and condition- product for my brows for some time now, and this clear one is a really good one. I like the clear as you can still apply brow pencil/not apply pencil and manage to control them if (like me) you have thick eyebrows. Its a non greasy formula that conditions as it controls. It also does not dry too stiff to make you feel you've just had botox - which is always a bonus.
The final product I got was the matte it primer, they do a moisturising primer, but i find that its not too good if you want to apply foundation. The feel of the matte primer is lovely, a little goes a long way and it completely perfects the skins texture (obviously it doesnt hide blemishes) but on clear areas and areas with few small blemishes it really helps the look and feel of the skin. Applying it first in your routine will mean that your makeup looks fresher and brighter and will stay put for far longer. And as it is a matte product it also reduces the need for a powder set (which completely dries my skin out).
On to the skin care - the cucumber water is amazing!! after a few days of use my skin looks fresher and has far less blemishes! I use it after cleansing, before I put on my moisturiser. Even though it serves the same purpose as a toner, by using it after cleansing it basically finished the process, by applying a small amount on a cotton pad you and further cleanse your face with it, you will see how much more you can clean!
After I use the cucumber water I apply the carrot moisture cream, at first I thought it was too thick ans would make me break out and alter the oil balance in my skin, but I have to say the outcome was totally the opposite. It makes your skin tone look more even and makes your skin soft and dewey without being heavy or greasy.
The last product, although I like it I was a little disappointed. The passion fruit cleansing gel is a really nice formula, it smells amazing but due to its texture it doesnt lather up well and so it a bit odd to apply and although my face feels cleaner after use, I always feel like it hasnt worked properly.
So my friends that was my mini haul, hope you enjoyed reading and if you walk past the Body shop I'd deffs recommend going in for a look!
TTFN
C
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