Can Makeup Really Help Your Skin?

I'm sure at some point in our lives we've all been told that wearing make-up is bad for your skin and yes it is if you don't throughly cleanse your skin after wearing it. One thing we don't hear very often at all is that it's good for your skin! Clinique have formulated a foundation with the view to actually improve our skin overtime for the days we go make-up free. 

Personally, I never view foundation as a skincare product, nor do I care if my foundation has any skincare benefits, however after I was using the new Even Better Glow foundation for a couple of days, I knew there was something different with my skin and I couldn't understand why as my skincare routine hadn't changed. I'd completely forgotten about all of the claims the foundation made as I was genuinely just enjoying wearing it each day. 

Even Better Glow contains salicylic acid which is what helps to retexturize the skin. I'm not 100% on this one yet as my skins texture is something that really bothers me and I'm very aware of. On the other hand, a lot of people have been telling me that my skin is looking great and when I point out the texture they tell me I'm crazy.. so who knows!

It also contains Vitamin C which has been giving my skin that 'glow' that everybody is after these days. As I've mentioned hundreds of times on my blog, I am an oily skinned girl so 'glowing' isn't necessarily on my agenda but somehow this has created such healthy looking skin with and without make-up. I find myself only reaching for foundation when I have to (e.g. work, occasions), and opting for natural skin otherwise. 

Whilst I haven't thrown out all of my skincare products in favour of a foundation, I really struggle to put this down to use something else as I have experienced such positive changes in my skin and I don't want it to stop!

As far as a foundation goes, if you love dewy skin then you will seriously love this. It is so reflective in the most healthy, natural way. It contains luminizing pearl pigments which make you look super radiant. For any oily girls like me, blot down with some translucent powder and you're good to go! 

My verdict is.. yes! I believe it can. I've never fed into claims like this before, but I'm so impressed with my results purely from doing my make-up! Hey, if someone can create a concealer that vanishes fine lines under the eyes.. hit me up!

Makeup That Lasts 25 Hours?!

If there's one thing that I get excited to test out more than anything else, it's foundation. Foundation is the make or break of a make-up look for me, if my base isn't right, my face isn't right! (Proud of myself for that one..).

I was so excited to receive the new Rimmel foundation and concealer by Influenster complimentary to test out as I haven't actually tried a Rimmel base product since my first every foundation which was the super well-known Lasting Perfection! I'm open to trying all foundations as some of my all-time favourites are right out of the drugstore. As far as concealer goes, I'm super picky and I almost get anxious when trying a new one incase it goes horribly wrong. My all-time favourite concealer is from the drugstore, so I usually have high hopes that I'll discover a gem!

Now, these products claim to wear for 25 hours. I don't know about you, but I have never and never intend to wear my make-up for 25 hours, but what I draw from that claim is that the product will be super long lasting! After testing out the foundation, I can absolutely confirm that it's super long lasting. I can't officially say 25 hours, but I can say from morning until I take my make-up off at night. It also claims to offer medium coverage and I agree with that. My skin was totally evened out and looked flawless all day with a natural skin-like finish. I also love love love the wand applicator, it's super soft and helps me deposit just the right amount of foundation on my face. This has shot to the top of my favourite drugstore foundations and I catch myself reaching for it over high-end options. If you're looking for a drugstore foundation, this is a great one to try. 

For me, the concealer was a miss. I love my full-coverage concealers and this only offers a very light coverage. It does dry down beautifully and keep in place, but for someone who likes their under-eye area to look immaculate, I'll have to pass! If you're looking for a super natural concealer then I think you would be a fan as the formula is great and it still remains long lasting. 

I'll definitely be recommending the foundation to people that I know as it's such a great buy! What do you think of drugstore foundations and concealers?

#FREEYOURSKIN

The Beauty Line That Shook The World

You guessed it, it's Fenty Beauty! Yes, Rihanna has released her own make-up line and everyone has lost their minds for it. We were aware she was releasing one in September for a while and I personally wasn't too excited since there's so many new beauty lines coming at us from all directions and it becomes hard to decide what's worth the investment. 

As soon as everything was revealed and reviews started hitting the internet, my interest slowly peaked and suddenly I found myself in a two hour queue outside Knightsbridge Harvey Nichols?! Of course, I picked up a few things including the highly coveted foundation.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Primer

It seems right to start with the base of your make-up, your primer. If this was priced much more than the £24 it is, I probably wouldn't have made the initial purchase. That aside, I'm so glad that I did as I haven't put it down since! I love when I find a product that I want to use over and over again as being a make-up junkie, products can be easily switched around. It doesn't necessarily blur or 'retouch' my skin, but it feels beautiful and soft and absolutely increased the longevity of my make-up no matter what foundation I use.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longer Foundation

I was most excited about this product, as I'm sure everyone is! To begin your brand with a huge launch of 40 foundation shades is super impressive, and I couldn't wait to get matched to my perfect colour and try it for myself. It took all of 10 seconds for the beauty advisor to discover I'm a '250' and I'm very happy with my match. The foundation meshes with my skin beautifully and is virtually undetectable. I'd even go as far as to say my skin looks it's best with this foundation on. Smooth, even yet natural. If you were considering picking this up, I say go now! I'd strongly suggest getting matched in store as the online shade finder is pretty off in my opinion. 

Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter Duo / Mean Money, Hustla Baby

I was sure I was going to pick one of the highlighters up but I had a little browse in the store before settling on one of the duos in 'Mean Money/Hustla Baby'. I'm mostly into the blinding highlighters but recently I've enjoyed a more subtle glow. I made a beeline to 'Trophy Wife' and quickly realised it wasn't the highlighter for me, but it looks seriously cool! I opted for the  one above as I thought I'd get much more daily use out of it. 'Mean Money' is super natural, so much so that I can dust it over my face for a beautiful lit from within glow. 'Hustla Baby' is a happy medium between soft glow and light beams on the cheekbones! The other shades in the range don't speak to me as much as this one, but there's absolutely something for everybody.

I can totally see why people have gone crazy for this make-up line, I'm already itching the snap up future products! I'd love to see bronzers and lipsticks! Have you tried Fenty Beauty? Are you interested in the new hottest make-up line?

L'Oreal Paradise Collection - Is It Worth The Hype?

I first spotted this collection rearing it's head through US beauty bloggers social media channels and from the rave reviews, I couldn't wait for it to hit the UK! I was initially only aware of the mascara being released but during my Superdrug sweep, I saw a collection of 'Paradise' products which swiftly ended up in my basket. It's always exciting when the drugstore comes out with new products and it's even better when they rival the higher end brands. The question is, is it worth it? 

L'Oreal Paradise Mascara

The mascara has to be first! I'm sure we all know that L'Oreal do some of the best mascaras on the market, so I was eager to try this one especially as every person who's tried it has sung it's praises. I've used it every single day since I purchased it and it truly is amazing and in keeping with L'Oreal's quality mascaras. The wand is around medium size with a fibre brush and the formula is enriched with castor oil, (amazing for lashes!). 

I'll mention that this is the first mascara that has transferred when used on my lower lashes. I'm not sure what the cause of that is, but I had to resign this as my lower lash mascara and only use it for the top! That aside, it lengthens my lashes whilst also adding the right amount of volume. Whether you're looking for a new mascara or not, this is worth giving a go! 

L'Oreal Paradise Brow Artist Pomade

I had no knowledge of this product until I saw it in Superdrug and I'm so surprised! How is this not shouted about more?! I mean, it's a direct dupe to my holy grail brow product Benefit's 'Ka-Brow'. That conclusion is based on the packaging and innovation solely as the formula is quite different. I got mine in the shade 'Brunette' which is the second darkest shade in the range. I'm so impressed with the components, the brush is super fine and stiff enough to create perfect brows. My stance on the actual pomade formula is that it could do with a bit of work. It's not as creamy as the pomades I'm used to and has the slightest waxy feel to it, but for a drugstore alternative, I'm happy with it. 

I know there is a kajal liner that is part of the 'Paradise' range, but I'm pretty stuck in my ways with eyeliners so it takes some top recommendations for me to pick up something different! 

What do you think of the L'Oreal Paradise range? Is it something you'd be interested in? I'd say the two products I've tried are definitely worth trying out and I hope this brow pomade is paving the way for other drugstore brands to create their own version!

How I Deal With Problem Skin

Ahh, the joys of problem skin. You think you're having a great skin day, and then a spot rears its ugly head. I get my fair share of problem skin, I have done since I was a young teenager. In the past few years, I've mostly suffered from persistent breakouts on my cheeks, if it's not one side, it's the other and I never get a break! Recently, I had a huge breakout of spots on my forehead, I'm not sure why, but it happened. I picked up a product that I haven't grabbed for since I was a teenager, and boy has it made a difference.

Clinique Anti Blemish Cleansing Foam

Clinique Sonic Brush

I picked up the Clinique Anti Blemish Cleansing Foam as I had been faithful to this range when I was a spotty teen in need! I know my skin isn't in a state where it requires the full 3 step system, but one product from the range is all my skin has needed to prevent these pesky little bumps. It's a simple cleansing foam, with anti-bacterial properties which help to fight and prevent breakouts and it does just the job!

I team this with my Sonic brush, a staple in my skincare routine since February of this year. Since using this brush alongside my cleanser of choice, I've noticed a tremendous difference in the texture and appearance of my skin. You can purchase this with an anti bacterial cleansing head, but I'm find with the regular head! It doesn't come cheap, but it's a worth-while investment.

Origins Out Of Trouble 10 Minute Mask

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

Treatment products! Sometimes cleansing your skin with the right products just isn't enough. When my skin is a little shabby, I reach for my masks and my drying lotion. My favourite mask for problem skin is the Origins 'Out of Trouble' mask. You leave it on for 10 minutes and rinse away with warm water revealing squeaky clean skin with a lot less redness! I usually apply it where I need it as it can be a little drying where it's not wanted. 

As an overnight treatment, I dip a cotton bud into the Mario Badescu trying lotion and apply it onto any blemishes and ones that are beginning to rise. This doesn't shift them overnight, but it starts to kill them in their tracks!

Clinique Moisture Surge Supercharged Concentrate

Finally, hydrate!! After using all of those drying products, it's so important to keep the skin hydrated. I used to think my excessively oily skin didn't need any additional moisture, but using a good oil-free moisturiser massively changed the game. It rebalances my skin, meaning I'm not over producing oil to compensate for a lack of moisture and in turn getting more breakouts! Products aside, I've also been drinking so much more water, and my skin is super happy about it.

I hope this post was useful for anyone who's having some trouble with their skin! Let me know any products that you love to use to help your skin out!

US Beauty Brands You Didn't Know The UK Sold - Part Two

The struggle is real for us UK beauty fanatics when it comes to picking up the brands that we want, but slowly, US brands are creeping overseas and becoming accessible to us. I keep a close eye on new launches and how to get a hold of US beauty products without taking out a loan for customs charges! I did a post like this a while back which I'll link here, but things move fast in the beauty industry, so I'm thinking of making this a regular series!

Shades L - R - Fiji & St Lucia

e.l.f Duo in Fiji

e.l.f Duo in St Lucia

The first one is a brand that's bank friendly, and that's e.l.f cosmetics. I'm surprised it hasn't been in the UK sooner, and although they've had their own UK website for some time, its actually hit the drugstore! That's right, you can get a hold of it in Superdrug! Super exciting. I have initially picked up their little blush and bronze duos and I'm so impressed with them. I've heard so much about this brand, so I can't wait to add more products to my collection.

Ofra Highlighter in Rodeo Drive

Ofra X Manny MUA Liquid Lipstick in Charmed

Thanks to Beauty Bay, we can now get Ofra Cosmetics delivered to our front doors customs free! I had actually ordered so many liquid lipsticks from Ofra's website last year and the formula and quality is outstanding, so I'm happy I can order it with ease directly in the UK. I hadn't tried the highly coveted highlighter formula until now, and like Nikkie Tutorials says, it truly is blinding! There's quite a price difference between the liquid lipsticks and the other products, but if you're in the market for a belting highlighter, grab one of these!

IT Cosmetics CC Cream

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Loose Powder

Walking into Selfridges with no plans to spend any money, (sounds like a disaster waiting to happen really!), and then stumbling across the IT Cosmetics counter on opening day.. well, it's safe to say I spent some money. I picked up the two main things I'd been after from the brand, the CC cream and the Bye Bye Pores powder.

I haven't actually used the powder yet, but the CC cream is more than you'd expect. It's actually full coverage and super dewy. It's like skin, but better! There's so many things I want from IT, but given the fact it's on the higher end of prices, I'll take my time!

Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

My holiday staple! This is summer in a pot. I'd always heard Youtubers in the US talking about this brand, and I was dying to smell it myself! It doesn't come cheap, at £18 for the small pot, but I decided it would be a treat for my summer holiday. Even the scent of it now takes me back to soaking up the sunshine, care-free. It's actually designed to firm the body, but I personally just slather it on my skin for the scent alone! They have a bunch of other products in the range that look amazing too. They have it in store in Selfridges, or online on Cult Beauty.

Buxom Big And Sexy Lipstick in Sinful Cinnamon

I'm so happy to see this brand in the UK. Buxom is now sold in Debenhams stores and online and surprisingly quite affordable! I own one of their gel lipsticks, and they're only £15 a go which is impressive for a high-end brand. Buxom is so well known for their glosses, particularly the White Russian range, and having swatched a bunch of products in person, I'm really impressed. If you get a chance, pop in store and have a play around, or check out some reviews online! I'm thinking of grabbing a gloss next!

GLAMGLOW Gravity Mud

GLAMGLOW Flashmud

Groundbreaking skin treatments right on our doorstep. I just adore GLAMGLOW. They're dropping more and more products to the UK, and I can't get enough of it. I have all of the masks I think, and I love them all. They're so indulgent, and the packaging feels so luxurious. My favourite mask is the YouthMud mask as when my skin is having a breakdown, this totally purifies it and helps my skin to breathe again. I just spotted the Sonic mask on the Debenhams website too.. oops, into the basket!! 

I hope you enjoyed this post, and enjoy shopping the US brands even more!

Budget Skincare - Does It Work?

It's true, I'm a bit of a skincare snob. I've struggled to find skincare from the drugstore that's even come close to my less affordable products, hence my built-in distrust in how they'll perform. I know it's not a great mind-set to have, but it's something I'm trying to break away from! It's only in the past year that I've become really interested in taking care of my skin, and with that has come with lots of experimenting! My most recent discovery has been the brand The Ordinary. I'd spotted this on different beauty websites, but never paid any attention as I was stuck in my own routines. Let's just say, I found the mother-load with this brand! The Ordinary is a brand that puts aside the frills of a product, and focuses on the actual contents of the bottles they sell. Rather than upping prices with fancy bottles and packaging, they give us the straight ingredients we need!

Let's discuss!

I actually picked up five items to try, but at the time of shooting these images, I'd only put these four fully to the test, (and continue to use as I'm writing this). I've since gone on to use the fifth item, Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, and I'm not convinced it's the right product for me. Anyway, lets talk about these serums first!

Advanced Retinoid 2%

Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%

Here's some fancy, complicated looking products! I know, the facts and figures don't make much sense to me either. The Advanced Retinoid is something I've heard of many a time, particularly involved with high-end skincare, so to see this listed on a product that costs £5.50 is an instant sell! I use this as my evening serum, and I've found my skin isn't breaking out as much, and I'm also seeing a much more even complexion. It's super lightweight and a little goes a long way, as with all of these products to be honest.

Next up is the Lactic Acid! Well, somehow I got it into my head that this was my 'daytime' serum.. I couldn't have been more wrong, and I tell you why. This is a 'peeling' serum. I was popping this on every morning before my moisturiser and make-up, and after a while, I noticed my skin was shedding here, there and everywhere. I don't mean shedding like a snake, more like natural exfoliation, but it looked horrendous under my make-up! I've stopped using this in the daytime, but let me tell you, it clearly works! If you find your skin is a little congested, I'd pick this little bottle up and you'll unveil brand new healthy skin!

Natural Moisturising Factors + HA

This was a tough transition for me, using a new moisturiser. I'm hopelessly devoted to my Clinique Moisture Surge, and trying something else had never been on my agenda, but for a mere £5, I decided to give it a go. This is such a gorgeous, rich moisturiser, and yet is still able to remain oil free, making it suitable for everybody! I lather this on of an evening, and use it underneath my primer in the morning and my skin feels plump and hydrated. You really need such a small amount of this, I actually bring any excess product down to my neck. 

High-Adherence Silicone Primer

This primer is EVERYTHING. Seriously, go and order it asap. It's £4 for a start, which is absolutely insane considering this is the best primer I have ever used. I've already purchased a second one of these. I really feel like I don't need any other primer after using this one. As a total make-up junkie, it's a little unrealistic, but this will remain my holy grail. Don't be afraid of the word 'silicone'. This is the silkiest, smoothest primer, and totally smoothes out imperfections without that slippy silicone feel. 

So there's a little round up of the products I've used from The Ordinary so far! There's even more things I want to try, including their foundation, so I'll keep you updated as I try new bits and bobs out! I've also tried a few more drugstore skincare products, so if you'd like any reviews, please let me know!

Have you tried anything from The Ordinary? 

Spring Beauty Essentials

Hello! Today I decided to share some of my Spring beauty essentials with you. I guess you can assume from the picture above, I'm all about fresh, glowy skin this time of year, and I'm about to share with you a little collection of products that help me to achieve that!

Clinique Fresh Pressed Vitamin C Powder Cleanser

I guess it's wise of me to begin with the base! You can't build a great house on poor foundations. I take great care of my skin, I'll be sharing some posts based around skincare very soon, but something I've discovered is amazing for a glowing complexion is the new Clinique Fresh Pressed powder cleanser. I've been using this on and off for a little over a month now, I say on and off as it's not necessarily something you need to use everyday, more as something to amp up your current routine. This does what it says on the tin, (or the box), it instantly brightens my face, and smooths out any texture in preparation for make-up. If you're after a new cleanser to give your skin a boost, grab yourself a box asap!

Bobbi Brown Hydrating Eye Cream

We often take good care of our skin, but neglect to look after our under eye area, which should be a main focus! The skin under our eyes is 50% thinner than that on our face, and it's always a massive give away of things such as ageing, tiredness, and more. I've been loving using this Bobbi Brown eye cream recently as it's super hydrating, leaving my under eyes looking as radiant as the rest of my skin, and helping to keep dehydration lines at bay!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Nude Cushion Stick

On to the actual make-up, I love a dewy finish this time of year, so I've been reaching for the Double Wear Cushion Stick foundation. If you're super oily, I'd give it a miss as it's only since my skin has balanced out that I'm able to wear this, but for dry/dry combination skin, this is heaven sent. It's not super full coverage like it's sister, the cult classic Double Wear, but a nice medium/buildable foundation. The product is dispensed from a sponge, however I still like to use a blending brush to apply! 

Sephora Bronzer in Bali

An obvious one I suppose, but who doesn't need a bronzer, especially in the warmer months?! I love a naturally bronzed complexion, and this one from Sephora ticks all the boxes for me. I don't contour specifically, I rather use my bronzer to warm up those areas. With that being said, I wouldn't want a super warm toned bronzer for that purpose, and this one is a perfect mix of warm and cool! It's even lovely thrown in the crease of your eye!

Benefit Cheek Parade Palette

It's time to add a little flush of colour to the cheeks, and I personally love a pop of peach on mine, so the new Benefit Galifornia blush is a dream. It's a super barbie-style peach. Of course, this is a whole palette, but I like having options, okay! It also includes some of my favourite bronzers, so I love having this palette on hand to complete most of my look. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills X Nicole Guerriero Glow Kit

What would a glowy make-up look be with out the ULTIMATE glow? I've been a huge fan of the ABH glow kits since 'gleam' and 'that glow' hit the scene, and have since collected four more, including the killer collaboration which is with beauty guru Nicole Guerriero. I'm not massively familiar with Nicole, but the palette called my name, (quite literally). The variety of shades is gorgeous, and definitely something different which is proving hard these days with the amount of new released we're being hit with! The shades melt into your skin like butter, and provide you with a seriously enviable glow. 

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Fragrance

Last but not least, you just have to have your staple spring/summer fragrance on deck before you leave the door! Mine is the classic Bronze Goddess by Estee Lauder. It instantly takes me to a tropical island, (okay, in my head), but it just gets those good vibes flowing. If you haven't tried this fragrance, give it a smell when it hits the stores again! 

What are your Spring beauty essentials?! 

Sephora Shopping In Paris

I've just got back from a beautiful weekend in Paris with my boyfriend, and of course, it was incredible in every way, with the most beautiful buildings, and even better pizza, but me being me, I had to take a trip to Sephora! Us beauty-obsessed British guys and gals have a huge Sephora shaped hole in our hearts, and I feel like I've returned to the mother-ship everytime I visit one! Have a look at what I picked up on this trip!

Marc Jacobs Air Blush in Lines and Last Night

This was my splurge item, the item I almost left the store without but quickly made a mad dash back to the counter to grab it! I didn't realise it, but I'm actually a bit of a blusher collector. I can't resist a peachy glow on the apples of my cheeks, and this has been so highly spoken about that I wanted it in my collection! It looks so beautiful, and if like me, you love a peachy blush, I'd say it's worth the dollar bills!

Sephora Collection Bronzing Powder in Bali

This isn't something I intended on purchasing as I'm not really looking for a new bronzer, but the colour was gorgeous, and the price was right! I kept swatching it and it was so soft and buttery, and upon application on my face, it blended out beautifully. I've actually not stopped using this since I purchased it, and I even use it in the crease of my eye for a warm bronzed everyday eye look!

Sephora Orchid Sheek Mask

Sephora Avocado Sheet Mask

A classic Sephora purchase, whether you're a regular shopper there, or just visiting, you just have to pick up a sheet mask or two! I'm not convinced they're life-changing, but they're definitely fun! At just under 4 euros, they don't break the bank either. I decided to pick up two new ones, the orchid mask and the avocado mask! I haven't tried these yet, but if they do blow my mind, then I'll pop up a review!

(From L to R - Dusty Rose, Ashton & Coral Sunset)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks in Ashton and Dusty Rose

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Coral Sunset

Probably the most exciting purchases! I'll start with the Sephora cream lip stain. I picked another one up last month in Rome, and I fell in love with the formula, so I knew I wanted to expand my collection asap. I picked up the shade 'Coral Sunset', which is a beautiful burnt orange, my favourite! I probably should delve into the brighter oranges now we're nearing Summer, but I can't help loving this autumnal hue! The Sephora make-up range is pretty well priced in general, so I didn't think twice about picking another one of these up, and I'm sure it'll become tradition to keep adding them to my collection!

Now, the babies. I see ABH liquid lipsticks to be the first on the market, correct me if I'm wrong, but they're the first ones I ever saw a few years back! Because of this, I've always dreamt of owning my own, but they're so ridiculously hard to get a hold of in the UK for some reason?! I didn't even know they had an ABH counter in the Paris Sephora, so I made a bee-line for it when I spotted it! It took me no time at all to pick up the highly coveted shades, 'Ashton', a warm brown, and the self explanatory 'Dusty Rose'. The formula of these is actually lovely, and I'm definitely going to need a few more!

Huda Beauty Harmony Lashes

Huda Beauty Samantha Lashes

I am a huge Huda Beauty fan, even huge is an understatement. Of both the family, and the brand, I'm inspired by them daily, their work ethic, the love they have for eachother, and everything they've achieved together, it's beautiful. Despite not being big on spending a lot of money on my lashes, I will always support Huda and her brand, so I picked up my favourite pairs! I bought my first pair of Huda Beauty lashes a few years ago in Dubai, and they remain untouched as they're almost like a little souvenir for me! Obviously I'm going to use these ones, I'm particularly excited about the Harmony lashes!! 

I hope you've enjoyed this haul-style post! I love reading these myself, and I wanted to share my purchases! You may see one or two things crop up in a favourites post! Have any of you been to a Sephora? And are you as crazy as me in there?! To be fair, this was pretty well restrained. Let's just say, let me loose on those US brands and me and my bank will have a problem! Haha!