Keep Young And Beautiful (A Boots Haul)

As I mentioned in my last blog post, I want to stop using make-up wipes and be more kind to my skin by using cleansers, toners and eye-makeup removers on an everyday basis. By using cleansers and toners, not only will my skin feel and look better but my make-up will look much better.

I know there will be some days where I want to just use wipes for the convenience or because I'm just being lazy therefore I am not even keeping an emergency pack in my draw so I will have to keep up with my regime. 

I originally wanted to buy Avene's Extremely Gentle Cleanser  but I was a bit hesitant as I've heard mixed reviews on it. I also thought £8.00 was a little steep or is that me being tight? 

What I Purchased:

Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover: £3.05...150ml

Skin Brightening Toner: £4.07...250ml

Skin Brightening Cleanser: £4.07...250ml

The Botanics range from Boots is very affordable but the proof is in the pudding so when I've had a good try at these products I will let you  know how I got on. I've had a look at a few reviews on Make-Up Alley and they seemed to be mixed.

At the moment Boots have a 3 for 2 offer on the Botanics range so I got the Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover for free ...oooo I love a freebie!!! If anyone has tried anything from this range, let me know how you got on...x

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

I want to stop using make-up wipes and be more kind to my skin by using cleansers and toners but as I didn't have time to browse at the time, I made use of my No7 £5 off voucher and bought the Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes so in the end I only paid £2.00 instead of the £7.00 they normally retail at. 

These wipes are designed to cleanse, tone, remove eye-makeup and moisturise the skin. It beats having tones of bottle on your vanity and they are ideal for travel. I particularly like the packaging because it has a solid plastic top so it keeps the wipes nice and moist. 

Unlike most make-up wipes these ones are really wet and get the dirt, oil and make-up off your face in a matter of a wipe here and there. Although these wipes do remove eye make-up I have to rub at my eyes for ages which has lead to eyelash fall out - not happy about that! 

Overall I would recommend these wipes for travel use ONLY as it saves you cluttering up your cosmetic bag, however I certainly wouldn't pay £7.00 for these make-up wipes - there are similar things on the market at a much more sensible price.  

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 wipes are available at Boots: www.boots.com

Living in Sanctuary

For my birthday I asked my lovely Mum to buy me the Brightening Facial In-A-Box from Sanctuary because I wanted to try more of their products especially the Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser. 

What You Get Inside:

1x Muslin Cloth

10 ml Polishing Hot Cloth Cleanser 

10 ml Radiance Exfoliator 

15 ml Moisture Boosting Mask 

5 ml Brightening Eye Gel 

10 ml Illuminating Moisture Lotion 

You get a handy guide on how to use your kit.

Its a nice little nifty kit and from my first impressions, I would definitely consider buying this for a friend on a Birthday, for Christmas or any other special occasion. You get to try out a range of products and get a handy guide as to how to use each product. The Brightening Facial In-A-Box retails at £16.34 (a fabulous price) and is available in most Boots Stores or directly from Sanctuary. Keep your eyes peeled for an upcoming review!!!

Not So Great (Lash)

This is possibly, actually it is the worst mascara I have ever used. At 4.99 I shouldn't really complain but money is money and we all work hard for it. I will say I gave it a good go and used it continually for a month as I wanted to give it the benefit of doubt but I really didn't like it and it just ended up in the bin. Great Lash has been described as a classic, but I can't see what's so classic about this mascara - classically rubbish is what I say! The formula was quite wet which I personally don't mind however pigment wise it wasn't black enough for me. The wand is nothing special and although it separated my lashes well, it didn't add any length or volume to them. The mascara simply coated my natural lashes - I needn't of bothered putting any on in the first place! Overall this mascara did nothing for my eyes and was a complete waste of money - a very disappointing product. 

Sorry for the lack of photos. At the time I didn't take any - not that you would notice any difference, so this post is very short and sweet. Has anyone tried Great Lash? If so what are your views on it? 

Maybelline - Volum' Express the Colossal Cat Eyes

Having tried Great Lash and being disappointed, I wasn't expecting much from Maybelline's the Colossal Cat Eyes mascara yet I think this maybe one of my favourite mascara's to date.  

It's reasonably priced at £7.99 and is widely available in Boots and Superdrug across the country. If your lucky you can always find a good deal in your local Asda or Tesco which is always a plus. My eyelashes are naturally quite long but fair in colour so I always like to use mascara to enhance the look of my eyes. 


The packaging is not the greatest but when the product is good you really can't complain. The wand is small and slightly curved which allows you to get right to the roots making it easy to separate the lashes including those tiny ones that are usually hard to get to as well catching the outer lashes to create that 'cat eye' look - if you smudge a bit of kohl liner in the upper lash line you can also create a really quick and easy smokey eye.

 

Although this mascara is not highly pigmented after a second coat you can get a reasonable intensity, the formula is quite wet which I prefer however it's not messy at all like some mascaras. 

Without Mascara

With Mascara

If your looking for a thickening or volumising mascara this is probably not for you. Maybelline's Cat Eyes is more a lengthening mascara - it really makes you look awake and gives you long, flirty looking lashes. I highly recommend this mascara to everyone in particular to those who have short lashes. Hope this has been helpful x

In Need Of Company

On the cover: Alexa Chung 

Some Fab Editorial Images

Panda Lips 

Britain's Best Style Blogger 

'Company' stood out on the magazine stands with its new look cover for the February 2012 issue. It wasn't like its usual glossy self, it looked and felt like what a modern day fashion magazine should look like. I have to say there were still as many adverts inside as a normal fashion mag however it had more depth. 

I actual read the copy instead of glancing over the photos as I usually do trying to convince myself that I'm going to exercise, eat healthier and become thin like those darn models...yeah right!(Anyone got a magic wand ?) 

There were quirky little touches with some of the typefaces used and interesting articles such as; 'Britain's Best Style Blogger' and 'How I Did It: Got The Top Job - Lost the Suit'. 

The layout was really easy on the eye, the placement of objects was nicely put together and the paper stock was almost like newsprint but much thicker - non the less a good choice (check me out I'm like the Gok Wan of paper ...lol)   

I hope 'Company' continue with the new look - for me its more appealing and I'm definitely going to be purchasing upcoming issues as I would really appreciate having a magazine like this in my bag. 

Mow Her?

I received a sample of Moa the green balm in my 'Latest in Beauty' 'Little Beauty Box' a couple of weeks back and feel I can now give a full and honest review. 

This balm is a natural skin balm that claims to repair and renew dry skin, help nourish bumps, grazes and burns and can also be used as a facial cleanser after shaving (for all you men). I guess women could use the balm on legs after shaving too?

'Latest in Beauty' sent me a generous sized sample which allowed 1-2 weeks usage. I mainly used it for the dry skin on my feet and it did wonders, once you have the balm in your hands it naturally melts from the warmth of your hands so it's easy to rub in and it kept my feet smooth and nourished all day - the balm had a non-offensive minty / herbal scent to it which is always a plus. 

I also used the balm for my face (...yes it sounds strange having just told you guys that I have also used it on my feet) as I don't really use a night cream, I use things like Bio Oil and Vaseline to repair my skin overnight so I thought I would try the balm on my face. I especially concentrated it on my eyelashes to nourish them after a day of wearing mascara and eyeliner.

When I would wake up in the mornings my skin would feel much smoother and softer,-  the only thing I would say is that it does leave your pillow cases oily. 

This balm is something that everyone should keep in the draws its a staple like Bio Oil and Vaseline. Once I have used up my Bio Oil I would definitely consider purchasing the full size of Moa as it 'did what it said on the tin - or in this case the tub', so i could test a full run of it. 

Prices: 

Full Size Moa: 50ml ...£9.99 

Mini Moa: 15ml ...£4.99 

www.thegreenbalm.com 

As you can see the price of the green balm is affordable and even if you just wanted to try it out you could purchase the mini version. If anyone tries the balm out let me know how you get on.

Brush Up Your Skills

Brushes can be an essential part of the application of make-up. To be honest I don't have a huge collection and most of them have been bought from drugstores or discounted websites. For the longest time I have been searching for brushes that would be perfect for foundation and concealer and alas I have finally found them. Both are from Sigma, however they were both purchased on 
love-makeup at a discounted price which will be outlined further in this post. 

Flat Top F80 Kubuki Brush (Retails at: $14.00 USD from Sigma) 
Like I said I bought this brush from love-makeup for £13.00 - it sometimes works out cheaper if you purchase from the Sigma website depending on the rate the day you make your purchase. 
This brush is described as:

The P80 Precision Flat Brush is small and dense, perfect for buffing in small areas. It is ideal for liquid and cream products on small areas for a flawless application. 

I have tried many, many foundation brushes and they simply don't cut the mustard! They would leave my foundation looking streaky and the finish always looked too heavy because I was having to work so hard at blending it in. However with the F80 the application is much easier, I am having to work less to buff in the product and my face feels light and airy. Currently I am using the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light in Intensity 4 mixed with Bourjous Healthy Mix in 56 Hale Clair and all I do is dab some foundation on to my face and neck and buff away. With this brush you don't need much foundation as it distributes evenly on the face however the one negative I have is that it collects foundation quickly so its a must that you clean it on a regular basis. 

Tapered Blending E40 Brush (Retails at: $11.00 USD from Sigma) 
Again this brush was bought from love-makeup for £8.99, be aware that love-makeup only stocks a selection of Sigma brushes so if your looking for something specific you may not always find it on there. Traditionally this brush is designed to blend in eye-shadow however after watching numerous YouTube videos and reading reviews on blogs I had learnt that it was very good for concealer and has been compared to the MAC 223 Tapered Blending Brush - which is much more expensive at £22.00. The brush is described as: 

Rounded and tapered top. Specially designed to apply and blend color on the crease. Natural bristles.

I am currently using the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer and the E40 blends this concealer in so, so well. It doesn't leave you feeling like the product is caked on around your eyes, you don't need as much concealer because the brush distribute it well, however like the F80 it does collect the product quickly so it always needs a good wash (as do all brushes). The one disappointment with this brush is that it sheds like a bitch!!! (Pardon my French)Its annoying when you've just put your foundation and concealer on and then your having to pick out individually tiny brush hairs - I can just about tolerate it because it is such a good brush. 


If anyone knows of any brushes that I should try comment below.  
Ta-Ra For Now x

The Lush Life

A couple of weeks ago I met up with a friend for coffee and we managed to have a look in Lush. I'll be the first to admit that I haven't purchased much from Lush - I have always thought its just soap... right? What I do love about Lush as a company is the commitment it has to using fresh and natural ingredients ... non of this chemical bullshit! And I love the creativeness of how things are named and how the products are made and presented. 

www.lush.co.uk

As I said I don't buy much from Lush but on this occasion I did   a.) because there was a 50% sale (who doesn't love a sale)? 

b.) because I have never bought anything from the 'festive'/

    limited edition collections.

c.) because I just wanted to treat myself.

So here is my little HAUL. I have yet to use these products as I'm saving them for when I'm having a really shitty day and I need to relax. All the products leave your room smelling gorgeous so I am even considering buying things from Lush to leave in my cupboards as a natural deodoriser.

*All 50% Off - sale price in ( )

Lil Lush Pud Ballistic ... £1.95 (£0.98)

Satsumo Santa Ballistic ... £2.95 (£1.48)

Cinders Ballistic ... £1.95 (£0.98)

And I really wanted to try the Snow Fairy Shower Gel but they only had it in the gift set so I thought what the hell.

Snow Fairy Gift Set ... £10.95 (£5.47)

 30g Shimmy Shimmy Glitter Bar.

60g Angel Delight Soap.

100g Snow Fairy Shower Gel. 

I also got given a sample of Honey I Washed the Kids Soap, which I am looking forward to using as it smells lovely and I've heard such good things about it. 

 

Another thing that I like about Lush is the customer service, everyone is so friendly an helpful which always makes your shopping experience much better. I will definitely be buying more products from Lush...x

Update: Elefont

So I haven't posted anything on this blog for a while because I am sooooooo tired from work!!! However I have been enjoying going to Zumba classes. I do it twice a week and its a great work out whilst also being loads of fun... I don't think you'll see me on Strictly anytime soon though lol. 

I have also been thinking about the progress of my blog so far. I originally designed it to mainly display my design work / creative interest but I have realised that my posts have been over shadowed by beauty related things. I'm thinking that I should now create another blog, a blog that would be a lot more simple but would act as a portfolio as such but in blog form whilst also being like a diary of interests I have within the arts and creative industry. What do you guys think ??? Or should I stick to the one? 

Carmex: Cherry

Carmex Cherry is the best lip balm out there in my opinion. It moisturises my lips, keeps them smooth, its not oily like other lip balms I've used and it smells lovely. Unlike vaseline (which is what I used to use) its available in a tube so I'm not getting it all over my hands and its just one of those handy things to have in you handbag.

The Doctor Brand: Blemish Complex Kit

I received the The Doctor Brand: Blemish Complex Kit in my 'Little Beauty Box' from www.latestinbeauty.com and was so impressed with it that I thought I would share my views on it. 

This kit is designed to keep blemishes away if you hadn't already guessed from the name. Although the samples I received were very small I feel that I got good results from using the products. 

Step 1: Clarifying Cleanser 

Claims to: - helps keep skin clear of blemishes. 

           - provides rich lather to remover dirt and oil.

           - purifies pores. 

I really enjoyed using this cleanser as I felt like it really lifted the dirt and excess oil from my face. The consistency was quite runny and it didn't feel heavy like some of the cleansers i've used before. It also didn't have a scent which I find is a plus because sometimes scented cleansers can irritate my skin. The product made my skin feel smooth but I feel that if you over used the product it could leave your skin feeling dry and dehydrated.

Step 2: Exfoliating Blemish Gel 

Claims to: - improve skin clarity.

           - controls and prevents blemishes. 

           - cleans away dead skin skills and unclogs pores. 

I didn't particular enjoy using this product nor did I dislike it. Personally I would skip this step out as I felt it didn't do anything for my skin - it was very similar to the cleanser in consistency and it didn't seem to exfoliate the skin it was more that it made my face feel fresher. If my skin was in a really poor state then I may consider introducing it back in to the three step system. 

Step 3: Skin Perfecting Lotion

Claims to: - soften and refines skin texture.

           - keeps skin smooth and even.

           - provides essential hydration. 

Although this lotion smelt like the lemon scented towels you get in an Indian Restaurant, which is not a bad thing (yum yum Indian...), this cream was lovely on the skin. It was light, creamy, hydrating and gave me the moisture I needed as I have quite dry skin.

The Blemish Complex Kit is something that I would consider using again because I had such a good experience of using it the first time around, and that being from a sample version. However its something I maybe would use once a week as a deep cleansing routine as I think it can dry out your skin if you use it too much - this being the cleanser and the gel. 

The kits can be retail from: £19.99 and are available from: 

www.thedoctorbrand.bathandunwind.com or www.boots.com 

E.L.F Cosmetics

E.L.F (www.eyeslipsface.co.uk) is an online company that offers cosmetics and make-up tools at an affordable price.

The company's popularity has grown from reviews that have appeared on YouTube channels and beauty blogs. 

My personal experiences of E.L.F so far has been very mixed! I have bought both make-up items and brushes and i've found that the products lack consistency. Some products are fantastic and others are simply a waste of time and money. The main thing that puts me off from buying make-up from E.L.F is that the swatches online are not true to life or even close and for someone of colour this can be a problem. However like I said it is an affordable brand, so should I complain ?

Make-up company MUA for example sell products that retail from £1, are of a good quality and are available in Superdrug stores across the country so they can be tried and tested by its customers so why couldn't E.L.F do the same? 

I personally wouldn't purchase make-up items from E.L.F (again) unless they dramatically changed the quality of their swatches. I would however consider purchasing their make-up items if they were available in stores where I could physically swatch the products myself. If you do want to try any products from E.L.F there are three different ranges you can choose from:

E.L.F Basic - From: £1.50

E.L.F Professional - From: £3.50 

E.L.F Mineral - From: £3.00

One product I was really disappointed with was the E.L.F Professional Total Face Brush (£1.50).

I had heard good reviews on this brush and was in need for a good powder brush so I thought I would give this brush a go! Initially I wasn't disappointed with the product nor did it do anything spectacular it distributed powder evenly like I hoped it would - however after I washed the brush this is when I experienced problems(I deep clean my brushes once a week with Baby Shampoo). The Total Face Brush didn't take well to being washed despite being washed with a gentle shampoo, washing it seemed to have created a knot in the middle (if that makes sense) and the brush hair's didn't fall back into its natural shape.

It was like the brush was having a bad hair day!

The brush hair isn't of great quality and it seemed to scratch against my skin, although it didn't physically leave any marks on my face. And to top it off the handle broke!

 

What I would say is that there are some good brushes from E.L.F despite my views on this one. For example:

E.L.F Studio Blush Brush - £3.50

E.L.F Studio Complexion Brush - £3.50

Just be cautious that products lack consistency - so you may get one really good brush or one really bad brush. However the Total Face Brush is in bin now!