Estee Double Wear Light - Review

Having completed a full tube of Estee Lauder's Double Wear Light foundation I can now give my full opinions on it. Although Double wear light is a staggering £26.50 I think it's worth the price as it last's for ages and delivers on most of the claims it makes.
 

What Estee Lauder Claim:

- 15 hour wear.

- Sheer to medium coverage.

- Light as air. 

- Gives natural finish and feels comfortable. 

- Goes on sheer and leaves skin to breath all day. 

- Controls oil. 

The shade range is NOT the greatest and I have to say that the shade I was matched up to was probably a little too dark for my skin tone having worn it and seen it under different lighting. Mixing it however, with my Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum foundation made it more wearable but it did take time and effort to mix it everyday which i'd rather not have to do. 

The foundation itself had quite a runny consistency however it glided on the skin really well. I found it could be applied with finger tips but blended in perfectly well with the sigma F80 Kabuki brush. 

Despite claiming to be a 'light as air' foundation I personally found the formulation too heavy for my skin. In terms of coverage I feel this is definitely a full coverage foundation as opposed to the sheer/medium coverage which Lauder claims it to be. You only need a small pee size amount but it just gives you a flawless finish and has amazing lasting power. For me it lasted a full working day however I'm not too sure on the whole 15 hour thing because who wears make-up for that long ??? 

It covers up; discolouration, scaring and blemishes so well that if you forgot to conceal it wouldn't matter too much, however it does feel and look like your wearing make-up and I hate that feeling - therefore I don't agree that its a natural looking foundation. I'm get a really shiny t-zone but with this foundation it was kept under control and I hardly had to top up on powder which is always a plus !  

I love the Royal Blue packaging that the foundation comes in. It feels very luxurious and the actual foundation tube is very slim line, so its perfect for travel as it doesn't take up too much room in your make-up ... AND its plastic so there's no chance of any breakages or spillage's. 

Setting aside the packaging, would I buy this foundation again ... ? Probably NOT. Despite having positive things to say about this product, I just feel the formulation was too heavy for my skin. If you like a more full coverage then this may be a good match for you. Personally I like the 'second-skin' look and therefore prefer a much lighter formulation that gives a fair but natural finish. This is a good foundation, but unfortunately it just didn't work for me. 

Having said this, I'm really keen to try the Invisible Fluid Make-Up by Estee Lauder, its a newly released product and it claims to be a 'see no make-up, feel no make-up' foundation ... so I'm going to get a sample and see if this is any better for my skin! 

Has anyone tried Double Wear Light ? Or even the Invisible Fluid Make-Up ? What do you think of them? x 

I've Got the Real Techniques

Although I probably didn't need to buy any more make-up brushes I couldn't resist purchasing the Real Technique brushes by Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo on youtube. I was drawn to the Core Collection purely because of the Buffing Brush people have been raving about however I am pleased to say that I love all the brushes in this set. One thing that makes this set an even greater product for me, is that its perfect for travel!

Considering one M.A.C brush is around the £16+ mark, this set is a bargain at £21.99. You get 4 brushes for perfecting a flawless base, a handy carrier that doubles up as a nifty brush stand and the carrier also has space to add other brushes if you wish.  

In the set:

Detailer Brush:

'Precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition'. 

I personally prefer to use this brush for lipstick application as you can really get sharp, defined lips, the brush is petite, compact and very easy to use. 

Pointed Foundation Brush:

'Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage'. 

I find that my foundation is left streaky looking when using a traditional foundation brush like this, however I use this for concealer and it works perfectly to disguise dark circles under my eye area. 

Buffing Brush:

'Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation'.

This brush is so soft and light on the skin, I use it with my liquid foundation and it gives me a natural, glowing finish to my face. 

Contour Brush:

'Delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish. 

Not one for applying blusher with I've found, but definitely a great brush for contouring  as it gets into the hollows of your cheeks.

* Literature taken from Real Techniques 

The quality of these brushes cannot be faulted they are incredibly soft due to the talkon bristles, and just glide on your face. I am so glad I bought this set because I love all the brushes and like I said its perfect for travel. I've not had a chance to wash the brushes so I don't know how well they do wash but as soon as I do I'll let you know. 

Real Techniques brushes are available from Boots or www.realtechniques.com 

Have you got your brushes from  Real Techniques ? If so what's your verdict? 

Take a Sneaky Little Peek

Hi Guys. Not a very exciting post but here are some posts you may be interested. If you get a chance take a sneaky peek ...

Beauty Posts:

Beauty Boxes Part 1

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/do-you-know-latest-in-beauty.html

Beauty Boxes Part 2

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/beauty-boxes-part-2.html

Sanctuary Brightening Facial  - Moisture Boosting Mask 

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/02/sanctuary-brightening-facial-i-moisture.html

Clear & Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/02/clean-and-clear-exfoliating-daily-wash.html

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/no7-quick-thinking-4-in-1-wipes.html

Maybelline Volum Express Colossal Cat Eyes 

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/meow-maybelline-volum-express-colossal.html

Mow Her?

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/mow-her.html

Brush Up Your Skills

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/brush-up-your-skills.html

When It's Gone, Is It Really Gone? 

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/when-its-gone-is-it-really-gone.html

The Lush Life

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/lush-life.html

The Doctor Brand: Blemish Complex Kit

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/what-was-in-my-little-beauty-box.html

Waste Not Want Not (The Challenge)

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/use-what-you-got.html

Kind to Eyes?

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/kind-to-eyes.html

Food For Your Hands?

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2011/12/blog-post_24.html 

Hair Posts:

TRESemme' Moisture Rich Shampoo & Conditioner

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/02/blog-post.html

Chop Chop

http://elefont-at.blogspot.com/2012/01/chop-chop.html

I would also like to take this opportunity to Thank everyone who has followed my blog so far, I appreciate all the nice comments left on my posts and am happy that I can talk to like minded people who have the same interests as me. If there are any posts your recommend me reading please leave a link for it in the comments section and I will have a look.

Anika x

Sleek: Your Making Me Blush

Admittedly I don't really look at Sleek products when purchasing make-up, to say the very least I have one blusher from Sleek which I have to say is amazingly pigmented and brilliant value for money. When I heard about the limited addition blush palettes Sleek has released I ran out to Superdrug's to take a good look.

'Blushes by 3' come in a choice of 5 palettes, so there's something for everyone!

(For reference the choices are : Pink Sprint, Flame, Lace, Pumpkin and Sugar. Images can be found on the Sleek website)

My eyes were immediately drawn to the 'Sugar' palette as I felt all the colour's in this palette would suit my skin tone the best. This palette consist of three shades, two of which are matte and the third being a shimmer blush. 

At £9.99 for 20g worth of the product, I think this is (as David Dickinson would say)a REAL DEAL considering an individual Sleek Blush retail's at £4.30. 

I love anything that comes in palettes or sets as there ideal for travel - and this palette will definitely be going in my make-up bag when I next go on my travels.

(From left to right: Demerara, Muscovado & Turbinado)

Demerara:This matt shaded blush is a warm brick colour. Used in the right way you can give your cheeks that 'just been out in the cold' look. 

Muscovado:I'm not a big fan of ANYTHING shimmery but when worn this blush gives you that 'glowing from within' look. The shimmer is very fine & you hardly notice it on the cheeks. This colour would also work really well as an eye shadow. 

Turbinado: A warm matt orange shade. Use with a light hand other wise you might look like an ommpa loompa.

These blushes are super pigmented so you only need the tiniest amount and they can be layered to achieve your required intensity. I sometimes wear the alone or mix the shades to create a completely new colour. 

I'm so glad that I got hold of this palette, I highly, highly recommend everyone to check out their local Superdrug's. From what I could see they were flying of the shelves so go get yours quick!

Has anyone got their 'Blush by 3' palette? If so, which one? And what do you think of it? x

L' Occitane: Desert Rose Hand Cream

A while back, Marie Claire magazine were giving away limited edition packaged L'Occitane hand creams - I jumped at the chance as I had wanted to try products from L'Occitane for a while. The prices have always put me off so I could NOT resist this freebie. 

There were three to choose from:

 Shea Hand Cream Desert Rose, Shea Hand Cream Cocoa Flower, Shea Hand Cream Hibiscus Flower

This 30ml hand cream is perfect for your hand bag and the packaging is super cute. I had chosen the Desert Rose Scent and after trying to save it for a rainy day I gave in, used it for a while and absolutely love it! L'Occatine's Desert Rose hand cream is enriched with honey and almond (I love almond) and is perfumed with a 'fruity & tangy interpretation of Moroccan Rose',(not that I know what Moroccan Rose is suppose to smell like) this scent isn't too heavy, its just nice & subtle. 

Nearly all gone ... sad times !!!

The consistency is quite thick but when it goes on the skin it feels lovely, light and creamy - you only need a tiny pea size amount and a little really does go a long way.It softens the cuticles and in the cold winter months I've noticed that the skin on my fingers has been peeling which is really quite sore (sounds lovely doesn't it... not !!!)so this hand cream has really been nourishing for my hands. 

What I would say is that this product has a highly concentrated formula so don't put too much on as the texture can get quite oily and greasy and you end up wasting half of the cream, HOWEVER - this might be because I'm a bit heavy handed...oops !!! 

The 30ml Hand Cream retails at £7.50 and is available to purchase  directly from L'Occitane. After the results i've seen with this product I am tempted to purchase the full size version (worth the price) and have my eye on this gift set ...

This is the Ultimate Hand Cream Collection, it was originally £90.00 but has been reduced to £60.00. Its limited edition so if I want it I have to be quick and you get all of this...

2 x 30ml Shea Butter Hand Cream

30ml Hibiscus Flower Shea Butter Hand Cream

30ml Desert Rose Shea Butter Hand Cream

30ml Cocoa Flower Shea Butter Hand Cream

30ml Pivoine Flora Hand Cream

30ml Rose 4 Reines Hand Cream

2 x 30ml Cherry Blossom Hand Cream

30ml Fleur Cherie Hand Cream

30ml Verbena Hand Cream

30ml Lavender Hand Cream

I'm in two mind as to wether to get this or not because I've wanted to try Burts Bees Almond Milk & Beeswax Hand Creme for ages! 

Has any one tried any products from L'Occitane? Did you like them? Do you think there worth the price? Let me know what your thoughts are. x

Keeping it Simple

When I first started wearing make-up I had no idea about all the different products and brands out there, (both high end and drugstore... theres so many). Initially I stuck to wearing thick cat-eye like eyeliner and mascara and then later delved into my Mum's blusher collection and that incidentally became my 'signature' look... not that there was anything special about it, looking back. 

After watching beauty videos on youtube I felt that I needed to run to M.A.C and buy a bunch of things because it seemed like all people would talk about was M.A.C I felt pressurised without being pressurised if you know what I mean. Now I will spend my money accordingly - so I will buy high end foundations but my mascaras and blushers will mainly be from the drugstores.

 

One day I looked in the mirror and decided that I hated the thick eyeliner look, I put so much effort into how I looked (which is not a bad thing), but I just wanted to look natural. I wanted to keep products to a minimum - yet it hasn't stopped me from buying more make-up but it general I feel a look better about how I look.

 

Celebrities featured: 

Kristin Stewart, Blake Lively, Rachel McAdams, Lauren Conrad,Leighton Meester and Natalie Portman 

Now I look after my skin more by cleansing and toning my face, and love the simple eye with a pop of colour on the lips look. 

Whats your signature look (if you have one)? Or what type of look do you like to wear for different occasions?

Lush: Colour Supplement

I recently visited Lush to get a sample of their Colour Supplement which Shaz recommended trying. The guy there was really lovely & helpful - totally opposite from my recent experience at Nars & despite the shade being slightly too light for me I have to say I actually liked this product.  

(Shaz: http://www.youtube.com/user/shazxxxxxxx16786/videos)

What is the Lush Colour Supplement

The supplement is a pigment blend in a cream base which contains; rose petal infusion, soya and rice bran oils. Lush say that these ingredients make the supplement comfortable enough to wear all day without feeling heavy. It's also especially good for those with sensitive skin. 

The Verdict:

The sample I took away with me was 'light pink' and when I first put it on and blended it in I thought woah thats too light for me, however when I put the rest of my make-up on it didn't look too bad. It does take a while to settle into the skin and I would say to be careful that you don't miss patches of face out. In terms of coverage I would say this is a sheer coverage product and it stops at that. You can't really build it up, so if you like a full coverage this may not be the best product for you. The consistency is quite thick however it feels really light on the skin, and it is also very moisturising so if you do happen to forget to put an actual moisturiser on it wouldn't matter so much. The Colour Supplement can be used in the ways listed below or as a little pick me up under actual foundation.

Ways you can use your Colour Supplement

Tinted Moisturiser:

- Cleanse & tone as normal.

- Mix a small amount of your supplement with your favourite 

  moisturiser using the back of your hand as a palette.

- Apply to the face working your way out from nose.

Foundation:

- Moisturise as normal.

- While your skin is damp apply the Colour Supplement working 

  your way from the nose. 

Concealer: 

- Moisturise as normal. 

- Dot a small amount of the Colour Supplement on any problem 

  areas and blend well with clean fingertips. 

(Literature taken from the Lush Times available on: www.lush.co.uk )

If you set the supplement with a powder it lasts all day, however you may need to use a heavy duty concealer for any problem areas as I didn't find the supplement very useful as a concealer. When wearing this product it doesn't feel like your wearing anything on you face, its just feels like a second skin. 

 

This isn't an in depth review but I would definitely recommend everyone to try this product. It's reasonably priced at £7.95 for 20g which I think is a generous amount, you only need a tiny amount and it feels so good on the skin...what more could you ask for? I went ahead and bought a full size version but in the 'Dark Yellow' shade which is a much better match for my skin tone. I sometimes mix it in with my Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation if I want more of a full coverage otherwise I wear it alone on days where I'm not doing much. 

Before I started watching 'beauty videos' on youtube and beginning my own blog, I didn't really know much about Lush and probably still don't know a great deal, but what I do know is that their products consistently deliver. Although some products may seem highly priced, if they are doing their job then there definitely worth the price. 

Has anyone tried the Lush Colour Supplement? If so what are your 

thoughts on it? 

Finding the Perfect Match

I have been using the Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation for a little over 5 months and although I like the finish of it and the fact that it stays in place all day I have found the actual consistency is quite think and this has put me off from repurchasing it again. Now I'm on the search for  a new foundation so any recommendations would be great!(I'm considering trying the Estee Lauder Fluid make-up which I have been told is quite similar to the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua).

(For reference I only ever tend to keep two foundations in my collection as I know I'll stick to the one I like the most and the others would simply just sit in my draw). 

I did visit the Nars counter in Selfridges, Trafford Centre, Manchester to see if I could pick up a sample of the Sheer Glow foundation as I've heard good things about it, however the girl on the counter was very unfriendly and she was just a snooty cow! (Lets just get that out there)!!! Apparently Nars don't give samples out which is fair enough (however I think they should) - therefore I wasn't prepared to fork out £29.50 on a foundation that may not work for my skin in the long run. 

This reaffirmed my fear of make-up artists on beauty counters! I hate the way the girls stare at you and how intimidating they can be, I'm sure not all of them are like that however I have lost confidence to talk to the girls on beauty counters and shy away from even looking at the make-up because I feel like all eyes are on me. Is this me being silly and having a rant? Or does anyone else feel like this?

I want a high-end foundation thats light on the skin and doesn't feel like I'm wearing a lot of make-up,very much like Bourjois's Healthy Mix. 

What foundation do you use? Why do you use that particular foundation and what do you love about it?