Wednesday 29 May 2013

The Perfect Base: Concealers


I've never been much of a foundation wearer, mostly because I could never find a shade that actually matched my skintone properly and because any sales assistant I've discussed foundations with has always said my skin doesn't need it! The main problems with my skin is redness on my cheeks (sensitive skin trait!) and depressingly dark circles under my eyes which I treat with targeting concealer instead of a full face of foundation.

These are the concealers I've been using recently, including my must-have moisturiser and a multi-tasking eye shadow. 

Left - Right. Boots Simply Sensitive Moisturiser // Translucent Powder // MUA Eyeshadow Shade 17 // Green, Natural and Lilac Concealer Tower // Collection Cover Up Stick in Fair // MUA Cover and Conceal in Fair



I apologise that some of these products aren't 'branded' (the translucent powder and concealer tower) but they were the products I got with my college make-up kit and are the ones that I use. I'm going to explain these products in the order that I use them in, so sorry if they don't follow the order in the photo!

Boots Simply Sensitive Moisturiser

I have a fuller review of this moisturiser here

I believe part of having a good skin base is having good skincare. There's nothing worse than applying foundation/powder just for it to look flaky and irregular where it's been caught on dry skin. I apply this ten - fifteen minutes before I put any products on my skin to allow time to sink in properly and it sorts out any dry patches.

Concealer Tower - Green 

Green-toned concealers are known for counter-acting redness. A must have for oily/sensitive skins, as it reduces the look of irritation, breakouts and broken blood vessels. If you can't get your hands on a green concealer, No 7 does an amazing green tinted primer that's amazing either under foundation or translucent powder. However, if your redness is selective to a few small areas or is in need of a more heavy coverage, a concealer is your best bet. Just be sure to blend thoroughly for risk of green patches!

Concealer Tower - Lilac

Purple-toned concealers are known for counter-acting yellow/sallowness in your skin tone. A must have for any olive skinned girls, as this brightens up your colouring beautifully and naturally. Also great at helping tackle under-eye circles, lilac concealers seem quite scary but are a 'perfect base' staple. 

Collection 2000 Cover Up Stick in Fair

I use this concealer stick under my eyes, and it's amazing! I suffer from really dark under eye circles and this mixed with a little of the lilac concealer sorts them out beautifully! This colour is also a near perfect match for my colouring (which is ridiculously pale) and blends naturally into my skin tone without any tell-tale colour lines. Also a bargain! (£1.99, Boots.)

Make Up Academy Cover & Concealer in Fair

This isn't neccesarily an 'every day' must have for me, as I only use it when I have breakouts. I picked it up recently as Superdrug are currently running a 3 for 2 (I also bought the eyeshadow featured in this post and my MUA Lipstick in Shade 4) for £1.50. It comes in three shades (Fair, Natural and Almond) and despite buying the lightest I find it a touch too orange for me. However, it's concealing power is incredible! I use this on blemishes and it hides them away perfectly. The consistency is actually really thick and creamy but blends well. 

Translucent Powder

Another part of my college kit, I dust this powder over my skin to help set the concealers and mask any slight discolouration (sometimes the green is prone to it!). It also helps mattify my skin. Once this one is all used up I think I'm going to try the Rimmel Stay Matte - so if anyone reading has used it, what's it like?!

Make Up Academy Eye shadow in Matte 17

I use this matte eye shadow every day. Weirdly it's almost the same colour as my skin when applied, which helps as I have quite obvious veins on my lid and across my brow bone and this gives me an even base to apply more shadow to or nice natural-looking colouring. The shadow itself has a beautifully soft texture and there's literally no fall-out at all! The best part is the £1 price tag!


What are your fave concealer products?


Monday 20 May 2013

A Guide To Skincare: Dry Skin


Hellooooo!

I started off this series of posts right at the end of April but shamefully have only published the Oily (here) and the Sensitive (here) editions! *slap on the wrist*

However, I'm here today with the Dry Skin edition (at last). 

My own personal skin type is sensitive/dry, which basically means I use cleansers, toners, exfoliators ect designed for sensitive skin but I tend to go for moisturizers developed for dry skin as they're normally a lot more nourishing. 

'Diagnosing' a dry skin is generally a visual thing. The skin is obviously flaky either all over the face or on specific areas (eg the nose or cheeks) due to insufficient oil and moisture production. Most of the time these flakes can become detached from the face at gentle stimulus's very easily. This skin type is prone to premature aging (boo!), meaning wrinkles develop early, especially around the eyes. However blackheads and open pores are less likely after puberty. 

So, what products do you use? The 'superhero' products for dry skins are definitely a luxurious, thick moisturising cream and a gentle exfoliator. In my next point I'll explain what to look out for in cleansers, toners and face masks including the types of products and essential ingredients.

Essential Words: When purchasing a cleanser, learn towards lotions, milks or balms. These are a lot more nourishing than other cleansers. Avoid the use of foam cleansers as these are designed to suck the moisture out of the skin and are used when treating oily skin. Essential oils (I like to use coconut) are always good to lock in extra moisture, and can be mixed with a moisturiser. Moisturising creams that come in a pot are a lot thicker than lotions that come in a bottle and are more 'heavy duty' when it comes to treating dryness. Aloe Vera is also good to look out for - it's nourishing and soothing without irritating the skin. 

Personally, my all time favourite brand to use on my dryness is Johnsons, but I've also included a few others that have come highly recommended! 


1. Johnson's Daily Essentials Nourishing Cleansing Lotion - £3.29, Boots.
2. Nivea Double Effect Eye Make Up Remover - £3.59, Boots
3. LUSH Skin Drink Moisurising Cream - £11.95, LUSH
4. Montagne Jeunesse Dry Skin Mask - 90p, Primark
5. Nivea Facial Cleansing Wipes - £2.99, Boots
6. Johnsons Daily Essentials Nourishing 24 Hour Day Cream (with SPF 15) - £4.09, Boots

Now, I know I've said this a million times, but investing in monthly facials will significantly help with the look and feel of your skin. Check out college salons for great treatments at bargain prices, or perhaps have a birthday treat and go to a spa or salon? 

So I hope that helped! If you have any recommendations of products to put into this list leave a comment and I'll add it in.

What products do you use on your dry skin?

Sunday 19 May 2013

My Skincare Routine (Sensitive Skin)


Hi everyone!

Ever since I started my Skincare Guide (sensitive edition here & oily edition here) I've been saying I'm going to give my final verdicts on my personal products and I've never gotten around to it. But I've finally had time to sit down and write this post, (plus I think that using the products for as long as I have can give me a more rounded opinion on them) and so without further a do here's what I thought!

L'Oreal Plentitude Gentle Eye Make Up Remover // Boots Simply Sensitive Cleansing Lotion // Boots Simply Sensitive Gently Refreshing Toner // Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser // Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream
I might as well start with a brief outline of my skin type. I've given a more thorough description in my sensitive skincare guide, where you can also find advice and 'diagnositic' tips if you have sensitive skin, but I'll just give you the basics. 

My skin is partly dry (mostly on my forehead and nose), sometimes a little red (on my cheeks), sometimes oily (during a certain time of the month) but over all extremely sensitive. I can't use any brand of facial wipes (not even Simple), and most exfoliators leave me very red and sore so it's always a bit of a struggle to find products that suit my needs.

I think it's safe to say I've found them! All of the Boots Simply Sensitive range contain no fragrance and no colour, plus it's infused with soothing aloe vera which is a sensitive/red skin super ingredient! 



Simply Sensitive Cleansing Lotion 

I adore this cleanser! This lotion is the sort that you wipe over skin with a cotton pad (I use two at a time, plus I double cleanse) and wipe off with the toner. At first I was a little skeptical, feeling this would leave my skin feeling heavy with product and, quite frankly, more dirty than before. But I actually prefer not having to use water! It's the perfect lazy girl cleanser - I cleanse whilst I'm in bed! I always double cleanse, the first cleanse acting as a make-up removal and the second a deeper skin cleanse and I always find my cotton pads coming away clear on the second round! My skin feels more nourished and smooth, plus looks so clear. I hardly have any blemishes - it also works well during my oily spells!

Simply Sensitive Gently Refreshing Toner

I use this toner to remove the final traces of cleansing lotion from my skin and to close pores. A little amount on one cotton pad is enough for a quick wipe-over, and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed. My skin has accepted this very willingly, and it doesn't leave me feeling tight and sore like some others I've tried! Love it.


L'Oreal Plentitude Gentle Eye Make Up Remover

I've had this make-up remover for a long time, but it had been stored away with my other beauty rejects for future reference until I was pawing through the drawer the other day and found it again! I've always struggled with removing my eye make-up as most make-up wipes leave my skin burning but this product does the trick nicely! I use two cotton pads (one for each eye), and simply hold the pad on my eyelid for 3 - 5 seconds before wiping downwards and it removes all traces of make-up so quickly! This is also a must-have if you have Eyelash Extensions as it's oil free and wont effect the glue.

Simply Sensitive Hydrating Moisturiser

I've suffered from severely dry skin on my forehead and nose for as long as I can remember, meaning that for a good part of my make-up wearing life I've had to avoid any power-based products (including face powder, sigh!) but this moisturiser sorts out my dry skin easily. I apply twice a day - once in the morning before I put on my make-up and once at night at the end of my skincare routine and it leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated without looking oily or shiny.

Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream

I'll admit this isn't a regular in my skincare routine. However, I am prone to flakiness all around my eye area and this cream sorts out dryness really well. It isn't too thick and doesn't take forever to sink in, meaning I can apply make-up within minutes!

You can buy the Boots Simply Sensitive range here. Prices vary between £2.49 - £3.79. (However these products are regularly on sale so keep an eye out!)

What products do you use on your sensitive skin?

xo 

Saturday 18 May 2013

The Summer Transition: Pink-Toned Lips.


Hi everyone!

It's been such a busy week for me! I'm down to my last unit in college and then I'm finally fully qualified! I've been accepted into Level 3 so I'm going to continue my studies but who knows what the future holds!

As I'm sure you've read, 'The Summer Transition' is a new series of posts I've put together showing the changes I've made to prepare myself for the summer. I'm planning to focus on products (here), style, exercise, make-up and diet. I was originally going to sum up my make-up changes in one post but I'm so in love with these lipsticks (and scrub) that I thought they deserve their own post!

Bottom - Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Oxford St Fuchsia // Middle Left - MUA Lipstick in Shade 4 // Middle Right- MUA Lipstick in Shade 3 // Top - 2True Colour Drench Lipstick in Shade 5
LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub
I think I've mentioned most of these products in my make-up faves post (here) and I've been using them quite a while but I literally cannot stop raving about them! The Rimmel Lipstick and the MUA Lipstick in Shade 3 are my most recent purchases, the Rimmel one I scouted in the poundshop (!) and the MUA one from Superdrug. 

Sometimes in the Spring/Summer I lean towards more natural looking make-up but this year I've been exploring my colour options and decided to go all out!



Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Oxford St Fuchsia 

This lipstick is my new baby! I call it my 'Barbie Pink' lipstick as the shade on the lips is really bright and pigmented but at the same time is the perfect, wearable shade. I wore this to college recently and received several compliments about it. Despite it being my new fave, I'm actually terrified to use it as it was such a bargain price and don't want to run out of it! It's staying power is incredible, even without applying it with a brush, and will last me through three meals a day without budging. 

You can buy it here for £6.29 from Superdrug.




Make Up Academy Lipstick in Shade 4

As I'm sure you can tell by the amount I have left, this is my most used lip shade! It's a lovely light pink that isn't too pigmented and is perfect for a 'barely there' make up look. I'm not going to lie, the sustainability of this isn't amazing (I have to top up a lot throughout the day) but for the price I'm not complaining. This lipstick is really hydrating and stays on lips with a glossy finish.

You can buy here for £1 from Superdrug.



Make Up Academy Lipstick in Shade 3 

I've had my eye on this gorgeous red/pink shade for so long! It's seriously pigmented on the lips straight from the bullet but I prefer the look of it when applied with a lip brush. Like my other MUA lipstick (above) it's staying power isn't incredible but again the price is so good you can't complain! I can apply this without the use of a lip balm before because of how nourishing it is, and I also have a thing for the smell (does that make me weird?!).

You can buy here for £1 from Superdrug



2True Colour Drench Lipstick in Shade 5

This colour actually looks a lot darker/more sparkly in the bullet than it is once applied on the lips. I always apply this with a lip brush as I find it applies really thick and messy without using one. I usually wear it if I'm not making an effort with the rest of my make-up and it makes me look like I have! 


Left - Right. Rimmel Moisture Renew in Oxford St Fuchsia, MUA Lipstick in Shade 3, MUA Lipstick in Shade 4, 2True Colour Drench Lipstick in Shade 5


LUSH Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Finally is my dearly beloved LUSH Lip Scrub! The delicious scent, the simple packaging, the gorgeous colour... need I go on?! I use this every night after I've finished with my skincare routine (full post on my routine coming tomorrow!) and it leaves my lips soft, lightly tinted, and, well, tasting frickin' amazing! 

Buy it here for £5.25 from Lush.co.uk


So there you have it! My favourite lip shades for Spring/Summer. 

What are your fave shades?

xo

Tuesday 14 May 2013

How To: Volumise Long, Thick Hair


Hey everyone!

Today I have a special guest post from a friend of mine (Jess) who has ridiculously amazing long, thick hair that I assure you is all real. Here she's going to talk you through her hair care routine plus some tips and tricks!




Jess

Hey guys! Lauren's been pestering me for so long to guest post on her blog and I've finally got around to it! I've had really thick, long hair for at least 6 years and although I've gone through different style phases I've always kept it relatively the same length. I've made a lot of mistakes with my hair, from washing it too often to using the wrong products but it's been a learning curve and I thought I'd share my almost-perfect routine with you!

Despite the thickness of my hair, I always find it lacks volume, making it seem dank and unhealthy. Most of my chosen products are of the volume-boosting kind, as these are the hardest workers when it comes to long, thick hair.



Tresemme 24 Hour Body Shampoo & Conditioner // Charles Worthington Volume Boosting Mousse // Charles Worthington Satin Styling Spray // Got 2 B Powderful Volumising Styling Powder // Got 2 B Big Volume Hair Spray // GHD Hair Styler // Hair Rollers



Tresemme 24 Hour Body Shampoo & Conditioner
(£4.05 each-Boots)

I wash my hair roughly two times every week, I know it sounds 'dirty' but it is actually better to wash you hair the least amount of times possible so then all the natural oils in your hair can make it healthier. I've used so many different shampoo and conditioner's in the past 2-3 years, but I recently found this one and it is AMAZING! I would happily recomend it to anyone. Even though my hair is really thick I find that it seems a bit flat so I do tend to use body and volume hair care.

If you find that you've had enough of washing your hair every single day, then leave it one day and only wash it for the six day's and then gragually reduce it each week! .. it might feel and look very greasy but in time you won't regret any changes you make!



Charles Worthington; Salon Finish Body Booster Mousse

I normally use this mousse before I blow dry my hair, as it styles and gives volume once dry. It takes a while to get the hang of using it and you don't really see the difference but push through it and in time you will see the difference gradually rather than straight away. There is one negative, it makes your hair look greasy with-in a few days of using it but it'll last you til your next wash.

Charles Worthington; Salon Finish Satin Styling Spray

I have really used this one as much as my other products and it does do a really good job but it isn't the best. It does make your hair greasy in the next day or two.





Got2b Powder'ful; Voluming styling powder ( £4.07 -Boots)

I recevied this for Christmas and the first time I used it, it was amazing. You put it in your roots by putting it on your finger tips and making your fingers act like a comb. The outcome of it is good however you do need to back brush the rest of the top bit of your hair other wise it does look abit strange but it is still good! It's the same with most products it does go greasy after a while plus it takes a while to rub it in thoroughly.


Got2b Powder'ful; Big Volume Hairspray ( £4.05 -Boots)

My hair never really takes to hair spray but there is something different about this one! In my opinon it is brilliant! It doesn't last incredibly long but it last's a good amount of time for when I'm going out, so that's roughly four hours, which is still good considering the thickness of my hair and this one doesn't go greasy which is surprising!  



GHDs, Rollers, Hair Slides

When I straighten my hair it doesn't actually take that long, I would say roughly 45 minutes. I know it does sound along time to sit there just straightening your hair but it is worth it! I go through different stages where I sometimes like my hair straight but my hair is naturally curly so I also like that. It depends on what I need from my hair each day - on college days it's up in a ponytail or a bun and when I go out I like it down and curly. That sounds easy but it isn't, I need at least two hair bands and tones of slides! 

Thanks for reading my post, hope it helps you out! I know what a nightmare having long, unmanageable hair can be! I wouldn't mind to hear some feed back, if all goes well I'm hoping to have some more guest posts on Lauren's blog and maybe start my own

What products do you use on your long, thick hair?

xo 

Monday 13 May 2013

The Summer Transition: Products


Hey everyone!

Welcome to a new series of posts named 'The Summer Transition'. I'm going to show you all the changes in my routines (exercise, style, make-up, diet and products) in order to prepare my body for summer. I know everyone in the UK are probably looking at this in disbelief, as it is actually raining right now but I'm hanging onto the long-lost hope that the sun will return... eventually. 

On this post I'll show you the products I've chosen as part of my new summery routine, either because of the effect they have on my body or my mood. And they all smell amazing!

Dove Go Fresh Pomegranate & Lemon Body Wash // Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Scrub // Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub // Foot Works Cherry Ice Foot Scrub // Barry M Mint Green Nail Varnish // River Island Paris Perfume

Dove Go Fresh Pomegranate & Lemon Body Wash

 This body wash is a summer essential for me. The sweet, fruity scent always lifts my mood and lasts long after my shower. This always leaves my skin soft and nourished and is also a quick fix for the rough patches on my elbows. I don't even need to moisturize afterwards!


Soap & Glory Flake Away Scrub 

With the exfoliating power of sea salt, sugar and peach seed powder and the moisturizing effects of shea butter and almond oil this scrub is tough enough to buff away rough patches without drying out my skin. Plus it has that 'Soap & Glory' smell that is so delicious! 

Sanctuary Spa Body Scrub 

I recently picked this up at my local car boot sale for 20p! (normal price £2.50) and is the perfect gentle exfoliator for 'in between' days with Flake Away. It has a invigorating orange-y fragrance and a thick gel-like consistency. This always leaves me feeling softly cleansed and rejuvenated. 

Foot Works Cherry Ice Foot Scrub (Discontinued)

The smell of this scrub is incredible! The cherry is quite strong but not in an artificial plastic-y kind of way. The texture of this reminds me of rubbing wet sand over my feet. I'm actually quite gutted they discontinued this as I love it, plus I have the Cooling Spa on order from my local Avon Rep and would love to use this as a set when doing treatments at home! This works so well on hard/dry skin!


Barry M Nail Varnish in 'Mint Green'

I'll probably include this nail varnish in my cosmetics post as well, but I couldn't resist showing off my latest purchase! I'll admit it does need 2/3 coats (which I find most pastel Barry M varnishes do) but the finishing result is even, shiny and so long lasting! It's a lovely, flattering shade that would compliment either pale or tanned skin tones. 


River Island 'Paris' 

RI says: 'Radiant and voluptuous, with a sexy mix of white flowers and creamy woods blended with dark amber and vanilla bark. Paris is our uber feminine fragrance.'

I say: I don't usually go for floral fragrances and I do actually prefer River Island's 'London', but I got this perfume for Christmas and have decided it's light, sweet aroma is the perfect 'Spring into Summer' scent. It's fairly long-lasting (maybe 5 - 6 hours) and also comes with an adorable box. It also makes a perfect gift!


So there you have it! 

What product changes have you made to your routine for summer?

xo

Wednesday 1 May 2013

MUA Nail Varnish in 'Bold Blue' Review!


I'm a big big fan of Make Up Academy products. I've used their eyeliners and brow pencils, I'm quite frankly obsessed with their lipsticks and I've added more than a few of their eye shadow palettes to my Make-Up Kit but I've never purchased a nail varnish until now! The shame! 

I have to admit, though, that the first thing that drew my attention was the bottle. How much of an obvious dupe is it to the fabulous Essie's?! Aside from being considerably smaller, they share the same bottle shape, lid colour and naturally the company logo stamped into the glass. 



ANYWAY, the second thing that attracted me was this gorgeous shade of blue. It's been dubbed 'Bold Blue' (finally the product shades have names!), and the colour sort of reminds me of what I would call 'sky blue'. 

And the product itself isn't too bad. The end result (after two coats) has a nice shine to it without a top coat and it lasted me at least 3 - 4 days before it began to chip. I'll admit the coverage isn't the best, but from a distance you can't really notice the odd streaky patch. The brush and bottle size are really quite tiny, especially next to my Barry M bottle, but for a £1 price tag I can't complain! I expect I'll get maybe four or five wears of this before it becomes a problem, but no doubt by then I'll have moved onto my next shade.



Have you tried any MUA nail varnishes? What did you think of them?

xo