Hi Ladies,
I hope you all had a great weekend, the weeks are just flying by! Today I'm back with a super affordable budget buy that will put a smile back on your face, especially in the run up to Christmas.
I was over to visit my brother a few week's ago in Liverpool, so as per usual when I visit the UK, I popped into Superdrug. Don't get me wrong, I love Boots, but I love Superdrug for the brand's that you can only order online here in Ireland, them mostly being MUA and Make Up Revolution. In the two stores I went to, both Make Up Revolution stands were crowded, so I stuck with good old MUA. I've tried a good few products from MUA, and for the most part I've been impressed, (until I picked up an under eye radiance concealer that's just made up of glitter, not a good look). So when I saw the new Skin Define Hydro range from the brand, I'd no bother in picking up a few bit's to try. I picked up the setting powder, which so far I've no complaint's about, but the thing that's really impressed me is the Hydro Primer. I've only been using it for a week so far, but let me tell you, it's love!
From the website and the packaging itself MUA say the primer is
A fresh and hydrating primer in a lightweight gel formula. The soothing aqua base leaves skin refreshed and smooth allowing for even makeup application. The hydro primer has a self-repairing system, designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and prime your face for a smooth complexion.
So first off, the packaging. It comes in a neat plastic tub, which is fine. Packaging as I've said before isn't a huge issue for me as long as the product inside lives up to it's claims. So I'll just skip right ahead on to the product itself.
It's the most unusual consistency that I've ever used in a primer. I'm mostly used to silicone based primers, and some that are cream but yet still feel like silicone, but this one is just like jelly. To be honest it remind me very much of an extremely high end primer that people raved about on the blogging scene a while back, but I never tried it so I can't compare the two. It's just such an unusual texture! Even when I put my finger in it makes a little dent in the product, but it's not too long before the primer smooths over again!
When I apply it to my skin it has a very cooling hydrating effect. It dries in fairly quickly too, which is a big thumbs up for me, because I'm always rushing in the mornings!
But, the big thing is, does it work? I think so.
It definitely does hydrate the skin, as for reducing the appearance of fine lines, I can't say as I thankfully don't have too many yet, but it definitely does a good job of priming the skin. And although it's not marketed as a primer that makes your base last longer, I find it does. My nose is the first place that my make up disappears from, thanks to a combination of having a very shiney red nose, along with very very obvious pores. But this primer seems to hold it a bit longer than usual!
Overall I'm very impressed with this primer. I've tried quite a few of them, and I do have a particular favourite from No 7, but it's just so expensive for the amount you get that I can't justify repurchasing it just yet.
This one was just 5 pounds, I'm not sure what exactly that is in euro, but obviously it's no that expensive, and I only use a little at a time so I think it will last a fair while! :)
You can pick up MUA product's online HERE, or from Superdrug stores.
Do any of you lovely ladies have any favourite primers?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx
A beauty fanatic who loves all things make up,skincare, and bodycare! For enquiries please contact alishashaughnessy@hotmail.com
Showing posts with label face. Show all posts
Showing posts with label face. Show all posts
Monday, 16 November 2015
Sunday, 19 January 2014
L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Puryfying Micellar Solution V 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil
Micellar solutions seem to be the bee's knees and the cat's pyjamas in skincare these days thanks to the stir Bioderma has caused in the beauty world. I've never tried Bioderma so I can't say anything about that, but when I saw L'Oreal had brought out their own version, well it didn't take me too long to hot foot it to Boots to see what the fuss was about! In case you don't know what a Micellar solution is, its a solution which acts as a magnet to draw impurities and oils etc out of the face, instead of spreading them around the face which is what some face wipes can do. Of course when I went in there was a 3 for 2 on skincare so I ended up with 2 bottles of the Purifying Micellar Solution, and a bottle of the 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil.
Neither of these are products that I would use on their own to cleanse my face, (unless its 3am and I may have had one or two cocktails,) but rather as an extra step in my skincare routine to make sure my make up has been removed altogether.
I have had a lot of compliments on my skin lately, and I myself have seen a noticeable difference. Its clearer, I'm getting a lot less blemishes, and it seems to be a lot brighter. I myself am putting it down to the double cleanse routine that I have really gotten into.
I figured it would be a good idea to do a post comparing the two of these, mainly because they are two different products, from the same company that claim to do the same job!
Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution:
L'Oreal claim that this is a 'A high-performance hypo-allergenic cleanser for face eyes and lips, suitable for sensitive skin. Dissolves make-up, unclogs pores and removes impurities and tones and soothes the skin.' It is also said to be suitable for Sensitive Skin. I have skin which is more dry to combination so I can't really give any opinion on those claims. However I have found this a godsend in my skincare routine. I use it to take off the bulk of my make up, and the amount of stuff that comes off on my cotton pads is really and truly disgusting! (Sorry for the visual).So without a doubt it removes make up! I then go in with whatever cleanser I'm using at that time (Its Lancome at the minute). It doesn't effect the eyes in the slightest bit so it does act as an eye make up remover at the same time. I've gone through two bottles of this altogether so far and it is just such a handy product, I often use it in the morning as a quick freshen up to wake myself up. The only small little complaint I can make about it though is that I did find it to dry my skin out a tiny little bit, so for this I wouldn't say it tones and soothes skin. I'm out of this for the moment but it is a product I would definitely repurchase. Its currently on offer for 4.46 in
Boots, (6.00 normal price) so go quickly!!
Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil:
Straight away this is different to the Micellar Solution for one obvious reason, this one is an oil rather than a water. It claims to 'instantly dissolve all traces of make up and impurities, (even water proof), re balances and purifies for healthier looking skin'. This was my first time trying a facial oil, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. It was easy enough to use though, I took 2/3 drops of the oil and applied it all over my face and eyes (this is the part where I was waiting to be blinded), and then rinsed it off with warm water. The first thing I'll say about this is that its very messy to use. As soon as I had rubbed it on my eyes there was eyeshadow and mascara all over my hands! That didn't really make a huge difference as realistically you're taking off your make up anyway. I did the same with this as I did with the Micellar Solution, and used it more of a pre cleanse rather than a proper full on cleanse.
Again it lived up to its claims of dissolving make up instantaneously, as there wasn't a bit left on my face when I rinsed this off. Pricewise this is slightly more expensive at 10.79, but again its on offer at 7.19, so its a good time to try it if you've been curious about products like this!
So which one would I choose?
To be honest I can't really decide. Both of these are excellent products, which both do a great job at what they say. However the Micellar Solution to me is a quick fix, its one of those products you might use if you're in a rush, whereas the Cleansing Oil is something you'd need to have more time for seen as you have to rub it on and then wash it off. Its more of a treat too I think, something you may use if you're having a night in and really want to pamper yourself. (Oils seem fancy to me ok?)
The price point for them is good too, there isn't a huge difference in the two to make you choose one rather than the other. If you are like me and can't help yourself and want to try both, you'll get both for under 20.00, and you'll even have change left over for ice cream! (Or fruit).
Either way you can't go wrong...
What products are must haves for you in your skin care routine?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha
xxx
Neither of these are products that I would use on their own to cleanse my face, (unless its 3am and I may have had one or two cocktails,) but rather as an extra step in my skincare routine to make sure my make up has been removed altogether.
I have had a lot of compliments on my skin lately, and I myself have seen a noticeable difference. Its clearer, I'm getting a lot less blemishes, and it seems to be a lot brighter. I myself am putting it down to the double cleanse routine that I have really gotten into.
I figured it would be a good idea to do a post comparing the two of these, mainly because they are two different products, from the same company that claim to do the same job!
Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution:
L'Oreal claim that this is a 'A high-performance hypo-allergenic cleanser for face eyes and lips, suitable for sensitive skin. Dissolves make-up, unclogs pores and removes impurities and tones and soothes the skin.' It is also said to be suitable for Sensitive Skin. I have skin which is more dry to combination so I can't really give any opinion on those claims. However I have found this a godsend in my skincare routine. I use it to take off the bulk of my make up, and the amount of stuff that comes off on my cotton pads is really and truly disgusting! (Sorry for the visual).So without a doubt it removes make up! I then go in with whatever cleanser I'm using at that time (Its Lancome at the minute). It doesn't effect the eyes in the slightest bit so it does act as an eye make up remover at the same time. I've gone through two bottles of this altogether so far and it is just such a handy product, I often use it in the morning as a quick freshen up to wake myself up. The only small little complaint I can make about it though is that I did find it to dry my skin out a tiny little bit, so for this I wouldn't say it tones and soothes skin. I'm out of this for the moment but it is a product I would definitely repurchase. Its currently on offer for 4.46 in
Boots, (6.00 normal price) so go quickly!!
Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil:
Straight away this is different to the Micellar Solution for one obvious reason, this one is an oil rather than a water. It claims to 'instantly dissolve all traces of make up and impurities, (even water proof), re balances and purifies for healthier looking skin'. This was my first time trying a facial oil, so I wasn't really sure what to expect. It was easy enough to use though, I took 2/3 drops of the oil and applied it all over my face and eyes (this is the part where I was waiting to be blinded), and then rinsed it off with warm water. The first thing I'll say about this is that its very messy to use. As soon as I had rubbed it on my eyes there was eyeshadow and mascara all over my hands! That didn't really make a huge difference as realistically you're taking off your make up anyway. I did the same with this as I did with the Micellar Solution, and used it more of a pre cleanse rather than a proper full on cleanse.
Again it lived up to its claims of dissolving make up instantaneously, as there wasn't a bit left on my face when I rinsed this off. Pricewise this is slightly more expensive at 10.79, but again its on offer at 7.19, so its a good time to try it if you've been curious about products like this!
So which one would I choose?
To be honest I can't really decide. Both of these are excellent products, which both do a great job at what they say. However the Micellar Solution to me is a quick fix, its one of those products you might use if you're in a rush, whereas the Cleansing Oil is something you'd need to have more time for seen as you have to rub it on and then wash it off. Its more of a treat too I think, something you may use if you're having a night in and really want to pamper yourself. (Oils seem fancy to me ok?)
The price point for them is good too, there isn't a huge difference in the two to make you choose one rather than the other. If you are like me and can't help yourself and want to try both, you'll get both for under 20.00, and you'll even have change left over for ice cream! (Or fruit).
Either way you can't go wrong...
What products are must haves for you in your skin care routine?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha
xxx
Thursday, 2 January 2014
Top 5 Face Products 2013
Hey there everyone, how depressing is it being back to normal after all the excitement of Christmas and New Years! :( Oh well, such is life I guess! So on to the good stuff!
Catrice Camouflage Cream: This was another one that set the beauty world alight this year, and because I'm lucky enough not to get blemishes too often, I'm not one to use concealer an awful lot. On a whim in Penneys one day I picked it up to try, and this is some hardcore stuff! I've tried it on a scar I have on my hand and you wouldn't even know I had a scar after using this, and as for blemishes, well they just vanish into thin air! It is a thick concealer, so I don't know would I use it under eyes as I would fear it would sit in lines and whatnot, but maybe someday I'll try it just for curiosity's sake!
Maybelline The Eraser Under Eye Concealer: I gave this a go back in August after a week full of late night's and a couple of sleepless nights, which resulted in me having bags under my eyes bigger than Ryanair's carry on bags. They were horrendous, and no matter what I did I couldn't make them disappear! As soon as I started using this I instantly saw a difference. Although it doesn't make bags disappear altogether, it does a very good job at hiding them, while also brightening up the under eye area. As you can see by the picture I've been getting some serious use out of it, and I will definitely repurchase!
By far the beauty post's and video's I love to read and watch are good old favourites of the month!
I find it really interesting to see what products other's use and love. More often than not it does end up in me buying them to try out for myself!
I decided rather than doing one long post it would be better to break them up in to a couple of shorter ones, which it'll make it a lot less boring for you all!
So first up I decided I'd share my favourite face products with you all!
2013 was the year that I really did become a tad more obsessive about beauty, and previously to that I had one foundation and I'd use it until I ran out and that was that. Now I have slightly lost track and have begun to branch out and try different brands and formula's, and pretty much spreading my foundation wings!
So in no particular order.... :
The Porefessional Face Primer from Benefit: I only recently picked up the full size of this, but beforehand I did have a sample, and god did I get every last drop out of it! I know everyone had raved about this, but I never could see myself forking out. Until I tried it that is. I have rather large pores on my nose, and I've become quite paranoid about them lately, so I really couldn't believe the difference this primer made. It reduced the size of the pores quite largely, and it also toned down any redness I had on my nose and face too.. Happy days! It is expensive at 34 euro, but I do think its worth it, and I have a feeling it will last ages!
L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint Foundation: This was definitely one of 2013's most raved about products. Although it was only released this side of the pond in recent months, everyone and anyone who's tried this product has loved it. Everything about this foundation is different to most other foundations, in that this is a really liquid product, (it is lighter than water after all) it has to be shaken up and then tipped on to the finger to apply, and it is also a really light coverage! I'm loving this since I bought it, and it has firmly earned its place as my new everyday foundation. The finish is just beautiful, it just looks like you're having a really good skin day! Its priced at 14.99 from Boots and most other pharmacies.
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation: Rimmel had a fantastic 2013, and came out with some amazing products, the most well known probably being the Apocalips Lip Lacquers. They release this Stay Matte Foundation in late August/early September, and although I don't have oily skin, I did want to try out a foundation with a matte finish, and what better way to do it than with a budget product. I have to say though I fell in love with it as soon as I tried it! Its a thick mousse texture, and a little goes a long way with this, otherwise you may end up looking very caked, which is not a good look for anybody! It is a more full coverage foundation though, so if you do like your lighter coverage, then this isn't for you. I loved it though, and at times when I thought it looked a bit flat, I just added a bit of highlighter. Simples. Its cheap as chips aswell at 7.99 (ish).
Catrice Camouflage Cream: This was another one that set the beauty world alight this year, and because I'm lucky enough not to get blemishes too often, I'm not one to use concealer an awful lot. On a whim in Penneys one day I picked it up to try, and this is some hardcore stuff! I've tried it on a scar I have on my hand and you wouldn't even know I had a scar after using this, and as for blemishes, well they just vanish into thin air! It is a thick concealer, so I don't know would I use it under eyes as I would fear it would sit in lines and whatnot, but maybe someday I'll try it just for curiosity's sake!
Maybelline The Eraser Under Eye Concealer: I gave this a go back in August after a week full of late night's and a couple of sleepless nights, which resulted in me having bags under my eyes bigger than Ryanair's carry on bags. They were horrendous, and no matter what I did I couldn't make them disappear! As soon as I started using this I instantly saw a difference. Although it doesn't make bags disappear altogether, it does a very good job at hiding them, while also brightening up the under eye area. As you can see by the picture I've been getting some serious use out of it, and I will definitely repurchase!
Have any of you tried any of these products? If not, what have your favourites been?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx
Thursday, 21 November 2013
My Sleek Blush Collection!
Sleek is a drugstore brand in the UK that is raved about for having amazing quality products, at fantastically low prices. The most raved about products of there's is without a doubt, (in my opinion), the blushes.
Everyone and their mother in the blogging world can't get enough of them, and its not difficult to see why.
Now its not a brand that we'll walk into Boot's here in Ireland and find, boo... It is available in Superdrug in the UK, so for those of you on the east coast of our fair emerald isle, you may be able to get your paws on it.
However there's no need to fear because Cloud10Beauty have saved the day for us and have a range of Sleek's most popular products on the website! Yay!!
So onto my collection.... Which has expanded quite quickly over the past few months... oops!!
So altogether I have 5, and each blush contains 8grams of product, which isn't bad considering the price!
First up are the shades Coral and Pixie Pink. I bought Coral under the illusion that it would be just that, a coral blush, but as you can see its not coral, nor does it resemble coral in the slightest. As a matter of fact I think its a bronzer, or at least that's what I'm going to be using it for anyway! Pixie Pink was a shade that I found it impossible to get my hands on. Any time I went to buy it online it was sold out!
You can see why though, its a bright bubblegum really girly pink! One thing with these blushes is that they are really pigmented, so a little does go a long way with these, especially the brighter colours. (I learned that the hard way). Pixie Pink to me is more of a Summer colour, but make up is supposed to be fun and there's no rules so go crazy!! ;)
Next up is Rose Gold and Flushed. Both of which I'm using fairly regularly since we hit September. Have a look at Rose Gold..... Does it remind you of any other blush? Of the high end variety?? No? Well this is a dupe for the infamous Nars Orgasm. I don't own it but after watching numerous YouTube video's and reading various blogs I sure can see the similarities! Rose Gold is a beautiful peach toned blush with very fine gold glitter throughout, so it works as both a highlighter and a blush all in one!! Flushed is a deep red/berry toned colour, which is great for the berry trend gracing the catwalks this season. Rose Gold doesn't come up great in the swatches again, but you can see how pretty Flushed is!
Lastly is my most recent purchase, Antique. Its part of the Vintage Romance collection that Sleek have recently released, and it is gorgeous! In the pan it doesn't look much, in fact when I saw it first I was slightly disappointed because it wasn't what I was expecting at all, but when I put it on, wow was I wrong! Its a mauve/brown toned blush, again with very fine glitter particles throughout, but when it's on it just gives the nicest glow to the skin! Its very natural looking so this teamed with a bright lip or smokey eye is a great look for the party season!
So at the moment this is my collection of Sleek individual blushes. They also do a blush trio which I also have two of (shame on me), and I will show you those at a later date, possibly along with the eyeshadow palettes, which again are great quality and a great price!
If you haven't tried out any of the products and are looking to try some the blushes are a great place to start as they are so inexpensive, not that any of Sleek's products are. Other well known products are the Face Form, which contain a bronzer, highlighter and blusher all in one palette, so that would be a great way to try out three products all at once.
Sleek products are available HERE at Cloud10Beauty,
Thanks for reading,
Alisha
xxx
Everyone and their mother in the blogging world can't get enough of them, and its not difficult to see why.
Now its not a brand that we'll walk into Boot's here in Ireland and find, boo... It is available in Superdrug in the UK, so for those of you on the east coast of our fair emerald isle, you may be able to get your paws on it.
However there's no need to fear because Cloud10Beauty have saved the day for us and have a range of Sleek's most popular products on the website! Yay!!
So onto my collection.... Which has expanded quite quickly over the past few months... oops!!
So altogether I have 5, and each blush contains 8grams of product, which isn't bad considering the price!
First up are the shades Coral and Pixie Pink. I bought Coral under the illusion that it would be just that, a coral blush, but as you can see its not coral, nor does it resemble coral in the slightest. As a matter of fact I think its a bronzer, or at least that's what I'm going to be using it for anyway! Pixie Pink was a shade that I found it impossible to get my hands on. Any time I went to buy it online it was sold out!
You can see why though, its a bright bubblegum really girly pink! One thing with these blushes is that they are really pigmented, so a little does go a long way with these, especially the brighter colours. (I learned that the hard way). Pixie Pink to me is more of a Summer colour, but make up is supposed to be fun and there's no rules so go crazy!! ;)
Next up is Rose Gold and Flushed. Both of which I'm using fairly regularly since we hit September. Have a look at Rose Gold..... Does it remind you of any other blush? Of the high end variety?? No? Well this is a dupe for the infamous Nars Orgasm. I don't own it but after watching numerous YouTube video's and reading various blogs I sure can see the similarities! Rose Gold is a beautiful peach toned blush with very fine gold glitter throughout, so it works as both a highlighter and a blush all in one!! Flushed is a deep red/berry toned colour, which is great for the berry trend gracing the catwalks this season. Rose Gold doesn't come up great in the swatches again, but you can see how pretty Flushed is!
Lastly is my most recent purchase, Antique. Its part of the Vintage Romance collection that Sleek have recently released, and it is gorgeous! In the pan it doesn't look much, in fact when I saw it first I was slightly disappointed because it wasn't what I was expecting at all, but when I put it on, wow was I wrong! Its a mauve/brown toned blush, again with very fine glitter particles throughout, but when it's on it just gives the nicest glow to the skin! Its very natural looking so this teamed with a bright lip or smokey eye is a great look for the party season!
So at the moment this is my collection of Sleek individual blushes. They also do a blush trio which I also have two of (shame on me), and I will show you those at a later date, possibly along with the eyeshadow palettes, which again are great quality and a great price!
If you haven't tried out any of the products and are looking to try some the blushes are a great place to start as they are so inexpensive, not that any of Sleek's products are. Other well known products are the Face Form, which contain a bronzer, highlighter and blusher all in one palette, so that would be a great way to try out three products all at once.
Sleek products are available HERE at Cloud10Beauty,
Thanks for reading,
Alisha
xxx
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
In this day and age in the beauty world, everyone seems to be searching for 'the perfect foundation', and finding said foundation is no easy task! With a vast range of formula's for dry to oily skin, from radiant to matte, to light/medium coverage, its a tough job these days to buy foundation, especially if you don't have the budget for higher ended brands who tend to give samples. In the drugstore (when did I become American), its not that easy.
I have previously never been searching for the perfect foundation, I tended just to pick one and say 'it'll do', I wasn't bothered about coverage or the type of finish it gave, as long as it made me look half decent it did the job.
Until I discovered this beauty from Rimmel. This is the foundation I had been waiting for all my life, I just didn't realise it!
So what's so special about this foundation you might ask?? Well I'll tell you what!
One of Rimmel's newest releases, this foundation is a liquid mousse foundation which is lightweight, and offers control oil. Although I tend to have more dry to combination skin as opposed to oily, I decided to try it out anyway!
Colour wise, I went for the shade 100 Ivory, which is what I'd usually wear in any Rimmel foundation, and it does be a little bit dark, but I make it work with a lot of blending. However, this range comes with the welcome addition of a lighter shade 010 Light Porcelain, which I was actually given afterwards as a present from a family friend, but I havent tried that shade yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it matches my Casper the friendly ghost pale face!
The texture of this foundation is a mousse, and because of this a little amount goes a long long way, it took me a while to realise that I needed to use a lot less than I did when using a normal liquid foundation. A teeny tiny pea sized amount is enough to do my whole face, so less is more ladies!
I use this foundation with either of my two favourite brushes, the Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Expert Face Brush. Although if I had to pick just one to use it with I would probably say the Buffing brush, as it just seems to blend the product better, and it leaves a slightly better finish in my opinion.
As is quite obvious by the name of the product, it gives a matte finish, and on me it lasts well all day, although I think if you're someone with oily skin, you may need to touch up a bit later on in the day with a little bit of powder.
All in all, I really am so impressed with this product. I've been using it non stop since I bought it, up until this week, because I'm holidays from work I figured I'd use a little bit less make up and so I'm just using BB creams for the week instead.
For the Winter I think this is a great foundation, as I think the matte affect works much better in the current season than it does in perhaps the Summer. I wore this recently on a night out with a red lip and a neutral enough eye and it looked great!
If you're someone who wants a full coverage foundation but doesn't like the idea of matte, then this could just as easily work for you too, just maybe add a bit of a highlighter to give it more a dewy finish.
For anyone wondering about how easily it comes off, I use my L'oreal Miscellar Water first to remove the bulk of it first, and then I use my No 7 to cleanse properly. But it comes off fairly easily!
Its a great price at only 7.99 from Boots, and most pharmacies around the country, and if you're stuck in a rut with your foundation I think for that price its definitely worth a go!
I've had numerous compliments from people while wearing this foundation, and that has never happened to me before, so for that I'm giving it two thumbs up!
Have you tried this foundation already?
If so what do you think?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx
I have previously never been searching for the perfect foundation, I tended just to pick one and say 'it'll do', I wasn't bothered about coverage or the type of finish it gave, as long as it made me look half decent it did the job.
Until I discovered this beauty from Rimmel. This is the foundation I had been waiting for all my life, I just didn't realise it!
So what's so special about this foundation you might ask?? Well I'll tell you what!
One of Rimmel's newest releases, this foundation is a liquid mousse foundation which is lightweight, and offers control oil. Although I tend to have more dry to combination skin as opposed to oily, I decided to try it out anyway!
Colour wise, I went for the shade 100 Ivory, which is what I'd usually wear in any Rimmel foundation, and it does be a little bit dark, but I make it work with a lot of blending. However, this range comes with the welcome addition of a lighter shade 010 Light Porcelain, which I was actually given afterwards as a present from a family friend, but I havent tried that shade yet, but I'm looking forward to seeing how it matches my Casper the friendly ghost pale face!
The texture of this foundation is a mousse, and because of this a little amount goes a long long way, it took me a while to realise that I needed to use a lot less than I did when using a normal liquid foundation. A teeny tiny pea sized amount is enough to do my whole face, so less is more ladies!
I use this foundation with either of my two favourite brushes, the Real Techniques Buffing Brush and Expert Face Brush. Although if I had to pick just one to use it with I would probably say the Buffing brush, as it just seems to blend the product better, and it leaves a slightly better finish in my opinion.
As is quite obvious by the name of the product, it gives a matte finish, and on me it lasts well all day, although I think if you're someone with oily skin, you may need to touch up a bit later on in the day with a little bit of powder.
All in all, I really am so impressed with this product. I've been using it non stop since I bought it, up until this week, because I'm holidays from work I figured I'd use a little bit less make up and so I'm just using BB creams for the week instead.
For the Winter I think this is a great foundation, as I think the matte affect works much better in the current season than it does in perhaps the Summer. I wore this recently on a night out with a red lip and a neutral enough eye and it looked great!
If you're someone who wants a full coverage foundation but doesn't like the idea of matte, then this could just as easily work for you too, just maybe add a bit of a highlighter to give it more a dewy finish.
For anyone wondering about how easily it comes off, I use my L'oreal Miscellar Water first to remove the bulk of it first, and then I use my No 7 to cleanse properly. But it comes off fairly easily!
Its a great price at only 7.99 from Boots, and most pharmacies around the country, and if you're stuck in a rut with your foundation I think for that price its definitely worth a go!
I've had numerous compliments from people while wearing this foundation, and that has never happened to me before, so for that I'm giving it two thumbs up!
Have you tried this foundation already?
If so what do you think?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Saturday night sessions!
It may be a surprise to hear that for a 25 year old woman, I'm not overly pushed on going out on Saturday nights, especially considering my obsession with make up and beauty related products. Occasionally I do venture out, and I do spend great time and effort into how I look. But for the most part, Saturday night to me is the one night I can utterly relax, and so I look forward to coming home and putting my feet up watching the TV in my pyjamas. But not after a nice relaxing shower and a few pampering treats! Every girl loves to me pampered and feel good don't they? So today I thought I'd share with you all the products I'm using at the minute for my Saturday night 'spa sessions'. (For those of you wondering, I do wash more than once a week, but Saturday is just different).
So for those of you wondering, here are some of my current favourites:
So for those of you wondering, here are some of my current favourites:
So I think I should make a confession.... I may or may not be slightly obsessed with Soap And Glory. and why wouldn't I be, their products smell soooooo good! But that's another days work. :) I also have to say that a majority of the Soap And Glory that I do own I've gotten in Boots at Christmas time as their 'Star Gift'. If you don't know what that is, its when Boots pick a certain gift set and knock it down by at least half price! Soap And Glory is always the last one, and it always flies off the shelves, so I always make sure to stock up!
So in my current routine I'm using:
Pulp Friction Body Scrub: First of all I don't understand why it says its a 'foamy fruity scrub' because I don't find it foams, at all! But that doesn't mean its not a nice product because it really is. It contains lots of fresh invigorating ingredients like fig powder, peppermint oil, and then some that I've never heard of before like 'frozen yuzu' and 'jungle pomelo essence'. It smells really good and its different from the most commonly known Soap And Glory scent. Its a very rough scrub, so if your not into that and prefer a less abrasive exfoliator this won't be one for you. Its 11.25 in Boots or online HERE and is currently on 3 for 2 also!
Clean on Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel: This is my current go to shower gel, and for some reason every time I use it it makes me feel really posh and makes me think I'm going out somewhere, when in reality I'm planking my ass on the couch watching god knows what! This is THE smell Soap And Glory are known for, and I don't think its possible not to like it! The shower gel itself is thick and luxurious and has a built in body lotion, so if your someone that's on the go or just too lazy to moisturise after a shower this is perfect because it saves you having to! Its priced at 7.65 for 500mls in Boots or online HERE.
Smoothie Star Body Milk: Is it really really wrong to want to eat your body lotion? Because that's what happens to me when I use this! With an ingredients list containing almonds, oats, honey and brown sugar its understandable! It killed me to put this away for the summer because to me its too heavy to use in the summer, but as soon as September came this bad boy was out straight away! Its a body milk, so its not too heavy on the skin, and it doesn't sink into the skin straight away which I kind of like because then the scent lingers on your pyjamas or clothes and I find it comforting in some sort of odd way! This is 14.00 for 500mls, again in Boots or on there online store HERE
I've really started to get into face masks at the moment, and so Saturday night is a night I really enjoy getting all my make up off and popping on a mask and letting it do its job. My current picks depending on how my skin is at that given time are:
Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask: I tend to have dry skin, especially in the colder months, so I decided I'd try this moisture mask. There being raved about all over the Internet, but any that I've heard about have been crazy expensive, and these ones are only 5.75 in Boots! The gel formula is a new concept to me, as a lot of the masks I've used have always been clay or something similar, but this one is a thinner more runny consistency, and so it doesn't look or feel as heavy on the skin. I'm loving the effect its having on my skin because my skin isn't as dry as it could be for this time of year, and it feels plump and hydrated!
Quick Fix Facials Anti-Blemish Mud Mask: I'm sure your wondering why I got this when I've just said I'm a dry skinned creature. Well like most ladies, I tend to get random breakouts, especially on my chin, and when one spot appears, another 2 or 3 also appear! So I bought this with the sole purpose of using it as a spot treatment. I use it the same as I use the moisture mask, but just restrict it to my chin whenever I'm suffering with those pesky breakouts! The only thing I don't like about it is the smell. It does its job great, but the smell is very antiseptic if that makes sense!
This is one I've had for quite a while, and its one of the most expensive purchases I've ever made. Its a balm by a french skincare brand 'Decleor' and they are ridiculously expensive, which is why I don't use it every day! A lot of balms lately tend to be cleansing balms, but this particular one is for dry skin, so its used like a moisturiser. So on nights that I'm doing a mask I use this to give my skin a bit of extra moisture, and in the morning its nice and soft. It smells lovely because its 100 percent natural and is made up of angelica, chamomile and geranium. I've found it online at QVC HERE but at 31.50 POUNDS which is about 37 EURO (before postage) for 15mls it is a bit on the expensive side.
So that's my pampering routine. Obviously everyone is different so what works for me may not work for someone else. But if we were all the same it would be kinda boring wouldn't it??
Thanks for reading guys,
Alisha xxx
Sunday, 1 September 2013
MUA (Make Up Academy)
So any serious beauty junkie knows the difference between her high-end and drugstore beauty brands.
Well this my dear ladies (and lads possibly) is probably the least expensive brand you could possibly find in the drugstore, (or chemist or pharmacy as we Irish gals like to call it.)
Now its not readily available in stores in Ireland, I do believe its available in Superdrug stores in Ireland, as that's where its sold in the U.K, but seen as there's no Superdrug in my area, I cant confirm or deny that.
I do know for certain though, (after a couple of sneaky purchases), that they do ship to Ireland from their website! Hurray!!
The brand in question, is fairly obvious, as its the title of this post. Make Up Academy, or MUA as its more commonly known, is one of my favourite make up brands. Not only has it such a selection of cosmetic products, but the prices of them are ridiculously cheap! This does not mean in any way that the products are of a lesser quality, because believe me they aren't!
I think the product they are most well know for is the infamous eye shadow palettes, especially the aptly named 'Undressed and Undress Me Too' palettes, which you may be able to tell from the names are dupes of the Urban Decay Naked palettes! Now I personally don't own either of the Naked palettes as I'm not sure how i feel about paying 40 euro for an eye shadow palette, when I can get the MUA ones for just over 4 euro! Here's the Undress Me Too palette:
Another great thing with this palette is that on the back it has names for all the colours, just like the Urban Decay ones, and it even gives tips on looks you can create with the colours! I cant compare it to the Naked palette, but from my own usage, and my own opinion I can safely say I love these palettes! Its my go to for my every day make up and its fantastic! I use some eyeshadow primer and pop on what ever colours I'm using that day, and no exaggeration, they do not budge for the day! For the price of them they're worth a try at least!
Some more personal favourites of mine are this highlighter and foundation from the Undress Your Skin range. Again this would be something similar to the Naked line being offered from Urban Decay. The MUA line also offers a face primer, an eyeshadow primer, a make up setting spray among many other bits and bobs. So far the highlighter and foundation are all I've tried. But that's not to say I wont pick up a few more bits! ;)
Apologies for the poor quality pictures, it may take me a while to get the hang of it! Practice makes perfect! The foundation is an illuminating foundation, which offers medium to full coverage, so depending on your preference, this would suit a lot of ladies! Its available in 3 shades, Porcelain, Beige and Golden, and me being the typical Irish lady that I am, with red hair and freckles, I chose the lightest shade, Porcelain. However, it is a little bit too light for me, but with a lot of blending I make it work. I would be interested in trying the next shade to see is it much darker though. Its a nice foundation, but I didn't find it to illuminate my skin, but again that could be because I chose the wrong shade and it washed me out. For the price (5.86 euro for 35mls of product), its not bad!
However my personal favourite has to be the highlighter! Its amazing! Its only 3.52, (yes you read that right), and it gives such a beautiful glow to the skin, you would genuinely think its a much more expensive product! I did try to take swatches but the pictures did not do the highlighter justice whatsoever!
It does look very shimmery in the pan, but when its on the face its much more subtle. I apply a light dusting on my cheeks over my blusher, and then set it all with some powder, and I also often use it as a highlighter on my brow bone. There is so much to choose from with this brand, they're constantly coming up with new products! Most recently they introduced the Power Pout, which is something similar to the Clinique Chubby Sticks,which only cost 3.52, the Colour Blast Eyeshadow Tints, (again similar to the Clinique Chubby Sticks for the Eyes, and there's more in the pipeline!
If you're interested in trying some of the products then click here
They also have two Facebook pages where you can find out all about new product releases and find out about special offers and discounts!
and
However, if you end up ordering quite a lot, its not my fault really!! :)
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx
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