SHOE LOVE

Now, this isn't a haul as rather excited little squee over some new shoes I bought yesterday.

Yesterday was quite a successful day actually; I went to see Take That which was absolutely brilliant! Didn't get any photos unfortunately because my camera is rubbish but suffice to say I wish I was going again tonight! Gary, Robbie, Mark, Jason and Howard, you were bloody brilliant! :D 

I also had quite a successful shop. I say successful but perhaps expensive is more like it! Not only did I hit up the Bobbi Brown counter (more of that later), but I also found the shoe department in House of Fraser. 

I repeat, the SHOE DEPARTMENT. 

It was heaven. 

I've always admired shoes in department stores but never bought any because to be perfectly honest with you, I've never been able to afford them. However, there was a sale on, and after trying on various pairs (wish I could have bought them all), I came home from Cardiff with these:

Sorry about the slightly dark and fuzzy photos but aren't they just the most gorgeous pair of shoes you've ever seen?! I've been looking for a pair of going-out heels in ages and these are the ones! I can see them going with most stuff in my wardrobe, plus they're actually really comfy considering the height! 

They're leather as well so hopefully those nasty blisters will be kept at bay, plus the zip at the back that normally rubs on every other pair of shoes has a decent amount of material covering it.

They're by Kurt Geiger and were on sale in House of Fraser. I'm not going to tell you how much for because for expensive items like this, I feel like I shouldn't as some might see it as boasting. However, I did get a mean saving through sale buying so I can feel slightly less guilty over the price (suffice to say it is a lot more than I have ever paid for a pair of shoes in my house).

Now I just have to learn how to walk in them...

Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser

I've never had particularly inspiring encounters with tinted moisturisers. Most tend to have strong orange base tones that turn me into an oompa-lumpa, or have a tendency to bring me out in a lovely, itchy rash due to some not-so-desirable ingredients. One even exploded all over my bag once due to the less-than-ideal packaging which quite frankly was a nightmare. But my main reason for staying clear for so many years was that most tinted moisturisers are simply far too dark for my pale skin.

When I heard Clinique was bringing out their Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser, I did get quite excited as I always do when a new product launches. Clinique is a great little brand that serves up some amazing products - I'm thinking their Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Balm here! Was this tinted moisturiser going to become the answer to all my problems?

Here's a picture of the packaging, complete with lovely reflection of me and the camera:

Packaging-wise, it's okay; not brilliant but not the worst I've ever encountered. Because it's a squeezey bottle, sometimes it's hard to control the amount of product that comes out so you end up wasting some. However, it stops the packaging from getting super messy so I suppose that's a plus.

Ignore the weird expression but hopefully you can see that the tinted moisturiser gives a lovely, dewy glow! All I'm wearing here is literally the tinted moisturiser - no mascara, no lipstick, no eyeshadow *gulp*!

For those with dry or normal skin, the product would be perfect to use by itself (though very dry skins might need to throw in another moisturising agent to really get the best of it). However, those with slightly oilier skins might need to use a light dusting of powder to set it. It applies really nicely though and is fairly easy to blend out, with texture becoming thicker as it warms. 

The coverage is sheer and doesn't cover my freckles, but can be built up to cover minor imperfections, eg: change in skin tone. 

The SPF 15 is also a great addition for those of us short on time, though I do wish Clinique had included a slightly higher factor. Typically, tinted moisturisers tend to be worn in the summer when it's vital to wear a high SPF to protect against sun damage. I would be reluctant to take this abroad as the SPF is nowhere near the factor I need to protect my pale skin from burning.

I wish I could say this was my only negative about this product, but unfortunately, there's lots more; a pity because I really, really wanted to love it.

1. The colour selection is seriously limited. There are only six shades in the range so those with light or darker skin tones will probably struggle to find a match. I bought the lightest shade which is far too dark for me as demonstrated by the above picture.
2. The product also goes very orange on me. Rather than looking tanned - something I could have coped with - I just look tangoed! Not a brilliant look!
3. It's also not moisturising enough for me to wear without first layering another moisturiser underneath, something that completely defeats the object in my opinion. Granted, I have very dry skin but when I used this purely by itself, my skin was feeling horribly tight. 
4. The price. £21 is - dare I say it - not too bad for a high end beauty item. However, considering my experiences with the product, I don't think it's worth that much.

In conclusion (gosh, this sounds like an essay!), I wouldn't recommend this product for anyone with pale or very dark skin as the shade ranges are poor. In saying that, if you can find a shade that works for you, this might be a great little tinted moisturiser.

Have you tried the Clinique Moisture Surge Tinted Moisturiser? Let me know what you think! 

17 Vintage Love Metallic Nudes Palette

17 is a brand that is severely neglected by my despite the fact that I've had some very impressive products from there! I like to think this is because it's only available in Boots rather than any product snobbery from me (of which I am sure I've probably been guilty of over the last year or so). I tend to shop in Superdrug for high street cosmetics as they do a wonderful 10% student discount that suits my pocket to a tee!

However, a short while ago (we're talking a week and a bit) I found myself browsing 17's counter. This eyeshadow palette was limited edition along with another that sadly, I didn't buy. When I went back for it today, there were none of either palette left which I think says something about the palette's quality.

The first thing I want to say about this palette is how beautiful is the design? Some people have said it reminds them of a snail, others a butterfly but I think we can all agree that it's beautiful! The palette also comes with a good size mirror, sturdy and cute packaging and a handy sponge applicator.

So here are some swatches that were taken in natural daylight. They are only very thin swatches - although the colours are very buildable, I wanted to review them on their initial application!

As you can (hopefully) see, the shades are all really pigmented with number three, aka the gold, being the stand out colour pigmentation-wise for me! Number one (the pewter/taupe-silver) is probably the least pigmented but even that packs a good punch and it's such a beautiful colour that I can't bring myself to worry!

I love the shimmer of these shadows, though in a way they're too shimmery for day wear. One colour paired with other matte ones would be fine but the whole palette is best reserved for night time when it's okay to resemble a disco ball (and I have, let me tell you :p).

The texture is also really smooth and silky, almost reminiscent of mousse eyeshadows! No hideous, chalky textures here!

One of the only drawbacks of this palette is that I don't think it would work well with ageing eyelids simply because the shimmer of the shadows shows up every imperfection. At eighteen, I like to think I have no wrinkles but a too heavy application made my eyelids look slightly crepey! This is definitely best used with a light hand!

All in all, I love this product! I am a neutrals girl and so something like this has automatic appeal to me! However, I really think this is a great value product and I hope 17 introduce new ones/palettes like this to the permanent range. 

17's Vintage Love Metallic Nudes palette is £5.49 for 4g of product and is available from Boots! 

My Experience With Eye Lash Extensions

Sadly, I lucked out when Mother Nature was handing out eyelashes. Rather than being bambi-like, mine are the epitome of short and stumpy. Over the years, I've tried probably hundreds of mascaras with few successes and many more disappointments. 

Anyway, to cut a long story short, the beautician we've (my mum, and then when I was old enough, little old me) been with for years started to offer eyelash extensions. Because of the length of time we've been with her, I managed to get a discount rate, but prices seem to range from £30 up to £150+! 

I've considered for a long time trying something like rapid lash which supposedly is meant to make your eyelashes grow longer and stronger. However, I've also read about some strange side effects which slightly put me off (namely, eye colours changing and eyelashes becoming crispy so that they break off). Also, the £40 price tag sort of puts me off. Anyway, I decided eyelash extensions seemed like the better option to trial so here's my experience with them.

This was my eye before:

As you can see, my top lashes are short and straight making them a nightmare to curl!

This is my eye with eyelash extensions:

I admit, I was looking in slightly different places when I took the pictures but the basic idea is there. With the extensions, my eyes looked bigger, prettier and more awake. Without, they looked much smaller and squintier.

In an ideal world, I would have preferred to have thickness added as well as length, but she recommended starting small and then working my way up so that's what I did. I imagine if you had more eyelashes inserted, there would be no need for mascara. However, I still felt like I needed it when I did more dramatic looks because I didn't have enough volume. 

Pros:

So nice to wake up and go - no need for mascara as eyes already look wide awake. 

Great for special occassions, eg: weddings, holidays etc

No need to fuss about with glue/false eyelashes all the time so very convenient

Can be worn swimming, showering, exercising etc as don't come off

Cons:

Take a while to apply (around an hour or two) which is a nightmare if you're fidgety like me!
The application process was a bit uncomfortable. It involved sticking down the bottom eyelashes so they didn't get stuck to the glue! A strange and rather unpleasant experience in my opinion.
Even with the tape, a couple of my bottom eyelashes got stuck to some glue on the top ones! It was very painful separating them - would not recommend it!
The cost: not cheap!
They need maintenance roughly every 4-6 weeks!
You can use mascara but it has to be water-based.
Leading on from that, you have to be so careful about what you put near your eyes. Oil-based products loosen the glue and you're advised to not even rub your eyes. For someone who sleeps with their arm over their eyes (don't ask why), it was awful!
Some people may have a reaction to the glue (I have very sensitive skin/eyes and was fine though)
Repeated useage may result in damage to your natural lashes.
Only last for the cycle of your natural lashes, so when your natural ones fall out, so do the extensions. Not a problem until some start to fall out whilst others remain. I ended up having to cut the last few down to the size of my other lashes. About four weeks later, all but one are gone and to be honest with you, I just want it to come out!

In conclusion... I loved my eyelash extensions when I had them and they were new. They looked fab and I think I'll definitely be getting them again when I go on holiday! However, I can't see myself wearing them all the time as I don't have the money or the time for the regular upkeep needed! 

Gold and Coral Makeup Looks

Now it's starting to get a bit warmer (in the UK at least) and shorts have begun to emerge, I figured it was a good time to do a gold and coral makeup tutorial. 

Typically, when I think of gold and corals, I think of summer which is why I haven't done this tutorial sooner. Although not a key trend at fashion week, I think there is always a place for gold and coral makeup in the summer as it's just so fresh and has a tropical, beachy feel to it - not sure why, but it does!

Anyway, instead of doing one tutorial, I decided to do two. Gold and coral is absolutely gorgeous on tanned and darker skinned people (my jealous pangs are stirring at the thought) who normally can get away with gorgeous, orangey metallic golds and beautiful, bright corals. However, in my personal opinion, gold and coral can be much harder for paler skins to pull off! Take a gold too orangey and it will look strange, take a coral too bright and it will completely overpower the rest of your makeup!

To cut a long story short, I decided to make two separate tutorials: one that would look amazing on more tanned skin and one that's more flattering for people like me who hardly tan (summer normally brings me out in shades of lobster). That's not say that they aren't interchangeable - they are! I think people should wear makeup according to what they want and how they feel, not what people tell them - but I've tried to tailor it so each look is particularly flattering on whatever skin tone.

Here's the first tutorial for more tanned/darker skin: 

Product List:

Benefit Perfect Match Foundation
Clinique Moisturising Lotion
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - Gold
Collection 2000 Light Diffusing Concealer - 1
17 Vintage Love Metallic Nudes Palette
MUA Eyeshadow - 2
Sleek Kajal Eyeliner
Avon Supershock Gel Liner - Bronze
Collection 2000 Big Fake Lash Mascara
2true Bronzer - 2
Avon Mineral Blush - Radiance
Avon Magix
Natural Collection Loose Powder
Avon Brow Definer - Fair
Bourjois Blush - Lune D'or
Rimmel Lipstick - Coral in Gold
Avon Gloss Stick - Coral

And here's the tutorial for paler skintones!

Products List:

MAC E/S - Vanilla, Patina, Retrospek, Charcoal Brown

Nars Multiple - Orgasm

Benefit Blush - Coralista

Lacura Shimmering Day Cream

Avon Calming Effects Illuminating Foundation - Ivory

Garnier Roll On - Very Fair

Lacura Concealer - Cashmere

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

Nivea Soothe and Protect Lip Balm

Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion - Sin

MAC Liner - Powersurge, Buried Treasure

No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara

Rimmel Moisturising Lipstick - Soft Coral

Avon Lip Glaze - Coral Reef

Enjoy! x

Sarah Harding Makeup Tutorial

Hello lovelies!

Long time no posting! I know, I know. Fail! Promise I'll have another non-tutorial post up by the end of this weekend.

Anyway, today's post is on this gorgeous makeup worn by Sarah Harding of Girls Aloud fame. I love the slightly vampy, dramatic edge and the wings at the edge of the makeup - pure gorgeous!

Here's my inspiration picture I used for the look: 

(Image property of people who took it - I'm just borrowing! Found it on the Daily Mails website if that helps! I know, rubbish disclaimer thing!)

Anyway, here's my tutorial: 

Product List:

Sleek Palette - Black

MAC E/S - Vanilla, Shroom, Mystery

Lacura Blush - Sunset

Collection 2000 Shine Away Compact Powder

Loreal True Match Foundation

Avon Gel Liner - Shimmer Black

Lacura Concealer

MAC Blush - Gana, Harmony

Soft Brown Eye Using All Avon Products

I've been meaning to do a just Avon tutorial for a while and it's finally here. I decided to go for something simple rather than something overly complicated, and by using neutral colours, I wanted to ensure it would suit everyone. 

Avon itself is a brand sometimes neglected by the beauty community as there's still an old woman/granny association it has. Over the last few years, the brand's become much more hip and really has produced some stellar products.

Because my mum's an Avon rep, I myself have purchased many, many Avon products and here in this tutorial, I use many of my favourites! :)

Avon Products Used:

Mocha Latte Quad

Super Extend Mascara - Black

Moisture Seduction Lipstick 

Illuminating Calming Effects Foundation - Ivory

Diamond Shimmer Pearls

Illuminating Face Pearls

Brow Gel (can't remember the exact name right now but I'm sure I say in the video!)

Winter Solutions Face Cream

Anti Blemish Concealer

Model Monday: Anja Rubik Spanish Vogue Makeup Look

Above's the inspiration picture I used for this week's Model Monday. I love everything about this picture! The makeup, the dress (oh my gosh, the dress is actually to die for!) the jewellery, and of course the extremely beautiful Anja Rubik!

As it were, I came across this on a trawl across the internet for some inspiration and immediately knew this was this weeks look. I love the contrast between the purple and gold on the eye and then the nude rest of the face. Simply stunning.

About the tutorial itself, I feel I should warn you that I find bright colours notoriously difficult to blend. It's not the formula's fault at all, simply that I lack the necessary patience to blend out properly. In saying that, I think we ended up okay, although perhaps her makeup was a little more rounded then mine was. 

Products Used:

Mac Paint Pot - Vintage Selection

Sleek Original Palette - Purple

MAC E/S - Dalliance (Peacocky collection), Vanilla, Mystery

NYX Lipstick - Sash

Yaby E/S - Eggplant

MAC Eye Kohl - Feline

Avon Super Shock Mascara

Avon Calming Effects Illuminating Foundation

Lacura Concealer

Lacura Transparent Powder - 10 Translucent

MAC Blush - Harmony, Gana (Mickey Contractor)

Boujouir blush - 35 Lune d'or

Hope you guys like it! Let me know what you all think!

<3

Regina Spektor 'Us' Inspired Makeup Tutorial

I've been on a roll recently! The great thing about half term is that I have no excuse for not making videos, so I've gone to town (not literally, of course) and made as many as I wanted. Bit naughty as I still haven't done my coursework but oh well. It'll be worth it in the end!

This look was inspired by the gorgeous Regina Spektor who is one of my favourite artists! Not only is she multi-talented but I love the way her songs tell a narrative and, to sound silly, really make me think. 'Us' is definitely one of my favourites!

Not much else to say other than here's a product list:

Loreal Super Liner - Black Crystals

Loreal True Match Foundation - Ivory Rose

Avon Super Magnify Mascara 

MAC E/S - Vanilla, Charcoal Brown, Mystery

Clinique Lipstick - After Party

Body Shop Gloss

Elf Mineral Blush -

Keira Knightley Elle Cover Inspired Tutorial

I love the smokey, smudgedness of this makeup inspired by Keira Knightley's spread in the March issue of UK Elle! I don't normally buy Elle, but it was the desire to recreate her makeup that made me splash out and I'm glad I did, if only because it helped me pass the time whilst on the train to London. 

This was the inspiration image (all credit to Elle magazine UK of course, and to the gorgeous Keira Knightley):

It was super easy to do and for me plays up the eyes perfectly.

Products Used:

Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion

Urban Decay Naked Palette - Virgin, Dark Horse

Avon Magnify Mascara

Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick - Nude Perfection

MAC E/S - Brun

Loreal True Match Foundation - Rose Ivory

Avon Mineral Blush - Radiance

MAC Blush - Harmony

MAC Creme Colour Base - Pearl

Lacura Pressed Powder - Transparent

Hope you like the look! 

x

Nicki Minaj Moment 4 Life Inspired Tutorial

Please ignore the horrific picture!

I know I look nothing like Nikki Minaj but this was me attempting to replicate one of the looks she wore in the Moment 4 Life video.

I did it using all high street/drug store products so it's as affordable as possible. 

Hope you all like it!

Products Used:

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - Yoghurt

Avon Big Colour Eye Pencil - Blue Azure

Fraulein 38 120 Eye Palette

Avon Onyx Lustre Tri Eyeshadow - Midnight lustre

Elf Cream Eyeliner

Lacura Volume Mascara

False Eyelashes (can't remember which ones they are atm)

Duo Eyelash Adhesive

Max Factor Eyeliner

Loreal True Match Foundation - Rose Ivory

Lacura Compact Powder - Transparent

2 True All Over Bronzer

Avon Satin Deluxe Blush - Neutral Duo

NYX Lipstick - Paris

2 True Crystal Lipgloss - 2

Avon Moisture Seduction Lipstick - Nude Perfection

Nude Perfection is an apt name for this lipstick. Often, Avon products for me can be hit and miss, and though their lipsticks are normally pretty good, I have come across a few clangers in my time. Not in the case of Nude Perfection though. This lipstick is one of Avon's best and takes the title of the best Avon product of the year (so far)! Well, for me anyway.

Avon describes their new lipsticks as a 'rich lipstick intertwined with ribbons of hydrating moisture'. Basically, this is fancy talk for a lipstick that moisturises as well as adds colour.

Here you can see fairly easily the so-called moisture ribbons. Looks pretty cool, right? :)

I was pretty intrigued by the idea as I seem to suffer constantly at the minute with the dreaded dry lips, plus the promo shots looked pretty appealing in the colour pay off stakes. 

As my mum's an Avon rep, we also got sent a sample lipstick which is now lurking around my lipstick container - remind me to review that one (Red Kiss) at a later date. I loved the colour payoff but decided to go for a colour that would be practical for daily wear, aka not too bright that I feel self-conscious wearing it.

Here's a (admittedly dark) picture of my lips without the lipstick:

And here's a lovely shot of me wearing it:

As you can see, it really is a lovely nude! I think the picture is a little deceptive, not really showing how pigmented the lipstick is. Nude Perfection is a great, suit all colour.

The formula itself glides on smoothly, doesn't settle into lip lines and doesn't seem to bleed (yes, at eighteen, I sometimes suffer from the dreaded bleeding). It's also quite moisturising which is great for winter and summer! Another plus side is the SPF 15 if like me you tend to suffer from burnt lips (I swear every part of me burns. Come summer, I will be the walking lobster). 

The only downside to this lipstick is that the staying time isn't as long as I'd like, but then I think that's eclipsed by the great formula and colour range. Whilst not as many as some brands, the ten colours cater to everyone's needs - there are neutrals, pinks, reds, browns and berry colours.

To conclude, I think this lipstick is going to become one of my makeup staples as it's a great little product at an affordable price. What more can you ask for? 

Avon Ultra Colour Moisture Seduction Lipstick is available online and through an Avon rep for £8.50. However, Avon are pretty good at deals and currently, the brochure price is £6.00 

Lily Cole Makeup Tutorial

Rather surprisingly (I say so because at twelve pm last night, I would have said there was no way in hell that I was getting it up today), I uploaded the second in the Model Monday series. 

The inspiration for the look was Lily Cole, the flame-haired (well, formerly - she appears to have gone to the dark side in the last few months. Can't say I'm particularly keen, but then I wasn't when Emma Watson had her hair cut. Now, I love it!) who's both a model and an actress.

This was the inspiration picture I based the look off (all credit goes to Harper's Bazaar of course!):

I'm a bit annoyed though actually, because I found a picture of her with killer makeup just now that would have been amazing! Maybe soon, eh? 

But anyway, I loved the smudged, sultriness of this look! Obviously, it's not an exact replica of the makeup - more heavily inspired by - but I really like the end result!

Products Used:

Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion

MAC E/S - Vanilla, Corduroy, Twinks, Brule

MAC Chromographic pencil - NC15/NW20

Clinique High Impact Mascara

Loreal True Match Foundation - Rose Ivory

Garnier Roll On - Very Light

Natural Collection Loose Powder

MAC Blush - Harmony

Bourjois Blush 

MAC Lipstick - Cockney

NYX Lipstick - Femme

Avon Lip Juice - Glossy Delight

Tutorial here, or click this link to go direct to youtube: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piEaMeSt7tM

Lily Donaldson Makeup Tutorial

This was my inspiration picture for the tutorial on Lily Donaldson's makeup. I just love every thing about this look from the gold/bronzey eyes to the gorgeous glow of her skin and the lovely nude lip. 

Because I'm a bit thick, I forgot to take a picture to post here but I'll place the link to the tutorial below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS1wfbjsWLM

Or just watch it here!

Products Used:

UD Shadow Primer Potion - Sin

MAC E/S - Nylon, Vanilla, Mulch, Brun (eyebrows)

MAC Kohl Liner - Feline

No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara

Clinique Supermoisture Makeup

Lacura Concealer

Nars Orgasm Cream Blush

Benefit High Beam Highlighter

Benefit Blush - Georgia

MAC Lipstick - Creme d'Nude

Mac Plush Glass - Wildly Lush

Liz Earle Skin Care

Recently, I've been on an epic journey trying to discover a new skin care regime that would banish the dry skin forever and ever. Several trials later and I finally think I'm onto a winner! Liz Earle, I salute you. 

I purchased three things as part of a winter offer - Instant Boost Tonic, Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and the rather lovely Superskin Moisturiser - and got a full size Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion free! A bargain in my books - I always feel like I've done exceedingly well if something free comes into the mix. Plus, as a first time customer, I got a free 30ml Hot Cloth Cleanser thrown in too! :) 

Quite a result, if I do say so myself. 

Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I love this little baby! The recipient of numerous awards, I was a bit dubious as to how great this would be. Quite often, I've tried award winning products only to find myself disappointed - not the case with Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Liz Earle claims the cleanser works on all ages and all skin types. Obviously I can't vouch for that but I can say it works wonders for my dry skin, leaving it feeling soft and clean as opposed to tight. The natural ingredients mean that it doesn't irritate my sensitive skin at all and I can say 100% that it removes all makeup - even stubborn waterproof mascara! :D 

I left the full size cleanser in it's packaging for the purpose of the photo! Packaging was gorgeous, very professional and expensive looking! It was luxury just looking at it! :)

The cleanser is available to buy in numerous sizes. The size in the deal was the 100ml pump, but they do 30ml, 50ml, 100ml and even 200ml sizes so it's perfect for whatever your needs. I've decided to keep the free 30ml one they sent me for when I go away. 

It comes with two muslin cloths which are the 'polish' part of the cleansing. You gently buff off the cleanser with a cloth rinsed in warm water and voila, the makeup and daily grime is gone! 

£13.25 for a 100ml starter kit - 2 muslin cloths and a 100ml hot cloth cleanser. 

Instant Boost Tonic

This toner claims to be non-drying and moisturising. Whilst I can't say I find it particularly moisturising, it is definitely non-drying and very soothing! I love the way it makes my skin feel refreshed, and it also works great as a cleanser in the morning if like me, you're sometimes running late and have no time for a full cleanse!

If you dislike floral scents, this might not be the product for you. However, I quite like the scent. It's soothing and leaves your face smelling fresh like a daisy (forgive the pun)! 

Again, like the cleanser, you can purchase this in several sizes and even as a spritzer for a refreshing bit of moisture during the day! I got to say, I think that'll be my next Liz Earle buy! :)

£11.72 for a 200ml bottle! 

Superskin Moisturiser

This gorgeous, scent-free cream is my holy grail! It's formulated for ageing (not-so-much me) and very dry (now we're in business) skin, perfect for little old me. 

The formula itself is beautifully rich but not greasy. 

However, the one draw back with this face cream is the price -  a whopping £33.20 for 50ml! :o I got it as part of the deal which made it cheaper. However, it really is a massive amount for a face cream that I've been using up rather quickly (more to do with the fact that every other hour or so, I find myself putting some on out of habit - must stop).

Price aside though, it really is a beautiful face cream that I will probably be repurchasing when it runs out.

Eyebright

If, like me, you suffer from various allergies (pet hair, horses, grass seeds etc) and/or hayfever (guilty), or even just have had something in your eye, then you'll understand how horrific itchy eyes can be. In the summer, I am driven insane by hayfever (which always seems to strike around exam time - lucky me) and have spent the last ten years of my life looking for something - anything - to help soothe my eyes.

I think I have found it.

Not only does eyebright soothe my eyes (When I have time, I like to place a couple of cotton pads soaked in eyebright over my eyes and let it do its magic. More likely is I sweep some eyebright over my eyes in the morning to wake them up), it also is effective at removing pesky eye makeup - liquid liner, I'm talking to you! 

It also helps wake tired eyes up in the morning and decrease the puffiness of too many late nights and early rises. 

At £9.70 for 150mls, it's also not the worst price. Admittedly though, it's not the best.

Final Thoughts

I am in love with these products. Whilst they're not the cheapest of skin products, I do find them fully effective and kind to my skin. Since using them, my skin has transformed. It's now easier to apply my foundation as my skin has a normal texture as opposed to being scaly, and as a definite bonus, my skin has been given a radiance boost! 

All in all, I'd definitely recommend these products! 

J'Adore <3

Clinique Supermoisture Makeup

As someone with extremely dry, sensitive skin, I'm often on a hunt for a perfect foundation that's not going to go cakey or flaky. Add in to the equation the fact my skin is a shade of 'ghost' and you'll see how difficult it is for me to find a perfect foundation.

I stumbled across rather than discovered Clinique supermoisture makeup (let's call it SMM as it's easier to type :p) during a traipse around Boots. I'd been absent-mindedly admiring several clinique lipsticks when the words 'hydratation maximum' caught my eye. I guessed that meant maximum moisture or something like that in French, which of course captured my interest! 

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I found myself a few minutes later clutching a box of SMM in 61 ultra light, which is, funnily enough, the lightest colour in the range. SMM claims to be suitable for very dry to dry combination, and gives a gorgeous dewy finish I'm 100% in love with! 

Ignore the awful pose I have going on here! As you can hopefully see, my skin has a lovely dewy sheen! 

Pros: 

* Gives the most amazing dewy finish! Makes my skin (which is often quite naughty and looks dull) seem like the best skin in the world!

* Not the most expensive high end foundation at £21 for 30mls! However, I do understand that it's still a lot of money for a foundation! 

* Fragrance free.

* Sheer to moderate coverage which is perfect for me! I like sheer to medium foundations. 

* The formula itself is lightweight, soft and doesn't cake! Plus, it evens out my redness!

* Doesn't irritate my super sensitive skin.

Cons:

* Although this could also be seen as a pro by some people, £21 might be a bit steep for a foundation! 

* The foundation has little shimmery particles in it that are especially noticeable when in direct sunlight. I love it but I can see others might not.

* Not suitable for oily skin unless you want to be one massive ball of shine. 

* Shade range is fairly average. They could do with some more shades, especially at both ends of the spectrum (ultra light is in fact still a little bit too dark for me). 

* Coverage might be too sheer for some people. In that case, I'd say this isn't the foundation for you as it doesn't cover blemishes, just helps even out skin tone.

Another awful picture, I'm afraid! It was looking rather bare :p 

Having only used my video camera to take the above picture, I'm not sure how the foundation would react with flash. It doesn't appear to contain spf but the super dewy finish might equate to shine, shine and more shine in front of a lense. 

In conclusion (this is a mighty long post - sorry about that), I love this foundation! It glides on beautifully, gives a gorgeous dewy glow and has just the right amount of coverage for the day. If you suffer from dry, sensitive skin like me, I could not recommend it more! 

Sorry about the lack of pictures btw! There will be more next post, promise! :) 

A Lovely Little Introduction :)

Hello! :)

Welcome to my blog, shortly to become an up-and-running beauty blog (hopefully)!

Without waffling (which I am awfully good at), I hope you'll enjoy this blog! It'll hopefully be a mixture of reviews, hauls, information and tutorials of the beauty and fashion kind, featuring both higher end and drugstore products.

I'll also feature some things from my youtube channel occasionally, ie new looks and things I think are of particular interest. Well, to me anyway :p!

Thanks for taking the time to check my blog out and happy reading! :) New posts will be up asap! :)

Laura x