Wednesday, 30 June 2010
HELP! Primer needed.....
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
NOTD - Collection 2000 Tutti Fruity
Overall its ok but just not convinced about the colour, its just abit more red than I hoped and just doesn't look quite right on me.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
NOTD - Collection 2000 BMX Bandit
I saw this colour and I was in LOVE!
Its looks abit more purple in the bottle but more blue on the nails.
I have to admit though that once I got it on I was a little disappointed.
In the picture I'd had this on for about 16hrs and already there was tip wear (not quite sure how I managed this sleeping!) and even after 3 coats the final nail still looked a bit patchy and I wasn't convinced it could take a 4th coat.
I know its only £1.79 but I usually like collection 2000 polishes.
I'm probably going to continue to use it as I love the colour but I'm definitely on the hunt for something similar
Suggestions welcome!
L x
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Illamasqua Intense Lip Gloss
It's not as intense as some of the other colours I have tried but I like that I can wear this everyday and save the more vibrant ones for weekends and partying!
Monday, 21 June 2010
Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup
Finding a good foundation can be tricky but I wanted to share with you some of the foundations I have liked more recently to help you with your search.
Today's spotlight is on Estee Lauders Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup SPF10. It retails at £24.50 and provides a buildable medium coverage. The finish is described at natural, semi-matte. Personally, I find it matte on my skin, which is why in the below picture I have mixed it with Double Wear Light Stay in Place Makeup SPF10 also £24.50. The coverage is sheer to medium with a natural finish. Mixed together it seems to cover my imperfections without looking to heavy or cakey. As you can see...
I am pretty happy with this finish. I like that my skin doesn't look like I am wearing a mask and you can still see my skin through the foundation. This is something I am really keen on these days as I think that heavier foundations are making my skin look dull and tired.
I was given the Light foundation by a friend who prefers MAC so it was the perfect opportunity to try it.
I have heard of girls suffering from dry skin as a result of the standard Double Wear foundation. I must say that in winter I did find my skin to be a little flaky when wearing this, but I believe this to be down to not having found a good primer at the time and walking 3 miles to work in the FREEZING winter we had every day!!
All in all I do love this foundation because it makes my skin look smooth and flawless - particularly in photos. However, watch out for the SPF white effect!! At times I have appeared to have a white face and brown body in photos which is annoying.
£24.50 isn't expensive to me for a foundation that lasts me around 6 months because I certainly don't need to buy it too often!! These days it is likely last me longer too as I have other go to foundations now, whereas this used to be the only one I would use.
I will review all the recent ones I have tried with more pics for comparison soonie too so you can see all my faves!
Sunday, 20 June 2010
NOTD Revlon Tropical Temptation
Its such a gorgeous colour and perfect for summer. Its a bit more orangey in colour than a normal coral shade but I like that.
Friday, 18 June 2010
Rose & Co Apothecary's Formula Eyebright Eye Gel
Whilst we were there I found a lovely boutique called Rose & Co. It had a lovely retro feeling to it and one of the ladies there was styled like a pin up girl and looked totally DIVINE! They sell cosmetics, but there was also some kitsch jewellery in the store. Their website is super cute and can be found here.
During my little peek around the shop I a little tub of eye gel. I had been used to using Soap and Glory's eye gel but I had none left so I purchased this one.
What do I think of this product?
I found it to be quite basic. Yes it went on cool and did seem to make my eyes feel a little more refreshed but I didn't notice the same reduction in puffiness that I get with Soap and Glory's.
Also, I noticed that it dried onto my skin a bit strangely. It felt like I had to blink loads and keep opening my eyes wide so the skin sorrounding my actual eyeball was not tacky. Like the feeling you get in the palm of your hands if you are using gel and forget to wash it off your hands after.
Would I repurchase?
Honestly, I probably wouldn't.
There is nothing wrong with this product at all. However, there is nothing that makes it exciting. It doesn't smell divine, it doesn't provide me with amazing results and the packaging is pretty boring. So it doesn't really tick any boxes for me.
Yeah I only paid around £5.00 for it but I don't feel like it makes any difference to the skin around my eyes.
I think the best way for me to describe my feelings towards this gel is indifferent. I don't dislike it but I don't love it either. I think in terms of eye gels I will stick to Soap and Glory's for now.
Update On Body Shop Monoi Oil...
The new packaging looks like this for those of you wanting to buy it
Happy shopping!
NOTD Boots 17 Nail Varnish in Parma Violet
I intially bought it when I was looking for a pastel purple colour. It wasn't what I was initially looking for colourwise but now I love it! I find it goes on a bit better than my pastel yellow nail varnish by Boots 17 but it still chips very easily. I am talking in a matter of hours unless you wear falsies.
It's still soooooo pretty though. What do you think ladies?
Wednesday, 16 June 2010
Monoi Miracle Oil - The Body Shop
So you may recall my post on the Sally Hansen leg makeup a couple of weeks back where I told you I mix the makeup with the Body Shop's Monoi Oil.
I wanted to review this product as I use it all the time. It's described as a featherweight body oil with Monoi de Tahiti, an ancient emollient of coconut oil, gardenia flowers, and babassu oil from Brazil at the heart of it. Monoi Miracle Oil can be added to the bath, rubbed all over the body or used as a pre-shampoo treatment. I normally purchase this for around £10.00. ($15 - $20 in US)
So what do I use this for?
As you know I mix it with leg makeup when I am going on night's out. I do this with Rimmel Instant Tan as well as the Sally Hansen leg makeup.
In addition, I like to use this as a moisturiser as it smells soooo great. I really find it hard to describe smells but I would just say this - get yourself to your local body shop and have a good sniff - it's divine and the whole reason I started buying it years ago.
I also use it as a hair mask and leave in over night and as an alternative to after sun when I am on holiday!
What is it like?
The product itself is obviously an oil. If you compare it to Johnson's Baby Oil you will find that it is not quite as slippery/greasy. Once you have rubbed it in I find that it sits on my skin more like a dry oil spray does so you can wear it in the day and put clothes over it without feeling horribly tacky.
Also - a little bit goes a long way with this. I find that I put some in the palm of my hand, just about 2 tsps and then I will rub this on my legs until I need some more so I don't end up with LOADS on. Sometimes I pour directly onto my leg but this is usually when I want it to be a bit thicker!
I would say it's really worth buying this product because it lasts for ever, smells delish and makes your limbs look AMA-ZING when you apply it there. I ALWAYS use this on my legs if I am getting them out! (oooo and also a good point is that it doesn't stop my hold-ups from "holding up" like some moisturisers do!).
The bad news is...
I have just looked on the UK BodyShop website and they look to be selling an alternative called Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil. Whereas the US sells both!
Being the girl that I am though, I will take one for the team and buy the new Polynesia version and let you know if it's as good. Personally, I can't see there being too much of a difference given the concept appears to be the same. But hey, you never know ladies!
Tuesday, 15 June 2010
E.L.F Corrective Concealer
I usually use Boots 17 Corrector Stick for my redness by my nose, but when I saw this I thought I would give it a go!
Corrective ConcealerConceals under-eye darkness, blemishes and other skin imperfections with customized coverage. Brightens under-eye circles and neutralizes redness. Convenient size for on-the-go travel.
I liked the idea that you have a brightener and two different tones of concealer. So I had high hopes, as I've really liked the products I've tried before!
However I was disappointed :(
The two concealers are waaaaay to dark for my skin tone. I tried them under my eyes and they looked so orangey. I haven't even attempted them anywhere else on my face cos I know they're so wrong. I've only used the brightener once as it left my skin with a pinky tone and definately not what I would call bright. On a more positive note - I admit that I've used the green corrector everyday since it arrived and I do quite like it.
It comes with its own little brush - and when I say little it is quite little and doesn't seem to pick up much product, so I have resorted to using my fingers to get a better coverage. The concealers are not very thick so the brush just lets it down. Once applied with the brush, you still need to belnd it in and it does belnd quite nicely.
Wanted to like the product but just couldn't! It was my most expensive purchase and my most disappointing. If I had the opportunity to try the product in a store I would never have pruchased!
Will stick with £1.50 products next time.
L x
Monday, 14 June 2010
Bare Escentuals: Prime Time
The main reason for this was that I had been using heavier foundations and my skin had changed so they didn't seem to apply as nicely.
Also, you may have also read about the issues I have previously had with primers, particularly with them making my pores look worse not better!
So how relieved was I when I tried this little beauty...
It retails at £18 and is described as
A preservative-free foundation primer developed to combat flaky dryness, fine lines, excess oil, and enlarged pores. This bareMinerals-infused formula glides on with no tacky feel to provide a skin-smoothing complexion prior to applying bareMinerals SPF 15 foundation
So what do I think of this primer??
I think it's fantastic. It really really helps my skin. Having slightly larger pores than I would like this acts as a lovely smoothing base for my makeup. It glides on, and whilst it feels kind of oil on your fingers it just seeps into the skin leaving it smooth for application.
I have used this both with and without moisturiser and mixed with moisturiser (it works really well with Boots Vanishing Day Cream) and I always get good results no matter what.
It's not mattifying, although there is an oil control primer available from Bare Escentuals for those of you with oily skin.
My skin is combination I would say, so this is perfect. I used to suffer with dry flaky patches when applying foundation and I have never suffered from this since using this primer.
What I like the most though is that it works AMAZINGLY under my Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation also. This is great because some days I want heavier coverage and some days I don't. It just depends on my makeup mood and whether I want my makeup natural or more "done up". So I love that I now have the option to wear either again.
The main thing about this primer is that it makes my skin look better underneath my foundation. I have noticed that my makeup lasts a little longer, but not as much as some others have made it last.
That said, I prefer not to use ANY of the primers that make my makeup stay put all day and all night because so far they have been really drying and unflattering on my skin.
So would I re-purchase/recommend?
Without a doubt!! I think that this is really reasonably priced at £18 because for me it does exactly what it says it will, which lets face it, isn't usually the case!
Sunday, 13 June 2010
Soap & Glory Bright Here Bright Now™ Instant Radiance Energy Balm
Can't really say why I'd never tried anything before, always wanted to but just never did. Well following my first purchase of The Fab Pore....I'm now well and trully hooked. The products I've tried so far have been great and the packaging super cute.
I recently picked up Bright Here, Bright Now Instant Radiance EnergyBalm, as in summer I do like to use some sort of radiance mosituriser, as I'm quite fair and don't tan, so I feel my complexion just needs something to make it glow. I've previously tried Olay's Daily Radiance, but found that Iwas breaking out if I used it for a few days in a row, so I thought a balm might be better.
So the product promises to (from the site) 'make your skin dazzle with moisturising apricot kernel oil, aloe vera and our immediate face firming active INSTANTIGHT2™'.
Ironically I picked the perfect time to give this a go!. I'd been suffering from dental problems recently and ended up having one of my wisdom teeth removed...ouch! Resulting in a month of continuous painkillers and serious lack of sleep! Most mornings I looked a delightful shade of grey haha!
I applied this in the morning after my moisturiser and before my foundation. The texture is creamy and a little thick, but not the same a mosituriser and doesn't feel heavey on at all. It's not shimmery as it doesn't have any silly sparkly bits like some other radiance products (which is even better!) and its just perks my skin up in the morning. I just get a nice fresh look to my skin and its really helped to hide my sleep deprivation.
In the pictures below, the one with the flash has really picked up the nice glow, although you'll see in the one without its only subtly and its picked up in that one.
without flash
with flash
Friday, 11 June 2010
Elegant Touch Rapid Dry Spray
Introducing the Elegant Touch Rapid Dry Spray...
And its a bargain at £2.80.
Go and buy it NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Models Own Nail Polish- Peach Sherbet
However River Island had a (very) limited collection when I went in the other day so I picked up this pretty shade for £4.99.
I'll be honest, I don't normally pay that for nail varnish these days being totally addicted to BarryM nail paints and all, but I had heard a lot of good reviews and thought - why not!?
I was a little dissapointed with the application as it seemed to go on streaky. Normally I can get away with 2 coats of nail polish, but given it looks a bit streaky in the pic I think really I need 3.
That said, I still think it's a cute summery colour and £4.99 isn't that much relatively, so I will definitely be trying more of these polishes in future.
Elf Tinted Moisturiser in Ivory
ELF Tinted Mosituriser in Ivory
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
The Best Eye Makeup Removers...
I found two products that work a treat and after seeing one in a recent article I wanted to share them with you!
Firstly, the Bi-Facil Non Oily Instant Cleanser, by Lancome £18.50. Instyle calls this the best in their 100 Best Beauty Buys 2010 and I completely agree. It's formulated for sensitive eyes, which as you probably now know, I suffer from horrendously. This remover makes taking my eye makeup off a dream. Although why they say it is non-oily I DO NOT KNOW because it really is!! But that is the good thing, because it just breaks the mascara right down.
Secondly, is the "dupe" I have found.
Namely, Johnson's 3 in 1 Gentle Eye Makeup Remover £4.99. Again, this has an oily texture which breaks down my mascara and removes it (almost) effortlessly. Because it is gentle it is also meant to condition your eyelashes, although I find that it leave a residue that can cause my eyes to be a bit puffy if I do not remove the excess. So I remove the excess with a cotton pad covered with water and all is good.
You will note from the pictures that the oil separates from the rest of the liquid when not in use so you need to give it a little shake before use and trust me, if you have not tried it before you will be amazed at how easily your makeup comes off!!
I would recommend using the Johnson's one if you are on a budget like me. I like to have both if I can as I use the Lancome when I have been on a night out and my makeup is heavier because it is more effective and a bit gentler. However, if you are wondering which to purchase between the two I would recommend the Lancome just because although it's a little more pricey than the Johnson's its a big bottle and always lasts me ages (even if I am using it everyday).
Going Crazy In Tesco
However...
On Sunday I was in the area and given that it was like a once every 6 months opportunity I thought I better pick up a few things to try. As you can see...
So we have:-
- Skin Wisdom Micro-dermabrasion Kit. It should normally be just under £10.00 but I paid around £6.00 for it.
- Skin Wisdom Instant Beauty Balm £4.97
- All About Face Blusher £1.49
- All About Face Lipstick £1.49
- Barbara Daly Lipstick £5.06
- Barbara Daly E/S trio £5.35
- Barbara Daly Concealer £3.50
In the meantime, here's the lip colours...
First up - Barbara Daly in Coral
with flash without flash
I absolutely love this lippie and colour. Its moisturising and although it has a sheen it doesn't make you look like you are about to go out to space with your tinfoil space suit!
I just love how its a more sheer coral that makes it very wearable for the day.
Secondly here is the All About Face Lippie in Nude
with flash without flash
Again this is a lovely moisturising lip colour, with a little sheen (but again not too much) which just looks nice alone, or over the top of a stronger lip colour. I love this for just popping on in the day as it's nude without being so nude I look like I have "concealer lips", or washing out my skin tone!!
Tuesday, 8 June 2010
Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick In Vanilla Truffle
This is what it looks like on the lips!
So we have without flash
I'll be honest with you, I can't pull it off the same as these other girls can. Its too pale for my skin tone and wahses me out a bit.
I can't help but like it though! It's lovely and creamy in texture and it actually stayed on for ages - not like my Crystal Baby shade at all!
That said, I think I will stick to mixing it with other colours for now!!
Do you ever lose your makeup?
*
You see the lippie I chose was a lovely Rimmel one that when I saw and swatched it, I remembered I had bought it before and only used it like once or twice. Yet it is no where to be seen at home.
*
Therefore the only conclusion is that it is lost... This happens far too often mainly because I am constantly changing bags, or going and staying at the boyf's and generaly packing my makeup in a hurry or not putting it back where it should be.
*
I just wondered really, does anyone else seem to experience this?
Monday, 7 June 2010
Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Bright Hot Pink
So being the giddy blogger that I am I thought I just have to share it with you all for two reasons:-
1. Because it is truly an AMAZING colour and
2. Because it once again highlights how good Illamasqua products can be.
With Flash
Definitely THE perfectly named "hot pink" summer gloss!! What I love about this so much is that it doesn't budge at all. I spend most night's out topping up my gloss/lippie all night and this just stays put. I love it!!! Not only does it stay in place but the colour remains as bright for as long as you have it on.
I checked out Illamasqua's other colours in there Intense Lipgloss and they are all fab (you will have seen L's post on her Intense Lipgloss in Frenzy) And the best bit - they are only £12.50, which considering how long they last, is a bargain. I plan on upping my collection considerably over the next few months!!!
Giddy Princess xx
Competition Winner!!!
Sunday, 6 June 2010
My Holiday Essentials...
It's from my trip to NYC last month. I went for a week and dramatically reduced what I would normally bring/use for keeping myself looking normal on a daily basis.
So here are my essentials...
Seeing this picture and a comment from the boyf last week, when we stayed in leeds, that I use so much stuff made me wonder... Is this normal, or am I much more heavily reliant on beauty products, makeup etc than others?
So ladies... Is this anything like your travel bag of beauty essentials?
Friday, 4 June 2010
Giveaway Closed!!!
L and Giddy Princess x x
Don't Forget to Enter Our Giveaway - Ends Tonight at 10pm!!!
So if any other beauty addicts out there want to enter, just click here for your chance to win!!
Good Luck
L and Giddy Princess x x
SHEWEE - Would you ever!?
I mean I don't know about you but the thought of basically slumming it for a couple of days fills me with fear.
Anyway, I stumbled across something pretty scary called the SHEWEE... Cue scary dun dun duuuuun!
Apparently Sheweek is a
moulded plastic funnel that provides women with a simple, private and hygienic method of urinating without removing clothes whilst standing AND sitting.
When positioned securely under the crotch, and with underwear pushed to the side, Shewee directs urine away from the body to a suitable place, such as a toilet, a container or a conveniently located tree!
No more crossed legs or uncomfortable squatting.
Maintain your privacy and banish bare bottoms!
Stand up at public toilets to avoid unhygienic seats and smelly portable loos.
Hike/climb/ski/jog off the beaten track, miles from the nearest toilet.
Travel the world with the comfort of home in your pocket.
Eurgh! Is what I think but others may think it's genius. I dunno - I don't hike etc.
If you do fancy checking it out though their website is here. Personally, I find it all a bit too weird to even think about!
New Look Sale
Ladies get yourself down to New Look asap!
They have a great sale on and I have picked up a few bits this lunch time!!
Giddy Princess
Neals Yard Remedies Rose Facial Oil
She had and still has the most AMAZING skin. Not a line in sight. She recently turned 30 and her skin looks like that of a 16 year old, which goes to show that moisturising the skin is key.
Naturally, I bought this when she first recommended it in the hope I too would have skin like hers.
So how do I find this product?
It's a lovely smelling oil that glides onto the skin and provides great moisture to my face. I use a drop for each side of my face and maybe half a drop top up for the forehead and chin just to blend all over. Any more and it feels too heavy on my skin.
I did try it as a daily moisturiser but it was too oily and my makeup would just slide off! However, I always use it when my skin is playing up and needs a bit of TLC. I have been using it before bed this week. When I wake up my skin is smooth and soft.
I would recommend this product if you are looking to inject immediate moisture into your skin, without any breakouts. It's a little pricey at £20.00 per 50ml bottle, but it lasts for ever so I don't mind.
Has anyone else ever tried this or anything else from Neals Yard Remedies?
Thursday, 3 June 2010
❤Blog Love❤
Secondly we were Given the Blog Love Award from lovely Helen, Luna and Sammi. Really love this award as each recipient gets to design their own reward to pass on.......HOW CUTE! :)
So here's our awards from the lovely girlies....(I tried to include Sammi's but her site wouldn't open on my computer :(, I will post it once I get hold of it I'll post it.
So this is our attempt to pass on to 10 other gorgeous blogs....
Helen at In Elegance
Sammi at ❤Jewels & Passion❤
Paula at Sweetcheeks Beauty Blog
Sarah at I Heart Cosmetics
Shabana at Sexy Mutha Pucka
Kim at Dance As If No One's Watching
Hershley's Sweet Kiss Message!
Chloe at ❤ Make-Up Princess ❤
Katie at Katie's Beauty Blog
Milly at Pearls and Poodles
Hope you all enjoy!
L and the Giddy Princess
x x