Tuesday 28 August 2012

B is for Beauty: August Favourites & Reviews

GOSH Long Lasting Brow Pen- 001 Dark Brown (£6.49)

GOSH Long Lasting Brow Pen 001 Dark Brown

Product Info

With the special skinny tip it can make a complete and precise brow look. The drying time is optimal and it even allows for blending.
Packaging & Price
Retails at a low cost of £6.49. Packaging is slim with a very fine nib, perfect for precision

Review
This is a really nice product, very easy to use, cheap and effective. It is a dupe of the a la carte Brow Ink, which in comparison retails at £22. The thin tip makes eyebrow sculpting very easy, and it perfectly fills in any gaps leaving a sleek tidy finish. Gosh offers this product in 3 shades, Dark Brown being the darkest. I have naturally black eyebrows which means the colour is not a perfect match to my eyebrows, but the colour blends very well so that you cannot notice the difference. The colour lasts all day with no need for touch ups. The only problem I have with this like felt eyeliners is that they are prone to dry out, and there is no way of releasing more product into the nib. However this is a great price for a great product and worth picking up. Gosh also offer eyebrow gel and an eyebrow kit compact which I'll be looking into in the future.

Review 9/ 10
Available HERE
E.L.F Studio Eyebrow Kit- Dark (£3.75)
Eyebrow Kit
Product Info

Create brows that are fuller, thicker, and more defined! The pigmented wax defines and shapes brows and the colour complementing setting powder keeps them looking arched and perfected. The doubled sided taklon brush has one side to help arch your brows while the other side aids in filling them in. This duo provides lasting colour definition for a naturally beautiful look.

Ingredients
Brow Gel Ingredient:Paraffinium Liquidum (Mineral Oil) , Ricinus Comunis (Castor) Seed Oil , Talc , Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax , Ozokerite , Methylisothiazolinone , Caprylyl glycol
May Contain:Iron Oxides(CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499) , Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Brow Powder Ingredient:Talc , Mica , Caprylic/Caprictriglycerides , Hydrogenated Polyisobutene , Sodium Dehydroacetate May Contain: Iron Oxide(CI 77491 CI 77492 CI 77499)
Price & Packaging
This is a really reasonable £3.75. The packaging is a sleek black compact with a small mirror inside and brush included, for easy touch up throughout the day.
Review
This is another eyebrow product I've fallen in love with this month. I use the "Dark" shade compact but there are 3 other lighter shades available to choose from. The wax goes on very easy and the double sided brush included is perfect for applying the product evenly. I use this over my eyebrow ink to give a perfectly defined finish, but it could just be used on its own. This is the perfect product to use if you want to shape and define your brows. . The kit is very compact and easy to carry around, the mirror included also allows for easy application on the go. This lasts all day with no need for touch ups on to other brow kits that retail around £30, the unbelievable low cost of £3.75 also makes it a winner. Definitely worth checking put before investing in a more expensive brow kit.
Review 10/10
Available HERE
E.L.F High Definition Powder (£6.00)

Product Info
The high definition loose powder creates a "soft focus" effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a radiant complexion. The incredibly soft and invisible powder is great for on-screen and everyday wear.
The microfine particles are designed to be used with high-definition camera technology or for everyday wear. Apply powder all over the face for a professional and youthful look of perfection.
Ingredients
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica
Price & Packaging
This is a fairly reasonable £6. Packaging is a chunky black box compact, with a screw lid. Inside there is a powder filter and small powder puff included.
Review
I really like this product, I think it's one of the best translucent powders I have tried. I use this to set my makeup and it gives a perfect Matt finish without looking too "powdery". The product details state it gives a "soft-focus" effect and makes skin radiant, this is untrue. The finish is completely transparent, which is what I personally wanted but if you want a "soft focus" effect this is not the powder for you. Although I haven't had a problem with this I have read on other reviews that the bottom of the product can get a bit chalky so its best to give this a bit of a shake before using. I also would rate the powder puff included and find it easier and more effective to apply with the E.L.F Studio Powder Brush. I dip this in the powder tap off the excess in the lid and then dust all over my face to set my foundation. This is a great brush and perfect to use with this products its very large and soft and evenly applies the product and blends it easily. This powder can be a bit messy as a loose powder, if your not careful it can go everywhere. The screw top lid is perfect for avoiding such spills though. For £6 though you can't go wrong, and this is a great alternative to paying £30 plus for a department store setting powder that does exactly the same thing. I'd say this is one of the best products E.L.F has to offer and would recommend giving it a try.
Review 8/10
Available HERE
RMK Makeup Base (30ml- £28.00)

Product Info
RMK Make Up Base is a weightless, liquid primer formulated with silk extracts, for a smooth, even finish with a natural lustre. Quickly absorbed, this formula lightly covers the skin and gives a fresh, natural long lasting finish. Ideal for normal to dry skin types it leaves a fresh and dewy finish.
Price & Packaging
Quite expensive at £28.00 for 30ml. Packaging is a nice clear square bottle with a screw cap. There is no pump applicator however.
Review
I received a sample of RMK makeup base in a Glossy Bo a few months ago. It is the first time I've ever used an RMK product, and the only thing I knew about it was that the line is a number one seller in Japan. Although this formula is supposed to be more suited for normal to dryer skin types ( the Creamy Polished Base is recommended for oily/ combination or problem skin), I had no problems with it and I have oily skin. The formula is very light and applies easily, leaving the skin very soft and smooth. It doesn't irritate the skin and does not clog pores. I noticed an improvement in the texture and lasting power of my foundation immediately. I didn't find that this accentuated my oiliness or pores as some other people have commented on. This does not contain silicone of an SPF, which does not make it the best product for covering pores or to use in Summer, but a great one to use on a night out if you want to avoid "ghost face" in flash photography. Overall I thought this was a great product. It is however fairly expensive at £28 which is more than I'd usually pay for such a small bottle. However saying that I would probably purchase this when I run out, although I'd probably try the formula for oily skin, as I did really like the results it gave.
Review 9/10
Available HERE
Creamy Polish Base for oily/combination/ problem skin HERE
HD Brows Precision Tweezers - RRP £20
Product Info
Machine ground to a very fine point these tweezers really are superb. These precision instruments are designed for the most exacting type of work.
Review
I received a pair of HD Brows Precision Tweezers through Glossy Box a few months ago. If I'd seen these in the shop for £20 I'd probably think they were a waste of money (how good can tweezers be right) and would have opted for a much cheaper pair. However after trying these I can say that they are well worth the £20 price tag. They are incredibly easy to hold and use, and really can grip the smallest hairs. Usually I'd have to pluck my eyebrows everyday, but after using these I can leave it for over a week as they really get to the root of the hair meaning it doesn't grow back as quickly. The look of the tweezers is also very appealing. They are classic black and heavier than regular tweezers, clearly displaying their more expensive price point. As someone who has struggled for years to find a descent pair of tweezers, I've finally found the one. I would fully recommend purchasing these, they are an investment.
Review 10/10
Available HERE
Clynol Speciality Clear Purifying Shampoo
(300ml- £4.75 to £8.00)
Clynol Speciality Clear Purifying Shampoo 300ml
Product Info
Clynol Speciality Clear Purifying Shampoo. Pro Pure Complex with special deep cleansing agents. For a deep cleansing effect, to remove oil and styling residues.
Review
Clynol Haircare has been a favourite of mine for a few years now, I've never tried a product I didn't like. It gives salon worthy results at generally low coat prices (it's available online very cheap). The shampoo and conditioner range are my favourites. They really clean your hair hair, leaving it healthy looking and smelling amazing. This product in particular is the best clarifying shampoo I've tried. It leaves your hair feeling so clean, getting rid of all that product buildup. And the great thing is it can be used daily without striping your hair. There are alot of reviews out there that rave about the Bumble & Bumble Sunday Shampoo, but that is only for non coloured hair like a lot of clarifying shampoos, making this shampoo a great option if you dye your hair and do not want to strip the colour. Clynol is not a range widely available in shops, mainly salons (and usually at a jacked up price). However most discount hair care sites carry the clynol range from prices varying between £4- £7 making it very good value for money. This is definitely a product that I will be repeat purchasing.
Review 10/10
Available HERE for £4.75

Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush (£11.99)

Product Info

Real Techniques high tech brushes by Samantha Chapman help make you the expert. Create a flawless base with this Stippling brush.

This dual-fiber brush is the trade secret for creating airbrushed, high-definition results with all types of makeup:look pixel-perfect even in harsh light, synthetic taklon bristles are hand-cut and 100% cruelty-free, self-standing for easy storage, extended aluminum handle is light and easy to use.

Review

I'm sure everybody has heard of the Real Techniques brushes and the Stippling brush being the shining star of the collection. I picked this up a few months ago, deciding to try the "best" brush of the collection before making a final decision to purchase the rest of the brushes. I was sceptical that how good it was might just be hype, but I was more than pleasantly surprised and this is the best brush I have ever used. The bristles are so soft and do not drag across the face and the handle is chunky and weighted making it easy to hold. Visually the pink and black handle also look nice. This is a multi use brush that can be used on cream or powder products. Lots of people love to use this for foundation. I personally like to use this to blend my foundation in, and it really gives a nice flawless finish. I've never read a bad review about this brush and after using it I can see why. At £11.99 this is a great price for a very high quality brush. With the success I had with this brush I'll not only be buying a second stippling brush but I'll be looking into the full collection.

Review 10/10

Available HERE


Sunday 26 August 2012

Beauty Haul

 

.CEBRA Skincare Kit (free)
- Facial wash & Aloe Seaweed Gel
.Antiac Acne Clearing Spray
.Olay Essentials Daily Facial Cloths
. Elemis Freshskin Fask Mask Pack-
- Deep Clean Purifying Mask x3/ Magical Moisture Mask x3
. Amie Spring Clean Cooling Face Mask (free)
. Garnier Uktra Lift Trial Pack (free)
. Avene Thermal spring Water Spray (travel size)
.Jemma Kidd Mineral Skin Nourishing Tint (porcelain)
. Caudalie Beauty elixir
. Makeup Travel Tube/ Travel Pot
. Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush- Cherub
.Sigma Angled Kabuki F84 Brush
.Sigma Flat Definer E15 Brush
. Daniel Sandler Waterbrush
. Jemma Kidd Handbag Cheek Brush (free gift with purchase)
. Clear PVC cosmetic case 

Beauty Box Review: Jolie Box August

 




In The Box
.So Susan Cosmetics Lip Cushion (strawberry scented tinted lip balm)
.So Susan Cosmetics Wide Awake Face Palette
. Dr Bronner's Pure Castile Soap "Pillows"-
Citrus Orange, Unscented Baby Mild, 18-in-1 Peppermint.
. Phil Smith Be Gorgeous Dry Clean Revitalising Dry Shampoo
.Cut By Fred Leather Hair Styling Tie
First Impressions
I was extremely pleased with this months Jolie Box. I've had a problem receiving the last two boxes so this was my first one in a few months and was delighted with the contents... it's one of the best boxes I've received, each product is something I want. Dr Bronner's soap is something I've recently been trying to get a hold of, so I'll finally get to try it. So Susan is a line I've never actually heard of but the two products included are so nice and pretty I will definitely be looking into this brand. Also I was in need of a travel sized dry shampoo so this is another useful product. And last but not least the hair tie... always useful to have. I look forward to trying all these products.

Thursday 23 August 2012

Love Love Love: Anna Sui Cosmetics

Everything about the Anna Sui brand is so pretty & feminine.
The cosmetic range is what vanity tables were made for:



















































Anna Sui Base Makeup Collection fall 2010 Anna Sui Base Makeup Collection for Fall 2010















Rose Fairy Makeup Collection by Anna Sui for Spring 2012
















Anna Sui Makeup Fall 2011






Tuesday 21 August 2012

Latest In Beauty: Luxury Samples Box

I ordered a second " Build Your Own Box" From Latest In Beauty. Postage & Packing is now free so be sure to check this box out. This is what I ordered this time:




DrBragi Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask
.ARK Age Prepare Kit- Cleanser/ Exfoliator/ Masque/ Moisturizer

.Eve Lom Rescue Mask
. Angela Langford Skin Duo Kit- Oily Skin
.2x Cyrine Aromatherapie Custom Made Face Cream- Oily/ Acne

TOTAL COST= £12.50


Huge Beauty Haul

Beauty Haul



. Clynol- Curl Detangle Shampoo
. Clynol- Speciality Clear Purifing Shampoo
.Clynol- Colour Extend Protection Treatment
. Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Conditioner
. Superdrug "Heart" on your sleeve" Dry Shampoo Mini
.Superdrug Tea Tree & Peppermint Shampoo Mini
.Superdrug Tea Tree & Peppermint Conditioner Mini

.Tresemme Heat Defence Mini
. Superdrug Exfoliating Mask Sachet
. Tesco Pomegranate & Rosehip Hand Cream
. Jemma Kidd Menequin Skin Complexion Enhancer
.Jemma Kidd Stain, Flush & Gloss Lip & Cheek Duo
.Jemma Kidd I Glamour Define Eyeliner Black
. GOSH Brown Pen- Dark Brown
.Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara
. Clean & Clear- Deep Clean Facial Wipes
. Lush Ocean Salt Scrub
. Lush Aqua Marina Cleanser
. Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask
. Lush Mask of Magnaminty Face Mask
.Lush Dream Steam Tab
. Lush Toner Tab Tea Tree
. Lush Herbalism Cleanser
. Fresh Farmacy Cleanser Bar
.Coalface Cleanser Bar
. Origins Sot Remover
Origins Samples- Zero Oil Cleanser/
A Perfect World BB Cream/
Mega Bright Serum
.Kiehls Over-Night Biological Peel Face Mask- Sample Sachet
. Clarins Starter Sample Pack- Gentle Foaming Cleanser/Toning Lotion/Ultra- Matte Rebalancing Toner/ Face Treatment Oil Lutus
. L'Occitane Angelica Cleanser Gel
.L'Occitane Samples- 2x Rode 4 Reines Body Milk/
2x Essential Oil Shampoo/ Immortelle Creame Masque,
Eye Balm, 2x Fabulous Serum 2x Divine Eyes
2x Angelica Protective Lotion, Pivoine Delicate E'au de Toilette
.DrBragi Marine Enzyme Intensive Treatment Mask
.ARK Age Prepare Kit- Cleanser/ Exfoliator/ Masque/ Moisturizer
.Eve Lom Rescue Mask
. Angela Langford Skin Duo Kit- Oily Skin
.2x Cyrine Aromatherapie Custom Made Face Cream- Oily/ Acne Treatment
.Orla Kiely Perfume Sample



Saturday 18 August 2012

The Beauty Buzz

T-h-e -B-e-a-u-t-y -B-u-z-z






Dita Von Teese Art Deco Cosmetics
..Launches across the UK in Debenhams this week!



Some of the great products on offer.....
Lips
“I’ve always loved the way a vibrant splash of color makes the face come alive. In my ARTDECO range, I wanted to include some of my favorite ways to wear bold lipcolors. Of course, I included my favorite classic red, “Muse Red”. But I also created “Maitresse” which is a deep ruby red, a color that evokes the image of the femme fatale. “Parlez-Vous” is a bright orange-toned red that looks beautiful with my “Vermillion” Lip Liner, my favorite red for a springtime afternoon. “Bon Bon” is a shocking matte orange that I love in the summertime, poolside, in the tropics, or anytime as a fun alternative to traditional red. Next we have two beautiful deep pink shades. I love wearing “Demoiselle” and “Follies Pink” over a rich base of “Dame” Lip Liner, it’s a very sophisticated and glamorous way to wear pink. I insisted on a soft matte texture, because matte lips are always chic, very wearable, plus these matte shades remind me of velvety rose petals. I hope you enjoy these colors as much I do!” Dita Von Teese
Lip Liner: 06 Vermillion, 10 Dame, 15 Fatale.
Lip Lacquer in 28 Chinois.
Art Couture Lipstick Velvet: 607 Bon Bon, 615 Muse Red, 620 Parlez-Vous, 628 Maitresse, 637 Follies Pink, 645 Demoiselle.

Face
Blusher: 09 Ingenue, 20 Ivresse, 22 Paramour, 31 Starlet Pink
Compact Powder: 1 Face Fatale



Eyes
“For glamorous eyes, I begin with an ivory, white or pale toned eyeshadow over the entire lid and browbone with a flat brush, leaving the crease bare. Next I use a more pointed, full shadow brush to emphasize the crease with a pale beige, taupe, grey shadow. For a very dramatic look, I use a black shadow in the crease with a very defined line drawn just where the lid meets the crease. Alternating between the ivory-dusted flat brush and the contour shade, blend well. For extra glamour in the evening, the final touch is to use a sparkling white at the browbone and the pale lid.” Dita Von Teese.


The eye shadows are divided into two groups, glamour shades with shimmer: 300 night porter, 369 opulence, 370 wisp, 371 spotlight, 374 gilded lily, 375 plush.
And matt shades: 503 veuve noir, 512 von fleece, 520 brunesque, 524 mink, 530 sepia, 554 petticoat.

Eye Styler in Minuit, Art Couture Lash Volumizer mascara in Raven, Gel Eye Liner in Nocturnelle, lashes 37 and 39.


Nails
“In the 1930s and 40s, leaving the half moon natural was the epitome of beauty and elegance. It’s a little-known retro detail that I’ve been wearing on my nails for many years, and it has now become modern and chic.” Dita Von Teese
Ceramic Nail Laquer: 10 Dragon Lady Red, 19 Demoiselle Pink, 25 Femme Fatale, 180 Moonlight



 


Product Review: Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate


Superskin  Concentrate™

Liz Earle- Superskin Concentrate
2ml- £5.75/ 10ml- £19.75/ 28ml- £40.25

 
What it Claims to do
 
Multi award winning product. The intense, aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils in this rich, rebalancing night-time treat is suitable for all skin types. It helps to soften dry or mature skin and balance combination or oily skin.
 
Ingredients
 
Naturally active ingredients include softening argan and organic rosehip oils, soothing neroli, lavender and chamomile essential oils plus antioxidant natural source vitamin E.
 
How To Use
 
Use at night after cleansing and toning (but before moisturising). I use this weekly and instead of moisturising.
 
Price
 
Very expensive, especially for the amount given. I purchased the smaller size and it is so small. It probably has about 5- 6 uses in.
 
Packaging
 
I have smaller size but packaging is great for travel... looks like a perfume sample. The next size up is a rollerball which is probably a lot easier to use and carry around. The smallest size is a bit fiddly to get the product out, and there is the risk of it going missing because of how small it is.
 
Results

This is actually the first face oil I have tired. I always thought that having oily skin meant that face oils were a no no, but after reading a few reviews recommending facial oil even for those with oily skin I decided to give one a try. The Liz Earle oil was one I kept hearing good reviews about so decided to try a small bottle of this. I've only used this a few times because I only have the small bottle. The oil leaves your skin soft and moisturised and not greasy. I've really enjoyed using this and hope to buy a bigger size next time. It feels really luxurious on the skin and I look forward to using this when the weather gets colder to treat my skin to extra moisture. 
 
Will I Buy Again/ Would I Recommend
 
This is really nice product to use but very pricey considering how little you get. I haven't tried any other face oils so may try to sample a few others to see if I can find one more value for money. I've heard good things about the Clarins Lotus Oil, which although is expensive is quite a decent sized bottle. I probably will get another small size of the Liz Earle Concentrate though as it's a great size for travel. I'd recommend this product, but maybe trying the smaller size first before investing money in a full size.

Review 7/10

Available
here