Tuesday 6 November 2012

B is for Beauty: October Favourites




Jemma Kidd Make Up School Mineral Skin Nourishing Tint SPF 20 01 Porcelain (30ml- £28)




Product Info

Jemma Kidd Make Up School Mineral Skin Nourishing Tint SPF 20, an ultra sheer hypoallergenic tint, helps to protect skin against free radicals and diminish and soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. With a  multi-mineral complex that combines Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc and Lysine, this is a truly nourishing face treatment that is so pure and gentle it can even be used after surgery.  Ultra pure, hypoallergenic tint with advanced anti-ageing and mineral complex.

Ingredients

Aqua, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Propylene Glycol, Peg/Ppg-18/18 Dimethicone, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Magnesium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Chloride, Lysine, Panax Ginseng, Ginkgo Biloba, Anthemis Nobilis, Camelia Oleifera, Phytantriol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Boron Nitride, Glycerin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Palmitic Acid, Dextrin Palmitate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. [+/- Mica, Ci 77891, Ci 77947, Ci 77491,  Ci 77492, Ci 77499, Ci 77007                


How To Use

   Apply to cleansed and toned skin. Begin by applying a small amount then layer to achieve the amount of coverage desired. 

 Pump a small amount on to the fingertips and blend evenly with light, long strokes. 


Price & Packaging

At £28 for 30ml it's not the cheapest product but is at  price point common to high end foundations. The results it gives are worth the money. The packaging is a sleek black tube with a pretty black on black floral design. It has a pump applicator, making it really east to apply. Perfect size to fit in your makeup bag.

Review

I really loved this product. I originally purchased it after reading about the Jemma Kidd Light As Air Foundation, wanting a light coverage product for my holidays. When doing my research I came across this product which was described as a lighter version of the foundation, more of a Tinted Moisturiser, which I thought would be better suited to my needs whilst on vacation. Although it is described as a tinted moisturiser it is more of a very sheer coverage foundation. I haven't tried the Light as Air foundation so cannot compare the consistency to that. It gives subtle coverage and feels very light on the skin, and best of all lasts all day. This was ideal for my oily skin type as I breakout easily from foundations, and this is one of the first foundations I've tried that did not break me out. Also the another great thing about this product is that the shade "Porcelain" is incredibly light and pretty much a perfect match for my skin tone; this is another problem I have with foundations, they are usually far too orange for me. I've read that a lot of people think the Jemma Kidd line doesn't cover enough shades, which may be true but if you're pale like me this is the brand for you. Because the formula is light it's easy to build coverage and it does not go cakey on the skin. The pump applicator makes it really easy to get the right measure of how much to use. I usually use 3 to 4 pumps to cover my entire face and jaw line. It also contains SPF 20 which I like as I always try and keep my skin protected even in Winter. The product also claims it has anti-ageing properties which is also a big bonus in a foundation. After the success of trying this product I purchased a few more products from the Jemma Kidd line and have been really happy with all of them. 


Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

This is definitely a foundation to try if you have pale skin and struggle to find a good colour match. It is suitable for all skin types, but I'd especially recommend it to Oily skin types who have trouble with foundations breaking them out. I have already repurchased a tube of the Skin Tint. Sadly the Jemma Kidd line has gone into administration which means you have to stock up now if you want the products. The downside is you may find some items difficult to get a hold of, but it also means there are some great sale prices on a lot of the products. I will be stocking up on a lot more, I'm really sad it is being discontinued as it's a fantastic makeup line. 

Review 9/10
                          
Still Available Here




Jemma Kidd Make Up School-Front Cover Touch-Up Concealer- 01 Fair (2ml- £9.50)



Product Info

Brush away the after-party hours, illuminating and perfecting concealer for a camera ready, soft-focus finish. Helps soothe and hydrate skin, with added Vitamins A & E.

How To Use

“Use sparingly - touch-up where concealer is needed and only on top of foundation."

Price and Packaging

The size is really tiny which makes it perfect to fit in your makeup bag or handbag. It has a twist cap brush applicator, the same as all concealer pens. Price wise I think £9.50 for 2ml is slightly crazy, but it's easy to find sale/ special offer prices on this product.

Review

Apart from the expensive price tag I don't have anything bad to say about this concealer. Obviously it is a perfect match to the Skin Tint foundation, which is why I bought it. It is a really pale shade and gives medium coverage, making it perfect to use as a highlighter or to cover blemishes. 

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again.

Because this is more expensive in terms of how much you get in comparison to other concealers I wouldn't recommend this at full price unless you are using in conjunction with the foundation, and want a perfect shade match. At sale prices you can get this product for about £3-£4.50 which makes it more reasonable, and I'd say was a more appropriate price point for the size. I will be stocking up on this product as I want to use it with the matching foundation shades. It is perfect for all skin types like the foundation and gives great coverage, and I would recommend buying it with the foundation.

Review 8/10

Available Here




Sigma F84 - Angled Kabuki Brush 
(£13.99 or $18)




Description

Unique Soft and angled head for blending cream product application. Synthetic Sigmax Bristles

Recommended Use: 
Use to buff product into the skin

Price & Design

Reasonably priced for such a fantastic and professional use brush. Sleek chunky black handle, which makes it easy to hold. Ultra soft bristle that do not drag on the skin and buff the product in perfectly.


Review

This brush is amazing. Although the Sigma site specifically recommends this for blusher or bronzer I've found it to be an amazing foundation brush. I thought the Real Techniques Stippling brush was the  best brush for foundation, but this gives even better coverage application. Because the head is so large it takes seconds to sweep the product across the skin and then buffer it in to give a flawless finish. This makes doing my makeup so quick and easy. The brush also cleans very easily which is also a plus point, although it does take longer to dry due to how thick it is.

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

This is the perfect brush for any foundation users. Every Sigma brush I have tried has been top quality, and I am slowly building up a collection. I would fully recommend this brush. I'm so impressed with it's results that I'm going to purchase a second one.

Review 10/10

Available Here or Here





Real Techniques Blush Brush- 1407 (£9.99)


Product Info


  Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman
Contouring and defining cheeks for smoothly blended high definition results. Ultra plush synthentic taklon bristles are hand cut and 100% cruelty free.


Price & Design

Reasonable price for a high performance professional brush. Stylish pink and black chunky handle, which is easy to hold. Large soft bristle head makes application quick and easy.

Review

This is the second Real Techniques brush I have purchased and I was equally as impressed with this brush as I was the last (the stippling brush). The brush is easy to hold, and the large head meant I could sweep blush easily and create the look I wanted without any hassle. The bristles are very soft and do not drag on the skin. Overall it gives a really professional high definition finish

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again.

This is a great brush for any powder blush users. I will be purchasing more from the Real Techniques line as I think they do great affordable brushes that are better than alot of high end brush lines. I'd fully recommend their produts. 

Review 9/ 10

Available Here



TARTE- Amazonian clay 12-hour blush- Natural Beauty

$25.00- 0.2 OZ

Amazonian clay 12-hour blush -



Product Info

A long-wearing, supremely soft blush infused with Amazonian clay harvested from the banks of the Amazon River and naturally baked by the sun. This 12-hour blush universally benefits all skin types for a fade-free, flawless finish in shades ranging from soft to vivid and matte to shimmer to suit a wide variety of skin tones.
Amazonian clay minimises oil in and around pores to balance skin and keep product in place while also hydrating the skin naturally to restore moisture, reducing the appearance of dry, flaky skin.


Ingredients
Talc, Zinc Stearate, Tricaprylin, Polyethylene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cera Alba, PEG-150 Distearate, Lanolin, Laureth-4, Tocopherol, Polysorbate 20, Tetrasodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Kaolin, Tin Oxide, Mica, Carmine (CI 75470). (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Red 6 And Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 27 Lake (CI 45410), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090).


Price & Packaging

This is a standard price point for a high end blusher. Although not the least inexpensive on the market it is well worth the money. It comes in a cute pink compact that is small and sleek, easy to carry round. The colour shades match the compact colour which also makes it easy to pick out rather than reading labels. It does not come with a mirror or brush which is a downside.


Review

Everybody raves about Tarte blushers and after trying this one I can see why. It applies ea silly and gives a true colour that lasts for hours. Most people say that Tipsy shade is their favourite but I opted for the shade "Natural beauty",  I thought this pinky tone would be more suited to my skin tone rather than "Tipsy" that had more of a coral tone that would be suited to more tan complexions. I was surprised at how little of the product I needed to use to create rosy cheeks, and the colour lasted for hours. This was one of the first powder blushers I have tried, I have previously opted to used cream or liquid stains. I used my Real Techniques blush brush to apply this which I thought gave great results, although it is recommended to use a fan brush. Someone described this as the "Snow White" blush as it gives such a natural flush rosie glow, which I loved. Overall I was very impressed with the product.


Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

This is a great colour blush for anyone who likes quite true pigment, and wants  long lasting colour. Other shades seem to be more suitable if you didn't want a blush that was too bright. If you're looking to try a higher end blush I'd recommend looking into the Tarte line. Unfortunately I don't think the Tarte line is available in the UK (I bought mine in Sephora USA) so it may be a bit tricky to get outside of the States. Next time I'm in the US I'll be picking up a few more shades as I really loved the results it gave.

Review 10/ 10

Available Here



Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil 

- Oily or Combination Skin 30ml- £23.99-£29.00



Product Info

Tame your oily or combination skin with the naturally astringent Clarins Lotus Oil, a potent plant blend that purifies a troublesome complexion. Oily and combination skin can often feel out of control; this timeless formulation whips skin into shape with antioxidant-rich Hazelnut Oil, Rosewood, Geranium and Lotus. The epidermis is refined and purified, pores are tightened.The 100% pure plant formula is rich in carefully chosen preservative-free essential oils. In just three weeks the complexion is rebalanced and restored, with a deeply soothed sensation. The sheer texture and rapidly absorbed nature of the Lotus Face Treatment Oil makes it a pleasure to use.


How To Use 
After thoroughly cleansing and toning, apply a small amount of Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil (two drops) to face and neck after warming the oil first in your palms. Recommended use is at night time.

Price and Packaging

This is quite expensive at a RRP of £29, but is the general price for facial oils. The small glass bottle has a dropper applicator which makes application easy. Great size for travel.

Review

I had been very skeptical of facial oils, always believing that if you had oily skin they were not the products for you. But over the last few months I've been experimenting with facial oils and can't believe I had not made them apart pf my routine sooner. The Clarins Lotus Oil is designed to regulate oiliness, although their are two other oils for dry skin (Santal) and one for dehydrated skin ( Blue Orchid). The oil is light and non greasy albeit a little runny. I use this as part of my morning routine (using Liz Earle's Skin Concentrate at nighttime instead as it's thicker) after I apply my moisturiser, and it gives my skin such a healthy glow especially if it looks tiered or dull. I have also notice that this helps to give my foundation a smoother application. I'm not sure I've noticed an overall reduction in the oiliness of my skin but I have noticed in general my complexion is alot brighter and has better clarity since I started using facial oils.  This will be a regular fixture in my skincare routine from now on.

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

This is the ideal Oil for OILY skin types, although as I previously mentioned there are two other types for Dry or Dehydrated skin types. This is a perfect face oil for a first time user and a product I'm sure anyone will become hooked on after using once. I have just ran out of my sample size so will be purchasing a full size shortly. This is a product that I plan to make a regular fixture in my skincare regime.

Review 9/ 10

Available Here


Paul Mitchell Express Style Quick Slip 

(150ml- £12.10- £14.99)



Product Info

Cut down your morning routine and slip into beautiful, conditioned style with Paul Mitchell Express Style Quick Slip. This gorgeous scented styling cream gives clean texture, conditions and protects your hair and reduces drying time too!  Offering the perfect balance of conditioners and shine enhancers, Paul Mitchell Express Style Quick Slip helps provide a soft flexible hold to help you shape and separate your style. Specially formulated to help reduce drying time it minimises potential damage caused by thermal appliances while softening conditioners help leave hair feeling and looking healthy and protected from the sun.


How To Use

Apply a small amount to your palms.Work evenly through your damp or dry hair. Style as desired. 

Price & Packaging

I actually got a sample size of this product in a Glossy Box a few months ago, and ordinarily this wouldn't have been a product that would have appealed to me on the shelf. In terms of price for the full size bottle it isn't the cheapest on the market but the price point is around the average I personally spend on hair care so I couldn't mind paying £12- £14 for a bottle. The bottle is an easy to carry plastic container with a pump applicator. I would say this makes it easy to apply but the formula clogs up the tube meaning you have to open it up anyway which is a downside.

Review

This was a product I really thought I'd hate so when I got round to using it I was completely surprised at how good it actually was. The formula is fairly lightweight although you do have to be sparing in application to avoid your hair getting weighed down from too much product. I'm not sure I noticed any reduced time in blow drying as the product advertisers, but I did notice my hair was more sleek and completely non frizzy which meant I didn't have to use a smoothing cream (which I generally always have to). This left my hair very sleek, soft and straight. It also added weight which meant my fringe was more manageable to style (it is usually a nightmare to slick down after washing). i also tried this on dry hair but I felt that gave really bad results so would only recommend this as a pre- blow dry product. After the results of this product and another I had a chance to try in the Paul Mitchell line this is a brand I'll be looking into.

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

This is definitely a product for people who want sleek blow dryed hair without the fuss. It makes styling very quick and easy, a great product if you're in a rush. If you like a more natural finish to your hair, like boho waves, I don't think this is the product for you. I still have quite a bit left in my travel size but I think the full size bottle will be something I'll be investing in shortly.

Review 8/10

Available Here



Jason Lips Bee Healthier (4.5g- £1.99)

Product Info

Ideal for outdoor sports and travel, JASON 70% Organic Lips Bee Healthier protects against wind, sun and even in-flight dehydration. Prevent parched lips with this rich, natural combination of moisture-trapping Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Gel, Vitamin E, and Green Tea Extract. This anti-oxidant rich balm soothes, calms, heals and protects lips from drying, cracking and chapping.

Ingredients
Coca Seed Butter* Beeswax Coconut * Sweet almond oil Shea Butter Aloe Vera Gel* Squalane vege Tocopherol natural Vit.E Green Tea Leaf Extract* Marigold Flower Extract* Stevioside Peppermint Leaf Oil* *Certified Organic  

How To Use

Apply to replenish moisture. Reapply as needed.

Price & Packaging

Simple packaging, Twist Cap Tube. Very reasonable low price for an organic product that is very effective.

Review

This was another beauty box product that I loved. The lip balm is so soft and gentle and really relives dry lips.  It has a sort of  minty Aloe Vera  fragrance which I loved. This is a great product for Winter months.

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

This is a great product for men or women. I'd recommend this especially for colder Winter months. I've become over stocked with lip balms so don't think I'll need to buy a new one for a long time yet. But the low price and effectiveness of this balm would make me consider purchasing it when I need a new balm.

Review 9/10

Available Here


Balance Me-Citrus and Spice Hand and Body Wash (55ml- £3.75/ 260ml- £10.25)


Citrus and Spice Hand and Body Wash by Balance Me

Product Info

Our uplifting and fragrant new bathing line addition citrus and spice hand and body wash provides a daily dose of zesty fresh and naturally cleansing family friendly goodness for every washing occasion. Thanks to  the anti-bacterial properties of lemongrass this wash is perfect for everywhere from basins and kitchen sinks to showers and soothing baths.
Naturally foaming, lather a generous squirt of this ultra fresh wash onto wet skin and inhale the uplifting, vibrant and spicy aromas including grapefruit, petitgrain, sweet orange, ginger and coriander. Thanks to its gentle formulation, you can be confident of achieving squeaky cleanliness, without stripping skin of its natural oils.

Ingredients    
Aqua, Sodium cocoamphoacetate, Cocamidopropyl betaine, Lauryl glucoside, Disodium lauryl sulfosuccinate, Coco glucoside, Glyceryl oleate, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract***, Citrus paradisi (grapefruit)*, Citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange)*, Zingiber officinale (ginger)*, Citrus aurantium amara (petitgrain)*, Kunzea ericoides (kanuka)*, Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemongrass)*, Coriandrum sativum (coriander)*, Sorbitan sesquicaprylate, Dehydroacetic acid, Benzyl alcohol, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Limonene*, Linalool**, Citral**, geraniol**, *natural pure essential oil, **naturally occurring in essential oils, ***certified organic ingredient     


Price & Packaging

Plastic packaging, the larger bottle has a pump dispenser. Nothing fancy. Not the most inexpensive body wash on the market. 

Review

I received a mini version of this product in an Amarya Box, it isn't a line I'd usually buy from ( their products seem to given every where free!) so I don't think I would have bought this if I just saw it in the shop. Saying that I really enjoyed using this on my recent trip. It has a lovely spicy scent that is something I love in beauty products. This fresh scent makes it a great product to use in the shower in the morning. The mini version lasted me about four showers which makes it nearly £1 per use which seems crazy. However I'd love to try this or something similar again. It was a great Autumn/ Winter season. The Balance Me line is completely natural and organic which is a positive for this product. I really liked using this with the matching lotion and would recommend them as a set.

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

If you like natural organic products or like spicy scents this a great product to look in to. I would also recommend buying the complimenting body lotion. I really liked using this but because of the higher price point ( I generally buy shower gels in a £1- £6 price range as I think there's not really a difference in quality) and how long it lasted I personally wouldn't repurchase unless it was on a special offer or part of a gift set. Hopefully i will receive a free sample soon!

Review 7/ 10

Available in the smaller size Here 
and larger size Here


Balance Me- Citrus and Spice Hand and Body Lotion  (55ml - £4.50/ 260ml- £12.25)


Citrus and Spice Hand and Body Lotion by Balance Me

Product Info

Our rich citrus and spice hand and body lotion has been created to smooth and cool as it moisturises thanks to its naturally hydrating ingredients including organic aloe vera and organic shea butter. This nourishing and refreshingly gentle, conditioning cream has been fused with a skin-friendly and warmly-uplifting blend of essential oils including petitgrain, mandarin, myrrh, clove and spearmint to create a  perfect fusion of citrus with spice that is kind to nails as well as skin.

Ingredients    
Aqua, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)***, Glyceryl stearate, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 stearate/citrate, Cetearyl alcohol, Coco caprylate, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera)***, Chondrus crispus (carrageenan) seaweed gum, Calendula officinalis (calendula) flower extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis (sweet orange)*, Citrus aurantium amara (petitgrain)*, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh)*, Citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot)*, Syzygium aromaticum (clove bud)*, Citrus reticulata (mandarin red)*, Mentha spicata (spearmint)*, Mentha piperita (peppermint)*, Styrax benzoin (benzoin), Sodium stearoyl lactylate, Benzyl alcohol, Dehydroacetic acid, Citric acid, Potassium sorbate, Benzyl cinnamate**, Limonene**, Linalool**,Citral**, Eugenol**, benzyl benzoate**, isoeugenol** *natural pure essential oil **naturally occurring in essential oils ***certified organic ingredient     


How To Use

For optimum results, massage all over your hands and body each time you wash with our citrus and spice hand and body wash to keep skin and nails  in tip top condition.

Price and Packaging

The same packing as the body wash, pump dispenser in the larger bottle. Price wise it is not the cheapest on the market .

Review

This was another mini product I received in last months Amarya box. I used this after showering with the matching body wash. The thing I loved most about this product was the strong spicy scent. The lotion can be used on hands or body and is really moisturising without being thick. Although the price is higher than a standard lotion this is a product I would be prepared to spend the amount on as I enjoyed using it so much.  Like the body wash this is 99% natural/ organic which is another positive for the product.

Who's This For. Would You Buy Again

If you like organic products or spicy scents I'd recommend this lotion. It is really lovely to use after the matching  shower gel. Although I wouldn't necessarily purchase the shower gel at full price I would repurchase this as I think its better value for money (it last longer).



Review 8/ 10

Available in the smaller size Here 
and full size Here

   





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