Origins and La Roche-Posay Life Savers

I had been looking for products that suit my dry skin for a while, because my skin was just not playing ball. Now that I think of it, the cold winter, foot operation and a bad case of glandular fever  may have had something to do with it. After my foot operation in late October, I felt that my skin was in desperate need to be moisturised  I took a trip to boots (when I could walk again) and purchased the La Roche-Posay 'Hydraphase UV Intense' which is a rehydrating moisturiser. I applied a generous amount of it before I went to sleep, and my skin felt so smooth and moisturised when I woke up the next morning, it was amazing! When I came to applying my makeup, my foundation didn't rest in any dry patches, and I had a smooth finish. I continued to use every night and even as my morning moisturiser, but found that because of it being an intense hydrating product, my foundation tended to 'slip off' my face during the day. But overall, a brilliant product, that helped me so much with my dry skin, without breaking me out, and smells lovely!

I then tried looking for a morning/everyday moisturiser, and by this time Christmas was approaching. I had wanted to try the 'Origins - Drink Up Intensive' over night mask for ages, seeing as every beauty bigger had parsed it so highly. As well as the 'Make a Different Plus' Rejuvenating moisturiser. I had seen that there was a special Christmas skincare package that was selling these two products, as well as the 'Make a Different Plus' hand cream and rejuvenation treatment lotion.' I had to have a box, and I put it straight on my Christmas list. As soon as Christmas day came, I couldn't wait to try my new products! The 'Make A Difference' moisturiser is brilliant. It sorts out my dry skin, and really makes it feel amazing! Te product does have a smell, but it isn't harsh at all, I do like and can ignore it. This is my current daily moisturiser, and unlike the La Roche-Posay product, I can use it underneath my foundation without it slipping and sliding everywhere but still give me the moisture that I need.

The 'Drink up intensive' mask is hyped up for a reason, I use it two or three times a week, depending on how my skin is feeling, to really treat my skin, and get the moisture levels where they need to be. It sinks in incredibly quickly, and isn't sticky when I want to put my head on my pillow. Its such an amazing product and I switch this and the La Roche-Posay one regularly because I love them both.

Have you tried them, what do you think?

Rachel x

Revlon Lip Butter - Peach Parfait

Literally every beauty blogger has been obsessing over the revlon lip butters, so I just had to go out and buy one! I was interested due to its 'butter' texture, which I think describes it perfectly, because its half way between a lipstick and balm. 

'Peach Parfait' - £7.99

So after looking at all the various shades, I finally decided on one of their newer spring/summer shades called 'Peach Parfait.' When I tested it on my hand, I was surprised that it really isn't a peach shade, in fact its much more on the darker pink side, with added shimmer. Its not a light as Mac's 'Hue', but I find that it is just slightly lighter than my lips which causes it to give definition without being too overpowering. Its super easy to apply straight from the tube, because its more towards the texture of a balm rather than a lipstick, and doesn't bleed into the foundation around my mouth. The lasting power is also not bad at all, although reapplication will be needed every so often. The packaging is lovely, especially with the quilted effect on the outer tube which makes it look much more luxurious than just a drug store product, as well as the colour of the tube matching the colour of the product which I find to be a really nice touch! Overall I am extremely impressed with this little product, and I have almost used the entire tube, I would defiantly recommend it, and will be purchasing more shades in the range! 

On a break until after my exams!

I've not been posting as much as I would have wanted recently, because my final A level exams are creeping that much closer everyday, so I'm dedicating my time to revision. I look forward to reviewing everything that I have bought recently (and its a lot!) after the stress of my exams is finally over! Until then, its hard work for me! x

Elizabeth Arden Haul

Recently I've been getting more and more into skincare. Now I'm lucky, and have nice skin that hardly ever breaks out (having said that, a nice one broke out on my forehead!) But for the vast majority of the time, breaks outs are not a problem for me! I always say to myself that, alright I don't have any acne, but I do have freckles that cover the entirety of my face, and have veeery pale skin. So I always think of it as some sort of compromise. 

Iv'e been researching into different high end skincare, and came across various people raving about the 'Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream,' due to its almost near 'miracle' way in which it works on the skin. After hearing many great reviews about the product, I went onto the Boots website and had a right old nosy at their products. I wanted a daily moisturizer that would hydrate and soften my skin, so I decided upon the 'Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream Intensive Daily Moisturizer for Face SPF 15PA++ 50ml' - £29

Now when I was ordering, Boots had an offer that if you bought something from their skincare range and makeup range no matter what price, the you also received a free gift worth £77.

I really liked what I have received, although there are a few specific  'anti-aging' products that I gladly gave to my mum ( she's enjoying them!)  The large make-up bag was great for packing my essentials in it when I went to London a few weeks ago!

London Haul

I was in London last Tuesday, because I was down there for a dance audition. So my mum and I thought it was a good idea that afterwards we make our way to Oxford Street to have a nice little shop and something to eat! I went a bit wild and couldn't stop myself really, my mum had to physically take my purse off me! In saying that, it didn't help that I had just been paid too! 

1. Real Techniques - Core Collection - £21.50

2. Mac - Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle - £21.50

3. Revlon- Photoready Cream Blush in 100 Pinched - £7.99

4. Revlon - Matte Super Lustrous Lipstick in Smoked Peach - £7.49

5. Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation - 110 Ivory - £8.99

6. Shu Uemura - Eye Lash Curlers - £20

7. Bobbi Brown - Corrector in Bisque - £18

8. Bobbi Brown- Creamy Concealer in Porcelain - £18

9. Revlon - ColourBurst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait - £7.99

Hurm.. Overload on the Revlon products there! (Boots had a 3 for 2 offer on, I couldn't resist!) 

I went into Selfridges for the High End stuff, and the woman who served me at the Bobbi Brown counter was so rude to me! I wanted to just walk away, but I really really wanted the products. That puts me off going up to makeup counters, because I find them to be quite intimidating!

What do you think?  

Sleek Blush - Flamingo Review

After receiving my April GlossyBox, I just had to do a review on this product, just to tell you all about my first impressions. Sleek is a brand that I have wanted to try for a while now, because all the beauty Youtubers rave about how good the products are, and how affordable they are. Their blushes especially are what gets people talking! So you can imagine how thrilled I was when I opened the GlossyBox to find a Sleek blush sat in there waiting for me.

Now when I opened it, the first thing that I initially thought was 'ahhh! the colour is far too bright and in your face for me!' But, despite that, I do think that the colour itself it gorgeous, despite the fact that I'm cringing at the thought of applying it to my very pale skin. However, I have a feeling that if I just apply a very small amount to my cheeks, it will just give me the glow that is needed, without looking like an ill clown!

(Yikes!)

In person, it does appear just slightly more brighter than it does in the photo, but its a beautiful bright fuchsia colour, that is very well pigmented. So like I said, if your brave enough to embrase this daring colour, then be my guest! But  for myself personally, I will be carful when applying this shade, because I don't want to end up looking too ridiculous and it being far too overpowering on my face. I think it would look good and any skin type, however, if your pale like me, I would recommend just applying a small amount to the cheek area. 

                                              

April GlossyBox

The April GlossyBox arrived at my house today, and because this is only my second box that I have received, I was excited on how it would be different to the March box last month. I decided to subscribe to GlossyBox after hearing that practically the whole world and its cat receives them, and with it generally being more than worth its £10 price tag. Last month I was happy with the products that I were in the Box, so I was waiting to see if this months box was just as good as the last one.

For starters, I love how it delivered in the special GlossyBox cardboard box, it kinda makes you feel like you are receiving some secret gift that only 'special' people get their hands on! (haha!) This month's box was designed by 'Pearl Lowe' who is an English singer songwriter turned both fashion and textiles designer. I have to say, that I would have bought the box just for the amazing print on the front of it! (The print is sooo me!)

How beautiful is that!? I can't wait to use the box for storing products in it!

I didn't know anything about which products would be in the box, so I was very keen to find out!

I was so happy with what was inside! Especially with the 'Sleek' Blusher and 'Essie' Nail polish. 

Above

1. Nip + Fab - Dry skin fix body butter in Coconut Latte

2. Yves Rocher France - So Elixir Purple Eau de Perfum 

3. A-Derma - Intense Repair Lip Balm

4. Sleek - Blush in Flamingo

5. Essie - Nail polish in Sugar Daddy

I can't wait to try everything! All in all, I think that this is a strong box this month, and if you haven't got yours yet, or subscribed.. then what are you waiting for!?

x

Mac Lipstick Review - 'Hue'

'Hue' - £14.00

 I have been looking at this Lipstick for a while now, and after having heard so many good reviews by different beauty bloggers and Youtubers I felt like it wouldn't hurt to purchase it. The nearest Mac counter to me is in Selfridges in Manchester, so when my mum and I ventured into town for a cheeky shopping day last Monday, I couldn't pass up the opportunity! With this being my second 'Mac' lipstick, I wasn't feeling brave enough to go for any bright red shade, because I'm really loving the soft pinks and neutrals at the moment, and I know this is a must have soft pink shade, especially for beginners!  

     
 Hue is a 'Glaze' finish, and is described by Mac as a 'Soft Pale Pink' which I think describes it perfectly. I have to say that I thought it would be slightly more pigmented, because it is only just visible on my lips. However, this could be down to my pale complexion, and the soft pink shade is washed out by my skin and doesn't really do a lot for me. I think it would show up better when I have a tan (which isn't often!) but I do apply it sometimes for nights out and special occasions, but I shall have to test this theory. I may also have to try it with my Revlon ColourBurst Lipgloss in Crystal Lilac, just to see if it would give any definition and more pigmentation to this lipstick. The gloss is also a very pale pink shade, so it would most likely match. Wear time is the same as my 'Jubilee' lipstick, and doesn't dry out the lips at all. Re-application would be needed thoughtout the day if you wanted the colour to last, because I found myself having a sip of water and having to reapply straight after, which you don't really want after paying £14.00 for a lipstick! 

Comparing the shades of the two

Left: 'Jubilee'

Right: 'Hue' 

    

I think I will go for a slightly less of a paler pink for my next purchase, for something thing a little more pigmented. I do like this colour, but I'm a little disappointed with how it looks on my lips. 

                                                                         

Recent Lipgloss Favorites!

      Recently I purchased two new lip products - The L'Oreal Paris GlamShine Stain Splash in the shade 'Lolita' and The Revlon ColourBurst Lipgloss in 'Crystal Lilac' 

      Both have a sheer formula, but the L'Oreal is more of a Lip Stain rather than just a straight out gloss. When I apply this lip stain, I find that the colour lasts for hours! I was at work practically all day last week, and applied this in the morning, and it lasted until I got home later in the afternoon! (woo!) 'Lolita' is the lightest shade in the collection, and it is more of a neutral toned pink, that gives my lips just that little bit extra colour to make them stand out, as well as give them a nice shine. Application is so easy, and the packaging makes it look so much more expensive than it is. When applied onto the lips, it starts to dry, but it doesn't have that 'sticky' feeling which other lip products have. The smell is amazing too, I can't really describe it, but it smells of sweets and vanilla?  I don't really know, but that what it reminds me of! I've been wearing this all week and I am very impressed with it, I've teamed it up with the neutral tones of my Naked Basics pallet, because I want a fairly natural look, so this on my lips that gives some colour is perfect to complete my look!

L'Oreal Paris GlamShine Stain Splash - 'Lolita' - £7.99

Revlon ColourBurst Lipgloss - Crystal Lilac - £7.99

You can easily see the small glitter particles in the formula!

I also picked up then Revlon ColourBurst Lipgloss in Crystal Lilac, because Boots currently has a 3 for 2 offer on their makeup! (my bank balance is now quivering!) I also like this product, but is more of a lipgloss than a lip stain, so it doesn't have the same lasting power as the L'Oreal one. However in saying that, the colour is really pretty, such a light shimmery pink, which suits my blonde hair blue eye look. I'm into the more neutral/soft pink side to lipsticks/lip glosses and yet to really venture into the world of red lip colour, mainly because I'm a bit apprehensive to walk out with bold red lips! However, I'm sure the need will come to me one day soon enough. This lip gloss smells sooo good, just like vanilla  and I can smell is on my lips until it wears off. The down side to it is that it does need to be reapplied regularly, if wearing it just on its own. However, I am yet to try it over a lipstick to see if the wear time is any longer. Again, super easy to apply and gives the lips that nice shimmering glow. 

The revlon is slightly more opaque than the L'Oreal one, and when the Revlon lipgloss is on the lips, it is much more of a paler pink, my photo doesn't do it justice! 

Mac Lipstick - Jubilee

   This was my very first Mac lipstick purchase, and how very exciting was it to go up to the Mac counter for the very first time! (not to mention slightly intimidating!) However, I walked away with 'Jubilee' which is a 'Lusture' finish. Mac describes it as a 'Naked Beigey-Pink' which I do actually agree with. It gives your lips that 'your colour but beter look' and because it is a 'lusture' is gives a nice shine that makes your lips stand out. The reason I chose this shade was because I wanted to try a neutral shade, but with a pinky tone running along with it to wear at work,  so nothing too brown in other words.  I feel that this lipstick achieves this, and gives me some colour, without without being too over the top. It's super easy to apply, and I do normally wear it without any lip liner, but I am finding myself going back into my bag to re-apply every few hours or so. Being that this was my first Mac lipstick, and I didn't want to go too adventurous with my first colour choice! However, I am very keen to try out more shades. I feel as though I am being pulled towards 'Hue' (which is a cult favorite i've noticed!) and Viva Glam V, which are again both very pink/neutral shades, but as I am coming to realize  no girl can only just have a few Mac lipsticks! No mater how loud my bank balance protests!

  My camera makes its look much more of a neutral 'pinky' shade rather than the brown tones that this lipstick has in it. However, I would say that the colour shown here is more of a representation of what it looks like when it is translated onto the lips. I wear this for when I'm at work, or college, because it's not the kind of lipstick that screams 'look at me!' its much more subtle and refined, in fact my best friend didn't notice that I had anything on my lips when I wore it for the first time! Boys eh?

Overall a lovely lipstick that is great for daytime wear!

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation - Calico

     Sooo, about 3 weeks ago I went to Boots in the hunt of a new foundation, because I had run out of my 'Rimmel Match Perfection.' I have really pale skin, therefore I am always a bit skeptical of choosing the right shade, and obviously in boots there isn't anyone there to help you with the different shades, and sometimes the testers are missing (boo!). With all this in mind, I went to the No7 stand, and asked the assistant to 'Colour Match' me, which is a relatively new service by No7 that electronically matches anyones skin tone to one of their foundations. I got matched with 'Calcio' Which I'm convinced is one of their fairest/or is the fairest in the range. I opted for their 'Instand Radiance Foundation' because I wanted to try the more 'dewy' look rather than the 'Stay Perfect' more moisturizing formula. I have to say that I really like this foundation, and does give me a nice glow! I'd say that it has a light coverage because my freckles shine through, although it is buildable if you do want more coverage. It doesn't feel thick when applied, which is a factor that I look for in a foundation, because no one really wants to have the 'cakey' feel or look on their face now do they!? I have dry skin, so I suit the more 'dewy' formulas that bring the glow into my skin. Especially with being pale, this foundation is perfect for 'putting some life' into my face.  Unlike the Rimmel 'Wake me up foundation,' this No7 formula doesn't have noticeable shimmering particles in it but still managed to brighten the face. I have tried the Rimmel one, but actually prefer this to it, because the Rimmel shade collection let me down. The lightest shade in that collection is just a little too dark for me, so sadly it didn't live up to the extraordinary large hype for me (unpopular opinion!) although the formular was fantastic. Another thing that I like about this product is that it has a pump, which makes life just that little bit easier doesn't it!?

Its a nice lower priced foundation, but I would say that is isn't my absolute favorite. 

    I apply it with my 'Real Techniques Stippling Brush' because I find that it helps to give me a flawless look, and it is so easy to blend around the chin and hair line with this brush. I also have the Mac 190 foundation brush, which I used to use all the time, until I recently bought the stippling brush, so I am yet to try this foundation with the 190 brush. If you don't have the stippling brush, I recommend that you go out and buy one! It can be applied smoothly and evenly with just the hands, as it is easy to blend. 

   If you want a foundation that lifts and brightens up your face, then this is the one to go for, and if you feel like you want a change from the Rimmel 'Wake me up' foundation.

 Priced at £12.50.

Happy Easter!

Recent Daily Essentials.

      These are the items that I have been using daily on a regular basis for the past few weeks. Normally I go for a no eyeshadow winged eyeliner look using my Mac fluid liner, however, seeing as it is coming into Spring, I want to try and go for a new more natural look, without any eyeliner on the top of my lids. When I first started to change my normal makeup look, I didn't really like it, I felt that my eyes looked bare without the eyeliner. However, my new look is starting to grow on me, and I can't wait to try other combinations of the various neutral eye shadows that I have!

1. No7 Instant Radiance Foundation - Calico

2. L'Oreal Paris GlamShine Stain Splash - Lolita

3. Urban Decay Naked Basics Pallet

4. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara - Black

5. Collection - Lastin Perfection Concealer - No 1 Fair

6. Real Techniques Stippling Brush

(Hello freckles!)

Urban Decay Naked Basics Pallet.

After hearing so many people talk about this beautiful little pallet, I finally caved and bought it. It's such an amazing pallet, filled with neutrals which I think suit any season. In total there are 5 Matte shades and 1 shimmer shade, and they are just so easy to blend together to create that effortless 'I've not spent a lot of time blending these together' look. It fits perfectly into the palm of my hand which is great for travelling! And has a perfect large mirror that covers the lid of the pallet, so no need to put any other mirror in your makeup bag!

The way I wear these colours on my lid is just normally very natural, I've recently been ditching the winged eyeliner look and replacing with a natural smokey eye and mascara look using this pallet. I love the look it creates, and because I'm so pale, the colours just help to give my eyes that much needed definition instead of an unattractive 'washed out' look. I usually take 'WOS' all over the lid using my Mac 217 brush, then blend 'Naked 2' with the same brush into the crease and down the lower outer edge of my eye. Then taking 'Faint' on the very edge of my Mac 239 brush, and just make a line in the crease where I had just put 'Naked 2' until I reach about the centre of my eye. Then taking the 217 brush again, I blend the two colours together. To finish, I dab my ring finger into the only shimmer colour in the pallet, 'Venus' and put it along the brow bone and tear duct area as a highlight. 

Overall a gorgeous little pallet by Urban Decay, and I can't wait until my 'Naked 2 Pallet' comes for me in the post this week! 

Rachel x

(Left to right) Crave, Faint, Naked 2, WOS, Foxy, Venus.

(Foxy and Venus are especially hard to see against my oh so pale skin, but look perfect on the eye!)

Maybelline Colour Tattoo - On and on bronze.

    I've recently purchased the 'Maybelline Colour Tattoo' in the colour 'On and on bronze', after hearing so many people rave about it on Youtube. I can safely say that it lives up to its hype! I have extremely pale skin, and was worried that this would look slightly too dark on my eye lids... However, I had no need to worry because its not as dark as it is on the pot when translated onto the eye. I love its creamy consistency which glides on the eye lid effortlessly, without creasing in any fine lines. I find that because I have blue eyes, the bronze colour really makes them stand out. I've been using it for the past few days, just using my ring finger to apply it. I haven't been using any other eye shadow along with it, because this colour holds its own, apart fro using 'Mac's vanilla shadow on the brow bone and tear duct area as a highlight. It gives that extra depth to the, with the hint of shimmer coming through to brighten up the eye. Overall a lovely product which lasts all day without the need to re-apply. It's an excellent 'on its own' colour, or as an eye shadow base. I can't wait to get my hands on the other colours in the range! x

I'm starting a beauty blog!

Hello there!

   Hi there! My name is Rachel and I am 18 years old, (that's me up there!) and I'm currently in my second year of college, doing my A-Levels and I live in England. Its safe to say that I am becoming a beauty buying fanatic. I'm obsessed. So I figured that it would be a good idea to start a blog about all things beauty, and share what I find to be good with other people. I haven't really got a clue how to work things here yet.. but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it!