Friday 28 March 2014

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

For the past two years I have been using the amazing Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, I switched my night time moisturiser for this after I read about the amazing benefits this oil and I have never looked back. I am now a huge fan of night time facial oils, I think they are so much better for your skin and whilst you are sleeping you may as well use something more intense and more oily. It is £16.50 in Boots which is where I buy it from, you can find out more HERE.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil
"Rosehip oil's potent natural actives make it highly effective for a variety of skin concerns including dehydrated and ageing skin. Trilogy’s rosehip expertise ensures the finest quality oil with minimum 80% essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and fatty acid (omega 9) content. Independent clinical studies show it helps improve the appearance of scars, stretchmarks, fine lines and wrinkles. Also available in 45ml."

Since using this amazing product I have noticed a great difference in my skin, I always wake up and my skin feels and looks well rested, healthy and moisturised without being oily. Now I have been using it for two years I find it hard to remember what my skin was like before, but I have noticed that any spots or scarring from spots fades quicker than it used to. It is meant to be great for wrinkles, I don't have any to speak of yet but just knowing that I'm using this makes me feel better and I hope that I will thank myself in the future for using this.

I am a huge believer in natural and organic products, I use a lot of them and since switching to them my skin feels and looks so much better, people I don't know have even complimented me on my skin and family members and friends have noticed the difference as well. The oil smells fine, not like roses as you might expect, but just a few drops on your face is all you will need, I usually do a drop on each cheek, one for my forehead and one for my chin. If my skin is feeling drier or more tired I will add a couple of extra drops, I just massage it over my face and when I remember I do my neck as well, that's something I want to start doing every night. It doesn't leave your skin looking or feeling oily, it is a dry oil and so it sinks in to the skin quickly. I don't think I would use this during the day though, maybe if my skin got really dry or irritated, but I think wearing it under makeup might make my skin look oily by the end of the day.

I have combination skin and it kind of switches from being slightly drier to slightly more oily from week to week, I used to have really oily skin in my teens and have since been terrified of using any oily/intense moisturising products on my skin, but now it has settled down I love these oil based products. I will never be without my Organic Rosehip Oil now.

Saturday 22 March 2014

UTan California Sun Review

It's getting closer to summer, and ever closer to my holiday to Japan. I am usually so pale I actually look luminous in photos so during summer when more skin is on show I opt for some fake tan. I have recently been using the UTan California Sun Self-Tan Mousse, it costs £25.50 which I think is pretty expensive for a fake tan you can find out more HERE.

Please note, I didn't take any before and after photos, the colour really wasn't noticeable in any photos unfortunately which was what I needed it for, but I think it really does depend on lighting, in natural lighting you don't notice it as much, but in warmer lighting it looks better.
 
UTan California Sun
I decided to buy this one as I read so many amazing reviews about it and hoped that I too could have a flawless healthy looking tan that would naturally fade after five days. When I go to Japan in April, the weather will be nice and sunny, so I will pack some cute summer dresses and shorts, the only problem is I don't feel comfortable with my bright white skin. I know it's not really that bad and I don't live in a country where we get lots of sun so I just have to make do, some people have suggested I go to the sunbeds, I keep changing my mind about this though and I do feel more comfortable wearing fake tan.

My skin doesn't tan naturally anyway, it only burns then fades to white again so really a fake tan is my best option, but let me know if you use sunbeds and if you would recommend them for me? Anyway, I bought the UTan in California Sun and have used it a few times since buying it, the colour payoff really isn't that dark so it's much better suited for those with pale skin like mine, however I think I would have liked it to be a bit darker. It doesn't streak which it good, I apply it with a St Tropez Mitt which cost me £5.00, find out more HERE. I apply the fake tan after I have exfoliated the day before and straight after using one of my Body Shop Body Butters, I have tried with and without and I get the best colour pay off when using a body butter.

It does have a slight fake tan smell even when you wash it off in the morning (I apply the night before because I hate feeling sticky and smelling like fake tan all day). The smell is only noticeable, however, if you actually have your nose on your arm, so really its not an issue. I really like how this tan doesn't go patchy as it fades, it just fades out naturally but it can patch in dry areas a bit. I wantd something for Japan that I wouldn't have to apply every night so I wouldn't have to think or worry about it too much, but I don't think it lasts that long on me, only a couple of days and I was really hoping for more based on the reviews I have read.

All in all, I don't think I will buy this one again and now I need to look for another fake tan before mid April! What are your favourite fake tans? Do you know any that last longer with a good colour?


Sunday 16 March 2014

Max Factor: False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara Review

A few months ago I bought the Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara in a three for two offer, I have only now got round to using it. It is usually £11.99, click HERE to find out more.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion in Black
I have used the original Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara and I really liked it but found that it flaked onto my cheeks throughout the day. " False Lash Effect Fusion is the sister product to Max Factor’s award-winning False Lash Effect. It fuses the brand’s most celebrated and award winning IFX brush with an innovative fibre lengthening formula, which contains the nylon fibres found in real lash extensions along with lash plumping particles.The breakthrough result is up to 2x* the volume and length for 100% lash glamour. It’s never been easier to create on-trend bold and glamorous eye looks"

My bare lashes only brushed with my MAC lash comb

With two coats of the Max Factor False Lash Fusion Mascara
Overall I like this mascara, but I do prefer the original False Lash Effect Mascara, I found it didn't clump as much and gave a better more even appearance to my lashes.

I like the purple colour of the bottle, it's also the same shape as False Lash Effect

The brush is also the same at the False Lash Effect Mascara, I think the formula is the only thing that is different.

The same brush as the False Lash Effect Mascara

Length: 3/5 This mascara did add some length to my lashes without weighing them down or clumping too much during application. I also liked the definition it gave to my lashes and made them noticeably longer from a distance, I usually find that my lashes disappear when I'm further from a mirror.

Overall Performance: 3/5 I liked this mascara but I do prefer the original False Lash Effect because I think the formula isn't so wet, I found the False Lash Effect Fusion to be slightly too wet which resulted in some clumping and made it difficult to build the mascara. The brush is amazing, the same as the original False Lash Effect, its chunky with graduated bristles that get smaller at the top, the bristles are really small and soft so they don't hurt your eye when applying. I think this mascara is good for separation and definition but I think that's down to the brush. 

It clumped a bit during application of a second coat but it was nothing too bad, it didn't flake or smudge during the day which was the one thing I didn't like about the original False Lash Effect Mascara as I found it flaked onto my cheeks. It came off easily with my normal makeup wipes.
Overall this mascara performed well but in comparison to the False Lash Effect Mascara, this one didn't give as good, even results, however it didn't flake during the day which was really good.

Volume: 4/5 This mascara added a decent amount of volume to my lashes, similar to the False Lash Effect Mascara, but the formula clumped a bit when I applied a second coat which was annoying. What I liked about the volume it gave my lashes was that it was visible from a distance which usually doesn't happen for me because my lashes are so fine.

Expense: 4/5 For £11.99 this mascara is a bit more expensive but I actually liked the results I got, and although I prefer the original False Lash Effect Mascara as the formula is better, I do prefer how the False Lash Fusion doesn't flake but still gives my lashes volume. I will keep this mascara in my makeup drawer but don't know if I will purchase it again because I'm just not in love with it.
If you have a mascara that you would like me to review just let me know, if I can purchase it easily and afford it I would love to try it.


L.O.V.E RESULT
     14/20




Friday 14 March 2014

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

For the past few months I decided to buy the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, it was new at the time so I hadn't read any reviews, I just bought it on a whim. It is only £5.99 which is a great price, you can purchase this amazing creation HERE.

"Real Techniques by Sam Chapman introduces its new innovative Miracle Complexion Sponge. The Miracle Complexion Sponge will give you the pixel perfect, flawless base you have always dreamed of. The sponge is completely unique, featuring 3 distinct surfaces that give you 3 ways to apply liquid foundation."

I had heard about beauty blenders before, I have seen loads of people use them I just never really got round to getting one. I usually applied my foundation with a brush or my fingers and from past experiences of using a sponges I thought they soaked up most of the product which was a waste. But the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge has totally changed my mind.

Just bought myself a brand new one, it will be handy when my other one is drying
The sponge is bright orange, which is cool and is sort of egg shaped with a point on the bottom and a flat oval on the top, each area you can use for different techniques and results.
  • "Rounded sides - blend large areas of the face with a repeated "dabbing" or "stippling" motion"
  • "Precision tip - covers blemishes and imperfections"
  • "Flat edge - for the contours around the eyes and nose"
You can also use the sponge damp or dry, I  prefer using it a day after I have washed it, this way it still has moisture in it, but not too much. I tend to use the flat edge mostly, I first start of by wiping my foundation over my face then blending it out, for more coverage I use the flat edge again with a bit more foundation and just pat it onto my face, I find this technique is great for a flawless coverage and it works wonders with my foundation. I use my sponge with my Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation in Creamy Ivory, you can find out more about this product by clicking HERE.

My current foundation

Creamy Ivory (40)
The sponge has totally transformed how I apply and wear my foundation, it really does give such an even, smooth flawless coverage, I always thought only foundations could do this but it goes to show that the tools you use are just as important.

You can sort of see the flat edge and the point at the bottom
I now own two of these amazing sponges, I wanted to have one to use if the other needed washed or was drying, I try to wash it once a week, some people wash them every time after use but I find once a week works best with my foundation and skin. For just £5.99 I think this Miracle Complexion Sponge is such a fantastic product, I have been using it for months now and I can find no faults with it and it has made me want to buy more of the Real Techniques products.


Wednesday 12 March 2014

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter: Wild Watermelon

A couple of days ago I was in Boots buying some essentials when I noticed that the amazing three for two across makeup and beauty was on, I needed something to get for free so I took my time looking across the makeup counters and finally chose the new Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon. This usually sells for £7.99, I got it for free in the three for two, find out more HERE.

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon
I have used some of the Revlon Lip Butters before and I really like them because they aren't too overpowering and are great for a more natural look, this colour Wild Watermelon is a pinky red, imagine a watermelon colour, great for spring/summer looks.

Wild Watermelon
I love this colour, I do like a red lip but this one is just a bit more natural looking so I will use this more for during the day and for more casual looks. The colour is just stunning, the pictures don't do it justice although I would say the first one is truer to the actual colour payoff when applied to lips. As with all of the Revlon Lip Butters they are more moisturising and the actual cut of the lipstick makes it easier to apply for me. 

The pigmentation is good, if you have used Revlon Lip Butters before you will know the consistency and the usual payoff, this one is no different. It is a more glossy, buttery texture and goes on to the lips similar to lipstick but slightly less thickly. I prefer using this to lipstick day to day as whenever I do wear lipstick I always find myself slightly paranoid and constantly checking in the mirror for smudges and that none has come off on my teeth.

The Revlon Lip Butters are a lot quicker to apply I find, usually when I apply lipstick it takes me ages to get it perfect, I can always do one side well then the other one looks completely different, with the Revlon Lip Butters depending on what colour you get you can almost apply it as you would lip balm, just use a mirror. Obviously because this colour is brighter than some of the others available I would take a bit more care when applying but even so it still doesn't take me long.

Because they are so buttery, they don't last as long on the lips as lipstick would but this really doesn't bother me as it only takes a few seconds. Overall I love this product and the colour Wild Watermelon, I love the name, I have a weird obsession with watermelon themed things! Now I want to go and buy some more Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butters!



Tuesday 11 March 2014

Maybelline: Falsies Mascara Black Drama Review

Today I have a review for the Maybelline Falsies Black Drama Mascara in Black, I bought this mascara in Superdrug for £7.99, it was also on a three for two offer, find out more HERE.

Maybelline Falsies Drama in Black
I have used loads of Maybelline mascaras before and they have all been pretty good, there are so many of them that I take ages to choose what ones to buy but their website http://www.maybelline.co.uk/ it great because it shows you the different effects all of their mascaras create.

Bare lashes just brushed with my MAC lash comb
With one coat of Maybelline's Falsies Black Drama Mascara
Overall I actually quite like this mascara which is no surprise because I always find that Maybelline mascaras give good results. I also really like the packaging, I love lace and think the bottle looks glam and that was actually what made me buy this mascara.

Maybelline Falsies Black Drama
The brush is pretty good, it is slightly scooped

Length: 3/5 This mascara did add some length to my lashes, my lashes are naturally long so adding length is pretty difficult for a mascara and it's not something that bothers me too much, but for those looking for any great length I don't think this one added anything remarkable.

Overall Performance: 4/5 I liked this mascara, the formula was wetter than what I normally like but it actually worked really well and didn't get all over my eyelids and face when applying. I also found the formula to be think enough that I didn't need a second coat, I haven't tried many mascaras that I have only needed one coat before. The brush is a normal bristle styled brush with a slight scoop, this made applying my mascara easier as it scooped my lashes upward all together in the same direction which seemed to help with definition and separation. It didn't clump during application but I didn't need a second coat so if a second coat was applied some clumping might occur.
The mascara didn't flake, smudge or transfer during the day and comes off easily with my normal make up wipes. Overall this mascara made my lashes look really nice, sort of fluttery and fuller, my lashes are usually so fine and I want a mascara to separate my lashes to fan them out to make them look thicker.

Volume: 3/5 This mascara added a standard amount of volume to my lashes, a more natural volume which I actually quite like. I just don't think it gave them a 'false' look. My lashes are so fine that without mascara you can't even see them (see the photo above) so this mascara did well at defining them and giving them some volume.

Expense: 3/5 For £7.99 this mascara is a good price, and for the results I got I am pleased with this mascara all in all, I don't think I would buy it again only because I have other mascaras which give me a similar effect and it's not really the look I am searching for that I can use everyday.
If you have a mascara that you would like me to review just let me know, if I can purchase it easily and afford it I would love to try it.


L.O.V.E RESULT
     13/20

Monday 10 March 2014

My Favourite Red Lipstick

I never bothered with lipstick before, I always thought it wouldn't suit me or that I couldn't pull it off because I'm so pale, but one day I was just playing about with my makeup and decided to give it a go, now I am in love with red lipstick. It's not a look I wear everyday but I wear it when I want to look a bit more glam or if I am going out. I have since bought a lot of red lipsticks but my favourite one by far is the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life, find out more HERE.

Rimmel Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life
I love the colour of this lipstick, it is my perfect red, I also prefer matte lipsticks at the moment but if I do want a more shiny, glossy look I can just add some clear gloss over the top, this doesn't compromise the colour at all.

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life
The packaging is nice, just standard as far as lipsticks go and the mechanism works well. I also love the little Kate signature on the lid of this lipstick, it just gives it a little something.

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life

I absolutely love this lipstick, it is my favourite colour and lipstick I have every tried, I actually love this whole range of the Kate Matte lipsticks by Rimmel, they apply so beautifully and last really well, obviously if your eat the inner part of your lips will face but just re apply and your sorted. I bought this for just £5.49 in Superdrug which is an amazing price and it will last me for ages and considering the great price this has to be one of the best lipsticks out there in my opinion, what are your favourite lipsticks?


Tuesday 4 March 2014

Juicy Couture: Viva La Juicy La Fleur

My new favourite perfume is the Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur, I got this for my birthday and I am in love with this fragrance. I have tried Juicy Couture perfumes in the past and I also currently own Couture La La. As you would imagine, this fragrance has a floral scent but it is sweet at the same time without being sickening.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur
How gorgeous is the packaging? Like all of the Juicy Couture fragrances it has little charms and a big bow with a big glass lid. I love the style of Juicy Couture products and I think the style comes across in their fragrances as well, they are fresh, fun and youthful.

Cute bow and charms, typical Juicy Couture style
I have tried a lot of perfume and I seem to go through it really quickly so I'm always buying new fragrances and I haven't found one that I have stuck to but maybe this one is it, I think I will always have a bottle of this on my dresser.

I love the bottle and the floral pattern that shines through on the other side of the bottle


Sunday 2 March 2014

Natural Collection: Lash Curl Mascara Review

The last Natural Collection Mascara I bought was the Lash Curl Mascara in Black. This mascara is only £1.99 and is usually in a three for £5 offer with the other Natural Collection products.

"Natural Collection Lash Curl Mascara lengthens and curls your eyelashes. Use this Mascara to model your lashes without the use of eyelash curlers." Find out more here.

Natural Collection Lash Curl Mascara

My bare lashes brushed with my MAC lash comb
With two coats of Natural Collection's Lash Curl Mascara
My completed look
Overall I really didn't like this mascara, I felt it did nothing for my lashes and even though I used eyelash curlers (it claims you wont need any) my lashes deflated almost instantly and I have never had a mascara that did this before, it is like it weighed them down too much.

Standard Natural Collection Packaging

Spiraling brush, you can see it holds a lot of product
Length: 1/5 This mascara added no length to my lashes, what made it even worse was the fact that it weighed them down so much it looked like I had no mascara on. Perhaps because my lashes are naturally longer and fine the wet formula was too heavy for them, any curl in my lashes I created using my normal eye lash curlers was lost almost instantly.

Overall Performance: 1/5 I was really disappointed with this mascara, it was far too wet and even when I applied a second coat it did nothing for my eye lashes. Because the formula was so wet it stuck some of my lashes together giving an uneven finish and after applying a second coat this just got worse. The brush is a normal bristle styled brush with a spiraling pattern, I like the look of the brush at the start, but I soon noticed that it held too much product and in some areas there were huge clumps of mascara. The formula was too thin and wet which did nothing for my lashes at all, it also clumped and smudged on to my upper eyelid during application. The mascara didn't flake, smudge or transfer during the day and comes off easily with my normal make up wipes. Overall this mascara made my lashes look worse and I would rather have bare lashes, the photos above don't look too bad but if you compare them to previous reviews you will see the natural length of my lashes, this mascara made them look shorter!

Volume: 1/5 This mascara didn't add any volume to my lashes, it just defined what was all ready there but at the same time weighed them down making them look shorter and stumpier. I wouldn't recommend this mascara to anyone with fine, long lashes like mine because it just weighed mine down too much and I haven't experienced this before with a mascara.

Expense: 1/5 For £1.99 this mascara is a good price, but I wouldn't pay that for this mascara based on the results I got, I'm afraid I will just throw this mascara out because I really couldn't use it again. I looked on the Boots website and this mascara had loads of great reviews on there, it goes to show that a mascara is different for everyone and you never know until you try it.


L.O.V.E RESULT
     4/20