Daytime Skin Care Routine and Makeup

What's in my makeup bag?

After cleansing (Dr Jart Pore Refine Bubble), I go straight into applying my moisturizer followed by BB cream and concealer. On some occasions, I will use a toner (that's if only I'm not a hurry lol). I prefer a "no-makeup" makeup look for everyday wear. Below is a list of products I use almost everyday:

Skincare 

No matter what skin type you have, it is essential to use a moisturizer. I find that when I skip this step, my makeup doesn't go on as smoothly. I am currently using Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm (50ml). This is one of the best moisturizers that I have used so far! It doesn't break me out, it's very hydrating and has a delicate rosy smell. I purchased the moisturizer as part of a gift set, can't remember exactly how much I paid, but it came with a night cream, eye cream and a small sample of Lancome's Visionnaire.

Primer/Highlighter 

 I received this as a gift from my sister. I had initially used the beauty flash balm as a face mask, but didn't see any major differences apart from it being very moisturizing. So after reading about this product in magazines and online, I used it as a primer to prep myWhen I read online and in magazines that the beauty flash balm is a great applicator for prep skin before applying makeup. It has a lovely smooth texture and does make my makeup last longer without looking overly greasy. However, I don't think I will be repurchasing this product. Simple because of the price and there are other products out there such as Lancome Le Base Pro that works equally, if not better, than the beauty flash balm. 

I purchased this from boots for £12.00 (originally £18.00). I have been using it everyday and I love how it is so similar to Lancome's Le Base Pro. After use, it definitely creates a smooth, matte surface when applying my BB Cream. One down side is that it doesn't help to control the oiliness in the T-zone, so I will use a blotting tissue to blot once in a while. 

When I ran out of the Lancome Le Base Pro primer, I wanted to try the new Lancome Eclat Miracle primer/highlighter. I purchased this from boots for £21.00. This can used underneath your makeup as a primer or on top of your makeup as a highlighter. Personally, I prefer using this as a highlighter. I love the natural effect that it gives and doesn't look greasy either.  

I purchased the Lancome Effet Miracle, shade 2, from Boots for £26.00. I do not use this very often because it's simply is too expensive to use on a daily basis. I only wear this on special occasions to help my make up last even longer. 

After applying my moisturizer, I will use this primer followed by Dr Jart's Recover Primer. I love how it makes my pores look less visible! 

BB Cream

 When I heard a Dr Jart line was being launched in the UK, I was very excited. This meant I didn't have to order my BB creams from Asia lol. I purchased the Dr Jart Regenerating Beauty Balm, from Boots, when it was on promotion for half the price (originally £21.00). Honestly, I'm really impressed. It has a medium to full coverage and perfect for everyday use. It only comes in one tone, however after a few minutes it oxides to match my skin tone. I will definitely be repurchasing this sometime in the future, but I personally won't be buying it for the full price. 

I purchased this from a Hong Kong website called Sasa. It was equivalent to £16.00 here? However as a warning, if you're ordering from Sasa you are expected to pay import tax. I didn't realise and so I was charged an additional £8.00 for import tax and handling fees. After this experience, I will definitely not order from Sasa again. 

I purchased Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream in shade 21. I love how gentle the BB cream is! However, it doesn't give me as much coverage as I want so I would only use this on days when I'm not going to work. 

Concealer 

This is an all in one concealer from Sephora. I purchased this when I was in Paris for the New Year's. I've been using it everyday since January 2013. It works well to hide post acne scarring, but I don't like using it to hide my dark circles. It somehow makes it look more cakey? Instead I use the purple shade as a highlighter. 

I recently bought this from ELF when I was ordering my clear eyebrow gel. I purchased the colour is Ivory. After the first use, I didn't like it very much to be honest because it doesn't cover my post acne scarring. I've also used it as an under eye concealer and it works okay. I may use this as a highlighter, but we'll see. 

Eyeliner 

 I LOVE this eyeliner! I randomly purchased it from Boots for £6.00 and didn't really have high expectations for it to be honest. If you're a beginner, you have got to try this! It's so easy to use and you can create the cat eye look in just 3 seconds. I use this when I'm in a hurry in the mornings. Without hesitating, I will definitely repurchase this eyeliner. 

When I was looking to buy a new eyeliner, I bought it because of the gold packaging. I can't remember exactly the price, but I think it was £6.99(?) from boots. Unlike Soap and Glory's Supercat eyeliner, you will need slightly more time to draw your eyeliner. It doesn't smudge and I love how subtle it is.  

Mascara 

 I purchased this from Debenhams for £23.00. I can express in words how much I love it!!! When removing my eye makeup, I've noticed a fewer of my lashes have fallen out. It also enhances my lashes after applying mascara. It is a little pricey, but for what it does, it's totally worth it! I will DEFINITELY repurchase this! 

  

 I purchased the Lancome Hypnose Mascara from Boots for £22.00. I don't love it, but I like it. It's a good mascara that doesn't clump your lashes and is very natural looking. However, I personally prefer Maybelline's One by One Volume Express Mascara because it's cheaper and gives more definition.

I was really impressed with Maybelline's One by One Volume Express Mascara so I wanted to try the Illegal Length mascara when it was first launched in the UK last year 2012. My friends bought this for me as my birthday gift because they knew I really really wanted to try it! After the first use, I didn't like it and was slightly disappointed. It didn't live up to the advert's expectation of giving you longer lashes. 

Eyebrow Gel 

This has got to be my favourite eyebrow gel! I've recently ordered 9 more of these Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara from ELF. Although one end is for the eyelashes, I use both ends for my eyebrows.

Blusher 

I love cream blushes! When I ran out of Benefit's cheek tint, I purchased Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge For Lips & Cheeks in the colour Pale Pink. Original Price was £18.00, but I think I bought it when House of Fraser was having a 10% discount deal going on. I use it every day on both my cheeks and lips. The colour is buildable and very natural looking. 

After applying Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge to my lips, I will occasionally add a bit of Clarin's pink lipgloss. As I have quite a few lip glosses and lipsicks in my handbag, I left this one in my makeup bag so that I don't have to rage my handbag in the morning lol.  

Face mask

I put this in my makeup bag to remind myself to use a face mask once every week. I bought Dr Jart's Re-Tighten Mask from boots for £12.67 (original price £19.00). It works just like the cleanser and leaves my skin feeling squeakily clean :D 

That's all for today guys, hope you're enjoying your bank holiday weekend! xxx 

Look Beauty Double Hit Lipstick

When I first came across this in store (Superdrugs) I knew I just had to get one! Initially, the colour (pink) I had wanted sold out. After a few weeks I went to check if it was back in stock and guess what? It was back in stock and was selling for half the price (£8.00 to £4.00). So it's true, good things happen to those who wait.. haha! 

I love the colour and how innovative the product is: lipstick and lip gloss combined. I personally don't like scented lipsticks/lip glosses, however, the smell is bearable and isn't too overpowering. 

Origins Super Spot Remover

Having tried many over the counter spot treatments. I'd say Origin's Super Spot Remover is by far the best spot treatment I've used in 2012. I purchased it from House of Fraser for £13.00. There isn't anything bad to say about it, apart from the price. After cleansing and toning, I will apply this on to certain areas of my face. The following morning, I noticed that it dries out the spot and redness is significantly reduced. This product is a life saver and I will definitely repurchase it. 

Benefit's benetint

One word: Brilliant! I used it nearly every single day. I can't express in words, how much I love Benefit's benetint. I purchased it from Boots (£24.50). Initially I thought it was rather expensive for a lip and cheek tint. However considering that I used it on a daily basis, for almost a year, it was well worth the price.

I applied one stroke on each side of my cheeks and then using my ring finger, I would gently pat it upwards. Depending on the occasion, I may add a few more dots for a deeper colour. It lasts all day and looks good when taking pictures too.

Amie

I love this product line, Amie. It is free from harsh chemicals and specifically designed for young teenagers and adults with problematic skin. I was looking literally everywhere for the moisturiser because Boots stopped selling them, last summer 2012. After much hunting around, I bought the moisturiser from Superdrugs (can't remember how much I purchased it for, but was definitely under £10.00). I liked how it absorbs quickly into my skin and helps even out my skin tone when applying makeup too. Only downside is that there is no SPF in the moisturiser. Nonetheless, it is one of the best moisturisers I've used, compared to the higher end/premium brands.

Whilst I was doing my weekly grocery shopping at Tescos, there was a promotion on all Amie products (Tesco was just introducing this product range in store last summer 2012). I was super excited and purchased everything: the cleanser, clay mask and moisturiser (again). 

The cleanser lathers well and works nicely in conjuction with the moisturiser. The smell of both the cleansers and mositurisers were not too overpowering at all- it actually helped to brighten up my day lol. As for the clay mask, it was a strong minted smell. It cools down my skin, but I felt as though it was too harsh for my sensitive skin and didn't control the oil well.

If anyone is looking for an afforable yet simple cleanser and lotion, I'd highly recommend Amie! It's natural ingredients really helps to soften and brighten up my skin.  

Avene Triacneal

Alongside using Avene’s Cleanance cleanser, I also used Avene Triacneal to diminish pigmentation and post scarring caused by blemishes. The product itself is rather expensive, retailing at £23.00, however I decided to give it ago based on positive reviews. The product itself is a yellowy creamy formula- be careful as it may stain your pillow cases. It must be used only in the evenings, after cleansing and toning, and not forgetting to use a sunscreen during the day as it does make your skin rather sensitive to the sun (plus you don’t want your pigmentations/dark spots to get any darker).

I used this product nearly every night, for up to two months. I like how it absorbs into the skin very quickly. However, like the cleanser, my face felt greasy afterwards. Unfortunately, I did not notice a big difference and I breakout a lot more too. I’m not sure if that’s meant to happen. But I’ve stopped using it since last summer 2012 and I am giving it another go this month. 

Avene Cleanance Cleanser

This was one of the cleansers I had used during summer 2012. It was on a promotion at the Garden Pharmacy website, so I thought I’d give it a go after hearing so many good reviews. The bottle itself lasted very long- I finished the bottle in 3 months. It lathers nicely on to the face and cleans off makeup well. However, my face still felt slightly greasy after.

I’d definitely recommend it for those with dry and sensitive skin, it’s a lovely gentle gel cleanser. But personally, it did not control the oil on my face.

Haul - Forever 21 & Primark

 Chain - Primark 1.50 GBP

 How cute is this little heart chain!!
 Chain - Primark 1.50 GBP

Tops: Forever 21;  White flower lace top left side 12.95 GBP; Sweater right side: 14.95 GBP (This sweater looks like the famous heart sweater from Wildfox, but sooo much cheaper. Amazing! It has fleece on the inside and is super comfy.)

 Watch: Fossil
 Bracelet: Forever 21

Shoes: Primark 8 GBP


Hope you guys are well,
xxxxx

Dry Shampoo: John Frieda, TRESemmé, Batiste

I am absolutely loving dry shampoos at the moment!

As my hair is super thin and gets greasy very quickly too I am literally trying out all hair products I can find with the word 'volume' in the title.

When I was younger I had a fringe, a full one, just like Rory in Gilmore Girls, and I was forced to wash my hair daily to make it look ok. One day my mum brought me some dry shampoo and I started using it on my fringe. I got all excited and used it every other day instead of washing my hair. After a while I realized how white my hair got after using the dry shampoo. I was so proud of my dry shampoo... haha ... but I stopped using it after classmate asked me why I already have grey hair.

Now dry shampoos seem to be reinvented. I tried out three:

1. John Frieda Luxurious Volume Anytime Volume Refresher Spray

This was the first dry shampoo I purchased. It had the word 'volume' written all over it so I simply could not resist. It promises that it "revives volume when hair falls flat". In my opinion it does make the hair look less greasy but I could not see a lot more volume. The way I use dry shampoo is the following: I part my hair into sections and then spray it on my roots. I leave it for a few seconds and then massage it into my hair with my fingers. When doing this using the John Frieda spray I felt every time that something sticks on my fingers. They felt so dirty. The John Frieda dry shampoo costs around 5 GBP and contains 125ml.

2. TRESemmé Instant Refresh Voluminising Dry Shampoo

This dry shampoo is especially made for fine to oily hair. I think it is amazing! I love the smell of it (it states that it consists lemongrass) and I also do not feel that there is a layer of white powder left in my hair after using it. For 200ml I paid 4.79 GBP in Boots which is cheaper that the John Frieda Refresher Spray. Nevertheless, with both products I had the feeling that they finish very quickly. I do use some dry shampoo every other day and had to replace the product after around one month.

3. Batiste Dry Shampoo (Floral & Flirty Blush)

This dry shampoo is my absolute favourite out of all the three. It is very light and I really feel that it is absorbing the grease out of my hair roots. Additionally, it comes in different designs and smells. I love the floral & flirty smell, it is sooo yummy. And how cute and retro is the pink bottle?! The price is 4.99 GBP in Boots for 200ml.

Big Love, 

Biotherm – Biopur Starter Kit, Combination/Oily skin

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for not posting for so long, it has been very busy for us both for the past two months. I have been volunteering for the Olympic Torch Relay and straight after I had my graduation ceremony. Now it’s time for me to join the big world of work, whilst Helen will start her postgraduate studies in September. Exciting time for us both!!!

I want to do a quick review on a starter kit I bought from Biotherm. As I was new to Biotherm, I purchased a starter kit from Debenhams for £9.50. The kit included:

-          Purifying Moisturiser 20ml

-          Biopur Cleanser 20ml

-          Biopur Toner 30ml

I didn’t have high expectations when I first purchased the kit. At the beginning of July my skin was extremely oily, the cleanser I was using didn’t help control the oil on my face and as such I broke out a lot.

After two weeks of using the kit, I have noticed that it has helped reduced the appearance of shiny skin on my face. I was extremely impressed with the cleanser and moisturiser and will definitely repurchase. As for the toner, I felt that it was not doing much.

Overall I would give this 4/5

Clarins Lisse Minute Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch - Primer

Hey peeps,

We are so sorry for not having posted anything in such a long time. Life was so busy and we have been enjoying the wonderful sun in the past week.

Buuuut today I wanted to show you this super amazing primer that I have been using for the past month: 'Clarins Lisse Minute Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch'. I have acne prone skin which gets very oily during the day so that when I put on my make up in the morning it literally has melted away in the evening. I also have very big pores in my T-zone. Very annoying!

In the blogging world the Clarins perfecting touch primer has the status as a miracle product. I had to try this!! I got mine in House of Fraser on Oxford Street in London for 25 GBP. Not cheap and I was a bit shocked when I saw the actual size of the product in the shop as it is tiny. Nevertheless, you only need so little product that it still lasts for a long time (You can see on the picture below how much I used up in one month).

I am using the primer every day and I have been loving it! It is gorgeous! I do not put the cream all over my face but only on my T-zone, mainly on and around my nose and on my cheeks as these are the parts where my skin is most uneven. I put the primer on after my moisturizer and before my foundation. It is also possible to mix it with your foundation but I did not try that yet.

The primer is very sticky but not in a negative way. I find it very moisturizing and it makes my skin feel very silky too. My pores do not disappear completely but combined with foundation and powder they are a lot less visible than without the primer. Plus, for some reason I feel that my skin looks a lot nicer and more even on pictures. It is a must have for me!

Love,

Essie Resort Collection 2012

I purchased the Essie Resort Collection 2012 which includes four different colors of Essie nail polish: Sure Shot, No More Film, Pink-A-Boo, She's Picture Perfect.

You can save a whole bunch of money if you purchase the mini collection which includes the same colors but in mini form (5 ml). The mini collection costs 10 GBP and is available for example via ASOS. Because I love trying out new shades I hardly ever finish one nail polish bottle so that the mini collection was just the right thing for me.

                                                                                    photo taken in daylight (sunny)


The first shade I tried out was Sure Shot, a lovely shimmery pink. I find that it is a very warm shade, like a candy. I applied two coats but I thought that one coat was already quite covering. I loved the result, pefect for a warm summer day :)