Wednesday 7 March 2012

REVIEW: L'OREAL Paris Studio Secrets Professional Smoothing Resurfacing Primer

I really wanted to do this review agessss ago, but I had actually lost it for about 3 weeks...I found it the other day under my bed...

I never really saw the purpose of primers before, I always assumed it was basically a moisturizer for your face and that it weren't necessary. Then more and more of my favorite Youtube gurus started to rave on about this primer, and I thought maybe it was time to try it. Now at just under £15, it wasn't the easiest thing to put in my basket, especially for a high street brand, but I did it anyway.

What it claims?
"L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer is inspired by professional make-up artists, this primer masks wrinkles and uneven textures in the skin, making the complexion feel smooth and soft, with a remarkable velvety touch"

What does it look like?
I have to say, the packaging does look and feel quite premium...but at that price, that is expected! The primer comes cased in a 15ml clear glass jar with a glossy black plastic lid.

After screwing open the lid, the primer appears almost like a whipped light pink mousse, which allows the primer to be travel friendly as leaks are avoided. It also has no smell whatsoever, which is a plus for those with allergies or sensitive skin.

When touched, it has a soft, fluffy-like texture, almost like melted marshallows. When rubbed against the skin, it feels amazingly soft and velvety, filling in all the gaps and craters in your skin lol. I do find when I apply this to my skin as a base, I'm left with a white chalky finsh even though L'oreal suggest you can use this alone.
Does It Work?
I notice a huge difference when I use this under my foundation. It takes longer for me to actually start getting oily around my nose and gives me a flawless, matte finsh. It makes my skin look softer than it is, evening out the surface and helping my foundation last even longer on my face. I love it and would recommend!

E x



I Support Kony 2012.

Since yesterday, my BBM has been bombarded with pictures and statuses about 'Kony'. So I've taken it upon myself to do the research. This video has nothing to do with beauty or fashion,but it's really made me think and I've posted this here to raise awareness. The more people that know, the better. 


E x

Tuesday 6 March 2012

Name Change?

I've been wanting to create my blog logo/ header and create an email address, but I've been kind of feeling to change my blog name =/
Haven't got any good ideas yet but will do soon, and I'll let you guys know before I change
Or if any creative minds have an idea, let me know and comment belowww =)

E x

REVIEW: Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara


I'm not really someone who'll buy a mascara because the advert claims it'll magically make your lashes grow. I'll buy one because there's a decent deal or I like the look of it. In Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Cat Eyes Mascara's case, it was because it was going for around a fiver and I wanted to see the hype. Does it live up to the noise though?


What does it claim to do?
"Our collagen enriched formula and unique “claw” brush flick out and extend the look of lashes at the corners-a fierce look with up to 7x more volume!"



What does it look like?
I love some animal print, and although Maybelline did try with the print, random squiggles aren't good enough! lol. I do love the choice of bright yellow and metallic orange, I'll never lose this in my make-up bag! And the shape is very sturdy which I feel makes the mascara feel a little bit more exclusive and expensive than it really is. I love the packaging.

The brush gives it that extra edge to stand out from other mascaras I have used. It's curved design makes aids the mascara in achieve it's aim by reaching into the corners of the lashes to get that 'feline' look.

I also appreciate the formula of the mascara isn't dry that it would leave my lashes looking 'crispy' but also not so wet that as soon as I blink, it smudges everywhere.


Does it work?












 

I do think this mascara lives up to it's claims. The corners of my eyelashes have been exaggerated the most to give me that 'cat eye' look and my lashes have been volumised (whether it is actually by 7 times, I do not know). This will definitely be a repurchase for me as it lengthens and volumises,but still allows my lashes to look quite natural.

Do you see the difference? Would you buy this mascara?

E x



One Down, Many To Go...


So if you've seen my wishlist, you have noticed the black Zara bag. I have wanted this for agesss as I've needed a pratical black bag, but kept putting it off! So this weekend, I decided to get it before I start crying that it's out of stock...and I love it! It's still sitting in the paper bag lol but when I do finally use it, it'll be put to good use ;)

E x

Polish Up.



L.A Colors Color Craze in 'Summertime'
This is my current nail polish that I did a few days ago. Wanted a bright colour to welcome in spring, and this does just that. It is one of my favourite shades as I bought this while I was searching for that perfect 'Barbie pink' and at only 99p, this was a Godsend!!
If you're London based, you can get this colour and a whole load of others for less than £1 at Beauty Base in Westfield, White City. If not, I'm sure these will be on eBay =/

E x

Friday 2 March 2012

HURRY!! ELF CODES! AGAIN!

I know last time loads of you were kicking yourselves for missing the ELF discount codes. So I've managed to get another one...actually, THREE! It's meant to be like a treasure hunt thing, but I've ruined the fun and I'm just going to tell you lol. These people forever have bargains, but all the things I want haven't been restocked =( 
Anyway,if you're not a follower of my blog, become one! I'll always bring you guys in on great deals =D

FREE SHIPPING

£5/ €6 OFF OVER £20/ €24

20% OFF STUDIO LINE

These offers are till 9:30am on the 5th, so take advantage while you can!

E x

My Fashion Wishlist

These are the items I hope to have before the end of summer <3 
Beauty wishlist will soon follow
E x

My Wishlist


REVIEW: Elf Brushes.

I own the minimum number of brushes needed for makeup and wasnt willing to spend large amounts of money for a whole collection...although I do have a £32 MAC one -_- So when I saw how cheap the ELF ones were and how numerous beauty gurus raved about their powder brush, I had to get some. I own 6 of their brushes so far as most ones I wanted were sold out. Excuse the makeup left on the brushes btw lol =/

These are:
Elf Studio Powder Brush- I use this when I want a natural finsh for my liquid foundation by buffing it in. Gives a lovely finsh.

Elf Studio Angled Contour Brush- I use this for applying Elf HD powder under my eyes to set my concealer. Shapes well and nice to use.

Elf Eyeliner Brush- Use flat top to apply concealer around my brows. Applys nicely and fits in arch.


Haven't used these brushes much yet:
Elf Studio Contour Brush
Elf Defining Eye Brush
Elf Blending Eye Brush

Overall, i actually love these brushes, especially as prices start from £1.50! I have experienced no shedding from them which is shocking as my MAC 187 sheds all the time and was 20x the price! The brushes have good application and are nice to hold. I fully recommend and will be collecting the rest.


E x


The 'Perfect' Nude Lip (Darker Skin Tones)

So, being a dark brown shade with yellow undertones (NC50), I have found it extremly difficult to find a nude shade to compliment my skin tone. I've brought numerous 'nude' lipsticks and lipglosses just to try them out and even asked a MUA @ MAC to match me up with one. The nude she had in mind matched my skintone rather than the beigey nude I was going for. However, I did like it and purchased it. (If your interested, it was 'Taupe' lipstick and 'Spice' lippencil)

I asked her to test Viva Glam 2 on me, as I know it is wearable on darker skin tones after endless youtubing and review reading. The MUA advised me not to get it...but I got it anyway (My money! My rules! Lol) When I got home, I did regret it as I felt it didnt suit me =\ but I've worked with it and hope this post can help you too. So first up...

You need:
A nude lipstick (I used Viva
Glam Gaga 2)
Brown Lippencil (Rimmel Lasting Finsh in Cappuccino)
Lipgloss (MAC Cremesheen in Boy Bait)
AND
Optional: Lipbrush

1) I got my nude lipstick and filled in my lips, but not to the very edge. I then press my lips together to get rid of harsh lines and blend the lipstick more seamlessly towards the edge

2) I then got the lip pencil, which should be a brown shade or one close to your skin tone and defined the shape of my lips. I then gradually brought the pencil more into my lips, going over a little bit of the lipstick, but not too much. Pat lips together, but dont slide.

3) I then put a bit of lipgloss onto my hand and used my lipbrush to apply it to my lips. This helps blend the colours out and gets rid of the 'ashy' look some nudes may give off on darker skin.

Try it out! Hope this help!


E x

Beauty Tip (1): Face Wipes.

Can you believe we're in March already?! =O Time is just flying by! Meaning my exams are just around the corner O_O But anyway, here's a little tip I've found recently...

Image from Google.


If you notice your face wipes dry out quickly, try storing them upside down! This will distribute the moisture evenly in the pack so when you take out the top one, it will still be moist!

Also, instead if face wipes try buying baby wipes to save you that extra few £'s. They do the same job but for a fraction of the price!

x

Friday 24 February 2012

ELF Glossy Gloss's

Recently I've been going mad on the ELF site, basketing nearly anything and everything lol and one of my favorite products has actually been the Glossy Gloss's. I love the colours I have ordered as although I own over 15 lipsticks, I do tend to shy away from them and these lip-glosses are definitely a great alternative. I'm in love with the application which involves brushing the colour onto your lips, ensuring that all the gloss actually goes on to your lips and stays there. I'm currently in love with the 'Muted Mauve' shade as I think it is the best nude colour for my skin tone and complements me really well. The packaging of the glosses is actually very cute and makes it look more expensive than it really is. All in all, I would recommend this lipgloss and hope to get the rest of the collection soon. =)


(From Top to Bottom): Muted Mauve, Berry Blush, Funky Fuschia, Ballet Slippers
(From Left to Right): Muted Mauve, Berry Blush, Funky Fuschia, Ballet Slippers

Ballet Slippers (Left) is a dupe for Mac Cremesheen in Boy Bait (Right)

E x


Sleek Blush By 3

So I was in Superdrug the other day (as always) and came across a new product by Sleek,which is basically a 3 Blush Set. I personally love Sleek Blushes and own about 6 (collection will soon grow ;]). I find them very pigmented, but not heavy and very wearable on darker skin tones. I managed to pick up the shade 'Sugar' and was hoping to get 'Lace' but it wasn't in the store =( When I got home I realised I had similar shades to the three blushes in the palette already >.<



(L-R) Sleek Blush in Pomegranate, Sunrise and Suede 
1st Blush in By 3 Palette vs Pomegranate

2nd Blush in By 3 Palette vs Sunrise vs Rose Gold

3rd Blush in By 3 Palette vs Suede
From the swatches you can see there are already colours similar to the palette out already, but this may just be the case in this palette as I haven't seen the bright orange included in the 'Pumpkin' palette.
These are currently selling in Superdrug for £9.99 and I do think they are limited edition so if you do see them, grab 'em! Three Sleek blushes for under £10 is actually a bargain!


E x

Budget buy: MAC Fix+ vs. Elf Mist & Set

The products?
MAC FIX+
£7/30ml £12.50/100ml
Pearl-like finsh on a cylindic bottle with a matte black twist and lock lid, making it travel friendly.
Buy Here:
http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/177/388/Skincare/Fixers/Fix/index.tmpl


ELF MAKEUP MIST AND SET
£3.50/ 60ml
Translucent cuboid shaped bottle with rounded off edges.
Buy Here: http://www.eyeslipsface.co.uk/product~prodID~207.htm


What do they claim to do?
MAC: "An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!"

ELF: "Keep your makeup in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold. The invigorating mist moisturizes and soothes the skin with key ingredients Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber and Vitamins A, C & E. The lightweight, comfortable and alcohol free formula improves makeup wearability and prevents color from running or fading."


Do they work?
I have used Fix + for a while now and I am pretty impressed. I've used it before applying makeup and primer, on my brushes before eyeshadow and to set my makeup after application. I do feel like it helps secure my makeup to my face and get rid of a powdery finsh to produce a dewy glow. However, as I have combination skin, the dewy finsh is not always best for me and I do press powder into my T-zone after using Fix+ if needed. All the vitamins help my skin feel nourished and refreshed without a harsh smell.


As I waited for my ELF delivery to arrive, I was becoming sceptical about this spray as I watched a guru's review on it and she said it had an horrible smell.=S This doesn't seem to be the case with mine, so either they've improved the formula, or mine is water (lool doubt it, well shaken it does produce a foamy substance =D) So anyway, to compare I decided to use Mist and Set the exact way i use Fix+. I have early starts at work in the weekend so half my makeup is done on the train there. The first time I used this, I applied it before my foundation at home... when i looked at my skin on the train, it looked flaky and dry! And I have combination skin! Instead of throwing it away, I decided to be the scapegoat and thought maybe I needed more moisturiser. I tried it again another day after applying my moisturiser and while it gave me a lovely glow, my skin felt really tight and dry. This product is definately drying. When i decided to use it again after makeup application to set my makeup....my liquid eyeliner and mascara smudged and ran like a bitch -_-. It had not fully dried but I am always fully confident to use my Fix+ with wet makeup without the fear of smudging. =/


Pros
MAC: 
  • Travel friendly lock
  • Multi-use 
  • Gets rid of powdery finsh
  • Doesn't run eye makeup
ELF:
  • Cheap 
  • No smell,
  • Nice glowy finsh when no makeup applied
Cons
MAC: 
  • Cost
  • Sometimes needs to be powdered down to get rid of oily look
ELF:
  • Lid falls off
  • Dries out face/ appears flaky
  • Smudges eye makeup

What do I recommend?
Stick with Fix+ if you have those extra funds, you wear alot of eye makeup and do not want to dry out your skin. Use Elf as a cheaper alternative that can be used on the everyday occasion.

Friday 17 February 2012

ELF 30% Off TODAY!

I ordered some items from ELF the other day (Haul will be done when I get my camera up and and running again =/) and I must say, I am in LOVE! Even though many items I want were out of stock, I am happy with what I did get and for the price it's amazing.


Since yesterday they have been running a 30% off code for reaching 300K followers so I ordered again =) and thought I should share it with you guys that don't know. The codes running till evening so be quick!


DIOLCH300K


GO! GO! GO!

E x

Tips for Virgin Hair Care

Not claiming to be a haircare expert, I'm just sharing what works for me in the hope I can help others too.

1. Always comb the hair upwards from the tips to the roots to get rid of knots with a paddle brush or wide tooth comb. The comb is probably better as its less likely to rip out hair from the weft.

2. Wash the hair every 1-2 weeks. Virgin hair is more prone to being greasy than our own so its important to keep it clean. Try Pantene Clarifying Shampoo to strip the hair of any product but be careful not to use this too often as it could dry out the hair

3. Deep condition between washes and after washing to keep the hair soft and healthy. I use Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Conditioner and let it soak into my weave for a few hours before rinsing out with cold water.

4. Try to reduce the amount of heat your hair is exposed to by airdrying instead of blowdrying. Blowdrying will get rid of the 'natural state' look and blow the curls out of place. Instead of a curling wand or iron, try bendy rollers. If you do decide to blowdry, straighten or curl the hair, use a heat Protectant just to be safe lol. I use TRESemme Heat Defence with UV Filter.

5. Just because a product works for your own natural hair doesnt mean it will be good for the weave. Avoid greasy or heavy products as it will weigh down the hair. I use a drop of Creme of Natures Argan Oil after washing/conditioning and between washes to keep my hair shiny, frizz-free and soft.

6. Sometimes I get lazy and dont do this but you should plait your hair into one before sleeping to keep the waves/ curls intact and keep the moisture in your hair. Also get your hands on a satin scarf or cap from any shop that sells weave and sleep with that over your hair to keep moisture.

7. My final tip is do not neglect your own hair! Your weave will look better for longer if you can look after your own especially if you have leaveout! It's easier to blend if your hair is relaxed, if not try hotcombing or straightening but not too often. Keep your parting and scalp moisturised with Organic Root Simulator Dry Scalp Relief Oil. Also if you are feeling the annoyance of regrowth try Olive Oil Edge Control to keep things neat and flat.

E x


Thinking Of Buying Virgin Hair?/ How To Detect Fake Hair!

Sorry guys! This is so long overdue but I'v had so many technology issues recently =[ But anyway..

Before I bought it myself, I was extremely wary of buying from just any hair vendor. Virgin hair is a hugeeeee investment and if you make the right one it can last you years, if not you've just wasted hard earned money =\ This post is basically just to help those who are thinking about it to make a wise choice. In no way am I a haircare professional, this is just what I've found from my own experiences and research. But anyway, lets go!

  • Watch Youtube Reviews. This can help you find a company to buy from and people's experiences with the hair. Obviously all hair is different and some companies send youtube 'gurus' hair, so, make your own judgements.
  • If you do find a company that interests you, see if you could contact them to send you a sample. If you can get hold of one, test it with water and add heat on it to see if it returns to its natural state.
  • Prices can always be a huge giveaway. If its cheaper than Remi, thats normally a clue. That's not to say you can never find bargains on virgin hair, just be wary that if it was real, the seller would try to get the best price for it. However, the same goes for when hair is clearly overpriced. It doesn't have to cost thousands to get a good weave ;)
  • Virgin hair should always wave/ curl up when wet, even straight hair should have some sort of wave. Always check your virgin hair can return to its natural state :)
  • We all know (well you should know lol) virgin hair is hair that has been cut off another humans head...=\ lol. So virgin hair should not smell like any beauty store hair(human/synthetic) If it does.. back away lool
  • Virgin hair is also known not to tangle. But it can, the reality of life is hair does tangle. My natural hair tangles! Lol but there shouldn't be excessive tangling. However, tangling is more likely to happen with longer lengths of hair and at the back of the neck so don't be too worried if it does happen.
  • As with tangling, shedding can happen but again should not be excessive! It should only be a few strands after a comb through. Try asking your vendor to seal the wefts or do it yourself to ensure the hair stays on. If you comb the weave from the tips to the roots with a wide tooth comb, this can reduce shedding too.
  • If any vendor asks "what colour hair do you want?"... Run away. Lol. Virgin hair shouldn't hv colours to choose from and should be in the natural colour which is normally black/ brown or a mix of both. If you do want another color you could always dye the hair but this would means its processed and no longer virgin.
  • The hair should also have a 'bounce' to it. If you watch any Indian/ Brazilian woman walk or move their head, the hair will have some motion. It shouldn't be stiff and should move in the wind when its sown in as this could mean its been processed.


Hopefully these tips do help those who are looking to buy hair. Again, i am not a pro but this is what I have found and hopefully this may help someone :)


E x

Monday 6 February 2012

Coming Soon...

Its a busy week for me, but by the end of it expect...

  • OOTD
  • Virgin Brazilian Hair Care/Tips
  • Valentines Make Up Look (If it don't go wrong lol)
  • My Wishlist
If you're interested, subscribe to my blog via GFC or BlogLovin' to keep yourself updated =) Also if there's anything you guys want to see, then comment and let me know
Have a great week!

E x

So this weekend...

Hey guys!
Hope you all enjoyed your weekend, and if you're a Londoner, the snow! Lool I'm not a big fan of snow =/ I cant really enjoy the coldness and mushy-ness of it. And me being ill I couldn't even risk leaving my house in that temperature for the fear of inhaling cold air, so I couldn't even make it to work yesterday =[

On saturday, I went Brent Cross for the first time in agesssss, even though its really local to me and I picked up a few bits. I realise I seem to buy alot of things but I'm not showing how I'm using them, truth is I haven't really had a chance to dress up nice or do up makeup coz I haven't actually gone nowhere special lol...but I will be doing all that very very soon =]
The nail polish used in the 3rd picture is Barry M Nail Paint in 'Blue Glitter'


TOPSHOP- Nude studded slipper £28: This style was the 'go to' flat last year. Its very casual and laid back but the studs keep it edgy. I really wanted a pair of the black suede ones but they never had them in store and always had the black leather ones =( When I saw these in nude, I just knew I would love them throughout spring and summer.
TOPSHOP- Giant gold cross earrings £10: I used to always be a stud girl,but for the past year or so I've really gotten into my big gold statement earrings, and this does just that.I think they'd look better when my hairs up tho.
Currys/ PC World- Apple iPad2 Smart Cover in Pink £35 -__-: Gosh this was so expensive for a cover lol, and it dont even cover the back! But I like the features of it and my old case made my iPad weigh a tonne, so yeah =/

Thats basically it. As always, comments much appreciated =D

E x


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