In The Mix

How many times have you bought another new product because you felt that nothing in your collection fits a specific bill?!

However...2 products mixed together can sometimes provide you with your dream product with no extra expense needed.

Example numero uno:

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation &

 Revlon Skin Lights Highlighter

The gorgeous weather over the last week or so made me crave a dewy finish foundation but still with the longevity and coverage I need.  I have to admit, I was contemplating spending another £25.50 on Double Wear light but, a 50/50 mix of these products stopped me in my tracks.

The finish is one that dreams are made of: skin that looks flawless, dewy and healthy all day.

The coverage is only slightly reduced by the highlighter and the lasting power maybe is cut by maybe one or two hours but this is something I can deal with for the beautiful effect.

The power of this mix is also that you can create your perfect finish by adapting the quantities - a little less highlighter when more coverage is needed say at night; a little more for a low coverage day time look.  It is also perfect for sheering out the foundation if you get a bit of colour from the sun.

Unfortunately, Skin Lights in no longer available but any liquid highlighter would fit the bill.  Benefit High Beam, No 7 Skin Illuminator and Me Me ME Beat The Blues - I'm looking at you!

Foundation Trial: Collection 2000 Naturally Radiant

Out of the products I'm giving a second chance to, this foundation was one that I was really excited to use again.  As a foundation junkie, I've used many in the past but this stuck in my mind as being really good.  So, what's the verdict?!

I'm been trying this out all week and I am so, so impressed!  For a mere £4.19, this performs somewhere in between Colorstay and Double Wear and it therefore comes highly recommended from me!  It's not just me that thinks so as well - with a 4* rating on Boots.com, Collection 2000 are obviously doing something right!

Availability: Boots and Superdrug - the usual!  £4.19 for a bottle hopefully makes this accessible to anyone and everyone.

Colour: One of its downsides - only 6 shades to choose from.  There is a mix of pink, yellow and neutral tones though so hopefully most people can find something to suit.

Consistency and Application: The product comes out of its squeezy tube - hygienic and practical - with a usual liquid foundation consistency.  There are no gimmicks of air whipping etc - just a straight liquid.  It applies smoothly on the skin with an average blend time - no need to rush as with the likes of Colorstay!  

Coverage: Marketed as a low-medium coverage, I would say that is true.  It can however be built up to a medium-full coverage without looking cakey at all - one of its definite plus points!

Finish: My preferred semi-matte/satin finish.  With a primer there is no real difference - it just glides onto the skin nicely if you use one.  When topped with powder, the finish can look a little heavy which I personally don't favour but it did stay looking fresh for a few more hours than if left without. 

Lasting Power: Here is why I prefer it to Colorstay - it stayed put for hours.  A true test of a foundation is when I work all day on Saturdays.  I'm pleased to report that after 12 hours, with a slight touch up of powder, it looked pretty much as good as when I applied.  It had faded slightly but no where near to the extent of the Colorstay.

Overall: This foundation has many claims including its ability to give skin a new lease of life; leaving it fresh and flawless with a formula that hydrates and energises.  I wouldn't say it lives up to these as the finish is a little too matte but I do still really, really like it.  The coverage is not as heavy and obvious as the Double Wear can be but lasts longer than Colorstay and therefore is the perfect happy medium.

I would recommend this to someone with a normal-combination skin who require a buildable coverage with an average lasting power that can be extended once powdered.  It also contains an SPF of 15 which, combined with the low initial coverage, makes it the perfect foundation for the coming Summer months!

At £4.19, it'd be rude not to give it a try..!

I'm planning on creating a separate page collating all these reviews, adding in extra information and photos etc - if you think this is something you'd like to see, please let me know!

xxx

TAG: 11 Most Reached For Products/March Favourites

My eleven favourite products change constantly but these products have been consistently used day in/day out for the whole of March...so I'm killing two birds with one stone!

Skin care, hair care, tan and bases

St Moriz Dark Mousse

John Frieda Serum

Olay Multi-Radiance Fluid

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer

No 7 Creme Touch Powder

Eye and lip products

Collection 2000 Big Fake Lash Mascara

NAKED Palette

MAC Tempting Quad

MOR Passionflower Lip Delight

17 Beehive Mirror Shine Lipstick

As you can tell, these products have been loved to death and is seen by their completely battered packing!  If there is anything that catches your eye for a full review, just say!

What have been your favourites recently???

xxx

Drugstore Brand Spotlight: L'oreal

As much as we all love high end beauty products, they do have a (sometimes ridiculous) high price tag attached.  I have therefore made it my aim over the past few years to weed out the best products from the drugstore (I hate that phrase as much as the next person but it is standard in the beauty community..!) that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Over the next few weeks I'm hoping to put a spotlight on some of the best products found in Boots/Superdrug that I've personally bought and loved and the odd few that have disappointed... Because, at the end of the day, a low end mascara may cost £5-ish but if you end up buying 4 awful ones, you may as well splash the cash on a YSL..  So, hopefully I can pin point the best products to save on and, with some recommendations from you beautiful people, build up a resource of the best cheap products out there!

Please note: I am not affiliated with any companies whatsoever - these are my honest opinions, as always.

First up....

L'oreal

Bases

True Match Foundation and Powder: Blendable.  Good shade range.  Commendable lasting power.  Adapts to skin. Don't bother with the roll on - very much a gimmick!

Infallible Foundation and Concealer: Great lasting power.  Nice shade range. Concealer thick but blendable - great for under the eyes!  The foundation now comes with the option of an attached brush - I would say stick with the original packing - more product for your money! (30ml vs 25ml)

Studio Secrets Primer and Foundation: Primer makes skin feel gorgeous and helps any foundation to glide on.  Foundation applies beautifully with attached brush and sets with a gorgeous dewy finish.  

Touch Magique concealer: Light reflecting brush on concealer.  Light coverage but nice effect under eyes as doesn't sink into fine lines.

Eyes

Voluminous Mascara: Gives long, thick lashes. No flaking or smudging to note.

Telescopic Mascara: Amazing length!

Carbon Gloss Super Liner: Precision nib that can great desired thickness. Glossy black line that stays put all day.

Lash Renewal Serum: Brilliant mascara primer.  Over time, lashes look longer, healthier and thicker.

Lips

Glam Shine Lipglosses: Glossy gorgeous colours - great shade range.  Heart shaped wand smooths and plumps lips.

If you have any other recommendations please comment - I will then add them in!

xxx

Foundation Trial: Revlon Colorstay (Normal/Dry)

What would a foundation trial be without this classic?!

A supposed dupe for MAC Studio Fix Fluid and a cult product in the beauty community, it is raved about and loved by many.

I can see why although Double Wear still wins through and here is why...

Availability:  Readily bought in Boots and Superdrug etc, this classic is accessible to everyone which is definitely one of its best points.  As a low end cosmetic, £12.50 for a bottle may be slightly high but it is regularly on offer so a bargain can usually be had!  Also, if you are confident of your shade, a quick google search provides a few outlets where you can buy it for less.  

Colour: From the Revlon website, it is apparent there are 12 shades with a variety of pink, yellow and neutral tones which for a low end product, is commendable!  These shades however do lie on the fairer end of the scale which may mean the darker skinned girls amongst us may be unable to find a suitable colour. 

Consistency and Application: This specific foundation claims to be complete with 'SoftFlex' that provides lightweight comfort.  Although there is no so explanation of what that actually is,  I would say  the claim is true!  Although a thick product that dries quickly and needs to be applied to one area of the face at a time, it does feel lightweight once on and not like you are caked in make up.  I personally find no real difference when applied with a brush or sponge - just personal preference with this! 

Coverage: A medium coverage that can be sheered out using a wet sponge but I would say is not that buildable to full coverage as can look cakey with two layers. 

Finish: Due to the Normal/Dry formulation, a semi-matte finish is provided.  I prefer to set any concealed areas with powder but to leave the rest with a more natural finish.

Lasting Power:  This is where the problem lies...  The foundation unfortunately does not provide the 16 hour wear that is promises.  After a 10 hour day, whereas the Double Wear still looks perfect, this had worn off unevenly and caused my concealer, bronzer and blusher to lose their staying power too.  In all honestly, I'd had preferred to have no make up on at all.

Overall: Although I have used this foundation on and off for years and it probably will continue to a be a staple in my collection, it doesn't hold the appeal that once did.  It is a lovely foundation that provides a fresh look for a few hours but not for a long day.  It also contains SPF which results in awful flash back in photographs thus negating its use for a night out.

I think it's a foundation that everyone should try but there are definitely better ones out there!  I would recommend this to somebody with a normal, not overly dry, skin type that requires a few hours wear of medium coverage.

In general - a 6/10 and the Double Wear is definitely winning out!

Coming soon: MaxFactor 2nd Skin and Ruby & Millie Sheer Base

Foundation Trial: MaxFactor Xperience

You may remember I bought this foundation back at the end of November in this haul..  I was enticed by the promise of a lightweight but full coverage finish that would give me the skin of my dreams this Winter.

I've had - give or take - around a month to try it out and, unfortunately, I'm not impressed.  I've used it basically every day that I've put on make up and given it numerous chances.  I've willed it to work.  I've used it in so many ways that I can't even count...

But my general view?

I just don't like it...

And here is why:

Availability:  Maybe its best point - it is available in chemists everywhere so Boots, Superdrug etc.  It has an RRP of around £10 which is pretty standard for a low end foundation but I did get in of offer for £6.99 so can be picked up for less.

Colour: From what I can see from the website, it has only 6 shades.  Classic 'drugstore' foundation.  It also oxidises like crazy so it is near impossible to find a good colour match.

Consistency and Application: To give it its due, it does live up to its weightless promise and almost feels air-whipped and mousse like when you apply it.  It glides over the skin nicely but can settle in dry areas.

Coverage: It is no way in hell full coverage; not at all.  I'd say primarily light-medium..it can be built up due to its light consistency but since it oxidises and settles in dry areas, it is not a good look.

Finish: This is where the major issue lies.  The product is just not consistent.  One day I will be in love with the finish - all semi matte and nicely dewy on my cheeks - and another day it will be cakey and fully matte.

Lasting Power:  I hate to be so negative but it is truly horrendous.  I was out shopping one particularly cold day and when I looked in a shop mirror, I wanted to hide... The foundation had worn off in patches and my red nose was very, very visible..  Even on a normal day, I think it lasts for four or five hours at most..

Overall: I think my overall view on this foundation that is is just isn't consistent.  One day it will look nice and the next it will be awful.  I acknowledge that my skin is changing over the winter but I want to know I can put a foundation on and be aware of how it will wear - not constantly wondering how I look by lunchtime.  This is where Double Wear comes in...

It I had to recommend this to anyone, it would be to a oily/combination skin in a warm environment who want a medium matte coverage for a few hours at a time.  It just does not stand the test of time for a long day or night out.

Repurchase? Unfortunately not.

Have you tried this foundation?  Have you got on better than me with it?!

The Foundation Trial: Estée Lauder Double Wear

As I'm sure most of us are, I am always on the quest for the perfect, 'holy grail' foundation that will make my face look as flawless as possible.  On this quest, through a combination of reading numerous blogs and spending hours in department stores, I have compiled a list of 30+ foundations that I want to try - either for the first time or for a second round.

So please welcome my new project:

The Foundation Trial

Every week or so I will be obtaining a new foundation to try out and put it through its paces in the hope that I will find my perfect skin perfecting miracle; toss aside the flaky, patchy and generally useless; and hopefully help others along the way!

First up..

Estée Lauder Double Wear 

Availability: Estée Lauder have counters in pretty much all department stores and Boots.  At £25 a bottle it is quite pricey but you can get one of these nifty 10 day pot samples - the perfect way to try it out.

Colour: Double Wear comes in around 20 shades.  I was matched - whilst wearing fake tan - to Desert Beige (2N1) which is absolutely spot-on. 

Consistency and Application:  

[For all these trials I will be using my fingers to apply, instead of a brush, as it is a basic method that everyone can relate to.] 

This foundation runs a little bit thinner to Colorstay which I personally love as it glides onto the skin, blends easily and doesn't feel heavy at all.  It was slightly harder to blend around my nose though which is slightly dry and on top of a primer it is a disaster. 

Coverage: In short - truly amazing!  One light coat provides a medium coverage which I can then build on to cover any redness in my cheeks.

Finish: 

- Over a primer: AWFUL.  I found it just stuck to the primer, dragged on my skin and just looked streaky and cakey.  

- On its own: Truly amazing!  As long as you apply moisturiser before, it looks fantastic - a semi-matte, natural finish as the website describes.  With a light layer and topped up with some highlighter such as Revlon Skinlights you really can get the effect of flawless skin.

- With powder:  Very flat and obvious that you are wearing heavy make up.  I felt like a doll/chav - really not a great look..!

Lasting Power:  I honestly cannot fault it.  The website promises 15 hours and I think that it lives up to that promise.  I also found it made my blusher/bronzer stay in place too - a real issue that I have with Colorstay.  After a long day at University or a night out in a hot club my make up looked as fresh as it did when I first applied it.

Overall best usage:  For a normal to combination/oily skin applied over moisturiser and with limited powder for a long day or night on the tiles.

Purchase? 100% YES!

June Favourites

• MaxFactor Second Skin Foundation - For days when I want slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturiser this does the job perfectly.  It evens my skin out with a dewy finish but my freckles are still visible - perfect for when I don't want to look too made up.

• Elf mineral foundation - Perfect for setting my make up in this weather and giving some coverage at the same time.  Be warned though - even the lightest shade is still pretty dark..

• The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blusher Kabuki - I bought this last Summer and have literally used it every day since.  I use it for powder and honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  It is probably the softest brush I own and it just buffs in powder beautifully.  The best part?  I got it for a steal off eBay..

• Barry M 147 Lipstick - I am honestly in love with this colour!  I was so distraught that I lost it last weekend after one too many vodkas that I rushed out and bought two...as you do!  It is a perfect peachy-corally-pink and looks as good on the cheeks as it does on the lips.  It is however, like it's 101 sister, extremely drying and always needs a lip balm under.

• MAC Hush CCB & Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush  - These two work so well together - the brush picks up the perfect amount of product and allows it to be buffed all the way along the cheekbone for a gorgeous dewy finish.

• BB Creamy Concealer - Heavy duty enough to cover my dark circles but doesn't cake or collect in fine lines.  When set with the powder provided it stays put all day and makes my eye area look bright and awake even when all I want to do is crawl back into bed!

• Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara - If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know I gave this a pretty negative review a while ago.  However, I have to say sorry to Bourjois and admit I now love it.  I guess it has dried up a little and it is now the perfect consistency to work with.  Yes, the brush is still fiddly but when I have the time and patience, it can result in the most amazingly lengthy lashes.  Its not perfect, but pretty damned near :)  

And finally...

Decorated coral toe nails - I refuse to leave the house in Summer without my feet looking their bestest!  And this has been my design of choice so far this year.... simple but effective!  

The shoes?? KG and beautiful but they are the DEVIL - no pain, no gain I guess?!!

Foundation Ramble & Favourites

This post started life as the 2nd of my '5 Favourites' series... However, I soon realised that I actually don't LOVE any of the foundations I own or have tried.  I am still very much on the quest to find that one foundation that does everything I want it to....

• Even out my skin tone
• Help to conceal redness around my nose and on my cheeks (to be then topped up with concealer if needed)
• Leave me with dewy, healthy, fresh looking skin (My skin is pretty much 'normal' but slightly on the dry side)
• Look fresh all day - with only the occasional sweep of powder needed

Not too much to ask for is it?! 

The reality is that my skin is OK and in the last few months I have wanted to use this to my advantage.  I therefore now look for a more natural, dewy looking foundation whereas before I aspired to a matte look.  It is this change of heart which means I am now lemming Bobbi Brown Skin, NARS Sheer Glow and Chanel Pro or Vital Lumiere.  I have always been a bit wary of buying high end foundations as the few times I have, I have always been colour matched wrongly or hated the product after a day.  However now I feel more comfortable in my product knowledge and colouring I think I need to take the plunge.  I am hoping to get a few samples next time I am in Selfridges to see how they wear on my skin - I really do not want to throw £30 down the drain!

So for the moment, I can't really say I have five foundations that I really love or would highly recommend.  I have however used a few in the past that if push came to shove, I would happily use...

In no particular order:

MaxFactor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation

This is the foundation that I am currently using and it has featured in my FOTD posts.  I did really like and I have purchased it a few times but I have recently changed my mind and I'm not so crazy about it anymore.

It is a solid foundation which turns to a liquid on contact with your skin and dries matte.  I apply this with a sponge and I would say it gives a light to medium buildable coverage which is what I like.

I am however finding it now slightly too matte for me and it also works out very expensive at £11.99 for only  11.5g which with every day use, only lasts a month or so..

Clinique Superbalanced Makeup

This was the first high end foundation I purchased and I still remember the thrill of sitting on the stool getting myself colour matched!  However, back then I didn't know to check in natural light first and was pretty upset when I got home, tried it out and realised how orange I looked.  I should, with hindsight, have taken it back but I decided to stick with it.  After a little fake tannage it looked OK and I actually really liked the finish.  It keeps you matte in your t-zone and hydrated in any dry areas.  I would repurchase this I think but get in the right colour..!

Ruby & Millie Sheer Base

I first really started experimenting with make up when I had about 20 of the Boots £5 No 7 and Ruby & Millie vouchers a few years ago.  I picked this up one day and used it for months.  It is a pump action brush-on foundation and gives a very light coverage, perfect for day time.  It does need a slight setting with powder on the t-zone but gives the cheeks a lovely glow.

L'oreal Studio Secrets HD Smoothing Foundation

Perhaps my favourite of this selection.  Another brush on foundation which provides a medium coverage.  It does leave me looking dewy but perhaps TOO dewy?  If my skin was slightly drier this would be HG material.  However, as it is, I still need to powder over the top.

Honourable Mentions

• Revlon Colorstay - Of course, a somewhat cult product.  I don't mind this for evenings when I want a serious heavy duty foundation but for the most part I have to mix this with tinted moisturiser as I really am not a fan of the heavy matte look it provides.  It is OK, but I don't love it.

• ELF Mineral Powder Foundation - I like this to set my foundation on nights out or over tinted moisturiser in the day for no-make-up-make-up-days.  I'm not sure it really gives any coverage though and the lightest colour only looks right on me when I have serious fake tan on.  I like it though for my first try of mineral make up.

I really feel like no matter how great your eye make up is or how pretty your lipstick is, your base needs to be as flawless as possible.  Foundation is therefore the one product I would spend the most on and invest the most time researching.  I am very fickle though and get bored and like choice.  Even if I found a HG product, I'd still probably search for a better one...!  I also hate shopping for it - the potential of getting the wrong colour and also needing one for when tanned; pale; in between - arrrggghh the drama ..!

I love how my skin looks here but I can't for the life of me remember what I had on - always the way!

What are your HG foundations and have you tried the NARS, Chanel or BB?

xxx