Cleo by Panache - Rihanna

It is is no secret that I am a huge advocate of not only well fitting, but gorgeous, underwear.  As a trained bra-fitter, I am extremely passionate about ensuring that all woman have the option to wear bras that not only fit them like a glove but are pretty too, no matter what size they are.

I have shouted about how to ensure you are wearing the right size and also highlighted a great bra from Marks and Spencer but now it is the turn of Panache to be thrown into the spotlight...

I first became aware of Panache when I was working for House of Fraser in the lingerie department in 2008.  I recognised them as a brand that desired to serve women with fuller bust and for me, that is always a great thing!  They dropped off the radar a little but then in the Summer of 2009, they launched Cleo.  A sister brand that has an aim to provide fashionable and vibrant trend-led designs in sizes D-J cups that, maybe most importantly, start from a 28 back.

As a girl with a larger-than-average cup size, I jumped at the chance to try out one of their styles and I have to say, I am seriously impressed.

Style and Cut

I was sent the Rihanna set and although on first impressions I felt the pattern was a bit out there for me, the actual cut of the bra more than makes up for it.

It is a classic balconette shape - wide set straps, a deep centre piece and an uplift that provide a classic rounded shape, rather than an statement deep cleavage.  This is my personal favourite style as it gives you a great shape without being overly obvious which when you have large breasts, is a great option.

Fit

I requested a 32FF which is my standard size in popular brands such as Freya and Fantastie.  I am pleased to report that this fits absolutely perfectly and is very true to size.  This, is my mind, is a sign of a great company who are focused on ensuring their bras fit to industry standard.  This is where companies such as La Senza fall down in my mind as the larger breast size is not their main priority.

Comfort

This is perhaps the most important factor and one I have to say that the Rihanna bra delivers on.  After a 12 hour stint, I am pleased to report no digging in or rubbing of wires and the bra was a dream to wear.  It kept me supported and comfortable whilst giving a great shape at the same time.

To sum it all up, I am truly impressed with this bra.  With a larger cup size, it is so important to wear well fitting and comfortable underwear and Cleo really delivers the goods.  I have definitely got my eye on a few more designs and it is safe to say, Cleo and Panache are back on my radar for good!

Have you tried any underwear from Cleo or Panache?  Do you have trouble finding great bras that fit well or have any questions on sizing?  Let me know!

xxx 

Origins GinZing Eye Cream

I took my first dip into the Origins pool at Christmas. As a student, I never spent a large amount of money on skin care but since graduating, it's been a new focus. I am taking on board the thought process of the French: invest in products that will help your skin; not just cover up the problems.

With that in mind, I believe a good eye cream is an essential product. They say your eyes are the window to the soul and with none of us getting any younger, a product to help delay those tell tale lines is truly a girl's best friend!

I decided on Origins' GinZing offering I will admit, mainly due to 'blogger enabling'. I had read and listened to numerous reviews that sung this product's praises. I was entranced by its promise to de-puff via its caffeine-loaded formula and instantly brighten dark circles. As a sufferer of the dreaded shadows, it seemed like a potential HG product. 5 months down the line and unfortunately I'm not so sure....

I have to give GinZing its due - it does what it says on the tin. It's brightening and refreshing; it makes your eyes feel soothed and drastically more awake looking than when you first rolled out of bed. However, I feel it does this in more of a cosmetic way than an actual skin care way. The reasoning for this is that it is packed full of light reflecting particles which results in it being basically a creamy highlighter. Used sparingly it has the effect of brightening the eyes but if you apply too much, you look like you've smeared a cheap shimmery product all over your eyes in an attempt to cover your dark circles. Not ideal!

I find it also has limited moisturing power and by the middle of the day, my eyes look very dry - making those little lines a tad too pronounced for my liking! This is however, not really Origins fault as it never promises GinZing to be anything more than an instant fix.

Overall, this product is not for me. It doesn't live up to my new French ideals as it is purely a top layer product that will have no lasting results. I do like it, and with a four star rating, it's safe to say many others do too but at £21.00, it is nowhere near as heavy duty as I would like.

And so, the eye cream search goes on. I have been trialling a few different lotions and potions but that's for another day...!

NB Apolgoies for the stock photo; technology is proving to be a bit of an issue at the moment. Normal business will resume shortly!

Six Pack

Waking up to a six pack is not something that usually happens to one on a Monday morning - in my dreams of course Ryan Gosling is with me every morning - but this was reality!  It really was the cherry on the top of the cake when I opened the door yesterday on my day off to see my postman holding a very obvious Glossy Box.  This was a total surprise and I really do need to say a big thank you to Lily and the rest of the Glossy Box team as it really wasn't something I was expecting.

This month was an extra special 'six pack' in celebration of the monthly subscription hitting its 6 month milestone.  We were treated with six products instead of the usual 5, as well as a bonus Dermalogica cosmetic bag which for a make up bag/storage obsessive like me is an absolute bonus!

Obviously I know there will be a million and one posts like this so I've kept it short and sweet but I will try and incorporate my views on the products into some posts over the next week or so.  Like September's box, there is one stand out product for me again - the Stila eyeliner.  It is a beautiful olive green shot through with gold which is one of my favourite colours to wear on my eyes... I will hopefully manage a sleepy FOTD for you all soon!

I hope you're all having a fantastic week so far.... half way though the working week tomorrow!! xxx

Undecided

With the colder weather rapidly approaching and a serious lack of sleep, my skin has taken a bit of a hit recently and is looking somewhat lacklustre.  Not even my beloved Hush cream colour base can save it - really desperate times..!!

I hoped that a quick purchase of Fix+ would give me a healthy, dewy complexion but unfortunately I feel like I've wasted £12.50 on a bottle of water that basically doesn't do much?  I've tried it under my make up, over, both, blasted my face with a hairdryer after.... but - nothing?  No effect that I see?

Don't get me wrong - it feels lovely and refreshing when applied but I can't help but think I could have bought a spritz bottle and filled it up with water??

What do you gorgeous girls think?  Are you fan of Fix+ or feel that it is a bit of a gimmick?  I am by no means disheartened just yet......I have a feeling one of you will give me a tip of how to use it and I'll fall immediately in love.....

xxx

Bobbi Brown Corrector and Concealer In Action

I bought these two products way back in June last year and have used them on and off since then, both neither loving or hating them.  But when talking to Yu on Twitter last night and watching how Bobbi Brown herself uses them, I was inspired to dig them out today and give them another whirl!

Corrector

The purpose of this pink/peach toned product is to counteract the blue tones apparent in dark circles.  

I have very dry skin around my eyes so after a heavy application of eye cream, I laid down the corrector with Benefit's synthetic flat liner brush totally under my eye, right into the lash line and in the inner corners where I am naturally very dark.

I then blended it in slightly with my ring finger allowing the heat from my fingers to help merge the product with my skin.  I did this twice to get a full coverage effect.

Concealer

The concealer is required to brighten the under eye area and bring it back to your natural skin colour compared with the very peachy/pink corrector.

Again, I applied this with the Benefit brush before attempting to buff it in with the fluffy Revlon brush - a supposed dupe for the MAC 224.  However, I am so dry under my eyes that I found this made the product drag so I switched back to blending with my ring finger.

Powder

The yellow toned powder that comes with the concealer allows for the products to be set whilst brightening the whole eye area.

The finished result

Left: No product; Right: Corrector, Concealer & Powder

I would definitely say there is a marked improvement - my under eye area looks lighter, brighter and generally more awake!  No miracle though...

Recently, the concealer has been reformulated to be even creamier and the range has seen a redesign with the products now available to buy as only Concealer, Corrector or a Concealer/Pressed Powder Duo.  The pressed powder will definitely be an advantage over the old style which for anyone who has this, will know it can get messy!

I would definitely recommend the Corrector - it can be used under any concealer to really brighten and neutralise dark circles.  As for the Concealer, I wouldn't like to comment on the new formulation but I find this old one slightly too thick for my dry eyes and find it can cake on me.  However, if you fortunate to not have dry skin, I can imagine this being a product for you!

Do you have any other concealer recommendations?  Next up for me is the Vichy Dermablend - I want me some of that high coverage!!

xxx

The Hot Cloth Cleanser Battle: Soap & Glory vs The Sanctuary

I bought the Soap and Glory version all the way back last Summer - if you've been with a while you may remember my review...  

Everything I said in that still stands - it really is a gorgeous product!  It is gorgeous to apply, smells lovely and leaves me skin looking healthy and polished.  I'm definitely going to purchase a few more tubes as it has a third off at the moment - can't resist an offer!

After my success with the S&G equivalent I was really excited to try this Sanctuary version.  I had a £5 off voucher just as I ran out of the S&G - it seemed meant to be!

Unfortunately, it does not live up to its rival... 

1) It smells herbally which is so off putting - especially in the morning - compared to the fresh, lavender scent of the S&G.

2) It applies so thickly that you really need to scrub the muslin cloth into your face to get it all off.  I know, I know, this is kind of the point but I just feel it's slighty too much effort?  If I was in a rush, I could just wash the S&G off however if I do that with this, I'm left with a greasy balm all over my skin.

3) It doesn't really cleanse - it leaves traces of my make up everywhere.  In comparison with the Soap and Glory - that got every scrap of my make up off, including waterproof mascara.  It also didn't sting my eyes which this Sanctuary one does.

4) It has absolutely, no effect, whatsoever on my skin.  After using it, my skin doesn't feel soft, smooth or clean and definitely doesn't look healthy or radiant.

Sorry The Sanctuary but you just don't cut it this time!

Soap and Glory - you are the winner! 

(Which I seriously love - the packaging is too cute to not have in my bathroom..)

Next up to try: Liz Earle and No 7...

Second Chance Saloon

Sometimes, for no real reason, a make up purchase - although made with initial enthusiasm and excitement - fails to live up to the expectations.  These sad and unloved products get shoved to the back of the drawer whilst some new and fancy item gets all the attention...

It was a complete overhaul of my collection that made me realise that I own some products that got such a limited look-in that I'm not even sure how they fare as I never even gave them a chance...

Well, here and now they are getting a second one!

Over the next few weeks, in a bid to cut down my spending and to appreciate what I do own, I'm going to put these products through their paces.  Some may remind me why there were never loved and will be waved goodbye to; whilst, hopefully, some will win back my affection and secure a place in my collection for good.

It has to be said that most of these products were purchased before my immersion into the blogging world - and subsequent increase in product knowledge - meaning that none are new or particularly exciting.  However, within this pile of Clinique to Rimmel, Jemma Kidd to ELF I'm hoping something will change my mind!

Here's to second chances....

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

Estée Lauder Concealers: Disappear Smoothing Creme vs Double Wear

As soon as I road tested Estée Lauder's Double Wear foundation, I pretty much was obsessed!  The 10 day sample from my local Boots counter was swiftly used up and a chunky, full sized bottle now stands pride of place in my make up collection.

I was therefore over the moon when Jaymi, from Lauder, offered to send me some concealers to compliment my new found gem of a foundation.  As a night owl with a tendency to be nocturnal, an efficient concealer is my best friend in masking how tired I really am.  But which one won out?!

Disappear Smoothing Creme Concealer

£17.00 - 15ml

Consistency: A light to medium weight creme - as the name suggests.  A little goes a very long way!

Coverage: Medium but potentially not buildable as can look thick and obvious.  I have fairly dark circles and one thin layer went a long way in covering them; but if you have very dark circles, you may need something heavier.

Application: A tube applicator that can be squeezed directly onto the desired area or onto the back of the hand.  As mentioned, a little really does go such a long way and you therefore need to be very light handed with this.  Too much, and it can cake and collect in fine line as it is a creme consistency.

Lasting Power: I always set any under eye concealer with powder as I want it to last as long as possible.  With a light application of this, powder did not cake over it and it kept my eye area looking bright for a normal eight hour day.

Overall: The aspect that overwhelmed me so much about this product is the sheer value for money.  At £17.00, it will last for what I expect at least a year, probably much longer.  The product goes such a long way  but can look overloaded if you accidentally use too much. 

I did also try it out on redness and blemishes and although it had good coverage, it unfortunately did not last as long as expected on these areas.

Double Wear Stay In Place Concealer

£18.50 - 7ml

Consistency: A standard light weight concealer - think MAC Moisture Cover or GOSH Touch Up!

Coverage: As expected from the double wear range, a great medium and buildable finish.  Went a long way in covering my dark circles and covered redness in a flash - very impressed with this!

Application: A classic sponge tipped wand that can be placed directly onto the desired area but this could cause contamination...  The thin consistency allows for controlled application both on blemishes and on the delicate under eye area.

Lasting Power: Like its foundation counterpart, this lasts and lasts.  Unlike the creme which left my redness showing through after a few hours, I felt confident with this that it would be under control all day.

Overall: Although coming in at a lower value for money than the creme concealer, I feel that this is a harder working product as not only does it cover under eye circles fantastically, but it also covers redness and blemishes with an instant effect that lasts all day.

Its thinner consistency also allows for a more natural look under the eyes - less creasing and dragging which leads to a much more polished and subtle finish.

The verdict?!

The Double Wear has to win in my humble opinion..!  If you have fantastic skin and a very smooth under eye area, the Smoothing Creme will be your best friend and a great investment that will work out at pennies per use.

However if, like me, you need a heavy duty concealer that can deal with extremely thin and delicate under eye skin and work hard at covering any blemishes, the Double Wear is for you.  And when teamed with the foundation, you may get that flawless face you're looking for!

As for me, I'm hitting the hay - safe in the knowledge that if I wake up looking exhausted, I've got my trusty concealers to brighten me up!

Do you have any other concealers to recommend to a base junkie like me?!

Not worth the hype: Umberto Giannini Backcomb In A Bottle

Oh volume - how I covet thee!

Now I wasn't expecting miracles from this super sleek can but I was hoping the mist would inject some much needed volume when I occasionally straighten all signs of life out my hair.  Unfortunately, as you can probably tell by the title, Umberto and his gang failed to create a product to grant my wish...

I did give it a really good shot and used it...

- on freshly washed hair

- on 2 day old hair

- with my head upside down

- from 6 inches away (recommended)

- from 2 inches away

- from 10 inches away

- with a hairdryer

and a combination of all these.

Can you tell I really wanted to love it?!

Unfortunately, it just left my hair not only without volume but also lank, greasy and sticky (basically my greatest fear...)

I know this is a product which has had the blogging community buzzing but it did just not do it for me.  I can get great results from a can of dry shampoo which is not only cheaper, but much more widely accessible.  Not is all lost though, my best friend Molly loves it - as do so many others of you out there - so will be going to a loving home soon... :)

What were your experiences with Backcomb In A Bottle?  Please tell me I'm not the only one to hate it??!

Soap and Glory: The Breakfast Scrub vs Flake Away

As a self confessed Soap and Glory addict, I have noticed the new additions to their ever-expanding range then quickly picked up my old favourites and dashed to the till.  What can I say, I'm a creature of habit!

I was therefore excited, but dubious, to finally try out The Breakfast Scrub that arrived in my Pink Big.  If only to see how it fared against my all time favourite, Flake Away...

The Breakfast Scrub

300ml - £9.25

As soon as you unscrew the lid to this product, you can see where the name comes from...I defy you to not crave pancakes and maple syrup when you smell this!

The domed tub, with the classic S&G design we've all come to know and love, is packed with golden sugar particles; banana, almond and honey extracts; shea butter and gentle oatmeal grains. It really does smell good enough to eat (not advisable..).  

These ingredients combine to form a scrub that is harsh enough to provide a great exfoliation but is gentle enough not to leave your skin red raw.  I think this lies with the oatmeal grains that are large enough to buff your skin but in a soft way.

My skin was left touchably soft from the exfoliation with a very slight sheen thanks to the shea butter and scented beautifully from the maple syrup fragrance - a solid 10/10!

Flake Away

300ml - £6.64

Having gone through numerous tubs of this scrub, I knew to expect the classic Soap and Glory fragrance with this scrub.  Pretty, floral, girly...it's pretty good!

However, as soon as I started scrubbing with it I realised it is a lot harsher than the Breakfast Scrub due to the large grains of rock salt.  Some may like this - and I do when I need to get rid of stubborn fake tan - but compared to the gentle Breakfast Scrub it was a bit of a shock.

My skin however did thank me for it and was left super soft and also with a gentle sheen, much like its counterpart.

The Winner?

Ooh this is a tough one - picking a body scrub is of course very important in the grand scheme of things..!

It's a tie I think!

The Breakfast Scrub is fantastic for a gentle regular body polish.  The scent definitely wins me over.

Flake Away still holds a place in my heart for tanning - either prepping the skin or getting rid of the old stuff.

What are you opinions on these?  Do you have a firm favourite or is their place for both of them in your bathroom?!

TIGI Bed Head Brunette Goddess

When I received this trio from a beautiful friend, to say I was chuffed would very much be an understatement!

I have used and loved many TIGI styling products over the years but I've never treated myself to any shampoos or conditioners.  In fact, not just from TIGI but from any high end hair care range to be honest...

Well now thanks to Samantha(!) it's going to be hard to go back to my faithful TRESemmé..!

The beautiful shampoo enriched with nutrients smells truly amazing and lathers so luxuriously that it really is a treat to use.  It also helps to de-tangle my hair which is something I can whole heartedly say a shampoo has never done for me before.

The real gem of the collection has to be this miracle working conditioner.  I could talk about the liposome delivery system that releases nutrients; the soy and wheat proteins which retain moisture and revitalize shine or the panthenol which strengthens the hair to help resist breakage and reduce split ends..but all I will say is that it leaves my hair feeling instantly manageable, silky soft and frizz-free whether I blow dry it or leave it to dry naturally.  It also smells bloody gorgeous too!

The third and final step of my new hair regime leaves my hair so shiny when spritzed all over my final style.  It is not at all sticky or greasy which is always a worry when putting something on your finished 'do.

It also has the amazing sweet smell of the other two products which for a girl with a sweet-tooth like me is the cherry on top of the very good cake!

TIGI can be bought in hair salons, online retailers such as Feel Unique and occasionally in TK Maxx Stores.  The whole range of products can be investigated on the brand's website...which has reminded me that I was a huge fan of the Control Freak products and I must invest in some of them again...

What are you experiences with TIGI?  Any must-have products?!

And a very special P.S - Thank you Sammy for spoiling me with this - you are too kind to me! XXX

Products of 2010: St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

I can forgive this product's incorrectly spelt name and its blatant rip off of St Tropez because it is just so amazing!

I apply this fake tan with a mitt (or thick sock if a mitt is nowhere to be seen) and due to the fantastic guide colour, I can ensure there are no missed bits or streaks in sight.  Then, a minimum of four hours later I rinse it off in the shower to reveal golden, sun kissed skin.  And who doesn't want that?!

The best bit?  It's a steal at around £2..

What is your tan of 2010?!

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?!

Products of 2010: Seche Vite Top Coat

I honestly don't know how I ever lived without this miracle.

Well, actually..I do - I spent hours of my life waiting for nail varnish to dry just for it to smudge anyway..

But now, I can paint my nails at 2am in the knowledge that I can hop into bed 5 minutes later and wake up without my sheets imprinted on my fresh polish - it's the small things :)

Plus, the high shine is second to none..

What are your products of 2010??! xx

Products of 2010: MAC Cream Colour Base - Hush

Many products have come and gone this year but only a few have truly gone the distance and earned my love.

This is most certainly one of them!

I know Hush will be a staple in my collection forever.  It is truly amazing - a creamy highlighter that when swiped along my cheekbones gives me a glow I could only ever dream about...

It is love - pure and simple!

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!

The Essentials

As a self-confessed beauty product and cosmetic junkie I have a myriad of lotions and potions.  I always have numerous hair sprays, lipsticks, moisturisers etc on the go at any one time.

However, there are those special few items that I will never be without.  The loves of my life in the cosmetic world.  The items I stress about if I potentially lose or use up and don't have a back up.

Let me introduce you to:

THE ESSENTIALS

Clockwise from left:

Sudocrem - The only thing that clears my skin up when I break out.  My saviour.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser - My daily essential to even out my skin tone.  Amazing on its own or as a base for foundation.

Olay Regenerist Thermal Skin Polisher - I should probably dedicated an entire post to this beauty.  Makes my skin feel incredible.

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - I've talked about this before - thoroughly rids your locks of a multitude of products, leaving your hair clean and full of life.

Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Moisturiser - This is the only moisturiser I've found that provides a matte but radiant finish whilst keeping my moisture levels topped up WITH an SPF.  This deserves a medal!

Seche Vite topcoat - I honestly won't do my nails without this.  No waiting around for half an hour for polish to try and leaves my nails so incredibly shiny.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 - I stopped using this for about 2 weeks and my skin went insane.  The moral of the story?  I will never be without this again!

Olay Eye Make Remover - My mum has used this for as long as I can remember and she turned me onto it a few years ago.  It just easily removes all my eye make up and doesn't sting my very sensitive eyes - all round winner!

Exfoliating Glove - Just turns any old shower gel into an exfoliator - perfect when my St Moritz turns me all patchy..

No 7 Créme Touch Powder - I have never tried MAC's MSF Natural (call myself a make up enthusiast?!) as  this provides me everything I want a powder to - slight coverage with a semi-matte finish that lasts hours.  I'm not taking the MAC off my to-buy list just yet though... ;)

If you want me to provide a full review for any of these, just let me know in the comments!  

As for me, I'm off to watch The Vampire Diaries.  Stefan, Damon, just how do you choose?!

The most unglamorous post yet

If, like me, you are not naturally blessed with sleek, glossy locks then you probably have to use a multitude of products to get the hair of your dreams.

My hair is naturally coarse, wavy and potentially frizzy if I leave it to air dry.  Alas, not exactly the look I go for.

I therefore use an arsenal of deep conditioning treatments, leave in conditioners, protein treatments, serums etcetera etcetera to give me hair that looks a little something like this...

However, as always, some things are just too good to be true.  And every so often my hair can't take the overload of products and becomes lank, greasy and just generally overwhelmed.  So glamorous...

The first time this happened I was totally distraught - a standard hair wash does not clean this up.  Oh no.  For this problem, a heavy duty, detoxing shampoo is needed and thankfully I discovered my saviour..

Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo - £2.99

What Boots say:

No matter how thoroughly you shampoo, your styling products can hang around, leaving a residue on your hair that can really weigh it down. Get rid of the unwanted build-up with Boots Expert Build Up Removal Shampoo.

Well, it does what it says.  Any bouts of build up are now distant memories from using this, without fail, once a week.  Prevention is better than cure as they say....

Dirty Works Glow Girl Hot Salt Scrub

What springs to mind when you think of a salt scrub?

Gritty;

Rough;

Down-right abrasive?

That was my thinking when I bought this for £4.99 from Sainsbury's.  A nice little purchase - even if it is encased in seriously naff packaging - to help slough off all those dead skin cells and patchy fake tan.  What a great find, I thought; cheaper than the usual scrubs I go for and the added bonus of promising to 'draw out toxins'.  Oh, what a fool I am.

Yes, unfortunately, this did not live up to my expectations in the slightest.

It all started to go wrong when I unscrewed the lid.  Something I admittedly should have done in store before purchasing.  Well, we all live and learn..!

See what I mean??

I really wanted this to work; to surprise me and make me realise that you don't need great big, chunky particles to give you soft, supple skin.  But, well, you do.

This herbally smelling, runny paste does nothing for me but drag on my skin and leave a horrible residue in my bath - due to the Kaolin it contains.  This is the main issue for me - is clay not used in thousands of skin care products to help combat oily skin?  Would that be why my skin feels drier after I use this?  The 'Kiss goodbye to dry skin!!' promise therefore falls short...

What a disappointment.  Dirty Works - you have some serious improvements to make.  Starting with the horrendous yellow packaging...