I’ve been meaning to post this for a while but as my skin hasn’t really been cooperating, I had to leave it for some time.
A couple of months back I attended the launch of the Iluminage Touch system, presented by Dr. Sach Mohan, Cosmetic Physician & Founder of Revere Clinics. I had the opportunity to speak to him personally and get advice on the best ways to use the Iluminage machine – my main concern being if it could be used on tattooed skin. Will get into that later, though.
Another month has passed and it’s now time for the usual beauty roundup- with all the nice things I’ve tried and bought.
Makeup Brush Scrubbing Tool – I found this through someone’s blog (I honestly forgot where) and thought I’d give it a go. Can’t go wrong for 99p, right? It’s a great tool for cleaning your makeup brushes, all you have to do is pull it over your fingers, drop some soap on it and rub the brush hair on it. A lot easier than doing it with your hands.
Topshop Gel Liner in Ink – I had never tried liquid liner before so gave this one a go. Keep in mind that you need to apply this with a small and thin brush. Easy to apply and no smudging, which is just what the doctor ordered.
Topshop Chameleon Glow in “Shuffle The Cards” Eyeshadow – I saw this one on the makeup stand and being the magpie that I am, I had to snag it. It was the first time I ever bought a Topshop eyeshadow, by the way. It’s got a lot of glittery particles, but it’s not too pigmented, so you can wear to the office without looking like a total drag queen. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, it’s just that it doesn’t really work for the office. I used it over the Urban Decay primer and it held for almost all day and you can layer it on other colours for a more dramatic effect, if you do want to stand out a bit more. Doubles up as a facial highlighter.
Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation (*) – As always, you will see me gushing over anything by Make Up Forever. The new 4K is the latest in their range of foundations, replacing an old formula. This foundation is easy to apply and provides extremely good coverage without appearing caked. With 40 different shades to choose from, it’s easy to find a perfect match. Finish it off with the Make Up Forever HD powder.
Unite 7 Seconds Condition (*) – Brought this sample back from my visit to Blo and no I don’t want anything else. It’s just the best hair detangler I’ve ever had the opportunity to try, especially as I dye my hair – it repairs hair and locks in colour, among other things. I think I’m going to invest in a full sized bottle.
Too Faced Melted Metal (*) – I have to say that I’d never tried this brand before, but I think I like it. The colour you see above is called Tutu and makes your lips look all pink with a nice shimmery finish. It also smells rather sweet, which I think is nice. I would think of this as an upgraded gloss.
Hugo Boss for Men (*) – I got it as a gift and although it’s a fragrance for men, I find it quite refreshing. As there is no Mr in my life, I shall wear it myself, thank you very much.
Batiste New Stylist Collection (*)- We already know Batiste makes great dry shampoo but they’ve decided to take it up a notch and come up with the new Stylist range. This range includes the Frizz Tamer and the Texturizing Spray you see on the photo above. The Frizz Tamer has been invaluable over the last few days of rain (who knew it was still the Summer, right?) to help keeping my silly hair in check. For tips and ideas on how to use the products to their full potential, check out Batiste’s youtube channel.
CK One Perfume – What can I say about CK One? I walked into Superdrug one day, looking for my usual shampoos and ended up coming out with the shampoos and a bottle of CK One, that cost me only £20. They have amazing promotions every now and then, and for some reason I thought I’d buy this one as I’ve used if when I was in uni. Proust’s madeleine and all that, I guess.
Unite U Oil (*) – another little sample I brought back from Blo. A luxury argan oil that leaves your hair feeling soft and despite having silicones mixed in with a very high percentage of argan oil, it’s still fairly light. It also helps cut down on the blow dry time, so it’s especially useful on those days when you just have to fly out the door but still need to wash your hair. Instant moisture and shine in a small bottle!
Have you tried any of these? Any pressing recommendations?
Items marked (*) have been received as samples.
Last week and after purchasing a discount voucher with a friend, we paid a visit to the blow dry salon Blo, in Covent Garden. It was my first time at a blow dry bar style salon and I was curious as to what kind of services were offered. It was the perfect setting for a girly date!
Before we go any further, it’s worth noting that on a blow dry bar, hair is only styled using, you guessed it, a blow dryer. No scissors nor hair dye are to be found here. This is the perfect place to go if you fancy something a little nicer than your usual regime – before a party or a night out or just because you want to feel nice, as one shouldn’t need any excuses to want to feel pretty.
You may find it strange, but Christmas in July is actually a thing, as brands and shops start gearing up for the next festive season, that is now less than 6 months ahead. I was lucky to be invited to the Debenhams Christmas Press Show 2015 and had a sneak peek of what’s going to be available in the next holiday season. Consider this as a substitute for a wishlist!
Of course, there had to be Christmas jumpers, gingerbread cookies and a lot of glitter! No festive season is really festive without tons of glitter, me thinks.
That time of the month has finally arrived, and I don’t mean THAT time of the month. I mean the time to share and talk about the beauty products I have tried and added to my beauty regime this month.
Makeup Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara (*) – Definitely one of the best mascaras I’ve ever tried. The wand is shaped like a a cone (it looks like a tiny Christmas tree) and is perfect for applying the product from the inner to the outer lashes effectively. The mascara product is quite liquid but thick at the same time and a single application is generous enough to make your eyelashes pop out like you’ve put on some fakes. I’d definitely recommend this product to anyone looking to try a new type of mascara.
Nail polish additions – I can’t resist a nail polish bottle. It’s a real problem for me, I admit it. We have been through this before but in case you missed it last month, here is a photo of the extension of my problem. These cute Nails Inc bottles have been the latest additions to my collection and I found them in TK Maxx. TK Maxx is great for a bargain and the beauty products on offer are no exception.
ARTDECO (*) – I have to admit that I didn’t know this brand existed until I was sent an email offering a couple of samples to try. With a name like that, I was sold immediately, as I love anything Art Deco! My ignorance of the brand is due to the fact that only now they are launching in the UK, despite going for 3o years already in Germany! For this reason, Art Deco are offering a 30% discount on all sales from the website on their most emblematic products. You can find them not only on the website but also at Debenhams. I have tried the Ultra Quick Dry Top Coat (seeing that I love my nail polish, this is great) and the High Precision Liquid Liner (great for my and both work really well
Hello the Mushroom is a blogger turned urban artist. Check out Instagram at @hellothemushroom for frequent updates on artistic endeavours and adventures!
