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skincare

Beauty

Emergency Makeup!

December 8, 2015
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Somewhat recently I had an impromptu stay over at my boyfriend’s and I didn’t have the chance to pack an overnight bag… Fail! that meant I had to run out and buy not only an emergency outfit but also emergency makeup. That’s when I decided I should have a spare makeup bag at his… no point dragging makeup across town every weekend, right?

So I have been slowly been building up a spare set of beauty products at his, with the basics, so I never get caught out in this predicament ever again. These are a few things I have purchased in case of emergency and a few other bits and bobs:

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I ran to Superdrug down the road and stacked up on a few basics:

Superdrug Hairspray Extra Firm 75ml (£0.89) – I don’t really like the smell of this one, but it works and luckily it doesn’t last for long. I use it usually to keep the flyaways stuck to my head. I also got a small bottle, so it can fit snuggly in the makeup bag, along with all the other products I’m now stashing away in his bathroom.

I also took advantage of the 3 for 2 promotion and got me some Barry M products – I like Barry M products in general as they are inexpensive and do their job. I picked up some Barry M Eye Define Liquid Eyeliner (£4.79) in black, Barry M Lash Vegas Mascara Black (£6.49) and a Barry M Cream Blush Peach Melba blusher (£4.49). The eyeliner is good and the brush allows for a precise application. The wand on the mascara isn’t all that great (I got used to the Makeup Forever one, that I really like) but the product is decent and does its job with competence. The blusher is OK and it was really the first time I have used cream blusher more than once in a blue moon. I’m not yet sure if I like it, though. I think I still prefer to apply it with a brush, I think I have better control over what I am doing that way.

I have also been using two great Dermalogica products: Sheer Tint SPF20 (£34.80) and Clear Start (£16.15). When it comes to skincare it’s always good use good products as there is no use scrimping on those.

The Sheer Tint (*) shouldn’t be confused with a BB Cream – it’s a lot more lightweight than that. It’s a moisturiser with SPF20 and a very light colour, that won’t cover imperfections entirely but will make it slightly more uniform, maintaining a very natural look, which I like, for a day-to-day look. Very easy to apply and as it has an oil-free formula, it doesn’t feel sticky on your face either. Lord knows I have enough oil as it is!

The Clear Start™ Skin Soothing Hydrating Lotion (*) is also a hydrating product but I like to wear it on those days that I’ll just stay at home, lounging around in my pyjamas. It’s like a smoothie to your skin – with all the good minerals your skin needs to feel good. Although it’s directed to teens and young adults, as my skin tends to be oily (I’ve said that already, haven’t I?) I find it rather comfortable as it makes it feel a lot “dryer”.

As we are talking about a set of basic products, a nude and versatile set of eyeshadow is also necessary. The Catrice Chocolate Nudes Eyeshadow Palette was a gift from my friend Sandrine and I’ve been wearing it all the time – the tones are rich, some of them matte and others with some shimmer – with a good pigment payoff that’s easy to blend. I also find that it’s long lasting when worn over a primer. As I’m not that gifted as a makeup artist (I never really practised enough), I ind that with this colour collection I get decent looking results!

Another thing I had to get was the Superdrug Nail Polish Remover Acetone Pot, as there is something worse than being seen without nail polish – and that’s being seen with nail polish that’s coming off. It does its job properly and saves me from feeling self-conscious.

These are my emergency products – what are yours?

PS: Products marked with (*) have been gifted by the brand. Words and opinions are my own.

Beauty

What is the future of your skin? Dermalogica will tell you.

March 25, 2015
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Getting older means taking extra care of your skin but sometimes it is hard to know if you’re doing it right, isn’t it? Last week I was invited to a very special event at Dermalogica, where I learned a lot! Curious? You should be, I learned some very interesting things about my skin and my future!

The event was organised by occasion of a few new products that Dermalogica just launched that promise to brighten up the future of our faces!

Continue Reading…

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Beauty – DHC Pore Collection

November 19, 2014

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Another review today here on the blog. This time we are looking at a couple of new products by DHC, from their Pore Collection.  If you’ve been reading the blog for long enough, you will know that I’ve tried some of their products before and have so far been satisfied with the results.

The Pore Collection products seem to be as good as everything else I have tried before. It promises to help with your skin pores, as they tend to widen with age and sun damage. Having a good cleansing routine also helps with the appearance of your skin as it prevents dirt from accumulating and causing those horrible blackheads or pimples. (Did you see about that guy who popped a 20 year old zit? Why would anyone keep a zit for that long? My next question is, why make a video of it? But, I digress…).

Pore Face Wash – A staple in anyone’s beauty routine, the face wash feels gentle on your skin even though it does have exfoliating agents, baking soda and pear juice alpha hydroxy acids. It lathers quite well and leaves your face feeling refreshed without stripping away at your skin, leaving you with a nice grapfruit scent.

Pore Cleansing Oil – The cleansing oil, as its classic counterpart that I have reviewed previously, did not disappoint me either. As always, all makeup and grime gets dissolved away by the water soluble oil, leaving a clean sensation on the skin. This product really is one of my favourites in my beauty routine and this version of it features nine hydrating oils: coconut, argan, evening primrose, olive, grape seed, jojoba, avocado, sesame and rice bran. As well as the face wash, it has a pleasant grapefruit scent.

What beauty products have you tried and liked recently?

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DHC Deep Cleaning Oil and Eyelash Tonic Review

April 29, 2014

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I’ve reviewed a few products in the past as you know, and so far I’ve never really gushed about much, but as with anything in life, there’s always a first time for everything. You see, I don’t really feel like I have to be extra positive about anything just because it was sent to me for a review, although until now I haven’t had any bad experience and I’m happy for that.

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The reason for all this is the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil – it’s a case of ‘Where have you been all my life”? I tried this product and have been using it ever since as I am super happy with it. Basically you pump a bit of oil onto your hand, rub it on your dry face and it will dissolve away all the makeup and grime, as simple as that (and make you look like a panda). I swear I have never seen anything remove all the mascara so well and quickly – forget about all the other makeup removers in the market, this is it. It reminded me of these TV infomercials from the 90’s that advertised this miracle gel that cleaned everything, that’s how good it is.

I’ve read some reviews online by other people saying that it caused their skin to break out but I had no such problem. As with any other skincare product, the reaction might depend on each individual’s skin. I would say that if you aren’t prone to acne or blemishes, that you should try it and see for yourself.

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The DHC Eyelash Tonic, although is heralded as an award winning product, I didn’t feel as enthusiastic about it as with the oil. This is especially indicated for people with weak eyelashes and that’s not really my case, I fortunately have a pretty full natural set of them.  I tried it a few times but as I tend to stay in bed as much as possible every morning (I’m NOT a morning person), some days my makeup routine gets cut into the bare basics, which means that adding an extra product on the eyelashes becomes superfluous. All I can say is that it didn’t hurt, as my eyelashes didn’t fall off.

Both of these products have olive oil as the main ingredient and originate in Japan. Have you tried any of them or any oil based products before?

PS: products have been sent for consideration, opinions expressed are my own.