Wonders of Beauty: 2011

Lips - 15:29

Mary Kay Liquid Lip Colour

Mary Kay Liquid Lip Colour - Sherbet.. ♥ " A cool treat for lips in a mouthwatering shade. Mary Kay® Liquid Lip Color in Sherbet combi...

Review: Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder..♥

Click image to enlarge

Hello beauts I hope you all had a Merry Christmas yesterday and received all that you had hoped for!

Remember a while back in one of my "What's New" posts I mentioned buying the Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder? Well I've been using it for long enough now to be able to tell you all about it and the miracles that this product performs.

"From the creator of the Flawless Face comes a breakthrough in setting powder. Laura Mercier introduces one invisible formula that works for all skin tones, from light to deep. Her new powder contains unique light-reflecting, micro-refined spherical silica powders that help create a soft-focus appearance, diminishing the look of fine lines and imperfections while visibly smoothing skin."

I had been looking for a translucent/invisible setting powder and initially I was going to purchase the MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Powder but somehow I got convinced to buy the Laura Mercier powder even though there's a huge price difference between them. But saying that, I actually do not regret buying the Laura Mercier one because it did prove to be well worth the price.

I usually use a small amount of this to set my foundation focusing mainly on my t-zone to avoid any shine whatsoever from coming through and under-eye to prevent my concealer from creasing.

Finish:

This product leaves you with a very professional finish. It softens and blurs imperfections to give you a flawless face. It is far from powdery or cakey so it doesn't look like you've just coated your face with powder.

Shades:

This powder comes in one shade for all. It is a universal shade that can be worn by the palest or darkest skin tone because it is invisible.

Packaging:

Because this is a loose powder, it is bound to be messy so you have to be very careful if not you can waste a lot of product from accidental spillages. Besides that you get 11.3g of product which in my opinion should last a very long time as you only need to use a small amount.

Price and Availability:

It costs £29! I know this is expensive for a powder but believe me it is of great quality. You can purchase it from any of the Laura Mercier counters (Selfridges, Fenwick, House of Fraser, John Lewis) or alternatively from the websites of these stores.

Overall thoughts:

All in all though the price of this product can be off-putting, I think that it is worth the price. I absolutely love the finish of it because it gives your face a very smooth appearance. It is a great product to set your foundation with and I have noticed that my makeup looks much more fresh for longer. When using this product I do not get any shine at all and my makeup does not require any touch ups throughout the day. I really do believe that this is a miracle powder! I never have to worry about my makeup once I've used it.

I normally apply it with a sponge as I feel that this method works best for me but it's down to you to play around with it and see which application method you favour most.

Do you own or will you be purchasing this powder?

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Laura Mercier - 21:36

Review: Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder

Review: Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder.. ♥ Click image to enlarge Hello beauts I hope you all had a Merry Christmas yest...

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage..♥

Since we're on the topic of primers, I thought this would be a good opportunity to review the primer that I'm currently using.

"An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil and evens out skin redness. Improves the laydown and application of foundation or powder"

I can honestly say that I agree with every claim (apart from "evens out skin redness" as I do not suffer from this) that MAC has made about this primer.

I use this primer after moisturising but before my foundation application and I must say that it is a crucial step in my foundation routine as it leaves me with a flawless finish when my makeup is complete. As soon as it is applied, my skin instant looks smooth and it most definitely makes me glow. The primer has small light reflecting particles in it which makes your skin look very radiant and healthy.

Once you've put this on, you'll want to keep touching your face because of how smooth is feels!

When I've run out, it doesn't feel right and I don't feel comfortable when I don't use this primer because it really does makes that much of a difference.

Packaging:

The only thing I find annoying is the packaging. It comes in a black opaque bottle and you can never tell when you're about to run out until it does.

It has a pump which dispenses a good amount of product so you are never actually wasting any.

I normally use two pumps for my whole face.

Price:
The retail price for this product is £18 for 30ml/1.0 us fl oz. At first it seems quite expensive but it is actually good value for money because it lasts about 6months; well for me anyway.

Availability:
This primer can be purchased from anywhere that sells MAC products. Click here to check it out on the MAC website.

Overall Thoughts:
Overall I think this product is great to have if you're looking to achieve that flawless look. You will benefit from this a lot especially if you have visible pores, fine lines or uneven skin texture because it really does help the skin to appear much smoother. Not only can it be worn under your makeup but for those who do not wear foundation, this product can also be used alone making your natural skin look very healthy, smooth and radiant.

As it is a primer and is silicone based, blending of makeup is much easier and it helps your makeup last much longer than it usually would if you were not to use a primer. It also helps control oil so your face stays shine-free for much longer.

I will say that not everyone will like this primer due to the light reflecting particles even though they are very small and not that noticeable once your foundation is on but it does make you look radiant. I guess it's a matter of preference really.

Has anyone else tried this primer? If so what are your thoughts?

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MAC - 18:39

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Skin Base Visage.. ♥ Since we're on the topic of primers, I thought this would be a good opportunity to rev...

Back To Basics - 01:16

Back to Basics | Face Primers

Image Source: Google Using a primer is very important when wearing makeup. I would say it was a must to use one for that perfect finis...

Image Source: Google

Knowing your skin type is very important not only because it determines the type of makeup you use but also aids in deciding which skin care products you need to either improve or maintain your skin. Some say there are mainly 5 different skin types but personally I believe there's only 4 because in my opinion anyone with any of the 4 skin types can also suffer from sensitivity.

The 4 that I would classify as general skin types are:

1. Dry Skin

People with dry skin usually suffer from flakiness and dehydration. Your skin will lack moisture, oil and also elasticity. The skin may also appear dull as a result. Those with dry skin are more prone to fine lines or wrinkles. Dry skin will feel tight especially after you've washed and dried your face so moisturising with a hydrating cream is very important.
Try to avoid alcohol based products because this may dry your skin out even more which you certainly do not want!

2. Oily Skin

With oily skin, the skin produces oil excessively which results in a shiny face majority of the time. Those with this skin type often tend to have enlarged pores as well. You may suffer from blemishes more often than any other skin type due to the over production of oil. It is very common to suffer from acne with this skin type. Oily skin can be controlled by using the right products. Just because you have oily skin doesn't mean you shouldn't moisturise because this could potentially worsen the situation. Just look for a light or oil-free moisturiser.
Your aim is to also keep your pores clean so be sure to cleanse twice a day!

3. Combination Skin

Apparently most people have combination skin. Combination skin is when your t-zone (forehead, nose area and chin) is oily and the rest of your face is dry. You may suffer from spots on your t-zone as a result. This can be seen as a tricky skin type to work with because you are dealing with two different skin types on one face therefore you will need to use different products in different areas to treat this. You will need to treat the dry area of your skin as you would treat dry skin and control the oily parts of your skin as you would with someone who solely has oily skin.

4. Normal Skin

Though this skin type is seen as normal that doesn't mean that it doesn't require effort to maintain the skin type because it does! Normal skin isn't too oily nor is it too dry; it tends to be a balance where oil or dryness is not in excess. It is important that you keep the balance in your skin. This can be achieved through using certain products which have been designed and developed to aid in maintaining the pH balance in skin. Those with normal skin also have smooth, well hydrated skin and very rarely suffer from spots.

I hope these brief descriptions of skin types have helped you or maybe taken you that one step further to determining your skin type. It's important so you know how to care for and treat your skin in order to achieve beautiful results and that its fullest potential is reached.

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Back To Basics - 23:08

Back To Basics | Do You Know Your Skin Type?

Image Source: Google Knowing your skin type is very important not only because it determines the type of makeup you use but also aids i...

Entry for giveaway - 22:10

Entry For Melissa's Wardrobe Christmas Giveaway

Entry For Melissa's Wardrobe Christmas Giveaway.. ♥ Melissa from http://melissaswardrobe.blogspot.com is holding an internation Chris...

Gone are the days where I would buy every product which had a good review on YouTube or Blogger. I've realised that less is more with facial products (well for my skin anyway).

Obviously this post is just about products I use daily that work for me and what works for me may not necessarily work for you.

About My Skin

• In order to determine my skin type I visited Clinique for a quick consultation as I wasn't 100% sure of what skin type I had and I wanted to make sure I was using the right type of products for it. She asked me a few questions and felt my skin, then came to a conclusion that I had normal skin. She did mention that Clinique do not make products specifically for normal skin and that if I do decide to buy their 3-step kit, I should purchase dry combination (type 2). Normal skin requires good maintenance of pH balance in the skin but I haven't really started looking into that yet.

• I've suffered from dry skin in the past as I used to have Eczema but over the years after prescribed creams and lotions I do not suffer from Eczema on my face.

• I would say though I have normal skin, my skin is also sensitive and I develop rashes and irritations on my face mainly when I've had an allergy to either food or a facial product.

• I also very rarely suffer from spots and I don't have the most even complexion.

My Current Routine

1. If I am wearing makeup, I start off by using my Nivea Visage Facial Cleansing Wipes For Normal/Combination Skin to remove as much makeup as I can from my face. (Night)

2. I then splash hot water on my face to open my pores and apply two pumps of No.7 Hot Cloth Cleanser in a circular motion. I let this cleanser sit for about 10mins before washing it off. Initially I was using this with a muslin cloth but I couldn't be bothered to buy a new cloth (lazy I know) so now I just use my hands or sometimes my sponge to wash it off. I remove this cleanser using circular upwards motions and rinse using lukewarm water. I feel this cleanser really helps remove the traces of makeup that couldn't be removed by wipes. (Night)

3. After using the hot cloth cleanser, I wash my face using Grisi Seaweed Soap. I have used this soap for years and even after trying new soaps, I will always run back to this as it is my favourite. It really makes my skin feel lovely and hydrated and I feel weird if it is not used. (Morning/Night)

4. Once my face is clean and all traces of foundation has been removed, I pat my face dry with a towel and use Clinique Take Off The Day Eyes, Lids and Lips Remover just to make sure all traces of eyeliner/mascara which was not removed by the above products is removed. I know I use the remover in a funny order and it should be one of the first things but I guess I've made it a habit of using it at this point. (Click here for a review). (Night)

5. I wipe my face in circular motions using Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads just to guarantee a spot free face. I love this product! (Click here for a review). (Morning/Night)

6. And finally, I moisturise my face using Renew Intensive Skin Therapy. I recommend this moisturising lotion to those with skin on the drier side as it is very soothing and helps your skin retain moisture. I use it daily and it is very good for when I suffer from irritations. (Morning/Night)

Although I don't have a picture, I moisturise my lips with MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner for soft lips when I wake up.

As requested by one of my readers, this is my current skincare routine. This is what works for me and keeps my skin hydrated, smooth and free from blemishes. I do not skip my routine regardless of whether I am tired or not because I care a lot about it.

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Skin care - 01:36

My Current Daily Skincare Routine

Gone are the days where I would buy every product which had a good review on YouTube or Blogger. I've realised that less is more wi...

Giveaway - 16:37

100 Followers MAC Lipstick Giveaway WINNER

MAC Lipstick Giveaway Winner.. ♥ Congratulations Wynell ! I will be sending you an email shortly in order for you to state which lipsti...

I've decided to start a series called "Back To Basics" which will be posts about basic important information for those of you who are just starting out with makeup or maybe you just wanted to know a little bit more about it.

I am no professional so all posts will be about what I've learnt over the years from other sources.

The first Back To Basics post will be about face shapes. It is so important for us to determine our face shapes so that we can base our hair and makeup around it and know what suits us best.

In this post I will be defining the different shapes we may have.

1. Oval

Due to the symmetry of an oval face, it has been said that this face shape is the most ideal and perfect to have as it is proportioned well and balanced. It is narrower at the forehead and chin and slightly more broad at the cheeks. Because of its perfect proportions, it is an easier face shape to work with so things such as eyebrow shapes do not really need consideration.

2. Round

A rounded face has fuller cheeks than an oval shaped face therefore making the face nearly twice as wide as it is long. The face also has a rounded chin and curved hairline/forehead. Those with this face shape tend to look younger and retain youthfulness.

Contouring is often used with this face shape to create angles and a more defined bone structure.

3. Heart

The heart shape face is wider at the forehead and temples and narrows down to a pointed chin. Those with a prominent heart face shape will also have a hairline that mimics the round bumps of a heart.

4. Square

A square shaped face is as wide at the jawline as it is at the cheeks and forehead. The hairline is often straight as well. The squared face can be softened by contouring under your cheekbones and temples.

5. Triangle
Triangle shaped faces are wide at the jawline and narrower at the forehead.
Width can be added to the face by contouring under your cheekbones.

6. Diamond

Diamond shaped faces are narrower at the forehead, jawline and chin whilst wider at the cheekbones. People with this face shape tend to have high cheekbones because of this, no contouring under the cheekbone is needed.

Hope this helps in some way if you were trying to identify your face shape. The key is knowing what suits your face shape best so now maybe you can do research on makeup and hairstyles to suit your shape.

Don't forget my giveaway ends 30th November at midnight (GMT)!

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Back To Basics - 19:54

Back to Basics | Defining Your Face Shape

I've decided to start a series called "Back To Basics" which will be posts about basic important information for those of yo...

Nails - 18:04

NOTD: Essie - Bahama Mama

Achieved with two coats Hey beauties Gosh it has been a week. Sorry! Been a while since I've done a NOTD post so I just ...

Helloooo ♥

From the title I'm sure it is pretty obvious that I've come to rave about a product lol

Today's product rave is about 'Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads'.

"Deep cleansing action to help clear and prevent breakouts"

Now I'm sure there will be many of you out there who are battling spots but can't find a solution. I'm not saying this will be a miracle product for you but just a suggestion that you may want to give it a go and see how it works with your skin.

I had spot free skin up until maybe last year September, then when I got to uni I would get the occasional spot here and there. It wasn't severe and any spot I did have would be quite small anyway but I just wasn't used to it and I've always said spots were one of my biggest fears so when I did get them I would make a fuss. Since then I started paying more attention to looking after my skin and bought so many products to try and get rid of any spot I did have but some didn't work and some just made it worse.

All this while my best friend kept going on about the Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads but I never really paid much attention because she had perfect skin anyway and I thought she was just exaggerating. My sister had a huge reaction from using a Clearasil product (her face swelled up and everything!) so that also made me a bit skeptical about buying this. But you know me, I always give in when it comes to buying beauty products so one day when I was in Wilkinson I stumbled across it and thought it was time to give it a go! Since my purchase I have never looked back!

"The textured pads exfoliate skin while the spot fighting formula penetrates deep into pores to help clear and prevent breakouts"

With this product, I am back to having the smooth spot-free skin I once had and haven't suffered a break out since.

I know everyone's skin is different and what may work for me may not work for you but I just thought I'd share this great product with you anyway.

I use 1-2 pads both in the morning and evening after I've washed my face. I know you're not meant to over-exfoliate but I'm really fussy and I will wipe this over my face until I've got a clear pad so that I know my face is clean that is why sometimes I use 2 pads instead of 1.

Pack quantity: 65 pads

Price: £3.58 from Wilkinsons

Availability: Most drug stores/Pharmacies, Wilkinsons, Morrisons, Tesco, Sainsburys, Boots, Asda, etc

Will you be trying this out?

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Skin care - 18:39

Product Rave | Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads

Helloooo ♥ From the title I'm sure it is pretty obvious that I've come to rave about a product lol Today's product rave...

If you can remember, a couple of months ago I made a post on a few Clinique samples that my mum was given when she made a purchase (for those who cannot remember or may not have seen the post, just click here). The bag of samples included a small sized bottle of a make up remover called 'Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips'.

"Makeup remover for lids, lashes and lips. Unique, two-way formula that loosens the grip, then speeds the departure of the most persistent, eye makeups, mascara and lipsticks. Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for contact lens wearers."

One thing I do not like doing is sleeping with makeup on my face. In my opinion wipes is not enough to thoroughly get your makeup off and it usually does not fully remove my eye makeup. After sampling this, I realised that a day cannot go by without me using it so I purchased a full sized bottle. This product does a very good job at removing my eyeliner and mascara without any traces of them left. Usually I find it hard removing mascara but this remover is good for even the most stubborn eye and lip makeups.

Ever had a lipstick that just won't come off and stains your lips? Well I have and it can be so annoying. When I want a product removed, I want it removed completely. I hate being left with stains and traces! Since I've been using the remover, I've never had this problem as it removes every last bit of eye and lip makeup (I don't wear eye-shadow so I'm not sure how well it removes that).

I usually use a large oval cotton pad for removal.

This makeup remover feels like it is oil-based but it does not leave your skin feeling greasy! It makes your eye and lip area feel so soft as it gently but effectively removes product.

Enough of me going on and on about how well this product works but I will conclude and say this is the best remover I've used to date.

By the way, I do not use this to remove foundation as it is not specified for this use and Clinique has another product for this.

For All Skin Types

Price: £14.50 (Currently on offer for £13.05 at Debenhams and John Lewis (online)

Size: 125ml

Availability: All Clinique counters, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser. (Also available online)