Showing posts with label healthy mix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy mix. Show all posts

Monday, 3 August 2015

The Best Of: Bourjois


Aloha!

Without a shadow of a doubt, Bourjois is by FAR my No.1 high street make-up brand and for me, it's a no brainer. I mean, what woman wouldn't love high quality and affordable cosmetics that unleash your inner Parisian? So I figured it was about time Bourjois got a well deserved shout out on my blog and although I could happily write many wonderful things about most of their products it's probably best if I just stick to my ultimate favs...   

It's no mystery as to why this is a much loved foundation across the beauty blogging world. This light weight, medium coverage foundation gives you a radiant and flawless complexion for up to 16 hours. Plus it's enriched with 'fruit therapy' to keep your skin youthful, healthy and hydrated. Now normally I steer clear from 'illuminating' foundations, as I have quite oily skin and the outcome can be disastrous! But this foundation is an exception of it's own and universally perfect for all skin types.  

This foundation includes all the best features of the original Radiance Reveal including 16 hour wear and vitamin rich 'fruit therapy' but has a gel like texture that glides across your skin for an even complexion and anti-fatigue effect. This is a great foundation for the summer months when it's warmer and you don't want anything too heavy on your face. It has a very natural finish and gives you the boost you need when you're dragging yourself into work after a wild weekend.  

I recently purchased the beaut on 3 for 2 offer. I don't normally venture too far with primers as I do have some trusty go-to's but Bourjois certainly showed me what I am missing. This feather light primer almost disappears instantly when applied onto skin and provides a velvety smooth base for your foundation. I was pleasantly surprised as it minimised my pores which so far only Benefit Porefessional and Maybelline Baby Skin have been able to do. Additionally it keeps my make-up on all day and prevents my face from getting too oily or shiny. 

Or as most people call it... ''Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer''. I know I'm starting to sound like a stuck record, as this bronzer is mentioned in most of my make-up posts, so don't worry I'll keep this short and sweet. Aside from the fact this smells like chocolate, yes chocolate. This ultra soft bronzer is perfect for that must have summer glow and it can even be used to contour. I love using this because it's build-able and blends so evenly you can't go wrong! As you can see I'm naturally really pale and as a pale girl it's really hard to find a bronzer that doesn't make me look orange (fellow red heads you know what I'm sayin') However, this divine powder perfection allows me to bronze happy without fear of looking like an Oompa Loompa. 

This long lasting concealer is perfect for concealing imperfections naturally. Sometimes when you try and cover dark circles or blemishes, with a heavy duty concealer, it can have an adverse affect and accentuate the problem further. This yellow based, concentrated concealer disguises dark circles and imperfections in a natural way, whilst providing essential 'fruit therapy', the apricot provides radiance, the melon leaves skin moisturised and the raspberry acts as a 'micro-circulation activator' (I don't know what that means either) BUT after using the product for a few days the puffy-ness under my eyes was noticeably reduced and, due to it's subtle light reflecting pigment, I did feel my skin looked more radiant and glowey. 

Let's head back to 1879 when Bourjois launched a best selling cult classic. Now, as Bourjois celebrates it's 150th birthday the Java Rice powder is re-born! The packaging initially drew me towards this product so when I found out the lid is a replica of the original 1879 packaging I was left in awe of it. It's one of the finest powders I have ever come across and although translucent, it contains different tones. This delicately scented powder sets make-up perfectly and can also be used to add shimmer to your cheek bones leaving you with a beautiful glow. One shade suits all but just bare in a mind, use sparingly, you don't want to end up looking like a disco ball!

I kinda feel bad for writing about this one as I'm 80% sure it's been discontinued (boo). I mean it's not been in any Boots or Superdrug's in ages and isn't available online so? If anyone has any more info or knows where you can buy this please share! This eye liner was inspired by the revolutionary art technique of Pointillism (Dotting). This 24 hour eye liner has three separate points that create dots on your lash line. These dots then join together in one easy, fail proof application. It takes a bit of getting used to but once you've got the hang of it fine lines and winged eyes are a breeze.   

If I'm getting ready for a big night out I will always reach for this baby. It's exactly like a felt tip pen and allows you to create thin, thick, soft or bold strokes like a pro! It's one of the easiest liquid eye liners I've ever used and is completely jet black with no grey streaks. This eye liner is sure to stay smudge proof and lasts 24 hours so you can dance the night away without risking the appearance of the dreaded panda eyes!

Neeks ☯

Monday, 6 April 2015

My Top 3 High Street Concealers


Aloha!

Let's just cut to the chase.. Concealer is probably more important to me than foundation and was the very first make-up product I bought as a teenager, so I guess in some ways, it was my gateway product which lead me into this vast cosmetic world. I have spent numerous hours reading reviews, testing products and watching videos in search for the best concealers that will leave my skin looking flawless; without spending a fortune! So, as I was carefully analysing each concealer I own, I realised that these chosen three are the only concealers that I have re-purchased and therefore deserve a shout out! 


Max Factor Mastertouch Concealer £7.99
I actually bought this on a whim with a promotional offer but I was pleasantly surprised. This concealer has been specifically tailored for under eye coverage however, I've felt it's versatile formula works really well when covering blemishes. It's light-defusing creamy formula is perfect for a smooth application and the soft applicator makes touching up on the go simple and effective. You can use the applicator to blend the concealer but I prefer to use an actual brush as I don't feel the applicator provided is sufficient enough. It's the type of concealer you twist at the bottom and the liquid comes out through the applicator, meaning it's cost effective as you're not wasting any product. Overall it's a great concealer and has excellent coverage, the only downfall is unfortunately it doesn't last very long in comparison with other concealers I've tried. 

7/10

This is probably my favorite out of the three and, due to it's concentrated formula, has lasted me longer than the other two combined! Now I am a BIG fan of Bourjois' 'healthy mix' range and this oil-free concealer is no exception. Infused with 'fruit therapy', the apricot provides radiance, the melon leaves skin moisturised and the raspberry acts as a 'micro-circulation activator' (I don't know what that means either) BUT after using the product for a few days the puffy-ness under my eyes was noticeably reduced and, due to it's subtle light reflecting pigment, I did feel my skin looked more radiant and glowey.  This concealer is yellow based so perfect for covering dark circles and acne scars, It also did a good job in covering my spots. One thing I would suggest is to blend with a stippling or fluffy concealer brush as fingers can make it look a bit smeary. Also, it's although it's quite thick in consistency, it's very 'wet' so I tend to let it set for about 30 seconds before I blend it in.  

8/10

Bourjois Happy Light Concealer £8.99
Another Bourjois concealer that I'm a big fan of and would recommend to anyone. It's a soft cream concealer that comes in a cute little pot with a mirror for perfect on the go touch ups! It's thick in consistency but doesn't feel heavy on the skin (if used sparingly!) it's pretty heavy duty so conceals dark circles and blemishes well. I also think it's great for subtle highlighting an contouring plus it's very similar to 'Benefit's Erase Paste' (except it's over half the price). This is is one of the very few products I actually prefer to blend with my fingers and this is because the warmth from my finger tips melts the product slightly, making it a lot easier to blend. The only thing I would say is it's very easy to get carried away and use too much! So, begin by dabbing this in light layers, where you wish to conceal, and then build it up so you get to grips with how much to use. Apparently this can also be used as an eye shadow primer but I must admit I haven't tried it SO if you have, please comment below with some feedback!

7/10

So there you have it, my top three high street concealers. If any of you have tried these or know of any other brands which worked better for you then please lemme know as I'd love to hear all about them! 

Neeks x

Friday, 24 January 2014

My Go To Everyday Make-Up With Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette


Aloha!

So I'm sure I'm not the only one that has a go-to make-up look? Those of you that don't have one you're missing out! And those of you that do have one know that a go-to make-up look has to be versatile, easy and quick! (V. important) So what exactly is this used for? Well for me I use it when I've overslept, have no idea what day it is and in all the confusion realise I only have 20 minutes to get out the door. This has been my go-to for about a month now and has never let me down, the great thing about it is I know exactly what I need so there is no faffing around with different shades of lippy and what not. Plus it looks as though I've made an acceptable amount of effort for the work place. (It actually it took me 10 minutes as I was gulping down a cuppa tea, shh!)  


Face: I started off with my Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser (very similar to the POREfessional for those who want to read my comparison click here). I then used a large stippling brush to buff in my Bourjois Radiance Reveal Foundation (for my review click here). I do have an on going battle with under eye circles and blemishes so covering these with my Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer gives me an extra confidence boost. I then dab on some Top Shop Afternoon Tea Cream Blush and set with Kryolan Translucent Powder. Dab some Benefit High Beam on the cheek bones and you have an even complexion with a healthy glow (all in under 5 minutes!) 

Eyes/ Lips: I always start by filling in my brows with the Rimmel Eye Brow Pencil (Hazel) first as it gives me a frame to work with. I then prime my eye lids with the Original Urban Decay Primer Potion and begin to apply my eye make-up. I used Limit on the lids, Nooner in the crease and Mugshot in the outter corner. I then used Strange to highlight under my brows, in the inner corner and a dash on the centre of the eye lids for bigger, brighter eyes (All these shades are from Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette). Next a lick of Rimmel's Glam Eye's Liquid Eyeliner and a coat of Max Factor's False Lash Effect Mascara to complete the eye look. All that's left to do now is apply a bit of lippy! (I used Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick (Rose Millesime)


What I really like about this make-up look is that it's easy to wear and quite fresh faced. The Top Shop blush and Bourjois lippy compliment the Naked 3 palette really nicely for a summery trio. The lipstick is quite light and glossy yet gives you a sweet splash of colour. And there you have it an easy go-to make-up look that only takes 10 minutes! 

What's your go-to make-up look?

Neeks x