Clinique Even Better Foundation

Sunday is a day of rest for people in many aspects, and I try to make sure that I include my skin as well. If I know that I am not really going anywhere I will cleanse, tone and moisturise then leave my skin to relax and breathe. I feel that a foundation should feel like having a second skin, that it is not a chore to apply; where there is no heaviness, no unsightly blend line, and no adverse reaction. It should give you that flawless, fresh faced look people are envious of.

I've been using this foundation for some time now. I did my homework, and trawled the beauty counters, asking for samples of foundations that I have read good reviews about. That was fun. Clinique offered me a very generous sample of this foundation which lasts up to 5 days. I knew after this time that this was the one. It may seem a lot of effort to go to, but when you are putting this product on your skin everyday, paying a good amount of money and expecting results, you need to be sure.

So, what is it like? I really love the consistency, it is slightly thicker and yes, needs a little more effort to blend in, but it is worth it. (Using a good foundation brush is best). It also comes with an SPF 15, so your skin is protected from those winter rays! The coverage is really good, not too heavy, but creates a lovely flawless finish with a slightly dewy look. The foundation dries off after a couple of minutes and bronzer and blush can be applied with no dragging. There is no scent and I have had no dryness or outbreaks. I tried to use the Clinique cleansing system and that failed miserably, so was a little wary, but the foundations seem to be really good. 

After being matched at the Clinique counter, the colour Cream Chamois suited me best, which I must say is a lovely match. There is also some warmth in there for the winter. The longevity of the foundation is very good. I usually apply my makeup quite early around 7.00am and remove about the same time in the evening. I have never felt desperate to remove it, or felt my skin is dehydrated. The marketing wording promotes that the skin is meant to be left 'even and corrected', which yes, I can say that it is. The bottle of foundation is not very big, although I am consistent on how much I need to use each time now, so it will be interesting to see how long it lasts. The product simply pours out of the spout, which is better for me than having a pump action one. 

Choosing a foundation became a little bit of an obsession for me. I had a price range of around £25 that I wanted to stay within, and there are many brands to choose from. This foundation was £24.50 so fell well within what I wanted to spend. I would advise that you use the sample service offered by the beauty counters, as it can save you from having any unwanted skin reactions and also from wasting money on a foundation that you just can't use. Overall, I am impressed with the foundation and I am glad that I gave it go and hope that it becomes a clear favourite for me.

If you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact me at the usual places highlighted below. Bye for now!

Twitter @clarity_beauty 










 
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Oh Babor!

It is not very often that I receive the morning post and squeal like a little girl on Christmas Day, once the postman has walked away! The products that caused this sudden wave of hysteria are the Babor Reversive range, a wonderfully elegant, state of the art, anti-ageing cream and eye cream.  Hmm, I wonder how many of you are reaching for those search engines........? 
This is how the range is described: "The anti-aging REVERSIVE range contains an exclusive BABOR precision formula with active ingredients Telovitin, Agicyl, Epocyl and Lumicol. Skin's individual youthful radiance is restored and feels silky to the touch".

I will go into more details about the actual creams inside the canisters shortly, but firstly I have to share my initial thoughts on my new love affair. I must admit, on first opening the creams, I was completely taken aback by the beautiful colour (a stunning metallic brown), quality and down right elegance of the bottles. Highly polished metal, slimline and almost engineered to fit snugly into your hand for ease of use.  At first, I was almost in awe of them and didn't want to use them in case I smudged the beautifully polished appearance, however, that soon wore off. Aesthetically, there is nothing I could improve on, there is even a handy little gauge at the side to let you know when the product is getting low. These bottles are like glamorous accessories for your bedroom dressing table, but with a lot more substance.

Babor Reversive anti-aging cream
This is the taller one of the two. I made sure that I prepared my skin well before I used this, as I felt it deserved my full attention. I cleansed, toned and then pressed some of the cream out onto my finger. One full push on the button releases the perfect amount for the face. From the moment I massaged it into my skin, I was hooked. Everything oozes class, the smell, the consistency, the feel, just everything. I may sound a little gushing, but it really is something every woman should try and decide for themselves. I have used this product for two weeks following the same cleansing routine morning and night and there is no doubt that my skin feels plumper and smoother (and that is with a bout of illness thrown in for good measure)! I am very fortunate that I do not have significant wrinkles yet, but I can see how crow lines or laughter lines could be reduced or maintained to an appropriate level. The cream itself has the perfect texture and is absorbed rapidly without any sticky residue. The scent is subtle but seductive, and it leaves an almost heady aroma. I apply a primer under my foundation and even with this, my skin felt supple and not heavy in anyway.
Babor Reversive Anti-aging eye cream
This eye cream does not disappoint. The cream is slightly heavier in consistency and a little more transparent in colour, however it still rubs in beautifully without any heaviness around the eye area. Neither of these points affect the application of concealer or highlighter. I have used many different brands of eye cream over the years, some have been okay, some have promised the reduction of dark circles and brighter eyes (but to no avail) and some have been a real irritant to my eye area. I'm always very wary of piling on an unknown cream as it is such a delicate area and you really need to trust the product. From using this brand (and doing a lot of research) I completely trust this brand and the product. I have applied the eye cream religiously morning and night, and I feel like it is working. My eye area (to the naked eye) hasn't really changed over the last couple of weeks, but it just feels different, it is very hard to describe. I'm afraid I can become a little bored with a product if I do not see a difference, but these two have kept me interested and I have and will maintain my cleansing and moisturising ritual until the very last drop! Who knows, with these two power houses, I may be transformed back into my young twenties self!

I have read the history and journey of the Babor product range. I love the ethos behind them and I especially love that you can buy a professional product with results, without the need to visit a salon. The cost is a lot more than say buying a simple L'Oreal face cream, however the expertise, ingredients and technology that back up these creams is second to none. It's not too late to pop some of these products onto your Christmas wish list, I promise you, you will not be disappointed.

I hope that you have enjoyed my extra special product review, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the usual places, bye for now!

Twitter @clarity_beauty 

  
*PR samples used
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Let's get Festive!

Nothings says Christmas better than bright, bold or sparkly digits! I have been busy picking out five of my favourite polishes especially for you.  I've gone from uber sparkly to smokey dark to compliment that seductive black dress you have been dying to wear. Let's begin....
Left pinky - Essie Hors d'oeuvres
Honestly, this is not a polish that in the past I would have chosen, as I'm not a massive 'glitter on nails' kind of girl, however this I love. It requires two coats to ensure that a block of colour is achieved, and it is subtly 'bling' without looking cheap. The polish dried really quickly, and the surface of the nail was not rough considering the larger specs of glitter that it contains. A bonus of wearing a polish of this nature is longevity, the chips are well disguised. I would definitely put this colour on my toes with open toed sandals for a party or even a summer wedding. A little tip for removal of this varnish. Soak the cotton wool pad with the remover and hold on the nail for a couple of minutes to dissolve the polish before wiping away. The removal of all glitter can be a little time consuming!

Wedding finger - NAILSINC Hanover Square 
I have worn this polish for some time now, and it is one of my favourites in terms of wear ability, coverage and drying time. The colour is rich but perfectly acceptable for day to evening wear. It isn't high gloss but has a slight shine which is perfect. A little tip: This polish is perfect for complimenting silver coloured jewelry (rings especially), it just seems to throw the colour of the metal up against your skin. It's a perfect excuse to go out and buy some if you haven't got any!
Middle finger - Crabtree & Evelyn Apple/Rouge Sublime
It's nothing new to say that I love this nail varnish, hence why it is in my top five festive polishes. The colour is gorgeous, a shimmery red, moderate shine and fantastic in terms of durability. It dries in minutes so the second coat can be applied and you are ready to party! It is a running theme with all the C&E nail lacquers, as I have a light brown shade called sand/beige sable (which has just appeared in my collection), and it is exactly the same. I have worn this in the day, on the school run, shopping etc and also out for dinner and I feel happy wearing it in all situations. 

Forefinger - Nail Paint by Barry M Raspberry 273  
This polish is great for this time of year. The colour shouts out Autumn/Winter, cuddly jumpers and warm boots. I find the colour to be more of a wine colour than Raspberry, as it is much darker with the second coat. These polishes have a really good brush so you can create a nice straight edge next to the cuticle and the paint glides on well, however you wouldn't really get away with just one coat. The only downside to this varnish is the drying time. I was comparing the drying time to the C&E varnish but it didn't come up to scratch in that department. Make sure you leave plenty of time before you need to go out.
Thumb - Nail Paint by Barry M Dusky Mauve 313
I just love reading the names of nail varnishes across nail polish brands, who creates them? It would be the best job to come up with amazing descriptive names. Anyway, my final varnish today is another Barry M. I know I said that the drying aspect is a little disappointing, but only if you are in a hurry. I tend to ensure I do my nails the night before so I have plenty of time, it's a therapeutic process for me. Coming back to this varnish, I really like the colour. It is almost grey, but in some lights it is purple and others there is a hint of green and shimmery pink that flashes through. It is not as bold as the other selections but it certainly makes an impression. It could be worn with an array of different coloured outfits, at work, meals out and it would compliment them well. 
And finally.  Due to the dark colours of these nail varnishes, please please, always apply a good quality base coat. I always use the OPI natural nail base coat. Not only will this help to reduce the drying effects of the varnish on the nail but it will reduce staining. I have found that a maximum of five days is the limit to ensure my nails stay healthy and happy.

Happy painting and please leave me your thoughts: 

Twitter @clarity_beauty 
 
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Can you really Spa at Home?

Well all I can say is that this has been a really tough post to research............Okay, it hasn't, it has been wonderful! I don't think I have ever felt so pampered, buffed and smooth (apart from my week in a St.Lucia Spa Resort, but that is a distant memory)! I also do have a bath to die for, and if I am really honest, I have used it more in the past week than I have in a year, how bad is that?

So, to continue.  I chose four 'at home' spa products to conduct my research, and it is amazing how you can 'make' time to relax and take time out if you really want to, even with the demands of little people, work and being a domestic goddess! I would thoroughly recommend it to.

ESPA Relaxing Salt Scrub    
Here we go with this scrub number 1. I used some normal Sanex bubbles in the bath, and ensured that my legs were shaven etc so I got the best results possible (prior to this use).  The look of the sachets, which actually are quite big, are simple and clear with the ESPA branding and a delightful description on the back. Marketing speak has won me over again! Joking aside, the smell is the first thing to hit you, very heady with essential oils, wonderful.  Practically, getting the product out was a little tricky being a sachet (possibly use a pair of scissors to slice the top off) , but there is a good amount of the salts in there so I took a good helping and began. Try to cup your hand when scrubbing, as the salts will tend to fall away, but the almond oil maintains on the skin. My skin was left smooth and oily (in a good way) and relaxing in the warm water creates a real sense of relaxation along with the smell filling the bathroom.  I enjoyed the experience, and I still have a good couple of uses left, bonus!

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Bath & Shower Oil  
Giving my skin a rest from the salt scrubs, I chose this oil next. All I can say is a little oil goes a long way in use and smell! Wow, if you don't like strong aromatherapy scents then this is not a product for you. I decided to use this in the bath initially which I must say left my skin very soft and with a lasting scent. I did find it to be a little overpowering in a bath setting and so I decided to use it in the shower the next morning. This was a much better idea. I enjoyed this product so much more, using a splash here and there, having a lovely aroma mixed with the steam, it was thoroughly refreshing.  As crazy as this sounds, my jeans and jumper smelled of the oil the whole day, so it definitely worked and absorbed into my skin.

Roques ONeil Therapie Himalayan Rock Salts
Bath experience no 2 was again lovely. It is very difficult to say anything negative about these salts as the smell is divine, the after effects on my skin and well being was noticeable which is definitely what you would want from salts that are this expensive.  The description on the reverse of the salts sachet was very in depth and almost medicinal which did throw me a little. They are certainly designed to give you a full body makeover from your mind to your limbs, and providing you allow yourself to be 'enveloped by the healing properties' it can give you a sense of renewed energy. The only sensation that didn't come through was the 'warm' skin afterwards, I didn't get this.  However I did feel really chilled and slept very well.  I think the difference in having a bath just before going to bed and having a bath then continuing with watching TV or work will have an impact on the productivity of using these salts. Overall, a very pleasing outcome.

ESPA Invigorating Salt Scrub
As you can see, it has been extremely tiring for me collating enough experiences to bring you this post, but here is the last product, the last sachet of salt scrub. Now this scrub certainly packs a punch.  I was chatting with girlfriends about this today, joking about how this isn't the scrub you should use in the winter due to it's 'cooling' properties, then all the stories come out of other products that have chilled us to the bone. I thought I would use this in the shower for this trial, as previously I had used the relaxing scrub in the bath and they can be used in both. I did find that the shower tended to wash it off a lot more quickly than in the bath, obviously, so I didn't feel I got the best scrub experience.  The oil did not factor as heavily either. On reflection, this may not be the worst thing to happen, considering the menthol soon kicks in and in my opinion, it isn't the best sensation. I love the smell, menthol and lime, with the almond oil to smooth the skin, but the cooling element really spoiled it for me. I will use the remainder of course, but I wouldn't choose to buy this type again, when I feel the relaxing scrub does exactly the same.

To summarise, as long as you allow yourself time to escape from the stresses and strains of life, I do feel that you can 'Spa at home' per-say. Granted, it is not as relaxing as getting away from everything for a couple of days to a 5 star Spa retreat, but I have always felt my bath was my sanctuary, and for an hour or so I can relax, unwind and wash away thoughts of the day down the plughole! 

I hope you have enjoyed my round up of products, don't be shy, let me know your thoughts on the following:
Twitter @clarity_beauty 

Happy soaking!


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You Beauty Discovery Box Month 2

Welcome to my second installment of YouBeauty Discovery.  This month I received some 'brush on' false eyelashes from a company called Magnifibres (I'd never heard of them) and some Cream Blush from Bourjois. As normal I received some additional little samples to play with but will include them in my next empties video.  

Firstly I am going to describe my experience of the false eyelashes. This may seem hard to believe, but I have never used false eyelashes (it is the idea of sticking them near my lashes). These obviously aren't like stick on lashes and I was very intrigued to see what the result was going to be like.  
Let's discuss the look and feel of the product. Well basically, I loved it. The colours, the writing, the design it is really funky! The very confident statement on the front made me desperate to give them a go, so I took a before, during and after pic, and here they are:




So the images give you a rough idea of the process involved and yes for a good attempt at falsies the product delivers. It is such a simple application, a layer of mascara, a layer of fibres (be prepared they really are white), wait 30-60 seconds, then another layer of mascara. No mess, no fuss, and you can use your own mascara of choice. There is a definite improvement. I have not had any irritation, and the look has lasted all day, even with a brisk walk in the wind this morning.  

I really do like the idea that you will get a few applications from the product rather than one use and throw away. I really didn't pile on the fibres, but if you wanted a more dramatic look for going out, then applying more is an option. From looking at the various sites, the cost is averaging out at around £20. I really must try some real false lashes, a possible next video in the making I think!
  
This little pot of promise is my second 'gift' to myself. There are four colours available in this range, however I received the Bourjois Cream Blush in Rose Tender (3). A very fitting name really as it is a lovely blusher and feels like velvet on the skin.  It is creamy in the pot initially, but once you start applying it, it glides over the cheeks leaving a just pinched look, very nice.  

I used it on its own over my foundation, but also over my bronzer for two different looks. The first look I thought looked best, with clear lids and a healthy serving of mascara. The second look I paired with some darker eye shadow and a bold lip which looked really nice. You do not need a lot as the colour is actually quite rich and goes a long way. Easy to use little pot, a good one to pop in your handbag for a touch up in the day. Cost wise, it is very reasonable at around £8, smells nice to. 

I hope you have enjoyed my reviews, let me know what you think. See you again in my next video.     

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Battle of the Hand-creams

So, it is official, I have the softest hands in the world after my week (and a bit) long experiment. It has been a very easy experiment for me as it involved nails, skincare and beautiful products, it's not really hard work is it?  

In a nutshell, I wanted to review four hand-creams to establish which one I thought was the best. I rated them on their aesthetics, consistency, smell and of course effectiveness (out of 5). I already had two hand-creams in my repertoire, and thanks to Crabtree & Evelyn kindly forwarding two more, I was able to bolster this up to four. So here goes my scientific breakdown, well not really but it sounds good:

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and Lavender de Provence Hand therapy
I would rate this cream an all round 4. Aesthetically, I am not massively keen on the green packaging, but that is because it is not a favourite colour of mine. The size is very practical and can easily be popped into your handbag to apply on the move. The cream itself is a lovely consistency, not too runny and not too firm so it is absorbed into the skin effortlessly. The smell is very nice. Clean and fresh, and may I dare say, that my husband wore this and it could pass as a manly smell, so unisex wear-ability! Effectiveness, well, it was very good.  Any dry areas were dealt with, left supple and smooth and a nice barrier was left on my hands, not greasy just cared for. Price £5.00

Crabtree & Evelyn Pear and Pink Magnolia Hand therapy
After using this product for a few days, it did come through as a favourite of mine. I am not just saying that because it was given to me, it really was delightful.  I can only offer my personal opinion so here it is. Firstly I loved the high gloss packaging, it looks pretty and sophisticated, and the size is very generous for a hand-cream. I was a little dubious about the fragrance description, as I always imagined anything with Magnolia to be an older ladies scent, but no, it was beautiful. It was sweet but floral, fresh and moreish. I loved having the smell linger on my hands. The consistency was exactly the same as the latter product but with a slightly bigger opening in the tube. The effectiveness was just as good, if not better because I wanted to put more on! I would rate this as a 5. Price £13.50

Nivea Smooth Nourishing Hand cream
I used the Nivea Smooth hand cream and it was only okay. The cream looked like a Nivea branded cream, it is a recognised brand so you pretty much know what to expect. It looks very simple, clean and trustworthy. The consistency is slightly firmer than the previous two, so it took a bit more effort to work it into the skin.  This cream left a greasy residue on my hands, but after a couple of minutes this wore off. Smell wise, well it isn't amazing, as I mentioned previously, it is just the 'Nivea' smell. I love the original Nivea cream and it is always in my skincare products for those days when your skin needs some tlc. Yes, it was effective, but unfortunately, I had to remind myself to use the cream every time for the purpose of the review, not because I wanted to. I would have to rate this a 3. Price: £1.55

Caudalie Hand-Cream in PampleMousse Rose
Here is my final review. I received this hand-cream in my advent calendar last year. I just love the product packaging and the name, let's face it, any name with Pampelmousse in is just brilliant, it rolls off the tongue and stays in your mind. The silver background, with the almost Neon outline of fruits just cries out to be picked up and tried.  So I did, and I really liked it. The smell is lovely. Delicate with hints of grapefruit, again leaving a delicious scent on your fingers. Consistency wise it was very similar to the first two, if a little firmer but was quickly absorbed with little effort. The cream was effective for hand and nails, my hands were left supple and feeling (by now) exceptionally healthy! I would rate this cream a 4. Price: £6.00  

Overall, this experiment was a success. I didn't know anything about Crabtree and Evelyn hand therapy, nor about Caudalie Hand & Nail cream, but both brands have produced aesthetically pleasing packaging, with a high quality hand-cream inside. The price is not outrageous either, so I can see that they would appeal to a broad spectrum of customers. I would definitely buy these products and keep them in my hand and nail routines in the future.  
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November Empties

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November Empties Product Close-ups

Please find below a clear image and brief description of each of the products featured in my video: 
Dove Deodorant - Original 
Lovely fresh clean scent, leaves no white marks on clothing and is very kind to skin. It is widely available at around £2.49. 

Q Fine Fragrance Body Spray in Awe 
Very classy fragrance, which leaves you feeling fresh and confident. A really different smell from other body sprays and affordable at £2.29. 

Balance Me Beauty - Rose Otto Body Wash 
Beautiful Rose scent to the body wash. Foams well in the shower/bath. Very skin friendly and lasts a good amount of time. It a little more expensive £9.00 for 200ml, but a nice little purchase as a treat! 

No7 Perfect and Protect Night Cream 
Love this night cream. Very light feel upon application, but your skin feels like it is having an overnight pamper. Very nice fragrance, not overpowering, and lasts a good amount of time. Available from Boots at around £23.00

No7 Airbrush Away Primer 30ml 

Again a nice fragrance.  The product is absorbed well into the skin and doesn't feel heavy at all. Really does make a difference to the face and appears more flawless and the foundation does grip well to it. Not a lot of the product is required at each application, so although £19.50 may seem quite pricey, it will last. 

No7 5* UVA and UVB SPF 15 Triple Protection Tinted Moisturiser - Fair/Medium 
Really enjoyed using this moisturiser, adds a surprisingly deep glow to the skin without the heaviness of a foundation. Ideal for use on a more relaxed day chilling with some bronzer. No smell to worry about and with the added benefit of a SPF 15, your skin is also protected. 

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist 
Lovely product to help eliminate frizz and smooth out the hair.  A non greasy, lightweight mist with a refreshing fragrance.  Average cost is around £15.
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An unexpected review – Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum

In my previous blog, I reviewed two lovely products from my monthly YouBeauty Discovery Box, a Crabtree & Evelyn nail varnish and a Wild about Beauty Eye shadow. I also received two ‘bonus’ samples within the box, one a vitamin drink, (just couldn’t drink it) and secondly the Cowshed serum sachet.

Now, I know I said that the serum sample was too small to be able to review it, but how wrong I was! A little really does go a long way with this product, and without sounding gushing, it is just lovely. I’m going to provide the product description and picture below to give a little more information, and I’ll pick up with you just after:



‘Cowshed Anti-Ageing Perfecting Night Serum is the ultimate all-in-one anti-ageing treatment. The innovative serum-in-oil is bursting with natural active ingredients and essential oils that work wonders on your skin while you sleep, so that you can wake up to a firmer, brighter and smoother complexion.’

Ok, so now for my take on this serum. Firstly, I was a little taken aback when the liquid came flying out of the sachet, (I managed to save it from going down the plughole). It is not like the serums I have used before, such as the No7 Protect and Perfect Advanced Serum.



The oil base did put me off a little, as I worry about breakouts and clogged pores, but I applied it to my face and neck where my skin just drank up the product leaving no greasiness or patches on my pillow. I haven’t had any adverse reaction so far, and my skin does genuinely look and feel smoother.

The smell of the serum is delightful, very soothing and relaxing but not heavy or overpowering. I have used the sachet now for three nights in a row, and I look forward to applying it after I have cleansed, it is a lovely treat. Receiving this sample has certainly changed my opinions on oil based products, as without it, I would have definitely been put off. The price is also a bit of an eye opener (for different reasons) at a healthy £48 for 30ml. However, knowing how far this product can go in just three nights, and also the benefits attached, I can safely say it would be a long term investment! Hmm, I better get my letter off to Santa sharpish……


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You Beauty Discovery Box Product review



I have really enjoyed trialling the Discovery Box products.  Here are the two reviews for the nail varnish and eye shadow.  The other additional items were a multivitamin drink with collagen (for 40+, slightly perturbed) and a night serum.  Realistically, I couldn’t do a review on these as I wouldn’t notice any difference after one use, so I chose the other two this time.

Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Apple

I hadn’t realised that Crabtree & Evelyn sell nail varnish and I must say that although the colour was not to my initial taste (red with a shimmer in there) it has grown on me considerably and I am quite enjoying wearing it. It will be perfect for the Festive period, or if you want to show off your talons at a dinner party!  The branding and bottle are simple and elegant, and the brush is very nice to use.  I’m also impressed with the price, a little bargain at £6.

 
Application wise, the varnish went on really well, virtually covering the nails on the first coat and dried quickly (over the top of my OPI Natural Base Coat).  Tip: This base coat is brilliant and I am pretty sure that it has aided in the polish staying on so well.  I applied a second coat and once again the blush glided over the initial coat and dried quickly.  I have worn it for two days, and I haven’t held back on doing anything and in all fairness, it doesn’t look any different from the initial application.  I have to say I would recommend this polish and top marks C&E!!  Now to explore the other shades…….!! 


Wild about Beauty Eye shadow in Eva


The second product that arrived in my box was a lovely little eye shadow from Wild about Beauty.  I hadn’t even heard about this brand of makeup, so popped onto Google and realised it is collaboration between Louise Redknapp and makeup Artist Kim Jacob.  Anyway, moving on, I was excited to use this product, as it is the  shade of colour that I would consider buying, a brown shimmery base that I could wear in the day or glam up for the evening. 


On the whole the eye shadow was ok, I found I needed to apply a lot to get any depth in colour, which may be the colour not being ideal for me, although it was one of the darker colours on the swatch.  It does appear to be a skin friendly product with Aloe Vera, and Vitamins E & C and I didn’t get any reaction or problems.  I really liked the packaging, and the little compact case was easy to open and didn’t chip my newly painted nails, so a tick there!  I’m unsure that I would pay £13 for it, as unfortunately I have paid less for eye shadow and had a much better coverage.  I was a little disappointed, however I will continue to use it and experiment a little further.  On the plus side, the blog is really good, an interesting read.

I have included the above product websites so you can have a mooch over there.

http://wildaboutbeauty.com/eyes/powder/powder-eye-shadowhttp://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/hand-care/nail-care/apple-nail-polish-801761.html
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Day to Night Make-Up



Day to Night Make-up – Products used

Eyes
Clinique Superfine Brow pencil in Deep Brown
ID BareMinerals Liner Shadow in Bon Bon
Boots Eyelash Curler
Face
No7 Perfectly Bronzed Pearls
Benefit High Beam
Bare Minerals Stubby Blush brush
Lips
M&S Limited Collection lip liner in Loganberry
Clinique Lipstick in All Heart
For information on the Day Makeup please see my previous
vlog 5-10 Minute Make up
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My monthly box of Discovery


One stumbling block  I have found with being a new beauty blogger is trying to ensure that you have a good, high quality and regular supply of beauty products to review and write about.  I love to buy make-up, skincare and hair care products, however, I cannot afford to do this every day or every week for that matter.   
 
I think that I may have found a solution to try, and this is the You Beauty Discovery Box.  My Mother in Law bought me their Advent Calendar last year, and I loved it.  A little beauty treat everyday, better than chocolate (unless it's the Cadbury's Selection box)!!  On researching the Advent Calendars for this year, I discovered that You Beauty do a monthly box of beauty products delivered to your door, two included in the monthly subscription (£6.95) with two extra little goodies.  Mine has arrived today, and I can't wait to start trying and reviewing them. 
 
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What’s in your bag?

What’s in your bag?
OK, so we all have to start somewhere and my place is here.   I have been reading a lot of beauty blogs, watching vlogs (I didn’t know what they were beforehand) and all of them differ in many ways.  One trait that comes through with all of them is passion, and a love for whatever they are writing or talking about.  I love make-up and anything beauty really, so my blogging adventure has begun!
I thought of this initial blog idea, whilst rummaging through my ever expanding make up bag.  It is amazing how one accumulates so much ‘stuff’, yet really I only use five to six products daily!  By just applying some select bits, I can look presentable to the world in just about 5-10 mins.  From experience, I don’t think it has to take an hour to get your face ready in the morning, if you have an hour, great, but most peeps I know definitely do not have that time.  Note to self, I must share my quick fix make-up regime in a vlog, it will prove my point I think.
If I look through my make-up bag, I can see how my tastes have changed over the years and how I have fallen into a ‘way’ of applying and buying my make-up.  I always tend to buy a fairly light foundation, one that blends into my skin but covers well.  The choice of products is quite mesmerising, and if you haven’t done your research prior to heading into Boots you may come out with something you didn’t bargain for (which I have done many times)!  My bag has got such a mixture of products, from Clarins Foundation to No17 eyeliner.  Unlike products such as foundation, I like to give the cheaper brands a go, as little gems can be found when you least expect them.
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