Body Shop Baked Bronzer

I remember buying a baked bronzer a few years ago when The Body Shop First released them and shortly after that, I remember being devastated when it smashed and had to be thrown away. I forgot about this until recently whilst perusing the store for a birthday present. I was instantly drawn to this shade (02) as it just looked so summery and glowy and lovely. It has not disappointed me! You can apply a light layer for a slight glow or build it up to add that healthy look you usually only get from a few days in gorgeous sunshine. I really love it. The pink undertones mean that blusher isn't really necessary and highlighter is optional. It has quickly become a make up staple for me and I can't wait to be able to wear it with a proper tan come summer!

Have you guys got any favourite Body Shop products?

Becca.

Topshop Finishing Powder

I was drawn to this powder as soon as I saw it at work. It seems impossible to capture its beautiful shimmer in photographs which is frustrating as it is so so pretty. As well as that, it feels like velvet and makes your face feel just as lovely; and it smells incredible!! Although it appears white in the pan, it is completely translucent once applied to skin. I have been using a standard round make up sponge to apply it on top of my foundation and concealer and it really does set everything in place and keeps your face looking fresh and lovely all day! It seems pricey at £14 but I think it has been worth every penny.

Have you guys got any setting products you can't live without?

Becca.

Foundations

I'm quite picky when it comes to my foundation; I want something that gives me fairly good coverage but that is light and airy on the skin. I have gone through most brands available and I think I have finally found a winner! I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting miracles when I picked up the Wake Me Up foundation by Rimmel, but my other foundation was out of date and I decided it was time for a change. Oh my gosh, I love it!! It makes my skin look so fresh and lovely. I have noticed such a difference since using it, I genuinely feel more confident with it on because it is super light so I don't feel over the top but it really seems to have a brightening effect as claimed. I have shade 200 Soft Beige which blends perfectly with my skin tone, covering blemishes or discolouration but as I said, kinda makes you look like you are fresh faced. I will definitely be re-purchasing this for as long as I can!

Whilst on the topic of foundation, I also got for Christmas the Real Techniques Stippling Brush and Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. The brush is one I have wanted for ages as I just never liked flat foundation brushes or sponges that much and I was always hearing such good things. I really enjoy using this, it makes applying and blending foundation sooo much easier, I can't imagine not using it! As for the Double Wear, it was a bit of a "hype" buy; everyone raves about it so much, I wanted to know what the fuss was about and so was super chuffed when Santa delivered it. However, my wise and wonderful pal Billing was definitely right when she said ages ago that I would probably like the Double Wear Light foundation as the original is rather heavy/thick coverage. She was totally right, as I do love that fresh feel and look to my foundation, I just find Double Wear a little too much for me. It does have amazing concealing and evening qualities but I just feel a little too uncomfortable with it on my face.  

Have any of you tried any of these products? What's your favourite foundation? Would you recommend Double Wear Light or any other make up brushes?

Becca.

Brows That!

In the last year, I have really learned to appreciate the difference your eyebrows make to your face and following this, have experimented with the best way to keep them looking pretty. My mum kindly bought me this kit for Christmas and I am actually very impressed! To say it is just a drugstore brand, Seventeen has really hit the nail on the head with this little package.

A really handy large mirror, a mini eyebrow pencil, a dark powder, a wax and a highlighting powder. It also included a handy little instruction slip but naturally, I've lost that. You start by filling in your brows with the pencil, creating the shape you want your brows to be. You then even out the colour with the powder and top it all off with a layer of the dark wax. The highlight goes just underneath on the brow bone to add that extra definition. I'll be honest and say the pencil isn't all that great and it doesn't sharpen well however, I don't always feel the need to use it. The powder and wax create a really beautiful effect. They add definition and shape and obviously a bit of colour without making them look like you have coloured them in with a sharpie. If you are looking to experiment with your brows, I would seriously recommend picking this little set up from your local Boots.

Have you got any stand out brow products? Please let me know your favourites as I am always looking for something new to try!

Becca.

Baby Lips and Baby Skin

Maybelline's Baby Lips has been a bit of a cult product for a while, but I didn't actually give it a whirl until recently when I also purchased the new primer from the same range, baby skin. The first thing I have to say is that I am really impressed! I wasn't really expecting much but both products are actually pretty damn good. There are a few options when it comes to Baby Lips, with colours tints, SPF and intense moisture, I went for the latter. It is a really good lip balm! It applies smoothly and feels lovely on and after a couple of days using it, I can really notice a difference! Hello lovely smooth lips! A rare thing in this cold weather.
On to Baby skin: A silicone based primer claiming to minimise pores and generally improve the appearance and feel of skin so you can use it alone or under your foundation. Although it doesn't really seem to improve the look of skin quite as much as you might like, I found that it did provide a great base for the rest of my make up. It allowed foundation to glide on smoothly and stay put all day. I know there can be mixed reviews regarding silicone based primers as some find they just form a layer between the skin and the foundation that can actually make applying make up worse but I have yet to have a really bad experience.
If you are looking for an every day product to keep your skin and lips feeling lovely, I would definitely recommend these two!

Have you tried either of these?

Becca.

Loreal Paris Nude Magique BB Blush

This is a funny little product I have been meaning to share with you for a while. I was on the hunt for a new blusher recently and I thought I would go with something different for no particular reason. I stumbled upon this little gem. It is a smooth gel/cream that comes out clear and becomes pink on the skin, I have no idea how but I love it! It blends really nicely with a foundation brush or the fingers, on the skin leaving a healthy looking pink glow that can be added to with a hint of powder blush if you want that extra rosiness. That's all there is to say really.
Have any of you tried this? Are there any blushers you would recommend?

Becca.

 

 

 

Loreal Skin Perfection Magic Touch Instant Blur

Loreal Skin Perfection Magic Touch Instant Blur - £12.99

I am a huge fan of primers and anything that claims to make my make up routine that little bit easier. I am quite lucky with my skin, I don't suffer from spots all that often and my main problems are visible pores and the occasional patch or blemish. For this reason, I don't really feel the need to wear foundation and what not every day but I do like to try new products that say they make your skin look a little bit nicer without anything too heavy or chemically. I got Instant Blur in the universal shade although I won't lie, I don't see why there are shades as the cream is a pale pinky colour and so seems irrelevant. Although it is of quite a thick consistency, Instant Blur blends like a dream and makes the skin feel lovely. I can't say it is amazing at toning down blemishes or patchy skin but it definitely works at minimising pores which are one of my pet peeves when it comes to my face so I am a fan of this. The only thing I am uncertain of is the quantity for the price; you don't apply tonnes in one go but nor can you only use teeny amounts so I am a bit worried how quickly it will run out and so for days I am not really bothered, I am going to stick with my old faithful friend Dr. Feel Good by Benefit which seems to have similar results.
A mixed review for this but not a total flop, I am quite intrigued to try the other products in the Skin Perfection range too. Have any of you used any of them? What are your opinions on potions that claim to be magic?

Becca.

Lime Crime Velvetines Red Velvet

After reading so many good things about Velvetines, I decided it was time to invest. I love a statement red lip, especially in Autumn/Winter but I am terrible with lippy and hate how easily they come off. I am now IN LOVE with this lip gloss. I cannot say enough how every girl needs to own velvetines. It is vegan so great for everyone and just so incredible. Although it is a lipgloss, once on your lips, it becomes a matte bright red. (the other shade Suedeberry seems to have pinkier tones but I do not own that one yet..:)) I am beyond impressed at it's staying power, I tried it out for the first time last night for mum's birthday meal; three courses and drinks later and it literally hadn't changed!! I don't think there is any other product out there that can say the same! It is amazing!! Although at £11.50, it isn't the cheapest lip product on the market, it is definitely worth every single penny and you can expect many more red lips in my photos from now on!

Have any of you tried any Lime Crime products? What did you think?

Becca.