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Monday, 22 October 2012

...because they're not worth it?

I'm sure we have all bought and tried products that we've been disappointed in, and one good point about the Internet/blogs is finding out unbiased reviews. Here's a few regrets of mine:

Revlon Lip Butter - I'm possibly being a bit presumptuous here as my main gripe is with Peach Parfait (does it need to be so shimmery??) Like many others in the UK I waited with baited breath for these to eventually be released and when they finally appeared I was completely underwhelmed. Reasonable colour payoff but not especially balm-like, if anything a little drying.

Max Factor Smokey Eye Effect - so pretty in the tube, in the advert the model looked amazing. The result? No colour whatsoever. Use as a base? Needn't have bothered as there was no effect, smokey or otherwise.

No7 BB cream - all companies jumped on the hype and wanting to try one of the first brands who offered a shade that didn't appear orange I gave it a try. I may as well have just used a foundation as this didn't give the light, blend-able formula that original BB creams are known for. Difficult to blend and not the most flattering tone either.

Tresemme Lift & Hold Hairspray - really? A hairspray? I found no lift, no hold either. Its a same as I do like the brand but this had no effect.

Soap and Glory The Fab Pore - nice enough mask but no improvement or change seen to pores.

Do you agree with any of these comments? Are any of these your favourites?





Sunday, 21 October 2012

What I'm liking this week

  • Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte - I always love the seasonal drinks that appear around this time of year, and one I have wanted to try is the pumpkin spice latte. I do recommend! Salted caramel mocha on the other hand? Not so good.

  • Essie nail polish - previously I have had a love/hate relationship with Essie. My earlier days of trying out the brand meant I had some beautiful shades of polish, yet the inconsistency of good coverage meant these polishes were neglected in favour of others. More recently I've paid more attention seeing as the brand is so freely available in Boots (and currently 3 for 2, fickle huh?!) and I have been swayed. All the polishes have good coverage, yes they need two coats but this is pretty standard for most brands, but most of all don't have the highly irritating streakiness that old Essie had.

  • Lush Twilight shower gel - an old favourite from a past Lush forum party, this has been re-released as part of the Christmas range. A vibrant purple shade, the scent is lavender-malt and is ideal to help you sleep. Perfect for colder nights!

  • Days off - an obvious like for everyone I guess but at this time of year I really like having time off to Christmas shop, visit Christmas fairs, catch up with friends etc. As I just work nights at the moment I do have good time off afterwards and just like having plenty of time away from work!
 
 
Hope you have had a good weekend!

 

A few of my favourite things...

I always like reading these types of posts on other blogs for inspiration. Although I tend to be quite fickle about the products I use, especially with skincare, I do stick to the chosen few products which I continue to repurchase.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream
Some people describe it as a pricier version of Vaseline, it definitely is not! Debuting in 1930 this multi-purpose product has rightly earned its cult status. Used to help heal minor cuts and scrapes, soothe chapped skin and even help tame flyaway strands of hair, this is a product I always keep in my bag. The range has also expanded to other skincare pieces, lipbalms, handcreams and limited edition sets.

MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Syrup
A perfect pink colour that would suit many skintones, this is my go-to lipstick. It is part of the lustre range which I prefer from MAC as they are tinted yet moisturising, almost like a balm.

Lush Mask of Magnaminty
A deep cleansing, exfoliating mask that makes your face feel incredibly clean afterwards. If I'm honest I can always smell a hint of potatoes in this, but if you can get past it, this really is one of the best deep cleansing masks I've used.

Benefit They're Real Mascara
I'm always sceptic of claims of massively enhancing mascaras as very few in my experience live up to it. I always liked Benefits Bad Gal lash but their most recent addition is amazing. It really lengthens, separates and accentuates lashes, and apparently also works on improving lashes over time with regular use although I haven't really noticed this. Amazing stuff!

Bumble and bumble Brilliantine
I'm not really one for languishing over styling cremes for long, however Brilliantine is one that I've been using for about ten years and will continue to do so. Very light in texture this really works well for layered hair of any length by defining the layers and giving a 'neat' bed-head look. It helps that the tube lasts an absolute age as well!

So there, not many repurchases! What products are your 'holy-grail' items?





 

Saturday, 20 October 2012

Welcome!

Hello and thanks for stopping by. This blog will mainly be beauty related but will also contain snippets of lifestyle, fashion and a hobby of mine, vintage!

Please feel free to leave a comment.