ELF Studio Blush

As you can see, I have three ELF studio blushes in Peachykeen, Candid Coral and Tickled Pink.  There are 11 shades within the range and contain 4.75g of product.  Packaging wise I think ELF have modeled themselves on NARS, so its all very sleek and sophisticated.  Three years ago these were actually the blushes that started off my obsession with cheek products, and I have never looked back.  I love the pigmentation and how soft the texture is.  Apparently some shades are a bit hit and miss, but I personally haven't found that with the ones I own.  I think they have a good longevity, and blend well into the skin to give a nice glowing look.  I believe that all the shades contain some form of shimmer, though it doesn't transfer onto the skin in Tinkled Pink's case.  ELF is definitely putting their prices up, because when I bought these I think I paid £2.50 each, now they retail for £3.75.  It's not a make or break amount and is still a very good price for the quality of this product, also ELF always have discount codes floating about.  The Gotta Glow shade is meant to be a lovely highlight, so it is on my list for my next order.  

L'Oréal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution

I knew it wouldn't be long, but there is now a high street version of the infamous Bioderma cleanser. Available at Boots and other high street stores for around the £5 mark, though I have noticed various offers around at the moment.  Yes the name is a mouthful, but I assume everyone will soon know about this product.

I haven't tried Bioderma myself, so I cannot compare the two products. Though I will say that I really do not have the urge to purchase Bioderma as I absolutely love this cleanser.  This miceller solution looks and feels just like water.  It doesn't have a scent and so is suitable for sensitive skin.  My eyes get sore very easily, even with sensitive products but this has not caused me any irritation what so ever.  I am also so happy to report that this removed waterproof mascara like a dream.  L'Oreal claims that this cleanser dissolves makeup, unclogs pores, removes impurities and tones and soothes skin.  I don't know if I agree with these completely, but I do know that it removes my makeup perfectly and leaves my skin soft ready for the remainder of my skin routine.

My only issue with this product is that due to its consistency I always pour too much on to the cotton pad meaning that I am using more than I need so it does run out quickly.  But for the quality and price of this cleanser, I will definitely be recommending and repurchasing this product as a makeup remover for a very long time. Good job L'Oreal! 

Graduation

I have spent 16 years in full time education, and on July 18th I threw my hat in the air to mark the rest of my life in the big wide world.  Though I have had jobs before including 9 to 5, I have always fallen back into my student ways. Finding it perfectly acceptable to be drunk midweek and napping whenever I see fit.  Sadly (yet hopefully) those days are behind me.

I spent three years living away from home and looking after myself.  University is not solely about the grade that you leave with, it is about the person you become and the life experience that cannot be found in any textbook.  I wish to remember university as the fun, enjoyable, party that it is perceived as.  I am so lucky to have a supportive family, group of friends and boyfriend that helped me through the times that they forgot to mention at the open day. 

My advice is to study a course you love.  You will live, breathe and sleep the subject you choose so make sure it is one that you know you won't regret.  I still cannot believe I sit here with a degree in Financial Economics BSc where my research essay was about makeup. I am proof that anything is possible if you set your mind to it.

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation

Revlon Nearly Naked foundation is the new kid on the block these days.  This was a massive hit when it was released a few months ago.  Sadly, I tried it out and I didn't understand the hype.  I have since got a tan (ish) and decided to dip my toe into the Nearly Naked pool once more.  My gripe with this foundation to start with was that to me the coverage was just too low that I really didn't think it did anything.  Even now I still don't think it does a lot, however, I now appreciate that fact.  On some days I don't want a heavy mask covering my face, I just want to iron out some kinks. This is a really natural looking foundation so is perfect for a summers day especially as it contains SPF 20. Longevity is good and blends evenly into the skin. Packaging wise I am not a fan of the white lid, I think it looks a little cheap, and there is no pump. Why Revlon, why? The bottle is made of glass which I think a lot of people would like, but for me I worry about it spilling or breaking as I travel a lot.  All in all I am glad I tried this foundation out, for £8.99 I think it is a good foundation. 

Nars Blush in Gilda

 

 

Gilda, a coral toned pink shade, is my first blush from Nars, and definitely not my last.  I love how soft and easy this blends into the skin.  As a matte shade I was worried it could look a little flat, but it doesn't. I applies nicely to leave a lovely flushed look to the cheeks.  It's very pigmented so you only need a light hand.  On my skin this blush lasts all day which is one of the main reasons I want to buy some more shades. There is only 4.8 grams so at £21.50 they aren't the most cost effective blush on the market but I bought mine from ASOS when they had 20% student discount.  Nars packaging is lovely, sleek black with a soft rubbery cover.  However, it can get a bit grubby after a few days in the old makeup bag, so for those with a touch of OCD, I understand if you want to keep the box.  Overall this is a lovely blush and there is such a good array of shades that even if this shade doesn't float your boat I would recommend having a look at others.

HD Brow Kit - Foxy

This is probably not the first time you have seen this little eyebrow palette pop up.  Mine is in foxy and is for brunette hair. I mix the two brown shades together to get my brow colour as there isn't a perfect shade for me. Nevertheless, I cannot see me mixing up my brow products any time soon. The powder is soft yet can define and fill to make your brows look amazing. I don't use a brow gel as this powder stays all day. 

Being all four matte shades I have tried to double this up as an eyeshadow pallete too. I seem to be the only one, but I don't like the shades as shadows.  I feel they are too stiff to work with as they do not blend as nicely as I would have liked them to. This is not a bad thing though, as I say, keeps the brows looking good.  The pale shade is nice for an underbrow bone highlight and the black is really good for liner. The little double-ended brush that comes with the palette is not the worst in the world either, combined with the handy compact mirror inside, I love this palette to take away with me. I don't know what I'm going to do when the browns run out.

No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream

I never used to be a massive fan of this moisturiser as it does have a thick consistency and thought it was better suited towards a night cream.  However, since being pampered and having a facial at a Dove Spa, I have done a U-turn and now realise the importance of having a good moisturiser.  I have dry skin and since using No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream on a daily basis I have noticed such a change in my skin. Firstly, it is a lot softer even before I moisturise but also I find my foundation lasts so much longer on my skin too.

No7 have a lovely system where they colour coordinate their products with skin type. All of No7 products follow the sam system that either the packaging or the actual product itself changes depending on which skin type it is aimed at.

Green - oily

White - all/normal

Pink - dry

Purple - very dry

 The packing has since changed since I purchased mine, but I do find the tub slightly bulky especially if you go away often. Also my lid does fix and sit properly so comes loose quickly. At £9 I think this is such a good product, it does sink into the skin relatively quickly, considering how thick it is. Also no7 always have deals or the £5 off vouchers floating around so I would definitely recommend picking this up if you are looking for a new day cream.