18.3.15

Makeup Must Have: Rimmel London East End Snob Lip Liner

Makeup Must Have: Rimmel London East End Snob Lip Liner
During 2013 we all tried our best to grow out our brows like Cara and last year Kylie Jenner appeared on Instagram with fuller, plumper, much larger lips and after finding out it all came down to a couple of products including a lip liner or two, the majority of us hit the shops in the hope of gaining a fuller pout like Kylie. And I found the product that does just that for under £5. 

Rimmel Londons Exaggerate Lipliner in Eastend Snob (63) is a deep warm rosy pink lip liner and  is quite simply a must have, for your makeup collection. The shade would suit a variety of skin tones and is the perfect your lips but better and is very similar to both MACs Soar Lip Liner and Charlotte Tilburys Lip Liner in Pillow Talk. 

Makeup Must Have: Rimmel London East End Snob Lip Liner

I have owned this lip liner since August last year and although I’m not a massive lip liner lover, I’ve been converted. Not only is the colour spot on, I also really like the packaging. It’s practical as the pencil is retractable, so no sharpening required (hooray!) and the nib is tapered making it really easy to apply. Also the casing is a practically the same colour as the product, which is a nice touch. However, don’t be too overzealous as the pencil is creamy in texture and thin, therefore prone to snapping if you over twist. The lip liner gives a soft matte finish when applied. It doesn’t drag, smudge, or look too over done, so can be worn both during the day and evening. More importantly if you wear lipstick over the top of this liner, it won’t bleed. It lasts very well and although it can feel a little drying when worn on its own for a long period of time. I do find that it can actually feel a little tacky when you apply multiple layers (strange?).

This lip liner combines nicely with the majority of my lip products, but I personally like to pair it with a lip-gloss, like my much loved Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer, or as seen above with L’Oreal's L’Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick in Rose Melody. Before applying the lip liner, I like to prep my lips with Lush’s Popcorn Lip Scrub and apply a little Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, let it soak in and then gently wipe off. Then I will apply the lip pencil, followed by a pop of gloss onto the centre of my lips and my lips instantly look fuller and dare I say, more Kyle Jenneresque!

So, if you are yet to make up your mind as to whether or not you need this product, you’d be silly not to at such a reasonable price. This lip pencil is an absolute steal at £3.99, which just shows you don’t always have to spend lots of money on makeup.

Do you like to wear lip liner?
Emily
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16.3.15

Nip+Fab Cellulite Fix Body Sculpting Gel

Nip+Fab Cellulite Fix Body Sculpting Gel

Unfortunately many of us no matter our size, suffer from cellulite. Cellulite causes the skin to appear bumpy and dimply and many women spend lots of money on 'magic anti-cellulite potions', but not all products prove effective. I’m aware that no product will make cellulite disappear, but I’m happy to try something that might help and this is where Nip+Fab’s Cellulite Fix Body Sculpting Gel comes in. 

This sculpting gel from Nip+Fab contains cell active shape, which sculpts and targets cellulite, Indian forskolin which firms and activates microcirculation and caffeine which is proven to burn and help eliminate fat cellsThe product is a relatively thick gel consistency, which is an odd white misty colour (questionable!). Personally, I like to apply a 50 pence sized amount to each of my thighs after having a shower (usually post workout). When applied it doesn’t just sink into the skin straight away, it requires a good massage, which in itself will help circulation and help the skin to appear smoother. Once applied it can leave the skin feeling a little tacky, especially if I apply too much product. However, my skin is left feeling softer and appears firmer. In terms of stretch marks, unlike the Liz Earle Energising Hip & Thigh Gel I see no difference, which is a little disappointing. And for reference I do much prefer the Liz Earle Energising Hip & Thigh Gel, but unfortunately it has been discontinued. 

If you have cellulite this will not ‘fix’ it as the name suggests. Cellulite can be affected by skin thickness, diet, exercise and circulation. This product is only a short-term solution and more of a temporary ‘fix’ when used on a regular basis. For example, it would be great addition to your skincare routine before a beach holiday. Overall, this product has definitely helped to reduce the appearance of cellulite, the texture and tone of my thighs and it is relatively affordable at £18.29.

Have you ever tried anti-cellulite products?
Emily
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13.3.15

Acrylic Lipstick Storage


When it comes to storing makeup, acrylic storage is always a winner. Thanks to Kim K giving us all a glimpse of her makeup stash a couple of years back in an episode of 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians’ acrylic makeup storage has become very popular and as a result, there are now hundreds of options available, some of which are very inexpensive and some which cost hundreds. 

The glossy plastic storage, is a simple, tidy, practical and a rather pretty way to display makeup and now is the perfect time to have a spring clean of your makeup stash and display your most loved lippies on your vanity. I bought myself an acrylic lipstick holder early last year, after realising I wasn’t getting much use out of my lip products and I love it. My four-tier lipstick organiser can hold up to 24 lipsticks and I certainly get more use out of these lipsticks now they are on display. I like to store the majority of them upside down, so I can see which shade they are, which is very convenient, especially when it comes to MAC lipsticks. And the fact the holder is tiered makes it far easier to find the shade I’m looking for, unlike the flat acrylic lipstick holders. 

If you are a lipstick junkie, and yet to invest in a lipstick acrylic storage solution now is the time. Yes they can be over priced, but you don’t have to break the bank. If you are happy to wait a couple of weeks, you can pick up an acrylic lipstick holder like mine for under a fiver from Amazon for as little as £2.75 which is shipped from China. eBay also has hundreds to choose from £2.57. The plastic is a little thinner than my MUJI acrylic storage, but all in all I can’t fault it. 

How do you like to store your lipsticks? 
Emily
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11.3.15

"On Wednesdays We Wear Pink!"

"On Wednesdays We Wear Pink!"
So you’re not a fan of pink makeup? Boo, you whores! So it’s been 11 years since Mean Girls graced our screens, but when was the last time you got in touch with your feminine side and wore pink? Wearing pink can be a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. Forget Barbie pink, today it’s all about creating a romantic, soft and simple look, with balletesque pinks, the perfect spring hue.

CHEEKS
Petal pink, flushed cheeks are a great way to brighten your complexion, adding a youthful glow. Picking the right shade is vital, as many pink blushers can make you appear drained. But, MAC's powder blush in ‘Well Dressed’ is a blue-based pink that lifts the skin and looks beautiful on all skin tones. Dior’s Diorskin Rosy Glow blush is very similar and both blushers look great paired with a smoky eye and are also perfect for those no makeup, makeup days. Apply to the top of the apples of your cheeks and blend upwards. 

LIPS
I for one am yet to master the hot pink lip. But I do love a sheer wash of pink. My top pick would be Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in ‘Rose Shimmer'. Pop the gloss into the centre of your lips to give the appearance of a fuller pout and no matter your age you can wear lip gloss, a shiny finish will add youthful plumpness. Fancy kicking it up a notch? Try Revlon’s ColorBurst Lip Butter in ‘Sweet Tart’ and dab it onto your lips, or try an old favourite of mine, MAC's ‘Lovelorn' lipstick a sheer blue based glossy pink. 

EYES
Give your face a fresh finish with a pop of pink on your eyelids. Don’t worry you won’t look like you’ve contracted an eye infection. Just remember with pink eyeshadow, blending is key. A few of my top picks are MAC’s ‘Expensive Pink’ a warm pink with copper/gold sheen, ‘All That Glitters’shimmery rosy gold, ‘Naked Lunch’ a warm pinky beige and LORAC’s ‘Soft Pink’ a matte soft pink. All of these shadows are wearable and super pretty. But if you are feeling a little hesitant, blend a taupe shadow into the lash line, or add a wing liner to give an edgy look. 

What’s your favourite pink product? 
Emily
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8.3.15

Way To Glow This Spring

Way To Glow This Spring

To be frank, I’m done with winter and couldn’t be happier that spring has finally sprung! The colder months have left my skin looking very sad for itself; it’s dry, slightly flaky, oily, (confused) and very dull. So today, I’m sharing with you three products I reach for to get that faux spring glow. 

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm £25.00 (Full Review)
Before you apply your base of choice, opt for a brightening primer like the trusty cult classic Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - a multitasking radiance booster, aka the ultimate pick me up. It moisturisers (hydrated skin glows), tightens, brightens, preps the skin for makeup, diffuses pores, fine lines and wrinkles, all whilst leaving the skin looking fresh and radiant, without a hint of glitter. It’s an award winner for a reason ladies.  

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow £49.00 (Full Review)
Grab your favourite highlighter and create an instant glow by sweeping it across the parts of the face where the sun naturally hits. The best way to do this, is to apply it onto C-plane (from the top of your cheekbones to your brow bone). I also like to apply it into the corners of my eyes and onto the bridge of my nose, brushing it downwards so it hits the top of my cupids bow and my chin. Next contour the hollows of your cheeks and all the way along your hairline and jawline. This will help your highlight pop even more and give definition to your face. I like to use my CT Filmstar Bronze & Glow, a beautiful compact that offers two finely milled, super soft, silky and very pigmented powders. The highlight is a beautiful golden champagne colour, which isn’t at all metallically, or shimmery. It’s just b-e-a-utiful. 

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning For Face & Décolleté £20.00 (Full Review)
Forget applying your favourite fake tan to your face. Switch to the award winning Clarins Liquid Bronze and wake up to a natural sun-kissed glow. The nourishing tanner has been specially developed to be used on your face. It warms up the skin, helping to disguise redness, scaring and minor blemishes. The product is light, refreshing and milky and application is effortless. Apply after cleansing, before bed and sweep a ten pence amount all over your face and wake up looking pretty darn fabulous.

What are your go to glow products? 
Emily
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5.3.15

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range

The Body Shop Tea Tree Range

Say hello to clearer skin with the Body Shop’s Tea Tree Range. Tea tree oil is natures best kept secret, it's antibacterial, antiseptic, soothing and great at helping to battle blemishes, blackheads and oily skin. And after falling in love with the Body Shop’s Tea Tree oil last summer, I have gone back online and ventured further into the affordable, fair trade range, to see what else it has to offer.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash £6.00
This bottle of soap free, gel tea tree body wash featured in this months favourites. It’s great at removing post workout grime and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and super clean without leaving my skin dry, stripped or smelling like disinfectant. I don’t suffer from backne, but I do get a few spots here and there on my chest and I have this body wash to thank, as just after a couple of washes my skin was visibly clearer. If you purchase this body wash, grab yourself a body polisher as it doesnt lather up well on its own. I for one will be stocking up on this body wash. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash £5.00
The refreshing feeling doesn’t stop there. The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Cool & Creamy Wash is just as the name suggests and is uber refreshing in a minty kind of way. The cream formula doesn’t irritate, or strip my skin and leaves my skin feeling really smooth and my pores are visibly reduced. Another bonus of this wash, is that it really helps reduce any redness and I notice my skin is far less oily after using this product. It helps to control my breakouts and the only reason I haven’t been using this product on a daily basis is that I’m not a massive cream cleanser fan. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil £7.00
'Holy grail', 'bedside essential' and 'miracle product' are just a couple of words I use to describe this little bottle of tea tree oil. I have raved about this product many a time here on BBA, it’s so diverse, it can be used to treat acne, scaring, dandruff and much more. But I personally like to use it as a targeted spot treatment. I apply the oil onto a cotton bud and rub it onto any blemishes and overnight they will have become less angry and significantly reduced in size. It also helps to heal the skin and prevent future scaring. While gentler on the skin than the likes of benzoyl peroxide  it can be a little drying, but only if you overuse it. For £7 you can’t go wrong. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Flawless BB Cream £8.00
Now this product requires a bit of work. The formula is quite thick and doesn’t apply well with a brush and although it does apply far better with fingers or beauty blender, the product can sit on the skin slightly and the coverage can be a little uneven. But once you have blended like a mad woman, the finish is actually rather appealing. The coverage is light (more than sheer), controls oil and hides any redness and minor blemishes, more so than a tinted moisturiser. If you have acne, you would need to use a concealer along with this BB cream. The skin is left looking fresh and natural with a matte finish and the tea tree scent doesn’t linger for too long. This BB cream lasts relatively well which I was surprised by, but due to its long lasting properties and my combination skin, I found that over time it can make my skin appear quite dry. I wear the lightest shade and find that it does oxide slightly and become warmer in colour, so bare this in mind. Overall, this BB cream would be great for those with oily skin who are looking for a base to help sooth, heal and prevent further breakouts.

Have you tried any products from TBS tea tree range?
Emily
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3.3.15

February Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

I can’t believe my last monthly favourites post was back in October (bad blogger)! But today they make a triumphant return and will be a monthly fixture here on British Beauty Addict. So, another month has been and gone and I have a handful of products that to share with you all that I have been using pretty much on a daily basis. Let’s get started... 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Body Wash £6.00
This body wash may not smell luxurious or fruity, but the soap free, antiseptic formula has been working wonders at leaving my skin super clean after a work out. I like to use the shower gel with a body polisher and it has cleared up every single pesky spot I had on my chest and it hasten’t dried my skin out in the process. This product is affordable and practical and I recommend it to anyone with blemish prone skin. 

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99
I may be a little late to the bandwagon with this foundation, but funnily enough I have had it in my stash for at least six months and have only decided to try it now! Bourjois's Healthy Mix Foundation offers a medium, yet buildable coverage and leaves the skin looking fresh, dewy, healthy and hydrated. It smells lovely when applied and blends beautifully. This foundation really helps to even out my skin tone and although it doesn’t last as well as other foundations I own, I actually prefer the finish after a couple of hours wear. For a drugstore foundation it has a lot to offer and is a must try for anyone with dry, combination, lack lustre skin. 

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Brush Set £56.95
I’m about to join the rave train by stating that these brushes are simply b-e-a-u-t-iful! What do I need to say? The set is rose gold *swoon* and there are 8 brushes in total, covering everything you need to help apply your every day makeup. The brushes are made from both natural and synthetic hairs, so they have great blending potential, wash really well, dry relatively quickly and work well with both cream and powder products. My two most used brushes from the set, are the Wing Liner Brush which I use to fill in my brows and the Silk Finish Brush which is wonderfully dense and a great brush for applying liquid foundation. The price might seem pretty steep at £56.95, but that’s just over £7 a brush - great value for money. These ladies, are dressing table staples. Highly recommend. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade £15.00
The Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade is a game changer. It does take a little practice, but with the right technique, a light hand and the correct brush, this product helps to create brows to die for. I wear the shade ‘Medium Brown’. It has no red undertones and the colour is a great match for me. The formula is smudge resistant, waterproof and you only need the tiniest amount. Its hands down the best brow product I have ever tried and worth every penny. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream £11.00
I personally would question whether we really need eye creams. The ingredients found in eye creams are often no different from those you will find in your regular moisturiser and there actually isn’t any valid scientific study showing that any certain skin-care ingredient can help reduce dark circles or puffy eyes. What do you think? Having said that, I have found over the last month or so my under eye area has become very dry and sensitive and my regular moisturiser isn’t quite cutting it. The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream however has been very effective at hydrating my under eye area leaving it soft and smoother in appearance. The formula is lightweight, gentle, fresh and not greasy in the slightest and it works very well under makeup. I wouldn’t say it has helped to reduce darkness around my eye area, but it has helped restore my under eye area back to normality.

Essie Nail Polish ‘Cocktail Bling’  £7.99
So far this year I haven’t worn anything else on my nails besides Essie’s ‘Cocktail Bling’. This is another product that has been lurking in the shadows of my beauty stash, that I have rediscovered and fallen in love with all over again. ‘Cocktail Bling’ is a cool-toned grey/lavender and is opaque in just two coats. The formula is great and with a helping of my Seche Vite Top Coat this polish can last up to 5 days without any major chipping. Will ‘Cocktail Bling’ remain on my nails throughout March? I think it just might.

What have you been loving recently? 
Emily
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