22.9.16

Love Me Beauty: The Best Bits

Love Me Beauty has introduced a few new brands into their beauty boutique in the last month or so. They now offer the chance for fellow product junkies to discover the likes of Makeup Forever and PIXI and last month they added Vita Liberata, Eco Tools, NUXE, Kat Von D and Omorovicza to their all-star line up. LMB have quickly stepped up their game, not only do they have a whole host of hot brands available to try at your fingers tips, unlike most beauty subscription boxes on the market Love Me Beauty allows you to pick your own products using your points. Who said beauty subscription boxes are boring eh?! 

Arguably I don't need a monthly beauty delivery, but test-driving new beauty products and discovering new brands is kinda my thing. LMB's mix of makeup and beauty products from high-end and emerging brands excites me - not to mention they come packaged in a pretty makeup bag! So today I wanted to share three of my favourite finds from the LMB boutique. 

Everyone needs a makeup brush set in their beauty arsenal and this six piece starter set from Eco Tools includes the basic; a concealer, eye shading, blush and angled liner brush and a lash and brow groomer. The iconic brushes have recycled aluminum ferrules, incredibly soft, cruelty-free bristles and are vegan friendly. With a little compact pouch to pack the six pieces away, the price is unbeatable for the quality. 

A classic brick red liquid lipstick perfect for the upcoming months. And a beautiful formulation to match, infused with vitamins A,C and E for added hydration. Long-lasting wear (boasting a full 8 hours) and high-pigment colour with a smooth matte finish. 

The MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder doesn't add colour or coverage, but will help your makeup stay in place all day long. The loose powder has an incredibly soft, fine texture and the one-shade-fits-all formulation of 100% mineral silica sets and slightly mattifies, whilst softening the appearance of imperfections, fine lines and pores. But don't be overzealous during application, otherwise you'll look as though someone's slapped you round the face with a chalkboard duster!

Full sized this stuff is pretty pricey, but rightly so. After slathering myself in the non-scented fake tan, I was left with a beautiful instant glow. It dried super fast more so than my favourite Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Instant Tan, didn't require a crazy amount of buffing and doesn't leave you looking like a zebra. And as of right now I can't vouch for the 2-3 week staying power. But I'll be sure to put it to the test! 

Whilst it won't take place of my richer night cream, Pixi Beauty Sleep Cream has been a nice addition during warmer weeks. The silky, fast-absorbing, lightweight, nutrient-rich cream feeds, calms, conditions and normalises my skin while I sleep. It's great for those of us with combination complexions, as it tends to dry patches yet isn't greasy. And come morning I wake up to wonderfully soft skin. 

Use 'em20' for 20% off your first LMB order.
What's the best product you've received in a subscription beauty box?
Emily
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20.9.16

3 Products That Will Prolong Your Summer Tan

This summer I worked hard on my tan (I basically sunned myself at every given opportunity) and the thought of my limbs becoming winterised once again makes me shudder. It's true when they say everything is better with a tan, right? But just because summer has come to an end, doesn't mean your tan has to. And whilst I enjoy the fair skin my momma gave me, nothing beats a real tan. So I've picked out my favourite fake tanning trio, perfect for fake tan first timers and experts, that besides wearing white, exfoliating and moisturising, will ensure your limbs remain golden brown all year long. 

Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Fair to Medium Body Lotion £6.99
You really can't go wrong with Dove's Derma Spa Summer Revived gradual tan. If you're nervous about fake tanning, or want something a little more natural, Dove's gradual tan combines skincare benefits and a golden glow that builds within 2-3 days and develops without any unfortunate marks. Not nearly as scary as the real stuff, non-greasy, fast drying and easy to maintain, Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived has already been repurchased and has become my new go-to moisturiser. However, I recommend applying at night and showering in the morning, as it does develop the familiar biscuit smell. And whilst subtle, this is not a scent I like to wear! 

Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning Lotion £17.60 (Special Price)
Especially formulated for your face and décolleté (a.k.a neckline, because we don't all speak French), Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning Lotion is ideal for sensitive skin types, as it's gentle and kind to the skin. Packed with nourishing vitamins, the lightweight milk-lotion tanner can be added to your moisturiser, worn alone, under makeup, or left to develop overnight. It doesn't deliver a full on bronze, but a natural even looking glow, a little like a well adjusted Instagram filter blurring redness and imperfections. The scent is light and inoffensive and once applied using a cotton pad my skin is left feeling super soft and nourished. 

Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter One Hour Tan Mousse £7.99
If you're after instant gratification Coca Brown 1 Hour Instant Tan's accelerating ingredients delivers a fake tan fast. The mousse tan has a guide colour to ensure a streak-free finish, is easy to blend, dries in just a few minutes, doesn't have that tell-tale scent and it's nearly impossible to overdo it. Leave it on for just one hour for a light sun-kissed glow, two for a medium tan and three for a deeper bronze. Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Instant Tan last a good 5-7 days and fades evenly. It doesn't have a big A-list following for any old reason! 

What are your go-to products for prolonging a summer tan?
Emily
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18.9.16

Kat Von D Beauty Has Arrived in The UK

Kat Von D London Calling Set
Yes my friends, it's finally happened; Kat Von D Beauty has launched in the UK and is available online at Debenhams. It's safe to say I'm beyond excited to finally be able to get my mitts on Kat Von D's collection, without having to ship it across the Atlantic Ocean. And now I've stopped hyperventilating I need to share an exclusive set of products released in anticipation of the KVD launch. Aptly named 'London Calling' the limited edition set contains three product minis that Kat Von D "just can't live without" and I have all the deets. 

Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare
The liquid lipstick from Kat Von D promises "long-wear, full coverage liquid lipstick with a smooth, matte finish and is packaged in a sleek tube with gothic lettering and victorian roses. After putting "Double Dare" through its paces, I can confirm the formulation warrants a round of applause. Not only is the liquid lipstick infused with comfort-enhancing ingredients, including vitamin E and sunflower seed, it's easy to apply, layers well, smooth and long-wearing. However, until set (which can take a couple of minutes) it can feel ever so slightly tacky on the lips, but it's worth it! And the shade "Double Dare" is the kind I go weak at the knees for, a wareable medium-dark pink. I suggest picking up one (or two) of these! 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in "Double Dare"
Tattoo Liner in Trooper
I've been pining after Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in "Trooper" ever since its release and I had high expectations, as its mass cult following named it as one of the best eyeliners, ever. But whilst the brush is created by lots of thin, synthetic hairs meaning it won't fray (my biggest pet peeve of Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner), the formulation let it down. The colour wasn't opaque and required a few applications before become a dense black and throughout the day it began to wear showing signs of creasing. I wouldn't rate the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner above the likes of Lancôme Grandiôse Liner and Maybelline Master Ink Liquid Eyeliner. Safe to say I'm a little disappointed! 

Studded Kiss Lipstick in Lolita
After trying the Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in "Lolita", I've been aching for more shades. Packaged in an edgy studded black bullet the Sephora best-seller is unlike your traditional matte lipstick as it has a slightly creamy, flat matte finish. Personally I really like the texture and found the lipstick easy to wear. Application was also effortless with one-swipe colour payoff and infused with an antioxidant complex that leaves the lips feeling soft. I have no complaints! And is smells like creme brûlée too.

Kat Von D  Studded Kiss Lipstick in "Lolita"
Ready to tell Debenhams to take your money? 
Emily
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17.9.16

The Foundation To Buy This Autumn

The Foundation To Buy This Autumn
Cushion compacts have taken the UK beauty market by storm proving they're no fad, beyond gimmicky and a game changer for multiple reasons. And Lancôme the beauty brand that brought them to both department and high street stores has gone one step further and released Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation. Unlike its predecessors which are typically soaked in a light BB-esque foundation Teint Idole Ultra is both long wearing and packs a punch in the coverage department. And whilst foundations come and go in my collection, this cushion compact is here to stay - could the quest for complexion perfection be over? 

Housed in a gorgeous premium gold mirrored compact, Lancôme's Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation is refillable and perfectly portable, as its airtight and touch-activated design means no leaks or spills. The formulation is everything I look for and need in a foundation, its unbelievably lightweight yet has a medium to full coverage unlike L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique Cushion Foundation and despite this its difficult to detect on the skin. The fluid foundation from Lancôme builds beautifully, brightens, doesn't accentuate pores or scars, is oil-free, noncomedogenic and is flattering in all lights. The finish isn't particularly glowy, but isn't matte either. The lasting power is also pretty darn good, boasting full days wear with little to no touch ups required. But whilst the puff applicator is anti-bacterial, I still wouldn't vouch it's a sanitary process...

I haven't yet needed to flip the cushion over in attempt to dispense more product, but I'll keep you updated. In terms of volume and value, the cushion compact contains just 13g of foundation and costs £30.00 opposed to the bottled version which retails for the same price yet contains 30ml. However, refills cost £19.50 and all in all I use far less product in comparison to pumping out the product onto the back of my hand. You win some you lose some I suppose! 

Overall, it's safe to say I'm excited. I would never have thought a near enough perfect complexion was possible with a cushion compact, but this stuff has decent coverage, is fun to apply, handbag friendly, comes in many shades and undertones and leaves my skin looking pretty darn lovely (even if I do say so myself!). Lancôme you have yourself a cushion compact convert.

Have you tried Lancôme's latest release? 
Emily
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14.9.16

4 Of My Favourite Beauty Buys, Ever

As I’ve not partaken in monthly beauty favourites for a few months, I thought I’d share 4 of my favourite beauty buys, ever. Now whilst it can be hard to find a truly great beauty buy, it didn’t take me long to scour my beauty stash and find the 4 products that would make the cut. They’ve all been repurchased and well loved. Why? Because they’re wonderful and they work.
My skincare routine is fairly minimal,  but one product in particular that has stood the test of time is Vichy Aqualia Thermal Dynamic Hydration Power Serum. The serum favoured for its simple formulation of Vichy Thermal Spa Water and hyaluronic acid wears beautifully under makeup and moisturiser. It leaves my skin perfectly hydrated, visibly smoother and plump. It’s lightweight in consistency, non-greasy and is a simple skincare solution to help diminish scars and help deliver a healthier hydrated complexion. It can’t be beaten on value either costing under £20.

Indulgent and utterly irresistible the Guerlian Meteorites Rainbow Pearls are my favourite finishing powder. Incased in a limited edition porcelain like white and gold trinket, the iconic pearls are magical. With a swirl of a big fluffy brush the different pigments and subtle pearliness work wonders for my skin, leaving it looking perfected and illuminated. The pearls aren’t your traditional highlighter nor oil-absorbing, but breathe life back into my skin and prolong makeup wear. A sheer luxury, but one I couldn’t be without. They’re so good I’ve bought the compact version!

Destined to become a cult classic, Charlotte Tilbury’s Filmstar Bronze and Glow double contouring compact is simply da bomb. Packaged in a 1920’s rose gold inspired cigarette case the two powders, one to ‘sculpt’ and one to ‘highlight’ are finely milled and super soft. The ‘sculpt’ powder is made from a pearl pigment blend and is a tad taupey, yet bronzey enough to warm up my complexion. The highlighter is a beautiful golden champagne colour, which isn’t at all metallic, or shimmery and leaves a candlelight glow on my cheekbones. It’s not cheap, but it’s truly treasured.

You’ll be hard pressed to find a beauty blogger who doesn’t like Anastasia Beverly Hills brow products. And Anastasia Dipbrow is the brow product that has helped me achieve the ultimate arch. Its formulation is smudge resistant, waterproof and highly pigmented. Initially it's a little challenging to work with, but with a little practice and a decent brow brush, this little pot of joy transforms straggly brows into a statement. There’s a shade for everyone and a little goes a long way. Cara eat your heart out!

What's one of your favourite beauty buys?
Emily
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10.9.16

House of Fraser Beauty Event: My Picks

Whether you're shopping for something you haven't tried before, or restocking your tried-and-true must-haves, this weekend House of Fraser has you covered. Yep, that's right the House of Fraser Beauty Event is back and finishing this Sunday 11th September! Spend £50 or more on beauty, include one of their favourite products and receive £10 off. Plus collect 250 bonus points with Recognition reward card. 

With just a couple of clicks you can "treat yo' self", get the best bang for your buck and indulge in some cult classics including Estée Lauder Double Wear, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Clarins Energy Booster and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat just to name a few. And whilst I'm sure you don't need enabling, I thought I'd share two newly added items to my stash, both of which are available to buy in the HoF Beauty Event.

 Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette £38.50

Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base £40.00*
Bobbi Brown's skincare range is often overlooked and I for one am usually a little hesitant to try skincare from a makeup brand. However, Bobbi Brown's Vitamin Enriched Face Base sounded too good to pass up. Packed with vitamin goodness (B, C and E) and shea butter, the oil-free double duty primer and moisturiser is a Bobbi Brown bestseller. Applied to clean skin, the rich yet non-greasy face base instantly smoothed over pores and blemishes. It made my skin ever so slightly emollient without feeling like a film creating the perfect makeup canvas. And the scent is not only amazing (grapefruit and geranium). The packaging is pretty too. I'll keep you in the loop with this one! 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette £38.50
I had been yearning for the Urban Decay Naked Palette for oh so long. So when my boyfriend Ben gifted me the Urban Decay palette for my recent Birthday, being the self confessed palette fanatic that I am, I went into makeup meltdown. Housed in a sleek taupe tin, the 12 taupe-hued eyeshadows are drool-worthy. The shades 'Pistol' and 'Tease' are particularly pretty and the formulation is buttery smooth. I've read innumerable rave reviews and tutorials and can imagine this solid palette is set to become a firm favourite amongst my collection. 

Have you tried either of these products? What would you pick? 
Emily
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7.9.16

PMD Personal Microderm: Does It Really Work?

PMD Personal Microderm: Does It Really Work?
It's true when they say money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a decent at-home skincare gadget! And being the beauty junkie that I am, I jumped at the chance to try the PMD Personal Microderm System*. The celebrity favourite microdermabrasion facial, is simply a mini powerful vacuum that deeply exfoliates to reveal a refreshed and refined complexion. And PMD's award-winning device, promises you can achieve just this in the comfort of your own home. But does it really work? 

I've had a microdermabrasion treatment previously at my local beauty salon, which cost roughly £40 - getting buffed isn't cheap! So the benchmark of expectation had been set and after three months of good use the results are in. The PMD Personal Microderm System comes with several exfoliating disks for body, face and different skin types and are available for repurchase. Admittedly I was hesitant at first, so I watched the how-to DVD guide and tested the device using the practice disks supplied. Once my skin was thoroughly cleansed I pulled the skin taut with one hand (to ensure the device moves smoothly) and with the other I moved the Personal Microderm in an upward motion keeping the tool moving quickly, making sure not cover the same area more than twice. The treatment isn't painful in the slightest and the device is very gentle. But it's important not to hover over the skin, as you could end up with dark circles, which are a common complication when the device is used incorrectly. Personally I like to feel a beauty treatment working and this device doesn't disappoint! After the treatment I have very slight redness from the suction, which is expected, but it fades quickly leaving my skin baby soft, smoother and instantly brighter. All in all, it's quite miraculous! The PMD Personal Microderm System buffs away the dead and dull top layer of the skin within a matter of minutes reducing the appearance of fine lines, blemishes and enlarged pores. The results are so darn good, I've had to resist the urge to use it more frequently. The PMD device is a great investment and effective option at reducing a multitude of skincare concerns and a total game changer if you're in pursuit of a glowing complexion! 

The PMD Personal Microderm System is available to buy online here for £135.

Have you had a microdermabrasion facial, or tried the PMD device? 
Emily
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