Clarins Beauty Flash Balm: Review

Hello guys! I thought that now that I'm reaching the end with one of my most reached for products, now would be a good a time as any to review it for you. I picked up the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm back in May, after reading reviews and the description online in my mind it seemed like a pretty decent buy for the summer time. Its described online as "An instant radiance booster" which obviously gave me the idea to use this for a nice summer glow; "Skin feels softer the complexion appears brighter and more radiant. Enhances make-up's luminous appearance and lasting wear." My idea was to have this glow through a light application of foundation and keep my face glistening (the right way) in the sunshine.

Did it work?

Sort of, is the best answer I can come up with in relation to this question. The product gave me an instant glow all round, that neither made me appear sweaty or greasy. Before I became dedicated to my MUFE primer I used this moisturiser as a base for my foundation, to test the theory of enhancing make up's appearance and wear. When applying my foundation ontop of this I definitely saw that glow penetrating through, but because I mostly use my Pro Longwear foundation I probably couldn't give you a 100% accurate explanation as to whether it helfdmy foundation in there for longer. Nothing is going to work to increase the wear of your foundation more so than an actual primer. But on the basis of that healthy glow, I definitely saw it shine through my base for atleast the first couple hours or so.

The other benefits are its sweet cinammon like scent, that some may like or dislike, but I personally enjoyed, and also its lightweight but effective texture. As someone with combination skin I found it works nicely to moisturise but not in anyway increase the production of oil in areas like my t-zone, it did nothing to prevent it persay, but then again nothing to encourage it. If you find you do enjoy this as a moisturser, but suffer from oily areas, maybe finding a light mattifying serum to use underneath or mattifyng primer to use on top may solve the problem for oilier skin. Another bonus would be for those who think its about time to try anti-aging products as its described to "Work instantly to promote firmer looking features and reduce the appearance of fine lines." Saying that, I think because of its light weight and sublte texture, younger skins could enjoy using this with a tinted moisturiser for a natural glow. And apparently you can use this as a mask once a week or so by applying it all over the face for 10-15 mins, I personally never did this so I couldnt tell you if there are any benefits to this, all I can say is the tube seems to small for me to waste loads on masking *shrugs*.

All in all I did enjoy my time using this moisturiser and am a little sad its almost gone, I would definitely repurchase again in the future, as it is a nice one to have around. 

Have any of you guys tried the Beauty Flash Balm? If so what did you think, would you repurchase? Or are any of you interested in trying it in the future?

Wishin you a lovely day

xoxo

REVLON - Gold Coin

Whilst browsing the Revlon counter at Boots recently, I managed too come across some of their new nail varnishes for this autumn/winter. One of my absolute favs is this gorgeous metallic colour in Gold Coin. Its a metallic rusty gold perfect for copy-catting that sassy Beyonce Knowles, minx nail look. Two coats will give you that even and opaque sheen, but no more than two I'd say.

Revlon nail varnishes are currently £4.29 instead of £6.29 at Boots. Have a run down and take a look guys they have some other pretty interesting shades and I believe another new sparkly one for A/W.

Let me know your opinions on gold nails, are you a fan or do you think their a tad too much?

Lots of Love

xoxo

Now Available in HD

Hello my sweets! Hope your all well? I want to introduce you to an amazing purchase I've made recently. Make Up Forever are a world renowned professional make up brand who's product are used by the most prestige of make up artists. Unfortunately the products are stocked in Sephora which we don't have in the UK! But they are also available at Guru Make Up Emporium a professional make up store in Parsons Green, London.

I've always been eager to try the MUFE products and have seen them in tutorials by the likes of Pixiwoo, and its through their channel that I was first made aware of Guru Make Up Emporium who do have a website where you can order products. But because I'm really into seeing products and being familiar with them before I attempt to order them online and Parsons Green although in London is quite out of the way for me to travel to, I till now have never made an order.

It was actually through a friend who had been down to the store that I gained the impulse to at least try products that weren't based on colour matching, so that I could determine the quality. I purchased the HD Translucent Face Powder and the HD Primer in Mauve (to contrast sallow undertones).

Top Pic: Swatch of MUFE primer, Pic Below: Primer rubbed into hand

The primer firstly I have to say this has a very fresh scent which I do like in skincare products. I've never used a coloured primer so I was a little worried about how this was going to show up under my foundation. But the consistency isn't too thick and the product once rubbed in, seemed to apply clear. Saying that when I moved on to apply my foundation it applied so smoothly and the finishing result was a base that was so much more even and healthy looking than usual, that I literally wanted to keep staring at my face. The primer is designed to contrast sallow undertones meaning dullness. My skin tone at times can become uneven if I'm not careful, and as a result my skin can look a little dull, even under foundation. But this seemed to work against that perfectly.

Top Pic: Shows MUFE HD powder on hand, Pic Below: Powder blended into hand

The HD Powder was a little tricky figure out at first as I've never used any translucent powders in the past (unless you count the one I used only once by Sleek, less said the better). I applied this powder once I finished applying all my makeup as I heard this is a good way to seal everything in. With a powder that has a bit of colour I'd probably use that directly after applying foundation. At no point did the application seem to be cakey or ashy or drying in anyway. Instead I barely noticed a difference... except for the fact that my t-zone was instantly mattified and stayed that way for longer than ever before. Honestly I adore this powder! I only purchased the travel sized version as I wanted to test it out but I'm going to trot down to Parsons Green and try their HD Foundation and whilst I'm there I will be picking up a full sized tub of the HD Powder. I think I'll have the smaller one on hand should I need to travel or have to pack make up with me for any other reason.

I honestly am kicking myself at taking so long to actually try out the MUFE products as the quality is beyond amazing, I'm in total excitement at the prospect of trekking down to pick a foundation. And just in case you guys were wondering, I've been using the products since the previous Monday and I haven't experienced any nasty skin reactions.

Let me know what you guys think of MUFE, have you tried any of the products mentioned above? Or do MUFE have any amazing make up items you think are worth recommending. Or if you guys have experienced a better primer and setting powder please feel free to share

Love you all

xoxo

FOTD Using MAC Morange

Hello darlings! A few posts ago I let you guys know of my purchase of MAC's lovely lippy in Morange. Silly old me forgot to swatch it to show you all how "pow" of a colour it is.

Morange is definitely a lipstick meant for the brave! The colour is a beautiful orange shade with red undertones and I'm so in love with orange and coral this season, but I'm not altogether sure how well of a job I do at pulling it off. I'm such a natural introvert, in the way that I cannot stand anything that forces an "all-eyes-on me" reaction. But saying that the British public did seem quite kind. I didnt get any "what was she thinking" or "who does she think she is" stares... well none that I noticed, bear in mind I am short sighted :(

Products Used:

Face

Mac Pro Longwear Foundation NC42

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
Mac Mineralise Skin Finish Naturals Medium/Darl
Illamasqua Bronzer Burinish
Mac Powder Blush Gingerly

Eyes

Mac Woodwinked e/s
Sleek Storm Palette (matte dark brown + metallic bronze)
Me me me Eyeliner Pen Black
Mac Kohl Teddy
Chantechaille Faux Ciles Mascara Noir
Lips

MAC Morange Lipstick

What do you think of Morange? Or bright lipsticks in general? What have been your fav lip colours of the season?

Hope you enjoyed dolls

xoxo

Products I've Finished

Hello Guys! This is a little random and some may even call it rubbish... hehe geddit... *coughs* I've realised this week that I've actually found myself in need to get down to the shops as I seem to have run out of quite alot. So I thought I'd share with you a few beauty products that I've found myself short of this month.

• Botanics Heat Protection Spray I will definitely be repurchasing this as its one of few heat protection sprays that doesn't leave my hair feeling dry or crispy afterwards. The smell is delightful, and I cant quite recall the exact price of this but I'm pretty sure it was around a fiver.
• Mac's Pro Long wear Foundation NC42 you may recognize this foundation from my June favourites post and another one of these bad boys is well on its way to being delivered to me. I love it! I managed to struggle through a week without this foundation and finally caved in today. If you have normal/combination skin I'd definitely recommend checking this out.
• Superdrug Pore Strips I do suffer with an oily t-zone and huge pores around my nose so I try and incorporate pore strips as part of my home spa routine (skin care post to come). I've used Biore' strips since my teens but they are a tad pricey at around £10, whereas again I cant remember the full price of these Superdrug ones, but I'd say around or under a fiver. They work just as well if not better than the Biore', they might be a tad on the strong side, but that's the strength I personally look for.
• Estee Lauder Beyond Paradise EDP I have actually repurchased this fragrance about three times since I turned sixteen. Its such a musky floral fragrance that just screams summer evening! I first stole this from my mum, and when I discovered how many compliments wearing this fragrance had earned me I decided from there on out that this was a must have in my collection. I will probably get this back in my life within the next few weeks but I'm undecided about purchasing this one or trying out another summer fragrance heavyweight (suggestions welcome). Needless to say I'll be having a play in Boots perfume aisle whilst making my decision. 

And whilst we're on the subject of things I love. I thought I'd share with you guys two of my guilty pleasures at the moment. Firstly

Image from Google Images

I am obsessed with pretty little liars! I totally HAVE to watch it once a week, in silence, with a mug of hot chocolate! Please don't ask why, I really do not know... maybe its the immaculate make up, or the ominous story lines, but anyway I am tuned into MTV Shows weekly for this! If anyone knows info about any box sets please get at me!

Image from Google images

Secondly Salt & Vinegar Snack-a-jacks... let me explain. After realising that being in my early 20's is not a period in my life that I need spend unhappy about my weight I have decided to take action. I am NOT striving to be skinny I'd be happy with losing a stone maybe a bit more. Anyway I'm NOT dieting but I have altered my diet, incorporating in foods lower in fat, I've swapped white bread and chips for wholemeal pitta bread. I'm not going to lie it sucks! I can eat all the fruit in the world but none of it tastes like chocolate! But on the plus side, my savory taste buds (which are addicted to salt & vinegar crisps) have fallen in love with snack-a-jacks. I'm actually really glad I like them, as a 22g bag only has 1.6 grams of fat as opposed to a bag of walkers that contains 8.3grams. Winning me-thinks!

Hope you guys found this post useful, if you have any products you've found yourself repurchasing please share? And if you have any questions about the products featured above please don't hesitate to ask

Have a nice day loves
xoxo

Girl About Town

Any true MAC devotee will already guess the contents of this post. A couple of days ago a friend of mine mentioned on her blackberry messenger status that she had orderd the infamous MAC Girl About Town lipstick, I then quickly came alive and pinged her promptely to let her know how much I love it. To which she replied "how am I not suprised you have it", my reputation definitely proceeds me.

And I have to thank my lovely friend for reminding me exactly how much I have loved this l/s, it hadnt seen much of the light of day since the s/s coral and peach trends popped up. But rocking it out today I definitely rememberd sometimes we make our own trends work.

Girl About Town is a bright deep fuschia which has an amplified finish, perfectly long wearing for such a bold colour. Its lovely worn during the day with a nice neutral eye or partnerd with a soft smokey eye and lots of lashes for the evening. Gorgeously suited to a girl about town ;-)

Im not too sure if I would be considerd a girl about town today though. My biggest highlights of the day were finally getting my eyebrows waxed after maybe three months of growing out the damage an amatuer threader inflicted upon them.  Some light shopping this morning with a friend I hadnt seen for quite a while. And ofcourse I also joined the gym today.

 I generally need to lose about a stone and a half to feel more confident about my body but added to that I've also put on a few pounds recently when I was struck hard with flu. A week straight of sitting in bed coughing my life away, not moving and eating a considerable amount hasnt exactly done me any favours.

How have you guys spent your day about town? How do you guys feel about this lipstick? Do you have any bold lippy favs?

Hope your all well lovelies
xoxo

Dont Judge My Fantasy

Ok I know a "celeb perfume" the terrony! Dont get any ideas ok, this isnt my usual buy, I too have walked past that section in the perfume isle filled with the "cheaper" scents launched by celebs in their various attempts to force their way into our lives... Ok that was a little bitter *shocked face*. But seriously we've all at some point fronted like we would never go there, and if we have then we've acted like we're now above, lets see a show of hands. Yep thought so, but as we share that little moment we also all share a secret; there is always that one, that we love. Theres always that scent that strikes us as yum, and we battle our inner divas in confusion as we cant help our want for our guilty pleasure.

(pic from google)

And I've been battling, goodness I've been battling with whether or not to give in to my weakness for Britney Spears Fantasy EDP. I first spritzed it on my arm two years ago but by mistake bought the Hidden Fantasy instead, which may I add, I loathed. So I took this as a sign, it wasnt meant to be. But yet the sweetness of the perfume stayed with me, and do you know what! I love Britney! Yeah I said it, I love her I truly think the girl has had too much fame to quickly and had a major breakdown, and I for one am proud shes got her act together. But anyway let this be about what it is, I love this scent, taboo aside its sweet, its girly, its soft, and I swear it smells like candy. It might not be for everyone, some may find it way too sweet, maybe even a little sickly, but in all honesty I personally consider it to be a cute and afordable scent for the day time. Something you can spray on when your not looking to get any attention and just want to smell a little sweet.

I suck big time at describing fragrances, so I'll show you how its described online:
The story of Fantasy Britney Spears unfolds with lush red lychee, golden quince and exotic kiwi. It continues with the scents of cupcakes, sexy white chocolate orchid and jasmine petals and draws to a close with the scents of creamy musk, orris root and sensual woods.

I've placed my bottle of Fantasy next to my Marc Jacobs Lola and my Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. Next time you're at a perfume counter sample this and see what you think, I think we've all been perfume snobs for way too long. And to be honest I'm almost twenty three, I for one feel too old to be cool.

Hope you enjoyed my latest little bit of beauty turmoil guys, let me know you're thoughts on Fantasy even if you want to scold me for loving it, but I'd love to hear some comments from some more of you who love it too, lets represent!

Lol hope you're all well guys
xoxo



Lost My Style

When one hears the epic cries of "Noooooooooooo" booming from the room of a make up obssesse there's usually a 98% chance that they've just broken one of their most worn treasures. In my case this was in fact what had occurred. As I desperately knelt down to gather the broken remains of one of my favourite blushes I actually wondered to myself if tears would be a valid offering of grief for this moment.... Ok it wasn't that dramatic but I was rightfully upset,

Style by MAC has been one of my favourite make up items, not just blushes since I picked it up in June last year. The peachy/coral frost powder blush was a near perfect fit to the colour of my natural blush, it gave me an immediate glow, even though it is a frost with a slight gold shimmer that I usually don't like in blushes, the shimmer was never overwhelming and never gave that sweaty or metallic look.

All in all I loved it dearly but not to worry as the parts I managed to salvage in the container should still be enough to last me a while, even though I hate using a broken powder product because I think u end up getting more product on your brush than necessary. But if all else fails the only plus side is that style is part of MAC's permanent collection so if the going gets tough I can also repurchase. With all the peachy tones coming out in the spring i was hoping to rock this out more often :'(

Another great plus point to this blush is that its an excellent dupe for the most coveted "stereo rose msf" part of the MAC In The Groove collection. Many were not able to purchase this as it was sold out so quickly in store and online that it became almost impossible to get your hands on it. But style is a perfect match, and to me even more wearable as its on the less shimmery side.

Above: MAC Stereo Rose MSF, Below: MAC Style Powder Blush

Style is part of MAC's permanent collection and can be purchased at any MAC counter or online at http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/

Please feel free to share with me any major make up loss's you guys have incurred accidentally, or if you've ever tried the blush Style please let me know your opinions?

Have an amazing day dolls
xoxo

*Apologies for the picture quality guys, I'm due to purchase a better camera and my Mac book pro next month, but I love blogging so much I cant wait till then to put up a post. I hope you guys can bare with me while I try and get everything sorted in terms of quality and in the mean time enjoy the posts that I can put up for now. March will be a better blogging month for sure ;-)