NARS Douceur

NARS Douceur is a blush that I had heard a lot about and it was one I had made a mental note about wanting to try. Once word got round that it was being discontinued I searched around online (in a slight panic I must admit!)  where I found it on ASOS and placed an order.

I had been in the market for a ' matte soft pink/brown blush' that could be doubled up as a natural contour to help sculpt the face on those lazy days. After reading many reviews, Douceur was described as just that, so I was excited to see how I would feel about it.

What Do I Think?

I've had Douceur for about a week now and I must say I don't think it lives up to the quality of other NARS blushers I've tried! I really wanted to love it but it just doesn't do much for me at all! It barely swatches and I have to really build it up for it to show up on my skintone. My other NARS blushers are so pigmented, to the point where I have to be aware to use a light hand to avoid over doing it. It leans more pink than brown on me whereas I was actually hoping for the opposite, so it doesn't even work so well in helping create that 'natural contour'.

I'm so disappointed that I just don't love it as much as everyone else, but I'm going to continue playing around with it and hopefully find a way to make it work for me! I think it's a blush that is targeted mainly at light/ light medium skintones, I feel like it was begin to look ashy on anyone darker than me. Like I said, I really had to build it up on myself to get a decent pay off.

Douceur is no longer avaliable at NAR makeup counters but it can still be found at selected online retailers. If you were interested in trying it before its gone, I purchased mine from ASOS.

It retails for £22.50

Aroosa 

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New Maybelline Colour Tattoo In Cream Beige

  I've always been a fan of cream shadows and I was too all about the Maybelline Colour Tattoo hype when they first launched a couple of years back. Unfortunately in the UK we don't get the extensive colour range that is available in the US, as well as rarely getting the limited edition releases.

So whilst perusing the isles of Superdrug once again (I feel like you may be getting a sense of what I like to do in my spare time!) 2 weeks ago I stumbled across this new Maybelline Colour Tattoo Leather Effect in the shade Creamy Beige. Due to no longer keeping up with new launches as religiously as I used to I had no idea that new colour tattoos were released,so just imagine my excitement when this caught my eye! Total child in a sweet shop moment, I had to have it.

The name describes the colour well, I think its beautiful! On my skin tone it swatches warmer than it looks in the pot, leaning slightly orange. But overall its a camel tone bronzy shade with a satin finish.

I haven't had the opportunity to use this yet but I'll be happy if it performs like the others in terms of longevity, colour payoff and base properties. I think it will make a beautiful base for a warm bronze/brown smokey eye. I can't wait to try it out!!

If you're a fan of the Maybelline Colour Tattoos give this a try. Another Shade from the Leather Effects collection called Vintage Plum was also available if you're into deep purply tones. 

Have you tried this yet? What are your thoughts?

Naturally Radiant 2 in 1 Moisturiser and Serum

Believe it or not, this is the product that sparked my interest into getting back into blogging! After seeing the results I achieved from this moisturiser/serum, on top of all the compliments on how great my skin was looking I was itching to let people know about my skincare secret!

At the beginning of this year,back in January, I was perusing the isles of Superdrug looking for something new to try. My skin had been unhappy for a while, with the texture of it had been looking and feeling very uneven. I needed to find it something new!

Now I must say I used to feel like you get what you pay for in terms of skincare, so I wasn't expecting much at all when I picked this up and the main reason I did decide to give it a go was because of the bargain introductory offer of £2.98.

Due to having very sensitive skin, I was initially put of by the strong scent of this product. Don't get me wrong, it actually smells lovely! Very Herbally and 'Natrual' but at the time I was worried it cause a reaction. Because of this I unfortunately left it to collect dust up until about April. When I did FINALLY start using this regularly, I have to say my skin never looked or felt better.

The actual product has a gel like texture. A little goes a long way, it absorbs quickly and leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated. I have a combination skin type and ever since I started using this moisturiser/serum religiously (twice daily) since April I haven't experienced any dry patches or excessive oiliness in my T Zone (these are problems I experienced prior to this product arriving in my life!)

Having just entered in to the bitterly cold winter months here in the UK, I was wondering if my skin would end up needing more moisture, but I have to say its still working wonders and keeping my skin adequately hydrated. I cannot recommend this product enough!

SKIN!

It retails for £5.99 an it is sold at Superdrug. It's often on offer  though, making it even more worth it!

I highly suggest you give this product a go! It's definitely a holy grail skincare product for me and I couldn't be happier with the condition of my skin ever since I started using it!

MUA Luxe London Velvet Lip Lacquers

I recently purchased the much hyped about MUA Luxe London Velvet Lip Lacquers from Superdrug. I've been enjoying experimenting with different types of lip products lately, so I was excited to give these a try.

L-R - RECKLESS, HALCYON, TRANQUILITY

The Lip Lacquers are described as a long lasting, kiss proof lip lacquers that provide an opaque finish, drying down to a matte velvet finish. I had high hopes for these lip products, firstly because I hadn't previously tried any of the 'lip lacquer' type lip products that are currently being release left, right and centre. Secondly because I'm always fond to a good old matte lip, and finally because I had myself read some rave reviews about these lip lacquers!

My Thoughts

I really wanted to like these, but unfortunately I was left rather disappointed, The first time I applied RECKLESS, I applied it to bare lips without a lip balm underneath. You  may be thinking that this was a pretty silly move as we all know how drying matte products can be, but I just wanted to test them out to see how they held up alone. Once RECKLESS had dried down, it didn't take long for it to start settling into fine lines and flaking off. I removed it within an hour of applying it as it started to feel rather uncomfortable and look patchy. I could feel the product sitting on top of my lips, and drinking from a cup just promoted the flakey-ness. I did however like the colour and the initial finish of the product!

L-R TRANQUILITY, HALCYON, RECKLESS
JUST AFTER APPLICATION BEFORE DRYING DOWN

L-R TRANQUILITY, HALCYON, RECKLESS
DRIED DOWN TO A MATTE/VELVET FINISH
(PLEASE NOTE: THIS PICTURE IS MORE OF A TRUE
 REPRESENTATION ON THE ACTUAL COLOURS)

Next I tried out the less daring shades and this time I made sure to moisturise and exfoliate my lips beforehand. Having done so I was hoping for a more positive result, however I found the application of both HALCYON and TRANQUILITY to be fairly patchy. To reduce the patchiness I would recommend blotting your lips a couple of minutes after applying lip balm. I found this to help some what but in all honest it wasn't easy to achieve an even application. Once I did however achieve an even application with TRANQUILITY, it dried down to a beautiful matte/velvet finish and lasted until I chose to take it off.

On more of a positive note I was really fond of the colours and generally feel like MUA have done well with the colour selection. The price definitely has to add to the good points of this product, at only £3.00 per lip lacquer it would be a challenge to find a product in the same type category at that price. Its also worth noting the lasting power, I had to really scrub at my lips to get these off!!

I'm looking forward to playing around with these lip lacquers a little more and hopefully finding a way to make the application easier for me. I'm also interested in trying some of the brighter colours in the range such as DARE.

What did you guys think of the MUA Luxe London Velvet Lip Lacquers?

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liners

I recently purchased two Creaseless Cream shadow liners by Benefit and thought I'd do a little review on them. The two shades I got were Stiletto, a cool maroon/burgundy shade and Pre-nup, a shimmery, corally pink shade.

 

L-R: PRE-NUP, STILETTO

I've used both as a wash of colour on the eyelid by themselves, but also underneath eyeshadow to help intensify the colour and make my eye makeup last all day. The texture of these cream eyeshadows is so lovely. Both are buttery smooth and glide onto the skin. Once applied, they dry very quickly, leaving a satiny finish and a great base for eye shadows to grab onto.

I like the versatility of the product. Even though I havent tried it yet, I'm sure Stiletto would look lovely when used as an eyeliner! *makes a note to try that soon!*

 

The first time I wore Stiletto, I was really pleased with how it made my eye makeup last. It stayed intense and didn't crease all day! However on other occasion's when I've used pre-nup, which is a more wearable, everyday colour, I have noticed creasing after about 2 hours. 

I then realised that these have to be applied in a specific way if you want them to be used as an eyeshadow base. It's best to apply a fine layer of product onto the eyelid, rather than loading on the cream shadow. I found that using a brush rather than my fingers helped to distribute the products finely and evenly over my eyelid and helped my eye makeup last alot longer.

The down side about this product is the price. They retail for £14.00 per pot. For me thats definitely a little on the pricey side, especially considering that a paint pot by MAC is cheaper than that. Having said that, I haven't ever tried a paint pot by MAC, so these may well be better quality.

I also think that the colour range of the creasless cream shadows is quiet limited. There are a couple of standout shades such as stiletto, but the majority seem to be similar neutrals.

I would love to try more creaseless cream shadows by Benefit, but as I said, if one thing puts me of it's the price. 

I think I might just try a paint pot by MAC next and see how that compares.

Have you tried the creaseless cream shadow/liners by Benefit? What do you think?

ROSA x

REVIEW: LUSH Lip Scrub

On sunday i popped into LUSH with one intension which was to pick up one of the new lip scrubs. i opted for the Mint Julip which i mentioned in a previous post and now thought i'd do a little review on it!

what does the website say?
Our fabulous lip scrubs are here to keep your kissers sweet. When you use Mint Julips, you'll find yourself craving a bowl of mint-chocolate chip ice cream. It's made with refreshing peppermint oil, which will make your lips feel soothed and tingly, and sweet vanilla extract to lock in moisture and protect your lips. Simply rub it over your lips when they're feeling the need for some sugar.

What do i think?
i couldn't wait to try this lip scrub and it didn't let me down! i took a pea sized amount and rubbed it onto my top and bottom lip. it's wasn't harsh and didn't hurt, but it did help blood circulation in my lips leaving them with a rosey tint for a while. above all it left my lips feeling soft and definately smooth.

after applying the lip scrub your just supposed to lip it off your lips....which is a bonus, especially since the the Mint Julip lip scrub smells and tastes like after eights. because of the mint, you can feel a slight tingle to the lips, which isn't uncomfortable, but actually rather nice :)

Rating
*****
yeah 5 stars, i love it!

RRP
the lip scrub retails for £4.50 and comes in three flavours

REVIEW: VICHY'S Facial Emulsion

What do i think?
i while ago i was sent a couple of skincare item's by Vinchy's. if I'm perfectly honest i wasn't to excited by them, mainly because there was nothing about them that drew me in. i wasn't a fan of the packaging design and even though the smell was 'nice' it wasn't, in my opinion anything special.

i did eventually get round to trying the facial emulsion and now i must admit that my first impression was wrong! as a moisturiser it works really well, it helps to moisturise my dry skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth. once applied the scent isn't over powering or even detectable which is a positive for me because once I've applied a product i prefer to just forget about it.

Where can i buy it from?
available exclusively in Lloyds pharmacy for 8.50 pounds

Rating
***
even though i was pleased with the product and it worked well, i don't think i wound re-purchase. firstly because i think it's aimed at an older age category, i think this mainly because of the packaging and the scent. and secondly, even though it retails at a good price, i feel like i can pay the same amount for a product that excites me a little bit more.

DISCLAIMER: i was sent this product for reviewing purposes. i was not paid to do this and all opinions given in the above review are my own.

REVIEW: Clean&Clear Deep Cleansing Warming Scrub

for the past two weeks, i have been using the Clean&Clear deep cleansing warming scrub and would like to share my thoughts.

What the website says:

CLEAN & CLEAR^® Deep Cleansing Warming Scrub instantly warms the skin on contact with water and exfoliates to remove pore-clogging residue. The warming effect opens pores to help the scrub give a really deep down clean. Your skin is left deeply cleansed, feeling soft and smooth all day long

Why should I exfoliate?>>

Exfoliating your skin not only removes dead cells that can clog pores but it also stimulates new cell growth. Exfoliating scrubs can help skin look and feel refreshed and are recommended when treating most skin conditions to achieve a deep-down clean.

What do i think?
when i first started using this product, i was really impressed and really felt that the warming effect helped to clear out my pores. i also noticed that after washing my face with this scrub, my face was left feeling soft and smooth. i was initially surprised by how much the product heats up and it really intrigued my because it's the first warming scrub I've ever used.
the product itself is very very thick making it quiet an effort to squeeze out the tube, okay that may sound like a bit of an over exaggeration but i do notice the pressure i need to put on the tube to get the product out each time.it's very grainy making it an excellent scrub, but it's not so harsh that it hurts like some scrubs can, but rather dissolve a little after being rubbed on the face.

like mentioned above, I've been using the product for over a week now and having initially experienced positive results with it, i have suffered from a recent breakout. i don't usually get many spots, so i was a bit confused when i got a couple appearing around my face in area that I'm not prone to getting spots. now i can't be completely sure that my recent spot out break is due to the warming scrub, but it's the only new product I've used on my face. so i think i might stop using it for a while and see what happens.

just because it hasn't worked perfectly for me, it doesn't mean that you will experience the same results. like i mentioned above, the initial results were great, so on that basic, i would still recommend this product if you wanted to give it a go.

Rating
***

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REVIEW: Maybelline pulse perfection mascara

first I'll start by apologising, because I've been meaning to do this review for ages, but just haven't got round to it. I've been really busy with school, work, applying for uni etc. etc. etc...

but anyway, moving on... i mentioned in a earlier post that i was sent the new pulse perfection mascara by maybelline to test out, and i did. I've been using it for over a week now and overall have mixed opinions.

what the website says:

Why You'll Love It

It’s our first vibrating mascara. Transforms your lashes to perfection.

• Patent-pending elastomer brush vibrates 7,000 times per stroke
• Provides clump-free definition, intense color, and shine
• Waterproof; also available in washable formula
• Builds lash volume, length, and adds curl
• Buildable formula
• Ideal for All Skin Types
• Contact lens safe

what do i think:

well to start off with, i was really excited to try the is mascara and was looking forward to seeing how the vibrating wand wound differ from a normal mascara wand.
i noticed that the wand was pretty much exactly the same as the Define-A-Lash wand, which was fine with me especially since i used to love that mascara, but after using the mascara for a couple of days, i felt that there was both pros and cons to the product.

PROS:

• the vibrating wand did help to separate the lashes effortlessly
• the mascara lengthened the lashes
• I'm a contact lens wearer and it didn't irritate
• added shine to the lashes

CONS:

• i didn't like the feel of the vibration on the eyelid
• i can see why this mascara is priced at £14.99 , but i do feel this is too steep
• i think the effect can be achieved with a little more effort using define a lash but at half the price.
• on some occasions my eyelashes did begin to clump

  

top: pulse perfection wand... bottom: Define-A-Lash wand

one coat of maybelline pulse perfection mascara

i can see why people love this mascara, and i do think its very good!!... but for me personally think i'v tried mascara that are better for me, for example max factors false lash effect. i would still recommend this product and think you should give it a go if your curious about it like i was.

x

Colour Sensational

today i was delighted received i little parcel in the post. i was really excited because it contained some products for me to try out from Maybelline. i was invited to the blogger's event on the 10th but was unable to make it, so would just like to say a huge thank you to Natalie from Headstream PR for still sending me some products to try out :) THANK YOU!

moving on... i received two colour sensational lipsticks and the new pulse perfection vibrating mascara ( i can't wait to try this out!) just to let you know, this post will be on the lipsticks and I'll do a separate review on the mascara once I've had a chance to try it out.

i was sent the lipstick it two shades, Midnight Plum and Golden Brown, and even though the purple wasn't something i would usually ever think of trying, i was excited to give it a go.

what the website says:

Why You'll Love It
Fall in love with colour, all over again:
- CRISPER COLOUR created by our pigment technology.
- CREAMY FEEL.
- Enriched with honey nectar.
- Discover HI-DEF colour.
- Intensify your lipcolour with our 26 captiving shades.

“I am so impressed with new Color Sensational. The high-definition shades give lips a real crisp colour which is very impactful. It is also easy to apply and gives lips a creamy feel.” Fiona Jolly, Maybelline New York's Celebrity Make-Up Artist. .

what do i think?
i have to say, i was really impressed with the texture and feel of these lipsticks. they were really soft and creamy and definitely easy to work with. lipstick can be a difficult product to wear, especially if you have dry lips like me, but these really do moisturise the lips and leave a lovely finish. i liked the fact that the colour intensity was buildable which makes alot of the more vibrant shades more wearable.

first tried Golden Brown, which initially looked really quiet dark for my liking because i'm more of a neutral/pinky lipstick girl, but when applied to the lips, i was pleasantly surprised! like i said, the colour was buildable, so with a little bit applied the colour came through as a lovely neutral shade. definitely something I'll wear again.next i tried the Midnight Plum, and i tired it at full intensity. i did like the look of the colour, but to be perfectly honest i know it's a colour that i just wouldn't wear. i do admire people who would be confident to go out with such a colour on, but i don't think I'm quiet there yet..... i think the tone of the lipstick looked OKAY on me, but i think it would look much better on a deeper skin tone. my mum is quiet a bit darker than i am, and she loves wearing purple's and they really suit her. having said that the texture and feel was amazing. i loved the finish to this lipstick especially. it was so glossy!
haha, what can i say... I'm cool!!

trying this colour has made me decide to aim to be a bit more adventurous with my lip colour, and i definitely want to try out some more of the colour sensational lipsticks.. i really do recommend them. so as well as going on a hunt for popular colour's such as Amber Rose, I'm going to try and find a pillar box red shade.... adventurous i know! this sounds a bit contradictive from me saying I'm not confident enough to wear bright shades, but I've wanted to try a bright red for ages and i WANT to be confident enough to wear it, so if i can find one from this range I'm going to grab it. I've only swatched these two and I'm already in love!

if you have anything on your blog to do with these lipsticks please direct me their, i want to know what you all think :)

x

Review: Bare Escentuals

Swirl.....Tap.....Buff!

What the website says:

"Bare Escentuals started the revolution in mineral makeup with the introduction of our award-winning 100% pure bareMinerals.
bareMinerals looks like a powder, feels like a cream and buffs on like silk, giving skin a natural luminosity. Free of preservatives, talc, oil, fragrance and other harmful chemicals, bareMinerals provides impeccable coverage for every skin type, skin tone, and concern yet it doesn't feel like you're wearing any makeup at all.
And bareMinerals are just the beginning. Our makeup line also offers complete colour cosmetics and treatments designed to enhance your natural beauty, such as lipcolors, lip liners, lip glosses, mascaras, skin preps, flawless application brushes and more."

What do i think?

i use bare minerals foundation on a daily basis and personally love it and totally agree with above. i must admit though when i first started using it, i was rather disappointed, and it was only after sticking with it for a good couple of weeks and practising the precise application method(SWIRL... TAP... BUFF) that i then actually started to like it. i started off by ordering the starter kit, which includes two complimentary foundation shades (2g), a warmth all over face colour (2g), mineral veil (2g), skin rever-er upper (68ml), a flawless face brush and a max coverage concealer brush.

i have since brought a couple more items from the brand and this is where my collection stands at the minute.

Brushes:

L-R: heavenly face brush, heavenly blush brush, eye buki brush, max coverage concealer brush, flawless face brush, max coverage kabuki brush (bottom)

i haven't ever tried to apply my bare minerals with any other brush, but i do think that the finish is better if the bare mineral tools are used. i use the flawless face brush to apply a small amount of mineral veil before i apply my foundation. i feel this helps to greatly reduce the look of my pores. for full coverage i used the heavenly face brush to apply my foundation all over the face, and then i may use the concealer brush to add any extra coverage that may be needed. the brushes are really soft and easy to clean. my advice would be to use the flawless face brush at a 45 degree angle to the face rather than a 90 degree angle to the face. this stops any irritation to the skin especially if you really like to buff the mineral into the skin.

Rating: 5/5

Eyeshadow:

Kudos and Magnatize

the eye shadows are really finely milled and leave a beautiful wash of colour on the eyelid. i must admit that i haven't really used Kudos, but Magnatize leave a gorgeous golden sheen. i would recommend used a base or a skin toned matte eyeshadow underneath as it helps spread the mineral evenly on the eyelid, leaving a more professional, finished look.

Rating: 4/5

Blush:

Naughty Naughty

i only own one blush, in shade naughty naughty. i must admit that in the pot, the blush look really shimmery and pigmented, but when applied with a light hand, using the heavenly blush brush, it leaves a really nice pinky sheen to the skin. it's not glittery or clown like but rather nice. i think i would personally like to try some more blushes by the brand. again like all bare minerals products, the powder is really finely milled which allows the product to be easily and evenly distributed on the face.

Rating: 4/5

Radiance:

two in one radiance product: L - pure radiance, R- Tropical radiance

i really do rate the radiance products. i think it's hard to find a highlighter that doesn't leave a sweaty sheen to the skin, especially if it a loose powder, but this product really delivers. my personal favourite is the Pure Radiance which leave a soft light, subtle golden sheen to the skin where as the tropical radiance is slightly more pigmented allowing it to be used as a blusher if you wanted. i use the flawless face brush to apply this produce in a E shape on my face.

Rating: 4.5/5

Complexion:

L-R: warmth all over face colour, SPF15 foundation in medium tan, mineral veil.

starting with the foundation, i think this is the best foundation i have ever tried. it leaves my skin looking flawless and once you get used to it, its quick and simple to apply. when wearing this foundation i constantly get complements on my skin, not my makeup. that shows me that this is the prefect foundation for me because i don't want to look like I'm caked in foundation, but i do want my skin to look good. the fact that it has SPF15 in it is a added bonus because i don't have to worry about overloading my face with creams and what not. i would recommend that you make sure your face is moisturised before you apply the foundation though, because being a fine powder, it can highlight dry skin. with all bare escentual products, and the foundation in particular, you have to remember that a very little goes a long way. to apply the foundation, you tap a little into the lid, swirl your brush in it to warm the minerals up and then buff it into your skin. the more you buff, the better it will look.

Rating: 5/5

i started off apply the mineral veil on top of my foundation, but found that it had little affect. so after someone advised me to do so, i started applying it underneath my foundation. there's a huge difference! it really helps to minimise my pores, especially on my for head where i think there most noticeable and it also take away any excess shine.

Rating: 5/5

i don't use the warmth product on a daily basis, but when i do use it, i use it as a bronzer. it's meant to add a sun kissed look to the face... which it does. the colour in the pot does look a little scary, but trust me it doesn't come out that colour on the face! the best thing about this product is the luminosity it adds to the face, but in my opinion that could be said for all bare escentuals products.

Rating: 3.5/5

the skin rever-er upper which is features in the second picture from the top is kind of like a primer. it has a strong chemical smell, but works wonders. it helps the minerals last longer on the face and it keeps my skin in good condition.

Rating: 4/5

Where to buy bare minerals?:

bare minerals can be quite expensive, but a little 2g pot of foundation does last a long time. of course it does depend how much you use. there are bare minerals counter in debehnams and selfridges. if your looking for a cheaper option, it can be bought on QVC and there are many reliable seller on ebay. to start of with i would recommend buying the starter kit which retails at £45.00 in the UK.

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