Summer Holiday 2015 Favourites ...!

Bonjour!


Can I really be writing about this Summer's Holiday favourites already?  Doesn't seem like two minutes since I was rushing around like an idiot trying to get the packing done (getting all stressed out as I do every year!).  And then we were there ... South of France, gorgeous villa,  fantastic weather (30+ degrees most days!), good food and company - what more could you want?  And then we were back ... and it all seems like a distant memory ... so here are few bits that I snapped whilst we were on holiday that stood out for me  ...

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue - I knew this would be ideal for holiday and I was right! I only used a small amount to add a smidge of cover and it did a brilliant job of keeping in with the 'no make-up look' - will definitely repurchase for use again next summer. Full review here.

Vichy Ideal Soleil Mattifying Face Dry Touch SPF 30  -  I'll try and sneak a full review of this on here before  the Summer ends (which basically means sooner rather than later!) it did a good job  of helping me avoid that overly greasy feeling!

Mally Under Eye Brightener - this isn't only a summer staple - it's an all-year-round staple to help combat dark circles and under eye shadows! Reviewed here this particular pot was coming to an end so I just shoved it in my make-up bag as I didn't have a travel size to take. I've since reordered a kit with both the same size pot (which honestly seems to go on for a couple of years!) and a handy travel size which will be saved for next year's holiday!

Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry and 1 Seconde Volume in Ultra Black - a couple of winners here from Bourjois! I reviewed Sweet Cherry last year here - it's a lovely natural looking everyday blush perfect for holiday. I'm about to write up my review of 1 Seconde Volume up but I think it will be a good one - say no more!

Philip Kingley Elasticizer and Daily Damage Defence and Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream - moving onto hair products!  I've used Elasticizer for years, this travel size came with a recent Elasticizer kit from QVC and is so convenient to use on holiday, just stick it on late afternoon, sit out in the sun to catch those last rays and then just wash out when you go in to shower - easy and effective!  The Daily Damage Defence is brilliant for reviving frizz prone hair, leaving it soft without any crispiness. Similarly the Color Wow Styling Cream smooths hair with a tiny bit of texture, yet doesn't weigh hair down or leave it sticky or greasy and you only need a small amount! I left my hair to dry naturally after mostly every wash on this year's holiday and these two styling products really helped to control the inevitable frizzies and stop me looking like an extra from the Hair Bear Bunch!

Batiste Blush Dry Shampoo - I picked up this travel size on a last minute shopping trip before we went.  It does leave a bit of white cast on darker hair if you spray too close but nothing that can't be 'rubbed out' once massaged in and helps to refresh and give hair a decent amount of volume at the roots. I'd buy again to take away!

Large sun-hat and and equally large box of French Rose - a couple of obvious favourites for a hot holiday ... I don't think I need explain why!

One more favourite ... (sigh!) ... the view from our balcony ... (further sighs!) ... lovely isn't it! 

What have been your holiday favourites this year?


Jen x

Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD Creme - Review

Bonjour!

After a fair amount of dithering around on my part (what's new) I eventually got hold of the Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD  Creme from M&S back in April ... there was an offer on ... it was an excellent deal ... a no brainer ... you can read about it here if you feel the need! Nuxe is not a brand I would normally look to for this type of product but I'm so glad I did! Think it was SPF30 that first attracted my attention, it's meant to moisturise for up to 8 hours, beautifies (good grief I need some of that!) and protect the skin " from daily assaults such as oxidative stress, pollution, UVA/UVB".  So all in all a pretty good dose of 'Daily Defense' for the old hide wouldn't you say?

Nuxe say the DD can be used either instead of or after moisturiser.  I apply over moisturiser as it has a tendency to sit in the pores on my chops if not ... and believe me I do not want an additional emphasis on my chops at my time of life!  The texture is surprisingly creamy and thicker than I expected and because of this I find it's much easier to buff in with my flat kabuki brush rather than fingers. The coverage can be built up and to my mind has more of a 'light foundation' rather than 'tinted moisturiser' look, although it doesn't have a heavy feel to it once on. It evens out skintone and lightly masks imperfections (of which I have many!) but with a natural, dewy finish rather than flat matte vibe.  It does seem to keep the moisture levels up - I haven't noticed any tightness or dryness as the day goes on and fades away evenly without any patchiness.  I should point out that T Zones will want to shine through but it's nothing that a bit of powder (or mineral veil in my case) can't fix but I do tend to save the Nuxe DD for non work days as I'm lazy/can't be nipping to the loo or sitting at my desk sorting out my shiny bits once I'm at work!  

The Nuxe DD is available in three shades - light, medium and dark.  I have the medium, it's quite rich in colour when swatched but once blended in it marries in well with my own light olive skintone and although you can't tell from the pics below (it was a dull grey day and I don't think my camera white balance settings were correct) it does warm up and give the complexion a bit of a 'glow' once on ... do not ask me why I look happier in the 'before' pic rather than the 'after' ... should be the other way around! 

So ... all in all I think this is a winner and a product I'd definitely like to repurchase - it's like skincare and make-up rolled into one. I think it's ideal for a bit of cover in summer when you want more than a tinted moisturiser and will be great in winter to protect, hydrate and give skin a bit of oomph once the winter pallor sets it (yep that won't be long will it!).  It doesn't break the bank at £21/30ml but I've noticed Nuxe have 30% off selected products on their own website here - which brings it down to a very tidy £14.70. I'm having to restrain myself as you can imagine! 

Have you tried the Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse DD Creme? Are you tempted by a bit of 'Daily Defense'? 

Jen x

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet - Don't Pink Of It!

Bonjour!

I recently treated myself to a couple of Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks and this is the first ... Don't Pink Of  It ...!

A liquid lipstick with loads of pigment, it's creamy when wet with a slight 'cooling' sensation and glides on before drying to it's matte finish - the doe foot applicator makes it super-easy to paint on 'la bouche'.  It's  meant to last for 24 hours on but nope - not on me anyway - maybe a couple of hours (less if I've eaten anything) but it fades fairly evenly  leaving a decent stain on the lips which sticks around for a while, although it does have a tendency to sit in any dryer bits if I've not kept up with a lip scrub/exfoliator. I also need to top up with lip balm at this stage as there's no hydration once it's worn away and it can feel rather drying being a matte and all!  When I swatched in store at Boots it did appear a warmer and deeper shade (as in the above  pic) but once on it takes on more of a powder pink hue and for this reason I only apply lightly as it does intensify with each additional coat and too much pale pink seems a bit odd on my type of kite!  

Now I've sussed how to make it work for me I'm actually really liking my  Don't Pink Of It! as a lip stain - it's  different to anything I've used before and a good one for those 'not so much make-up days' - paired with a bit of balm it's a  fresh and pretty Summertime shade for the old lips ...  it is still Summertime isn't it? 

Have you any of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lippies? How do you wear it and which is your favourite?

Jen x

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - Review

Bonjour!

It's no secret that I love a good mascara and as soon as I heard that the Maybelline Lash Sensational was a) a decent dupe for Benefit Roller Lash and b) on introductory offer I had to go out and grab it - you get that don't you? It's meant to give a multiplied, layered, super-black look to the lashes - you get it now don't you?

The curved brush is plastic and packed with teeth-like bristles ranging from small to big and the overall size is much fatter and heftier than the Roller Lash brush (which you can see in my review here).  Huge brushes aren't always the best option for my pathetic lashes but I find the key is to scrape the excess mascara off all sides of the brush  really, really well,  if not it can clog lashes up as the formula is quite thick and creamy and you have to comb through.  However, now I've got the hang of it I'm really pleased with the overall effect.  It grabs all available lashes -  is jet black and gives good volume, length, curl and definition, and I love the impression of thickness to the base of the lashes so I don't have to grab my eyeliner all the time!  One to two coats is enough for me but it's easy enough to add an extra layer for more drama later on - as long as you remember to scrape - never forget 'the rule of the scrape'!  I've applied first thing in the morning and it's lasted all day and into the night with no flaking or smudging - even after a) a night out or b) I've fallen asleep on the settee for an hour or so (hate that groggy feeling when you wake up on the settee and remember you still have to remove your make-up!). What I would say is that you do need a good eye-make up remover - I have to saturate my lashes for a minute or so, once the formula is broken down it can then be wiped off without removing those precious lashes in the process!

Before and after the Maybelline Lash Sensational multiplying experience ... two coats on here - you can see for yourself which is which ...

If you read my blog you may remember that I've never really got on with Maybelline mascaras, always wanted to but it never quite happened until I tried the Maybelline Big Eyes.  I'm happy to report that this is another success - it's a great mascara both for everyday use and nights out, gives instant 'oomph' to the old lashes and is a very decent price of £7.99.  I love good lashes for not a lot of dosh!

Have you tried the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara? Which mascara are you enjoying at the moment?

Jen x

PS - A small edit!  I suddenly remembered this morning (whilst in church of all places - how bad it that!) that I'd not really mentioned how Lash Sensational compares to Roller Lash - given that it's meant to be a dupe and all!  The Roller Lash wand grips and pulls the lashes up in a way no other wand has done and gives more length and cleaner definition.  It's a good one if you're in a massive rush and more of a daytime mascara I'd say.  Lash Sensational gives the lashes a thicker, heftier appearance but you do have to spend a bit more time on the whole process.  I suppose it just depends on how much you're willing to pay. £19.50 is a bit steep for me so I'd be drawn to the cheaper option and just work at it until I achieve the desired results - but that's just me! How about you?

Bobbi Brown Blush in Tawny - Review

Bonjour!

Good grief I've had this blusher for ages ... it was a belated Christmas present (the Christmas before last) from my brother which I got to choose myself!  I knew that if I didn't buy myself something special I'd just fritter the money away on bits and bobs - anyone else guilty of this?  I therefore set out with the intention of obtaining one of the iconic Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges and came back with a powder blush (as you do!) - the Bobbi Brown Blush in Tawny ...

I think it was the swatch (as you can see above) that did it for me - I've got a thing about pinky brown, fleshy type blushers - you know the sort that you reach for when you want a bit of something that's not too obvious. bright or shimmery.  I must admit, I was a bit disappointed at first that once applied and blended it seems to take on more of a paler pink tone than I'd expected, so although it's sits fine over a full foundation, I tend to use for a wash of natural colour on BB or CC days and for this purpose it's perfect - plus it can always be added over the top of a bronzer for a deeper flush. Once on it seems to stay put for hours and has a refined, silky texture and a soft, matte finish - you only need the tiniest amount as it's pretty well pigmented (this is not one to swirl around with your brush as you'll pick up far too much product, just a light tap is all that's required).  Although it's definitely a luxury buy at £19/3.7g, I can see it going on for ages and ages!

Over a BB'd kite ... no idea why I have such a starstruck look on my face ... !

So that's my first blush from Bobbi Brown - looking at the range of gorgeous colours I'm hoping it won't be my last!  Have you tried the Bobbi Brown Powder Blush? Which is your favourite?

Jen x

Makeup Revolution Blush & Contour Palette in Hot Spice - Review

Bonjour!

As it was Valentine's Day yesterday I had to share one of my current loves ... the Makeup Revolution Blush & Contour Palette in Hot Spice.  Bought it back in September and been using it loads ever since ...

It comes in a sleek black case with a mirrored lid and consists of  8 pans, a mixture of matte and shimmer in shades from darker to lighter, some more warm peach and some more of a pink tone, 1 baked blush and 1 baked highlighter (on the right there). Because of the range of colours I can see this palette being suitable for most skin tones.   The blushers have a lovely texture and the pigment is crazy (once on they last for hours and hours!) so you only need to touch your brush to the pan - any more and you'll end up looking Aunt Sally!   I'm not very good at this contouring lark and have only really had a bit of a go with the top left hand corner pan but as these shades are on the warm side I mostly just sweep from apple to temple, sometimes it's a matte, sometimes a shimmer and sometimes add a bit of highlight - I couldn't tell you which is my favourite, I like them all!

Swatches ... top row on the left and bottom row on the right ...

And on the kite ...

This has been my go-to palette for the last few months - a pop of warm peach really helps wake up the complexion on these cold, grey mornings and keeps me from looking too much like an extra from The Walking Dead!  Hot Spice is excellent value for money considering it's priced at £6.00 and the quality is amazing.  I may have just put in a cheeky order for a couple more bits from Makeup Revolution - there may be another palette or two on it's way!

What do you think of the Hot Spice palette?  Have you tried any products from Makeup Revolution?

Jen x

Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Rosey Glow - Review

Bonjour!

This is my Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks Blusher in Rosey Glow.   I once read that it is a reasonable dupe for Benefit Dallas, which I've used, loved and finished a good long while ago but have never got round to repurchasing.  I dithered around for ages over Rosey Glow and then picked it up the other week after reminding myself that it was only £1.99!

This does seem like one of the palest blush powders I've bought.  A fleshy pink in the pan with a touch of the nude vibe? It's not matte, nor shimmery but verges on 'ever so slightly pearly' in finish. The pigment is surprisingly good but I do have to layer it up a little to achieve a decent 'flush' of colour - being a bit darker skinned and all.  Buffing it in with my Real Techniques Blusher Brush seems to work well, although I do find the formula a little powdery - it fluffs up 'Puff the Magic Dragon Style' when you touch the brush to the pan so a good blow/tap is advisable before applying but it lasts well on - most of the day in fact (again surprisingly) - without going patchy.  Rosey Glow does have a tendency to look a bit 'candy pink' when swatched but once on, it's actually quite a flattering tone, not overly colourful on my skin tone but with a pleasant warmth to it, which is sometimes all you want/need on your kite - particularly at this time of year when skin can start to look a little grey?

Swatched below and blended above ...

And on the kite ... ignoring the shocking dark circles please ...!

And here's a quick swatch of Benefit Dallas on the left and Rosey Glow on the right - only snapped on my phone in Boots (as you do - hence the weird angle and bad lighting!).  Dallas is much deeper with more of a burnished tone to it don't you think?

Anyway back to Rosey Glow ... overall I think this a very decent little pot of blusher, especially considering it's £1.99 - isn't that the price of a Starbucks Cappuccino (my favourite by the way!)?  It's a great 'everyday product' and is one that I could probably apply in the semi-darkness of the morning without making too many mistakes - now there's a challenge!

Have you  tried any Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks colours?  What do you think of Rosey Glow?

Jen x

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - Review

Bonjour!

This is my Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream - I picked mine up back in July so went for the Bronze option.  As you can see it boasts 3 pigments - Apricot, Green and White for Anti-Fatigue, Redness and Dark Spots (respectively!) and is meant to give you a "luminous complexion and smooth skin" with "24hr hydration and SPF 15" ... yes please ...!

The Bourjois CC has quite a runny texture and is golden in colour.  It applies well just with fingers (but I guess you could easily buff in with a brush) and works best for me if used fairly soon after moisturising. If I get sucked into the usual trap of "I'll just empty the washing machine, put another load in and sort out the dishwasher" before putting my face on (sound familiar?) then I have to stick on a bit more moisturiser, otherwise it does tend to cling a little to any dryer bits.  For this reason I reckon it may be better suited to normal/combo skin, dry skinned gals would have to ensure they're using a kick-ass moisturiser!  I find it does provide a decent level of coverage - more akin to a light foundation.  I tend to wear mostly on days off and weekends but have worn to work on a few occasions over a primer and it has actually worked really well - so easy to stick on your kite in the morning when you're bleary eyed and half asleep!  My T-zone does have a tendency to shine through from lunchtime onwards (nothing that a bit of Bare Minerals Mineral Veil can't sort out) but generally speaking it lasts really well during a day at the office of dreams (!) without going patchy etc.  I can't speak for all of the Bourjois 123 colour options and I'm not sure you can tell in the pics below but Bronze does have more of a 'yellowish' hue to it once on than I would usually go for - for that reason I may not use into the depths of winter when my face takes on it's usual khaki/grey tone but we'll see ... may try one of the lighter shades ... any excuse ...

On the left is a nice selection of my usual open pores, a dash of redness and a few freckly type things on my cheek thrown in for good measure. Bourjois CC applied on the right (not directly under the eye) and nothing at all done to the pic (apart from cropping a bit of the old conk off !).  Although it doesn't completely cover everything in sight (if I wanted that I'd be using a full coverage foundation) I think it does a decent job of disguising most of the bad stuff, smoothing, brightening and evening out skin tone - whilst keeping the hydration going - job done. Don't ask why I look so solemn - anyone would think I was at work!

All in all I think this is a great little product - bit of a multi-tasker, easy to use, effective and affordable at £9.99/30ml.  I think I will try one of those lighter shades for Winter!

Have you tried the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream? Which is your favourite CC?

Jen x

Mostly Haircare Haul ... !

Bonjour!

I need help ... it's true, my obsession with hair products knows no bounds.  Don't get me wrong, I love clothes, shoes and bags too,  but I can generally walk out of a shop having told myself  I don't 'need' a certain item ... doesn't seem to work so much with hair products!  In my defence though these items have been bought over a few weeks and not all in one go and everything you see is, as usual, on offer. I think our Chaka (Khan) hit the nail on the head with the lyrics "Baby, baby when I look at you, I get a warm feeling inside ...!"  - yep that's how I feel about buying new haircare products - sad ...!

Tresemme 7 Day Keratin Smooth and Deep Treatment Masque - both half price.  As soon as I've slept on my hair (what else would I sleep on actually!) it goes crazy curly at the bottom so ends up being tied up, I'm curious to see if the 7 Day Smooth keeps things on the straight and narrow and a hair masque will always come in handy.

Dove Hair Therapy Intensive Repair Shampoo and Conditioner - half price in Tesco so it ended up in the shopping trolley - story of my life!

Dove Youthful Vitality Thickening Essence - definitely need some of that thang - the middle three words to be exact! Got it on 3 for 2 at Boots just before going on holiday (can't remember what the other two were - it'll come to me at some stage!).

Herbal Essences Dry Shampoos - Clearly Naked and Uplifting Volume - £1.50 each in Superdrug. I use dry shampoo mostly every other day and need shed-loads of the stuff so I'm always on the look-out for a cheaper alternative to ol' faithful Batiste!.

L'Oreal Studio Line Volume Supersizing Spray - actually my second bottle of this spray - works well to volumise - blaming Sam at Honey Go Lightly for this one when she did her 5 Texture Sprays series!


Well ... that's the hair stuff ... I did say 'mostly' haircare - this is the 'non-mostly' make up stuff. Believe it or not this is all I've bought in the way of cosmetics over recent weeks ... (I think!) ...

Make-Up Revolution Blush and Contour in Hot Spice and Romantic Smoked Eyeshadow Palette - finally gave into the hype which is all over the 'beauty blogging' place. At a tenner for the both you can hardly blame me can you?

Soap & Glory Super-Colour Fabulipstick in Perfect Day and a couple of  'No7ers' - Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Warm Beige and BB Lips in Blush Pink - reviews to follow.


So that's it for now - at this rate I'll have to grow another couple of heads of hair to use up my stash ...!  What's your shopping weakness -  what gives you a warm feeling inside'?

Jen x

Bourjois Cream Blush in Sweet Cherry - Review

Bonjour!

I was rather smitten with my first Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear which you can see  here) - so it was no surprise when 'Sweet Cherry'  (not 'Swee'  Cherry as my particular pot would have you believe!) landed in my shopping basket ...

Sweet Cherry is the deepest of the original shades of the Bourjois cream blush ... rather than cherry as in fruit, think of a rich Japanese Cherry Blossom tree in full bloom ... a dusky, fleshy pink.  Described as a cream to powder formula there's no 'flake or cake' about it, nor is it too gloopy or sticky but just the loveliest silken texture and can be applied with fingers or brush. I think it's meant to be a matte finish but for me it depends on which type of base I'm wearing, dewy/natural over a BB or CC and more velvet over foundation.  It was perfect on holiday for a hint of colour but has also worked well with my 'more full-on work face' for the office and lasts a good few hours. Sweet Cherry is really well pigmented and you don't need to use a loads so although the pot may seem small for the price of £7.99 I think it's well worth the money.

Can you tell my love-affair with the Bourjois Cream Blush has developed further by the dreamy ...  or should I say rather 'stupidly spaced out' expression on my face?

So it's official ... I'm sweet on my Sweet Cherry! Am debating whether to go for the 'Healthy Glow' colour next to help with my usual Winter zombie kite problem ...!

Are you a fan of the Bourjois Cream Blush? Which is your favourite shade?

Jen x

Face and Outfit of the (other) Night!

Bonjour!

Bit overdue this post but better late than never! So ... outfit and mug shot from an evening out with the hubby and kids a few weeks back ... yep apologies for yet another awkward pose with yet another pair of creased knees (what is it with me and creased knees?) ...  the husband never thinks to point any of this out - probably as he was impatient (as usual) to get off out, rather than taking silly photos ... men!!

Top - H &M (old)
Creased skinny jeans - Primark
Red Cork Wedges - New Look (very old)
Distressed Handbag - Top Shop (very old)

With the pooch - who happens to be sitting very smartly don't you think?

Make-up ...

Mally Perfect Prep Poreless Primer and Under Eye Brightener, No7 Instant Radiance Concealer review here, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium, L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation in Nude Beige, Mally Eyeshadow Stick in Antique Taupe and Mally Evercolor Waterproof Eyeliner in Midnight review here, Maybelline Big Eyes Mascara - review here, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Ebony review here, highlight on brow bone from MUA Undressed Palette (not pictured),  Bourjois Cream Blush in Pink Sunwear - review here and good ol' faithful Rimmel Kate Moss Matte lippie in 110- review here.

And corresponding 'Mug Shot' ...

Had to take this when we got back as I'd run out of time before  - story of my life!

One day ... yes one day I'll do a proper outfit post sans 'creased knees' and make-up before the evening out!

Jen x

ELF Baked Blush in Rich Rose - Review

Bonjour!

The Elf Baked Blush is one of the products from my recent Elf Haul which you can see here.  It comes in four colours, the two which grabbed me the most were Passion Pink and Rich Rose - after some deliberation  (I am a deliberator!) I went for Rich Rose ...

Now, granted, it does look like the surface of a dark planet from the outer regions in the pan but do not be alarmed!  It's a warm burnished rose shade with a golden shimmer to it but not in a 'big chunks of glitter' type of way.  I wouldn't say this is the most pigmented of products I've used but it's a lovely combination of blush and highlighter which lasts surprising well - I've applied first thing before work over foundation (Bare Minerals) and it's lasted pretty much all day. Lasts a little less over a BB but I'm not complaining.  It's really easy to apply - a quick swirl around the pan gives a gleaming (but not sweaty looking!) healthy glow and it can be built up a little if you want a bit more colour. However, the more you apply the more highlighter comes along so unless you want to look like an extra from Goldfinger then maybe don't overdo it!

Swatched above and blended below ...

Spot the gleaming cheek!

Rich Rose is a lovely product which I seem to be grabbing most mornings as it gives the old kite a bit of a lift which is so welcome at this time of year!  At the usual price of £3.75 it would have been a bargain - mine was half price! Going to have to try Passion Pink now! You can check out the Elf  Baked Blushes on their website here.

Have you tried the Elf Baked Blush - which colour is your favourite?

Jen x

ELF Hauling ... !

Bonjour!

Believe it or not I have been fairly good recently on the 'make-up purchase' front - wonders will never cease! However, when ELF had a half price event on the other week it was just too good to resist ... so here we go ...!

Baked Eyeshadow Palette in California
Baked Blush in Rich Rose
Eyelid Primer
Mineral Blush in Rose
Lipstick in Voodoo
Blush Brush
Glitter Nail Polish in Chic Confetti (my daughter has already laid claim to this!)

I've heard good things about the Elf Eyelid Primer - (it will be put to test at our office party later this week) and first impressions of the Baked Blush and Lippie are favourable!  Swatches of the Baked Eyeshadow Palette in California (knows how to party!) below - it can be used wet or dry ...

Dry swatches ...

A few wet swatches of several colours ...

Pretty colours - perfect for beating the winter blues, looking forward to having a 'mess about' over the festive period and beyond!   Best thing is all of the above products came to around £15 (yes - for the lot!) - bargain or what! Check out ELF goodies for yourself here.

Have you tried out any products from ELF? Which is your favourite?

Jen x

Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner - Review

Bonjour!

The Daniel Sandler Long Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Grey Velvet is one of the products I received in the goody bag from his make-up masterclass back in April - if you missed the post it's here!

The range of waterproof eyeliners are said to be smooth and easy to apply and provide rich, super long-wearing colour.  They retail at around £9.25.  You can check out the full benefits and range of colours by visiting Daniel's website here.

Swatched above - the eyeliner comes in a twist up tube so no need for messing about with sharpeners. I usually find this type of liner is better for creating a thicker, rather than super-fine line along the lash as once you've used the initial pointed tip it obviously becomes more blunt on the end, but that's fine - I like a thicker line!  It's easy to apply,  has a fairly firm waxy texture but is soft enough to not drag or pull on the lid and can be smudged up directly after application for a smokier look.  It's great for a quick swipe over just the top lashline or both top and bottom for a more built up look.  I haven't worn eyeliner top and bottom for a while but I can get away with this colour as it's a soft and smokey slate grey which adds definition without being too harsh.  I've not used it in the waterline as that's not really 'my thing' so can't vouch for the waterproof properties I'm afraid.   It does last all day on the top with no running or flaking but fades away a little on the bottom and is easily removed with a decent remover.


Lightly swiped across the top ...

Top and bottom ...

The liner is more expensive to buy alone than others I've used but all in all a decent product and loving the colour.  I am a total 'grey' junkie after all ... apart from grey skies, not so hot on those!

Have you tried the Daniel Sandler Waterproof Eyeliner? What's your favourite liner of the moment?


Jen x