Aveda, Tigi and Ojon - A Tale of Three Hair Products ...

Bonjour!

Yes ... well ... thick hair and myself do not go hand in hand and it's getting worse as I get older (and believe me I'm getting older!) ... my hair has always been fine but as well as generally thinning with age there's a patch around my crown (apparently I have a double crown!) which is getting more and more sparse - my hubby swears he can't even tell (he is a man though!) but you know when you're conscious of something?  Anyway, I'm willing to try almost anything out there - if it promises thickness or volume so ... enter these three which I've been using in rotation over the last few months ... all are applied to damp hair before blow drying ...

Aveda Thickening Tonic - I've wanted to try it for a while but it's expensive at £19-£20/100ml so I held out for a 20% off deal at House of Fraser and then jumped in. It claims to thicken hair in one use by expanding strands, using botanical extracts, from roots to ends.   The pump delivers a fine spray which has a sweet clove-like smell, I apply approx. 8-10 pumps all over from roots through the lengths. After blow drying my hair looks noticeably thicker (to me), the thinning patch on my scalp looks much more healthy and I can't glimpse so many gaps between the lengths of hair.  There is oomph and texture and it  kind of 'bouffes' the hair out, if that makes sense, but not in a non-shiny, frizzy way.  More good news - the thickness lasts until the next wash - it's a good one and definitely works!

Tigi Bedhead Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray - this one seems good value (I think) - it can vary from £8 - £15/300ml. It's meant to contain ingredients that create thickness and add strength, elasticity and smoothness and has a 'great style memory with a low tack and a natural feel'. I spray mainly around roots and through mid lengths and then dry.  It has a fresh citrus scent and the spray is fine but very wet.   I didn't find this added masses of thickness, especially on the 'bald bit' (and too much product leaves my hair a bit gunked up, stringy and weighs it down) but the right amount gives good root lift and leaves hair super soft and shiny and it definitely holds the style into the next day.  It can also be used to add texture on a second day style by spraying in and blasting with hairdryer, I've tried this a couple of times and again have to use sparingly but it leaves hair with a much 'piecier' look to it, although this doesn't seem to last very long.  It's not a bad product but not one I'd use for loads of thickness or texture - shame!  

Ojon Volume Advance Animated Volumising Cream - this is the latest of the three purchases and again I've wanted to try for a while but been put off by the price of £20.50/125ml tube.  It's a 'light, whipped cream fortified with pure Ojon Oil' meant to leave hair full with texture , shine and grip. Easy enough to apply to damp hair, a little goes a long way and I only need to use a small squeeze of cream (too much leaves hair sticky) so this tube will last for ages.  It has a delicate sweet scent and once hair is dried it's left soft, shiny (again) and with light hold, a bit of texture and a bit of bounce. Not loads of va va voom or volume for me but just enough to disguise my 'patch'  - a good 'everyday hair' product for natural looking (and feeling) hair.

So  ... when it comes to thickness the Aveda Thickening Tonic seems to win ... the problem is the bottle doesn't last as long as I feel it should for the price, I wash my hair every other day so it soon goes down.  It's something I'd repurchase but much as I'd want to, I'd end up saving for special occasions - such a dilemma! 

For the moment I'll just be awkward and continue my quest for the perfect hair thickening product at the perfect price. Am I being a skinflint?  Would you pay out?  Have you tried any decent hair thickeners recently?

Jen x

Pure Super Grape OvernightTreatment Oil - Review

Bonjour!

There is something about the Pure Skincare range from Marks & Spencer that's really 'grabbing me' at the moment and the whole 'Grape Seed Extract thing' fascinates me for it's skincare benefits so I was intrigued to try out the Super Grape Overnight Treatment Oil. Aside from the fact that 'Super Grape' sounds like a Marvel comic character - the range contains a 'defend and restore' complex which has been proven to provide up to 90% protection against free radicals - the complex contains echinacea, peptides and resveratrol ... I had no idea what resveratrol is so here's what M&S have to say about it ...

"After years of collaborative research with scientists from a leading british university, we discovered that via a unique extraction process we could extract resveratrol from crushed pulp left over from the production of our own M&S wine"

The anti-ageing Super Grape Treatment Oil is said to smooth, hydrate and protect, promote younger looking skin and a radiant complexion ... well I may not understand the whole 'crushed pulp extraction thingy' but all those benefits sound pretty impressive to me!

I use a couple of generous drops most nights (as I'm already a  twice weekly 'Liquid Golder') after toning and under my moisturiser over face, neck and decolletage.  The oil is a little cloudy and bitty in appearance - just give it a good shake and it's easy enough to dispense with the dropper, it's also handy to give the bottle a bit of a wipe after using as it tends to seep down onto your surface otherwise.  It has a light, fruity fragrance and a soothing feel to it but is not heavy or syrupy,  it absorbs easily and my skin seems to drink it in.  The following morning my kite  looks surprisingly smoothed, bright, dewy and plumped ... exactly how you want to start off the day don't you think - a good all round dose of nourishment!

       

So yes  -  another winner from the Pure range - the Super Grape Overnight Treatment  Oil    is a surprisingly  effective product for the price of £16/28ml and and an absolute bargain when M&S  have one of  their 20% off  deals on (this little bottle will have lasted me about 3 months when  I've finished it)  actually - there is 3 for 2 available on Pure  Skincare at the moment so it may be a   good time for me to stock up!                                

Which is your favourite facial oil? Are you tempted by the Pure Super Grape Overnight Treatment Oil?

Jen x

Pure Super Active Eye Serum - Review

Bonjour!

'Pure' is not a brand I'd heard a lot about - until I was just browsing along on the M&S website (as you do!) when they had one of their 20% off beauty promotions back in April.  I spotted the range - here, read a few reviews, and ended up with a couple of products in the bag just out of curiosity ... also as you do! 

M&S describe the Pure Super Active Eye Serum as 'a potent blend of naturally active ingredients rich in omega 3 and omega 7', free from silicones, mineral oil and parabens and suitable for all skin types - it's meant to gently soothe, condition, smooth and help improve the appearance of the skin around the eye area.  It sounds impressive - especially for the price of £10/15ml  which is a fraction of the price of some of the eye products I've used over the years - this is such an unassuming little bottle that I really wasn't sure what to expect!

Fist up the smell ... I can't really detect any particular scent even though it contains 100% essential oil fragrances - must just be my nose!  The consistency is not thick or overly creamy but has a lotion like texture so it's easy to apply around the eyes and is absorbed in no time at all! You only need a small blob and this is very easily dispensed with the pump action (hooray for good pump action!).  As to the performance ... at my age there is always going to be 'fine line activity' going on - if you get my drift - however ... the surrounding eye area definitely seems smoothed, hydrated and much less crepey.  I also realised a couple of months ago that the lines across the top of my brow bone had reduced - I know this because I used to sometimes have to apply a serum before 'doing my brows' at times - the lines were pretty deep and brow products would 'sit' in them if I didn't iron them out first!  All of a sudden they're practically gone and the Super Active Eye Serum is the only product I've been using without fail around the orbital bone every night (apart from the two weeks on holiday) so I am presuming it's done it's job ... and pretty well too!

All in all I've been really impressed with this little product.  Such simple packaging but very effective , does what is says on the can and extremely affordable - especially when there is a 20% off promotion on - I'll definitely be repurchasing.  I do have another eye product, previously purchased at more than double the cost of the Pure Eye Serum to use next - be interesting to see how it compares!

Have you tried out any skincare products from the Pure range? Which is your favourite?

Jen x

SBC 5 Piece Shower & Gel Collection - Review

Bonjour!

SBC (Simply Beautiful Collection) is a British company who have actually been around for 25 years, creating products for salons and therapists using many natural and botanical ingredients.  Their range of prescriptive gels, moisturisers, serums, polishes, cleansers and bath and body essentials which they describe as 'fuss-free, practical, effective, affordable pampering' are available on their website here or on QVC here.  Being a bit of a QVC addict ... as you may know ... I couldn't resist ordering the SBC  5 Piece Shower and Gel Collection when it was on offer a while ago ... I think it was around £38 and on easy pay so each of these whopping 500ml sizes worked out at around £8! 

Collagen Skincare Gel - I think we're all aware of the benefits of a good shot of collagen -  we all want a piece of it don't we ... especially when we get a bit long in the tooth!   This water-based gel contains marine collagen and is a great product to add into a regime, to address dry or de-hydrated skin (face or body) and help with the look for fine lines and wrinkles as a 'quick-fix'.  It  leaves  the surface of the skin plumped, hydrated and silky and sinks in so easily with no greasy or  tight feeling. It has no particular scent that I can detect but just smells 'clean and fresh' if that makes sense!   I've mainly applied to my neck/decolletage area (either on it's own or layered over the top of another neck cream) and also on the tramlines on my forehead.  It can also be used as an  overnight face mask or plumping hand treatment and also on the lines around ones eyes or as an under make-up primer - I'll definitely be giving these a go and will report back!  A bit of a multi-tasker then and this large size is so cost effective - I love that you can use a pump here and a pump there without having to save it for a treat!

Propolis Bath and Shower Gel and Skincare Gel - I've known for a while that Propolis is said to deliver a variety of health and skincare benefits but reading about it has honestly fascinated me.  A complex extract created by bees, used to seal the hive and help keep the inside environment free from bacteria and disease etc, it's been used way back by ancient civilisations for it's medicinal properties and is today acknowledged as naturally anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. I use the Propolis bath and shower gel for a super-gentle cleanse when my skin is feeling a bit stressed, dried out and irritated or on the verge of an eczema flare up.  The skincare gel can be used as a serum for problematic skin - apparently you're meant to use a fine layer on the appropriate area and smooth on rather than rub in - you can then follow with a body lotion if desired.  I've used the gel on patches of eczema on my arms, on dry cracked areas on my feet, after shaving underarms - as this area can get a bit sensitive and on my young daughter's t-zone to help clear up hormonal blemishes - rather than turning to a harsh spot treatment which may only dry her skin out.  It soothes and calms the skin and just seems to be a great all rounder for all the family with a subtle scent of honey.

Arnica Shower Creme and Skincare Gel - Arnica appears to be another 'oldie but goodie' - a traditional herbal remedy used to help relieve aches and pains, muscular tension and as a treatment for bruising and swelling. This is the duo I reach for after a session at the gym or a hefty body pump class when things tend to ache and groan - it's not meant as a cure but to help relieve tension and tightness. The shower creme has a pleasant, warming aroma to it and soothes my tired old body!  I try to massage the gel into any knotty and tense areas, seems to be my shoulders, biceps and quads after a class but I've also used it on my lower back if that's been aching a bit!   I have a feeling the Arnica duo will really come into it's own during the colder Winter months when my muscles seem to seize and tighten up all the more.

I love this kind of skincare - yes it's very nice to have a fancy bit of pretty packaging but for me it's what's inside that counts and I would rather pay for an effective product in a simple package rather than the other way around! The skincare gels can all be layered or mixed with other products either within or outside of the SBC range (I've layered a different body lotion over both the Propolis and Arnica gels) so you can really tailor the whole she-bang to meet your needs! I almost daren't look too closely at all the different formulas available on QVC (never mind the actual SBC website!) there are so many and being me I'll want to try them all!

Have you tried out any products from SBC? Which one would you be tempted to go for?


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

Vichy Idealia Eyes - Review

Bonjour!

I've been using the Vichy Idealia Eyes for a few months now ... it's meant to help with the look of fatigue around the eye area, smooth the look of fine lines and aid with hydration ... it is formulated with a brightening complex, caffeine , Vitamin B3 and Vichy Thermal Spa Water is paraben free, non comedogenic and hypoallergenic ...sounds good yes?

You're meant to squeeze a little onto the duck-billed silicone applicator thingy (middle pic) and dot around/spread around the orbital bone - I then find it easiest to smooth in with fingers.  It's the palest salmony pink in colour with a pearlescent look to it, creamy in texture and blends in really easily.   I've been wearing my contact lenses every day recently since bashing my nose in at the gym (still hurts my nose to wear specs!) and have found the Vichy Idealia Eyes a godsend when my peepers are bared in all their ageing glory to the world!  It adds a brightness and luminosity around the eyes, does a good job with hydration (although if you are extra dry you may need to top up with a specific hydration product) and takes the edge off and blurs the look of dark circles and wrinkles.  It's not enough (for myself) to use on it's own and banish my dark circles, I still have to use a colour corrector/concealer but it definitely helps make the most out of a bad situation. Have to say though it can be quite addictive and you have to remember not to overdo it and pile too much on or it'll end up looking shimmery and just emphasise puffiness and fine lines - I speak from experience!

It comes in at £23/15ml which I find pretty reasonable - it's a great all rounder but I only use in the morning as I don't see the point in wasting all that pearlescent goodness just before going to bed! I bought mine when Escentual had one of their 'third off French Skincare' brands and have since repurchased another to put away! 

Have you tried out the Vichy Idealia Eyes? What's your favourite eye-cream of the moment?

Jen x

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil - Review

Rosehip Oil is said to be beneficial for a number of skin conditions including dermatitis and eczema as well as helping with scarring, stretch marks and fighting off fine lines and wrinkles (yes please!).   I bought the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil last year from Boots - it normally comes in at £16.50/20ml but was on offer so ended up costing around £13?  I finally cracked it open about 3 months ago and have been using mostly every night since then.

I apply the Trilogy Rosehip Oil (when I'm not 'Liquid Golding'!) after my evening cleanse under moisturiser - I only need a drop or two for my face, it doesn't really smell of anything in particular to me but feels soothing and hydrating and I've been using far less moisturiser over the top. I've also started to apply a few drops over the neck/decolletage every night before bed (why I didn't do this ages ago is beyond me!). It leaves skin looking  plumped, rested and balanced the following morning, any red pimply bits seem to have diminished and there have been no breakouts or extra oiliness over my t -zone area. I have quite deep expression lines on my forehead and am also blessed with necklace lines and have really noticed a smoothing and 'de-creasing' (literally less actual 'creases'!) effect on these two areas - so big thumbs up on the wrinkle front!

What can I say?  It would appear that I'm ever so slightly obsessed with the whole 'oil thing' and I find it impressive that a relatively simple product could be so effective. I don't know why really because these natural remedies have been around for years and years haven't they?  So ... yes the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil is a hit - I'm starting to get to the end of the bottle now and I do have other oils to use but this will remain a firm favourite and one I'll definitely repurchase!

Have you tried the Trilogy Rosehip Oil?  Which facial oil are you loving?

Jen x

Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue in Tan - Review

When I heard that Bare Minerals were launching their Complexion Rescue I knew I had to get hold of it ... described as a 'tinted, hydrating, gel cream' offering sheer to medium coverage, it is said to combine the benefits of a tinted moisturiser, BB and CC cream whilst giving you a 'hit' of 200% hydration. Apparently a tinted moisturiser is traditionally formulated with hydration in the middle surrounded by pigment - Complexion Rescue is meant to have turned this inside out so the pigment is surrounded by moisture ... it all sounds so technical - don't you just love the science of skincare - I do!  It contains marine botanicals to aid hydration, mineral electrolytes to energise, antioxidant from 'heart-leaved globe daisy' which is meant to help with protection against the environment (I Googled the above plant and the things it is associated with are amazing - we're talking longer living cells, detox and regeneration), together with a non-chemical, mineral based SPF30. It is free from silicone, oil, parabens or fragrance.  After discussion with the Bare Minerals assistant in Boots, I went for the shade 'Tan' and although it looks a little deep in the swatch below, I intend to use it over the summer months when I would normally (hopefully!) lose some of my winter yellow pallor ...! 

My skin is combination, prone to a bit of oil on the t-zone and dry, sensitive cheeks with redness here and there.  I use after my daily moisturiser, however this is one of the few products I've come across that can be applied hours after - it is just like topping up with additional moisture. I use fingers, although I understand you get more coverage with a brush but that's not really what I'm after from this product.  It has the said gel, cream texture, very light, and is super easy to apply - glides on and has a 'cooling' effect on the skin - I almost feel like you don't need a mirror as it blends in so effortlessly!  You would need to separately conceal any hefty blemishes or red bits etc but it doesn't emphasise/sit in my pores or dry bits and seems to correct and even things out with a dewy, lightweight, natural-looking glow.  Although it doesn't go patchy or streaky, over the day my t-zone does have a tendency to shine through so I usually dust on some Bare Minerals Mineral Veil (I use the tinted one) just on that area but to be honest a bit of shine doesn't bother me so much! I use the Complexion Rescue mainly for days when I want that 'no make-up look' but I have worn it a couple of times to work or to go shopping and have applied my original Bare Minerals Foundation - again mainly over the t-zone and this worked absolutely fine - put it like this I wasn't 'shining like a beacon' whilst shopping in Boots ... and our local Boots resembles a sauna! 

Before, during and after ... you can (hopefully) see that although the colour appears quite dark it's blended in fine. Oh ... and apologies for the miserable face ... must have been thinking about work or something!

Apparently ... clinical studies have shown that after approx. one week of using the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue, there is a significant increase in hydration of the skin. I've not used it for an entire 'solid' week' only because ... a) I want to save it for the Summer - think it will be a hit on holiday and during hot weather (what hot weather I hear you scoff!)  b) it costs £26/35ml so although it's not super-expensive, it's not the cheapest - I'm kicking myself for not getting another last week when Feel Unique had 20% off Bare Minerals and c) I'm trying to be sensible and use my other products up! However, it keeps my skin feeling so comfortable and hydrated all day long ... I think this is going to be a definite re-purchase and 'go-to' product for future!

So apologies that this has been a bit of a rave review but you know when you just 'click' with a product and want to tell everyone about it - once I started I couldn't shut up!  Have you tried the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue? What's your favourite base for Summertime?

Jen x

Gatineau Melatogenine Refreshing Cleansing Cream - Review

The Gatineau Melatogenine Refreshing Cleansing Cream (bit of a mouthful isn't it!) was given to me by my lovely Mum ages ago and I only cracked it open at the start of this year when I ran out of my cleansing oil. It can be used morning and/or evening but I've since used mainly as an evening cleanse since then.  It's described as a 3 in 1 product that cleanses, tones, and micro-exfoliates using an enzymatic exfoliator - it's also stuffed with Gatineau's Melatogenine molecule, which is all about helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles -  (I'll have some of that please!) ... all in all a bit of a multi-tasker then!

It has a whipped, souffle-like texture (bit like squeezy cream from a can!) and feels  rather indulgent 

as  you apply to your  kite.    It's rich  and creamy yet  light enough to  not drag the skin around.  I emulsify with  water, massage in and wipe off with a cloth.    You only need a small amount for a decent  cleanse,  it removes  make-up very effectively but  I've recently started wiping over  with micellar water first, I then  use the Refreshing Cleansing Cream as a sort of second cleanse every night, which means I'm using even  less product than before - think this 250ml size will go on forever at this rate! It leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed but not tight, stripped or stretched ... hate that feeling!

It's expensive to buy alone - around £30/250ml but there is usually a great value duo available on QVC and I've just repurchased as part of a kit from Feel Unique here,  which ended up a complete bargain! My love affair with French skincare looks to continue!

Have you tried anything from the Gatineau Melatogenine range? What's your favourite cream cleanser?

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

Max Factor Wild Shadow Pot in Burnt Bark - Review

Bonjour!

This is my little pot of Max Factor Wild Shadow in Burnt Bark ... I was advised (ages ago) to try it out as an alternative to Mac's Satin Taupe  and I've been using it ever since ...

I don't know what it is (maybe old age!) but I am generally drawn to neutrals when it comes to eye shadow these days so Burnt Bark is therefore right up my avenue.  It's a lovely taupey colour that's not too warm, cool, brown or grey.  It has just the right amount of pearly shimmer to make it suitable for daytime wear - you know when you want to dress your peepers up a little - any fashion bloggers who may be reading, think of this as my accessory!  It also works well with a red lip for an evening out, as it's not too in yer face, or can be built up for a more smoky eye. It has great pigment and a fine texture which is almost creamy so there is minimal fallout, it doesn't sit in my creases (of which there are many!) and lasts a good seven hours on with a primer.

So - just a lighter application here for daytime ... I've just stuck it all over my lid here ... laziness I guess but I like it that way ...!

I still don't own Satin Taupe so can't say how much of a dupe this is but from comparison swatches they do look pretty similar.  For now though I'm more than happy with Burnt Bark.  It's a great all rounder, very affordable at £4.99 per pot and something I'll definitely be looking to repurchase as it's one of my most used eye shadows.   I honestly can't see it running out any time soon though!

Have you tried Max Factor Burnt Bark? Are you a fan of taupe eye shadows?  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

No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Deeply Beige - Review

Bonjour!

Thought it was about time I shared my thoughts on the No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation in Deeply Beige.   Just to explain ... back in the day (by that I mean earlier on last year) I wandered into Boots and took advantage of the No 7 Match Made Service (very quick and easy it was). I was matched to Warm Beige and given a few different No7 foundation samples.  I ended up buying the Instant Radiance Foundation (only just opened and not yet reviewed - surprise!).  Come September I felt I wanted something a little warmer/deeper on my kite, I returned to Boots, was advised to try Deeply Beige and given a sample in the Superlight ... the rest is history ...

Easy to apply from the little black bottle after a quick shake-up, it's a thin water based formula with a silky, lightweight finish, not too matte and not too shiny.  I mostly use my fingers to apply but sometimes grab a brush if I want to work it in a little more for a bit of extra coverage.   It doesn't totally mask every single flaw and pore (and I have many!) but it does even and brighten things out and up and to be honest,  for everyday use (read that as non heavy make-up days), this is my product of choice as I don't want anything too full on. You may still need a bit of concealer in the usual places but it's ideal for a natural daytime look and it doesn't feel heavy, greasy or cakey.  I don't find it aggravates my oily t-zone or particularly highlights any dry/dehydrated bits (although as with any foundation - you do have to be adequately moisturised/primed beforehand - otherwise even the most forgiving of products will sit wherever the hell they want!).   I've used with and without a primer, works fine either way but obviously lasts longer on with a more heavy duty primer, although there is a bit of shine to contend with after a few hours (but that's no biggie!) and tends to just fade away evenly towards the end of the day - put it like this - I've never looked in the mirror on an evening and thought 'Heavens above! I need to retouch my foundation!'.

Obligatory before and after mug shots ... apologies for the melancholy expression there ... !

I have to admit I'm really impressed with this foundation ... it helps my skin with that dull, grey thing I seem to have going on at this time of year and is my current 'everyday' favourite.  Comes in at £14.50/30ml so not too expensive - but I have one of those No7 money off vouchers to use (you know the ones!) ... must get over to Boots!

I should also mention that the lovely ladies on my No7 counter seemed to be more than happy to provide samples of their foundations, so it's a great way to try out several different finishes to see which one suits you best!

Have you tried the No7 Match Made Service? Which is your favourite No 7 foundation?

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

Emma Hardie Natural Lift and Sculpt Firming Eye Serum - Review

Bonjour!

This Emma Hardie Natural Lift and Sculpt Firming Eye Serum was included in the last set I purchased from QVC a while ago (yes, yes I know, me and my eternal QVC sets!) - been using it for a few months now ...

Comes in a nice looking sleek bottle with (sorry Emma!) the most useless pump I have ever used. I say this because it just doesn't do the job - the small tube inside the bottle is so short that it never sucks up any of the serum so you have to unscrew the lid and go through the whole malarkey of tipping up the bottle to extract the serum manually - something I could really do without first thing in the morning!

Packaging aside - the serum is described as light, hydrating, easily absorbed and firming, enriched with botanical extracts to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles and including a unique combination of bio-photon enriched marine actives which apparently give the feeling of strength and protection to the eye area, and also help with fine lines.  Don't ask me to explain what a bio-photon is - if you google it as I did you may get a faint idea - something to do with light radiating from cells of living things - and please don't quote me on that - it's fascinating but very confusing to my mind!

I've been using it morning and night. You don't need loads and it sinks in easily with no sticky residue. Initially I did just apply around the orbital bone but didn't find it very effective, just didn't feel it was hydrating enough.  I'm sure I heard Emma state on a QVC show ages ago that the serum could be applied all over the mobile lid - I've therefore adopted this method. It feels cooling and soothing on the eyelid and doesn't cause any excess greasiness.  However, I can't report any improvement in dark circles nor have I noticed any lifting or firming of my saggy eye-bits! As to the question of puffiness, it comes and goes, some days are quite bad and some not so bad so a bit on the fence really. Don't get me wrong, it's pleasant to use with the signature Emma Hardie 'slightly herbal' scent, but all in all  I don't think this is potent enough for me so unfortunately not a product I would repurchase at £34/15ml.

Have you tried this eye serum? Which eye products have you found to be the most effective?

Jen x