Cheeky Boots Purchase.

Now, I'm currently on a mission to stop spending as much money on skincare and make up. Im trying to use up what I have, before I buy a similar product. However, recently my skin is going through a bad patch, and as soon as I get rid of the few spots I have, another few start breaking out. Whilst walking round my local boots store, I came across the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo. Something which has been raved about by every blogger and their grandmother. I was going to buy it a few months ago, however, I could never find it within boots. Therefore, whilst it was there, I thought I would buy it. 

The instructions within the box state; 'EFFACLAR DUO Corrective and Unclogging Anti-Imperfection Care helps reduce the appearance of imperfections and purifies pores. Effaclar Duo is a complete skincare solution that combines 4 active ingredients to act on the 2 major signs of skin with imperfections. Niacinamide and Piroone Olamine help reduce severe local imperfections by purifying the skin and protecting against breakouts developing. The LHA/Linoleic Acid combination helps unclog pores by eliminating dead cells responsible for their obstruction. These active ingredients are combined with soothing and anti-irritating La Roche-Posay thermal spring water.' 

The main thing that grabbed my attention was where it stated the benefits were that 'Pores are purified, and imperfections appear reduced. Skin looks smoother and clearer. It appears to regain a long-lasting balance to help recover the qualities of more healthy-looking skin.' 

Now doesn't that sound amazing.

I will give it thorough test, and write a review once I've decided what I think of it.

Marvelous Moxie?

bareMinerals - 

Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss

I received this I'm the post recently and I wasn't that excited to try it. It's not that the brand isn't amazing, I have heard so many things about how good bareMinerals are. It was just the colour, which is the limited edition Oh So Cosmo, wasn't something I would have normally chosen myself. This is mainly because my first thoughts were; well in the tube it lols very milky pink, and in some lights it could look lilac, and I don't think that a colour which suits me...never the less I thought I would give it a try.

bareMineral states...'Embark on a total thrill glide with Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss. Luscious, vibrant color loaded into a refreshing formula that slips on satiny-smooth for sheer-to-medium coverage with nonstop glistening shine. Lips look fuller and more voluptuous. Naturally-derived Shea, Avocado and Murumuru butters help to deeply hydrate and smooth lips while an infusion of minerals revitalizes lips for a healthy-looking pout. All the while, an encapsulated vitamin A, C and E complex helps to deliver antioxidant defense, so you're ready for anything—and everything.'

Now, firstly...when on, the colours beginning to grow on me. It's not something I would choose for myself, but I  think as a day time gloss it's a nice colour. Onto the formula...what can I say, it's really good. It's very thick, so if you don't like a thick lipgloss, then this may not be your type of lipgloss. Never the less, it isn't sticky. The website highlights the coverage is sheer to medium, this is dead on! One layer leaves a pretty hint of colour and fantastic shine, however if you layer it, allowing each layer to set slightly, then the shade becomes more dramatic and the colour is much more noticeable. 

The shine on these glosses are Incredible, it lasts such a long time on the lips, which is something I find is a downside of lip glosses. I could imagine putting this on in the morning and not having to top up really until dinner, and all that would happen would be a little dullness to the shine, never the less the colour would stay put. 

Something I really like about this lipgloss is how moisturised my lips felt both wearing the gloss, and when I removed it at night. Sometimes I find some lipglosses tend to dry out my lips, however this gloss has amazing ingrediance such as....which really benefit your lips, leaving them feeling really moisturised and soft. Added bonus!

The packaging is really simple and pretty. What I like most is that the colour of the gloss in the tube, is actually the colour on your lips if you where to build up the coverage. This means that you can see just from the tube, what the gloss colour is going to be like. Bonus. In regards to the applicator, something which can usually be the downfall of a really amazing lipgloss, well bareMinerals have used a very clever, angled doe foot applicator. It so simple to use, and applies just enough gloss, layering beautifully. The thing I have noticed it that the applicator almost fits my lips perfectly, therefore in a sense it allows the gloss to contour my lips, and define them stunningly.

One thing some people may not like about this gloss is the smell. It does say on the box that it has a minty smell, however for some it could be very overpowering. I don't find it lasts on the lips at all, but some people may be put off by this, therefore I thought it was only fair I mentioned it. Another thing is that, as with most lip products which smell like mint, this has a tingly feeling to it when you put it on your lips. I don't really see a difference in the size of my lips, it nothing as extreme as my incredible Dior Lip Maximiser. Just on the safe side,  if you have slightly sensitive lips, I would ask to try before you buy, just in case it causes you irritation.

Overall, I really like the formal of this lipgloss, and the shade is really beginning to grow on me. I would definitely go to your closest bareMinerals counter and try these out, there really good, and the new colour range is also really fantastic.

Rapid Growth, Stronger Nails.

Nailtiques -

Protein Formula No 2

My nails were doing amazing; they were getting longer and stronger. Then all of a sudden, they all started snapping and peeling. I put this mainly down to the stress of my placement, which was 4 weeks of being rushed off my feet and stressing out over everything.

Due to my beloved Dr Lewinns nail straightener running out. I thought I would try another nail strengthener people seem to really love; Nailtiques Formula 2.

Nailtiques explains ‘Formula 2 - Treatment for Soft, Peeling, Bitten, Weak or Thin Nails Nailtiques Nail Protein formulas were created to treat different nail conditions. The salon-tested formulations offer special combinations of ingredients, including hydrolyzed keratin and protein in combination with gelatin and calcium to build a healthy nail foundation. The protein formulas bond the nail layers together building a strong nail foundation resistant to peeling, chipping and splitting.’

The website goes on to explain the benefits of the nail strengthener; ‘Nails that are soft, peeling, split or just will not grow will see marked improvement when treated with Formula 2. This formula consists of a unique blend of protein and conditioners. The protein immediately acts to help bond nails that are splitting or peeling. Formula 2 also helps to strengthen the nail resulting in long, strong and healthy nails.’

I’ve been using this for a while now, and to be truthful I haven’t seen any difference in my nails. The main problem I find with this product is that it peels, easily and a lot. I only have to wear it or a day and its already lifting and peeling off, it only gets worse when I put another layer on top. I’ve tried it on its own, as a base coat and on top of nail varnish and each time I get the same result. I’m determined to find a good way to use it, and to get a good result from it because so many people say how amazing it is for your nails. However, until then, I’m definitely repurchasing the Dr Lewinns alternative, when this bottle runs out.

On the plus side, I only have a small 7ml bottle, and its lasting me ages, and I apply it everyday, or sometimes twice a day if it peels off straight a way. You definitely get a lot of product for the price.

I will keep you up to date on this product and let you know if it gets any better and my final, overall ideas on it.

Pore Refiner.

Bioderma -

Sebium Pore Refiner

One of the main things I hate about my skin, which I have no doubt mentioned many times, is my large pores. I have been looking for something to help them look less visible. I came across this product on a blog somewhere and they said it was amazing at not only making your pores visibly smaller, but also as a good base for make up. Therefore whilst http://www.escentual.com had 1/3 off, I thought I would give it a go.

Their website describes it as a 'correcting concentrate for dilated pores for combination or oily skin.' They go on to explain; 'This correcting concentrate improves the appearance of the skin: its texture is more refined, more regular and clearer, and the pores are closed and less visible.
 The exclusive patented Fluidactiv^® complex* maintains the quality of the sebum, thus preventing obstruction of the pores. An astringent dermatological active agent refines the skin texture and the antioxidant agents preserve its natural radiance.

 The light, liquid formula of Sébium Pore Refiner instantly melts into the skin and leaves a pleasant velvety finish.'

Now this is a lot to live up to in my view.

The Bioderma Pore Refiner has worked absolute wonders on my pore size and really made a noticeable difference between how my skin. I've been using it on top of my moisturiser and under my primer, I've noticed how lovely smooth and refined my skin looks. However, I think I'm going to try it as a primer and see how it works out. The product leaves a matte, flawless base for applying makeup on top of. The texture is smooth and silky with a slight fragrance, which is pretty inoffensive. The solution itself is really thin, silky white cream that disappears instantly into the skin. The most telling thing about this is that it hasn't broken my out at all. I find so many products break me out these days I struggle testing out new foundation/skin things. I tend to steer away from fragranced products but this hasn't affected my skin at all.

Overall my pores are smoothed and look much less noticeable. As it's not really classed as a primer it doesn't reduce oil completely (it does a moderately good job but I do need a bit of powder after a few hours), it's been an absolute dream to use and I can safely say this is one of my firm favourites this month. I have to do a little jump with joy as it leaves my skin looking oh so perfect. The beauty of the Sebium range from Bioderma is aimed towards those with combination/oily skin.

Escentual.com Mini-Haul.

Recently I came across escentual.com. It's not that much different from other beauty websites, such as BeautyBay and FeelUnique. However, it has a lot of french brands. Especially those which are rather difficult to find in the UK, for example; Vichy, a wide range of La Roche-Posey and specifically Bioderma.

Now, Bioderma is something which has really been talked about a lot throughout the blogging world. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll have seen everyone and their grandmother raving about Sensibio H2O - Micelle Solution (formerly known as Crealine), which is meant to be incredible. 

This in itself was the main reason I came across the website.

However, I just thought I would show you what I bought from escentual.com, and highlight the website as a go to website for french brands. Also, I find it tends to sell brands which other websites don't, especially if the brands aren't as well known or as big in the UK as in other countries.

As you can see I picked up;

- Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner - Corrective Concentrate

- Bioderma Sensibio H2O - Micelle Solution (formerly Crealine)

- Nailtiques Protein Formula No 2

I was also going to purchase La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo, as a lot of people love how spot free it keep the skin. However, the ingredients seem a little harsh, and as I have rather sensitive skin, I'm undecided about whether to try it or not.

Individual reviews will be coming up soon!

The Perfect Lipgloss for Summer.

CHANEL - 

Levres Scintillantes Glossimer

If I could pick the perfect lipgloss for summer, I think that the CHANEL Glossimer in Mica would be the one.

Mica (131) is a really sheer peachy pink which is infused with a rainbow of glittery micro shimmer! The actual base colour is almost transparent once applied, and it is the shimmer that really makes this lipgloss come into it’s own…I can see pinks, purples, greens and oranges. In normal lighting (top photo) it just has a subtle pink sheen but once this hits sunlight (bottom photo) you get a gorgeous hit of multi coloured shimmer and sparkle! 
It is ridiculously difficult to photograph, like most gloss's of this type, however, you can sort of make it out. Its much more beautiful in real life!

Chanel being Chanel, this looks really refined and understated and I am in love! I should note that this is a very subtle lipgloss, especially in the shade, so if you’re looking for something more noticeable then I would give this a miss! I actually love wearing this over my Dior Lip Glow (read the review here). The balm provides the perfect pretty pink base, and this CHANEL gloss adds the fantastic, amazing, incredible, show stopping shimmer.

The texture is like a light gel so the lipgloss is non-sticky and is neither drying nor moisturising. It has a doe foot applicator and glides on easily. The glossy finish lasts for about 3 hours, and the shimmer stays for a little longer and doesn’t feel gritty at all.

Overall I love love love this and whenever the sun comes out I want to wear it! For me it’s worth spending £21.00 on, but if you’re not a fan of subtle finishes then I’d look for something more pigmented! In the sunlight, the shimmer is really beautiful and the finish is subtle enough to wear on a casual and special occasion. Definitely worth a try!