The Right Shade.

It took me a ridiculous amount of time to get what I thought was the right shade match in sample size of the new YSL Fusion Ink foundation (review to follow). As counter make up artists you put a lot of confidence in them when buying make up to help you choose make up that suits you, and especially to match you up to foundation in the right shade. However I yet again experienced horrible service in getting the right shade. Therefore I thought I would right a little blog about my experience and a few tips about helping you around this issue.

Firstly I was given BR50, which as soon as I went out into the natural light was really dark. Then when I nipped in to ask about it, the assistant gave me BR20, she said this matched my skin ‘perfectly’…but BR50 to BR20 is a pretty big gap. Once again she said to take home a sample and try it out. Too light is beyond what BR20 was, it was ridiculously light. By this point I was really disappointed in the ability of the YSL counter make up artists to match my skin tone to the correct foundation.

However, whilst in Newcastle I decided to pick up the YSL Babydoll mascara (review coming soon), whilst there I though I would give it another go. I already guess the BR bit was correct, this means I have Beige skin with Red undertones, which is very true, however from swatching the shades myself I guessed I was maybe a 30/40. The counter make up artist this time was a man, a man hasn’t ever served me at a make up counter, but I have to say, he was beyond incredible. He went through the shades and he even explained both shades I was given were beyond wrong, he went over how to apply it and even took me out into the natural light to make sure it matched my skin perfectly. Even my other half was incredible impressed with the service. Therefore I left happily with a bottle of BR30…in my finally ‘perfect shade’.

It doesn’t matter if a foundation is cheap or not, but its something you wear everyday, and when a counter puts make up artists on the counter to help you its pretty upsetting leaving with the wrong shade…especially if you don’t realise it actually is. 

There are two key tips I have found really help me when I’m unsure about foundation shades. Firstly if you aren’t beyond happy with you shade or if your not 100% confident that its perfect for you, then go and get a second opinion in another store. Alternative you can come back another day and ask someone different to match you up. Another tip is to borrow their mirror and actually go into the natural light, there are so many lights around beauty counters that it’s not a surprise I was matched up wrong. Remember your wearing this foundation, not them. They are there to guild and help you. If you think their wrong, or a little off, then tell them or go somewhere else just to make you feel a little more confident.

Uniq One.

Uniq One -

All In One Coconut Hair Treatment 

I have been looking at buying one of the Uniq-One treatments, either this or the original for some time. Hair care is something that I really enjoy swapping, changing and trying new things, mainly because unlike my skin it rarely react that badly to a product, or if it does a quick deep conditioning mask will fix it right up, whereas, if I was to do that with my skin, it would take me beyond a month to get it back to normal again. Another reason I love hair care is because the result is pretty much straight away, once you use a product you know then and there if its any good, why its good and why its not, there is no waiting a few weeks to see if the result, if there is one, is what you wished it to be.

Now onto the review; 

Holographic Nail Polish.

Cirque Colors - 

Holographic Nail Polish

I always love things a little different, and recently I’ve really loved holographic nail polish. There definitely a must have for summer, especially because they look even more incredibly when the sun hits them and makes then just…shine. During a mission of finding the perfect holographic polishes I came across the brand Cirque Colors, which is an American nail brand who specialise in holographic polish, and they do some seriously incredible holographic polishes in every colour you could ever want. I have three amazing shades to show you today.

Fascination Street is a blue-toned medium purple base with hidden gold shimmer and scattered holographic effect. It manages to strike a good balance between maintaining the vibrancy of the purple shade, creating a dark shade that isn't dramatically lightened by the silver-based holographic particles and still being light enough to not completely drown out the hologram effect. The formula on this was really good, thin, smooth and even. It applied effortlessly and didn't challenge me with bald spots or streaking like holographic polishes sometimes can. It is a little sheer on the first but I wear it with two coats and I can't see any visible nail line.

Magnum Opus is a wonderful mid-toned grey with a very fine holographic rainbow. It sparks beautifully in the sun and seems to float on the surface of the nail. On top Magnum Opus fine holograph adds an incredible depth to the grey base colour. Indoors a soft lilac shine radiated from my nails and the slightest tinge of a holographic rainbow was still visible. The formula was thin but wonderful to control and flowed easily on the nails. Given the thin consistency the first coat went on a bit sheer but the second coat provided the perfect opacity.

Bejeweled is a royal blue which a spectacular holographic pigment, its almost a denim blue colour. The formula was great, it was easy to apply and didn't drag or have balding problems. I used 2 coats like with the others; it was less sheer then the other two, which is great. I have to say I’m truly enchanted by this shade, I think it’s definitely the strongest holograph out of all three.

Overall, all three of them have some similarities. The rainbow shimmer from the holographic particles is still visible indoors (as seen here) but it's much, much more pronounced in direct light for all shades. Each are scented with a calming herbal-floral (smells like lavender to me), which was totally unexpected but an incredible bonus. Dry time is very good, however due to the humid weather, polish does take a little longer to dry.

If your from the UK and are interested in trying some of the Cirque Colors, then there is a fantastic stockist online Rainbow Connection. There quick, easy and there really affordable. I ordered my 3 polishes on a Wednesday night, and they arrived Friday morning which I think is incredible!

Clear Difference Part 2.

Estee Lauder -

Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum & Targeted Blemish Treatment

When I bought their Clear Difference BB Crème they gave me a sample of their connected serum. I could tell just from using it a few weeks a slight difference in the amount of blemishes I was getting whilst using it, and they also seemed to heal a lot quicker. Therefore the next time I went passed an Estee Lauder counter I made sure to get a bottle. The box highlights it aims to ‘target, treat and reduces the look of blemishes effectively, yet gently with the proven power of salicylic acid, plus potent anti-irritants and skin purifying ingredients. Helps prevent the severity and frequency of future breakouts with continued use.’ I can’t explain how much I love this serum, it leaves the skin feeling fresh and glowing, and helps keep my skin clear. It is a bit on the pricey side, however I believe if something works, then it’s worth spending that little bit more on. I currently use it every night before my moisturiser and after I have cleansed, I was going to try it at night too during the times when I have quite a few spots, however I worry about it overly drying out my skin, so for now I think I’m just going to use it in the morning.

Whilst buying this, the consultant talked me into buying the Targeted Blemish Treatment. I had currently run out of the spot treatment I was using and therefore thought I would give it a go. Now. The product aims to ‘target and penetrate fast to rapidly reduce the size of blemishes while minimizing redness and irritation.’ This is something I can really say if it’s good or bad because I’m somewhat in the middle. I don’t really know if it does work spectacularly fast but it gets the job done, maybe just as fast as other blemish treatments on the market. However, the main downside to this treatment product, and the reason I no doubt wont buy it again is because it costs £25, however you only get 4ml of product which is tiny. 

If you compare this with a number of other similar products;

Origins Super Spot Remover, which is £15 for 10ml

Cliniques Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Gel, which is £14 for 15ml

Soap and Glory Dr Spot, which is £8 for 15ml

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, which is £14.50 for 29ml

As you can see, to me charging £25 for only 4ml is shocking. Another problem I have is with the very cool looking, but annoying applicator. You have to click the cartage to release just the right amount of product, then you role it onto the spot. However, product dries underneath the roller, and that’s product both wasted and lost.

Overall, I love everything about the Clear Difference Serum, its amazing and works so well. However for me the Targeted Blemish Treatment is a bit of a let down and ridiculously expensive, I don’t think ill be repurchasing it when it runs out.

Does anyone know any great Blemish Treatments that work really well?