Anti Blemish BB Cream.

Clinique -

Anti Blemish Solutions BB Cream SPF 40

"Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions BB Cream SPF 40 is a mattifying BB Cream specifically developed for blemish-prone or oily skins. Combines oil control, buildable coverage and UVA/UVB protection for a perfected, shine-free complexion. Does it all without clogging pores or causing breakouts."

- Clinique

Wish List.

I know I haven’t done one of these in a long time, but over the past few weeks during placement I haven’t been browsing round the shops as much as normal. However, there are a few things that have really caught my eye, and that I may even indulge in when I go to Manchester soon.

So lets begin...

Nars Kauai Duo Eye Shadow

This duo is part of NARS' High Seize Collection, the Kauai Duo Eye shadow is a highly pigmented pair of eye shadows in the shades Gold Lame and the purple-toned Iridescent Smokey Orchid. There are super pretty and incredibly pigmented. I really love that they can be used separately or together to create the must beautiful new shade.

Nars Malacca Eye Shadow

This eye shadow is described as an iridescent peacock colour. From the swatches I have seen of it, it’s a medium dark plummy brown with cool toned green shimmer-sheen and a frosted finish. I was worried it would be that bluish-teal-brown duo chrome that every brand has been rolling out recently but from what I can gather it’s a very beautiful mauve-plum-brown base that gets more mauve-y as you blend it out and apply more. I have seen so many swatches of this and it looks really pretty and something I don’t think (…) I have in my collections (I don’t think…) (Its definitely times like these I wish Nars Eyes shadows weren't so expensive...sadface)

Dior Addict Lip Maximize in Shade 3

I already own this in the original shade, which is a clear pink. However, they recently released it in a very pretty blossom pink shade, which give just the right touch of pink to the lips. Personally from trying them both I really think they have done something to this new shade because the maximizing properties in it seemed a little more intense and powerful and you could really feel it working, which I love.

The Body Shops All in One Instablur

Recently, I’ve really loved the new Kiehls blurring primer at the minute, however this has also had some amazing reviews. Its only just been released however it claims to control shine, reduce the appearance of pores, hide blemishes and extend make up. It’s a lot of high power claims, however I may have to nip in next time I need a new toner and ask for a nice little tester to see how ‘intrablurring’ it actually is.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Loved this little cleanser ever since I tried it, however the only problem is finding it to buy it. I have had to stick to the Body Shop Chamomile Cleansing Balm, which is good, but I prefer this little beauty. Its super lightweight and cleanses my face super well without leaving an oily residue behind. I really wish Clinique would get more of these in stock to shops because its really hard to find both in store and online, and its such a fantastic product.

Estee Lauder Clear Difference Complexion perfecting BB Crème SPF 35

Talk about a mouthful. OK I’m not going to lie, I swear by my amazing Dior Nude BB Crème, however its only an SPF10 and due to being pretty fair skinned, that means I end up spending the whole of summer with a super red burnt face…not a good look. Recently Estee Lauder fetched this little BB crème out which is aimed at people who have blemish prone skin, it claims to instantly neutralize redness, help to conceal blemish marks, pores and flaws and most importantly help treat blemishes. If that wasn’t enough it also states to hydrate, protect, perfect and sooth skin. Now, I don’t always believe what I read on the label because to be fair, they’re trying to sell a product at the end of the day. But seriously…this stuff is good! I went and got a cheeky little sample of this because the high SPF sometimes irritates my sensitive skin. It’s rich and creamy but lightweight at the same time, blending beautifully into the skin giving you just enough daytime summer coverage. The SPF being 35 is a great advantage because it means my face wont burn as much. Overall, I think when I run out of my Dior Nude BB crème I think I’m going to take a chance and purchase this, I haven’t experienced any improvements in my blemishes, but to be honest my skin is actually behaving and obviously I’m not going to get that many uses from a tiny sample pot. Trust me, when I do buy this bad boy and test it out properly, you can definitely expect a in-depth review of every inch of it.

Have any of you tried any of these products, if so whats your view on them?

Whats on your June Wish List?

Cleansing Mask.

Clinique –

Anti Blemish Solutions Oil Control Cleansing Mask

What Clinique say; “Soothing natural clay-based mask helps heal blemishes, prevent breakouts and keep skin shine-free. Medicated formula goes deep to clean and unclog pores, rid skin of excess oil. In just 5 minutes, skin looks clearer, smoother, less blemish-troubled. Gentle, non-drying formula won't irritate skin.”

This white, creamy-to-thick clay mask should be applied to clean skin and rinsed off after 5 minutes.  The mask spreads without any effort and there is no burning or stinging sensation.  Thankfully, this mask does not have any menthol. I was initially surprised at the instructions to leave the mask on for only five minutes before rinsing off, but you can feel it working rather quickly, sometimes I do leave it on for 10. After washing it off, my skin felt soft and comfortable, pores were more refined, and my blemishes were less red and angry. Plus, all traces of oil (particularly in the T-zone, to my delight) were gone.

I found my skin texture and condition improving nicely. I also found that my blemishes receded and healed far quicker than they would normally, which was a lovely little side effect. Their claim about no irritation rang true for me. No blotching, itchiness, excessive dryness or flaking occurred as a result of using this mask.

So far so good with this mask!

I use it 2 times a week, however sometimes in my nose and chin look a little congested then I just put a little on those areas to help those areas. I still have loads of it left, so I’m still not sure whether I will be repurchasing it, but as long as it doesn’t upset my skin…I’m happy.

Take the Day Off.

Clinique -

Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

I have very sensitive skin, so finding cleansers that don't make my face blow up, making me look like I've gone 10 rounds with Rocky Balboa, is pretty tricky. Until now…

My latest cleansing discovery is Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm from Clinique. It’s not new, but it’s new to me. I suppose that the balm, in its little flat pot, must have simply escaped my notice. Next to the tall bottles, it’s rather forgettable, but despite that I really like the packaging; it feels compact and neat. I'd steered away from balm cleansers for a long time - the strong fragrance in them tells me there's a high risk of my skin completely freaking out - but this one is fragrance free with no nastiest - illustrated by the fact the ingredients list is incredibly short.

You don’t need very much at all; in fact the hard texture makes it more difficult to scoop out excessive amounts. I simply wet my fingers and sort of rub them over the balm till I think I have enough to use. The Clinique balm is un-fragranced, which I imagine will be a huge bonus for many, and the formula is gentle and non-stripping. The balm melts in to oil that slips nicely across the skin so that you can really massage it in. It removes every last trace of makeup but rinses clean and if you have oily skin and are worried about using oil: fear not. This cleanser rinses completely clean – there’s absolutely no residue left behind and it’s not greasy at all. Surprising considering the initial waxy, lardy texture, but there you are. Never judge a book by its cover and all that.

After cleansing my skin is clean, and feels clean, but feels far more nourished than it does with just my old gel cleanser. Personally I wash my face twice with this balm at night, once to get rid of my make up, and I repeat it again to make sure that my skin is extra clean and gets all the nourishing benefits of the balm. This has been a total life save recently, my skin is super happy and hasn’t become horribly dry due to the cold weather like it usually does, at the same time it hasn’t broke out in to millions of spots or become irritated.

Overall this is the best cleanser I have ever used, and I doubt I will be changing it to anything else.

Mini York Haul.

Recently I went to York for my birthday. Shopping wasn't the main focus of going to York, I just wanted to get away with my boyfriend and have a very chilled and relaxed time away. However, whilst I was their I picked up a few things, most of which I have had my eye on for a while.

Firstly I picked up the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. Not too long back, they gave me a sample of this moisturizing gel (which also comes in a lotion for dry - normal skins) when I baught a face wash and I really enjoyed using it. Therefore, I thought I would pick it up, due to my sample pretty much running out. I chose to get it in the 50ml tube version, rather then the bottle with a pump, mainly because its huge, 125ml to be precise, and because I like to travel a lot, the tube version was just much better. However, if you aren't traveling then the 125ml is much better value!

Website Description - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel is oil-free and non-comedogenic. It gives you the lightweight hydration without oiliness so your skin feels smoother, softer and more comfortable.

Secondly, I got the butterLondon Horse Power Nail Fertilizer. I've had my eye on this and the brand for a while, because I've read so many rave reviews about it transforming people nails and helping them being so much more stronger and healthier. Ever since I ran out of my Dr Lewinn's Renunail, I haven't really found anything that I particularly like, and even thought I liked the Renunail, it didn't really give the results I was hoping for. Therefore, I thought I would give this butterLondon alternative a try. 

Website Description - This nail rejuvenator is one of our all time favourite products! This product is 3 Free, and uses an herbal ingredient called ‘Horsetail’ (which is a herb...not an actual horses tail) to strengthen and repair nails. When used properly, the results are really quite staggering! Apply one coat every day for 7 days, then remove and begin again. Use for one month. Horse Power Nail Fertilizer can be used as both a basecoat & topcoat.

Next, I thought I would pay my usual visit to Dior, which as you all may know is fatal for my purse. This time I walked away with the DIOR Diorskin Nude; Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Concealer, which is what I believe to be the concealer version to their AMAZING Diorskin Nude BB creme. As soon as I tried this on the back of my hand I was in love with it. It’s so creamy and smooth…but more to come in the in-depth review of this little beauty. Originally, I was going to buy the MAC pro-longwear concealer, however when I tried it…I found it was just wayyyyy too cakey for me.

Website Description - The Diorskin Nude Concealer contains 45% Active Mineralized Water for 6-hour hydrating action. Its lightweight texture, like an eye contour care product, becomes one with the skin without leaving a trace to offer perfect correction and an ultra-natural result.

Lastly, whilst at the Dior counter, I was also going to pick up the DIOR Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, I've heard so many amazing things about this mascara. However, the woman at the counter asked if I would like a sample sized version to try out first. Which I think is just genius, because mascaras for me are so hit and miss. I did try it out in York when we went out for the night, and the effects were beautiful, however I’m yet to compare it with my beloved L’Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara.

Website Description - Bolstered by its backstage expertise, Dior brings you the latest chapter in the DIORSHOW mascara adventure, inspired by the big-screen eyes of movie star icons: ICONIC OVERCURL. Its secrets? An incurved brush, modelled after professional eyelash curlers, which delivers extreme curl and a stretch-effect formula for spectacularly shaped lashes. 

I will make sure to write an in-depth review about each of the products above some time soon. Giving you more detail about the products themselves and about what I think of them once I've given them a good try out.

Stay-Matte Powder.

Clinique -

Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder

Reluctantly, I had to buy a new pressed powder to keep in my bag for day to day on the run touch ups. My beloved Illamasqua powder (see review here) is just too amazing to ruin, and due to it slightly shattering again, I refuse to allow it to leave the house, unless I'm going away.

Anyway, I originally went to Clinique to buy a new Almost Powder compact. However, the consultant said I should try the Stay-Matte Sheer Pressed Powder instead. Which I did, and which I actually much preferred. 

As you can also see in the photo, I picked up a sample of Clinique's new Stay-Matte Foundation...review coming soon!

What Clinique say; 'Removes excess oil and shine, without disturbing makeup. Leaves a matte-look to skin. Leaves skin feeling and looking comfortable and fresh.'

Basically, this is an oil-free, shine-absorbing pressed powder. The ultra-sheer texture of this pressed powder gives skin a perfected matte appearance. It's great for oily skin, oily spots and maintains a fresh look and feel, even after frequent touch-ups. It's also great to set make up; it even hides my horribly large pores, which seem to be able to peek through even the best of foundations. 

Due to it providing only a sheer to moderate coverage, it’s rather hard to make it look cakey, especially if you use a powder brush, which is my favorite way to apply this powder. Do be warned though, even though it doesn’t look particularly cakey, you get much fuller/heavier coverage when using the sponge within the compact.

Overall, this is a really good pressed powder. It does exactly what it says on the box, and there aren’t any particular flaws to it. The packaging is simple, slim and easily transportable. It’s definitely something you can just slip into your daytime bag, make up bag or clutch wherever you go, just for touch ups.

It retails for £21, which isn’t bad for a pressed powder, especially from quite a high market brand. I can see it lasting me for such a long time; therefore the price is definitely worth it.

Playfully Chubby.

Clinique Launches Chubby Stick Lip Colour Balm in 8 New Shades

As a really big fan of Clinique's fabulous chubby stick's I was so excited to know that they are, or by the time this gets published, have, released 8 new shades. To those who are rather behind with these little, award winning superstars, they may look like an ordinary lip pencil, but in reality it's a soothing balm with subtle pigment and moisturising ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter and mango butter. It's an absolute must-have for its convenience, build able colour and hydrating properties.

These little milti-tasking, moisturising and irresistibly colourful lip crayons have scribbled their way into the hearts of thousands of devoted fans everywhere, therefore the fact they have released 8 new shades of these unique, pleasantly plump and playful nourishing lip balms is utterly incredible.

Overall, I was incredibly excited to try these out, making it my mission to go to the nearest Clinique stall last night to test them out. Its easy to say that Pudgy Peony is my ultimate new favourite shade out of all the new releases. Its a very deep/hot pink/raspberry shade, which is actually really pigmented for a lip balm and which I think is just stunning.

They retail for £16, and I most definitely will be purchasing the Pudgy Peony shade very, very soon.

Have you tested out any of the new shades, if so which is your favourite.

Woppin' Watermelon.

Clinique Chubby Stick - Woopin' Watermelon

I have really dry lips, something which is really annoying because they always look so rough. When my other half want away, alongside my Dior Addict lipstick, he also fetched me this because he thought it would be really good for my lips throughout the day, and obviously...its pink. I'd seen these in store and so many people on blogs have reviewed these and have fallen in love with them, so I was really excited to try it. He bought me the shade Woopin' Watermelon, which is like a baby pink colour and is really pretty.

The overall idea of these is that there a balm, which moisturise the lips whilst adding a hint of colour to the lips making them look very pretty and healthy. The design of these are rather unique, its rolls up which means you don't have to sharpen it, something I didn't realise until I received it, which for me is a really good thing because I have it in my bag at all time and therefore its really quick and handy to roll it up when its running about low.

The formula itself is incredible,  they uses a special blend of decadent butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturising along side Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil, delivering a surge of moisture in a sleek stick leaving lips soft, supple and soothed. its so silky and most definitely hydrating, my lips have never been so happy, healthy and irresistibly soft. 

The packaging is so cute and playful, the shades match the packaging exactly therefore helping choosing one easy and simple.

These retail at £16 and available from any Clinique counter,available in 8 shades ranging from deep purples, playful pinks and reds and natural nudes, providing a shade for every skin tone.

Overall these are amazing for everyday use. There easy to use and provide a natural sheer colour to relieve dry lips, will definitely be repurchasing this again when mine runs out.

Have you tried any of the Chubby sticks, if so what did you think?