Lip Battle.

So. Two of my favourite brands have just released two amazing lip products. Both of them have been incredibly hyped up, but from what I've read they're definitely living up to the hype. I'm only wanting to choose one, however I have a feeling I'm going to end up getting one of each...let me know your thoughts.

ROUND 1: Dior Addict Fluid Stick

'Dior Addict Fluid Stick enables a flawless application in a single sweep: the high-impact colour and long wear of a classic lipstick, combined with the shine of a gloss, all in a thin film that delivers sensational comfort. Colour and shine come together as one for maximum impact with intense, longwearing lip stain pigments directly encapsulated in spheres of gloss.'

Ever since I heard these were being released I’ve been counting down the days till they come in store for me to try out. As of yet I haven’t been able to go to my local Debenhams and swatch them all out yet, but my boyfriend nipped in the other day to pick up his suit and he nipped passed and he says they look pretty amazing (well trained or what!). So now I really want to go try them! The colours seem amazing, they seem to have something from everyone whether you love nudes, pinks, reds or deep purple wine colours. From the swatches online they looks amazing; the colour pigment looks incredible and the shine on them is just mesmerising, not to mention the fact their meant to stain the lips, which makes them perfect for them long nights out.

ROUND 2: Lancôme Lip Lover

Lip Lover is our first all-in-one lip perfector. Its hybrid formula gives the comfort of a balm, the eye-catching colour of a lipstick and the enhancing shine of a gloss. All it takes is a stroke from one corner to the other and back to apply just the right amount your chosen Lip Lover shade. The arrow tip can also be used to perfect the corners and define the contours. Your lips' new best friend, Lip Lover leaves lips utterly kissable.

This is just one of those all rounder lip products that is just amazing for all occasions. I love Gloss in Love, which is the lipgloss sister to this, but when I tried this in store I just fell in love. Its like the ultimate lip product, its hydrating, it gives soft lip colour and the creamy sheen of gloss is amazing. It felt super balmy on the lips and you could really feel your lips becoming more hydrated. There are 18 shades of pink range from icy baby pink, nudes, bright pinks, coral pinks, fuchsia and purple based pinks. Something for all tastes and skin tones.

I know this and the Dior Addict Fluid Stick seems very similar, however a girl can never have enough lip products…can she? 

I definitely think this Lancôme one is more for daytime use, due to its balmy moisturizing properties, whereas the Dior one is more of a nighttime lipstick/stain/gloss. It’s also important to note there is quite a big price difference between the two. The Lancôme Lip Lover retails for £18, whereas the Dior Fluid Sticks are a whopping £26. 

Which do you think wins the battle?

Perfect Topping.

MAC -

Mineralise Skinfinish in Perfect Topping

Ok. I'm not going to lie; I'm not the biggest MAC fan. I don't know why, but nothing from them ever makes me like 'OMG I GOTTA HAVE THAT', which is what happens contently on the Dior counter (bows head in shame). However, I like to have a nosey at their limited addition ranges when they release them to see if anything grabs my attention...and this little beauty definitely did that!

Everyone say a big Hi and Hello to Perfect Topping!

Perfect Topping is described as a “pale pearlized pink”, and part of their Fantasy of Flowers collection. My eyes were instantly drawn to the Perfect Topping Mineralize Skinfinish because of it’s gorgeous champagne, bronze and purple veining. The colours aren’t overpowering in the slightest and it gives a stunning natural glow to the skin. I love to sweep this on the tops of my cheekbones, on my nose and on my cupids bow which just gives a really nice illuminated appearance to the skin without looking overdone or frosty. I’ve also known me to sweep it over my blusher when I’m in a hurry just to give my skin more a glow if I don’t have time to do much else. Its also important to note, unlike some highlighters I have used in the past, this doesn’t sit or highlight pores…yey!

I do have to note that Mineralize Skinfinishes can differ from pan to pan, as it is a mix of different shades and veins, so sometimes there is variance, therefore when you look at different pans, they may look different and therefore may transfer a little differently on your skin.

I am really happy that I picked this up because it’s been great to use on an everyday basis since it isn’t frosty or glittery. This Mineralize Skinfinish comes with 9g of product and I know will last forever.

Guts.

Redken -

Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam

Recently I had my hair cut and coloured. Nothing too extreme, just a good cut and high and low lights to help it look fresh and healthy. Whilst their my hair dresser put an usual foam thing on my hair, I don't usually pay much attention to what she puts on my hair because were usually too busy talking about something else. However, afterwards I couldn't stop looking at how full and volumised my usually limp, lifeless and super fine hair was. The best bit is not only did my hair look amazing after leaving the hairdressers, my hair looked amazing the next day too. Therefore I had to find out what she had used in my hair, and thats where this little beauty steps in. I haven't ever used anything like this before in my hair, I was always worried that it would weigh it down and make it all sticky, but you can't actually tell that this is in your hair and the results are just amazing. 

The description on the Redken website highlights this spray foam ‘boost up hair with flexible fullness and bold, gutsy style. Directional spray allows for precise application. Lift up the roots or apply all over for volumes of attitude. Providing a lasting, natural and flexible feel.’

After washing and towel-drying my hair, I brushed out my hair with my tangle teezer, making sure not to pull too much. Then I applied the Redken Guts 10 spray foam to my roots all over my head, even on the underneath parts. The spray foam is kind of a different experience but I like it. You have to be careful with the spray because it can get messy if you aren't cautious about how you are holding the can and it will go EVERYWHERE!

Anyways…afterwards I dried my hair. If I’m feeling lazy, I just flip my head upside down and try my hair that way. If I’m going out or if I have a bit longer to dry my hair, I use my Toni&Guy medium round brush to dry sections of my hair, giving it even more volume. I really felt my hair lifting and thickening up. The results were amazing!

After using this I can say I really don’t think I’ll ever not use it! I love how my hair looks and feels when I’ve used this. If you love volume without the sticky feeling, or want something that works then this is definitely something to try. It does cost around £15, but its 300ml and totally worth it!

Eternal Beauty.

Color Club -

Eternal Beauty

Color Club is a brand I haven’t heard of nor tried. I think it’s mainly sold in the US, however I saw a swatch of their holographic polishes and just had to buy one to try. It arrived yesterday and I just can’t stop looking at my nails now it’s on, it’s just incredible, super unusual and stunning.

This polish is called Eternal Beauty and is cool-toned, violet purple with holographic shimmer. I don’t have anything like this – not even this type of purple. It is super pretty, even in natural lighting, and it looks so rich and vibrant in the sun/under direct lighting! I wasn’t expecting it to be as amazing as it is, mainly because with these sort of polishes they look so amazing in the bottle they tend to be a little of a let down when its actually on your nails, however I’m beyond impressed with this polish. 
I seriously apologise for how much of a shocking condition my nails are in, I don't usually do swatches of nail polish. One of the photos is with the flash, which shows just how intense the holographic shimmer is, the other shows what the colour looks like without any harsh light.

The polish applied beautifully–absolutely no issues with application. In fact, the formula applies incredibly well in my experience.  It’s not too thick or too thin in consistency, and it goes on fluidly, evenly, and streak-free.  The color payoff was fully opaque in two coats. Using a topcoat does seem to dull the holographic look a little, but it gradually returns to full strength the longer you wear it. I have read many reviews that state they can get incredible wear out of these without a top coat, so I might actually give it a go and see how it wears.

Due to only just putting it on, I can’t comment on the wear time yet, however I will be writing a little catch up review on the wear time of the polish.

I just had to show you how stunning this polish is!

Is This the Best Pore Primer Ever Created?

Dior -

Pore Minimizer Skin Refining Matte Primer

Dior says; 'A skin-refining primer that mattifies and refines the skin, minimizes pores and smooths fine lines immediately upon application. Its formula evens out the complexion and erases blemishes with a sheer and weightless finish.'

Everyone who reads my blog often knows my pores are my biggest bug bare. Their massive and ruin any attempt at a flawless completion. Foundation either sets in them or doesn't cover them...on the odd occasion it actually accentuate them, which its even worse. I have tried many primers on the market which aim to cover and discuss pores, meaning foundation or BB creams go on more flawless and create a more seamless look. My one problem with primers is, that as time goes on the silicon feel just begins to annoy me, and I tend to become less and less impressed by them. Not long ago the blogging world went mad for the new Dior Pore Minimizing Primer, and as Dior is my go too and most loved brand on the market, I have always wanted to try it. However at £28 a pop its not the cheapest primer on the market. Never the less, with Dior I find paying that little bit extra really does pay off, and you do tend to get better products for your money...not always the case...but more often then not personally I find it to be true. 

So lets get on with the review!

Before I start, I just want to highlight that I know a lot of people have done a review of this with the Benefit POREfessional. However, I personally didn't really get on with the POREfessional, I don't really know what it was, but we just didn't get on. I would happily try it again, as I haven't used it since I was about 16 maybe 17, as it was my first ever primer...maybe now I've tried a few other primers I might like it...then again maybe not. Therefore, I'm not going to do a comparison review, mainly because I don't have the POREfessional, and from reading other peoples comparison reviews, I don't find them personally to be much help. If you already have the POREfessional, and want to know how this compares to that, then google gives a billion reviews comparing the two.

I think this primer is fab. It doesn't leave a horrible silicon feeling to the skin, its super light weight and does a fantastic job of covering my pores. Some primers I have tried, depending how you put them on tend to roll, however this goes on fantastically and just sweeps on the skin. After testing it out for a month or so, I can definite say more is better, I tried the whole 'less is more' however I just didn't see the results I wanted, this might however depend on how big your pores are. I really love this primer and the tube makes it so easy to use!

If you have £28 to spare and want a fantastic primer to cover your pores, not look any further this is just incredible!

Dior Made Me Do It...

I just thought I would show you what I bought from Dior today, just because I haven't done a Dior post in a little while and I'm missing it!

I did plan on just going to the gym today...honest...however, I decided as I had a bit of time to kill before my Zumba class, I would have a nosy round the beauty area in Boots. 

Bad Idea!

I tend to never know when my Dior BB Creme is about to die on me. Due of the tube its in, its very hard to guess when your going to run out, until that horrible day when no matter how many times you press the pump...nothing comes out. I try and avoid this heart breaking moment, by buying on in advance, just when its starting to get empty. This was my reason behind loitering at the Dior counter for far too long! So obviously it was essential to buy it then and their...obviously!

Whilst at the Dior counter, the new Pore Minimizing Primer also caught my eye...as it has done every time I make my way past a Dior counter! As my Daniel Sandler one just isn't cutting it for me anymore, still really good just not concealing my pores enough for my liking, I thought I would treat myself to a new primer as well. 

This is all good and well...until you get to the counter and realise you've blown £60 on just two products. Come on, you've all been their where you get that little 'do you reallllllllllly need it' voice whispering to you. 

You all know my love for my Dior Nude BB Creme, however I'm very interested and excited about the primer. So many people have raved about it, so keep your eyes open for a review coming soon. Whilst their, I also thought I would smell their new Miss Dior fragrance...and can I just say, as someone who doesn't really do floral fragrances...its just AMAZING! Its super light and fresh, I think it would be the perfect Spring/Summer fragrance...cue trying to think of a good reason to treat myself to it.

Have you bought anything recently that was but wasn't essential?

#sorrynotsorry

Cut Up.

I am really looking forward to this new collection of “Overcoats” from butterLondon! As you all know I'm a super butterLondon fan, I think their polishes so just amazing quality and the colours are just unique and fantastic. 

butterLondon explanation about their new collection is; 'Deconstruct your lacquer with our new collection of glittering overcoats that transform your lacquer. Raw textures infuse your favourite looks with a roughed-up modern edge.' Katie Jane Hughes, butterLondon Global Colour Ambassador goes on to say 'These overcoats are posh enough to make any mani pop, make a statement with serious sparkle on all 10 digits, or play up a single nail to create an eye-catching accent.'

Now. The collection did consist of three polishes, however...one of the polishes was called 'pikey', which depending where you live, may know its a horrible word referring to gypsies or travellers (not cool butterLondon). Therefore butterLondon has now discontinued this polish, why they decided to go through with realising it, is beyond me but hay ho. Whether they re realise it under a different name, only time will tell. 

Never the less, its a stunning collection so I really wanted to share it.

ANORAK: Black, white and silver chunky glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base.

TITCHY: Multi-colour chunky and fine glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base

PIKEY: Gold, silver and bronze chunky and fine glitter overcoat suspended in a clear base

(NOW DISCONTINUED)

Titchy is definitely the one i have my eye on. Its made up of multi-coloured glitter, and its definitely up my ally. I'm hoping it looks as good on, as in the bottle.

I'm not 100% if Anorak and Titchy will be released in the UK or what will happen to the discontinued polish, I do hope they rename it and re-release it as its such a pretty rose gold colour.

What do you think about the collection?

Effaclar Duo +.

La Roche Posay - 

Effaclar Duo +

So, if you’ve been living under a rock you may not have realised that La Roche-Posay have actually gone and improved the formula of their Effaclar Duo. The new Effaclar Duo+ now helps to prevent those awful red marks or dark spots that hang about after the spot itself has cleared. I personally find it’s the scarring or dark marks that actually annoys me more – they can take to disappear and are actually more noticeable than the original blemish. The new Duo contains a new active ingredient that super-sizes the effects of the product, soothing the skin to diffuse inflammation and, as they word it in the press material, “accelerating the skin’s return to integrity”. An all-in-one spot solution that helps to prevent spots, doing a bit of damage control if they do happen to appear and now helping to clean-up and help stop dark spots forming.

It’s as simple to use as before – just apply it to affected areas after cleansing. The new Duo can be used with or without moisturiser over the top. I personally prefer to use it under a moisturiser just so that it doesn’t dry my skin out. Also the improved formula is apparently even more suitable for all-over application, but as always it’s down to individual needs. I know that some people felt that Duo was too much for their skin used over larger areas, so feel free to test it on smaller, more targeted areas first if you don’t need to treat your whole face.

Now I know with most people, when they hear spot treatment, they expect it to clear up their skin straight away and totally unclog their pores. HOWEVER, unfortunately that’s not always the case. Most of the time the products that are unclogging the pores actually cause spots, that’s due to them bringing all the clogging agents to the top, forming spots but unclogging your pores in time. Currently I’m using this both morning and night, helping my skin get used to it. I’m not yet sure when my skin starts to be a bit better if I’m going to just use it at night, or carry on using it both morning and night. So far my skin looks a little better, but only time will tell. I will keep you updated.