Skin Base.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

My foundation hunt has been very long...I tend to find one I like, however then over time I find flaws in it, therefore the hunt begins again. However, a friend of mine said she had currently swopped from MAC to Illamasqua, and that the foundations there, even though a little more expensive, where such good quality and gave such a flawless look. Granted, she used the Rich Liquid Foundation, which is...SERIOUSLY HEAVY COVERAGE...but never the less she has me interested in the brand.

After researching the brand, seeing how their products were rated and reviewed I decided to get my boyfriend to take me to the nearest Illamasqua shop (which is in Leeds) and they gave me an amazing trial of their foundations, letting me try out each of them to see which one I liked best. The make-up artist (how posh) was sure that out of all of them I would love the Skin Base Foundation, which is very light, however give a fabulous coverage and as soon as she put it on I was head over heels in love with it. Due to me wearing false tan, the artist thought it would benefit me more having two shades, 7.5 which suites me at my darkest, and 6 which is the most neutral shade, which I mix in as my false tan begins to fade...how fantastic. 

I can't express how much I love this foundation!

Here's what Illamasqua have to say about their lovely Skin Base Foundation:

"Inspired by the cult Asian market Beauty Balm creams, Skin Base Foundation is a brand new, refined formula unlike anything on the UK market. Easily blendable, it effortlessly creates a perfect complexion, and like the entire Illamasqua foundation range, is undetectable in a professional HD environment. Suitable for all skin types, it smoothes, softens and conditions your skin whilst providing natural, buildable coverage."

Illamasqua Skin Base foundation is available in 18 different shades, ranging from light to dark. They also have a pure white shade that would be prefect for mixing in with other foundations to make them lighter, this would be handy for those people who choose not to tan in winter and also those people who are naturally very pale. The great thing about the shade selection is that the foundations all have a different undertone; the shades either have a pink, yellow or neutral undertone. There is literally a shade for everyone. There are so many comparison charts on the Illamasqua website coming their shades to MAC, Nars, YSL and Bobbi Brown, which makes finding the perfect shade so easy!

The foundation applies to the skin very nicely. It goes on smoothly and generally just feels lovely, the foundation melts into the skin straight away. To apply the foundation to the skin I use my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, which really applies the foundation amazingly, leaving my skin looking truly airbrushed. It’s important to note you really only need a small amount of this foundation, I keep having to remind myself I only need a tiny amount, which is something I’m not used to with other foundation’s. The Illamasqua Skin Base foundation has a build-able coverage so you can either apply a light layer or build it up so you've got a full coverage. The good thing with this foundation is that you can also use it as a concealer too! When using this foundation I feel that I don't need to use a concealer as the foundation does a good enough job at hiding things, it really does cover a multitude of sins! 

The foundation lasts all day without going patchy or sliding off the skin. I'd say that it lasts between 10-12 hours which is great if you're out all day as you know your foundation is going to last. The foundation just seems to sink into the skin and it honestly stays put. I have a rather oily t-zone and alongside the Illamasqua matt primer, my foundation stays put all day, it doesn’t ‘disappear’ like many other foundations and it keeps my skin looking incredible all day long. The foundation has quite a thick consistency but feels very light on the skin. It almost feels as if you're not wearing any foundation at all. 

I love the Illamasqua packaging, and I have to say that I think and will always think that Illamasqua have the nicest packaging out of all cosmetic brands. The packaging is sleek, sexy and sophisticated. With regards to the foundation, I love the odd shaped bottle and I also like how it comes with a screw top as this is very practical. It prevents spillages and other such catastrophes. The only negative thing I have to say about the packaging is that it's hard to squeeze out the product once you're running low. So when you're a little weakling, it's frustrating when you know there's product left but are unable to squeeze it out. On the plus side, the bottle has a thin nozzle meaning you don't use heaps of product.

The Illamasqua Skin Base foundation retails at £25.00 and can be purchased from the following places: Illamasqua Stores, ASOS and Debenhams. The foundation bottle contains 30ml of product, which is a standard amount as most foundations contain 30ml.

Have you tried Illamasqua's Skin Base Foundation? Do you like it? If you haven't tried it, are you thinking about doing so?

York Haul.

This is just a super quick post showing what I bought during my little adventure to York. There aren't that many things, however all of them are things which others have recommended, I will try and write up posts about each as fast as I can. 

- Tony & Guy Shampoo and Conditioner for blonde hair

- Essie Matte About You top coat

- TopShop nail varnish in Unicorn

- Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in shades 6 and 7.5

- Illamasqua Matt Primer

I also bought a new MAC Dazzleglass Lipgloss, Seche Vite dry fast top coat and also some Babyliss Root Boosters, however, I put them in my other bag, which is still in the boot of the car...not happy. Never the less, like the rest I will be writing up a blog post about each of them, giving my truthful opinions about them all...better get typing.

New Look.

Urban Decay -

All Nighter Setting Spray

Ever since using this ages ago I fell in love, its amazing and really keeps my make up on and fresh all day. I did try the Oil-Slick version, which is aimed at more oily skin...however I found it actually seemed to make me much more oily then normal...not good!

Basically, I just wanted to show you the brand new packaging...which I much prefer it looks such much more...classy. They have also released it in a small bottle to, which is very purse friendly which I think is just great, and also really good as a tester before buying the bigger bottle. 

My original review can be found here I stick by everything I said, and its amazing...would definitely amazing to have the fantastic original version back!

So, what are your thoughts on the new packaging and the new travel friendly size?

My New BestFriend.

About two weeks ago I thought I would treat myself...normally it would be a new bag, or another piece of unnecessary make up. However this time I thought I would push the boat out and buy myself something I really wanted.

ALL HAIL Dory...my new iPad :)

Now I already had one, we'll technically me and my dad were sharing, therefore I thought it was time I had my own. Plus, it's really helpful and useful for University and means I don't have to rely on writing as much anymore, which due to me having Dyslexia was a complete pain in the bum and a everyday struggle. Another advantage of having it is that I'm hoping it means I will be able to write more reviews...but at the moment I'm addicted to Hay Day, so thats taking up my complete attention..sorry university work :(

As you can see Dory's pulling off a very amazing pink leather case, which protects every inch of her, and also has three...ledges/ridges/things which means I can prop her up to watch films, read books and makes typing so much easier. I'm not sure where its from as my boyfriend bought it for me :)

Have you got an iPad, do you know any must have apps, if so please leave them as comments below, there are so many out there I cant make up my mind which ones to download...hope your all having a nice and lazy Sunday like me :)

Expert Face Brush.

Real Techniques -

Expert Face Brush

When Samantha Chapman released her Real Techniques brushes I have to say I jumped on the wagon straight away. I think it took me about a week to decided the Stippling Brush had to be mine, mainly because it was unlike any other make up brush around at that time, and also because there was that much praise about it...I sort of felt left out! HOWEVER, now its looking a little sorry for itself, and lets face it...everyone needs a new foundation brush, and due to my Urban Decay one being a nightmare to wash, I wanted a special one for special occasions, when I wanted my make up to look flawless. Therefore, after some serious googling I came across a lot of talk about this Expert Face Brush, I know everyone loves the Blending Brush from Real Techniques, however its only available within the Core Set...and I wouldn't get any use out of any of the other brushes, therefore I cant justify it. Anyway due to having some trusty Boots points saved up I thought I would get one and try it.

The Boots website describes this brush as 'a wider, ultra firm face brush and a must-have beauty makeup accessory that will help to create a flawless base on your skin. The more time you spend on this first step of makeup application, the better the results at the end.' Where as the Real Techniques Website states 'ultra firm and broad for application and blending of cream or liquid foundation, look pixel-perfect even in harsh light, ultra-plush, synthetic taklon bristles are hand cut and 100% cruelty-free'.

The bristles are soft and feel so gentle and luxurious on your face. The brush is ultra film and broad, allowing smooth application and making it easy to blend your foundation. I've got to admit the first few times I used this brush with my various liquid foundations I was a little disappointed as it seemed to create a lower coverage and a less air brushed finish than my stippling brush. However, I now know that's because I was trying to use it as if it was the buffing brush in big circular buffing motions, but in fact they are totally different brushes very different in shape and created for different purposes. Once I realised this I tried using it more like you would a regular foundation brush, by dipping it into product on my hand and applying it with small paint brush style strokes blending as I went and now I absolutely love it! Using it this way made foundation application so quick and easy and left my face looking more flawless and airbrushed in no time.

Also, even though you don't use buffing motions with this brush, the dense and broad brush head seems to really get the foundation to sink into my skin instead of just leaving the product sitting on top, which the stippling brush had a tendency of doing. 

So yes this has replaced my beloved stippling brush in my foundation routine at the moment (although I do still love and recommend the good old stipple) and in my opinion it's another resounding triumph from the lovely Samantha Chapman! Has it completely got rid of my need to try the buffing brush? I would be lying if I said I still didn't want to see what all the fuss was about, but now I'm so happy with this one I'm pretty sure I don't actually need it!

So have you tried RT Expert Brush, if so what are your thoughts on it?

Extreme Length Extend.

No7 -

Extreme Length Extend Mascara

I usually find a mascara and stick with it, however the last couple I've used I haven't fell totally head over heels in love with, or they always have something not so perfect about them. Usually that not so perfect thing is that they either smudge throughout the day or don't wash off, or both. However, my mum told me to try a No7 mascara, she's used them for ages and wouldn't use anything else other, therefore I thought I would give one a try...plus she was paying so I wasn't saying no. Never the less, the one I choose was the Extreme Length Extend Mascara, which is a new version to the original Extreme Length Mascara. The description on the Boots website states; 'NEW No7 Extreme Length Extend Mascara has a specially designed Aero Capsule formulation – which means it’s packed with hollow shaped fibres that stick more readily to the lashes. Over 90%* of women who tested it noticed no clumping or flaking... perfect for looking flawless all night long. This special lightweight formula, also allows the lashes to keep their shape once the mascara has been applied, helping your natural lashes achieve that false lash look in an instant.' It basically promises everything every girl wants who loves incredibly long, luscious lashes...and I'm definitely one of those girls.

After my rubbish past with mascaras, and ever changing formulas which seem to ruin great mascaras, I wasn't expecting much from this mascara. However, I have to say this mascara is incredible! It really makes your lashes look almost false lash like, they're that long, and there isn't a clump in sight! I use my Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers beforehand to give them a natural curl then apply two or three layers of this mascara, depending where I'm going and what look I'm aiming for. Not only does it keep the curl in my lashes all day, which even some of the high end mascaras don't do, it also doesn't flake or smudge at all through the day, it keeps my lashes looking perfect and the mascara looks freshly applied all day long! The colour pay off is amazing also, I only use black mascara and this is amazing quality black, true jet black, no ashy tones and it doesn't fade throughout the day.

The brush is really good, it stops clumping and is really easy to use, just your basic mascara wand. Never the less No7 always love to give some in-depth theory about their products so heres the one about this special little brush; 'The unique Extreme Length brush is exclusive to the No7 Extreme Length range; it has a gentle curve giving a full on lash fan, it grips to your lashes ensuring the perfect even coating of the fibre enriched formula for maximum volume and even more extreme length. No7 Extreme Length Extend Mascara is the perfect addition to the No7’s Extreme Length range – looking glamorous just got more extreme.'

Doesn't it sound amazing? The best part...its £12.95! If I wasn't their when my mum payed for it, I wouldn't have believed her. It's an amazing mascara, just as good, in my opinion even better then high end mascara, at only a fraction of the price. I defiantly think I'm going to re-buy this mascara again when mine runs out, its amazing!

My NEW Mask Routine.

Face masks aren't something I normally used. I always liked the idea of them being mini miracle workers, however after I found most of them don't work...until now. Beleive it or not I now have a rather amazing routine which includes 3 miracle products which are my new little skincare saviours!

First up is the Origins Modern Friction Exfoliator, I know this isn't a mask, however I find using it before my next product is such a good help. Plus its just amazing at making my skin so soft and glowing! I don't usually like using exfoliators, I have rather sensitive skin, therefore stayed away in case they irritated my skin, however this hasn't done anything of the sort, only helped my skin become so soft and healthy. The origins website describes it as; 'Sand-blasting skin with coarse, chemical crystals? How painfully passe. Here's age-smoothing exfoliation without irritation. Skin-refining Rice Starch cushioned in cream, rapidly removes sluggish cells, uneven patches and signs of skin damage and discolourations. Lemon Oil kick starts the process of illumination. Vitamin C mops up skin-menacing free radicals. There's no ouch, extra steps or other complications. No redness or flaking follows. Signs of lines and size of pores appear to shrink. Skin looks perfectly polished, smooth and luminous.' Its not usual that I agree with product descriptions fully, but this product does exactly what it says on the tube! 

The product itself is very rich and creamy, and doesn't feel like its going to do that much exfoliating...which was my first misconception. The consultant on the counter told me to use the mask after washing off all my make up, and after patting my skin dry-ish, therefore meaning the product would work much better and not mix with much water (something I didn't know), straight away I could feel my skin getting softer and softer especially around my checks and nose which are usually pretty bad. I didn't scrub for too long because I didn't want to push my sensitive skin too much, just enough to get rid of any dead skin cells. It's also important to note it's got lemon oil and vitamin c in it, to promote brightness and give the skin a great glow as well as being packed with rice starch - that's what makes it so thick but also it does smell a lot of lemon and its very important to keep it away from you eyes...as my sister found out! Overall this makes my skin super soft and just glow, it's also really good to use before a mask, to make sure the mask really gets into the pores and give the best effect possible. I use this around 2 times a week, ones on Sundays before my Clear Improvement Mask and mid way through the week when I think my skin might need a bit of scrub to get it all nice a soft again (usually only necessary when I've been using more make up then normal or needed!). One of the things I love about this scrub, other then the fact it doesn't upset my sensitive skin, is that it doesn't make my skin red nor dry, which is what I usually find with scrubs...totally work investing in, also you only need a little, so I can see this tube lasting me a longggg time.

Secondly is the Origins Clear Improvement Mask. This is a clay mask which is meant to get rid of any impurities and in a sense 'detoxify' your skin. The website states 'When environmental pollutants, dirt and debris get under your skin, its waste-filtering system gets jammed, pores get clogged, skin looks cloudy. Nature's complexion clean-up crew gets to the bottom of skins overcast condition and clears the way for it to act its best. Activated Charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out pore-cloggers, White China Clay absorbs environmental pollutants, Lecithin dissolves impurities. Without all that "stuff" down there, skin "breathes a sigh of relief."' Like most bloggers I also research products I'm thinking of buying before I actually do so, it gives me a good chance to compare similar products and see which ones have more chance of actually doing my skin any noticeable good. Its clear to say after reading the description on the website I was rather dubious about if the mask could live up to these high claim...but it really really does!

This mask has a active clay-based formula thats soft to the touch at first and tightens against the skin as it dries. You really don't need a lot because a little goes a long way, and you don't need a completely thick layer of the product. I usually wear mine whilst relaxing in the bath, therefor its on a little bit longer then directed on the tube, which is 10 minutes...ooops. It does tighten when it begins to dry, however personally I don't find this uncomfortably tight. I can't sing the praises for this mask highly enough, noticeable results are achieved after just one use and the long-term benefits are astounding. On the first use I found my skin to look really clean and peachy, to the touch it felt totally oil free and really soft. Replenished and purified would be a good way to describe the post-mask feeling. With long term use (one or two times a week, at most) my pores are reduced, blackheads are near eradicated and my skin is virtually oil-free for at least five days after use. I currently only use it once a week, usually on a Sunday to give my skin a good detox, however if i find my pores around my nose area are being a bit 'mischievous' I apply it just to that area for 10 - 15 minutes and it sorts out any problems. This is definitely amazing, and my skin hasn't looked as good for so long.

Lastly is the Origins Out of Trouble Mask, I've already done a in-depth review of this here, however I use this once or twice a week, depending how my skin is...breakout related. I do find this is really good at helping clear any little breakouts which the Clear Improvements Mask has caused due to lifting any dirt from my pores. I find after using this mask my skin is so much better, the spots are much less red and inflamed and it curves any breakouts which are starting to form! I tend to leave this on whilst watching TV, therefore the time its on tends to change depending when or if there are adverts.

Overall this routine has been the main reason for my amazingly clearer skin all of a sudden. Im not promising it will stop you getting spots all together, however for me its stopped me getting as many, and definitely helps get rid of them faster then normal. Both the masks are £20 and the exfoliator is priced at £30...however it is a 125ml tube...so it will last a very long time. Personally I will definitely repurchase every one of these products, not only am i using them once or twice a week, which means their going to last me a long time, the effects both straight away and in the long run appear to be incredible, something everyone will know is a rarity!!!

Wish List #1

I'm not promising I'm going to remember to do this every month, and due to not having a job I cant promise i'll buy everything on my wish list either, however...a girl can dream. Never the less, I thought I would start creating wish lists every month of the things I'm most longing for. Because I don't do monthly favourites (mainly because I don't change products that often) I thought this would be a good alternative...so lets get started.

(top left to bottom right) 

Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Speckle, Orly Nail Varnish in Oh Cabana Boy, Kerastase Fluide Chroma Riche, Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in Shade 8.

Face Tanner Luxe.

XEN TAN - 

FACE TANNER LUXE

Self-tanners are the safest way to achieve tanned looking skin, the area I always forget to tan whilst self tanning at home is my face! I tend to shy away from tanning my face for a couple of reasons, I find that self body tanners have a formula too heavy for my skin which causes break outs, that body tanners leave an uneven finish on my skin and cling to dry patches.
Xen Tan have created two Face-Tanners in addition to their huge range of body tanners and tanning accessories - Face Tanner and Face Tanner Luxe. Each Face Tanner compliments products from the Xen Tan range and gives you the option of having a light or deep finish. 

Xen Tan Face Tanner Luxe is packaged inside a small plastic tube with a squeeze-dispense formula. It has classic Xen-Tan branding and is the perfect size for at-home use and travelling.

Face Tanner Luxe is the deepest colour option the two face tanners on offer, it has a lightweight gel formula which appears slightly green on application but gradually rubs into a golden finish, providing an easy to follow colour guide showing you where you've already applied the formula. I apply it with my fingers or a mitt to my face then wash my hands thoroughly. The tan gradually changes and increases in colour over three to five hours - I tend to apply it at night as although at first it has a delicious vanilla caramel scent this descents into the dreaded DHA tanning scent.
Xen Tan Face Tanner Luxe is my choice of face tanner thanks to its speciality formula that makes it safe for use on the face. It feels very smooth on my skin upon application and doesn't cling to dry patches, nor does it increase the oiliness of my skin or cause any breakouts.
The finish is a wonderful olive-toned golden tan which lasts for around four or five days, it doesn't last as long as most of Xen-Tan products because I wash my face at least twice a day every day. Even so, the tan gradually fades and doesn't leave any patchiness or residue on my skin as it fades away. If you want to prolong your sunkissed skin simply apply another thin layer for a couple of hours every four or five days.

Another use I have found for the Xen Tan Face Tanners is to top up the tan on my hands, where I wash my hands at least and more than five times a day I find my hands fade a lot quicker than the rest of the tan on my body. To top them up with a natural looking golden finish to compliment the rest of my tan I apply a small amount of the Face Tanner in a similar fashion as I would to hand cream before I sleep.

Marshmallow Clouds.

Yesterday me and my boyfriend decided to go for a walk round Roundhay Park in Leeds. Granted its pretty far away from where we live, but it gets us out of the house on a boring Sunday and gets us away from South Yorkshire for a bit. If you live near Leeds and haven't been to Roundhay Park its really stunning with a massive lake and loads of woodland, its beautiful in spring/summer but its still nice during winter. Its definitely somewhere you have to go when you've got quite a bit of time free because even though we've been many times we still manage to get very lost and have to revert to the iPhone to find our way back on the right path. On the way home we nipped to the White Rose Centre, which is a really cute shopping centre, its nothing special but its nice for a change, it has all your usual shops; Debenhams, Topshop/man, Miss Selfridges, Superdry, Next, Boots etc. and of course no shopping centre would be complete without the Disney Shop. Now I know I may be 19, but I still love Disney, especially the films, however whilst having a nosy around I came across a little Thumper teddy, not only is he super soft, and super cute but he also smells AMAZING. However due to not having my card, I couldn't give in and buy it therefore had to leave with my head down somewhat sulking. 

However...when we got back to the car, a Millies cookie in tow, my boyfriend decided after decided that he wasn't hungry and didn't want a cookie, that now he did, so disowning me in the car he went skipping (yes he skipped) back to get a cookie (men these days!). Now...I not a genus, but he was gone for a VERY long time (probably about 10 minutes, but when your sat in a car on your own the time begins to drag) and not only had I looked through all my favourite blogs and made a list of "must research later" products I began to get bored and after a mass amount of texts asking how long it took him to choose a cookie he re-appeard, with a giant grin on his face and would you believe a DISNEY BOX! You can only imagine my childish excitement. Not only had he bought me the Thumper teddy, but also the Wonder fragrance which is in a hefty 125ml bottle, which is what makes Thumper smell so incredible. The description on the box says; a delicate scent of lemon sugar, apple blossoms and marshmallow clouds...and let me tell you...its amazing, its not something I would wear, as it states its a 'linen spray' however I would definitely spray all my bedding with it to make it smell lovely. If you haven't tried it and want something a little different, i would definitely say to go in and try it.

Once again the boyfriends made me a happy bunny (literally)!!

Mini Manicure.

Before christmas I thought I would take off my false nails and go back to oh'natural. Something I haven't done since I was sixteen, as since then I've always had acrylic or gel nails on. Therefore it's fair to say nails are in a shocking condition, they're weak, breaking all the time and just generally horrible...however I'm persisting.
Therefore ever since I've been taking the time to paint them, keep them neat, tidy and overall healthy. So today I thought I would show you what I've been using...

I've been using the Dr Lewinns Nail Strengthener for a little while now, I wont go into too much detail because I'm planning on writing a full review soon, once i've decided if its actually working or not. However because my nails are rather short at the moment, this may take a little while, however so far so good. Now, it works in a very specific way, you put two coats on the first day, then one coat every day for 5 days, and on the 7th day you take it all off and start again. Its aimed to build up the nails and help them become a lot stronger and stop them from breaking as much, however because of the rather powerful ingredient, you only do this for 4 weeks, then you have to leave them for 2 weeks and begin the process again. Currently I'm at the two week resting stage, however because there still super weak I still put two coats on under my nail varnish every time I change my nail varnish, just to help keep them a little bit protected. The other Dr Lewinns product I've been loving at the moment is the Nourishing Oil, it's contains soothing oils and herbal extracts to moisturise and nourish cuticles and nails, its made up of vitamins A and E as well as strong anti-oxidants. Your meant to use this both morning and night, however I'm not going to lie, I only use it when I remember, however never the less its really good, it makes the cuticle's very smooth, soft and look very healthy.


The nail varnish I've been totally loving at the moment is Essie's Sugar Daddy (hate the name). Essie.com describes it as 'a sweet and shimmery pink, perfect for a french manicure', at the moment my nails aren't long enough for a french manicure, however I love wearing the colour on its own. Personally, I don't see any shimmer within it, however it does give the perfect natural nails but better look. It goes on a very sheet baby pink, which is very flattering on all nails. Application is very smooth and two coats give a perfect glossy natural finish...my nails look amazing...especially to say there rather short!

For a top coat I use Save The Nail's Wet Look top coat. I hadn't ever heard of it, however I saw it in boots and liked the idea of Wet Look therefore thought I would give it a go, plus it turns out its actually from Nails Inc. Anyway, personally its nothing like I was expecting or hoping for it to be like, it states 'Save The Nail Wet Look Top Coat utilises the latest wet look technology to create high gloss finish. Extends nail polish wear and durability for longer lasting glossy manicure, it contains diamond powder for brilliant shine.' Does it make my nails glossy, yes, any more so then other top coats...not really, does it extend nail polish wear and durability...not really. Overall I don't think I would purchase it again, it costs £7 from boots, however at the moment its only £5, therefore in regards to a cheap top coat...its ok...however as its created by Nails inc...not impressed.

Lastly, the basics I use are;

• Cutex Aceton Free Nail Polish Remover (I always use Acetone Free!)
• Ms Manicure Pro-Filer Salon Emery Board
• Boots 4 Way Buffer Block (cheap and never lets me down)
• Cuticle Trimmer and Pusher Groomer Duo
• Boots Cotton Wool Double Faced Pads

BEST. MASK. EVER!

Origins - 

Out of Trouble Mask

I've had some serious trouble with my skin recently, it's been breaking out like crazy, and their not those little ones either...these are the big, evil, inflamed ones that stand out for miles. I didn't however have anything which was aimed at spots as a while ago I ran out of my trusty Origins Super Spot Remover and forgot to repurchase another. Therefore yesterday I decided to go and buy another, my skin was just that bad and desperate times call for desperate measures. Whilst there the assistant showed me the Out of Trouble Mask, she said a colleague of hers who suffered really badly with acne was obsessed with using it as her skins saviour, there for I thought I would give it ago. Now I'm going to be honest, when it comes to spot treatments...which this is...I don't exactly set my expectations high, I've previously tried every spot treatment mask going and non of them have worked.

The description on the Origins website states; 'When skin is too-slick, or when more pressing problems start to pop up, it's Origins to the rescue to keep skin out of trouble. Nature's trouble-shooters, including super-absorbent Zinc Oxide and Sulfur, calming Camphor plus skin-sloughing, rapidly respond to problem skin's plight with a three-part plan - sop up oily-shine, slough off sticky, dead cells, and sweep away irksome debris. Together they steer skin clear of slippery situations, refine rough texture and pull the plug on troublemakers to oust potential outbursts.'

Now let me explain my skin...to sum it up briefly its super sensitive and can be very oily in the t-zone, I usually suffer with some spots however until a couple of days ago I'd never had a saviour break out. Therefore I was rather worried trying this mask as I didn't want it to have a really negative effect on my skin, like many masks I've used. 

The mask itself is a smooth cream facial mask, the product glides onto the skin with ease and it feels slightly tingly on the skin but this doesn't last very long. It incredibly soothing and therapeutic as its a sulphur/zinc oxide/camphor based product, and it does have a strong camphor smell, which personally doesn't bother me. Last night was the first time I used it and I just applied it all over after I had cleansed my skin, and left it for 10 minutes, however next time I might leave it 30 minutes just for good measures. The mask definitely dried up all the badly effected areas, mattifys my skin, makes it feel incredibly softer and brighter and calms down any redness. I have to say its no 'one night wonder' however it definitely helps get rid of them faster then anything else I've ever used before. This morning my skin look really good, you cans till see the marks, however they're no where near as red and less massive bump like.

This is definitely the best mask I've used and thats just after one use!

This mask is definitely going to be a staple in my skin care from now on. I haven't yet decided if to use it every week, however i'm going to re-apply it on the specific target area's on Thursday just to make sure that they are definitely gone.

Whilst at the Origins counter the assistant also gave me a sample of the Clear Improvement Mask, this aims at drawing everything out of your pores to clear them and get rid of any blackhead. She did however warn me that it may fetch me out in quite a few spots...can you see where the Out of Trouble Mask is going to fit in. However I'll see how I get on with that mask first before I make a dead set mask routine....I'll keep you updated.

Dazzle.

MAC -

DazzleGlass - Baby Sparks

If anyone knows me, the two things I love most other then my boyfriend and family, is everything Pink and Glittery, therefore this amazing lipgloss was definitely up my street. I've been eyeing up the MAC DazzleGlass's for a while, originally I had my eye on a bright pink shade, which was called Extra Amps. It was a bright, vibrant, sheer blue pink with blue and pink pearl. However after trying it on, it wasn't as amazing as it looked in the tube, therefore I thought I would go for a paler pink, with much more sparkle...therefore I went for a much more neutral pink called Baby Sparks.

In short, Baby Sparks is a baby pink with violet pearl sparkles, its INCREDIBLE! The product description states; "Electro-pearl atoms blast their light as LipGlass gets the dazzle treatment. High-shine and large particle quartz and opal crystal captured in a great new formula with light-reflecting, crystalline iridescence. To be this dazzling: that's power." It looks just stunning on and can be worn alone and over a lipstick, because of the sheerness of the colour, it can be worn over a baby pink lipstick or even a bright fuchsia.  

Since this was my first time trying a MAC DazzleGlass, I expected the formula to be similar or the same as the LustreGlass and LipGlass ones. However the DazzleGlass feels much less tacky, and even though its rather thick, it goes on smoothly and last such a long time...which is down to it being thick...bonus! A little does go a very long way, so be careful not to go over the top. The one thing this has in common with the other MAC LipGlosses is the Vanilla scent, this isn't something which bothers me, I don't sit there sniffing my lipgloss tube and as it doesn't linger when applied it doesn't bother me. Never the less if you don't like the idea of vanilla...stay away from this lipgloss.

They all come in clear hard plastic tubes with opaque black caps. The long wand has a brush applicator which I prefer, not only is it more hygienic, but it also makes applying the lipgloss so much easier. The selection of colours available is amazing, theres a shade for everyone, as-long as you like glitter your onto a winner. You'll find everything from a baby pink and funky purple to a trendy coral to a trendy coral and a cool gold. And what's even cooler...they all have loads of glitter - some are iridescent while others have tone-on-tone glitter. One things for sure - they have personality!

Overall, this is a beautiful lipgloss, it looks incredible on and give just the right amount of glam. Another bonus because of it being so sheer, it works perfectly with a smokey eye and a natural make-up look. I apologise for my photos they aren't the best, especially the photo swatch of the lipgloss, however my camera wouldn't pick up the glitter. HOWEVER you definitely have to go into store and check it out in person, its stunning!

Have you tried the MAC DazzleGlass collection, if so which is your favourite?