Dream Concealer.

Dior -

DiorSkin Nude Concealer

I picked this up in York not long ago. As someone who isn't that keen on concealers, I wanted to give it a really good try out. The thing that made me pick up this concealer is that its packaged very similar to the DiorSkin Nude BB Creme. As you all know their bb creme is my Holy Grail bb cream, but I have also started using it instead of foundation. Especially on a night out if I don't need that much coverage. I was hoping that this concealer would be just like the creme and when I tested it on my hand it really seemed to be like it. 

So, before I get onto my thought on it, this is what Dior says about it. Now Dior refers to this concealer as a ‘Skin-perfecting hydrating concealer’. The desprition on the box says; ‘Acting almost as an eye treatment, the light texture of Diorskin Nude Concealer blends flawlessly into the skin for perfect correction and an ultra-natural result. Signs of fatigue disappear, and your complexion is fresh and radiant again.’

They go on to say; ‘For perfectly blended make-up, apply Diorskin Nude Concealer after fluid or cream foundations and before powder foundations in the same range, by patting it on lightly and blending outwards.’

Now onto my thoughts; I LOVE THIS CONCEALER! I’m just going to save myself a job and list everything I love about this product;

- It blends like a dream

- It doesn’t cake

- Creates a perfectly flawless look

- It does a great job of covering under eye circles and blemishes

- It doesn’t have any ‘glow’ to it, so it looks very natural and allows you the option of adding a highlighter to that area

- You only need a TINY amount to go a very long way, however for those of you who are rather heavy handed, it doesn’t matter how much you put on it wont leave your under eye area looking heavy and caked

- The little nozzle is so hygienic and allows you to squeeze out just enough products

- Unbelievably lightweight

- Incredibly moisturising  and it lasts pretty much all day on my combination to oily skin.

I personally, use this when I’m going out at night or during the day; shopping, for a meal or special occasion. I wouldn’t waist it by wearing it for university or when I’m just nipping to town, in these cases I just use my trusty Garnier Roll On Anti-Dark Circles concealer.

Now, I do understand that Dior products are rather expensive, this retails for £21. Even I was a bit thrown back at how such a small tube could cost so much. However, it was work every penny. I would definitely repurchase it this concealer again as it’s definitely the best one I’ve tried out.

Beauty Wish List (Drugstore).

There are some really good products being released in the next couple of months, especially within drugstore brands. This is just a little highlight of some of the things I'm really interested to get my hands on and trying out. 

Bourjois Blush Exclusif - This is described as a 'smart blush'. It has pH-reactive pigments which alter to give you your perfect, personalised shade of pink, based on the pH within your skin. It reminds me very much of the DiorSkin Healthy Glow Booster Blush, which I've had my eye on for a very long time...could it be a good dupe I wonder?!

butterLondon Nail Foundation - Recently I'm really loving butterLondon. They include no formaldehyde, no toluene, no DBP (3 free) which makes the nail treatments and lacquers even better. However, this nail foundation looks like an incredible base coat. It provides a silk-finish, stain resistant, non-toxic base coat nail lacquer, providing the perfect foundation for nail varnish. It creates a matte results so beautiful, you can even wear it alone. This base coat hides and smoothes tiny ridges and imperfections in the nail. It is like cover-up, or foundation make-up for the nail. Overall, it sounds amazing!

Soap and Glory Kick Ass Instant Retouch Powder - Soap and Glory is a product I really enjoy using, especially their skin care. I haven't branched that much into their make up products, however this sounds like the most fantastic powder I've ever come across. I haven't seen it on their website yet, nor on the boots website, however other blogs have given me a good idea about what to expect. This Instent Retouch Powder is meant to be a weightless and translucent face powder, which contains Superblur technology with microfine, light- scattering silica spheres, while the Camouflawge 3D technologyhas an all-day natural filler effect with a plant-based muscle-relaxant and anti-wrinkle actives (mouth full much). Free from preservatives, mineral oil, paraffinum and tallow, Kick Ass Instant Retouch Powder is priced at £12 which I think is just a fantastic price. I emailed Soap and Glory today to see when this would be released, they stated it would be released in all boots stores mid-October (which is AGES away).

Essie Nail Polish Fall Collection - I'm not usually someone who gets excited for collections from brands, especially nail care brands. I tend to find them all to be similar and nothing really grabs my attention...until now. Essies Fall Collection just looks stunning. Now I'm not saying I'm going to be running to the earliest boots store to buy them all, however two specific shades I will be. First up is 'the lace is on', this is a glistening, jewel toned pearlescent fuchsia which is just stunning. I can imagine it looking beautiful on anyone no after what skin tone or nail length, and I think it's on you could use any time of the year. Secondly is 'for the twill of it', now this is a very unusual shade and not something I would usually go for. However, it looks really pretty and I think would be amazing for autumn/winter. The website describes the shade as a rich medium brown with reflective green shimmer, which I think just sounds stunning. 

This list may get updated at different times, depending if my wish list of drugstore products grows!

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.

The Truth.

We all have those friends who we thought were our best friends, and we knew everything about them. We trust them, tell them what we think are dark secrets, unknowingly one of my childhood friends had far bigger, heartbreaking secrets then I could ever have imagined. We drifted apart slowly, and looking back on it, I wish it had never happened. Nevertheless, she's started to write a blog about her past, and it's the only insight I've had about things which happened to her, even when I was around, and I didn't realise.

It's beautifully written, and it's heartbreaking to read. 

She's a brilliant writer and all she wants is to let go of her past, maybe even help someone out there. 

I'm addicted to her blog right now.

Please give it a read. 
Trust me, you'll regret it otherwise. 

http://afilipinasstory.blogspot.co.uk/

Match Your Skin Tone.

As you will know there are millions of different shades of lipstick, gloss and tint out there. You will also know, not every shade out their will suit you. Therefore this is a guide to what shades you should think about looking at, depending on your skin tone.

Super Pale

What to try: If you have super pale skin try going nude. Think peachy lipsticks and nude coloured glosses. If your wanting a really glam look with major impact, try a pure red lipstick.

What to avoid: Dark chocolate and burgundy shades, they're too contrasting with your pale skin.

Super Dark

What to try: Anything goes with darker complexions…lucky girls. Try orange or coral shades for a fun pop of colour and don't forget to load up on the gloss to showcase your full lips. Yes, everyone will be jealous, but that's kind of the point, right?

What to avoid: Stay away from milky or chalky colors with a lot of white in them because they're too contrasting, unless you're going for a mod 60s look.

Olive Toned Skin

What to try: If you have olive-toned skin (think Hispanic, Italian, Greek) then pretty much anything will look absolutely lovely on you. For a really amazing look, try coral lipstick…so hot right now.

What to avoid: There are some shades you should steer clear of. First of all, purple, it'll accentuate the yellow undertones in your skin and give you a sallow look. Secondly, brown, it can look too monochromatic. 


Yellow Undertones

What to try: Blue-based reds are perfect when you want to really dress up. Flesh tones with gloss are gorgeous for this skin tone. You can also try bronze shades for a somewhat monochromatic look.

What to avoid: Stay away from purple, it'll bring out the yellow in your skin and can make you look sickly. It also goes for anyone with yellowish teeth.

Pink undertones

What to try: Try peach tones for a softer look or orange based or brick reds for a classic pin-up girl look.

What to avoid: Blue-based reds will clash with your skin tone.

Tip: If possible always try a lipstick before buying, and also look at it in natural light, rather then in artificial lights. Trust me…the artificial lights around most make up counters make a lot of difference to the colour of products, specifically lipstick and foundation.

Tip: Brush lips with a toothbrush, this will gently exfoliate and promote circulation in the lips, causing temporary plumping. The enhance this effect apply lip balm such as vaseline, to your toothbrush before hand. 

Tip: If your wanting to make your lips look fuller, then avoid dark lipsticks or glosses. They can make your lips looks smaller. Instead, choose a lighter shade to give the illusion of fullness. Also, pick lipsticks with shinier finishes or apply gloss over the top. Shine reflects light, making lips look even bigger.

Tip: Applying a highlighter, white pencil, or a line of concealer a shade or two lighter then your skin tone to your cupids bow only, will give the illusion of fuller lips. Remember to blend in lightly.