Maybelline Dream Touch Blush : Review

Not to be confused with the +Maybelline UK  Dream Mousse Blush, the new Dream Touch Blush is a cream whipped formula rather than a mousse this time and it has a more developed colour pigment I think in comparison that allows for a better pay off on the skin colour wise. I have been using this blush for about two weeks now; it’s been my go-to blush as I have been keeping my skin very minimal in terms of makeup. So, daily makeup is basically just a little liquid foundation or BB cream depending on the day, concealer, mascara and this.

 I’ve just really been trying to take it back to basics since the New Year and really in terms of streamlining my life, my wardrobe and now my makeup for everyday I’ve been enjoying the less-is-more approach, and from the feel of things, so has my skin. 

I liked this blush because it was a creamy texture first of all, and the shade seemed like it would be really flattering on my super pale skin tone (and it is) and I wanted a ‘natural looking flush’ to my cheeks which I really think this product delivers. It doesn’t have a heavy feel on the skin, it doesn’t become patchy or caked over time (after eight hours I noticed it was still going strong!) and it really does just brighten up the cheek with a touch of shimmer ingrained through the product, there isn’t too much so it’s not like you’d be disco crazy lady by using this, but it is just enough to provide a little bit of highlight as well as pigment. 

I picked shade 06 Berry, and for my skin-tone it's been great and because it's has that soft buttery texture it's so unbelievably easy to blend into the cheeks - using either your fingers or I use my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and it leaves things flawless and natural, like I've been for brisk walk when I haven't (and we know this because my hair is probably still in place!)

It retails for : £6.49 and be found in your local Boots!

Geek Chic or Just Geek? Hmm ;)

Laura / EIC

xox

Clarins Paris : Vital Light Serum review!

Clarins Paris – Vital light Serum.

I was given a number of these tiny little sample size bottles from Clarins Paris via a friend of mine that works for them. I had bought something from their line and so I was able to get a few sneaky samples as a result. I had I would say about four of these little guys they sit at 10ML so all in all I’ve had a decent sized amount of product in which to try out in the 40ml. I’ve been using it since March and I have to say, I love it!

I haven’t had the best of luck where things like serums are concerned, having the most sensitive skin of anyone I know, I tend to just react badly to certain brands or certain consistencies within a brand and whatever I’m putting on my skin. 

This however had zero negative effect on my skin what so ever, but did it have a positive one?

It really did.

I am always healthily skeptical when I hear of all these magical products that will prolong your this and zap your that. I just don’t buy it, but for the most part? This did what it said on the tin…er… box?

I found it really amazing to put on right after you’ve washed, and cleansed your face pre-moisturiser, pre-everything really. It gives your face a really light, non-greasy base and can in fact act as a moisturiser all on its own, it’s that hydrating.

What Clarins says : 

Dark spot correcting, age repairing 

Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily

Texture: Fluid

The powerful age repairing concentrate that restores deep luminosity with a targeted action on the dermis layer of the skin, while correcting dark, age spots. 

Now since I’m a little young for age spots I think it’s safe to say they didn’t do much for those on me, since they don’t really exist yet (can we get an Amen?) But as far as luminosity, dark circles, and over all skin condition, it really does a great job. I am almost out of my little sample sizes but I will most definitely be purchasing the full size version of this once it runs out, it has become a staple in my makeup bag for sure!

30ML runs at £57.00 in the UK/Northern Ireland via http://www.clarins.co.uk

Ladies are you tired of shelling out for MAC products on a budget?

Well I think I've found a great little chart via my Pinterest page!



I don't know about you, but I shall be hunting down a few of these to save myself splurging when I should be tightening the purse strings! What do we think? Is it all about the name or are NYX just as good at the fraction of the price?

 

LC

xo

'Name your Ultimate Fashion/Beauty essential?'

As part of the #FABB group of NI bloggers I've been featured in The Yellowest Diamonds 'Name your Ultimate Fashion/Beauty essential?' post.

What is #FABB you ask? Well, #FABB is a group of Fashion and Beauty bloggers from across Northern Ireland, the brainchild of the lovely Katrina Doran from Sugahfix.com. We meet up, we discuss all manner of things both on the topic of blogging and life, and you can find us under that hash-tag on Twitter! A really eclectic group of ladies with experiences and chatter from all walks of life all of whom run wonderfully entertaining and informative blogs. We're also running a charity auction for Breast Cancer Month, but I will have a separate post on that for you all to check out! For now, check out a few of my beauty essentials!

Laura

xo

MAC takes on Ms Monroe!

See full post here.

How to achieve the Calvin Klein minimal makeup look! Budget friendly!!

[slideshow]

Minimal is sort of the trademark style for CK. From the streamline minimalist designs on and off the calk walk, it's not a surprise then that the makeup for the Spring 2013 show was just as barely there. Since I'm not affiliated with Calvin Klein in anyway, I'm not privy to how what exactly the models are wearing makeup wise. But is that going to stop me from giving it my best guest?

Not at all!

I think fresh, barely there- but just enough- is a great statement for Spring. It's like opening the door into a new season after escaping harsh Winters of dark eye-shadows and maybe an overdose on the bronzer to cheer us pale girls up throughout the dark Winter months.

My take on their look is as follows.

Prime your base. Coming out of the cold season your skin will need lots of TLC throughout, so never forget to cleanse thoroughly, tone if possible, and above all else moisturize!

Some of my favorites include : Benefit, Clarins, and Caudalie for cleansers and toners!





As for moisturizer, I have a few tried and trusted but at the moment I'm stuck on Lancome Hydra-zen (for dry/sensitive skin) I just love it!



As for primer itself, I had an instant love affair with Benefit's Porefessional, that leaves you with a lovely matte primed face for your foundation.



Now onto foundations!

On a budget? I will always recommend the Bourjois healthy mix and healthy mix serum foundations. A great dupe for Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua too! ;) Others include the Revlon Photoready Foundation, and



If you can splash the cash go for a light to medium coverage foundation of your choice, there are so many out there, and all claiming to wacky and wonderful things! Like the Yves Saint Laurent Teint Resist Fluid Foundation.

For an even flawless coverage try applying with a round-top synthetic bristle brush, it allows the foundation to set in an almost 'airbrushed' manner, leaving your skin looking flawless.
Correct any other flaws with a medium to full coverage concealer - Clinique Airbrush Concealer, No7 Instant Radiance Concealer, Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer or my personal budget busting favorite - Collection (previously Collection2000) Lasting perfection concealer!

As you can see from the model photos, there is very little done in terms of eyeshadow, perhaps a light, neutral base but nothing heavy or over powering.

I would add a little light tapping of something like Mac - Bare Study. Light, but providing a little extra something. I'd also use this on the inner corners of the eyes to widen and open them up even more! The same effect can be achieved by running a nude colored eye pencil along the waterline. Not white, please, never EVER use white. Unless it's Halloween, and in that case use as much of it as you'd like!!

Brush the brows through with a clear blow gel to add a little shape and definition, and if you'd like filter in a touch of color to fill any gaps you may have.

Lastly add a little bit of highlight to the skin, you can use anything from Benefit's High Beam, Jemma Kidd -Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème, or even No7 - Skin illuminatior.



Add a light dusting of powder if you have oil or shine prone skin, but other than that you're done!

Phew, who knew it took SO much to achieve the natural look, eh Ladies?

We did, obviously! ;)