One Heck of a Blot Instant Perfecting Power Primer Review



One Heck of a Blot Instant Perfecting Power Primer available at boots for: £10.00

 

 

Recently I've been using a lot of primers to help with my make up, but I just can't find one that my skin agrees with!

They all feel great for about the first hour and then they proceed to make my skin feel greasy and cause my make up to separate, so not what a good primer is supposed to do!

 

The one I've been using the most recently is benefits porefessional, which is also guilty of feeling and looking great for the first hour and then just turns into a greasy mess on my skin.

 

 So naturally I went hunting for a new primer, one that would hopefully allow my make up to apply seemlessly and cover my pores, whilst having the staying power that is needed for my troublesome combination skin!

And along came this lil' stunner, Soap and Glory's one heck of a blot primer! I'd read a little bit about this new primer as well as being a fan of its powdered cousin! So naturally in my basket it went and I couldn't wait to try it out!

 

I've only been using it for about a week so far but from the first application I could tell that we were going to get on for quite some time (don't you just love that!).

The consistency of the primer is more like a cooling gel, which I love to refresh my face at silly o'clock in the morning, it's a translucent colourless gel meaning that it is perfect for all skin tones. It did not take any time at all to blend into my skin and unlike the professional it did not do that funny separating thing when I buffed it in to my skin(you know what I mean?), it's super comfortable and feels feather light on the skin almost as if wearing nothing!

It smoothed over all my pores and troublesome areas making my skin look flawless.

As the name would suggest it has a Demi matte finish to control oils but does not feel heavy or drying on the skin, like some other oil controlling products!

I first tried it with my favourite foundation of the moment (review to come) Estée Lauder's double wear light and I was amazed at how smoothly and evenly it applied. when I first try out a new primer I don't like to use powder over my foundation, just so that I can get a true feel for the lasting power without any extraneous variables, to my delight this primer held my face together for a full 6 hours before I even had to do the tiniest retouch!

Also after I'd removed my make up and cleansed my skin didn't feel clogged up at all, where as with other primers I feel like they clog your pores instead of actually covering over them, so I loved that and it hasn't broken me out yet, which is also a plus!

Over all I do really enjoy using this primer and will continue to continue trialling it and check back in a few weeks to let you know how I'm finding it!

 

Thanks for reading!

 

Robyn :)

 

 

 

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Hero Product: La Roche Posay Serozinc

La roche Posay Serozinc: £8.50 for 150ml at boots
 

Now this is a product I know for a fact the beauty world is raving about.
Its from the same brand that gave you the Effaclar duo (review here) and it deserves just as much hype!
until now this has only previously been available in Paris and thank god they decided to bring it out in the UK!

This toner-come-hydrating mist is perfect for the long summer days (and nights). It aims to gently exfoliate and mattify oily skin with out drying it out and boy does it!

hold the bottle 30cm away from the face and close your eyes and spray away, then allow to sink in! It feels refreshing and light, perfect for dull or tight skin.

Since I've been using this product I have really noticed a difference in my skin, its brighter and smoother and more even in pigmentation, so much so that I would not go a morning or night with out using this little beauty!

Its perfect for even the most sensitive of skin as, like most other La Roche Posay products, it hypoallergenic, free of fragrance or perfumes and is also suitable for acne prone skin.

This wonder product is flying off the shelves right now and as its 3for2 mix and match on all skincare at boots, so I highly suggest that if you see this little blue and white beauty elixir in a bottle then snap it up! go on! what's stopping you!?

What products have you tried that you really enjoy from La Roche Posay? or any products you're enjoying in general, let me know in the comments! I'm always on the look out for new beauty buys!

 

Thank for reading!

 

Robyn :)

 

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The Wanderer Returns

Surprise! I'm back and more committed then ever!

I thought for my first post back I'd do a quick little FOTD and a life update to explain my long absence.

 I went for a very natural eye today but with a flick of liquid liner to really define my eyes.

I used my most recent purchase: the Make up revolution Ultra Eyeshadow palette in Flawless. It contains some beautiful warm and shimmery rose gold shades as well as some smokier matte shadows. This palette is beautiful for everyday use, but also includes everything you need for the perfect sultry "night out" eye look and at only £8 its a pure bargain, you can pick yours up from most local boots stores now!

Another one of my recent purchases in the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara, it comes in this beautiful metallic pink packaging, and I have to say it is one of the best drug-store mascaras that I have ever tried, it's non-irritant and does not transfer at all, even if used on your bottom lashes, once this mascara is on, it will not budge (saying that it's still fairly easy to remove with a simple eye make up remover)

I have recently been using the Primer Plus by GOSH and love the way it makes my make up go on and last all day (although it is silocony, it's nothing like the Benefit Porefessional or the Maybelline baby skin) it's perfection transitional primer for the weird in between winter and summer phase.

I also recently picked up a Tanya Burr lip gloss in Just Peachy and it will definitely not be my last purchase from her range, not only is it a beautiful formula and goes on smoothly but it also smells amazing - just like Haribo Strawbs!

What did you think of the look? let me know in the comments!

Life update:

I know that I haven't posted in a LONG time (understatement of the year really) but everything just went so crazy, I left college and didn't seem to really know what I was going to do with my life.

but I think I've finally got it sorted, I've got amazing people around me who I love and care for and I have gotten rid of all the negative people (trust me it does you a world of good and if you think the negative people are going to change then sadly they're not, you're just better off without them in your life)

I have also been working as a trainee dental nurse for the past 5 months, which I am really enjoying, It's not something I ever thought I could see myself doing, but I'm glad I applied for the job. 

And if all that wasn't enough I've been quite ill recently, but don't worry I'm on the road to recovery, I've got my Roids (I'm not turning into a body builder dw, my immune system is so shit that my body needs extra help to to get me through this) and my antibiotics and lots of chocolate and cookies, right now I am one happy girl! 

Thank you for reading, don't forget to like, comment and follow, maybe even let me know how your life is going!

Thanks,

Robyn :)

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The MAC-Daddy Of All Presents

As you may, or may not know, Saturday was my 18th birthday, yep! that's right, I am now officially an adult (God help us all!). I also share my birthday with my beautiful twin sister charlotte, who is now my favourite ever person for buying me my first MAC palette, insert and eye shadows EEK!!

L-R: Sable, Wedge, Amber lights, Shroom, Retro-Speck and Nocturnelle

I had always wanted a MAC eye shadow palette and I was speechless when I woke up on Saturday morning to unwrap these beauties!!! do I have the best sister or do I have the best sister!?
I had written down a list of shades that I wanted and she got it spot on with the bronze/goldie tones that look amazing on my blue eyes! MAC eye shadows are really as amazing as everyone says they stay put all day, not a crease in sight! with their beautiful buttery soft texture with hardly any fall out. although they're £10 a pop I have definitely found my new obsession, I reckon I'll have about 3 more palettes by the start of 2015 (there goes my bank balance). I'd say although I'd wish that they were cheaper, they are definitely worth the money, I've never had eye shadow even half as good as the lil' circles of joy!

L-R: Sable, Wedge, Amber Lights, Shroom, Retro-Speck, Nocturnelle




 

Have you tried any MAC eye shadows? What did you think and what shade is your favourite (I need suggestions).

 

Thanks

 

Robyn :)

 

 

 

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RED-dy To Face The Day

The products that I used to create this look.

Products used:

• Collection lasting perfection concealer in Fair 1
• Rimmel stay matte primer
• Barbara Daly long wear eye shadow in shell (light champagne shimmer) and shimmer sands (warm pinky-nudey shimmer)
• Carmex moisturising lip balm in cherry
• NYX powder blush in Terracotta
• Rimmel London Lash Accelerator mascara in black
• Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium
• Rimmel London Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in 024-Red Diva

 

 

despite popular beliefs red lips are not just for A/W but are,  in fact perfect for spring and summer when paired with a bare face (the look I went for today) or a smokey eye if you are off to somewhere special.

 

the pictures I have taken of this makeup look really does not do the lip liner justice, it's a beautiful show stopping orangey, red yet it still has undertones of blue (don't ask me how that is possible) which means it suits almost everyone! Because I used a lip liner to fill in my whole lips it will stay put for hours and the Rimmel exaggerate liners feel lovely and light on the lips compared to other liners - so no Sahara desert like lips here! at only £3.99 it's cheaper then most lipsticks and is the perfect bargain buy!

 

I love pairing a bright lip with an almost bare face as I find I don't need as much coverage on my face as I normally would (therefore conserving foundation - it's expensive when your a student!) as the bright lip distract from this and can make any lazy makeup and hair combo look put together like you've spent at least an hour on your appearance when in fact it only took you 10 minutes!

 

 

What's your favourite way to wear a red lip and what products do you like to use to achieve this look? let me know in the comments!

 

 

Thanks

Robyn :)

 

 

 

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Brows: The One Stop Shop

I'd had my eye on this nifty little brow product ever since I'd heard of it's existence about a month ago. 

you might not know but I'm absolutely hopeless at filling in what little eyebrows I have (for some reason they always end up looking like uneven, furry slugs?) and it is almost impossible to find the right colour to suit me, they're either to red or too dark.
So when I heard about the new Benifit Gimme Brow with it's tiny mascar-like wand and endless fibers to give your brows that effortlessly natural look, but with enough oomph to really frame the face, I just had to venture on down to my local benefit counter to have a closer look!

The lovely ladies at the Benifit counter in boots offered to try it out on me and my sister before I brought it (I was fairly sure I'd leave with it in my bag anyway). They showed me just how easy it was to apply and what a difference it made to my face but without making me look like they'd been drawn on in sharpie!
This Little product really did have me at hello with it's cute packaging and unique concept.

Before
(please excuse the state of my brows)

The brilliant thing about this is that the tiny fibers adhere to the hairs and skin to add colour and thickness, creating brilliants brows where previously there had been none!

After

It doesn't leave a crispy or sticky feeling like some fiber mascaras and the tiny wand means no brow gel were you don't want it. Although it does have that chemical smell that is associated with most mascaras but you can't smell it once it has dried.

I have the colour light/medium which is a really universal taupe colour that can be layered and built up to create your perfect brows.

I will definitely be repurchasing this although at £17.50 a pop (for how small it is) it does make me wince about handing over the money, but as there is nothing like this in the market I'm willing to part with my dinero.

Until the drugstores (hopefully) start developing a similar product I don't think I'll be without this one stop shop for my non-existent brows

Let me know in the comments what your favourite brow products are and if you've tried the Benifit gimme brow what did you think of it?

Thanks

 Robyn :)

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Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Primer

Because of my recent disappointment caused by the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, which just made my skin feel very slick and smothered and made my make up slide all over the place, I really wasn't expecting to fall in love with a drugstore primer..... but that is just what happened!

The Rimmel Stay Matte Primer has stolen m makeup loving heart. I really didn't expect it to have an almost creamy consistency, I was expecting the usual siliconey feel (although it does have a tiny, tiny feel of silicone) and was pleasantly surprised when I applied this to my face. It went on really smoothly and just felt like I was applying a face cream rather than a primer, it didn't feel heavy on my skin in the slightest which meant my skin was able to breathe throughout the day (always an added bonus).
when I applied my foundation over the top (at the moment i'm using a mixture of NARS sheer glow and Maybelline's better skin foundation) it applied much smoother and less streaky then with out the primer, although it does take a bit of working into the skin if you've waited a while after applying the primer, as it starts to set (but in no way does it set in that horrible sticky and tight way). Because of the way the primer sets it really does hold your makeup in place all day - although I have only been using this for about 5 days I can safely say it lasted amazingly (through 4 long bus journeys, a full day of college and a quick stop in town, and that was just on Monday!) when I came home from college I was shocked to look in the mirror and see that my makeup looked as good as it did when I first applied it.
It's unfragranced and so far has not broken me out but I do tend to double cleanse, especially if i use a primer just to make sure my is completely clean and clear of any debris.

I've got a rather busy weekend coming up (I'm going to NSC Yes Live on Saturday - So excite! and a full day of work on sunday - not so excite!) so I probably won't post for a couple of days.
Are you up to anything interesting this weekend? What's your favourite primer, I'd love to know what I should try out next, let me know down in the comments!

Thanks

Robyn :)

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Face saviours: La Roche Posay

La Roche Posay Effaclar purifying foaming gel for oily skin
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo plus

La Roche Posay is my favourite skincare brand out of all of them! A strong statement I know but I love these face-saving products and LRP haven't failed me yet!

I loved the original effaclar duo it literally changed my face, I've only had a few spots since I started using it back in October last year, the success i'd had with the original duo made me want to try more things from the brand and of course when I heard they were reformulating the Effaclar duo and bringing it out as the Effaclar duo plus and I just had to try it.

the Duo plus is noticeably different to the original, it's still gel-like in texture but it's slightly more creamy and moisturising (although i still find I need a light moisturiser with it and I have combination skin), It's very calming and soothing as soon as it's applied to the skin, although i feel like it's not as good as the original at preventing and taking down spots (although it is still very effective compared to other more expensive spot treatments) it has faded dark spots and some scarring from spot to make my skin feel clearer and smoother and at just over £15 it's a beauty bargain and a must have in my opinion!

I recently ran out of face wash and I just wanted something quite simple that wasn't going to  irritate my skin and I saw that LRP did a foaming cleansing gel in the effaclar range, now don't be scared i know it's a foaming gel but IT really doesn't dry out your skin it feel really refreshing and leaves your skin feeling squeaky clean and awake, it also isn't packed with as many unnecessary ingredients like many other face washes although it still does have some less than desirable ingredients (sodium laureth sulfate i'm looking at you) and it's a miracle worker if you have any spots or even if they are just starting to appear, I've found that if i wash my face with this (so far) my spots always subside or never turn into a proper spot. this face wash is just brilliant and it's a massive bottle!

Sorry it took me so long to post again I was having "technical issues" Blogger wouldn't let me upload pictures from my files on to blog posts, but I think I've sorted it now (I think it's because i was using internet explorer so now i'm using Google chrome and it seems to be working fine now).

what are your essentials for healthy clear skin? let me know down in the comments!

Thanks

Robyn :)

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Mini Drugstore Haul

 

 

recently I have been on a spending ban on account of saving up to go abroad (I've never even seen a plane in real life!). My withdrawal symptoms were just too much to handle and with all the new drugstore beauty releases I had to cave! 

 

 

 

Revlon Colourburst Lacquer Balm in the shade in Demure: oh Revlon! with all these new lip lacquer and matte Balm releases you really didn't disappoint! although I prefer the Matte Balms (review coming soon!) I really enjoyed swatching the Lacquers and thought Demure would be the perfect lazy girl lip colour - and it is! it's a light baby pink, almost nude with a slight peachy tinge and some glitter (I hardly noticed the glitter whilst on my lips). It feels lovely on the lips and doesn't dry them out the way I feel some other "chubby stick" style products do; but beware, if you were not a fan of the original balm stain smell and "tingly feel" then you might not like these.

Maybelline colour show street artist  top coat in Alley Attitude: This is a really funky and fun topcoat that can make any nail colour pop, it's really easy to apply, it really look like someone has splatter paint over your manicured tips and has me staring at my nails for hours (does anyone else do that when their nail game is just so strong...nope just me?) I also feel as if this increases the longevity of my nail polish, probably because it's so damn hard to remove (as with any glittery/sequin nail polish) but that is the only down side!

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant pore eraser: I snapped this up the day it was released and it has taken me until now to decide my verdict... and my verdict is (drumroll please) I didn't really like it. It goes on with a very silicone/slick feel and although my foundation went over it smoothly and it did make my pores appear smaller, it slipped around my face and separated more than usual and it made my skin much more oily, I was hoping it was going to be an alternative for my Benefit Porefessional but sadly it's not.

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara: I have a love/hate relationship with this mascara it gives amazing volume but it doesn't do anything for the length (I actually felt it made my lashes look quite short!) and it's quite easy to go too far with this mascara and get the very clumpy "I can't open my eyes because my lashes are glued together by mascara" look. possibly might be better layered with a lengthening mascara like (my current favourite) Seventeen SUPERlash mascara

  I'd be really interested to know wether you have tried any of these products - in particular the Maybelline Baby Skin and the L'Oreal  miss manga mascara.

And as always let me know any of your beauty or skincare recommendations!

 

Robyn :)

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Clarins; Lotus face treatment Oil

 

Clarins Lotus oils £30

Recently my skin has been quite oily and no matter what skin base and setting powder I would uses, about 2 hours after applying "my face" all my make up would be separated and blotchy (not the look I was going for!) and I decided I need to treat my skin a little bit.

now you might be asking "AN OIL ON OILY SKIN!?" but don't worry, oily skin can often be dehydrated and instead of stripping your face of all natural oils and using hundreds of different chemicals, you should use a "balancing" and "nourishing" product and the Clarins lotus face oil for combination skin aims to do both of these things as well as minimizing pores and controlling the production of excess sebum (an oily substance secreted by the sebaceous gland, too much sebum causes blemishes and imperfections).

this face oils contains essential oils of rosemary and geranium to help balance the sebum production and purify skin, it also contains lotus extract (as the name would suggest) to help refine skin and is dermatologist tested (always a good sign)
I've recently been applying 3-5 drop morning and night and I have been extremely happy with the results, the oil absorbs into the skin almost immediately and leaves skin smelling lovely (quite floral, warm and herby) and felling soft and supple, don't be scared of it's bright yellow colour, it doesn't stain at all!
The morning after the first use I could see a dramatic improvement in my skin, my pores were in fact reduced and my skin looked much more even and my old sallow looking skin had completely vanished, and I noticed that throughout the day my make wore extremely well and there were no signs of separation until the very end of the day.
Although I have cut down to only using 3-4 drops at night on problem areas (my T-zone and the pores on my cheeks) as the end of my nose felt quite dry and tight so I've avoided putting any on that area just in case it's the oil that's drying it out (although I haven't experienced this on any other parts of my face)

Overall I am extremely happy with this purchase and I think it's wholeheartedly worth it's (quite) hefty price tag of £30 as you only use a few drops everyday which increases the longevity of the product.

have you tried this or anything else from Clarins? what are your favourite products for oily to combination skin?
let me know in the comments!

Robyn x

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