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 #2.0

 

Okay, so clearly my plans to save my money haven't happened. today was such a lovely sunny day (which is rare in rainy Ol' England) so I ventured into the town centre - which is always a dangerous idea the day after payday! I desperately needed a new concealer and as if I needed any more reason to spend my hard earned cash there was a 3 for 2 offer across all of the makeup in boots.



of course I picked up what I originally went into town for the Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer in fair 1 this is my favourite concealer and at only £4.19 it is a bargain buy!

 

This is a new release from Rimmel The Stay Matte Primer is described as "Skin Perfecting primer, ultra lightweight formula minimises the appearance of pores." sounds brilliant and it felt lovely when I tested it on the back of my hand, I have high hopes for this product and if it does what it says on the tin then it's a steal at £5.99 - I'll report back once I've tested it out for a while

I have been forever searching for the perfect nude and when I spotted this gorgeous new models own HyperGel nail polish in Nude Glow and I am so glad I picked it up because I think my search may actually be over. It's always been very hard for me to wear nude nail polish as I am extremely pale and it's never looked quite right but none the less I wanted a nude nail polish, and this one looks awesome the colour is true to that in the bottle and it's slightly ashy (only very slightly) with out making my hands look like zombie hands, it went on beautifully, opaque in 2 coats and extremely shiny, I can't comment on the longevity as of yet as I only just painted my nails about 2 hours ago but i'll be sure to let you know!

 

I've been trying to get my hands on Bioderma for A while and I just can't justify spending £19.50 on 500ml of special water but I desperately needed a pre cleanser/lazy day cleanser so when I stumbled upon the Garnier Micellar cleansing water just £4.99 for 400ml and from what I've heard, through the interwebs, it does the same job as Bioderma without irritating the eye area. it also says on the front of the bottle that you can get 200 uses out of this one bottle, I highly doubt that, but I will be bloody impressed if it last that long! look out for a post reviewing these products in more detail!

 

what are your drugstore must haves? let me know in the comments down below what I should be checking out!

Thanks

 

Robyn :)

 

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Currently Lusting after: DKNY Be Delicious City Blossom Urban Violet

DKNY Be Delicious Urban Violet £37

 

 

Oh Donna Karan you have done it again and just in time for spring! Now I'm not normally a fragrance person as I think they are quite overpriced for the amount of product that you get and you're mainly just paying for the brand...

But I have been converted!

 

I had just strolled into my local boots when I noticed a trio of beautiful looking new Limited edition DKNY perfumes Rooftop peony (Pink), Empire Apple (green) and my favourite Urban violet (purple).



 

 

The DKNY website describes urban violet as "The fresh fragrance of Urban Violet captures the spirit of a flowering oasis in the heart of New York City. The urban dream blends bursts of mandarin with delicious apple blossom and delicate violet to create an intoxicatingly vibrant, sensual experience" now who wouldn't to wear that!?

 

As I am currently on a spending ban (as I have previously mentioned I have a shopping problem) this would make the perfect birthday gift for my birthday in April (not so subtle) hint, hint!

 

it's the perfect fresh, not to floral spring fragrance that I can see my self wearing non-stop!

 

 

What's your perfect spring scent? let me know down in the comments!

 

Robyn :)

 

 

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Romantic FOTD

 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Dou[+]

NARS sheer glow Foundation in: Gobi

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin foundation in: Ivory

Maybelline colour tattoo in: Pink Gold

L'Oreal Super Liner in: Black Lacquer

collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer in: 1 fair

Carmex: Original

Real Techniques: Expert face brush

Rimmel stay matte powder in: translucent

MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder

Seventeen SUPER lash! mascara

  

 

 

 

 

 Today I just went for a really simple look and as it is the season of love I thought I'd incorporate some subtle pinks shades; for the eyes I just used Maybelline's colour tattoo in Pink gold to give a light wash of colour that won't crease and paired it with winged liner (of which I am incredibly proud of it only took me 20 minute! but I think I might just be getting the hang of this whole "cat eye" malarkey, it only took me 4 years!) I think this gives a really romantic/sleepy looking eye. As blush is going to be a big focus this S/S I used Sleek's blush in Rose Gold (not pictured above as I have lost it somewhere in my bedroom about 5 minutes after I used it -_- I'm forever losing things) This blush give a lovely flush of colour and because it has a lil' bit of glitter it also gives off a lovely glow!

 

 I actually really love this make up look, it's simple but fresh and took less than 40 minutes! (always a winner in my book) I have a feeling I'll be wearing my make up like this for a while!

Let me know what you think of the look!

what are your favourite everyday products?

 

Robyn :)

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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Healthy skin starts from within.



Image from: wiki fitness



 

Vitamins, minerals and other nutrients do wonders to achieve that "healthy glow" that us mere mortals crave so much.

sure you can spend £££'s on the newest serums or creams that all claim to improve the look of your skin OR you could just consume a bunch of yummy food containing skin loving ingredients, that will not only make your skin look better but are also a general all round pick me up for your health!

Vitamin A: if you don't have enough vitamin A then this could cause a dry and flaky complexion this is because vitamin A is necessary for the maintenance and repair of skin tissue (with out it you'll notice a difference) specifically it is Topical Vitamin A that makes a difference to your skin. be careful though too much vitamin A will not make a difference to your skin and will probably make you feel unwell.

Vitamin A in food: paprika, chilli powder, sweet potatoes, carrots, dark leafy greens, lettuce, butternut squash, dried apricots, cantelope (melon)


Vitamin B: perhaps the most important B vitamin is Biotin as it forms the basis for skin and hair cells, without sufficient levels of Biotin you may experience a dry and itchy scalp or even hair loss! your body is capable of making Biotin but it also has to be consumed from food. vitamin B is important for hydrating cells and improving the overall tone of skin. Niacin is a specific type of Vitamin B that helps to retain moisture to make your complexion look plumper and younger, it also has anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe dry and irritated skin. Niacin also helps produce energy from the food that we eat and to keep the nervous and digestive systems healthy, not only will your skin look great but you'll feel great as well!

Vitamin B in food: bananas, oatmeal, eggs, rice, peas, wholegrain bread, milk, chicken, pork, beef, potatoes, salmon, cod, cheese, broccoli, soya beans, spinach, chickpeas and loads more!


Vitamin C: one of the most important new dermatological discoveries is vitamin C's ability to counter act the effects of sun damage on the skin, it works by reducing the damage caused by free radicals (a harmful by product of sunlight e.g. smoke and pollution, as humans don't have the ability to make their own vitamin C you need to ensure that your diet contains lots of vitamin C enriched food which can replace the loss of the vitamin through the skin. Vitamin C is also essential to help wounds heal.

Vitamin C in food: oranges/orange juice, strawberries, blackcurrants, potatoes, broccoli, brussle sprouts, red, yellow, orange and green peppers.


Vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for Strong, teeth, bones and nails and also strengthens the eyes and prevent conditions such as Osteoporosis, as well as this Vitamin D is amazing for treating skin conditions such as Psoriasis. Vitamin D increases skin cell metabolism ( how quickly skin cells are renewed) It is very common to have a vitamin D deficiency (not enough) and this can cause a long list of harmful ailments, one of our main sources of Vitamin D is from the suns UV rays. vitamin D is also required for calcium absorption.

Vitamin D in food: Found in a variety of everyday food such as, eggs, butter and margarine, oily fish, milk, button and shiitake mushrooms ETC...


Vitamin E: Vitamin E is one of the best known Antioxidants (Antioxidants neutralise free radicals that could otherwise harm the skin- free radicals "consume" the collagen and elastin, which are the fibres that support skin structure, this produces wrinkles and other signs of ageing) and is frequently used in skincare as it is used to reduce the appearance of blemishes but it also boast anti-aging effects and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles! Also "Adequate amounts of vitamin E can help protect against heart disease, cancer, and age related eye damage"
Read more at healthaliciousness

Vitamin E in food: Tofu, kiwis, mango, blackberries, spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds, avocado, shellfish, plant oils, tortilla chips, low fat popcorn, broccoli, squash and pumpkin to name but a few.

These are just a few of the vitamins we should be eating but remember like with anything, it is all in moderation!
I hope this post has taught you something new and feel free to leave any comment or questions and share this page!

Thanks
Robyn :)



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

Happy new year from me to you

 

 

 

As most of you will (hopefully) be aware it's no longer 2013, we have in fact ventured into a new year full of new possibilities and experiences. After writing so many posts and not publishing them as they are not what I would like for my first "real" post on my blog, I decided what's better than posting about than my new years resolution's and hopes (it's not what my blog will be mainly about as the majority of post will be on beauty and skincare as that is my massive passion, but what better way for you all to get to know me in the new year).

 

 

I hope 2013 brought you everything you wanted and you had a happy and healthy year, for me 2013 was not the greatest year, you could call it my year of Anxiety and hopelessness and quite frankly I'm glad to see the back of it, all though not all of 2013 was a complete let down, the way the last month was turning out was awesome; shock horror: I actually went out, had a social life and had a brilliant time! I am hopeful that 2014 will indeed continue this way and thought I'd put my resolution's and promises in writing so that I have no excuse at the end of 2014 to say "I don't even remember my resolution's (ooppsie)". so, here we go!

 

1. care less about what people think of me: I'm one of those people who are normally worrying about what's going on around them and how people perceive them and it's just stressful! stress is something I definitely do not need and it should only matter How the people I care about think about me and more importantly how I think about myself!
2. Go out more: now I know this is a bit backwards people are normally like "I need to stop going out, spending money and drinking" but I never used to go out (especially to bars, clubs and pubs) for fear of old drunk lairy men and having a panic attack, but last month my friend was relentless and persuaded me to go to a bar/pub with her and I actually had FUN and met some really funny (and attractive ;)) people and I want to do it again! and I feel like it actually made me a little bit more confident and as 2014 is also my 18th year in this world I foresee me going out very soon in the future.
3. actually turn up to college: I have been struggling for the past year and a half to force myself to go into college (to the point where it has actually affected my education) but this year, with my new found confidence, I'm going to actually turn up and make an effort if not solely for my sake then for my poor mother's sake who has been wonderful with putting up with my crazy insane ways and somehow is still the most wonderful person in the wold!
4. Get Fit: normally when I get home from college I'm so tired (emotionally and physically) that I just end up sitting in the same seat and stuffing my face, unfortunately it's become a bit of a routine, I'm not over weight but I'm am definitely not healthy and this year I plan on doing something different, even if it's just going for a walk when I get back from college or after tea, Ideally I'd like to go to the gym twice a week and do at least half an hour of exercise everyday just to help stay healthy, but I cannot guarantee this will happen as often as I hope it will (as I'm writing this I am stuffing my face with mini Kinder Maxi's - YUM!) but I will try my hardest!
5. Save money: if any of you knew me you'd already know that I have a bit of a spending problem, almost all of my pay check has disappeared as soon as it enters my bank account! and with university (very quickly) approaching I desperately need to stop spending! so I'm going to try and put most of my pay aside so I won't touch it (fingers crossed this lasts)
6. DO SOMETHING!!: this may sound utterly ridiculous to most of you but I have realised that in my (almost) 18 years on this planet I haven't really done anything that spectacular or memorable and having only just realised that there just over 12 years until I turn 30 (sorry If this depresses anyone) I want to do something, like run a marathon for charity and go sky diving or leave England to visit a new country and explore it's culture.

 

Sorry this was such a long and rambley (first) post, but I hope you found out a bit more about me, do you have any new years resolutions that you really want to stick to? - let me know in the comments!

I'll speak to you soon

Happy new year!!

Robyn x