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Monday, 31 March 2014

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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Tuesday, 25 March 2014

Liebster Award



First of all I'd just like to apologise for being MIA I've had a rather crazy month and have been unable to post as frequently as I'd have liked due to personal reasons but don't worry I'm getting back into the swing of things and I'm going no where!

Thank you so much to Emily for nominating me! make sure to go and take a look at her blog

 
 
Rules of the Liebester Award:

 
 
  1. create a blog post about the award - and remember to thank and link the wonderful person that nominated you
  2. share 11 facts about yourself
  3. answer the 11 question that the person who nominated you has created
  4. nominate other bloggers with less than 200 followers (do not re-tag the person that nominated you)
  5. and finally create 11 questions for your nominees and comment on their blogs to let them know about their nomination
Basically the point of the Liebester awards is to share the love around the blogging community which I think is a wonderful idea!
 
 
11 facts about me:
  1. I'm currently studying biology, chemistry and psychology for my Alevels
  2. I suffer from severe anxiety and often have anxiety and panic attack especially in college 
  3. I love Teenwolf and Stiles is my favourite character (I swear if they kill him off idgaf I don't know what I will do)
  4. I'm a twin and have been for almost 18 years now :P
  5. I love science and cosmetics/skincare and hope to combine these later in my career
  6. I work at a large Primark store
  7. I have a spending problem and cannot save money for the life of me
  8. although I love surrounding myself with my friends, I often need space and time to be on my own and blogging helps me relax
  9. I have 4 piercing (my nose, ear lobes and 2 on my ear cartilage, I did have my belly button but I took that out) I love them and I also love tattoos and can't wait to get my first one
  10. putting my makeup on and washing it off at the end of the day is my favourite thing to do
  11. I am quite amazing at cooking (if I do say so myself)
 
 Emily's questions:
 
1. Night in or night out? normally it would be a night in but recently I have become a social butterfly and love a good night out with great company
 
2. Sweet or Savoury? savoury, I can eat crisps for days!
 
3. Current staple beauty product of yours? Rimmel stay matte primer, you can read my review here
 
4. Any pets? I have one fluffy, old black and white cat called minstrelle, he's very lovely when he's not grumpy
 
5. What's the first thing you notice about a person? probably their smile
 
6. Summer or Winter? definitely summer!
 
7. What do you like most about yourself? features wise probably my eyes and personality wise I like that I'm a caring person and that I will always put others first
 
8. One beauty/hair regime that you can't get the hang of? using hair masks, sure they smell great but every single on I have tried has made my hair greasy and lank
 
9. What's your guilty pleasure? listening to one direction really loudly and scream/singing all the lyrics (not really a very guilty one)
 
10. Who is your style icon? at the moment I just love taking style inspiration from blogs and just people in the street
 
11. Current favourite song? it's either she looks so perfect by 5SOS (they are just beautiful human beings in every single way) or sweater weather by the neighbourhood


I nominate:
 
Make sure to go and have a look at all three of their wonderful blogs!
 
 
The Questions
 
  1. what do you love most about blogging?
  2. skincare makeup or fashion?
  3. what do you hope to achieve over the next year
  4. when it comes to fashion do you prefer comfort or style?
  5. what's the last thing that made you cry with laughter?
  6. favourite book of movie?
  7. how old are you?
  8. what country would you most like to visit?
  9. which person has the most influence on your life?
  10. day or night?
  11. favourite food?
 
 
Thanks for reading look out for my up and coming review of the Benefit Gimme Brow Gel; HINT, it's a good one!



Friday, 28 February 2014

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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Thursday, 27 February 2014

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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Saturday, 22 February 2014

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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Wednesday, 19 February 2014

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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Saturday, 15 February 2014

Romantic FOTD

 
  
 





 
 
 
 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 :)

Thursday, 13 February 2014

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 :)

Wednesday, 29 January 2014

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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 :)