Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream Review

There is a huge range of BB creams and now CC creams, and the one thing i have said many times is the colour selection for most BB creams are very limited.

Clarins have heard our dark skinned cries! They have released a BB cream in a dark shade!! Woo hoo! It also does come in light and medium. Clarins are a little late in joining the BB cream bandwagon, however i think it has paid off.

The Clarins BB cream* is available in three shades: light, medium and dark, however many people have said the shades come up a tad bit darker than other BB creams. For me, i think it's great to be able to use a BB cream on a darker skin.

It contains organic kiwi extract, for vitality and radiance. It has a combination of katafray and hyaluronic acid, helping the skin to restore its hydration levels.

Left-Right: Heavy application, blended (natural light)

Left-Right: Heavy application, blended (with flash)

The consistency of this BB Cream is slightly thicker than other ones i have tried, however on the skin it feels lightweight and is easy to blend. The coverage reminds me of a heavier tinted moisturiser, similar to the NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. I do find that i have to set this with a light dusting of powder because of my oily skin.

This BB cream will be ideal for summer.......if we get one! This is very lightweight and can even be used as a base for under foundation. It is a fantastic option for darker skins and has the added bonus of an SPF25, so you know you're skin is going to be protected. I like how this BB Cream makes my natural skin show through and just covers those little imperfections.

The Clarins BB Skin Perfecting Cream retails at £28 and can be purchased at your local Clarins counter or online HERE.


Have you tried the Clarins BB Cream?

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KIKO Fierce Spirit Collection Summer 2013

I am not even going to begin by telling you how much i love KIKO, as we have kinda established i love the stuff!

The Fierce Spirit Collection* has got me super excited and giddy! First of all, i adore the packaging and it is completely different from the previous KIKO collections. Plus, the limited edition items never disappoint me (except one!) and are reasonably priced, so you get more bang for ya buck!

Vinyl Liquid Lipstick (Fruity Tequila) £6.90

This was the only product that i just didn't get along with. The colour in the tube looks like a fantastic peachy coral, however when i applied it to my lips, it felt almost gritty. I didn't like the texture nor the formula and the shade didn't really compliment my skin tone.

Glow Touch Lip & Cheek Tint (Bitter Margarita) £5.90

This is the ideal summer product! It's a multitasking product, that can be used on the cheeks and lips. It doesn't feel greasy, as that's what my first impression was because it's in a tin! However, it has a light, smooth texture that blends well into the skin and once applied to the cheeks it sets. The colour seems quite sheer but can be buildable. I personally think this is ideal for summer, as no one wants to be wearing heavy products on their face!

Sun Bronzing Blush (Brick Mandarin) £13.90

This trio is presented in the most beautiful way! There are three different shades, all are super silky and easy to blend. They are not chalky in anyway! Each shade can be used individually or swirled together. It gives a satin finish, so makes the skin appear slightly glowy.

Essential Bronzer (Sienna Melange) £15.90

This bronzer is humongous! It has a couple of marbled shades running through it and makes it the ideal bronzer to use on tanned skin, however i think it maybe a tad orange for fairer skin tones. The bronzer feel very silky to apply and gives a skin a natural bronzed glow.

Left-Right: Sun Bronzing Blush, all mixed, Essential bronzer Sienna Melange

Colour Shock Long Lasting Eyeshadow (Decisive Stone, Caribbean Turquoise, Fresh Mojito) £6.90

I am in love with these eyeshadows! They are high in pigmentation (you only need the tiniest amount) and when it sets, it is 100% waterproof! How cool is that?! These are great to use as eyeshadow bases, as well as using them on their own.


Left-Right: Fresh Mojito, Caribbean Turquoise, Decisive Stone

Overall i am loving this collection, i think these products are ideal for summer and it's great that they don't break the bank!

The Fierce Spirit Collection can be picked up from both Westfield Stores in London. I have just had a look at their website and this range is on sale HERE.

Anything that catches your eye?

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Monica Bellucci Makeup Tutorial

Products Used:
Face:
Makeup Forever HD Foundation (175+153)
MAC Select Moisture Concealer (NC42)
Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
NARS Casino Bronzer
MAC Mineralize Blush (Lovejoy)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Pencil (Feline)
MAC Paint Pot (Constructivist)
Bobbi Brown E/s (Coffee Bean)
MAC e/s (Showstopper)
KIKO e/s (120/180)
MAC Chromagraphic Pencil
Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes
Eylure Lashes (80)

Lips:
MAC Lip Pencil (Red)
MAC Pro Longwear Lipstick (Prolong)

Hope you enjoyed the tutorial!
x
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MAC Chromagraphic Pencil Dupe Rimmel Scandal Eyes Pencil Nude

Many of us know how popular the MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in NW25/NC30 and to be frank it's either very hard to get hold of, or sold out!

Well my lovelies, i have found the perfect dupe! It's the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Pencil in 005 Nude. It has become such a trend to use flesh coloured pencils and this shade is perfect for people with darker skin tones, as using a white pencil can be way too harsh and won't look natural.

What's the benefit in using a flesh toned pencil? I like using it in many ways and one way, is using it in the waterline because it makes the eyes appear much larger. So what other ways can you use this pencil?

• Apply it under your brow to emphasise the arch and also give it a subtle matte highlight without using an eyeshadow.
• Use it in the inner corner of your eye. This will open up your eyes and give a brighter, more wide awake appearance. Sometimes i like putting eyeshadow on top as it makes the inner corners 'pop'.
• Take a thin brush (eyeliner or angled brush) and apply a little below your eyeliner flick. Again, this will make your eyes stand out but also accentuate your eyeliner.

What i love about this kohl pencil is how creamy and smooth it is to apply. I find the MAC Chromagraphic Pencil tugs at my skin sometimes, which i really despise! I actually prefer the Rimmel Kohl over the MAC pencil!

Left-Right: MAC Chromagraphic Pencil Swatch, Rimmel Scandal Eyes Nude Swatch

This photographs beautifully and looks very natural to wear. The nude is suitable for all skin tones and because the formula is buttery, it makes it a dream to apply and blend. I think Rimmel did a fantastic job on this kohl pencil because nude or flesh coloured pencils are very hard to find in the right tone and it's a bonus that it is a drugstore product!

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Pencils retail at £3.99 and can be found in your local Boots or Superdrug.



What do you think of Rimmel Kohl Pencils?

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Jennifer Lopez I'm Into You Makeup Tutorial

Products Used:
Face:
NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (Annapurna)
NARS Illuminator (Orgasm)
YSL Touche Eclat (No. 3)
Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick (Honey)
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (Med/Dark)
Chanel Tan De Soleil
Pixi Bronzer (Summertime)*
NARS Blush (Orgasm)
MAC Iridescent Powder (Golden Bronze)

Eyes:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Clarins Eyeshadow Palette Splendours Colour Quartet*
Wild About Beauty (Polly)*
KIKO Eyeliner (Shiny Black)
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
Girls with Attitude False Lashes (Enhancing)*
Rimmel Scandal Eyes (Nude)

Brows:
Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows (Black/Brown)
MAC Brow Gel

Lips:
Pixi Succulent Lip Twin (Coral Camellia)*
Wild About Beauty Lip Gloss (Antonia)*

Thank you for watching!
x

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Best Complexion Highlighters: YSL Touche Eclat, MAC Prep + Prime, Tom Ford Highlighter

I love these magic pens that instantly give a boost of radiance to your face and especially brightening up the under eye area.

I have got three in my collection and wanted to give you the run down. They all are in a pen style applicator and either have a twist or push mechanism, which allows the product to be pumped to the brush. All of them have the same synthetic brush, making it extremely easy and convenient for application.

YSL Touche Eclat (No. 3) £25

This is probably one of the most popular complexion highlighters and came onto the market before any other brand.

The texture feels like a light lotion and if you are looking for it to conceal dark under eye circles, i'm afraid it won't because there just isn't enough coverage. It gives a very subtle highlighted glow and adds radiance to the skin. I love using it under my eyes, as it just makes my eyes appear more wide awake.

MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter (Bright Forecast) £17.50

This is probably the cheapest out of all three. The texture is slightly thicker than the YSL Touche Eclat, however i do find sometimes it creases quite easily. It is a creamy yellowy/peachy shade and is very brightening for under the eye area. It is great for using on the bridge of the nose and forehead, because it does give a boost of radiance to the skin. I feel the MAC Prep + Prime gives more of a brighter appearance on darker skins because of the yellow tone in the highlighter.

Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen (Amber Eclat) £40

The Tom Ford highlighting pen is certainly the most expensive of the bunch! This has a slightly thicker consistency compared with the other two highlighting pens, which i think is better for people wanting to conceal their under eye circles but don't want to use something too heavy. There are eight shades to choose from, so you aren't limited!

Left-Right: YSL Touche Eclat, MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter, Tom Ford Illuminating Highlighting Pen.

Which one is my favourite? I always find myself reaching for the YSL Touche Eclat because i love the light consistency! It doesn't crease and it brightens up my face.

What is your favourite highlighting pen?

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Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector - Opal & Topaz

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors have been on my wish list for several months now, however it isn't widely available in the UK. I stumbled across them in Space NK and knew i had to grab them whilst i had the chance!

The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is available in four shades, so i purchased Opal and Topaz. These are described as a water-based moisturiser with an SPF of 20+. The light diffusing particles of shimmer creates an instant radiance. This is on-par with the MAC Strobe Lotion and can be used in a variety of ways. It is a combination of a skincare, makeup and highlighting product, containing soothing and inflammatory ingredients, helping to illuminate and revitalise your skin.

Opal is a champagne shimmer that compliments warmer skin tones, as well as fairer skin. The shimmer is finely milled and creates a natural glow.

Topaz is a golden bronze shimmer and is very pigmented. It is a fantastic illuminator for darker skins, giving the skin a subtle shimmer. If you have more fairer skin, you can use this on your cheeks for a more bronzed look or apply a little bit into your foundation and will give the skin a sun kissed golden glow.

Left-Right: Opal & Topaz

Left-Right: Opal & Topaz

How do i use this product? I like to use this in a variety of ways, depending on my mood! Sometimes i mix it in with either my moisturiser or my foundation and other times i would apply it over my foundation to give my skin a bit more ooomph. When i want super glowy skin, i apply it to the high points of my face, so it can catch the light.

This doesn't make my face feel greasy nor appear oily, it almost melds in with the skin, making it appear naturally glowing. It is pretty pricey at £33 for 50ml, however you hardly need any product. I am actually thinking of picking up moonstone as well!

What are you thoughts on the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfectors?

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Clear, Even Skin Goal

This post was meant to go up several weeks ago, so i have no idea what happened! :/ As some of you may know, the last few months haven't been the best for my skin. I have been continuously breaking out and once those critters have gone, i was left with pigmentation and scarring. Boo hoo!

I am one of those people that once i like a product, i will stick to it. However, i think i needed to change up my products to fit in with my skincare concerns.

Morning

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash*

Clinique Clarifying Lotion No. 2

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum*

Clinique Even Better Moisturiser

Evening

Clinique Eye Makeup Remover

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash* or

Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm*

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Serum*

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream*

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream

Products used occasionally:

Alpha H Liquid Gold

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (I have found myself not really reaching for this product)

Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask*

Clinique Exfoliating Scrub

Elemis Freshskin Clear Treatment Gel* (for spots and blemishes)

This is what my skin is looking like at the moment with no makeup. I want to include the 'before' picture, because then i can really compare and see a difference, hopefully!

Please keep in mind that on a daily basis i don't wear much makeup, i try to keep it as natural as possible.

So, what's my goal? I just want clearer, brighter, more even skin and my scarring gone! Not too much to ask for!!

I will be doing an in depth review of some of the newer products in my skincare routine and updating it with more pictures. After a couple of weeks of using the Elemis Tri-Enzyme range, i have seen a significant improvement!

Do you have a skin goal?

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Drugstore Tutorial: Prom Makeup For All Dresses

Products Used:
Face:
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation (260 Caramel)
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (35)
Revlon Nearly Naked Powder (040 Medium/Deep)
Sleek Contour Kit (Dark)
Sleek Blush (Coral)
VIVO Baked Bronze (Sun Kiss)

Eyes:
MUA Eye Primer
KIKO Long Lasting Stick Shadow (07)
Sleek Storm Eyeshadow Palette
Maybelline Gel Eyeliner
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl (Nude)
Soap and Glory Smolder Kohl
Girls with Attitude Lashes (Enchanting)

Brows:
MUA Pro Brow Kit

Lips:
Ulta Lip Crayon (Bon Voyage)
Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss (Pink Ice)

Hope you all having an amazing prom!
x

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Urban Decay Primer Potion Dupe | MUA Eye Primer

I wanted to give the MUA eye primer a try purely because i needed to find a cheaper alternative to the renowned Urban Decay Primer Potion. Don't get me wrong, i love the UDPP, however not everyone wants to fork out £15 for an eyeshadow primer.

Now, i have super oily eyelids and when i don't use a primer, my eyeshadow creases within an hour or so. Even using the MAC Paint Pots, i still have to use an eye primer underneath!

The MUA eye primer comes in a tube with a doe foot applicator, very similar to the old UDPP. It only costs £2.50 and it smooths the eyelid, preparing it for eyeshadow application. It helps create a base, preventing any creasing and makes the eyeshadows last all night long. The actual product itself looks exactly like the UDPP! It is a flesh colour and isn't as thick in consistency like the UDPP.

The one thing that irks me about the MEP is the doe foot applicator and it's not the actual applicator itself but it's trying to get that last bit of product out! I found exactly the same problem with the previous UDPP. I like the texture of the MEP because it is slightly lighter and doesn't feel as though i have anything on my lid, whereas the UDPP is a bit thicker and sometimes feels like i have another layer on.

Left-Right: MUA Eye Primer blended, UDPP blended


The UDPP is £15 for 11ml. They have changed the packaging from the doe foot applicator to a squeeze tube. They offer 4 shades: original, greed, sin and eden. The UDPP is applauded within the beauty industry and i have been using it for years. It makes the eyeshadows much more vibrant and doesn't crease at all!

My overall thoughts? MUA Eye Primer wins hands down! For £2.50 you really can not go wrong! I think it is a suitable everyday eye primer because it is inexpensive and isn't too heavy for wearing on a daily basis. I will still continue to use my UDPP, as i have loads of tubes left and it is a primer that i will probably reach for on special occasions or when i will be out of the house for more than 12 hours.

The MUA Eye Primer retails at £2.50 and can be purchased at your local Superdrug or on the MUA website HERE.

I am doing a commenter of the month, click HERE to find out how to get a monthly gift!

Which eye primer would you choose?

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Commenter Of The Month

Since i started my blog, i have received over 1500 comments! How insane is that?! I read every single comment that is left on my blog and i do try to reply back to as many of you as i can. Trust me, i appreciate all the comments left for me! My blog is purely a hobby, as many of you know i am a freelance makeup artist and i love sharing reviews, looks and tips, so this blog is my little baby.

To thank the readers of this blog, i have decided that every month i will reward one reader a beauty product. Why have i decided to do this? I think it's always important to recognize the readers of my blog and i know that i may not have as many readers as other beauty bloggers, but to know that people read my blog means so much and also that you guys take into account my own opinion!

So how does it work? It will start at the beginning of every month, and at the end of the month i will pick one useful comment, which could be a 'thank you' or a feedback or questions......anything really! It's up to you guys!

Remember this isn't a competition or a contest, i just want to thank the readers of my blog with a little something. For June i am giving away a Clinique Travel Set with 4 eyeshadows, 4 lip colours and a blush worth £40.

1. The commenter of the month will start on the first day of the month until the last day of the month.

2. The COTM will be picked and announced via a blog entry at the beginning of the month.

3. The chosen COTM will be contacted directly for his/her address details.

4. If the prize hasn't been claimed within 14 days, another commenter will be chosen.

5. You must be following this blog through GFC.

6. All bloggers are welcome to join. If you are not a blogger but would still like to comment on my posts, you're still a qualified candidate.

7. Open internationally.

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Black Smokey Eye Makeup

Products Used:
Face:

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation (No. 6 Golden)*
Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate (Intensity 2)
Bobbi Brown Corrector (Dark Bisque)
Bobbi Brown Face Touch Up Stick (Warm Honey)
Ben Nye Banana Powder
MAC Mineralize Blush (Early Morning)
YSL Touche Eclat (No. 3)
MAC Magically Cooling Liquid Powder (Honey Rose)

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion
MAC Pencil (Smolder)
Wet n Wild Palette (Blue Had Me At Hello)*
MUA Brow Kit
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl (Nude)
KIKO Smokey Eyes Pencil (No. 2)
L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara
Ardell Lashes (105)

Brows:

MUA Brow Kit

Lips:

NARS Lipstick (Dolce Vita)

Enjoy the tutorial!
x

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Clarins Splendours Colour Quartet & Liner Eye Palette Review

I am in awe of the new summer collection from Clarins and especially the Splendours Colour Quartette Palette*.

The Clarins palette is packaged beautifully in a brown case with a sundial embedded on the outer case and has Aztec style embossing on the eyeshadows. It looks very beautiful and it physically hurt to ruin the engravings!

There are four shimmer eyeshadows: golden bronze, champagne, plummy brown and a golden pink. It also comes with a cream liner that is a black/plum. I actually thought the cream liner was a black, as that how it appeared in the pan, however when i swatched it, it was a dark plummy, black. This is ideal for using as eyeliner, or smudging it for a more smokey effect or using the eyeliner as a cream shadow on the lid and then applying powder eyeshadow on top.

It comes with a sponge applicator and an angled brush. These are great for touch up's on the go, however i personally would always use my own brushes when i am at home.

I always find with limited edition palettes, that they just don't cater for all skintones, however the Clarins palette certainly does! It has a great mixture of shades that will suit all skintone and these are colours that can be worn day or night and it is very rare to find a palette with a cream liner. I think the only thing missing in the palette is a matte shade, as i know a few people just aren't fond of shimmery eyeshadows.

Overall i do like this palette, however, as i said before it was just missing a matte eyeshadow in the palette. I think if you already have one of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes, you may find that some of the shades in this palette are very similar.

This palette retails for £31 and can be purchased HERE.

What do you think of the palette?

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