Review: Loreal Pure Clay Face Washes

Last year Loreal released a new line of face masks in a new range they called Pure Clay. The masks are brilliant and have recieved nothing but rave reviews from everyone who's used them. So they've released a range of Pure Clay face washes to coincide with their masks. And of course when I saw them in Boots I just had to pick up all three.

There is the Detox Wash which contains Charcoal and helps to deep clean and clarify skin.

Then there is the Glow Scrub. This contains Red Algae Extract to help exfoliate and brighten the skin.

And finally there is Purity Wash. This contains Eucalyptus and is perfect for combination/oily skin types.

All three of these masks are advised to be used before their masks counterparts as they're supposed to make the masks use more effectively. These washes are aimed at all skin types, even sensitive skin types. They contain no soap so they don't foam on the skin which means once you've washed this away skin isn't left feeling tight or dry in the slightest. The Glow Scrub is the one that you feel working the most as it leaves skin feeling ultra smooth and soft to the touch after just one use. The Detox Wash isn't as potent as it's mask counterpart but it does help draw impurities closer to the surface and purifies the skin all in one. The Purity Wash would be a good one to use before applying make up if you have combo/oily skin as it'll mattify the skin and keep oil and shine at bay.

Overall all three of washes can be used by a multitude of skin types but if you know that a particular mask from the original range works for you skin then you may just want to pick up the face wash to match. They're perfect for people with sensitive skin as they aren't as potent as the masks and soap free so they're less likely to cause any irritation or breakouts. My personal favourite is the Glow Wash as it actually feels like it's doing something on the skin when you use it but the Detox Wash is also a good wash for those who like to deep cleanse their skin reguarly.

Revlon Does Matte Lips

For the last year I've been doing a series of posts on high street brands and their matte lip products. I've already tried Loreal, Rimmel and Maybelline and today is the turn of Revlon. Revlon sometimes gets forgotten when it comes to lip products but they do actually have one of my favourite lip products on their stand.

Now Revlon don't have a lot to offer matte lip wise but there is some which is a lot more than some brands. The first offering they have is, comes in the form of their Colorburst Matte Balms. These are some of my favourite lip products on the high street and I'm always recommending them when people ask me for a matte lipstick. They were some of the first high street chubby stick lip products after Clinique originally released their Chubby Sticks. There is a huge shade range of these and are well worth their £8.99 price tag. Highly pigmented, opaque in one swipe and long lasting but not uncomfortable these were some of the first decent matte lip products on the high street. There is a shade in the range that will suit everyone including personal favourites Sultry and Fiery. They do have peppermint smell to them but it doesn't translate to the lips or cause any irritation to lip while you're wearing them. I personally wear them with a bit of lip balm underneath and a light outline of lip liner to give a statment lip without being too over the top.

A recent release from Revlon to add to their matte lip collection comes in the form of their Ultra HD Matte Lipsticks. This was Revlon's addition to the ever growing trend of liquid lipsticks but these turned out to be a bit of a fail. Sure they're a liquid, they're a highly saturated dose of colour but they are not matte. They don't even dry down to a demi matte or satin finish. Sure with a lot of work and a dry finish lip liner you might be able to get it to stay in place but if you're a lot like me and can't be bothered with that much faff then these are ones I'd give a miss. It's a shame as well as they've just released four new beautiful shades, a couple of which are screaming my name.

The only other matte lip products Revlon have to offer are they're Super Lustrous Lipsticks. I don't own any of these in the matte finish as the colours aren't colours I'd personally wear. From swatching them on the back of my hand they're drier in texture than the Colorburst Matte Balms but not that dry you can't wear them at all. I think a lot of prep would be necessary before wearing these as they would show any imperfections on the lips.

Overall Revlon is one of the better brands on the high street for matte lip products. They have a small range but they are all good quality products that are worth their price tags. My personal favourites are the Colorburst Balms but that doesn't mean the other matte lip products aren't any good. You may love them but I personally think they just don't work for me. Alongside Maybelline I'd have to say that Revlon is one of my favourite brands for lip products on the high street.

Review: Liz Earle Face Masks

Since early last year I've been using Liz Earle products. I'm a massive fan of both the Cleanse and Polish and the Instant Skin Boost Spritzer. But I wanted to try more and around the time of Christmas gifts arriving on shelves I spotted the Liz Earle Face Masks Gift Boxes. I put these both on my list and was lucky to recieve both. Now I'm a big fan of face masks and try a lot reguarly so I had high hopes for these and luckily for me they didn't disappoint.

There are two main face masks in Liz Earle's range. One is brightening and the other is nourishing. The first one I tried was the Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask. This has Apricot Kernel, Geranium Oil and Comfrey. It's designed to cleanse deep into pores and help purify skin whilst keeping skin feeling hydrated and soft. A little bit of this goes a long way which works well as you only need a thin layer of this to work it's magic. Leave it on for fifteen minutes and then wash it off with a warm wet muslin cloth or flannel. This is a nice mask and it leaves skin feeling soft, supple and clean but other than that it didn't really wow me. When I think of nourishing masks I think of thicker consistencies that are left to sink in rather being washed away. Maybe I need to use this more to make it work for my skin but if you have sensitive skin that works well with Liz Earle products then this would definitely suit you.

The other face mask is the Brightening Treatment Mask. This contains Witch Hazel, Aloe Vera and White Clay. This is a very quick mask, it's only supposed to stay on the skin for two minutes maximum. It's a little thicker in consistency than the nourishing mask but you still only need a little bit as it's so effective on the skin. This will tingle on the skin but that just means it's working. Thirty seconds to two minutes is the time you're supposed to leave this on for and then with a wet muslin cloth or flannel wash it away. This will leave your skin feeling revitalised, smooth, soft and radiant looking. It'll help the appearence and feel of any texture you may have and brightens skin in an instant. If you have sensitive skin though it's advised you don't use this mask because of it's quick tingle fix but if you're face can handle the GlamGlow Supermud Clearing Treatment then using this should be fine.

Overall I really like these masks, they work nicely with my skin type and leave my skin feeling refreshed and ready for anything. The Brightening Treatment Mask is probably my favourite of the two as you can really feel it working on your face. If you have sensitive skin then the Nourishing Mask will be more up your street. They are a pricier face mask but seeing the results almost instantaneously makes the price worth it. And if you're into your natural skincare products that really love the skin I'd definitely recommend trying them out.

Homeware Wishlist

If there is one thing I love more than make up, it's homeware. I could spend hours online and in stores wandering around their homeware sections and seeing what pieces I can pick up for my house. And lately there have been a few pieces that have caught my eye and made it onto my wishlist.

Feather Shaped Metal Plate £12.99
The first thing that caught my eye was this gold feather shaped trinket plate. I love little trinket plates to pop my jewellery or loose change on. They just add something extra to a shelf or unit that can just pull a room together. Primark have one that is very similar in style and it's only £4 so it you're working to a budget I'd definitely check it out.

Dusky Green Patterned Plate £3.99
Another cute piece that would work well as a loose change, hair pin or jewellery holder is this plate. It comes in various colours but this dusky green one really grabbed my attention when I saw it online. I don't know where I'd put it in my room but I think it would make a nice addition to the colour scheme I've got going on in there.

Bird Patterned Print Cushion Cover £8.99
H&M do some of the best cushion covers on the high street. They only see the cover so you can recycle your old cushions and spruce up your home without having to worry about storing older pieces. This bird patterned is a little more out there for me but it has all the colours I'm enjoying in my bedroom at the moment. It's a little pricey for a cushion cover but it look good quality and I'd only buy one to make a statement with it.

Pineapple Print Cushion £6.99
Another pretty cushion cover from H&M is this gold foil pineapple cover. I think this would be perfect for bedrooms or living rooms during the warmer months as it brings a bit of brightness to what can be a dull background. I may not actually purchase this but I'll be keeping it on my wishlist in case I change my mind.

Large Metal Wire Basket £17.99
This may just be a basket but it's a nice basket. There aren't many baskets on the high street especially that'll sit nicely in a room and actually be functional. I'm hoping to get this soon as I need somewhere to keep my Lush bathbombs and the basket I'm using at the moment isn't big enough. This comes in three finishes, gold, copper and silver. All three are nice but the copper is the one that's really caught my eye.

Leaf Patterned Cushion Cover £8.99
Another bold patterned cushion cover I'm liking is this leaf patterned number. It has the same colours I've got going on in my room and I think this will make a nice statement cushion on my bed. I've actually seen this in store and it's gorgeous and feels very high quality. Definitely on my to buy list.

Metal Magazine Rack £17.99
I'm a avid magazine reader and love picking up all the monthlies when they come out. Most magazines I recycle one the latest issue has come out but there are some whose covers I adore that I keep. Right now they're in a pile by the side of my bed but I've been looking for a nice magazine rack to keep them in even better condition. This is from the same range as the basket earlier and also comes in three finishes. I'm again loving the copper even if it is super cliche and blogger like of me.

Metal Trivet £9.99
A cute decoration I spotted on the H&M website is this gold metal trivet. It's essentially a list of cities but they're all cities I'd like to visit at some point so I thought it was cute. It wouldn't necessarily fit in with my room but that's what makes this appeal to me more.

4-pack Leaf Print Coasters £2.99
I'm terrible at using coasters and can never find any I actually like but these ones not only fit my colour scheme but also the cushion cover I featured earlier. If I got these I'd actually bother to use them and save my poor desk from all my tea spillages.

 

Metal Bookend £9.99
I have a ton of books that I have stored away that would look nice set up properly somewhere. The only problem is that they have a tendency to fall. So when I saw this bookend I knew it had to go on this wishlist. It's not exactly copper but it's not a bright yellow gold either so it'll fit nicely into my asthetic and it's not bank breaking either. I'm looking forward to expanding my book collection once I get this end. 

Review: Pixi and Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse

When Caroline Hirons' announced she was going to be releasing a cleanser in collaboration with Pixi I knew that I would just have to buy it. Caroline Hirons' is a skincare queen and Pixi is an amazing brand who's products are nothing but kind to skin. So when this was released I was straight down to Mark's and Spencers to pick myself up a pot. It's £24 for a 100ml pot which is broken down into two different cleansers both 50ml in size.

One side is a solid oil cleanser and the other is a cream based cleanser. On the lid of the pot it suggests using the solid oil cleanser as your first or inital cleanse and then the cream cleanser as your second/double cleanse. These can be used to remove both make up or daily dirt and grime but is definitely more effective as a make up remover.

The oil side melts as soon as it touches skin and removes all signs of make up with one wipe of the flannel or muslin cloth. It doesn't leave skin feeling tacky, oily or covered in a greasy coating. It even removes waterproof mascara and doesn't sting the eyes at all. This reminds me a lot of the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm both in consistency and feeling on the skin.

The cream cleanser is thinner in consistency and feels very lightweight on the skin. It's very soothing and nourishing on the skin whilst simultaneously removing any make up the oil cleanser may have missed. Out of the two it's the one I'm less keen on as I don't see it doing anything for my skin but it does leave it feeling soft and supple.

Overall I'm really impressed with this product. I absolutely love the oil side of this cleanser and if they ever sold it seperately I'd happily buy it. The cream cleanser whilst not my favourite isn't going to go to waste as I will still use it as a second cleanse whenever I bring this out. I do find myself reaching for other cleansers over this one but if you a mega fan of Pixi then this will definitely be right up your street.

Monthly Favourites: January

Welcome to the first monthly favourites of 2017. Now usually January drags but this month has just flown by. And with this month has come a ton of favourites including a fashion favourite.Grab a cuppa, this is going to be a long one.

Pixi and Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse 
Let's start with one of the most exciting releases of the month. If you don't already know of my love for Caroline Hirons then know it almost rivals my love of chocolate. So when she released her new Double Cleanse in collaboration with Pixi I had to have it. Side 1 is a solid oil cleanser that melts as soon as it touches the skin and Side 2 is a cleansing cream that soothes and nourishes the skin. Because it comes from Caroline Hirons I had high hopes and I wasn't disappointed. The solid cleansing oil melts as soon as it touches your skin and takes your make up with it. It doesn't leave skin feeling greasy and doesn't effect how the cleansing cream works either. The cleansing cream is less up my street but it does soothe and nourish the skin. I've been using this religiously on those days when I've been wearing more make up than normal.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
A cleansing balm that I brought in December but have really adored this month comes from Clinique. It's their famous Take The Day Off Balm and I don't know why I didn't buy it sooner. This is a solid balm cleanser that turns into the most luxurious feeling oils as it melts your make up away. This doesn't leave skin feeling greasy or tacky to the touch. It's even beaten my favourite Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm which hasn't had a look in since I brought this. A little bit goes a long way so this tub is going to last me a long time.

Pixi Glow Mud Cleanser
A final cleanser that I've been thoroughly enjoying this month comes from Pixi. I got this is a gift set at Christmas and didn't know what I was going to think of it. I absolutely love it. This has Glycolic Acid in it which helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and supple. It dissolves and removes make up like a dream and can be used as both a inital cleanse or a second cleanse. Definitely going to be picking up a full sized tube of this when I run out.

Alpha H Liquid Gold
Something I recieved in my Advent Calender last year was this tester bottle of Alpha H's Liquid Gold. I'd heard a lot about this product but could never bring myself to buy a full bottle. Especially since I didn't know if it would work well with my skin. However I didn't even spare my somewhat sensitive skin a thought and slapped it on. And I would go without this now. It contains 5% Glycolic Acid and works to tone and refresh skin whilst loosen dead skin cells. It is a pretty strong product but it hasn't broken me out yet and how it leaves my skin feeling is enough for me to definitely recommend it. It's pricey but I'm a firm believer of paying more for your skincare. Once this has gone I'm definitely going to be stocking up on more.

REN Evercalm Global Protection Day Cream 
Another product that I recieved in my advent calender that I've come to absolutely adore comes from REN. It's their Evercalm Global Protection Cream. It's a rich day moisturiser that helps to protect skin from the day's enviromental harm and pollution. It claims it can make skin less sensitive and in a way I believe it does. I can tell the difference when between using this and going without. I've loved it that much I've gone out and brought another tube already. A little goes a long way and whilst it does have a strong scent to it, it's not going to cause any issue with sensitive skin types.

Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Cream
I openeed this little eye cream back in December and it's still going strong despite it's size. This comes from Skyn Iceland and really packs a punch. A little bit goes a long way and I can really see a difference when I use it. I've said goodbye to any puffiness, horrendous dark circles and any fine lines I may have from laughing or not drinking enough water. This is a pricey eye cream and may not be to everyone's liking but the results don't lie and I can't see myself going without this.

GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment 
One of my favourite masks this month has been this leave on number from GlamGlow. It's lightweight, easy to apply and leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated and replenished. This smells absolutely divine and hasn't caused any adverse effects on my skin. I've loving using this when I'm having an early night and my skin needs a bit of TLC. This paired with a rich lasting night cream afterwards gurantees my skin will look glowing and hydrated the next morning.

Maybelline SuperStay Primer
For the longest time I've loved the Benefit Porefessional Primer and the results it gave my make up. But that's been pushed to second best since I purchased this new primer from Maybelline. It has pore smoothing technology that helps perfect skin as well as a velvet finish that grabs onto foundation and locks it in place all day. It's really prolonged the wear of my make up and I can't go a day without using this. I've even worn it on it's own over my skincare as I like how it makes my natural skin look. And the best bit, it doesn't break the bank.

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Brown Sugar 
Now if you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know I'm a big fan of bold lips, be them bright reds or dark burgundy's. But this month I've been embracing the nude lip and absolutely loving it. And to say it's a surprise is an understatement. One of my favourites this month has been from Maybelline. It's their shade called Brown Sugar and it's to die for. It has an interesting grey undertone to it that makes it stand out from other nudes. And as it's part of their creamy matte range, it's comfortable to wear as well as highly pigmented and long lasting. I can tell that I'm going to be getting a lot of wear from this no matter what season we're in.

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks in Patina (top) and Serenata (bottom)
Another two nudes that I've been loving this month come from Stila. They're the Stay All Day Liquid Lipsticks and are absolutely striking. Patina has more of a pink tone running through it whereas Serenata is another shade that has more of a greige undertone. Unfortunately Serenata is limited edition so I'll be devasted when this runs out. Patina however you can buy reguarly from most Stila stands. These may be liquid lipsticks but they aren't ridiculously drying, hard to wear or apply. They're highly pigmented and opaque in one swipe. These two have really worked well no matter what outfit I'm wearing and I know that these are another two shades I'll be getting a lot of wear out of no matter what the season.

PS Love Lip Liner in 09 Rosewood Mauve 
And the lip liner I've been loving with all of those nude shades is this one from Primark. It's a stunning mauve shade that works well under a whole host of nude shades and looks good on it's own as well. It's creamy, opaque in one swipe and easy to apply. I've never known a lip liner that's as easy as this to apply. It makes applying my lip products so much quicker and easier. It looks like I've barely used this but I've worn a good three or four times a week every week this month.

Vitaglow Hyaluronic Acid and Copper Capsules 
I'm not usually one for remembering to take vitamins but this month I have been religously taking these Hyaluronic Acid and Copper Capsules. They're advertised as suplements that'll help give you hydrated, glowy, healthy looking skin. And I don't know if it's my skincare or if it's really these but my skin does look more glowy, healthy and hydrated. My redness doesn't look as bad and I don't have such puffy eyes or dark circles. I think it's the Hyaluronic Acid in them, it's clinging to the exsisting Hyaluronic Acid in my skin and slowly pumping out moisture so my skin doesn't dry out as much.

Primark Boots
Who'd have thought I'd be including a fashion favourite this month. Not me for sure. But then I spotted these stunning boots in Primark and I just had to have them. They are a chelsea boot style with a pointed tip and a slight heel. What really attracted me to these boots were the metal piping along the tip that you can't feel when you're wearing this. And boy are these comfortable, I used to be a big converse girl but I've barely worn my converse since I've gotten these. I love how they just add a little something extra to any outfit and take me from looking okay to looking good. Definitely going to be getting a lot of wear out of these this year.

Dior Star Skin Foundation: Day Test and Review

For the longest time I've struggled to find the perfect foundation. Either they've turnt too dark as I've worn them, worn away completely throughout the day or generally just made me look gross after a few hours. Then I tried the Dior Star Skin Foundation and it changed my make up completely. So today I'm going to take through a day test of me wearing this foundation to give you an insight of why I love it so much and at the end I'll be giving you a mini review of it as well.

Overview: This foundation is a full coverage foundation with SPF30. It also has colour filter pigments that neutralises colour imbalanaces on the skin such as redness or sallowness. As well as the colour trap pigments it also contains hollow silica beads that captures light and adds luminosity to the skin. I do use a primer under my base products just so they stay in place for longer.

10:30am: It's time to do my make up. Firstly I apply my primer which is a mixture of the Barry M Primer Water and the Maybelline SuperStay Primer. They work well to both hydrate my skin and lock my make up into place longer. Then I use two pumps of the foundation onto the back of my hand and dot it all over my face, adding more to my cheeks where there is some slight redness. It's all buffed in with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush. It's dense and easy to buff foundation in. The end result is skin that is flawless looking but still natural and skinlike. It also has a glow to it that makes skin look healthy and dewy without being overly shiny. Once everything is blended in I can finish the rest of my make up and set everything into place with my trusty Maybelline SuperStay Setting Spray. I do use setting spray most days as it helps keeps my make up on for longer whilst I'm at work.

2:30pm: Four hours have passed and it's check in time. Usually by now some of my foundation has dissappeared around my jawline and cheeks. But with with this Dior foundation my skin still looks perfected but natural. My concealer has faded slightly under the eyes but that happens reguarly so it's not a problem. Otherwise my foundation still looks fresh, glowy and in place.

6:30pm: Another four houes have passed and I'm done at work now. I like to take my make up off as soon as I get home to give my skin a chance to breath. Looking at my face in the mirror I'm pleased to see that my foundation is still mostly in place except around my nose where I've obviously wiped it with a tissue. Under my eyes could look better but I put that down to my concealer and nothing more. There is no sign of any redness or cake face and if I wanted I could go another few hours wear out of this and it wouldn't look any different.

Review: I absolutely love this foundation. It's lightweight yet brilliant at coverage. It doesn't go cakey or powdery when you build it up and it wears well without looking fake or mask like. It allows skin to breathe and covers exactly what you want it to cover. Unlike some foundations this doesn't dry out my skin or leave it feeling gross to the touch. The only downside to this foundation for some is the price tag but with the results paired with the way it wears on the skin, the price tag is irrelevant. Definitely have a look at it if you're struggling to find a budget friendly foundation that works.