GRWM: Night Out At ABBA

This past Saturday (the 14th) me and my mum had a night out. We went to see Thank You For The Music, a show that had tribute acts that sang the songs of both the Bee Gees and ABBA. I'm a huge fan of both and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I'd happily see it again and again, it's amazing.So I thought that because I was dolling myself up a bit after nearly a week of being make up free, I thought I'd share with you my make up and outfit.

Once I've done all my skincare and have run my beauty blender under a tap, I prime my face. And for this I used a combination of primers. First I off I went in with the Barry M Hydro Fix Primer Water. This is really hydrating on the skin and also soothes skin as well. Once I'd patted it in I went in with the Maybelline SuperStay Primer. It's lightweight consistency makes you thik it won't work but in fact it's better than thicker formula primers. This leaves behind a tacky finish that really makes foundation or any base product you lay over top stick in place. Once I'd rubbed this in my skin looked perfected and felt hydrated, refreshed and soothed.

Because this was the first night out me and my mum had had in a long time, I wanted to look that little bit more polished than I would on the everyday basis. So I dug out the Collection Lasting Perfection Colour Correctors to make my base that little bit more flawless. I started off with the Lemon shade under my eyes where the dark circles were darkest and blended it out with my finger. I find blending these out with a finger works better than with a sponge or a brush as it really melts the product into the skin. Then I took the Green shade to reduce the redness I had around a couple of blemishes and places such as around my nose. Again I blended it out with my finger and then dusted my Real Techniques Setting Brush over the places I'd placed them, using any excess product that was left on the brush from any previous uses to set them in place.

Foundation time and I just managed to squeeze out enough of the Loreal Total Cover Foundation to do my face. I love this foundation, it's go a ridiculously high coverage that covers blemishes, redness and uneven skintone. I dotted this all over my face then took my damp beauty blender and bopped it until it was blended in. It doesn't take a lot of work because a little bit of this foundation goes a long way and it's full coverage finish means you don't necessarily need a lot.

Now it's onto concealer and because I used the colour correctors and a full coverage foundation, I didn't need a lot of concealer. I dabbed a small bit of the Maybelline The Eraser Eye Concealer under my eyes and blended it in with my beauty blender. Then on my forehead mainly I popped a little bit o the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair to give a little bit more coverage and brighten my skin. This is a high coverage foundation but it doesn't look too heavy on the skin or sink into pores. Again I blended it in with my beauty blender and then went in to make sure everything was perfectly blended.

For powder I went in with the MUA Transparent Pressed Setting Powder. I didn't need a lot of this because the foundation was a matte finish so there wasn't a lot of shine or radiance on my face. I did take a bit under my eyes to make sure nothing wore away or creased as the night went on. And for that I used my Real Techniques Setting Brush which is just the right size for under the eye. Then I took my B Powder Brush which is absolutely massive and dusted it over my forehead and along the edges of my face to essentially lock everything into place.

I gave my brows a quick brush through with a spoolie and then ran a little bit of Benefit's Gimme Brow through them to add a little color and texture to them.

After a quick curl with my lash curlers I went in with a coat of the Maybelline Lash Sensational Primer. I absolutely adore this lash primer. It not only conditions my lashes but also helps maintain the volume and curl of my lashes after I've applied mascara. Then for mascara I went for a tried and tested one that I knew I'd get a good lash look from. And the mascara for that job was the Loreal Miss Hippie Mascara. It's full barrel shaped bristle brush really works to lift lashes and give them a stunning defined look everytime I use it. And this time it didn't disappoint either and the finished effect made my eyes look wide awake and almost doll like which is something I didn't know I liked the look of.

Lip colour was something I debated over for a while. I wanted to go bold but my outfit wouldn't work with a bold and then I had to find the right pinkish nude that would look too much with it. In the end I went for a combination I've worn countless times. I started off with the Barry M Lip Liner in Blowout. It has enough of a brown pink undertone to match this lipstick perfectly. It's creamy, opaque in one swipe and so easy to apply. I lined my lips with this but kept it handy for any touch up I needed once the lipstick was on. Then I went in with my trusty Rosie For Autograph Lipstick in Lady Rose. As you can see I adore this lipstick so it was really the only choice for me when it come to choosing out of the Rosie For Autograph Lipsticks I own. This has a sheen finish but doesn't transfer ridiculously easily and feels comfortable on lips, even after long periods of time.

For my outfit I went with my trusty super high waisted skinny jeans that make my legs look longer and suck everything in, giving me a little more confidence. I paired it with this top from Primark which I've only had chance to wear once since I brought it and it's just too pretty to leave it in my wardrobe. It's thick enough to keep me from getting cold but wasn't too thick so I overheated. And I absolutely adore the white lace bottom that gives it a more expensive feel than it actually was.

For shoes I broke out a pair I'd brought especially for the night out. I actually brought these back in July when I first saw them, even though the weather was anything but Autumnal. These are made of a suede like material which makes a bit problematic if it rains but last night we were lucky. They have a slight block heel which is manageable to walk in and I didn't feel like Bambi on Ice in these. They hurt a little towards the end of the night but I think that was a combination of continuous dancing and having not worn them a lot. I can't wait to wear these for any other nights out I have, including the work Christmas Party.

Once I was dressed it was time to pack up my bag. I intially nearly brought this bag when I first saw it but my bestest Jasmin told me I didn't need it as I'd already brought a bag for this particular night out. However when I was shopping a few weeks later and I couldn't keep it out of my mind, I caved and brought it. It was the embellished detail that really sold it to me and I loved the little addition it gave to my outfit. I didn't take a lot with me, just a small purse with some cash in it , a compact mirror, my lip liner and lipstick.

I'm ready to head out the door but before I do, I've got to spritz some perfume. And the only perfume I'm reaching for at the moment is the Limited Edition Rosie For Autograph Rose Gold EDP. I've not had this for two weeks yet and I've already worn it a ton. I can't get enough of it. It's got the original Rose Centifolia notes that her original EDP had but this time it has added Bergamot, Amber and Freesia. It's got a spice to it that makes it perfect for evenings but it's not too overpowering for everyday wear. I sprayed this liberally and could still smell it when I got home, a good six hours later.

And here's the final look. I know the lighting isn't the best but it was a quickly taken selfie which was followed by a picture of me and mum together; it's our little tradition. I'm really happy with how this look turned out, especially since I've been having some skin complaints these last couple of weeks. I had a great night out and would definitely recommend seeing it/booking tickets again.

Product Empties:October

It's time to show you my trash again! Yes it's product empties time again and surprisingly there isn't as much to share as I've had previous months. If you're new around here and aren't sure what these posts are, I collect empty beauty products for three months and then share my thoughts with you on those products. I did one in January, April and July and today's post is the last empties of 2017. So let's get started.

Let's start with make up as it's the category I have the least for. This first product is probably one you've seen in my previous posts if you've been here a while. The Maybelline SuperStay Primer is my Holy Grail primer and I've lost count of how many bottles I've gone through since it was released in January. I go through so many as it's my everyday primer and I can't put make up on without applying this first. It's lightweight, doesn't clog my skin up and makes my make up last a lot longer than it does without it. I'm sure there will be plenty more of these featured in these posts as I'm not getting bored of it anytime soon.

Another primer you'll be familiar with comes from Barry M. Their Hydro Fix Primer Water is the perfect companion for the Maybelline and the pair make my make up apply and last beautifully. Surprisingly I've only gone through one bottle of this compared to the Maybelline but because it's a spray it lasts longer and you use less with each use. Not only does this prime skin for make up but it gives skin a hydration boost which is essentially locked into skin once you've applied your make up.

The last bit of make up I've used up is the Collection Fixing Spray. This is one of two setting sprays that I go between on a daily basis. It's a fine lightweight spray that locks make up into place, removes any signs of cake face and doesn't clog or irritate skin. It gives skin a soft matte finish but still allows skin's natural radiance to show through. It really works to keep make up looking fresh throughout the day and can easily be topped up if necessary. I'm on my second bottle now but I don't reach for it unless I know I need my make up to be in place all day.

I actually remembered to save a couple of bath bits this time. The first is the Soap and Glory Scrub Em and Leave Em Body Buff. This was a nice scrub, worked well and smelled divine. However it didn't impress me as much as the Sugar Crush Body Scrub does. It smelt good, lasted a while and didn't irritate my skin or leave it feeling sore afterwards. I wouldn't buy it again as I just love the Sugar Crush scrub a lot more.

The other bath product I saved is the Zoella Sweet Inspirations Bath Latte. This was nice but didn't blow me away. It didn't create a lot of difference in the bath, just left behind a beautiful smell that I can't get enough of. There was only a little bit in the bottle when I was tidying my bathroom the other day so I used it up to just declutter the room. I like the Zoella bath products but they always seem to have some disappointment as well as they never seem to work as well as she says they will.

Now this product may not look like it's empty but there is just no way to get that bit from the bottom out. This is a product I recently rediscovered in my collection and instantly fell back in love with. It's the Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk and it's amazing. It really breaks down make up, including mascara and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean but not stripped of it's natural oils The only downfall is that once the straw connected to the pump can't reach the product, you have no way of getting any out. Therefore you end up wasting a bit and even though it's not ridiculously expensive, it's still annoying and a waste of money. I've got another one on the go now and I can't get enough of it.

And the other cleanser type product I finished is the Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser. This is a cream based cleanser that reminds me a lot of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I really like this cleanser, it works well to break down make up but is also gentle enough to be used on bare skin. I've got another in my back up draw and can see myself showing another in a future empties.

An eye make up remover I finished is the Simple Duel Effect Eye Make Up Remover. This is good, it removes all signs of my mascara at the end of the day. It does leave a slightly greasy feeling residue around the eyes but that can easily be wiped away with a cotton pad. I'll probably buy more of this not because I enjoy the greasy feeling but because it's more effective than other eye make up removers I've tried.

I finally finished my Botanics Rosewater Toning Spray. I thought this was never going to end, I'd been using it for months and there was no sign of it coming to an end. I love this spray, it refreshes my skin, soothes and hydrates all at once. I love using this after I've taken my make up off or if my skin is feeling particularly sensitive as it instantly soothes and refreshes but doesn't drench skin. I already have another open and can guarantee that you'll be seeing more of these in future posts.

A facial spray that you've probably seen in an empties post before is the B Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz. This is one of my holy grail facial sprays and I've gone through so many bottles of this since it was released. Containing nothing but Hyaluronic Acid this spray hydrates skin at a deeper level and locks in moisture for longer, leaving skin looking feeling better for longer.

The last facial spray I have is from Pixi. I had mixed feelings about this when I first started using it but then fell in love with it, and that's when it was finished. The Pixi Wake Up Mist is perfect for a skin pick me up in the morning. It's got citrus extracts infused in the formula which really work to invigorate and wake up skin whilst simultaneously giving it a hydration boost. I don't know if I'd buy it again because it seemed to go down really quickly and I don't think you get enough product for the price point.

Loreal's Hydra Genius is a product I still can't talking about even though I'm on my third bottle. Aloe Water and Hyaluronic Acid make up it's formula and it works to hydrate skin over a longer period of time due to it's complex of ingredients that penetrate the skin deeper than most moisturisers. I will definitely be repurchasing more bottles of this, I can't go a day without using it and my skin instantly shows the difference if I miss a day.

Two serums that I finished that do practically the same thing both come from Superdrug Own Brand ranges. The Clearly Youthful Hydrating Day Serum is sadly discontinued but I'm slowly working my way through my various back ups. It's hydrating, lightweight and just downright fabulous for my skin. I'll be very sad when I run out of this completely. The Simply Pure Hydrating Serum is a permanent part of Superdrug's Own Brand collection and does exactly the same as the Clearly Youthful, except the formula is a little gentler so that it can be used by those with even the most sensitive skins. I'll definitely be buying more of these and it's perfect for layering under a thicker moisturiser to give skin that perfect hydration boost.

A day cream I've finished and forgot was in my empties bin comes from Garnier. It's their Water Gel Glow Enhancing Cream. Part of the Moisture Bomb range, this contains Hyaluronic Acid and Pomegranate Extract to deliver a extra boost of hydration to skin which will leave it feeling softer, smoother and more supple for longer. This particular one has something extra in it that enhances skin's natural glow. I love this cream, it's lightweight enough to layer under make up but still enough to wear alone on non make up days. I've very nearly finished another pot of this and need to pick myself up a back up.

Another moisturiser from Garnier that I've finished up is my favourite Miracle Sleeping Cream. This gel like night cream with bounce back technology is like a good night's sleep in a pot. Packed with ingredients such as Lavender Essential Oil, Hyaluronic Acid and Jojoba Oil this moisturiser works to replump, refresh and hydrate your skin whilst you sleep. And even if you haven't had a good night's sleep, this cream will make it look like you have.

I don't use face wipes to remove my make up but I do use them to change or remove lip colours. They are so simple and can be quite precise at removing my chosen lip colour. And as I wear lipstick a good six out of seven days I go through a lot of wipes. Simple are some of my favourite as they don't break me out, are drenched to the point where they ruin the rest of my make up and actually remove the product, even liquid lipsticks. The Garnier Oil Infused Micellar Wipes are perfect for those more stubborn liquid lipsticks that an ordinary wipe won't remove. I'll definitely be buying more wipes in the future, which ones I'm not sure. It all depends which ones on offer.

All that's left to show you now is masks and as per usual there is a lot of them. Starting with the ones I seem to use the most, I've gone through seven of the Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Masks. Now they're not all the same type as you can see I seemed to have had three favourites out of the entire range. The Glow Enhancing, De-Tiring and Soothing masks have been the ones I've reached for the most lately. They're the ones that seem to do the most for my skin and I see instant results after using one whereas the original tissue mask doesn't seem to do a lot for my skin now. I have a pile of each of these in my collection so I'm sure you'll be seeing them in future empties.

I've also been trying out the Soap and Glory Sheet Masks a lot lately and I've managed to use the entire range since my last empties. The Puffy Eye Under Eye Patches are a definite repurchase, they worked so well to make my under eye look refreshed and puff free. The Radiance Boosting Mask I wouldn't be bothered about not repurchasing as it didn't do a lot for my skin. Whereas both the Pore Refining and Miracle Moisture Mask I'm mad about. They work brilliantly on the skin with instant results that carry over to the next day, especially if used in the evening. I have back ups of everything, even the Radiance mask as I want to give it a second chance.

I also used up one pot of the Soap and Glory What A Peeling Mask. I love this mask, not only because it's bright pink but because it works and my skin feels like heaven after I've used it. Plus there's something really satisfying about peeling it off once it's dried. You get two pods of this when you buy the full package which makes it great value for money and definitely a good reason to repurchase when it runs out.

I tried some Primark masks recently with mixed results. A friend told me great things about the Holler and Glow sheet masks so of course I picked one up. I was so disappointed. It was practically dry when I took it out the package. It didn't fit my face and in fact fell off after five minutes of wear. For £3 I would recommend trying something like the Garnier Moisture Bomb to get your money's worth. The other two sheet masks I tried from Primark weren't much better but they actually managed to stay on my skin for longer than five minutes. I didn't particularly see any difference in my skin once I'd used them but for the price point I didn't expect a lot. I probably won't repurchase them because I have tons of other that are worth the money.

I finally got round to trying one of the Origins Sheet Masks. I tried the Lavender mask to compare it to the De-Tiring mask from Garnier and whilst I liked it, I found it didn't give as good a results as the Garnier. However that being said it did leave my skin feeling soft, supple, hydrated and refreshed. However at a fiver a pop I don't think I'll be rushing out to buy another anytime soon.

Another mask I tried from Primark is their Charcoal and Black Sugar Scrub Mask. It was terrible, it was clumpy, scratchy and didn't spread on the skin. I only managed to leave it on the skin for five minutes before I had to remove it. It didn't do anything and I definitely wouldn't buy it again.

And the last two items that were sitting in the bottom of my empties basket were things I actually enjoyed using. The first is a multipack of under eye patches from Primark. Claiming to reduce the appearence of dark circles, this didn't exactly do what they claimed to but they did help hydrate and reduce any puffiness I had going on around my eyes. There were four pairs in there for a pound and I really enjoyed how they left my skin feeling so will definitely be repurchasing them. The other pack are the Charcoal Nose Strips from Superdrug. These little wonders work better than the more expensive ones from Biore and cost an eighth of the price. Really good at pulling out all the blackheads and crap from your nose and surronding area, I find myself fascinated when I remove them. Definitely something I'll be restocking on as they're always on some kind of 3 for 2 offer in Superdrug.

Dupes: Facial Cleansers

 

 I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love a good cleanser. After face masks they are the one product I'm always buying new of either to try as it's new or it's just caught my eye in a shop. However sometimes my budget doesn't always allow for me to try tons, especially high end ones. So I've been looking round and found three budget friendly dupes for the more higher end cleansers that I love.

High End: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser £14
Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is one of my all time favourite products. It's cream formula works to not only cleanse and lightly exfoliate skin but also to soothe and help with the appearence of redness and roseaca.Containing ingredients such as Vitamin E, Calendula and Aloe Vera this is perfect for those who want their skin to feel invigorated after cleansing but not stripped, irritated or left feeling as if it's going to break out. Perfect to use both as a morning or evening cleanse, this will leave skin feeling clean, nourished, revitalised and ready for anything you apply over top without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy.

Dupe: Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser £5.99
However if you're looking for a more budget friendly version to try then I recommend high tailing it to your local Superdrug and picking up their own brand Hot Cloth Cleanser which is just as good as the Liz Earle, if not better. Containing Kiwi, Mulberry and Horse Chestnut Extracts this cream based formula is lightweight and doesn't weigh skin down or clog pores. It has naturally occuring AHA's in it's formula which work to loosen and remove any dead skin cells, revealing brighter more radiant looking skin. It's hypoallergenic and suitable for those with even the most sensitive skin, it's complex of ingredients leaning more towards the natural than the chemical one a lot of cleansers have.

High End: Clinique Take The Day Off Balm £22
Cleansing balms aren't something I reach for a lot but I do adore the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm. It's balm to oil formula eradicates even the most long wearing of make up without leaving skin feeling greasy or clogged. A little goes a long way and is gentle enough to remove eye make up as well. It has a bit of a price tag but I've owned my tub since last December and am still nowhere near the bottom. It's worth every penny.

Dupe: The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Balm £10
The Body Ship's Camomile Cleansing Balm was the first cleansing balm I tried and I can see why it's such a popular product. Lightweight, balm to oil formula and suited for more sensitive skins, this balm removes all signs of make up including eye make up. It's only downfall is that it's not as large as the Clinique so you do tend to go through it quicker. Mine is actually empty and I keep meaning to pick a new one up.

High End: Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm £16
The last high end cleanser that whilst it's nice is easily duped comes from a lesser known brand called Merumaya. It's a thick almost balm like consitency that transforms into an oil once you rub it into skin. It breaks down even the most full coverage of foundations and could even be used to remove make up but obviously it may sting eyes if used incorrectly. I like it because it works and it doesn't irritate my skin even if it has a strong scent that reminds me a lot of the Johnson's Baby Shampoo.

Dupe: Botanics Hydration Burst Dual Action  Cleanser £6.99
And the last dupe is one that I enjoy but don't reach for as much as I should. I think it's the slightly thicker consistency that puts me off. It's particuarly a bad thing but when it comes to removing my make up I'm more inclined to lightweight yet powerful cleansers that just cut right through everything. However if you have more dry/dehydrated skin then this cleanser is perfect for you as it's thick formula works to nourish skin as you remove make up. And it's half the price of the Merumaya which if you're skin is a little sensitive to fragrance may irritate whereas this has barely any fragrance so shouldn't cause any kind of discomfort.

Review: Nip & Fab Skin Treatment Pads

Nip and Fab treatment pads are some of my absolute favourite products and I've gone through countless tubs of them. However this post is still a long time coming. It's mainly to do with the fact I wanted to have thoroughly tried each set of pads before I gave you my thoughts on them. And secondly it was always a post that I meant to post but ended up scheduling others instead. However today I'm sat comfortable to write this post out and inform you about the brilliance of these products.

If you've never seen or heard of these products I'll give you a quick run down. They're a tub of pre soaked pads that are packed full of ingredients such as Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Bee Venom and Witch Hazel. Each tub contains sixty pads and the six varieties are designed to meet a variety of skin needs. 

The first of the Nip & Fab pads that I want to talk about our their Glycolic Fix Pads.There are different types of pads in the Glycolic Fix range. The first is their Glycolic Fix Cleansing Pads. Containing around 2% Glycolic Acid these work to help cell turnover and loosen the bond between fresh skin and dead cells, essentially exfoliating skin to revitalise and increase skin's radiance. They're brilliant as a introduction to Glycolic Acid or AHA's in general as they're effective but gentle and don't leave skin feeling tight or irritated. Or if you're already using a AHA based product there is the Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads. Containing 5% Glycolic Acid this aren't for those with sensitive/reactive skin as they make the skin tingle after each use, with the results showing quicker on the skin due to the higher concentrate of Glycolic Acid. The Night Fix Extreme are my favourite of the two, used twice a week to retexturise, rejuvenate and brighten my skin.

Then you have the Bee Sting Toning Fix Pads. Containing Bee Venom and Witch Hazel, these pads work to tone, tighten and plump this skin in preparation for the rest of your skincare routine. Perfect for use both morning and night these pads really invigorate skin but don't leave it feeling dried out or too tight. It's almost as if they've given skin that quick lift but also a shot of hydration as well which you can add to with your chosen serum or moisturiser. Harder to find in stores, these pads are well worth the price tag and I find myself reaching for these more than the Glycolic Fix Pads which is saying something as anything with Glycolic Acid in it is a firm favourite.

The first pads I tried from Nip and Fab were their Dragon's Blood Fix Cleansing Pads. Containing Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid these pads work to deep clean skin whilst giving it a dose of hydration at the same time, with the Witch Hazel working to improve the appearance of the complexion as a whole including the appearance of enlarged pores. This are ideal for a quick pick me up on those no make up days when skin's not feeling it's greatest.

This next tub is a bit harder to find and I think they may be discontinued but I thought I'd mention them anyway. The Kale Fix Pads are advertised as make up removing pads but I've never used them for that purpose. I use them mainly when my skin is feeling dry and needs a bit of nourishment. Containing Kale, Watercress and Almond Oil these pads work to soothe skin, improve texture whilst enriching skin and protecting from any skin aggravators. Not as effective as the others in the range, this are nice if you want to give skin a soothe after a long day without having to go all in with a mask.

And then you have Nip and Fab's latest release. The Teen Skin Fix Pads are aimed at acne prone, problematic skin which doesn't just exist on teenagers but are aimed mostly at that age demographic. Containing Witch Hazel, Salicylic Acid and Wasabi Extract these pads work to reduce the appearance of blemishes whilst soothing skin and cleansing away any acne creating bacteria that could be lingering about. These are definitely my least used of the different ranges for two reasons. Firstly I don't get that many breakouts and secondly I don't think these work as well as they claim to.

Out of the six types of pre soaked pad that Nip and Fab have to offer, I think they're is only two maybe three that I can safely say are go to products for me. The Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads are a holy grail item for me and I've lost count of the amount of tubs I've gone through. I like the standard Glycolic Fix Pads but they don't tend to do as much for my skin as the Extreme Night Pads do. However if you're can't handle the 5% Glycolic Acid they contain then the standard Glycolic Fix would probably be a better fit for you. The only other range of pads I find myself reaching for are the Bee Sting Toning Pads. They work more effectively with my skin than any other toner type product I own. My skin feels firmer, plumper and more radiant after I've used these and whilst I've gone through a few of these, it's not as many as the Glycolic Fix Extreme Pads.

If I were to recommend a range from Nip and Fab it would have to be their Glycolic Fix range. Both tubs of pads are effective with visible results and can be used by those with more sensitive/reactive skin. They cost a bit more than the other ranges but can always be found on a buy one get one free or half price offer in Boots or Superdrug. I can't say enough good things about this range and have gotten several friends addicted to it as well. If you're looking for a product that will help with texture, radiance and cell turnover then these products are for you. And it's not like you have to wait a few uses for the results to show or the ingredients to work with your skin. I highly recommend checking them out when you're in the skincare aisles next.

Review: B Sparkling Water Cleanser

Cleansers are the one product I'm always on the lookout for new releases. I love trying out new cleansers, especially if their budget friendly and come from a brand I trust. So when I saw B had released a new cleanser I just had to try it.

The B Clean Sparkling Water Cleanser is a lightweight cleanser that can be used on it's own or as a double cleanse when removing make up. It's clear gel formula feels like water on the skin and leaves skin feeling refreshed. It makes the perfect morning cleanse as it instantly wakes skin up and sets it up not only for the next step in your skincare routine but also for the rest of the day.

I really want to like this and in a way I do like it but there are a couple of issues with this product that stop me from reaching for it. The biggest bug bear for me is the scent. I expected it to either be fragrance free or have a light scent but this smells so strongly of alcohol. It smells like a perfume does just after it's been sprayed where the true scent hasn't come through yet and the alcohol is overpowering everything. The scent of this is that strong and overpowering that it actually stings my eyes and can even linger on the skin after it's been washed off.

And my other issue is that it just doesn't seem to clean skin as well it claims to. I've used this both after make up and on bare skin and whilst it feels like it's doing something when it's on your skin, really it's not doing a lot. I've gone over my skin with a toner afterwards and it's picked up make up and daily dirt that this cleanser should have removed. Which is quite disappointing as you believe that it's working like every other cleanser but in fact it's removing some but not all of what's on your face. I'd much rather reach for my Garnier Micellar Gel Wash because I know it works and my skin will actually be clean after I've used it.

Overall this product is a bit of a dud for me. I wanted to like it, it came from a brand I trust product wise and the premise sounded fantastic but the final product fell flat. If it didn't have the issues it does, then there's a chance this cleanser would be fantastic, esepcially for it's price point. However it's not something I see/find myself reaching for a lot and if you have sensitive or reactive skin then this is probably a product you'd want to avoid.

Review: Smashbox Always On Liquid Lipstick

 

If you've been here for a while then you'll know I am a massive fan of matte lips and liquid lipsticks in particular. I've always got my eye out for the next brand to try their hand at them. So when Smashbox released their version, I was excited but the price tag and troubles with availability at my local Smashbox stand meant I took a little longer getting my hands on one. However I have one now and can tell you, I will certainly be purchasing more.

I'd like to say that choosing a shade was hard but I knew exactly what shade I wanted straight away. I'd been looking for a stunning deep burnt orange shade to compliment the upcoming seasonal changes and had looked everywhere. Until one night I was watching Makeupbyalli and she showed the shade Out Loud in a PR Unboxing. That was it, I had to have it. It was stunning and exactly what I'd been looking for.

Out Loud as I said is a gorgeous burnt orange shade that is muted yet bold at the same time. There is just enough of a red undertone running through it to stop it looking too garish on the lips. I was worried that it would be too orange on my fair skin but it doesn't and I think that's because it also has a brown undertone which makes it wearable for a multitude of skintones.

Most liquid lipsticks come with your standard doe foot applicator but not this one. The Always On liquid lipstick comes with a diamond shaped applicator which gives a more precise and defined finish. It holds enough product and you don't find yourself wiping off to much product before application. The shaping of the applicator means you can create a sharp defined line with or without lip liner to guide you and the pointed tip means you can really work in detail along the cupids bow and the corners.

This doesn't take long to dry down and once it does, it's not going anywhere. You can eat and drink but heed warning, anything too greasy will break it down and you may experience some fading or smudging but apart from that, this lipstick does not budge. I can't say that it's completely comfortable at all times but it doesn't dry lips out to that point where you want it off. But with all liquid lipsticks or matte finish lip products, it all depends on the state of your lips before you apply it. I find a bit of lip balm underneath this helps prolong wear, look and appearence.

At £19 a pop this cost a little more than I usually like to pay for a lipstick but it's worth every penny. I've only had this for two weeks but I've worn it a good six or seven times already. I just can't get enough of it. I will definitely be picking up more of these, I swatched the shade Bawse when I picked up Out Loud and was so tempted to buy both. If you want a highly pigmented, opaque in one swipe and long lasting then these are for you. Slightly higher end in price but worth it and with a wide selection of shades, there is bound to be one for you. I'd say keep your eyes peeled over my next few monthly favourites to see what other shades I may have picked up.

Review: Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Primer

Lash primers are a product I didn't really see the point of until last year when I tried the Benefit They're Real Tinted Lash Primer. From then on I've been a lash primer convert and find that I can't go without adding one to my everyday look. And for the longest while I adored the Barry M Lash Saver Primer but it's now gathering dust in my collection now that Maybelline have added one to their evergrowing range.

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Primer looks just like any other lash primer but works wonders for those who struggle to keep lashes lifted and defined. With a spiralised bristle brush this white coloured primer works to help boost the length and volume of lashes both before and after mascara. It also contains a complex of ingredients that keeps lashes feeling soft and supple whilst simultaneously nourishing lashes whilst you wear it.

I used to be a big fan of the Lash Saver Primer from Barry M but I haven't even looked it's way since I purchased this. It's spiralised brush coats each individual lash generously without overloading lashes with product. It doesn't make it hard for you to cover it with any mascara of choice and once it's dried, lashes are defined, volumised and lengthened without being clumpy or clad in product. And the best bit about this product is that even hours later; when my lashes have usually drooped and returned to their flat state, lashes are still defined, volumised and flat out fabulous. And the best bit. Because this primer doesn't make lashes feel stiff or crispy to the touch, your lashes will be quite malleable and you'll be able to gently push them back into place if they have drooped slightly. It's my favourite thing about this primer as it instantly refreshes both the eyes and your make up look without needing a product or beauty tool.

When it comes to pairing this primer up with a mascara, I'd say go for a drier formula or a mascara that has been open for a while. There is something about the slightly drier formula that works well with the ingredients in the primer. Wetter formula mascaras work with it but they tend to smudge slightly because lashes are left quite wet from the combination and need time to dry. Of course Maybelline's Lash Sensational mascara works wonderfully it but so does the Maybelline Go Colossal Leather Black mascara because it isn't as wet as say the Loreal Paradise mascara or Maybelline's Push Up Angel. I'm not saying that you can't use this alongside a wet formula mascara, it just takes a bit more work and precision.

Coming in at £7.99, this is budget friendly with results from the first use. There aren't many other lash primers available on the high street but I feel it's something that you're going to be seeing a lot from other brands in the future. However if you can't wait for your favourite brand to release their own version of a lash primer, I highly recommend you check this one out. I think you won't be disappointed with the results.