Tuesday, 12 August 2014

Too much sun?

When you've had a bit too much sun exposure, and your skin is feeling a bit tender, there's nothing nicer than applying a cooling layer of after-sun after you've had a shower.

My favourite is Ambre Solaire's version, which in summer time is regularly half price in Boots and Superdrug at around £5. Its well worth the investment when your skin is craving that extra bit of moisture.

This one can be used on the face too, so you know its pretty gentle, and after you've been in the sun you don't want to use anything harsh on your skin.

E x

Friday, 1 August 2014

Too much hold?

I didn't think I'd ever write this, but I've found a hairspray that holds my hair in place just too much! And, I'm sorry to say, I don't think in a good way. Its the 'Style Setter' hairspray from Charles Worthington.

I like curling my hair, but often the curls drop out. So I thought this hairspray would be perfect. When I first sprayed it on, it gave my curls a very crisp and 'done' appearance, not the relaxed, natural look I was going for. But then strangely, about half an hour after, its as though the spray just couldn't hold any longer, and the curls dropped!

I then decided this hairspray wasn't any good for 'hair down' styles, so thought I'd used it when I have my hair in a high pony tail or bun. And it is slightly better for this use, but I find it still gives my hair a crispy appearance and dread the day that someone touches my hair when I'm wearing this as it manages to fit sticky and solid at the same time!!

I hate to waste things so I'm using it up, but wouldn't repurchase. Sorry Charles. It does however smell lovely. I often forget I'm wearing it and think I'm wearing a new perfume!

E x

Thursday, 17 July 2014

Protecting Your Lips

When the sun comes out, people often forget about applying sun protection to their lips, and when they get burnt it can be pretty painful.

I've recently started using Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant that has SPF 15. I find it very nourishing, and although you would have to keep on applying it regularly if you were sunbathing, I think its great to give a coat on your lips before your head outside, and even under your normal lip stick. It twists up like a normal lip stick so is very handy. I got mine as part of a gift set, but you can buy them individually off the internet for around £10.
 E x

Monday, 16 June 2014

Giorgio Armani - Cheek Fabric

Giorgio Armani's newly released 'Cheek Fabric', for me, is like no other blusher.

Once you have gotten over the price (an eye-watering £34), it really is a gorgeous product.

The powder is finely milled so its ultra soft. I've gone for the shade 'Skin', which funnily enough, is really like the shade your cheeks go when you blush or have been out in the fresh air, so natural and flattering. Great for when you want to look like you, but a bit better. 'Skin' also has a hint of delicate shimmer, so subtly gives your cheeks an extra glow. Which is why I've got it in preparation for my wedding make-up bag. I wouldn't say its worth £34, because spending that amount on any make-up is hard to justify, but it is rather special. And for me, having it for such a special occasion is worth it. Plus if you time it right when John Lewis and House of Fraser have 10% off beauty you can get it for a little bit cheaper!



E x

Saturday, 14 June 2014

The Perfect Blow Dry

Having long straight hair, I find it quite hard to get a long-lasting volume. I've gone through countless products in the hope for a boucing head of hear, but I've now come across two that may not give sky high volume, but defintely give me hair that extra bit of oompf that it so desparately needs.

First up is Oribe's 'Maxismista Thickening Spray', and for me, it definitely does thicken my hair. It gives it that salon shine and texture, and doesn't make your hair feel greasy no matter how much you spray on. At £25 it itsn't cheap, but it does smell lovely, and if like me, you only make the effort to blow dry your hair properly once a week, its probably going to last a while. I've had mine for coming up for one year, and I'm not even half way.
My latest addition to my collection, is Kerastase's range 'Form Fatale', and it is their 'Styling 'Forme'. This comes as a cream in a tube, and the directions say to use a small amount. I followed this advice and used a large pea sized blob for the first time I used it. This turned out to have fairly no impact whatsoever, nothing more than just a serum effect. However the next time I decided to squeeze a bit more out, maybe three times as much, and this time I really could feel the product working. You have to make sure its evenly spread through the hair (I do this with a comb). I find this really good to use when I'm wanting to curl my hair with a curling tong afterwards, it seems to take hold alot easier. Both products are very similar in how they make your hair feel - salon sleek and fresh, it doesn't add to the grease-factor which I think is a great help! This retails at around £15, so cheaper, but I think I'm going to get through it a bit quicker from having to use so much product each time. So girls with shorter hair, this might be the product for you.


E x


Friday, 23 May 2014

Is Brown the new Black?

As we're starting to get into the summer months, I think its nice to change from the usual routine black eyeliner, to a softer look using a brown eyeline. This one from No7, is great because its got its own smudging tip, for softening a harsh line and creating a fresh natural look. Great for when you don't have long to put your make-up on, on when you're going to be spending the day in the sunhine and want a little bit of definition but nothing too heavy.

E x

Monday, 12 May 2014

Lovely Lipgloss

A girl can never have too many lip glosses, and here is another one I would definitely recommend to add to your collection!

Maybelline's Color Sensational Shine Gloss is everything you could wish for from a drug-store lip-gloss; a great range of shades, fairly long lasting, acceptable fragrance and not too sticky!

I went for 'Cashmere Rose', which is a great every day shade, and also looks really good if you want to add an extra kick to a pink lipstick.

E x