Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 Review

Continuing in my quest for a new base for Summer, and with me loving Estee Lauder's iconic Double Wear Foundation, it was only natural that I headed to the Estee Lauder counter to pick up a sample of their latest offering... Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF30 

I would have had a sample earlier but the counter assistant told me that the coverage was even lighter than their original BB Cream which put me off as I need medium/full coverage. However, as I found out with the Elizabeth Arden Foundation I need to try these products for myself and make my own judgement..so I headed back to get matched up.

I was given shade Intensity 2 to try

Swatch of EL Double Wear All Day Glow BB Intensity 2

EL Double Wear All Day Glow BB Intensity 2 blended

Estee Lauder say

Benefits -Refresh. Hydrate. Glow.

Coverage -Sheer

Finish -Luminous

The first luminous, long-wear BB from Estée Lauder.

Now you have hours to glow. The BB Makeup that brightens, perfects and evens. Lightweight, oil-free, moisture-fresh. Protects with high-level SPF 30.

Instantly perfects skintone and vibrancy. Soft optics impart clear, bright tone and lustre to skin for a flawless, healthy glow. Provides Vitamin E and Vitamin C anti-oxidant protection.

Formula facts

• Long-wear - Up to 8 hours
• Oil-free
• Dermatologist-tested
• Ophthalmologist-tested
• Fragrance-free
• Non-acnegenic


My thoughts 

I was pleasantly surprised with the coverage of this BB, although Estee Lauder say it is sheer I am pretty happy that it covers all my bad bits (rosacea) but evens out and perfects my skin and gives a nice, bright glow without looking like an oil slick. I was interested to note that the product feels thicker than many BB Creams I have tried but blends to be invisible on the skin, leaving me with healthy, natural looking skin. I love the fact that it has an SPF30 which is perfect for the Summer months, it feels light on the skin and best of all, it lasts all day.

Tip - you can wear it under your foundation for extra coverage if necessary.

Super product, I can see this being a best seller.

Look how it looks in photos... flawless!

Wearing EL Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF30 

Estee Lauder Double Wear All Day Glow BB Moisture Makeup SPF 30 costs £29 for 30ml and is available in 8 shades.

No7 Pop & Glow Cheek Blushes in Mango Sorbet & Rose Blossom

No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush

Spring is great for new makeup launches and these No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blushes are one of my faves..

These small tubes of cream blush are super easy to use and can be used on the go for non messy application, however you won't need to reapply as they last all day.

How to use - Sweep gently onto cheek bones and blend with fingertips. To create a more intense look, build another layer of colour and blend.

I have been trying out two of the shades Mango Sorbet and Rose Blossom.

My thoughts 

Mango Sorbet is a gorgeous peachy shade that brightens cheeks and as the name of the product suggests the creamy formula leaves a nice glow on the cheeks without a powdery residue. I find it best to not apply powders such as bronzers or finishing powders as the cream blushes don't work as well (they can remove the powder you have already applied).

Cream blushes are fab for a really natural look as they seem to emphasize a natural glow and texture wise they leave no trace on the skin. I apply two stripes from the stick and blend quickly.

Rose Blossom is a pretty pink shade that is delicate but can be layered for more definition. Personally I like to use these cream blushes on the school run as I can get ready in just a few minutes and I don't look too made up!

Swatches of Mango Sorbet & Rose Blossom No7 Pop & Glow Cheek Blush

Here I am wearing Mango Sorbet, I love it!

Boots No7 Pop & Glow Cheek Blush is available in 3 shades and costs £9.95

*PR Samples

HealGel Eye Review

My eyes, I have spoken about them before. Having suffered from Hay-fever from a very young age and in particular dreadfully itchy eyes I am ashamed to say I ignored my mum telling me not to rub my eyes and now I am suffering the consequences. The area around my eyes are lined, I also suffer from crepey skin and dark shadows (genetic). If there is one thing I wish there was a painless, miracle cure for it would be a product to sort out my old looking eyes. I should say that in the Winter months my eyes are not so bad but in the Summer they do get quite, dry and liney, as well as puffy...C'est La Vie

So I am always on the look out for great eye products...

I was sent HealGel Eye to try and so far so good.

HealGel say 

HealGel Eye is an advanced corrective formula designed to condition and lift the delicate eye area.

Benefits

HealGel Eye is a peerless anti-ageing formula that can help to diminish the appearance of dark circles, puffiness and fine lines. Refreshing and lightweight it provides a perfect base for make-up or a pick-me-up for tired eyes so that you can look well-rested even if you’re not.

HealGel Eye contains Arnica and Madecassoside which are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process. Sluggish micro-circulation is stimulated and irritation is soothed. In addition, HealGel Eye contains a duel action hyaluronic acid complex that locks moisture deeper into the skin and firms the eye contours. The effect is to soften the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone and improve the elasticity of the skin through intense hydration. Light diffusers in the gel further improves sallow areas for a brightening and smoothing effect.

My thoughts 

I like the pump dispenser,  it makes it so easy to pump out a rice size piece for each eye. HealGel Eye is like a serum in texture and cloudy in appearance. I apply the product twice a day. I find it cool and soothing and it instantly smooths the eye area. The area feels hydrated and rested. I like that it softens the appearance of the things I hate most about my eyes.  The only thing I would mention is that if I have had a particularly bad Hay-fever day (watery, itchy eyes) when I apply in the evening it can sting a little which is not so fun. 

It is light and absorbs fast so you don't have to wait too long to apply makeup afterwards. It has a light lavender scent. All in all a nice pick me up for eyes.

HealGel Eye 15ml £32

*PR Sample

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Cream & Night Cream Review

Another post on my current skincare routine, this time featuring the brand Eucerin. I did start using the night cream during the time I had psorasis on my face and I found it ok to use. I started using the day cream a few weeks later.

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Cream 

Eucerin say

This moisturising SPF 30 cream effectively reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a brighter and more even complexion.

Eucerin EVEN BRIGHTER Day Cream is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce the dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation disorders. It contains B-Resorcinol to decrease melanin production and reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and glycyrrhetinic acid to stimulate your skin’s own damage repair processes. And with its high SPF 30 and UVA protection, it effectively prevents further sun damage and pigmentation. Your skin will start looking visibly brighter and more even in just four weeks, and keep improving over time.

My thoughts 

The Day Cream is quite thick, I suppose this comes from it being a SPF30 product so it does feel like a sun cream. However, it is not greasy at all and absorbs fast, creating a good base for the next product. It is ever so lightly scented. I have been using this for a few months now and my skin feels hydrated and perfectly balanced. I love that it has SPF30 as my skin feels protected. A really nice day cream

Eucerin Even Brighter Night Cream 

Eucerin say 

This regenerating cream effectively reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation for a brighter and more even complexion, over night.

Eucerin EVEN BRIGHTER Night Cream is clinically and dermatologically proven to reduce the dark spots and uneven skin tone caused by hyperpigmentation disorders. It contains B-Resorcinol to reduce melanin production and fighthyperpigmentation, and glycyrrhetinic acid to repair sun-induced skin damage. And because it’s enriched with nourishing dexpanthenol, it intensively moisturises while enhancing your skin’s nightly regeneration process. Your skin will start looking visibly brighter and more even in just four weeks, and keep improving over time.

My thoughts 

The night cream is gorgeous, light in texture and smells wonderful. A perfect bedtime treat that I apply over my serum.

Final thoughts 

I have one pigmentation spot on my forehead and overtime I have watched it slowly become less obvious, lighter and I have found easier to conceal. It hasn't gone completely but has reduced its appearance from the use of these two products. My skin looks bright and feels great too so I am happy overall using these products. 

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Cream £22.50 
Eucerin Even Brighter Night Cream £23.50 

*PR Samples

DHC Pore Lotion & Pore Milk Review

Pores..I want my skin to look perfectly smooth and flawless and yet the tiny issue of pores has been the bane of my life for a very long time now. Nothing really eradicates them but there are products on the market to disguise and minimize them ...

So this post is dedicated to two products from Japanese brand DHC from their Pore range that I have been using and almost at the end of now. They have been part of my pretty happy skincare regime for a while now.

DHC Pore Lotion 

DHC say 

This gentle, alcohol-free toner contains brown algae extract to support collagen and scavenge free radicals on skin’s surface. Plus, zinc PCA helps control excess sebum while mushroom extract helps visibly tighten pores. It uses “Delivery Nanomicelle” technology to more effectively administer pore-minimising ingredients to skin. Nanomicelles are nano-sized particles of crystallized, high-molecular polymers. Once the toner is applied to your skin, the polymer shell of the nanomicelle dissolves, releasing the ingredients over time to help firm your complexion and clarify pores so they look smaller. You’ll love its refreshing, natural grapefruit scent.

My thoughts 

I did think this was a rather pricey toner but having been using it for well over 6 months now, could even be longer, a little goes a long way. It is a really gentle toner, over Christmas when I had psoriasis on my face and it felt really sensitive it was one of the few products that I could continue to use and have no adverse effects (like stinging). Pore Lotion smells wonderfully refreshing and is a great toner in my mind. I would use this again, no question.

DHC Pore Milk

DHC say 

Help control excess sebum, clarify pores and fight blemishes, all while supporting your skin’s natural moisture barrier. Bursting with artichoke leaf extract, vitamin C and a powerful antioxidant called oxyresveratrol to help firm skin and clarify pores so they look smaller, this lightweight moisturiser uses “Delivery Microcapsule” technology to more effectively administer these pore-minimising ingredients. The microcapsules are minute, silica vessels that release beneficial ingredients where needed by sensing the skin’s ion balance. You’ll also love its refreshing, natural grapefruit scent.

My thoughts 

Once again this has a lovely pleasant scent. I must admit I was a little baffled when I first used this as I wasn't entirely sure if it was meant to be my moisturiser per se, as it is really light and milk like in consistency. Packaging wise it has a handy pump dispenser which I love. Personally, it didn't feel moisturising enough to be used alone so I did wear my usual moisturiser on top and it has worked really well. Pores are minimised and it has been a long time since I have suffered from shiny nose syndrome.

DHC Pore Lotion 120ml £28 
DHC Pore Milk 80ml £28

*PR Samples

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF15 Review

When it comes to new foundations I love to try them,  for there is nothing better than creating a perfect base or canvas for the makeup that will follow.. As it happens I am almost at the end of all three of my current foundations and so I am looking to purchase a new one very soon. I could repurchase one I have already tried but it is really rather fun trying new ones, especially as they tend to be 'new generation' or with the latest buzz word.

I popped to the Elizabeth Arden counter to try their latest foundation as I had seen some adverts and a couple of people had mentioned that they liked it. I have never tried a foundation from Elizabeth Arden so I was particularly keen to find out more. I liked its name - Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF15. Now who doesn't wish for a flawless finish with a product that looks like it is barely there?

The lovely lady on the counter (she really was rather nice) told me that the finish was medium/full as I told her I was looking for good coverage as I need it for my rosacea (on the cheeks) I later found out (first by trying it and then reading on the EA website) that actually it is a light to medium coverage product. However she did colour match me and gave me a sample to take away.

I was matched with shade 05-Natural

Elizabeth Arden say 

Makeup that feels like your skin, only better.

• For all skin types

• Light to Medium Coverage

• Natural Radiant Finish

Light, breathable formula moisturizes skin for 24 hours*, and smoothes on seamlessly for a naturally luminous look that lasts all day. Proven to minimize the appearance of pores immediately and over time with continued use. Hydro-pigment colour technology, vitamins and antioxidants protect and perfect, so skin looks beautifully even-toned and flawless.

Swatch of Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF15 in Natural

Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF15 in Natural Blended

My thoughts 

This fluid foundation has a lovely silky texture that literally melts and disappears into the skin. It leaves a beautiful, radiant finish. However, as I was told it was a full coverage foundation I was expecting it to cover blemishes and my rosacea which of course it didn't. I was able to add to the areas that needed extra coverage with no problem at all. The foundation is light and virtually undetectable. It lasts a good 6+ hours and that is with the fact that I suffer from hayfever and usually look pretty ropey. It smooths fine lines and evens out skintone and hides pores well. 

I liked this foundation a lot, it is good for the Summer months although a higher SPF would have been welcome. I think it photographs nicely too, see below. I would consider purchasing this foundation.

Wearing Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF15 in Natural

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF15 costs £28

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette - Spring/Summer Blusher

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette

I am loving this pretty blush palette from No7 - Peony Petals Blush Palette. It has 3 shades, 2 pinks and cute gold highlighting petals. It is rather subtle as you will see from the swatches but can be built up for a stronger colour. I like to blend all three for a shimmery, radiant look or swish my brush in the two pinks and add the gold highlight shade on the tops of my cheeks.

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette Swatch

Wearing it below with a strong lip, I think it is really flattering. I think it is a really versatile blush, apply the purple/pink for a cooler tone, warm it up with the softer pink or swirl in all three.

No7 Peony Petals Blush Palette is available from Boots and costs £12

*PR Sample

CARMEX Jasmine Green Tea Moisturising Lip Balm

Carmex Jasmine Green Tea Lip Balm on a personalised illustration from Patrick Morgan

I must admit that I have shied away from CARMEX Lip Balms before now as I am not a fan of a tingle..however I do know that my sister is a huge fan of CARMEX lip balms and swears by them to keep her lips in tip top condition.

However when I heard that CARMEX were launching a new flavour and it was to be Jasmine Green Tea, the tea lover in me knew I had to try it out.

CARMEX Jasmine Green Tea Moisturising Lip Balm features a beautiful and fragrant blend of Jasmine and Green Tea scent which you can smell whilst you apply, but doesn't taste like that on the lips. It also contains *menthol, camphor and has a very handy SPF15 which is perfect for protecting lips. I don't find that it tingles at all, which is ideal for me!

The squeezy tube design is great for easy application.

I have to say I love the scent, my lips feel soft and moisturised and there is a bit of glossy shine too. CARMEX have a new fan!

CARMEX Jasmine Green Tea Moisturising Lip Balm costs £2.69 and will be available from May 2014 at www.graftonsbeauty.co.uk

*Also contains lanolin and Cocoa Butter

**PR Sample

Beauty Look - How to do Sultry

I love playing with and trying out make up and of course creating different beauty looks. I love seeing just how different my face can look with the help of a few colours and tricks!

The look above is one that I particularly adore - A bit sultry, a bit sex kitten. This is a look where the focus is predominantly on the Kohl eyes but the rest of the makeup has to be soft but sculpted for real impact. I think this is great date night make up.

The products I used 

Foundation - Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in Champagne 
Bronzer - Little Mix by Collection Bronze It Jesy Bronzer
Contour Blush - Smashbox Blush Silhouette in Rush - Create fabulous cheek bones
Blusher - Cargo Cosmetics Blush in Tonga - A neutral blush
Highlighter - Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc Pink Tourmaline - I love this shimmer bloc as a radiance enhancer.
Lip Gloss - Beautiful Movements Cosmetics Nude Lip Gloss - The perfect peachy pink nude gloss allowing the eyes to shine.
Mascara - Benefit They're Real Mascara
Eyeliner - Maybelline New York Master Kajal Kohl Liner in Pitch Black - For added interest I have drawn two flicks coming out at the corner of my eyes.

2True Pro Tech Extreme Eyeliner Black - Review

After the disappointment of the last eyeliner pen I reviewed, which was binned almost immediately, a lovely PR got in touch and suggested I try the 2True Pro Tech Extreme Eyeliner.

2True say

Ultimate control and intense colour. Special shaped tip applicator for precision application

2True Pro Tech Extreme Eyeliner Swatch

My thoughts

Now this is more like it. The 2True Pro Tech Extreme Eyeliner has a perfect precision nib to draw thin lines and it can be built up to achieve thicker lines for the famous winged look. More importantly however is the lovely rich and intense black colour and the fact it dries quickly and stays in place all day! I always wear powder on my eyes to even up the eye area and this eyeliner did not transfer at all once dried. Very impressed and the fact that it is under £5 makes it a winner.

To sum up

Easy to use
Gorgeous intense black colour
Stays in place

Wearing 2True Pro Tech Extreme Eyeliner Black

2True Pro Tech Extreme Eyeliner Black costs £4.50 and is available from Superdrug stores

*PR Sample

Superdrug Nourishing Nail Polish Remover

A heads up for this great nail polish remover from Superdrug - Nourishing Nail Polish Remover. It is Acetone free and contains Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. It does a fab job at gently and easily removing polish without feeling harsh and the after scent is a nice zesty lemon.

Superdrug Nourishing Nail Polish Remover costs £1.39

BB Creams and Foundations That Were Not For Me

For me my base, whether it be a Tinted Moisturiser, BB Cream, CC Cream or Foundation is the most important part of my makeup look. If my base is right, everything else follows. Of course skincare is key, but some things cannot be helped and I like to enhance the great bits and hide the less so great things...

So what do I look for in a base -

Personally I tend to look for bases that hide pores, smooths lines, masks the redness of rosacea on the cheeks and a product that lasts a good 6+ hours without the need for a retouch. Naturally I want something that is not mask like and looks as natural as possible..

For various reasons which I am going to outline below, the BB Creams and Foundations pictured above were not right for me ...

From L-R

Kiko Sunproof BB Cream SPF 30 in Light £9.90 for 30ml

Kiko say 

Radiant finish foundation-treatment with light coverage and SPF 30.

A perfect combination of make-up and skin protection. A veritable multibenefit treatment that guarantees even colour and protection from the sun. The light coverage colour takes on a natural second skin effect to perfectly match the tones of your complexion. Imperfections are covered and signs of fatigue are minimized.

The light, smoothing formula ensures an even, long lasting finish.

My thoughts 

I love most products from Kiko so I had high hopes for this BB Cream. It has a high SPF which is a huge bonus in the Summer months. Unfortunately the shade (Light) is just too dark for me (it comes in 4 shades, with the lightest being called Very Light). I love the thin tube that dispenses the BB Cream as it is easy to control the amount that comes out. It does provide a lovely glow but for me the coverage is far too light which means all my flaws are visible and not all are able to be hidden with a concealer!

Simple Kind To Skin+ Perfecting BB Beauty Balm Universal Shade SPF15 £8.99 for 50ml

Simple say 

For natural flawless looking skin...

You are craving picture-perfect, flawless skin in a instant. Discover our Perfecting Beauty Balm: it moisturises, evens out skin tone, blurs imperfections & fine lines, and even protects your skin from UVA and UVB (SPF-15), all in one go!

Our unique blend of multi-vitamins, skin-loving ingredients with naturally derived minerals and illuminating particles instantly give you natural flawless looking skin. Perfect even for sensitive skin.
Simple goodness...
3 vitamins Pro-vitamins B3, Vitamin E, Vitamin A Palmitate,4 skin loving ingredients -

Bisabolol, Ginger Root Extract, Sweet Almond Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, no artificial perfume or colour and no harsh chemicals so it won't upset your skin.

My thoughts 

Unfortunately I could barely give this a review as the Universal shade is just so dark and I am not that pale! It really did make me look far too orange and Oompa Loompa like which is a great shame as I really liked its texture. It is soft and creamy and easy to blend.

SEVENTEEN On The Spot Foundation SPF15 in Natural £6.99 for 30ml

SEVENTEEN say

Flawless full coverage AND clearer skin in 4 weeks!

All day flawless foundation which covers and helps treat for healthier looking skin. Containing our unique Skin Clear Complex with blemish fighting salicylic acid , the foundation gives your clearer skin in 4 weeks.

My thoughts 

First of all I should mention that I love the pump dispenser and packaging of this foundation, especially at the price level that it is at. Natural is also a good match for my skin but unfortunately that is where it ends. I confess that I don't particularly suffer from spots so I am reviewing this from the end of it being a foundation to provide flawless coverage... 

Now I don't know what happened with this foundation but I just could not make it work for me. No matter which moisturiser or primer variation I used, the product would not apply smooth at all, it was really patchy and to this end I could not wear it out. Texture wise as would be expected from a full coverage foundation this was reasonably thick.

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Flawless Finish Foundation SPF20 010 Ivory £8.99 for 30ml 

Maybelline say

Energising vitamin formula flawless finish foundation. Evens skin tone instantly. Better looking skin in 3 weeks. All day wear. Non transfer.

My thoughts 

*I was sent this sample for a magazine trial

In the same vein as the SEVENTEEN version but it promises better skin a week faster.. One of the newer generation of makeup/skincare fusion lines.

Ivory was a shade or so too dark for me but for the purposes of the trial I persisted with wearing this foundation.

Once again I should stress that my skin is not really prone to spots so I was looking at it from the angle of the coverage and appearance of my skin. 

I quite liked the coverage of this foundation,( particularly on my pores) and if it had been the right shade I would have probably liked it more.. however the major downside to it is that it clung to and highlighted dry patches I never even knew I had. At the same time that I was trialling this product I was suffering from psoriasis on my face and it really showed it up when other foundations I wore hid it perfectly. For that reason the foundation was not for me.

Have you tried these foundations/BB Creams? Would love to know what you thought of them.

*All products were PR Samples unless otherwise stated.

OGX Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist - My Hair Loves

I have been trying out a rather delicious coconut scented hair oil - OGX Nourishing Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist does exactly what it promises to do.

OGX say 

An exotic and enticing blend of lightweight coconut oil to nourish strands along with hydrating bamboo extract for hair that is soft, touchable and healthier looking with each use.

Instructions for use 

Apply Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist to clean, towel dried hair and style as desired. Can also be applied to dry hair to tame fly-a-ways and add shine throughout the day.

My thoughts

Shine in a bottle, the Oil Mist smells wonderful. After the first use my son immediately noted and commented that my hair smelt nice! The lovely coconut scent reminds me of holidays and Summer.

Many years ago I used to use a coconut shine shampoo so I was convinced this was going to provide fabulous shine to my hair and I wasn't disappointed. It leaves hair beautifully soft, sleek and healthy looking. However, I am most impressed with how I can spritz away to my hearts content to add shine whenever, and yet my hair never looks weighed down with product or lank and oily.

Super hair product.

OGX Coconut Oil Weightless Hydrating Oil Mist costs £6.99 and is available from Tesco 

*PR Sample

Imperial Leather Foamburst Body Wash In Sweet Vanilla & Cherry Blossom

Bath times are all about pampering for me and Imperial Leather Foamburst Body Wash ticks all the boxes. I was sent the Sweet Vanilla & Cherry Blossom to try out.

One simple spray, you really don't want to be heavy handed as a little goes a long way, unleashes gel that resembles a piece of Turkish Delight that soon turns into a wondrous and ever expanding foam. The foam is super soft and creamy and smells absolutely delicious and exquisite. I was pleasantly surprised at just how nice it smelt and yet was subtle in its scent. I adore the cherry scent and it leaves the bathroom smelling divine.

The creamy foam feels luxurious and doubles up as a super performing shaving foam (for my legs, in case you were wondering...!). Skin is left feeling soft, clean and smooth, the experience pleasurable.

As a little really does go a long way, the can will provide 40 washes which for its price is a real bargain.

There are seven variants in the range and already I am tempted to try the Moisturising Honey and Almond Milk and Rebalancing Green Tea and Jasmine versions.

And if that is not all, Imperial Leather have created 7 Genies to accompany the launch of each of the products in the range.. My genie is Sebastian... take a look :)

Imperial Leather Foamburst range costs £2.99 for a 200ml can.

*Sponsored post

Kiko Make Up Milano Sun Show Nail Lacquer 43 - Nails Of The Day

This delightful nail polish is from the Limited Edition Life In Rio Collection - The Sun Show Nail Lacquer contains a gold pearl that gives it an iridescent quality, the result is quite simply shimmer-tastic, the polish glistens and gleams in the sunshine with an almost wet look to it. No43 is a gold shade that in certain lights looks rose gold or pinky. It will certainly keep people guessing!

Kiko Make Up Milano Sun Show Nail Lacquer is available in 10 shades and costs £5.90

*PR Sample

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara - Review

Hay-fever season started for me back in late February and so I needed a waterproof mascara pronto...I picked up Maybelline's newest mascara - Big Eyes Volum' Express Mascara in the waterproof version to put it to the test. With a waterproof mascara I look for two key things - is it waterproof and how nice does it make my lashes.

Maybelline say 

Amplify lashes all around with our first eye-opening double brush Mascara.
Push-up brush: pushes upper lashes up and wide for a volumised full fan effect.
Sculpting mini-brush: grabs and magnifies the look of even the tiniest of lashes.
For an all-around eye-opening effect.
Up to 2x more visible impact.

For Best Results

Use the upper push up brush on your top lashes, applying from root to tip until a clean, voluminous look is achieved.

Use the sculpting mini-brush on your lower lashes, to magnify the look of even the tiniest of lashes. 

Upper Lash Brush

Lower Lash Brush

My thoughts 

I had high hopes for this mascara, I was intrigued by the double ended nature of it. 2 brushes, one for the upper lashes in a traditional brush style and a tiny, thin lash brush for the lower lashes.

I think you can see from the before and after pics that the mascara does indeed leave my lashes looking good. It provides decent length and reasonable thickness to them. The formula as with most waterproof mascaras is dry. However, I have found that the more I use the mascara the nicer it is making my lashes appear. For example, on first application I wasn't that blown away by how black it made my lashes look but after a few uses the formula appears richer and the colour more intense. It curls the lashes well.

I am not that convinced that it is necessary to have the lower lash brush, I don't think it adds much value to the product as often I find myself forgetting to use it and just using the standard brush, in the photo below I did use it and when I do use I do like it.

Is it waterproof ?- In a nutshell yes, my hay-fever is pretty severe with constantly streaming eyes without my meds and the mascara stayed put. It does suffer from a tiny bit of flaking but this is after many hours of relentless watery eyes and rubbing of my eyes. Hey, I had to really put it it through its paces!

Before and After Pics 

After Pic Wearing Maybelline Big Eyes Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara

Maybelline Big Eyes Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara costs £8.99

Models Own Coral Reef - Nails Of The Day

I absolutely love Models Own Coral Reef a stunning sunny shade that is perfect for manis and pedis...Coral Orange perfection.

I applied two coats, it dries quickly and is hard wearing!

Seventeen Make Your Mark Precision Eye Liner Pen - Review

My all time favourite eye liner pen was the felt tip style Eyeko's one in brown which they no longer do. It was fool proof to use, gave a beautiful constant line and did not budge an inch.

Ever since then I have been looking for another perfect pen style liner to replace it, and in particular a fab brown would be ideal...

SEVENTEEN Make Your Mark Precision Eye Liner Pen in Blackest Black looked promising but sadly it was a disappointment and failed to live up to its promises.

Seventeen say 

Line and define or mix it up and go graphic. The pen style precision liner gives carbon intensity with waterproof and up to 25 hour staying power.

My thoughts 

I liked the felt tip style applicator a lot but it was hard to draw a smooth even line, it seemed to hard. The line that came out was not sharp, indeed you can see from the picture above that half in an intense black colour but then there is an additional light, watery line! The liquid is very slow to dry and I could still smudge it a good ten minutes after I had applied it. Soon after drawing the line the intense black shade fades. It most definitely was not waterproof and was easily removed with water.

Disappointing indeed.

SEVENTEEN Make Your Mark Precision Eye Liner Pen £3.99

*PR Sample

Black Nail Polish With Gold Glitter - Bling Bling! - NOTD

Today's Nails Of The Day are a favourite combo of mine.. black nail polish with gold glitter. I am using Models Own Gun Grey as the base which is not quite black but dark enough (I want to try a similar look with a really glossy rich black too!) and for the gold glitter I have used the ArtStix Duo in Cloud Drops - Dew Drops, a mix of hexagons, dots and fine glitter.