Showing posts with label Face. Show all posts

Showing posts with label Face. Show all posts

Product Of The Month: COLLECTION Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream

Nothing makes my day like getting a surprise bargain. I love surprises, I love bargains - I love surprise bargains ! That smug, happy feeling isn't something I often experience with my beauty products but today, I absolutely NEED to shout from the rooftops and tell you about a wonderful little product I've bought.

A £2.99 knockout, this lip cream performs well above its price band and is one of my new must-have makeup items!

Oh yeah - and I bought another one too. See?

No surprises here - of course my story, like most of my shopping stories, starts in Boots....

Picture the scene. Already late but desperate to buy something to jazz up my 9-5 makeup, I was headed to the beauty aisles of Boots in hunt of a lipstick.

Although this was a spontaneous buy, I didn't want to buy needlessly so I was looking for something new - something I hadn't tried before but something which was cheap enough to choose in about 2 minutes!

It was a snap decision - a bit like the feeling when the platform for your train has just been announced and you're trying to quickly pick an M&S sandwich whilst trying to avoid any of the yucky egg ones. (I know you know what I'm saying here guyss)

And what did I come out with? This adorable, non threatening little cream puff! Shall we take a closer look?

Product Of The Month: COLLECTION Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream

My First Chanel Beauty Buy! Les Beiges Multi-Colour Compact

There comes that time in your life where you start to make a more permanent move from Tesco Value to Tesco Finest and, for me, it's the same with makeup.

Let me tell you what I mean. Although I've dabbled in the occasional Lancome or Benefit product, I've spent the majority of my makeup years buying beauty-aisle brands and online budget beauty. As I've progressed with my career I've started to branch out but the big leap from high-street to high end can only be immortalised by one brand - and that's Chanel.

That's right - it's taken me a few years to get here but this month I bought my first bit of Chanel Beauty. A little healthy-glow compact which came with it's own velvet pouch. Say what?! How have I not gone high-end sooner?

What is this MASTERPIECE before me?

This, dear friends, is the new addition to the Chanel Les Beiges collection and the latest addition to my make up bag!

My First Chanel Beauty Buy! Les Beiges Multi-Colour Compact

Pharmaclinix Acnex Cream - Before & After

Hi team! Little skin moan today. I don't know about you, but when I get spots, they ALWAYS leave behind a small scar. Even when I resist from touching it!

I've been producing a video about my skincare routine and one of my main skincare concerns is how to get rid of acne scars and dark marks. Oh yeah, and prevent any spots from coming back! I'm in my twenties, I'm not meant to get spots anymore!!

So in February, I had a Lightenex facial at The Hyperpigmentation Clinic to try and even out my skintone. Following on from then, I've been using the Acnex pigmentation cream to keep up the attack on my acne scars and also prevent acne from returning. But what were the results like?

First of all, let's talk pigmentation - if you dun know yet, get to know! The first step in dealing with skin issues is to understand why they happen. Check out the science part in my Lightenex pigmentation post.

What is Acnex?

Pharmaclinix Acnex Cream - Before & After

Undo The Damage: Dove Intensive Repair Self Warming Hair Mask

Heat styling, Hair colouring and Backcombing are like the three horsemen of the Hair Apocalypse to me. And when it comes to judgement time, I bet my hair will be pronounced by the Beauty Gods as an over processed, split-ended mess. Oh noes. But is there anything I can do to prevent the end of my hair as I know it?

PERHAPS. Today I'm seeking penance in the name of Dove Intensive Repair Self Warming Mask which is designed to strengthen and revive damaged hair from the inside out. Billed as 'the hair hero we've been waiting for', it uses heat to restore shine and gloss and is meant to leave hair up to TEN times more resilient against future damage. Ten times!

I was lucky enough to be sent the Intensive Repair Mask to try but was it a hair hero........or a hair zero?

First Thoughts.

Undo The Damage: Dove Intensive Repair Self Warming Hair Mask

Dreaming of Summer: Model's Own Indian Ocean Nail Polish

It’s sunny, it’s glorious, it’s not really that warm but HEY. In my mind, summer is well on it’s way!! And with that thought, I’m dreaming of days spent on a sun-lounger, ripples in the pool, the sound of surf on the sand… What other way to channel this through my personal being than with beachy hair and mermaid makeup?

This week, I already released a tutorial about faking thebronze with the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (which I’m also giving away!) – and today, we’re moving away from the face and hair. The destination? The hands! The gateway to making sandcastles and holding Mr Whippys, beautiful hands are just as important when it comes to summer makeup.

Today’s nails are just that – a beautiful mermaid-meets-swimming-pool shade, it’s the Indian Ocean nail polish from the Model’s Own Beetlejuice range.

models own nail polish review indian ocean beauty makeup

Isn’t it just sublime? Not quite blue, not quite pink pearl. Either way, it's a serious summer colour which will look SHEET HOT with a tan.

Alternatively, if you’re going for a pale and interesting vibe, Indian Ocean will also complement pastel hair and pale skins with an ethereal glow.

Does it come out like it does on the bottle? Read on.

Dreaming of Summer: Model's Own Indian Ocean Nail Polish

MIZSPA GIVEAWAY! Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

With the sun very slowly making it’s way out, it’s time to start thinking about summer beauty essentials and bringing out the products which get pushed to the back of cabinet over winter - the most obvious of which begins with a B…and ends with RONZER.

Yes yes, clever you for guessing, I’m talking about that ultimate shimmery hit of tan which indicates lots of time spent outdoors, doing something extravagantly healthy like volleyball or hiking in the country, or, if you’re less actively-inclined (like me), your tan is obviously gained by stylishly lazing on a nearby coast.

I actually tan quite evenly and easily – the only ever time I had sunburn, I genuinely thought that I’d just suffered an allergic reaction to something!! I kid you not.

Therefore, I’ve only really used matt bronzers before - y'know, for contouring and adding a bit of brahhn and colour to my otherwise uninteresting skin. However, the last winter has really been, what I like to call, an epiphany of glow! I’ve gone from a matte-finish fanatic to a dewy skin seeker. AND, if that wasn’t enough of a change – my promotion last year also means that I can finally treat myself to the occasional high end beauty product! Nice one.

With me so far? Cheap, matte bronzers 2013, fancy, glowy bronzers 2014! I feel like a beautiful bronzed butterfly emerging from the ashes. But what’s the product that I’ve gone for this time?

It’s only the infamous Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick (complete with mini Bobbi Brown Face Blender Brush) HIYA.

And the good news is.... I'M GIVING ONE AWAY TOO!

Read on for details on HOW TO WIN.

MIZSPA GIVEAWAY! Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

My 50% Off Models Own Nail Polish Haul!

I love a bargain. I love a discount. So naturally I LOVED the Models Own 50% off discount which was on the other week.

I've been a fan of Models Own nail polishes for a while - you can see my review of Hedonist nail polish and Disco Mix here. The consistencies are just right and the colours are brilliant. Great shades for every occasion and great value at £5 a bottle.

At 50% off, I couldn't help myself. I bought 8 items and for about £20! Bargain bargain bargaiiiiin! (The only downside was that it took about 2 weeks to arrive but I think you might agree....they were totally worth the wait.)

From left to right: Indian Ocean, Tangerine Queen, Coral Glaze Hyper Gel, Lilac Sheen Hyper Gel, Pink Power Lip Stix, Pink Veneer Hyper Gel, Apple Pie Fruit Pastel, Express Dry

What have we got here then?

My 50% Off Models Own Nail Polish Haul!

From Straight Hair to Surf Hair! Joico Structure Beach Texture Spray

My hair is a bit of a wet rag. It's naturally very boring and straight and I don't do anything to it, it just sits there quietly, a bit like a small, old, dog which is too tired to run around. And no one wants their hair to be described like that do they? We all want finely coiffed poodles, voluptously shaggy Lassie dogs or colourful, silky golden retrievers!

That's why I love a good transformational product. Anyone can transform their hair with a hot styler, but to be able to spray-and-go is another level of awesomeness, particularly in the Zoe Dubs world of "I'm running late" and "I can't be bothered"

Today's product fits very snugly into this category of "Good Transformational Product" - it's the Structure Beach Texture Spray by Joico. OOOooOOh.

What is this?!

From Straight Hair to Surf Hair! Joico Structure Beach Texture Spray

NYE Party Makeup - Shimmery Kajal Eyes & Palladium Shine Lips

It's the New Year Party and what did I wear on my face? (Other than a big boozy smile of course..)

Obviously there was a whoooole load of slap on there, but today I'm going to talk about the look I created using a couple of Oriflame products which were sent my way.

Being a beauty blogger, there's always a bit of a focus on how you wear your makeup. People aren't going to read my beauty blog unless I prove my salt, so let's take a closer look!

MY GIANT FACE COMING UP!!

Oriflame Makeup Beauty Blog NYE Tips

Da- dahh! The party face! I've been doing a lot of travelling around over the holidays so it's vital that a full-on face like this can be done with as few products as possible.

I've used about 5 products on this face, namely an eyebrow kit, an eyeliner, a lipstick and some shimmer....

And it's easy peasy to do! Wanna know how? Read on..

NYE Party Makeup - Shimmery Kajal Eyes & Palladium Shine Lips

Beauty 2013: A Face Value Beauty Blog Summary

Another year gone, another hundred products tried and tested. I dread to think how much I spend on my beauty habit but hey, let's think positive - at least I can tell you guys what's super and what sucks! (whether you'll listen and/or care is another story..)

And that's what today's post is about - my favourite, and least favourite products of 2013!

Here's a little montage, just to remind you - but read on and see who the real stars were!

Beauty 2013: A Face Value Beauty Blog Summary

Merry & Bright - No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium

Today, a quick look at one of my favourite lipsticks of 2013. It's the No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium.

Alriiiight, hold back your giggles girls! It was launched way, way back in 1935 so you can thank 1930's No7 for the name.

But immaturity aside, this Gay Geranium shade is an absolute classic. It was actually discontinued and brought back due to popular demand - apparently the Queen is a big fan!

Christmas is definitely a time to crack out the colours and shades you wouldn't normally wear in your black-and-grey normal daily life. And this orange No7 lipstick is certainly not one I thought I'd normally wear.

But hey, if it's good enough for The Queen, it's good enough for me!

Let's take a closer look.

This No7 Stay Perfect lipstick is a wonderful, vibrant coral-orange shade. More orange than pink, it's a bright shade which I think suits a lot of skin tones.

Merry & Bright - No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick in Gay Geranium

Be A Natural Beauty with L'Oreal Eau De Teint Foundation

Zoe's bought a new foundation to add to her collection? Errr standard!

I saw the advert for this L'Oreal Eau De Teint foundation in a magazine and I was instantly intrigued. "Perfectly invisible, lighter than water, zero make-up feel" + I haven't tried it yet = SOLD.

Although I absolutely adore my current foundation fave - the Bareminerals Ready Foundation - I'm actually going through a really good skin phase at the moment (touch wood) so I was in the market for a lighter coverage foundation.

Doesn't it look beautiful? A frosted glass bottle with purple foil accents - quite expensive looking for a high street brand. And it's not just a pretty bottle, I was actually really impressed with this foundation!

Be A Natural Beauty with L'Oreal Eau De Teint Foundation

Extra Winter Protection with Antipodes Hosanna Skin-Pumping Serum!

This winter weather unfortunately has turned my skin into oily combi with dry patches aka the worst skin type ever. So I felt like I should get a serum - "it's winter", "it's pay day", "it's almost Christmas" - I did not struggle to justify this to myself in the slightest.

Being a teeeny bit of a beauty obsessive, I have the in-built need and constant desire to OWN ALL THE PRODUCTZ. I've always felt like I 'should' use serum but my combination oily skin can't handle the heavier formulations out there.

For this reason, one of my favourite serums was the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum as it dries really quickly and smelt delicious. However it's £50 and I just couldn't stomach splashing out on it.

So there was me, going through the Selfridges beauty hall trying on all the serums I could find and - revelation moment - I came across THIS...

This is the Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum.

Extra Winter Protection with Antipodes Hosanna Skin-Pumping Serum!

Bye-bye Bags with Benefit Fake Up Concealer!

I don't know about you but I'm really not getting enough sleep these days. Even when I've finished work early and have a quiet night in planned, I somehow end up dilly-dallying around at the end of the night. More often than not I'll get carried away watching YouTube before realising that wait, it's actually now midnight. Waa.

Or I'll start a quick session of Candy Crush only to realise that it's suddenly been an hour and I still have to brush my teeth and take my makeup off.

And don't eeeven get me started on my night routine. I'll think about trying a new facial oil, a brow enhancing serum, a new eye cream and before you know its taken me 40 minutes to get ready for bed.

Of course, along with no sleep comes my good friend Mr Bags. You know, the morning after when you look in the mirror and Mr Bags has put up residency under your eyes. And that's when my Benefit Fake Up steps in.

What is Fake Up?

It's a clever, hydrating, crease-control concealer designed to hide Mr Bags and fake your awakeness! You stroke it under the eye and then pat it in. See ya later Mr Bags.

Bye-bye Bags with Benefit Fake Up Concealer!

Being A Sexy Mother Pucker with Soap & Glory.

There comes a time in eternity when history fashions itself a revolution. This age, my friends, is the age of the evolving lipstick! From bullet to wand to stick, lipstick formats are constantly evolving and my new favourite? It's the crayon.

Now Clinique werent exactly the first to bring this out but I'd say that the reams of lip crayons available in the beauty aisle now are largely a product of "chubby stick feverrrr".

And today's review is one of them! The well named Sexy Mother Pucker gloss stick by Soap & Glory.

First of all - 10/10 for the name. Nice one Soap&Glory. I love a good pun.

Being A Sexy Mother Pucker with Soap & Glory.

Instant Pretty with No7 Instant Radiance Blush

The morning-after-the-night-before is anything but pretty. Late nights and excessive merrymaking can be a challenge on even the most perfect skin and when you're half asleep and not feeling 100%, looking pretty can be.... tricky.

Even normally, sculpting your cheeks these days can be complicated. First you have to apply your colour, and then use highlighter across the cheekbones, and if you've really got some time - a darker blush in the hollows. Like I said, perfect cheeks can be complicated!

But of course, as with most complicated things, it's not long before the human race finds a simpler, easier way to do it and this No7 Instant Radiance Blush is a prime example of our modern evolution. Well done us.

Isn't it gorgeous? This is the Instant Radiance Blush palette from No7 and , believe me, it's more than just a pretty picture.

Instant Pretty with No7 Instant Radiance Blush

Barefaced Confidence Part1 : A DIY Brow Tint How-To

So i have a thing about not wearing makeup. The thought of going bare faced in public is actually horrifying. No, dont worry, this isn't an annoying case where girl says "errmagahd, I am sooo ugly, tell me how pretty I am" - I'm just saying I feel much more confident wearing makeup. (and I look better!)

So now you've got the background, imagine my dilemma when I was preparing for my Three Peaks challenge the other month!

If I wear makeup on the mountain it'll end up melting off my face and onto my clothes. Panda eyes in addition to my puffy red face ain't gonna a good look.

And more importantly, there's going to be photos on each mountain and a video montage. A montage! Girl's gotta look good in a montage.

So what did I do the weekend before my hike? Only a DIY Brow Tint and Eyelash Extension! How

If you were to get this professionally done every fortnight it really can add up, but doing it myself only set me back an hour and less than £15. Everyone kept asking how I got these results and I wanted to prove just how easy it is! So here we go a cheeky DIY tutorial and review of the products I used. Enjoy!

Part 1. The easiest, the DIY brow tint.

Barefaced Confidence Part1 : A DIY Brow Tint How-To

Christmas is Coming: Lush Christmas 2013

Ergh, can you believe it? It's October already and I've barely made a dent on any of my new years resolutions. One of which is to get rid of all the junk I collected from last Christmas. You know - gifts for others you forgot to give, presents you didn't really like and sale items that seemed like a good idea at the time...

Bizarrely, I seem to have amassed 4 uneaten christmas puds from last year. Mainly because I hate Christmas pudding and people like to give them to me as Xmas gifts. Why is this?? Is it because everyone secretly hates Christmas puds and we're all just recycling them as gifts to get them away from us? TOP FACT: Christmas Puddings are RUBBISH gifts.

What makes a great gift? Err - prime example - the Lush Christmas 2013 holiday range. Today's blog post provides some fab examples of what would make great gifts for me!

I attended the Lush Christmas preview this week which showcased all the products released for the holiday season. Contenders ready? 3-2-1 start your lusting NOW.

Inspired by British icons like David Bowie and William Morris, the Lush Xmas drop has a great range of adorable themed goodies and pre-boxed gifts.

The good news is, they're all available in store NOW and if you shop online, they ship worldwide. Let's take a look....

It's beginning to look a lot like Lushmas.

Christmas is Coming: Lush Christmas 2013

Getting my brows onnnn with Oriflame Beauty Eyebrow Kit

I never used to do my eyebrows. And I wonder WHY EVER NOT. Before brow beauty came into my life, my brows were pale and sparser than a dead christmas tree. Defined brows really do change up your look and, if done right, can really enhance your face shape.

But how to do it? There's a seemingly endless array of brow beautifiers on offer - brow pencils, powders, waxes, gels. Brow to brain overload.

From my experience, brow pencils give great, precise definition but can look quite harsh if your brow shape is not quite right. Like two hard slugs that have stumbled onto your face (which, incidentally, sounds like the worst thing ever. Hate slugs) So they're not great if you're a beginner, or if you aren't sure where to start shaping.

Brow gels are great for keeping unruly brows in shape and adding texture to fine brows, but don't really do much in terms of solid colour, especially for dark-haired girls. It's the most au naturel of the options.

My weapon of choice, and particularly good for brow beginners, is powder. It fills in gaps in sparse brows and is great for enhancing the shape you already have.

I then choose to set it with a brow gel afterwards because y'know - for me - more is more.

For most NORMAL people though - this kit by Oriflame should probably do the trick!

What IS this cute little compact?

Getting my brows onnnn with Oriflame Beauty Eyebrow Kit

My New Lippie: Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick 08 by Kate Moss

When it comes to less is more, there is an unwritten code on how to get dressed. You either show your legs, or you show your chest - never both right? Well for me, it's the same for my makeup. I either play up my eyes, or play up a bright lip.

In most other aspects of my life, I'm a big fan of MORE IS MORE. But what to do on days when you want to keep lips defined but not distracting? Slick on a coat of nude lipstick!

Enter the perfect colour!

This is the Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 08.

My New Lippie: Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick 08 by Kate Moss

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)