Rose Inc have recently entered the foundation chat. I am a fan of their tinted serum which I have reviewed previously, so I was excited to receive their newest launch. Thank you to the brand for sending these my way. Before we hop into the full review, I will say now is a great time to shop with all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals we are being bombarded with! Sorry if you are reading this after the fact....

So, the Softlight Skin-smoothing Liquid Foundation: what are its main claims? 

• Plumps the skin 
• Buildable formula 
• Hydrating, suitable for all skin types

Like all foundations on the market currently, this one has its fair share of skincare ingredients to help keep the skin hydrated throughout the day - containing fermented reishi mushroom which is said to keep the skin smooth and shine-free...and don't worry, the fermented mushroom doesn't leave a funky smell. I never like to rely on my foundation to do the job of my skincare, especially with more of a medium-full coverage formula as I'm often not applying that much, but its nice to know its a little more beneficial to the skin. 

I am not a full coverage girly, I much prefer a lighter formula or just sticking to concealer, so I have been applying it with my Real Techniques Sponge to create a more natural sheer finish. I love a sponge to soak up any excess product, and how it makes foundations look a little more plump and juicy on the skin. A brush will give you more coverage if that is what you're after. 

It definitely leans more on the natural/satin side of things in terms of finish, but it did last well throughout the day and didn't break apart or get too oily. Great in the summer, but in the winter months I will be opting for something a tad more hydrating and forgiving on the skin. 

Retails for £42, pretty comparable to other high end foundations out there (again you could get a little discount if you shop during sale season!) and it comes in 31 shades. Something I've noticed about Rose Inc and their shades is that they run quite light. I had the same issue with the skin tint, so I would try to shade match in store if possible, as I've often ended up with matches I would have thought would have been too dark. The shade 4W works best for me, I also have 3N (a little too light for me and therefore leans a bit grey) and 6W (too dark, but may work in the summer). 

Watch my full review and application on Youtube.

 

Rose Inc Softlight Foundation Review

Beauty

Rose Inc have recently entered the foundation chat. I am a fan of their tinted serum which I have reviewed previously, so I was excited to receive their newest launch. Thank you to the brand for sending these my way. Before we hop into the full review, I will say now is a great time to shop with all the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals we are being bombarded with! Sorry if you are reading this after the fact....

So, the Softlight Skin-smoothing Liquid Foundation: what are its main claims? 

• Plumps the skin 
• Buildable formula 
• Hydrating, suitable for all skin types

Like all foundations on the market currently, this one has its fair share of skincare ingredients to help keep the skin hydrated throughout the day - containing fermented reishi mushroom which is said to keep the skin smooth and shine-free...and don't worry, the fermented mushroom doesn't leave a funky smell. I never like to rely on my foundation to do the job of my skincare, especially with more of a medium-full coverage formula as I'm often not applying that much, but its nice to know its a little more beneficial to the skin. 

I am not a full coverage girly, I much prefer a lighter formula or just sticking to concealer, so I have been applying it with my Real Techniques Sponge to create a more natural sheer finish. I love a sponge to soak up any excess product, and how it makes foundations look a little more plump and juicy on the skin. A brush will give you more coverage if that is what you're after. 

It definitely leans more on the natural/satin side of things in terms of finish, but it did last well throughout the day and didn't break apart or get too oily. Great in the summer, but in the winter months I will be opting for something a tad more hydrating and forgiving on the skin. 

Retails for £42, pretty comparable to other high end foundations out there (again you could get a little discount if you shop during sale season!) and it comes in 31 shades. Something I've noticed about Rose Inc and their shades is that they run quite light. I had the same issue with the skin tint, so I would try to shade match in store if possible, as I've often ended up with matches I would have thought would have been too dark. The shade 4W works best for me, I also have 3N (a little too light for me and therefore leans a bit grey) and 6W (too dark, but may work in the summer). 

Watch my full review and application on Youtube.

 

Read more »

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Shades left to right: Picasso, Carnavalet, Fontaines, Marias

I have a new eyeshadow palette obsession...but can you blame me? This is my first Viseart palette and I have to say I absolutely love it. Everything down to the quality, the price, the shades - it's a home run. Before I drone on anymore, let's tell you what the palette is actually called! This is the Viseart Petits Fours in Amalie - described as a warm, rose-gold palette, I think this is a lovely option for a quick everyday Spring look. 

This will cost you £23, and I picked mine up from Beauty Bay. A really fab price for the quality I think, especially in comparison to other eyeshadow quads I have forked out for (Charlotte Tilbury I'm looking at you!). The pans are magnetic too, so if you have other Viseart palettes in your collection you can mix and match if you so please. 

The shades: 

Picasso: Warm toned medium brown with a matte finish

Carnavalet: Soft warm peach with a metallic shimmer finish

Fontaines: Rose gold mid-tone with a metallic finish

Marais: Medium neutral-toned brown with a matte finish

The two matte shades do look fairly similar in the pan, and I do think on the eyes they blend out to both be a warm mid-toned brown. Even though Marias is described as a neutral tone, I do still think it leans quite warm, just slightly less so than Picasso. 

The Viseart website have some great application tips if you are interested, and I also have quite a few looks using this palette on my YouTube channel. 

The quality is really nice as I have previously said, the shadows are so smooth, pigmented and blendable - a little goes a long way. I love how you can use the metallic shades with a brush, or your fingers, both pick up super well and I don't have any issues with a patchy application or not picking up enough colour. 

It's fair to say I am a Viseart convert so please leave any palettes you recommend below! 

Viseart Petits Fours in Amalie. The Perfect Spring Eyeshadow Quad?

Beauty

Shades left to right: Picasso, Carnavalet, Fontaines, Marias

I have a new eyeshadow palette obsession...but can you blame me? This is my first Viseart palette and I have to say I absolutely love it. Everything down to the quality, the price, the shades - it's a home run. Before I drone on anymore, let's tell you what the palette is actually called! This is the Viseart Petits Fours in Amalie - described as a warm, rose-gold palette, I think this is a lovely option for a quick everyday Spring look. 

This will cost you £23, and I picked mine up from Beauty Bay. A really fab price for the quality I think, especially in comparison to other eyeshadow quads I have forked out for (Charlotte Tilbury I'm looking at you!). The pans are magnetic too, so if you have other Viseart palettes in your collection you can mix and match if you so please. 

The shades: 

Picasso: Warm toned medium brown with a matte finish

Carnavalet: Soft warm peach with a metallic shimmer finish

Fontaines: Rose gold mid-tone with a metallic finish

Marais: Medium neutral-toned brown with a matte finish

The two matte shades do look fairly similar in the pan, and I do think on the eyes they blend out to both be a warm mid-toned brown. Even though Marias is described as a neutral tone, I do still think it leans quite warm, just slightly less so than Picasso. 

The Viseart website have some great application tips if you are interested, and I also have quite a few looks using this palette on my YouTube channel. 

The quality is really nice as I have previously said, the shadows are so smooth, pigmented and blendable - a little goes a long way. I love how you can use the metallic shades with a brush, or your fingers, both pick up super well and I don't have any issues with a patchy application or not picking up enough colour. 

It's fair to say I am a Viseart convert so please leave any palettes you recommend below! 

Read more »

Monday, April 17, 2023

It's been a while since I've shared a little makeup round-up...two years to be exact. But there's certainly some new makeup I've been really enjoying and excited to play around with over the coming months.

A new concealer recently entered my life from NYX - their Bare With Me Serum Concealer. One of the BEST concealers I have tried in a while - definitely beats some high-end (even luxury) formulas I have used in the past. I love how lightweight this is, it feels very thin on the skin, not caky at all and very hydrating. Ticks all the boxes really. I have the shade 02 light and it's a lovely brightening shade for under the eyes. As it is so serum-like, it works beautifully around the face as well.

Also back on the blush train (but did I ever really leave?...) and I picked up one of the Too Faced Cloud Crush Blushes in Tequila Sunset - a lovely coral. This is a lovely vibrant shade that has a warm undertone, perfect for the warmer months. It's a matte formula, very blendable, and I do find them long-lasting. Just beware of the odd cinnamon scent...Too Faced and their scents eh?

Sticking with colour, can we get a moment for the gorgeous Lisa Eldridge Eyeshadow Palette in Muse! What a beautiful rosy pink colour story this is, yet still pretty wearable in my opinion. The shimmers are really lovely and the mattes blend well. I mean, Lisa can do no wrong, so my expectations were certainly exceeded with this launch. I feel like the hype has definitely died down with these palettes, but they are well worth the higher price tag. Also the packaging...ermmm...yes, we love it.

A good lip balm is essential all year round and I am a fan of the Lanolips formulas. I've opted for the coconut scent as it really does transport me to a tropical destination. This is quite thick, so it's one I use at night before bed, and my lips always feel so hydrated and nourished come morning. 

The Essence lip liners truly are a hidden gem at the drugstore!! These are £1....yes you read that right...£1...and they are pretty great. The shade First Love is a beautiful cool-toned pink, very brightening and I love this if I want a pop of colour on the lips. They are a wooden pencil, so not the most hydrating lip liner in all the land, but they apply nicely and last well. 

I've been on a bit of a gloss kick, and I had to try the Collagen Lip Baths from Charlotte Tilbury. I chose the shade Rosy Glow, which is a nude, warm toned rose. Very glossy, slightly sticky, but I love how this subtly plumps the lips. It has a very faint mint scent to it, but nothing too overbearing honestly. Another winier from Charlotte Tilbury! 

Current Makeup Edit | April 2023.

Beauty

It's been a while since I've shared a little makeup round-up...two years to be exact. But there's certainly some new makeup I've been really enjoying and excited to play around with over the coming months.

A new concealer recently entered my life from NYX - their Bare With Me Serum Concealer. One of the BEST concealers I have tried in a while - definitely beats some high-end (even luxury) formulas I have used in the past. I love how lightweight this is, it feels very thin on the skin, not caky at all and very hydrating. Ticks all the boxes really. I have the shade 02 light and it's a lovely brightening shade for under the eyes. As it is so serum-like, it works beautifully around the face as well.

Also back on the blush train (but did I ever really leave?...) and I picked up one of the Too Faced Cloud Crush Blushes in Tequila Sunset - a lovely coral. This is a lovely vibrant shade that has a warm undertone, perfect for the warmer months. It's a matte formula, very blendable, and I do find them long-lasting. Just beware of the odd cinnamon scent...Too Faced and their scents eh?

Sticking with colour, can we get a moment for the gorgeous Lisa Eldridge Eyeshadow Palette in Muse! What a beautiful rosy pink colour story this is, yet still pretty wearable in my opinion. The shimmers are really lovely and the mattes blend well. I mean, Lisa can do no wrong, so my expectations were certainly exceeded with this launch. I feel like the hype has definitely died down with these palettes, but they are well worth the higher price tag. Also the packaging...ermmm...yes, we love it.

A good lip balm is essential all year round and I am a fan of the Lanolips formulas. I've opted for the coconut scent as it really does transport me to a tropical destination. This is quite thick, so it's one I use at night before bed, and my lips always feel so hydrated and nourished come morning. 

The Essence lip liners truly are a hidden gem at the drugstore!! These are £1....yes you read that right...£1...and they are pretty great. The shade First Love is a beautiful cool-toned pink, very brightening and I love this if I want a pop of colour on the lips. They are a wooden pencil, so not the most hydrating lip liner in all the land, but they apply nicely and last well. 

I've been on a bit of a gloss kick, and I had to try the Collagen Lip Baths from Charlotte Tilbury. I chose the shade Rosy Glow, which is a nude, warm toned rose. Very glossy, slightly sticky, but I love how this subtly plumps the lips. It has a very faint mint scent to it, but nothing too overbearing honestly. Another winier from Charlotte Tilbury! 

Read more »

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

A spring base for me equals something light, breathable and radiant. Gone are the days where I am reaching for a full coverage foundation - I much prefer something smoothing and luminous, over flat and matte. Today, I wanted to round up my current favourites for you. I also have my entire foundation collection over on my YouTube channel if you're curious.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation £39

Shade: 3 Neutral 

This will give you the most coverage out of the bunch, and is one of my most used foundations when I am wanting a flawless, airbrush finish - something Charlotte does very well. I love how smoothing and plumping this is on the skin, it never looks too caky to dry. The finish is luminous, and you can build it to medium-full coverage.

This one comes in 30 shades, so pretty good. Obviously it is pricey so I do encourage you to try and get shade matched in-store so you don't end up spending nearly £40 on a foundation that won't really work! This is very hydrating, so great if you have dry skin, and it looks super fresh all day long! This is one I have really come to rely on if I am in the office all day. 

L'Oreal True Match Nude Tinted Plumping Serum £14.99

Shade: 2-3 Light 

How drugstore foundations are creeping up towards the £15/£20 mark I am not quite sure...but this is the most affordable foundation I have currently, and it's a lovely everyday option. The dropper style applicator is very messy and annoying - I do wish they stuck with a pump, or a squeezy tube, like their other foundations. That aside, I think the coverage you can get with this, and the finish is very everyday friendly and for a tinted serum it packs a punch. I would say you can build this to a light to medium coverage, so definitely more pigmented than your average skin tint. 

Only 9 shades with this one, so really no the best, especially as this is not a super sheer formula. I do find this offers a nice amount of radiance without being super glowy, making it great for a variety of skin types.

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint £20

Shade: G11

This is very very sheer...I think including it in a 'foundation' roundup may be a stretch, but here we are. If you want something truly skin-like and very light coverage I think this could be a good option. It feels very moisturising and lotion-like. I prefer to use this with my fingers - a brush or sponge will eat the product up and you'll be left wondering where the heck it all went! 

Not the largest shade range for this one either, 12 shades to be exact, but it's SO sheer I think the shades really can stretch across a variety of different skin tones. It's a very breathable formula, great if you want a veil across the skin, something that will smooth and lightly even out any redness. 

Rose Inc Skin Tint £39

Shade: 020

I could definitely go up a shade or two for this one, but I enjoy the formula and how it feels on the skin. This is more hydrating than the L'Oreal Skin Tint (in my opinion) but the coverage is a lot less - a true light coverage. There are a lot of nice hydrating skincare ingredients in here too, such as glycerin and squarlane, making it more of a skincare-makeup hybrid. 

14 shades to chose from, and I find this really helps to blur imperfections and adds a lot of natural luminosity to the skin without being too oily. This has those very fun looking microencapsulated pigment spheres which release the pigment once blended. 

View my entire foundation collection!

My Spring Foundation Picks.

Beauty

A spring base for me equals something light, breathable and radiant. Gone are the days where I am reaching for a full coverage foundation - I much prefer something smoothing and luminous, over flat and matte. Today, I wanted to round up my current favourites for you. I also have my entire foundation collection over on my YouTube channel if you're curious.

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation £39

Shade: 3 Neutral 

This will give you the most coverage out of the bunch, and is one of my most used foundations when I am wanting a flawless, airbrush finish - something Charlotte does very well. I love how smoothing and plumping this is on the skin, it never looks too caky to dry. The finish is luminous, and you can build it to medium-full coverage.

This one comes in 30 shades, so pretty good. Obviously it is pricey so I do encourage you to try and get shade matched in-store so you don't end up spending nearly £40 on a foundation that won't really work! This is very hydrating, so great if you have dry skin, and it looks super fresh all day long! This is one I have really come to rely on if I am in the office all day. 

L'Oreal True Match Nude Tinted Plumping Serum £14.99

Shade: 2-3 Light 

How drugstore foundations are creeping up towards the £15/£20 mark I am not quite sure...but this is the most affordable foundation I have currently, and it's a lovely everyday option. The dropper style applicator is very messy and annoying - I do wish they stuck with a pump, or a squeezy tube, like their other foundations. That aside, I think the coverage you can get with this, and the finish is very everyday friendly and for a tinted serum it packs a punch. I would say you can build this to a light to medium coverage, so definitely more pigmented than your average skin tint. 

Only 9 shades with this one, so really no the best, especially as this is not a super sheer formula. I do find this offers a nice amount of radiance without being super glowy, making it great for a variety of skin types.

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint £20

Shade: G11

This is very very sheer...I think including it in a 'foundation' roundup may be a stretch, but here we are. If you want something truly skin-like and very light coverage I think this could be a good option. It feels very moisturising and lotion-like. I prefer to use this with my fingers - a brush or sponge will eat the product up and you'll be left wondering where the heck it all went! 

Not the largest shade range for this one either, 12 shades to be exact, but it's SO sheer I think the shades really can stretch across a variety of different skin tones. It's a very breathable formula, great if you want a veil across the skin, something that will smooth and lightly even out any redness. 

Rose Inc Skin Tint £39

Shade: 020

I could definitely go up a shade or two for this one, but I enjoy the formula and how it feels on the skin. This is more hydrating than the L'Oreal Skin Tint (in my opinion) but the coverage is a lot less - a true light coverage. There are a lot of nice hydrating skincare ingredients in here too, such as glycerin and squarlane, making it more of a skincare-makeup hybrid. 

14 shades to chose from, and I find this really helps to blur imperfections and adds a lot of natural luminosity to the skin without being too oily. This has those very fun looking microencapsulated pigment spheres which release the pigment once blended. 

View my entire foundation collection!

Read more »

Thursday, March 30, 2023

Ah the Inkey List! I feel like this is a brand many of us have tried and have (hopefully) been pretty impressed with. Firstly; they're super affordable and accessible, and secondly; their overall approach to skincare is really user-friendly. You certainly won't have any questions about where to slot these products into your routine, something you may run into a few Qs about when purchasing from similar brands such as the Ordinary. I was lucky enough to receive these products in PR, but honestly I would 100% spend my money on them again! 

Oat Cleansing Balm // Now this one I did buy with my own money and have already repurchased! I was on the hunt for a new balm cleanser that didn't break the bank and ticks all of the boxes when it comes to a good effective makeup remover. I love how gentle this is on the face and eyes, you don't need to worry about any irritation with this one thanks to the oat. It's very moisturising, though I always follow up with my full skincare routine anyway, but my skin never feels tight or dry after using this. 

Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser // Next up is another cleanser which acts more of a second cleanse in the evening or the first step in my morning routine. This is aimed at brightening the skin and evening out the complexion. I love this in the morning especially as I do feel like it really helps to liven up my dull skin and add a little more luminosity. Don't be put off by the word acid - it's very gentle and also contains Aloe which is great for more sensitive skin. 

2% Hyaluronic Acid // This is a cult favourite from the range and I too absolutely love how this works on the skin. For treating dehydrated skin HA is a fab ingredient that I always reach for when I want my skin to appear more plump and hydrated. This is a very simple, fuss free formula, but it delivers excellent results. I always apply this on damp skin (as recommended) and it sinks in beautifully leaving my skin ready for moisturiser. 

10% Niacinamide // This is an ingredient I haven't really played around with too much until this entered my skincare stash. This is another serum step that I love to team up with vitamin C - the two both help to brighten the skin and fade any dark spots / pigmentation. Niacinamide is also known for controlling oil, something I will most certainly need as we move into the summer months! This particular formula does also contain 1% Hyaluronic Acid so it's nice and moisturising too.

 

Polyglutamic Acid Serum // This is another ingredient that is new to me and I've quickly become obsessed! This helps to lock in moisture and smooth the skin. It's kind of like a beefed up HA with smoothing benefits - sounds pretty great right? In the morning this creates a lovely base for makeup as it smoothes over any texture and plumps out fine lines. I don't think you would need both this and the HA serum in one routine, but they are both very lovely indeed! 

Symbright Moisturiser // I adore this moisturiser underneath makeup as well! It has a subtle pearlescent sheen that looks so dewy and beautiful on the skin. The formula feels like a lightweight lotion so it's very nourishing but doesn't feel heavy or too thick to use in the morning. This also contains Plum Extract (who knew that was a thing?!) and Red Alge to help moisturise and boost radiance. Apparently Plum Extract contains more vitamin c than an orange so it's got to be good! 

I would love to know your Inkey List favourites so please do drop any recommendations down in the comments! Their website contains so much helpful information on each product and how to build them into a routine so I would highly suggest stopping by to see what they recommend! https://uk.theinkeylist.com/ 

Thank you for reading! 

My Top Picks From The Inkey List.

Beauty

Ah the Inkey List! I feel like this is a brand many of us have tried and have (hopefully) been pretty impressed with. Firstly; they're super affordable and accessible, and secondly; their overall approach to skincare is really user-friendly. You certainly won't have any questions about where to slot these products into your routine, something you may run into a few Qs about when purchasing from similar brands such as the Ordinary. I was lucky enough to receive these products in PR, but honestly I would 100% spend my money on them again! 

Oat Cleansing Balm // Now this one I did buy with my own money and have already repurchased! I was on the hunt for a new balm cleanser that didn't break the bank and ticks all of the boxes when it comes to a good effective makeup remover. I love how gentle this is on the face and eyes, you don't need to worry about any irritation with this one thanks to the oat. It's very moisturising, though I always follow up with my full skincare routine anyway, but my skin never feels tight or dry after using this. 

Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser // Next up is another cleanser which acts more of a second cleanse in the evening or the first step in my morning routine. This is aimed at brightening the skin and evening out the complexion. I love this in the morning especially as I do feel like it really helps to liven up my dull skin and add a little more luminosity. Don't be put off by the word acid - it's very gentle and also contains Aloe which is great for more sensitive skin. 

2% Hyaluronic Acid // This is a cult favourite from the range and I too absolutely love how this works on the skin. For treating dehydrated skin HA is a fab ingredient that I always reach for when I want my skin to appear more plump and hydrated. This is a very simple, fuss free formula, but it delivers excellent results. I always apply this on damp skin (as recommended) and it sinks in beautifully leaving my skin ready for moisturiser. 

10% Niacinamide // This is an ingredient I haven't really played around with too much until this entered my skincare stash. This is another serum step that I love to team up with vitamin C - the two both help to brighten the skin and fade any dark spots / pigmentation. Niacinamide is also known for controlling oil, something I will most certainly need as we move into the summer months! This particular formula does also contain 1% Hyaluronic Acid so it's nice and moisturising too.

 

Polyglutamic Acid Serum // This is another ingredient that is new to me and I've quickly become obsessed! This helps to lock in moisture and smooth the skin. It's kind of like a beefed up HA with smoothing benefits - sounds pretty great right? In the morning this creates a lovely base for makeup as it smoothes over any texture and plumps out fine lines. I don't think you would need both this and the HA serum in one routine, but they are both very lovely indeed! 

Symbright Moisturiser // I adore this moisturiser underneath makeup as well! It has a subtle pearlescent sheen that looks so dewy and beautiful on the skin. The formula feels like a lightweight lotion so it's very nourishing but doesn't feel heavy or too thick to use in the morning. This also contains Plum Extract (who knew that was a thing?!) and Red Alge to help moisturise and boost radiance. Apparently Plum Extract contains more vitamin c than an orange so it's got to be good! 

I would love to know your Inkey List favourites so please do drop any recommendations down in the comments! Their website contains so much helpful information on each product and how to build them into a routine so I would highly suggest stopping by to see what they recommend! https://uk.theinkeylist.com/ 

Thank you for reading! 

Read more »

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Ok. I know that in every post I mention that I have dry skin...but I'm just being real with you all, and for me that doesn't just stop at my face, I'm pretty much just like a full on almond croissant (wow, what an image)! But seriously, in the Winter, my arms and legs need just as much attention as my face which is why I always have a body scrub sitting in my shower. 

When Mio reached out as asked me to try their brand new Solar Power Body Scrub I didn't even hesitate - "yes yes yes please". First off, you get nearly 300g of product, which is a pretty hefty amount considering scrubs aren't something I use everyday. Secondly (and this is before we actually dive into the formula!) the smell is absolutely insane. If you're familiar with the classic Calippo ice lolly, this is that smell! And if you're not familiar with that, it's basically a gorgeous sweet orange/lemon scent that is very fresh and transports you to the beautiful Italian countryside (at least in my mind). This retails for £25 - a little pricey for a body product, however you do get a lot.

One of the key selling points for me is that it is marketed as an illuminating body scrub - my dream! There used to be a scrub from Garnier which had the same illuminating properties, that has sadly been discontinued, so I'm very happy to have this in my life! Nuxe also have one that is similar, and also L'Occitaine. The one drawback for me would be that it comes in a pot, and not a bottle. I get that as it's thicker it may be harder to pack it into a squeezey bottle, but I find pots get so messy in the shower and I always get water mixed in with the product! Packaging aside, let's get on to the all important formula.

The texture is very sand like, I actually much prefer it to those larger chunkier scrubs you can find on the market, it feels a lot more gentle. You can definitely see a few little sparkles here and there which give it that illuminating finish. You will look like a glowing Victoria Secret Mermaid after you use this - it's divine! The smell makes it such a lovely experience in the shower or bath, like I said before, it transports me back to my summer holidays - I adore it! I always follow up with a body moisturiser and I can assure you your skin will feel so super soft! 

Scrubs are also a great way of tackling pesky ingrown hairs, or stubborn texture on my upper arms, this one buffs away the dead skin really effortlessly. I am very prone to ingrown hairs on my legs, I think because I epilate they're being pulled from the root underneath the skin, as oppose to shaving where you're just scratching the surface. I'm not sure if that's 100% accurate, but please let me know in the comments if you know more! What I'm trying to say is that this is a great product for keeping your skin smooth and bump free. 

Bye Bye Winter Skin: Mio Solar Power Body Scrub.

Beauty

Ok. I know that in every post I mention that I have dry skin...but I'm just being real with you all, and for me that doesn't just stop at my face, I'm pretty much just like a full on almond croissant (wow, what an image)! But seriously, in the Winter, my arms and legs need just as much attention as my face which is why I always have a body scrub sitting in my shower. 

When Mio reached out as asked me to try their brand new Solar Power Body Scrub I didn't even hesitate - "yes yes yes please". First off, you get nearly 300g of product, which is a pretty hefty amount considering scrubs aren't something I use everyday. Secondly (and this is before we actually dive into the formula!) the smell is absolutely insane. If you're familiar with the classic Calippo ice lolly, this is that smell! And if you're not familiar with that, it's basically a gorgeous sweet orange/lemon scent that is very fresh and transports you to the beautiful Italian countryside (at least in my mind). This retails for £25 - a little pricey for a body product, however you do get a lot.

One of the key selling points for me is that it is marketed as an illuminating body scrub - my dream! There used to be a scrub from Garnier which had the same illuminating properties, that has sadly been discontinued, so I'm very happy to have this in my life! Nuxe also have one that is similar, and also L'Occitaine. The one drawback for me would be that it comes in a pot, and not a bottle. I get that as it's thicker it may be harder to pack it into a squeezey bottle, but I find pots get so messy in the shower and I always get water mixed in with the product! Packaging aside, let's get on to the all important formula.

The texture is very sand like, I actually much prefer it to those larger chunkier scrubs you can find on the market, it feels a lot more gentle. You can definitely see a few little sparkles here and there which give it that illuminating finish. You will look like a glowing Victoria Secret Mermaid after you use this - it's divine! The smell makes it such a lovely experience in the shower or bath, like I said before, it transports me back to my summer holidays - I adore it! I always follow up with a body moisturiser and I can assure you your skin will feel so super soft! 

Scrubs are also a great way of tackling pesky ingrown hairs, or stubborn texture on my upper arms, this one buffs away the dead skin really effortlessly. I am very prone to ingrown hairs on my legs, I think because I epilate they're being pulled from the root underneath the skin, as oppose to shaving where you're just scratching the surface. I'm not sure if that's 100% accurate, but please let me know in the comments if you know more! What I'm trying to say is that this is a great product for keeping your skin smooth and bump free. 

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Thursday, November 19, 2020

Here we go again...another month cancelled. I hope we are all feeling ok, and trying to remain positive about the latest UK government announcement. I know for me, the dark evenings will be a struggle, but it's also an excuse for extra cosy movie nights with the boyfriend - do let me know your current movie faves in the comments! I know a couple of friend and family members who have had weddings in November they have now had to cancel last minute. If you're in the same boat, I really really feel for you and hope that next year will be brighter in so many ways - we've got this!! 

Onto something a little more lighthearted - makeup. Something I love to write about to escape the real world for a second. I do like to start my day with a little bit of me time, and makeup is always a part of that! This is not me saying I'm going to spend 2 hours getting ready in morning, my hair will be lucky to even get a brush...but I do think it's fun to play around every now and then! This routine is perfect for those days when you want a little something something, but also want it to be quick and simple.

Glossier Furture Dew // When I first tried this I wasn't blown away. It was a lot thicker than what I was expecting and it wasn't packing as much of a punch as I would have liked. My bad really, as this isn't marketed as a super dewy primer (like the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector) but more of a radiance serum/primer hybrid you can use to finish off any skincare routine. Once I accepted that fact, I have been bloody loving it. It's so hydrating, exactly what my skin needs right now, and it smoothes over the skin so nicely. It really is a great product to kickstart the makeup application. Have you tired this yet? 

Glossier Stretch Concealer // Another Glossier pick is their Stretch Concealer. This is super dewy, super creamy and doesn't cake up at all! Perfect for those days when I'm not doing too much and I'm only after a light coverage product that feels very lightweight. My favourite way to apply this is with a brush, and to be honest I kind of blend it all over the skin as it's that light. You can use your fingers under the eyes to optimise the coverage too! Both work well. It can be a little creasy, so if you have oily skin you may want to set it with powder, or reach for something like the NARS Soft Matte! 

Chanel Les Beige Bronzer // I'm very smitten with my Chanel Bronzer...I love how luxe the compact feels and looks, and there's just something about having a little bit of Chanel in your morning routine that brightens the day. This bronzer is more on the sheer-side. but for everyday that's exactly what I like. The colour is perrrfect for me, it has the right amount of warmth without pulling too orange. I blends really nicely too, I rarely take a step back and think 'jeez, I really need to blend that more!' - it's effortless. As it's not as pigmented I hope I don't run out of it too quickly!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara // No eyeshadow here, just the definition of a good old mascara. If you're after a cheaper alternative, the L'Oreal Lash Paradise has a similar wand to this, but I'm loving the staying power of this Marc Jacobs one at the moment. This is a mini size (my favourite way to dabble in high-end mascaras!) and I've been super impressed with the formula. It's very black, so great for days when you want to focus to be on your lashes, it wears well, and gives a lovely amount of volume. 

Fenty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb // I was going to mention a tinted balm here, but I also do love to reach for a gloss. The Fenty formulas are some of the best, they are very creamy, the shades are beautiful, and they never feel gloopy. Fussy is a great nude pink that I can pair with any look and never have to worry about the colour matching! I really want to pick up some more, so if you have a favourite please let me know!

Lockdown Makeup Part II.

Beauty

Here we go again...another month cancelled. I hope we are all feeling ok, and trying to remain positive about the latest UK government announcement. I know for me, the dark evenings will be a struggle, but it's also an excuse for extra cosy movie nights with the boyfriend - do let me know your current movie faves in the comments! I know a couple of friend and family members who have had weddings in November they have now had to cancel last minute. If you're in the same boat, I really really feel for you and hope that next year will be brighter in so many ways - we've got this!! 

Onto something a little more lighthearted - makeup. Something I love to write about to escape the real world for a second. I do like to start my day with a little bit of me time, and makeup is always a part of that! This is not me saying I'm going to spend 2 hours getting ready in morning, my hair will be lucky to even get a brush...but I do think it's fun to play around every now and then! This routine is perfect for those days when you want a little something something, but also want it to be quick and simple.

Glossier Furture Dew // When I first tried this I wasn't blown away. It was a lot thicker than what I was expecting and it wasn't packing as much of a punch as I would have liked. My bad really, as this isn't marketed as a super dewy primer (like the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector) but more of a radiance serum/primer hybrid you can use to finish off any skincare routine. Once I accepted that fact, I have been bloody loving it. It's so hydrating, exactly what my skin needs right now, and it smoothes over the skin so nicely. It really is a great product to kickstart the makeup application. Have you tired this yet? 

Glossier Stretch Concealer // Another Glossier pick is their Stretch Concealer. This is super dewy, super creamy and doesn't cake up at all! Perfect for those days when I'm not doing too much and I'm only after a light coverage product that feels very lightweight. My favourite way to apply this is with a brush, and to be honest I kind of blend it all over the skin as it's that light. You can use your fingers under the eyes to optimise the coverage too! Both work well. It can be a little creasy, so if you have oily skin you may want to set it with powder, or reach for something like the NARS Soft Matte! 

Chanel Les Beige Bronzer // I'm very smitten with my Chanel Bronzer...I love how luxe the compact feels and looks, and there's just something about having a little bit of Chanel in your morning routine that brightens the day. This bronzer is more on the sheer-side. but for everyday that's exactly what I like. The colour is perrrfect for me, it has the right amount of warmth without pulling too orange. I blends really nicely too, I rarely take a step back and think 'jeez, I really need to blend that more!' - it's effortless. As it's not as pigmented I hope I don't run out of it too quickly!

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara // No eyeshadow here, just the definition of a good old mascara. If you're after a cheaper alternative, the L'Oreal Lash Paradise has a similar wand to this, but I'm loving the staying power of this Marc Jacobs one at the moment. This is a mini size (my favourite way to dabble in high-end mascaras!) and I've been super impressed with the formula. It's very black, so great for days when you want to focus to be on your lashes, it wears well, and gives a lovely amount of volume. 

Fenty Fu$$y Gloss Bomb // I was going to mention a tinted balm here, but I also do love to reach for a gloss. The Fenty formulas are some of the best, they are very creamy, the shades are beautiful, and they never feel gloopy. Fussy is a great nude pink that I can pair with any look and never have to worry about the colour matching! I really want to pick up some more, so if you have a favourite please let me know!

Read more »

Sunday, November 15, 2020