Beauty Empties | April 2013

There are a few gems in this month's round-up so it's looking like I will have to bend the rules somehow of my spending ban as I really don't want to be without some of these!

Bioderma Crealine H2O - definitely repurchase 

This watery make up cleanser lives up to the hype.  Unfortunately you can't pick it up on the high street, but I believe it's stocked in Harvey Nicks, or you can get some good deals online especially if you buy in bulk.  This make up artist favourite is an all rounder that even removes stubborn eye make up.  The best thing is it leaves skin feeling clean, without the icky residue some heavier cleansers leave behind.  

Batiste Dry Shampoo (Cherry)* - no repurchase 

It is what it is, and I know loads of people loath Batiste for its residue.  I can't stand the Blush scent, but Cherry is pretty nice.  However I'd recommend the 'Fresh' one in the blue bottle instead.  Batiste works best if you spray it on before going to bed as this allows it to work its magic overnight and with a quick brush through in the morning you have clean(ish), voluminous hair.

Clean & Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash - definitely repurchase 

This is easily my tenth go-around with this face wash.  No matter what else I try, I always come back to it.  It's pretty harsh so I wouldn't recommend using it more than once a day, but it's got the finest grain to it which really exfoliates, it's great first thing in the shower.  Inexpensive and miles better than more expensive cleansers.  Recently other brands have released similar exfoliating cleansers with gorgeous fruity scents which I'm trying and will let you know if they knock this one off top spot.

i.d. bare Minerals in Fairly Light - maybe repurchase 

This was my first mineral foundation and it lasted for an age.  While it's still a favourite, I find this type of foundation emphasises the appearance of pores.  You definitely need a 'Poly-fila' type primer like Benefit Porefessional or Garnier Perfect Blur underneath for a truly flawless look.  Recently I've discovered Laura Mercier's Mineral Powder (I use Tender Rose) which is just phenomenal.  Flawless skin with the swirl of a brush.

Maybelline ColorSensational in 112 Ambre Rose - couldn't repurchase even if I wanted to!

Of course the minute I fall in love with a cosmetic, it gets discontinued! However, looking on the US website, it looks very similar to 120 Pink Satin.  Alas, I shall miss this gorgeous bright pink with gold flecks.

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Hydrating Body Gel* - no repurchase 

I reviewed this gel here so won't go into too much detail now.  While it's a nice product to keep in the fridge to use on very hot days, I can live without it.

L'Oreal Elvive Renutrition Nourishing Milk - definitely repurchase 

I can't say enough about this Nourishing Milk which is really more of a creamy serum.  It's the perfect consistency for my hair, adding just enough moisture to wet hair to help the drying process.  If yours is too fine for hair oils I urge to to try this, even for the scent alone.

Kiehl's Creme de Corps - no repurchase 

This product is so hyped and I'm not sure why really.  I find it very greasy and the scent is nothing to write home about.  If you have dry, problem skin you're better off with a body oil like Garnier Body Ultimate Beauty Oil or if you prefer a cream the Garner 7 Day Moisture range is gorgeous.  This isn't an advert for Garnier, they just have some seriously good body products!

Have you tried any of these products? Do you agree with my takes on them? 

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A Little Look at Firstlight Cosmetics

An embarrassingly long time ago a lovely company called Firstlight Cosmetics sent me a couple of their products to try out and being a mineral foundation fanatic I of course went for their offering and chose their large fluffy powder brush.

The products come in this pretty cotton drawstring bag which is produced by the women of the Mabinti Center in Tanzania.

This photo of the brush is from when it was brand-spanking new, but it's had a lot of love since and if you want to see what it looks like now, check out my March Favourites.  

I adore this goat hair brush and it washes like a dream with minimal shedding. I use it everyday without fail to set my foundation and don't feel the need to get the MAC 134, so it's well worth £11.99.

I was delighted to see their 100% mineral range of foundations goes seriously light.  I'm an NW10-15 so I picked out First Frost, which is astoundingly pale - even for me! I think I would have fared better with Peach Blossom.  If you have difficulty finding a pale enough match for your skin on the highstreet I seriously recommend having a look at Firstlight's range, which isn't tested on animals.

The packaging is very similar to bareMinerals'.  Now, with Firstlight you are supposed to get 10g, while bareMinerals claims to be 8g.  Now there definitely isn't only a difference of 2g, so either Firstlight are over-filling (yay!) or bareMinerals are over-reporting!

Here's how the two products compare side by side.  I use BM's 'Fair'.

A sprinkle of First Frost...

First Frost rubbed in...

As you can see, the coverage is pretty good for a 'powder' foundation, if the colour is perhaps a little light for me, but I do love to use this as a finishing powder in the winter to lighten up some of my liquid foundations which are too dark.  Comparing to Bare Minerals, I felt the powder didn't give as 'silky' as finish, but it's at a more affordable price of £12.99 and BM don't go as light with their shade range.

The company name was inspired by an old African saying - However long the night, the dawn will break.

It's creators believe make up should boost your inner beauty rather than cover it up to create a luminous brightening effect rather than looking matte and artificial.  They have a gorgeous range of blushes and eyeshadows and I highly recommend a looksee at their small but perfectly formed brush range.  Have you tried any Firstlight Cosmetics?   


*products provided for review purposes

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June Favourites

I can't believe June is over already! Only two months of summer left :( This month has been Vampire month for me, with the new True Blood novel release and of course, the Eclipse soundtrack :) But let's get down to the beauty products!

I got this a while ago with one of those Boots £5 off vouchers and started using it properly when the days became sunnier. I absolutely love it! Even though it's SPF 30 it's light and sinks into the skin quickly, acting as a moisturiser, primer and sun block in one. It has a slightly cream/beige colour rather than being the usual stark white that SPF creams can be, but does have a faint sun-block scent. It's my summer essential and I won't leave the house without it on!

i.d bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light

This mineral foundation featured in my May favourites too, but I have to mention it again because I have practically used it every day. In the hot weather it's great for setting liquid foundation in place and I've also been using it alone in the day. With the right brush it gives good coverage - I like to use a pore-filling primer underneath for a smoothest finish. This powder really came through for me when I realised to my horror that it was the only foundation I'd packed for my mini cruise last week! (usually I bring a heavy coverage liquid like MAC Studio Fix as it needs to last from 6pm to 4/5am) However I packed on loads with my Inglot kabuki brush and my skin glowed and was almost flawless. One of the best things about mineral foundation is the lack of tide marks around your jawline/neck - a serious issue for me and my pale skin! The shade 'Fairly Light' is one shade darker than their lightest (Fair) which suits me better, but I got this in a set, and in the summer I can make it work for me.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Light Flush

This MSF was part of the MAC Pinkzapoppin! set released around Christmas time. I use it as a bronzer and it gives a very light and flattering colour. It's very iridescent and has a pinkish undertone, which suits pale skin much better than your typical orangey brown bronzers. I've used it a lot and barely made a dent in it - definitely good value!

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse in 004 Champagne

When I got this foundation for the first time about five years ago I didn't get on with it at all. But after experimenting with different ways of application and the release of an even lighter shade this really works for me when I want to put on a fast, good coverage and oil absorbing foundation on rushed mornings. Of course it's not the greatest for tide marks, but it is easier to blend these away with the mousse formulation than with a thick liquid. Lately I've been applying it with a duo fibre brush and blending any problem areas with a makeup sponge and this method gives a lighter, smoother finish.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

I've had this mascara longer than is probably hygienic, but it's still going strong and hasn't dried out. The brush looks pretty standard but it is a holy grail mascara. Pure black, separates lashes, lengthens and holds the curl well (although the waterproof version would do this better). I paid about £19.50 for it at the time, but it's worth it as I've bought countless lower end brand mascaras since which could never match up. This mascara makes me excited about my lashes!

St. Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse

I started using this last year following Lollipop26's recommendation. St. Tropez always seems too orange and expensive for me to bother, but I paid £2.99 for this rip-off on Amazon Marketplace, and it's been one of my discoveries of the year. I no longer have to look like the living dead with my pale, almost blue skin. I only apply it on special occasions or when I'm feeling particularly fat! I've had it on for the most of June. It's best applied with with a tan mitt for no streaking and non-freaky hands. It barely streaks, the colour is natural on me, and it fades quite evenly. However this bottle is about a year old (I did a massive bulk order when I saw how great it was) and I think it must have gone off a bit as it looks darker than normal - time for a new one! The only drawback is that it is drying, but I've found this an issue with all the fake tans I've tried.

I know it's not beauty related, but it's been a big favourite this month!

I got a bit obsessive and read all the previous novels, along with watching the TV series'.  I'm halfway through the latest book and glad to see that Charlaine's writing skills have become slightly more sophisticated.  Don't get me wrong, I love the fictional world she's created, set in the American South and I've been vampire mad ever since Buffy, but as a writer I find her repetitive.  I wish someone more imaginative had the idea for this series.  (And I want more Eric action!)  I feel the same way about Twilight, again I love this series, but wish a less 'cringey' writer had that famous meadow dream.

I really hoped this would be a new favourite, but I'm just not getting into it :(

Continuing with the vampire theme I picked up this album on Monday and have given it a couple of listens.   It won't be replacing the Twilight or New Moon soundtracks on my iPod any time soon.  Not even one song grabs me.  I really expected to love it at first listen.  However I'm reserving final judgement until I've seen the film...

What's your favourite June product?