I know these are better in youtube video form but I really like the message behind this tag. I thought I would do it because I know I have suffered from many labels in my life. The tag is to take the negative labels you've been given by other throughout your life and transform them into something positive.
Fat - I'm healthy and happy. I like to eat what I want and not deprive myself. I'm okay with that.
Spoiled - I have been loved, provided for and safe.
Bitchy - I am self aware and not a doormat.
White as a ghost - I have really clear porcelain skin.
Condescending - I am knowledgeable about a lot, well educated and usually wise
I am not very self confident or secure. I have struggled with this my entire life. As I've gotten older I think my insecurities have just changed rather than going away. No one tells you that you are just as insecure later in life as you were earlier. They always tell you when you get older you get wiser. I definitely find that to be true, with the wisdom comes brand new insecurities. The old ones still surface from time to time, as I can remember those labels so clearly in my mind.
The new one wisdom I have been struggling with for the past few months and even the past few years is the paradox of trying your best. Everyone always tells you that all you can do is try your best. Somehow in saying this these people are assuming your best is good enough. I'm here to tell you that more often than not your best is not good enough. I'm not sure that this is an insecurity but a realisation of your limits. Once you realize your limits, where does that leave you? I don't want to be set up for failure I'm sick of trying my best, putting in the hard work and stress and falling short. All the hard work I do should be put towards something productive, something that leads me on to the future. I'm not saying that anyone should stop dreaming and work for their dreams. I think you should do it. I think just barely making it through to the next round doesn't matter to people who eat, sleep and breathe whatever it is.
I know no one gave me any pennies for my thoughts but I thought I'd just express what I'm feeling at the moment under the guise of a fairly depressing tag.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
This Works perfect look skin miracle review
Ever since Lisa Eldridge talked about This Works perfect look skin miracle I've been wanting to try it. Usually my skin is quite good, I get the odd spot here and there (sometimes way more here than there), overall my skin behaves. My problems are my gaunt appearance and my ridiculous under eye bags.
Lets be honest here, I hate foundation. Foundation is just gross to me. I have oily skin already so to put a layer slimy junk on my face does not appeal to me. I'm not trying to brag (I have skin issues too) but my skin does not need a slimy mask. I'm not ashamed of my freckles, my bags aren't too embarrassing, and the blotches of redness come and go. I have skin, I like having skin, I don't feel the need to have a mask. It's okay to have skin, no one so far has pointed and laughed when I've skipped foundation.
With all that being said, I do like to look healthy. I often am a stressed out wreck who rarely sees sunlight, so having a little help is welcomed. I've been looking for something that gives my skin a boost. I want it to feel like nothing, give me a little color and make me look a little more coherent. I really liked the idea of this product, I'm not expecting it to be its name, but I like the slight tanning and toning with minimal slim concept. The scariest thing about this product is not just the price. Lets talk price for a minute. The 28£ price tag for 30ml of product is sort of ridiculous. I know there are more ridiculous price tags out there but lets be serious, for a normal human being this is a little insane. Needless to say it took a lot of convincing (by myself to myself) that I needed this product (and a 25% discount on ASOS).
As I was saying, the scariest thing about this product is the color. Scary and disgusting, the color of the product that comes out is baby poo brown. I kid you not. I did gather this from Lisa Eldridge's video but witnessing it in the flesh is a totally different can of worms. The coverage is basically zero, you have to prepared for that. This is not going to hide anything. If you are concerned about hiding things than this is either not for you, or you will have to invest in a good concealer (okay maybe not invest as there are some good cheap ones on the market). The thing that I do really like about this product is that it evens your skin tone out a bit and it gives you a bit of color. What I have noticed most in my makeup and hair journey there is nothing better than to have a little color to your skin. I am not promoting going out and frying in the sun, don't do that. A product like this, or a little bit of fake tan that is specifically for your face can really help. You look healthier and you can pull off so much less makeup if you have a little color to your face.
I really like the container it comes in. It's a tube but it has a really nice pump instead of a squeeze top. I think when you are trying to get the last drop out you could squeeze and pump to make sure you get it all.
Also, the smell is a little funky. I would not go so far as to say it's bad, it's just funky. You can't smell it once it's on and rubbed in, just when you pump some out it smells a bit strange.
My face routine at the moment is a little bit of Porefessional by Benefit over pronounced pores with this over the top all over my face. I am using the Garnier Tinted roller ball in the lightest shade for under eye circles. I do have spots that I am trying to cover with a little foundation (at the moment is Revlon PhotoReady but I have some Dior Nude Skin and ELF Tinted Moisturizer). My go to concealer for everything used to be the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection but I've been trying to be minimal and I've noticed that it cakes and when you sweat or get oily it just cracks. I'm not impressed by that. I'm sure for non-oily skin (more like non-grease-ball skin) it's much better as it's most people's holy grail concealer.
At the moment I'm not too far into the product so I can't give any definitive answer on whether I would repurchase. I think this can be really good on the days that you feel confident. On days when you have more spots and discoloration I think you'll have to go with something a bit heavier. I still think that most of the time, if you have good skin, you can get away with this and some concealer. I feel like there are not that many products for people with good skin. I find it so strange to watch the youtube gurus smearing a ton of makeup on there almost perfect skin. I think this is probably more of a shopaholic and self conscious problem than anything else. If you can get away with some color and a little concealer why not. It's so uncomfortable to not be able to rest your head on your partners shoulder and not let your skin breathe. I'm not saying I feel really comfortable in my skin but I'm willing to give it a try in my better areas. I think if you have good skin and can try this product out, you should. Embrace your beauty but not necessarily your ghost like complexion.
Perfect Look Skin Miracle
Garnier Roller Ball Tinted Under Eye concealer
Mac Summer Haze Eyeshadow
Benefit They're Real Mascara
Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting
(I'm sorry the pictures are so washed out, I swear I look much less like a ghost then usual which is really quite sad.)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Two Things from My Recent Haul
Just to list my disclaimer upfront, I haven't tried this yet. In an effort to update more often I thought I would share some recent purchases. It was my birthday so I used some vouchers to go buy myself some pick me ups after a rough week last week. I'm not going to bore you with the million things I ended up getting but a couple things that I'd like input on.
The first thing I wanted to talk about is the Body Shop's Illuminating Face Base in Apricot Glow (which is the only color is comes in). The new spring makeup line by the University of the Arts London is limited edition. I saw thestylediet's review (which I cannot find in her videos now that I'm searching for it, that always happens) where she gave it a really great review. Or at least a review that made me interested to try it. You can either use this as a base, like it says, or like a tinted moisturizer. As I've said before, I have fairly good skin. I can get away with minimal makeup where some people can't. I put this on a fiend in the store and it is quite yellow but very sheer, so ultimately it's going to correct my redness issues and give me a light cover. Obviously I have crazy dark circles under my eyes so I will use my usual concealer. Has anyone tried this? Just wondering if it was a disastrous purchase or if people are liking it.
http://riverisland.scene7.com/is/image/RiverIsland/598165_main?$hero$
Another purchase in my mad shopping day was a pair of shorts much like the ones linked above. I got mine on sale so those aren't the actual ones, they don't have them online anymore. Basically they are fairly long, high waisted shorts, with a cute leather belt in a light brown color. I don't where shorts usually. I don't have nice legs and I never have so I have been pretty scared off from shorts from I very young age. But these are fairly baggy and somewhat long so I'm not as worried about revealing too much. Do I tuck shirts into these? How do you wear high waisted shorts? Someone please educate me on how to wear shorts, it's been a long time.
Let me know if you want me to take pictures and so I real haul. :)
The first thing I wanted to talk about is the Body Shop's Illuminating Face Base in Apricot Glow (which is the only color is comes in). The new spring makeup line by the University of the Arts London is limited edition. I saw thestylediet's review (which I cannot find in her videos now that I'm searching for it, that always happens) where she gave it a really great review. Or at least a review that made me interested to try it. You can either use this as a base, like it says, or like a tinted moisturizer. As I've said before, I have fairly good skin. I can get away with minimal makeup where some people can't. I put this on a fiend in the store and it is quite yellow but very sheer, so ultimately it's going to correct my redness issues and give me a light cover. Obviously I have crazy dark circles under my eyes so I will use my usual concealer. Has anyone tried this? Just wondering if it was a disastrous purchase or if people are liking it.
http://riverisland.scene7.com/is/image/RiverIsland/598165_main?$hero$
Another purchase in my mad shopping day was a pair of shorts much like the ones linked above. I got mine on sale so those aren't the actual ones, they don't have them online anymore. Basically they are fairly long, high waisted shorts, with a cute leather belt in a light brown color. I don't where shorts usually. I don't have nice legs and I never have so I have been pretty scared off from shorts from I very young age. But these are fairly baggy and somewhat long so I'm not as worried about revealing too much. Do I tuck shirts into these? How do you wear high waisted shorts? Someone please educate me on how to wear shorts, it's been a long time.
Let me know if you want me to take pictures and so I real haul. :)
Monday, April 4, 2011
Tag: 11 Most Reached For Products
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer (Fair and Buff)
This is not a miracle product. It will not make your pimple disappear. As a concealer it is very sheer, so if you require a thick coverage you should probably stick to Mac Studiofinish. I don't need to pile on a ton of concealer most days so I'm safe with this. I can put this on pimples and it will not aggravate them. This will dry the pimple out slowly. It won't dry out over night, so don't buy this thinking it's the cure all. The coverage it sufficient for the kind of blemishes I get coverage wise and helps me dry them out. Also it doesn't break me out, like clogging your pores will do with those thick opaque concealers.
Lumene Blueberry Curl Mascara
I have reviewed this previously so I won't write you a book. I like that this doesn't bleed during the day, even with wind and rain. I also like taking it off at the end of the day. It is easy to remove with wipes or makeup remover. My lashes also stay on my eyes, instead of coming off along with the mascara. I like to think that it's good for my lashes (like it claims to be).
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light
Mineral makeup is good for your skin. Now whether MACs are the best is debatable. I like that this blends into my skin really nicely and doesn't cause break outs. The coverage can be as heavy as your hand would like to put it on. I don't get foundation all over my hands. I just put my concealer on and then, depending on how self conscious I'm feeling that day, I can just brush this on to set and even my skin tone. I'm not claiming perfect skin here, I have my days I need a ton of coverage but if I can get away with it I would prefer not to do things I know will upset my skin.
MAC Paint Point in Barestudy
This is a long time favorite of mine. I like the it dries to a powder like consistency on your eye and doesn't crease. I also like that can either swipe a light coat on my eye or a heavy coating depending on whether I'm using it as a primer or actual shadow. This looks great on it's own for a bright eye when you haven't had enough sleep (which is me on a regular basis).
Urban Decay Naked Palette
I just really love this palette. I really hope I never run out of any of it. You can really just put any colors together you happen to like that day and they will match well. This makes makeup so simple to do on a daily basis or going out at night. I am such a fan of neutrals and these are just great quality awesome neutral colors.
ELF Eyebrow Kit in light
I have quite dark hair naturally so I'm not sure why I chose light but ultimately I'm so glad I did. If I had chosen any darker it would not work with my brows, even as it is I have to use a very light hand to apply this or I get weird comments from people (mainly my mother). Both the wax and powder are easy to use with an angled brush and apply really well. It's so easy to travel with because it's small and you don't have to cart around pencils and powders.
ELF Gel Eyeliner in Midnight
I love the look of winged eyeliner but I find black to be a little too dramatic for me in the day. I think midnight is a great alternative because it's a little softer. I like the ELF gel liners because they keep forever (I bought mine so long ago and it still hasn't dried out). They also are incredibly smooth and creamy which make them nice to apply. Also I find gel much more forgiving then liquid, even in the felt tip pen applicators. If you have problems winging (like I do) try gel with an angled brush.
Loreal HIP Jelly Balm (Succulent and Plush)
You guys know how I feel about these. Honestly, I would never go back to other chapstick/lip balm type things. I thing these have been discontinued so every time I see them, I just stock pile. They are so moisturizing and the smell wonderful. I love the light colors, they just give you enough color. Succulent tends to match the color of my lips while Plush gives me just a cute pop of pink.
Hanae Mori Butterfly perfume (the blue box)
I just love this perfume. I'm awful at describing scents so I won't. But this is nice and unique. I don't want to smell like everyone else and I like a perfume that smells a little older but not too much. I just think this is right for a 23 year old.
Lush Herbalism Cleanser
Herbalism is for oily skin (which mine is basically an oil slick). I really like the smooth matte finish it leaves. The only problem I have is that it only takes my skin about 15 minutes before it's quite oily again. The whole oil control thing is really not there. This is lightly exfoliating too which is nice. I'm not a huge fan of harsh exfoliators being that my skin tends to not need loads of exfoliation like dry skin.
Biore 4 in 1 Cleanser
Tried and true cleanser. I'm going to try a new one because this is a USA only product but this is so perfect for me. I'm really lazy and a 4 in 1 means I don't have to have an extra toner (although I know I should and I do). This keeps my skin clear (although my skin though very oily is not acne prone so, keep that in mind).
This is not a miracle product. It will not make your pimple disappear. As a concealer it is very sheer, so if you require a thick coverage you should probably stick to Mac Studiofinish. I don't need to pile on a ton of concealer most days so I'm safe with this. I can put this on pimples and it will not aggravate them. This will dry the pimple out slowly. It won't dry out over night, so don't buy this thinking it's the cure all. The coverage it sufficient for the kind of blemishes I get coverage wise and helps me dry them out. Also it doesn't break me out, like clogging your pores will do with those thick opaque concealers.
Lumene Blueberry Curl Mascara
I have reviewed this previously so I won't write you a book. I like that this doesn't bleed during the day, even with wind and rain. I also like taking it off at the end of the day. It is easy to remove with wipes or makeup remover. My lashes also stay on my eyes, instead of coming off along with the mascara. I like to think that it's good for my lashes (like it claims to be).
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light
Mineral makeup is good for your skin. Now whether MACs are the best is debatable. I like that this blends into my skin really nicely and doesn't cause break outs. The coverage can be as heavy as your hand would like to put it on. I don't get foundation all over my hands. I just put my concealer on and then, depending on how self conscious I'm feeling that day, I can just brush this on to set and even my skin tone. I'm not claiming perfect skin here, I have my days I need a ton of coverage but if I can get away with it I would prefer not to do things I know will upset my skin.
MAC Paint Point in Barestudy
This is a long time favorite of mine. I like the it dries to a powder like consistency on your eye and doesn't crease. I also like that can either swipe a light coat on my eye or a heavy coating depending on whether I'm using it as a primer or actual shadow. This looks great on it's own for a bright eye when you haven't had enough sleep (which is me on a regular basis).
Urban Decay Naked Palette
I just really love this palette. I really hope I never run out of any of it. You can really just put any colors together you happen to like that day and they will match well. This makes makeup so simple to do on a daily basis or going out at night. I am such a fan of neutrals and these are just great quality awesome neutral colors.
ELF Eyebrow Kit in light
I have quite dark hair naturally so I'm not sure why I chose light but ultimately I'm so glad I did. If I had chosen any darker it would not work with my brows, even as it is I have to use a very light hand to apply this or I get weird comments from people (mainly my mother). Both the wax and powder are easy to use with an angled brush and apply really well. It's so easy to travel with because it's small and you don't have to cart around pencils and powders.
ELF Gel Eyeliner in Midnight
I love the look of winged eyeliner but I find black to be a little too dramatic for me in the day. I think midnight is a great alternative because it's a little softer. I like the ELF gel liners because they keep forever (I bought mine so long ago and it still hasn't dried out). They also are incredibly smooth and creamy which make them nice to apply. Also I find gel much more forgiving then liquid, even in the felt tip pen applicators. If you have problems winging (like I do) try gel with an angled brush.
Loreal HIP Jelly Balm (Succulent and Plush)
You guys know how I feel about these. Honestly, I would never go back to other chapstick/lip balm type things. I thing these have been discontinued so every time I see them, I just stock pile. They are so moisturizing and the smell wonderful. I love the light colors, they just give you enough color. Succulent tends to match the color of my lips while Plush gives me just a cute pop of pink.
Hanae Mori Butterfly perfume (the blue box)
I just love this perfume. I'm awful at describing scents so I won't. But this is nice and unique. I don't want to smell like everyone else and I like a perfume that smells a little older but not too much. I just think this is right for a 23 year old.
Lush Herbalism Cleanser
Herbalism is for oily skin (which mine is basically an oil slick). I really like the smooth matte finish it leaves. The only problem I have is that it only takes my skin about 15 minutes before it's quite oily again. The whole oil control thing is really not there. This is lightly exfoliating too which is nice. I'm not a huge fan of harsh exfoliators being that my skin tends to not need loads of exfoliation like dry skin.
Biore 4 in 1 Cleanser
Tried and true cleanser. I'm going to try a new one because this is a USA only product but this is so perfect for me. I'm really lazy and a 4 in 1 means I don't have to have an extra toner (although I know I should and I do). This keeps my skin clear (although my skin though very oily is not acne prone so, keep that in mind).
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Tag!: Get To Know Me
1. Thing you cannot leave the house without ?
My keys because I won't be able to get out or back in without them.
2. Favorite Brand of makeup?
I like Urban Decay and Mac.
3. Favorite Flower?
Tulip
4. Favorite clothing store?
It used to be Forever 21 but now I love New Look.
5. Favorite Perfume ?
I'm still looking for a favorite. I got a sample of Hanae Mori Butterfly I like a lot. I think perfume needs to really describe you and not be what everyone else wears.
6. Heels or flats ?
Flats. I have a complex about being tall and I'ma baby when it comes to pain.
7. Do you make good grades ?
Yes
8. Favorite colors ?
Pink and purple
9. Do you drink energy drinks ?
No, just girly espresso drinks
10. Do you drink juice ?
yes
11. Do you like swimming ?
yes, but I have tendonitis in my shoulders. :(
12. Do you eat fries with a fork ?
No
13. Favorite Moisturizer?
Neutrogena Oil Free Sensitive Skin Moisturizer
14. Do you want to get married later on in life ?
Yeah, I think I do.
15. Do you get mad easily ?
I don't think so. I don't stay mad though.
16. Are you into Ghost Hunting ?
No.
17. Any phobias?
Oh yeah. Heights, bridges over water, tunnels under water, spiders, bees...
18. Do you bite your nails ?
I used to. I try not to, that's why I like to keep polish on all the time (that and I have weak nails that break easily).
19. Have you ever had a near death experience?
No.
20. Do you drink coffee ?
No I drink espresso. I can't drink coffee.
My keys because I won't be able to get out or back in without them.
2. Favorite Brand of makeup?
I like Urban Decay and Mac.
3. Favorite Flower?
Tulip
4. Favorite clothing store?
It used to be Forever 21 but now I love New Look.
5. Favorite Perfume ?
I'm still looking for a favorite. I got a sample of Hanae Mori Butterfly I like a lot. I think perfume needs to really describe you and not be what everyone else wears.
6. Heels or flats ?
Flats. I have a complex about being tall and I'ma baby when it comes to pain.
7. Do you make good grades ?
Yes
8. Favorite colors ?
Pink and purple
9. Do you drink energy drinks ?
No, just girly espresso drinks
10. Do you drink juice ?
yes
11. Do you like swimming ?
yes, but I have tendonitis in my shoulders. :(
12. Do you eat fries with a fork ?
No
13. Favorite Moisturizer?
Neutrogena Oil Free Sensitive Skin Moisturizer
14. Do you want to get married later on in life ?
Yeah, I think I do.
15. Do you get mad easily ?
I don't think so. I don't stay mad though.
16. Are you into Ghost Hunting ?
No.
17. Any phobias?
Oh yeah. Heights, bridges over water, tunnels under water, spiders, bees...
18. Do you bite your nails ?
I used to. I try not to, that's why I like to keep polish on all the time (that and I have weak nails that break easily).
19. Have you ever had a near death experience?
No.
20. Do you drink coffee ?
No I drink espresso. I can't drink coffee.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil versus Mac Cleanse Off Oils
I think the main issue I had with these two is that they cater to two different skin types. I have oily/combination skin as I have probably stated before. I have been happily using Mac Cleanse Off Oil in my routine for awhile now and I love it. But when I went to my parents for winter break I didn't have any so my mom gave me the rest of her DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. My mom has dry skin and has always loved DHC products so she wanted me to try it.
Mac Cleanse Off Oil was so strange to me at first. My face has always been quite oily so to rub more oil on it to clean it was such an alien concept. Once I did it, I swore I would never use another makeup remover again. No eyelashes fall out when you use it, all the makeup comes off easily no matter how piled on it may be. And after, your face feels clean not slimy or filmy like some removers. It didn't leave my face feeling oily, it just felt clean, not soap squeaky clean but clean nonetheless.
The thing about DHC is that it is geared told older, dry skin. My skin isn't older and it isn't dry. The oil removes makeup really well. Much like Mac's does. But it doesn't leave your face feeling clean. It leaves an oil on your skin. Which might be nice if your skin is dry and flaky and needs oil. But adding oil to oil is not pleasant and causes break outs. It also has an unpleasant smell to it. This is probably a personal opinion but I don't like the smell of olive oil, especially on my skin, and that's exactly what it smells like. They definitely use olive oil in their formula. Olive oil is hardcore thick oil. Unless your skin is very dry it's hard for normal to oily skin to absorb that kind of oil as opposed to just creating an oil slick.
If you're in your teens and 20s or have normal to oily skin I would definitely say use Mac but if you're 30s and older or have dry skin I would say go with DHC. If you have any other questions comment below.
Monday, November 1, 2010
October Favourites and Un-Favourites?
This will be my first monthly favourites. I watch enough youtube videos on the subject to know that it won't be my last. I decided to throw in somethings that I really disliked this month because I feel like it is always the negatives that stick in your mind far longer than the positives.
I suppose I will start out on the sour note. It is fresh in my mind and staring me in the face as I type so I might as well call it out. The first is NYX nail polish. The specific example I am looking at is in the color Jungle. The color is nice, I actually got it for my Halloween costume (I was a peacock and it is a very peacock color). I am not really one of those NYX pushers that so many gurus seem to be. I think they have some nice products but I'm not about to run out and purchase everything that looks good to me with no reason or research. Although when I picked up this polish that is exactly what I did. Went of brand reputation and shiny object. I'm actually slightly upset it says "made in the usa" on it. I feel Americans have enough problems with horrible products without needing to add more. Oh, you want to know reasons for my intense feelings towards this polish? Right, that. Evidence. Well the polish itself bubbles. and I do layers and sheer coats and everything you're supposed to do. I don't glob it on. It ended up with little dents in it even when I covered it with my miracle Sally Hansen Insta Dri Anti Chip Top Coat. It's a miracle worker but even that couldn't save it. So they looked strange. The glitter didn't distribute evenly at all. And it chips so bad! I was making my bed, that's right making my bed, and half my nail chipped off. I don't sleep on sand paper or burlap in case you were wondering and wanting to give the polish the benefit of the doubt. They are soft sheets and my nails are pretty strong, they don't really bend. That wasn't even the worst chipping. It was a day possibly two before about 5 of my fingers had no polish on them. And this isn't the cheapest polish. Barry M and Revlon, among others are far cheaper. Needless to say I will not be repurchasing NYX nail polish, ever. (Did I get a bad bottle or is this normal? Did I miss other NYX nail polish bashing that I should have known about before I decided to impulse buy?)
My other un-favourite (I feel very Mad Hatter saying it that way) of the month is Revlon Eyelash Glue. Poor decision on my part, I'm aware. I moved and cannot find my Duo anywhere. And when I went to get some I couldn't find any in Boots or Superdrug. I was out of luck. Why I went for Revlon before anything else I don't know. In my defense I didn't have that many options. I never thought I would say this but I miss CVS. Anyway, I used the eyelash glue for lashes and for my feathers I glued to my head (I was a peacock, remember.). My feathers were coming off within a couple hours along with my eyelashes, which wasn't really the look I was going for. I wasn't dancing insanely and it was that hot. So I was a little confused as to why it was so hard for the glue to work. But it didn't and I shouldn't have been surprised but somehow I was.
That's return to the positive. I'm sure I could hate on some other products but that really wouldn't be very fun to read.
First on my favorites list is my Naked Palette. I could not love the Naked Palette anymore if it was a new puppy. ALL the colors are incredible. It's not one of those palettes where you could use a couple colors, you will use them all and they are all really nice in terms of pigmentation, staying power, actual colors. I use it everyday. I'm going to have to pick up a second one if they keep it limited edition. I may pick up two while I'm in London, another for me and one for a friend for Christmas. If she's reading this she knows who she is, Merry Christmas. haha.
Second on my list, Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer. I love this stuff. It isn't a miracle. If you put it on you can't expect your spot to magically disappear over night. But it does reduce the spot, over time. It certainly doesn't make it worse, at all. My skin is kind of sensitive I would say and this stuff doesn't bother it at all. It's also provides nice coverage. I was very pleasantly surprised with this. I thought it was a gimmick and it turns out I was wrong.
I need to wrap this thing up. I just collected what I wanted to talk about and it's a pile. Literally.
Third on the list is my new favourite mascara, I have been using it a lot lately. I first got this mascara a couple months ago and I didn't really like it. I found out it's because it takes quite awhile to get used to it. It's L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion. It's amazing. It gets every single lash. The brush is kind of flimsy and it's super long. Those are my main complaints. Those two issues make it really not so easy to get the hang of but once you do you will be in love and not regret it. It makes me look like I have false lashes on when I put some eyeliner on with it. I like it a lot.
Number 4 is ELF Liquid Liner. I am AWFUL at liquid liner. The only liner I can do is with an angled brush and powder. But this liquid liner is so much easier to use than any others that I have tried. The brush isn't really a brush, that's the key feature. It's stiff, so it doesn't go everywhere and make flicks where there should be no flicking. I am practicing a lot and liking it.
As I have updated you all on, my skin has gotten far more oily here in England than it was in the states. Most likely because I was living up at 8,000 feet there and now I'm at sea level again. Never thought you'd hear anyone saying they missed a super dry environment, did you? I need to find a good astringent mainly, is what I've decided. But while I buy unnecessary things and put that on the back burner I have been relying on my Mac Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment. After I wash my face I put this all over my face, as opposed to as directed (hence the zone in the title, apparently your whole face is not a zone, who knew). Not only does it make all of your pores disappear but there is no oil, your skin will be matte. If you have super insane oily skin as I do, it will make you believe in real miracles. Truth.
LAST but certainly not least. I have a lot of loans at this point. I am not made of money, I haven't found a rich boyfriend and I have not been able to find a money tree as of yet (still looking). So I have some Mac brushes I have had for years when my parents still bought me things. But when I need a new brush or decide I want a new brush I most likely don't need I can't afford Mac and most likely can't afford Sigma either. So last year I had ordered three brushes from ELF. One was an eyeshadow brush, flat top powder brush, and foundation brush. I have an issue with non blending eyeshadow brushes so I wasn't a huge fan of the c shaped eyeshadow brush but the powder brush was amazing. I have used the foundation brush and like it but you have to really clean it and re-fluff for it not to streak your foundation. So when I finally settled in a couple weeks ago and found I forgot/lost my powder brush I decided to place an order. I got the small kabuki brush, blush brush, complexion brush and of course a new powder brush. I love them. They are so soft and seem to shed less than my Mac brushes. I just really can't say enough about these brushes. Cheap and quality is kind of an amazing combo. I think if you get these you will not be disappointed. I haven't really ventured into anything other than face brushes. But maybe I will at some point, but again I have issues with eyeshadow brushes.
This post is entirely too long. I'm sorry for the book. I do so much reading to study on a daily basis that I understand the lack of compulsion to read the longest blog post ever. But if you made it this far congratulations. If I can review anything further or answer questions let me know. And let me know if you want to keep seeing my favorites. Or if you want Halloween pictures and costume explanation.
Also I'm trying to stay on top of blogging but on top of the dissertation and learning dead languages etc, it's not as easy as I thought it could be.
I suppose I will start out on the sour note. It is fresh in my mind and staring me in the face as I type so I might as well call it out. The first is NYX nail polish. The specific example I am looking at is in the color Jungle. The color is nice, I actually got it for my Halloween costume (I was a peacock and it is a very peacock color). I am not really one of those NYX pushers that so many gurus seem to be. I think they have some nice products but I'm not about to run out and purchase everything that looks good to me with no reason or research. Although when I picked up this polish that is exactly what I did. Went of brand reputation and shiny object. I'm actually slightly upset it says "made in the usa" on it. I feel Americans have enough problems with horrible products without needing to add more. Oh, you want to know reasons for my intense feelings towards this polish? Right, that. Evidence. Well the polish itself bubbles. and I do layers and sheer coats and everything you're supposed to do. I don't glob it on. It ended up with little dents in it even when I covered it with my miracle Sally Hansen Insta Dri Anti Chip Top Coat. It's a miracle worker but even that couldn't save it. So they looked strange. The glitter didn't distribute evenly at all. And it chips so bad! I was making my bed, that's right making my bed, and half my nail chipped off. I don't sleep on sand paper or burlap in case you were wondering and wanting to give the polish the benefit of the doubt. They are soft sheets and my nails are pretty strong, they don't really bend. That wasn't even the worst chipping. It was a day possibly two before about 5 of my fingers had no polish on them. And this isn't the cheapest polish. Barry M and Revlon, among others are far cheaper. Needless to say I will not be repurchasing NYX nail polish, ever. (Did I get a bad bottle or is this normal? Did I miss other NYX nail polish bashing that I should have known about before I decided to impulse buy?)
My other un-favourite (I feel very Mad Hatter saying it that way) of the month is Revlon Eyelash Glue. Poor decision on my part, I'm aware. I moved and cannot find my Duo anywhere. And when I went to get some I couldn't find any in Boots or Superdrug. I was out of luck. Why I went for Revlon before anything else I don't know. In my defense I didn't have that many options. I never thought I would say this but I miss CVS. Anyway, I used the eyelash glue for lashes and for my feathers I glued to my head (I was a peacock, remember.). My feathers were coming off within a couple hours along with my eyelashes, which wasn't really the look I was going for. I wasn't dancing insanely and it was that hot. So I was a little confused as to why it was so hard for the glue to work. But it didn't and I shouldn't have been surprised but somehow I was.
That's return to the positive. I'm sure I could hate on some other products but that really wouldn't be very fun to read.
First on my favorites list is my Naked Palette. I could not love the Naked Palette anymore if it was a new puppy. ALL the colors are incredible. It's not one of those palettes where you could use a couple colors, you will use them all and they are all really nice in terms of pigmentation, staying power, actual colors. I use it everyday. I'm going to have to pick up a second one if they keep it limited edition. I may pick up two while I'm in London, another for me and one for a friend for Christmas. If she's reading this she knows who she is, Merry Christmas. haha.
Second on my list, Skin Clearing Blemish Concealer. I love this stuff. It isn't a miracle. If you put it on you can't expect your spot to magically disappear over night. But it does reduce the spot, over time. It certainly doesn't make it worse, at all. My skin is kind of sensitive I would say and this stuff doesn't bother it at all. It's also provides nice coverage. I was very pleasantly surprised with this. I thought it was a gimmick and it turns out I was wrong.
I need to wrap this thing up. I just collected what I wanted to talk about and it's a pile. Literally.
Third on the list is my new favourite mascara, I have been using it a lot lately. I first got this mascara a couple months ago and I didn't really like it. I found out it's because it takes quite awhile to get used to it. It's L'Oreal Telescopic Explosion. It's amazing. It gets every single lash. The brush is kind of flimsy and it's super long. Those are my main complaints. Those two issues make it really not so easy to get the hang of but once you do you will be in love and not regret it. It makes me look like I have false lashes on when I put some eyeliner on with it. I like it a lot.
Number 4 is ELF Liquid Liner. I am AWFUL at liquid liner. The only liner I can do is with an angled brush and powder. But this liquid liner is so much easier to use than any others that I have tried. The brush isn't really a brush, that's the key feature. It's stiff, so it doesn't go everywhere and make flicks where there should be no flicking. I am practicing a lot and liking it.
As I have updated you all on, my skin has gotten far more oily here in England than it was in the states. Most likely because I was living up at 8,000 feet there and now I'm at sea level again. Never thought you'd hear anyone saying they missed a super dry environment, did you? I need to find a good astringent mainly, is what I've decided. But while I buy unnecessary things and put that on the back burner I have been relying on my Mac Prep and Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment. After I wash my face I put this all over my face, as opposed to as directed (hence the zone in the title, apparently your whole face is not a zone, who knew). Not only does it make all of your pores disappear but there is no oil, your skin will be matte. If you have super insane oily skin as I do, it will make you believe in real miracles. Truth.
LAST but certainly not least. I have a lot of loans at this point. I am not made of money, I haven't found a rich boyfriend and I have not been able to find a money tree as of yet (still looking). So I have some Mac brushes I have had for years when my parents still bought me things. But when I need a new brush or decide I want a new brush I most likely don't need I can't afford Mac and most likely can't afford Sigma either. So last year I had ordered three brushes from ELF. One was an eyeshadow brush, flat top powder brush, and foundation brush. I have an issue with non blending eyeshadow brushes so I wasn't a huge fan of the c shaped eyeshadow brush but the powder brush was amazing. I have used the foundation brush and like it but you have to really clean it and re-fluff for it not to streak your foundation. So when I finally settled in a couple weeks ago and found I forgot/lost my powder brush I decided to place an order. I got the small kabuki brush, blush brush, complexion brush and of course a new powder brush. I love them. They are so soft and seem to shed less than my Mac brushes. I just really can't say enough about these brushes. Cheap and quality is kind of an amazing combo. I think if you get these you will not be disappointed. I haven't really ventured into anything other than face brushes. But maybe I will at some point, but again I have issues with eyeshadow brushes.
This post is entirely too long. I'm sorry for the book. I do so much reading to study on a daily basis that I understand the lack of compulsion to read the longest blog post ever. But if you made it this far congratulations. If I can review anything further or answer questions let me know. And let me know if you want to keep seeing my favorites. Or if you want Halloween pictures and costume explanation.
Also I'm trying to stay on top of blogging but on top of the dissertation and learning dead languages etc, it's not as easy as I thought it could be.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
