Recent Hauling

I know I only just did a haul post a couple days ago, but I felt because this was one was make up it was okay. Sorry, if anyone find them a bit boring, I personally love seeing haul posts/videos!

Real Techniques Core Collection

I've wanted this for ages, but paying the postage costs always put me off a bit.  I originally bought the stippling brush nearly a year ago and have really been enjoying it, so was curious to try out some of the others. When I heard they were going to be sold in Boots I headed down, to find it sold out at first, but went back a week later to pick up the powder brush for Yu, and there it hung in all it's glory. First impressions are very good, and I've actually been choosing the buffing brush over my previous fav, the stippling brush!

Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation 233

I don't know why it's taken me so long to look into this foundation, but a recent foundation collection video from Yu reminded me that I had wanted to try it. So I went for a colour match and walked out with it, oops. In my defence, Illamasqua don't actually give out samples, (which is ridiculous if you ask me) and the colour match is pretty good, it's a bit dark for everyday use, but works great for nights out which is exactly why I wanted it, and hopefully in the summer it will be a better match. I've only used it a couple times, but plan to do a full review in the near future. 

MAC Viva Glam Nicki

I managed to nab one of those advance codes, and so I received it a bit earlier than the official release date, which excited me more than it probably should have. I really love this, although when I apply it, the hints of peach disappear, and I'm left with a very vibrant almost highlighter pink. I wore this last night, and let me warn you, this baby leaves a stain. After 8 hours sleep I woke up with my lips still pink.

Bare Minerals Original  Golden Beige

I was soo excited to pick this up, it's something I've sampled before but never took the plunge.  I was between shades so I went for the slighty darker one as I thought it will be perfect in the summer anyway, and I can make it work when I've fake tanned. At the moment I'm using it lightly as a setting powder and it's working well. Once again, I'm planning to do a fuller review once I'd had a bit more use out of it, but it really is as good as I've read, with suprisingly good coverage. 

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

Nic xxx

...continue reading

No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

Armed with some No7 vouchers in September, I decided to pick Beautifully Matte for £8.50 and see if my years of avoiding drugstore foundations has been a mistake.

It does come with a cap, I just have a thing for losing them!
 

For reference, I have combo/oily skin and suffer from breakouts, blemishes and marks so I always go for fuller coverage foundations. 

Beautifully Matte's claims:

•     *Shine free for up to 12 hours
•  
•  
•  
•  
•  

*Balances oil production and minimises the appearance of blemishes
*Moisturising enough for dry skin, yet suitable for oily skin
*Colour stays true and looks fresher for longer
*Contains salicylic acid to unclog pores and heal blemishes
*SPF 15
*Full coverage

(Can't say I noticed the salicylic acid benefits, but I did start a new skincare routine just after buying)

Application

Although it is a thick creamy foundation it does blend magically into the skin, evening out skin tone and concealing imperfections and blemishes. You do need to work quickly however, otherwise I find it can look a bit cakey and you loose the natural finish. I work in small sections using a small amount, blending with either my fingers or MAC 187.  Great pump applicator which enables you to control the amount perfectly. 

Unblended                      Semi Blended

Finish

Very natural, with a silky matte appearance. Not powdery in the slightest.  You can see how the foundation completely disappears into my skin. Amazing!

Fully Blended                 Natural Finish

Wear

Beautifully Matte contains a patented fine, oil absorbing powder which continues to work all day helping to keep the shine at bay. Although I didn't get a full 12 hours, it wasn't until 8-10 hours I noticed some shine on the T- zone, and even then it was nothing compared to what I tend to experience, more of a slight 'dewy' finish, rather than a full on greasy shine. (Gross.) 

I am majorly impressed with this bad boy's staying power, the amount of foundation that I find is buffed off with my muslin cloth is ridiculous! It really does last all day.

Shade Range

With only 6 shades to select from there isn't much option. Reading some reviews on the Boots website it seems very light skinned girls have a problem finding a match. I wear No 10, New Ivory which has very yellow undertones and isn't ivory in the slightest, and was quite a good colour match for me.

Positives

+affordable with No 7 vouchers (otherwise overpriced)

+long lasting, shine control

+pump with great control

+plastic bottle- lightweight (but also a negative if you like to display your foundations)

+great for blemished skin- disguises and conceals well

+natural, silky matte finish

Negatives

-actual product runs out quickly

- limited shade range

-can cake if applied too heavily

-need to work in small sections and blend quickly which can be a little tiresome 

Would I rebuy?

For me, the biggest flaw is that I've been using it for under 2 months, and I have less than half of the bottle left. My MAC Studio Fix Fluid easily lasts me 6-8 months,so in the long run the cheaper price doesn't mean much, especially for someone like me, who wears foundation everyday.

  So no, although very impressed, I wouldn't rebuy. 

(I hope this post wasn't too long. I know I prefer to read more detailed posts about foundation so hope you all share the same sentiments.)

Also wanted to say hello to all my shiny new followers, it's so exciting to see people liked the couple posts enough to follow. So thank you! 

Nic xxx

...continue reading