A Couple No 7 Goodies

If you're anything like me, you collect No.7 vouchers and then either forget to spend them, or just lose them. Either way, in a bloggers world (or at least mine) it's practically a sin to not spend money when you're going to be saving.  So the other day, I picked up the Amazing Eye Pencil in Brown, and the Perfect Lips Pencil in Nude- they are two things I was after (not particularly from No 7, but at under £3 for each I thought why not!)

The lip pencil comes with its own little sharpener in the tip, which I though was a really nice touch. I actually ended up smooshing the end of my pencil while taking the photos so I had to use the sharpener and it worked really well. The lip pencil is a retractable, while the eyeliner is a standard one that needs to be sharpened. It also comes with a smudger at the end, which I do really like. The overall packing reminded me a LOT of the Estee Lauder Double Wear Pencil, but I guess you can't really differentiate too much when it comes to eyeliner packaging- so I'll forgive No 7 somewhat.

They are both impressively pigmented, and apply really smoothly. I've only worn the lip liner under lipstick a couple times, so it's obviously a little harder commenting on it's lasting power- but I guess I could say it lasts as long as your lipstick does? The eyeliner is really great, I've had it on for 8 hours now and it's still looking good! 

These two were great little deals, and have filled the holes in my collections. To pick them up for such a great price makes me very happy indeed! The eyeliner is £7.75 full price, and the lip liner £7.50, so with my two vouchers, I paid just over £5 for something that should have cost £15. I do find No 7 products greatly over priced, and only really consider them when the vouchers are available. Saying that, I had a little swatch of the new primer and it seems like it could be the such of airbrushed miracles! I should really try it properly before making such statements, I don't think relying on the effects it had on the back of my hand can counts.

The vouchers run out on Sunday, so if you've got some to use up I definitely recommend having a look at these, they both come in a selection of shades. 

Do you have any No 7 products you love? 

Nic xxx

...continue reading

Recent Empties No1

I love seeing empties posts, it's a great way to find out what products have been impressive enough to rebuy. They can be more reliable than intial first impressions, even after a couple weeks usage. So here are some products I've finished over the last couple weeks. 

Numbers four, five & six were all first time buys.

            one             two           three           

one. MAC Studio Fix Foundation NC25. 30 ml. £19.50

Lost count of the amount of bottles I've owned. Not quite HG status, but it works so well for me. Definite rebuy.

two. TRESemme Dry Shampoo. 200ml £2.65 at Superdrug.

This is the 5th bottle I've finished, great smell, doesn't leave white residue. Trying out a new (cheaper) dry shampoo, otherwise definite rebuy, it's replaced Batitse for me. Although on the expensive side as they never last too long.

three. Paco Rabanne Black XS EDT 50ml. £35.50

I received this bottle at Christmas, and I think it's my second bottle. I've only had one perfume since then, so it's run out really quickly! Described as 'amber and woody', it's got a very distinct, sweet smell. Love the bottle as well. Think will try something new, although probably repurchase in the future.

(i love the mens version as well, for men that is)

 

four            five               six

four. No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Make up Remover 100ml £7.75

Very gentle oil and water cleanser, I wear waterproof mascara daily, so need an oil cleanser. I bought it with a No7 voucher, works great but is very expensive for what it is. Nothing special basically. Will rebuy the Garnier remover for £2.99 for 200ml. here.

five. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer NC30 £13.50

Bought at the beginning of the year. Doesn't come close to MAC's Studio Finish concealer, which has far better coverage and staying power. It's very creamy, and I found it creased under eyes. Will not be rebuying.

six. Boots Botanics Cleansing Body Scrub 250ml £4.59

Loved the idea of it being cleansing, loved the colour and the scent, which is very fresh. However, you need quite a lot of the scrub for full body so it has run out quickly. Leaves skin very soft,without being abrasive at all. Not sure if I will rebuy yet.

I finished an awful essay today so had a big of splurge in Debenhams today to help me feel a bit better about it. Which is something I actually do way too often. I spent last weekend back at home, (I go to Uni in Sheffield) and my mom and I had a lovely shopping trip to Brent Cross, where I picked up a few Lush bits and my mom treated me to a bit of MAC & Zara. She's a babe. Expect some haul posts soon!

Thanks for reading!

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