Bourjois Round Pots of Eyeshadow

I know, I know! I haven't posted in ages (guilty face) so it's great to finally get around to it...things have just been quite hectic but in a positive sort of way...I really need to start blogging more often!

If you've been visiting my blog during my absence then thank you very much for your patience!
Anyway, to get back into the swing of things, here are my thoughts on two lovely eyeshadows that I've been reaching for quite a lot lately.

Although Bourjois Round Pots have been around for ages, I purchased my very first two pots of Bourjois eyeshadow about two weeks ago as I've always found them to be a bit of a "hit and miss" sort of product.
When swatching them at the drugstore I've found a lot of these eyeshadows to either be poorly pigmented, too glittery or gritty in texture. There have been some exceptions though - and I purchased two colours that I would gladly recommend from this brand.

Shade 08 - a creamy beige, champagne sort of colour and Shade 74 - a rich plummy brown.

swatch of nr 08

I find shade 08 to be such a great bridal sort of colour. It works great on its own all over the lid or as a highlight colour. I love, love, love it!

swatch of nr 74

I use shade 74 all over the lid and up to the crease. It's just a really modern and chic plummy brown. 

Both of these have a very creamy, soft and smooth texture as well as great pigmentation. I'll probably get another pot of 08 just in case cause I've been using it daily and I wouldn't wanna run out...

Let me know which round pots are your faves?

Barry M Nail Paint in Red Glitter

I popped into Boots and Superdrug yesterday with the intention of getting myself a bottle of Barry M's Instant Nail Effects only to find out that it was out of stock. For some reason whenever Instant Nail Effects was released I had no interest in it whatsoever but now I really want to get my hands on a bottle...well either the Barry M one or OPI's Shatter which from what I've heard is selling like hot cakes and proving to be rather impossible to get.

Anyway, I didn't leave empty handed as Barry M's Red Glitter polish caught my attention.

For some reason I don't really tend to wear red nail polish but this one was just too hard to resist and I'm really loving it.

I needed two coats to achieve an opaque coverage. The polish dries to a sort of lightly gritty texture.

Those of you whom have tried both Barry M's Instant Nail Effects and OPI's Shatter - is there much of a difference between them apart from the price?

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, also known as the 24 hr miracle cream, has achieved a bit of a cult status and is to be found in many make-up artists' kits.
The cream is a multi-purpose product as in addition to being used as a moisturiser it can also be used as a cleanser, make-up remover, beauty mask and as an after-sun care product. It's moisturising and nourishing formulation is ideal for all ages, skin types, for women, children, babies and for men as a soothing after shave cream.

Lately this has become my day time moisturiser of choice. I use Egyptian Magic as a night time moisturiser for it needs a good few minutes to sink into the skin but Embryolisse sinks right in and is a great base for applying foundation.

When it comes to skin care I like to keep things simple and love a traditional product.

The packaging is simple and nothing out of the ordinary - a metal tube with a screw cap - sort of like a tooth paste...

The texture is very smooth, light, fluffy and great for really massaging into the skin. It absorbs very quickly leaving a non-greasy finish. This is probably why I love using it as a day time moisturiser as there's no need to wait until it's absorbed prior to applying your foundation.
It has a light, subtle flowery scent to it which I find very pleasant -  smells rather fresh like a baby product.

Lait-Cream Concentre leaves my skin feeling well moisturised, feeling soft, supple and manages to add a bit of plumpness. I'm seriously hooked on this simple yet effective moisturiser.
Have you given it a go yet?

No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach

No7's Skin Illuminator comes in two shades - Peach and Pink. I opted for the peach because as you already know I love all things peach.

This illuminator has been a constant part of my daily make-up routine these past two weeks and I won't be growing tired of it any time soon as it's great at achieving that dewy look without going overboard.

Here's a swatch of the colour: 

...and blended out: 

I've been wearing it in a couple of ways -

• mixed into my moisturiser or foundation
• applied all over the face after my moisturiser and before application of foundation
• dabbed over the cupid's bow, brow bone, cheek bones and bridge of the nose

Whatever way I happen to apply this illuminator, I just LOVE the results. 
It's great for putting some luminosity into my skin and giving a really nice subtle glow.

I do however HATE the packaging! It comes in a tube with a brush at the end that the product comes out of.
To use you need to turn the nozzle to the ON position and gently squeeze the product out.

The only problem is that once you gently squeeze the tube, the product still squirts out like crazy so it's best to press the brush against your hand to prevent too much of the illuminator from coming out.
It's also essential to remember to turn the nozzle back to the OFF position once you've finished using it.
This is something I forgot to do during the first use - I won't be making that mistake again!
The next time when trying to get the lid off I wasted a lot of product cause when opening it you're holding the tube and squeezing it which results in a messy lid, brush and a lot of product which you'll need to scoop out from the lid.

...and this is how messy it ends up looking: 

Overall this is a great product which could really benefit from better packaging. I will however continue to put up the inconvenient packaging for the sake of achieving a lovely, healthy looking glow.

What are your favourite illuminators?

Maybelline The Eraser Foundation

When it comes to foundation I like using cream based textures and something that is going to give my skin a bit of a glow or sheen as well as keep it moisturised. I get this sort of result from one of my favourite foundations which I use on a daily basis - Leichner's Camera Clear Tinted Foundation. Due to the fact that Leichner's offering ticks all the boxes for me, I don't tend to be on the lookout for other foundations out there.

I did however grab myself a bottle of Maybelline's Eraser Foundation - and no it's not because of the soft and cuddly looking applicator head - but simply because it contains an SPF of 18 and my current day time moisturiser of choice hasn't got an spf in it.
So on those days when I know that I'm going to be out and about, I alternate Leichner with Maybelline's Eraser to keep myself protected from the scorching rays of Northern Ireland's sun...hope you're sensing the sarcasm here:)

Here's what Maybelline has to say about The Eraser:

Go beyond covering lines – instantly erase the look of creases, crow’s feet and fine lines. With an applicator exclusively designed to apply the super-concentrated formula, The Eraser instantly fills and smoothes the look of imperfections.

The Eraser Secret:

• Exclusive Micro-corrector applicator fills and smoothes the look of imperfections.
• Super-concentrated formula enriched with Goji Berry & Collagen helps tighten & improve skin elasticity.
• Instantly erases the look of crow's feet, fine lines and dark circles.

Directions for use:
•Slowly turn the red neck of the bottle in direction of arrows until foundation begins to appear.

•Apply foundation directly to face, blending with the applicator in an outward motion as needed.

•For best results, apply sparingly.

•To apply more, twist neck of applicator 1-2 clicks at a time.

•Directions for cleaning: The Eraser formula is protected with an anti-microbial system.

•Do not wet applicator. Wipe off excess foundation with dry tissue only.
I personally don't use the fluffy applicator head for working the foundation into my skin but tend to apply several swipes across my face and then either blend out with my fingers of buff in with my e.l.f. powder brush.
Initially I couldn't really make up my mind as to whether or not I liked this foundation much but gradually it started to grow on me.

The key is, as stated by Maybelline, to apply sparingly. This foundation has a light texture and it can be tempting to reapply more to certain areas which only makes it sit on top of the skin.
When you first start to blend this foundation it feels a little slippy and seems to slide all over the face but once blended in it stays in place.

The Eraser has a light, sheer texture and coverage with the formula being somewhat brightening - it seems to lift my complexion making it look less dull which is what I love about it as I can really see the difference throughout the day when wearing it...can't really put my finger on it but my face seems to look sort of fresh...if that makes sense.

As for erasing crows feet and fine lines - can't vouch for that as luckily I haven't got those yet.

Have you tried The Eraser?

EcoTools

EcoTools - the tools for earth friendly beauty...I've been eyeing these for ages and don't quite know why I never gave into making a purchase sooner...

The brushes feature:

• a highly sustainable bamboo handle
• 100% cruelty-free, soft taklon bristles
• recycled aluminium ferrule 
• reusable storage pouch 

I've got three eco brushes but I'm really keen on trying out more. The ones I have are:


eye shading brush -

The bristles are flat and firmly packed. I use this one for packing eyeshadow colour onto the lid and it's also great for concealing and highlighting the under eye area.

eye shadow brush - 

I think that this brush is meant to be an improved version of the eye shading brush (above) - at least that's what it says on the pouch - "Improved Cut & Application".
The bristles are a bit more fluffy making it easier to blend with. It works great for highlighting the brow bone or adding an all over colour to the lid.

Here are the two eye brushes side by side:

Left: eye shading brush  Right: the improved eye shadow brush

bronzer brush -

 Oh my eco bronzer brush, how do I LOVE thee...!!! I'll definitely be getting another one of these as it is just amazing. The bristles are densely packed and so so incredibly SOFT! It's such a pleasure to use. You need to use with a light hand though as it's all too easy to get too much product on. I've been using it with both cream and powder bronzers and I couldn't be happier.

All three of my eco brushes are very soft and great quality so I'm really looking forward to trying other ones from the series.
If you've tried them then I'd love to hear your recommendations!

Clairol Nice 'n Easy Colour Blend Foam

Clairol's Nice 'n Easy Colour Blend Foam promises to make colouring an experience to look forward to due to its foamy consistency and non drip formula.

Personally I detest permanent hair dyes as I can't stand the stink that comes with the territory. However I was keen on trying out this one as it promised a clean and effortless application. 

So fully prepared to embrace the unpleasant smell I got all set up and followed the instructions:

...and so I mixed and shook the hell out of the bottle...gave it a squeeze and out came a stinky, rather beer-like smelling blob of runny foam. I applied it to my hair only to have it drip down my forehead and also onto the floor...no drip formula huh?

In order to get a foamy consistency you need to shake the bottle intensely before each and every squeeze which is rather annoying and quite messy as the dye goes all over the place.

Overall I'm not impressed and in the future will pass on this latest offering from Clairol. It's only saving grace has been the conditioning gloss (you get two sachets) that accompanies this product as it smells divine and leaves the hair looking shiny and feeling soft.


Have you tried this foam formula and how did you find it?