Thursday, 26 June 2014

Bliss Let It Glow collection box review

At Beautyworld Middle East recently I picked up this Bliss Let It Glow box set for an absolute bargain on the last day. 

I've heard so many good things about the mask that I thought I'd give all the products a go...


Bliss Triple oxygen instant energising mask review: 
This stuff is gorgeous and makes your skin feel so fresh! It feels so luxurious on your face and I can understand why there's a recommendation that you only use it three times a week as it's addictive!  You rub the product onto a wet face and massage in, and then it starts to foam and foam some more until you have this lovely thick lather on your face which feels divine! It says to leave on for five minutes and the first time I did but the foam just slides down your face and disintegrates so when I've used since I just let it foam and then wash off after a couple of minutes. 


Bliss fabulous foaming face wash review:
This is a two in one cleanser and exfoliater with rose hips, chamomile and passion flower. Firstly it smells absolutely fabulous! I love the fresh blue colour and easy to dispense product pump (take note Dermalogica ultra calming cleanser!). I thought this would be quite harsh on my sensitive skin as has really fine exfoliating beads but it's actually very gentle and I've been using it daily for a week now and my skin feels and looks quite happy! It doesn't really foam so the name of it is a bit odd, but either way, it's lovely stuff.

Bliss triple oxygen +c energizing cream review: 
This also smells lovely, like oranges which I think ties into the vitamin c thing... It is quite a runny cream and I love how you can see the oxygen bubbles in it! It smoothes into skin beautifully, absorbs well and my face looks hydrated after using it. I don't see any miracles happening though but not sure what energised skin actually looks like anyway.... 

Bliss fabulips softening lip balm review:
Meh. The black sheep of the set! Used this solely for a week to give it a proper try and my lips were like the Dubai desert- dry, cracked, red. Won't be using again! Carmex for me please! 

I've never used Bliss products before and am so pleased I've now given them a try and this is definitely a brand that I will be buying again :-) 


Saturday, 21 June 2014

Concealer collection

In the quest to find the perfect undereye and blemish concealer I currently have quite a collection! 

There's some I love and some I'm not so sure about so thought I'd share my opinions with you lovely lot! 

So in no particular order... 

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, SC2
This product has long been billed as a wonder concealer in beauty circles, excellent at covering blemishes and undereye shadows. However I really don't like it. It sits in the lines of my skin, doesn't blend well and it is a pain to mix the two shades together!  I think this product would suit oily skin types much better, it just makes my skin look dry and parched. I only used it to cover blemishes as way too solid and thick to use under my eyes. I haven't used this in years and should bin it but was expensive- does anyone want it?! 


Giorgio Armani Maestro eraser dark circle concealer, 3
This is lovely everyday stuff, very liquidy and easy to blend under the eyes. Feels light and can be built up. It certainly brightens my undereye area but doesn't give the greatest coverage. The tube packaging makes sense as it is very runny however is also a nightmare as generally you squeeze too much out so wastes a lot of product! Am enjoying using this and will finish this tube but probably won't repurchase. 


Benefit boi-ing industrial strength concealer, 02
This is my favourite concealer for blemishes and I'm on my second pot. It's just the right consistency- not too solid, not too runny and is quite creamy so easy to blend. Gives great coverage and has long lasting staying power. I apply with my ring finger or with a brush to dark areas of face and blemishes. It's a bit too heavy for undereyes but is perfect for covering small spots. Winner!


Bobbi Brown corrector, light to medium bisque 
This is a lovely creamy undereye concealer that gives good coverage, blends well and is easy to apply. As you can see from the pic, I've used this to the bitter end, however I probably won't repurchase. The colour is pinky which I didn't mind but was a different shade to the rest of my skin. It also didn't seem to last very long during the day. I think it would be good for pinkier skin tones. 


Benefit erase paste brightening camouflage for eyes and face, 02 medium
This is heavy stuff! Waxy but creamy at the same time and definitely a 'paste'! It is brilliant at covering big red glowing kinda of spots as is very thick. I only use a teeny amount and dab straight onto the spot and blend out. I think it is perfect for nighttime wear or if you want a full on face of make up. It's not my everyday concealer, definitely only if going out and want to cover big, red blemishes. Its too heavy for me to wear under my eyes but would be good if you were doing a photo shoot for example as gives great coverage. It comes with a small spatula and also instructions which is v useful. You really only need a tiny amount! 

Rimmel hide the blemish concealer, 002 sand 
For years and years this was my favourite blemish concealer, cheap, cheerful and brilliant coverage. However since moving to Dubai it is too light for my slightly tanned face. I've tried buying the shade darker but it's too dark :-( So I kinda need one in the middle. If I move back to England and have my pale face again then this concealer will be getting a lot of use again! Love it. 


Laura Mercier secret concealer, 2
It's strange. I don't rate the secret camouflage at all, however I LOVE this undereye concealer! It's by far my favourite and one that I will definitely repurchase when I run out. It's creamy, easily blend able and doesn't drag when you apply under the eye or sit in the creases. It is the perfect shade for me as near to my skin tone and gives long lasting, great coverage. Highly recommend! 


Benefit Fake Up hydrating crease control concealer, 02 medium
This was a sample from my glambox and it hands down wins the prettiest packaging prize!  It is a unique concept in that the concealer is surrounded by hydrating balm and you apply straight to your undereyes. It glides on beautifully and blends out well. It has good coverage and staying power, however it has a bit of a heavy smell which I'm not too keen on. I've only just started using this so tbc if I will repurchase! 


So there you have it...  If you have any favourite concealers then let me know- I always love experimenting! :-) 


Thursday, 5 June 2014

Essie nail polish review

Even though I'm not getting married and am no where near(!) I just loved these Essie nail polishes! 

The collection is the new wedding / marriage one and includes cute named polishes: 

Got engaged! -a lovely pearlescent pale pinky shade 
Meet the parents- a matte pastel blue with grey undertones 
She said yes- a sparkly clear white shade 
Love every minute -a peachy matte colour 

I took Meet the parents and Love every minute to Posh nails in Tecom for this lovely mani / pedi. Even though I won't be walking up the aisle anytime soon I'm loving the chalky pastel colours which would be so pretty on any bride :-) 

Essie has a brilliant reputation and never fails to disappoint - the colour is always true and opaque, never streaky and is really long lasting. 

I love my sky blue toes!!







These samples were sent to me by the lovely PR people for Essie.