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 :-) 

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! :-) 

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. 

Things I learnt today at Beautyworld Middle East

Had a great time today at Beautyworld Middle East in Dubai! Got to see some amazing products and meet some lovely people. Here's what I learnt:

Madi international 

One of the largest suppliers of beauty products in the region is introducing new two brands. Firstly German brand Goldwell which comes in gorgeous and v luxurious looking gold bottles. And second Nashi Argan, a collection of haircare products enriched with argan oil. I was kindly given some samples, so am looking forward to trying them out.

I was also lucky to meet hair artist Mario whose multi tonal colour and incredible styling on models hair was absolutely stunning! 

GHD 

I learnt loads from watching Dafydd Reece from Ken Pickton Salon in UK and a GHD ambassador. He explained how GHD's ion technology is perfect for Dubai heat and humidity as it locks out moisture and locks in the style for frizz free, shiny locks- i need to get me some! 

He also demonstrated a stunning hair style using braids and weaving gold thread with a needle through them. 

O.P.I

I found out today that this brand does gel colour as well as normal- very exciting news! Also that the brand started in the 70s and is based in Hollywood with one lady who comes up with all the quirky polish names! It now has around 500 colours, including some of the originals like bubble bath and alpine snow. 

Currently the Brazil collection is very popular in this region as women here tend to go for bright colours due to the sunshine (I can vouch for that!). 

There was a nail art competition taking place and my favourite was def this sea inspired set- including the little mermaid!!!

It was a really informative day and definitely reiterated my passion for all things beauty, make up, hair and nails! I also picked up some Elemis, Bliss and Stargazer products at bargain prices, so watch this space for reviews :-) 

SPF saints and sinners

It's hotting up here in Dubai and as SPF is a year round must for me and my pale skin, I thought I'd share my favourite and not so favourite sun creams. 

I used L'oreal's solaire expertise SPF 30 face sunscreen for years and years and loved it, until it was discontinued two years ago (sob). I have tried a few face creams since until I've found one that I like that doesn't bring me out in spots, rubs in sheer without a white layer and actually stops me from burning! 

So two I've tried and don't rate: Banana Boat ultra protect faces SPF 50 sunscreen lotion (really stung my sensitive skin when I applied and brought me out in spots, is fine on my body however) and Garnier ambre solaire sheer protect face protection cream SPF 30 (a lot of spots!).

And my new essential, saintly 'ahhhh' SPF: Skin Ceuticals ultra facial defense SPF 50 high protection moisturising sunscreen. This is a lightweight face cream, that sinks in sheer and doesn't bring me out in spots. To date I've never burnt whilst I've been wearing it so am v happy with its performance! 

It comes in a dainty tube and with a small  opening it's easy to squeeze out the perfect amount for the face. I use it everyday and mix a tiny amount with my normal moisturiser, if I'm sitting in the sun or on the beach then I put a layer of moisturiser, let it sink it, then a generous layer of the sunscreen before applying any make up. 

For my body, my favourite has to be Garnier ambre solaire clear protect SPF 30 transparent body protection spray, but I can't seem to find it in Dubai so stock up in UK. It is a clear spray that is easy to apply, rub in, lasts for ages and is super easy to top up - just spritz over top of sandy skin! No more trying to rub in cream to sandy limbs!!! I also spritz it over the top of make up if I'm on the beach and need a face top up and it almost acts like a fixing spray! Love.

Available in Dubai, I really rate Banana Boat ultra protect sunscreen lotion SPF 30 and Garnier ambre solaire SPF 30 protection lotion ultra hydrating. Both easy to rub in, smell nice and do the job.

By far the worse suncream I have ever used is Nivea- I burn straight through it every time and wouldn't recommend to anyone. Definitely an SPF sinner! 

Does anyone else have any recommendations?