NEW IN | Beauty Splurges

As a certified (kind of) beauty junkie, it's my job to spend copious amounts of money on make up and skincare I don't necessarily need, but most definitely want. On my lunch breaks, I tend to find myself wandering round either Boots, Superdrug or Space NK and well this week, I didn't leave empty handed. You might want to grab a cup of tea for this one, there's a lot to get through...

First stop, the drugstore. I initially went in looking for Bourjois' Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Plum Russian - I've yet to try it but after trying and loving Peach on the Beach, I have high hopes. Little Mix recently collaborated with Collection and Perrie's hue in particular caught my eye. It's more purple than I usually go for, but I've had nothing but compliments since wearing it (the beauty advisor in Space NK thought it was one from NARS - win). The formulation isn't the best, it can be quite drying without a lip balm underneath, but at £2.99 you can't grumble and the pigmentation is fantastic. 

Now, my skin has been like a hormonal teenager lately, especially my chin and whilst I was browsing the aisles of Boots I came across the Superfacialist Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask. I have heard good things about the range, so I decided to give it a try - the whole range is currently on offer in Boots too. I've used it once and on first impressions I was impressed. I will write a full post on it soon. When my skin is horrific, there is only one cleanser that really kicks it into gear and that's (can you guess what I'm about to say?) Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish. I've tried a lot of cleansers, both high end and low end but this one comes out on top every time. I decided to get the Limited Edition Christmas Starter Kit, which includes 2 muslin cloths and 150ml pump.

I shouldn't be allowed to walk into Space NK armed with a debit card because it's very difficult to walk out empty handed. I have been lusting after NARS Sheer Glow since the beginning of the year. I did the sensible thing and asked for a sample and after trying it, I loved it. The colour selection is fantastic, and I was surprised that my shade wasn't the lightest in the collection. My shade is Mont Blanc and I begrudgingly bought a pump for the foundation, as more often than not, I waste more foundation when I have to pour it. It was the last Mont Blanc and the last pump so it was fate, right? I then picked up a new Tangle Teezer because mine has seen better days - the bristles were bent and out of shape. On a seperate occasion, I picked up Giorgio Armani's Eyes to Kill Mascara in Selfridges after a make up artist recommended it to me at a PR event. I love it. It lengthens beautifully, adding the right amount of volume which can be built up. 

Now it's time to go hide that debit card of mine... Have you splurged on anything new lately? 

Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream Blush in 01 Nude Velvet vs. Stila Convertible Color in Gerbera

A peachy blush has become a go to favourite of mine, it gives you a healthy flush of colour, helps your skin to look brighter and looks great during the summer (haha) months.  Cream blush formulations have also become a strong favourite, giving more of a dewy and glowy appearance and they seem to be everywhere at the moment.  One in particular thats been talked about a lot is Stila's Convertible Color in the covetable 'Gerbera'.  Described as a non-greasy, creamy blush that gives a sheer wash of colour, Gerbera actually packs quite the punch, only needing the smallest amount and the lightest of hands to get the perfect peachy glow. The Convertible Color's come in a sleek compact packaging, with shades easily distinguishable by the colour of the compact, but at £16 these are not always the most accessible to those counting the pennies.  

If you're feeling the pinch but not on your cheeks, Bourjois have recently launched their take on the cream blush trend.  Their are currently four different shades in the Little Round Pot Cream Blush range, including Nude Velvet, which is very similar to that of Gerbera.  The formula, although creamy, is slightly dryer than that of Stila's Convertible Color because of its cream to powder formula, which gives it a matte finish, rather than dewy making it a great match for those who have oily skin and are wanting to dry out cream blushers.  Again, the similarities continue through to the packaging, which has used the shade colour to make the product easily identifiable in your collection.  The Convertible Color's are multi-tasking products, meaning they can be used on both cheeks and lips, whereas Bourjois is marketed soley as a cream blush.  After a little experiement, I found that the Bourjois can be worn on the lips, although you should put a clear gloss or balm over the top to stop your lips from drying out. The most significant and difference between the two products is the price.  The Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream Blushers are £7.99 (currently £6.99 at Boots), whilst Stila is £16.  

If you're looking for a peachy blush that eliminates the need for two products, has a dewy long lasting finish and you can afford the splurge, I really recommend the Stila Covertable Color in Gerbera, but if you're looking for a purse friendly option and that brightens the skin with a peachy glow, then Bourjois' Little Round Pot Cream Blush in Nude Velvet is the one for you.  

What's your favourite cream blusher?

May Favourites

Another month down, another favourites post.  May has been a busy month, I've finished university and have been working up in London but it's also been a month for rediscovering old favourites, or perhaps products I once discarded.  

As with April, there's only one skincare product, as I've found a skincare routine I'm pretty happy with and I didn't want to bore you by banging on about the same products.  The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo is another one of those crazily hyped products that almost everyone has heard of and tried.  This product is supposed to correct and unclog pores to eventually leave you with clearer looking skin.  It's also quite mattifying and makes for a great base under foundation.  I use this in the mornings before moisturiser and my skin has definitely been a lot better lately (*touches wood*).  I've had this since the beginning of the year and I'm yet to run out, but if you're looking to buy it, it's currently on 3 for 2 at Boots.  Speaking of Boots, I dug out No7's Essentially Natural Foundation in Calico from my stash and have been setting it with MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural this month for the perfect luminous complexion.  Essentially Natural is a buildable light coverage foundation which leaves a natural finish to the skin. 

Cream products have definitely had a moment in May.  First of all, my new love in the form of the Bourjois Cream Blushers. I have shades Nude Velvet and Rose Tender and they are both beautiful.  I reviewed them earlier this week so I won't bore you with the same details but they are pigmented, smooth to apply and give a gorgeous colour to the skin.  The next cream product is one I have a love hate relationship with.  I've had the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze for a while now and whilst I love the colour (anyone know of a similar powder shade?), I find it always slides off my eyelids too quickly and up until this month I just threw it to the back of my drawer.  Whilst for me it's not the most long lasting colour, I still use it and in conjunction with the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, I find it lasts a little bit longer.  This with a slick of mascara and a nude lip is a quick and easy, good to go look, which is something I've needed whilst working in London.  Another look I've been enjoying comes in the form of the Naked Basics palette.  For an easy everyday look, I've been applying Walk of Shame over the entire lid, whilst using Naked 2 for added definition in the crease.  

So those are my May favourites, but what have you been loving this month?

Bourjois Little Round Pot Cream Blush

It seems like cream blushers are having a moment in the beauty blogger world and I've definitely embraced them with open arms.  The latest to hit the market are from Bourjois, famous for their Little Round Pot blushers, they've reinvented them, giving them a creamy twist.  There are four colours in total, including the two pictured above, Nude Velvet and Rose Tender.  Nude Velvet (01) is a true peach shade, not dissimilar to the infamous Stila Covertible Color in Gerbera (comparison post coming soon), whilst Rose Tender (03) is a gorgeous rosy colour with a slight shimmer.  

These are supposed to be a cream to powder formulation, which normally I steer clear from as they usually come off quite cakey, but that's not the case with these products.  They pick up on the brush easily and buff out into a gorgeous satin finish on the cheeks.  The colour pay off is great, only needing the tiniest amount for a natural flush and as for lasting power, on my skin at least, these don't budge for a good six hours.  Thinner than the original Little Round Pot compact, these blushers come with a nifty magnetic closure and a mirror, perfect for on the go touch ups.  They also have the same rosey scent as their sister product - I know some aren't a huge fan of this scent but I'm not bothered by it.  At £7.99, these are definitely a steal and I hope that Bourjois will introduce more shades in the coming future.  

Have you jumped on the cream blush bandwagon?

P.S. Happy Bank Holiday - hope you're all enjoying your extra day off!

Summer 2013 | The Bold Edit

With summer nearly upon us (ha ha) it's time to whack out those lipsticks that really pack a punch. The season cries out for fuchsia, coral and orange shades a like and I've ploughed through my overflowing collection of lipsticks and picked my eight most summer worthy shades (most of them coral...).  Starting from the top and working round clockwise we have:

Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in Hibiscus; £13.00 - I've had this product for almost a year and I use it time and time again during the spring and summer months.  It does what it says on the tin with a creamy, highly pigmented, moisturising formulation that leaves a gloss like finish on the lips without any of the stickiness.  You can use this as a sheer wash of colour or pile it on for a real pop of coral, plus it has a gorgeous vanilla scent.  As it's a glossy product, touch ups throughout the day are required, but for such a beautiful product its no chore. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in 17; £7.99 - More true to form when it comes to lipstick formulations, the latest lip products from Bourjois are easy to apply with a creamy and highly pigmented finish. Number 17 is a gorgeous coral which is slightly darker than Jemma Kidd and less glossy. These last a while on the lips but touch ups are needed after food and drink or perhaps after a few hours.  

MAC Viva Glam Nicki; £14.00 - Another gorgeous coral shade (are you noticing a pattern?) that leans towards the barbie pink rather than blood orange of the previous products.  Viva Glam Nicki is thick and highly pigmented and really adds a pop of vibrant colour to any look.  I like to describe this as "highlighter for your lips" as it really is very bright.  The thick formulation makes for long lasting colour, and a great colour to have on you to take a look from day to night.  

Maybelline Colour Sensation The Vivids in Shocking Coral; £7.19 - I only bought this last week but it's a definite must for any who love a bold pinky coral lip.  The product is cream, extremely pigmented and applies like a treat, with a slightly sheeny finish.  Use sparingly and rub into the lips for a more toned down look or go all the way to give your pout a lil something, something.  

Topshop Lipstick in Legend; £10.00 - Unfortunately, this was a limited edition shade but I just had to include it. Legend is a true blue-toned fuchsia in the typical Topshop formulation.  Pigmented, smooth to apply and with that gorgeous berry smell, this is one of my favourite summer shades.  It lasts a while, but touch ups are needed throughout the day.  It feels comfortable on the lips and the blue tones help to make teeth look whiter.  A good alternative would be something like Sleek's True Colour lippy in Fuchsia.  

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse in Rebel Red; £8.19 - Something for the faint hearted.  If you're not confident going (p)out and proud with a bold lip, these balm type lipsticks are great for a slick wash of glossy, moisturising colour.  Rebel Red is great for lazy days as you can apply and go, without having to use a lip brush or faffing about.  Needless to say, the staying power is minimal but its so easy to use that touch ups are not  a problem.  

Rimmel Apocalips in Stella; £4.99 - These need no introduction as they swept the beauty blogosphere back at the beginning of the year but they are fab for blod lip days. Stella in particular is for the brave. A bright red-pink colour that leaves a gorgeous glossy lacquer to the lips, I absolutely love these products. These are beyond super pigmented, the colour pay off is incredible and they sit comfortably on the lips.  The only problem is they don't as long as I'd like and they are a nightmare in the wind (hair + lip lacquer = no go). Apply one coat, blot and apply a second for maximum impact and staying power.  

L'Oreal GlamShine Stain Splash; £7.99 - This is a lip lacquer and stain in one.  It applies like a lacquer, creamy and pigmented and sticks like a stain.  If you're going on holiday, these are great as once in place, they just don't budge.  They can be slightly sticky to begin with but once they dry, they leave behind a gorgeous glossy (almost wet looking) stain to the lips.  These do have great lasting power but I find I need a touch up around 4-5 hours into the day/night.  Like the Apocalips, apply one coat, blog and apply a second to make the most out of this product.  

So those are my favourite lip products for summer, but what are yours? 

New In | Drugstore Edition

 Lately, I've been finding myself pulled towards the likes of Boots and Superdrug and steering away from the high end concessions.  Now, I'm not saying that my love for luxury has died completely, I just think the drugstore is having a moment right now.  Brands have been launching products left, right and centre and some have been too gorgeous to avoid.  I found myself perusing the aisles of Superdrug yesterday, looking to pick up some essentials and also to treat myself after finishing my degree (would you like a post on my university experience?) and found that all cosmetics were on 3 for 2, so I felt I should oblige. 

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover; £4.99 - Another essential I've been meaning to pick up was the Bourjois nail polish remover.  This will be my third pot of the gimmicky goodness and I just love it.  It removes nail polish almost immediately and leaves a gorgeous fruity smell behind - my only hang up is that it's not toe friendly (don't pretend you haven't tried!).  

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer; £4.19 - Unless you were born yesterday, you'll know this product is very much loved and raved about in the UK.  I picked up another tube as I'm currently scraping the edges of my old one.  It provides amazing coverage, it doesn't cling to dry patches or looks cakey on the skin and it's only £4.19 - bargain! 

Sleek Shimmer Blush in Pomegranate; £4.49 - Sleek's a brand I haven't really ventured into much, apart from a lipstick and the infamous contour kit but when I saw this blush I couldn't not get it.  It's slightly more plummy in real life and it's definitely more of an autumn colour but I'm going to try and make it work for the summer - it could even be a great crease colour on the eye.  I've just swatched it and the pigmentation is lovely so I'm excited to try it.  

Maybelline Colour Sensation Vivids in Shocking Coral; £7.19 - I passed the Maybelline concession without a second glance until the word 'Vivids' caught my eye and I remembered seeing some of the lipsticks on YouTube.  I spied Shocking Coral, a true coral shade and popped it into my basket.  I swatched this once I got home and the colour really is vivid, plus it has a really nice smell to it. 

Bourjois Cream Blush in Nude Velvet (#01) and Rose Tender (#03); £7.99 - Bourjois are famous for their Little Round Pot blushers, but they've just launched their new cream blushers, complete with that Bourjois rose scent.  Admittedly, this is the reason I wanted to go into Superdrug and out of the four shades on offer, these two stood out the most.  I've really been enjoying cream blushers lately and I'm excited to try these. 

Have you picked up any goodies from Boots or Superdrug lately?

Top 3 Foundations for Pale Skin

For us fair girls, finding a foundation that blends seamlessly into our skin tone has become increasingly difficult.  Have no fear Snow White's, I've found three bases that might just be what you're looking for. 

1. Liz Earle Signature Foundation* in #01 Porcelain; £21 - This is a foundation I've recently talked about in a lot of depth (review here), even going as far as calling it my HG foundation.  The colour is a fantastic match for my skin tone, and blends in without leaving a noticeable line around my face.  It's a medium, natural coverage, which gives a fresh, dewy finish when used over a moisturiser, or a matte finish if you use a primer such as Benefit's The POREfessional.  It has good staying power, only needing a touch up if you've got an oilier skin. The only negative is that you only get 25ml, whereas a standard foundation bottle is 30ml.  

2.  No7 Essentially Natural Foundation in Calico; £9.95 - When No7 launched their Match Made service at the end of August (read more here), I couldn't wait to try it out and see if they would have a shade for me, or if my reading would come back "too pale".  Fortunately, I was matched up to Calico and after having it applied to my skin by the make up artist, I fell in love.  Essentially Natural is a light to medium coverage foundation and leaves a dewy finish.  It lasts a reasonable amount of time on the skin, only needing touching up with powder after 4-5 hours of wear.  You get 40ml of product, making this a more affordable product as you get more for your money.  

3. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation* in #51; £10.99 - This is the most "orange" of the foundation choices, but still a nice choice if you blend it right.  It's said to be the high street dupe for Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua as it's a light to medium coverage which doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Again it leaves a dewy finish, but can be mattified with powder, which helps keep the product in place for longer too.  You get 30ml which is a standard amount for base products.  You can often find this product for around £7.99 when it's on offer in Boots, but Bourjois is currently on 3for2.  For a more in depth review of the foundation, click here.  

Out of the three, I find myself reaching for Liz Earle and No7 the most, although that will change when we get to the summer months and my skin darkens in the sun.  I haven't tried Nicola Roberts range, Dainty Doll, which is specially designed for fair women, as it's not easily available near me. 

What's your favourite foundation? 

August 2012 Favourites

It's that time again and without sounding cliched - just where has this year gone?! Not long to go until I start my third and final (eek) year of university but that's a whole other post.  I don't religiously blog about my favourite products as some months I can't come up with an amount I deem suitable.  This month, as the weather got warmer, I kept tabs on just what I was using so much.  The majority of products I have reviewed in depth and I will leave links for those at the end of the post.  

When I've worn make up this month, I've kept it fairly simple and natural.  I've re-discovered my love for Bourjois' Healthy Mix Serum foundation, which is my cheaper equivalent of Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua.  Under the eyes and along the bridge of my nose, I've been loving YSL's infamous Touche Eclat.  Another Bourjois favourite is my Little Round Pot blusher in #16 which both smells and looks amazing on my cheeks.  When it comes to lips it's either been Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream and a lip balm or one of the two pictured above.  Topshop's Innocent is a lovely rose colour which looks good both straight on or patted into the lip - if I fancied an injection of colour I reached for Jemma Kidd's Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in #4 Hibiscus (bit of a mouthful).  On my nails, I've been loving Essie's Watermelon - a gorgeous hot pinky red shade which looks equally amazing on toes.  

My two skincare standouts have both been from Origins. After having a horrible time with my skin at the beginning of the month I started using the Out of Trouble face mask which has helped clear up active breakouts and reduce the amount of oil, especially around my T-Zone.  When I bought the face mask I was also given two samples.  I've really been enjoying using Modern Friction (which I keep calling Micro Friction - #fail) which has helped get rid of any redness or scarring that breakouts have left behind. Definitely thinking about a full size purchase! 

L'Oreal's Ever Pure hair care range has really stuck out for me, for at least six weeks now.  I use the Colour Care and Moisture system which leaves my hair feeling like silk - plus they smell heavenly.  Once a week I will slather on the Reinforcing Intense Mask and leave in my locks for about an hour before washing out.  As I have bleach blonde hair, it can be quite porous and it's important to give it a good soak to help better its condition.  I've come back to my Moroccan Oil Light, which is nearly all gone (sob).  I prefer the light formulation as it doesn't weight my hair down but still does the job.  

What have been your favourite products this month?

Full product reviews: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation; Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush; Essie Nail Polish; Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in #4 Hibiscus; L'Oreal Ever Pure Colour Care and Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner; L'Oreal Ever Pure Reinforcing Intense Mask; Origins Out of Trouble Face Mask

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in #16

The first time I ever used the infamous Little Round Pot Blusher from Bourjois was for my brothers wedding, way back in 2007.  Admittedly, I can't quite remember the shade but when I saw this pot peeping through my goody bag from More! magazine I was instantly taken back.  First milled in 1863, it's easy to see why this product has been part of Bourjois' permanent line for so long.  

The shade I got was #16 - Rose Coup De Foudre (or Love-Struck Rose to you and me) which is a beautiful coral colour.  Originally, the pot came with a small blush for on the go application, but I wasn't a massive fan of it so threw it away.  The first thing I noticed was the gorgeous rose scent when I opened up the pot.  Secondly was the pigmentation of the product - it's got some serious colour pay off! The blush powder is a baked formula which is finely milled and soft, making it easy to blend onto the apples of your cheeks.  It also has a slight shimmer, great for brightening up the complexion. 

I've found myself reaching for this product on a daily basis as I love how it really perks my everyday look up and it doesn't budge or oxidise on my skin.  With 12 shades to choose from and only costing £7.49 a pot, you really can't go wrong (they're also paraben free)! I've definitely got my eyes on some other shades.  Bourjois products are widely available in Boots and Superdrug stores.   

Which Little Round Pot Blush do you covet? 

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover

Like so many products, the latest offering from Bourjois has circled the beauty blogosphere and rightly so, too.  On a last minute shop before my holiday, I picked up the Magic Nail Polish Remover in Boots for £4.99.  You can't miss it, in it's hot pink packaging.  It claims to take off nail polish in one second without cotton wool, as well as cleanse the nails with the addition of sweet almond oil.  It definitely takes more than one second but nevertheless it's still quick and easy.   The concept is the same as of those pots that make your nails taste disgusting so you don't chew on them - you pop your fingernail in and twist.  The combination of the nail polish remover and the texture of the sponge take off the colour with ease.  

When I picked this up, I hadn't noticed that it claimed to have a fragrance to it. It wasn't until a second or two after removing my finger that it hit me. It was definitely a welcomed surprise. I'm not alone in thinking nail polish remover stinks - I often receive complaints from my parents as I often do my nails watching TV in the evening.  This is not to say it doesn't have that tell tale smell, it still has that but I find it a lot less potent.  Another thing I liked was the added bonus of sweet almond oil, which you can see on your nails after using the product.  My nails always feel striped of both colour and health when using a regular polish remover, where as this product felt nourishing on my fingertips.  

I also like that you don't have to use cotton wool with this product.  I go through so much cotton wool and although it's not at all expensive, it's annoying when you don't have any left.  The only downside to this product is that it's not really toe friendly - I'd love them to come out with a sister product designed specifically for toenails! The Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover get's a massive thumbs up from me.  

Have you tried it out?

Final Preparations

It's no secret that I'm leaving on a jet plane for Spain on Tuesday. It's given me an excuse to shop (not that I need one) so I went out yesterday to try and get the final things together and I think I've managed it.  After tweeting about a few things I bought, I was requested to do a haul. Whilst compiling it, I realised there were a few other things I had picked up over the last few weeks which I hadn't yet hauled - so please don't think I went out on a mad shopping spree! 

BEAUTY

In H&M I picked up a wash bag to put the majority of my toiletries in.  It's a really cute turquoise pattern with gold zip detailing and inside has side compartments which will come in handy - a real bargain at £4.99 and comes in two different patterns (nearly picked up the second). I will probably use this as a make up bag for all of my high end bits when I come home.  

I had my roots done on Wednesday and decided to pick up some of the new L'Oreal Ever Pure shampoo and conditioner which is sulphate free. I'm planning on using them tonight and if they are any good I will let you know! They were £5.99 per bottle. 

I picked up a bottle of TreSemme heat defence as I was running low and will need it on holiday. I've used this one before and it was pretty good from what I can remember - I'm not fussy when it comes to heat defence products, so long as they do their job!

I popped into Space NK just to browse and came out with two NARS products.  I picked up the 'Larger Than Life' lipgloss in Place Vendome which is a gorgeous raspberry shade which will look nice once I start tanning. I also bought up the 'Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Primer'. If I wear any eyeshadow on holiday, I want to be sure it will stay. I have tried the Urban Decay Primer Potion but found it doesn't work for me. Fingers crossed the NARS one will.  

Before I go away I need to add a bit of colour to my skin, I wouldn't want to blind anyone with my pasty British skin.  I decided I wanted a mousse tanner and St Tropez seemed to be the best.  Luckily, I was given this bottle to try as someone didn't want it anymore (score!) so I just bought a mit in Boots to apply it with.  I've tried it out on my legs and it gives a nice colour - I'll try it all over my body and let you know how it is.  

The last thing I picked up was the new Bourjois 1 Second Magic Nail Polish Remover that seems to be hitting the blogosphere.  Although I'm getting acrylics put on in Spain when I arrive, I will be able to apply and take off nail colour with this as it's acetone free. I was also running low on nail polish remover.  

FASHION

All of my clothes are from H&M - I had a lucky streak in there!

Possibly my most favourite thing I've bought for the holiday.  At £12.99 it was a right bargain and when I saw there were only two left, I pleaded with the H&M rail that one of them be in my size. The odds were definitely in my favour.  

I needed a lightweight blazer to take on holiday, just to throw over my shoulders should it get a bit chilly in the evenings.  This was £24.99 and feels lovely on.  

Just a plain white tank top at a bargain price of £3.99. 

This top is gorgeous.  I bought it to wear over my black bodycon dress for a quick and simple evening look.  This was £7.99 from the trend section.  

Talk of the devil.  I bought another black bodycon from the basics section in H&M as I wear my other one to death. You can never have enough bodycons!

This seems to be quite a popular print in H&M at the moment. I've seen dresses, skirts, shorts and tops in it.  I picked up these shorts to throw on when we are walking to and from the beach or even to lunch.  These were £7.99 and are extremely comfortable.  

A new pair of sandals as my feet kept falling out of my old ones (not a good look).  These were £26 from Next and I love them!  I picked up a hat from H&M as I will need to keep the sun off my head at times as it's bleach blonde and I don't want to burn my scalp.  This was £9.99 and comes in two colours - I thought the minty colour would go nicely with my bikini's.  The clutch is from New Look and was £14.99.  I plan to use this in the evening when we go out to dinner or to a cocktail bar.  

RANDOM

My two guilty pleasures of the moment - Nerds and The Kardashians. 

If I haven't got everything for the holiday now, I don't know when I will! Are you off on holiday soon?

Beauty Review: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

At the beginning of December, I received an early Christmas present from the girls at Bourjois.  One of the products I received was the Healthy Mix Serum.  After hearing such amazing things about the original Healthy Mix foundation, I was interested to see how this differed and if it worked for me. The main difference is the formulations. 

The foundation is a gel formulation, which makes the product easy to blend and sinks into your skin, whereas some can look cakey.  Bourjois claim that this base will erase imperfections, smooth out signs of fatigue and give you a radiance boost that will last up to 16 hours. 

I was sent the lightest of the six shades, number 51 'Vanille Clair'.  I have extremely fair skin, which makes matching foundations difficult at the best of times.  Admittedly, this shade is still a tad too dark, but once the sun comes out to play again it should be a perfect match.  The foundation has an even amount of yellow and pink tones within the formula which helps combat the redness I sometimes get on my cheeks and the dark circles I'm faced with most mornings.  

I use my Sigma F80 brush to apply the base, the combination of the two leave me with a really flawless finish.  It feels extremely light on the skin, hardly noticeable when blended in properly.  The foundation gives a medium coverage, which is buildable.  It is a good amount of coverage and it definitely hides a multitude of sins, although you might find you'll need some concealer for any prominent blemishes.  Once applied, your left with a dewy, radiant looking base which gives off the appearance of healthy skin.  I tend to powder my T Zone and my chin before I leave the house, as those can get oily during the day.  So what does it look like on my skin, I hear you cry?

I really like this foundation, now that my skin and hyper pigmentation has cleared up thanks to my skincare routine, I feel more confident about wearing light-medium bases.  I'd definitely purchase this again, it's a great everyday foundation and easy to use.  

Have you tried this foundation, if so, what are your thoughts?

Healthy Mix Serum can be purchased here.

Thank you to the Bourjois team for sending me the product for review.