August Favourites

It's the end of the month already so that means another monthly favourites post. 

1. I have been using two foundations this month. The first is Max Factor Lasting Performance and the second is Max Factor Xperience Foundation. I have been using Lasting Performance for a long time and really like it but do find that sometimes the colour can be a bit dark. I am still trying out the Xperience foundation but so far I like is and the shade is lighter that the Lasting Performance.

2. For my eyes, I am still using Urban Decay's Naked Palette a lot. I have also been using Mac's Parfait Amour eyeshadow. I have been trying some of Michael Todd's single eyeshadows.

3. I have haven't tried anything new with mascara's this month so I have been sticking with Urban Decay's Supercurl and NYX Doll Eye Mascara.

4. For my lips I have been using a very simple product, Vaseline. It seems to have resolved my dry lips problem. I have also been using Benefit's Wild Card lipstick.

5. I am using Michael Todd's 'Sugar Daddy' blush for my blushing needs. I have also been using Elf's blush from the Elf blush and bronzer.

6. I have tried keeping my nails without polish but when I have used polish I have used Catrice Purplelized nail polish, along with Barbara Daly 'Goodye Yellow'. I will review this soon as I have been using it for a long time.

7.  Regarding brushes I have been using Elf's powder brush and I am also liking a new, well new to me, eyeshadow brush from No7. I am also using Elf.s blusher brush a lot.

8. To keep my make-up on longer I have been loving and using 'All nighter', which is a makeup setting spray. It is a very light mist which is why I like it and it also really helps make-up stay fresh.

What have you been using for August?

Ciate Paint Pot: My Fair Lady

I received this nail polish in this months Maire Claire and I must say that I really like it. 

Product

I really like this nail polish. It is very creamy and also provides good coverage. In the picture below I have applied one coat of nail polish and it gives a really nice natural look. With two coats applied it gives a very light cream colour. The formula isn't thick but it is also not too runny and applies very smoothly. 

Longevity
The longevity from this nail polish is excellent. I got approximately five days from this nail polish before I changed it. At five days there was still very little chipping, I just wanted to put on another colour.

Packaging

I love the packaging for this nail polish. It has a very cute bow on the front of the bottle. It also has a unique shade, in that, it is in a curved shaped bottle. The bottle is glass and the lid is plastic. There is 13.5ml of product provided.

Price

I didn't pay for this as it was in a magazine. They are available from Ciate and cost £9.00, which is €10.30 or $14.83. 

Would I buy this again? Yes

Boots Oily Hair Expert Shampoo

Product

I have oily hair so when I saw this I though it would be brilliant and had really great expectations of what it would be. However, this was not what I felt once I had used it, I will explain why in a moment. 

Boots describe this as being 'formulated to break down excess oil and remove build up of excess sebum'. I found that from using this product it increased oil and created more sebum. It made my hair very hard to work with and was impossible to get any volume into my hair. I usually try to create volume as I have hair that can become flat.

I used this instead of my normal shampoo and used nothing else when I first used it so I would see the full effects of the shampoo. When I did this I found that my hair was flat and dull. I tried it again and this time used conditioner on the ends of my hair, which I usually do, and the result was as terrible as the first time. I will not be using it again. 

Packaging

This shampoo comes in a pale yellow plastic bottle and there is 200ml provided. The lid does not come off and instead has a lid that you press to create an opening for the product to come out. 

Price
I paid €5.00 for this shampoo and it is available from Boots. I purchased it in Boots in Galway City centre although I know it is not available in all Boots pharmacies as I have not seen it in some others.

Would I buy this again? No. 

Blog Carnival:29 August 2011

Make-up


Rhonda Franz presents 13 Style Tips For Busy Moms posted at Parenting Squad.


Skin Care


Aparna presents Tackle Monsoon Skin-care Woes with these tips from experts posted at Beauty and Personal Grooming.

Kris presents How much sugar per day for weight loss and optimal health posted at Kris Health Blog.

yoo-cht presents YOO-CHT: Our Products posted at YOO-CHT.


Fashion


Mary Edwards presents 10 Tricks for Putting on a Tight Pair of Jeans posted at Best Dating Sites.

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of beauty and cosmetics using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Benefit Full Finish Lipstick: LaLa Land

Product

Benefit Full-Finish Lipstick is described as a 'rich, seductive full-finish lipstick' that gives 'coverage and colour'. It is also described as a 'creamy formula with medium to full coverage. The texture of this lipstick is so soft and creamy. It is also very moisturising, as the claim stated. It doesn't dry out my lips and can actually help if I feel that my lips are dry. This is also really pigmented and offers great full coverage.

I use two different ways to apply this. I will either apply it directly from the tube or I will use a lip brush to brush it onto my lips. This is described as a 'nude rose' colour. I think that it is a little dark for my skin tone to be a neutral colour. It would however be an excellent nude colour for someone with darker skin.  It is still very wearable during the day though. I will also sometimes wear this with a light smoky eye.

Longevity

Compared to some other lipstick that I have tried there is good longevity for this product. If I don't eat or drink I will usually get four or five hours from this. I do have to reapply sometimes, however I don't have a problem with this.

Packaging

This Benefit lipstick comes in a really nice black cardboard box with an insert with the picture shown above on it. The actual lipstick comes in a very elegant and stylish black tube with a white design and the Benefit logo on it. There is 3.0g or 0.10 ounces of product provided.

Price 

I got this in Debenhams and I can't remembeer the exact price as I have had it for a while, however this exact type is available from Dehenhams. The shade is also available from Benefit online. 

Would I buy this again? Yes. 

Weekly Quote

“Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.”

Makeup Look: Using Urban Decay Naked Palette.

This is the first post I am doing on a look that I have created. It isn't a very colourful look but it is good for a stronger neutral colour. 

How I created this look:

1. I applied Urban Decay's Primer Potion to my eyelids. 

2. I then used a large eyeshadow brush and applied a light layer of 'Naked' to my eyelid. 

3. I then applied 'Smog' to the middle section of my eyelid and blended it out. 

4. To the end of my eyelid I applied 'Darkhorse' and then blended it out and also blended with 'Smog'. 

5. To highlight the upper eye and towards the brow bone I applied 'Virgin'. I also lightly blended this into the crease of my eyelid. 

6. I then applied Barry M Intense Black Eyeliner Pen to the waterline and upper lid. To make the eyeliner on the upper lid more intense I then applied a Natural Collection Liquid Eye Lines eyeliner. 

7. Finally I applied two coats of NYX Doll Eye mascara in Black Long Lash.

8. I have not done anything with my eyebrows here but I will usually use eyebrow powder and gel to make them look groomed.

What do you think? Can you suggest any improvements that I can make to the look? Do you have any suggestions for any other looks?

Revlon Soft on the Eyes Sheer Loose Shadow

Product

These loose eyeshadows are very soft and also very light. These eyeshadows don't have very strong pigmentation and can appear sheer when applied. They are however buildable. I have also used these eyeshadows are a base when creating some eye looks. I have applied these dry, wet and with primer. They are most difficult to work with when dry and can cause a lot of fall out. They show up the most when used with primer. When applied wet they are easier to work with and there is also less fallout. They are also easy to blend out.  There is also a very pleasant smell from these loose eyeshadows. These are shimmery eyeshadows while also very subtle.  

Longevity

I find that the longevity from theses eyeshadows is not brilliant. I will usually see creasing within fours hours if even that long. That will even occur when I am using an eyeshadow primer.

Packaging

I do really like the packaging of this product. It comes in a container that when open allows you to access the loose eyeshadow, however when closed it moves a special tray over the eyeshadows that closes the open hole allowing the eyeshadow out. I really like the style of this packaging.

Top row has no primer/bottom row has primer

Price
I paid approximately €6.00 for these eyeshadows. They are available from pharmacies nationwide and also at Revlon stands.

Would I buy this again? No.

Sites of the Week: 26 August 2011

I really like this list. It's different ways to nurture yourself. I really  like the one about using different pens and it's very simple. I'm going back to college soon and it's a good way to brighten up the usually boring college notes.  

I'm all about different nail art when the mood strikes. So these are some of the more unusual ones that I have seen. 

Need some colourful inspiration then this is it. It's a very creative way to recycle.   

Useful tips on what not to forget when going through your skin care routine. 

This is very explanatory and also very true. Yet another difference in the way men and women do things in life.  

I always say that I will try water marbling and I still have to but after seeing this tutorial I definitely will. I'll post about it when I do.  

Some more useful beauty tips. I also use the first one for my nail polish. However only use a small amount of nail polish remover as it can make it too liquidy. 

I'm a bit away from 30 yet but this is still an interesting list.  

Elf Shimmering Facial Whip: Spotlight

Elf's shimmering facial whips are great highlights for those who want a highlighter on a budget. I have four different shades of the shimmering facial whips. 

Product

Elf shimmering facial whips are a multi purpose product. While many of the facials whips are similar I did see slight differences in the four that I have and hence I will review them individually.  

Spotlight is a white shimmer facial whip. It contains vitamin B, C and E which is meant to brighten and sooth skin and also ensure that there is no greasy or oily feeling after it is applied. I can agree that there is no oily feeling from this when it is applied.  There is a really nice smell from Spotlight, it has a light orange scent. 

When appling this product I would recommend that only a small amount is used. I remember when I applied it first I used far too much and it was difficult to apply and blend. Afterwards, I used a small amount and it worked perfectly. I applied it to my cheeks and it gave an instantly glowly look. It acted as a great  highlighter and didn't look fake. I have also used it under my eyebrow bone to highlight that area. For Spotlight, I find that I have to shake the bottle as it can come out too liquid to apply it, I don't have to do this with any other shimmering facial whip that I own. It works perfectly afterwards.  

Longevity

I will apply this over my foundation and sometimes powder and it will always last as long as my foundation stays on. Therefore, it could last for approximately eight to ten hours.

Packaging

The packaging for this product is very convenient. It comes in a small tube that can be squeezed for the product to come out. This is great because it can be used when you have no other products available, i.e. a brush.  There is 0.34oz or 9.5g of product in this tube.  

Price

This product costs €1.70 and is available from Elf

Would I buy this again? Yes. I have purchased four of these whips and will be buying this shade again. 

Laser Hair Removal

This is the first guest post I am displaying on my blog. I hope to have more of these in the future. This post will be outlining how laser hair removable works and what results you can expect. I am not affiliated with any of the links or prices provided. I have also pre-approved any material that is provided.

Guest writer - Tim Hardwood. 

How does laser hair removal work?

Removing unwanted hair can be tedious and time consuming which is the reason why people are always searching for a permanent hair removal solution. Laser hair removal is not considered a permanent solution but it can produce long lasting cosmetic results. The procedure can be carried out on all parts of the body and is used on both men and women.

How does it actually work and what should I expect?

Laser hair removal works by destroying the melanin pigment within each of the individual hair follicles in the area being treated. The melanin is the molecule that is targeted by the laser but by damaging this pigment the rest of the hair follicle is also destroyed preventing the hair from growing back again. Although there is some discomfort during the procedure most people tolerate it without any problems. Most laser hair removal procedures take around 15 minutes and you will normally need at least 4 repeat sessions.

During the procedure the clinician will first shave the area that is being treated and apply an anaesthetic gel to ensure a smooth and workable surface. The laser itself is actually a handheld instrument which is held over the target area for around 10 – 15 minutes. Most people experience a small amount of redness after the procedure but this wears off very quickly.

How good are the results?

The results will vary between different skin and hair types but most people will achieve a 70% reduction in hair growth. In addition to this, if the hair does return, it tends to be thinner and lighter in colour making it less noticeable.

What is the cost?

Laser hair removal cost will naturally depend on the size of the area being treated with the upper lip being around £50 per session, in Britain. There are a number of beauty Salon's around Ireland that provide laser hair removal with the starting cost for a bikini line and underarm wax being approximately €80.  Don’t forget you are likely to need around 6 separate sessions which will need to be budgeted for. The most expensive areas are likely to be the legs as these take the longest amount of time to treat. Like with all cosmetic surgery treatments, the cost will also vary depending on the clinic in question and also the reputation of the clinician.

Makeup Factory Eyeshadow: 97 Glossy Lavender

Product
I received this eyeshadow as a present and I wasn't sure what to expect. I got this in shade 97, which is a glossy lavender colour.This eyeshadow has a pearl effect. There is average pigmentation from this eyeshadow, it isn't terrible but also not very pigmented. It is a little difficult to pick the eyeshadow up for swatching or on an eyeshadow brush. However, it still has a soft texture. This can be applied wet or dry. It gives a more intense colour when it is applied wet. It is easier to blend when it is applied.

Longevity
There is good longevity from this eyeshadow. I would say approximately seven or eight hours before there is any creasing.

Packaging
This eyeshadow comes packaged in a small silver style cardboard box. The eyeshadow comes in a small black and silver round container with a flippable lid.

Applied Wet,  With Primer,  No Primer/Dry.  

Price
This was a present so I don't know the exact amount, however I will make a guess that it cost approximately €9. It is available from Makeup Factory and also selected pharmacies.

Would I buy this again? No. I do not use it often enough to justify another purchase of this eyeshadow.

100th Post!

I decided to give a special mention to my 100th post. When I started this blog I thought it would take me a very long time to have this many posts, however it has been a much shorter time than I expected.

I also wanted to thank all of the readers that I have and that mean I continue to write reviews and come up with new and different articles. Also to thank all those that comment and make the blog interesting.

Elf blush and bronzer

Another Elf product, this time it's a blush and bronzer compact. 

Product

This product is meant to 'create a healthy and natural glow all year round. The blush highlights the cheeks to add a flush of colour, while the bronzer accents and contours cheekbones for beautiful definition.' 

I'll start with the blush in this compact. The blusher is a peachy shimmer and it is very pigmented. It isn't an overly bright blush. When I first applied this it was very dark and also hard to blend. The next time that I applied it I used less and it was easier to blend, although still difficult, and it also had a nice appearance. It also looked more natural. 

The bronzer is a very brown shimmery bronzing powder. The bronzer is also very pigmented, however it is not very natural looking when applied. If you have fair skin then this will not work. I have very fair skin and this shade is way too dark. I found that this bronzer looked almost muddy, it didn't brighten up my face but made it look darker and unhealthy. The bronzer was also difficult to blend. 

Longevity

Although these are very dark and difficult to blend, the one redeeming factor is that both the blusher and bronzer both have great longevity. They lasted approximately eight to ten hours.   

Packaging

I do like the packaging of this product. It is very sleek and also very durable. There is 0.28oz or 8g of product provided. I was surprised when I saw this as this is large the compact was although still not clumsy. It is easy to travel with and will fit comfortably in a handbag. 

Price
This costs €4.00, which is great from a blusher and bronzer. It is available from Elf.

Would I buy this again? No.

Blog Carnival:22 August 2011

Make-up


Megan presents E.L.F. Cream Eyeliner in Ivory and Midnight posted at Beauty on a College Budget.


Megan presents Welcome to Beauty on a College budget. posted at Beauty on a College Budget.


Megan presents Wet n Wild color Icon Eyeshadow trio in Cool as a Cucumber posted at Beauty on a College Budget.


Linda@NHE presents Use of Alkanet in Natural Cosmetics posted at Natural Health Ezine.


Rose a la Mode presents Thursday Latelies – B-E-A-utiful posted at Rose à la Mode.


Jin presents How to use Bare Minerals makeup on a daily basis for acne coverage posted at Acne Skin Care.


Skin Care


Zhu presents Beauty Comes From Within (And From Shopping In France) | Correr Es Mi Destino posted at Correr Es Mi Destino.


Aparna presents Tackle Monsoon Skin-care Woes with these tips from experts posted at Beauty and Personal Grooming.


DivineAthena presents How to Use Law of Attraction for Skin Care and Beauty posted at Girly Stuff.


Hair Care


Igor Silva presents What Are The Best Hair Care Products? | AdvancedHairGear posted at Advanced Hair Gear.


Fashion


Shadei Coleman presents Selena Gomez looked amazing at the Teen Choice Awards posted at All Glam All The Time.


That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of beauty and cosmetics using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

Weekly Quote

 “There is certainly no absolute standard of beauty. That precisely is what makes its pursuit so interesting.”

—	John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2007) Canadian-American economist.