SKINCARE | LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR MAT

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat, £11.90 (x)

As stated before, I'm an oily skinned girl and extremely self concious about it. I am a big lover of all La Roche-Posay products and so far haven't been able to fault one of them, and this is no exception! The product is a thin cream, and claims to have a long lasting mattifying effect, which I totally agree with. I use this after cleansing and toning my face, just dot a small amount onto my finger tips and rub into my skin, especially around areas which I find are most oily, such as around my nose and my chin.

If I apply this before makeup, I find it acts as a very good base and primer. My foundation looks a lot 'softer' if that makes sense, and it glides on easier, but also doesnt leave a greasy residue. It keeps my oil at bay and even after the intense heat we've been having in the UK recently, my makeup still stays flawless (I hate using that word it sounds so pretentious but it's true ahaha!)

It also claims to tighten pores and reduce sebum production, which I cannot vouch for as I do not use this everyday (For days when my skin feels a little dehydrated I use Hydraphase instead) but I do believe with prolonged use it could diminish pores, as it definitely mattifys my skin.

I would definitely repurchase this, and on Escentual its on offer for £11.90 down from £14! Go my fellow oily-skinned girls, go!

MAKE UP | URBAN DECAY DE SLICK

URBAN DECAY DE-SLICK MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY, £9 (x)

Going to be totally honest here, I'm an extremely oily girl. I can go maybe about an hour throughout my day before oil starts, and it's not even just around my t-zone... It's everywhere. I even get oily around my eyes which means that eyeliner and mascara isn't at it's best and really, being oily skinned makes me very self concious. 

I was a big lover and fan of the other Urban Decay spray, All Nighter  (x) and when Debenhams had it's sale (I swear Debenhams always has a sale?!) I went to put that in my little online shopping bag, but then had a change of heart and thought I'd give this a go. Now being extremely oily, I thought that this would work as well, if not better, than All Nighter, giving that it is targeted towards it specifically... If you cannot guess already, I was a little disheartened.

It says it'll keep foundation and blush from slipping or fading and states 'Goodbye shine, hello vibrant long lasting make up' which sounds good, right? For me, it was more like just spraying water on my face. With the All Nighter spray, you kind of feel it tighten a little on your skin, not uncomfortably, but once it's dry you know you've sprayed it and it sets. With this one, I sprayed it and it sunk in. Which isn't a bad thing, but it didn't give me that sort of .. 'safety' I felt with the other one. It left my skin dewy, which is nice and I thought that maybe it'd just prevent the oil from coming through when the time come. 

About an hour later, I touched my face and just felt this oily texture to my skin, looked at my hand and to my shock, there was foundation on my fingers!! I looked in the mirror and I looked once again like a shiny mess... Now I don't know if this was because I myself am just that tad too oily for this to work, or maybe it just isn't worth it, considering that that is what this product is specifically for.

I did test this over a long period of time, and every time had the same result. I think if you're extremely oily, maybe just opt for the All Nighter spray as I know for a fact that keeps makeup in place perfectly for hours. This would maybe suit combo skin or just normal that suffers from slipping when in hot weather!

Overally, I'm pretty disappointed and I'm glad I only bought the small travel size bottle to test out, but at least I'll always have my trusty All Nighter to fall back on!

MAKE UP | URBAN DECAY 24/7 WATERPROOF EYE PENCIL

URBAN DECAY 24/7 WATERPROOF EYE PENCIL in PERVERSION, £14 (x)

Having started this blog to talk about all things beauty, I have no idea why I've left it so long to write about this little baby! I first heard about this on youtube and I remember at the time I had been getting so annoyed as I'd apply my eyeliner and then a few hours later it'd be out of my waterline! I had given up on the whole eyeliner game really and had come to terms with the fact that I would forever be touching it up wherever I was, until this came into my life. I bought it on a whim and I'm so glad I did!

The formula itself is very creamy and when you first apply it it really makes you doubt its staying power.. but believe me, once this sets, it's set. The formula also makes it a bit hard to sharpen as it seems to sort of.. Melt if it gets too warm? Don't really think melt is the right word, but basically it's creamy enough that you can blend it out to be smokey if you'd like to. This is in the shade Perversion which is the blackest black they have, and to be honest the blackest eyeliner I've ever used! They have another shade Zero which I think is less intense but I haven't tried it. Now, what makes this eyeliner so special is that it stays in the waterline until you take it off. It doesn't fade, it doesn't budge, it doesn't smudge up in the corners or give you panda eyes, it stays! I've also used it when I didn't have my liquid eyeliner to do a flick, and I fell asleep with my makeup on that night (Bad Kitty!) and when I woke up my waterline and flick were still intact! It literally shocked me so much that it hadn't even smudged or faded the tiniest amount, it was as black and bold as when I first applied it!

This is hands down the best eyeliner I've ever used and I will never go back to any other liner. I really want to try out some other shades and also some of the rest of the 24/7 range, such as the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Shadow Pencils. If this pencil can last on my waterline, imagine what they can do!

SKINCARE | VICHY AQUALIA THERMAL EYE ROLL ON

 VICHY AQUALIA THERMAL EYE ROLL ON, £14 (x)

Considering how much I rave on about this on Twitter I thought it was about time I reviewed this little life saver. After picking this up in my recent haul, I've been using it every day and night, and sometimes pairing it with the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Eye cream. I definitely have seen a substantial difference in the skin under my eyes in texture and in colour! I can only wish I had taken before and after photos.

The product itself comes in this squeezy tube with a handy rollerball which provides an instant cooling effect, which is awakening in the mornings and soothing in the evenings for tired eyes. My eye area, like most other peoples, is quite sensitive yet I have had no adverse reactions to this which is a relief as the reason I stayed clear of eye cream for so long was because of my fear of the dreaded eye milia! It's a thin, lightweight gel that is in no way sticky and it 'sets' quickly providing a nice base for eyemakeup without flaking or rolling up like some eye products can.

Much like the LRP Hydraphase, I have found this roller ball a little life saver! I thought that the lines around my eyes were a sign of early aging (God forbid, I'm 21!) but after learning they were dehydration lines and knowing starting an eye care routine would help, I'm seeing a lot of difference in such a small amount of time! Aswell as lessening my dark circles and making the skin around my eyes feel a lot stronger, I can pop this in my bag for non makeup days and whip it on if I feel like I need a bit of waking up!
 

SKINCARE | LA ROCHE-POSAY HYDRAPHASE EYES

LA ROCHE-POSAY HYDRAPHASE EYES, £14.50 (x)

After my little hunt for a miracle eye cream, my first port of call being the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Roll-On, I thought I'd venture out yonder. My dark circles are caused by, I think, staring at a laptop screen for most of my life and the fact that I don't really ever sit in full daylight at any one time (I like my mood lighting, ok?!) That and a lack of water, so extreme dehydration is on the cards. I also get dry on my inner corners which makes applying eyeshadow a bit of a faff.. No one lines flakey eyelids (Is that even a thing?! Eugh) Apart from upping my water intake, and in general trying to take better care of my little eyeballs - less rubbing those sleepy, straining peepers - I didn't really think an eye cream would do much damage, and if it didn't do anything at all then I hadn't lost out on much!

The formula of this is a clear, light weight gel that is easily absorbed around the eye area. I apply this in the morning and at night before bed and have been doing so for about a week now... and I'm quite amazed to say, I do see some results! The underneath of my eyes are lightened quite substantially and I've been finding myself having to use less concealer. My inner corners are also not as dry and I feel like the skin around my eyes is a lot stronger and more hydrated. I don't know if my results were so dramatic simply because I'd never used an eyecream before this and I'm reaping the benefits early, but boy, I'm not complaining!

 Hydraphase Eyes contains Hyaluronic Acid which is a molecule that attracts and holds water in the skin. It also contains Caffeine, a popular component in eyecreams, which is an antioxident that helps with swelling.

Under-eye bags were never really a problem for me, so I can't say how good it would work for that, but if it's working for the rest of my problems I don't see why it wouldn't help!

Overall I feel like my eye area is more hydrated, looks brighter, and I'm really impressed! Go La Roche-Posay!

MAKE UP | ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR

ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR, £27.50 (x)

Having extremely oily skin I can't seem to find a nice dewy foundation that doesn't leave me looking shinier than a disco ball 5 seconds after I've applied it. I dabbled in primers, but nothing has seemed to work, and my beloved Illamasqua Rich Liquid, no matter how amazing it is, leaves me greasy if I don't set it well with a powder. Powder isn't something I love, and so I always strive to look for a foundation that I can just put on and leave as it is. That's where Estee Lauder comes in handy!

They've recently added to their shade range which confused me a little at first and I'm worried I may of purchased the wrong shade, but the nice lady at the counter in Boots told me if it was wrong I could bring it back, which is definitely news to me! Back when I was 16 I used to wear this all the time, it was my holy grail, and then I'm not really sure what happened but I think I just ran out and never bought it again. Now 5 years later (5 years, oh Jesus!) I have returned. I used to be shade 1C1 'Shell', and now 1C1 is called 'Cool Bone' I assumed the colour would be the same and the name had just changed but it seems a little more yellow than I remember, but blended well it looks fine on my skin.

The foundation itself is a liquid, and many reviews I've seen seem to compare it to 'wearing a mask'. It's true, it's high coverage stuff, but you only need a small amount of this product and I think that's wear people go wrong. I usually buff this into my face with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, or use my hands. Yes, my hands. It can get a little messy, but the overally effect is very seamless and blended. I'd compare it to how you warm Studio Fix concealer with your fingers - if you use your hands with this it warms into the skin much more and that helps with making it not look mask-like.

Now for the best part - in my opinion. Doublewear is the only foundation I've ever used that I don't have to powder, or touch up during the day. I've also maybe slept in this (Once upon a time! Don't kill me) and woken up to a nearly flawless face... Now if that's not long wearing, I don't know what is.

For me this is the perfect everyday foundation when just used minimally, build it up it is perfect for a night out.

Have you tried Doublewear? Are you a fellow lover, or a hater? 

MAKE UP | URBAN DECAY NAKED BASICS PALETTE

NAKED BASICS PALETTE, £20 (x)

My poor old Sleek palette was getting worn out, and as always Debenhams.com was open on my laptop... I can only blame myself! Having my eye on this little baby for a while, I managed to swipe it and a bottle of De-Slick when they had 10% off, and I'm so glad I did.

Knowing that I didn't really need the extent of shadows that the full Naked and Naked 2 palettes have, I thought this little wonder would be perfect for me and I was right. It comes in a little cardboard box, and the palette itself is sturdy and durable, a real travel size kit that I can see myself taking to my boyfriends or to work for touch ups if needed.

As you can see here the box states it features both matte and satins, when really it's just one. I've seen people saying that foxy is slightly satin-y too, but in my palette it's most definitely matte. This isn't a problem for me as Venus is the perfect champagne highlight for inner corners and brows, I don't need another.

L-R: VENUS, FOXY, WALK OF SHAME, NAKED 2, FAINT, CRAVE

Venus is a light champagne highlight which is perfect for the inner corner, brow and even a bit dusted on the cheekbone. Foxy is a yellowy-nude and W.O.S is a pinky-nude, both which suit my very pale complexion as a lid colour. Naked 2 is a light taupe brown, which looks lighter in the pan than it is on the brush so be careful! Faint is a dark cool tone brown, and Crave is a nearly-black brown.

I've been using Venus to highlight, and then eitther Foxy or W.O.S on the lid, Naked 2 in the crease and then deepening the crease if needed with Faint. Crave has only been used to smudge along the lashes so far but I could definitely see myself taking an eye look from day to night with it. I also use a mix of Naked 2 and Faint as an eyebrow colour occasionally and it works perfect! All shadows are buttery soft and easy to blend.

All in all I think this is a wonderful palette, and if you were thinking of buying it for an easy day-to-night eye, it will do the trick amazingly. If you've got this palette what are your thoughts? 

SKINCARE | LA ROCHE-POSAY HYDRAPHASE UV INTENSE

 LA ROCHE POSAY HYDRAPHASE UV INTENSE, £16.50 (x)

Really I don't know where to start with the product! I first bought it on a whim in Boots whilst looking for an eye cream. I'd heard good things about Hydraphase for eyes but sadly they didn't have it, so I sulked around for a bit and found this! My skin is quite oily, but looks quite dull and dehydrated from years of stripping off the oils (Bad Kitty!)  To be honest I thought this would all end in distaster, and I invisioned waking up with an oily face and slippy slidy makeup. I was greatly surprised..

Hydraphase UV Intense is a lightweight lotion, that has a light pleasant scent and leaves no residue on the skin. It containts Hyluronic Acid which is already contained in our bodies when we're younger that gets produced less as we age, it's the acid that that plumps that skin and attracts water, keeping skin hydrated for longer! It also, as it says in the name, protects from daily UVA and UVB rays, which is just a plus for me. I apply this before bed, after cleansing, and also before I apply my makeup in the morning.

After using this everyday for five days now, my skin actually does feel a lot better. It hasn't worsened my oil, but also hasn't lessened it either (which is fine for me, as that's not what it's for) I do feel like my skin is more hydrated and it looks a lot more 'alive'. If you need a boost of hydration in your life, I recommened this!

So, have you tried any La Roche Posay products, or any of the Hydraphase range? Any recommendations would be welcome!

HAUL | URBAN DECAY

 

DE-SLICK MAKEUP SETTING SPRAY, £9 (x) | NAKED BASICS PALETTE,£20 (x)

They were on my wishlist, and now they're here! You know you have a problem when the postman hands you the packages and says 'more makeup?' Well, Mr Postman, I picked both of these up at Debenhams online whilst they were having a 10% off beauty day! Not gonna argue with that. 

De-slick is a setting spray to mattify my complexion now the heat is creeping into our lovely english weather, and it's partner in crime 'All Nighter' spray was a big hit with me, so I have high hopes. 

The Naked Palette on the other hand is... well.. an indulgence. I've been eyeing it up for a while and it seems to be the perfect everyday eye, even if I do own a lot of shades similiar, having them all in one handy palette appeals to me greatly. I've already swatched everything furiously after ripping over the package, and it's looking good! Full reviews of both of these coming soon once I've tried them out!

Have you tried either of these? What did you think?

HAUL | LA ROCHE POSAY, BENEFIT, ESSIE, VICHY

Told you it wouldn't be long until I stepped into the dangerous cavern that is Boots! I went in with an intention: Nail polish, nail polish remover, eye cream. I guess two out of three with two added bonuses is ok? Right..?

LA ROCHE POSAY HYDRAPHASE UV INTENSE,  £16.50 (x) Having oily skin I find I constantly feel like I'm stripping my skin, and in a way, I think I actually am. Now it's Spring, the weather changes have been harsh on my skin and I've found I need a little more moisure. I'm hoping this will do the trick! It contains Hyaluronic Acid, which we all know is good for keeping water in the skin, and it also protects against UVA & UVB rays.

ESSIE NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE, £7.99 (x) Ok I caved! Looking at swatches online made me want this and I have no shame! It looks like a pinkier version of Eternal Optimist and I'm excited to try it out!

BENEFIT FAKE UP, £18.50 (x) I figured my dry eye area problem wasn't just to do with skin care, it was to do with the wrong concealer. I used to use MAC Studio Finish with no problem but now it seems my poor little eyes are rebelling! I picked this up after reading various reviews online and after swatching it on my hand it seemed really hydrating. Plus its claims no creasing? We'll soon see.

VICHY AQUALIA THERMAL EYE ROLL-ON, £14 (x) This is what I went to Boots for all along! Again, been searching online and the reviews for this seem to be very good. It feels very cooling on the skin and very soothing. It says its for 'dehydrated under eye skin' and that it 'De-puffs, fortifies and soothes under the eyes helping to reduce bags and dark circles' so I'm hoping the combination of this and the new concealer will do me wonders!

So that's my haul done! Have you tried any of these products? Would you like me to review any? Let me know!

NAILS | ESSIE, ETERNAL OPTIMIST

ETERNAL OPTIMIST BY ESSIE, £7.99 (x)

Oops, I may of fell into Boots again. I know, I know! One minute I'm 'just not into nail polish' and the next minute bottles of Essie polish are flying about the place. I may now have an addiction. After wearing Master Plan for a few days I looked at my nails and thought.. I need a nice spring colour. Grey is far from Spring! 

Now as I said before, being so pale I suffer from hands-from-the-crypt syndrome where if the colour is too light or too dark if looks like my hands are about to drop off! It also happens withe bright colours, and some pastel colours too, so me shopping for nail polish is often a half an hour job. As I cast my eye onto the Essie stand, looking at the most coveted Fiji, and bright blues and pinks, my eyes were caught by the nude colours, all looking.. well.. fairly the same. I picked up Eternal Optimist as it was a muted pink, and when I held it in my hands it sort of 'livened' them. I think this might be because of the slight coral-y undertone? 

ONE COAT OF ESSIE ETERNAL OPTIMIST
(Claw hand central!)

On the nails it is a muted pink with coral undertones, it's pastel without being too much for me and I love it! Formula is the same as before, creamy, one coat covers my nails perfectly, it settles well and no streaks or bubbling. Essie is definitely stealing my heart. I will leave you with this final image of my newly painted nails and abnormally large hand!

Boots will be getting another visit sometime soon.. *cough* later *cough*