Mission Bronzer Part 1

So a week ago I went in search of a new bronzer to revive my winter skin which I blogged about here. You know what its like one ray of sunshine and I think its time for summer. So off I went looking for a purse friendly bronzer to make me look like I had just stepped off the plane from Morocco, and not Bognor Regis. The trouble is being really pale I need colour to make me look alive but bronzer often looks patchy on my oily skin. Ive used all different brands and the last one I tried was a Monsoon Accessorize one, it was quite good but Ive still not found a favourite yet. They are either too dark, glittery or break in my bag and leave all my other make up ruined.n So while I was having a browse in boots I saw they had a 3 for 2 on 17, and as they were new products I thought why not. I don't normally use 17 but the seem to have had a revamp lately, and the stuff is inexpensive which is always good. I got the two bronzers above and I got the Photo Flawless primer, Ive heard a lot about that range so was curious to try. I will blog my primer review later.


This first one is the Medium Matte Bronzer, I had high hopes for this it was just the right size, had a sturdy compact and a matte finish so no drag queen gold tones. So I brushed it on only to be disappointed pretty much straight away, it was patchy and way too dark for me and it almost had a dirty mud look when it was on my skin. I'm thinking maybe I should have opted for the lighter shade, although that barely showed up when I tested it. Overall it didn't work for me on my oily skin, the look on me was almost like what I imagine David Dickinson would look like if he didn't wash for a week. I did like the design on the powder though it disappeared after one brush over.

The second was the Shimmer Brick bronzer, it looks full of glitter when you first look but the colours are more metallic and blend well together. This one I was impressed with as it gave me a glow and highlighted my face without any patches or dramatic change in colour. I liked the overall appearance it gave my skin, it wasn't too different from the high end ones I have tried before. I do think it is more of a night time bronzer though as the sheen looks a tad over done for the day time for me. But as Shimmer bricks go its pretty good, and the colours are great for eyeshadow too, I do love a multi purpose product.

Overall for a budget bronzer I would say the Shimmer brick is better but I don't think Ive found my perfect bronzer yet. Its so much harder when your pale to find that perfect shade without looking crazy orange, or like you should be in a Las Vegas show. I'm hoping to maybe try a Nars one next, Have you tried a Nars bronzer? Or do you have another one I should try? I would love to know where I'm going wrong!

Fridays Mini Haul

Another Friday, another mini beauty haul.....I know I just cant help it! I have to say though everything here was pretty much cheap as chips, so obviously that makes it easier on my bank account. As I've blogged previously I'm having a bit of a nightmare with my skin at the moment. Everything and anything that I put on my skin is being rejected, even products Ive always used. So I decided to go to the body shop and pick up a Vitamin E Facial Cleansing Bar, I'm hoping using this mild soothing soap will help. I will use it for a week and blog the results. I also got a really bad beauty tool.....I know you have spotted it already, its the blackhead extractor. They are so bad when used improperly but I have a friend in the industry who said they aren't that bad anymore and It would probably help to de-clog my skin if I use it every now and then. Plus    it was 30% off Body Shop Members so it was less than a coffee....

I also just happened to be 'browsing' in H&M when my beady eyes spotted the makeup stands, I was really surprised to see the new stuff they have. They have really upped their game with some of the packaging my camera doesn't do the Vanilla Balm case justice, it all used to be really plain and boring, I know it shouldn't but it does influence me when buying products I like them to look nice even if they cost pennys. I ended up restraining myself and only getting 3 lip products (il do a separate blog for these) and two hair clips, which is really good for me and they were all less than £2 each so I had to. I do think the prices for their stuff is unbelievably cheap, but as a makeup hoarder I love that I can treat myself and not feel guilty. I haven't tried much of the range at all as I used to bypass it, Have any of you used the H&M makeup? I loved the nail colours are they as good as they look?

Vichy Dermablend Foundation

 

So lately I've been really suffering with my skin, its become oily/dry and I have blemishes, its almost like extreme combination skin. As you know when your skin acts up your makeup always sits badly on your skin, I don't want to make it worse but it needs serious help covering! So I watched the Lisa Eldridge Acne Cover-up video on her blog that a lot of you have probably seen, its amazing what magic she works on this models skin! I was really impressed with her view on covering blemishes and how she did it with a foundation and not a concealer. So being a makeup sucker I bought the Vichy Dermablend Foundation she uses in the video. Anythings got to be worth a try right? and she is a pro after all.

                     

As you can see I bought the Opal shade which is the lightest they do. I think this is light enough for me. It can appear darker in the tube but when its on your face it blends in really well. Its matte but not cakey or tight on the skin. I applied it as I saw on the video and I have to say I was quite impressed. I didn't get the exact amazing results, I think a lot of that stems from my skin being aggravated. Also Lisa Eldridge uses a anti-redness foundation, this probably really helps the concealing. I however used my Mac Studio Fix and it did a pretty good job, I may even try it as an all over base just to see the full effects. I will post pictures of my ugly mug for you to see the finish it gives on my skin and show you what I used. Has anyone else tried this for concealing? did you get a good coverage or was you not impressed?

I also have to do a slight 'big up' to Escentual.com, where I bought my foundation. They had the best deal on this foundation and the postage was reasonable too. I ordered it late Sunday night and received it on the Tuesday morning, along with a couple of goodies thrown in which is always a bonus. I was really impressed as on some sites its way overpriced even before the postage, which I'm finding is the case for a lot of websites at the moment. I have to stress I'm in no way promoting or selling for this company and I bought this with my own money. This is just a pure review to show you where I bought mine from and to let you know where the best deal was for me.

Harrods Glossy Box

So today we have all received our Harrods boxes, and I'm really interested in what you all think. I was really excited to get this as I thought it would contain premium skincare you don't get in normal department stores. I have to say opening mine I thought the packaging was nice and simple and the Harrods ribbon was cute. Although I was disappointed when I saw what I had received, maybe its just me hoping for more exclusive products? I'm not a fan of the anti-ageing products although SKII is a brand I would love to try. I am only in my early 20's and have really oily skin so any anti-ageing product Ive tried in the past has left me to break out badly. I am going to give the heavier products to my mom to try so they wont be wasted. On the plus side I am looking forward to trying the Shu Umera Cleansing Oil and the Lancome Mascara, I'm so fussy with mascara and Ive not tried this one yet. I'm not saying its a bad box and most will probably love it but out of the 5 I will only be trying 2 products Im afraid. What did you think? Am I being too picky?

Monday Funday

                                             

So Monday has arrived once again but at least its sunny, although you wouldn't have guessed I was embracing the weather in today's get up. I decided to go comfy in my vintage mohair jumper, converse and my favourite pair of joggers that I have worn over and over again. I got these from a charity shop for £5, I'm not sure how old they are but I'm guessing pretty old as they had the original 'St Michaels' label. I have seen quite a few printed trousers/joggers around lately, I love the ones on asos but I cant part with these. Ive teamed them jewellery from Topshop and Galibardy, I love Galibardy jewellery as its so different and the prices are great for the quality.

I have gone really minimal with my makeup today, I'm trying to give my face a rest. Although I did sweep some of my new 17 Instant Glow Bronzer, I blogged about it here Friday and looking at the picture I think I have definitely made a mistake. Its too dark and when I applied it with a powder brush it went slightly patchy, I prefer a light glow that blends with my powder. I definitely wont be purchasing it again!

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

This is my Sunday wrapped up in a picture (minus the huge amounts of tea, roast beef and chocolate) Ive decided today after seeing the lovely weather I need to sort myself out. So out comes the face mask, I've been using Bliss Triple Oxygen Mask reviewed previously to tackle my blemishes and my Bliss Glamour Gloves for my dry hands, so ill be ready to try all the new spring makeup/nail colours. I'm also getting over prepared with the No7 Softening Foot Balm, over the winter I really neglect my feet they are bad. Seeing the sun today made me realise its flip flop weather soon and I don't want people running away in fear of my trotters so I've started early! Also catching up with Glamour, Aprils issue comes with a free Percy Reed hair product which I have been reading about a lot lately. I got the Hydrating Hair Mask, I love new products so ill try this out today and review it later. Finally I had a new book as a gift from a friend by Sophie Kinsella, I admit I'm not a huge reader but I love her books as she has a witty writing style. She writes a lot about fashion in her books which is probably one of the only things that can hold my attention when reading. I've been listening to my girl crush Florence and the Machine on repeat all day too! Hope everyones enjoying their weekend?

Bliss Glamour Gloves

                                                        

Ive always suffered with dry hands and if I don't moisturise them they look like I could rub them together to start a fire (not even joking!). I'm really conscious about ageing hands as well, no amount of botox will hide your age when you have wrinkly hands, so I'm always trying new creams and treatments. Bliss Glamour Gloves are not like your usual white cotton gloves, they are thick nylon gloves that feel like they are made from scuba diving material. The thing that really separates them from the rest is the amazing polymer gel lining inside, its a thick clear gel that is coated through the whole inside of the glove (as you can see in the above image). This is designed to soften and smooth your skin leaving them free from cracks and dry patches. I have used these a few times and I have to say I love them, I would recommend though if like me you have really dry hands the best way to get the most of them is to apply a thick layer of hand cream before putting them on. I do use a Bliss hand cream but you don't have to, Soap and Glory Hand Food is good, I just love the smell and texture of the Snow Wonder hand cream. It has a slight aftershave scent which I love and its a thick non greasy cream, it makes your nail varnish shine too. The only downside is its limited edition for the winter, and as always they are the best ones but they don't stick around long enough! This box also came with a Diamond Nail File that they use in Bliss Spas, its a really sturdy file and you dont have to sit for hours to get a good result, the diamond particles make it really strong and easy to get a quick shape without splitting the nail. Have you tried any good hand creams? Do you do DIY treatments? I would love to know if you have any secret tips and tricks to good hands!