ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR FOUNDATION

The Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation is something I have always longed to try, yet I wanted to wait until my skin was acne free and in a good condition. My skin has been extremely cooperative over the past few months and has been very, very smooth so I made a swift and long awaited purchase. 

I decided to go in-store and get my shade matched as this foundation definitely isn't on the cheap side. Retailing for £31 you get 30ml of product in a beautiful glass bottle with gold detailing. I'm a sucker for products that look good on your dressing table and this is definitely up there with the luxury-feel foundations. 

I feel like my expectations for this foundation were higher than usual due to the huge amount of hype around it in the blogging world. I have heard amazing things and was hoping to be just as impressed as everyone else who had recommended it. 

For me, the product will last until I get home with a small touch up midday. The coverage is light to medium and so I go in with my Nars Creamy Concealer to double up on any problem areas - both products work well together and give me a more even looking complexion. The finish is matte but due to my skin becoming more oily since my acne has calmed, I tend to see some shine as the day goes on. My favourite aspect about this product is the shade, it matches my skin perfectly which has proved difficult to achieve with most brands I have tried.

I apply the product with a beauty blender or a buffing brush, both work well. The product is thin and blends into your skin easily, it also has a lovely smell which is always a plus. I hate foundations that leave brush marks but I haven't experienced this problem whilst using Double Wear, it is very easy to work with.

Overall I am quite happy with the foundation, it has a very light weight feel which is nice when you have a 9-5 day - My skin looks even in complexion and I don't have to worry about it rubbing off throughout the day.

What are your thoughts?

Sophie Lauren

PIXI SKINCARE STAPLES*

How is it November? I swear it was only yesterday I opened my weekly planner at January 1st. Every year around this time my skin can become very dry and difficult to work with, slacking on skincare is definitely not an option. In ways I enjoy dedicating more time to looking after my skin, I can definitely see the benefits and it makes me feel all snug in the cold winter evenings.

Over the past month I have been trialing some new skincare products which have left my skin unrecognisable. I have always had weird skin that does not work well with foundation and tends to look problematic 99% of the time, however I have been so happy with my skin over the past month and it's all down to 3 skincare saviours.

I love Pixi, their products always impress and the branding is beautiful, blush pinks, greens and gold. I love products that perform well and look pretty on my desk - it sound's mad but it just makes me happy! I was so excited to receive some Pixi goods in the mail last month and have been resisting the urge to write this post earlier - I wanted to get a month of use first. I was going to write a separate review of each product but I feel that they work so well together it would be better to write one big review. Each product has it's own merits but together they are the dream team. 

Firstly I want to talk about the Pixi Cleansing Balm. I have used cleansing balms in the past, in fact, they are my favourite type of product to remove makeup and cleanse the skin. This product smells absolutely amazing, think of the most relaxing and luxurious scent, this is it, very fresh and light. On first use, the first thing I noticed was the consistency of the product, very silky and more of an oil texture than previously trialled cleansing balms. The product is thin despite the chunky look and melts into your skin beautifully, I could spend hours massaging this into my face. I honestly feel like a goddess when using this product, it's so calming and enjoyable. Once I've persuaded myself to stop massaging this product into my face, I dampen some cotton pads in warm water and wipe away the product. I have found the cleanser to be very effective at removing all traces of makeup, leaving my skin feeling fresh and clean. I love that it doesn't strip my skin, there's a really nice residue left which makes my skin look so dewy and supple.

After cleansing I let my skin relax for about 15 minutes before I go in with the Pixi Glow Tonic. I have raved about this product in the past after receiving it as a christmas gift, it is an amazing product. I have realised that all Pixi products smell gorgeously fresh and the Glow Tonic doesn't fall short, it has a very distinct smell. I apply the product to a cotton pad and sweep it across my face and neck, it leaves my skin looking very even and calm. Since using the product I have seen my skin texture improve so much, I think this is down to the subtle exfoliation that the tonic provides. I would definitely suggest trying this out if you maybe suffer from difficult skin that prevents your makeup applying how you'd like, my pores and skin texture are much smoother looking than ever before. 

To finish off, I apply the Pixi Rose Oil Blend. This is my favourite step in my skincare routine, it's such a relaxing product to use. Since using the Rose Oil Blend my skin has been so clear, next to no blemishes have popped up! After applying to my face I get a very even skin tone with a hint of rosie cheeks, it's so calming and leaves my skin looking so healthy. The product comes in a beautiful bottle with a beautiful gold pipette - so pretty. The product is perfect when applied before makeup and sometimes I mix a few drops into my foundation for a flawless application. I would definitely suggest this product if you are looking to increase skin hydration and overall skin health - mine hasn't looked better. 

I would 100% reccomend these products for those who is looking to add some high performing skincare staples to their collection. The products are brilliant, my skin is cooperating with me and i'm seeing improvements daily which is so lovely! I keep waking up and feeling my skin in the morning and it's such an amazing feeling after having acne for years on end! I have used all three products religiously both morning and night and shall continue to do so, the difference I have seen in a months use is so impressive.

Let me know if you've tried any of these products, I would love to know your thoughts!

*This product was sent to me for reviewing purposes, all opinions remain my own regardless.

RIMMEL SCANDALEYES RELOADED MASCARA & EYELINER

RIMMEL LONDON SCANDAL EYES PRECISION MICRO EYE LINER | £5.49

RIMMEL LONDON SCANDALEYES RELOADED MASCARA | £4.99

I have been a long term fan of Rimmel eyeliners, they just work so well and last all day long, it's my top priority when it comes to my makeup. I have tried so many eyeliners and mascaras in the past and I love to find products that give me precision, pigment and long-lasting results. 

The ScandalEyes Reloaded Mascara claims to be sweat-proof, smudge-proof & humidity proof. It is also said to be easy to remove with warm water and provides extreme volume and wear. This is exactly what you want from a mascara, it sounds perfect. The Precision Micro Eyeliner promises ultimate control with super-high concentration of intense pigments for an ultra-black, tattoo-like line which dries in seconds and resists just about anything for 24 hours. What more could you want?

I firstly chose to try the eyeliner out because, well, it's eyeliner and I never leave the house without it. The first thing I noticed was the precision I was able to achieve, slick, sharp and fierce wings with little effort. I love the pigmentation of this product, it's so black and consistent, no fading or going back over lines to gain more defined line. I find that the pen fits perfectly in my hand and let's me manoeuvre the tip very easily. I have very small eyelids and so my eyeliner has to be shaped a certain way, I had no problem doing this with the ScandalEyes eyeliner and felt it was easier to do so than when using previous Rimmel eyeliners. This product is better than higher end alternatives that I've tried, I can't get enough of it. 

The first thing I noticed about the mascara was the thickness of the brush, it's a fuller brush than i'm used to and so I was intrigued to see how it would perform. The colour pay off is really nice, super black and very dramatic. I always curl my lashes before applying mascara so I can't comment on it's performance without curling, however, I liked how defined my lashes looked and they were visibly more volumised. The product does indeed come off easily with warm water and there is no need for tugging at your lashes to remove every trace. I wore the product all day and found no smudging which is perfect when you've got a busy schedule (grabbing hot chocolates and looking busy on my laptop when in reality I'm watching YouTube). 

I have enjoyed using both products, they live up to their promises and they are super affordable. I have especially fallen in love with the eyeliner, good eyeliners are difficult to come across and when I find one that works I couldn't be happier. Let me know if you've tried anything from the new ScandalEyes Reloaded collection, I would love to know your thoughts!

CURRENT BASE STAPLES FT. RIMMEL

RIMMEL CLEAR COMPLEXION TRANSPARENT POWDER £3.99 

RIMMEL LASTING 25HOUR FOUNDATION £7.99

Let's face it, finding a foundation that works for you is a rare occurrence. If the shades right, the finish isn't. If it lasts all day it probably costs more than you can afford. I have spent years searching for the perfect foundation and due to my pale acne prone skin, this task has definitely not been very easy. 

I recently ran out of my Laura Mercier setting powder and I just couldn't bring myself to repurchase with the high end price tag. I decided to go with the Rimmel Clear Complexion Transparent Powder for £3.99 which is an absolute bargain when compared to my previously priced £29 powder. I really love this powder, it doesn't clog up my skin and feels very light. The finish is very natural and leaves the my skin looking and feeling very silky and fresh. I find that using this product allows me to gain a longer wear out of my makeup and also prevents my skin becoming oily throughout the day, I always carry it incase I need a touch up. I apply with a large Real Techniques powder brush and it only takes a few seconds, I love it. I think I prefer this product to the Laura Mercier which is amazing and also great for my purse. 

I also ran out of my foundation last month and so I carefully tiptoed into my Mums room and borrowed hers. She has used the Rimmel Lasting Foundation for months if not years and her skin always looks perfect, she has the skin of a baby it's not aged one bit. During that day I received two comments about how nice my skin looked and so I head to the shops and purchased my own bottle. I love everything about this foundation, the colour makes me look healthy and it leaves my skin looking smooth and dewy. I apply this once in the morning and it lasts all day long, it's brilliant. I apply with a beauty blender and sometimes with a brush and it looks lovely either way, very easy to blend and also perfect if you want to layer for fuller coverage. I really like that it's not cakey and sets the perfect base for whatever I am wearing that day. 

I think that with everyday products such as foundations and powders, it is nice to find something affordable that can be replaced with no problem. I love that these two work perfectly together and leave me feeling confident and ready for the day. 

Let me know if you have tried any of these, I would love to know your thoughts!

TOP 3 PRODUCTS FOR BLEMISHES

Finding a product to reduce blemishes can leave you feeling like you're on a never ending roundabout. I often get so excited about using a new skincare product before feeling the all to familiar disappointment when it doesn't work. If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know about my acne journey, I am always looking to share the best products to improve acne/blemish prone skin. I thought I would round up my top 3 products that have worked wonders on my skin and have reduced my blemishes like magic.

TRILOGY CERTIFIED ORGANIC ROSEHIP OIL £19.50

This facial oil is literally liquid gold - it's amazing. I use this every morning and every evening  without fail and my skin is left both dewy and soft. I have owned this little bottle for months and it has still got a good few months left in it, so value for money is definitely a pro. A few months back my skin broke out with tiny little lumps and within a few days of grabbing this off the shelf, it was back to normal. I have come to realise that this product is a daily must that continues to improve my skin daily, I really do love using it.

ORIGINS SUPER SPOT REMOVER BLEMISH TREATMENT GEL £15

I decided to purchase this little beauty after reading the many positive reviews left on the Origins website. It may look small but it has magical powers, i'm not kidding. I am being 100% serious when I say that it clears up blemishes over night - I have been blown away with the ability of this tiny little pot of life saving gel. After my acne cleared I was left with some pretty persistent spots - they wouldn't clear and I was becoming very frustrated with both the redness and pain. After a few days of using this product my skin was flat, clear and even and I couldn't be happier - please give this a try if you're struggling because I swear by it.

KIEHLS ULTRA FACIAL CREAM £24

I love moisturiser, it's definitely something I look forward to applying daily. I had seen this product recommended by Kate La Vie on her Roaccutane blog series and thought I would give it a whirl. I really love the way it keeps my skin hydrated all day and this is key to keeping your skin clear - if you don't hydrate you may find your skin producing more oil to keep it moisturised. The price may seem steep for a moisturiser but I only use the tiniest bit and it goes a long way. I would love to try more of the kiehls skincare range because I've definitely been won over by this little wonder.

At the moment my skin is clear and flat which is absolutely amazing - I have suffered with acne for years and finally I can appreciate makeup and skincare without lot's of bumps and pain all over my skin. Hang in there, it get's better. Let me know what your top blemish preventing products are - I'd love to know!

GOODBYE OIL - THE TONER WE'VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR

ZERO OIL™ PORE PURIFYING TONER WITH SAW PALMETTO & MINT | £16.50

To me, toner is one of those products that I put on the "meh, I don't need it" shelf. I was very wrong about this and have discovered so after using the Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner with Saw Palmetto & Mint. The product retails at £16.50 which is not too bad considering the brand have a wide range of variously priced products.

I began using this product both in the morning and at night time between cleansing and moisturising. I saw my first initial improvement after the second day of using whereby I began to notice my makeup was staying put and skin was less oily during the day - a miracle. I apply the product with a cotton pad and brush it over my skin with a slight pressure, it's so refreshing and the smell is lovely.

I have noticed a number of changes in my skin since using the product over the past few months. Firstly, my skin is less oily and there is definitely less of an oily sheen. This means my makeup applies much better and stays put for longer which is convenient during a long day. Secondly, I have noticed my skin tone has become more even and my blemishes have been  much less aggressive and painful, my face feels cleaner when using the product and gives me faith that it's working wonders. Lastly, I have seen my skin become brighter and more healthier looking which is always a bonus, especially when the months are becoming colder and skin is becoming drier.

If you're looking for a product to reduce oil and boost the feel and look of your skin, this ones for you. I really have enjoyed using the product and will definitely be repurchasing once it becomes low. Let me know if you have tried it, i'd love to know what you think about it!

RIMMEL GLAM'EYES LIQUID LINER REVIEW

RIMMEL GLAM EYES LIQUID LINER | £5.29

If you know me, you'll know I don't leave the house without my cat eye flicks. I hate to sound pretentious, but it's true, they're a part of me now. I have always loved eyeliner and the way it can transform your tired morning eyes into elongated and elegant features. I honestly believe there is magic in eyeliner, it's definitely in my top 3 must have products.

I picked up the Rimmel London Glam'Eyes a few months back before my holiday on a whim, I had ran out of the Benefit They're Real! Push Up Liner. I hadn't used a brush applicator like this in so long and had forgotten how easy it is to apply with, I manage to get really fine detail at the end of my  flicks and can manipulate thickness really easily. I think the applicator is very comfortable and feels natural in my hand, It's the perfect shape and allows me to keep a steady hand.

The product lasts all day, it's really quite impressive. I have been using it for months and it's only now coming to its end, so the quality and longevity for the price is amazing. The colour payoff is really nice and it doesn't fade or become slightly opaque which is good for those who may not get a chance to touch up during the day. There is no smudging with this product, it does not budge until you want it to. I will definitely be giving up my higher end liners for this little beauty, you just can't beat the performance and price!

Let me know if you have tried this product, I've love to know what you think! I think I prefer working with a liquid rather than a gel such as the Benefit Liner, it just seems to glide on much better and seems easier to manoeuvre, what do you think?

You can find me over on Twitter and Instagram, I post daily and would love to chat!

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder

LAURA MERCIER LOOSE SETTING POWDER  | £29

I have avoided powder for years in fear that it would clog up my pores. I'm not sure if it is a general fear for those who suffer with acne, but for me, it's a daunting prospect and usually makes matters look and feel worse. My partners sister purchased the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder for me at Christmas which was a lovely surprise as I had never tried anything from the brand yet had been longing to for months. 

PACKAGING

The product comes loose within a very sturdy screw top container. I love the simplicity and elegance of the design, the silver accent font is a lovely touch. The utility of the product design is great as it means you don't get the bulk of the product out in the open, this puts me at ease as I am generally quite clumsy and would probably cry if I dropped it. The pot is large and you definitely get your moneys worth in terms of product size, I've used this daily and it's showing no signs of running out. There's something about Laura Mercier products that really sit's well with me aesthetically, the minimalist approach and brand colours are just so beautiful. 

THOUGHTS

As mentioned previously, I wear this powder daily. Unlike many powders, the product is very fine and applies flawlessly. I always apply highlighter and even when applying this product on top, I still get a glow - it doesn't dull anything down. The product sets makeup for the day and doesn't feel the slightest bit cakey, something which I'm sure we all want to avoid! Previous powders have made my blemishes look awful as they've clung to the dry areas, however, this product doesn't and that's why I find it unique. I love the feeling of the product, more of a light dusting rather that a heavy extra layer and to me that's key with powders, I don't feel like I'm clogging my pores. Once applied my makeup stays put and my skin feels so silky, it also looks very natural and even. I like the finish as it's not necessarily matte but more of a natural, toned down matte, it removes excess shine but doesn't leave you looking chalkey. 

I have definitely fallen in love with this powder and hope to try more from the brand, I would love to try the tinted moisturisers or their body scrubs! I received the Creme Brûlée Honey Bath for christmas which is also a beautiful product, Laura Mercier products really do feel so luxurious - I NEED TO TRY MORE!

Volume Colourist Mascara

RIMMEL LONDON VOLUME COLOURIST MASCARA | £7.99

This mascara really sung to me, I really liked the idea of a mascara that tints your lashes over time. I have very light lashes but very dark brows and so I couldn't pick this product up fast enough. Rimmel claim that after 2 weeks of regular use, your lashes should be darker root to tip and progressively blacken the more you use it. There is also a promise of longer and fuller lashes which is what I look for in a mascara.

PACKAGING

The product design is nice, I love the colour scheme - the black and bronze/rosey gold is really pretty. It fits nicely in your hand and is very light so it's easy to manoeuvre when applying. The wand is quite chunky for me, I'm used to using a flat plastic applicator whereas this product has a round brush. The hand held part of the mascara is swirled into a more square shape so don't worry about the product rolling off the table - a small but irritating occurrence when using rounded products. 

THOUGHTS

I have mixed feelings about the performance of this mascara, I'll start with the positive. I really do feel like it darkens lashes, mine look more defined and this means I can look less mole-like without mascara! I like the concept of a gradual lash tint and hope that more mascaras take this on in their products, it's a fab idea. The product achieves a very black finish and applies very smoothly, however it is very wet and so over dipping the wand results in heavy, undefined lashes. Unfortunately, I feel the consistency just doesn't work with my lashes and I feel that there was no change in the volume or length of my lashes. I have very short lashes and most mascaras do elongate them, but I didn't experience this when using the mascara. During the day the mascara tended to smudge under my eyes and I would return home with a slight panda feel to my makeup look, not ideal. 

I really wanted to like this mascara but I don't feel like I can wear it due to the smudging, it just makes me look awful. I feel there are better performers out there which achieve more for the same price. Let me know if your thoughts, it just didn't cut it for me. 

Collection Highlighting Blusher

Collection Gorgeous Glow Block | £4.19

Now before I begin raving about this blusher, I must point out that this has been rebranded - however, it still has the same look but with an extra shade. I love collection as a brand, their products are very affordable and work really well - the lasting perfection concealer is a must have. I have been using this product daily over the past two months after finding it stored away in my makeup collection. I'm not one for a matte blush so the convenience of having a highlighter and blush in one product sits very well with me! 

I find it hard to match a blusher up with my pale skin but this product has managed to hit the nail on the head, it's perfect. I like that you can swipe the whole range of shades or simply choose to exclude the ones you don't want, depending on your look. I have also used this product as an eyeshadow which works surprisingly well. There are 4 shades (5 in the latest release) so you have a smokey eye right there, it's very shimmery and looks amazing in summer! I love the highlight that this product gives, it's very natural and makes your skin look so healthy and glowing!

I love rediscovering products, it reminds me of when my partner and I first went on holiday, I remember repurchasing at least twice! I also have the bronze version for when I have a bit more of a tan, both the blush and bronze shades are lovely to use during the summer. I will definitely have to try the newest collection blusher, I hope it looks and performs just as well! 

Collection Speedy Highlighter

COLLECTION SPEEDY HIGHLIGHTER | PEARL SHEEN | £3.99 

Finding a highlighter for my skin is a hit and miss, they're often too dark and more like a bronzer on my pale complexion. I had seen the Collection Speedy Highlighter and thought that the product looked different to my usual powdered compact highlighters, I felt it was time to try something different and so I went ahead and purchased it.

PACKAGING
I really like the packaging of this product, it's so easy to use and absolutely mess free. I like that you can pop the lid off and swipe it over the areas you want to bring out and brighten. I usually use a powdered highlighter which requires a brush, however, this doesn't and so I really do like the design and usability of the product. There is a twisting section at the bottom of the highlighter to push more product up, similar to a lipstick. The product is made well and is very study, the lid is also very secure so don't worry about it falling off and smudging all over your makeup bag!

THOUGHTS
I love the glow this product gives, it's very subtle and gives you a healthy, dewy glow. I like the consistency and the ease of blending it out, it's very thin and not cakey at all. I was initially worried that the product wouldn't sit well once I had powdered my face, however, it was fine and everything looked seamless. I think it's easier to get precision when applying to your nose when using this highlighter, as opposed to using a brush with powder. The shade is perfect and doesn't have any glitter in, it's a very natural, dewy finish. It lasts really well, I have worn it 9-5 and I didn't feel like a reapplication was necessary, this is amazing because it's so inexpensive.

I definitely think this highlighter has given me the perfect summer glow, It's perfect for day time and easily buildable for nighttime or special occasions! Let me know if you have tried it - I am glad have found it just in time for summer!

NYX CONCEALER + EYE SHADOW PRIMER REVIEW

Proof it! waterproof eye shadow primer £5.50  |  Concealer Jar in Orange

I love NYX, I've said it before, but they're just so affordable and their products perform so well. I was recently at Boots when I noticed a very tempting NYX display. As expected, I indulged in a few new products. Two of the products I picked up were eye concentrated products. Firstly I decided on picking up an eye shadow primer as I've never tried one before, I also picked up an orange concealer to try and combat my blue-toned under eye area.

PACKAGING
The Proof It! primer comes in a nicely designed box with information concerning application, including a picture style tutorial. I really appreciated this as it makes the product look much more eye-catching and allows you to know exactly how to use it. The applicator is sufficient enough, it isn't really used for much apart from applying the product before you blend in using your finger. The concealer comes as is, within a glass jar that's not too heavy. I love that the glass jar is transparent as the orange shade is really pretty when contrasted against the black lid.

PROOF IT! WATERPROOF EYE SHADOW PRIMER
I wear eyeshadow most days, usually opting for a two shade smokey eye and finishing with a black eyeliner flick. I must stress that you only need a little bit of this product, using too much leaves the product tacky and/or prone to creasing/dry patches. When the right amount is applied, the finish is very smooth and creates the perfect base for shadow. When applying shadow, the primer really grabs onto the product and gives a much more vibrant pay off. I definitely feel like my shadow lasts much longer, my smokey eye barely budges during the day. The product actually has a very good waterproof ability which I think hugely contributes to the increase in the lasting power of my shadows. Despite the waterproof element, my eye makeup still removes easily at night and I don't need to scrub in order to budge it.

ORANGE CONCEALER JAR
I have a very blue-toned under-eye area and so I knew I wanted an orange concealer to neutralise it. I like the texture of the product as it's a nice consistency, it glides on nicely under the eye without having to pull the delicate skin. I apply it with the Zoeva concealer brush in a triangle shape, it blends out well and has a lighter, peachier colour than you can see in the jar. Once I am happy with the coverage, I apply my regular shade of concealer and watch my dark circles disappear! I definitely look more awake when using the orange concealer - the area is generally more flawless and less puffy looking. I was initially scared that the orange tone would show through but after applying my foundation/concealer, it's completely unnoticeable.

I have definitely been impressed by these two NYX products - the quality and finish is amazing for the price. The amount of product is brilliant when you realise how much they actually cost, they perform very much like high end products. I think I may try a green concealer next to tackle some of my red patches/blemishes. Let me know if you have tried these products and if you have any recommendations for my next NYX haul!

The Hero Project*

Hyasoft £19  | Glow Drops £21

I love skincare, I would probably go as far as saying I love it more than makeup. To me, having a good skincare routine is vital, especially if you have problematic skin like mine. When offered to trial new skincare products, I jumped at the chance! I had never heard of The Hero Project before, so as expected, I was very intrigued. I was sent both the Hyasoft Instant Moisture Boost and the Glow Drops Dry Oil. 

PACKAGING

When both products arrived I was immediately obsessed with the packaging. Both products come in sturdy boxes with a very sleek and minimal design. The boxes aren't covered in unnecessary information, instead they have the important stuff such as application, ingredients and intended outcome. I like products that don't bombard you with irrelevant waffling, so this packaging was a breath of fresh air. The Glow Drops feel very luxurious as the bottle is quite a heavy glass. The pipette has a really handy button on top so getting to the product is extremely easy! I have never seen this before, but there is a dimple at the bottom of the product so that the pipette picks up every last drop once the product is finished, such a lovely idea! I really like the look of the Glow Drops and the feel of the Glass bottle, it's really nice to use and also lovely to look at! The Hyasoft Moisture Boost comes in a long tube with a sturdy screw cap, simple and effective. 

INGREDIENTS

The Glow Drops have some wonderful sounding ingredients, including 10 natural essential oils and vitamin C. I love natural products so finding out that this product is 93% naturally derived makes me a very happy girl! Because of the essential oils, this product smells absolutely dreamy, it's especially perfect for creating a relaxing atmosphere before bed! The Hyasoft Moisture Boost is made from a blend of multi-molecular hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. This sounds very fancy but to cut it short, this helps lock in moisture on multiple levels of your skin. 

THOUGHTS

After cleansing my face, I applied a 10p sized amount of product all over my skin and immediately, the product felt like nothing I had ever used. It's a very thin, silky gel which absorbs very quickly. I like that the gel isn't sticky because it's a pain having to wash your hands if a product leaves a horrible residue. I then massages 2-3 Glow Drops all over my skin, using soft, circular motions. The glow drops felt very luxurious and absorbed really nicely into my skin, leaving a glowing, soft finish. When I woke up the next morning, my skin felt amazing, as if I'd had a facial. I have nothing but positive comments on these products because they have really given me such an excited reaction. 

After using both products for a week, I have seen an increasing, ongoing change in my skin. My skin is brighter and smoother than before, I also seem to have a natural glow which is amazing! I find that my makeup has been applying far better than usual, I normally find that foundation sits on my nose in an awful way but now makeup looks much more natural and flawless. I can't praise these products enough because they are very lovely in every aspect, packaging, application and finish. It's always nice to find a product that works and these work very well together. I will definitely be using these products daily as I can't get enough of them, I love it when a product makes me this excited!!

Let me know if you have tried any of these products! I'm obsessed and very happy to have been introduced to such a lovely brand! 

*This product was gifted to me for review, however, all opinions remain my own

DGJ ORGANICS HAIRCARE*

DGJ ORGANICS SPECIALIST HAIRCARE | £5-7

Haircare is something I usually take the least interest in. I generally use the same products day in day out and have never really made an effort to try something new. When I was contacted to trial some new haircare products, I thought it would be the perfect chance for me to see if there would really be a difference with my hair. DGJ Organics is a brand that is invested in creating organic haircare products, using lot's of lovely ingredients such as vitamin E. I was sent the Argan Oil range to try out, which sounded perfect for my salon treated hair. 

After washing my hair with the shampoo, I noticed quickly that the product lathers into a lovely, silky foam. Because my hair is bleached I often find shampoos feel very coarse and drying, however, the product felt very moisturising and didn't leave my hair feeling stripped. The conditioner was just as lovely and really complimented the shampoo, making my hair feel like silk! I was quite apprehensive about using an oil treatment, my hair becomes greasy very quickly, and so I was worried this would make matters worse. I applied the product and began to blow dry my hair. I firstly found that my hair dried much quicker which is brilliant because my hair is extremely thick! I also found that there was literally no frizz to my hair, which I often get every time I  dry my naturally curly hair. I feel that the combination of all products really made my hair much more manageable, both during drying and styling. I always opt for loose, beach curls and my heating tool glided perfectly through my hair the next day! 

I always felt like Argan Oil was a bit of a faff, one of those trends that don't follow through, however, I have completely changed my mind! I love this range and the way it makes my hair routine so much easier. The products are extremely well priced, ranging from £5-£7. They are also moderately sized and so you get a very reasonable amount of product. I love that they are organic and that I can see a huge difference in my hair, I will definitely be repurchasing. 

*This product was gifted to me for review, however, all opinions remain my own

NYX LIP LINGERIE SWATCHES

NYX Lip Lingerie Lipstick | £6.50

Liquid matte lipsticks have quickly become a serious obsession of mine, I can't stop myself purchasing them. I have had my eye on the NYX Lip Lingerie Lipsticks for a few weeks now and had signed myself up to the waiting list over at Boots.com. As soon as the email informing me they had arrived hit my inbox, I swiftly made my purchase. I had already watched a few swatch videos on YouTube and read some reviews online so I kind of knew what to expect. 

When my order arrived I couldn't open it fast enough, I love NYX, their products are really nice quality and very affordable. I decided to go for a light nude as well as a mid range. Both Corset and Honeymoon caught my eye as they were more of a brown shade than a purple/pink. The product itself is packaged really nicely and actually feels quite expensive. The product design is really pretty and the tubes are quite large, meaning you get a lot of product!

Before using a matte lipstick I make a conscious effort to moisturise my lips to avoid that awful flakey, dry look. The lip wand is a really nice size and very easy to manoeuvre The product applies really nicely, its super silky and isn't too thick. Once you've applied the product it begins drying and transforms from a wet liquid to a dry matte finish. I am so happy with the two shades I picked, they are very wearable on a day to day basis so you get a lot of use out of them. The first day I wore the product was on a long university day. This day involves catching a train outside, walking to my destination and also eating/drinking. I am quite understandable in terms of product wear, I understand that products can't stay on forever and sometimes they need to be reapplied. However, I couldn't believe how long these lipsticks stayed put. I applied at 7:30am and didn't need to reapply until 2pm! Bearing in mind I had given a speech as well as consumed both hot and cold drinks! My lips stayed moisturised throughout the day until around 2pm when I decided to reapply, and when I say dry, I mean hardly. 

I am so impressed with these two beauties and hope to purchase more from the range  - they seem like the perfect staple lipstick. The duration they last is so amazing, especially when you consider that these are highstreet products. They have outdone my expectations. , beautiful shade, long-lasting and inexpensive. Let me know if you have tried or are planning on trying these out, I would love to know what shades you're loving! 

LIZ EARLE CLEANSE & POLISH

I have seen this product name pop up all over the internet for years, in fact, both my Mum and Nan had used it for years. I am actually quite surprised it has taken me so long to actually give this a go, it's a beauty blogger favourite and go-to cleanser for most. When browsing Feel Unique I decided it was about time to see if this product really did work wonders. 

The first thing I noticed when opening up my order was how sleek and pretty the product was. It feels and looks very spa like which makes taking makeup off such a treat. I look forward to the few minutes of calm I feel when removing my makeup, It's the best feeling. Before applying the Cleanse & Polish, I removed my makeup with a micellar water and some cotton pads. I always cleanse twice at night, once to remove makeup, and a second to cleanse the skin. I really appreciated the pump which provides just enough product, I hate trying to judge how much is enough! The little things really make the biggest difference. When pumping the product onto your fingers, you'll find it's a white cream with a slight stiffness to it. Once you apply it to the face it massages out perfectly into a silky consistency and feels very moisturising. I really love the smell of the product, really fresh and not too overwhelming. I massage the cleanser into my skin in circular motions, I could do this all day, the product feels so lovely on the skin. To remove the product, I used the provided muslin cloths. They feel like high quality and they are also quite large which is nice. I use a different section of the cloth for the removal of the product on different areas of my skin. The cloth is soft enough to feel gentle but also gives a slight feel of exfoliation.

Since purchasing the product I have been using it both morning and night, regardless of wether I wear makeup or not. I have seen a few alterations in various aspects of my skin. Firstly, my skin feels very moisturised and supple. I used to have an awful problem with keeping moisture in my skin but this seems to do the trick, it doesn't strip the skin at all. Secondly, the overall texture of my skin is ten times better. Since using the product my skin is much more even and smoother. My makeup has also been applying better due to the improvement in texture and moisture.

As you can see, I have three bottles of the the Cleanse & Polish. I had noticed on the Liz Earle website that they were on offer for £9.50, and so I thought I would stock up. I felt this price was amazing as it also included the muslin cloths. I am really happy that I finally gave into the urge to purchase this product, it has proved itself to be a staple in my skincare routine. If you're looking for a gentle cleanser with effective results on both skin texture and moisture levels, this ones for you.

BODY SHOP SHADE ADJUSTING DROPS

Okay so this post has been sat in my drafts for the longest time. I had forgotten to publish which is insane - because it's a brilliant product. I have always used a white Illamasqua foundation to lighten up all of the darker shades I have in my makeup collection. As a pale girl, highstreet foundations just to do the job, they're far to orange, and if not orange, pink. I saw these Lightening Drops online and thought they sounded amazing! and so, the next day I headed to the body shop to pick up a bottle to try. 

Firstly, I love the packaging, very elegant and minimal. The dropper style application of the product is fab and makes this process really easy and controllable. I am really happy with the amount of product you receive because you only use a few drops at a time, meaning it's great for longitivtiy. I apply a drop of my foundation along with a drop of the lightening product. Mixing together on the back of my hand, I am really impressed with the finish. You would never tell that you are using two different products mixed together. The consistency of the foundation remains the same and the lightening drops don't reduce wearing time or finish. I'm pretty sure they offer a darkening drop as well so if you have the opposite problem to me, it's cool, you can darken foundation too! 

This product is an absolute must if you are forever trying to find the right foundation shade. I really love the simplicity of it. In the long run - this will save you buying multiple different products, simply pop a few drops in your foundation and you've got the perfect match. Definitely won't be letting this one go!

EMBRYOLISSE LAIT-CRÈME CONCENTRÉ

My skin is odd, one minute it's dry and the next it's oily. I can't win! I decided to invest in a new moisturiser as I found my old one was not doing the best of jobs. I had spotted the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré a few times but had never purchased it. There's something about french skin care that really draws me in, I don't know what it is! 

NYX - THE SKINNY MASCARA

So, I have a love-hate relationship with my bottom lashes. I love applying mascara to them, but I hate how clunky many of the mascaras are. I decided to go on the hunt for a mascara with a smaller wand to make application that little bit easier. I found that NYX offered a Skinny Mascara and so the deal was settled after falling in love with their foundation. 

SIGMA F80 - FLAT TOP KABUKI

Okay, I'm Guilty - I purchased a brush that was not made by Real Techniques. I feel like I have betrayed Sam and Nic, I have sworn by their brushes for years. I decided to give the Sigma brushes a whirl, I had heard so much about them on YouTube. I thought that if I was about to spend £16 on a brush, it would have to be one that I used daily. I chose to go for the Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki brush as I think foundation is the product I use and value the most.