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Five Beauty Favourites 2020

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Five Beauty Favourites 2020

*Gifted. It’s safe to say it’s been a dark, wet and miserable start to 2020, I don’t think we have seen the sunshine so far this year and my skin has been bearing the brunt of this. My skin has felt dry and dull, what with the effects of the central heating and lack of sunshine, I have really been relying on my skincare and makeup to help revive my complexion. I thought I would share with you a few products that have become staples in my routine which I’ve been using religiously over the past couple of months.

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30ml

I love so many products from The Ordinary Skincare but this serum is pretty epic. I have used it for over a year now and can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. Apart from the fact this brand is incredibly affordable their skincare is fantastic quality and shows real results. This didn’t irritate my skin despite it having quite a high concentration of Retinoid, it is easy to apply and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I apply it at night 2 – 3 times a week, as my first step after cleansing and I wake up with smooth, bright, plump skin. Over time this serum helps increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen which helps to reduce the signs of ageing, like uneven skin tone, age spots and reduces fine lines & wrinkles.

This product is a great way to achieve that youthful, healthy glow, in terms of long term use you really see your complexion improve. It is like liquid gold! Just remember Retinoids can react with more sensitive skin, so dilute at first if you are concerned (or use the 1% version) also please remember to use a high factor SPF as your skin will be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UVA & UVB rays.

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Tropic Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation SPF35*

Although I’m someone who doesn’t like to wear much makeup on a daily basis, I still like that look of being put together and like my skin to look evened out with a little glow. This Beauty Booster from Tropic gives me just that. It is lightweight and I just apply it with my fingers on top of my moisturiser. It leaves my skin with a nice touch of colour, helping to reduce redness, uneven skin tone and gives the illusion that I haven’t seen the sun for MONTHS! The other wonderful things about this lightweight, almost tinted moisturiser (with a bit more coverage) is the fact it has UVA, UVB and HEV (artificial light) protection and SPF35, so if you do venture out you know your skin is well protected.

Antioxidant-rich resveratrol and vitamin E help to condition the skin, while building defences against daily pollution. Titanium dioxide gives a mineral SPF of 35 to shield against everyday exposure. So if you’re looking for a base that gives you an even, lightweight, natural dewy finish then this Tropic Beauty Booster is the one. I have been loving it and using it every day as my base to combat my tired, dry winter skin!

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume*

This is my happiness in a bottle, it smells beautiful and so luxurious, it makes me feel amazing whenever I wear it. The scent is uplifting and just gives me a reminder that warmer, brighter days are on the horizon (even if it is raining cats and dogs). It has such a rich, warm creamy scent but you get a hint of fresh, airy crisp notes as it settles. I am not exaggerating when I say this perfume is the most sophisticated and beautiful perfume I have ever owned, and I love quite a few Miller Harris perfumes but this one has something special.

The woody notes add a real touch of warmth and class whilst the bergamot and cashmere give it creaminess and class. The pink pepper, amber and vanilla make it modern and very sexy.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Saffron
Heart Notes: Olibanum, Violet Leaf and Papyrus
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla CO2 Extract and Moss

This would make the most luxurious, thoughtful gift or treat to yourself, it’s a beautiful perfume and the scent lasts so long, I can smell it on my scarf/coat days after I have spritzed it. The quality is second to none. The bottle is also beautiful, the minimal dusky pink give it a subtle, classy feel and the simple gold accents on the font and the lid add a touch of luxury, the bottle is very weighty too and feels so nice in your hand and also looks great on your vanity.

Ark Skincare Firming Serum

ARK Skin Perfector Firming Serum*

I tried a few products from UK based ARK skincare last year and was very impressed with their ethos of products that target specific skin concerns depending on your age, as our skin changes so much as we get older and ARK have targeted skincare so it is easy for you to include it in your routine and see fantastic results.  This Firming Serum has been a skincare saviour for me this year as it targets your skins loss of elasticity and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and with my skin being so dry from the weather it has helped smooth, hydrate and plump! So if like me you’re in your early 40s this is a wonderful product to use for long term results. I like to mix the serum in with my moisturiser and apply it as part of my morning skincare regime.

It is jam packed with some wonderful ingredients that help keep your skin looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

Micro Algae Extract – Highly purified microalgae extract delivers an instant and long-term tightening effects

Hyaluronic Acid – Active 100% natural Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture in the skin matrix and improves collagen synthesis. Skin appears firmer and more flexible, while fine lines are plumped and smoothed.

Biomimetic Lipopeptide Idealift – targets skin sagging and improves resistance to gravity by promoting skin’s elastic fibre architecture

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results.  You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com  and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

The Ordinary Retinoid SerumSkincare

Delilah Illuminating Powder in Aura

I love this compact, not only the fact that it is a beautiful rose gold & pewter but it has a good size mirror which makes it perfect for keeping in your handbag. This stunning bronzing/highlighter is also a wonderful product to add a touch of radiance to that Winter complexion without going OTT on the glow. It’s a mix of rose gold, soft peach and lavender pink and I just swirl my brush to pick up a little of all the colours and it gives my cheekbones a nice bronzy warm touch of colour. Such a beautiful product and a very luxurious and not so well known brand, their blushers are super nice too.

*Products have been provided as PR samples but reviews are 100% my own.

Shopping My Stash January 2017

- Vicki 2 Comments
Shopping My Makeup Stash Jan 17

Shopping My Makeup Stash Jan 17

As I said in a previous post 2017 is the year I’m going to only keep products that I 100% love. So I thought shopping my stash would be a great way of rotating my makeup and either rediscovering old favourites or realising there is a reason you’ve not reached for something in a while and thats when it’s time to pass it on.

Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation

This foundation has such a creamy formula, although don’t be scared into thinking that it is going to be too heavy or greasy on the skin. It is lovely to blend and gives a medium coverage but you are able to build up to more of a full coverage. It covers all those blemish scars, redness and dark patches that you might otherwise use concealer on. This takes care of them all with ease. I’m pretty happy to have rediscovered this. I have the shade 25 Nude and that is a great match for my skin over the Winter months.

Shopping My Makeup Stash-17

The Body Shop All in One Concealer in 00

This is meant as a concealer but I have quite a peachy shade which I find  works really well to brighten my under eye area. It’s not the best colour match to use on blemishes but it can be good to brighten dark, old blemish scars and the coverage is very good. I like how creamy the formula is and because its so creamy it blends nicely. I always over look stick foundations / concealers but this one has made me think twice. I’ve been burning the candle at both ends these past few weeks so I am loving having this in my makeup bag to help me appear more awake and bright eyed. The formula also contains Vitamin E and Community Trade Marula Oil, so it is lovely and hydrating

Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

2016 saw Benefit do a massive overhaul of their brow range and add so many exciting new additions to the collection & I have been using the Goof Proof pencil on and off for a couple of months. I do like the angled tip so you can easily sweep it across your brows filling in any sparse patches and It lays down a good amount of colour without feeling too overdone. I have started to get my brows waxed again as they were looking a little unkempt and so I’m excited to use this more in 2017. I might get a lighter shade too just for more of a subtle daytime brow

Rimmel Magnif'Eye Palette

Rimmel Magnif’Eye Palette in London Nudes Calling*

OK so this isn’t old but I haven’t used it since it was sent to me back in December. I haven’t been wearing too much makeup over the festive holidays but I have dug this out and I fully intend to use it a lot. This is full of rich neutral colours that are 100% me, you get 8 wearable shades and a mix of shimmer and matte shades. They apply with a little fall out but nothing that can’t be tidied up after.

Rimmel Magnif'Eye Palette

Shopping My Stash Makeup Swatches

Lacura Concealer Pen

This is part of Aldi’s makeup collection and it has almost run out, I have had it for quite a few months though. Its a click pen with a brush applicator (much like the cult beauty favourite YSL Touche Le Clait) I like to use it on my eyelids as a corrector and a primer and also under my eyes to brighten dark circles. I use a beauty blender as I find it gives a nice even finish and for a budget option the coverage is pretty good. I will be repurchasing it when it runs out.

Lord & Berry Crayon Lipstick in Prelude

I mostly wear lip crayons as I just find them so convenient and easy to apply. Lord & Berry do some beautiful lip products and I used this quite a lot during last summer, I am pleased to have rediscovered it. Its a gorgeous rosy brown shade, a perfect everyday colour. It has a soft, creamy matte finish and I love how long it wears. I have put this straight into my handbag and it will be my Jan / Feb lip option.

Rimmel The Kate Sculpting Palette

Rimmel The Kate Sculpting Palette in Coral Glow*

How pretty does this trio of face powders look? I love the touch of rose gold they’ve included around the edge of the lid. The highlight shade is a champagne shade but its a little on the light side, I think this could have been more radiant. However the contour and blush shade are more pigmented and although the contour is a little on the warm side all is not lost because I have been using it more as a bronzer and I its perfect for that. The blush shade is a gorgeous matte coral pink, very flattering colour. I am looking forward to using this a little more, I think this trio is idea for travel or your on the go makeup bag as the packaging is compact and sturdy.

  • PR Sample

My Face Powder Collection

- Vicki 2 Comments
My Most Used Face Powders

Favourite Face Powders

OK so these aren’t all of my powder face products but I try & rotate them so they all get used and these are the ones I want to use more during May. I just have them in two cardboard boxes and I keep them on my vanity so they’re easy to reach.

I have a couple of the Benefit Boxed Powers but Dallas is the one I seem to use the least, although I actually like it a lot. I think its because I need to be more tanned to use it as it can show up quite dark on my skin. It gives the skin a pretty radiance and healthy glow. So now is the perfect time of year to use it more.

Urban Decay The After Glow Highlighter in Sin* is a gorgeous long wearing luminous highlighter. You need so little product and it makes you look radiant. I adore it and think it looks especially pretty when you add a little down the bridge of your nose just to catch the light. Very pretty indeed.

Glo & Ray make some of my favourite blushers, this one in Star Dust is a beautiful peachy pink with an iridescent finish. It gives you a peach flush and that iridescent finish adds a little highlight to your cheeks too. These are great quality and I find them long wearing and easy to blend.

L’Oreal True Match Face Powder in Rose Beige – I haven’t used this a whole lot, but I do like the colour match and it looks and feels lightweight on my skin. It gives a little added coverage which is nice and you get a mirror so that’s a bonus. I’m looking forward to using this more and will update you as to how it holds up in the warmer weather.

Rimmel Stay Matte in Transparent – this used to be my go-to powder for years until I discovered the bareMinerals Mineral Veil and it didn’t get as much love. I know I love this powder and it’s an incredible budget-friendly face powder. It never lets me down & I am happy to be reunited with it.

L’Oreal Glam Bronze Duo – This has been another rediscovery from my collection and I have to say I really like it. You get a light cream shade and a matte bronzer shade. I just use them together and swirl my brush around and use it as a bronzer. Its very pigmented but it gives a natural warmth to my skin. This will be getting lots of love as the weather heats up.

Face Powder Collection

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam – One of my favourite products, I love the packaging and this is also massive. You get so much product, it looks like I have hardly used it but over the years its had a lot of use. It’s a golden highlighter, which needs a very light hand. So a little product goes a very very long way. Great for achieving that summer goddess beach look & I have even used it as eyeshadow. Works well for both.

Urban Decay Bronzer in Bronzed* – Another beautiful matte bronzer, this looks great on my skin and blends well too. It never looks muddy or orange and I like that its matte. Also, the palm tree packaging just screams Summer

bareMinerals Perfecting Veil – if you like your face powder to give you that soft focus look then I think this is one of the best products I have found for that. It always makes my skin look flawless and radiant. Its lightweight and never looks powdery. It’s also really good to dust on throughout the day to keep shine at bay.

bareMinerals Bronzer in Skinny Dip – gorgeous mineral bronzer that gives your skin that beachy sun-kissed look. It’s a lovely warm bronzer and its matte so that’s always a plus. I can’t wait to use this more and really put it to the test.

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop in Ecstasy – This has to be one of the most beautiful products I own & that makes it hard to use (it’s just too beautiful). I was sad that it was sat in a drawer never being used so I have looked it out and have vowed to use it. You get two beautiful peachy pink colours that add a healthy flushed look to your cheeks & the packaging is stunning.

Face Powder Makeup Storage

Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Rose – I haven’t used this much at all since I got it & thought if I didn’t reach for it over the next few weeks I am going to pass it on. It is a pretty pink shade but for some reason, I never go out of my way to use it. So its make or break for this. Watch this space.

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle – Always a classic and I do love it but I have been using it more as an eyeshadow and think it looks beautiful all over the lid. Its brightening and gives a beautiful almost metallic finish.

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot – I have hit pan on this face powder which is almost unheard of for me. I used this so much last year and it was a really great powder. It was good at keeping my t zone oil-free and giving my skin a matte finish without being too dramatic or heavy.

My Most Used Face Powders

Soap & Glory Love at First Blush & Wonderbronze – these are two of my favourite products from Soap & Glory. I like that both products are multi-shade, it means that you get a lovely mix of colours and it never looks quite the same.They’re beautiful quality and add a touch of colour & glow to your cheeks.

Soap & Glory Solar Powder – I have also hit pan on this too & can’t wait to repurchase because the packaging has since been updated to a more robust plastic compact, whereas mine is a flimsy cardboard and has fallen apart. I use this so often and love the natural bronze glow it gives. It’s subtle but very pretty.

Soap & Glory Glow All Out – I’m still at a loss as to how to use this, I find its too shimmery as a face powder and not quite the right colour as a highlighter. Let me know if you use it & ow you make it work.

Favourite Face Powders

Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder – This is a bit meh and I am just trying to use it up. I have since discovered much better powders and this has been relegated to the won’t repurchase list.

Essence Sun Club Bronzing Highlighter – This is beautiful & it smells of coconut. It’s a wonderful affordable highlighting bronzer. I love the mix of shades. This bronzer gives a subtle warmth to your skin and is the perfect way to pretend you have been on a Summer holiday without leaving the country. Wilko in the UK sells a great range of Essence products.

What powder products have you been loving this month or have any been a little on the disappointing side? let me know in the comments.

*PR Sample

GOSH SS16 Makeup Releases

- Vicki 4 Comments

GOSH 2016 Makeup Releases

GOSH have some really exciting releases for Spring / Summer 2016 and I have been testing a few of them out. I was most excited to try the Lip Oils & Lumi Drops but I have to say all these products are great quality and are worth trying out.

To Be Cool in Copenhagen* is a 9 shade all matte eyeshadow palette, these are beautiful cool toned neutral colours which are easy to wear. You can create so many eye looks & of course the classic smokey eye, I like that you get a good mix of shades from light creams to mid tone browns right down to lovely greys. This is quite a versatile palette and I think the fact all the shadows are matte is going to be such a selling point. Good quality affordable matte shadows are hard to find but GOSH have answered my prayers. The palette is compact and the mirror inside is a good size. This is one to add to your wish list for sure.

GOSH Matte Eyeshadow Palette

GOSH Lip Oils

The Lip Oils* feel and look very glossy on the lips, quite a slippy texture which I have to say felt nice and comfortable. They have some great ingredients including Sea Buckthorn, Macadamia Oil, Moringa Oil and Argan Oil. They do give a very slight tint of colour but nothing to write home about. These oils will nourish, soothe and add hydration to your lips and I think they do just that. I’ve loved using these and think they might be a good dupe for the Clarins ones. I have the shades Raspberry and Sea Buckthorn.

GOSH New Makeup Releases 2016

I’m a big fan of cream eyeshadow & even more so when it comes in a crayon so I knew I was going to get a lot of use from Forever Matte Eyeshadow Stick*. I have the shade Twisted Brown which is a gorgeous deep nude brown shade and again this is has a matte finish. This has a lovely creamy formula which makes it easy to apply and blend out then it stays in place all day. Its pigmented and such a wearable shade.

The Velvet Touch Lipstick* in the shade Nougat also has a matte finish (I think GOSH have a theme going here) this lipstick is a really pretty nude, its not going to make your lips look dead but instead gives your lips a little warmth. This is a subtle brown on me and feels comfortable and creamy, It lasts quite a while before needing to be topped up. Its an easy subtle nude to wear & I think it will look flattering on a lot of people.

GOSH Makeup Swatches

Rebel Eyes Mascara* has a plastic wand which is curved to help get right to the base of the lashes and coat every lash. The wand is a good size and it was great at brushing the mascara on without clumping. The formula contains Sea Buckthorn Seed Oil which protects your lashes so your lashes are getting some TLC whilst looking fab! I love that its jet black and makes my lashes look long, and thick. GOSH say this mascara contains a special polymer that gives lengthening and curling features. So if you like your lashes to stay curled and look fluttery all day then you need to try this one out.

GOSH Rebel Eyes Mascara

Lumi Drops* are available in 3 shades and I have Peach which is a beautiful glowing pink peach with a gold iridescence. These can be worn alone to give a pretty highlighter effect or mixed with foundation to add a luminous glow to your skin. There is no glitter in this the formula just pretty light reflecting pearl pigments with a hint of  shimmer so you won’t look like a disco ball. These are a great product to have & you need to use so little to achieve the desired effect. I think this is a great release for Summer and will look really pretty with a tan.GOSH Makeup Products

Primer Plus Illuminating Skin Perfector* so this is a primer and a skin illuminator in one, thats my kind of product. A product that will keep your makeup in place, looking flawless whilst adding a luminous glow to your skin, its perfect! You can use this on its own for a radiant look or use under your foundation for a gorgeous flawless glow. It is infused with beneficial skin ingredients. ProRenew Complex stimulates skin’s self-renewal helping the skins own glow to come through. Silsoft E- Pearl provides a moist feel, line blurring and creates an illusion of perfection. This isn’t a greasy slippy primer instead it feels like a moisturiser and it almost sinks in to the skin leaving it feeling smooth and soft, It has a peachy tint to it and I love how radiant my skin looks when I use it.

I think GOSH have some really exciting products in their SS16 range and I have been most impressed with the Lumi Drops, Forever Eyeshadow Crayon and the Lip Oils, Although all of the products I have tried have been great quality and really good value for money. Let me know if you update your makeup bag for Spring with any of these new releases!

GOSH SS16 releases are available in exclusively in Superdrug from February 2016

*PR Samples