First up, makeup…
I totally meant to number these pics, but I’ll talk you through them instead and link to any previous review posts I’ve done.
Face - left hand pic (clockwise from 9 o’clock):
- Laura Mercier Starlight Mineral Illuminating powder, Translucent - gives soft focus effect with delicate gold sheen when under the light
- Laura Mercier Crème Smooth foundation, Warm Ivory - medium to full coverage (detailed review coming soon!)
- Top Shop cream blush, High Five - gorgeous doll pink blush, a little goes a long way {review}
- Chanel Illusion D’Ombres, Illusoire - heather-grey metallic shadow which I adore!
- Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer, 01 Light - long lasting, non drying or caking creamy formula - love this. {review}
- Eyeliner pen by AH Francis, #31 - user friendly felt tip style eye liner in a rich Royal Navy shade {FOTD}
- Kate Moss for Rimmel lipstick, #01 - the perfect red. Get so many compliments on this. {swatches}
- Bobbi Brown Lip Color, Brown - the perfect everyday lipstick {review}
- Lavera Glossy Lips, Magic Red - a lovely subtle berry toned gloss that’s very moisturising and comfortable to wear {FOTD}
- Orly Mineral FX Nail Lacquer, Rococo-A-Go-Go - the most striking shimmering rich purple polish on the planet. Fact. {swatches}
- Mavala Sparkling Bronze #230 - big bold glitter polish, fabulous as a pedi (wore this on hols, lovely with faux tanned feet)
Nip + Fab Sheer Make-Up Fix Described as a BB (Blemish Balm) I view this more as a primer product. It evens out skintone, refines pores and provides a great base for foundation. If you have fabulous skin it may well give you the confidence to go au naturel… sadly that won’t be me! It does help my foundation apply, look and last better though and is great value for money. NB it’s a completely clear gel.
Vichy Liftactiv Retinol HA Night This was a 2011 hero product for me. I hadn’t used Vichy products for years and this totally blew me away. First of all I adore the presentation of the product. The conical lid comes off to reveal a slimmer version underneath, which you press to ‘foam’ the product onto your hand. It feels and sounds like mousse when it’s dispensed, but applies like cream. This feels divine on the skin and really does make my face look refreshed and ‘plumped up’ in the mornings. The Liftactiv range contains hyaluronic acid and retinol (meaning spf must be used by daytime) the products feel really gentle on my skin and didn’t cause any irritation at all.
Vichy Liftactiv Retinol HA Eyes The accompanying eye product is equally lush. Like the face cream, I love how this product applies, by pressing the long skinny nozzle to release the perfect amount. It feels ever so slightly waxy and really moisturising around my eyes.
La Roche Posay Redermic+ (sensitive skin) This anti wrinkle firming moisturiser contains complex anti ageing ingredients including 5% pure Vitamin C. It temporarily plumps up the skin and fills in fine lines making it look temporarily firmer and smoother - I do tend to top it up and reapply makeup if I’m going out for the evening. This product also has long term anti ageing benefits, and feels rich but not too heavy on the skin. I have big respect for the science behind the La Roche Posay brand and have liked all of their products I’ve tried.
Left to right: each product applied, then lightly blended: Nip+Fab, Vichy Liftactiv Night, Vichy Liftactiv Eyes, La Roche Posay Redermic+
Hair
Label M Organic Moisturising Lemongrass Shampoo and Conditioner smell beyond gorgeous and for some reason seem to keep it clean twice as long as normal. They are paraben free and contain an organic blend of Lemongrass (obvs!), Echinacea and Jojoba oil; the packaging is sleek and I love the user friendly pump bottles. More than anything I love the smell, but in all honesty these products didn’t make my hair feel as moisturised and nourished as expected considering the price point. They seemed to make my hair quite big & puffy, so may be better suited to someone looking for volume. (Also available in Orange Blossom which I think sounds gorgeous!)
Label M Organic Lemongrass Shampoo is £12.45 and Conditioner is £15.95 for 200ml at Beauty Booth
Sleek Blow Out Cream is one of the best styling products I’ve tried in a looong time. I really struggle to find a styling product that works well with my hair. It smells beautiful, quite sweet like vanilla. It fights frizz and coats my hair in nourishing cream which seems to hold the style well without weighing it down at all. I’ve used it with my Babyliss Big Hair and when blowdrying my hair straight and it worked great both ways - it even seemed to cut down on drying time (always a bonus!).
Label M Sleek Blow Out Cream costs £13 for 150ml at Beauty Booth and I’ll definitely replace this when it runs out!
Hair & skincare samples
