Review, Swatches: Lancôme Absolue L’Extrait Ultimate Eye Contour Collection – Balm-Elixir, Massaging Applicator, Mask

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The visibly transforming eye balm-elixir and the massaging applicator are paired with an innovative eye mask. Specially designed and created by Lancôme’s laboratories, this exceptional eye collection combines our most precious and powerful ingredients, with a custom-made application tool for a unique sensorial experience.

The balm-to-elixir texture fuses with the skin, leaving it feeling nurtured, deeply hydrated and more comfortable. The innovative eye mask, made from an exclusive bio-cellulose, leaves the skin feeling divinely fresh. Used together, the eye balm-elixir and cooling eye mask provide visible results.*

*Based on self-assessment of women in a 6-week study applying the eye balm twice a day and the eye mask once a week.

Elixir Ingredients: AQUA / WATER / EAU,GLYCERIN, CYCLOHEXASILOXANE, HYDROGENATED POLYISOBUTENE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER / SHEA BUTTER, ALCOHOL DENAT., PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRAETHYLHEXANOATE, DEXTRIN PALMITATE, PTFE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, SUCROSE STEARATE, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE DABEILLE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, OCTYLDODECANOL, CI 77891 / TITANIUM DIOXIDE, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 / IRON OXIDES, MICA, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, HYDROXYPROPYL TETRAHYDROPYRANTRIOL, HYDROLYZED LINSEED EXTRACT, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC ACID, PHENOXYETHANOL, ADENOSINE, PALMITIC ACID, POLYSILICONE-11, CHLORPHENESIN, SILICA, PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, DIPEPTIDE-2, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER
ROSE EXTRACT, DISODIUM EDTA, HESPERIDIN METHYL CHALCONE, SODIUM BENZOATE

Mask Ingredients: AQUA / WATER / EAU, CELLULOSE

Visible Results*

• See a smoother look to the skin around your eye contour – the texture is visibly improved and the skin tone looks more even.
• Feel firmer, more elastic skin around your eye contour – nurtured, deeply hydrated and more comfortable.
• See a fresher, more beautiful eye contour – dark circles seem softened, eye bags appear minimized, signs of fatigue seem visibly reduced.

*Based on self-assessment of women in a 6-week study applying the eye balm twice a day and the eye mask once a week

Collection Speedy Highlighter

Collection Speedy Highlighter Pearl Sheen 1

Collection have recently launched a couple of new products for the contour and highlighting trend, with the Collection Contour Kit £4.19 and the Collection Speedy Highlighter £3.99. After seeing swatches online, I decided not to purchase the Contour Kit as the contour shade was much too dark and warm toned for my skintone but the highlighter looked perfect. I already own the No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter, which is pretty much identical packaging wise to the Collection Speedy Highlighter but my No7 Highlighter snapped within weeks of purchasing it which was pretty disappointing and now it’s such a faff to use, so I thought that I’d buy the Collection equivalent and even if they were identical, at least the Collection Highlighter would be easier to use.

Collection Speedy Highlighter Pearl Sheen 1

The Collection Speedy Highlighter is packaged within a short, chubby plastic stick with a twist up base just like the No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter, with the highlighter having a cream formula which you use to draw on the skin where you want to highlight, and then blend it in with either your fingertips or a brush. The formula is very creamy, and easy to blend under or over foundation, and it even blends nicely over powder too. The shimmer in the No7 Highlighter is a little chunky and obnoxious, but the shimmer in the Collection Speedy Highlighter is a lot more subtle, and glowy which I much prefer as it doesn’t look so obvious on the skin unlike the No7 one.

Shade wise, the Collection Speedy Highlighter is a champagne colour which I think would compliment any skintone and makeup look, and I find myself using it almost every day as I can apply a light amount for a subtle sheen, or build it up for a more intense glow but you could even layer a powder highlighter over the top for a super intense highlight. I have also used a little on my fingertip to press into the centre of my eyelids for a pretty, brightening effect and it works nicely as an inner corner or cupids bow highlight too. I love how versatile this stick highlighter is, and I would love for Collection to introduce some other shades.

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Get the Look: Office Beauty

We have a confession: we’re sorta in an office makeup rut. Which is even worse considering we actually work at a makeup company. But, let’s be honest: isn’t it easy to get stuck in a daytime beauty routine when you’re trying to look professional instead of provocative? Luckily, we work at a makeup company (we knew it would turn out positive!)—which means that inspiration is everywhere. Turns out that you can flaunt your flirty side at the office with a few bold products in moderation. Below is a confident & pretty yet still totally polished look to rock at work.

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Here’s how to be a downtown beauty!

Step 1: Sweep hoola across your chin, cheeks & forehead for a sun-kissed summer glow.

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Step 2: Draw the perfect wing with they’re real! push-up liner. Trust us! It’s okay to wear a cat eye to the office as long as it’s not feral.

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Step 3: Apply they’re real! mascara for extra-long lashes. Hint: Hold the wand vertically & stroke upward to curl & separate for that doe-eyed sex appeal.

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Step 4:  Finish with hydra-smooth lip color in dare me.

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Voilá! This look is simple enough to incorporate into your morning routine, without falling into a routine. How do you spice it up at the office?

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17 Beauty Resolution’s for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

17 Beauty Resolution's for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

It’s a new year and what better time to begin to forge new habits, routines and embrace the unexpected. You may be feeling a tad overwhelmed with the promise of a fresh start and limitless possibilities – who can blame you? – so let me help you simplify your beauty check-list and aid you in getting the most out of the products you already own and more…

1, Quality over quantity – Admittedly this is a mantra that I will be expanding into all areas of my life including blogging but this year, I do want to focus on products that I use daily and agree with my skin. I have slowly learnt along the way that I have no purpose for a shelf full of half used foundations and pockets full of mismatched nude lipsticks. Over the following months I am going to weed out any product that has no real place in my collection and only replace what I really have to. I should also stress that I don’t necessarily believe that quality equates to high end cosmetics.

2, Take care of your skin inside and out – You can slather on all the night creams and high coverage concealer in the world but if you don’t properly take care of your body internally it will all be for nought. I’m not in any position to preach about how to best attack healthy eating but what I will say is that I am embracing the everything in moderation “rule” this year and aiming to drink at least two litres of water a day.

17 Beauty Resolution's for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

3, Treat don’t pick – The majority of us will be guilty of picking at our skin at some point in our lives. From blackheads to that pesky blemish that just won’t disappear in time for an important event. I understand that it easier said than done but if you can muster up the strength to leave your skin alone to heal, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favour in the long run and won’t have to worry nearly as much about hyperpigmentation or scar tissue. Trust me as someone who suffered from adult acne, my complexion would be more even in tone and texture if I had willed my blemishes to heal, rather than taking matters – literally – into my own hands. By all means, attack the problem areas with targeted treatment products (I swear by a double hit of Kiehls – the Blue Herbal Spot Treatment for the blemish and the dark spot correcting serum for the aftermath) but resist temptation to pick, pluck and squeeze.

4, Indulge every so often – No this isn’t an universal sign to bust out your credit card and run amok within Space.NK (well if you have the means and need to do so, go right ahead) but rather a call to say that it really is okay to purchase the odd product you have lusted after for months on end, every now and then. I’ve seen a lot of product shamming comments on social media as of late and the truth is, if the consumer can afford to purchase the product, really who’s business is it but theirs how they spend their money? For those that are curious I am side stepping my all but daily Costa Coffee habit in favour of saving up to purchase the new Charlotte Tilbury Palette and the Hot Lips Lipstick in Kim K.W.

5, Form proper and tailored routines for your need – Are you guilty of applying products to your skin simply because you have them? Do you really need to call upon three different facial oils before curling up into bed? No probably not. I do believe in the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mantra so if you and your skin are entirely happy with your current set up, skip this point, otherwise perhaps it is time to streamline your stash. Ask yourself what is your skin really calling out for and rotate your products around your needs, rather than using items simply because they are neatly presented on your bathroom shelf.

17 Beauty Resolution's for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

6, SPF; all day, everyday – Yes I am obsessed and a somewhat SPF vigilante, in my mind it is one of the most sensible things you can do for both your health and skin – not to mention easiest. First of all skin cancer is both serious and preventable; to be sun smart all you really have to do is apply a high SPF daily and avoid the direct sun during peak hours (seek shade). Skin is of course damaged by UV rays which are present all year round – even when it is cloudy/rainy and generally miserable outdoors – by applying SPF to any exposed skin you protect it both from environmental damage and premature ageing. Start today (if looking for great facial options try Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 and La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Face Ultra-Light Fluid SPF50+ are solid options), and you’ll thank yourself in the years to come.

7, De-clutter and de-stash – It is difficult to let go of that bright, pink blush you bought a few weeks ago, wore once and decided that yes you did indeed look more sunburnt than naturally flushed. True story. Why hold onto products you know that you’ll never willingly use again? Wouldn’t it be better for your mind and physical space – because a gal does have limited storage – to wave it goodbye now, than allow it to collect dust or spoil in the coming months…or worse years? Grab together all your lightly used but neglected products and donate them to either a friend or send them onto Give and Makeup.

8, Take stock every so often – Story time part two: last year will in Sephora I found myself Googling my own site in order to see if I owned a certain lipstick in a very specific shade. It was there and then that I realised that I a, had the memory of a Goldfish and b, really had let my make-up habits spiral out of control. Don’t be that guy. I’d also like to use this point to urge you to go through your general beauty stash every now and then, and check that your products are fit for use. I can not stress this enough in regards to mascara. No-one wants pink-eye…no-one.

17 Beauty Resolution's for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

9, Be true to you – Over the coming months new beauty trends will sweep the likes of Instagram and YouTube, which is undoubtedly exciting. However don’t ever feel pressurised into doing something that isn’t 100% authentic to you. There is nothing wrong with bucking trends, just don’t be that person on Twitter bemoaning new concepts…no-one likes that guy. Live and let live.

10, Don’t put off what you can do now – That mountain of dirty make-up brushes you swore you’d tackle on Sunday? Crawled in later than expected and despite the loud ringing of a nagging voice at the back of your head to take off your make-up, you neglect to do it and wake up to the mother of breakouts? Yeah we’ve all been there. If something takes less than a few minutes, instead of putting it off, do it there and then – better skin in both instances awaits.

11, Try something new – Let 2017 be the year of adventure; have you always dreamt about having killer bangs but never mustered up the courage to actually do it? Book that appointment a.s.a.p. and remind yourself that it if does turn out not to be your best decision, hair grows. Let’s all support new, upcoming and indie brands and step outside our comfort zones every now and then – who knows bright, blue glitter eyeliner might just be the boost of confidence a drab Thursday requires.

12, Find a great hair salon and visit frequently – I fear the hair dresser more than the ripper but if I want to lob off any dead ends or make a drastic change, I’m afraid I’m going to have to suck it up and muster up the courage to let a stranger touch my hair and scalp once again. My advice to finding a great salon is to research and then research some more, don’t be afraid to ask around, snoop through Yelp reviews and ask all the questions you could possible think of before sitting in that chair. It also doesn’t hurt to attend your appointment prepared and armed with visual representations of your expectations.

17 Beauty Resolution's for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

13, Learn more about the items you use – I am guilty of blindly slapping on beauty products of all categories without ever paying close attention to the ingredient list; all well and good if you have hardy skin, not so wise if like myself you have various allergies. Take the time to learn the scientific name for anything that you would rather avoid and it label reading will become a whole lot easier and clearer. I also urge a

14, Stress less – Stress affects the entire body which coincidentally includes the complexion and of course your hair. Grab a pen and piece of paper, scribble down anything that is bothering you and one-by-one, cross out anything that you know deep down in menial. So what your brows aren’t perfect – honestly who cares? Everyone around you is too concerned with how they look and the amount of retweets their crappy dad joke is gathering, to notice that you over or under plucked. In the words of *N’Sync – this I promise you.

15, Sleep and sleep some more – Need an excuse to sleep more? Of course you don’t but did you know that a good night of rest is impetrative for skin renewal and repair? Forget feeling unhip about forgoing a trip to the pub in order for a few more hours in bed, your plump and fresh skin is all the reward you need. Aim for 8 hours a night and maybe, just maybe, embrace a weekend lie-in…you deserve it after all.

17 Beauty Resolution's for 2017 That Everyone Can Conquer

16, Conquer your make-up fear – A new year can indeed mean a new you in many, many ways. Why not use the fresh start as an opportunity to learn something new? With YouTube tutorials for practically everything and anything you can comfortably learn a new trick or technique in the comfort of your bedroom, free of charge. Personally I’m dabbling with the concept of enrolling in a make-up artistry course.

17, Be happy – not a beauty call of action but rather a little reminder that yes you do look wonderful when you smile and laugh and that life if for living. Go out there, kick ass, take names and make this the best year yet.

Happy New Year!

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MAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush

MAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush ReviewMAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush ReviewMAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush ReviewMAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush ReviewMAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush Review

MAC used to be one of my favourite beauty brands, and I used to find myself splurging everytime they released a new collection. However in the last 18 months or so, I’ve just not found myself being wowed by their collections and their constant repromotes. When I saw the MAC Summer collection, I knew I’d have to get something as the packaging alone was amazing. I opted for the MAC Wash and Dry Crisp Whites Powder Blush £20, and even though the collection launched a month ago, you can still purchase items from the collection on the Selfridges and House of Fraser websites, which never happens with MAC collections as they usually sell out within days.

The packaging is stunning.. with a glossy ombré metallic turquoise, coral and yellow pattern which is ideal for a Summer collection. Crisp Whites is described as being a pale tangerine with pearls, and is the most perfect peach blush for pale skin like mine as it gives a subtle flush of colour and a pretty sheen to the cheeks without any obnoxious shimmer or glitter. The texture is really smooth, and I find it easy to blend. Crisp Whites can be worn quite sheerly as a pale peach, but it can also be built up to almost an orange shade. This has fast become my favourite Summer blush, and I am so glad I bought it as it’s just so pretty and compliments any makeup look. If you fancy picking something up from the MAC Wash and Dry collection, I’d recommend doing it very soon as I can’t imagine it’ll hang around for much longer…

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