Comments Off on Solo Diaries: Peter Harrison Planetarium & Lunch
Hey hey everyone, I hope all is well.
Today’s post will be the start of my new series: solo diaries! This year, I set myself a goal to do 2 solo outings and so far I have crossed one of these off! Actually, I did 2 things in 1 outing but it still counts as 1 haha.
Dear diary
For my first solo outing, I went to the Peter Harrison Planetarium which has been on my list for so long! This place reminds me of Raj from Bang Bang Theory lmao. I went for the meet the neighbours show, a show about our solar system. It was much too short but very interesting, and I think I will go back for the sky tonight show.
So how did I feel doing this? I felt a bit awkward at first but not lonely but this feeling quickly disappeared as I reminded myself why I was doing this. After the show I went for a solo lunch at Miller and Carter, the lunch set menu is amazing btw! 3 courses including a steak for £23! I thought lunch would be a bit more of a challenge but girl I never thought I would enjoy it so much. I enjoyed my steak, watched a show, then some random man walked by and said hello? LOL. I enjoyed it so much Ive booked another solo lunch at a place that’s been on my list for at least 4 years!
Tbh even though I set these goals for myself at the start of the year I never really took steps to doing them. I am used to going out alone mostly for makeup windowing shopping etc but not to do an actual activity( my last solo activity was 2023? I think!) anyway what prompted me to book this was Tracee Ellis Ross talking about her solo travel experiences. It just reminded me of my first solo trip years ago which lead to so many wonderful experiences and meeting lovely people, I don’t know what happened along the road for me to loose that and become dependent on going out with friends. Anyways I glad Tracee’s video came on my fyp because it’s reignited my passion for solo experiences again.
The planetarium was great, and it seemed really popular for families and kids. You then after Greenwich Park right outside so you can easily have a walk or picnic afterwards. Parking is abundant close and very cheap. Well, cheaper than what I thought it would be!
Im really glad I did this and looking forward to my next solo outings! As much as I love planning things with friends, it was so freeing to juts decided what I want to do and went and simply GO. I can finally start to cross items of my list and not feel guilty adding new places lool.
Comments Off on Best Foundation for Your Skin Type: My Estée Lauder Ultimate Foundation Guide *AD
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
Finding the best foundation for your skin type can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With so many finishes, formulas, and shades, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where Estée Lauder’s foundation wardrobe comes in. Whether you crave a radiant glow or a matte, full-coverage look, Estée Lauder has a solution to help you find your perfect finish.
In this guide, I will talk you through the brand’s most-loved foundations, and give you a good look at the new Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why Finish Matters – Understanding Your Skin’s Needs
Best Foundation for Your Skin Type: My Estée Lauder Ultimate Foundation Guide
In many cases, you can use your skin type to guide your foundation choice. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Oily Skin: opt for long-wearing, oil-controlling formulas with a matte or soft-matte finish
Dry Skin: choose hydrating, radiant formulas with skincare benefits.
Combination Skin: look for a flexible formula that balances oil control and hydration
The finish you choose – be it matte, radiant, or natural – will help to transform your complexion. Let’s dive into the foundation lineup.
Best Foundations for Your Skin Type: Estée Lauder’s Top Picks
I have used a range of different foundations from the brand. Here’s the lowdown on each one.
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 (Liquid)
Best Foundation for Your Skin Type: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10
Best for: Oily, combination or normal skin seeking long-wear coverage
Finish: Matte, flawless, natural
Benefits: 24-hour wear, sweat and humidity resistant, transfer-resistant, available in 60 shades
Why it stands out: This iconic for a reason. It keeps shine in check and coverage locked in all day long.
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 Before & After Photos
Before Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10 in shade EcruAfter Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation SPF 10 in shade Ecru
Read my full Double Wear Review.
NEW Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation
Best Foundation for Your Skin Type: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation
Best for: Oily to combination skin types, on-the-go users, or those who prefer a powder finish
Finish: Soft matte
Usage: Can be applied using the sponge provided, or with a fluffy brush for lighter coverage
Why it stands out: This innovative powder foundation has the staying power of Double Wear in an easy-to-use powder format. It comes in a sleek compact and is perfect for touch-ups or a full-coverage finish.
Best Foundation for Your Skin Type: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation Before & After Photos
Before Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation in shade EcruAfter Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation in shade Ecru
Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45
Benefits: It has SPF 45 and is infused with skincare ingredients like probiotic technology and IonCharged Water.
Why it stands out: If you’re looking for coverage with comfort and care, this is it. Skin feels nourished and looks naturally radiant.
Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45 Before & After Photos
Before Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45 in shade EcruAfter Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45 in shade Ecru
Read my full Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45 Review here.
How to Find Your Perfect Match
Take a moment to assess:
What is your skin type?
Do you prefer a matte, natural, or glowing finish?
How much coverage do you need: light, medium or full?
Try This: Use Estée Lauder’s Virtual Try-On Tool or visit a John Lewis store.
Foundation FAQs
What’s Estée Lauder’s best foundation for oily skin?
Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 or the NEW Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation both provide long-wearing matte coverage without clogging pores.
What’s one of the most hydrating Estée Lauder foundations?
Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45 is your go-to for dry or mature skin thanks to its moisture-boosting formula.
Can I use powder foundation daily?
Absolutely. The new Double Wear powder formula offers buildable, coverage suitable for every day.
Is Double Wear too heavy for everyday use?
Not at all. It’s buildable so you can tailor the finish and coverage level depending on how much you apply.
What’s my favourite foundation for my mature skin?
I have been a long time fan of Estée Lauder’s foundations and I always have Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup SPF 10 in my rotation when I need something that offers great coverage and staying power. It is hard to beat.
My established favourite from Estée Lauder’s foundation wardrobe is Futurist Hydra Rescue Moisturizing Foundation SPF 45 because it suits the needs of my mature skin so perfectly. It gives me juicy and comfortable skin and I love that it has added skincare and SPF45. It’s amazing, I just love it.
The Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation is new and obviously a more recent discovery. While I am more about liquid foundations, I really love how smooth it makes my skin look, and it is great for summer when it gets harder to control shine. A light layer applied with a brush is perfect over a high protection sunscreen, and it’s also brilliant for setting sheer coverage bases to minimise shine and add a touch of skin perfecting coverage.
I love it applied over my T-zone when I am wearing Futurist. They are perfect partners for my combination skin. I feel the new Double Wear Stay-in-Place Matte Powder Foundation will be a handbag essential for top ups this summer.
Swatches: Double Wear Powder vs Double Wear vs Futurist
Best Foundation for Your Skin Type: Double Wear Powder vs Double Wear vs Futurist Swatches
Where to find the best foundation for your skin type
You can shop the full Estée Lauder foundation collection at John Lewis via the link below
Comments Off on Kosas Soulgazer Mascara Review – Before & After Photos, Wear Test & Results *AD
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara Review – Before & After Photos, Wear Test & Results *AD
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
Priced at
When I first heard about the launch of Kosas Soulgazer Mascara, I knew it would be exciting. Kosas have such a knack for marrying makeup with skincare, and this one is no exception. It’s not just a mascara. It’s a lengthening, lifting formula with a built-in lash-boosting peptide serum. I have been testing it out. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Kosas Soulgazer Mascara?
What is Kosas Soulgazer Mascara?
The Kosas Soulgazer Mascara is a lengthening mascara and lash-boosting peptide serum in one:
Weightless formula that builds easily without clumping
Glides on effortlessly for a fluttery look
Powered by a lash-boosting peptide serum
Delivers visibly longer, fuller lashes in 6–8 weeks
Uses a unique curvilinear moulded brush
The brush grips every lash to lengthen, lift and define
Long-wearing, smudge-proof, won’t flake all day
Key Ingredient
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17
Helps create a prime environment for keratin to support hair’s natural growth cycle
Supports visibly longer, fuller lashes in 6–8 weeks
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara: How to use it & Before & After Video
Check out my reel to see how I use it.
I have a few different photos to show you, as the before and afters get better the more you use this mascara.
Here’s my before photo from the first time I used this mascara:
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – Before Photo (1st time use)
And here’s one very light coat the first time I used it:
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – After Photo (1 coat, first use)
Here’s one very light coat a few weeks later:
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – After Photo (1 coat, after a few weeks)
Here’s 2 coats from the same time, a few weeks later:
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – After Photo (2 coats, after a few weeks)Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – After Photo (2 coats, after a few weeks)
As you can see, the before and afters get more impressive the longer I am using it.
My Review of Kosas Soulgazer Mascara
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara Brush – grabs every lash
I have to say, I absolutely love this mascara. Not only is it easy to use, but I also genuinely feel that it is improving the appearance of my lashes over time.
It delivers:
Instant length and lift for fluttery, defined lashes
Peptides that actually strengthen and encourage lash growth over time
A curved brush that hugs every lash for maximum impact
Buildable, clump-free wear that lasts all day
Packaging & Brush
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara Brush
The tube is chic and sleek, and very Kosas. But the star here is the curvilinear brush. It has that perfect curve that grips every lash, even those tricky inner corners, and pushes them up for a wide-eyed, lifted effect.
I can actually feel it grabbing the lashes as I apply, which makes for great definition without endless wiggling.
It’s also great for getting those bottom lashes without making a mess.
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara Brush – precise enough for bottom lashes
Buildable Formula
I tested Soulgazer with one and two coats to see how buildable it really is and found that you can build length and volume without things getting clumpy.
The fact it layers so easily without going spidery is honestly impressive.
Formula & Skincare Benefits
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara stands out to me because it doubles as lash care:
Peptides to help lashes look longer and stronger over time
Long-wearing formula that doesn’t smudge or flake and lashes stay lifted and pretty all day
Glides on smoothly and builds effortlessly
Easy removal – melts off without tugging
Wear Test & Performance
I have been wearing Soulgazer most days (when I have been wearing makeup) for a few weeks. Each time, my lashes have stayed curled and fluttery, the mascara hasn’t smudged or flaked, and my eyes look wide awake. I don’t use lash curlers, but I genuinely don’t think I need one anyway with this formula.
Does it work as a lash serum?
Kosas have done clinical trials that and after 8 weeks, 100% of subjects saw on bare lashes:
+97% increase in lash volume
+60% increase in lash length
As I said above, I have been using this whenever I wear makeup for a few weeks (not every single day), and I definitely think that my lashes look longer and fuller. If you check out the before and after photos above, I think you will be able to notice this as time goes on.
I think that this before photo a few weeks later, show longer lashes than my original before photo above:
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – Before Photo (after a few weeks)Kosas Soulgazer Mascara – After Photo (after a few weeks)
Verdict: Is Kosas Soulgazer Mascara Worth It?
I think you can probably guess what I am going to say here. I absolutely think this mascara is worth the price tag. Its performance purely as a mascara is excellent, and the fact that I have also notice improvement to my lashes over time means it really does double as a lash growth serum too. It’s a two for one situation!
If you want a mascara that gives pretty, fluttery lashes, amazing curl without curlers, long-lasting wear, and lash care benefits, Soulgazer delivers.
Final Thoughts
Kosas Soulgazer Mascara gives fluttery, lifted, wide-eyed lashes with a curl that actually lasts. It’s long-wearing, doesn’t flake, and adds subtle drama without bulk. I am looking forward to seeing what it can do in a few more weeks!!
FAQs for Kosas Soulgazer Mascara
Is Kosas Soulgazer Mascara suitable for sensitive eyes?
Yes! The formula is gentle, fragrance-free, and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Can you build up the mascara without clumping?
Absolutely! Koas Soulgazer Mascara is super buildable. One coat gives fluttery lashes, while 2 or 3 coats add drama without spidery clumps.
Does it really work as a lash serum?
Yes! Infused with peptides, this mascara helps lashes look stronger, longer, and fuller over time. You’re basically doing your lash care while wearing mascara.
Do I need a lash curler to get a curl?
Not at all which is exciting to me as I NEVER use lash curlers (they scare me!) The curved brush lifts and curls lashes beautifully on its own, and the curl lasts all day.
Does it smudge or flake?
I haven’t noticed any smudging or flaking and it’s really long-wearing.
How many coats are recommended?
One coat for a natural fluttery look, two coats for more drama, and three coats for full glam without clumping.
Is the formula waterproof?
The formula isn’t waterproof, but it has been clinically tested to be longwearing and smudge resistant.
Is this a lengthening, volumising mascara or both?
This mascara lengthens, lifts and separates with defined volume. Theformula is powered by Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17, a five amino acid peptide that is clinically proven to support stronger, healthier, and longer lashes.
Where to buy it
The Kosas Soulgazer Mascara is £28 and available now via the link below:
Check out all my Kosas Reviews here.
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Sorry its been a while since my last post, work got incredibly busy and I inadvertently had to take a break from blogging! But now that its now back to the normal busy pace I can get back to doing things I love again and I have a few exciting posts coming your way!
To kick things off I have a healthy hair check in and I went to a new salon! Whilst I love my usual salon, its far from me, the parking is too expensive and I spend too much time waiting around! I decided to go to Snm hair salon which is only a few minutes from me. I have heard of this salon and been following them for a while, so it wasn’t completely new to me. I decided to book a wash, treatment & blow dry with a clip in install as my new clip ins arrived!
I had a late appointment simply because I could as the salon is very close to me – a huge plus and because it was after 5, parking was free- another huge win for me! After waiting for a few minutes, I was asked about what style I wanted for the clip ins and it was then we came to the conclusion that I needed to book a silk press package not the blow-dry and because it was close to closing time, I couldn’t unfortunately change the booking. I was a bit disappointed as I really wanted to get my clips in done but it was understandable. We couldn’t agree on a suitable day and time so I just decided to go ahead with my service without the clip ins.
At the shampoo bowl, the lady mentioned my hair was dry to touch which I found somewhat surprising. My salon appointment was on a Thursday and I had washed my hair on Monday albeit I did use more of a strengthening conditioner plus K18 ( I have lots of thoughts but I will use it a few more times before sharing). Anyway she proceeded to wash my hair 3 times which I absolutely loved and quiet frankly I had never had any salon do that. After washing she mentioned my hair was quiet dry and whilst I booked a moisture treatment I would benefit from a more intense steam treatment which would be £5 extra and I agreed to. After applying the treatment, I went under the steamer for about 20 minutes. I haven’t had a steam hair treatment before and my hair felt incredible after but it was also a really warm day so I was so hot under there hahaha
My hair was detangled again before it was rinsed out then we proceeded to blow dry in sections. I was familar with the 2 keracare products she used prior to blowdrying then finished off the service with my 2 plaits.
Thoughts on the service
I arrived very early for my appointment but it didn’t take too long before we started discussing my service and the lady really did try to find me another time but we just couldn’t find a suitable time. The clip in service was promptly cancelled and taken off my final bill which I liked. I loved how my hair was handled during the shampoo process: she really focused my massaging my scalp making sure it was clean and shampooing 3 times to ensure build up is effectively removed. I wish my hair was detangled more after she applied the treatment but my hair wasn’t that tangled anyway as I had only washed and blowdried my hair 3 days prior so maybe I didnt need it. She did detangle in small sections.
After the steam treatment I did have to wait about 10-15 mins before I was seen, infact I had to go around and mention it was finished before I was seen again. This isn’t that unusual as I have had to had in between services at my usual salon however I did feel slightly more forgotten here because I was in a different room and because there was only one other customer there with all the staff in the next room I did feel forgotten. The other staff that rinsed out the conditioner and blow dried my hair did seem younger but I think she did a good job. She used the Keracare leave in conditioner & the silken seal liquid before the blow dry. These 2 products do contain heat protection but I would have preferred a dedicated heat protectant too. She blowdried in larger sections using the tension method but went in smaller sections with the paddle brush. Again I would have preferred she fully stretched out the hair in smaller sections using tension before going in with the paddle brush as I have 4c fine hair prone to breakage. The blow dry did turn out great so I’m not too bothered by this. She said my ends were a bit tangly and mentioned it could be because my last trim(last month) didn’t quite catch all my split ends however I don’t think its down to that but the way she stretched my hair prior to going in with the paddle brush. My last trim was pretty much a hair cut because I neglected my trim routine( more on this later in another post!) and also because she was drying my hair in larger sections which for my 4c fine hair mean tangles.
I didn’t appreciate taking a personal call with the other staff member whilst she was doing my hair but I will put this down to her been younger as I thought that was unprofessional.
Verdict
Will i go to Snm salon again. Yes simply because it much much closer to me and the service wasn’t particularly bad. I loved the shampoo and blow dry and my hair felt incredible after the steam treatment, I just didn’t like a few bits. I am debating if I go back there for the silk press or somewhere else. But I will definitely go back there for a wash, treatment and blowdry when I don’t feel like doing my hair
This year I do want to try out other salons especially if they are closer to me. Maison style will always be my go to but I think its time to start experimenting again.
My service: wash, blowdry and intensive steam moisture treatment came up to £65 which is what I usually pay. It would have been £60 without the extra £5 for the intensive moisture treatment. It was pretty easy to book online via their website which is a huge plus. The salon is in Croydon.
Comments Off on Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick Review & Swatches
*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog
Priced at
I have recently come across the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick correctors and was interested to give them a go. They are a skincare-makeup hybrid and I have a little side-by-side comparison on my skin tone of two of the shades. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick?
What are Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Sticks?
The Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick is part of Ole Henriksen’s brightening makeup-skincare hybrid lineup, designed to colour-correct, brighten, and prep the under-eye area for concealer. It promises skincare benefits alongside instant colour correction.
Key points from the brand:
Infused with two forms of vitamin C and banana powder-inspired pigments
Designed to brighten and hydrate the delicate eye area
Promotes a brighter, more awake look
Provides a smooth base for concealer
Helps to smooth and blur fine lines and wrinkles
Available in four shades
Key Ingredients
Two Forms of Enhanced Vitamin C (3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid and Tetrahexldecyl Ascorbate) – to brighten and fade the look of dark circles, and provide antioxidant protection
Banana Powder-Inspired Pigments – light-reflecting mineral pigments to instantly illuminate your complexion
Caffeine – to energizes & invigorate skin
My Review of Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick
My Review of What are Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Sticks in Banana & Guava
I have only just started trying these out, and I have to say, I’m not completely sure what I think! So I wanted to share my thoughts so far, and I will update when I have used them more.
I think my main issue is that they are not what I was expecting them to be like, which has kind of stopped me in my tracks for the review process. Not sure if that makes sense, but I’ll tell you what I think so far.
Formula & Texture
The first thing I noticed is the texture. It’s creamy and balmy with a smooth glide that feels like skincare. It isn’t sticky or heavy, and it swipes onto the skin really easily.
That said, it’s a lot sheerer than I expected which is where I have become confused, as I was expecting there to be more instant opaque coverage. Once blended, it almost melts away into nothing. It’s very much a sheer pigment that I found doesn’t really provide coverage on its own.
If you’re after a one-step corrector-and-concealer replacement, this isn’t it. But as a lightweight layer that might make concealer apply more smoothly, it has potential. Under my Kulfi concealer, the base felt nicely hydrated. But since I already love how that concealer looks, I couldn’t tell if it truly boosted the result.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick Swatches
Here are my swatches of the Banana and Guava shades:
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick Swatches in Banana & Guava
Shade Comparison on My Skin Tone
I tested both shades under my eyes to see which works best for me. This is the before photo:
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick Before Photo
Here are both shades directly applied:
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick applied in Banana & Guava
I’ll be honest, because they are quite sheer, I am not sure which one is better for me. Probably Guava?
Here they both are blended out:
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick After Photo
I tested it under my Kulfi concealer (review and swatches here), and while it did create a nicely hydrated base, I honestly couldn’t tell if it made much of a difference, mostly because I already love how that concealer performs on its own.
On its own, the coverage of the Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick isn’t enough to replace concealer, but it does feel lovely on the skin and brings some nice skincare benefits. I just wish it delivered a bit more on the makeup front.
If you’re a fan of the original Banana Bright Eye Crème and want something in a makeup format, it’s worth a try. Just know that it’s sheer, and for me, the real star of the show is still my concealer.
Where to buy it
The Ole Henriksen Banana Bright Vitamin CC Stick is £26 and available now via the links below. If you are shopping at Sephora, you can use my code REALLYREESPH for 20% off.
If you are looking for something more pigmented, check out my blog post on the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Vanish Colour Corrector, which I think is one of Tilbury’s most underrated products.
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