Radiance - Give It A Glow !!

Radiance - Give It A Glow !!

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My post last Thursday was all about the bronzer and comparing a high end product to a drug store product (click HERE if you fancy a quick read). Keeping it tune with that this week I want to focus on radiance boosting creams/balms and again look at a high end product and a drug store buy.

Radiance creams and balms are by definition a skin saviour for those dull skin days were you need a lift. These creams claim to offer the skin a helping hand  in achieving that "just awoke from a perfect 8 hours" look while also offering skin care benefits. I love the sound of this so I have tired a few products that claim to offer such benefits. I have chosen two to share with you!

Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm by Elemis 

This beauty balm falls in to the high end category for sure priced at approximately €42.00 for 50ml or 1.7 fl.oz. This Product claims to offer skin flattering qualities while also offering rich moisturizing qualities. In short this product claims to offer the user 3 products in one:

• Moisturizer 
• Radiance Booster 
• Primer 

 I have had this product for a few months now and I have been using it very often. When I first got it I used it for a month non stop as I was curious to see if it was as good as the reviews. First impressions were positive. The cream itself is rich in texture meaning a little goes a long way. It has no smell at all and seems to glide on to the skin. I put in on in the mornings where some days I would wear make up and others I would not. The days I wear make up I find that it really does have good primer qualities. The balm itself glides on smooth and my make up tends to be glide over it just as smooth. My make up does not become blotchy or patchy (but this may have a little to do with the fact that my foundation suits my skin type). My skin does not feel dry so there is some level of moisture present in the product. As for a radiant look or glow, it is hard to be sure when you are wearing make up (and due to the fact I like illuminating foundations like NARS Sheer Glow). The real proof is when I am not make up free. I have to admit this balm does add a certain glow to my skin. My skin looks healthy and fresh. The dullness is not so evident. I think the real poof is in the fact that I genuinely do not mind going make up free once I have this product on - just a swipe of lip balm and  helping of mascara and I am good to go! Therefore on the radiance boosting scale this is a good product.
I tend to only have one issue with this product - I would like it to contain an SPF. I am not one for layer on my lotions and potions on my face so if I could get one product with all this product offers and an SPF I would be chuffed! Until then however I will continue to enjoy the benefits of using this illuminating balm - expensive but worth it in my opinion.

Garnier Skin Naturals Moisture Match Wake Me Up Revitalising Hydrating Gel

Priced at approximately €5.50 this is drug store product that is part of the Garnier Moisture Match Collection. It claims to lift dull skin, give you the bright and radiant look while also offering 24 hour hydration. This product is a gel consistency and is really light. I used it for two weeks solid  to see if my skin benefited. First impressions were a little mixed but positive also. 

I am generally not a fan of gel moisturizers but the one thing I did like about this product is the fact that it is water based and you could feel that in the products consistency. It has citrus extracts which does give it a nice subtle smell. Once applied to the skin I found it takes a few minutes to absorb fully. As I mentioned it a water based gel and my preference is a cream moisturizer and this only became more apparent when I was using this. my skin just did not feel 100% moisturized. As for the radiance boosting elements or the "wake me up" element. I found my skin did look a little brighter but again not to a great extent. Over all I liked this product but I did not love it. I wont be using it as my daily moisturizer. I would recommend it maybe for younger skin, maybe late teens early 20's as it may offer more of that the skin at that age needs. This range of products are a good idea and offer products for five different skin types. I just was not a favorite of mine. 

As can be seen from my shared experiences of the two products above  I will be sticking with the high end product in my pursuit of radiant skin. I am also a fan of Clarins Beauty Flash Balm which offers radiance boosting qualities and can be used all over the body. 

Do you use a radiance boosting balm? If so please share your experiences I love to hear them. 

Hope you found this post helpful and if there is a particular product you would like compared from high end to drug store please leave a comment below telling me. 

oh and REMEMBER - COMPETITION TIME - running at the mo just CLICK HERE #

xoxo

 

 

January - It Is Not So Blue!!

January - It Is Not So Blue!!

January is traditionally a month for well nothing! Long, normally wet, dark days were you venture out in the dark and home in the dark. Good intensions of exercise and denying yourself of anything sweet, creamy or in any way tasty leave it a pretty bleak month.  With this in mind and a secret little stash in my piggy bank I had planned to treat myself to a few little cosmetics to fulfil the beauty junkie’s cravings within me.  In the run up to Christmas 2012 I had ensured I had the entire gift requirements for others covered and all the festive and January financial needs planned for. Now it was time to treat myself to a few little bits and pieces. I researched and looked at many blogs and vlogs and equipped myself with a wish list that would make any self respecting beauty product junkie blush. My final purchases are as follows:

• ·         Dior Skin Nude Tan –Nude Glow Sun Powder in 002 (bronzer)
• ·         Dior Skin Nude Shimmer in 001 (highlighter)
• ·         MAC Prep+Prime BB (Beauty Balm) SPF 35 in light (new to MAC) 
• ·         MAC Penultimate Eye Liner Liquid in Rapid Black ( liquid eyeliner – an essential in my make up bag)
• ·         MAC Pigment in Vanilla ( read such good reviews had to try it out)
• ·         MAC Mineralise Tinted Lip Balm in Stay Warm! ( new collection)
• ·         Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in 01 Rose Shimmer ( hard to decide on the shade they three shades are fabulous)
• ·         Nails Inc Bling It On Leather and Skulls Polish and Embellishments Set  (not for the faint hearted but ever so funky)

O.k., admittedly I may have gone a little O.T.T but oh what a turnaround I am hoping to make of this January. I can’t wait to try out each and every one of these little gems and form my opinion on what were must haves to me. I may be broke for the next few weeks (o.k. maybe a month or 2) but at least my skin will be bronzed and highlighted and my lips mineralised and perfected. I am liking January 2013 a little more.

 Happy January - Week 1 

XOXO 

December Likes and Dislikes

Likes

1.     Yves Saint Laurent - Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

Shade Beige 30 - fair to light complexions with creamy tan beige undertones

€31 from feeluniique.com

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Yves-Saint-Laurent-Le-Teint-Touche-Eclat-Foundation-30ml

In short I love this foundation. I had been looking for a nice foundation that could be worn daily, that was natural looking, long wearing and skin friendly. So far this foundation has fulfilled these criteria. I had been wearing a tinted moisturiser as I often found full foundation heavy and found that it was difficult to achieve the correct look I was hoping for. This foundation blended really well, could be built upon using powder or bronzer for a more glam look or just a swipe of blush for a natural glowing day look. My skin looked flawless and had a reflective sheen. I had been a fan of the original Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat and this foundation really did not disappoint. I intend to continue using it, I highly recommend it.

2.    Eye Brow Sculptor by Tom Ford

Shade = Chestnut

€40 approx / £32.00

http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Brand-rooms/Designer/TOM-FORD/Cosmetics/Eyes/Brow-Sculptor_450-3001058-BROWSCULPTOR

I had read reviews of this product and had watched a few beauty tutorials so was very curious as to how it would work out. This interest combined with the fact that I rate eyebrow maintenance and appearance as top priority pushed me to treat myself. Once again I am not disappointed. I had been engaging in the usual routine of getting my eyebrows tinted once a month and then using MAC eyebrow in Spiked. I liked this routine as it achieved the look I hoped for, However since using this Tom Ford product the routine is over. Application does take a little practice as the applicator is slanted and you need fill in your brows at a certain angle. You can build upon the colour to achieve a darker shade. It is long wearing and definitely defines your brows. It also has a brow brush applicator on the other end which is excellent for fine tuning your desired look. Admittedly it is one of the more expensive brow products but so far from my experience it is worth it. Highly recommend.

3.    Decleor - Aromessence Neroli Serum - 15ml

€44.99 (sale price normally €60.00)

http://www.beautyfeatures.ie/decleor-aromessence-neroli-serum-15ml

I received this face oil as part of a gift set when I purchased a face moisturiser by decleor. I had not paid much attention to the face oil until recently when my skin was suffering from a phase of break outs. Unsure of the cause of the break outs I decided to cleanse and use this oil as at night. My skin has improved so much. This face oil claims that the Aromessences will nourish and prepare your skin with specific plant based moisturisers to treat, hydrate and protect.

Thanks to its natural affinity with the skin, the oil aims to
• penetrates skin upon application to soothe and relax the skin,
• provides immediate comfort and radiance, and be the quickest and most direct Beauty routine available to leave skin visibly smoother, softer and glowing with radiance.

Declor tells you that you should use this oil morning and night. For my skin type which is normal to combination I recommend to only use once at night as the oil is very rich. You only need a small amount so even though this oil is rather expensive it will last for a long time. Skin transformation is just achievable.

 

4.    Kerastase - Elixir Ultime for Colour-Treated Hair 

   €34 

http://www.beautyfeatures.ie/kerastase-elixir-ultime-for-colour-treated-hair-125ml/

Again I received this as an added bonus with the karastase Christmas gift set. I love Kerastase shampoo fro coloured haired hair. I had used well known hair oil before after shampoo and conditioner and had found it to be good. This product however is excellent. Like all beauty oils of any nature you only need a very small amount. I rubbed a small amount of oil between my hands to heat it up and worked it through my hair form mid length to the ends. I stay away from the roots as I want to prevent my hair becoming too oily. I found my hair to be excellent condition, full and very soft. The product claims to promote shine and I have to admit a few of my friends commented on the shine and condition of my hair since I have been using it. I have replaced the oil I had previously used with this product and I like it so much that it is firmly established in my hair care routine.

 

5.    Molton Brown Rejuvenating Body Moisturiser in arctic shajio

€20 approx

http://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/store/bath-body/body-lotion-cream/cat0025

These winter days leaves the skin dry and dull and well entitled to a treat now and again. This body moisturiser fulfils this entitlement. Like all Molton Brown products this is rich and nurturing on the skin. It smells fabulous without being too strong.  A little goes a long way and has lasting effects. The one problem I have with this product is that as you use the product it becomes increasingly difficult to use the pump on the bottle. I am only half way through my 200ml bottle and on my last use last night I had to open the screw top and shake out the contents. Overall this body lotion is a luxury and has left my skin feeling soft, smelling lovely and in better condition.

NON BEAUTY LIKES

v  M&S Calming Infusion camomile, lavender and lime flower

20 tea bags €1.99 approx

This month I stumbled across a fabulous tea perfect for curling up on the sofa after a long day and watching your favourite telly or getting engrossed in your new book or mag. This tea is delicious and soothing. I am a fan in general of camomile tea and this was a lovely variation of taste.  I simply <3 this tea.

v  T.V programme = Chicago Fire

What more could you ask for, cute men in firemen outfits fighting fire and being all hero like. Also a pretty good story line to follow with likeable characters and solid plot lines. Not the most serious of T.V shows but worth a look for sure.

Dislikes

v  L’Oreal Super Liner in Black lacquer

Approx €10

http://www.boots.com/en/LOreal-Superliner-Luminizer-Eyeliner_1230462/

To the point I really disliked this eyeliner. It is a fluid black eyeliner with a thin applicator. I found the applicator was extremely soft which meant that I found it very difficult to apply this eyeliner with precision or perfect a thin line as I had hoped for. Also the softness of the applicator left it near on impossible to create a long fluid line with not gaps. The liner did have staying power so that was one positive but over all I did not like it and will not be using it again.

 

Hope you enjoyed my likes and dislikes for December 2012. Here comes 2013, I am really looking forward to stumbling across a FEW GREAT LITTLE FINDS to share with you.

 

Please if you enjoyed this leave a comment or any products you would like me to review just leave the name

Thanks and happy New Year <3

 

 

 

 

****ALL of the above opinions are my own, from the experience of using the product and I have NOT been approached or paid to give such opinions.

 

Kiss Me Quick

Kiss Me Quick !!

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What is it about Red Lipstick that just makes you feel great? It is almost like with the glide a creamy rouge along your lips you are automatically gifted with a little extra confidence. Your head can reach a little higher and your strut a little sharper. Oh I do love a nice red lippy. Problem however lays in the persuit of finding the right shade of red and ensuring that it has staying power. Once again I have tried and tested many a red lippy but have settled on just a few that I really like and have shown you below. Seeing as New Years Eve is just about upon us wait...........

Before you rush out and pick your lippy have a little peek at my tips

7 TIPS TO FIND THE PERFECT RED LIPSTICK 

• Take off any makeup, wash your face and take a good look at your skin tone
• Now you need to determine what the "undertones" of your skin are.
• Once you know your skin tone, you can start finding your perfect red lipstick. 
• If you are very pale - bold red lipstick is NOT what you want. Find shades that are more a mixture of coral-red or orange-red or peach-red. Don't overdo it.
• If you have darker skin you can get away with more obvious red lipstick.
• Olive skinned people should go for brighter reds - maybe even a fluoro shade! Dull or "matte" red, or purplish-reds, will not suit.
• Remember!! Red lips ooze confidence so try it out and see how you feel 
My recommendation are below.

If you want to add a splash of gloss I like Mac Suntints lip balm or Rimmel Vinyl Gloss in Crystal Clear 

Diorific DNA 038 BY Dior

MAC Cremsheen Lipstick in Dare You

L’Oreal Color Riche Diamantissime Lipsticks in 300 Velvet Robe

MAC Satin Finish RED

Pretty Pretty Nails

Nails of Skulls and Sparkles 

What is it about having your nails just done. Your hands magically become the most fashionable accessory for miles around not the stumpy little sausage fingers they were about half an hour ago - ok I won't tar us all with the same brush it's only my fingers that resemble a sausage!!!

Anyway, I'm sure that the majority of beauties out there love a good old file and polish but what about the extra bonus of a fabulous eye popping colour polish. At the moment many fashionista's are loving a splash of nail art. I myself think it's just fabulous. One point I would make in relation to nail art is, like so many things in life, less is definitely more. With nails a bright and bold colour if you proceed to add nail art to every nail we run the risk of entering tacky town and all our good intentions of glam are gone. I don't claim to call myself a nail expert  I just love my nails done. Like many of us I can't afford to spoil myself to a professional nail treatment very often so I have picked up a few tricks about application and products I like to use. Keeping this in mind I have listed below a few of my top tips for achieving a fabulous nail look today.
Hope you enjoy. Any questions or comments please feel free. I will leave links to all products

1. Before you touch your nails with polish make sure your nails are clean and polish free.
Use a good moisturizing nail varnish remover to ensure all old polish is off. I like
Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover. Wash your hands with a nice hand wash and leave to dry for a few minutes. 

2. File your nails to the shape you like. At the moment I am loving a nice short rounded nail. I would always suggest investing in a glass nail file. Glass nail files last literally forever!!! Once you get used to using the glass nail file its so easy, does not damage your nails at all and actually assists nail growth as the nail is not broken. 
I use the Nails Inc Glass file. 

3. Use a good base coat. this step is essential for a number of reasons. Firstly, if you are going to use a coloured polish it will stain your natural nail if you don't use a base coat. Even the high end polishes will stain, in my experience these polishes will actually stain a little more as they have excellent pigment. The second reason is to ensure your nail is being nourished. Nail polish will cover your natural nail and will not be exposed to air. As you want your nail to grow and remain strong use a good base coat. At the moment I like Nails Inc Caviar Base Coat. Its light and dries easy. Leave to dry. 

4. Apply your polish. Depending on the polish two coats are generally need to achieve a deep colour. 
Ensure there is not a large amount of polish on your brush as it will end up clumpy and if it does dry it will take ages.

5. Apply some nail art if you please !!  This is were the fun starts. You can apply art using a stamper, stencils sets or if your on the artistic side you can try your hand a free hand drawing.  You can also use gems and stones, litter pots or embellishments like skull heads as seen in Nails Inc new collection ( as you have probably guessed I <3 Nails Inc ). I like the nails sets by Essence as they are effective and cheap. I buy mine in Pennys/Primark.
If you are applying embellishments you may need a good nail glue if it does not come with your nail art sets - just keep this in mind. I use a simple wooden cuticle stick to dip in the glue and attach the embellishment. 

6. When your nails are dry and your art is completed apply a good top coat. Your top coat should be strong enough to set your nails and protect to ensure you wont have chips or nips on your precious nail work. After trying many many top coats for nails and cursing them an hour later when my nails chipped I have found what I think is the best top coat in Sally Hensen Miracle Nail Growth. This is promoted as a nail treatment and can be used as base or top. I find that it leaves your nails strong and sets them perfectly. They should last approx 5 days. Its a top buy for your nails in my book. 

****** So there you go !! My top tips for your nails and nail art Have a look at few examples of my creations. 

 Hope you enjoyed this post and you have lots and lots of fun trying it out your self. Any comments please leave them or mail me. All the links to products are below 

J xoxo 


LINKS TO PRODUCTS 

• ·        Cutex Nourishing Nail Polish Remover

http://www.boots.com/en/Cutex-Nourishing-Nail-Polish-Remover-100ml_1047608/

• ·        Nail file

http://www.nailsinc.com/nailpolish/glass-nail-file/658

• ·        Essence Nail Art

http://www.essence.eu/us/usa/products/nails/nail-art.html

• ·        Nails Inc Skulls Nail Art

http://www.nailsinc.com/nailpolish/bling-it-on-black-leather-skulls/1228 skulls

• ·        Cuticle Sticks

http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Essentials-Manicure-Sticks_1129281/

• ·        Nail Glue

http://www.boots.com/en/Nailene-Ultra-Quick-Nail-Glue_845/

• Sally Hensen Miracle Nail Growth 

 http://www.boots.com/en/Sally-Hansen-Miracle-Nail-Growth_20817