The Glueless Scr4pbook.

Boots recently had a Buy One Get One Half Price offer on Sleek products so I picked up a few bits including this EyeBrow Stylist (£5.99) and I've been using it almost every day since, so I wanted to do a mini review because I've really been loving it.

So it comes in quite cheap looking but sleek (no pun intended) black plastic packaging, one end has a spooly, which I think is a pretty good one and a good size too, the other has the product.

There are three shades, I chose medium which is a great match for my hair colour. The product is wide and angled which I think I prefer to the teeny tiny ones because I have a LOT to fill in on my brows. It's quite waxy which I know a lot of people don't like but I find it helps it stay put all day and its not so heavy that you can actually feel it on your skin. I find this really easy to work with, brush out and remove at the end of the day. I would say this is definitely a drugstore alternative to the Hourglass Arch that I love so much.

I really recommend this for people who can't leave the house without their brows on but are always in a rush. I will definitely be repurchasing, it's great for the money in my opinion. 

Morning

In the morning I first go in with the Garnier Micellar Water to remove any oils and dirt that have built up over night, I then give a spray of my Lush Tea Tree Water just to sooth any redness and my skin in general, for bad skin days I will then dab some BodyShop Tea Tree Oil on any blemishes. For moisturiser I will use the Effaclar Duo by La Roche Posay on bad skin days as I find this is enough by itself, but on normal days I have been using the Korrws Pomegranate Moisturiser which I have just finished up so its back to the old faithful Seaweed Day Cream by the BodyShop. Then I usually spritz my face with the La Roche Posay Thermal Water and once that has soaked in I apply the Kiehls Micro Blur Skin Perfector.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, when I get in from work and I know I am going out somewhere later and will need to re do my make up or the total opposite and I'm just jumping straight into bed, I have been using the Ren Rosa Centifolia Express Make Up Remover to get all my make up off, followed by the Lush Tea Tree Water to tone and get any last traces of make up, some Body Shop Tea Tree Oil on any blemishes and a spritz of La Roche Posay Thermal Water for hydration. I also like to use the Korres Jasmine Lip Butter after I have removed my lip make up so my lips do not dry out.

Evening

When I go in the bath I like to use my Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter by the BodyShop to remove my make up, followed by the Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Exfoliator a couple of times a week. I then use a mask whilst my conditioner soaks in, recently it's been either the Aesop Camomile Anti Blemish Masque or my favourite Honey & Oat mask from the BodyShop. When I am out I apply my Kiehls Eye Treatment with Avocado (sorry I totally forgot to include it in the pictures but I've spoken about it a million times) and my night moisturiser, at the moment it is the Vitamin E Sorbet by the BodyShop (which I prefer to use at night as I don't like anything heavy on my oily skin at the start of the day) and then just before I go to bed I will use the Vitamin E Serum-in-Oil by the BodyShop all over my face and apply my Korres Lip Butter.

Hope you enjoyed reading this, I always enjoy reading others and getting ideas of some new products to try.

I am finally reviewing the famous REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30/ 50ml) which comes complete with a muslin cloth for removal. Like all REN products it's jam packed with natural ingredients which is a great start.

To use this mask I follow the instructions on the box, which is simply spread over clean skin and leave for 10 minutes, then remove with the damp muslin cloth. This should only be done once a week as this  is an exfoliating mask. It is suitable for all skin types too (apart from sensitive).

In brief this mask is supposed to remove dead skin cells, make skin appear healthier and more radiant, help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and combat congestion, blemishes and blackheads.

My thoughts... So it's true what everyone says it is a thick sticky orange gel that is just like marmalade in texture, it smells of oranges which is really refreshing. It says you can experience a tingling feeling when the mask is on but I have never had that (only on the odd sore blemish) but I have read a lot of reviews where people have. I think I would feel like it were working more if I had that sensation but anyway, once on the skin it's almost clear and doesn't set or go hard, it stays the same consistency until you wipe it off. I think the feeling of wiping it away with a warm cloth is really pampering but I like to splash water over my face too because I feel like the muslin cloth can leave product behind.

As for the results, I never really notice a change to the look of my skin, but it does always feel soft, smooth and plump as though it really has taken a layer of skin off. I can't comment on the fine lines and wrinkles because I don't have any that are really noticeable to see results on but I would say that my skin feels tighter after using this mask, not it a stiff-cant move kind of way but just in a more youthful way which I love. In my personal experience it hasn't helped with blackheads or blemishes, not noticeably anyway, which is a shame.

All in all I'm really happy to have tried this mask but I won't be repurchasing it when it's gone, I just think I'd rather spend my pennies on something new to try. I hope this was helpful.

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet Foundation £33/ 30ml/ SPF 15.

"Smooth effect fluid foundation, natural matte finish. An ultra light second skin foundation that naturally smoothed and evens out the complexion with a matte velvety effect. The lightweight aqueous texture is adapted to normal and combination skin.... Weightless sensation...maintains colour and radiance all day long."

This foundation claims to contain "smooth effect powders" which fill surface irregularities and instantly smooth pores, "dark spots and redness are perfectly corrected", they also recommend that you apply this with your fingertips.

I found this foundation to be a medium to full coverage, I think it could be built up to a full coverage but it would begin to feel and look cakey, but it is buildable so if you have certain problem areas you can add more where needed. I would say that the pigmentation of this is pretty good for such a think liquid foundation and the claim to cover redness rings true. 

The finish is a natural one, not matte and flat, but showing the real glow of the skin underneath without being dewy or shiny (God forbid!) the touch finish is velvety not powdery and the feel on the skin is super lightweight almost not even there. It does cling to any flakes or dry patches so I would say a light exfoliation is needed first.

This foundation also has the signature Chanel scent which I personally don't mind, but I know some might so its worth noting. One other thing I would advise is taking a sample home because I was matched up to a 20, but I actually think I'd be more suited to a 10, I can make it work because its such a thin formula, but it's best to get it right.

How did you find this foundation?

I'm not going to bore you with too much blabbing about how much I love this store and everything about it, so just straight on to what I got...

Some Cotton Sticks (£1) because they're always in need.

Eyebrow Brush (£7) because I needed a decent one that doesn't cost the Earth.

Eyebrow Powder (£7) as I have been wanting to try this for a while.

Simply Dip nail polish remover (£5) because the packaging sold it to me and I've never tried one of these removers before.

And lastly two nail polishes (£5 each) in the shades Blunt Grey (a light grey-blue) and Faison Dust (a pretty dusky pink nude).

I'll have a few reviews up soon, of the polishes and the Simply Dip, so keep your eyes peeled.

Dior Backstage Blender (£12).

"The egg shaped sponge for fluid foundation produces the radiant, sculpted finish of studio make up techniques. It seamlessly hugs all the contours of the face, even in those hard to reach areas."

Application tips: Take up a small amount with the side of the sponge and use horizontal strokes to draw the foundation from the centre of the face outwards, then use the tip of the sponge to apply foundation in targeted hard to reach areas of the face (wings of the nose, eye contour etc) and lastly, tap lightly with the base to adjust coverage and obtain flawless correction.

This sponge is designed to be used dry, and therefore does not expand when emerged in water, the sponge is supposed to be designed so that it does not soak up all the product even though it is dry, in my experience this does not work, after applying foundation to half of my face with a dry sponge and then the other half with a damp sponge the coverage was noticeable which is a shame because I feel as though it is no different to any other sponge on the market. 

The shape of the sponge is definitely useful however as you can easily blend all the difficult little areas which is great and the flat edge at the bottom I great for blotting out excess product for a more natural finish.

The price is OK for me, I have not used a traditional Beauty Blender (they retail at around £20) but I do use the Real Techniques sponge (which retails for £5.99) so it's a fair in between price, and for a high end brand I don't think it's too overpriced, but all things considered I think I would recommend the Real Techniques sponge over this one.

What did you think of the Backstage Blender?

Nars Virtual Domination Cheek Palette (£45)

When I saw that NARS were bringing out a cheek palette for the holidays I knew I'd be straight down to Space NK to pick one up. I have been after the famous Laguna bronzer for ages and had recently added the Doucer blush to my wanted list so I thought I'd go for this instead and see how I got on.

Firstly some notes on the packaging, it is not the traditional rubberised black, actually quite the opposite, it is actually white plastic on the front with a graphic white floral print all over it. I quite like the white but I'm not so keen on the floral and its a bit of an odd choice for a Christmas collection, but overall it's very sturdy, clicks shut tight and is not too oversized at all.

The palette contains 4 blushes (4.5g each) and a bronzer (10g).

Miss Liberty- (the highlight) a nude shade with lots of silver glitter.

Deep Throat- a salmon shade with tiny gold glitter.

Sex Fantasy- a matte lilac pink shade.

Final Cut- a true matte orange shade.

Laguna- (the bronzer) a mid toned brown with tiny gold glitters.

This palette works out extremely good value for money as each blusher weighs in at 4.5g, the individual blushers are 4.8g when bought separately and the bronzer weighs 10g but when bought separately you actually only get 8g. Baring in mind that each blusher is £22 and Laguna is £27, that's over £100 worth of product for only £45 which I think is amazing value for money.

Now onto the formula, all the blushers are extremely pigmented (Miss Liberty is not pigmented as such but is packed full of shimmer and shine) which is great but it does mean using a really light hand when applying as it is easy to go overboard. Laguna is not as heavily pigmented but I personally prefer this for a bronzer as I like to layer up gradually to get a natural look. The lasting power is great and I can see this palette lasting a life time considering the pigmentation.

Swatches above (clockwise from the top) Deep Throat, Final Cut, Sex Fantasy, Laguna and Miss Liberty.

I really recommend picking up this palette especially if you, like me, have been wanting to pick up a few  blushes or Laguna, I think all the shades can work well on almost any skin tone and at any time of year. I hope this review was helpful.

I haven't done a 'Wishlist' post for a while, even though I constantly have a never ending list, so I thought I'd show you my current wants...

1. L'oreal Color Riche lipstick in the shade Blake's Pure Red (£6.99) I only actually own one red lipstick and I really loved the nudes collection they released earlier in the year so if these are as good I've gotta have one.

2. Nars Virtual Domination Cheek Palette (£45) I have wanted to try the famous laguna bronzer for ages and this palette includes 4 blushes for only £18 more than the price of Laguna itself so why not?

3. Kiehls Midnight Recovery (£36) because I've read review after review and it's obviously a 'must have'.

4. Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel (£32) I love my Bourjois Bronzing Primer, I've been through 2 pots now so I think it's time to try the original.

5. Dior Star Foundation (£32) I've been trying a few samples of this and I've loved it I think it will definitely be worth the investment.

6. La Roche Posay Thermal Water (£8) as I have finished my current bottle and it's definitely repurchase worthy.

7. Lancome Hypnose Mascara (£22.50) I've got one in my collection but I'm pretty sure it's waaaaaay past its used by date and it the only high end mascara I really like.

8. Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment (£12) again just because I have run out and it's HG.

9. Lastly, the new limited edition Vaseline Queen Bee (£3.95) because I have the rest of the limited ones so I can't miss this.

What have you been wishing for?

This month I've fallen in love with quite a few new products and I've pretty much been using them all month long, there is actually only one old faithful product I found whilst shopping my stash and everything else is pretty new.

1. My new Whistles snake print black leather pouch which I got using my ELLE discount, making it just £15, I love it, I've only used it a few times but it's been perched on my dressing table so that I could store at it all month.

2. The Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (£29), I ordered this from the Blow Ltd website earlier in the month because I got a discount and had been wanting it for ages, I'm so glad I got it, the coverage is amazing, the finish, the packaging, I've been using it almost every day. Full review is ready to go up soon.

3. Boucle Greige Nail Polish by & Other Stories (£5), I just love the nude grey beige tone, it's perfect for autumn and winter and I've had it on my nails at least once a week this month.

4. Sunray Pleat Pearl cream highlighter from & Other Stories (£7), I have literally used this every day, it s a cheaper high street alternative to the Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Duo that I love. It's a very pretty natural glow which is just what skin needs when it starts to get cold.

5. Sleek Brow Stylist in Medium (£5.99), definitely a high street dupe for the Hourglass Arch, it's a bit more waxy but the shape and finish is pretty much the same. Love it.

6. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (£17) I shopped my stash and found this baby and I honestly don't know why I ever put it away, I've used it to cover my dark circles all month. I'm going to be in need of a new one soon though I think.

7. Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara (£5.99) I've done a whole post about how great I think these mascaras are, especially for the money.

8. Punk Bouquet Body Soufflé by & Other Stories (£10), mainly because I love the scent and this lingers on the skins for hours after I've had a bath, it's a really fresh feminine scent, I love it so much I have the whole set.

9. REN Rosa Centifolia Express Makeup Remover (£13), this is the creamiest cleanser ever that leaves my skin not only clean but super soft and plump looking.

That's it for my favourites from October, are any of these your favourite too?

I wanted to dedicated a little post to these amazing drugstore mascaras, the Rimmel Scandaleyes Volume Flash Waterproof and Lycra Flex.

I have been using the Lycra Flex for ages now and I have loved it, but recently I needed a waterproof mascara after realising that I actually don't own one and noticed they had a waterproof version of the same thing. I snapped it up. I just wanted to share my love for these mascaras because they are definitely a hidden gem and I never see anyone talking about them.

The brush is huge which can be a pain for bottom lashes but with a small spooly at hand to comb them out you're fine, they give amazing volume and separation and they both hold a curl equally as well. The only down side I can think of is that the brush seems to catch clumps of mascara but swiping them off on the top of the tube is quick and easy. 

I think I will forever repurchase these. Do you have a drug store favourite?