Wonder Product #2 La Roche Posay Effaclar K

 La Roche Posay Effaclar K Renovating Care For Oily Skin, £13 for 30ml

Since moving to Wales in July, I've been suffering with terrible skin. It is the worst it has ever been, I have quite an uneven skin tone but growing up I was really lucky with my skin; it wasn't sensitive, it wasn't spot or acne prone. I couldn't understand the changes it my skin, and it noticeably got worse September onwards. I hadn't changed my skin care routine, and was basically confused as to what was going on! I consciously changed my skin care routine, twice, but nothing helped. Feeling a bit of a lost cause, I decided to try La Roche- Posay because I'd read in a magazine that it had done wonders to others skin.

It's a serum like consistency, a milky liquid that absorbs into the skin within minutes. The packaging calls it a 'fresh, hydrating and non greasy cream-fluid texture.'

Smell; It's a hard one to describe. It smells like something that has been made in a lab. Good, right? Not too overpowering or chemically, though.

 

I've been using it twice a day for two weeks and I can honestly say that it has transformed my skin back into it's old self. For the first week of use I kept a diary to show you lot how quickly it worked.

Day One; I had a no makeup day and used this morning and night. 

Day Two; I've woken up and can see a visible difference. Blemishes seem calmer, and redness has toned down. I used this before my makeup (primer afterwards) and after I washed my face, before bed.

Day Three; No new blemishes or spots!! Skin looks clearer.

Day Four; No changes

Day Five; A slight disruption in skin but nothing like before, skin tone remains even!

Day Six; No changes

Day Seven; I look freshfaced and healthy. Today there are no spots or blemishes, and my skin tone appears more even.

The packaging states that this is for combination- oily skin, for irregular skin tone and blocked pores. It's a daily care product which unclogs pores and helps to transform and refine skin texture. Used daily it will help prevent a relapse of any former skin imperfections.

It says that the results should be a smoother skin texture, tightened and unblocked pores, clearer skin and a more radiant complexion.

The only downside is that from the way the products were displayed (in Boots), and perhaps the language barrier (it's all in French, and I ain't a French speaker), it wasn't clear to me if this product should have been used in conjunction with anything else, and I didn't even know if I was picking the right one. I found the process of picking and purchasing this quite time consuming and confusing, but I obviously (luckily) chose the right product. I wish there was some congruency/consistency/guidance in what other products to use with this one, so that I could have my entire skincare regime by La Roche- Posay!

At £13 I'd say it was completely affordable for how it has changed my skin for the better, so pleased to have found something that actually works for me!

What products have helped your skin? Do you use La Roche- Posay?

17 Review #1 BB Cream

17 Blemish Balm in Light, currently £5.99( in Boots) for 30ml 

I've been interested in using one of these for a while, I know that my Illamasqua Skin Base is 'based' on the concepts of a BB cream, but recently I've not been reaching for the Skin Base because I'm finding it increasingly harder to use. I know that the Garnier release went flying off the shelves, but I stopped myself from buying it so many times. Firstly the 'light' shade seemed too dark for my skin tone, it also seemed quite greasy and also quite expensive for something I wasn't sure I really wanted. There's been lot's of hype for BB creams, so read on to see what I think of 17's version...

Astounding results. I am honestly so impressed, surprised and happy with this product that I cannot sing its praises enough. The 'light' shade (there's currently 'light' and 'medium') matches me well, the consistency of the product is a soft liquid balm, perfect consistency as it is easily controllable, and not too thick that it's difficult to blend. A generous pea sized amount covers my face.

I've been having serious problems with my skin for the fist time in my life, recently (post coming up on that one) so was dubious as to whether even try this- wondering if it might make matters worse, and was also worried the coverage wouldn't be strong enough for a long day at work, there was no need for me to worry!

I've been using the 17 Blemish Balm for about 10 days now (I don't like to review before I've really used a product first), and it hasn't disturbed my skin, and it has been something I've chosen to pick up each day.

The coverage is a satisfactory medium, and also buildable once the first layer has dried. It covers my flaws without making me looking 'plastered on' or 'fake', it's flawless and perfect for my needs at the moment, it evens out my skintones wonderfully. I was expecting it to be weaker, considering it was a cheap product. An excellent day time coverage.

The coverage lasts all day, and doesn't dry out and cling to my pores by the end of the day like I find with some foundations. The SPF 25 is also an excellent bonus, particularly for us fair skinned girlies!

The packaging is a squeeze bottle which is handy and well designed. A simple black colour with silver writing is also a nice touch, I would say. It doesn't look like it was only £5.99!

Used all over face; Primer, BB Cream and a light dusting of loose mineral powder to seal.

All I can say is...go buy this! It's better than any cheap foundation, and is a bloody bargain. 

Thanks for reading, I'd love to know your opinions on this product? x

Illamasqua Review #3 Lipstick

Illamasqua Lipstick in Corrupt, £15.50 for 4g

 I really love lipsticks, and I really love Illamasqua, so I thought it time I purchased an Illamasqua lipstick! It was on the pricier end of the scale, being £2 more expensive than the renouned lipsticks by M.A.C., but you get 4g of product which is a gram more than M.A.C...

 I was drawn to this colour because it was a matte finish and it stood out to me from the swatches on the website. I'm not the girliest of girls, but I do LOVE the colour pink, and to me this shade, 'Corrupt', is the perfect striking, barbie pink. I have plans to try 'Resist' and 'Salacious' ASAP! 

Left; Without Flash. Right; With

If I'm honest, it's a more fluro and deeper pink than I expected it to be, in my head it was a bright candy pink, but this is the problem with ordering online sometimes. I'm not disappointed though, the finish is lovely, and I really can't complain as it makes a nice addition to my lipstick collection! I'll be needing to buy myself a bright pink lipliner though, asap!- Why don't I already have one!!

This would look darling on all skin tones, worn with pink blush, simple & sparkly eyes and a defined brow. It also looks lovely with a gloss on top for an all out, party lip.

Do you have any Illamasqua lipsticks? What do you think of this shade?

I done and got my nails did #Nails Inc

 Nails Inc

One coat of Holographic Top Coat

I made an appointment at the Nails Inc bar because my nails were in such a state (I'm afraid to say I'm a biter) and I needed it fixed. If I'm honest, I usually go to the cheaper nail shops (we all know which ones I'm talkin' about) to get 'gel nails', but after my rather refreshing/informative visit to Nails Inc and being educated in the proper practices of nail care (and being told that even gel nails in those places are acryllic, and that the UV dryers are used in the incorrect places), I won't be returning to anywhere else again!

I told the lady (lovely Sheeza) my situation. She trimmed my cuticles (trimming and cutting these off increases nail growth because the cuticles act as an anchor onto the nail), buffed, preened, used vitamin E oil.. I felt really pampered. She applied gel onto my nails in layers, (this does't include extensions.) She told me that due to the treatment she was giving me, my nails underneath were going to be kept in good condition. Sure enough, after a cuticle clipping and some treatment, my nails grew about a quarter of a centimetre overnight. No word of a lie!

The lilac colour is the final layer of gel (it was a toss up between this and a neutral pink!). The top coat is a Holographic top coat (I'm in love with this)- it is fine glitter particles that catch the light and reflect off rainbow colours (better than the GOSH Holographic nail laquer beause the holographic qualities are more noticeable, but I love that also. This Holographic Nails Inc varnish may also be similar to Models Own 'Juicy Jules')

3 coats of Holographic Top Coat

 I bought a treatment kit that I'll be reviewing after I've been using it for a few weeks, it contains the Vitamin E oil pen that Sheeza used on my nails during my appointment, it increases nail strength and growth- I have high hopes for this!

Overall, the experience at Nails Inc was really enjoyable. Their varnishes are amazing quality and there are some superb christmas gift sets as well. The employees know their stuff and they offer fake lashes and facial threading, as well as a range of nail treatments. 

Have you had your nails done at a Nails Inc bar? Are you loving the holographic topcoat as much as I? 

Also, if you like fashion/personal blogs then Aimee's blog is pretty good. She emailed me last week and has since added me onto her links page, I'm returning the favour! :)

Two products I'm loving ATM

Soap and Glory Hand Food £2.35 for 50ml (Miniature)

Original Source Raspberry Milk and Vanilla Shower Gel £2.20

Not the most of exciting products, but two that make me very happy when I use them!

 Hand Food;

I like buying miniatures of products for two reasons; a) they are a handbag size, so easier to carry around if they are a product to use on the go. (Such as hand cream, like this) b) It's nice to 'test' something new out before buying the full size. Hand Food; it's the typical girly, eye- catching packaging and witty lines that Soap and Glory offer, but the contents inside are phenomenal. Yep, that good.  Soap & Glory claim that "Hand Food™ Hand Cream is a super-silky gorgeously-scented non-greasy hydrating hand cream featuring fennel and lotus flower extracts, which leaves your hands super smooth."- And they ain't lying.

This product softens hands instantly. The shiny plastic packaging means it doesn't get dirty or look manky from being in my bag for weeks. I use it quite a lot- I work on a makeup counter so use a lot of antiseptic serum and wipes on my hands after every customer so it dries them out. I recommend this product for baby soft, luxurious feeling hands! It takes a few minutes to soak in, but once it has the results are instant, particularly perfect for this frosty time of year! The smell is clean, and fresh, and the product is a joy to use.

Original Source Shower Gel;

I've always used Original Source but recently I noticed this product was vegan friendly (have they always been?) and in a way it did attract me to the product even more. Throughout the years I've tried most of the Original Source shower gels, shampoos and conditioners (unfortunately I cannot recommend the shampoos and conditioners, but hey you can't win everything!) but this Vanilla Milk & Raspberry one is without a doubt my favourite. My other favourites are White Pear and Avocado, and Mint (but I sometimes find this too strong to use). This one is a creamy consistency and feels quite indulgent when I use it, it lathers really well. It may be a silly point to make but I also feel really clean using it!- I think this is because the sweet smell lingers on my skin for a while after washing it off, lush :-) I love the pale pink colour and I think the bold yet unfussy packaging that Original Source adopt is pretty refreshing and makes it stand out in what is a saturated market. This particular scent is also available in a hand wash.

What are your favourite products this week?

Do you use Hand Food or Original Source? What simple but effective products could you recommend to me?

ps) I'm nearly BURSTING at the seams with products to blog and review, and they'll all be coming up in the next couple of weeks. It's hard to get good photos which is why my posts lack every now and then; I leave the flat when it's dark, and return when it's dark! I always think it's important to get daylight photos of products, so bear with me! Posts coming up include BB Creams, Illamasqua, La Roche Posay, Benefit, Lee Stafford, Dior, TopShop...the list goes on. (and on and on and on...but I'm not complaining!)

Vivo Review #1 Eye Shadow

Vivo Eye Shadow in Purple Passion £1.50 for 3.8g

I had been looking for/ debating purchasing a lilac purple eye shadow for months, but always changed my mind at the last minute when ever I was going to buy one- worrying it would be 'too much' for me, or I wouldn't like the outcome, or I'd never use it, or I'd look bruised wearing it...The list goes on! When I was shopping in Tesco yesterday I saw a lovely, matte lilac shade jus' lookin' at me. I then saw the £1.50 price tag and bought it, thinking 'for £1.50 what do you really have to lose?'

For just over a quid, the packaging isn't half bad, it's simple and straightforward, and it works. Also, notice how much product you get for the money (over 3gs). I like the VIVO indentation in the product, it reminds me of Chanel lipsticks where the double C's are imprinted onto the bullet. A nice touch.

I'm really impressed with the product. It's wearable!! -Normally such bright/unnatural eye shades terrify me, reminding me of old ladies who insist on painting their eyelids bright blue, but I find this shade is fun and different, but not too overpowering to be used every day, during the day. Today I used it with M.A.C.'s 'Forgery' eye shadow which is a simple white- silver glitter shadow. I used Purple Passion in the outer corners, the crease, and underneath the waterline. The colour lasted a long time, and the pigmentation is quite impressive, a pastel lilac.

I can see me using this many more ways in the coming months. I am a lilac convert :-)

Have you tried Vivo products yet? Would you ever use a lilac shadow, and how would you wear it?

NARS review #1 Super Orgasm Illuminator

NARS Illuminator in Super Orgasm, £21.50 for 30ml

My memory of buying this a few months ago was when I was in Space NK, and they were short staffed. The lady called over to me because she could see I was looking and asked if she could grab me something, and I remember; "yes please, the NARS Illuminator in Super..," and before I finished we both said "orgasm!" across the shop floor. I'm glad no-one else seemed to hear as we were in the rather well- to- do Henley on Thames, dahling.

 ...Aaaanywho I love NARS as a brand, their New York style sleek packaging and excellent reputation really appeals to me, and people never seem to be disappointed by their products. I intend on increasing my collection. Although I'm not disappointed in this product, it does exactly what you expect and to a high quality, I'm just not sure it really needed to be added to my already vast collection of illuminators and highlighters!

The product is a creamy, thick liquid, a smooth texture and has stunning light reflecting pigments in. It also has some really exciting ingredients in it which I feel makes it stand out in comparison to other illuminators out there; Vitamin B5 (Conditions and protects skin), and Polar Berries (antioxidant properties) are amongst them.

Left flash, Right without.

It is a really feminine, coral shade with really fine gold shimmer particles. I tend to use it on top of/underneath a blusher for extra impact, but on it's own in summer over a tinted moisturiser it gives a really natural glowing look. It's pearly, and due to it's golden shimmer particles it adds warmth to the skin- something important all year round. The shimmer stays all day.

All in all, the product is going to last a long time, so excellent value for money in the long run. I use less than a pea sized amount each time. It's also really versatile; I've mixed it in with foundation which gives a subtle, all over radiance and I've also used it on my lips with a lipgloss on top, as well as using it on my cheeks and cheekbones.

Pictured here on cheeks and lips

I'd really like to try it in the Copacabana shade, but I have a feeling its silver & pink pigmentation may be too similar to Benefit's High Beam, so it might not be a necessary purchase until I eventually run out of that!

Have you used NARS illuminators, or are you tempted to? Which other NARS products would you recommend?