Saturday 28 December 2013

Sephora Haul



I'm coming at you now with Part 2 of my Paris haul, this time it's the Sephora Edition. I was only in Paris for 4 days, yet I can't even count the number of times I walked up and down the aisles of Sephora (note to any of you Paris goers: while the Champs-Élysées branch is massive, the one on Rue de Rivoli is still quite large, yet much less busy and easier to shop in!). I had planned what I wanted to buy before I went, making it less likely for me to go crazy and buy everything in sight (although just one thing was a little impulse purchase). 


 Starting with the most exciting purchase, I caved and bought a NARS palette, the At First Sight palette. Even though I already have a mini of the Laguna, that didn't stop me from buying this, complete with a Deep Throat blusher, Laguna bronzer and four eyeshadows which, surprisingly, work well together. I can't want to experiment with this little bad boy!


 Make Up For Ever is a brand whose makeup I've never tried before, yet this Full Cover concealer has been on my list for months! So when the cashier handed me a 20% off voucher when she found out I was a foreign customer, I knew that this was next to be purchased. This is definitely a high coverage product, concealing those pesky little spots and scars that have been driving me crazy. It's a well-loved addition to my life!

I've never tried the BeautyBlender makeup sponge before, but this Sephora 3D Precision Sponge was an impulse purchase while waiting to pay. I've tried it a couple of times and I'm quite impressed, but the fact that it is white makes my inner obsessive writhe every time I use it to blend foundation- I can see that it will be tough to clean.

 
I have a rollerball of this perfume, Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb and it smells beautiful, literally it could be one of my favourite perfumes ever. And that means a lot coming from me, the owner of 30+ perfumes. It smells amazing and the bottle is something I'm proud to put on my shelf- you'll definitely be hearing more about this!

I'm not sure if this counts as a purchase, but as a new member of the Sephora rewards card, I was able to choose a free nail polish from their own line. I chose this salmon-pink colour in 'Have U Ever' and as I type, I am sporting it on my nails. It may not be the most winter-appropriate colour but I am determined to test out its 5 Day Shine claims. 

I know this wasn't the largest haul ever but I'm very satisfied with my purchases, makeup from Sephora and skincare from City Pharma, I am a very happy girl!  
On another note, I have quite a few exams coming up so I'm sorry if I'm a bit AWOL over the next couple of weeks, studies call!

Friday 20 December 2013

Mini City Pharma Haul

               
I come to you now from Paris, just off Champs-Élysées, in fact! Being in Paris, I couldn't resist a trip to City Pharma just a couple of hours after arriving and checking into my hotel.
It was an absolute blur- from the outside it just appeared like a normal French pharmacy but upon entering, I realised it was a lot more. There were shelves upon shelves of Bioderma, Vichy, La Roche Posay and many more! It was a beautiful sight, I just admit. 
There were so many people in its narrow aisles, so it was difficult to move around and have a browse. I could barely handle it so I just got my 4 desired products and ran for the till.

                              
I got the limited edition L'Wren Scott Caudalie Beauty Elixir in the full size, as my mini is running out and I really liked it as a refreshing mist. This would cost over £30 in the UK but was just €26, about £21!

                           
I then purchased the La Roche-Posay Serozinc, which is a toner that aims to soothe yet cleanse, specifically for sensitive skin. I've heard a lot about this and I'm excited to try it out!

How could I leave Paris without trying the infamous Nuxe Rêve de Miel lip balm? It's a really thick and ultra-moisturising balm and I was happy to find out that it doesn't overpower me with the smell of honey (a smell I hate). I can see this little pot lasting me a very long time. 

                             
I've heard a lot about Phyto and I've wanted to try them for a long time, but with such a large product range I just didn't know where to start. In one of the discount baskets, I saw this mini Phytokératine set for just €4.99, a perfect way to try the brand for my weak and frizzy hair. 

As I was leaving the cashier handed me some samples, which I, of course, was very glad to receive. A couple of sachets of Darphin Anti-Age Smoothing Fluid. I do't need anti-aging products but I'm sure my mum will be happy to take it from me!
I then got a couple of mini bottles of Uriage Hyséac K (which I think is meant to be very similar to the Effaclar products) for oily skin with blocked pores. 
I'm sure this is just the first haul of many more to come, however I'm sorry about the bad quality photos/writing. I decided to take a break from my laptop, only bringing my phone, and so this is currently my blogging device. Hopefully the elegance of Paris will shine through in my posts? Ok then, maybe not..
Some things crossed off my list, but I'm still hoping to grab a few more things- Sephora, I'm coming for you. 

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Le Blanc de Chanel





Le Blanc de Chanel - £31
I found this little gem while poking around through my mum's makeup stash a while ago and she offered to let me keep it- thanks, mum! At first I wasn't completely sure as to what it was, I just knew it smelt like what makeup used to smell like- one whiff and I was taken back to my childhood- and I was meant to put it on my face. After a bit of research I finally came to the conclusion that it was a primer/highlighter hybrid.

I like the packaging from an aesthetic point of view as it's sleek and looks lovely in my collection, however it's quite impractical. The opening is very wide, and accident-prone me will probably spill it sometime in the near future. My mum tossed away the spatula that came with it a while ago so I have to tip it onto the back on my hand.


I apply it before foundation, giving a certain level of luminosity to my skin, without looking like I've just been dunked in a pile of glitter. It's a very thin liquid but a little goes a long way, making the price tag a bit easier to stomach. I absolutely love the finish this gives my skin, as well as making my foundation last that little bit longer.

Monday 16 December 2013

NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo



L-R Orgasm blusher, Laguna bronzer

 My first delve into NARS' cheek products has to be an exciting one, with the holy grail Laguna bronzer and the Orgasm blusher. This is just a mini duo that came with the Sephora Superstars set, but it's more than enough for me!
With the classic NARS packaging this is a sleek little compact which is easy to take on the go- literally small enough to throw in your handbag. 


Orgasm is described as a "peachy pink with shimmer" and is a truly beautiful colour. It adds a lovely pink glow to the cheeks, without looking like you've just been on a run. Similarly, Laguna, though it has some shimmer in it, works really well to add warmth to the face but not too overpowering. Laguna is raved about by many a-blogger and YouTuber, and I certainly was not disappointed. I was a little apprehensive because of the shimmer in it but it doesn't really show up, or if it does, I haven't noticed it! 

The first thing I noticed upon swatching these was just how soft they are. They're so easy to blend and apply, which is an especially good trait for Laguna to have, because an unblended bronzer can just look quite dirty on the skin.

They also last for so long, literally all day. I don't know what they do or how they do it but NARS have definitely got this down!

The only real downsides are how dirty the packaging gets, but it's something I can learn to live by. I mean, really, does anyone mind that much if there are a few finger marks on your makeup? It's small price to pay for the good quality of the product!

As this is a mini I can sometimes find it hard to get a brush into the actual pan without going into the pan next to it. It requires some manoeuvring which is a little annoying but, again, nothing I can't deal with.

Saturday 14 December 2013

Winter Nails


L-R: OPI Malaga Wine, OPI Suzi & the 7 Dusseldorfs, Nails inc. Holland Park Avenue, Kate Spade Nails inc. Soho Silver, Revlon Moon Candy Orbit, Essie Aruba Blue, Urban Decay Creep
Now that it's winter not only has my clothes wardrobe changed, but so has my nail wardrobe! It's all about the deeper, darker colours during the day, like OPI Malaga Wine and Suzi & the 7 Dusseldorfs. They're beautiful shades that, to me, seem to exude warmth and cosiness.
If you're not wanting to go for as much colour, you could always pop a bit of Nails inc. Holland Park Avenue on, being a rich taupe-y colour that you can't go wrong with.

For the evening parties, maybe you're feeling a bit of glitz and glamour, and these four picks are definitely good for that! Kate Spade for Nails inc. Soho Silver is a lovely opaque silver and Essie Aruba Blue is a metallic electric blue, but is not once that would necessarily match everything you wear. 

For those feeling a bit more adventurous, Revlon Moon Candy in Orbit is the way to go, with a purple on one side and a glittery top coat on the other side, making for effortless but gorgeous nails. 

A bit more classic, Urban Decay Creep is a glittery black, which looks lovely when layered on but otherwise is a bit sheer, needing at least 3 coats before looking opaque. 

Just remember to pop on a good top coat before you go out- nobody likes chipped nails!

Thursday 12 December 2013

Benefit Hydra-Smooth




ASOS is a dangerous place. I was just browsing the website, looking for some inspiration, and before I knew it I was entering my card details for this little bad boy, the Benefit Hydra-Smooth Lip Colour. 

I've been wanting to try these lipsticks out since they came out but I just didn't feel like I should spend £15 on a lipstick when I don't really wear them that much, but I had a 20% off code and the rest is history!

Now, it was a bit risky as I hadn't swatched this particular shade before but after a bit of scouring through some blogs, I came to the conclusion that 'Lip Service' was the shade for me. It is described as a pink-peach and as being one of their Sheer Coverage lipsticks, which is perfect for me as somebody who isn't very bold in my lip colour choices!


The lasting power isn't great, but that's the sacrifice for a formula which doesn't dry out the lips. I love this as an everyday lip colour, but it can be made a bit more bold with the help of Cha Cha Tint or Benefit.

The slight disappointment is practicality of the packaging, although absolutely gorgeous! I do love the style of the container and it looks lovely on my shelf, but the lid can fall off very easily if not clipped on properly. Also, upon application the top of it can get a little messy so it has to be wiped with a tissue or a cotton bud.

Overall, I'm really impressed with Benefit's lipstick offering! A beautiful handbag companion that can just as equally be used for nights out, I'd love to pick up more shades. 

Tuesday 10 December 2013

The Beauty Blogger Tag



Although I've been blogging since May, I am yet to do a tag post (without counting The Liebster Award) so I thought, what better first tag to do than 'The Beauty Blogger'!




Rules:

  • tag the creator of the tag - The Beau Bow
  • tag some more beauty blogger you want to do the tag
  • title your post ''The Beauty Blogger Tag''
  • answer the questions
1. Name the beauty routine you barely do!

I have never used fake lashes, because I've never had an occasion that warrants the use of them, especially since I'm still fairly young! I also forget to use highlighter every day, it's something that may just pop into my mind that I'll do but it's not an every day thing!


2. Is washing your make up brushes something you regularly do?
I don't actually have that many brushes so if I've used one for about 5 days then I'll most likely do a spot clean, but every month/month and a half (I know, that's really bad!) I'll do a deep clean. 

3. How long will you last with chipped nail varnish?
It depends on how badly chipped it is, and how much time I have! If I'm rushed for time, it will most likely be a couple of days but if I have spare time, I'll change it as soon as I can

4. How long do you put off buying/replacing a beauty or nail polish product even if you need it (ie. top coat, foundation, etc.)?
Again, it depends on which product it is, nail polish remover is an essential but for something like foundation, I wouldn't mind going a few days without, provided I still had concealer and powder. 

5. What is your worst beauty habit?
I may have a tendency to leave waterline eyeliner on when I sleep, which isn't very good but sometimes I'm too tired and it's not my priority!

6. Name something non-beauty related you put off doing all the time?
I always put off learning work I have for school, like vocab or grammar, because if I don't have to write it it'll be put at the back of my mind, something that I don't prioritise.

7. When going out somewhere do you leave getting ready to the last minute or not?
I really like to take my time when I'm getting ready, giving myself a good few hours to moisturise everywhere, and just generally primping and pampering myself so I can relax. Although sometimes this plan backfires and I end up rushing because I've been too lax with how much time I left myself!

8. Can you commit to spending bans?
No, I don't think so, I may stop going to Boots or Superdrug as much but on a trip to the supermarket I may be inclined to pop a face wash or two in my shopping cart!

9. How organised is your makeup and nail polish collection?
I'm still in the process of trying to find something that works for me, I recently invested in a lovely set of drawers that is deep enough for me to put foundations in! As for nail polish, I have my collection just in a mini cupboard behind my mirror, but as much as I try to sort it out it just seems to get messy so quickly.

10. What is the longest time you have gone without writing a blog post? 
Upon checking my blog post dates I just realised it was 12 days. Wow. I think my school work has just been piling up and I had to prioritise that, hopefully it will never be that long again! (However, I do have exams coming up so that may be a slight distraction- would anybody want to do a guest post? Comment below if you're up for it!)

I tag anybody reading this to do this tag!

Monday 9 December 2013

Dior Crème de Rose


Dior Crème de Rose - £20
As you can tell from the pictures above, this Dior Crème de Rose lip balm has been very well loved by me, being a thick, moisturising lip balm which is rose-scented (hence the name!). Some people may find it overpowering but I don't find it to be too strong of a scent.

The formulation is very creamy and so it works absolute wonders on my lips, even in the brutally cold weather we're experiencing at the moment. It's lovely to wear a light layer during the day, if your lips are particularly cracked, but I generally opt for a thick layer before I sleep, letting it do its work while I sleep.


However, at the steep price of £20 (£17 on Escentual) it's definitely a splurge item- perhaps one for the Christmas list?

Thursday 5 December 2013

Skincare Saviours

 During this period of transition to the colder, winter months I've been making more of an effort to protect my skin from the harsh cold and these 3 products have been my skincare saviours, rescuing my skin from both the dreadful weather and horrible breakouts.


Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - £13.25
 The well-known Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser has been a cult cleanser for a long time now, but I only got to try it a few months ago. My sister bought it for me as a treat, but she forgot the muslin cloth- not a huge problem, as I have other face cloths. 
It's a soothing, creamy cleanser that can be used both in the morning and the evening, guaranteeing to clear up my breakouts in a few days.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - £11
Many people have tried and tested the Caudalie Beauty Elixir before and come to the conclusion that it does nothing, and that's what I thought when I first tried it. But then I realised, when I use it, in the mornings in particular, it's really refreshing. On top of that, when concentrated on any breakouts, the ingredients in it really calm them down. 

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil - $14
While not a product that is readily available in the UK, the Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil is a multi-purpose product, but I love using it as a serum at night. Even with my oily skin, a couple of drops a night before my moisturiser leaves my skin looking as revitalised and plump as ever.

Sunday 1 December 2013

#BritishBloggerSelection Favourite Makeup Brand


I've run a bit behind in my #BritishBloggerSelection posts but I hope everyone can agree to think by the 'better late than never' way of mind! This week's theme (or last week's, I'm not sure) is/was is 'Favourite Makeup Brand', especially fitting since my blog is beauty oriented. In case it wasn't obvious from the rest of my posts my favourite makeup brand is Benefit!


They have just got it all going on- face products, eye products and lip products, skincare and even perfume! The only niggle I have with them is they are pretty expensive, but then again the quality is just great so it doesn't work out too badly.


I would do reviews on all of my Benefit products but, boy, would that be a long post, so instead I've made a little wish list of some of the products I'm lusting after from Benefit.




Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer - Although I have many primers at the moment, I've really been wanting to try this out. The packaging looks really interesting and I've heard good reviews about it.


Hoola - I've wanted this bronzer for such a long time but, not being a huge bronzer person, I didn't want to invest in the full-size. I've seen a few little sets around with minis of it so I may have to grab one of those!


World Famous Neutrals Most Glamourous Nudes Ever - This a beautiful palette, with cream and power eyeshadows. It's so small and compact, which would make it easy for travelling. 


Watts Up! - I've swatched this countless times and it's a beautiful shimmer, which would be perfect for highlighting. I really want to get this soon, and I hope I do!


That's just a little overview of my favourite makeup brand, Benefit, and I'm sure you'll be hearing more about them in the future, as I try out more and more of their products (if my bank account will let me...).



Saturday 30 November 2013

Empties #2

 Due to my hoarding of empty products, there is now an entire drawer in my room full of empty bottles/pots. So without further ado, my empties!

Thursday 28 November 2013

November Favourites

Another month has gone by and these have been the hero products, getting me through the busy-ness (and the stress, coursework has been a killer..)

When going to the shops or just down the road, I didn't particularly want to go fully made-up, so I opted for Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, set with a power and lashings of The Rocket Volum' Express and that was it! Speaking of setting, I have loved the Real Techniques Setting Brush for setting under eye concealer, as well as just for concentrating powder on my oilier areas.


I went neutral on my nails, with Nails Inc. 'Holland Park Avenue' practically all month, it's such a beautiful colour I just couldn't resist not repainting in the same colour! The formulation is pretty chip-prone but paired with a good top coat and I was good to go.


I've been slathering the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment all over my hands this month, because the temperature in London has plummeted- it's freezing, to say the least! Although it's not a very wintery fragrance, I've loved spritzing the Victoria's Secret Fragrance Mist in 'Love Spell', as it has a beautiful cherry and peach scent. 


I can't believe it's almost December, I'm excited to visit Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park soon, that's when I know that Christmas is upon us!

The Liebster Award



Hi everyone, the lovely Katelyn from IHeartWWEAndBeauty and Clare from ClaraBelleRose nominated me for the Liebster Award, it was such a nice gesture! Blogger awards are a great way to get to know other bloggers, so I'm really excited to take part. Since I was nominated twice I decided to put it all in one post (I'm not sure if I can do that, but hey ho!).

Liebster Award Rules
  1. Post 11 random facts about yourself
  2. Answer the 11 questions the awarding blogger has posted for you
  3. Nominate 11 bloggers (with less than 200 followers) for the award and link them in your post
  4. Let the bloggers you have nominated know they are nominated
  5. Create a new set of questions for the nominated bloggers
  6. No tag backs!

11 Random Facts
1. I speak Arabic fluently
2. I'm freakishly tall for a girl- almost 6 ft!
3. I have an older sister
4. I study German, Latin and Classical Greek at school, oh, the grammar!
5. My favourite makeup brand is Benefit, as if that wasn't obvious from all my posts
6. I went to Nepal last year, and it was one of the best trips of my life
7. I was born in Germany 
8. My all-time favourite TV show is How I Met Your Mother, it's LEGENDARY 
9. I am addicted to the game, Quiz Up
10. My favourite author is Jodi Picoult
11. I have seen every single episode of Friends, multiple times!

11 Questions from Katelyn

1. What is your favourite Christmas film?
Definitely Elf, it's such a sweet yet funny movie.

2. Favourite animal?

I love cats, they're lazy- just like me!

3. Favourite Starbucks drink?

Hot chocolate, I'm not much of a coffee/tea gal.

4. If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go & who would you take?

Los Angeles, with my parents and my sister, I had so much fun with them in the cold of New York and the heat of LA would be even better, I'm sure.

5. Must have skin product for winter?

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, I can use it on absolutely everything.

6. Who is your celebrity crush?

Leonardo diCaprio, he's still just as beautiful as ever and I won't listen to anybody that says otherwise.

7. When do you normally put up your Christmas tree?

I don't actually celebrate Christmas, so I don't have a Christmas tree

8. What is your all time favourite nail polish?

Dulce de Leche by OPI, it's a neutral, totally wearable shade.

9. What kind of music do you listen to?

A variety, from small indie bands to Capital radio!

10. Have you ever met any celebrities? If so who?

Nobody judge me, but I once met- and hugged- Justin Bieber. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't one of those fan-girls, but it was before he was too famous, before Baby even came out! I went to a little meet up on Tottenham Court Road at Universal Studios and then I met him!

11. What are you most looking forward to in the future?

I'm looking forward to all of my GCSEs being over in June, but sooner than that I'm excited for my trip to Paris this December!

11 Questions from Clare:

1) What is your favourite colour? 
Blue, all different varieties.

2) If you could be anything in the world what would you be?
Somebody who could sit in a penthouse suite testing out beauty products and never having to pay for anything...a girl can dream, can't she?

3) If you were in the Hunger Games, how would you make sure you survived? 
It's funny I got this question because I just got back from watching Catching Fire (really recommend it!) and the whole way through I was just thinking 'Wow, I would die in an instant'. I would probably just hide in a tree for the whole time, I'm quite cowardly like that.

4) What is your favourite food? 
Ooh, this is a hard question, if I could only pick ONE thing I would probably pick this amazing okra and tomato sauce my mum makes, it's sounds gross but it's amazing.

5) If your could do anything in the world what would you do? 
Go skydiving! I've always wanted to go.

6) Where is your favourite place you have been?
I'm stuck between New York, Paris and a lovely little town in Italy called Vernazza. New York and Paris were just magical, seriously how they seem in films, and the shopping was amazing too! But Vernazza is a town that's a little out of the way, you can only access it by driving through the mountains then walking a couple of kilometres or by taking a boat from a neighbouring town, but when you get there, it's all worth it.

7) Who is your Celebrity crush?
As I mentioned before, Leonardo diCaprio!

8) If you could have any super power what would it be?
The power to read people's minds, total invasion of privacy but I need to know what people are thinking at all time!

9) What is your favourite album ever? 
Mylo Xyloto by Coldplay.

10) What have you asked for, for Christmas?
Nothing, I don't celebrate Christmas, but I am going to Paris so that's Christmas enough for me!

11) Can you speak any languages?
I can speak Arabic and a bit of German.


Now for my 11 questions:
1. Where are you from originally?
2. What's your favourite TV show?
3. What is the best trip you've ever been on?
4. If you had an unlimited supply of money, where would you live?
5. What is your favourite restaurant?
6. Which pet would you most like to own?
7. What is the most luxurious thing on your wish list (makeup, clothing or accessories)?
8. Which star sign are you?
9. What is your favourite eyeshadow shade?
10. Where is your favourite pair of jeans from?
11. Why did you choose to start a blog?

11 blogs I nominate:

CeceChic
Karen Kondo
Katy Elizabeth
Sharlotte
The Beauty Journals
Yazziboo
Glamour Kills
Science Behind Beauty
Blogging by Sophie
lists.life.livs



Tuesday 26 November 2013

The Lust List #2

It seems odd that my last 'The Lust List' was in May when all I do is browse online, looking for my next purchases! If I'm honest, generally my 'The Lust List' is a list of products which I want to get, and I would like to try but around half of them are products that will probably have to stay as an image on the list, rather than as an actual item I own!
These are my 5 most-wanted items as of this minute (I say minute because I am prone to changing/adding more items to the list as time goes on!). 

1- Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter- I've heard so much about these but I've never tried them. Every time I go to Boots the testers are broken/melted and so I've never had the chance to find a colour I really like, however they seem like my cup of tea- moisturising but with a hint of colour.

2- Moroccanoil Frizz Control- I'm always on the hunt for that perfect frizz controlling product, so far I've found things that work really well, but they don't go all the way. Morocccanoil, famed for their original treatment, seems like a brand which could possibly offer that kind of product for me.

3- Benefit Whole Lotta Lovin'!- I know, I know, do I really need any more Benefit? My head (and bank account!) say no but my heart cries 'YES!'. It has a mini They're Real, three eyeshadows, a mini Hoola, a mini cream eyeshadow and a mini Boi-ing. This is just £25- yes, you read that right!- and there's many-a 10% off sale, which is made even more tempting by the fact that I have a 10% off voucher too. Somebody keep me away from Debenhams.

4- REN Clearcalm3 Clay Cleanser- My Origins Clear Improvement Mask is dangerously close to finishing and I wanted to try a new clay-based product. From reviews I've read this REN offering seems to be great so I'll have to go and have a look in Space.NK.

5- Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub- I bought a body scrub this summer from Sabon, in Italy, but it seems to have migrated to my parent's bathroom. Mum, Dad- I see you. I really want to try this, smelling amazing and supposedly doing amazing too! Side note: You can always count on Soap & Glory for their punny names- The Breakfast Club fans, anyone?

Monday 18 November 2013

Battle of the Bases

 
 For someone with a beauty blog, I would say that I have a relatively small amount of foundations, but for any normal person I have more than is needed. However, for me, I think that I have the right number to suit me!


I think I've got this balance right- 2 high end and 2 drugstore brands, good enough for me! I don't wear foundation every day, in fact, I only wear it about 1-2 times a week, and that's stretching it! But if I am going to buy a foundation, I usually do my research into it, which I did for the 2 high end foundations but not for the other 2.



 
I'll start with the Bobbi Brown BB Cream, this definitely does not have a matte finish, so I really need a powder on top so it doesn't prove to be too oily during the day. With my skin, it needs a primer underneath for most of the time but if I'm not really doing anything special then it's not essential. It has SPF 35 and is oil-free, really great for those days where you don't want to wear much but you want medium coverage. I don't consider this to be a BB Cream, because I haven't seen any changes in terms of my skin's quality. 


               

Next is my beloved Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation, the kind that is 'your skin but better'! It's lightweight and is very easy to build, it can be used just to look a little fresh-faced or to make yourself up for an event. The longevity is OK, but it works even better when paired with a primer, The POREfessional in particular. 



         


                                    
Now onto the drugstore brands, first is Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, which I bought a couple of years ago then completely forgot about. It is such an amazing product, with a matte finish to suit all oily skin types. On top of that, the coverage is fantastic and easy to blend as well as build. I use either my Real Technique's Stippling Brush or just my fingers, both work very well to get a flawless finish.


   














And lastly is my least favourite of the bunch, Revlon's Photoready BB Cream. First off (and I know this is my fault rather than Revlon's) I swatched it on my hand, like an idiot, and so I bought a shade that's darker than my face! And secondly, it's so greasy that it would just slip off my face. I can't imagine even somebody with normal skin could find this to work for them, because as soon as I put it on it just looked so shiny and oily. That could be down to the SPF 30 that's in it, but I would personally rather wear my own SPF and avoid the greasiness that is this product. So unfortunately, this is a big thumbs down product from me.

So those are my foundations, overall I think that it's actually a tie between the Benefit one and the Maybelline one! They do different things and I use them for different kinds of events, but I still really love them both.