A Coral Affair

Having a complexion devoid of any kind of natural flush I love a bit of blusher to make me look less zombie and more alive.

My favourite blusher combination at the moment is Benefits ‘coralista’ and Sleeks blusher in ‘coral’.

Left: Benefit 'coralista'    Right: Sleek 'coral'

For days when I want a more satin look I will just apply (using the MAC 188 brush) the ‘coralista’, which by the way smells divine. Not so sure why that is necessary, I don’t find myself in any cheek smelling situations but it’s a nice touch nevertheless.

Now for days I want to go for more colour over shimmer I will layer some sleek coral with a little ‘coralista’. The ‘coral’ adds a depth of colour without the extra shimmer, while the ‘coralista’ gives that little bit of a glow.

Sleeks ‘coral’ is my go to blush to pair with dramatic eye looks, especially if they happen to be of the green variety. It’s also a brilliant blush to check out if you have tanned or a darker skin, it gives the prettiest flush of colour while looking very natural. It has looked amazing on everyone I’ve managed to coerce into being a test subject.

Clean & Clear Deep Cleansing Lotion for sensitive skin

Over the years this is the one skincare product I have always repurchased. It’s one those products you don’t realise how much you rely on until it has finished. I’ve come to notice that my breakouts become a bit more erratic when I don’t use this.

I have no idea why it’s called a lotion when it’s more of a cleanser/toner type product.  You certainly don’t want to have this near your eyes. It also has quite an astringent smell to it (which I’m used to now) so sensitive noses be aware.

I have oily combination skin that is dictated by hormonal outbreaks and once they are gone the scars can take weeks to fade. Having you skin break out like a teenager can be frustrating and affect confidence at the best of times, especially when you’re no longer a teen.

My skin isn’t sensitive but I don’t like the idea of using stronger products on it. I use a few drops on a cotton pad and wipe across my t-zone and usual break out areas twice a day or more if I’m having  a particularly ‘shiny’ day.  It does the job removing excess oil and dirt from my face without completely stripping it of moisture.

If you too suffer from oily skin take refuge in the fact that your skin will stay looking younger for longer so erm...I guess a thank you is in order for Mum and Dad for passing down that gene.

On another note I’ve been trying to be a good blogger and post more often but my brain has been refusing to connect with my typing fingers :/

Bye Bye Split Ends

Hair dressers afraid of hair???

Anyone with long hair will understand how frustrating going for a haircut can be. As soon as hairdressers see long hair they get a look of slight shock across their face followed by the need to snip snip snip.

Now it is inevitable that long hair will have split ends and this is main reason for sending hairdressers into scissor frenzy despite the fact you just came in for a trim. As a lover of long hair I will suffer a few split ends for long locks and the product to help me along is Herbal Essences “beautiful ends split end protection cream”.

I use this after I’ve washed my hair while it is still damp. I use 1 pump and apply it to the ends, any excess I run half way through my hair. I usually leave my hair to dry naturally. The cream has that distinct fruity smell associated with Herbal essences products that lingers on the hair for about a day and a half.

My hair is left feeling soft with no residue. The damage my hair has suffered over the years (bleaching, colouring, heat styling) appears to have disappeared. It doesn’t ‘fix’ all the split ends but the majority have been taken care of. It also helps protect ends from further damaged, an attack on 2 fronts, brilliant!

That’s one issue sorted now just don’t get me started on the ‘long hair charges’ that some salons apply...what is that all about anyway???

Old and New

If it’s not broke don’t fix it.

Eyeliner brings back memories of school days and the no makeup rule that hardly anyone followed despite the fact that someone or rather the same group of people were always made to “wash that muck off” (do teachers still use this line?)

My 1^st regular bit of makeup was Rimmels’ ‘professional liquid eye liner’. The formula was a good almost thick consistency. The brush was thin and sturdy. All it took was one stroke to create a precise clean black line and dried pretty fast. Fantastic for the upper lash line. Now for some odd reason I also used to use this on my waterline, I think this goes without saying but I strongly recommend you don’t try this yourself. Despite the fact that I used it almost every day one bottle would last me about 6 months, absolute bargain as it cost £4.99 at the time.

I had been using this eyeliner for years until Rimmel decided to reformulate it/rename it ‘glam eyes professional liquid liner’. The formula is much thinner and less pigmented. I find myself having to go over the same line twice to get good colour pay off. The extra water also means it takes longer to dry, not good for someone who is always in rush to get ready. Very disappointed.

Top:'professional eye liner'

Bottom: 'Glam Eyes'

Thankfully ebay came to the rescue and i managed to get a couple in the old formula.

Crisis averted yay!

Anyone else had this happen to their favourite product?