Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Hydrating Primer

I have been meaning to put up a review of this Fenty Beauty primer for so long. I have had it for over a year so I can definitely say I have put it to the test. Everything which I tried from Fenty Beauty so far I have loved. I opted for the pro filt'r hydrating primer as I have dry skin. This is advertised to target dry patches on the skin. It has a lightweight texture which I love as it feels really thin when you apply it to the face. I don't usually opt for thicker primers as I feel as though they often sit heavy on my skin. This acts as a really good addition on top of my moisturiser and blends together effortlessly. The selling point to this primer is that it creates a "filter-like blurring effect" to the skin.

This product contains grape seed oil and sodium hyaluronate which are brilliant for hydrating all skin types. It feels silky smooth and fresh which is exactly what my skin needs. This bright and lovely weather which we have had for the past few weeks has been such a pleasant surprise. But, it has left my skin uber dry. I am yet to treat myself to the Fenty foundation it is on my treats list. However, I have tried the concealer and I really love it (I reviewed it if you fancy a read).

It isn't cheap at £24 I got it as a present, I am not sure I would rush out to buy it again. I think I am basing that view solely on the price tag. I have really enjoyed using this. From testing many primers over the years I have learnt that I much prefer a cream over a gel consistency. Cream primers just seem to sit and mesh with my skin so much better. They also sell this in a mattifying version if your skin sits more on the oily side. Overall, I do really like this primer from Rihanna's Fenty Beauty range and if you're wanting to treat yourself you won't be disappointed.

Lucy
xoxo

Beauty Bay's Thirst Trip Rich Moisturiser

Since the start of the winter this year my skin has been super dry. When you've had combination skin for years after have an oily t-zone and acne, adapting your skincare routine takes a while. I was on the lookout for a new every day moisturiser as my holy grail from Kiehl's had ran out. I am not really a sucker normally for clicking through links from my emails, but I received an email from BeautyBay about their new skincare range and I instantly clicked the link. I was intrigued by their Thirst Trip Rich Moisturiser as I always need something that adds some hydration in to my skin. This contains oat lipids which contain ceradmides, research tells me that these help to retain moisture but not clog the pores of the skin. I am happy to report that I have been using this pretty much every morning for two months and it's a really good skincare product. Although the consistency is rich and thick, it has a light texture which easily soaks into the skin. I can feel that it has actually done something to my skin and it gives my complexion some life and a little glow.

I have enjoyed using this cream as it does what it says on the packaging. It is a no frills product, with not a lot of ingredients which I think is sometimes for the best. For just £7 I think this is a steal for 90ml of product. I think this is fine for normal and dry skin, I would not have used this when I had oily skin. This has enticed me to try further from their range as they have so many great products on offer and all ranging from £6.

Lucy
xoxo

18 months Post Roaccutane

I cannot believe that it has now been 18 months since I finished roaccutane. After being on it was over 8 months it pretty much consumed the whole of my 2018. However, it was the best thing I have ever done for myself, and that is no exaggeration. I sometimes forget just how bad my skin was. When you are living with it in the moment, life just goes by and you learn not to let it bother you. It was a big risk, and it was difficult at times. In all honesty, after the process had finished I was absolutely terrified that in a matter of weeks my skin would return to its previous spotty self. I have not had any cystic breakouts since I have come off it. My skin used to be the worst around my time of the month when my skin would rage. I have had a few minimal pesky red spots around my chin area but nothing which a little bit of concealer can't handle.

In all honesty whilst the process was happening I always had an end goal. I did not anticipate how I would feel in the pending months after it had all finished. In March 2019, I went for a three month follow up appointment with my dermatologist. He was really happy with my skin, and said that if I was going to have a major outbreak it would have hopefully have happened by now. I am still a little dubious every day that I will wake up and my skin will have to started to erupt. It is like anything in life, you learn to live with things. Having acne is what sprouted my love of makeup and the start of this blog. I saw all these girls with perfect skin and there was no one I could really relate to at the time except Em Ford (mypaleskin). She has been on her own battle with acne for years and I could relate to her so much. My favourite part of being acne free is in that in the summer I now leave the house with nothing on my skin. Previously when it was hot even though I had grown a lot with my self-confidence, I always put some concealer or foundation on before stepping out the door. I think as you grow into your 20's and people realise it is no longer just teenage acne, people are genuinely confused by the idea of adult acne.

One of my friends who has had her own health battles said she didn't know me pre acne treatment. I said I'd show her a picture when it was at its worst and I was just starting my treatment. I found it very strange showing her those pictures as it was a distant memory. I felt as though all those years which I battled with my acne had just disappeared. It has definitely changed my life for the better. I know people have much worse health conditions, and I very much accepted in the end it was just some spots on my face. I count my blessings that all it took was some medication to get mine sorted and that some people don't respond to roaccutane at all. I think as I am a success story I would always recommend it, but before I went on it I did a lot of research and my dermatologist laid out in black and white the high chances of some of the side effects. I had had this acne since 13, so 10 years on it was just an experiment for me as my dermatologist had said it was time to try it. I had literally tried every cream and antibiotic available with minimal results. I have written a full diary of my roaccutane journey from the start, during and after which outlines clearly the dosage and process at each point.

Now 18 months on, and approaching 26 I definitely have found a new confidence in myself. It is so strange as I still naturally gravitate to full coverage concealers and foundations. I have also had to adjust to my skincare choices as I have gone from having oily skin to very dry skin that needs all the moisture it can possibly get. It makes me feel a little emotional as I know how deep down during the whole time of having acne, I just tried to ignore it on a daily basis. All mine stemmed down to after all those years of trying different options was a diagnosis of polycystic ovaries. Once that was confirmed with blood tests and an ultrasound, the dermatologist knew the hormonal cause of my acne and the treatment could start. There is a tiny part of me who wonders why it took 10 years of dermatology testing, for a GP to determine my underlying condition. However, in the grand scheme of things it all got completely sorted in the end. I am so grateful that it worked so well and that I am still acne free.

Lucy
xoxo

My 10 minute everyday/work makeup routine

I feel as though my makeup routine since I started working as a nurse has slowly got less and less. I wake up at 6.30am and head out the door just after 7am.

I normally start by applying the Too Faced hangover primer I tried a sample size of this and loved it so took the plunge and bought a full size. It works really well with my very dry skin adding an early morning boost which is exactly what it needs.

Primark's glow foundation was one of my greatest finds of 2019. The beauty industry talks about dupes a lot and this is a perfect example. This is a great dupe of my holy grail sheer glow foundation from Nars. It really is a steal for just £6. I have been using this for over a year now on a daily basis, and I recommend it to my friends all the time.

In 2019, Fenty Beauty was the year that it took the brand to new dimensions.  Their stand out product is their pro filt'r concealer. I absolutely love this for adding brightness. I put it under my eyes as who knew that turning from 24 to 25 had such an effect on those under eye bags. I love the consistency of this, it is thin, light and their shade range is absolutely superb. Rihanna knows that there was a gap in the market and has filled this void well and truly.

The Sephora natural finish concealer was a find at the start of the year, and every time I or a family member had visited a European city in 2019 I asked them to pick me one up. I had read a review before going on a Sephora trip so I thought I would give it a try. The formula is a little bit thicker than the Fenty Beauty concealer which is great for covering blemishes. It is still light and easy to apply. The applicator is fantastic as it is flat and wide and speeds up the application process.

I have been a Beautyblender lover for years, but the Real Techniques real complexion sponge has recently taken prime spot in my foundation application routine. It is light and what sets it apart from the Beautyblender is its unique shape. It is round at the top like an arrow shape, but also flat on one side. I do a little combination of dabbing both sides to get the perfect coverage.

I saw someone on Instagram using this MAC blusher and I instantly bought it. It is a gorgeous pinky shade with a subtle shimmer through out it. I no longer apply powder in my everyday makeup as I found it dried out my makeup and takes away any kind of glow. I have being using Mac's blush in fairly precious for months now. I love the light amount of luminosity it adds to my face. Highlighter is not a part of my daily routine as the lights are already bright enough at work without my face dazzling like a disco ball.

I have been using this from Benefit religiously for years. I am yet to find an eyebrow product that does the job better than Benefit's goof proof eyebrow pencil. The formula is light and easy to apply, I have tried many eyebrow pencils which have a heavy formula which can be dry and causes tugging when trying to apply. This has a more waxy texture to it allowing a very quick application. It also comes with a spoolie which is always helpful for brushing the brows through and getting an even application of product throughout the eyebrow.

Lucy
xoxo

Charlotte Tilbury Lustre Lipgloss

So from the pictures you can see just how much I love this lip gloss from Charlotte Tilbury. It is definitely well loved and well used. This is part of their lip lustre line. I love the formula of these, you can tell that they have taken time and effort into making this perfect, which is what Charlotte Tilbury does with every release. It is light on application, not sticky and not too thick. I have tried and tested lots of lip glosses over the years, and I have found the main downfalls are often how thick the formulas are and how they often dry to feel tacky on the lips. I wear this lip gloss over the top of many different formulas of lip sticks. The shade is Blondie and it a light pinky shimmer with a slight nude and golden undertone running throughout it, which makes it very versatile. This feels light and smooth on application, it does have a slight stickiness to it but I think all glosses need stickiness to an extent. The finish is high shine and it is definitely a 'glossy' gloss. I also really like the doe foot applicator as it makes application super easy and fast. It also has the little curve at the top to help with accuracy.

It is 'that' lip gloss which lives in the bottom of my handbag and I can pull out on any occasion. I have always preferred a gloss or satin type finish to all lip products. I think it pulls together a look and makes me feel ready for whatever occasion I am heading too. In terms of pricing Charlotte Tilbury is a high end brand and this lip gloss costs £19. There is no denying that £19 for a lip gloss is expensive. However, every now and again we all deserve a little treat and I had wanted to try one of their lip glosses for so long. Therefore, one pay day I treated myself and I do not regret it one bit. I bought this at least two years ago and I wear it on a frequent basis, and there is somehow still a good amount of formula left in the bottle.

I know that one day soon I am going to cave and I will buy another shade to add to my collection. My sister owns Ibiza Nights which is a lovely pale nude shimmer. I have got my eye on Pillow Talk which is the best seller out of the range, it is a mid range pinky nude. Although, I might have to wait until a special occasion to buy it as I have got many lip glosses on the go currently. I feel that Charlotte Tilbury has definitely made a stamp on the beauty industry, and this lip gloss has definitely got my approval.

Lucy
xoxo

Sephora Individual Eyeshadows

(swatches top to bottom - unicorn dust, milky way and let's party)

The British beauty stores both high street and luxury have really stepped out and bought into the brands which we used to only be able to get from Sephora. I feel as though this has had a massive impact as a whole on the beauty market, and the old Sephora hype has taken a back burner. However, over the last few months I featured on this blog quite a few on Sephora's own brand products, and today I am here to discuss their individual eyeshadows. There are so many colours and finishes in this range. I have spent quite a long time in Sephora stores swatching many shades deciding which ones I want.

I finally choose these three and I have been very happy with all of these shades. I bought two from the glitter collection in unicorn dust and let's party. Within this line they also have pearl and matte finishes. Unicorn dust is a beautiful light lilac which has a full silver shimmer running throughout it. I have worn this in the centre of my eye to add a pop of colour. Let's party is a mid toned gold which has a little pink/rose gold, which is a great combination and it looks really pretty on the eye. This glitter range has really impressed me and I don't often wear glitters but these are not too in your face or full glitters. It is finely milled into the formula and when applied to the eyelids it is nice and soft. I do like chunky glitters for certain occasions, but having it as a fine consistency makes it more wearable.

I also bought milky way from the metal effects range. Milky way is a classic me shade, it is a light to mid toned golden which is super gorgeous. It has a very creamy consistency which is something I always look for in an eyeshadow with high pigmentation. This is a shade which requires a good primer in order to really get the full effect. The finish is beautiful and is super easy to apply which is always a bonus. This is really pretty but I wouldn't wear it on an everyday basis, it is one which I will gravitate towards when I want a more intense look. There is also a sequin range which runs alongside the metals collection which I would love to try.

I have really enjoyed wearing all of these shades and for just 6.99 Euros I feel as though they have been a great find. Many other brands would sell these for much higher prices and the consumers wouldn't bat an eyelid. Sephora have done really well with this range and have got a very wide array of colours and finishes available. Having used these products I would definitely recommend them to others, and I will definitely look at purchasing more on future visits.

Lucy
xoxo

Sephora Glow Perfection Foundation

On my last few trips abroad during my visits to Sephora I had been wanting to try their glow perfection foundation. I had not read any reviews or heard much about it and when I went to Italy is was about 18/19 Euros which is a lot of money if I am not sure if I am going to like it or not. I was also not impressed with the foundation shade range which they had. They was either way too light or too dark. When my mum recently went on her holidays to Poland, she popped into a Sephora to get me my trusty high coverage concealer (post here), and she me asked if there was another else that I wanted. I asked her to see if they had this foundation. She found it and got it in the same shade of the concealer which is 22 natural. She was surprised at the prices as they were much cheaper than other Sephoras in Europe. The concealer was only 7 Euros and the foundation was about 11 Euros.

I have been using this on a daily basis and putting it to the test. It is frustrating that the concealer and foundation shades do not match up, the foundation is much darker. When I have looked online there is about 20 shades available which is much better than the selection which I have seen in stores. Even though it is a little too dark, I can just about make it work at the moment. I am hoping it will be a great match when I have a bit of a summer tan. I have mixed this with my L'Oreal true match foundation to make it slightly lighter, and they have been a great combination together.

The foundation is advertised as being hydrating which is something I always look for as my skin is always dry. Matte foundations just do not work for me. It does provide a glow to my skin and gives an overall radiance. It it not too shiny and I think it works well on with my skin type. In saying that, I think it would work well with many skin types whether dry or oily. I also moisturise my skin well using a hydrating moisturiser and primer before I apply any base makeup. It does not feel heavy on the skin and has a light creamy texture which is great. There is nothing worse than the feeling of heavy makeup on my skin. I wear my makeup for long periods of time at work meaning that I want something that feels just like my natural skin.

Overall, I have really enjoyed using this foundation. The texture is great and one of its best features is that it allows you to build it to a coverage of your choice. These days I much prefer a light to medium coverage and this allows me to build up to exactly what I want. In terms of getting a full coverage which covers acne or scarring I am not sure it would achieve that as the consistency is light. If someone was to say whether I would recommend it or not - I would. I have been really enjoying using it and will definitely continue to use it. When I next go to Sephora I would like to pick this up in my everyday shade.

Lucy
xoxo

Drunk Elephant and Aromatherapy Associates Cleansers

About six months ago I stumbled into TKMaxx and ended up head deep in their skincare section. I had heard so many good things about Drunk Elephant. However the price tag had been an instant turn off. I found their jelly cleanser which I had read a review about by a beauty blogger a few days before this trip. This has a retail price of £34.99 which I wound never, ever pay. I bought if for £19.99 which I thought was still expensive, but I was on the market for some new skincare as my skin had been through a lot after the roaccutane process and I needed some gentle products. My eyes were then drawn to this Aromatherapy Associates inner strength cleansing balm which I paid £15 for. This was the biggest bargain of all as to buy from their site it costs £40!

The Aromatherapy Associates inner strength cleansing balm is formulated for sensitive skin. It is marketed to gently remove impurities and makeup which helps to restore the moisturise levels. It is exactly what it advertises - a balm which is gentle and non-abrasive. It has an emollient base which contains primrose oil and I like the scent as it's quite relaxing. It comes out as emollient which is soft to touch and quickly melts into the touch of your fingers. I have used this in two ways straight onto my face to dissolve my makeup at night which I think does the job really well. The other way is to wet my face and then apply it in the morning for a thorough wake up cleanse. I have absolutely loved using this and it is one of my favourite cleansers which I have ever used. One of the best features of it is it doesn't leave a greasy residue on my face which you would expect with it's oily texture. It leaves a nice smooth and moisturising feel which is refreshing. If I could find this again for £15 I would definitely snap it up in an instance, but for £40 I just could not justify it.

The Drunk Elephant jelly cleanser differs a lot in terms of formulation and its use. It is a mild cleanser which contains glycerine which is an active ingredient to maintain high levels of hydration. It also contains oils to help with the cleansing process. First up I do not like the screw top to the bottle. You turn it one way and a small amount comes out, however when you close it more comes out meaning no matter what you do you end up wasting product. In my case I end up applying double the amount I actually need in order to not end up just wasting it. I like the texture of this it is soft and light and is nice when applied to the skin. This is a really good first cleanser in the morning and it instantly feels refreshing. I have noticed that is does sting my eyes a little bit which isn't great. You can apply this onto wet or dry skin, I massage a small amount of the gel into my skin, when water is added is creates a light lather which is easy to rinse away. It is a great no-fuss product. It is a great product, but for the price tag it is doesn't have a particular wow factor which blows me away. In comparison to other high street cleansers which do the same job equally as well for a fraction of the price. If the price tag of this was £10 or even £15 I would consider repurchasing it, as overall I have enjoying using it and my skin has felt soft and hydrated.

Lucy
xoxo

Testing Huda Beauty's Liquid Lipstick Formula

I bought this Huda Beauty liquid lipstick at Christmas and I have been getting a great amount on wear out of it. The shade is Jetsetter and it was part of last years summer line. It is however still available now.

Before this purchase I had wanted to try the liquid lipsticks from Huda since their launch. They seemed to be the stand out product from the brand, and all the reviews were positive. I would class Huda Beauty as a high end beauty brand due their pricing. I have tested a lot of liquid lipsticks on this blog over the years. You can read reviews here of - Kat Von D, Jeffree Star, Kylie Cosmetics and Colourpop.

The liquid lipstick has a thin, fluid like consistency which I love. The colour is super pigmented which is what I find is often a major downfall with some liquid lipsticks, and they can look patchy once applied to the lips. I like the shape of the doe foot applicator as the flatter side helps to get around the curves of my lips and helps avoid smudges. One thing I did find though is that you need to work fast as this dries pretty quick, as I struggled to rectify a small smudge without ruining my entire makeup. This did mean on this occasion that I managed to test out applying a second coat. I found that it dried down equally and evenly which is also a big tick in my eyes.

This liquid lipstick has a matte finish. I struggle with matte finishes to lip products as my lips are naturally very dry. I always apply a good amount of lip balm, but I usually go for more of  a semi - matte finish. I love Colourpop for that exact reason, they offer a wide range of finishes to their liquid lipstick range and their ultra satin finish is my favourite. With matte finishes I know that they are always going to be drying on my lips, but I did find this dried downed particularly dry. It wasn't uncomfortable but I put a gloss over the top to make it feel a little bit better.

Overall, I am pretty impressed with this formula from Huda and felt as though it last well on my lips throughout the day and wasn't transferable. I have worn this multiple times, and I have had compliments regarding the colour. It dries down to a nude pink which has a hint of purple running throughout it. I like that it is not too bright. On a daily basis I am not one to wear a very vibrant colour or tone of lipstick. This is a great bridge between a day to night shade, and it can pull an everyday makeup look together. I would definitely buy other liquid lipsticks from Huda Beauty, and I want to try the demi-matte version from her line as it might solve the drying aspect.

Lucy
xoxo

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Concealer

I love writing beauty reviews and it takes a lot for me to get really excited about a new base product. I've wanted to try lots of makeup from Fenty Beauty and after loving a highlighter and primer from the range, I decided to treat myself to their latest beauty launch the concealer. The pro filt'r instant retouch concealer is what I have needed in my life for a while. I still always look for high coverage concealers as it was what I needed since the first day that I started wearing makeup due to my acne. However, I am a very lucky that I only get the occasional spot nowadays and I don't know what but my under eye circles have taken a turn for the worse. I mean I am always tired, but I literally look tired even on a day when I don't particularly feel it.

I had read a few reviews before making the purchase and everyone only praised it. I only spend my money on products which I really want these days, and I really wanted this. It is not cheap, I took a little gasp at the price especially when putting my pin into the card machine. However, I wanted it so it was a payday treat. I managed to justify this by saying to myself that my concealers were running low which they are.

I have loved the ethos behind Rihanna's Fenty Beauty, she recognised a big gap in the market for beauty lovers with all skin tones. There is no denying that the beauty industry needed a shake up, and Rihanna stepped forward and took it upon herself to create a beauty line where any person could go into a store and could find a shade which matched their skin. How many times have we had to mix two shades together to try and find a shade which could possibly resemble our skin tone out of a line of six shades on offer? In this concealer range there are fifty shades, yes fifty. I am not being funny but this line in what makeup is about, everyone enjoying it and feeling amazing wearing it.

The actual concealer itself is what you all came here to read about. I am very happy to say that it is perfect. I bought this six or seven weeks ago and have been using it on a regular basis. I have tried many concealers but in order to get full coverage the formula is using very thick which makes complete sense. However, this is a breath of fresh air as it is very creamy and light. It does have a slightly more matte than glow finish but it works incredibly well. It is not too matte and still has a light luminosity throughout it. I put on one layer which creates a medium-full finish and then let it dry. I have tested going in with a second layer and does produce a perfect full coverage finish.

The main aspect which gives it the wow factor is its brightening factor. Like I say I have found concealers which do the covering part of the job, but this adds an instant light around the under eye area which is where it has been mainly tested. After application it instantly adds a lift to my face. I always look in the mirror every time I apply it to try and put my finger on exactly what makes it so special, but I think it is a mixture of having everything which I am looking for. A big aspect is definitely the slight glow. It is also the light formula which is not too heavy meaning it doesn't crease easily.

I have the shade 160 which is a really great match for my skin. I would say my skin is light with a slightly pink-neutral undertone. I went to Harvey Nichols to buy this, and the assistant was incredibly helpful when matching it to my skin. They advise to use the Fenty concealer brush for application, but it costs £19. At the time I felt as though as I already have a good range of brushes and sponges at home to the job. I have been using my trusty Beautyblender to apply this. I like to get it really wet so it expands and then give it a really good squeeze, and then bounce the product into my skin.

 I also like the shape of the applicator on the concealer wand. It works really well at getting into the inner corner of your eye, and it is nice and flat if you want to do create the classic triangle underneath your eyes.

I think it is always good to include comparisons to other similar products. If you like the Nars creamy concealer I think you would like this. Out of the two I prefer this one as I tried the Nars one a few years back and I didn't repurchase it, as I just did not fall in love with it. I did really enjoy using it, and they both have similar creamy and light consistencies. However, I have just really loved how the Fenty concealer looks on my skin. I feel as though I can recommend this to others and feel pretty confident that they will be impressed.

If I haven't already justified this purchase enough, then this might just do it for you. When I am doing any beauty reviews I always look at how many mls I am getting for my money worth. When I saw that this Fenty Beauty concealer contains 8ml (0.27fl.oz), my eyes instantly popped out of my head. I headed straight for my makeup drawers and had a good rummage within my other concealers. I discovered that my NYX, Makeup Revolution and Sephora concealers all contained 3.4ml (0.11fl.oz), which is less than half compared to this Fenty one. So really for 3.4ml it is costing less than £9 for the same amount. Some have much bulkier packaging making you think that you are getting a lot of product for your money. 8ml is the most I have ever seen in a concealer, so hopefully it was a last me a long time before needing to repurchase.

Lucy
xoxo

Revolution Pro Foundation Drops

I have seen quite a few high end brands bringing out foundation drops and I was excited when Revolution had released their own version. The Revolution Pro Foundation Drops are only £5 which is a pinch of the price of some of the high end versions which I have seen have been £25+.

This has a water-based formula hoping to create a flawless finish on the skin. They say to use a few drops for a sheer wash of colour or you able to layer it up to build a more natural full coverage. I find you can add the drops to lighter foundations which is great as it can be difficult to get your perfect amount of coverage. These come in 18 shades I choose the colour F5 as it looked like a good match for my skin, however on application to my skin it is a little too dark. It is suppose to be for light skin tones with pink undertones, but this looks more of a match for a medium skin tone. I think F4 or even F3 would be a more suitable shade.

I have really enjoyed using these drops and I have mostly been using them on their own. I apply 3-4 drops onto my damp beautyblender and buff the foundation into my skin. The formula has a thin, fluid- like consistency which means it is easy to move around the skin. However, once in place I find that I do not have much time to blend and I have to get the job done as quickly as possible. As always I apply both a moisturiser and primer before any foundation to prep my skin the best I can. I think this is perfect if you like a light to medium coverage, which is all new territory to me as previously I have only ever worn full coverage foundations. I think you would struggle to build this up to be a full coverage foundation based on its watery thin consistency.

For £5 if you are on board with this concept I think these drops from Revolution would be a great place to start. My skin does not feel heavy which I love as it feels breathable. It almost feels as though I do not have any foundation on at all. The finish to this is definitely more on the dewy side rather than matte, which is always my personal preference due to my dry skin.

Even though I have really enjoyed using this, it has not become my favourite go-to everyday foundation. I do wear it often but not every day, and it has not yet made in to my top ranking three foundations as it takes a lot to make it in to those fixtures. I am definitely going to continue using these foundation drops as like I say I have enjoyed using them. I am very picky with my foundations and to make it into my makeup drawers it take a lot so this has done well!

Lucy
xoxo

Too Faced Hangover Primer

I have never been one to invest in primers or have much interest in them. I bought the Too Faced hangover primer a few months ago and I have really loved using it. Since my skin is still fragile and sensitive from my roaccutane treatment, I have been very cautious with the skincare I have put on my skin. This has been an excellent addition into my routine. I apply my trustworthy Kiehl's oil free moisturiser and then I apply this primer on top. It has a thin cream consistency which has a pleasant coconut and fruity scent to it which I find very refreshing and not too overbearing. It applies easily on to the skin and blends in beautifully giving my skin a light luminous glow.

It adds a level of hydration and helps to replenish moisture which exactly what my skin craves. It is naturally very dry, and it needs all the additional hydration that is possible. They claim this is down to probiotic based ingredients combined with coconut water. I think primers are properly put to their test with how they perform with base products. I have used primers in the past which have not settled well with my foundations, but this one was perfect. It has the tiniest amount of stickiness to its texture which is why this does so well as it creates a great base. Overall, I am definitely going to be repurchasing this as I have been really happy with how it looks and feels, and how it combines with my foundation. I use my fingers to apply the primer, and then blend my foundation in with my beautyblender.

As always I think it important to discuss the price. I would definitely consider this a high end product, as it is £27 for 38g. This has surprisingly lasted me a long time as I only use two small droplets for my entire face; therefore a little goes a long way. If a product works well for me it is something I am willing to invest in.

Lucy
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Primark Liquid Glitter Eyeshadows

In 2018, so many glitter liquid eyeshadows were released and at first I was a little dubious as to whether I was going to love or hate them. Lots of brands both low and high end started to bring them out, but I was still unsure whether to invest or not. Then as always good old Primark jumped on the band wagon and I thought it was time to try them. I featured Primark's beauty range quite a few times last year. Primark is known for duping every must have fashion piece, and they have branched out into beauty. One of their most impressive products was their dupe of Huda's nine quad palettes, which I wrote a post about which you can read here.

Primark's beauty Instagram page is where they post all of their new releases and when I saw their glitter liquid eyeshadows I knew it was time to invest. They are only £3 each which I thought was such an excellent price. I thought even if they were rubbish at least I hadn't spent a lot of money. As always with these must have products and with Primark's weekly turn around they were hard to find.

I bought two different glittery shades silver and pink. I think there are three in the line but at my local store there was only these two available. I did purchase these in December which meant it was perfect for me to put them to the test during the festive period. I tried them straight away as soon as I had bought them. I was intrigued what the consistency and glitter was going to look when applied to my eyes. I like the small flat doe foot applicator as it makes the product easy to apply.

I first applied this without any eyeshadow or base as I was wondering if I could apply it straight on to my eyelids. I found that it was hard to get an equal layer, and the consistency was quite thin and very fluid like. I was going on a night out a few weeks later so I thought I could properly put them to the test then. On the night I was going out I wanted to be able to put them fully through their paces, so I put the P.Louise eyeshadow base followed by a nude eyeshadow from the Urban Decay 3 palette to create a solid base. I first applied silver, which is very confusing as I can 100% confirm this is a light gold champagne shade. Like I have said the formula is quite wet, much more than what I thought it would be. I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with the eyeshadow at this stage. I found that the wet consistency allows you to try and get an equal coverage. However, I have to stand with my eyes fully closed whilst it is still drying as if your eyes are even slightly open it transfers everywhere, which I found out firsthand can become very messy. Once the eyeshadow has completely dried which doesn't take too long, I was impressed with how it looked.

I also tested out the shade pink, which I once again can confirm is definitely a rose gold and has very little 'pink' in it. This has a slightly thicker formula and pigmentation than the other shade. They worked exactly the same in terms of application and consistency. Pink certainly has more colour running through it, as it is a much darker shade. Once dried I found the colour pay off good, but with both shades it felt a little bit gritty on my eyes. The glitter aspect is surprisingly good and is a stand out part of the product. Although, once on the eye I felt as though it emphasised the creases on my eyelids despite my base. To finish the look I applied some eyeliner and lashes. Overall, I felt as though the glitter eyeshadow stayed put throughout the night and didn't budge.

The packagings of these are very much like the Stila ones as they have the same rectangular shaped plastic bottle. The only difference is that these have a glittery lid, whilst Stila's is a matte gold. You get 4.5ml which I did not think is going to last very long at all, but I will wait and see.

I have worn both of these at least three times now as I just could not make my mind up as to how I felt about them. There are definitely some really good parts to the formula and how they look. But, I also feel as though they have some negatives and there is definitely room for improvement. Trying these ignited my urge for wanting to try out more glitter liquid eyeshadows. I have heard that the Stila ones are the best ones out there to try, but they are pretty costly. I would not wear these on a daily basis to work or to pop to the shops, so it would be a big cost to only wear now and again. When I go out I love the idea of a night time glitter eye and these liquid eyeshadows tick the boxes of wanting that going out-out look without having to spend a fortune.

Lucy
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Mac Fairly Precious Blush

MAC holds a special place in my heart since my teen years. I remember having my first MAC makeover age 18 and falling in love with the brand. On that day I purchased a blush named Margin, which I have bought time and time again over the past 6 years as it is my must have. During my last makeup clear out I realised that blushes were really lacking within my collection. I had two or three blushes which I reached for over and over again, and I wanted to branch out and buy something to jazz up my blushing game.

I went to MAC and went on a swatching marathon and fairly precious instantly stood out to me. It comes from their extra dimension range, which is part of their liquid-powder collection. This is very much a new concept to me. Basically, it is a mixture of combining the smooth consistency of a cream blended with the finish of the powder. This is supposed to give a second-skin finish, which I love.

It says I can use it wet or dry. I have to say I have never applied any blusher wet before, but I am always open to trying new concepts. The shade is a light pinky champagne which is perfect for my skin tone as I don't like a blush which is too heavy or dark. I also think this has that perfect amount of shimmer. I do not like it when blushes or any makeup item in fact contain chunky pieces of glitter. When I am doing my makeup no matter what season it is I like that glowy, fresh look to my skin and a little shimmer in your blush never does any harm

MAC has definitely put up its prices over the years, but hasn't all high end beauty brands? This cost £23 which I know is a lot of money for one blusher, however blushes last a long time for me. I always get a good few years out of one, so I see it as a product which gets its money worth. I have always found that with MAC blushes a little goes a long way. You will probably be getting the impression that I really, really like this, and that's because I do. I have been reaching for it on a daily basis for the last few months since adding it to my beauty stash. Like I say I don't own many blushes and this was the perfect addition and filled that blusher hole that was in my life.

Lucy
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Sephora High Coverage Concealer

Sephora's high coverage concealer has been a favourite of mine for years now. Every time I go on a trip to Sephora I pick one up. I remember a good 4 years ago it costs approximately 7 Euros and it was the rave amongst many beauty bloggers. Now it cost 14 Euros, which I think is probably down to it being such a bestselling product. You can see what I picked up on my latest Sephora trip here.

I find it hard to pin point just what I love about this. I know I love it though as it features regularly in my favourite products posts. I think it all falls down to it being so creamy, I hate nothing more than a concealer that feels instantly drying when applied to the skin. This is probably down to my own skin which is dry, so I opt for a creamier consistency. I have tried many, many concealers over my blogging years, and like I say I always go back for more with this. In comparison to the Revolution conceal and define concealer which has the highest coverage concealer which I have ever tried, this is medium-high coverage on my first application, but it is definitely building to high coverage which I think is the preference for many consumers. We like to have control of how much we are applying, as we all know exactly how much we like on our own skins. We as consumers like to have the option to build our concealer and although I love the Revolution one for blemishes, it does not allow you to build it up as the consistency is thicker and it is all or nothing with full coverage.

I apply this using a damp beauty blender, as I find it manages to blend with my foundation just the way I like it. I have also used my fingers to blend this is and it has worked just as well. It comes with quite a flat ended doe-foot applicator which makes it easy to apply, and it reduces wasting product as you have easy control as to how much you want to apply. I have tried two shades of this 20 creme and 22 natural. I find that 20 creme has more of a yellow undertone and I actually ended up with this by accident when my mum picked it up for me on her holidays. I used this under my eyes for brightening as it was a little bit lighter and I found it very refreshing as once again the creamy consistency blends flawlessly. 22 natural is the shade I have been using for years, as it matches my skin tone better as it has a pinker undertone to it.

The bottle contains 3.4ml which I think is pretty much the standard amount for all concealers, which does tend to last me a good few months. I also like the sleek design of the bottle as it makes it easy to travel with. I am off to Paris in two weeks and I will definitely be picking two of these up when I go into Sephora. It is still such a shame that Sephora is not sold in the UK even through any of our high end department stores. They have also made their website very hard to use and you have to now order through their French store. That is the exact reason why I pick up a few on my holidays each year so I never run out!

Lucy
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Base Products on Trial

I have been trying out some new base products recently and have been putting them through their paces. Sometimes I go through stages of buying lots of makeup and then nothing for months. I would say that I have had all of these products in my stash since September, and after a good sort out I have put on top of my drawers a bunch of products in a designated basket. This was to try and encourage me to grab new products, rather than my trust-worthy items that I use daily.

First up, I have featured the brand Revolution quite a bit in 2018, as they brought out some incredible products. These Revolution Pro foundation drops are the first item I have bought from their pro line. I have tried these 3 or 4 times now I am quite enjoying them. I was intrigued by the idea of these foundation drops, it is a lightweight water based formula which aims to create a flawless finish. The idea is to use a few drops to build a natural looking coverage.

I cannot believe how long it took me to pick up the Maybelline eraser eye concealer. I had wanted to try this for so long. It is one of the top concealers sold across the world. This is so widely sold due to its high coverage and performance. The products main selling point is to cover and erase dark circles. It is sold to a mass market of different ages hence why it has sold so well. I like the applicator to this which is a small cushion, it is easy to use as with one swipe you have got your desired coverage. 

The Colourpop no filter concealer is a light weight, full coverage concealer which is formulated to be crease-proof and create a natural matte finish. I have been using this under my eyes, and I like it as it has great coverage. The shade I bought is slightly too light but it works brilliantly at brightening under my eyes. I can't wait to continue using this and I would be interested to try my actual shade which matches my skin tone to test on blemishes.

RMCA translucent powder is a finely milled powder which I first heard about via Jaclyn Hill literally years and years ago. Before I added this to my designated basket, I could count on one hand the number of times I had used it. I first bought it back when 'baking' your makeup was big and I wanted to try it out for myself. I have actually used this numerous times now since it has been in the basket, and my very quick conclusion is that it is way too much effort for me. I understand the principles of it, and when on my face it definitely does make my skin feel super soft. It also does help to set my make up, but I love my skin to look glowy and fresh. This aims to give a matte finish but still have a certain amount of glow to the skin. For me, it is a matte finish but takes all of my glow and luminosity away. Overall, it is a lot of effort for everyday use.

Lucy

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Sephora Haul and First Impressions

When I went on my last trip to Italy of course I had to take a little trip to Sephora. I knew I wanted to pick up my favourite product which they sell their own brand concealer. I also had saved a little bit of money as I know I always want to treat myself to a few things whilst shopping in the store. I did really well and I usually only buy Sephora own products or brands that I know I can't get hold of easily in the UK.

The Sephora high coverage concealer was a big hit with bloggers a few years ago, and I don't think it is really talked about as much as a must-have product anymore. However, for me it is still a holy grail concealer. It has definitely gone up in price over the years but at €14 (£12) it is still good value for money. I love the consistency of this as it is very creamy and light to apply on to the skin.

The coconut water rubber mask is enriched with coconut water extract, the powder mask transforms into a bright rubbery dough when mixed with water. It works in just 5 minutes to relieve the discomfort or dry skin and reducing signs of dehydration. When the mask is dry you simply pull it off your face to hopefully reveal skin which is quenched and comfortable. I can't wait to try this it sounds amazing but for €3.90 I hope it does wonders as it is a one use only product.

I have tried many cream lip stains from Sephora in the past, and I have always been so impressed with their pay off and pigmentation. I was intrigued to try this cream lip stain from their metals range  (€10.90). I picked up the shade fancy peach (115) which is a beautiful metallic rose. On first impressions it is soft and smooth when applied to my lips, and I love the colour pay off. It is an ombre shade of a muted rose pink which is a lovely neutral colour which adds some definition to my lips, with a gold light shimmer running through it. These dry down quite matte, but are budge proof which is exactly what you want from any liquid lipstick.

The Sephora #lipstories range seems to be a big hit within their line. I think they release different colours and finishes of these each season and they are one-off exclusives. I picked up the shade berry-licious (32) which has a satin cream finish. Once again on first impressions this is really soft when first applied to the lips. I don't usually use dark toned shades, but on the lips I really like this. It is very much a vibrant red grape, and I love it on me. This is perfect for that "can't be bothered to really do my makeup, but I will stick on a bright lip to make up for it" kind of day. I don't think this going to be completely smudge-proof as even on swatching it is easy to smudge, so I think after eating and drinking it could potentially end up all over my face. I think at €8.90 these are well priced as they are really well pigmented and I only need one layer to achieve the colour pay off I like.

Lucy
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Product Empties

This is my second tub of this which I have used up this year, the Kiehl's ultra facial oil-free gel cream is the first moisturiser in years that I have really got on board with. I have since bought my third tub as I am scared to invest in anything else in case I don't like it. It is not cheap as this size tub costs £24.50, but it lasts me a good 4 months and I use it literally every day. It is advertised to be must suited to normal to oily skin types, but mine has been dry and it has still worked really well. It is light and feels lovely and refreshing when applied, I really do recommend it and I have done to many people.

I remember years and years ago this Smashbox photo finish primer was a must have product for many beauty bloggers. I was always a bit sceptical as it is expensive and I was never sure about the silicon consistency. It is oil free but as expected I did not love this on my skin, it felt a little greasy. In terms of being a primer I get the reason why people like it, it preps the skin well before application of base products. However, like I say the consistency felt a little oily and I did not like the texture on my skin. I won't be repurchasing this, as I now know I much prefer a cream/liquid primer consistency.

I bought my first Sephora high coverage concealer years ago on one of my very first trips to a Sephora store. Every time I have been on holiday and there has been a Sephora store I have ensured that I have added one to my basket. They don't seem to last me very long, but it contains 3.4ml which is the standard amount. I love the flat ended applicator on this as it makes it so easy to apply to the exact areas you want, I then use my damp Beautyblender to blend it into my skin.

This has been a long standing MAC must have in my collection. I remember buying my first MAC skinfinish powder when I was about 17 and every single beauty expert was saying it was a must have in your collection, and thank god I got on board with the hype. I buy one a year and it tends to last me well, when my skin is really dry I do not use much, if any powder as I find it sets my dewy base which I have tried so hard to achieve a little too much. If you are a little bit oily or are needing to set any areas this is a fantastic powder. It is finely milled and you can add just the perfect amount of product.

Even though I love wearing mascara, when I go beauty shopping it is the one product which excites me the least. I bought the Maybelline falsies push up drama mascara when it was first released, I bought it on an introductory offer as my last mascara had just ran out and I tend to buy them one at a time when I need one. I usually like a brush with a bit of curl and I think this is what this lacked. I used my own eyelash curlers to add some natural curl to my lashes before applying this. I like how spread out the bristles are on this brush as it coats each lash from root to tip. I like it but I didn't love it, I then tried L'Oreal's paradise mascara and liked that more due to the curve of the brush.

Lucy
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Before and After Roaccutane

I went to my final dermatologist appointment with the happiest smile on my face. It sounds like complete madness but I feel like my days of roaccutane seem like a life time ago and having acne seems like it never happens. Even typing that sounds so surreal as I can vividly remember in an instance how I felt starting roaccutane and how I wasn't that hopeful. I had lived with acne for 11 years and it was just a part of me. Sometimes I sit and look back at my photos from February and remember how I felt on that first day of my dermatologist saying he would finally start me on it.

I took these photos on day 2 of roaccutane and I am so glad I did as you can clearly see the scale of my acne and that underneath all my pretty makeup, my acne really had taken over my entire face. I remember for the first time being really determined that this was going to work for me.

















   

These pictures were taking in Jersey when I was on my holidays with my parents. Seeing as this was was 2 months into the treatment I remember feeling like my skin was possibly improving and then all of a sudden I got this row of large spots on my forehead and they were huge. I felt like I had taken about 10 steps backwards.

I took this picture in June and I remember looking at this and being able to pinpoint that this was the time when I was starting to actually feel as though my skin was getting better. I went to my month 4 appointment and I feeling great and determined to carry on. However, this was when all of the side effects had well and truly kicked in and my lips were like the sahara desert. I was getting headaches and my skin was so dry nothing was helping. My chin has always been the areas where my acne has been the worst and that was the area where I was seeing improvement. However, I was still getting a collection of pesky spots across my forehead and around the edges of my lips.

I couldn't find a close up picture from in August but after being on the treatment for 6 months my skin was so much better. Out of my 14 days on holiday in Madeira I think I only wore makeup twice. I remember going on this day out to this these beautiful botanical gardens and knowing I would want some insta-worthy pictures, but also knowing it was a boiling hot day. I remember at this point I had not had any new major spot in weeks and my skin was just holding onto the left over rough reminiscence of old spots that were not for leaving. I did have to wear factor 50 this entire holiday as my skin could not take more than an hour in the sun. I felt like I was continuously burning no matter how much suncream I applied.

I took this picture the day before I went to my last appointment on roaccutane. I went into the room with the biggest smile and as discussed in my last post I had three weeks left of roaccutane. However, I had been very emotional and was not feeling myself at all so on the 10th October 3 days after this picture was taken I decided to stop taking roaccutane all together. I was scared but the dermatologist said I had had a good period of time with being happy with my skin and not having any breakouts so it was time to see how my skin now coped. As expected I was so nervous and the last time I took a tablet I also stopped taking my pill which I had been on for the entire 8 months. I felt as though I wanted my body to completely hormone free for the first time in what felt like forever.

This photo was taken on the 23rd December, and I am soooooo happy to report that since finishing the treatment I have only had one tiny pesky red spot which has now disappeared. I know it sounds silly but I was convinced that my spots would return and I would be back to square one. There is no denying that my 2018 had pretty much been consumed with roaccutane but wow am I glad I finally took the plunge.

If you want to catch up on my entire roaccutane journey you can read my before, starting, month 1, months 2-3, months 4-6 and finishing posts to see the entire process. 

Lucy
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