Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer

Ciao Bella!

So i guess you've all heard about the new primer from Garnier. It's a new after moisture primer, which takes 5 seconds to apply and improves the look of your skin immediately. It can blur all imperfections from pores to wrinkles in just 5 seconds.  The primer has lightweight velvety texture, which leaves skin feeling incredibly smooth, soft, matte and feels comfortable to wear all day long.

Garnier's 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer was an anticipated release, as there was a waiting list on the Boots website (its exclusive to Boots until 1st June ). Its reasonably priced £12.99 for 30ml. I must stress that the primer is not makeup; you apply it after your favourite day cream. Its great as you can wear it with or without make up ( after your day cream & if you wear makeup before your foundation). I'm going to trial this for a week & report the good (or bad) news back to you beauties. 

Reasons to try it:
1)Optical illusion effect instantly blurs away signs of imperfections & ageing
2) Takes 5 seconds to apply! - good for beauties on the go
3) Visibility improved looked skin in just 5 seconds:

• Visibly blurs the appearance of shine.

• Visibly blurs the appearance of fine lines

• Visibly blurs the appearance of wrinkles

• Visibly blurs the appearance of pore

What your favourite primer?

Vogue xx

This post was not sponsored. 

Max Factor liquid effect eyeliner review

Ciao Bella!

I admittedly have a love -hate relationship with eyeliner- liquid,pencil & gel.  I am very hard to please when it comes to choosing the perfect pencil eyeliner. I most often opt for the colour black & i like the texture to be creamy, so its glides on. I've been searching & searching for my 'perfect' eyeliner for almost a year now. I've tried various brands including rimmel,No7, SEVENTEEN & Maybelline - to name a few.

After all the searching i think i've found the one. Max Factor Liquid effect eyeliner pencil! I was really drawn to this when browsing the makeup section in Boots, for a new eyeliner as its seemed like a perfect combination -  liquid & pencil in one! 

I purchased shade 10 - black fire , which is at jet black priced at £6.99. I couldn't wait to get home and try it and i wasn't left disappointed.  The pencil glides on smoothly, as it has a creamy lightweight texture. I've found that with other eyeliners i've tried, there quite hard and not so easy to put on. The smudger is a soft rubbery texture (unlike the common sponge types) ,  really helped to create a soft smoky eye - great for everyday look. 

Its great that the eyeliner just doesn't come in the two shades shades of brown and black , as there are 6 different shades to choose from including :  Black Fire, Brown Blaze, Silver Spark, Lilac Flame, Violet Voltage & Green Glow. So there no excuse not to experiment with new colours. After wearing the Liquid effect eyeliner all day, i found that it stayed in place and still looked as fresh as it did when i applied it. This my perfect new eyeliner! Soft,easy to apply , 2 in 1 , long wearing & available  range of shades

Built in smudger/blender - perfect for creating a easy smokey eye

Black Fire, Brown Blaze, Green Glow, Lilac Flame,Silver Spark & Violet Voltage

Pros : liquid & pencil in one, easy to apply, come with smudger , soft texture , long wearing,  6 different shades available.

Cons: Abit pricey at £6.99

Bottom line: Definitely going to purchase this again , this my new staple and favourite eyeliner

What's your favourite eyeliner?

Vogue xx

About Me Tag! - TAG YOUR IT!

Ciao Bella!

As i'm  new blogger i thought this would be a fun post for you to all get to know me a little better!

I tag you all!

1. Do you have a middle name?
I Do. Elizabeth, all the females in my family have it - its sort of a tradition. 

2. What was your favourite subject in school?
My favourite subject hmm. . . i'd have to say History. I loved learning about the past! 

3. What's your favourite drink?
Alcoholic drink - Strawberries & cream cocktail!
Non- Alcoholic - Pineapple & coconut juice - i've loved it since i was younger!

4. What is your favourite song at the moment?
Pearl jam- Black 

5. What would you name your kids?
Erm i have no idea.

6. Do you participate in any sport?
No not at present , even though i feel like i should!

7. Favourite book?
Can't think . . .
8. Favourite colour?
Red / Magenta 

9. Favourite animal?
Owl

10. Favourite Perfume?
Giorgio Armani - Armani code 

11. Favourite Holiday?
I would love to go to the Maldives! But my favourite holiday to date has to be going to American, New york & Washington 
12. Have you Graduated from high school?
Yes a long time ago, I'm at univeristy now.

13. Have you ever been out the country, if so how many times?
I cant really remember how many times, as my parent like to travel.

14. Do you speak any other language?
I speak Patois which what people from Jamaica speak, as that where my parent originate from & i speak spanish but i must admit my spanish isn't perfect. I'm hoping to choose it as a unit in my final year of Uni.

15. How many siblings do you have?
I have 2 sisters, but i am the youngest out of the 3 of us.

16. What is your favourite store?I have quite a few H&M,New look & Topshop.

17. Favourite restaurant?
Anything Chinese!!
18. Did you like school?
Sadly I hated it! 

19. Favourite Youtuber?
Can't choose between Beauty Crush & Britpop Princess

20. Favourite Movie?
Cadillac records / the wizard of Oz.

21. Favourite Tv show?
I dont really watch tv that much but i have a guilty secret pleasure of watching reality tv

22. PC OR Mac?
PC, but i am currently saving for a MAC.

23. What kind of phone do you have?
I have a IPhone 4s in white.

24. How tall are you?
I have measured how tall i am in years. But i guess i am 'average' height. 

Vogue xx

Why i love my MAC foundation !

Ciao Bella!

On most days I apply a fullcoverage foundation as i have considerably bad pigmentation marks onboth cheeks on my face, left from old blemishes. I have been usingMAC for almost 4 years and still can't find a full coveragefoundation nor powder which matches the coverage & finish of MAC'sStudio fix liquid  foundation and Studio fix powder plus foundation. The great thing about MAC as a makeup brand is they cater for women of allcolour and skin types. Most foundation in drugstores and on thehighstreet  have a 'one fits all' problem, which can lead to you pickingthe foundation not best for your colour & skin type.

My current foundation & Powder duo :
Studio fix fluid in NC45 & studio fix powder plus foundation in NC50

As i suffer from relatively oily skinin particular my tzone, i picked a foundation which is oil free, asthis would only add to problem.  Previously,  (when i wasfeeling adventurous)i  tried MAC's studio sculpt foundation whichis a gel like texture which i found awful for my skin type as it left skin it looking extremely oily and made me break out. The studio sculpt seem to be infavour of people who suffer from dry skin .  The studio fix fluid leavesskin look matte, natural &  flawless and i would suggest its more for people who have oily/combination skin.

In relation to colour when i firststarted using MAC foundation the artist who was helping me pick a foundationcolour, suggest i be a NC as i have a 'cool' complexion with no yellowundertones. I was originally swatched to the colour NC50 but i liketo alternate between the two depending on the season, or if i havecatched the sun (yes i do occasionally end up with a suntan!).

Left : NC50
Right NC45

How do i apply?

• After i have moisturized i apply a primer to my skin, and dot my studio fix liquid foundation on my forehead chin and both cheeks.
• Using the real techniques buffing brush i work in the foundation in circular motions, until it is all blended in.
• To set my foundation & for additional coverage i use the studio fix powder plus and dust all over my face using the real techniques powder brush. 

Although MAC has gone up in price sincei first started using it , i still purchase it over and over again, as it wasthe first foundation i feel suited me & my skin needs.

Coverage : Full 

Best for : Oily / Combination skin 

Price: £20.50 for 30ml Studio fix fluid foundation & £20.50 for 15g studio fix powder plus foundation

Pros: A range of colours, Last on skin all day with or without a primer, full coverage, MAC'S recycling programme
Cons: Can be seen as pricey , you have to purchase pump separate
Bottom line: I purchase this over and over again due it  . I would recommend studio fix range to anyone who wants a full coverage foundation that looks natural

What's your favourite foundation?

Vogue xx

This post was not sponsored .

Revision is taking over!

Ciao Bella!

A like many other university students, the months leading to summer exams is stressful and your social life is something no longer worth focusing on. But all that is keeping me focused is the prospect of finishing university with a good degree and the thought of freedom during the summer months! 

As I have quite a lot of revision please bear with me, as I won't be posting as frequently as I have been. But as promised a new post will be published at the least once a week.

Below is an insight into what I class as 'life’s little luxuries', making revision that little bit easier.

What's your 'life little luxury'?

Vogue xx

Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz review

Ciao Bella!

As ever I have am been on the hunt for something similar to the MAC Studio Fix+ face spritz. I wanted to try something that offered the same qualities of the Fix+, that was also gentle on the skin and less pricey!

After searching i came across the Body Shops Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz - I was excited by the fact it contained vitamin C which is a well know vitamin protect & keeping cells healthy.

how do I apply? I use this after I have applied my makeup especially after I’ve put on my MAC studio fix pressed powder to get rid of skin looking so cakey and dull. I spritz over my face with my eyes closed and allow to dry.

It really makes my face look  dewy (but not sweaty!) and my makeup look natural. In addition, it also holds my makeup in place all day - Bonus! 

Pros: Price £9 for 100ml,  hand luggage friendly size, smells great, refreshes       skin, not tested on animals, adds radiance to your skin
Cons: None so far

Bottom line: Great product definitely going to repurchase although i am not too sure how this will 'hold' my makeup during the summer months

You can purchase the spirtz online here

What's your favourite Body Shop product?

Vogue xx

This post was not  sponsored 

Peak District. . .

Ciao Bella!

Yesterday my  univeristy took us on a day trip to the Peak District, as part of our course . Thank goodness the heavens didn't open and the weather was on our side!
Being from the city its quite nice to escape to the countryside for a bit of peace and quiet without having to rush or  having to think about deadlines & exams for a short while. 


I thought i would share some of the scenes i captured . Beware! Theres a lot of greenery.

Have you been to the peak district or anywhere similar?

Vogue xx

Revlon colour stay Ultimate Suede lipstick review

Ciao Bella!

I am a big fan of Revlon cosmetics , whenever a new Revlon product launches i am always eager to try!

After much deliberation i  persuaded myself to try out a shade i wouldn't normally go for, and purchased a medium orange shade named 'designer'. I chose this after seeing how orange toned lipsticks complimented the skin tone olive/dark skin of others.

I tried this on the next day and teamed it with bonjour intense eye shadow in shade 02  (review coming soon!) ,a feline flick of eyeliner and my favourite mascara.  I was disappointed as the colour isn't as pigmented on my lips as it was when i swatched it on my hand.

After about an hour of wearing the suede lipstick it made my lips feeling dry and tacky and made them look like the lipstick was just 'sitting on top'- not attractive atal. I was disappointed deeply by this as i was excited to try out the new product and also a new shade. I've found that if i wear a lip balm before applying the colour stay lip balm, it does combat some of the dryness and the texture the lipstick leaves.


Pros: Staying power, Range of colors, Price is relatively reasonable

Cons: Leave lips feeling dry and tacky, doesn't look as orange as expected

Bottom line: Wouldn't recommend or purchase again due to the way it made my lips feel would opt for a different lipstick with a  similar shade.

Swatch in shade 'Designer'

What new colour have you braved to try?

Real technique have recently posted a spring trend for lips. Orange & citrus shade are set to take off this spring.   http://realtechniques.com/the-blog/2013/04/11/spring-lip-trend-citrus-lip-gloss/

Vogue xx

Everyone can make time for cocktails . . .

 Ciao Bella!

Its always important to take time out to relax and catch up with friends. In our busy paced lives  we ought to appreciate time spent with others enjoying their company,stories making memories.

I had the chance to take time out from university revision and working to go for cocktails with some newly made friends from university.  We opted for this recently opened bar in the center of Manchester, called Black Dog ballroom. 

The atmosphere in this place is amazing & laid back a great place to chill out! Its a unique New York styled bar,completed with pool tables & a spacious bar area.
One of the many great things about this bar is that they serve food till late! We got there at around 9pm and ordered a late dinner around half 11. I sipped on Pink Mist cocktails which contained Finlandia Vodka, crème de murè, apple juice, lemon & sugar. I love cocktails because they often taste so good and you cant taste the alcohol. 

It was a "refreshing night , with refreshing drinks and refreshing people!"
Just thought i would share a few photos from the night

Whats your favorite cocktail?

My makeup look for the evening
Lips:  MAC Rubywoo & No7 Fire lip pencil
Foundation : MAC studio fix  powder & liquid- NC45
Eyes : Bourjois intense  shade 01  - used with a makeup lock & seal  &
Collections 2000 eyeliner, Rimmel  lash accelerator Mascara 

Pouts!

1 cocktail , 2 cocktails , 3 cocktails more!

Vogue xx

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer Review

Ciao Bella!

I recently purchased two shades of the Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer , after hearing raving reviews about the new lip product. I purchased the bold bright red Big bang and also the subtle pink shade Galaxy

These lip lacquers have definitely exploded onto the beauty scence, they are 'must have' lip product of the moment. Rimmel states that the lacquers has a intense in rich colour of a lipstick, enhanced by a satin smooth shine.  The new lacquer range includes shades such as the rosy pink Nova,  bright red Big Bang and coral pink Stellar .

Left: Galaxy  & Big bang  
Right: Big Band & Galaxy

I team them with a complementing  lip liner , so that the highly pigmentated  colour lasts all day on my lips. I am using two No7 precision lip pencils in the red shade 'fire' to accompany big bang and 'Blush' to wear with galaxy.

My  favourite shade out of the two shade i purchased has to be Galaxy as i feel i can wear it everyday without my makeup looking too strong. They don't dry out your lips and leave them feeling soft and hydrated. Fingers crossed they bring out more shades, as i feel Big Bang and Galaxy were the only shades that suited my skin tone.

Left: No7's  'Blush' lip liner & Rimmel's 'Galaxy' lip lacquer
Right: Rimmel's 'Big Bang' & No 7's 'Fire' lip liner

Pros: High pigmented colour, Affordable, Last a long time on lips when used with a  lip liner, leave lips soft

Cons: Easily smudged, Not that many colours in the range

Bottom line: Would repurchase again if they bring out a more varied colour range for every skin type

Whats your favorite shade?

Vogue xx

Short trip to London

Ciao Bella!

Yesterday i had to travel down to the capital city of London for an job interview.

I had a spare 4 hours to sight see after my interview ,so took the opportunity to take the underground to London bridge and look around. 

Its amazing how many attractions are in a small amount of space. Considering its not tourist season yet till a couple of month London is unbelievably busy!

I cant wait to back down there and have a further look around , as there is so much to see. I just hope next time i visit the weather is a better.

What attractions have you been to in London?

Vogue xx

My Daily skin care routine - April 2013

Ciao Bella!

I change my skin care routine with the seasons, as i feel my skin needs changes along with the.
For example , i tend to wear a lightweight moisturizer and foundation with a SPF 15 or above in summer  and in winter my skin tends to be dry in patches so opt for a more rich moisturiser.

As Spring is newly upon us i thought i show you beauties my skincare routine is for this season.

Skin type: Oily/Combination
Skin problems : I often have a oily t-zone and tend to break out easily on my forehead.

I keep a simple facial skin care routine : cleanse , tone and moisture with a deep cleansing mask 2-3 times a week.

CLEANSE:

Because i loved the moisturiser  version of this so much, i went ahead & purchased the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Triple Action Cleanser , which reasonably  priced at £4.49 for 100ml. Its Clinically proven "100% of users showed visible results in 7 days" , & has a multiple  3 in 1 feature

  It can be used as a scrub,wash or weekly mask - More for your 

money! I have noticed that my t-zone is less oily and i haven't suffered a breakout since i 

started using it . Fingers crossed it stays this way! 

Both from the new improved visibly clear
Neutrogena range

A little goes a long way with both these products

TONE:

For my toner i use a brightening type , as on a mission to reduce pigmentation marks on my face. All toners do a similar job , as they strip the skin of oil and left behind dirt after you have cleansed. But not all toner are gentle,  some are quite harsh and can irritate your skin. 
I discovered 'Time Delay Daily Skin Health Daily Brightening Toning Water' , as i was browsing through the selection of toners on offer at my local Boots.  I was attracted to this as it claims to be a gently tone and exfoliate skin, leaving it refreshed and hydrated. It certainly does refresh & hydrate but i'm not too sure about the brightening as i have only been using a couple of days . It contains AHA, so make sure to use of an sun protection production of  SPF 15  or above during sun exposure.

Its affordably priced at £4.49 for 200ml in Boots.

Sorry this is bad picture i couldn't get the light quite right

MOISTURISE:

The moisturiser that i used during the day is  Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free Moisturiser. I never would have gone for this moisturiser but it was recommended by a friend who raved about it . It really keeps my t zone in check - no need for powdering during the day. Its reasonably priced at £4.69 for 50ml and a little goes a long way so it does last a while!

As mentioned in yesterday's post i am using the new Eucerin even brighter pigmentation reducing  cream as my night cream.

Have you had any pleasant surprises with a new products?

DEEP CLEANSING:

2-3 time a week i take time out of my University schedule to have abit of 'me time'. In this time i usually use a deep cleansing mask. I'm  currently using is Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Facial Peel 15 Minute Facial Peel.

I wasn't  a huge fan of soap & glory before trying this out, but this was given to me as a gift, so i thought there was no harm in trying it out.  I must say i have been converted!
On the first go it Made my skin really soft and subtle and helped to close pores and improve appearance of my skin (contains salicylic acid and vitamins e & c). Even weeks down the line its still having the same great effect and my t zone isn't so oily anymore.

I like multi use of the deep cleanser , as you can use it for 5 - 15 mins depending on if you wish to have a quick facial or a full 15 Minute Facial Peel.  Even though it is a little pricey (i went and checked) at £8.00 for 50ml, you can lots of applications per tub i've used it more than 15 time and i dont think its half way empty yet. Only downside to this scrub beside the price is that it smells of toothpaste. 

I have now been tempted to try out other products from their skincare range. Have any of you beauties got any recommendations? 

What's your skincare routine?


Vogue xxThis post was not sponsored.

Seventeen Doll'd up mascara review

Ciao Bella!

I received a voucher in the post to try this mascara for £2 from Boots.
Its from the recently revamped seventeen brand (previously know just numerically as 17).  It wouldn't have been my mascara of choice but at the price i thought it was worth a try.What's even better than the price, currently its 3 for 2 mix and match on all self serve cosmetics  lashes and makeup accessories in Boots.

I was excited to try it upon ready that that it could 'curl lashes for up to 24 hours. It did curl my lashes and make them look more volumized but the downfall is it also made them look 'spidery'.

Its not the best mascara for the job , as there are other better alternatives out there at a similar cost.

Bottom line : Good mascara but not great.

Pros: Price, Love the brush applicator, Curled lashes

Cons: mascara itself watery consistency , lashes looked a bit sparse/spider
What's your experience with doll'd up?

Seventeen Doll'd up  mascara £6.29 from Boots

You can purchase the mascara at your local Boots or online

Vogue xx

This post was not sponsored.