Make-up for the Summer

It is finally summer time and I cannot wait to to go away and enjoy basking in the sun!

Following this post are going to be detailed individual posts containing make-up products I am loving to use this summer :). I thought it would be useful for anyone interested in trying out products I personally rate highly.

Summer 2012, Kalkan Turkey

On holiday I prefer to wear less make-up as I see the summer as an opportunity to let my skin breathe.  Everyone freaks out about the sun and of course it is important to apply the correct SPF suncream throughout the day but also it is important to realise that your skin does need the sun to produce Vitamin D (you can obtain it from diary products among other things but not in as large amounts as from the sun). I am no expert but I have learnt that Vitamin D is essential for bone health as well as prevention from some major health risks. The darker your skin is, the more sun you require to produce the same amount of vitamin D as fairer skins. Anyways moving away from the science talk and towards the make-up bit…

My first post will entail my make-up summer essentials for my eyes (should be up on my blog tomorrow) and then each other face area shall follow. This just prevents each post from being extremely long. Hope you enjoy :)

Summer 2012, Nice France

Bobbi Brown - Luxe Sparkle Powder in Veil *LIMITED EDITION*

The packaging is not the usual black packaging but instead mirrored. 

I saw this as I was walking past the Bobbi Brown stand and had to swatch it to see what it was like.

It is the most stunning shimmer I have ever seen (extreme I know).

It can be used in a multiple number of ways. Defined as a 'sparkle powder' that can be used as a body glitter on nights out or on holiday. It can also be used as a shimmer highlighter and eyeshadow. Personally I prefer it just as a light body glitter on my décolletage and I cannot wait to properly use it when I go away this summer :)

 These photos do not give this glitter powder justice, so definitely go see it in the store and swatch it :) Also don't forget it is limited edition so shall not be on the shelves long if you want it.

• It is limited edition and costs £36.00
• Where you can buy it from: Selfridges, Harrods, John Lewis
• Bobbi Brown website (USA)

Youtube!!

I have decided to join Youtube!

I have loved blogging over the past year and I've decided that it is time for me to try Youtube.
Of course I will still blog, but I hope to join the two together.

This is the link to my welcome video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvyDG5Vdlc8

This is the link to my first proper video, Colours of the Rainbow TAG
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7T4MP86DZCM

Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner

Although I love my Nuxe lip balm, I'm always on the hunt for an even better lip balm. I also feel the Nuxe lip balm is more suited as a night treatment because of its thick consistency. It is also quite matte which is not what I usually want my lips to look like during the day.

Jo Malone is such a smart luxurious brand, selling lovely candles and shower gel along with many other products that are well known and loved. The lip conditioner is part of the Vitamin E Collection that Jo Malone offers. I have not tried any of the other products from the collection as of yet but I have been using this lip balm for quite a while now and am quite pleased with it.

If you didn't know already, I suffer from Eczema and have extremely dry cracked lips all the time, which means not only do I have to be careful what I put on my skin but I also have a large interest in finding products that work well.

The lip balm is extremely soothing on the lips and doesn't sting at all when you apply it. It has a subtle vanilla scent and a syrup-like consistency (although I wouldn't describe it as sticky). It keeps my lips moisturised for a long time and doesn't need to be reapplied multiple times throughout the day. It is presented in a simple yet elegant black tube which is the perfect size to store in small handbag if needed. I quite like that its not in a tub because I hate having to dip my fingers in which is actually quite unhygienic especially if I'm out for the whole day.

There is something really addictive about this lip balm that I do not think other cheaper lip balms have. Yes, it is extremely expensive for a lip balm and you could easily make do with Carmex or Vaseline but it is always nice to treat yourself sometimes and buy things on the one off. You may even find, like myself that this lip balm actually significantly improves your dry lips whereas the cheaper brands are just a temporary fix.

• £22 for 15ml
• Jo Malone Vitamin E Collection
• My review on Nuxe Paris Lip Balm

Nars blush in Sin

My Nars blush collection is really growing now with the addition of Sin!

This is a gorgeous deep rose shade with a slight shimmer that when applied doesn't overpower your face with glitter. 

This blush is much more wearable than other Nars blushes such as Orgasm, and a little definitely goes a long way in application. It reminds of of my Benefit blush in Dallas which I also love, and has a very similar texture as well as colour.

It is slightly more softer in texture than other Nars blushes I own. It is also not a difficult shade to match with a lipstick with as there are many many lipstick and glosses that are similar and/or complementary colours to Sin.

I still think the packaging is slightly annoying because although its sleek and neat, it also gets dirty easily.

• £21.00
• Link to my previous Post on two other Nars blushes.
• http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk
• John Lewis
• Sorry for the lack of posts! Been extremely busy with uni. xoxo

Clarins Paris - Instant Eye Make-Up Remover

Ok so I have another make-up remover review. I have never bought anything from Clarins before because I have seen it as a brand more targeted at mature skin. I was buying a present and was pulled into buying this. It cost £16.50 which for its size is quite expensive but not the most expensive removers I've seen out there.

At least now I have a positive review to tell you about!

This make-up remover is an oily consistency and needs to be shaken to mix the two layers together. I then pour the product onto a cotton pad and hold it over my eyes for about 10 seconds for the product to start breaking down my makeup -especially my mascara. Then I gently pull away the pad repeatedly to remove the product, sometimes softly rubbing my eye to remove the stubborn liquid liner and mascara. I find that one pad is enough for each eye (if you wear little make-up, one would be enough for both).

This makeup remover really breaks down my makeup so well! I really feel an oily liquid is the best method to remove make up and I have decided that cream make-up remover like the Yes to Carrots one I previously reviewed see here are just not for me. It does not at all sting my eyes or my skin when use it, and really doesn't make removing make-up such a chore. Being an oil means that it doesn't dry out my skin and leaves it feeling really silky and soft.

When shaken, it turns this colour ^. As you can see in this photo only a fraction has been used, probably a weeks worth of product. Now however I'm nearly finished and really don't want the bottle to end :(.

• £16.50 for 125ml
• Clarins website
• Clarins website on this eye make-up remover

Origins - Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Soothing Face Cream

Ok so you guys must think I'm crazy for spending SO much money on a face cream. I did resist slightly when it was time to hand over the money. My skins been really dry from the wintery weather recently and really needed some intense TLC!!

This well known face cream promises to calm and soothe the skin as well as reduce redness and sensitivity. It contains Narcissus Lily Bulb which reduces ageing.

I apply it morning and night and it looks like it will last me a long time. The cream is thick and luxurious and not much is needed to cover the whole face. It provides a great base for my make-up in the mornings as well as fully hydrating my skin in the evenings. It gives the same results as face masks in my opinion, really freshening up my face.

The cream comes in a lovely dark green tub and is just very simple and old school which I like. It also has a very unusual smell that I can't quite describe which personally I am not keen on but it does not bother me enough to not use it.

Due to it's expensive price tag, I can't say that when I eventually run out I will be rushing out for a refill, although it really is a fantastic cream if you have dry skin. 

If you can afford it, then I would definitely recommend it (see price below) however for me, if I had some extra money lying around then maybe I would be tempted to repurchase. Shame :(

• Cost £46.00
• Origins website