Gem & Them: beauty

Showing posts with label beauty. Show all posts

Wednesday, 9 September 2015

YouTube - GRWM Acne Full Coverage Simple Everyday School Run Look

Helloo,

Last week I started back up on YouTube again, you know 5th time lucky. I started with a vlog from mine and Corey's day out in London visiting Sealife and London Eye. So be sure to check that out by clicking here.

This week's video is a 'Get Ready With Me' based on my simple every day make-up look that I wear for the daily life of school runs etc. Except mine isn't as basic as I do a full coverage base for my acne and oily prone skin. I know some mum's wouldn't even bother with make-up. Each to their own but for confidence I wouldn't even leave the house without make-up so here is what I do.

Apologies for the voice over, I was really nervous and feeling a bit ill so I screwed up a bit but hopefully it is okay :) Pretty please with a cherry on top let me know what you think..

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL :)

DON'T FORGET TO GIVE THE VIDEO A THUMBS UP TOO PLEASE :)

There will be a new video every Wednesday, probably going up at around 8am like all my posts do - but don't count me on it. I'm a proper newbie with the whole YouTube thing and frankly I suck. But there will be a mixture of vlogs, tutorials, chit chats and a bit of everything. Pretty please subscribe to help me out, give thumbs up, let me know your thoughts and if there is anything you would like to see :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest ❤ YouTube

snapchat - sunshineblogxo

Tuesday, 25 August 2015

MAC Studio Fix Fluid & Powder Foundation - Review

Hellooo,

This time last year I took the plunge and ordered the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation which has been my absolute holy grail ever since. But I had wanted to the infamous MAC Studio Fix for a while, so I finally decided too and thought I would share my thoughts..

........................

Okay so below is pictures on how it looks on the skin. In the first picture I have done my usual skincare routine with Body Shop Tea Tree and Aveeno Cream. I have also primed with Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Primer which is silicone based so great for smoothing my uneven skin. I also use the Bare Minerals Prime Time Neutralising Primer which is yellow and looks scary, but it really does help balance out my redness and is really great.

So just a bit of background on my skin type, I am super pale and have very oily acne prone skin. It sucks but you know lots of us suffer. The shade I picked up was NW10 in both the liquid foundation and powder foundation. This is the lightest shade possible, I didn't swatch or try before hand. It seems to suit me quite well actually. Compared to Estee Lauder I have in Shell, the lightest shade which is still slightly a bit dark for me. I was told that the powder foundation oxidises and comes out darker so I admit I was a little worried. I have tried each out in many ways, however, I prefer them seperately. The liquid foundation is amazing and I have to admit may just be replacing my Estee Lauder but I do not like it with the powder foundation on top - it changes the colour and looks weird. The powder foundation on its own for when I am just relaxing at home or whatever is absolutely amazing. They both have really good full coverage. Price is expensive but I think worth it and I will certainly repurchase the liquid foundation. Hopefully they will last a long time :)

There's my review. If you have either of these please let me know your thoughts or if you have maybe a drugstore alternative I would really love to know :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest ❤ YouTube

snapchat - sunshineblogxo

Saturday, 13 June 2015

Haul: Summer/Travel Essentials & More

Helloo,

It feels like it has been a little while since I have written a post to be honest but I've been busy, busy shopping! I've finally brought enough stuff in one go to actually do a haul. From now till the end of July, I have 3 trips way - Brit Mums Live Blogging Conference, Center Parcs with the girls and family trip to Wales. Which means I have been buying some travel/summer essentials plus re-purchased some of my every day skincare beauties. All of these where picked up from Body Shop and Boots..

Boots Travel Size Toiletries

Lets start with these little bits, kind of the boring stuff of my hayl. But is it just me that finds travel size super cute?! They make me want to say 'aww' haha. Plus extra bonus they are 3 for 2 in Boots. I wanted to buy Aussie shampoo and conditioner but it was out of stock. So I came across this Charles Worthington as the packaging was colourful, says about sunshine protection so will give a go and see. Hopefully be nice! Always need toothpaste and mouthwash of course, minty fresh and all. Ok, my obsession for yummy smelling shower gels is ridicilous now. But this lemon and tea tree I am so excited to try!! I also brought deodrants, got full size though as we just last me way longer over the trips. I'm pretty sure this stuff won't last my 3 trips and will need to buy shampoo and wash stuff again - I like to use generous amounts!!

Body Shop Tea Tree Range

Okay so not really a summer or travel essential. However, I was running out of all my skincare bits so was time for me to re-purchase like I do every few months. But these will be coming with me on my travels, got to keep up the skincare regime whilst away. My skin is oily and acne prone - it's yukky and upsetting but this is the best range that I have found to help as long as I do it every day. Sometimes I get lazy at night time - don't judge me, I like sleep. But I'm determined to sort it out and help. The Tea Tree face mask is amazzzing - I prefer way more than the bloggers holy grail Glam Glow. You may see the Camomile eye make-up remover, it is so good and really is gentle so does not irritate my sensitive eyes and gets off the hardest waterproof mascaras. I just highly recommend this whole lot especially if your skin is like mine :) I've wrote about it in the past here and here.

Body Shop Virgin Mojito Range

Whilst picking up my essentials, I saw this new range. I honestly didn't think I would like the scent as it is 'Virgin Mojito' and thought it may be minty (I don't like minty)! However I have to admit I was intrigued by the cocktail maker, who wouldn't be right?! But oh my god, let me just tell you know - nicest scent ever!!!! It's kind of like a lime citrus etc. Yum! I treated myself to the cocktail maker which included the above - mini scrub, mini body butter, mini loufer thing and full size shower gel. All for £25. I thought I would try as why not, but I will be going back for the full size scrub and body butter. I'm pretty sure this is limited edition but please Body Shop make it part of the permanent range!!!

St Tropez Light/Medium Gradual Tan

I want to fake tan, always have but I am super ghost like pale. Plus the idea of having to go salon every few weeks is just long and expensive. I've tried gradual tans before but they have always been way too orange like Nivea, Garnier etc.I have a summer wedding in August and if I decide to be brave and show my legs then I want a bit of colour that won't rub off onto my clothes. So I found this in boots, a great fake tan make with a gradual tan for light skin. Yay! I've tried just on my legs once but nothing so far. I'm going to apply every other day and see what happens. If I like then I will attempt the rest of my body. Has anyone tried this before? What do you think? :) Even got the face version. It was like £18 for both but they will last a long time, for me anyways. But please single ladies tell me how you fake tan your own backs?!?!

False Lashes, etc

Here's me all for trying new things, fake tan and now false lashes. Let's start with fact that I don't wear eyeliner, it does not suit me. I love my lashes but I want a little more glam sometimes. In preparation for the wedding I thought I would try some individual lashes, I have a big blogging event next week so can test how long they last. Not sure if I will apply them right, I'm watching YouTube tutorials in a minute to try later on today for a party. Wish me luck!!

Body tape, this stuff is genious. I have the perfect dress that I love to wear but without this tape my clevage would be an open book literally. So worth it and there is like 27 pieces so lasts me for ages!! Plus picked up a handy little metal nail file for like 89p as keep losing all of mine.

There you have it some of my purchases to help for my trips away :) A major essential which is on its way in the post is Urban Decay setting spray to help hold my make-up all day for my oily skin - don't go a day without it. I may do a post on what's in my travel make-up bag - what do you think?

Let me know in comments your absolute top 3 essentials for travel?

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest ❤ YouTube

Monday, 30 March 2015

Latest In Beauty: Dream Box 3.

Helloo,

I love the whole idea of the beauty boxes but I don't like the monthly subscriptions not knowing what my money is going on. I feel like I would be disappointed and don't want to waste money. Last year I discovered Latest In Beauty and their fabulous boxes. They are a bit more pricey and it varies but you get a lot more content and it isn't regular subscription - you simple pick when you want if you like.

Last year I grabbed British Beauty Blogger Dream Box, I'm not sure if it was the first or second one - read it here. But I was so overly impressed, everything was so good and I found my new favourite ever mascara the Too Faced Better Than Sex and Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream! Both which are now in my daily routine. I saw the third edition of the box was out a little while ago, and I made sure I grabbed one as they always sell out so quickly. So here is a look at what was inside:

**I apologise for the bad quality photos - I wasn't feeling very well yesterday so photos suffered from this :(**

Latest In Beauty: British Beauty Blogger's Dream Box 3

Eyes Of Horus Teal Eye Pencil - £17

Benefit They're Real Remover - £14.50

Essence Nail Polish x 2 - £1.80

Dr Organic Lip Balm - £3.49

The Scottish Fine Soaps Company Luxury Soap - £4.95

Orelia Gold Temporary Tattoos - £5

Deciem Hand Chemistry - £18.99

Vita Liberata Tan Lotion - £37.50

Roger & Gallet Fleur De Figuier Fragrance Water Spray - £32

Crabtree & Evelyn Pear & Magnolia Body Lotion - £16

Salon Science Soothing Serum - £18

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser - £24

Makeup Revolution The One Fluid Blush - £3

Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Mask - £18.50

Bourjois Rouge Velvet Lip Cream - £8.99

Swatches (from left to right) - Bourjois, Makeup Revolution and Eye Of Horus

Jane, the mastermind behind these dream boxes because of her amazing blog British Beauty Blogger. She is incredibly knowledge of all things beauty and you can tell she puts a lot of effort into choosing only products she would recommend and use herself. The box is supplied with 16 goodies, some full or sample size, some products the colours may vary for each box. The box then also comes with a leaflet explaining each product along with some offers for the companies too. It cost £21.95 altogether with free delivery.

Makeup is more my thing than skincare but I am really looking forward to test out everything especially the teal eye liner and a lip balm with moroccan oil sounds really interesting!! Will be trying out the gold temporary tattoos on my next night out, something fun and different to play around with :)

Thank you Jane for yet another fantastic box!

I don't get to try out new products very often as money is limited, I rather stick to what I know and like. That's why these boxes are so great as I get different brands that I would never of thought of before, all for such a great price. I actually have another review coming next week on the Latest In Beauty Party In Prep Box.

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook ❤ Pinterest

Tuesday, 6 January 2015

Everyday Make-Up; What's My Face Worth?!

Helloo,

Roughly around a year ago, when I first start blogging - I had absolutely no clue what so ever into make-up. But now thanks to all the beauty bloggers influence from pretty pictures to raving reviews, my collection has grown and improved vastly.

So I decided it was time to update my 'Whats My Face Worth?' and see how much the price differs. You can check out lasts years by clicking here, the total cost being £81.21

Lets take a look at what products I use now:

Apologies for the poor photography skills, I was feeling a bit lazy last night and the lighting was poor!

The result:

Now lets work out the cost:

No 7 Colour Calming Green Primer - £10.50

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - £29.50

No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation - £13.50

Soap & Glory Archery Brow Duo - £8

Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette - £37

L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara - £10.99

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara - £17.50

MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Mascara - £14.50

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara - £19

Rimmel Scandel Eyes Kohl Eyeliner - £3.99

Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder - £15

Body Shop Honey Bronzer - £13

Benefit Blush Palette - £29.50

MAC Soft & Gentle Highlighter - £23

Boots Soltan Moisturising Suncare Stick (Lip stuff) - £3.99

No 7 High Shine Intense Lip Crayon - £9

Drumroll please.. The total cost is £257.97

Whattt?! How crazy is that!! I am actually shocked it costs this much. Baring in mind that does not even include my skincare routine that I use daily too. Such a BIG difference to last year - actually a £176.76 difference!

I tend to use blush and eyeshadow palettes because I can mix it up each day for a bit of variety. Right, so 4 mascara's isn't necessary and does add up a bit but I am very fussy when it comes to my lashes - I can't stand gaps! Sometimes I also use my MAC lipsticks of course as they are a beauty - Plumful being my favourite :) I actually found using the No7 foundation works better as a concealer around my t-zone to keep my oiliness away for the day!

It seems like quite a lot for just everyday make-up, I do realise that but I have very bad skin so I need complete full coverage on my base. Then as for my eyebrows and lashes, they are complete blonde naturally so take a lot of work to not look odd!

How much do you reckon your daily make-up is worth?! Dare you to add it up ;)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

Tuesday, 11 November 2014

Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot Gift Set Review

Hellooo,

I have a really exciting gift set to show today, Benefit Cheeky Sweet Spot. Which for the first time ever is a blush set, not with just one but 5 blush, 1 bronzer and 1 highlighter. Keep reading to find out more :)

I first came across this set because of Gemma from Miss Makeup Magpie, you can see her post on it by clicking here.

Okay so I am not usually a fan of Benefit, I hold my hands up and admit that - please do not shoot. I was not keen on the cult product They're Real Mascara but I do however love Bad Gal Lash Mascara which I use on a daily basis. I also love It's Potent Eye Cream but why are the prices so expensive?!

I had however ALWAYS wanted to try one of their blushes, but at £23.50 for roughly 7g I couldn't justify it. Plus I wouldn't of been able to choose just one. So when this kit came out, it was the perfect way for someone like me to try a few of them all :)

So here is swatches, not the greatest so I do apologise - pictures taken in the sunlight:

Left to Right - Hoola, Dandelion, Bella Bamba, Sugar Bomb, Rockateur and Coralista

This retails at £29.50 which I thought was such a good price. It was also a pleasant surprise when it actually came in a metal tin box which I was not expecting. But this gift set is in fact a bargain. You see, remember how I just said that it is £23.50 for 7g well all 6 of these in this gift set are 5g. So not much difference really?!

I don't even know what I can say about this set because clearly everyone knows how good Benefit is and it is too pretty to refuse to buy? Besides being an absolute bargain, they are all so pretty and pigmented. They are buildable though :) It is just everything you want out of blushes but in a set with choice. My favourite is Rockateur, which is actually the UK No.1 selling blush!

So what do you think? Are you going to go pick this up? :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

Tuesday, 23 September 2014

Skincare Saviours

Hellooo,

I recently posted about Body Shop Tea Tree Range (view here) which is so totally amazing for those who suffer with acne and/or oily skin like myself. Today I thought I would share some other skincare recommendations that I have found fairly amazing :)

Aveeno

I was actually prescribed this from a Dermatologist at the Hospital when receiving acne medicine called 'Roaccutane'. The specific one I have is meant for dry skin (what the tablets did) and is natural etc. But to my surprise it is very moisturising BUT it is also mattifing - it is brilliant for oily skin sufferers like myself! A real must have :) No moisturiser has worked this good. Great for under make-up and only a tiny amount is needed as quite thick but doesn't feel it once applied to skin. Because using only a tiny amount it lasts soo long. Plus a reasonable price at around roughly £5 in Boots.

Sudocrem

So somewhere in the blogisphere on Twitter, a long time ago now I saw someone mention that Sudocrem is great for acne. Oh I so didn't believe them but thought I would try any ways and I was shocked! I am not sure why it works, but it does and really well. It seems to dry them out which gets rid of them. I wouldn't say it is for an all over face kind of thing, but if you want quick results on the odd spot then this is by far the best I have found. I dot on the cream to targeted areas (do not rub in) and just leave over night or if I am having a lazy day. Not very attractive but it can work over night, literally but usually 2 or 3 nights and they are gone :)

Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream

I received a sample in a beauty box once and with using twice daily. I really noticed a difference, a big difference. It really lightened my whole under eye area, got rid of dark circles and blue vein line bits. I can't tell you much about wrinkles as I don't have any (yet!). It is quite a thick cream so you do not need much at all but still sits nicely under make-up. My sample like shown in the picture has lasted me a little over 3 months. This is soo good and honestly because it lasted so long, it is well worth buying the big size they offer but I am still reluctant as it is so expensive at £23.50!!! (money I just don't have at the moment but if you do, treat yourself now and you won't regret it)

There you have it, a few of the other little tricks I use :) Do you have any other useful tips or tricks that you could share?! Especially for acne/oily skin.

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

Tuesday, 12 August 2014

#bodyUNashamed

Hellooo,

A post a little different to the normal on here, but today I am talking about Body Shaming.

Growing up I was bullied, a fair bit to be honest. The fat ginger girl who had bad acne - well not much going for me there is it really?! I forever spent my teens trying to grow up in a hurry, thinking as we got older maybe it would stop. To some extent it does. But adults still bully, not out right as such but slyly. For example, you see all over the "news" celebrities that have put on weight whilst pregnant or just in general. How that is actual news is beyond me? Front page of magazines, celebrities being slated for cellulite on their beach bodies?

No man or women is perfect. We all have our little imperfections. But we are who we are and that is what makes us who we are.

I am a rather larger size at the moment, I wish I wasn't. If I worked hard enough, I could lose it but I don't want too at the moment. Okay I do. But I don't have the energy too! Why should I be ashamed of my size? If and when I lose weight, I know its because I need to for my health. Not because doctors or society say I am obese! Frankly, what has it got to do with anyone else? My weight doesn't impact anyone else besides myself and maybe my family. But if the man and child who loves me is okay with it, then why shouldn't anyone else be?

One of my favourite bloggers, Penny from www.lilliesandlove.co.uk actually set up this little project. Not that as blogger's we can change the world, this mean soceity that we live in. But its a start! Why look at the negativity when we can focus on the positive?

So I have been paired up with a lovely fellow blogger, I will choose 3 things to share about her and then 3 things about myself! I understand this is about body shaming, but honestly I have chose some personality traits too as I am more of a believe that it is the inside that counts! :) Plus if you feel good inside, you will feel good on the outside - hence a bit more confidence :)

Julie Roo

1. A very inspirational woman with a caring nature. As part of #TeamHonk - a blogger's team who fundraise for Sports Relief. They did a massive relay race, it was that amazing that an elephant attended!! Also Sky Dived in remembrance of #MatildaMae raising money for The Lullaby Trust :)

2. Julie has an amazing figure, I am insanely jealous of Julie's legs!! I feel like I don't even need to talk about this too much as the picture just speaks for itself. She is just naturally beautiful :)

3. A lovely caring mum, to two beautiful boys & the cutest dog!

Mee

A lot of us were saying on Twitter how we couldn't write this part because frankly we don't like anything about ourselves, at first I was going to ask my boyfriend for 3 things he liked about me. But Penny reminded me this whole thing is to try and make people feel confident, better about themselves. Myself included, so I must give it a go -

1. I don't know if this counts as such, but I would like to think that I am a good mummy - the best I can be anyways. He is my whole focus, my whole life and I wouldn't be who I am today without my little rascal! :)

2. I like that I am a caring person, I am the one my friends come to when they need advise or a bit of a rant. I listen, give advice and known for being the agony aunt. If I weren't so emotional then I would have loved to be a Psychiatrist!

3. Ermmm, my eyes - I like the colour of blue they are and because Corey has the same eyes as me :)

I admit I struggled to write about myself but could have found so many more reasons why Julie is so wonderful! I guess it is easy to find things about someone else but when it comes to yourself, you can't look past the imperfections you feel.

If you follow the hashtag #bodyUNashamed you can see every one else's posts too! I think in all around 65 of us are taking part - how cool is that!

So there you have it, my #bodyUNashamed post :) I am proud to take part in such a great cause to help myself and others feel better about ourselves, try to boost self confidence! Can you find 3 things you like about yourself? :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

Wednesday, 6 August 2014

Body Shop Tea Tree Collection Review

Hellooo,

Today is another beauty related post after my big birthday beauty haul. I am reviewing the Body Shop Tea Tree Collection. I don't have all of it, but seem to have collected most of it :)

I started off with just the Pore Minimiser, then I wanted the Night Lotion but they had 40% off so got a few more bits. Then I went back for even more with another brilliant offer of £25 off a £50 spend. Honestly, they always have deals on - it is great :) Makes everything such a bargain and I don't feel as guilty for spending!

I have always had really bad acne from a young age, it finally started to clear with the really strong medication Roaccutane. But this stuff is so strong with many side affects and well you can't be on it forever. So as my time was up, and thanks to all the beauty bloggers I realised I needed to step up my skincare routine. When I was in my early teens, my dad used to take me into Body Shop and treat me to bits like the lovely Mango Body Butter as he always swore by the Hemp Hand Protector as a gardener he had really rough yukky hands!

Squeaky Clean Scrub £6.50 - "Unclogs pores without over-drying the skin"

Facial Wash £5 - "Removes impurities for clearer looking skin"

Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser £5 - "Removes impurities and excess oil for clearer looking skin"

Facial Toner £5 - "Sweeps away traces of impurities for clearing looking skin. Leaves skin looking mattified"

Skin Clearing Lotion £8 - "Lightweight hydration with shine-control for clearer looking skin"

Night Lotion £9 - "Helps improve the appearance of blemish damaged skin"

Blemish Gel £6 - "Targeted care. Instantly cools and soothes"

Pore Minimiser £7.50 - "Pores look small, skin feels purer. Smoothes, primes and instantly mattifies"

Face Mask £10 - "Instantly cools and lifts away impurities"

Now all together that is £62 which seems like alot, but actually it is not when you think how much you get from it. When say something like Glam Glow Mud Mask is £39 on its own! Plus like I say they always have deals on, if you get 40% off that would make it £37.20, saving you £24.80 - BARGAIN!!

All of these do exactly as it says, the Roaccuntane medicine that I was on would get rid of excess oils which was what helped the most I feel. Now sadly my face is producing these again, these skincare bits really help. Sometimes I feel like it is too drying but it isn't, but you really do feel the difference immediately. It completely mattifies!!

It has honestly been absolute years since I wore face masks, I honestly don't know why as I used to love them and I have re-found my love again finally :) I put it on whilst Corey was in the bath one evening and he found it so funny, thought I was hulk - don't know whether to laugh or be offended at that!

Also, in the Tea Tree range, they have - Cool and Creamy Wash, Cleansing Wipes, Oil, Body Wash, BB Cream and Concealer. They also have these great kits which qualify for a discount, these are permanent:

SOS kit £10 - Oil, Pore Minimiser

Essential kit £12.90 - Cleanser, Facial Toner, Clearing Lotion

Ultimate kit £22.10 - Squeaky Clean Scrub, Cleanser, Facial Toner, Clearing Lotion, Night Lotion

I absolutely LOVE this stuff, works really well all together and would 100% recommend to anyone, especially for those who are oily and acne prone like myself. It's been a god send! All for such a great price too :) I really want to try the BB Cream, usually I am not a fan of these but one that is directed at acne and oily skin may be worth it?! Anyone tried? :)

I have to admit I am gutted I haven't done before and after pictures to show you the amazing difference, but in about a month I will report and have pictures to completely show what this range does to ones skin!

Do you have any top tips or products for oily or acne skin? :) Would love to know!

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

Wednesday, 30 July 2014

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

Helloo,

Today we are talking about Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. For well over a couple of months now this has been on the top of my wishlist, I keep wondering whether I should get it but because of the excessive price tag - I didn't. But fellow bloggers Alice, Erin and Kal kept enabling me, I honestly blame them but I do not regret my purchase at all. You can see my big beauty haul with other goodies by clicking here.

Price: £29 .. Size: 30 ml .. Shade: Shell .. SPF: 10

According to Boots - "This remarkably lasting, yet lightweight makeup wears comfortably up to 12 hours. Provides a natural finish and sun protection all in one. This worry-free, long-wearing foundation stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity, nonstop activity"

First of I tried samples which I picked up in my local town, in the two lightest shades Shell and Cool Bone as I was testing on my hand, I didn't want to risk it. First few days trial and to be honest I wasn't impressed to be honest. But after much deliberation I realised it was actually the powder I was using, No 7 Perfectly Light Translucent Powder, I know it says Translucent, but it isn't as much as pure white powders are. So I got MAC Prep & Prime Translucent Setting Powder and it was 100% better. I realised Shell was my perfect tone colour and it works brilliant. I have to admit though this foundation was better without a primer, I knew this because of 'Shaaanxo YouTube First Impressions Video' so I tested it and she was correct! I was testing MAC Prep & Prime Skin Base and would find after a couple of hours I would need touching up. Switched the primer for Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray and wowza, it lasts ALL day - I am very impressed!! I have also found that I have to add No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation to nose, cupid bow and chin where I get most oily, just tiny bit buffed in on top works really well to lock in my oils.

I have very oily skin, it gives me the most beautiful dewy light feel matte coverage. I have to work quickly before it dries. It is a thin runny consistency though but you I don't know how to explain it. It isn't natural looking though, not on my skin anyways but so much better than any foundation I have tried because it is so thin. Sometimes I feel as if I need to check that I have any foundation on! If I get hot, it feels like I am sweating off the make-up but I am not, it will still be in place. For work, days out etc it is really good. After a very long extremely hot day at Legoland, it was in place and certainly was a good testing, but I didn't need to bother blotting either. It wasn't the greatest by the end of the day and it certainly isn't waterproof but it was a good effort!

It doesn't come with a pump, you pay £29.50 - it is silly! At the moment, I have been just pouring into the back of my hand but I honestly feel as if it is running out too quickly. I have now purchased MAC Standard Pump for £4 which fits luckily and will hopefully help :)

On the Estee Lauder website itself, it has over 600 reviews scoring a 4.7 score out of 5 and that is just amazing odds right?! It lives up to everything it is claimed to be. It's the price tag of £29.50 for a bottle of foundation and it doesn't even come with a pump. But it is worth it and you won't regret it but use it sparingly :)

There is also Estee Lauder Double Wear Light which is a sort of alternative BB cream kind of, Kal has a comparison here if you prefer a lighter coverage foundation for every day!

Have you tried this before, what are your thoughts? :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

Tuesday, 29 July 2014

21st Birthday: Beauty Haul

Helloo,

I swear this is the last of my 21st Birthday posts, another haul :) You can see my previous one by clicking here which includes some disney bits and more. This post is for all you #bbloggers who keep enabling me with all your reviews and suggestions! I went a big overly happy handing out my card in the shops, so this really is a BIG beauty haul :)

**Warning - Picture Heavy Post**

DEBENHAMS

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Urban Decay De-Slick Make-Up Setting Spray, MAC Prep + Prime Translucent Setting Powder. MAC Soft & Gentle, MAC Sharon Osbourne Eye Shadow Quad

THE BODY SHOP

PassionFruit Shower Gel, TeaTree Night Lotion, TeaTree Lotion, TeaTree Cleanser, TeaTree Facial Wash, TeaTree Face Scrub, Eye Mask

Not Pictured (awaiting delivery) - TeaTree Facial Toner, TeaTree Blemish Gel, Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, TeaTree Face Mask, Camomile Cleansing Butter, Muslin Cloth

ALLBEAUTY.COM

GlamGlow Super Mud Clearing Face Mask, Real Techniques Sams Picks Brush Set

BOOTS

Real Techniques Miracle Sponge, Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder, Bourjois Color Burst Lipstick, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, Collection Creme Puff Lipcream, Bourjois Cream Blush, Rimmel Scandel Eyes Kohl Eyeliner in Purple and Blue. Free Gift - Bourjois Sunglasses!

MAC

Girl About Town Lipstick, Eyeshadows All That Glitters and Woodwinked

As you can tell, I brought far too much but only 21 once right?! I haven't wrote about anything besides what it is because it would just be far too long and I will be doing proper reviews soon - so let me know in the comments which bits you want to see a review of first :)

Love, Gemma xo

Twitter ❤ Instagram ❤ BlogLovin ❤ Facebook

**Disclaimer - I have brought all of these with money given by family for my birthday**