Laura Mercier Primer Review

A good foundation primer can be a makeup Godsend to a busy girl! A product which helps your makeup last all day long without it fading or looking patchy is a product worth having! So i've decided to review one of my all-time favourite products, Laura Mercier's Foundation Primer.

What is it?

A velvety-smooth base for your foundation to be applied over for a smoother application and longer lasting make-up. Laura Mercier primer also comes in oil-free or hydrating, if you have particularly dry or oily skin. I use all three in my professional make-up kit.

Where can i buy it and how much does it cost?

I get mine from Space.NK and it costs £28.00

How do you use it?

Simply apply with fingers or a foundation/buffing brush (fingers are the best tool for this in my opinion!) Then apply your foundation over the top,

This Laura Mercier primer feels practically weightless on your skin, applies easily and a little goes a long way.When applying foundation over this I can instantly feel a difference in how my foundation applies, it automatically feels stay-put but without feeling dry or sticky.

What does it do?

Exactly what it's supposed to do! This primer has been my go-to primer for years and there is a reason for that. It provides an incredibly smooth base for any make-up to be applied onto and also helps from letting your make-up settle into fine lines as well as giving your make-up a little more longevity by preventing it being sucked up into your pores the moment you apply it!

What does Porscha think?

I have thoroughly put this primer to the test and it really does work. It helps my makeup survive through the likes of wild nights out, the harsh effects of our Great British weather, my half-hearted gym workouts (aka posing sessions), and long days at work which occasionally develop into long evenings at work! All in all this gets a big thumbs up from me and I don't put on foundation without applying a layer of this stuff first! So if you want budge-proof makeup go grab yourself some!

Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask Review

Having won the Allure Editors Choice Best of Beauty Awards in 2008 for Best Deep Cleansing Mask and with rave reviews from the sales assistant who recommended this to me, i had high hopes from the start for this face mask. Falling victim to a few spots recently, I wanted a product that would deep cleanse my skin inside out and leave me with the cleanest face in the West!

What is it?

A five minute face mask which can be used in a thin layer daily to tackle issues with both dry and oily skin types or a thick layer can be used once or twice a week to maintain unclogged pores and firm hydrated skin.

Where can i buy it and how much does it cost?

I got mine from Space.NK and it cost £29.00

How do you use it?

Just dispense some of the product out using the mess-free pump. It comes out in a thick creamy consistency so its really easy to apply all over your face, avoid getting any on your eyebrows because apparently it can lighten them! Apply a thick layer if you are using it once or twice a week and a thin layer if you want to use it daily to correct particularly oily or dry skin. Upon application it will turn to a foam all over your face, leave it for five minutes then rinse of with warm water or simply wipe off without water for a more hydrating effect.

What does it do?

This face mask gives your pores a really deep cleanse, it lifts away all impurities like dirt, oil and makeup residue, leaving you with spangly clean skin! It also creates a hydrating barrier for your face and contains soy protein which has anti-ageing properties and helps firm your skin.

What does Porscha think?

This isn't your average face mask, this is an innovative product and is a far cry from the £1.99 face masks in sachets you can pick up in Superdrug! If you are looking for something noticeably effective then you must try this.

After just the first time using this, i wiped it off with warm water to find my face looked so...clean! Yes my face is clean all the time but this was a new level of clean! I have to say i found the foaming action of this mask rather amusing, it puffs right out and adds about half an inch thickness to your face but it is certainly gentle. I barely feel like i have anything on my face for the five minutes its on. Also because it does only take five minutes its not something you'd have to meticulously plan out when you want to use it, you can just slap it on before or after your shower in the morning or evening and you're done.

I like the fact that it is ideal for all skin types and can help rebalance particularly oily or dry skin. I also like the lotion-esque consistency of this product when it comes out of the pump, it makes it such a pleasure to apply and certainly beats the too light serum type masks and the way too heavy clay type masks. It's only drawback is the price, it isn't cheap at £29.00 a pop for an 118ml bottle considering that you need to cover your whole face in a thick layer of the stuff i doubt it will last a particularly long time.

Overall this is an effective product but not an essential thing to have in your bathroom cabinet, this is more of a luxury product or something i'd recommend you use if you are having some problems with your skin.

Rating

4 out of 5

Sarah Chapman Facial Massager Review

Sarah Chapman (who has been dubbed The Queen of Facials) is renowned for her Skenisis facial which has been featured in countless magazines including Vogue and Tatler and is enjoyed by an array of V.I.P clientele at her clinic in Chelsea. Well now we are able to enjoy the amazing benefits of Sarah Chapman's signature facial in the comfort of our own home and in the space of just a couple of minutes...Say hello to the Sarah Chapman Facialift Massager!

What is it?

A plastic wishbone shaped device with rolling, massaging nodules on two ends and a tapping disc on the other end.

Where can i buy it and how much does it cost?

I got mine from Space.NK and it cost £25

How do you use it?

Holding the massager you can gently press and roll the nodules over your face and neck. This action mimics the effects of Sarah Chapman's Skenisis facial. Holding from the opposite end you can use the tapping disc to tap all over your face, this is especially good to get to the delicate under-eye area.

What does it do?

The massaging and tapping actions increase blood circulation, helping the flow of oxygen through the skin, this promotes lymphatic drainage, which effectively helps drain toxins from the skin resulting in an awakened face and reduced facial puffiness. The refining and toning benefits of the massaging nodules also help to lift and tighten the skin and release tension in the jaw. And as if that wasn't enough, all this action helps to instantly brighten a dull complexion.

What does Porscha think?

I first spotted this interesting tool on Space.NK’s website and was quite keen to try it because I was fed up of my 'morning puffy face' which I would sometimes feel was coming with me into the afternoon and the evening! Therefore I was on the lookout for a product I could use daily, first thing in the morning to hit my puffy just-woken-up face on the head before I start the day and this facial massager appeared to tick all the boxes.

Because it is such a simple concept i did have my reservations but after my very first usage of this contraption my suspicions were immediately put to rest.

The feeling of the massaging nodules is divine and is actually like nothing i have ever felt before and i have had many a facial in my time. Another great thing about this is that as i mentioned earlier it is ridiculously easy to use, you simply pick it up and roll it on your face...thats caveman-easy! A major plus point about this product is how quick it is to use, I can do this for a few minutes in the morning after i've washed/cleansed my face and then proceed to use my toner and moisturiser, it fits so snugly into my morning routine it was as if i was never without it!

All in all this is a good product which will never exactly run out or wear down so for it's £25 price tag its not a bad deal at all. It's not going to work miracles but after i use this i can certainly notice a difference, it gives my face a kick start and my skin looks more perky and awake and feels refreshed. Providing you don't expect to roll this over your skin for a few minutes and come away suddenly looking like Megan Fox then you should give it a go!

Rating

4 out of 5

Beauty On A Budget

In the current economic climate a lot of us are having to make some sensible financial cutbacks. But don’t feel as though you have to miss out on your favourite beauty goodies. Here are 5 Fabulous tips for staying beautiful on a budget!

Boots Advantage Card

Ok so this bad boy is on the top of the list. The good ol’ Boots advantage card is the most generous loyalty card scheme in the UK. Basically you receive between one and four points for each pound you spend in store. The points really do rack up quickly if, like me, you like to do a big drugstore makeup and beauty haul from time to time, not to mention all your basic toiletries. You can then use your points to pay for purchases in store! Also, advantage card holders receive bonus gifts and promotions from time to time. Definitely worth getting as it costs nothing acquire one!

Samples

Ok so how many times have we, as hardened makeup and beauty fiends, steamed through a makeup or beauty department and convinced ourselves that we need every single miracle cream, brightening elixir and plumping lip gloss in sight, and then with slightly jaded judgement promptly purchased them all. Even just one whimsical purchase can be an unnecessary dent to our purses. That’s why samples are so helpful. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples of products when you are at beauty counters, providing you have a genuine interest in the product and aren’t just looking to nab freebies then there’s no reason why the assistant shouldn’t give you them.  It gives you a great chance to test out the product and see what you think of it. A great time to grab samples is when you are making a purchase at a beauty counter/store, the sales assistant can recommend various things for you to try out.

Trade Shows and Exhibitions

So technically makeup and beauty ‘trade shows’ are for people in the trade of makeup and beauty but there are some which allow the general public to get in on the act also. Plus there are lots of exhibitions and events which are open to everyone. These shows and exhibitions are a platform for brands to promote and get their product out there, therefore you will find tons of bargains and great value promotions as well as possibly discovering some new brands or trying out some new products. All that and a day out too!

Get Creative

Not only is it cost efficient but it can also be super fun to get creative and use natural items to create your own homemade beauty products. We all know that you can use various mashed fruits and veggies to make amazing face masks but also you can use other natural items to create things such as hair treatments and firming eye coolants. Get Googling and you will find a treasure trove of recipes for yummy homemade beauty goodies. Then you can get the girls over and make a night of it!

Shop Online

There are so many discount makeup and beauty stores online. A lot of them sell past season cosmetics at a ridiculously low price as well as having a discount on the current season cosmetics. You can also find a lot of discontinued products will still be available online and at a fraction of the cost. Plus there is almost always a sale section of the site where you can bag even more bargains!

Make Up Store

So I recently discovered Make Up Store. I actually stumble upon this shop whilst i was out in Thailand last month. Having tanned way more than i'd expected i needed to get a new foundation and powder to see me through the rest of my holiday. Whilst trawling through Patong in desperate search for a M.A.C store i was confronted by what looked like an unabashed M.A.C store impostor! When i realised i wasnt going to find a M.AC store i let myself wonder into Make Up Store and check it out...

After playing around with a few of their products and seeing the impressive selection that they had to offer i was eventually convinced enough to purchase some makeup! I got a concealer wheel featuring three shades varying from red to yellow undertones and I also purchased a foundation and a loose powder. After having now given these products a good run i'm pleased to say i'm impressed.

Concealer Wheel: I use the concealer wheel everyday! Its hugely convenient having those three essential shades in one handy pot  to mix and match to your own delight.

Loose Powder: The powder comes in a massive pot so i don't see it running out anytime soon therefore its great value and it powders on very easily and has a great non-cakey finish, you do just need to be careful to use this sparingly though.

Liquid Foundation: The liquid foundation is good, its very fast drying but overall is a nice consistency and gives good coverage. 

I'm Back...

So you may have noticed there was a lack of posts in the last few weeks, i was away in Thailand on holiday and decided to have a real break and leave the MacBook Pro at home! But i'm back now sporting an uber-tan!

Me in Phuket, Thailand (look how brown i am!) lol

Sleek Makeup Haul

1) Sleek i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette - Acid - £6.49

When i saw this palette i picked it up and bought it without thinking twice. Neon eyeshadows!? Yes please! This palette contains 12 mineral based eyeshadow shades in both matte and shimmer finishes. The amazing neon shades such as the bright neon pink and luminous green are what sold this palette for me. I was looking forward to trying these shadows out as quite often you can find bright looking eyeshadow shades which when applied to your lids can just look like a ghostly replica of the shade in the palette. So i was really pleased when i tested some of the brighter shades in this palette without even using an eyeshadow base or primer and they came out vivid and bright. So as you can imagine when used over a primer or a shimmery/creamy base these colours are amplified and pop even more! Obviously for a price tag just shy of £7.00 you aren't going to get the most amazing quality eyeshadows but in terms of how pigmented these are and how well they blend this palette is a winner in my eyes and i'll definitely purchase more Sleek eyeshadow palettes in the future.

2) Sleek Blush - Scandalous - £4.29

Being almost obsessively into my brights at the moment when i saw this amazingly pigmented-looking vivid red i had to have it! Its part of Sleeks new Stiletto Collection which features hot red shades of blush, lip colour and nail varnish. Seeing as bright red nail varnish and lip colour isn't too difficult to come by it was the blush which caught my attention. The colour of this blush is an amazing bright red but because of its subtle warmth it is actually a lot easier to wear than you might think when first setting eyes on the shade. It is highly pigmented so use a light hand if you are trying to go for a simple flushed look or apply as normal if you want the full effect! I love this shade and am using it more and more as a welcome change from my standard candy-pink blush habit.

3) Sleek Face Contour Kit - Light - £6.50

I was simply using a matte bronzer to contour my face with before i picked up this well-priced contour kit from Sleek. It is available in three shade options. Light, Medium and Dark. I picked up the Light kit as i figured i could just build the colour up if i needed to and keep it subtle but as this is such a great formula i am going to also get the Medium and the Dark versions of this for my makeup kit. This silky powder blends in effortlessly and until i used it i hadn't realised what hard work i was making for myself by using Benefit's Hoola to contour with. A key feature for any powder being used to contour your face is definitely blend-ability and this powder blends like a dream making contouring that much easier! My only slight reservation was the shimmer of the highlight colour. Its not a matte highlight its a rather shimmery highlight but having used it a few times now i don't mind it but when i fancy a slightly more subtle highlight i just use a light matte eyeshadow or powder instead. Considering the price and the ease of use, this is a great product to pick up, especially if you are new to contouring.

Kerastase & Nexxus Haul

1) Nexxus Phyto Organics Theratin Extreme Moisture Shampoo

Part of Nexxus' speciality line of products for salon professionals this shampoo is from their Phyto Organics range which is all natural plant based haircare. Firstly i like the idea that this is a shampoo with natural, plant based ingredients such as Manuka Honey and Soapbark. You hear a lot these days about the hidden downsides to using products which are ram-packed with chemicals so by using a product like this i feel like i'm doing my green piece!

This shampoo is for extreme moisture, so for dry brittle hair like mine tends to be i figured it should be the perfect choice. And i must say i am extremely pleased with it. Often when i shampoo my hair it still feels brittle until i condition it. But when using this i can feel the moisturising benefits right away from when i wash the shampoo out of my hair. It also smells rather nice!

2) Nexxus Phyto Organics Humectin Extreme Moisture Conditioner

The sister product to the Theratin Extreme Moisture Shampoo, this Humectin Conditioner is also plant based and contains a moisturising blend of vitamins, minerals, Manuka Honey and Coconut Milk. The ultra hydrating emollients in this Conditioner are said to also improve elasticity, manageability and shine.

What i love about this is that there is also the option to leave this in your hair as a leave-in conditioner (obviously using slightly less product than you would if washing it out). But what i have been doing is putting this in my freshly shampooed hair as normal and then washing it out but not too thoroughly just for that extra moisture-quench! Definitely feeling the moisturising benefits of this product, something my dry, abused hair was probably crying out for!

3) Kerastase Brume Jour Protectrice

The winner of InStyle's 2010 Best Beauty Buys Award, this is an interesting product. I love discovering innovative beauty products which are unlike anything i've used before and this is one of those products. So what exactly is it!? Well officially it is a protective spray ideal for protecting your hair against sun, sea and chlorinated water. BUT...This is an all-singing, all-dancing hair product. It has a UV filter, contains mineral oils, de-frizzes, anti-humidifies and adds oodles of shine to any hairdo! Its an ultra light mist-type spray so it keeps your hair smooth and light and its protective qualities preserve colour. It can be reapplied throughout the day as and when needed and still wont weigh your hair down.

Obviously i haven't been getting much sun, sea or chlorinated water here in London but because of all the other qualities of this spray i've been using it all the time! I use it as a heat protectant when i am straightening my hair and i also use it as a finishing spray to give my hair a nice shiny finish. Its also great to spray over your hair during the day to keep it looking healthy and alive during the day...or night! I really like this product and can imagine i will be singing it's praises even more during the summer and whilst on holiday in the sun this year!

4) Kerastase Ciment Thermique

From Kerastase's Resistance Range of products which are designed to strengthen weakened, damaged or fine hair. All of which apply to my hair! What attracted me to this product is the fact that it is thermo-activated which basically means that it has been specifically designed to be used with heat! Me being a heat-styling junkie i figured a hair product like this is exactly what i need! So basically, heat activates the reconstructive properties and benefits of this hair cream. This product strengthens the hair fibre from the inside and protects the surface of the hair and smoothes the hair from the root to the tip. 

This is to be used on towel-dried hair so i have been using this after shampooing and conditioning my hair and before blow drying it. I feel like it does help my hair feel stronger and protected when i'm blow drying it. Hopefully over prolonged use i'll see further benefits of this product in the sense of it helping to strengthen my hair and not induce so much damage from all the heat i use!

5) Kerastase Spray Volumactive

This product is also from Kerastase's Resistance range. Spray Volumactive is designed for weak, fine hair, to enhance volume and expansion for fuller-bodied hair. My hair is surprisingly thin and i'd never considered that there was even a hair product available which physically remodels and expands the hair fibres to thicken fine or limp hair. So when i had my hair cut and the hairdresser used this i was naturally intrigued. Sprayed from the root onto towel-dried hair this product is said to give natural volume. Well i can honestly say that this spray does exactly what it says it will! 

I was really impressed that i genuinely noticed a difference in the thickness of my hair. It had so much more body and volume once i'd sprayed this in and dried it as normal. I think its the fact that this spray actually expands the hair fibre and improves the elasticity of your hair as apposed to just adding bulk from the product itself is what makes it so great. My hair feels naturally thicker after using this not just thickened up with product, in fact you'r barely know i had any product in my hair!

Matthew Williamson Inspired Nail Tutorial

I was browsing one of my favourite sites, net-a-porter.com when i came across this ultra cute Matthew Williamson rainbow leopard print silk dress. Its oozing with Spring/Summer style and is a sure-fire way to stand out from the crowd!

So obviously i couldn't help but to recreate this look into a colourful nail tutorial for you all to try out yourselves! The perfect way to look on-trend this Spring and add a bit of fun to any outfit you're rocking!

watch the tutorial below and give it a go! (watch in HD)

Clinique Haul

1) Clinique High Impact Mascara - Black - Part of the De-Puff and Define Eye Set which includes products #2 and #3 - £25

A miniature sized 4g version of Clinique's High Impact Mascara. I've not tried this particular Clinique mascara before but have tried others of theirs and have to say i've never been particularly impressed but will try this out seeing as it was pretty much a freebie in this great value set from Clinique.

2) Clinique All About Eyes Serum - Part of the De-Puff and Define Eye Set which includes products #1 and #3 - £25

A full sized 15ml Clinique All About Eyes Serum which is a relatively recent addition to their All About Eyes range which i have always been a fan of. A cooling rollerball dispenses a lightweight serum which uses caffeine and soothing botanicals to reduce under eye puffiness and diminish dark circles. This product alone retails at £20 so the De-Puff and Define Eye Set is quite a good value set and gives you the chance to sample the High Impact Mascara and All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream if you've not tried those before.

3) Clinique All About Eyes Rich Eye Cream - Part of the De-Puff and Define Eye Set which includes products #1 and #2 - £25

A miniature 7ml version of Clinique's popular All About Eyes Rich, a moisturising eye cream which aids in combatting dark circles, shadows, fine lines and puffiness. Can be used alone, but i use this in conjunction with the All About Eyes Serum for serious eye-area maintenance! I've never used the 'rich' version of this eye cream just the regular version which is more of a lightweight cream than its 'rich' counterpart so hopefully this wont be too heavy. This cream can be used both under eyes and on the lid area

4) Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips - £14.50

Hands down the best makeup remover i've ever used and i feel lost when i'm not in good supply of this stuff. It can tackle even the most caked-on makeup (not that you should be caking on your makeup my pretties!) and is great if you are trying to remove waterproof makeup. Just put some on a cotton wool pad then hold and gently press on your eyes to loosen the makeup then simply wipe away and repeat until its all gone. Also very good for taking off intense lip colours without leaving a stain on your lips. I wouldn't use this on your actual skin on your face though just because the oiliness of this product could potentially break you out like a mad woman.

5) Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer - Corrective Green - £11.50

Having recently fallen victim to a few pesky spots I decided to try this concealer when i saw it at the Clinique counter. The shade is Corrective Green and will neutralise any redness when used to cover up spots and blemishes. It is also medicated to help clear and prevent breakouts so i figured it's like killing two birds with one stone! I'm not sure how effective this will be at preventing and clearing blemishes but its nice to know that it probably wont make them worse which is certainly an issue when covering spots in regular concealer.

6) Boots Botanics Facial Loofah - £2.75

These little loofahs come in a pack of 5 and are just the right size for you face. They expand and soften very slightly when wet but yet remain texturised enough to give your face a really goos scrub! I use this with my foaming cleanser and i find that they are great for giving your face that squeaky clean, deep cleansed feeling. A must-have for any exfoliation junkie like myself!

Jessie J Inspired Nail Tutorial

I'm loving new Brit sensation Jessie J! I stumbled across a video of her a long time ago on YouTube and was immediately hooked, she has an amazing voice and is clearly talented.

In the video for her debut single 'Do It Like A Dude' Jessie J is rocking some fierce makeup, and her studded lips particularly caught my eye so i decided to transform that idea into a fun and easy nail art look! Perfect if you want to add a bit of an edge to your nails for an evening out!

Watch the tutorial below and give it a go! (Watch in HD!)

M.A.C Haul

1) Lip Pencil - Brick - £10.50

A deep red eye pencil, perfect for combining with Mac Viva Glam I lipstick (product #3)

2) Lipstick - Viva Glam Gaga - £13.50

A blue based pink lipstick with a lustre finish fronted by HRH Lady Gaga. Remember, for each sale of MAC Viva Glam Lipstick THE FULL RRP (less VAT) goes toward helping women, men and children affected by HIV and Aids...so all the more reason to update our lipstick collection!

3) Lipstick - Viva Glam I - £13.50

A red lipstick with brown/blue undertones. Not too bright and not too dark. Perfect for teaming with Brick Lip Pencil (product #1). As i mentioned above, THE FULL RRP (less VAT) from each sale of Viva Glam Lipstick goes toward helping women, men and children affected by HIV and Aids. Look fabulous and support a good cause.

4) Pigment - Bright Fuchsia - £15.50

A highly concentrated loose, fuchsia coloured powder. I'll be using this on cheeks and eyes for striking pink makeup looks. A little goes a long way with pigments so always remember not to overdo it with the application. Start off light and build the colour until you get the result you want.

5) Brow Set - Clear - £11.50

A must-have for large or unruly brows or even just to give a sleek 'finished' look to your eyebrows. Also a great way to tame your boyfriend's bushy brows if he refuses to let you at him with the tweezers.

6) Powerpoint Eye Pencil - Stubborn Brown - £13.00

My 'go-to' brown eye pencil. Line your eyes then quickly smudge out gently to add a subtle je ne sais quoi to an au natural makeup look. It's also waterproof so is perfect to keep in the beach bag this summer.

7) Eye Shadow (refill pan) - Chrome Yellow - £9.50

A vibrant yellow, matte eyeshadow. Perfect for those floral spring/summer makeup looks.

Space.NK Hauk

I decided it was time to try out some new beauty products. I've been using my same Clinique face routine for a looong time now so i figured it was time to see what new products are out there and give a few of them a go! I also wanted to try out a few more random innovative products that are available so i decided to head down to Space.NK on the Kings Rd to see what i could find!



Here's what i came back with!

1) Sarah Chapman Facialift - £25.00
I originally spotted this product when i was browsing Space.NK's website and it caught my eye. Having recently become more aware of my puffy 'morning face' i had my radar on for any product which would help with lymphatic drainage. This facial massager claims to promote lymphatic drainage by helping blood circulate which in turn brings nutrients and oxygen to the skin. It also claims to deliver a lifting and firming effect and reduce puffiness.
With bold claims like that i simply couldn't resist picking one up!

2) Dr Brandt Anti-Oxidant Blueberry Water Booster - £30
I'm a sucker for supplements so when i saw this interesting little dropper sitting on the display in the doorway of Space.NK i had to know what it was all about. This blueberry flavoured formula is made from green tea, white tea and grapeseed extract and claims that just one dropper in a glass of water is the equivalent to 15....yes 15!!! cups of decaffeinated green tea. I'm a huge fan of anything with anti-oxidising qualities (antioxidants help fight the signs of ageing and combat cell damage from free radicals), so with this little potion being 100% natural, caffeine free, calorie free and sugar free i figured it'd be rude not to try it!

3) Rodial Skinny Beach SPF 15 - REDUCED FROM £39.00 TO £19.50
Ok so maybe i am getting slightly ahead of myself with this purchase but summer is on its way...soon...kinda. Ok well it was a bargain so i had to buy it! Plus, having never tried any of Rodial's products i was quite keen to try something. This is a sun protectant lotion SPF15 which is on average the factor i wear in the sun (being mixed-race i can get away with not having to bring out the block!). This is also tinted and having swatched it on my hand it gives the skin a really natural looking tinted bronze glow. It claims to aid the tanning process and help you on your way to a darker, richer tan in less sunbathing time as well as apparently helping firm your skin, reduce swelling and eliminate cellulite. I am seriously looking forward to trying this out because it certainly sounds almost too good to be true!

4) Nuxe Creme Fraiche De Beaute Formule Light - £24.00
I wanted to try a new brand of moisturiser to potentially replace my current Clinique moisturiser which i have recently been finding to leave my skin a tad oily. The shop assistant in Space.NK pointed me in the direction of this NUXE moisturiser. The words mattifying and tighten sold it for me! But apparently it also helps to refine pores giving you balanced skin. Yes Please!

5) REN Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel - £17.00
Again, i picked this up in an effort to try something new to potentially replace my current cleansing face wash. This is a gel consistency and claims to balance skin prone to oiliness and dissolve excess sebum and impurities on the face as well as being antibacterial. The Sales Assistant assured me that this would give my skin a good deep clean. We shall see!

6) Laura Mercier Colour Wardrobe - REDUCED FROM £50.00 TO £25.00
This is a palette which comes in two halves. The top half has 6 eye colours, 3 cheek colours and an eyeshadow brush. The lower half of the palette contains 6 lip stains, 2 finishing lip glazes and a lip brush. The colours are warm and sumptuous and the eyeshadows all have a subtle sparkle to them. Looking forward to trying some new looks with this palette and at half price I like it even more!

7) Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - £28.00
Having been meaning to try this primer for a while i finally got round to buying it. I'm all for trying out a variety of primers because a decent foundation primer can be an absolute God-send on a long day or on a night out. I like Laura Mercier products and i've heard positive things about this primer so i'm keen to put it to the test.

8) Laura Mercier Zen Palette - REDUCED FROM £20.00 TO £10.00
Another bargain i couldn't possibly turn my back on was this cute Laura Mercier Zen Palette. It contains 4 eyeshadows, 4 lip glazes and one blush shade. The colours are serene and look great for adding a really subtle hint of colour to your eye makeup. I'm definitely ready to get my Zen on!

9) Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask - £29.00
This Malin+Goetz Detox Face Mask seems to have quite a lot of credit and even won Allure Magazine's Editor's Choice Best of Beauty Awards in 2008. Its a five minute mask which uses oxygenating and cleansing agents to lift dirt, oil and makeup debris from your skin and to deep cleanse the pores. It also claims to hydrate and firm the skin and has vitamins and protein to fight ageing. Sounds like another wonder-product so this one will definitely be getting a review from me after a bit of usage. So keep an eye out!

10) Space.NK Makeup Bag - FREEE
Damn Straight i need a freebie after that haul! lol

MAC Face & Body Foundation's water resistance is put to the test

Recently i've been wearing MAC's face and body foundation a lot. Its a water based foundation which MAC also claims to be water resistant although i've never actually put this claim to the test...until today!
Since this foundation is so sheer and lightweight i've been wearing it a lot when i am nipping out somewhere and don't want to put a full face of makeup on but also don't want to leave the house looking like a hot mess. It evens out my complexion and gives my face a natural, bright, wide awake look.

...So, i slapped a bit of this on today before i left to run a few errands and 5minutes after i leave the house it started pouring with rain! By the time i got back home i was absolutely drenched! So how did the MAC face and body foundation hold up?
I must say i was quite impressed, my face was very wet and yet the foundation did not streak or blotch at all. I decided to leave my face to dry and see how the foundation looked afterwards and surprisingly it looked exactly the same as it did before i left the house! So i give it a thumbs up!
I will definitely be using this in the summertime on holiday by the pool!