Thursday, April 28, 2016

ALL TIME FOUNDATION LOVES



I like to think I’m pretty well-versed in the foundation department. I was a slave to Dream Matte Mousse in year 9, but since then, I’ve tried countless brands and formulas in search of my perfect base. My complexion has always been a bit ‘iffy’, shall we say? I’ve got the oiliest T-zone known to man, red cheeks and chin, and dry patches near my temples. I’m also quite a pale shade, and many brands’ lightest option can make me look more orange than Jodie Marsh. Having said this, I have managed to find a few foundations that I completely and utterly swear by. If you need foundation inspiration, or want to know which foundations are fab for problem skin, look no further!

L’Oreal True Match Foundation in Ivory | Boots | £9.99
This is my favourite, everyday foundation. It’s affordable beyond belief, comes in about a million shades (that might be a slight exaggeration, but you will most definitely be able to find a shade that matches you) and looks really natural on the skin. I first tried this after Lauren Curtis started using it over on her channel, and I was not disappointed! It blends out smoothly, and covers most of my blemishes. The thing I really love about this is the fact that it looks like my actual skin. I only have to set it with a translucent powder and I’m good for the day!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe | FeelUnique | £31
This is almost every blogger in the universe’s favourite foundation, so I’m sure you don’t need me to rant and rave about how wonderful it is. This is my summer foundation, as it is slightly darker than the rest. It’s also a foundation that screeeeams summer; it’s dewy, illuminating and makes me look fresh faced. I simply adore it. While it’s not the most purse-friendly option, it’s definitely loved by so many beauty bloggers for a reason.

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 3 | Very.co.uk | £32
Here’s an entry that I don’t often see in the bloggersphere, but it’s certainly an unsung hero, so I’m here to sing its praises! Again, it’s a wee bit pricey, but you can see exactly where your money is going as you apply this to your face. I’m pale as a ghost half the time, but this foundation is the best match to my skin tone that I have ever found. On top of that, the coverage is second to none. The pigmentation completely blends out over any redness or spots. It’s natural looking, comfortable, and definitely a little bit luxurious. The only thing that annoys me about this little gem of a base product, is that the shape of the bottle means you’re not likely to be able to squeeze all of the product out. A bit annoying, but I’m not afraid to say I’ll be hacking the bottle open with a pair of scissors when I’m reaching the end of my stash.

What are your thoughts on my favourites? Which foundations do you like for pale skin?

Lots of love,
Jasmine x


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Tuesday, April 26, 2016

A FACIAL IN A BOTTLE | RADIANCE MASK


 


So I’ve been itching to write this review. With my final week of my first year at university out of the way, now I can! This absolute gem is what I give credit to for saving my skin lately. I got this sample size bottle in an edition of Glamour magazine last month, and I’m genuinely sold. I’m going to have to repurchase the full size product (god dammit), but I’m completely hooked and in love with this beautiful little miracle worker. Here’s why…

I know I make a song and dance about packaging a lot, but I really really REALLY do love Balance Me’s packaging. Minimal, clean, white, pretty, the list goes on. This sample is only 30ml, but a full size 75ml bottle will cost £18 and you can get these from LookFantastic. £18 isn’t too shabby if you ask me, considering this face mask literally transforms the look and feel of your face in about 5 minutes.

The website says that it is an: “award-winning, 5-minute miracle mask that rejuvenates and brightens dull, lifeless skin in an instant! Perfect for: Quickly boosting tired, lack-lustre, dry skin with an instant ‘pick me up’ and visible results.” The mask itself is packed with Kaolin clay, crushes walnut shells and fruit acids and genuinely illuminates your complexion. Don’t ask me how, but trust me, it does. My skin can get a little bit dull-looking and generally a little bit lacklustre. Usually when I’m hungover, eating too much crap and sleeping in my makeup will do the trick. No fear, though, because I’ve now got this incredible mask sitting on my bathroom shelves ready to make me look all angel-faced and brightened up.

I apply this onto my face after giving it a good wash with some foamy cleanser. I do apply it generously (maybe a little bit *too* generously if I want this sample size to last!) and smooth it over all my main problem areas (everywhere, then). If I’m face-masking, I will milk it for all that it’s worth. I’ll swan about in my dressing gown for a bit, make a cup of tea, watch a bit of telly. All in all, I’d say I leave this product to work its magic for about 15-20 minutes, which is longer than the directions say, but hey! I adore it, and I want to let the moment last a little longer.

One of the main things I love about this mask is that it doesn’t dry and prevent you from moving your face like traditional clay masks do. You’re perfectly capable of talking, smiling, posing for snapchats, and don’t worry, you’ll still be more than able to cram a few dozen chocolate buttons into your mouth. This mask applies white and opaque, but dries off and goes a little bit translucent, so you know when you’re done. When I remove this mask, I like to wet my hands and massage my face in circular motions so that the walnut shells do their bit to exfoliate my skin and make me appear all fresh and revived.

I 100% adore this mask. Top marks, Balance Me! Ten points to Gryffindor! It is literally the only thing EVER that I’ve got free with a magazine and been smitten with. Damn marketing tactics *shakes fist*. Seriously, though, It’s my current favourite face mask, and definitely definitely worth the money. It was also featured in my latest YouTube video, which I’ll link below!

Lots of love,
Jasmine x



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Sunday, April 24, 2016

SUBLIME SHOWERING | COCONUT WASH




I’m obsessed. Eternally, devotedly, unconditionally. The Original Source range of body washes are my absolute everything! So far, I’ve tried about three scents. So, on my usual run to Boots for all my hugely exciting bits and bobs (toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant and shower gel), I decided NOT to go with my usual Original Source wash and try this beautiful looking Coconut scent instead. I normally choose the Raspberry and Vanilla scent, just because it smells like you’re bathing in cheesecake or something. However, my Boots run this time fell on a day when I was feeling particularly adventurous, and so I made the most daring decision of the week and grabbed this baby.

Can we start by appreciating the bottles for these things? Call me crazy, but I absolutely love the Original Source packaging. There’s something about the colour schemes and the cute font and the sleek bottles that I find look really good on my bathroom shelves. (Can you tell how exciting my life is?) Plus, I was feeling a little minimalistic this week, and thought the white, black and brown colours would look better for my blog photos. Ah, the life of a beauty blogger!

The scent of this shower gel is beyond dreamy. It’s definitely more understated and delicate than some of the other scents. I have found that the Mango, Mint and Lime ones can be a bit of a smack in the face. Great first thing in the morning when you’re trying to get up and go, but not very soothing or relaxing for an evening scrub. The Coconut fragrance really is lovely. This shower gel also moisturises my skin and leaves it feeling really lovely.

Possibly the most important point, though, and the reason I think so highly of these body washes, is that they’re all vegan and cruelty free. I’m not a vegan, but I’m obviously always reaching for cruelty free cosmetics. The fragrances are also all 100% natural, so you know you’re not rubbing a load of harsh chemicals into your skin. All in all, it’s another winner by Original Source for me!

Lots of love,
Jasmine x


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