Category: Beauty

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer

I was in Superdrug a few weeks ago doing one of my regular makeup hauls, when this MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer caught my eye. First of all the packaging stood out to me as it looked fancier than the other MUA lip products and second was the price. At only £3 I had to buy it and try it.

The Luxe Lip Lacquer comes in a selection of appealing colours, including a bright red and nude, as well as others. I went for this gorgeous pink shade called Funk. I thought I’d buy just one of these lip lacquers to try it for the first time and I have to say I’ll definitely be purchasing more.

It glides on smoothly as a liquid and then quickly dries to form a matte smudge proof finish on the lips. The colour is intense and long lasting. This product is excellent value for money. The packaging is great and as it comes boxed it makes the product look a lot more expensive than. It would make a great little stocking filler for someone (yes I am mentioning Christmas already), it’s never to early to start collecting gifts.

I give this product a big thumbs up and for all you lipstick lovers out there I’d say this product is a bargain buy must have!

Samio x

October 11, 2014
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

If you’re looking for a foundation with great coverage that will leave your skin looking flawless then look no further. Illamasqua Skin Base foundation does just the job.

I first discovered Skin Base when on a modelling job. The first time a makeup artist used it on my skin, I had to find out what it was. Never had a foundation left my skin looking so flawless. I excitedly purchased my first bottle and so my love affair with Illamasqua makeup began. That was a couple of years ago now and Skin Base has been one of my trusty go to foundations ever since. In fact the price has gone up since I started using it, so it shows it must be popular but still, even the inflation couldn’t deter me from this must have beauty buy!

This is the part where I have to state that Skin Base isn’t my everyday foundation. In fact most days I opt for minimum to no foundation on the skin. Because of this, I can’t claim to know what Skin Base is like on the skin after continual everyday use, as like I said the coverage is very good and therefore it is quite thick so everyday usage might not be the best for the skin, but then again I personally wouldn’t recommend using any foundation every day anyway. I do think this foundation is great for special occasions when you want that flawless look (I personally use it as my night out makeup), and if well blended it can also work well as a cover up over blemishes on the skin.

There are also times when I don’t use Skinbase all over the face but instead mix it with one of my paler concealers to create the perfect tone to then lightly apply around the eyes. I find this creates the perfect concealer for me on days when I want minimal makeup but still want to brighten up the area around my eyes.

My skin type is normal to oily and this foundation sits well on my skin. On days when my skin is feeling slightly dryer, it helps to use a more oily moisturiser before applying this foundation or using a primer first to prep the skin.

How long does it last?

Skin Base has great longevity, both on the skin and in the bottle. Like I said, this is my go to night out foundation and even though I like to party hard, this stuff stays put even after dancing the night away. Also as I don’t use this foundation everyday it lasts me ages so I often have bottles for months at a time and it never seems to dry up or go bag inside the bottle.

What shade do you use?

I use Skin Base shade 12. This is the closest match to my skin, although it is slightly more orange than my skin tone so I do have to be careful when applying it. At the moment I have a tan so for now it suits my skin tone quite perfectly.

How much does it cost?

£32 for 30ml

Where can I buy it?

You can buy it online at Illamasqua online (postage is free to UK customers) or if you go in store to either Selfridges or Debenhams, their makeup artists there can help you find the shade to match your skin tone.

I give this product a huge thumbs up and would definitely recommend it to those who are looking for a good coverage with their foundation.

Samio x

October 2, 2014
No7 Beautiful Skin Overnight Revitalising Eye Balm

Very early mornings and late finishes, whilst striving to look fresh faced and bright eyed is one of the challenges faced when modelling. It doesn’t sound like the most arduous task but believe me, when you’ve been up since 4am, hauled ass across the country to your shoot’s location and then have to look wide eyed and most importantly, alive, in front of the camera, it can often be a losing battle. Obviously makeup artists do an amazing job of covering dark circles and adding highlighter to give that ‘bright eyed’ look but on the other hand no amount of makeup can hide the dreaded puffy eye.

For me, my weapon of choice is No7’s Beautiful Skin Overnight Revitalising Eye Balm. As I sleep with my face buried into the pillow, I often wake up with puffy eyes and so I’m glad to have found a wonder balm that actually gets rid of my puffiness and as a bonus, reduces dark circles too.

The No7 revitalising eye balm, is meant as an overnight eye cream, however I like to use it in the mornings after washing my face too. I find this eye cream works well, both mornings and nights to help maintain a more fresh eyed look.

I think at £12.00, this product is good value for money. If you’re into your skincare then you’re probably used to spending more on products similar to this anyway and this product does the job at a fraction of the price of some other more well known brands. The product size is 15ml, which doesn’t sound like a lot but as a product I use daily and buy repeatedly, I can say that it lasts ages as you only need to use less than a pea sized amount each time you apply it.

I give this product a big thumbs up as it works well for me, so I would definitely recommend it.

Samio x

October 1, 2014
Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss – Succubus

This is a lipgloss I’ve had for a while and as I keep getting questions on my lip colours I thought I’d gradually begin doing posts on some of my favourites, starting with this Intense Lipgloss from Illamasqua.

This isn’t a lipgloss I wear often, as I’m more of a matte lady myself, however when I really want a show stopper, this is the lip paint I pull out of the bag, Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in shade Succubus. It glides on easily (although I would recommend a liner first if you don’t have a steady hand) and just like the label says, it’s an intense shade so it comes out as vibrant as it looks.

A downside of this product (as with most glosses) is the dreaded bleeding lip line. I’m not referring to actual blood but the fact that this is certainly not smudge proof, so it can be quite a high maintenance one to wear. Regardless of the necessary routinely mirror checks, I love this gloss and like all Illamasqua lipglosses it smells good enough to eat too (but of course don’t do that).

You can see how vibrant this lipgloss comes out as in the images I’ve taken below, Succubus is the only thing I have on my lips.

Keep it bold and keep it glossy…

Samio x

September 19, 2014
Superdrug Naturally Radiant Renewing Night Cream

I absolutely love finding new skincare products that work really well and don’t break the bank. I’m constantly on the look out for different lotions and potions to try but as I’m not one to waste money I usually like to do some research on products before investing my cash. On this occasion however I went on a whim, as I was buying a Superdrug’s own brand so it wasn’t too pricey and it was also on offer. The product in question is Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant Renewing Night Cream.

I’ve now had several weeks of using the Naturally Radiant Renewing Night Cream and I am really impressed with it. I was afraid at first as the product does feel a little oily and for a night cream I was scared it would block my pores and cause pimples. However I have been pleasantly surprised with this moisturiser, as each morning I’ve woke up with my skin feeling soft and rejuvenated.

As the product is rather creamy, you don’t need to use a lot as it smooths easily onto the skin. I really like the smell of the cream, as I always like the scent of skin products that smell slightly antibacterial and this cream has a very clean and slightly sweet scent.

After using the night cream most evenings since having bought it, I have noticed some blemishes on my cheek appear reduced and I also feel it has helped my skin to look more refreshed in the mornings. I think this cream is great value for money and I’d certainly recommend this product for those with normal to dry skin. I personally give this renewing night cream a bit thumbs up.

Samio x

September 16, 2014
Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil Review

Recently The Body Shop launched their new Wild Argan Oil range. It was last week whilst in Liverpool, I’d just finished an audition and decided to hit the shops before I got on the train home. I’d gone into The Body Shop looking for hair products and I soon got taking to the friendly shop assistant who enticed me over to the display promoting their new Wild Argan Oil products. I was immediately drawn to the Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil, for body and hair and soon I found myself at the till ready to buy a bundle of new products.

I’ve now been using the solid oil most days since I bought it, if not on my hair, then on my body. The scent to me is like a candle (that’s the best description I can come up with) and it isn’t too overpowering. Although the product is a solid, when you rub the product with your hand, it comes out very oily and so you don’t need to use a lot at a time.

I love the size of the container, the fact that it’s a palm sized disc, means that it’s perfect for me to keep in my bag. I’ve used the solid oil in my hair over night as part of a braid out (along with other products) and it works well to treat my hair. It also works well to smooth round the edges of my hair when it’s in an up do. For when I’m on the go I like to rub the product into the palm of my hands then rub it through my hair to add some moisture and shine when it’s looking a little dry.

The solid oil is also great to use on the legs as it gives a good shine and like I say, it’s the perfect size to keep in your handbag for on the go. I’d definitely give this product a thumbs up.

Samio x

September 9, 2014
Sephora Base Lissante Smoothing Primer Review

I bought the Sephora Base Lissante Smoothing Primer whilst I was in Barcelona. I’d ran out of my usual primer Illamasqua Matte Primer and although it’s not a product I use all the time it’s definitely something I missed having in my makeup bag when I wanted to use it.

I first tried the Sephora Primer on my hand and was impressed by it’s silky smooth feel and the way it reduced the look of lines on my hand and so I knew I had to buy it and try it out on my face. I didn’t really get chance to use the primer until I returned home to the UK, as I found I far too hot to wear foundation in Barcelona. When I did eventually try the primer I really liked it. It has a silicone gel like texture and like I said it has a silky smooth feel and it gives a silky smooth finish too. It’s a matifying primer, so it does reduce shine too and helps produce a good flawless finish.

As for longevity it doesn’t seem to keep it’s satin look for as long as I’d like but it does a good job at keeping the makeup in place and it sits comfortably on the skin.

I’m not convinced this primer is the best value for money as it’s. For 15ml. However it does make a good travel size primer as it’s small so you can take it with you on the go, therefore I’d recommend it as one for your travel makeup bag rather than one to use as your everyday primer.

Samio x

September 7, 2014
No7 Essential Moisture Day Cream

I first starting No7 skincare when I was in my teens and although I’ve used many other brands over the years, No7’s moisturiser is one I always come back to.

This Essential Moisture Day Cream is great for dry skin, which is why I like to use it during the Autumn/Winter months as it does feel moisture rich on the skin and helps provide that TLC when the skin most needs it.

I find this moisturiser feels creamy on the skin without feeling too oily and creates a good base for underneath makeup whilst keeping your skin hydrated. It’s also Hypo-allergenic and fragrance free to make it suitable for sensitive skin.

Like I said, I’ve been using this No7 moisturisers on and off for years now (occasionally changing to alternate my routine) and No7 still remains one of my favourite brands for skin care. Essential Moisture Day Cream is a moisturiser I would definitely recommend.

Samio x

August 26, 2014
Sleek Exxxaggerate – Purple Lipstick

Not long ago I did a makeup shop and ended up doing a bit of a Sleek haul (the other products I will blog soon). It was one of those situations, you walk into Boots ready to buy that one item you actually need and then see that it’s three for two mix and match and end up buying at least 6 items (two of those were free so it was basically a steal right). Anyway this was one of those items, not what I’d initially gone in to purchase but something I ended up wanting anyway.
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August 21, 2014
Clearasil Blemish + Marks – Face Wash and Mask

I’ve used plenty of Clearasil face masks in the past so when I was shopping for skin care essentials I thought I’d try this new Clearasil Blemish + Marks wash and mask. I’ve had this product just over a week, so have only used it a couple of times as a mask so far and a few times as a face wash. To be honest I wouldn’t usually bother using it as a face wash as I’ve had two in ones in the past and usually just like to use them as a mask. Normally I have a separate face product for washing my face but as I wanted to do a proper review I wanted to try it out as both.

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August 19, 2014