Category: Beauty

Astalift Brightening Serum by Fujifilm – Review

My obsession with skincare is forever growing and therefore my want to try new products seems to be never ending. Although I have some of my regular go to face products, I’m always keen to discover more and one product I’ve been trying out recently is Astalift Brightening Serum .

The Astalift packaging is quite simple; it comes boxed and both the product and the box have a pearlescent sheen that catch your eye as it hits the light but other than that it’s rather modest. I’d say it’s a lot less ‘showy off’ than most products and doesn’t boast a load of product claims on the front of the bottle. In a way, I think that this made me more intrigued by the Astalift serum – that and the fact that it’s created by Fujifilm.

On the back of the box it says that the Astalift Brightening Serum ‘restores firmness and radiance’ and ‘reduces the appearance of dark sports and evens out skin tone’ and it instructs to apply to the face morning and night before face cream… When pumped, the serum comes out as an orange translucent liquid. When applied to the face, one pump is enough and it spreads easily onto the face and neck before quickly drying.

After only a few days of using the Astalift serum morning and night, I had already started to notice a difference. I feel that this product has visibly helped to even my completion, stop it from looking sallow and given my skin a more radiant look.

I’ve been really pleased with the Astalift serum since introducing it into my skincare regime as I have noticed the positive effects it has had on my skin. It is slightly pricey but I’d say that if you’re looking to invest in a good facial serum (especially if you have older skin or pigmentation/blemishes) and fancy treating yourself, then this is a good one to go for.

Have you tried any of the Astalift skincare products? If so, what did you think? I’d be keen to try more.

Samio x

Shop Astalift Brightening Serum here.

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

July 15, 2015
Makeup Artist’s Wonder Lotion – Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré

Every now and again, I’ll come across a skincare product that I know will become a main asset within my skincare regime. It’s not often I find something that I instantly fall in love with but with the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré that is exactly what happened.

If I’m honest, I don’t know why I didn’t get my hands on this product sooner. It’s something I’ve had different makeup artists use on me many times on shoots before and I’ve often said I’d have to get it. Finally I got the Lait-Crème concentré from Beauty Expert a couple of weeks ago and I’ve been loving using it since.

The Creme is a three in one product which is able to be used as a primer, moisturiser and can even be used as a makeup remover. Although I haven’t tried to remove my makeup with it just yet, I can say that it works as an excellent moisturiser and primer. This stuff is thick and creamy, yet when rubbed in it doesn’t feel heavy on the skin as you can instantly feel it start to sink in and add some much needed hydration.

I’ve been enjoying using this cream both morning and night recently and I really feel it helps to plump my skin and keep it feeling soft and looking radiant. I’ve definitely found one of my new skincare must haves here. I’d say for what you get and what this product does, it’s affordable and would recommend it anyone.

Samio x

Shop Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré here.

Some of the items may have been sent to me for review purposes, however this does not affect my opinions – check out my disclaimer for further information.

July 6, 2015
My Summer Skin Protection – On The Go Essentials

During the summertime, be it abroad or here in England, I like to always be prepared for sunny weather and so here are a few of my favourite summer skin protection essentials, that I like to keep with me when I’m on the go.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Comfort Cream SPF50+

It seemed to take me the longest time to find a high SPF for my face, that didn’t clog my pores and cause me to break out. Wearing no SPF at all was just not an option and so for a while I persevered until finally I decided to try out the La Roche Posay SPF 50+ and I was so glad I did. Not only does it not make me break out but it leaves my skin looking matte too – hurrah, no more shiny spot face for me. I love this sunscreen because it’s lightweight and I can wear it under my makeup without trouble, so I often forget I’m even wearing it. During summer months I barely spend days outdoors without putting this on.

Blistex Lip Brilliance Blushing SPF15

The lips are just as important as the rest of your skin, yet often we forget about them. I love this Blistex lip balm for summer days, as not only does it contain SPF 15 but it has a gorgeous rosy sheen to it too, keeping your lips looking luscious, even at the beach. Of course in true Blistex style, it also keeps your lips feeling moisturised and it contains Vitamin E to help keep them soft and prevent them from drying out in the sun.

Soltan Protect & Moisturise Mini Lotion SPF50+

This is the sunscreen that I like to use for the rest of my body and this particular one is the perfect size for keeping in your handbag. I really like this stuff as it doesn’t leave the skin feeling sticky, so I’m able to wear it on regular (non beach) days too, without fear of it getting on my clothes or making me feel gross. Of course, as with all high factors it’s needs to be rubbed in well, so you do have to be careful when applying it but a little bit really does go a long way and once fully rubbed in it feels lightweight on the skin.

What are your summertime skincare essentials? Do you have any favourites that you carry in your bag?

Samio x

June 24, 2015
The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil Review

I’d been debating with the idea of investing in an overnight serum for a while but when it came to the point of shopping for one, each time I’d be faced with the dilemma of which one to get, how much to spend and being worried of picking the wrong one. Eventually I went with my instinct and opted for The Body Shop, as I know I often find products from there that I can rely on.

I decided to purchase the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil, as I already had the Vitamin E eye cream (and love it) so I thought I’d try the serum from this range too.

The Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil comes in a study bottle and the top screws off to revel a pipette, which you can use to carefully dispense the serum onto the finger tips before smoothing onto the face.

The serum oil has a very light, fresh scent and only a few drops are needed, as a tiny amount of this goes a long way. It absorbs quickly into the skin and instantly leaves it feeling smoothed and hydrated.

After using this overnight serum for a couple of months now, I can see my skin looking fresher in the mornings and it has left it feeling so soft. I’m glad I purchased this product and finally invested in an overnight serum. I find it’s great for when my skin is feeling thirsty and in need of an added boost of moisture.

What skincare products have you recently tried for the first time and loved?

Samio x

You can shop the Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil here.

June 17, 2015
Friday’s Face

Today’s makeup look is a little more glam and ready for the weekend. It’s been a while since I used my Naked 2 palette, so today I felt the urge to use it. I’ve gone for a subtle smokey bronzed eye with a classic winged liner and for my base I’ve used a mix of MAC’s Face and Body with Illamasqua Skin Base, to create the perfect blend. The rest is listed below…

Products used:

MAC Face and Body Foundation in shade C4

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in shade 12

Boddi Brown Corrector in shade light to medium peach

Urban Decay Naked Concealer in shade medium neutral

Sleek Brow Kit in shade extra dark

Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette

Primark Liquid Eye Liner

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Revolution Makeup Shade, Ready to Go

Sleek Contour Kit in shade medium

Boots Natural Collection Loose Face Powder in shade neutral translucent

Sephora Cream Lip Stain in nude

Have a fabulous Friday!

Samio x

June 5, 2015
Bronze Flick Liner & Pink Lips

June is here and so is a new video up on my YouTube channel! This is my second makeup video to date and so far I’m really enjoying filming them (when everything goes to plan that is). I always love playing about and experimenting with makeup so I thought I may as well film some of it from time to time to show any of you who may be interested. It’s often one thing finding out what products a person uses and another thing seeing the process. It can often be intriguing to see different people’s application techniques and here are some of mine…

Products used:

Blistex Happy Lips Mango

MAC Face and Body Foundation in shade C4

Boddi Brown Corrector in shade light to medium peach

Illamasqua Multi Facet Palette in Semblance

Gosh Xtreme Liquid Gel Eye Liner in shade Bronze

New Look Pure Colour Eye Liner in shade brown

Urban Decay Naked Concealer in shade medium neutral

Boots Natural Collection Loose Face Powder in shade neutral translucent

Sleek Contour Kit in shade medium

MAC Powder Blush in shade Dolly Mix

New Look Pure Colour Lip Liner in shade mid pink

Boots No7 BB Lips in shade Ballerina

Samio x

June 1, 2015
Simple Everyday Makeup

Although I do love to try out different makeup looks, some days I love nothing more than to keep it simple. Going light on the skin and subtle on the eyes can create a more natural looking makeup look, that’s great for day to day wear.

I’d been meaning to do a makeup video tutorial for a while and so when I had a little extra time whilst getting ready last week, I decided to film this look.

Makeup used
Urban Decay Naked Concealer – Shade, Medium Neutral

Bobbi Brown BB Cream – Shade, Natural

Sleek Contour Kit – Shade, Medium

Sleek Brow Kit – Shade, Extra Dark

Natural Collection Loose Powder – Shade, Neutral Translucent

Makeup Revolution Blush – Shade, Wow!

Bourjois Mascara – Shade, Black

Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights – Shade, Pink Light

H&M Eyeshadow – Available In Store

Primark P.S. Love Nude Lipliner (in store only)

Hello Kitty Lip Balm – Gift

Samio x

May 17, 2015
New Look Pure Colour Makeup Review

Once again, another clothes shop has lured me in with its new makeup selection. This time it’s New Look. I was greatly intruded when I spotted the smart packaging and wide selection of products and colours that the Pure Colour range from New Look had to offer.

Pure Colour Baked Eye Shadow

I was instantly drawn in by this shimmery eyeshadow. It’s a gorgeous neutral tone that looks stunning on the eyelids and the shimmery particles reflect the light brilliantly. At only £3.99, I’m super impressed with this one and it’s been a regular go to eyeshadow for me since I purchased it.

Pure Colour Eyeliner

It’s been a while since I went for a brown eyeliner. As this one was only £1.99, I thought I’d give it a try. It glides on easily and smoothly and makes a nice change from a bold black.

Pure Colour Lipliner

I love this lipliner. This shade of pink is exactly what I’d been looking for. Again like the eyeliner, it glides on easily and looks great on the lips.

Pure Colour Lipstick

The final product is this lipstick and the only product out of the bunch that I didn’t love. The scent is that of old makeup (in my opinion) and I just really don’t like it. It’s a shame because I absolutely love the colour but I’m quite funny with smells when it comes to makeup and as I can smell it when it’s on, I unfortunately just can’t wear it. Hopefully in the future they will improve the formula as the colour is perfect.

All in all I’m very impressed with New Look’s Pure Colour range. The packaging is smart and the prices are affordable. My favourite product (that I’ve tried) from the range is the eyeshadow and I’d definitely buy more of these in different shades.

Have you tried New Look’s Pure Colour Range?

Shop New Look’s Pure Colour makeup range here.

May 6, 2015
Makeup Revolution Review – The £9.50 Makeup Haul

I was browsing the aisles of Superdrug recently when I came across a makeup brand I’d never heard of before: Makeup Revolution . Intrigued, I deiced to take a closer look, as I’d spotted a few stand out lip colours and some shimmery gold shadows that had caught my eye. Before I knew it I was making my way to the till will an arm full of produfs.

Eyeshadow – Shade, Mountains of Gold

This stuff is amazing, it’s highly pigmented, long lasting, gives an amazing true gold shimmer to the eyelids and at only £1, what can I say, it’s an absolute bargain.

Bronzer – Shade, Ready to Go

I’d been torn between this shade and the one that had more golden tones (really I should have just purchased both) but after buying and trying I must say that I’m happy with this shade. I like to use it in the checks and it even looks nice on the eyelids. It has subtle coral tones and it adds a lovely highlight and shimmer when you apply it.

Blush – Shade, Wow!

Again, this was another £1 bargain. I’d been after a baby pink blusher for a while and this one is again highly pigmented and comes out easily, so I’m very happy with it.

Blush Lacquer – Shade, Lacquer Heart

This is probably my favourite purchase out of this collection of products. This cream blush glides on like a dream and adds a smooth and well blended colour to the cheeks. I’ve been using it a lot since I purchased it. I usually go for pink tones when it comes to my blusher but I’m loving this beautiful coral shade.

Lipstick – Purple – Shade, Depraved

Always a sucker for the boldest colours, I had to purchase this purple. It glides on easily and doesn’t dry out on the lips. The only thing I’d say is that you have to reapply it sometimes to make sure that the colour has full coverage. At only £1, it’s another great purchase.

Lipstick – shade, Rebel With Cause (similar in Lip Lacquer)

This lipstick actually seems to be a slightly different consistency than the other one and also it has a slightly different scent. Still, the colour comes out bold and again it doesn’t dry out on the lips. This one also has a slightly better coverage.

I’m super impressed with all these products, which collectively cost only £9.50.

Have you tried any of the Makeup Revolution profucts or do you know any great budget makeup brands?

Samio x

April 26, 2015
Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask Review

Sometimes my skin is in need of some extra rehydration, especially after a heavy weekend. I’ve found that at times when my skin is feeling really dehydrated, moisturiser alone just doesn’t seem to be enough and my skin really needs something a little more intense.

I first used the Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask around a year ago and since then it’s became a go to product that I use when my skin is feeling extra thirsty. The mask comes out like a thick cream and you leave it on for five to ten minutes before cleansing. I often leave it on for longer depending on if I feel my skin needs it.

This stuff really does work wonders at helping rehydrate my skin and it is certainly a product that lives up to its title. I’d definitely recommend this cream-mask as it’s now become an essential product in my skincare routine which I can’t imagine going without in the future.

Have you tried any Clarins products? Or do you know any products that work wonders at hydrating the skin?

Samio x

Shop Clarins HydraQuench here.

My Skincare Routine

My Skincare Routine Video

April 12, 2015