Tag: review

LookFantastic #LFLOVES Edition Beauty Box

Hello February and hello February Lookfantastic box! This month love is (supposedly) in the air with Valentine’s Day just around the corner and so this month’s Beauty Box has been appropriately themed with the box itself coming in a fabulous hot pink – I love it! This month’s box included an added surprise for me, as when I opened the box I found my face staring back at me on a money off voucher for Cloud Nine. This campaign has been out for several months now but I still keep finding advertisements from it popping up in the most random places. Anyway, on with the contents of this month’s box…

Monuspa Relaxing Bali Massage & Body Oil

I really like body oils and massage oils and this Monuspa one is great. It smells really good and has that relaxing aromatherapy oil scent that instantly makes you want a good massage just from one whiff. It’s a great product if you want to treat your other half to a massage or even be treated yourself for that matter, or you can even had a few drops of it to your bath and enjoy a nice relaxing soak.

Bliss Pink Grapefruit And Aloe Body Butter

This body butter smells so delicious and it contains Vitamin E, so it’s super nourishing for your skin. I like how this body butter doesn’t feel too heavy yet it leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft, not forgetting smelling great!

KMS California Color Vitality Conditioner
and Denman Mini Keyring Brush

Although these are two completely separate products, I decided to group them together just for the fact of them both being hair products and two things that I won’t use. For obvious reasons the KMS Color Vitality isn’t appropriate for me because I don’t have colour treated hair and the mini keyring brush (although super cute), is more likely to get lost in my afro than do any sort of job of detangling it. However I’m sure I’ll find a friend to give these to, who will love them both.

Hi Impact Brows Eyes And Brow Perfector Palette (coming soon)

It’s funny because there have been plenty of times in the past when I’ve used eyeshadows for my eyebrows and eyebrow products as eyeshadows, so it’s finally great to own a product that is actually intended for both. I’m certainly loving this palette. The constancy of the powders is great and they really stay on well.

I used the last three shades in the pallet for my eye makeup below; Shade 2 for my eyelids which I quickly blended with my finger, shade 3 for my brows and shade 4 to do my liner. The brush that comes in the palette is really good too and perfect for shading in the brows, or doing eye liner with. This one will definitely come in handy when taking trips away.

Lord And Berry Matte Lipstick in Intimacy

Before I even tried out this lip colour, I knew I was going to love it. Subtle dusky pinks are some of my favourite lip shades to wear and I can already tell that this one is probably going to become a new favourite. It glides on like a dream and stays on well yet feels comfortable on the lips. I just love, love, love this lipstick pencil! What do you think?

That’s the full round up of the #LFLOVES Beauty Box. Although there are two products in here that I won’t get use out of, that hasn’t put any damper on February’s Beauty Box for me because I actually love two of the products (the brow/eyeshadow palette & lip pencil) and have discovered two others that I really like as well. So I’m very happy with this month’s Beaut Box indeed!

Have you tried any of these products?

Samio x

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.

February 1, 2016
The Vintage Cosmetic Company Makeup Brushes

I’d been in need of some new makeup brushes for a while and so I was happy that one of my Christmas presents off my grandparents this year, was this selection of brushes and brush roll from The Vintage Cosmetic Company.

Although I’d heard of The Vintage Cosmetic Company before, it had never occurred to me that they might be a good brand to go to for makeup brushes.

I’ve currently been using these brushes each time I apply my makeup and I am loving them. The brush hairs are soft and each makeup brush helps me to apply my makeup with ease. I also really like the look of these brushes and the fact that they have the brush names printed on the handles.

I think it’s great that the brush roll is oil clothe because it means that it easily wipes clean if and when I do get any makeup on it. I also love the pretty floral print of the brush roll, which certainly has a vintage look.

What I got:
blusher brush
smokey eye brush set
powder brush
foundation brush
lip brush
concealer brush
brush roll

I’m currently loving all of these brushes but my favourite three have to be the foundation brush, powder brush and blush brush.

It’s been a while since I last used a foundation brush (as I had been using mostly sponges for quite some time). This foundation brush helps my makeup to easily glide on and it is great for creating a flawless look. I’ve been using a small about of brush cleaner after each use, in order to keep the brush clean and so far it’s stayed really soft.

The powder and blush brushes are great at picking up just the right amount of product for a light and easy application. It’s been such a long time since I found a blush brush that I like as much as this one. It helps my blusher to glide on like a dream and I feel it’s perfect for adding just the right amount of blush.

Which brand of makeup brushes do you like to use? Have you tried any of the makeup brushes from The Vintage Cosmetic Company?

Samio x

January 11, 2016
Estée Lauder Little Black Primer – Tint. Amplify. Set

I’ve never really previously understood Eyelash primers. I’ve tried a few out in my time but always found I got bored and would go back to using mascara on its own.

The Estée Lauder Little Black Primer is somewhat different to the previous eyelash primers I’ve tried, due to the fact that it’s black (as opposed to white or clear) and that on appearance, this one looks very much like an actual mascara to me. What I’ve discovered from simply trying out the primer, is that its formula is significantly more light weight and thinner than that of a mascara and so it separates the lashes and ever so slightly lengthens them without making them thicker or giving the appearance that a mascara has been applied.

This eyelash primer can be used in one of three ways; Alone ‘to tint them silky black and natural’, as a primer before mascara to add extra length, or after your mascara ‘to set, with a water resistant finish’. I personally prefer to use it in ways one and two (and am actually yet to try it on top of mascara).

Depending what you want out of this primer will depend on how well it works for you. If you have naturally ‘good’ lashes that you maybe wish to tint, then it actually does work well on bare lashes as a way to colour them black without looking like you have mascara on. It’s perfect for those no makeup days and if you want to set your lashes after curling them without applying mascara, then this product will do the trick.

In terms of using this product as a primer, I’m actually quite impressed with the results. It certainly has the best results I have seen from using an eyelash primer, and it really does help to lengthen my lashes along with applying my mascara.

Below, the first image shows me wearing the Estée Lauder Little Black Primer and the second image shows me wearing it under my W3ll People Mascara.

I’m rather impressed with the results from using the Estée Lauder Little Black Primer to prime my lashes as I think the results are significantly noticeable, compared to when I don’t prime them. I love how I’m able to use this primer to lengthen my lashes to make them a lot longer without making them look thick and clumpy. I don’t use this eyelash primer everyday, but for when I want more noticeable, super long lashes then this is the product I now reach for to help me achieve those results.

Have you tried out the Little Black Primer?

You can shop the Estée Lauder Little Black Primer 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.

January 8, 2016
A Luxury Skincare Routine To Rehydrate & Rejuvenate

If there’s one time of the year when my skin needs extra TLC, it’s now. After the busy festive period my skin is left looking and feeling fatigued and the cold winter weather only makes matters worse. So now is the time when I really like to up my skincare regime and go into full hydration mode in order to help rejuvenate my skin.

Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

I’ve mentioned this Eve Lom Morning time cleanser on more than one occasion now and it has fast become one of my favourite skincare products. As the name implies, it is a cleanser that you apply first thing in the morning. It really does help to wake up my skin in the morning and after rinsing it off, the cleansing oils leave my face feeling so soft as well as looking brighter and refreshed.

Renu Lip And Eye Active Lift

This eye cream, although geared more towards mature skin, also works wonders on fatigued skin too. It shows I lead a happy life because I’ve noticed my smile lines becoming more prominent as of late (even when I’m not smiling). It’s not that this is something I’m too bothered about, but I was surprised to see the plumping effect from this cream and that my smile lines appear reduced. It also feels so nice around the eyes and really helps to hydrate and awaken tired looking puffy eyes.

Lancôme Génifique Crème Youth Activating Day Cream

This Lancôme Génifique Crème Youth Activating Day Cream has a sort of gel to cream type feel when I apply it to my skin but it instantly works to help make it feel smooth and hydrated. I love the fact that it adds hydration to my skin and leaves it feeling moisturised without feeling oily. It works as a great base under makeup and leaves my skin feeling soft and plump.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

Using the pipet, it’s easy to apply just a few drops of this products to the fingertips and then rub it into the face and neck. Overnight this stuff really does work well to help hydrate my skin and leave it feeling soft and looking rejuvenated. I feel that it helps to make my skin appear more radiant when it can often look quite dull around this time of year.

It’s fair to say that these products are working wonders at keeping my skin hydrated and radiant, which is just what it needs during the winter period.

What is your favourite product to help rehydrate and rejuvenate your skin around this time of year?

Samio x

You can shop the items in this post and more here.

Check out my current nourishing night cream 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.

January 6, 2016
Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Eyeshadow Palette Review

This would have been one of the items at the top of my Christmas list, however I could not wait to get my hands on the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette. I am a big Gwen Stefani fan and have absolutely fell in love with Urban Decay this year and so when I found out that the two were collaborating, I got very excited!

Finally last week, I went in store and purchased the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette and it was everything I expected and more.

It comes is the most gorgeous Gwen Stefani-esque monochrome and gold casing. It has a large mirror in the inside of the lid and boasts an array of 15 fabulous eyeshadow shades. There are a stunning selection of neutral tones inside the palette, including matte browns and shimmery shades. It also has a few stand out shades, perfect for adding a pop of colour when it takes your fancy, not forgetting ‘Blackout’, the jet black shade, ideal for creating smoky eye looks.

As always with Urban Decay, the pigments are strong and the shades are stunning!

It didn’t take long before I got to work experimenting with my new palette and trying out different looks.

Here I used the shade Stark as a base, then worked in the shade Zone as a transition shade, with the deep brown shade, Punk to darken up the lid. I finished off with Harajuku in the middle of my eyelids and went in with the striking shade 1987 in the inner corners of my eyes.

I am in love with this palette if you can’t already tell. I can see I’ll be getting a lot of use out of these beautiful eye shadow shades and I am so happy with my latest makeup purchase.

What do you think about the new Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette?

Samio x

You can shop the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette here.

Check out my Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette review here.

December 21, 2015
Natural Looking Longer Lashes

I don’t easily get impressed by mascaras. In fact I often find myself somewhat disappointed when I try out new mascaras, so I tend to just stick to the same thing, but even then it’s rarely a product that excites me.

When I fist got my hands on the W3ll People Expressionist Mascara, I was looking forward to trying it out but I didn’t have too many expectations.

I’ll admit, I wasn’t blown away on first application of this product, it was more something that I have grown to love. I’d gotten use to mascaras with a much thicker consistency and bigger wands, so it felt strange at first using the W3ll People mascara when it didn’t immediately thicken my lashes. What I learned however is that the formula and wand of this mascara are actually what makes it great.

I love how the slender wand easily combs through and helps to keep my lashes separated and because the formula isn’t too thick, it means that it’s easy to lengthen the lashes without making them look clumpy at the ends – creating really natural looking lengthened stand out lashes.

Before and after.

I now use the W3ll People mascara as my go to everyday mascara. What can I say, I was soon won over by this product and I’ve finally discovered a new mascara that I love!

Samio x

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.

December 16, 2015
Anastasia Beverly Hills – Worth The Hype?

For the longest time I found myself in awe of the perfectly contoured makeup looks and the expertly defined brows using some of Anastasia Beverly Hills most talked about products. I was so pleased when I finally got my hands on some of their most hyped products: The Pro Series Contour Kit and Brow Wiz, from Cult Beauty.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in dark brown

When I first opened the brow wiz I have to admit, I thought it didn’t look too dissimilar to the Sleek Brow Stylist, which is half the price. However, one thing I did notice is that the pencil/crayon end of the Brow Wiz is significantly slimmer than the Brow Stylist.

The application of Brow Wiz is so easy because it doesn’t come out too heavy and its slim tip means that it is easy to create very natural looking eyebrow stokes. The brush end is also extremely useful for helping to comb and shape the brows. Since having this product I’ve not stopped using it and I can easily say that this is the best brow product I’ve used so far. I love the formula and even when I’m on the go I’m never without it!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Series Contour Kit in light/medium

At first I had no idea where to start with the Pro Series Contour Kit. Although I regularly ‘contour’, as anyone who has seen my YouTube makeup videos will know, my technique is pretty basic and so I wasn’t sure what to do with multiple shades.

I’m not really a fan of the super heavy makeup look so I was slightly cautious at first, but one thing I discovered is that this contour kit is actually really easy to work with. I was really impressed with with the results after having first tried out the contour kit and now it’s become a part of my daily makeup routine. The shades blend so naturally with my skin tone and I’m able to use the contour kit when doing subtle day time makeup, which is something I especially love.

Before on the left and after using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Series Contour Kit in shade light/medium on the right. I’ve applied it in a very subtle way for an everyday look but it just adds a bit more shape to my face.

So the veridic is in – I say that yes Anastasia Beverly Hills products do actually live up to the hype. I’ve intoduced two new products into my makeup routine which I love and feel I couldn’t go without now! Next on my list is some of their fabulous looking lip stains! Have you tried them?

You can watch how I like to subtly contour using the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit here:

Samio x

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.

December 14, 2015
Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacer Serum

For the past month I’ve been using the Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacer serum. I have to say I was intrigued by the name of this product but at the same time thought it was a little bit silly; Laser-free either implies that other serums contain lasers, which we know not to be true, or that it has the same results as some sort of cosmetic procedure, which I’m sure we all know is highly unlikely. I was also quite curious as to what the ‘Dragon’s blood complex’ that it contains was. Either way I was keen to see its results of this product and so I began to work the serum into my daily skincare routine morning and night.

After the first pump of this serum, I was able to see why they call the stuff in it ‘dragons blood’, as the serum does look somewhat like blood (although I cannot confirm the blood colouring of mythical creatures). It turns out that this stuff comes from a tree in the Amazon and it apparently reduces the appearance of inflammation and helps accelerate repair.

This serum is a little pricey, however a little bit does go a long way. I found that using one pump of this is enough to spread over my whole face and then an extra pump for my neck. So really you only need to use two pea sized amounts each time.

So what have I thought of this product? Well, aside from the whole silly name thing, I actually really like it. I have found that this serum leaves my skin feeling very plump and it gives it a healthy glowing look, which I love as I usually look super dull and the complete opposite of glowing at this time of year. I actually had a couple of compliments on my skins plumpness recently (this was from makeup artists if you’re wondering who would compliment someone on such a thing), so I think it could be down to this product. I’m still not about to say that the Laser-free Resurfacer Serum lives up to its claims of getting laser results but, I am impressed with it and I have been very pleased with the results that it has had on my skin, so I do give it the thumbs up.

You can shop the Peter Thomas Roth Laser-Free Resurfacer here.

Have you tried any of the Peter Thomas Roth skincare?

Samio x

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.

December 7, 2015
Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick

When it comes to lipsticks my first choice always has to be matt. Gosh Cosmetics have a wide variety of matt lipsticks in their Velvet Touch range and here I’ve swatched a few of their fabulous shades… My favourite is the Matte Rose, which one is yours?

Matt Baby Lips 001

Matt Rose 002

Matt Classic Red 005

Matt Raspberry 006

Matt Cherry 007

Matt Plum 008

If you’d like to see what these lipsticks look like on, then you can check out my Gosh Lipstick swatch video here:

Samio x

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.

November 25, 2015
LookFantastic November Beauty Box Review

This month’s Lookfantastic beauty box includes another great selection of products and here’s a full review of what is inside…

Bellapierre Cosmetics Mineral Lipstick
I have to admit, I am yet to use this lipstick but that’s only due to the fact that I currently have several red lipsticks on the go. However I have been tempted to give this one a go as it smells delicious (I’m always drawn in by sweet scented lipsticks), and the Ruby shade in bright red look gorgeous.

Korres Guava Showergel
For the full size bottle (250ml) at £8, this showergel is quite a bit pricier than what I would usually spend. It’s funny though because I easily spend large amounts on what I put on my face but never really consider it when it comes to the rest of my body… First off this stuff smells amazing. The Guava scent of the showergel has a really unique tropical smell, which I love. And why is it the price it is? Well, it claims to help maintain the skin’s moisture whilst protecting it, along with helping to reduce the visible signs of ageing. Maybe I should start investing more on my body lotions and potions after all.

Ole Henriksen’s Empower Cleanser
I’ve only used this a couple of times (my cleanser collection appears to be building up rabidly). The couple of times I have used it though, it has left my skin feeling lovely and soft. It also contains salicylic acid which is great for helping to shed dead skin cells.

Dr. PAWPAW Ultimate Red Balm
Makeup artists often have this to hand on shoots and it’s something I’ve said I’m going to buy for ages. Now I finally have my own PAWPAW in this convenient miniature size, which currently lives in my handbag. This PAWPAW Red Balm, unlike the original, is slightly tinted. It is a very subtle tint however and just adds the slightest hint of colour when applied to the lips. It can also be used on your cheeks and can be used as a skin protector or for irritable, dry skin. For me personally this has currently been my lip saviour.

REN V-Cense Youth Vitality Day Cream
I really like this day cream. It really helps hydrate and add moisture to my skin without leaving me looking shiny. It smooths on easily and it leaves my skin looking matte. It has a sort of herbal scent, which reminds me of herbal tea but I rather like it. I’m enjoying the results of this day cream as it leaves my skin feeling plump and hydrated.

Kebelo Enriching Masque
I’ve used this hair masque once and I have to say, it’s not for me. It is designed for naturally dry hair, which is certainly my hair, however It’s probably not intended for my hair texture and that’s apparent with the fact that it did not do much. It’s probably much more suitable for European hair I would imagine.

November’s Lookfantastic Beauty Box has been another hit with me and there’s only been one product that I have felt is not something for me, which was of course the hair masque. I fell I get slightly repetitive in my round up of these Beauty Boxes, but I am genuinely impressed with the selection of products that I find in them each month. It may be the fact that each box I’ve received so far has had a great selection of skincare and I am a self confessed skincare addict after all.

Have you tried the Lookfantastic Beauty Box or any of the products in November’s box?

You can subscribe to the Lookfantastic Beauty Box here.

Samio x

You may also want to check out some of my past Beauty Box reviews:
October’s Beauty Box
September’s Beauty Box
August’s Beauty Box

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.

November 13, 2015