Product Rave: Shadowbase from FrontCover Cosmetics

Hi guys,

Long time no speak I know, but I have been so busy and plan to make it up to you with lots of new posts!

To begin with I just want to do a quick rave about a product I was sent to try by FrontCover Cosmetics, it is their Shadowbase. Retailing at £8 this product is a creamy eyeshadow in a stick applicator.

"What's so great about a cream eyeshadow?" I hear you say, we'll this product is made for so much more!

When wearing this product on its own, it is a creamy formula that glides on to leave a shimmery nude even layer of color which dries quickly and doesn't crease,so it is a great product for a quick application when you're in a rush. Plus, because it is in a lipstick style stick there's no need to get your fingers dirty when applying.

But if you want to use this product to the best of its ability, then apply it as a base/primer for your other eyeshadows or pigments. This product creates a creamy base for any other colors to adhere to for a long lasting, bolder application.  To help explain more please check out my photos below:

On the left, MAC's Nylon eyeshadow on its own. On the right, MAC's Nylon on top of FrontCover Cosmetics  Shadowbase.

On the left is MAC's Tall, Dark & Handsome, on the right is MAC's Tall, Dark & Handsome on top of FrontCover Cosmetics Shadowbase.



On the left is MAC's Paradisco, on the right is MAC's Paradisco on top of FrontCover Cosmetics Shadowbase.

You can instantly see the difference in colour when using the Shadowbase, it enhances the strength of the pigment creating a new, bolder colour.

Also, what I love is that you can still blend your colours together, even though you have the base for the products to stick to. This product really reminds me of the MAC Paint pot in Bare study, which I usually use as an eye primer and it does the same job.

In addition to its regular day job, you could also use it as a highlighter across the tops of your cheeks, brow bone and even on the cupids bow. Because of the light golden shimmer it gives, it is a handy multi-tasking product.

I would definitely recommend this product and for £8, it is a bargain as it will last for ages and will help your eyeshadows to stay put and not need re-applying.

For more information and products from FrontCover Cosmetics, take a look at their website here

Quick Rave: Balmi Lip Balm

Hello all you lovelies!

I just wanted to do a quick rave about a new product I bought at the weekend!  Balmi Lip balm in Coconut, I saw this lip balm on the Boots website and just had to have it!

I suffer from dry, chapped lips from time to time and so I tend to carry a lip balm or lip conditioner around with me at all times (usually its my trusty Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner) but as that comes in a pot, its always tricky to apply without ending up with the leftovers on your fingers.  Which is why I was so excited to see this Balmi lip balm that is shaped like a golf ball (but a bit smaller).  I have to give a shout out to the genius that came up with this simple design, whoop whoop!  Because the balm is shaped like a ball, you can apply it to your lips without touching the balm itself, which makes it mess free and more hygenic!

This balm is available in 4 flavours: Coconut (which is the one I got), Mint, Strawberry and Raspberry all for £4.99 each at Boots. 

The packaging also has a small connector, like a phone charm kind of thing, I wouldn't say I would attach it to my phone or keys, but it does make it handy to grab in your bag, plus you can remove it if you want.

The balm itself is very moisturising, and lasts for quite a while between applications. The only thing I will warn you is that if it is hot out, try not to keep it in your pocket and then apply it!  I did this at the weekend and didnt think about the heat and made a bit of dent in the shape as it had got a bit too hot and melted slightly! Whoops!  But then I put it in the fridge and its back to its normal consistency again!!

I am currently loving this lip balm, its so cute and comes in lots of different flavours which makes it nice and refreshing for the summer!

Mary Kay Cosmetics Satin Lips Review & Video

I decided to write a review on the Mary Kay Cosmetic's Satin Lips Set, because I just love, love, love it!


I am prone to dry, chapped lips, so this exfoliating set has become a staple of my beauty regime during the past summer months.


This 2 part set costs £19, which seems quite steep for two little tubes, but you only need a tiny amount each time that it will last for ages.


This product is only available in a fragrance free formula, so it is great for everyone, even those with sensitive skin.


This heavenly set comes in two parts, step one is the exfoliating mask and step two is the nourishing lip balm.

The mask contains miniature buffing beads that gently exfoliate the dead surface skin cells that are present on your lips.  These cells cause your lips to appear dull and lifeless, buffing these away helps reveal the newer, fresher skin.

The two step process is quick and simple and can be done as often as required. Step one is to apply the mask to your lips using a finger and rub in circular motions.  This action helps stimulate the skin and remove the excess dead cells. Once you have sufficiently rubbed the mask into the skin, remove using a damp cotton pad, tissue or facial wipe. Then movce on to step two which is applying the lip balm.  The lip balm tube has a slanted nozzle which helps for quick application and that’s it you are ready to go! 

It is as simple as 1, 2, 3, GO! Your lips will look and feel softer and smoother after just one application and you will wonder where this product has been all your life!!  Well, I did anyway! 

Check out my video on how to use this product!

 

As it is a Mary Kay Cosmetic’s product, you do need to purchase this item through a Mary Kay Consultant but that doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds.  A Mary Kay Consultant is a cosmetic enthusiast. One that has the lovely job of helping her customers to find the right skin care routine to suit their needs and lifestyle.  If you would like to contact a Beauty Consultant, click here and you can use the postcode finder to see where your local consultant is based.  Or if you would like to contact me for more information, check out my Mary Kay webpage here 

Product Review: Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

I hadn't heard anything about this product, no massive adverts on TV with the latest Supermodel/Superstar, but I came across it during my weekly peruse of the Boots.com website and the latest items section.
I have to say I was curious, so I popped into my local Boots and picked up one of these baby's for £7.99 and it was definitely worth the money!

If you ever have problems trying to draw your eye liner close enough to your lashes to make it look seductive and sexy, but in reality you end up 3mm away and leaving a white line inbetween then this is a 'must have' for you.  The brush allows you to apply the liner directly to the lash line, pushing the colour into the roots and by using gentle strokes you can get a nice smooth line across the length of the lash line.

Because of the consistency of the liner, it is easy to apply and depending on how much you pile onto the brush will determine how the liner will go on. Make sure you keep the brush fresh and clean and you will get a smooth line every time.

Although the pot looks quite small, there is a lot of product in there and you don't need to use very much when you're applying it so I think it will last a long time.

I think this is a great product, and once it has dried, the gel liner is smudge proof and lasts all day!

Product Review: Revlon Colourstay Foundation

Hi all you lovely people, I recently found this old post I was writing and thought it would be good to publish it!

I feel like I have been stuck in a bit of a rut recently when it came to my own foundation. I usually stick to the same foundation all through the winter and then find a lighter (in terms of texture of course) product for the summer months.  So when it came time to throw caution to the wind and explore the cosmetic aisles for a new foundation, I honestly didn’t know where to start.  Although I love make-up in its entirety and I love trying out lots of new products, when it comes to my daily skincare and make-up routine, I am always far too cautious and run away from change!  (As I am typing this, I realise just how ridiculous that sounds.)

I was a tad cautious to begin with, as my combination skin type is prone to breakouts and always feels like I need a heavy foundation to try and mask them.  So, to start my life revolution off with a bang, I popped to the nearest Boots and purchased Revlon’s Colourstay and Photoready foundation.

Revlon’s Colourstay foundation is a deceptive little bottle of magic.  The glass bottle has no pump dispenser which is disappointing, and means that it is not in ‘handy’ packaging that you could keep in your bag for touch ups throughout the day.  But then you wont need to!  I was completely astounded by how long this make up lasts for! 

On one particular day, I was heading out straight from work and so would have no time to re-do my make-up, so I applied my morning routine in the normal way before going to work; moisturiser, primer, concealer, foundation and then powder to set. I was amazed that come 5pm, all I needed was a slight dusting of powder across my T-Zone and a touch more blusher and I was made up just as well as I was that morning!

I have heard of many products that claim to be long lasting but this one really does live up to the name.  Now, I do believe some of the ‘long-lasting’ magic was because I had primed and set my foundation, but even on the days when I do not feel like using a primer, this product still lasts all day.

The foundation is a liquid texture and glides on smoothly to provide a medium to full coverage, which is buildable depending on how clear your complexion is.  It is lightweight and feels natural on my skin even when I add powder and have a face full of spots.

I love this foundation, and recommend it to all!  It is available in 12 shades and contains SPF15 which is crucial to keep your skin protected against the sun all year round.  I also love that it comes in a Normal/Dry skin formula or Combination/Oily skin formula which shows me that this company really puts logical thinking into its ranges, helping its consumers make sure that they are getting the right product for their skin type.

At £12.49 a bottle, this isn’t ‘cheap’ but in comparison to more premium brands like MAC or NARS this is a bargain.  Plus, as I have said before, this product is deceptive!  You may not think there is much left in the bottle after a month or so of use, but it just keeps going, providing a great flawless finish!

The 3in1 Miracle Cleanser!

I am completely in love with this product and so I have to tell you all about it! I used to be a soap and water girl (even though I knew better) then I started using a cleanser from Clinique which I thought was working well with my skin. Then I was introduced to Mary Kay's 3in1 cleanser!

This product is great for when you don't have much time in the mornings and if you are one of those people (just like me) that always thinks there's better things to do with my time than to sit there for 10 minutes each morning and evening to go through a strict skincare routine. With this product, just as the name suggests it is 3 products in one! Once you take your eye make-up off, you apply this cleanser which has lovely little microbeads that help to exfoliate the skin, while the cleansing lotion cleanses the skin. And for that added extra, the microbeads adds a fresher as hey burst while you're rubbing the product into your skin.

In addition to having great cleansing qualities, it is part of the Timewise collection which means it is formulated to help erase the visible signs of ageing and leave your skin feeling smoother and more radiant looking!

What's great about this product is that it is available in 2 formulas, one for normal to dry skin (which is a lotion) and one for combination to oily skin (which is more like a face wash).  Personally, I have combination skin which falls more on the oily side of combination, and I must say that after using this cleanser for a few weeks my skin felt less oily.  Now I rarely have to worry about reapplying powder throughout the day because my skin is far less oily compared to what it was before!

Priced at £20 it is not a cheap cleanser, but neither is it at the pricey end of the scale. Also, bear in mind this should last you 2-3 months with use twice a day (morning and night) so it is a good product that will last.

I really like this product, it has made my skin feel soft and smooth every time I use it! And who can complain against having 3 steps done in one go!!

Mary Kay products aren't available in shops but you are able to order them online through their website.  As a company, they are completely focused on taking care of your skin, which is why they have Independent Beauty Consultants rather than shops.  These consultants are there to help women learn how to look and feel their best everyday in the comfort of their own homes. Also, Mary Kay Cosmetics has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Now where else can you get that!

The Must Have Make-Up App!!

Over the last few months, I have been working with Andy on his next iPhone app....

Having spent a lot of time trawling through the app store to see what wonderful delights there are in terms of make up apps, but I was very disappointed with the range that's available. I am a lover of lists and databases and through my obsession of make up I collect so much make up and sometimes find it hard to keep track. So I had the brilliant idea to create an app that will help you keep an inventory of your products.

The app has now been finished and 'Make-Up Kit' is now available to purchase from the App store!