Sunday 31 March 2013

What's In My Makeup Bag: Bright Town Girl

I know the majority of us love having a look into other peoples handbags, makeup bags and even showers so I've decided to start a weekly feature where beauty bloggers show the current contents of their makeup bags! I apologise in advance for any wish lists which might just happen to double in size during this time but we're a nosey, needy bunch aren't we. ;) First up is Alice from Bright Town Girl

Hey readers of Been There, Done That, Got The Lipstick. I'm Alice from Bright Town Girl and the lovely Fran has asked me to share the contents of my make up bag with you.
I have been house sitting for some friends recently so I thought I would share with you what I took away with me.
First my make-up bag is from Primark a while back, I don't think it was any more than £5. I think it’s really cute and it fits loads in.
When I go away I always pack my essentials which include the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 01, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent Powder, Collection Illumination Touch Concealer, MUA Professional Eye Primer and my Mac Quad which includes Copperplate eye shadow which I use for my brows. These are products I reach for almost daily and that I always repurchase.
I have been loving the MUA Undress Your Skin Illumination Foundation recently so I decided to bring that with me, also the Shimmer Highlighter from the range for when I want to add some highlight to my cheekbones
For under my foundation I have the Witch Anti Blemish Skin Primer which acts a great base for any foundation as well as helping with my pesky blemished skin. Too finish my base off I then dust some Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzing Powder all over to give me a bit of colour and I have my Ebay Blush Palette to add a bit of colour to my cheeks. This palette includes every colour blush you could wish for.
For my eyes I brought along the Urban Decay Glinda Palette which is my new favourite thing. This has a lovely mix of pink neutrals as well as some deeper purples which you can create some wonderful looks with. It also contains a 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Rockstar for when I want to add some definition.
Lastly for lips I have L'oreal GlamShine Gloss Stain in Princess and Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Belladonna. Both of these are long lasting lip colours that have great pigmentation with a glossy finish.
For Tools I have my trusty Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers, Sigma E25 for blending shadow, Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush for concealer, Laura Mercier Eye Crease Brush for crease work, The Vintage Cosmetics Company Eye Shadow Brush to pack eye shadow on, Crown Brush angled liner and Spoolie for my brows, Japonesque Blush Brush, The Vintage Cosmetic Company Duo Fibre Brush for bronzer, Sephora Mineral Brush for powder and Eco Tools Buffing Brush for foundation. Phew!
As you can tell I am not really a travel light kind of girl, but I do use these most days to do my full face of make up.
Thank you Fran so much for letting me feature on your blog and I hope everyone enjoyed my post?
I was so excited to see the Sephora Mineral Brush included, I'll soon me getting my grubby mitts on one of my own and can't wait to try it. The MUA foundation sounds really good too! I'm still a MUA virgin but have a feeling that might change soon. :) Thanks to Alice for sharing the contents of her makeup bag! If you don't already follow Alice's blog I've linked it at the start of this post or you can go say hello on Twitter @BrightownGirl

Saturday 30 March 2013

The Disaster Mani.


After taking to Ebay last week to order myself some nail art bits and bobs I thought it would be a good idea to attempt a non-dot design using dotting tools. Truthfully I didn't know what I was doing, I just knew I wanted some pastel shades on my nails. I'm rubbish at nail art and to be honest I'm a glossy creme nail girl and always will be. Textured finishes are completely lost on me and I only try my hand at nail art when I'm bored but more often than not remove it before I leave the house. So I armed myself with 2 Nails Inc shades: 'Brompton Place' and  'Bluebell'. A lovely lilac from Revlon: 'Charming', and Essie 'Fiji' was my base colour of choice.

I splodged 'Bluebell', 'Brompton Place' & 'Charming' on to certain areas of my nails then wiggled a dotting tool around to mess it up a bit but still keep them in their sections. After it'd had time to dry I added a dollop of top coat and that's it.

Do I like it? No, not really but I'm going to attempt different nail arty looks so thought uploading them on here would be nice to look back on.

Feel free to link your nail art posts in the comments.


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Friday 29 March 2013

NOTD: Priti NYC White Ballet Dahlia

First up from the Priti NYC Red, White & Beautiful collection is 'White Ballet Dahlia'

I love wearing white nail polish, in a weird way I really like the stark/harsh look it gives. I usually wear it on it's own but because I'm a big kid and enjoy a certain amount of tackiness I chucked on some 1mm multi-coloured crystals.

'White Ballet Dahlia' is a creme white. It is quite patchy just like all white polishes but it evens out with 3 coats! I don't usually like having to do 3 coats but it dries quickly so I don't mind so much. The brush is lovely and easy to use, it's the perfect length and width to cover your nails in just a few strokes. I only painted my nails yesterday but so far everything seems fine, no chipping or tip wear in sight.

The Red, White & Beautiful set also includes a base/top coat. It's not quick drying nor does it claim to be but compared to most top coats it does dry pretty fast and adds a gorgeous glossy finish.

Have you tried any shades from Priti NYC?
What's on your nails today?


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Priti NYC: Red, White & Beautiful

Priti NYC Red, White & Beautiful

Just a quick post to let any nail polish obsessives know about a brilliant bargain to be had on Cult Beauty! Priti NYC has been on my radar for well over a year now so when I saw this set in the sale section reduced from £29 to £8.95 for 4 full size bottles of polish I knew it had to be mine! I placed my order last week and there was free delivery at the time 'SPRINGSHIP' I'm not sure if the code is still valid but it's worth a try.

Priti launched in 2005 is known as the pioneering leader in eco-friendly nail polish. The polishes are 5 free, vegan, non toxic, and free from all known carcinogenic ingredients. I've had a quick play around with the colours and am really impressed! I'll get a few NOTD posts up over the next week or so.

Have you tried Priti NYC Polishes before?

Priti NYC Red, White & Beautiful can be found here.


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Monday 25 March 2013

Lately I've Been Lovin' #9

I haven't done a favourites post since December but not many products impressed me enough to make it onto the list and there wasn't enough to include in a post so #9 is a mix of Jan, Feb and March favourites.

Sarah Chapman Ultimate Cleanse: I don't want to keep repeating myself but this beauty is marriage material! If you're a regular reader of my blog then I'm sure you're well aware this is my HG cleanser.

Perricone No Foundation Foundation: This small sample came in my Latest In Beauty advent calendar and has lasted such a long time! I don't have much left now, maybe enough for one more use but I'm really considering ordering a bottle! It glides over the skin beautifully, offers just enough coverage and adds a lot of radiance.

Estee Lauder Zero Smudge Lengthening Mascara & Lash Primer Plus: I wasn't a fan of this at first, I always felt as if bits had crumbled into my eyes when it was first applied but once it dried out a bit it worked on my lashes like nothing else. My lashes are long but very straight, this added even more length and when used with Lash Primer Plus there was double the length and my lashes held their curl all day.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush 'Blossom'*: I think the cream blushers from Liz Earle are my all time favourites! They're creamy but don't look greasy or slide around your face, pigmentation is brilliant, they're easy to apply (I just use my fingers) and they can be used on lips. You can read my review here.

Rimmel 9-in-1 BB Cream 'Light': This is a fantastic everyday base. It's non greasy, lasts on my skin all day, only costs around £7 (or maybe less?) and the shade is a pretty good match for me.

Nourish Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum*: I raved about this lightweight serum in a post not so long ago (link) and it's still my serum of choice. I can't even feel it on my skin, it's like water yet really works to hydrate my skin. I'm sure I'll love it even more when/if the weather heats up a bit and my skin is more on the oily side.

Avon BB Cream 'Nude': If you haven't tried this yet, you need to! My tiny tube is only a sample but I'll be ordering the full size soon. If I used this without seeing the packaging I would be convinced it was high end.

MAC Blot Powder: God only knows how long I've owned this but I really couldn't stand it! I started using it again recently after shopping my stash and fell in love but look, I dropped and smashed it. For me, I don't find it works well with a brush so I just go old skool and set my t-zone with a puff.

Have you tried any of these products?
What have you been lovin' this month?


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*PR sample

Sunday 24 March 2013

Shopping My Stash #13


Another fortnight is over which means it's time for me to shop my stash yet again. :) The last 2 Shopping My Stash posts included only samples and I managed to get through quite a lot but now it's back to 'normal' products.

MAC Eyeshadow 'All That Glitters': I'm probably the only person who isn't under the spell of MAC. Some of the products are brilliant but the eyeshadows I've tried haven't impressed me. 'All That Glitters' is the only MAC shadow I still own and I love the shade but it's been neglected for a few months.

Sally Hansen Insta-Grip Base Coat: I reviewed this last week (link) and really, really like it! I'll be using it for the next couple of weeks to save using up my Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Base Coat.

YSL Rouge Volupte 'Peach Passion': This has got to be the creamiest lippy I own. It feels lovely and comfortable on the lips but because of the texture it needs to be reapplied quite often. I don't mind that though, just means I get to see the gorgeous packaging more. :) I've already done a post on this gorgeous lippy (link)

Liz Earle Signature Foundation 'Nude'*: Beautiful foundation! 'Nude' is a bit dark for me which is why I don't wear it more often but I'm planning to slap some tan on so this beauty will be what I reach for. The finish is just right, lasts well on the skin and should suit most skin types. You can read my full review here.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Correcting Concealer '51 Light Radiance': I'm not sure how I feel about this concealer anymore. At first I thought it was one of the best drugstore concealers out there but now I find the finish looks almost powdery especially when used under the eyes and on me it creases quite badly but most concealers do. Maybe I'll fall in love with it again if I give it another chance.

Bourjois Blush '33 Lilas D'Or': This is such a pretty blush, really pigmented and lasts all day on my cheeks but the smell.. Oh the smell! Why anyone would think it's a good idea for a blush to smell so strongly of flowers is beyond me. You can see my swatches here

Do you own any of these products?


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*PR sample

Friday 22 March 2013

BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint 'Pomegranate'

BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint 'Pomegranate'

I'm a bit late to the party with this one but truth is I've never been a fan of BarryM. Yes the colour range and prices are fantastic but I always find the formula a bit too gloopy. While in Boots I stood glaring at the BarryM stand for a good few minutes before admitting defeat and grabbing 'Pomegranate' All the shades were really pretty but I own too many similar shades so this was the only one I walked away with but I'm really tempted to go back for more.

This colour is what I'm always drawn to when looking through nail polish stands but for some reason my camera really struggles to show the true colour! In real life it's alot deeper and more raspberry toned. It's the type of colour I reach for no matter the season. The formula is a bit thicker but compared to the rest of the BarryM polishes there isn't much difference to be honest but it does apply really well with a self levelling effect and it is indeed a one coater but I applied 2 coats as always.

The Hi-Shine claim is true, the gloss it adds to the nails is incredible even without top coat but I still can't decide if I think it looks like gel or not. Either way it's a gorgeous colour and one I'll get a lot of wear from. There is one bad point though, it started chipping quite badly on me after just one day but my nails are a bit of a pain at the minute so it could be my nails fault and not the polish.

What do you think of BarryM Nail Paints?
Have you tried any of the Gelly shades yet?

BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paints are available from Boots and Superdrug


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Wednesday 20 March 2013

Sally Hansen Insta-Grip Fast Dry Base Coat Protect & Shine


Sally Hansen Insta-Grip Fast Dry Base Coat Protect & Shine

When it come's to base coats, Nails Inc Kensington Caviar is my usual go-to. It really works for me, my polish lasts alot longer and I never really end up with stained nails so for that reason I always make sure I have a bottle in my nail polish stash at all times. It's not the cheapest out there so to make my bottle last a wee bit longer I've been looking around for something cheaper that works just as good.

I'm a big fan of the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat so it was only a matter of time before I tried out a few more products from the brand. Insta-Grip promises to deliver longer lasting, flawless manicures & pedicures. It's enriched with calcium and nutrient rich anti-oxidants Pomegranate and Goji Berry to help nourish growing nails. My nails have been in a bit of a sorry state lately, as soon as I get them all the same length one will break then I have to file them all down and start over again. They peel, snap, bend, you name it they do it. I can't say if this base coat has improved the condition of my nails (I'm currently trying out a nail treatment) but I bought it in the hope that it might. Does it dry fast as promised? I don't find it dries any quicker than other base coats to be honest but whatever colour I decide to paint my nails seems to really grip on, hence the name.

Some nail shades out there just chip no matter what base/top coat you use but for the most part Insta-Grip has performed really well. Not only is it really cheap but it lasts almost as long on my nails as Nails Inc Kensington Caviar before chips start to appear. Gets a thumbs up from me! :)

What's your favourite Base Coat?
Have you tried this one?

Sally Hansen Insta-Grip Fast Dry Base Coat Protect & Shine is available from various online retailers but I bought mine from www.xtras-online.co.uk £2.99


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Tuesday 19 March 2013

Clarins Joli Rouge Long Wearing Lipstick '706 Hawaiian Coral'

Clarins Joli Rouge '706 Hawaiian Coral'

With the warmer months getting closer (no I haven't saw any sun either) I've been gravitating towards all things bright and coral. I'm not brave enough to put bright colours anywhere near my eyes which means I always rely on lipstick to brighten my face and make me look a bit more spring like. 706 Hawaiian Coral isn't too pink and isn't too orange, it has just the right amount of each along with a lovely formula that doesn't leave my lips feeling dehydrated and reaching for balm throughout the day. The thing I love (which I know alot of people hate) is once the shine has worn off it leaves a stain on the lips meaning you don't really need to top up too often.

The packaging is lovely too, shiny silver casing, really sturdy, the lid clicks on securely with no chance of it coming loose in your bag. The best thing about this lippy though has got to be the price - £3.99! My blog seems to be all about bargains this week and luckily I've had more hits than misses.

Have you got your hands on any bargains lately?

Clarins Joli Rouge Long Wearing Lipstick £3.99 from www.xtras-online.co.uk


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Monday 18 March 2013

Dainty Doll Cream Blush '002 Orange County Girl'

Dainty Doll Cream Blush '002 Orange County Girl'

After my not so great post on the concealer pen from Dainty Doll I'm happy to say I love this product! It was complete bargain when you compare the £1.99 price tag to the RRP. The shade looks very bright in the pan but on the skin its really subtle, adds just the right amount of colour along with a gorgeous golden sheen but you can build the colour up (swatch photo). I find the best way to apply Dainty Doll Cream Blushers is with my fingers. Brushes don't pick up much product and unlike alot of cream blushers, it isn't cream to powder but if you leave it to set for a few minutes any tacky feeling you might be left with disappears.

Dainty Doll is for us girls with fair skin but darker skintones would be able to use it as highlighter. If you've been thinking about placing an order for this blush, do iiiit!

Have you tried this blusher or anything else from Dainty Doll?


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Sunday 17 March 2013

Yves Rocher 3 Detoxifying Teas Micellar Water


Yves Rocher 3 Detoxifying Teas Micellar Water

Last year I asked Lina to send micellar when we done our first swap. It featured in a post last year but I'm on the last dregs of my bottle now so thought it was about time to share my thoughts.

 I'm sure you all know by now that I don't get the hype surrounding micellar water but over the last lot of months I've tried out a few. I don't use them as a cleanser and it angers me when people say they do. I have no idea why, it's your face 'cleanse' it however you want but for me a micellar is only a way to remove the bulk of my make up before cleansing or a quick fix when you don't have access to water.

Yves Rocher 3 Detoxifying Teas Micellar Water smells, looks and feels just like every other micellar out there but unlike La Roche-Posay Physiological Micellar Solution it contains parabens and stings my cheeks where I have a lot of dehydration and leaves a slight residue behind. It removes eye make up slightly better than La Roche-Posays offering but by no means does it disappear in one swipe. The '100% cleansed skin in a single step' claim isn't true, I cleanse after using this and the amount of make up on my flannel at the end proves micellars aren't an effective way of cleansing.

Micellar water isn't something that excites me, I can't help it. To me they're just glorified make up removers.

What's your thoughts on micellars?
Have you tried this one from Yves Rocher?

Yves Rocher 3 Detoxifying Teas Micellar Water £10.80 from www.yves-rocher.co.uk


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Saturday 16 March 2013

When A Bargain Isn't A Bargain: Dainty Doll Concealer Pen 001 It's A Kind Of Magic


How many times have you heard 'it's only a bargain if it's something you'll actually use' Well this is something I would use, if it was useable! I've been looking for a cheaper alternative to my beloved YSL Touche Eclat so thought this would be a good place to start with the dirt cheap £1.99 price tag from a discount site, the RRP is alot more.

I ordered 4 things in total and love 2 of them but this concealer is just bad beyond belief. It could well be out of date but I'll be honest, I have items of make up I've owned for longer than Dainty Doll has been around and they still work perfectly fine so I'm guessing this product wasn't the greatest to start with. The concealer separates as soon as you put it on your skin (see photo) and when you try to blend or pat it in it turns into white patches that roll into clumps.

If you're thinking of placing an order on Fragrance Direct for this pen, don't! It may only be £1.99 but why pay for something that doesn't work.

Have you tried this concealer pen?

Don't forget to enter my Urban Decay Mariposa giveaway!

Thursday 14 March 2013

March: Used Abused & Reviewed.


I know this is early for an empties post but the clutter was getting on my nerves something shockin'! My empties box was stacked up like a pyramid and everytime I walked by I managed to knock it over so here we go...

JASON Smoothing Sea Kelp Shampoo*: If you're looking for a great everyday shampoo which is free from nasties, you need to take a look at JASON. The quality is great as is the price and the sizes are huge, this bottle is just shy of 500ml. I've been using it for around 9 months now and not once has it iritated my scalp. You can read my review from back in July for more info (link) 
Repurchase? Yes.

Murad Essential-C Cleanser: Foaming cleansers are my least favourite way to cleanse but surprisingly this one from Murad didn't strip my skin. It lathers up but the bubbles feel really creamy and comfortable.
Repurchase? No, I liked it but not enough to repurchase.

Louise Galvin Deep Conditioning Treatment*: Some Louise Galvin products can be on the pricey side but but this Green Beauty Bible Award Winner thankfully isn't. I posted my review back in April (link) and have been using it on and off since then. I still really like it but I've found other treatments that work better on my crazy hair. Another good one to try if you're trying to ditch the nasties.
Repurchase? Maybe.

O.P.I Ridge Filler: I don't really have ridges on my nails but I've tried it on people who do, it doesn't do a great job at filling them but works great used under sheer colours like Opera Ballerina to save on the amount of coats you need to do.
Repuchase? No, I've found something really similar at a cheaper price.

Organic Colour Systems Status Quo Shampoo and Conditioner & Revamp Treatment*: I've worked my way through a lot of hair stuff this month haven't I! The shampoo and conditioner weren't for my hair type but the Revamp Treatment is incredible! It made my hair feel softer, stronger and a lot healthier. See my review for more info (link) Another brand to take a look at if you're looking for organic haircare.
Repurchase? The full sized Revamp Treatment is on my wishlist.

Milk_Shake Active Milk Mask*: I adore this hair mask. It smells good enough to eat, really conditions and softens my hair and makes it manageable BUT it contains parabens. :( I really need some paraben free hair mask recommendations. All the really great masks I've tried lately are full of crap! It's a real shame. You can read my full review here.
Repurchase? Undecided.

Nails Inc Union Street: This came as part of a QVC TSV many moons ago so I'm not sure if it was limited edition but it's a matte neon purple, you can probably find something similar from other brands. It did chip quite badly compared to other Nails Inc Shades.
Repurchase? No, I wasn't a fan of the colour or finish.

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse '03 Lovely Rose': There wasn't much colour pay off with this shade nor did it last long on the lips but on days when I didn't want to look made up it was handy to have. When I was out and about I would even use it as a balm if I didn't have one handy.
Repurchase? I've still got another one in a similar shade so no.

Melvita Rose Extraordinary Water: At first I really liked this product. It has a watery serum texture and you use it instead of regular toner but after a few weeks it started to feel really tacky and I didn't notice any change for the better in my skin. I much prefer using a 'normal' toner. I don't think this is marketed as a toner but I contacted Melvita to make sure I was using it correctly which is where I got the use instead of toner info.
Repurchase? No.

Omorovicza Gold Rescue Cream*: This 5ml pot lasted me weeks and weeks due to how little you need to use. I used this twice a week as my night cream and couldn't believe how plump and healthy my skin looked after each use. The texture is seriously thick but once you start massaging it into the skin it feels almost like water. All products in the gold range contain real gold, an anti-inflammatory agent to heal and strengthen the skin. The cream also traps thermal water molecules for greater hydration. It's fantastic but the price is lethal!
Repurchase? If money was no object I would buy everything Omorovicza.

White Glo Toothpaste: I bought all 3 versions of this a while back. I've still got the Smokers Version to try but the Coffee/Tea Drinkers Version wins over the Original. I had no problems at all with that one, it kept my teeth looking white but the original isn't as effective and made the corners of my mouth really sore.
Repurchase? No.

Boots Smooth Care Facial Wax Strips: Facial Waxing, how attractive but lets be honest, the majority of us have to do it. I've never had any problems with these ones from Boots, they contain 20 strips and are around the 5 quid mark. Bargain! Never again will I buy from the brand that sounds like FEET. They cost alot more, left my skin raw and the customer service is disgusting.
Repurchase? Already have.

Liz Earle Orange Flower Hand Wash: I love Liz Earle but this hand wash didn't really do it for me. It's SLS free and lathered up well but my hands were still left dry like when I use cheaper hand wash.
Repurchase? No.

Rimmel BB Cream: This is such a lovely product. It's cheap, non greasy and lasts all day on my skin without looking shiny.
Repurchase? Already have. :)

Clarins Skin Illusion Foundation: I ended up with a few samples of this foundation from magazines a while back. The shade is a bit too dark for me but the foundation itself is lovely and lasts well throughout the day.
Repurchase? No, I have enough foundation to last a lifetime.

Sephora Super Loaded Age Defy Serum & Age Defy Moisture Cream: Sephora, you're really good with make up but skin care doesn't seem to be your strong point. The cream is ok but the serum rolls into balls as soon as you add moisturiser or foundation over the top. It's terrible.
Repurchase? No.

Phyto Expess Conditioner: Nice conditioner which will work great for most people but my mane needs something a bit more hardcore.
Repurchase? No.

REN Vetiver Hand and Body Cream: This sinks into the skin really quickly but I didn't like the scent and it didn't moisturise all that well.
Repurchase? No but I think I've got another one hanging around somewhere.

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask: I'm sure you've all heard of or tried this by now. I do like it but I think the F10 Mask works just as good.
Repurchase? No.

I got through quite a few products this month but my stash still doesn't seem to be decreasing. I haven't even bought much lately with being on the spending ban.

Have you worked your way through many products this month?
*PR sample

Tuesday 12 March 2013

Perricone No Concealer Concealer.


Perricone No Concealer Concealer

When it comes to make up, concealer is the one product I'm always left feeling more than a bit disappointed with. I honestly have no idea how many I've tried over the years but I've never fully loved any of them. They're either too sheer, too drying, too orange, too cakey, don't last well on the skin or crease within a matter of minutes. For the last lot of weeks I've been trying out Perricone No Concealer Concealer. I'd been tempted by it many times before I eventually took the plunge but I finally did when I received a 20% discount code. It's been raved about like crazy and even the live demos on QVC looked really good so I was certain it would be the one.

But is it?

I need to get something out of the way first, the one shade suits all spiel isn't true. If your skin is very light or very dark then this is a no no. I'm not the fairest person in the world but even on me it come's up quite orange and I can only wear it when I'm wearing foundation. If I fancy a concealer and mascara day I need to use a diferent concealer. That aside it does do a decent job of correcting any blue tones and features broad spectrum UVA and UVB, non-chemical, mineral-based SPF 35 protection. The formula is loaded with anti-ageing ingredients and can even be used as primer. Because it contains all these ingredients I wasn't sure if I should use it on it's own or over eye cream so I tried it both ways but sadly it creased both ways, badly. The main selling point for me was the claim of being crease-proof but that it is not, atleast not for me.

 I have a feeling this review is going to come across negative but I really don't mean it to, I actually like No Concealer Concealer a lot but for every pro there seems to be a con. Yes it covers dark circles extremely well but the 'one size fits all' shade means my eye area never looks bright. It stays in place all day and doesn't fade but it creases and can make the under eye area look slightly dry. See what I mean? Maybe it's only me who has these problems with it.

The key to getting great coverage with this heavy duty concealer is to dab it on. Never try to blend it with a brush or rub it in with your finger, you won't be impressed with the coverage that way.

I think it's safe to say it's the best concealer I've tried so far but my HG concealer mission continues.

Have you tried Perricone No Concealer Concealer?

Perricone No Concealer Concealer £37.00 from www.perriconemd.co.uk

Sunday 10 March 2013

Shopping My *Sample* Stash #12

I'm still on a mission to reduce my sample stash:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer: I very rarely use primer, I just see it as an extra step and a bit of a faff really but I've read so many great reviews on this primer so hopefully it'll work well for me too. It's a silicone based primer but paraben free. Hurrah!

Talika Skin Retouch: I've never tried anything from Talika but Skin Retouch is a fluid for face, hands and neck. As far as I can tell it's a moisturiser but I'll have a look on google to find out exactly what it's for.

Estee Lauder Double Wear: I already own Double Wear but after placing an order online last year I received this sample in the shade 'Cashew' I think it's from the new colour range? Look's far too dark for me but I might try mixing it with a bit of moisturiser.

Mirenesse Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine: There's no shade name on the tube but the gloss is clear with teeny flecks of pink glitter running through. I've tried this out a few times before but wasn't impressed. I'm not sure where the 'Velvet Lip Lift Moisture Shine' bit comes from, it's just a plain basic gloss.

Nicky Clarke Instant Calmer: I haven't tried anything from Nicky Clarke in years! Instant Calmer claims to soften, add shine and control hair for a sleek luxe finish. Sounds good to me, lets hope it does what it says.

Jo Hansford Intensive Masque: Hair masks are my best friend but I recently came to the end of my mask stash. Sad times. My hair is a complete nightmare and needs all the help it can get so I'm looking forward to giving this a try. It's a 40ml tube so I doubt I'll get more than 2 uses from it.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm & Skin Smoothing Cream: Multivitamin Power Firm is a treatment to combat visible lines around the mouth and eyes. I plan to use this at night along with the Skin Smoothing Cream. I have a feeling they would be too heavy for me to use during the day plus it contains silicone and most facial skin care products containing silicone tend to roll off on me when I try the layer another product such as foundation on top.

I found a few products I ended up loving from my last Shopping My Stash post. The Rimmel BB Cream is surprisingly good and really affordable, I bought the full size last week. :)

Have you tried any of these products?