More than a Primer

I don't often declare something holy grail in my kit and my personal makeup stash; especially a product I've only been using for just under a month.

Alas here I am dubbing the Smashbox Primer Water officially Holy Grail and I assure for more reasons than just "it's a great primer" which by the way it is but more on that shortly. 

Smashbox Cosmetics, if you don't know is pro makeup brand from LA; their products are fantastic and we in the UK are lucky enough to have them available to us at most large Boots stores and online. Smashbox are renowned for their primers; with a range to suit all skin types and skin issues (e.g oiliness, redness etc). So when they released the "Primer Water" I had a feeling this was going to be something special.

The Primer Water is silicone free, alcohol free and oil free and dispenses a refreshing light mist on to the face. I use it after moisturising my skin and it instantly wakes me up in the morning, providing a smooth, hydrated base for makeup application. This can also be used to set makeup; it locks in the foundation and gives extra hydration especially as I tend to have some dry patches on my face and they begin to show throughout the day as my foundation begins to settle into my skin but after using this primer those patches don't occur and my makeup doesn't budge avoiding any re-applying. I've received comments on how vibrant and glowing my skin looks on days that I have used this which is always a bonus!

I have loved using this during the warmer days that we have had in London recently; spritzing it all over my face throughout the day to refresh my face and makeup. I did fear that my oily t-zone will get worse due to the hydrating properties in this primer; yet it didn't feel congested or look oily at all during the course of the day.

Smashbox really have changed the face primer game with this, its an all in one (holiday friendly); a face primer, a setting spray and a face refresher. This is a staple in my daily makeup routine and in my professional makeup kit. I absolutely love how this makes my skin look and feel when wearing makeup. It's my foundations new best friend!

If you have never tried a primer with your makeup before or if you are looking for a new primer give this one a go.

x o x o

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.

Continue Reading...

The DIY Facial: Featuring Alpha-H Skincare

Who doesn't love a bit of pampering; relaxing on a massage bed listening to tranquil music and getting your skin free from impurities and all of that done by someone else. We all love it, but lets face it we don't always have the time (or money) to go to a salon/beautician to do it for us so why not give yourself a little "at home" pampering.

I use the Alpha-H range I had gotten a while back when I was struggling to get my skin back to some sort of normality and its always a facial regime I go back to when my skin needs that pampered feeling. I normally do this on a Sunday morning when I know I have no where to be; and tend to do it every two weeks or at least once a month. The deep cleanse and mask helps to rejuvenate and refresh my skin leaving it feeling and looking brighter and healthier.

Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser

I start by cleansing my skin with the Alpha-H Balancing Cleanser with Aloe Vera; this is a creamy cleanser which leaves my skin feeling so clean without feeling stripped great for those with combination skin.

Cleansing your skin is essential as it is preparing the skin and removing any dirt or makeup that has built up on the surface of the skin as well as underneath the skin.

Alpha-H Micro Cleanse

Even though you have cleansed it is vital to exfoliate (scrub) your skin. This helps to remove any dead skin and helps to open up the pores which prepares your skin for the mask to do its job effectively. The Alpha-H Micro Cleanse does much more than just exfoliate;  the Glycolic acid really helps to deeply cleanses the skin. What I love about this exfoliant is that its not gritty at all and although its doing so much to the skin I do not feel like my skin is dry or stripped at all after using it.

Alpha-H Balancing and Pore Refining Mask

This mask has to be my favourite step purely because it does wonders for my skin. It is a clay mask that draws out the impurities from the pores and helps to reduce blemishes.
My skin is left feeling softer and smoother and my pores look clearer. Even though it is clay based, I have never experienced any tightness or dry skin intact it feels mud hydrated and supple.
I apply the mask with a flat foundation brush simply because it allows you to apply the mask evenly over your face and neck and is less messy on the hands.

Leave the mask on for up to 10 minutes or until it is dry to touch and remove with a wash cloth and luke warm water. Don't pull at your skin, just let the damp wash cloth to dissolve the mask and rinse off.
The final step is to make sure you moisturise; I use a combination of La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + (Review Link Below) and Alpa-H Essential Hydrating Cream. This is such an important step; your pores have been opened and it is vital to hydrate and seal the skin (with goodness of course).

And thats it! A simple, easy and effective way to pamper yourself at home. To make it more effective you can steam your face just before you apply the mask as this will help open up your pores and allow the mask to work deeper but its not necessary if you have a good exfoliator.

Of course you don't have to use Alpha-H products, you can use any brand; just make sure it is one that works well for your skin and combats and targets the problems that you have with your skin. 

Alpha-H products can be purchased from a number of suppliers; I get mine from Cult Beauty.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo + Review

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.

Continue Reading...

My Take on the Perfect Pout

So the amazing Charlotte Tilbury has released a new line of amazing-ness in the form of her Youth Boosting Lip System (Prep, Prime, Colour and K.I.S.S.I.N.G)...while I was gazing and admiring the collection knowing fully well I would not be purchasing it any time soon I was inspired to share my more affordable DIY "system" that I currently do; that is until I can afford to get my hands on CT's! (I want everything with her name on it)

Introducing my Scrub, Hydrate, Colour and Pout system:

I usually prep my lips from the night before so that I know my lips have soaked up enough moisture and are hydrated enough to apply my lipstick seamlessly the next morning.

I start by scrubbing my lips with my favourite Lush Santa's Lip Scrub that you can only get during Christmas so I stock up on this every year!

I love the Lush lip scrubs but this is my favourite by far; it's cola flavoured and I find the sugar crystals in this one are a lot more finer than the others.
I scrub my lips in a gentle circular motion which helps to lift any chapped bits leaving my lips smooth and soft.

Then I move on to moisturise my lips; and for that I almost always turn to this amazing lip treatment by Lanolips.

The Lanolips Lemonaid Lipaid with Lemon Oil, is a rich and creamy consistency and the lemon oil in it helps to continue to exfoliate the lips naturally leaving lips soft and moist.

I apply a generous amount of the Lanolips lip treatment on my lips before I go to bed; and when I wake up in the morning my lips are hydrated and moisturised. Once I have cleansed and moisturised my face and ready to apply my makeup I apply a very little amount of the Lanolips treatment again just so my lips stay moisturised until I am ready to apply my lipstick.

Once my face makeup is applied I remove any residue of the lip treatment by dabbing a tissue on my lips and then my lips are ready for some colour.

My current favourite lipstick to wear is the Gerard Cosmetics lipstick in 1995. It's a gorgeous dusky pink/brown; aptly named as it is the ultimate colour to reflect the 90's lip trend that is making its way back. I pair this up with Rimmel's Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses lip pencil 011 (Spice) for long lasting, precision application.

And voila...The Perfect Pout is complete.

You can use any products that you like to do this, these are just my favourites and work well for me and it doesn't have to be done the way I do it; I just find prepping the lips the night before saves me a lot of time in the morning.

What is your lip prepping routine? Let me know in the comments below.

Janki  x o x o

Disclaimer:

All products mentioned were purchased by me and I am in no way sponsored by any of the brands mentioned.

Continue Reading...

Cult Product: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +

I am always striving to get my skin looking and feeling great what ever the weather! I have combination skin and am prone to a few breakouts now and then. For so long I was looking for something that would help keep those breakouts at bay and I found it.

Introducing my Cult Skincare Product:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

This is a treatment product to help unclog pores and helps with imperfections and acne scars/marks. I am by no means saying this stops the spots completely but it does help calm my breakouts from occurring regularly.

This is without a doubt a cult product with many You-tubers and Bloggers singing its praises and for a good reason. 

I have re-purchased a tube of this so many times in the last year since discovering it. Even though I try so many other products to tackle the same problem I always seem to go back to this and for the price compared to the high end skincare ranges this is well worth the £15.50 and you can often get 3 for 2 at Boots across the La Roche-Posay range or from Escentual who often have reduced prices on their skincare lines.

It can be used morning or evening (or both) after cleansing your face; depending on your skin type. Personally I use it in every morning under my moisturiser after cleansing and twice a week at night on its own as an overnight treatment. Although it does say it doubles up as moisturiser; I find it is does dry out my skin if I use it excessively so I stick to alternating my night time treatment.

If I was to compare this to another product I'd say the only thing that came close to treating my breakouts in a similar way (of method) is the MD Formulations Glycare Lotion; which is now unavailable in the UK as they ceased distributing here sometime last year and is twice the price, hence I am sticking with the Effaclar Duo and saving some pennies for a lipstick (or two)!

La Roche-Posay's Skincare range is available at Boots or from Escentual. 

I've definitely noticed the difference in my skin since using this. Have you tried it? What was your experience with it let me know!

x o x o 

Continue Reading...

My new Better Skin attempt- MD Formulations

I am about to embark on a new skin regime and I thought I would share this with you all!!!

For most of my life I haven't really had great skin, either because I wasn't using the right products or hormonal changes...just the standard problems most people face with their skin. I had very mild acne when I was younger and as I grew older I started understanding that I had to use products that were right for my skin...

But all this time, I was convinced my skin was just plain Oily! Any time I was asked what my skin type was at makeup and skincare counters, my answer would be oily. Loan be hold...I am in fact Combination and I only really found that out or realised this fact after I completed my makeup course! I started understanding skin and more importantly MY skin. Since then I had been using products that were working for my skin, I would get the odd breakout but otherwise I was fine. 

Then it all went down hill, earlier this year I fell ill and was on medication that totally ruined my skin...it was dry...very dry and itchy!! I was breaking out with small white heads on my chin, forehead and cheeks. It was so bad I thought I had acne again. I did everything to get my skin back in balance; facials, masks, steam etc. Eventually after a few visits to my doctor it started getting much better. I tried to go back to my original skin routine, but it wasn't working as well as it used to. So I knew I had to look elsewhere...

For a long time a friend of mine, who is also a beautician advised me on a skincare range she uses on herself and on clients for facials- MD Formualtions a skincare line by Bare Escentuals I read up on this skincare line before I went into purchasing it. The key ingredient in the the products is a Glycolic Compound which is a combination of water, Glycolic Acid and Ammonium Glycolate. This compound works with the skins natural PH and is not irritant and is also safe for those to use that have sensitive skin. The idea behind this is that it continues to work on your skin throughout the day/night as an exfoliant. Eventually after a lot of reading and researching I decided to give it a go; now I have spent an immense amount of money on Skincare products in the hopes to get my skin perfect or at least back to its normal state and I have heard the MD Formulation products are not cheap either. Luckily they have starter kits; an Anti-blemish, Illuminating, Anti-ageing and Sensitive Anti-ageing. It was obvious to me I needed the Anti-blemish and after a consultation and MD Formualtions facial; which was amazing, my skin was glowing and felt like it had been cleaned deep under many layers. My beautician friend and I agreed this was the best choice. 


Below you can see what comes in the kit 

The kit comes with a set of instructions for AM and PM. They do advise to only do the AM routine for 2 weeks so that your skin is gradually adapting to the skincare regime/ treatment.

After the two weeks, you are able to add in the Vit-A Plus Clearing Complex by which time your skin would have adapted to the use of Glycolic Compound. 
This particular kit is said to last you for a month and a little goes a long way. So I am on day one and very excited to finally try this regime out. 
I will put an update on this after using it for two weeks, before using the Vit-A Plus and then a follow up after a week of using all of the products. 

In addition to the facials from this range MD Formulations also offer a Glycolic Peel for those that use their products and is only to be used on skin that has been using their regime continuously. So after a month of using these products I am hoping to do one of those too. 

I will report back as to how I got on with these in 2 weeks, so keep a look out.

Thanks for passing by and reading...Janki x o x o

MD Formualtions Anti-Blemish Solutions Kit purchased from http://www.xquisitebeauty.co.uk/index.php

Continue Reading...

Get those Baby Lips!

We have all heard about them, they are loved by so many beauty/makeup gurus from the USA, and finally they are available in the UK!! 

I couldn't wait to get my hands on these, and was twiddling my thumbs wondering when Maybelline would consider us worthy of getting some Baby Lips! I have tried many lip balms and lip treatments all throughout the year...be it winter or summer I have dry lips which in turn means they will chap and peel. So after all the reviews on Youtube and in blogs that I had come across about these "Baby Lips" lip balms (because lets face it that is exactly what they are just with a cuter more fun name) I had to have them!!! 

There are only six available at the moment in the UK, which are the similar to the original ones that were initially released in the USA. I say similar because they have Grapevine which isn't out here and instead we have a clear/natural one called Intense Care (they have also had more collections and limited editions released since the originals came out which are not out here in the UK) I got my six on offer from Boots priced at £2.99 each. They are also available from Superdrug. (I will put the links below) 

The formula is creamy and out of the six, three of them have no colour or tint in them and these are the ones that have SPF 20 so these are great for the summer and if your going away! The tinted ones unfortunately do not have SPF 20 in them (USA versions do apparently).

Although they are all different in smell and name they all have the same purpose. Two of the non-tinted ones offer a bit more hydration and moisture to the lips than the others and this is their purpose as one is called Hydrate and the other Intense Care. 

I have tried them all apart from Intense Care, as I mentioned before in the USA they have one that is tinted and called Grape Vine and I just do not understand why we didn't get the same. Instead we got a "treatment" lip balm! I might save that one for the winter when my lips get even drier!!

So to the ones I did try and and love...

Hydrate

It does what is says on the tin (bullet in this case) it is great for dry lips like mine, it smells amazing almost citrusy with a hint of vanilla. I found with this it really did work on my lips; normally I would put on lip balm or Vaseline in the morning, get to work and my lips would have no moisture and would be dry again. With this one I didn't need to reapply till mid-morning by which time I had a coffee and drank water from a bottle. Even after it had come off my lips were not dry and really did feel soft. I think (don't quote me on this) this is the equivalent to the USA version "Quenched".

Mint Fresh

Which is the equivalent of the USA one "Peppermint". This is also is of no colour or tint and has SPF 20. I found this one really refreshing, obviously it smells minty hence the name but it also gave a slight tingling sensation; nothing excessive and didn't last very long. The lip balm itself is a total miss...it does nothing for my lips otherwise it doesn't last very long and I have found I am putting it on a lot more often than Hydrate. 

Then I opened the tinted ones (excitement)!!!! I was really excited about these because they are the ones I saw and read most about. 

Peach Kiss 

So this one is "tinted" as such, however I'm brown and this is tinted brown so I am just going to go ahead and say its neutral. It came up neutral on my lips and hand (see swatch below) so I use it as a gloss. It smells peachy and it is a pleasant smell not too strong. As for hydration and keeping lips soft, it doesn't work as well as Hydrate and again I just feel I am re-applying more often. 

Pink Punch 

This is the only one that has the best colour pay off. Its bright pink in colour and it shows up like that on my lips as well. I liked this the best out of the tinted ones. It's great for me as I like to wear a bit of colour on my lips especially to work. Hydration level is again not that great and I've got to a point with this that it smells so great I just lick it off and apply more (ooops)!! 

Cherry Me

This the one that disappointed me the most. Why? Because look at the colour and OMG the smell a lush cherry scent...its gorgeous!!! Although I had heard Pink Punch was the best colour pay off I thought this one would still give a nice red/rosey tint to my lips...sadly no. It might as well have been another colourless one!! However smelt divine and tasted well...amazing!! 


This is how they all swatched on my hand...

All in all, I like these; I enjoy using them too; but this whole keeping my lips baby soft and not dry is definitely not what they are best for because my lips do dry out after using this and I am having to re-apply. I can't include Intense care in this conclusion as I have not tried it. (Will update this when I do). If I am honest I don't think I would re-purchase any of them other than Hydrate again as I benefited from that the best especially because of the SPF 20. 


I have to say using Hydrate as a base before applying a lipstick was great, it really helped my lipstick apply smoothly on to my lips and it didn't bleed out of my lip line either. To be honest I am more of a lipstick & Lip Gloss girl, which is why I prefer the Revlon Lip Butters as they have more of a colour pay off but for those that love lip balms and prefer them over lipsticks and lip tints then these are definitely something you would want to invest in.

If any of you have tried any of the Baby Lips let me know what you think...everyone is different and everyones expectations are different.

PS. How annoying is it that these products are MADE IN FRANCE (EUROPE) but the USA get them before we do in the UK (EUROPE)...I just do not get how these cosmetic companies work (...ok Rant over)

Thanks for passing by...Janki x o x o

Baby Lips at Boots (3 for 2 offer) http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Baby-Lips-Lip-Balm_1365477/ 

Baby Lips at Superdrug (3 for 2 offer) http://www.superdrug.com/make-up/lips/icat/makeup-lips?sort=name&sort=release&parentCategoryRef=makeup-lips&order=asc&order=desc&q=*&brand=Maybelline

Continue Reading...