NOTDs

OPI - Chicago Champagne Toast

Essie - Miss Matched

The Essie one is a recent favourite - despite it needing THREE coats to achieve an even layer & show off its colour. This doesn't chip easily, and is a delicate pink that highlights a tan.

Recent mini-hauls

It's 3 for 2 across all make-up in Boots at the moment - So I picked up a 17 Eye-Shadow palette, Maxfactor Nailfinity varnish in 'Pearly Pink' and my everyday Maxfactor Under-Eye Concealer pen (not pictured). I also had a voucher from Cosmopolitan for £2 off an O.P.I nail lacquer from Sally's, so I bought 'Chicago Champagne Toast' - which at first glance is a shimmery brown shade, but once dry on the nails is more of a dark pink.

On a recent trip to Bristol I FINALLY bought a Laura Mercier foundation. Doing some research prior, I found that many reviews claimed Laura's was a better mineral foundation than BareMinerals, (more finely milled etc) so I've given it a go. The man who served me was really helpful, bar the obligatory efforts of selling accompanying products ;) (that aren't really necessary - I already have plenty of concealers, and my skin just doesn't react well to primers). Whilst talking to me about Laura's 'Secret Camouflage' concealer, he went on to tell me he's served Sarah Harding & Nicola from Girls Aloud and that they swear by it apparently. 

So anyway I've used this mineral foundation a couple of times, & I'm pleased :-) I'm definitely a mineral foundation convert ;)

  

Laura Mercier Mineral Foundation

 

Pros -

~ It feels extremely light upon the face, unlike liquid foundations

~ It's MUCH better for the skin, especially spot-prone types

~ It gives you a healthy 'glow'

~ It's neater to use than most minerals

~ Finely milled, great quality.

Cons -

~ The price. At £30 a pot, I'm sure as hell hoping it lasts a long time.

~ The packaging. As a high-end product, I think it could be improved a little. I do like it's simpleness in a way, and the brand font, but it's not as appealing as say, NARS or Estee Lauder.

To apply this product, I use a biiig brush (Model Co blush brush), and swirl it into the face from the outsides in. I've been advised it's best to apply concealer AFTER, but I've personally found it best to apply my concealer first, and smooth everything over with foundation to finish. 

I also picked up an Elizabeth Arden 'Deep Cleansing Mask' from TK Maxx, selling at around £8! It's a discontinued product, which is a shame as I've used it once so far & I LOVE it. It makes my skin feel so refreshed and clean. It's to be left on for 10 minutes, and rubbed off with a muslin cloth.