Monday, April 30, 2012

Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

Hello my lovelys, sorry for not posting for a few days. I have had a manic few days despite the unpredictable (although at the moment very predictable- rain.. rain.. rain) English weather. 


On Saturday our little village held the annual Morris dancing festival- locally known as Day of Dance. It is an interesting event where the locals strap bells to their legs and hold sticks, swords and handkerchiefs and perform a folk dance.The rumour goes it was invented in the house in which I now live. I am not sure of the accuracy but the festival is definitely worth a visit. 


Anyway enough about me, back to topic. 


Product InformationGarnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream


Beauty balms were originally developed in Germany in the 50's (it took a long time to come to the UK) to soothe skin and provide coverage. Mainly popular in Asia they have recently become a cult beauty product in the UK. 


Garnier claim the product to give sheer coverage, imperfections become blurred and lines are softened giving skin that is luminous,softer and has a more even tone.    


My Review :)


I have to say I really love this product. It is great time saver in the morning; I think I love my snooze button just a little too much. It primes skin, provides an SPF protection, moisturises, radiates and illuminates all in one.  


I have combination skin, my cheeks tend to be quite dry but my T-Zone fairly oily by the end of the day. I apply this product and then put a pressed powder over my oily areas and find this works perfectly and my skin looks glowing and shine free all day. 


I have the medium colour product. I think it is a little dark for my skin now as I bought it when I was still tanned after travelling but because the coverage isn't too heavy it is still wearable. 


I definitely wouldn't buy this product for its coverage and in the evening when I need a flawless finish I still use my Mac Studio Fix foundation. It gives enough coverage for daytime use when I prefer not to use a heavy foundation.  It provides a greater coverage and more even skin tone than other tinted moisturisers I have used and blurs imperfections such as redness and broken veins. 


I have recently discovered Garnier have bought out an oil free version of the product so will definitely purchase this one next time to hopefully negate the need for the pressed powder on my T-Zone. 


What are your thoughts on this product?


P.S. Pictures to follow- currently on my lunch break :)







Thursday, April 26, 2012

From frizzy and fried to silky and smooth

After my previous post on using horse mane and tail conditioner in human hair I was interested to hear about what serums, oils and leave in conditioners you all use?


I have recently bought the Redken All Soft Argan 6 Oil. My best friend is a hair dresser and promised me it was the best thing since sliced bread, (excuse the pun, her words not mine). So I took the plunge - at £14 it's not cheap. 


On a previous trip to Morocco I had learnt about Argan Oil and its amazing properties. Argan oil is produced from the kernels of the Argan tree, a species native to Morocco. I remember driving past the Argan trees and seeing them full of goats- I know sounds unbelievable but look at the picture I took below. 


Argan oil is all the rage at the moment for it cosmetic and medicinal properties. It seems to be in so many cosmetic products. 


Redken market this product as 'envelops hair in concentrated softness, nourishment and protection to intensely nourish dry, brittle hair.' 

After washing, conditioning and towel drying I apply this product to the ends of my hair before coming through. I find it is good to use as a detangler. I have really fine coloured hair and find I need to create a balance between nourishing and protecting my hair and it being weighed down with excess product and looking greasy. I find that this product is a perfect balance and gives a silky smooth and shiny finish.


If I am going on a night out where I want my hair to look extra special I also use it like a serum and apply through the ends of my blow dryed hair. 


What serums do you use?





Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Unusual Beauty Tips

Morning all, hope you had a great nights sleep. I was awake at 5.22am again and it has been exactly the same time for the past 4 days. My neighbours must have an alarm clock that wakes me up or something...spooky.  

Must.figure.it.out.it's.driving.me.crazy....

Although on the plus side I am up earlier so can write more posts for you lovely people.

Yesterday I was chatting to a model friend of mine and she let me in on a little beauty tip. She said she uses horse (yes you read that right) horse main and tail conditioner on her hair. At around £6 for 500ml its much cheaper than serums and sprays for hair and (im told) much more effective. Has anyone else used this product? 



Please comment with your unusual beauty tips- would love to hear 

Just A Pretty Face

Where have you been all my life????

Batiste Coloured Dry Shampoo Light & Blonde

This product is my lifesaver- I cant believe it has taken me so long to discover it.  

I have naturally blonde (just quite not this blonde) hair and it is very fine.  It loses volume really quickly and I seem to need to wash it really regularly. This product has saved me so much time in needing to wash my hair everyday to get the volumised look. For some reason hairspray just seems to give my hair a crispy and unnatural feel- I have tried so many brands and nothing seems to work- please message me if you have any recommendations. 

The light and blonde dry shampoo has blonde pigments which brighten up my hair and cover my roots when I am desperately needing a visit to the salon but cant seem to fit it into my really busy schedule. Thankfully my best friend does my hair and she is really flexible and fits round my lifestyle. Thanks Hayles :)

Another really great tip- I am a massive horse lover. An interesting combination I hear you thinking. Even just popping up to the yard to turn my pony out I end up smelling of l'eau d'horse, This product really does remove all those unwanted  odours from your hair- think hair morning after a night in a smokey environment become fresh and volumised with no need for washing. 

I will do some before and after shots when using this product and add them to this review. I washed my hair this morning so will upload tomorrow. 

Has anyone else used this product? 





Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Make Up Acadamy (MUA) Eyeshadow

As I was browsing through Superdrug the other day I noticed the MUA brand. All the products seemed really cheap. Every item on the stand cost about £1, whether it be lipgloss, eyeshadow, mascara or nail polish. At this bargain price I just had to give it a go. I purchased a MUA eyeshadow in Shade 2- Pearl. 


OK I will be honest- at that price my hopes weren't too high (and probably why I only bought the one item). I was sure that the quality must be compromised for the price but I have to say I was very pleasantly surprised.The eye shadow glided on very easily and was highly pigmented. It gave a better finish and easier application than premium brands I have used.



  


The packaging as shown is quite classy and simple, and best of all doesn't give away its fantastic value. I am yet to try any of their other products but will definitely be going back for more. Reviews to follow I promise. Unfortunately my local Superdrug store doesn't stock the range but I have searched and it can be bought online.

Have you tried MUA cosmetics yet? 


P.S.- photos to follow. 

Monday, April 23, 2012

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara

I couldn't wait to get this baby home and give it a try. Unfortunately God didn't bless me with super long luscious lashes and thus I have to say I am a real mascara junkie. I have an insatiable quest to find the ultimate mascara.  I would like one that lengthens, volumises, separates, doesn't smudge, lasts all day but is still easy to use........a tall order you are thinking. In the past I have looked in the mirror on my lunch break to notice that I now look like a panda and noone has been kind (or brave) enough to tell me. 






Anyway I digress. The brush is big- a really nice size to allow a quick and even application. The plastic (rubber??) bristles do a great job of coating and volumising whilst separating and lengthening the lashes. This brush seems a great improvement on the fibre brushes that used to be popular. 


The mascara looked great with one coat (and would be enough for day wear) but I can never resist putting a few more coats on for a dramatic effect. 


I have to say this is one of the best mascaras I have used in a long time and one I would thoroughly recommend. If you want impressive, volumised and lengthened lashes this is the product for you.






Thanks


Just A Pretty Face


What do you think of Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara? How does it compare to their other mascaras?












Thursday, April 19, 2012

Product Review - Liz Earle Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish


This product is one of my favourites- I like my skin to really feel clean at the start and end of the day and this really does the job. It is also really reasonable at £14.25 and one bottle lasts me about 3 months. So a lot longer than cheaper cleansers I have used so seems a pretty reasonable price. 








Firstly I massage the product into dry skin, rise the cloth in hot water and then rub to remove the cleanser. It is an exfoliator and cleanser in one. I usually find an exfoliator too harsh and drying to use everyday but this product is ideal and has really cleared up my skin. It has a consistency that is moisturising yet does not leave my skin greasy like some creamy cleansers. 






Oh, I forgot to mention. I am 25, of European origin and have combination skin. I usually get one large spot (and I mean a BIG BIG red lump) every month or so. I always take my make up off before bed- something my mum has always lived by and she looks great for her age, (54.... shhh I didn't tell you that). 


Something else I should mention- I am really quite honest and always speak my mind although I am getting better at letting it run through my head a few times before opening my mouth. 


Anyway must get back to topic- I would recommend this product. It has an lovely creamy consistency and the muslin cloth is a really innovative and a great idea. I usually follow with the Liz Earle Toner- will save that for another review. 


Please do let me know if you have any questions - I would really like to receive your ideas and comments.


Ooooo.... I forgot to mention- best of all Liz Earle are currently running a promotion on this product. http://uk.lizearle.com/step-into-summer-collection?email=newsbites&date=20120418_newsbites&link=4-collection-b

Thanks


Just A Pretty Face 







Lonely..... hello!!!



“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.”
 Marilyn Monroe,


Hi everyone and welcome to my first post on my new blog......I say everyone but I haven't got any followers just yet. Lonely. 


After reading so many other people's blogs I decided, why not create my own. My blog is an outlet for me to express my passion for cosmetics and all things beauty. I will be writing reviews, sharing photos, posting looks, handy tips and other stuff depending on where my mood takes me!


I have a real love of beauty and all things horsey. (An interesting and very incompatible combination I know. Looking beautiful whilst mucking out a stable in the pouring rain definitely don't go hand in hand).


I live in Oxford and I have just returned from spending 18 months travelling around the world- A truly amazing experience. It has been slightly difficult reverting back to real life and a 9-5 events job; don't get me wrong I love my job but nothing compares to waking up in a new place everyday. 


On the Whitehaven Beach (Australia)



In Thailand with the girlies- (I cant tell you how long it took to get this shot right)



At the peak of the Franz Josef Glacier (New Zealand)


Please email me with questions, comments, review requests.  I would love to hear from you- justaprettyface@live.co.uk