My Favourite Drug Store Base November '13 | Revlon

Revlon Colourstay Foundation ~

 You are probably all thinking you are so late on the bandwagon with this one and I know I truly am. But I always walked past this foundation in boots and never gave it much thought until recently. I was at the Revlon stand at the lipsticks when I decided to have a look at their foundations. This is where my dizzy head comes into play though, I had my boyfriend with me who was getting slightly tried of walking around boots so I decided to hurry up in picking the last few bits up. I picked this foundation in the colour "Ivory" and headed for the tills.

The next day I was dying to try this so I applied it and LOVED it would be an understatement! It look so amazing on my face and the finish is beautiful. I took a second look at the bottle and I had actually picked up the one for normal to dry skin one and immediately could have face palmed myself! I have really oily skin lately so I thought this would be a disaster, but I had no time to take it off and re-apply something. So I finished my makeup and headed out.

When I got in after quite a busy day running around doing various things I was pleasantly surprised at how well this foundation had lasted on my face. I wasn't a grease ball and my face actually looked the very near same to what I had looked like that morning.  This baffles me still? I'm tempted to pick up the formula for oily skin to see what the difference is? If anyone has tried both please leave a comment  because I'd love to know what other people think.

The texture of this foundation is really nice, its feels very soft and velvet. I apply this with my fingers as I just find it quick and easy but I think this foundation would work really well with a brush also!

All in all, I really love this foundation despite my worries it has really impressed me. I would really recommend this if your looking for a new base, I wear this now as my everyday foundation. They have a good shade selection and a formula for every skin type!

Have you tried ColourStay?

What did you think?

The Autumn Tag

Hey guys, so firstly I have been away for so so long, and trust me it has been driving me crazy! I started college in October and ever since I have been super busy. Finally I have settled in and got a routine back! So sorry guys but I'm back now :)

So its that time of season to do the Autumn Tag! I was tagged by the lovely Kammi, make sure to get check her Autumn tag out and also her blog is really nice and a really good read with a cuppa ~ blog


So lets get on with the questions...


Favourite thing about Autumn?

My favourite thing about Autumn is the feeling of getting cosy, wrapping up in cosy jumpers and cardigans. There's nothing better than getting cosy on the couch watching tv or reading a good book.

Favourite drink?

Its pretty common but my favourite drink (while it is out) is Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte, I love this stuff and try to get as many as I can because Starbucks only has them on sale for a short time. But when i cant get this my next option which is equally as delicious is a nice hot Chai Latte, all the flavour's in these drinks just get me in the mood for Christmas haha!



Favourite scented candle?

I love  any cinnamon scented candles, as you can probably tell by now I like the taste and smell of different spices so anything spicy I love but I especially love a good cinnamon candle!


Favourite Lippy?

When Autumn comes around I'm so ready for the transition in my everyday makeup! I swap my nudes and peaches for plums & berry's. My favourite everyday plum lipstick is Plumful by Mac!



Go to moisturiser?

Well lately I have been getting really oily around my nose and chin, so seen though its getting colder my skin is not getting any dryer so I still use my Favourite moisturiser, Clinque's Dramatically different moisturising gel!


Go to colour for eyes?

My favourite colours this time of year like my lipsticks is berry/purple's but I tend not to year them both at the same time so if i have a berry toned eye, ill go for a nude lip. My favourite shade on the eye is Cranberry by Mac, its one of those shades that suits everyone!

Favourite music to listen to?

My music doesn't really change in autumn but at the moment I'm loving Ben Howard & Bon Iver. Their music chills me out so much :)



Favourite outfit to wear?

I don't really have a favourite outfit but I wear my tartan scarf and black boots to death so they would have to be my favourite!



Autumn Treat?

For my it's buying lots of cosy jumpers and some really nice coffee!



Favourite place to be?

This answer will probably sound like my favourite thing about autumn, but I really love feeling cosy on the couch reading, or knitting which is a random hobby I have recently got into haha granny material in the making!


Well that's all the questions answered, I hope you liked them! Thanks again to Kammi for tagging me!

I'm tagging everyone & anyone who wants to do this, even just answer the questions in a comment because I'd love to hear your Autumn tag answers!

Thanks for reading!

 

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

1 – Favourite thing about Autumn?

Liebster Award Nomination

 (Photo courtesy of Google Images)

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award :) I'm so thrilled to have been nominated by the lovely Hope Aslinger, go check out her amazing blog Here.

So to be honest when I was told by hope that she had nominated me, I really had no clue what this award was about but I did some research and read the information on Hope's blog and now I think I have a fair idea on what it is. So this award is for bloggers who have been nominated to give it to other bloggers. These bloggers have to have less then 200 followers. ( I have used the follower count on bloglovin because it was easier that way)  I think this is a brilliant idea, it really helps people get to know you and to keep finding more interesting blogs. 

The Rules of the Liebster Award

1. Link to the blogger who nominated you.
2. Answer the 10 questions given to you by the nominator.
3.  Nominate 5 to 10 bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
4. Make up your own 10 questions or use the 10 your nominator gave you.
5. Leave a comment on your nominee's blog about their award.

 

 Hope's questions to me:

1. What is your favourite thing about being a blogger?

I think their are lost of things about being a blogger that I love but I especially because I get to meet and talk to people who are into the same things as I am. I have talked to some lovely people since starting my blog who have been super nice and really welcoming. I didn't feel like an outsider which may be sappy but it really is an amazing place to make some new friends who have common interests with you. 

2. Do you prefer lipstick or some sort of lip balm on a daily basis?

Hands down It has to be a lip balm. Don't get me wrong I love my lipsticks but I'm addicted to lip balms, Their easy to apply throughout the day & keeping your lips in good condition at the same time. My favourite lip balm at the minute is My Burt's bees lip balm. 

3. What is the most you have ever spent on one single beauty item? 

This is a really good question, and this really made me think on what was the most expensive product so I had a thing and finally came up with... My Laura Mercier oil free tinted moisturiser. It cost me a grand total of €48 in Harvey Nichols. Crazy I know, but totally Worth every penny. I use this every day and I will definitely be re-purchasing when it runs out. 

4. What are your favourite clothing stores to shop at?

Its going to be no surprise but I love shopping at Penny's (Primark). They have some really good stuff for affordable prices. I think you can find basics to some really nice on trend pieces. 

5. What is your favourite quote?

My favourite quote is something that means a lot to me. 

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”~ Nelson Mandela

6. What is your favourite perfume this time of year?

I have to say this is a hard one but I think my favourite has to be Lady Gaga Fame. 

7.  Are you one of those girls who keep their nails painted all the time or is it a rare occasion?

I am most definitely one of those girls who has their nails painted all the time. I hate my nails bare because I think it looks horrible on me. Have a colour on my nails make my chubby fingers look better ha ha! 

 8. What is your favourite makeup brand? 

I really could not choose just one. But my favourite makeup brands that I tend to use a lot & love are Estee lauder, Art deco and Laura Mercier. 

9.  Where would you go if you could take a dream Vacation? 

Didn't even need to think about this one! NEW YORK!!! I would love to go New York, its looks beautiful and it had been my dream since I first saw the movie Home Alone Lost In New York! I re-watched this as a kid so many time I actually broke the video. I now have it on DVD & still continue to watch it more than I should! 

10. What do you buy more of: Makeup, Hair care or bath and body stuff?

I have a unhealthy obsession with buying makeup so that would have to be the answer to that question. 

Thank you so much Hope for nominating me, I had a lot of fun answering your questions! Here are some amazing blogs that I would like to nominate ~

iamlauranice

20/30 GLAM

Libertylovesmakeup 

mascaraandmirrors 

anouskamillar 

 

Here are my questions :

1. What made you become a blogger?
2. What is one beauty item you could not live without?
3. What are your favourite blogs?
4. Where is your dream destination?
5. What is your favourite season & why?
6.  What is your favourite quote?
7.  If you could live one day again, which would it be & why?
8. Three of your favourite films?
9. Lip products or eye products?
10. What makes you feel confident? 

My Current Skincare Routine | Extras

So this post is the end of my skincare routine. These products are the extra steps I take when I feel my skin needs them.



Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask ~

This mask is perfect if you have deep pores like I do which sometimes can get congested and plain right disgusting! For a charcoal mask the smell is not as bad as I thought it was going to be. I like using this at night time and I usually use it at least once a week, because as I said I need to keep clearing my pores. If your pores are not that bad you wouldn't have to use as often. I love this mask because unlike other face masks I've tried, when you take it off, your skin is firm and so smooth but not that horrible tight feeling you experience with a lot of face masks. I usually focus this product on my nose, cheeks and chin. I really love this mask and after two weeks of using this I noticed much clearer pores and with continual use I have seen a huge improvement. 

                        

                                                    

Sudocrem ~

Now this is going to seem odd for a few of you reading this but let me tell you this Little gem is a life saver.  In Ireland this is known to heal pretty much anything & and you can be sure every household has this in their cupboard. Its an anti-septic cream which makes its powerful. If I have a spot coming I will dab some of this on and in the morning the redness and bump will be near to nothing. Also As strange as this sounds an occasional evening I use the what we like to call sudocream face mask ha ha, I only use this extreme measure when my skin is just a complete mess. I will apply the cream to my face and massage it in. I wait about 2 hours, usually have a cuppa and see whats on the Tv. After having a relax most of the cream has sinked into my skin but if not you can either wash off or keep massaging until all the cream has sinked into your skin. Trust me this may seem strange but it really works.

So finally that's all the products I use in my skincare routine, I hope you enjoyed reading it!

What do you use in your skincare routine?

My Current Skincare Routine | Moisturisers

Now on to Moisturisers (Clinque Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel, La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo & Hydraluron)

I'm really difficult when it comes to moisturisers, I've never found one that I liked enough to repurchase...until now!! I have two because I reach for a certain one in a certain situation, for example when I have active breakouts or my skin is just going through a hormonal mess (Ladies you know what I'm talking about) I grab this magical item, This is the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, this moisturiser is aimed at clogged pores and active breakouts and after using this, it really does reduce redness on spots and helps with my HUGE pores from getting clogged..Yuck! The texture of this cream is not like a typical moisturiser, its more like a serum that sinks into your skin quickly. The great thing about this product is you can also use it as a spot treatment and only apply on the areas you need it!

My Clinque moisturiser is my everyday moisturiser that I reach for when my skin is just at its normal state, this stuff is amazing and by first reading the title, I did think it was promising too much but it really does have a dramatically different affect on your skin! My skin felt more hydrated, plump and healthy! The best think about this product is its aimed for oily/combo skin, but as most products that are aimed for that skin type they really leave they skin very dry and not as healthy looking in order to get most out of the anti oil properties in the moisturiser but with the Clinque one, it does both, it help oil stay at bay, and keeps your skin looking fab! WIN WIN. And also if you don't have oily skin and are more Dry/combo they have the same product but its called Dramatically different moisturising Lotion! I have totally fallen in love with this product & I really recommend it!

 Now although this next product is not a moisturiser, you use in under one so I decided to slot it in here! This product is called hydraluron, and its quite interesting how this works. You apply a small about all over you face, let it dry then use your moisturiser. It states that it can hold up to 1,000 times it weight in water which is pretty impressive. So basically when you put this on, It keeps your skin very hydrated through out the whole day, and from using it myself I can see the difference. My skin looks so fresh and again plump. When I take my makeup off, This is the time when I can see the true outcome of the product, usually without using this product that day my skin looks so dead and just plain bad. But with is my skin just looks hydrated, which makes my colouration look really good.

My Current Skincare Routine | Toners

Toners

Lately in the beauty world, toners are a bit of a hot topic, I myself changed my entire skincare routine when I was introduced to the amazing Caroline Hirons, On PixiWoo's Body Talk Youtube Channel. She featured in one of their videos talking all about skincare, This woman is a genius and I have to admit I'm addicted to her blog. What I really like about Caroline is she knows her stuff, and you can be guaranteed if she recommends it, its going to be amazing. You can check out her blog here.  Anyways in this video she was talking about toners and how the "toner" stage has become not needed. However The next product in my skincare she says to be the new way to tone AND Exfoliate...

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner ~

Now I know when I first saw this I was a tad confused because I have oily skin & I always used to exfoliate with a thick cream with beads in it, but I was shocked when Caroline mentions that this tye of exfoliation is just spreading the bacteria around your face. I Immediately was grossed out and had to pick up one of the suggestions she mentioned in the video, I choose the Clarins exfoliator which is an acidic exfoliator. In contains loads of good stuff for your skin for example Glycolic Acid, tartaric acid etc all really good acids made to really exfoliate and tone your skin.

La Roche Posay Serozinc ~

Now this product is something you put on after you do the above step, this is cleans all the bacteria off your face and for me really keeps nasty spots & breakouts from appearing on my skin. This product is also if your skin is feeling dehydrated during the day, you just spray in on and it can be applied over makeup. Caroline said a product like this is better for your skin than the facial sprays you see like Evian because these actually skin on the skin and end up making the skin even more dry.

For more information you really should watch the video, It's so interesting & It will get you thinking about skincare in a completely different way! Watch Here.

My Current Skincare Routine | Background & Cleansers

I'm going to split my skincare into parts as I don't want one super long post!

 In this post unfortunately you are not going to find really cheap skincare as I'm a firm believer that you get one skin, and in order to have healthy skin and a lovely canvas to apply your makeup, you have to invest in some quality skincare products!

So some background of my skin, I have combo/Oily skin which can get VERY oily. From using products for oily skin parts of my face have become dry but this only happens sometimes for the most part I have oily skin. Just a disclaimer these products work for me and might have a different outcome with another person's skin.


Cleansers ( Bioderma & Emma Hardie's Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm.)

To take off my makeup or the first layer of it anyways I use my bioderma on oval cotton pads. This is truly an amazing product and I really enjoy using it, I have already done a blog post on this so f you want to find out more you can do so here Bioderma Review.

This next product is a true gem to have in your skincare! Emma Hardie's Amazing face Balm just works wonders!  I was very hesitant to buy this as I have oily skin and I thought it would break my skin out as its a balm. There is also a LOT of hype about this product online so I'm not one to jump straight on the bandwagon, I did wait a while and researched this product like crazy, so when everyone was loving it I decided I would give it a go! My skin looks and feels fantastic from using this, Its actually crazy how much of a difference my skin showed. My skin looks healthier and this stuff keeps nasty break outs at bay!

You get a pea sized about in your palm, add a few drops of water then massage onto the face, it's a really nice feeling on your skin and doesn't leave a horrible greasy residue!