MAYBELLINE: VOLUME EXPRESS MASCARA: THE ONE BY ONE

OK, i will say it. I'm in love.

Anyone that has read my reviews and my blog will have noticed that i have a thing with mascara and lashes. I want them as black as possible and as impressive as possible.

I have always had fairly good luck with mascaras but I tend to reach for the falsies on a night out.

Well not anymore!

This has got to be one of the best mascaras that I have ever tried.

What the packaging states

Exclusive brush "The Lash Catcher" captures, coats and cleans every single lash for big, clean volume from root to tip.

Conditioning formula with Vitamin C* leaves lashes so smooth they don't stick together.

Ophthalmologist tested.

Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

The packaging

The mascara comes in the usual bullet shape that you can expect from Maybelline (that isn't a bad thing). But the thing that I love the most from the outside is that it is an amazing shade of reddy-pink. Really lovely.

The head of the wand is thick, very thick in fact. It is also red to start with, so you can see when the mascara is starting to run out. It can be so difficult to tell with the black kind.

As I have said, i want my lashes to be as big as possible at all times. This mascara packs a punch. Usually I have to apply a couple of coats on my lashes to get a look that I am happy with, but with this one, I was taken aback after the first coat.

It really does coat every lash from root to tip and there is no clumps as it does smooth the lashes.

I have been wearing my normal 2-3 coats and people have commented on how great my lashes look and also have ask wear I brought them!

If you are a natural girl and keep things simple, then this isn't the product for you. This is for the girl who loves drama, long lashes, very dark lashes, show stopping lashes, in your face lashes!

I could ot live without this mascara. It really has changed my life and now travels everywhere with me.

This is at least a Friday Night Must Have! And something that can't be missed!

Retails at around £9. A true bargain!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glitz-Brushes-Make-Up-Artist/108527369205565

The Next Morning - REVIEW: SANCTUARY: BRIGHTENING FACIAL, MOISTURE BOOSTING MASK

Morning Beauties!

Well, anyone that read my review of the facial mask yesterday knows that I promised to tell you what my skin was like the next morning.

When I woke up I was very nervous to look in the mirror. If it was anything like yesterday, I knew that I would be up against a struggle and would not be leaving the house.

Before having a look, I had a feel to try and prepare myself. My skin felt calm and smooth and thankfully the itching had stopped. I wouldn't say that it felt quenched like the product claimed, it just felt the same as it does any morning but after the reaction last night I was happy with this.

When I looked in the mirror, It wasn't as bad as I thought that it was going to be. My skin had mostly returned to its normal pale tone but there are still some red blotches around the cheek and chin area. The effected areas have decreased in size and are now only about 10% of the size that they were. Make up is going to be needed.

My skin also looks like a have not had a good night sleep and is looking more thirsty than it did before I applied the mask.

Make Up

 As I am meeting people today, I have had to apply a fine layer of make up to hide the redness.

I have used Maybelline Pure Liquid Mineral Foundation which I also use when I need coverage but my skin needs to breath. It is Mineralised Water, oil free and has SPF 18.

On my forehead (which wasn't affected by the mask) the foundation covered well. However, on my cheeks, chin and part of my nose, my foundation appears really cakey as my foundation is struggling to settle into the skin.

Final view

I still really dislike this product and I am truely gutted about this.

As I have said in my previous review, maybe it was my skin, you never know but I doubt that.

I honestly wanted to claw my skin off to be rid of it.

I advise if you do try this, not to do it before a big event or anything like that.

Have water close to hand to remove it quickly from your face, if a reaction begins to occur or you feel any discomfort or a feeling you are not happy with.

Try not to apply a moisturiser straight after using the product, let your skin get some air for a while.

Love your skin. Take care of it.

SANCTUARY: BRIGHTENING FACIAL, MOISTURE BOOSTING MASK

What the packet claims

Ultimate moisture boost to revive thirsty skin for a glowing finish

Tired, dry skin not only looks dull, but it is more easily subjects to the signs of ageing. Our therapists use this ultra moisture boosting mask to help revive the skin and renew the complexion. Organic shea butter and honey help nourish the skin, while organic rosehip seed oil is known to help skin restore itself and protects against the signs of skin ageing. The calming aroma of lavender essential oil relaxes the spirit, while the high levels of actives absorb into the skin to leave it feeling quenched and radiantly glowing.

As I have mentioned in many of my reviews, I have combination skin which can turn dry very quickly. As the weather has changed, my skin has naturally changed to very dry, so when I had the chance to try this home mask, I lept at the chance.

The mask is a very thick cream which sits on top of the face and does not dry and freeze your face like other masks. This aspect of the mask I like very much.

I wouldn't say that the cream smelt of lavender, more a Christmas cake sort of smell, anyway it was very nice.

Instructions say to smother on and leave for ten minutes, here goes.............

Wearing the mask

Well I am feeling very relaxed and this could have something to do with the essential oils which are apparently soothing my spirit. Face feels comfortable and cool.

Right, 10 mins are up, time to wash off................

After removing the mask

FUCK!!!!!!!!! I NEED TO GET THE SKIN OFF MY FACE!!!!!!!!!

It is going red and blotchy and itches like a b........

Ok, when I first washed it off, my skin felt no different and I didn't have the amazing glow that I was promised. My skin was comfortable but still looked a bit rubbish.

The packet then states to apply the moisturiser which I have done.

Skin felt fine. Maybe a little warm but ok.

Forward 2 minutes.

My face is so itchy, I am truely struggling to not claw my skin off. Skin is turning red and blotchy on my neck, cheeks and chin and my face is starting to feel very hot!

Thank god I'm not working tomorrow.

Ten minutes after

The itching has finally stopped, thank God! 

My face is still a little/very pink but is getting there slowly.

Skin feels smooth but I wouldn't say that it was anything to do with the mask, more like it was new skin as the old skin had been burned/ripped off.

Hate this mask, really hate it.

Maybe it was because of my skin but I highly doubt that, my skin was slightly dry, it wasn't a desert.

Would never, never, never use this again.

Will let you know how my face turns out in the morning.

Ok, face is feeling a little tingly, it think that is because it can feel air again. Tut Tut.

Johnson's face care: daily essentials, frangrance free facial cleansing wipes (for all skin types)

What the packaging claims

Enriched with essential, skin loving minerals and vitamins, our wipes gently sweep away make-up and impurities whist caring for all skin types. Skin is cleansed, soft and cared for. Dermatologically tested, suitable for sensitive skin.

I am not a big fan of facial wipes, I think they are ok for a sort time but I feel that they strip the skin of essential oils in the long run.

I pick these up as I was going away for the weekend and didnt have time to pack my make up. I know, ME!

In the past, i have found that wipes dry out very quickly especially once you have removed opne from the pack and start using it. Also I have found that the smell can be a bit unpleasent with some wipes.

I am happy to say that I didn't experience these problems with the Johnson's Wipes. They are 100% perfume free and the slight smell that is present, is very fresh and clean. As with the moisture of the wipe, it increased with moisture the more that you used it and stayed slightly damp afterwards. This is something that I have never experienced with a wipe and I love this feature to it.

In the summer especially, I wear a lot of waterproof and water resistence products as I need them to last all day. With some wipes in the past, I have had trouble removing them when cleansing, but the Johnson's wipes cut through waterproof mascara so easily, it is slightly unbelieveable.

I have combination skin, and sometimes have problems with my skin drying out after using a wipe but these wipes left my skin feeling clean, fresh and soft.

Retail at around £4.99 for 25 wipes.

Brilliant little pack.

Some of my fav & must have Make Up books

These are some of my favourite make up books. Each of these are books are stunning and inspirational.

All of these books were purchased from Amazon but they are avaliable in all good book shops.

• MAKEUP IS ART (Professional techniques for creating original looks) byJana Ririnul & Lan Nguyan.

This is one of the most stunning books I have ever seen and it is with me at all times. It starts with advice about skin types and which products to choose, it also cover make up tools and how to get the perfect canvas. This is a must for an artist, ranging from the Bridal Make up artist or to someone who wants a wilder look, this will inspire you in so many different ways. I also like that it contains hundreds of beautiful photos, some of them show how to create some of the instense looks, even covering body painting.

I can not stress how much I love this book.

• make-up MASTERCLASS by Jemma Kidd

Jemma Kidd, in my opinion is a amazing make up artist and this book shows this. I think this book is great for everyone, ranging from the total beginner to semi-pro.

This book covers creating a perfect canvas, shaping eyebrows, how to care for different skin types etc.

I love how she shows how to create looks for different skins all the way through the book. Fot the 'Everyday Gorgeous' section she shows a look for Porcelain, Fair, Olive And Deep. Not a lot of books do this, they tend to have a more general explanation, but she has a look of each page for different skins.

She also has contain a holiday look which is great as people know how to apply their make up on but are unprepared for when they have a tan. She covers the topic quickly and also gives examples of what products to use while away.

Sorry but I couldn't go without make up on holiday.

• Makeup makeovers: Weddings ( Stunning looks for the entire bridal party) by Robert Jones

This is a lovely book for people that specialize in Bridal makeup or if you simply want to increase your natural beauy. It gives advise on what makeup to wear and how much to apply depending on what time of the day your wedding is, tanning before the big day, concealing scars and blemishes and then different products avaliable and how to use them. It then goes on to 'Creating your look' which is a series of before and after shots and explains how it was achieved and what time of the day the wedding is taking place. In my opinion, I think that some of these pictures have been slightly airbrushed but its not a major problem. Nice little book.

• ABOUTFACE (celebrity makeup techniques) by Scott Barnes.

This is a nice book. The images are really clear and well presented. Once again, this will range from the beginner to the semi-pro but even the pros could keep this book to had for quick reference, if they need to demonstrate something to the client. It contains a lot of interviews with models, stars etc.,. giving their views on make up (not a lot of detail) and things like that. I think this book could doi without these to be honest but thats just my opinion. Its also have transformation section which have before and after shots and step by step guides for each look with images, which helps a lot. Eventhough the images are striking (there is one that really isn't) the make up looks really heavy and thick which is ok if you are on a shoot but not on a day to day basis, but these can be toned down to suit your needs. This does contain some really useful information and the pictures are beautiful. Very nice book.

• MAKE UP by Marie Claire

Ok, I am fond of this book but only beause of the images. This is perfect for beginners as the information is very basic and common knowledge to an artist but a great starting point. I do really like that it tells you how to recognise your face shape. This sounds so easy but some people can find it hard to decide which one they are. As I have said, the information is very basic and straight forward, so perfect for the beginner. The images are nice, typical of a magazine, very in your face (which I like), however not pratical for every day use but good for basic inspiration.

It does contain a couple of pages about manicures and pedis, which is handy. It has some interviews from a few famous make up artist including Bobbi Brown which is very interesting, especially her one, and also a few step by step guides but some airbrudhing.

I prob sounds like I have a downer on this book, I don't, I like it but I think there are better ones avaliable to people with eaperience but it is a nice all round book that is good for training and helping others learn. Perfect for the beginner.

My fav is MAKEUP IS ART. It is breathtaking. Beautiful just to look through or to learn from.

Review: POND'S Nourishing anti-wrinkle cream

Kylie uses this!!!

What the packaging states

The Pond's Institute has improved its Pond's Nourishinhg Anti-Wrinkle S cream formula enriched with White Tea Extract, Vitamin B3 and UV Protection in order to:

• Increases skin's natural protection against leading causes of skin ageing.
• Smooth out wrinkles and help to prevent new ones from appearing.
• Visibly illuminate skin and improve its texture.

 The main reason I started using this cream was while during a chat with my Mum, I found out that this is the brand that my Grandmother used when she was alive. My grandmother had lovely skin. If a product has been around for that amount of time, there must be something good to it.

The packaging

It is really cute. Nice, clean & simple. A mixture better pink and white shades, and a cute little flower design.

The cream is contained within a glass jar with a pink lid. I can't explain why I love it so much, maybe as it is very ladylike, who knows.

The Product

When opening the jar, the cream appears to be quick thick but light at the same time. When applied to the skin, it is very easy to blend over and around the face without dragging or excess rubbing so only a small amount is need with each application. I have found that this cream sinks into the skin very easily and evenly.

I have combination skin and found that some creams can be drying in some areas and oily in others, I haven't had this problem with Pond.

I have been using this every morning after cleansing for 2 weeks and my skin is glowing, even in texture and I have had no breakouts.

I usually get spots with eating a lot of fatty food, around my time of the month and when I forget to take my make up off at night but I really haven't had a problem with this at all when using this cream.

My skin feels smooth and comfortable from the moment that I put it on. I have noticed that the dry areas around my nose have improved 100% using this.

My skin is looking super healthy.

Also this cream has a lovely fragrance to it. It is very light, with a slight flowery undertone and smells super fresh and clean. Beautiful.

As for the anti-wrinkle second of it, well I don't know as I haven't got any. I am a strong believer I starting your anti-wrinkle routine before the wrinkles begin to appear. All I can say is that by looking at my Grandmother, if I have skin like hers at her age while using this cream, I will be one very happy lady.

I brought my cream from Boots but you will have to keep your eyes peeled for it. There are only 3 products that they stock and that it two moisturiser and one cold cream. So if you can't see it make sure you ask as it is very easy to miss. This is a great same as I truely believe this is an amazing product and it doesn't get the display space.

This product is really cheap, retailing at around £5 so will not break the bank. 

I really can't imagine switching from this cream, it is a fixature in my personal collection. My skin has never felt this good.

Remember to trust your instincts when buying a product for your skin. Yes the magazine and TV adverts are great but think, if a products has been around for ages and it is still selling against these new products, there must be something great in it.

Even some very well know celebrities are using this range from Pond, such as Kylie Minogue and how great is her skin.

Give it a go. You won't regret it.

Recent Views

Views from the UK, USA, South Korea, Bolivia, Finland and Oman! Thank you ♥


I can not explain how happy this has made me. I sort of expected to get some views in the the UK but not from over countries.


This really has made my day.


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