Friday, 31 October 2014

30 Days of Beauty - Foundations


So if you follow me on Instagram you will know that im currently doing the 30 Days of Beauty challenge. Everyday a new picture is uploaded with product info and the ones that I think need a little more explanation I will the do a review for on here. If you haven’t had a look at my Instagram search for hollyblythebeauty and check it out.

Description/ Review

These are the three foundations that I use on a regular basis. Each one for a different reason. From left to right …

1)      Mac Studio Fix Fluid – This is my go to foundation. I love a medium to high coverage foundation and this doesn’t disappoint. The consistency is liquid but as it dries it goes sticky so I suggest doing each part of your face at a time if you’re a slow worker. It’s really easy to use and blends in really well too and it has spf 15 which is a massive bonus. I usually put my concealer underneath as I find it gives me a better result, you can apply it n top but make sure to tap it on rather than rub because as the foundation is sticky as it dries if you rub it just won’t blend in. I personally prefer to use my fingers with this because brushes seem to make it goes streaky but this could be my crappy brush (im getting a new one asap) I would suggest using a stippling brush instead of the traditional foundation brush. The finish is pretty matt and with pouder is so flawless and airbrushed. I remember the first time I wore it and my friend said I looked like I came out of a magazine. The wear on this is amazing! I don’t have to touch it up all day (maybe a little powder but hardly ever) and because im super lazy with make up that suits me perfectly. finally I would say that this is ideally for someone who wants a good covererage, I think it would suit most skin types (im oily to dry) but it might mess with dry skin and if you have lots of spots or are prone to break outs maybe mix this with another foundation or only use it at weekends.

2)      Next is Cliniques Superbalanced Makeup Tint. This is the foundation I use when I’m not tanned and when I know I have time to touch it up during the day. I use alablaster which is literally perfect for any of you pale people that find even the lightest foundation is still the wrong colour. This was my favourite foundation before I discovered Mac and it will always have a special place in my heart. It’s a liquid consistency and thinner than the Mac with a medium to light coverage but it’s very buildable. I would say it works best with a brush but you can still use your fingers. The finish is dewy but I find it needs a setting powder because it shifts pretty easily. This is such a good foundation if you want a minimal look as it always looks so natural and it feels super lightweight. It’s not for oily skin, I mean it says oil free but because it doesn’t stay put for more than 5 hour ish I wouldn’t recommend it if you have oily skin. You have to touch this foundation up and it doesn’t stand very well I the heat which are the only two negatives that I have to say.

3)      The final foundation is L’Oreal true match. This foundation I use when im at home for the day or not doing anything special and I don’t want to waste my expensive stuff. I know A LOT of people rave about this foundation so it’s defiantly worth a try but to be honest I don’t love it. This is a light to medium foundation but it can be built up so easily. It’s a liquid but it dries kind of powdery. I haven’t got a decent brush at the moment but I can imagine it going on so much better with a brush than fingers. The durability is pretty good, not as great as the Mac but as long as im not doing anything strenuous it stays put (again I use a powder with it). I think it’s the idea foundation to have as a back up. I wouldn’t advise this to dry skin types because of the powdery finish.


Where to buy:
1) Debenhams, House of Fraser £21.50
2) Boots, Debenhams, House of Fraser £22.50
3) Boots/Superdrug £9.99


Lots of love xoxo

Holly 

Tuesday, 28 October 2014

St Moritz Tan - Medium



Review:
I love this fake tan, it’s my go to tan at the moment and it’s especially good for the winter. It’s a mouse application but it comes in other forms, it dries fast, leaves no steaks, instantly bronzes you and is suitable for all skin types.

Personally I always prefer a mouse application, I just feel like it goes on more smoothly and there is less opportunity to miss parts of the skin, but each to their own! The mouse is nice and lightweight, always apply with a mit. Be sure to shake the bottle before use to make sure the tanning liquid is even distributed. This tan comes out a bronzed colour which makes application much easier and also means you can wash it off sooner although I’d recommend doing it before bed and washing it off the next morning. Its not really a colour you can get away with during daylight (until you’ve washed the top residue off).

I use the medium instead of the dark (even tho I love a dark tan). I did use the dark but I find the medium fades more evenly and reduces the chances of patches. So I just layer up when I want a darker colour.


Where to buy: 
Boots,Superdrug, Asda, £4.99 (varies place to place)





Love of love xoxo
Holly

Body Shop Vanilla Spray



Description:  
Body Shop Vanilla Sprays!

Review:

So here I have two of the body sprays from the Body Shop. On the left we have the ‘Madagascan vanilla flower fragrance mist’ and on the right ‘vanilla body mist’. I’m so obsessed with anything and everything vanilla so when I discovered these I was so so happy!

The body mist (right) is a really light all over body spray with a hint of vanilla. It smells beautiful but it fades really quickly.

The fragrance spray (left) is as the name suggests a fragrance and is more like a perfume so the scent is much much stronger. This lasts on the skin and clothes for ages and one bottle will easily last me several months. People always ask me what I’m wearing when I have this on and they're always surprised that it doesn't cost more! (so am I but don’t tell the body shop that).

Overall I would suggest going for the fragrance mist over the body mist because you get more for your money and they last literally all day. They also do loads of other scents and they do a range to match their body butter collection too!


Where to buy: 
The body shop £12 ish


Lots of love xoxo

Holly 


Simple, Sexy , Subtle ...


This look is a simple and minimal look thats still sexy but dead easy to achieve. 

 First I used Macs Pro Longwear conceler in NW20. I always find this goes on much better under the foundation than on the top because its quite sticky. Then I used the Mac Studio Fix foundation in NC20. Top this off with Collection 2000 powder to set. I used Benifit hoola bronzer under my cheakbones, down my nose, under lip and in the temples. Finally for blush I used Macs Spring Sheen.

Eyes:
Max factor kohl eyeliner in the waterline both top and bottom. Then I have dragged the same pencil along the upper lash line and smudged this out.( you can either use a finger or brush but I find foam works great) top off with mascara , I've chosen mac plush lash in black.

Lips:

Lip liner from  Mac (pro longwear collection) in dervish topped with any frosted natural pink. The lipstick I I used is from maybeline but I don't know what colour.


Lots of love xoxo

Holly 

Maybelline Forever Strong 'Cool grey'



Description:  
Maybelline Forever Strong in Cloudy Grey

Review:

Other than Essie these are my favourite nail varnishes. The brush is a good size, the colours are always really nice and their good value for money.  I love this grey colour for the winter. It’s still warm despite being a grey and it’s a great colour to use in nail art too! Always apply a top coat because this polish does tend to chip after a few days otherwise.


Where to buy:
 Boots/Superdrug £4.49


Lots of love xoxo

Holly