Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

As you may know by now - I love a mascara! I always have several on the go and I use different ones for different effects.

I'm always keen to try out a new mascara. Recently I gave L'Oreal's Miss Manga Mascara a go (see HERE) which gave dramatic results but was hard to manage. So when there was a 3 for 2 at the Rimmel counter recently I thought I would try the Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara.

I haven't had a good history with Rimmel mascaras. I only usually pick them up when they are part of an offer. A few months ago I had the Scandal Eyes Mascara which has a huge barrel brush. It got messy.... I found it impossible to apply without getting it smeared over my eyelids - and I am no mascara novice.

The Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara has a thinner brush with plastic flexible bristles. I like this type of brush and find it more effective that the old-school bristle type (like the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Mascara) so I thought I'd give it a go.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara Wand

Rimmel claim that the Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara increases lash length by 99%, gives good separation and no clumps. The formula contains micro-fibres and has Grow-Lash Complex - which is supposed to boost lash growth over a few weeks. Now I can't vouch for that part because I chop and change my mascaras day by day and I assume you would need to use it continually for this to work.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

On the lashes I really like this mascara. It doesn't give the most dramatic effect I've ever achieved, but it certainly does give good separation and no clumping. It lasts really well throughout the day too. I prefer a mascara that gives a winged-out effect such as the L'Oreal False Lash Flutter Mascara, but this is a good everyday mascara to reach for on a day to day basis.

The Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara is £7.99 HERE.

Have you tried this mascara? Do you know why some of these are in yellow tubes and some in black tubes? I'd love to know as I couldn't see any difference!

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: A Review

 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I have heard a lot about the Real Techniques brushes from bloggers. I held back as cynically I wasn't sure whether people raved about them just because they were created by beauty blogger royalty Sam and Nic Chapman over at Pixiwoo (see more about them HERE). As fabulous as they both are, I wanted to make sure I was getting a brush that did what I needed it to.

I already have a set of Borghese Brushes that I have been really happy with, supplemented by a few key MAC brushes. So I wasn't really on the look out to buy more. But one thing that I hadn't got was a decent brush to apply liquid foundation. To be honest I've always just applied my foundation with my fingers and had been perfectly happy with that!

But continual talk of flawless skin and an airbrushed appearance drew me in. A couple of weeks ago during a Sunday night Beauty Bloggers twitter chat (#bbloggers, Sunday 8-9pm) I asked which Real Techniques Brush everyone recommended. By far the winner was the Expert Face Brush. In second place was the Buffing Brush but this is only available as part of the Core Collection Set so I decided to discount this one for now. Besides for applying liquid foundation the Expert Face Brush fit the bill.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

I have to say I'm really impressed! The brush feels nice in your hand, it has a wide base so you can store it standing up if you want to. The bristles are synthetic taklon and create a really firm and dense brush. I'd tried a flat foundation brush before but it seemed to just soak up all of the foundation and leave brush marks across my face. But this one doesn't! The brush feels soft on your skin but applies the foundation really easily, evenly and very quickly. It seems to blend at the same time as you apply. I think perhaps I use a bit more foundation in the process but the brush helps to get better coverage and I guess uses more product.

There are tutorials about how to use the brushes on the Real Techniques website (HERE). I use mine in a circular way starting at the centre of each cheek and I was surprised how quickly I could apply my foundation. I also use it blend my concealer under my eyes. Oddly I really enjoy using the brush!! Who would think you could actually enjoy this bit right? I also really like that I don't get foundation all over my hands in the process.

I love this brush, it isn't often that I just really love a new product that I buy - but I do love this one! Price-wise this brush is really good value at £9.99, especially compared to my MAC brushes which are around £17 just for an eyeshadow brush! In fact I was so impressed I have also just bought the Real Techniques Blush Brush - and I'll be sure to let you know how I get on with it.

Have you tried the Expert Face Brush? How does it compare to the Buffing Blush? Dare I ask - are there any other Real Techniques Brushes missing from my life (come on enable me...)?

In case you are tempted to try it - I have just found a great deal on it too - the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is at Amazon for just £6.99 HERE. The regular price is £9.99 at Boots HERE.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Complex: A Review

The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms have just sneaked there way into Boots ahead of the official release on the 22nd January. I had been reading about these since November and was really keen to try them. As soon as I heard they were out I popped into Boots to take a look.

In my earlier post about these (HERE) I revealed my wish list of shades based on other bloggers reviews and swatches. So I already knew exactly what I was hunting out.

The new Matte Balm and Lacquer Balm display in Boots

When I found the Revlon stand this is what I saw. No major fanfare - just the addition of the Matte Balms and Lacquer Balms to the usual Balm Stain display. I do wonder if I had never heard of these whether I would know where to start on this display let alone even notice the new additions!

Disappointingly Boots weren't stocking the full range of Matte Balm shades in store. They only had 8 in store although they have 10 shades online (HERE). One of the two missing shades was Mischievous - which typically was the shade I was most excited about.

Two of the other shades I'd wanted to try were Audacious and Unapologetic - although on a cold January afternoon they both looked much brighter than I expected. I was also keen on the rosy pink Elusive but decided to slam the brakes on, just buy Complex (the nude one) and wait for the inevitable 3 for 2 offer in a week or two. I know - what restraint - amazing!

I must be honest when the original Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains came out, I went crazy and bought most of them (except the bright pinks). Whilst I love a lip crayon and really liked these initially I did have an odd experience with them. As the balm started to wear off I found the stain left behind was a really bright fuchsia - even in the more natural shades such as Honey. The only colour that didn't do this was Rendezvous which is the orange balm. So I must admit I rarely wore the others as fuchsia is not a lip colour I do well.

With this in mind I thought I would approach these new Revlon Matte Balms with caution to see how they wear before splurging.

Complex is the nude shade although on my winter sun-deprived skin it looks like a peachy brown. This is still a colour I love to wear. The balm has the familiar minty smell that the original Kissable Balm Stains had, although it seemed to disappear much faster than before. I loved the mint smell of the originals although I know this wasn't to everyone's taste.

Complex felt nice on the lips when I applied it and even hours later feels quite moisturising not drying. You can feel it on your lips and if you rub them together feel like you can move the product around a little, but not like it will smear or you will leave lipstick marks on everything. This part was good! I can also confirm that there is no sign of a weird bright pink stain - also good!

But... when I looked in the mirror I could see that Complex had immediately highlighted the lines and dry patches on my lips. Very strange when it felt so nice on, I waited a while to see if it would 'melt' in a little bit. Here in lies the problem, I love the colour and the feel but it does look patchy on my lips. This is so disappointing as I want to love these!

Looking patchy? Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Complex

This is a problem I often find with nude colours - so I don't blame it purely on the Matte Balm, perhaps a darker colour or the shinier Lacquer Balms would be kinder to my wintery lips. In fact the nude Lacquer Balm in store at Boots was called Ingenue and this was lovely!

I am glad I held back and played the waiting game. Whilst writing this post I have received a tweet from Revlon confirming that these will be full launched in Boots on the 22nd January WITH a 3 for 2 offer!!! This will make me more inclined to try Elusive, Mischievous and either Sultry or Audacious or what the hell venture into the Lacquer Balms too. I just cross my fingers that they won't all be out of stock. Oh dear restraint has gone...

The Revlon Matte Balms (all 10 shades) are available online at Boots HERE and the Lacquer Balms (all 10 shades) HERE.

Have you tried these? Did you find these went patchy on your lips? Did anyone else experience the weird fuchsia stain thing with the original Kissable Balm Stains - I'd love to know!

Just Released!! Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Stains

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Stain

I can't tell you how excited I am to get my hands on these new Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms! 

I have been reading reviews and hype about them for a couple of months and finally they are released in the UK! I believe the official release date was supposed to be 22nd January, but they have already appeared on the Boots website (HERE).

I have been reading great reviews over at Lily Melrose (HERE) and Milkteef (HERE) and they have both got some amazing swatches and photos of all of the shades. I already know that I want to try the nude Complex, the orange and peachy toned Mischievous and Audacious and the pink and rosy toned Elusive and Sultry. It is safe to say that with my fair colouring I will give the bright purple Shameless a wide berth though! Such is the power of beauty bloggers - and I thank you ladies as you have made my in-store deliberating much easier now that I have a pre-planned shopping list.

So I am planning a little visit to Boots today to see whether they are also in store. They are £7.99 each and I am certain there will be a 3 for 2 offer in a week or so, but on previous experience the best shades sell out and you end up just getting 1 or 2 and paying full price anyway! Truth be told I am hugely impatient when I want something...

If I have no luck in store, thank you to the wonderful beauty bloggers out there I can order online confident that I know how the shades will look! I'll keep you posted.

Have you tried the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Stains? Which colours do you like?

The Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm Stains are £7.99 each and available ahead of official release date HERE.

    Psst.... I'm now back from the shops - see my review and swatches HERE!!

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara: A Review

I love mascara. If I had to choose one beauty product that I couldn't live without - it would without a doubt be mascara. So when I saw a display in Boots for the new L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara I was immediately tempted.

I have really liked several of L'Oreal's mascaras (the False Lash Flutter Mascara and the Voluminous Mascara immediately spring to mind) so even though I hadn't seen any reviews I was happy to take a punt on it. It comes in a few bright colours such as Violet and Turquoise but I of course chose Black.

The advertising blurb is all about creating big Manga style eyes. To be honest, I'm in my 30s so the Manga thing isn't really impressing me. But big lashes - always!!

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara Wand

L'Oreal explain that the Miss Manga Mascara wand is cone shaped so you can use the pointed end on your lower lashes. I must admit I think mine looks a bit odd - like its been crushed and frankly a bit beaten up. The bristles seem to be different lengths and I did wonder if I'd just picked up a dud. The wand is also flexible so you can bend it to an angle to help you reach your lashes better although I don't find this necessary.

When I tried it for the first time I was quite surprised how dramatic it made my lashes look - and I liked it!

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara in black: before and after

In fact I found the effect so satisfyingly dramatic that for the first few days I even stopped wearing eyeliner as I liked the effect of the mascara on its own. The effect was still impressive hours later so it has good staying power too.

However, this isn't an entirely glowing report from me. I found that the wand holds too much product which creates a bit of a clumpy effect if you aren't careful. This could be part of the Manga styling thing (the advertising image below shows this a little) or perhaps I'm being too generous! I had to wipe the excess off of the wand and given the amount that came off it was a huge waste! I hope that as it dries out a little this won't happen so much.

L'Oreal's promo image for Miss Manga Mascara

I don't usually wear mascara on my lower lashes so I didn't go for their full 'manga' effect. L'Oreal make a point of providing instructions on how to use the Miss Manga Mascara - but it really is just to hold the wand horizontally at the base of the upper lashes and zigzag to the ends. This is how I've always done it so I was surprised that this would be new news to anyone. This did make me wonder whether they are aiming the product towards younger women choosing their first products (actually the manga thing should've been a bigger clue...)?

Either way so long as the mascara performs it really doesn't matter to me! I am completely happy with a drugstore mascara and whilst I like a high-end splurge on some products like foundation or lipstick - I see no need for mascara. I've had some samples of high end mascaras which really have been quite disappointing given they retail at around £25.

On the whole I like this mascara. The Manga reference doesn't interest me but if you are careful with your application you can get an impressive effect. The promo price is good too, providing you don't end up wasting so much product you have to repurchase more frequently. But fingers crossed.

L'Oreal's Miss Manga Mascara is currently at an introductory price of £5.99 (HERE).

Have you tried L'Oreal's Miss Manga Mascara?  What did you think?

L'Oreal Micellar Water

Or to give it its full name L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution.... just rolls off the tongue no? Anyhow, calling it just Micellar Water is enough for me.

Still confused? Well - it is an alcohol-free cleanser for your face that you can also use for your lips and eyes. It is hypo-allergenic, and the blurb claims is is as gentle as water. Basically it is a great make up remover and cleanser.

Micellar waters are a new type of make up remover where oil is held in the water but in a way where the two don't separate (so the oil doesn't sit on top of the water). It is therefore a really effective make up remover but doesn't leave an oily feeling on your face. If you soak some cotton wool in the solution you can just hold it over your eye make up and leave it for a few seconds. It actually dissolves even stubborn make up and means you aren't scrubbing away and tugging at the delicate skin around your eyes. It also cleanses and tones at the same time.

I must admit before this I used wipes to remove make up but these made my skin sting and I'd end up scrubbing away and smearing eyeliner panda-style around my eyes. The real proof of the inadequacy of the wipes were the mascara smudges on my pillows the next morning. The L'Oreal Micellar Water has been a much better option for me.

The L'Oreal Micellar Water comes on the back of the much hyped Bioderma (you can read Viviana Does Make Up's review here). Bioderma is regarded as the supreme Micellar Water, but a far pricier option, not to mention tricky to get hold of.

When I first started reading about Bioderma it also seemed impossible to get hold of the UK, but a quick Google hunt shows that you can now buy it through Amazon at £15 for 500ml HERE or the almost too good to be true £4.50 for 100ml HERE.

By contrast the L'Oreal Micellar Water is freely available at Boots HERE for £3.33 for 200ml. I'm on my third bottle in 7 or 8 months so the cheaper option certainly works for me (not to mention my clean pillow cases).

Have you tried Bioderma? How does it compare to the L'Oreal Micellar Water? I would love to hear your reviews.

Max Factor: The Face Gift Box

Last week I went Christmas shopping with my mum. Whilst swinging through the make up aisles in Boots we noticed that Max Factor were giving away a free gift if you spent over £15 on their products. Lucky old me! Mum wanted a couple of things and I was the lucky recipient of the gift box.

Inside there are 3 products and some discount vouchers for £3 off of the Whipped Creme Foundation. Vouchers are all well and good but it is the products that are the real draw, as only too often the voucher remains unused and dog-eared in a corner of my wallet.

The free gifts were 3 full sized products for eyes, lips and nails. There was a Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara in black/brown, a Max Factor Lipfinity Lip Colour in 340 - Essential Natural and a Max Factor Glossfinity Nail Polish in Cobalt Blue.

I was especially pleased with these items as I have been wearing Lipfinity Lip Colour for years and have been trying to chose a more natural colour so I hoped this could be it! Likewise I have been using a different Max Factor mascara for a while which has been amazing and so I was keen to give this one a try. As for the nails, well I have an ever expanding, rammed drawer of nail polishes in all colours. But blue is not a real favourite nail colour of mine. However I will give it a whirl to see what the formula and application is like. (Right now I'm still sporting my silver glitter nails that I posted about the other day. The manicure is still going strong on its 5th day and I'm not ready to surrender it just yet.)

Lipfinity Lip Colour in 340 Essential Natural

My favourite of the 3 is undoubtedly the Lipfinity Lip Colour. I'm sure the girl in store mentioned that this shade 340 - Essential Natural was a limited edition, in which case I am really pleased I snagged this gift box. 

If you aren't familiar with the Lipfinity Lip Colour, it comes in two parts - a liquid colour with a wand applicator, which dries matte and a twist-up clear balm stick. You apply the clear balm over the colour base once it has dried. You can also reapply the clear balm throughout the day to add shine and moisture.

Max Factor Lipfinity in 340 - Essential Natural

You have to hand it to them, they couldn't have chosen a more apt name if they'd tried. It is a long wearing lipstick that is for sure. If you don't believe me - just swatch it in store, let it dry then try your best to scrub it away... I promise you, once dry this stuff really does not budge. That said, you really want to be careful with your application as smudge from this isn't something you can quickly rectify as you dash out of the door.

I have seen negative reviews of Lipfinity online and it seems to be a bit of a marmite product. I love it because there is a huge range of colours to choose from, it needs one application a day, it survives food & drink and even a whole night's sleep. I have literally used tube after tube of this stuff over the years.

However, some cautionary notes. The trick for success rests with the application. You need clean dry lips - no primer, no balm and no foundation. You must apply the colour base in an even layer that isn't too thick. Work quickly before it dries and whatever you do don't be tempted go back and apply a second layer. If you do it will go lumpy and flaky and horrible. Trust me - I once witnessed a friend wrestle with this reapplying several layers in a bright red shade and it wasn't pretty.

I will do a post on all the shades I have soon, but I have found the darker colours have better lasting power. I will admit that over time the colour flakes, but you can reapply the clear balm to help with this. Frankly if one colour application at breakfast time is still visible at bedtime I can withstand a little flaking.

Max Factor Lipfinity: Results over time after 1 application at 7am

To demonstrate it I did a little test throughout the day. I applied it 7am and ate and drank as normal throughout the day. I think I only bothered to reapply the balm once during the day but by 11pm you can still see the colour albeit a bit flaky, but for 16 hours wear that is not bad at all. Obviously unless someone is peering really closely at your mouth the flaking wouldn't really be noticeable. It just depends whether this bothers you or not.

False Lash Effect Mascara in Black/Brown

I will say from the off that I like this mascara but I don't love it. Recently I have been singing the praises of the Max Factor Clump Defy Mascara which I think gives much more of a false lash effect than this one.

To start with I do usually prefer to use a black mascara rather than brown. My colouring is fair with blond hair and blue eyes, so theoretically I am more suited to brown. Oddly I prefer a brown eyeliner but my mascara is always black. My lashes are naturally quite dark though so perhaps that helps me carry it off.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara wand

The wand of the False Lash Effect mascara is quite chunky. I always find these messier to apply as the risk of smudging up your eyelid is greater and this was no exception. You can see from the pictures below, the mascara gave a nice natural look. But it is nowhere near the impact that I have easily achieved with other mascaras. Whether it is the wand, the formula or the application I don't know. Lily Pebbles recently wrote a great series of Mascara Workshop posts which discussed all of these factors - take a look and see what you think.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara in Black/Brown

Glossfinity Nail Polish in Cobalt Blue

Glossfinity promises glossy nails for 7 days and if its staying power is anything like Lipfinity then this will be a good find. I haven't tested it yet but in this post, Really Ree tested a different shade and confirmed impressive lasting power throughout the 7 days. I will keep you posted when I decide to dip a toe (or a finger) into the world of blue nails.

All in, Max Factor's The Face Gift Box is a great freebie. The lip and eye products are quite subtle to contrast against the bold nails and if you are interested in the Whipped Creme Foundation you can make use of the £3 off vouchers.  It is a pleasant surprise to get a wearable lip colour in a free gift. I have a collection of dodgy pinks and frosted lipsticks from free gifts which will never see the light of day.

You can get your hands on this free gift when you spend £15 or more on Max Factor products at Boots here for a limited time only.

What do you think? Have you tried this box or are there any other great free gifts floating around at the moment?