My Top 5 Favourite High End Foundations

L-R: Givenchy Teint Couture, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk, MAC Studi Fix Fluid, Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, NARS Sheer Glow.

 

Hi Ladies! This is actually my first post of the year! Everything in my life has been so full on and hectic recently that regrettably, blogging has had to take a back seat. Today I'm sharing with you my top 5 high end foundations. Over the years I've tried load of foundations and I've found that it's usually worth paying the extra for overall better quality. Here are some that I recommend, especially if, like me, you suffer with oily skin and are looking for something that will last all day...

 

1. Givenchy Teint Couture Fluid Foundation- Until working in a department store, Givenchy was never a brand I thought about trying. My lovely friend Beth, who is the stores Givenchy representative is so passionate about her products, and rightly so. She matched me to a foundation and I have used it so much it's nearly all gone. It has a light weight feel, but still has plenty of coverage. I do have to touch up with powder throughout the day when I wear it, but I have grown to expect that. It is really natural and a great foundation for everyday wear.

Givenchy Teint Couture Fluid Foundation- £32.50

 

2. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation- This is such a raved about foundation on the internet and I'm so glad I jumped on the bandwagon! My whole Giorgio Armani has been amazing, from the customer service to the product itself. It makes the skin look so perfect and lit from within. It has a beautiful glow, yet doesn't look shiny at all. If you're searching for a new foundation definitely look into this one. (If you're in London, go to the Selfridges counter, the staff there are SO helpful!

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation- £35.50

 

3. MAC Studio Fix Foundation- An absolute cult product and possibly my favourite foundation ever. It has everything I look for in a foundation and I've already bought a new bottle. I wear it to college everyday, it stays put all day and doesn't look cakey (when paired with the right concealer and powder. I use YSL Touche Eclat, Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer and MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural). MAC do many different foundations, but this is 100% my favourite.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation- £21.50

 

4. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation- This is the foundation I reach for when I'm having a good skincare. As you can probably tell from the use of 'aqua' in the name, it is water based and therefore very light weight; therefore amazing for the summer. You need the tiniest amount too so it lasts for absolutely ages. I've loved this for a very long time and will repurchase it when (if!) the sun starts to come out!

Chanel Vitalumier Aqua Foundation- £33

 

5. NARS Sheer Glow Foundation- Last but certainly not least is NARS Sheer Glow Foundation. I haven't been wearing it as much recently as I bought it in the summer for my prom when I had a spray tan but I know I need to buy a new bottle that is a better match for my skin. This is the perfect foundation if you are going to an event as not only does it make your skin look absolutely flawless, but there is not SPF, meaning you get no flashback on photos!

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation- £31

 

Thank you for reading, let me know what you're favourite foundation is as I love trying new ones!

Lots of love,











Review | Revlon ColourStay Foundation Oily/ Combination Skin

My skin is something that I have never been completely comfortable with. I don't mind not wearing makeup, when I work on a Saturday, I wear absolutely no makeup, (I work in a kitchen) and I don't mind too much but I feel so much more happy when I have makeup on. I have tried numerous foundations over time, and my current one is the Revlon Colourstay Foundation. This foundation is for oily to combination skin. I have never used a foundation for a particular skin type, just Chanel Vitalumier Aqua, Rimmel Wake Me Up and Bourjois Healthy Mix which have worked well, and do stay on nearly all day, but nothing has ever combated oily skin completely. But that was before I used this! First I will talk about application, I have some pictures below to show you:

My natural skin, absolutely no makeup, just moisturiser.

 

After applying Revlon Colourstay Foundation

 

Me with full makeup:

Revlon Colourstay Foundation, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, Collection 2000 Concealer, Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, Topshop Cream Blush in Flush, Sleek Brow Kit, Yves Saint Laurent Shocking Mascara, MAC Plink Lipstick

 

As you can see, the foundation provides a very high amount of coverage and is very pigmented- without looking too cakey. On my skin, it nearly stays looking like this throughout the whole day. When I use it in conjunction with Rimmel Stay Matte powder, it hardly budges, which is great!

 

My only problems with the Revlon foundations is the packaging. Its awful! Sure the glass bottle is nice, but you have to pour the foundation out (which is rather thick) and it can get very messy, and a lot of the time ends up everywhere. It is also hard to judge how much product you are going to want to apply, so some of the product does get wasted unless you try and put it back in the bottle.

 

Apart from that, I have nothing but good things to say about this foundation and I urge anyone who suffers with oily skin to go to their nearest Boots or Superdrug to have a look at this foundation.

 



What are your thoughts? Have you ever tried it?

Eleanor

xxx

September Favourites

Seriously. How is it October already? Oh my god! Anyway, here are my September Favourites!

 



 

1. Chanel Vitalumier Foundation- When I bought this foundation, I knew I was only going to wear this on special occasions, because of the price tag, I really don't want to wear it on a day to day basis! This month, I have had a few chances to wear it, and because I haven't worn it for a while, I fell back in love with it! It makes my skin look so flawless and perfect, I just love it so much! Although it is one of the most expensive products I own, it is totally worth it!

RRP: £32

 

2. Rimmel London Mono Blush in Santa Rose- Last week, I did a review of this blush, you can read it here so I wont go into too much detail, but this blush is amazing! It is really pigmented, and a gorgeous colour and for the price, it is amazing value!

RRP: £3.99

 

3. Maybelline 24h Gel Eyeliner- Again, I have a review of this here and this isn't the first time it has been in a monthly favourites. This month, I have been wearing this eyeliner every single day. For school, I have been wearing just a bit of this on my eyes instead of my usual natural eyeshadow; which is saying something, as I was never much of an eyeliner wearer for everyday! But it is just so quick and easy and lasts all day!

RRP: £7.99

 

4. Urban Decay Naked Palette Colours in Sin, Toasted and Hustle-

 

 

Whenever I have been going out, I have been wearing a combination of these colours. I have used Sin all over my lid first, then Toasted in my crease and Hustle in my outer V. Purple tones really compliment my green eyes, and I think these colours look beautiful together.

RRP: £32

 

Here are some FOTD pictures of me wearing the makeup I have spoken about above:

 

 

 

5. Redken Colour Extend- I received this in a She Said Beauty Box, and never really thought that much of it. But since I had my hair ombred, I have been reaching for this every day. It makes my hair so soft and shiny and really intensifies the blonde in my hair.

Not sure of the price as this is a sample size.

 

6. Avon Super Shock Mascara- I have used this mascara before, and I was given this as a gift a few weeks ago and remembered how much I liked it. It gives me really full looking lashes, and has a really big brush. If you don't like dry mascaras though, I would stay clear, as it is very dry!

Again, not sure of the price as it was a gift

 

7. Soap and Glory Flake Away- As it is fall now, soft legs should be the least of my worries, but with Florida coming up, I am keeping them in good condition! I bought this mini size exfoliator as I have read really good reviews about it, and I can see why! It leaves my legs so soft, especially using my Victoria's Secret Body Oil afterwards!

RRP: £2.50

 

Eleanor

♥



TAG | 10 Products I Would Repurchase

 

I have seen this TAG floating around the Internet, and thought it was right up my street. These are 10 products that I will repurchase when they run out, and that are, in my opinion, worth the money!

 

1. Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation- This is, hands down, my favourite drug store/ high street foundation. I have a very old review here. It is really amazing, and today, I think I got the very last bit out. Once I've used up my Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, I'll defiantly be buying a new one!

RRP: £8.99

 

2. Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat- I use this usually only on special occasions, as it has such a hefty price tag, but when I do, it gives my face such radiance. I use it under my eyes, on my cheek bones, brow bone and cupids bow. It is such a beautiful, luxury product that I really enjoy using! I use it sparingly, so it will last a while!

RRP: £24.50

 

3. Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara- I am currently in the process of using up all of my mascaras that I have on the go. When I am mascaraless, this will be the one I go for! Its hard to believe, but I have never bought the same mascara twice- not because I haven't liked it, but because I like to branch out and try new ones, but this mascara has stood out as my favourite!

RRP: £7.99

 

4. Topshop Cream Blush in Flush- For school, this is the blush I reach for. As much as I love my MAC blush, there is a little too much shimmer, and I usually opt for the more natural look. This blush blends beautifully, and is the perfect colour for me. I have a full review here.

RRP: £6

 

5. MUA Professional Eye Primer- This eye primer has been my favourite for ages now. For me, it trumps Urban Decay Primer Potion. I have oily lids, and this primer ensures my eyeshadow stays on all day, no matter what the weather.

RRP: £2.50

 

6. Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner 24h- My full review for this product is here. Having only ever used pencil and liquid liners before this one, I wasn't really sure what to expect from gel, but I have been pleasantly surprised. I love the consistency, and it is really easy to work with.

RRP: £7.99

 

7. MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy- Sometimes I feel a black eyeliner can be a little too intense on me. So most days, I wear this in my water and tight line. It is a lot more natural looking, and MAC eyeliners are so pigmented, you barley need to press on your eye! This one is such an unusual colour too, I haven't seen many shimmery bronzes on the market. My full review is here.

RRP: £14

 

8. Technic Highlights- This is a dupe for Benefits Highbeam, available at Bodycare. It is really inexpensive. I own both and I prefer the consistency of this one. It gives exactly the same finish, if not better!

RRP: £1.99

 

9. Collection Cream Puff in Cotton Candy- I have been using these nearly everyday, and have had a lot of compliments. They are so easy to wear, and you can pair them with a lipstick as well as on their own. They are really moisturising. Not to mention great value for money!

RRP: £2.99

 

10. Urban Decay Naked Palette- This and my MAC Palette are my most used and loved eyeshadows, but I decided to include this one in the TAG as my MAC palette isn't full. I love all the colours in this palette and they are just amazing quality. I wont babble on, as I've gone about it so much before, but it really is one amazing palette!

RRP: £35

 

As this is a tag, I thought it would be appropriate to tag some fellow bloggers!

I tag:

 

 Alex

Lauren

Emily

Kayleigh

Purity

and you! If you decided to do this tag, leave me a link in the comments, I'd love to have a nose!

 

Eleanor

♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Review: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

I'm back in my normal blogging routine- hooray! And with that, I'm in the process of giving my blog a little makeover.

I've got lots of product reviews coming up, but the first one I'm going to do, is a review of Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation.

When I finish a foundation; unless it is particularly outstanding, I try a new one. I love trying new products and comparing them.

This foundation is one of the most raved about highstreet/drugstore foundations on the market, and although I am a little late on the bandwagon, I'm going to give you my two pennies worth!

Packaging:

The packaging of the product is nothing special. An average plastic bottle with cap. You get the normal 30ml, but personally, I think it looks a little more when you compare it to the likes of Chanel Vitalumier Aqua, but that's just because its in a longer bottle.

What its supposed to do

All foundations have a purpose. Whether its to create a matte or dewy look, to reduce redness, or even to hide signs of ageing. This foundation contains fruit extracts, and each one claims to do a separate thing for your face.

Apricot- Radiance

Melon- Hydration

Apple- Anti-Oxidant

Ginger- Energy

If you suffer from sensitive skin, this foundation may not be the one for you, as it does contain perfumes with could irritate the skin.

Shade

I use this foundation in the shade 53 Light Beige. It is a very yellow tone shade- quite similar to my Chanel Vitalumier Aqua shade B20.

Texture

At first, this foundation seems very thin and watered down. Its only when you begin to buff it into the skin that it thickens slightly to a creamier finish. I know I keep going on about it, but the consistency is similar to my Chanel if not a bit thicker.

Finish

I find that I over use the word 'dewy' when describing foundations, so I'm going to try and avoid it! This foundation leaves the skin glowing and looks very natural. Mine is the perfect shade for me, so it hardly looks like I am wearing foundation, which is the look that I like to go for.

Coverage

I find that this foundation has very good coverage; which I wasn't expecting. Usually with foundations, you get one or the other. Coverage or a Natural Look. I need the bare minimum of concealer when wearing this concealer.

One minor problem that I find is that is clings to dry patches quite considerably. Now and then, I get dry around my nose, and this foundation was no help with covering it up. I would recommend applying it soon after moisturising if you are prone to dry skin.

Staying Power

I suffer from oily skin, and some foundations end up sliding right off by the end of the day! I am religious about priming my skin, so I find that most foundations stay because of that. This foundation is no exception. With only a little wear by the end of the day, which is something I can live with!

Price

Personally, I think this is very reasonably priced. Although it is quite expensive by highstreet/ drugstore standards, when compared with high end products it is a bargain. The quality rivals some of the high end foundations out there.

RRP: £9.99

Bourjois Healthy Mix is available in the UK at Boots and Superdrug. As for worldwide, I'm not sure. It used to be available at Sephora in the US, but doesn't appear to be now. You can order from asos who ship worldwide, but I don't think it is in stock currently.

Have you tried Bourjois Healthy Mix?

Eleanor

xox

July Favourites!

July has gone by so fast this year! It has without a doubt been the quickest month. I've been so busy recently, and I decided to do a blog post instead of a video this month, as I think my blog deserves a bit of TLC!

Here are my favourites of this month!

1. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation I have found that I've loved this foundation a little more, each time I've used it. I've got a review coming shortly, so I wont go into too much depth about it, but it is an amazing foundation for the money, and its lightweight, so perfect for this time of year.

RRP £9.99

2. St Tropez Gradual Tan Most of the time in summer, I cant be bothered to fake tan, so I either wait for the sun or stay white; I can never get into a routine. But although this is a Gradual Tan because it is in the darkest shade, on my skin, after one use I am a nice colour the day after.

RRP: (I got mine with ELLE magazine but usually £14.30)



3. Maybelline Lasting Drama 24h Gel Eyeliner I have a review of this product here and it has shot to my favourite eyeliner. It is so easy to apply, and you can create natural or dramatic looks. I wear it day to day and to go out. The brush that it comes with is really good too.

RRP: £7.99

4. Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24h in On and On Bronze I have another one of these in Eternal Gold, and I love them both. They stay on all day with virtually no creasing. They are fantastic quality and value for money, and I want to try the bright turquoise colour for holidays!

RRP: £4.99

5. 17 Wild Curls Mascara I've had this mascara a while, and don't really use it on its own, but when I layer it on top of my Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara, I get an amazing result. Curl, volume and length! I managed to get this for £1 as I had a voucher in Boots so it was a great buy!

RRP: £6.29

6. MAC Lipstick in Creme Cup This is my favourite lipstick. I wear it all the time, and with any makeup look. Its so versitile and such a lovely colour. It would suit so many skin tones! I have a review of it here so again, I wont go into too much detail!

RRP: £13.50

I now have some non-beauty favourites. MacBarbie07 always includes non-beauty favourites, and I think its really fun to do!

1. M&S Rhubarb & Custard Sparkling Drink After seeing Fleur and Zoe post a picture of this on instagram, I knew I had to try it. And it has to be one of the best drinks. EVER. It tastes exactly like the sweets! I really want to try the Pineapple Cubes version...

2. Sarah Winman When God Was a Rabbit My Mum recommended this book to me, and I totally 'judged a book by its cover.' I didn't think it would be any good. But I've got into it, and its brilliant! Defiantly worth a look at! (And its not actually about God, which was my first impression)!

3. Hot Chelle Rae This month, Hot Chelle Rae has been all I've been listening too! I've completely fell in love with their music! Its so upbeat! My favourites are Tonight Tonight Downtown Girl Whatever and Forever Unstoppable Go and check them out!

4. Curiously Cinnamons These haven't just been my cereal, but if I want a snack, these are who I turn too! They are the best cereal in the world!

What are your July Favourites?

Eleanor

xox

I Went To Chanel...

Slap my wrists! As well as splurging at MAC at the weekend, I also bought possibly the most expensive makeup product I will ever own! But boy, was it worth it!

It is the Chanel Vitalumier Aqua Foundation!

In Debenhams, a very helpful lady at the Chanel counter matched me to my skin colour. As I was paying for the foundation, she began to put it in a normal Debenhams bag, and I'm pretty sure she saw the look of disappointment in my face, as I was hoping for a Chanel bag. She then put it in a beautiful Chanel bag, which has now taken pride of place on the top of my shelf! I felt like someone from the cast of Made in Chelsea with this little baby on my arm!

It is surprising small in person- even though it is the normal 30ml.

I am in the shade 20 Beige.

Isn't the packaging gorgeous? Who would think that such a simple logo could make a girls heart flutter?!

What Chanel says:

CHANEL VITALUMIÈRE AQUA Ultra-Light Skin Perfective Makeup Instant Natural Radiance SPF15 30ml. A new-generation texture. An unprecedented sensory experience. A unique makeup result. Rapid and easy application. VITALUMIÈRE AQUA. Apply your makeup without thinking about it. Its soft and evanescent ultra-fine fluid texture is a real surprise: although exceptionally delicate and light, it offers an incomparable second-skin perfecting result. The complexion appears amazingly even, freshand energised. The skin glows with seemingly nude beauty. As if lit from within. Bathed in light... Its formula, enriched with a UVB sun filter and mineral sunscreen, protects the skin from damaging sun rays (SPF 15). Its crystalline fragrance accentuates the sensation of freshness and pleasure on application.

Sorry, a lot to take in!

It really does what it says on the tin. Although it is not the most high coverage foundation on the market, it makes my skin look flawless, and it really is weightless! With SPF 15 it is wearable during summer, and even without a primer it lasts all day, which, having an oily complexion, is usually a problem for me.

Which leads me onto the fact that, the name has 'Aqua' in it, which suggests it is a water based foundation. (Hence the fact you need to shake it before application, unless you want a watery mess)! Usually alarm bells would ring, making you think that this foundation would be unsuitable for oily skin, but in my opinion, it is perfect!

It suits all skin types, and Chanel have a relatively large range of shades.

Pricing:

On my shopping trip, it was this that did the damage.

£32.

Some may ask, is it worth it?

My reply;

Every penny!

What are your thoughts on the Chanel Vitalumier Aqua foundation?

E

xox

Review: Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation

I've been using this foundation for nearly a month now, and I think its about due a review!

I brought it when it was at a reduced price in Boots, but I think it might be at its usual price now, which is £8.99.

Firstly, the packaging is lovely. I'm a big fan of the sparkly orange packaging. Some people may find it a bit tacky, but I think it really reflects the point of the product!

You have full control of how much product you want to use with the applicator.

I absolutely love the consistency of the foundation. Its not watery like some foundations, but more like a gel, if that makes any sense? Its very thick and luxurious to apply, and does give you quite a reasonable coverage.

Flash

Natural Light

Can you see the natural glow that it gives?

I defiantly recommend this, if you want a dewy look with not too much coverage!

The price is £8.99, and is available at Boots and Superdrug.

How you tried it?

E

xox

Heads Up Girls!

I have been staying at a friends this weekend, and got s lovely surprise when I got home. My March Glamour Edition had arrived!

On the cover is the gorgeous Reese Witherspoon.

And as I started to read it, to my absolute delight, I found that it was jam-packed with samples! And the one, I still can't get over!!

So a few posts ago, I blogged about the two Chanel foundations, and guess what was a sample?!!

Its the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation!! I can't explain my excitement when I saw this in there! I'm going to save it for when I go to London to see Ghost the Musical at the West End!

The next sample is another foundation, that I'm also excited to try!



This one is the new Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation, that is meant to give you a glowing finish.

And the last sample is:



`
Some of the Vitamins and Extracts Mask and Wash, which I was asked to trial and did a post about.

Now, I'm not sure whether you only get the samples if your a subscriber, as when I got a sample of YSL Touche Eclat, it was only for subscribers, so I'll have to check that out!

E
xox

My Best of 2011

On youtube, I have watched various 'Best of 2011' tags, and I merged some of them together to make this post. I'm just going to basically make a long list of the products I have been really impressed with or enjoyed in 2011. A lot of the products, I have been blogging about recently, so to save time, I haven't put pictures on of them, or I don't have the packaging any more, because they have run out.
There are four categories: Beauty, Hair, Fashion and Random.

Beauty:

Foundation: 17 Skin Perfecting Foundation
Concealer: Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer
Powder: Bare Minerals i.d.
Blusher: Benefit Sugarbomb
Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked Palette & Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Birthday Suit

Eyeliner: Collection 2000 Quick Stroke Eye Liner
Mascara: Maybelline Falsies Effect Mascara
Lip Product: MAC Lipstick in Plink
Skincare Product: Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleaner

Nail Polish: Barry M Nail Paint in Mushroom

Hair:

Shampoo: Lush Big Shampoo

Conditioner: Herbal Essences Split Ends Repair Leave in Conditioner
Hairspray: Phil Smith Brunette Hairspray
Shine Serum: Moroccan Oil

Fashion:

Clothing:

Coral Swing Coat from Red Herring at Debenhams

Kaftan from Topshop

and Cropped Top from Therapy at House of Fraser

Jewellery: Thomas Sabo Charm Bracelet

Shoes: Nude Pumps from Newlook

Bag: Classic Mulberry Style Handbag from Accessorize

Random:

Movie: Bridesmaids, The Inbetweeners Movie and The Hangover II

TV Programme: The Vampire Diaries and Dowton Abbey

Book: Shiver, Linger and Forever Trilogy and Michael McIntyre Live and Laughing

Band: One Direction

Song: All of the songs on the One Direction Album!

All the products I have mentioned, I defiantly recommend to try!

E
xox