Review | Caudalie Beauty Elixir

 

 

Over the past year, Beauty Elixirs have been one of the main focuses of beauty bloggers. They are said to be this miracle product that is going to leave you with perfect glowing skin, and it all started with Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

 

I have never been too swayed by the hype that surrounds them, but after reading countless good reviews of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase the 30ml bottle from Space NK. 

For what it is, it is quite an expensive product, but if it is going to do something, I don't mind paying. I would call Caudalie quite a high end brand anyway. I have the 30ml bottle which cost me £11. (£28.80 per 100ml- 29p per ml).

 

It contains grape, rosemary and peppermint oil. It is said to 'Smooth away fine lines, tighten pores, and give your complexion a boost of radiance. It also states it will help fight acne. (A statement that I would say is a little steep). When spritzed on the face, it leaves your skin incredibly calm and cool. It also smells delicious.

I use this in the morning after I have cleansed my face (with Neutragena Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash), let it dry then apply a moisturiser (Neutragena Pink Grapefruit Oil Free Moisturiser).

I feel like it gives my dull, early morning skin the boost of radiance it so desperately needs.

 

I wouldn't say it has miraculously improved the condition of my skin, as essentially it is just a water containing minerals. But in conjunction with other products I am currently using- my skin has never been in such good condition. For the first time ever this week, I have felt completely comfortable wearing absolutely so foundation and just my Maybelline BB Cream (which has a very light coverage)!

 

Overall I will defiantly be repurchasing the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. It is available to purchase from FeelUnique and Space.NK.

 

What are your thoughts? Have you ever tried it?

 

Eleanor

xox

Review | MAC Costa Chic Lipstick

 

 

Hi Ladies. So if you read my recent Birmingham Haul you may know that I purchased MAC Costa Chic when in Selfridges. I have had my eye on it for about a year, and whilst I wasn't originally planning on purchasing it, I'm sooo glad I did!

As usual, the packaging of MAC lipsticks is amazing. I love the way they are shaped like little bullets. My collection is slowly growing, but I love the way all of my lipsticks look together!

Costa Chic is a Frost finish. MAC describe Frost lipsticks as Excellent colour payoff with medium to high frosted shimmer and shine finish. This, obviously describes this lipstick perfectly. The pigmentation is incredible, and whilst the finish has a slight shimmer, it is very subtle and look stunning.

MAC describe the colour as a Frosty Light Coral. It is the perfect spring/ summer product, that is going to look gorgeous with a tan, but is not so bright that it looks a little odd with paler skin and washes you out.

Because it is quite glossy, you are looking at about 3-4 hours staying power, which is pretty good.

The price for MAC lipsticks is £14, and they can be bought from MAC online, in most department stores and MAC stores.

 

What are your thoughts on Costa Chic?

 

Eleanor

xxx

 

 

Review | Philosophy Hope in a Jar

 

 I featured this moisturiser in my previous February Favourites and promised a review, as it is well known for being a very controversial product- you either love it or you hate it! And I for one love it!

Philosophy as a brand has very mixed reviews. Undoubtedly most famous for their all in one shower gel/ shampoo/ bubble baths. Their skincare products are a little more low key, although there is a lot of hype around this moisturiser and the Micro-delivery Peel and Exfoliator.

 

I bought this in the sale after Christmas. It is a sample size, and set me back £5. (Usual price for £10). And I thought this was fairly reasonable, seeing as a full size pot will cost you £34. Steep huh?! Anyway, I didn't use it straight away as I needed to finish my Origins Moisturiser. I took Hope in a Jar skiing with me as it is light and travel friendly.

This moisturiser claims to be suitable for all skin types, which I was a bit sceptical about, but after testing it when I had both dry and oily skin, I can safely say that this is true!

The first time I used it, I had just come back from a long day skiing, and my skin was in desperate need of a little TLC as the cold weather and wind had wrecked havoc on it, leaving me with dry patches. On first impressions, I was a little shocked at the consistency; it is very thin, more like a lotion, but less runny. But once you begin to massage it into your skin, it becomes a little creamier.

 

It is absorbed really quickly, which is something I am very pleased with, as who wants a greasy face after applying moisturiser? After it had sunk in, my skin really did feel refreshed and smooth.

I have noticed I haven't broken out as much after using it, but I'm not sure its down to the moisturiser, or the fact I have stopped using my Clarisonic for a while. Anyway, my skin is in pretty good shape!

 

The one thing that puts a lot of people off about Hope in a Jar is the scent. At first, the overally herbal scent is quite overpowering, but you can hardly smell it when its on your face. Personally, I like it. To me, it smells just like Lush Dream Cream!

 

Overall, I love this moisturiser, and if it wasn't so darn expensive, I would defiantly be repurchasing the full size. And it really does work for all skin types!I guess I'll have to wait until next Christmas when they bring out smaller sizes!

Have you ever tried Hope in a Jar? Do you recommend any moisturiser for oily skin?

 

Eleanor

xxx

 

 

Sleek Sparkle 2 Palette | Review & Swatches!

Whilst at the Clothes Show Live, I knew I wanted to go to the Sleek stall and purchase the Sparkle 2 Palette. I have been on the hunt for something exactly like this, to create festive eye makeup looks!

This palette is limited edition, so if you like what you see, make sure you buy it soon!

 

 

 

 

You can see from the pictures above, a beautiful array of shades are included in the palette. All of them contain a lot of shimmer; so if you prefer matte eyeshadows, I would stay clear! All of the eyeshadows are insanely pigmented- it is such amazing quality for the price! I wore a combination of colours tonight, (side note: I went out to my local night club to see Union J play, and then met them! They were sooo lovely!) I used Chocolate Penny and Festive, and it made a beautiful Christmassy eyeshadow look. I am planning on putting a few looks together using this palette?

 

Overall, I adore it, and cant wait to use it more and more over the festive period! It retails at £7.99, which equates to about 65p an eyeshadow!! (And in my opinion, they challenge MAC quality!)

 

♥

 



Review | Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (And Do You Need Both)

Before I even set foot in the USA, I had my mitts on the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. Having received the original palette for my birthday at the same time last year, and using it and loving it to death; when I saw it in the duty free magazine, I couldn't resist!

 

 

 

Like the original palette, you get 12 well sized eyeshadows, that are all insanely pigmented and gorgeous quality. This palette contains a variety of cooler tones, compared to the original palette which is made up of warmer tones.

 

 

The first colour is Foxy. It is a pale yellow colour that I use every day as a highlight. The next one is Half Baked which is probably my favourite eyeshadow in the world! I adore it in the original palette, and it is the only eyeshadow I have ever hit pan on! So I am defiantly glad its in this palette! Thirdly is Bootycall which is a pretty shimmery champagne pink and then is Chopper which is an orange toned rose gold colour.

 

 

The shade Tease was the disappointment for me. I was really looking forward to trying this, as I love the look of a light shimmery eyeshadow on the lid, with a matte purple through the crease; but I don't think this is pigmented enough to get the desired effect. I think I'm going to have to look elsewhere in the likes of MAC Quarry! After that is Snakebite. It is a shimmery bronze, that is less intense and easier to wear than Smog from the other palette. Then is Suspect. It is a very light shimmery gold, and Pistol is a light grey with silver reflects.

 

 

Verve is a lovely intense silver, and YDK is a very glittery gold colour. (Beware of fallout)! Busted is a deep grey, that looks great in the crease when paired with Verve. And finally there is a gorgeous matte black- Blackout.

 

Here you can see them all swatched:

 

 

As you can see, they are all amazingly pigmented!

 

Also with the Naked 2 Palette, you get a mini lip junkie lipgloss:

 

 

The shade is really natural, and is so easy to wear. It smells really minty, and makes your lips tingle, in order to plump them.

 

You also get a double ended Karma Brush with a flat brush and a crease brush on either end.

 

Now, here's the question, do you need both the Naked 1 & 2?

 

 

 

I must say, I prefer the packaging of the second palette, it is sturdier and easy to clean, and doesn't look as messy.

They both contain stunning colours. The majority shimmery, which is fine by me, as I don't usually wear matte colours.

Personally I think, unless you are a complete beauty obsessive like myself, it is not compulsory to own both. Depending on whether you want warmer or cooler tones. You just need to decide which one appeals to you the most. I hope these pictures are helpful!

 

♥





Review | Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes Shampoo & Conditioner

As you may know, for nearly two months now, I have had ombre hair. I love it just as much as I did at the very start, and am doing everything I can to take extra special care of it, as it is more partial to become damaged and dry.

For my birthday, (as well as getting it ombred) my parents bought me the Lee Stafford Bleach Blonds Shampoo. (I then bought the conditioner at Ulta in Florida).

I had never considered a purple shampoo/conditioner to lighten my 'blondness' until Zoe mentioned the Lee Stafford duo in one of her monthly favourites, and ombre hair care video. Zoe being one of the reasons for me changing my hair, (hers is so gorgeous) I knew I should take her recommendation!

 

 

With Pro-Blonde complex for bleached or partly bleached highlights or bleached hair. Knocks out brassy, canary yellow tones. To lightly tone, refresh and restore your blonde hair to salon beautiful colour. This mega moisturising blonde bombshell leaves hair looking and feeling super charged. With Moringa Seed extract (also known as Miracle Tree).

 

Basically, they are meant to make canary yellow tones in your bleached hair, less brassy, leaving you with beautiful golden locks.

 

 

 

I have been using these two products for over a month now on a weekly basis, and I must say, I am very impressed. Having bleached hair means the longer I have it, the more it starts to go a little 'ginger'. Using this shampoo restores the 'blondeness' making my hair look the same as it did when I first got it coloured!

 

As I mentioned, I only use this once a week. I find I only need to use it once. The day before I use it, my hair begins to look a little brassy, but as soon as I wash it with the shampoo and conditioner I love the look of it!

 

You get 250ml, but looks can be deceiving. My only gripe is the saying 'a little goes a long way' doesn't apply to this product at all. I feel like I have to use loads to achieve the feeling of clean hair. That's another reason I only use it once a week, despite the fact it wouldn't be very healthy for your hair, you'd use up a whole bottle within two weeks!

 

Apart from that, this shampoo is great for anyone who has bleached or partly bleached their hair, it really works wonders and makes your hair so soft and shiny. I find myself getting compliments every time I use it!

 

They retail for £6.39 which isn't two bad value when you compare it to other shampoos and conditioners on the market. Also, Lee Stafford often has some sort of offer on his products, for example at Boots they are 3 for £12.

 

♥ 



Im Home! & Review | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

Hello! Long time no blog! I've been itching to get back to it since I arrived home from the USA on the 27th; unfortuntaly, we have been having trouble at home- no interent and the phone lines are down! Luckily, the broadband is just about working now, so I can get back to it!

 

I had such a wonderful time in Florida, and if Im completly honest, wish I was there right now. As much as I love it, sitting in a onsie, with a Candy Corn candle burning watching The Paradise doesnt quite compare to the thrill of The Hulk Rollercoaster, being face to face with Bengal Tigers or feeding fish to and stroking dolphins and sting rays!

 

When I have all the photos together, I will do a little post dedicated to my holiday, so you guys can see some of the amazing sights that I have been lucky enough to witness!

 

Anyway, I'm going to get straight back into the blogging world with a review. This is a product that I bought when I was out there). (I bought so much, I have decided against writing a haul post; therefore, I will continue to do reviews of each product as I get to it)

 

I have never tried these before, and havent really tried that many Revlon products (apart of the Lip Butters). My Mum uses the Clinique Chubby Sticks and these are supposed to be just as good, so I decided to give one a go. (And ended buying a second one)!

 

This shade is Crush, and is the perfect Mulberry Wine colour- perfect for fall/autumn and winter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see it is a mixture between a deep red/ purple.

 

The whole point of these are that they are more moisturising than a lipstick, but give just as excellent coverage, and when the 'glossyness' has absorbed you are left with a stain on your lips. And honestly, it lasts all day! I like to top it up, as I like the balm look, but the stain looks equally as gorgeous!

 

This and my Rimmel London Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107 (review here) are my go to shades for A/W.

 

I paid $8.99 at Ulta for this, which converts to just over £4, and they retail for £7.99 in the UK, so its a saving of just under £4. Hence why I bought so much out there!

 

I'm so glad to be back in the swing of things and expect a LOT of reviews to be coming your way. With my birthday and America things combined, I have an overflowing shoe box in my room just waiting to be blogged about! (I have literally just ordered some Muji storage, so expect a post about that too)!

 

Eleanor

♥

 

 

Review | Avon Super Shock Mascara

Mascara is probably one of my favourite beauty items. I always feel bare without it, and my makeup looks so much better with lashings of it. I have been lucky enough to be blessed with extremely long lashes, and I always get people asking me whether I'm wearing falsies or not. The answer is always no. I just use mascaras that I really like!

 

This is one of them. With mascaras, I very rarely buy the same one unless it is particularly outstanding. This is the second time I have used this mascara, and it is better than I remembered!

 

 

 

With mascara, packaging isn't really important to me. (although I'm not complaining about YSL's Shocking Mascara!) But I actually really like this tube. It is standard black with rose gold animal print; which does rub off after a while!

 

 

The brush on this mascara is huge! But that's one of the things I like about it. It is also very dry. If your preference is a wet mascara, then avoid this like the plague! It is possible the driest mascara I have ever come across, but that is how I like mascara. The wand is also plastic, but I like both plastic and bristled wands.

 

 

 

 

 

As you can see, it makes my lashes look both longer and more vomlumised! Win win!

 

Have you ever tried it?

 

Eleanor

♥

 

 



Review | Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate Matte Lipstick in 107

Being a complete Autumn/ Fall Junkie,  I love wearing deeper colours at this time of year. A while ago, swatches began appearing of the new Kate Moss lipstick collection. Since then, I have known that there was a certain colour that I had to get my hands on.

They were released on the 3rd October, and this was the last one left in my Boots, so this shade is going to be popular!

 

 

I love the packaging. It stands out from most of the other lipsticks I own, which are standard black in colour. It is a true red, and Kate's signature adds a sense of femininity.

 

 

 

I would describe this colour as a deep vampy mulberry red wine shade. It looks a bit more purple in the tube than it does on the lips, when it looks a little more red.

 

 

This lipstick has a matte finish, but is very hydrating on the lips. It lasts a lot longer than I was expecting too. The formulation is incredibly creamy, on par with MAC Lipsticks in my opinion. The pigmentation is also incredible; you only need one swipe across the lips as a little goes a long way.

 

 

The picture above is from my Instgram. All day, I have been wearing this lipstick with Urban Decay Half Baked on my eyes. It is the perfect warm, autumn look, and it has stayed on all day!

 

These lipsticks come in loads of other shades. At £5.49, available from Boots and Superdrug, it is a complete bargain!

 

What are your thoughts?

 

Eleanor

  ♥



Review | Origins Super Spot Remover

 

Nearly a month ago now, I bought this product, after having an Origins Facial and falling in love with it. I have reached for it so many times. I wouldn't call myself overly 'spotty' but I get breakouts quite often, (a lot of the time its it hormonal and due to normal teenage problems) and whenever I do, I apply a small amount of this on the offending area before I go to bed, and by the morning, the spot has decreased in size miraculously and is a lot less red and angry. I have oily skin, so spots are quite a normal thing but this has really helped.

 

On some reviews I have read, bloggers have stated the fact that they don't like the smell. Personally, I really like it. It is quite medicated and menthol, but very soothing.

If the spot is particularly angry, I'm not going to lie, when you apply it, it does sting! But for me, it is a sign that it is doing its job, and it doesn't last for long.

 

I really like the consistency. It is a gel like formula that you squeeze out of the easy controllable top. I squeeze a tiny amount on the back of my hand (a little really does go a long way) and use a cotton bud to apply it. It dries impressively quickly, so it is also easy to use in the morning, without worrying, will it dry in time for me to do my makeup?!

 

I wouldn't recommend using this on blemishes on scars. I have found that it doesn't make much of a difference. I have a lot of spot scars, but they usually fade with time. I have tried using this on them, but I don't seem to see much of a difference. But I do find that if you put it on a angry spot, scarring is minimal and you can barely tell you had a spot there!

 

You don't seem to get a lot for your money. 10ml at the price of £12 seems like a complete rip off. But I can assure you, it will last forever! I have been using mine twice a day nearly every day for nearly a month, and I haven't even touched the surface!

 

I really recommend it, or at least visiting an Origins counter where a lovely assistant will assign you a skin care routine and let you sample them.

 

Have you tried it, what are your thoughts?

 

Eleanor

♥ 

Review | Benefit That Gal Brightening Face Primer

This is the post that Lauren posted on her blog when we did a Guest Post Swap, but I thought I would post it on my blog too!

With it being a big year for London, many brands have branched out, and re-packaged products to London themes- Benefit is so exception.

Packaging

Instead of the usual pink and white packaging, it is a scene of London. You can make out Big Ben, The London Eye and Tower Bridge! ! The box is unusual, in the shape of a hexagon, whereas the actual product is your average tube!

I am some what disappointed in the actual product packaging, as I think it could be a little snazzier instead of a white bottle, but that has no affect on the product itself!

The quotes on the packaging are really sweet. It says "let the pretty games begin!" on the top, and then on either side, it says "London's calling... smooth on a happy face" and "brightening primer of champions."

 

 

You can see from the pictures above, when you remove the lid, there are lots of little holes, that when you twist the bottom, the product comes out of.

 

The Product

 

The product itself is a light baby pink with subtle shimmer and smells like strawberries. Yes! It smells like strawberries! But I suppose Benefit products are renowned for having inviting smelling products!

After I moisturise, I apply this as a base for my foundation. Even after applying a small amount, I notice a significant change in the radiance of my skin. I look a little more awake! I then use a foundation on top. (Above, I am wearing Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation). I really do feel that it does what it claims when it says 'brightening', my skin does look all around brighter and more glowy!

 

Longevity

 

Being a primer and all, you expect for your makeup to stay on longer when using it. I don't know whether my makeup stays on for any longer, perhaps an extra hour or two, but nothing significant. It also doesn't really prevent oiliness, but then, when a primer doesn't specify it is for oily skin, what can you expect!

 

Overall

 

Overall, I really like this primer, and the way it makes my skin look. I really enjoy using it and will defiantly continue to do so!

 

Eleanor

♥

 

Review: Sleek Brow Kit in Dark

Filling in my brows has always been something that I have shied away from a little. After watching Desperate Scousewives, I defiantly didn't want to be left with a scousebrow at the end!! A few months ago, I began filling them in with the matte brow shade in Benefits Big Beautiful Eyes and that was fine for a while, but I had always wanted something that was more suited to eyebrows. (i.e Sleek Brow Kit of Benefit Brow Zings).

With Benefit Brow Zings being a little more on the pricey side, I opted for the Sleek Brow Kit.

This kit looks almost identical to Benefit Brow Zings- the only real difference being Benefit cater for three shades; light/medium/dark whereas Sleek only have two, light/dark.

As the name would suggest, the packaging is very 'sleek' with sturdy black packaging it is the sort of product that you are happy to have displayed on your dressing table.

As you can see from the pictures above, the kit contains a wax and a powder, both to perfect your brows.

Instructions

Use the pigmented wax to define and shape the brows using the angled brush. Then, set the colour with setting powder using the blending brush.

Personally, I don't use the brushes in the kit, I like to use my Ecotools Angled Brush to apply both the wax and the powder, and I find that works really well for me.

Pigmentation

The wax is really pigmented. You only need to dab the brush very lightly in the wax, and you have enough to fill in over half your brow. The powder is just as good, but I find that it is a tiny bit lighter than the wax, so you cant see it, but it does set the wax, and gives the brows a more natural than waxy look.

You can see, that you still keep your natural shape, and they don't look like they are 'drawn on'.

I really like the the way my brows look, and I feel as though my makeup feels complete with my brows filled in. It is a little dramatic for just being around the house, but if I am going out, I will defiantly be filling them in!

Price

This kit is now priced at £8.49. It used to be £7.99, but I think I can live with the extra 50p! It is reasonably priced when compared to the like of Brow Zings, which is £22.50; and I have used Brow Zings before, and there really isn't much of a difference!

Have you tried the Sleek Brow Kit?

Eleanor

xox