Essence Stay Natural Concealer

For me under eye concealer needs to cover dark circles and also highlight those areas by brightening them up so I am always on the lookout for a concealer that matches my needs.

B. Radiant BB Under Eye Concealer

I am always on the lookout for a good under eye concealer, so while I was in my local Superdrug perusing the B.Cosmetics counter when it was on offer I picked up the BB Under Eye Concealer to try.

March/ April Favourites

Welcome to a double edition of my monthly favourites, if you have read my last 2 recent posts you will remember why there has been such a long wait.

On with the show

Weekly Round-Up #3 (19th Jan 2015 - 24th Jan 2015)

Welcome to weekly round-up #3, that's scary that next weekend it is the end of January (hasn't that gone by quickly).

SEVENTEEN On The Spot Concealer

I previously used the SEVENTEEN on the spot foundation and it was quite a good foundation, applied well the only problem was I needed a lighter shade (which I actually found in the store after I posted the blog post).

J'Adore Bourjois

DISCLAIMER: I am not bragging about what I have, this series is an insight into some of the beauty brands that I love (J'Adore). I have bought all these products with my own money (some may have been free gift with purchase)


Welcome to the start of a series, every month I will post a brand round-up of some of my favourite beauty brands. This will then be followed up with my Top 5 from that brand and then the day after a brand challenge where I will create a makeup look using only that brands products.

The first brand that I am starting with is Bourjois, this brand came to life in 1863 Paris in the theatre district. The brand's first creator is actor Joseph-Albert Ponsin who created perfumes for the actors and actress of the theatre district of Paris. Ponsin entrusted the company to Alexandre-Napoleon Bourjois in 1868 who turned the brand into what we know today (Brand history from Bourjois)

As you can see my Bourjois collection has grown, this is because it is such a good brand that pushes boundaries when it comes to cosmetics, and they bring out some great products.

Face

I love a good base and Bourjois bring them in spades whether it is as a foundation or as their most recent release their 123 Perfect CC Cream.

I love the Healthy Mix foundation it applies so well and because it is a full coverage foundation you only need a tiny amount.

I have an oily face so I need a setting powder, the one I had been coveting for the longest time was the Java Rice Powder that was released to coincide with Bourjois's 150th anniversary in the same packaging that it was first released in. I will admit I'm not a fan of loose powder and this was a fickle purchase based on packaging but you have to give it to Bourjois they know how to make their packaging appealing.

I've only just recently discovered the benefits of bronzer (I hear the gasp), and the Delice De Poudre was one every youtuber and beauty blogger has been raving about, and it looks like a chocolate bar so I thought I had to try it. It is such a lovely colour and it smells amazing (you will see this in action in my brand challenge post)

Eyes

When it comes to Bourjois and eyes I always think of their Little Round Eyeshadow Pots, these I do love. They also have an intense range that are highly pigmented and give a stronger colour on the lids.
The original eyeshadow pots come with a mirror in the lid

Bourjois when it comes to mascara love to think about volume, and getting it quick, and with their most recent release of the 1 Seconde Volume mascara (I have the waterproof version) they are really upping their game.

Eyeliner is always a trial for me as I don't apply it to my top lids as it all goes a bit Pete Tong (wrong), so I mainly apply to the waterline and around the lower lash line. Bourjois's Queen Attitude Kohl Kajal with it's conical shape applies a really dark line, it would also be good for the upper lash line as it would allow for you to reach the inner corner a lot easier.

Lips

Bourjois's most recent release was the Rouge Edition Velvets, and my god are they good, they apply to the lips like a dream and turn matte and they stay on the lips for ages (it almost seems that you need an industrial strength makeup remover to get it off).

They also have their 3D effet lip gloss, which apply onto the lips really well, these are good if you just want a sheer gloss on the lips with a hint of colour, or even applied over a lipstick.

Before we had the Rouge Edition Velvets, their was the Rouge Edition lipstick, this is in Rose Tweed and is such a lovely nude-rose colour, these just apply so well onto the lips that you only need just one swipe over the lips.

Nails

Following on from the 1 Seconde range is the original product to the range, their 1 Seconde nail polish, which boasts one application only and dries in 60 seconds, these are some of my favourite nail polishes from the range, and I love In the Navy (keep an eye out for my top 5 Bourjois).

The polishes are so pigmented whether they are from the 1 Seconde range or the So Laque they apply to the nails so well and stay on for a while as well.

I hope you like this little series that I plan on doing monthly, what are you favourite products from Bourjois?. Keep an eye out for my top five coming soon.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Maybelline SuperStay Concealer - Light

This was a recent launch from Maybelline, their Super Stay Better Skin range (which also includes the foundation, which shall be reviewed at a later date)

The applicator is the plastic kind that you see in lip gloss tubes (this is good as it is hygienic and no chance of bacteria being on the applicator). I apply this onto the skin by applying some onto my finger (this allows for more precision).

I have to admit I do like this concealer, it applies to the skin really well and blends really easily. I have found that it has really good staying power (I am looking forward to trying out the foundation).

I would repurchase this concealer again as it does do a really good job, the packaging is small so it fits into my makeup bag brilliantly without taking up too much space.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser Eye Concealer - Light

I love a concealer, especially one that is going to cover the dark circles under my eyes.

This was Maybelline's launch at the end of 2013 and the concealer contains goji berry which supposedly helps the under eye area from the rigours of a busy social life and lack of sleep.

I am iffy over the applicator, the sponge on top is all well and good but it is unhygenic and bacteria can grow on it, also you never know if any is coming out of the packaging or if you are just reusing what is already on the sponge. When applying this to the under eye area I dab it under the eyes and then use my finger to blend the concealer in.

I'm also not a fan of the colour it's a bit to yellowish and it is a bit difficult to blend in because of the yellowish tones, it could be I just need to try the other shade of this and that might have a different tone to it but this is not rocking my boat so to speak.

I may not be a fan of this concealer but I will admit it does stay under my eyes for ages, I came to reapply the concealer after 7hrs and it was still under my eyes, all I needed was a light dusting off powder over my face.

I don't think I will repurchase this as I do find the applicator a bit unhygienic and the shade a bit too yellow for my skin tone.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream

I have heard good reviews about this eye cream, this was one of the new launches from Bourjois at the beginning of this year the 123 range. I have to admit I am slightly won over by the applicator (rubber so no chance of any product sticking around and containing any nasty bacteria).

To get to the actual cream you have to twist the bottom of the pen and just apply under the eye (I apply it under the eye then blend in with my fingers), I think you could blend it in with the applicator but it is just easier with fingers.

The formula contains an SPF15 and allows for 24HR hydration around the eye area. I have noticed that it stays under the eye for a while and I've only had to re-apply once during the day, it does brighten up the eye area and the product blends into the skin really easily.

This is a good product and one I will definitely keep using.

This retails for £7.99 in Boots and Superdrug.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

I have heard some good things about this concealer so I thought it was time I tried it out. The Boots website describes this as:

"Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer is our first full coverage concealer that visibly reawakens and illuminates under the eyes. Completely conceals spots and other blemishes. Instant anti-fatigue effect. With Peptides and a Vitamin Moisturising complex." 

When applying to the under eye area it goes on easily thanks to the applicator and it does blend over the skin quite well. I also find that it does brighten up my under eye area but I haven't really noticed a difference in the bags (due to the instant anti-fatigue effect). I have to admit though it does stay on throughout the day and re-applying is just not needed that much (not at all really).

This has become a surprise product for me and it's moving it's way into my April favourites this year. A great concealer that really does hide the dark circles and stay put.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

This is another of those blog and YouTube hits that you see everywhere, I had to try this and see if it was worth all the hype that it had been receiving.

The concealer comes in four shades:

Fair
Light
Medium
Deep.

I'm using fair, it's a really creamy concealer, and the shade I have is a lot lighter then my skin tone (this isn't too bad as it does brighten my undereye area quite alot).

It does also hide the dark circles under my eyes, but word of warning if you use this concealer and you're off to see a soppy movie don't expect it to last when the tears have finished (So not water resistant, don't believe that line).

I do like how much this concealer lightens up my under eye area and blends into the skin really easily (you're not sat there for what feels like hours)

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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BLOGMAS 15: Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer

DISCLAIMER: All opinions are my own and this was bought using my Boots points.

I originally saw this on a YouTube video from Liana Beauty, and thought it was such a good idea (i was in the market for a concealer that was lighter then the one I use on my face, and this just seemed to be everything rolled into one.

If you are a concealer novice it shows you in 3 easy steps how to use the concealer.

STEP 1 - Lighter side for under eye
STEP 2 - Darker side for blemishes and scars on the face
STEP 3 - Setting powder to keep it all in place.

The lighter concealer feels very creamy and isn't highly pigmented so it doesn't need too much blending in, the darker side is very creamy and very pigmented so does need some more time blending it in. The setting powder is just a white pressed powder which goes on to the face translucent.

This is a fantastic concealer and one I will purchase again.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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BLOGMAS 9: SEVENTEEN Phwoarr Paint - Fair

DISCLAIMER: This product was bought with my Boots points.

This is a very heavy duty concealer, and with working a long day at work heavy duty is a must. This little pot first came to my attention when it was blogged about by Beauty Junkie in London.

I have to admit the consistency of the concealer did put the fear of god into me that I might have needed a trowel to put it on with but with just swirling my index finger into the pot and gently dabbing it around my under eye area it has worked really well, and the concealer blends in quite well to the skin.

This is a really good concealer and it does stay on under the eye quite long (even when I rub my eye it's still there)

I mainly use this for under eye concealing rather then all over (so my Soap & Glory still gets a look in).

Overall a really good concealer, due to it being heavy duty and you don't need to use too much on the face as it will just look like it's been caked on.

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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BLOGMAS 1: November Favourites

Welcome to another edition of my favourites from the month, here you will find November's.

*indicates a product that was bought with points


1) Maybelline 24HR Color Tattoo - Permanent Taupe
I love the whole range of colours in the color tattoo range but at the moment I am loving this colour. It's a good colour for wearing when you are just having a casual day, not too bright and not too dark, also a nice colour for the season .

2) Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer - Light*
This I found via Liana Beauty when she did a video on drugstore brands, and I thought this was a handy little package, especially if you were a novice at using concealer. This pot shows you 3 easy steps to apply the concealer. I love the 2 different sections, the lighter one for under eye and the darker for any spots or blemishes.

3) Maybelline Super Stay 24HR Foundation
I love this foundation it's not too heavy on the face and matches my skin tone brilliantly, I will be purchasing this again.

4) No7 Make Up Brush Cleanser*
I was looking for an on the spor cleaner ready for going away and I was just browsing on the Boots website when I came across the No7 brush cleanser. It is so easy to use you just pump some onto some tissue and swirl your brush around.

5) MUA Pro Base Fixing Mist
I think this product is genius, and it does work, you just spray your face once you have put your make up on and then it keeps it all in place.

6) In The Navy - Bourjois 1 Seconde Nail Polish
November saw the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who and I wanted a nice Doctor Who Blue for the month and this one was it, I only needed 1 coat and it was fully opaque. I absolutely loved the colour and matched the Doctor Who Blue that I was after.

7) My Vampire is Buff - O.P.I 
I put this colour on my nails as it matched an outfit I was wearing to a night out, but I absolutely love the colour and it has become one of my favourites especially during Autumn.

8) Parisian Rooftops - L'Oreal
I love this colour, it is such a lovely brown colour and it went easy onto the nail absolutely fantastic.

9) Catherine Wheel - Models Own
I used this in tribute to the Hunger Games (the glitter is yellow and red, and simulates fire AKA the girl on fire AKA Katniss). I put 2 coats onto my nails just so that I got a good coverage and it shows up lovely when the light hits it.

10) Crush - Barry M
This is part of the Barry M matte range, It's a dark berry red and such a lovely colour for Christmas.


I hope you liked some of the favourites that I chose. What were you liking in November?

Thanks for tuning in

Gemma
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Boots Points Haul

DISCLAIMER: All opinions are my own and these products were bought using my Boots Beauty Points. I'm also not trying to brag, this is to show what I'll be reviewing in the coming weeks, and what you can buy with your beauty points from Boots.

I was sat at home and my points card starting to burn a small hole in my purse, so I thought I would go down to the local boots and spend some of my points.

So here is what I grabbed:

1. Ecotools Flat Foundation Brush - As I have started to wear foundation a lot more I only have 3 brushes and I can't deal with sponges, so I grabbed an ectools brush to add to my main collection.
2. Sally Hansen Hard as Nails - My nails are quite brittle and keep peeling so I thought some hard as nails might help strengthen them up.
3. Soap & Glory Kick Ass Concealer  - I saw this on Liana Beauty's youtube channel (she was doing a drugstore makeup routine)
4. Boots Essentials manicure sticks - As I've bought the cuticle remover I'll need some manicure sticks to push the cuticles back
5. 17 Eye Shadow Brush - I was looking for a concealer brush, but the one I did find was massive and while I was browsing the brush display I found this 17 eyeshadow brush and thought I would give it a go as a concealer brush until I properly went shopping next Friday.
6. Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer - I found this on Beauty Junkie in London's blog, and thought I wouldn't mind trying that.
7. No7 Make Up Brush Cleanser - I've been looking or a quick fix brush cleanser for ages, and I didn't want to pay over the odds for it, this was only £8 (it was also the main thing I wanted).
8. Seventeen Stay Time Long Wear Primer - I have been using a Smashbox trial size primer and it is quite good, but I'm not going to pay the price for a full size tube so I am dipping my toes into different primers.
9. Cutex Strengthening Nail Polish Remover - I've nearly finished my Sally Hansen stregthening nail polish remover so I thought I would give Cutex a try and see what they were like.
10. Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover - This was featured in a blog post on a nail care kit by Vivianna Does Makeup, and I have been wanting to try this for a while to see what it was like.

I am looking forward to trying all this out, and will review all these products soon.

thanks for tuning in

Gemma

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