Bronzer

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

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Five Beauty Favourites 2020

*Gifted. It’s safe to say it’s been a dark, wet and miserable start to 2020, I don’t think we have seen the sunshine so far this year and my skin has been bearing the brunt of this. My skin has felt dry and dull, what with the effects of the central heating and lack of sunshine, I have really been relying on my skincare and makeup to help revive my complexion. I thought I would share with you a few products that have become staples in my routine which I’ve been using religiously over the past couple of months.

Five Beauty Favourites 2020

The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalane 30ml

I love so many products from The Ordinary Skincare but this serum is pretty epic. I have used it for over a year now and can’t imagine my skincare routine without it. Apart from the fact this brand is incredibly affordable their skincare is fantastic quality and shows real results. This didn’t irritate my skin despite it having quite a high concentration of Retinoid, it is easy to apply and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. I apply it at night 2 – 3 times a week, as my first step after cleansing and I wake up with smooth, bright, plump skin. Over time this serum helps increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen which helps to reduce the signs of ageing, like uneven skin tone, age spots and reduces fine lines & wrinkles.

This product is a great way to achieve that youthful, healthy glow, in terms of long term use you really see your complexion improve. It is like liquid gold! Just remember Retinoids can react with more sensitive skin, so dilute at first if you are concerned (or use the 1% version) also please remember to use a high factor SPF as your skin will be more vulnerable to the damaging effects of UVA & UVB rays.

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Tropic Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation SPF35*

Although I’m someone who doesn’t like to wear much makeup on a daily basis, I still like that look of being put together and like my skin to look evened out with a little glow. This Beauty Booster from Tropic gives me just that. It is lightweight and I just apply it with my fingers on top of my moisturiser. It leaves my skin with a nice touch of colour, helping to reduce redness, uneven skin tone and gives the illusion that I haven’t seen the sun for MONTHS! The other wonderful things about this lightweight, almost tinted moisturiser (with a bit more coverage) is the fact it has UVA, UVB and HEV (artificial light) protection and SPF35, so if you do venture out you know your skin is well protected.

Antioxidant-rich resveratrol and vitamin E help to condition the skin, while building defences against daily pollution. Titanium dioxide gives a mineral SPF of 35 to shield against everyday exposure. So if you’re looking for a base that gives you an even, lightweight, natural dewy finish then this Tropic Beauty Booster is the one. I have been loving it and using it every day as my base to combat my tired, dry winter skin!

Vegan & Cruelty Free

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume

Miller Harris Peau Santal Perfume*

This is my happiness in a bottle, it smells beautiful and so luxurious, it makes me feel amazing whenever I wear it. The scent is uplifting and just gives me a reminder that warmer, brighter days are on the horizon (even if it is raining cats and dogs). It has such a rich, warm creamy scent but you get a hint of fresh, airy crisp notes as it settles. I am not exaggerating when I say this perfume is the most sophisticated and beautiful perfume I have ever owned, and I love quite a few Miller Harris perfumes but this one has something special.

The woody notes add a real touch of warmth and class whilst the bergamot and cashmere give it creaminess and class. The pink pepper, amber and vanilla make it modern and very sexy.

Top Notes: Bergamot, Pink Pepper and Saffron
Heart Notes: Olibanum, Violet Leaf and Papyrus
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Cashmere Woods, Crisp Amber, Vanilla CO2 Extract and Moss

This would make the most luxurious, thoughtful gift or treat to yourself, it’s a beautiful perfume and the scent lasts so long, I can smell it on my scarf/coat days after I have spritzed it. The quality is second to none. The bottle is also beautiful, the minimal dusky pink give it a subtle, classy feel and the simple gold accents on the font and the lid add a touch of luxury, the bottle is very weighty too and feels so nice in your hand and also looks great on your vanity.

Ark Skincare Firming Serum

ARK Skin Perfector Firming Serum*

I tried a few products from UK based ARK skincare last year and was very impressed with their ethos of products that target specific skin concerns depending on your age, as our skin changes so much as we get older and ARK have targeted skincare so it is easy for you to include it in your routine and see fantastic results.  This Firming Serum has been a skincare saviour for me this year as it targets your skins loss of elasticity and works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and with my skin being so dry from the weather it has helped smooth, hydrate and plump! So if like me you’re in your early 40s this is a wonderful product to use for long term results. I like to mix the serum in with my moisturiser and apply it as part of my morning skincare regime.

It is jam packed with some wonderful ingredients that help keep your skin looking fresh, smooth and healthy.

Micro Algae Extract – Highly purified microalgae extract delivers an instant and long-term tightening effects

Hyaluronic Acid – Active 100% natural Hyaluronic Acid locks moisture in the skin matrix and improves collagen synthesis. Skin appears firmer and more flexible, while fine lines are plumped and smoothed.

Biomimetic Lipopeptide Idealift – targets skin sagging and improves resistance to gravity by promoting skin’s elastic fibre architecture

ARK Skincare is proudly developed & manufactured in Britain. Cruelty Free, with many of their products being Vegan friendly. They use Bioactive, natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin but give effective results.  You can browse their entire range on their website www.arkskincare.com  and tailor your skincare for your specific skin concerns and age.

The Ordinary Retinoid SerumSkincare

Delilah Illuminating Powder in Aura

I love this compact, not only the fact that it is a beautiful rose gold & pewter but it has a good size mirror which makes it perfect for keeping in your handbag. This stunning bronzing/highlighter is also a wonderful product to add a touch of radiance to that Winter complexion without going OTT on the glow. It’s a mix of rose gold, soft peach and lavender pink and I just swirl my brush to pick up a little of all the colours and it gives my cheekbones a nice bronzy warm touch of colour. Such a beautiful product and a very luxurious and not so well known brand, their blushers are super nice too.

*Products have been provided as PR samples but reviews are 100% my own.

My Face Powder Collection

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My Most Used Face Powders

Favourite Face Powders

OK so these aren’t all of my powder face products but I try & rotate them so they all get used and these are the ones I want to use more during May. I just have them in two cardboard boxes and I keep them on my vanity so they’re easy to reach.

I have a couple of the Benefit Boxed Powers but Dallas is the one I seem to use the least, although I actually like it a lot. I think its because I need to be more tanned to use it as it can show up quite dark on my skin. It gives the skin a pretty radiance and healthy glow. So now is the perfect time of year to use it more.

Urban Decay The After Glow Highlighter in Sin* is a gorgeous long wearing luminous highlighter. You need so little product and it makes you look radiant. I adore it and think it looks especially pretty when you add a little down the bridge of your nose just to catch the light. Very pretty indeed.

Glo & Ray make some of my favourite blushers, this one in Star Dust is a beautiful peachy pink with an iridescent finish. It gives you a peach flush and that iridescent finish adds a little highlight to your cheeks too. These are great quality and I find them long wearing and easy to blend.

L’Oreal True Match Face Powder in Rose Beige – I haven’t used this a whole lot, but I do like the colour match and it looks and feels lightweight on my skin. It gives a little added coverage which is nice and you get a mirror so that’s a bonus. I’m looking forward to using this more and will update you as to how it holds up in the warmer weather.

Rimmel Stay Matte in Transparent – this used to be my go-to powder for years until I discovered the bareMinerals Mineral Veil and it didn’t get as much love. I know I love this powder and it’s an incredible budget-friendly face powder. It never lets me down & I am happy to be reunited with it.

L’Oreal Glam Bronze Duo – This has been another rediscovery from my collection and I have to say I really like it. You get a light cream shade and a matte bronzer shade. I just use them together and swirl my brush around and use it as a bronzer. Its very pigmented but it gives a natural warmth to my skin. This will be getting lots of love as the weather heats up.

Face Powder Collection

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam – One of my favourite products, I love the packaging and this is also massive. You get so much product, it looks like I have hardly used it but over the years its had a lot of use. It’s a golden highlighter, which needs a very light hand. So a little product goes a very very long way. Great for achieving that summer goddess beach look & I have even used it as eyeshadow. Works well for both.

Urban Decay Bronzer in Bronzed* – Another beautiful matte bronzer, this looks great on my skin and blends well too. It never looks muddy or orange and I like that its matte. Also, the palm tree packaging just screams Summer

bareMinerals Perfecting Veil – if you like your face powder to give you that soft focus look then I think this is one of the best products I have found for that. It always makes my skin look flawless and radiant. Its lightweight and never looks powdery. It’s also really good to dust on throughout the day to keep shine at bay.

bareMinerals Bronzer in Skinny Dip – gorgeous mineral bronzer that gives your skin that beachy sun-kissed look. It’s a lovely warm bronzer and its matte so that’s always a plus. I can’t wait to use this more and really put it to the test.

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop in Ecstasy – This has to be one of the most beautiful products I own & that makes it hard to use (it’s just too beautiful). I was sad that it was sat in a drawer never being used so I have looked it out and have vowed to use it. You get two beautiful peachy pink colours that add a healthy flushed look to your cheeks & the packaging is stunning.

Face Powder Makeup Storage

Physicians Formula Happy Booster in Rose – I haven’t used this much at all since I got it & thought if I didn’t reach for it over the next few weeks I am going to pass it on. It is a pretty pink shade but for some reason, I never go out of my way to use it. So its make or break for this. Watch this space.

Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft & Gentle – Always a classic and I do love it but I have been using it more as an eyeshadow and think it looks beautiful all over the lid. Its brightening and gives a beautiful almost metallic finish.

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot – I have hit pan on this face powder which is almost unheard of for me. I used this so much last year and it was a really great powder. It was good at keeping my t zone oil-free and giving my skin a matte finish without being too dramatic or heavy.

My Most Used Face Powders

Soap & Glory Love at First Blush & Wonderbronze – these are two of my favourite products from Soap & Glory. I like that both products are multi-shade, it means that you get a lovely mix of colours and it never looks quite the same.They’re beautiful quality and add a touch of colour & glow to your cheeks.

Soap & Glory Solar Powder – I have also hit pan on this too & can’t wait to repurchase because the packaging has since been updated to a more robust plastic compact, whereas mine is a flimsy cardboard and has fallen apart. I use this so often and love the natural bronze glow it gives. It’s subtle but very pretty.

Soap & Glory Glow All Out – I’m still at a loss as to how to use this, I find its too shimmery as a face powder and not quite the right colour as a highlighter. Let me know if you use it & ow you make it work.

Favourite Face Powders

Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder – This is a bit meh and I am just trying to use it up. I have since discovered much better powders and this has been relegated to the won’t repurchase list.

Essence Sun Club Bronzing Highlighter – This is beautiful & it smells of coconut. It’s a wonderful affordable highlighting bronzer. I love the mix of shades. This bronzer gives a subtle warmth to your skin and is the perfect way to pretend you have been on a Summer holiday without leaving the country. Wilko in the UK sells a great range of Essence products.

What powder products have you been loving this month or have any been a little on the disappointing side? let me know in the comments.

*PR Sample

Current Favourite Bronzers

- Vicki 1 Comment

Current Favourte Powder Bronzers

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Soft & Gentle

Such a cult favourite and I never once regret purchasing this, I have used it so many times over the past few years & it still looks like new. Its such a pretty highlighter that can be used for a subtle glow or built up to be more intense. Its a peachy, warm tone with gorgeous champaign shimmery sheen and it reflects the light to give you that healthy look. Its not subtle so don’t get this if you don’t like shimmer, you can use a light hand but the shimmer is still going to show up.

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Starlet Mosaic

This baked highlighter is very shimmery, so no muted glow here! I love the four individual colours and have often used them as eyeshadows but they’re great to swirl your brush through all of them and it gives the most pretty peachy, bronze glow. I use this on my cheekbones for a beautiful highlight and it brings warmth and glow to my complexion.

MeMeMe Shimmer Brick Bronze

MeMeMe Shimmer Stack in Bronze

This isn’t as finely milled as the other products in this post but the colours and pigmentation are beautiful and intense. This gives the cheeks a bronze glow that instantly warms up your look. You get 5 colours in the stack and they can be used individually as eyeshadows and I think they work very well like that but I do prefer to sweep my brush across them all and use it as a glowing bronzer. It does have a metallic finish so you are not going to get a subtle finish with this but its such a good way at warming up a look and making your skin look fresh, healthy and glowing. This is like a holiday in a bronzer. Oh & this product has a really big mirror which is very handy, but I have so say the packaging feels quite bulky and I tend not to travel with it. I need that extra space for lipsticks.

Current Bronzers

Soap & Glory Wonderbronze

This is a very pretty multi shade bronzing highlighter, its great at giving your skin that sun kissed look without having been in the sunshine. I just swirl my brush round all the colours and apply it with my duo fibre brush, using this type of brush I find I don’t pick up too much product on my brush as I like to use this product more in the day time so I try to keep it quite subtle. Its lovely and lightweight and I find this lasts a really long time on my skin. When the colours are mixed its very similar to the MeMeMe offering but just slightly more peachy.

Essence Sun Club all in one Bronzing Highlighter in Sunglow

Without a doubt Essence is my favourite budget beauty brand, their product selection and quality is incredible and they always bring out the cutest limited edition ranges throughout the year. I have quite a few cheek products from them but I just love this bronzing highlighter, its so compact and easy to travel with. I like the see through packaging and you get 9g of product for only £3.50, total bargain. This has a slight coconut scent which always reminds me of holidays and it gives you a gorgeous sun kissed glow. Its a lovely copper with a little pink in there too. I am obsessed with this & Its always in my current makeup stash!Favourite Powder Bronzers

Primark PS Love Bronzer 

This Primark offering was also a complete bargain & its not bad at all, I wouldn’t say it has the best staying power but I use this when I am only going out for a couple of hours & generally during the day. It hasn’t got enough of a glow for me to use at night but as a budget friendly offering its quite good. Although if you can get hold of any of the Essence bronzers then I would recommend those first. This PS Love bronzer gives a touch of warmth to the skin as well as a slight highlight, its quite subtle compared to the rest of the ones I have mentioned but I think thats because the pigmentation isn’t as good.

Bronzer Swatches

Laura Mercier / Soap & Glory / MeMeMe / MAC

Have you tried any of the bronzers I have mentioned and what bronzer do you reach for most often?

New P.S Love Primark Makeup

- Vicki 2 Comments

Primark Makeup Haul

Its been a pretty long time since my last review of the Primark Makeup range which is called P.S Love (click here for my previous review). They have added quite a few new products to the selection and I was overwhelmed by the choice so I tried to get a selection of different products. So many of the products had been opened & used which wasn’t cool so I had a hard time finding products that were still sealed. I haven’t had much time to play around with everything but I thought I would just initially show you what I bought & put up another post in a couple of weeks letting you know how well it lasted & if I would recommend anything.

PS Love Primark Makeup

PS Love Velvet Matte Lipstick Crayon £1.00

This lip crayon is such a perfect colour for me its in a lovely deep plum shade and it is very pigmented oh & its a matte finish. I wore it for an hour or so and it felt quite comfortable on my lips and the colour looked beautiful. It doesn’t seem to have a scent which is good as often the cheaper options have a waxy scent. I think the shade I bought is perfect for Winter and I am already planning to get a couple more of these, I’m sure I saw a red shade.

Primark Bronzer

PS Love Bronzer £2.50

This looks like a shimmer brick and I do like wearing this kind of bronzer because you get that soft colour from swirling your brush though all the shades and it also acts as a highlighter. It looks quite pretty in the pan and It doesn’t seem to have glitter in which is great news – just a pretty hint of iridescent shimmer. Although when I swatched this not all the colours were intensely pigmented but I am hoping it looks ok on and it might be more subtle which isn’t a bad thing.

PS Love Primark Bronzer

PS Love High Coverage Concealer For Blemishes £1.50

This comes in a sweet little pot & they did have a few shades to pick from, I have the shade ghsdfgh and it feels very creamy and I was surprised at how good the coverage is. I haven’t tested it out for a whole day. I would have to powder over this because it is creamy and I have oily skin but I am excited to see how well this does after a proper day.

PS Love Lift & Curl Mascara £2.00

How cute is the purple packaging? Also the wand is quite similar to the Benefit Roller Lash. I always like testing mascaras that promise to keep a curl because I think thats quite a claim. The formula is quite wet & I don’t think it separates my lashes very well but we will see how well is wears throughout the day. I am hoping I don’t end up with mascara all down my face.

Primark PS Love Makeup Haul

PS Love Liquid Concealer for Undereyes £1.00

This comes in the standard doe foot applicator which I like & find easy to apply under my eyes. It’s a very creamy consistency but not too thick. It was easy to blend out and didn’t look too heavy, I picked quite a light colour and it worked well for my skin. So far I really like this and was surprised at how good the coverage was. I only wore it for a couple of hours and it lasted well. Next time I will apply a little setting powder and see how it fairs over a whole day.

Primark Concealer Swatches

PS Love Eyeshadow Quad £2.50

The last eyeshadows I tried from Primark were not great but these colours looked really pretty so I thought I would give them a go. All four shades have a frosted finish. They look wearable and not overly sparkly but they are quite powdery. I like the both the more bronze shades they are 100% my kind of shades. I am not holding out much hope of them being great but we shall see.

PS Love Eyeshadow Quad

Off the bat I like the concealers and the lip crayon they seem to be good quality. I will have to properly test everything and I think use a primer with the eyeshadows. Let me know if you have tried anything from the Primark Makeup range and what you would recommend.