February 2018 Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

February Beauty Favourites

INGLOT 10 Pan Freedom System Palette

I have spoken about my love of INGLOT quite a few times and featured this palette a lot on my blog over the past couple of years, I really do use it all the time so it is only right that I keep putting it in my favourites. The shadows are fantastic quality and the range of colours and finishes is almost overwhelming, it took me ages to finally decide on the 10 shadows to put into my palette but the process was a lot of fun.

I love the palette itself, the magnetic lid which does not budge or come off in your makeup bag, and it is also actually quite slim. The pans are a very decent size and I pretty much have all of my favourite shadows with me in one cute palette. Let me know if you have tried INGLOT eyeshadows & if you have built your own palette too.

Essence Fresh & Fit Foundation

I can’t believe I haven’t spoken about this foundation sooner, I bought it whilst in Amsterdam last September (you can get it in the UK) and it has become one of my most used foundations. It’s a nice creamy consistency, it’s easy to blend and buff into your skin. I’d say it gives a nice even medium coverage, it covers imperfections and blemishes but still feels lightweight on my skin. Which is everything I look for in a base – decent coverage but that feeling that my skin can still breath!

This foundation is enriched with a complex of vitamin b3, e, pro-vitamin b5 and cranberry water, it is fantastic to see a budget-friendly foundation with such fantastic skincare benefits added to their formula. These ingredients are going to help your skin glow, look refreshed and awake.

The staying power of this foundation was for sure better when I used a primer but that is true for most foundations on my skin as I tend to get an oily t-zone. I would say this gave my skin a natural radiance and didn’t settle into my pores. It looks fresh, as the name would suggest and it’s just am easy to wear medium coverage base! I love it.

It comes packaged in a lovely glass bottle with a handy pump, the only drawback is the shade range, although I managed to find a good match for my skin tone this foundation only comes in 4 shades which isn’t so great. I hope they add more options in the future. Overall if you’re looking for a new cruelty-free, vegan foundation then I highly recommend checking out this Essence offering and it is only £5!

Essence Cosmetics Fresh and Fit Foundation

NIOD Photography Fluid Opacity 12%*

This is nothing short of liquid magic! It has been dubbed airbrush in a bottle – so what is it I hear you cry? It is a skin perfecting serum which uses refracting prism technology to even out all skin tone and gives you the most amazing natural healthy glow. It is flipping amazing.

This is a highlighter, primer and serum in one, it instantly blurs imperfections and gives a healthy dewy, even-toned radiance. Designed to create a photo-ready finish on all skin types, this complexion perfector creates a lit-from-within glow in seconds with a wide variety of light-refracting prisms, tone and hue correctors, and photo-finishing technologies.

Apply to your skin alone or under foundation to add sheer radiance and correct discolouration. It can also be mixed with other products for subtle radiance. Used under, over, or mixed with liquid foundation if you prefer more coverage.  It’s such an easy product to incorporate into your makeup routine. I haven’t ever used a product quite like this & I just can’t get across to you just how incredible it is, although I am trying.  I should do a whole post on this one product!

It is also vegan, cruelty-free and alcohol-free.

INGLOT Eyeshadow Palette Makeup

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlight

If you’re looking for a subtle more natural highlight then this is the one. It is a nude, pink semi-matte liquid highlight that gives your skin a refreshed, healthy radiance. It is easy to apply, I just use the brush to place the product on the tops of my cheeks and down the centre of my nose – it also looks pretty on your brow bones and I blend it is either with my beauty blender or just my finger. It looks pretty when the light hits it and what I really like is the fact there is no glitter or shimmer. It is a great everyday radiance booster and also looks pretty mixed with your foundation. These little Benefit liquid products last forever and are so easy to throw in your handbag, I often like to reapply throughout the day to refresh my makeup.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Cushion Highlighter

Not quite as subtle as the Benefit highlighter, this MUA Cushion highlight offers more of a peachy – golden, warm-toned glow. The packaging is pretty although a little bulky and the puff is handy, but I just don’t reach for it. I prefer to use my beauty blender to ensure I apply it evenly. It is a liquid cushion product and I am waiting to see just how long it stays moist as I have a feeling it will dry out pretty quickly, that being said I do love using this as an evening highlight and it can look quite subtle or if you want more on an intense look you can build up the colour & effect to be more intense.

It is always nice to see affordable brands releasing on-trend products so we can all try them and Cushion makeup was certainly popular last year. Have you tried any cushion products, if so are you sold on them or think they’re too much faff.

MUA LUXE Glow Beam Liquid Highlighter

Benefit Dandelion Shy Beam Liquid Highlighter

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner

When it comes to drugstore liquid liner Soap & Glory take the top prize, their Supercat liner ticks all of the boxes. It’s pigmented, sets down the perfect amount of product, doesn’t drag and the fine nib allows you to apply either a neat line or build it up to be more bold and thick.

This is a liner that would allow even the most self-confessed eyeliner novice to create the perfect winged liner. The nib gives you full control and isn’t too firm so you can create smooth lines without having to keep going over the same spot which often leads to the product bleeding into fine lines and getting very messy. This is one product everyone needs in their makeup bag (although I am sure most of you already own it). It’s pigmented, easy to use and long wearing.

Soap & Glory Gloss Stick in Nudist

Lip crayons are my goto lip product of choice, I find them so easy to use and this Soap and Glory one is a stunning everyday shade. It is in the colour Nudist and it enhances your lip colour giving them a pretty glossy finish. It’s a natural, subtle shade which has been living in my handbag – I apply it even when I’m wearing no other makeup, it makes me feel somewhat put together. Not only do they give your lips a subtle wash of colour but the formula is also very moisturising, oh & they smell so good too – I think it is a vanilla scent.

Current Makeup Favourites

Real Techniques PowderBleu Soft Complexion Brush*

I mostly use this brush for applying powder foundation but it also works well for blush too. This Soft Complexion Brush has a small, dense head which makes buffing in the powder so much more effective. I also love the long slim handle which feels nice in your hand makes applying my makeup really easy. This collection is stunning and incredible quality, it looks and feels luxurious and that deep blue colour is gorgeous and makes me want to use them all the time.

Let me know what you have been loving this past month & if you’ve discovered anything new that I need to try. I am on the hunt for a new mascara, I’d love it if you’d leave me suggestions in the comments.

NIOD Dermal Science Radiance Set on QVC

NIOD Dermal Science Radiance Set

NIOD QVC TSV

I’m here with a HEADS UP! One of my favourite skincare brands, NIOD have a cracking deal for you. The Dermal Science Radiance Set is going on pre-sale on the QVC website from 10 am TODAY & then it will go live on the QVC shopping channel at midnight on July 19th.

In true QVC style, they have an incredible deal for you! This set has an RRP of £110 and it will be available on QVC for just £40!! So you can have all 4 products and save yourself a massive £70. Be aware that this offer is available for 24 hours. So mark your calendars people.

NIOD Dermal Science Radiance Set

The NIOD Dermal Science Radiance Set includes: 
  • NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum – (15ml; full size) – designed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and give a firmer, plumped up appearance to your skin 15ml
  • NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex – 15m – this treatment offers visible hydration, plumping, comfort and uniformity to the upper level of the skin, combining 12 forms of hyaluronic compounds in a peptide-charged delivery system
  • NIOD Photography Fluid Opacity 12%, (30ml; full size) – the reflecting serum-textured formula contains light-reflecting prisms and helps to correct the look of uneven skin tone and colours, helping to give a radiance photo-finish. Designed to hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours after application, and formulated with Nano-Prismatic Yellow-Red Hue Corrector, patented Dragon Fruit Chromatic Refractor and bio-sugar complex
  • NIOD Mastic Must, (90ml full size) – this NIOD treatment has been specifically designed to help treat and improve oily complexion, as well as skin types that have noticed an increase in pore size due to their age or environmental factors.

NIOD Skincare Set QVC TSV

A complete package – this kit offers treatments you can easily slot into your skincare routine, with a clarifying face mask that can be used two to three times a week, two lightweight serums for everyday use, and a lightly tinted fluid to help create a sheer veil of colour – perfect for those no-makeup days.

NIOD Dermal Science Radiance Set Review

This set includes two hero products (and two of my absolute favourites) Copper Amino Isolate Serum and Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, both designed to reduce the signs of ageing while hydrating your complexion. These are two products I use daily and are a must-have if you are worried about the early signs of ageing or want to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Also included in this set are two products I haven’t tried before, so I’m thrilled to see them included in this Skincare Set. I have heard so many positive reviews of the Photography Fluid Opacity 12% which sounds and looks like a wonderfully radiant serum which helps even out your skin tone. Very much looking forward to trying this out. The final product in this set is the Mastic Must which I haven’t heard of before but it sounds ideal for my oily t zone and for tackling congested skin. I can feel a pamper evening coming on.

NIOD Deciem QVC TSV

I just adore DECIEM and their scientific, no-nonsense approach. Using their skincare makes me feel like a badass scientist, what with all the cool brown glass bottles, pipets and interesting product names. I love it. I also can’t recommend them enough in terms of the results, they produce affordable skincare without compromising on quality and I have seen my skin become more radiant, feel extremely hydrated and be less blemish prone since I discovered Deciem almost a year ago. So if you have wanted to try NIOD for yourself now is the perfect time to snap up some of their best selling products!

Click here to shop Deciem brands on QVC

So why not help to reduce the signs of ageing and discover this science-driven cult skincare brand.

*PR Sample

QVC TSV NIOD 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set

QVC TSV NIOD 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set

NIOD 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set

Heads up skincare addicts –  February 3rd the NIOD 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set (which has an RRP of £140) will be available on QVC for just £49! This offer will be available for 24 hours only.

So if you’re a skincare addict (like me) and have wanted to try a few products from the the brand that is taking the beauty industry by storm then this offer would be a great way of getting hold of a few products for an incredible price.

I’ve tried a few products from the NIOD range and I like how they’re a brand that are results driven with formulations created to improve the integrity and health of your skin. It’s skincare that is effective and low key and the packaging is right up my street too. Simple, clean and modern its so cool.

NIOD QVC TSV Feb 2017

In this 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set you will get some of NIOD best selling products.

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum, 15ml

Which contains 1.00% pure Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) to target first visible signs of ageing, to reveal youthful-looking skin. This fantastic serum comes complete with a specially formulated activator for mixing with before first use. It also addresses quite a few skin concerns such as textural damage, uneven skin tone, loss of elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores and dull complexions. So this is a product that will really pep up the skin and help restore radiance.

NIOD Multi- Molecular Hyaluronic Complex, 30ml

This product combines 12 forms of hyaluronic compounds in a peptide-charged delivery system to offer hydration and to help skin surface look plump, comfortable and even. So this is a great product for preventing moisture loss.

NIOD Fractionated Eye Contour Complex, 15ml

This is a hyper-concentrated bio-serum for the eye contour it combines 28 clinical technologies to target many signs of under-eye and above-eye ageing in one treatment. This single treatment is able to target visible ageing (both upper eyelids and lower eyelids) including the looks of dynamic lines, static lines, fine superficial under-eye lines, loss of elasticity (especially upper-eyelids), dark circles, puffiness and textural unevenness with positive visible results starting within 3 days and improving into 8 weeks with continued use. So this is a treatment that will keep your peepers looking well rested and target the early signs of ageing.

QVC TSV NIOD 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set

NIOD Sanskrit Saponins, 90ml

This is an intense cleansing balm which contains natural saponins derived from Ayurvedic plants which respect the skin’s integrity whilst deep cleansing skin.  With continued use this cleanser visibly targets all forms of build-up, blemishes, congestion and impurities. It is suitable for all skin types. Even after the first use this leaves the skin looking nearly pore-free and its surface exceptionally clean and restoring your natural healthy glow.

You only have 24 hours to get your hands on this deal. So set your alarm as it is available from midnight tonight on 3rd Feb & I have a feeling it is going to sell out fast.

NIOD 4 Piece Dermal Science Skincare Set – QVC TSV £49.00

*PR Sample

Discovering New Beauty Brands in 2016

Trying New Beauty Brands

For me 2016 was the year of trying out brands and products I’d never used before. I was not only introduced to brands I had never heard of before but also given the chance to test out products that had been on my wish list for a while.

A few didn’t live up to expectations but I’m pleased to say most of them have become firm favourites. I thought I would share some of the ones that stood out to me. I am very much looking forward to trying more new brands this year and have a few on my radar already.

Pureology Haircare

Pureology Haircare

I had wanted to try this brand for the longest time as I’d only heard positive reviews from bloggers whose opinions I really trust. I was thrilled that the FULFYL haircare system that I tried out lived up to my expectations and my Mum even went out and purchased it for herself too. This particular range is formulated for colour treated hair and it protects your colour from fading whilst keeping your hair strong, nourished and looking super glossy. I am obsessed with it and the hair colour I used on my hair this year stayed vibrant for the longest time, I 100% put it down to using this trio.

NIOD Skincare

NIOD

Again I was excited to try this brand and I have to say its one of my favourite skincare discoveries of 2016. NIOD are a relatively new brand to the market but don’t overlook them on that count, they’re a brand that are pushing the envelope of ingredients and producing products that are fuss free, effective and pretty damn cool. Everything from their production & packaging right down to the products themselves are progressive. I have tried out a couple of their offerings this year but this Mud Mask has changed my life – well my skin. It has restored my skins radiance and I’ve certainly had fewer blemishes which pleases me greatly. I will be purchasing a lot more from them in 2017 and also trying a few products from their sister company The Ordinary.

Mac Palette Dupe

W7 Summer Nights Eyeshadow Palette

This is a budget brand that has always intrigued me, they are quite renowned for producing dupes and when I saw this MAC Burgundy Times Nine Palette dupe on MissMakeupMagpie blog I knew I had to try it. I love neutral palettes and this 9 pan palette has become a firm favourite. I’ve used it so much these past few months and if you are able to track it down (its like gold dust) then I urge you to snap it up. Its super pigmented, wearable and affordable, what more do you want!?

BRYT Skincare

BRYT Skincare 

This was a new British skincare company that I was introduced to this year but they mainly cater for younger skin and I’m certainly not in that bracket anymore. Nevertheless their skincare is gentle and although rich its not greasy or too heavy. I did enjoy trying out these three products, but I need something that offers more lift, tightening and hydration. BRYT seem to be ticking all the boxes when is comes to delivering affordable, ethical and botanical premium skincare. So if you’re under 25 then make sure you check them out. How cute and bright is their packaging too!

Skin Chemist Snail Serum Skincare

skinChemists Skincare 

This is quite a luxury brand which has a very modern minimal feel to its branding and packaging. I have enjoyed the products I have tried from them, especially the snail eye cream which I thought was very gentle and nourishing. It was very lightweight and felt cooling around my eye area, also my concealer applied so well over this. I have been using a few products from their Caviar range too but It’s still early days, so keep an eye out for a full review soon.

Ooh! Oils Cacay Facial Oil

Ooh! Oils of Heaven 

I adore using facial oils and love how versatile they are, these two from Ooh! have been a pleasure to use. The Cacay Oil was my favourite of the two and I mostly use this as part of my evening skincare routine but I do mix a little with my serum during the day of my skin is looking lacklustre. It helps to keep my skin looking radiant and hydrated and is great at reducing scaring and uneven skint one. This particular Oil has a high content of vitamin A, vitamin E and Linoleic Acid (omega-6) which have effective results in skincare.

Blank Canvas Cosmetics Eyeshadow Palette-One-

Blank Canvas Cosmetics

Another brand I had never heard of before trying this palette but I have learnt that they have a huge following, especially in Ireland which is where this brand is from. They produce high quality makeup brushes and also a range of makeup products. The eyeshadow palette didn’t completely WOW me but I did like quite a few of the shades and think they are a brand to keep an eye on. The double ended brush that came with the palette was incredible quality and Its made me want to try a few more from their huge range.

What brands did you try for the first time in 2016, any firm favourites that you would recommend?