Collection's BB Secrets

Hey all!

As promised here is my review on Collection Cosmetics BB Secrets.

£5.99 but I bought this for its introductory price of about £3.49 something like that.

I've had this in my makeup bag for almost a year now. When I first used it I won't lie, I hated it. So I pretty much just left it in a drawer and forgot about it till about a month ago. I has SPF 15 and as we here in Blighty have been having a bit of a heat wave I thought this wouldn't be too bad to use. I hate putting on sunblock under my foundation, makes it all oily - anyone else have that problem? So anyway I decided to give it another shot.

Ingredients

"BB Secrets - your new secret weapon! For that sheer, flawless face. No one need ever know you're wearing makeup"

What it boasts ~ all the benefits of BB technology to provide radiant, flawless skin

                       ~ offers great coverage for an even skin tone with its all-in-one moisurising and skin                                          perfecting properties

                       ~ SPF 15 to offer protection from UVA and UVB

                       ~ a choice of light & medium shades

What I thought

Straight away you can smell the sunblock, which isn't an unpleasant if you like the smell which I kind of do, so at least you know you've got your SPF in there! 

In contrast its quite a light shade but I did find that this colour adapts to your skin tone, though if your not careful and put too much on - like anything else - it turns a bit darker, more orangey than I'd like.

All smoothed in.

One thing I did find with this is that you have to be quite particular with how you work this on your skin. For me, I find the best way to use this, is to dab a little on the back of your hand then, using your fingers, take a small amount to product and rub with your fingers in both hands, like you would with moisturiser, then pat gently on to your face until the prodcut is worked in. I've found that rubbing this in no matter how gentle the product beads up and sloffs off. Which can be very unattractive, especially if you have a fluffy face...gets caught in your fluffy side-burns. Ok - that sounds manly but I'm sure some of you know what I mean.

BB Secrets does apply quite nicely with a foundation brush as well, but again just watch out for the beading.

Now this says that it give great coverage for a flawless skin tone. I wouldn't of said this was great coverage. Its a very light coverage - much like a tinted moisturiser in my opinion- which works out rather well for hot weather. Flawless skin tone? Sadly my skin tone is not flawless but hey! I'm sure If you had decent skin to start with this would work well for you! It is very moisturising and gives a nice dewy finish, but sadly not for long on my skin. About an hour if that before it goes oily. 

The tube has a flip cap so it does end up getting messy and some product does dry and form a skin - which is a little gross, but wiping it off after use would be the best way to avoid it.

~Will I carry on using it? Yes just so I don't waste my money!

~Would I buy it again? No, not really.                                    

So that's all folks! Thanks for tuning in!

Till next time have a lovely day :)

Jeni x

Package From Korea #1 ~Skin79 Miniature Set~

Hola! & Happy Monday!

So a week ago maybe more I was shopping around for a BB Cream (Blemish/Beblesh Balm), my first proper BB Cream. I do realise I'm a tad late on the BB Band-Wagon as we have now moved on to CC Cream (Colour Correct) and even DD Creams (Dynamic Do-all). But hey! What can I say!

So knowing very little about what were the best ones and what I should be looking for in my BB cream I took to reading and watching reviews on the best ones and I learned one thing, Western BB Creams seem to be glorified Tinted Moisturisers. ~Now don't quote me on that because like I said I haven't used very many or hardly any, so I can't really form an opinion. The one I have tried did remind me of a tinted moisturiser however - Collections BB Secrets - and yeah I was not totally impressed by this but I'll get back to that a bit later!

So one of the main BB Creams that kept cropping up was by Skin79 a Korean brand, and if there is one think I've learned while watching youtube videos and reading reviews is that Korea know their beauty. All I hear are wonderful things about Korean beauty products. So taking to ebay I decided to purchase (from a Korean seller) a BB Miniature Set by Skin79 ~ £4.51, to give some of there best BB's a go and decide if I wanted to buy a full sized one. 

So in my little box I have:

VIP Gold Collection: Super+ Beblesh Balm with Whitening, UV Protecting SPF 25 PA++ & Wrinkle Improvement (the gold one)

Super+ Beblesh Balm Triple Function with Whitening, UV Protecting SPF 25 PA++ & Wrinkle Improvement (the pink one)

BB Diamond Collection - The Prestige BB Cream (the light pink one)

&

BB Diamond Collection - Pearl Luminous Beblesh Balm (the silver one)

They are all 5g tubes some I'm sure I'll get through them quickly. I'll try do do individual reviews of each one as I use them with swatches etc...or maybe one post, who knows!

Either way I'm super excited about giving these ago. I'll also do a short review on Collection's BB Secrets.

So until next time Ciao!

Jeni x

New Goodies #1

Hello world!

So over the last week or so I've picked up a few new makeup goodies and have been trying them out. 

So cutting to the chase here's what I've bought & what I think!

B. Precise Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate 012 £4.66 - Superdrug

Barry M Touch of Magic Lipstick in 324 £4.49 - Superdrug

Barry M Khol Pencil in Bronce 28 £2.99 - Superdrug

Soap & Glory Supercat Carbon Black Extreme Eyeliner Pen £6.00 - Boots

(my arm looks really dirty but its just fluff from our new towels...lovely I know)

Barry M Touch of Magic Lipstick

 

I first heard about this from the latest issue of DARE the Superdrug magazine, and knew I had to try this!

On application this lipstick feels smooth, silky and moisturising. It has a waterproof formula with nourishing aloe vera. Your lips natural alkali level determines how pink your pout will go! Its such a nifty little lippie. Every time I've used it my pink has been a different shade. From a deeper red/pink to a bold bright pink. I've also noticed the colour seems to mature the longer its on your lips so it might start our more red and gradually become pinker. This lipstick lasts for hours (it boasts up to 8) and once the lipstick has worn away your left with a pretty stain that you can either top up with more of this magical lipstick or highlight with a dab of Vaseline. I love using the Rosy Lips Vaseline to touch up, probably one of my favourite lip products.

B.Precise Gel Eyeliner

I've been on the hunt for a nice brown eyeliner, sometimes black feels a bit harsh. So I thought I'd give this ago. With the eyeliner you get a decent size brush included. I was a bit apprehensive considering the last B. eyeliner I tried was an epic fail in my opinion, and found this to be a bit hit and miss. I love the colour, though I was hoping for something a bit darker without having to layer it up. It has little light reflecting particles which give a pretty touch. It does stay on pretty well, but in doing so I have found it a bit tough to remove. It does add extra depth to otherwise dull brown eyes which is nice. I don't really like the formulation I think its a bit crumbly, and I wouldn't say I love this but I wouldn't say I hate it either, its just ok. 

Barry M Khol Eye Pencil

Again this came about on my quest for a brown eyeliner, though its not brown. This is a nice soft pencil which glides on with ease and lightens up my eyes a touch. It does smudge out quite easily so you do have to be careful not to rub your eyes. But I'd say its a nice pencil. 

Soap & Glory Supercat Carbon Black Eyeliner Pen

I've been on the hunt for the perfect liquid/pen liner for a while so I thought I'd give this a shot. 

In the shop when I swatched this baby on my hand the line was beautiful and dark and so I was sold! However the first time I used it I was disappointed! The line was more of the washed out black I've become accustomed to with the pen liners. Not to be dissuaded I carried on using it and found that the black did get dark the more the pen nib was used, I guess it just needs to 'warm-up' a bit. Its not a bad liner and am fairly happy with it, I just want one that is dark black like the package promises!

If you know of any good ones please let me know!

Thanks for reading & have a great day!

Jeni x

Double Lace-Braid

Hi!

Today I wore this quick and easy double lace-braid to jazz up my hair for work.

Hope you like!

If you want to learn how to do it click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9GGSNI6FCo

Its basically half a french braid, your just adding hair from one side.

Thanks for looking :)

Jeni x

The nspa 4 Step Beauty Ritual

Hi there!

Today I'm going to be telling you about the nspa 4 step beauty ritual.

A few months back I was stumbling around Asda looking for a new face wash when I spotted the new nspa beauty ritual range sold exclusively at Asda.

The nspa range was created by the Nirvana Day Spa.

The Beauty Rituals range is made up of 20 different products including a gift box set with 4 products included.

The 4 step program is simple:

1. Cleanse

 2. Exfoliate

 3. Treat     

  4. Moisurise

All products are paraben-free, dermatologically approved, suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, against animal testing & made in the UK. 

Out of the 20 available products I picked a basic 4 to get me started and see whether I liked them. Plus they were on offer 2 for £8 always a bonus. All products have a nice perfumed scent that's not too overwhelming. 

"Step 1: Cleanse to draw out impurites, remove makeup and clarify skin." 

Melting Cleansing Gel 125 ml/4.2 floz ~£6.00 or part of the 2 for £8.00 offer ~Luxurious gel that turns to a cleansing milk with Grapeseed oil & essential oil of Neroli

Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed (Grapeseed) Oil, Aqua, Sucrose Laurate, Sucrose Palmitate, Parfum, Citrus Aurantium Flower (Neroli) Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Alcohol, Sucrose Myristate, Isopropyl Myristate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, CI 16035, CI 19140.

This product is so nice to use. Just squeeze a pea-sized about onto the finger tips and gently work all over the face. It feels very oily but this helps remove any make left on the skin. Then wet hands and massage face again, now the gel turns in to a cleansing milk. Then rinse well, I tend to use a flannel to remove all product. This melting cleansing gel is amazing, does such a good job of removing my make, even mascara. It feels really quite luxurious and I absolutely love it!

"Step 2: Exfoliate to buff away dull skin cells, refine pores & tone skin."

Brightening Detox Scrub 125 ml/4.2 floz ~£4.50 or part of the 2 for £8.00~ Gentle scrub to draw out impurities and smooth skin with Micro Exfoliation beads & Essential Oil of Neroli

Ingredients: Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Stearyl Alcohol, Polysorbate 20, Solum Diatomeae (Diatomaceous Earth), Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Parfum, Polyethylene, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Flower (Neroli) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Salicylic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Linalool, Limonene.

What I like about this scrub is that the Micro-beads are tiny, like sand or sugar so they do a really great job of sloffing off dead skin cells and getting into pores. The texture is gritty as you would imagine but not too much so and has quite a light texture. To use smooth on to damp skin (after cleanser) and gently work in to skin with circular motions, then rinse off. It says to use 2-3 times a week but I use it every day as I suffer with acne prone skin especially around my T.O.M. and this helps to buff off any flaky dry skin.

"Step 3: Treat to condition and replenish tired skin."

Illumination Beauty Serum 50 ml/1.7 floz ~£7.00 or part of the 2 for £8.00 offer ~ An instant natural luminous skin glow

Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Glycerin, Vitis Vinifera Seed (Grapeseed) Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum, Citrus Aurantium Flower (Neroli) Oil, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii (Maca) Root, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Mica, Silica, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryloyl Glycine, Citric Acid, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, CI 77891.

This beauty serum has little gold shimmering particles in it that reflect light giving an instant glowing look. To use simply apply serum over a clean face, wait a few minutes before following with moisturiser. Wear under or over makeup for an instant boost. The texture is gel like and gives a very subtle glimmer to the skin. 

"Step 4: Moisturise to restore and nourish thirsty skin"

Oil-Free Moisture Gel 50 ml/1.7 floz ~£7.00 or part of the 2 for £8.00 offer ~ Non-greasy concentrated skin-boosting gel to intensely hydrate & protect skin with moisurising Ginseng & Natural Vitamin E.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polysorbate 20, Betaine, Hydrolyzed Lepidium Meyenii (Maca) Root, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Citrus Aurantium Flower (Neroli) Extract, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Squalane, Polysorbate 60, Capryloyl Glycine, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, CI 16035, CI 19140.

I picked this moisturiser because it was oil-free and I have fairly oily skin, so I didn't want to add to that. I really love this moisture gel. Its so cooling and soothing. It glides on to the skin so smoothly- my boyfriend even likes it! It leaves skin feeling hydrated but not oily or 'wet' as I find some moisturiser's leave my skin and works well as a makeup base. The only thing I wish it had was spf. As its really hot and sunny at the moment I'm having to put on lots of sun lotion and it makes my face an oily mess :( But overall love it!

For a full range of products check out: http://nspa.co.uk/product-range/beautyrituals/ or pop into your nearest Asda store.

Hope you've enjoyed!

Thanks for stopping by!

Jeni x

Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Review

Hi!

Today I'm going to do a review on Garnier's new primer, the 5 Second Perfect Blur £12.99 for 30ml exclusively at Boots.

What it Claims: 

To reduce the appearance of:

• Open Pores
• Wrinkles
• Shine
• Imperfections

& is

• Perfect for base for makeup

In just 5 seconds its meant to leave skin looking smoother, younger, matte & perfect.

How to Apply:

• Shake tube vigorously
• Apply after your moisturiser
• Gently smooth into skin

How it Works:

The formula is enriched with optical light reflectors which diffuse light in all directions making any imperfection appear reduced. Skin looks immediately perfected and silky smooth.

Product Ingredients:

Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica [Nano] / Silica, Isododecane, Aluminium Hydroxide, CI77491 / IIron Oxydes, CI77891 / Titanium Dioxide, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate

My Thoughts:

To start off I found it to be bit of a pain to get it out of the tube, the formula is so light it can sort of spatter out, like when your down to your last dregs of moisturiser, either resulting in too much or too little of the product. 

The first few time I used this product I would use a teeny tiny amount because I didn't want to waste it and I found it just wasn't enough. So I found being a bit more liberal with the product gave me the coverage I was after.

Comes out a light pink colour

                            

On application this stuff is a dream. It feels so light and soft on your skin. The texture is a little greasy as you smooth it in but doesn't it stay that way. Immediately I saw a difference. Not in a "Mind-blowing-my-gosh-my-face-is-baby-skin-perfect" way, more of a "My-pores-do-look-a-little-better-but-not-quite-perfect" kind of way. I did notice a subtle lightening effect on the skin leaving a slight glow, which I have to say is pretty nice!

As a makeup base its pretty awesome. Foundation glides on and looks soft and glowy. 

Now I suffer with pretty oily skin and I found this product to give me a solid 4-5 hours of oil free bliss! Perfect if you have a dinner date, or event and you want to keep your makeup matte and in one place. The package say's you can also use it over your makeup as a touch up. Which I admit I have not done, but I'm sure it would work well.

For me Garnier 5 Second Blur isn't an everyday primer simply in my opinion its a bit pricey for the amount your getting and even though the package says you get 30ml of product I'm not so sure you do as its not a lotion more of a light mousse. All in all I'd say this was a decent product and worth giving a go :) 

Unfortunately I have large visible pores :(

Pores appear smoother and skin brighter

Pores look even better under foundation. 

I'm wearing B. Naked in no.020 Rose Ivory

*Review to come*

Hope this helps! :)

Jeni x

Summer Look Book 2013

Hi!

Today i'm going to share with you my summer look book. I never thought I would actually do one of these as I'm not really trendy, I just wear what I like and feel comfortable in. But as the weather has been so nice I decided what the heck give it a go. So here it is my summer look book....

From left to right:

1.Floral Playsuit: Ebay, Belt: From another top, Sandals: Primark. 2.Denim shirt, White crochet vest, Stud-pocket shorts, Pumps: All Primark. 3.Floral Tea Dress: by West & Webb. 4. Batman Midi Dress: PunkyFish (available on Ebay too) Converse: Office. 5. Top: Laura Ashley, Jeans: Gok Wan for Tu at Sainsbury's, Wedges: Clarks. 6. Off the shoulder Sequin top: H&M, Shorts: Primark, Shoes: Crocs. 7. Bird Print Pale Pink Dress: H&M, Belt: from another dress, Pumps: Primark.

Hope you enjoyed a sneak peak at my simple summer wardrobe.

Jeni x

Summer Ready Feet

Hi!

Finally it feels like summer has come to Blighty! That means summery clothes, sandals & flip flops.
Today I decided to sit out in the garden and give myself a mani-pedi. I'm going to share with you what I did to get my tootsies feeling tip top and summer ready!

1. Remove all traces of old polish

2. Trim and shape nails & cuticles

3. Buff away hard skin using something like the Scholl Express Pedi

4. Rinse feet-you'll know why!

5. Pick a polish!

Use a base coat, I'm using Sally Hansen Hard as Nails-because I love it! Once dry follow with your colour, mine is Barry M-Prickly Pear no.322 and allow to dry. Then follow with your top coat which is my Miss Sporty base and top coat. Once all dry....

6. Moisturise! You don't have to use a special foot cream to get moisture into your tootsie toes, I'm using Dove's Indulgent Nourishment Hand Cream.

7. Put your sandals on ;P

Express Pedi £39.99 from Superdrug, I got mine on offer for £29.99

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint £3.99

Toes all done & in my summer wedges by George.

To keep feet feeling lovely all summer long I suggest moisturising them before bed and buffing your hard skin once a week.

Have a lovely day!

Jeni x

The Katniss Braid

Hi!

This is heatfree style no.2. The Katniss Everdeen Braid.

Anyone else love the Hunger Games?

To learn how to do this braid:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjUQxBTA9o4

Easy Nail Art

Hi! :)

Today I did this really easy nail art inspired by a tutorial on youtube by Chiqbelle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3ypa9AvmQY

Its really easy to do.

Here's what I used to achieve this look

All products were under a fiver, the only item I had to purchased was the masking tape that I got from W H Smiths for £1.49.

I really quite like the look! I wanted to do them black and white...turns out I don't own a black nail polish must of binned it in a clear out, and my white nail polish by George is a little pants when your painting your whole nail :( so if anyone knows of a good white nail polish please let me know!

The colours are more vibrant in the flesh my camera's seem to do a could job of bleaching the colours a bit :/

*Quick Rave*

I'm really loving Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails Nylon + Retinol Strengthener £4.95 from Superdrug. Usually I keep my nails quite sort but let them grow a little longer and they ended up looking quite nice after a home manicure. I didn't want to paint them a colour so opted for giving this a test and wow did it do a good job! Lasted on my nails for well over a week. They felt strong and looked lovely! Worth the money!

********

Thanks for looking!

Jeni x

Cute Simple Hairstyle with Faux Fishtail

I found this tutorial on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=431Xqz088Mo 

Where the girl in the tutorial finished I carried on doing the same steps and ended up with a mini faux fishtail braid! My arms didn't reach all the way down so I stopped here.

What do you think?

Going Heat Free

Recently I've noticed that the ends of my hair are looking and feeling a little...dry. The smart thing to do would go and have a good haircut and get and inch or too loped off. But as I'm growing my hair and if I did cut it it would be another 3 month or so to get it back to this length.

Usually I use my ghd's everyday to sort out my fringe, curl and straighten my hair and this has made my hair sad.
So I've opted for giving myself mini trims and challenged myself to going heat free for the month of July. Although I have a wedding reception coming up so I may use heat styling that one day :/ we'll see.

So I'm going to be doing lots of heat free hairstyles and plan to share them with you through little snapshots. And links to where I learn said hairstyles will be linked in too :)

So far I'm doing well 2 days done with no heat!

High fives all round! haha - dork.

much love

Jeni xo