What's New: Black Opal, MAC, Clinique, ecoTools

What's New: Black Opal, MAC, Clinique, ecoTools..♥

Hey beauts!

Okay so during my exam period I actually didn't do much makeup shopping; in fact, I did very little as you can see from the picture above. I just picked up a few basics. Nothing extraordinary (apart from that Black Opal powder lol).

1. MAC Lip Liner - Cork

I've always wanted to try a MAC lip liner. Can you believe I didn't own one? The MAC ones just seemed pricey so I'd always just stuck to my NYX ones but now that I've tried out the MAC lip liner, I think I much prefer it! Well MAC 'Cork' is much better than my NYX 'Toast'. The MAC 'Cork' pencil is a lot softer than the NYX 'Toast' at least so it is much easier to apply. I think I'll be investing more in MAC lip liners. I guess you get what you pay for!

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £10.50

2. Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Powder

Please believe that I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best setting powder I have come across so far; better than my Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder and we all know I loved that powder (until it ran out and I decided that I'm not paying that amount for a setting powder again). I was looking for a cheaper alternative to my Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder so when I came across a YouTuber's instagram and she mentioned how good it was, it was time for me to try it out! Bear in mind that it isn't a white powder like most setting powders. This powder is particularly good for women of colour because of its colour so if you have problems looking ashy with the white powders, give this a try. Don't worry, I will definitely write up a full review for you all!

Availability: PAK Cosmetics

Price: £6.99

3. Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows -04 Black/Brown

So I've changed my eyebrow pencil! Shocking I know! For some reason MAC were out of stock of their 'Stud' eyebrow pencil for absolutely ages. I was losing my patience and all I had was my Rimmel eyebrow pencil which I use as a backup when MAC acts up but I was even fed up of using that. I remembered that Clinique did an eyebrow pencil just like the MAC one so I decided to give it a try. Believe it or not but I actually prefer the Clinique pencil to the MAC one because the pencil is not as soft which gives a less drawn on look. I also prefer the colour of the Clinique pencil. I bought the darkest one which is lighter than MAC 'Stud'. It may be similar to MAC 'Spiked' if I can remember clearly. If you're looking for a change, definitely try this pencil out! 

Availability: Any Clinique counter

Price: £12

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer - NC45

I only bought this to sharpen up my brows when I've filled them in but now I also use it as an under-eye highlight for that Kim K look as it is a fuller coverage concealer. It will settle into fine lines horribly if you do not set it!!!!

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £13.50

5. ecoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush

I really needed an angled brush for applying concealer around my brows and I bought this in a rush. It's quite useless for doing that because the brush is not stiff but I don't know how well it works as an eyeliner brush (which is its actual use).

Availability: Boots or Boots online

Price: £5.49

6. MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose - Dark Deep

I bought this because I wanted to try something new (oh and a YouTuber uses it and she looks amazing!). It's meant to be quite similar to the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish but in a loose powder form. The MAC assistant also mentioned that this product is more fine. So far I do like it but maybe I could have gone for the shade before which is 'Dark'. I don't know why I bought 'Dark Deep' anyway because I use MAC MSF in 'Dark'. 

This powder is great for the warm months because it can be used alone and if you have any blemishes, just apply concealer first or maybe even a tinted moisturiser if you need the extra coverage. It's got quite a good coverage as it is a powder foundation but if you apply too much then obviously you will look very powdery. 

 It also gives off a similar glow to the MSF powder!

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £23.00

7. MAC Prolongwear Concealer NC45

Before I purchased the MAC Studio Finish concealer, I bought this to be used under my eyes for a highlighted look. I usually use MAC Prolongwear concealer anyway but I decided to go for a shade darker than what I usually buy. The coverage is not as much as the 'Studio Finish' concealer so these are for those subtle makeup days.

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £13.50

Not much but what do you think of my recent buys? Does anyone own the Black Opal powder?

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

What's New: Black Opal, MAC, Clinique, ecoTools

What's New: Black Opal, MAC, Clinique, ecoTools..♥

Hey beauts!

Okay so during my exam period I actually didn't do much makeup shopping; in fact, I did very little as you can see from the picture above. I just picked up a few basics. Nothing extraordinary (apart from that Black Opal powder lol).

1. MAC Lip Liner - Cork

I've always wanted to try a MAC lip liner. Can you believe I didn't own one? The MAC ones just seemed pricey so I'd always just stuck to my NYX ones but now that I've tried out the MAC lip liner, I think I much prefer it! Well MAC 'Cork' is much better than my NYX 'Toast'. The MAC 'Cork' pencil is a lot softer than the NYX 'Toast' at least so it is much easier to apply. I think I'll be investing more in MAC lip liners. I guess you get what you pay for!

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £10.50

2. Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Powder

Please believe that I am not exaggerating when I say this is the best setting powder I have come across so far; better than my Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder and we all know I loved that powder (until it ran out and I decided that I'm not paying that amount for a setting powder again). I was looking for a cheaper alternative to my Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder so when I came across a YouTuber's instagram and she mentioned how good it was, it was time for me to try it out! Bear in mind that it isn't a white powder like most setting powders. This powder is particularly good for women of colour because of its colour so if you have problems looking ashy with the white powders, give this a try. Don't worry, I will definitely write up a full review for you all!

Availability: PAK Cosmetics

Price: £6.99

3. Clinique Superfine Liner for Brows -04 Black/Brown

So I've changed my eyebrow pencil! Shocking I know! For some reason MAC were out of stock of their 'Stud' eyebrow pencil for absolutely ages. I was losing my patience and all I had was my Rimmel eyebrow pencil which I use as a backup when MAC acts up but I was even fed up of using that. I remembered that Clinique did an eyebrow pencil just like the MAC one so I decided to give it a try. Believe it or not but I actually prefer the Clinique pencil to the MAC one because the pencil is not as soft which gives a less drawn on look. I also prefer the colour of the Clinique pencil. I bought the darkest one which is lighter than MAC 'Stud'. It may be similar to MAC 'Spiked' if I can remember clearly. If you're looking for a change, definitely try this pencil out! 

Availability: Any Clinique counter

Price: £12

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer - NC45

I only bought this to sharpen up my brows when I've filled them in but now I also use it as an under-eye highlight for that Kim K look as it is a fuller coverage concealer. It will settle into fine lines horribly if you do not set it!!!!

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £13.50

5. ecoTools Angled Eyeliner Brush

I really needed an angled brush for applying concealer around my brows and I bought this in a rush. It's quite useless for doing that because the brush is not stiff but I don't know how well it works as an eyeliner brush (which is its actual use).

Availability: Boots or Boots online

Price: £5.49

6. MAC Mineralize Foundation Loose - Dark Deep

I bought this because I wanted to try something new (oh and a YouTuber uses it and she looks amazing!). It's meant to be quite similar to the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish but in a loose powder form. The MAC assistant also mentioned that this product is more fine. So far I do like it but maybe I could have gone for the shade before which is 'Dark'. I don't know why I bought 'Dark Deep' anyway because I use MAC MSF in 'Dark'. 

This powder is great for the warm months because it can be used alone and if you have any blemishes, just apply concealer first or maybe even a tinted moisturiser if you need the extra coverage. It's got quite a good coverage as it is a powder foundation but if you apply too much then obviously you will look very powdery. 

 It also gives off a similar glow to the MSF powder!

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £23.00

7. MAC Prolongwear Concealer NC45

Before I purchased the MAC Studio Finish concealer, I bought this to be used under my eyes for a highlighted look. I usually use MAC Prolongwear concealer anyway but I decided to go for a shade darker than what I usually buy. The coverage is not as much as the 'Studio Finish' concealer so these are for those subtle makeup days.

Availability: Any MAC counter or MAC online

Price: £13.50

Not much but what do you think of my recent buys? Does anyone own the Black Opal powder?

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

My Current Daily Skincare Routine

My Current Daily Skincare Routine..♥

Gone are the days where I would buy every product which had a good review on YouTube or Blogger. I've realised that less is more with facial products (well for my skin anyway). 

Obviously this post is just about products I use daily that work for me and what works for me may not necessarily work for you.

About My Skin

• In order to determine my skin type I visited Clinique for a quick consultation as I wasn't 100% sure of what skin type I had and I wanted to make sure I was using the right type of products for it. She asked me a few questions and felt my skin, then came to a conclusion that I had normal skin. She did mention that Clinique do not make products specifically for normal skin and that if I do decide to buy their 3-step kit, I should purchase dry combination (type 2). Normal skin requires good maintenance of pH balance in the skin but I haven't really started looking into that yet.

 • I've suffered from dry skin in the past as I used to have Eczema but over the years after prescribed creams and lotions I do not suffer from Eczema on my face.

• I would say though I have normal skin, my skin is also sensitive and I develop rashes and irritations on my face mainly when I've had an allergy to either food or a facial product. 

 • I also very rarely suffer from spots and I don't have the most even complexion.

My Current Routine

1. If I am wearing makeup, I start off by using my Nivea Visage Facial Cleansing Wipes For Normal/Combination Skin to remove as much makeup as I can from my face. (Night)

2. I then splash hot water on my face to open my pores and apply two pumps of No.7 Hot Cloth Cleanser in a circular motion. I let this cleanser sit for about 10mins before washing it off. Initially I was using this with a muslin cloth but I couldn't be bothered to buy a new cloth (lazy I know) so now I just use my hands or sometimes my sponge to wash it off. I remove this cleanser using circular upwards motions and rinse using lukewarm water. I feel this cleanser really helps remove the traces of makeup that couldn't be removed by wipes. (Night)

 

3. After using the hot cloth cleanser, I wash my face using Grisi Seaweed Soap. I have used this soap for years and even after trying new soaps, I will always run back to this as it is my favourite. It really makes my skin feel lovely and hydrated and I feel weird if it is not used. (Morning/Night)

4. Once my face is clean and all traces of foundation has been removed, I pat my face dry with a towel and use Clinique Take Off The Day Eyes, Lids and Lips Remover just to make sure all traces of eyeliner/mascara which was not removed by the above products is removed. I know I use the remover in a funny order and it should be one of the first things but I guess I've made it a habit of using it at this point. (Click here for a review). (Night)

5. I wipe my face in circular motions using Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads just to guarantee a spot free face. I love this product! (Click here for a review). (Morning/Night)

6. And finally, I moisturise my face using Renew Intensive Skin Therapy. I recommend this moisturising lotion to those with skin on the drier side as it is very soothing and helps your skin retain moisture. I use it daily and it is very good for when I suffer from irritations. (Morning/Night)

 

Although I don't have a picture, I moisturise my lips with MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner for soft lips when I wake up.

As requested by one of my readers, this is my current skincare routine. This is what works for me and keeps my skin hydrated, smooth and free from blemishes. I do not skip my routine regardless of whether I am tired or not because I care a lot about it. 

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

My Current Daily Skincare Routine

My Current Daily Skincare Routine..♥

Gone are the days where I would buy every product which had a good review on YouTube or Blogger. I've realised that less is more with facial products (well for my skin anyway). 

Obviously this post is just about products I use daily that work for me and what works for me may not necessarily work for you.

About My Skin

• In order to determine my skin type I visited Clinique for a quick consultation as I wasn't 100% sure of what skin type I had and I wanted to make sure I was using the right type of products for it. She asked me a few questions and felt my skin, then came to a conclusion that I had normal skin. She did mention that Clinique do not make products specifically for normal skin and that if I do decide to buy their 3-step kit, I should purchase dry combination (type 2). Normal skin requires good maintenance of pH balance in the skin but I haven't really started looking into that yet.

 • I've suffered from dry skin in the past as I used to have Eczema but over the years after prescribed creams and lotions I do not suffer from Eczema on my face.

• I would say though I have normal skin, my skin is also sensitive and I develop rashes and irritations on my face mainly when I've had an allergy to either food or a facial product. 

 • I also very rarely suffer from spots and I don't have the most even complexion.

My Current Routine

1. If I am wearing makeup, I start off by using my Nivea Visage Facial Cleansing Wipes For Normal/Combination Skin to remove as much makeup as I can from my face. (Night)

2. I then splash hot water on my face to open my pores and apply two pumps of No.7 Hot Cloth Cleanser in a circular motion. I let this cleanser sit for about 10mins before washing it off. Initially I was using this with a muslin cloth but I couldn't be bothered to buy a new cloth (lazy I know) so now I just use my hands or sometimes my sponge to wash it off. I remove this cleanser using circular upwards motions and rinse using lukewarm water. I feel this cleanser really helps remove the traces of makeup that couldn't be removed by wipes. (Night)

 

3. After using the hot cloth cleanser, I wash my face using Grisi Seaweed Soap. I have used this soap for years and even after trying new soaps, I will always run back to this as it is my favourite. It really makes my skin feel lovely and hydrated and I feel weird if it is not used. (Morning/Night)

4. Once my face is clean and all traces of foundation has been removed, I pat my face dry with a towel and use Clinique Take Off The Day Eyes, Lids and Lips Remover just to make sure all traces of eyeliner/mascara which was not removed by the above products is removed. I know I use the remover in a funny order and it should be one of the first things but I guess I've made it a habit of using it at this point. (Click here for a review). (Night)

5. I wipe my face in circular motions using Clearasil Pore Cleansing Pads just to guarantee a spot free face. I love this product! (Click here for a review). (Morning/Night)

6. And finally, I moisturise my face using Renew Intensive Skin Therapy. I recommend this moisturising lotion to those with skin on the drier side as it is very soothing and helps your skin retain moisture. I use it daily and it is very good for when I suffer from irritations. (Morning/Night)

 

Although I don't have a picture, I moisturise my lips with MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner for soft lips when I wake up.

As requested by one of my readers, this is my current skincare routine. This is what works for me and keeps my skin hydrated, smooth and free from blemishes. I do not skip my routine regardless of whether I am tired or not because I care a lot about it. 

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

Review: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Review: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips..♥

If you can remember, a couple of months ago I made a post on a few Clinique samples that my mum was given when she made a purchase (for those who cannot remember or may not have seen the post, just click here). The bag of samples included a small sized bottle of a make up remover called 'Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips'.



"Makeup remover for lids, lashes and lips. Unique, two-way formula that loosens the grip, then speeds the departure of the most persistent, eye makeups, mascara and lipsticks. Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for contact lens wearers."





One thing I do not like doing is sleeping with makeup on my face. In my opinion wipes is not enough to thoroughly get your makeup off and it usually does not fully remove my eye makeup. After sampling this, I realised that a day cannot go by without me using it so I purchased a full sized bottle. This product does a very good job at removing my eyeliner and mascara without any traces of them left. Usually I find it hard removing mascara but this remover is good for even the most stubborn eye and lip makeups. 





Ever had a lipstick that just won't come off and stains your lips?

Well I have and it can be so annoying. When I want a product removed, I want it removed completely. I hate being left with stains and traces!

Since I've been using the remover, I've never had this problem as it removes every last bit of eye and lip makeup (I don't wear eye-shadow so I'm not sure how well it removes that).

I usually use a large oval cotton pad for removal.





This makeup remover feels like it is oil-based but it does not leave your skin feeling greasy! It makes your eye and lip area feel so soft as it gently but effectively removes product.





Enough of me going on and on about how well this product works but I will conclude and say this is the best remover I've used to date. 





By the way, I do not use this to remove foundation as it is not specified for this use and Clinique has another product for this.





For All Skin Types

Price: £14.50 (Currently on offer for £13.05 at Debenhams and John Lewis (online)

Size: 125ml

Availability: All Clinique counters, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser. (Also available online)

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin ♥ Giveaway

Review: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Review: Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips..♥

If you can remember, a couple of months ago I made a post on a few Clinique samples that my mum was given when she made a purchase (for those who cannot remember or may not have seen the post, just click here). The bag of samples included a small sized bottle of a make up remover called 'Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips'.



"Makeup remover for lids, lashes and lips. Unique, two-way formula that loosens the grip, then speeds the departure of the most persistent, eye makeups, mascara and lipsticks. Ophthalmologist tested. Suitable for contact lens wearers."





One thing I do not like doing is sleeping with makeup on my face. In my opinion wipes is not enough to thoroughly get your makeup off and it usually does not fully remove my eye makeup. After sampling this, I realised that a day cannot go by without me using it so I purchased a full sized bottle. This product does a very good job at removing my eyeliner and mascara without any traces of them left. Usually I find it hard removing mascara but this remover is good for even the most stubborn eye and lip makeups. 





Ever had a lipstick that just won't come off and stains your lips?

Well I have and it can be so annoying. When I want a product removed, I want it removed completely. I hate being left with stains and traces!

Since I've been using the remover, I've never had this problem as it removes every last bit of eye and lip makeup (I don't wear eye-shadow so I'm not sure how well it removes that).

I usually use a large oval cotton pad for removal.





This makeup remover feels like it is oil-based but it does not leave your skin feeling greasy! It makes your eye and lip area feel so soft as it gently but effectively removes product.





Enough of me going on and on about how well this product works but I will conclude and say this is the best remover I've used to date. 





By the way, I do not use this to remove foundation as it is not specified for this use and Clinique has another product for this.





For All Skin Types

Price: £14.50 (Currently on offer for £13.05 at Debenhams and John Lewis (online)

Size: 125ml

Availability: All Clinique counters, John Lewis, Debenhams, House of Fraser. (Also available online)

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin ♥ Giveaway