Garnier Roll On

I was sent this a couple of weeks back, in order to review. Since then, I've used it daily, under and around the eyes.


I don't suffer from bad dark circles, but i do have a slight shadow and often get subtle bags from working odd hours.
In terms of coverage, this offers a good colour for light shadowing under the eyes, and manages to substantially brighten the eye area. I've heard from others that it might not be as effective for those with worse shadows, but for me, it worked brilliantly.
In terms of permanent brightness - i.e the reduction of dark circles when not wearing - it seems to reduce mine when i have them, but they never completely disappear, even when they are only light.

I roll this under my eyes, in a semi circle shape, then blend it out with my fingers. I find that the semi circle of product i apply, is enough to cover the area i need to. It comes out in a thin layer, super easy to blend out.

Mine is the fairest shade, which initially looks a little darker than my skin tone, but blends to a seamless finish. It feels smooth on the face and seems to last throughout the day.

I'm sure by now you've seen this in your local Boots, and Superdrug, it's around the £10 mark, which to me does seem a little overpriced, because basically, it's a glorified concealer. While there seems to be a hint of product to rectify your dark circles, it's not going to cure them forever. Plus, for those with bad circles, it's likely that there are better concealers out there, with better coverage for what you need.

If you've ever seen the film Thirteen then they put cold spoons under their eyes everyday to keep them from getting bags, I've always wondered if this worked... so maybe try that to perk up the eyes in a morning! Has anyone tried that solution?!

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The Aveeno Movement.

I've noticed this on a few blogs recently, but it's definitely worth the reviews it's getting. Unlike a lot of products that seem to do the rounds on Blogger, this brand is definitely one I'll be repurchasing.
I got sent the Aveeno Moisturising Creamy Oil and the Hand Cream.

Now, I only use hand cream during winter time, or after I've been on a cleaning spree, as i don't really suffer from dry hands, more dry cuticles if anything. This claims to 'moisturise for 24hours, lasting through hand washing'.


I've been trying to use this more often than i normally would, to get a feel for the product.
You need to use the tiniest amount, or it will go against its 'non greasy' claim. If you get the right amount, it leaves them with a light oily feel, which can sometimes be annoying, especially when it gathers in the palms. I think this is the reason it lasts through hand washes, because of the oil resistance in the product. I can still feel the presence of the product once washed, but would definitely apply it more than a couple of times a day.
I noticed a difference in my cuticles as well, seeing that they seemed to become smoother from repeated use of this.

I've been using this every single day, without fail. This is definitely a favourite of mine! One of my favourite features is the pump, i can't remember buying a moisturiser with a pump, but it's a great feature because you have control over how much product you get, making it a lot more accessible.

It's made using sweet almond oil, and smells delish. It has a slight nutty scent, while remaining sweet, but not overpowering.
I use an entire pump for each arm, noticing that it keeps them moisturised until the next time i shower, which to me is quite an amazing feat! It leaves my skin feeling smooth, with a slight oil like consistency, but not so much so it leaves your skin greasy. It soaks into the skin quickly, meaning you can easily moisturise properly, without worrying about getting dressed straight after.

For the entire range, prices range from £4.99 to £8.99 depending on the product. It's available in all the usual places, Superdrug, Boots... You know the gist.
I would highly recommend the moisturising creamy oil, can you tell i like it?

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NOTD

A couple of recent, the second is my new love and has been reapplied three times, which is really saying something.

O.P.I - Mad As A Hatter, Alice In Wonderland collection.
Very similar to Model's Own Disco Mix, only more silver in tone than purple. It didn't last at all long, which surprised me, as glitters are notoriously hard to get rid of.
I just didn't really like this colour, if you are considering buying, i would suggest the Model's Own one instead, it wears better, has an easier application, and to me, is a better colour.


Barry M - 279, Bright Pink & China Glaze Matte Magic top coat.
I originally hated this, but after getting inspiration from More magazine (of all places), i decided to give it a matte whirl, and love it. It wears better than i expected, and somehow makes the colour a lot more wearable than having it glossy.

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Urban Decay Primer Potion - The Depot.

This isn't a review (although if you're wondering, i do like the product, it has the potential of a recommendation).

So, seeing that i was no longer getting much product on the applicator, i decided to 'depot' my Primer Potion, honestly thinking there wouldn't be all that much product in it, because i constantly swirled the wand, thinking i was getting quite far into the shape of the bottle.
Oh how wrong i was.

I originally tried cutting it with scissors, for those about to do the same, this is a no go. You're going to need a knife, a big bread one would be best, i just used a small serrated chopping knife.
I went for the first bulge in the packaging, anticipating a couple of uses worth of product, this is what it was in reality;

Seriously!?
To think how many people will have just thrown this away, and even with their new bent applicator, i still can't see it getting as much from the product as you could.

I scraped away what i could, and was left with this amount, this is once I've cut the bottom open as well, to find the same sort of thing, a little hole where the wand has delved, the surroundings left untouched.


I put mine in an old lip product tub, but you can get individual screw top pots from Boots, Superdrug, Muji... And I'm sure multiple other places.


I've been warned of it drying out, but I've applied the theory that if the lip product didn't dry out, hopefully, this will be the same. Maybe I'll update in a week or so with the progress of its consistency.

I would only recommend doing this once you're not getting any on the applicator, simply because of the worry of it drying out, therefore wasting it just as you would if you'd thrown the tube away.
While i would recommend this product as a great primer, I'm not going to repurchase (unless desperate measures occur) simply because of the wastage.
At least Urban Decay have tried to fix it with the new applicator design.

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EOTN

After my catch up with Youtube videos yesterday, I came across another of MakeupbyTiffanyD's excellent videos, and decided to give it a whirl.
It's inspired by Kim Kardashian and is the double winged eyeliner.

It's not revolutionary or amazingly unique, but i was impressed with how it turned out, i just wish the space had been a little more defined.


I tried to follow what she did as much as possible, but obviously hers turned out better...!

I used;

• UDPP, followed by concealer for a smooth base.
• MAC 'Awash' eyeshadow all over the lid.
• E.L.F 'Luxe' quad, light brown in crease.
• MAC 'Blacktrack' fluidline. I created a thin line then smudged it up with an angled liner brush before it dried.
• GOSH 'Silver/Grey' duo, they grey swirled in outer corners.
• MAC 'Carbon' eyeshadow, with the same angled eyeliner brush to create both wings.
  The lower was created by following the waterline, the upper by following the upper lash line, making sure to leave a space in between.
• MAC 'Awash' eyeshadow, placed in between the two wings then lightly smudged out, so it's not so defined.
• Rimmel Black eyeliner, on tight line and outer corners of waterline.
  
• Maybelline Collosal Mascara.
  

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Aussome-ness

I'm sure you know i likes me a bit of volume.
My hair is thin, thinthin, and although I've grown to live with it, knowing I'll never have bouncy locks, i constantly seek any bit of 'oomph' instead of leaving it so flat every day.

A while back Aussie products were on 2 for £6 in Boots, after seeing an advert for their 'Aussome Volume' range in pretty much every magazine, i was needing a fix.

As with the entirety of the Aussie range, it smells delish. This one seems to linger on my hair longer than the rest for some reason, leaving me open to compliment from others. The count is currently at two if you were wondering.

The shampoo is almost gel like in consistency, and you don't need a lot to create a good lather.
The conditioner isn't any different to any others, and while it isn't always super soft while in the shower, it leaves great softness once it's dried and styled.

So, does it give me volume?
I had high expectations for this, especially since i thought, if Tresemme can do it - then surely Aussie can too.
On the first use, i noticed a difference, my hair felt really light and, dare i say it, a little bouncy. It lasted the majority of the day, only flagging a little towards the end.
Obviously i was impressed, and as i alternate my shampoo/conditioner (to avoid my hair getting used to it) i figured i get the same results every time. Alas, this wasn't so.
It's another hit and miss product, some times you'll get great results, sometimes it's no different.
I will say that with every use my hair feels light, and really clean, but it's not always bouncy and easy to create that 'oomph' with.
Obviously all hair is different.. blahblahblah.. But I'm going to suggest this might work better for thicker hair, or hair that has natural volume, that maybe you just want to expand on.

In terms of volume, it's an average product.
We're not talking life changing, but we're not saying waste of money.

Let me know what your thoughts are, if you've tried it, I'm interested if it's the same with others' hair.

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Circus night

As you might know, it was Circus theme at work on Saturday night, with hosts of Hirsty, Danny & JoJo from the Galaxy breakfast show.
Well, we went all out! There was fire eaters, stilt walkers, funny mirrors, free candyfloss and games! I was in charge of the Ring Toss...

I pondered over what to go as, thinking a clown was a little too obvious - instead i opted for mime, the same as a large amount of people who attended!

Here is my outfit;

And my make up;

I was quite proud of how i looked! I wanted braces & white gloves to finish it off, but as i only had two days notice, i couldn't find them anywhere... I wish I'd put the triangles directly from my eyes as well.. ah well.

It was a great night, and although i am a Chris Moyles fan if i happen to be in the car at that time in a morning, the Galaxy breakfast team are hilarious. Serious. And really nice too :)
Here are some more pics from the night;

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N.Y.C Products

In aid of my blogging for Superdrug, i received some N.Y.C products to have a play with. I've been using them in different ways throughout last week, and thought you all deserved a review on what i received!


Let me begin...

Liquid Eyeliner; Jet Black:
I used to be useless with liquid liner, and avoided it at all costs. Over the years I've progressed, but i still need the right sort of brush to make it that little bit easier for me.
This is the type of brush i like, it's long and thin, and I've yet to go wrong when using it. It gives a great sleek line, i like to use this when i want a subtle black line, instead of using it to build up a thick, winged line.
It wears really well, lasting throughout the day without smudging or flaking.

Metro Quartet; South Street Seaport:
Similar to the Maybelline quads, this has instructions on how and where to apply each colour on the back, which is a great help to those that are just starting out. I also love the applicator that is supplied. On one end comes a regular sponge tip, but the other is a fine, precision brush, the same that is supplied with the Benefit palettes. I love to use these brushes, they're great for lining the eyes with the shadows.
In terms of pigmentation, it's pretty hit and miss. The pink champagne colour is my favourite, and I've used this alone as a base shadow for different eyes. Then, while the darker brown is an intense pay off, the others fall short, leaving me with a very sheer eye.

Here is what i created with these colours;

Like i said, not very intense, but i like it for a sheer wash of colour.
I also used the N.Y.C eyeliner here finished with Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara.

Color Wheel; Pink Cheek Glow:
I love the look of this blush, maybe it would be better as a display product?! It's a really girly pink colour when applied, it gives a very summer like glow to your cheeks which i really like. It goes on quite sheer, but once the colour is built up it's a gorgeous colour.
This is one of my favourite of what i was sent, as it brightens up the face, with a very natural like blush.

Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm; Sugar Fairy:

As suggested by the 'tinted' you're not going for the colour pay off here, which is a shame because it looks so good in the tin!
This is my favourite thing! It gives a really sheer gloss to the lips, with just a hint of pink. It lasts for a substantial amount of time - which i have to admit, did shock me a little - and doesn't have much of a taste to it, which i like.
I like to wear this when I've made a big deal of the eye make up, it adds a little extra, but isn't going to clash.

Sparkle Eye Dust; Champagne:
I love the colour of this, a bronzed champagne. It's great for an all over eye colour, but i've been using it in the inner corners and along the lower lash line for a bit of sparkle!
It has great pay off too, and applys really smoothly.

I've tried N.Y.C products before, having different experiences with different products.
I would definitely recommend the blusher & lip balm.

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Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

To most this is the holy grail of top coats, can do no wrong! For me, it may not be of holy grail proportions, but it's definitely up there with the best.
I know people that swear by it, but quite honestly the Avon Minerals top coat (now discontinued) does a better job if I'm honest.

So as is probably obvious, you apply this over your colour, to enhance drying time, but also avoid chipping.
I have noticed the quick dry formula, it works really well, so much so that just a couple of minutes after applying you can rummage in your handbag without it smudging.
Seche Vite is somewhat renowned for its staying power, so obviously i was pretty excited to try it out. I've been using this since Christmas, so I've had chance to come to a very informed conclusion.

The conclusion;
In terms of wear, I've noticed the Seche Vite formula works extremely well when doing everyday things, i.e. not very much in terms of your hands. When it's actually put to work, i.e. a shift at a work... It doesn't seem any different to any other top coats.
Below are pictures after 6 days of wear - yes you heard right - of doing relatively little.

China Glaze - Aqua Baby

So, if you can see, it's only just began chipping very lightly around the edge, although i wouldn't call it chipping, it's just wearing of the polish.
This is why i was initially so impressed with it, but like i said, once put into action it falls short. Only lasting two or three days before i need to remove everything completely.

It goes on extremely smooth, I've never had any problems with the application of the product. It drys to a great finish, making the nails look really glossy.
I think this product would be great for most people, and it might be just me! I know people with hectic, demanding lives that manage to reap the benefits of its staying power. But for me, it only has amazing affect when you're not doing too much.

I got mine from the Head2Toe Beauty in the US which carry an amazing range of nail care products. I payed $4.35 which works out at £2.72. You can find it in some larger Boots stores but you're looking at paying at least £8 for it.

I would repurchase this, primarily because i won't be working in a night club the rest of my life, so i can see me loving it in the future. I'd recommend it to those of you who don't have to worry about your nails chipping the night after you've applied...

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