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Friday, October 4, 2013

Beauty | British Beauty #1

...oops


So, I like makeup. I mean, I really like makeup. It started last summer, and since then, my love has only grown (blame Kat and Youtube videos). Considering I am in one of the makeup capitals of the world, I knew that I would eventually be breaking down and purchasing some of the most well-known British products out on the beauty market. I've tried to keep it reigned in, so I'm really grateful that the Boots down the road from me is only a small one because then I haven't been truly tempted by the plethora of makeup products that I'm sure are lurking around. However, as you can see, I have bought some essential things, and, ironically enough, I've kept to only a few brands, so I'll be reviewing each product within the brand.

If you don't care in the least about this stuff, then I will be writing about Brighton later tonight. :P Xx


Rimmel


Rimmel you can obviously find in the US, except for a few select products that I believe are pretty much exclusive to the UK. I haven't really researched which ones you can't purchase in the US, but there was one specific product that I had in mind on the way over...

Apocalips (Show-Offs in US)
 I practically ran out to find these once I arrived in the UK, and I picked up the colors Apocaliptic and Celestial. Wow. I cannot describe how pigmented they are, but I can guarantee you that just a small swipe across your lips can create a seriously bold statement for your wardrobe. I love them, but I have to match them with the right color clothes--they're not as versatile as I originally thought. Also, they smudge very easily, so be careful if you tend to accidentally bump your mouth or something. That being said, I still really love them.

Crazy color! Apologies for the dry skin--it's a long story.
Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder Shade Silky Beige
I purchased this for the sole purpose of getting a lighter powder. I had been using Clinique's pressed powder, but I had bought it back in the summer when I was tan, and alas, that has faded. I bought this in Silky Beige, and matches my skin tone really well.  It works perfectly fine as a cheap powder with sufficient coverage.

Soap&Glory


I'm pretty sure I'm in love with this brand. Fortunately, the drugstore down the road only has their skincare products, so I haven't been as tempted as I could be. I found these two products on a whim as I was strolling through a larger Boots on Oxford Street and so far I LOVE them.


You Wont Believe Your Eyes Eye Serum
I don't know when it happened, but I've just noticed how awful the circles under my eyes are. No matter how many hours of sleep I get, I always look like I've only had about two. This serum is supposed to brighten, de-puff, and reduces circles under eyes. The package says it works immediately, which I haven't exactly seen unless I'm not looking hard enough, but I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt and assuming that it'll start working over time. Also, the warning label: "Rinse well with water if it goes at all wayward." I mean, how perfect is that?!

One Heck of a Blot Mattifying Powder
I freakin' love this stuff. While Rimmel's Stay Matte powder is good for setting my liquid foundation, this is awesome as a sort of wrap-up to my makeup routine. It blots out the shinier parts of my face--which is awesome because my moisturizer has been making my face annoyingly shiny and sticky. This makes my face feel soft and dry, as if I don't have any makeup on at all. I totally thank EstĂ©e for her recommendations on this product.

RealTechniques
My apologies for not having it super focused but you get the idea.

Shading Brush & Expert Face Brush
Let's just do a 2-in-1 and bang this one out! I had bought a M.A.C. foundation brush right before I left home, and to be honest, I haven't been impressed with it. So whilst in the bigger Boots, I decided to purchase these two puppies. The Expert Face Brush (the bigger one) is actually amazing--I love how it feels on the face and it really provides great coverage. The Shading Brush is for eyeshadow, and I still have to work with it a bit. It hasn't been working super well for me, but all the same I'm still going to persevere with it.

Bourjois


And finally the last one, and the most recent! Today I had to stop in the drugstore to pick up a prescription (once again, long story), and I thought I'd try these guys out, since now my liquid foundation is getting a little too dark for this pale face of mine. I tried them out before I started writing this post, and we have mixed reviews. Here's why:

Healthy Mix Correcting Concealer Shade 52
Cue Adele...we could have had it all! I was so excited to try a new concealer, but mere minutes after I put it on, the top of my cheekbones started getting alarmingly red, and my lower lids started feeling tight...if that makes sense, ha. I kept it on for a little just to see, and nothing else really happened, but the redness never faded. Who knows. My skin is famously sensitive, so I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't like something in the ingredients. I will try it a few times more just to see if it has any potential.

Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation Shade Vanilla
So far, I really like it. I was more focused on what was happening around my eyes to really pay attention to the foundation, but it seemed to have behaved. I'll give an update after I've used it for anyone who cares. I really like the feel of it though, so it has potential.



That's it so far for makeup! I'm sure I'll get more while I'm here, but I'm already coming up on my midterm week! How crazy is that? I can't believe this is flying by so quickly. Big things are coming up though in the next few weeks...Mom and Dad are visiting and then I'm off to Madrid! However, for now, I'm using this weekend as my relaxation time, and will be doing nothing else besides homework and Netflix. I promise Brighton will be coming shortly after this!

Cheers! x

-What beauty essentials do you have? Any recommendations? Let me know!




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