My End-of-Summer WishList 2013!

Hate is a strong word, but when it comes to my combination oily/dry skin, I feel it's an appropriate emotion to express.

For years I have been on the lookout for the perfect skincare products that will help reduce the size and appearance of blemishes and blackheads as well as redness on my face; particularly around my nose.
I've tried various skincare lines - including Neutrogena and Simple (even that's too harsh for my skin) but none of them seem to help my skin out... rather they make my skin worse!

I've been so close to breaking down because of the monstrosities on my face that I've taken to YouTube to see what others have been using on their skin and after watching a variety of videos, there are now a few products that I will be purchasing over the next few days/weeks that will [hopefully] clear my skin up... Oh, and there's a hair care product and perfume in there too.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser > here

I've seen a few beauty YouTubers, particularly in the US rant and rave about how amazing this cleanser is for the skin. According to the Boots website, it's a soap free, fragrance-free daily cleanser for sensitive to dry skin .I've heard great things about this so, I'm hoping it helps my skin clear up.

2. Cetaphil Moisturising Cream > here

Same goes for the moisturising cream. I don't usually use a moisturiser and I'm not entirely sure if I will end up purchasing this product but I am definitely considering it. 

3. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo > here

What I am most excited about purchasing and using is this Corrective and Unclogging gel cleanser! After watching Ruth's (from AModelRecommends) How To Beat Breakouts video and seeing how clear her skin was after using this product, I thought why not give it a go. 

N: The UK's Effaclar Duo is far different from the product of the same name sold in the US. While this is used for an all over face cleanser, the Effaclar Duo is the US should only be used as an acne treatment!

4. Moroccan Oil > here

I also have combination oily/dry hair - oily at the roots, dry at the tips. And since I have dry tips, I've been wanting to try Moroccan oil for quite a while now. But the price is really putting me off... I think this might have to be just a wishlist item rather than a 'wishlist item that I ended up buying in the end'. 

5. Jo Malone Orange Blossom Cologne > here

When I went to Selfridges to pick up my NARS Laguna Bronzer, I came across this scent from Jo Malone and oh my god, can I just say that this is the most amazing scent I have ever smelt in my life! I love the smell of oranges anyway and I thought this would be an amazing scent to wear all year round. I mean, who doesn't want to smell of oranges? 

Much love

- xo Dani.

SPLURGE OF THE MONTH! Nars Laguna Bronzer: Review

So recently, I went on a trip into Central London with my best friend - we aints got no money for expensive holidays!
Whilst there, of course we did a bit of shopping here and there - I spent the majority of my time in the Disney Store and PRAISE JESUS, they're bringing in a hell of lot of products from The Little Mermaid! I was one happy camper. :)

BUT, we also stopped in Selfridges to drool at the sight of Michael Kors bags and Jimmy Choo shoes (as if I'd wear heels though!). Of  course, me being a makeup lover, I headed over to the makeup counters to see what I could get my hands on.

Now after spending at least 10 minutes eyeing up the products on the NARS counter, I picked up possibly the most raved about bronzing powder in the beauty community right now; NARS Laguna Bronzer.

The NARS Bronzer comes in three shades:
Laguna - Fair skin
Irréstiblement - Olive skin
Casino - Darker skin
Me being extremely fair skinned, I picked up my bronzer in the shade 'Laguna'.

Of course the first thing you noticed with any makeup product is the packaging. NARS are known for their matte black packaging and big font logo on the front. The only downside I would say is that the packaging is very prone to dirty makeup hands - although you can use a baby wipe to get rid of any marks quickly. However, the look of the product in general is extremely sophisticated and suave - making my makeup collection look far better than what it did before.

Personally, I like to use my Real Techniques Blush Brush (wow, what a mouthful!) when applying this bronzer. In the past, I had used a Barry M Blush Brush with my E.L.F Bronzer but for this product, I wanted to buy a brush that wouldn't completely ruin my makeup products. The Real Techniques brush applies the bronzer very delicately across the cheek sockets and doesn't leave you with an unnecessary line. It buffs right into the skin to give you a defined and beautiful glow.

Although beautiful, NARS Laguna Bronzer is pretty pricey; £26. However, I do have to say that it is definitely worth the price and a must-have in any makeup lover's everyday makeup bag.

However, if you're looking for a product similar to NARS Laguna Bronzer without breaking the bank, I would suggest E.L.F's Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder - a much cheaper alternative; priced at just £1.50.

Much love
- xo Dani.

Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream: Review

During my recent trip to my local Superdrug, I picked up a product I have had my eye on for some time and that is Maybelline's popular Dream Fresh BB Cream. Me being extremely fair skinned, I bought my shade in light at the price of £7.99.

Maybelline Dream Fresh 8 in 1 BB Cream leaves you with an instant fresh-faced glow. According to the company, the gel based formula has 8 benefits in 1:

1. Creates a natural glow.

As soon as I applied the BB Cream to my face, I couldn't believe how instant the glow was. It didn't feel at all cakey (as I've noticed many other BB Creams do). 

2. Compliments skin tone.

The BB Cream adjusted to my skin tone. It didn't leave any harsh lines around the jaw.

3. SPF30 UV protection.

Not sure if the high SPF was necessary BUT, your skin is exposed to harsh light even if the sun isn't out. 

4. Hydrates all day.

My skin didn't feel at all dry and dehydrated. It's the smoothest it's ever been

5. Blurs imperfections.

Now, this is the only factor I believe doesn't come through with this BB Cream. After applying it to my face, I could still see my imperfections and so, I had to use concealer to cover them up. Despite this, it did in fact cover up all of the redness around the nose area and above the eyebrows.

6. Oil-free, non-greasy.

The BB Cream lasted throughout the whole day and instead of looking oily, I had a natural glow. However, I wouldn't recommend this product to those with oily skin, as the glow could heighten the oilyness in the skin.

7. Looks visibly smooth.

The BB Cream, I believe, also acts a moisturiser. Although I applied moisturiser beforehand, this made my skin feel extra soft!

8. Feels fresh.

You wouldn't think you had any sort of makeup on with this product! It doesn't look or feel cakey.

Overall: Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream is perfect for those who don't like to use foundation and only want a light coverage rather than a medium-full coverage during the day. This product is PERFECT for the spring and summer, when you want your skin to stay hydrated. After using this, I refuse to use foundation. This is perfect for me.

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream is available to purchase for £7.99 at Superdrug and Boots across the UK.

Much love

- xo Dani.

Sleek Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette: Review

Sleek Au Naturel Eyeshadow Palette

I've never had the best luck when it comes to eyeshadows. After endlessly trying to perfect the smokey eye look that you see on YouTube, I gave up for a few months. 

Today, I was in my local Superdrug with my sister looking for an eyebrow pencil when I saw that Sleek did a palette that not only I could use for a smokey eye, but for a [as the packaging says] natural eye. Priced at £7.99 in store (which for a 12 shade eyeshadow palette isn't at all a bad price), I immediately took it to the till and paid for it. The 'Au Naturel', I believe, is perfect for all skin tones and is extremely high quality for the cheap price.

Credit to: Sara Hassan for the swatches

Unlike many other eyeshadow palettes I have tried, Sleek's darker shades are extremely pigmented. The darker tones really do give off a warm and rich feel. However, the lighter shades on the top line of the palette are extremely unpigmented. When attempting to swatch the colours, I just couldn't get the top line to show up on my camera. Taupe' and 'Toast' however, are perfect for those days where you want to go for the natural look. The eyeshadows fall nicely and have minimal fall outs which is a HUGE bonus in my books as I apply all my other makeup before I start on my eyes!  

I still have yet to try it out but with the help of my favourite YouTuber; Tanya Burr, I have no doubt in my mind that I'll be able to perfect my smokey eye.

You might like it if:

- You want to create a smokey eye.

- You prefer natural day time looks.

- You prefer 'barely there' eyeshadows.

- You like the price. 

Much love

- xo Dani.