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Sunday 8 February 2015

Estée Lauder Skin Care Routine

I got given this set of Estée Lauder skincare goodies for Christmas and after using them for well over a month and even finishing one of the products, I thought it was about time I gave you a review. The set is a full routine of cleanser, treatment, eye cream and moisturiser. Let's start with the cleanser, shall we?

It's called their Perfectly Clean Foam Cleanser and I'd say that's a pretty good description. It has a mousse consistency and it lathers up to a nice foam on the skin and note that a little bit goes a long way with this! It wouldn't normally be my first choice as a cleanser as there is a lot of controversy over foaming cleansers and them drying out your skin so as someone with very dry skin I try to avoid them but I must admit I have really liked using this. The foam makes it feel like your skin really is getting a good clean and I haven't noticed it dry out my skin at all. I like using this after I've removed my makeup (I'm still using The Body Shop's Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter if you're curious - review here) or in the morning. One thing I don't like about this cleanser is that it's quite stingy if you get it in your eyes but apart from that I am really enjoying using it.

The next step in the routine is the treatment/serum or whatever you consider the legendary product that is Advanced Night Repair. This stuff is a best seller and very pricey so I had high hopes. It has quite a strange consistency which is like a thick oil but not at all greasy. It's feels lovely on the skin and sinks in within seconds so doesn't interfere with whatever moisturiser you use on top. This is meant to make your skin more youthful, plumped, radiant, strong, even toned... You get the drift, it's apparently some what of a miracle worker. I have noticed that my skin has felt much softer and smoother over the last few weeks and although I can't put it down to this alone, I'm sure it has something to do with it. I think I'll probably notice a difference once I run out and cannot afford a full size bottle -  my student budget doesn't account for £50 face serums unfortunately.

Next up is the eye cream and strangely enough I think this might be my favourite product of the whole process. I say strangely because before getting this set I had never used an eye cream consistently and I've really enjoyed the results. I'm not sure if it's this eye cream in particular or just that using it makes me take extra care in moisturising right around my eyes but since using this I have noticed that my under eye area is SO soft ! Don't ask me why that matters as no one apart from me is aware of how soft my under eye area is but it makes me very happy. It's the little things, eh? Although I'm sure the softness comes from being well moisturised so makeup will sit better and wrinkles will be prevented and all that stuff that's more important than having baby smooth skin. I should also mention that this cream has a slight shimmer to it. It doesn't bother me but it's worth mentioning as in bright light without makeup on it is visible. Also this little pot will last you a lifetime! I've used it most mornings and evenings since Christmas Day and am only about half way through!

Finally, we're on to the moisturiser. I've actually finished this up already and I have to say I'm quite sad as I really liked this! It had such a lovely texture. It was quite balmy but not too thick or sticky. It wasn't anything exceptional, I didn't think, but it kept my skin hydrated, sank it nicely and worked well in the morning or evening - a good basic moisturiser in my opinion.

I hoped you've enjoyed reading my two cents on Estée Lauder skin care. Overall I'm really enjoying these products and would really like to try out more of the Estée Lauder line, maybe some things more targeted towards dry skin rather than anti ageing. Let me know in the comments if you've tried anything from Estée Lauder's skin care line or what your current favourite skincare products are.
 

Wednesday 4 February 2015

Red Lips | 3 Ways

I know Christmas is long gone now; the decorations have been packed away for another year and the chocolate is finally eaten up, but one thing that's not going away any time soon are the red lips. I have been loving red lips since before Christmas and I just cannot get enough. I love the way a red gloss makes you look put together in one quick swipe but I also love the intensity of a full on Marilyn Monroe, over drawn, glamourous lip. Today I thought I'd share with you three of my current red lip favourites and would love to hear yours too so feel free to enable me in the comments.

The first option when it comes to trying red is to go glossy. I got this gloss a few months ago in a freebie box from Boots and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. It's the Maxfactor Colour Elixir Lipgloss in Captivating Ruby. As you can see from the swatch it's pretty strongly pigmented and is a nice true red colour. I like wearing this in the day time for a statement lip that isn't too try hard. Also the formula is lovely and smooth, shimmer free and leaves behind a pretty stain.

Another option for a glossy, not too dramatic red is this one from Dior. It's their Dior Addict Extreme in Pandore and it's really lovely. It's slightly sheerer and more of a raspberry pink tone than the Maxfactor one but this also has a really nice consistency. It's so smooth and comfortable to wear and it leaves a nice pink stain behind so no need to worry about touching up throughout the day. Also, can we just take a minute to appreciate the packaging?! It's so sophisticated and luxurious and makes me feel very fancy when putting it on.

The third and final of my choices is the most dramatic and my favourite of the three. When it comes to red lips there is a part of me that thinks, "Go hard or go home!" as there is something so glamourous and timeless about a heavy red lip. My current choice for this look is the Daniel Sandler Luxury Matte Lipstick in Casablanca. My sister bought me this for Christmas and it was love at first site for me. The colour is so perfect, it's not too warm or cool toned so should work on most skin tones and although it's a true red it's a slightly darker shade which just gives some extra depth and intensity to the colour. Can you tell I love it yet?! This lasts really well too; after eating and drinking you might need to slightly touch up the inside of your lips but overall it stays on really well.



Swatches are left to right the Maxfactor, Dior then Daniel Sandler.

An honourable mention also needs to go to the Barry M Lip Liner in 3 which stays on for days!

I hope you've enjoyed this post, let me know your favourite red lip options in the comments below! Have a nice day everyone :)