Physicians Formula Makeup

When I was emailed by Physicians Formula asking if I'd like to try out some make-up before they come to the UK, I jumped at the chance! I usually associate Physicians Formula with skincare, and although it isn't readily available in the UK unless you order directly from them (as far as I know) I love the idea of their skincare, and now, their make-up. Their products claim to be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and others also claim to be gluten free, oil free, dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Which is brilliant, as I love the idea of make-up products being free from additives that harm the skin.

The Mineral Wear pressed powder* is a 'ultra fine mineral powder that delivers impeccable coverage for a flawless airbrushed finish, that visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores and sun damage', and I am very excited about this. It comes in the shade translucent, and I really want to see if it lives up to it's claims.

This beautiful little product is Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Airbrushing Bronzing Veil Deluxe Edition*, and it claims to 'combine the best features of powder, baked and cream bronzers for the most stunning bronze glow. [...] luxurious, light bronze veil melts into skin providing an airbrushed, lit-from-within glow that looks so natural it is virtually undetectable on the skin' which sounds wonderful, as i've always been rather weary of bronzers because they might look too unnatural on my pale skin. It also claims to 'provide Triple-Action Bronze Boosting that helps to enhance and extend the life of your tan and improve skin's clarity and radiance'.

This is perhaps one of the most exciting products, as I do love a good mascara, and one that claims to be for sensitive eyes, is always good with me. The description of 'Organic Wear*' is 'to provide 100% natural origin lash extension fibres for the look of full-on fringe false lashes, but without the irritation', and the formula is made from 100% natural products, with 70% from organic farming. And since organic food is so popular nowadays, I think responsible make-up is the way forward.

These eyeliners are in such gorgeous colours, Champagne*, Pewter* and Black*, from lightest to dark. The Packaging is divine, sleek and there's a sharpener at the bottom of each eyeliner. SOLD! The claim to be long wearing, water resistant and smudge resistant, for 24 hour wear in colours especially designed to create a 'warm nude' look for any eye colour, which I think is wonderful.

Last but not least, is the eyeshadow palette*, which is called 'nude eyes', and like the liners, claim to be usable for any eye colour, and the colours can also be made more intense by applying them wet to the eyes. I think using them, either wet or dry, provides the consumer with a lot of usage. They can also be transformed into a liner when applied wet, which leads me to believe that this palette can take you from day to night, with 'modern 'greige' shades to create a nude look with a classic, cool appeal'. I for one, cannot wait to have a play.

Which of these items appeal to you the most? Would you consider purchasing when Physicians Formula comes to the UK? The date of release has not yet been confirmed. 

A full review of all the products shall be up on the blog soon <3

All products marked with a (*) have been PR samples, sent to me for my consideration.

xx

Starting off: Skincare

From left: Garnier Moisture Match in 'Shine be Gone', Avene Cleanance anti-shine regulating lotion and Nivea oil free moisturising day cream.

Skincare is an essential part of life, and when you just start taking care of your skin in your early teens, it can all seem a bit daunting, so that's where 'The SO Project' can help! This post, along with numerous others from some wonderful bloggers is aimed to help those just starting out, so let's go! (: 

This post I decided was going to focus on one skin-type in particular, one which I know the most about, and that is oily/combination. Now oily combination can be classed as oily, sensitive, with dry patches, or oily only in certain areas, as I don't think any two skin-types are totally the same, so let's crack on with some oily/combination chat! 

Now, for oily/combination skin, you have to keep your skin clean and minimise the oils that your skin produces. Some oils are good, as they moisturise the skin, but they also block pores, and skin when you're young is very temperamental anyway, so let's start with keep skin as clean as possible (: To start, you need to cleanse your face to get rid of all of the build up that the day/night has brought on. I've not included any pictures of my cleansing products, as those are for an older skin type, but I would suggest nothing too harsh, as teenage skin is obviously very young. I would suggest perhaps exfoliating softly with a flannel to start, using small circular motions, and then maybe using a face wash targeted at young skin, or something quite natural, and definitely not too abrasive for day to day usage. For my skin, I use a flannel, and then cleansing milk, as my skin is very sensitive. 

Once you've cleansed, you must tone in order to close your pores, this is a step you must not skip! I always think that this is so important, as, whether you use cold water, or a toner, this is responsible for closing your pores after you've opened them, and no one wants moisturiser in your pores. Not good. This is applied with cotton wool, or in the case of a spray, is sprayed on, and can be removed with cotton wool. To use, squirt product onto cotton pad, and wipe slowly over your face and neck. I usually keep my skincare products in my bedroom, or in a colder place, as I always feel that your toner needs to be quite cool in order to effectively close pores. 

Now, for the final stage, moisturiser! Moisturiser is essential to what your skin is going to look like for the day ahead, and for oily/combination skin, you need one without any oil, so oil-free, or mattifying. We don't want any shine on the skin, which is always a big issue for me. I always find that a pea sized amount of moisturiser rubbed between clean fingers does my face well, and makes a good base, for make up, or for a cosmetic free look. 

From left: Simple Kind to Skin soothing facial toner and La Roche-Posay Serozinc, which is one especially for oily skin.

The extra essentials: A blogger favourite, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo, which is a corrective and unclogging anti-imperfection care serum, which is used day and night, on blemish prone skin. This is especially good for my blemish prone skin, and may take a few weeks to fully gain effect, but my goodness, it's good. It can be drying, I find, on combination skin, so I throughly recommend a night moisturiser to be used after applying at night, whilst a oil free cream during the day works perfectly well. I apply this after toning, but before my moisturiser, and I find that it works best this way. Next, is my eye cream of choice. It isn't an essential choice for young skin, but I find that an eye cream makes make-up sit better, and longer throughout the day, as well as looking after the sensitive under eye skin.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo and Una Brennan Neroli Firming, Illuminating Eye Cream

I hope that this post has been useful, and all products in the images, are ones that I have used, and recommend very much. They can all be purchased in Boots, except for the Serozinc, which I think can only be bought from an online website. Skincare lines for younger skin that I recommend are Simple, Nivea and Garnier, as although they may be targeted at an older demographic, I think their products are great for all ages.

What are your oily/combination skin saviours? 

xx

The Fragrance Direct Lipstick Haul

From top left, clockwise: Maybelline  Coloursensational in Raspberry Diamonds, Rimmel by Kate Moss Lasting Finish in 104, Calvin Klein Delicious luxury Creme Lipstick in Sinful and Cosmopolitan, Calvin Klein Delicious truth sheer lipstick in Retro, Calvin Klein Delicious luxury Creme Lipstick in Eros and Rimmel Moisture Renew lipstick in Sweetheart Tulips.

Fragrance Direct is like Boots. Impossible to leave without purchasing something. This haul, is a testament to that. Seven lipsticks in one order, I think that may be my record, how about you? The colours on the website in comparison to them in real life, are very similar and true to their colours, so I felt no regret, or that anything was unwearable, which is always a worry for me, when I order cosmetics online. Now, let's go on and discuss!

The Calvin Klein sheer lipstick in Retro is reminiscent of a champagne rhubarb, which is like the bright gorgeous, regular Rhubard, but more subtle and soft. It's very soft on the lips, and gives a very subtle almost coral flush of colour, but when layered, it becomes a stronger colour, and a more pigmented pink. It's a colour that can be layered for many different looks.

The Calvin Klein Delicious Luxury lipstick in Eros is a very raw rhubarb colour, bright and pigmented, but soft and wonderful. I find these lipsticks are so easy to apply, don't bleed and last for a good few hours before the need for another application. 

Another Calvin Klein lipstick in Cosmopolitan is very true to the colour of the beverage, it's a very watermelon sort of colour, bright, but not too bright, which seems to be a theme with these lipsticks, and the colours that i've chosen. All of the formulas are the same, and I just can't seem to fault them. They're smooth and can be layered so well without looking too heavy, which is always a good thing for a lipstick, when you need to reapply through the day. 

The final Calvin Klein lipstick in Sinful is a rich cranberry colour, dark and red, but there's something pink about it. It's gorgeous, and positively sinful, as the name suggests. It's my new go to red lip.

Rimmel's Moisture Renew in Sweetheart Tulips is such a sweet, bright, fun shade that reminds me of a darker raspberry sorbet. It's one of the darker pinks that I own, but it's still bright and playful, and makes me smile whenever I wear it. Much like the other Moisture Renew shades, it's formula is not drying and wonderfully pigmented. 

Another brilliant lipstick from Rimmel is a one from Kate Moss' lasting finish line, in 104, and to be honest, I have been searching for this shade in every Boots that I've been to, but I came up empty handed. Enter Fragrance Direct, and bam! I am now the proud owner of a blackberry coloured lipstick that still smells as wonderful as the other Kate Moss' lipsticks. I am addicted to the smell of these bad boys. 

The last lipstick on offer is from Maybelline, and it's in the shade Raspberry Diamonds and reminds me, quite honestly of the colour of stewed plums, but with a shot of shimmery glitter running through it. It's a glorious colour, and I adore wearing it. It's glimmers in the light, and is gloriously glossy, despite the fact that I am usually not a fan of anything too glossy or sticky.

I just realised that all the colour references are food... oh dear? Haha.

Are there any lipsticks that you're loving right now? Any cheeky Fragrance Direct hauls that you're so happy about about? Let me know (: xx

Bits and bobs

Who doesn't love buying stationary? No one, that's who... unless there is someone who doesn't... in that case... hello, minority, hehe. Another pressing question; who doesn't like a good Sharpie? A good Sharpie in a pastel colour? Best pens ever. A Sharpie claims to write on almost anything, and what I find with the pastel equivalent, is that you can still write on most things (it wouldn't stand out as much as the black or red varieties) but my gosh you'd be on trend with all those pastels about nowadays.

My other stationary purchases are heart shaped post-it notes, as who can ever have too many of them? Certainly not me, and who can resist their cute little shape? I think it certainly makes organising work more entertaining, and certainly a lot cuter (:

My two little beauty related products are the Maybelline Baby Lips lip balm in Cherry, which has probably been written about to the moon and back by now, but when I found one, I will admit, I let out a little squeal, as by damn, I wanted one of those bad boys. It smells amazing, like the cherry drop sweets they used to/still do sell. I always loved those sweets (may have to track them down) and I find them to be very moisturising, and they give a lovely reddy pink tint to the lips, which is always a good move by me. The next is the Boots own Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Night Treatment Gel which claims to prevent and fight spots. I'm not sure it prevents them, but i've found that it sure helps to fight them. The tea tree really helps to calm blemishes, and my skin after a long day, and it just smells so natural and good for you, that I tend to slather it on almost every night, and my skin looks bright, while my blemishes look reduced. Which is a win win for me, and for the price, £1.99, when I bought it, who can complain? 

The last two purchases were just something a little cute that I fancied from Claire's Accessorie's, and who am I to resist the Bat Signal? The other necklace which reads 'KAPOW!' is another little whimsical necklace, that I will admit, was an impulse buy, but I really really love it. It packs a punch, and reminds me of the comics I used to read that would proclaim 'MINT!' and 'POW!' while the superhero punched or hit a villain. Ah, fond memories.

What little purchases have you made recently? Anything that you're really impressed with?

xx

Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons

From left, Fuchsia Libre and Red Sunrise

I know that one of these was included in my July Favourites, so I thought, why not include my other, newer Bourjois Lip Crayon, as after all, they are pretty damn fabulous.

Fuchsia Libre is a shocking pop of pink, that, even though I generally stay away from pink on the lips, is completely gorgeous. It's bright, but not too bright, if you know what I mean. It's glossy and moisturising, and is so sleek on the lips.

Red Sunrise is just goooorgeous. A perfect pop of red that slicks on so easily and with very minimal fuss. I find that it transfers quite easily, so be weary of that. Keep the light fabrics away from this if you're anything like me (ie clumsy and smudges everything) and, it is very easy to wear on the lips as it's so light, you often forget it's there. Don't forget to check for fading after an hour or so :)

What do you think of these crayons? What's your go to colour? 

xx

A little Body Shop goodness

Body Butters in Vineyard Peach and Shea

Mango body mist, and two eau de toilette's, Coconut and Brazil Nut.

Now, who doesn't love the Body Shop? I certainly do. Over the years I've tried out quite a few products, and have rarely, if ever, been disappointed. This post, is no exception.

Vineyard Peach Body Butter is divine. It smells so good, I want to eat it (I won't). It's very true to its fellow body butters, in being soft and very moisturising. I think the smell just invigorates you, as you smell so dreamy and fruity, you can't help but be really happy, or maybe that's just me? It makes my skin feel really soft, and there's a gentle scent of peach throughout the day that I adore, but it does fade after one day, but you can always reapply for that extra hit of moisturising goodness (:

Shea Body Butter is really lovely, whereas it doesn't have a strong scent, which is usually a big selling point for the body butters, there's something understated about it, that maybe if you didn't want your perfume and body butter battling for dominance, then this is the once for you. It has all the good points of a body butter, without the hit of sweet scent, which i do like when i want to wear an expensive perfume and only want to smell of that.

Mango Body Mist is gorgeously fruity and fresh, which makes you almost hum with a certain delight, because smelling fruity always makes me quite happy, and I love it when people tell me I smell nice (people I know, not unknown people, although I suppose there's a compliment there somewhere ^^) and I love telling friends about particular fragrances or products that I adore, and this is definitely one of them. Such a divine, summery, fresh scent.

Coconut Eau de Toilette, the bottles are quite small, but for the price, and the smell, I am no complaining. The smell is just, ugh divine. I was totally swayed by the claim that it smelt very similar to the Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess perfume, and after swatching the Estee Lauder one many times, I can confirm that it does indeed smell like coconut sun tan lotion, and beach holidays, and basically, to me, it smells like summertime. It's gorgeous, and I keep spraying myself and it's just so good!

Brazil Nut Eau de Toilette is another one I can't stop spraying. One arm tends to smell like Coconut, and the other like Brazil Nut, which works perfectly well for me. This one, smells like honey and chocolate, with a darker layer behind it. It's gorgeous. I'd say this one is the more 'edible' of the scents, if you know what I mean, and if any of the Eau de Toilettes were to be considered day/night perfumes, then this would be a night recommendation for me. There's something about it that I just love so much.

What products are you loving from the Body Shop? Have you tried any of the products I've talked about?

xx

Soap and Glory Cosmetics

How much do I love thee? Seriously, since I bought the foundation and powder, I have worn nothing else, and my goodness, my formerly very shiny face seems to no longer exist. How?! I have no idea, but Soap and Glory have done it, and I am so very happy that they have.

Show Good Face Foundation and Primer in 'Fairest of them all'  is a light to medium coverage foundation and primer, in let's face it, the cutest name ever! It goes on really well, and i'd say it was more of a light coverage than a medium, as i do need quite a bit of concealer to cover my blemishes when I wear this, but I love the way it feels. It super light and feels like i'm not wearing anything at all on my skin. 

One Heck of a Blot Translucent Powder is OHMYGODAMAZING. If you follow me on Instagram (ohkalukalay) then you'll know how much I'm loving this product. It totally eliminated my shine from the start and almost half a day later, I was still shine free. This has never happened before, so I got very, very excited. I put this on with a powder brush, pressing it onto the skin, not swirling it all over the face is the best way to use it, and keep shine at bay. By pressing it down, you're setting the makeup, and not allowing shine/oiliness to peek through. This has got to be one of my holy grail products.

A Great Kisser Lip Balm in 'Chocolate Cherry' is really lovely. It smells delicious, feels really soft on the lips, and moisturises them very nicely. It's a similar colour to the rosy tint by Vaseline, but this is a lot more pigmented, and gives a very subtle pink shine to the lips. 

Smooch Operator (which I can't find on the Boots website) is an okay product. It takes a lot of rubbing in the packaging before you feel like you have a good amount on your finger, and even then, when you put it on your lips, it still doesn't feel like enough. It's slightly bizarre, but I will keep using it, as I like the slight tingle it gives my lips, and will report back with a longer review.

Are the Soap and Glory cosmetics something that you'd be interested in? Which products appeal to you the most?

xx

July Favourites

There are quite a few this month, and when I was compiling this list, I couldn't narrow it down further than these twelve products, as my goodness, they are certainly floating my boat, and I don't know how I could have done without them during the long, warm month of July.

Una Brenna Neroli Eye Cream is a morning and night staple for me, it was also featured in one of my previous posts concerning moisture, and my way of guaranteeing that the skin on my face was plump and glowing. It's a wonderful eye cream, and I would say that's it's certainly the best one i've used so far.

L'Oreal Micellar Solution is perfect for dislodging the day's makeup, and dissolving some of it before proper cleansing takes place. It's a wonderful pre-cleanser, and I use it every night, and I have raved about it to anyone and everyone that will listen.

Rimmel eyebrow pencil is my to go brown pencil, either sharpened or blunt, it is amazing. Sharpened, it is perfect for a bold 'take no prisoners' brow, when blunt, it's all about soft and romantic brows, although still quite bold. My eyebrows always must be bold.

Stila Convertible Cheek and Lip Colour in Illium, LOVELOVELOVE. Can you tell I love this? The colour is fantastic, once it's set, it doesn't move, and my goodness, it's blendable, pigmented perfection.

The Body Shop Facial Massager is, I will admit, a bit strange looking. I mentioned it in my previous post concerning my face and moisture, which I mentioned briefly above, and it is just so wonderful. The bristles are soft, but still stiff enough to increase the blood flow of the skin on your face. This was a little birthday present from my boyfriend, (chosen well by myself) and I just adore it. Really useful for getting that glowing, healthy look. 

Rimmel 3D plumping Top Coat is an Instagram find from a lovely lady I know on there, and it's such a wonderful top coat. It's so glossy, and when used on top of a Rimmel Salon Pro nail polish, I find that it can last for up to a week with very minimal chipping. 

Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer is perfection. I'm going to start with a bold statement. Conversing on Instagram with the lovely RougePout, it was said that this concealer is a dupe for the YSL Touche Eclat. I used to have a Touche Eclat, and my mother currently owns one, and we agree. We heavily agree, so much so that we're not going back to YSL whilst this amazing product is available.

La Roche Posay Serozinc is another RougePout find, as she told me where she bought it from, and I followed in her footsteps. It's an amazing toner, so refreshing. You can use it to refresh your makeup, or use it as a toner, which I more frequently do. 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush is the new buffing brush, in my opinion, and we all know how good the buffing brush was. The bristles are soft, and ugh, it's amazing. 

Bourjois Rouge Edition Shine Lipstick is quite similar to the Revlon lip butters, not quite as nourishing, or in a wide a variety of colours, but i really like the sheer, yet pigmented colour on my lips. It lasts for a good two/three hours, but it does need a reapplication, due to the formula. Love it. 

Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polish in Jazz Funk is gorgeous, and graced my Instagram in about ten or so pictures, so yes, I love it. It's a glorious summer colour, but I can also see myself wearing it in the dead of winter, with skin pink from the cold, complete with a scarf and gloves. 

Herbal Essences Bee Strong Leave in Conditioner  is so, so, so good, I don't know how my hair coped before I purchased it. It smells gorgeous, and makes my hair feel so soft and silky.