First Impression: Garnier Micellar Gel Cleanser

It’s first impression time! This week, it’s going to be about skin care, the other love of mine right up there next to make up. I will be doing an overhaul post of all the products I use in rotation, my can’t-live-withouts, holy grails and whatnots but today, we’re getting down to basics. Cleansing! More specifically, with the Garnier Micellar Gel cleanser.

I’d heard about this product through Instagram and I’ll admit, I totally fell for the ‘Micellar’ tag that seems to be on everything these days. So whilst in Boots picking up other essentials, I came across this cleanser and knew I had to try it out. Plus, it was on an introductory offer. Bonus! Like the micellar waters, they have the pink original cleanser and a green one for combination skin. I already am an avid user of the micellar waters, owning the original pink and the oil one which do a great job of taking my make up off ready for the second cleansing but this time, I decided to go for the green as I do actually have combination skin. The green cleanser promises a mattifying effect and I can say yes, it actually does and without drying my skin out!

I quite like the simple packaging. It matches the waters so it would look cute and matchy in your bathroom but what I really like is that it has a pump which is so much more hygienic and easier to control how much product you are using. It’s a clear plastic bottle so you can see how much cleanser is left which is handy. It’s pretty sturdy and durable so it should hopefully survive in my case as I plan to take it with me when I travel to Disneyland Paris.

So how does it do, cleansing-wise? I’d say pretty great! I put it to the test to see how it would fare against a full face of makeup and it passed with such ease. My make up melted off just as well as it would with my usual cleansing oils and balms. I’ve used it both morning and night and both times my face felt refreshed, mattified and clean without being dry. It’s super easy and quick, just one pump is enough to do your whole face and neck so I can see this lasting a while.

Would I recommend? For sure! If you’re in the market for a simple all over cleanser without the price tag then this is for you. Especially if you’re already a fan of the micellar waters.

Thanks so much for reading and let me know of any new skin care products you’re loving at the moment!
– L x

First Impression: Etude House Bubble Tea Sleeping Pack!

Hey guys, it’s time for another first impression! I love these posts, reading them and writing them. This time, I’m delving into Korean skincare and I’m so excited! I’ve heard so many good things about so many products but couldn’t decide until I came across this cute product in TK Maxx, of all places!

So, what is it? This is a sleeping mask, meaning you apply the product onto a clean face and then simply sleep with it on. In the morning, you rinse if off with warm water to reveal beautifully moisturised skin and depending on which Bubble Tea Sleeping Pack you bought, either glowy and plump (black tea), clean and clear (green tea) or healthy and dewy (strawberry).

As you can see, I’ve got my hands on the black tea pack which is said to promote elasticity in the skin and deliver moisture which in turn will help with skin texture. I’d say this particular sleeping pack would work for most skin types as it’s pretty much the standard.
So, the big question; how did I find it?
Honestly, a bit weird but much better than I was expecting! I have been testing it at the perfect time too as my skin has gotten so dry, flaky and red due to the weather changes and indoor heating. My normal moisturisers and serums were not cutting it nor did a few of my face masks, so clearly my skin was calling out for something like this. After my nightly cleanse and tone, I scooped out some gel and a “bubble” with the spatula provided and popped the bubble, mixing it into the gel as explained by the packaging. You can use two bubbles for extra moisture or none if you feel your skin doesn’t need as much since the gel is effective on it’s own.

I then massaged it into my skin, letting it settle into a film-like layer and went to bed. I can say, there’s no worries about it transferring to my pillow or bedding as it dries down a fair bit. In the morning, there was a little bit of product left on my skin so, as the directions say to, I rinsed my face with warm water and voilà, beautifully soft plump skin without a dry patch in sight!
Now, would I recommend? For sure! Who couldn’t use a bit more moisture added back into their skin? Who doesn’t want plump, smooth skin especially in this weather? It’s so easy to use and I reckon this pack would last quite some time, even using it a couple of times a week. As I mentioned before, I got mine at TK Maxx but you can order internationally from their website here or you can find it on your usual marketplaces like Amazon/Ebay.

Thanks so much for reading and if you do happen to try this product out, let me know!

– L x

First Impression: Makeup Revolution

More palettes for me to play with? Yes please! I got these 3 beauties from the brand, Makeup Revolution.

Makeup Revolution is a brand that keeps popping up, whether it be my friends talking about it, on twitter or instagram or just my emails from Superdrug telling me about their awesome deals on the cosmetics, it got to the point where I just had to see what the fuss was about. Straight away, I can tell you that Makeup Revolution is great value for money, like NYX but much easier to get a hold of in the UK. Most Superdrugs stock them nowadays and often have offers on, like the one I got when buying these palettes, 3 for the price of 2. These palettes retailed between £6-£8 which is a complete bargain on it’s own!
So, are they worth it? Totally! They blend easily, are fairly pigmented and the palettes have everything you could need for contour, blush and highlighting! If you’re new to make up or want to build your collection up without breaking the bank, then I definitely think you should check this brand out. I also bought a few of their brushes which are so incredibly soft and work well with my make up. A few people have told me that this brand do great dupes of high end eye shadow palettes that won’t leave your wallet too light but I have yet to check this out. This brand really has something for everyone and I’m definitely going to be going back for more!
Onto the swatches.
(Starting at my wrist downwards, top row from L to R and onwards.)

Will you be getting anything from Makeup Revolution? Let me know!

-L x

First Impression: SugarBaby Vita+Skin

One night, as usual, I was browsing online for new beauty items to lust after and came across this brand of which I had never heard of being exclusively sold in Superdrug. I’m a massive lover of body scrubs, especially when coffee is involved, plus the packaging was super cute and really caught my eye. So, I did a little research and loved what I read decided to pick up some of their products the next day at my local Superdrug.

Some quick info about SugarBaby

• Paraben free and no artificial fragrances
• Petrochemical free
• No animal testing and vegan friendly
• Made in Australia

So, this all sounded so promising to me and I just had to give it a try, off I went for a relaxing bath with my new products.

SLIM-ULATE Coconut & Coffee Stimulating Body Scrub:

Now, this scrub smells AMAZING. The coffee scent is so smooth and intense with the sweet offset from the coconut. I cannot get enough! But this isn’t all about the scent, it’s about the scrub! Now, I’ll admit, it is a bit messy so it may be a good idea to decant this product into a pot before taking it to the bath or shower. The scrub itself, however, is beautiful. I only poured a small amount into the palm of my hand and once the dry coffee grounds, sugar, coconut etc was rubbed onto my damp skin, it just felt luxurious and like it was really doing my skin some good. My skin was completely softened, brightened and felt tighter and plumped. It’s almost like this scrub breathed life into it! I didn’t have any reactions to it which is a plus as some scrubs leave my skin red and blotchy. This is definitely a new favourite of mine, despite how messy it can be. I would recommend using in the shower instead of the bath like I did, unless you don’t mind rinsing coffee and sugar down your drain afterwards. I wasn’t too bothered by this as I’m used to it from glittery bath bombs. So, a massive YES PLEASE from me.

COCO-LUXE Cleansing Coconut Beauty Bar:

This lightly fragranced beauty bar is quite literally a little beauty. I don’t often use bars of soap as I remember ones I have used long ago were drying but this was completely different. The SugarBaby Vita+Skin Beauty Bar can be used on the body and the face too and I’ll be honest, I’m wasn’t looking forward to the latter. Maybe because it’s a bar of soap or because it’s also used on the body and I just feel like that you need two separate cleansers but I’m pleased to say I was happily surprised! It lathered up as it does on your body and when rinsed off, my face felt clean, smooth and not dried out at all! So, I’d be quite happy to use this on my face often. I have used this in the shower and the bath and once again, felt so luxurious on my skin, cleansing and moisturising. I love it! Definitely something I’ll be using often in the bathtub. I’d say this bar would last you a long time considering it’s quite a big size compared to some bars of soap and if you’re not into strong smells, this is for you as it’s only lightly smells of coconut milk. Once again, I’d definitely recommend if you’re in the market for an all round cleansing face and body soap.

I’d say my first impression of SugarBaby Vita+Skin went well. Better than well actually, I’m so happy with my purchases! Both of these products are said to be great on sensitive skin and for people suffering from eczema and psoriasis, I don’t have either of these skin conditions so I can’t comment on that but I do have sensitive skin and can say there was no reaction from me. All in all, I can’t wait to check out more of their products!
If any of you happen to pick up something by SugarBaby in Superdrug (UK exclusive, I believe, unless you live in Australia) then please let me know your thoughts!

 

-L x

 

First Impression: Totally Cute Palette by Too Faced

Where do I start with my love for Too Faced? I’m never disappointed by them & this time was no different. Amazing. Totally Cute. Let’s play!

Look at all the stickers to decorate with! As I ordered this from TooFaced.com, I also got the extra sheet exclusive to their website, bonus! To some it may seem childish but I personally think it’s something fun, creative & a way to truly make it your own palette.
Now, onto the swatches!

Top: Ice Cream Cone
Middle: Bunny Fu-Fu
Bottom: Chocolate Donut

Top: Shooting Star
Middle: Clover
Bottom: Storm Cloud

Top: Unicorn
Middle: I ❤ TF
Bottom: Meow!

So, 9 shades in total and I think a fair selection of colours for everyday or if you’re feeling daring and outgoing. If you like the look of any of the shades, believe me, they’re even better in person. Unicorn, for example, is such a gorgeous pearl pink shade that the camera couldn’t quite pick up properly to truly show it off. It could also be used as a highlighter on the cheek bones etc too! The looks you could create with this little palette would be truly stunning and it’s so much fun! Highly pigmented colours, easy to blend and lasts without creasing. Here is one of the suggested/look from the how-to guide inside, using the bottom row, appropriately named Totally Cute.

First impressions, so adorable and versatile. As I said, I personally love Too Faced and pretty much expected to fall in love with this but it is even better than I expected. I love all the colours and I expect I will use them all. Some more than others, but still all. For instance, the top row of matte shades, Bunny Fu-Fu and Chocolate Donut, are go-to shades for me. They remind me TF’s Peanut Butter & Jelly palette, another true love of mine. I love how vibrant the shades are and think that a lot of skin tones could work with this palette. I mean, there’s shades for everyone’s tastes! Green, dark peacock, purple, pink, chocolate brown and in a range of matte to shimmer & iridescent. Do I recommend? Yes. Completely. Especially if you’re looking for something to broaden your make up range, a palette that can do day to day looks and still give it that little extra something. As I mentioned before the shades are very pigmented  and so easy to blend without creasing. It’s such a fun palette to just play with, so easy to work with. You can truly make this palette your own, through the stickers and the looks. Have fun!

-L x

First Impression: Benefit Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Colour

Benefit has revamped their beloved eyebrow products and also added some new products to the line, so I decided to pick up something I’ve personally never tried before and see what happens.
I’m a pencil girl when it comes to my brows. I’ve tried powders before and mascaras but I always go back to a pencil when it comes to filling in mine. Trying this cream-gel formula was a completely new one for me so here’s my thoughts on it all!

I have medium to dark brown hair so I’m shade number 4 which also means I’m shade 4 in the rest of the brow range, pretty cool!

Another nice feature is the small angled brush within the lid of the pot that you just flip upside down and pop back into the lid for a full length brush! The end of the brush does have the lid on it which can be a slight annoyance but I like that it adds a nice weight to the brush.

This product is priced at £18.50 and comes in 6 shades. It can be built from natural looking to dramatic and is said to last 24 hours as well as being waterproof.

First impressions of this is that I love the packaging! Especially the small angled brush as this would come in handy when traveling or just to put in your handbag. I am very happy with how well my shade suits my hair and it is a really creamy consistency that is so easy to blend in with a spoolie. A little product goes a long way so I definitely see this lasting a long time. I’m in no way a pro when it comes to make up so it might take a little getting used to on my behalf but I’m quite willing to drop my beloved eyebrow pencil for this *shock!* as it really is that awesome of a product. I tried it on a particularly rainy day and not once did it smudge despite me running around doing errands and yes, it did last all day. I can’t say for sure whether it lasts 24 hours or not but it definitely did last the 9+ hours I was wearing it.

So, my overall verdict? If you’re in the market for an easy brow product that looks natural, easy to work with and last well, then yes yes yes!

-L x