And the spectacular Helena Rubinstein does it again....
Lash Queen Sexy Blacks - the follow-up to my favourite Glorious mascara.
This mascara thickens, curls and lengthens and you don't even need to use much to see the effect!
The lash results are more striking than Glorious but this baby also has the propensity to slightly clump. This does however take nothing away from the fact that hands down no other mascara can touch this for curling and staying power.
Getting hold of it is a little tricky (duty free in Spain is my favourite place to stock up) but Amazon appears to have it in stock and at a good price...$39.76
http://www.amazon.com/Lash-Queen-Sexy-Blacks-Mascara/dp/B004W4YIIU.
It is totally totally worth the small mortgage and gets an overall Ally rating of 8.5/10.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Revisiting the waterproof eyeliner dilemma
Finally after many many many many years of smudged eyeliner I have located the ultimate in smudge proof liner:
Nars - Larger than life long wear eyeliner - £17
http://www.johnlewis.com/283967/Product.aspx
It is available at John Lewis in a multitude of shades. I have snapped up the gorgeous shimmery brown and black.
I know I know I have said it all before and I am probably coming across as totally eyeliner fickle given my Lancome/Benefit post earlier this year..... but seriously my eyes water like crazy and nothing (not even a jog in 30 degree heat) budges this stuff. It stays on strong from 8am, when it is put on, until 6pm - 10 hours with total non-movement!! After this point the line will start to fade slightly but nothing I have ever tried even comes close to the staying power of this product.
This liner gets an Ally 9/10 rating.
My only gripe is the sharpening function. This is an automatic pencil and the built in sharpening facility is somewhat flaky which can make it hard to get a thin line. Regardless, this is my staple and until Nars bring out a manual sharpening pencil of the same variety, I will 100% be buying this every time.
Nars - Larger than life long wear eyeliner - £17
http://www.johnlewis.com/283967/Product.aspx
It is available at John Lewis in a multitude of shades. I have snapped up the gorgeous shimmery brown and black.
I know I know I have said it all before and I am probably coming across as totally eyeliner fickle given my Lancome/Benefit post earlier this year..... but seriously my eyes water like crazy and nothing (not even a jog in 30 degree heat) budges this stuff. It stays on strong from 8am, when it is put on, until 6pm - 10 hours with total non-movement!! After this point the line will start to fade slightly but nothing I have ever tried even comes close to the staying power of this product.
This liner gets an Ally 9/10 rating.
My only gripe is the sharpening function. This is an automatic pencil and the built in sharpening facility is somewhat flaky which can make it hard to get a thin line. Regardless, this is my staple and until Nars bring out a manual sharpening pencil of the same variety, I will 100% be buying this every time.
Monday, 1 August 2011
Foundation Woes
I love love love Clinique's gentle light makeup and was totally devastated to learn that for the second time in 10 years they have decided to discontinue it......grrrrr
So moving onwards and upwards I figured it was a great time to sample some new and hopefully improved foundations.
I'm big on light relective pigments, dewy glowing skin and good coverage so here are my two latest choices:
So moving onwards and upwards I figured it was a great time to sample some new and hopefully improved foundations.
I'm big on light relective pigments, dewy glowing skin and good coverage so here are my two latest choices:
- Clarins - Skin Illusion Natural Radiance Foundation (£24)
- This foundation completely eradicates any flaws, redness and imperfections.
- It goes on smoothly and leaves your skin feeling unbelievably smooth and silky (aka "hydrated" as stipulated on the packaging).
- It gives you a lovely glow.
- It has a cucumber essency type of scent which is great to begin with but will leave you feeling queasy after several weeks of use.
- It is heavy and has a mask like effect which is quite extreme. If you look closely at your skin it is very apparent you are wearing A LOT of foundation.
- Lancome - Teint Miracle (£25.55)
- A little goes a very long way with Teint Miracle - you totally get your moneys worth.
- Good coverage without a very heavy feel.
- Long lasting.
- Scent-less.
- Gives you a gorgeous glowy look.
- Multiple re-applications are necessary if you are having a bad skin day.
- It can leave you looking a little pale - bronzer is essential.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Summer Sun Update - My New Favourite Gradual Tanners
With the weather heating up and clothes coming off, there's never a better time to test drive bottle tans....
Being uber pale I like sticking with gradual tanners which give a subtle glow which can be built up over time rather than succumbing to the powers that be which control the real "hard stuff" fake tans and whatever shade of dark orange they decide will look appealling that day.
For body:
I have always championed: Fake Bake Fair Gradual Tanning Lotion
Ok so it's not new but it's a total winner and my tanning staple.
It's available from Amazon for £21.50
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fake-Bake-Gradual-Tanning-Lotion/dp/B001BY58U6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1309597154&sr=8-3 and John Lewis.
The lotion glides on easily and you only need to use a small amount to see a change. It is slightly tinted to help you see what you are doing and while there is a mild scent it is actually quite nice and will attract compliments.
For face:
My new best friend is: Olay Total Effects + Touch of Sun (Light)
Available from Boots and Superdrug.
This cream is incredibly light, is an excellent base for makeup, scentless and gives you a gorgeous extremely natural colour. You can reapply throughout the day should you want to intensify your tan and your skin is left feeling really soft. I have suffered from breakouts after using all other moisturizers but this has not affected my skin in the slightest and receives an official Ally 5 * rating.
Go have fun in the sunshine xxxxx
Being uber pale I like sticking with gradual tanners which give a subtle glow which can be built up over time rather than succumbing to the powers that be which control the real "hard stuff" fake tans and whatever shade of dark orange they decide will look appealling that day.
For body:
I have always championed: Fake Bake Fair Gradual Tanning Lotion
Ok so it's not new but it's a total winner and my tanning staple.
It's available from Amazon for £21.50
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fake-Bake-Gradual-Tanning-Lotion/dp/B001BY58U6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1309597154&sr=8-3 and John Lewis.
The lotion glides on easily and you only need to use a small amount to see a change. It is slightly tinted to help you see what you are doing and while there is a mild scent it is actually quite nice and will attract compliments.
For face:
My new best friend is: Olay Total Effects + Touch of Sun (Light)
Available from Boots and Superdrug.
This cream is incredibly light, is an excellent base for makeup, scentless and gives you a gorgeous extremely natural colour. You can reapply throughout the day should you want to intensify your tan and your skin is left feeling really soft. I have suffered from breakouts after using all other moisturizers but this has not affected my skin in the slightest and receives an official Ally 5 * rating.
Go have fun in the sunshine xxxxx
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Battle of the hair titans - Frizz no more
After many weeks of procrastinating I finally took the plunge and waged the two monsters of frizz control against each other....
Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream £19
vs
Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Holding Foam £21.50 and Defrizz £20
(All available at Space NK http://www.spacenk.co.uk/category/haircare.do?nType=1)
No Frizz
Living Proof No Frizz Styling Cream £19
vs
Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Holding Foam £21.50 and Defrizz £20
(All available at Space NK http://www.spacenk.co.uk/category/haircare.do?nType=1)
No Frizz
- I was a little terrified after reading other reviews about mixing this product with anything - apparently the scent goes a little haywire - so just washed my hair as normal and applied while it was still damp.
- I didn't use a huge amount of product - enough to finely coat my hair - a little went quite a long way.
- On drying not much frizz appeared and all seemed to be going well until my hair was fully dry and I could see the precise patches (apparently lacking product) which formed unruly frizzy masses at discreet intervals all over my head.
- My hair looked a bit better after some wetting down but had an overall lacklustre appearance.
- Overall rating 6.5/10
- I applied the foam first and then the serum to wet hair.
- Even with an enormous mane of hair I only needed to use a small amount of both products.
- My hair dried into defined curls looking shiny, with minimal frizz and a gorgeous scent.
- I left my hair for two days after washing and the curls kept their shape. The tiny bit of frizz that formed in the mornings was quickly sorted out by applying a tiny bit of extra serum.
- Overall rating 8.5/10 - Bumble and Bumble curl products rock and this rating would be higher if not for the price.
Sunday, 6 March 2011
Sparkle Eyeliner
I feel it is time glitter received a shout out!
The one thing guaranteed to jazz up your eyes for a big night out and get you in the mood for some serious flirty fun is glitter liner.
Urban decay - heavy metal glitter liner (£13 from Boots) - http://www.boots.com/en/Urban-Decay-Heavy-Metal-Glitter-Eye-Liner_21050/ is a dream and will keep you shimmery all night.
I have brown eyes and like the silver shade the most but the others work really well for festival face decorating and have unbelievable staying power.
Tips for application:
The one thing guaranteed to jazz up your eyes for a big night out and get you in the mood for some serious flirty fun is glitter liner.
Urban decay - heavy metal glitter liner (£13 from Boots) - http://www.boots.com/en/Urban-Decay-Heavy-Metal-Glitter-Eye-Liner_21050/ is a dream and will keep you shimmery all night.
I have brown eyes and like the silver shade the most but the others work really well for festival face decorating and have unbelievable staying power.
Tips for application:
- Apply eyeliner and mascara as usual
- Keep your eye tightly shut and run a thin layer of glitter directly above your regular liner
- Keep that eye shut for at least another 2 minutes (otherwise glitter will go EVERYWHERE)
- Repeat and voila sparkly perfection
Friday, 25 February 2011
Rapid Lash - believe the hype!
I had to blog about the wonderful Rapid Lash Eyelash Renewal Serum.
I'd read the stories, heard about the million people queues at Boots but never really believed it could live up to the promise. I WAS WRONG!!!!
I have been using this pretty religiously for 6 weeks now (apparently you need to persevere for 8 weeks for the full effect). It is very easy to apply...just a quick stroke across makeupless lashes at night and the magic happens while you sleep.
For the first 4 weeks I saw very little change.
Week 5 some slight lengthening and darkening.
Week 6 I look like I've paid for lash extensions!
If you want long fluttery lashes and are happy to give this a shot every night - you will indeed be rewarded.
I'd read the stories, heard about the million people queues at Boots but never really believed it could live up to the promise. I WAS WRONG!!!!
I have been using this pretty religiously for 6 weeks now (apparently you need to persevere for 8 weeks for the full effect). It is very easy to apply...just a quick stroke across makeupless lashes at night and the magic happens while you sleep.
For the first 4 weeks I saw very little change.
Week 5 some slight lengthening and darkening.
Week 6 I look like I've paid for lash extensions!
If you want long fluttery lashes and are happy to give this a shot every night - you will indeed be rewarded.
Friday, 18 February 2011
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Wave goodbye to the frizz
At the request of a very good friend...
Being blessed/cursed with crazy curly hair I'm generally willing to try anything to banish the frizz in the hope of achieving those advert soft ("I've actually been at the hairdresser for 5 hours to make it look natural") waves. Until last week I'd given up hope, however, I think i've just made a breakthrough:
Ally's 3 stage frizz control:
1) You need a great shampoo conditioner combo to keep your locks in gleaming shape. If you have coloured hair (i'm peroxided) this is even more vital. Great shampoos don't need to be pricey - Dove colour shampoo is fantastic and works just as well as the glamourous salon brands.
Conditioners and masks do however need to be good quality. My faves are Philip Kingsley Remoisturizing Conditioner and his Elasticizer Extreme Treatment. Seriously even if your hair is breaking like straw this will sort you out.
2) While your hair is still wet you are going to need to weigh it down with some heavy weight serum. A combination of Redken Heat Glide Protective Smoother (lots of it) and Defrizz by Bumble and Bumble (even more of it) can magically transform the most unruly mop into a Shakira masterpiece.
3) Management - Leave to dry naturally (no heat), spritz with water at intervals if the dreaded f-word comes to play, clip your hair up when you shower and let the steam help to mould your curls, tie your hair gently when you sleep and finally do not play in the rain with no umbrella!
You're now all ready for your "Pretty Woman" moment! Julia will be livid.
That being said - stay tuned for some No Frizz - Living Proof (available at Space NK) reviews. These products are touted as the future in curl control - am so desparate to try them out, most certainly coming soon.
Being blessed/cursed with crazy curly hair I'm generally willing to try anything to banish the frizz in the hope of achieving those advert soft ("I've actually been at the hairdresser for 5 hours to make it look natural") waves. Until last week I'd given up hope, however, I think i've just made a breakthrough:
Ally's 3 stage frizz control:
1) You need a great shampoo conditioner combo to keep your locks in gleaming shape. If you have coloured hair (i'm peroxided) this is even more vital. Great shampoos don't need to be pricey - Dove colour shampoo is fantastic and works just as well as the glamourous salon brands.
Conditioners and masks do however need to be good quality. My faves are Philip Kingsley Remoisturizing Conditioner and his Elasticizer Extreme Treatment. Seriously even if your hair is breaking like straw this will sort you out.
2) While your hair is still wet you are going to need to weigh it down with some heavy weight serum. A combination of Redken Heat Glide Protective Smoother (lots of it) and Defrizz by Bumble and Bumble (even more of it) can magically transform the most unruly mop into a Shakira masterpiece.
3) Management - Leave to dry naturally (no heat), spritz with water at intervals if the dreaded f-word comes to play, clip your hair up when you shower and let the steam help to mould your curls, tie your hair gently when you sleep and finally do not play in the rain with no umbrella!
You're now all ready for your "Pretty Woman" moment! Julia will be livid.
That being said - stay tuned for some No Frizz - Living Proof (available at Space NK) reviews. These products are touted as the future in curl control - am so desparate to try them out, most certainly coming soon.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Bat for Lashes - ode to my pick of the mascaras...
Nothing quite completes a look like having ulta glam lashes. I'm big on staying and curling power, however, after years and years of trying, I still can't master the falsies. This leaves my lashes to the mercy of the latest mascara offering....
For me undoubtably and unequivocally the all time mascara queen is Ms Helena Rubinstein so much so that my filthiest habbit is trekking over to Asia annually to replenish my mascara stock because the UK have banished the brand.
My current staple is Glorious mascara which thickens, curls and stays on all day despite having no waterproof properties...it appears Helena has decided Glorious didn't quite tick all the boxes and the brand has just launched Sexy Blacks lash queen mascara. Cheapest flight to Japan please - NOW!
As far as the UK goes - as much as I hate to follow the crowd - the old Hyponose by Lancome isn't actually too bad. I use the waterproof version because generally if I leave the house non-waterproofed, I'm panda girl pretty instantly. The effects are good - obviously great staying power (although almost to the extent you have no chance in hell of taking it off with anything less than industrial paint stripper), nice semi curl and just just the right consistency to avoid clumps. Lancome's new offering Hypnose Drama is in my opinion even better - proper proper false eyelash power, incredible curl and really thick seductive lashes HOWEVER this product clumps unless you're careful and is also very tough to remove - one mistake and you're done. This is a once a month special occassion wear ONLY.
For me undoubtably and unequivocally the all time mascara queen is Ms Helena Rubinstein so much so that my filthiest habbit is trekking over to Asia annually to replenish my mascara stock because the UK have banished the brand.
My current staple is Glorious mascara which thickens, curls and stays on all day despite having no waterproof properties...it appears Helena has decided Glorious didn't quite tick all the boxes and the brand has just launched Sexy Blacks lash queen mascara. Cheapest flight to Japan please - NOW!
As far as the UK goes - as much as I hate to follow the crowd - the old Hyponose by Lancome isn't actually too bad. I use the waterproof version because generally if I leave the house non-waterproofed, I'm panda girl pretty instantly. The effects are good - obviously great staying power (although almost to the extent you have no chance in hell of taking it off with anything less than industrial paint stripper), nice semi curl and just just the right consistency to avoid clumps. Lancome's new offering Hypnose Drama is in my opinion even better - proper proper false eyelash power, incredible curl and really thick seductive lashes HOWEVER this product clumps unless you're careful and is also very tough to remove - one mistake and you're done. This is a once a month special occassion wear ONLY.
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Here comes the sun.....or at least a sunless tanner please
I'm pretty pale for most of the year and love the subtle hint of colour that gradual facial tanners can give. I spent the last year as a dedicated follower of Nivea Visage Anti Wrinkle Q10 plus sunkissed skin (orginally purchased by accident) which gave the most goegeous subtle glowing tan plus plumped up skin - total bonus!
Sadly the powers that be have discontinued the range, however, in my quest to find a replacement I wanted to share the next best thing to date.....
No 7 Natually Sunkissed Gradual Facial Tan - from Boots
This beauty does not clog pores, needs no exfoliation, gives a very subtle colour (perhaps slightly too subtle if you are a fan of darker shades), and is a great base for foundation. It is very light on your skin, will leave you gleaming and a little goes a long way.
Sadly the powers that be have discontinued the range, however, in my quest to find a replacement I wanted to share the next best thing to date.....
No 7 Natually Sunkissed Gradual Facial Tan - from Boots
This beauty does not clog pores, needs no exfoliation, gives a very subtle colour (perhaps slightly too subtle if you are a fan of darker shades), and is a great base for foundation. It is very light on your skin, will leave you gleaming and a little goes a long way.
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Top Three Waterproof Eyeliners
I'm always on the hunt for the next eyeliner to give that doe eyed Winona Ryder look, however, if it's not waterproof it will end up running down my face within 30 seconds...
Here are my top three waterproof offerings to date:
3. By Terry - Black Star Liquid Liner
This product is extremely easy to apply and gives quite a thick jet black line for an impactual eye look. It was a little severe for me but worked a treat abroad in Seville where temperatures of 35 degrees and extreme humidity couldn't budge it a millimetre.
2. BeneFit - Bad Gal Eyeliner Waterproof (Black)
BeneFit's baby is relatively easy to apply but gives such a harsh line that it is difficult to smudge or correct if you've made a mistake. It has unbelievable lasting power and gives a very strong (fierce if necessary) look.
1. Lancome - Lancome Le Crayon Khol (Black)
This is an unbelievable find and my aboslutely favourite eyeliner in the world. It glides on smoothly, can be easily smudged and manouvered and gives great definition. It is probably not quite as tenacious as the Bad Gal but gives a much prettier look.
Here are my top three waterproof offerings to date:
3. By Terry - Black Star Liquid Liner
This product is extremely easy to apply and gives quite a thick jet black line for an impactual eye look. It was a little severe for me but worked a treat abroad in Seville where temperatures of 35 degrees and extreme humidity couldn't budge it a millimetre.
2. BeneFit - Bad Gal Eyeliner Waterproof (Black)
BeneFit's baby is relatively easy to apply but gives such a harsh line that it is difficult to smudge or correct if you've made a mistake. It has unbelievable lasting power and gives a very strong (fierce if necessary) look.
1. Lancome - Lancome Le Crayon Khol (Black)
This is an unbelievable find and my aboslutely favourite eyeliner in the world. It glides on smoothly, can be easily smudged and manouvered and gives great definition. It is probably not quite as tenacious as the Bad Gal but gives a much prettier look.
Hello and Welcome
Hello Make up lovers
Quick background - my name is Ally and I'm a make up addict! I've been addicted for about 13 years now and after hours trawling through the net in search of reviews I figured why not share some thoughts too....
Enjoy
xx
Quick background - my name is Ally and I'm a make up addict! I've been addicted for about 13 years now and after hours trawling through the net in search of reviews I figured why not share some thoughts too....
Enjoy
xx
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