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.
Friday, 25 February 2011
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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