Micellar Waters: A Comparison

Ever since I first read about Micellar Waters and bought my first bottle I've been a total convert. I love how clean and fresh my face feels after using one, and I've definitely seen a marked improvement in how my skin looks since I first started using them. I don't break out half as much as I used to, and my skin looks a lot more 'awake' now. It makes me worry about how much make-up I used to leave on my face when I was only using a simple face wipe! :S

As I've used quite a few different brands I thought I'd do a little comparison for you!

First up: the Vichy Normaderm Solution Micellaire 3 in 1. This was the first micellar water I purchased and I have to say it is really great. It is actually for sensitive/acne prone skin, which although I don't suffer from acne, at the time I was breaking out a fair bit so I hoped this would combat that! The water itself cleans your face really efficiently and only takes a few swipes to get all my eye make-up off. Although I do really like this water, at £10.50 a pop its a bit on the pricey side for me as I've found better cheaper options!

Secondly is my current favourite! I've actually repurchased this three times now, and I have a back-up in my cupboard too....obsessed? Me? Never.. Its the L'Oréal Skin Perfection Micellar Solution! I've seen quite a lot of bloggers saying this is a dupe for the ever famous Bioderma! I've never actually tried Bioderma (mainly due to the price!) so if it really is a dupe then I'm so glad I found it! I really love this solution, it makes my skin feel so refreshed after using and its really gentle on my eyes too. This might be a bit of a sad point, but I really like the simple packaging too! It currently retails at £4.99, although every time I've bought the bottle its either been on a BOGOF deal or has been reduced so you can't really complain! :)

Third is the B. Pure Micellar Water and is the only bottle not to be 200ml in size. The actual solution is very similar to the L'Oréal water in my eyes, but being 50ml less with the same price tag doesn't make me as much of a fan! I would also say that I've found I use slightly more product to remove my make-up than the first two waters.

Lastly is my least favourite. Its isn't actually a water either - rather its a gel formula, which yes I know doesn't really fit with my theme but being a micellar gel I thought I'd include it. Sue me! The La Roche-Posay Micellar Make-up Removal Gel is actually aimed at people with sensitive skin. Like the Vichy water I bought this a long time ago when my skin was more sensitive and prone to break-outs. Initially I was intrigued by the gel formula, but to be completely honest I hated it! It felt like it took me double the time to remove my make-up, and I felt like I really had to rub at my eyes to remove it - not so great for sensitive skin! On reading other reviews it seems I am in the minority as most people love it, but for me at £12 I know I'll definitely be sticking to micellar waters from now on.

I feel like that was rather lengthy! Oops! But I hope it was an interesting read - I definitely recommend the L'Oréal micellar water if your looking for an affordable option :)

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My Everyday Go-To's.

Like most bloggers I tend to shake-up my everyday make-up routine quite a bit with new products I want to try. But, I've noticed for quite a few weeks now I've been using the same staple pieces every morning. I don't have a particularly adventurous everyday look, with eyeshadows and lip products only sometimes slipping their way in. (I'm on the hunt for a good staple everyday eyeshadow - any suggestions?) But, I thought I'd share with you my current staple pieces that always seem to make their way onto my face.

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer in 002

L'Oreal True Match Perfection Foundation in N2 Vanilla (review HERE)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light 2

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

MAC Powder Blush in Well Dressed

Max Factor Colour X-Pert Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (review of shade Anthracite HERE)

MeMeMe Fat Cat Mascara in Black 

Louise Gray for Topshop Mascara in There and Black (review HERE)

Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose

There we have it, all the products I use on a daily basis. I'd like to just add a quick note about why I'm currently using two mascaras! My beloved Louise Gray mascara has started to get a little clumpy (I have had it a fair few months to be fair!), and my Fat Cat mascara doesn't provide enough impact. But, if I combine the two, applying Fat Cat first to separate and lengthen my lashes - adding Louise Gray afterwards makes my lashes stand out and gives me the wide awake look I so desperately need in the morning! 

What are your staple everyday products of the moment? Any recommendations? :) 

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I Want ALL Of The Things...

Can you believe its March already!? This year is flying by and my passions and bank balance aren't correlating well. So here are some products that I'm really wanting this month but haven't been able to bring home with me just yet.

1. Put simply I just really want to try the Bioderma Crealine TS H20 Micelle Solution (to give it its full name!) as I'm sick of scrubbing away at my eye make up with face wipes. This seems like such an easy solution and might give my poor eyes a bit more care.

2. I got a sample of the Vichy Smoothing and Illuminating cream in a GlossyBox a few months ago, and I've really fallen in love with it. I love the consistency of the cream, the smell and how soft it makes my skin feel. The little tub it comes in is really handy as well, and rather aesthetically pleasing too! My little sample is near enough empty now though, so a full size version is definitely in my sights!

3. I've wanted to try the YSL Glossy Stains for months now, but I've never felt justified to make the splurge. So when I found out that the L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash (what a name!) glosses were a dupe, I added them to my list straight away! I've been having quite a lot of trouble finding them in my local shops, but I'll definitely post a review when I track them down.

4. MAC's Paint Pot in Painterly is somewhat of a cult product, but one that I have yet to try. Next time I'm passing a MAC counter I'm definitely going to pick it up - I've been eyeing it up for quite a while now. I really like the almost dual use of the pot as a base and eye shadow in its own right.

5. I love a lot of the products in Illamasqua's Imperfection collection, but ranking highest must be the ridiculously cute speckled nail varnishes. They remind me of mini eggs and really, what could be better than that? I just wish they weren't quite so pricey :(

6. The Elemis Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash was another GlossyBox sample from a few months back. Initially I didn't try it straight away as I love my trusty Soap and Glory foaming face wash, but as that ran out I decided to give the Elemis wash a go and I'm so glad I did! I really love it, the jojoba beads really do scrub the skin and leaves my face feeling really fresh and smooth. Sadly I've now finished the sample, so a full size version is definitely on my to-buy list.

7. Lastly, since trying and loving the Clinique Chubby Stick Intense (review HERE), when I heard about the Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes I was really intrigued. I've heard mixed reviews so far, but I really want to give them a try. Shades Lot's of Latte and Fuller Fudge look super pretty.

So there we have it, this is what I'm loving from afar in March. Have you tried any of these products? Any products on your wishlist at the moment? Let me know :)

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Review | L'Oreal True Match Foundation

So, I've been mentioning that I'd be posting a foundation review for what feels like forever, but life kept getting in the way. Last weekend I was visiting the best friend in Lancaster, then the week was full of work and this weekend the boyfriend came to stay! So, this is the first night I've had in a while to catch up on all the blogs I follow and really sit down to write a post! Thank you to all the new followers I've had this week though, every comment and follow has really made me smile :) Anyway, onwards with the review!

I bought the L'Oreal True Match Foundation back in the beginning of January so I really have given it a good test, and I'm really happy with it. I'd noticed quite a few drugstore brands had created 'match perfecting' foundations in recent months, and the whole idea really intrigued me. I wanted to know if it really worked, so I went to my local Boots and asked to be 'matched'. The sales lady was quite nice at first, and then ended up being quite rude to my best friend...but we did both end up leaving with a foundation so I guess she must have done something to sway us!

I was matched with N2 Vanilla and I think it really blends in well with my natural skin tone. It gives a medium coverage, and is quite runny in texture. The foundation is definitely build-able though if you wanted a fuller coverage. I find it works best if I've primed my skin first; I use the Vichy Illuminating and Smoothing Cream and the Stila One Step Illuminate, reviewed HERE and then apply with my Louise Gray foundation brush. It spreads really well, and when buffed into the skin gives a really flawless finish.

I mentioned earlier that the foundation is quite runny, I find this can sometimes be slightly irritating. I apply the foundation to the back of my hand, and then dab my foundation brush into the foundation from there. Therefore, being quite runny it does tend to slide around on my hand slightly, and can dry quite quickly which wastes the product. In saying that however, its only a minor inconvenience and the foundation has lasted me a month and a half and doesn't appear to need replacing anytime soon.

Packaging wise, being made of glass is definitely a plus as you can see how much product is left, and having a pump to dispense the foundation is so handy. I really do enjoy the finish the foundation gives and I definitely think I'll be repurchasing.

Have any of you tried this foundation? Let me know what you thought :)

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