Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily All-In-One B.B. Blemish Balm Cream Light 50ml

The was a whole lot of hype surrounding this products release, so naturally I couldnt help myself, I simply had to try it!!

The promise is "Garnier BB cream for immediately perfected skin with even tone and boosted glow. Blurs imperfections and smoothes fine lines. SPF15 protection and 24hr hydration."

The reality? I quite like the product in general. I always wear a base every day without fail because I have breakouts, blemish scars and due to my shift work my skin often looks dull and tired. I found the product similar to a tinted moisturiser but more of a creamy, gel like consistancy.

Swatch no flash
It blends really well and feels really nice on the skin and has a nice light fragrance. I have combination skins and I did find it a little shiney in some areas. If you have oily skin, I'd say this product may be a little heavy feeling but if you have normal or dry skin, I think you'll get a dewy finish.

I like that it is mineral based and has SPF in it as this is really something I look for in a base.
Coverage wise, its light to medium so one for a good skin day. It works well in conjunction with the Tinted Garnier Eye Roll On. I did have to use seperate concealer for a few blemishes though.

Beauty Balm or Blemish Balms ar really cult products in Asian countries and Hollywood. Some were developed for use after chemical peels and treatments which are hard on the skin, meaning they need more TLC. There are loads on the market if you shop around but a word of warning, a lot of the products geared towards the Asian markets have 'skin whiteners' in them, which can leave caucasian skins looking grey and dull.

Overall a nice product which feels nice to wear. I think I'll invest in the medium as well for on my hols!

Stay gorgeous Ladies!!

Jolly
x

ELF Haul!!

So I have my first follower! :) Happy days!!

Gonna review my ELF haul! Ordered on Thursday night and it arrived Saturday morning! Super impressed!

I ordered the 10 Piece Beauty School Brush Kit, 2 Luscious Liquid Lipsticks in Cherry Tart and Strawberry, Cream Eyeliner in Gunmetal, High Definition Powder,Studio Matte Lip Colour in Natural, Translucent Matte Powder, Studio Powder Brush, Studio Mist and Set.

Luscious Liquid Lipsticks
I was a bit disappointed to be honest. As they are Liquid Lipstick and not a gloss, I expected them to be a bit more pigmented, but they basically have the consistancy of a gloss.

Swatches above with flash, Cherry Tart on top, Strawberry on the bottom. The Strawberry has a nice shimmer, but is nothing like the pale candy pink swatch shown on the site.

Overall they are decent enough for everyday wear, nice light sheer coverage but if you want high impact, layer over a lipstick or stain to give some more POW!

High Defintion Powder

This is becoming a bit of a cult product for ELF and I can see why. The packaging is gorgeous, looks very high end on my dressing table and using the puff makes me feel a bit old school, which I love!!
I used this as a primer to set my moisturiser before applying my mineral powder foundation and also to set my full face makeup before a night out. It feels really soft on and has no powdery finish as I was worried it would have. A new staple methinks!

Translucent Matte Powder
I didn't swatch this, but its just a nice natural colour. I think if you have darker skin tones however maybe shop around for someting more suitable as I think this could look chalky on darker tones. For me, fair with pink undertones and freckles, its a perfect colour. Sets makeup well, did need a few top ups throughout a big night out but with the sleek packaging and big mirror I was happy to whip it out!

10 Piece Brush Set
I generally love the brushes from from ELF and I felt this was good value for money at £12. It includes an angled blush/bronzer brush, a brow and lash comb, a mascara wand, a concealer brush, an eyeshadow brush,a foundation brush, an all over face brush, a smudger, a lip definition brush and a flat eyeliner brush.
Overall the general quality is good, I felt the foundation and concealer brushes were a bit on the small side. The concealer brush is good for blemishes but no good for concealing redness around the nose or the under eye area. The foundation brush is good for these areas though.
The blush brush was nice and soft but I felt it could have used more densely packed bristles.
Middle of the road were the brow brush, mascara wand, lip brush and the smudger. Basically do what they're meant to, although I never understand why mascara wands are included. This is the first time I've ever used one from a set and it was only because I use it to detangle my lash extensions I have currently. (I plan to write about there seperately)
Eyeshadow brush is lovely. Soft, full bristles. Same with the all over face brush, good for bronzer and face powders. The eyeliner brush is good, a nice size, but I think I'll stick with my angled Ruby and Millie one, but thats personal preferrance.

Studio Powder Brush
I LOVE this!! This is a repurchase for me. Its a fantastic all rounder and if you're only going to buy one brush, this should be it! I replaced my Kabuki brush with this and use them for both mineral foundation and bronzer. Its also great for contouring if you use the edge of the brush under the cheekbone or where ever you feel you need more definition. For £3.50 they are truly fab, they wash really well and keep their shape. (I use baby shampoo to clean my brushes.)

I'm going to write seperately about the Matte lip colour, I really love this look just now and have a few products which I'm going to compare and contrast.

Studio Makeup Set and Mist

This is the first time I've ever used a product like this. I tend to just top up my makeup thoughout the day. I have friends who use hairspray to hold their makeup, especially on nights out. This fills me with horror!! These kind of chemicals CANNOT be good for your face! Anyhoo. I used this before a night out. To be honest it wasn't really very effective, I wil try it again on a day time look but it really couldn't stand the pace on a big night out!

Cream Eyeliner: Gunmetal

I love this product! It's a soft creamy formula. A dinky little pot, with free brush. The brush, while good value for money and good on the go, is a bit fiddly. I used my Ruby and Millie angled liner brush (it's my fave!) and it was a really nice finish.

Amazing staying power, lasted a whole night out with no top ups, even in the inner corner! I was super impressed!!

ELF did restock the day after I ordered so no doubt I'll be placing another order soon!!

Over and out peeps!

Jolly
x

First Blog Ever!! Diamond Micordermabrasion

So, my first blog! I'm excited!

I'm almost 26 and I have had problem skin since my early teens. I've tried various so called 'miracle' creams, lotions, peels and masks and to be honest not many things have had and huge effect on it. I might add more reviews of products I've tried later.
I've always wanted to try Microdermabrasion and recently I've read a lot about the various types and how they work. Generally microdermabraion is basically a sandblasting process for your face. During the procedure they blast your skin with medical grade crystals and then hoover off the crystals and skin cells and general gross debris that comes off with it! This process can be a bit dodgy because if the crystals are loose and can cause damage if they get into the eyes, nostrils or mouth.
Diamond microdermabrasion on the other hand uses a handpiece with a rotating block inside covered in diamond crystals. (think of an electric nail file with the rotating bit at the end). The hand piece also has a vacuum system to hoover up the dead gunk that comes off your face! So on the whole if done properly Diamond Microdermabrasion seems to me to be the safer option! 

It does tend to be an expensive process, and you do require multiple sessions to see results. Im hoping it will refine my pores, help keep my skin clear and remove blemish scarring.

I got a fantastic bargain on Groupon getting 3 sessions for £42 in Glasgow. Normally one sitting is £40!!

So the process!!
Firstly, like any facial, I was given a relaxing double cleanse. The likeness to a relaxing facial ends there!! Next the therapist stretched out areas of skin on the face and neck and passes the handpiece over it. This is done between 2 and 4 times depending on how congested your pores are! I won't lie, Its not pleasant, it's scratchy at most but not painful. After this the therapist applied a cooling mask to the treated area, this WAS heavenly!! Then the mask was cleansed off and an SPF cream was applied. (Skin is more sensitive to the sun after this treatment.) I was advised to apply no make up for 2 hours after (The Horror!!!) After the treatment my skin felt squeaky clean. Since I have noticed an improvement in the general tone and texture of my skin. I'm hoping that after my 3rd treatment my skin will be improved. Its advised to have 3 treatments on a weekly basis then follow with monthly maintenance. No pics currently but I have my next treatment next week and I'll keep you posted!

Have also just subscribed to Boudoir Prive and Glossy Box so will be posting reviews of the goodies I get from there!!

Like I've said I'm a product junkie and plan to review my E.L.F haul when it arrives and my day to day products! Hope you enjoy!!

Over and out peeps

Jolly x