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Bargain Buying, Makeup, Makeup Tutorial, Youtube Video

Full Coverage Concealer Budget Beauty

It seems I am on a bit of a budget beauty roll at the minute, so just go with me 🙂 My last post was all about brows. This time I wanted to focus on full coverage concealer. I’ve picked three that I own and use regularly.

First up is the Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer.

This had major hype when it was first released. Here it is in action of the face:

It will set you back around a fiver, depending on where you buy it. It comes in a plethora of shades and undertones, 25 to be exact. I did a full review of this here, if you want my in depth thoughts. I think it’s a really decent buildable concealer though and is great for the price point.

Next up is the L’Oréal Infallible More Than Concealer, Concealer.

Again here it is in action of my face:

I dive into my full of review of this full coverage, budget concealer here, if you fancy a read. This has really decent coverage. And I know there are people out there who would choose this over Tarte Shape Tape in a heartbeat. I adore Shape Tape, so I don’t really compare the two. For me, this dries down fast, so you have to work quickly, but it can be a bit more difficult to blend. Having said that, it’s a great ‘drugstore’ fuller coverage concealer, and it comes in 25 shades which is great. I just think for drier under eyes, the other two I chat about here would be better in my very personal opinion 🙂

My last choice is one I haven’t spoken about on Beautynook yet.

I chatted about it briefly on my instagram stories the other day. So if you follow me there, you already have the beauty scoop. This is the Essence Camouflage + Healthy Glow Concealer #mouthful. Here it is in action on my skin first:

I think this only comes in two shade choices which is pretty pants, but Essence are forever bringing out products and changing up their stands. Maybe that has something to do with it. This, for me, is the thinnest formula out out of the three concealers.

It feels the most hydrating under the eyes too, but can still offer up full coverage for those dark circles. I believe there was a matt version of this too, but I have yet to try it. I like that this one isn’t completely flat though and it lasts on me throughout the day. The applicator is also a really cool teardrop shape so makes swiping it under the eyes really easy. And it’s an absolute bargain that you can pick up in Penneys for about 3 euro. Score!

And there are my three budget friendly full coverage concealer choices of the moment. Have you tried any of them?

xxx

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April 26, 2019/by Gem

Makeup, Makeup Tutorial, Youtube Video

Everyday Summer Makeup Tutorial

This is my honest everyday Summer Makeup look! I tried to keep it as real as possible and just edited out my ‘ums’ and any long winded techniques. My brows take forever 🙂

It’s nothing fancy or ground breaking, but this is generally what I do on a daily basis if I’m wearing makeup. The eye look might change a bit if I’m feeling fancier or lazier. The lip colour might change if I’m feeling a bold or bright lip, but the base tends to not really. I’ve found what works for my skin in the heat, so I don’t want to jinx it too much if I’m going out and about. If I know I’m staying close to home, then I can experiment and trial new products 🙂

It all depends on what you feel most comfortable with. For me, brows and a bit of eyeshadow definition is a must. Eyeliner is not necessary so it’s not something I do day to day. Once I have a wash of colour on my lids I am happy enough. The main components of my everyday Summer makeup look, I’ve spoken about a lot before. I think this is an important aspect of this video though. You know I like these products and above all, you know I trust them.

I won’t get into everything, but some of the main products I used are in my June Favourites here. I have a review the Urban Decay Primer here, and of both the foundations I used here and here. Mac Springsheen blush has been a favourite for literally years and the highlighter from Pixi is a new, but very loved favourite.

And that is my ‘errand running’ everyday Summer makeup. If you watched the video, you’ll get the joke 🙂

Thanks for tuning it. Tell me, what are some of your Summer makeup essentials?

xxx

PR SAMPLES INCLUDED*

July 11, 2018/1 Comment/by Gem

Skincare, Youtube Video

Daytime Skincare Routine

I love skincare, but I’m always a bit hesitant to talk about it too in depth. Just because I think it’s such a personal, specific thing. I do review products, but generally it’s because I really really love them or I really really hate them 🙂 I’m definitely no expert either, so that comes into play too. But, I figured I would just go through another updated daytime skincare routine. It’s less committal and just shows you what I am using right now and why.

My daytime skincare routine is quite basic. I like to keep it pretty simple. I have oily skin overall, but the older I get the more dehydration I get too. The two ailments are conflicting completely, luckily nowadays there’s products out there that will help with both skin concerns at the same time.

I am obviously chatting about what I use and why I use it in video form. You can watch above or click here to go directly to my YouTube channel here.

Blogging and having to research products and of course being sent product to trial has for sure helped me on my skincare journey. I have to learn what works for me and why so I can talk about and hopefully point readers in the right skincare direction. What I am using right now is my summer daytime skincare routine, things would vary a bit in the colder weather.

For toner I am using the Pixi Rose Tonic.

It’s gentle, minimises redness and also helps balance the skin’s PH balance.

Eye cream is the Exuviance Age Reverse Eye Contour.

This is a brand I wouldn’t have gotten to try if I didn’t blog, but I really enjoy this eye cream. Exuviance is created by the people at Neostrata. They say it reduces puffiness and smoothes wrinkles. I like it because it’s a thin formula that absorbs quickly, but still leaves my under eyes hydrated and smooth. A lot of eye creams can be too rich for me, this one does the job perfectly.

For moisturiser, I use the Vichy Minéral 89 Serum.

It’s created with mineral water and hyaluronic acid. A lot of people would use just as a serum as it’s more a gel formula. For me it works brilliantly as a daytime moisturiser. It plumps my skin and skins in really quickly without leaving a residue that might interfere with makeup application.

As it is Summer, I am using a hefty SPF. This one is new to me, but it’s literally been love at first application. This is the Eucerin SPF 50+ Oil Control. Yep oil control.

This is the first Summer I think that I’ve been confident enough to use a stand alone SPF on my face. Usually the formula is oily and would have me a shiny mess within the hour. Not this though, and it actually feels really nice going on too. I apply this in the morning and then I’ll use a spray something like the Ambre Solaire Sensitive Mist over my makeup if I’m outdoors throughout the day.

Last but not least I always apply a lip balm before I do my makeup. What one it is does vary, but as the weather is so darn nice I’m using one with a high SPF at the minute. I am really liking the Shiseido UV Lip Color Splash with SPF 30.

The tinted ones are nice too, but I use the clear one on most days. It’s not sticky and lip colour applies nicely over top of it.

And there you have my current daytime skincare routine. Have you tried any of the products?

xxx

*PR SAMPLES INCLUDED****

July 1, 2018/1 Comment/by Gem

Makeup

Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer

I’ve heard and read a lot of mixed reviews about the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. I swatched it a while back at an Urban Decay masterclass. And from then, I was super intrigued, so I took the hit and picked it up from Debenhams.

First up, I really like the packaging of these UD primers (they come in different finishes). I always appreciate a pump when I’m spending a few bob on a product. I like that you can see how much product is in the bottle too. You get 28 mls for on average €29. So you’re getting a ml of product per euro. It contains rosehip and argan oil.

So what does the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer claim to do? Well pretty much that. They say it blurs pores and fine lines. As well giving a velvet like texture to the skin to help foundation go on smoother. It gives the skin a bit of a pink tint. UD say this helps illuminate the skin. I think if you’re my skin tone or lighter that might be the case. But, if you’re darker, it could give a white cast to the skin, that might not be so flattering.

I really like this primer, it works really well for me. I do tend to use it only in my t-zone though. It’s thick in consistency and takes a bit of working in to the skin. I press it into my skin with the tips of my fingers.

The big no no that people say about it is that it balls up as you apply. That definitely can happen with a silicone heavy product like this if you use too much, or use it over a thicker moisturiser. They’re two things I tend to avoid on a daily basis so for the most part it blends out smoothly on my skin. It definitely glides over my enlarged pores and helps fill in my more prominent forehead lines. It gives a smooth base and foundation blends well over top. I find it does help with longevity too. I do always set my makeup with powder as well though.

It reminds me of a thicker Benefit Porefessional, with a drier finish on the skin. I find that as it is thicker, it goes further than Porefessional.

I can whole heartedly say I am happy enough that I spent the €29 on the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. It ticks all the primer boxes for me. My skin likes silicone heavy primers and this is definitely that with a more velvet finish. Have you tried it?

xxx

June 27, 2018/by Gem

Skincare

Current Day Time Skin Care Routine

When is comes to my day time skin care routine. I keep things fairly simple.

I am not a morning person at all, so I usually do my showering and deep clean my face the night before, if I am up and out early in the day. I have oily skin, with places of dehydration. I am prone to breakouts and blessed with lovely (not so lovely) large pores, that like to get blocked. As a result, I don’t like to layer too many products onto my skin. Because of this, my day time skin care routine is pretty simple.

I start out with cleansing my skin. For me, micellar water works well. I know not everyone gets along with them. Right now, I am using the Garnier Pure Active that is for oily skin prone to imperfections.

I just apply some to a cotton pad and swipe all over my skin to refresh everything and get rid of any oil build up. It is available on the Boots website here.

These large oval cotton pads from Penneys are my favourite. They are quite thin, so the product soaks both sides, but they don’t break up or become ‘fluffy’ :). I always just pick these up when I’m on the queue in Penneys. I love that they leave them beside the till 🙂

For eye cream, I have been using the La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra for probably more than a year now.

Although I have oily skin, I tend to get some dryness under my eyes. This does a brilliant job of keeping the under eye nourished without being to heavy. I have a full review of it here, if you want to know more about it.

I don’t tend to use a toner generally during the day, but if I do it’s usually either the La Roche Posay Serozinc which I have a full review of here.

Or I do love the Pixi Glow Tonic, which again I have spoken about in more detail here. I think I need this is my life again very soon.

For moisturiser, I tend to go with something light weight that won’t disrupt my makeup. I have a couple of holy grail moisturisers that I always recommend to people with more oilier skin. The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, I have a full review of it here. Or the Vichy Normaderm Anti Blemish Care which I’ve reviewed in the past here. At the moment I am switching between the Dermalogica Active Moist.

And the Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti Blemish Soothing Moisturiser.

I have to say both of them are working really nicely for my skin. They do a good job of hydrating, but sinking in quickly with no residue.

I always use some sort of lip balm in the morning too and let it do it’s thing while I do my makeup. At the minute I have three in my everyday skincare drawer.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. I always have a tube of this on the go. I have a full blogpost on it here.

Then I have a Nivea Lip Butter.

I use this going to bed too. I love the scent 🙂

And then if I want to use a lip balm that doubles up as a lip product to leave the house in, I will reach for the Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector.

I just have a mini of 01 here, which has a peachy tint to it. I love how this feels and looks on the lips.

And there you have my current day time skin care routine. I like to think it’s pretty simple, but effective. At the moment, there is no SPF included. I haven’t found one that doesn’t interfere with my makeup as of yet. I usually use a foundation with SPF in it or mix one in with the foundation I’m using.

Have you any skin care products you couldn’t live without?

xxx

March 15, 2017/1 Comment/by Gem

Makeup

L’Oréal True Match Foundation

I have been declaring alot of love for L’Oréal makeup products of late. My ride or die affordable foundation has to be their Infallible 24 HR Matte ( I have a full review of it here). A while ago they did a huge new campaign for their cult classic the L’Oréal True Match Foundation. The shade range has grown and they have reformulated it. It claims to be more luminous, while still being long lasting on the skin.

I hadn’t used it since I was probably a teenager, but when the new campaign came out, I thought it was time to give the new formula a test run. So, here are my thoughts on the new L’Oréal True Match Foundation.

It comes in a 30ml glass bottle with a nifty pump which I always appreciate. It just takes the thinking out of dispensing. I’m usually a pump and a half kind of gal.

The Irish Boots website currently has 23 shades in stock to choose from. They cover light to dark skin tones but also undertones too which I think is brilliant. I am pale with a pink undertone so I went with the shade 1.R/1.C Rose Ivory. It matches me really well.

The formula is quite light and loose. It is really easy to blend and I enjoy using a brush or a damp sponge to apply it. Depending on your application, you can sheer it out or build it up. You can get decent coverage out of it though.

Here it is in action on my spot prone and red skin.

You can see it definitely evens out my skin tone, and helps make my active breakouts a bit less scary looking 🙂

Although it has a medium, build-able coverage, it doesn’t mask the skin. It has what I would call a satin finish on me anyways rather than luminous as it states. But, I do usually use a mattifying primer underneath. If you used a more illuminating primer or if you don’t need one at all, you might get a bit more of a glow from it. For me, It isn’t the most long lasting foundation. The Infallible 24 HR Matte is definitely better from that perspective. But it isn’t formulated for oily skin specifically and I can get a few hours out of it before the shine begins to come through so, I am completely ok with that.

I think it is one of those elusive foundations that does work for the most skin types. I can definitely say I am a fan. It has been great for me over these colder months especially. My skin tends to be a little dryer and generally more unhappy in Winter. This glides over the unhappy parts. It doesn’t cling to dry patches and it still manages to balance the look of imperfections. If I want it to be a bit more long lasting I mix it with the Infallible 24 HR and they actually work really well together.

You can get the L’Oréal True Match Foundation instore or online from Boots here and it will set you back €14.99.

Are you a fan?

xxx

November 27, 2016/by Gem

Posts

First up is the Revolution Conceal & Define Concealer.

It will set you back around a fiver, depending on where you buy it. It comes in a plethora of shades and undertones, 25 to be exact. I did a full review of this here, if you want my in depth thoughts. I think it’s a really decent buildable concealer though and is great for the price point.

Next up is the L’Oréal Infallible More Than Concealer, Concealer.

My last choice is one I haven’t spoken about on Beautynook yet.

And there are my three budget friendly full coverage concealer choices of the moment. Have you tried any of them?

xxx

**********PR SAMPLES INCLUDED***********

This is my honest everyday Summer Makeup look! I tried to keep it as real as possible and just edited out my ‘ums’ and any long winded techniques. My brows take forever 🙂

And that is my ‘errand running’ everyday Summer makeup. If you watched the video, you’ll get the joke 🙂

Thanks for tuning it. Tell me, what are some of your Summer makeup essentials?

xxx

********PR SAMPLES INCLUDED*********

For toner I am using the Pixi Rose Tonic.

Eye cream is the Exuviance Age Reverse Eye Contour.

And there you have my current daytime skincare routine. Have you tried any of the products?

xxx

*********PR SAMPLES INCLUDED************

I can whole heartedly say I am happy enough that I spent the €29 on the Urban Decay Optical Illusion Complexion Primer. It ticks all the primer boxes for me. My skin likes silicone heavy primers and this is definitely that with a more velvet finish. Have you tried it?

xxx

When is comes to my day time skin care routine. I keep things fairly simple.

Here it is in action on my spot prone and red skin.

PR SAMPLES INCLUDED*

PR SAMPLES INCLUDED*

*PR SAMPLES INCLUDED****