Project 10 Pan - 5 Down and An Update x

The title of this posts says it all really this week I finished item number 5 on Project 10 Pan - I am officially half way through now :)

L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation in 110 Ivory Rose - 20g

Yeah I have to say I actually really like this foundation and I've already purchased a back up a few months ago when it was on offer (read my full review here). One of the few issues I had with this foundation was with the colour range, and indeed Ivory Rose wasn't the best shade for my wintry, pale super pink toned skin, but it needed using up. Like most women I usually have quite a few foundations open at once, that's pretty obvious from the fact that 3 of my first 5 products have been bases, so in order to use this one up I mixed with another mousse type product to lighten it up - voila one finished foundation :) This is the first lesson I think I've learned so far on Project 10 Pan - try not to have some many similar things open at once, apart from when your testing a product is it really necessary to have 5 foundations on the go at once erm no it's not so I definitely intend  to use my mixing method to try and finish a few off x
The next thing I've learned because of P10P is that having kind relatives, and having Christmas or Birthdays really helps - I managed to get a few things I really wanted and a few essentials without having to buy anything myself :) Despite that though and here is the biggest lesson that project 10 pan has taught me so far, I haven't actually wanted to by very much make up anyway. There are probably a few reasons for this first of all MAC especially have released nothing that has really wowed me -  their collections lately have all been a bit samey tbh. This could also be because I have actually started to shop my stash a bit more and see what items I actually own - this has been a useful if slightly scary experience, I own lots of things that dare I say it or similar if not identical to other things. This is particularly true with lip products, my mum rather subtley remarked that all my lip glosses and lipstick are in pretty much the same shade family and you know what she's right. In virtually every collection MAC release a nude/pink/neutral lipstick and gloss, and the fact is I already have enough of those to set up my own shop so I am eventually realising why buy more? Looking at things I already own has also made me realise how easy it is to dupe lemmings - for example a paintpot from Cham Pale swatches very similarly to an Estee Lauder Double Wear Cream Shadow I already have - pre project 10 pan I would have bought the paint pot and ended up with two very similar products hmm. Perhaps though the thing I have enjoyed, yes I did say enjoyed this isn't all about denial you know :) so far is shopping my stash and rediscovering lost or discarded gems - I have bought so many fabulous products over the years and barely given them a second glance once the initial purchasing high is over but because I've been unable to buy new things I experienced a new rush when playing with things I'd forgotten. This has had another side to it too I guess, I've also discovered things that are probably going to remain unloved either they take me too far out of my comfort zone or I have to many things the same so expect an updated blog sale page soon. I recorded a little rambly video yesterday where I talk about some of these issues and talk about the things I've finished so far so I am putting it here too so you can have a watch x


I am sorry this post has ended up as a bit of a ramble too but I'd just like to say thanks ladies for keeping me motivated as I live through your purchases :) 5 down 5 to go I really can do this now, Any questions please ask xx`

Beauty Wants From Across The Pond or My Fantasy Shopping Bag

I don't know about you but I spend ages drooling over websites such as Sephora, and even Ulta, and Walgreens playing fantasy shopping, safe in the knowledge I can look but not touch, or buy lol so I thought I'd do a little post showing you some of the goodies I would buy if I could that is ;)

First up this baby the Sephora Floral Funk Eyeshadow Palette - Warm - purely for the packaging which remind me of a Louis Vuitton bag I have :)

More eyeshadows - Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette - Ludwig - love this lady and I've always wanted to try her eyeshadow palettes

Sephora by OPI Urban Ballerina Mini Collection - I only have one Sephora by OPI colour and I love it - this kit has some great neutrals and a lovely purple

Hello Kitty for Sephora Brush Set - I love the full Hello Kitty range all in pinks and silvers

Marc Jacobs Lola Perfume Rollerballs - a fabulous idea why don't we have Rollerballs in the UK?

L'Oreal HIP Eyeshadows  - I love these I have a few I've got from swaps but I really like the line but again we don't have it in the UK :( I have noticed some of it is now part of the Studio Secrets line so there may be hope

Physicians Formula Happy Glow &; Mood Boosting Blush - I saw this on the lovely Michelle's blog and it is gorgeous


Does anyone else ever play fantasy shopping?

(pics from Sephora, Ulta and Walgreens )

A Review Of L'Oreal Matte Morphose Foundation

I purchased this product a few months ago as part of a rather large Superdrug haul as per usual I was a sucker for a good offer, and snapped it up at an introductory price I've had a good chance to use it for a month or so, so I thought I'd let you know what I think. One of the biggest problems I have with my skin is oil/shine and open pores - this product sounded as though it was was the answer to my prayers - a 12 hour luminous matter finish - pres and wrinkles looking smoother bring it on!

The texture of this product intrigued me L'Oreal describe as a souffle foundation - I have tried mousse and cream foundations before but I've always been less than impressed, they are either to greasy or too dry and cakey on my skin, this though was something different.


It has a lovely light whipped texture which blends easily on the skin, without any caking or streaking, either over moisturiser or over primer. The best way I found of applying it was to apply a blob to the back of my hand and then apply it with a duo fibre type brush - this one is by Ruby + Millie it's a decent brush but it it terrible for shedding - a MAC or Sigma 187 or 131 would also work really well, I then went over it with a foundation sponge for a flawless finish. As you can seen in these pics the coverage really is good

Before

A very scary pic lots of redness, spots and shine

After

A pretty even complexion which is definitely less shiny, even without concealer and powder

I have to admit I tended to powder down my t-zone with this after a few hours so I am not convinced about the 12 hour claim but I still removed make up from my skin about about 12 hours both with and without primer so that has to be a good thing. I only have two main gripes about the foundation, first of all you seem to use a lot of it and you only get 20ml in the jar which means it probably isn't going to last long, and also the colour choice. There is only 6 colours to choose from which isn't the greatest shade range - I got 110 Rose Ivory but to be fair I probably could have got another couple of shades - they seemed to be pretty similar. Having said that I actually really liked this foundation I am not convinced this shade would work for me in the depths of winter but it's a nice foundation and I have already repurchased. L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation is around £11.99 from all L'Oreal stockists. Any questions please let me know x

Face Of Yesterday

I had to pop to the Post Office yesterday so I decided to take my foundation test pics before I went, so I decided to show you the rest of the make up that I wore in a delayed FOTD :) Again no neutral eyes, I went for a shimmery silver / lilac look, pretty pink cheeks, and glossy pink lips - enjoy xx





Yesterday I Wore

L'Oreal Matte Morphose Foundation - 110 Rosy Ivory
Boots No 7 Concealer Trio (all colours blended)
The Balm Time Balm Concealer - Light*
Boots No 7 Translucent Loose Powder
MAC Blush Ombre - Azalea Blossom
Benefit High Beam
Scarlett & Crimson Creme Eyeshadow - Silver Spoon (from The Smokey Trio)
MAC - Idol Eyes
Max Factor False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara - Black
Avon Daring Definition Cream Eyeliner - Black
Revlon Colorburst - 020 Baby Pink
Random Pale Pink Lancome Juicy Tube

(*provided for review purposes)

Superdrug Haul and A Health Update

I had an early doctors appointment this morning - I've been feeling beyond awful lately so I wanted to see if there was anything else they could do. It seems pretty likely now that I have Fibromyalgia as well as CFS - my muscle pains and spasms have been steadily getting worse and appearing in different parts of my body. So I have had my medication increased so I am now going to be taking tablets throughout the day and not just a night. Hopefully this will help my pain levels during the day, on the downside the meds might make me even sleepier but we are going to see how I get on,so I'll be going back in a fortnight.

Anyways on to happier things - my mum wanted to pop to Argos for a new clothes airer (the cats keep climbing on them and breaking them ) so I popped into Superdrug - I was initially going to try and get my hands on More magazine to get a Free Barry M Dazzle Dust but I missed out I didn't realise More was fortnightly or is it weekly:( Never mind I went in anyway and this is what I got


Just in case you haven't got time to watch this ;) I'll tell you what I got too :) No pics unfortunately but if you want to see something in particular let me know. I got two pair of earring, some small gold hearts,and some silver tone dangly bows. I also picked up the L'oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray Cheryl edition, some Nivea Soft Moisture Cream, a Solait Self Tan Mitt, and another Scarlett and Crimson Cream Eyeshadow Trio in The Smokey Trio

Any questions please let me know - I have a full review of the Scarlett and Crimson Cream Shadows to come x

L'Oreal Perfect Clean Foaming Gel Wash - Review

You probably don't remember but I bought this product back in March when my mum was in hospital - I really wanted to do this review sooner but I felt I needed to give it a longer go. L'Oreal Perfect Clean Foaming Gel Wash comes in several variants - the one I chose was the turquoise / blue one "Refreshing" for Normal / Combination skin - exactly my skin type. The product comes in a chunky dispenser with a removable "scrublet" - I think the whole concept of the scrublet is why this stood out to me above all the other face washes out there at the time.

For those of you that haven't seen this before - the scrublet is a little rubber device covered in rubber spikes that you use to massage the wash onto your face - therefore washing and exfoliating at the same time -



you can either attach it back to the bottle or use it like I did and stick it to the bathroom tile using the sucker on the back.

To use it you hold the scrublet between your fingers (as shown) and apply a little bit of the face wash on to the scrublet and then you apply in circular motions to your already damp face

This is the first thing I noticed I found the wash very liquidy and there was a tendency to use too much. Using the scrublet to apply the product to your face I have to admit was very economical - you really didn't need much product to produce a lather. I must admit I like this was of cleansing my face - the gel smelled fresh and quite pleasant and my face certainly felt clean

However, after only a few days of using the product I ended up with some very dry patches on my skin - me a girl who hasn't ever had dry skin had large patches of flaking skin on my jawline - not pretty! To be fair I was a bit stressed at the time and that can manifest itself in your skin so I decided to persevere with the product for a bit longer - did things get any better? did they hell a couple of months on I still have the dry patches, and despite the wash containing salicylic I now have worse spots than I did in the first place.
OK this might be just my experience with this product but I am afraid it gets a big fat FAIL from me. I love the scrublet initially I thought it was a bit of a gimmick but I will definitely be keeping that in my routine but the face wash just didn't suit my skin at all :( L'Oreal Perfect Clean Foaming Wash comes in around 4 varieties for around £4.99

Superdrug Shopping

So much for my spending diet lol I've came to the conclusion rightly or wrongly that since I've blown my spending diet for this month I may as well make the most of it and shop some more. Anyway I managed a quick trip to Superdrug this week and I bought a few bits. Most of this stuff seemed to be pretty new in store so I will definitely do some reviews in the weeks to come once I have had a proper play :)
First in my basket was a foundation - two foundations in the one week - eek - this must be pretty new because the assistant was just putting them out - it's L'Oreal Matte Morphose Souffle Foundation in 110 Rosy Ivory - this feels amazing a bit like the Maybelline Dreamy Creamy / Dream Matte Mousse but dare I say it nicer - it claims a 12 hour luminous finish which minimises pores and wrinkles - bring it on is what I say :)



I also picked up this which had £2 off in Superdrug - the new Maybelline Falsies Mascara in Black - I normally really like Maybelline mascara so I definitely want to give this a try

Then I got some GOSH products - they were on buy 2 and get a free Light N Shine lipgloss - bargain :) I picked up yet another mascara, this time GOSH's new one Irresistible Intensity Mascara - the want looks really interesting and I've heard good things so again I can't wait to try this :) I also picked up a GOSH Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick in Love That Brown - these are total dupes for MAC Shadesticks and are great for a super quick eye look. So I qualified for a free lipgloss so I picked no 3 which is a lovely light,shimmery pink :)

I also had a little look at the true Spirit jewellery stand and got these gorgeous red rose earrings for only £1.99

I also got some other random stuff including some hair remover cream (fascinating eh), Hairflair magazine and a Galaxy Bubbles bar - good they are good Galaxys version of a Wispa - oh and something I learned today when you get your receipt in Superdrug you get a little receipt to fill in a survey online - do it!!- I did mine from the other day and you get a code to use in store against your next purchase of £10 or over for 25% off Superdrug own brand goods and 10% off other branded goods - fabulous - that and in store savings saved me over £10 today - result :)

EOTD - Cream Eyeshadows

I had a little play with some cream eye shadows in my collection today to create a pretty neutral all be it smudgy look - the light isn't great in the pics - its like something from The Fog outside today x







Products Used



MAC Prep + Prime Eye - Light
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener
Stila Shadow Pots Eye Mousse - Honey
ELF Duo Eye Shadow Cream - Butter Pecan (dark shade only)
L'Oreal HIP Kohl Eyeliner - 503 Burgundy Kohl (Smudge City :( )
2true Instant Length Mascara - 1 Black *

(*This was sent to me for review, everything else I bought myself :) )

Shopping Goodies -Sleek, Body Shop and More

Right part 2 of yesterdays shopping haul :)

The Body Shop


I took the chance of a few offers in the Body Shop to pick up some essentials. I got the Seaweed Clarifying Toner and the Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask, some Cocoa Butter Creamy Body Wash and a Mango Shower Gel. I also got a couple of samples which I will be passing on to some else :)


I also picked up the two new eyeshadow trios which are gorgeous 02 Sundown Glow is on the left, 01 Moonlight Lustre is on the right

Superdrug

The sad fact is I can't go into Superdrug without spending money - I picked up a few bits including my much longed for Sleek Storm palette - I only need Acid (unlikely now :() now - I love these palettes



I also picked up one of the new Sleek Pout Polish SPF 15 Tinted Lip Conditioner in 946 Electro Peach




One of the new L'oreal Studio Secrets eyeshadows in 380 for green eyes


The new L'oreal Renewal Lash Serum - I swear by the Ardell one but I thought I would give this a go


GOSH Velvet Touch Eye Pencil in 008 Bananas - I eventually managed to get one that wasn't smashed or used


Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick - 112 Ambre Rose - love this


I also used my £5 Ruby + Millie / No 7 voucher by buying this Stipple Face Brush - I am really liking this - its very like the MAC Duo Fibre Brushes




Any questions on anything I've bought don't hesitate to ask xx

NYX Goodies :)

This week I have managed to get my hands on a few NYX goodies. This brand is really hard to get hold of in the UK but thankfully Love Make Up has started to sell a few bits.
First of all I got one of the 10 Color Eyeshadow Pallets in Strike A Pose. These shadows are super smooth and you get a good range of colours




Then I got 2 of the Ultra Pearl Mania Eyeshadow Dusts in Mocha Pearl (Left) and Mink Pearl (Right)


One of the Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils in Horse Raddish


and two lipsticks Harmonica (Left) and Mute (Right)



I also ordered a lipgloss which wasn't included in the package - I am currently chasing that up :(

I am really impressed with the goodies I got and I would love to try more NYX, and more US drugstore brands such as Physicians Formula and L'oreal HIP so if anyone from the USA is willing I would love to do a make up swap - I can get my hands on most UK brands so if your interested leave a comment or email me at the address in the sidebar