Bourjour 123 perfect

Now Ive been absent recently but that's just been a mix of Christmas festivities and me updating my blog,  Ive gone for a bit of a new look, please let me know what you think :D

Ooh now, what is this. A Bourjois foundation i actually like? Surely not. 

I honestly don't know what made me pick this up in the shop, an impulse buy at its best. Ive had three Bourjois foundations in the past and have not liked a single one. I try them in store and then when i put them on my face they just don't work for me. 

But here it is, the Bourjois 123 Perfect foundation.

 

 What Bourjois say:

Bourjois 1.2.3. Perfect Foundation gives a flawless even complexion* for 16hrs, thanks to a new generation formula.
3 correcting pigments for zero imperfections:

1. Yellow pigments: Anti dark circles
2. Mauve pigments: Anti dull complexion
3. Green pigments: Anti redness

• 24hr hydration and anti-shine: cotton flower extract
• SPF 10
• Medium coverage, yet lets skin breathe
• Soft and smooth formula for a second skin finish

I have this in shade 52 Vanilla which is the second lightest of the shades available. I have to say that i think the shade selection is pretty rotten, of the nine shades supposedly available (as specified on the bourjois site here) all are fairly pale. Also of these nine shades i have only ever seen five in store, and as you will notice the website only shows five as well. Slightly confused there. 

For reference i am NC20/22 as long as I'm not wearing fake tan (which is not often).

That little rant out of the way i really do like this product.
This is it blended out. It looks a little too pale for me but that's just because my hands are the only tanned part of me, its the perfect shade for my face. Its so smooth and really does cover dull skin well. I look a little perkier with this in (only my face though). It does an alright job of covering redness but for redness as out of control as mine on a bad day i wouldn't rely just on this, a concealer is still needed to help.
For as much as i like this id does not last 16 hours, for me it was more like 4 and then it was separating in oil, which is never a good look. Ive been tending to use this more only on days where i know I'm only going out for short spells. 

Overall, not a repurchase-er but considering how much i dislike all other Bourjois foundations, this is a thumbs up :D

Kevyn Aucoin - Sculpting Powder

Ohhhh, now this is a good-un :D 

Anyone a all who has tried there hand at contouring will have at least once faced 'The Problem'.

You end up with two big orange patches on your face because the powder/cream you used you to warm toned. Its not pretty and we dont speak of it again. 

Kevyn Aucoin brings a solution to this.

I first heard about this in October when Anna from Vivianna Does Make up did this post on it and i thought it looked good because although i have pretty naturally defines cheekbones i like to make them look a little more chiseled and to narrow down my nose a little. I checked it out in Spack NK and as soon as i swatched it once, i HAD to have it.

The packaging is lovely and sleek although the red/black ombre is not really my cup or tea but all is forgiven and made up by whats inside.

I am very sorry about the quality of this photo but its the best i could do with the camera i have :( Heres hoping it'll be better in september when i get a better one for my birthday :)  This photo makes it actually look quite a warm almost tan coloured powder but its the oposite. Its a lovely smokey ash brown and its simply perfect. There is practically no fall out from this powder and its very easily to apply light and build up so you dont end up with two lines on your face, it blends superbly.

This is it swatched quite heavily and then blended out a bit next to it. This is shade medium and quite honestly i dont know if they do any other because this was the only one in the shop and the only one i have ever seen, it would suit very pale to medium skin tones because of its blendibility.

The only thing about this that isnt amazing ... you guessed it, the price. It costs £34 from Space NK.
I know, i know its pretty damn expensive but you know what, and i dont say this likely, its bloody well worth it.

Lorna xxx

Nail Polish Obsession - The Haul

Well it's that time of year again ladies and gents. When I go a little crazy, shopping till my purse combusts and grabbing whatever I can whenever I can.  

Not Christmas obviously!!! I'm talking about the end of my placement in the hospital!! And finally I can wear my tan and most importantly... Paint my nails again!!

Whenever I finish placement I tend to go a little crazy on the buying nail polishes front, it's like I'm finally getting my fix after a very long patch of sobriety. 

Of course this year is no different and here is my haul of the last week. I just can't help myself, I walk into a shop and turn into the wicked witch, fly my pretties fly into my shopping bag.

Here we have three Nails Inc polishes in L-R.

Hampstead Heath  -  GLASGOW  -  Burlington Arcade

Big shout for GLASGOW!!!!!

These are all by Revlon the middle 2 are the Top Speed type

L-R

Sequins

Cupid

Black Star

Vixen

The Gold one I think is called 'Sequins' It was limited addition and only available free when you bought three other Revlon products

Next up is a L-R

Barry M Gelly in Watermelon, 

Barry M in the imaginatively named Red Glitter 

Bourjois 1 second in Rainbow Apparition.

And here we have a Essie seasonal mini set including

 Leading Lady 

Snap Happ 

and what has to be one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, Beyond Crazy.

But... It's just so beautifullll. I'll be doing a NOTD soon including it because it's so spectacular it deserves it's own post. 

Lorna xxx

Stila Hair Refresher - Best Dry Shampoo

Now i am one of those people that is obsesive about my dry shampoo, i always have some on my just encase bacause im ever so slightly (just a teeny weeney bit) paranoid about having greasy hair. I have tried lots of different ones Batiste, Superdrungs own, Boots own, Tresemme and Lee Stafford to name just a few, but i have found 'The One'.

Stila Hair Refresher

This smells of flowers but in a nice sweet subtle way and is not overly 'just walked into a rose garden' choking.

This is quite different from other dry shampoos because its not a spray. It just pores out this little hole either into your hand or straight onto your head. It has that slightly cold feeling on your head you get from using the likes of VO5 Give Me Texture Instant Oomph Powder.

Those of you with dark hair like me will know the pain of dry shampoo that is white you look like your going grey (or youve had flour dumped on you) and you end up having to buy the ones designed for dark hair. I happen to really not like them because the brown colour transfers onto everything! This really solves this problem because although its white, it brushes out completely clear. Yayy.

This retails for £19. but dont worry, i would never ever pay that for a dry shampoo. You can get it for £2.99 on xtras online here. 

Whats your favourite dry shampoo?

Lorna xxx

NOTD #2

Here i am, still in the Christmas mood and rocking another Christmas themed nails.

I've been sitting all day writing up my posts for the next few days (as I'm determined not to get behind on them again now I'm off) and listening to Christmas music. Later tonight i plan to watch Love Actually as well :D ...and i totally don't have a Christmas jumper on, promise.

This is Nails Inc Hampstead Heath and Essie Beyond Cosy on the 4th finger with a top coat of Seche Vite. All of which are available in Boots stores but i cant find on line to put the link in. 

How pretty is that Essie silver glitter. It has nothing under it its a properly opaque glitter polish, that's just 1 coat as well. I love the metallic sheen it has to it.

 I know they aren't particularly imaginative or well done but i fancied trying these two colours out tonight so what the heck, its Christmas :D

Mamma Mio - Try me trio

This little beauty of a set I got from feel unique.com the other week. After getting Clean Slate in Glossybox's first special edition box and I been desperate to try more from them and this offered the perfect opportunity to do so.

First off I think this packaging is magical, having a quote from Marilyn Monroe being the main feature on the front of the box is great. Its just Mamma Mio all over, all about giving women confidence and great products and the rest comes second.

   
This is what I really like about it, they have made sure that the three items inside all have enough product for 10 days use day and night, so you can really get a good feel for the items. I really hate when you get samples of things that last about 2/3 days and you just can't get a good feel for if they work for you or not.

These are the 3 products you get in the set. Eye know, Clean Slate and Mighty Moisture.

Clean Slate has fast became my go to cleanser for removing makeup on days where I'm wearing more eye makeup as this cuts through makeup faster and, gentler and with more ease than anything I have seen before. It's quite like Nude cleansing oil in its effectiveness but I prefer the smell of this and having got both in my eye Clean Slate hurts less.

Mighty Moisture is a very simple product. It's a day and night moisturiser, it moisturised deeply without feeling heavy and it lasts a long time. I can't really fault it but nothing about it is exceptional either, that said I am really enjoying using it.

Eye Know is a nice wee product. It looks so tiney but it's already lasted the 10 days and is still only half way through. This feels lovely and cooling on the eyes, they feel so refreshed after using it.  Haven't noticed any difference in lines or colour of my eyes but they definitely look more perky and awake which is always a good thing. 

The set also came with a wee book. The front of it was all about Mamma Mio and their philosophy. hen they went to tell you a bit about the products and how best to use them, but it's that back of the book that is the best.  It's full of exercises for your face to keep it toned and youthful. When I first saw it I was like 'whaaaa, crazy people' but if you think about it it really does make sense, you go to the gym to tone muscle and keep in shape, your face is full of muscles so why not try to tone them up a bit. I'll post some examples of them later but my cave is 'The Lion' haha. Best not to do that one in front of any one I case they mistake you for one of the Crying Angels from Dr Who.

I've really loved using this and can defo see myself repurchasing in the near future. Have you tried this, what did you think?

Lorna xxx

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NOTD #1

Chritsmas is coming and i am feeling very in the spirit. :D I thought that i would try to get myself looking a little bit more merry and have got some Christmas Nail art done. Im really not very good at nail art but its fun to do and i enjoy it. 

 

As i say, i'm not very good at this arty type of thing but ill give it a go anyway:)

In this i used:

Essie - Fifth Avenue

Primark Nail Art Pen - White

Barry M -  Red glitter

Seche Vite

What do your Christmas nails look like?

 

Lorna xxx

Selfridges calender days 16&17

Just a really quick wee post here about what was in the calender the past few days. I got a Lancome juicy tubes in both. Neither have names but one is a rosey red and the other an icy pink; both with a nice sparkle through them.  Sorry if this post looks a bit bad but I'm having to do it from my phone and I can't edit the layout at all :-)
Hope your enjoying the Christmas season :-)

Lorna ♡♥☆★

December Glossybox

My December Glossybox arrived yesterday amistd a pile of cards and presents that are arriving daily now. (not presents for me of course, presents ive ordered for other people and still need to wrap) Its has been quite a good box i think.

It came in this lovely stylish silver box which i thought was nice as i was worrying it woud be a gaudy red and green thing.

This was the little book that came with it which i thought just looked quite pretty so id put a photo in.

I didnt want to show off this whole page encase i was reaking rules or something but you got a nice list of discound codes of things including Nuxe, Monu, Caudalie and HD Brows. 

Its Christmasssssss!!!!!!!!

Lemon by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum. Mary Greewell is a British makeup artish with a loyal following of celebrity clients. This is her second fragrance, her first being Plum which was released last year. This is a nice light fragrance which i think i might keep for summer as i like heavier scents during winter.  This retails for £90 quid for 100ml so its a nice wee addition.

Sleep True colour Lipstick Amped in a Matte finish. Now i really like this lipstick, its lovely and soft and creamy and the colour payoff is really great, its a very vibrant pink quite like a very bright MAC Rebel in the type of pink. I just dont like that its a sleek product, its not luxury or highend, infact its low budget drugstore. And its barely a full size lipstick. This retails for £4.99 in store.

Seche Nail Laquer 14ml in Lumiere. I love these polishes and the brand is great. These retail for £9.95 which basically pays for the box. I would be prasing glossybox to the heavens if not for one thing. The colour is dreadfull. Actually disgusting old fashioned yellow pearled pink thing. Even after 4 coats is was still translucent and icky. but ill stop complaining now.

Rituals Magic touch. This is a whipped body cream that is cherry blossom and rice milk. This smells lovely, like johnsons baby range with a slightly floraly smell. This 70ml version is £5.

SebaMed Antidry Night intensive cream. This is only a 10ml sample and i think they could have given a slightly bigger one. This is £9.99 for 50ml. Ive not tried this yet as i really don't need an anti-dry cream so i might stick this is someones stocking.

And Glossybox also popped in a little blusher of there own make in the shade glossy Rosewood but im not expecting too much from is after their lipstick.

And thats it for Glossygox this year. ...Or is it!!!!

Ive ordered their latest speciality box for my mum from christmas so ill get to see whats in that anyway hehe :D

Did you get anything else in your glossybox this month?

Lorna xxx

Selfridges calander Days 1-15 and im backkkk

I HAVE RETURNED!!!

Nobody probably noticed but i have been very absent of late, ive just had so much uni work and then i was ill and the shift in the hospital on top of that meant ive been doing little other than working, traveling, sleeping and puking.

The night shifts are over, placement is done, ive recovered from my sickness bug, just one essay pending then im FREE for christmas. 

Now we may be at day 16 already but this will not stop me, my posts for my selfridges advent calander are coming up. We're going to have a quick fast forward (lets call it a montage for dramatic effect) of days 1-15 here and then we'll start afresh with daily posts.

So here it is ... (cue montage music)...

Days 1-3

Day 1 - Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb - In the words of Viktor & Rolf themselves:
Flowerbomb provides an opportunity to 'escape reality and heal the world... It's about transforming negative into positive.' 

Day 2 - Kiehls Ultimate Strength Hand Salve - Formulated for the driest, most active hands, this popular hand cream contains a blend of botanical oils to soothe, condition and moisturize the skin. The thick, rich and non-greasy formula is instantly absorbed to form a glove-like protective barrier against moisture loss

Day 3 - Lancôme Rénergie Multi-Lift Lifting Firming Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15

 

Days 4-6

Day 4 - Lancome - Eau Micellaire Douceur - The picture for 4 is missing because ive been using it too much and its at my fiances house.

Day 5 - Shu Uemura Skin Purifier Whitefficient Clear Brightening Gentle Cleansing Oil - Shu Uemura cleansing oil was developed from the knowledge that Mr. Uemura gained while working as a foremost hollywood makeup artist in the 1950s. The secret to Shu Uemura cleansing oil is protecting the skin's delicate balance while removing make-up and impurities in a single step.

Day 6 - Diesel Loverdose - Loverdose is the sexy & addictive fragrance from Diesel. It represents a woman who is sexy, playful and irresistible. She receives an overdose of love from those around her, but she wants more. She desires pleasure, adrenaline & passion. 

Days 7-9

Day 7 - Lancome Genifique Eye Youth Activating Eye Concentrate Eye Puffiness Treatments - Lancôme's Génifique Youth Activating Eye Concentrate combines Génifique Technology with buckwheat extract in this unique formula for the delicate eye area. This refreshing gel texture helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and under–eye bags. While the eye area looks brighter, more refined and radiant, as if infused with life.

Day 8 - Lancome La vie est belle Eau de Parfum - La vie est belle is a French expression meaning life is beautiful. A philosophy of life and happiness or universal declaration to the beauty of life.

Day 9 - Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara - Intense Volume, Curled Lashes.
The Star eye-look by Lancôme. Create show-stopping eyes with our mascara and dual-sided brush leaves lashes looking volumised and curled. A “Black Diamond” shade dresses lashes in a deep and glamorous intensity. 

Days 10-12

Day 10 - Lancome Hypnose Mascara - Turn up the volume of your lashes for hypnotising eyes!
Control the look of your lashes – from subtle to sexy! With soft sculpt Formula.

Day 11 -  Lancome L'ABSOLU NU 302 voile de rose

Day 12 -  Lancome Tresor - A smooth blend of florals and exotic spices, it begs to be worn with layers of cashmere and lots of expensive jewellery. Tresor pefume is a truly chic fragrance.

Days 13-15

Day 13 -  Keihls Midnight Recovery Concentrate - The elixir works all night to replenish the skin with moisture and leave younger-looking. skin by morning. Enriched with a blend of naturally derived ingredients including Squalane, Evening Primrose, and a blend of essential oils. 

Day 14 - Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate -
Instantly, skin feels silky soft, smooth and supple. Drop by drop, day and night, skin appears breathtakingly beautiful, radiant, even-toned and more refined. Skin looks noticeably younger, as if infused with life.

Day 15 - Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil -
This versatile waterproof eye pencil is your make-up bag essential! The supple yet firm texture enables Yves Saint Laurent Long-Lasting Waterproof Eye Penci to be used as an eyeliner, kohl or eye shadow. An eye pencil that creates a sophisticated, long-lasting look in the blink of an eye, its highly pigmented formula delivers lasting colour in a velvety texture that glides on smoothly and precisely. The built-in blending tip allows you to achieve multiple effects—from a precise eyeliner to a smoky eye shadow to a dramatic kohl look.

The wee blurbs are from the makers/owning companies.

Its done !!! Im back on track and i wont be leaving again:)

Day 16 coming tonight:D

Lorna xxx

November favourites

Now this is me finally getting this done (almost) on time for a change, and I'm having to write it on my break before i get back to my shift :-). I've had so many products I've liked this past month but these are the ones that have really wowed me.

 Ive got a real variety of products this month. Makeup, Haircare, Skincare, Home wear, perfume and a wee special bit at the end. 
 

Hair
Stilla Jade Blossom Hair Refresher
Ojon Volume Advance Thickening Spray

Face
Origins High potency Night a mins
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm
Dermalogica Daily Microfolient
Hydraluron

Makeup
Mua Eyebrow Pallete
MAC Dramatic Encounter

Other
Paca Rabanna Lady Million
This Works Sleep
Neom Candle (cant remember which one)
Catseye makeup bag (sooo cute)

Sorry this is so crap and uninformative but im rushing so much. arrrrgh shifts are crazy at the moment. Ive either spoke about these before or am going to do an in depth thing soon. Also ive not forgot about my Selfridges advent calander, the post is on its way, ive been working on it a little bit at a time whenever i get a second.

Cya more soon

Lorna xxx

October Empties

Now this is very very very late this month but i really didn't have time to do it before now. So here it is, better late than never eh? 

Clean & Clear Shine Control Oil Free Daily Facial Scrub £3.99 from Superdrug
As you can maybe see there is a little left in this but i just couldnt use any more. Im sure it works well for some people but it just dried my skin out something awful and it also seemed to leave my skin needing scrubbed more often as it felt really rough with blackheads (sorry for the super gross-ness there but thought you needed to know:p).

Cuticura Original Hand Hygiene Gel £2.89 from Lloyds Pharmacy
Ahhhhh. I feel like i'm on a proper grump today but i didn't like this either. It took forever to dry in, even then it was sticky and it dried my hands out so much. I'm still to find one of these i really like. The soap and glory one has came the closest so far.

Tresemme Colour fade protection Conditioner mini £1.29 from Superdrug
A good conditioner. Does what it should and does it well. There isnt anything really special about this though. I prefer the softening properties of the likes of Sashajaun but i can't complain about this product.

Superdrug Intensive Colour Conditioner (from home hair dye kit) £3.79 from Superdrug
This came from my home hair dye kit and its really good:) Not too much to say about this, brings just dyed hair back to normality and away from dryness land:)

Max Factor Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint Royal Plum £6.99 from Superdrug 
Now i really didn't like this if i'm honest. The colour didn't stay true on my lips for long and it felt very drying. It seemed to sink into every crevice of my lips and look cracked as well. 

So i'm sorry for this very late and very depressing October empties, I actually considered not posting it but since its all written up i thought i might as well. Please leave a comment if you have tried these items and had a different opinion:)

Lorna xxx  

Selfridges Advent Calender

So i may be 20 years old now but i still want my advent calendar in December. This year thought i have a slightly more grown up one (and a slightly more expensive one). My wonderful wonderful Fiance got me the most beautiful advent calendar even seen on this earth. The Selfridges one!!!!! Ohhhh yeassssss.

Now i apologise in advance for the photo overload about to come but i was just too excited when i was opening this.

How pretty is this box? im actually in love with it. These was a list of what will be inside on the packaging (for ingredients list purpaces) but i through it out with out looking because i wanted it to be a surprice. 

This was very pricey at £82 but its so worth it concidering the names included in it like Lancôme, Kiehls, Diesel, Viktor & Rolf, Shu Uemura and Armani. 

This is quite a short post but ill be updating this daily once i start opening it:) hehe. So youll be seeing a lot more of me. Also id like to apologuise for the lack of posts but my shirts have been crazy and after 12hour shifts for 4 days a week im not up for taking pictures and writing anything half decent. 

Lorna xxx