I didn’t want to write a negative review. I love OPI. True love, love them. I have raved about them in the past, but I couldn’t get over the issues with this nail varnish. When I saw the polishes they were bringing out to coincide with the ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ film, I was so excited: Glitter ‘til the cows come home. And pretty, unusual glitters. Almost indie-polish glitter. *swoon*
Bioderma Micellar Water has been a secret weapon of many make up artists and knowledgable skin care obsessives for a long time but it was only available in France. Luckily, it launched in the UK this year to much fanfare! It’s still a lot cheaper in France so I stock up whenever I go over. Bioderma hoarding formed a big part of my French parapharmacie haul which you’ll be seeing a lot more from on the blog in the coming weeks.
Micellar water is a gentle cleanser with microscopic oil molecules. It doesn’t foam, it doesn’t need to be washed off and you can do it in bed. What more could you possibly want? You apply it to a cotton pad and it takes off all make up in a few swipes (even stubborn mascaras and eyeliner). Washing my face with normal, foaming cleansers aggravates my rosacea sometimes so this option is wonderful.
I think you can get this for about £10 at Boots but this was about 5 euros so I am still going to stock up whenever I nip over to France!
Has anyone else tried Bioderma, or any other micellar water cleansers?
Lex
When I saw the name of this polish I just knew I wanted it…no, needed it. Essie’s nail varnish names are always a bit tongue in cheek and this one is brilliant. Essie Recessionista is not a particularly unusual or stand-out shade but it’s still a very pretty burgundy creme polish that is a classic polish that would make a reliable go-to shade. This nail varnish will probably become a favourite polish of mine when it gets to autumn and winter (although at the moment I’m starting to doubt we’ll get a summer…). It is a shade that looks instantly grown up and put together, which is helpful for someone like me who lives in jeans!
Essie Recessionista had full coverage in 2 coats and was very shiny, even without Seche Vite (although these photos are shown with Seche Vite because I hate waiting for my nails to dry!)
You can buy Essie Recessionista HERE.
Lex
Essie do pink polishes so well and this is a firm favourite in my collection: this is a very pale pastel pink with a hint of lilac. So pretty and perfect for spring-summer. It is such a flattering shade on anyone and, although it looks quite girly, it actually feels very fresh and modern.
These photos show 2 fairly generous coats of polish, topped with Essie Good To Go topcoat (which I am desperately trying to like as much as Seche Vite… but I just don’t! I’m sorry!)
You can buy this polish HERE.
Lex
Benefit’s ‘They’re Real’ mascara has been on my want list since it launched and I was so excited when it arrived in the post, which was made even worse by people on Twitter and Instagram raving about it when I posted my sneak peek.
Which is why I think I am so disappointed with it. I have blonde eyelashes and small eyes so mascara is my best friend. I put tons on, at least 3 coats or I feel like I look like a mole.
But ‘They’re Real’ layers like a nightmare. It says on the box that you can layer it to achieve the look you want. They lie. The pictures show two coats and it was clumping and flaking and looked awful. It felt really dry and cheap (which it isn’t at £19.50!!). Strike one.
It’s called ‘They’re Real’ because they’re meant to make your eyelashes look fake. I don’t think they look any different to normal. In fact, I think they are less curled and less separated than when I use my regular (cheaper!) mascaras. Strike two.
It also made my eyes really dry and itchy. I was rubbing them all day, which made the mascara flake even more. It went everywhere, it was dreadful. Three strikes and you’re out!
The packaging is lovely… but that’s about it. That is the only plus to this mascara. I am so disappointed as so many people seem to adore it. My search continues…
Lex
