Paler Than Pale

Follow my blog with Bloglovin I have always struggled to find foundations that are light enough for my skin tone. MAC's NC/NW 15 is way too dark. Anything that Boots or Superdrug sell doesn't come close. I also have the added problem of oily/acne prone skin. Therefore I need a liquid foundation that is oil free has good coverage and  is long lasting.

I am currently trying out 3 new foundations.

Bobbi Brown Natural Finish Long Lasting Foundation SPF 15 in Alabaster

This foundation is a good colour match for me however it only gives a light to medium coverage. It's oil free which is great but it feels more like a tinted moisturiser than a foundation.

Illamasqua RF 115 For very light skin with neutral undertones

I visited the Illamasqua counter to ask advice on which foundation to get and came away with this. I told her I had oily and acne prone skin and required a foundation that gave a good coverage and lasted all day. I must say that the colour match isn't bad, it could even be a tad too light. However, this is one seriously heavy foundation. I'm used to wearing a full coverage foundation but this is something else. I really don't think it's designed for oily skin. It just goes to show, MUA's will not necessarily give you the best advice. I'm determined not to waste this foundation so have been using it as a concealer.

Nars Sheer Matte Foundation in Siberia

I ordered this form the Nars website with high hopes. I have previously tried the Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc which was too dark and only lasted a few hours. I was talked into buying this at Space NK, even though I told her I had oily skin.

Siberia has a slightly more yellow tome than the Bobbi Brown Alabaster, but I can still make it work. It's also oil free which is great for me.

Mixing
I'm a big fan of mixing foundations to get the right shade and consistency. I have a draw full of foundations that I have bought and then realised they are way too dark. I will be definitely be mixing the Illamasqua 115 to lighten other foundations.

I would love to hear about any other light foundations you have tried.

Much love

Pip xx

Blog Sale Time

Hi Ladies



I've have some unloved items looking for a new home. Most items have been tested only or used a few times.



Rules
1) If you would like an item, post a comment along with your Paypal email address. I will then send you an invoice.



2) It is first come first served, if you have left a comment with you email address you can assume the item is your.



3) Paypal is the only method of payment accepted.



4) Please ensure you pay for the item immediately upon receiving the invoice - or at least some time within the next 24 hours; otherwise the item will be reposted and will not be reserved for you.



5) Prices are in pounds £.


6) I will ship to Europe. Shipping is £2.50 for one item: for each additional add 50p. If you live outside of Europe and would like to buy something please contact me for postage costs.



6) No returns;



P.S Sorry for the blurry photos!



Happy shopping!!

Nars Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc £19.00. I have used this twice but it's just too dark for me. SOLD

Mac Coygirl (sheer tone) Depotted, will come as seen £5.50 used once

Mac Lipstick Myth (satin) £5.00 used once PENDING

Mac Lipstick Pretty Please (lustre) £5.00 used a handful of times SOLD

OPI My Private Jet £4.50 used once SOLD

OPI Louvre Me Not £4.50 used once

Benefit Posie Tint £10.00 used once

GOSH Eyeshadow Quad 001 Smokey Eyes £4.50 swatched only

TIGI Bed Head Ego Boost Split End Mender Leane-in Conditioner £2.50 about 50% left SOLD

Kerastase Nutritive Nutri-Sculpt Hair Wax £5.00 used once

Barry M Lipgloss Bubblegum Glitter £1.50 used once

Revlon Colourstay Eyeshadow Quad Sunrise, Sunset £3.00 swatched only

Ted Baker Eyeshadow Trio £2.50 swatched only

Bumble and Bumble Tonic Lotion 2FL OZ £2.50 I have used this twice, the bottle is 80% full SOLD

No. 7 Lipstick Moisture Drench 60 Chic £2.50 swatched only

Collection 2000 Ultrashine Lipsdtick Naked 01 £1.00 Swatched only

L'oreal Lipstick Invisble Kiss Proof 502 £2.50 used once

Revlon Color Stay Lipcolor 004 Nude £2.50 used once

GOSH Glossy Top Coat £2.00 used once

legseleven7 is having a great give away!!!!

Hey Ladies

A great blogger Marcia aka legseleven7 is having a great give away.

The link to her blog is below - go enter!!


http://legseleven7.blogspot.com/2010/03/giveaway-time.html


Rules:


•You must be a follower of this blog. As the contest goes on I'll be checking to see if the entrants are indeed following me as this is a big thank you to all you lovelies :)

•This giveaway is open to everyone, including International. If you are under 18, please get consent from your parents/guardian as once the winner has been selected I will need your postal address to send you your prizes.

•To enter you must leave a comment saying 'enter me'

•For 5 extra chances to be added to your entry into the random generator either do a blogpost on your own blog (you can use the pictures of the prizes too) about this contest or create a link in your sidebar. So if you do this you have 6 chances of winning.

•If you do the blogpost or sidebar link mentioned above, then please tell me so I know to add your extra entries into the random generator when I am picking the winner.

•Do not create a new blogger account especially for this contest to get the extra entries. You must use your own blog to do the blogpost or sidebar link.

The winner will be chosen using Random.org on Sunday 28th March 2010 and the contest will close at 5 pm GMT on this day. The winner will be announced on this blog as soon as a winner has been selected.
So here are the prizes:

NYX Round Lipstick in 'Strawberry Milk'

NYX Black Label Lipstick in 'India'

Milani Luminous Blush

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar in 'Hush'

Inglot Freedom Palette (see picture below)

Inglot Nail Enamel in 615

Inglot Lipstick in 144

Sonia Kashuk Flat Topped eyeshadow brush

All prizes will be packaged in a brand new Kiehl's washbag.
Good luck

Love Pippa xx

Soap and Glory

I've been on a bit of a mission lately to find a good shower gel and moisturiser combo that smells good together and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth. I spent about an hour in Boots looking at all the shower gels and body lotions to try and find something I liked. I wanted to try something I'd not used before and nothing was really catching my eye.

I then spotted the Soap and Glory display. I've always bypassed these products in the past, I always thought them a bit gimmicky, something I tend to stay away from.

I couldn't have been more wrong about these products. I unscrewed the top off the Clean On Me Shower Gel and instantly loved the smell. It's a very feminine smell and kind of reminds me of Miss Dior Cherrie or one of the Britney Spears perfumes but not as overwhelming.

I bought a few things, I thought I may as well try a good selection of the range, for research purposes only of course :)

Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub £6.36

Soap & Glory Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel 500ml £5

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Lotion £6.50

Soap & Glory Hair Supply £6

Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub £6.36

I feel like I'm really pampering myself when I use this body scrub, it leaves your skin coated in a light residue that helps to moisturise and soften the skin.

Soap & Glory Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel 500ml £5

This is a really nice everyday shower gel, it foams really well with a body puff and smells devine.


Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter Lotion £6.50
I've used this everyday for the past week after showering and my skin has never felt so soft and smelt so good, my boyfriend loves it!! After a shower I'll dry myself so my skin is slightly damp and then apply the body lotion, I find this helps the lotion soak in. It doesn't soak in straight away but I can forgive this as the smell is gorgeous.

Soap & Glory Hair Supply (Hair Mask)
I've been a bit wary of hair products recently after the allergic reaction I had to the Gliss Shampoo. I've used this twice this week and so far have had no problems. My hair feels silky soft but it also feels nourished.

I've been really impressed with the Soap and Glory products and I'm looking forward to trying the rest of the range.

Pip x

YSL Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara

Hi ladies

I'm a complete mascara whore, I have a draw full of mascaras but they are mainly all drug store brands. I have never really been drawn towards the high end brand mascaras. To me a mascara is as good as it's wand with not much difference between a £5 mascara and £25 mascara.

Last weekend I was in Boots and decided to use my Boots Advantage card points that I had been saving up for a looong time. I decided to buy yet another mascara and thought I would give a more high end mascara a go. Initially I was torn between Dior Show and the YSL Faux Cils. The MUA explained that the YSL mascara had won a load of beauty awards so I opted for that one.

I have been using it all week and I have to say I am impressed. The wand is long and thin which is ideal for covering lashes right from the root.  It does give a slight false lash effect as it separates, fans and lifts my lashes in all the right places.

But is it worth the £21 price tag?? I still think it's the wand that makes all the difference no matter what brand is on the side of the tube. What do you think?

Do you have a HG mascara? let me know, I'd love to try it and make my collection even bigger:)

Pip x

Missmercurylady Blog Giveaway

Missmercurylady is having a great competition!! http://missmercurylady.blogspot.com

Prizes:

There are some fantastic prizes including Mac makeup and jewelry.

The rules:

1. Must be a follower

2. Must post her giveaway on your blog.

3. Post the link where you posted her giveaway in the comments section

AND

4. Tell her one of your TOP HGs and why should she try it in the comments section.

**If with this giveaway she somehow hit 100 followers, she will throw in 4 more prizes. So 5 winners total.

WINNER will be selected using random.org

Contest will end October 13!

DAILY MAKEUP SURVEY

1. What time did you do your makeup today? I woke up late this morning so it was at 7:45am but normally it's 6:30am.


2. What's the least expensive beauty item you used?
I think it was my Revlon Colourstay Foundation.


3. What was the biggest problem you needed to correct?
Blemishes or marks/scars from blemishes :(

4. Did you apply false eyelashes?
No, I have never worn false eyelashes. I wear glasses and they would just annoy me. My eyelashes are quite long and think naturally.


5. Did you do anything while applying makeup?
I listened to Karen and Steve on Galaxy radio.


6. Biggest makeup mishap today?
None today :)


7. Did you have a makeup inspiration in mind?
Just something quick and simple.


8. What's the most time-consuming part of your makeup routine?
Normally it's my eye shadow but I didn't bother with any today. I think probably my foundation and concealor took the longest amount of time today.


9. What's part of your routine is the most fun?
I love choosing what blusher and highlighter to use, I have a vast selection and I think blusher can really change a look.


10. What part of your makeup makes the biggest difference in the way you look?
My foundation, without it I look pale and blotchy.


11. Neutral or colourful eyeshdaow?
Neutral normally for work but I skipped it today due to lack of time.


12. Liquid or mineral foundation?
Liquid all the way :)


13. Do you do your hair or makeup first?
I do my hair la as I pin my hair back when apply makeup.


14. Did you pack a makeup bag to take with you for the day?
I have a makeup bag that I always keep in my handbag. It contains the basics, concealor, powder, blusher, eyeliner etc and then I'll chuck in a lipstick for the day. Todays lipstick was Mac's Creme Cup.


15. When did you finish your makeup?
At about 8am, I was quick today :)