Sunday 29 November 2015

No7: No Noticeable Difference?


I have always sworn by No.7 products and the brand is normally my safety net for all things beauty. No.7 is actually the brand that started my interest and collection of make up. However, this time I'm not so impressed. A mascara I've been a fan of for as long as it has been on shelves has an extended version and being the lover of No.7 I am, I didn't question to give it a try.

The original mascara claims to offer a waterproof, extreme length effect which I can agree it does, it works wonders on my eye lashes and I'm proud to say I'm a repeat customer. It's extension claims to do that and more, with a 'fibre enriched formula' and new packaging, things looked promising! I have been testing the new and 'improved' version for a few months now and am still yet to see a difference or improvement.


No.7 have let me down on this one: the brush is the same, the product consistency looks the same, applies the same and lasts the same amount of time. Both products are good; both products extend lash length and both products I would recommend. I suppose my only question is what on earth is the difference?

The 'extend' claim is not visible in results on my lashes and as I've read other's reviews after purchasing and testing, the same conclusion comes from many people similar to myself. My advice to any No.7 lovers out there is try not to get too excited if similar extension products are released, wait for reviews before spending unnecessary money on a product you already have in your collection!

Original Mascara: here.

Extend Mascara: here.


Until next time, Toni. xo

Sunday 22 November 2015

The Perfect Red Lip


http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/make-up/lip/lip-colour/color-riche-collection-exclusive-pure-reds
 
As party season is just around the corner and Christmas is in sight it's time to pull out the red lippy and with long days shopping and late nights out you need a trusty one to see you through. I have the answer. L'OREAL's 'Color Riche' collection holds some beautiful colours but one of my favourites by far is 'Blake's Pure Red'.
 
The colour is deep and powerful with a matte smooth finish on the lip, this is perfect for any occasion night or day. Matching with Christmas jumpers and dresses, there is every excuse to pull out a bold, bright and beautiful red.

http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/make-up/lip/lip-colour/color-riche-collection-exclusive-pure-reds
 
Not only is the product itself beautiful to wear and look at, so is the packaging, a matte black animal print touched with gold detailing and print, this is an essential for your make up collection this year. The quality of the product is a steal at only £6.99 from your local drugstore. The level of pigment and staying power is something only dreams are made of and I've never quite had anything like it. The product doesn't bleed off the lip or smudge and loose the shape. It has held strong through all tests of eating, drinking, talking and even heavy rain - you could say it's a super lipstick.
 
This is a must buy for yourself or any fellow make up and lipstick lovers this Christmas with seasonal colours matching the deep red pigment perfectly. This has been my favourite red lipstick I've ever tried and potentially the best lipstick find this year. You simply must try it.

http://www.loreal-paris.co.uk/make-up/lip/lip-colour/color-riche-collection-exclusive-pure-reds
 
Until next time, Toni. xo

Sunday 15 November 2015

Beautiful Skin: Winter Routine


 
Usually winter time for my skin is bliss, the cold dries out any impurities and the crisp air keeps me feeling fresh and awake. However, this year my skin hasn't reacted so well to the change in weather conditions. The cold seems to have dried out my skin a little too well leaving me feeling tired and washed out, yet the odd spot still appears! This called for emergency intervention: No.7 came to hand.
 
I have always loved the cleanser but needed something stronger that would really clean off any dead skin cells and make me feel fresh and awake like normal. After looking through the endless product choices at the No.7 stand, I opted for the 'Radiance Exfoliator' from the same 'Beautiful Skin' collection as my usual cleanser.
 
My daily routine (morning and night) consists of 3 steps, wash/rinse face with warm water, cleanse with the No.7 Cleansing Gel and finally gently scrub with the No.7 Radiance Exfoliator. This not only leaves my skin feeling clear, fresh and awake but I have noticed a drastic improvement with the dryness and blemishes.
 
No.7 have yet again provided me with a holy grail skin care product I'm sure to repeat buy and from now on, swear by. If you are looking for a cleanser and exfoliator this winter I would highly recommend both products for anyone with normal/dry skin consistency. If you are in the market for something for oily skin go down to your local No.7 stand as their extensive product range is bound to hold something to solve all your skin related problems this winter! Happy hunting.


http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Beautiful-Skin-Melting-Gel-Cleanser-for-Normal-Dry-Skin-150ml_1245016/ http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Beautiful-Skin-Radiance-Exfoliator-for-Normal-Dry-Skin-75ml_1245022/
 
Until next time, Toni. xo

Sunday 8 November 2015

Smashbox Contour Sticks Trio


http://www.smashbox.co.uk/product/13595/34191/contour/STEP-BY-STEP-CONTOUR-STICK-TRIO/index.tmpl?77tadunit=b92211fb&77tadvert=50473102532&77tkeyword=smashbox%20contour%20sticks&77tentrytype=s&cm_mmc=ppc-_-77agency-_-brand-_-smashbox%20contour%20sticks&gclid=CjwKEAjwwbyxBRCS74T049iEp0wSJACkO5v1K7pLA5t2XtIPq4Ditk1k7ocK6ymc06CKOaSChSqr_xoCzbzw_wcB

These have been at the top of my must have list for a while now and since opening the box I haven't put the Contour Sticks Trio back! It's clear to say I'm loving these products. They have a smooth and silky, cream texture making them so easy to apply and blend.
 
The box also comes with a sharpener to fit the pencil sticks so worrying about ever being left with an unusable product is not necessary! I had heard some great things about these sticks and wanted to try them as soon as I got my hands on them.
 
I find that the contour stick works best for me with the bronze stick as a touch up for the top of my head. However, the highlight is surprisingly too dark for me but it will be perfect for if I get a tan or want just a tiny touch of highlight on a basic make up day.
 
As well as the sharpener, the trio comes with an instruction sheet including guides on where to apply the different colours and how to use the sticks depending on your face shape and how you want to look. I found this very useful as I was able to see exactly what shapes to draw, where and with which sticks.
 

http://www.smashbox.co.uk/product/13595/34191/contour/STEP-BY-STEP-CONTOUR-STICK-TRIO/index.tmpl?77tadunit=b92211fb&77tadvert=50473102532&77tkeyword=smashbox%20contour%20sticks&77tentrytype=s&cm_mmc=ppc-_-77agency-_-brand-_-smashbox%20contour%20sticks&gclid=CjwKEAjwwbyxBRCS74T049iEp0wSJACkO5v1K7pLA5t2XtIPq4Ditk1k7ocK6ymc06CKOaSChSqr_xoCzbzw_wcB 
 
A lot of people I know and those that use the sticks, blend the product with a flat, buffing brush but I prefer to use a beauty blender purely because I feel like I have more control over the product on my face and the finish is a lot more flawless. Since using the product I've really got into getting a good contour on a night out or even just a bronzed touch on a day-to-day basis for a slightly more defined shape.
 
The product is £35 which I personally think is very reasonable for the quality of product. I've had this product nearly two months now and have used the contour stick every day, I am yet to need to sharpen it more than once! You don't need a lot of product per application as it is so well pigmented and blends so well, therefore the trio will last a long time and probably save you money in the long run in comparison to your usual product that may run down quickly, due to you needing to use a lot of it per day.
 
I would recommend the trio to people who are already into make up and want to explore and venture further into face sculpting as this is quite a complex, heavy product for someone just beginning to get into make up. Alternatively, I would recommend a simple bronzing powder not to irritate or harm the skin and gradually build to using heavier products such as this one. The staying power is fantastic so they can be used day and night, any weather, any occasion to give you the extra pop to your face structure! The hype is totally worth it and I'm so grateful I can finally say I own a set of these heavenly products. You can find the sticks trio here.
 
http://www.smashbox.co.uk/product/13595/34191/contour/STEP-BY-STEP-CONTOUR-STICK-TRIO/index.tmpl?77tadunit=b92211fb&77tadvert=50473102532&77tkeyword=smashbox%20contour%20sticks&77tentrytype=s&cm_mmc=ppc-_-77agency-_-brand-_-smashbox%20contour%20sticks&gclid=CjwKEAjwwbyxBRCS74T049iEp0wSJACkO5v1K7pLA5t2XtIPq4Ditk1k7ocK6ymc06CKOaSChSqr_xoCzbzw_wcB
 
Until next time, Toni. xo

Sunday 1 November 2015

One Direction : OTRA 10/10/15

October has been a busy month for me this year so I decided to take a month away from blogging to catch up with work and personal commitments, as well as a surprise visit from family living in New Zealand. I am excited to get back into it and just to kick start November I thought I would do a post about one of my favourite days from October, enjoy!
 
I went to One Direction's 'On The Road Again' tour in Birmingham at the Barclaycard Arena on the 10th October and thought I would share some pictures (below) that I took from the night.
 
 

 

 


 
Until next time, Toni. xo