Babbles About... Mally Age Rebel Eye Shadow Sticks (Review)

Hi Babblers!

Another Christmas gift :) These little beauties as part of a set have become a bit of a staple in my make-up routine so I'd thought I'd share!

Mally Age Rebel Eyeshadow Stick

I'm a huge fan of Mally Beauty mascara and their 'bulletproof' eyeliners. If you've ever watch Mally Roncal on QVC you'll know she describes everything as bulletproof and these eye-shadow sticks are no different.

Colours & Application

In the set, I received three colours -  Sugar (light champagne), Burnished Voilet (shimmery brown) and Jade (emerald green). As you can see, they give really great colour although I tend to wear them more blended than what I have swatched. 

I absolutely love Sugar and Burnished Violet and use these almost everyday on my eyes. I find these really easy to apply. I use the brownshade on my eyelid, applying more in the crease. I finish by use the champagne shade to brighten the inner corner and as a highlighter on my browbone. Super easy! I'm not sold on the Jade colour. I'm sure it would be lovely on some folk but I think I am too pale-skinned to pull that one off.   

Long Lasting?

I found these to be really long-lasting. I do use an eye shadow primer so I'm not sure if this has helped. Are they long-lasting? Yes. Bulletproof?? Not sure I want to test that one out! They're meant to also have anti-ageing ingredients (hence the name) but I've not noticed myself looking drastically younger ;)

Verdict

Overall these are great for an easy-to-do eye and perfectly sized to carry about. The green metallic packaging is also rather fabulous.

Have you tried these or any other Mally products? What eye shadow sticks out there do you like?

The Lust List featuring Urban Decay, Korres & Illamasqua

Hi babblers :)

It's been just over a month since I started Babbles About Beauty. Whilst I've always loved reading beauty blogs, I've began religiously following loads more over the last month talking about all sorts of lovely beauty buys!

Note: Reading beauty blogs is seriously bad for your bank balance! This has inspired me to put together 'The Lust List' featuring three of my most lusted after products that I've discovered from the beauty blogs I read over the week.

I hope you like this new kind of post and would love to know what's on your Lust List!

Lusting after... Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette

I spotted this one on Sophie Meola's blog a few days ago. A 3-in-1 bronzer, highlighter and blusher, this palette from Urban Decay looks amazing! Although Sophie wished the highlighter part of the palette was a little bigger, I love the look of the Coral blusher! Definitely one of the Lust List! I'm using Sleek's Face Form Palette at the moment which seems quite similar to this if you're after something a little more bank balance friendly (although I'm still saving pennies for the UD palette)  :) 

Check out Sophie's review of the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette! 

Lusting after... Korres Lip Butters

The Black Pearl Blog is a favourite of mine and these yummy sounding lip butters really caught my attention this week. These are a firm favourite of Sandra and they sound divine! I've not tried Korres products before but I'm a huge lip balm fan. The flavours sound scrumptious... Guava, Mango & Wild Rose! I'm particularly loving the tinted effect they give! Another one for this week's Lust List!

Read Sandra's review of Korres Lip Butters here! 

Lusting after... Illamasqua Blusher Duo

I'm a little bit of a lover of cheek products so I'm adding a second to the Lust List!

The Illamasqua Cheek Duo in Lover & Hussy caught my eye on Holly Arabella's blog. Holly says that this limited edition duo offers buildable colour. These colours look gorgeous and perfect for a fresh spring time look. At £26, they may be on the Lust List for a while though! 

Holly's review of the Illamasqua Blusher Duo here! 

So that's my Lust List for this week! What's on yours?

Babbles About... James Read Liquid Tan (Review)

Hi Babblers!

It was my birthday yesterday and an essential part of my birthday eve (I'm I too old for a birthday eve now?!) is some essential fake-tanning. If you've read some of my previous posts, you'll know I'm pretty pale. Living in (not so) Sunny Glasgow, it's a little challenging to get that all-year-round glow without a little assistance :)

I used to be a bit of a fake-tan junkie a few years ago and had a very establish routine. I've used numerous fake tans from budget to expensive, from St Moriz to St Tropez. Although I'm not as regimented in my tanning schedule these days, it's still nice to have a subtle glow in the cold depths of February.

Formula

After years of trying different tans, I'd decided that a foam formula was for me - easy to apply and a subtler result than a lotion. James Read offers a few different formulas but for my Birthday tan I used James Read Liquid Tan* in Medium (although there is a liqht version as well). I was a little apprehensive as I've never used a liquid tan and this was a bit of a new concept to me.

It is very liquid and I wasn't sure exactly how blendable it would be. I needn't have worried as I actually found it more blendable than foam tanners I had used in the past.

Application

I used a tanning mitt to apply the tan, squirting a small amount of the bottle at a time and blending (with a little help from the boyfriend on the back) . It goes on very evenly although I know it's all about how the tan looks after developing! I had a small 30ml sample and used about two-thirds of this for a full-body application so it seems a full-size would last forever.

It does have a slight 'fake tan' smell but I personally think all tans do!

I applied before bed leaving the tan to develop about 8 hours.

Results

So here are the results....

When I woke up, the tan looked pretty dark but rinsed off to give a nice, even glow. As you can see in the picture, it's not hugely dark and looks very natural. I also haven't noticed a fake-tan smelling lingering thoughout the day which is a huge-plus!

I didn't get any 'are you wearing fake-tan' comments on my birthday which I think is a really good sign I wasn't looking oompa lumpa orange :) Overall, I'm really impressed with this tan and is definitely one I'll keep in mind when I'm needing a 'from a bottle' tan - although a holiday is much preferred!

You can buy James Read Tan from QVC or directly from the brand's website.

My Birthday

So this was all in prep of my 25th birthday. I had a lovely day and was spoiled by my lovely boyfriend and family. I woke up to this really pretty (and rather yummy) birthday cupcake :)

Have you tried this tan? What's your go to tanning brand?

Babbles About... Alpha-H Liquid Gold First Impressions

Hi Babblers!

I'm a bit late on the Liquid Gold bandwagon. Part of me was put off by the price-tag, the other part worried the effect it would have on my sensitive, breakout prone skin! After reading countless blog posts/reviews about this seemingly magic skincare product, I decided that I needed to jump on board :)

What is Alpha-H Liquid Gold?

From what I understand, it's basically a chemical exfoliator. This is Alpha-H's blurb on Liquid Gold:

"Our best selling “cult” skin resurfacing treatment uses a state of the art, low pH delivery system to effectively diminish wrinkles, pigmentation and sun damage. 

The Glycolic based formulation works like an “overnight facial” to brighten and revitalise tired, ageing skin, and radically improve the appearance of the complexion. 

For mature, sun damaged, prematurely ageing and for acne-scarred skin."

Liquid gold is a solution that you apply using a cotton pad after cleansing every second night. For best results you apply nothing afterword (like moisturiser!).

 My Skin

It's my 25th birthday tomorrow but I'm not quite sure my skin could be described as mature just yet (well at least I hope not!). My main issue is that I do suffer from spots and although this has improved considerably, marks from breakouts can take an age to fade and are almost as troublesome to conceal as the spots themselves.  After some initial breakouts with the Clarisonic, I have quite a few marks at the moment. I also have sallow skin so anything that can help brighten is most welcome :)

First Use/Impressions

I ordered this online and despite not getting the fancy new packaging, I couldn't wait to try when I received it yesterday!

I used this for the first time last night and I cannot believe the difference in my skin! Marks seems slightly faded, complexion brightened and skin just generally plumper.

On first impressions it really is living up to the hype! I'm going to continue using and will post a full review then. f this is just the first use, I can't wait to see what it does to my skin :)

Have you tried this? What were your results?

Babbles About... Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder (Review)

Hi Babblers :)

I've really struggled to find a bronzer that I've absolutely loved. I never buy the same brand twice. 

I was running low on my old bronzer and asked for some suggestions on Twitter from other beauty bloggers. One that was suggested to me was the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer. At £22, even the lure of it being chocolate scented put me off. I'm not adverse to spending on make-up but as bronzers can be so hit or miss, I scoured Boots for something a little more purse-friendly.

After swatching a few different bronzers, I discovered Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder. It looked the perfect sun-kissed glow and under a tenner. Hooray!!

Colour

I think this bronzer has a good, natural looking colour. It's just the right amount of pigmentation that allows for buildable colour. It's quite sheer so there  maybe wouldn't be enough of a bronzing effect for some people. I went for fair/medium so I imagine the dark/tanned option is more intense.

I'm definitely what you would call pale and pasty and this seems to perk up my complexion to something a little more alive looking without going into oompa loompa territory. It's difficult to show this in the photo but I promise, it does look nice!

This is a matte bronzer which is perfect to me. I have a pethora of shimmer powders and highlighters which I can use if I want to add a 'sheen'. The fact that it's matt makes it all the more natural looking in my opinion.

Scent

Well I managed to find another chocolate scented bronzer! It's not overpowering at all, and tbh I'm not sure I would have known if it hadn't been for the packaging :)

Packaging

The Bourjois Délice de Soleil Bronzing Powder comes in a pretty cool compact featuring a swivelling mirror. I think this is perfect for carry in the handbag as it's a decent size and it is easy to hold one-handed on a table. It comes with a little brush which is alright for on-the-go application but I prefer to use my Smashbox Face & Body Brush #19.

The fab mirror does have a downside - it make the whole product very large. That's okay if you're like me and have a massive handbag but if you want to keep topping up your sunkissed look when you're on a night out, it's going to use up some serious real-estate in your cute clutch!

Have I found the bronzer for me yet? I'm not sure. This is great value and will definitely do me a turn but always open to suggestions!

What bronzer do you use? Have you tried this one?

Babbles About...Clarisonic Mia (Review) PART 2

Hi Babblers :)

In my last post, I wrote about my initial experience with the Clarisonic Mia. I'd been lusting after the sonic facial cleansing brush for quite some time, worried about the breakouts some users experience. When Santa delivered a bright pink Mia Christmas morning, I was about to find out if it was going to be heavenly skin or the dreaded breakouts for me.

Initial Impressions

Initial impressions were really good. My skin felt sumptuously smooth and cleaner than ever. My pores appeared to be diminishing and my skin looked generally brighter. However, after a few days my skin broke out with sore cystic sports on my cheeks. After reading how many users experience a purging phase of breakouts before their skin calms down, I decided to persevere.

Six Weeks On

After about three (LONG) weeks, my skin calmed down considerably. Although my skin did break out in the first few weeks, it was not the worst I have ever experienced (a dangerous liaison with the oil cleansing method wins the prize for that - note the worst thing I ever did to my skin). I did have quite a few sore, cystic spots but only on my cheeks. Although this is a nightmare to conceal, I was worried my whole face would take a hit. It was a bit of a relief when it didn't :)

After a few weeks the spots had disappeared and my skin felt back to normal...well better than normal. The Clarisonic is quite addictive as it does leave my skin feeling smoother and properly clean. I was suffering to some bumpiness under my skin - like spots that never quite came to anything, and this has improved drastically. I've also noticed that my skin is less oily than normal. I used to find that by the end of the day, my skin was quite shiny. This has really improved with the use of the Clarisonic. I've also found that products sink in in more easily. I had to be quite cautious about using moisturiser before as my make up would tend to slide off.

I have fallen in love with the Clarisonic. I've seen great improvement in my skin, particularly to the overall texture. I'm glad that I stuck with it and my skin does feel better for it.

A few things I've learned -

Charging: the unit takes 18 hours to charge and this lasts me about ten days. At first I wasn't sure if it was ever fully charged as it takes so long! 

Brush cleaning: the brush head is prone to staining. I wash my brush every time I use it using antibacterial wash to counteract this, although the instructions advice to wash it about using it.

Make-up removal: I remove my make-up prior to using the clarisonic using Soap & Glory's Peaches and Clean (see review). I think this saves the brush from getting too stained.

Exfoliation:One common misconception about the Clarisonic is that exfoliates the skin. Whilst undoubtedly there is a slight exfoliating action, there is still a need for a regular exfoliator. I've been using the Monu Micro Exfoliant.

Brush Heads: I've been using the delicate brush head which I believe is their most gentle.They last 3-4 months. I received a few different heads so once I've tried them all, I'll post a review.

Overall, I'd recommend the Clarisonic Mia. I know there are more expensive versions but this seems to do the job for me. My sources tell me that Santa bought mine from QVC for around £100 which is great value as you get 3 extra heads. 

Have you tried the Clarisonic?

Babbles About... Clarisonic Mia (Review)

Hi Babblers :)

I was very lucky to receive the Clarisonic Mia for my Christmas from Santa. Yes I'm 25 and Santa still leaves me presents - even better he knows me penchant for pink :)

I was a bit dubious about the Clarisonic. I'd heard amazing things but also some negative reviews from users with problematic skin like myself. I can handle a couple of weeks of 'purging' but I worried that the sonic action would not agree with my skin long term. I'd been considering buying a Clarisonic for about a year but was always put off by the price (£120 for the Mia) and the possible breakouts that would result. When Santa dropped one in my stocking, I was pleased as punch as it would give me an opportunity to try out the much hyped cleansing brush. Fingers and toes were crossed that it would work for me!

Six weeks on and I'm ready to dish the dirt!

About Clarisonic

I'm sure you'll all have heard loads already about Clarisonic so here's the quick low-down. It's a facial cleansing brush that uses sonic technology to produce 300 movements per second (apparently) to deeply cleanse the skin and and allow skincare products to be absorbed more easily. It's meant to be twice as effective as manual cleansing and removes up to six times more make-up.

I'd heard about amazing benefits such as diminished pores, brighter skin and improved texture so I was very excited about putting the cleansing brush to work.

There are a few different versions that offer different speed options etc but the Clarisonic Mia is a one-speed brush and the cheapest of the Clarisonics on the UK market.

My Clarisonic Mia Experience

Like me, Santa seems a bit of a QVC fan I received the fushia/rose pink Clarisonic Mia which is an exclusive colour for them :) In addition to the Pink unit, sensitive brush head and trial size gentle hydro cleanser, I received three extra brush heads: normal, deep pore and delicate.

First Impressions

Well it's bright pink so naturally I was warming to the Clarisonic very quickly!

The first time I used the Clarisonic, it was in the morning after cleansing the night before. Surely my face wouldn't be too dirty? The proof of the pudding really in in the brush. After dampening my face and the brush head, I smoothed the cleanser over my face and switched on the unit using the delicate brush. Using circular motions I moved the brush around my face - 20 secs for my forehead, 20 secs for my nose and chin and 10 secs for each of my cheeks as per the instructions, before rinsing.

Well firstly, the brush clearly showed the results. Despite removing my make-up the night before there was visibly make up on the Clarisonic brush head. Impressive! My skin felt really smooth and not aggravated as I had expected. The Clarisonic is surprisingly gentle. I didn't really like the smell of the cleanser so decided to continue using my normal (spot fighting) Garnier's Pure Active Face Wash. Plus this means I know for sure it is the brush that is making the difference!

After a few uses I noticed my pores appeared reduced and generally my skin was a lot smoother. Previously I had a distinct bumpiness on my forehead and this appeared to magically disappearing.

Then came the breakouts. I decided to persevere as many reviews I'd read spoke about a purging phase before miraculously improved skin. 

Find out how I got on after six weeks in my next post :) 

Have you tried the Clarisonic? What were your results?

Babbles About... Mono Micro Exfoliant (Review)

Hi babblers :)

I received Monu Micro Exfoliant as part of January's Glossybox. I wanted to give it a proper trial before declaring my verdict on it.

I'd never tried Monu so was quite interested to give this a go. Funnily enough I was looking for a new exfoliator so was pleased when this popped up in my box. I received a 30ml sample which is great as the full size is 100ml.

This is Monu's blurb on the Micro Exfoliant:

Dual-action microdermabrasion. This powerful treatment delivers instantly radiant skin. Refines skin texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores.With Diatomatious earth, Papaya enzymes, Polysaccharides, Shea butter and Panthenol.Provides an immediate healthy ‘new skin’ effect.Paraben free formulation.

Sounds good eh? But does it live up to this?

Smell

This contains a number of essential oils including lime and mandarin so the smell is quite fresh although not really my cup of tea.

Texture

I have found other exfoliators can either be too too grainy or not scrubby enough. This one has a good level of graininess. As a micro exfoliant the particles are very fine. It's not too thick which I think helps with massaging it on the face.

Packaging

As this was a sample it was just in a small plastic bottle which was quite difficult to squeeze the product out of. The full size comes in a tube which I imagine is much better!

Use

I've been using this twice a week since I received it. Although the particles are fine there is still a good amount of graininess to feel you are exfoliating properly. It doesn't feel harsh on my skin and after rinsing off my face is not tight like I have experienced with other facial exfoliators.

Results

After the first time of use I noticed my skin was considerably brighter and always feel my skin has had a bit of a pick me up when I've used it. My skin feels smoother generally. I have problematic skin so I'm resisting the temptation of using it anymore than 1-2 a week.

Would I buy the full-size?

I really liked this so I would definitely buy the full size when I run out. It's £14.50 which is about the most I would pay for an exfoliator.

Have you tried this? Any bargain exfoliators worth recommending?

Babbles About... Bare Minerals Prime Time - My Favourite Primer

Hi babblers :)

I'm starting to feel like I'm only writing about products the are some sort of clever pun (i.e. Peaches & Clean and Apocolips)  but I can't help myself because this one really is a staple for me!

Bare Minerals Prime Time Foundation Primer

Bare Minerals - A long love affair

I'm a big Bare Minerals fan and absolutely swear by their foundation (in Medium Beige).

I've used this for years and years and over this time I have expanded into other products in their ever-increasing range! Their foundation is definitely their signature product but I'm also a huge fan of their mascara, lipglosses and primers!

One of my absolute favourites is their Prime Time foundation primer. I simply can't resist a quirky name but in my opinion, this primer is much more than a clever play on words.

Primers - Essential or just a gimmick?

By day I'm a marketing executive (for something much less exciting than beauty) so I'm always a bit of a cynic when it comes things like this as I'm a little wise to their ways! Primers are an extra step in the make-up routine which you can't see, so are they really worth it?

Primers are designed to provide the perfect canvas for applying make-up, smoothing any imperfections, filling in fine lines ensuring your make-up looks as fabulous as it can. There's are loads on the market and until trying Prime Time, I'd not had the best experience.

Some of the primers I've tried have included Smashbox Photo Finish and Laura Geller Spackle. Neither impressed me much and to be honest, I found they made little or no difference to my finished look.

I was convinced they were just a gimmick, until I tried Prime Time. I first received this as part of a collection and have used it ever since!

Prime Time - My Review

With such a clever name, it's a disappointment that the packaging is so utilitarian  However, it's what's inside that counts isn't it?

Prime Time is a clear gel that you smooth on your face prior to using foundation. I use one pump and leave for a few seconds whilst it sets (and as per instructed). It's as easy as that! The gel is very light-weight and applies very smoothly. It's a pleasure to use and seems to give my skin a silky feel. My foundation buffs on to provide a creamier than usual finish - result!

I'm not sure if it works better than other primers I've used in the past because I'm using it in conjunction with the same branded foundation but I've found that this does make my foundation last longer! It's also apparently filled with vitamins so I feel like I'm doing something good for my skin rather than clogging it up which is what I felt other primers did.

A bottle lasts me ages and this jumbo sized one seems bottomless! I do buy a lot of BE kits so don't tend to purchase it as a stand-alone product but I find Feel Unique is the cheapest place for individual products.

I've tried a few other Prime Time variations such as the brightening and neutralizing which are both fab. Their eye-shadow primer is also a winner for me.

OK. Love in over!

What's your opinion on primers? Are you a fan of Prime Time?

Babbles About... Rimmel Apocalips (Review)

Hi babblers :)

As you might have read in my Peaches and Clean post last week, I'm a absolute sucker for a pun! When I heard about the new lip lacquer by Rimmel called Apocalips, I was instantly in love. I'm not usually a Rimmel girl but after reading some rave reviews and hearing it's quirky name, I popped to my local Superdrug to pick one up (where the product is just over a fiver at the moment!).

I went for 'celestial' which is a natural looking dark pink. I must admit this is my go to colour when it comes to lipgloss/lipstick. From what I gather, Apocalips is a hybrid between a gloss and a lipstick so perfect for me as I love both :)

Rimmel Apocalips - My Review

When I first tried this, I loved it! It smells/tastes of watermelon which I think is yummy although I've read some reviews which hated this aspect of the product - so I guess this is a bit of a hit or miss.

It gives a really solid colour with all the sheen of a gloss. Perfect for a quick application! You can also blot the product to give a more lipstick-esque look. I personally prefer this look.

Apocalips - Shiny

Apocalips - Blotted

I must admit after using the product again, it was more on  'I like you as a friend but this just isn't working' kind of way. I think there was just a bit too much colour for my liking and I found it a little difficult to wear day-to-day. It might be good for a night-out but I think I'll stick to my lipgloss or lipstick as I don't think hybrids are for me.

If the apocalypse is coming, I'm not sure Apocalips is the lipgloss (or laquaer if you prefer) I'll be wearing. 

Have you tried Rimmel Apocalips? What's you're verdict?

Babbles About...L'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Oil (Review)

Hi :)

Since I've been growing my hair out for the last couple of years I'm always on the lookout for different treatments such as Philip Kingsley Elastizier (which I am in love with) and styling products to make it look and feel as healthy as it can be. I'd been eyeing up the Elvive Extraordinary Hair oil for a wee while hoping it would work wonders on my hair - it is supposed to be extraordinary after all. Boots were doing £1.50 off last weekend so decided to treat myself!

L'Oréal Extraordinary Hair Oil

I've been using the oil for the last week and in all honesty I don't feel it has made any difference to my hair. I've been applying it before drying my hair and as a finishing oil.

My initial impression was really good. I have fine textured hair so was worried that this would weigh my hair down but the oil is actually very light so this was not an issue at all.

The oil has a floral smell as it's a mixture of six different flower oils. To be honest I found it to smell a bit like pot pourri but I can't say that I noticed the smell through the day so this did not put me off the oil. 

I do colour my hair so purchased the oil specifically for this. The oil apparently helps with colour fading but I've never really experienced problems with colour fading so can't comment on this aspect.

After a week of using the product, I honestly feel it has made little to no difference to my hair.

I'm sorry to say I didn't find the oil 'extraordinary'. I will continue to use the product to finish the bottle as although it doesn't seem to be doing much for me, it's not making my hair look any worse.

Do you use a hair oil? Any recommendations for a better alternative?