Wonders of Beauty

What's New: IMATS Haul..♥

In my previous post, I mentioned attending IMATS London this year. If you're not too sure of what IMATS is then click here to read my last post. There were a few discounted products though I didn't manage to find many that I wanted. I really regret not getting the MUFE Smokey Lash Mascara. I hadn't really heard about it until recently when all these YouTubers and Bloggers came back from IMATS raving about it.
First stop for me was Illamasqua where I probably bought the most from as all their items were less than £10! I wish I was able to get more interesting things but regardless, here are the products I managed to grab.

Illamasqua

Nail Varnish - Glory

This nail polish has been described as a molten silver. It's great for those looking for a silver nail polish that doesn't look glittery!
Discount Price: £5
Regular Price: £13.50

Nail Varnish - Throb

Though I have a few red polishes already, I picked up what Illamasqua describes as a 'blood red'.

Discount Price: £5

Regular Price: £13.50

Intense Lipgloss - Femme

After seeing swatches on Temptalia, I've always wanted to own one of the intense lipglosses. This was the only shade of pink they had on the day. Though it looks red in the tube, it actually comes out pink. On the website they describe this as a 'bright coral pink'.

Swatch

Discount Price: £5

Regular Price: £13

Sheer Lipgloss - Mina

I thought I'd be adventurous and also pick up a colour which is described as a 'shimmering berry purple'. I do not own any lipglosses in this colour as I tend to go for pinks and nudes. As it is a sheer lipgloss, the purple isn't too intense.

Swatch

Discount Price: £5

Regular Price: £13

Inglot

Matte Collection Nail Enamel - 719

When I got to the Inglot stand, the range of nail polish colours and finishes amazed me! This is a nail enamel that is part of their 'Matte Collection'. It can be worn matte or glossy if a glossy top coat is applied.

I think this colour is a very pretty coral that will be great for summer!

Discount Price: £6

Regular Price: £8

Matte Collection Nail Enamel - 716

Once again this is another nail enamel that is part of their 'Matte Collection'. I love this type of shade and would describe it as a pinky nude.

Discount Price: £6

Regular Price: £8

Crown Brush

CO1 Maxi Mop

I've never owned anything from Crown Brush. This is one product that caught my eye whilst at their stand because it is a sponge applicator with a ferrule and brush handle. I've never seen anything like it! I think it'll be great for blending or applying my under eye concealer. I'm not sure why it's called a maxi mop though lol. Maybe it has a specific use? Who knows?

Discount Price: £2

Regular Price: £2.22

MAKE UP FOR EVER

Full Cover Concealer - #12

I wasn't really interested in getting much from the MUFE stand as I already own their MUFE HD Foundation and I couldn't be bothered to get colour matched to their Mat Velvet + so I only picked up their Full Cover Concealer just to see what it's like.

Discount Price: £13.81

Regular Price: £20.50

Miss Adoro

Human Hair False Eyelashes - #15

I don't usually wear eyelashes because I just can't be bothered for the whole application process but for the price I just couldn't resist.

Discount Price: £2

Regular Price: Cannot remember. Sorry!

MAC Pro

Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - Dark

Blush (satin finish) - Devil

As you all know, the MSF Natural was a repurchase.

As this was MAC Pro, I thought I'd take advantage and buy a colour that can't be purchased in their stores so I went for an orange with a satin finish!

Blush Swatch

Blush Price: £14.50

MSF Natural Price: £20.50

Not much but what do you think?

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Crown Brush - 19:35

What's New: IMATS Haul - Illamasqua, MAC, MUFE, Crown Brush, Inglot, Miss Adoro

What's New: IMATS Haul.. ♥ In my previous post, I mentioned attending IMATS London this year. If you're not too sure of what IMATS ...

Events - 21:34

IMATS London 2012!

IMATS London 2012.. ♥ On Saturday 4th Feb I attended IMATS (International Make-up Artist Trade Show). For those who don't know what IMA...

Review: Becca Beach Tint - Strawberry..♥

For those of you who are not so familiar or have never heard of BECCA, it is a makeup brand of Australian origin (though it is sold internationally) who are known for their 'Skin Perfecting Makeup System' which is designed to correct, prepare and enhance any complexion. They boast a range of 34 concealer shades and 30 foundation colours!

As the title suggests, I'm going to be reviewing one of their best selling products - "BECCA Beach Tint".

♥ 2-in-1 crème stain for cheeks and lips

♥ Deliciously scented

♥ Oil Free, Streak Free, and Water-Resistant

♥ Contains anti-oxidant vitamin E

♥ Preservative and paraben-free

The BECCA Beach Tint is a stain that can be used on both your lips and cheeks regardless of your skin type. It can either be worn alone or layered underneath your lip balm, lip gloss or if worn on your cheeks then under your blush/bronzer for a more intense colour.

I received the tint in the shade "Strawberry" which is a yellow-based red but there are a range of shades available for you to choose from so you're bound to find one which you feel may suit your skin tone.

I don't usually go for cheek stains as I've always stuck to powder blushes so I was a bit skeptical about using this product on my cheeks. I've found that when I use other forms of blushes besides powders, they tend to make my foundation/powder blotchy so I just do not bother with them.

The first time I tried out this stain on my cheeks, I wore it over my foundation then layered my setting powder on top. This gave my cheeks a natural flush of colour and wasn't so obvious like a powder blush can tend to be. I really think it's good for those who like natural looking makeup or for those who are going for the "no makeup" makeup look.

The second time it was used, I wore it over my foundation and powder to see if it'll make my powder look blotchy like most liquid/cream products that are used on my cheeks do. Surprisingly it didn't and I was able to layer it up as normal.

Packaging

It comes in a squeezy tube and the product comes out of the nozzle which I think is ideal. The amount that comes out depends on the pressure that is applied when squeezing so you can control the amount that is dispensed.

The packaging is quite sleek with the main body being black and the cap being silver.

Consistency
Though it is in a squeezy tube, this product has been described as a cream stain. It has a very light consistency and is not too thick. Definitely very easy to blend.

Longevity
When used as a lip stain, it lasted around 10 hours though before I removed it the colour had lost its intensity. I also noticed that it slightly faded as I ate and drank throughout the day.

Scent/Shades

It is available in 6 shades online:

Strawberry - Warm Orange Red

Peach - Warm Orange Pink

Raspberry - Deep Berry Pink

Grapefruit - Pale Coral Pink

Fig - Tea Rose Pink

Guava - Bright Coral Pink

And in store you can purchase Watermelon which is a bright pink.
Each shade is scented like its name so you may want to keep that in mind when you're choosing your shade.

Size
When the box arrived, I was very shocked to see the size of the product. For some reason, I was expecting the tube to be much larger for £20. You get 7ml/0.24fl.oz of product but after trying out the tint I realised that you really do not need a lot and a little goes a long way. I suppose maybe this justifies the reason for the tiny tube?

I guess a pro for it being small is that it easily fits into your makeup bag and is great for travelling.

Price and Availability
This Beach Tint costs £20 but I am giving my lovely readers the opportunity to get it in the shade "Strawberry" at a 20% discount (UK & EU only) from BECCA Cosmetics. Click here to purchase online.
The discount is valid from 6th February - 16th February
Discount Code: BBE20

Overall Thoughts
Overall I think this is a good product to use especially if you're one to like matchy makeup as it can be used on both your lips and cheeks so you never have to worry about finding a blush to match what's on your lips. It is a versatile product that can be used in many ways, so though it's pricey it saves you buying a separate blush and lip colour. You can wear it alone or under your blush for added intensity, as a lip stain, under clear lip gloss, etc.

I found that the stain is also buildable so you can have a light wash of colour or go for a full blown red on your lips.

The product itself is non-drying and I didn't feel it dried out my lips at all. I would say that you may want to exfoliate your lips before applying as it does tend to cling onto any dry bits. Also if you have fine lines on your lips like I do, just be aware that after a few hours it does settle into the lines which accentuates them a bit more.

Like I said before, all the Beach Tints are scented so if you do not like scented products, you will not like this. I love fruity smells and I think this smells very nice but I know we are all different. My "Strawberry" one has quite a strong scent but it doesn't linger and after a while I can't even smell it anymore.

Unfortunately when I hadn't touched the tint for a while, when I returned to it, I realised that the product had become a bit runny and was separating. I had to shake it well for it to return to its consistency so I think maybe the company should have put "Shake well before use" or something along those lines on the packaging.

Swatches

Used as cheek stain

I've been a bit heavy handed with these swatches on my cheek as my camera wasn't really picking it up when I used it lightly.

Used as lip stain

Used as a cheek and lip stain

Please excuse my very tired face!

You can like the BECCA Cosmetics UK page on Facebook as they run a lot of competitions and giveaways or follow them on Twitter @BECCAlondon for more information.

What are your thoughts on this product? Will you be using the discount code to purchase?

Disclaimer: Though I was sent this product to review, this review is 100% unbiased and honest.

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BECCA - 12:32

Review: Becca Beach Tint - Strawberry + 20% Discount Offer

Review: Becca Beach Tint - Strawberry.. ♥ For those of you who are not so familiar or have never heard of BECCA, it is a makeup brand of Aus...

Sample Arrival: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H..♥

Hey beauties!

If you weren't already aware, Lancôme launched their brand new foundation yesterday! It is called Teint Idole Ultra 24H. This is a long lasting foundation and is meant to last 24 hours! Unfortunately I wasn't able to get their 7 day trial because every time I went into Boots, the lady on the counter wasn't there and she's the only person who could give out samples. Yesterday I happened to be in town again and luckily the consultant was there. The very lovely and friendly lady sat me down so that we could look at different shades in order to find a match for my skin tone. When trying to find a match using her colour chart, we were stuck between #11 Muscade and #13 Sienne. Eventually we settled for a sample of #13 Sienne but as she brought out the bottle, I knew it would be too dark. #13 Sienne looked the slightest bit darker or around the same colour as my Estee Lauder Double Wear in Truffle (which I already have to mix because it is too dark for me). I then asked to see the bottle of #11 Muscade. This definitely looked like more of a match so she gave me a sample of #11 to take home instead.

I was with my friend, it was very cold, we were running short of time and she also wanted to try a sample. We are around the same skin tone so the consultant gave her a sample of #11 and a large sample of #13 in case I got home and decided that #11 wasn't my match (my friend and I live together).

I used my sample today and so far so good! My friend also tried her sample as well. Initially she tried #13 but she said it was too dark for her so she had to take it all off and use #11 which was a good match. She's left #13 in my room because she doesn't like it. I am still yet to try it though I am happy with #11. As this is my first time using this foundation, I cannot really go into a review yet but I'll let you know how it goes and give you full details on it later.

I'm hoping it can live up to my Estee Lauder Double Wear because I'm getting a bit bored of mixing it with a lighter foundation for a better match.

Swatches

Has anyone bought this foundation yet or tried out a sample?

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Foundation - 22:45

Sample Arrival: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H

Sample Arrival: Lanc ô me Teint Idole Ultra 24H.. ♥ Hey beauties! If you weren't already aware, Lanc ô me launched their brand new ...

What's New: L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim and Carbon Gloss..♥

Yesterday I accompanied my friend to town to get a few things. Ever had that feeling when you know that your eyeliner is going to run out soon? Well I've been having that feeling for the past week and thought I'd buy a back up just in case. Usually I'd go straight into Superdrug, pick up the L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Carbon Gloss and head straight back out but instead this time I went into Boots as they are having a 'Buy 1 Get 2nd Half Price' offer on selected L'Oreal products. Whilst picking up my usual, I noticed that L'Oreal had a wider range of Super Liners to choose from. I don't know whether or not they've just expanded their range or maybe I've just never noticed because I'm just so used to picking up my Carbon Gloss. Anyway, out of the range, the Super Liner Perfect Slim caught my eye.

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim - Intense Black

I purchased this yesterday so I haven't really gotten a chance to form an opinion on it. I was drawn to this product because it is presented like a felt tip pen which I think will be easier to apply, especially for those who find the application of other liquid eyeliners difficult. The felt tip applicator style makes it look like a quick and easy eyeliner to apply and also seems like the type of eyeliner that would be great for a winged eye.

I'm not sure if this comes in any other colour but I bought it in the colour "Intense Black".

Original Price: £6.99

L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Carbon Gloss - Carbon Black

If you read through my FOTD posts, you would have probably realised that this is the only liquid eyeliner I use. I love its applicator, consistency and the intensity of black. I always repurchase this product and I have never really looked at any other liquid eyeliner after using this. I'm very sure you are all already familiar with this eyeliner as a lot of bloggers and YouTubers rave about it.

I use this in the colour "Carbon Black"

Original Price: £6.49

As I have only just bought the "Perfect Slim" eyeliner, I cannot give you a full review yet. I'll see how it goes and let you know whether or not I like it.

Do you own either of these?

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Eyeliner - 21:50

What's New: L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim and Carbon Gloss

What's New: L'Oreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim and Carbon Gloss.. ♥ Yesterday I accompanied my friend to town to get a few t...

Hey beauts

I haven't done a "Back To Basics" post in a while as I wasn't sure whether to carry on or not. I don't want to bore you with so much writing but I know some of you liked this series so I guess I'll continue with it.

As you can tell from the title, this "Back To Basics" post is on foundation types. Foundation to me is one of the most important steps for your makeup as it is the base of everything. You need to ensure that you're starting off with a good base before you continue layering with the rest of your makeup because using the wrong type of foundation can really ruin your whole look. This post is to inform you of the different types of foundations that are available to you. I am not a professional so I do not know about everything out there and I can only tell you about things that I am aware of.

Foundations can come in many forms;

• Liquid

A liquid foundation is probably the only type of foundation I'll ever use simply because there is a variety of finishes and formulas to choose from. You are bound to find one to suit your skin as they are available in formulas that are for sensitive skin, oil-free, moisturizing, illuminating, the list goes on.

Liquid foundations also come in a range of coverage. Whether you're one to go for a very natural look and prefer a sheer coverage or maybe you have scars that you may want to cover up therefore prefer a full coverage, you will definitely find a liquid foundation that you like. They are also available in matte, demi-matte, satin, dewy and many more finishes. There are not many limits with this type of foundation and that's probably why it is the most popular.

Examples: Nars Sheer Glow/Matte, MAC Studio Fix Fluid, Revlon Colour Stay, Estee Lauder Double Wear, Makeup Forever HD Foundation, Mary Kay Timewise Matte-Wear Foundation, etc.

• Cream

As far as I'm aware, cream foundations do not have as much range and variety compared to a liquid foundation. They are not suited for all skin types due to their formula. Because of the creamy and moisturizing formula of a cream foundation, they tend to be more suited for dry skin. They also usually provide a fuller coverage due to the rich consistency but can be sheered out if necessary.

Examples: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation, MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, Illamasqua Cream Foundation, etc.

• Cream-to-powder

Cream-to-powder foundations are very similar to cream foundations but instead they dry to a powder finish. Due to the fact that they dry to a powder finish, those with oily skin will be able to use this. This type of foundation also saves time as it is kind of like a foundation and powder in one therefore you do not need to apply powder on top.

Examples: MAC Studio Tech, Mary Kay Creme-To-Powder Foundation, Benefit Cream-To-Powder Foundation, Sleek Creme-To-Powder, etc.

• Mousse

Mousse foundations are whipped which results in a light consistency and coverage. Because of its light consistency, it feels very light on the skin and is natural looking. This type of foundation is more suited to normal/dry/aging skin types.

Examples: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse

• Stick

A stick foundation is a cream foundation and concealer in one. They tend to be full coverage foundations and for those who want to cover scars and imperfections or to help even out very uneven skin tones. The foundation doesn't need to be applied on the whole face but can be applied where needed and then blended out to help perfect your complexion.

Examples: Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation, IMAN Stick Foundation, Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Cover Stick Foundation, etc

• Powder

Powder foundations are good for those who are on-the-go. They are usually packaged in compacts which makes them convenient to travel with. This type of foundation is more suited to oily skin and shouldn't really be used on dry skin as it may emphasize dryness/dry patches. Powder foundations provide more coverage than pressed powders therefore can be used alone. They are also buildable and the coverage can be controlled depending on your application technique and how much you layer/build.

Examples: MAC Studio Fix Plus Foundation, Illamasqua Powder Foundation, Estee Lauder Double Wear Powder, Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation.

For those of you who needed a guide on foundation types, I hope this was somewhat helpful.

*All images sourced from Google.