Trilogy Makeup Be Gone Cleansing Balm!!!

My first foray into the Trilogy brand was through their Rosehip oil Antioxidant+ Facial Oil in 2013. Rosehip Oil is the brands signature ingredient, after New Zealand based sisters and founders of the brand discovered how potent it was, and this is supported by independent clinical studies for the reduction of scars, stretch marks and wrinkles. They wanted to develop a brand that was truly natural and organic, and prove that using natural skincare doesn't mean you have to sacrifice on performance and results. Since it's launch in 2002 the brand has expanded it's skincare range, and one of the more recent additions is the Makeup Be Gone Cleansing Balm*, accompanied by a sustainably produced, organic cotton, unbleached face cloth (of course).

TheFoundationDirectory; Trilogy Makeup Be Gone Cleansing Balm

Cleansing balms are such a staple in my skincare routine, I can no longer remember a time when I wasn't slathering a balm over my face, it's one of the items I will always have in my skincare arsenal. This balm combines a blend of rich plant oils, including Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Mango Seed Butter and Rosehip Seed Oil to name a few. It's been formulated to remove even long-wearing and waterproof formulations of makeup, including foundation, mascara and lipstick. I usually use a micellar solution, wipe and/or eyemakeup remover prior to the use of a balm, but I did put this through it's paces on a full face of makeup. I applied it to my dry made up face, massaged and remove with the included organic cotton face cloth and warm water.

TheFoundationDirectory; Trilogy Makeup Be Gone Cleansing Balm

I have to say MakeUp Be Gone is the perfect name for this, you almost feel as if you can skip double cleansing, but I do then move on to my second cleanse. It leaves my skin clean but not stripped, and there's no residue. I honestly expected this to be more expensive, but it's £19.50 for 80ml and an organic cotton face cloth, if you are in the market for a truly natural and organic cleansing balm you can't go far wrong with this. 

 

You can find Trilogy products at an array of places now, including Trilogyproducts.com, boots.com and feelunique.com. Have you tried anything from the Trilogy brand?

*Pr Sample

 

The Bodyshop have Extended their Foundation Shade Range....Yippee!!!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

FoundationDirectory; The Bodyshop Fresh Nude Foundation and Shade Adjusting Drops

Brand: Bodyshop
Name: Fresh Nude Foundation

Coverage: Light - Medium

Shade: Caribbean Mahogany 075

Swatch:

FoundationDirectory; Fresh Nude Foundation and Shade Adjusting Drops

What The brand says: OUR FIRST FRESH-FACED FOUNDATION FOR A GOOD SKIN DAY,EVERY DAY.

Enriched with hydrating rose water, skin is left beautifully moisturised for up to 24h and protected with SPF15. With a semi-matte finish, all our 16 shades mimic the look of fresh natural skin with a nude glow. And with shade names inspired by nature, choosing your foundation moves from daunting to a journey around the world. Our blend of high purity pigments fade out imperfections without the mask effect. Hydrating Rose Water and 100% Organic Aloe Vera quench skin whilst letting it breathe. 16 semi-matte shades that perfectly mimic the fresh natural skin tone of all complexions.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has great weartime even without a primer, I touch up once around lunchtime, mainly out of habit than necessity. By the end of the day my oils have pushed through slightly, but this gives me more of a glow than an oil slick look. I obviously cannot comment on how it will perform during the summer months, but my skin is still slightly more oily in the t-zone area, and this handles that very well. 

Price (ml): £15 for 30ml

Pros: SPF15
16 shades
Affordable
Extended shade range from the brand
Accompanying launch of shade adjusting drops
Comes in a pump bottle

Cons: Darker shade range needs extending

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Aqua (Solvent), Diheptyl Succinate (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), Cyclohexasiloxane (Conditioning Agent), Octocrylene (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate (Emulsifying Agent), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), Silica (Absorbent), Cetyl Dimethicone (Emollient), Titanium Dioxide (Ultraviolet Light Absorber), Hydrogenated Polydecene (Skin Conditioning Agent), Magnesium Sulfate (Absorbent/Bulking Agent), Alcohol Denat. (Solvent), Glycerin (Humectant), Disteardimonium Hectorite (Stabiliser), Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), Phenoxyethanol (Preservative), Caprylyl Glycol (Skin Conditioning Agent), Ammonium C6-16 Perfluoroalkylethyl Phosphate (Surfactant - Emulsifying Agent), Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer (Film Former), Ethylhexylglycerin (Skin Conditioning Agent), Caprylhydroxamic Acid (Chelating Agent), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder (Skin Conditioning Agent - Humectant), p-Anisic Acid (pH Adjuster), Parfum (Fragrance Ingredient), Disodium EDTA (Chelating Agent), Sodium Hydroxide (pH Adjuster), Propylene Glycol (Humectant), Sodium Hyaluronate (Humectant), Rosa Alba Flower Extract (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), BHT (Antioxidant), Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), Sorbic Acid (Preservative). [+/- CI 77891 (Colorant), CI 77492 (Colorant), CI 77491 (Colorant), CI 77499 (Colour)].

Oxidation: None at all

Any Other Information: This is obviously my first ever foundation from the Bodyshop, as they have never really catered for my skin tone until now. There are 16 shades in total, but probably only 3 that are brown girl friendly (Caribbean Mahoghany is second to the darkest in the range)although the addition of the shade adjusting drops (I will review these separately) means even greater flexibility in the shade range. The foundation is housed in a clear glass bottle, with a black plastic pump and lid.   

Conclusion: I really wanted to like this foundation, and I'm so happy to say that I do, it's a plus that this shade is a near perfect match for my skintone at the moment. It really does have a natural skin finish, I use about 1 and half pumps (building up coverage where it is needed), whilst covering most of my imperfections. It has that lit from within glow, which is great at this time of year and last well on the skin. It's so lightweight, and while we know skin doesn't actually breathe, it doesn't feel heavy or cakey.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

My latest obsession with Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution Lipsticks

I know these are not new, but if you love a matte lip, but don't want the dryness that can often accompany them, then you have to check these out. These lipsticks have been designed to give the illusion of a fuller, lit from within pout, with the addition of 3D glowing pigments, not really sure what that is. Charlotte wanted the consumer to be able to create a fuller pout that often takes makeup artists quite a few products and techniques, including lighting trickery, powder and illuminators, in one swipe of a lipsticks. Now it's quite an oxymoron to have glow and matte in one product, I don't think these are particularly glowy, but they are definitely not a flat matte either.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick

What I love about these lipsticks is the pigmentation, the hydration and staying power. All made possible with the addition of Orchid extract, oils and waxes that help to soften, protect, hydrate as well as give the lipsticks there creamy formula that literally glides on to your lips. There are 10 shades in total (with a new one on the horizon, launching in February), of which I have 4, and still lusting after Birkin Brown and Glastonberry.

 

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick and Lip Cheat Lip Liner Swatches

In the order they appear above; Love Liberty is a deep plum shade (can sometimes photograph and pull a little red). Red Carpet Red is a true blue toned bright red, Very Victoria is a pale taupey mauve nude shade and Bond girl is a deeper mauve pinky brown shade. And swatched above these is the Foxy Brown Lip Cheat lip liner, a neutral toned brown.

 

I love the unusual square shaped bullet, this makes getting a precise lipline so easy, with or without lip liner. I mainly use Foxy Brown lip liner with the shade Very Victoria, although it's not needed as the shade will still work on me alone, but may be necessary depending on your skintone.

 

The lipsticks cost £23 each and can be found here and here.  

 

Have you tried any of these lipsticks?

Penhaligons; Fragrances for the Eccentric!!!

I have to say this is my first foray into the luxury fragrance brand that is Penhaligons, established in the 1800's, they understand the emotive power of scents and how it can unlock memories. They strive to create original scents for the discerning eccentrics of today, and as I like to think I'm a little left of centre, I think this might be the beginning of a long long affair with the brand. They have created 2 new (male and female) fragrances to reflect the smells of the British Coast.

Penhaligons Blasted Health and Blasted Bloom

First up is *Blasted Heath (Male), it's scent is based on the smell of the ocean breaking against the shore, this is due to the top notes of Aquatic Accord, Seaweed Absolute and Clary Sage. It has heart notes of Green Leaves, Clearwood, Tobacco Absolute and Whiskey Accord, which adds a layer of earthiness and woodiness to the fragrance. And finally are the base notes of Patchouli Essence, Alaskan Cedarwood Essence, Gaiacwood Essence, Vetiver SFE and Musk, which is said to give it an assertive masculine character.

Penhaligons Blasted Heath and Blasted Bloom

Then we have *Blasted Bloom (Female), this is more focused on the freshness of the wild flowers found along the British Coast, merged with a little bit of earthiness. It has head notes of Wild berries, Aquatic Accord and Green Leaves. Heart notes of Eglantine Rose, Pink Pepper Co2 and Hawthorn. And finally Base notes of Alaskan Cedarwood Essence, Clearwood, Moss and Musk.

I am rubbish at describing fragrances, which is why I have stuck with the website descriptions, one thing I will say though is don't be restricted by the gender assignments, my favourite of the two is actually Blasted Heath. These fragrances aren't going to be everyone's cup of tea, but then would you expect anything less from a perfumer that prides itself on creating scents for the eccentrics?! At £124 for a 100ml bottle and £90 for 50ml, I suggest smell before you buy, they are Eau de Parfums however, and do last well on the skin. If you like the English conutryside or spent a lot of your holidays buy the sea, I reckcon at least one of these is going to take your fancy.

Have you tried anything from Penhaligons? You can find these here

*Pr Sample

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand; 8 Hours sleep in 2 clicks???

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!
First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand

Brand: Charlotte Tilbury

Name: Mini Miracle Eye Wand

Coverage: Light to Medium

Shade: 4 - described as a golden peach shade for tan to deep skin tones with warm undertones that works with Light Wonder Dark 10 and Magic Foundation Shades 9 and 9.5.

Swatch:

Charlotte Tilbury Mini Miracle Eye Wand Swatch

What The brand says: DYNAMIC DUO LIFT & LIGHT REFLECTOR; Five years in the making, my genius MINI MIRACLE EYE WAND is the antidote to tired, dull and exhausted under-eyes. It is the perfect 5 actions in 1 Miracle Wand for everyone – because the whole world is tired! When you are tired the colour drains from your face making you appear more sallow, grey with dark circles around your eyes. MINI MIRACLE EYE WAND creates the appearance of 8 hours sleep in two clicks by expertly covering dark circles and lines, smoothing out bags or hollows, brightening the eye contour and hydrating the skin’s surface for a dewy, luminous finish.

CLICK 1: The hydrating Eye Cream is enriched with specially-tailored under-eye agents that make the skin feel firmer and tauter.
CLICK 2: Inspired by photographer’s silver light reflector the light-weight ultra-brilliant light reflector is packed with “a million lights” micro-particles that brighten shadows, conceal discolouration and diffuse the appearance of under-eye hollows.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has great wear time, even if the rest of my face is a little shiny, I don't find that an issue under the eye where this is applied. But my under eye area is not oily, like my T-zone on my combination skin, this does not crease on me either (again not usually an issue for me anyway).

Price (ml): £29 for 3ml

Pros: Great for travel
Lightweight
None cakey
5 shades
Eye cream contains; Shea Butter extract, Jojoba oil, Olive oil, Sweet Almond oil, Hyaluronic acid to name a few.

Cons: Expensive for a small amount of product
Darker end of shade range could be extended
Does contain some alcohol in the eye cream, although a little further down the list
Eye brightener contains talc and silicone

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: To be updated

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: This shade is said to work with Light Wonder Dark 10 and Magic Foundation Shades 9 and 9.5, on the Charlotte Tilbury website, but I am shade 11 in Magic foundation and this shade works great for me. It's also nice that the eye cream contains

Conclusion: This works great in conjunction with the Magic Foundation and really does brighten the under eye and disguise bags. The eye cream feels really nice and soothing, I have applied this before and after applying foundation (prefer application before foundation), as I feel it can do the most being applied closer to the skin and prevents the applicator from getting dirty. The eye brightener gives light to medium coverage, if you need something heavy duty, you will need to apply this after your usual concealer.  I think the addition of the eye cream is great if you have really dry skin under your eyes, as you can apply the cream during the day without disrupting your make-up too much, and reintroduce moisture to the area. It loses points on the price point for the amount of product though, then again Charlotte Tilbury is a luxury brand.

*Rating: Lust

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

NYX Cosmetics; Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette!!!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Brand: NYX Cosmetics

Name: Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette

Coverage: Medium

Shade: Deep

Swatch:

NYX Cosmetics Conceal, Correct and Contour Palette swatch

What The brand says: Colour-match your skin with this perfecting and correcting palette to conceal correct or contour. With six shades to choose from in each set you can cover up problem spots, even-out imperfections and accentuate your best features in a flash. Use these buildable colours on their own or combine them to create the ideal tone.

Wear time (with/without primer): This has really good weartime, especially when worn on skin rather than over the top of foundation, it does require a touch-up or two thorughout the day to keep it looking it's best.

Price (ml): £10 for 1.5g

Pros: Affordable
Great for travel
3 palettes for different skintones

Cons: May not use all the shades in the palette

2 shade in the palette are very similar
Could use an extra palette for even darker skintones
Hard to get hold of in the UK

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Will update soon

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Nyx have a pop up stand in Selfridges in London for about 6 weeks (Ending around mid November), some of the items are also available on selfridges.com, so if you've been meaning to get your hands on some Nyx products I wouldn't wait around.   

Conclusion: I really like this palette, it has all I need for colour correcting, concealing, highlighting and contouring in a palmsized travel friendly palette. I'm a little unsure of how to use the yellow shade, but I've been mixing it in with one of the lighter shades (which I use interchageably) to highlight with and that's worked well.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love

Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation; Is this the best foundation from MAC yet?!

Foundation Files; This is where I test out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and post my findings. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post) So let’s get started!!!

First off some information about me; Skintype: Combination (leaning dry in winter and Oily in Summer). Shade Reference: in between MAC NC45-50/NW43. Undertones: Yellow/Neutral.

Mac Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation

Brand: Mac

Name: Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation**

Coverage: Sheer - Medium

Shade: NW50 

Swatch:

Mac Studio Waterweight SPF30 Foundation Swatch

What The brand says: Introducing an innovative foundation that delivers colour in an ultra-fluid, elastic gel- serum formula. With a virtually weightless feel, this hydrating formula is extraordinarily comfortable, lasting for hours. With stay-true colour and sheer medium buildable coverage, it softly blurs imperfections such as pores and fine lines. The unique dropper provides you with a drop of perfection.

Wear time (with/without primer): This foundation has great wear time on my combination skin, I don't even need primer, it lasts all day without touch ups, if I'm going out after work then I'll touch up to keep my makeup going through the evening.

Price (ml): £25.50 for 30ml

Pros: Good shade range
Lightweight
Long lasting
Buildable coverage
SPF 30 with no flashback

Cons:

Suitable Skin Types: All

Ingredients: Will update soon

Oxidation: None

Any Other Information: Pipette style dropper applicator. It's not my shade and very red on me, but once I highlight it balances it out somewhat. Once I was done testing, I started mixing in a little Face & Body foundation in C7, which is a little light for me and it was a better match. This is a foundation I would definitely purchase in my actual shade as I like it that much.

Conclusion: I absolutely love this foundation and that says a lot coming from an anti-macaholic (is there a hashtag for that?! lol), it's so lightweight, the type of coverage I like and lasts really well on the skin, with a demi-matte finish. It can be applied with a brush or fingers, I apply 4 drops onto my buffing brush and buff into the skin, applying a couple extra drops to build coverage where needed.

*Rating: Love

*Ratings; Hate, dislike, Like, Lust, Love
**Pr Sample