Aallexxy's Foundation Files; Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation!!!

To launch the new series I'm starting on the blog called Aallexxy's Foundation Files (#aallexxyFF), I will be reviewing the Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation. I have already reviewed this foundation here, but wanted it as part of this series and in the new format, I also review the Soft Velvet Loose Powder in that post so check it out if you haven't already. (Follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Bloglovin so you don't miss a post)

Back to the series; I will be testing out different base products, from concealer to powder, tinted moisturiser and foundation etc, over a period of 7-14 days and posting my findings. 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.

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

Brand: Nars (narscosmetics.co.uk)

Name: All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation

Coverage: Medium to Full

Shade: Macao

Swatch:

Nars All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation Swatch - Macao

What the brand says: Full, natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. Highly pigmented and perfectly balanced, this breakthrough formula builds and blends effortlessly with just one drop—the result of exclusive innovation uniquely designed to deliver long-wearing full coverage, weightlessly. Shake, pump and blend in sections for complete coverage that's completely natural looking.

Pure Innovation. Exclusively NARS, always feeling light-as-air, featuring advanced flexible polymers and first-to-market treated pigments.

• Advanced flexible polymers move with the skin, providing extraordinary breathability and comfort.
• First-to-market treated pigments weightlessly deliver long-wearing, complete coverage without ever masking for perfected, natural-looking skin.

Even Tone Technology is designed to instantly neutralize redness and dullness, while working long-term to reduce the appearance of discoloration for more even, uniform skin.

• Gold and green pigments in a perfect 4-to1 ratio optically manipulate how light reflects off skin's surface, evening the complexion for instant luminosity. Green pigments negate redness on contact, while gold combats dullness.
• Scarlet Spiderling Root Extract helps reduce the appearance of discoloration and reveal brighter, more even skin over time.

KEY CLAIMS
92% felt the foundation provided coverage without masking*
93% thought it felt weightless*
90% said it felt comfortable and breathable*
*based on an independent consumer study after one week of use

Wear Time (with primer/without primer): I get a good 11 hours out of this without touch ups in mild winter/spring weather, with and without primer. My oils do push through a little, to give a glow, rather than an oil slicked look. Haven't had the chance to test in strong summer weather, will update accordingly if I do.

Price (ml): £32 for 30ml.

Pros: It's available in 20 shades and Macao is a near perfect match for my skin.

One pump of this is about half the amount of a regular pump of foundation, so will last a while.

Long lasting (see above)

It comes with a pump

Cons: You need more than one drop for flawless coverage

Suitable skin types: Normal, Combination to oily (if extremely dry or extremely oily skin prep will be key).

Ingredients: Not available on the website (apologies I threw the box away prior to writing this).

Oxidation: Adapts to skintone in a good way.

Any Other Information: Replacing Sheer Matte (No longer available on Nars website, but can still be ordered from ASOS, for anyone who wants to stock up).

Conclusion: I know this foundation seems to have a marmite effect, but I really love it, If you're looking for a lightweight, long lasting foundation that can provide full coverage this is one to bear in mind.

Rating: Love*

I'm still working on the format, so it may get tweeked, but what do you think so far? Do you have any requests of base products you would like to see me review?

Thanks for visiting the blog today.

Alex

*Ratings: Hate, Dislike, Like, Lust, Love



SBC; Vitamin ACE Shower Gel, Skincare Gel and Body Creme

If you read this post here you know where my love for the SBC Vitamin ACE range started, I am currently on my second tub of the Day and Night Cream. Vitamin ACE stands for vitmains A,C and E, which is contained in this formula, and is effective for anti-ageing and evening out of the skintone among other things (read post linked above for full details). So when I found out SBC were doing a BOGOF (buy one get one free) on their website for the month of March, I couldn't resist a purchase or two.

SBC Vitamin ACE Shower Gel and Body Creme

I have finished a bottle of the Vitamin ACE Skincare gel (which I bought in a set from QVC), it's great if you don't like the feeling of lotions on your skin as it's so light, but I found it was not moisturising enough for my skin so had to mix it with some oil. I decided to try the Body Creme as this is thicker and would be more moisturising, this is much better for my dry body skin, but not at all greasy. Although I still from time to time add a drop of oil, just to get that sheen/richness I like on my skin once I've moisturised, however this may not be needed in the warmer months as my skin is less dry. I'm also on my second bottle of the shower gel, this is a lovely foaming shower gel and just works well in conjunction with the other products and starts the topical application of the lovely vitamins contained in this range.

I thorougly enjoy using this range, and feel my skin is becoming more even with continued use of these products. We always focus on even skin on the face, but with the warmer weather making an appearance an all over even skintone is on the menu, and this range can help achieve that.

I will definitely continue to purchase from this range, I think I've tried everything except the serum, which is next on my wishlist. Have you tried anything from SBC? Do you have any recommendations for me?

Thank you for visiting today

Alex

B Beauty; B Sweet Makeup Collection

Last month I attended the launch of B Beauty's Spring 2015 Collection, B are embracing all things bright and pretty, so the usual coral and pink shades have been amped up for Spring Summer. The collection consists of a whipped mouse textured blush, a moisturising SPF15 lipstick, a Highligting Serum, alongside the launch of a makeup brush range.

B Beauty; B Sweet Makeup Collection

I received one of the 2 shades available in the B Sweet Whipped Blush called Strawberry, it's a soft pink shade, which unfortunately appears a little ashy on my skin tone. This is a lightweight whipped texture that provides a flush of colour to create an instant healthy glow, maybe the other shade Peach (more orange toned) would be more suitable for me. These retail for £7.99 each.

One of my favourites from the collection is the B Sweet Lipsticks, there are 3 shades, I received Sherbet Dip, a gorgeous bright deep pink shade. This gives buildable moisturising coverage, with SPF15 protection, The packaging is also great, think Chanel style where the lipstick pops out at the bottom, but at a more purse friendly £7.99.

Next up is the B Sweet Popping Candy Highlighting Serum, I was initially confused by this product, is it a serum, a highlighter or a primer? I was right to be confused as this is a multi-use product, it can be used as a hydrating serum, a highlighter or an illuminating primer as well as being mixed in with foundation. I'm still figuring out the best way for me to use this, it is lightweight and provides very subtle shimmer, it retails for £14.99 for 30ml.

B Beauty Makeup Brush Collection

Finally and my other favourite is the makeup brushes, I received the travel set, which contains the Powder Brush, Foundation Brush, Eyeshadow Brush and Lip Brush. Good drugstore brushes are hard to find, and Real Techniques have dominated in this area, but I think B can give them a run for their money. These brushes are super soft and I like the travel case with mirror these brushes are housed in. I'm definitely interested in looking at some fo the full sized options, and as with all B products they are Vegan and Cruelty free, this set retails for £17.99, but is currently on sale for £13.49 at superdrug.com.

Have you tried anything from the B Sweet Spring Collection, what are your thoughts?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Dermalogica Power Bright TRx Range

2 weeks ago I attended a blogger event for the launch of the new Dermalogica Power Bright TRx range, my interest is immediately piqued when I hear anything that is designed to target hyperpigmentation, but I am usually also skeptical. Dermalogica have created a trio of brightening products designed to target pigmentation and dark spots caused by age, hormones, stress and UV damage.

Dermalogica Power Bright TRx

This intensive range provides a well rounded approach to achieving healthy luminous skin by combining active ingredients; this includes Oligopeptides that reduce melanin formation, while algae extracts, phytic acid and niacinimide to name a few prevent pigment transfer. Of course it contains Hyaluronic acid (need I say more), what doesn't these days, this ingredient isn't going anywhere. Alongside this is Raspberry Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil and Tocopherol enhance barrier protection to smooth skin for a radiant finish. Built-in exfoliation removes existing pigmentation and brightens with Pumpkin Fruit and Moth Bean Seed Extract to promote skin renewal.

Dermalogica Power Bright TRx; C-12 Serum, Pure Light SPF50 & Pure Night

The range consists of 3 products, this includes C-12 Pure Bright Serum, that addresses pigmentation imbalance with the aforementioned peptides, to fight melanin formation. You apply this twice daily, it's a light weight serum that absorbs quickly, you wait a minute and follow with one of the next steps below.

Pure Light SPF50 daytime treatment moisturiser has Oleosome technology that provides elevated daily UV protection for all skin conditions, allowing improved moisturisation and hydration benefits. This SPF moisturiser is great, lightweight, but still moisturising, with no white cast.

In the evening I use Pure Night, this is a rich overnight cream, that isn't greasy. This restores skin luminosity, with the addition of vitamin C, as well as reducing fine dehydration lines.

I have really enjoyed using these products, I think this is boosted by the fact that I had a Environ Facial prior to using these products, which have allowed them to penetrate deep into the skin. My skin is definitely more glowy, radiant and even. I have continued using an oil serum after the C-12 serum at night, to aid with further hydration and partially out of habit. I'm sure you're thinking what's the catch, well that would be the price, although not as pricey as some other pigment fighting products on the market. If you are going to buy one item from this range, I would suggest the serum, which can be used as a targeted treatment on pigmented areasonly so it lasts longer.

You can find the Power Bright Range here, the serum is £79.80, Pure Light is £55 and Pure Night is £66.50 all are 50ml. You can also get the Treatment Kit at £33.70 to try all 3 before investing further.

Have you tried or will you be trying anything from this range?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Beauty and Melody Salon; Environ Facial

If you follow me on Instagram you will know that in February I attended a Keziah Connections event at the stunning Beauty and Melody Salon, so when I was invited back by Matthew (Manager) to experience an Environ facial I obviously jumped at the chance.

Beauty and Melody Salon

I actually didn't fully understand what an Environ facial was, it was developed by a doctor in South Africa and uses soundwaves and small electric pulses to drive the treatment down into the dermal layers of your skin that it wouldn't be able to reach with just manual application. This Environ facial is effective at treating sun-damage, pigmentation, premature ageing, dryness and scarring to name a few. The process starts with the usual cleansing of the skin, steaming to allow easier access to pores for extraction and then your treatment is applied. You can have either a vitamin treatment (vitamins A, C and antioxidants) or hydration, I choose vitamins. The electric pulses didn't hurt at all, and you quickly get use to the sensation, below you can see the little electrodes attached to the top of the algae mask, that was applied after the vitamin treatment had been done.

Beauty and Melody Environ Facial

I have really be loving my skin at the moment, and I believe it's down to the skincare I'm currently testing (review soon), being properly absorbed into my skin as a result of the facial. There's no point buying expensive skincare products, that will just sit on the surface of the skin, I now see the importance of facials in my skincare routine. There are also Environ skincare products available to purchase, to continue at home what the facial starts in the salon.

Sylvia was welcoming and knowledgable about skincare, even for women of colour and the usual concerns of pigmentation, I felt comfortable and confident in what she was doing. The facial can be done monthly, but for those with particularly problematic skin it can be done weekly or it can be done just before a special ocassion. So it can be adapted to your budget, but at £90 (1hr) - £110 (1hr 30mins), most people like myself will be saving this for a treat or special occassion. There are alternative treatments available at more purse friendly prices, so do have a look at their website beautyandmelody.co.uk.

Beauty and Melody Salon

Located a short walk away from Marble Arch tube station, they don't only do facials, but everything from weaves, wigs, makeup to laser hair removal, and yes the machine they use is suitable for darker skin tones.

Do you regularly get facial treatments done? Have you had an environ facial before?

Thank you for visiting the blog today

Alex

GOSH SS2015; Nail Lacquer, Eyelight Trio and Xtreme Liquid gel Eyeliner.

In February I attended the GOSH SS2015 Press Day, to see what new products were instore for the season ahead. I will be focusing on three product ranges that are available as part of the SS2015 launch, the Nail Lacquers, Eyelight Trios and Xtreme Liquid Gel Eyeliner.

GOSH SS2015 Nail Lacquers

The nail polishes aren't new in themselves, but 7 new shades have been launched in line with the brighter and pastel shades predicted for Spring Summer. These are in a fast-drying formula and high-shine finish and a big brush with rounded tip, which I love. I have 5 out of the 7 shades (in order as they appear above); Snow White is what it says on the tin, a white nail polish I'll probably never wear, clashes with my skintone. Seafoam is a gorgeous pale blue that I wouldn't have picked personally, but quite like. Apple Bloom is a pastel green, French Dream a pastel lilac pink. And finally Sunkissed, a gorgeous coral, right up my street. These retail for £3.99 each, instore and online at Superdrug.

GOSH SS2015 Eyelight Trios

Next up is the Eyelight Trios, these are round eyeshadow compacts with 3 shades in differing textures, an irridescent highlighter, a glitter and a satin finish. I absolutely love these, gorgeous pigmented shadows at an affordable £6.99, they are also perfume and paraben free. There are 4 shades in total, I have the 3 above, 004 Vanilla Sky, 003 Chunky Chocolate (my fave) and 002 Fairytale.

GOSH SS2015 Xtreme Liquid Gel Liners

Last but by no means least is the Xtreme Liquid Gel liners; these are new and come in 9 colourful shades in a long lasting, waterproof, smudge proof, fast drying formula, that's perfume and paraben free. The tip of the applicator is very thin for easy application along the lash line, but you can build up for a thicker line if you prefer, but these are not suitable for use on the waterline. The shades include (in order as they appear above) 003 Gunmetal, 005 Bronze, 001 Black (pure black), 002 Black Night (contains glitter), 008 Royal Blue, 004 Silver, 009 Turquoise, 006 Plum, 007 Lavender.  If you're looking for affordable colourful liquid liners, you can't go far wrong with these at £5.99 each.



Have you tried anything from the SS2015 range yet?



Thanks for visiting the blog today.



Alex

Premae Mattifying Mousse Foundation!!!

Premae skincare is the brainchild of Dr. Clare Eluka, qualified allergy practitioner and one of UK's top 20 natural beauty experts. She launched Premae in 2011, inspired by her own acne and eczema issues, Premae is now a multi award winning brand, with its recyclable packaging and vegan ethically sourced ingredients, they also support charitable bodies like the Allergy Foundation.

Premae Wonder Woman Event

Earlier this month I was invited as a Brownbeautytalk writer to attend the Premae Wonder Woman Event at the W Hotel in Leicester Square, and gifted the Mattifying Mousse Foundation, I was coloured match to shade 09 Maple.

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation

I was shocked to be colour matched to 09 Maple out of the 15 shades available, the makeup artists did have a hard task on their hands, colour matching in dark club like conditions. I was sure the foundation, that states it's for dark olive to light golden complexions, would be too light for me. I'm shocked to find it's a nice match, saying that thought, I doubt it'll still match come summer. I dot the foundation on my face with fingers and buff it in with a brush; it glides onto skin, and feels very soft. Premae state the foundation is suitable for all skin types, I have combination skin and and find this gives a luminous finish, it doesn't exacerbate oily areas too much and feels comfortable on dry areas, so I wouldn't let the word Mattifying put too many dry skinned beauties off. I do have to touch up once or twice throughout the day on my T-zone, which is typical for me.

Premae MMFoundation swatch and blended swatch

This is the world's first Mango Butter based foundation, it also contains Jojoba, Lavender essentials oils and Rose, the coverage is buildable to about a medium coverage. Mango and Jojoba help shield the skin from free radicals, and Dr. Clare states that with long term use the skins texture gets softer, who wouldn't want that?! Premae state it's soft enough to sleep in, as its gluten, nut, paraben, petrochemical and SLS free. I haven't been brave enough to sleep in it, mainly because I don't want brown pillows when I wake up in the morning.

Premae Mattifying Mouse Foundation Ingredients

I'm really enjoying using this foundation, and it's great to know that long-term it's doing my skin good, and on the odd occasion I do fall asleep in my makeup, I won't wake up the next day and feel guilty.



Have you tried this foundation or anything from the Premae Skincare range? The MM foundation can be found here and cost £29 for 15ml.



Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex

Testing

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Hema CC Perfecting Foundation and Pretty Lips Lipgloss

Hema; the Dutch equivalent to Ikea, except with beauty item launched in the UK in September 2014, they have everything from clothing, toys, kitchen utensils as well as furniture and the aforementioned beauty. There are 3 UK stores in Victoria, Bromley and Kingston, as well as an online store. The beauty range offers a wide variety of products from Mascara, makeup brushes to blusher, makeup bags and foundation, at an affordable price. I received the CC Perfecting Foundation and Pretty Lips Lipgloss, both with SPF15.

Hema Foundation and Pretty Lips Lipgloss

At £12 the CC Perfecting Foundation is one of the more expensive base products that Hema offers, so it’s definitely an affordable range. This base product claims to firm the skin, with the addition of natural oat extract , while giving a flawless medium to full coverage, mattifying finish and added SPF15. The SPF 15 can also help to prevent sun damage, it does not flashback in photography or appear ashy on the skin. It’s housed in a clear plastic pump bottle, with the standard 30ml of product with no added perfume and comes in 9 shades. I have shade N0 7, which is a perfect match for me (I usually fall between NC45-50 depending on the season). Being a colour correcting (CC) base, it has a good mixture of yellow and orange undertones, which help to balance out pigmentation on the skin and prevent those areas going ashy. I am absolutely loving this foundation, it’s a good colour match, lasts well and has buildable coverage. I do find that I require a touch up or 2 throughout the day, especially in my T-zone, but still feel this will be suitable for most skin types.

Hema Foundation Swatch

The Pretty Lips SPF15 Lipgloss is a new addition to the Hema lip range and actually looks like a tinted lipbalm, so I was initially confused as to why it was called a lipgloss. Hema state it’s a combination of lipstick and gloss and comes in 8 shades, it’s housed in a colour coded lipbalm type tube, that twists up to reveal the product. I received shade 17 Spicy Brown, which is a muted pinky brown shade, that is quite perfumed, but that dissipates quickly once applied. The pigment on these is very sheer, the gloss has a lot of slip to it and a glossy finish that’s comfortable to wear, but not as hydrating as a balm.

The Hema beauty range is available at hemashop.com. The foundation range starts from £3.50 and the Pretty Lips Lipgloss is £5.50, but I couldn’t actually find these on the website.

Have you tried anything from this range?

 

Thank you for visiting the website today

 

Alex

MDMflow Lipsticks

MDMflow Lipsticks

I had never heard of this relatively new British brand, MDMflow prior to being sent these lipsticks, but now it’s complete love. MDMflow is the creation of Florence Adepoju, a 22 year old scientist with a BSc (Hons) in Cosmetic Science from the London College of fashion; she couldn’t find a brand that represented her and her ideals. Combining all of her obsessions MDMflow was born, it’s a post 90’s influenced brand, that combines glamour with mid 90’s-00’s hip hop culture. They are housed in a gold bullet with the brand name written in black, and handmade in small batches, absolutely gorgeous.

MDMflow Lipsticks in Mas Marina, Vamp & Amarache.

I received 3 shades Amarache, a deep pink shade, Vamp a deep berry shade and Mas Marina a funky deep blue, which is a little out of my comfort zone. Amarache is a great everyday shade, don’t be fooled though, it still packs a punch on pigmentation. One swipe of this creamy, satin matte lipstick yields opaque colour and coverage. Vamp is my favourite of the 3, if I could only wear one lip colour ever it would be one in this colour family, so this is right up my street. It’s a deep dark berry shade, that leans much more matte than Amarache, but this gives it great staying power. Mas Marina is a deep blue teal shade, in a satin matte finish that I’d like to think I’m cool enough to pull off, but probably not, but I’m building up to wearing this shade out.


MDMflow Lipstick swatches

My only gripe is that Mas Marina lipstick has completely come away from the bullet, but I’m sure this is an isolated incident, that probably occurred due to the numerous shipping processes that had to occur to get the product into my possession. 

Lipsticks are £18 and I’m currently lusting after the nude pink shade SHE-RA and bright orange VON DUTCH, to be honest I have a wish list as long as my arm, checkout all the shades available here.

Have you tried any MDMflow lipsticks?

Thanks for visiting the blog today

Alex