Sunday 30 June 2013

Battle of the Healthymixes || Foundation Vs. Serum

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! Today's post is going to be a comparison between the re-formulated and packaged infamous Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation and an old favourite, the Healthy Mix Serum.
First things first, the shade I have in both of the products is 51, Light Vanilla. I believe this is the fairest of the 8 shades for the foundation and palest of the 6 shades for the serum. Whilst this is a perfect match for me, anyone with a very pale skin tone would struggle. The foundations are also slightly yellow toned.
I bought the foundation about a month ago, and have given it lots of attention as I wanted to be able to do a fair review. The new packaging is a glass bottle with a red pump (Revlon take note- we want pumps), unlike the original foundation which was a plastic tube with a black pump. I prefer the new packaging because I think it looks more professional, sleek and  high end. As I don't travel a lot, thepackaging being glass isn't a problem but I see how it can be if you do.
Bourjois claim this is 16 hour wear and that the foundation gives a healthy glow and flawless complexion along with it being hydrating and giving luminous skin. That is a lot of promises that I'm afraid the foundation doesn't quite live up to. I don't wear makeup for 16 hours but this barely lasts 8! I put this foundation on at about 7 and by 2 it already needs a concealer top up. The finish is very radiant and dewy and the coverage is medium. I wouldn't call this a flawless foundation as it doesn't cover redness very well. However spots and blemishes are hidden without the need for concealer. My skin is dry in some places and oily in others, and although this doesn't cling to dry patches out of the two foundations this is best suited to a combination skin type ( don't be afraid of the word glowy just because your skin is oily).
The foundation also blends really well, and I use the Real Techniques Expert Face brush with it.
 I also have a FOTD with this on which you can see HERE.

Available from Boots for £9.99 (although there is a buy one get one half price offer on selected cosmetics at the moment) and £9.99 from Superdrug (although there is currently a 3 for 2 on Bourjois products)
 Now onto the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation. The packaging for this is plastic with a white, prone to looking messy, pump and red lid. I equally like the packaging for both the serum and foundation and I actually quite like the pictures of fruit showing that vitamin rich fruits such as pomegranates and goji berries that are some of the ingredients.
 I got on with the serum straight away when I bought it back in April and I still really like it. The coverage is light, although buildable, and blends really nicely. Bourjois again claim that the gel foundation is 16 hour wear and gives a radiance boosted, even, revived complexion. And again I think these claims are exaggerated. The serum lasts a mere 6 hours on my skin, when applied lightly, but the foundation is very glowly and radiant whilst not making my skin look sweaty or shiny. In the picture below you can see how natural it looks.  
I can't seem to find the Serum on the Boots website but it is available for £10.99 in Superdrug which again has the 3 for 2 offer.
 
 Overall, I really love both of these bases, but the Serum definitely wins it for me. If you have oilier skin I would recommend the foundation but the Serum, in my opinion, is definitely one of the best foundations I've tried on the high street.

Have you tried either of the foundations? Which do you prefer?

Toodlepip
xxx

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Thursday 27 June 2013

Review || Topshop Lipstick in Ohh La La


Topshop lipstick in Ohh La La, £8, Topshop 
 
Hey guys, hope you're all well! Now we all know I love a good Topshop lipstick but this one really is beautiful. I am fully aware I just described a lipstick as beautiful but for Ohh La La, it fully deserves it. This could perhaps be the greatest lipstick that has ever graced my lips. If you haven't quite got the message already, I. Love. This. And below I shall tell you a hundred (slight exaggeration) reasons why!
 Topshop claims 'Velvet finish lipstick to smooth, moisturise and nourish lips. Apply for fabulous colour and moisturised, matte finish, wear alone or with gloss for a shiny finish.'  I prefer this formula to their matte finish as I find it more hydrating and that it doesn't emphasise any dry bits on my lips. However, the staying power is still fantastic ( a good 3 to 4 hours before a top up) and the colour doesn't wear off too badly during eating and drinking. I tend to wear this alone and haven't yet found a lip liner that matches exactly, but I will have to explore Topshop's range further. 
 
The colour is a gorgeous pigmented pastel pinky coral shade that isn't too bright to not be worn as an everyday lip colour but still stands out beyond a nudey pink. It has shot straight to my favourite lipstick spot (a highly coveted position) and will be worn nearly everyday of summer, I can already predict!
 
See you tomorrow
xxx
 

Wednesday 26 June 2013

The 30 Day Snap #26 || The Fairy in my Bedroom

I do believe in fairies, I do, I do!
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx
 

Review || L'Oreal Micellular solution

If you haven't heard of Bioderma, then where the hell have you been. It is literally one of the most talked and raved about cleansing products in the blogosphere. However, I really can't deal with the bother of trying to find places that stock it online and just the whole hassle of it all. So when I saw this L'Oreal alternative in Boots, I just knew I had to give it a try. This retails for £4.99 from Boots (although at the moment there's a 1/3 off all L'Oreal facial skincare) and Superdrug ( there is currently a 2 for £6 offer on L'Oreal cleansers). This works out to be A LOT cheaper than Bioderma and A LOT less hassle.
 L'Oreal claim the water is a 3 in 1 solution saying that it, 'Dissolves makeup, unclogs pores and removes impurities, and tones and soothes skin.' The product, I find, was great at removing base but not so good when it comes to eye makeup. I also found that it didn't do much in the way of 'unclogging pores', which was quite disappointing. It was also kind on the skin, which was great as my skin can be quite sensitive.
I use this as a pre-cleanse before using a foaming cleanser, such as Soap and Glory Face soap and clarity (review soon) or Simple's moisturising facial wash, when I'm in a good skincare mood or as a quick cleanse when I just want to go to bed (this is still better than wipes). Overall, I really like this micellar water, not having tried Bioderma- I can't compare, but I would highly recommend this as a good High Street alternative.

Have you tried any micellar solutions? Which are your favourites?
 
Toodlepip
xxx
 

The 30 Day Snap #25 || Dorothy Shoes


 
Let's just say Lettie has a slight obsession with The Wizard Of Oz.

Toodlepip
xxx

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Tuesday 25 June 2013

Review || Butter Yourself by Soap and Glory

Hello everyone, hope you're all well! Following my Heel Genius blog post, I promised that I would do some Soap and Glory inspired reviews. About two months ago, there was an offer on at Boots which meant that if you spent £10 you would get Butter Yourself Moisturiser completely free. Not to miss an S&G bargain, I quickly snapped it up.
 
 Let's begin with the smell, something which attracts me to all Soap and Glory products. The Frutigo Fragrance is the same as Pulp Fricton, if you are familiar, and lingers for hours after application. Containing fruitliquid fig and peppermint oil, it is a gorgeous distinctive, fresh, fruity, scent which is absolutely perfect for the summer months.
I usually apply this after a trip to the bath or shower, as recommended by S&G. The body butter also sinks in fairly quickly, limiting sitting in towel time quite drastically! The packaging is the usual pretty pink and holds 300ml of the fabulous thick creamy product which works wonders on my dry knees and elbows.
As you can probably tell, I love this body butter very much and have been using it constantly all month. I even have a sneaky feeling that I may prefer this to the Original Righteous Butter on the grounds that the formula is more exfoliating and softening whilst taking less time to sink in.
 
Available from Boots for £10.50, although S&G is currently on a 3 for 2.

Which is your favourite body butter? Any other Soap and Glory recommendations?

Until next time Soap and Glory lovers...
xxx

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Monday 24 June 2013

Tag || If I had £50

Hey everyone, hope you're all well! I was tagged to do this post by the lovely Emily from Freckles and Flaws (you can see her post HERE). I hadn't heard of this tag before and I thought it sounded quite fun, so decided to give it a go!

Here are the rules:

1. Pick a shop any shop. Whatever that shop is you have £50 to spend. Pick whatever you want. (Clothing shops may not work as well because sometimes it costs £50 for one thing)
2. The title of the post must be " "If I had £50" TAG " so people know what the post is about.
3. You must state that this post was created by me AlexRocksXO
4. Thank who tagged you. It's just polite :-)
5. Tag at least one person.
6. Copy and paste the rules onto the top of your post.



Even though the rules said a clothes shop wasn't the best choice, I've decided to pick Topshop, mainly looking at their jewellery, accessories and of course their makeup!
 
I have seen countless reviews of this and, I'm telling you, I NEED this in my life.


I've been wanting a necklace this style for absolutely ages! I think it would make a simple tee or dress look amazing!
 
They're hexogen- who doesn't want a pair of hexagon shaped sunglasses?
 
Brown and gold are my eye shadow colours of choice, this looks like it would be a great buy although I haven't seen any other reviews of it in the blogosphere.

I've gone 50p over, can you ever forgive me *sobs*? I just couldn't resist those glasses*sobs again*, it's just this addiction I have with Topshop! Anyway, this was so much fun to do and I'd love you all to have ago (please leave a comment with your link so I can check it out).

I tag:




 
 Toodlepip
xxx
 

The 30 Day snap #23 and #24 || Everything is Going to be Okay


Basically, nothing interesting happened in my life yesterday, so I felt no need to blog about it. Today, however I rediscovered this book I picked up from UO a while back. It's very motivating, especially if you've got a long week of exams ahead of you...
 
xxx
 

Sunday 23 June 2013

A Love for Rookie

It's one of my desktop icons, I read it everyday (three times to be precise) and, well, I love everything about it. Started by teen Tavi Gevinson, the online magazine talks about all things teenage girl. Filled with Friday Playlists, DIY style tips, embarrassing period stories and fiction, what's not to love? There are also monthly themes (July's will be Imitation) which are carried throughout the carefully thought out posts. The retro, vintage, nostalgic blog style only adds to my love. Basically this is my favourite website and below I will link some of my most read, loved and read again posts for you to have a flick through. I promise you won't be disappointed! And did I mention the really cool pictures? Ladies (and Gentlemen), I bring you Rookie...

Suffer little children


Innocence lost and found


I want it to be worth it: An interview with Emma Watson


All days are nights


Friday Playlist: Hanging out with the Lisbon sisters
Listen. To. This.



 



How to start a blog
This article is what inspired me!

 
 
Toodlepip
xxx
 

The 30 Day Snap #22 || Books, Books, Books

I've been mulling over buying a Kindle for a while now but I've decided against it due to the fact that there's not one book on this bookshelf that hasn't been dropped in the bath. However, I now have too many books and have had to create a new bookshelf upon my wardrobe. Any book keeping arrangement ideas are welcome!
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx
 

Saturday 22 June 2013

The 30 Day Snap #21 || Cotton Pads Galore

Tins are a great place to store cotton pads surprisingly!
 
 
Toodlepip
xxx
 

Makeup expiry dates || Time to throw out your makeup?

wehearit.com - edited by me

I'm a bit of a hoarder when it comes to makeup and, coming to think of it, pretty much anything in life! Below is a list of makeup expiration dates that I hope covers any products you may have.

Mascara || 3 months, 4 at the absolute max. This is very annoying as I rarely get a chance to actually finish a mascara before it needs throwing away, but if you hold onto it any longer, bacteria may build up and cause an infection!
 
Liquid eyeliner || 6 months, keep no longer to prevent bacteria from growing.
 
Pencil eyeliner || If it is sharpened regularly it can last up to 3 years!
 
Powder eye shadow || Up to one year if the brushes used are cleaned on a weekly basis.
 
Cream eye shadow ||  This can last between 6 and 12 months before the dustbin calls.

Powder blush/ bronzer || These can last up to two years if the brushes used are regularly cleaned.

Cream blush/ bronzer || Maximum of 6 months, again depending on the brushes.

Liquid foundation || 8 months before it's time to throw out.

Cream foundation || 12-18 months.

Face powders || If the brushes are kept clean, up to 2 years.

Lip glosses and balms || Up to 2 years.

Lipstick || 18 months.
 
Concealer || 8 months.
 
I'm throwing mascara's away as we speak!
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx
 

Changing names

If you hadn't already noticed, I've changed the name of my blog and the layout. 'Going on a Beauty Adventure' was a spur of the moment decision when I decided I would start a blog and I've pretty much hated it since. Therefore, I have decided to change my blog's name to 'Beatrice Sapphire' which is my first and middle name. I have also renamed my Facebook, but have been unable to change the URL. Whilst we're on the subject of all this I thought , especially as Google Reader is leaving us, I would link some places that you can find me and follow my blog below!
 
 
Each new blog post arrives here and all you have to do is press the 'follow' button.
 
 
 
I share each new blog post here.
 

 
 Facebook

I also share each new post here.

 
 
Yet another way to follow. 
 
 
 
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx

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Thursday 20 June 2013

Thought Thursday #5

  
Shall today be a makeup day or a no makeup day? Nine out of ten times the answers going to be yes. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with the way I look, but a more even, radiant skin tone is always going to be more appealing than my morning face. It was only recently (we're talking less than a year here) that applying a bit of foundation here and a spot of blush (usually cream) there became a usual habit. And all of a sudden I've got a blog were I talk about my love for it! You would of thought seeing girls with orange faces and three pairs of false lashes smothered with coats of clumpy mascara followed by enough bronzer to stain literally everything would of put me off makeup for life but creating a natural face is more of the look I go for. So yes, makeup does make me feel more confident and yes I do wear it on a regular basis, but hey what's wrong with that? Just someone please tell me if my face is orange...

xxx

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The 30 Day Snap #20 || Pumped Up Kicks

weheartit.com

It may be old, but I love old songs. I have been listening to this on repeat whilst revising and working all evening.
 
xxx
 

The 30 Day Snap #19 || Sun, is that you?

The sun has finally emerged (touch wood)!
 
xxx
 

Tuesday 18 June 2013

Cheap makeup storage solutions

There comes a point in every beauty addicts life, where a makeup bag is just too small to keep the stash. Recently I went through my products, got rid of old tubes of this and that, and re-organised some of my makeup, which I keep in my dressing table drawers. I didn't want to fork out on some Muji acrylic drawers that every youtuber seems to have and instead decided that I would compile my own storage solutions!

How about teacups for concealers?
Or old jam jars for brushes?
Lunchboxes as mascara holders?
When you finish with your S&G body butters, you can use them as lipstick holders!
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx
 

The 30 Day Snap #18 || Reading in the garden


I first read this book about a year ago and decided that I'd re-read it again this week.
 
Toodlepip
xxx
 

The 30 Day Snap #17 || Flower fishtail



After watching Zoella's recent youtube video on hairstyles, I thought I would give the fishtail plait a go. I'm hardly a hairdresser but the messiness just adds to the authenticity of it all, doesn't it?
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx
 

Sunday 16 June 2013

NOTD #6 || Island Coral by Sinful Colours

 


I recently one Island Coral in a blog giveaway and I have to admit that I'm having a love affair with the colour. As the name would suggest, it is a gorgeous pink-y coral shade that is opaque within three coats. For the price you're obviously not getting Essie quality, but this has lasted a good three days on my nails and I haven't noticed any major chipping yet. Overall, I'm really liking Sinful Colours and will definitely be picking up some more, considering they're only £1.99.
 
 
Au revoir mes amies
xxx