Products I Used Up | September 2017

Another delved into the pile of beauty trash I amassed over the past months starts with the usual regular appearances of Sure Maximum Protection* and The Wet Brush. Both are staples in my daily routines, although the former may be opted due to a new deodorant I've discovered recently so stay tuned for that in a later post. The Mitchum Deodorant mini is the usual type I have thrown in my bag for freshening up on the go.

I'd love to hear from other Wet Brush users and whether you have to change yours as regular as I do - especially as I don't think I have particularly thick knotty hair to battle. It's probably my only gripe that I do sometimes feel I'm replacing it every month or two but it does give me an opportunity to try out a new colour and there's nothing like a fresh new hairbrush.

Sticking with haircare and shampoo of the dry and regular varieties; Catwalk by TIGI Transforming Dry Shampoo* and John Frieda Sheer Blonde Honey Blonde Colour Illuminating Shampoo*. Both were products that worked as they should and I enjoyed using. You can read full reviews here and here but I suspect any repurchase will be made at John Frieda. As much as I loved the scent of the TIGI Dry Shampoo, I'll still with paying a few pound for the regular offerings.

The cooler temperatures means allowing my hair to air dry isn't so much of an option and it's time to reach for the hairdryer. When I was I powered through TIGI Bed Head Queen Beach Salt Infused Texture Spray* with it's beachy scent and more moisturising offering that left hair less crispy. I would repurchase again, and indeed would for my forthcoming holiday were it not for one or two other bottles lurking around I'd like to use up before the year is out. You can read my original review here.

I've been trying some new skincare items recently so we only say goodbye to Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner* and Lacura Expert Eye Gel. Interestingly and for transparency both these items were ones I loved in it's early stages but later started to find fault and hence there appearance in the basket. In the case of Dermalogica I think I was at fault and had allowed the product to hang around to long in amongst many other skincare products. At first it seemed fine when I reached for it again but the first tell tale sign with any product if the smell seems off it's time to get rid.

The Lacura Expert Eye Gel appeared in my April Favourites I liked it so much in it's early stages but as time went on I found it was a little drying and not quite doing what I wanted. That said a few other gel eye creams I've reached for I've found the same result so think in my older years I need something a little more powerful.

Two products I'm sad to say goodbye to are my Carmex Classic Wild Pot* and Revlon Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour in Devotion. Again I'm trying to use up lip balms I have in my collection before buying others but I really am missing Carmex although I'm not a fan of the pot. Stiletto nails do not create the perfect conditions for dipping fingers in but the product was fantastic at keeping lips moisturised.

Revlon's Devotion was my go to lip when I wanted some colour but I wasn't in the mood for the maintenance of a red lip, it also works well whatever the weather. I realised as I was wearing this week that it was becoming less easy to work with and dispense the product so I decided it was time to favour other products. I would repurchase but also as part of my decluttering I'm allowing myself time to discover if indeed I am missing certain products before hitting the repurchase button.

The ever present hand creams that I used up this month were again disappointments. Sorry for this months empties post appearing on the negative side but I guess thats how some months go. Weleda Almond Sensitive Skin Hand Cream* but as with Leighton Denny Best Defence Hand Cream* I found that my hands would not feel so moisturised after I'd applied. They were not dry in the same way as when they come out of water but I still find it was my usual experience.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

2016 FAVOURITE FAVOURITES | PART 2

I hadn't originally intended to make my 2016 Favourites into a two parter but when I found what is now Part 1 taking on a long life of it's own I decided to carry on today with the eyes and the lips.

Lorac Pro Palettes are well known in blog circles and they are still one of the now few US releases that are difficult to get hold of in the UK, and even if you're lucky enough to head to the US tracking down an Ulta that have them in stock is your next problem. I'm lucky to have a US Beauty mule in the form of my friend Rose who placed an order for me and shipped it over and I'm so thankful she did. On first impressions I thought the Lorac Pro Palette 3 was a little disappointing compared to Lorac Palettes 1 and 2 which I also have. Was this palette just a little too neutral and boring for even little old me who is not skilled with eye make up. The answer is not at all and this is a palette I reach for, and have reached for on an almost daily basis. So much is the love that I'm due to embark on a declutter of my make up and think it's time to part ways with some of my eyeshadows that are left behind and unloved.

One eyeshadow range I will not be parting with are my small, but growing collection of L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows. I first picked up Amber Rush and Bronze Taupe in the US during ravings years ago and since then Amber Rush, a US exclusive at the time although it seems the range has been discontinued in the UK completely now,  has appear in favourites posts for March and June last year.

These pressed pigments are amazing and really pigmented and one of the few ranges with some shimmer that work with 'older eyelids'. I added another couple to my collection in October when I visited Las Vegas with Iced Latte the pictured shade and a favourite during December. This in particularly is apparently a dupe for Urban Decay Kitten which I can neither confirm nor deny but I can tell you its a wonderful shade that worked perfectly over the festive season.

Interestingly I have found myself neglecting my favourite Mac 217 of late for the Zoeva 227 Brush*. I find this softer than the 217 and therefore easier for blending and creating the look with my unskilled hand. I still of course have love for the 217 and it's still the product I always treat myself to in Duty Free but I think it's time to add a few more 227 to the mix.

Finally it's the brows. I know brows have been big and I should really be singing the praises of various brow pomades and the like, which I do use but it's the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper that I've reached for this year. Taking the place of my previous favourite, Maybelline's Brow Drama the L'Oreal addition to the line up of such products has a much more appropriate brush to work with. I have dark and thick brows so I find a sweep of this product is sufficient for 'every day make up' looks. Yes if I'm putting more effort in I'll reach for products such as the Anastasia Brow Wiz but it's not something I favour working with.

I've tried to work through my mascara stash during 2016 but the favourite product which has already been repurchased on two occasions and heading for it's third purchase is the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes. I'm tempted with the duo available on QVC such is my love although I've just seen there is one available with a bottom lash mascara which is very temping to try as I've been applying mascara to my bottom lashes more often than I have previously. This is one of few mascaras that I find gives my lashes that false lash effect and doesn't have any fall out. If I have a long night ahead this is what I'll reach for.

That said a good competitor is the L'Oreal False Lash Superstar Red Carpet Mascara which isn't as good but at a drugstore price it hits the spot. I'm even more tempted to try the Superstar X Fibre version which has been released recently as it offers a black primer as opposed to the formers white. I don't find any issue with the white but I wonder if the black improves things. If you've tried both I'd love to hear your thoughts.

As I enter 2017 I do want to address my make up collection and lipsticks is one of those areas where I have certain favourites and therefore wonder why I have so many others. Here are some picks which have been in steady rotation starting with the KIKO Impressionist Red* which was part of The Artist Collection. This is the perfect red for Summer and one I took on holiday with me loving it's staying power and creamy formula that does not dry out lips. I've only tried two lipsticks from KIKO and this collection but I would be interested in trying more based on this foray. I'll also give special mention to the complimenting lip liners which work just as well on their own if you're looking for a more matte look.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip in Devotion has fallen out of favour recently but was a lip product I'd often reach for on working days when I didn't want to think about my make up too much nor worry about keeping a red shade topped up. For a matte lip they are not drying at all and if you're a fan of Rimmel East End Snob Liner (which is another favourite I recently finished) you'll love this.

A more recent favourite has been the L'Oreal Gold Obsession Lipstick in Rouge Gold. This is a wonderful shade of red shot through with a gold that adds a shimmer you don't often find in a red but doesn't give off an old fashion glittery look. I have travelled with this shade as I find it works well for as a red for all seasons thanks to the 'hidden gold' element.

Finally for lip favourites are the Maybelline Color Jolts or Paints depending where you are in the world. Mine have come from the US and the shade names certainly vary. These aren't the longest lasting lip products but they last longer than I expect for a product of it's type and I like the ease of which they're applied. I do fear their size and my usage means these will be used up very quickly.

Finally the products that finish off any make up look. I've used some artistic licence and have photographed the Maybelline Setting Spray when it has been the L'Oreal Fixing Mist I have in fact used and recently made its way to the empties pile. That said both my versions which were picked up in the US, and again I believe are different from the UK equivalents do have the same ingredients so I assume they are one and the same bar branding.

I was unsure how I felt about setting sprays and how much of a difference they make but they sit on my dressing table and I give a spritz before walking out the door. Mac Fix Plus has made more of an impact that latter half of the year about seeing Laura discussing the various ways she's been using and I've adopted one or two myself. I've gone so far as pop this handy travel size into my make up bag and it really does perk up the skin on a long day. I feel this could be a staple for 2017.

That brings a close of my make up favourites in 2016, don't forget to give Part 1 a read if you haven't already done so and do share your favourites for the past year and any thoughts you have on my picks.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

May 2016 | Beauty Favourites

Another month passes and it seems to have gone by so quickly that my favourites have been more of a case of products I could reach for without thinking about them. So much so that in my hungover state yesterday I have picked out two products that featured in last month's favourites post! You'll also see an empties post later this week that shows how I'm still working my through my stash to streamline it rather than add to it.

I am dreadful at dragging out mascara's far long than necessary and as I try to whittle them down I've rediscovered Essence's I Love Extreme Mascara. I forgot how much I love this, long, thick and voluminous lashes appear after a few coats of this high street favourite. I know Essence have an extensive range of mascara's so I think I need to visit a counter and investigate some more of their offerings. And stock up on another of these.

During one of my spring clean sessions last year I put aside a make up bag of 'Summer' nail polishes which I rediscovered hunting through a cupboard. Straight away I reached for Barry M nail polish in Greenberry and my toe nails were painted. I've been relying on my nudes and reds on nails a lot lately so it was nice to find something a little more fun to play with.

Revlon lip products have have been my go to of late, similar colours but very different formula. The Revlon Lip Lacquer in Rose Quartz compliments any outfit when I want a glossy finish. For days when I want to play things down a little it's Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour in Devotion. Once an almost every day red lip wearer I'm enjoying changing things up a little with these two favourites.

Blogging allows me to test a lot of skincare so I love it when I can settle with a product long enough that it's used in it's entirety. F.O.Y Moisturising Day Cream* has been a surprise hit with me. Initially judging the packaging and thinking it was 'nothing special' I can only say that my skin has loved this moisturiser and I feel like my skin is really good shape at the moment. I find that my make up applies evenly and skin isn't crying out for hydration. If further prove that I was a fan of this product is need, often I'll rotate products as I get bored but it wasn't the case here.

Finally the two base products I've been reaching for on a daily basis, a second appearance for Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer and Natural Collection Tinted Moisturiser*. Really I should've included the Natural Collection Bronzer* too as its those three products and the aforementioned mascara and lipsticks that allow me to get out of the door in the mornings, quickly and with minimal effort.

You can read a full review of the Natural Collection range but in short this is a product that once again proved my preconceived ideas wrong. I cannot believe for £1.99 I have found a product that rivals my 'holy grail' Chanel Healthy Glow Fluid and again, the fact that I haven't immediately swapped out after testing and am reaching for it daily shows that it's a product I'll be using again and again.

What have you been loving this month?

*this post contains press samples

Superdrug Beauty 3 for 2 Haul

Despite my 'use what I have' mantra for 2016 I couldn't help treating myself during the recent Superdrug 3 for 2 promotion. I'd seen the Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer's doing the rounds and knowing there were easier to get hold of than fighting on the Kylie Cosmetics website I thought I'd stick with the high street.

The shade that had caught my attention was Smokey Topaz and was top of my list and started the buying process. It swatched beautifully as did Rose Quartz and I dithered, did I really want two of the same product. Did I need two new lip glosses or lacquers as they're known? Of course not but both came home and I'm so pleased they did. Why? Because Smokey Topaz did not work for me but Rose Quartz on the other hand is a favourite at the moment.

Smokey Topaz is just too pale and sheer for me and my dalliance with nudes recently has told me that my lips are naturally too pink so I need to ensure I pick the colours more wisely. Rose Quartz though is a subtle but pigmented shade of pink which to use a cliche is 'my lips but better'. As mentioned it's very much like melted lipstick, glossy but not sticky. I've noticed also that I prefer the brush application than a doe foot applicator. The packaging is pleasing, even the jewel in the top of the applicator doesn't look cheap or tacky as one would suspect.

Once I'd decided on my lip lacquers I needed that third product and I decided to pick up Elegant Touch Nails in Constellation. I am really into false nails at the moment finding them perfect for weekend occasions and then wiping them off so I'm able to hold a pen, type or apply eye creams without danger of blinding myself. I found these particularly pretty and if we're going to love the rose gold trend lets pop it on our nails too.

As it happened the outfit I planned to wear these with changed so I went for another option but I'm looking forward to bringing these out for an event soon.

Finally with all purchases you got a nifty little make up bag. I need more make up bags like a hole in the head but it's cute nonetheless and I'm sure my niece will be very happy to use it on my behalf.

What have you been treating yourself to recently?

April 2016 | Beauty Favourites

It's a very make up heavy favourites post today as I  reverted to something of a lazy make up routine the past month and all these items tick the box for that. First up I'll start with some products you may recognise from my Superdrug Haul.

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer is making waves in the beauty community and I jumped straight on that bandwagon and can say that for me the hype is deserved. I've never been one to just conceal and go but on weekends when I'm even less inclined to wear make up but want to make something of an event I've been sweeping this on, adding some Chanel Les Beiges Powder and I'm good to go. It doesn't crease under the eyes, far outweighing others I've tried and lasts all day. Another plus is it looks far more higher end and is less messy than other offerings in my collection.

The Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipstick in Devotion has been a big hit, as has the formula of this product. I did return to Superdrug to look at other shades but none sparked any excitement as Devotion did so I left empty handed and stuck with this favourite. A subtle shade of pink but not too subtle that it looks like I haven't bothered at all it goes with almost every outfit. The slightly chalky feeling texture goes on like silk and dries down without drying lips out so I'm crying for lip balm later. I can reapply throughout the day without fear of cracked lips although this is certainly a longer lasting product compared to others. It's definitely worth checking out if there's a shade that you like.

Next is L'Oreal's Brow Artist Plumper which has quickly replaced my former love of the Maybelline BrowDrama. With a much more sensible, smaller brush this is far easier to brush my brows out and fill in any gaps very quickly. It dries quickly and is far hardier against my annoying habit of stroking my eyebrows and definitely requires more effort to displace and ruin my efforts.

Carrying on my lazy make up theme I've been reaching for the Seventeen Mono Eyeshadow in Rose Quartz on a daily basis with my Zoeva 227 Definer Brush* for a quick eye make up look. Again I've never been a one lid colour and go kind of girl, even with my simple eye make up routines I'd always add something into the crease, outer corners and some sort of liner, until now. The Zoeva 227 is a worthy contender for Mac's famous 217 of which I have many but it's the 227 I've reached for. Blending out Rose Quartz on my lids and some mascara I'm happy enough with my make up to be seen in the office. The Mono Eyeshadows are compact, pigmented and last a day in the office which often is all I'm looking for.

As I continue my make up declutter I've pulled out Covergirl Blush in Pretty Peach that has been sitting in the draw for ages following a US Beauty Haul.  Hailed as a dupe for Mac Melba Blush it's become a firm favourite if not for the cheap and unpleasant packaging. I've been reaching for this a lot as the sun shines and it gives a nice soft glow.

Painting my nails is a chore I don't enjoy and I'm always torn between painting with normal polish multiple times or wearing gels and having the chore of removing to reapply. First world problems of course but I've settled on painting for nails as it feels like an easier process at times. Another Covergirl product and this is the red polish they brought out in their Star Wars range. It's your standard shade of red but applies nicely, if the brush is a little small for my liking. I get a good few days out of this before any wear starts to show.

Finally I'm throwing a skincare item in which has become a big hit as we hit hayfever season. I've recently been testing some products from F.O.Y and the stand out for me at the moment is the Revitalising Eye Gel*. This is very much a gel and I think I need to start keeping in the fridge for some extra cooling properties to soothe my itchy eyes. The packging is rather luxe for an eye cream and whilst it's not the ideal travel companion it's nice sitting atop my dressing table.

What have you been loving this month?

*this post contains press samples

Superdrug Beauty Haul and First Impressions

Last week I had an impromptu sleepover at a friends which would be all well and good but I was without my make up bag. My drawer at work was stashed with many things, including the change of clothing required, toothbrush and deodorant but alas I'd recently taken home my make up bag so that I could update it a little. Bad timing.

Whilst I'll happily pop to Tesco at the weekend make up free there was no way I'd be doing so in the office so off to Superdrug I took myself to take advantage and stock up on a full face and try some products, new and that were on my radar but I'd been unable to justify purchasing until now.

I must start by saying this was not a cheap endeavour at £60 despite taking advantage of the 3 for 2 offers but I did include some make up brushes due to my product choices; of course I could've kept things really pair down and picked things I could apply with my fingers but that wasn't what this shopping trip was about. I'm also writing this post the evening I purchased the items so as the title reveals it's a first impression rather than after subsequent use and further testing.

My first stop was the Bourjois counter as I knew I wanted to try the Bourjois City Radiance Foundation in the shade Vanilla and matching Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer in shade Medium. Without having applied any moisturiser and forgoing  primer on this occasion I thought the claims of hydrating formula would assist as well as needing the fresh and luminous complexion it promised.

At first I went in using the Eco Tools Foundation Brush (more on my brush choice in a moment) which I didn't like at all although it was a push as I haven't used this style in years. Instead I found that working in with my fingers worked best. I never know what I'm doing when choosing shades of foundation and at first I feared it was a little light and difficult to work in but actually the reality was that I was able to blend in quickly and easily. It felt comfortable but I  feel I can't really gauge a foundation on it's own as I look so strange without the 'added extras'.

My office toilets (and lifts) are often the place I look to see how my make up appears because if I'm pleased with what I see in those harsh lights then I must be doing something right and indeed even by end of the day I took a once over and there was little wear and things did have a glow about them which was great as already mentioned there was no skincare regime that morning to give a helping hand.

Bourjois Radiance Reveal Concealer I liked immediately. I'm not especially into the stark light under eyes look hence my choice of medium, it also meant I could build up areas I felt needed it from the light to medium coverage foundation without things looking out of place. It hasn't held up too well as the day has gone on and there is some creasing and I'm more aware of the lines under my eyes today but again this could be in part to lack of eye creams in the past 24 hours. Despite this it doesn't feel dry and I'm not against trying this out a little more to see how it fairs.

With a 3 for 2 offer on Boots I decided to pick up the old favourite of many a blogger, Bourjois Delice De Poudre. Another product I'd always wanted to try but could find no justification due to a healthy stash of bronzers and highlighters. In this instance there was no other justification than it was two products in one. I would prefer to use use with a stiffer, smaller brush than the EcoTools Powder Brush as I found the pigmentation quite light, that said using all over the face rather than 'contouring' has given some added colour needed from my perhaps too light foundation choice.

I did want a specific blusher from L'Oreal which I'd seen at the weekend but this was not available so instead I went for the new L'Oreal Infallible Blush Trio in Soft Rosy. Using the aforementioned powder brush I swirled in all three colours and swept on cheeks. This was another hit and I loved the sheen it gave, maybe I didn't need that highlighter after all. In fact I can see me getting a lot of wear out of this. It's not as heavily pigmented as say my favoured Peaches and Cream blush from Mac but it'll be nice for lighter make up days or those where I'm wearing a red lip.

L'Oreal also had 3 for 2 as part of their offers and another product I was keen to try was the L'Oreal Eyebrow Artiste Plumper in Medium/Dark. Regular readers will know I love Maybelline BrowDrama and it's a frequent repurchase and lazy day eyebrow choice for me but there is always the desire to try something different. On first use I was happy with the results. There is a slightly smaller brush than Rimmel's version and less product is dispensed, an issue I had with that one. The wand is certainly a more normal shape than Maybelline's quirky offering which whilst I have no particularly issues with L'Oreal's is probably more natural to use. I'm in the middle, well in desperate need of having my eyebrows threaded so I'm not working with good brows at the moment so it's difficult to speak too highly of L'Oreal Artiste Plumper but it did the job and I would be inclined to cast aside my Browdrama for this in future. Stay tuned.

To make up my offer I picked up an eyeshadow quad from L'Oreal in Smoky. It's fairly typical of it's type and pleasing to use with the appropriate EcoTools brushes but I wasn't wowed. I perhaps should have brought a single shade and been done with it.

Next I moved to the Revlon counter which was buy one, second half price to purchase one of their new mascaras. Revlon recently revamped their range, colour coding them by type. I choose Revlon Ultimate All in One Mascara in Black. After battling with the packaging (we all know how cumbersome Superdrug security stickers are) a rather unusual small wand. This is another product that will require more usage to form an opinion especially as I was so bemused by the teeny tiny wand. That said it lengthened and curled my lashes although there was some clumping that took some work to separate. The smaller wand did make it, not so much easier but more precise in coating the lashes.

My favourite purchase was the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipstick in what I believe is Passion (I can't find a name on the tube). Again this was picked up to make up the offer and as a new product I was happy to try. I went for a pink lip to balance out what could've been bad base and eye products without going gung-ho and a red lip. It smells amazing, glides on like a cream and dries down to a matte which has not left my lips a mess. And even better, it lasts. Numerous cigarettes, cups of tea and even lunch I popped to the toilet and saw it still in place. Admittedly it was now more of a stain than earlier but there was still something there, and not just around the edges like badly applied lip liner. I'll definitely be trying out some more colours from the range.

Finally I needed brushes. As I mentioned I could've left it as products that were all easily applied with fingers but I'd rather pick products I wanted and add a set of brushes in than otherwise. I went for the Lovely Looks set by EcoTools, similar to this one. Having a glance over the offering it was cheaper at £11.99 to buy this than individual brushes or being more specific, it had everything I needed and the packaging is nice that it'll store nicely in my desk drawer. It even has instructions. They're not the best brushes I've ever used, nor will they replace favourites but when I'm in a pinch they're perfect and I can't complain about how my make up looked.

Its quite possible as you read this post I have been continuing to use these products and form stronger opinions on them so stayed tuned on that. I hope you enjoyed this unexpected haul, more make up was the last thing I needed to buy!

Products that didn't work for me #1

It stands to reason that in the course of buying, testing and using all manner of beauty products that some things just won't work for me even though they do for someone else. I'm lucky that I don't have sensitive skin so I rarely suffer from any bad reactions and there's such variety of products that if one doesn't work there's another that will and life's just too short to use something that I don't enjoy using. Here are a few things that have been passed on to friends and family as they have no place in my routine.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer link

The Elasticizer is such a cult product that it's sold in supersize bottles on QVC and the majority of people have great things to say about it. I may have got to grips with my skincare regime but hair is something I'm still struggling with. I picked up this tube from Marks & Spencer's beauty hall months ago and expected great things and I was sorely disappointed. I used as a treatment, tried leaving overnight but nothing worked for me. There was either little difference to my hair or it looked work. Let me tell you I was annoyed, this is not a cheap product and worse free samples were given out with a magazine about a week after I'd purchased it. This has now gone on to my friend who loves and uses this product so don't let my bad experiences sway you but beware it won't work for all.

L'Occitane Lavande Lavender Hand Cream link

I love hand cream, especially those from L'Occitane but not in this instance. I loved the idea of a relaxing bath with my Ragdale Hall Bath Essence (read about that here), climbing into bed and applying soothing hand cream and falling into a deep slumber but I just couldn't bear the scent of this. I don't mind a little lavender in my products but in this case it was just too overwhelming and I found it distracting. In a world with so many hand creams on offer despite persevering I had to add this to the 'bin it' pile.

No 7 Pore Vacuum Mask link

I reviewed this mask in my 'What to buy with No 7 vouchers posts' here so I won't repeat myself too much but in short this mask is messy, hard to remove and generally an unpleasant experience. I used twice in the spirit of thorough testing but wouldn't put my skin through any more. 

Crabtree & Evelyn Gardners Hand Therapy link

I was given a gift set containing four Crabtree & Evelyn hand creams and loved them all, apart from the Gardners Hand Therapy. The formula itself is lovely but the scent described as 'herbaceous freshness of green clover, sage, thyme and rosemary' it's no surprise the smell didn't appeal. It literally smelt like a garden on my hands and I'm certainly not green fingered.

Clinque High Impact Mascara link

I received Clinque's High Impact Mascara with a bonus time collection and simply I suffer from fall out with it. By lunchtime my mascara is sitting under my eyes and that is not a good look for anyone. I have an abundance of mascara's in my drawer that the results just weren't worth putting up with tidying up throughout the day

Revlon Lash Potion link 

I picked up this mascara when I was in Las Vegas last year and was completely led by it's attractive packaging and tag line 'for spellbinding volume and supernatural length' - I'm a marketers dream. I didn't have high expectations for it's 'potion' which strengthens lashes that was just an added extra and I can't comment on them further as I didn't use it for any length of time. What did disappoint was it promised to 'magically transform' lashes to be long and lustrous which I didn't find at all. It was what I'd refer to as a day mascara, you know the ones, it makes lashes look nice and prominent but certainly not anything special and I wouldn't reach for it on a night out. I would've maintained using this mascara if it hadn't been like Clinque's offering about the fall out. I can forgive a product if the look is right but in this instance it was out of the make up bag for me. I've since seen one or two reviews that this works better once it's started to dry out but the impatient soul I am, I have no time for that when there are bigger and better mascara's to use.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer link

And we end on possibly the most disappointing of all, Laura Mercier's highly spoke of foundation primer. This was one of those products I first brought when I entered into the beauty blogging world. Every blogger and YouTuber was talking about this in favourites, I was new to Laura Mercier, loved a wonder product that would mean minimal effort from me to touch up my make up throughout the day so I added a tube of this to my shopping basket. Firstly I wish I'd researched more as I would've gone for the smaller, cheaper tube I didn't know existed. I'm not a fan of the formula of this as I found it quite heavy and sticky when applying. I always apply my primer well in advance of my foundation to allow it time to sink in but this always felt like it needed extra time. I also didn't see any longevity with my make up after using this and as I'm not a big primer user I needed to see something positive to add the extra step into my routines. I've recently been testing my primers for a post to come next week and gave this another whirl and it's just not for me compared to others I own.

So there you have it, some surprising and disappointing products in that list which I'm sure some of you will say 'but I love that' and other's I hope I'm not alone with. Let me know any of your experiences with these products or anything I should stay away from.