Klorane Cornflower Eye Make Up Remover

Klorane, if you've heard of it at all, seems to always be associated with their cult Oatmilk Dry Shampoo, so I was interested to try this make up remover when I was sent it (along with the dry shampoo, of which more another time).  Until then, I didn't know they did anything other than hair care products.  The Cornflower Eye Make Up Remover Lotion, to give it its full name, is packaged nicely, in a deep blue plastic bottle, and the lotion itself it a nice blue shade.  See?

Coming to a product with absolutely no preconceptions or expectations is actually really nice, and increasingly rare in this over-saturated world of beauty media we live in.  I have been using this for about four weeks now and I'm really impressed.  As I have often mentioned, I am obsessed with the Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover, but haven't repurchased it for ages because I've been working my way through the gallons of Bioderma I (regretfully) purchased over the summer.   

Anyway, the Klorane remover has the consistency of water; no apparent oiliness so at first I was sceptical it would deal with my eye make up sufficiently but it does a great job of removing everything.  It does require 2-3 cotton pads per eye, depending on how much I'm wearing, but I've yet to find a remover* that is better in that respect. 

This remover is designed for sensitive skins, and even singles out contact lens wearers in the press info as ideal users, so that should indicate how gentle it is, and I have to agree.  Not once has this irritated my eyes or the surrounding area, and it doesn't leave any redness whatsoever.

It's also paraben-free with a, supposedly, pH balance identical to that of tears (maybe I could just cry my make up off, instead?) so if sensitivity is an issue for you with your skin, I highly recommend investigating this product.  The other thing that surprised me was the price.  I think I expected it to be somewhere around the £10-£12 mark, don't ask me why, and if it was, I would say don't bother.  But it's more like the £5 mark, as you'll find here.  I'm very interested in trying the rest of the skincare from Klorane and will without a doubt be repurchasing this when I've used it up.  I like having happy eyes.

PR sample

*Actually that's not strictly true.  Years ago I was given a Molton Brown gift set that included a f-a-bu-lous eye make up remover that was quite oily but so, so brilliant.  Never found it again so any ideas, PLEASE let me know.  I think about it all** the time.
**Sometimes***
***Ok I only remembered it when I was writing this post but still. WANT.

Revlon Strawberry Suede dupe

Sadly discontinued, Revlon Strawberry Suede is a beautiful, matte lipstick that I first wrote about here.  As it is no longer available to buy, I use mine sparingly, but recently I bought this 17 lipstick in Hot Chilli, which I reviewed here.  It dawned on me the other morning that it's a dead ringer for Revlon Strawberry Suede, so I whipped them both out and compared.  I don't think it's too bad, so for all of you who've been after the Revlon, get thee to your nearest 17 counter, tout suite!

 

17 Hot Chilli on the left, Revlon Strawberry Suede on the right.

New Hair

So after months...YEARS...of growing my hair out, avoiding hairdressers, 'treating it' by simply chucking half a bottle of conditioner on it every other day and generally just leaving it to look, well...see above, I decided it was high time to deal with my barnet and get it cut into a good, proper style that would actually look half decent rather than looking like I'd just ignored the problem.  Again, see above.  So tonight, I bit the bullet and I did just that.

Scared in the chair.  I went to Rush, to a branch near my house.  I booked over the phone and got the 50% discount that always seems to be available.  The lovely man who cut my hair was called James.  He sung as he worked, brought me wine and made me laugh.  I think I may have, finally, found The One.  Anyway, I asked for just your standard 'long bob' with a definite graduation and some layers at the back to give it shape.  And mercifully, he listened.

It definitely feels weird and cold and bizarre to no longer have a blanket of hair cascading over my shoulders, but it also feels SO, SO nice to have healthy, PROPER hair again.  It's been a long time.

So thank you, James.  You've made a Cousin It a very happy girl.

Alpha-H Absolute Eye Complex

Continuing the Alpha-H love-in on this blog, let me introduce you to the Absolute Eye Complex.  I was on the lookout for a new eye treatment and specifically wanted a gel rather than a cream.  I'm 27 and so whilst fully on the anti-ageing train in terms of looking after my skin, don't particularly feel like I need anything too rich or heavy at this stage.

I love how light this gel is, both in texture and feel on the skin.  It can be used both in the morning and the evening but I prefer to only use it in the morning.  It has, I think, a definite tightening effect on the skin; not uncomfortable at all, but lovely and cooling and good for puffy peepers after a late night.  I can't say it's eradicated any fine lines I have (and I do have a few) but it absolutely reduces my bags and helps to make my eyes look bright and open.

I've been using the Absolute Eye Complex for around three months now, every day, and am just about to run out.  You only need a tiny amount so I think it's very good value for money.  My only slight gripe is that you need to give it 5-10 minutes to properly sink it before applying make up as I find it can be a little sticky and your base will adhere to it.  Other than that, no complaints at all.  I will be ordering it again, immediately.  Now I just need to find a good eye cream to use at night, so any suggestions, please let me know.

PR sample

My Face Today

Starring:
No7 Stay Perfect primer
17 BB Cream
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in 2 Light
No7 clear brow gel
Mac brow pencil in Taupe
Avon Supershock gel liner
L'Oreal Architect 4D mascara
Jemma Kidd lip gloss in Rendezvous

No7 Stay Perfect primer has been the only primer I've used for about two months now (mainly because it's the only primer I've really had) and I've nearly used it up.  Initially, I really liked it.  I started using it around the end of September when in the UK we were still having lovely hot weather and it worked really well on my oily skin.  Since it's got colder and my skin has shifted towards normal, I've found that it accentuates any dryness I have and leaves my skin looking a little dull.  

The 17 BB Cream is my latest purchase and I've been testing it out for a week or so now.  Mostly, I love it.  It's quite thick in consistency and isn't the easiest product to apply (I highly recommend applying with your fingertips, warming it a little first) but once it's on, it sits on the skin nicely, gives a reasonable coverage and lasts well throughout the day.  I prefer this to the Garnier BB cream and it's cheaper, too.  

The Mac brow pencil I reviewed recently here, and the No7 brow gel was bought with a £5 voucher and is absolutely no different to any other clear brow gel on the market.  The Avon Supershock gel liner was won in a lovely giveaway earlier this year from Modesty Brown.  I like it a lot; it applies beautifully and smudges (intentionally) well, but then doesn't budge once set.  The only thing I don't like is that because it's so soft, it's a bugger to sharpen.  You have to be careful otherwise you end up squishing the end and losing product.

My current mascara of choice is the L'Oreal Architect 4D one and it's AMAZING.  I won't bore you with the science bit because frankly I don't care.  It makes my lashes appear thick, full, long and curved and it doesn't transfer onto my eyelids.  Love this, would absolutely buy it again.

Finally, the Jemma Kidd lip gloss in Rendezvous.  I got this as part of the City Chic kit, and, considering I, as a rule, eschew all lipgloss, this has become very much a staple part of my make up kit.  I really love it.  It's silky rather than sticky, doesn't smell all Barbie plasticky, and imparts a really nice sheen rather than a mega-watt gloopy shine.  The colour is a cool-toned baby pink, not something I usually go for but it's surprisingly flattering and I find myself using it a lot.  This is just a mini version but once it's used up I'll definitely buy a full-sized version.

What did you wear today?

Empties of 2011: Vol 9 & 10

Far too much stuff here to talk about so I'll just mention the standout items. 
- Alpha-H Liquid Gold, obviously.  Stock already replenished. Thank God.
- Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation in 52.  Considering this is my third bottle, I should probably get around to writing a proper review of this soon.  Added to the to-do list.
- Gosh felt-tip brow pen.  Surprisingly good.  Might have to re-purchase this once I use up my Mac Taupe brow pencil.
- Haus of Gloi items.  Still completely obsessed with this brand.  They can do no wrong in my eyes (apart from Honeysuckle Lemon Curd which was horrible).

- No7 Quick Thinking cleansing wipes.  When bought with a £5 voucher these are super cheap and very effective.  I like them a lot.

- Face washes: Good Things Deep Clean, Metique Tea Tree and Trilogy Balancing Gel Cleanser.  I loved them all.  Full review coming shortly.

Hot Lips

I think we all know by now, and if not DO pay attention in the back, that I love me a bright lipstick.  LOVE.  My latest acquisition is this cheeky little number from 17, rather fetchingly named Hot Chilli.  And hot it sure is.  It's one of their Lasting Fix lipsticks, which usually strikes fear in the heart of anyone with so much as an atom of dry skin on their lips, but the formula of this is surprisingly creamy and moisturising.

It's a great shade, definitely on the orange end of the red spectrum and immensely flattering (I hope).   I've been wearing this a fair bit since I got it recently and it has quickly become one of my favourites.  A total winner in my book, and I love that it was only £4.29.  Get it please.

Today I Have....

Been for a run - first time in forever and I didn't a) go blind b) lose my lungs through my mouth c) trip over my own feet.  I consider it a successful outing.

Bought this set of base and top coat by Nails Inc from Boots (it was about £8 and on first use, I am highly impressed).

Used up this lovely cleanser from Trilogy, which I've been using with my Konjac Sponge.

Acquired this Models Own lipgloss in Pure Plum which is currently available, along with three other colours, for free with the purchase of Diet Coke in Boots.  Love the colour, but it's sticky and gooey and smells like plastic.  BOO.

Whacked on the woolies, watched the Girl With...  trilogy of films (so good and totally do the books justice) and painted my nails - Models Own Nude Beige is still my favourite polish of all time.

Continued a now 24 hour long PERV over pictures of Harry Judd.  I feel I need him in my life.  He'd love me.

What have you been up to today?

Birthday Suit

I don't remember why but I went into Boots one lunchtime very much in need of a little pick-me-up.  Even better, I had amassed quite a lot of Advantage Card Points and so this little pick-me-up came at a cost of big fat zero to me, which is even sweeter.  I don't often buy Benefit make up; I think their price points are insanely high for what are, mostly, average products.  Yes the packaging is nice but ultimately I feel like that's what you're paying for, and personally I'd rather pay for the goods than the wrapping. 

That said, I'm quite taken with their Creaseless Cream Shadows, and on this occasion I selected the Birthday Suit shade.  These products are cream (duh) eyeshadows which can be used either on their own or under powder shadows, and, also as their name suggests, they are supposed to not crease.

Birthday Suit is a champagne colour, just your absolute basic neutral shade.  Very pretty though, and something I get a lot of wear out of.  It applies nicely, but I imagine this will dry out within maybe five months of use; I've been using mine for about a month and a half and already I can feel the consistency hardening slightly.

In terms of creasing, or not creasing, these perfom well.  Definitely better than Mac Paint Pots, but not as well as UDPP or Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  For £14...I'm not sure.  I think perhaps I like this more than I normally would because I didn't actually pay for it.  If I had, I think I'd just be a little underwhelmed by it.  However I do have my beady, creaseless eye on Skinny Jeans, so maybe I'm a fan after all.

Have you tried these shadows?  What do you think and what colours would you recommend?

Current Loves

Hair doughnuts
Red lips (surprise, surprise) - this is number 31 from Diego Dalla Palma
Orly Rage nails
Alpha-H Vitamin E clay face mask
Emma Hardie cleansing balm (full review coming but it blows all others, including Eve Lom, out the water)
Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadow in Abyssinian Catbird

A Tale Of Two Brows (and my Mum)

Growing up there were (and to be honest, still are, even though I do believe myself to be fully grown) so many things my Mum told me not to do.  Too many to list here, but these are the ones that stand out most clearly.

1.      Don’t smoke

2.      Don’t get horribly drunk – it’s very unbecoming

3.      Don’t bite my nails

4.      Don’t leave sweet wrappers stuffed down the side of the sofas

5.     Don’t marry a footballer (or anyone who’s surname wasn’t Rothschild, Windsor or Getty)

6.      Don’t pluck your eyebrows

Most of the time, I did my very best eye roll and sigh and sloped out of the room to be ultra cool and moody elsewhere, but some of the advice has stuck (apart from number 2, but sometimes it’s fun to get so steamingly inebriated you go to bed hugging the remote control thinking it’s your phone and then wake up to find a shoe, an eyelash and your dignity in the bathtub the next morning).   

The one that I really wish I’d listened to, though, was number 6.  My Mum plucked her own eyebrows well into submission in her teens and they just never grew back* so she pleaded with me, her bushy-browed, perma-frowned elder daughter, to not make the same mistake.  Alas, as is a teenage girl’s want, I tweezed them to within an inch of their life for years, because I knew better, and now I am paying the price with, although a good basic shape, sparse brows that require a little attention before I leave the house in order to give my face some life and definition.

Normally I like to use a powder and an angled brush, but having run out of whatever it was I used to use, the name actually completely escapes me (should really cut down on number 2), I purchased the Mac Impeccable Brow Pencil in Taupe a few months ago and have been using it daily ever since.  The colour, I like very much.  I seek out cool-toned browns, as despite having a lot of red in my hair, I don’t like red-browns on my eyebrows.  I use a clear brow gel (No 7 at the moment) to shape and set my brows and then, once that’s dry, I use the pencil to fill in the gaps.

 The Mac pencil is decent in terms of pigmentation but I find I have to use it quite heavily to get the colour to show up to the level I want it to.  Admittedly I like my brows dark and defined, so if you don’t want that, this pencil would be ideal, but I just find it’s not quite pigmented enough for my liking.  As you can see from the swatch (which was several passes over the back of my hand) it’s light and also the pencil itself is quite hard and a little waxy; because I use it a lot and quite heavily, it always pulls away a few hairs, which isn’t exactly helping the sparse-ness of the situation.

At £11.50 I think it’s a good pencil, and it does last a long time (I’ve sharpened mine several times since I got it and I still have well over half of it left) but I think I’ll be returning to a powder/brush combo when I’m done.  After all, my Mum told me to look after my eyebrows and we all know Mum’s do know best.

*Is my Mum a Barbie doll?

Diego Dalla Palma

Recently launched in the UK (we'll talk about where later), Diego Dalla Palma is the make up line of the make up artist of the same name, from Milan.  Already well established in Italy, it enjoys the same fan-girl levels as Mac does here, and, as well as the 250 or so strong permanent line, they release seasonal limited edition items that are well sought after.  I was sent three items from the line to try, and I must give props here to Heather, their lovely PR, who asked me if there was anything in the line in particular I wanted to try, and actually sent me the exact items and SHADES I asked for.  Believe me, that is a rarity so I very much appreciate the attention to detail.

I have the Waterproof Eye Pencil in Black, an eyeshadow in 62 Aubergine and a lipstick in 31.  The packaging is lovely; everything feels nicely weighty for a high street brand, and I particularly love that the eyeshadow compact has a mirror in the lid. 

Starting with the eye pencil, it's soft and applies easily but it's not the blackest of blacks I've tried.  For that, you'd be better off with the Avon Supershock Gel Liner.  As you can see from the above swatches, it blends out nicely to give a smoky line which I like. It definitely has good staying power and it doesn't really smudge once applied.  It lasted about 4.5 hours on my waterline which I think is pretty good.  Priced at £13 though, I think you can get a lot better out there for your money.  A nice item, but absolutely not an essential.   The eyeshadow on the other hand, I might just be a little bit in love with.

It's a beautiful deep purple shade shot through with opalescent shimmer, but not chunky particles of it.  It's lovely and smooth and really well pigmented.

Above, without flash.  Below, with flash.

I've been wearing this really simply, just all over the lid with the eyeliner in addition, and I can't get enough of it.  I have green eyes and purple always compliments them nicely.

It's a beautiful colour that can be worn sheerly or really packed on for a dramatic, smoky eye.  I adore it and think for £14, it's a good buy.  You just don't get colours like this (particularly purples) on the high street for the same quality.

Finally, the lipstick.  You know how much I love my reds, and this is an entirely welcome addition to the party.

The shade 31 is your absolute classic pillar-box red and I LOVE it.  Formula-wise, it's moisturing and leaves a nice sheen on the lips.  It contains vitamin E for added hydration, and, although it definitely fades after a few hours wear, doesn't leave the dreaded 'ring of truth' around the outside as it fades.

Again, this is priced at £14 which I'd say is about £3 more than it really should be.  Mac and similar brands make absolutely equal lipsticks so I think £14 is a little pricey.

Finally, where you can buy it in the UK.  Bearing in mind the price points on these items, and the look, etc., you could be forgiven for expecting me to direct you to Selfridges, or even Liberty (where I actually think the brand would nestle nicely in their lovely Beauty Hall) but instead, I shall Direct (geddit?) you to Tesco.  Yes, to Tesco, grocery behemoth and increasing contender in the beauty market with their newly launched Beauty Halls.  For that is where you shall find Diego Dalla Palma and his myriad wares (well, not actually him.  That would be weird).

I just don't really understand why they've chosen to launch with Tesco.  I mean obviously I understand the audience reach but the price point doesn't tally with the other beauty brands they carry, and even amongst the other slightly higher end brands they'll be carrying in the Beauty Halls, I think this is a bit of an odd inclusion.  It just seems a shame that such a sleek line will be jostling for attention amongst the turnips and the washing liquid because actually I think it deserves a much better home than that.