OPI Avoplex...

My nails are in a bit of a sorry state so I am giving them a rest from polish and trying to be more consistent with applying this lovely nail oil from OPI

OPI Avoplex replenishing oil.

OPI Avoplex replenishing nail and cuticle oil is a light yet nourishing treat for cuticles. It smells like melon to me, which is a winner to begin with. It is fab for dry cuticles although I have even used it on dry skin on the rest of my hands as well, and yet it seems to last for an eternity. I have had this bottle for ages and it just keeps giving, now I just need to remember to apply it more frequently!

Project 10 pan...

So it's the start of a new month (sort of) and I am feeling the need for a bit of decluttering, I am therefore resurrecting project 10 pan. I first came across this idea from Laura from lollipop26 now of buynowbloglater, the idea is you have to use up 10 products before you can buy any new beauty items, hopefully this will allow me to reduce my hoard of makeup/ skincare items currently clogging up my spare room.

I have done this once before and it took about 6 months because I was only including makeup, this time I am going to expand to also include skincare/ nail polishes/bodycare etc so I imagine it will not take so long. Wish me luck, I shall update when progress has been made.

The new Bioderma?...

The ever elusive Bioderma is my essential for make up removal but it is nigh on impossible to get hold of. On a recent trip to Asda I was delighted to find L'Oreal's new offering the 3 in 1 purifying Micelar solution. But would it live up to my beloved Bioderma? 

I tested it out by applying MAC fluidline to both hands in a thick line. I then used the L'Oreal on my left hand and the Bioderma on the right hand. In the interests of fairness I used just one swipe with a cotton wool ball on each hand.

L'Oreal 3 in 1 left hand, Bioderma right hand.

You can see the Bioderma is more effective, although I have to say when using it on the eyes I have not found a huge difference. Given the availability and price of the L'Oreal I think I will continue to buy it until Bioderma becomes more widely available. My main issue with the L'Oreal 3 in 1 is the bottle, due to its square cap and flat top where the opening is, I find it almost impossible to dispense without spilling it, which I find really irritating, although perhaps I just need to be more careful.

Overall I think the L'Oreal 3 in 1 Micelar solution is a good alternative if you want a cheap and easily accessible Micellar solution.

Paint pot love...

For many years I would stick eyeshadow on my lids and hope to god it would stay in place, often it would end up disappearing off my face by lunch. Then I started using a primer but more recently I have found a passion for paint pots.

Gone are the crazy colours of my youth and in with the neutrals.

MAC Painterly, MAC Bare study

MAC Bare study left, MAC Painterly right.

Whilst Painterly appears to be the ugly sister of the two I find it the most flattering and versatile due to it's Matt texture. Whilst bare study it pretty it can highlight eyelid creases, a problem I am all too aware of. I think Painterly also has the edge under powder shadows as it causes less colour distortion.

Just be careful when buying online the swatches can be confusing as both Painterly and Bare study appear very similar. Overall I am very glad I have these little pots, they save me from being a smudgy eyeshadow mess on a daily basis.

Lipbalm: the good, the bad and the ugly...

You don't get to 30 without trying a fair number of lipbalms. The lesson I have learnt so far is that the cost does not always reflect the quality of the product, although I am yet to try the ever popular By Terry Baum de Rose. These are the current lip balms residing in my handbag/ bathroom/ bedside table/ down the side of the sofa.

Left to right Decleor nourishing lip balm, Burts Bees, Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream, Eve Lom Kiss Mix, Soap and Glory Mighty mouth. 

Starting with the bad, Decleor nourishing lipbalm has a grainy texture, the Scent is not appealing and it tastes somewhat soapy. It's only saving grace is the neat and hygenic packaging, as I can't say I notice any improvement/ moisturisation (is that the right word?) after application.

Burt's Bees on the other hand never fails to deliver. I have tried virtually all varieties of this lipbalm and have always found them to be excellent in terms of fixing up dry scaly lips. Added to that it's practical packaging makes it fab for your handbag, and it's purse friendly price I think it is the Queen of all lip balms.

For night time application or for pre bright lip prep I find Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream or Eve Lom kiss mix effective. If my lips are in a particularly bad way I prefer the kiss mix as it contains menthol which I find to be soothing, it also seems to last longer for extra hydration.

Finally the ugly in Soap and Glory, which no longer appears to be in production in the old format. The product is a useful one, it is double ended with a normal balm at one end and scrub/balm hybrid at the other. Thus it's ugly status as this side looks somewhat unappealing with its nobbly bobbly brown surface. 

I am sure I will continue to search for the next best lipbalm, but will my beloved Burt's bees ever be knocked off it's top spot?

Pink Lipsticks

A friend who I was attending a wedding with requested that I brought my stash of bright pink lipsticks so that she could borrow one to go with her outfit. These are the ones which made the cut.

Left to Right: MAC Viva Glam Nicki, Sleek Amped, Barry M 145, Laura Mercier Mango.

The Laura Mercier and the MAC are the creamiest of the four with a satin texture, both are a more coral pink. The sleek has a dry Matt texture which makes it long lasting but requires lips in good condition, it is very blue toned so comes over as a real Barbie pink on the lips.  The Barry M is Matt but has a more forgiving texture than the Sleek, although it is still very long lasting. I think this is the truest pink, it is the perfect fushia shade.

My personal favourites are the Barry M 145 and the Laura Mercier Mango as I find these the most flattering on my pale pink toned complexion. I do love a pink lipstick so any recommendations are most welcome!

In the beginning...

So after reaching the grand old age of 30 I think I now have the skills required to apply appropriate make up to my face. Many mistakes have been made along the way, and there will be more yet to come. This will be a place of my ramblings about said make up and beauty items, Thanks. xxx