Seventeen Phwoarr Paint

You probably know by now that I like a flawless base, and massive lashes. So aside from a full coverage foundation I need a concealer that is able to cancel out any unwanted pigmentation - read: dark circles. My beloved Collection concealer, you know the one, has always been a part of my routine so I thought it was about time to bring some competition into the mix...

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint, aka the dupe of Benefit Boi-ing, is said to be a heavy duty concealer. With only a small amount, this creamy textured concealer helps to cover dark circles and although it is targeted at under neath your eyes, this works wonders on hiding any blemishes on the skin as well. Creamy to apply but with a powder finish, I found that this concealer clung to dry patches that I didn't even know I had and creased beneath my eye when using it post-foundation. I also find the shade range to be quite disappointing, the shade 'fair' just isn't fair enough for my skin tone. However, I have found a way to get this to work for me. Applied pre-foundation to my dark circles and any redness, this product works great as a part of a team alongside my foundation and another concealer in helping me achieve my coveted flawless base. 

My Collection concealer may remain unrivaled but this little pot is great to have to your collection if like a full-coverage long lasting concealer and can find a way to combat any dryness. 

What is your favourite concealer? 

My Manicure Routine

There once was a time when I would change my nail polish three, maybe four, times a week. No base coat, no top coat, just colour. As you can imagine my nails were left a bit of a state - stained yellow and flaky. However, as I have grown to be older and wiser (when it comes to my nails) I have developed a routine that is serving me well and keeping my nails in great condition...

Step One: Removing Previous Colour. For this I like to use the Sally Hansen Strengthening Nail Polish Remover. Packed with vitamin E and wheat protein this product removes every trace of polish with ease whilst treating the nails to some much needed nutrients. This has made a huge difference in the condition of my nails and I would really recommend picking a nail polish remover suited to your nail type. 

Step Two: Prepping the Nails. I have four mini steps to this; firstly I start by simply cutting, using any nail clippers I have to hand, my nails to sort out any breakages or uneven edges I have gained and to shape them to how I like - square, FYI. Secondly, I go ahead and file the edges to help achieve a straight edge, any emery board will do. Thirdly, I buff over my nails using this Boots 7 Way Curved Block. I only do this when necessary as it can be damaging to the nails, but if you have any flaky bits it needs to be done! Fourthly, I take one cotton pad with a bit of nail polish remover on and quickly swipe over each my nails. This removes any left over polish that there might be and it dehydrates the nail slightly which helps your manicure's staying power. 

Step Three: Base Coat. My base coat of choice, for the past six months or so, has been the Sally Hansen Maximum Strength. Pale pink in colour, this product works perfectly as a base coat as it treats the nails while still protecting them from staining. This has made my nails go from dry and brittle, to stronger and much more healthy. You can also use this as a treatment but I just like to use it as a base coat.

Step Four: Colour. As apposed to back in the day when I have about 200 different nail polishes, my collection is now just a small array of shades that I switch between depending on my mood. As you can probably guess, my usual choice is an Essie polish - Essie Watermelon to be exact. This almost red, hot pink shade is probably my all time favourite colour, of which I like to apply two coats. I apply to coats of any shade. 

Step Five: Top Coat. Seche Vite. Need I say more? Probably not, but I will make a quick note - this stuff is amazing! If you like doing your mani's last thing at night then you need this. 

Step Six: The Finishing Touch. If you want healthy nails, you need healthy cuticles. To get healthy cuticles you need to incorporate a Cuticle Oil. I am still yet to find one that I love, so at the minute I just using a Sally Hansen one. I like to do this once my nails are completely dry and then again once or twice every day. 

Now this isn't the quickest of routines, it will take you around 30 minuets to complete. However, with a manicure that lasts around 5-7 days and healthy nails that are now a lot stronger, I can deal with that. 

What are your favourite manicure products?

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish

Cleansing is without a doubt the most important step in any skincare routine. With a good cleanser comes clear, soft skin and a way of controlling any woes you may have. For this reason, I have become a bit of a cleanser junkie. I always keep a mental list of ones that I want to try, and if it is lucky enough to get repurchased then I know I am on to a good'un ...

The Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish is my most repurchased cleanser - fact! I have had a bottle or tube of this in my life for three years straight now and I wouldn't be without one. This rich, thick textured cream both, removes makeup and cleanses the skin and it does so without being too drying or too oily. Full to the brim of natural, good-for-you ingredients this cleanser soothes and purifies your skin whilst gentle exfoliating with the use of a muslin cloth or flannel for a more radiant complexion. I mainly use this to remove my makeup, however if I am going away for a few nights this is the only cleanser I will bring as it does everything I need, without having to bring a second suitcase for an abundance of products.

In my eyes, this is the perfect all-round cleanser as it does any job you need your cleanser to do, while still be suitable for every skin type. I love this so much that I have converted friends and family to it, even my boyfriend has gone through a couple of bottles. 

Have you tried this Liz Earle cleanser? 

Weekly Loves #5

Following in line with last week and one of my new year resolutions, I have been trying to use some new products and some old favourites and this week has been spilt down the middle with the new to old ratio...

The most classic product from my collection is the L'Oreal Mythic Oil. I have had this for quite a while now, at least a year, and use it every single time I wash my hair. With out a distinctive scent, this oil helps to combat frizz for a more sleek and less messy look with out weighing down my fine hair.

I have noticed my skin becoming more dry lately so this week I have been overdosing with moisturising products to help restore some life back in to my skin. Hydraluron is product most known for it's hydrating properties and this gel like serum has been out to play almost every day this week. I tend to save this for my evening routine however if I'm having a no-makeup day I will pop some on in the morning as well. 

My dry skin isn't just located on my face, I have noticed my arms and legs also becoming quite lackluster, so in a bid to change this ASAP I picked up the Laura Mercier Souffle Creme Brulee Body Creme (the fact that it was half priced helped!). Firstly, this is probably the most gorgeous scented product I have ever tried - sugary sweet but with a sophisticated edge. Secondly, this is also the most luxurious of body creams I have ever tried - thick, yet silky in texture. My skin has never felt as soft as it does when this is put to use and the scent lingers on the skin for hours upon hours. 

Newest to product line-up is the Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray. If you have fine hair, you know it can be a challenge to add come volume to it but this wonder product has made it look easy. Practically weightless, this product adds volume and texture to your hair that will hold all day with out the typical crunchiness. A top up maybe needed if you're going from day to night, but for a normal day I find a quick spritz in the morning does the job. 

What did you love this week?