The Beauty A-Z #3 Clarins

Although Clarins is seen as a skincare brand for older, mature women, I seem to have accumulated quite a lot of products ranging from a simple cleansers, to moisturizers, to makeup removers.


Cult Classic:

The Instant Eye Make-Up Remover seems to have cropped up all over the blogosphere (is that a word?!). My Mum and I both love this! It's a Bi-Phase eye makeup remover that gets everything from liquid liner to my beloved They're Real Mascara from Benefit in the blink of an eye. Loads of brands have a similar formulated product- Chanel, Lancome (review coming soon) but this one beats them by a mile. Although it is expensive you only need a little; I simply pop a couple of drops onto two cotton pads, sandwich them together and wipe it all off.


Best For Younger Skin:

Remember a while back when I posted about the Clarins Daily Energizing Range? (check it out here) Well I went ahead and bought the full sized Cleansing Gel, and for just over a tenner, it's rather budget friendly. A little really does go a long way- using too much can leave your skin feeling a bit tight- so I tend to used a pea-sized amount, rub it all over my face, lather it up and rinse!

Best For Lazy People (aka. Me):

Cleansing waters seem to be the latest in skincare, and of course, the Clarins offering is great. Although it is specifically for oily skin, I have no problem using the Purifying Water to remove my makeup, and generally cleanse my skin. I put a little on a cotton pad, sweep over my face and then I'm done!

Best For Dehydrated Skin:

Although I've never really had an analysis on my skin, from what I can tell, it might be lacking a bit of hydration. Enter, the Clarins HydraQuench Cream, a thick, hydrating moisturizer. I've only been using this for a couple of days, but already I love it! I put a little on my fingertips, rub them together, and then apply onto my face. Simple!

Best For Older Skin: 

Out of my whole skincare routine, eye cream(s) are probably the least used or emphasised thing. My eyelids are quite oily as it is, but when I got the Extra Firming Eye Cream as I freebie, I gave it ago. This is designed for older skin, being labelled as 'wrinkle reducing', but even when you are younger it is ok to be using anti-aging products. I just pat this in around the eye socket, easy!

El

The Beauty A-Z #2 Bumble and Bumble

For the second A-Z post, Bumble and Bumble take the spotlight. Yes, I know it's expensive, but in my opinion I think it's worth it. Because of the price tag, I have a few minis, but they work just as well.

Best For Full, Thick Hair:

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo - Although my hair is already relatively thick, I just can't say no to extra fullness! Paired with the conditioner and spray from the same range, my hair looked noticeably fuller. To use, I put a small amount of shampoo in the palm of my hand, and lather it up in my hair, focusing on the roots, and then repeat. It may only be a 50ml bottle, but a little really does go a long way. And did I mention the delicious scent?!

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Conditioner - As it's in the same thickening family as the aforementioned shampoo, they work really well to give hair volume. I use a small amount in my hands, but mainly focused on the ends of my hair (split hairs alert!) comb through either with a brush or just my fingers. I then rinse and repeat.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray - This is the product that got it all started! After hearing many a rave about the brand, I was thrilled after spotting this as a freebie in the September (I think?!) edition of Elle Magazine. At first I was a bit puzzled; I thought it was a hairspray to set everything in place when actually it is used when your hair is wet or damp. I just spritz this from roots to ends, and used with the shampoo and conditioner, you have the perfect trio!

Best For Beachy Waves:

Bumble and Bumble Surf Set - aka. The Ultimate Messy, Beachy Hair Kit. This set is perfect as an introductory haircare set. It contains everything you need- the new Surf Foam Wash Shampoo and Surf Creme Rinse Conditioner, along with the award-winning, cult hair product that is the ever so famous Surf Spray. Again, this will set you back a bit, (this was a present!) but it's great for effortlessly wind-swept hair. I start of by washing my hair with both the shampoo and conditioner (repeating once with both) and then using a bit of the spray whilst my hair is damp, and then once again after I've dried my hair. For the best look, leave your hair to dry naturally, brush through, and then whip it like Willow Smith. (cue song!)

Next on the Wishlist:

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish - a dry shampoo/volumizing spray hybrid, that's invisible, and supposedly thickens and finishes off any do. I think this was made for me.

If You Only Buy One Thing - (which is understandable given the price) then let it be the Surf Spray, mentioned earlier. This has to be the best salt spray out there, as you can use it on wet, damp or dry hair, and it smells great too- always a good thing! I don't style my hair very much, but this is now a cult product in my collection! Just spritz and then scrunch into your hair.

The Beauty A-Z #1 Application

So, I raved about all things make up, but what about actually applying it? What brush does what? and what do you use them for? Here, I answer any questions, woes or worries about application, starting with what does what...

Face Brushes- eg. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush- Face brushes are great, and for your face...obviously(?!) I love the RT Brush pictured above, as not only does it apply your base seamlessly (avoiding any streaks or 'tide marks' around the neck), but it can also be used for cream products- think Topshop's blush in stick form, or Collection's Concealer. Synthetic brushes are best for creamy products, and real hair brushes like the MAC ones are designed for powder, but of course be a rebel and switch it up. You can also get duo fibre brushes that can be used with brighter and more pigmented powders as they apply less product.

On the Wishlist for Face - The Real Techniques Buffing Brush- Unfortunately this is only available in the coveted Core Collection Set, but if they ever release it separately, I'll be all over it!

Eye Brushes - again, I love the RT ones, but eye brushes come in all shapes, sizes and colours. I tend to use flat brushes for packing on the colour and fluffy brushes for blending. Again, you can buy duo fibre eye brushes.

On the Wishlist for Eyes - The Overpriced Beauty that is the MAC 217 brush - Supposedly the does it all, can't go wrong, best blending brush ever. But, at a brushes' length away from a reasonable price, it won't be reaching me anytime soon!

El

Beauty Wishlist #3 Birthday Edition

So it's my Birthday on Friday! (whoop, whoop!), and although I'm not expecting or going to receive hardly, if any, of the stuff on my list, here it is...

left to right: 


Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray or Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dry Spun Finish Spray 

Think Anna from VDM or Zoe aka Zoella - Both do pretty much the same thing, and have pretty much the same ridiculous price tag. A thickening, texturising spray, that kind of doubles up as a dry shampoo/hairspray/volumizer (and breathe). Although the Bb. one is cheaper, Oribe's offering does come in a mini version. Both available at Space NK.

Bioderma or Clarins Eye MakeUp Remover  

One, a French Pharmacy Cult Classic, the other, an amazing waterproof eye makeup remover that makes everything else look like water - As much as I love the Clarins one, it does have a pretty hefty price, hence the appearance on my wishlist. And although I've never tried Bioderma, it's only available for a cheap price in Paris- yep, big 'oh'. A friend of mine is going to France so I've asked her to pick up a bottle for me, but I'm not sure if she got the message. Oh well!

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray Set

This one's a bit of a cheat as I was actually there when it was bought for me in Boots, so I'm just going to have to pretend with this one - Although this one is expensive it is actually pretty good value for money compared to the full size bottles of each one individually. This set is supposedly the go to for beachy waves and crazy curls, and includes a mini version of the Surf Foam Wash Shampoo, Surf Foam Wash Conditioner and the cult Bb. Surf Spray.


Topshop Bee's Knees Nail Polish (or any other colour for that matter)

The cheapest of the bunch - I've already expressed my love of Topshop Makeup, so of course I'm gonna love their nail polishes! I do already have 4 (oops!) but another one certainly wouldn't go amiss...

El
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How To Apply Cream Blusher

Topshop Cream Blush in SneakPeek (Magazine photo from Elle)

Cream Blush is a trend that's always growing, with every brand from Bourjois to YSL bringing their own offering into the mix. There's everything from a powder finish, to a creamy glow, but how do you actually apply it?

Cream Blush in Pot Form -  Such as Bourjois Cream Blushes, Max Factor Cream Blush.

This kind of cheek colour can be applied with a brush, but for blushes in a small pot or tub, fingers are best. Dab an peach, baby pink or even fuchsia onto your cheek, and blend in. You can use your foundation or base brush to blend if you've gone for a brighter shade to avoid harsh edges.

Cream Blush in Stick Form - For Example, Topshop Cream Blush

Lightly stripe on your chosen shade, and blend in with a face brush. I chose Topshop's Cream Blush In Sneak Peek, a very glowy, and radiance blush.

El

How To Use Clear Mascara Properly

(Picture Credit: Elle Magazine) 

When you usually think of clear mascara, the words 'pointless' and 'useless' are often at the forefront of your mind. It was the same with me, until I read Anna from VDM's post on the stuff, and my perspective was changed...

Lashes - This is an obvious one (duh, it's called mascara!), but if you aren't allowed much make up at school, or prefer natural over dramatic, then it's worth giving Miss Sporty's offering a go as it will only set you back about £3. Just wack it on bare clean lashes for volume. Or, alternatively, layer it over your existing mascara for touch-ups during the day.

Brows -  Gel any unruly brows down with same product. Fill in your brows as normal, with pencil or powder, and pop a slick of clear mascara over. Wipe the excess off on the back of your hand, and brush through brows. Although I haven't used it, MUA do another mascara option for a quid!

It's A Great Dupe For - MAC's Brow Gel, the Clear Anastasia Brow Gel, and other overpriced products of a similar nature.

El

Beauty A - Z

Over the next few months, I'm going to be doing an A-Z series on beauty, with everything from H for Hair, A for Avon and so on. The next post (there should be one every 1-2 weeks) will be A for Avon, so I'll be exploring more about the brand and what is has to offer...

El