My under £10 Favorites

by lovesandluxuriesOctober 16, 2016October 16, 2016

I’m obsessed with skincare and make up. But with so much choice its hard to decide what to buy when your looking for a new product. Drugstore products are easily accessible and not too expensive. Superdrug is definitely my go to for drugstore products. Don’t forget to use your beauty card to collect points and register on line for exclusives offers and discounts that might not be available in store. My recommendations are drugstore based with 1 online purchases but they are all under £10

L’oreal Nude Magique

£9.99

5in1 BB cream. Available in light, medium and dark.

I love this! Its a white cream product that transforms to a lightweight foundation on application.. Its amazing. I use the medium complexion and it evens out and smooths my complexion leaving a dewy glow.

Its great on its own as a light coverage foundation or perfect as a base under your usual foundation. It has a spf 20 and 24 hr hydration. For the price its well worth investing in.

Just remember if you are using this as a base, you wont need to use as much foundation.

For me i’m sold on this product and will add this to my make up bag as an essential.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

£5.99 available (on line) in 6 shades

Gel concealer no waxes or fillers to help even complexion.

I love this concealer, well actually there are 2 I love both by Maybelline but, this one does exactly what it promises without leaving a massive dent in your bank balance.

Its a wand applicator which I find gives me better control of where i’m putting the product and how much. It blends out perfectly with a damp beauty sponge. Maybelline are killing it with their affordable easily accessible products and I would recommend you at least give this a try.

Maybelline Age Rewind

£7.99 available in light or nude

So the difference I would say between this and the Fit Me concealer is that this concealer is more pigmented and probably better suited for mature skin.. If you’ve got tired looking eyes from having a heavy night this is going to be your hangover cure for your eyes. Like the other concealer it blends perfectly with a damp beauty sponge. It is a wind up, soft sponge applicator but the only down side to this is that there is always a little product left that you cant get to as you’ll see in the photo. but other then that a really good product. A permanent resident in my make up bag.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

£5.99

looking for flawless finish from concealer and foundation? Look no further. Even with the most expensive products we all know its about application and this sponge makes it fool proof.

So you need to dampen the sponge until it doubles in size. squeeze out excess water and dab/stipple . yep that’s it. Flawless application of makeup and perfectly blended contouring.

This sponge has a tip to help cover imperfections and blemishes, Flat edge for eyes, nose and contours and a rounded edge to blend larger areas or great for blending in cheek tint.

You can apply liquid foundation or powder with it and its just perfect.

As with all make up brushes you should be washing this after every use to prevent build up of product and germs. Squeeze excess water and let air dry.

Real Techniques advise you to replace after no more then 3 month, which is affordable at only £6.99

They have increased their miracle complexion range now including Mini eraser sponges (£5.99) and Miracle sculpting sponge (5.99) that is designed with 6 surfaces for easy contouring which can be used wet or dry.

L’oreal Pure Clay Detox Mask

£7.99 10 applications

‘The creamy texture detoxifies the skins surface by cleansing deep into the pores, leaving the skin looking clarified and beautiful without drying it out’

I wasn’t very optimistic about this mask. I had already tried the Pure Clay Glow Mask and wasn’t blown away.

But wow. I can honestly say this mask does everything L’Oreal promises. My skin was brighter, clearer and smoother. So much so my other half noticed and commented!

It is recommend to use 2-3 times a week however i would only use twice a week.

With deep cleansing masks you don’t want to over do it. If you strip the skin of its natural oils it can have the opposite effect.It will either become dry and flakey or your sebaceous glands will try to compensate by producing more natural oils.

Currently they are on offer at superdrug for £5.25. so even more reason to try this mask now and save a few pennies

Kiko Extra Sculpt Volume Mascara

£8.90

So this is a on line purchase but you also have free standard shipping so what you save on postage you can spend on some other beauty goodies (your welcome )

I go between 2 Mascaras. This one and a stupidly expensive higher end masacara. I’m not keen on false lashs but want a mascara that will give me the same effect. This one I love right down to the last application left. Kiko promise ‘ Volumising mascara for fuller looking lashs with a panoramic effect ‘

The creamy texture applies beautifully and is build-able without leaving you with clumpy spider leg looking lashes.It has am ‘hourglass’ wand which perfectly catches all lashes and coats in mascara leaving you with lovely long dark lashes.

use small horizontal zigzag movements.

Its Paraben and fragrence free and i have no problem with my sensitive eyes.

Remember all make up products have a shelf life. This mascara has 6 months shelf life and at £8.90 the price rivals most drugstore mascaras.

Maybelline Master contour V Stick

£6.99

Another Maybelline product (told you they were killing it)

This comes in 2 shades. Half for contouring and half to highlight making it super easy to apply. If you like a heavy dramatic contour this is not the product for you.unless you want to layer it and add a matte bronzing powder on top. If your looking for a light contour to accentuate your features or are new to contouring then this is perfect.Its a creamy matte texture which is easy to blend out so your not left with harsh lines and lasts all day.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

£8.99

Another great buy from Real Techniques and one i use daily. I apply my BB cream or primer and stipple using this brush. Same again with my foundation. Stipple product on and buff out with this brush. Then i apply concealer and then use the Miracle Complexion sponge all over for THE perfect flawLess finish.

I love this brush. Its not too heavy to use and is perfect for both liquid or cream products. The synthetic bristles are so soft and easy to clean and they air dry back to shape with no effort. It is a real must have brush. once you’ve tried it I would be surprised if you buy any other foundation brush.You can get the Real Technique range in Superdrug although they might only hold the best sellers in your nearest store.check out on- line first in case they are running an offer.

Rimmel Match Perfection Loose Powder

£6.99

This Translucent lightweight loose powder is perfect for every skin type.

Blends in perfectly as its translucent. It doesn’t leave skin cakey or the powder visible on top of the skin.

The only down side I found was if its a really hot day you will probably need to re apply.

The shelf life on this is 30months! its well worth £6.99.

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

£5.99

I wasn’t sure of this foundation at first. I don’t like mousse textures. I usually find they are hard to blend or don’t react well with some bb creams or primers. But I didn’t have any problems with this one. It doesn’t feel greasy on, its very lightweight. If you like matte foundations you’ll love this.

Its a really great price for 30ml. I do find Rimmel colours are really warm, so take some time matching your skin colour.

So they are my under a tenner must haves. Next week i’ll do a run down of the best buys under a fiver (that’s right under a fiver!).Check out my Shop My Feed for direct links to everything i’ve spoken about. Let me know if use or try any of these or if there are any you would recommend trying xx

Ettang Charcoal Cup Pack Review

by lovesandluxuriesSeptember 3, 2016

After finally deciding on what to buy in Sephora (I know its a hard decision) I make my way to the till. Casually at the till Point are the Ettang Face masks. As i’m obsessed with skincare it doesn’t take much persuading for me to try one. I’ve decided on trying the Charcoal mask which promises to make my skin clear and bright.

Ettang are a Korean based company focused on quality products with no fuss. The mask comes in a pot ready to be mixed with a spatula for mixing and applying. I paid e4.50 for 17g

The mask comes in a powder form, you add warm water to the fill line, mix and apply. Simple. Once the water was added it mixes in to a smooth grey paste.

I applied to clean dry skin. I thought the mask was easy to apply with the spatula. I applied an even thick layer all over. There’s so much product in this pot! Had I of realised I would of only mixed half of it.

After about 10 mins you can feel the mask slightly tighten and if I smile the mask slightly lifts from my skin. The mask turns to a chalky white consistency on any thin areas while the rest of the mask is slightly rubbery and you can see any enlarged pores or blemishes through the mask.

After 20 mins i start to peel off. Although most of it did peel off in one go some bits were left on my face. They were easy enough to remove with a damp cotton pad.

I wouldn’t say my face felt very moisturised after using like it would with a sheet mask but, my skin generally did appear clearer. Which is what it said it does.

After looking at the rubbery mask that i removed I did notice little holes in the mask. I’m not sure if this is where my enlarged pores were and it didn’t do anything or if its where it has removed any impurities.

At 4.50 (euros) for 17g I thought this mask was great value for money especially as you could get 2 applications from it. This isn’t a brand I had heard of but next time i’m in Sephora I would try another if it was strategically placed at the till again. Although i’m not sure if I would go out of my way to find another.

I think they are available through Amazon but they are also more expensive on there. And as far as i’m aware U.K still doesn’t have a Sephora store but they do ship to u.k .Click on the link to see what they do sell on line, you wont be disappointed.

So thats what i thought. Let me know if you have tried any Ettang masks or if you have any you would recommend xx

Lush Cosmetics Facial Review

by lovesandluxuriesJuly 22, 2016August 18, 2016

Who doesn’t love Lush Cosmetics? I cant go past a store without going in. I’ve already done a Lush Fresh Mask Review but this post is about using Lush products for a once a week deep cleaning facial.

So here’s what I used and what I thought.

Firstly you want to make sure you’ve removed all your make up. This will allow the products to work more efficiently.

I started with

9-5 Cleansing lotion

95g – £5.25

Almond Oil – To soothe and hydrate

Fresh Dove Orchid Extract – To help clear skin

YlangYlang Oil – To Calm and Relax

I used about a ten pence piece of 9-5Cleanser and massaged into my face using small circular motions. Making sure to massage well into oily prone areas like the sides of your nose. Remove with cotton pads.

I really liked this cleanser. I didn’t think it was very greasy feeling but made my skin feel really hydrated and clean. And it smells lovely.

I would get this again but i wouldn’t recommend if you wanted to use it as a heavy make up remover, you’ll use a lot of product. But for a morning and weekly cleanser I loved it.

next I used

Dark Angels

100g £7.25

Charcoal – to exfoliate

Rhassoul – Absorbs excess sebum & draws out impurities

Avacado – To Hydrate

To activate this product you need to add a little water to turn it into a paste. Apply and massage in small circular motions. Rinse with plenty of warm water.

I think this is probably more of a facial scrub then a cleanser. That’s what i use it for. Exfoliating helps to remove the dead skin cells which can make your skin look cloggy and dull. The Black sugar is great for exfoliating. I don’t think its too harsh and I would use this a couple of times a week.

It can be a messy product. It doesn’t stain but it does leave water marks.

My skin feels really clean after using Dark Angels its defintley one of my favorite Lush products.

Tea Tree Toner Tab

5g tablet £1

TeaTree Oil – Antibacterial & Antiseptic

Aloe Vera – Rejuvenate and Hydrate

Drop the Tablet into a bowl of hot water (Hot enough to have steam) be careful, you don’t want to burn yourself.

The tablet does fizz a little, lean over the bowl and cover with a towel to trap the steam in.

There isn’t an over powering smell of Tea Tree but you can smell it.

after a 5 -10mins put the water to one side.

I really liked the Tea Tree Toner Tab, its only £1 and I would pay more for it. I would get it every time I go in there.

I used the Dark Angels on my face again. Now my pores are open after the steaming the scrub / cleanser can absorb any dirt in my pores which could later cause blackheads.

Rinse off with warm water.

Next is

Cosmetic Warrior

75G £6.95

Garlic – Deep Cleanse

TeaTree – Antiseptic

Honey – Moisturising

So this mask really smells of Garlic. I don’t hate it enough to not use the rest of the pot, I just won’t buy it again and will probably moan about the smell while its on.

Its a Thick creamy consistency with a few garlic pieces.

It doesn’t dry hard so makes it easier to get off. My skin did feel a little tighter after using it but its not one i will get again. It was mostly the smell of Cosmetic Warrior I didn’t like.

After that’s been rinsed off with warm water, I go back to the Tea Tree water.

Soak a couple of cotton pads in the water and wipe over face, toning the skin before applying moisturiser if you think you need it.

With the rest of the water I add a few drops of TeaTree oil and put it in a plastic spritz bottle and use as a daily toner. which will last me a week.

I really liked these products (except the smell of the mask) and have a new favorite with the dark angels cleanser. They are all good value for money especially the toner tab. Don’t forget when you have 5 pots you can trade them for a free Fresh Mask xx

Loves and Luxuries

skincare review

My under £10 Favorites

Ettang Charcoal Cup Pack Review

Lush Cosmetics Facial Review