Yes To – Product Review

oh look a skincare range I haven’t tried before. Among all the other products on the shelves, this range stands out.  And if you’ve read my other blog’s you’ll know i’m a sucker for a new skin care range.  This range promises they use minimum of 95% natural ingredients of high quality without the use of silicone’s , SLS and Parabens. Sadly Boots does not stock their full range, so I had a look on line to see what they offer and there is a lot more then I expected. The have broken it down into 6 sub ranges:

Carrots, for normal to dry skin / hair

Blueberries, for mature skin to correct fine lines, wrinkles and signs of aging

Tomatoes, for combination or oily skin to detoxify and minimise breakouts

Grapefruit, for uneven skin tone. Diminishes appearance of  dark spots and hyper pigmentation

Coconut, for dry skin and hair. To hydrate

Cucumber for sensitive skin. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested

As I said boots don’t hold a large range so excitedly i pick up one of each mask, here’s what i thought…

All About Face

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Refine pores and even skin tone with grapefruit and vitamin C.

£4.99

So this is a 2 step treatment, a facial scrub and a brightening peel mask. When you open it there is a fresh grapefruit smell. Its not very overpowering which I like. The first thing I  notice is how much product is in the little packet. There is enough product to use it twice. With all scrubs I try them on the back of my hand first. Its very important your facial scrub is not to gritty,  this can cause damage to your skin.  The grit in this scrub is very fine so I apply to clean damp skin and gently exfoliate using small circular motions.  Rinse off with plenty of clean warm water.

I did like it. My face feels cleaner and looks a lot brighter. so far so good, now for step 2.

Again there is a lot of product in the packet definitely enough for 2 applications and smells lovely. Its slightly yellow? not thick like a cream more of a thinner gel like consistency but not sticky. I left it on for 10 mins while I had a bath and didn’t notice any stinging or tingling. Skincare really shouldn’t be making your skin feel like its burning  (I’ve experienced that a few  times..Superdrug Face Mask Review ) The mask was pretty easy to get off. No mess, no fuss but I did expect it to peel off. That really is just because it said brightening peel?

For £4.99 I would use it again. There was a lot of product, enough for 2 applications and my skin did feel clearer and brighter.

Buh Bye Clogged Pores Nose Kit

IMG_8231£4.99

2 step nose kit contains a cotton swab to apply the face scrub and a pore removing strip.

we’ve all used the pore strips before. but I always find that the skin on my nose peels for days after using them so I usually stay away from anything like it. but in the name of research, I am willing to try this one.

Again there is a lot of product. At least enough for 2 applications. If im honest it doesn’t feel like the scrub is really doing much. I get the idea of it. It will remove any dead skin cells making it easier for the pore strip to work, to remove whatever is clogging my pores on my nose. But we shall see.

So the strip is on, pretty easy just got to wait.

After 10 mins I remove the strip, don’t worry its not too bad, its not like the black mask fails that have been doing the rounds on social media.

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As you can see from the pictures it did remove some stuff  that has been clogging my pores. And this has been the only pore strip that doesn’t leave me with dry flaky skin for days. Would I get it again? erm… Well… Your really paying £4.99 for a one use pore strip. It didn’t unclog all my pores but it did remove some gunk. But £4.99 each?

Buh ByeBags And Dark Circles

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Cucumber, caffiene and Evodia fruit

£4.99

So this maybe the shortest review I have done on a product…

What a load of crap that I wasted a fiver on.

Where to start… the paper eye masks, are they supposed to be bone dry? which way do they go on? Are they supposed to stick? these are the questions I was asking myself. I didn’t last the 10 mins they suggest. They went in the bin.

lets try the cream. Smells refreshing i’m optimistic cucumber is good for the eyes!

So I rub a small amount in using my ring finger. Its important you don’t use too much pressure as the eye area is very delicate.

I potter around waiting for the cream to absorb and banish my puffiness under my eyes.

After about 10 mins I return to the mirror to continue with my make up routine and whats staring back at me in the mirror MORE PUFFINESS, who the hell pays for puffier eyes? It looks like I’ve spent the last few hours crying. Crying that I just wasted a fiver on this! I go back and forth between reading the back of the pack and looking at my PUFFY eyes.  And yep, they definitely look worse. Has any one used this before..? let me know what you thought of this. Is it just me?  SO I wont be paying for puffier eyes again.

Pucker up lip kit

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Coconut, Sugar and Sodium Hyaluronate

£4.99

This 2 part lip kit is a little like the eye kit. Instead of a cream there is a sugar based lip scrub and a paper mask for your lips. Hopefully this paper mask will be a bit easier to use.

Step 1- I loved this. Not too harsh to exfoliate lips with, slight coconut smell and wasn’t too greasy. My lips look lovely and even, no dry patches. And like all the others there is soo much product in this little packet. If they sell this online I will order it now (Too impatient, couldn’t wait. Just checked, they don’t)

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The paper mask was a lot better then the eye mask. This one is drenched in product, now i’m optimistic

So it goes on and stays on fine!

It didn’t really tingle like I expected it to, I didn’t really feel anything. Everytime I looked in the mirror the lip mask was where i put it. No slipping, no peeling off.

After 10 mins I take off the paper mask and rub in any excess serum on my lips.  My lips did look softer, smoother and a little more plump after using the scrub and paper mask but it is only a 1 use.  I think if im honest there are other products available that perhaps last a little longer and are easy to re-apply.

so overall… I would purchase scrubs from this range. Facial scrub or lip scrub. I like they use mostly natural ingredients without many harmful chemicals oh and the pore strip was good but I cant imagine them becoming my ‘cant live without skin’ products..

If you’ve used them or any other products in the range let me know what you thought of them. Until then, on with the search for the best skincare range…

My under £10 Favorites

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

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£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

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£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

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£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 

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

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£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

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£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

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£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

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£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

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£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

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£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

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

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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.

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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.

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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