Get Ready With Me Using Drugstore Makeup

My makeup look changes from day to day, depending on where I'm going, what I'm doing and how long I have to get ready before rushing out of the door! 

A typical get ready routine would take me approximately 30 minutes for hair and makeup. I think that's about the average length of time for most girls, so I'm quite happy with that. I don't feel that it's particularly high maintenance. 

My first step is always primer. The drugstore primer I favour is Nuance by Salma Hayek. A small amount worked into the skin with the hands really perfects your base. 

Next up is concealer, my favourite drugstore one is Rimmel Match Perfection in ivory. I use this under the eyes to cover any darkness and also on any imperfections or blemishes. 

I then apply my foundation. I have many favourites when it comes to drugstore foundations, but given that I was going to work and we are mid heatwave I opted for Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour. I apply this with a real techniques foundation brush then blend with a damp real techniques sponge. 

Next up i apply some Max Factor Creme puff powder with a real techniques buffing brush to my T'Zone to help prevent shine and set my foundation. 

Following that I applied ELF contouring blush blush in Antigua (cool toned pink) in circular motions to the apples of the cheeks and blended back towards the hairline using a real techniques large blush brush. 

To set my face makeup I used the NYX Matte setting spray and spritzed it evenly all over my face, allowing it to dry before continuing with my makeup. 

I filled in my eyebrows using a Jordana Fabuliner in Taupe. 

For eyeshadow I opted for the MUA Undressed Palette. I applied the lightest pearlescent pink shade to the eyelid then a taupe to blend out in the crease and a smoky brown to the outer corner. 

I lined the upper lash line with Soap and Glory Supercat liquid liner, and the lower lash line with Soap and Glory Smoulder pencil. Then smudged it out. 

For mascara I opted for CoverGirl Clump Crusher in Black. 

My lips were treated to a coat of CoverGirl LipPerfection jumbo Gloss Balm in Watermelon. A bright pink colour with a lovely glossy sheen. 

That completes my makeup look for today! Thanks so much for reading and I'll see you soon! 

Why not check out my youtube channel where you can view my video tutorials? 

Www.youtube.com/beautyandhelen and subscribe to be told when I make a new video xx

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

Clarins beauty flash balm is a staple amongst beauty gurus the world over - but what exactly is it? And why do people rate it so much? 

Well as possibly the only beauty blogger in the world who hadn't tried it, I'm a recent convert! Here I explain why! 

Beauty Flash Balm is a Clarins product, it is a part if their Essential skincare line. It claims to:

- instantly boost the skin's radiance

- firm

- smooth

- energise

- reduce the appearance of lines

How does it work?  

Well beauty flash balm contains an abundance of natural ingredients that heal and revitalise the skin, from  plant extracts to essential oils, olive and witch hazel it leaves no stone unturned in terms of what it can cure, improve and soothe. It doesn't just disguise imperfections like a makeup would, it treats them! 

How can it be used? 

Beauty Flash Balm has a number of different uses which also attribute to it's popularity. It can be used simply as a skin cream, or a mask, or even a makeup primer. I prefer to use it as the latter. 

 

The cream is a peachy nude colour with a classic clarins skin cream scent, it is rich and thick without being oily or greasy and it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and replenished, looking radiant and restored. 

This skin cream is meant to be patted, not rubbed into the skin and can be applied as often as required for an instant refresh on the go. 

As a skin cream it certainly improved the condition of my skin, made it look more balanced, evened out my skintone and perfected it. As a makeup primer it does an excellent job. I cleanse and tone the skin, then apply beauty flash balm. Without allowing it to dry or soak in I then apply my foundation immediately. The balm allows the foundation to glide onto the face without clinging to any dry patches, caking or sinking into fine lines. It also extends the wear time of my makeup considerably. 

I  view clarins beauty flash as THE bb cream. Whilst drugstore brands launched bb creams just a couple of years ago, clarins have been selling this for decades! (BB cream means Beauty Balm) 

For me as a blogger, a good way to measure wether a product is amazing or not is wether it stands the test of time, or wether it launches and disappears just as quickly without leaving a lasting impression on clients, happily for clarins their beauty flash balm has been a staple product for many years, and will be for a long, long time to come! 

I adore products that multitask like this does, as it makes it excellent value for money. A primer, face mask and moisturiser all in one? Now I know why it's so popular, and you won't catch me without it! 

Available from Tyrers of St. Helens 

NEW Clinique CC cream review

This month Clinique launched their new Moisture surge CC cream, a colour correcting product that evens out skin tone, replenishes moisture levels and offers an easier to wear, fuss free alternative to foundation. 

CC and BB creams are perfect, especially those who feel anxious over applying a foundation because you apply this the same way you apply a moisturising cream. No blending with a sponge or painting it on with a brush! simply rub in with the hands and go! 

The product comes in 9 shades from very light to dark, and is fragrance and oil free. 

I decided to apply this product like a moisturiser, using no sponge or brush, I just worked it in with my fingertips. A little goes a really long way and the coverage is very high! 

Upon closer inspection my skin looked amazing! Radiant, illuminated, youthful and dewy. It looked naturally flawless, my skintone looked even and my imperfections were covered. Unbelievable results and I was beyond shocked. It is literally a magic potion!  

I applied the rest of my makeup as normal and here is my finished look: 

This product is perfect for summertime, as not only does it feel lightweight on the skin, it looks radiant and natural, which is the look that is bang on trend for summer 2014! 

It also contains an SPF 30 which is ideal for protecting your face from sun damage on summer days. 

You may not think you could pull off the natural dewy look that is high fashion this season, but I promise you, with this product you can and you will instantly take years off!

For those of you like myself, who like a full coverage foundation and think you would feel 'naked' or 'bare' with this product I urge you to try it, you will be astounded. 

I'd recommend this to ladies with any skin type and of any age, especially those like myself who feel they have an uneven skintone or dull undertones to the skin. 

Update your look this season: 

Apply this cc cream as your base, accent it with a blush like Clinique cheek pops in Peach Pop, some black kohl eyeliner, black lash lengthening mascara like Lancôme hypnose and a coral lipgloss. You will look fresh faced, youthful and summer ready in a flash! 

Clinique moisture surge cc cream is £28 and available at Tyrers of St. Helens. 

Simply Gorgeous Cosmetics An Exclusive Review!

I love to try new products and brands, so when I was offered the opportunity to be the first person in England to review a new line of American cosmetics I literally jumped at the chance! 

Simply gorgeous is a brand new range of cosmetics hot out of New York! 

I was sent a package of various items to try out and review. 

Blusher

The first thing I tried was their gorgeous blusher! The packaging is wonderful, it is matte gold and high end looking with a mirror and mini brush applicator included for on the go touch ups. 

The colour I was sent was 'medium rose'

I'd describe it as a brick red or burnt coral, with pink and brown undertones. 

The texture of the blush is perfect, not too powdery or chalky. Very finely milled and highly pigmented. I was also pleased to read it was fragrance free and contains anti oxidants, so it's actually good for your skin! 

It comes in a generous 8.6g size too! excellent value for money! 

Mascara

The simply gorgeous mascara is also in matte gold packaging with metallic accents, it really looks the part! The mascara I was sent is in Black. It has a dainty wand perfect for adding volume and curl as you can really get into the base of the lashes with it. 

It is a very rich and creamy formula that doesn't clump and the pigmentation is excellent, so your lashes look black and bold. It doesn't say it's waterproof but I've had no issues with it running in the rainy British springtime climate! Great product. 

Lipstick

I was sent the lipstick in the shade 'red alert' which is funny because I am obesessed with red lipstick! How did they know?

Red alert is a true red, bold, rich and fearless, I adore it! The formula is silky and very moisturising and it has a satin sheen finish. No gloss needed on top of this beauty! I also noticed that this lipstick stained my lips so reapplications were few and far between. Definitely comparable to a NYX lipstick in terms of colour payoff and quality. Truly excellent lipstick!

Eyeshadow 

The powder eyeshadow I was sent was in Irish Creme, a beautiful beige. Very neutral and would suit any skintone and hair colour. 

I am astounded at it's excellent colour payoff for such a light neutral shade! The formulation is smooth and silky, much like the blush. Very finely milled for easy application and it is a dream to blend. These single eyeshadows are a huge 3g size too! That DOUBLE the size of a MAC eyeshadow for a fraction of the price, and I honestly see no difference in terms of quality! 

Cream eyeshadow 

The cream eyeshadow I was sent was in Pink Opal. It is the most beautiful colour and would work perfectly on anybody with brown or green eyes. 

I find the texture a little greasy and it can feel a little sticky on the eyelid, I'd recommend using this with an eyeshadow primer to maximise it's staying power and to set it with a little translucent powder. what a stunning summer colour!! 

Lipgloss 

The simply gorgeous lipgloss is fantastic! From the packaging to the applicator I cannot fault it at all! 

This one is in the shade Attitude and I LOVE it! What a stunning spring and summer shade! It boasts excellent colour payoff, long lasting wear and a shine that could put some high end brands to shame!  My advice? Order yourself one now!!

Nail polish

Simply gorgeous nail polishes are already uber popular on Instagram and after using one I'm really not surprised. I was sent the coral red shade called 'gorgeous' and my oh my it is gorgeous! 

It applys better than many of the high end polishes I own! It just glides on and  the brush applicator does not shed any hairs or clump at all! 

The colour payoff is awesome and it has a two dimensional tone that gives off a light shimmer. It wears well and does not chip easily at all, I really do sing it's praises! 

In summary

Simply Gorgeous cosmetics are a welcome addition to the cosmetics industry, they are high quality, well made, affordable and have super cute packaging! 

For a new makeup brand I think they have hit it out of the park in terms of the quality of their products, I wish them every success in the future! 

Go support them and get yourselves Simply Gorgeous too! 

New Clinique cheek pop blushers

Cliniques newest line of blushers are my must have product for spring and summer 2014! 

From their sleek packaging to their daisy imprint they made my heart skit a beat when I spotted them! So Chique and pretty! 

I chose to review shade 002 Peach Pop because coral is my go to spring & summer shade when it comes to blushers and lipsticks. 

The product has high pigmentation so a little goes a long way, it has a satin finish which adds a healthy sheen to the cheeks without being shimmery or glittery, it doesn't look powdery and it stays on all day! 

The blush comes in several shades but I honestly cannot recommend this peach shade enough for spring and summer 2014, it is bang on trend. 

I haven't worn any of my other blushes all week since I've had this in my possession, it's safe to say I'm obsessed. 

It is fragrance free and allergy tested so it will work in in perfect harmony with your skin, and best of all it us £16.50 which is very reasonable! 

Get your hands on this blush at Tyrers of St Helens! Also available at other Clinique counters! 

Removing your makeup could save lives!

The recent explosion of no makeup selfies across social networking sites isn't just a trend, it's a revolution! 

I've seen many of my friends makeup free for the first time EVER! 

People might say we look amazing, but being honest most of us just don't feel comfortable without our makeup, so no matter how many comments we receive saying;

"You don't need makeup" 

"You're beautiful"

"Stunning"

"Gorgeous"

We still don't really believe it! 

For me makeup is as essential as clothing, I feel so much more confident when wearing it! 

I feel literally naked without it. However for such an important cause how could I say NO to baring my face? That would just be vein!

So I urge you, no natter how 'ugly' you think you look without your makeup to get it off and get involved! 

The truth is your makeup enhances your looks, but it doesn't change them. You are beautiful with or without makeup! 

No makeup selfies' raised a whopping £2 million for cancer research uk in just 48 hours! So get your makeup remover wipes out, get it off and snap a picture. It could save lives!! 

Text BEAT to 70099 to donate £3 to cancer research uk! 

Stay beautiful, 

Love Helen 

 

Face Primer Wars - High Street & High End

I'm somebody that rarely commits to one product or brand, I like to play the field when it comes to cosmetics and try out anything and everything until I find the holy grail. For me its a hobby, its fun and its rewarding. So here are the primers I have road tested, and what i thought of each.

For high street to high end (Price lowest to highest)


1. NYC Smooth Skin Perfecting Primer - Superdrug £3.49

CLAIMS: to extend the wear of foundation, minimize imperfections and to smooth and moisturise the skin

MY REVIEW: This primer is actually very decent for the price, it is a white cream, it does leave skin feeling smoother and softer and does illuminate the skin due to its slightly shimmery appearance. It has no scent, dries quickly and makes foundation application smoother and easier. For a basic drugstore product I think it is well worth the money. Would I repurchase? Yes. In a heartbeat. 

2.Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer Superdrug £6.99

CLAIMS: 5 in 1. Smooths, Perfects, protects,brightens, mattifies and resurfaces

MY REVIEW: This product is another white cream, it claims big things, and for the most part it delivers. The skin feels amazing after use, it does minimize pores and imperfections, it is slightly illuminating and shimmery so it does brighten and obviously any layer of cream on the skin will protect it to an extent - the resurfacing claim is a little far fetched but it does give you a nicer smoother base to work with, so I'll overlook the big claim. My only issue with this product was that I was allergic to it. That's not the products fault - its just unfortunate. The product itself worked in perfect harmony with my skin - my problem was the scent. It makes my eyes run, makes me sneeze and just generally caused a 'heyfever' type reaction. Would I repurchase it: NO  - but if they released a fragrance free version - then YES. 


3. Salma Hayek Smooth Start Smooth Skin Primer $10 CVS (USA only)

CLAIMS: To diminish the appearance of pores and fine lines and enhance makeup wear

MY REVIEW: WOW! this is a wonder product, I cannot honestly recommend it highly enough! unlike the previous 2 primers I have mentioned, this is a gel like formula, It is almost like vaseline but less greasy. It is a light beige colour. It glides on, feels super soft and hides a multitude of sins. Would I repurchase? YES! by the bucket!


4. MAC Prep + Prime Skin £20.50 MAC Cosmetics website

CLAIMS: To calm and soothe the skin, blot excess oil and even out skintone. Improve application of foundations.

MY REVIEW: Like the cheaper dugstore primers this is a white cream with a fair amount of shimmer which illuminates the skin. It is very light and non greasy, almost a little too 'watery' for my liking. super soft to touch and definitely good at its blotting claim, so if you have oily skin I would highly recommend this primer. It provides a perfect base to apply foundation on top of.  Exactly what I would expect from MAC. Would I repurchase? NO because I don't have oily skin so its not ideal for me. I would try a different MAC primer more suited to my skin type though.



5. Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer £22.50 Estee Lauder website

Claims: To mattify skin, control oils and shine, even out skintone, minimise pores, calm and smooth

MY REVIEW: Given that MAC & Estee Lauder and one in the same it doesn't surprise me that this primer is similar to the MAC one, only this feels slightly thicker and less watery - therefore BETTER. No noticeable scent, definitely does mattify the skin and smooths to incredible levels, evens out the surface and generally delivers what it claims. Would I repurchase? Maybe, but its a little bit pricey!


6. Benefit The Porefessional £24.50 Benefit website

Claims: Minimize appearance of pores and fine lines, smooth and even out skin, Improve application of foundation.

MY REVIEW: For me, this is the best of the best. I do not think there is a better primer out there, I do not have problem pores or any issues with fine lines yet i LOVE this as a primer. It is somewhere between a gel and a cream and nude beige in colour (VERY similar to Nuance by Salma Hayek) Probably best described as a "balm." It really does smooth, mattify and even out the skin. It has to be felt to be believed. My skin feels like velvet after application. Would I repurchase? Despite its high price tag - YES, A little goes a really long way. 


In summary, I'd  move heaven and earth to get your hands on the NUANCE primer by Salma Hayek because for me it is the closest dupe to the best, which is Benefit's Porefessional :) There really isn't much in these two despite Benefit being $20 (£15) more expensive!

I really hope you found this review useful and I look forward to reading your comments and opinions.

Helen xx

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Here's a link to my latest video blog, a review and demo of bourjois healthy mix foundation. I absolutely LOVE it!! check it out here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAHhTq7rIaM

Makeup Swaps - My Experience

Its become a trend in recent years for Bloggers and YouTubers to do 'makeup swaps' with each other.

The idea behind it is to both agree a price and send each other a package filled with makeup / beauty products you have chosen for that person. I suppose a lot of us already do this every month in a fashion because of our beauty box subscriptions like Birchbox and Glossybox where we pay money to a company to send us 'surprise' beauty products but by doing it with an actual person online rather than a company you are slightly more vulnerable as you don't get the protection that buying from an established company offers.

I have been wanting to do a swap for a while so I agreed to do one with my Youtube friend Elle. She is also British and we have very similar tastes in makeup but I thought maybe we could send each other products that might push us out of our own comfort zones. There's nothing worse than getting stuck in a beauty rut. Right? Plus she might see something i've never seen before and vice versa.

I was very excited not only to receive my package from her but to shop for hers too.We agreed a budget of £20, and to buy each other budget brands.

I have gotten to know Elle over the past couple of months through Youtube so I trusted her that she wouldn't scam me, and she didn't. I received my package on Friday and the products in there really exceeded my expectations.

First of all it was packaged beautifully, all the items individually wrapped in beautiful butterfly wrapping paper. There was a tonne of stuff in the box she sent. She must have gone well over our budget (but so did I) I just couldn't help myself.

I received hair products, skincare, nail polishes and makeup products and I filmed my unboxing on my youtube channel. *You can watch it here: www.youtube.com/beautyandhelen

My first swap experience was wonderful and I have arranged to do an international swap with my American YouTube friend Kathryn this week. I'm super excited to do this as I can send British products to Kathryn that she doesn't have access to in America and she can send me american products that i don't have access to in England.

There are horror stories all over the internet about people getting scammed, sending packages off and not receiving anything in return, or receiving product that aren't equal to the value that was agreed, but I think most people have no issues at all.

 Here are a few tips to help you organise your first swap and minimise the risk of being scammed.

• Find a person you want to swap with, read their blog, watch their videos to see if you have things in common. 
• Email, facebook or twitter with them and build a friendship - someone who's going to scam you will be obvious when they make no effort getting to know you. 
• Agree a price and date.
• Try a small swap first, maybe £5-10 so you're not risking a massive amount of money and you can build trust this way.
• Ask what they like and don't be shy to say i like this but not this.... You don't want to receive stuff you'll never use, if you don't like red lipsticks, say so!
• Get a receipt when you post your package so you've got proof of postage should your swap partner not receive their package. 
• Finally be aware that you will have to give this person your home address in order for them to send you a package so if you are under 16 you WILL need your parents consent. Be smart. 

I'm looking forward to receiving my package from America and I'll be sure to upload a video and blog about it! I'd also love to do a swap with someone in Asia, maybe Japan or Korea in the future. Their beauty products look amazing. 

Take care and I'll speak to you soon,

Love Helen xx

Pretty in Pink Makeup. High-Street Edition

Pretty in Pink

The summer is finally here!! Ditch the dull nudes and browns and lighten up your makeup look. Go on....

I adore pinks, especially with having green eyes because pink really makes my eyes pop, but pink can work for any eye or hair colour, you just have to chose the right shade of pink for you!

I opt for soft subtle cool toned pinks because I have green eyes and red hair (not naturally red, but still red nonetheless)

Brunettes with brown eyes look stunning with a warm toned 'barbie' pink. 

Blondes with blue eyes suit candy pinks. 

Here's the most recent pink makeup  products I've bought for summer 2013.

• MUA blush in Bubblegum
• Wet n wild 'megaglo' illuminator in Catwalk Pink
• Sleek 'lashout' mascara in Black
• NYC lipstick in 'Modern Love'
• ELF cream eyeliner in Black
• MUA 'Undressed' eye shadow palette 

And here's how I wear this look....

I hope this inspires you to ditch the dull browns and nudes and try something summery whilst you have the chance, afterall - pink really does make the boys wink ;)

Take care and see you in my next blog, love & hugsHelen xx