Christmas Gifting with Emolyne Cosmetics

If someone you are buying a gift for loves makeup, then a brand that has the attention of Vogue is definitely one to look at and that is Emolyne, a brand I was first introduced to back in 2022,

Emolyne is the British beauty brand that is empowered by the belief that beauty is for everyone, and as such, they create makeup that celebrates every ethnicity, gender, age, and lifestyle. anedit of lipsticks, lip liners and nail lacquers is available in the same 30 matching colours and some of the most beautiful eyeshadows I have come across, there is something for everyone.

The Lip products are sold under three different categories - Velvet Lip, Defining Lip and Gloss Lip and each of those 30 shades works as a matching trio.

Choosing your shade might, or a shade leaves you spoilt for choice because they are all just so stunning and if you can't decide what will or will not suit you, helpfully there is a Lipstick shade finder on hand to help and this is what I used to choose the shade I have - Uganda.

Uganda is a cool toned mauve shade and anyone who knows me will know, I have a shade type when it comes to lipsticks and this is it. A velvety, semi-matte, highly pigmented and long-lasting lip colour which really is long lasting, matches with its liner and gloss perfectly, they can be worn one their own or together, depending on your preference. As you can see, the Lipstick is packaged in a very luxurious glittering metal golden glittery case and it pops open when you press the E button on its top. The lipstick bullet is embossed with the brands E logo and is curved perfectly for an easy application.

The Defining Lip Liner is smooth and creamy when applied and again, the colour payoff is incredible, so much so that I often wear the liner and the gloss day to day and then the lipstick if I am going out. The gloss, again in the shade Uganda is a high shine gloss which is neither sticky or tacky when applied and is infused with vitamin E for a silky and hydrating finish.

The lipsticks are priced at £23, The Defining Line is £15 and the Gloss is just £17, all really affordable and just stunning.

If eye makeup is more your cup of tea, when Emolyne also has that box ticked too and I shared a reel over on Instagram of two the Eyeshade Cremes (£24).

In the shades Pemba Shores and Benin Bronze, these are two of the most wearable shades for someone who likes the more natural look. Pemba Shores is a warm gold shade which has a multidimensional finish. Then we have Benin Bronze, which as the name might give away is a deep bronze shade and again, it is a creamy shadow with a multidimensional finish.

Both of these Eyeshadow Creme's are easy to apply with your finger, a brush or even a makeup sponge, depending on the look you are going for, but because they have such rich pigments, you only need a small amount to really make your eyes pop.

The last product to share is the Lashline Lacquer (£19) and it is available in two shades - Kalahari Brown or BoBende Black and I have the Kalahari Brown, which is an earthy brown shade and perfect for my colouring as I find a black is too harsh.  With its smudge-proof felt tip liquid eyeliner, this liner dries quickly, so if you are wanting to smudge it, you will need to be quick because once it is there, it is not budging and it is waterproof! Thankfully easy to remove with eye makeup remover!

As you might have guessed from this post, all the shades are named for African countries or landmarks which makes it all the more special and the brand owner, Emolyne, being half Ugandan, half Danish but based here in London decided to create a brand that would cater to those looking for coordinated colours and that she has most definitely done.  Each product is also vegan friendly, cruelty free and paraben free.

You can find the whole Emolyne collection right here and as well as lipsticks and other products I have shared, there is also a selection of nail polish to choose from too.  So if you like everything to match, this brand will be the one you need!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Kylie Cosmetics Lip Kit Dupe

It is well known now that I love a good Aldi Lacura beauty product and in recent months there has been some brilliant releases, from the exciting Sweet Angel Shower Gel, which may or may not be similar to Snow Fairy from Lush, Their BHA Toner which is aid to be similar to Paula's Choice, through to their Charlotte Tilbury inspired lip launches.  Today it is another inspired product and the Lacura Lip Kit.

Said to be inspired by the Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kit, £28. Looking at the packaging, you can see that similarly just like Kylie Cosmetics, the Aldi Lacura version is housed in millennial pink packaging with the lip print and inside it contains two products a matte liquid lipstick and liner duo. 

Priced at just £4.99 each, there is a choice of three different shades, my local Aldi had just the one shade in stock and thankfully, the one I wanted in Nearly Nude, which is said o be inspired by the shade Kylie.  The other options are ‘Just Peachy’ which is similar to ‘Sweater Weather’ and then the shade ‘Velvet Sugar’ which is inspired by he shade Twenty’

As expected, both of these products are really impressive, described as having a long-lasting formula and of course it is Vegan.  

The liner which is more of a pinkier brown shade than it looks, glides onto the lips as thought it is a balm, it is so soft and smooth, easy to smudge if the need arises and it does wipe away if a mistake is made, but you need to do it before it settles.  However, what it does is create a great liner for your lips and it works well with other lipsticks too.

Then the liquid lipstick, I adore it, there ive said it.  It is bright, it is pigmented, it glides smoothly onto the lips without being taut and whilst it does dry down quite quickly, it is a definite liquid lipstick which some might want to add a gloss too, depending on which type of finish you like, But the colour is also slightly more Pink than its inspired offering, so something to have in mind.

As you can see from the swatches above, which are not edited, both the Lip Pencil and the Liquid Lip do give good colour pay off and they work with other products that you might have in your stash.

Each one of these Aldi Lacura lip kits is priced at £4.99 each and in comparison to the Kylie Cosmetic Lip Kits are priced around £28, it is quite the saving!  As with most Aldi Lacura products, if you spot them in the middle aisle, grab them as quickly as you can if you want to give them a try because they never hand around for long!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Pixi Beauty On-The-Glow Bronze Sticks

Meet the On-The-Glow Bronze Sticks from Pixi Beauty which I absolutely love using, i'm definitely more of a bronzer girl than a blusher girl and these are just divine.

The On-The-Glow Bronze sticks are priced at £18 each and are available in four shades, the sticks aim to give you a sunkissed and healthy-looking complexion to skin all year round so it's a much safer way to achieve that holiday glow. The shades are:

• SoftGlow
• WarmGlow
• RichGlow
• BeachGlow

I have WarmGlow and BeachGlow which I was kindly sent to try. If you are familiar with the On-The-Glow Blushers, then they are packaged in the same tubes. 

The  texture is described as giving the skin a hint-of-a-tint and they are easy to use the sticks are perfect for cheeks and lips. The solid tint is formulated with fruit extracts, vitamins and oils which includes

• Fruit Extracts nourish & renew
• Ginseng revitalises & balances
• Aloe Vera soothes & calms

They come together to give the skin antioxidant protection, if you are familiar with Pixi Beauty you will know that a lot of their makeup is skincare based so it's really lovely to use.

What I love about each of these shades is how easy they are to use, minimal effort is needed, they can be applied as light as you want them to be or you can build up your coverage. Then depending on how you like your blusher to look, it blends effortlessly with your fingers or you could use a brush or sponge.

The swatches shown above are, as always unedited and the photo was taken in the natural light. That is one swipe of each bronzer on the back of my wrist, so you can see how pigmented they are. The top swatch is BeachGlow, a cool shade and is perfect for adding that pop of colour and the second swatch is WarmGlow and it is definitely a lighter shade of the two, but it works well with BeachGlow, almost like a highlighter.

If you’re not sure that these shades are for you, there is two other shades to choose from. These Pixi On-The-Glow Bronze Sticks are priced at £18 each and they are on sale right here with Pixi.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

How to Use Printed Photos to Enhance Your Makeup Skills

Nowadays, the tactile experience of holding photo prints has become somewhat rare. However, their tangible presence and clarity make them invaluable, especially in professions demanding precision and growth.

Image credit

For makeup artists and enthusiasts for instance, printed photos can be a significant asset. From providing visual inspiration and evaluation to tracking your progress, photo prints can play an indispensable role when developing your makeup skills.

Using Printed Photos for Inspiration

Printed photos are not only stunning to look at, but they can also provide budding makeup artists with inspiration, encouragement, and new ideas.

In fact, you could even use some printed photos as a makeup muse. Makeup is as much about artistry as it is about technique. And like any artist, sourcing inspiration is pivotal. Photo prints of diverse faces, makeup trends, art pieces, or even nature can ignite the spark for your next innovative look.

If you tend to stick to the same palette when creating new makeup looks, the vibrant hues of a printed image can serve as a reference point for curating your makeup palette. Whether it's the gradient of a sunset or the myriad colours in a bird's plumage, photo prints can guide your choice of eyeshadows, lip colours, and more to new, unexplored horizons.

Evaluating Your Work with Printed Photos

While it may not be the most enjoyable practice, being able to scrutinise your makeup application is key to refining your skills. Photographing your work and studying the photo prints allows for a detailed analysis. From the symmetry of eyebrows to the blending of contours, you can spot areas that need improvement.

Plus, for those considering makeup as a career, curating a professional portfolio is crucial. High-quality photo prints of your best works can make a compelling case for your expertise when presented to potential employers or clients.

Track the Progress of Your Makeup Skills

Every artist evolves, and this journey is worth capturing. By maintaining a chronological collection of photo prints of your makeup looks over time, you can witness your growth, changes in style, and improvements in technique over time.

Also, as you experiment with novel makeup styles or techniques, having printed references of your initial attempts versus your latest endeavours can serve as motivational benchmarks. They not only highlight your progress but also encourage you to keep pushing the boundaries of your makeup looks.

Make the Most of Makeup Workshops and Tutorials

If you're attending a makeup workshop, often, there are crucial takeaways, be it a specific technique, a look, or a trend. Having these insights as photo prints can serve as a quick reference guide, making your practice more effective later down the line.

Prefer to learn about makeup and technique online? Printing these step-by-step guides in the form of images or screenshots can make the learning process more tactile and immersive, as you can place them beside your makeup station for easy reference.

Create Your Own Vision Board

Creating a mood board using photo prints of desired makeup looks, textures, and colours can be a powerful visualisation tool for your makeup journey. Whether you're prepping for a specific event or imagining a seasonal look, these boards can be your guide whenever you need it. By including advanced makeup techniques on your vision board,this can also serve as daily motivation to improve your skills.

There’s no denying that the journey to makeup mastery is an ongoing one, filled with experiments, learning, and evolution. Incorporating photo prints into this voyage not only provides tangible inspiration and reference but also celebrates milestones and benchmarks.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

WANDERLASH mascara

When it comes to a desert island product I would have to take, it will always be mascara. It is my favourite makeup product and I absolutely love trying and testing new brands. The latest item to my collection is the Bella Wanderlash Mascara.

This mascara is already a cult favourite with so many and has already amassed a beauty guru fan base with the likes of MUAs Hannah Martin, Nicola Chapman and Celine Bernaerts, all of whom give their coveted seal of approval. So if is good enough for them, it should be good enough for me right?

Housed in a gilded styled tube, WANDERLASH is not only vegan and cruelty free but it also boats of being free from 30+ disrupting ingredients such as fragrance, parabens, silicones, talc and sulphates.

WANDERLASH delivers a long-lasting, clump-free, instant false lash effect that leaves lashes upright and plump all day long. How? Designed specifically for a gravity-defying lift, the concave-curved wand has special lifting brush technology and is packed with intricate waved fibres that capture every single lash, submerging each in its curl-defining formula. The end result? Lifted lashes otherwise only achievable in the salon, that beg to be fluttered.

Rich and creamy in texture and intensely black in colour, the formula boasts a dynamic, unique blend of innovative active ingredients.

• Jojoba Oil promotes length,
• Hemp Extract hydrates and conditions and
• Blackcurrant encourages a thickness effect. 

Also brimming with vitamins and potent antioxidants, each ingredient has been selected for their ability to nourish, protect and anchor follicles for longer, healthier, cashmere-soft lashes. 

The perfectly curated wand allows for buildable, effortless lashes which do not clump after a few applications and on my lashes, which are quite long, it isn't heavy and doesn't make my lashes feel weighted down, so that is a huge plus point.  It also lasts pretty much all day, if I apply it at 7.30am as I am leaving for work, it is still in place until the early evening when I am done for the day and on occasion, I haven gone out after work and have not had to re-apply.  Removal is also an easy task, I always use an eye makeup remover before cleansing and it comes away easily with no need to over rub the eyes.

It is fair to say that I really like this mascara and at £28 it is really worth trying.

Plus it has added ingredients to care for the lashes. Hemp Extract (to condition & hydrate), Jojoba (to promote lash length) & Blackcurrant (to promote lash thickness) 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

MAC Cosmetics Mystery Beauty Bags

MAC Cosmetics has released two MAC Mystery Beauty Bags for April and they are available right now. Worth over £90, each Mystery bag costs just £40.

This isn’t the first time MAC has offered Mystery Bags, but they do always sell out really quickly! 

The first MAC Mystery Bag, titled Ace Your Look and it is worth £95. Described as being an exclusive 6-piece set full of fan-favourites. 

Includes a full-sized Lipstick in the neutral shade Taupe Of The List alongside 5 other products.

The second MAC Mystery is titled Bag Bring The Beauty and it is also worth £95.

This exclusive 6-piece set is described pas being full of fan-favourites and it includes a full-sized Lipstick in the neutral shade Lookin’ Like Wealth.

Both mystery bags are currently available with MAC Cosmetics for just £40 here! 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Essence fix & LAST Jelly Primer

Essence is one of those brands that doesn't get as much love as it should. I am a huge fan of so many products, especially their mascara range, but new to my stash is the fix & LAST Jelly Primer and it is pretty impressive.

Essence Fix & Last Make-up Gripping Jelly Primer is, as you would expect, designed to provide extra-long makeup hold whilst at the same time, give a smooth, fresh finish. What I was really intrigued by was the term 'Jelly' because having tried a jelly cleanser, which wasn't much of a jelly but still a great product.  

“The fix & LAST make-up gripping JELLY PRIMER is the perfect partner in crime for all beauty lovers who are looking for extra-long hold. Simply apply the transparent jelly texture, wait a few seconds until it is absorbed into the skin – and the gripping effect for perfect make-up hold is activated! The primer also provides moisture and can be worn with foundation or on its own. Either way, it creates a smooth, fresh finish.“

Described as being a primer which is quickly-absorbed and has a transparent jelly texture, this primer is also said to add moisture, it can also be worn with foundation or on its own as it helps to create a smooth, fresh finish. 

Despite the Jelly looking bright pink in colour, it is actually a light pink transparent jelly, so it is perfectly good to be used with both cream, gel and powder products. Essence recommend applying the primer, and then waiting a few seconds being applying makeup, to allow it to fully absorb, by which point that ‘gripping’ effect is said to be ready for your foundation.

With it's pump action bottle, you only need just the one pump of the jelly primer and I really like the texture, it does have that jelly look to it, but when massaged onto the skin, it turns to a gel like cream and it does a great job at holding my makeup in place and all for just £4 and it is also Cruelty-free & vegan-friendly.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Lacura Eyeshadow Primer

I love a good dupe and one brand who seemingly gets it good on most occasions is Aldi with their Lacura range. The last addition to my stash comes in the form of the Lacura Eyeshadow Primer, which you might say looks and sounds similar to the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Potion.

With its similar designed tube, though different in colour - Urban Decay use their purple shade where as Aldi Lacura have chosen to use an Ombre purple and blue colouring, but the jewel-like cap on the tube is almost identical. One of the biggest differences being the price £3.99 v £19.50, assuming the Aldi offering is worth its money.

Prolong the look of your eye makeup with the new Lacura Eyeshadow Primer. This primer glides effortlessly onto the lids to create the perfect canvass for makeup application.

I have tried many eyeshadow primers over the years and always end up coming back to Urban Decay because it is just so good, but then came Lacura!

With its incredibly soft applicator, Lacura has managed to create something which doesn't hold too much of the primer, so there is no wastage. Formulated with polymer technology, this formula has a super lightweight texture and it features a finish which prevents creasing and locks in your makeup all day.

I adore the shade of this primer, incredibly light and not at all noticeable once it has been applied to the lids, of which, you need the smallest amount.  Once applied, you don't even notice it is there, it doesn't dry or feel heavy and after a few seconds, you can apply your eyeshadow.  It does create a crease-free base and impressively, I have found my eye makeup stayed in place for 6-7 hours before I needed to re-apply, so it got me through a day of work, but if going out in an evening, there would be a need to re-apply.  With Urban Decay, I do get a slightly longer wear, but in reality for me, there isn't a lot to choose between the two.

For £3.99, the Aldi Lacura Eyeshadow Primer is one to pick up if you see it in store or even online.

 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

GloWish Blur Jam Smoothing Primer by Huda Beauty

Aside from a few palettes, Huda Beauty isn't a brand I am all that familiar with, though I do see products featured across my social media of course.  Over the past month or so, I have been using a product that not only grabbed my attention with its name - Blur Jam, but it is incredible.

The GloWish range is described as being a line that exists at the intersection of flawless finishes and skin-loving ingredients to reveal a natural, easy-glowing look.  To that end, GloWish Blur Jam Silicone-Free Smoothing Primer is said to instantly mattifying to provide a perfect, breathable and shine-free base.

For anyone, who like me, has oily combination skin, a primer is an absolute must-have product if you want to keep your makeup in place (along with a finishing spray) and over the years, I have tried countless primers in the quest to find the perfect one, both with and without silicone.

Blur Jam is silicone free as well as featuring no fragrance or alcohol and it is made from a 90% naturally-derived formula and is Vegan Friendly. All of that aside, it does contain a powerhouse of ingredients which includes:

• Damascus rose water: Soothes, clarifies and locks in extreme moisture
• Prickly pear: A rich source of vitamins and antioxidants to provide intense hydration
• Cactus flower: Hydrates, calms and soothes skin while supporting a strong skin barrier

For me, the best part about this strawberry jam looking primer is its texture because it is exactly as I hoped it would be from the name and it is a lot of fun.

As you can see, it is bright red, looks very much like jam and spreads just as easily (without a knife of course) and all without being sticky, tacky or icky on the skin, in fact it is the exact opposite and is soft, smooth and really lightweight on the skin as well s hydrating.

It instantly smooths the skin and is great for mattifying the complexion, all of which are amazing because, even if you decide not to wear makeup, you can still use this primer on its own.  However, it really does help to keep that shine at bay and my makeup too.

Priced at £29 it is a really great primer and I am glad I have a back up!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Charlotte Tilbury Makeup to Mesmerise Mystery Box

Having shared details of the Charlotte Tilbury Build Your Own Stocking just a few days ago, there is a re-release to share and it is the Makeup to Mesmerise Mystery Box.

Originally on sale back in the Summer, and incredibly popular, Makeup to Mesmerise Mystery Box. Said to be worth £190, it is back on sale now for £95!

My Makeup to Mesmerise Mystery Box features some of my best-selling, easy-to-use MAGIC makeup products for eyes that sparkle, cheeks that glow and lips that lead astray!

Perfectly packaged in a beautiful night-crimson gift box you will find 6 full size Charlotte Tilbury’s beautifying products , which can be used to create multiple looks that suit everyone! Whether you're a smokey eye dreamer, glowing goddess or lipstick lover, this box is for you, the only snag is you need to be quick as they sell out quickly!

Grab your box right here 

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Charlotte Tilbury Mystery Boxes 2022 News

Some of the best mystery beauty boxes that I have bought are from Charlotte Tilbury and I am delighted to see there will be two offerings on sale now!

Over the last few years, the mystery boxes from Charlotte Tilbury have been amazing value for money, so I cannot wait to see what 2022 has.

In recent days, Charlotte Tilbury has launched the Charlotte Tilbury Mystery Boxes 2022  and the choice you will have to make will be between The Makeup Magic Mystery Box or the The Sensation Skincare Mystery Box.

The Mystery Boxes

The first box is the Makeup To Mesmerise Magic Mystery Box and it will be worth £190. The best part, it will be on sale for just £95 and inside the box will be 6 random full size mystery makeup products.

• Instant Eyeshadow Palette - Smokey Eyes are Forever
• Sex on Fire Blusher
• Brow Fix
• Walk of No Shame Eyes to Mesmerise Jewel Pot
• Tinted Love Bohemian Kiss
• Hyaluronic Happikiss in Happiberry

You can find this box right here

The second box is the Charlotte’s Magic Hydrate and Glow Skincare Mystery Box which is said to be worth a massive £227 but will be on sale for just £113. Inside the box you will find will 5 random full size products as well as 1 deluxe size mystery skincare product.

You can find this box right here

To date, the entire content list of products within these boxes has been released, but in the first box at £95 you will find the Instant Eyeshadow Palette and within the £113 box you will find:

• Brightening Youth Glow Primer, 
• Magic Cream Light, 
• Collagen Lip Bath - Walk of no shame
• Radiance Resurfacing Facial Exfoliate, 
• Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet 
• Wonder Glow Face Primer.

Both Mystery boxes will be on sale exclusively at Charlotte Tilbury and in the meantime the huge 40% off sale - right here, is still happening with so many amazing bargains to be had!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Microblade Effect Pen

The Aldi Lacura Microblade Effect Pen is oddly not the product I’ve seen people raving about, yet I have absolutely loved using it. I have already shared the Translucent Powder Dupe, some of Aldi’s newest fragrance launches and of course that version of the Bobbi Brown Primer.

As you can see, the inspiration has very much come from the Benefit Cosmetics Brow Microfilling Brow Pen, though ALDI is not the only brand to have been inspired - think Ciate, Lottie London and of course Revolution too.

The packaging might look similar to Benefit Cosmetics, though it is a much lighter shade of pink for the box with grey rather than silver. The biggest difference, as always is the price. From Aldi, the price is just £2.99, from Benefit you will be spending £20 more!

The Aldi Lacura Microblade Effect Pen is available in four shades and I have the shade medium brown which I can get to work with my own brows. Described as being waterproof and smudge proof, once applied it is said to give you the micro bladed effect which lasts for 24 hours - personally I never wear makeup for that long, so how true that claim is I don’t know. 

With its clever micro tip, the pen is designed to help create ultra fine brows with ease lending the look of pro micro blading. The liquid brow-liner pen is made with a slanted, three-pronged tip which helps to mimic hair-like strokes and redefine the shape of your arches, or if you have gaps, the fill them in to create that fuller brow. As with other brands, you can also flip the pen on to its side to elongate the tail of your brow!

It did take me a good few goes to get to grips with using this pen, the first attempt I might have well have just used a sharpie pen, come the third and fourth attempt, much better!  

As you can see from the swatches, the lines are really fine when drawn and the harder your press, the deeper the brown colouring gets and once I have finished with my spoolie you comb through, my brows look less-over-tweezed-as-a-teen to something a little more respectable.

For me, this is one to look out this coming week in your local Aldi Store and that glorious middle eye - especially because it is just £2.99!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Be+Radiance Healthy Skin Makeup

BE+RADIANCE is described as being the first hybrid makeup brand that offers healthy products for all skin tones with clean formulas, skin food ingredients and probiotics to give that skin-friendly makeup. I was lucky enough to be sent a few products from the brands range to try and I’m impressed with what I’ve used.

The word Microbiome is one everyone will have come across in the world of beauty and Be+Radiance also claims to the the first Microbiome Friendly Makeup. So what is meant by the Microbiome? The skin Microbiome is made of microorganisms that live on the skin, this might sound a bit ewww but actually they have and play an important impact on skin health and beauty.

The first of the five products is the Cucumber Water Mattifying Foundation (£26)and it is just as delightful as it sounds.

Described as being a foundation that lets your skin breathe and preserves the skin's balance for healthy skin under luminous and natural makeup. An innovative cucumber water-based liquid foundation, not only is it Silicone free, Mineral Oil Free and Fragrance free plus it is also made from 85% natural ingredients. Giving a light to medium coverage, what I’ve liked about this foundation is not greasy or tacky but feels really light on the skin.

Up next is the Velvet Touch Primer, Natural and Breathable (£22), described as being especially designed to sublime the skin before makeup it helps to refine and smooth the skin naturally for an immediate blur effect.

I adore the texture of this primer, not only does it melt instantly on contact with the skin, but the texture turns slightly to a powder and sits so wonderful without feeling greasy or slimy, but again it is silicone free and uses antioxidant pomegranate extract to help moisturise.

Skincare, my favourite thing to discuss if you hadn’t guessed brings me to the third product and that is the Multi-Purpose Face Oil (£34).

This Face Oil can be used as a skincare, you can mix it with your foundation and it can also be used as a makeup remover if you emulsify it with water. It features just seven ingredients which are:

• Rape Seed Oil Extract: This is light, ultra-penetrating and non-greasy emollient, plus it is rich in omega 3, it is particularly effective in maintaining skin elasticity.
• Sunflower oil: Packed with Omega 6, Omega 9 and vitamin E, it is used for its nourishing and protective properties.
• Desert Date Oil: Rich in Omega 6, it is known for its antioxidant, regenerating and repairing properties for the skin and hair.
• Gentle Emulsifier: Of plant origin, it is incorporated into the formula to allow for gentle makeup removal.
• Lactobacillus Rhamnosus: Active biotics that positively cultivate bacterial flora to protect and rebalance the skin microbiome.
• Protium Resin: This plant resin has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Vitamin E: Powerful natural antioxidant.

What I really like about this oil is that it is not greasy when applied to the skin, it definitely has that oil like texture, but without the slime.  I have used this as a makeup remover and it actually does a really good job at removing almost everything - except waterproof mascara that never wants to budge.  I am however, yet to mix it with my foundation because I don't wear it in the summer.

The final two products are the ones you might have seen mentioned the most on your social media, the BE+RADIANCE SET+GLOW Probiotic Powder+Highlighter and the BE+RADIANCE COLOR+GLOW Probiotic Blush+Highlighter Blush (£29 each)

Starting with the BE+RADIANCE SET+GLOW Probiotic Powder+Highlighter (£29) which is available in 17 different options, which I find quite impressive.

I have shade 20 and absolutely love it.  It is, as you might expect by now both Talc free and silicone free and it contains some lovely ingredients which includes:

• Organic Moringa Oil: Has moisturizing, emollient and softening properties. It promotes the renewal of skin cells, and improves the protective and barrier function of the skin.
• Organic Arrow Root Powder: Mattifies the skin
• Organic Jojoba Oil: Protects against dehydration and regulates the secretion of sebum. It effectively fights against the signs of skin ageing.
• Organic Sunflower Oil: Nourishes and softens the skin
• Organic Shea Butter: Promotes skin regeneration, hydrates and nourishes deeply.

Designed to both mattifying and illuminate, it is a beautiful product with an amazing shade range.

Then with the BE+RADIANCE COLOR+GLOW Probiotic Blush+Highlighter Blush (£29) there is a shade range of six different options. I have shade range 02 which gives a coral peach blush and a darker highlighter which is almost a bronze shade.

Again, this is Talc free and silicone free and it contains some lovely ingredients which includes:

• Active Lactobacillus Rhamnosus
• Organic moringa oil: Has moisturizing, emollient and softening properties. It promotes the renewal of skin cells, and improves the protective and barrier function of the skin.
• Organic Arrow Root Powder: Mattifies the skin
• Organic Jojoba Oil: Protects against dehydration and regulates the secretion of sebum. It effectively fights against the signs of skin ageing.
• Organic Sunflower Oil: Nourishes and softens the skin
• Organic Shea Butter: Promotes skin regeneration, hydrates and nourishes deeply.

Again, a really beautiful pigmented product which for me is a case of less is more with my natural British skin tone.  

Be+Radiance is a brand that is made with 85% to 100% natural ingredients, it is made in France and is both Vegan and Cruelty Free.  Available online via both Be+Radiance and Feelunique.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Aldi Lacura Flawless Veil Translucent Powder - Laura Mercier Dupe?

You might have noticed that Aldi Lacura has released an impressive amount of products in recent weeks - the Flawless Coverage CC Cream and Vitabase Moisturising Primer to name two of them. Today I am back with another product and that is the Aldi Lacura Flawless Veil Translucent Powder.

As you might have guessed, the Aldi Lacura Flawless Veil Translucent Powder has been inspired by the much loved Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which everyone, including myself, raves about.  The difference between Aldi and Laura Mercier is £4.99 v £34 which is quite the saving, but is the Aldi Flawless Veil Translucent Powder any good?

Well as always, the packaging is always a highly contentious debate and I don't think they are too similar this time, with the Aldi jar being matte white but with a shiny bronze, slightly domed lid.  Then with the powder, Laura Mercier prides herself on having a lightweight, exceptionally milled powder and it really is both of those, Aldi whilst being talc free, is slightly heavier, though still light enough that when applied you can barely notice it - that is once you have got the hang of applying it.

Right now in the heat, I am sure many of us are 'no makeup' and whilst I still wear tinted moisturiser, I tend to use a setting powder for those shiny face parts and with this powder, whilst there is no accompany powder puff, I instead use a small flat powder brush to dab it on to the areas I need to use it on.

What this powder doesn't do is make your skin look as though you have just placed it in a bowl of talcum powder (thankfully), it also doesn't have a scent to it either.  What it does do is mop up all that excess oil, keep the shine at bay and does a pretty good job at setting makeup.  

When it comes to how long it lasts, Laura Mercier claim their version sets makeup for up to 16 hours, how true that is I don't know because I don't ever wear makeup for that long and if I am going out in the evening, chances are I will re-apply my makeup anyway.  The Aldi Lacura version definitely lasts 4-5 hours, even in this heat before you need to re-apply and it also does a good job at blurring pores and imperfections, just as the Laura Mercier one does. 

At £4.99 this is a really good back-up if you are very much a Laura Mercier fan, definitely worth trying.  You can find it in stores from 28th July!

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.