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.

Stylpro Bamboo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

We are all aware, perhaps now more than ever, that we should be doing our utmost to stop buying single use products, the ones which sit in a landfill site and take years, hundreds of years and a lifetime to breakdown. One of the major changes I made was to stop the use of cotton wool pads. 

Many brands of Cotton wool pads are said to contain plastic which means they aren’t fully biodegradable and therefore are not especially great for the environment. But, thankfully there is a whole host of brands out there ready to help make that switch to something much friendlier an absolute doddle.

One of those brands is Stylpro, a brand I’ve long since shared products from on my blog -

Squeeze Makeup Sponge Cleaner, the Luxury Brush collection and more recently the Easy On The Eye Hydrating Gel Cleanser and Cloth.  Today it is all about the Stylpro Bamboo Reuable Makeup Pads and their laundry bag.

If you didn’t know, Bamboo is a sustainable, self-regenerating crop, so this means it does not need to be replanted after harvesting because it just keeps on growing. If you’ve ever had a tub of bamboo growing in your garden, then you might have noticed this! Bamboo also doesn't need harmful pesticides or fertilisers that cotton does to grow, and the part is that bamboo requires 1/3 less water than cotton!

STYLPRO’S Reusable Bamboo Makeup Remover Pads, are described as being the solution to a waste-free beauty regime. These Reusable Makeup Remover Pads are made of 100% naturally derived products and GOTS certified cotton and bamboo, so there is no need to worry.

Incredibly soft, these reusable makeup pads are 3-ply and with one soft side and one slightly more ridges, though still soft. As the name of these products is Reusable makeup pads, I have only used them for that, the makeup I apply on my face - usually CC cream or tinted moisturiser, bronzer, mascara and if not a lip balm then a lipstick - nothing too heavy. I have found that these makeup pads actually do a better job at helping to remove makeup than a disposable cotton wool pad and you can use both sides without them coming apart in your hands. My only advice is to use a different pad for removing eye makeup, I say that because I use a different makeup remover for that process which is much more gentle - the Stylpro one!

These Stylpro Bamboo Reusable pads can be used and washed up to 1000 times before replacing. Wash at 30° C inside the laundry bag provided and leave to air dry naturally. You can buy the pads in packs of 8 and 16 with a little laundry bag for washing. The price ranges from around £8 to £12 and they can be found on the high street from places such as Tesco and online with Feelunique, Lookfantastic and Stylpro.

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

Aldi Lacura Flawless Coverage CC Cream

Another new launch from Aldi and it is their Aldi Lacura Flawless Coverage CC Cream, said to be inspired by It Cosmetics CC Cream.

The It Cosmetics CC cream is one of my absolute must-have products and even at £36.50, I don’t even hesitate to repurchase as soon as a I run out, it’s become almost like a comfort blanket when my skin just needs perking up, blemishes covering and that natural look being the end goal, so what if Aldi can recreate that product at a fraction of a cost? Well let’s see if it does!

Packaged in purple, it’s notable that the packaging is not the same in any way shape or form, nor is the applicator similar, however both tubes have the holographic strip, similar writing on the tube and both have the SPF50 claims. 

It Cosmetics offer a total of 14 different shades and Aldi Lacura offers 6 - all of which I have seen in store and I have Shade 1 which is fair.  So the downside to Aldi Lacura is that the shade range is limited.

Despite having a similar ingredients base, think hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, niacinamide and peptides, the textures are completely different. Anyone who is familiar with It Cosmetics will recognise and possibly adore that slightly thick texture which glides onto the skin effortlessly (shown here), blending like an absolute dream. From Aldi Lacura, the formula is much lighter though it also applies like a dram and doesn’t an incredible job at covering blemishes, leaving the skin with that Demi-matte appearance.

Longevity, It Cosmetics is much longer lasting, in so much as once I’ve applied it to my skin, I’m happy to not have to top up or re-apply in an evening, though with the Aldi Lacura version, there was patches I would definitely need to top up and re-apply - though personally I don’t find that much of an issue.

Priced at £4.99 it is worth looking out for in your local Aldi store if you are a fan of It Cosmetics or have been wanting to give it a try.

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

Aldi Lacura Vitabase Moisturising Primer - Bobbi Brown Dupe?

Fans of Bobbi Brown’s popular Face Base primer might have to look twice with a new release from the Aldi Lacura range! Meet Vitabase Moisturising Primer which, at a first glance you can see exactly where its inspiration has come from and why it has been quite the TikTok phenomenon!

The Vitabase Moisturising Primer from Aldi Lacura retails at just £5.99 but the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base will cost around £46.50, so already that is quite the saving, if indeed Aldi does prove to be a dupe! Let's see.

Firstly is the packaging, both have an outer white box which describes the product inside and then both have a glass pot, again detailing what the product is.  At a first glance, they are similar but not identical, personally I think the Aldi Lacura bottle is far sturdier of the two.  

For products that are described as dupes, texture and ingredients for me are what makes a product. Starting with the texture, from Lacura we have a texture which feels very much like a moisturising cream and it is slightly thicker than Bobbi Brown's version, but only just and admittedly, I am a fan of both textures. On the skin, from Aldi Lacura, Vitabase glides onto the skin effortlessly and isn't greasy or tacky and it has that fresh light zesty scent to it.  So we still tick those boxes for being similar but not identical.

When it comes to ingredients from Aldi you have Vitamins B, C and E alongside Shea Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate and Geranium Oil and from Bobbi Brown you won't be too surprised to find the ingredients are the same as those I have listed from Aldi Lacura, only Bobbi Browns trumps the grapefruit scent as being energising and within Vitabase it is pink grapefruit.  This has been one of the closest dupes I have come across and yes, I am using that D word that I don't use too often.  Used in exactly the same way as Bobbi Brown, it is faultless for me.

If being on a budget is where you find yourself, then the Aldi Lacura Vitabase Moisturising Primer is one to find and buy in bulk.  There is absolutely nothing I dislike about the product, it performs just as well as my Bobbi Brown version and at a saving of £40, worth every single penny!

The Aldi Lacura range of beauty and makeup products is not one to ignore, from their Pro Collagen range to the fragrance range it is always worth keeping an eye on what is coming next.  On my blog, I have quite a few newly launched products to share over the coming weeks.

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

StylPro Easy On The Eye Hydrating Gel Cleanser and Cloth

I am a big fan of the brand StylPro and have, in recent months shared some amazing products - the Squeeze Makeup Sponge Cleaner, Glow and Grow Mirror and of course the stunning Luxury Brush Collection. With every gadget Inventor Tom creates, comes a cleansing solution, today this is a slightly different cleanser, it is the StylPro Easy On The Eye Hydrating Gel Cleanser and Cloth.

When it comes to skincare, cleansing happens to be my favourite thing to do and if I am wearing eye makeup, which I do 98% of the time, I always use a separate eye makeup remover, out of habit.  The Easy On The Eye Cleanser, which happens to be a Vegan Jelly Cleanser, is designed to melt away all traces of face and eye makeup including waterproof mascara.

The STYLPRO ‘Easy on the Eye’ hydrating jelly cleanser and makeup remover. Created with a blend of naturally derived active ingredients this jelly cleanser is gentle on skin and easy on the eye.

To use, you simply massage the jelly cleanser onto dry skin and as you massage, all of your makeup melts away effortlessly, there is no need to aggressively rub your eyes, this jelly does it all for you, even that waterproof mascara which is notorious for not budging, well it is no match for this! 

As you use the jelly cleanser, the microfibre cloth, which I soak in warm water, is perfect for using afterwards to gently wipe my face completely clean and remove any last traces of gunk that I have missed. The cloth is delightfully soft and smooth and it washes and dries like a dream too!

Priced around £14.99, this StylPro Easy On The Eye Hydrating Gel Cleanser and Cloth contains naturally derived active ingredients which includes: argan oil, wheatgerm oil and grapeseed oil. It is also suitable for all skin-types, vegan-friendly and free from parabens, preservatives and alcohol.

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