IT Cosmetics - Cult Beauty Brand of The Month

There is one brand that I am yet to get my hands on which so many of my fellow bloggers love and rave about, it is IT Cosmetics. I keep meaning to pop along to stand in Selfridges when I am on my K-Beauty mission to see what is new, but I either forget or it is always busy, so here we have my dilemma. If you didn't know, It Cosmetics was co-founded by Jamie Kern Lima alongside a team of leading dermatologists and as a brand, it boasts clinically proven, problem-solving products that combine skin-loving actives with innovative technology.

This month Cult Beauty* has chosen IT Cosmetics to be its brand of the month and what I like about this concept is that a different brand is chosen each month, so not too long ago it was Hourglass Cosmetics (my review here) and whilst they celebrate a brand per month, you also get free shipping and more often than not a free gift too, with this month offer, comes a free The IT Girl Deluxe Skincare Duo.

The first product I love the sound of is the Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream - Neutral Beige ( 11ml £26.00) - I suffer from redness on my cheeks and between my brows and I use a few different colour correcting products to try and neutralise it as much as I can.  Having been seen by a dermatologist who assures me it is nothing to worry about, it tends to flare up when I am stressed or running a fever.  Having read 5-6 different reviews about it, I really like the sound of how it works with the skin.  Described as being colour-infused skin care, it starts its life as a hydrating, skin-calming cream that cancels out redness – all while delivering long-wearing, colour-correcting full coverage. 

The second product is Your Skin But Better CC+ Oil-Free Matte with SPF 40 (32ml £31) - This is possibly one of the most seen products on my Instagram timeline.  Described as being full coverage, sun damage-deflecting oil-free formulation which leaves a perfect matte finish. Created to improve the appearance of your skin’s texture, camouflage imperfections and minimise the appearance of pores, this formula leaves skin supremely smooth and even. Enhanced with SPF 40 and a host of skin-nourishing benefits

The third product is the Bye Bye Pores Poreless Finish Airbrush Powder ( 6.8g £22) - I love that this is a universal translucent shade, so there is no worry that you have bought the wrong one for you. Said to have been specially designed (with the help of plastic surgeons) to blur the appearance of pores and imperfections, this Airbrush Powder will leave your complexion smooth, even and ‘poreless’.  I love that you can wear this powder on its own or with your makeup. 

When it comes to makeup, I can never resist a Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain( 3.4g £18) - Described as being  a luxe treatment lip balm with a powerful stain that won’t dry out your lips, It is infused with plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe, jojoba, age-defying antioxidants, vitamins, green tea and white tea to treat, hydrate, condition and nourish your lips. That description alone draws me in!

Finally, if you are going to call a product the Superhero Mascara (£20) then as a mascara fiend, I want to try it.  Described as being like ‘skin care for your lashes’, the formula has been developed with plastic surgeons and clinically shown to give your lashes super volume, length and elastic stretch – all with just one coat. The formula is also said to be enhanced with lash-lifting polymers, volumising collagen, strengthening biotin, proteins and peptides combined with super black pigments for an eye-opening look.

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

Aldi Lacura Glycolic Cleansing Pads - Are they a Nip + Fab Dupe?

Everyone has their view on dupes and duping and those views are often scathing or on the opposite end of the spectrum, full of praise. Aldi has become well known for their own dupes - in recent times they have had dupes of Aussie Shampoo, NARS, Benefit, Elizabeth Arden, Liz Earle, Glamglow, YSL Touche Eclat, Jo Malone, Molton Brown, Beauty Blender and even Neom. But they are not alone, Primark and Revolution do the same thing too and again, for some people it is okay for one brand to do it but not another.   

I am a huge fan of Aldi and have one at the end of the road where I work and often pop in during the week to do a food shop top-up and more importantly browse the Gin section because Aldi has some fabulous Gin!   However, what caught my eye was the Lacura Daily Cleansing Glycolic Pads, something I had heard about on my social media feed but had never actually seen in my Aldi store.

The Lacura Daily Cleansing Glycolic Pads are a Nip + Fab dupe, there is absolutely no denying it. The packaging is similar to the point where I had to look twice to see which brand it was because if you look at the packaging then what you get are two plastic tubs featuring 60 Glycolic Acid Cleansing Pads with a similar shade of light blue and orange on the label. I am not a huge fan of Nip + Fab as a brand, I think they are overpriced for a highstreet brand especially when you can get better products for less money.

So, it is clear to see what the product is, what it does but there are a few differences and the first is that Aldi quite clearly displays the Leaping Bunny meaning they are Cruelty-Free, Nip + Fab do not have the bunny clearly displayed but do claim that they do not test their products on animals. Secondly, well we cannot ignore the price difference and Aldi Lacura Pads are priced at £2.49 and Nip + Fab costs £13.59 when they are not on an offer, so that is a huge £11.10p difference.

When it comes to descriptions they are both written very similarly, both brands state that their product is a Daily Cleansing Pad with the word 'Exfoliate' clearly visible.  When it comes to the descriptions,  Nip + Fab state that their pads are "Exfoliating Facial Pads to retexture + brighten skin" whereas Aldi Lacura state that their pads are "Exfoliating facial pads to improve skin texture and tone for a brighter & more radiant complexion".  Both pads have one side which is textured and the other which is smooth, but the notable difference is that the Nip + Fab pads are just ever so slightly thicker than Aldi Lacura, but they are the same size and the same shape.

So this then takes us to the ingredients, perhaps the most important component of whether or no a product is any good.  We have always been told that the higher up the ingredient list, the more of that particular one there is within a product, so this is what we have:

• Nip + Fab - Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Glycolic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Hydroxide, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Disodium EDTA, Globularia Alypum (Blue Daisy) Extract, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Parfum, Limonene, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dehydroacetic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Linalool, Geraniol, Citral.
• Aldi Lacura - Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Glycerin, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Offiicinarum (Sugar Cane) Extract, Acer Saccharum (Sugar Maple) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract, Citrus Lemon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Parfum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Panthenol, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid.

So as you can see there are a lot of similar ingredients used (in bold) but the order within which they have been used differs. Notably Nip + Fab use Lactic Acid whereas Aldi Lacura does not make any mention of it.  Aldi Lacura makes no mention of the words Alcohol or Alcohol Denat.  So you can make your own mind up from the two lists which one you prefer.

When it comes to using the pads, they feel exactly the same on the skin.  As mentioned, one side is textured and the other is smooth and after using, my skin feels smooth but for me, at this stage, it is the Aldi pad that I prefer and that is because it feels slightly fresher on the skin with a little more liquid within the pad than Nip + Fab and my skin feels less tacky to the touch.  When it comes to the scent, those who are familiar with Nip + Fab will know what I mean when I say Citrus scent, because that is exactly the fragrance they have thought it is a bit on the sweet side.  With the Aldi Lacura version, I actually prefer the scent of these pads because whilst the main scent is Citrus from the Orange and Lemon, the use of Aloe tones it down a lot and the Witch Hazel isn't as strong. 

If you have never tried a Glycolic Cleansing Pad and have an Aldi near you, then these are well worth the £2.49 that they cost, if anything they could charge double the price and they would still be an absolute bargain.  For me, despite being the dupe, Aldi wins the war on texture, on effectiveness, on price, on fragrance, on how my skin feels after using and there is absolutely nothing I dislike.  As far as I am concerned, they are much better than Nip + Fab which I am just not a fan of and cost five times less for what is something so similar yet so much better!

Have you tried any of the Aldi dupes?

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

Alex Steinherr X Primark Skincare

I make no secret of the fact I absolutely love browsing round Primark, admittedly I am usually looking for the latest Disney releases for one of my nieces or nephews to add to their collections, but just sometimes I am found in the makeup and skincare section because there is a whole host of hidden gems waiting to be found.

The Alex Steinherr range is one of those ranges which really caused a storm upon its release.  My nearest Primark store is one of the places that I can usually find anything I am looking for, but even this range bewitched me having always been sold out.  Thankfully I managed to track some of the products down when I went to Westfield and I couldn't wait to give it a try.  Alex Steinherr is someone who should know her skincare, as former Beauty Director of Glamour Magazine she has worked with the likes of Elizabeth Arden and La Mer. Alex is passionate about using effective, proven and innovative skincare actives that actually reaps results and wanted to bring the benefits of formulations and technology more often found in the luxury or clinical market to the high street whilst making them affordable. Ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Niacinamide, Peptides and even Squalene all make the cut and what I really like is the no-nonsense packaging and the price point. There are roughly around 20 products, divided between five targeted lines: Pollution Solution, Pore Balance, Pump & Glow, Sleep Spa and Maximum Moisture to choose from.

We all know how much I love a good facemask and if you follow me on Instagram then you will have noticed a slight theme that runs through my photos when it comes to a Sunday and that is Self Care Sunday where I photograph the products I am going to be using to pamper myself.  Sunday is the one day of the week where I try to take an hour or two out of everyday life and concentrate on myself.  That means closing the door to the bathroom, getting into a bath of bubbles and applying masks to wherever I have a mask for.  The Plump & Glow Power Mask is described as being an intensely hydrating sheet mask and it was that alone that caught my attention.

As I mentioned above, Alex is passionate about bringing ingredients to the high street which have proven benefits for the skin and within this mask, you will find ingredients such as Amino Acid which supports natural skin function and stimulates cells to produce more collagen and elastin, Hyaluronic Acid and Japanese Camellia, both of which host both hydration and moisturising properties and together this is said to:

• be an intense re-plumping dose of hydration
• a two-step concentrated skin refresher

The first part of using this mask is obviously Step 1 and here we have an Essence which is clear in colour and similar to a serum in texture and the idea is you pat it onto a clean face before moving on to Step 2.  Step 2 involves applying the sheet mask and I love a good sheet mask.  Given I applied an Essence, I hadn't quite expected this mask to be as wet as it was, but it applies like a dream and after 20 minutes, I removed the mask and massaged in the rest of the leftover liquid into my skin.  This makes a great mask if you have really dehydrated skin as there is no doubt it hydrates and refreshes the skin.

The second product which caught my attention is the Facial in a Stick (£5). Like most people, I love a good multi-tasking product and this one happens to be just that, but in a stick balm.

Within this balm stick, the ingredients include Hyaluronic Acid, Dragon Fruit and Cactus Flower Extract and it is designed to remove makeup, plump and hydrate the skin. Looks wise, it reminds me of a lip balm, but on the chunkier side of things and it is quite firm and to use it, you need to ensure it hasn't been stored somewhere too cool because it doesn't do very much, but at a warmer temperature or with something slightly wet, it applies to the skin like a dream and works incredibly well as that first cleanse as the stick turns into a balm which makes it great for makeup removal and it works really well for removing eye makeup owing to its design.  I have found it to be moisturising when I have used it and I just love how easy it is to use.

Living in a big city like London, the word pollution is something to give anyone the shivers when you see what it can do to your skin on a daily basis. Included within the Alex Steinherr collection is the Pollution Solution oil-free Gel Hydrator (£5) and there wasn't any doubt in my mind that I wanted to give it a try.

I love the feeling of this on my skin because of its texture, it is light, airy and doesn't feel at all heavy. Working as a primer it features both Peach Flower Extract and Acai Berry alongside its own anti-pollution complex and draws on anti HEV light technology (blue light) to protect and shield the skin from external aggressors that we (or at least I) have learnt so much about.  I would like to think that by using products such as this as I am doing the absolute best I can to ensure I am protecting my skin.

Next we have the Blemish Rescue Plasters (£3) and they are described as being Hydrocolloid plasters for treating spots. They come in a packet of 20 and are infused with Salicylic Acid which works to exfoliate and unblock pores, Tea Tree Oil which kills bacteria and thankfully isn't too overpowering and Purslane which is an antioxidant and it also has regenerative properties.

If you are prone to spots or have the odd breakout, then these blemish patches, which remind me a little bit of coldsore patches, are ideal to have. I am one of those people who hardly ever gets a spot, but if one does arrive, then it feels as big as my head, is usually hormone related and hurts a lot. Patches such as these are really common in Asian Skincare and I first came across them when I was first sent some Korean Beauty products, so naturally I am intrigued to see which works best, but having not had a spot since I bought them, I think they might just be a good luck charm. The patches are about 1cm in diameter and I have it on good authority that they do stop any spot in its track.

The final product in my Alex Steinherr arsenal is the Sleeping Face Mask (£5) and if you read my blog regularly, then you will be aware how much I love a sleeping mask, it is the perfect lazy skincare to look after your skin as you sleep. 

My skin really doesn't like the constant change in weather as we move from having a beautifully spring warm day to a really cold day and I end up having to slap on as much moisturiser as I can, so something like this is the perfect solution.  Enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Willowherb and Chamomile extract which come together to moisturise and revive tired and stressed skin, all whilst you sleep.  Despite being as a mask, it does instead feel like a cream and once applied, it absorbs slowly and leaves my skin feeling as soft as silk.

What I have really loved about trying a few products from this entire range is not only how affordable everything is, or how it is split into different sections but that it is easy to understand and read as to what it is each product does. There is nothing over complicated about anything that I have tried and there is no fancy jargon to try and tell you what something should do.  Since purchasing these products, I have been back to Primark and purchased something from the latest collection which I will be sharing in a few weeks time.

Have you tried anything from this Alex Steinherr x Primark range?

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

Revolution Foil Frenzy Creation Eyeshadow Palette

I cannot keep up with all of the launches from Revolution (formerly Makeup Revolution) and if I am honest, I haven't paid them that much attention, simply waiting for something to grab my attention, which it did with this Foil Frenzy Creation Eyeshadow Palette.  I am pretty obsessed with foil eyeshadows thanks to touch in SOL.  So as soon as I saw the Foil Frenzy palette on sale in Superdrug for just £8, I grabbed it and couldn't wait to try it out.

Packaged in a hard plastic case, there are 15 shades which range from the neutral end of the spectrum right to the more colourful and daring.  So they have tried to cater for all tastes and styles.  Having watched a few videos of people swatching it and creating makeup looks, I was ready to get stuck in, sadly, that is where the excitement ended.  I understand a foil eyeshadow to be a product which is used to create a shiny, metallic and sometimes dramatic look.  Revolution describes this palette as follows:

We're going crazy for Foil Frenzy! Unbelievable colour payoff in just one swipe! The intensity of these eyeshadows lies in its extraordinary formula, in which the pigment is poured, not pressed.

Each pan offers an gorgeous creamy texture that transforms into a silky powder for an incredible high-shine finish. From bronze to burgundy, plum to khaki, this kit is brimming with 15 rich shades that truly pack a punch.

Uncover the pigment power for your most insane eye look to date.

I think saying 'unbelievable colour payoff in just one swipe' is incredibly far-fetched because unless you really wet the shade and then apply, the difference in that colour payoff is quite something and the suggestion is you only 'apply wet to amp up the drama' insinuates that you don't need to apply it wet unless you want some colour intensity.

The top row of shades is the absolute worst whether you apply with your finger, a brush, a sponge and even when they are wet.  I spent an absolute age attempting to get any kind of colour pay off from the top row to the point where I thought I was going to hit pan when swatching because I was pressing so hard.  From left to right you have a white shade and I really expected this one to pop and be perfect for that inner corner, nope, you can barely see it at all.  I followed on with the gold, rose gold, lilac and then copper shade and managed to just, get a shot of colour.

The swatch above is completely unedited.  It has been transferred from my memory card to my blog post and as you can see, it isn't great. In fact, the swatch on the left looks like the aftermath of trying to remove the swatch on the right, when colour payoff is so good it leaves a stain.  Sadly, the swatch on the left is using my finger and the swatch on the right is a wet swatch using my Real Techniques eyeshadow brush.  So not a good start.

Then I moved onto the second row and again this row moves from left to right with a champagne gold, mustard yellow, a purple, bright pink and then a dark copper red shade.  Again, making it swatch to get a colour pay off was difficult, but not as hard as the top row.

Again, an unedited swatch above does at least show colour pay off for three of the five shades, but it was hard work rubbing my finger back and forth across the pan to get any traction.  Then using the wet technique to see if there was a foil effect.  The Champagne Gold is a really pretty shade, but to me, it is not a foil or at least, not one that I am used to seeing, it has a beautiful shimmer as does the mustard yellow, but they are not foils.  The Purple shade in the middle creates some fall-out but it does blend really lovely, but again, it is not a foil, it shimmers with a few bits.  The last two shades on this row are real let downs and as you can see, what I expected to be a hot pink shade, is not at all, it is just a pink with little shimmer, no foil and disappointing.  The final shade is just the oddest of them all.  A red/pink shade which when swatched looked like a reddish-brown.

The final row happens to be the best in terms of swatchability, blending, application and colour pay-off and this is my favourite row of the palette but I would again question the 'foil' part.

Unedited again we have a light bronze coloured shade, a jade green, a deep bronze, a mid brown and finally a black shade.  Everything you need to create an incredible eye look but just no oompf if I am honest.  Again on the left, by this point I am using my fingers which are slightly wet so the colour pay off is quite good and then again, removed and re-swatched wet, you can at this point see a slight difference between the two ways I have applied it.  I had hoped the Green shade would be much brighter and the most disappointing shade on this row is the black shade which just didn't really change whether it was dry, damp or wet, it isn't intense, it isn't a foil and it works for a bit of a smoke out of the eyes, but nothing too dramatic.

So on a palette which contains 15 shades, the reality is that about 5 of them are easy to use and work with but none of them gives me the foil effect I had been expecting.  This is the first let down for me from Revolution and given it promised so much and yet delivered so little, it isn't a product I can recommend anyone purchasing even at just £8.

Just recently Revolution has launched two further palettes within this range Foil Frenzy and Foil Frenzy Hybrid Palettes and I will be honest, given just how awful the Creation palette was, I wouldn't be rushing out to waste my money on them.

Have you tried this palette?

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