Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts

Monday, 11 February 2013

Origin's Super Spot Remover Review

From bothersome blemishes to full apocalyptic break outs, I've had my fair share of spotty skin! It's a phase all teenagers have to put up with (think of it as an initiation test). But whether it's part and parcel of adolescence, it's still a pain in the royal derriere. I heard about Origin Products through various Youtube videos. I'd always seen their products displayed in my local Debenhams but I'd always thought their products too pricey and for a brand I had heard little about, I wasn't willing to invest a great sum for something I wasn't sure would work with my skin. However, a few months back, I heard a few beauty bloggers raving about how excellent Origin's Super Spot Remover was and I could not resist giving it a try myself. 

For £13.00, the product is not cheap, but I'd be willing to pay a lot more for this product for what it does. Not the product itself is actually extremely small, measuring around 4 1/2 cm and containing 10ml of gel. But as I found after  two weeks of using it, a little goes a long way. I've been using the product for around 4 weeks and still have over half of it left, which for someone who tends to use products very quickly, is really good. On the day the product arrived I got straight to using it on a few pesky blemishes that seemed to be stubborn as hell! You squeeze the tiniest bit of the gel onto your finger and dab it gently on the blemish.   
The gel's Salicylic Acid contents get to work at drying out the spot while it's Caffeine and Red Algae ingredients calm and soothe skin redness. Because the product is quite drying, you should only apply it to the spot itself rather then a larger skin surface. I made the mistake of applying a greater amount upon one spot the other night and it stings REAL bad. This shouldn't be a problem though if you aren't an idiot like moi and apply the product how it should be applied. 
After 4 weeks of using this product I can honestly say it works miracles on the occasional stubborn blemish and is really quick as well as being fuss free. I apply it usually before bed (sometimes in the mornings but it often works better over night) and the spot is a lot less red in the morning! It's one of those life saving products that can really fix that problem of waking up before a big event and finding you have a second head! 

I actually really loved this product and overall found it really works! I will defiantly be re-purchasing and it's also hope to try out some other Origin products in the future!

Have you tried this product? What did you think? What Origin product should I try next?

Much love,
Georgia 
oxoxoxox


Sunday, 6 January 2013

Calling all Beauty Bloggers Everywhere!

Hello you beautiful people!

Are you a avid beauty blogger? Would you be interested in swapping reviews and products with other beauty junkies?

Follow my blog and get in touch with me via Twitter or Email if you'd like to get involved! 

@thatgeorgiacoan 
gezzieecoan@gmail.com

I'd love to network with you guys and possibly arrange some swaps of products with international beauty bloggers as well as just chatting to you guys to swap tips and tricks for beauty blogging and makeup/fashion!

Thanks

Georgia 
oxoxo

Thursday, 22 November 2012

It's really that Simple!

As an advocate of a healthy and great skin regime, Simple has always been a trustworthy brand of mine and can often be found on my dressing table. I've been using Simple products for a good two years now and can honestly say I haven't found a product that matches up to it. My skin is very sensitive and when I use harsh face products I usually end up with dry skin or even breakouts! So Simple's Kind to Skin range is really a life saver. 

With no harsh chemicals, perfumes or colours, the range is really gentle for most skin types especially ultra sensitive skin and oily. Their Hydrating light moisturiser is really good for skin prone to breakouts as it isn't as heavy as most moisturisers and does not linger on the skin surface which can cause breakouts and clog pores. It contains Glycerin which hydrates and nourishes, keeping the skin moisturised for 12 hours. It also has the added bonus of Borage seed oil which renews and regenerates, giving you an overall brighter and more nourished complexion. I have been using the same moisturiser for a few years now and can honestly say it's one of the best I've used. I find I suffer from a lot less breakouts and my skin just feels so much fresher and healthier with Simple products! There really isn't any fuss with this brand. 

Simple's toner is also exceptionally good even though I have been using it for a shorter time then their moisturisers. I have been using the Pore Minimising toner cleanser for a few weeks now and honestly believe it has helped my pores. As well as battling those dreaded skin issues it's also really gentle on your skin, which can not be said for our cleansers/toners I have used in the past. It includes a multitude of vitamins including pro-vitaimin B5 and vitamin E actively soften, smooth, restore and moisturise skin. The cleanser also contains witch hazel, chamomile and geranium which are all natural products and are dermatologically proven to tone and tighten pores as well as soften and condition skin. 

Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser and Pore Minimising 

£3.79/£4.99 from Boots, UK

I feel like my skin's overall condition is just so much better when combining these products. I've had a lot less breakouts overall and my skin just feels a lot more hydrated which means I look a lot less tried! I think Simple's products really are a must have and if you have not used them before you should defiantly try them out for yourself. If you have sensitive skin these could really save you the hassle of using expensive specialist products. I would recommend Simple to anyone. The products aren't too pricey either! Value for money or what!?

http://www.boots.com/en/Simple/

Sunday, 11 November 2012

Westfield, London + Hemel Haul

A few weeks ago I made a trip to London, Hammersmith for an Ed Sherran Concert and decided to stay over night. The next day, with little plans as to how to spend the morning before we ventured back, I realised that Westfield Shopping Centre (One of the UK's biggest shopping centres EVER) was just round the corner. With designer stores and high end shops galore, I knew I would end up spending a great deal of money in there. Thankfully though, I did not have enough cash on me to go venturing anywhere near the top designers, some of which included Jimmy Choo, Dior, Gucci and Prada. So I stuck to the shops I knew best. 

The Topshop in Westfeild is not the biggest in London, I believe that award goes to the Oxford Street one, but it is still a great size and offers a great deal of the new season and rare pieces that I often can't get my hands on in my local TS. There was also an end of season sale going on when I was there which for me is like dancing a Battenburg cake in front of my eyes, I can't resist it! I only three items in the sale, two included jewellery and the other a lovely plum coloured crochet collared top which is truly to die for. It cost me 15 pound which compared to it's original 34 pound price tag was a bargain! Although you can no longer purchase this item online (it may still be in the instore sale) you can purchase a similar crochet collar top which I think is equally as nice here: 

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=6346616&langId=-1&categoryId=&parent_category_rn=&searchTerm=crochet%20collar&resultCount=1


 I also always appear to be attracted to Topshop's knitwear every winter. I have almost always owned a Topshop knitwear piece during the winter season and although slightly pricey they are totally worth their money in warmth. This year I grabbed myself a knitted textured grunge jumper which is super snug. It comes in a bottle green which alongside aubergine and burgundy is one of my favourite autumn season colours. It cost me 36 pound which for many is a little too much to pay for a jumper but I personally believe Topshop clothing is worth the money! You can also purchase this jumper in aubergine, cobalt (a baby blue colour) and black. 


I also visited another one of my favourite shops at Westfield, River Island. I love River Island not only because their clothes are so unique and eye catching but also because the shop holds a special place in my heart for other reasons. My nan was the manageress of River Island back when it was Chelsea Girl in the 60's/70's. River Island even continue to sell a clothing range under the name Chelsea Girl so if you were wondering why that was then there is your answer. I'm extra in love with their knit wear and blouses. Their blouses are extra dainty and so 60's mod fashion, so I had to pick up this bow neck blouse when I saw it. It is sheer making that bit feminine but it also beautifully fitted and the white and black contrast is just so sophisticated/smart. I fell in love with it immediately. I wear it with a blazer and fitted denim jeans to give that casual yet smart feel to the outfit. It cost me 20 pound which is quite a good price for a fitted blouse. You can grab a navy one online here:

http://www.riverisland.com/women/blouses--shirts/shirts/Navy-sheer-bow-neck-blouse-630176

I'm not a MASSIVE Primark fan and am a tiny bit of a snob when it comes to my clothing. I usually shop in Topshop, River Island or Miss Guided as I have found from previous experience of Primark that there items do not last very long and are not of good quality. 

However, that may have just been my local Primark as when I visited Hemel's Primark this week I found their items to be a lot more appealing. For some reason the shop had a much better feel to it and the clothes appeared better looking and of a better quality. I think this may have just been the fact that the Hemel Primark sells better items then my local one and is a better overall shop. Maybe my local Primark is the last to receive Primark's new season items? Who knows! If you do know, comment me below! 

But for the first time in a LONG time, I purchased some items from Primark. The first being this really adorable white peplum from Primark's Atmosphere range. The Peplum has a really sweet mesh shoulder and back which I absolutely loved as I love mesh detail on clothing. It adds that femininity whilst keeping it tasteful and sophisticated (which I adore). I have two other peplum tops from Topshop in burgundy and grey latex fabric which means the fabric is really moveable and fits nicely around your chest area. This top is not the same fabric but still has that stretch that I like in a tight fitted top. The fabric part is embellished with golden specs which really makes the top stand out and would make it an extra glamourous evening piece. For the first time I actually feel as though this Primark item will last me a while. It feels great quality, especially the mesh detail, which I was really surprised about and for 8 pound, the top is a bargain as well as a great quality of product. 


I also purchased this long Guns and Roses tank top. I have been looking for a top like this for a while as I often see people teaming similar band tees with leggings or shorts and thought it would be a great item to add to my college clothes collection. I love the glittery embellishment on the top especially as it gives the item that girly touch that you do not often find with band tees. The product is also of great quality and like most cotton based tank tops, is lightweight and breathable. I love the detail within the logo as well as it really show cases the beauty of the Guns and Roses band logo. I will be teaming this top with black leggings or denim jeans in the winter months and hopefully shorts during the summer, making it a diverse piece for all year round. This tank top cost me 6 pound! What a bargain! 

That concludes my London and Hemel Haul but if you would like to ask me any questions about the items, please don't hesitate to comment! 

:) 

Thanks
G


Thursday, 8 November 2012

Beauty Buy Wishlist!

Seeing as Christmas and my 19th Birthday is just around the corner (Boxing Day), I've been keeping my eyes peeled for any requests for prezzies this year! There are a few products I would love to receive in my stocking this year or will either be purchasing after the Christmas period when I have saved up a few pounds! 

Here are just a few of the beauty buys I have my eyes on:

Kat Von D's Tattoo Concealer in Light 16


I've heard it's one of the best concealers around die to it's high level of pigmentation and therefore it's strong coverage. I'm a massive fan of Kat's Tattoo work so I'd love to own a few items from her makeup range seeing as I'll probably never have the money to get one of her inks! Only problem is, Kat's range is only sold at Sephora, who don't ship abroad. :(

http://www.sephora.com/tattoo-concealer-P231113

Mac's Pro Longwear SPF10 Foundation in NC20



 Pro Longwear SPF 10 Foundation

Mac has been a brand raved about by beauty bloggers and celebrities alike. I'be heard there foundation gives a fantastic matte finish which I love in a foundation. Although their products are quite pricey, I have heard they last a while and are worth every penny. I need Mac in my life!

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/10180/Products/Face/Foundation/Pro-Longwear-SPF-10-Foundation/index.tmpl

Mac's Marilyn Monroe Lipstick in Charmed I'm Sure 

 Marilyn Monroe Lipstick

I'm not the biggest fan of lipstick but when I do wear it (usually for evenings or nights out) I like the finish to be matte. Mac lipsticks always appear to be true to their colour (unlike a great deal of other lipsticks) and leave you with a bold, statement lip that can last you hours. I'm also a Marilyn fan.

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/168/22455/Products/Lips/Lipstick/Marilyn-Monroe-Lipstick/index.tmpl

Bourjois's Queen Attitude Khol Kaja (Eyeliner)
Queen Attitude Khôl Kajal

I was in Superdrug the other day and came across this interesting eyeliner. It's very much like a pencil eyeliner yet presents itself like a liquid. It allows you to create bold black eyeliner looks without the mess and stress of liquid liner. Quick and simple, it slides on with ease and is quite pigmented. 

http://www.bourjois.co.uk//catalog/make_up/eyes/eyepencils_eyeliners/queen_attitude_khol_kajal/node_242730

Revlon Nail Enamel in Dreamer 

Revlon Nail Enamel - Dreamer

I love pastel coloured nail polishes, so when I saw this beauty from Revlon I knew I had to have it! I love the baby blue colour of this nail polish as it reminds me of the sky on a summer's day. This will go great with my collection and I would love to try Revlon's range out as I have never used any of their items before. 

http://www.superdrug.com/nails/revlon-nail-enamel-dreamer/invt/398353/


Tuesday, 6 November 2012

Conceal it! Concealer Reviews (Benefit+Rimmel+Collection2000)


I'm not to sure about you girlies, but it's feels like I've been searching for the perfect concealer for a life time!



Ever since Maybelline discontinued my favourite concealer ever: The Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector, I have been struggling to find any concealer that amounts to it's fabulous coverage and pleasing application. 

After months of research, here I am to present you with three of the concealers I have been using for the last few months. All these concealers were either personally recommended by shop assistants or friends or have been brought due to strong reviews. 

So here are the contestants for the BEST CONCEALER ON THE MARKET!

The Nominees are...

Rimmel's Wake Me Up Concealer 
Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection Concealer 
and Benefit's Erase Paste.
The first concealer I purchased was the Benefit's Erase Paste. Unlike the other nominees for the contest, Erase Paste, like most Benefit products comes with a hefty price tag, averaging around 20 pound. I purchased the Erase Paste after a recommendation from a makeup artists in my local Debenhams. The Erase Paste appears pretty much as it says on the tin, in a pasty consistency which can be applied through a small spoon like application or through the fingers. 
For me this was the first sign that my relationship with this concealer was set to hit rock bottom before we'd even reached the honeymoon period. I don't like the idea of concealers being quite thick and cakey as they have a greater probability  of creasing throughout the day. It was also quite greasy which I found off putting. I also did not like the idea of using my fingers to apply the paste straight from the case as this would increase the level of bacteria within my makeup (I would continuously be placing my fingers inside the product itself). 
These issues aside, I decided to give the Erase Paste a chance to prove itself. For a few months I used this concealer and these were the pros and cons I found with the product throughout the time I have been using it. 

Pros 
The product has great coverage. All dark areas were covered and the concealer's brightening effect left my under eyes looking more awake. 
The colour really suited my foundation and my skin, complimenting most shades of my foundation range. (No. 1 Fair)
Cons
The product had a very cakey and thick consistency.
The concealer creased under my eyes throughout the day and was not long lasting due to it's pasty constancy. 
The product was quite greasy. 

Overall, although the product gave great coverage, it had a very thick and creamy consistency, which meant the product creased throughout the day. It also felt thick under my eyes. I don't personally believe the product is worth it's money and there are cheaper and similar products available which can provide the same brighting coverage that this concealer provides. 

I would give this product: 3/5 stars.

The second concealer was Rimmel's Wake Me Up Anti-Fatigue Effect + Radient Glow concealer in 030 Classic Beige. This product has been raved about by many beauty buyers across the nation. So I decided to give it a try myself. The product cost me 5.99 from a local supermarket. I used it for 2 months with my Benefit Hello Flawless foundation yet still found the concealer was quite dark for my under eyes (even though it is one of the lightest out of Rimmel's 4 shades). Your concealer should be at least 2 shades lighter then your foundation. 

I did, however, like the application of this concealer. I love the traditional wand application as I find it easier to apply and it also reduces bacteria within your makeup. The coverage overall was not as great as I expected it to be. My dark circles were still quite visible and I did not feel the product presented much of the promised anti-fatigue effect. The product was also not very long lasting throughout the day which lead to the need to re-apply half way through the day, something I'm very sure most woman do not have time for!

Here I have wrapped up the pros and cons of the product overall. 

Pros
The product is quite light to wear and has an easy, clean wand application. 
The product is not very visible against the skin so can be worn alone.

Cons
The product is not long lasting leading to re-application half way through the day. 
The product does not provide a great deal of coverage.

Overall the product is worth it's money but is not as strong as other similar concealers on the market. It is not long lasting and does not create enough coverage for those with pale skin and therefore more prominent dark circles under the eyes. 

I would give this product: 3 1/2 stars


Our last nominee is Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection concealer from Superdrug. This concealer cost me 4.99, making it the cheapest of our nominees. I have watched and read some shining reviews across the web by makeup enthusiasts (including some of the biggest names in beauty blogging) so felt it was only fair to give this product a try. 

I was unsure of purchasing the product at first due to it's brand. I tend to stick to brands I have used for years or my family have used as I feel they are more trusted and less likely to make my sensitive skin react badly. But I felt I could not miss out on giving this brand a go. I have only been using the product for a few days now but already feel it is an excellent substitute for my beloved Maybelline. It uses a wand application and is extreamly easy to apply. 

The consistently of the product is quite light and I did not feel it was heavy under my eyes. Due to it's long lasting effect which can see it work for 16 hours, it takes a lot to budge this from your under eyes. This means I do not have to reapply the product halfway through my college day, which is fabulous! 

It also gave strong coverage and really hid my dark circles well, making me look wide awake and brightening my eye area. The product also mixed well with my foundation in Fair. It mixes well with a few of my foundation shades which means I will not have to continuously be changing my concealer depending on my foundation. 

Here are a few pros and cons to wrap the product up overall:

Pros 
Light constancy means it does not feel heavy under the eyes or crease. 
Wand makes for clean and easy application.
Strong coverage. 

Cons 
The product dried quickly making it harder to blend with foundation. 
The concealer is hard to remove at the end of the day.



Overall I believe this product was the strongest of the three due to it's long lasting effect yet light consistency which meant no creasing or reapplying throughout the day! I will defiantly be buying this product in the future and other products from the Collection 2000 range. 

I would give this product: 5/5 stars

AND THE WINNER, OF BEST CONCEALER ON THE MARKET IS AWARED TO..........


COLLECTION 2000's LASTING PERFECTION CONCEALER!

So it just goes to show, sometimes the cheapest product is the strongest!

I would defiantly recommend this product to anyone looking for a new concealer. 


If you would like me to post images of me wearing all three of this concealers then please comment me. I would also love to hear any of your suggestions for reviews I should do in the future! 

Thank you very much for reading this and I will post again soon. 

G
oxoxoxo


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