Max Factor's Clump Defy by False Lash Effect Mascara Review

I just wanted to say a massive sorry to you guys for leaving it SO bloody long to write a post! I've been super busy with college recently and have been having a really shit time in the last few weeks. I'll tell you guys more about that at a later time, for now though, let's talk makeup!!! 

Now mascaras are always one of those beauty products that are hard to get right.  I'm pretty sure many of you will agree with me when I say that the epic perfect mascara search has been the bane of my life. Years have been spent trying to find that mascara with the ideal formula. But it isn't very often you find a mascara that has everything going for it. It seems there is always something that has to let it down. However, I believe I may have found that PERFECT mascara that all of us have been dreaming off. So without further a due, please welcome, MAX FACTOR'S CLUMP DEFY!

Now you are all probably thinking, 'wow Georgia, bit late on that band wagon' but it isn't the first time I've tried a Max Factor mascara. Three years ago I was introduced to the beautiful predecessor that is the 'False Lash Effect' mascara by Max Factor when I 'borrowed' it from my Mum. I honestly feel in love from the moment I swiped that baby across my naked lashes. The formula was just fabulous. Not too thick yet thick enough to create amazing volume and length whilst keeping the dreaded 'spider leg' lashes at bay. However, the False Lash Effect, which has been a staple of my makeup bag for many year, was recently replaced by it's younger and fresher sister. Now what I love about the Clump Defy first and for most is it's ability to really create luscious lashes with only one coat. That's right my lovers, A SINGLE COAT! 

It's one of the things I hate most about the previous mascaras I've tried. 

Now don't get me wrong, a second coat of mascara never did anyone any harm and I often put on a few coats before a night out to create that extra va va voom. But with many mascaras I have tried in previous years, the second coat can often leave you with clumpy lashes *sob*. That's also the great thing about this mascara! During the day, one coat creates enough volume and length to really open the eyes and create a natural yet wide awake look. As evening sets upon you, a second coat can be added and you have enough volume for a night on the town without the hassle of using a pair of falsies. This mascara is so versatile. I love the fact it works well with so many different makeup looks. I also really love the wand that comes with the Clump Defy. While the False Lash Effect's brush was rather dense and hard, the Clump Defy uses a more sparse spoon shaped applicator, which catches all your lashes with the first sweep. The formula is also a lot less thick, which means that less of the mascara's wand picks up less product. I find this means that not only less product is wasted, but it also prevents the formula was gunking up (if that is a word) the wand. This also prevents clumpy lashes which I found was a problem with the previous False Lash Effect as the wand would often clog up with extra product. 

Overall I just love this product. I've always been a massive fan of Max Factor and trusted their high quality products. This product is defiantly a staple mascara for any makeup bag. It's one of these products that would be hard to fall out of love with and I just feel like Max Factor have really pulled it out of the bag with this one! It's defiantly my favourite mascara of all time!

£10.99

http://www.boots.com/en/Max-Factor-Clump-Defy-Volumising-Mascara_1294933/

SO have you tried this product yet? Let me know what you thought in the comments below! 

Georgia 

oxo

My BAD Bio-Oil Experience.

Bio-Oil is one of those beauty products that seems to be continuously present as time goes by. It's been called 'the magic oil' by the likes of Kim Kardashian and Rochelle Humes for it's ability to banish wrinkles and stretch marks. I was looking for an inexpensive skin oil I should use to replenish my skin and keep it hydrated during the night, as I felt my skin was started to really hydrate during my sleeping hours, meaning I woke up with dull and drab skin. Bio-Oil promises to hydrate skin and ACTUALLY says it can be used on the face. So, for 6 pound, I thought Bio-Oil would do the trick. I started using it about 3/4 days ago. I would use it after moisturising in the evenings and would massage it into my skin for full impact before settling my head down for the night. 

The first few mornings, my skin actually looked great! My blemishes were a lot less noticeable and my skin seemed a lot brighter. Then, on the Friday night, I started to feel a burning sensation about my lips and on my chin. It felt like my skin was on fire and really tight, which really worried me as I'd never had this problem before. The next day, which thankfully I had off college otherwise I would have cried, I found my skin was a dark brown/red colour up both sides of my face, primarily around my t-zone and my skin resembled that of a reptile. I have never in my life experienced such dry and damaged skin on my face. My face burnt for the rest of the day and no matter how much moisturiser I applied to the area, it still felt dry and sore. The only product I could really connect to my skin change was Bio-Oil. I had been using some new Simple products BUT I have used this products in previous years with no trouble, so I can definitely write these out!

I decided I would research a little bit more into Bio-Oil and any side effects that could be present with it's use. I found out that Bio-Oil actually contains a great deal of chemicals.

Botanicals

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract (Calendula Oil)
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil (Lavender Oil)
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil (Rosemary Oil)
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil (Chamomile Oil)

Vitamins

Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A)
Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)

Oil base

Paraffinum Liquidum
Triisononanoin
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Isopropyl Myristate
Glycine Soja Oil
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
BHT
Bisabolol

Fragrance (Rose)

Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone
Amyl Cinnamal
Benzyl Salicylate
Citronellol
Coumarin
Eugenol
Farnesol
Geraniol
Hydroxycitronellal
Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde
Limonene
Linalool

Colour

Orange: CI 26100 (Red 17)
Pink: CI 26100 (Red 17) and CI 60725 (Violet 2)

An ingredient that really stuck out for me was Benzyl Salicylate, which is a fragrance additive and UV light absorber, primarily used in perfumes and hair dye. This ingredient is scientifically proven to cause dermal irritation. I found this bit of information when researching into the product:

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has restricted its use in fragrances because of the potential sensitization and allergic reactions. In Europe, it is listed as an “allergenic” substance and the European Cosmetics Directive requires OTC leave-on products to indicate its presence, even at concentrations of .001%.

I also started to think, how can an oil get rid of scars and stretch marks. When you think about it logically, a scar and stretch marks appears when the dermis (which is the deep, thick layer of skin) is damaged. This is why scars are usually so hard to get rid off as they are when the body forms new collagen fibres to mend the damage. These new fibres create the scar tissue which appears on the skin. Now, if this damage and the scar tissue's source is within the dermis, a product has to be very penetrating to get to to this layer of skin. It also must have some kind of drying and abrasive effect which allows the scar tissue to be broken down (which can usually only be accomplished when the first few layers of skin peel off which allows new skin cells to renew). Our faces are made up of natural fatty acids and oils which when lost can expose our face's to skin damage and dryness. My theory here is that Bio-Oil is not as natural or demagogically safe as it would like to make out it is. I CERTAINLY don't believe it should be put on your face is it's primary use is to rid you of scar tissue. 

I'm actually really upset with the damage this product has done. Thankfully for me, I found an amazing face cream by Superdrug called Vitamin E moisture cream which I have been using morning and night over the weekend in order to help my skin heal and I've got to say it's really working. However, my skin is still very dry and damaged. It's still sore and feels almost burnt. I also found out from a friend and a few other bloggers that the same damage has happened to them after using Bio-Oil on their face. I don't know if this is an allergic reaction to something in the product OR one of the ingredients of this product has reacted badly to my sensitive face but I know this oil is to blame. 

Please let me know if you have EVER experienced a similar problem with Bio-Oil as I really want to know if I'm one of the only ones to have a bad experience with this oil?

I will be keeping you updated on the healing of my skin!

Thanks 

G

x

P.S. Sorry for the grim pictures! I wanted you to see the real extent of the damage! 

Spring 2013 Trends: The Contrast

As showcased by Marc Jacobs, Alexandra Wang and Chanel among others at this year's London Fashion Week, 'The Contrast' is what everyone is talking about this spring. The black and white combination is classic and demure but can be dressed up with bright patterns and outrageous embellishments! It's an easy and understated trend that can be embraced by the bargain hunter and the 'more money then sense' splurger, so here are just a few outfit ideas and items which can help you jump on 'The Contrast' band wagon, no matter what budget you have! 

1. Catarina Lace and Leather Skater Dress- Missguided.co.uk

£29.99

I really love the sophisticated yet edgy elegance to this dress. The contrast is subtle with the of set white lace yet the leather skirt and collar makes the dress an automatic statement. To stay in the contrast theme  and not deter attention from the dress (the outfit does the talking) I'd team this with a pair of black or nude wedges or chelsea boots and wear minimal accessories. I think this dress is fabulous for the price as it looks a lot more expensive then it really is. 

2. H&M Black and White Print Top- hm.com 

£7.99

This top really is a statement piece. The vertical lines are really flattering for pear and apple shapes. The  triangles at the side of this top draw the eyes to the centre which gives an automatic slimming effect. The contrast on this top is really bold and will have you at the centre of attention! I'd pair this with a pair of black cropped cigarette trousers and a pair of chelsea boots or even platforms for an evening look. This top is great for dressing up or down and means you can add the contrast trend to your wardrobe without breaking the bank! Fabulous!!

3. Newlook White Contrast Lace Shoulder Peplum- newlook.com

£12.99 

The peplum is a trend that took off around winter 2012 and is still a massive trend for the spring. The peplum style is really flattering as it draws the eyes to the waist, enthusing your stunning assets. The contrast is not as apparent on this top but it is beautifully feminine with black lace sleeves. I'd team this top with a pair of black cigarette trousers or shiny disco pants for the evening and a pair of cute courts. 

1. Zara Shift Dress with White Stripe- zara.com

£45.99

Once again another understated yet sophisticated piece that allows you to dress up or dress down the contrast trend. I think this dress would be great for a night on the town or a dinner date. For a night out I'd team this dress with gold accessories, a pair of studded platforms and a leather jacket, transforming it with a blazer and a pair of black leather slippers. This dress is the perfect staple piece! 

2. Topshop Texture Stripe Shift Dress- topshop.com

£38.00

This dress has designer written all over it, except the price tag! Contrast stripes are the simplest and most effect way of staying on trend. Eye-catching yet simple, this shift dress could be teamed with a pair of black platforms and a blazer for a cultivating classic. This design has been seen on the cat walks so I'm pretty sure this dress won't be around for long! Grab that designer look for half the price. I think this dress is definitely worth the money as a piece like this will get so much wear. Stripes are almost always bang on trend. 

3. Missguided Veris Monochrome Tweed Sleeve Leather Jacket- missguided.co.uk

£37.99

A bloggers favourite, this jacket really is to die for! The contrast lies in it's leather body and white tweed sleeves, which give the jacket an air of suave will keeping it young and current with the leather body. This jacket would like great on most outfits, meaning you could be rocking the Contrast trend all day, everyday! It's a simple way to create the trend without worrying you have spent money on an item you may only wear once. This jacket is classic and a staple piece which can be worn all year round. A great investment and a great price. 

1. Stella McCartney Sleeveless Contrast Dress- selfridges.com

£445.00

The only thing that preventing me from buying this dress is the price tag! But if I had the money, this baby would be hanging up in my wardrobe. I love the simplicity of this piece. A body con dress is a pencil skirt is perfectly elegant yet has a sexy element to it. The contrast in this dress is very understated, with a strip of white running through the hem of the skirt, yet it just looks bang on trend. The high neck is also really sophisticated and allows their dress to be teamed with some REAL statement jewellery. As the dress is beautifully simple, I'd team this dress with a silver chain necklace or  a statement drape collar. I'd keep the shows neutral as not to overpower the dress, staying with the nudes and blacks. I just love the classiness and classic look of this dress! I just wish it were in my price range. 

2. Alexandra McQueen Contrast-Detail Shirt- selfridges.com 

£595.00

Contrasts shirts are always a great piece of buy into with the contrast trend. They can be worn day and night and are the most simple way of buying into this trend. I love the white collar and cuffs of this shirt. Although the shirt is rather masculine, the contrast gives it a feminine demure. The scoop hem is also beautifully feminine. I'd wear this shirt with black wet look leggings or cigarette trousers depending on the event. I'd wear a classic pair or black loafers to keep this outfit classic and not deter from the beauty and elegance of this shirt. Classic yet current, I just love this shirts ability to speak out from a crowded room. It's a stand alone piece which can define any wearer as an automatic fashonista.  

3. Marc Jacobs Scooter Stripe Dress- marcjacobs.com 

$398.00 

Looking at this dress you can automatically see where H&M and Topshop got their contrast inspiration from. This classic Marc Jacobs dress is sweet yet beautifully stylish, using horizontal and vertical stripes to draw the eyes to your figure. The boxy shape to this dress is classic and simplistic while the pattern keeps the piece on trend and gives it a breathtaking edge. I love the way this dress takes the contrast trend and real turns it on it's head,using patterns to keep the design unique and fresh. I think this dress is a stand alone piece. I wouldn't wear accessories with it and stay to understated footwear, as the dress tells us all we need to know. If only I had the cash, this baby would be mine! 

The Contrast Trend is a simple yet classic trend which is so easy to follow without having to buy a whole new wardrobe. From a plain white shirt and a pair of black trousers to a monochrome body con, this trend is bang on for the Spring and will carry you right through to the Summer. It's so easy to dress up or down and adds that touch of class to any outfit. Let your outfit do the talking this Spring and buy into the Contrast Trend! Then all you have to do is wait for the compliments to role on! 

Love G

x

Topshop Magic Liner Review

Now, I'm guessing that if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram then a lot of you will already know about my EXTREME obsession with Topshop. If not, let me just tell you, I solemnly swear I keep that place in business. As much as I ADORE their clothes range though, I've always been quite sceptical about trying their makeup range since it's release a few years back.

For me, when a clothes store releases makeup, it always feels like it's just a disaster waiting to happen. Remember the saying- Jack of all trades, but a master of non? So yeah, Topshop releasing a makeup range had me feeling rather unsure. But last month I was desperately looking for a new liquid based liner. I've been using gel for quite a few months and even started using pencil liner before Christmas, which is great for daily use, but just doesn't cut it for the evening glitz and glammer! I have previously used liquid eyeliners from Rimmel and have tried some felt tip liner's from Maybelline. I found that liquid eyeliner was WAY to messy and time consuming for me (in previous years I may have had the time to faff around with cotton buds and cat flicks but I'm a full time student now!) and felt tips seemed to dry up super fast.

So, whilst getting my Topshop fix of the week (yes, the week...) on, I decided to have a meander of their makeup goods. I read a few reviews online about their 'Magic Liner' and decided at £6.50, I couldn't go wrong. The colour is called 'Engraved' which is just a creative word for Black. The applicator is felt tip for precise application. Now, with most felt tip eyeliners, you tend not to get the same pigmentation and bold statement as you do with a liquid liner. And as I've mentioned previously, the felt tip can often dry up, meaning it must be pressed against something to soak in the product (this can get a bit messy, especially if you are in a rush) But after a month of using this eyeliner, I can honestly say it is the best I have ever used. The application is really precise which is perfect for those who want to cat flick but can't be asked with the hassle of the liquid. The tip does not tend to dry up quickly and it wasn't until the fifth use that I felt I had to add pressure to the nib. I feel like this is probably the most pigmented and hassle free eyeliner ever. It's so precise that the tip of the liner can be used to stick close to the lash line (for more understated makeup looks) or turned on it's side to stroke the liner across the middle of the lid (for bolder and more statement looks). The other GREAT thing about this product is that it doesn't smudge!! I can't abide it when I get home from college to find my eyeliner is half way down my cheeks, so this liner is also great for pre-longed wear, keeping you looking and feeling as fresh as the moment the liner went on. 

The liner is also SUPER smooth. I don't know about you guys, but when I'm using liquid liner, I often find that after a while, the liquid begins to go flakey, which is a pain in the ass when you've spent half an hour trying to get a flick for half of it to then fall off from your face!! This liner just glides across the lid for a super smooth and bright eyed finish. 

SO if it's a signature Amy Winehouse flick you are looking for or a demure Zooey Deschanel, this eyeliner is perfect for your everyday look! Easy to apply, great colour and won't budge! Get your hands on this beauty from your local Topshop. You won't regret it! 

www.topshop.com

Love 

G 

x

Pearlys Magic Dazzle Dust (Weekly Brighten Powder) Review

I'd always dreamed of having the Hollywood smile since having my braces taken off last year. But as a student on a part time wage, this was only ever a dream. That was until Pearlys dazzled their way into my life. You may have seen the Pearlys range while rummaging round your local Boots but if you have not yet had the pleasure of knowing who they are, I'll inform you! 

So Pearlys is the UK's premier provider of in-clinic and at-home teeth whitening treatments. Although the company is primarily based in London, they have a number of stockists and clinics nationwide, so wherever you may be, you can treat yourself to a set of beautifully white nashers. Pearlys are the brand that celebrities such as Mark Wright, Alexandra Burke and JLS put their trust in to keep their smiles looking beautiful, so it's quite clear to see this is a brand that can be trusted. After a few weeks of following the brand on Twitter and seeing the raving reviews their home whitening kits were receiving from customers, I decided to get in contact with the team at Pearlys and see if they could send me any products to try! 

A few days later, I received the company's 'Magic Dazzle Dust' in the post! The brightening powder which gives you the same sparkling clean you'd get from your local hygienist! The powder is very easy to apply and I got to work using it almost immediately, desperate to see what difference the product could make. Now my teeth are in a great condition as I was always taught by my mum that mouth hygiene was of the upmost importance, so I never thought that a deep clean would make that much of a difference, but this product really does leave your teeth feeling squeaky clean. The product should be dipped onto a wet tooth brush, focusing primarily on the teeth rather then the teeth and gums. You should brush the product in for around 2-4 minutes depending on how much of a deep clean your teeth need before rinsing your mouth and admiring the new polish. After using this product for the first time, I saw a difference straight after using the product. It felt like a deep clean at your local dentist and I could see that my teeth, especially the top row, were a lot brighter then previous to using the product. I've been using the product for around 3 weeks now, once or twice a week and can feel a massive difference. I'm so impressed with the level of customer service I also received from the staff at Pearlys. I feel like they are definitely a company I can trust with my teeth and I'm looking into having my teeth whitened with them in the near future! 

If you haven't tried any of Pearlys products out, you can find their products stocked at the local Boots or you can contact them through Twitter to find out where their nearest clinic is to you. With affordable at home kits and experienced staff, I just think this company is really great and hope to see a lot more of them in the future. 

Overall I'm really impressed with this product and will definitely be re-purcashing some 'Dazzle Dust'!

Give it a try and let me know what you think! 

http://www.pearlys.co.uk/

http://www.pearlys.co.uk/pearlys-products/ 

Pearlys Weekly Brighten Powder – £12.50

EDITED: A few readers have pointed out the fact that Pearlys may not be working within the new EU guidelines surrounding teeth whitening. New legislation says that only registered dentists are allowed to prescribe and provide 6% hydrogen peroxide. Non-dentist can only supply 0.1 hydrogen peroxide.

Pearlys actually supply most of their teeth whitening ingredients to licensed dentists. 

Here is the disclaimer regarding their EU Safety Certificate which can be found on their website: 

Pearlys provides products to both dentist and non-dentist teeth whiteners.

Pearlys dentist-only products include 16% carbamide peroxide (which is equivalent to 5.33% hydrogen peroxide) and are only sold to GDC registered dentists. By law, the first application of this product must be made by the dental professional, after this first pass the patient may continue to use the products provided by their dentist at home.

Pearlys non-carbamide/non-hydrogen-peroxide cosmetic whitening products may be provided by both dentists and non-dentists. The Daily-Whiten Foam, Whitening Pen and Syringes of Whitening Gel  contain the active ingredient sodium perborate 0.16%.

All Pearlys cosmetic products comply fully with the EU legislation click on the links below to view the EU Safety Certificates.

EU cosmetic safety certificate Pearlys Teeth Brighten Powder

EU safety assessment Pearlys Teeth Whiten Foam

EU Safety certificate Whitening Gel in Pen & Syringes

The whitening gel that is used in Pearlys Whitening Pens and Whitening Syringes provided with Pearlys Professional Teeth Whitening Home-kits is the same gel. The original EU Safety certificate did not spell this out and so we have had an additional EU Safety Certificate produced here:

EU Safety Certificate with Whitening Pen & Whitening Syringes in the title

This shows that the company do comply with the law and are professional and safe in their actions. 

Thanks 

G

x

25 Random Facts about Me.

I haven't been able to post as much as I would like these last few weeks as I have had a LOT of trouble with our internet provider, BT! Thankfully our internet is now fully working so be sure to check back on the blog weekly for new blog posts! 

Since it may take me a few days to write up all the posts I was meant to write about my new beauty products, I decided I'd do a fun, personal post today!

My good beauty blogger friend, Amiiee from the Blog, Amiieeism posted this '25 Random Facts' tag earlier on and I just knew I wanted to have ago myself! I have not been tagged for this post, but I thought it would be a great way to share some personal information with you guys, so here it goes! I hope you enjoy learning a bit more about me! 

1. I'm currently a Creative Media student at a local college.

2. I'm hoping to study Media Production at Salford University in September.

3. I'm a self-confessed shopaholic who finds it hard to go a week without spending money! (I'm literally the worst saver ever, which I'm hoping Uni will help me with!)

4. I sometimes have anxiety attacks and worry about the silliest things!

5. I aspire to be a TV/Radio presenter as well as a Director.

6. I want my first media production to be an independent British Film. 

7. I sometimes believe I was born in the wrong era and I'm 100 per cent sure I should have been born in the 80's! 

8. I adore 80's music and fashion (my favourite bands being The Smiths, The Cure and U2)

9. I have an undying passion for fashion due to it's ability to act as an extension of a person's personality (it allows people to express themselves and their interests)

10. I have a brother called Elliot, who can often be found messing around on my Youtube channel. 

11. I am a Youtuber. Check out my channel, GezzieeTbh for vlogs and comedy sketches. 

12. I get bored really easily and I often wish I could change this element of my personality. (This includes getting bored of

 routines, hobbies and even people! :/)

13. I tend to suffer from low self-esteem which in turn makes me a bit depressed. (I often find I can't leave the house without makeup and feel shit when I'm not wearing it)

14. I LOVE independent films due to the dynamic stories and emotions that can be conveyed through them! (I also love the creativity of them and how relatable they are!) 

15. I can talk for England, literally! 

16. I'm very opinionated and stand up for what I believe is right! (Which often gets me in a bit of trouble!!)

17. I have MAJOR girl crushes on Lana Del Rey, Mila Kunis and Penelope Cruz. 

18. My perfect man would be a guy with a great sense of humour, a nice smile and a kind heart. (Think a dark haired Russell Howard!) 

19. I want to adopt a child from South Korea. 

20. I am literally in love with French Bulldogs and want to have one when I leave home! 

21. I am the 19 year old Virgin! (Because no man will have me ;D AHA ) 

22. I'm terrified of heights to the point where I break down and can't breath if I have to go up an escalator more then 3 floors heigh. 

23. I often fancy/fall for guys I can't have. 

24. All I really want from life is to be happy and love the job I do.

25. I was a very interesting child and loved to record my own radio shows on old cassette recorders!

Love G

x