No7 lip product review

Hello! We are back after a month of waiting. Our exams still don't finish for 3 weeks but it is half term so we have time to make up for the lack of posts.

Two weeks ago I (isabelle) went into my local Boots drug store and at the till, they were selling a No7 lip brush, lip stick and lip gloss all for only £5. Yes, £5. There was nothing wrong with them it was just a fantastic thing they happened to be selling that day. So obviously I could not resist the temptation to have a cheeky purchase and I went for it.

First off, I am going to talk about the lip gloss. The one I have is a High shine, although it doesnt seem to be very shiny. It is in a beautiful, natural shade called smile. It has a very minimal amount of shimmer to it and adds more of a healthy glow to my lips, rather than making me look like I've covered my lips in vasaline. However it does leave my lips feeling moisturised as if I've used vasaline. The consistency is not at all thick, gooey or sticky and it has an SPF of 15. I am in love with it and will definitely buy it again, at the original price of £9.

The next thing I will talk about is my Stay Perfect lipstick. Mine is in the shade classic rose. I thought that this colour was more of a natural do-you-have-lipstick-on-or-not kind of shade however it turns out that it is rather bold. For a more natural look I prefer to just dab it on over a bit of moisturiser, as it isnt very moisturising on its own. It stays on for such a long time and even when i try to take it off, i can't! I love the packaging its come in because its just so small and simple, a perfect size to fit in your handbag or school bag. I will buy a No7 lipstick again but possibly in a different shade. The original price is £9.75.

Finally is the No7 lip brush. As I never really use a brush to apply lipsticks, I don't know what to expect from them. I don't really like to use brushes because I find that they store most of the lipstick in the brush rather than on your lips! However I do find that if you want to tone down the strength of your lipstick a bit, then a brush is the way to go. As expected from No7, the brush is super soft. The brush applies the lipstick easily to my lips with one sweep. I think if I lost my brush, I wouldn't repurchase as I feel I have no need for a brush. The original price however is £7.00.

This was a brilliant deal as the normal overall cost of these three items would be £25.75!! The next thing I will be buying from No7 is their foundation, so I will definitely do a review on that.

Isabelle

Toodle-oo

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Barry M Reviews

Many of us know and love the glorious brand that has graced the shelves for many years. They have a wide range of products to suit all types of tastes and styles. I fear I have only dipped my toe into the pool of Barry M.

I know I'm slightly exaggerating as there are of course superior brands but then you do pay the superior price.

For a few pounds a pop I feel you can't go wrong with completing your summer look with a Barry M nail polish or lipstick. I don't have a single complaint about their products and would highly recommend them. A few of their products are definitely going in my summer ESSENTIALS.

 

I shall begin with Nail Polish. There are so many that I have bookmarked from their website that I am super excited to try as soon as I can get my hands on them!

The first set is from their Gelly-Hi Shine. I bought these on a day out with Isabelle and we were both very happy with them. They are definitely more durable than most varnishes I have tried however I did need to reapply on small chips after 3 or 4 days-this could be because we are on full revision mode so chipping is a bit more common.

I have 4 of these at the moment in a dark purple 'PLUM 325' ; in a nice bright orange 'PAPAYA 343' ;also in a pastel blue 'BLUEBERRY 338' ; then lastly in a nude colour 'LYCHEE 349' this is by far my favourite it goes with everything and is just so easy to wear. They were around £3 or £4 but I can't quite remember but for the quality you get either way is a total bargin.

 

 The other two I have is just from the original Nail Paint collection. These are very good. They were about £2.99 which is amazing. Just like the Hi Shine they are of a very high standard. I would recommend a base coat with these just to give them a little boost. I would definitely call these a summer must as they are little bottles so perfect for travelling or for a touch-up down the beach if needs be. I got a fairly bright pink 'STRAWBERRY 309' but it does come out a lot more neutral. I do like this as it is perfect as a base for some 'nail arty' things but also with a Matte Top Coat to finish them off. I also got a white as I have seen this around a lot and hadn't yet joined the hype. I think this will be nice in the summer when I've got a bit of a tan going to really make it stand out. Like the pink it is perfect as a base for any cute summer patters. It is 'MATT WHITE 66'. This is a really nice matte colour. I might try it with a glossy top coat to give it a bit of variation but so far so good.

I'm really excited to try their new Silk Nail Effects Nail Paint they have lovely pearly colours. You can check them out and let us know what you think? http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/effects/silk-nail-paint.html

 

Of course the last 2 things are lipstick. My favourite things in the world.

One of these I saw in a video by Carrie Fletcher (ItsWayPastMyBedtime) and I had to try it. Isabelle will tell you how OBSESSED I have become with this lipstick. Initially it is green 'TMLP'. I know-I know. I love to whip that out and watch peoples reactions as they think I'm actually going to give myself green lips. I mean that would be a step too far don't you think? Anyway...It actually changes depending on your PH balance. It only differentiates from person to person it wont be a totally different colour each time you use it. Isabelle glories in telling me each time how much it HASN'T changed(Isn't she funny). There, obviously, isn't a dramatic change between each person but it truly is a lovely colour. It is a deep pink colour and its so cute. I have to say it is THE most long lasting lipstick I have ever had(they both are) and it isn't even in their specification. I have found myself forgetting to take it off and then looking in the mirror the next morning AFTER a shower and it still have bits their. It may not be much but enough.

 The next one is a dark red with pink-y undertones. It is lovely. It is more wintery but I'll find a way to make it work through spring and summer. There is not much to say about it since I wittered away so much about the other one. Again I am very impressed and will definitely buy from their range again. I think the lipsticks were around £3.99? Something like that but that is seriously good value for money!

I hope you liked this post. If you have any suggestions let us know and don't forget to follow us to be updated on when we next post and share our posts around if you enjoyed them.

Lots of Love as always

Toodle-oo

Izzy

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A Look At MUA

Hello Again,

I have to say that I am classically English and I cannot help but love a good bargin. What I don't like are things that are cheap; and by cheap I mean bad quality products. Its the old "You get what you pay for" thing.

 I have to say this did make me quite apprehensive about trying the newest brand addition in Superdrug (although its not that new anymore). MUA ~Makeup Academy has a large range of different beauty products. I have to say I have only dipped into the huge variety and do recommend you go and find out what works best for you. As with every brand things are different for everyone and there are things I may not recommend.

HOWEVER, for the price you are paying you really can't go wrong.

Enjoy...

First of all the first thing I ever bought from them. A lipstick. It was only like £1.00 and I used it everyday. I was a slightly rosy neutral pink. I WISH I could tell you what it was called but I've had it so long I can't even read it. It was from the original kind-of collection.

It was quite pigmented and I would 100% recommend them to anyone wanting to start their collection. However I may not buy them again. Personally, I prefer to spend a little more and have more pigmented and more moisturising products. I did find that, as I am prone to chapped lips, it did begin to dry them out.

I also have a neutral eye shadow palette. It has a very nice range of very pigmented colours. They are perfect for a shimmery Smokey look for a night out. However something that is missing is more understated colours. They do other palettes with matte eye shadows that I may pick up in the next few weeks, as I have been needing a natural palette. I been drooling over the Urban Decay Basics palette but for the moment they are just too much money. I may splash out on one for my end of school Prom but not for the minute. if this does happen I won't just write a post I will probably create a freaking essay. Anyway...for £4.oo this product is very good and the colours really are very pigmented. (excuse the state of the lid. On a particularly uncomfortable plane journey the lid fell off and a liquid eyeliner spilt everywhere...yay). Oh, also, for 12 eye shadows that is a very good price anyway!

Next thing is mascaras, I have 3 that I have tried from MUA.

First of all is the Waterproof Mascara. I have to say I was exceedingly disappointed with this and would not recommend it. I understand that for £1.00 you can't have high expectations but before I had been very impressed with the quality of the products.

My first and very predominant problem with it is that it isn't waterproof. Like; at all. Now...call me picky but for me a waterproof mascara really does need to stop my mascara coming off in water since that was the whole reason for buying it in the first place.

But you know; maybe that's just me.

My second problem with it is that it didn't work. It really did nothing. I wear mascara to open up my eyes and make me look well...not dead. It just made my eyelashes look wet and it was really uncomfortable as it just felt as if they were in front of my eyes. I don't know I just would not recommend it at all.

The second mascara is the 'Extreme Curl' mascara. I was reasonably impressed with this. I think it was around £2.00 or £3.00 which for a mascara is insanely good. I didn't feel as though my eyelashes were particularly curled but they definitely were much more defined. I wouldn't buy it again for me but would definitely recommended it for starting up.

Lastly is the MUA MEGA Volume Mascara. I have bought this 3 or 4 times and I still love it. I am going to branch out and try another mascara in the next few weeks but I will always keep one of these in my 'extra' bag. It has the same effect as the Maybelline Colossal Volume for a fraction of the price. I think it is around £2.00; honestly when you are next at your loca Superdrug get yourself one of these in Ultra black or whatever their version is. You will not regret it. I still can't get over the quality of it for the amount I have paid.

The last thing is a Bronzer.

I have never really used bronzer before so I thought I would pick up a simple one to get the hang of it. Although I would probably get a different one when I finish it but it is nothing to do with the quality of the product. It is purely to branch out and to try more things. The Mosaic bronzer was probably around £4.00 and has lasted me a good few months as I think I got it around December. It does exactly what I need and lasts nicely throughout the day. it is very pigmented but not in any way over powering. I would definitely recommend this to someone if they were like me and wanted to expand their makeup collection.   ( I know this is dirty too but lets just say its well loved).

I know its a fairly short one this week (and may or may not be a day late) but I hope you enjoyed it!

Let us know what your favourite brand is, whether it is high-street or designer.

Toodle-oo

Izzy

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A Little Update

Hello, it's the end of the month and we are doing our little favourites...together! 
 

First of all for me. I (Izzy) did finally take the plunge and gave into getting a Topshop Lipstick and I have to say I have not been disappointed. I got it in Beatnik it is a darker neutral shade of pink. It is a very creamy texture but without being heavy and sticky. Being 16 this is a pricier Lipstick at around £7.00 however I do have my eye on some more for summer especially the cute pale pinks. They are very pigmented and I have definitely found that my lips feel in a better condition as they are very moisturising. 

I do have to say that for the amount I've paid (as I ordered it) I was expecting more, there is a very small amount of product. Due to the long lasting effects of the Lipstick and the durability of the colour it is easy to over look this. 

As always the Topshop packaging is very cute and still practical. Overall I would definitely recommended them and I have to say I do understand the hype! 

In a weird way it also smells and tastes yummy, it is quite sweet and just makes it even better.  

In preparation for summer I have been trying to take better care of my hair. I, unlike Isabelle, have always had short and thin hair. So I have been searching the internet in search of an affordable shampoo and treatment that would make a difference to the condition of my hair. 

I discovered the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Protein Shampoo and Treatment. I went through 114 reviews and none had a bad word to day. 

The first thing I noticed when opening the product was the smell. It is fruity but not overpowering and it makes your hair smell fresh and sweet. It's a lovely to have fresh smelling and smooth hair and that is something that both these products provide. 

I have only been using it for a few weeks but my hair has felt softer and stronger from the first wash. I am not expecting miracles and am giving it at least a month to see any major changes. I am already so pleased as my hair just feels so much nicer and stronger. It may not be something I will re-purchase too often for the simple fact of price. The shampoo was £6.99 and the 5 minute rinse treatment was £7.99 they are both reasonable prices but I will need to make sure it is worth it of course. That is definitely something I will write about again. 

This month both of us discovered the band American Authors. I would say that they are in the indie category and are similar to Kodaline, Imagine Dragons and possibly even The 1975. There full album is being released in June but the 5 songs they have released are a very good listen!

Everyone loves a good perfume and I have fallen in love! Alien by Thierry Mugler is my definite favourite! Not only does it smell incredible it has adorable packaging. It could easily fit in a handbag without loosing the amount of product in it. It is a light smell but without being sweet or fruity. It could almost be musky but they tend to be heavier. It is hard to describe but it reminds me of a Burberry perfume. It is perfect for all occasions and works through summer and winter. I cannot get over how much I love it but I cannot describe the smell. Obviously rest it out first but I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a subtle but not understated scent for Spring. 

Whereas the perfume I (Isabelle) have been loving is the Our Moment perfume by One Direction. I didn't get this perfume just because it is by One Direction but instead for the smell. I enjoy a really sweet flowery scent that is strong but not too strong, and I have found these qualities in this perfume. Not only that but the bottle the perfume is in is really cute as well. So even if you hate One Direction, you can get the perfume and just burn the packaging!

Hope you enjoyed! Let us know what your favourites are?

Toodle-oo
Isabelle and Izzy

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Natural Collection

I have purchased many products from the Natural Collection so I thought I'd share my experiences. All of the products are £1.99 and can only be bought from the drug store Boots.

First of, are there concelers, both of mine in the shade fair. I use the liquid one for the summer as it is a darker shade and quicker to put on when I'm rushing down the beach, and the stick one for the rest of the year. I find that both do the job and even mange to cover my under eye darkness as well as any blemeshis or redness. For the price that they are, I will continue to buy them as they satisfy my face just fine and don't proceed to make my spots worse.

Next up is the pressed powder, which i have in the shade warm. As you can tell from the picture below, it has been well used. I put it on after my conceler or tinted moisturiser to set my make-up and matte my face. However, it doesn't stay on for a very long time. I don't know if I will buy it again in the future but I think once its gone I will go for something more expensive.

This leads on to my tinted moisturiser, in the shade natural. I havent used it since the summer as the shade is too dark for me and makes me look extremely orange, so I'm going to have to go with what I can remember. Consistency is what you'd expect, its lighter then a BB cream and very runny. However it does its job and does cover up a lot and some days, I didn't even need to put on my conceler. It did make my face shiny though so I had to use a power after. I might buy this again once it runs out depending on whether I would rather go for a foundation.

I don't have much to say on the lipstick (shade sweet pea) as I never wear it purely because the colour makes my lips look silver. I do find that it stays on for a long time and is very moisturising. I will buy their lipsticks again but in a different shade.

The pigment of the eyeshadow duo did surprise me (shades mocha/latte). The dark brown stays on all day as does the white. They aren't shimmery which is just what I wanted as my No7 duo (in similar colours) is too shimmery for school. I will buy their eye shadows again.

Next is the blusher in the shade peach Melba. Both me and Izzy have them in the same colours and both agree we will buy them again. I don't wear mine much as I do have naturally flushed cheeks. There isn't much in the pot but for the price I didn't really expect much more. The colour is perfect for spring/summer seasons as it adds a natural glow.

None of these products have given me spots which is great as that is the only thing which puts me off wanting to wear make-up. I will continue to buy from Boots Natural Collection as I think most of the products are up to the same standards as other high street brands.

Isabelle

Toodle-oo

❣

Beginners Luck

HAPPY FEBRUARY!
 I just want to start off by saying that what matters is the type of person you are, no amount of makeup can change you're personality and you don't need to do it to impress others. True friends will love you for who you are. I think until your are at least 13 makeup is pointless really, but it's whatever makes you comfortable.

I think over the last 2 years I have felt very lost when it comes to makeup. I felt that I had no idea where to start or what I needed. After watching and reading many blogs, vlogs and tutorials I have finally got to grips with it. I hope this helps anyone else that felt as stuck as I did.

Starters:

>Primer

>Foundation/Base 

>Concealer 

>Blusher/Bronzer 

>Powder 

> Mascara 

>Lipstick

>Eye shadow

>Brushes and blending sponge(make sure to wash every week or every 3 uses)

 

 

So...if you have clear skin, accept for a few spots and blemishes, you DO NOT need a full blown foundation, My suggestion would be to purchase a Tinted Moisturiser or BB Cream, this gives a light moisturising coverage without clogging up your skin. I would suggest Garnier or No7. Also a bit of concealer goes a long way.  I have found that the Rimmel London Wake Me Up foundation is the best, it gives brilliant coverage and is not too expensive. I also add the True Matte Perfection Mouse Foundation in my oily t-zone as it helps to keep it under control. 

In my experience powder blush is better than cream blush as I have combination to oily skin. However if you struggle with dry skin, cream blusher is perfect! 

Corals and darker pinks are best in summer and lighter pinks in winter to give a natural glow. 

I find that a small bit of bronzer goes a long way as you do not want streaks on your cheeks and to just define your cheekbones you want it to be natural. I have only tried the MUA mosaic bronzer as it was only a few pounds however I am definitely keen to try the Sleek blusher and contour kit. 

I find that pressed powder, when over foundation, sticks in areas and I will only wear it as a light cover in summer. 

However I like to set my makeup with lose translucent powder over the top and the rest of the time just to stop shine and to make sure it stays a little more. This is just to help the primer set. If you have oily skin I would definitely recommend it as I have found it a godsend, also if you are prone to shine you may as well give it a go. 

When it comes to lipstick you do not need a lot of them-not that that has stopped me. 

If you have dry lips then obviously a moisturising balm lipstick is the way to go and maybe just stick to actual lip balms for a while. If not a matte look is always classy for a day out. I find they tend to last longer too. Corals and bright pinks and reds (much like blusher) are great for summer and darker reds and plums work well during the winter.

 

A neutral eye shadow palette is not essential but is always nice to have for an extra smoky eye. Personally, I'm not very adventurous with eye shadows and just stick with simple (and cheap) combinations. Isabelle got me a super cute eye shadow palette for my birthday from H&M and I'm very impressed! 

I do believe, however, that mascara is as essential as it gets. Without it I literally look like I'm from The Walking Dead. It opens up your eyes and makes them pop. If you want a natural look then I suggest a brown but if not then you can stick to black (or super black is you think it makes a difference). Mascara can be expensive. This is true across the board. I have tried most high-street brands and although they good they are not true to all their promises. I have found however that the MUA mascaras are much better and are only £2 or £3 which is insane value for money! 

When it comes to brushes I do not know much. I was given a Fraulin*38 set for Christmas a few years ago and they do the job. For a starter they are perfect. I do use the Primark powder brush for blusher, it has a really nice feel and is really easy to apply. There are obvious recommendations for brushes like MAC and Tom Ford but they are much more expensive. The best blending sponge is by far the Real Techniques Miracle  Complexion Sponge. It honestly does live up to the hype. 
For the basics I think all you need is a powder brush, blush brush, contour brush for bronzer, blending eye shadow brush and a blending sponge to stop steaks and patchy foundation. All depending on what you use and how often you use it, this will determine how much you are willing to pay but, as with everything, the pricier ones are of better quality.

I hope this has helped you to find cheaper alternatives for the basics. If you have any other substitutes please let us know in the comments. We all love a good bargain! 

Toodle-oo

Izzy

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REMEMBER: You are beautiful just as you are, makeup is supposed to enhance your features NOT cover them up :)