Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation First Impressions | Just Add Ginger

Ever since getting pregnant I have had one very strange problem when it comes to makeup. My usual foundations started to oxidise on my face, making me fashion a slight Oompa-Loompa shade as opposed to my normal skintone. 

It's been incredibly frustrating. Especially because I find it so difficult at the best of times to find a good base that matches my skintone. I find it incredibly difficult to source a decent drugstore makeup brand that have a vast and varied shade range, and, now finding myself unable to use the foundations that did actual work, I was back to square one! 

I started perusing the Lancôme stand in Harvey Nichol's Beauty Bazaar by chance one Saturday. We had just gone out for my birthday lunch and I just nipped in, hoping to swing by the Nars stand to try and sneakily check out their selection of bases. However, finding the counter rather busy, I made a swift and stealthy turn and decided to look at Lancôme's range instead.

After explaining my issues to the sales assistant, I was colour matched and recommended the Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation in 02 - Lys Rosé . With nothing to lose, and totally enabled by the fact it was my birthday, I decided to give it a go. 

Even though I have made purchases deom the likes of Clinique, Too Faced and Urban Decay before, this was the first purchase I have made that I truly considered high-end. Lancôme has always been one of those brands I've heard of but have been somewhat unattainable, so, walking out of the shop with purchase in hand, you could say that my expectations were really rather high.

They say to never judge a book by its cover, but when it comes to beauty products, I just cannot stick to that. The look of a product is definitely something I notice first, and - whether it is supposed to or not - it gives me a starting impression of what to expect, and the Teint Idole was no exception. Simple, sleek and chic, and presented in a heavy glass bottle, the packaging of this foundation is exactly what I would have expected. Delicately decorated with Lancôme's signature floral motif, the 30ml bottle definitely has that sense of luxury about it. The pump also makes the foundation highly appealing. (Who really wants to be trying to daintly pour out foundation to the back of their hands or strategically get just the right amount balanced atop of their makeup brush?) Durable, practical and timeless, this pretty bottle is definitely one of those that you would put pride of place on your makeup stand.  

When it came to testing out the foundation at home, my sceptical hat was on from the start. I am rather mistrusting of getting colour-matched for foundation in stores. The lights are so yellow and artificial that it can be difficult to tell the final effect. My biggest fear was that what looked a perfect colour for my skin in-store would turn me into a tangerine in the light of day. Especially because when I swatched it at home the 02 - Lys Rosé shade had a slightly peachy finish....My mind went into instant overdrive - 

'Oh bloody hell, I'm back to square one again aren't I?' 

But I needn't have been so concerned. Even though the foundation didn't look the right match at a first glance, the formulation is very smooth and extremely blendable when using a makeup brush. A little bit goes a really long way, meaning that if used sparingly, and built up slowly, there is no chance of overdoing it. If you like a finish that is more full coverage, this would easily be achieved too, just as long as you made sure all the product is blended out so that the 'seams' of your base cannot be seen. There is also a subtle scent to the foundation. To me it's like a mix of baby powder and florals, just like a beauty product your grandma would own. Not overbearing or sickening. this added to the high-end and luxe image that I always saw Lancôme having.

Even though the formulation of the foundation offers a matte finish, I found that not only did it give me a smooth and even look but it also brought some life and radiance into my cheeks. I was really impressed. (And trust me, after my oxidisation drama I absolutely scrutinised my face). In fact the only downside to the application process was that my larger, redder spots remained untouched and still visible. However his is just a small downside and easily rectifiable with a quick sweep of concealer. 

So, does the foundation last the 24 hours it claims to? Who knows! Never in my life have I worn a foundation for that long, so on that point I cannot comment. Nonetheless I was pleasantly surprised by how well the foundation lasted. I applied it first thing in the morning before we headed out for the day, and by the time evening came, even though the formula had faded (I hadn't touched up all day), the foundation was still clearly present on my face. The formulation had only slipped a little, had not left my face feeling oily, nor did it dry it out. And oxidisation? There was none! For my pregnant combination complexion it seemed a perfect match. 

Even though sceptical at first, I have been won over with the Teint Idole Ultra 24h foundation. It gives me a subtle radiance that definitely makes me feel like I look more alive, provides a flattering finish, and is long-lasting. For a purchase in which I had to blindly place all my faith, it hasn't let me down yet, and has definitely encouraged me to look more at a brand that otherwise I may have never otherwise tried.

Bathtime Made Beautiful* | Just Add Ginger

Ever a sucker for a pretty bath product, nowadays, having some quality me time soaking in the tub is just one of those luxuries in which I just love to indulge. A die-hard Lush fan, it is very tricky for me to steer away from the tried and tested and delve into the depths of a new brand to try something new. However when I was given the chance to select a Bath Blaster from the SoapBombs website to try I saw it as a golden opportunity to go completely out of my comfort zone and - hopefully- find somewhere new to shop to help me indulge in one of my guiltiest pleasures. 

As a creature of habit, I am always mesmerised by just how lovely Lush bath products are at this time of year. However, just one glimpse at the SoapBombs website and I soon realised Lush had been blown out of the water! Each and every one of the bath blasters was just utterly breathtaking in design. From 3D figurines to sparkles and colours galore, I found the prospect of choosing one to try really daunting. Just how was I going to decide? 

Limiting my choices to the more festive range, I decided that fragrance was a good filtering factor, and so began the dilemma of trying to envisage what delicious combination of scents each bath blaster was going to treat my nose to. Finally, I decided to go for the Merrily On High blaster, which boasts a fragrance combination of frankincense and myrrh. Decorated with gold glitter and a beautiful Christmas ornament - things couldn't really get more festive! 

I was really impressed with how quickly (and well packaged) my bath blaster came. It arrived well within a week, and sat nestled in a bed of air-filled bags. All the decoration was in tact and undisturbed, and looked just as lovely as it did in the product image on the website. 

Slipping the blaster into the bath, it fizzed and danced away contentedly, turning the water a warm orange-yellow and filling the bathroom with a soft, spicy and inviting winter fragrance. It was the perfect balance and not at all overbearing, which is something I really appreciated, as some scents for me at the moment can prove just a bit too intense to handle. The glitter dispersed evenly, and was so finely milled that it was barely noticeable in the water. The formulation of the bath blaster itself left my skin soft to the touch, and smelling gorgeous. There was no slimy oiliness left on my skin after bath time was over, and the tub was pretty much as clean as it was before it had met the blaster.

Bath blasters are priced at £2.50 and I think the quality you get is just incredible. SoapBombs is a family-run business, and the passion they have for bath and pamper products is clearly seen from the selection they have on their website. It's like bringing a little piece of luxury into your bath routine, and there are just so many designs and scents to choose from. Perfect as a Christmas present, stocking filler, or as a cheeky little something from you to you, I can honestly say that I think I've been introduced a new little hidden gem and I can't wait to order more from the website. Not only offering bath products, SoapBombs offer home fragrances, soaps, candles and skincare too....

Goodbye bank balance!

* I was very kindly given the opportunity to select a bath blaster from soapbombs.co.uk to review free of charge. This does not affect my opinions. They are always 100% honest and guided by my experiences.

Zoella Beauty Part One | Just Add Ginger

I'm sure I don't need to tell you about the recent launch of Zoella (Zoe Sugg's) very own beauty line - Zoella Beauty - do I? 

The YouTube starlet has brought out a line of body, bath and pamper products whose buzz has been filling up my Twitter news feed for months! And whereas I might be out (but ever just so slightly of course *cough*) of the demographic that the line is probably targeted for, I wanted to show my support for the YouTube & blogging community and indulge in a few cheeky purchases from the range....



...When I could actually get hold of some. When I went to check the stock on my go-to beauty website FeelUnique.com, everything from Zoe's line had completely gone. Luckily, I was able to quickly pop a couple of products in to a virtual shopping basket on Superdrug.com, and, with baited breath, I waited for them to arrive. 




The first product I went for was Fizz Bar.

It was the concept that intrigued me the most. If you know me or have been with Just Add Ginger for a while you will know I am a die-hard Lushie. But with a wedding to plan for, my trips to the candy shop of pamper products has to be limited (Waa!) Fizz Bar really sang to me because of the multiple-use design. Not only does it come in very cute (and quintessentially Zoella) packaging, but the Fizz Bar is designed like an eight-squared chocolate bar. You can break off as many chunks off as you want to use in the bath, and keep the rest for another day. And all this for around the price of a Lush bath ballistic.... I had to give it a try! I'd never abandon Lush - no way - but this seemed like a more budget friendly option. 



The pieces were easy enough to break apart. Each "chunk" is marked with a "Z", and for all intents and purposes looks like chocolate. (A very humorous "DO NOT EAT" label is even stuck to the back. Nobody wants to be farting bubbles, do they?)




The scent of Fizz Bar is light and a mix between floral and citrusy (flitrusy....cloral?!) It is not overbearing, and definitely appeals to those of out there who prefer the lighter fragranced beauty products.



I first tested out Fizz Bar using one "chunk," and to be honest, it just wasn't enough. It fizzed and bubbled happily enough in the bath, and turned the water a slightly milky colour, but the scent didn't come through at all. To be fair, it does suggest to use one OR two cubes of Fizz Bar, so in the spirit of giving it a fair shot, the second time I used it, I used two chunk to see if that made a difference. 

This worked a bit better. The water turned milky, and whatever was in Fizz Bar made my skin feel really smooth, but I still couldn't smell anything. I don't know if that is what is meant to happen, but personally, I like a really highly- scented bath ballistic. They are such a novel thing for me to buy that when I invest, I want the excitement of a lovely smell.... Glitter.... Bright colours.... Dried flowers.... Something to make me feel really pampered, and Fizz Bar just did not pack enough punch for me in that department. 

 Fizz Bar did leave my skin feeling lovely and soft and nourished though, and for that, I was really impressed, and very happy! There's no better feeling that having soft and supple skin, especially in these Autumnal months as the weather gets colder and skin gets unhappier.




But is it enough to make me repurchase Fizz Bar? No. Probably not. Don't get me wrong, I think the concept of the chocolate bar design for Fizz Bar is excellent and so innovative, and if I was a bit younger and on more of a budget, I think I would invest again because you get so much use out of one bar. But for me, I want more out of my bath products. I don't know if that is because I am older, and have a more informed preference, or if it's just because I am so much of a Lush fan. But either way, whilst I'm glad I bought Fizz Bar and showed my support for Zoella Beauty, Fizz Bar has not knocked my love of Lush off it's pedestal. 




What I will say though, is that if you are looking for a new, gentle and pampering budget-friendly bath product to try that you can use multiple-times, and that leaves your skin feeling soft, give Fizz Bar a go. Just because it didn't tick all the boxes for me, it doesn't mean it won't for you. And with Fizz Bar retailing for £5.00, it'd make the perfect Christmas present or stocking filler for the upcoming festive season too! 



















Have you tried anything from the Zoella Beauty line?

Soot Ball by Lush | Just Add Ginger

I couldn't tell you how excited I was to see the launch of Soot Ball by Lush a few weeks ago. 

It's by far the cutest bath bomb I've ever seen, and as soon as I saw the little guy, I was immediately drawn in by those adorable big eyes. 

So when Boyfriend and I were in Chester a few weekends ago, and we popped in to Lush, Soot Ball was on the list of goodies I needed to buy.

I don't think we really need to say much about the bath bomb design. Soot Ball speaks for itself. The bomb is whimsical and incredibly cute. The gold shimmering through the darkness of the bath bomb creates an immediate sense of excitement and anticipation about what amazing goodies may wait inside. 

The price is fantastic too. For a bomb like Soot Ball, normally I'd expect it to me more than the price tag it carries. So you can imagine how impressed I was when I discovered that it retails for only £2.50.

100% WIN!

Like with my Luxury Lush Pud, I really wanted to hold out as long as possible until I tried Soot Ball, but one cold and dark evening, feeling in the need of a little pick-me-up, there he was, waiting for me. So into the bath Soot Ball went. 

If you were to just look at the colour the bath water is turning, it might out you off slightly, but give Soot Ball time to work its magic. Unlike Luxury Lush Pud, I did have to help Soot Ball on its way a bit, but look at the end results after it ad finished fizzing away. 

So much glitter!!! 

Soot Ball gives you such opulent, luxurious bath water. The charcoal-y nature of the bath bomb itself highlights just how shimmery the water becomes and I felt so glamorous bathing in gold. 

The scent of the bath bomb was similar. Very comforting for a cold Autumnal night. Not as memorable as Luxury Lush Pud, but it complemented the consistency and finish of Soot Ball well and added a great fragrance to such a glamorous bath. And like with all the Lush bombs I've tried, the formula made my skin feel really nourished and soft, and I didn't feel the need to moisturise afterwards (a step I sometimes just cannot be bothered with.) 

There is just one small thing about this bath bomb that may put some people off.....

It did leave some residue in my tub after I'd let the water out. 

Now, this didn't phase me. I'm used to some of bath bombs leaving shimmery residue behind, and the charcoal-coloured marks wiped off quite easily (with only one spot needing a bit of elbow grease, but that part of my bath is tricky to clean anyway.) So if you don't mind giving your bath a bit of a rinse and a wipe after you've had a soak, then there should be no problem. But in the grand scheme of an honest review, I need to include al good and not so good points. 

For a novel, shimmery, and comforting bath, I'd definitely give Soot Ball a go. The concept is so cute, and you really do feel so decadent bathing in a bath full of beautiful shimmer. 

For more information about Soot Ball, or for a look and lots of Lush goodies in general, visit: 

http://www.lush.co.uk

Current Beauty Favourites | Just Add Ginger

It is so cold today! I can't believe it...the cold has crept in even more overnight, and out came my most snuggly jumper this morning to keep me warm. 

I don't usually do a monthly favourites post, because I'm quite loyal to the products I use, but recently, I've found some new gems! 

Face

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (010 Ivory)

This is my most recent find, and  am absolutely IN LOVE with this concealer! It really brightens up my face, and hides my dark under eye circles, which, when you get up really early in the morning for work, and are pale anyway, is a very good thing!! I'm so impressed by the coverage, and the consistency of this concealer. Usually, I find them really cakey, but this one is amazing! 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (100 Ivory)

A few weeks ago, I did a review on this foundation. I'd heard a lot of really good things about it, and after a while of using it, I haven't been disappointed! The coverage is medium, and very buildable, the consistency is smooth, and the colour is an almost perfect match to my skin! Combined with the concealer, my skin looks instantly refreshed! 

Lips

Carmex Mouisturising Lip Balm 

A good lip balm is essential for me in the chilly weather. My lips get so chapped and sore that I regularly need something soothing to put on them. I had been using a Body Shop lip balm, but I was touching pan with that. I picked up Carmex because a) It was reasonably priced in Boots, and b) I've heard a lot of good things about it online. 

I've been applying it everyday since I bought it, and seriously, my lips have never felt better! Some lip balms I find to be really gungy and leave my lips a bit too wet and shiny, but Carmex I can put on, and it leaves the perfect amount of sheen. I can instantly feel it helping my lips, and it smells really refreshing (like menthol.)

Nails 

Rimmel I Love Lasting Finish Nail Varnish (500 Disco Ball) 

About a month ago, I went out to a rave. I had been looking for a top coat that I could apply over my nail varnish for an added touch of girly sparkle, and found this Rimmel polish. Usually, I do go for quick-dry polishes, but there were none to be found, so I took a risk! 

This nail varnish is great! You get so many sparkles in each application, and it adds a great bit of glitz for the party season. The formula  can be a bit gloopy, and takes a little while to dry, so you need to have a bit of patience with it. 

The only downside to this product that I've found is that if it comes out on the brush too thick, it does lift your other nail varnish off, so you've got to be careful their isn't too much product on the brush. For a touch of glitter on a night out, this is a great little product to add to your collection! 

Body 

Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish 

This is my absolute favourite recent find. I discovered it whilst going through my beauty drawer, and haven't looked back! I'm a big fan of Soap & Glory anyway, but this body polish....well...there are no words to describe how much I adore it! I've used it up already and I've only been using it about 3 weeks! 

Firstly, it smells AMAZING! So sweet and delicious you actually want to eat it! The scent really seeps in to your skin too, and lasts for ages (especially when you use a Soap & Glory body moisturiser too!) The product itself isn't harsh at all, and really works to make your skin soft and supple. Every time I have a bath, I use this on my legs, and it makes them so smooth, I can't actually believe it! This product is top of my wish list for Christmas. It's absolutely fantastic!! 

There you have it, my current beauty favourites. I don't know what I'd do without these products at the moment....every time I use them, I feel absolutely fabulous! 

What beauty products are you loving?!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation | Just Add Ginger

A few weeks ago, I picked up the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation on a whim, just to see what it was like. I had heard a lot about this foundation online, and I wanted to see what all the hype was about. 

I picked this up for £8.99 in Tesco from the Rimmel section. At first, I wasn't completely sure about the shade, because some "Ivory" products on me make me look like a ghost. But the colour is near enough a perfect match, and the formula of the foundation is so blendable and smooth that it leaves a natural finish with a really good coverage. 

The packaging feels really high end too, and I love the cool design of the bottle. I think it looks really feminine, and the orange accents on the lid and text make me feel happier just looking at them!

The one thing I would say about the formula is that it does have a golden sparkle in it, which gives your skin a dewy finish. After applying the foundation to my skin, my fingers are always uber sparkly and glittery. If you have oily skin, I don't think you'd particularly like this foundation for that reason...you don't want to find that the oiliest parts of your face are highlighted and stand out more! 

Not so sexy! 

However, if you have normal/combination skin, I think the dewy finish adds a really nice highlight to the skin. You can build up the foundation too to get the coverage that you want/need....BONUS!! 

The foundation is so easy to apply...probably partly thanks to the pump at the top. You seriously only need a pea sized amount if you're looking for a little bit of coverage, and this completely "wakes up" your skin. In the morning, I literally crawl out of bed and put on my make up, and since using this foundation I have really seen a difference. Putting it on makes me instantly feel more alive, and look less like a zombie! 

The scent is really lovely too...very fruity and fresh. I'm not really a fan of overly scented products, as they can sometimes irritate my skin, but this foundation is perfectly balanced. 

I can't rave about the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation enough. For a high street foundation, I think it's brilliant, and does exactly what it says on the label. If you're looking for a foundation that gives a natural finish, but has buildable coverage, I'd definitely recommend it.

It's £8.99 worth of skin investment. 

Tag: How Much Is Your Face Worth | Just Add Ginger

The How Much Is Your Face Worth Tag popped up on my blog feed from Sprinkle of Glitter's page, and I thought it would be really fun to do...

So here goes....Eep!

Face:

Rimmel Wake me Up Foundation (Ivory): £8.99

Clinique All About Eyes Concealer (01 Light Neutral): £16.00

Clinique Superpowder Double Face Powder (01 Matte Ivory): £21.00

17 Instant Glow Bronzing Powder (Medium): £1.15

NYC Colour Wheel Mosaic Face Powder (726A Peach Glow):  £3.99

Rimmel Siolky Loose Face Powder (001 Transparent): £6.00 (approx)

Eyes:

Urban Decay Naked Palette: £36.00

Lips: 

MAC Frost Lipstick (Angel): £14.00

Misc:

YSL Touche Eclait & Mascara (Gift Set Purchase):  £40.00

Total:  £147.13 

Woah....and this is for an everyday make up look!?

You don't really think about the cost of the products you are using when you "put on your face", do you? I'm definitely going to make the most of the products I do have. 

They don't grow on trees! 

I tag anybody with a love for make up.... 

It's your turn now!! 

Collection 2000 Hot Looks Nail Varnish | Just Add Ginger

Left: 55 "Bright Lights", Right:  57"Neon Art

I know it's been a while since I did a review, but today I have one for you that I am really excited about. This product has been one of my best beauty finds from the year so far. I just had to share it with you! 

Collection 2000's Hot Look Fast Dry Nail Varnish range!

As you know, I always need nail varnishes that are fast drying because I use my mouth to paint my nails. I completely stumbled upon this range by chance in Boots just before I went to Germany, and I'm not going to look back. 

The nail varnishes retail for only £1.79 (Boots online price)!! That was a huge part of the appeal. I always try to be really careful with my money, and usually buy my nail varnishes from online sellers as they are cheaper. You'd think that for £1.79 the varnish would be rubbish...but it really isn't.

I bought "Bright Lights" first, and was so impressed by the formula. It's so smooth, it glides on your nails really easily, and has great pigmentation. 

The varnish really is fast drying too...not even taking 60 seconds...again, a HUGE plus for me! I did 2 coats of the nail varnish, plus a top coat to seal the deal, and the polish stayed on - without chipping - for my entire holiday - this never happens to me! 

The only thing I was a bit disappointed with was the width of the brush in "Bright Lights". It was really thick, and unless you have really wide nails, it will be a little bit tricky to manoeuvre. 

But that was my only negative. This nail varnish is an absolute bargain find, and for a drugstore brand, Collection 2000 has hit the nail on the head completely! 

There are about 30 shades in the nail varnish range too, so Fast Nails covers a variety of shades....taking you through from Summer to Winter. 

If you're on a budget, and looking for some great nail colours, definitely check Hot Looks out! I'll definitely be investing in some more!