Current Beauty Favourites | Just Add Ginger

When it comes to the makeup I use I really am a creature of habit. I know what works, I know what I like and I know which brands suit me the best so trying to get me to be a little more adventurous is very tricky. However, when you open your beauty drawer to find a lipstick you bought when you were a teenager (yes, really) you realise it's time for a major clear out. 

Now that I've had a bit of an upgrade I've come across some absolute gems that I now can't be without. These are the beauty products that help me feel put together, help hide the signs of tiredness and just generally make life easier. Without all these hair, makeup and body products I don't think I would leave the house feel half as confident as I do. They are my my beauty BFFs and I only thought it right to sing their praises a little bit.

MAKE UP

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation (150) - It took a while for me to build up the courage to buy anything from Fenty Beauty. Having had some bad colour matching experiences I was really scared to go and peruse the counter in Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar in case I ended up leaving with the wrong shade and wasting my money. Since I was pregnant I've had an issue with foundations oxidising on my skin so I knew I had to make sure I was absolutely happy before loosening my purse strings. 

Since having the foundation in my make up bag I have thrown away any others that I owned. I love everything about this foundation and what it does to my skin. I love the airbrushed effect it gives when I apply it with a big fluffy brush. I love how versatile it is and love how natural it looks whilst still giving me some much needed coverage. 

Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter (Lightning Dust / Fire Crystal) - I picked up the Killawatt highlighter duo in at the same time as I bought the foundation. I tried it out first because I just had to know just what the colour payoff was like (I'd seen how insanely pigmented Trophy Wife is). And I was really pleasantly surprised at how subtle and simultaneously buildable the highlighters were. I now use them every day, alternating between the two shades depending on the occasion (I sometimes use both if I want a glow you can see from space). A little goes a long way so I know I'm going to get my money's worth, but when I do eventually hit pan I won't hesitate in repurchasing them.

L'Oreal Perfect Match Concealer (1.N Ivory) - I bought the L'Oreal concealer on a complete whim. My trusty Collection Lasting Perfection was out of stock in my shade and I was in desperate need of something to hide my eye bags so this one was a total impulse purchase. And now it's here to stay. The salmon-y shade of the concealer really helps to brighten up my skin, hiding signs of tiredness and adding a bit more dimension to my face. Don't get me wrong - Collection Lasting Perfection will continue to be a firm favourite, but the L'Oreal definitely has been my best friend on days where I'm wearing how sleep deprived I am all over my face.

L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara (Brown) - I'm no stranger to the Volume Million Lashes Mascara. A few years ago it was all I used. However unlike most makeup products, I get drawn into the hype of mascara adverts and one day my loyalties disappeared. But since I was in the market for something new and finding myself browsing the L'Oreal stand I remembered Lydia Millen mentioning it in some of her beauty videos and this jogged the memory of how much I used to like it too. I didn't realise at first but I picked it up in a brown. This doesn't make any difference really though. Just one coat is enough to add drama to my lashes, open up my eyes and help me look much more awake than I usually feel. 

BODY

ESPA Restorative Balm - Even though I have the upper hand when it comes to my feelings of anxiety most of the time, there are moments where I feel myself getting really flustered. It's not a nice feeling and it can make me feel really helpless because I'm often with Eric and just have to power through when really I need to vent. 

I received the ESPA balm in a set that I got for Christmas and it has been living in my coat pocket lately. Whenever I'm feeling tired or overstretched (which is normally when I'm more likely to have a blip), I apply some to my temples, wrists and neck and having the scent drift into my nose really helps to calm me down. 

Layering Lab Body Spray (Oriental / Fresh)* - As a mum constantly on the go I have this fear that I am going to smell. Day to day I normally end up getting covered in baby food, spit up, slobbery or snot and I never want to end up being stinky. I have  a few perfumes I use but lately I have loved using the Scent Laboratory body sprays. I got them in a lucky dip at CarnLIVal and I am absolutely obsessed with the way they smell not only individually but also together. The notes are really fresh and light and if there's ever a morning where I don't have time for a shower I will spritz these on me and I instantly feel better.

HAIR

S Factor Papaya Leave-In Moisture Spray - My hair texture is one that is very susceptible to tangles. It's a lot better than it used to be but the odd dry patch tends to crop up every now and again and I need something to keep my locks snag-free. I'm going to be honest - I was totally suckered in to buying the S Factor spray because of the packaging but it has actually turned out to work wonders on those pesky knots. I spray some on my hair when is almost dry after a shower and work my brush through and the tangles always disappear after a couple of goes. 

Wet Brush - How I have got by all these years without a Wet Brush in my beauty stash boggles my mind. Ever since I have made an investment it has become an absolute game changer when it comes to the condition of my hair. I used to use a brush with natural bristles (plastic bristles would only cause me pain) but after using this brush I've come to realise how useless those bristles were on working out knots. I fully bought into the hype of the Wet Brush and it paid off - my hair has never felt smoother!

What are your current go-to beauty products? Is there anything you would recommend? Let me know in the comments.

*I received the Layering Lab body sprays during the CarLIVal event. This does not affect my opinions. For more information, please see my disclaimer.

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.

Rosie For Autograph | Just Add Ginger

I had seen bits and pieces floating around the blogosphere about the Rosie For Autograph make up collection at Marks and Spencer before deciding that was one bandwagon I had to jump on. The eternal magpie, it was the packaging that drew me in first. Sleek, chic and rose gold. What more could you ask for? It looked gorgeous. 

Wanting to be selective, and honing in on the things I actually needed, I put in my order for the Eyeshadow Palette in I Feel Like A Million Dollars, the Insta Lash mascara in Black, and Highlighter Powder in Rose Bud. I could totally have gone overboard, but I didn't want to pick up too many things just in case we didn't get along.

As soon as I saw my little stash in person I couldn't help but swoon over the packaging. It looks so luxurious and glamorous that I just couldn't wait to open everything up and get experimenting. Call me silly, but having this type of make up in my collection really makes me feel like a grown up. It looks so much more high-end than it is, and just looking at it makes me get a warm fuzzy inside. With Rosie's signature delicately embossed on each of the pieces, the packaging doesn't look cheesy or tacky. It's the kind of make up I'd display with pride of place on my beauty shelf. In short, I loved it.

But you can't always judge a book by it's cover. As pretty as the packaging was, was I going to be just as impressed with the quality of the products themselves? Or was it going to be the type of make up you don't really like, rarely use, but keep because it looks lovely? Not being able to contain myself, I cracked open all three products and decided to test them out all together, starting out with the eyeshadow palette.

Smooth, creamy, finely milled, and full of pigment, each eyeshadow glided on to my lids with ease, and were incredibly easy to blend, with both day and night time looks easily achievable. A creature of habit, I love my neutral and earthy browns and taupe colours, and this palette definitely did not disappoint. All the shades completely complement each other, and work really well with my skin tone. It's such a cute little quad that it would be the perfect travel companion. With this in your travel beauty bag, you wouldn't really need much else. Since first using it, it's now really the only palette I've been turning to of late, and I can see that being the case for quite a while.

The highlighter powder I was a little apprehensive of at first, for the simple fact that I usually make a totally mess out of loose powders. So you can imagine my delight when, upon twisting open the top of the container, I discovered there was a little mesh insert by which I could control how much of the product I could dispense by tapping it in to the lid. Something that, if you're like me, I totally recommend! The highlighter itself was beautiful, with a cool-toned frostiness that again really worked with my skin tone, adding a subtle, yet buildable glow that looked incredibly natural. It is a little tricky to blend, but I find that by using a denser brush, you can get that subtle finish instead of a stripe of highlight across your cheekbone.

Out of all three of my purchases, it has been Inst Lash that has taken the most getting used to. When I first applied it, I found it to be quite a wet formulation, and as someone who is terrible at applying mascara, it went al over my upper lids. However, I will say that after using the mascara for a few weeks, the application process has got better. I'm not sure if it's because the product has dried out a touch, or if I'm just getting better at this stage in my make up routine, but now we're getting on famously. It's one of those mascaras that helps to create really voluminous lashes without that spidery effect, and I love the overall look it creates. Perfect for wearing during the day, but something that can be really amped up for the evening. An all round winner in my book.

I have been really impressed with everything I picked up so far. They have quickly become staples in my make up routine, and I wouldn't hesitate in picking up more of the range. (I've already got my eye on the lipsticks and cream eyeshadow sticks!)

If you want to see how I've been wearing all the Rosie For Autograph products I picked up together, I preview a look in my Spring GRWM.

To take a peek at the full Rosie For Autograph make up collection, click here, and let me know which products are catching your eye!

Ginger's Fashion: My Birthday OOTN & FOTN

Next Thursday, I will be turning the grand old age of 27!

So, in honour of becoming part of the "late 20s" club, on Saturday night, me, Boyfriend, Sarah (salocainwonderland.co.uk) and her other half went out into town to see Pirates of the Caribbean at the Liverpool Philharmonic, and have some celebratory beverages too. 

Lace Skater Dress: ASOS
Skinny Belt: ASOS
Stacking Rings: H&M
Pearl Bracelets: A Gift


Because over the Christmas period I had put on a couple of extra lbs, I wanted to wear something I felt comfortable in, and my dress from ASOS (which you can find here) made me feel like an absolute glamour puss!

Hair & Make Up: Blossom Hair & Make Up 

I was very fortunate to be having my hair and make up done for me as a Christmas/Birthday treat, and had really specific ideas about how I wanted everything to look. I am a big fan of neutral eyes, huge cat-eyes and lashings of mascara when it comes to make up, and Beth from Blossom Hair & Make Up made me look - and feel - like a flawless Hollywood Ginger Princess. 

Hair had to be big bouncy and beautiful. And because I am a huge fan of braids and can't really do them myself, Beth incorporated one into my hair for me (Lauren Conrad style.) 

 What's your instant go-to feel-good look when it comes to hair and make up?

Beauty by Ginger: February Favourites

I am a self-confessed creature of habit. I have the same routine in the mornings, I always drive the same route into and back from town, and I always shop for products that I know....

Until recently.... 

I don't know what happened in the new year, but I had this moment of thinking "You know what...It's time to branch out..." And so, I did! 

These are some of the products I have LOVED using in February (and January too.) They are a firm part of my current beauty/pamper routine, and I wanted to share these finds with you, because, well, I think they are just bloomin' lovely! 

LUSH Ro's Argan Body Conditioner: I first came across this product in a gift I was given for my birthday, and it was love at first smell. This product is absolutely GORGEOUS! It is packed full of nourishing ingredients that make your skin feel soft and beautiful, and smells divine....I'm not good with describing scents, but this smells scrummy! Not overbearing in anyway, but subtle, and a bit sweet. The smell lingers on your skin for ages, and I always catch whiffs of it during the day. Sometimes I use it as a moisturiser as well as an in-shower/bath body conditioner...I am literally obsessed! 

Benefit They're Real mascara: If you want super long, super thick,. super sexy lashes, look no further! I cannot sing the praises of this mascara enough. When I was on holiday over Christmas, I saw this, but could NOT justify buying it when I already had a mascara on the go. But last month, I got a voucher, and KNEW I HAD to get my hands on it! And I'm sooooooo glad I did. My lashes look so good wearing this. It makes my eyes look bigger and pop out of my face! My night out make up is not complete without applying this...and there is no need for me to break out the false eyelashes, which is good, because I'm rubbish at applying them anyway! 

MAC Lipstick "Dubonnet": I used to stick to nude lipsticks all the time...drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I could never find that perfect red shade (being ginger, you have to be careful...Too bright = CLOWN!) When I was in London during December, I popped into Selfridges, and was colour matched to this shade, and now, it's a staple for a night out look. Wearing this colour makes me feel like a Vamp, and ramps up my confidence to 150%! 

Ted Baker Body Spray: This was a body spray I got as part of a set for my birthday. It has not left my handbag since!! It is the perfect size to carry around with you, and smells really fresh and fruity. When I've used it with the other products in the set (all with the same scent), I find myself constantly wanting to smell myself (I refrain from it though.) The scent stays with you all day, and it makes me think of Spring and Summer, and beautiful sunny days! 

Tesco Sugar & Spice Candle: Once upon a time, I was doing my food shopping in Tesco, and I thought it would be a good idea to look in the home section. There I found this gem! I had bought a candle from the range before ("Princess") and LOVED it. But this one, I LOVE even more. To me, it smells like gingerbread men and cinnamon. A bit of a Wintery scent, but when you like in England, and it's still freezing outside, it's nice to bring in a bit of warmth and cosiness to your home. And this definitely delivers. Having this burning in the background in the evening whilst you chill out on the sofa with the scent of cinnamon and spices floating into your nostrils is sheer perfection....Ahhhhh!!!

Armani Code: Spotto had this perfume when we went away last year, and I instantly fell in love and felt a pang of jealousy that it belonged to her and not me. When my Alien ran out, I was a free agent, and went on the prowl for this perfume. I found it on the ferry, we had a brief encounter, and it came home with me, promising to be mine until the bottle was empty....I can't even describe how this perfume smells. All I can say is that I love it, and to me, it smells like perfection. The staying power on my skin is great, and wearing it just makes me pretend that I am a mysterious Bond girl....which is a good thing by the way...not insanely weird!

St Ives Apricot Scrub: I have a confession to make. I am 26 years old and still get spots! Goshdarnit!!! I also have really sensitive skin, which never helps in my quest to find blemish busting skin solutions. I saw this scrub, and decided to just give it a go. It claims to be "Blemish Fighting", and to be honest, since using it, my skin seems to be getting a lot better! It doesn't dry me out, or react with my skin, and I use it 3 times a week at least. I really wish I had discovered this before. It seems to be a bit of a knight in shining armour at the moment. 

Share your February Favourites in the comments below. It's good to share...who knows, there may be a new product that you discover and want to give a go! 

Ginger x

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?!

Primark & MAC Haul | Just Add Ginger

Today in the UK, it is Bank Holiday Monday, so naturally I forgot to turn my work alarm off...Hello 8/10am wake up call. FAIL! 

Anywhoo....here is a haul of all the goodies I picked up t'other day in town. Again, please don't think I'm showing off. I just want to share what's out there on the high street at the moment (I've been really impressed.)

Primark Goodies

 £3.00....Bargain! 

These shoes were a bit of a risk, because I can't really wear shoes without straps (my left foot has no arch!) But they are SO comfortable...and they have really good grip so stay on my feets! I don't know what you'd call them. Kind of a cross between a deck shoe, a loafer and a plimsole...

A Ploafdeck?! 

Only issue...because they are stretchy them come up big...I had to buy a size 5 instead of my usual 6, and they are still a teeny bit big on my right foot! 

£7.00 

You know when you are in a shop, and you pass a garment. Everything goes into slow motion and angels start singing? ...I had that with this top! I LOVE it! It has such a whimsical print, and has STUDS (my current obsession). 

The dipped hem gives an edgy twist, and the top itself is so comfy! Would look good with denim jacket, leather jacket, or drawn in at the waist with a belt. I might even try wearing it with some denim shorts and tights for the Winter. Can see this being really versatile!

£6.00 

I absolutely love the colour of this top...can see the maroony-purple coming back for the Autumn/Winter season on the high street. I knew I had to invest the minute I saw it. The hem doesn't quite cover the derrière area, but would look great with jeans or shorts if you don't want to risk it with leggings...but the fabric has stretch, and feels so luxe. Beautiful! 

£13.00 

This was the first item I picked up on my shopping trip. I saw the silhouette, the full shirt, and in my basket it went! I'm one of the those really excitable people who likes to spin around to make my skirt swing out, and this dress does not disappoint. There is a zip down the back of the dress, which makes the top really fitted, and the skirt flare out more. It's the kind of dress that you could wear day to night, style up or down, and is flattering for all body types...You can't go wrong really! 

£13.00 

 I've saved my favourite until last. I love, love, love this dress! The contrast piping and collar as well as the print itself are just stunning. And it's such a flattering shape too. (It did come with a belt, but I took it off...I'm not a huge fan of Primark belts...the sizing is a bit strange!) The dress is double layered, so if, like me, you have broader shoulders, you may want to try a size bigger, because you might find the arm holes a bit tight. But this dress is so gorgeous. I went to my friend's house yesterday, and wore this dress. Everyone was shocked when I said it was from Primark. 

Seriously, go and check out Primark! They have so many amazing clothes at the moment. I've been so impressed with the quality and design too! Definitely beats the recession blues when you can treat yourself to lots of lovely things without breaking the bank! 

Well done Primark! 

MAC 

£14.00 

"Angel" Frost Lipstick

Popped my MAC cherry at last! 'Angel' is a frosted pinky nude that looks like it's going to be perfect to wear for day or night out looks - I can't wait to give it its first outing.

Shopping the high street and looking for good pieces goes to show that you can still treat yourself from time to time without breaking the bank. 

All hail the high street! 

Beauty by Ginger: Popping my MAC cherry!

Hello Everyone! 

Yesterday, I went into town to do some shopping...out of all the things I knew I wanted to buy, I knew I wanted to pick up a MAC lipstick! 

MY first MAC product EVER....Ahhhh!!! 

I had to ask for help, because I had no idea what I was doing and didn't want to get it wrong and pick a colour I hated. The sales assistant swatched me some colours, and I picked this one. The shade is "Angel", and is a lovely frosty neutral colour with a pinky undertone. Hopefully it's quite long lasting - I don't really get the chance to touch up my make up during the day. The formula is meant to be quite moisturising too, so should be perfect with Autumn about to creep in. 

Chapped lips are not sexy!

I've waited so long for a MAC lipstick, and never could justify it before because I was usually a balm-and-go kinda girl. But for £14 I think it's well worth the investment now!

I'll definitely be trying and testing this out constantly for the next few weeks to see if it;s everything I dreamed it would be. 

And I might frame my first MAC shopping bag too! 

Ginger x

Beauty by Ginger: The No Make Up Challenge!

Bon Soir Universe!


When I was on holiday, I didn't really wear much make up. I didn't need to!


Back at home in the UK, I tend to wear make up almost every day...and usually the whole hog...foundation, concealer, powder, blusher and mascara. I'm really self conscious about my skin because I do still get the occasional spot, and have some spot scars from...the teenage years!!


However, for the past 3 weeks I have embarked on a No Make Up challenge. I've not been wearing make up on a day to day basis, and only put it on when I've been going out in the evening!!


I can honestly say it's the best thing I've ever done for my skin!!


I encourage anybody who carries a make up comfort blanket to take this challenge...you do start off feeling really scared, but I have gained so much confidence now, and my skin has really cleared up just by cutting back, and just following a simple "cleanse and moisturise" routine!


Ps: I am SO pale...do I look ghostly to you guys?!

I also know the picture's not the best, but I have broken down a wall. This is me with absolutely ZERO make up on. I honestly never thought I'd be able to do this, but here I am! 

L'Oreal Infallible Foundation | Just Add Ginger

It is here...FINALLY!! My review of the 16hour L'Oreal Infallible Foundation. I've been testing this out for a few weeks now, and at last feel ready to write a fully informed review about it! 

How exciting!

Before I bought this, I had done a lot of research on YouTube. I really needed a foundation that was long-lasting, with quite a high coverage for my holiday!

I bought this on Oxford Street in the shade "Natural Rose", because when I swatched it it looked like it would not been too dark for my skin...I am so pale...I could actually be a ghost!

But then I bought it in "Porcelain" too. Basically I discovered that the "Natural Rose" left an orange stain on my skin where I initially put some on my hand for application. The thought of walking around Canada with a big orange blob on my face where in a blurry jet-lagged haze I hadn't blended....not a good look!!

Left: "Porcelain" Right: "Natural Rose"

I did persevere with the "Natural Rose", and it is almost a match...it makes me look a bit more alive, and less Oompa Loompa-ish than I thought it would (Yay!) 

"Porcelain" gives me a much more natural look, and if I'm honest, if  build up the formula, I look a bit transparent! Eek! I think I fall in a grey area where my skin just doesn't co-operate with the beauty world, and I am a combination of two shades! 

Left: "Natural Rose" Right "Porcelain"

I was VERY impressed with the coverage of this foundation. I'd say it was medium, but buildable to heavy, which is what I need from a foundation really. The formula is really smooth and silky, and glides on to the skin really well. I apply foundation with my fingers, and so far, I can happily report... 

I have remained streak free! Woohooo!!! 

"Does it last?" I hear you ask "Does it really last 16 hours?" 

In a nutshell....

Not really! 

At least, not for me.

I do have a pretty manic working week. I'm up early, to and fro from my house like a yoyo, braving the British elements, and constantly on the go (with the occasional power nap in between shifts). So my skin sees a lot of wear and tear during the day. Perhaps if you had a calmer day, the foundation would last a bit longer. I can get a good 6-7 hours out of it before it starts to fade.

Which I don't think is that bad, really. 

"Natural Rose"

"Porcelain"

For a drugstore foundation, I really like this. I picked it up for only about £12, so £24 for both bottles. That's what I'd normally spend on one higher end foundation! That's mental! 

Also, a pretty frivolous thing, but I LOVE the fact that it comes with a pump. It makes the application so much easier and cleaner!

I will be taking this away with me...probably both shades, just in case I actually catch some sun and look less ghostly! 

April 2012 Favourites

Bonjour Universe!

Today, I am uber excited!! My first "Favourites" post! Eeeeek!!

I know I've been away for a few days...(did you miss me, little blog?) But I am back now, and ready to roll!!

Here we go...

Clothes

Ever since the pastel trend came to the high street, I have been obsessed! I was looking for a pair for sooooo long, and just couldn't find ones that I really liked. I FINALLY found a pair of gorgeous mint green ones in Sainsbury's. They are really well fitting, with a stretch in the fabric so they are fabulously comfy too.

And THEN! I found a pair on the Dorothy Perkins website in a gorgeous duck egg blue/green colour. They're a bit brighter than the Sainsbury's ones, but the colour is so flattering, and the fit is just perfection, and I love them, and I want to wear them forever! Ahhhh!!

Make Up

In my teens I used to always be a lipgloss kinda girl. (Lipsticks were like way too granny-ish!) But recently, I have rediscovered the lipstick love. Natural Collection have got a great priced range out (£1.99 each...bargain), and their nudes are so beautiful. The two I'm loving at the moment are "Autumn Sunset" (left in the picture), and "Coral Shimmer" (right in the picture.) They are quite pigmented, and are definitely worth a look if you like your nudes and neutral shades!

Firstly; I apologise for the state of these next products. I use them every single day, so look a bit messy, but well loved!

I first tried the L'oreal Infallable 16h foundation because I was looking for a reasonably priced foundation to take away with me. Well, let me tell you, I have found it! I use this foundation (my colour is "Natural Rose) EVERY SINGLE DAY! The coverage is great for me (I am spot prone), and the colour is almost a perfect match to my skin...and it was only about £12...love, love, love it!!

Second product I swear by is my YSL black mascara. I got it as part of a set with the Touche Eclat, and I haven't looked back. I find the formula really light, and long lasting, and it makes my lashes look really big and bold. I don't know if I'd buy it again (YSL is a bit out of my usual price range), but for now, it is a little bit of indulgence for my lashes.

Skin, Bath & Body

That shampoo bottle has seen a lot of love!

I have been using the Bed Head Urban Anti-Dotes shampoo and conditioner for quite a while now. My hair is really prone to knots and matting, and I find that the shampoo and conditioner by Tigi sorts me out really well. (I've actually run out of the conditioner, that's why it's not in the picture.) It smells gorgeous too...like sweets. I've actually had people coming up to me to smell my head. Cleans your hair and boosts your ego...fabulous products!

I use the Soap & Glory Girligo Body Moisturising Mist everyday too. It's really funny, because I only found it a few weeks ago. I was cleaning my dining room, and found a Soap & Glory set I was given for my birthday with some products still inside. Thank God I decided to tidy up. The mist smells like a sweet shop, and leaves my skin soft and smooth and moisturised. "The Righteous Butter" also helps smooth out my skin, and has the same scent. Using the Bed Head, and Soap & Glory products together makes me smell so good I want to eat me! hehe.

Nail Varnish

I NEED to have quick drying nail varnishes. I have a very, very strange way of painting my nails, and I need them to dry quickly. I have been so impressed with the Maybelline Express Finish varnishes. They dry very, very fast, and the colours are just exquisite...this month I've been using no 215 "Spiced Latte", and no 610 "Exu-blue-rant". You do usually need to apply two coats and a top coat, but I find these last on your nails for quite a while without chipping!

Music

I have quite a varied taste in music, and I usually just like the odd song from an artist - of course, there are those musicians I just LOVE, but for the most part, nobody new gets added to that list - but I think Kyla la Grange has one of the most beautiful, unique voices I've heard in a while. Seeing her live was amazing because you can tell by the way she performs how passionate she is about her own music. Listening to her reminds me of summer, and makes me feel really calm and mellow.

TV Shows

Ringer - I absolutlely am addicted to this show, and I don't know what I'm going to do when the last episode airs. If you've not heard of Ringer before, and you like your dramas on television, you need to give this a look! Sarah Michelle Gellar stars, and every episode, I am glued to the screen, antcipating what is going to happen next. I seriously hope there is a Season 2!

Game of Thrones - I'm sure most people have heard of this series (in the UK and USA/Canada at least. It is such a gripping show (based on the series of books), and completely addictive. I do warn you, it's not for the faint-hearted, as it can get quite brutal, but once you remind yourselves it's just a tv show, you're fine.