Sunday 26 February 2012

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Primers Review

Hello everyone,

Today I am sharing a review on 2 of the L'Oreal studio Secrets primers.

I am not very experienced when it comes to primers, I have only tried No.7 primers in the past however I do know when something works and when something doesn't and for me, these primers are a definite let down!

I have been using the L'Oreal Studio Secrets anti-redness and L'Oreal Studio Secrets anti shine, mattifying primers and so far I am not loving them at all!



What they say:-
L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer gives a uniform skin tone. 
All women can harness the power of these primers to create the illusion of a flawless complexion. It’s just a matter of obeying the laws of complementary colours! To neutralise a shade simply apply its complementary shade.

For example: the green tinted primer reduces the appearance of red, giving the skin a more even tone.

L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Shine Mattifying Primer acts like a ‘second skin’, weightless on your complexion. Easy to apply and comfortable on the skin, it mattifies oily areas and doesn’t leave a greasy residue.


Directions:-

1- Apply the L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Shine Mattifying Primer in little dabs onto shiny areas (forehead, nose and chin) and around the nose.
2- Smooth towards the outside of the face.


1- Apply L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer in little dabs on red patches, and then tap with your fingertips to work it into the skin. 

 What I think:





In my opinion I don't particularly think the mattifying primer works very well, I always find it makes my skin more oily throughout the day (which I do NOT need!) and it makes my makeup slide off my face too. I don't like the consistancy of the primer either, despite what they say, to me the product feels slightly greasy. If you have oily skin like myself, then I recommend staying away from this.
(Pictures taken with iPhone 4s)

I think the anti- redness primer works well to even out redness but the consistancy is very runny.

I wouldn't choose either of these primers over the Urban Decay setting sprays!

The L'Oreal primers retail at around £10.00 each and are cheaper than Urban Decay setting sprays which cost around £20 but I believe you get what you pay for and the quality of Urban Decay setting sprays justify the price!



Natasha Carly x
Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton

Saturday 25 February 2012

Matte nails with shiny spots! ♥

Hello everyone,

Here is a nail look I came up with when playing around with matte nail polish.


To achieve this look I used Rimmel Pro Matte Finish Nail Polish over a black Barry M Nail Polish but any black nail polish will work just the same!

Directions
  1. Apply your base coat. (When using a dark or bright colour I always apply a base coat, I used Sally Hansen Double Duty Base & Top Coat. A clear nail polish can be used as an alternative if you don't have a base coat)
  2. Paint all your nails with a black polish of your choice and wait until it is thoroughly dry.
  3. Next apply an even layer of the Rimmel matte polish (or matter polish of your choice) and let dry, you will notice that the shine starts to fade out of your nail polish. 
  4. When the matte polish has dried use a nail tool and the same black polish and begin to add the dots onto each nail. (if you don't have a nail tool, use a toothpick instead) Allow to dry.
  5. Now you're ready to show off your nails!
I really like this look, it's an easy, stylish way to add texture to your nails!
 
(Taken with Instagram)

Natasha Carly x
Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton
 

Wednesday 15 February 2012

D&G The One (Lace Edition) ♥

Hello everyone,

For Valentine's Day, my boyfriend bought me Dolce & Gabbana - The One Lace Edition and I LOVE it!
If you like fruity/floral/sweet (but not sickly sweet) scents then you will definitely love this perfume!
I would describe this fragrance as sexy and feminine!

The bottle is gorgeous!
(Size in picture - 50ml)

 (Taken with Instagram)

Top notes: bergamot, peach, lychee and mandarin. 
Heart: Madonna lily, lily of the valley and jasmine. 
Base: plum, amber, vanilla, vetiver and musk.

This perfume retails at around £50 and can be purchased from The Perfume Shop

You can now follow me on Hellocotton and Bloglovin' 

Natasha Carly x
  Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton

Saturday 4 February 2012

Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray Review

Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray is a godsend!! Seriously! This is one of my holy grail products - it keeps my make up on for such a long time!

This cost me around £20 which I do think is slightly expensive, but I feel it's worth the money I paid.
I also have Urban Decay All-Nighter setting spray but I purchased this particular setting spray as it is specifically designed for oily skin to help control excess oil from seeping through your makeup throughout the day. It works like a dream! I still get slight oiliness around my T-zone during the day but not nearly as much as I get when I don't use it.

I spray this before and after I apply my foundation then I set it with a powder, I use powder for an extra matte look and to act as a 'top coat' for the setting spray.

 (Taken with iPhone 4s)

Directions
  1. Shake well. 
  2. Apply just before foundation and again after makeup. 
  3. Hold bottle 8"-10" away and mist face 2-4 times. (I like to do a 'T' then an 'X' motion).

If you haven't already tried these products I highly recommend that you do!
Urban Decay have a range of setting sprays suited to specific skin types. I have combination/oily skin and love both setting sprays that I have and think they both work well. I don't think there's a great difference between All-Nighter and De-Slick but De-Slick definitely controls the oil for a lot longer!


Have you ever tried these setting sprays or any other setting sprays? - Comment below and let me know :)

Natasha Carly x
Pretty Little Lives on Facebook / Twitter / Hellocotton