Music Favourites: February

I haven't done one of these types of posts in a long time so I thought I'd do one today! I thought I'd embed the videos onto the post to make it easier to listen to the songs :) If you wanna look back at my old music favourites posts, just search "music" in the search bar on the right.

1) Indian Summer - Stereophonics



2) Rewind - Devlin



3) Thrift Shop - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis



4) Castles - L.Marshall feat Little Nikki



5) Jesus Walks - Lostprophets

Suzanna xoxo

Revlon Colorstay Foundation

Revlon Colorstay is one of those foundations near enough everyone knows about. It comes in two formulations: one for normal/dry skin and one for oily/combination skin, each with different shades of yellow or pink undertones making it easy to find the perfect match.

I have it in the shade "160 Sand Beige" in the oily/combination version. I have yellow undertones NC25 in MAC and Desert Beige in Double Wear, for reference.

Let's get all the claims out of the way. It says it helps to control shine all day giving flawless looking skin, feels lightweight, comfortable and weightless, looks fresh for up to 24 hours AND provides a medium to full coverage with SPF of 6.

The 24 hour test. The first I noticed about this foundation was the fact that, the longer I left it on, the more the colour oxidised (laymen's terms: gets orange). Due to the oils being produced throughout the day, the foundation also started to look extremely cakey, dry and thick making it uncomfortable to wear and certainly not weightless or lightweight.

However, who actually wears a foundation for that long?! No-one, I hope! For everyday wear, up to 10 hours, this foundation is incredible. The coverage remains the same (medium buildable), it doesn't oxidise, feels lightweight and looks flawless. I don't even have to powder throughout the day.

Even if you have normal or dry skin, I would recommend the oily/combination version as it oxidises way less than the normal/dry formula.

Overall, I love this product! The only thing that bugs me is there's no pump!

Price: £12.50
Stockists: Boots, superdrug, pharmacies, supermarkets

Suzanna xoxo

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat

La Roche-Posay is a famous French skincare, known over here for the Effaclar Duo. The product has hundreds (literally) of reviews online so, even though I have it, it wouldn't make sense to review. In a nutshell, it's good. What I am going to review is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Mat.

To put it simply, it is a sebum-controlling moisturiser. For those who don't know, sebum is the oily substance produced from sebaceous glands (which come from the tiny hair follicles found on our face). Too much sebum results in the sebaceous glands becoming enlarged, thus forming spots/acne. Due to the fact it reduces oils means it also mattifys the skin to help control shine.

It's targeted at people with oily skin prone to imperfections and shine, also those with sensitive skin and it is recommended to use morning and/or evening to the whole face.

What I think...

So far, I really like it. I've been using it for roughly two weeks and I definitely have noticed an improvement to my skin from using this product in conjunction with the Effaclar Duo. My skin appears much smoother and the shine which used to form on my t-zone has considerably been reduced.

Price: £12-15 depending on where, and when, you buy
Stockists: Boots, escentual.com, pharmacies

Definitely worth it.

Suzanna xoxo

PS. Happy february! <3

Bliss No "Zit" Sherlock Purifying Cleanser and Toner

I picked up the Bliss 'No Zit Sherlock' purifying cleanser and toner (125ml) while I was in New York. Bliss isn't exactly the cheapest skincare brand in the UK and buying abroad makes it a little more wallet-friendly. I've been using this product since October and my breakouts have been considerably reduced - the only breakouts I get now have been from exam stress, not because of unclean skin. 

It's a cleanser and toner in one which is perfect if you don't have loads of time each morning and evening. Designed to clear clogged complexion, the formula also lessens the appearance of large pores and refines the skin's texture. What I love the most about this product is that not only does it thoroughly clean your skin, it also helps fade blemish pigmentation and also reduces redness. In a nutshell: it prevents breakouts and clears existing ones. Perfect.

The photo above was taken today - just over three months after I bought it - which shows that it lasts for ages, making it definitely worth the £18, plus the fact it works so well.

If you haven't tried it, I seriously recommend it.

Suzanna xoxo

Best of 2012

I just wanna start of by saying happy new year!

My posts will lack during January because of my exams so I thought I would do a pretty extensive blog post reviewing all my favourite products (as well as books, movies and music favourites) of 2012 today. Links are added to reviews :)

Best eyeshadows (palette): Urban Decay Naked 2
Best mascara: Rimmel Volume Flash Scandal Eyes or Clinique High Impact
Best pencil liner: Avon Supershock or MAC Stubborn Brown or Rimmel Scandal Eyes in Nude
Best liquid liner: Maybelline Master Precise
Best eyeshadow base: MAC Paint Pots
Best eye lash glue: Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive
Best eyebrow product: Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

I'm not a lip product fan, the only lip products I use are MAC lipsticks. My favourites, and most used, during 2012 have been: Myth or Hue or Honeylove or Sunny Seoul.

Best liquid foundation: Esteé Lauder Double Wear in Fresco and Desert Beige
Best powder foundation: NARS Powder Foundation in Fiji
Best primer: Smashbox Photofinish
Best concealer: Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in Fair
Best bronzer: NARS Laguna
Best blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
Best powder: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus

Best volumising product: TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse
Best dry shampoo: TRESemmé Instant Refresh
Best heat protector: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth
Best treatment: Moroccan Oil or Leo Bancroft Instant Sleek or Kerastase Nectar Thermique or Macadamia Oil
Best straightening balm: Redken Power Tame 16 or Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

Best self tanner: St Moriz Mousse in Dark
Best face moisturiser: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel
Best body moisturiser: Shea body butter from The Body Shop
Best hand cream: L'Occitane
Best universal cream: E45 or Sudocrem (not pictured)
Best acne/red skin treatment: Mario Badescu Control Cream

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Favourite books of the year

- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

- Unwind by Neal Shusterman

- Holy Bible (ESV)

- The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

Favourite movies (and shows) of the year

- Project X

- Ted

- Sherlock, both series

Favourite albums of the year

- Born To Die: Paradise Edition by Lana Del Rey

- Take Me Home by One Direction

- Life is Elsewhere by Little Comets

- Babel by Mumford & Sons

- Channel Orange by Frank Ocean

- What's The Story (Morning Glory)? by Oasis

So thats all of my favourite things of 2012. I hope you had an amazing year and I hope that the new year brings you happiness and lots of laughs.

Suzanna xo