06/04/2012

Eye makeup removers

The more make up you apply the harder it is to get off, right? Yes, depending on the eye make-up remover you're using. I've only just started getting into gel eyeliner which I have found is tricky to remove. Before I was just using a makeup wipe and soap with water - bad, I know! When I found how hard it was to remove eyeliner I bought several types of remover and was in a search to find my favourite.

After weeks of testing them out, I found my favourites.

They range from low end to high end which is a good thing as I can buy the cheaper alternative knowing it gets me near enough the same results as the more expensive ones!

So, here are my favourite four eye makeup removers:


MAC "Pro Eye Makeup Remover"
Price: £13.50
Pros: It takes every scrap of eye makeup off. It leaves nothing behind. A bonus is that it's really refreshing and has a cooling sensation which is nice.
Cons: It's rather pricey for what it is and does have a weird scent.

Rimmel London "Gentle Eye Make Up Remover" 
Price: around £6.50
Pros: Reasonable price and removes all makeup including waterproof mascara which is tricky to get off. It takes of my eyeliner perfectly.
Cons: It doesn't come of instantly, you need a good few pumps to make a difference.

Clinique "Take The Day Off Makeup Remover" (*)
Price: £15.00
Pros: The smallest amount get's rid of everything, even waterproof mascara and gel. Not only can it be used on your eyes, but your lips as well. Personally I haven't tried this and I don't think I will, but it does a  very good job on removing eye makeup!
Cons: Too expensive. £15 is ridiculous and I know there are way more expensive removers out there. I wouldn't spend more than £10 on a remover to be honest. Additionally, it makes my eye lids really greasy afterwards which isn't nice.

Avon "Conditioning Eye Makeup Remover" 
Price: £4
Pros: It's really cheap which is always a good thing when it comes to removers! And it works (even better!) but it does take some getting used to because...
Cons: ...it has the weirdest texture ever! It's like a cream and once you apply, it stays on your eyelid! It feels really odd as it sits on your eyelashes and makes them stick together which isn't very nice. The first time I use it I wasn't sure what to do, so I decided to rinse it off and it did get everything off in the end. It's a hassle but works.

Overall these are all really good eye make removers, but if I had to choose my absolute favourite, it would have to be Clinique. Even though it leaves a greasy residue and is bloody expensive, it removes every trace of makeup instantly. It does last a while too!

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Talk to you soon,

Suzanna
XOXO

Recent purchases at Westfield

Westfield is definitely one of my favourite places to shop. It has everything. Literally. Two floors of shopping amazingness. If you live in London, or near, go to Westfield at White City.

Anyway, I just got back shopping and I wanted to show you what I got!


Left to right:
1. Umberto Giannini Salon Straight Blow Dry Cream (review coming soon)
2. MAC Pro Eye makeup remover (*)
3. Rimmel London makeup remover
4. LO'real Paris gel eyeliner in black and brush
5. Maybelline the Falsies volume express flared mascara
6. Revlon lip butters (review coming soon) (*)
7. Garnier eye roll on
8. E45 cream
9. Carmex lip balm
10. Soap & Glory Hand Food cream
11. Barrel hair brush


Left to right:
1. Marie Clare magazine
2. InStyle magazine
3. Glamour magazine
4. The Big Bang Theory season 1-3
5. Maze Runner by James Dashner

and the most exciting purchase...


It's my Dad's birthday on Monday so we decided to treat him to the new iPad! Let's hope he likes it.

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Have a great Easter weekend.

Suzanna
XOXO

Ps. I've been watching Bertie's YouTube videos on his recent trip to New York. It makes me want October to hurry up so badly. It looks breathtaking! Check out the videos here: BertiebertG.

05/04/2012

The POREfessional Pro Balm by Benefit

I have never been a fan of face primers. Eye primers? Sure. But never face primers. To me, it just seems like a pointless, time-consuming step every morning. Recently, however, I decided to try out Benefit's the POREfessional primer that claims to do wonders for the skin.

Retailed at £23.50, it says the pro balm helps minimise the appearance of pores.

I was excited to try it out.




Does it do what it claims?

Yes, in theory. It makes a smooth base and feels really lightweight and silky (like it says). I do find however, that if I use it regularly it breaks me out so I only use it when I need my make-up to stay on that extra bit longer. Normally, I don't wear a primer. It does do what it says though; minimise pores. It conceals them in a way so that they are less noticeable. All in all, it's a good primer. 

Yet, is it worth the money?

No. I feel that there are so many primers out their that do a better job and are at least - if not more than - half the price. £23.50 is pretty expensive for any make-up product let alone a primer! The benefit of this primer however is that it does minimise pores as well as making a translucent base for foundation. 

It's definitely one to consider if you are in the market of a new face primer.

Would I repurchase it?

I don't think so. Like I said before, I've never been a fan of face primers and, if I was, I don't think I'd fork out another £23.50 on this one. I would definitely find a more affordable alternative.

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Have you tried it? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Suzanna
XOXO

PS. I'm going to Westfield mall tomorrow so expect a major haul-type post on the weekend! And I had my hair cut to today and I'm super pleased with the results :)

04/04/2012

Asos Magazine

Technology is wonderful thing. Nowadays we can talk to people across the globe in an instant through social networking sites and e-mail. We can play games (Temple Run and Draw Something are so addictive), browse the internet and listen to music on the go.

My favourite, however, is internet shopping.

On my phone I have apps for just about everything. I particularly love eBay, Amazon, HauteLook, InStyle, Net-a-Porter, MAC, OPI and my new found favourite Asos...

I woke up this morning and found an Asos magazine addressed to me by the door. My first initial thought was; "Asos have a magazine?". I've been subscribed to Asos for months and never have I heard of them creating a magazine. I've literally just Googled it and turns out they have been making it for years! It's not like a typical 'store' magazine where it has pages and pages of models showing off the brands new clothes. It's like an actual magazine that includes celebrity interviews, make-up tutorials and advice, fashion tips and more.

And the best part? It's free ;)

Take a look...

































Links!
- View online: Asos
- Get it on your iPad, iPhone, iPod: iTunes
- Delivered to your door: make an account here

*Not sponsored*

Talk to you soon.

Suzanna
XOXO

03/04/2012

I changed my blog name...

Yesterday I changed my blog name from Keep Calm and Blog About It to Vintage Allure for several reasons.

Firstly, it's a mouthful to say! Every time someone asked me what the name of my blog was, it would be a lengthly reply. Secondly, it has nothing to do with what my blog is about! It doesn't tell people that my blog is about hair, beauty and fashion. It tells nothing, to be honest.

I decided that it needed to be changed.

Vintage Allure. Well, firstly vintage means old (to put it bluntly) and allure, for those who don't know, means beauty. I personally really like the name. It fits in with both fashion and beauty and it's much easier to say and remember. I hope you like the name too!

In addition to the name of my blog, I've also changed around the layout. It's much more simple and clear, and I've added a few tabs at the top to make it easier to navigate around. 

Talk to you soon!

Suzanna
XOXO

Ps. Check out the Upcoming Posts tab to find out what posts are coming soon. Also, leave a comment if there is anything you want me to review.