L'Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation Review

L'Oreal foundations are definitely my favourite. I love their True Match and now after trying the Lumi Magique it has also become another holy grail foundation of mine.

Compared to the True Match, the Lumi Magique is basically the opposite in finish. True Match gives an almost matte finish whilst Lumi Magique gives a satin, and more dewy, finish. And I love it.

Now that the weather is getting colder which results in dry, sallow skin, I prefer wearing foundations with a much lighter formulation that provides a more dewy, fresh appearance. Lumi Magique provides medium, yet very easily buildable, coverage that looks fresh and alive. I definitely agree with the "as if lit-from-within" statement on the bottle. It looks really pretty. It's super blendable, really lightweight and you can easily build it up for more coverage.

This foundation wears really well throughout the day, better than True Match - I apply it at 7am and it's still going strong by the time I finish college at 3pm which is impressive. I sometimes do powder midday but other times I just leave it to wear through - it looks just as good, if not better, by the time I get back home. It's still dewy, but not oily looking and definitely not at all cakey.

However, one thing I don't like is their shade range. It's bad. The Lumi Magique offers 7 shades (compared to 22 in the True Match range, can I mention!) which are really bizarrely labelled - I have shade W3 which is the lightest "warm" undertone shade they offer. Luckily, it's my regular shade in the True Match, yet this could be a problem for others with different undertones. Hopefully they'll expand their range as the product gets more press.

I genuinally think this has become a new favourite foundation of mine. I've been wearing it non stop and it has replaced my True Match in my everyday makeup routine for a few weeks now...

My Love For American Drugstore Mascaras

There are two reasons why I'm writing this post:

1) To state my jealously for all you guys who have access to these in stores where you live.

2) Hopefully encourage you buy them when you next visit the States.

I've been using these mascaras for the past few weeks now and it's safe to say I love them. I first use the Covergirl Lash Blast Volume mascara which creates insane length and volume and then follow it with the Maybelline Full 'n Soft. This adds even more volume without making it clumpy. I think one of the main reasons why these two work well together is that the Covergirl one has a plastic brush whereas the Maybelline mascara has soft bristles. It doesn't take long to get perfect looking lashes.

These two mascaras need to go on your list of things to buy when you're next in America. I can't recommend them enough! When I go to New York in the new year, I'll be seriously picking up several tubes of each to ensure they last me until the next time.

Hope you have a great weekend :)

theBalm Frat Boy Blush Review

When buying the Mary Lou Manizer highlighting powder, which you can read me raving about here, I also added the Frat Boy blush to my basket. I read a Temptalia review which gave it a really high "glossover" (her rating system, if you didn't know) so thought why not. I like blush. The more the merrier.

First impressions of the product was that I like the packaging. It's super thin and is made of a thick cardboard making it fairly lightweight and easy to transport around.

I couldn't actually find any "official" description by theBalm of this colour so I'll give you my own: it's a muted coral/light pink with a satin finish. There isn't any glitter or shimmer specs in the actual pan yet when you apply it to the checks, it does reflect nicely in the sun. The colour does appear much lighter when you apply it - it's more pink toned rather than coral. But you can layer it up to create that intense coral shade which you see in the pan. 

The blush has a really nice consistency - it's easy to blend and, like I said, can be layered for different intensities. It's also surprisingly pigmented for a light shade. The swatch below was just one swipe.

I am really impressed with this blush. As the pigmented is so good, I do think this blush is one of those that can suit practically all skin tones from fair to dark. On lighter skin tones, a light sweep of the product can create a light, doll pink colour whilst on more tan to darker skin tones, a more intense build up of colour can create a lovely coral shade that is still visible yet natural looking. It do think it is worth the £16 and it has definitely, along with the highlighter, got me interested in theBalm products. It's annoying you can only get it online, though!

New Beauty and Skincare Purchases

As I've just started college, I've been spending most of my money on new clothes. I've just realised how easier it was in high school when we had to wear a set uniform everyday. Deciding what to wear each morning has proven to be a struggle! Nevertheless, I still treat myself to some new beauty products now and then - mostly when I run out of things, though. I went to Boots the other day and picked up three new things and a repurchase.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique light infusing foundation
Now that the weather is becoming increasingly colder, I've been looking for the perfect dewy finish foundation. I thought I'd start my search with the "sister" of my favourite ever foundation L'Oreal True Match. It's meant to provide flawless coverage whilst still looking fresh and skin-like.

Collection Cream Puffs in "cotton candy" and "powder puff"
These just looked too pretty to pass up. I love the NYX soft matte lip creams but you can't get them in stores here, and these looked fairly similar. I picked up a light nude and a gorgeous rose shade. Apparently they smell like sugar frosting so I'm excited to try these out.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch concealer
This is my repurchase of the four - I love using this over my under eye concealer. It just brightens the area up without making it look cakey. It's definitely worth the money.

I also picked up two new skincare bits. Both are repurchases, and both I use on a daily basis.

REN Clearcalm3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser
My favourite cleanser ever! It removes all traces of makeup, freshens up the skin, moisturises, deep cleans and just is a wonderful product. It's targeted at blemish prone skin but I think this will work for anyone, regardless of skin type. On average, it lasts me around five months which, for £18, isn't bad.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution
I've repurchased this five times now - it's getting a bit ridiculous. Thank goodness it isn't expensive otherwise I'd be in trouble. I use this to remove all makeup - eyes and face - before going in with my cleanser. It's refreshing, lightweight and does what it says on the bottle. You can't go wrong, really...

Brand Focus: MAC Cosmetics

MAC are just one of those brands that offer everything makeup wise and everything is up to a really great standard. Except for their foundations (which I haven't actually even tried), I love everything they offer. Some more than others, obviously, so today I thought I'd run through my favourite products MAC sell.

Face
Like I said, I haven't ventured into their foundations as of yet as I heard they break some people out. But their concealers, on the other hand, I have tried and really do like. My favourite is the Studio Finish concealer that comes in a small, black pot. I have mine in NC20 which, as you can see from the photo, is very yellow based which is great for covering blemishes. Some use it under the eyes and opt for an NW shade as it's pink based and counteracts any redness.

Cheeks
The blushes I've tried have all been such great quality that it makes me want to depot them all and create a palette. "Too much money", I keep thinking to myself. However, in particular I love Harmony Blush as it makes the perfect contour shade for virtually everyone. You can also use this as a crease colour and for warming up the lower lash line, did you know.

Eyes
Probably my favourite area that MAC offer as their selection is insane. For a base, the Paint Pots are wonderful. Pictured is one of my most used, Rubenesque, which is a gorgeous coral/bronze. They last forever, keep the shadows in place and exemplify the intensity of colour. Obviously the eyeshadows have got to have a mention. They offer hundreds of shades each with different formulations - I could spend ages umming and erring over which colour to pick next. And I do. Another great product MAC offer in the eye spectrum are their eyeliners. My favourite has to be the Powerpoint Eye Pencil as they are waterproof, long-wearing, easy to apply and come in some great, practical colours. I love Stubborn Brown (deep brown) and Fascinating (off-white).

Lips
What made MAC famous. Their lipsticks are great. They come in so many colours, formulations and finishes that it makes choosing the next one to add to your collection so very difficult. My favourite MAC lipsticks are Saint Germain (pictured), Creme Cup, Sunny Seoul and Myth. I also think their tinted lipglass range don't get enough recognition as, despite the majority being extremely sticky, they smell amazing (like vanilla) and last a long time. Plus come in so many wearable shades. Fun fact: the lipglass in Underage was my first ever MAC purchase :)

Brushes
Yes, they are expensive but they truly are worth the splash. I've had the 129 (pictured top) for over two years and it's in perfect condition. It's definitely my favourite brush as it's so versatile; I use it for bronzer, blush, setting under eye powder, contouring, highlighting - it's the perfect size. My other two most used are the 217 for crease work and the 266 for my eyebrows.

Hope this was useful :) PS, have you heard Birdy's new song titled Wings? It's beautifully amazing. Listen here.