Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup Foundation Review

It has been a while since I last write a foundation review but it doesn't mean I haven't been spending my time trialling them...

I love it when cosmetic companies include a little sachet sample in a magazine as it is a great way of trying before buying. Obviously,  it is inevitable,  that the one shade suits all colour they have selected to include isn't going to suit everyone but luckily for me, this one is perfect!

The shade is 08 Silk Canvas (MF-N)

The foundation - Clinique superbalanced silk makeup SPF15

Suitable for - dry combination to oily 

Clinique say 

Slip on a silk-enriched foundation. Feel naked, yet covered to perfection. Control oil, yet hydrate where needed. Protect with SPF. Oil-free. Sheer to moderate coverage. Natural-matte finish. Ideal for Dry Combination to Oily Skin Types.

My thoughts 

It takes a lot to get me excited about a foundation and for me to rave about it. I have a checklist and it has to tick all the boxes. I have to say I really love this new foundation. Superbalanced silk is fantastic for my skin. Texture wise it is a runny foundation, it glides on like silk. Applies smoothly and seamlessly. It looks natural, blends well and despite it claiming to only be sheer/moderate coverage, I find it conceals everything I need it to, better than some foundations that claim to be full coverage. Like a silk veil, it fills in the dreaded pores on my nose, covers imperfections (specifically I have a brown dot on my nose and you cannot see it in the picture above. I think it makes my skin look flawless and bright. I feel really confident and happy wearing this foundation.

It lasts a good few hours too and keeps my blusher in place.

Love, love, love!

Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup costs £23 and is available in 20 shades. 

My Makeup Brushes - Powder, Bronze & Blush

Now there was a time when I just used the brush that came with my blusher ..However, the old pictures are testimony to the fact that that was clearly the wrong thing to do.  I have seen the error of my ways and seen the results of what great brushes can do and now I have quite a few brushes in my kit. Not a huge amount I will say but these do me just fine.

I have already told you about the fabulous 6 piece eye brush set from EcoTools and today I turn to the four trusty brushes that I use over and over again to powder, bronze, blush and highlight my face.

Clinique Bronzer Brush £23.50 

I bought this brush as part of my makeup kit when I was getting married and have used it pretty much daily ever since (7 years and it is still going strong). It is an all over face brush and it is incredibly soft. Perfect for applying my bronzer.

EcoTools Bamboo Blush Brush £7.99

I adore this blusher brush that I picked up in Boots about 3 years ago. It is made from sythnetic taklon and has a fabulous tapered shape and is so, so soft. It picks up product perfectly and evenly for flawless application. I love it.

*Cover FX Powder Brush £34

I use this brush to apply my contour blush. It is a fully rounded powder brush. I have used it to apply pressed and loose powder equally effectively but for now (and for the last year) I have used it just for contouring with a pressed powder. Can be used for all powder applications. Synthetic.

*Kiko Cosmetics Dark Heroine Face Brush (ltd edit) £15.90 

Annoyingly this is a ltd edit product that is no longer on sale which is a real pity as it is pretty damn perfect. This double sided brush contains on one side a kabuki style short and round/flat brush that is ideal for powders, I use it for my loose setting powder. The other side is a longer, thinner flatter, slanted style brush that is good for powder blushers and personally what I like to use it for.. is highlighting. This works a dream with my Laura Mercier Shimmer Mosaic Powder highlighter. Once again this is a synthetic brush and is beautifully soft.

*PR Samples

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara Review

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara

Clinique's newest mascara Lash Power Feathering Mascara promises 'Out-to-there length and fine-tuned separation plus a feathery-soft look and feel after every buildable coat. All in a formula that stays put for up to 12 smudge-resistant hours, yet removes easily with warm water'

It comes in two shades Black Onyx and Dark Chocolate, I was sent Black Onyx to review.

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara Wand Close-up

My thoughts 

I was surprised at just how light the tube and wand are, they are barely there in feel. The wand brush is really soft and squeezes into the tube. Lash power claims to provide a soft feathery look to lashes and it really does. The brush lifts and separates lashes for a fuller effect but if you are looking for thicker lashes I find that on my lashes it doesn't add any thickness. It does however provide a rich black colour to the lashes and lengthens them beautifully. It applies easily and does not clump at all. It doesn't smudge or flake during the day and is easy to remove with water.

Personally I wouldn't wear this mascara when hay fever is bad but I can and will wear it on all other days as the effect is lovely long, soft and natural looking lashes.

See below for the before and after pictures

Before 

After

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara After Pic

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara costs £18

*PR Sample

Clinique Cheek Pop - Beautiful Spring Blushers

If you only buy one beauty item this week make it one of the delightful Spring Blushers from Clinique - The new Cheek Pop comes in a clear compact so you can see that super cute Gerber daisy design.

I was sent Berry Pop to try out

Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop 

The design is so pretty it (almost!) seems a shame to use it but use it I have and I absolutely love it. I must confess I am not a huge pink blush fan but judging by the results perhaps I should be...

The blusher is slightly domed in shape and of course features the Gerber daisy design that I mentioned above. The blusher is a dream to work with with its silky smooth texture that leaves no powdery residue. It is virtually undetectable on the skin yet imparts a beautiful natural blush glow. Of course if you prefer a stronger look then it is perfectly buildable with a few more strokes of your brush.

Swatch of Berry Pop and blended fairly heavily 

Clinique Cheek Pop Berry Pop Swatch

Wearing Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop

Clinique Cheek Pop Blusher costs £16.50 and is available in 4 shades and includes these shades

Plum Pop 
Peach Pop 
Ginger Pop 

If you don't buy one for yourself why not treat your mum for Mother's Day.

*PR Sample

A Spring Makeup Look

This was my make-up look on Saturday. I saw a glimmer of Sun and fancied something a little brighter than my usual taupe/neutral go to on the eyes.. I opted for a splash of Spring with this gorgeous Kiko Loose Pigment in Sunny Coral. 

I kept it very simple.

I prepped the area with Kiko Pearly Eye Base £6.90, a gorgeous and light eye brightening base that can be worn alone or under eye shadow.. it also keeps eye make-up in place all day. I followed by applying the Kiki Loose Pigment in Sunny Coral £5.90 all over the eyelid. I used the really rather brilliant Kiko Eyes 203 Flat Base Brush to apply the loose pigment and it kept all the product on the brush so I experienced no fall out and it blended nicely. I completed the look by lining my eyes with Clinique Quickliner Intense in Intense Plum £15. I love the Quickliner as it really is so quick to apply a strong line and it stays put. Finally I used Max Factor Masterpiece Max Mascara £9.99 for pretty, soft defined lashes. The wand coats all my lashes creating more volume. Fabulous.

What do you think?

New! Clinique 16 Shades Of Beige - Limited Edition

I do get excited by nude and neutral shades it has to be said, you only have to read my recent nude lipstick and gloss post to know that! Perfect for an everyday look or ramping up with darker shades for a smokier more evening look, neutrals are so wearable and versatile. It is no wonder they are my default beauty look.

As soon as I heard about Clinique's latest limited edition releases I had to find out more and of course share the news with you.

Take a look at the image above..gorgeous!

Clinique All About Shadow Neutral Territory 8 Shade Palette £32

Containing eight shades from the lightest beige to the darkest chocolate, this essential palette is all you need to create a soft or smouldering look.

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins £12 each

This limited collection of 8 glossy neutrals can be worn either to complement your skin tone and elongate your fingers or in a contrasting classy nude shade. I am liking the look of Peek a Boo, I See You, Birthday Suit and Nighty Night.

Shades available -

Room Service - Off White

Peek a Boo,I See You - Nude Peach

Birthday Suit -Neutral Beige

Tickle Me - Neutral Yellow-Beige

Pajama Party -Neutral Pinky-Beige

Do Not Disturb - Reddish Beige

Chocolate On My Pillow - Pearlized Warm Brown

Nighty Night - Deep Cocoa

Available at exclusively at www.clinique.co.uk from 10th January 2014
Available on Clinique counters nationwide from 7th February 2014

Makeup For Afternoon Tea - FOTD

Last week I went for Afternoon Tea at Paramount and I thought I would share with you the makeup that I wore. As I was making a day of it in London I wanted to make sure my make up lasted. It was a pretty warm and sunny day so I wanted to avoid the big melt and still look fresh for when we sat down to tea at 3pm. I tend to go for a strong/bright lip when I go out and specifically do something as I just think they look great and stand out in photographs - The Shard was proof of this.

Products used 

Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF30
Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF in Light
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Smashbox Blush Rush in Silhouette
Cargo Blush in Tonga
New CID I-Shadow Quad in Florence
Clinique Quickliner Intense for Eyes in Intense Chocolate
Max Factor Clump Defy Volumising Mascara
Estee Lauder Signature Hydra Lustre Lipstick in Apricot Sun

What do you think?

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Review - Sachet Sample Sunday

I have been wanting to try the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream for a while and when I was purchasing one of the new Clinique A Different Nail Enamels the counter asst offered to give me a sample of the CC Cream so that I could try it.

I was matched with shade Light which is second up from the lightest shade.

Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector

Clinique say 

Introducing a new, lightweight formula that immediately creates natural, glowing skin. Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 Hydrating Colour Corrector is an instant complexion perfector designed to enhance skin’s natural radiance while leaving it hydrated and protected.

Suitable for all skin types. Coverage moderate.

Daylight

With Flash

My thoughts 

Shade match - light was perfect for me.

Texture wise I was expecting this to be lighter than it was, it felt much more like a foundation. I found it to be reasonably thick coming out of the pot but once on the skin it was easy to blend and was barely visible, I found that a little goes a long way. I like the scent which is similar to a sun cream. Coverage wise moderate is a good description. It covered and smoothed my skin (pores etc) well although more coverage/concealer was needed for red blemishes. My rosacea redness was dealt with brilliantly however. The product provides a nice radiant glow, living up to its healthy appearance claim. Lasting wise this gave at least 6/7 hours of coverage and it still looked nice and fresh. 

All in all this is a fantastic product and coupled with the high SPF and range of shades makes an excellent purchase.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream 40ml costs £28 and is available in 9 shades

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel in Pinkini - Nails Of The Day

Nails of The Day are from Clinique's brand new nail range - A Different Nail Enamel. This is Pinkini from the limited edition Summer collection.

A gorgeous and glossy candy pink shade - 2 coats to achieve opacity, it has a lovely formula that applies so smoothly.

New - Clinique A Different Nail Enamel

Did you know a person touches their eyes on average 200 times a day?

With all that contact with hands and fingers throughout the day, there are many culprits that can irritate the eyes - My mum was always telling me to stop touching my eyes (she spends a lot of time in hospitals and has probably read every leaflet going!) and I do try to make a conscious effort not to touch my eyes or face though the day...

Apparently nail enamel can cause irritation and even contact dermatitis on the susceptibly thin skin around the eye? 

Nail enamel is considered a significant allergen source for (the rather scary sounding) periorbital dermatitis—a facial rash that develops around the upper and lower eyelids. 

People who suffer from these conditions often do not realise the connection between touching and rubbing the eye area and fresh manicures and so Clinique have come up with a solution.

Clinique A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins
Six years in the making, Clinique introduces nail enamel formulated to minimise skin sensitivity. It is dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested and appropriate for sensitive skins and sensitive eyes.

Glossy, long-wearing colour available in an array of pretty shades. Allergy tested and safe to use for sensitive skins, helps reduce the chances that eyes will burn, itch or water with contact. 

The collection comprises of 12 permanent shades and 9 limited shades for Summer

Part of the limited collection pictured below 

70 and Sunny

Pinkini

Hoola Skirt

Juiced Up

Splish Splash

A Different Nail Enamel For Sensitive Skins, 9ml RRP £12.00/€16.00
Available exclusively online at www.clinique.co.uk from the 25th April 2013
Nationwide at Clinique counters from 31st May 2013

Clinique High Impact Mascara Review

Clinique's High Impact Mascara in Black is one of my favourite mascaras.

Clinique says 

High Impact Mascara is a multi-benefit mascara that adds maximum volume with definition and length. Specially developed brush and formula work together to dramatically thicken lashes while separating.

My thoughts

The consistency of the mascara is neither too wet or too dry, the traditional brush style suits my lashes a lot. I find that it separates my lashes beautifully, lengthening them whilst imparting a great rich deep black colour to define them. Although I don't personally feel that it does much to thicken my lashes I love that this mascara doesn't clump but fans the lashes out and leaves them feeling soft and silky.

Perfect for every day.

Clinique High Impact Mascara Brush

Before 

After

Clinique High Impact Mascara costs £16

*Product received as part of Clinique Bonus Time Gift 

Sample Sachet Sunday - Clinique Stay-Matte Oil-Free Makeup - Foundation Review

Clinique stay-matte oil-free makeup. Shade 9 neutral (MF-N)

Clinique say

This lightweight gel-cream texture provides all day coverage with a mattifying finish and feels as comfortable as wearing nothing at all. Controls oil breakthrough and keeps skin shine-free, even in extreme heat and humidity all day. Contains shine absorbers to refine the look of troubled areas. Skin looks and feels flawless all day long.

Skin Types: 2 - Dry Combination, 3 - Oily, 4 - Very Oily
Coverage: Sheer to Moderate
Benefits: Controls oil, absorbs shine

Clinique stay-matte oil-free makeup swatched in natural light and with flash

My thoughts 

I honestly do not think I will ever tire of trying out new foundations and seeing how they can improve my skin base. This sachet was in one of my magazines and although strictly a shade too dark for me with careful blending and added bronzer to my neck I have managed to wear it for a few days now.

Clinique stay-matte oil-free makeup is a light textured foundation that provides me with moderate coverage using very little product. I do need to apply a thicker layer over the areas that suffer from rosacea (redness) but overall the effect is pretty flawless, even and smooth looking. It blends seamlessly and easily to leave no visible trace of product. As you can see from the swatches above the finish is perfectly matte. The foundation provides a good 7 hours + of wear whilst still remaining intact. 

My only issue is that sadly around this time my nose does appear to suffer a small amount of shine even if I use a primer that is supposed to deal with this too. However it is bearable and probably actually only really obvious to me as I am really over analysing a product whilst trying it out!

Overall I think this is a good foundation at a reasonable price if you like your base to be matte and natural looking.

Clinique stay-matte oil-free makeup costs £21.50 for 30ml and is available in 17 shades.

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense Plum and Chocolate - Review

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense have to be my favourite eyeliners as they are so incredibly quick and easy to use and they literally do not budge once applied. Soft and creamy they give a strong and consistent line. I like the choice of shades, they are hugely flattering and make the eyes really pop, I also like the tiny, fine metallic flecks.

Clinique say -

Smooth, creamy, transfer-resistant application  that stays where you want it. The formula glides on cleanly, easily, and evenly, without skipping, tugging, or dragging on lids even if applied over eye shadow.

Quickliner For Eyes Intense provides non-fading, long-wearing flexibility. You have 60 seconds of playing time to smudge, blend or correct and then the colour sets. Stays put all day long. Water-resistant. Ophthalmologist tested.

• Formula: Pencil

They are available in 4 shades  - Intense Chocolate, Intense Plum, Intense Midnight and Intense Charcoal.

I have two of them, the Intense Plum was a PR sample and the Intense Chocolate I purchased myself having been so impressed with the product. 

Swatches of Intense Plum and Intense Chocolate 

Intense Plum is a gorgeously dark blue/purple shade just like a perfect plum and Intense Chocolate is a wonderfully rich and dark brown. Both shades are just beautiful.

With flash

Clinique Quickliner For Eyes Intense cost £14

New Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Balm

I am really excited about the launch of Clinique's Chubby Stick Intense. The original chubby stick was my launch of the year in 2011. This year sees the launch of the intense version.

Containing everything I liked about the original ones - In the same playful, crayon-like barrels but featuring a new fuller coverage formula with more intense colour pay off. 

Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm offers the benefit of a moisturising lip balm using a special blend of decadent butters, oils and antioxidants to help protect and pamper lips with immediate and lasting moisturisation. Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm is infused with Shea Butter, Mango Seed Butter and Jojoba Seed Oil, to deliver a surge of moisture in a sleek stick leaving lips soft, supple and soothed, while antioxidants help protect your lips from environmental effects.

Available in 8 gorgeous shades from neutral to brights, there is bound to be one to appeal.

Curviest Caramel

Plushest Punch

Chunkiest Chili 

Roomiest Rose

Heftiest Hibiscus

Broadest Berry

Mightiest Maraschino

Grandest Grape

Chubby Stick Intense Moisturising Lip Colour Balm, 1.5ml RRP £16.00 / €19.00

Face Of The Day Featuring Nars Turkish Delight Lipgloss

Friday Night and as I decided to focus on my eyes I chose to partner my lips with a pale and creamy pink gloss in the shape of the cult Nars Turkish Delight. This lipgloss is reputed to be a favourite of reality star Kim Kardashian. I think it goes perfectly.

My eyes are lined with Clinique's Quickliner Intense in Intense Chocolate.

What do you think?

Holiday Makeup By Night

You may have already seen my 'by day' holiday makeup, pictured above are the items that I wore in the evenings.

I didn't have much time from leaving the pool or beach, showering and getting myself and my 4yr old son ready for dinner to sit and apply makeup at my leisure. I had to choose items that I knew would create the look I wanted to achieve as fast as possible with as few items as possible.

The look I was going for in the evening was radiance, illumination and a flash of bright colour on my lips - not a million miles away from my day look but just ramped up with more definition :-) A sun kissed and healthy looking glow is always a winner when you are on holiday in my opinion.

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation - My current favourite foundation. Coverage is light but even and radiant. I popped some into a sample pot so that I didn't have to take the full size glass bottle with me.

Benefit They're Real Mascara - Rather than take the full size version, I took the rather travel handy mini version that came with the Anniversary set.. Another current favourite, love how black and defined it makes my lashes, real flutter worthy and they stand out a mile!

17 Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze This shimmer brick made it into my evening makeup as it is so versatile and multipurpose. I used the different shades as eye shadows, the second one really made my eyes pop. I also used the lightest shade as a highlighter on my cheeks. Best bargain product of the Summer by far!

I took two lipsticks with me as I wanted to have alternatives depending on my outfit!

Lancome L'Absolu Rouge Lipstick 152 Rouge Mars This is a favourite Summer lipstick of mine, brightens the whites of my eyes and wakes up the whole face. Seriously, it is that good! It looks gorgeous with a warm tan too (I get mine with bronzer ;-))

Clinique Long Last Lipstick All Heart Such an easy to wear bright lipstick although it doesn't look that in the tube, it appears quite dark. In reality this is a very pretty and flattering pinky red toned shade.

Liz Earle Natural Glow Bronzer and Liz Earle Healthy Glow Powder Blush in Nectar I was sent these items just as I was about to leave for my holiday so decided to take them with me and use them every evening, full review coming shortly...watch this space!

Just a final and quick mention for my holiday nails - I used Rimmel London 60 Seconds Coralicious on my fingers and toes! Bright and cheery.