Paul & Joe Smoothing Base 001 Make Up Base - Review

I have mentioned previously that I have been using primers to smooth my pores and give that overall 'flawless finish' and when I find a really good one I just have to share it. I absolutely love this one from Paul & Joe which is from their limited edition Summer 'Beach Baby Collection'. Let's hope that it is NOT ltd edit!

Paul & Joe Beaute Smoothing Base Make Up Base in 001 

Paul & Joe say

Smoothing Base is a foundation primer with a pore minimizing formula that instantly erases discolouration and dark spots. Contains Apricot, Jojoba oils and  White Lily Extract supplying skin with hydration. The result is smooth, even toned skin. Oil-free finish.

This picture isn't blurred, this is the effect of the primer on the skin. You can see the difference from where I haven't applied it on my wrist.

My thoughts

Cute packaging with an apricot coloured lid, this small cream coloured tube contains an excellent foundation primer. It smells wonderful but is delicately scented. It is silicone based so it has that texture but it doesn't feel like it sits on the skin like some can do, it feels moisturising and leaves skin soft and silky.

Just as its name suggests it smooths everything in its path, my pores are filled in and the look of my skin is blurred. Foundation glides on evenly and you are truly left with smooth, flawless skin. What impressed me the most is that make up doesn't move, the product doesn't sink in (like some can do and you feel like you need to top up) but the flawless look achieved really lasts and there is no shine appearing as the day goes on either.

Perfect. Highly recommended.

Paul & Joe Smoothing Base 20ml costs £26 

Collection available now from Harrods, Fenwick (New Bond Street), Selfridges and Asos.com and from the 1st June from beautybay.com.

*PR Sample

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Balm - Review

Elemis say 

Exude health and vitality with this energising skin radiance balm that instantly brightens and tightens for a smooth, even and dewy luminosity.

Formulated with a powerful vitamin complex that protects against moisture loss whilst exquisite purple orchid, noni and acai help defend against the early signs of ageing.

My thoughts 

This was a strange one for me as I didn't really think that the Illuminating Flash Balm did much at all, nothing that I could detect at first. I wore it around the house on various days and kept looking but couldn't see a difference ...

However, 3 people commented on my radiance when I was wearing this that I felt I couldn't actually ignore this product. I also think that the sunlight enhances the effect.

My husband had no idea I was wearing it and whilst sat in traffic mentioned that my face looked more glowy than usual.

When I saw my mum she mentioned that my skin looked lovely and radiant.

A mum at school pick up said that I looked glowy and radiant and asked me if I was using anything different.

So back to the product - It is slightly creamy in texture and has a soapy citrus scent, it absorbs instantly.

I tried using it as my main moisturiser but it just wasn't moisturising enough for me, it worked much better used as a primer over my moisturiser and under my base. It smoothed and blurred lines but I didn't feel any tightening effect, it felt nice on the skin.

It is not at all greasy, but you won't want to apply too much as you can end up looking oily rather than radiant.

For a blast of instant radiance I think this is great.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm 50ml costs £32.00

*PR Sample

Nails Of The Day - OPI A Roll In The Hague

Today's nails are OPI's A Roll in the Hague from the 2012 Holland Collection *

This looks like a really bright orange shade in the bottle but on the nails comes out as a gorgeous orange with red undertones. I think this also makes an ideal pedi colour and on a dull day like today is the perfect Summer pick-me-up.

*Worn by my fabulous lil sister

Beach Baby Collection - Paul & Joe Beaute Summer 2013

Paul & Joe Beaute is not a make up brand that I have tried until now, I think one of the reasons is it hasn't been in the shops that I regularly go to and although a few bits have caught my eye over the years I have been reluctant to buy online before trying. However I recently spent an evening playing with the new Summer Collection and I saw for myself why people are seduced with this brand.

Adorable packaging and gorgeous colours for Summer inspired by holiday destinations and 60's beach film nostalgia that just scream sun, sea and sand. Lots of fun to be had, at the same time the products are practical and multitasking.

The Beach Baby Collection

The range comprises of Nail Enamels £12 

My favourites are  -

Bermuda

Caribbean 

Rio 

Eyeliner & Eye Crayon Duo £22 

There are 5 in the collection but my stand out and one which would really suit my green eyes is

Cypress - an olive green and gold combo, stunning when the light hits it.

Eye and Lip Gloss Duo £28

The idea of these is fab - silky smooth eye shadow one end and a pretty lip gloss with a pop of colour on the other - It was no surprise to me that I was drawn to the Hawaiin inspired

Maui  - Shimmery gold eye shadow and orange/nectarine gloss shade

Also in the collection are the famous Blotting Papers £3.50 with a dolphin print, Pressed Powder with UV SPF 20 £28 - a translucent compact powder available in two shades and Smoothing Base £26 ( look out for my review of the Smoothing Base, coming soon!)

Collection available now from Harrods, Fenwick (New Bond Street), Selfridges and Asos.com and from the 1st June from beautybay.com.

Kiko Sun Bronzing Blush in 101 Crystal Rose

Another gorgeous item from the Kiko Make Up Milano Limited Edition Fierce Spirit Collection. This time it is the Sun Bronzing Blush.

Coming in 4 shades I was sent 101 Crystal Rose 

Kiko say

Blush that combines three shades in a single product for a custom made look. Use the three shades separately or mix them up to sculpt your face and outline facial features with a radiant finish. Silky touch and long-lasting performance. Hypoallergenic formula and paraben free.

Swatches of all 3 shades 

Daylight

Flash

My thoughts 

This is such a pretty blush. It is cased in a sturdy gold compact and comes complete with a mirror. The three shades can be used alone or blended making it a great versatile, mulit-functional product. The brown is a warm matte brown and good as a bronzer and also for contouring. The main blush shade is a delightful raspberry colour and the highlighting shade is a frosted pale pink.

Texture wise this is soft and creamy and blends beautifully on the skin.

I cannot fault this blush at all. I think it is great value.

Kiko Sun Blushing Bronze in 101 Crystal Rose costs £13.90 and is available online from Kiko or from Kiko stores.

*PR Sample

Nails Of The Day - Orly Pure Porcelain

Pure Porcelain - A slightly off white with a hint of pink.

How Could I Forget - The Friday Column

How Could I Forget - A Poem

I remember the day you looked my way

Instantly smitten I returned your gaze

Attracted by your smile, your dark floppy hair

Staring into those dreamy blue eyes

I longed to be whisked away 

Hardly believing my luck you felt the same

We enjoyed trips to the cinema, lunch in the park

Ice skating at Ally Pally, staring at the stars

My long blonde hair blowing in the wind, I sang

You played guitar, we dreamt of fame

Days turned into months, months into years

Teenagers graduating into young adults

University, jobs and a love that was envied

One day you looked at her that very same way

And all I was left with were my tears

Thirty years have passed and yet where do I start

I have never forgotten you, the memories remain raw

Your scent still familiar as if it were yesterday

Flashback of images often appear 

How could I forget, you broke my heart

An original work of fiction - all rights reserved