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Review: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in #1 Fair*
A few days ago I reviewed the Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation. So it only seemed natural to review the concealer, as like the foundation, I have been won over. Collection says that their new concealer conceals flaws, imperfections & blemishes for up to 16 hours. That’s a pretty big claim, so did I make it through the whole day with perfect skin?

Before and after swatches on a freckle

Pros:
+ Flawless finish
+ Conceals perfectly
+ Lasts the whole day
+ A little goes a long way

Cons:
– Only 4 shades on offer

Notes:
I used the older version of this years ago, and it was my go-to concealer for, well, years. I’m not sure why I stopped using it to be honest. Anyway, this new formula is even better. I’m beginning to think that Collection may have brought out the perfect ‘drugstore’ range for flawless skin, because this concealer lives up to the foundation and further. This concealed all my little blemishes, and even the red pigmentation on my cheeks. In fact it is so good that I stepped out this weekend only wearing this concealer. I felt so confident in my skin whilst wearing this that I didn’t feel the need to put any foundation on. Once again, I am going to complain about the lack of shades for those with darker skin tones – we can only hope Collection brings out some more shades in the future. The Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer retails at £4.19, and is definitely worth forgoing that morning coffee for.
You can purchase Collection’s Ultimate Wear Lasting Perfection Concealer in Superdrug and Boots.
bloomzy /

Review: Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation

Collection Lasting Perfection Foundation in #1 Porcelain*
By now you’ve probably guessed that I’m a fan of Collection Cosmetics. I love how their make-up products offer good quality, without the price tag. I recently saw their lasting perfection foundation at their SS14 press day and was intrigued.  This six in one foundation primes, conceals, covers, smoothes, protects and mattifies. Phew! That’s a lotta bang for your buck! So did it live up to it’s claims?
Before and after swatches, over a freckle.
Pros:
+ SPF 20
+ Matte finish
+ Conceals perfectly
+ Flawless coverage
+ Smoothed out my skin

Cons:
– Shade range is lacking

Notes:
I’m not gonna lie, this foundation is AMAZING! I can’t get over how good a product it is for a ‘drugstore’ brand. I have red pigmentation on my cheeks (hello constant rosy cheeks) and this covered it completely. That may not sound like much, but I’ve yet to find another foundation that does this so perfectly. The coverage is wonderful and it conceals like a dream. I feel like this is the closest I’ve come to photoshop worthy skin. Unfortunately the shade (#1 Porcelain) is a bit darker than I would usually use, and with only 6 shades in the range I do feel that a lot of people will be missing out on a great product. I mixed it with some moisturiser though, and voila! This does mean the coverage isn’t as good but it’s ok because I’ve been pairing it with the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (review coming soon) to get flawless skin. I’m also planning to mix it with a white foundation I have, to get the perfect match. At £5.99 I urge you all to go out and grab a bottle of this!
You can purchase Collection’s Lasting Perfection Foundation at Superdrug and Boots.
bloomzy /

Review: Trilogy Age Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream

Trilogy Age Proof Line Smoothing Day Cream*

Just as my current moisturiser was running low, this fell through my letterbox. Trilogy is a brand I have known of/been using for the past few years, and I trust it. This particular product is a cream that claims to hydrate skin and help restore natural elasticity. It can also help combat those fine lines by smoothing them out, hence the ‘Age Proof’ label. I figured I might as well get a head start on the ageing process, so I tried it out for myself.
Pros:
+ Hydrating
+ Absorbs quickly
+ Nice subtle scent to the product
+ Non-greasy texture to the cream
+ Leaves my skin smooth and supple
+ Packaging is simple yet sleek
Cons:
– Thin cream
– Product is a bit big for travelling
Notes:
I like Trilogy’s products and this cream has only cemented that feeling. I have been applying this in the morning, as part of my usual skincare routine (I use a different moisturiser at night). The cream itself is slightly thinner than the usual moisturisers I use, but thankfully that doesn’t detract from the quality of the product. I like the texture of the cream, it’s not greasy and it doesn’t sit heavy on my skin. It actually absorbs pretty quickly into my skin, leaving it feeling thoroughly moisturised. It has a nice subtle scent to it, and although I can’t pin it down exactly, I still like it. After using this my skin feels smooth and supple, and whereas I can’t credit it purely to this product, my skin has been in great condition lately. This is a nicely packaged item, with plenty of product. However I do find that it’s a bit big to pop in my handbag, or to take with me when I’m travelling. At £30.50 this is high end skincare that is certainly worth the investment.
You can buy Trilogy’s Line Smoothing Day Cream at Boots.
bloomzy /

Photo Diary: Culture, Peanut Butter, Skincare and Me

If I ever had my own autobiography it would probably be named something close to the title of this post. The past week or so I’ve really been doing a bit of everything I love, which has been really lovely. The change in weather has given me a bit of a boost and it also means I can get out a bit more. Friends and family have also been visiting, so I get to do lots of stuff I wouldn’t usually do.

I’ve been visiting lots of museums, restaurants and art galleries. I live for culture, probably even more than I live for beauty products – shock, horror! It’s been fun being able to indulge in that particular passion, and I know it won’t end soon. I’ve also been receiving some exciting items in the post, which I’m sure you’ll see on here, no doubt. I thought my love of photography might suffer, what with my camera being sent back for repairs. Luckily that hasn’t been the case, and even though my iPhone 5s isn’t as good, it does the job.

You can follow me on Instagram @bloomzy

bloomzy /

Tutorial: How To Remove Any Nail Polish Easily

I often get friends and readers asking me how I remove my nail polish so easily. The trick I use is one I learnt years ago from a friend, and I actually thought it was well known. People still seem surprised and thankful when I tell them though so I thought I’d make a tutorial.
You will need:
A sheet of tinfoil
A pair of scissors
A couple of cotton pads
1 x bottle of nail polish remover
A Step by Step Guide

 

1. Cut 5 thin (nail width), long strips from the tin foil.
You’ll only need 5 as you can re-use them on the other hand.
 
2. Cut the cotton pad so you have 10 nail size pieces.

 

 

3. Soak a cotton piece in nail polish remover, and squeeze off the excess.

 

4. Place the cotton pad on your nail and wrap the tin foil around it, and repeat for each nail.
Make sure you fold the tin foil at the tip, so it’s secure and won’t come off.


 
5. Leave these on for around 5 minutes for regular polish, and 10 minutes for glitter.
Times may vary depending on the polish, but I find these usually work fine.


 

6. Once removed you’ll have polish-free nails, and can start on the next hand.
With more stubborn polish a little may be left around the edges.
You can easily remove this though by using the cotton pad to wipe it away.
 
7. Wash your hands free of any nail polish remover and use a hand cream.
Make sure to pay attention to your nails and rub the cream in around the cuticles.
 
There you have it, my super easy nail polish remover tutorial. I have yet to meet a polish that doesn’t remove with this method. This wipes away even the most stubborn glitter nail polishes.
Have fun!
bloomzy /

Review: Collection Extra Volume Waterproof Mascara

Collection Volumising Mascara – Extra Volume Waterproof*
I’ve never been a mascara addict, unlike a lot of my friends. I have such tiny lashes that I know nothing is going to work a miracle. It seems like everyone has more luscious lashes than me, even my dad. Still, it’s fun to try different mascaras, and hope that one may come close. My recent mascara trial was with the Collection Volumising Waterproof Mascara. This mascara claims to add up to 10x more volume with an extra thick easy-to-use wand.
Left eye: no mascara, Right eye: Collection volumising mascara

Pros:
+ Waterproof
+ Doesn’t clump
+ Cute packaging
+ Love the thick brush
+ Wand doesn’t use too much product
+ Doesn’t smudge or come off during the day

Cons:
– Didn’t give my lashes the volume I’d hoped for

Notes:
I didn’t have any massive expectations for this mascara, I just hoped that it would add a bit of volume to my meager lashes. First off, I have to say that I really love the packaging. It’s fun, cute and has a good shape to it; which also makes it easier to hold when applying. The application is easy thanks to the thick brush. This is the thickest wand/brush I’ve seen on any mascara I’ve used and I really quite like it. It meant that enough product came out on the wand, and you weren’t left having to wipe away any excess. This also means that the mascara doesn’t clump, which is great as I hate battling with a cotton bud and my eyelashes to remove any hazardous dots of mascara. Unfortunately it didn’t leave me with Betty Boop-like enviable lashes, however it did make them seem a bit longer and more prominent. It also didn’t smudge at all, and stayed on all day. For £3.99 I think this is a good everyday mascara, that someone who is slightly more endowed than myself might have more luck with.
You can purchase Collection Extra Volume Waterproof Mascara at Superdrug.
bloomzy /

Review: Lulu Guinness March ’14 Birchbox

March 2014 Birchbox in collaboration with Lulu Guinness

It’s safe to say that I was very excited for this month’s Birchbox. I’m a fan of Lulu Guinness and couldn’t wait to see what the collab would bring. This box was based around LG’s cheeky and fun outlook, with 2 products picked by Lulu herself. Her choices? Her favourite Benefit eye primer, and the monochrome candy that inspired her Spring collection.
So what else was inside the March box?
Benefit – Stay Don’t Stray Eye Primer
Dr Brandt – Pores No More Pore Refiner
Aroma Works – Serenity Body Oil
English Laundry No.7 For Her
Stick o’ Rock (Candy Rock)
Molton Brown – Rhubarb & Rose Replenshing Hand Cream
Thoughts?
It’s certainly a cute box this month, and I’m pretty happy with all of the contents – minus the candy rock, which I don’t eat. However the fiancé gladly nabbed it off me, so no tears there. At first look it did seem slightly underwhelming though as I was hoping for something that cried out “Lulu Guinness” slightly more than this did. I think I would have liked to see maybe a LG colour coordinated box, or some fun items that linked to her designs? Still, the packaging of the box was adorable and very fitting. I’m more than happy with the Molton Brown addition as I’ve been meaning to find a handbag-sized hand cream, and I love Molton Brown products. The two primers seemed like a bit of overkill, although I know one is for your eyes and the other face. I’m still looking forward to trying them both though. I adore the scent of the perfume, and as for the body oil, I could take it or leave it. All in all, I’ve discovered some new brands and products that I’m looking forward to trying, which is why I subscribed to Birchbox in the first place, so I’m happy.
ETA: This month’s box also included a discount code to use at Lulu Guinness, and a coupon for a complimentary makeover featuring the new Benefit Gimme Brow!
You can subscribe to Birchbox here – using my link will give you (and me) £5 worth of points to spend.