bloomzy /

Review: MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter

MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

After I posted my MUA Mini Haul post some of your requested a review for the highlighter.
Actually I was pretty happy to oblige as it was the one product from the bunch that I’d really wanted to try.
I’ve been using it for a week or so now so I figured now was as good a time as ever to review it.

Pros:
+ Sits easily on the skin
+ Doesn’t feel caked on
+ Very pigmented

Cons:
– Slightly too ‘shimmer-y’ for me
– Doesn’t stay on for the whole day

Notes:
As far as highlighters go, this one isn’t too bad.
It didn’t win me over though, and honestly I probably won’t buy it again.
My main problem was that the shimmer was so prominent that it was almost glittery.
For me I personally prefer something a little more subtle, because it suits my skin tone better.
That said, it is very pigmented, which is great for a cheaper product, and it didn’t feel too heavy on my skin.
I did also like how it looked on my brow bones and when I used it to highlight around my eyes.
Even so, it didn’t stand the test of time and I found that it disappeared by the end of the day.
It’s a shame because I had high hopes for this – never mind though, it only cost £2!
You can purchase Undress Your Skin in Superdrug stores, and online here.
bloomzy /

Style Inspiration: Kiko Mizuhara

American-Korean Model Kiko Mizuhara

My current style inspiration comes from the gorgeous Kiko Mizuhara.
I adore her playful, fun take on fashion and how she works that into her own personal style.
Her mix of edgy, masculine and feminine into her looks really calls out to me and my own style.
She works primarily in Japan, therefore her style is influenced by the culture.
However she also wears and works with European brands.
It’s this mixture that I can relate to.
Not only is my style influenced by Kiko though – I also love the simplicity of her day-to-day make-up looks.
She’s a beautiful woman and doesn’t need make-up but when she does wear it, it’s complimentary to her style.
I should also add that my recent change in hairstyle may have ever so slightly been influenced by Kiko.
These photos were taken from Kiko’s Instagram.

bloomzy /

New Hair!!

Say hello to the new me!
Yes, after 6 months of avoiding the hairdresser, I finally had my hair cut.
For a while I had wanted to grow my hair out, after looking at an old photo. Thanks for that nostalgia.
Well after doing that for a while I remembered how thin my hair looked long and fancied short hair again.
So yesterday I made my way to Bleach in Dalston – the same salon that put the lovely red in my hair (thanks Scarlett!).
If you follow hair trends then you should have have most probably heard of Bleach. Their main salon is based in Dalston (just down the road from me – lucky!) and they also have one in Topshop Oxford Circus. They’re known their colouring (see their amazing LookBook here) but they’re also not too bad with a pair of scissors. Being in Bleach is like watching artists at work. The hair creations that go on in that salon are amazing. I always end up wanting a new hair colour each time I go as I see other fancy people walking out with theirs. When I went yesterday, this lovely lady was having her hair dyed blue and it was gorgeous! Anyway, back to my hair. Forgotten what it looked like before? It was a slightly longer version of this.
I wanted a long bob, to make my hair look a bit thicker and so I could have fun styling it.
I usually go into a salon with an idea of what I want but know it won’t usually happen.
Well this time the wonderful Loren cut & styled my hair for me, and she did an amazing job.
My apologies for the poor quality photos but I was feeling a bit blergh after getting back, so I used my iPhone.
Anyway, here’s a derpy gif of my new hair to amuse you into forgetting how bad the photos really are.
Emma the Puffa Fish says “you can visit the Bleach website here“
bloomzy /

A Belated MUA Mini Haul

It’s been a while since I bought anything from MUA.
If you remember I became quite a fan after purchasing my first few items last year.
However, after a slight PR failure from the brand earlier in the year, I went off them.
I told myself that I would no longer buy from the website as the accounts I’d heard were not great.
So for several months I didn’t buy any MUA products, even though they had some promising products.
That changed a week or so ago when I was in a Superdrug and wanted some cheap eyeliner to play with.
I guess I knew that MUA was good quality at low prices, and their PR had definitely picked up.
What did I purchase?
1. Liquid Eyeliner – Shade 5
2. Glitter Eyeliner – Shade 10
3. Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter
4. Intense Colour Eyeliner Pencil – Snow White & Forest Green
I’ve used their liquid eyeliner before and even though I wasn’t impressed to start with, I’ve grown to like it.
As for their eyeliner pencils, the ones I had used previously didn’t really wow me with their colour.
The green however is quite nice and comes out well – I still have yet to test it out for a day though.
I’ve been after the shimmer highlighter for a while now and have read some good reviews on it.
As for the glitter eyeliner, well I don’t know what I was thinking, but at least it will add some glitz!
Let me know if you’d like to see reviews for any of these products.
bloomzy /

Review: Avène D-Pigment Light Dark Spot Lightener

Avène D-Pigment Light Dark Spot Lightener*

Avène is my favourite beauty brand by far! It might seem a bit odd to start with such an exclamation but I trust the brand. It’s products are specifically for people with sensitive skin, but that doesn’t mean that it only sells a few products. However the brand actually has over 20 ranges, all suited for various purposes. The Avène D-Pigment Light Dark Spot Lightener is part of the D-Pigment range. This range is specifically for targeting brown spots and evening out skin tone.

Notes:
First off I would just like to say that there won’t be any pros/cons on this review. I was confused to start with and thought this might help me with the marks left behind by spots and my uneven skin tone. Now I realise that this product was not suited to me or my skin problems – I don’t have any brown spots, I do have an uneven skin tone but that is due to redness however. I don’t want to say that this product was terrible and didn’t work because I believe it purely just wasn’t suited to me. I did see a slight lightening of marks left by spots, and the product was very lightweight and gentle, so it was worth trying. I just think it would be better suited to someone with brown spots who is looking to even out their complexion. If this isn’t you and you’re more like me, then it might be worth trying a product from their Antirougeurs range.

You can purchase Avène products in Boots stores, and online here.

bloomzy /

Review: Manuka Doctor Foaming Cleanser

Manuka Doctor Foaming Cleanser for Troubled Skin*

Manuka Doctor has become a well-known beauty brand in recent years.
I have several of their products already, and appreciate that they use natural ingredients.
Their new foaming cleanser for troubled skin was a welcome addition to my collection.
Pros:
+ Foamed well
+ Natural ingredients
+ Felt gentle when applied
Cons:
– Dried out my skin
– Product was difficult to remove from the container

Notes:
I’m still not quite sure what Manuka Doctor means by ‘troubled skin’ but I can make a guess.
I have combination skin so I was a bit unsure of whether to use this when I first received it, however I went ahead and tried it anyway. As expected this dried out my skin, especially on my cheek area, which is always the worst for me. It wasn’t terribly dry, but enough that it was uncomfortable without a moisturiser. I do use a moisturiser and it seemed that the combination of the two didn’t agree with me as I broke out quite badly. However I liked the feel of the product when applied and that it uses natural ingredients. I think I would use this again but not daily, as it doesn’t agree with my skin. 
You can purchase this from Holland and Barratt for £16.99, here.
bloomzy /

Review: Flash.ON Nails

Flash.ON Nails with Frida Kahlo Print*

Flash.ON Nails is a new, exciting brand on the block.
What’s it all about? It’s an innovative new way to style your nails!
Images or designs are printed onto false or natural nails using machines.
This original concept is a great way to express yourself through your nails.
When I was contacted by them I knew exactly who I wanted on my nails.
It was shortly after my ‘Celebrating Women’ post, so of course I went for for my idol; Frida Kahlo.
I knew that I wanted the picture I sent to be bright and colourful, and prominently feature Frida.
I just can’t get over how well they came out. The image transferred brilliantly and was exactly what I wanted.
To be honest I’m a little scared to wear them as I haven’t worn false (glue-on) nails for a long time.
That said, I really really want to wear them and show off the fabulous image.
It can be pretty tough being so indecisive sometimes.
When ordering you receive nail glue and a top coat along with your nails, so the design lasts longer.
You can choose a design from the range or have a custom image put on your nails for a little bit extra.

I was also impressed that you receive 20 nails, which is great for those who lose or break nails easily.
You can order your Flash.ON Nails online here.
Prices start at £7.95 a set.