30.5.23

Etude Haul

Etude Kbeauty Haul

@skincarestationery Etude Haul from YesStyle ✨ Use code NAV2019 for money off your next order @YesStyle @YesStyleInfluencers @etudeofficial #kbeauty #etude #etudehouse #yesstylehaul #yesstyleinfluencers #kbeautyhaul #beautyhauls ♬ original sound - Naville

Have you tried Etude?

xo

25.5.23

All Used Up #22

All Used Up #22 Lancome Renergie Serum, Skinfix Cleanser, Iunik Galactomyces Serum

Welcome to a new instalment of All Used Up!

Skinfix Foaming Clay Cleanser*: this gentle cleanser contains 3 types of clay and has a smooth texture and lathers gently but cleanses well and does not dry the skin out. It did not break me out either and left my skin feeling soft and smooth. Would use it again. Full review here

Lush Grass Shower Gel*: lathes and cleanses well without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. The scent is not as fresh as I would have imagined (it's warm and a bit spicy) but a good shower product nonetheless that leaves skin feeling soft. I liked the formulation but the scent wasn't amazing enough for me to repurchase. Full review here.

Lancôme Rénergie HFC Triple Serum*: this serum features 3 separate chambers which contain Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C + Niacinamide, and Ferulic Acid. It has a creamy lotion texture after mixing the 3 components together, moisturises and reduces redness. It helped almost completely eliminate a red vein under my right eye which was amazing. Would recommend if you are looking for a new antioxidant serum. Full review here

Iunik Galactomyces Synergy Serum: a super lightweight serum with hydrating Hyaluronic acid, Niacinamide, Rose Water and Galactomyces to help with signs of ageing, brightening, pore control and oil-balance. It absorbs very quickly, helps soften the skin and soothes while reducing redness. I would use it again. Full review here

Dove Nourishing Secrets Restorative Winter Ritual: this limited edition body wash is formulated without SLES and is infused with sandalwood oil and winter spices. It has a warm, lightly spiced scent which I like and it is moisturising thanks to Sunflower Seed and Soybean oils. It does lather very lightly and leaves skin feeling soft. Unfortunately, as with most Dove body washes, when I use it for several days in a row it can feel like a residue is building up on my skin which I don't love. 

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

23.5.23

MUA Lips Collection in Heartbreaker and Sincere

MUA Makeup Academy Lip Products

A few months back I received a set of MUA Lip products, including Matte Lipsticks, Lip Glosses, Lip Stylo and Lip Liners in the shades Heartbreaker and Sincere, here are my thoughts:

Creamy Matte Lipstick:

It is encased in lightweight packaging with a slanted top featuring the MUA branding at the top of the tube. 

Has the shade name sticker on the bottom and product title on front of tube in metallic bronze writing. The inner tube is also metallic bronze, which gives it an elegant, glamorous look. 

The cap is easy to open and locks securely in place. The ingredients' list is on a sticker placed at the back of the cap and while the tube colour matches lipstick shade inside for easier identification, the product is sealed for hygiene with a small clear sticker that connects the base and lid. 

The lipstick features a classic twist up dispensing method and a sweet scent which is not overpowering. 

It is also creamy, well pigmented and glides on the lips.

The Creamy Matte Lipstick has a velvety finish which I like as it is not too matte and doesn't make my lips look dry. In fact it actually moisturised them and smoothed any dry skin that I had.

Heartbreaker is a beautiful darker cherry red shade, which I believe will suit most skin tones. A perfect colour for autumn and winter if you like a statement lip.

Sincere is a medium brown nude colour that is very on trend however, I did not find it suited my skin tone too well.

The case is made with 30% recycled plastic, the PAO 12 months.  

I would definitely recommend the MUA Creamy Matte Lipstick if you are looking to expand your lip wardrobe with non-drying, velvety and super affordable lipsticks (they're only £3.50 each!)


Nourishing Lip Gloss:

Comes in a clear square prism clear tube with a metallic copper lid. There's matching copper writing on the front and back. The clear packaging shows off the lipstick-shaped interior that encases the lip gloss.

The lip gloss is not sticky, has a sweet vanilla fragrance and is easily applied with a classic doe-foot applicator.

The Nourishing Lip Gloss leaves my lips feeling soft, smooth and shiny. I also really like that it contains Jojoba, Rosehip and Argan oil to moisturise the lips. 

Heartbreaker is a pretty cherry red colour that can be worn on its own for a subtle glossy red lip or over any of the other lip products for added colour intensity.

Sincere is a brown-nude colour that looks very natural on the lips since it is not as pigmented as Heartbreaker. It can also be used on its own for nourishment and shine, or applied over the matching lip products for a more intense look.

It is sealed for hygiene with a small clear sticker and the lid contains another sticker with the ingredients list. The PAO is 12 months and it is a very affordable £4 for 6.5 ml


Satin Sheen Lip Stylo:

Comes in a compact slim tube packaging with an easily removable lid. The tube is made out of glossy plastic which mimics the finish of product. On the front it features the brand and product name and on the back it has further information, as well as the ingredient sticker on the lid. The product is encased inside an inner tube in a copper shade which matches the outside writing, and it is dispensed by a smooth twist up action.

The Lip Stylo is lightly scented with a sweet vanilla fragrance, like the Matte Lipstick and Lip Gloss. 

Heartbreaker is a pretty cherry red shade, well pigmented and I believe it would suit a wide variety of skin tones. Perfect for a festive look of if you usually prefer a bold lip colour. 

Sincere is a 90s nude-brown shade. I like the colour and the fact it has a glossy finish and felt it suited me better than the Matte Lipstick. 

The Stylo can be applied lightly for a natural look or layered for more intense colour. 

It makes my lips feel softer and look smoother which I really like. It also lasted quite well through a meal, faded slightly but did not look patchy.

The outer case packaging is made from 30% recycled plastic, comes sealed with a sticker for hygiene, has a 12 month PAO, and is only £3.50. 

Because of the performance and price point I would definitely recommend the MUA Satin Sheen Lip Stylo and I would love to try other shades as well.


Intense Colour Lip Liner:

They come in a lightweight, natural wooden pencil packaging that matches the colour of the liner inside. Capped with a metallic copper coloured plastic lid that is easily replaced and fits snuggly to avoid it coming off. 

The liner itself is very creamy and pigmented, allowing for it to be used on its own or to prevent other lip products from bleeding and feathering. It is also easily layered with the other products within the range. 

Sincere is a 90s nude-brown colour that gives a retro look. 

Heartbreaker is a cherry-red colour that will suit most skin tones and will look great for the festive period. 

The Lip Liner contains Castor Seed Oil to moisturise the lips. It is very creamy and glides without any tugging or pulling and provides very nice pigmentation. 

They can be sharpened to achieve a precise look every time. 

The cap is made with 30% recycled plastic, the PAO is 6 months and the ingredient list is provided as a sticker on the pencil. It also comes sealed for hygiene which I greatly appreciate. 


Have you tried MUA Lip products?

xo

18.5.23

Missguided Beauty Haul

Missguided Beauty Haul

Missguided Beauty Haul


@skincarestationery Missguided Beauty Haul✨ #missguidedbabes #missguidedbeauty #prbox #eyeshadowpalettes #makeuphauls #missguidedhaul #superdrugpr #asmrunboxings #cleangirlhaul @Missguided Beauty #cosmeticsunboxing ♬ Sweet Sunset - Tollan Kim & dulai

A couple of weeks ago I was kindly sent a PR package of Missguided Makeup to test out. Here is what I received:

Stop I'm Blushing in We Move: this highly pigmented blusher comes in an easy to use tube packaging with silver accents. It has a lightweight liquid consistency that spreads easily on the skin. The warm pink shade has metallic particles that catch the light so this versatile blush can also be used as a highlighter and lip tint. It is sheer for a more natural makeup however, it is also buildable for a bolder look. I really like this shade as it gives me a sun kissed appearance and the sweet berry scent is delicious. The compact and lightweight packaging makes it easy to travel with. It is sealed for hygiene, made in Italy and has a PAO of 6 months. I will continue to wear this blush for spring and summer.

Super Fix Fixing Mist: comes in a metallic aerosol can with 100ml of product. The mist is dispensed easily by pressing the pump. It has a faintly sweet fragrance that is not overpowering. Upon first application it looks slightly oily on the skin but as it dries down it leaves a natural, matte finish to the skin which I like as I tend to get shiny throughout the day. I like the design on the can and how it is easy to use, as well as the lightly moisturising mist and the matte finish which helps makeup last longer. This Fixing Mist comes sealed for hygiene, is made in Poland and has a PAO of 12 months.

Glow Up Tan Glow Face & Body Mist: this versatile mist can be used not just on the face but also on the body to refresh and also add a radiant glow to the skin. It contains several beneficial ingredients for the skin, including soothing Cucumber Extract and nourishing Camellia Seed Oil, as well as Vitamins C & E. This Glow Mist comes in a sleek and weightless clear plastic bottle with a long white cap. After a couple of pumps to activate the mechanism, it sprays a lightweight mist with a subtle fragrance. If sprayed sparingly, a sparkling glow can be perceived under the light but when layered, a more tanned look can be achieved. It is a great product to try this spring and summer to achieve glowing skin without sun damage and it can be washed off after each use. This product has a PAO of 6 months. 

Frecks Appeal Freckle Pen in Original Frecks: comes in an easy to use chunky felt tip pen with a fine point. The cap is easily removed and replaced securely to avoid any leakage. The shade Original Frecks has a warm brown tone that looks suitable for most skin tones, except very dark ones as it wouldn't be very noticeable. The pen is very pigmented and it can be used to achieve natural-looking freckles in varying sizes. I still have to perfect my technique as some of my freckles looked a bit elongated and even though it is not a makeup product I would usually go for, it is a fun way to experiment when trying a more natural look. The Frecks Appeal Freckle Pen is long lasting and layers well with the Stop I'm Blushing Liquid Blusher. It has a PAO of 6 months 

Gimme Shade Eyeshadow Power in Power Moves: It is a collection of 9 eyeshadows in very wearable, neutral shades that can be mixed and matched for very natural looks and also for bolder, warm toned looks. The shades are Comfort Zone: a matte light beige shade that can be used as a base, You Up?: a shimmer champagne shade and my favourite in this palette, That's Fire: a shimmer red shade with a hint of brown, Go Off: a dark matte brown, A Snack: a shimmery pink shade, Verified: a shimmer reddish-beige shade, Passionate: a matte reddish brown, The Debrief: a medium matte brown, Sweet Talk: a matte caramel shade. The light pink cardboard packaging features a removable sleeve, magnetic closure and the shadows are covered with a cellophane film, while the mirror is also protected with a plastic covering. I really liked this palette and think it would be a great choice for all skin tones. The eyeshadows have no discernible scent and a PAO of 12 months.

I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of all of the items, it is really good and I will continue to use the products and will look into the rest of the range.

Have you tried Missguided Beauty?

xo

16.5.23

YesStyle Haul #13

YesStyle Haul #13


@skincarestationery YesStyle haul featuring sunscreen to protect from UV rays this season ☀️ Use code NAV2019 for money off your next order #YesstyleUVDefense @YesStyle @YesStyleInfluencers #iunik #yesstyle #suncare #cosrx #mizon #yesstylehaul #kbeauty ♬ You - Vietra

My most recent YesStyle haul and hopefully not the last one! 

This time I got:

iUNIK Propolis Vitamin Eye Cream: actually a repurchase, I liked it so much that I had to have it again. Full review here.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream: with SPF50+ PA+++ and soothing Aloe Vera plus vitamin E, I won it in one of their giveaways, and just in time for sunnier days!

JULYME Perfume Non Wash Hair Pack*: a leave-in conditioner designed to repair and nourish hair.  

With scents inspired by designer perfumes, they are meant to infuse the hair with fragrance 'all day long'. 

I received Sunset Freesia which is inspired by Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia cologne and features a floral and sweet scent. 

I found that it was a bit overpowering in the tube but it becomes more subtle after it is applied. 

It has a lightweight gel texture that is easy to work through the hair. Afterwards my hair was left gently scented, feeling soft and smooth, shiny and with reduced frizz. 

If you are looking for a new leave-in conditioner or multitasking hair fragrance I would recommend trying out the JULYME Perfume Non Wash Hair Pack.

With my purchase I also received a couple of samples including the VILLAGE 11 FACTORY Active Clean Toner which helps remove impurities and dead skin cells thanks to AHA & BHA, and the MIZON Orga-Real Barrier Cream which is infused with Shea Butter and Green Tea to moisturise and protect the skin.

Don't forget to use code NAV2019 for money off your next YesStyle order and join their Influencer Program for sponsored products each month.

xo

11.5.23

Peter Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall

Peter Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall



Peter Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall

  


Peter Doherty at the Royal Albert HallPeter Doherty at the Royal Albert Hall



On Friday we went to see Peter Doherty in concert at the Royal Albert Hall. It was my first concert since Bauhaus 2 years ago!

Before the concert started Dot showed me he had posted on Instagram so I went on there to comment, saying I'm ready, come out for pictures!

Minutes later he actually did come out and was standing on the right side of the stage, behind a wall and as people noticed him, they started to queue up for pictures and autographs. 

He then disappeared and I commented on his picture again saying 'Come back out, I haven't had my picture yet'. Who knows if he read my comments but after a while he came back.

I was unable to reach him as that area was on a different level and I was in front of the stage. Dot suggested I call him so I did and shouted "Pete!", he then turned to look at me and I asked "Can I have a picture?". He said something that I couldn't hear but was positive that he might come over as he had acknowledged me (Dot later told me Peter actually said "Of course you can").

As I wasn't sure what he had said, I also asked "Please!?" and after talking to one or 2 more people he started walking over to the stage.

I turned around to call Dot over so he'd also take some pictures as I saw Pete getting closer.

As I was right under the stage in front of the security man Pete said "How are we going to do this?" then asked the security man "Is it ok if she comes on stage?". I don't remember the man saying anything but he moved over and I put my foot on the chair in front and reached out so Pete would helped me climb up and he did!

He then put his arm around me and with his hand on my shoulder turned me around, I'm not sure why but Dot said that it was maybe so that we would have the theatre as background. 

I then proceeded to take a selfie with him under the blue stage lights. Then quickly took another one just in case. 

He was very patient as I took my pictures but I didn't want to take much of his time so right afterwards just said "Thank you" (twice ha!).

It happened so fast but I'm 99% sure he also said "Be careful" as I climbed down. He was very kind and his energy was so peaceful and calm.

As I walked back to my seat I realised there was now a queue of people hoping for a picture with Pete and when I looked up he had already gone back to the right side of the stage so I was the only one to get a selfie with Peter Doherty on the stage of the Royal Albert Hall before his concert. 

The concert was great and featured his dogs (though they eventually had to go as they told him they weren't allowed on stage) and his pregnant wife.

Sadly, the concert got cut short because of a stage invasion just when the faster songs were about to begin, which was disappointing as there was probably another half hour left for the show.

Got the best souvenir though, a picture with Peter Doherty, which he even saw when I tagged him on Instagram.

Setlist:

  1. The Ballad Of
  2. She is Far
  3. Tell the King (The Libertines song)
  4. Music When the Lights Go Out(The Libertines song)
  5. The Man Who Would Be King (The Libertines song)
  6. Albion (Babyshambles song)
  7. Merry Old England
  8. Hooligans on E (The Libertines song)
  9. Can't Stand Me Now (The Libertines song)
  10. The Ballad of Grimaldi
  11. French Dog Blues (Babyshambles song)
  12. I Get Along (The Libertines song)
  13. Bollywood to Battersea (Babyshambles song)
  14. Never Never (The Libertines song)
  15. Time for Heroes (The Libertines song) (Incomplete due to stage invasion)


xo

9.5.23

L'Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara & Plumping Lip Gloss

L'Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara & Plumping Lip Gloss

Recently I received these items from Superdrug to test and review. 

The L'Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara comes in a lightweight black plastic tube with a shape reminiscent of a telescope. It features silver accents for the product name and a band that separates the lid from the base, as well as the L'Oréal logo embossed on the front and top of the tube. 

There aren't many outstanding ingredients in the formulation besides 2-oleamido-1,3-octadecanediol, which is a proprietary ceramide by the brand. 

The L'Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara is very pigmented and truly black, with a rubber bristle brush that coats lashes easily. What I didn't love about the brush is that the top of it is completely flat and makes it hard to gauge how close the bristles are from your eye and lashes when applying so I had to be very careful to not poke myself in the eye. 

To prevent clumping I only apply one or two coats and it does deliver light volume and visibly lengthens my lashes, while also providing some hold after curling them. 

There was very minimal flaking, however I experienced some smudging under the eyes, even without applying to the inferior lashes. On a positive note, it wasn't very hard to remove with micellar water. 

The L'Oréal Telescopic Lift Mascara comes with 9.9ml of product and has a PAO of 6 months. 

L'Oréal Plumping Lip Gloss in I Soar

Comes in a stylised clear plastic tube that allows visibility of the colour of the product inside, and is topped with a beautiful rose gold cap, which features the L'Oréal logo embossed at the top. This lip gloss employs an 8-shaped doe foot applicator with a velvet-soft texture. 

The ingredients list is attached as a sticker that joins the lid and tube together so it needs to be removed to open it, and while I appreciate that it is sealed for protection I like to keep the ingredients list for future reference. The list was also in red ink which made it very hard to read. 

I was actually very excited to try this product after looking up the ingredients and seeing it contains Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, which can help increase collagen production. Other notable ingredients include Vitamin E, Lactic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate; as well as Peppermint Essential Oil for the tingling and volumizing effect. 

A few seconds after applying my lips start to tingle, which then turns into an uncomfortable burning sensation that lasts for a long time. Strangely, it also made my lips feel very cold when going out. 

While I really like the delicate sweet scent, natural shade, glossy finish and softening qualities of this lip gloss, it was quite uncomfortable to wear so I'm sad to say I doubt it will be a product I will be getting much use out of.

My lips looked smooth, soft and moisturised however, any plumping effect was barely noticeable, so I'm not sure the discomfort is worth it. 

It has a PAO of 24 months, which is longer than other lip products, and a RRP of just under £10 so if you are interested in plumping lip-glosses it could be an option to try.

xo

4.5.23

All Used Up #21

All Used Up #21

Welcome to the latest instalment of the All Used Up Series!

Avon Senses Warming Cocoa Shower Cream: it lathers and cleanses well, and rinses off easily, leaving skin soft and supple. Smells great too: warm, creamy and spicy. Not a lot of cocoa notes though but would use again.

Garnier Micellar Vitamin C Cleansing Water*: smells fresh and soapy. Unsure if a product with Vitamin C which I rinse off would do a lot in terms of brightening but it cleanses and removes makeup well so I would use it again. Full review here.

Iunik Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum: super lightweight serum that absorbs almost instantly. It has a faint powdery rose scent and helps soothe and reduce redness while hydrating my skin. Also has brightening and pore/oil control properties thanks to Niacinamide. Would probably use again. Full review here.

Lancôme Advanced Génifique Night Cream*: very nourishing and slightly waxy texture but doesn't break me out. It also helps with redness thanks to the probiotics in the formula. It has a citrus fragrance which I don't mind and I really like the glass jar. I would use it again. Full review here

Coxir Black Snail Collagen Eye Cream*: very lightweight and hydrating, with amazing anti-ageing ingredients. I just didn't love the texture as it is quite stringy and takes a while to absorb unless I apply a tiny amount. If "too much" is applied (which is my usual amount for any eye cream) it doesn't layer well. On the upside it would last for ages but I will be giving this away. Full review here

Have you tried any of these products?

xo

2.5.23

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT
@skincarestationery Marc Jacobs EDT Unboxing 🎀 #marcjacobsfragrances #marcjacobsperfect #unboxingperfume #asmrunboxing #eaudetoilette #springperfume @MarcJacobsFragrances #perfumereview ♬ Walking up with You - Omar Enfedaque

I was kindly gifted the Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT to try out and review. 

The bottle is contained in a baby blue box which matches the shade of the fragrance inside. Cute sketches and the word 'Perfect' in script handwriting decorate the outer packaging, which is elevated by silver foil accents. 

This fragrance is encased in a weighted clear glass faceted bottle which looks elegant and luxurious. The cap is decorated with a set of charms handpicked by Marc Jacobs himself, my favourites being the big white bow, star-shaped balloon, cherries and the heart-shaped locket. 

The charms bring a fun element which contrasts with the classically shaped bottle. 

Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Toilette fragrance features:

  • Top Notes of Pink Peppercorn and Polygonum
  • Heart notes of White Daffodil
  • Base Notes of Cedarwood

The spray action is quite strong, so care should be taken when pressing it.  

Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau de Toilette opens with sharp, spicy and elegantly floral Pink Peppercorn notes which quickly transform to a subtle warm and gentle milky scent provided by the White Daffodil. 

I'm not sure I was able to identify the Polygonum in this perfume as it is not a note I am familiar with. 

The Cedarwood base is not perceptible at all, at least for me as I have used several perfumes with Cedarwood in them, and it is generally a very strong, noticeable woody aroma. However, this doesn't negatively affect my opinion of this fragrance as I still enjoy the warm, creamy 'skin scent' base. 

This innocent fragrance also has a hint of a clean, almost soapy note mixed in at the base. 

If I had to describe Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT in one phrase it would be "a warm, sunny spring afternoon".

Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT is a very light fragrance which is great for spring and summer. I don't usually go for Eau De Toilettes but this is a great option for warmer weather, when you want to feel put together but not wear a scent that will become overpowering when it's hot. 

Even though it is not a very intense fragrance (it is more subtle than the original Perfect EDP), it was still perceptible on my skin over 8 hours after its first application. 

The bottle is both classic and fun, and the subtly sweet fragrance makes me think this perfume can be enjoyed by girls in their teens to women in their 40s or even beyond. It would make a lovely first perfume too.

If you are looking for a soft, delicately sweet perfume for spring and summer I would recommend trying Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT.

Find Marc Jacobs Perfect EDT at SephoraSuperdrug, John Lewis, Very & House of Fraser.

xo