Saturday 10 May 2014

Revlon Colourstay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin | Review



Size: 30ml

Stockists: Boots, Superdrug & many online stores.

Price: £7.25 - £12.50

Formula & Coverage: I was surprised by the formula of this foundation - it's a really soft, smooth liquid, easy to apply and blend with fingers or a brush. The coverage is easily medium to full with just one coat and it is build-able as long as you keep the layers thin, otherwise it can start to look a little heavy/cakey. The finish is more on the matte side but not completely matte, and although it seems to set, it doesn't feel uncomfortable on your skin. I like to use powder as I have the tendency to get oily, however I have noticed the the finish is nicer without powder.

Smell: There's a noticeable smell to this foundation, i couldn't tell you what of though. Its not unpleasant, but slightly chemically i'd say. I can only ever smell it as i'm applying it though, it's not a smell that sticks around.

Colour: Personally, i found the colour range of this a little disappointing. The shade below mine was the right shade for me but far too pink, so i had to go with one a little too dark to get the yellow undertones. It will be okay once I get a tan but at the moment I feel a little conscious that it's a tad darker than id usually wear. Thankfully though, i have not seen this oxidizing, if at all it's only very slight.

Staying Power: I'm really impressed with the staying power of this foundation. I can comfortably wear this all day without having to touch up at all. However I have noticed the finish change slightly during the day; after around 3-4 hours, sometimes it seems to have settled into my pores a little and be clinging to any dry skin i might have. I usually fix this by pressing damp hands on the areas that need it. The added moisture helps to smooth everything out. Then after about 10-12 hours it looks fine again, still just as good as when i first applied it. However, 12 hours + i have often noticed some patchiness, especially on my cheeks.

Removal: This isn't tough to remove, but it does take a lot of removing. To remove fully i usually use a make-up wipe, thoroughly cleanse my face and finish with a toner.

Packaging: The foundation comes in a glass bottle which, although looks nice, isn't great for travelling as there's risk of the glass smashing. What really bothers me about the packaging is the lack of a pump. It's really awkward having to pour the foundation out: I always end up having too much come out, it's messy and I can't help thinking it's slightly unhygienic to have it completely open - a pump would be easier, cleaner and more hygienic.

Final Verdict: Despite my dislike of the packaging, overall I am very impressed by the quality of this foundation, especially when you consider the low price tag compared to other, high-end foundations of similar quality. Although the colour range is slightly disappointing in my opinion, i really like that there is the choice between a combination/oily and dry/normal version. 

Have any of you tried this foundation? I'd love to hear your thoughts! :)

xo

Friday 2 May 2014

Topshop Nail Polish in AWOL | Review

Size: 8ml

Stockists: Topshop stores and Topshop.com

Price: £5

I am so in love with this colour! I've wanted a blue nail polish for a few months now and i'd heard good things about Topshop's Celestial so i actually went with the intention of getting that. But i spotted this and much preferred it, I think it's more of an all year round colour too so more wear = more for my money ;)

Pros: Beautiful colour. 2 coats is all you need. Doesn't streak.

Cons: This chips so easily! It's really frustrating. I can do a base coat, 2 layers of colour and a top coat but it will have chipped within a couple of hours! And i don't just mean 'oh look, a miniscule bit has chipped off the corner of one nail', big chunks at the tips will have chipped off at least half of my nails! Makes me sad :'( any tips on how i can solve it guys?

Other than the chipping issue, i do really love this colour, looks really nice with rings too :) any any of you tried it? What do you think?