Review: Lush's Oatifix Fresh Face Mask

A delicious blend of bananas, vanilla and oats to cleanse, soften and moisturize dry and sensitive skin.


When I'm in the mood for doing a homemade mask but am too lazy to actually make one I head to Lush. I've tried most of their masks, and overall I quite enjoy them.
I never got around to trying Oatifix because for a while I was too preoccupied with clay masks, but also I have my own oatmeal mask recipe that I make on my own (however, it is an absolute mess to apply... if anyone else has tried a homemade oatmeal mask they would know).

But right now it's that awful time where the weather is transitioning into Spring, and the stress of exams is building so my skin is hypersensitive and flaking. I really don't have time to fuss around with making my own mask so I finally decided to give this one a go. I must say, I am definitely impressed with it!

Here's why:

1. It is very moisturizing, yet soothing for sensitive skin; it definitely calms the redness around my chin. Also, the oatmeal has a nice texture to gently exfoliate my flaky, dead looking skin.
2. The mask is loaded with banana, oatmeal and essential oils, but also minimizes on the preservatives, so you have the convenience of not having to prepare a homemade mask without sacrificing the quality.
3. The consistency is much thicker and stickier so it much less fussy to apply than an actual home made oatmeal mask.
4. It has a gentle, non abrasive smell unlike other Lush products.
5. You get a lot of product. I have already used this 3 times, and I'm not even half way through the pot!


Overall, I am very impressed with this product. It is great at refreshing Winter worn skin. It obviously cannot work miracles, but it comes pretty damn close! I love how convenient it is too since it is already made.

Anyway, I've probably rambled on long enough, but I think it's obvious how much I love this mask. I hope everyone goes out and at least tries it, and tell me what you think!


xxx

Review: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

For about a year I was debating whether I should purchase NARS Sheer Glow. It is definitely a cult favourite, however some say it's not very long lasting, it's too dull, too shiny, it breaks them out, its overrated...etc etc, so I always remained on the fence. Long story short, I eventually caved to my indulgences and bought the damn thing. I'm sure everyone has either tried this for themselves, or read the many reviews already posted, but I decided to give my two cents on it anyway.

The packaging looks beautiful. What I mean is that while it looks quite elegant in glass and Nars signature packaging, it is definitely NOT functional. Glass is heavier to carry around, and we all know how easily that matte black velvety material gets prints all over it! Not to mention there isn't a pump, which makes this foundation extra fussy. 

 The finish of Sheer Glow is honestly more matte than 'glowy', especially after you powder. The coverage claims to be sheer (hence the name) but I'd say it's more of a medium coverage that is buildable. So right off the bat this foundation is misleading, it should be called 'Medium Matte'... but um that's not exactly a marketable name.
As for it's functionality, Sheer Glow isn't the best foundation I've used that accomodates dry patches, as it kind of makes dry skin look more dull. Also, maybe I matched my shade wrong (I'm in the shade Stromboli), but it applies slightly orange on my skin. Even though orange looks disturbing on your face at first, it blends very well, and almost makes my skin look more healthy and tan. I'm sure this will match better in the summer too. 


Even though this foundation isn't great for tired, dry skin, it looks amazing on good skin days. No other foundation I've tried has given me more compliments, just because it gives a perfected finish to your skin. I look polished, and fresh faced, not oily or cake faced. It's not an awful foundation on bad skin days. I just find I have to sheer it out with a tinted moisturizer/lotion to add some hydration. 

PROS:
- Great at evening skin tone and even minor blemishes
- Light weight and build able
- Blends into the skin quite easily
- Great colour range available
- Don't need a brush to apply with. Actually, Nars recommends you use your fingers
- Scent is mild - non existant 
- Doesn't cause break outs


CONS:
- No pump! Packaging is actually so dysfunctional.
- Not great over dry patches
- If you like natural looking makeup I wouldn't say this is ideal 
- On me the foundation is a tad bit orange 
- Longevity isn't amazing, especially in the summer


All in all I am quite happy with this foundation. I place a high priority on quality products that don't react with my skin. Sheer Glow definitely meets that standard as I've never had a breakout problem with it. Despite the fact that it's a bit orange I'm still satisfied with the colour match. It looks amazing on good skin days, and alright on bad skin days. My biggest complaints are the lack of pump, and for me it could be a little more hydrating for every day use.
I'm also wearing Laura Mercier loose setting powder, MAC Msfn in medium deep as bronzer, and Gingerly blush.

This last picture you can see how I look a bit more orange. I don't hate it though. What do you think?

xxx

Trunks, Boxes, and Wicker storage obsession.

So I'm having an apartment crisis. I can't seem to find proper storage for my handbags/school bags/clutches/etc. Am I the only one who has 4 different purses permanently scattered on the living room floor? It's so hard to keep neat and orderly, especially when you rotate through them daily! 

I'm thinking a good solution to my dilemma is to get a big storage box and throw them all in there! I've actually been quite obsessed with trunks lately, and once I get enough dough saved up I might splurge! 

In the mean time, here is some storage inspiration:

I also love wicker! It's lightweight, super affordable and gives a rustic, shabby chic feel to a room. I need to make a trip to Ikea soon.

xxx

January/February Favourites...

Hello!!
I know I haven't posted in several months, but I've really been trying to abstain from my obsession with makeup and beauty stuff (crazy I know!). I figured what's the point of posting on a beauty blog without any interesting and inspiring material...

Anywayyyss, I'm back! And I have some new ideas for my blog. I've been really into crafty stuff lately, such as painting, furniture restoration, and mosaic tiling. It is hard to find the time, but these projects are a lot of fun, and a cute way to personalize your home! If anyone is interested maybe I'll do some posts on my projects. I will note that I seem to complete each project at a snail's pace, but it's all about the journey not the destination right?


Aside from that ramble, I have been using some new makeup stuff on a daily basis that I really love. I don't really have time in the morning anymore to put a whole 'face' on, so these products have been great to just slap on and go:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Sand: I went to Seattle a while ago and picked up the Laura Mercier value kit, which included a bunch of stuff...including this tinted moisturizer. Honestly I don't find anything extraordinary about this product but it does the job, and it works with my skin. It is quick and easy and that's why I like it.


MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner Calm Mode: I'm pretty much done with my Korres Lip Butter, and this MAC one has become its new replacement. It's way less sticky than the Korres, and you get more product. But I think I prefer the light pink sparkly sheen of the Korres better than the rosier pink tint of the MAC. Both are nice though.


Dior Amber Diamond:  Yeah I've written about this a couple times now, but I'm still obsessed with it. The white colour is my favourite brow highlight, and I use the orange/pinkier colours on my eye lid. Super easy, and it looks natural on the skin. 

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural Medium Deep & Medium Plus:  I've had these for a while, and I've been on the fence about what I thought of them. But now I've reached a conclusion: it's not fussy, it adds a bit of coverage, and it's near impossible to cake it on. I have combination skin with definite dry patches that piss me off, and it's tough for me to find a combo of foundation and powder that doesn't cake. This powder is amazing for that! I use medium plus to set my foundation (or tinted moisturizer) and I bronze my skin with medium deep. Love it!

Matte eyeshadows Corduroy,Slate,Copper Plate, Carbon : I've been using this MAC quad a lot. I just scribble on some eyeshadow and run! Jk, but I usually put one of these colours in my crease, and line my eyes with Carbon and go.  Super simple slightly smokey eye (how's that for an alliteration)!

Dayna Decker Diffuser Ella : I know this isn't beauty related, but I totally splurged on this diffuser last month. It smells amazing, like musky, sexy floral. It smells exactly like my favourite Volluspa candle, which I'm absolutely obsessed with too! And I held onto the packaging too. Does anyone else hoard packaging they think is cute?! No? ok. Kinda looks like these flowers my bf got me last week :) 

Oh lastly, I noticed how my previous post was about items I was absolutely determined to use up... Ha! Sometimes I crack myself up, as if that ever happens :P But no really, I am still working on them...




xxx


Alma