Garnier BB Cream

As the unfortunate possessor of oily skin, I am always willing to try new skin-fixing solutions that promise a smoother, more even complexion. I was ecstatic when I read that Garnier were releasing 100,000 samples for everyone to trial. Being a complete 'beauty-junkie', I jumped at the chance. When the samples arrived, they were in a box containing a generous three sachets. The sachets each contained a hefty ... of product. I believe that a full tube of the BB Cream would last you a very long time, as a single sachet lasted me a good four application. 

The texture of the BB Cream pleasantly surprised me. I love thick textured face creams, and so my first impressions of this cream were positive...sadly, my opinion of the once loved cream was soon to change. I began to blend the Cream into my face, much to no avail. It seemed that the more I attempted to blend the greasy mess, the more streaky the finish appeared. Having oil/combination skin can often be a problem for people when it comes to products like this, as oil+oil=disaster. Even though the product is meant to be a step down from foundation regarding heaviness, once I had applied the Cream to my face I immediately felt as if my skin couldn't 'breathe'.  

As for coverage, the results were neither awful nor amazing. With a little concealer applied to red patches and imperfections, my skin looked of an average finish. I cannot report on the product's staying power, as I removed the product nearly as soon as I had applied it. 

If I were to rate the unpredictable cream out of 10, personally I would rate it at a pretty average 6. Maybe in the summer months I would be more prepared to use this product on my face. This cream would possibly be better suited for dry-normal skin types. 

Thank for reading, Merry Christmas! 

Nivea Creme

During a recent shopping trip with my friend, I suddenly remembered that I had run out of moisturiser that very morning. In a frantic hurry to arrive home quickly, I picked up literally the first moisturiser I recognised as a familiar brand, and paid at the check out. When I arrived home, I was ashamed with myself. I am not one to make purchases on a whim, and was worried about the thick texture that was so diverse compared to my current moisturiser (Garnier Essentials Day Cream). 

The 'creme' felt extremely sticky as I blended it into my face, but as I began to blend faster, I could feel the moisturiser becoming more versatile on my face. This Nivea Creme is amazing. I have extremely oily skin, and I did not notice my skin becoming any more oily than it does normally. Admittedly, I would prefer a moisturiser that made my oily mess of a skin more manageable, but most moisturisers that come with the promise of this do nothing but dry out my skin until it is gasping for a drenching. I applied my foundation seconds after application, and noticed no streaking or patchiness in my finished result. My foundation glided into my skin smoothly, and I am certain my pores looked minimised. Not only that, but the moisturiser does its job pretty well too. I tend to be cursed with the burden of dry patches on my face (which is why my skin type is neither 'combination' or 'oily'), but the first time I applied the product to my face at night, the next morning my face felt hydrated and 'new'. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone, regardless of skin type or tone. 

Make It! Bronzer (Calling All Vegans!)

Ever heard of a ‘one shade suits all’ bronzer? That’s because they just do not exist! However, how would you react if I told you that you could make one using just two common household products? Don’t lie…you’re jumping around screaming right now.

The two things you’re going to need are talcum powder (preferably ‘shimmer’ talcum powder) and cocoa powder. I opted to use Avon Soft Musk Shimmering Body Powder, because of its gorgeous shimmer which makes an amazing combination along with my Green & Blacks Organic Cocoa Powder. Not only is the powder wonderfully dark (which leaves you with a discrete but noticeable bronzed complexion), but its organic quality makes with make-up recipe 100% vegan!

Begin by dropping two heaped table spoons of cocoa powder into your container. You’ll need a large pot, or use an old lid off of a container (approximately two inches deep). Now, taking your talcum powder, tip one half of a tablespoon into your cocoa powder. Use the end of the table spoon to mix your powder combination, as this will minimize waste clinging onto your spoon.

This is where the ‘one type suits all’ label jumps into play. If you consider yourself to be DARK skinned, add another one and a half teaspoons of cocoa powder to your mix, and stir. If you believe you are of a MEDIUM tone, simply add another teaspoon of cocoa powder to your solution. If you are FAIR skinned, add another half tablespoon of cocoa powder to your mixture. If you enjoy the thrill of defying the rules, simply add varying amounts of cocoa power and talc until you reach a shade of your contentment.

When you apply the bronzer to your face, you will immediately notice that the mixture is very, very sheer. If you wish to intensify the powder into a creamy solution, carefully add a tablespoon sized amount of Sudocrem, Vaseline or Johnsons Baby Lotion. This will not only turn your bronzer into a cream based product, but double up your product as a beautiful highlighter for the body and face. When the bronzer is in it's power form, I like to apply with a giant brush, and simply sweep it over the total diameter of my face. When applying the bronzer in liquid form, I like to apply it with a foundation brush (be sure to keep your bronzer foundation and foundation brushes separate. Never use the same brush for both jobs). 

I hope you enjoy making this bronzer as much as I did! Unfortunately, my Blogger doesn’t allow me to comment (must be something to do with my broadband). But please do comment about how your bronzer experiment went!