Allocation Haul

With my position as a No7 advisor, of course we're expected to use and wear No7 products, hence we get a set allocation every three months so we can choose the products we want. My allocation has just come up, and, as usual, I'm spoilt for choice! Luckily, my decision was made easier as I have a few favourites that need replacing, not to mention some new goodies to try..

(L-R: Beautifully Matte Foundation; Protect and Perfect Advanced Serum; Exfoliating Sponge; Shine and Tint; Instant Radiance Under-Eye Concealer; Lovely Lashes Mascara; Pop and Glow Cream Blushes.)

Beautifully Matte Foundation, in the shade Cool Vanilla: One of my all-time favourite foundations..I'm actually comparing this to another foundation in an upcoming post, so I'll hold off on the detail for now.

Protect and Perfect Advanced Serum: An improved formula based on the original Protect and Perfect serum. Yet again, this product is worthy of a standalone post, but trust me, it will be worth the wait!

Exfoliating Sponge: A new product to me, as I'm used to having exfoliatiors in the form of a liquid, or even a cleansing brush, so I'll be interested to try this out..although I've now got visions of using a Brillo pad on my face, eek! (FYI: if you don't know what a Brillo pad is, it's like a metal scourer that you use when washing up to remove tough grime and dirt)

Shine and Tint, in the shade Posy: A brand new No7 product, that has just launched this week. There are five colours to choose from, and they vary from reds and berries to this more nude shade. As mentioned in my No7 Match Made Lipstick Service post I have struggled to find more nude/natural colours, so thought I'd give this one a go to add to the collection. 

Instant Radiance Under-Eye Concealer, in the shade 10: Yet another new product launch from No7 this week, and this is a much-improved formula from its predecessor; more coverage, thicker texture, light diffusion technology and a wider range of colour choices..so far, so good! 

Lovely Lashes Mascara, in the shade Black: Now my favourite mascara, both for natural volume and a more intense look, I actually reviewed this earlier in the year if you want to take a look.

Pop and Glow Cream Blushes, in the shades Mango Sorbet and Classic Rose: I already have a Pop and Glow Cream Blush in the shade Rose Blossom, I actually use it most days as it's a fabulous formulation. In actual fact, I also reviewed this earlier in the year. Because I use this one so much, I felt I needed more colours, especially as the seasons change and my make-up look changes, a pastel pink isn't always suitable hence the nod towards a more peachy and deeper pink tone.

So a couple more reviews to come to keep me busy I'm sure! What are your favourite No7 products?

No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush

Blusher is one item in everyone's makeup bag that they struggle to get right in every aspect: colour, pigment and type. Especially coming into Spring, I find that not just myself, but my customers are looking for something to help brighten their overall look, not just with their base/foundation, but with blusher too, as it is a great way of adding colour and complementing the full face. (I know I can't go a day without wearing blusher, I think with my ghostly colouring, I look ill without it!)

No7 already have a full range of blushers, but with the launch of the new Pop & Glow Cream Blush sticks they are bringing something entirely new to the table: three shades that are bang on trend for Sping/Summer 2014, with a creamy texture..but wait, they dry to a powder-soft, matte finish?! I usually steer right clear of cream blushers due to my oily/combination skin, but I was intrigued with the cream-to-powder technology, that we've only seen before in some foundations, lipsticks and eyeshadows. It was such a hard decision, but I decided to go for the lighter cool pink shade from the range: Rose Blossom. It is also available in a peachy-coral tone, Mango Sorbet, and a deeper pink-red shade, Classic Rose, so there really is a colour for everyone.

On the packaging of the product, there is no explanation of what it is, just how it can be applied: "Sweep gently onto cheek bones and blend with your fingertips. To create a more intense look, build another layer of colour and blend." After trying this method of application, I must say that this a no-go! The good news is that this product is so highly pigmented that you don't need a lot of it, so the bad news is that you can't just draw it onto your face if you want a subtle hint of colour; if you want a really flushed effect, then go ahead and draw on! I apply the Pop & Glow once I have completed the rest of my makeup, as this gives me a good idea of how much blusher I need to apply to complement the look.

     (Pop & Glow Cream Blush drawn straight onto the hand)

    (Pop & Glow Cream Blush blended in with fingertips)

Instead of applying it straight from the stick, there are two other options for applying this blusher:
1. Using your fingertips
2. Blusher brush
I prefer using my fingertips, as I find the warmth of my fingers on the cheeks helps to apply this product smoothly and allows the highly pigmented formula to be blended in to the strength that is desired. (Saying that, when I first started wearing this product for work, I would go in thinking that I'd blended it in enough..then for one of my lovely colleagues to come over and blend it in a little bit more!)

     (One layer of Pop & Glow Cream Blush on each cheek)

     (Left side - using fingertips; Right side - using blusher brush)

As you can see from this image, even with just one layer of the product, it is that pigmented you do not need a lot of it! I find I get better control with using my fingertips and seem to be able to work it to more of an overall flushed look, whereas using the blusher brush gives more of a subtle flush. I would stop at just the one layer with this colour for an everyday look.

     (Two layers of Pop & Glow Cream Blush on each cheek)

     (Left side - using fingertips; Right side - using blusher brush)

I wouldn't usually go this strong, but it just shows you how a build-up of this product can change the entire look. (However, I have just dyed my hair back to its nice dark state, so I actually think it doesn't look too bad!) As you can see, it dries to a completely matte finish, and even with two layers, it feels so lightweight it isn't weighing me down. And even with my oily/combination skin, the brilliant news is that I get a full day's wear out of this blusher without the colour payoff fading, and even with the matte finish, yes it keeps my shine at bay, but neither does it cling to or highlight any dry patches. I've been using this product for just under two months now, yet you barely tell I've been using it for that long! (Saying that, the same can be said for the rest of my No7 blushers, some I've had for years..oops..). With a price of £9.95 each, the Pop & Glow Cream Blush Sticks are most definitely value for money, and I would recommend this product to anyone, literally anyone! With a choice of colours to suit anyone, an easy application and a long-wearing formula, this product ticks all the boxes when it comes to what to look for in a blusher.

March Favourites!

Considering March has 31 days, this past month has flown by! With that, there were many tempting offers on in Boots with products which caught my eye..

After using up the last of my shampoo and conditioner, I was on the look-out for something a little bit different to try. I have thick, medium-long hair that won't grow past my boobs(!) even though I've been growing it for the past few years, with regular trims, so the Lee Stafford Hair Growth range caught my eye, especially as haircare was on 3 for 2! I plumped for the shampoo and conditioner, but I'm going to reserve my full judgement until I finish them off, as I'm only halfway through the bottles, so I'll make sure to keep you updated!

What I forgot to mention was the third item I picked up on my haircare 3 for 2: the new Aussie Miracle Recharge Lightweight Conditioning Spray. I absolutely love the scents of all the Aussie shampoos, conditioners and leave-in treatments, but especially the Miracle Moist range after buying miniatures to take on a trip with me..and I wasn't disappointed with the smell of this leave-in spray, it smells exactly of bubblegum, candy floss, and all things sweet and wonderful! (without being too sickly). The good news is that this product actually works! Even though my hair tends to be in fairly good condition, it does need a refreshing pick-me-up every now and then, and this is exactly what a few spritzes of this weightless formula provides! 

In the directions, it does say it can be used on both wet and dry hair, but I've only tried it on wet hair, as I don't tend to use many products on my hair once it's dry (apart from the usual hairspray). I generously apply this once my hair has been towel dried, comb through, then I leave it to towel dry a little bit more in the towel-turban thing us girls tend to do! (otherwise my hair takes a lot longer to blow dry, even longer to naturally dry). I then follow with my usual routine, and once styled my hair feels just that bit more silky smooth, and looks that bit more healthy with a natural shine, without feeling sticky or affecting the finished look. As with the other products available from the Miracle Moist range, the Australian Macadamia Nut Oil is the active moisturising ingredient in this product, and definitely leaves hair feeling nourished.
Therefore, I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who needs a little something that your hair might be lacking every now and then.

If you're a big Boots shopper, you've probably had No7 vouchers coming out of your ears, and just as well as there were so many new cosmetic launches, as well as a new skincare product, and they've proven to be popular with a money-off incentive! I will do in-depth reviews of individual products in the coming days, but my particular favourites have been the new Lovely Lashes mascara, the new Pop & Glow cream blush and the new Dark Circle Corrector. (Sadly, the vouchers did run out on Sunday 30th March..then again they've been out for well over a month, so more the fool you if you missed out!)

Finally, as a 3 for 2 offer was also on across makeup and beauty accessories, I just had to try and get my hands on the Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush. I'm a huge fan of their brushes, and cannot recommend them enough to customers and friends alike who want good quality brushes that perform well. Also, I still struggle to apply liquid liner at the best of times so I thought this would be the perfect brush to help me on my way. 

This brush is nothing like your traditional haired brush, (that sounds weird!), as it is just a silicone tip, therefore it is a lot sturdier when in use and won't fray, giving you easier control as you apply your eyeliner. Because of this, it is super easy to clean: takes just seconds and is dry in no time too! I've used the brush with both MAC's Fluidline Eyeliner Gel and No7's Stay Precise Liquid Liner and it really does apply any product smoothly and with stability, regardless of whether you're rock steady or are prone to the shakes (like me!). Also, the brush tapers to a point so you can use it just to add definition to the roots of the lashes for a more natural look, or go all-out with a thicker line and a winged-out finish. It is also great for tightlining the waterline, as the brush doesn't cling onto too much product and is flexible.
Hence, I would definitely recommend this product to anyone who wants the perfect eyeliner brush, especially if you struggle to apply liquid/gel eyeliner.

What have been your beauty favourites this month? Any new products which caught your eye and have lived up to their expectations? Leave your thoughts in the comments, I'm always on the lookout for new, affordable items to add to my collection :)