Bourjois Bronzing Primer

Do you ever just pop into Boots and then end up with a couple of purchases that were never intended? Yeah that...

I had seen reviews of this on Sunday Girl and Gemsmaquillage as well as a few other blogs and so it wasn't a surprise that this accidentally made its way into my shopping basket and onto my dressing table. I have been coveting the Soleil Tan de Chanel *remembering that 5 lustful minutes in duty free where my head did finally overrule my heart (or my bank account)* and rumours are that this is a pretty could dupe.

This isn't like a cream blush or a mousse like the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse its more of a whipped cream consistency. It smells of chocolate orange, which was an unexpected surprise and luckily the scent doesn't transfer onto the skin once it has been applied. 

I had anticipated using this as a product to contour on my 'summer' face but I have actually been using this as an all over bronzer. I'm not sure the colour would be right for my skin all year, but right now it is pretty much a good colour booster and isn't looking orange. I've applied using both fingers and a stippling brush and have been happy with both finishes.

This product has currently replaced my trusted and much loved Bobbi bronzer. I don't think this is shimmery at all, but it doesn't provide the same matte finish of the Bobbi. I can use this on top of my Laura Mercier tinted mosituriser and still feel like it is just my skin but better, perfect for lazy summer days and more importantly lazy summer make up!

Have you tried this product or anything else for this range? Do you have any other recommendations for that coveted summer glow?

An old friend

The YSL touche eclat concealer is an old, but long forgotten friend of mine. I used to purchase this religiously when I was at University (despite thinking I was incredibly poor). But when real life set in, with rent, bills and work I just couldn't afford this any more. I found some great dupes, namely L'oreal and No.7 and these were working just fine, and at a fraction of the cost.

But recently I've had a craving for this product, and when my No.7 ran out, I just went for it. The thing with dupes is that they are generally just not quite as good and long-lasting. I now remember that gorgeous luxurious gold packaging, and the weight of the metal pen, and the little touches such as the beautifully embossed YSL logo on the cap. 

I went for shade 2.5 after being matched by the consultant (the same as when I used to purchase it 5 years ago), this has more pinky undertones because I want to brighten my eye area rather than cover up dark bags. I had forgotten, just how good this is. It totally lifts your face, and provides a great brightening effect without adding sparkle.  It's difficult to describe what it actually does, but it just makes that eye area look better.

I dab on little spots using the brush, and include in that the inner corners of my eye, I then use my ring finger to gentley spread and pat in to the skin to avoid any strenuous pulling of the eye area. The formula is very creamy and so this is easy to do.Bear in mind that a little goes a long way with this. The result is a gorgeous dewy finish, with no creasing in those fine lines that are starting to appear.

A very welcome addition to my ever increasing make up collection!



*Nars Dupe* KIKO Blusher

This was a purchase from months ago, after my first visit to Westfield in Stratford and my total make up freak out when I found KIKO - that shop is totally amazing!

I indulged in some nail items and skin care, but this is one of the stand out products, mainly because I could not believe my little green eyes when I realised how closely it resembled Nars Orgasm blusher. 

First the packaging. It is in the Nars style rubber like packaging with KIKO in emblazoned on the front in white. The only thing with this material, and just like Nars is that it shows up all of the marks. It is also a much smaller compact, with a full lid size mirror in the top, perfect for on the go applications.

The colour is apparently Golden Peach (it just gives a number on the packaging) but I think it is definitely more pink, with those golden flecked undertones that make the Nars equivalent so coveted. A quick sweep, gives a light flush, but it definitely builds nicely into something more vibrant if that is your thing. It's not quite as smooth to apply and isn't quite as long lasting as the Nars product, but for almost £20 more for the 'designer' version that would be expected, and this isn't really a negative for the product. I totally love this and would definitely treat myself to some more KIKO products if I'm ever lucky enough to be in Stratford again.

The blushers can be brought from KIKO online for £7.50 which I think is a totally bargain price. 

Have you found any Nars Dupes recently?