Product review | Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser

Hello lovelies!

Im back today with a product review! 

Recently I was so graciously sent some Bioré products from their new charcoal range! (not from Bioré themselves)

I hadn't heard too much about the new range so I was excited to give them a try.

Today I will be letting you all know what I thought about using their Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser.

Lets get straight into it!

Product claims

- Draws out and traps 2x more dirt & impurities than a basic cleanser

- Purifies pores

- Pores are twice as clean after one use

- Natural charcoal

- Oil-free

My skin type for the last year or two has become much more oilier than it use to be. Im not sure if this is a hormonal change or just something that has come about from the products I have used over the years. I would say it is combination/normal. Its not overly sensitive. I have slightly enlarged pores on my nose and they do hold a bit of oil/dirt. I get the occasional breakout along my jawline which is definitely stress/hormone related. Isn't being a girl fun!

For the last 5 years I have been using cleansers strictly from beauty salons (I am a qualified beauty therapist). They have all been top quality and have worked really well for my skin. Im all about trying new products, but I do believe that if you know products work for your skin to stick to them.

I was surprised when I first used this product with the way to made my skin feel. It had a very intense cooling effect. I didn't really like it and I wasn't expecting it. It doesn't state anywhere on the packaging about this, but in the ingredients list it does have menthol in it. However its not one of the main ingredients. You definitely need to keep this away from your eyes as its very strong, or at least I found it was.

I used this cleanser for about a month, and I wasn't impressed with it. I've never really suffered from blackheads on my face. My nose does hold a bit of oil but other than thats its always been pretty good. Once I started using this clearer my face freaked out! I started to get all these little bumps on my cheeks and forehead and actual blackheads on my cheeks. To be honest, I was going through a very stressful time with uni and relationship issues and that definitely plays a role in how your skin looks and feels. However now that I have stopped using it my skin has slowly started to go back to normal. 

I also didn't really like the texture of the product. Its quite a thick cleanser and lathers a lot when you add water. I prefer a thinner consistency cleanser. But thats just personal preference. 

I think I would like to test this out again and see if I can get past the bad state and see if it starts to clear. I just wasn't happy with how my skin was looking and needed to go back to my usual routine. you can see what products I currently use on my instagram! _thebeautyscoop. The post was about 17 weeks ago. 

Everyones skin is different, so don't think that just because this is how I feel about that you will have the same experience! This is just my personal opinion. 

Have you ever tried this cleanser? I would love to know what you thought! 

If you think you have the same skint type as me, let me know what products you have been loving down below.

xx Lucy

Leaked nudes | my nude lipstick collection

Hello lovelies!

Lately I have been loving wearing a nude lip, and I realised I have a little bit of a collection now so I thought it would share it with you all!

Every nude is different, some are really brown based and others have a hint of pink to them. No matter the shade, I will always try and pull them off. Some work better than others, but thats the fun of make up!

I have out together swatches of what they look like on, so lets get into it!

Please don't mind my dry lips, I was so motivated to do this I just had to go with it.

Australis velour lips matte lip cream - PA-REE

 I really love this colour I think its a very classic nude lipstick colour. They can be drying on the lips, but it's nothing a bit of lip balm can't fix!

Wet N Wild Megalast Lip Colour - Bare It All

This is a warmer toned nude, and one that I reach for a lot. You can pick this up from Crush Cosmetics  for around $5-$6, and they are amazing quality!

Chi Chi Viva La Diva - O.M.Nude!!

This was one of my first lipsticks to own, and its one of my favourites. They are super nourishing and really pigmented! amazing quality for 'drugstore' lipstick. I would consider this to be a dupe for Mac Velvet Teddy! 

look at the similarities! And for a fraction of the price, its definitely worth picking up!

Mac - Velvet Teddy

The ever so talked about, Velvet Teddy! Even though there are others out there that are extremely similar, there's nothing like owning the real thing. I jumped on this band wagon the second I heard people raving about it. Plus, Im a sucker for Mac lipsticks. 

It is one of the deeper nudes I own, it goes perfectly with a bold eye. 

Shanghai Suzy - Miss Leah Baby Cocoa

This is a really unique nude, I find it almost have a mauve undertone. This particular formula is super nourishing! I got this from the Shanghai Suzy website but they don't seem to stock it anymore!

NYX soft matte lip cream - Zurich

A beautiful warm toned nude. These lip creams are really soft on the lips, and super pigmented! This was the first one I got and at first I didn't really like it and now I'm obsessed! I sometimes layer it with the Australis velour lips and they go really nicely together.

SAVVY by DB - Iris

Similar to a few other colours in my little collection, but it came with a lipstick kit I picked up from Priceline a few weeks ago. You can find all the swatches of the kit here!

SAVVY by DB - Lily

I really love these super light nude colours, Im not sure if I can really pull them off but I give it a go anyway! I usually pair them with a simple eye look 

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate - 38

My mum actually bought this for herself but didn't like they way it looked on her so she gave it to me! Its a really pretty pink toned nude. I don't reach for it a lot but its still a nice colour

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Notting Hill Nude

Some people say this is also a dupe for Velvet Teddy, however it is a bit lighter and the formula is super nourishing! Its one of the creamiest lipsticks I own! 

So there it is, a whole lot of nude. I feel like I should stop now and start reaching for different colours but I just can't help myself. 

Have you found any amazing nudes you think I should add to my collection?

Comment down below!

xx Lucy

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation | First impression

Hello lovelies!

Im back again with a foundation first impression! I have done a few of the now. One on the Loreal 24Hr matte foundation   and one on the Maybelline matte + poreless fit me foundation . I really enjoy doing these so I might make them a regular blog feature!

During the Priceline 40% off sale I picked up the Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in one foundation. I have nerve tried a Covergirl foundation before so I thought what better time to try than now!

As usual, I tested it out on a day that I was going to work as I am always running around like a mad women. Its a good time to test out the durability of products!

Product claims

- All day flawless coverage

- Lasting power of a primer

- Coverage of a concealer

- Blendability of a foundation

I love that it comes in a pump bottle! Its much easier than having to pour the product from the bottle.

Application

I always use the same foundation brush when I test out foundations. Once I have pumped out on and a half pumps onto my hand I just apply the foundation in little dots over my face and grab my flat top foundation brush and blend away! 

It blends out really nicely. As its not a "matte" foundation the product does stay a tad wet on the skin. It sets nicely leaving the skin feel dewy to touch but it doesn't look shiny. 

It gives high coverage, my forehead was a tad sunburnt and it covered up the red really well on its own. Its also covered up the small spots I have on my chin.

It doesn't feel thick or heavy on the skin, it feels really comfortable.

now off to work I go!

9 hours later

After a busy day at work I was really surprised at how well the foundation held up!

My face has very minimal shine, and it doesn't feel thick or heavy like some foundations can start to feel.

It has come off my nose slightly but that could also be due to having dry flaking skin on my nose from the sunburn :( It hasn't separated on any other areas.

The coverage still looks good too! there are a few little bumps showing on my cheeks but thats about it.

There is no transfer when when I pat my face, which is another surprise! 

The verdict

I am so happy with this foundation! Its definitely held up to its claims. considering it isn't a foundation specifically for oily skins it really has kept the shiny look at bay. I will definitely be re-purchasing this! It may very well be my favourite drug store foundation as of yet.

Have you tried this foundation?

What did you think? Comment below and let me know!

xx Lucy

Savvy by DB lipstick kit | swatches and review

Hello lovelies! 

As you would have seen from my Priceline 40% off haul post, I recently picked up the SAVVY by DB Lipstick Kit.

It is a collection of 10 mini lipsticks ranging from nudes, pinks to red.

(priceline, 40% off sale)

I was really suprised at the quality of these lipsticks. They are extremely pigmented and super creamy. And for $6, that makes them just 60 cents each!  

The only downside is that you have to be careful taking of and putting on the lids, as they are mini they don't wind down all the way and I have already scratched one!

Its a great range of colours. Im really excited to try out some of the more vibrant ones, especially the orange!

Here are swatches of all the colours

Peony

A dark warm brown, beautiful for a fall look!

Iris

Beautiful nude colour, perfect for everyday make up

Rose

A deep rose pink

Tulip

slightly lighter than Rose, a beautiful spring pink

Orchid

Almost an electric pink, but a bit deeper. Very bright and vibrant!

Violet

Classic "hot pink". Great for a girls night out

Lavender

A gorgeous metallic/two toned purple 

the photo doesn't show it very well!

Lily

A pink toned 'salmon' nude

Daffodil

A vibrant, bright orange

Im excited to try out new looks with this colour!

Daisy

 Classic red lipstick, with a cooler tone

for just $6 for the set, I definitely think they are worth it. They would be great if you were just getting into the beauty/make up world and wanted a range of colours.

If you have seen these at your local Priceline, I highly recommend you pick them up!

The size is perfect to travel with, and great for a night out!

I think I want to add some more Savvy products to my collection, what are your favourites?

xx Lucy

Priceline 40% off mini haul | what did I get?

Hello lovelies!

I couldn't resist popping into Priceline and grabbing some bargains from their 40% off sale. I intended on getting a new foundation and concealer, and as usual I walked away with a lot more than that!

I didn't go overboard, but I definitely went over my poor uni student budget.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - waterproof 

I absolutely love this mascara so I decided to grab the waterproof version. Now that its starting to warm up (currently going to be 40 degrees today!) its a good idea to have a waterproof mascara for all of the beach days ahead!

Maybelline Colour Drama intense velvet lip pencil - Minimalist

I have two of lip pencils already and I absolutely love them! Im slightly regretting not just getting them all, but I don't think my bank account would have been very happy. 

These apply really nicely, they are super smooth, nourishing and highly pigmented. 

Its a gorgeous nude pink with a hint of shimmer

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 foundation

Im always on the hunt for new foundation to try, and the Maybelline fit me foundation was all sold out so I decided to give this one a try!

It was so hard to colour match in the store but I think I did pretty well. Could have gone a shade darker for when I tan but this matches my natural colour nicely.

It states it has lasting power of a primer, coverage of a concealer and blendability of a foundation. It does give good medium/full coverage, and is build able. It blends out nicely too. I haven't worn it out all day to test the lasting power so I will do a separate blog post all about it :) but so far, I'm liking it!

Australis Velourlips Matte Lip Cream - SHANG-HI

Let me just say, that when I walked up to the Australis section I couldn't grab this quicker! I have been wanting this colour for such a long time and its finally mine!

Its such a beautiful rich berry colour. I love the lasting power of velourlips. I will be wearing this colour A LOT!

SAVVY by DB Ultra Matte Lip Colour - Icon

This is a gorgeous bright fuchsia, perfect for warm spring days

I've never owned any savvy products but I'm impressed by this lipgloss so far. It has great lasting power and doesn't feel overly drying on the lips

Covergirl Ready, Set, Gorgeous concealer

I have never found a concealer that I absolutely love, there is always something about it that is a let down. I used the Maybelline fit me concealer and I did really like it, however It is always out of stock! While I was looking at covergirl foundations I noticed this concealer and it looked like it would be great to brighten underneath my eyes!

I have used it a few times. It applies nicely however it doesn't conceal dark circles well. I do have a salmon concealer that neutralises dark circles so I can use that underneath. Its so hard to find a good concealer. If you have an all time favourite, let me know!

SAVVY by DB nourishing lip liner - Natural

Im always in need of a nude lipliner, and these babies were originally around $6 so with 40% off thats a win! It feels really soft when you apply it but it still has good pigmentation. Some nourishing lipliners can be too soft and therefore they don't have as much pigmentation. Im hoping this goes nicely with Mac Velvet Teddy <3

SAVVY by DB Lipstick Kit

I saw this cute little kit of 10 mini lipsticks for only $6 and I couldn't resist!

It has a great colour range and the lipsticks are really pigmented!

Im doing a separate blog post which will be up next week with swatches and a review of what I think.

Im sure people did much more damage than me, But considering I have a pretty tight budget at the moment this was a bit of a splurge. Im really excited to experiment with all of my new lip colours! 

What did you get at the 40% off sale?

link me to your hauls below!

xx Lucy

heart to heart | Why I stepped away from blogging

Hello lovelies!

As some of you may have noticed, I have been a bit absent lately. I try to get a blog post up each week, but with everything that I have had going on at the moment that hasn't been possible.

--

Have you ever felt so incredibly sad that the things that use to make you happy just don't cut it? Thats exactly how I have been feeling for the past 2 -3 months. Its hard to focus on anything when all you want to do is stay in bed and hide from the world.

When you have everything you have ever wanted, and your making all these amazing decisions that will define the rest of your life, Its a very exciting feeling. I was incredibly happy with   everything. Then things started to fall apart.

                                                   --

When someone you love leaves you, it breaks you. When you have done everything in your power to make them happy and it isn't enough, you feel useless. When they turn to someone else for attention, you lose all self confidence.  

I knew I needed to stay 100% focused on uni, so I pushed blogging aside. I was doing really well and I didn't want to lose that. 

A lot of things lead to us breaking up. Some I understood, but others I just couldn't understand. 

I made the decision that I needed some space and that we shouldn't talk for a little while. Although I so wanted to have him in my life even after everything that happened, It just wasn't good for me. Exams were coming up and I didn't need any more pain that what I was already going through. 

Now that university has finished and I have a lot of free time I find myself thinking about everything that happened and its getting hard to stay distracted. Its so tempting to pick up the phone and call him. Thats why I need to start blogging again. Not only because I have loyal readers, but for myself. I need to drag myself out of the state that I am in.

I sometimes wake up and dread the day. It use to happen often, but it's slowly going away. Sometimes I wake up happy, other times not so much. I can usually turn myself around and focus on all of the good things. But when someone was your rock, the person you loved and wanted to spend all of your time with and then they hurt you so much that you don't think you will ever be ok it's very hard to get out of that head space.

I know I will be ok, I don't need anyone in my life to make me happy except myself. It just takes time.

Im writing this more for myself than anyone else. I feel that I need to get it out. Im sure some of you will appreciate me being honest, but I honestly wouldn't even care if no one reads this. Its just things I needed to get off my chest.  

I am going to try my best to get at least one blog post up a week, maybe even two! I have so many ideas and I'm excited to get back into it!

I hope you guys don't mind a different side of me.

If you have ever gone through anything that has made you step away from something you loved, just know that it is ok. Sometimes life needs to be dealt with. It will still be there when your ready <3

xx Lucy

Maybelline Matte + Poreless Fit Me foundation | First Impression

Hello lovelies!

Im back with another first impression post!

There has been a lot of hype about the new Maybelline Fit me foundations, So of course I had to add it to my collection.

I went to my local Coles when they were having a half price sale and got the Matte + Poreless foundation as I find my skin can get very oily, especially when I don't use matte foundations. the colour I wanted wasn't in stock so I went with Sun Beige. Its definitely too dark I, but I have managed to mix it with some of my lighter foundations so I can wear it.

Lets get straight into it!

Product claims

- For normal to oily skin

- Mattifies and refines pores

- Matches natural tone

- Natural, seamless finish 

The packaging is very nice, however I do wish it had a pump.

Application

The product applies really nicely. Its easy to blend and gives medium to full coverage.

I found it didn't try too quickly to give you time properly blend out the foundation.

It felt light on the skin and very comfortable.

7 and 1/2 hours later

I had been at work all day and checked my face just before I was heading home.

I noticed that the foundation had separated on my chin and nose. You could start to see my pores and blemishes.

My skin no longer had a matte finish as the shine had come through, especially on the forehead.

10 hours later 

I left the foundation on for a few more hours once I had been home.

It had completely come off my chin, and my whole face felt very oily and looked super shiny.

It didn't feel thick or heavy, but it didn't look nice.

The verdict

Even though the matte effect of the foundation didn't last all day, I was still happy with the foundation. I loved the way it applied and made my skin look. I have worn this many times since, and after simply applying powder throughout the day to keep the shine at bay really helps.

As the product doesn't state that it lasts for a specific time frame, I can't say this product doesn't do what it states.

For a drug store product, I think its definitely a great foundation. If you had normal skin, I think you would really love it! Considering I got it half price, Im not to fussed about the matte effect not lasting all day. As its too dark, I will wait until it is on sale again to get the lighter shade.

Whats your favourite matte foundation? Id love to do more first impressions so leave a comment down below!

xx Luct