Project Empties #19

This month I have been focusing on working through the stash of sample size products that I have. I was saving them for occasions where I travel and need smaller size products, however I haven't got any travel plans for the near future, so it made sense to use them.

Of the products that I finished this month, I would repurchase the L'Occitane Essential Oils 3 Shower Gel, which I really liked the scent of, even though it isn't a scent I would usually go for. It has a mix of mint, pine and rosemary essential oils in and smells like a lovely mix of them and almost has a citrusy twist to it. I would also repurchase the Boots Vitamin E facial oil. I have a review of the Superdrug one here, but it also applies to the Boots one as they are basically the same thing. The Superdrug Aqua Hydrating Serum is another product that I would buy again, as it left my skin feeling soft and hydrated all day long. It has a light-weight consistency and sinks into the skin really quickly.

I'm undecided about whether or not I would repurchase the Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover, as it did a fairly good job at removing my eye makeup. However I don't usually like oily makeup removers, as they tend to leave an oil residue. The Avene Redness Relief Moisturiser is another product I'm unsure about. It has a rather plasticky smell, which I didn't really like and at first I didn't think it had much of an effect on my skin. However, after about 10 minutes, the redness in my skin did look decreased and my skin looked evened out, but on a day to day basis, I don't have the time to wait 10 minutes for my moisturiser to sink in and even out any redness. I can't really remember the scent of Thierry Mugler Alien, as I finished the sample at the beginning of the month. It's definitely a scent that I wouldn't have chosen straight away, as I tend to opt for sweeter perfumes. However, as far as I can remember, I grew to like it but unfortunately the sample ran out once I had changed my mind! I'll have to go and have a sniff at this next time I'm out shopping to see whether or not I actually like it.

I wouldn't repurchase the Clinique All About Eyes eye cream. I got this free with Glamour magazine a while back and when I first started using it, I really enjoyed it and bought a few back ups. Now, I'm not sure about it as I don't feel like it really did much.

What have you finished this month?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Review: YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

I bought the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation on a complete whim. Debenhams had 10% off and I had £5 to spend on my beauty points card, so I bought it. I never do that when it comes to makeup purchases, especially high end makeup, as I usually read reviews extensively before deciding to buy something.

I have the shade BD20. The SA originally matched me to B40, but I eventually decided that it was too dark. BD20 is a perfect match for my NC15 skin.

This foundation has a light-medium coverage. It is definitely buildable, as I like to use 2 layers and it gives a flawless, dewy finish. It has a fresh, almost cucumbery smell which is pleasant and not overpowering. Even though my skin is a little drier now that it's coming into the winter months, it doesn't cling to any dry patches. I like to powder down the centre of my face and I find it lasts fairly well on my skin and fades evenly. I get a little shine on my forehead by lunchtime, but that's nothing a little powder or blotting paper can't fix. I occasionally mixing it with a little MAC Studio Fix Fluid and I find it gives a nice balance between dewy and matte and helps the lasting power.

If you would like to see what it looks like on the skin, I was wearing it in my recent Autumn face and outfit post and my new glasses post.

Have you ever tried this foundation?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

Autumn Face and Outfit

After my last FOTD, I decided to try to post them more so you can see what products I am using frequently, as I review products that I try but there are some staples that I have never actually reviewed that are part of my everyday arsenal. This FOTD also leads into my next post, which will be a review of the foundation I am wearing.

Face:

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

Benefit It Stick

Benefit Dallas

Eyes and eyebrows:

Urban Decay Halfbaked (all over the lid)

Collection 2000 Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner

Soap and Glory Thick & Fast Mascara

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil in Black/Brown

Lips:

MUA Lipstick Shade 1

I also wore black tights (Primark), black ballet pumps (Topshop), my trench coat (Michael Kors) and a big woolly scarf (Zara) - not pictured, sorry.

This kind of outfit has become one of my Autumn wardrobe staples. It's very simple, but super comfortable and it means I can transition some of my summery bottoms into the Autumn/Winter months. I have at least 4 floral skirts that I wear to death during the summer months, but I feel they go to waste a little during the colder months, so I have been pairing them with a cozy knit, a pair of opaque black tights and a chunky scarf and I really like the way it looks.

What has been your Autumn/Winter staple?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy

UK/USA Swap

I recently did a drugstore makeup swap with Jawharah (Youtube: JawharahS2), who lives in the USA and I was so excited when I received my parcel last week. I absolutely love everything that she bought for me and I thought I'd share pictures and swatches of the products I received!

From L-R: Wet n Wild Heather Silk, Wet n Wild Mellow Wine, Wet n Wild Pearlescent Pink, NYX Taupe, NYX Mocha

From L-R: NYX Walnut, Wet n Wild Lust Palette, NYX Peach Bronze

From L-R: Wet n Wild Spiked with Rum (I love that name!), Wet n Wild Just Peachy

I absolutely love everything and I'm so excited to play around with all the products! You can check out Jawharah's video of the things I got her here.

Have any of you ever done an international swap?

Thank you for reading. xoxo, Joy