Man Friday - Murad Time Release Blemish Cleanser

This week Andrew has done a review on Murad Time Release Blemish Cleanser:

"As a male in my late twenties, who has suffered from spots and breakouts since my teens, a face wash that is going to control the amount of oil my skin produces is pretty important to me.  Everyone’s skin is different but for me the Time Release Blemish Cleanser £29 by Murad ensured my skin was thoroughly cleansed and oil free for most of the day - something other cleansers don’t even come close to.  The product also contains an anti-ageing formula, which up until now I have never looked for in a cleanser but is an added bonus in keeping my skin looking young and fresh at the same time as keeping it clear.

Murad is an American product, made in L.A. We all know how much they value their looks, so if it’s good enough for Hollywood, it’s good enough for me!"

* I received this sample in my Glossybox and sent it to Andrew to review for me.

Shu Uemura eyelash curlers

I want to buy some eyelash curlers, which ones are the best? Evie

In my opinion the best eyelash curlers are by Shu Uemura.  I've had mine in my kit since I started doing makeup and they are still going strong.  At £20 they are not the cheapest on the market but I think they are worth every penny.  You can buy them at Space NK or check out their website for the store locator.

Some Beauty trends for this Autumn

Grey nails

Super highlighted sculpted skin

Burgundy lipstick

NARS eyeshadow "Night Clubbing"

I want to buy a black sparkly eyeshadow that has the wow factor - what can you suggest? Lara

When it comes to eyeshadows with a punch I think NARS make some of the best.  Their "Nightlife" collection contains sparkly eyeshadows and the black eyeshadow in the range is called Night Clubbing £16.50 - its's black with gold pearls and a hint of green.  It's highly pigmented so great for doing a smoky eye look and you can use it wet to create a line.  I've used this eyeshadow on a night out and it looks great, however make sure you use an eye primer before applying and apply your foundation and concealer after Night Clubbing as it has a tendancy to drop.

NARS eyeshadows are available from their website, Space NK and some department stores.

Rebel Nails

Rebel Nails are the UK's leading brand of art design nail wraps and when I received some in my monthly glossy box I asked my friend Kali-Rose to test them out for me.  Here's what she thought:

"The Rebel Nails looked fantastic and I could not have achieved such an accurate and consistent pattern using different nail varnishes myself. When I wore them lots of people commented on how good they looked.  They stayed on well and lasted a couple of days, so would be good for a special occasion (their website says they can last up to 14 days on fingers).  There are instructions on the website of how to apply which are easy to follow.  You just peel them off the backing then apply to your nails.  You have to apply heat for 10 seconds when you've put them on, so you must be careful as I burnt my fingers holding them too close under the hairdryer!   After application you just shape them with a nail file.

I definitely think they are worth the price of £7.99 and there are loads of different patterns to choose from so you'll never get bored of them.  I saw on the website some Christmas Pudding nails wraps - so cute!

When you want to remove your Rebel Nails make sure you account for all of them as my Mum found some stuck to her shoes and in odd places around our home for a while afterwards - oops!"

I'm away for a few days so blog posting returns on Monday x

Green People's Fruit Nights

I received a 10ml sample of Green People's Fruitful Nights in my glossy box this month.  It was recently voted 'Best Miracle Skin Worker' by Natural Health Beauty magazine 2011 and I can see why.

If you don't know Green People the company was created in 1997 and all their products are 90%+ natural and organic.  I've used their products over the years and always been a fan.

Fruitful Nights is a night cream that smooths blemishes and imperfections, whilst lifting away dead skin cells and minimising fine lines (if you have drier skin you can use their Vitamin Fix on top for extra moisture).  I've used this a couple of times and my face definitely felt smoother the next day with a little glow.  Oh and I haven't mentioned the smell - it's delicious!

If you want to smooth out your skin and like your products to be natural, I think you will really like this. (I wouldn't recommend this for those with super sensitive skin as it does slightly tingle when it goes on and may cause a slight irritation). The price is so reasonable and at the moment it's even cheaper as they have 33% off on the Green People website so it's down to the bargain price of £9.95.

No blog post today Readers, blog posting resumed tomorrow thanks x

Mac Cosmetics

If you like Mac Cosmetics UK but don't live near a branch, you might like to know that until midnight on 21st September they are offering free delivery on all orders.  No offer code necessary just shop and go!

Dermalogica Active Moist

I am a huge fan of Dermalogica because their beauty products actually work (unlike some other brands!) and I’ve always got at least 3 items on-the-go at home.  I always recommend Dermalogica to both men and women because it is for both sexes and the packaging has a functional, utilitarian look that doesn't put the men off.

I recently repurchased the Active Moist moisturiser “A lightweight, oil-free lotion for daily moisture protection that actively combats surface dehydration while smoothing the skin’s surface with botanical extracts. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour.”

It sinks in very easily and manages to hydrate the drier areas of my face (cheeks), whilst making sure the t-zone does not get oily, a difficult job that not many moisturisers could handle.

The prices are just right for what you are getting and some of the products are concentrated so last a long time.  Active Moist is usually about £28 for 50ml but Beauty Flash have it online for £21.99. 

Sunday Commandments

Thou shalt use plum

If you have black skin try a plum blusher such as Mac's "Breezy" - gorgeous!

Saturday Suggestions

For a softer eyeliner effect use black eyeshadow along the lash line.  Use a small angled brush like the one above by Mac (No 263) and wet the brush before dipping into the eyeshadow.

MAN FRIDAY - Dr Organic

I have slightly oily skin and would like a face wash that's not too expensive.  James

You might be interested in the Dr Organic natural skin care range.  I'm a big fan of this range as it uses natural organic ingredients where possible, as well as bioactive ingredients, no mineral oils and preservatives only where necessary.  Their Organic Tea Tree range is great for oily skin as it helps to dry out oiliness and blemishes as well as being suitable for use on problem skin conditions.  It contains Tea Tree Oil, Mandarin Oil, Lemon Oil and Witch Hazel which are all mildy antisepctic and leave the skin clean and refreshed without stripping it of natural oils

One of the reasons I like this range are the prices, you get great ingredients without paying a lot and this face wash is only £6.19 available at Holland and Barrett.

Adele - Vogue Magazine

How gorgeous does Adele look on the front cover of Vogue this month!  If you would like to recreate Adele's makeup here's a tutorial by the brilliant Pixiwoo, with a step-by-step guide:

Pixiwoo

Eve Lom Kiss Mix lip balm

A few months ago I had a crazy half hour and bought a lip balm that cost £14 in Liberty's, Regent Street.  I thought it was slightly expensive but after looking online found out it's actually a mid-range price in the world of lip balms, so didn't feel so guilty afterwards!

It wasn't just any old lip balm but Eve Lom's Kiss Mix lip balm - a rich and very hydrating balm that tingles when you first put it on, due to the menthol.  The texture is thick and glossy so only a small amount is needed and when you've applied it your lips feel soft.  It contains zinc oxide which is a natural sunscreen so ideal for the summer months.

I probably use this every other day (once a day) and have only got through about a third of a pot, so when you work that out it's actually value for money.

If you want a very hydrating lip balm that is glossy not waxy, I think you might like this.

Burt's Bees Spa Range

I've been reading in blogland that Burt's Bees have a new 'Body Spa Range' out.  There are 3 types of products - Body Butters, Body Scrubs and Body Soaps in three flavours - Revitalising Mango & Orange, Replenishing Cranberry & Pomegranate and Relaxing Honey & Shea.

I haven't tried any of these yet but as a lover of Burt's Bees I've got a feeling they will be great.

Has anyone tried this new range?

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I always smudge my bottom lashes when applying mascara but like wearing mascara so what can I do?  Abbie

You are in luck because Clinique has a mascara called the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara £10 which has been made specifically for your bottom lashes.  It sounds like a gimmick but it actually works really well.  The brush is very small so perfect for those tiny lashes on the bottom and the formula is long-wear and doesn't smudge or flake.  It's also good for those tiny lashes in the corner which are hard to reach with a larger size wand.

Just remember to wiggle the wand when applying for perfect application!

Beautiful New York

I got married in New York so it holds a special place in my heart.  My thoughts go out today to those effected by the events of 9/11 xx.

Saturday Suggestions

If you want to try a lighter version of your foundation mix it with a little moisturiser, it will then look sheerer on the skin.

MAN FRIDAY - Recommended reading

Always impeccably dressed George Clooney

For those guys who enjoy reading about style, I thought I'd introduce you to my husband's favourite blog - "A Suitable Wardrobe".  Written by Will Boehlke, this award winning blog talks about all aspects of dressing with style.  Read and enjoy!

A SUITABLE WARDROBE

ELF Cosmetics Lipsticks

If you like a bargain you might be interested in these ELF Cosmetics UK Studio Matte Lip Colour lipsticks which are on sale at the incredible price of £1 today (usually £3.50).

Use code MATTELIP and you must get in quickly because the offer runs out at 3pm today (minimum purchase £5).

Boots No 7 Limited Edition Double-Ended Pencil

I just bought the No 7 Limited Edition Double-Ended pencil £9 as I had a couple of the No 7 £5 vouchers to use, so it only cost £4.   It's a great idea as you get 2 pencils in 1 and I chose the dark brown/ivory.  The pencil is not as soft as some eyeliners but it's not so hard that it would drag on the skin, you can use it to draw a line across the lid or on the waterline.  The best thing about this pencil is the ivory at the other end, it's not white which can look harsh, it's a softer ivory colour and is good to use when you want to neutralise any redness on the waterline and give a wide awake look.

If you want a day-to-day, not particularly glamorous but does the job, duel-ended pencil then this is a good choice.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation

I want to buy a new foundation which is good quality and very light on the skin (I have fair skin) but gives coverage?  Kate

Earlier this year Chanel bought out Vitalumiere Aqua, a new foundation to add to their range of other brilliant foundations.  This foundation is very watery and light (similar to MAC's Face & Body Foundation) and you only need a small amount for the whole face.  It's light but it covers well without looking at all heavy and gives a semi-matte finish with a slight glow. The packaging is plastic so it's easy to carry around and travel friendly.  The price is £31 which is not cheap but you are getting a premium quality foundation.

A tip:  you need to shake the bottle before every application!

Boots Vitamin E Gentle Eye Cream SPF 15

Do you know how difficult it is to find a day eye cream with spf in?  Really difficult!  I wanted to try a new eye cream for daytime recently but had to scour the shelves at Boots to find one.  Most of the top brands have eye creams but without spf which I find peculiar because that is the place where you the most want sun protection.

Eventually I found Boots own brand Vitamin E Gentle Eye Cream £2.54 with spf 15 - phew!  This is actually a nice, easy eye cream that goes on smoothly without being heavy and seems to have a slight brightening effect under the eyes, which is always a good thing.  The price is also very, very reasonable.

Boots you saved my day, yet again. 

No blog post today Readers, I've not been able to access a pc. Blog posting resumed Monday thanks xx

MAN FRIDAY

This week I thought I would introduce you to some male grooming websites which you might find interesting.  Mankind and Niven & Joshua sell products which are high-quality with a lot of new brands not seen yet on the high street.  Taylor of Old Bond Street sells traditional shaving paraphernalia for those who take their shaving seriously. Click below to check them out.

MANKIND

NIVEN AND JOSHUA

TAYLOR OF OLD BOND STREET

Mama Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer

Heather has done a review on Mama Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer

“I was given this in a gift pack recently as I’d had a baby 8 months ago.  I was drawn to the Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer £29.50 first because I’d noticed that since I’d had my baby the skin on my décolletage has become slightly crêpey. 

This is definitely not say a bust firmer as I believe only exercise and surgery could help a drooping bust but as a skin smoother it is excellent.  On the pack it promises that in a week you will notice a difference – a big promise!  I started using it every night and I did notice that within a week my skin looked a lot smoother.

The smell is delicious and luxurious but quite hard to describe, I would say it smells like it contains lots of good-quality ingredients, which it does.  Some of the ingredients contained in it are: Evening Primrose Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Shea Butter, Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, CoQ10 and Milk Thistle.

It’s not at the cheaper end of the market but I would highly recommend this to anyone, not just new mothers, who have noticed loss of elasticity around the neck and décolletage area.”