Easy Contouring | Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour Review

I am always looking for the new cheat for chiselled cheek bones. I suffer from baby face, a condition passed on from my mother where the face is cherub and round, no matter what diets you go on (*this is not a real condition). It also means that no matter how old I get I still get asked for proof of age when I am buying a lottery ticket or a packet of paracetamol. 

I love contouring! I have different powders and creams at various price points, all promising me cheeks like Angelina Jolie. I used to work at the Clinique head office and I really love their stuff so when I heard they had launched two new contouring products I was quick to snatch one up. The new Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour comes in one shade but there is also a highlighter to match. 

What they say

Glide onto bare skin or foundation to hollow out cheek bones or define the jawline. The swivel design means there is no need for a sharpener.

What I say

I applied my base as normal using my favourite Joan Collins Timeless Beauty First Base Foundation (review here) and used the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour over the top. The texture is really creamy and it is very matt, so there is no simmer that you get in a lot of bronzing products - perfect for this. I ran it along the hollow of my cheek bones and put a few dots on my temple. 

When I first applied the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour I was a bit scared of the colour. I am pretty pale and this is quite bronze so I thought it would really stand out. But after using my foundation brush to blend the product in I was really impressed with the result! The effect is subtle but noticeable, if that makes sense? Also... hello cheek bones! Where have you been hiding?

Perhaps this isn't a product I would use every day. It is quite a lot of effort to go to for my office job of sitting at a desk all day. But I love this for a night out or a special occasion, basically any time I may run into my future husband. 

Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

Have you used any contouring sticks? Any drugstore recommendations?

Stay beautiful
xoxo

Clinique Fresh Bloom in Almond Blossom Review

With winter really closing in and the weather becoming so blergh, I like to inject a subtle bronze sheen to my cheeks. Being so pale it is to easy to look constantly sick so I find a dab of blusher or a sweep of bronzer can really make a face. 

I have been using the Clinique Fresh Bloom in Almond Blossom for a while. Such love for it has resulted in a repurchase and I am now on my third one. It is just so pretty! 

Blush on left side | Right side nothing

What they say: Long-wearing powder creates a sheer, subtle radiance that looks fresh, stays fresh. Sweep over face for an allover luminous glow, or brush on cheekbones to highlight.

What I say: What is not to love with this bronzer? The packaging is super cute with the floral design and the tiny shimmer particles really makes the skin glow. I also find that the colour is really buildable and highlights all of the right places. This wouldn't make a good contour powder, stick to matte shades for that. But if you want to bring some warmth to the cheeks and temples then this is the powder for you! If you would like me to swatch it then let me know, I totally forgot! 

Fresh Bloom All Over Face Colour, £26.00

What is your favourite bronzer? Let me know in the comments! 

Stay beautiful

xoxo

p.s don't forget to follow me on Blogloving

Love at First Flutter | Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara Review

Been looking for the ‘it’ mascara of the summer? I have been trying out the new Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara in Black Onyx for a few weeks and I think I may have found it.

What they say: Out-to-there length and fine-tuned separation plus a feathery-soft look and feel after every buildable coat. All in a formula that stays put for up to 12 smudge-resistant hours, yet removes easily with warm water.

Before 

After 

What I say: I have totally fallen in love! This mascara creates beautifully natural looking lashes with the staying power of a waterproof mascara. It is also really easy to remove with warm water but it doesn’t budge through tears, sweat or rain! A bonus if you are heading to a festival this summer and you want something that will last just as long as you can. It is quite small so it doesn’t exactly last very long and you do have to apply a few coats to get this look. I have also used my MAC lash curlers in both pictures as I find my lashed need some added lift. But in saying that I really do rate this mascara!! 

Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara, £18.00

Are there any mascaras you have tried and loved?

Stay beautiful

xoxo

P.s sorry for the lighting and cropping. Made the mistake of taking photos at different times of day! Whoops!

Flawless Foundation | Moisture Surge CC Cream Colour Correcting Hydrator Review

Shhhhhhh!!!! I am revealing my biggest beauty secret here, you can probably tell what it is from the title. I worked at Clinique for a year and became totally hooked on a few of their products, they pop up through out my blog. People often ask my how my foundation looks 'flawless' and if I am wearing the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (also a love), but I'm not and I can't take all the credit. The Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Colour Correcting Hydrator is one of those products I will never again be able to live without. 

Light Medium

After (using Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream)

With foundation

What they say: One day, your skin looks 'different.' Too red, sallow, dull or ashy. Our guiding dermatologists know why. Skin's undertones change. Now, Smart Colour Correcting Technology helps change them back. In seconds, you look like the picture of health. Lasting, oil-free hydration and a sunscreen mean a more flawless look tomorrow, too.

What I say: On its own it acts as a colour corrector, evening out the skin tone and providing light coverage; similar to a tinted moisturiser. I have quite bad acne scaring so this alone would not be enough to conceal the redness and any blemishes.

So here is my secret, I use the Moisture Surge CC Cream as a primer. I like to use a flat foundation brush to apply a thin, pea size amount over my face. This evens out the colour and redness but doesn’t give me the coverage I need, so I follow with my foundation. Today I have decided to use Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions Makeup as I do not want it to look too thick and I want my skin so have a slight dewy sheen. Using the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush I then gently buff the foundation over the skin and blend it in with the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream. The finished look is all one colour, redness and shadows gone.

Some people have questioned if this is quite thick but actually it isn't if you partner it with the right foundation. I also found that the finished look is better if you layer the products rather than mixing the CC cream and foundation together. Another great thing is that there are sooooo many colours! You are bound to find one that suits your skin tone. At the moment I am using the shade Light Medium because it is summer, but I also have the lightest shade Very Light which is perfect for me during the winter when I have less colour.

If you have quite dry skin I would recommend a gentle weekly exfoliator, I have heard some people say it can stick to patches of dry skin. I have oily skin so I haven't found this. If like me you skin gets oily, I like to set the foundation with Estee Lauder Double Wear Pressed Powder, but some other setting powder would work just as well. 

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Colour Correcting Hydrator, £28.00

Stay beautiful

xoxo

My Hand Luggage Holiday Essentials

I am exhausted and I have just got back from a four day holiday. How is this possible? I did nothing.....apart from lazing by the pool and slapping on the SPF, I spent the 4 days eating my weight in paella and drinking like a fish late into the night. My family have been holidaying in the same Spanish resort for nearly 25 years and not being one to break tradition I hopped on a flight and spent a long weekend in the sun. 

In preparation I tipped the entire contents of my beauty stash onto my bed and starfished in them for a while. My house mates think I am crazy to have so much! As any beauty addict will know it is often painful to decide what to take on holiday, you never know what may be thrown at you and the warm weather requires extra strength products to stop you face looking like you have slapped on a melting mask. 

So these are my top picks for hand luggage holiday essentials -

1. Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair 6 Effect Serum

I try really hard to look after my hair. Highlighting it every few months had left is really dry and damaged. The effects of chlorine and intense sunlight on holiday do nothing to help banish the candy floss fuzz. I discovered a new hair hero in the Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair 6 Effect Serum and I am obsessed. After washing my hair I rub a pea size amount in to the ends of my hair, where most of the breakage is. It seals the cuticles and nourishes the split ends to prevent breakage, leaving it silky smooth and soft. I can't live with out this product and it saves my holiday hair.

3. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 Oil Free - Shade: Blush

If there is one product that you need this summer it is this one! I have never been much of a fan of tinted moisturiser, having struggled with acne I find they do not give enough coverage. Having been on Roacutane for a couple of months now my skin has cleared up considerably and so I can now get away with slightly less coverage. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 Oil Free gives the exact amount of coverage that you would want pool side. It blurs imperfections and evens out skin tone, but it gives a lovely natural dewiness to the skin that you don't get from thick foundations. It also has the added benefit of SPF and the tube lasts for ages. 

2. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF45 

My natural skin colour matches that of a cold chicken you find in a supermarket. Pale, slightly yellow and you can see every thread vein or skin follicle; so sexy. Because of this I need to protect the skin on my face with a relatively high SPF. The Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF45  is so light it can be used under your moisturiser or foundation. It comes out slightly tinted but once it is rubbed onto the skin the colour disappears. I love this product because it doesn't leave the thick greasy feeling on your face that some other facial SPF's leave. I am pleased to say my face was the only part of me that did not burn, the rest of the supermarket chicken got cooked! Ouch!

4. Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara - Shade: Black Onyx

I am having a bit of a Clinique fan girl moment. When I first tried this mascara I really wasn't keen. It dries up very quickly and you do need to add a few layers to get the lashes looking nice. But after taking it on holiday with me I am now obsessed! It coats each lash making them appear longer and fuller. The best part is that with even an excessive amount of sweat and pool time there was not a panda eye in sight.

Goldwel DualSenses Rich Repair 6 Effect Serum, RRP £9.60

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20 Oil Free, RRP £34.00

Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF45, RRP £26.00
Clinique Lash Power Feathering Mascara, RRP £18.00

Do you have any holiday essentials?

Stay beautiful

xoxo

What's On My Desk | The Beauty Edit

When I am sat at my desk all day I often find it helpful to have a few precious products to hand. Air conditioning and central heating can play havoc with your skin throughout the day. So I thought I would share my essentials with you!

1. Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray – This has been a saviour recently and I have got a few of my friends hooked on the stuff. When my skin is feeling dry and tight I spray the fine mist over my face. I find that it instantly soothes and refreshes my skin and it can be used over makeup too!
2. Jurlique Enriching Body Cream – I like to keep the skin on my arms as moisturised as possible. This body cream from Jurlique is ultra-nourishing but unscented which is great for not stinking out the office or drawing attention to my habit!
3. Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment – I have been on some medication that has made my lips really dry. Superbalm is really thick and really helps repair chapped lips quickly. I find that other products dry them out even more.
4. Melvita Argan Oil – A tiny tube of precious Argan oil, great for the cuticles or dry ends of the hair. It is great for taming flyaways if you are heading out for after work drinks.
5. Clinique Deep Comfort Hand & Cuticle Cream – I am a huge fan of hand cream, applying it constantly during the day. Paranoia that I will get wrinkly hands I think. Again, I like the unscented aspect of this hand cream and it absorbs quickly without leaving a nasty tacky feeling.
6. Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne – I am in love with this fragrance. I have written a review here. It is handy having some perfume on your desk, a quick spritz before a meeting or a lunch. 

Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray 

Jurlique Enriching Body Cream 

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

Melvita Argan Oil 

Clinique Deep Comfort Hand & Cuticle Cream 

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne 

Do you have any desk side products you love?

Stay beautiful 
xoxo

A Commuting Guide To Makeup

I have had this post sitting in the pipe line for nearly a month. I haven't posted it mainly because I lost the mentioned makeup bag on the mentioned commute. Meaning there are no photos to go with it. But I still stand by this post and the makeup mentioned is sadly missed.

I commute and spend half the week in London. Often I have to take only the essentials so that I'm not hauling a suitcase on and off the tube at rush hour, not fun! For me travelling light isn't exactly easy. I am a hoarder of bits of makeup and I worry even the most useless item may come in handy on a spur of the moment night out or a meeting at work. After a lot of practice I manage to only take what is essential to my London life and my London face.

Using the right make up bag is more important than you may think. Too big and you take every lip liner, eye shadow and your summer foundation (we all have one). But one too small means you may leave the basics, such as a concealer, then a pesky spot appear on date night! The best thing to do is pick the makeup first. Take what you seriously think you will need. Once you have your key essentials go out and buy the perfect make up bag.

Here are my current make up must haves for travelling light.

1. Primer & Moisturiser In One

Skin care and makeup companies alike are producing on trend products using science. An example of this are combined primers and moisturisers. Why carry two bottles when you can have one? My favourite at the moment is Decleor Aroma Purete Matte Finish Skin Fluid. It mattifies and moisturises at the same time, plus it comes in a cute pump bottle.

2. Foundation 

A good foundation is like a good bra. It supports you and makes you feel better about yourself. Without it you feel droopy and like everyone is looking at your nipples. I love Clinique's Anti Blemish Solutions Foundation at the moment. It comes in a handy small bottle, bit of a pain seeing as it's pricey but good for travel size.

3. Concealer

I take a bus to London at 4 in the morning. I get bags under my eyes and stress spots. I look pretty awful rocking around at that ungodly hour. Concealer is my best, best, best friend! It never lets me down and makes me look like I have had my 8hours sleep. In saying this I am not particularly loyal to a certain type. I swap between a few. Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer is creamy and gives good coverage. This is better when my skin is a little smoother. Clinique's Anti Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer is pretty great for spot prone skin. It has antibacterial ingredients that help fight spots as you wear it. The coverage is thick and just a tiny bit goes a really long way.

4. Setting Powder

Underestimating the power of setting your makeup could mean it melting down to your chin. It's something I have only discovered in the last year and I wish someone had told me earlier. The good ones absorb excess oil that builds up during the day, so your skin looks shine free and your foundation doesn't go for a stroll. Until a few weeks ago I swore by No 17 Miracle Matte Powder. It is cheap and does the job pretty well. But whilst in duty free I hopped on the Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation bandwagon and I don't want to ever get off.

5. Bronzer

Finishing the face with a sweep of bronzer or blush leaves you fresh and glowing. Use it correctly and you can make your face look thinner. I love NARS in Super Orgasm.

6. Mascara

Who doesn't love mascara?! It opens up the eye, making you look younger and fresh. Not something I exactly need, seeing as I'm a 24 year old living in a 19 year olds body. But it is essential. I struggle with finding a type that doesn't smudge. Bobbie Brown No Smudge Mascara that really does what it says on the tin, but at £18 it isn't exactly purse friendly and it dries out really quickly. I am trying the MAC Studio Fix Boldblack Lash and quite like it. It is easily layer but after some time does leave slight dark circles.

So there we have it. My commuting makeup. 

Decleor Aroma Purete Matte Finish Skin Fluid, RRP £23.20

Clinique's Anti Blemish Solutions Foundation, RRP £23.00

Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer, RRP £17.00

No 17 Miracle Matte Powder, RRP £5.49

Clinique's Anti Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer, RRP £14.00

Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation, RRP £20.50

NARS in Super Orgasm, RRP £21.50

Bobbi Brown No Smudge Mascara, RRP £18.00

MAC Studio Fix Boldblack Lash, RRP £14.00

If you have some must have products I would love to hear from you, just comment below.

Stay beautiful,

Xoxo

Chubby is sooo in right now...Clinique Chubby Stick Review

I very rarely wear lipstick during the day, mainly because I am lazy and can't be bothered to top it up. But with the lovely sunshine we have been having my lips are quite dry. If you follow the beauty news you will have heard of the new Clinique Chubby Sticks. These are basically posh lip balms with a selection of really gorgeous colours - I do love a good lip balm.

With 16 different shades in the collection I have three to show you. From left to right - Chunky Cherry, Woppin' Watermelon and Super Strawberry. 

Super Strawberry, Chunky Cherry, Woppin' Watermelon

The balms come with a crayon like tip for bold application  and although the colour is rather sheer it can be built upon. I love how easy these are to apply, no messy blotting that you do with lipsticks. The moisturising aspect is fab as well. Clinique has really developed the ultimate lip balm that is almost like a handbag accessory.

I am slightly obssesed with Wopping Watermelon at the moment and my lips are kissably soft ;). At £16 quid a pop the Chubby Stick's aren't cheap, but I do honestly think they are worth the money. Have you tried them?

You can buy them here - Clinique

Stay beautiful,
Pixie xoxo

Flutter them his way

Anyone that knows me knows I change my mascara like I change socks. Without this precious black liquid I look about 14, rejected when buying a lotto ticket and I can't really leave the house without it.

Recently I was invited to a Bobbi Brown make over evening and thought I should go along and gain the advice of the immaculate Bobbets who suggest products to lighten here and smooth out there. These women could sell ice to Eskimos and I left after buying so much make up in colours I will probably never use. On the other hand I did feel I had found the holly grail of the mascara world. Bobbi's No Smudge mascara is fantastic. There is no other word for it. It's great if you want to make your eye lashes fluttery and natural, rather than thick and false. Although, it can be built up if a faker look is what you want. It also does what it says on the tube, its no smudge and stays put all day....I know what you're thinking "BRILLIANT, grab my purse I'm off to House of Fraser". But hold on, there are some downsides. As fantastic as the product is its seriously difficult to remove with wipes or liquids and often I just had to leave it on, which wasn't good for the lashes. But I did find that Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleanser works a treat at getting it off. The other problem is the price. For me the size of the tube doesn't match the hefty price tag and it runs out pretty quickly. (No Smudge, £18, Clinique, £14.50)

All in all if you have money to burn then this mascara is totally fantastic and I would totally recommend it if like me your mascara smudges all the time.

This brings me onto the slightly cheaper and yet equally brilliant MAC Studio Fix mascara. I am usually not a fan of MAC's mascaras, I find they smudge and is perfect for those who love the panda look. But I like mine to stay on my lashes and not my face. It's also pretty good at making your lashes look thicker and gives a slightly more false appearance, good for nights out. It is also really good for shorter lashes and those who don't have many lashes to coat. For extra vavavoom use the MAC eye lash curlers before applying you're mascara. (Mascara, £13.50, Curler, £13.00).

Have you lovelies stumbled upon any great mascaras? I would love to know.

Pixie out xoxo