Poundland’s Make Up Gallery ‘Smoothly Does It’ Pressed Powder in Translucent Review

A quick search through my blog and you will see how much I love the Poundland’s Make Up Gallery range. I have dabbled around with their nail paint, lipstick, and concealer, and now I have decided to try out their face powder too.

The beautifully named ‘Smoothly Does It’ pressed powder comes in 4 fabulous colours; translucent, sand, natural beige, and honey beige. All 4 colours look pretty light however so they may not be of any use to darker skinned ladies. For those of you who have followed my blog a while and have seen my face crop up on my blog posts here and there, you will realise I am a very pale girl so I opted for the lightest powder available; translucent. It may look white in the pictures above but it was pretty much the same colour as my skin although I might invest in the shade up next time as there was not much colour difference between the two.

This pressed powder, like the name suggests, is really smooth and glides on the face easily. I also found this powder to be really light and not much powder actually transfers on to my makeup brush, which is good if you only want a light coverage.

I have never actually used powder as part as my daily makeup routine prior to this but I suffer from shine sometimes and thought powder could prevent this and help my makeup set better, giving me a flawless finish. And I found it really did reduce shine too.

I loved that it’s a light powder as some can feel clumpy and heavy on the face. It also isn’t noticeable as  some powders can make the skin appear dry and patchy.

Overall, it is a great powder if you want a light coverage and to reduce shine. There are better powders available but for a £1, it’s a good buy.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Glorious Mud Facial Exfoliator Review

I am always looking for new ways to achieve better and clearer skin, and after recently trying Glorious Mud Deep Cleansing Facial Mask, I decided it was about time I started exfoliating too and so last time I was in my local Bodycare, I picked up a bottle of Glorious Mud Facial Exfoliator for just £1. Bargain!

I really like the clay formula to this exfoliator; it’s the perfect texture and is not too thick but not too watery either, which makes it easy to apply. And a little bit really does go a long way! Simply pour a small amount of exfoliator in to your hands and then gently massage on to your face in a circular motion, ensuring you cover the whole face, then rinse off with clean water.

Use this product 1 – 2 times a week; over exfoliating can lead to redness and irritation (to name a few) to the skin so it is important to not over-indulge in this product.

Since using this product I have definitely seen and felt a huge difference to my skin; my face is clearer and softer, with less dry skin occurring.

Glorious Mud Facial Exfoliator unclogs pores and clean dead skin cells, and also helps renew skin for a better complexion.

This is a great product to use and because you only have to use it 1 – 2 times a week, it means you don’t have an extra beauty regime to add on to your probably already large skin-care routine. I really think this has helped my skin a lot and I will definitely be using this all the time from now on.

Overall Rating: 5/5

My New Makeup Brushes from Savers

So recently, I have decided my bad habits need to stop and that includes using my hands to apply makeup. I know it’s really unhygienic to apply foundation using my hands but every time I have used a makeup brush in the past it has left lines on my face or made my skin look dry and my makeup clumpy. Recently however, my skin has started to look shinier that usual and I thought by using makeup brushes, it might allow my makeup to be applied more evenly and reduce shine so when I was next in my local Savers, I bought a foundation and powder brush for £1 each.

They are both very simple brushes with long handles for easy grip. They are both easy to clean too; just wash them in mild soapy water and lightly pat dry on a towel.

Foundation Brush

I use a matte cream based foundation and found this was perfect for applying and blending in my foundation. The bristles are small and makes applying around small areas such as your nose and t-zone easy. It didn’t leave any lines on my face either but instead gave me a flawless finish. I will definitely be applying my makeup with this from now on.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Large Powder Brush

I actually don’t usually use powder but recently I have been suffering from a horrible shine and wanted to reduce that so have recently started using powder. I found this powder brush was perfect for applying my powder and the brush is large and fluffy that makes blending in powder easy. It’s great for an even coverage.

For just £1 each, these brushes are fantastic and helps you get a more even, flawless finish.

Overall Rating: 5/5

iCare Makeup Remover Wipes Review

I am all for the cheaper things in life which is why I always use iCare Makeup Remover wipes. After all, you can buy 3 for £3 in Bodycare and you can choose from cucumber or citrus scented wipes, or even mix and match if you prefer. I always go for cucumber however (as seen above) as I think these wipes have a fresher smell to them, leaving skin smelling great.

These are not the wettest of wipes however and it usually takes 2 to remove makeup completely but for the small price, I don’t really think that matters as much as maybe it would have if I have bought a more expensive brand. It does claim to remove all traces of makeup quickly and easily but again I am not so sure that claim lives up to its name seeing as I usually have to use 2 to get rid of all my makeup.

I do love the smell of these “cooling cucumber” makeup wipes though; they smell really fresh and clean and will leave your skin feeling great afterwards. Each packet contains 25 wipes.

The wipes contain vitamin E and aloe vera  so your skin is sure to stay looking healthy and radiant. They are also alcohol free so will not upset your face and lead to any nasty breakouts.

For a cheap makeup remover wipe that does the job, these are great but if you are looking for something a little more effective, maybe you should look elsewhere.

Overall Rating: 3/5

Glorious Mud Deep Cleansing Facial Mask Review

I look so beautiful in a mud facial mask, right? Oh, the things I do for the benefit of you beauty fans out there.

I don’t use face masks very often but when I do, I want one where I can actually feel the benefit once I’ve taken it off. I want my pores to feel tight and my skin soft and smooth to the touch and this ‘Glorious Mud Deep Cleansing Facial Mask’ does just that.

I wanted to buy something I could use over and over again (I hate the individual face masks you can buy as it means I always have to run out and buy a packet every time I fancy a pamper session) and so when I discovered this 100ml mud face mask, I knew it would be perfect for me. And a little really does go a long way! When you squirt a bit of this facial mask on to your hands, you will see it is the perfect consistency (not too watery but not too thick) which means it is easy to apply and rub in to your face and a small amount will cover your entire face. Simply leave this mask on for 10 – 15 minutes (until it is hard) and then you are ready to wash it off and be greeted to a silky smooth face at the end.

I like how this mud mask goes hard (some I have used have stayed watery/liquid-based) as it really feels like the mask is doing good things to your face when it is on. And it is a quick-drying/fast-acting face mask that only needs to be left on for 10 – 15 minutes so you can use it just before you go out to ensure you have radiant skin all night long.

The only negative I would say about this product is that it can look like really bad OTT fake tan when you have it on (but it probably doesn’t help that I have a ghost white skin tone). You also have to scrub your face when you’re taking it off in fear of being left with a slightly dark, uneven skin tone.

Glorious Mud Deep Cleansing Facial Mask has a 100% pure clay formula to help remove dirt and excess oil from the skin. It also helps unclog pores, remove dead skin cells and absorbs impurities, whilst tightening skin, softening lines and wrinkles, and leaving skin looking healthier and toned. I sometimes suffer from oily skin that can be prone to breakouts but when I use this mud mask, I can instantly see and feel the difference. Spots and redness and reduced and the dreaded oily shine has gone entirely.

This face mask is suitable for all skin types but I think it is extremely beneficial to spot-prone, oily or dry skin. I recommend using it once a week to achieve beautiful, healthy skin.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Poundland ‘Hide and Chic’ Concealer in Ivory Review

Having tried the nail polishes and lipsticks in the Poundland ‘Make Up Gallery’ collection, I decided it was about time I took the plunge and try out the concealer too. By now I have very high hopes regarding the Poundland makeup and so when trying out this concealer in the ivory shade, I expected good quality results. And I got them!

Ivory is a pale shade that is perfect for pale girls like myself but it does however come in 4 other different shades so you are likely able to find a colour that best matches your skin tone.

I love matte concealers (I have never been a fan of liquid based concealers) and I love how it comes in a lipstick type package that is easy to apply. The packaging also makes it travel friendly so you will never be without! Simply pop it in your bag where ever you go.

As a cover-up concealer to hide nasty blemishes and dark circles, I’d say this is pretty damn good! It doesn’t really work as a stand alone makeup product and for best results, apply this before applying your foundation on top but it does take redness and blotches away and makes them appear less noticeable. Although saying that, if you have a small pink/red spot then applying this product will make it invisible to others and will make your skin look radiant. For £1 per concealer, this is an absolute steal!

For best results, apply the concealer on and around the blemish and gently dab with the tip of your finger to blend in the concealer. Do not rub as you will end up wiping the makeup away.

As some of you may have seen, I recently reviewed Rimmel London ‘Hide The Blemish’ Concealer and I would definitely say this Poundland version is on the same level as the more expensive Rimmel product. It may be cheap but it definitely does not look like one. Poundland has once again astonished me with their amazing makeup range.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Rimmel London ‘Hide The Blemish’ Concealer Review

Being a pale girl, I always opt for the ivory shade in this Rimmel London ‘Hide The Blemish’ concealer. I am not a fan of liquid based concealers so I really love the creamy matte feeling to this product. I also love how it comes in a lipstick type bottle (and basically looks like a lipstick) which makes applying it simple and it can easily be slipped in to your bag or pocket to take out with you.

Although it is a concealer made to ‘hide the blemish’ I do find that it doesn’t cover blemishes completely so it best used under foundation rather than a stand alone makeup product. It is effective however and does help my spots and blemishes look less noticeable under my makeup than if I was just to wear foundation on its own. This concealer works best under the eyes to reduce dark circles but ensure you blend it in completely to prevent caking. I find the best way to apply this concealer is to apply it directly on and around the blemish and gently dab with the tip of your finger until the concealer is completely blended in. It is best not to rub the concealer in to the skin as this will remove it from the skin and it will not hide the blemish as effective as dabbing it will.

The product comes in 5 different colours so you are likely to find the concealer that best suit your skin tone.

This is a great product if you want to hide any annoying spots or dark circles and will reduce reddening to the skin. The ivory shade is a very pale shade so only buy this one if you have very pale skin like me. Rimmel London ‘Hide The Blemish’ Concealer costs just £3.99 so is perfect if you are looking for a cheap but effective concealer.

Overall Rating: 4/5

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation Review

Like most girls, I wear makeup and I can’t go far without putting my face on first. I feel a lot more confident wearing my trusty foundation and it’s great for hiding any blemishes or imperfections. I have experimented with lots of different types of foundations throughout the years but since discovering ‘Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation’ it has become my number one ‘go to’ foundation. I have now been using this foundation for around 7 – 8 years and it is yet to disappoint me.

With 15 different shades, ‘Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation’ had a shade to suit every skin tone. I am a very pale girl and I find a lot of foundations don’t have a shade as light as my skin tone (which can be a complete nightmare and leave me looking patchy and orange) however, this foundation goes as light as vanilla so is great for light skinned girls like me. I opt for light porcelain as I find this colour best suits my skin tone and leaves me looking flawless and fresh faced without it even looking like I’m wearing any makeup at all. I find some foundations can be very heavy and feel clay-like but this foundation is light, with a barely there feel.

The best thing about this foundation however is the matte mousse formula. I sometimes suffer from oily, shiny skin and I find liquid foundations make my face feel and look greasy. I also find they are heavy on the skin but this light, matte mousse foundation is perfect and reduces shine. I like how only a small amount of makeup needs to be added to the skin for full coverage. I usually apply this foundation with my hands (someone is looking down on me with shock and disgust for this!) and I find that this foundation blends in nicely and without much hassle. No caking occurs with this foundation but instead you are left with a gorgeous, flawless look.

‘Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation’ is an SPF 15 so will also prevent you from sunburn and skin cancer in the summer months (although do remember to apply sun cream too).

This is the only foundation I have been truly happy and satisfied with. This foundation manages to achieve a flawless, barely there look that will help you feel confident and look gorgeous without having a face full of makeup.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Simple Baby Moisturising Wipes Review

I am forever searching for a good wipe to both wipe off my makeup after a long day and to clean and hydrate my face when I start to feel a bit icky. I often find wipes can irritate and sting my skin or the wipe is not moisturising enough which means I am often left scrubbing my face as hard as I can to budge my makeup and dirt trapped in my pores.

And then I discovered the Simple Baby Moisturising wipes.

Having used Simple products before, I did have high expectations of these wipes and I am happy to say they did not disappoint. But don’t let the fact that they are advertised as baby wipes put you off using them, they are brilliant at ensuring you have soft, gentle to the touch skin without your skin becoming irritated and sore.

Now, I usually use different wipes to take off my makeup but these Simple Baby wipes are perfect for cleaning my face and ensuring it is soft and looking healthy after use. And with no artificial colouring or perfume used in these wipes, it is perfect for both newborns and adults alike, especially for those who suffer from sensitive skin like me. These wipes are great for hydrating dry skin and it will ensure your skin is looking refreshed and cleansed in no time.

I like how the Simple Baby wipes are very moisturised, meaning that one wipe will do the job and clean the entire face and body without drying up. They also have a lovely, fresh odour, making my skin both look and smell fantastic.

Each packet contains 80 wipes so they are sure to last you a while. And they only cost £2.90.

Product Rating: 4/5

Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ Cleanse, Tone & Moisturising Review

Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ Moisturiser, Cleanser and Toner.

We are always told to cleanse, tone and moisturise for better, hydrated skin but with so many different products on the market, how do we know which one is best for us to buy? And do they really work or is it just a waste of money?

I have been using the Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ range for a few years now and I can honestly say my skin thanks me for it every day. My skin can be quite dry at times, especially in the cold, bitter weather but ever since I have been using the Simple products, my skin is soft to the touch and less dirt is found around my pores. This helps my makeup look fresh and flawless instead of the dry, cakey look that can occur due to dry skin.

First, lets discuss the cleanser; this is the first product which you should apply to your face and it helps unclog your pores of dirt which prevents any nasty spots from occurring. It is a soft lotion that I apply to a cotton pad and then I gentle massage it in to my face. It is also perfect for drier skin, leaving it smooth and fresh once applied. And for anyone like myself who suffers from sensitive skin, this product is perfect as it does not contain any artificial coulouring or perfume and therefore, should not irritate your face. It is made up of ingredients kind to your skin and healthy vitamins that will give your skin a healthy glow. For best results, this should be applied to the skin both morning and night.

After you have applied the cleanser, you should move on to the toner. This is a liquid based product that you should dab a few drops on to a cotton pad and then applied to the face. It makes the face feel tight, clean and refreshed and will ensure that you are ready for the day ahead. The toner is used to tighter pores so no nasty dirt can enter the pores. It makes my skin feel fresh and clean and looking healthier because of it. Again, for best results this should be applied both day and night. The toner is made up of natural, healthy vitamins and nutrition’s and is kind to sensitive skin.

Lastly, you should apply the moisturiser for that soft, gentle look. This is my favourite product of the three and I have opted for the hydrating light moisturiser however there are different ones you can buy in the range. This works for 12 hours at at time and should be applied both day and night. It leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and it is great for anyone who suffers from dry skin. It is also perfect to apply before putting your makeup on as it works as a great basecoat and allows makeup to be applied much more smoothly than applying the makeup without moisturising first. Since using this product, I suffer from less dry skin and less outbreaks of spots. It keeps my skin hydrated which is great for both the winter and summer months when skin can suffer due to weather change.

The cleanser and toner both come in 200ml bottles for £3.29 each. The moisturiser comes in a slightly smaller 125ml bottle for the price of £3.99. Only a small amount needs to be applied from each product however and should last quite a while before running out.

Are you planning on travelling soon? Why not try Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ travel products?

Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ Mini Moisturiser, Facial Wash & Toner.

For Christmas I was bought the Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ Petite + Simple travel set, however each product can be bought separately. The set came with 50ml bottles of moisturiser, toner and facial wash, which is perfect to stick in to your hand luggage when travelling.

I have discussed the effects of the moisturiser and toner above but now lets move on to the facial wash. It has a lovely, fresh smell and is 100% soap free so it will not irritate sensitive skin. It is a foaming facial wash and only a small amount needs to be applied to cover the whole face. The product is a gel like liquid which gives the skin a soft, clean finish. This is a perfect way to wake your skin up in the morning and will leave it looking fresh and healthy.

Each 50ml bottle is £1.49 each.

The Simple ‘Kind To Skin’ range is perfect for anyone who suffers from dry, sensitive skin and will leave your face looking fresh and healthy in no time. This product really does work and is a lot cheaper than some of the other products on the market at the moment. The Simple range is a hassle free product that does exactly what it says it will on the bottle.

Product Rating: 4/5