Monday 30 January 2017

Fresher Skin with Rimmel

I always love trying out foundations and so I thought I would give you my thoughts on my latest one! 

When I was a teenager I didn't have the greatest skin and the faint scars that I still have all these years later are a reminder of those days when I would try any product that, a) I could use to hide those horrid spots & b) could afford!  And one brand that was always guaranteed to be the most affordable at the time was...Rimmel!

And here we have come full circle.  Again, I am trying a foundation by Rimmel.  It's called 'Fresher Skin' & I must admit, while it brings back memories of when I first got into makeup, at least I don't need quite as much coverage! 



I have seen a review on this foundation on YouTube saying it gives patchy results but I personally think that the lady had very dry skin, so maybe it wasn't the best for her.  However, I have combination skin, so was interested to see if it would make a difference on me.  I will get into that in a moment, but firstly here's the lowdown on this foundation....

It apparently comes in six shades (I think there was only about four in my local store), it contains aloe vera, chamomile and sea algae and also has an SPF of 15.  The size of the product is 25ml and comes in a little cute glass pot, which is very different for Rimmel as they normally have their foundations in tubes.  It says on the front that this foundation is breathable, with a natural finish, shine free and doesn't clog pores.  It also comes in at a reasonable price of £7.49. (current offer is 2 selected Rimmel products for £10 at Boots)

Now, here's what I think!

On first opening it smells very fresh and clean which must be from the natural ingredients.  I've never had that sort of smell from a foundation before (it's more like skincare) and it really is lovely! 


After applying the product on the skin it feels as fresh as it smells, it's very lightweight but also buildable if you want a bit more coverage.

It does seem to wear well (it didn't go patchy on me) but if I want it to be extra perfect and not move at all in any natural lines then I just apply a primer underneath.

Rimmel says that it leaves you shine free; well, I never think any foundations are totally perfect.  However, I will say I didn't look totally shiny by the end of the day, just maybe a tiny bit on my nose - but nothing that a bit of powder won't fix!

All in all, I think this foundation is really good and good value for money.  I think the shade I chose (I went for 103 True Ivory) is pretty close to what I would currently use.  And if I did need to adjust I could mix it with another in the range.  So, yep, well done Rimmel!  A really good product and if I could bottle the fragrance that's in the foundation I would!  It definitely does what it says on the 'tin' - it gives you 'Fresher Skin'!

Have you got a foundation that I should try?  Let me know! 

Bee x     

Saturday 14 January 2017

My In-Flight Essentials

It's a new year and if you didn't go away during the holiday season I'm sure you will be thinking about or planning your next holiday in the coming months.  So, I thought I would share with you what I take in my carry-on bag for the flight!  


First of all, you need to decide on the bag itself.  I always have a small cross-body bag for my purse, passport etc., but the main bag itself is a small case on wheels (within the size guidelines of the airline) from the brand ITLuggage which I purchased from Primark.  And it is perfect to wheel along (has 4 wheels) in the airport instead of lugging a heavy bag on your shoulder!



Now, onto what to take! 

Two main essentials that I wouldn't risk skipping on, especially if you go on a long haul flight are a big blanket style scarf (I purchased this 


from New Look in a sale - it actually doubles up as a kaftan/robe) which is great if you feel cold or want to wrap up to snooze on the flight and a travel pillow (mine is from Primark) which again, is great for nodding off & not ending up with a stiff neck! 



Other essentials I would definitely recommend are headphones - there is nothing worse than being on a long flight & having the airlines own uncomfortable headphones rammed into your ears for several hours trying desperately to enjoy your in-flight films - so bring your own comfy headphones - they are a must!  Mine are from Ebay - so they don't have to be expensive!



And another essential if films aren't enough to entertain you, is a good book (two I'm currently loving are by Joan Khurody & Cressida McLaughlin) or magazines. 



For beauty essentials, some people do go the 'whole hog' and give themselves an in-flight facial, but if you are like me and find being without makeup in public truly horrific then these few bits are all you need....

Lip Balm - Your lips will get dry while in the air and some of the best around are, Vaseline lip tins, Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula (tinted balms are great if you are skipping lipstick), Burt's Bees, Aloe Lips (blog post here) & eos. (blog post here)



Shine Control Powder Sheets - To stop shine & to look fresh on landing.  These from Superdrug are cheap, cheerful & do the job! 


Hand Cream - Like your lips, your hands are bound to get dry, so slather it on!   Great brands include Soap & Glory Hand Food & Palmers Coconut Oil Formula.  Both are very rich & moisturising.


Hand Gel - As well as keeping your hands moisturised with hand cream, you also need to keep them clean!  There are always pesky germs flying about even at several thousand feet in the air, so it is vital to bring a hand gel along.  I particularly like mini ones from Bath & Body Works but ones by Cuticura here in the UK are great also.



Finally, before I forget, another tip worth remembering is to take a spare set of clothes and underwear (swimwear and sunglasses too if going somewhere hot!) as you never know if your main suitcase will be delayed or go missing!*

*Side note - Obviously never pack jewellery, money, phone, tablet or chargers in your main case!! 

So, that's about it! 

Have you got a trip planned for this year?  I hope my list of essentials will help you pack easier but if all else fails there's one essential you most definitely can't be without.....

your passport!!




Bee x