ELF

No, Not that Elf, though it was a funny movie. I'm talking about
They do makeup at very reasonable prices and are regulary mentioned and recommended in magazines and blogs. They do regular make-up starting at €1.70 and then also do a studio range starting at €4 and then also a mineral range too. Their website, www.eyeslipsface.co.uk, is worth a look alone just for the sheer volume of makeup items.
I recently decided to try some items. Ordering was easy enough and delivery was swift. It arrived in a little box, safe and secure. I ordered a blusher and their primer. I also received a free item: Studio Makeup Mist and Set.

First up: Mineral Infused Face Primer
Elf say: "Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines to result in a natural and youthful looking radiance. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a lasting finish."
I say: I love this. Just remember, a little goes a long way so no overloading. In case you're wondering, I have normal/combination skin with a few dry patches. It feels lovely on my face and I've even had compliments on my regular everyday make-up when I've used it!! I use it after my day cream ( allow few mins for cream to soak in) and then work away. The only issue I've had is that the pump sometimes doesn't work so I have to open it and scrape some out of the container. For €6.80 you can't go wrong. Its definately worth it.

Next : Studio Blush, Candid Coral
ELF say: "The soft sheer texture blends into the skin for a silky finish. Designed to be worn alone or layered for more depth. Highlight your complexion with a subtle healthy glow!"
I say: I love this blush. The powder is nice and silky. The colour is lovely and light but you could build it up for a more intense colour if you wanted. Its actually very close in colour to the acclaimed Nars Orgasm blush, (see pic below) though not as shimmery.
(Nars Orgasm on left and Elf CandidCoral on right)
But honestly,for €4.00 its a brilliant bargain and you couldn't go wrong. And I do intend to buy a few more.

I haven't tried the Mist and Set yet but will post when I do!!

Oh and if you "like" Elf on Facebook, they do specials every so often like free delivery or free items or discounts when they reach certain amount of followers/likes. Hence how I received a free Mist&Set. So join up on FB to avail of those.

Big Girl

Mascara

Hallo again,
I'm not sure about you but I find it sooo hard to find a mascara that I like, that suits me and does a good job. They say you should replace your mascara every 3 months but how many of us actually do that? I can't say that I follow this rule, which would probably explain how I ended up with an eye infection - lesson learned, ha ha ha.

Some make-up artists list mascaras from Lancome, Clinique, YSL and Mac as some of the best. However, they are way outside my price range. As I had to replace my mascara after my eye infection, I thought that I would share my thoughts and reviews of mascaras I've used and tried.

Following my post about the Lacura concealor and powder from Aldi, I thought I would try the Lacura mascara. I had really high hopes as I really really like what I've tried so far.
I did buy it but just couldn't use it - It has this smell, and its a smell that I cannot stand. I liken the smell to dandilions when you pick them. It wasn't even just a slight smell, it was a really strong smell and it turned my stomach. So that was the end of that mascara.
Next up, Maybelline's Great Lash. I find its very good for lengthening and enhancing but not so much for volumising. This has a cult following - It's a favourite mascara of make-up artists and mentioned regulary in magazines. And I do find it good BUT it has one major flaw - Its very runny and just blinking results in it smudging a little. So for best results, allow a few minutes for it to dry before blinking- if you can!!
Above is the Volume Express from Maybelline. This has become my absolute favourite mascara. Even without my eyelash curlers, this volumised, curled and beautified my eyelashes. And even better, its not runny so no smudges!! The only little thing is the smell - but its a very slight chemical smell but nowhere near as bad as the lacura. Otherwise this is the best mascara I've ever used. Love, love, love:)
More Lashes by Max Factor is another mascara heralded by makeup artists. I found it to be blah...nothing special in my humble opinion! I found it to be a little clumpy but it was not the worst mascara. However there are much better mascaras out there.
Now for my expensive mascara. I have to admit to trying Clinique's lash doubling mascara. It was a moment of weakness and rashness. However, it wasn't a bad mascara. It just wasn't good enough to warrant the price of it (over €20). I found that it didnt really volumise my lashes and theres nothing extraordinary about it.
Now for my worst mascara. Ever! Revlon's 3D Extreme mascara. Clumpy. Very very clumpy. And thats with one coat. Useless. Rubbish.

Generally, I find that the mascaras from Maybelline, L'oreal and Bourjois are fantastic and value for money. I don't see the point in spending over €20 on a mascara when there are so many other fantastic ones on the market at over half the price.

So, What mascaras do you rate or hate?
Big Girl

The Good Wife...Better than Good !!

So have you been watching "The Good Wife"? If not, WHY NOT ? I'm seriously addicted to it! More4 every Thursday night at 9.00pm is cleared for this hour long drama.
If you have been watching it, have you become as addicted as me? I'm blown away by Julianna Margulies in the lead as Alicia Florrick, the wronged wife who returns to work as a lawyer. She can say more with a look and silence than most actors can with a fat script.
In fact all the cast are brilliant in this but my particular favourite is Alan Cumming as Eli Gold.

Mr.Cumming is just one of my favourite actors of all time. He can transform himself for every role he takes on and makes you see the character rather than just the actor playing the character! Wow - that sounds a bit obnoxious but I hope you get what I mean. I just love how he takes on different roles and characters and challenges himself. He's played "Boris" in James Bond Goldeneye, "Billie" in the L Word, "Glitch" in "Tinman", the mutant "Nightcrawler" in Xmen, the badie "Fagen Floop" in Spy Kids, and many many other different roles. Such variety and talent and skill. I also think there's something very sexy about him but alas he's currently in a civil partnership with artist Grant Shaffer:)

Anyways, this was meant to be about the Good Wife. Watch it!! Its brilliant!!

Enough said!! :)

OMG

OMG - I cannot believe how long its been since I last blogged. Apologies :) I've been busy and then some.....I'm truly sorry but I come bearing goodies in the form of some new posts. So sit back, get comfy and read on..:)