Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Review (Golden 6)

 Foundations are one of my favourite makeup to buy because they pretty much act as the perfect canvas for any other makeup. Once my foundation is right, I feel everything just falls in place which is why I don't mind investing that extra pound in a foundation I like. To be honest, drug store foundation just don't work well for me except the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation but it cannot be compared to other high end brands like Clinique, MAC, Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown. Last year, I tried out the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick which I really liked but I was hoping it was a liquid foundation that matched my skin and can I just say my prayers have been answered almost a year after that purchase. Enter the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation which was a new launch earlier this year along with a reformulation of the Bobbi Brown Stick Foundation. The new reformulation feels much lighter as they have excluded shea butter from its formula which was responsible for making it real thick and left many ladies with oily T-zones/foreheads towards the end of the day. Today is dedicated to the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation, so let's find out if it is "the one"..










Packaging
You have to give it to Bobbi Brown for excellent packaging. It's so simple and sleek and there is something about it that just makes me happy. It comes in a glass bottle which lends it some luxurious feel and the best thing is it comes with a pump which is such a delight. Its cover is really secure although it does not look or feel that way but it is because I traveled with this in my luggage to Nigeria (to and fro) and nothing happened to its contents. It was secure and for me, that's a big plus!! It's super travel-friendly.

Skin Match/Shade
I am not sure if i mentioned this but I once went to a Bobbi Brown Counter in Elys Wimbledon because they were offering a free skincare and makeup consultation. The sales lady was very nice. Side note: I have been meeting really nice sales ladies these days especially when I tell them I am a blogger; maybe that keeps them on their toes..who knows? Anyway, we had a lovely skincare consultation and she advised me really well on skin care and introduced me to some exciting Bobbi Brown products which were amazing as usual especially the Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil (first one I have every tried). Next, we moved to foundation and when I told her my shade in the Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick was Warm Almond 6.5, she was like "erm!! I would say that will be too dark for you".  She went on  to let me know that most of the foundation I had  been using were a shade darker than my skin and this was because I was trying to match the foundation to cover my blemishes and she was absolutely right. It was a big revelation for me although I knew this but hearing it from an expert was eye-opening. Long story cut short; she matched me to the Golden 6 which is a perfect match for my skin and sent me a way with a sample of this foundation and other Bobbi Brown samples. That sample prompted me to buy the full size because I loved it.

Application
It has a somewhat watery/liquid texture but not too watery or runny in a frustrating way. The best way to apply this for me is using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush which just blends this in really well. With the brush, it does not require a lot of work and it's just perfect for when you have little time in the morning. I guess all I am trying to say is the texture is beautiful. I finish it off with my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish and it's just perfect. It also contains SPF 15 which is great especially with the sun in full swing this summer.It's not the greatest amount of SPF but it is okay. Although, it means using this at night and taking pictures may leave a white cast on your face as expected from foundations that contain SPF. However, I have not experienced this with this foundation but everyone's skin is different.

Coverage and Lasting Power
In terms of coverage, it is light to medium coverage which is not the usual kind of coverage I would go for but I think this is perfect for Spring/Summer. If you are looking for full coverage, this is not what you need because I can't really say it is very buildable. It is meant to feel like skin and that is exactly how it feels which I really don't mind. In terms of lasting power, it is best paired with a primer, concealer and set with a powder as that helps it longevity. For all we know it may just be my bizarre skin but it lasts on my skin for a good while but towards evening; I have very little traces of it left. If you have flawless skin and you ant something really light and skin-like, you should look this way. Although I have oily skin, it does not look oily or dewy on my skin, it has a matte finish after I use my powder but I suspect without powder, it may have that dewy finish.

Cost
As expected with Bobbi Brown, it is quite pricey. It retails for £30 but I got mine for £27 because there was a 10% discount. You all know me by now; I never buy anything unless it has some discount or sales attached to it so I keep an eye out for offers. Although it is expensive, I think it is worth every penny and a little goes a long way so it lasts for a while.

Personal Thoughts
Is this "the one"? It would have been if it offered more coverage because it is really amazing. Clinique Anti-Blemish Foundation is still my favourite if only I could find my perfect shade within the range as I recently noticed that it is rather dark for me now. I would definitely purchase this again when there are more discounts because I think it's a keeper.Yes, it is pricey but this baby saved me during my vacation in Nigeria because it was so easy and blendable to use. Best thing is, it withstood all the hot and humid weather in Nigeria and it did not slide off my face rather it remained the same and I touched up every now and then with my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish which I would be reviewing soon.. Have your tried any foundation from Bobbi Brown?

May 2014 Beauty Favourites

Due to April being super busy, I skipped the usual monthly favourites. However, I think it's time for another monthly favourite. When it comes to beauty products, I love to experiment..but not too wildly because my skin will have none of it. In May, I used fewer beauty products but lovely and effective ones and here are my picks..

Skincare: I have been obsessed with the Astalift Makeup Cleansing Oil which I have reviewed here already. I just love this oil because it is really light weight and it removes all my makeup effectively. Once warm water hits my skin after application, everything melts away. It's sad that the Astalift brand is closing shops in Debenhams and I really hope there is a way to purchase this again because I love it despite trying other oils which I would be reviewing soon. Still on skincare, I have been loving the Pixi Glow Tonic which has to be one of the best exfoliating toner I have ever tried and the gentlest one at that. It contains glycolic acid among other ingredients and I have seen a significant difference using this. The only snag is how difficult it is to purchase..it's always sold out which is a huge bummer!!





Finally on Skincare/Body Care, I got this nice set of Boots Extracts Almond Body Butter which came in four small travel-friendly sizes and I am so impressed. As the name implies, it reminds me strongly of butter and melts so easily into my skin while hydrating it. Honestly, I am beginning to think this Boots version may give the Body Shop's Body Butters a good run for their money. I may well try the full size but there is something about this small tub that makes me really happy and I have been reaching for it almost everyday.

Foundations and Concealer: When I heard Bobbi Brown had reformulated her stick foundation to a lighter version called the Skin Foundation; I was intrigued because I had already tried the Stick Foundation which was lovely but a little too thick due to its Shea Butter content. The new formulation is still good coverage but as light as skin. I was excited and went to a counter to try it out only for me to fall in love with the Bobbi Brown Skin Liquid Foundation instead. I asked for a sample, tried it out for a few days and  I loved it but waited until there was a 10% discount. It's not very full coverage but it gives the skin such an even skin-like finish which I absolutely love and this was my go-to foundation when I traveled to Nigeria. The best thing is it also dries matte which makes it even longer lasting. Another favourite in May (and has been for many months now) is the Becca Concealer. This stuff is the business. It has two sides- medium cover and full cover and it has dual purposes for me. The medium cover half is used to highlight my brow bone and it's so good and the wear time is superb. The full cover half is one I was not using so much until I tried it one day on my blemishes and the results was amazing. It covers blemishes really well without having that cakey feeling/look. 

Powders/Contour Kits- MAC Mineralized Skin Finish in Dark has to be my most loved product last month. I bought this in Duty Free during my last trip to Nigeria and I have been using it almost every time I wear makeup. It gives my face the most flawless look achievable despite all the blemishes and enlarged pores I have been blessed encumbered with. Due to its mineral content, it gives full coverage without any associated cakey or too made up face. I just wish it had a mirror because if it had, it may/would replace my beloved Chanel Les Beiges healthy glow powder which I love so much. Still on makeup, I have been obsessed with the Sleek Face Form in Medium. I know I am bit late on the bandwagon on this one but mehn! I love me some Sleek. This Face Form is everything and more: It has 3 sections which house a contour (are they called powders??), a highlighter and a blush. I love everything about this palette and it was one of the most used during my holidays because everything was useful especially the contour section which has to be one of the best I have tried ( I have been lusting over the Kevin Aucoin Contour Kit but the price brings me back to reality). I love the fact that 3 most used products are all housed in one palette and the good thing is, it's just £9.99. It can't get any better than that!! (actually it can, if you buy it on Boots 3 for 2 offer which is what I did..kerching!!)




That's it folks for my May favourites. Have you tried any of these products? What product was your most favourite in May? I have to say mine would have to be the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation (and Sleek Face Form)..I can't choose!! See you in my next post..x

Estee Lauder Multi-Action Cleansing Gelee Review

I am guessing you may have read my Estee Lauder Gifts with Purchase featured here a little while ago. If not, pop over here for a quick read. I took these pictures ages ago because the cleanser is almost finished now..sad times!! I have never tried any skincare from Estee Lauder and I bought it because there was a lovely Gift With Purchase which I really wanted. One thing though: Why does Estee Lauder insist on having "jaw-breaking-longest-name-ever" for many of their products? Like really, whatever happened to concise and brief names..I'd never know!!

Packaging

It's not the most glamorous or luxurious packaging but it is functional. It has the tiniest tip ever to let out the right amount of product which is ever so useful because you only need a little and you really don't want to waste an expensive product such as this. The tube is a squeezy one so you can be sure to get all the product out when it is almost finished.

Formula

It contains very tiny almost-not-there micro beads suspended in a gel which aids in exfoliating your skin. You can barely feel it when rubbed between your fingers but when it is worked into the skin on the face, you feel it ever so slightly and the good things is it's not abrasive at all. It has some fragrance which is pleasant and I can't really place it but I like it. However, if you have skin sensitive to fragrance or you just hate it, you may want to steer clear of this baby but honestly, it's not overpowering.

How I Use it

Very basic and simple. I remove my makeup with wipes, cleansing oil or a micellar water. I dampen my face a little and dispense a pea sized amount and gently work it in with circular motions across my face. I really enjoy doing this as it feels like a massage and very therapeutic especially at the end of a stressful day. I work it in for one minute or so and rinse off. It applies easily and washes off easily. No stripping, no residue.

Results

Although, it's not particularly targeted at acne or blemish prone skin, I think it has really contributed to making my skin quite clear. My skin feels less congested, soft and fresh. It's just one of those products that you may not be instantly wowed on first application but with constant use, you just fall in love...very hard!!

Cost

It ain't cheap guys. It costs £22 which is the most I think I have ever paid for a cleanser (I am a cheapskate sometimes) but most times, I just buy cleansers which are drug store or Midpoint high end like Nip + Fab and SK:N products. However, I bought this because it had a lovely gift with purchase at the time and I don't regret it at all. In fact, I am seriously considering re-purchasing it because I really like it. If you are thinking of buying this, I'd advice you wait till the Department stores like Debenhams, House of Fraser, Selfridges, Sephora, John Lewis, etc have a 10% discount which they often do. Or better still, purchase it when they have gifts with purchases or ask for samples. I hope you have enjoyed this quick review and see you in my next post.xx

Weekend Post #10- Photo Diary(Nigerian Vacation/Trip)

This is the final-ish sequel to my recent trip to Nigeria posts. I had an amazing time with my family and friends and although it was super short, I was really happy. Living away from your family is never an easy feat even though I am constantly communicating with them via bbm, skype, whatsapp, rebtel, phone calls, etc..thank God for technology. But nothing replaces seeing your loved ones face to face..it's a beautiful thing and it should never be taken for granted. Armed with my DSLR camera, I thought I would take loads of pictures but guess what? I just wanted to relax and enjoy my holidays without lugging around a fairly heavy DSLR camera and changing lenses. I had a compact camera but I just could not be bothered...lol. However, I still managed to take some nice pictures of my holiday and lovely memories of the highlights of my holiday...





  

One of my Best Friend’s Wedding

We call each other Yoyo because we are so silly like that and she just makes me so happy which is why I was delighted when she asked me to be her Chief Bridesmaid; I was beyond honoured. I took some pictures of her traditional wedding and she looked so stunning as you can tell. She was one of the happiest brides that I had ever encountered and she was as relaxed, calm and playful as ever; it was such a delightful day. The traditional and white weddings were done on the same day but I did not take any proper pictures on the white wedding because I was carrying out my Chief Bridesmaid duties rather seriously.

Aswani Market

Quite Close to my house is this market called Aswani which opens only on Tuesdays and it has been on for as long as I can remember. I used to go there with my sister when we were teenagers because you could find really nice gems especially fabrics there if you look carefully. They had nice materials ranging from Ankara Prints, Laces, Damask, etc. Going to this market with my sister took me back in time just like old times. Despite all the terrible kidnapping and abduction of school girls which has placed us yet again in a negative spotlight, people in Nigeria are still very happy people. When I whipped out my camera to snap, I had so many willing candidates models who were calling me “camera girl snap me na”. It totally warmed my heart and I honoured their biddings. I also bought some materials which I gave to my tailor to sew some outfits which I will be showing you soon.

Food

One of the favourite things I like to indulge in whenever I am in Nigeria is to eat some sweet Nigerian delicacies for a fraction of  the price of what they would have cost here in the UK. Just seeing these pictures makes my mouth water a lot. I went to my cousin’s house and this was prepared for us.  I swear I gained a few pounds after this meal. The first dish is Peppered Fried Chicken Gizzards and it was oh so delicious. The second dish is Sauteed Stockfish, Snail and Smoked Fish...oh my days!! This was amazing and I wish I could have brought some back with me.

My Sister’s Pup

His name is Jay. His full name is Jay Z..hahaha, I can’t!!! He is a Lhasa Apso breed and he is the cutest and naughtiest dog ever. I love him so much and I wish I could bring him to live with me here in England. He is just a year old and my sister got him when he was little. He is so playful and everyone in my family completely adores him which is why he is super spoiled especially by my Mum. He weighs just about 5kg or so and he is very lovable; always willing to give you a warm welcome when you come to the house. I miss him so much and I will have a little post on him later..

Nigerian Makeup/Beauty Haul

I could not go to Nigeria without buying some products which are difficult to find here in the UK especially London. More importantly, I was keen on trying out some Nigerian Makeup brands and I was so glad I got the chance to try a few. First stop was stocking up on some Mary Kay Foundation and Oil Mattifier which was much cheaper in Nigeria than here in London. I always used Mary Kay products when I lived in Nigeria and it was fantastic and it still is!! I bought some Nigerian indigenous makeup from Kuddy Cosmetics and the owner kindly gifted me some products when my sister told her I was a blogger-so watch out for some reviews on here soon. Kuddy Cosmetics is a renowned beauty, skincare and makeup store with various branches in Lagos and they recently branched out into making their own line/range of cosmetics and skincare which I will be reviewing in a separate post. My Mum, sister and myself of course have been patronising her stores for years because you can be sure to get authentic products at very affordable prices. I also purchased Cetaphil Cleanser and Neutrogena Acne Stress control Toner from her store. I also bought some eye shadow trios from Tara Orekelewa-another indigenous Nigerian brand and the shades I got were Uyayi and Omoge.  Lastly, I got some Dudu Osun (Nigerian Black Soap) which remains one of the all-rounder soaps I know because it serves as an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-septic while keeping your skin healthy with an added glow. I will have a separate post on all these beauty goodies complete with reviews so keep your eyes peeled.






Soon enough, it was time to leave again which was sad times but I really enjoyed myself. I miss my family and friends every time but I know I would see them soon enough when I plan another trip so it's not too bad. I hope you enjoyed this little peek into the highlights of my holiday and see you in my next post..