L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation Review (Crème Cafe 110)

L'Oreal is easily my favourite brand for drug store foundations. I think they are the only brand that I have absolutely enjoyed using a number of their foundations (where I can find my shade). When I heard L'Oreal had launched their new Infallible Pro Matte foundation, I was excited but apprehensive. Why you may ask? Well, L'Oreal (and many other drug store brands) sometimes release very limited (or sometimes no) shades for darker skin ladies here in the UK. I think their True Match Foundation was the only range where they were many shades for darker skinned ladies here in the UK and I really commend them for that. For some reason, they always release more shades in the USA for some of their ranges. Surely, it can't be that ladies with dark skin don't purchase these foundations because I find that darker shades are always sold out in store and online when they are available. So, I am pretty sure there is a huge demand and market for it. I really hope they extend the shades for darker skinned ladies (which they already have) to the UK. Anyway, that's another rant and story for another day.



So, I popped in-store to haunt it down and I was not surprised to see  it was unavailable but I also noticed the shade range  for other skin tones was quite limited compared to what I had seen online. I decided to purchase this foundation from the USA via Ebay because I had read several raving reviews. L'Oreal foundations have never failed me so I was happy to bend over backwards to get it online. I find it very risky buying foundation online (especially if you have never tried it before) because there is a high chance of buying the wrong shade. I watched a good number of video reviews of this foundation on YouTube especially YouTubers who have the same complexion as me. It's always handy to identify bloggers or vloggers who have the same complexion as you do so you can piggyback on their recommendations.



Packaging
I generally don't like foundations that come in a tube because I find that they could be messy and wasteful if you are not careful. However, I am making an exception for the L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte foundation. This is because the packaging is rather sleek and feels sturdy. The product itself is not too runny so only a little comes out at a time and the opening/hole prevents wastage. I think the packaging is amazing and very travel friendly because you can just pop it into your handbag or carry on. Its lid closes really securely so no accidental spillages if you happen to travel with it. I guess the only downside to it is that you can't tell the colour of the foundation from the bottle. They all seem to look the same which is not really the best especially if there are no testers in store and you want to play it by the ear (very bad idea, I tell you).


Shades Available
There are 12 shades in total but they seem to vary in the US and UK.. You can find all the shades over here on L'Oreal's website. : I  think the US and UK packaging are slightly different in terms of designs and details but they do look alike in principle. I chose the shade Crème Cafe after careful  consideration (I sound like I am writing a report for work *yawn*). I was going to get Soft Sable because it seemed to be the default shade for many people who have dark skin like me but I had a feeling it would be slightly dark for me and I was right. Crème Cafe is the perfect shade for me at the moment although I am very tempted to get Soft Sable just to compare. The range also has some powders although their corresponding names/shades have nothing to do with the foundations. For example, the powder shade I suspect will suit me is called Cool Tan but I am not sure the corresponding foundation will suit me. Anyway, I really like the packaging because it is really portable. It also has a good description of what to expect from the foundation at the back.


Formula/Texture/Coverage
L'Oreal describes this foundation as an air light, demi-matte finish, medium coverage, 24 Hr long lasting foundation and I agree to all the claims except of course that it lasts for 24 hrs. I don't believe any foundation is capable of lasting that long and even if there was, why would I want to wear foundation for 24 hrs? Even when I worked in the hospital pharmacy and did long calls/shifts,  I could not be bothered wearing any makeup whatsoever. However, I have to say it lasts for a really long time on my face even during Summer. I barely have to touch up and it is really good at oil control. The formula is super light on application but it feels slightly creamy when you are blending it. It offers a medium coverage which can be built to full coverage depending on how many layers you use. I tend to use one layer which offers a really good coverage and then I go back with a light layer to completely cover my blemishes on my cheeks. I absolutely love it and many times I even skip using concealer because this does everything for me. I think my favourite thing about this foundation is the finish. It is a proper demi-matte finish which looks super flattering on my skin. It is perfect for anyone with combination/oily skin and it sets really well. You don't have to use a powder with this foundation at all but sometime I use one just to ensure it lasts even longer. As mentioned earlier, it lasts for a long while and I rarely have to to touch up because it stays put until I get home and take it off.




Application
I prefer to apply this with a round buffing brush as opposed to my fingers and my favourite ones to use are the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and the Sephora Multi Task Brush. These brushes are amazing with this foundation and give me the best application and finish. I use a primer underneath this foundation although I think it would still perform well without one but I am just used to wearing primers. I apply one drop of foundation at the back of my hand to warm it up and apply it with a brush to my face. I like the way it sets to a demi matte finish but it does not affect its blend-ability at all. It can still be blended when it is set. I don't think it would cling to dry patches at all because it has a light creamy texture. I have seen a lot of people with dry skin who have said they still enjoy using this foundation but I can't comment on its behaviour for people with dry skin. As a combination/oily skin girl, I can clearly say this is seriously HG for me especially for Summer and I have worn it consistently since I purchased it. I just can't put it down


Cost// Link
I sincerely wish I could just buy this in UK as it retails for £7.99 and I honestly can't believe how affordable it is. The quality is incredible and at the price, it is an absolute steal. I got mine from a USA Ebay seller and it cost me a total of £11 including shipping which was not too shabby. Now, I wish I actually just purchased two of these foundations and even the powder for good measure as I won't have to pay for shipping again. It's just an amazing foundation and I can't sing its praises enough

Cons
I guess the only cons I can think of is the limited shade range and availability especially in the UK. The shades that are even available in the UK are super limited and people on the outer spectrum of skin tones (Pale and Dark skin) would find it difficult to find a suitable shade. As mentioned, the darker shades (Cool Tan, Creme Cafe, Soft Sable, Cocoa) are unavailable in the UK and are even difficult to find in the US so it's a real struggle people!! However, I still have to commend them for releasing at least 10 shades and I hope they do expand this lovely range of foundation in the future because I know many people have been singing its praises including me.


Overall Thoughts
I am sure you already know how I feel about it so I won't bother saying it again. It's an amazing foundation and I have been truly surprised on the results. Well, I am not too surprised mainly because L'Oreal do make one of the best foundations in the drug store. I have enjoyed all the ones I could find my shade in and I highly recommend using them. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the NARS All Day Luminous Foundation (review here), I highly recommend giving this a try. I am not saying it is an exact dupe because I don't think it is easy to replicate the incredible finish the NARS provides. However, this is as close as you can get in the drug store and I even think the L'Oreal Infallible Pro matte is more forgiving on dry skin compared to the NARS. That's it folks!! Have you tried the L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation?
*Affiliate Links used, read my full disclaimer here

Budget Eye Makeup Removers (Favourites)

I am an eyeshadow junkie and I own more than a few eyeshadow palettes. I just love eyeshadows and I look forward to creating new looks every time. However, the problem with eyeshadows, eyeliners and mascaras is that you have to take them off. And taking them off can be a little tedious which is why it is important to use a good eye makeup remover. I find that if you wear eye makeup and you don't remove it properly, it may leave dark under eye circles or leave your eyes looking darker than the rest of your face. If you pair this effect with not getting enough sleep, you may have the most unflattering eyes. I have tried many eye makeup removers in the past and I do think high end ones sometimes work best. However, I have come across a few drug store gems which I think are super amazing.


There are different formulas when it comes to eye makeup removers but I tend to avoid anything that feels too greasy or anything that irritates/stings my eyes. My eyes are super sensitive and it does not help that I wear contact lenses which is why I very carefully choose what eye makeup remover I purchase.  I think it is worthwhile to invest in a separate eye makeup remover different to your regular eye makeup remover because many regular makeup removers are not  effective in taking off eye makeup (especially waterproof eye makeup). You may end up wasting more product because you want to remove every single scrap of eye makeup. I thought I should share some of these affordable eye makeup removers which are all under £5 but they rival many high end brands...



Garnier Eye Makeup Remover// £2.33 // Link
I think this was one of the first eye makeup removers I tried that I was seriously impressed with. It is a bi-phase formula which means it is a mixture of oil and water and it has to be shaken well to get the best results. The oil phase helps melt away any waterproof eye makeup and eyeliner while the water phase removes other water soluble eye makeup. This is one of the few bi-phase eye makeup removers that's not very greasy. It has some degree of greasy feel to it but it is not very noticeable if you are not a nit picker like me. It is always best to give this a good shake because it provides the best results this way. The few times I have forgotten to shake it well meant my eyemakeup was not removed effectively and it slightly stung/irritated my eyes. It does not feel irritating at all if you shake it well but the slight grease feel is still there. Overall for eye makeup removal, I would rate it a high 3.5/5 but I guess people's experiences differ.



Rimmel Just Let it Go Eyemakeup Remover // £3.59 // Link
I think I heard Lily from Lily Pebbles talk about this eye makeup remover last year and I had to try it because it sounded promising. I was not disappointed at all and it even became a Holy Grail item for me. I repurchased it countless times and I would always still repurchase it. It is a regular eye makeup remover formula and thank goodness it does not have a bi-phase. It feels just like water and it effectively removes my eyemakeup with a few swipes. I am also not left with panda eyes because it just appears to break all my eyemakeup down including waterproof makeup. However, I find that I have to go back in a second time to remove some sturbbon waterproof eyemakeup. The formula is really light on the eyes and it does not sting or irritate my eyes. I think it would be perfect for contact lens wearers like myself. The only downside is that it slightly feel too watery and the opening may let out more product than you need leading to waste. Despite all these little issues, it has remained one of my favorite drug store eyemakeup removers and  I really recommend trying it out. I would rate this 4/5 because it is amazing but sometimes it feels too watery and you may need more than a few cotton pads to remove waterproof mascara.



L'Oreal Gentle Eye Makeup Remover// £2.66 // Link
I already featured this little gem in my mini skincare haul over here and it is the best drug store eye makeup remover I have ever used. Yep, I know that's a pretty wide claim but I already mentioned I have tried many drug store eye makeup removers and this is the best so far. The funny thing is I never wanted to purchase it because I was not particularly impressed with the L'Oreal Micellar water which was launched around the same time. I thought it would be one and the same so I skipped over it every time I went shopping. However, I read quite a few reviews about it and I decided to try it out and I have fallen hard for it. It is described as a gentle eye makeup remover and I absolutely agree. I hardly feel it on my eyes and it feels exactly like water but a powerful one. It removes all my eye makeup so effectively that I have been reaching for it ever since I purchased it. It does not leave me with any panda eyes and it does not irritate or sting my eyes at all. I cannot recommend it enough and if you wanted to pick just one eye makeup remover, I would suggest trying this out. I am seriously impressed and I would be picking up a few backups. I rate this a very high 4.5/5 because it foes everything I want without hassles.



Overall Thoughts
I am really pleased that the drug store brands are now creating better eye makeup removers which don't break the bank. There are several options to choose from and I am pleased with the three offerings shown in this post. They are all under £5 and they last for a good while so they are excellent value for money. I have a high end eye makeup remover post planned so let me know if you are keen to see one. That's it folks!! What's your favourite eye makeup remover?...xx
*Affiliate Links used above,  read my full disclaimer here

Vichy Idealia Life Serum Review

Thanks for all the lovely feedback I have received on my blog posts last week including the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum*. I promised to also talk about the Vichy Idealia Life Serum and here it is. I kindly received the Vichy Idealia Life Serum* to try out and I have really enjoyed testing it out. I don't think I hear so much about this particular serum compared to the Thermal Serum. I am not sure why but they are equally amazing products although the Idealia Serum is slightly more expensive than the Aqualia serum. If you are stuck on which serum to choose, stay tuned for my comparison post sometime this week. If you want to find out more about Vichy, check out my previous post where I talk about the brand.




Packaging
I was really attracted to the bottle because it is a light pink colour which is so feminine. The outer packaging has a beautiful iridescent pink colour which is really eye catching. The bottle feels as luxe as the Aqualia Thermal Serum but the only difference is that it comes in an opaque bottle. It's not too much of an issue except that you can't see how much product you have left. However, the bottle has a pump which can be removed so you can unscrew it and see how much product is left. It contains a standard 30 ml of product which makes it travel friendly.


Formula// What Vichy Says?
According to Vichy, this is the first skin idealizer serum from Vichy with a formula made from an LHA and LR2412 complex which is capable of promoting good "skin behaviour".  The Vichy Idealia Life Serum also promises to provide an instant radiance to the skin as well tighten pores and refine the skin texture over 4 weeks. It is fortified with the popular Vichy Thermal Spa Water and it is also Paraben-free.  Of course, I was more than curious after reading these claims which was why I decided to test it for a full 4 weeks to monitor the results I got. Just to recap on my skin type- I have combination oily skin which is acne/blemish prone.



Texture/Application
Although it is designed as a serum, I would say it is a serum-moisturiser hybrid because it has a silky texture. It is slightly thicker than a regular serum but it's not quite as thick as some moisturisers. Either ways, I like the texture and how it feels against my skin. The fun part is that it has an iridescent pearl pink colour which is responsible for the radiant glow that you see once it hits the skin. I know this is just a cosmetic effect but I really like that the way it makes my face look luminous. I always use around 1-2 pumps all over my face and it is enough to keep my complexion radiant. The downside for people who hate fragrance is that it has a fragrance. I really like the fragrance because it makes the product feel rather luxe. I know some people may not like this but I don't think it's overpowering at all and it disappears after a short while. I particularly love the silky texture and how it easily gets absorbed into the skin.



Results
Now the moment of truth is here. The first thing I noticed on application is the subtle glow on my face after use and this is because it contains Mica. I like that this glow is still evident even when I have completed my skincare routine and applied my makeup. I love to use this serum in the morning when I want a luminous look. I also use it at night under the Balance Me Radiant Face Oil* to seal the deal.  It has helped prevent my skin from looking dull. The best result I experienced from using this serum is how soft it left my skin. I think this may be due the ingredients used in the formula and its light silky texture. I did not notice any remarkable decrease in my pores per say but very few products have an effect on my pores. Overall, I noticed an improvement in my skin's texture and it felt smoother. I have even combined the Idealia Serum with the Aqualia Thermal Serum (very naughty I know) and my skin felt so supple, hydrated and radiant. If you love the hyped Lancome Dream Tone Serum and you are after a more affordable option, I suggest trying the Vichy Idealia Life Serum because they are very similar. I even think the Lancome Dream Tone serum uses similar ingredients as this Vichy offering and they both offer an iridescent pearly finish to the skin.


Cost // £31 (currently on offer for £23.25 in Boots) // Link
I think this serum may be one of the more expensive Vichy Serums as it retails for £31. It is sightly more expensive than the Vichy Aqualia Serum but I do think this offers more overall benefits for the skin. The good thing is Boots currently have 25% off selected Vichy products so you can get this serum for £23.25 which in an amazing bargain. I am really tempted to buy a backup but I have a good amount left so I would get it another time. Escentual also has a 20% off everything on their website so this is a good time to purchase this serum.


Overall Thoughts
I have thoroughly enjoyed using the Vichy Idealia Life Serum and it's a little skincare gem. I love the results I get with it. I can't say it is as hydrating as Aqualia Thermal Serum but it does provide a decent amount of hydration to the skin. If you are looking to infuse some radiance to your skin without breaking the bank, I suggest trying this serum out. That's it folks!! Have you tried the Vichy Idealia Life Serum?...xx
*PR Sample + Affiliate Links used, read my full disclaimer here

July 2015 Favourites (Beauty)

I feel particularly happy to be writing yet another favourites post because I have enjoyed many new products.. I already have separate reviews for many of these products which I would link where relevant. The best part is I filmed my favourites this month. I believe it has been a whole month since I last uploaded a video which is such a shame. I really enjoy making videos but they do take more effort than you would imagine especially if you don't have a  dedicated filming/video room . Anyway, if you fancy watching me, you can find a direct link to the video here and subscribe to my channel here. It would mean the world to me and more if you do but also you don't miss any future uploads (I have a lot planned too). Right onto my July Favourites......

Skincare
I feel like June/July was the skincare month because I got to try quite a few new products which I have absolutely loved. I try to be really careful with what skincare product I go for because my skin is acne/blemish prone. However, I think many products still work fine for my skin and the only things that seem to break me out are some particular kinds of food and mother nature when she is being annoying. I have been opting for products that are hydrating and radiant for summer because that's really when my skin seems to be lacking in these areas. The first on the list is the lovely Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum* (Link//Review) which has been featured here a few times. I have enjoyed the hydration this serum provides for my skin and I have not heard any bad word about it. It keeps my skin really hydrated for a longer period than some other serums I have tried in the past. The other product I have been enjoying this month is the Vichy Idealia Life Serum* (Link) and I would describe this as a serum-moisturiser hybrid. It feels slightly thicker than many serums, particularly the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum, but it is packed with all the benefits of a serum. I love how it keeps my skin really illuminated. I have enjoyed using it on many mornings to infuse some brightness to my dull skin. A review should be up this week.


Another skincare gem I have been enjoying this month is the Balance Me Extra Care Radiance Face Oil* (Link//Review) which is not new to me as I tried a sample earlier this year. It is a 100% natural oil made up of 8 essential oils including Rosehip which is amazing for fading blemishes and scarring. Fadinf acne blemishes/scarring won't happen overnight but you can see results over a long time. I opt to use this mainly at night (during summer) because it keeps my skin really radiant in the morning. I sometimes prefer to use oils at night so they can work well while my skin is resting. Last but not least is this amazing Lancome Genefique Light Pearl Eye Serum (Link) sample which I have been enjoying all through this month. It is actually finished so I am debating if I should use my Debenhams points to purchase a full size because it is quite pricey. It is one of the few eye serums which I have seen immediate benefits and it has totally revamped my under eye so much that I don't even notice any dark circles or fine lines. I am sure they are still hiding there (esp the fine lines) but they are less visible than before. It's truly amazing and I know I have to purchase it at some point.

 Makeup
On the makeup front, I have been loving so many new products and a few old faves. I tend to stick to makeup products that work for me but I am still tempted every now and then to try something new. The first product I have been absolutely crazy about is the L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte foundation (Link). I have used this consistently for 2-3 weeks in this past month because I love it so much. It is rare for me to keep using a particular foundation consistently all week because I have quite a few bottles of foundation on rotation. However, this month I just kept going back the Pro Matte foundation because I love the results I get with it. It is definitely the perfect foundation for oily skin and summer. It has a demi-matte finish (super flattering on me) and it lasts for a super long time (not 24 hours as they claim though). I need to put up its separate review soon so stay tuned for it. The next product I have enjoyed is one I was really surprised about-  it's the Barry M Starry Eyed Eyeshadow and Blush Palette. I was really surprised at the rich pigmentation these eyeshadows offer especially on darker skin. I always just stick to Barry M nail polishes most of the time and I did not know their eyeshadows were this amazing. I use all the colours in this palette because they are right up my street. The blush is such a beautiful rose gold colour that I did not imagine would suit me but it does. It's truly amazing and I love it.


The next favourite is the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (Link//Review) which I was surprised at how much I loved it. I got the sample when it was launched in a magazine and I liked it but not enough to buy the full size. Now, I feel like I have to take that statement back because it has definitely grown on me. I really like it a lot now because it keeps my little lashes in an amazing state. It is perfect for an everyday mascara and I have really enjoyed how it keeps my lashes lengthened and slightly volumised. My lashes are naturally curly but this mascara really enhances them more. I think I need to get a full size although I am worried it may not be the same as the mini. Fingers crossed. This month I have been going really soft on the lips mainly because I do a lot to my eye makeup.

I have been opting for subtle matte lips and the W7 Matte lipsticks* (Review) have been amazing. They don't drag across my lips and their longevity is really impressive. I have been using the colours- Madam Fifi* and Lady Luck* and they suit my complexion to a T. Last but not least on my July Favs list is a highlighter that has been on my wish list for too long. It's The Balm's Betty Lou-Manizer (Link) which I have enjoyed so much. My beautiful cousin got this for me when we were out shopping and I am obsessed with it. A separate review would be up soon so stay tuned. If you want a subtle highlighter for everyday use, you would really enjoy this highlighter because it has rose gold shade. It is super flattering on my complexion and I think it would suit many skin tones as well. Phew!! That was a lot of makeup for this month!!

Fragrances
I have quite a collection of fragrances because I just love them. I switch up my fragrance depending on my mood most times and I rarely stick to one. However, I have stuck to two fragrances in July and they have already been featured on here. The first one is the Roger and Gallet Fleur de Figuier EDP*(Link//Review) which I was so pleased to try. It smells really sweet but not in a sickening way and then it settles to an amazing musky and woody note. The lasting power is really incredible and I am not surprised at all because it is made from choice ingredients. I really recommend having a little sniff in Marks and Spencer because it is an amazing summer scent. Another fragrance which I enjoyed this month is the Hermes Jour D'Hermes (Link//Review) which I have featured here already. It is my pick me up fragrance because it smells incredible. I purchased it at a bargain in House of Fraser when it was knocked down from £96 to £24 and I have to say it's one of my best purchase of the year so far.


Overall Thoughts
That's pretty much all I have been loving this month. I really liked July but I am glad it has come to an end and we are looking forward to better things. I am trying to film as much videos and write as many reviews as possible because the coming months may be a little busier than the rest. Thank you all for your support which keeps me really inspired to continue creating content for this blog and my YouTube channel. I appreciate it a lot and it does mean the whole world to me. See you in my next post...What products were you loving in July?
*PR Samples + Affiliate Links used, read my full disclaimer here