Rimmel Clear Complexion Powder

I've used Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder to set my make up for a long time. I'm talking years (way back to when I was at school!). It does a really nice job at setting your make up without making you look overly matte and at £3.99 it's an absolute bargain. After repurchasing it a countless number of times I decided to switch it up this time around and try out their 'Clear Complexion Clarifying Powder'. 

It's only available in one shade; '021 - transparent' which doesn't bother me at all because I always opt for transparent powders but if you're after something with a colour pay off it's worth noting. It claims to provide a 'pure and shine-free finish for up to 5 hours' and help minimise breakouts by clarifying the skin with their 'PureSkin' complex. 

I don't know about the 'PureSkin complex' or helping minimise my breakouts but it does a great job at mattifying the skin, setting my make up and stopping it from sliding around during the day. Dare I say it - even more so than the Stay Matte powder! I've found it lasts much longer on my skin before I have to touch up. I feel like this powder would be good for all skin types but great for those with oily/combination skins. I don't think I'll be going back to the Stay Matte powder - this one has stolen my heart. 

What's your favourite setting powder to use?

Second Day Curls...

There's something so satisfying about rolling out of bed and having to do nothing but run a brush through your locks don'tcha think? I love the look of curls that have been a little 'lived in'.

To achieve this look I used my trusty 19-32mm conical wand from TRESemmé; I've had this wand for ages and I'd recommend it to anyone. I've had two Babyliss conical wands in the past and they both died on me - I think it's too much of a coincidence for it to be a fluke. So far so good with my TRESemeé one though! After letting the curls cool a little brush through them all to loosen and create a more relaxed looking 'do. Next finish it all off with a finishing spray of your choice. I'd opt for Macadamia's Healing Oil Spray to give your hair some serious shine! It should be looking pretty sweet by now, but the last (and best!) bit is to catch some zZz's and wake up to effortlessly pretty, curly hair. I'm really lucky that curls stay for ages in my hair - without having to use much hairspray (if at all) but if you're not as fortunate make sure you spritz some hair spray on to help hold the curls (I'd recommend TRESemmé 24 Hour Body).

What hair style are you lovin' at the moment?

Beauty Tools I Couldn't Live Without!

Let me kick this off by saying I am not one of those girls that likes to use her fingers to apply make up. There is a time and a place for that (mainly when I've been super lazy and haven't bothered washing my brushes) but it doesn't happen very often. So today I thought I'd share with you my favourite beauty tools; everything mentioned gets some Gemma lovin' on a daily basis!
 

Shu Eumera Eyelash Curler

If you have stubborn eyelashes that don't hold a curl you've gotta look into investing in these curlers. I've dabbled with tons of different curlers before (mainly Primarks £1 special!) but they never gave me the result I was hoping for. Shu Eumera's eyelash curler is worth every penny. It's the perfect shape so it doesn't nip your skin at all, it creates and somehow manages to hold the curl (don't ask me how - I'm just happy it does!). 

 

Real Technique Brushes

Ah RT, how I love you. I'd say about 98% of my brushes are RT and I've never been disappointed. They're really soft, wash well and best of all? They're SO affordable. Of course, I have a few firm favourites that I reach for on a daily basis; mainly their Expert Face Brush, Blush Brush, Multi-Tasking Brush and Deluxe Crease Brush (great for the eyes but I love using it to buff in concealer). I also can't recommend their Core Collection enough; I get so much use out of the Buffing Brush and Contour Brush from the set. I really want their Limited Edition Duo Fibre Set next! 

 

Mac 217

I decided to invest in MAC's infamous 217 blending brush at the beginning of the year and I can happily say it lives up to the hype. It picks up just enough product and blends shadows seamlessly. I'm not the best when it comes to eyeshadow but this brush has helped me silly amounts! If you don't want to splash out on this particular brush RT do a brush in their Eye Starter Set that does a similar job.

What beauty tools could you not live without?

An Introduction To: Macadamia Hair Care

Macadamia Rejuvenating Shampoo* Macadamia Moisturizing Rinse Conditioner* Macadamia Healing Oil Spray*

 

I don't know about you but if I leave my hair to its own devices after blow drying I start to resemble someone that should be part of the hair bear bunch. Since switching my usual shampoo and conditioner duo over to Macadamia I've noticed a huge difference. My hair is so much more manageable and frizz is practically non-existent. Woo-hoo! This duo helps add moisture without leaving the hair feeling heavy (I hate my hair feeling weighed down). Their paraben and sulfate free too so they're particularly good for dry, damaged and colour treated hair.

Another product I was lucky enough to be sent was their Healing Oil Spray; said to provide intense nourishment for all hair types with a weightless feel. I've gotta say their description is pretty much dead on. You can use this both on towel dried hair or mist on after you've finished styling. I've tried both and if I'm honest with you I much prefer misting it over my hair after I've styled it. It helps to get rid of any frizz and adds serious shine (something we're all after, right?!). I absolutely love it, it makes my hair look so healthy and sleek. I'm not a huge fan of using it on my wet hair though, I think I'll stick to my trusty leave-in conditioner and care spray from Dove for that. 

Have you tried anything from Macadamia before?

*Products were sent to me for consideration but opinions are 100% my own.

Winter Skin Saviours

Winter has well and truly arrived; while it's my favourite season of the year it wreaks havoc with my (already troublesome) skin. Here's what I've been using to try to keep my skin in top top shape and combat the winter blues! 

Elemis Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser   £27.60

This to me feels like a more luxurious version of Liz Earle's 'Cleanse and Polish'. I bought this a few months ago but it's only now that the colder months have crept in that I've been putting it to good use. It's a super rich cleanser; so its perfect for this time of year when skin is feeling a little dry. It feels so luxurious when you're massaging it into the skin and it gently removes make up and impurities from your skin without stripping it of moisture. 

Hydraluron from Indeed Labs   £24.99

Again, I bought this back in August but it's only now that I'm really seeing the benefits from using it. I was really miffed at first because I didn't see any difference. I'm glad I persevered though because it's become a staple in my skin care routine. It helps my skin absorb moisturisers and serums so much better than when they're applied alone and my overall skin looks so much healthier and 'plumper'.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil   £16.50
I've raved and raved about this stuff! If you want a more in depth review check back to this post. I have oily, problematic and breakout prone skin and this oil works so nicely with it. It gives my skin a good dose of moisture without being too heavy. It's also a godsend for helping fade nasty scars from blemishes. 

Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream   £24.00
This is the most recent addition to my skin care stash and it couldn't have come at a better time. It's the perfect moisturiser for the cold, wintery weather. Although it feels quite rich on application it doesn't feel heavy; it feels light and silky on the skin. Check this post if you want to know more.

I couldn't write a Winter saviours post without giving Lanolips a little mention. It's my go to lip balm and I just can't recommend it enough. I'm going through my tube at an alarming rate! If you're suffering from dry or chapped lips you should definitely check it out. 

What are your seasonal skin saviours?