Ola Rio!

Essence recently released 4 eyeshadow palletes that had everyone in the beauty world buzzing. Needless to say I was ecstatic to get my hands on my favourite of the four "Ola Rio". Believe me when I say I nearly had to fight someone for it.

The palette consists of 9 gorgeous shimmery and matte colours and I am especially enamoured with the burnt orange and plum shades. The colour pay off is wonderful and there is minimal fall out which I appreciate.  The lighter shades are perfect for day time looks and the darker shades make for striking night time looks.

These 9 shades are highly pigmented and inspired by the sunset in Rio de Janeiro and I cannot wait to show you the looks I have been been creating with this palette. This is the only palette I reach for everyday.

A few quick swatches.

Have you bought any of the four palettes? I adore this one so much I'm actually thinking of venturing into the others as well. I've been brushing up on my make up skills so I'll probably (maybe)  post a few eye looks soon.

TILL LATER , LAUREN!

Review: Essence You Better Work Primer

Imagine a primer that works as hard as you do. One who promises to keep you looking sweat free and instagram ready even after a work out. Now, imagine no more and say hello to Essence's You Better Work Gym proof primer.

The latest offering from Essence is sweat proof, has SPF20 and gives you an instant blur effect.  I put it to the test both at work and at my fit club and I adore it. I usually look like a bit of an overcooked tomato after working out but, not when I wear this primer which is a bonus for me. It cancels out the red look you get from sweating.

The light blue liquid reminds me of toothpaste and has a thicker formula than what I am used but, it still blends easily. I use it sparingly and I usually wait a minute or two  before applying my foundation. I feel like the people at Essence are really taking into consideration what we do on a day to day basis and are creating products that are relevant. With or without foundation this primer works and the slim tube slips easily into your hand or gym bag.

This primer retails for R74,95 and I could kick myself for not buying more than one. So it goes without saying that I am definitely repurchasing.

What are your thoughts on primer? Is it part of your make up routine? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

Beauty on a budget: My must haves

There is nothing I value more than products that don't cost me an arm and a leg but, the quality suggests that it might have. When I shop for make up I always keep in mind that it has to make my life easier.

In today's post I discuss some of my absolute favourite (and inexpensive) must haves. I dont have time to reapply my make up during the day so staying power plays a huge role when it comes to buying products. At first I didn't care much for primers but, after doing some research I realized that a primer is imperative when you want a flawless look. This one from Essence is especially wonderful. The Fresh &Fit Awake primer promises a healthy glow while minimising your pores. I've worn this primer with and without foundation and it looks amazing either way. It retails for R74, 95.

Another winner for me is the Essence Stay All Day Translucent Fixing Powder. This was my first time using a loose powder so I have to admit I was a bit unsure of its necessity. However, I am glad I gave this powder a chance. It gives me a beautiful matte look and keeps my foundation from looking shiny and tacky. I especially adore it on the warmer days. I bought this on sale for 20 bucks :)

Lastly, I want to talk about the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD concealer. Now this has been a cult favourite ever since I can remember so I was curious to say the least. I use this concealer every single day of my life. I couldn't imagine not using it. For the price (R59,95) its pretty amazing at covering the dark circles under my eyes.

Have you used any of the products in this post? What are your go to products at the moment? I would love to hear from you.

TILL LATER,LAUREN!

Summer time fine

With summer in full swing over here in South Africa, I find my beauty regimen becoming less and less complicated. Along with the effortless feeling of summer, the balmy days call for products that work twice as hard. Essence must have somehow gotten the memo. I found three products recently that tick all the boxes for me. Let's dive in.

*Essence Fresh&Fit Awake Primer

Now, I have used other primers before but, nothing quite like this. It gives you this beautiful luminous look when you apply it. I love wearing it without my foundation on a day off. Even with my foundation, it's non greasy with a matte finish. This was certainly one of those purchases I made on a whim but, I'm definitely going to repurchase. It's an effortless way to look beautiful and healthy without putting too much effort in. This retails for R79,99 for a 30ml.

*Essence Metal Chrome Blush

If it's gorgeous, summer, lit-from-within glow you are looking for this is the product for you. It's like the normal blush but, with an instant cool factor. The fabulous cousin of blush if you will. Application is really easy and the formula is perfect for either a subtle shimmer or a megawatt glow. This retails for R64,95 and is another item I'm definitely going to repurchase.

*Essence Instant Matte Make-Up Setting Spray

You ever look at yourself halfway through the day and realize your face looks like you could fry an egg on it?This one was an absolute winner for me. The last thing anyone needs is foundation or concealer sliding down their cheeks in the middle of day. This make up setting spray contains "evermatt" and is lightweight and non sticky. I love that you can immediately see the difference after applying it. You can use it as a primer as well. This retails for R64,95 for 50ml. It's safe to say this is a summer essential for me.

That's it for today. What are some of your summer must haves? Have you used any of these products?  I'd love to hear your opinion on it.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!

*Disclaimer- the products mentioned in this post was purchased by me and not sponsored. The views expressed are completely my own.

Review: Essence all in one BB cream (medium 03)

You know those days when it seems like the whole universe is conspiring against you? When absolutely nothing seems to go your way?  Those are days when I couldn’t be bothered with putting on a full face of makeup. I would much rather take a shortcut to looking radiant. This is where BB creams come in handy.

For those who don’t already know, a BB cream is also known as a beauty balm or blemish balm. This multitasker simultaneously covers imperfections, hydrates and protects the skin with a built in SPF. Over the last two years I have tried many different BB creams and the latest one I picked up is from Essence. Let me tell you a little bit about it.

What I think about it

First of all, Essence almost always gets it right with the packaging. The ombre look of the tube is quite pleasing to the eye. Once applied, the BB cream does create a healthier looking skin. I appreciated the fact that it cut my ‘getting ready’ time in half, but didn’t leave me looking like I did half the job that morning. It provides adequate coverage without the heavy, bulky feeling. I don’t have to worry about looking oily and I can add some bronzer without having a shine overload.

The 30ml tube has a sturdy screw on cap and will literally fit into any bag or clutch. I have to be honest however; the fact that it is fragrance free did bother me slightly at first. Somehow I got it in my head that everything I put on my face should smell...well...like something. That being said, I think this BB cream is working pretty well for me at the moment and I would definitely repurchase. They retail for R54,95 but I got it on sale at Clicks for R25. Also, I don’t know the amount of shades it is available in but, if you are looking for light to medium coverage, this will suit you just fine.

PS: it looks a lot darker in the tube than on your skin so darker girls might not like the shades.

Are you using a BB cream at the moment? I would love to hear about it.

TILL LATER, LAUREN!