Pump it and plump it!

Mascara, mascara, mascara!

How difficult is it to find a mascara that lengthens your lashes, makes them look thicker and doesn't clump them together so that you end up looking like you have spider eyes?

Although that question was rhetorical, I will answer it with very!

However, I have been lucky enough to stumble upon a crackin' mascara which I loved so much that I bought the same one again once I'd ran out (something I never do as I always tend to try different mascaras in the hope that one day I shall seek the magic wand!).  I love this mascara that much that I don't even wear false eyelashes that often anymore!

So, "what is this magical mascara then?" I hear you cry!  Well, let me put you out of your misery...it is actually... Rimmel's Glam'Eyes Day 2 Night

There are two ways to apply the mascara; you can either make them nice and thick by using the pink section or you can lengthen them using the black part, which drains off the excess mascara by being pulled through the tube of the pink section.

Here is a picture of me (yes, taken on snapchat) after using the mascara - as you can see my eyelashes look long and defined, rather than clumped together (which I find is often the case); a friend even thought that I was wearing false eyelashes in the picture but I promise that I wasn't.  This is the result of the Day 2 Night mascara.  (No idea why I'm sporting the duck pout...)

Top Pro: Long, defined eyelashes.  Do I need to say any more?

Lowest Con: I found the mascara dries out rather quickly so, unfortunately, you may need to replace sooner than you'd expect.  However, this could have been a result of overuse because I loved it so much...

Loula's Rating: 10/10

Lots of Loula Love xxx

Blend it, baby!

Ahh, the debate continues with regard to which is better, the foundation brush, the stippling brush, or the basic use of fingers.

I have tried all of these techniques to blend in my foundation in order to achieve that desired airbrushed finish, and I have to say that all three techniques do indeed have their merits but, for me, the winner has to be the stippling brush.  (It's important for me to note here that I no longer use my fingers to blend in foundation; I found that the oils just pushed the liquid around my face and didn't really achieve a natural look)

I have only recently been introduced to the stippling brush and, prior to about April time, I had no idea that such a brush existed.  Since its entrance into my life I have to admit that my trusted foundation brushes (I own an Estee Lauder one and a Kelly Brook one [about £5.00 from New Look, if my memory serves me correctly]) have been shelved for the time being...

Although I find the foundation brush to be very good at its job, I always felt that I was going over and over my face countless times in order to blend my foundation in effectively.  I didn't know any different so it wasn't such a big deal at the time; since purchasing a stippling brush I feel that the airbrushed finish (and no streaks) is achieved pretty much instantly and the brush provides great coverage so that you don't need to use too much foundation (bonus!).

Now, I know there are some excellent brushes out there (MAC tools always come out on top) but if you're on a budget, like me, I can recommend the RealTechniques by Samantha Chapman stippling brush which I purchased from Amazon for about £11.00.

As you can see, the stippling brush has a flatter brush which means that you can use various techniques (using a preferred method of your own which you will discover works best for you) rather than just 'painting' it on like you would do with a foundation brush.

Top Pro: The brush is so stylish with its pink body and black base, and the bristles are so soft that you will be afraid to use it in case the foundation sends them stiff (but don't worry, they continue to be just as soft).

Lowest Con: (From what I remember) The package does not provide instructions for coverage, so if you are a beginner with the stippling brush, it's best to apply your foundation by putting a blob of it on the back of your hand, rolling it out slightly with your finger, dabbing the bristles onto the liquid and then applying it in circular motions to your face.  There are some really effective tutorials on YouTube which can guide you if you are unsure.

Loula Rating: 9/10

Lots of Loula Love xxx

Double Wear = Double Fun

We've all been there, ladies, when you get to the end of the day and you feel like heading out for a bite to eat with your family, a few drinks with the girls after work, or even heading home to see that special someone who you've been looking forward to seeing all day long...but to your horror, you catch a glimpse in the mirror and think "Good Grief! Have I looked like that all day?"

Chances are, no you have not!  But after a few hours, your make-up may have shifted slightly throughout the day, causing it to look less Marilyn Monroe and more Marilyn Manson by the end of the day.  I understand your pain; I've been there...many, many times.

Unfortunately, I cannot suggest a miracle cure, but I can perhaps offer a nudge in the right direction towards a fabulous foundation.  This foundation is indeed going to be one you have heard of thousands of times, so I need to emphasise its power: yes, ladies, I'm talking about...

Estee Lauder's 'Double Wear'

I have tried many foundations but I always struggle to find one that not only suits my 'combination' skin type, but also lasts longer than a few hours without eventually looking patchy.

The shade I use is 'Desert Beige' and, if I'm totally honest, I would probably benefit from a lighter shade to suit my skin tone; however, I was feeling lazy and decided to purchase the bottle from the internet.  I do not recommend this though and I urge you to go in-store (Boots, House of Fraser, Selfridges) and speak to the specialists - they really do know what they are doing!  My friend has the shade 'Pebble' and that looks lovely on her skin.

If you're not too sure, you don't have to purchase the item there and then; ask for a few sample bottles.  They last ages and you can always try a different shade without spending any money on the wrong product for you.

Top Pro: 'Double Wear' does exactly what it says on the tin and lasts double the length of a normal foundation; so you don't have to worry about reapplying of an evening.  You're good to go!

Lowest Con: The price will most likely be the thing that puts you off purchasing this foundation, but I do promise that it's an investment rather than a splurge, so do treat yourself as it will pay off!

Loula Rating: 10/10

Lots of Loula Love xxx