REVIEW | Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation

I have waited so long to do a review of this but honestly, I've not been near a drugstore to pick it up until I completely ran out of it's sister product Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation. Anyway since this has been my Holy Grail product since about 18 years old (as I've noted a thousand times before) It was time to test this out, finally!

Now, let's get down to what the foundation states:

"Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation is a lightweight skin perfecting foundation with medium coverage. Breathable skin technology that moisturises for up to 25hr. With SPF 20"

Sounds promising, however as I am such a advocate for full coverage foundation, I was a little apprehensive as to how well I was going to get on with it and whether it will cover to my desire.

I always get Rimmel foundations in 100 Ivory as I am Casper the Ghost's sister and even that is still dark for me! I must admit when I opened the lid I was pleasantly surprised (and a little excited) about the applicator. It's a stick with a sponge end which is the complete contrast to original which is just a pump with no applicator. 

I suppose you can apply this directly to the skin however I decided to dab a few swabs onto my blending sponge and applied it that way and honestly as I first I wasn't convinced. It felt so lightweight like I wasn't covering any blemishes it literally just felt like a moisturiser however when I actually looked at my complexion I was proven wrong. Admittedly it's buildable so I did need to apply more product until I was comfortable but I couldn't fault it and like I said, how it felt against my skin, it didn't feel caked on yet looked almost flawless.

It also worked well with the rest of my make-up routine (you can read about what products I use here) blending together lovely. So, honestly if you're looking for a light-medium coverage more moisturising foundation that doesn't feel caked on your skin, this is an amazing alternative to the original product by Rimmel.

However, I am a sucker for full coverage so it's not a complete replacement just yet!     

Love, Pook x

First Impression: Revlon ColourStay 24 Hours Foundation

This review has been a very long time coming. Y'know when you have really wanted something but you never have the courage to buy it incase you're disappointed, well this is what happened here. For as long as I can remember I have watched Liz's YouTube videos at iheartmakeup92 and along with MAC Prolong Concealer, Revlon ColourStay is the one product she has raved about for years and it always looked amazing on her acne-prone skin, so I thought I wonder how it would take to my own dry skin? 

So after sadly pumping the last remainder of squirts from my current foundation Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid, I finally decided it was time to try something new. And luck was on my side because it was half price in Boots!

I was looking for a long time for the shade that would suit me and the paler tones were a bit too pale for me and knew would wash me out so I went for 180 Sand Beige, which is actually the same shade Liz uses. So here goes nothing.

Already one negative that I was already aware of is that fact there is no pump or anything to limit the amount you apply so carefully I poured a tiny amount onto the back of my hand. {Although I have just been informed the new version has a pump, damn!} The consistency is much creamier and liquidy than what I'm used to, normally the formula is thicker and doesn't run down my hand. 

I took my egg sponge blender and started to apply. Recently, I've been trying to change my routine up for Spring and not to have as heavy coverage on my skin but this was a dream to apply. Immediately I saw a difference and it didn't feel cakey at all, the more I put on. I did at some point think, is this actually working? because it feels so natural. A major pro for me is how it covers my dark circles under my eyes, normally I need a heavy mix of foundation, concealer and a filter to feel confident but I found myself using less concealer and I took selfies afterwards without a filter! 

I may have only applied a little today, but the coverage still was high and I know I could have applied more with ease without the worry of an orange cakey mess (we've all been there) 

So apart from the lack of pump/applicator {on mine anyway}, I have no complaints and I wasn't disappointed, thankfully. I will probably post a heavier coverage soon to show how effortless it really is. I'm really impressed and would recommend this!

Katie x

Dear 12 Year Old Me ...

Beaut Year 11 School Photo.

Dear 12 year old me,

You've just started your first year at Secondary School, to put it bluntly it's going to be an emotionally draining, rollercoaster ride and that's on a good day! But eventhough I came out alright, I survived, there are a few things I'd like to give you hints and tips on to make the school experience just that bit more bareable. 

• It is NOTHING like Primary school, not everyone is your friend. Just because they said hello to you doesn't mean you're suddenly in their clique, oh god no. Those "popular" groups you secretly want to impress and be a part of, they don't last long by belittling everyone. By Year 9 the majority of your year group would have integrated a bit like High School Musical so they are virtually unheard of by Year 11. Concentrate on the real friends you have made.

• Do not do that dreadful Bebo chav pose when you make your profile. Honestly, it is not worth the stick or hype. You will definitely regret it. HAHA.

• Brands you wear do not define you as a person. Without sounding like a middle-aged woman, this isn't a fashion show no matter how much everyone makes it one. It's school, we all wear the same uniform just in different ways, BE COMFORTABLE. Do not splash out on an ugly Helly Hanson coat or Nike trainers that will apparently go out of fashion within a week. Trust me, Primark will open soon in Plymouth and 90% of girls in your year will be rocking £3 envelope bags that you can't fit anything into. (WHO REMEMBERS THOSE BEAUTIES?)

• I'm all for being yourself but girl invest in some tweezers and stop shaving your monobrow, you will soon regret it and end up spending the rest of your teens trying to even out your brows, I wish I was told this sooner!!

• Girl, foundation and lippy will change your life but please you are pale as a snowflake, you need to use 000 or 001, don't raid your mothers or use 3 different Miss Sporty liquid foundations, absolute no no! And don't get me started on that pastel-pink-mixed-with-foundation lip shade.

• Hair. Now everyone suffered with the last little bowt of headlice in the first year but to prevent this, use Full Marks Mousse and wash your hair frequently WITH conditioner. Also your natural hair colour is bland and it needs taking care of but here's a little spoiler; by the time you are 16 you will be that dream blonde you've wished for. Maybe even invest in the colour sooner to avoid the ginger stage.

• Be more outgoing. Stop being so insecure, it makes you an easy target. Be comfortable in your own skin and if you know the answer to a question, girl put that hand up high! If some girl starts on you, don't be a push over, you are more intelligent and worth a million of that little wannabe. Rise above it, these girls and boys are not intimidating at all, they are no different from you they just have a gob on them and think it's big and clever to disrupt a class. FYI it's not at all. 

• Work hard. Doing all your homework, listening to the boring bits, even doing the "optional" classes will prove very beneficial in the future. Take every opportunity and choose your subjects wisely.

It's going to be okay. Life will give you obstacles and there will be rough times throughout but stick with your friends and be yourself and you can't go wrong. It's a long 5 years but it truely is the best days of your life so make the most of it.

20 year old Katie.

[Disclaimer: This is based on my experiences and lifestyle choices throughout school. All my own views and opinions.]