Tuesday 16 July 2013

ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR/ DW LIGHT REVIEWS

I adore Estée Lauder Double Wear foundation, it is definitely my 'go-to' product. After using it for years to cover bad skin it has served me well however, during the hot weather we have been currently experiencing I needed a lighter foundation. I now have good skin, with the odd blemish therefore didn't need anything too heavy. I looked at millions (not literally) of reviews online and kept coming back to the Double Wear Light therefore I had to purchase! I had to get a sample of the foundation first to test whether it agreed with my oily skin, and it did! That's the one thing I love about Estée Lauder, the fact you can go up to the counter and receive good sized samples, this really makes a difference to whether I am going to purchase a product - especially a high end one like this foundation!
 
 
Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation
This was the original foundation I brought. I initially picked this up about a year ago as I wanted a foundation that was full coverage and would stay in place all day and this did the trick. It is a high coverage foundation therefore great for my spot prone skin, it is so good that on good skin days I didn't even need a full face, let alone concealer. Another bonus is the staying power, this baby stays in place all day even on my oily skin.
The texture is thick hence the immense coverage but this means you only need to apply a small amount. I literally cover the top with my finger, tip and then back and that's all I need so the bottle lasts a life time!
My only beef with this product is the packaging. Yes it is luxurious with the frosted glass etc. However, with no pump it is very easily to over judge the amount and waste valuable product! Please, please EL can you not bring out a pump that fits perfectly?
 
Estée Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation
As I briefly mentioned before, my skin has been getting a lot clearer in the past few months which has been making me eye up some lighter foundation. This, and the fact it has been blooming hot in the UK prompted me to make a move on a new foundation purchase. I searched the web to look for oily skin friendly, light coverage foundation and the reviews just sent me straight back to this one.
This foundation is obviously lighter in coverage than the original, however still gives a pretty flawless base. It is surprising how lighter it feels on the skin also, which is great for summer.
I was worried that because the coverage wasn't as intense, the lasting power wouldn't be also. I have to say, this product surpassed my expectations on lasting power. No, it doesn't last as long as the double wear but lasts a pretty long time for foundation! It gets to around mid day when I need to have a little blot with powder but then again I don't use a primer so maybe I should try that! 
My only complaint with this foundation is the lack of shades they do it in compared to the original. The intensity 1 was slightly too light while the intensity 2 was slightly too dark. That being said, I went for the latter and was surprised how well it blended in and on the skin it doesn't look at all too dark.
 
All in all, I love Estée Lauder foundations and would recommend them for oily skin as they are sure to last you the duration. In terms of what you go for, if you have good skin then pick the light and if you need a higher coverage go for the original. Also, don't forget to take advantage of their sample service - it is a really good way of trying out the products before you invest!

Sunday 14 July 2013

My Holiday Packing Essentials!

I am a total over packer, I will ram my case full of endless items 'just incase' I need them. Over the last few years however, I would like to think I have mastered my holiday packing to a T only packing the bare essentials in order to stylishly survive and I am going to share with you my ideal capsule suitcase.

The Wardrobe...

The Bikini, River Island £25.00
I find it so hard to find a good bikini but River Island does it for me year on year. I love their bikini collections as they fit well but still super stylish! This baby is so pretty, it is sure to turn heads around the pool! If you are looking for something a little more covered up or more support, River Island offer many different styles but also try M&S and Monsoon for great alternatives!
 
Wedges, Topshop £42.00
I have these wedges in tan and I adore them! The coral pair are on my wish list, but for now I will just share the beauty with you. I think the coral colour will go with many outfits including the maxi shown here. I always pick wedges over heels while on holiday simply because of the comfort factor, they also give a really chic edge to an outfit.
 
T-Shirt, Topshop £14.00
This t-shirt from Topshop is a fantastic basic for your holiday, and the great news is they do many, many colours!
 
Denim shorts, Warehouse £26.00
Denim shorts are a definite essential for my holiday as they go with every top for day and night! These simple shorts from Warehouse are ideal for that.
 
Sandals, Monsoon £39.00
These sandals are a bit of a splurge however, I have had mine for years now and they still look as good as new! They are so versatile you can literally wear them with everything, even when you are in the UK with jeans.
 
Maxi dress, Oasis, £55.00
I can't live without my maxi dress, they are great for both day and night teamed with flats or heals. I like this one in particular because it is in a dark colour therefore it will look great on your hols but also when you get back. Just team it with black heels and a blazer or cardigan and you're good to go!
 
Necklace, Warehouse £13.00
You always need a necklace to bling up your outfits and I love this gold one from Warehouse... it is so pretty!


Ultrasun sunblock SPF 30, John Lewis or M&S £19.00
I have such pale skin and burn so easily, literally every sun block I have tried haven't worked great for me. Last year my mom gave me some ultrasun before my travels and I haven't looked back since! It is a once a day sun cream and really does last all day, with just one application I didn't burn once during my holiday last year - it is truly brilliant! It is quite expensive however, you have to take into account the fact you do just apply once a day so one bottle lasts for more than one holiday.
 
No7 Body Shimmer Aftersun, Boots £9.50
I love, love, love this product! I have been using it for absolutely years and wont stop soon. You should always use an aftersun, even if you don't burn as it stops you peeling and the added bonus with this is the beautiful shimmer it leaves which looks totally beach chic.
 
Toni and Guy Sea Salt Spray, Boots £7.50
A texturising spray is a must on your holiday, it makes hair look instantly more beachy. I personally love this Toni and Guy spray but if you are looking for something more pocket friendly Loreal's is great for half the price.
 
Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation, Boots/HOF/Debenhams/Selfridges £28.50
I was in love with the original double wear foundation but found it too heavy for the summer weather. I then went out and brought the light version in intensity 2 and I can truly say it is just as good! It's light to medium coverage is brilliant for people who are skin conscious yet it feels like a bb cream and lasts all day through any weather! (Full comparison and review coming soon!).
 
Urban Decay Naked Palette, Debenhams £36.00
I adore my Naked palette but the Naked 2 is even more perfect for summer time. It is a mix of beautiful light shimmery shades great for blending in the heat. Yes it is pricey, but the eyeshadows are of brilliant quality... and you get 12!
 
Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £16.50
Clinique mascaras have been a staple in my make up back since forever and I love their new waterproof formulation. It is so stubborn you need a remover to get rid of this bad boy but this makes it great for all the swimming/ sunbathing you will be doing!
 
Nars Laguna Bronzer, House of Fraser £26.00 (review coming soon!)
This bronzer is a must whether you are on holiday or not, but to add a subtle glow it will be fantastic and long lasting.
 
Clinique Chubby Stick in Woopin' Watermelon, £17.00
I lust after these chubby sticks and own one in almost every colour - I am obsessed! Ok, they don't last as long as a normal lipstick but they are super moisturising and look amazing on your lips. My favourite colour for summer is Watermelon as it is subtle yet buildable and will look fantastic with the Naked palette!