NARS RADIANT CREAMY CONCEALER

Over the last few months I have found myself fighting a very tricky battle, the battle of concealers. I had resisted the urge to purchase a new concealer after settling into a comfortable long term relationship with Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection, but like most days in my life, I fell victim to my spending urge once again. I had heard so many reviews about the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and always found myself swatching the shades whenever I visited Space NK but never made the purchase. That is until last Monday; feeling particularly adventurous and spendy, I made the plunge (with thanks to £5 off). And I have to say, there's no turning back. Sorry Collection!

Having only ever used one other NARS product; their Laguna bronzer, I was very curious as to how I would like the concealer. Firstly, the concealer comes in 10 different shades, each catering for either warm or cool undertones to the skin. I chose to go with Vanilla (Light2) which is a great match for my skin and NC15 foundation. As always, the concealer is adorned with the signature black rubber material that NARS use on all their packaging (expect it to get messy FAST.) Incredibly creamy in consistency, the concealer glides onto the skin easily with the help of it's doefoot applicator. There is a similarity between the NARS and Collection concealers, I'm not going to lie. They both have a relatively thick formula and good staying power, but there is just something about the radiant creamy concealer that makes it 10x better. It's overall appearance is more attractive, there isn't a plasticy smell to the product and it appears to give more cover with less product than I'd get from the Collection concealer. I have noticed a huge difference under my eyes since using NARS, whereas the Collection concealer would cake up and leave me with dried lines that made me look haggard, I now have a flawless finish that brightens up the eye and just emphasises the skin.

At £22, this is a pricey concealer and not within everyone's price range. I don't think I would have been as easily swayed to buy it if it hadn't been for those Space NK points I'd managed to rack up. But saying that, I am so glad I did. It really is a wonder product and suitable for all skin types and I'll definitely be repurchasing. If you've been working hard recently, who's to say you can't treat yourself to a nice piece of makeup every once in a while? Have any of you tried this concealer, what were your thoughts?

BOOTS HAUL AND REVIEW

A couple of weeks ago I happened to be very early for my university lecture. I could have acted like the good student I am not and passed the minutes away in the library; researching topics and borrowing books. I also could have just sat outside the lecture room, waiting. By now you've probably guessed that I didn't do either of these things; I did however go to my nearest Boots (Drugstore) to pass the time and ultimately made a few impulse buys. I hold their 3 for 2 offer highly accountable for my naughty spends and I am in no way blaming my own lack of self control.

First on the list is L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation, a favourite of Vivianna Does Makeup: I've been on the hunt for a cheaper alternative to my much loved MAC Studio Fix Fluid for months now. I'm not one for stepping out of my comfort zone so trying this foundation was a huge change, I haven't delved away from MAC in 4 years, tragic. The foundation comes in a huge range of shades, catering for warm and cool skin undertones. If you are unsure of your skins colouring then I would highly suggest using Temptalia's Foundation Matrix, a step by step guide to help determine your shade for numerous brands of foundation! Being a very pale girl, I chose to go with the shade W1 Golden Ivory. This shade is very similar to my Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 and from looking at the foundation matrix, I knew it would be a good match. The foundation itself looks almost watery when you dispense it out of the pump. This was worrying as I like a heavy coverage foundation to cover the irritated skin on my cheeks, I felt that the consistency of the foundation just wouldn't be able to cut it. I was however pleasantly surprised. With much blending and buffing, the foundation did give a flawless cover, although I did use more product than if I was using my Studio Fix. If you do like a fuller coverage then be prepared to build up on the layers you apply. My one major issue with this foundation is how badly it accentuates dry skin. It will cling to any dry skin on your face so please make sure to moisturise and prime appropriately to avoid this. I do not believe that the True Match is better than my Studio Fix Fluid, but it does a good job. For days when I don't want a heavy coverage and for a cheaper fall back foundation, I would more than likely use True Match.

I'm a big brow lover and I'd like to think my eyebrow game is stronger than ever now I've stopped excessively plucking them. Benefit's Gimme Brow Gel claims to thicken individual hairs and create a natural but defined brow. I have a very particular brow routine, so was very worried about introducing this product to my little hairy caterpillars, but it is love. For my dark hair, I use the shade medium/dark and it is perfect. You can use the product to define, shape and set your brows all with it's small wand. The wand enables you to be as precise as you like with your brows without worrying about the gel smudging anywhere else. I still like to fill my eyebrows in with an eyebrow pencil first. But afterwards I will always use the Gimme Brow to set and define my brows so they appear fuller. The woman who served me also told me that the product contains marshmallow extract for strengthening and conditioning the brows & who doesn't love marshmallows?

L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara in waterproof black. I'm not going to say too much on this mascara, all I really need to say is IT'S AMAZING. After curling my lashes, I apply two coats of the mascara and that's it. There is no budging this product, it lasts all day and the definition and volume given is just outstanding. A new favourite of mine; I've worn it on my lashes for all of my recent nights out and I love the effect more than if I was to wear real false lashes. Lastly, SEVENTEEN Clear Definition Mascara, a very impressive buy. The clear mascara can be used to set brows, as a normal mascara or as a quick base before I apply my waterproof one. It lasts throughout the day and has become a staple part of my makeup kit.