beautybloggers – sarah fynn

BeautyPie Superdose Vitamin C Body Lotion Review

This year, I have been focused on using more active ingredients in my bodycare routine and I have been on the hunt for some. I have found a few Vitamin C body lotions, including the new BeautyPie Superdose Vitamin C Body Lotion.

What the brand says

Want firmer, fresher, tighter, brighter-looking skin all over your body? You’ll love this. It’s a high-tech, radiance-boosting, moisturizing body lotion, loaded with Tranexamic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, firming Brown Algae and stable vitamin C. It gives sun-damaged skin a super-boost! Use daily for the fastest brightening, firming and rejuvenating effects, or use 2-3 times weekly to help prevent signs of aging. Clean. Vegan. And cruelty-free (of course).

Experience

I used this body lotion twice a day and the 250ml bottle last just over 2 weeks. I experienced no irritation

What I liked: so what attracted me to this product is the formula: this utilizes a well-known vitamin C derivative Ascorbic Acid Glucoside and Tranexamic acid to promise firmer and brighter skin. it also other great ingredients like hyaluronic acid, brown algae extract, centella asiatica and argan oil.

I really enjoyed the scent, it’s kinda citrusy, kinda medicated but pleasant and it lingers on the skin. It is a lightweight lotion that doesn’t leave any oily residue on the skin. It goes on and sinks into the skin easily.

What I didn’t like: the bottle only lasted 2 weeks which isn’t a long time to notice any huge differences. I didn’t notice massive improvements if any. I don’t think the formula hydrating/moisturizing as much as I would like. It was ok to use whilst the weather was still warm(ish) but as the weather has changed and it’s raining more and colder, I find my skin feels drier at the end of the day

Verdict

I was super excited to try this once they posted a teaser on their Instagram but I’m afraid to say it is a bit of an anti-climax. I love the formula but I don’t find it hydrating. I also wish for the price it came in a bigger bottle. This 250ml bottle lasted 2 weeks using it twice a day, the members price for this is £11.34 which is just £2 more than the Nivea Q10 plus Vitamin C 400ml lotion (I love this!)

Will I repurchase this? No I had high hopes for this lotion but unfortunately it didn’t live up to them. I LOVE the Nivea Q10 plus C lotion so I will be sticking to that

BeautyPie Superdose Vitamin C Body Lotion is £11.34 for members and available on BeautyPie

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads Review

It’s no surprise I’m obsessed with acids, I mean I have a post here and here about it and reviews on products which contain them here and here too! I haven’t had the best experience with the Naturally Radiant Collection from Superdrug however when I saw these I just had to give it a shot. I’m talking about the new Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads which look a lot like the Nip Fab pads.

The Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads are infused with plant extracts and promise to improve skintone and texture and awaken skin’s natural glow. It’s been formulated with AHA and fruit acid blend as well as aloe, witch hazel and Pro Vitamin B5 to improve skin’s clarity and smoothness of the skin’s surface

Experience

The pads come in a tub container and contains 60 pads. I use two daily, one for my face and another for my neck and chest. The pads are moist but not as moist as I would like them to be. They haven’t dried out since I started using them. Superdrug recommends you use the rough side of the pad 1^st and the smooth side 2^nd. I didn’t know this until now- it says this online and NOT on the container.

I’ve been testing out these pads and I must admit I like them. I use them as the acid toner in my routine, after washing my face and before misting with a water mist. I’m not sure of the acid content as it is not mentioned on the packaging but I assume it’s quite low, maybe 2% or less( I could be wrong). They don’t sting so misting is really optional with these pads.

I have noticed a slight improvement in the texture of my skin but not necessarily an improvement in skin tone or brightness yet. I feel it makes my skin look smoother and pores reduced. It’s also great for catching any last bits of makeup that is still hanging around after washing. They have a pleasant scent.

Verdict

I think these pads are a perfect dupe for the NIP FAB Daily Fix Glycolic Pads. They perform the same way and they are much cheaper than the NIP FAB ones. I will recommend these to anyone looking to start with acids but not sure where to start. I wish they would state the acid content of the pads on the product or online just so I know how much acid I am using. But to be on the safe side I always use SPF anyway.

//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Daily Cleansing Pads are £5.99 at Superdrug

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Amazing Makeup Fixing Spray Review

For today’s instalment in the Drugstore Setting Spray Review Series, I will be talking about the Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Amazing Makeup Fixing Spray. Makeup Revolution is a popular drugstore brand with budget friendly prices: there was no way I could do this challenge without picking up their setting spray!

The Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Amazing Makeup Fixing Spray to keep your makeup in place all day and protect against heat & humidity whilst helping your makeup to last 8 hours

Experience

I really like this setting spray. It sprays in a fine mist and doesn’t leave white spots on the face. It doesn’t say what sort of finish it gives but I have found it to be a natural satin/matte finish which I actually like (huge surprise as I prefer dewy/glowy finishes). It doesn’t dry out my face or make my skin look dry either. I have really tested out this spray’s claims as I have used it when I have been running errands in the past week. It helped my makeup stayed put and held up against heat. I’m not a huge fan of the scent- slightly of chemicals but it works so I can accept that lol

I have a slight oily T zone and I found the spray helped to extend the time I would need to blot which I really liked. I haven’t experienced any irritation with the product. They say you can use this on eye makeup as well but I haven’t tested that out yet.

Verdict

A good setting at a very good price! The Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Amazing Fixing Spray will be the perfect addition to your makeup collection! For very oily skin types, they have an oil controlling formula as well.

Makeup Revolution Pro Fix Amazing Makeup Fixing Spray is £5 at Tam Beauty

I will reveal which setting spray is next on Instagram, be sure to follow me to find out!

GARNIER MOISTURE BOMB TISSUE MASK REVIEW

Hi guys! I hope all is well. This post will be a full review on the new Tissue Mask from Garnier. The tissue mask aka sheet mask is part of the new Moisture Bomb collection which launched a few months back! Check out my post here, at the time of writing this wasn’t available.

Garnier describes the mask as a ‘super hydrating revitalising mask’ that intensely rehydrates and reduces the look of fine lines. It’s been formulated with pomegranate extract and Hyaluronic acid and supposed to deliver 1 weeks’ worth of moisture in just 15 mins! It’s also suitable for sensitive skin.

Experience

The mask smells divine and it’s very easy to put on. The blue side faces outward and white side on your face then peel the blue sheet off. It’s large enough and fits the whole face quite nicely. The eye and mouth areas are cut out at the right places too. You will have to fold the mask around the chin area. I didn’t find the mask slipping/moving whilst I had it on. I just pop it on and carry on with my day! E.g. I have one on now as I write this blog post! Sheet masks are great for a quick mask session and when you’re too lazy to doll a full skincare routine. There’s no need to rinse, after taking it off, I simply massage the rest of the serum into my skin and allow to dry, then I carry on with the rest of my routine.

I didn’t experience any breakouts or irritation with the mask.

Verdict

If you are a #sheetmask fanatic you have to get this mask! It’s amazing, it certainly leaves my skin moisturised and very smooth! I’m probably on my 4^th purchase by now! I used this on a recent long haul flight and apart from the very funny looks I got (lool) it did really well to keep my skin moisturised! And because there’s no need to rinse, you can use this any and everywhere! I can’t wait to try the rest of the Moisture Bomb collection now. If you have dry skin, I will defiantly say this is worth a try!

At an amazing price point, you can’t afford to miss this. Be quick though, it almost always sold out in stores!

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask is £ 1.49 and available from Boots. It’s worth checking frequently as it’s almost always on offer for 99p (LIKE NOW!) then grab loads (which is what I did lol). You can also get this in Superdrug.

If find out more about the collection and Garnier, please visit the website

Make sure you are following me on Instagram as I regularly post infographics and products, you can’t afford to miss that! Instagram- SarahFynn

See you soon!

Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day Setting Spray Review

Hey guys, I hope all is well! This post will be my first impressions on the Gerard Cosmetics Slay All Day Setting Spray I got from Beauty Bay not too long ago. I try to stay away from doing first impression posts as I really like to test out a product before writing my thoughts. Impressions change as you continue to use a product and I have found products where I did not like the first time I used it but love it on the 3^rd use.

With that been said…

I am doing a first impression on this product because I KNOW my impressions won’t change. Gerard Cosmetics has been on my radar for a while now and they came out with the Slay All Day Setting Sprays. These come in about 5 scents and I purchased the Jasmine scent. I bought the mini bottle just to be on the safe side as I know of the brand mainly for lipsticks not setting sprays.

The setting spray promises to keep your makeup matte all day and has a light floral fragrance.

Experience

I hate it! It stinks lol. There is nothing light about the scent. To me, it’s quite strong and it actually lingers for a while! (Which won’t be a problem if it were pleasant) it smells like damp clothes you left in the washer for some days. I thought it was just me been extra so I sprayed this in front of my friend and her reaction was the same as mine! My makeup/skin wasn’t matte either and I don’t have excessively oily skin. In fact, I have normal to combo skin. Because I can’t get over the scent, there’s no way I will keep spraying this all over my face.

Verdict

I am happy I got the mini bottle but it is still quite expensive: £11 for 30ml. I will be using this now for dampening my sponges or brushes just so I can get my monies worth. I thought of trying a different scent but I don’t want to risk that. (I just sprayed it right now lol and I hate it so much arrrrrgghhhh!)

If you are in search of a makeup setting spray please read my previous post for my recommendations and what they actually do. Makeup Setting Sprays

Gerard Slay All Day is £11 from BeautyBay

Same God back then, same God now

Boots Christmas Event

Hey guys, I hope all is well. Christmas is around the corner and your gift shopping this year should be in one place only: Boots! I went along to their Boots Christmas Event for a sneak peak of what will be hitting stores soon and I must say IT LOOKS GOOD!

The theme this year is the Gift of Beauty and one of the main things you can do is personalisation on lots of items like perfumes, makeup etc! I totally love this idea and there are a few special people this year that will be getting a perfume with their name on it from me! Christmas came early for me and THANK YOU BOOTS for this: I got my own personalised perfume! This Gucci Bamboo smells DIVINE! This was a huge surprise and I love it so much!

Moving on, we have a lot to talk about!

No7 have some amazing collections coming your way! Everything is sparkly and oozes glamour. One thing you have to pick up is the Advent Calendar! I have never got one of these before but this one may just be my first!

Soap & Glory, if you are a fan of this brand you have to check out their Christmas collection coming soon! The kaleidoscope theme makes everything fun and look out for singing tins and light out boxes!

You can personalised your very own makeup palette and choose the shades you want in there! I previewed some of the shades and gurl they look very good!

Sleek, Nyx, Benefit, Ted Baker and other brands have amazing goodies coming soon! Everything is excellent value for money and packaged ever so nicely!

Enough talk, see more pictures on my Facebook page

Most of the items will be available in store and online from the end of this month or beginning of October! Anything that is flat, glass or metal can be engraved in store and online for £1 – £3 (not exactly sure on the price). Please check online for participating Boots.

Hats off to Red Consultancy for the amazing event! The place looked amazing and the big reveal was a nice touch!

Freedom Glycolic Glow Tonic Review

Acid Toners are my new fav item to use, with a range of benefits for the skin and lots of products to choose from, I am now on a mission to try and nail a staple acid toner and try a few different brands. I picked up the Freedom Glycolic Glow Tonic from Superdrug a couple of months back when I run out of my Pixi Glow Tonic.

The Freedom Glycolic Glow Tonic is very similar to the Pixi Glow Tonic, I think it’s supposed to be a dupe. The only major differences are the Freedom version has alcohol and ginseng whilst the Pixi doesn’t. The other major difference is the price, Pixi retails for £18 for 25oml whilst this is just £6 for 200ml. The Glycolic Glow Tonic promises clearer, brighter skin and gently removes dead skin cells for a softer, smoother and more radiant skin ( which very similar to Pixi’s claims)

Experience

I am so disappointed with this toner! I don’t think it made any difference with my skin. With Pixi, I noticed a reduction in my pores and more radiant skin, breakouts were also minimised. With this, I didn’t notice any of those. I stopped using this for a while because it wasn’t effective at all so moved to the Nip Fab Glycolic Pads . It doesn’t say the acid content on the bottle but I am quite sure its very low.

I also think it has a lot of colouring in it, the colour is very yellow and really just reminds me of a cheap product and definitely a cheaper version of the Pixi Glow Tonic. I don’t really like the smell too.

Verdict

For £6 I wanted more out of this acid toner but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its expectations. I have a bit of it left and I am trying really hard to finish the bottle just to get rid of it. I definitely won’t repurchase this. You can get a 100ml of Pixi Glow Tonic which is just £10 and lasts long because you actually don’t need a lot of it. If you’re thinking of getting this one as a dupe for the Pixi Glow tonic, I would say don’t. I think I am quite harsh with it because I used it right after using the Pixi Glow Tonic.

Freedom Glycolic Glow Tonic is £6 and available from Superdrug

Your Love can move mountains

Pixi Glow Tonic Review

Any beauty blogger worth her highlight (lol) has probably heard of Pixi and even more so used the ever so popular Pixi Glow Tonic! The cult favourite is an acid based toner that promises radiant looking skin, a clearer, brighter and smoother complexion and improved skin texture. Who doesn’t want all of that?!

I was introduced to the Pixi Glow Tonic, last year, when I got sample sizes of the toner. I fell in love with it and wanted to purchase a full size bottle. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, I picked up the 100ml size in my local M&S (yes M&S sell Pixi and other great brands e.g NUXE, Glamglow, Bliss!)

Experience

I really like the smell of the tonic, it’s very refreshing. I use it morning and night and I have found it doesn’t leave my skin tight or dry. In terms of radiance, I haven’t noticed much of a difference. I use African Black Soap which my skin totally loves and has done wonders for my skin (radiance on fleek) however in addition to the Pixi I haven’t noticed a huge difference there. Around this time of year, my pores get clogged/ enlarge so easily. Using the toner has helped minimise the appearance of my pores which I am so grateful for!

Overall I think is a great acid based toner! Is it worth the hype? I’m neutral on that, I really like it and I think it does a wonderful job. It’s slightly on the expensive side if you are on a budget however they do come in 2 sizes: 250ml for £18 or 100ml for £10. Either way each bottle will only last a couple of weeks especially if you use it twice daily!

Pixi Glow tonic is alcohol free.

Get it on QVC for best value for money! They have value packs and stock other Pixi makeup.

I may have found a dupe for this, follow me on Instagram to stay tuned for that and other product updates! Links can be found under the social tab.

Caution

Any acid based toner will increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun so PLEASE make sure you use SPF, either on top of your moisturiser or in it. Foundations with SPF is not enough protection! That goes for darker skin tones too.

Can you recommend any acid based toners? Let me know below!

With Man all things are impossible. With God all things are possible

Gloww Box Review

Gloww Box is one of the few beauty boxes in the UK dedicated to women of colour. As part of my beauty box review series, I picked up the May box which featured an Ombre Lips look and products to help you achieve that.

Contents

Cailyn Pure Lust Extreme Matte Tint in Egoist– £13

Cailyn Luxe Lipstick in Neo Candy– £13

Saturated Colour Lip Vinyl in Passion Peach– £7

Cailyn Luxe Lipstick in Banana– £13

Cailyn Lip Liner Gel Pencil in Whisky Sour– £9

Saturated Colour Double Ended Lip Brush- £5.50

Total- £60.50

Gloww Box monthly subscription- £15 plus £3.95 p&p

Overall Thoughts

It’s bittersweet for me. I think the box is excellent value for money! The content is worth over £60 yet a monthly subscription is only £15! That is very good! On the other hand, I found this box rather boring. I personally don’t like the ombre lip look. I originally subscribed at the END OF MAY, after May boxes were shipped (or so I thought) I had seen this box on Instagram and wasn’t interested so I thought signing up at the end of May will get me June’s box which I was hoping won’t be makeup!

Also none of the colours actually excite me. I know I will definitely NOT be wearing the Banana shade. Egoist and Neo Candy are ok and the Passion Peach shade looks too light for my skintone so I will definitely have to pair with a liner! The only shade I actually liked was the lip liner in Whisky Sour. I have included swatches of the lip colours below. The lip brush looks cool too although I don’t really use lip brushes.

Overall I am kinda torn, I have known about Gloww box for a while and was really looking forward to their box! You definitely get your money’s worth and more but for me I don’t think this is one of their strongest boxes. I will bring individual reviews on the products later.

What do you think? Did you received this box? Let me know your thoughts below!

Check out my reviews for other beauty boxes below

For more information on Gloww Beauty check out their website!

Love

Sarah

Comparison is the thief of joy

SipnShare with Illusions Cosmetics

Hey guys, how was your weekend? Good I hope. I went along to the Sip & Share event with Illusions cosmetics on Saturday and discovered new makeup and a brand dedicated to women of colour!

Illusions Cosmetics is the brain child of two celebrity makeup artists and twin sisters, Denise and Janice Tunnell and has everything you need from foundations to eyeliners and lipsticks! The brand created in 2006 boasts of celebrity clientele and is most known for their lip-glosses. The brand was created for WOC in particular Black women.

The event was to meet Denise and Janice, play around with their makeup and learn a bit more about them and their journey to success. The sisters have a very impressive CV, Denise has worked with the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Megan Good, Mike Epps and movies like Hunger Games, Fast &Furious 5&7! Janice also has many films under her belt including Step Up, Fighting Temptations and Destiny’s Child! I found their story inspirational and testament to follow your dream even though your background maybe completely unrelated! They both hold degrees in Accounting & Business management and were fulltime accountants for the most part of their makeup artist journey!

After their opening address, we were free to play around with the makeup. After swatching some of their luxury lipsticks and eye dusts I must admit they are very pigmented and really pretty!

Then there was a quick Q & A with Rhia from Pride Magazine. I had a bunch of questions I wanted to ask but time did not permit urgh! After some (a lot) of pictures were taken, it was goodie bag time (filled with PreMae & Illusions Cosmetics goodies reviews to follow soon!) then home time! I had so much fun and it was great meeting the sisters and Clare from JoClare PR!

For more information on the brand, please visit the website, Illusions Beauty

I believe you can order via the PR company, contact JoClarePR for more information.

Have you liked my Facebook page yet? More pictures are available on there! SarahFynn

No amount of makeup can cover an ugly heart