blogger – sarah fynn

Barry M Flawless Original Primer Review

I’ve been preaching about primers for the longest time so it wasn’t long I planned a review series to follow suit. The series took me to the drugstore to test out some of the hottest brands primers. Barry M is a well-known brand in the drugstore so it made sense to pick out their flawless primer to add to the series.

The flawless primer promises pore minimising, smoothing and mattifying. It’s also suitable for all skin types

Experience

Let’s talk texture. The primer is a white smooth fluid which pumps out easily. I use about 2 to 3 pumps for my face and neck. The white fluid quickly turns clear and transparent as you warm it between your fingers and apply to the face. It feels smooth on the skin and as it settles in it looks (slightly) matte. I prefer to let the primer sit for a few seconds before starting my makeup application. It becomes very smooth and I find stuff just glide easily onto the skin.

I won’t say its pore minimising though. I have small pores and even with its pore minimising claims, I find no difference in the appearance of them after applying the primer. Is it matte? I think it’s a softer matte, it doesn’t look drying and doesn’t feel it either. The flawless primer holds up well during the day. It keeps my (slightly) oily tzone oil free but a tad bit shiny after 4 to 5 hours of wear. Not enough to blot but slightly noticeable although I don’t really mind that (a little dewiness for me)

Verdict

For a 5.99 primer I think it’s very good. If you’re extremely oily, I won’t say this is the mattifying primer to get, normal to combo skin may want to give this a try. It may not be the best for dry skin types either: it didn’t dry out my skin and doesn’t feel dry but it isn’t hydrating either.

All in all a good primer to end my review series with! I hope this series was helpful, make sure to check the other primers I have reviewed!

Will I repurchase? Yes

Barry M Flawless Original Primer is £5.99 at Superdrug

A primer from Primark? Primark Prime And Anti Shine Balm review coming soon! Catch me on Instagram for all the products and latest launches in town!

Love ya

Sarah

xoxox

Best Translucent/Setting Powders for Dark Skin

Finding the correct translucent setting powder for dark skin can be pretty tricky. I mean they say translucent yet you pick up a white powder and it leaves you looking ashy as hell lol. Then there are undertones, trying to pick a powder that isn’t too red for yellow undertones or too golden for neutral undertones! The Best Translucent/ Setting Powders are ones that match your skin tone or at least don’t cause flashback/leave a cast on your face.

What are Best Translucent/Setting Powders anyway?

Setting powders come in two types: loose and pressed which also come either Coloured: to match your skintone and add slightly more coverage or Translucent: to set your foundation but adds no colour. Whichever you choose they are used to set makeup. Generally, when you apply a cream or liquid product, you set it with a powder for longevity and to prevent it from ‘moving’ about.

Baking?

By now you’ve probably heard of Baking and my guess is you’ve started doing it too. I was super late to trying it but it actually works although I don’t ‘bake’ every day. I find loose setting powders are excellent for this than pressed powders. The Baking method is simply adding a lot of extra powder to set your under eye concealer to help prevent creasing. The key to baking correctly is choosing the right ingredients and in this case the right powder and the right colour too!

The Best Translucent/Setting Powders For Baking

A quick search on YouTube and you will have a lot of different powders for baking. What I really love about YouTube is getting the chance to actually see how they look on a variety of skintones! This comes in handy when you can’t physically go and swatch the product for yourself. I chose my baking powders mostly from watching YouTube and deciding what I wanted them for. I wanted one for everyday wear, semi slay occasions and cake for special occasions LOL (please tell me I’m not the only one which categories their makeup according to occasions LOL).

Black Opal Deluxe Finishing Powder in Dark

The latest powder in my collection but already a favourite! It is very similar to my skin tone so I use it everyday and also to set my makeup as well. I love the finish it gives to my face and it also has oil controlling properties. It looks quite shimmery when you first apply it but it disappears as you blend it in. I also find it can go slightly just slightly dark/red after wear for half the day.

Sasha Cosmetics Buttercup Powder

A huge favourite in the Beauty Blogger Community and it’s easy to see why. It’s more suitable for some skintones (darker) than the Ben Nye Banana Powder. I love the yellow in this powder as I have yellow undertones so it looks great on. Slight highlight and no flashback this powder is now my semi slay powder from previously been my everyday powder. One thing I have noticed with the powder, sometimes it looks slightly dry on my skin hmmm

Ben Nye Topaz Powder

Another huge favourite in the community and a great alternative for darker skin beauties than the Banana Powder. I love this and gives a bright highlight on my skin so its cake for special occasions powder.

These are just ones I have but other favourites include the Laura Mercier Translucent Powder. The original shade is suitable for all skin tones but she just released a medium/ deep shade and I would LOVE to get my hands on that! The only question now is- will it hit the UK?

Let me know which setting powders you love for baking! I would love to test some more out. I hope you found this post helpful and got some ideas for products to try!

Catch you soon

xoxo

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!

Christmas Guide Post

Is it too early? But is it ever too early?!

Hey my loves, so as the title suggests, this will be a short guide to some amazing products you should think about getting for your loved ones this Christmas. At first I thought it was way too early for this post but then I watched the totally awesome John Lewis advert and I was like yhh its not lol. After all we are in November, countdown to Christmas? 39 days!

Oh in case you haven’t seen the vid, which I am sure you have but just in case,

So lets get into this post then. 5 simple categories to choose from, all the prices ( hopefully to fit every budget) and links to where to purchase will be up too. Who doesn’t love a beautifully packaged set with 2, 3 maybe 4 items inside? My only requirement for this guide was that the gift came in a set!

One for the SKINCARE lovers

Nothing beats healthy, radiant skin especially in the winter! Whilst you are taking care of your self from the inside( because no matter what you put on your face, if your diet, water intake etc is not top notch, the products can only be effective till a certain point), check out my picks for taking care of yourself on the outside

skincare

Dermalogica skin kit, different kits available for most skin types. £26.35. Available here
Boots N⁰7 Cleansing Brush Set, £30.00 Available from com
Liz Earle Superskin Botanicals All-Stars, £43.00. Available from com

Best for PERFUME fanatics

Lets face it, no outfit is ever complete without your signature perfume ( or in my case perfumes, because #addictedtoperfume), soo if you are looking for one to start with or just want ot try something different, shop my picks to help you come out smelling like rose

All these these are available on Debenhams, if you hurry, you may catch their 10% off discount! (P.S they are also on my wish list :))

YSL Black Opium EDT 30ml giftset, £45.00 ( now £40.50)
Marc Jacobs Decadence EDP 75ml giftset, £75.00 (now £67.50)
Viktor & Rolf BonBon EDP 50ml giftset, £79.00 (now £71.10)

Bonus- Paco Rabanne Olympea EDP 50ml giftset, £54.00 (Now £48.60)

One for NATURALISTAS

Of course, been a naturalista myself I had to include something for us! Keep your hair looking fly with these great products from top brands

Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter and Argan Oil Repair& Transition Kit, £22.45. Available from British Curlies

BeUnique Try Me Travel Kit, £24.99. Available from Beuniquehaircare.co.uk

SheaButterCottage 3 Step Hair Pack, £26.50. Available from SheaButterCottage.com

MAKE UP lovers I got you!

Tis the season to upgrade your make up game! My picks have everything you need to make sure you nail your Christmas selfie!

Pur Minerals Starry Eyed Kit, £12 Available from Beauty Bay

Sleek 24K Gold Gift set, Limited Edition, £27.49 (now £25.00). Available from Sleekmakeup.com (P.S check out their other gift sets)

Clinique Days of the Week Lipstick, £35.00. Available from Clinique.co.uk

Top picks for AU NATURALE

These days, everyone wants to incorporate something natural, organic or mineral products in their regime. I think this is great but with the hefty price tags around, it may not suit everyone’s budget. Shop my picks for affordable gifts for your natural savvy friend

LoveShea Himalayan Salt and Rose scrub and Shea Soufflé Gift Set, £17.50. Available from LoveShea (P.S check out LoveShea reviews under the Product Directory Tab)

Bare Minerals Precious Gems, £25.00. Available from BareMinerals

Lush StarDust, £27.95. Available from Lush

That’s all folks! Let me know what you think. Have you started your Christmas shopping yet? Or are you a last minute shopper? I will hopefully be back with some more gift guides, so stay tuned!

Until next time,

Love

Sarah

NuNAAT Brazilian Patauà Oil review

Hey loves! I hope everyone is doing great! This post will be a review on the new Revitalizing Sulfate Free Shampoo and Hydration Plus Moisturising Conditioner, part of the new NuNAAT Brazilian Patauà Oil collection

You guy know I love me some nuNAAT. I have featured them in my product collection series and have a few reviews for some of their products. Click on the Product Directory Tab for reviews and Natural Hair tab for the product collections!

The new NuNAAT brand is formulated with Pataua Oil which is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 and works to deeply nourish the hair and provide lustre. It also contains Pracaxi Oil which provides maximum softness and moisture to the hair. The full product range includes

Revitalizing Sulfate Free Shampoo

Hydration Plus Moisturizing Conditioner

Moisture Infusion No-Lye Relaxer System

Cuticle Protect Wrap Setting Mousse

Shine Enhancing Thermal Protect Hair Lotion

It’s a relatively small collection that boats of big things so does it live up to it?

The shampoo did a good job of cleansing my hair and scalp. I did find that it did not sud up easily, which is understandable because it is sulfate free. It smells pleasant too.

I love the conditioner! It gives amazing slip for finger detangling. It’s not a thick consistency but it’s not too runny either. It also left my hair really soft and moisturized.

The only downfall is that I was sent sample sizes (50ml) because they didn’t have the full sized products yet! Guys its brand new lol! I would love to use it again and give a more detailed review however for now I am very impressed and its two thumbs up!

I’m not sure when it will be available in stores in the UK yet but I know it will be available at the Natural Nights event this Sunday! I hope you guys are going!! If you can’t attend, watch out for my event cover for it.

Verdict: nuNAAT never fails to deliver! I love all the products I have from this brand and I will definitely recommend it! Be sure to check them out

Love

Sarah

Black Beauty and Hair Magazine!

Good News!

If you followed me on my intern diaries ( to catch you, search intern diaries), you would know I have been working at Black Beauty and Hair Magazine for the last month! Our latest issue is now out and I was SO EXCITED to see my name in print (Am I famous now? Lol) and all the pages I worked on.

If you are in the UK, make sure you pick up a copy now! Enter the freebie giveaway for a chance to win some amazing products and hampers! Click here to enter your details for a chance!

But I’m not done, there is another surprise coming soon!

Have a great night

Love Sarah

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex 10 in 1 Renewal System Review

Shea Moisture has officially launched in the UK! ( Oh there’s a 3 for 2 offer NOW ON at Boots ) I was able to go to the launch party and get my hands on the Superfruit complex 10 in 1 shampoo and conditioner and this will be a short 1^st impressions post.

It has 3 main ingredients:

Superfruit Complex– which is a blend of red raspberry ketones, goji, acai and guava extracts. This is super rich in antiaging oxidants

Marula Oil- contains natural plant peptides that help support hair’s elasticity

Biotin- for nourishment and thicker stronger hair.

It boasts of 10 benefits which are Anti-aging benefits, Colour protection, Hydration, Nourishment, Rejuvenation, Strength, Anti-stress, Manageability, Softness and Shine

How does it live up to its claims?

The shampoo smells amazing! It’s free from many chemicals such as sulfate, parabens mineral oils and paraffin. I loved it cleansed my hair and scalp without stripping it of moisture; It’s very conditioning. I used a fair enough which gave me a good amount of suds seeing that its sulfate free.

After shampooing, I finger detangled with the conditioner and let that sit for 20 mins with a conditioning cap. I was very impressed with the amount of slip it gave me, which made finger detangling so much easier (aren’t we always on the hunt for the conditioner that gives the perfect slip?). I love that the bottle came with a pump, which made it user to use and apply. A little goes a long way and I found I didn’t use much for my thick curls.

Verdict: I LOVE the products and would recommend it! My hair felt nourished and more manageable with reduced shedding. The smell is an added bonus! The Superfruit Complex range has more amazing products, check out the full range and where to purchase here

It’s my first of many Shea Moisture products! I’m seriously hooked and can’t wait to try the other collections! Which one is best for you? Check out my help chart to help you decide

If you’re looking for the conditioner for the perfect slip, you need to try the Superfruit Complex conditioner. I am excited about this range and I will be looking to purchase the other products too.

See you soon!

Love

Sarah

The Intern Diaries: Day 9

Dear Diary

Today was manic! It was really busy at work, I kind of understand why it takes a company/business a while to reply or call back a customer, sometimes. There’s a bunch of things to do and different things needing you attention sometimes things can get forgotten.

Anyway, you will never guess what brand is coming out with a hair care line for natural hair! Can’t say so now but it will be exiting once it comes out! See part of the reason why I love this job is getting to know products even before they come out in stores.

Tomorrow is the big one: my review! I welcome any positive or negative feedback I will get so I can work on it for the future. I will make sure to use my waterproof mascara since am such a big baby and cry easily lool.

So yesterday, I did a post on a conservation I overheard between a hairdresser and another man. Check it out by clicking here >> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-LV . Anyway it was just debunking some myths about natural hair. So today we were talking about it and as it turns out they know the hairdresser. They explained to me that he says most of his natural hair clients are coming back and relaxing/texlaxing their hair because they are not quite getting their hair how they like it: in terms of the ‘perfect curl’ or making their hair soft etc. they find they get frustrated and give up hence they go back to relaxing. And it’s expensive because they spend a lot of money searching for products that work for their hair. This got me thinking as usual on the way home.. Watch this space!

I’m really looking forward to tomorrow and of course I will report back to you what happens but for now I am off to eat and sleep!

Fingers crossed

Love Sarah

P.S- I made that salon appointment! As part of my salon series I will be visiting natural hair salons and sharing my experience with you

I was able to get some new products to review: check my Instagram for the latest products and what to watch out for

I ordered some nail decorations, why it isn’t here yet lol! I can’t wait to do my nails ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Be hopeful, tomorrow is a new start! xx

Debunking natural hair myths 3: Ignorant hairdresser!

Hey guys, I hope everyone is doing great! If you read my previous debunking natural hair myths, Part 1>> http://wp.me/p1uQOd-Ju Part 2 >>http://wp.me/p1uQOd-JM you would know it was inspired by things I heard or read. Today’s post however was inspired by a conversation I overheard lol yesterday between a ‘hairdresser’ and another man.

He said

Natural hair is just a trend that will die down soon. You know how people catch on to trends. They will realise its expensive and it’s not suitable for UK weather. Natural hair is not versatile, there’s not much you can do with it

Because I was eavesdropping (lol, well I wasn’t I was in the next room and the door was open lol) I couldn’t just barge in and lecture him. I thought about what I heard all the way home and how it’s a pity to hear this from a hairdresser. He’s probably the type to convince you to relax your hair if you walked into his salon. Anyway today’s post will focus on debunking all the myths he said

Natural hair is a trend- I think this is subjective depending on who you talk to. For instance, if you talk to someone who has seen a lot of perfectly defined twist outs and amazing voluminous hair, they are somehow led to believe that will be their case once they transition. They don’t really know what goes into that process aka pre poo, detangle, wash, deep condition, LOC then twist, dry, fluff then ROCK lol. So they transition only to find it’s not the case and give up, it is to those people that natural hair is a trend. I believe most things started off as a trend but stuck because people found it worked for them and they liked it. I also I believe if you did your research prior to transitioning and you had a personal reason/issue why you transitioned aka you had damaged hair etc, and you believe transitioning to natural hair is the only way to recovery, then you are more likely to keep your natural hair afterwards. it will not die down for those people that has become their lifestyle
Natural hair is expensive- I must confess I thought the same thing when I first became natural, and of course I thought I needed a separate conditioner to detangle and condition. I also thought I needed 10000 different oils for my hair. But now I believe it’s either more or less expensive than relaxed hair. It will cost whatever you put into it. I can have natural hair and use the bare minimum products or relaxed hair with the most products. But for the sake of this man, let’s look at some prices comparisons of natural and relaxed hair products in the same category.

Shampoos

Relaxed hair- Elasta QP shampoo for relaxed hair £2.49/237ml

Natural hair- Motions nourish and acre active moisture shampoo £2.99/473ml

Conditioner

Relaxed hair- Olive oil formula replenishing conditioner- £2.99/250ml

Natural Hair- Eco natural cocktail conditioner- £2.99/8oz

I could go on. It’s what you decide to buy. A lot of these products are suitable for all hair types too. I think the main reason people think it’s expensive is 1. Some time ago, companies that made natural hair products were very limited hence the high price 2. I believe when you transition or first become natural there is a lot of products that are thrown at you that you want to try out, hence you buy, buy, buy. Trust me when I say about 60% of products you would buy in the first year of been natural will not work for you. As you experiment and play around with different products, you will know your staple products and what works best for your hair.

If he is saying natural hair is more expensive because of all the styling products or oils we buy, once again he is wrong because we just swapped wrapping/setting lotions for curl defining cremes/gels and so forth. But again this really depends on the individual and how much they are willing to spend on their hair products

It’s not suitable for UK weather- 1^st of all, no hair is ever suitable for UK weather lol that’s why we got weaves, braids and wigs. Say no more
Natural hair is not versatile, there’s not much you can do with it- well mister take a look at the countless videos on YouTube and decide for yourself

I hope I did a good job debunking these myths, what do you guys think? I would love to hear others opinions on some stuff he said, make sure you comment below: whether you’re relaxed or natural!

Naturals do you think been natural is more expensive than when you were relaxed? People that transitioned but when back to relaxing their hair, what made you go back? Was it a trend for you or did you find it difficult/ not enough time? Do you think I am been defensive because I am natural?

It really gets on my nerves to hear ignorant stuff about natural hair, what people decide to do with their hair is their personal business so why say foolish things about something just because it’s not the norm?. Anyway let me go and drink this tea and apply my oils and sleep lol.

Love

Sarah

The Intern Diaries: Day 7

Dear Diary

Today was busy! Calling, writing, editing, more calls etc. I swear people are hard to get hold off lool. And the weather is coolllldd boy! Winter is finally here, I think we skipped fall. I am probably been dramatic as I get cold very easily.

I have been thinking about new segments for my blog, I hope to get those up and running soon. There’s not much to say, other than I am off to bed and see you tomorrow!

Shame it’s about to end!

Love

Sarah

P.S- I was able to go to the Post office today! Yay me.

Its time to put away my summer clothing. I was complaining it was too cold meanwhile I am rocking a crop top LOL

I have just seen this YouTuber who spooks Obama. He hilarious. You need to find him and watch him, I forgot his name though lool

Tell me why people do awkward crap lol. The other day, I’m out with my friend shopping and out of nowhere this dude (lol) comes up to me and says hi and offers his hand in the most awkward way ever. I literally looked at him and walked past LOL ( ok maybe that was funnier in my head)

Nyt nyt!