Review + Swatches | Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream

I'm a huge fan of BB Creams. Ever since their release, about two years ago, they've become a staple in my beauty regime. I've tried numerous brands including Garnier (review here) and Maybelline (review here). This particular offering is a little more high-end, coming from Smashbox.

Smashbox describe this BB Cream as a 5-in-1 product that "primes, perfects, protects, hydrates and controls oil in one step to create a flawless face in a flash". I'll start with the packaging. This is typical Smashbox packaging, sleek and straight to the point. There's really not much to it as it is housed in a sleek, plastic, black tube and the product simply squirts out. Nothing special, but nothing to complain about either. 

Now onto the important part- what's inside! The product itself is light and creamy, and blends nicely and easily into the skin. It has no strong scent either. The coverage is quite light and I find it best for adding colour to your face and blurring out minor imperfections, it doesn't provide any heavy coverage. It can be built up slightly, however, in certain areas but you will definitely need a concealer to cover up any major blemishes or under-eye circles. 

One thing I will definitely say is I don't think this a product for the fairer skinned folk. I picked up the shade 'Light/Medium' and it is quite dark. It suits my skin tone perfectly for now, but I am tanned from coming back from holidays and have a naturally sallow complexion. This product is definitely a better option for those with medium to dark skin tones. 

The product caused no problems with my skin at all. It blends out to a natural finish and can be worn without powder as it isn't greasy at all, unlike many BB Creams. It also contains SPF 35 which is always a bonus! The lasting power is pretty standard, lasting about eight hours with wear signs. 

Overall, this is a good product but I'm not convinced it's worth the hefty price tag. I purchased the travel size (15ml) and this set me back $19.50 (I bought it in Florida in Sephora) whereas there are just as good products for much cheaper and full-sized. Also, I prefer a little more coverage in my base products.

Smashbox BB Cream 30ml - €33 from Boots

Travel Diary #4 | Florida!

I'm sure you're sick of me mentioning how I'm just back from Florida but I decided to share a few photos of my travels with you anyway! 'Hope you enjoy seeing what I got up to whilst State-side.

Generic plane pic// Cheescake Factory// Teddy machine selfie// Disney Princess Castle// Minnie during a Parade// Epcot Fireworks// Universal Studios// Cool upside-down building// The Pink Palace (AKA the Don Cesar)

I love Florida and actually used to live there when I was younger, so this wasn't my first time visiting. We spent some time in Tampa and Orlando. We did the general tourist-y things such as visiting Disney World (how can you not!). It was a great, fun day out. There's something truly magical about that place and it's never not enjoyable. We visited Magic Kingdom and also Epcot in Disney as well as the waterparks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. If you ever visit Disney World, please check out the fireworks at Epcot. They are truly spectacular! During our travels we also spent a few days at the beach, jet-skiing, shopping and eating! American food is something else. Nothing really compares. The portions are absolutely gigantic. My favourite restaurant is definitely The Cheescake Factory- so delicious!

Have you visited anywhere exciting this Summer?

Review + Swatches | Selena Gomez for Nicole by OPI in 'Inner Sparkle'

As you may know, I am just back from a holiday in Florida. Whilst I was there I was lucky enough to pick up a few beauty products. The prices there are incredibly cheaper than here in Ireland, especially in terms of beauty products. One item I picked up was a nail polish from Selena Gomez's range for Nicole by OPI. I love me a bit of sparkle, and this shade, appropriately named 'Inner Sparkle', instantly caught my eye.

This is polish is packed with glitter. It includes fine gold glitter, along with larger glitter pieces of pink and purple. It is definitely a shade for girly, glitter lovers! I think this shade would definitely work better as a top coat, to add a bit of pizazz (did I really just say pizazz?!) to any simple nail colour. As with most glitter polishes, it takes quite a few coats to build up. The below swatch took approximately 4 thick coats. It did look very pretty once applied, and the photo really doesn't do the shade justice. I received a lot of compliments too which is always a good sign! 

In short, this is a very pretty shade that would be a lovely addition to any nail polish collection. Is it an essential, ground-breaking polish (not that I know any polish that could really be considered "ground-breaking")? no. However, if you're a lover of all things sparkly, I'd definitely check this polish out.

I picked this up at Target $7.04.

Unfortunately this is not yet available in UK/Ireland as far as I know.

Review | Bioderma

Phew *wipes forehead*, I'm finally back from 5 and a 1/2 weeks of travel, and I apologise for my absence. If I was a super organised, fabluous blogger, I would've scheduled posts to go up every few days or once a week but alas, I am no such thing and I am sorry for that. Anyway, I'll quit boring you with this introduction and get on to the reason you clicked on this page- the review!

You may remember, a couple months ago, I visited the city of Love, also known as Paris. Being the beauty-lover that I am, I knew I needed to hunt down the highly praised skincare cult product that is 'Bioderma'. In fancy terms, it's a Créaline TS H2O Micellaire Solution. In simpler terms, it's a cleansing water. 

I decided to pick up the 500ml original version (pictured) and a travel size version of the Sebium version (the one for oily skin). However, I don't find a huge difference in the two so I won't be reviewing each one individually. 

I apply the product at night time to cleanse my skin before washing it with my actual cleanser. It is unbelievable for removing any type of makeup (including eye makeup), grime and dirt on the skin. I even use it on my no-makeup days as sometimes you can't see the dirt on your skin until you swipe it with some bioderma. I dab a little of the product onto a cotton pad, swipe all over my face and that's about it! It is very gentle on the skin, and has never cause my skin to breakout or any irritation at all- and I have sensitive skin. Also, as I know this can be an important factor to some people- there is no noticeable scent in my opinion!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this product to everyone and anyone. It's worth the hype and I can't see myself returning to standard makeup remover anytime soon. The only downside is it isn't the easiest product to hunt down but I have included some links below that will hopefully help you out. If you are lucky enough to be visiting France soon, definitely pick it up as it's substantially cheaper there, I even nabbed mine on sale! It lasts ages too- I've been using mine for months and it's over 3/4 full!

Bioderma 500ml - £11.60 here.

Bioderma 500ml - $32.50 here.

Monthly Favourites: June 2013!

Another month, another monthly favourites post! For Summer, I like to keep things light and fresh, and these products have been helping me do just that. 

As much as I love the sun, it can be dangerous sometimes. I've been loving MAC's tendertones this month as they contain SPF to protect your lips from the suns harmful rays but also add a bit of shimmer to the lips, and you know me, I can never say no to shimmer. Unfortunately these are limited edition and are no longer available but there are plenty other lip products that can do a similar job. Another great lip product is Revlon Lip Butter in 'Cotton Candy' (€11.18) . These are supremely raved about products, as they're butter smooth and add just the right amount of colour. This shade is a light pink that goes with anything.

As I like to keep my base makeup light, the key is to have glowy skin. The best product to achieve this is "High Beam" from Benefit. It's a iridescent highlighter and gives the most gorgeous sheen to the skin. I like to apply to my cheekbones and just beneath the brow for best results. Another great product from Benefit is their "Go Tropi Coral" lip & cheek kit (€35). It comes with a couple of products that help get the perfect look for Summer. 

My final two favourites this month are a slight step away from makeup. The first is the gel-look topcoat from essence. This bargain item makes your nails super shiny and gives them the gel-nail look without the price tag or the hassle! Finally, I have been loving Bioderma this month. Again, this is a raved about product in the beauty world. Unfortunately, it's pretty difficult to track down (unless you live in France). I was lucky enough to pick this up in Paris a few months ago and have been loving it ever since!

What products have you been loving this month?

Instagram Diary #2

I need to start be apologising for my recent absence. I have spent the past three weeks in France with extremely limited internet access. I could only occasionally get internet on my phone, with no use of a computer and it was extremely difficult to type up blog posts. Anyway, I'm back for now! Here's a little look into my Instagram life....

From Top L-R: Bruno Mars Ticket// Germany snow// View of Frankfurt// Eiffel Tower// Delphi, Connemara// The Bay// Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Ticket// Cupcakes at baby cousin's birthday party//
The perfect duo- Justin Bieber & Chocolate!

Giveaway | Win Jewellery with PersunMall!

Today I'm bringing you a giveaway from PersunMall. The lovely folks over there contacted me letting me know about their jewellery giveaway, and as I love any opportunity to give back to you lovely readers, I was on board! You could win one of the jewellery items pictured below.

Requirements:

1. Register at http://www.persunmall.com/

2. Like the PersunMall facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/PersunMall

3. Leave a comment on this post stating the registered email, name and the item you like (the one you registered on PersunMall).

4. Follow my blog on Bloglovin' here: http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/3566653

Additional Optional Entries:

1. Share the giveaway on your social media (e.g Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc.) and post your comment with the shared link (for verification).

2. Follow me on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/missbeautyblogg

3. Like my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Missbeautyblogger

Terms & Conditions:

1. If you are under 18 you must have your parent's permission before entering this giveaway.

2. This giveaway ends on June 23rd 2013.

3. If you have ever registered persunmall you are not allowed to enter this giveaway.

4. The more entries you do, the greater your chances of winning!

* Promotional Code: 20% Off orders over $60 with the code PERSUN20%OFF (valid before 30th June) *

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post- I just wanted to let you all in on this great giveaway!