Saturday, June 7, 2014

Vichy Dermablend 'Total Body Corrective Foundation'

Certain brands get the bloggersphere in somewhat of a tiz, and Vichy's Dermablend is no exception. Hailed as a miracle product that covers every imperfection imaginable, it's long been popular with those suffering from skin conditions and pigmentation issues. Although I have none of those things, I was still intrigued to find out what all the fuss was about and put the Total Body Corrective Foundation to the test. Designed to cover everything from scars, tattoos, stretch marks and varicose veins, the body foundation offers high coverage that's buildable and extremely long lasting. Although it's hard wearing, it's quite light to the touch and super easy to apply - ensuring it's easy to get great coverage and build up the base for a fab result. I've been using it on my face and it creates the most uniformed result I've ever experienced, providing the perfect base for makeup.


Although the lightest shade is still actually quite dark, during the warmer months it's still wearable and can create a more healthy glow on porcelain skin. The texture is smooth and velvety to the touch, but it dries quickly to leave a slightly tacky finish that doesn't budge for anything - once it's on and dry, there's no moving it or re-blending. The foundation has a 16 hour hold, as well as being water, sweat and rub resistant allowing for carefree wear throughout the day. When I've been wearing this I've repeatedly had comments on how great my skin looks and how radiant my complexion is; the combination of the coverage (without feeling or looking heavy) with the hint of colour really provides a great result.

I've even tried applying this to my limbs, in the attempt to cover prominent veins and bruises, and it definitely helps to cover them and create a uniform shade. Although I wouldn't have the patience to blend the formula all over, it's great for covering imperfections and discolouration that could cause self confidence issues. For those looking for a potentially life-changing and confidence boosting product, then this could be it. I love the fact it comes in a 100ml tube, ensuring you get great value for money and don't have to worry about running out any time soon; you need such a small amount at a time to build up coverage, that I wouldn't be surpised if it lasted a whole year.

Complementary products within the range also include a fab concealer that covers dark circles without caking (great if you're starting to see little fine lines like me,) and lasts all day - even when your eyes start to water. There's also a foundation compact which provides heavier coverage and leaves a delicate matte finish; however, it can be quite drying and leave skin looking a little tired if you're already feeling a little delicate underneath. Ensuring everything stays in place and skin looks picture perfect, there's even a Setting Powder which can be buffed into skin to keep foundation locked down. The combination provides a great portfolio of products that can really help create a flawless finish - adding a touch of blush and highlighter will leave skin looking practically perfect.


The Vichy Dermablend Total Body Corrective Foundation is available online, priced £29.75 for 100ml. However, it's currently available for £19.83 via Escentual.com - so get in quick!

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

LBQ's Top Tips: Do You Really Know How To Wash Your Hair?

There are certain things we just automatically presume we know how to do (such as brushing our teeth, combing our hair and taking a bath,) but have you ever wondered if your age old method is actually the best? Washing and conditioning our hair seems to be the simplest part of our routine and hard to get wrong, but you could be making some mistakes in the shower that have an impact on how your hair feels and looks when it's dried. Lathering up and slapping on a hair mask may keep your locks looking half decent, but refining your routine can really make a difference. So, do you really know how to wash and condition your hair?


Bargain Summer Buy: Malibu SPF30 Tropical Lip Balm Trio

Although we endeavour to protect our noses and shoulders when the sun comes out, one of the bodily parts often forgotten is our lips. Our pouts can become dry and damaged in hot weather, particularly as they take a large hit from the sunshine due to being so prominent on the face. Malibu offer a great range of affordable sunscreen products that smell of sunshine, but also have a range of lip balms that offer both UVA and UVB protection. This trio of lipbalms contains SPF30, as well as being extra resistant to sweat and water - great for when you're playing by the pool, taking a dip in the sea or simply sipping on a cocktail. The best bit though is that I picked up this trio of handy summer accompaniments for only £1.49!


The trio contains the same formula in mango, mint and tropical flavours, all subtly reminiscent of a beach side cocktail. Although they could quite easily be sickly sweet and full to the brim of coconut notes, all three are incredibly inviting and stay true to the flavours by which they're inspired. The formula itself is smooth, soothing and comfortable on the lips, great for applying while on the go or popping in your beach bag. You can't go wrong with a fab lip balm that protects your lips and smells good, especially when they're only 50p each! (Although their usual RRP is around £2.99)


The Malibu lip care trio costs £1.49 and is available via B&M stores and budget beauty shops nationwide. Also available individually.

NEW From Benefit: Four Matchy-Matchy 'Benetint' Lipbalm Hydrators

Benefit's range of delicate lip and cheek stains are some of the most successful product launches of recent times. It all started with the cult red Benetint that I can remember buying as a student and being told it would revolutionise my makeup routine. It did. Ten years later and not only have they expanded the line to include three more lip and cheek stains (the pink-purple Lolli Tint, delicate pink Posie Tint and peachy Cha Cha Tint,) but they've also added a collection of complementary balm tints for lips to ensure every look is effortlessly beautiful. 


Their Lip Balm Hydrators are available in four different shades, all containing hydrating ingredients to leave lips looking and feeling super soft. It's often suggested that wearing the same shade on your lips and cheeks can ensure a cohesive and more natural makeup finish (as hues aren't competing with eachother,) so Benefit are simply making the whole process even simpler. Packaged in matching cases to their cheek stain counterparts, all four lip colours provide just a hint of colour for a super natural finish. They're extremely pleasant to use and provide just a hint of sweet scent to the lips; although they're essentially glorified and very expensive lip balms, there's something a little luxurious and aspirational about them. I've no doubt these will fly off the shelves and into some Benefit addict's makeup bag... Even with the £14.50 price tag!


The Benefit Lip Balm Hydrators are available online and in boutiques priced £14.50 each.