JW Beauty

{Review} Revlon PhotoReady Candid Range

After seeing all the hype about Revlon’s new Candid range, I just knew I had to spend my money on it to test and review it for you babes.

I decided to not include the PhotoReady Rose Glow Primer in this review, mainly because I didn’t want to spend my money on something I know I wouldn’t use. When I swatched it on my hand, it was very glowy and oily looking, which isn’t what I’m looking for in my daily makeup look.

I have however been testing the Candid products out for about two weeks now to be able to form a solid opinion.

I CAN. SO I DID.
REVLON

PHOTOREADY CANDID FOUNDATION

This foundation, according to Revlon, “protects your skin against the blue light from devices,” which accelerates premature aging like wrinkles, pigmentation and redness.

Honestly, this foundation was a hit and a miss for me. It comes in 12 different shades, but for the life of me I couldn’t find my shade. I was quite disappointed and found the shade range really mediocre. Also bare in mind that I have one of those skin tones which there is always a shade for. I decided to get the shade 240 Natural Beige and it made me look really pale.

On the bright side, it provides medium coverage and is easily buildable to full coverage. It also blends really nicely and easily. I really love the creamy matte finish and it is so comfortable on the skin. It’s actually a pity that I couldn’t find the right shade because it wore so well throughout the day. I’d suggest that if you can get your hands on your shade, definitely give it a go.

Available at Clicks and Dischem for R139.95.

Overall rating: 6/10

PHOTOREADY CANDID CONCEALER

According to Revlon, this concealer contains “anti-pollution, antioxidant and anti-blue light ingredients to protect your skin against the environment.”

I’m actually so in love with this concealer. It’s full coverage and blends out easily. It contains caffeine to liven up the under eyes, which is perfect for those pesky bags, and let me tell you, it did a great job at covering up my dark circles. I also really love the applicator – the bulbous tip is perfect for sliding under the eyes and applies product generously.

The shade range is also a bit off, but other than that the concealer is amazing. It’s been part of my daily routine ever since I got it. A definite yes from me!

Available at Clicks and Dischem for R139.95.

Overall rating: 9/10

PHOTOREADY CANDID SETTING POWDER

This setting powder is available in three shades, however nothing too pigmented. I’d say it’s translucent with just a hint of colour which is great. It blurs pores, leaving the skin looking airbrushed and doesn’t have any flashback. Yay!

I really liked using this powder to set my face because it helped the foundation and concealer to last all day and really helped to prevent my makeup from creasing. It’s also really lightweight on the face and doesn’t feel cakey at all.

Available at Clicks and Dischem for R139.95.

Overall rating: 8/10

QOTD: Have you tried out this range yet? If yes, how was your experience?

{Review} L’Oreal Face Masks

Face masks. They are probably one of my favourite ways to unwind after a long day, and even forms part of my #SelfcareSunday routine every week.

Recently, I’ve invested in some of L’Oreal’s face masks because everyone on social media was raving about them, and Dischem was offering 20% off.

This at home facial treatment is simple, quick and delivers smooth and beautiful skin for every age.
L’OREAL

PURE CLAY RANGE

Clay is an amazing skin care ingredient that’s been used by ancient civilizations for centuries, and today it is used in the form of face masks. There are quite a variety of clay masks out there, so how do you know which one to choose? Well, you should obviously pay attention to your skin type and the issues you would like to address.

L’Oreal offers different Pure Clay masks for different skin types/concerns:

Purity Mask (the green one): If you have oily skin and are looking for a face mask to deeply purify your pores and mattify your skin.
Detox Mask (the black one): If you have dull looking skin and would like to cleanse and clarify your skin.
Glow Mask (the brownish-red one): If you have blemish prone skin, this mask will help to brighten and exfoliate your skin.
Bright Mask (the yellow one): If you have uneven skin tone, this mask helps to even tone and illuminate your skin.
Blemish rescue (the blue one): If you have sensitive or stressed skin and would like to clear and unclog your pores.

Each mask contains three pure clays:

Kaolin – absorbs impurities and excess sebum
Montmorillonite – eliminates imperfections
Ghassoul – helps to clarify complexion,.

How to use:

On clean skin, apply a thin layer all over your face, avoiding the eyes and lips.
Leave to dry for 5-10 minutes.
Remove with a wet towel or luke warm water.
Best results are achieved when using the mask 2-3 times a week.

Clay is an amazing ingredient that can help to purify the skin.
l’oreal

My Experience with the Pure Clay Bright Mask:

I have the Pure Clay Bright Mask, which according to L’Oreal “cleanses deep into the pores to absorb oil and buff away dead skin cells without drying skin out.” The Bright Mask is a blend of the three pure clays, and is combined with Yuzu Lemon extract which is known for its skin-evening properties.

I love this mask because immediately after using it for the first time my skin felt deeply cleansed and was visibly glowing (luminous). I’ve been using this mask for the past two weeks now and I can tell that my skin tone is clarified and my complexion is fresh and bright.

I would definitely recommend anyone to try out this range, just make sure you choose the right mask for you. The Pure Clay range is available at both Dischem and Clicks for R159.95 each (50ml container).

SMOOTH SUGARS RANGE

Unlike the Pure Clay Masks, the Smooth Sugars Scrubs are suitable for all skin types and comes in three variations:

Clear Scrub: Used to purify the skin and lift blackheads
Glow Scrub: Used to polish the skin and boost radiance
Nourish Scrub: Used to soften and smooth complexion.

How to use:

On clean skin, apply a small amount to your face and lips with dry fingers.
Add warm water and gently massage in circular motions, avoiding the eye area.
Rinse away with warm water once the sugars have melted.
Best results when used 3 times a week.

Delicately scented, the concentrated, refining formula gives a unique cleansing experience.
l’oreal

My Experience with the Smooth Sugars Glow Scrub:

I’ve been in love with this scrub ever since I’ve tried it for the first time. All of the scrubs contains three fine sugars – brown, golden and white sugars, for deep yet gentle exfoliation – and the Glow Scrub is combined with Grapeseed Oil which is known for its illuminating properties.

This scrub instantly reveals clean, radiant, polished and baby-soft skin after only just one use. After continuous use, I’ve noticed that my skin texture is really soft and my complexion is glowing more than ever before. I’ve used it on my lips and they are also really soft and my lip line is more refined.

The Smooth Sugars range is available at Dischem and Clicks for R159.95 each (50ml containers).

qotd: Have you tried out any of these masks/scrubs? If so, which one?

Thank you so much for reading.

x o x o

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

Are you one of those people who does all the right things in terms of skincare and yet you don’t understand why you have breakouts and spots? Well, maybe it’s time to take a good look at the tools you use to apply your makeup with.

Layers of oil from your skin, mixed with makeup pigments and dead skin cells, make brushes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Caroline Barnes

Be honest, when did you last clean your brushes? Are they currently caked in makeup? Can’t even remember the original colour of the bristles? Now would be a good time to grab some brush cleanser and get to it.

USING DIRTY MAKEUP BRUSHES

When you use dirty brushes and beauty blenders to apply your makeup, it could cause breakouts, congestion or skin irritation. Worst case scenario, it can also lead to infections for example when you use dirty brushes to apply eyeshadow.

The limp, clogged bristles also can no longer blend evenly, which leaves you with streaky foundation or unevenly blended eyeshadow.

Using dirty makeup tools can also accelerate aging, since dirt or filth contributes to the breakdown of collagen and elastin in your skin.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN YOUR BRUSHES?

According to dermatologists, we should be cleaning our foundation and concealer brushes at least once a week to prevent bacteria buildup.

Your trusty beauty blender needs to be cleaned even more regularly, since it can collect even more filth than your brushes, and needs to be replaced every three months.

According to Bobbi Brown, “brushes that are used around the eyes should be cleaned at least twice a month.” All others, such as brushes used for powders, can be washed once a month.

If you’re a professional makeup artist, you may already know that you should clean your brushes after each use.

THE CLEANING PROCESS: BRUSHES

Wet each brush individually in hot water
Apply a drop of your brush cleanser onto the bristles. You can also use a gentle soap if you don’t have brush cleanser
Gently rub the bristles over your brush cleaning tool or in the palm of your hand and lather for a few minutes
Rinse the brushes under running water, ensuring they are clean.
If there is still some makeup residue on the brush, repeat the process.
Squeeze the water out of the brush using a clean towel.
Lastly, lay your brushes in a neat row to dry with the bristles hanging off the edge of a counter (do not stack them on top of each other or on a towel, they won’t dry properly and will smell moldy – not good!)

THE CLEANING PROCESS: BEAUTY BLENDER

Wet the beauty sponge in hot water
Lather the sponge with your brush cleanser or soap
Squeeze and rinse, reapply cleanser or soap on the sponge repeatedly until no more makeup residue comes out
Squeeze the remaining water out of the sponge using a clean towel
Lay your beauty blender upright on a counter to ensure it dries properly.

WHICH CLEANING PRODUCTS DO I RECOMMEND

I use the Urban Studio Cosmetic Brush Cleansing Duo (includes a brush scrubber and shampoo) and can be found at Dischem for only R99.95.

However, if you’re on a budget, you can also use Johnson’s Baby Shampoo (R29.95 at Dischem) and clean your brushes using your hands.

Makeup may come and go, but brush cleaning is forever.
Anonymous

Cleaning your brushes might feel like another chore that’s added to the list, nevertheless clean your brushes regularly and your skin will thank you.

Question of the day: How often do you clean your brushes?

{Review} Essence “You Better Work!” Range

Normally, I don’t wear any makeup when going to the gym except for mascara. However, when I saw that Essence Cosmetics recently launched a “gym-proof” range called “You Better Work!”, I just knew I had to try some products out.

Look good while you work out.
essence

There are nine (9) products in total in this range (see below for details), but I’m only going to review the three (3) I have, namely the gym-proof primer, the tinted day cream and the length definition mascara.

“You better work!” Gym-proof primer

According to Essence, the primer has a “sweat-proof formula to last during sporting activities” while it “protects the skin with an SPF of 20”. I really liked this primer because it visibly reduced my pores and gave my skin an instant blur effect, and I’ve used it every day since I purchased it. At first, I was a little bit unsure about its blue colour because it made me look really white, but once I applied the tinted day cream, all was right in the world again. The blue tones is also suppose to prevent any redness from creeping through and it honestly does its job.

The primer can be purchased for R74.95 from Dischem.

“You better work!” Tinted Day Cream

Surprisingly, I actually really like the Tinted Day Cream. It has a light-weight formula with very light coverage, but somehow it still made my skin look flawless and gave it that natural “no make-up look”. If you prefer light coverage, this Tinted Day Cream can easily replace foundation and it’s perfect for those day when you don’t want to wear too much makeup or when you are in a hurry and quickly need some coverage.

This Tinted Day Cream claims to be “mattifying” and “waterproof”, however, it’s not completely matte and still has some shine when applied to the face. Oilier skins might need to set it with some powder though. It’s also not completely waterproof or sweat-proof because it still got patchy in my t-zone area, but maybe that’s because I didn’t apply any setting powder or spray.

The Tinted Day Cream is available in two shades, 10 light and 20 medium, for R79.95 from Dischem.

“You better work!” Length definition mascara

In my opinion Essence has some of the best mascaras on the market at a really affordable price, so this Length Definition Mascara was warmly welcomed into my collection.

I don’t like leaving the house without mascara on my lashes, and I’ve been using this mascara everyday as well since I made the purchase. It wears really well, it lasts the whole day with me, and doesn’t flake, transfer or smudge. I have naturally long and full lashes, but this mascara lengthens them even more to the point that I didn’t even know they could go and it is also buildable without clumping, like WOW!

This range consists of two mascaras, Volume & Curl and Length Definition, for only R59.95 from Dischem.

The whole “You Better Work!” range consists of:

Gym-proof Primer
Gym-proof Eye Primer
Tinted Day Cream (10 light)
Tinted Day Cream (20 medium)
Volume & Curl Mascara
Length Definition Mascara
Gym-proof Fixing Powder
Gym-proof Fixing Spray
Camouflage Concealer Palette

Even though this collection is designed to be gym-proof, this range can also be used on hot summer days where the sweating is in full swing and you want to cover up those red cheeks.

The final verdict? I really LOVE the three products I got to try and would definitely recommend it to everyone. I can’t comprehend how Essence can make such amazing products for such a low price, but it is definitely a brand every makeup lover should add to their collection.

*These products were purchased with my own money and the comments are my honest opinions.

#affordablecosmetics #essencecosmetics #youbetterworkbitch #gymproofmakeup #testandreview #discoverunder500 #southafricanblogger #makeupobsessed

{Review} Nightwind Eyeshadow Palette

Three words. Nightwind Eyeshadow Palette. From the very first time I saw CHICK. Cosmetics post about this versatile palette on their Instagram page, I just knew I had to add it to my makeup collection.

CHICK. Cosmetics’ Nightwind Eyeshadow Palette

Before I jump into this review, I just want to mention that these are my honest opinions of the palette. I was not sent this palette for free, so I have no reason to sugar coat anything – not that I ever would though.

This versatile palette will take your look from day to night.
CHICK. Cosmetics

I was so excited to open up the palette when it got delivered and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The Nighwind palette is absolutely stunning! The colour range varies from cool to warm tones – literally allowing you to create any look your heart desires. Another thing I loved at first glance was the shade names – I thought they were really creative and some were even humorous.

Okay so, let’s move on to when I actually tested out the palette. I found that when I did swatches on my arm the shades, both shimmers and mattes, were all very pigmented, however when I applied them to my eyelids I had to add multiple layers. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though, since it allows you to build up the colours to your liking. It’s also great if you’re still a beginner at colourful eyeshadows, like myself, because there’s really such a small chance that you can mess up.

I also loved the fact that all the colours blended easily and beautifully, and there was not a lot of fallout from the shimmers, the mattes had no fallout whatsoever in my experience. And then lastly, one of the most important things about this palette is probably that it’s 100% cruelty free!

Just add a hint of smoulder and a shot of glimmer to upgrade your beauty look in minutes.
CHICK. Cosmetics

Tips on how to use the colours to their maximum potential:

Make sure to prime your eyes with a base (eyeshadow primer or concealer)
For shimmery colours use a wet flat synthetic brush
Use any makeup setting spray to wet your eyeshadow brush for shimmery colours
For matte colours use a dry blending brush
Once you’re done, set your eyes with your setting spray.

They only made 500 of these palettes, hence the unique number written on the back, so if you’re keen on purchasing one for yourself or a friend you better make sure to do it before they are all sold out. The Nightwind palette can be purchased for R350 on the CHICK. cosmetics website.

In conclusion, I am totally in love with this palette and I’ve found myself using it in almost every look I’ve done since I got it. Below are just some of the looks I tried out.

BUBBLEGUM – used lowkey, highkey, retrograde
FEELIN’ BLUE – used retrograde, dreamy, cancelled
‘MAUVE’LOUS – used cancelled, thanks i try, gemini

Disclaimer: All pictures and opinions are my own.

{Review} Garnier Skin Active Rose Water Range

THE ROSE WATER RANGE CONSISTS OF:

Soothing botanical cleansing milk,

Soothing botanical toner, and

Daily botanical moisturiser.

I currently still use the cleansing milk and toner religiously, every morning and evening, and I absolutely love them! The cleansing milk doesn’t dry out my skin like other brands used to, and it removes makeup (even waterproof makeup) easily and effortlessly. After I’ve washed my face using the cleansing milk, I go in with the toner. The toner helps to remove any makeup residue that was left behind and gets rid of any impurities whilst also toning your skin and leaving it feeling nourished and hydrated.

While I love the other two products, I am not a huge fan of the daily moisturiser. Apparently, your skin is supposed to feel “nourished, softer, more supple and radiant”, but with me that was not the case. Personally, and this could just be me, the product felt heavy on my face and left my skin feeling very oily.

ALL OF THESE PRODUCTS CONTAIN NO PARABENS, NO SILICONS AND NO SYTHETIC COLOURANTS.

The Rose Water Range is made with 96% natural ingredients and is enriched with Rose Water.

Rose Water is specifically known for its soothing and antioxidant abilities.

Rose Water also has anti-inflammatory properties which helps to reduce redness of irritated skin.

DIFFERENT RANGE FOR DIFFERENT SKIN TYPE

Garnier’s Botanical Range consists of the Garnier Skin Active Rose Water Range (sensitive and dry skin), Garnier Skin Active Aloe Vera Extract Range (oily skin) and Garnier Skin Active Green Tea Leaf Range (combination to oily skin).

Have you tried any of the Garnier Botanical Ranges and what did you think of it? Let me know in the comments below.

The Botanical Ranges are available at all South African retailers like Clicks, Dischem and Takealot stores.

Ace your Base! {Tips for finding your perfect foundation}

From tinted moisturisers to loose powders, there are quite a wide variety of shades, formulas and finishes, as well as coverage levels available when choosing your foundation. And that is exactly what makes foundation one of the toughest makeup products to buy.

Choosing the right foundation is so important because it’s always so obvious when someone is wearing a foundation that is cakey or isn’t the right colour for their skin tone. The main point of foundation is to help your skin look its best, not to look like you have layers of makeup on.

If you’re having trouble choosing the right foundation for you, I’ve got you covered. Just keep reading to find out how to find your perfect match and putting it on like a pro.

Step 1: Find your Formula The first step is finding a product that is perfect for your skin type. A tinted moisturiser does not offer much coverage, but you should only choose a heavier foundation if your skin will truly allow it. If you have oily skin or the weather near you is hot and humid, an oil-free foundation is your best bet – you don’t want your makeup to break down and slide off.

Step 2: Choose your ShadeA good trick for finding the right shade of foundation is to test it on your face, not your hand. Test three swatches of different foundations that you think best suits your skin tone for comparison on your jawline to take into account your neck and chest, which is often paler than your face. Choose the foundation shade that appears to disappear into your skin. Personally, I prefer to mix colours. I use two different foundation colours depending on how tanned I am and mix them together to get the perfect shade.

Step 3: Application like a Pro First things first, never apply foundation to un-moisturised skin. If you have dry skin, you might want to exfoliate prior to applying any makeup. If your moisturiser or foundation does not contain SPF, make sure to apply sunscreen before applying foundation as well.
Then, there’s the question of how to apply your foundation. Different formulas require different application techniques, but it all comes down to personal preference. For tinted moisturisers and BB creams, rub them onto your skin with your fingers. For liquids, mousses, and creams, synthetic flat-topped brushes are best. If you want a light coverage using powders, use a fluffy brush, and for more coverage use a brush with dense bristles, like a kabuki. For stick foundations just swipe the foundation straight from the tube onto your skin and buff it out with a beauty blender.

Lastly, when you are applying foundation, don’t forget about the spot where your jawline and neck meets! Make sure that your face and neck match by blending the foundation into your neck as well.

Do you have any other questions or tips regarding foundation?

Bye, Beautifuls x
#

Welcome

Thanks for joining me and welcome to JW Beauty, my very own passion project filled with unique and engaging content. Explore my site and all that I have to offer; perhaps JW Beauty will ignite your own passions as well.

Be your own kind of beautiful.