The Foundation Test- How to Test the Base of your Foundation.

When you purchase a foundation it's not often we think about what's actually inside. I learnt this quick easy test a few years ago and I thought I'd share it with you  all.

All you have to do it pick out the foundations you want to test, grab a few glass cups and a wee bit of water. I've popped a little video on YouTube which is at the bottom of the page but if you can't really be fussed with that then I shall also explain on here.

Step One:

Fill some glass cups with water.

Step Two:

Add a few drops of foundation to one cup of water, carry on with this process which each of your foundations (adding to separate cups).

Step Three:

Mix each of the foundations with the water, I used a make-up brush to do this. 

Step Four:

Identification. If the foundation mixes in with the water this indicates that the foundation is water based. If there are lots of 'crumbs' at the bottom and a film on top of the water this indicates that the foundation is oil and or gel based. 

NuSkin, Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum and MAC Studio Fix

I like to think of the water as my skin and it's an eye opener to see how the foundation actually sits. I tested my MAC Studio Fix foundation which if I don't cleanse off properly or wear for too long usually block up my pores and it's clear from the test why this happens. I have been using NuSkin foundation for those days when I need to give my skin a rest and it is completely water based and as you can see from the photograph merges perfectly with the water which is kind of how it works on the skin. 

NuSkin- A Water Based Foundation

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum- Gel/Oil Based

MAC Studio Fix -more likely oil but possibly some gel as a base.

I would recommend this test if you're having skin issues. A quick test on your current foundation could answer your question why you're having these issues. If the foundation is full of oil or gel it could be blocking your pores and causing problems. I also believe it's a good test to do on sample foundations, for example the higher end foundations. There is seriously no point in purchasing foundation that you don't know much about. if you suffer from clogged pores then testing it this way before you buy could help you decide whether it's right for you. By knowing how oily or how much gel your foundation has in you can identify how much cleansing is needed to remove the product. This is extremely helpful and can prevent future breakouts.

Comment below if you have tried this out, what on and the results? I would love to know which foundations are saints and sinners! I'm looking for a new water based foundation so if anyone finds any please let me know!

Random Fact: Dolphins sleep with one eye open.

Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer

Today's post is all about Nivea's Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer. GLAMOUR magazine issued a couple of samples of these in one of their mags and since it had been on my forever growing wish list until I brought it about two months ago. I wanted to give it some time before I reviewed the product so that I could give a 100% honest opinion.

The first aspect of this product to note is the aesthetics. I mean, wow, look at that packaging for a budget primer. It's contained in a beautiful glass pot with a matte blue lid. It's so perfect that I still actually have to store it in the box. The packaging is so much more convenient that a tube; if you take too much out you can just pop it back in whereas with a tube this is a little more tricky.

The primer itself has a gel base feel but a moisturiser look. The scent kind of reminds me of sunscreen. I love so much about this product I will just have to pop them in little bullet points to save ramblings.

I love:

• The feel, it literally leaves your feel so smooth and ready for make-up application.
• How rapid the product dries. The primer take about 20 seconds to fully absorb into your skin.
• The moisturising skin factor really does help to keep my skin in good condition
• The price, I brought this for only £2.99 on offer at Superdrug. The price otherwise is £4.99, not a great expense in terms of primer at all.
• The lasting finish of my foundation. I have notice that without the product my foundation will not last anyway near as long as it does when I do use this.

I purchase Express Hydration Primer for Normal and Combination skin as this best matches my skin but I also believe you can buy it for dry skin too? So I guess you can say the product caters for all. The only downside I have found to this is that it is not available in boots **sad face**. HOWEVER, I have discovered that I can get 10% off with an NUS card at Superdrug so if any of you reading do have one remember that you can use it there. I usually go to Superdrug to get something when I want it a little bit cheaper- smiles all round then! Basically, if you're looking for a good primer and a decent moisturiser that wont break the bank I truly recommend the Nivea Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer. As of now I haven't tried the dry skin version, so if you have please comment below and let me know how it is! 

Knock knock. Who's there? Cash. Cash who? No thanks, but I would like a peanut instead! 

Latest in Beauty- GLAMOUR Beauty Box 2013

I have just finished my six week placement in a school and I thought I'd celebrate by showing off my recent purchase! I ordered the Glamour Beauty Box straight after I spotted it on Glamour's Instagram. I thought it was a very generous box and the majority of the items inside I have really wanted to try and/or need. This isn't a review as such it's just showing you guys what's in the box and how much this beauty box is worth the money!

 The Insider: 

Batiste Dry Shampoo (Original) 50ml 

Everyone needs a miniature bottle of this for those times on the go so I'm super impressed with this! 

L'oreal Super Liner Gel Intenza in Golden Black (Full Size) 

I already have gel liner and I love it. It's great to be able to try out a different brand. This is full size and also comes with a brush. 

Revlon Nail Enamel (Full Size) 

I have always wanted to try the Revlon nail polishes but I can never justify the price... Now I seriously can. I have this on my nails at the moment and it is the most beautiful colour I have ever had! It really flatters my skin tones and is great for adding a pop of colour. The formula is perfect! Two coats was more than enough for coverage! 

Jinnylash Strip Lashes (Full Size) 

Every girl needs a pair of lashes. These look very natural and can be cut up and used for individual lashes.

Ginvera Green Tea Exfoliating Marvel Gel (8 grams)

 I haven't yet used this but it is a great sample for a little extra and I am sure it will come useful when I have a weekend away!

The Vintage Cosmetic Company Tweezers (Full Size)

I really needed a pair of tweezers as my others are getting pretty old. These are okay, they have a sharp edge for smaller hairs. The only issue is the 'spring back' isn't fab.

Stila Lip Glaze (1.5ml)

A little sicky but a good product to stick in your bag for a boost. 

John Frieda Frizz-Ease Original Formula (25ml)

I have always wanted to try this. I don't have frizzy hair but often I have fly aways. It's another little extra which I am please to have in the box! 

Benefit The Porefessional (7.5ml)

I have literally been itching to get my hands on a sample of this! I haven't tried it yet but I will update when I have done so. I think it is a rather generous sample and I am please to be able to finally try it to see if it's worth the hype. 

As you can see there are many products within the Glamour Beauty Box and they're very generous ones too!  The box also comes with a piece of card which explains a little about each item. For the me box also counts as an item because I am forever reusing my beauty boxes. Latest in Beauty claim that the contents of the box are worth a whopping £65! I paid £14.95 and received NINE products and complimentary free delivery. So if you're debating which box to go for this month I would definitely recommend this box over other beauty boxes in terms of price, product quantity, quality and size. 

Glossybox: June 2013 Addition

It's that time of the month again when the Glossy Boxes are released from the head quarters and sent to our doors. This months glossy box is not packed with expensive samples but with more affordable ones. Though some may see this as a negative to me I believe that this months 'budget' box is definitely more generous in terms of sample sizes, I mean FIVE full size samples!!

Organic Surge Shine Boost Conditioner:

WOW. This is a very generous sample! I used this on the lengths of my hair and it has made them super shiny. The conditioner smells a little medicinal but in all honestly the smell has not stuck in my hair which is a positive because it isn't the best of scents. Still, I am very grateful and this will be very helpful to me as I go through conditioner like it's going out of fashion! 

Monu Spa Hand and Nail Cream:

I received a Monu face mask from my Birchbox subscription and at first I was not impressed. After giving the product chance I have come to love it. My first impression of the hand cream was a little 'mmm ahhh'. Once using it my feelings gleamed  Firstly, it smells very 'spa-ish' which makes it seem more expensive and feel luxurious. The cream absorbs rapidly and leaves hands soft and gentle. That's all I can really say about hand cream, it does exactly what it says on the tube! The only other comment is that this also is a very generous sample a little is needed to go a long way.

Figs and Rouge Cherry Blossom Lip Balm:

This lip cure is in a tube; packaging that I am not used to but I do like it. The texture is thick but not sticky. The balm also has a pale hint of pink to tint your lips slightly. The product is something which I would possibly repurchase however the sample is so generous that it will take me a VERY long time to get through this. Again a little goes a long way!

MEMEME Nail Polish:

One this about Glossy box is that nail polish colours are hit and miss. Sometimes Glossy box will send beautiful shades which suit the seasons trends. Other times, for example this month's glossy box, the colours will be poor. I have received an off white shade which requires 3 to 5 coats to get coverage. I have other nail polishes in shades like this one which are a pain to apply. However, I can tell from the formula that polish from this brand in other colours will be high quality but unfortunately this just has the light colour curse. MEMEME have hit the nail on the head with fast drying, I must say it did not take long at all for the polish to dry it's just a shame on the colour!

GOSH Growth Mascara:

I used to own a GOSH eye liner which I really liked but since I have never took much interest into GOSH products. I'm not opening this mascara yet because I wont use it until my other mascara is at the end of it's life. The packaging looks quite expensive and from the liner I used to have I just know this mascara will be seriously pigmented. As for the 'growth' part my lashes are fairly long so I guess it's only a bonus if this product does work!

Total of the box: £35

Overall this is one of the best boxes I have received and I enjoy all of the products! To gain 5 full size products from a £10 is very impressive, thank you very much Glossybox! If you have any questions comment below. Alternatively if you are subscribed to Glossybox and received different products do let me know below!