NOTD: Barry M - Blueberry Ice Cream & Revlon - Galaxy

It's New Year's Eve! I hope you have fun celebrating :) 

Trind Base Coat

Two Coats of Barry M Blueberry Ice Cream

Four Coats of Revlon Galaxy

Sally Hansen Insta Dri Top Coat

I've not posted too many NOTDs recently because I've been wearing lots of the same colours. I've not worn the Barry M polish before and didn't think it looked very festive so I decided to add some glitter on top. Blueberry Ice Cream is a really opaque shade - the formula is very thick. I needed lots of coats of the glitter polish as it's pretty sheer. 

Stace xx

December Empties

I didn't think I'd got through a lot of products this month but it turns out I did! 

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash

This body wash is okay - I don't think it's anything special though. I prefer fruity or sweet scents so that probably explains why I didn't love this!

L'Oreal HiP Jelly Balm in Ripe

I love these little balms - I have about six others waiting in the wings! This shade is my favourite; it's a nice peachy colour. On the lips it's very sheer, glossy and moisturising.

Bath & Body Works Pocket Bac in Guava Grapefruit

I use these little guys a lot - I have one in every room! This scent is fruity and fresh.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Foundation in Natural Beige 
I'm so sad that I've used this up! This has been my most used foundation this year.  Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on another in the future. I wish they sold it here in the UK.

Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume in Brown
This has dried up now and whilst I did enjoy using it, I've been so impressed with my BeneFit They're Real that this made me feel a little 'blah' when I applied this for the last time. 

Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Serum
This little tube has lasted me forever. I think it's okay - when I first started using it, I did notice some improvement but over time I don't think it's done that much for my skin so I'll be on the lookout for a new serum now! Any recommendations?

Soap & Glory Pulp Friction Body Scrub
I reviewed this recently here. I've really enjoyed using this product and will probably pick up another once I've worked my way through all the other body scrubs I own!

Bath & Body Works Pocket Bac in Sour Drop
I wasn't super keen on this scent but I love these handy little pocket bacs. I've been through my stash and I'm horrified to see I only have two left!

Caudalie 1st Wrinkle Serum Eye Cream Smaple
I quite liked this eye cream, actually - I may have to pick up a full size.

Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion
This was a generous freebie when I picked up some Clarins products. It's absolutely lovely! It's very rich and a bit greasy so definitely not one to use in the mornings. It's very moisturising and smells delicious. The full size is £29 though...

Clarins Smoothing Body Scrub
This is another freebie (well, I got both together) and I really like this too. It's not as nice as the body lotion, though.

Tresemme Instant Refresh Volumising Dry Shampoo
This is my favourite dry shampoo and I will continue to repurchase it until I find something better. It doesn't give me the grey cast most other dry shampoos do.

Boots Essentials Nail Varnish Remover
I prefer this to the Superdrug one - it removes polish better. I don't get any peeling or brittle nails from using this. 

The Body Shop Papaya Body Butter
These body butters are my absolute favourite and I still have about three more to get through. This scent would probably be nicer in the summer but I love fruity scents all year round. 

Caudalie Quenching Sorbet Creme
I've not actually finished this but the pump has stopped working which is annoying since there's 1/3 of the product left. I've tried opening it but the texture looks a bit odd so I'm going to bin this. It's a nice face cream, shame about the packaging.






Did you get through a lot of products this month?


Stace xx

Vichy Normaderm Micellar Solution

I tried a sample of a similar product from Bioderma a few months ago and loved it. It's a pain to track down in the UK, though, so I picked up this from Vichy. I've used almost half of the bottle now so I think it's about time I reviewed it.

Product: Vichy Normaderm Micellar Water

Price: £10.50 for 200ml from Boots

Description:

"Cleanses and purifies without rinsing, Vichy Normaderm Micellar Solution is 

also suitable for use on acne prone skin."

What's Good About It?

It's very quick and easy to use. I just use a cotton pad. It's not drying and it doesn't sting so I think this should work on most skin types. I don't like using water when cleansing as it tends to leave my skin feeling quite tight so this type of product is great for me. I like that it is much easier to find here in the UK.

What's Disappointing?

I find I have to use quite a lot of this to remove my make up so I don't think it's as cost effective as Bioderma. That's the only problem I've had with it so far.

Overall Score & Comment: 7/10 - it's a nice product but I think I'll be picking up the Bioderma version when I run out of this. If you're in the UK, this is a good way of trying a micellar solution without committing to a huge bottle of Bioderma (and tracking it down!)

Have you tried this product? Did you like it?

Stace xx

NARS Copacabana Multiple

I got this in a swap a while back and I used it every day until I picked up my BeneFit Watts Up. Here's a quick review/comparison...

Product: NARS Multiple in Copacabana 

Price: £29 from Narscosmetics.co.uk or NARS counters

Description:

"The original multi-purpose stick for eyes, cheeks, lips and body. Its unique, creamy formula blends effortlessly to provide sheer color for creating shimmering accents, contours or dynamic highlights on all skin tones. Creates perfect, glowing complexions and is conveniently designed for failproof application."

What's Good About It?

You get a lot of product - 14g (compared with 9.4g with Watts Up). The texture is really nice, it's not sticky or greasy looking. It's very easy to use with your fingers or a brush for a lighter application. 

What's Disappointing?

Whilst I guess you could use this on your eyes (I think it would be a crease-fest) and your lips (if the frosty look takes your fancy), this is essentially a face highlighter. So I don't think this is the multi-use product that it's marketed as. The shade of this is a touch too white for me and that's my main gripe with this. 

Overall Comment & Score: 6/10 - I think this is a bit too pricey for what it is and I much prefer Watts Up. If you're quite pale, this one might be better for you. I will keep using it, particular during the winter when my skin is paler.

What are your favourite highlighting products?

Stace xx

CLOSED! Giveaway: Win A MAC Lipstick or Eyeshadow of Your Choice!

(images from maccosmetics.co.uk)

As a little thank you for following my blog, I'm having a small giveaway! I know everyone has different tastes but hopefully this will please everyone. The winner can choose any permanent lipstick or eyeshadow from MAC as their prize. 

Here are the rules:

1) You must be a follower of this blog

2) You must have parental permission to give out your address if you're under 18

3) This giveaway is open internationally

4) You can get one extra entry for blogging about the giveaway and/or tweeting the following: 

"@Staceisace6 is giving away a MAC lipstick or eyeshadow of your choice on her blog. Go here to enter: http://acestacebeauty.blogspot.com/ ends 12/1/12!"

5) Leave a comment on this post telling me which shade of lipstick or eyeshadow you'd like most (it's okay if you win and change your mind!) and let me know if you've blogged or tweeted about the giveaway. Leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

6) The giveaway will end on the 12th of January at midnight (GMT) and I will announce the winner soon after that.

Good luck everyone!

Stace xx

15% off at BeautyBay.com

Use the code XMAS to get 15% off your entire order...I'm about to go and make use of it! 

Let me know if you decide to get anything :)

Stace xx

Bourjois Elastic Mascara

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas! Ours was very quiet but nice all the same :) 

I got this mascara in a free gift set when I was buying a few other Bourjois products. I'm pretty hard to please when it comes to mascara so I'd initially expected this to be rubbish. However, I've been pleasantly surprised!

Product: Bourjois Elastic Mascara in Black

Price: £9.49 from Boots or Superdrug

Description:

"A mascara that truly lengthens lashes giving them 130% more visible length!"

What's Good About It?

I really like the effect this mascara gives. I tried this on one eye with my HG BeneFit They're Real on the other and my boyfriend couldn't tell the difference. I thought the They're real gave a touch more volume but aside from that they do give a similar look. The wand is pretty small, which I like. 

What's Disappointing?

I find it really difficult to find a mascara which doesn't smudge on me and this one does smudge a little. It's not as bad as most mascaras I've tried though so it will probably work just fine on someone who doesn't struggle with smudging. The packaging feels a little cheap considering the price. 

Overall Score & Comment: 7/10 - If this didn't smudge on me, it would be a firm favourite of mine. I think it's a bit overpriced but aside from that, I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a nice lengthening mascara.

Have you tried any good mascaras recently?

Stace xx

My Go To Blush: Dior Glowing Colour Powder Blush in Peachy Keen

When you see the state of this blush, you'll be able to see how well loved it is! I've had this for a year or so now and I seem to keep going back to it. It might not look like much but it's just the perfect colour for my skintone and it goes with most of the eye and lip colours I usually use. 

Product: Diorblush Glowing Color Powder Blush in Peachy Keen

Price: £28 from Dior counters

What's Good About It? 

The shade is perfect for me, it's not so pigmented that it's difficult to apply and I can use the matte side, the shimmer side or the two mixed together. In short, I love this! The packaging is nice, too. It's got a nice big mirror and the compact is pretty sturdy. I typically wear this swirled together but sometimes I use the matte side on my cheeks and the shimmery side as a highlight.

Both sides swirled together

What's Disappointing?

Whilst I enjoy the fact this blush isn't super pigmented, that means it probably won't show up on dark skin tones. It is pricey - I don't think you need to spend *** much on blush to find a nice one.

Overall Score & Comment: 9/10 - I really love this blush, it might be expensive but it's been totally worth it for me! I think if you can find a shade in this range which suits you, you will use it all the time.

Do you have a go to blush?

Stace xx

PS - Happy Christmas Eve!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

***UPDATE: This was breaking me out so I've had to stop using it :( ***


I tried a sample of this several months ago; I did a swap with someone from France around the time it was released there. I thought I'd really like it as I had found the original Healthy Mix to be a bit too dewy (and break out inducing) for me. I hated the sample so I didn't consider buying the Serum version when it was released here in the UK. 

I'd read/seen quite a few good reviews on this foundation, though, so I decided to give it another go and I'm pleased that I did! I've been using this most days over the past fortnight so I thought it was time to share my review.

Product: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

Price: £10.99 from Boots or Superdrug

Description:

"16 hour radiance booster Instant anti-fatigue result! Give your skin a boost of radiance with Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum Gel foundation with a vitamin-rich fruit therapy formula for an even complexion and an instant anti-fatigue result!"

What's Good About It?

It's easy to apply with fingers but I sometimes use my E.L.F. Powder Brush if I want a bit more coverage. I like the finish - it's not totally matte but it's not too dewy either. It does give that 'anti-fatigue' effect. I think this will work well on most skin types. The wear is pretty good considering it doesn't feel heavy. I wouldn't say it lasts 16 hours, though. Some people have compared this to the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation but I actually think this is more like the Make Up Forever HD. The price is reasonable - I think it's a lot better than some others I've tried in the same price range. 

What's Disappointing?

I need to use a lot more product than I typically would - usually about three pumps and sometimes more if I'm using my fingers. The shade range is pretty poor, too. This foundation comes in fewer shades than the Healthy Mix which is confusing. I was a 54 in the original formula but I had to pick this up in a 53 because they don't make this in a 54. I think it skips to 55 or 56. I think this might be breaking me out. I'm not 100% sure; the blemishes are only on my chin and I normally get spots there anyway but these are very similar to the spots I got when using the original Healthy Mix. I'll keep using it unless I start getting blemishes elsewhere on my face.

Overall Score & Comment: 7/10 - I do like this, there are a few niggles but I think this will be quite a crowd pleaser. If you thought the original Healthy Mix was too dewy, I think you should try this.

 Blended out 

Have you tried this foundation? What's your current favourite?

Stace xx

My Top Five: US Drugstore Products

I'm writing this post to help out anyone who's wanting to do a swap with someone in the US. I've done several trans-atlantic swaps over the last year or so and I've discovered some great products which I don't want to be without. This list is by no means exhaustive, these are just my personal favourites. 

You've probably seen these products mentioned lots of times before whether on this blog or elsewhere but there's a reason for that; they're great products!

(image from Makeupalley)

1 - Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eyeliner Pencils

I think these are brilliant. I have the black and brown but they also come in silver, gold and aqua. These glide on like a dream and their staying power is great, even in the waterline. They are very soft so it's hard to get a very precise line but that's rarely what you want from a pencil liner anyway. 

(image from the Neutrogena website)

2 - Neutrogena Healthy Skin Liquid Make Up

I've been using this foundation since the summer and it's my go to foundation at the moment. The coverage is good - sort of medium, I'd say. They have a great shade range and you can check Temptalia's Foundation Matrix to find your match. It's one of those foundations I think everyone needs to try as it should suit a variety of skin types. I'd avoid it if you have very oily skin, though.

(image from the Cover Girl website)

3 - Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Mascara

This is my new favourite mascaras. It's the first drugstore mascara I've tried which doesn't smudge or flake. I like how you can get a nice natural, volumized look after one coat and a more dramatic look with two. Again, I think this is one of those products everyone should try at least once. I've tried the standard formula in brown and the waterproof version in very black.

(image from the Milani website)

4 - Milani Baked Blushes

I have these in several shades. My favourites are Rose D'Oro and Luminoso. They are amazing quality and very comparable to MAC Mineralize blushes. They're easy to apply, the shades are very nice and they last quite a long time on the skin. The packaging is a bit naff so if you're a packaging snob, these may not be for you. Some of them have a bit too much chunky glitter for my liking (Corallina, for example). Otherwise, these are lovely blushes and definitely worth a try.

(image from the Wet'n'Wild website)

5 - Wet'n'Wild Palettes

I couldn't talk about US drugstore products and not include these. I really like the trios and the 8-pan palettes. The 6-pan palettes are half matte and I'm not a fan of mattes so that's why they're at the bottom of my list but if you like mattes, they're definitely worth a shot. The shimmer shades in those palettes are nice too. Three of the most popular palettes are Comfort Zone (an 8-pan of neutrals and some greens), Vanity (a 6-pan palette in neutral golds and browns) and Silent Treatment (a trio of cooler toned shades). I will admit that not every shade in every palette is brilliant but the pigmentation of most of these shadows is excellent and definitely comparable to higher end shadows. These palettes should not be missed!

I hope this was helpful to some of you! Let me know what your US drugstore favourites are if you have any!

Stace xx