Collection Pressed Powder (Shade #18 Ivory) REVIEW

I have to start by saying that Collection's Pressed Powder, specifically in this shade, is probably the best one I've ever used, sending my usual powder - Collection's Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder [review here] - packing.

It's just SUCH a good match for my skin! But I have to say, it niggles me a bit that makeup brands, like Collection, don't put their lightest products at the lowest shades (i.e. why is this really pale Ivory Shade number #18, when "Fair" Shade #1 is darker? Surely it makes sense to go lightest first? I don't know). That aside, there's nothing annoying about this product.

                           

Okay, maybe one thing. Even though it's such a good match for my skin and even though it goes well with my favourite foundation, and even though it leaves me looking flawless... it can itch a little when first applied, because it's quite tight on the skin. But that's okay! Such a small price to pay for beauty - and the feelings fade quickly anyway. Speaking of price, I can't really remember how much this was in Superdrug but I'd imagine it's under £5. On their website, you can buy it here for £1.99 (price correct July 2013) and if you're pale like me, I highly recommend that you do. I wore this product at prom, and I suspect I owe the fact that all my makeup stayed on so long to this little beauty.

It doesn't make me look more tanned than I am, nor does it distort the colour of my skin, it covers any patch of skin it's applied to, and it'll last for so long because you don't need much on at all. I absolutely adore this product (no exaggeration) because it helps me to embrace how pale I am and doesn't make me look stupid. Awesome!

Thanks for reading, guys! I'd just like to say that I was not paid by any brand to write this blog post, nor am I sponsored by Collection, Superdrug or any of their affiliates.

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer (Shade #1 Fair) REVIEW

Last week I purchased a new liquid concealer - something I've never ventured into before. Previously I'd stuck to the norm with my Collection Cover Up Stick [review here]; which wasn't really helping my skin out at all. Instead of leaving me looking fresh, the cover-up stick was creating orange rings where my dark circles usually laid - something I needed to rectify. I do admit that I perhaps bought the stick in a shade that was slightly too dark (or yellow) for me, but I was convinced that it would do a good enough job considering they didn't have any lighter shades in stock at the time.

Perfect? I adore Collection's liquid concealer

But, sticking with Collection products, I found a concealer that's absolutely perfect for me. And that product would be Collection's Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer (in case you hadn't guessed from the title). Right from the start it's more welcoming than, er, the stick, because the liquid is cool and more easy to spread across your skin - instantly giving you a fresher, brighter feel. I apply it under my eyes - which is really my prime problem area - but also on any red areas of skin, spots or scars. It helps with everything really. Another plus side is that you really can't tell you have anything on. This means that I would feel comfortable going out with just concealer on, if I was in a rush. No need for foundation, but maybe a sprinkle of powder just because I feel naked without it.



"Just white" - it's perfect for paler people without washing them out

As for spots, this product conceals wonderfully. I've never owned a product that covered up my spots completely, and especially not for such a long time! It really is a godsend and I'll be repurchasing it a hell of a lot I should imagine. How long the product stays on, I really can't guess at. The packet it's in claims that you will stay looking fresh for up to 16 hours. I actually wore this product to my year 11 prom, where I wore the concealer with my Miss Sporty So Matte Perfect Stay Foundation [review here] combined with my Collection Pressed Powder [review here] and came home feeling as beautiful as the second I left. I was at my prom jumping up and down for about 6 hours I'd say, so I tend to believe what the product claims.

Wow! A little bit of product kept me going for about six hours

Now for something very close to my heart. Ever since I was around nine years old, I've had a collection of small what I like to call "dents" in my forehead, which really are chicken pox scars. Previously I had no way of filling them in or making them look less sharp - and although I'm not saying that this product does the job perfectly, it really does help. Which is more than any product I've ever used before. Maybe liquid concealers are just my thing. If anyone can recommend any liquid concealers that you think might help with my scars, it would be much appreciated and I'd love to do a review for you.

Extremely pale skin but problems with spots? Maybe this could work for you too

If you're interested in purchasing this product, the Collection website states that it's unavailable to buy online - but I'm sure you could buy it from Boots or E-Bay if you can find it on their sites. If I remember correctly, in Superdrug store this product cost me under £5. Or, if you've tried this concealer before, let me know what you think in the comments below! Thankyou.

Miss Sporty So Matte Perfect Stay (#001 Ivory) REVIEW

Well, guys, it's been a while since I reviewed anything on here! But if we could just look past that for a moment... Lovely.

Today I'll be reviewing a recent purchase (something I hardly ever do) but I have to say, people - I'm in love. This happens every time I buy a foundation. I'll explain. As my skin is so fair, I struggle to find a foundation that has the right consistency and colour for my skin. As a result, I end up buying a foundation I think might be okay and convincing myself it's perfect... when it's not. Only today I've been looking through not-so old photos and thinking "oh my, that foundation wasn't right for me at all." I also get the odd blemish, which foundations have never really helped with.

Overlooked? The Miss Sporty collections looked lonely amongst all the Rimmel London and Collection products

But that all ends with this blog post! Or maybe it ended last Saturday when I was shopping in Superdrug for the perfect prom foundation, and discovered the Miss Sporty foundations amongst all the dearer, more commonly-used ones. Since I haven't really tested that many foundations, I was unsure whether to jump in at the deep end, with what I thought might end up being (sorry, Miss Sporty) rather tacky, cheap and generally not what I was looking for on one of the most exciting nights of my teenage life. But instead of going for Rimmel London, I decided I'd at least give Miss Sporty a go - and thank God I did! Also thank the lord that they were just in stock of the lighter shades. As I've stated in the title I bought this in Shade #001 Ivory, available for around £3 in stores.

The watery formula glides onto your skin, leaving you feeling refreshed and moisturised

As soon as I arrived home from shopping, I decided to have a "prom trial run" of all the products I'd bought and found that the foundation, despite being a tad watery, worked marvellously with the concealer I'd picked up at the same time (that concealer being Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer - blog post on that soon!). The foundation, to my surprise, glided over my skin - a complete contrast from the Collection 2000 "Colour Match" Foundation I'd previously been using which I found quite hard to stretch across my skin. Comparing them, I feel that although the Collection foundation was indeed light, the Miss Sporty foundation trumps it a million times over as a match for my skin tone. I felt so much fresher, prettier, and flawless even. A number of people told me that I didn't even look as if I had any foundation on at all.

Collection vs. Miss Sporty - it's what's on the inside that counts

I was worried that using such a liquid-y foundation would cause a breakout, but this wasn't the case. Days after use, not a single spot was in sight and I was loving it. That's probably when I knew this foundation was the one, although it does say on the packet that it includes "Vitamins A, C, and E" which is probably why my skin felt so fresh. As for the "Perfect Stay" aspect of it - oh my gosh it really was perfect. I chose to wear this foundation during prom, after the trial I've just spoken of, and it stayed on all night. There was no need to reapply, and I came home still feeling beautiful. Out of all the ones I've tried, this foundation is the one for me. As it's for "sporty" girls; it's perfect for nights out where you're going to be jumping up and down partying, but it's more than light enough coverage for everyday wear too.

The first foundation I've used that lives up to my expectations. Thank you, Miss Sporty

So I intend to wear it when I see my boyfriend tomorrow. If there are any other fair-skinned people out there - I'd love to know which foundations are your favourites! If you think you can recommend anything to me either for use or review, don't be shy and please please please comment below! Thank you.

I should mention that I have not been paid to write this blog post, nor am I sponsored by Miss Sporty, Superdrug or any brands affiliated with them.