My Current Foundation: DiorSkin Nude Skin Glowing Makeup

My foundation choice at the moment has been the Diorskin Nude Skin Glowing Makeup in 040 Honey Beige. I'm always wary about what foundations I use as I have quite a yellow undertone to my skin, and some foundations can look really pink on me and not match my skin well at all. I love my Mac Face and Body foundation in C5 for it's lovely yellow undertone - it's literally my skin colour in a bottle. As much as I love that foundation, it doesn't last as well as I need for long days at work, so I wanted to find a foundation that still had that dewy finish, but is much more long-wearing. 

The Dior foundation in 040 Honey Beige is a really nice match for my skin, the undertone is slightly more neutral rather than yellow, but the shade really works for me. It's finish is semi-dewy I'd say, it looks really nice when applied and without powder it gives your skin a slight sheen. 

I love love love the packaging of this foundation, it feels so expensive! The pump is really good on this bottle, it allows you great control over how much you want to pump out, as I know some make-up pumps are designed quite badly (*cough* Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer *cough*). The bottle pumps softly so you can pump out enough for a whole face, or pump smaller sized amounts to go back in and add a second layer to problem areas.

Me sans make-up -ahh! Natural lighting.

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Me wearing the DiorSkin Nude Skin Glowing Makeup in 040 Honey Beige with no powder, and Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream on my lips in natural lighting.

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Rest of make-up done!

This foundation lasts really well on my skin. Depending on what kind of day I'm having, I can sometimes apply this in the morning, set it with some powder, and when I get home my base looks exactly the same as I did when I applied it! This foundation does contain an SPF of 15 so it may give a white cast with flash photography, however I've not had any problems with this as I set it with a powder that has some colour in it. 

I really recommend this foundation, it's so easy to apply, doesn't feel heavy or thick and leaves a lovely, long-lasting finish!

Have you tried any Dior foundations?

Weekly Skin Treatments - Alpha-H Micro Cleanse and Alba Botanica Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask

Alpha-H Micro Cleanse 50ml and Alba Papaya Enzyme Facial Mask 85g

I recently decided to add these two products to my skincare routine as weekly treatments to further better my skin. I believe that masks and exfoliants are so important to keep skin looking healthy, de-congested and smooth. These two products in particular focus on the refinement of the skins texture, something my skin has been needing at the moment.

I am prone to micro bumps and congestion in my t-zone as well as blackheads, I decided to go for a product containing Papaya as I have read lots about it's 'skin-eating' properties. It really helps by eating the dead skin cells that can build up over time.

This mask by Alba Botanica has been a really nice mask to use as its gel texture feels really cooling on the skin and is completely clear, so wearing this won't scare the postman! It says to leave it on for around 5 minutes, however I sometimes leave it on for longer if I am doing things around the house. When I remove the mask my skin feels really, really soft, and I have noticed that with continued use that my skin looks smoother and dry flakes are gone.

I loved this mask especially when I had the flu just before Christmas as my nose gets really dry and flakey when I have a cold. After using this my nose was smooth and all the flakes were gone without having to physically exfoliate it with a scrub, which would irritate my skin further. 

I love a good gritty face scrub and this Alpha-H one fits the bill perfectly. I was drawn to it due to it's 12% Glycolic acid content as I love this ingredient in skincare products. This is perfect for my skin as its so exfoliating. I use the scrub and work it around my face for around a minute, then I leave it on my skin for about 5 minutes to let the Glycolic acid get to work and exfoliate my skin chemically. You must make sure you rinse this off thoroughly as some beads can be left on the skin. After I use this my skin feels firm and smooth, and this scrub really helps to clear my skin of congestion and keep it's texture smooth and soft. 

I love both these products and I find that using them 2-3 times a week helps my skin to stay smooth and clear. What products do you use as your weekly treatments?

Toni & Guy Nourish Reconstruction Mask - Review

Toni & Guy Nourish Reconstruction Mask for Intensely Nourished Hair - 200ml

Boots - £7.19

Here is a product that I don't think I could live without it, and believe me I did try! I originally picked this up on a trip to Boots for some new hair products, at the time it was 1/3 off so I thought I would give it a go. The mask is from Toni & Guy's 'Nourish' range which claims to give you 'intensely nourished hair'.

Directions for use: Apply to clean, wet hair. Leave for 3-5 minutes then rinse thoroughly.

The first time I used it, I noticed a massive difference in my hair - and that's saying something! My hair typically is very dry and dehydrated without the right products and care. My ends would often be dry, brittle and frizzy as well of the rest of my hair suffering from breakage and dryness (typical qualities of Afro-Caribbean hair). Using this mask I found my ends were nourished and I can't even tell you how soft. My hair looked shiny and felt sleek and manageable with no signs of dryness. I used the mask all over paying extra attention to my ends and the front section near the roots. I was so surprised at how much this mask had changed my hair in just one use and it continued to perform until I finished the pot.

Once the pot was finished I didn't get a change to pop to Boots to pick up another for around two weeks and I was so surprised how much this made a difference to my hair. The first time I washed and styled it without using the mask my hair was frizzy, dry and brittle. I thought it might have been a shampoo I had used, but the next time I washed my hair with other products, it was the same story. 

Now, I'm not sure if I'm okay with the fact that this product doesn't provide long term effects, however I can't argue with what it does to my hair in terms of it's condition when I use it and how much healthier it looks when styled. It's safe to say that I most definitely did re-purchase this mask - I just can't get enough! As for the price point, I think it's a great price based on the results that it gives -- a definite recommendation from me!

The mask has a lovely, thick texture that applies well onto the hair and feels quite luxurious, very different from lower-end masks I have tried such as Herbal Essences and Pantene for example. It also has the most gorgeous scent which I've found all of T&G's products have.

You can pick up Toni & Guy products from their salons, online or from Boots!

Do you use any Toni & Guy products? 

2013! - New Beginnings

So here we are in 2013, I haven't done a blog post for a good few months now. Truth is I was just lacking the motivation, I lost track of where I wanted my blog to go and what I wanted to achieve with it. After starting a new job and receiving a new camera for Christmas from my boyfriend (Thanks Jake!), I felt it was time to start the blog up again and endeavour to make it grow through 2013. 

I am currently undergoing plans to give the blog a complete makeover and prep for that has already been started. I was going to wait until it's all finished to start posting again, but I was just far too excited! So stay tuned as it may start to change in the very near future.

Aside from that I will also be posting videos on YouTube featuring the same type of content that I talk about in my blog posts, but this will be a much more personal way of me communicating my loves and interests which I am excited to do! Can't say when the first video will go up but I'll post it on the blog so you all can find it!

Another change with the blog which I am so excited about is the domain name - it is no longer cocomykel.blogspot.co.uk but it is cocomykel.com - how fabulous? :-) I am so excited about this change as it really feels like my website now and I hope it makes it easier to access for everyone. You can still access it from the old address it will just redirect you.

So, all that said - wishing you all a fabulous 2013 filled with lots of new adventures and I do hope you will follow me on my adventures by reading the blog and watching it grow.

Lots more new content to come.......love always

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF 15 & My Liz Earle Experience

So I thought I would share with you my experience with Liz Earle and the delivery I got from them as well as the product I discovered and now love! 

I decided to order a new bottle of one of my favourite cleaners, Cleanse & Polish, as I was about to run out and Liz Earle were doing free delivery for a limited time only - and I'm a sucker for free delivery! 

I had previously ordered my Cleanse & Polish and Skin Tonic from QVC so I had no idea what the difference would be in ordering from Liz Earle's actual site. 

When I received the package I expected it to just be in a bog standard box with some bubble wrap maybe, but I was so pleasantly surprised when I opened the bag to find a clearly hand-wrapped package sealed with a Liz Earle sticker. The package was done so neatly I couldn't believe it! I love touches like that, as it shows that the company really cares.

Next, when I opened it up, there were plenty of goodies inside for me to get my hands on - as well as the cleanser being concealed in it's own Liz Earle cosmetic bag which I now use to carry skincare bits in!

As I ordered the starter kit, because it comes with more muslin cloths, I also received this instruction card talking you through how to use the cleanser properly - another nice touch.

The goodies I recieved: Samples of all shades of Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15, Instant Boost Skin Tonic 50ml and Liz Earle cosmetic bag. 

A little message hand signed by the person who beautifully packed and wrapped my order - how nice?!

A little 'how-to' guide on toning to go along with the Instant Boost Skin Tonic.

My mini sized Skin Tonic along with my big sized one that I already use. The 50ml bottle that was gifted to me is worth £5.25! So handy for me to take on holiday and travelling.

On the left is a very thick and beautifully printed catalogue of all Liz Earle's products which I had fun drooling over!

I just couldn't believe how much effort was put into my order and I was so grateful for the samples and the literature they sent along with it. I know it's not much, but little touches like this really say something about a company and how important their customers are to them. After using the sample of the Sheer Skin Tint in 03 Beach, I am now definitely going to buy the full size - samples are powerful! 

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I really loved using this tinted moisturiser, and was quite upset when I had used up my sample! It's such a lovely consistency, its not too thick and not too watery - it gives a great medium coverage. 

The thing I loved most about this tinted moisturiser was that it really hydrated me all day but didn't make me oily. I love that it's made by Liz Earle as you know there are some great skincare treats inside as well as makeup (Vitamin E, Avocado & Borage). 

The SPF meant that I didn't have to worry about adding one underneath and I'm happy knowing that my skin is being protected by a medium protection SPF. 

I applied this with my Real Techniques Buffing brush instead of fingers as the consistency is like a foundation. It gave my skin such a great dewy glow and with a bit of powder on top, I was good to go and it lasted quite well on my skin. It felt light, and like I wasn't wearing make-up but was enough to even out my skin tone and hide mild redness around my nose and mouth.

I love this for everyday as it's so quick and easy to apply and looks natural and like skin, I wouldn't choose this as my base for a night out simply because I like a bit more coverage and something I know will last all night.

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If you have quite clear skin and are looking for a light, easy base then I'd definitely try out the Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint, it comes in 4 shades and I'm shade 03 so I'm not sure how well deeper skin tones would find the 4th shade. 

You can pick this up from Liz Earle's website or visit John Lewis to find your correct shade match! The Skin Tint retails for £21.00.

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I hope you liked this post! Have you ordered anything from Liz Earle before?

London Fashion Week A/W13 - Make-up Trend: Deep Berry Lip

Me wearing Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain
 in Crush and Avon  Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Plum Seduction

So the other day when getting ready to see the girls, I was trying to pick a lip colour and thought I'd try out the lipstick I got from Avon but hadn't tried yet. It looks so dark in the tube, and I was in the mood for looking a bit vampy! I love this look and I've seen it being rocked by many models at London Fashion Week. It's such a great Autumn trend, so edgy and dark. Some are more red, others more purple, some are glossy and some are matte, mine was in between - just with a sheen not a shine. I teamed my lip with a khaki smokey eye, but I also love it when this look is played down with minimal eye make-up - it really makes the lip colour pop more. If you can get away with this shade on your skin tone then I would definitely invest! It's so unusual and I got quite a few compliments on it!

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Here are some snaps from LFW of models from different designers sporting a deep berry-coloured lip...

Gucci

Bottega Veneta

Rochas

Gucci

Photos from vogue.co.uk/beauty

Salasai Heartlands

Salasai Heartlands

Salasai Heartlands

Salasai Heartlands
Make-up artist: Amber D for M.A.C Cosmetics

Photos from www.thread.co.nz

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Get the look!

I created my berry lip by using these two products: Avon 
 Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick in Plum Seduction and Revlon
Just Bitten Kissable Lip Stain in Crush 

Top: Revlon
Bottom: Avon

As you can see, the Revlon is much more purple and the Avon is much more red. Use the Revlon lip stain to outline your lips and get a smooth, neat line. This will make your lips look neat and defined, it's hard to create a neat looking lip with a dark colour as it stands out more. The lip pencil applicator helps to map out your shape so make your lips look flawless. Then fill in your lips with the Avon lipstick, blot, then apply more for a longer lasting effect! If you want a really glossy lip, add some of MAC's Clear Lip Glass and if you want a matte lip, blot and add some of MAC's Matte.

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Will you be sporting a berry lip this Autumn? :-)

Review: Hydraluron Serum by Indeed Labs

There's so much to say about this wonder product - if you suffer from dehydrated or dry skin (there is a difference) then this serum might just be for you! I would say people of all ages could use it to gain all different kinds of results. For me, this serum has drastically changed the smoothness, hydration and texture of my skin. For more mature skins this will help you to gain smooth and suppleness and if used from a younger age I think this could definitely help with battling wrinkles in the long term. It has been proven that moisture and hydration helps to keep skin looking younger and healthier!

So what's good about it? A lot - here's what I found to be good about it:

• Spreads easily
• Feels instantly plumping
• Increases your moisturisers ability to provide and sustain moisture
• Improved skin texture
• Improved oil control/production
• Make-up stays fresher for longer
• Improved skin overall
• Price point may seem steep but you could pay up to £100 or more for a 30ml serum - this one is only £25.00
• No fuss, good ingredients (Not full of crap!)
• Essential for all skins

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If you're thinking of purchasing Hydraluron, I wouldn't hesitate. It's brilliant. The fact that it enhances your moisturiser means you can get away with using less of your moisturiser as it provides below the surface hydration. 

Get running to Boots to pick up this little miracle in a tube or purchase it on their site here!