BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINERS

Thanks to my fabulous daughter on her travels around the world I am the proud owner of two new Bobbi Brown eyeliners!!!  I cannot purchase these in Cyprus from any of the retailers – they are only available at Larnaca Airport Duty Free and I am based in Paphos. I have tried ordering them on-line from both the UK and the USA, but they will not deliver here as they say they are liquid!!!
Anyway back to these fantastic eyeliners!

I got the standard Black Ink, but had a look on-line and asked her to get Graphite Shimmer Ink.

The colour is a mid-grey (describes it as dark grey on the internet) with a slight blue tint with a little shimmer.  It is gorgeous on and looks good against my deep blue eyes.  It has a slightly different texture than the black and with a dryer texture so a bit harder to apply, but well worth it.

These eyeliners are amazing though and stay on for hours in hot and humid weather.  They do start to fade a little but this is after several hours.  I tried the Graphite over a light shimmery lilac from Revlon eye quads – looks fantastic!

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Long Lasting Lipstick

I am a big fan of Estee Lauder and I was lucky enough to be given a sample of to try.
Well this lipstick is just fabulous – perfect for a bride. It left my lips soft and smooth and lasted for several hours. Usually when a lipstick is long lasting they tend to dry out my lips. 

The colour I tried is Candy Shimmer (a med/light pink) and I would recommend this for blondes.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara - Black

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara - Black

Again I was given a sample of this mascara to try as it is a little out of my price range.
It’s very easy to apply and it goes on pretty thin so this is ideal for someone who likes their
mascara to be less obvious during the day and can apply more for the evening.
I went a bit crazy though and decided to see how many coats I could apply and it still look good.
Well I did 5 coats!!! Yes and my lashes looked FALSE – wow!!! Less expensive to apply false lashes I think but I have to say the effect was amazing!  Loved it!
Didn’t smudge at all and it removed very easily – Perfect!

L’Oreal TELESCOPIC - Multi Comb and False Lash

Precision Multi-Comb – Black

As you know I love testing mascara.  Some of my favourites in the heat in Cyprus are Max Factor False Lash and L’Oreal Architect 4D False Lash. 
I have always loved YSL False Lash Effect but it doesn’t store well in the heat and only lasts about 1 month. You see not only is it important for a mascara to last on my lashes but I need it to last while being stored in my make-up drawer and not dry out in the Cyprus heat.

Well this mascara didn’t let me down in any way.  It is very easy to apply (I have pretty fine pale lashes) and you do need a few coats.  It separates the lashes well and doesn’t clump giving a defined fan effect.  I have just tested in April so far at around 25 degrees and about 65% humidity.  It doesn’t smudge at all and lasted all day. Very easy to remove too and came off easily just using face wipes.

It doesn’t dry out while being stored.

L'Oreal Paris, Telescopic False Lash Effect Mascara - Black
This is very new so I couldn’t resist trying it after being so pleased with my previous mascara.
It claims to give a lengthening false lash effect and has fibres added to build up the intensity.
This was slightly more difficult to apply than the Multi Comb version above and dried a little too quickly for me and as I like to apply several coats I found it got a little clumpy as the previous coat was drying fast so it was harder to apply lots of coats. The packaging is really lovely and brush is slightly larger than the version above.

It does last through the day and didn’t smudge.  I removed it easily again with face wipes.  Not tested it long enough to see how well it stores.

Which do I prefer?  To be honest I think I prefer the Multi Comb Version simply as it takes slightly longer to dry and I can achieve the effect I want.

I still prefer the L’Oreal 4D Architect Mascara (False Lash Effect) better as the drying time is slightly longer.

Clinique NEW Quickliner For Eyes Intense & Brush-On Cream Liner

Clinique NEW Quickliner For Eyes Intense
I just had to tell you about a great new product from Clinique.  It’s a limited edition so I suggest you buy soon. I tried Intense Plum which is a simply gorgeous purple shade. 
It comes in chocolate, black, Ivy, Charcoal & Midnight.
Its so easy to apply and very deep and it really stays on all day. 
It doesn’t need sharpening and has a smudge tip so you can blend and soften the line.

Clinique Brush-On Cream Liner
I adore cream eyeliners in the pots and this is perfect.  Its very long wearing and waterproof and I have tested this during the hot summer months.  I have just bought it in True Black and it really is a strong black. You apply with a small brush (included) but I prefer to use my own Benefit Brush that is slanted.  You can also smudge it whilst wet for a smoky effect.

Also available in Smoke Grey and Black Honey (a very dark brown). 
It was originally available in a violet colour and it was gorgeous, but has been discontinued in this shade – the reason I bought the Quickliner in Plum.

I can’t recommend these two products enough.

BEST PRODUCT AWARDS TESTED SUMMER 2011

Now the heat and humidity of summer is coming to a close here in Cyprus and we are entering my favourite months Autumn and winter here are my favourite products I have tested this year for making you look and feel good in the heat!

BEST FOR KEEPING YOU FRESH & COOL
FCUK Body Spray (non aerosol)
Femfresh Deodorant Spray
Femfresh Powder
Mitchum Deodorant

BEST HAIR PRODUCTS
Winner: Both Tresemme Freeze Hold Hairspray
and Tresemme Shampoos and Conditioners

BEST 'NEW' HAIR PRODUCTBatiste Dry Shampoo for Blondes and Brunettes

BEST FOUNDATION
Winner -  Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Version
Also recommended
Revlon Colorstay & Dior 'Forever'

BEST POWDER
Winner - Estee Lauder Double Wear Mineral Powder
Recommended:  Loreal True Match

MASCARAWinner:  Loreal Lash Architect 4D Mascara
Also Recommended:  Max Factor Falsh Lash Effect Fusion

GEL EYE LINER
Winner: Estee Lauder Double Wear Gel Eyeliner
Recommended:  MAC Fluidline Gel Eye Liner & Maybelline Studio Gel

PENCIL EYE LINERWinner: Kajal liner by DEBORAH
Recommended: Waterproof Silk Liner by Leciel

EYE SHADOWSWinner: MAC Paintpots
Recommended: Revlon Colorstay 12 hour quads

FCUK - Body Spray - Fabulous!

FCUK Body Spray – non aerosol

This has a fruity oriental fragrance which is perfect for the hot sticky climate during summer.
I purchased the 75ml bottle (ideal for travelling) for just over £2.00 from Boots and it’s a bargain, I wish had got the larger size now.  Well never mind till next year…
It makes me feel so fresh after taking a shower and I find the smell additive.
Highly Recommended

Kajal Eyeliner by Deborah

Kajal Eyeliner by Deborah – available in Cyprus

I was looking for a black kajal eyeliner for the waterline and had always used
Revlon.  Revlon products are either very hard to find here in Cyprus and when I do very expensive, around 3 times the price as in the UK.
I have used nail polish from the Deborah range before which was good, so I decided to try their kajal eyeliner.  Well for just 6.50 Euros it works really well and lasts so this will be my choice from now on.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Mineral Rich Loose Powder Make-up SPF12 available in 6 shades

Claims to have a staying power of 12 hours.

Can be used on its own as a foundation or as a finishing powder.

Fantastic product, I used this as a finishing powder as I use Estee Lauder Double wear foundation.  Fabulous product, easy to apply and looks very natural.  Well recommended.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in- Place Gel Eyeliner

Gel-based formula This eyeliner claims to stay for up to 12 hours - did it in 35 degrees? Available in several shades, I tried the violet shade available from Boots.
Gorgeous shade, very easy to apply (don't use the brush supplied though) and lasts all day.  Estee Lauder Double wear products never let me down.

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner Black

At just £7.99 in the UK at the time of writing, I just had to try this new gel eye liner and test it in the heat of August.  I usually use either MAC, Bobbi Brown or more recently one by Estee Lauder.  Well I was surprised for the money this is excellent.  It lasts well in the heat and is a very inexpensive way for you to see if you like using a gel eyeliner.

DENMAN VELCRO ROLLERS - available from Boots in different sizes

I use these everyday as I have very fine hair which needs lifting at the crown and to be honest I am too lazy to fully blow wave my hair every morning.

So I quickly rough dry and starting at the crown I take a section of hair comb and pull forward, spray the roots with a non sticky hairspray and put the roller in ensuring it sits perfectly in place to gain the most root lift.  I apply one large roller, 2 small rollers and 4 medium.  My hair is cut in a concave bob which means its shorter at the back, longer at the sides.

I then spray lightly with hairspray, blast it with the dryer for a few minutes.  I leave them in until I have finished my make-up.  The lift and height it gives my hair is amazing.  If its very humid here, I gently spray the roots and back comb lightly and then using a vent brush smooth over - this enables my style to last all day even when its baking hot and the humidity is so intense I feel I am in either a sauna or a greenhouse :)

Nicky Clarke Compact Heated Hair Rollers available from Boots

12 heated rollers, worldwide usage in a compact zip bag.

Although only 6 rollers can be heated up at any one time I personally only needed a few just on my crown for lift.  There are 6 red rollers and 6 black rollers and out of each six there is one roller where the dot changes colour to white when they are ready.  They took around 15 minutes to heat up.  Easy to put in and fast to work as I only left them in for around 10 minutes - I only wanted a little lift.  They do the job and are perfect for travel and getting ready in the evenings.  I wouldn't use them in the morning though as I still prefer my velcro rollers, but these are great on hair that isn't freshly washed.

Batiste Dry Shampoo Fragrances I have tested include Tropical & Fresh PLUS the NEW colour tones that has a hint of colour - I tried the one for blondes but it is available for brunettes too.

This is my life saver during the summer months here in Cyprus. Its great for speed inbetween going out to meetings when I haven't anytime to wash my hair. I tried two more fragrances, tropical which is fruity smelling but gorgeous and also Fresh plus which is smells like you have just had a shower - both fabulous.
BUT I just had to try the new ones with a hint of colour. I chose the one for Blondes.

I tint my hair light blonde every 4 weeks or so but inbetween my roots can start to show in particular during the hot weather. So I thought I would try this to see if it would hide some of my re-growth. Well it does!!! so Batiste you have done it again another great addition to your dry shampoo range.

L'Oréal Paris True Match Blush - No 15 - True Rose

It comes in pink, apricot and honey tones so you should find a shade to suit you.
Its a small compact and has a brush and mirror hidden underneath.  I liked the mirror, but wouldn't have any use for the mini brush as I rarely re-apply blusher and don't carry out with me during the day.

I tried the colour True Rose which matches my fair skin perfectly and doesn't looked cakes or false.  It has a lovely smooth texture and very easy to apply and layers until you reach the depth of colour you like.
It lasts very well in heat and humidity.

Tresemme 'ultimate hold' Flexible Hairspray Only available in the UK at the time of writing in 100ml, 250ml & 500ml Black/Silver Can

As you know I am a BIG fan of all Tresemme products and this is one at the moment I cannot buy in Cyprus.
It claims to offer 24  hours humidity protection along with platinum shine in addition to having a flexible hold. It is ultrafine, fast drying and non sticky.

My normal hairspray is the 'Freeze Hold' in the white can, so I was interested to try this one.
I found it not quiet strong enough during the humidity and used it to style my hair and then used 'Freeze Hold' as a finishing spray.  It will be great though during late summer, winter and spring.  Nice fragrance too.

Femfresh Deodorant Spray 125ml

This is new version which isn't available in Cyprus as yet.
It is an intimate gentle deodorant spray and a talc free formula and claims to keep you fresh for up 24 hours.  It has a light fragrance which I found very appealing and it gave me confidence throughout the day.

It is particularly good during the hot weather and I now use this everyday along with Femfresh Powder (see my earlier blog).  

Olay Anti Wrinkle Firm and Lift 2 in 1 Day Cream and Serum 50ml

This is a daily moisturiser that claims to reduce the look of lines and wrinkes and also give a firmer lifted appearance.

I am a big fan of Olay although many of their products are not available in Cyprus so I have to buy on-line.  This product is excellent, a lovely texture and smell and not greasy or sticky.  It dried quickly and was perfect under make-up.  I even used it around my eyes and found it great at smoothing and reduces fine lines.

I still prefer to use my Nivea Shine Control down the T Zone though during the really hot weather as this helps my foundation last longer.

Overall a great product.

Mitchum For Women Deodorant

I tried both the Shower Fresh and Powder Fresh
Claims to protect for 48 hours and minimises whites marks.
This isn't available in Cyprus, but I managed to get hold of 

some from the UK. But, how was it in the Cyprus heat?

Well both fragrances are lovely, but I think I prefer the Shower Fresh

during the really hot weather.  I was pleased to see no white marks on my clothing, important when I wear black and deep colours.  It worked all

day during the heat and I was still smelling fresh several hours later.

I didn't feel confident though to test it for 48 hours... perhaps I will when its a little cooler.

Overall a fantastic deodarant during the hot weather - why isn't it available in Cyprus though?

L'OREAL DOUBLE EXTENSION MASCARA

L’OREAL DOUBLE EXTENSION CARBON BLACK Extending MASCARA WITH CERAMIDE R 

I came across a mascara with fibres by Model Co in Boots recently but at £35.00  it was a bit expensive especially in the heat.  So I decided to try this mascara at around £12.00.  I spent over a week each day trying to ‘like’ this product, but I am afraid I don’t. 
WHY?
1.  It takes too long to apply with the separate white fibres which you apply first
(I don’t mind spending more time if the end results are good.)

2.  It smudges badly in the heat – something I really hate is panda eyes.

3.  No matter how hard I tried it looked clumpy and I am someone who loves False lash effect mascaras.

4.  Then what really did it for me was when it was very humid the black came off leaving me with white fibre lashes - YUK

So if  you really want to try it  I suggest you buy the waterproof one.

Lipsticks by Rimmel

LIPSTICKS BY RIMMEL – GOOD RANGE OF COLOURS AND A GOOD PRICE

Two lipsticks I have recently tried by Rimmel which are such good value.  Staying power is good and I like the colours, ideal if you are blonde with fair skin

MOISTURE RENEW LIPSTICK - as above
AMETHYST SHIMMER: No: 260

and

COLOUR SHOW OFF LIPSTOCK (SHINY PINK CONTAINER)
PINK EXCESS No: 010

Collection 2000 24 Felt Tip Liner

COLLECTION 2000 EXTREME 24 HOUR FELT TIP LINER – PURPLE


I am always tempted by products that say 24 hour or long wear I have got used only buying  products with these claims.  Thought I would try a cheapo product and at just £2.99 this was. 
I always test eye liners on the back of my hand, then leave for around 10/15 minutes before trying to remove it with a little water.  Well this one stayed well, so I bought it.
It works well in temperatures under about 24 degrees, but what didn’t like, it took a while to dry.  So be warned, don’t open your eyes too wide or it will smudge.  Also I don’t recommend using an eye cream nr your lashes with this as it seems to lessen some of its staying power.

Overall – not bad.

L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara 4D - False Eye Lash Effect

This mascara claims to volumise, lengthen, texturise and curve your lashes.

As you know I am a Max Factor mascara fan and did used to use L'Oreal Mascaras, so I thought I would give this one a go.
You do need to apply 2 -3 coats to obtain the full effect and the black is really intense.

Apply carefully to avoid clumping and take your time using the full length of the brush to achieve the false lash effect.
My lashes are pretty short and fine but I am really impressed with the end result.  My top lashes in particular definitely looked very black, thicker and much longer.
This is strong competition for Max Factor mascaras.

It stayed put in 30 degrees of heat and humidity at around 70%. 
It was easy to remove too which I liked.

Highly recommended!

L'OREAL TRUE MATCH SUPER BLENDABLE POWDER - update for June

I was looking for a light powder to dust over my foundation that wouldn't end
up looking cakey.  Purchased this on-line and chose the Golden Beige colour.
This is simply a lovely powder, light and the colour isn't noticable, but just keeps the shine at bay. I applied using a very large powder brush from Elf Cosmetics - just perfect for application.
Note I have only tested in 25 degrees, 60% humidity in early March as yet.

Tested June 30 degrees 75% humidity.  Excellent!  this fine powder works

well in the heat and helped keep my foundation in place.

ST TROPEZ INSTANT SELF-TANNING MOUSSE

Since I have been unable to get hold of my favourite Self Tan which was re-launched due to customer demand earlier this year, from any of my original suppliers (Clarins Intense Bronze Tanning Tint) I decided to go back to an old favourite of mine by St Tropez.  It is important in the heat and humidity that any self tan you use must dry very quickly otherwise you are likely to get streaks.  I love the St Tropez Mousse; it gives instant colour and dries really fast.  I find the easiest way to apply is using Boots Soltan tanning mitts that have a sponge side, are lined and prevent any unsightly self tan left on hands after application.  They are great to use and are easily washed and dried.  Mine have lasted me over 3 years!!! Great product!

Now it is getting really hot here in Cyprus as we are in late June building up to the baking hot weather and high humidity of July and August I suggest all self-tan should be applied to clean exfoliated skin about an hour before bed and in air conditioning.  Any sweating will make the tan streak.  This is a fabulous product without any strong 'fake tan' smell.  It gives a light even tan and if you want to be a little darker a second application the following night is advised.

Nivea PURE & NATURAL Cleansing Toner

Contains Aloe Vera
I find I use a toner much more frequently during the summer months in particular just before I apply my moisturiser as it makes me feel fresher.

This is new from Nivea and I really love it.  It feels very gentle, cleaned any residue cleanser/make-up off the skin.  Lightly fragranced with Aloe Vera perfect for sensitive or mature skins.

TRESemme 24 Hour Body Root Boosting Spray

Thought I would give this product a try as I was looking for something to give my roots a lift as I have baby fine hair that tends to flop very quickly.

This is great sprayed onto roots before blow drying, but I think I should have bought the hairspray as I like to spray my roots after blow drying before using velcro rollers to give my hair a real lift.  Using the product this way it doesn't dry fast enough so when I removed my rollers, the roots were still wet.  My mistake, but a really great product if you like blow waving your hair as it does give a lot of body without being sticky or heavy in the hair.

Beverly Hills Formula - TOTAL ENAMEL - Sensitive Teeth - Whitening Toothpaste

I was recommended this product and had the opportunity to try it recently.  It really works and 'does what it says on the tin'.  The secret is to leave on for 1 minute before brushing.  It removes stains very quickly and after using for over 4 weeks, my teeth are brighter and the enamel is really shiny.  After I had had surgery last year I found the enamel on my teeth slightly rough, not sure why, but this product has improved the enamel so much, I can't believe it! 

femfresh TALC-FREE POWDER Lightly fragranced absorbent intimate Powder

When I first moved to Cyprus I got a shock during my first summer here.

During the baking heat and humidity when your skin sweats constantly it can become pretty sore very quickly especially if you have any clothing or underwear that is a little tight. i.e. bra cups/straps, trousers etc. This is an absolutely amazing product! Well recommended!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lipstick - Shade 01 - Stay Rose

You know how I go on and on about Estee Lauder Double wear foundation, well I forgot to mention that this lipstick is the same - wow what staying power this has.  It is matt and can feel a little drying, but I applied this in the morning and it was still there by the afternoon.  The rose shade is perfect for blondes.