Monday 31 March 2014

REVIEW AND WARNING: Quick Fix Facials Calming Clay Mask by X10 Facials

X10 Facials - Quick Fix Facials - Calming Clay Mask

ROLL OUT THE BARRELL! I have found, without doubt, one of the most TERRIBLE products I have ever, ever had the misfortune to use. I have bought bad products before, sure, but never before have I bought a product thats results are so terrible, so opposite to the claims, that I have considered sending a card of condolences for the companies future, because if any more of their products are this bad, they are going D O W N.

So I found this in boots. I remembered all the bells and whistles when this brand was launched, and looked around for them, because it seemed to be raves. Now, I am totally aware of how PR works, and I am also aware of how many bloggers don't even USE their products, they just rave on and on about ruddy everything because they want lots of free stuff to sell on e bay. I get nothing free, I don't court any freeness, I don't kiss any arse, and that feature of my personality hasn't helped me too much in life, but i'm not changing. I like honesty in general. 

So this mask offended me big time. I have skin that is prone to redness, and I wouldn't say it's ultra sensitive, but if I exercise, or get a bit hot, I go red like a beacon of anger. It's rubbish. I hate it. So when I found this, specifically for my issues, I was rather chuffed, and as I had a gig with many photographers, I thought i'd give it a little go before my night of having to look passable. 

Oh. THE REGRET.

I popped it on as directed, smoothed a layer on and left it for five minutes. It didn't feel too bad during being on, but after five minutes I felt like I wanted to remove it, and thank goodness I did, because the result was HORRIBLE. My skin was red raw, hot, angry, and extremely painful. On top of this, I felt headachey and sick, as the heat from my skin and the redness was so intense it made me feel quite awful. The only bits of my face that weren't bright red were the bits I didn't apply the mask too, and the difference was marked by a clearly defined line of non irritated skin. 

It took TWO DAYS for the misery to stop. The redness was unbearable.

Now, you might just say 'you were allergic clearly'. Well....i'd agree, if it wasn't for a quick search on the internet for reviews, first stop was the boots website for a smattering of one star reviews.

Here's a few excerpts....

"PLEASE DO NOT BUY THIS IF YOU HAVE DRY OR SENSITIVE SKIN. I saw this online and thought it looked great. I brought it and used it on the first day. After a minute of being on my skin it started burning to the point I had to wash it off. I now have an even more red face. Not a good product. "

"I got this based on its claim that it soothes sensitive, red skin. It did completely the opposite, just as per the other reviews. You're meant to leave it on for between 5-10 minutes. I lasted 2, maybe, before having to get it off my face as it was stinging, burning and making my face feel extremely tight. Once I had taken it all off my husband was shocked, it looked like I'd burnt my face, or as though I was wearing a bright red mask. My skin felt smooth to the touch, but that may have been more to do with the scrubbing I did to get this off my face. I looked like a beetroot all evening and my face stung whenever I touched it. Would NOT recommend this whatsoever to anyone."


"This face mask is a terrible product which boots should stop selling. I have experienced the same reaction as all of the other commenters - red, burning skin after only 10 minutes with this mask on. I feel like I should get my money back (and buckets of complimentary aloe vera soothing moisturiser which is what it's taken to get my face back to a normal colour!)"


Every single review is bad. EVERY SINGLE ONE.


I have tried to complain to the company but there is no web presence of them AT ALL. Everything about it stinks and I cannot warn you enough. NEVER USE THIS.

If you do like being in pain, find the mask for mask here at boots for £3.33




Thursday 13 March 2014

REVIEW (and first impressions) : Make Up Atelier HD Foundation

So, anyone that knows anything about me (that would be NONE of you, because no one actually knows who I am) would know that I love Goss make up artist. I LOVE HIM. I used to obsessively watch the Pixiwoo videos, but as they got more commercial and less exciting (although Sam never fails to excite me with her creative tutorials) I found myself running to the joys of Goss, and his wry humour, coupled with social anxiety, makes him the more adorably addictive of the you tube make up vloggers. When he said he'd found 'the best foundation ever made' I knew I had to eventually check it out.

So, first steps first, given that there are no Make Up Atelier Paris stockists in england, so therefore no way of checking colours, I found the fantastic and budget friendly option on their website of being sent sample jars in various colours, which subsequently is deducted from the price of the foundation you eventually decide on. Needlessly generous no? So I dived in and received this....


And for a sample that is just to check colour, it's pretty generous! I chose the shade Pale Beige, but there is a massive range of shades from pale yellow to deep brown, so there should be something for everyone. 

So what do Make Up Atelier Paris have to say about this foundation??

A new generation of invisible makeup developed for HD for a natural skin finish.  A fluid foundation with silicone resin film and micronized pigments.  The makeup is versatile from sheer to full coverage whilst appearing invisible on the skin.  Sweatproof and water resistant suitable for young or mature skin that is dry, normal and combination.  Apply with a brush, sponge or airbrush. 

So that sounds pretty much a catch all bit of promo doesn't it? Could it possibly be true?

Well. Yeah!

So last night I was dj'ing, with a streaming cold, in extremes of temperature surrounded by smoke. I needed a foundation that was going to last through sweat, cold and potential rain on the way there. The second I put this on my face, I WAS SOLD.




Sorry for blurry photos, I just.....couldn't be bothered. Ha. You get the idea though right??

So back to the review. What are the points and features of this foundation that makes me wee with joy!?

Coverage: This covers, somehow, despite being airy light, and it covers VERY WELL. If you need extra coverage, it's supremely buildable, and it doesn't change the texture or finish at all. This won't cake, or enhance pores, or dry spots. My redness was covered easily and totally. There wasn't one thing I could complain about.

Longevity: It lasts until you want it off. Okay, it couldn't stand up below my nose which was being constantly blown and wiped all night, but I wouldn't expect anything to, apart from double wear, and we all know that double wear, although bulletproof, gives a mask like deathly finish and looks bad in photos. I even splashed my face with water and this stuff didn't budge AN INCH. I cannot tell you how awesome it is. Well, I can, but still, AWESOME!!

Finish: Like great skin. Not dewy, but not matte, just naturally luminous and beautiful. It's really the most natural foundation i've ever used, it's amazing. 

Pale beige swatched and rubbed in. 

I can't recommend this enough. I own ALL FOUNDATIONS EVER, but this, this is a gem. The nearest I could liken it to would be MUFE Face and Body, but this actually covers ten times better, and lasts much longer. It's amazing.

You can purchase Make Up Atelier Paris HD Foundation for £21 at their webstore - HERE