All about Base : Note BB cream

I've been really wanting to try Note luminous moisturising foundation for a while now so when I finally found a local stand I was delighted. I'd also seen a couple of good reviews about the BB cream  and the prices were so reasonable I picked up both. I'm not exactly sure but I think they both came to under €25. I am not one for BBcreams more of a get me the fullest coverage foundation that exists kind of gal.
My hopes were raised a little higher when the girl serving me asked had I used it before followed by telling me that I would love it and that it's amazing!
It comes in 3 shades , I bought shade 1 . I'm a nc20 in Mac and this is a great shade for summer but might be a touch dark in winter so I'd say it's a 20/25 for shade.

I can't say I know a huge amount about BB creams, I bought and used the garnier one a few years ago when it came out and it was fine I had young skin and it was like a glowy tinted moisturiser.
This isn't like that it's a complete game changer for me. I cannot believe how much coverage and longevity I can get from something that isn't foundation!
I would class it as a medium to full coverage but it's so light and comfortable on my skin. I've been having no issues with any flaky skin and It's so natural and healthy looking.
I tried a few different ways to put it on hands, silicone sponge, regular sponge,  f20 etc but in the end I found my duo fibre stipple brush was the best way to apply and it gives a really natural light coverage of the BB cream.

One of the days I was wearing it I was going somewhere that I really needed it to last with coverage for me so I dusted some mineral foundation over it and it lasted beautifully.
It makes a couple of promises which in my opinion it absolutely delivers on.
1. Evens skintome and enlightens ✅
2. Diminishes imperfections and removes appearance of dull skin ✅
3. Helps to conceal fine lines, yes and my lines are a bit more than fine! ✅
4. Healthy looking skin in one step 😀✅
Along with all of this it has SPF 15, I genuinely think my sun damage level on my face would be really high (it's not I had a skin analysis with Bioderma recently, post coming soon) if it wasn't for SPF in foundations.
This is the base to choose for sunny summer days when you want seriously good coverage and staying power without using anything too heavy.
I've been really impressed with anything I have tried from note so far I'm hoping to pick up a few more bits from the range really soon .
If your looking for a local stockist they post regular updates on their Facebook and reply really quickly too  https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1641655356147324&ref=content_filter
   I will have a full post soon on the luminous moisturising foundation coming in the next week or so. 

Summer Nails....

Summer for me is all about sunshine, tans and painted toenails!
I love summer nail polishes especially for toes as I always feel I can go a little brighter and more adventurous with my toenail polish.
So when It came to blogging about them I picked out some lovely bright colours for toes and some slightly more muted but equally gorgeous colours for my fingers :) I had lots of fun spending the day testing these polishes, Its a nice treat to take time out for a nail painting day, hope this gives you all some inspiration!

First this look Is O.P.I. nail polish in Sweet Heart combined with Barry M in Majesty.
These are the nails that I had for my wedding. I wanted something soft and romantic but didn't want a french mani for being a bride! There are 3 coats of the O.P.I polish to get to this coverage and colour but It does work with 2 coats. This is long enough lasting polish I tend to get around about a week from it and that's without a top coat.
The gold Barry M that I have used on my ring fingers is from the textured nail effect series. this is 2 coats shown here and it is very long lasting. I recommend using a base polish under this as is can be pretty hard to get off without one. Together these add up to perfect summer nails :)

Next up sticking with the fingers is another favourite, Essie Bikini So Teeny. This polish also featured in my wedding this time on my toes as my something blue :) Its a beautiful shade of blue and glides on so easily and lasts forever. I can get close to ten days from this polish with no chipping and only slight fading. Its beautiful on both fingers and toes and has a slight glitter / shimmer going through it. This polish has definitely made me an essie fan!

On to toes this is Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine polish. First off the picture here does not do this polish justice. The shade I'm using is Grapefruit and in real life it is way more vibrant and really is hi-shine. I used 2 coats but you really could get away with one as it covers a lot on first coat. I'm definitely interested to try more of these gelly range as I am very impressed by this budget polish.

Finally I couldn't do a summer nails post without including this Rimmel Lasting Finish polish in Sunshine.
What says summer better that a lovely bright yellow polish named Sunshine :) This polish goes on easy lasts for as long as it takes to grow off and is beautifully bright in only 2 coats. It looks especially pretty when teamed with brown (tan) sandals and wedges. Definitely the perfect summer toe nail polish.

Hope you enjoyed the post Im now on Instagram find me at sparkleblossombeauty
also on twitter @clareken86

Summer Body Lotions

Today's post is on my favourite body lotions for summer. Summer body lotion for me should have a light consistency, be cooling on the skin and have a lovely fragrance.
Out of all of the body lotions Ive tried these four top the list as my favourites for summer!

Molton Brown Sensual Hanaleni body cream, this is by far my best smelling body lotion.
Its made with a blend of orchid oil, ylang-ylang and jasmine (my fav smell in the world) It even sounds yummy! Love the packaging too its luxurious and unfussy.
The pump means for me it lasts a little longer Its a beautiful silky texture, glides on really easy and dries quickly.Leaves my skin beautifully smooth and moisturised however it is a light cream so if you suffer with dry skin it may not work for you. The scent is about a medium its strong and you definitely smell it but its not overpowering.
Soap and Glory the righteous butter, this would be one that would suit a little better for anyone with dry skin as its thicker and richer. I don't normally go for a body butter in summer but the smell of this screams summer to me.This body butter is easy to put on and rub in and dries in after just a couple of minutes. It keeps your skin moisturised all day. The packaging as with all soap and glory products is fun and bold.

Sanctuary Spa Body Lotion, is light and fresh the scent is slightly musky and very luxurious.
The body lotion is beautifully light and non greasy, It is very easy to put on and dries instantly leaving the skin soft and smooth. If I was to test these blind I would think this is very expensive it really has the feel of a very high end beauty brand, perfect for summer nights!

Aloe Vera Gel the must have day/night time moisturiser for sunny summer days. Nothing can make my legs look as good as aloe vera gel at any time in the summer especially after sunbathing. Its cooling and healing effects make it a summer essential for me and along with SPF its the first thing i buy at the start of summer.
To me the brand doesn't matter, Ive never seen any difference between them.

What body lotion is your favourite for summer?
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