Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara

I always think it's quite hard to find a waterproof mascara that masters both being actually waterproof and effective in terms of how it looks on the lashes, but this one manages to do both. I was pleasantly surprised at the results of this mascara, both for the way that it looked and how it didn't budge when I came into contact with water. I really like the finish of the mascara, it's not as dramatic as other mascaras that I may use but it effectively separates out lashes and coats them well to give lots of definition and volume that lasts all day. 

Here are the lashes without mascara...

And here they are after one coat...

The mascara is lengthening and provides strong definition at the base of the lashes. I tested it by rinsing my face with water and the mascara stayed in place, it was only when the temperature of the water increased that it started to smudge. It is quick to apply and after one coat you achieve great results and I didn't find it fussy or difficult to apply accurately, perhaps this is down to the shape of the wand - it's not too big and it doesn't cling to lots of product, it has a soft rounded shape making it easy to coat lashes. 

Like with all Bourjois products, I think this mascara is great value for the quality of the product (£9.49), and it totally does what it says it is going to do - maximising lashes and giving them glamourous appeal whilst also being effectively waterproof.

Mascara reviewed by Kate Gowing. Thanks Kate. x

Bourjois Effet Smoky pencils

These are brilliant value and great quality liners from Bourjois. I have been using the ones that are shot through with glitter but they are available in matte shades also. They have been designed to create a quick and simple smoky eye that is versatile so can be taken from day to night. The idea is to line the eye with the liner and then smudge it with the brush on the other end to create a straightforward smoky look. The texture of them is great - really well pigmented and the pay off is fantastic, they glide on easily and the kohl is soft making them easy to work with.

Personally I have just worn them simply as liners on their own for definition and colour (the brown is my favourite) which I think they are perfect for but they do blend well if you are looking for the smoky, smudged look. The product itself is great to work with but the smudger on the other end isn't amazing and I found to be quite scratchy. Instead I opted for a different tool, like a pencil brush, and found that to be more effective in creating a blended smoky look, but for on the go application the smudger that comes with it is fine, I just wouldn't use it if there was something better to hand! I think the glitter is a great addition to the range and adds a pretty touch to the eyes. The are great value too at £5. A lot of love for Bourjois at the moment.

Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect Mascara

 

You may have noticed that we have been loving this mascara from Bourjois, and indeed Bourjois in general, and I have been using it non-stop recently. I've had the mascara for sometime but hadn't picked it up and tried it because I was in the midst of a love affair with the Illamasqua 'Masquara' (which is still much loved - this one is totally different) I was uncertain about the 360 degree rotating-wand selling point. When I picked up the mascara and tried it on I was more than pleasantly surprised. Granted, getting the hang of the rotating wand can be a little tricky the first couple of times it is used but once you have mastered the 2 steps of application this mascara performs wonderfully. First the brush is turned anti-clockwise to coat the upper lashes and then after you change the setting to clockwise to do the bottom ones, what I was amazed at was how fast it is to achieve brilliant results and how easy it was to get them, you literally have to hold the mascara to the lashes moving from route to tip gently and it does it for you. Within moments the lashes are fully coated and you can build up the mascara if you like the more dramatic look. Here are the results...

Here the mascara is just applied to the top lashes, the right eye having an extra coat to show a more dramatic appearance. It is a complete pleasure to use, and satisfies almost immediately because it creates such an even finish and lots of volume because the brush is designed to wrap itself round the lashes and coat them perfectly. The finished look, I think, does give the false lash effect that Bourjois claims it to have. It went straight into the make-up bag and people noticed the difference in my lashes, I don't think you can go wrong with this one. 

...and here are the results on my eye.

This is a really innovative product and quite reasonable in price also at £10, I've been using it almost daily for quite sometime and their is still mascara in the tube so definitely worth this investment. 

Bourjois Smile Enhancing Gloss

Bourjois have just released this smile enhancing gloss. Yes, I was slightly dubious too when I heard what the product was about, yet it does actually work. On one end it has this amazingly pigmented and intense colour gloss, and on the other, a teeth whitening gel that you put directly on to your teeth as and when necessary. It does feel quite strange on the teeth but it is not uncomfortable or bad tasting, in fact it feels minty fresh and relatively unnoticable - it claims to freshen breath in the process too. Bonus!

If you're like me then you might feel slightly dubious about what the gel is doing to your teeth, however Bourjois assures that it is gentle on enamel and contains blue coloured pearls to provide instant whiteness and it does actually work, within seconds I could see my teeth appeared brighter - pretty cool. 

The glosses are dazzling and really beautiful to further enhance your smile. I particularly like the one shown here as it is radiant and makes for a really colourful, yet sophisticated lip. It is not one of those products that I would reach for daily, but it is quite fun and does work well. It's quite a bit of work applying the gel frequently, but it does pay off and the glosses on there own are beautiful anyhow. 

The smile enhancing gloss is available now in 6 shades and costs £8.99

New products review details

Jemma Kidd - Light As Air SPF 18

Ultra light and natural skin foundation for a velvet, shine-free finish. SPF 18.

• Highly blendable and lightweight texture
• Silicone coated pigments for a velvet feel and soft focus finish
• Balancing benefits to help keep the skin perfectly matte for an even, shine free complexion
• Unique long-wear technology for all day staying power
• SPF 18 to protect skin from harmful rays
• x7shades

Bourjois New formulation Round Pots
Bourjois has used the revolutionary “baked technology” since 1863 to give its eye shadows an ultra soft, light and easy-to-blend formula that allows you to apply the colour as much as you want for a luminous result. A unique feminine design with integrated mirror and applicator for an easy application anytime, anywhere.
A hypoallergenic formula, paraben and
fragrance free.
Contains up to 80% of mineral pigments.

Louise Young Eyeshadow Palette.

Available from 15th December from www.louiseyoungcosmetics.com £30.00

Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick SPF 15 Ultra hydrating and plumping. The Glossticks are super sheer colour wash for the lips with an ultra moisturising and high gloss formula. Infused with light reflective particles and a light plumping active, lips appear fuller and smoother.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick

Make Up For Evers launch of their new Lipstick line Rouge Artist Intense. With 50% more pigment than the classic lipstick the Rouge Artist Intense range will give great colour pay off in just one stroke. The rich and; creamy formula provides a long lasting result. Available in Matte, Pearly and Satin.

Available for worldwide shipping from Guru make-up emporium

Make Up For Ever Uplight - Face Luminizer Gel

A luminising gel which imparts a natural glow to the face. The formula contains over 70% water for a fresh and; light texture along with light reflecting pearls to ensure an even, radiant result. Pro Tip: Use alone on bare skin, or mix a little into your foundation to customise. Available in three finishes: Dewy, Pearly and Sparkling.

Worldwide shipping available from Guru make-up emporium

Handmade Bespoke Nail Quills

Unique, extraordinary, and extravagant these tantalising talons are like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Designed and handmade exclusively for Illamasqua by one of the hottest names in nails, Mike Pocock, these collector’s items are guaranteed to tease the senses of anyone whose eye they catch. Presented in a beautiful gift box they come complete with nail tabs and glue. False nails will never be the same again!

Two Nail Quills per set, designed to be worn on either thumb. Featuring a matt black finish and silver tip, match your Nail Quill with our new matt black Nail Varnish in Scorn. Exclusive to Illamasqua.com and our Flagship Store, 20 Beak Street London.