5 Minute L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint Review

As someone who doesn’t have a lot of blemishes or skin problems, I’m always on the hunt for a light foundation that doesn’t turn my skin into scales upon application. In the summer months, I’ve really enjoyed using Mac’s Face & Body. While I know that’s not for everyone or every occasion, I felt it was a really easy, slap dash foundation perfect for the summer months. However, during the harsh Irish Winter, I usually switch to a heavier foundation that can withstand the wind and the rain. This time I decided to try something a little bit different, L’Oreal Paris Nude Magique Eau De Teint, which is advertised as a light-weight water foundation. I figured this might be a good dupe for Mac’s F&B without having the expensive price tag.

When I first saw the bottle I was really disappointed in the size of the actual product, 20 mls for €14.99. That’s very expensive. It also comes in a glass bottle which, (if you lack the motor skills that are needed to not smashing everything that isn’t plastic) is such an inconvenience. So, despite these initial flaws and in typical Cara fashion, I caved and bought it anyway. Upon opening the bottle, I discovered that it’s just an open lid where you pour onto a brush, hand, sponge etc. Packaging like this makes me hold my head in my hands and ask “why?” Why on earth would a company give people a glass bottle with a lid that lets every sort of bacteria into it? A lid that spills out way too much product and leaves your hands and clothes covered in foundation. Particularly being a water-based, runny product, you need a nice squeeze bottle, or pump. Something that doesn’t let bacteria and fungus into it.

Anyway, I put my strong opinions and feelings behind me and tried the product. I usually use my hands with water based products as I feel brushes soak up and waste these types of foundations. It’s just way more practical. When I applied this first, I was surprised at the different texture compared to Face and Body. Its way more silky and feels like a light oil compared to other water-based products I have tried. I really enjoyed the texture. The coverage is better than expected and was actually a lot more buildable than F&B. However, I had to use a good bit of the stuff to get a nice coverage which isn’t really practical considering the small amount you get in the bottle. It lasted around six hours and didn’t change colour during that time.

For anyone, who has super pale skin like me, the porcelain shade compliments my skin tone well. However, it has a limited range of 7 shades which will not suit everyone’s needs. Overall I would give this product a generous six out of ten. Merely, for surprising me it’s lovely texture and buildable coverage. It loses four marks for having terrible packaging design. Change the bottle & we’ll talk, L’Oreal

If you have any opinions on this product, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear what you thought of it!

October Favourites

As my favourite month of the year has been and gone, here are some things I’ve been enjoying in the last four weeks

Game: Assassins Creed 3

Since Ubisoft announced the release of a third Assassins Creed I have literally been counting down the months, days, hours and seconds I will be reunited with my one true love again. Assassin’s Creed 3 is easily my favourite game of the year and been making me unfathomably happy for the last week. I won’t say much more as I’m only half way through it and plan to write a review of it in the next week or so.

If you have yet to play AC3, check out my pre-release AC3 post!

Music: Grimes

I’m all about women doing their thing when it comes to music. Canadian artist Claire Boucher or as she calls herself “Grimes” has been rocking my socks of this month. This one woman show manages to create a sound that is throughly her own. Watching her live performances is quite impressive. She often takes charge of every single sound being made, sometimes even holding the microphone between her chin and her shoulder just so she can free her hands to tickle some knarly synth in order to create this schizophrenic, almost oriental beat that leaves you fixated on her every move. Like Die-Antwoord, Grimes is more of an art-project than a one-trick-musical-show-pony. Her video for Genesis is Power-rangers meets the Beastie Boys with some Xena the Princess Warrior themes in there too. She also has sweet style and manages to look a bit anime in some of her videos. Badassery at its best.

Have a look for yourself!

Grimes: Genesis

Grimes: Oblivion

Grimes: Live

Beauty Product: Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick’s 

This month, Rimmel launched 7 new lipsticks hand-picked by Kate Moss. I love really dark lipsticks so I picked up No.4 which is a deep plum colour. I love the simple packaging on these lipsticks and as most Rimmel lipsticks, they’re really pigmented and creamy. The purple shade is definitely for the more daring  but there are 6 other shades which will suite anyone. I’m not the biggest Kate Moss fan, but these are well worth checking out.

Tv: American Horror Story: Asylum 

As a big fan of anything emotionally disturbing, I’ve been really enjoying the second season of American Horror Story this month. Sticking with the same actors from season one, this season is set in a 1960’s insane asylum run by a reformed nun with questionable motives played by Jessica Lange. The story follows the nurses, doctors and patients of the asylum, forever making us question which characters are sane and which are insane. It also has the shockingly attractive Adam Levine  guest starring which is never a bad thing.  If you like horror and copious amounts of mystery and betrayal, you’ll enjoy this.

American Horror Story: Asylum Trailer

How To Make Realistic Fake Blood

This recipe is a very quick and easy way of making realistic fake blood. The beauty of this recipe is sets and is reusable. This means you can make it to suit your own needs depending on what type of make-up you are doing. It’s especially good for old wounds that have blood-clotting but can be used otherwise depending on what stage the blood is set.

What You Will Need: 

• Glycerine
• Gelatin
• Red, blue and green food dye
• A plastic, microwavable bowl
• A plastic stirrer
• Water
• Microwave
• Nice friends that will act as guinea pigs in your pursuit of the perfect flesh wound
• Seasons 1-5 box set of Dexter

1.The first thing you need to do, is place 2 table spoons of glycerine into the plastic bowl 

2.Then add an equal amount of water into the glycerine
3.Add a tablespoon of gelatin to the mixture.

You can vary how much you add once the ratio is kept 2:2:1 of glycerine,water and gelatin. You may want a lot more blood than what I am making. 

4.Place your mixture in the microwave for no more than 5 second intervals until the mixture is no longer viscous . It can get extremely hot so make sure it is cool before you go applying it to your skin. (You don’t actually want a third degree burn)

5.The next bit can be a bit tricky. Add the smallest amount of red food dye and mix. Once the mixture is stained slightly red,

6. Add an even smaller amount of green dye. Green food dye will give it a slightly brown tinge. If the mixture looks too brown, add a small amount of blue dye. You can vary this to make it look as real or as unreal as you like.

6. As the blood gel cools, it will start to clot and turn solid. Store in the freezer and heat it again to reuse. 

Optional step:

If you’re a messy eejit like me, have hours of fun cleaning food dye of your hands and white  kitchen doors.

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 (Sorry the pictures are so small, WordPress is being an awkward turtle.)

Models Of The Moment

Here is a few of my favourite models of the moment:

Charlotte Free

Probably one of my favourite models of all-time, Charlotte Free is a pink haired 5ft 7in California girl. Autumn/Winter 2011 was extremely kind to Charlotte as most of the catwalks were graced with shocking pink flickers of personality.

Even though she’s American, Charlotte manages to fit incredibly well into the quirky and edgy London fashion scene. She has walked for the likes of Vivenne Westwood’s Red Label and Jeremy Scott.

She’s even been covered in gold and placed on Chanel’s catwalks. She is more recently the  new face of Forever 21. I’m delighted to see a short model book as many shows as Charlotte does. The fashion industry has started to realise that you don’t have to be 6ft to rock peoples socks off. The times, they are a-changing!

Karlie Kloss

Karlie Kloss is a 20 year old model originally from Chicago. She recently caught my attention when she closed for the Jason Wu show at NYFW last month. Karlie has modeled for every designer under the sun (she’s even a Victoria Secret’s model!)

This year alone, she has been on the cover of British Vogue, Japanese Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar Russia, and Numero She is the face of Marc Jacobs Lola and is known for her very classic model look. She is also, famous for her distinct runway walk which is described as “powerful”. This girl definitely deserves Supermodel status!

Lindsey Wixson

If there ever was a living, breathing version of a Bratz doll, Lindsey Wixson would be it. This 5ft 10in, American beauty has booked campaign’s for designers such as John Galliano, Versace Vanitas, Miu Miu, Jill Stuart and Alexander McQueen. Which is quite impressive considering she’s only 18.

She is also the current face of Mulberry and recently modeled for British Vouge’s August edition shot by the amazingly talented Terry Richardson. She has an astonisingly ability to be your All-American girl next door but can also be extremely editorial when needed. I would give an arm and a leg to do her make-up.

Daphne Groeneveld

Dutch model, Daphne Groenveld (5ft 10in) is one of the biggest models at the moment. She’s been in every magazine I’ve read for the past 6 months (and God knows, I read a lot of magazines).

You may recongnise her from the adorable Dior Addict adverts and is the only person in the world who manages to be absolutely stunning with bleached eyebrows. Unusual beauty is very popular at the moment and Daphne is no exception. Her face is absolutely breath-taking.

She’s walked for Dior, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, Gucci, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Roberto Cavalli, John Galliano, Lanvin,Louis Vuitton, Etro, Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, Versace, Anna Sui, Jason Wu and Donna Karen.

Alice Dellal

Alice Dellal is a 5ft 5in British model who is known for her punk style and shaven head. More notably, in 2011 she was chosen by the man himself, Karl Lagerfield to be the face of Chanel’s boy bag. She is also the drummer for the band Trush Metal. 

Cara Delevingne

Cara Delevingne (5ft 9) is a British model who is currently the face of Burberry. She is the younger sister of model Poppy Delevingne. She most recently walked in the Burberry show at LFW. I reckon she will be huge next season.

31 Days of Horror

October is my favourite month of the year, simply because I absolutely love Halloween. 

Here’s 31 great horror films to scare the absolute bejaysus out of ya everyday of October! 

1. Braindead 

2. Rec 1 and Rec 2

3. Creep

4.Tale of Two Sisters 

5.Evil Dead 2

6. Trick ‘r Treat

7.Child’s Play (1988)

8.Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

9. Case 39

10.The Lost Boys 

11. Paranormal Activity 1

12. Dawn Of The Dead (1978)

13. Nightmare on Elm Street

(Both original and remake are great)

14.The Fly (1986)

15, From Dusk ’till Dawn

16. High Tension

17. Alien (1979)

18. Psycho (1960)

19. The Excorcism of Emily Rose

20. The Exorcist

21.The Shinning (1980)

22. Rosemary’s Baby (1968)

23. The Birds (1963)

24. Bram Strokers Dracula (1992)

25. American Psycho (2000)

26. Nosferatu

27. Last House on the Left (1972 & 2009)

28. Carrie (1979)

29. Planet Terror 

30. Halloween 1 & 2 (1978)

Rob Zombie’s remake is amazing.

31. Hocus Pocus

Are Cosmetic Preservatives Giving Us Cancer?

As a budding chemist, I’ve always had a particular interest cosmetic science. I practically spend 70% of my shower time reading the ingredients on the back of every single bottle in there and imagining what their chemical structures look like. Recently, I have been reading a lot about parabens. They’re very common in most beauty products and I was curious as to what they actually do. Here’s what I found:

What are Parabens?

Parabens are a common cosmetic preservative used primarily for their bacterial and fungicial properties. They are basically found in most beauty products such as shampoo’s, shaving gels, tanning solutions and makeup. If you look at the ingredients listed in the back of any beauty product they are mainly found near the bottom of the list in the forms:  methylparaben (E number E218), ethylparaben (E214), propylparaben(E216) , butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, and benzylparaben.

In recent years there has been increasing concerns over the link between parabens and cancer. Particularly breast cancer.

In Ireland, approximately 1,700 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

 Scientists have suggested that parabens have the ability to slightly mimic estrogen which is commonly known to play a specific role in causing breast cancer. A 2004 UK study detected traces of five parabens in the breast cancer tumors of 19 out of 20 women studied. This is especially concerning when most women from the age of puberty and above use underarm deodorants that are likely to contain parabens. Pharmaceuticals that are topically applied to the skin absorb a lot more successfully than ones that are ingested by other means. Applying them topically also allows the chemical to enter the tissue still in tact without being broken down by our digestive system or otherwise.

Since there is such strong evidence to suggest that the links between cancer and cosmetic preservatives are prevalent,  I really think people should reconsider purchasing products that contain parabens. Paraben free products have become increasingly available in the last few years but they are still widely (and unnecessarily) used in most of our cosmetics.

Lead and mercury were once common ingredients in most makeup too!

 

September Favourites

September is usually a month that I dread.  There’s nothing worse than waking up at 7 a.m and peering out your window only to find lashing of sideways rain hit the glass and trickle awkwardly down the pane. However, the weather this September has been fantastic so my spirit has been temporary lifted. I’ve also had lots of free time in which I’ve devoted to indulging in some hobbies. Here’s my September favourites!

Hair Product:

My favourite hair product at the moment is Lush’s solid shampoo bar “New”. I had really gone off Lush in the last few months as I have an overhaul of them at Christmas time but I’m really in love with this shampoo bar. It contains cloves and cinnamon which give a really nice shine to your hair. Unlike other shampoo bars (Seanik) it leaves your hair really manageable and gets ride of product build up. My hair is really fine and long so I need something that makes it easy to brush out. I will definitely be repurchasing this!

Music:

I’ve been using 8track a lot lately to find new music and I’ve really discovered some gems in the past few months. I’ve been obsessed with South African rap-rave duo “Die Antwoord” lately. Any kind of rap music usually isn’t my thing by there is something addictive about Die Antwoord. Their sound is different to anything I’ve heard in a long time. Ninja and Yo-Landi Vi$$er take turns in blasting some serious lyrics with Dj Hi-Tek usually providing some sick beats.

Their videos are also especially insane and artistic portraying Yo-Landi as a weirdly attractive freak of nature while Ninja does some questionable hip movements in his Dark Side Of The Moon underpants. Some of my favourites include “Baby’s On Fire” and “I Fink U Freeky”.

Check them out!

Watch Baby’s On Fire here!

Watch I Fink U Freeky here

Game: 

After a whole Summer of playing Skyrim, I was ready for a change. I picked up Portal 2 in Gamestop at the start of the month. I became utterly obsessed with finishing it and managed to complete single player mode in just under two weeks. For anyone who has never played Portal, it’s basically a first person puzzle game where you have two portal guns which allow you to place an entrance and an exit portal on designated surfaces.

Such a simple idea which results in hours of fun and frustration. The story itself is really entertaining with a various amount of one liners and punch lines coming from a robotic eyeball named Wheatley. I’d really recommend this to anyone who is just starting to play a console as it’s really easy to navigate and it’s not too difficult. The game also comes with a Co-op mode which I have yet to try out.

Click here for Gameplay Trailer

Film:

I’ve watched a lot of anime this month. My Neighbor Totoro is a popular one but I didn’t actually watch it until recently. Mei and her big sister Satsuki move to a rural area of Japan in which they encounter a forest spirit named Totoro. The cuteness of this film is overwhelming in some parts and I really enjoyed it.

I also watched Spirited Away which is from the same director as My Neighbor Totoro (Hayao Miyazaki). This one is slightly more adult themed but still manages to be lighthearted. The animation in these two films is absolutely unbelievable. I’d definitely recommend them.

TV Series: 

Continuing with the anime theme, Sankarea is a strange romantic comedy about a high school student named Chihiro Furuya who is obsessed with zombies and the living dead. When his cat, Bābu dies, he tries to resurrect him which a various amount of potion recipes he makes using an old manuscript. During this time, he meets a fellow student named Rea Sanka who is suicidal and struggling to come to terms with her possessive and frankly really weird father. Rea and Chihiro form a not so ordinary relationship which results in a not so ordinary adventure.

This one is worth a watch if you like anime. It’s completely strange. Especially Rea’s relationship with her father and Chihiro’s overly sexual cousin “Wanko” who likes to wear skimpy outfits around him and flash him from time to time. Strange but good!

NYFW S/S: Jeremy Scott

When fashion week season comes around, there are always a few shows I’m most excited about watching. Jeremy Scott is definitely one of them. His A/W 2012 collection is one of the reasons I love fashion so much. So needless to say, I had my popcorn at the ready for this season.

Now, I’m all about experimenting with collections and love when a designer has the ability to completely shake it up and still manage to keep their signature direction, but there is only one word I can use to describe this collection: tacky. It was as if Princess Jasmine spent the night with Linsey Lohan in Vegas with the exception of one or two nice pieces that had been just regurgitated from previous season collections. I feel like sheer skirts and animal print have been done to death this year. Givenchy made it classy and Jeremy Scott made it boring. I also really hate the idea of a burqa being used as a fashion statement. Overall, I felt this collection was rushed and thrown together. Jeremy Scott is currently launching a shoe collection with Adidas. They’re pretty awesome in fairness!

Links to the shows follow the pictures. Feel free to comment down below. I’d love to hear  what other people think!

Watch full Jeremy Scott S/S 2013 here

Watch full Jeremy Scott A/W 2012 here

A First Look at Assassins Creed 3

Earlier this year, Ubisoft confirmed that there will be a fifth installment to the Assassins Creed series: Assassins Creed 3. Speculation and rumours  of a new assassin and a new timeline was confirmed soon after.

For those of you who haven’t played any of the previous games, Desmond Miles is a modern day bartender who is descendent from a line of assassins. He fled his heritage to seek a normal life; However he is kidnapped by modern day Knights Templar known now as “Abstergo Industries”, and forced to use a device referred to as “Animus” that allows him to carry out and change his ancestral memories.  Abstergo Industries want Desmond to look for the pieces “Eden”, which is a device that helps control mankind. He is later rescued by a group of Assassins of whom posses a second Animus. This allows Desmond to collect the Pieces of Eden before Abstergo Industries find them.

From the Animus, Desmond lives the memories of Master Assassins , Desmond  Altaïr ibn-La’Ahad, (Assassins Creed)  and Ezio Auditore (Assassins Creed: 2, Brotherhood and Revelations) both of whom came into contact with a piece of Eden known as “The Apple of Eden”.

With Revelations, sadly, closing the finale chapter on Ezio Auditore, AC3 makes way for a brand-spanking new half-Native American, half-European Assassin who goes by the name of Connor Kenway. The main portion of AC3 will be set during the American Revolution between 1753 and 1783.  It will also refer back to Desmond, who goes back into the Animus to relive Connor Kenway’s memories. Ubisoft has also confirmed that it will complete the finale chapter on Desmond’s story, whom we’ve been enjoying since AC1.

New weaponry and combat skills will put a new twist on the traditional fight sequences with the introduction of  improved multiple takedowns and chain kills. Connor uses a knife, tomahawk, flintlock pistols as well as more advanced  bow and arrow. We will also see the return of the beloved Hidden Blades with the addition of a rotation mechanism which allows them to be used like a knife. Perhaps the weapon I’m most excited about is the rope-dart which provides some  “Get over here!” action, granting Connor the ability to hang enemies from tree’s or grab them from a nearby hideout.

Ubisoft have included seasonal changes. Which means that during the game, the climate will vary immensely. The environment itself will also vary with the story line taking Connor through organic forests and oceans as well as big cities such as New York and Boston. This gives us an extensive amount of new structures to climb and carelessly jump of off. (Don’t worry, they had those tiny hay bales in the American Revolution too!)

Having a first look at the trailers and E3 gameplay, it seems Ubisoft have managed to change the dynamic enough to keep fans interested without spoiling essence of the Assassins Creed series.

I cannot begin to describe my anticipation for this game!

Assassins Creed 3 is set for release on 31th October 2012

Click Here: Assassin’s Creed 3-E3 Official Trailer

Click Here: Assassins Creed 3-Gameplay

New York Fashion Week S/S 2013: Jason Wu

Just watching all the shows from NYFW 2013.

I’m absolutely blown away by Jason Wu’s collection. I loved every piece. The last three pieces were particularly amazing. I feel the essence of this collection is very sultry without being overly sexy or feminine. A representation of women in a man’s world.

 

The make-up was kept very simple with unruly brows and just bitten red lips. Just enough to highlight the models natural beauty without covering or over-powering it. Statement lips are a huge trend this season. I can definitely see them being carried through to next season.

Watch the full show here