Review: Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour Correcting Cream

I had been looking for a different base product for a while as I was disappointed by the lack of coverage I got from a best-selling BB cream I was using at the time. I tend to wear makeup everyday so I generally prefer to use lighter products on my skin, hence my forgo of using foundation for a BB cream. But I found this particular product wasn't doing anything for me so it was time to move my way down the alphabet and try a CC cream to test this whole new notion of 'colour correcting'.

Admittedly, I went in search for 'the one' blind. It was much more of a grab and go scenario, relying on pure whim to get something of quality, but at the same time within my lowly student budget.

Bourjois' CC cream appealed to me almost immediately when I saw it. The packaging is pretty persuasive, lets be honest. It claims that the cream contains three colour correcting pigments for 'a fresh and luminous result' which are apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness and white for anti-dark spots. So, aside from the fact this cream is basically anti-everything-bad-complexion, it also contains SP15 (we all need a bit sun-protection, after all) and is said to provide 24-hour hydration.

Well, it certainly won me over.

It's been three weeks now and I can honestly say I am really happy with the amount of coverage Bourjous' CC cream provides. I find that a little really goes a long way and my blemishes are effectively neutralized and seem much less dramatic (to me, anyway).

It's oil-free formula does provide the luminous glow it boasts to give your skin but without the oily sheen other products tend to leave. I would say that this is probably one of the best things about this cream if, like me, you prefer a matte complexion. Having said that, the cream has a really smooth texture and my skin genuinely feels moisturized when I apply it.

Before 

After 

Overall I would say that this product is great for those looking for a quick fix and a natural glow without having to rely on additional concealors or illuminators to make sure you get complete coverage.

On my first use, I was told that my skin looked 'flawless'. Yes, really. And at only £9.99 it's a definite steal.


Top image courtesy of bourjous.co.uk 

Book Review: Vintage Beauty Parlor by Hannah Wing

Are you longing to wear your hair like Brigitte Bardot? Flutter your eyelashes like the doe-eyed actresses of yesteryear, Anna Karina and Marilyn Monroe? Or perhaps you're wanting to strut the glamorous allure of Marlene Dietrich... 

Well great because Hannah Wing will show you how with her practical little manual with step by step guidance on how to master such beautiful and iconic vintage styles of the 20th century.  

As a professional make-up artist and stylist who runs her own business, Bellus Femina, and just so happens to write beauty and style blogs for The Vintage Festival, Wing is certainly the expert when it comes to vintage fashion and beauty.

Her book is an essential go-to-guide with tutorials which cover basic make-up and hair styling tips alongside several chapters dedicated to recreating looks from every decade, from the classy, sultry look of the 1920s and the 1930s debutante, down to the disco divas of the 1970s and the bold punk looks of the '80s. Every decade comes with its own colour palette (how useful is that?!) and suggestions on how to complete your look with suitable fashion pieces, accessories and even fragrances!

Wing goes on to provide readers with expert knowledge about each era and how the prevailing trends came about, like the stylish, yet practical victory rolls of the 1940s, inspired by the desire to stay feminine in the workplace as women took over the British workforce during WW11.

This book is great if you're wanting to spruce up your every-day look and add some glamour to your wardrobe and equally as good if you're in need of some advice for a fancy-dress do.

Treat yourself and order Vintage Beauty Parlor from Ryland Peters & Small for a modest £14.99.
I would especially recommend this book for any vintage fashion enthusiasts and fashionistas!