Clinique's Pep-Start Eye Cream

After recently noticing some dryness in my under-eye area, I decided it was time to invest in an eye cream that I could use both day and night. After seeing the release of Clinique's new 'pep-start eye cream', I thought I'd see what all the fuss was about...and I love it.

I have dabbled with eye-creams before but by no means religiously, and I haven't loved a product enough to use it daily, let alone day and night. This product was different from the get-go and I've used a whole tube throughout the last 6 months and already repurchased. Like many makeup hoarders, I rarely completely use up products as I have so many.

The claims: "Just 3 seconds to look wide awake, refreshed. Hydrates, brightens, perks you up. Its cool touch and de-puffing tip help keep eyes looking fresh. Smooths the way for makeup, too." - Clinique

Clinique recommends using the ball applicator to disperse the cream under the eye, but I prefer to squeeze some product out and dab lightly with my ring finger under my eye. It glides on easily and is a thin enough consistency to sink in quickly, without feeling sticky or tacky, leaving just the right amount of hydration to apply foundation and concealer under the eyes.

It's important to me that products under the eye are fragrance-free as I have sensitive skin and the skin beneath the eyes is particularly delicate, so it ticks a box for me that the pep-start eye cream contains no fragrance. It also contains glycerin, squalene and dimethicone, which are known for their moisture-retaining properties. 

Although I definitely agree with Clinique's claim that the cream is refreshing and hydrating, I can't say I agree with the brightening claim. I always still opt for a corrector & concealer combo if I want to look bright-eyed and bushy tailed after a late night.

Although I don't think the cream lives up to all of the claims, I think if you're looking for a hydrating eye-cream, that works as a great base for makeup, then I'd definitely recommend giving this one a go.

Pros:

• Hydrating

• Good base for make-up and under-eye concealers

• Contains plant-based antioxidants and peptides

• Packaging type protects product from light and air, keeping it fresher for longer

• Fragrance free

Cons:

• Not as brightening as I'd hoped

• Plastic applicator not as cooling as a metal roller-ball style applicator

Available at all Clinique counters world-wide - £22.00

Have you tried it yourself yet? What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

Autumn/Winter look - October 2016

I find dressing up in the colder months more difficult than during the Summer - staying warm seems to translate into not ever looking and more importantly not feeling quite as glamorous. However, being determined to look and feel "dressed up" to go to the launch night of Norwich's first and only rooftop bar and restaurant, the Rooftop Gardens, I put together a few of my favourite high-street items, that not only did I feel great in, but the whole outfit definitely didn't break the bank.

I teamed my favourite black Topshop jeans, with a floral blush pink Zara bodysuit (my absolute favourite colour this season), black lace-crop top and black heels for a glamorous, yet weather-appropriate look. All outfit details can be found below:

Floral print bodysuit - Zara - £25.99

Black Joni jeans - Topshop - £36.00

Lace crop top (just seen) - Aerie - £15

Heels (similar) - New look - £25.99

Watch - Olivia Burton - £70

Bracelet - Tiffany & Co. - £135

Summer favourites - 2016

Summer has to be my favourite season by far and for so many reasons - the weather, the fashion (less layers and floral dresses), natural makeup, and my birthday!

My beauty product musts for summer include a good primer to keep your makeup in place even on  the sweatiest of days, bronzer to give you that golden goddess look, highlighter to add that all important summer glow, powder to set your makeup and moisturising lip products that will protect and hydrate the lips. With this in mind, I've picked out a few of my favourites for this summer.

Prime: Estee Edit - Pore Vanishing Stick - £21 (available from Selfridges)

This easy to use stick blurs the look of pores and minimises shine and oil, which is a life-saver on a hot day. You can use alone under makeup or even use on top of makeup to de-shine throughout the day.

Set: Estee Edit Flash Photo Powder - Estee Lauder - £24

This blue-toned sheer finishing powder contains light-reflecting blue pigments that will instantly brighten the skin and it looks absolutely amazing in photos. It will help your makeup stay in place, absorb excess oil, and it suits all skin tones.

Highlight: Dandelion Shy Beam - Benefit - £19.50

Although I am a sucker for a shimmery golden highlighter in the summer, this is a fantastic and more subtle alternative for when you want to rock that 'no makeup' makeup look. This soft-matte, nude pink highlighter has a lovely radiance and I also use it underneath my eyes, under concealer to brighten as the pink tone helps neutralise dark circles. The formula is a lovely consistency and very easy to blend, both under the eyes and on the cheek bones.

Bronze: Dew the Hoola - Benefit - £22.50

I have re-purchased Benefit's Hoola powder bronzer multiple times and I absolutely love it, so when I saw a liquid alternative I had to try it. This liquid bronzer gives you a lovely natural glow, and although it can lean slightly on the orange side compared with the powder version, with some good blending you can make it look amazing! It contains no shimmer which I love and it's sheer enough to wear with or without foundation, whether you're heading to the beach or out on the town.

Lips: Tendertalk Lip Balm - MAC - £15.50 (in shades 'Pretty Me Up' & 'Side Dish')

These lovely vanilla-scented lip conditioners create your own personalised tint based on your lip colour, and I loved them so much I bought two! They're incredibly hydrating and it's easy to build the colour up.