We’ll have the Mayor on hand to officially cut the opening ribbon (because, yes, we’re important like that!) with Miss Cornwall 2007, Dawn Welsby, assisting.  Dawn will also stick around to lend us some makeup tips and tricks she’s learnt in the beauty queen business.

On both Friday and Saturday, there will be free makeovers aplenty, gift giveaways and discount gift vouchers on offer.  And what’s more, there’s a ‘lucky dip’ for those who spend £5 or more in-store on the day, with a chance to win some cool prizes like cinema tickets, makeup and more!

Bring the kids along too – a balloon entertainer and face painting will definitely keep them preoccupied.  And of course we will have a DJ spinning out the latest tunes and creating a fun vibe for all.

Hope to see you there!

Whilst waiting for my goodies, still feeling a little dubious, I thought I’d do a little research.  The reviews I found were amazing, miracle in jar, gene genius in jar, can’t live without it, its a must…10 years in the making.the list goes on.

Is it really a miracle in a jar, or is the scientific mumbojumbo just another gimmick?

Miracle cream

The Rejuvenating Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream contains ‘pro-gen’ technology which is designed to help tired skin recover and re-establish its natural youthfulness. The claim is that this cream will somehow help your skin ‘re-set’ its own genetic code and so will help to make you look younger.

Day 1

The packaging looks great, upon opening there weren’t any obvious scents, however, when I dipped my finger in, and first applied it to my face, it felt I was applying velvet all over my face. The texture was so smooth, that you almost have to be careful not to apply the whole jar, it felt weird, as my skin totally absorbed it, relishing in the delight of getting a min facial. I was able to apply my makeup over the top of it literally straight away. It made my face look a little plumper and certainly more radiant, but truly didn’t realise the effects until later in the day whilst shopping in Sainsbury’s.

I got stopped by a market researcher, and she said she didn’t want to sell me anything but wanted to ask me a question, firstly whether I was of Italian, Greek or Spanish origin…and I said none, but indian (wandering where the hell this was leading) and then she said, it was because my skin looked so radiant, that she just had to stop and ask what was my secret.  Well, I wasn’t really sure what the answer was, was it this little miracle cream in a jar, or was it because I looked a little flushed, as I’d just spent an hour at the gym?

I’ve continued to wear the cream for 10 days, loving the complexion it gives me, I found my skin less drier, however I haven’t noticed a significant difference in the lines on my face…not that there were too many in the first place!

I’m sure, if you’ve got wrinkly skin, you would be able to see a vast improvement, but for now, for me its not a miracle in a jar…but a little mini- facial x

After being poorly and missing out on the Barry M night at Superdrug two weeks ago, I was keen to get in store and spend my Superdrug voucher (thanks guys!) – namely on gorgeous things I had spotted during the spring/summer press show. Nothing quite beats a spot of guilt-free shopping, after all.

So, it was in pouring rain that I trudged my way to Superdrug at Westfield, London, to have a little look…

I love this particular store as it is HUGE – especially the make-up area. There’s a central island entirely devoted to Barry M and a candy-shop layout of all the other brands, just screaming, ‘Come buy me!’

On my mind was the fabulous GOSH make-up range. At the press show I got chatting to the lady on this stand and she demonstrated the gorgeous Velvet Touch waterproof eye liner pencils that come in the most fantastic colours – including electric blue, a colour I’m keen to wear this season whether it’s fashionable or not.

GOSH Velvet waterproof eyeliner

Working like a normal eye pencil, you can blend this on initial application, but then it dries in a fabulously bright waterproof way and really doesn’t come off. I know this because I tried it on my hand and it survived for most of the day – even after doing washing up! At £5, they’re a welcome and not bank-breaking addition to the make-up bag, especially when you know that they really do deliver what they promise.

Another great product from GOSH that I got to try out from the press show is GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer, £13. This really does create a silky smooth surface on which to apply foundation – it’s fast becoming a staple product in my morning routine and I’d highly recommend it – although thorough cleansing at the end of the day is needed as it does rather coat the face. 

Velvet Touch Foundation Primer

Nail polish wise I’ve been hankering after some British racing green – don’t ask me why! I just reckon it’d look good against my beige spring coat and tan leather satchel bag…

Anyway, I was keen to see if Barry M or GOSH offered this colour. Neither did that I could see, but then a trip the Bloom concession found what looked like the most wonderful shade of shimmering British racing green.

Bloom nail lacquer

Rather excitedly, I popped it in my basket.

Gutted was I when I got home though and it came out more of a turquoise – a later check on Bloom’s website confirmed it is listed as a myrtle green – rather than British racing green.

It is a lovely shade and lasted 2 days without chipping, but I already have a similar shade…

And this means that my quest for British racing green nail polish continues – any ideas where I can get one peeps?

Me and a friend made our way into Leeds on the afternoon of the 11th, to squeeze in some shopping before the event kicked off. We got given a flyer while moseying past the store, covered with everything they had to offer.
At 5pm prompt we made our way up to Superdrug, not really sure what to expect, i have to say, i was a little underwhelmed. My store didn’t seem to have much going on in the way of an ‘event’, offering only a couple of the thing advertised, we tentatively made our way around the store, hoping for something to appear around each corner.

For the event, they had staff by the Barry M section ready and waiting to do makeovers, while already made up, i did take the oppertunity of getting my eye make up topped up. She created a look with 3 of the dazzle dusts, one i was considering buying. While it may have been a little much to be walking around the centre of Leeds in, I asked her to tone it down slightly, and ended up with a gorgeous shimmery blue eye, which gave me inspiration on how to work with the colour when i got it home.
Also on offer, was the opportunity to get rhinestones fixed to your face – in collaboration with the new Impulse ‘Into Glamour’ scent – which, i did skip on, but one of the staff members seemed to enjoy it!

There weren’t too many people there, and those that did attend were left looking a little lost as there wasn’t an official welcome to come into. Unfortunately, mine was one of the stores that didn’t get a shipment of the goody bags (for reasons unknown) which they apologised profusely for, admitting they would have wanted one themselves!

I tried my best to think of things i could get with the 10% discount throughout the store, but only managed to pick up a few things… All of which weren’t actually needed. But who actually needs things?!
I got a couple of things to add to my ever expanding make up collection, and a couple of things for my impending trip to Australia! I couldn’t get over the cuteness of all the mini products, i restrained myself there though.

I got an SPF Vaseline, a baby Batiste, a beautiful petrol blue dazzle dust and a -new to me – Sleek eyeliner.
I wish i could have thought of something more worthwhile…

In addition to this i received a goody bag from Superdrug, pre event, but i didn’t manage to get my hands on it until after the event, so the £20 gift card was left unused, leaving me to ponder over something worthwhile to spend it on… I also got my hands on some Barry M make up, bonus there – I’d seen the goody bag advertised in the ‘Fabulous’ supplement, but as i don’t get the magazine, didn’t manage to get the goody bag.

All essentials i’m sure you’ll agree, although i’m still only dipping my toe in the water when it comes to red nails, i don’t know why. I’m working on creating a great smoky eye with what i got, but can never get it looking perfect which always manages to annoy me!

While it might not have been as i expected, thanks must still be given to Superdrug for the event and the things i received of course!
Now onto thinking what to spend the gift card on… Should it really be this hard?

On Thursday night, I brought along my best friend to the Barry M Beauty Evening in the Golden Square mall in Warrington. We were really looking forward to it, especially the promise of free makeovers, goodie bags and maincures. I brought along my camera to capture the events of the evening.

When we arrived I honestly thought the evening had been cancelled! No posters were guiding us into the store, I was a little worried to say the least! But we eventually found it, at the back of the store on a little makeover stall. There was only one goodie bag left, the assistant said it wasn’t a very good one as they had been taken already. But nevermind! Superdrug kindly sent me a £20 giftcard to spend for reviews, and a lovely Barry M cosmetic bag filled with make up arrived in the post, which was just splendid!  Definitely made up for the lack of goodies on the night! Alas, here are the first set of photos!

amazing make up from no other than Barry M…which the artists were using

make up artist in action!

a lady having a free makeover done

Unfortunately no makeovers were offered to me, I didn’t particularly mind though as I was already “made up” so to speak. As we’d arrived at 6pm and the event had already been on for an hour, I think the influx of people had stopped, as there was no one really shopping by this hour. I think the first hour really must have been busy, which is a shame as we had missed all the fun! But nevertheless, I went to all the make up counters to choose which items to buy.

I ended up choosing Sleek’s gold liquid eyeliner, which is just a dream to use. Definitely my new favourite brand. Their whole packaging look is really eyecatching, and their make up is just really good….more about them later! I needed some new concealer, so 2true’s 3 in one concealer did the trick! I also picked up a blue eyeliner and pink lipstick from Barry M. Really lovely stuff!

from my free goodie bag – I ended up sharing some with Emily as she couldn’t get one. Love that shampoo!

Cosmetic case and make up courtesy of Bronwyn @ Superdrug!

All in all, it wasn’t a bad night. I think the make up reconciled for the lack of interesting happenings at the event. There wasn’t really much to photograph in the end, as a photographer I love to capture the atmosphere but with not many attendee’s there wasn’t a lot to take snaps of. Although we didn’t take advantage of the makeovers on offer, I think it was a successful event nationwide for Superdrug. The staff seemed really into it, photographing the makeover constantly for the superdrug site I’m guessing!

The next night, I decided to try out some of my purchases…

I used my free Fabulous for Barry M black eyeliner, gold eyeliner underneath and Urban Decay purple eyeshadow underneath this. Topped off with Gosh mascara. I wanted to create a striking layered effect with the colour.

Barry M pink lipstick in 100 for my lips – love this colour! Its not for everyone, its very very light pink, but is definitely a contrast to all the red lipstick I wear!

Overall I think I the make up used really complimented each other. It felt very fresh and very me. Something I’d wear time and time again and feel confident wearing. Kudos for Superdrug for allowing me to buy such wonderful make up, they’ve really broadened my make up palette, and got me to try things I wouldn’t have worn before. I’m super happy!

Infact, I think I’m a little obsessed with buying cosmetics now. I popped in to the ‘drug today and bought more!! Had a hectic Valentines day, I’ll get them photographed later (including another Sleek buy – I’m in love!) and show you the gifts I received from my boyfriend.

Hope you’re all having a loved up February 14th! x

]]> http://superdrugloves.com/barry-m-beauty-evening/feed/ 2 http://superdrugloves.com/nyc-ftw/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nyc-ftw http://superdrugloves.com/nyc-ftw/#comments Tue, 09 Feb 2010 04:23:12 +0000 Hollie http://superdrugloves.com/?p=3154 NYC, my favourite make up brand, kindly sent me a bundle of products to try out and review! I’ve been wearing their make up ever since I started earning. They’re possibly the cheapest make up out there, but don’t be put off by this – their quality is amazing and such value for money.

The “Rose Glow Colour Wheel Mosaic Face Powder” is hands down my favourite blusher out there. I love the cream rose and brown tones of the palette, the colours really do come together to form a rich glow. I bought this product when it was new, but unfortunately lost it on a night out a while ago, so could not believe it when it was in my package! Its so easy to use aswell, no fuss just simply applied with a brush (can’t be doing with all the mousses/small blusher products out there!).  I do love my blusher!  As a super pale girl, I love adding a bit of pink glaze to my porcelain foundation!

I love dramatic eye make up. In the past year or so I’ve looked up to Taylor Momsen for embracing the gothic eyeliner and dark eyes. I literally never leave the house with black eyes so to speak! I don’t feel myself without it. I’ve been struggling without liquid eyeliner so receiving the NYC version was a godsend. I created light flicks on both sides of my eye for a more dramatic effect. I then used The NYC “Metro Quartet Eyeshadow” brown shade all over my eyelid and cream at the sides. A bit of a change from my usual heavy black Urban Decay appliance, but I really love this look!

notice the flicks! really love this. Notice the slight pink glow on my cheeks!

i think my eyes look really smokey and effective!

I then added the Sparkle Eye Dust under my eyes to create a glittery shimmering effect. This really dazzled when it caught the light. To top off my look I used the “Lip Sliders Tinted Sugar Fairy Lip Balm” which although was quite sticky and thick, stayed on for a long time and kept my lips nice and shiny, plus it smelt good too!

can see the brown more in this photo!

So that was my lovely NYC package! I’ve been spoilt rotten with make up recently, which I’m not complaining about. I’ve also spoilt myself, by buying some jewellery online. My two favourites:

I do love my kitsch jewellery! Anyway I best get some shut eye, I have university at 10am tomorrow. Then come Thursday night I’ll be attending the Barry M Beauty Evening in Warrington, can’t wait to get some bargains! Barry M is amazing and I swear by its nail varnish. Until next time xo

P.S sorry for the quality of the photos, I got my new iPhone and I’m truly obsessed with it, I love it like a baby. Plus my big camera is on charge!

N.Y.C is a brand i’ve never really used before. But receiving these products means i might have to look further into the brand, as there are two items i can see becoming permanent additions to my collection.

After some quick research, they are cheaper than i thought, which is brilliatnt considering the quality of the products.

Allow me to run through what i received…

Liquid Eyeliner; Jet Black:
I used to be useless with liquid liner, and avoided it at all costs. Over the years I’ve progressed, but i still need the right sort of brush to make it that little bit easier for me.
This is the type of brush i like, it’s long and thin, and I’ve yet to go wrong when using it. It gives a great sleek line, i like to use this when i want a subtle black line, instead of using it to build up a thick, winged line.
It wears really well, lasting throughout the day without smudging or flaking.

Metro Quartet; South Street Seaport:
Similar to the Maybelline quads, this has instructions on how and where to apply each colour on the back, which is a great help to those that are just starting out. I also love the applicator that is supplied. On one end comes a regular sponge tip, but the other is a fine, precision brush, the same that is supplied with the Benefit palettes. I love to use these brushes, they’re great for lining the eyes with the shadows.
In terms of pigmentation, it’s pretty hit and miss. The pink champagne colour is my favourite, and I’ve used this alone as a base shadow for different eyes. Then, while the darker brown is an intense pay off, the others fall short, leaving me with a very sheer eye.

Here is what i created with these colours;

Like i said, not very intense, but i like it for a sheer wash of colour.
I also used the N.Y.C eyeliner here finished with Rimmel Sexy Curves Mascara.

Color Wheel; Pink Cheek Glow:
I love the look of this blush, maybe it would be better as a display product?! It’s a really girly pink colour when applied, it gives a very summer like glow to your cheeks which i really like. It goes on quite sheer, but once the colour is built up it’s a gorgeous colour.
This is one of my favourite of what i was sent, as it brightens up the face, with a very natural like blush.

Lip Sliders Tinted Lip Balm; Sugar Fairy:
As suggested by the ‘tinted’ you’re not going for the colour pay off here, which is a shame because it looks so good in the tin!
This is my favourite thing! It gives a really sheer gloss to the lips, with just a hint of pink. It lasts for a substantial amount of time – which i have to admit, did shock me a little – and doesn’t have much of a taste to it, which i like.
I like to wear this when I’ve made a big deal of the eye make up, it adds a little extra, but isn’t going to clash.

Sparkle Eye Dust; Champagne:
I love the colour of this, a bronzed champagne. It’s great for an all over eye colour, but i’ve been using it in the inner corners and along the lower lash line for a bit of sparkle!
It has great pay off too, and applys really smoothly.

I would definitely recommend the blusher & lip balm, and of course, to look into the rest!
Thanks for keeping my make – up up to date!

OK, sometimes I swear the peeps at Superdrug’s HQ really can read my mind.

Just last week I was staring miserably at my face in the mirror – examining the wrinkles, feeling the dry patches caused by the appalling weather we’ve been having recently and my obsession with walking to work – and I wished silently that a miracle product would land on my doormat.

Well, I can confirm that miracles do in fact happen as just a day later, a box of the latest products from L’Oreal – Youth Code – arrived.

Now, my Ma uses the ‘grown-up’ L’Oreal Wrinkle De-Crease Collagen range and swears by it – so much so that I actually gave her the whole collection for Mother’s Day last year – what a nice daughter I am, confirming my Ma has wrinkles eh?!

Anyway, here’s what the peeps at L’Oreal have to say: Mature skin and young skin behave differently when exposed to external aggressions. As you age, skin takes longer to recover and responds more slowly. The complexion loses luminosity, facial features appear tired and wrinkles deepen.

Eek!

I guess that’s why they created Youth Code then – a range which promises to leave your skin hydrated, smoother and more radiant. Apparently, it will also nourish the skin with moisture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and help to improve the skin’s ability to behave more youthfully. When tested by 229 women, 78% of them agreed that their skin looked rejuvenated, 69% felt their wrinkles appeared reduced and 71% though their features appeared rested.

So what did I think?

Rejuvenating Eye Cream

First of all I opened the REJUVENATING ANTI-WRINKLE EYE CREAM, £10.99, and gently dabbed it around my tired peepers – exhausted from having fun! It smelt fabulous, went on easily and afterwards my skin felt incredibly soft.

Rejuvenating Day Cream

Next I unwrapped the REJUVENATING ANTI-WRINKLE DAY CREAM, £9.99, which again smelt gorgeous as I rubbed it into my face, paying close attention to my windswept cheeks. Peering in the mirror, I was pleased that my skin looked happier to be hydrated. I also love the idea, from the L’Oreal peeps again, that it will help my skin to behave more youthfully, too – perhaps I’ll start getting ID’d in bars again!

Rejuvenating Concentrate

Then I got to work targeting the BWA – bad wrinkle areas – with the REJUVENATING ANTI-WRINKLE CONCENTRATE, £10.99. These seem to be my forehead – all that thinking I do, obviously… and I LOVE IT – if anything because it reminded me not to frown and create that line in the first place – smiling only please – and also because it really did make my skin feel better.

What’s even better is that the prices above include a fab saving of £5 on each product – so you can look good for less! 

Whoop!

And what did other people think as they’re the ones that can actually see my face, not me!

Well, after deliberately leaving my make-up off for a few days, colleagues commented that I looked great – in spite of being make-upless, and I noticed that my morning walk to work didn’t leave me with such red cheeks and dry patches.

 It works!

So make that 230 women who approve of L’Oreal Youth Code!

We want to know all about it. Upload your favourite photo of you and your other half to our Superdrug Cute Couple Competition account and complete `We are the cutest couple because…’ in the description.

Your answer could win you a luxury hamper of Superdrug goodies valued at £200.

Please see www.superdrug.com for Terms and Conditions.

Here is our latest entries

We have made some changes to our blog to make it more fun, easy and friendly to use. There are few new features and lovely new design.

Have a look around and tell us what you think by adding comments to this post

Thanks

Superdrug design team