I've recently found myself experimenting more with my eye makeup and am often rocking a subtle bronze smokey eye to work as I find that it compliments my eyes nicely. This means that I need a good eye makeup remover to remove even stubborn waterproof mascara so I've recently been reaching for the Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover to do just very that.
The Nivea Double Effect Eye Makeup Remover (£3.59) is a blue bi-phase solution that you have to shake up to combine the two liquids together. The oil phase helps to remove even the most waterproof of eye makeup which has been specially formulated and tested for the sensitive eye area whilst the aqueous phase protects and cares for the lashes, without leaving an oily residue.
As stated on the packaging, you have to shake vigorously to ensure that both liquids are combined. Now between me and you, no amount of shaking will keep the liquids combined as literally a second or two after shaking, the liquids are no longer combined which means that you either have to use a lot of elbow grease to remove your eye makeup or become one of those stealthy people who can quickly shake and pour onto a cotton pad. Even when I've managed to pour some onto a cotton pad and then proceed to remove my eye makeup, it literally doesn't remove much mascara unless I rub my eyes heavily and even then, it leaves the dreaded panda look. Another bug bear is that it states that it won't leave an oily residue which is not true at all! Even the tiniest amount of the stuff leaves my eye area feeling oily and greasy which is not ideal when you're just wanting to take off all your makeup. Overall, this is one of the worst eye makeup removers I've used and I urge everybody to not even bother wasting your money on it.
I always buy shower gels that are on offer as I don't see the point in spending a lot of money that will essentially be going down the drain, literally. One that I've been using recently is the Imperial Leather Shower Gel in Enchanting Romance which is actually the shower gel version of the Imperial Leather Bewitching Bath Creme that I was raving about not so long ago.
The Imperial Leather Shower Gel in Enchanting Romance (£2.00) comes housed in eye catching, easy to squeeze packaging with flip bottom where you simply have to squeeze out the product. As the packaging is not only appealing to the eye, it's see through so you can clearly see how much you have left. This smells exactly like the bath creme albeit a little more floral which is probably due to the blend of plum blosson and violet. As the formula is silky smooth, this creates a decent amount of lather which both lingers on the skin for a few hours as well as make it soft to the touch. This is definitely one of the better ones that I smelt from their Signature range and is one that I will most probably be repurchasing.
I will never understand how fellow beauty bloggers can through a billion cans of dry shampoo a month as they must literally coat every strand of hair in order to use up an entire can. I personally don't use it very often and reserve it for those times when my hair truly needs it which is mainly either on third day hair or for some volume on a night out.
My dry shampoo of choice lately has been Batiste in Monochrome (£2.99) which is a rather striking and spicy scent which is probably down to the odd combination of orange blossom and pepper. I like to spritz it a few times over my head before massaging it in with my fingers and then brushing it out which results in an instant hair refresh with a subtle scent. On third day hair, I find that it doesn't remove all traces of oil/grease but it does make my hair look a lot cleaner than what it did whilst making it manageable whereas when using it for a night out, it gives volume that lasts for a few hours. Overall, I quite like this dry shampoo and will definitely be trying more from the Batiste range.
One thing that I love the most about drugstore makeup is when they bring out their gift with purchases around the festive season. Whilst they do make you spend money on products you don't necessarily need, the gift itself is worth it especially when it contains lots of full/sample size products that you could easily give away as a gift. Just like always, I couldn't resist getting the No7 GWP and came away with their new mascara and a gold eyeshadow crayon purely to get the free gift.
Included in their festive designed gift is a sample size of one of their better launches this year; the No7 Lash Impact Mascara. It adds intense volume for dramatic lashes - one coat gives you great volume whereas two coats give an amplified false lash effect without the clumps. Also included is a full size High Shine Lipgloss in Glaze - a glitter packed brown toned purple which would suit somebody a lot older than myself in my eyes. As always, there is an eyeshadow included which this time around is the bottom shade from the Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio in Cappuccino. This shade is a stunning gold amber copper shade which is perfect for any festive eye look. Lastly, they've included a little sample of their Youthful Eye Serum which helps to reduce the appearance of dark circles, wrinkles and puffiness within four weeks. This is actually half the size of their full size version which makes it even more value for money especially if you already use it.
If you're after one of these gift with purchases, you have to make sure you buy any two cosmetics in order to receive it for free whilst stocks last. If I were you, I would hurry as I'm sure these will fly out!
