Archive for January 2016

Collection Sheer Loose Powder Review

In terms of loose powder, my holy grail was the ELF HD Studio powder. Unfortunately, ELF stopped selling in the UK, and when they returned it was with a massively reduced product range and with hidden custom charges so I've not purchased from them since.

After my last pot ran out, I decided it was high time to investigate other powders. Rather than the HD blurring effect, I was more after oil control, and stumbled across this cheap and cheerful offering from Collection.


Priced at £2.99 (and with a 10% NUS card discount at Superdrug for any students out there) it certainly doesn't break the bank. There's a thin sponge included which I wouldn't recommend using, unless you like the 'massively over applied and cakey' look.




Can confirm that this product is translucent, which is such a plus. British High Street makeup brands routinely ignore darker skin tones, so it's great to have the option of cheap makeup that won't ghost you out.

Regarding oil control, it's pretty decent at controlling t-zone oiliness, though won't wear for quite as long as the ELF HD or similar silica based powders. Your mileage will vary significantly based on the base you're wearing underneath it, though. My daily routine of a moisturising BB Cream means that any powder is going to struggle to prevent shiny patches, whereas if you wear a heavy foundation it'll likely last longer.

Anyone else tried this powder?

KIKO Skincare - Anti Spot Skin Trainer Review

Happy New Year everyone!

I obtained these bad boys in that infamous Black Friday haul...easily the most expensive products I've ever purchased from KIKO.


For some reason, the Skin Trainer serum is a red box encased in a silver box...strange packaging choice, but OK.

The anti-spot serum is a thin-ish liquid with an SPF of 20. Leaves no white cast or what have you on my dark skin. Also, it absorbs extremely quickly, very important when I'm in hurry in the morning. I've been using it in the mornings (not in the evenings although twice daily application is recommended) since Black Friday, (so a month and a bit now) and my skin seems more even toned and smoother, although I have recently started using a Foreo rip off and occasional AHA so they could also be responsible. I've had two spots since using this product. Annoyingly, my nose is still pretty oily, though that too has reduced somewhat recently...I'm more inclined to credit my skin trying to adjust to the colder/drier weather than this product though.


Skin Trainer is the white liquid on the extreme left.

I have slight (but noticeable) dark discolouration on both of my cheeks which has definitely faded since I started using this product. It's still there, but definitely improved which is a massive bonus.
The serum is hydrating, but not hydrating enough to skip moisturiser for me personally. I use this, then moisturiser (currently trying Clinique's Moisture Surge) followed by the CC Blur and then the KIKO BB cream.
After application, skin looks a little brighter and more refreshed but I wouldn't say it works miracles like it implies on the box.

All in all, I'm really pleased with this serum! Would recommend to anyone interested to at least visit the store and enquire about it and whether it'd suit your skin's needs. As promised on the packaging, it reduces dark spots (also red ones if anyone is prone to those), makes me appear a little more radiant and makes me look more even.

Has anyone else tried this? I find it hard to find English-language reviews for this product so would be interested to hear your views!

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