Glossier. Review. Part 1.

Glossier finally started shipping to the UK. They're actually shipping not from the US, but from a UK warehouse so we don't have to pay loads for shipping or taxes. Great!

For a long time I wasn't particularly wowed by the brand. I liked the packaging and the reviews from bloggers who tried it but I didn't see anything that really interested me. So when I made a purchase on the very first day Glossier launched in the UK I even suprised myself. I think it had to do with a great website, an avalanche of reviews from the British bloggers and an affordable pricing. I was especially tempted by Glossier Phase 2 set where you can save some money by purchasing three items (Boy Brow, Stretch Concealer and G Generation lipstick) and you can also choose the colours you want.
I also got the Milky Jelly Cleanser. Probably because it was mentioned by everyone and their aunt. Seriously. I mostly blame Anna, Lily and Caroline.

Now that I have used these items for a few weeks I feel like I can give an honest review and not just first impressions.

Milky Jelly Cleanser

This is a very basic simple cleanser. It has a gel like consistency and a very light floral/botanical scent. No fragrance added. It does not foam, feels quite hydrating but it will not take your makeup off. Second cleanse only.
It kind of does what it says on the tin. Cleanser 'conditions' the skin as in after washing it off the skin feels more soft and plump. For super dry skins however I would stick with an oil cleanser. While this is kind of hydrating, it's not nourishing enough.
It's good. I'm not sure if I would repurchase it again but I will definitely use it up.

Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Propanediol, Isohexadecane, Poloxamer 184, Acrylamide/Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate Copolymer, Xylitylglucoside, Betaine, Allantoin, Glycerin, Panthenol, Symphytum Officinale Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Anhydroxylitol, Polysorbate 80, Xylitol, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Isopropyl Myristate, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Hydroxide

Boy Brow 

I had my doubts about this because I'm not really into brows. Or not into daily brow care/make up. They were never overplucked and I like their natural shape. They're just a tad light. So i got the colour blond. It is slightly darker than my natural colour and I like it. The formula feels a bit waxy but doesn't harden too much. Looks very natural. I kind of wish the brush was finer but that's just me being picky. I enjoy using it and have been using it almost every day since I bought it.

Stretch Concealer

I was curious to try this because I'm very much into concealer that can be used for under eye area and do not crease. I got it in colour medium since I've been on holidays and tanned a bit and it is a good match. If you're a match to Bourjois foundation in 52 vanilla or IT cosmetics CC cream in light, get the medium. If you're fairer, get light. The concealer has an interesting consistency of a balm and it leaves the skin quite dewy. It offers light coverage that is not the most long wearing, but it looks natural and you can always top it up. It will not cover spots or dark pigmentation. For that I would go for Nars concealers. But those can end up looking cakey, especially if the skin underneath is dry and cracked (as it often is with spots)
So yes, I like it. But I do like the Maybelline Age Rewind one for under eyes too. The Glossier one probably has more skin care benefits. Probably.

Generation G lipstick in Zip

I wanted an easy to wear red lipstick. I lost my Revlon lip butter, gave away Charlotte Tilbury's mini in So Marilyn and was left with limited edition MAC in Leading Lady Red. That one is a mother to put on and keep on the lips. It looks great and I love the colour but it's high maintenance. 
Generation G in Zip is again exactly what it says on the tin. It is sheer but easily buildable, matte but rather comfortable on the lips. The narrow bullet makes the application super easy. Perfect.

All in all, I am very happy with my purchases and I will be making more. Probably not the skincare, but the effortless makeup is very much my cup of tea. 

Oh, and the perfume is lovely too! Very fresh, light and... effortless.

IT Cosmetics CC Cream. Review.

What it is: medium to full coverage CC cream/ foundation. With great physical (!) UVA/UVB broad spectrum SPF50 sunscreen. Anti-ageing (hydrolized collagen, peptides, niacin, hyaluronic acid and vitamins A, B, C and E). Looks natural. 7 colours. If you're Bourjois Vanilla 52 or Chanel B20 girl, go for the shade Light.

What it does: I found it easiest to apply this CC cream with my fingers (yet to try it with a beauty blender). It offers a dewy medium to full coverage, protects from the sun and is feels rich and hydrating.  I find that I need to powder and/or use blotting sheets after a few hours. It would probably last longer with a primer but that's just too much faff for me. It is not really long wearing but easy to reapply and blend and that's okay with me. It is not for oily skin or those who enjoy a matte finish. Feels hydrating. Upon application the cream may seem ashy but it quickly adjusts to the skin colour. This is probably due to the physical sunscreen.

Is it worth it: For me, yes. I enjoy a dewy finish, the skin benefits. The sunscreen is great too. I apply it right under my eyes and most days I don't need a concealer. It doesn't crease (if applied lightly). This would be perfect for mature and dry skins.

It Cosmetics CC cream is £30.00 for 32ml and is available at selfridges.com

Zelens Power D. Review

I've been meaning to write a review on this for ages (or a few months at least).

What it is: Zelens Power D is a super lightweight oil or oil based serum that sinks into the skin very quickly. It is full of goodness: peptides, lipids, hialuronic acid, omega 3 and 6.To read more about the ingredients, the science behind them and what they do for the skin visit zelens.com

What it does: For me personally, it sinks in either instantly or very quickly (I have dry to normal, dehydrated skin). It gives a nice healthy glow, instantly plumps up the skin. Power D is meant to fortify and thicken the skin making it less susceptable to outside aggressors. For day time you can mix it in with your moisturiser, for night time I found that I preferred to put this oil straight on my cleansed skin and then add a moisturiser on the top if needed. It is also lovely on top of The Ordinary's Advanced Retinoid 2% or after a stronger acid peel. I found this to be great for spots, it would make them less irritated and red and I found them to heal faster too.

Is it worth it: Zelens is a holy grail brand among skincare addicts and it is so for a reason. The product is very expensive, but the quality is there, it delivers results. This oil will last me about 6 months because I don't use it every day.
If you have skin that is or gets in any way compromised, for example, is irritable, dry, red, flaking, itchy, tight and/or ageing... this would be an amazing product to try. If you have the cash.

Zelens Power D is £110 for 30ml and is available on zelens.com , cultbeauty.co.uk , beautybay.com , selfridges.com (pumpkin not included).