This Makes Me Sad! Why oh why No7??

 Over a year ago, I found my "Holy Grail" make up product.

It all began when one day, after poisoning my poor teenage skin with the pore-clogging Elizabeth Arden compacts for literally years, I  felt that a time for change had arrived! Initially I borrowed my mums bottle of No7 Protect and Perfect foundation and liked it, so I tottered off down to boots to buy my own bottle. The lovely lady on the counter told me that foundation was aimed towards older skin, so she introduced me to my Saviour that is No7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation. The reasons why I adore this foundation are endless; it doubles up as concealer (both blemishes and under eye circles) without much cakey-ness and it's light yet with good coverage. Hell I even bought my MAC 187 to use with this foundation, as it was specially recommended for me. I even keep it in two shades, Almond and Tan, so I can mix them to find my shade to match exactly how much false tan I am wearing that day.

L-Tan, Almond
R- Almond, Tan - Swatched lightly (Excuse random scribble on my hand!)

Now, imagine my horror when I popped into Boots the other day to buy some more, when the lady at the counter said the dreaded D-Word. Yes, discontinued. I think my mouth fell to the ground at that point, so she told me she had a couple of each left, she had no Almond, but four Tan pots left. So I did what any reasonable person would have done...

Thank God that No7 3 for 2 was on that day! :o)

From seeing how appalled I was at the loss of my favourite foundation ever (I assume), the lady gave me a rather generous sample of a new foundation she thought I might like, the Beautifully Matte foundation...

 All very good and well but I liked the mousse consistency, and to be honest I need coverage that a liquid foundation cannot give.

BIG mistake No7!

Have any of you lost a product you love to the dreaded D-word? Share your experiences below, I know that together we can all work through the pain. Sob.

Hannah xoxo

MAC 187: How I Use Mine

The MAC 187 was the very first "expensive" brush I ever bought. It cost £29.50 and I purchased it from Selfridges on a trip to Manchester this summer. Extensive research went into my buying of this brush, as I have bought several make up brushes in the "classic" shape, just like the MAC 190, and have been extremely dissatisfied by it. I found my make-up got clumped in the fibers too quickly both wasting product and requiring constant cleaning. Grrr. :(

I have quite bad skin in that it's all different colours, pink/reddish and yellow-ish in areas,

as well as extremely sensitive. After effectively making my skin oily and spotty for years using Elizabeth Arden compacts, I switched to No.7 (UK brand available in Boots) Mousse foundation in Almond. I highly recommend it as it combines coverage with the foundation without being heavy on the skin. I must point out, though, it is NOTHING like Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse.. *shudders*

Plus, bargain price also of €15! It can be a little cakey if applied with your fingers but it's perfect with a brush. Enter my beloved 187.

The official MAC blurb is:

"A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibres."

- www.MacCosmetics.co.uk

The lovely white bristles on the brush do not remain perfectly white for long at all though, regardless of extensive cleaning! :(

Anyway this is how I make maximum use of my 187, for both foundation and blush - in one sitting!

Firstly I apply the foundation to the brush, then apply to my face.

Then, I take my pack of Primark Beauty 4 in 1 Deep Facial Cleanising Wipes

*N.B. I would never use these wipes to remove make-up or on my face in any way. I tried them one weekend when I had no cleanser with me. Major breakout alert! I think they're far too harsh on skin (they even smell all chemical-ly) yet at the bargain price of €1.50 (£1?) for a two pack they are perfect for cleaning brushes.

Then I just wipe the remaining product off my brushes using them.

You'd be seriously surprised about the amount of product remaining. Imagine if that was carried over to your next application- stale make up... Yuck!

Next, I have two choices. If I want a bright cheek colour I keep the brush in its damp state and apply my blush to it. If I'm going for a more demure look I rub the brush against a towel to dry it.

*The shade used in the picture is MAC powder

blush in Fleur Power.

Then repeat the process with a fresh wipe.

Hopefully one day I will be able to purchase the 188, a mini version of the 187 for my blush *sighs*... until then... :o).

Cheeky!!

Hannah xxxxx