Barry M matte nail paint in 'Espresso'

Hi Beauts.

When it comes to nail polish, Barry M is probably my favourite brand. I find it to be long lasting, super inexpensive and the range of colours and finishes is huge, not to mention the brand is cruelty free. 

Speaking of finishes, one to hit the shelves not too long ago were the matte polishes in a range of  5 shades. I did actually buy the shade 'Burgundy Crush' a few weeks ago, but the one that I really wanted to try (but was always out of stock) was the shade 'Espresso' which is a black. 

Black polish is pretty much a staple for me and the idea of a matte black drew me in hook, line and sinker. I know from past experience that Barry M nail paints last quite a while without chipping, but wasn't so sure about how well the matte finish would hold up. Let me tell you, it lasted on my nails for 6 days before the tiniest chip appeared! Not bad going right? 

To be honest, if my nails hadn't have grown a little bit I could have painted over the little chip up and nobody would have even noticed. This formula also seems to be the quickest to dry, I applied one coat and by the time I got to my little finger I was ready to apply a second on my thumb. 

As for the matte finish, it really is matte. I did notice that towards the end of the week my nails got a tiny bit shiny but not at all as glossy as a regular polish. 

If you haven't already added the matte shades to your nail polish collection, I definitely think you should.

What is your favourite nail polish finish from Barry M?

Stacey x

Barry M flawless finish matte foundation

Hi Beauts.

The main thing I have trouble with because of my skin type, is finding a good high street foundation. And it's even harder now that I only buy cruelty free products. Way back last year Barry M released some new products, one being their flawless matte finish foundation. 

When it was first released I didn't really think of picking it up as I was enjoying using the foundation I already had, so pretty much overlooked it. 

However, Barry M is cruelty free and I was on the market for a new foundation so decided to pick it up and give it a go. The flawless matte finish foundation comes in 5 shades, ivory being the lightest and the one I went for. 

I will say that although this is light, if you're super pale then I don't think this will be one for you. I'm quite pale, however my chest is a little darker so I can get away with using this. 

However Barry M do a white foundation which is for mixing into darker foundation to get your shade, so maybe that would be worth looking into. 

I usually go for a full coverage, or a buildable medium at the very least, as I have a few scars on my chin and I have quite a few freckles which I'm not overly keen on. I'd say this is a light to medium coverage and can be built up to a higher medium and even not full, with no caking up.

I find this to apply and blend better when I use my fingers as opposed to using a brush or my beauty blender, and I get a better coverage doing it that way. I was expecting this to dry pretty much straight after applying (as it's a matte) but it's still pretty tacky. However it doesn't look dewy and once powder is applied it's matte. My face did stay shine free throughout the day with and without a primer, however I did lose a little product on my chin and nose which are my 'trouble' areas. All in all, I'd say this is a foundation that's definitely worth checking out if you have oily/combination skin. And for £5.99, I'd say it's a pretty great buy!

Have you tried this? What's your favourite cruelty free foundation for oily skin?

Stacey x

Along Came Betty 'Fix Me'

Hi Beauts.

I'm yet to find a mattifying primer that I could add to my Holy Grail list, so I'm constantly trying out new things. If you read my 'Along came Betty' haul then you may have noticed a little product named 'Fix Me' which is a mattifying product that you apply before foundation (you can actually apply after too) 

I've used this every day for the past month and have to say, it's made it to my Holy Grail products. I love it so much I had to go back to Tesco and buy a back up! 

I haven't used anything like this before so was intrigued to see how it would hold up, and if it would effect the appearance of my foundation. 

Each morning I apply a line along my forehead, down my nose and along my chin then blend in with my fingertips. Straight after applying I noticed how soft my skin feels, it's so smooth and creates the perfect base for the rest of my make up.

The product itself ia actually pink but it applies transparent, nobody wants a pink face really do they? Originally I assumed this would keep me a little shine free throughout the day and hold my make up in place, however, I was surprised to see how matte my skin looked straight after application! My foundation definitely glides on a lot smoother each time I use this, and I'd say it looks pretty flawless too.

 The big test: does it actually keep me matte? Oh hell yes! Literally nothing I've tried before has worked as well as this little beauty, and nothing has kept my foundation looking as great all day. Setting sprays always work when I use them, but never has a primer worked so well. My foundation doesn't budge from the usual places - my forehead, nose and chin, it doesn't look cakey at all (some products tend to cake up on me with having oily skin) and the product itself is unnoticeable (some transparent face products can do that roll thing when wear them under foundation, or at least they do with me) I'm hoping this isn't being discontinued, otherwise I'm going to have to hunt each and every one down and buy them all. I absolutely love this, and of you have oily skin too this is a must try. 

What's your favourite mattifying product?

Stacey x