Review: YSL Fusion Foundation (B40)

This has got to be THE most hotly anticipated beauty product launch of the year! Thousands signed up to the waiting list well in advance of it's official launch in August 2014.

YSL Fusion 'Ink' Foundation £30.50

 I was mega excited to get my hands on a bottle of this 'space age' foundation which promises to last 24 hours and withstand humidity, sweat and whatever life can throw at you without budging in the slightest. I wanted to know could a foundation that promises to last the entire day really not compromise on texture?! Usually this would mean you had to wear a foundation that was either heavy, cake or both...

Shade B40 

Upon applying this foundation the first time, I found it quite awkward to use the applicator wand but only the first time. You allow it to drip off once then apply using either the pointed end for a lighter application or press it flat against your skin for more coverage. I've never used anything quite like it - it literally does feel like it is evaporating or melting into the skin as soon as you start to blend! So much so i was worried it was just disappearing as the results are so fluid and natural looking but when you then look at the other side of your face that hash;t been done yet you can see it's like your skin but better! It's such a strange foundation but in an amazing way, just unlike any of the others out there on the market. I actually find the results get better within the first hour, as though still melting into the skin and looking even more radiant. 

I'm not over keen on the packaging - it's not a big deal but I actually think it looks a bit ugly. It does last a VERY long time but certainly not 24 hours. It might be my skin type which wears it away quicker than most - i'm combo/oily so I think i'll always need a touch up or blotting tissue after 6 hours max but the coverage and overall made up look lasted me all of the working day so from 8am to 5pm.

This is the perfect summer foundation and I just wish it had come a little earlier whilst summer was still around! So light, natural looking and radiant.

Review | Eve Lom Cleanser - The Original Balm Cleanser

After being described by Vogue as 'probably the best cleanser in the world', this product had a lot to live up to!

I will start by saying that it has definitely earned its cult status as I've yet to use a more effective alternative. I went for the 100ml pot as it was slightly better value (£55) than the smaller pot and although they aren't cheap they really last a long time as you only need a small amount do cleanse your whole face. I use a blob on my index finger and just warm it across my fingertips before applying to my face and i'd say it lasts me atleast 6 months and longer possibly.

It looks really thick and waxy and it is until you warm it on your finger tips or in your hands and afterwards it's turns into an oily texture that's almost liquid. For this reason it becomes very easy and comfortable to apply to face and especially the eye area. I love using this cleanser at the end of the night after a day wearing a full face and heavy eye makeup as it literally just melts into the oil and lifts off! If you do wear waterproof or really stubborn mascaras then it still requires some degree of coaxing as in you might need to rub your lashes between your finger and thumb but it's not like you have to rub for ages and still have some stuck to your eyes after.

It's feel so incredibly nourishing to the skin... I was worried with how waxy and oily it looked that it would leave my skin feeling greasy and grimy but it actually turns milky once the water mixes with it and you wipe away any excess with the accompanying cloth. The result is super cleansed comfortable skin. It NEVER feels dried out as the formula isn't harsh or overdrying, the exact opposite.

The only downfall is the scent - I think it's the clove oil but I find this product smells slightly like an ashtray... I know that doesn't sound very appealing at all and a lot of people say the same that this is the only negative thing they can say about the cleanser but strangely, I've started to like the scent! You soon get used to it and it starts to smell quite relaxing.

Once a week I try and make time to do a little facial with this cleanser, the oily texture once warmed is ideal for massaging your skin and once you've spent a few minutes doing this you'll be left with a glowing complexion that feels and looks plumped and awake. I don't do this half as much as I'd like to, I don't know why as it really does feel lovely to do and really recommend it.

Grafea 'Bianca' White Hari Backpack

It's not often style and comfort go hand in hand but Grafea have pulled it off perfectly in my opinion.

I cannot get over how amazing the Grafea leather bags are! I'm such a bag snob and won't spend a lot of money on a bag unless i'm thoroughly convinced that they are worth parting with my hard earned cash, especially if they aren't a well known brand that have been established for years. I came across Grafea on Twitter as I do most things that I get obsessed with, and was instantly taken by how cute yet practical they looked. The Hari backpacks which is what I purchased above come in a rainbow of pretty pastel colours alongside your classics such as black, tan and white. 

Below I paired my backpack with my Asos 'Suspended' sporty dress £25 and New Look black platforms which were £27.99.

As with my Givenchy Antigona obsession, it started by seeing a pink version of the bag which my heart lusted for. I saw the pink and lilac backpacks and they were just dreamy, but I don't feel quirky enough to carry off those kind of colours and they would just sit collecting dust. I still wanted to own one of these backpacks as i've been looking for one since they became all the rage a few seasons ago possibly but I needed a bigger bag that I could sling over my shoulder even after the fashions fade. So I kept searching through pictures on Twitter and various places and slowly started to fall in love with the white version. I say slowly, white has never been even a consideration for a colour choice when it comes to bags. It just looked uber cool, understated and just what I wanted. The colour goes with literally anything so lots of options. I was trying to hold out for a bargain with an Asos code as they aren't cheap at £180 but the quality and style is unrivalled for anything similar. Needless to say a 20% code came out a week or so after buying! Mine arrived slightly crumpled from the packing but nothing a good few uses won't sort and I'm a serial overpacker so I will soon straighten it out.

I wish i had something like this when i was at sixth form or university, life would have been so much easier carting my books and things around. The structuring is beautiful and one of the most impressive things for me is the handle and strap - even if you laden your bag full to the brim it still feels comfortable as they are so well made and supportive. Usually you just get a thin strap that digs in and gets sore after half hour of walking around with it on your arm or back but these are quite wide and have the extra pads added to ensure it's a true pleasure to wear around.

My only concern with this bag is how am i going to to keep the white, well, white?!