Wednesday, 19 November 2014

5 Mini Reviews: Amazing Cosmetics, REN, Redken, DELAROM and Nailtiques


I love it when brands offer mini or travel size versions of their products, effectively meaning you can try-before-going-ahead-and-buying-the-full-size. I've been using quite a few minis at the moment, so today I'm sharing my thoughts on each product and whether I would buy the full size.

"It's effective technology and highly pigmented formula is designed to conceal dark circles, blemishes, sun damage and broken capillaries; it's the ultimate skin perfector."
This sample kit comes with five shade samples of the Amazing Concealer, plus the Amazing Concealer Brush. The lightest shade in the kit is Fair Golden; I would really need Fair for my super pale skin, but this just about works for me with some careful blending. I've only been using this on my dark circles as the concealer contains ingredients that would break out the rest of my face, such as Talc, Paraffin Liquidium and Lanolin. This has a really thick consistency but blends out so well with the warmth of my fingers, that only the tiniest amount is needed. It gives brilliant coverage, but does need setting with a powder as otherwise it has a tendency to slip. I used the brush to cover imperfections with a different concealer and the small brush head makes it fantastic for pinpoint application and blending.
Verdict: I generally prefer concealers that I can use for both dark circles and breakouts, especially if they're on the pricey side (a 6ml tube of this costs £19.50). However the coverage is brilliant so I am considering it.

"A potent bio active peel mask designed to renew the complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone."
I love exfoliating masks! This one contains natural Fruit Acids to remove dead skin cells to reveal more radiant skin. The formula is a smooth, orange gel with a fruity scent that you leave on for ten minutes before removing with a face cloth. I try and use this once a week in conjunction with other masks. I find that it helps to de-congest my skin and makes it look fresher and brighter. The REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask doesn't feel uncomfortable and it isn't too harsh on my skin either.
Verdict: I couldn't be without a mask like this, so REN's offering is a definite contender for a full size exfoliating mask purchase... the other being the Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel. Decisions decisions!


Redken Iron Shape 11 Finishing Thermal Spray*
"A thermal spray designed to strengthen and protect dry hair from heat styling tools, leaving hair smooth and soft."
I don't straighten my hair much, but since my hair's got a bit longer I've been giving waving and curling a go more often, so this thermal spray for dry hair from Redken has been really handy. I'll admit I've never actually used one just for dry hair before and I'm really impressed with how it prevents dryness and keeps my hair soft. The only thing I've struggled with is the application - you only need the lightest spray of this otherwise it sticks the hair together and makes it feel super tacky. I've had to run a brush through my hair many times after using this spray as I've used too much. I'm not sure if this is the typical formula of a thermal spray or not... let me know if you've experienced this!
Verdict: To be honest the formula is putting me off buying a bigger bottle of this.

"A nourishing treat, the smooth textured mask combines hydrating active ingredients to enhance the radiance of your complexion and defend against unruly dryness. For normal to dry skin."
One of the ingredients of the Acquaconfort Mask is Pomegranate Sterols, which is meant to hydrate and strengthen the skin's hydrolipidic barrier. It also gives it a lovely, fruity scent. This mask is just like applying a creamy moisturiser; I almost forgot it was on my skin! DELAROM recommend keeping this on for 5-10 minutes, but I would imagine this working well for seriously dry skin if left on for a lot longer or even overnight. It definitely adds a plumping boost of hydration - it's nice to use after a clay mask or exfoliating mask like the REN one mentioned above.
Verdict: My skin generally isn't dry or dehydrated, so on its own this doesn't really wow me, but in conjunction with other face masks it comes into its own. I like it, but at £22.80 for the full size and for the way I'd use it, I think I'll see if I can pick something cheaper instead.

"Glycerin and aloe vera enriched to soften and heal cracked or hardened cuticles. Can also be applied to elbows, knees and calloused areas on the feet."
Oh I do like a good multi-purpose product! The formula of this is a white, creamy gel that is a joy to smooth over my skin and nails, absorbing quickly and leaving a velvety softness. Because it's so creamy you don't need to use much; I can see this little pot lasting me quite awhile. After using the Nailtiques Cuticle and Skin Gel it's really easy to tidy up my cuticles and it helps to combat the dryness I often suffer with around my nails.
Verdict: I like this an awful lot. It's so easy and effortless to use, that I'll definitely be investing in the full size.

Have you tried any of the above products?

Beauty Bird xx



P.S. This post contains PR samples. This does not affect my opinion of the product.



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8 comments

  1. Not a fan of tacky heat spray - it's a major turn off! In my opinion, GHD have the best heat spray evvvver. ;)

    Tara x

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    1. Ooh thanks for the recommendation, I'll check it out! xx

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  2. I would love to try the Amazing Concealer, but I'm not sure if they do one pale enough! xx

    Gemma | missmakeupmagpie.com

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    1. There is one called Fair, but not sure how pale this is! xx

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  3. I absolutely love Iron Shape 11 i think you just need to be careful how much you use its amazing but it is tacky is you use too much just try spraying your hair section by section about 6/7 inches away and you should be fine one spray using a downward motion should work fine

    www.beautyandtheboy.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for the tip, I'll persevere and keep trying!xx

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  4. May have to try out the Amazing Concealer and love the sound of the Ren mask - also the Nailtiques gel sounds good - I have very dry cuticles all year round! xx

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