Review: Boots No 7 Colour Calming Make-Up Base (***)

What am I reviewing today?
This review is going to be on Boot's No.7 Colour Calming Make up Base.


What is it?
This base is like a lotion but it supposed to act as a make-up base as well as a concealer; concealing redness and rosy skin. The green base is supposed to neutralise the redness.
This product has the consistency of a light moisturiser and it has no scent and they are sold in 40ml squeezy bottles like this:

Consistency:

What does it claim to do
This what is claims to do, copied and pasted from www.boots.com

"Calm overly-rosy complexions with this clever colour corrector. Cool, sea-green tones neutralise unwanted blushes all day long, leaving your skin looking beautifully even.

With caring, conditioning ingredients to help build skin's natural defences against the elements without blocking pores.

• Hypo-allergenic

This product is recommended if you previously bought No7 Rosy Tone Colour Control" -Boots Description

How I use it
I use this make up base before I apply foundation and after I have moisturised my skin with Pond's Dry Skin Cream. Initially I used it with my fingers as if it were a moisturiser but I found that to be ineffective and there were little if no results at all.
I then decided if I treated it like a concealer, I could possible get some results out of it therefore I used a sponge wedge and used a dabbing motion to blend in the make-up.

How it worked for me
I find if using the wedge method I see some results but not a massive difference. The redness around my nose and cheeks is neutralised but if anything its neutralised to a soft pink rather than the raw redness that I have. The redness of my blemishes are still apparently and therefore I still have to aid this produt with my concealer. I would say it did even out some of my skin tone but I can't say that it helped me out massively! Note: it seems the camera doesn't pick up the difference well, but when I looked in the mirror I did see a slight difference - not massive.

Before pic

After pic

How much does it cost and where can you buy it
This product iis a Boot's No 7 brand product so unfortunately you can only purchase it in Boots (as far as I'm aware of). However I believe Boots does do a international shipping. Currently this product costs £10.03 in Boots.

My Verdict
Personally I do not regret buying this product even though I'm not 100% happy with it because it didn't neutralise the redness on my face completely. I'm going to carry on using this product and I am happy to finish it but I don't think I'm going to buy it again simply because I'm still on the search for the ultimate redness concealer. If you want to buy it I wouldn't object or warn you because I think this has the potential for people with fairer skin tones. I think I wouldn't mind purchasing it if it were cheaper but at such a dear price for 40ml I don't think I can afford to spend money on a so-so product. I've read many reviews by other bloggers and they love it - perhaps I'm just destined for another product.

I give this product a decent 3.5 stars

Hello and Collective Haul

Hey Everyone! I'm back once and for all :)

I've finished my exams and so now I'm back with a collective haul; just showing you some of the things I picked up. As mentioned in the video I am going to knock out some reviews for you but if urgent reviews needed, don't be afraid to message me because I will get back to you!

So I've also put the video here, feel free to watch but here are the pictures!

No 7 Colour Calming Make Up Base

A close up to the consistency

Revlon Colour Stay Make up with Soft Flex SPF 6 Combination/Oily Sand Beige


No pump; just a bottle


Close up to the consistency



Revlon Fabulash Mascara - Blackened Brown




Max Factor Miracle Touch Foundation Warm Almond


A very smooth, creamy yet light foundation


This baby has a sponge compartment




Max Factor Master Touch Under Eye concealer


A close up to the applicator



Johnson's 3in1 Gentle Exfoliation Facial Wash



Rimmel London Professional Liquid Eyeliner


The brush tip



St Ives Apricot Scrub in Invigorating



Herbal Essense Shampoo and Condition - Hello Hydration
Currently BOFOF in Superdrug!



QVS 20 make up sponges

Seek Mineral Based Eyeshadow Palette - Original


A few close ups + swatches



Sleek Muti Blush in RUST



GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer


A close up to the gel/serum like consistency



Ecotools Eye shading brush

The bristles at a closer angle



Revlon Iluminance Creme Shadow Palette in Wild Orchid



Maybelline New York Pure Foundation Mineral in Vanilla Rose



Gosh Velvet Touch Lipstick Darling 134

Can't wait to do some reviews for you; I hope you've all enjoyed the pictures and until next time - stay beautiful!

Helen

Hello Everyone :)

I'm so back...!

Hello everyone, how are you all?

So I finally finished my last exam of my first semester and I'm such a happy bunny you have no idea! I almost screamed when I put my pen down :P

I am posting back onto youtube and here as of tomorrow with more make up hauls, lots of reviews and a few looks hopefully including Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year!

So watch out for those; I'm so glad to be back!

Lots of love,
Cherrychan108

Meow ^^

Hello everyone,
while most of you are aware that I am on hiatus from Youtube, new subscribers may not be aware but I'm still getting new subscribers everyday which I am too thankful for.
I want my blog to become something more regular; even though it can be time consuming to think of a video, film it then edit it, it's not too much to write in my blog and post pictures so up so I'm trying to make a conscious effort to update on my blog and then do a video version of every post (which is wha seems every Guru on youtube does).

So in saying that I'm going to kick start off with a quick update of what has been happening and what you're to expect in 2009 of Cherrychan108.
I'm compiled tiny snippets of what I've been doing since being away so I guess you have that to look forward to when I finally post back on youtube.

I've also got a fun suprise for you all and I'll give you a hint : HAIR. *giggle*

I've still got a lot of reviews to be doing including my new favourite foundation. I've really taken a liking to apply foundation on everyday but I'm still seeking for the ultimate foundation. However I shall reveal soon what I'm loving soon.

I'm also currently searching for a better moisturiser. This winter has really taken a toll on my skin and it doesnt help that 'we' (not my choice) blast up the radiators so everyday my skin feels dry and suffocated. Why can't I find a good thick moisturiser that will sink into my skin and is not greasy?

My first exam is finally over which is good. Now I have two more on the 20th and 22nd of January; and then I'LL BE BACK!

THank you all for your support :) 2009 shall be a good year

Lots of love,
Helen

Yu-Be Moisturising Skin Cream

Hey peeps!

The other day I did another shopping trip madness at Bluewater and I didn't go mad on presents for myself...because I'm poor.
But I got a chance to go into space.nk and so er....couldn't resist?



Let me tell you the story of Yu-Be's moisturising cream. I remember when I went to my cousin's baby shower she had thank you 'goody' bags and inside was a very small tester for these. I didn't take much notice, tossed it into my drawal and didn't see it for months on end.
Then I had a cold sore and began to panic. Yes I used Zovirax and even aloe vera gel. But it didn't go down and not to mention my entire lips were dry and I was afraid I'd get more because of this.
So I rummaging through my drawals and came across this little yellow and white tube and I automatically assumed it was a lip balm- I didn't even look at the bottle. I put some on my lips and although I was a bit taken back by the medicated smell I just felt better that my lips didn't feel like they were going to shrivel up and die.

I soon noticed that it began to feel a lot better, the tingly was less and my lips were soft and hydrated. I soon kept using this and the cold sore seemed to go even quicker.
I soon finished the tester when the cold sore finally disappeared and then I've been left feeling helpless without it - until now.

NOW I HAVE A FULL SIZE TUBE OF THE STUFF.

Now the low down on the product itself...

Yu-Be (pronounced how it's spelt) 'is the #1 selling medicated, vitamin enriched skin cream in Japan'. It's to soothe dry skin and you can use this on hands, feet and even on your lips. It has a high concentration of glycerin which helps to hydrate and soothe dry skin, you can use this on split cuticles, cracked heels, calluses, burns and severe dry skin. It's also non greasy and keeps moisture looked in for hours.

So like I said I've used it on my lips, on my blemishes before I put on my foundation, on the heels on my feet and my cuticles. Yu-be also has a wide range of products that I have no tried but I am really interested in.

As for the smell I've mentioned- it's the camphor in it but the smell disappears once applied to the skin. It's a familiar medicated smell you get with a lot of medicated ointments in Asia.

The cream itself is a thick luminous yellow ointment that glides easy on the skin.



In the UK it can be bought at space.nk, easily found in central london or Bluewater. Go to space.nk's website to find more stores. The RRP is £12.00 for 33g/1.25oz.

If you want to buy it online you can find it at HQhair.com at £12.00 or Naruallyfabulous.co.uk at £10.00.
Alternatively if you are unsure about the cream (and from the USA) but want to try it out you can get free samples from the yu-be website.

I swear by this stuff - it's my holy grail for dry, broken or irritated skin.

The up and coming, inevitable and oh-so incredible Christmas is coming up so very soon and it’s this time of year I seem to take on the same ill-fate of a turkey and start to get fat, ready for the chop when it comes to January and I look in the mirror and want to cry.
I was thinking about my weight and how it’s crept up so soon having lost a lot of weight in the last year and I began to wonder why on earth I was thinking the same thing I’ve been thinking every Christmas. There is no way I’m going to let this happen again.
So in a bid to eat healthier coming up to Christmas (so on Christmas Day, I can cut myself some slack) my sister and I bought a tiered steamer so it’s quicker and easier to steam our meals inside. This is also convenient as it’ll be less washing up. I’m the main cook in the house and I know everyone’s health is in my hands when it comes to dinner so it’s important I take responsibility and cook healthier. This way we can steam fish, vegetables, potatoes and even steam eggs and rice.





At least when I'm only making a small amount of rice I can give my trusty rice cooker a break :)









Also my sister and I ventured into the cellar to bring out George. The George Foreman that is. I cleared out space in the kitchen especially for my two newest tools and I’m going to be grilling and steaming a lot more often as opposed to frying.



George helped me make grilled courgettes, chicken and sweet potato the other day which went down extremely well so today I decided to give the steamer a try. Inside I steamed rice which came out particularly well so now when I’m not making a lot of rice I can give our trusty rice cooker a rest.
When everyone gets together at home I tend to like to make big meals but obviously I’ve told everyone I’m not doing that anymore. This evening we had a simple and healthy soup stew which was packed full of winter vegetables.kidney beans and lean lamb.




I also like to have dessert and we seem to have got into habits of eating very fatty desserts so today it was a matter of steaming pears with dark chocolate. Yes I know the dark chocolate isn’t particularly good but let’s take this one step at a time.
So healthy eating is a matter of discipline; and this is something I’ve always lacked. But I’m going to keep it going, I’m not banning or depriving myself but I’m going to find alternatives in order to eat myself healthier.

Westfield Shopping

What a hectic day! Today (15^th December 2008) I went out on what was meant to be a Christmas shopping trip to the newly open Westfield shopping centre in Shepherds Bush. I was elated to find some birthday money from a family friend so I definitely knew where I was going to spend that money.

With all good intentions we marched into the shopping centre only to find that we ended up in MAC. What a surprise.
I’ve been wanting to buy a new foundation for a long time and with much discussion with the girls at the counters (who by the way were really intimidating and not very nice at all) we discovered that the Face and Body foundation is best for me as it gives very sheer coverage. I’m one for a very natural face which is why I’ve got into this habit of mixing my foundations with my moisturiser. Now I don’t think I’ll have to. The F&B foundation gives a very natural dewy glow; while it doesn’t cover up the few blemishes I have, it really does even out my skin tone and moisturise my face.

The water-based foundation is incredibly versatile in that you can apply it to the body. The texture is runny and when applied it feel like a moisturiser. I would certainly

recommend it for those who like the breathability of a tinted moisturiser but who also wants a slight more coverage and great even skin tone finish.

Here’s the deal of what happened. I was being assisted by a girl who I suspect was new to MAC and she didn’t seem to quite know what she was doing, she probably knew as much as I did (which is practically nothing). She somehow managed to convince me (I don’t know WHAT was wrong with me today) that I was a medium deep for the Mineralize skinfinish natural powder. This is definitely too dark; it'

s the same colour as my bronzer! I remember looking at it in the shops wondering why on Earth I was buying this. I even tried it on and I don’t know why but at the time it looked right. But I gave it another look and was comparing it to the usual Estee Lauder I use at home and just couldn’t work it out. Needless to say when I took it home I saw it properly and now I’m just a bit miffed.

But at the same time it’s a beautiful bronze colour and I know I could do a good contour with this. After all I still have my old powder left and if I have some money left over, I can still buy the right powder back at my own shopping centre (where the girls are really lovely).

Also from MAC I decided to buy the warm eyes palette which I have been dreaming of since it has come out. Out of the holiday collection palettes this was the best for me and I especially adore Real Drama (which is the gorgeous plum colour) and Grand Entrance (the luscious green at the bottom). At least I think that’s the names.

With much satisfaction (at the time) we headed off, convinced we were going to do some proper shopping, only to find ourselves

in none other than Boots. I’ve been a Boots junkie since I started getting pocket money which was probably when I was eleven years old. I didn’t want to buy anything seeing as I just bought make up and then I remembered I had about £20 worth of points on my Advantage Card. And with that, I headed off to look around.

Originally I wanted to buy more shadows from Urban Decay but although I do adore all the colours, I know it’ll be rare for me to use them and I would rather I invested it in products which I will use. I try not to collect items for the sake of it, all the items I have, I use, otherwise it’s a waste of money. Although those eyeshadows look amazing and I certainly wouldn’t say no to them as a Christmas present.

I ended up at Maxfactor which is one of my favourite make up brands. I’m a seriously big fan of their lipfinity colour & glosses and I purchased #58 Crystal Bronze which is a beautiful nude with a pink undertone, it also has a shimmery gloss to put over on top. These glosses are truly fantastic quality; they have amazing staying power and the texture is silky and not sticky. I absolutely adore them. I think next I will buy the Coral coloured one- it looks fantastic for the winter months seeing as I’m not a red lips fan so coral will be a lovely compromise.

I also got a Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in #14 Soft Pink. This is comparable to Mac’s Virgin Isle Cream Blush (I think that’s the one) but while the Miracle Touch cost something along the lines of £8.99 the Mac Cream Blushes are over £11. In saying this though, you get a hell of a lot more product with the Mac. The Miracle Touch is the size of a small eyeshadow.

With a purchase over £15 I was able to receive a free gift which includes a DVD , Nailfinity nail polish in Ruby Fruit 900, Lasting performance foundation in Natural Beige 106, mini kohl eyeliner pencil in black 20, colour collection lipstick in midnight plum, a mini mirror and an Earth Spirits eyeshadow in Onyx 110. Nailfinity Ruby Fruit is a deep berry colour which is a great twist from your usual reds and berry reds because it has a more plum/purple tone to it. I’d much rather wear a plum or a brown as opposed to a black or a red because these are much more subtle for the Christmas holiday- red can sometimes be too overbearing with everything decorated in red anyway.

I don’t know if anyone else thinks the same but, I really hate the Max Factor Blush packaging. Some of their packaging is great but some of it looks so cheap and tacky... that really puts me off. Sorry that was such a random thought.

I also ended up at Shu Uemura which was in House of Fraser and I purchased the UV under base which is supposed to even out skin tone, balance oils, lock in moisture, protect the skin from UV rays and prime the skin ready for make up.

The assistant told me that he is a freelance wedding make up artist and this product really keeps make up looking fresh all day and I think that really pusuaded me. Originally i was going back to buy the Complexion enhancers because I loved it so much but he said to me he recommended I buy the base as it does the same job but even more; especially as the enhancer is for those with lots of red blotches and I don’t have too many (but does he knows I was wearing make up and concealer?). I decided to go for the base in the mousse form at £21.50. I will do a review soon.

I also purchased the High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil Fresh 450ml. This product will be used in place of a make up removed and face wash in the evening. I was told this does wond

ers and my sister has tested it tonight and we were delighted at how refreshed her skin looked afterwards and that there was no trace of make up left. While i have not tried it myself i cannot give an opinion except that I have tried a sample cleansing oil before and it did a great job of balancing the oils on my face, removing make up and keeping moisture locked into my skin. The great thing about this product is that you really get good quality and you get what you pay for; you don’t even need to tone after this it’s so brilliant. I shall do a review on this soon too. I also got a few freebies too :)

I think that on all was my haul. I realise I don’t update my blog half as much as I should but now that I’m on holiday I can and writing this entry has made me remember how much I love writing. Or typing I guess.

Happy Holidays all!

Helen