20151005

Blogger-Induced Buys | Were They Worth the Hype? #2


Thank you for the amazing response to my original post! There were so many more products I could've included in it, so I thought I'd do a follow-up here. Little bit of a disclaimer: I never say I don't like a product if I haven't given it a proper go and tried several different ways to make it work for me. Sometimes it just doesn't work out but that doesn't mean you can't love them!


Inspired by... Caroline Hirons

Pixi's packaging really doesn't do its products justice so I was hesitant to hand over £18 for this, however I'm so glad I did now. It's introduced me to a whole family of products that I'd never tried before as well as being fantastic in its own right. It's essentially an acid exfoliant to be used as a toner. I apply this around about 4 times a week in the morning and it gives my skin an instant radiance-boost and with long-term use the Gylcolic Acid in this has helped fade my old blemish scars. Caroline Hirons's skincare recommendations continue to do me well... Side note: Pixi makeup and skincare is now available in good old M&S, which is amazing for us non-Londoners!

Worth the Hype? Yes


Inspired by... Lisa Eldridge

Yes, there are cheaper alternatives, but none of them have quite done it for me as easily and effectively as this does! I first saw this mentioned on Lisa Eldridge's channel and so rushed out to buy it and really haven't looked back since. I don't tend to use this for all over my face, although it's possible. I usually just reserve it for eyes as it's as gentle as water yet really effective at shifting even the most stubborn black makeup.

Worth the Hype? Yes


Inspired by... Amelia Liana

This foundation has been so hyped by so many people and on paper it sounded like my perfect base; matte but not too drying and long-lasting. And to be honest the formula isn't bad from what I can tell, however the shade selection sucks! I have 30 Honey (the darkest available) and even tried mixing it with another shade and it was no better. So many brands just seem to tack on the darkest shade and it's always miles darker than the next shade down and usually a strange pinky colour that just looks ashy on the skin. I think I could appreciate the formula if it was that good to see past the awful shade match, however I'm open to trying it if we get the US shade selection eventually.

Worth the Hype? No

MAC Matte Lipstick in Mehr | £15.50 & MAC Lip Pencil in Soar | £12.50

Inspired by... Lily Pebbles

I'm a huge fan of a deep mauve-y matte nude lip so when Lily Pebbles started rocking this combination in several of her videos, I thought I'd check it out. It's turned out to be my perfect day-to-evening pairing as it's just so wearable and long-lasting. Soar is beautiful and pigmented without being too drying. Mehr is incredibly creamy but still has a true matte finish. All in all, I'm so glad I caved and picked these two up.

Worth the Hype? Yes

MAC Pro Refill Eyeshadow in All That Glitters | £10

Inspired by... Vivianna Does Makeup

If there's one MAC eyeshadow that everyone seems to rave about, it's All That Glitters. I feel like it looks slightly different on everyone who wears it but to me it's a nude-pink shade with a gold shimmer. It's the perfect shade for both the inner corner and across the lid and it goes with both cooler and warmer eyeshadow looks. You can also see a full review on my MAC Pro Palette here.

Worth the Hype? Yes


Inspired by... Vivianna Does Makeup

Maybe I should've known this bronzer wouldn't really be for me, in all honesty. However I'd heard so much about it I just decided to pick it up in a 3 for 2. The packaging has been improved so it's plastic as opposed to a flimsy cardboard, which is good. It's supposed to be a subtle bronzer and it has a really nice slight sheen to it. However I just don't feel this has much payoff on my skin tone. It adds a nice little bit of illumination but it's just not something I'd have bought if I had the chance again. However if you have very pale skin then by all means give it a go as a lot of people rate it!

Worth the Hype? Not really for me

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer | £22

Inspired by... Amelia Liana

I don't know how I was concealing before but this concealer by Nars was a game-changer! It's quite a thick texture and it's definitely more for combination-oily skin, and whilst I don't really use it for highlighting or under the eyes (as I find it a bit too heavy) it's incredible on blemishes. Whilst the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is similarly great for pretty much erasing your spots, it doesn't come in the shade selection of the Nars so this is the one I re-purchase over and over.

Worth the Hype? Yes

The Balm Mary Loumanizer | £17.50

Inspired by... I Covet Thee

This is an absolutely beautiful highlighter. The texture is really soft (also a con, as I've smashed mine before as a result) and effortless to work with. The colour is a stunning light gold, which seems to suit so many different skin tones. However it's definitely one for the evening or when I want people to know I'm wearing it!

Worth the Hype? Yes

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Brush Set | £56.95

Inspired by... Lily Pebbles, I Covet Thee & Amelia Liana

It seems everyone in the blogging world owns these brushes and I have to say, it's with good reason! They're not only absolutely beautiful with their copper handles but both the synthetic and natural brushes are incredible quality at a really reasonable price. The eye brushes especially are just as good as MAC's and I have to say I reach for the majority of these on a daily basis. In case you were wondering, I definitely get more use out of this original set than the Volume 2I also did an in-depth post on these brushes here.

Worth the Hype? Yes




Have you tried any of these products? Were they worth the hype for you?

 


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61 comments

  1. Solar Powder works for me because I have fairly pale skin, but I'm yet to buy the L'Oreal foundation because the colours just seem odd. The three palest shades are way to pale and don't seem to have much between them but the next one up seems much too dark. Even though I would normally wear the lightest or second lightest shade, I just don't think these are right for me. I want to try it and I know it's not expensive, but I'm not dropping money on something that I don't think will work for me (which is a shame because I love a matte finish).

    Sophie x | Essential Twenty

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    1. Yeah on paper it sounds amazing but the colours and tones are just odd xx

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  2. Brilliant post, absolutely loved reading it. I managed to avoid buying the Zoeva brushes at the time but now I want them all over again .

    www.julie-ellen.com

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  3. Im pretty pale so the S&G Bronzer works perfect for me. I hated the L'Oreal foundation too x
    Emma | Emmys Beauty Cave

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  4. Your posts and pictures are always so perfect! I love Zoeva brushes, although I have regular ones not the rose gold series. I watch almost all of the bloggers/youtubers you mentioned here and they inspired waaay to many purchases for me!

    http://lipsticksanddreams.wordpress.com

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    1. They really are amazing! I didn't own any Zoeva brushes before I tried them so it was the perfect little starter set :) xx

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  5. I love this post! I can't believe Pixie is now in M&S that is amazing for those of us who live outside London, thank you for sharing :) I love the Bioderma Micellar water and the Nars Concealer! I completely agree. I do really need to try the Balm's Mary Lou Manizer, I'm pretty late on the bandwagon with that one...

    Mollie x
    www.molliemanning.co.uk

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  6. I love All That Glitters, perfect one shade wonder! Pixi Glow Tonic is awesome too. Mehr looks super pretty, I'll have to keep it in mind next time I'm at MAC.
    The Beauty Bloss

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  7. Loved this post - Mehr and All that glitters are both complete staples x

    Laurzrah 

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  8. The Mac lip products look gorgeous in your swatches! The L'Oreal foundation is one of my favourites as it's super long lasting, it's such a shame they don't stock the right shade for you here.

    Amy | Get Glam

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    Replies
    1. I will definitely get my hands on it if I go to the US as they seem to have the full selection! xx

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  9. I love the L'Oreal foundation but I am lucky to get a pretty good shade for myself. Zoeva brushes are awesome and I'm so happy that I was introduced to this brand through bloggers as I love all their makeup as well :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  10. I love the NARS concealer, I think it's the best one I've used thus far!

    xo, Liz
    http://lipstickandconfetti.com

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  11. I love Mehr & Soar & Mary Lou-Manizer! I need to get some Zoeva brushes! xx

    Beautylymin

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  12. Now I really feel the urge to purchase some Zoeva brushes!! lol
    Amanda | amanda-speroni.blogspot.ca

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  13. I really enjoy these type of posts. The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer has been on my list of things to try for ages (I tried a sample way back when but I can't remember how I got on with it, hehe).

    Beauty Isles | An Island Girl's Beauty and Lifestyle Blog

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    Replies
    1. It won't be for everyone but personally I love it! xx

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  14. Fab post Jasmine!! I love MAC Mehr so much, it was my first ever MAC lipstick. It really doesn't get as much hype as it deserves :'(

    The Beauty Locker

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  15. I absolutely love the Pixi Glow Tonic and I use it every night.
    I have All That Glitters in my MAC palette and as much as I think it's a lovely shade, I think it is a bit too pale for me!

    Loved this post :)
    Sophie x

    www.booksandbeauty.co.uk

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  16. Lovely post as usual girl, and I was inspired by lily pebbles too for getting my hands on Mac meh its a beautiful beautiful shade. And those Zoeva brushes are ahh-mazing...

    Sam || Beautydetour

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  17. Love these types of posts! The hype gets me so so bad sometimes haha I love Solar Powder (and proud I had it before the hype!), Pixi Glow Tonic, the Zoeva brush set and Loreal foundation! I think the next hyped up item I want to get my hands on is the Nars eye primer thanks to Vivianna Does Makeup!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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    Replies
    1. I've been meaning to check out that primer too! xx

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  18. I love Solar Powder as I think it works really nicely on my pale skin without being too intense. Mehr is just the perfect mauve shade, I chose to buy that over Velvet Teddy and I'm so glad I did. Love Mary Lou and the Zoeva brushes as well. Some great picks! x

    Megan | http://www.meganjean.co.uk

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  19. This post basically just gave me the confirmation of how much I really NEED and SHOULD BUY Pixi tonic and the May Loumanizer highlighter! My wallet doesn't like you.

    Great post! x

    bohorush.blogspot.com

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  20. I follow all of these bloggers/vloggers! I also own almost everything you mentioned haha ;) I love the Infallible foundation, although I think I will need a lighter shade for the winter. Recently I noticed all my foundations are getting too dark for my skintone, and I can't find a lighter shade anywhere!

    Mary-Lou is probably one of my favourite blogger/vlogger-inspired make up buys. I recently picked up the Solar Powder too and I think it will work for me when I'm at my palest, although I thought it would have just a little bit more pay off. I really like the formula though and I am using it non-stop, just to give my face a hint of colour ;)

    Love, Charline | Charline Has a Blog

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  21. All That Glitters is one of my all time favourite shadows! :) such a gorgeous shade. I was interested to see your thoughts on the L'Oreal foundation. Shame about the shade range - luckily I can usually find one for me, but it's unfair for those who can't!

    Kat | www.kathorrocks.com

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  22. I had no idea M&S were now stocking Pixie products! I've wanted to try the glow tonic for ages now, but it's not the easiest to get hold of, so I can't wait to pick it up next time I go into town! I have the Zoeva set and love it, the sets work out at such good value for money. I need to get around to trying Bioderma too, I've heard so many good things about it!
    Lovely post :)
    Sarah xx
    simplysarahlou.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. It's great to have it so much more accessible now, tough not so great for my bank balance haha xx

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  23. I've tried several of the products you mention (also inspired by the same bloggers/Youtubers) and pretty much agree with you on them! Even with pale shades the L'Oreal Infallible foundation isn't great - my shade works for me in summer and now but will be useless in the depths of winter, and is one of the palest in the range. Thanks for letting us know about Pixi in M&S - that's great news! Also, I just bought the Zoeva eye brushes - haven't had chance to use them yet but I'm so looking forward to it. Great post Jasmine!
    Rebecca | The Two Twenty Somethings
    Xx

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  24. Such an amazing post, perfect for people like me who are so reluctant to splurge on so called cult products! x

    Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com

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  25. So many great products here… I love MAC All That Glitters, it's such a pretty shade & I agree it looks different on everyone really. Really want to get MAC Mehr, it's such a beautiful shade & it would be perfect for this time of year as an everyday kind of shade x

    Beauty with charm

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  26. The Zoeva brushes are 100% worth it, they deserve all the praise they get! I've been lusting over the Mary Loumanizer for so long, glad to know that so many people agree that it is worth the hype! Unfortunately Bioderma wasn't all too much of a hit for me, I find the Bobbi Brown makeup remover to be just as gentle and much more effective.

    Cindy // www.cindyhyue.com

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    Replies
    1. Definitely get your hands on the Mary Lou if you can! xx

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  27. I really need to get Zoeva brushes, they are raved about throughout the beauty blogsphere. I have used and love Bioderma however I don't find it to be necessary because I don't have sensitive skin. I'm currently using micellar water by Marcelle and find it to be equally as good for cheaper price.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  28. I was nodding my head while reading, I agree with what you wrote about all of the products that I've used. I love the Nars concealer and I got All That Glitters not too long ago and I'm finding it's a great all over the lid shade.

    www.thesundaymode.blogspot.com.au

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  29. I am loving everything in this post.. but if I had to pick I would go with Bioderma, Pixi Glow and Mary Loumanizer .. Also thanks for letting me know that Pixi products are avail in M&S now .. I am definitely going to ask my cousin to pick up some products for me now *eeeepppppppp* Super excited! :)


    Chic Peachy Pink l Twitter l Instagram l BlogLovin' l Facebook

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  30. Really glad that Pixi is available in M&S - I think their Glow Tonic is next on my list.

    Rachel | www.currentlyrachel.com

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    1. I know right - so exciting! And they stock like everything :) xx

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  31. Love love love this post. Always love hearing opinions on products.

    Tee, x http://thedalmatinka.com/

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  32. Pixi Glow Tonic and Bioderma H2O are 2 of my blogger-induced buys and just like you, I love them! Xx

    Ally | www.glamoclock.com - Shortlisted for #CosmoBlogAwards vote here

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  33. Shame to hear about the L'Oreal foundation, I was planning on giving it a go but not I'm not sure! Desperate to buy Mary Lou xx

    Jasmine || http://www.blogsallbeautyy.blogspot.co.uk

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  34. I've been questioning whether I should buy the Bioderma cleansing water for a while now, maybe I'll give it a try next time round!

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    1. It's well worth giving a go :) I've never looked back! xx

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  35. I love reading these posts Jasmine! There are quite a few on here that I have had a similar experience with, bioderma is indeed in a league of its own and mary-lou provides such a gorgeous glow - the zoeva brushes are on my wishlist for sure ^_^
    Iqra |The Blushing Giraffe x

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  36. I've been on the hunt for the Pixi tonic, it sounds amazing!

    A Little Dose of Makeup

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  37. I picked up the Pixi Tonic and Bioderma from bloggers recommendations. The Pixi tonic is worth the hype, but I don't think the Bioderma is as there are more affordable options now.
    girlavie.com

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  38. The L'Oreal foundation is the best I've tried this year, I love it!

    Sara - She Who Is Short

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  39. great post idea! I ALWAYS buy stuff i see my fav bloggers/youtubers rave about and as you can see from your results, they were worth the hype for the most part which just proves you can trust a loyal blogger :)
    Sophie Jenner
    x

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    1. Yeah I think by and large blogger recommendations have done me well :) xx

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  40. Love all these products that I've tried. It does show that if something gets enough good reviews it's worth trying - as long as it's suited for you. Sometimes we see people on youtube and get so excited about a product it's easy to forget it's just not right for you despite how glorious it may look on the other person.
    Enjoying reading your blog, going to give it a follow now I've found it!

    Chloe
    chloeridout.blogspot.co.uk
    xx

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  41. Great reviews :) Bloggers and YouTubers are the worst purchase enablers, lol. How strong would you say the Pixie glow tonic is? I have dry skin so I love a good exfoliant, but I'm worried it will irritate/be to harsh for my skin.

    Hailey | www.haileysworkshop.com

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    1. It's not ridiculously strong as it's 5% glycolic acid so I personally use it maybe 4 times a week (some will be able to do it daily, it really depends) but I would say to start with try once a week :) it's definitely not as strong as Alpha-H Liquid Gold, I don't really get any irritation from the Pixi. Hope this helps! xx

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  42. I love this type of posts :D

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  43. I have to say a big Yes to all these blogger induced purchases because I have tried majority of them except the Solar Powder which has not shade for my skin tone so it's a No. I love these round up posts and all your picks are amazing...x

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  44. OMG I have to admit that when one of these lovely ladies recommends a product I just can't handle myself and literally rush to buy what they'd recommend! I pretty much every single one of this bits! hahaha! I love Bioderma micellar water, Zoeva Brushes, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer and Mac Soar! :) xx

    www.thecovetbeauty.com

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  45. I'm yet to try anything from Pixi but I keep reading great things about them on so many blogs!

    Gemima | Lovely Witches

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  46. Thank you for your comments, it's so interesting to read which products you've tried and what you thought of them :) xx

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  47. I love the NARS concealer! You mentioned so many products I've wanted to try for so long. Especially the Pixi Glow Tonic sounds amazing :)x

    Anu♡ | Based On | bloglovin

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  48. Love this post, I'm definitely guilty of quite a few of these blogger induced purchases also! I'm still yet to try the Zoeva brushes, but from what I've heard they're top notch - you may have just persuaded me!

    Laura // laurasiantaylor.blogspot.com

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