Review: Collection 2000 Big Fake Ultimate Mascara

A few days ago I popped a post up on the products I bought for my £10 challenge (you can read about this here). Having used a few of these already I thought it only fair I reviewed at least one of them on my blog, and so, I've selected the Collection 2000 Big Fake Ultimate false lash mascara. Priced around £5.99 and available in the majority of high street stores I managed to bag this on offer in Wilkinson at just £2.98!

So, what do the retailer websites say?

Boots:

'...improved with a bigger, better & bolder formula than ever before to create the ULTIMATE mascara!! ... Plumps and stretches each individual lash without clumping or smudging, for a bigger, better lash-look...'

Superdrug:

'It's back, it's big and it's better than ever! .... for a phenomenal flutter worthy of an A-list star.'

Amazon:

'Fabulously full lashes provide instant, gorgeous glamour to almost any makeup look.'

Pretty impressive sounding eh?

I've now tried the product for three days running. Here are my thoughts....

You can see from the picture that without a good coating, my lashes appear pretty non-existant, largely due to being naturally fair-haired. On opening the tube I thought 'blimey, that wand is HUGE' however it loaded well without picking up much excess. (Something I hate when trying to get to the inner lashes as it normally ends up splodged in the corners!)

This is with two coats applied and a smudge of black eyeliner on the bottom lid. I was really impressed with the lift and seperation achieved with the mascara. It doesn't look clumpy or overloaded and even for a large brush, it's reached the corners easily.

I love the lengthening effect it has without feeling weighty. This is with three coats - I prefer a heavier look so this is ideal for me and although I usually only need two coats of my current everyday mascara (Le Volume De Chanel), at a quarter of the price I'm more than happy slicking on an extra coat! 

I've found this product does last a full day and is easy to remove without having to scrub for ages, and would definitely recommend it to friends as a fantastic, budget friendly product. At the price I paid for it, I'll be stocking up!



 

NOTD - Nails inc Bluebell (Instyle Magazine)

Today I've been sitting in the garden, watching the OH busy potting, planting and potching. Whilst there I took today's nail inspiration from the lavender and selected Bluebell from Nails Inc. I got my hands on this one c/o June 2012 InStyle magazine (yep, I've had it a while!) making it just £3.80.

It's a lovely, fresh shade which looks great against my sun-kissed skin.

I've applied two coats of the polish to give an even coverage and finished off with the Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat.

Doesn't it look beautiful set against the lavender?

 

NOTD - OPI If You Moust You Moust, Servin' Up Sparkle & Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat

This weekend has seen temperatures soar and the sun shine, what better to do than paint my nails in a bright summery pink and add some sparkle too?

 

My choice?

For the base colour I chose OPI 'If You Moust You Moust' from the OPI Mini Mouse Collection. I selected the beautiful glitter and holographic OPI 'Servin' Up Sparkle' from the Serena Williams Glam Slam England Collection to add some bling, and Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Top Coat for a shiny smooth finish.

 

Before - my nails need tlc but I'm still a novice nail painter with a tendancy to pick at any loose bits and neglect my cuticles...work in progress but they are still in pretty ok condition - two coats of the pink give great coverage and help to hide my sins away!

 

A couple of coats of the sparkle give some serious shine! The hex's are really easy to pick up and deposit on the nail without having to use excessive amounts of product.

 

I find that with glitter polishes more so than any other, a good top coat is essential. It keeps the nail feeling smooth and avoids catching on clothing etc. These pics show some serious shine in natural daylight and after a little tidy up with a cotton bud and some nail polish remover I loved the finished effect.

Update: Three days later and they still look as good as new. Pretty impressive considering I've had a night out and a day on the beach too. At over a week later, this polish combination was still flawless.

 

 

 

Sunny Days at Aberavon Beach

This weekend when temperatures have soared, me and the OH decided to spend some time on the beach. We're so lucky to live on the coast and although in many respects, our town lacks charm and finesse, the beach is rapidly becoming one of the best in the area.

 

With miles of promenade, a pier, play areas, a cafe, a new gelato shop, and landscaped gardens, it has something for everyone.

 

It's been a wonderful weekend which has seen us reminiscing about our childhoods on the sand, enjoying the early morning peace and tranquility as well as beating the crowds for a sought-after spot.

 

Here are some pics I've taken over the last few days:

 

 

The footprints in the sand are all mine - first ones on the beach on friday morning. Just as the tide was coming in.

 

 

Two ladies helped each other down the steps onto the sand to enjoy a paddle in the waves. It was really touching to see them supporting each other and taking their time to enjoy the early morning tranquility.

 

There's nothing like the warm sand between your toes to put a smile on your face!

 

 

 

 

Dredging the sand to remove left over packets and bottles.

 

 

Cafe Remos

 

 

A deluxe hot chocolate - marshmallows, cream and a flake.... mmmm!!!

 

 

And here's the OH popping our tent up for today's session in the sun.

 

 

 

A godsend as we've spent over 7 hrs on the sand today. It's helped to keep our drinks cool and proved a respite from the unforgiving sun! I wish I'd taken some shots of the crowds later in the day but sunbathing and splashing in the sea was priority (hee hee).

 

I've truely had an amazing weekend and am so thankful to have such beauty on our doorstep.