Jump on the Bandwagon: Clarins Instant Concealer

If I can only choose one thing, beauty-wise of course, for the rest of my life apart from lip balms and that would be concealers. A good concealer not only covers up any imperfections but also doubles up as a foundation to even out skin tones. I sometimes skip foundations just because I don't feel like I need it everywhere on my face but with concealers I can just dab where I need it and leave the rest of my face breath freely plus concealers have way better coverage than foundations, a little goes a long way so very economical as well. 

There's been a hype on this Clarins Instant Concealer (24.50 euros) in the beauty world lately and thanks to Anna from Viviannadoesmakeup, I finally caved and bought it in the shade 02, and I can tell you right now that I love it, I need 01 in my life as well just to lighten up my under eyes a bit more, but 02 works perfectly as it has a nice peachy/salmony tint so it really contrasts with the darkness around my eye area. 

It comes in a standard plastic tube which works really well interns of squeezing out just the right amount of product. It comes in 3 shades I believe, not a lot to choose from but again, they are meant to be used under the eyes so I guess 3 shades are enough if I'm honest. This little tube contains 15ml of product which is insanely a lot compares to other concealers I've had in the past. It's like half as much as a normal foundation which will last a long time if you ask me so I'm very happy with the size. 

As far as consistency, it is very similar to the Esteé Lauder Double Wear. Also think of Nars radiant creamy concealer but a lot more "liquidy" well I should say creamier really because it is not a liquid, very moisturising though which in my opinion works better under the eyes because I don't know about you but I get dry around my eyes and this works wonders as it never looks cakey nor sticks to dry patches. It blends in like a dream and I just love how it looks on my skin, plus it feels like nothing on which is awesome. 

(Left to right: L'Oreal True Match Illuminating Concealer in Ivory Beige, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard and Clarins Instant Concealer in 02)

As for the colour, I did a little comparison of some of my current favourite concealers just so you know what 02 really looks like. As you can see it is very "pinky" compared to the other two, which works well if you have real dark circles or blue veins under the eyes. I even dab some on my cheeks on a no makeup makeup day because the coverage is really good without being thick, looks so natural and covers my redness effortlessly. 

I love this concealer, will purchase 01 as well at some point. I still like my Nars one but my skin feels so dry lately as I mentioned and this Clarins one just works better because I noticed the Nars did look a little cakey and dry so that will be saved for warmer months, and as for now Clarins Instant Concealer is my best friend and I seriously cannot recommend enough so thank you Anna, I know I followed you for a reason. 

The only "con" if you will with this concealer is that it does settle in my lines under the eyes if I don't powder so I suggest set it with your favourite powder and you'll be good to go. 

That's it guys. Short and sweet. It is a bloody good concealer if I haven't said that already, and the formula is out of this world. It worths every penny as it does what it says on the tin and it will last for ages so try it guys, trust me you won't be disappointed. 

Thank you guys and as always feel free to contact me via twitter/instagram @eflicciardello if you have any questions or simply comment down below, and don't forget to follow my blog. See you next week! Muahhh!

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Pai Intensive Nourishing Facial - Rosehip Collection (Limited Edition)

I love when beauty companies do sets because I like trying different products from different brands but sometimes I just don't know what to get so when those handy sets come in filled with some best selling products of certain brands, I jump right in with no hesitation because it is a great way to try some of the things from whatever brand you are interested in, and they are normal quite economical as well. 

I have one set here to show you today and it is from Pai Skincare. Now Pai is well-known as their natural organic skincare products especially the Rosehip line, so when I saw this little Rosehip set that Pai brings out every Christmas I couldn't be happier. Bear in mind that this is a limited edition set but Pai does bring back every Christmas so if you like the things I'm about to show you then get it next Christmas. FYI: beauty bay.com still has some left and it is currently on sale so hurry if you are interested. 

This set comes beautifully packaged with this gorgeous box which makes it an ideal present, and there are 3 products inside, they are the ever-so-famous Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil (30ml), Rosehip BioRegenerate Rapid Radiance Mask (75ml and limited edition), and an organic Muslin Facial Cloth. 

Now I have been wanting to try the oil for the longest time and I'm so glad I finally got it. I have to warn you though because it smells real funky. When I first applied I almost gaged because it is that strong. It smells very earthy, mediciney like some sort of herbs but very natural from what I can tell which I actually prefer than those synthetic perfume smells. I have been using it every single night as the last step of my skincare routine and to be honest the smell doesn't brother me anymore, it is not bad at all actually. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that don't give up because of the smell as it is an beautiful oil. 

It applies so smoothly, very hydrating and nourishing. It does brighten up my complexion and I really like how my face looks and feels when I wake up in the morning. It is not too greasy and absorbs fast! I think all skin types can benefit from this oil but dry skin will really enjoy it. I haven't noticed anything about lightening up pigmentation or blemish marks because I have only been using it for like a month but rosehip is known for treating pigmentation so I'll definitely keep using it and report back.

I mean you just can't go wrong with a good Rosehip oil and this particular one is all natural and some of the ingredients are actually organic plus Pai doesn't test on animals. It's a win win for me. I honestly don't know much about Rosehip oils but I do know that the darker the colour the better quality of the oil you'll get, and this one is pretty nice coloured. It's a must have if you ask me! Highly recommend. 

Now the limited edition mask... It smells exactly like the oil but lighter, comes out like a yellow-ish cream but actually feels like a gel cream, very light in texture and goes on smooth. This stuff is so unbelievably moisturising and I just love how my skin feels afterwards. You can leave it on for like 10 minutes then rinse off or sleep in it like an overnight mask. This mask is more like a pre-party pamper for me. I like to put this on before applying my makeup. I wish Pai sells this separately because it is fabulous and I think everyone would love it as it just feels so good and very soothing to the skin as well. 

(before and after)

All in all this is a GORGEOUS skincare set and I can't recommend it enough except the muslin cloth. It is way too harsh, feels so scratchy on my skin and my face looks and feels RAW afterwards. I mean RAW! So no thank you to the cloth!

There you have it guys, this is such a great skincare set and love love the oil and the mask, great value for money as well and I feel like I need to pick up another set as a back-up. But like I said Pai brings back every Christmas so don't feel bad if you can't get your hands on now. 

Don't forget to follow  as well as Twitter and Instagram @eflicciardello. Thank you so much for the support and see you all on Friday!

Have you tried anything from Pai before? Any recommendations? 

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