TEST: Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara

Like the beauty equivalent of Ronseal, this does precisely what it says on the tin. I find the concept of having two mascaras somewhat odious, especially when you think of all the cosmetic artillery women tend to amass already. To add yet another mascara - just for bottom lashes - seems redundant.

The product itself applies well, and the minute brush makes application a breeze. Personally though, I think Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara does a better job, primarily because the spikes are so fine on the wand, that you can really reach every single hair. Plus, you can use it on your top lashes too - I found that a little tricky with the Clinque wand.

In days gone by, I was one of those matchy matchy perfect make-up people. But, something Terry Barber, MAC's Director of Artistry once said always sticks with me. 'If you labour at perfect make-up too much, it loses it's appeal. It shouldn't take hours and be totally perfect. And if you can't see your mascara - even the smudges- there is no point in wearing it.' And he's right! Perfection takes the joy out of make-up for me, making it a battle rather than expression.

Bottom line; I'd only really buy this if you have lash extensions, and want definition on the bottom lashes, or you're a a MUA doing close-up editorial work. A little mascara smudge never hurt anyone, revel in the imperfection!

Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara £10, John Lewis
Mascara on the bottom is Lancome Hypnose Precious Cells!

MOI? This months nightstand...

Frederic Fekkai Overnight Hair Repair £115- I’ve been trying this and it does leave your hair very soft-though not enough to warrant the steep price tag-ouch!

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Overnight Repair Eye Cream £35
Lightweight, easily blended, smells like a summer day-I’m all over it like Wino on crack!

Aromatherapy Associates Anti-ageIntensive Skin Treatment Oil £36.75 Melts into skin like a dream. I use them every other day, so the oil doesn't clog pores.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector £37 Trial number 2 of this ‘so-called’ wonder product. Haven’t see a change-will stick with it though.

Sensodyne Pronamel £3.99 My hygienist gave me this and said to smear a little on your teeth before bed-especially the ones at the front to combat discolouring. She’s very good, so I’ll listen!

Soothing Leg & Foot Balm £22.00 I’m not a huge natural products fab, but Spiezia make the most luxurious and decadent products that work a treat. This is my new regular foot treatment!

Baum de Rose ByTerry £32 The nicest smelling lipbalm ever! I use it every night and boy does it keep your lips soft.

Jo Malone Facial Massage Brush £14 I’ve had this little rubber brush for years now. It adds a nice invigorating touch to DIY facials or even just to work in a night cream and stimulate circulation.

Also Ipod, crap phone, ear plugs (I live in a warehouse) and Lulu Guiness sleep mask.

TESTING: Clinique, Lee Stafford, Elvive

So, although I’m not here in body or mind and packing to move house has more or less killed my spirit, I am testing some new beauty bits.


Lee Stafford Professional Straightening Iron Protection Mist £6.99

I’m always trying to find a decent heat protection spray as my mane gets subjected to heated rollers, ghd’s and a T3 dryer on a regular basis (if it could speak it would say ‘get off me nasty vain lady!’) I normally use a tres expensive Frederic Fekkai one, but at £6.99 I thought I’d give this nifty little spray a crack. Admittedly seeing Lee on Saturday using it made me want it even more. Verdict? So far so good, it makes my hair feel soft and shiny. Does it help protect my hair? No idea, time will tell and I’ll keep you posted.



Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector 30ml £30

So, it says I need to try it for 4 weeks to make a difference but week 2 and I’m not impressed. No changes at all, which does annoy me as all the mags have been proclaiming its genius. Wonder product or wonder flop? I’ll let you know in two weeks but it isn’t boding well. I’m half expecting something magical to happen in another two weeks time, but my gut instinct says Clinique are having a £30 laugh at my expense. Douchebags.

EDIT: SO after 5 weeks of continual use, day and nigt NOTHINg has happened and no improvement at all on pigmentation :( I'm a sad panda.


Elvive Full Restore 5 £2.45

Bought this on a friend’s recommendation, and have to say I’m not feeling it. I never really notice how good or bad shampoo’s are, they all seem to do a similar job to me. But this one was exceptionally bad and has made my fine baby hair really lank. Probably great for dry hair, but if your hair tends towards the flat/thin/fine side, avoid like a crack addled otter!