BEAUTY

BEAUTY EXPOSED.

Reviewing the latest tinted 

moisturizers and lipsticks out in 

stores.

As the temperature declines, most students would be concerned about keeping warm. But, one must not forget the drying effects of the harsh winter. When it comes to looking blissful and fresh – hydrating BB creams and lipsticks are a key in one’s arsenal for a quick and easy look. Hence, I have taken the liberty to review the products that are most raved this season.


FACE

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm

First up, is the Tinted Moisturizer by MAC.

At the price of 22 pounds, it does present itself on the heftier scale. Nevertheless, Makeupalley.com gives it a 4.2 rating. The positives of the product include the fact that it truly is an all in one – with people claiming that the coverage can be built up despite being a sheer tinted moisturizer. What I personally love is the fact that the SPF is 35: winter may be dreary some days, but one cannot forget how sunshine still leaks through the morning clouds. With little downsides, I highly recommend this to achieve that dewy glow at the library… at 11pm.

Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream

Convenience should be a concern when it comes to finding make-up. The Revlon PhotoReady Cream is available at Boots for the price of 10 pounds.

Albeit its 3.2 rating on Makeupalley.com, prima facie, the product looks to retain all the benefits of a hydrating coverage with SPF protection. Nevertheless, reviews have mentioned the “thickness” of the liquid, as well as how quickly it “wears out”. Make-up is heavily reliant on your skin type – after a cursory look at the feedback of this product, I would highly advice against it if you have an oily/combination skin. Go for this if your skin is a dessert waiting for monsoon rain! If you’re intending to go out for only a couple of hours: the cream has been said to be transfer resistant and is perfect for a night out.

Maybelline - Dream Fresh 8-in-1 BB Cream

Also with a 3.2 rating, but at a lower cost of 8 pounds, this product aims to be a tough competitor.

The claims made are as follows:

1. Creates a natural glow

2. Compliments skin tone

3. SPF30 UV Protection

4. Hydrates all day

5. Blurs imperfections

6. Oil-free, non-greasy

7. Looks visibly smooth

8. Feels fresh

Obviously, this seems to apply to the other BB creams. However, it does stand out in comparison to the Revlon rendition of a tinted moisturizer. With people raving about the lightness of the product, this seems like the perfect alternative for those with oilier skin. Also, it comes in 5 shades rather than 4 (Revlon). But the downsides of such a light cream is also the deficient coverage it offers. It is said to be “runny”, very much a liquid rather than a cream. Apparently, the consistency is dewy but this can end up settling too much into the pores.

In conclusion, when it comes to BB cream, be willing to shell out the money! But if you’re on a budget, go for something that suits your lifestyle (e.g. Revlon for athletics and those with dry skin), and definitely your skin type. When it comes to this category of make-up, it does seem like you really do pay for what you get!

LIPS

Dry lips… we have all been there. A clear solution would be balm, but staying pigmented in the winter is all the rage. Hence, we shall take a look at the best lipsticks to paint our winter brighter.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick

With a high score averaging 4 on its various shades (on Makeupalley.com), the Rimmel self-effacing sounding lipstick packs a punch in terms of hydrating ingredients. In an eye-catching royal purple casing, it is fitting of the self-Adapting Moisture Complex that feature Hyaluronic Acid, Collagen and Vitamins A, C and E to nourish lips.

What’s more, SPF is also included. However, reviews have mentioned the overly creamy texture as well as how slick it is. Guess the downsides could deter one that would prefer their lipstick being precise. Also, the strong scent of the lipstick should also warrant a word of caution.

BOBBI BROWN Creamy Lip Color

We all are aware that Bobbi Brown makes quality make-up. How does its lipstick fair at the price of 19 pounds? Well, thankfully, it lives up to its name. With claims that the lipstick is moisturizing, but not too creamy and wears long – I think we have a winner. The sleek black and white casing is simple and classy. Although pricier, the fact that it has “no scent” in comparison to the previous Rimmel lipstick really makes this the choice buy if one can afford a little something more (Christmas is coming up!).

Revlon matte lipstick

With an average rating of 4.5 on Makeupalley, and at an affordable price tag of approximately 7.5 pounds, the lipstick seems to be a choice pick. Nevertheless, despite Revlon’s claim that it is creamy and moisturizing – most reviews highlight the slightly drier after-wear of the lipstick. If you were intending to wear a balm underneath your lips, this might be the right choice – but if you’re fighting chap lips, I

would recommend steering clear and going for one of the options above. However, this seems like the go-to option for a lip that stays strong in color and will not smear beyond the parameters of its application.

Looking at the various products reviewed, one can certainly say that hydration is the key marketing focus of top beauty brands. Keep in mind what occasion you’re going to – a flawless coverage is a given, but go for darker lips if you’re going easy on the eyes, and vice versa. Don’t let the winter blues stop you from going out: exploit what is available on the market to always look like you’ve gotten the ample rest which we are all deprived of. – As L’Oreal puts it, because you’re worth it. 

-Leo Lau

_____________________________________________________________

QUICK AND EASY FASHIONABLE UPDOS FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR

HOW TO STUDY IN STYLE

With the academic year commencing and a pile of workload dawning upon us, its inevitable that looking sleek and fresh becomes the less of a priority to many of us. 

But that need not be longer the case! A jam-packed academic schedule should never make it excusable to be stuck in a style rut of scruffy hairstyles, and here at LSESU Fashion we've scoured the catwalks and red carpet to provide you with a list easy, sleek hairstyles worthy enough to be rocked on any catwalk!

THE  MODERN SLEEK UP'DO

An upgrade to the simple ponytail; simply tie the hair back tightly, leaving a section of your hair at the back to tie around the hairband for a fashion-worthy statement.

THE DONUT BUN.

A look that takes less than 5 minutes to recreate! Just tie the hair into a simple ponytail, hread the hair through a hair doughnut (that can be easily purachased in most High Street store accessory sections) , wrap the hair around the hair doughnut piece, then secure! This look is surprisingly versatile! Give it a new edge with the addition of a hairband (far left image), or for a more casual feel, either loosen the ponytail as shown on Jessica Alba, or leave some front sections of the hair out to display like Rihanna (far right image).

LOW PONYTAILS WITH DEFINED PARTINGS.

A super easy way to upgrade any normal updo to a sleek style statement. Do a tight low ponytail, with a defined hair parting whether it'd be a centre parting like Jourdan Dunn, or side parting like Nicole Richie. 

THE SIDE PLAIT

A style adored in the celebrity circuit, simply do a 3 way plait to the side. For a bohemian look, loosen the front sections of your hair.

Expand your hair horizions with these easy-to-do updos! Who said its hard to be a student with style?

_________________________________________________________________

A new segment to the Fashion Society blog! Encompassing anything and everything from hairstyles, to beauty products stay tuned for upcoming articles!

xo