River Island: Pastels and Florals
Students everywhere breathed a sigh of relief when River Island finally decided to offer a 10% discount on their much loved collections. This has come just in time for this season’s new looks which include pretty pastels and flirty florals.
The highstreet brand takes pastel shades in another direction this season by combining lilac and leather to create an edgy mini skirt in a pretty shade. (€33.00) A light pink leather pencil skirt is also available which will brighten up the usual boring work wear colours of grey and black. (€127.00)
If floral print and darker shades are what you prefer then the black print scuba tube skirt retails at just €30.00. Falling to just below the knee, the tube skirts hugs your figure (beware) and is a statement piece perfect for a spring occasion.
The pastel epidemic continues on to the classic blazer – something no working girl can do without. Gone are the days where your only blazer resembled your brother’s confirmation suit, and here to stay are the shapely and colourful numbers available today. A pink blazer with an inverted collar retails at €60.00 and is a great option for those who don’t like bulky collars and rather a cleaner cut. The red floral silhouette print blazer means you certainly will not be missed and is perfect teamed with dark skinny jeans and a statement necklace.(€65.00)
No one can forget the lyrics ‘Who likes short shorts? We like short shorts…’ and no one can argue with them either. Short shorts are as popular as ever but in this weather it’s likely we will be restricted to a night out or, for those lucky enough, a holiday. They are still worth a purchase simply for their peachy colours and vivid prints. Florals and pastels are combined in the floral print wrap skort for €40.00. The classic high waisted denims are available this season in light pink and light orange tones for €30.00.
Matte Foundations for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin then I’m sure you will agree that on a daily basis it feels like you are fighting an losing battle with shine. There is one upside to having pores that produce oil at a rapid rate believe it or not. Oily skin equals better and slower ageing, at least that’s something off our minds.
I’ve tried and tested many foundations in an attempt to achieve a shine free face throughout the day. My money has been repeatedly spent on products that promise oil control but fail to deliver.
To achieve a matte finish each day it is recommended that either mineral makeup or mousse foundation is used instead of the standard liquid form. The lighter particles agree with oily skin and prevent clogging and a heavy, inevitably messy look.
Put to the Test:
L’Oreal True Match Minerals €22.00:
Great colour and application is simple with brush supplied however after a few hours transfer occurs and the oil begins to shine through. Using this mineral makeup to re-apply on top of the oily area then results in caking and an uneven colour. For mild oily skin this will suit but for skin producing a lot of oil and prone to blemishes, the level of coverage is not up to scratch.
Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse €7.99:
A bargain price for a good product this liquid mousse makeup has saved me money and given me hours without shine. The down side is the weight of the liquid. For a product that is supposed to be mousse it is very heavy feeling like the average liquid foundation. Powder is definitely required following application as the shine is not kept at bay for too long. Coverage is excellent but if you are looking for a light product for daytime then this is not for you.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid €35.00:
An expensive buy but a wonderful one too. Whether the rumours are true that MAC and Catrice are more alike than we think it has to be said this foundation, eventhough it is liquid, certainly does the job. Suitable for a night out or an occasion requiring a more polished look this provides great coverage, colour and a matte finish. Powder is required as always, we oily skinned girls can’t be without it.
Catrice Matt Mousse €5.49:
Bought on a whim out of desperation for a light product with good coverage and shine control this bargain take on Maybelline’s Dream Matte Mousse has made quite an impression. Catrice has created a foundation that is so light you can barely feel it during application with that heavy feeling being completely absent. The mousse holds its own for slightly longer than the above products and is slower to allow oil gain control. Transfer is minimal if not absent and a natural looking light look is achieved, perfect for skin prone to breakouts.
Shannon O’Sullivan
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