Blind Testing - a proposal.

One topic that I find particularly interesting in the beauty blogging world is the hype that surrounds particular brands, it would seem that some brands can do no wrong and suit every skin type there is. I am not bringing  any brand in particular into question, but I am questioning the beauty blogging 'band wagon'. 

Yes, there are brands that churn out fabulous and then more fabulous products, and, maybe I sound, and I am slightly bitter that I can't afford to try all these 'wonderful' products, but at the same time my cynical nature finds it hard to belief that said products work great for everyone.  

I feel there is also a lot of pressure these days to get on the beauty band wagon, and to glide, seemingly effortlessly, towards the high-end of the market. I am here to say that not everything that glitters is gold. Different products work for different people, and different skin types.  Not everyone likes the same finish, or wants to achieve the same result - therefore we do not all need to be on the same path. 

This is why I would like to propose a little bit of fun in the form of blind testing.  I don't know if this will work or if anyone will be interested but I thought I would give it a shout anyway's. 

A blind or blinded experiment is a scientific experiment where some of the people involved are prevented from knowing certain information that might lead to conscious or subconscious bias on their part, thus invalidating the results.

Whether we do it knowingly or not we do form opinions on beauty products, based upon the brand, before we have even tried them, maybe not every time but we are guilty sometimes.

For instance, I am (apparently) not a fan of Collection 2000 and would form the opinion that 'it will dry out my skin'.  I haven't used Collection 2000 make-up since I was 13, and on that one occasion it did dry my skin out - it was loose powder, the chances of that outcome were obviously high.   

How will this experiment work?

• I will create a list of all blogger's who are interested in participating the blind test challenge, and then pair each blogger up with another blogger.
• We would then send each other unbranded samples - only providing  information on what the product is and any health & safety information. 
• Then when the blogger has reviewed the products, the products will be revealed - and conclusions can be made.

This will either be a complete fail, or it could be something pretty interesting.  If you are interested in taking part e-mail me over at: victoria.mcewan@hotmail.co.uk or alternatively you can chat to me on twitter @glampire_x  

To keep things simple (since this is the first time) UK beauty blogger's only. Thanks.

Rosy Cheeks - Liz Earle Natural Glow

This was another lovely freebie from the ever wonderful Liz Earle PR team, and it is something that I completely would not have chosen for myself.  However, I love it.  I always stick to bright pink blushers of the powder variety.  Cream blush is a product I have always struggled a little with applying - especially when it is bright pink and just looks clown like on the cheeks.  The more natural shade of this cream blush makes it both easier to apply and is a lot more subtle than my usual doll look. 

The shade is Nude 03: 'Subtle rosy apricot. Brings a warm, delicate flush of colour to light-to-medium skin tones'.

I probably still wear far more of the product than what is needed but I will 'forever be that girl that wears too much blusher', I'm cool with that. Although I demonstrate the use of a lot of product the cream blush looks lovely when just a smudge is applied to the cheeks.  The colour really brightens up the face and gives a healthy look.  My paper white complexion can leave me looking rather unhealthy and therefore I need blush to stop me look so ashen.  

This is the perfect blush for every day wear as it is subtle enough for work and is easy touched up later in the day due to the compact it comes in.  As it is cream based it does not call for a bulky blusher brush but ensure that your hands are clean before you apply.

Once I have a job again I will be investing in some more shades of this blush - perhaps my usual pink tone.