Review | Eleanor Calder Exact Zara Lace Dress

I'm unsure whether it is viewed as strange to review clothing items as I personally have never seen it done before. However, I know many people out there are huge fans of Eleanor Calder (myself included) and often go hunting for "exacts" of the clothes she wears. I purchased this dress last year and thought that for anyone searching through eBay, Etsy or anywhere that sells clothes that are no longer in stock for this specific dress, a review may be helpful in deciding whether to pursue forward in purchasing the dress and how much to pay for it. 

Price

I purchased this dress for only £15 in the Zara sale last year. An amazing bargain as it was £70 beforehand. Don't be fooled by anybody trying to sell it for massive amounts on eBay as I have seen this done before and it is not worth that. 

Style

If I am honest, after seeing the price of this dress in the Zara sale, I couldn't help but to purchase it. One of those "I don't even care what I am buying, its reduced by £60" kind of moments. The style of the dress itself, I am not actually keen on. When I wear it, it makes me feel very top heavy as I have very big boobs! It looks brilliant on Eleanor Calder because she has such a lean, tall, slim figure. On me however, it looks like I am about to bottle over because I am carrying so much weight on top. As well as this, I feel it really exaggerates my arm fat. My arms are not big but the sleeveless style cuts into my underarms and creates skin rolls (that doesn't sound very pleasant but I am not sure how else to describe it). 

Material

My favourite thing about this dress is definitely the lace back. It is so pretty and adds a little maturity to a dress that would otherwise look like something a five year old might wear. The only fault to it, is that the lace isn't stretchy so can be very uncomfortable as it rubs against your arms. The yellow material is again, not stretchy. This isn't a huge problem as the skirt flares out but when you sit down, it can become very uncomfortable around the waste as the material digs in instead of stretching out with your size. 

Sizing

Zara sizing is always difficult for me. Sometimes, I will pick up a large and it is perfect fit and other times, I will need to purchase a small. I purchased this dress in a small and definitely should have chosen a bigger size. I would definitely say the dress is smaller than a usual Zara size small.

To summarise, if you are going to spend a few extra pennies purchasing an Eleanor Calder exact item of clothing, I wouldn't suggest this dress. She has such lovely style and I have seen her wear much more flattering, attractive dresses. However, I really think that this dress would look lovely on somebody who isn't top heavy like me!

If you enjoyed this post, let me know. I have many other "Eleanor Calder Exacts" and can do some more posts similar to this one. 

Susie Roo xo

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Review | Eyelash Extensions

Last year, I was introduced to a eyelash extensions; long, eyelashes which are individual glued onto your eyelashes and can last up to 6 weeks. Similar to glue-in hair extensions, except for your eyes obviously. 

My mum has been getting them for years as having 4 children really has not left her much time to put mascara on everyday and sort out her eyelashes. She found them a quick and easy solution to beautiful eyes 24/7. 

I am so glad I was introduced to these as I think they are brilliant but of course with everything, there are also a few cons. So if you are considering it, here is my list of pros and cons of eyelash extensions put together by my expert, experienced mother and I. 

Before -

After - 

Pros

- They make you feel amazing all the time. Even with no make up on, your eyes still look phenomenal. This is the most significant advantage of them. I can wake up in the morning after very little sleep, look in the mirror and still feel pretty, who couldn't love that?

- No need to apply mascara every morning and take it off every night. 

- Saves you the hassle of applying fake eyelashes if you are having a night out or feel like getting dolled up. 

- They actually last for an extremely long time; it is not a con. When I got mine done last year, they lasted over 8 weeks. Plus, I had them on over the summer holidays which meant they able to last hundreds of swims in the sea and days at the beach!

- Various sized extensions are available so you have the choice between extremely long ones, short ones or medium length ones. You can choose to your preference.  

- You will get a lot of compliments. Need I say more?!

- They look so natural. Unlike most fake eyelashes which look obviously fake and often tacky. These sink into your natural eyelashes, so they look like you have naturally have amazing eyelashes delivered by the gods.

Cons

- They may irritate your eyes. The glue used to stick them on may cause you an allergic reaction or just having extra eyelashes may cause displeasure. I suggest that you get your eyes tested first with the glue to prevent this happening.

- The application process can be a little "scratchy". They use a mascara brush to brush through them when they are glued and I find this can be really painful when scratched across your closed eyelid. However, the results are worth it so I just go through it. 

- It weakens your eyelashes. Like anything; fake hair, hair dying, acrylic or gel nails, it damages your natural body. If you get eyelash extensions continuously, they can cause your eyelashes to fall out. I suggest you take a break between each treatment. However, I prevent this happening completely by only getting them applied a few times a year. Everything in moderation. 

- It can be difficult getting them removed. I usually wait for mine to just fall out over time but I can't imagine this is very unhealthy. It is often a pain to spend extra time and money getting them removed.

- Treatment is expensive. At a student price, mine cost £30 which seems very extreme. 

Has anyone else had eyelash extensions? What do you think of them? I would love to get your opinions on them.If anyone has an questions about them, myself and my mum will be happy to assist you!

- Susie Roo and Mother

Review | Collection BB Secrets Beauty Balm

Collection BB Secrets Beauty Balm

Brought this from Tesco when my mum was doing the food shop as browsing the make up aisle is exactly what I like doing when my mother spends hours choosing what types of meat she thinks we should eat that week.  I didn't do any research about this product before I brought it which always makes me feel a bit hazy but It was so cheap, I just thought why not?!

Quality - 2/5, it unfortunately made my face feel really greasy and after a few minutes it went an orange shade on my face which did not look good. I actually had to take it off before I left the house because it felt so greasy and looked awful. Oh, and it smelt immensely of baby wipes and the smell was very noticeable. 

Value - 5/5, £6.99, very cheap

Application - 5/5, went on smoothly and easily and was very easy to blend into my face

Appearance - 2/5, packaging looks really tacky which does not hugely appeal to me. It is made out of a basic, cheap plastic which would be easy to travel with as it wont break and spill everywhere but it just looks very cheap!

- Susie Roo

Review | No7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

This foundation is the most perfect, kind-of-drugstore foundation ever purchased. I used the Match Made Service in boots which wasn't brilliant as the lady just scanned my face, told me my shade and then walked off (not the most welcoming experience) but the shade I was told is perfect. Definitely my new favourite foundation ever. 

Quality - 5/5, fantastic coverage and stays on me all day without going patchy. It creates such a matte look that I haven't had to use a powder on top of it all week! I would definitely recommend it to anyone with oily skin, perhaps not for you if you have really bad dry skin though. It is high coverage and covers all my blemishes etc. If you don't like high coverage foundations, then you could try the No7 Stay Perfect Foundation instead. 

Value - 3/5, £13.50, more on the expensive side for a drugstore foundation and the amount of product you get isn't huge.

Application - 5/5, It has a pump, which is always good since the last time I had a foundation without a pump,I accidentally poured it all over my bedroom floor :)It is definitly more difficult to blend than my usual foundation but once blended in, it looks lovely and smooth.  

Appearance - 5/5, glass looking packaging (not sure if it is glass though), looks like a very high class foundation!

- Susie Roo

Review | H&M Nudes Eyeshadow Palette

Hooray for the annoying piece of hair on this photo!

I usually don't buy make up from clothing stores because in my head they are c-l-o-t-h-i-n-g stores, hence the name of the type of shop. However, I then reminded myself that I actually really like Topshop make up?! That is indeed a clothing store, so I thought I may as well give this a chance! Yano, don't judge a piece of make up by its store king of thing??

Quality - 2/5, really not very pigmented and after a few hours you could barely tell I was wearing eyeshadow.

Value - 5/5, about £3.99, the cheaper price definitely reflects the product. I personally would suggest you save that £3.99 and put it towards some other make up!

Application - 3/5, it didn't come with any make up brushes for those who don't own any but you can easily use your fingers. However, from personally experience, I would say that it is 10x harder than using a brush

Appearance - 3/5, I love me some simple but sophisticated make up packaging but I think the plastic lid looks quite tacky

- Susie Roo

Review | Clinique 3 Step Introduction Kit

I looked in the mirror a few weeks ago and became overwhelmed with sadness at how poor my skin had gotten; it had always been so healthy, fresh looking while now It seemed to look drained and ill. I put it down to lack of sleep due to stressing for my exams. 

Nonetheless, I decided to look on the bright side (new skin care regime?!) and do some far and wide research into some new toners, cleaners and moisturisers. This 3 set product from clinique seemed to tick all my boxes and wasn't overly expensive for something I just wanted to "try out", so, I purchased it and here I am a few weeks later giving you my open and honest opinion. 

Liquid Facial Soap

I used this product first out the three and it truly is amazing! It leaves your skin feeling so fresh, clean and healthy. It doesn't make your skin feel too tight or over dry after use as well. 

Clarifying Lotion 2

This product didn't really overwhelm me if I am honest. Maybe I haven't been using it for long enough? I don't know. Furthermore, it stinks of alcohol and whenever I open it it makes me want to be sick (gross but true... sorry!).

NEW Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

I would say this was the worst product out of the three. It is quite greasy and heavy on the face. If you have extremely dry skin, maybe this would be suited to you but for me, I shall have to continue my hunt for the prefect moisturiser.  

I hope you have found my reviews helpful for when you go out and buy a few skincare products!

- Susie Roo