The difference is clear ...

The #TFWOC Project has really got me thinking about how underrepresented ‘WOC’ are in the beauty industry. Don’t get me wrong, things have improved massively over the last few years and it’s rare to find a high-end brand that doesn’t stock a huge range of tones in their foundations and powders (apart from Benefit, you guys can stick your bloody Hello Flawless! *sulks*).

Although it’s still not enough.

I went to a Collection 2000 event recently, and was shown the new foundations that they’re bringing out – none of which cater for dark skin. Rimmel, Bourjois, and L’Oreal (amongst many others!) also do not cater for WOC and I think it’s just a little ridiculous.

But I decided to do a little experiment, ‘Mohammed and the mountain’ style.

 Yes, that’s me. White. Haiii Hello Flawless.

I used Murad BlemishTreatment Concealer* in Medium, and Vichy Dermablend Ultra Corrective Cream Stick. Both of these products are available in 'dark' shades, albeit somewhat limited ranges. Nonetheless, Murad and Vichy, give yourselves a pat on the back.

Unless things start improving, this may become my daily look – and trust me, it’s 10x scarier in real life. My mum pretty collapsed when she saw ‘me’.
 Beware; I may just be lurking under your bed …

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Review: Vichy Idealia Smoothing and Illuminating Cream

I’m always really intimidated when it comes to trying new facial moisturisers. My skin is so oily and spot prone that the littlest changes can cause a break out, or make my face shine like a new car. This isn’t the case for the new Vichy Idealia Smoothing and Illuminating Cream*, however.

What Vichy says: Vichy Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream visibly smoothes the appearance of wrinkles, and leaves skin's texture refined, and softer. It re-awakens the skin's natural radiance for a fresh, and even complexion.

I’m 22 so anti-aging treatments aren’t something that I’m too concerned about using. However, it’s important for me to find products that will improve the overall condition of my skin.

Idealia is very light and refreshing and hydrating, without it feeling too heavy. It’s got a gorgeous smell to it, a lot like raspberries, and applies almost like a gel rather than a cream. It sinks in really quickly, giving my skin a burst of moisture leaving behind no residue.

Now I wouldn’t have I’ve noticed an improvement in the texture of my skin, nor have I noticed any extra radiance. But I have noticed that it takes a little longer for my skin to get oily. It doesn’t stop it completely; I think my sebum production is linked more to hormones so I rely on products that will help mattify and delay sebum production.

Whilst I do like this moisturiser, there are definitely a few things that put me off. When it comes to the product itself I think it’s a tad overpriced. Luckily I can see a tub lasting about 3-4months, as I’ve been using twice a day it for about a month now and have hardly made a dent in it.

The second thing that puts me off is nothing to do with the cream but with Vichy itself. They’re a company that tests on animals and I can’t help but feel guilty when I reach for this everyday. Ever since I heard that Sally Hansen test their nail varnishes on rabbits eyes I’ve avoided the brand like the plague. “Lucky” for me I don’t know what Vichy do to the animals, but it still makes me a little uneasy. Obviously there are some people that can overlook it; in fact I have a friend that doesn’t like to use products unless they’re tested on animals, because she thinks they’re “safer” (I don’t agree with this, but each to their own).

Vichy Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream is available from the Gordon’s Direct website, priced at £22/50ml. It comes in two varieties, for dry skin or combination skin.

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