Thursday 22 November 2012

NOTD: Autumn Cool

A little NOTD post. Today I'm wearing Models Own 'Nude Beige' which I got free with this week's More! magazine. Absolute bargain! This cost £5 on it's own normally, when More! is only £1.50, unreal! And Models Own are my ultimate favourite when it comes to nail polish. Out of the choice of two free nail polishes, I was instantly drawn to this cool autumn shade of nude. 'Nude Beige' is so understated and classy, it'll never look out of place. I think this shade will be great also as a base coat for a glitter polish, I've yet to experiment! Absolutely love!

Wednesday 21 November 2012

This Week's Poundland Treasures..

I just thought I'd share with you some great little bargains I picked up in Poundland this week! Here we have two Nivea lip glosses that are also conditioning balms. And the first two words I will use to describe these are.. yummy and beautiful! I love a good lip balm, especially when it's got a touch of colour and a wonderful smell. And for £1 each (RRP £6.42 for two on Amazon, an addition to the £9.99 shipping cost) these are definitely my new favourite toys. As far as I'm aware these are not sold in the UK, and look like they're primarly popular in America? Not quite sure on that one, if any american readers would like to offer up information. 
 
 
On the left we have my favourite of the two 'Gloss Wonder Balm' in Mango Butter. The smell of this is so yummy, I just know I'll be licking it off as soon as I've put it on my lips. (May need to go and stock up, then.) It contains Argan Oil which I know is going to make my lips incredibly soft, which is just what's needed for these freezing, harsh to skin months ahead. It's an all round perfect everyday balm, with a touch of pinky/coral colour. And most importantly neither of them are sticky at all, which will help to avoid the hair-to-face look that we all absolutely adore in these windy winter months...
 
On the right, 'Volume Shine Wonder Full' claims to have a collagen booster to plump lips, and it does just that. On top of being a wonderful smelling, moisturising gloss, this also makes lips appear noticably plumper without the often annoying tingling sensation you find in other plumping glosses. And with a touch of coral colour, this is another everyday beauty which could also be brought out at night.
 
 
What have you dug out in Poundland recently?
 

 

Sunday 11 November 2012

MUA Blush Perfection Cream Blusher in 'Dolly'

The beauty blogging world has been going slightly crazy over this new product from MUA ever since it was released not so long ago. And being a cream blusher virgin (fears over blending, pigmentation, addicted to powder blushers etc etc..) I decided to jump in and snap one up to try for myself, picking up shade 'Dolly' which seemed closest to my usual favourite and most wearable pinky/rosy/coral hue.
 
 
  
 
...And boy am I addicted. I'm completely won over by this cream blusher. Yes, it takes a lot of blending and is perhaps a little more time consuming than a powder, but it is definitely worth it! The end result is a natural flawless touch of colour that can be built up to a stronger pigmented look if you wish.
 
 
There's nothing I don't like about this product. The packaging, the price and the quality make this yet another success from the ever-growing brand MUA, and I'm definitely going to pick up the rest of the shade collection. You can pick them up here on the MUA website for an incredibly reasonable £2, or at Superdrug stores. My next venture is to try both NARS and Illamasqua cream blushers, as I've heard amazing things about both.
 
I think it's safe to say I'm converted... What's your current favourite cream blush?

Friday 9 November 2012

NOTD: Rimmel Precious Stones

A quickie! Nails of the day featuring Rimmel's new offering Precious Stones in (001 Diamond Dust)! With Rimmel's Lycra Pro (398 Black Pearl) used as a base.
 

I can't stress how much I love Precious Stones! I actually don't think I needed a base colour, as the polish by itself seemed brilliant coverage. This could easily rival the likes of OPI, Nails Inc and other high end polish brands who've brought out similar products.


 
I've found my perfect winter sparkle nail! What's yours?

Monday 29 October 2012

My Foundation Stash!

 
Now I don't really make a secret of the fact that I am a foundation fanatic! Whenever a new one pops on the shelves I'm always excited to try it. So, I thought I'd do a slightly different post sharing the foundations currently taking up space in my make up bag!
 
 
Max Factor 'Facefinity All Day Flawless 3 in 1' - (Shade - Warm Almond) This is the latest addition to my collection! As far as I know, it's the newest Max Factor foundation, but correct me if I'm wrong! I'm going to do a full review on this, because I've been so so impressed with it. I bought it on a whim in Superdrug where it was on an introductory offer at £8.99 instead of £11.99. It claims to be a primer, concealer and foundation all in one with all day lasting power. I've never used a Max Factor foundation before as I've never been a major buyer of their products, no particular reason! But this is one amazing 'does everything' foundation and I'm currently wearing it every day!
 
Rimmel 'Lasting Finish 25 Hour' - (Shade: Ivory) Now this is my 'sweat proof, transfer proof, night out proof' foundation! I've been using this for years as my staying power essential. You can pick it up in most places for around £5, and for the product you get, that's an amazing price. I can put this on in the morning, work all day, and then carry on through to a night out without having to worry if I'm shiny, cakey or it's rubbing off on my clothes. Highly recommended to those with a busy and hectic lifestyle!
 
Sleek 'Be Beautiful Blemish Balm' - (Shade: Very Light) I've professed my love for this BB cream on a previous post, which can be found here. But in summary, this is a great alternative to foundation, with amazing coverage for those who feel they have something to cover. A great day to day, easy to wear foundation.
 
MAC 'Studio Fix Fluid' - (Shade: NC15) I've also given this miracle worker it's own post over here. This is my high end foundation and one that I can always rely on and will continue to re-purchase! It gives amazing coverage with not a lot of product, and is a perfect daytime foundation with the added SPF. As noted in my post, the only downside is that after around 6 hours I start to look slightly shiny. But, over time it definitely grew on my as a HG product.
 
Bourjois '1 2 3 Perfect' - (Shade: Light Vanilla) When this first came out there were absolutely loads of blog posts about how great it was, another Bourjois foundation that was adored by all. I had a similar experience with it I must say. It's amazing at doing what it says on the bottle - giving a flawless, even complexion. My only complaint with this is that it turned me orange. Before putting the foundation on the skin it was the perfect ivory colour. However, when blended and applied it suddenly turned much much darker?! It's a strange one. I'd be interested to know if anyone else experienced this?
 
Rimmel 'Match Perfection' - (Shade: Ivory) So I might have accidently saved the worst till last.. I was so unimpressed with this foundation. It's meant to 'adapt to the colour and texture of your skin', but it really didn't. It was thick and gloopy, didn't blend, was sticky, went streaky when powder was applied on top.. Just endless problems. Don't think I'll be buying again!
 
What's your favourite foundation?
 

Monday 15 October 2012

Illamasqua Pure Pigment in 'Furore' - THE Multitasker?

                 So here comes another review of another amazing Illasmasqua product. It's no secret that they are fast becoming my favourite brand (which is a biggie) and I wanted to share with you another addition to my growing collection.
     
 
Pure Pigment in 'Furore' (a champagne peach shimmer) is a bit of a multi-tasking beauty.
Illamasqua say Pure Pigments are 'Made to be played with. A metallic, high-shine, pure-colour powder that highlights eyes, cheeks and brows. Mix with eye shadow, blusher or use it on its own to intense effect. Bring out your bold side'

 
When introduced to this by the lovely Illamasqua assistant, she suggested I use 'Furore' as an every day eyeshadow, a highlighter, and mix it in with my foundation for an unmissable glow. I've been using it every day in one of these three ways, and it's safe to say that it's now got the seal of approval to be a HG highlighter, amongst other uses!
 
 
Applied on the brow bone and along the top of the cheek bone, 'Furore' creates an unmistakable sheen to absolutely make up look.
 
 
I'm now really excited to expand my collection of pigments, and start to mix them together to create different looks! You can find the full range here.
 
Have you tried any Illamasqua Pure Pigments and what do you use them for the most?

Monday 8 October 2012

Sleek 'Be Beautiful Blemish Balm' - Review

 
Now, if I haven't mentioned before I am NOT a BB cream kind of girl. It's foundation all the way. I like full coverage and a matte finish. After trying to get on the BB cream bandwagon time and time again, they just weren't for me due to the fact that they were too thin and provided no coverage for my sometimes problem skin.
 
However, then I discovered Sleek's Be Beautiful Blemish Balm. I don't know what it was, but I saw this not long after it's release in Superdrug and I was too intregued not to buy it. I think my attention was primarily caught by the 'full coverage' and 'conealing' description.
 
 
Sleek say: "Be Beautiful Blemish Balm is Sleek MakeUP’s latest multipurpose product that can be used as a primer, tinted moisturiser or can be built up to be worn as a foundation. This multi-tasking wonder balm has countless skin loving benefits:
- Not only works hard to nourish and conceal imperfections but also protects the skin from harmful rays with SPF15.
- Is highly moisturising, has anti-aging properties all whilst providing full coverage.
- Enriched with red algae extract which provides anti-ageing properties and protein peptides that work to repair the skin.
- Contains jojoba oil that provides a moisturising formula, creating a smooth and flawless base, concealing imperfections whilst preventing discolouration and dehydration lines.
- Vitamin E protects the skin from early stages of UV light damage and reduces the formation of free radicals that could lead to premature ageing.
- Vitamin C brightens the complexion leaving your skin with a youthful and luminous finish.
- The range includes 4 shades specifically for fair and darker skin tones."
 
 
I honestly have to say, I am completely won over by this product. After trialing it for around two weeks, I've come to the conclusion that for someone who loves full coverage like me, this is the perfect lighter daytime foundation option.
 
The balm comes in 4 shades - Fair, Light, Medium and Dark. Shade '801 - Fair' is really light and a perfect match for my sun deprived skin.
 
 
 
At first try I wasn't happy with the streaky mess it left when trying to blend on my skin. But, after much patience and lots of blending, the result is a perfected and flawless base and definitely as much coverage as a good high end foundation with the added benefit of being a moisturising balm. I'd definitely compare the coverage to MAC's Studio Fix Fluid. 
 
This being the end result when my usual Rimmel Stay Matte pressed powder in Translucent is used over the top:
 
 
Pros
 
Really full coverage with the added effect of almost 'blurring' blemishes.
 
Lasts a good 8 hours when used with powder.
 
Creates a flawless and even base.
 
Cons
 
Some people may struggle with 4 shades if you are inbetween-er, a wider shade range could be an improvement for Sleek.
 
For people who prefer a matte finish like me, powder is needed as a finishing touch. But definitely worth it for the long-lasting end result.
 
Final Thoughts
 
Sleek's Blemish Balm is an amazing product that I will continue to purchase as my daytime foundation alternative. I was shocked by the amount of coverage it offers for a BB cream and by the flawless base it creates.  It is definitely a great alternative for a full coverage daytime foundation junkie like myself, who sometimes has a few spots/blemishes to try and cover.
 
What's the best BB cream you've tried?
 

Tuesday 25 September 2012

Illamasqua 'Ambition' - The perfect blush?

So on my birthday I went to what I've decided is now one of my favourite places, Illamasqua. Illamasqua is a brand that I've quickly grown to adore, for many reasons, and after my little makeover from the absolutely lovely Leeds girls I got majorly excited over quite a few products, and this power blush in particular.
 
 
 
'Ambition' is described by Illamasqua as a 'neutral, shimmer finish'. I'd be tempted to say its slightly more on the pinky-peach side than neutral, but it certainly has a shimmer finish. On Illamasqua's website the blush seems to look a bit more brown than it does in real life, so don't let that put you off.
 
 
The colour is absolutely beautiful, and applies like a dream. It's such a buildable blush that you can sweep a subtle glow over the apples, or opt for a more dramatic flush. Since I bought it I haven't put it down, it makes a great daytime blush and for nights out I apply just a little bit more. At £18 it's probably one of the more expensive blushers that I've purchased, but it's 100% worth the money. The incredible quality of Illamasqua's products doesn't go unnoticed.  
 
 
Pros
 
The colour lasts all day, it's definitely a long-wearing blush.
 
The shimmer element makes this a perfect daytime blush to add a subtle glow to any make-up look.
 
The pigmentation is great.
 
Cons
 
Unfortunately... there are none!
 
Summary
 
This is an amazing blush from Illamasqua that has fast become a staple in my make-up bag. It's versatile, long wearing and most importantly for any girl... it's shimmery! It's so easy to wear that it would suit most skin tones. A failsafe.
 
 
What's everyone's holy grail blush?
 
 

NOTD: Illamasqua Ruthless

So I thought to myself, it has been absolutely ages since I wore a classic pillarbox red. Illamasqua had the solution for me in 'Ruthless', sitting in the back of my collection of nail polishes, forgotten! I think this is a great classic anyway, but especially for the autumn months.
 
What's everyone's choice of nail colour for autumn?

Sunday 23 September 2012

Lord & Berry Black Wardrobe Smudgeproof Eyeliner

Major apologies, I haven't gotten lost! Just been a bit waylaid with moving and whole bunch of other excuses that just aren't really very good...
 
Anyway, I'll jump right in with a review of the Lord & Berry Black Wardrobe Smudgeproof Eyeliner in shade Mirror Black. I was looking for a new everyday eyeliner, and my requirements are always highly pigmented and more importantly, smudgproof and waterproof. Not that crying is a regular occurance for me, it's just that I like to feel.. prepared for anything, if you like! Having never tried any products from Lord & Berry before, I spyed this on ASOS and thought it looked pretty interesting.
 
 
"Black Wardrobe has the ultimate assortment of black liner pencils: because there is more than one way to wear black! All the shades of black you need to complete your look; matte, glossy, sparkly and violet-black. You can choose a different kind of black for each outfit!
For woman internationally, at any occasion, at any time of the day or night, black eye makeup is always in fashion, and Black Wardrobe has the products you need"
 

 
Pros
 
Lasts all day and night - definitely has ultimate staying power. Great for nights out. On my first use I applied first thing in the morning and it lasted through a day of work and a night out afterwards.
 
The pigmentation is amazing, as you can see above. One stroke gives you a bold, intense line.
 
Glides on really easily, yet doesn't feel wet or greasy.
 
Cons
 
It does go down fairly quickly and have found myself sharpening more than I would like. However, at £6.50 I don't mind so much.
 
Removing the eyeliner is a bit difficult, but this is bound to be the case due to the staying power.
 
Final Thoughts
 
This eyeliner will definitley last longer than you do! If you're not a fan of the bold look for daytime, then you'll love it for nighttime. This is an amazing product for the price, and I'll definitely be looking into discovering more Lord & Berry products.
 
 
Are there any eyeliners with epic staying power you've discovered?
 
x
 
 
 

Thursday 26 July 2012

NOTD: Candy Stripes

Quick NOTD post! Another bash at nail art. This was quite a lot easier than I expected it to be and also quick! Using W7 'Sunstone' as the base and Angelica Nail Colour in 'Be Mine' for the stripes!

Saturday 14 July 2012

My Secret Weapon

I don't make a secret of the fact that I used to suffer incredibly badly from acne in my early teens. Luckily, I've long grown out of it and only really get a nice little collection of spots/blemishes at a (certain) time of the month.

I've gone through loads of bottles, lotions and potions, naively trying to find a miracle cure to make them magically dissapear.

However, I then discovered The Body Shop's Tea Tree collection. Albeit a few years too late, but I had given up on anything Tea Tree as it had never really worked for me. Plus, having sensitive skins it did nothing to help that either. But, about a year ago I took a leap of faith and I'm so glad I did.

The whole Tea Tree range is absolutely amazing (especially the Skin Clearing Lotion) but this face mask is something that actually is somewhat of a miracle cure.


As a firm devotee to face masks, I like smother this all over my face and leave for up to two hours (a long time you might think, but this seems to work better the longer it's left on). And on removal, even newly formed spots have shrunk and the soreness has dissapeared. The older ones have been dried up almost completely and are much less visible.

Another bonus to this is that one tub lasts absolutely ages, and believe me, I smother it on thickly. And at around £5-£6 (can't find the exact price for some reason) it's definitely an affordable weapon.


What do you reach for the moment you see a breakout appearing? Any tips shared are greatly appreciated!

Friday 13 July 2012

The Tiniest Attempt At Nail Art..

A kind of quick NOTD post.. Just a little attempt at tiger striped nails.

I don't do nail art too often as steady handed, I ain't. However, I think my next attempt will be the sponge effect that's been sweeping the nail art blogs!

Any other easy nail art ideas for someone who always makes a mess of things? :)


(I used Angelica polish in shade 84 Be Mine Models Own Nail Art Pen)

EOTD: Metallic Eye Tutorial featuring MUA's Immaculate Collection

A different kind of post today! Almost a tutorial, if you like. Featuring MUA's 'Immaculate Collection' palette, I created this metallic look!



The colours in this palette are absolutely stunning, and as someone who, as a rule, doesn't bother with eyeshadow looks, I am addicted to this look now thanks to the Immaculate Collection.


So this look is really easy. To start, I used Shade 12 (above) all over the lid.


Shade 22 (above) I used wet as an eyeliner, which you can wing out as much as you like.


And finally, Shade 18 (above) I used in the inner corners of the eye, blending into Shade 12 and also bringing out into the tear duct to widen the eyes.

Simple, eh? Quick and easy and makes your eyes look all dressed up!

What are your favourite quick eye looks?

Tuesday 12 June 2012

Back... With MAC.

Please accept my mega apologies for not blogging in almost a month, this occured for a number of reasons..

I recently finished uni forever, and so what conceeded was a flurry of applying for jobs, celebrating, getting more hours at work, and celebrating some more. (Yes, with large amounts of alcohol, ahem.) And I suppose I can finally admit I simply lost inspiration, for a lot of things, and obviously blogging.

Anywhoo, I am going to be really good and get back to regular posts as I really have no excuse now, and I somehow seemed to manage it when writing my whopping dissertation at the same time..

When I finished uni I told myself I would treat myself to a MAC foundation and concealer, as I've always wanted to try and I'm a huge MAC fan anyway. Foundation and concealer have to be my favourite buys, as I'm always on the hunt to try different ones and I suppose I'm trying to find the perfect ones. Debenhams conveniently had 10% when I went in, on a positive side note. Watch out for these price events!

When I went into MAC, I already knew what I was wanting as I'd done a lot of research. Good job really, as they weren't really keen on chatting to me or helping me (but I'll save that for another post/rant).

For my skin (Prone to blemishes, oily/extremely combination) and the coverage I preferred (full and matt) I found myself buying Studio Fix Fluid foundation and Studio Finish Concealer. And I was matched (by myself..) to NC15, the lightest shade MAC offer, ghost-like if you will.



First, the concealer. My usual HG concealer is Maybelline 24 Hour concealer, simply because it covers absolutely anything and does infact last 24 hours. However, in this MAC offering I have found my new favourite. My skin isn't half as bad as it used to be when I was a teenager, but I am still left with a very uneven skin tone and the odd blemish/spot. It's a little more than I'd usually spend at £13.50, simply because I use so much of it so quickly, but I have to say I'll be sticking to this from now on. Some days I can even skip foundation and use only this. The big dent I have now created shows how much I love this concealer. Any other industrial strength concealer options people would like to share would be much appreciated!


The foundation I have mixed feelings about... The good points? It offers the best coverage I've ever had in a foundation which is what I love, and it applies like a dream, even and offers an almost airbrushed look. The bad points.. I like my foundation to last a whole day, as about 3/4pm I start looking a tad shiny, so staying power is important for me. At £19.50, this doesn't please me in that department unfortunately. After about 8 hours wear I can wipe a finger down my nose and it will come off (which for some people 8 hours is absolutely fine). However, I've previously been using Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour foundation, and I loved the way that it actually kept me matt for 25 hours. However, all in all I will let this foundation off because of the airbrushed look it creates, it just means going through a lot of powder and keeping this purely for my daytime foundation!

Another note I will make is that if you want the pump, you have to purchase it seperately at £3. Which I think is a little bit of MAC trying to get more money out of you as pouring out of the original bottle doesn't really work.


What have your MAC experiences been like for foundation and concealer? Do share, as I'd love to compare! (Ending with a rhyme, there are no end to my talents.)

Monday 14 May 2012

Poundland Haul... Yes, you heard right!

Poundland has been a bit of a unexpected goldmine lately if you hit it at the right time! This is what I've picked up on two seperate trips in the last week:



Exciting, no?!


Herbal Essences clarifying shampoo is one of my favourite shampoos ever, as I have very thick long hair which needs a deep cleanse regularly to keep it bouncy. Normally around £1.70-£2.00 for this normally so a great chance to stock up.


Herbal Essences again, and this time an intensive hair mask. I've not seen the 'Breakage Defender' range in shops at all, so maybe this is why it's at Poundland? Not sure. But it smells suspiciously like their 'Hello Hydration' range and is an absolutely amazing conditioner, leaves my hair in amazing condition.




Now I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw these beauties! I'm a big fan of Rimmel but never tried their blushes before, so this was the perfect opportunity! In 'Summer Fever' (left) and 'Winter Glow' (right). They both give a lovely effect when all colours are blended together. The little brush is great also for when you're on the go and want to top up your blush. They're normally around £5.50 I think, so what a bargain!


I've never heard of Studio 35 before, but this looked like a great eyeliner brush. I often use eyeshadows as eyeliner so this is perfect as it's angled.


I've never had anything from Almay before, but I get through a ridiculous amount of pressed/loose powder as I love having a matte look so I thought this 'Pure Blends' natural matte finishing powder looked very interesting! The packaging in particular is very cute, and love the fact you get a free powder puff. Haven't tried it out yet so I'm not sure whether its as good as my staple powder, Rimmel's Stay Matte in translucent.


This might just be my favourite find! I've been using Collection 2000's Shimmer and Shade forever to highlight and contour my cheekbones/eyebrows/cupid's bow. I only need to use a little as they're quite pigmented so they last ages. So naturally, I was pleased to see it for £1!

Have you found any unbelievable beauty bargains in the strangest of places?

NOTD: Star Galaxy

Hey lovelies! My full apologies for the lack of posts lately, just finishing my final year at uni and the workload has been unreal! When it ends I shall return to full capacity, honest..

Thought I'd share a quick NOTD post as it was quite spontaneous and turned out better than I expected!

I've called them star galaxy nails because.. Well.. That's what they look like to me!


This was created using Barry M in 313 Dusty Mauve and over the top W7 (a blue glitter that doesn't seem to have a shade!)


What do you think?