Make-up Stash Detox

For the longest time now I've had an overwhelming amount of make-up products. Like seriously can't quite reach because of the stupid malm dressing table drawer won't pull out all the way and I can't reach THAT mascara! It's been a long time coming, but I had to have a clean out...

Revisiting Travel Beauty

I've done a few posts on travel/beauty related bumf. This one, notably before my last holiday back in April. So this is a brief revisit - a kind of lessons learnt deal to hopefully give you a little more insight if you're off on any kind of travels - whether it be festivals/camping/staycations/holidays... You get the drill...

Barbara Daly Long Wear Eyeshadow

The Barbara Daly range isn't a cosmetic brand I actively seek out; it's usually when I'm perusing the aisles of Tesco that one thing might peak my interest, but other than that it's not my first port of call. Now, I feel kind of bad about that because I picked up this beauty for a mere £3...

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

I'd been meaning to pick up the recent-ish new base offering from Bourjois for a while now - typically my small town Boots/Superdrug were always sold out and I don't like buying bases online, so I opted to wait until I was in the city to get my paws on it.

The Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream aims to correct your skin  with three (obviously,) colour pigments; apricot for anti-fatigue, green for anti-redness and white for anti-dark spots whilst providing a luminous complexion, twenty four hour hydration and SPF 15.

Beauty Bag | March

I am so out of sorts with all this work for uni that I actually believed it was the first of February. Ehh, I shan't dawdle on and complain (only slightly...) that time is literally whizzing by. Instead I'll ramble on about make up that I'm aiming to be rocking in the month of March...

Rimmel Fix & Perfect Pro Primer

I know when it comes to primers; everyone has a mixed opinion. Some can't see the point and rather skip the whole process of 'adding another layer' and there are others that shout from the rooftops for all the benefits. I'm in the annoying latter group. 

NARS | NARSissist Eye Palette

I don't and didn't need a new neutral palette, but it doesn't mean I didn't positively swoon when I saw the pictures for the new NARSissist palettes - both cheek and eye variations set my beauty-heart a flutter but in the end, it was always going to be the fifteen beautiful shades of heaven in an eye palette, wasn't it?

Beauty Bag | January

First of all; Happy new year!

Secondly; let's go light shall we? For January I will be keeping things light, slightly dewy and keeping things looking fresh faced even if I don't feel particularly fresh after the festive period...

Affordable Makeup Storage

It seems every beauty blogger waxes lyrical about the Muji clear acrylic storage - you can understand of course, it's minimal and easy to spot what product you want to use, but when you start tallying up the cost it can get a little pricey...

Beauty Bag | September

Whilst September signifies the starting of Autumn for me, it is also the most frustrating month in terms of make up. While there are children going back to school, it always seems that the hot weather clings on for the first two weeks, making me crave chillier weather.

For that reason I'll either be rocking one of two bases this month - the Dr. Jart Beauty Balm for warmer days and the No7 Essentially Natural foundation for the cooler days. Both are lightweight but impart a nice dewy look and are a doddle to apply.

In terms of blush - I'll be sticking to the Max Factor Creamy Blush - it's so easy to do just the lightest flushed look with this and one that I've become partial to. Eyes will be graced by the new Collection Shadow Pencils - just the shade Hot Chocolate for day time wear (a seriously gorgeous bronze) but for evening I'll be mixing in Denim Diva for a pretty take on the smokey eye.

To go with said smokey eye I've chosen a pink toned nude from the Rimmel Moisture Renew range called Notting Hill Nude - it's pretty hard to find a nude that doesn't look too brown, and this is a perfect choice for my skin tone. 

Last but not least I found the most gorgeous grey-toned lilac (grurple according to Elle online...) in the form of Maybelline Forever Strong in Lilac Charm. It's perfect for the tricky transition from Summer to Autumn and is just plain gorgeous. 

So tell me, what's in your beauty bag this month?

It's also worth mentioning - Wanda completely approves of these choices, especially the lipstick. 

Peace!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paint | Rich Russet

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paint - Available here.

If you read a lot of blogs then this product won't be exactly new to you, but the Scandaleyes Shadow Paints are reasonably new on the market and there was one particular shade I was interested in, and that is Rich Russet. The other shades available currently are two silver/grey shades, a light golden shade and a purple - I don't dislike these colours but once swatched I knew this was the one I wanted to test out...

I'm pleasantly surprised by the consistency, it's very smooth and so pretty easy to blend with a brush or (a clean) finger. What I will say is to act quickly because once set - it's set and it took ages for me to get these swatches off over the course of the day (a standard swatch test, am I right?) but it came off easy enough with trusty bioderma and it came off with a cleansing oil too.

Personally I think to ramp up the range they could add some matte colours. I love a slight shimmer like any other girl but I think some matte colours in some nude shades would work a treat.

You can buy these in most drugstores and supermarkets now but currently Boots and Superdrug have them available for £3.99, a saving of £1. 

Have you got the Rimmel Shadow Paints, what are your thoughts?

Peace!

What's in my Make-Up Bag #1

I don't think I have ever done a 'What's in my...' post before - I remember trying to film a video for a What's in My Handbag video but the cameras all exploded. That's an exaggeration of course, but they might as well had. At the time we didn't have the GH1 beast of a camera. But I digress. 

I'm currently using an aqua blue transparent-ish bag that I received as a 'gift with purchase' from No7 - I like that I can see what's in there plus I love the colour blue - nothing really special but all it does is sit on my dressing table or get thrown in my bag. 

Brushes, of course are stored separately when I'm travelling with them - I just use the case that they came in as it does the job perfectly well.  I do want to mention my favourites though so from left to right; the deluxe crease brush (I use this for concealer,) the stippling brush (cream blush gets blended in perfectly with this,) the detailer brush (perfect for tidying up with cream eyeshadows,) and finally the expert face brush - obviously all from Real Techniques. I also have a cheap spoolie from eyes lips and face. You can buy the Real Techniques brushes here and the spoolie here.

For face products in the bag; Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer (it's good, but best used in winter I feel,) the Dr.Jart+ Waterfuse BB Cream, Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush (in Soft Murano,) and the Bourjois Bronzing Primer. 

For concealers - the illuminating touch concealer from Collection and also from the same brand, the bloggers favourite - the lasting perfection concealer - I only use this on blemishes because it cakes like hell under my eyes now. 

Eye products are always on the switch up but for the moment it goes a little like this; No7 smoothing eye base, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze and Pink Gold, Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Bronze and the white kohl is from Rimmel too. If I'm feeling a little fancy then the Eyeko eyeliner gets swished on the top lid. 

Brows get tidied up with a clear mascara or brow gel - I'm just using the Collection 'colour lash' in clear at the moment. It's not the best but it does a good job. 

For lashes I'm trying to use up a sample size of They're Real by Benefit and also my L'Oreal Telescopic False Lash - the Telescopic line is my favourite of all the mascaras. Love them.

Last but not least; for lips it can depend on my mood or what's closest to hand. Currently I'm having an orange affair so it has to be the Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Fruiti. 

So, what's in your make up bag?

Peace!

Beauty Bag | July

July is notorious for rain where I live. It seems ironic as soon as kids break up from school the weather turns and then when they go back to school in September, it's sunny as can be.

Regardless of England's somewhat mystifying (read, annoying,) weather, I've sorted out my make up bag to suit this months usual weather (humid, rain, occasional sun,) with some new and old favourites.

First up for face; the Dr Jart+ Water Fuse BB cream. Covers without suffocating the skin, but produces a nice finish - it doesn't cover any wrong-doers (or spots/blemishes,) but it does sort out redness and leaves a fresh face in it's place - huzzah!

Next is the Bourjois Bronzing Primer - I won't go on about it but I adore it! I apply lightly and build up if I want where the sun catches my face - not for contour, it's way to orange toned for that, just a heads up! I finish that with some Barbara Daly cream blush in Peaches and Cream on my cheeks and that is my base done with minimal effort. 

For eyes it can either go one or two ways - if I really am lazy then I'll just slick some Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bronze over my eyelid and blend away. If I feel a tad more energetic than I'm currently loving the combination of using Maybellines Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze, lightly applied and then going over that with a smidge of Pink Gold. So so so pretty! Of course if you want to take that to evening then I'll just use the kohl under my lower lashes and be done. 

Mascara is the same as always - L'Oreal Telescopic False Lash - I love the telescopic range and hope they never discontinue them!

For lips is just a slick of Mac's Dress Maker - a pretty peachy pink that pretty much compliments every 'natural' make up look I do or can be pretty versatile and be used with a smokey eye. Perfect.

What are your picks for July?

Peace!

Haulin' | Boots

Heh. 

What can I say? One minute you're casually browsing the internet and then this happens. There is only one saving grace to this haul and that is; these were all on offer. Whew.

For my face I picked up two products that I have high hopes for - one has been blogged about by everyone and their cat/dog. The Dr Jart Waterfuse BB Cream was half price when I bought this - so only £9 - need I say anymore? The coverage is light to cover blemishes but to still let your skin through - aka, no mask like tendencies with this bad boy and I cannot wait to try it out on warmer days (that are hopefully coming...) 

I also wanted to try the No7 Essentially Natural foundation that boasts a light/medium coverage for all skin types with an 25 SPF, so no night time wear if you're taking photos but it looks to be promising and a similar consistency to that of the Dr Jart. This was part of the buy one get one half price offer across a selected line so to go with this I picked up the Revlon Colour Stay Ultimate Suede lipstick in Finale. First thoughts - creamy, long lasting and a beautiful shade of hot pink/red that looks a dream on - winner, I say!

A bit boring but I also picked up a tanning mitt - an essential for this time of year but this St Tropez one had £1.50 off. I haven't tested it out yet but I'm hoping it can save me from dreaded orange fingers. 

Lastly the other two combinations I bought were the Bourjois Bronzing Primer - apparently it's useless as a primer but is a pretty good dupe to the Chanel Soleil Tan Bronzer - both of these products look hellish scary in their respective pans but I am intrigued to see how this one works out. With this I also picked up the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Nude Delight - again, this looks like it wasn't going to be a good match for me but once applied it definitely has more pink/peach in it - and doesn't look that brown once swatched + applied...

Overall? I'm going to hide by card now and hibernate for a few weeks I think but I am pretty pleased with the offers/deals I got!

Had an good deals recently?

Peace!

Fashion | Home | Beauty

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Hello Lovelies!

This week I'm still slaving away at work, car insurance is due so no rest for the wicked. 

The bonus is that I have Friday and Saturday off - so I'm planning a trip to the local pub for lunch, plenty of film watching and hopefully good walks with the dogs. Simple things, much like my choices for this week.

I especially love the homeware from H&M at the moment. Cute little pieces you can add in rotation to the usual stuff in your abode. Oh and that jumper? £18 from Matalan but you can buy two for £20... er, yes please. One in grey, one in blue for spring.

Have an amazing week! 

Peace!

Base | Concealers

Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer// No7 Stay Perfect Concealer// Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer// Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer.

Let's cut to the chase - I wasn't a concealer gal. When I was younger and overdid my make up (another story altogether, and maybe I will tell you one day...) I used a scanty amount of concealer and relied predominantly upon foundation to cover any blemishes (mostly redness, I don't break out,) - and then I would just move onto my eyes. No I wasn't an orange. If you're wondering.

Eventually though, I found my way back to concealers, and here is a quick round up of four drug store concealers that I've tried recently...

I first used the Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer - one of my first tests back into concealers (after having gone so long without,) and for a while it was perfect. But the same can be said with No7 Stay Perfect Concealer (new formula,) - it seemed to work for the first initial uses and then come up short, for whatever reason. I found when I used these in the summer they were fine - but when it got to winter they felt drying and clogging. 

I still don't know whether it was me, or the formula of these two products - but they just ain't cutting it for the concealing of my ever purple under eyes (lovely,) or slight redness around my nose. Sorry, Rimmel and No7. 

Moving onto the Collection 2000, I absolutely adored the Illuminating Touch Concealer - a similar product to the YSL Touche Eclat, and for the price range it was a solid contender. I will be buying it again, but I wanted to test the Lasting perfection concealer, from the same brand. The latter is a heavier formulation, and I tend to use this on larger blemishes rather than my under eyes. It covers, blends well and keeps the redness at bay for a solid eight hours. 

My favourite though and I kind of hate that it is because it's one of those hyped products - but it is completely worth it... Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer! I adore the foundation, and so tried the concealer too... what a surprise (sarcasm,) of course it worked and still works under my eyes, blemishes around my nose, spots. It doesn't dry or cake (I have sensitive/dry skin,) and rarely causes any problems (except when I am having a really bad skin day, which for me is dryness in epic proportions, but then I just use a tinted moisturiser if I absolutely have to use anything at all,) and for under £10 - comes into my budget and I don't have to feel too guilty. 

So while I haven't had much luck with the first two concealers, the last two mentioned have done a pretty good job at keeping my skins general redness at bay and under control.

What's your favourite concealer? Any gems you've found?

Peace!

Free Gift Love - With No7

As I mentioned on Saturday - about the Deco Darling Palette from No7, I tend to favour No7 for a few of the beauty purchases I make. 

This is mostly down to experience with the brand and ongoing trust - not to mention that when I do stock up on some beauts, they also throw in free gifts when their offers are available. 

So from my order, obviously the palette, some nail and cuticle cream (mine are horrid and dry right now,) and some foaming shower oil - I'm testing that one out and I'll let you know how it does over time.

The free gifts; a full sized lipstick (classic rose,) eye-shadow (black gold,) and metallic liner (blackest.) Plus a convenient hand-bag sized black mascara. 

Left to right; Black Gold eye shadow, Blackest metallic eye liner, Classic Rose lipstick.

No7 Foaming Shower Oil; containing argan and grapeseed oil. I have high hopes.

Lastly the nail and cuticle care cream. It feels nice to massage the finger tips for just five to ten minutes of your day, usually before bed time. Ultimate relaxation.

Do you have any favourites from the No7 brand? Or never tried it?

Peace!

No7 Deco Darling Eye Palette

It's not at all surprising that when Christmas editions, or Spring editions that beauty brands share them with the rest of the world that every blogger and her dog has to have it. The packaging is always extra special and usually the colours are something covet-able that we don't usually have in our stash...

That being said, in spring I scooped up a No7 Highlighter, post here, so when I found out about the 'Deco Darling' range for Christmas - I knew I had to pick up the palette at least. 

From top to bottom; Dark grey (matte), light grey, gold and khaki gold (all shimmers) - there's no specific product names for this palette. Which is a possible gimmick missed out on. 1920's themes anyone? My favourite!

In regards the colour payoff is why No7 is one of my favourites for eye-shadow - you can build up the colours gradually and find what you're looking for - whether it be subtle or full on. The opportunity here lies with the layering possibilities with these colours for the holiday season... well done, No7!

It retails for £9.95, which is remarkably good - but it is as I type sold out online but in all likelihoods you should be able to get it from your local store. 

Peace!

mini haul, boots online...

I bought a few things on line from boots.com. I restocked my usual No7 hot cloth cleanser, No7 toner and decided to take advantage of the 3 for 2 offer on selected No7 skincare and purchased the Beautiful skin overnight revitalising eye balm too. Which after using for a week so far is proving a really great little product.

Also on my list was some more foot cream, I like to treat my feet especially for vanity reasons, I have quite nice feet, haha!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable lip stain also made it into my basket - a little review of sorts coming up soon! 

I won't go into too much detail because I really want to save all this for a video (once my pox marks have gone,) so I can ramble thoroughly! 

In any case I really do like waiting for offers when shopping, it really does save your pocket when you have 3 for 2 offers, a free gift when you spend X amount on BRAND make-up (which I got with No7 Make up, so cute, I even got a full size mascara!)

So yes, another haul and hopefully some more reviews and videos a-coming.

Peace!

Quick Make Up Routines?

 MUA primer, Benefit High Beam, Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Light Diffusing Concealer.

Collection 2000 Colour Lash in Clear, Volume Million Lashes for Hazel Eyes Mascara.

You know when you gotta be quick? Or, you those days in the mornings/afternoons and you need to go out for whatever reason even though you reaallyyyy do not want to and then... 

You look at your face and think 'holy fuck, I must cover this up,' - for whatever reason, we've all been there, right? A spot, blemish, something that makes our morning routine a little bit more hassle, and let's face it, could potentially put us in a bad mood for the rest of the day...

My answer, for myself, of course, is...

Primer. Tighten my pores, even my skin tone please! 

Concealer. Blemish? Gone. Spots? Nearly gone, but it will do. Dark circles? Gone.

Highlighter. Cheeks. Rosy tint? Perfect. Glowing? Hell yes.

Brow/Lash correctors. Tidy brows. Sorted.

Mascara. Open up them peepers. Lush.

Then of course, depending my mood, lip balm, lip stick or lip gloss. Usually balm or the schtick. 

What's your 'shit I gotta get a move on' routine?

Peace!!