Soap and Glory Lid Stuff in 'Whats Nude'

So it looks as if I'm back after a few weeks of being very busy (and sick with Laryngitis) and kicking things off with a little mid week review!

I love playing around with eye shadow, but I always go for something frosty or shimmery, so naturally headed out in my lunch break to pick up something matte and neutral!

I've had my eyes on these pallets from Soap and Glory for sometime- but never got round to actually purchasing one, so boots having their lovely 3 for 2 offer on sealed the deal for me.

This quad contains three matte shades, a white/cream, a light, flesh toned pink, a cool mid toned brown and one frosty, very lightly shimmered, purple toned brown. I'm a sucker for a neutral eye-shadow pallet, and always on the  look for something small and travel friendly as I'm always moving from one place to the next. The packaging isn't my favourite- I think it looks a little cheap and I could have done with a small mirror but that's personal prefere
nce! 

In terms of the texture, these are really soft, highly pigmented and don't crease- coming from me this is a huge deal! The only issue I've had with these is the fallout- with the white/cream shade I did end up with white powder under my eyes which needed tidying up- again, not a huge deal but irritating nevertheless! These are really effortless to blend, I haven't gone full smoky with them yet but for a small touch of colour through the crease or something slightly stronger they blend out like a dream!

I love the shade 'Aubersheen' it's just frosty enough to add much needed dimension to a matte eye look and also looks great on the lower lash line! 

I've also realised that mud-honey- the cool toned brown is perfect for my brows, I tend map them out with the S&G Archery pencil in Hot Chocolate- another amazing product but slightly too ashy for me- another post about that soon though!

Have you tried this little pallet?
Any S&G reconsiderations for me?

M x

Favourite Bases | March 2015

I've been really changing things up with my bases recently- yes that does mean I've put the Bourgois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation! 

I've really enjoyed using a higher coverage recently, mainly due to my face freaking out, it's also meant I've kept my eyes and lips really simple and concentrated on a nice clean, clear base! 

I've been reaching for the Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation about 4 out of 7 days a week- for work this is just perfect. I have really dehydrated skin, so it sucks the water out of anything it touches- lush! This keeps me hydrated all day, doesn't cling to dry patches and lasts all day long. I love how this covers a multitude of skin sins, with a really limited need to any concealer! If I'm wanting something a little less dewy, with slightly more of a semi matte finish then I always grab the Revlon ColourStay for normal to dry skin, in Buff Chamois, this again is a good full coverage foundation, but isn't as dewy as the MAC offering, this can slightly dry my skin out if I'm wearing this on a long day, so I use this for events, or nights out when I want to look flawless, but don't want my make up to move. 

In terms of concealer, I've really only reached for two, products; so I'll keep this simple. Under my eyes I'm using the Benefit Erase Paste in the Shade Fair 1, this is super creaming- possibly not great on oily/combination skins types, but for me this is great, stays for hours if I powder it. For any other blemishes and slightly brightening under my eyes re. Kim K, I use the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, in the shade 15; again really creamy, doesn't cake up or crease, it's not as long lasting so I carry this in my hand bag just in case! 

Any base suggestions for me? 

What are you loving for a base this month?

M x

Worth the Hype? Mac Mineralize Skin Finish

There are those products that get so much air time on blogs that you think they must be heaven sent, often when I try them I'm bitterly disappointed- Collection Concealer I'm looking at you! I always feel that need to try these hyped up products, so I finally crumbled when I went into Mac the other week and picked up the Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle.

This is a pearl toned highlight with gold/bronze specks running through, when I say gold specks I mean glitter, fairly large chunks of glitter ... I gave this a quick swipe with a clean, dry cloth and took the larger glitter off which worked wonders; I think it was there to look pretty, not help you at all!

The gold accents and swirled throughout this which makes it so beautiful, clearly some particles weren't as finely ground as others but that's not a huge problem if you want a more obvious highlight.

This needs to be used so sparingly that I'm starting to wonder if I might own this until I die, I use my real techniques Duo Fibre Brush so that it isn't picking up too much product, give it a good tap and place it on my non existent cheek bones, forehead and down the nose. It adds a really luminous healthy glow that I've not found in another highlight before.

I'm always looking for a glow, since I've started using more Semi Matte foundations I'm really noticing the difference that a decent highlighter can make to the finish of my make up.

I love that this, like most of mac's offerings, is exceptionally pigmented, you don't need a lot of this at all to get a beautifully healthy glow to your make up. it's also so versatile, I've been using this on my collar bones, inner corner of the eye and under the brow bone (not all at once, I'm not ridiculous!)

I think this is definitely worth the hype- I can't think of anything to complain about here, it's pigmented, adds a amazing glow to you, versatile and seems like it's going to last forever!

You can get Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Here.

M x

eBay Make Up Brushes!

Hello and Happy 2015- lets get things going with a good cheap find shall we?

So, when I was a poor student and I was really getting into playing around with make up I decided to get some brushes from eBay- I didn't have high expectations for these at all, I expected shedding and poor application but gave them a go anyway.  To my surprise these were actually lovely- nice soft brushes good for blending both powder and cream eye shadows, I also got a new buffing brush at the same time- god knows why, I already have far too many, again not expecting much from these but well over a year later I'm still loving these!

So, I got a 4 pack of eye brushes containing 3 fluffy style brushes, great for applying and blending and 1 pencil brush. The 3 fluffy brushes are great, they apply colour really easily and evenly, blend like a dream and wash up great too! The pencil brush is something I've learnt to love- I use this for a smoky close to the lash line kind of job, it's also great to apply colour under the eyes! These wash up great, they're still looking really new after a wash and seem to dry pretty fast too! I can't say these are on par with mac or Zoeva but they are a brilliant cheap and cheerful alternative if like I was- you're a little short on cash and wanting something for your eyes!

I also got a buffing brush, and believe me when I say it's the most dense brush I've ever had my hands on! This is something I had to really practice with, it's great for the more sheer foundations or something not too thick- I love using this with the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum or Rimmel True match! This buffs in your base until its so natural looking you wouldn't believe you're wearing any make up! It's density can be a little off putting to me occasionally as it is more work to blend and buff with this but I do find myself reaching for it on a 'no make up- look' kind of day! I've found washing this a bit of a pain though- really have to give it some welly to get it clean and takes a pretty long time to dry too!

I couldn't find the exact match to what I've got but these are pretty close! 

Have you tried any cheaper make up brush alternatives?

M x

Maybelline Colour Drama Lip Pencil in Red Essential

As someone terrified of wearing a bold lip this purchase was a little out of my comfort zone... but probably the best beauty buy in a long time! 

I'm always browsing for a perfect lipstick/colour, usually this is a red that won't bleed or transfer, will last all day and slightly vampy- not asking for munch huh!? 

I spotted this is all the usual highstreet stores and did the classic 'I'll buy it when I've read reviews' and to cut a long story short I was out the next day to pick one up...

I can't really rave about this enough- the colour and formula are spot on for what I've been looking.

The formula is a matte finish but its not at all drying, it glides on really smoothly and stay put all day! I've started teaming this with Rimmels lip liner in Obsession which just gives a slightly more berry finish to it and helps me stay inside the lines! 

Red Essential is one of those 'classic reds' that will always look  on trend, its also versatile in the way you can wear it as a simple matte red lip, vamp it up slightly like I have been doing or even finish with a clear gloss for a touch more glamour! 

I honestly think this range is amazing, I'm 100% going to be picking up some more colours shortly, I've heard it's a pretty spot on dupe for the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, which I've been eyeing up for a long time- now I don't actually feel the need to buy any as I know this is what I'm looking for.

Well done Maybelline, another great product! 

Have you tried these? If so what colours should I grab next?

M x

Faux Glow... The High-street Edit

When it comes too my base make up, all I want is a glow. Sometimes subtle, think lit from within,and sometimes a little more! Either or, for me this is my perfect finish for make up. I've tried and test several handfuls of products said to give the aforementioned healthy glow and here are my current top picks from the high-street/drug store!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation:

I've loved this foundation for a while now, it promises healthy dewy glowing skin; there are light reflecting particles in this which add the prettiest glow. This really balances out redness and uneven skin tone, it covers nicely and isn't too heavy wearing. I'd say this is perfect for normal or dry skin, possible stay clear if you're on the more oily side! This for me is a go to in the colder months to perk up my skin a little, possible a little too dewy for summer!

Bourjois Java Rice Powder

If I explained how long it took me to track this down you'd think I was mad! I read so many amazing reviews of this I had to get my hands on it and it didn't let me down. A quick swipe of this over my face and I'm left looking radiant; I love using this especially to set my under eye concealer, it holds it in place and a really brightens the eye area! This is so finely ground that it applies like a regular loose powder, with a very subtle radiance! I'm loving applying this with the Real Techniques Duo Fibre brushes so that it's really natural!

Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick

I'm a pale human and bronzers used to scare the hell out of me, I have a irrational hate for orange, overly tanned faces (shudders) I found this and its lighter shades really appealed to me! This is so easy to work in, I swirl the colours around on my Real Techniques blush brush and have a dust over my cheeks and temples to add a lovely glowy bronzed finish, perfect for summer!

Body Shop All In One BB Cream

This a recent addition to my collection, I love a light weight base, I always go for light/medium coverage foundations so this was right up my street. The colour matching in this BB Creme is what really gets me, is comes out white and matches your skin tone perfectly. I've found this just helps too even out the redness, it doesn't quite cover any blemishes (thankfully I have none at the moment) or under eye darkness but a blob of concealer if fine! I love how light this is, gives very light but radiant coverage, perfect for a lazy day with a little brightness for good measure!

Any recommendations of products you use to get that glow?

M x 

Origins Drink Up - My Skin Savior!

We all have a few products that we couldn't do without, for me they're complete game changers that I will repurchase until their no longer available! The Origins Drink Up- Intensive Overnight Mask is something I have bought again and again- this to me is holy grail status skincare!
As someone blessed with Celtic, red dry and sensitive skin I'm always looking for a 'do it all' product that will sooth, re-hydrate and leave me feeling pampered; this does it all!
I got this after seeing so many amazing reviews- I'm that girl who researches the hell out of the pricier products I'm going to buy and your wonderful reviews didn't let me down!
This smells, to me, like peaches which isn't too harsh on the nose when you're ready for slumber, its a lovely mild refreshing sent like most origin products. It's a thick creamy consistency that I slap onto my face about 5 minutes before I want to go to bed to make sure it's sunk it and not sticking me to the pillows. It doesn't tingle or feel noticeable on the skin which I'm happy about as this is for overnight, it just sinks in and gets to work. I always wake up with plump, fresh soft skin after using this, it's great for anyone wanting an overnight moisture surge.  I don't even think this would be all that bad for oily skin- it isn't greasy it's just damn good at hydrating and calming (I found this after a burnt nose in greece last month!)
Price wise this isn't too bad- I got this for £23.00 from John Lewis . Each tube of this seems to last me months as I'm using so little each time I apply this- which is about 4-5 times a week for reference. I love this product, it's a miracle for me that hasn't let me down yet!

Have you tried Origins Drink Up? Thoughts?

M x

The Body Shop- Vitamin E Face Mist

Working in an office with constant air conditioning doesn't do my skin any favours; in the last year I've really built up a collection of skincare that helps combat my dehydrated/skin before and after my day at work, but I always feel that by midday my face is feeling dry and tight, so adding something easy into my routine for during the day that won't mess up my make up was on the cards!

In steps facial mists! These are great to keep on hand, they refresh the skin whenever you feel that you need it. I've tried a few facial mists, the La Roche Posay Thermal Water, Evian Facial Spray, but for me this comes out on top and here's why!

The La Roche Posay and Evian offerings tend to cool me down no problem, they do add literal moisture onto my skin, buy that I mean it's pretty much water, I could splash my face with it... much cheaper! I did love the La Roche Posay option on my recent holidays, when it was too hot this provided an instant refresh but I found that it just wasn't adding any moisture back into my skin, just sitting on top of it, this is why I love the Body Shop version; its great for both cooling and hydrating, perfect huh!?

I spray this on at work about mid day, just when my skins starts feeling tight and a little dry, it's spray dispenses well and doesn't leave one area of your face soaking wet! (whoop) I've also been using this to set my make up in the morning, I can't say I've notice too much of a difference to how long my make up stays fresh but it does feel lovely and wakes me up. The rose scent is actually very subtle, lucky for me as I can't stand rose scents! It actually moisturises quite nicely due to the fact that it contains glycerine, I'd say this would be a good step to add to the toner stage in your morning skincare routine if you wanted something really simple and quick. 

I'm loving The Body Shop at the moment- so expect a few more posts about my favourite products!

You can purchase The Vitamin E Facial Mist from The Body Shop Online 

Have you tried anything in the Vitamin E Skincare line?

M x

Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick: Diva Red

I'm slightly terrified of wearing bright coloured lipsticks; although I wish I could I feel a bit like a clown when I do! Nevertheless, I've just picked up a really glamorous red for the Christmas season! I love the formula of the new Moisture Renew Lipsticks by Rimmel; they're incredibly hydrating and the colour lasts for hours, not to mention how pigmented they are!  I saw this red and just thought; maybe I should give it ago and step away from the neutrals! So I did!

The colour is only what i can describe as totally glamorous and classic; it is a very Monroe red lip that really lives up to the name 'Diva Red' it's so pigmented that when you put it on you don't need to be very heavy handed, it glides on beautifully. The only fault I have with this is that it bleeds so easily and smudges straight away that you definitely can not wear this without a lip liner under it! Apart from this, the colour and texture is wonderful and I'll be trying to get lots of wear out of it! 

Have you tried any of the Moisture Renew Lipsticks?

M x

Monu Illuminating Primer Review

Prepping and priming skin before putting on make up is something I very often will forget to do; I have noticed in the last year that priming my skin is something that really makes a difference, if only to add a glow to my face it does make a difference!

I've been trying out many different high end and high street primers this last year in search of something that isn't greasy and adds radiance! I think this might be a winner! I got a sample of the Monu Illuminating primer in a glossy box; I haven't heard much hype around this product so I wasn't sure what to expect; but it certainly deserves some hype! 

The consistency of this is very thick, it's reminiscent to an SPF, I've found you need very, very little to cover your entire face (it will last a very long time!) It takes me a little longer than with other primers to work this into the skin fully; I've found that I will take an extra five minutes in the mornings to let this work and settle into my skin before carrying on with my usual routine. The primer is bright white with a very noticeable pearly glow to it which is something I love in a primer. I would say this is suitable for nearly every skin type; it isn't oily on the skin nor irritating!

As for the 'soft focus technology' I've never really bought that promise from any skin care/make up product; it just seems a little ridiculous! It does however appear to disguise my pours and scaring from spots somewhat which makes covering them both a lot easier!  Something to note is that this doesn't leave your skin looking 'dewy' or as I think of it 'sweaty looking'; it leaves a very subtle radiant glow that lasts throughout the day and looks very healthy; to me this is exactly what I'm looking for.

As for if it making my make up last longer; it definitely does! I've noticed that my make up stays perfect throughout my day at work or when I'm out and about, it doesn't seem to wear off with the effects of the weather or dreaded office air conditioning at work! Although I love this primer and have been using it for the last 3 weeks I am slightly bitter that the retail price for the full tube is £24.99! I will have to think of it as an early Christmas present to myself when I need it!

I love it!

M x

Rimmel London Apocalips | Luna Review

Hey there!

I've heard great things about the Rimmel London Apocalips for so long that I crumbled and bought myself one! 

The first problem was that I didn't know what colour was ok for me! They're very bright and not too wearable for everyday for me; I went with the colour 'Luna' it's a very peachy toned coral that is great if you just pat a little in on top of some lip balm for everyday, I prefer to use it full on if I'm going for a statement lip in the evening! 

 I'm really impressed with the packaging to start off, the colour at the bottom is the actual product so you know exactly what you're getting! 

 I love the doe foot applicator; it has slight gap in the centre which holds more of the product so it makes application really simple! 

 The formula for this is INCREDIBLE! It's so pigmented that you need the tiniest amount and the pay off in colour is huge. Also it's really hydrating which for me is great as I usually get really dried out lips when I use a lot of lip glosses/lipsticks.    

 So, the colour... It's really sheer in this photo, I've just put a little on my mouth and patted it in for a really light cover, to be frank though this is all I will ever use! I looks slightly ridiculous with any more and my pale complexion!  I think this is pretty wearable when it's used properly, the colour is definitely better for spring/summer time. I'll be using this a lot over the next 2 months I hope! 

Overall I'm going to give this an 8/10, the colour is great, the formula is fab but I just want a little more of a wearable colour without having to work it into my mouth first.

M x

Benefit 'They're Real' VS Maybelline 'The Falsies'

I’ve heard so much hype around Benefit's 'They're Real' that, in all honesty, I was nervous the try it! I hate nothing more than expecting something brilliant that other people have recommended to death and being bitterly disappointed when it fails to meet your expectations! I hesitated to buy this due to this very reason; I saw that there was a free sample with a magazine I get (can’t remember which mag but taa!) so I jumped at the chance to try this out and finally be (what I expected to be) thrilled with its ‘magical qualities to make my eyelashes look absurdly long!’

I'm going to show you a before and after with this mascara and my favourite all time that is Maybelline’s ‘The Falsies’ I personally have not yet found a mascara that will make me give up The Falsies and I’ll be damned it this does!

So... this is my eye with 0% mascara on, I'm lucky to have quite long lashes but they're tin on the ground so I like to add a lot of volume to the base :) that's why I love Maybelline so much! 

Firstly I'll point out I haven't curled my eyelashes for this, I am not wearing any eye liner either! 

So Maybelline's The Falsies has obviously added a lot of volume at the base, it give the eye a pop and also makes my lashes super long! I also put it on the ends of my bottom lashes to open up my eyes a little more! I think the only thing I don't rate about this is that it could be more voluminous but I do love it!  The applicator is great, its bristles, its slightly curved which has given the lovely flick out on the lashes!

In terms of the packaging; I'm not too fussed on this one, I like the shape of it, It does stand out with its bright purple but I think it could be a little more classy if they're opted for black like the do on the waterproof version! 

 I'm actually really impressed with They're real! There is a noticeable different in the volume at the base of the lashes with has framed my eye a lot nicer! I don't feel to thrilled about the applicator though! It is plastic which I usually try and stay clear of! I absolutely love the packaging if I'm honest; it's elegant, the colours aren't gaudy and the shape it fab so it doesn't roll around my draws and cause havock! 

I think after looking back at the photos I'm really starting to get drawn towards They're Real! a lot more; the shape and density of the lashes, to me, looks a lot nicer and my eye looks framed slightly better also.    I have to say though I do still reach for my Maybelline first though; it does have the wow factor when its layered on, it tends to thicken up my lashes better and looks great with some smudged kohl liner! 

I hope this helps someone if you're wondering what these two products were actually like! I love them both but I think over all I'll stick with The Falsies for now! I just can't be doing with a plastic applicator and  prefer the overall finish it gives!

M x

Lush: Rub Rub Rub

Let me start by saying that when I review Lush products, I do hold them up to a fairly high level.  It is rare that I will be disappointed with something I have purchased from Lush.   

Exfoliating, to me, is vital!   Twice a week I will do a full body exfoliating sesh, and slap on as much body lotion afterwards in attempt to combat my dry, de-hydrated skin. So when I'm having a scrub the scent, texture and ingredients are key (I wont use anything full of chemicals and heavily scented!) 

Now when I say I have searched high and low for an body scrub that will leave my skin soft, refreshed and pampered; I do mean I have searched high and low!!   I want a product that will leave me feeling soft and refreshed after use, not red raw and wanting to scrub the smell off! 

Rub Rub Rub, a shower scrub (rhymes!) is fast approaching as one of my favourite scrubs this year; I can rave about it from the scent to its texture!  The scrub is an electric blue colour, with a wonderful, fresh scent. the description reads: 

"When it comes to scrubs, we've got it licked with this fragrant, blossom-scented sea salt scrub for your body and hair." 

I would have this is partly accurate, and here's why; on my body this scrub can be used two ways depending on my skin at that point.  If I am in need of something more abrasive  to get rid of lots of dead skin then i will use this straight onto my dry skin; it does not feel harsh or really leave my skin red and sore; it just simply exfoliates me a little more and I do feel a lot softer when doing this.  Most of the time however, I will use this in the shower onto my wet skin; it lathers up slightly and does not feel to exfoliating yet I do notice how soft my skin is when I am out the shower.  I love how this product will change depending on the way in which you use it.

I also tried this in my hair as it says on tub; I can't say it was pleasant...  My hair felt so dried after this, the roots of my hair just felt unmanageable and also the hair was left salty, so when my wet hair dripped onto my mouth i tasted strong salty water :( grim! 

Aside from using it in my hair and hating it, I can't recommend this product enough! If you're looking for something that leaves your skin smelling wonderfully fresh, nothing to strong and chemically enhanced smell then I urge you to try this!

It does retail for £7.95: I believe that it is a perfectly acceptable price and one tub lasts me about 5-6 weeks so I'm not paying for it too often (also ask for this when its birthdays etc!) 

I hope this helps some of you! 

Happy Scrubbing :) 

M x 

https://www.lush.co.uk/product/335/Rub-Rub-Rub---330g