April Favourites| 2015

It's that time again, here's a mixed bag of things I've really being giving a lot of love to this month!

Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation
Irecently purchased a new bottle of this and fell back in love, I hadn't really used it for a few weeks and I'm now back on board with it! It's so glowy, light weight and build-able. This is my most moisturising foundation I own so for anyone with de-hydrated/dry skin will probably like this.

Kiko Long Lasting Eye Shadow Stick Shade 25
I only got this at the end of March and I've used it so much!This is a metallic light Taupe, that once on, doesn't budge. I think this colour could work for anyone, alone or as a base. I've been using this under powder shadows as it keeps them on for hours which for me is completely unheard on!

Clippers Apple and Elderflower Tea
I'm a huge tea drinker. but as I'm on a mission to get healthy I'm cutting out unnecessary sugar and dairy (although I don't use sugar...) I also hate caffeine, sends me very panicky so I've been replacing most cups of regular tea with this and good lord it's delicious! I just have this as is, and leave to brew for ages, sometimes add a tiny bit of honey if I'm having a real sweet craving.

Essie 'Go Ginza'
I've had this on my nails nearly every weekend now, as the weather in the UK has heated up, this is just perfect. It's a really gorgeous pale lilac (but described as pink) this is really opaque so 2 coats is enough and extenuates a tan (fake in my case) fantastically. I know this is going to be great throughout Spring and Summer.

Daredevil
Taking a sharp left turn here from nails to Marvel TV shows! This is new to Netflix, it's Marvel, it's amazing. I think there's only 12 or 13 episodes on Season 1, so I'm really taking my time watching this as it's just too good. 100% worth a watch!


Catfish and the Bottlemen
Do I need to say anything about this? Just an amazing band, so unique and relatable. I love putting their Album 'The Balcony' on, on my drive home from work and singing my little heart out to it. Favourite song at the moment is Homesick!

The Spring Tag!

I saw this over on my friend Ruth's Blog recently and thought I'd have myself a little go- as I haven't done a tag on my blog yet I thought it would be a bit different!

Would love to see some of you lot do this :)

What three colours remind you of Spring?

Surprisingly I'm liking muted pinks, unsurprisingly  orange and a lovely Mint green- so predictable! 

What is the first thing you add to your Spring wardrobe?

I don't change my wardrobe up that dramatically, but I've been loving patterned shirts and Kimonos so far this spring! (not worn together *god forbid*)

What is the first item that you ditch from your wardrobe to make it more Spring-like?

Anything really dark, within reason! I've put a lot of burgundies and dark greens into the spare room for the next few months... Trying to freshen things up a little!

What are your ultimate nude and bright lipsticks?

Currently loving L'Oreal Colour Riche in 302, perfect semi matte pinky/nude (very Kylie Jenner) or Revlon Lip butter in Juicy Papaya 

What is your signature Spring fragrance?

I'm an all year round Chloe wearer I'm afraid- unless something new comes along to tear me away! 

What do you add or drop from your skin care routine?

I boost the moisture up a notch usually- this month I've broken out like a mother ****** so combating that... will post up something if I ever get rid of the craters on my chin! 

Do you change your hair up in Spring?

I'm keeping it a lot more relaxed, with lose waves and relaxed plaits to keep it out of the way... I also took the blonde out the ends recently but miss it like hell so might go a bit lighter for the warmer weather! 

Are there any exciting beauty releases that you can’t wait for?

I've seen a hell of a lot of contour kits coming to the high street which I love,  also of new highlighters on top of that to get my hands on!

What are your three favourite nail colours for Spring?

Essie Go Ginza is my favourite at the moment, also Maybelline in Divine Wine (not very spring-y) and Barry M High Jelly Shine in Almond- as usual! 

M x

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

Flexiglaze: Does this Work?

I'm that person who's nails chip after 20 minutes of being painted... I'm on an ever lasting search for a nail polish/ base coat/ top coat that will magically not chip after a day (without having Shellac, I don't want to ruin my nails!) 
Flexiglaze is a base coat that 'Stop Splits, Prevent Peeling, Forget Flaking Forever, lasts up to 2 weeks once applied' In theory that's great! I was given a lovely blogger sample of this so was excited when this arrived in the post to test it out. 

I'll be honest I was expecting miracles here, but was sadly disappointed... here's why:
This is basically nail glue, it has the nail glue scent and texture, leaves your hands a mess if you get it on skin (me). I applied this as instructed: 1 coat, let it dry, which by the way took forever, then apply another 1-2 coats. I did 2 coats, being impatient, then buffed this down once it was completely dried. I left this about an hour before applying colour, which applied fine on top of this, and dried at usual speed, i then left this for another 20 minutes and applied my Seche Vite top coat. So a good hour/two hours later I had painted nails! 

Credit where it's due, this did make my nails feel really hard, they didn't split or break once when using this which is a great bonus, but probably says more about my nails that this product to be fair! 
The thing this didn't do well was stop the polish chipping for two weeks, there was a noticeable difference in the time my polish stayed in tact, not chipping for at least 3 days even though I type/ wash my hands a lot. 

This product to me, just promises too much; yes it does strengthen the nail and stop it from breaking but doesn't have a great lasting power to keep a polish on... maybe this is just personal to me but I wasn't blown away by this- as much as I was hoping this would be amazing- it simply wasn't. My hunt for longer lasting nail varnish continues! 

You can get Flexiglaze from here: http://flexiglaze.co.uk/


Any recommendation for my weak/chip prone nails?

M x

New Year Skincare Favourites!

My skin in the last few months has been a nightmare- since Christmas I've been having breakouts and really tight, dry patches. I've really taken care to make sure I'm using products that are hydrating, refreshing and not too harsh on my face! Here are a few that have worked wonders in the last two weeks and got me back on track!

I'm a huge fan of the Pixie Glow Tonic- I've recently stocked up on this and realized what a huge difference it makes to my skin- I haven't had an active breakout in weeks, scaring is fading and my skins looks a lot more glowing and healthy! I use this morning and evening for reference!

I'm not into piling on loads of serums and creams, I keep it very simple- depending on my skin I will use the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo when I'm spotty or my pores are looking particularly blocked up! At night time I use The Body Shop Overnight Serum-in-Oil, which is a godsend for my skin. It doesn't sit on top of the skin, it sinks in quickly and leaves my skin plump, hydrated and glowing. Also, how gross does it look now? Good proof it's used!

Another current favourite is the Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Day Cream; this contains SPF15 which is a great bonus, but in general is so simple! It sinks in quickly and leaves my face glowing and supple, its sensitive friendly and smells very subtly of rose- which I'm learning to love! 

Last but not least, The Body Shop Vitamin E facial Mist- this is so refreshing at all times, I always have this in my handbag! This is a great step in the morning to wake me up after cleansing, before toning... also lovely to just refresh make up throughout the day! 

What are your post Christmas Binge skincare saviours

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 

Friday Lust List

I'm constantly wanting to try new products, luckily I have some (very little) will power and try to finish one item before buying something similar.  I've constantly got a list on my phone of products I'm pining after- so here's a few! Feel free to leave your thoughts on any of them if you've tried/want to try them!

 Charlottle Tilbury: Filmstar Bronze and Glow. 

My god, just look at it! I've been wanting this for so long but I can't get bring myself to spend £49.00 on contour and highlight... possible very early Christmas present to myself?

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm

I'm an avid fan of taking off my make up properly and a skincare pamper session; this is constantly crying out to be purchased when I'm out shopping. I love cleansing balms and oils they really help my dehydrated skin so this is something I must try!

Lorac Pro Palette

Is this not the most beautiful thing? Need I say more? Amazing colour range, looks like the shadows are great quality- only problem: it's not sold in the UK... hear my cries for expensive shipping costs? 

Missguided Monochrome Chevron Shift Dress  

I'm so excited for autumn so I can bring out shift dresses and ankle boots again! I hate summer, I don't know how to dress, I say bring on the cold! Would love this dress with some cute little boots and bright accessories!

Viktor and Rolf- BonBon

I love love LOVE Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf- my mum wears it so I always lurk around her like a creep when she has it on, I'm yet to smell this as I haven't manage to find it anywhere near me but going by the bottle alone I'm already sold!

What have you been lusting after this week?

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

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

Boots No.7 Make Up Brush Cleanser Review

Hello again! 

So Recently I have purchased some new Make Up Brushes, and in order to keep them in the best condition and get the best wear out of them, a make up brush cleaner/cleanser, is vital! 

I'm a huge Mac Brush Cleanser fan, but as I am trying to buy all my Beauty product on a smaller budget I thought I'd stay in the high-street for this one!

I spotted No.7 Brush Cleanser in my local store; it retails for £8.00, but I had a £3.00 off No.7 Make Up voucher so it was a bargain for £5.00.  

The bottle is a clean and clear 185ml, with a slightly green tinged liquid inside, the pump action at the top is a good reason why I picked this up, makes for easer use when applying this to your cloth to clean.  

As with all No.7 products, this is hypo-allergenic, so that if you're like me, and have sensitive skin, worrying about what is in this product, or hesitating whether to purchase is not an issue.

The product itself isn't thrilling though; the smell is very clinical and smells a lot like alcohol; whilst I know this is a cleaner I would prefer a softer scent to it.  The cleaner does a brilliant job however, removing the last traces of make up left on my brushes extremely fast.   I tend to clean my brushes every 2-3 days with a quick wipe of this. I have noticed that it as not damaged the brushes, it does not leave a horrible smell on them and leaves them very soft. 

The packaging is fine, I'm not overly bothered about it, although I think a lid to put on top on the pump would be brilliant as I travel a lot this is an issue with it getting knocked! 

I can't say that this is much worse or better than Mac Brush Cleanser, it is only £1.50 less and obviously, being from boots a lot more accessible! 

I would rate this product a 4/5, down sides being the pump with no lid, and the strong alcohol smell, apart from that this is a perfect good cleanser, and a bargain! 

M x