Sunday 30 August 2015

The Sunday Edit.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment, Lush Comforter, Tarte Blush, Essie Salt Water Happy
For me, Sunday is the day where I can justify lazying around and generally just taking the day a bit slower without feeling guilty that I should be doing something else. As Autumn is fast approaching, I am looking forward to wrapping up warm, lighting the candles and eating my own body weight in food. No Sunday is ever complete without a lazy stroll, a baking session to rival GBBO and a good ol' pampering session, so today I thought I would share with you the products I use on a typical lazy Sunday. 

Make Up | If I decide to wear make up on a Sunday, which isn't a usual sight, I always opt for an effortless, lightweight look that is quick to put together. After applying my concealer to cover any blemishes or imperfections, I go in for a pop of colour from the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in True Love and The Balm Mary Lou Manizer to add a bit of glow to my complexion. A Sunday make up look isn't complete without lashings of mascara in the form of Max Factor's False Lash Effect. To finish off, I always opt for a subtle colour on the lip and the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments have been a great addition to my routine. With a hydrating formula that lightly nourishes the lips adding a hint of colour, there's no doubting that I'll end up collecting many more. 

Skincare | On a Sunday, I feel like I can spend more time pampering my skin and preparing it for the week ahead. Masks, mists and moisturisers, I pack on the lot. The Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask is one of my favourites to use to add some glow, whilst deep cleansing and perking up the skin. When it comes to hydration, nothing beats my Kiehl's Daily Reviving Concentrate* as it ensures my skin will look radiant come Monday morning. 

Bath & Body | For me, a Sunday Shampoo is all about detoxifying, getting rid of any build up, generally just making the hair feel fresh and soft. The Lush Big Shampoo has been my go-to shampoo for some time now when I want to add volume to my hair without compromising on softness or shine. Now that the Autumn is close and the colder nights are creeping in, I am longing for a hot, evening bath with a Lush bath bomb of choice. After popping in a bath bomb, I lather on the Lush Comforter Shower Cream, an uplifting shower gel that leaves the skin feeling supple and smelling of sweet berries. After bathing, I reach for the Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter to add the hydration, keeping my skin feeling soft and smooth.  

Nails | By the end of the week, my nails are usually looking a bit worse for wear, so it's the perfect day to pamper your mitts. After a bit of trimming, filling and moisturising, I go straight onto adding a base coat, colour and top coat to my nails. Essie's Salt Water Happy, a pale blue shade has been my go-to shade recently, but the whole of Essie's range is fantastic if you're looking for a range of shades that are long lasting and beautiful to wear. 

Entertainment |The end of the week usually means I can sit down and catch up on all the TV I've missed. At the moment, I have been glued to The Great British Bake Off and endless reruns of Google Box, perfect for cuddling up under a duvet with my Diptyque Roses Candle burning in the background.  

What do you usually do on a Sunday? What products do you bring out every Sunday?
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Wednesday 26 August 2015

Budget Brands To Try

If you can go into Boots or Superdrug and leave with only one thing, then you have more will power than me. High street brands are my weakness and that 3 for 2 offer needs to be taken advantage of, right? Since venturing into make up many years ago, I have trialled a variety of budget beauty brands and today I thought I'd give you the run down of a handful of my favourites. 

Soap and Glory | Whenever I go into Boots, the Soap and Glory aisle is the first one I scour. Their iconic Original Pink scented bath and body products have continually made their way into my daily routine for as long as I can remember. The Flake Away Body Polish and The Righteous Butter are often the solutions to my dry patches, but it's Soap and Glory's make up range that has shone for me lately. The Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder* is perfect for brightening the face and setting make up, whilst the Peach Party Multi-Colour Blush Brick* adds a peach glow to the cheeks.  

Colab | In my early teens I was surgically attached to dry shampoo, but over the years I have lost the love for my beloved Batiste and stopped using dry shampoo altogether. It wasn't until I picked up Colab - Paris that I began to change my mind again on dry shampoos. The lightweight spray doesn't leave any white residue or build up in the hair, but instead it minimises grease and adds volume. If you're looking to venture into the world of dry shampoos to prolong how long a hair wash lasts, then I would thoroughly recommend giving the Colab range a try. 

Bourjois | My love for Bourjois started many moons ago when I encountered the little round pots of eyeshadow and I was sold instantly. Years later, Bourjois are still a firm favourite of mine, constantly impressing with their cult products and new releases. Although the Happy Light Matte Serum Primer and Smoky Eyes Eyeshadow Trio are two of my most beloved Bourjois, there's one product which is a notch about the rest - the Healthy Mix Serum Foundation. The vitamin rich, lightweight formula makes for a fresh, even coverage that has a natural finish; perfect for the transitional months between Summer and Autumn.  

Sleek | I remember when there was a massive hype around Sleek's eyeshadow palette in Storm, but it didn't stop there. Their contour kit and blushers are both best sellers and for a very good reason too. Lately they have begun to make a name for themselves with their replicas of high end products. The hue that has captured mine and many other's hearts is Rose Gold, a coral pink blush that has a finely milled formula that adds a subtle wash of colour that can be built up to create a strong sheen on the cheeks. 

Rimmel London | When I first started getting into make up, Rimmel, Natural Collection and Miss Sporty were my go-to brands. You know those clear mascaras that didn't really do anything for your lashes? I bought in bulk and ended up having enough to last me a life time. Moving on a fair few years and I have only just started to reintroduce Rimmel into my collection. To ease myself in, I picked up their lip liner in the shade East End Snob, infamous for being a Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk dupe and I got hooked. Many lipsticks and lipliners later, I have built up an extensive Rimmel collection again. 

Invisibobble | Hair bands are never going to be the most exciting topic to talk about, but as they are an essential for tying your hair back on a regular basis, I thought it was about time I caved in to the Invisibobble hype and see what the fuss was about. Although at £3.75 they may seem a little bit steep compared to the bumper packs of hair bands you can get for £1, these traceless hair bands had me hooked from the first pony tail. They helped to reduce my hair tie induced headaches and I no longer had that heavy, tight feeling you get from wearing a hair band for too long. Although I haven't noticed much difference in my split ends, my hair has stopped falling out as much and feels a lot less knotty. 

Topshop | Topshop released their make up range back in 2010 and since then it has become a staple in many people's make up bags. Their striking shades of nail vanishes and high quality make up are enough to get any beauty fanatic hot under the collar. For me, Topshop are the cream of the crop when it comes to high street highlighters, as no one can do them better. From the Glow Highlighter in Polish that is perfect for strobing, to their bronzed highlighter in horizon, Topshop pretty much have all your highlighter needs covered.


What budget brands do you recommend?
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Monday 24 August 2015

Subtle Pink Lips.

MAC Brave, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Petal, Clinique Pop Lip Colour
MAC Brave, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Petal, Clinique Pop Lip Colour
On a daily basis I usually opt for a barely there pink lipstick offering. Although I have collected a fair share of red, berry and nude shades, it's the pinks that I come back to whenever I am in need of a quick, low maintenance lip look. Today, I am going to give you an insight in to my growing lipstick collection and i have picked my top three pink lip shades ranging from a tinted lip balm to a classic.

Clinique Pop Lip Colour - Plum Pop | Link | When the Pop Lip Colours were first released, I was quick to snap up a lot of the shades on offer. Plum Pop was the hue that stood out for me at first glance as it didn't differ much from my natural lip shade, but was still pigmented enough to add a slight gloss and colour to the lips. With a hydrating formula that nourishes and conditions the lips without compromising colour, this lipstick is a must have and perfect for those who are looking for a transitional Summer to Autumn shade. 

MAC Lipstick - Brave | Link | If you don't own it, want it or haven't heard of it then I'm not sure where you've been hiding as Brave has been talked about for many months. This pink beige shade can be worn effortlessly on it's own or it can be used to make your pout look fuller with the use of a nude lip liner. With a comfortable satin finish that lasts on the lips for hours, this has been a staple in my handbag for many months now. 

Fresh Sugar Petal Tinted Lip Treatment | Link | This is by far my favourite hue of all three offerings due to it's hydrating properties and subtle colour. Petal was my first shade by the infamous US brand, but I have been building up a rather large collection since. This pink blossom tint protects, whilst nourishing and deeply conditioning the lips. Unlike other tinted lip balms I have used in the past, the Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments last hours on the lips without compromising on comfort. With a subtle wash of colour that can be applied in one sweep, once you own one, I promise that you'll want to own them all. 

What pink lip shades are you loving right now? 

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Saturday 22 August 2015

Charlotte Tilbury Starter Kit.

If there's one high end brand that just keeps giving it's Charlotte Tilbury. With rose gold packaging and an endless amount of luxe products, it's no wonder that I have built up an extensive collection. Today, I thought I would put together my favourite Charlotte Tilbury offerings that I would recommend to anybody looking to invest in high end make up or add some new additions to their collection.

Base 

Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher - 2 Fair | Link | Despite missing the Light Wonder Foundation from my collection, I have been loving Charlotte Tilbury's other base offering - The Retoucher Concealer. The easy to apply pen applicator and highly pigmented formula work together to reduce the appearance of dark circles, imperfections and redness. With a hydrating complex of black tea this concealer not only helps to produce a flawless base, but it also helps to moisturise the skin making it easier to hide blemishes. If you're looking for a new concealer to treat yourself to that is a good all rounder then I would thoroughly recommend this one. 

Cheeks

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic Blusher - Ecstasy | Link | This two toned coral blush has only been in my collection a couple of weeks, but I've already fallen head over heels for it. As a subtle blush that helps lacklustre skin glow, I have been using this daily to brighten my collection and add a pop of colour to the cheeks. The creamy texture and finely milled powder blends effortlessly into the skin, so if you're after a no-fuss blusher to swipe quickly over your cheeks in the morning then I would recommend giving this a go. 

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow | Link | This was the first Charlotte Tilbury product I owned and to this day it's still my most used. There's no two ways about it, the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow is to die for. With sculpting and highlighting abilities, this palette will suit all your contouring needs, helping you chisel your cheekbones and highlight your features. The golden toned highlighter provides a subtle brightening effect, whilst the contour mimics a sunkissed complexion. Although the price tag may make your eyes water, both shades are perfect for my skintone and I can 100% vouch for how perfect this palette actually is - A staple in my routine.
Eyes

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise - Bette | Link | One product that has got a lot of wear this Summer is the Eyes To Mesmerise cream eyeshadow in Bette. This bronze shade can be swept over the lids for a subtle wash of colour or built up on the lids to create a soft smokey eye that once applied doesn't budge. The whole Eyes To Mesmerise range is made up of long lasting, luxe shades ranging from a soft highlight to metallic copper, perfect for creating various eye looks. Once you own one, I promise you'll want them all. 

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon - Bronzed Garnet | Link | The Colour Chameleon pencils are tailored to suit a wide variety of eye colours and as someone who sports a dark blue eye, I can pretty much get away with every shade in the collection. Bronzed Garnet is an easy to blend pencil that naturally enhances green eyes using clever lighting tricks. The long lasting formula creates a soft focus on the lid and around the eye creating a smooth, seamless finish that lasts through the day. 

Lips

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Lip Liner - Pillow Talk | Link | Along with the Filmstar Bronze and Glow, Pillow Talk is probably one of the most raved about products from Charlotte Tilbury. This perfecting nude/pink shade works at making the lips look fuller and accentuating your natural lips by drawing over the outer edge of the lip line. Although this won't make your lips have as much va va voom as other lip liners, it's perfect for those who are looking for a natural, day time lip liner that will last hours on the lips without being too over powering. 

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick - Bond Girl | Link | Along with Pillow Talk lip liner, the majority of Charlotte Tilbury lip products are aimed at making the lips look fuller without sacrificing moisture or comfort. Once you get over how pretty the rose gold packaging is, you'll definitely fall head over heels for Bond girl. The shade and formula work in sync to create a full, matte lip that is long lasting, hydrating and buildable. This is the ultimate wearable plum shade that perfects the lips in one swipe. 

What Charlotte Tilbury products do you recommend?
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Monday 17 August 2015

The Long Lasting Make Up Edit |

Although the Summer is slowly but surely disappearing, my quest for long lasting make up continues all year round. As someone who suffers from lacklustre, dull looking skin, I am always sceptical about over mattifying my face with powders and products. However after a few years of searching for products that last on the skin, I have found a handful that work perfectly in sync with each other, making for a no-budge, fool-proof make up routine. 

PRIMER | Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray | I've tried more than my fair share of primers, but the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray is one that continues to shine above the rest. The weightless, microfine mist sets your make up in an instant, making it smudge and budge proof. After several months using this spray over my make up, the game changing moment was when I spritzed it underneath my make up, creating a flawless base that my foundation could stick to. If you're not a fan of silicon, heavy primers that feel like they're clogging up your pores then I would recommend giving the All Nighter Setting Spray a go.  

BASE | Clarins Everlasting Foundation+* | When it comes to a flawless, long lasting base the Clarins Everlasting Foundation+ is my fail safe option. With an ultra light formula and a buildable coverage, this foundation is a good all rounder for anybody looking for a new daily foundation that will survive the working day. With a semi-matte finish, this foundation allows your skin to subtly glow, whilst keeping oil at bay. I buff it into the skin, allow to set and then lightly powder using my Nars Soft Velvet Loose Powder to increase the longevity of this foundation further

CHEEKS | Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush - True Love | If there is one product that has swept me off my feet in the past few weeks its the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush offering. True love, a warm pink shade, offers just the right amount of colour to the cheeks without being too over powering. When it comes to longevity these seriously pack some punch, whilst the finely milled powder makes for a flawless application and seamless finish that blends over imperfections, leaving a subtle pop of colour.  

EYES | Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon - Bronzed Garnet + By Terry Ombre Blackstar - Misty Rock | When I think of a long lasting eye look, I would initially think of applying an eyeshadow primer and slapping on several layers of powder eyeshadow, but in fact, cream eyeshadow sticks have been my go-to this season. The Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Bronzed Garnet and the infamous By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Misty Rock are two shades that continue to deliver a flawless, long lasting finish. With an easy to blend formula that allows the two shades to work together to create a smudge free base, these two products are fool proof and easy to work with perfect for those days when you want an extra five minutes in bed. 

LIPS | Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick - Shame* | I know it's still August, but I am so over Summer. Therefore I am starting to swap my corals for my berry shades in my annual lipstick rotation. Long lasting lipsticks normally come in matte, drying formulas that aren't comfortable to wear during the cold, Winter months, so when I got my hands on the Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick I knew it was going to be a game changer. With a rich, hydrating formula, this berry hue is comfortable to wear and long lasting on the lips, maintaining a strong colour for hours on end. Although I wouldn't usually opt for a glossy finish, I find that this shade is easier to wear day-to-day than the average dark lip, whilst the added shea butter, jojoba oil and vitamin c provide hydrating properties. If you're looking for a low maintenance lipstick that is highly pigmented, long wearing and easy to wear, then Urban Decay have your back.  

What are your long lasting make up staple products?

*PR SAMPLE/GIFTED
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Thursday 13 August 2015

Starter Kit | Budget Eyeshadow Brushes

Although the topic of make up brushes will never be the most interesting, I believe that you could have the best products, but without the right tools you won't get the best results. It's hard to believe that a year ago my eyeshadow brush collection consisted of one frayed eye shadow brush and a couple of those double ended sponge applicators. Now, my collection has tripled in size consisting of Zoeva, Real Techniques and Crown Brushes to blend my eyeshadow and make for an easier cut crease. Well, we can all dream, right?

Crown Brush SS027 DLX Blending Crease* | Link | With soft, yet dense bristles, this brush makes blending shadows together effortless, whilst making crease work extremely easy. The domed shape means that it can apply eye shadow precisely, whilst being able to blend it out. If you're looking for a brush that will blend seamlessly with minimal effort then the DLX Blending Crease is the best bet. 

Zoeva 227 Soft Definer Brush | Link | This infamous MAC 217 dupe had me hooked from the get-go. As a good all rounder that packs on colour whilst being able to blend effortlessly, this has quickly become a staple in my collection that I reach for daily. After washing it multiple times, I still haven't noticed any shed or fraying. If I could only own one eye shadow brush it would have to be this. 

Real Techniques Angled Shadow Brush | Link | Although I still remain loyal to my beloved Zoeva and Crown Brushes, Real Techniques were some of the first eyeshadow brushes I owned, so it's safe to say they will always have a place in my collection. The Angled Shadow Brush, an exclusive addition to the Nic's Picks collection, was a brush that I didn't think I would get much use out of, but I couldn't have been more wrong. As the bristles aren't as densely packed, it is great at applying a light wash of colour to the lid or to create depth within the crease.  

Crown Brush C433 Pro Blending Fluff Brush* | Link | Despite the Pro Blending Fluff Brush being recently compared to the MAC 217, this brush enables you to pack on colour like no other due to it's dense bristles. Although it can feel a little scratchy at times, for a third of the price of a 217, this is a bargain and one brush that I continue to stock up on. 

Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease Brush | Link | I've definitely left one of the best brushes until last. The tapered, soft crease brush applies product to a targeted area with precision, whilst being able to blend out product effortlessly. Although this brush works extremely well with powder, I mostly use this with cream eyeshadows as this allows me to create a cut crease or smokey eye with both precision and ease.

What eyeshadow brushes do you recommend?
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Tuesday 11 August 2015

The MAC Lipsticks You Need To Own |

Despite owning an excessive amount of MAC lipsticks, MAC has always been a hit and miss brand for me and up until less than a year ago, I rarely ever ventured to a stand. Although I still remain loyal to my Clinique Pop Lip Colours and Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution's, I can't help, but pop a MAC lipstick into my basket every time I visit a shop. With my collection sneaking into the double figures, I thought it was about time that I gave you the run down of the MAC lipsticks I think you need to own. 

The Nude One- MAC Twig | Link | Up until I purchased Twig, Brave was actually my satin finish shade of choice, but it didn't take long to fall in love with the soft muted pink that is easy to wear on a daily basis. With a comfortable formula, this lipstick can be applied straight from the bullet without any pulling, but instead the formula blends seamlessly into the lips. Perfect to wear with a strong eye look or neutral make up, this shade is a suitable transitioning stage for the Summer and Autumn. 

The Red One- MAC Ruby Woo | Link | With an extremely matte, intensely pigmented formula, once applied this lip shade isn't budging. Due to the matte finish, I find it easy to wear during the day time, something that is hard to come by when it comes to a red lip. Even though the formula isn't the most moisturising to say the least, if you prep and lather your lips with lip balm, then you'll be good to go. Although I am an avid user of a wide variety of red lips, I do believe that everyone needs Ruby Woo in their collection and as you can see by the picture, I seem to have barely made a dent in the bullet, so a little goes a long way.

The Day to Night One- MAC Captive | Link | I think you have gathered by now that my MAC collection purely consists of matte and satin finishes, but staying power and pigmented can't be beaten. As an avid wearer of MAC Diva on a night out, I was on the hunt for more of a day time friendly, less striking shade that still has purple as the main hue- Cue MAC Captive. Although a little thicker in consistency than the other MAC lipsticks I have tried, it still sits comfortably on the lips and due to the semi-gloss finish, this shade is versatile when it comes to daily wear.  If you're shying away from the idea of a red or berry lip during the day, then I recommend trying out Captive, a perfect training shade before you crack out the vampy lip. 

What are your MAC lipstick must haves?
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Sunday 9 August 2015

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist |

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist* | £18 - £24 | Link |

When it comes to my skincare routine, I like to pack in as much hydration as possible, but without clogging up my pores and causing breakouts. I opt for lightweight moisturisers, oils and facial mists to give my skin the moisture it needs, but there is one product that is the crème de la crème when it comes to hydration and that is the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist. 

Facial mists are the perfect pick me up for dull, lacklustre looking skin; but it wasn't until I started using the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist that I realised the benefits they can have when you use them during your skincare routine. Enriched with Rose, Aloe Vera and Glycerin it helps to prevent moisture loss, whilst calming, soothing and softening the skin. When I first started using this many months ago, I wasn't expecting anything spectacular to occur, but I couldn't have been more wrong as this is now one step in my routine that I never fail to miss. 

With a subtle rose scent and lightweight, non-greasy formula this mist is perfect for both day and night. It leaves my skin feeling fresh, radiant and hydrated, perfect for doubling up with your moisturiser or just as a refreshing pick me up. 

Have you tried the Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist? What face mists do you recommend? 
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Saturday 8 August 2015

Four Face Masks To Try |

Origins Drink Up Intensive, Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, Jurlique Herbal Recovery Mask, Quick Fix Exfoliating Scrub
Face masks are the perfect pick-me-up when you're in need of pampering and some extra TLC, but it can be hard narrowing down which one to use. As an avid face mask user and hoarder, I have collected my fair share of face masks over the years and as multi-masking is becoming an ever growing trend, I thought I would share with you my top four face masks no matter what skin drama you're having.

The Hydrating One - Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask | £23 |Link | As one of my all-time favourite masks, I was surprised to find that I have never reviewed this on my blog. The deeply nourishing, intense moisture replacement mask deeply quenches the skin overnight, leaving it feeling hydrated and plump the next morning. With added plant gylcerin, hyaluronic acid and apricot oil that repairs the skin's barrier, preventing future moisture loss and dehydration, this mask is seriously a miracle worker. Although it does a devine job of sorting out dry skin, I find that it is also great for clearing up blemishes, as it gets rid of the nasty dry patches that my concealer clings to when my spots are fading. It smells like peaches, has a non-greasy formula and does the job while you sleep - A must have in my collection. 

Deep Cleanse On A Budget - Quick Fix Facials Exfoliating Scrub Mask* | £4.99 | Link | From deep cleansing to radiance boosting, the Quick Fix Masks have you covered for when your pennies won't stretch to the higher brands on offer. The Exfoliating Scrub mask is a multitasking mask/exfoliator hybrid that deeply cleanses and gets rid of dead skin cells, revealing brighter skin. Although my skin type has changed a lot since I first started using this several years ago, I still pop this on whenever I am in need of a thorough cleanse as pink rose clay and glycolic effectively de-congests the skin, whilst balancing out uneven skin tone. 

The All Rounder - Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask | £21.99 | Link | I feel like I talk about this mask all of the time, but I can't get enough of Antipodes at the moment. This detoxing, antioxidant mask packs some serious punch when it comes to hydration, but it doesn't slack at preventing blemishes or deeply cleansing the skin. With a thin, honey like consistency, this mask feels more like a thick moisturiser than it does a mask, making it comfortable to wear. My skin looks brighter, smoother and my pores less clogged - Too good to be true? Absolutely not. 

The Glow Getter - Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Gel Mask* | £40 | Link | A luxe product I'll have to admit and one price tag that may make your eyes water, but this mask is oh so worth it. If you're looking for a face mask like no other, then this is your guy. In the past, I have found that masks can often make your skin feel tight and dehydrated, hindering your skin's improvement rather than helping it, but with a range of hydrating and revitalising ingredients which brighten the skin, this mask is seriously a must have for those of you who wants your skin to glow. The fast acting, lightly exfoliating mask adds an instant boost of hydration, improves dullness and gets your skin ready for the day ahead. 

What face mask do you recommend? 
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Thursday 6 August 2015

Current Favourites |

Zoeva Rose Golden Palette, Soap and Glory Peach Party, Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede, Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to mesmerise Bette, Clinique Pop Lip Colour
As someone who is a hoarder of anything beauty related, it's not often that I reach for the same skincare or make up product on a daily basis. But when I do, I know it's a product to stay. During the past couple of months I have been trying out a lot of products and today, I thought I would share with you a handful of my favourites. 

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne | £42 - £85 | Link | As I'm sure you're well aware I am obsessed with peonies, so it was inevitable that I was to own this floral and light offering from Jo Malone at some point. With a top note of crisp red apple, heart note of peony with delicate rose accents and a complementary base note of suede, this scent had me at the first sniff. Although this scent is subtle and settles into my skin naturally, it doesn't fail to deliver a long lasting scent that you'll catch a whiff of all day long. I know the price tag may make your eyes water a little, but now I have one, I want them all. 

Soap & Glory Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick* | £11 | Link | After writing my post on my two new Soap & Glory additions here, I rifled through my make up collection to notice I have more Soap & Glory products than I cared to admit. The Peach Party Multi Colour Blush Brick is all that has been on my face recently throughout the day, although I prefer something a little heavier for the night, this coral blush with highlighting properties is perfect for adding colour to your cheeks and emphasising on your tan in the process. 

Clinique Pop Lip Colour + Primer - Plum Pop | £16 | Link | Although there have been some great new releases this year, the Clinique Pop Lip Colour offering had me from the first wear. With a lightweight formula, demi-matte finish and a range of wearable shades to choose from, this collection wasn't ever going to fail in my opinion. Although Melon Pop will always have a place in my heart, it's been Plum Pop that I have been reaching for on a daily basis. As a muted pink/purple colour that packs some punch, but doesn't slack on hydration, this really is a lipstick you can shout from the rooftops about. 

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise - Bette | £22 | Link | If I could have fitted my whole Charlotte Tilbury collection into this post, I would have. Their blushes, eyeshadows and concealers have all impressed me over the past couple of months, but the one product that I can't stop wearing is the Eyes To Mesmerise cream eyeshadow in Bette. The long lasting, easy to blend formula had me from the get-go and the rest is history. 

Zoeva Rose Golden Eyeshadow Palette* | £15.50 | Link | As an owner of an excessive amount of neutral eyeshadow palettes and enough bronze, browns and copper to last me a lifetime, I thought that my collection would soon have to come to a halt. Then the Zoeva Rose Golden eyeshadow palette happened. This palette offers an array of metallic, satin and matte finishes ranging from rose gold hues to sexy smokey shades, this palette is perfect for both the day and night. Although I get use out of the whole palette, there's three shades that continue to blow me away. Copper is king, a rich metallic copper, Rusty Petals, a rusty brown with pink shift and Just A Rose, a classic rose gold are three that work effortlessly together, creating a perfect eye look that lasts without fading or creasing for hours. 

What are your current favourites? 

*PR SAMPLE/GIFTED 
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Tuesday 4 August 2015

Clarins Autumn Make Up Collection 2015 |

Although I am still clutching onto what's left of the Summer, I can't help but get excited when I hear of the autumn collections and new releases. If you've been reading my blog lately, then it'll come as no surprise that Clarins is a beloved brand of mine and the Aquatic Summer collection has a special place in my heart, so when I heard that their Autumn make up range was being released on August 2nd, I knew I had to snap it up quick. If you're after a collection that can be worn both day and night, consisting of dark, muted eyeshadows and rich, moisturising lipsticks, then you've struck gold. 
 
Clarins Crayon Kohl Pencil - True Violet* | £17 | Link | You're probably thinking 'a purple eyeliner, what can I do with that?' But hear me out on this one as it's a game changer. True violet, a metallic purple with a blue undertone glides on softly, can be blended easily using the brush provided and has a long lasting formula that won't budge for hours. As someone who never swayed from the traditional black eyeliner, I am now a changed woman, wearing this purple eyeliner on my lower lash line daily to create a soft smokey look that lasts all day.

Clarins Rouge Eclat Lipstick - Tawny Rose/Red Paprika* | £19.50 each | Link | Next up is two autumnal appropriate lipstick shades. Tawny Rose, a muted rose/nude hybrid that fits under the cliché description of 'your lips but better', whilst Red Paprika is a burnt orange, red with a sheer finish that makes it fitting for everyday use. The lightweight formula sits comfortably on the lips due to plant waxes, whilst Nutri-Youth complex hydrates and vitamin e protects. Despite the formulas being comfortable to wear with intense, rich colour that can be sheered out or built up, I can't ever seem to get along with the slanted applicators as I find it difficult to get an even coverage. If you're after a new range of lipsticks that have nourishing formulas and can be worn as easily as lip balms, then I would thoroughly recommend these because I know that I need and will find a way for these lipsticks to work on me.  

Clarins Ombre Matte - Carbon/Heather* | £19 each | Link | Two products I had high hopes for were the Ombre Matte eyeshadows and I'm glad to say they didn't disappoint. With a cream to powder formula that sits comfortably on the eye and can be blended with ease, both of these shades are fool proof. Heather, a light grey taupe looks perfect paired with Carbon, a black with silver particles. I've never been a massive fan of black eyeshadow, as I found that they often make my eyes appear smaller, however due to the slight shimmer in the formula the black looks softer on the eye. If you're looking for a new formula of eyeshadows that are highly pigmented, quick to apply and give an effortless finish every time, then the Ombre Mattes have your back.

Clarins Eyebrow Pencil - Dark Brown* | £17 | Link | I think we need to take a moment to appreciate the spoolie on this pencil, as I personally think all pencils should come with a spoolie this size. Although this product is pretty self explanatory, I'd like to say that this is one of the best eyebrow products I have used and I've tried a lot. Despite not being the best at precise application if the pencil isn't sharpened, I do find that the formula is soft in texture, making it easy to fill the eyebrows one stroke at a time. What sold me on the pencil is the longevity because it lasts all day long, something that is rare when it comes to an eyebrow product.  

What products have you got your eye on from the Clarins Autumn make up range?


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Sunday 2 August 2015

One Sweep Wonders |

One Sweep Wonders, MAC Paint Pot, Charlotte Tilbury Bette, By Terry Ombre Black star, Maybelline Colour Tattoos, Clarins

Although I am an avid smokey eye wearer, there's nothing I love more than having an extra 5 minutes in bed. This is where the one sweep wonders come in; the shades that can be quickly blended and worn effortlessly with lashings of mascara. Today, I thought I would give you the run down of my favourite shades that are perfect for when I'm struggling with time and I need to hit that snooze button. 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar - Misty Rock | £29 | Link | Considering I am easily swayed when it comes to beauty products, it took me a long while to cave to the By Terry hype. Whether it was the price tag or not, I knew it wouldn't be long until I owned one. Cue the By Terry Ombre Black Star eyeshadow in Misty Rock, a purple shade with silver flecks that can be built up from a sheer wash of colour to a strong metallic finish. Although the shade is gorgeous, what wins me over the most is there's no need for a primer as they stay on the lid without creasing or fading for hours on end. Perfect for long days and Summer evenings.

MAC Eyeshadow - Sable | £10-£13 | Link | When it comes to picking a MAC eyeshadow, it can be overwhelming what with the 121 shades to choose from. Sable is a rich golden plum shade that creates a perfect wash of colour over the lid. Due to the frost finish, it has shimmer, but without massive chunks of glitter creating an iridescent, multi tonal shade that requires a little blending and you're good to go.     

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Cream Gel Eyeshadow - On and On Bronze/Pink Gold | £4.99 | Link | The cheapest of the bunch, but they certainty don't lack quality or pigmentation. With a wide range of shades, it is no surprise that the Maybelline Colour Tattoos have become a staple in many people's make up routine. I previously spoke about these cream eyeshadows here. Pink Gold and On and On Bronze are two shades that work in harmony to create an effortless, smokey eye, however they can also be wore individually. Although they have longevity, I find that they work fantastically under eyeshadows too, so if you're looking for an extra step in your routine that will make your one sweep wonder shade last twice the time, then I would thoroughly recommend these.  

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise - Bette | £22 | Link | Charlotte Tilbury are a brand that never seem to disappoint, this cream eyeshadow adds a sheer wash of colour with minimal effort, but with maximum impact. This rich, amber-gold shade is a easy to wear and fool proof to apply, this shade looks perfect blended lightly over the lid and can be built up to create a smokey eye. This cream to sheen, long wearing formula lasts for hours on the lid, whilst vitamin e hydrates the eye area, preventing fading, drying and creasing.  I don't think I can rave about this shade enough, so if you're near a Charlotte Tilbury stand anytime soon or fancy making an online order, be sure to add this to your basket. 

Clarins Ombre Iridescent Eyeshadow - Aquatic Rose* | £19 | Link | By now I'm sure you're well aware of my love for anything rose gold, so it'll come as no shock that this rose hued champagne shade was a hit from the first sweep. The cream to powder formulas gives off a strong, intense colour that lasts forever on the lid. Perfect with a tan, all over the lid or just in the inner corners to brighten the eyes, I haven't put down this shade since I first started using it. 

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot - Bare Study | £16 | Link | A couple of years back, everybody and their mum owned a MAC Bare Study Paint Pot, everybody bar me. I never saw the hype, but it wasn't until recently that I swatched it and fell in love. Although Paint Pot's are infamous for their ability to prolong eyeshadow wear, I actually like to wear Bare Study all over the lid especially when I want to brighten my eyes with minimal effort. The super creamy formula can be easily applied using your finger, just blend and you're good to go. 

What are your one sweep wonder shades?

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