Thursday 19 September 2013

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

 

 

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After hearing so many beauty bloggers raving about Nars latest concealer offering I just had to pick it up for myself to see what all the fuss was about. 

 

This is the first concealer I have tried from Nars. It comes in a lipgloss-esque tube with a doe foot applicator. Its a creamy concealer as the name suggests.  Upon application its quite thick, but it blends out perfectly and isn’t cakey at all.

 

It a medium to high coverage concealer, and is perfect for using under the eye area to banish the look of tired eyes.  The staying power is fantastic, I only had to top up once during the day which I think is great.  Usually I have to reapply at least 3 times a day. 

 

Its quite pricey at £21, but this is definitely my favourite concealer.  A cheaper alternative would be Collection lasting perfect concealer, but I would try this out next time you pass a Nars counter.

 

Whats your favourite concealer at the minute?

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm

This is another raved about product among the beauty community.  I got a Space NK voucher for my birthday and decided to pick this up to see what the fuss was all about.  I was interested to see how this would compare with my beloved Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish.  The cleanser isn't cheap, its £34 but, it has lasted me 5 months so I think that pretty good value for such a good quality product.





the cleansing balm contains Moringa seed extract which is known for being a natural healing properties.  Other key ingredients include Wild Sea-fennel and Vitamin E to purify the skin and help reduce the appearance of pores.  The cleanser smells very fresh and clean, its thick to touch and is really easy to work into the skin, it can even be used around the eye area.



I have used the cleansing balm nearly everyday since I first purchased it in April.  I can notice a difference in my skin when I use this, my face looks fresher, my pores appear reduced and the redress I get around the sides of my nose isn't as bad.  I don't have sensitive skin, but my mum does, and the few times she tried this while visiting she didn't have any skin irritations.

Let me know if you have tried this balm.  I'm really getting into skincare these days and would love to know what you are currently using.


Tuesday 10 September 2013

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask

There's a LOT of hype around this little green bottle of goodness and I decided I needed to test it out for myself to e what all the fuss was about.

I'm quite low key when it comes to skincare and tend to leave face masks as treats for using on holidays.  I have relatively good skin, rarely breaking out.  I do, however, get dry skin especially in colder months so I decided this would be the perfect mask to test out as the weather starts to get cooler.

Over the past few months this has become a staple product. I start by removing my make up, pat my skin dry and take a pea-sized amount of product and apply it all over my face. It's an overnight mask sinking into the skin during the night acting as an intensive moisturiser.  As it's a product that works on the skin throughout the night, it can feel a little tacky when first applied so what I tend to do is apply it at least an hour before I go to bed to let it start sinking into the skin.  In the morning my skin feels super soft and revitalised.

A bonus is definitely the smell! Its absolutely gorgeous, even my husband has commented that my face smells like a smoothie.  I think it smells of passion fruit and peaches, which I adore.

Drink Up retails for £20 at House of Frazer. You get 100ml and only need a small amount of product so it will last a long time.

Have you tried any Origins products?

Monday 9 September 2013

A Pop of Colour

I'm going to start off by saying that I know how late I am to the lip butter party.  Korres lip butters have been around for a number of years, and I've always passed up on purchasing one regardless of the rave reviews I saw from other beauty bloggers. I like to see a product in person before I purchase it and these aren't readily available in Northern Ireland. I saw them on ASOS a few months back and before I knew it, I had made an order.


 I have 3 little pots of pleasure, Jasmine, Wild Rose and Quince.  They are the softest buttery balms I have ever tried.  They smell incredible and give a punch of colour to the lips. All the shades I got are quite different. Jasmine is a nude and is perfect for during the day when I don't want to be fussy with my make up. Quince is a bright raspberry colour and Wild rose is a darker berry colour. They smell as good as they look, each shade having its own unique scent. My favourite is Jasmine, it smells like cookies (promise I haven't liked my lips as soon as I applied it).


Korres is a 'natural' brand. They use shea butter for its natural healing properties that protects the skin in harsh climates. The balms are moisturising without being greasy, and are perfect for daily use.


You can purchase Korres lip butters from ASOS for £8 each.

Sunday 8 September 2013

Worth the splurge?

Face powders are back. Last year they were briefly replaced with setting sprays but they have since had a revamp and have returned without the cakey texture.  I want a setting powder that doesn't sit in creases or add a large amount of colour to the skin. I hate powders that look powdery and have't had a great relationship with them in the past (mac mineralize I'm thinking of you).

This all changed when I tested the much talked about Chanel Les Beiges face powder. They are advertised as leaving a luminous healthy glow to the skin, without the heavy powder look.  They come in 5 shades and will set you back a hefty £38.  I chose B20 my normal Chanel shade. You can apply this as you would any setting powder over the main t-zone to keep shine away, or all over the face to leave a healthy glow that warms up the face. 



If your still not sure whether forking out the big bucks is necessary let me close the deal for you by showing you the swoon-worthy packaging.








Saturday 7 September 2013

The hunt for the perfect brows


Eyebrows are, in my opinion, the focus point of someone's face. Along with teeth they are the main thing that  I focus on when talking to someone. Tidy brows tie a make up look together, and even if your having a no-make up day doing your brows will always make you look presentable and polished.


I love thick eyebrows, getting my own groomed on a monthly basis. I tend to get HD Brows, and love how they look, but with constant cleansing they don't tend to keep they're colour after a couple of weeks. So in between appointments I like to touch up my brows with Benefit Browzing.

It comes in 3 different shades light, medium and dark. I chose medium. It comes in a sleek black compact with a good size mirror and mini angled brush and tweezers. 

On the left size is the wax and on the right  a setting powder.  The wax is very pigmented so a little goes a long way. I fill them in and then use a tiny amount of the setting powder to lock the wax in place and fill in any small areas I may have missed. 




The only con I have with Browzing is that the setting powder has a red undertone to it, so you really need to be careful to apply a small amount of product or it can tend to look a little unnatural.

You can purchase Browzing off the Benefit website here

Friday 6 September 2013

Lock it in place


Primers are a product I often thought were pointless and a waste of money. I would rather have spent money on a new lipstick or blush than on a product that was colourless and looked, in my opinon, like a gimmick. Over the past year I have tried and tested out a few different primers, but have never tried the famous Smashbox versions.

Smashbox have always been known for their primers. They have a selection of 10 to choose from so there is definitely something for everyone. I was given a sample of their photo finish primer recently and wanted to share my thoughts.

The photo finish primer is their best selling version. A pea-size amount is enough to cover my main oily areas, focusing mainly on my nose and chin. It has that silicone feel that may bother some people as I know it can cause irritations to the skin but that didn't happen me at all. I actually love the silicone texture, it feels like I'm applying cashmere to my face. It acts as a barrier between my skin and foundation, making the application a lot easier and long lasting.

I can see why Smashbox are renowned for their primers, as I can definitely see an improvement to my makeup when I use this.  

Smashbox is now available in Boots and online at Smashbox.

Thursday 5 September 2013

Lashings of Lashes

What girl doesnt want super long volumious lashes right?  If your like me, your probably wondering how one mascara can differ so much from another. Is it the brush that makes the lashes look fuller? Is it the formula? Or is it the way you jiggle that little brush along your lashes hoping not to poke yourself in the eye. 

Well ladies, Benefit have solved all our problems and it comes in the shape of this little silver bullet.


Meet the UK's #1 selling mascara.  It's been getting rave reviews left, right and centre. They're Real promises to do everything we girls have ever wanted. It lengthens, curls, and gives plenty of volume to your lashes. Its a long-wearing formula, that doesn't clump or go dry like many other luxury brands.

You will see in the picture below how the end of the wand fans out.  This is absolutely PERFECT for getting into the inner corners of the eye.  I love that its a true black colour, and really gives lashes that wow factor.  It's only downside is that its pricey.  Retailing for an eye watering £18.50 this is definitely a splurge product, but its one that I personally will be repurchasing again and again.

Its definitely my HOLY GRAIL mascara.







You can purchase They're Real! mascara from the Benefit website HERE

Wednesday 4 September 2013

Skin Perfection

L'oreal is a brand that have started to really interest me in recent months. I think they have always been known for their affordable makeup, but lately i've been hearing more about their new Skin Perfection skincare. 

While in Asda I picked up a bottle of their 3 in 1 purifying micellar solution and thought I would share my opinion on it.

If your like me and are used to using wipes to remove makeup (tut tut) your probably wondering what exactly is micellar water.




Basically its an alcohol-free makeup remover that promises to remove all traces of makeup, while drawing out any excess oil that may have gathered around tricky areas of the face such as, the sides of the nose and inner eye area. 

I place it on a cotton pad and rub it all over my face, its soothing to the skin and leaves me feeling refreshed and clean.  Its great at removing heavy eye makeup, and doesnt cause any irration to my skin at all.

I absolutely love this cleanser, its cheap and works really well with my skin.  I know everyone's raving about Bioderma, but realistically, unless you live in France or are willing to pay over-priced Ebay prices, you need to be checking L'oreal out. 

Have you tried any L'oreal skincare products recently?

Tuesday 3 September 2013

FABB Blogger Sleepover at Malone Lodge Hotel

A couple of weeks ago I was lucky enough to be invited to the newly renovated Malone Lodge Belfast for a sleepover with the lovely ladies from FABB.  For anyone who doesn't already know FABB stands for Fashion and Beauty Bloggers Belfast.  We discuss fashion and beauty on a regular basis, but never in such glamorous surroundings as Malone Lodge.

Malone Lodge is a family run business, the hotel staff are friendly and approachable, going out of their way to make their guests feel right at home. Its situated on Eglantine avenue, which is a short walk away from the city centre, making it the perfect location for people who enjoy the hustle and bustle of the city  life but like to rewind in more peaceful surroundings.



The rooms are modern and spacious, I shared with Laura from Editor in Chic. It was our first proper meet up, after staring longingly at her Beautiful Mulberry bag, we changed into our new onesies from Bank and headed down to the reception to meet with everyone else.


                            I love open view kitchens


We went on a tour of the hotel, in our onesies, which was definitely an experience. I got some very strange looks.  After our tour we were taken downstairs to our own private room full of champagne and cupcakes. After a brief talk by Gareth, we were led into a candlelit room to sample some deli food from the Knife and Fork. The food was amazing.


Afterwards we retreated back into a champagne filled room with a huge bed for a pamper session with the lovely girls from Skin Medi Spa.  We were also lucky enough to get a makeup demonstration from Rebecca Bryson MUA followed by popcorn and the ultimate girls film Breakfast at Tiffany's.


The next morning, we went to the beautiful Knife and Fork restaurant for a yummy breakfast. Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day so of course I had to have the full Irish breakfast - it was tasty.


Overall, I would definitely recommend a weekend break to the Malone Lodge Hotel. The staff are friendly and attentive, the food is amazing and the bedrooms are spacious, comfortable and relaxing.

Big thank you to the Malone Lodge staff for treating us to such an enjoyable evening. I will definitely be heading back soon to the Knife and Fork restaurant.






Thursday 22 August 2013

Malone Lodge Belfast

I wanted to share with you all what I'm taking with me for a night away at the chic Malone Lodge hotel in Belfast this weekend.

I always find it difficult to decide what to bring. I'm an over packer, and tend to bring way to many beauty products (obviously) and more clothes than is necessary. 

This time however, I took the minimalistic approach and decided to only bring the essentials - or at least what I think are essentials.



My dotty weekend bag is from Cath Kidston, I bought it in the outlet at Kildare village for €25 which I though was a bargain. 

Inside I've packed:

iPad inside my Ted Baker pouch
Wildfox heart jumper 
Primark maroon pyjamas

Skin care
Origins drink me up face mask
Lancôme cleanser

Makeup
Chanel bronzer
Chanel vita aqua lumiere foundation
Bobbi Brown corrector
Chanel face powder

That's all the makeup I decided to bring as I like to keep my face routine relaxed at the weekend.

I'm really looking forward to spending the night at Malone Lodge. The hotel looks absolutely gorgeous and the bedrooms look like a dream to sleep in. 

Tuesday 13 August 2013

The Liebster Award

I was nominated by two FABB ladies Bex and Caroline for the Liebster award.  I adore both these beauties, their blogs are fantastic.  I've been set some questions to ask, so settle down, and enjoy my rambling answers.



Questions Bex asked me

Q1: Why did you start your blog


I started blogging after reading Laura from buynowbloglater (back in the day she was lollipop26). Her blog started my obsession with MAC collections and Nars blushes.

Q2: How long have you been blogging, and what do you think makes a good blog?


I've been blogging on/off for two years. I promised myself recently that I would start blogging on a more regular basis and interact more with the blogging community.

Q3: What is one beauty product you won't leave the house without?


Bobbi Brown bronzer.

Q4: What is your must have fashion staple?


A gorgeous bag of course.

Q5: Where are you from?


Northern Ireland

Q6: If someone where to give you a gift card to ANY store, which store would it be?


Selfridges (hoping the giftcard is for £10000)

Q7: What is your holy grail beauty product/s?


Bronzer, Mac cremecup lipstick, well dressed blush and a nice faux tan ;)

Q8: What makes you laugh until you a.cry or b.snort?


My husband

Q9: What is your guilty pleasure?


Handbags

Q10: If you could have one super power, what would it be?


The ability to turn miserable people into smiley people.

Q11: Can you name all of the Dwarfs from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? NO CHEATING!!


Dopey, sleepy, grumpy, ooopssss thats all I remember.


Now onto Caroline's questions


1. What's your favourite quote and why?


Don't grow a wishbone where your backbone should be.  Always stand up for yourself and don't let anyone take advantage of your good intentions.


2. If you think you were alive in a past live, who were you?

A penguin for sure, i even walk like one according to the hubby.

3. What matters most to you in this world, be it a value, principle or posession?


My family - when their gone they cant be replaced.

4. If stranded on an Island with 5 famous people who would they be, and why?


Kim Kardashian - so I could steal her keys and take EVERYTHING from her wardrobe

Bradley Cooper - well you know ;)
Beyonce - so she could sing me to sleep and teach me how to shake my butt
Mr Motivator - to kick me into shape
Kate Hudson - she seems so funny


5. What's your best physical feature and best trait as a person?

Apparently I have nice eyes so I'll go with that.  I'm very loyal - like a puppy!



Here's some questions of my own.


1 What was your first makeup purchase?


2 Have you found your Holy Grail foundation?


3 What country would you like to settle down in?


4 Are you a shoes or handbags girl?


5 Do you take your makeup off every night?


6 Do you see yourself blogging in 10 years time?


I would like to nominate 

Caroline

Rebecca

Laura

Sarah

Ally

Catherine

Bex

Robyn

Sara

Aine

Victoria

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Summer skin - tried and tested bb creams and tinted moisturisers

As summer comes to a close and we look towards the cool autumn months, I've decided to share a few tinted moisturisers and bb creams that I have used on rotation during the warm summer months. 

I've tried and tested quite a few, each time swearing to myself that I wouldn't buy another, but of course that didn't happen. After testing 7,  I decided it was time to share my views.


Nars pure Radiant TM shade - Alaska £27 50ml

I bought this in the shade Alaska, as it was one of the lightest in the collection. Once applied I felt it oxidised on the skin and went at least one shade deeper. Apparently Nars are bringing out some more lighter shades later on this year. The coverage was sheer, and it felt tacky for at least 15 minutes after application. It only lasted 3-4 hours before I needed to top up. I wouldn't recommend this at all. 

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream shade- light £12.50 15ml

 The newest edition to my sheer coverage collection, I decided to purchase this in the travel size to make sure I liked it before I committed to a full size bottle. I think it's a great idea that smashbox do travel sizes as it gives you the chance to try lots of different products. The coverage is similar to that of a light foundation. It lasted 6-7 hours before I needed to touch up. It didn't make my skin glow, and wasn't very moisturising either.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint shade - Porcelain £29 50ml

I'm definitely not a fan of matte foundations, so I was resident to try, worrying that it would look drying and I wouldn't get the beautiful glow I get from all other tinted creams. How wrong was I? This stuff is fantastic. It lasts a full working day, with minimal touch ups around my t-zone. The colour is a perfect match for my skin when I have no tan on and it contains a tiny bit of shimmer that looks beautiful when applied. You get a huge amount for you money and the shade range is great. The only downside is they don't have a counter in Northern Ireland, so it's a gamble when purchasing.

Chantecaille Just Skin shade - Bliss £57 50g

If its good it's going to be expensive. I met this little beauty 3 years ago and have returned to space nk twice forking out the big bucks each time. A tiny amount goes a long way, it gives great coverage, for a tinted moisturiser covering all redness around the nose area and does a good job at hiding (not completely) my under eye circles. I guess the question most people will ask is, is it worth it? I'm gonna say yes. It's completely different from any TM iv ever tried, the coverage, lasting power and "glow" that I get is unlike any other and I really can't image not having this in my collection.

Dior Skin Nude BB Cream shade - 002 £25.50 30 ml

My favourite BB Cream of all, although the coverage is sheer, it completely evens out my skin tone leaving the most beautiful coverage to my face. Its completely fool proof, I apply this with my hands instead of a brush and I definitely prefer this. BB Creams are meant to be easy and fuss free so I think it's better to leave the brushes for the heavy duty stuff. Enhanced with mineralised floral water and a blend of antioxidants it perfects my skin while give it enough moisture and SPF 10 at the same time. I still need to use concealer under my eyes as I have quite prominent blue veins that need hidden. 

Dior Hydra Life BB Cream £41 50ml

This was definitely the biggest fail out of all the BB Creams I've tested. I like to set aside the fake tan when the sun comes out and get a natural tan instead, so of course, I start the summer quite pale meaning I need a light shade. This stuff turned my NC20/25 skin bright ORANGE. I literally applied a pea-sized amount all over my face and all the blending in the world wasn't making this any sheerer. This was a gift but I would definitely recommend testing this out in the shop before you purchase as its completely different to Dior Skin Nude.

L'oreal CC Cream anti-redness £8.99 30 ml

The only CC Cream I have ever tried. I see this as more of a primer, it didn't even out my skin tone, in fact there is no coverage at all with this cream. It's a gritty cream that doesn't moisturise the skin at all, it actually leaves the skin feeling oily once applied. It's definitely an unnecessary step in the morning. You would be better with a good moisturiser and concealer on any areas you needed covered.



Thursday 4 July 2013

Updated whats in my makeup bag

I wanted to update you all on my favourite products that I have to keep with me at all times.

                 

My must have beauty products:

Bath and body works hand sanitizer
Korres lip butter
Cath Kitson mirror
Jo Malone english pear and fresia cologne
Bourjois bronzing primer


What's your favourite products at the moment?

Tuesday 2 July 2013

St Moritz - instant self tanner

As a fake tan addict I was excited to try St Moritz. A supposed dupe of St Tropez, I was interested to see if it lived up the hype. 

It cost a mere £3 opposed to St Tropez £25. I wasn't going to be too annoyed if it didn't work out as I wasn't forking out a lot of money.

I bought it in the shade medium which I thought would be a perfect match for my skin tone. At the moment I'm very pale, my poor legs haven't seen sun since last July, and were in dire need of a touch of colour.

 When you first squeeze the product out of the bottle you will notice how thick and sticky it feels. Don't be alarmed by this, I found it very easy to blend, and the sticky/tacky feel quickly didn't last long.


     


I applied one layer to my right leg. You will see it just gives my leg a golden glow. It's only a couple of shades darker than my left leg and looks very natural. 

What I love about this tan - (apart from the price of course), is that it is so easy to work with and looks great all over the body including my face. It gives a perfect all over glow that I sometimes think I don't get from St Tropez.

If your on the market for an instant tan, I would definitely recommend giving this a try. I bought mine in Tesco's. Why not throw it in your trolly as a Friday treat when you pick up the groceries?


Sunday 30 June 2013

25 facts about me

1. I have an obsession with handbags, designer to be precise - Prada your next ;)

2. I worry about everything. Work, family, my dog, absolutely everything. 

3. I can't stand bad breath, I always carry mints and gum.

4. I still don't know what I'm doing with my life. I graduated with a degree in history hoping to teach but after working in a school for two years I decided it definitely wasn't for me.

5. I can't watch scary films, I cry when someone gets hurt and shout at the hubby for making me watch it.

6. I own about 50 bottles of foundation and still haven't found my holy grail.

7. I love the idea of high heels but prefer to be dressed down in converse.

8. My black leather jacket from river island is the most worn item in my wardrobe.

9. I joined the gym 3 months ago and have only went to it twice.

10. I failed my driving test 4 times and luckily passed it the week before my theory ran out.

11. I love dogs, especially my beautiful lab Diesel.

12. I first got into reading blogs during my 3rd year at uni. Laura aka lollipop26  back in the day was a daily read.

13. I love bread, If I had to choose one thing to live on for the rest of my life it would be Veda.

14. I prefer crisps over chocolate.

15. I adore watching the Kardashians just so I can look at their makeup and handbags.

16. I have to have my nails done or else I don't feel tidy.

17. I must sleep on the left side of the bed, and turn at least 5 times before I can fall asleep.

18. I'm double jointed.

19. I couldn't ride a bike without stabilisers until I was 9.

20. I can't swim. My mum took me to lessons when I was in primary school but I walked across the pool the whole time.

21. I hate taxis and refuse to ever get in one. 

22. There's only 5 people in the world that I fully trust.

23. I can't stand people who have no manners. It isn't hard to say please and thank you.

24. I hate jealousy. Be happy for other people's blessings, it's healthier than spending your time being jealous.

25. I spend half my day thinking about moving to America. It's a dream of my husbands too, so we definitely plan on making it happen soon.


Tuesday 25 June 2013

A little treat

It's been ages since my last post, I have been so busy lately with work, and decorating our house, that blogging has definitely taken a back seat.  However, I'm back this month with lots of posts and a very empty Wallet thanks to a recent visit to my favourite shop.

As you can see from the picture below I made a sneaky visit to Mulberry. Recently I have been more interested in accessories to go inside my bag than actual bags - weird I know. I'm obsessed with glossy goat leather, I love how soft and squishy the it is. 


Drum roll please


How beautiful is my new blush coloured pouch with rose gold hardware? I'm absolutely in love with it. It holds a lot and can be used as both a makeup bag and an evening clutch. In fact, I read recently on the Purse Forum that some clever girly decided to put a long rose gold chain inside the bag to use it as a cross body bag. I thought this was a genius idea and a really versatile way to style the pouch.


Have you treated yourself to anything extra special lately?

Monday 22 April 2013

Rimmel Apocolips: Review and Swatches shade Apocaliptic

I recently got the chance to try Rimmel's new Apocolip lip lacquer in Apocaliptic - a vibrant fuchsia shade. There are 8 shades in the range, and they run from the usual muted nude to classic red.

Although I have only tried one from the range I cannot praise these lip lacquers enough. The consistency is really creamy and opaque. The applicator itself is quite unique. It has a slight dip in the middle which seems to store extra lip product so you don't need to keep dipping into the tube to get more product out.

Once applied to the lips it feels really moisturising, but after 15 minutes or so I found it dried matte but didn't leave my lips looking dry, which is a major bonus! The lasting power is fantastic. I applied it early morning and there was still a stain on my lips late on in the day.

I'm really impressed with the Rimmel lip lacquers and will definitely be purchasing some other shades in the range.



Updated FOTD

Step 1 - Apply a small amount of MAC strobe cream all over the face, and let it sink into the skin for about 5 minutes.

Step 2 - Shake MAC face and body foundation and apply it with a Real Techniques foundation brush. It takes about 30 seconds for this foundation to set on the skin and make it look instantly radiant.

Step 3 - I always like to leave a few minutes between applying my base and highlighting, so during this time I like to move onto eyebrows. At the moment Im enjoying Benefit Browzing wax applied with a MAC angled brush.

Step 4 - Now that the foundation has set I take my Mac highlighting pen and apply it around my eyes, down the bridge of my nose, my forehead, chin and temples.

Step 5 - Contour cheeks with Nars Laguna bronzer. I have tried many bronzers but I always come back to this one.

Step 6 - Apply a small amount of MAC peony blush on my cheek bones. I tend to not apply it to my cheeks as they're chubby enough without making them anymore noticeable.

Step 7 - Apply Rimmel lash accelerator to the bottom lashes and NYC big curl to the top lashes.

The final two steps are to spritz Urban Decay all nighter spray all over to set my makeup and then add whatever lip colour I'm in the mood for. Lately my lip colour of choice has been Rimmel Apocolips - it's a gorgeous fuchsia colour that really makes my eyes pop!

Here's a picture of me with the finished look.

Updated whats in my makeup bag.

I have two favourite posts to read, the first is "what's in my purse" and the second is "what's in my makeup bag." These posts have been done many times by hundreds of bloggers, and to me they are an insight into what a person is really like - FYI I'm a hoarder.

I recently purchased this beautiful Ted Baker makeup bag and decided to empty out the contents and give you all a peak inside.

MAC Face and Body Foundation

MAC Peony Blush

NARS The Happening Palette

MAC Prep and Prime Highlighter

MAC Strobe Cream

Dior Amber Diamonds Highlighter

Benefit Browzing

Rimmel Apocolips

NYC Big Curl Mascara

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara


Thursday 11 April 2013

Nars The Happening Palette

Nars spring collection 2013 has 2 limited edition palettes. One called And God Created The Woman and the other called The Happening Palette. The first palette contains 6 eyeshadows a mini eyeshadow primer and brush. I already have both Urban Decay naked palettes so I skipped this palette and went straight for the little beauty below.

I debated this palette for so long that it sold out everywhere. I rang Space nk out of desperation and was told I had no hope of getting it as it was limited edition and they had completely sold out. Fast forward 5 days and my coveted palette is back in stock at SPACE NK of all places.

The palette contains my all time favourite orgasm blusher and Laguna bronzer. The 4 eye shadows are all wearable everyday shades with the top two colours being my go to colours. A huge bonus with the palette is the huge mirror inside that makes it a perfect handbag essential.

Laguna bronzer is my all time favourite, it's the perfect matte brown colour that contains a very small amount of shimmer so it doesn't make it look completely flat on the face. Orgasm blusher is a salmon colour with quite a bit of shimmer. A similar colour without the shimmer is Benefit Coralista.

The centre of the palette contains 4 eyeshadow a:

Night star - sheer peach shadow with a lot of shimmer.

Gstaad - exclusive to this palette, it's a dark taupe colour.

Kuala Lumpur - shimmery plum colour. I don't like purple shades on the eyes so I doubt I will use this much.

Coconut grove - dark matte brown with a hint of shimmer.

The palette currently retails for £45 at Space nk






NYC Polishes

This week I had the opportunity to try out some vibrant nail polishes from the NYC s/s13 range. I've never tried any NYC products so I was excited to see what they had on offer. The shades I got to try were high end green - a gorgeous grass green colour, water street blue - a bright sea blue shade and Lexington yellow - it reminds me of a yellow taxi in NYC.

Im so glad I got to test out these colours as they're not shades I would of purchased for myself. All 3 shades are perfect for summer - if we get any sun in rainy NI that it. I applied 3 coats to give a completely opaque finish and used nails inc Chelsea bridge to give a glossy finish.



Wednesday 27 March 2013

What's on my beside table?

I seen a few posts like this a couple of months ago and thought it was a really good idea for a post, and a sneak peak into my favourite things.

I like to keep my bedside table quite simple, as its a small space and I don't like a lot of clutter. There are some necessities that I need to have beside me at night to help me drift off peacefully..,

I never go anywhere without my iPhone, and love having it beside me at night playing some chill out music before I drift off.

I always light my Jo Malone candle before bed for about 20 minutes. My husband thinks the scent is way to strong but I absolutely love pomegranate noir, it relaxes me and the scent lingers through the night and its the first thing I can smell when I wake up.

I have two moisturisers by my bed. Jo Malone hand lotion and Lush dream moisturiser. I use them both each night and they leave my skin smelling beautiful and feeling very soft.

I apply By Terry Baume de rose every night before bed and wake up with slightly plumed lips. The smell of roses is so relaxing and leaves a gorgeous feel to the lips.

The trinket box was bought by my Granda and I absolutely love it. I keep my favourite jewellery in it and it always reminds me of him.

So there we have it guys, everything I keep on my bed side table. It's very minimalistic but that's how I like things to be.



Tuesday 26 March 2013

As natural as I can go

If you follow my blog you will have realised that I love fake tan. Iv tried them all, the good the bad and the orange. I long for a bronzed glow sported by the likes of Millie Mackintosh and Cheryl Cole.

While searching through YouTube I came across All that Glitters21 and decided to watch her latest "get ready with me" video. She's a pale girl, like myself, and it made me want to embrace my pale skin and put the fake tan away for a while.

When I say I'm pale I really do mean it. I have a lot of redness in my face and my neck is pure white, which makes it hard for makeup artists to colour match.

I had previously purchased Laura Mercier silk creme foundation in creme ivory and decided to give it another go this week. It matches my skin tone perfectly and you only need a tiny amount.

So far I am loving the paler look. Fake tan is a lot of maintenance and it's hard to find a shade that looks natural on your skin. I'm quite a fickle person when it comes to my beauty regime so we shall see how long this lasts.

Do you tan every week?



Sunday 3 March 2013

Beauty Blender

When Beauty Blenders first hit our shelves a few years ago, I remember rushing out to buy one. I think I tried it twice and then threw it away as I didn't like the finish it gave. Of course, I was using it wrong, I never used it wet like the instructions said so instead of getting a flawless finish I got a patchy mess.

When I was in Boots i decided to pick up the Beauty Blender again and give it another go. I have seen it in many YouTube videos and loved the finish it gave. The sponge comes in an egg shape and has a high point on it which really helps to get into all the awkward places a foundation brush can't seem to reach, like the sides of the nose and around the eye area.



L'oreal CC Cream

This was definitely a shopping-on-a-whim moment. I DO NOT need any more foundations or primers but of course I can't help myself. I always say I hate gimmick products but I'm usually the one who buys them.

I have good skin, I rarely get spots and if I do there so tiny you would be a magnifying glass to see them (don't hate me). I do however, have redness around my nose and cheeks. My mum has it as well so I guess it's in the genes. When I saw that the CC Cream claimed to take away redness I decided I had to try it out.

CC cream or colour correcting cream to give it, it's full title claims to provide 5 things:

Flawless coverage
Perfectly even skin texture
Fresh dewy glow
24hour hydration
SPF 12

On first application I though It was strange product as it comes out of the tube bright green but as soon as you start blending it into the skin it transforms into a foundation. I only applied it to the areas that had redness and on first impressions, it does take away the redness on my face. It's a very light weight product, maybe even a little oily so I don't know how I would feel applying this as just my base.

It's still early days with this product but I will continue to use it as I do think it makes a difference to my areas of concern. Redness is something I will always have but anything that can help to even out my skin will definitely be staying in my makeup bag.

Well done L'oreal.



By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra-Powder

I recently went to London for a few days and stumbled (purposely of course) across Space nk at Knightsbridge. I was warmly greated as I entered the shop by a lovely MUA who offered to give me a By Terry Makeover!

I adore By Terry products, especially the Baume de rose and touché veloutee. The MUA prepped my skin with gelee de rose before applying Cover-Expert foundation (more on that in another post). When she mentioned applying the Hydra-Powder my heart sank a little, I loved the luminous look that the cover expert gave my skin and was hesitant that the powder would completely mattify the skin and make it look one dimensional.

How wrong was I! The powder completely changed the way my skin looked. My pores were invisible and all imperfections vanished. You only need a tiny amount of powder to achieve a flawless finish that will last all day. The powder can be used before or after makeup application, and contains Hyaluronic acid which helps to retain moisture in the skin.

Of course such a fantastic powder comes with a hefty price tag £41 for 10g. But as I have previously mentioned you only need a tiny amount of powder. I do think it would be better in a pressed powder, however, I know loose powders give a more flawless finish.





Wednesday 9 January 2013

The leather effect

I have never really been interested in nail polish, It didn't seem to suit me and usually chipped after being on a day. However, I have been really interested to try Nails Inc new leather effect polish, which like the name suggests, makes your nails look like leather.




The set is available at Selfridges for £19 and includes polish and skulls to bling up your nails.
As I'm not that into polish £19 seemed a bit steep for me, so I decided to test out a polish I had spotted while browsing the Rimmel stand.
Let me introduce you to my cheaper alternative, Rimmel stay matte top coat. I applied one layer of Essie 'over the edge' let it dry and then applied the Rimmel top coat over it.




The results are very similar to that of the Nails Inc leather polish, but a lot cheaper. I'm looking forward to trying this out with some of my other polishes.