An Essential Repurchase

I'm not really one for repurchasing lip products.  Mainly because I feel I own too many already and there is always something new and exciting to try out!

However....this all changed last week.

I finished my Revlon Super Lustrous Peach Petal lipgloss that I bought around a year ago - you can see a swatch here and actually on my lips here - and I had a very (minor) panic that I could just not live without it.  My dramatic side coming out...!

It is just gorgeous.  A perfect milky pale pink gloss that looks fantastic on its own or over the top of a lipstick for a glossy nude finish.  The packaging is sleek and stylish and with pretty much every day use, the product lasted a year.  As for the finish, it isn't drying or overly sticky and lasts for a good length of time.  

This will forever be in my collection!

I've definitely got my eye on a few more shades from the range - any recommendations?!

xxx

17 Again

I have to admit, 17 is not normally a brand I ever look at but the amazing Mirror Shine lipsticks made me take a little more interest..

So when I was in need of a little make up pick me up, 17 ticked all the boxes!  Cheap, cheerful, good quality products on offer at 3 for 2 - how could I resist?!

First Kiss blusher is a gorgeous pink with a slight golden sheen to it.  It is perfect for adding some colour to the cheeks and adding a subtle glow.  It seems to last pretty well on the cheeks too - very impressed!

Flirty Shine On lipstick is the second lip product by 17 I've tried and fallen in love with.  Although it is matte - which the name doesn't suggest - it does, like its sister Beehive, apply like a dream.  It is also incredibly long lasting, isn't drying in the slightest and the matte black packaging is pretty nice too.  It's a keeper.

I cannot comment yet on the Heart Beat Lasting Fix nail polish but it looks like gorgeous baby blue in the bottle.  Expect a NOTD soon!

These swatches are one of the reasons I cannot wait to get home to the DSLR but hopefully you get the idea!

Left: First Kiss blusher

Right: Flirty Shine On lipstick

Any other drugstore bargains to be had?! Let me know!

xxx

TAG: 11 Most Reached For Products/March Favourites

My eleven favourite products change constantly but these products have been consistently used day in/day out for the whole of March...so I'm killing two birds with one stone!

Skin care, hair care, tan and bases

St Moriz Dark Mousse

John Frieda Serum

Olay Multi-Radiance Fluid

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer

No 7 Creme Touch Powder

Eye and lip products

Collection 2000 Big Fake Lash Mascara

NAKED Palette

MAC Tempting Quad

MOR Passionflower Lip Delight

17 Beehive Mirror Shine Lipstick

As you can tell, these products have been loved to death and is seen by their completely battered packing!  If there is anything that catches your eye for a full review, just say!

What have been your favourites recently???

xxx

Drugstore Brand Spotlight: L'oreal

As much as we all love high end beauty products, they do have a (sometimes ridiculous) high price tag attached.  I have therefore made it my aim over the past few years to weed out the best products from the drugstore (I hate that phrase as much as the next person but it is standard in the beauty community..!) that don't cost an arm and a leg.

Over the next few weeks I'm hoping to put a spotlight on some of the best products found in Boots/Superdrug that I've personally bought and loved and the odd few that have disappointed... Because, at the end of the day, a low end mascara may cost £5-ish but if you end up buying 4 awful ones, you may as well splash the cash on a YSL..  So, hopefully I can pin point the best products to save on and, with some recommendations from you beautiful people, build up a resource of the best cheap products out there!

Please note: I am not affiliated with any companies whatsoever - these are my honest opinions, as always.

First up....

L'oreal

Bases

True Match Foundation and Powder: Blendable.  Good shade range.  Commendable lasting power.  Adapts to skin. Don't bother with the roll on - very much a gimmick!

Infallible Foundation and Concealer: Great lasting power.  Nice shade range. Concealer thick but blendable - great for under the eyes!  The foundation now comes with the option of an attached brush - I would say stick with the original packing - more product for your money! (30ml vs 25ml)

Studio Secrets Primer and Foundation: Primer makes skin feel gorgeous and helps any foundation to glide on.  Foundation applies beautifully with attached brush and sets with a gorgeous dewy finish.  

Touch Magique concealer: Light reflecting brush on concealer.  Light coverage but nice effect under eyes as doesn't sink into fine lines.

Eyes

Voluminous Mascara: Gives long, thick lashes. No flaking or smudging to note.

Telescopic Mascara: Amazing length!

Carbon Gloss Super Liner: Precision nib that can great desired thickness. Glossy black line that stays put all day.

Lash Renewal Serum: Brilliant mascara primer.  Over time, lashes look longer, healthier and thicker.

Lips

Glam Shine Lipglosses: Glossy gorgeous colours - great shade range.  Heart shaped wand smooths and plumps lips.

If you have any other recommendations please comment - I will then add them in!

xxx

Mini haul Featuring Cosmopolitan, Collection 2000 and Revlon

I am on a slight spending ban due to my travelling plans for after graduation but as a self confessed product junkie, my Christmas money had to go somewhere...

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

I've been aware of the Beauty Blender for quite some time but I could never force myself to part with upwards of £15 for what was, essentially, a sponge.  

However, when I saw Holly recommend this sponge for under £5 I mentally saved it and had to purchase it when I just happened to stumble into Superdrug..

Revlon Contour Shadow Brush

Another beauty tool, another recommendation.  This time from the wonderful gossmakeupartist aka Wayne.  Not only is he an extremely talented make up artist and brutally honest about products, he's also a complete babe - honestly, I could watch him for hours!

When he stated that this brush was a dupe for MAC's 224 brush, I was instantly sold.  Who wants to pay twenty odd pounds when you can try this for £7-ish?!  I will report back on it...

Collection 2000 Volume Sensation Waterproof Mascara and 24 Hour Felt Tip Black Liner

To be honest, two slightly unnecessary purchases.. I needed a new waterproof mascara as I find they hold the curl so much better and I was bored with my L'oreal liner - I'm so fickle!!

Revlon Fire & Ice Lipstick

As a lover of all things 1940s, I just couldn't resist the new re-promote of Revlon's classic lip colour from the era - Fire and Ice.  Supposedly a neutral based red, I felt it the easiest and most classic way to try the red lip.  I personally think it is quite orange based but it is flattering all the same and I absolutely love wearing it.  

Prepare for a FOTD coming this way soon..

xxx

Favourites: Lip Products

I own more lipsticks, glosses, liners and balms than any other type of cosmetic.  I am just instantly drawn to the sparkly, pink, glossy goodness and seeing as most lip products are under the £10 mark a new purchase is always justified....!

Therefore to whittle it down to 5 favourites was no mean feat but here is what I came up with...

MOR LIP DELIGHT - PASSION FLOWER

Oh my days, this is potentially my favourite product in the world. Yes, big claim there!  I received this as a present for Christmas from Space NK but before that I had never heard of the brand.  From a little bit of internet research it turns out it is an Aussie brand and this little pot (10g) is around the £12 mark.  Space NK unfortunately don't seem to stock it anymore though.  Sad face.

However, I have used this every day since Christmas day and the pot still has over half left.  It is the most delicious smelling balm I own that makes my lips feel butter soft instantly and provides the perfect base for lipsticks and glosses.  It is also a slightly opaque balm so can be used to tone down a bright lipstick when used over the top. 

PRESTIGE LIP LINER - SILK

My lip line is naturally not perfectly even so I love using a natural coloured lip liner to even the edges out and make my lips slightly fuller.  

This liner fits the bill perfectly as it is pretty much the same colour as my natural lips.  It gives me a perfectly symmetrical pout and when used all over, makes my lipstick of choice stay put longer than usual.

BARRY M 147 LIP PAINT

Out of all the lipsticks I own, this has been getting the most love recently.  It's a gorgeous corally/peachy pink that is slightly brighter than my usual nudes and therefore perfect for the Summer months.  It's also as cheap as chips, readily available and I do love the matte black packaging.

BARRY M #4 GLOSSY TUBE

I'm just going to say it - I love this and could not live without it!  I would recommend this product to everyone and anyone - it is just a gorgeous, glossy matte pink gloss that I'm sure would suit nearly all skin tones.  It's pretty, light, easily applied and smells delicious - strawberries and cream spring to mind...

On it's own it is pigmented enough to tone down my naturally quite red lips or over the top of a lipstick it provides a beautiful glossy finish.

In this picture from Saturday night I have it applied over the 147 lip paint - pretty much a match in lip-combo heaven ♥

GOSH DARLING VELVET TOUCH LIPSTICK

No surprises here...!  I know everyone raves about this and it's not very original but it honestly is such a fave! It's just a beautiful, versatile lipstick that I can wear everyday.  It goes with basically every make up look and has just enough colour to ensure you don't look like a corpse/chav rocking concealer lips.  If you haven't tried this yet, what are you waiting for?!!!

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June Favourites

• MaxFactor Second Skin Foundation - For days when I want slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturiser this does the job perfectly.  It evens my skin out with a dewy finish but my freckles are still visible - perfect for when I don't want to look too made up.

• Elf mineral foundation - Perfect for setting my make up in this weather and giving some coverage at the same time.  Be warned though - even the lightest shade is still pretty dark..

• The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blusher Kabuki - I bought this last Summer and have literally used it every day since.  I use it for powder and honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  It is probably the softest brush I own and it just buffs in powder beautifully.  The best part?  I got it for a steal off eBay..

• Barry M 147 Lipstick - I am honestly in love with this colour!  I was so distraught that I lost it last weekend after one too many vodkas that I rushed out and bought two...as you do!  It is a perfect peachy-corally-pink and looks as good on the cheeks as it does on the lips.  It is however, like it's 101 sister, extremely drying and always needs a lip balm under.

• MAC Hush CCB & Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush  - These two work so well together - the brush picks up the perfect amount of product and allows it to be buffed all the way along the cheekbone for a gorgeous dewy finish.

• BB Creamy Concealer - Heavy duty enough to cover my dark circles but doesn't cake or collect in fine lines.  When set with the powder provided it stays put all day and makes my eye area look bright and awake even when all I want to do is crawl back into bed!

• Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara - If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know I gave this a pretty negative review a while ago.  However, I have to say sorry to Bourjois and admit I now love it.  I guess it has dried up a little and it is now the perfect consistency to work with.  Yes, the brush is still fiddly but when I have the time and patience, it can result in the most amazingly lengthy lashes.  Its not perfect, but pretty damned near :)  

And finally...

Decorated coral toe nails - I refuse to leave the house in Summer without my feet looking their bestest!  And this has been my design of choice so far this year.... simple but effective!  

The shoes?? KG and beautiful but they are the DEVIL - no pain, no gain I guess?!!