Saturday 30 August 2014

August Beauty Favourites!

This month has gone so fast I had to really think what products i've been loving recently. When the weather is really hot I don't want to wear that much makeup plus i've been decorating the spare room/office in our house so i've been using a paint brush more than my buffing brush lately!
August Beauty Favourites!
Urban Fudge Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hairspray
I'm not normally that into haircare but when I find a product I like I stick to it. I think I may have found my new favourite hairspray in the Urban Fudge Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hairspray as it smells so amazing, has a good hold yet doesn't feel crunchy in the hair.
& Other Stories Lemon Daydream Body Scrub
Onto body products i've finally got round to using the & Other Stories Lemon Daydream Body Scrub. I bought this last year but wanted to use some other bits up first. This stuff smells so amazing, it's citrus with a hint of floral. It's a fairly oily scrub and leaves my skin feeling so smooth.
Hydraluron Moisture Jelly
I try not to test out too many skincare products at once so I don't often have many new favourites. This month however i've been enjoying using the Hydraluron Moisture Jelly; I loved the serum and the moisturiser version is very similar. I use it in the morning and it makes a great base for makeup and feels very hydrating without being heavy on the skin.
Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder
I've gone back to using the L'oreal True Match Foundation recently as the colour is a perfect match for my skin and it feels light whilst having a decent coverage. To set that in place i've been loving the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder (review). This is such a smooth, finely milled powder that it feels very light on the skin yet manages to keep my base product in place for most of the day.
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Since the weather has started to get cool again i've been reaching for my darker polishes. The one I always seem to go to when i'm in between seasons is Essie Watermelon. It is the perfect bright pink which looks so elegant on the nails, it's definitely one of my favourite polishes. For eyes i've been using the Urban Decay Naked Palette a lot this month. My favourite thing to do is just blend Smog all over the lid and it makes the perfect, quick smokey look.
Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stains in New York Scene
Finally for lips i've been wearing the Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stains in Barcelona Nights and New York Scene a lot. These aren't really the best long wearing stains but they're a nice, pigmented gloss which feels lovely on the lips. I can see myself wearing this shades even more in the colder months. 

So those are this months beauty favourites. It's my birthday next month so a few beauty purchase might be made which will no doubt make it into next months favourites. What beauty products have you been loving this month?

Thursday 28 August 2014

August Empties!

I could say this every month but August seems to have gone so fast. Some how even though it's felt like a quick one, i've managed to use up a good amount of products. Most of these empties aren't things that I use up every month so it should be a good one.
August Empties!
August Empties!
The weather at the start of the month was really nice and warm so i've managed to make my way through two gradual tanners. The first being the Garnier Summer Body Moisturising Lotion in Deep. I use the darker shade of this mainly on my legs and it smells lovely a leaves a natural tan look to the skin. I've repurchased the Light version to use in the colder months. I also finished the St Tropez Gradual Tan Everyday Body Moisturiser in Light/Medium. I really was sad to see this go. This is definitely the nicest smelling tan i've used and it looks so natural on the skin. I may have to repurchase this soon. I also finished the Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion in Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla. I'm in love with this scent, it has a really warm smell and is so moisturising. I will definitely pick this up again once i've used up some other lotions.
August Empties!
I've only used up one haircare product this month which is the Dove Colour Radiance Shampoo. This is really cheap and is actually a really nice shampoo; a great everyday option for coloured hair. I've already repurchased. I finished the Natural Collection Passionfriuit Body Spray. This again is very affordable and smells so lovely; I lovely spraying this as a freshen up during the day. I will be repurchasing.
August Empties!
Two shower products and they're both Soap & Glory; i'm definitely a big fan of their body products. The first being the Scrub Of Your Life which was okay, definitely not my favourite scrub they do so I don't think I will repurchase this. The other being the Sugar Crush Body Wash, now this I do love. The scent is so refreshing and really wakes you up. I won't repurchase this straight away as I fancy something different but I will definitely get it again in the future.
August Empties!
Finally I have used up two skincare items. The first being a sample of the Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash. I ended up really liking this; it was a basic face wash which left my skin refreshing and not tight. I would consider getting this although it is a little pricey. Finally I finished the Super Facialist By Una Brennan Vitamin C Brighten Cleansing Oil. This lasted me so long and smelt like oranges. It cleansed the skin well and removed every makeup easily. I definitely will consider getting this again.

So those are this months beauty empties; a good mix of product this month. Have you used up any of your favourite products this month?

Tuesday 26 August 2014

Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Rimmel, Revlon etc.

So I may have done a little bit of beauty shopping last week. I was good and only got things that I had on my list. Ever since doing a spending ban i've been really careful to not buy things I don't 'need' and I think i'm doing pretty well.
Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Rimmel, Revlon etc.
Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Rimmel, Revlon etc.
I'll start with the few bits from The Body Shop. They had 30% off online so I repurchased the Aloe Protective Serum as i've been mixing it with an oil at night which has worked really well for my skin. Another repurchase is the Camomile Cleansing Butter as I love these types of cleansers in the colder months; this one is great value for money too. I thought I would try the Insta Blur All In One primer as I have heard good things. I've been using this for about a week and I will say the texture is a little odd but it does seem to help keep things in place.
Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Rimmel, Revlon etc.
I had heard that Herbal Essences has brought out a range of dry shampoos so I picked up the Volume one. I've used this once and i'm not sure how I feel about it. Expect a review after some more testing. Something that has been love at first spray is the Urban Fudge Iced Raspberry and Vanilla Hairspray. This stuff smells seriously amazing and it's also a pretty decent hairspray which doesn't feel crunchy in the hair.
Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Rimmel, Revlon etc.
I ended up picking up another Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain, this is the shade New York Scene which is a lovely deep, berry toned red. I can see myself wearing this a lot in Winter. I also thought I would give the Rimmel Brow This Way in Blonde a try. I will say you seem to get a lot of product on the brush with this so I end up whipping some off and the gently applying to the brows. It works pretty well; expect a full review very soon.
Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Rimmel, Revlon etc.
The last thing I picked up is the Cocoa Brown Tough Stuff scrub. I've been loving the Cocoa Brown 1 Hour Tan so I thought I would try a sachet of the scrub to use with it.

So those are some recent beauty purchases i've made. It is my birthday and the beginning of next month so I might do a birthday haul or a post on any beauty buys I make myself. What beauty items have you bought recently?

Sunday 24 August 2014

The Realisation That I've Already Found My Favourite Foundation

I often find myself looking at reviews of foundations in hope for it to be the perfect one for me. This double when I was planning what makeup to wear for my graduation; this was also when I dug out this beauty from Bourjois and realised i'd already found my perfect foundation.
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation
It's safe to say Bourjois are one of my favourite brands when it comes to base products. I loved the original healthy mix and I was a bit skeptical when it got replaced. However I think I might have to say I prefer the radiance reveal formula. I've been using this on and off for about a year and I love everything about it. Good, medium coverage, adds a lovely natural glow to the skin, doesn't feel heavy or cakey, stays in place and doesn't cling to dry patches. I do powder with this but I find it doesn't go patchy when it starts to wear down on the end of the day.
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation
Shade 52 is a great match for me during the Summer but can be a touch dark in Winter so i'm tempted to pick up shade 51. I think that's a good sign that you lovely a foundation when you want to have it in more than one shade! I normally don't wear foundation on a everyday basis, however i've been enjoying sheering this out; which you can easily do, and it hasn't made my skin feel congested.

I'm normally not one to review a product twice (original review here), but I just felt like I had to share some love on the amazing foundation as i've been wearing it a lot lately and I can safely say it is my favourite foundation.


What is your favourite foundation?


Friday 22 August 2014

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Lip Stain in Barcelona Nights - Reviewed!

I knew when I saw US bloggers talking about these I would end up having to give them a try. I've been really into stain recently and even glosses so this sounded like it would be perfect; a moisturising stain with a nice gloss? Perfect.
Revlon Colorstay Moisture Lip Stain in Barcelona Nights
Revlon Colorstay Moisture Lip Stain in Barcelona Nights
I'm definitely a big fan of simple packaging. I love how sleek these look are the colour of the packaging matches the shade. The applicator is wide at the top and tapered to the end which makes you able to get a precise application.
Revlon Colorstay Moisture Lip Stain in Barcelona Nights
The formula feels creamy and I will admit I tend to take my time applying it to make sure it isn't patchy or bleeding. It can applied full on or blended out with fingers to give a more sheer hint of colour. The glossy finish last for around an hour and then you are left with a nice stain of colour which can last up to around 4 hours. The shade Barcelona Nights is a lovely fuchsia bright pink shade. This isn't the most long-wearing lip product but it feels lovely on the lips. I've heard to lighter shade aren't the best but i've only tried some darker shades which i've been impressed with. I like the fact each shade is named after a city; i'm definitely interested to try a few more darker shades after liking this one. 


Have you tried this new release from Revlon?

Wednesday 20 August 2014

First Impressions | Essence

Essence beauty has finally made it's way to the UK. After hearing great things about the brand by American youtubers and bloggers I knew I had to get my hands on some things to try. I large amount of Wilkinson's are now stocking Essence, which is a place I normally go to for beauty products but I actually ended up picking up a few good deals whilst I was there.
First Impressions | Essence
First Impressions | Essence
Essence Get Big Lashes Volume Curl Mascara
Essence Get Big Lashes Volume Curl Mascara - £2.30.
I was really impressed by the amount of mascara Essence had to offer; ones for volume, curl, length and even waterproof formulas. I opted for one which claimed to give big lashes and good curl as that's what my lashes lack.The brush is big but tapered towards to end. The formula isn't too wet and i've found it gives a nice false lash look without being clumpy or leaving fallout. It also seems to hold a curl fairly well. Definitely a great affordable mascara find.
Essence Stay Natural Concealer
Essence Stay Natural Concealer - £2.00.
I really like pen style concealers; they're perfect for giving coverage under the eyes whilst remaining light on the skin. I found the shade range a little odd with this one, 03 turned out to be the lightest shade and is a good match for fair skin. The formula is light and creamy. As the name suggests this is a natural looking concealer so the coverage is light/medium but is nice to use when i'm wearing a little less makeup. Not one to reach for to cover heavy dark circles but perfect for more natural looks.
Essence Lip Liner 12 Wish Me A Rose
Essence Lip Liner 12 Wish Me A Rose - £1.00
I don't normally use lip liners but the fact this was only £1 I had to see if it was any good. I'm happy to report that it definitely is; there wasn't a huge shade range to choose from which is a shame as the formula is easy to apply a precise line around the lips. It doesn't feel drying so can be worn on it's own all over the lips and the shade Wish Me A Rose is the perfect, slightly blue toned baby pink. The wear time is good and I find it helps whatever lipstick I wear over top wear better and longer.
First Impressions
So all in all i'm really impressed with everything I tried by Essence and definitely will be picking up a few more items to put to the test. All the products are very affordable and the quality definitely seems to be high. Next I definitely want to try some of the blushes and eyeshadows. Have you tried any Essence products?

Monday 18 August 2014

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder - Reviewed!

As someone with oily skin I rely on powders to help keep me matte throughout the day. That doesn't mean i'm a fan of heavy cakey powders; I much prefer something that is light on the skin and sets things in place. I have fallen in love with the Healthy Mix range so I thought it was about time I gave the powder a go.
Bourjois Healthy Balance PowderBourjois Healthy Balance Powder
The packaging is lovely; it's a slim compact in a pinky red colour which comes with a decent sized mirror on the inside. It claims to even out and boost radiance in the complexion as well as smoothing over the skin and controlling shine.
Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder
Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder
The powder is so finely milled; it feels like a high end powder. Due to this it applies easily and smoothly onto the skin. It feels light on the skin yet mattifies and set your base product in place. It claims to give 10 hours where which I would agree with when my skin isn't super oily. If i'm having a very oily day I would say it lasts about 6 hours; because it is so light it is great for doing touch up as it won't cake up on the skin.

This is quickly becoming my favourite powder to use as it ticks all the boxes and doesn't look powdery whilst keeping things in place. I would definitely recommend this powder if you let to set your makeup in place yet don't want things to look super matte. 

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder retails for £8.99.

Have you tried this powder?

Saturday 16 August 2014

Tips For Doing A Spending Ban

During July I vowed to do a spending ban and not by any beauty products. I did pretty well and only bought a few bits to the end of the month. I've done spending bans before and have come up with a few tips that help to fight the urges of going wild in Boots.
Tips For Doing A Spending Ban
Tips For Doing A Spending Ban
AVOID THE SHOPS
A somewhat obvious one but if you're really struggling not to spend it's best not to go shopping. Instead come up with trips out that don't take place in a shopping centre.
SHOP THE STASH
If you're missing shopping so much why not shop the stash. This is something I did last month (post here if you fancy a read) and it's amazing how many products I used to love and had totally forgotten about. Focus on using different products each day and by the end of the month you may realise that you've bought nothing new but had lots to try.
MAKE NOTE OF THINGS THAT TEMPT YOU
Now if you're really struggling I would recommend going out and looking for interesting product. Instead note down the things that nearly made you break your spending ban. These can be new releases everyone is raving about or things that you've been wanting to try for a while. Note down the item and price and by the end of the month look at this list, see which ones still take your fancy and the ones that you'd forgotten about. You can treat yourself to 1 or 2 of the items and also see how much you've saved.
DON'T BE TOO STRICT
So my last tip is don't be too strict on yourself. If you're too strict you will want to spend even more than normal. Instead if you're really want something spend a few days thinking about it and then decide whether to purchase it. Also focus on what you've already got. To help this maybe block those emails from brands with discount codes to stop them tempting you.

So those are my tips for doing a spending ban. Hopefully some of these tips will be helpful of you're trying to save a few pounds. I like doing this every few months to make sure I use the products I already have. What are your tips for doing a spending ban?

Thursday 14 August 2014

Latest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty Edit

It's been a while since I purchased a beauty box but whilst flicking through last months glamour magazine I spotted this gem and next thing I knew it was shipping it's way to my door. 
Latest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty EditLatest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty Edit
The box itself contains 9 beauty products, which most are full size as well as a a few offer codes if you want to buy more from each brand.
Latest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty Edit
Hawaiian Tropic Satin Protection Ultra Radiance Sun Lotion SPF30 
This is one of the sample sized product, however 100ml is the perfect size if you're travelling light. I love the Hawaiian Tropic sun lotions as they smell amazing and are moisturising to the skin.
Velvotan The Original Tanning Mit
I've been into tanning recently so i'm excited to try this mit as it was the original one. I've also been curious to see if you get a better finish using a more expensive tanning mit. 
Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan BB Skin Perfector in Medium Matte
Another tanning product; this one is in the shade medium however it doesn't seem too dark on even my pale skin. I think this will be perfect to use for a quick 24 tan, especially on the legs.
Latest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty Edit
Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Lacquer in Petal Pink
I've never tried anything from this brand before so was excited to see this in the box. I love this baby pink colour; I think it will look really nice on the nails.
Toni & Guy Volume Plumping Whip
As someone who has very flat hair i'm always looking for ways to add volume. I haven't tried many Toni & Guy products and this one sounds like it will be really good for my hair.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
I recall hearing good things about this a couple of months ago and since i've recently gotten into using cleansing oils i'm definitely excited to see if this one lives up to the rave reviews I heard.
Latest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty Edit
Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick in Minx
This is probably my favourite item in the whole box. I've been meaning to try some more products from Illamasqua. This shade Minx is a lovely deepish berry toned nude; definitely a colour I would have picked out myself.
Bourjois Cream Blush in shade 03
Now sadly this is a product I already have, and love so i'm either going to give this to my Mum or save it to pop in a giveaway. I love these cream blushes as they're not greasy and add a lovely hint of colour to the cheeks.
Magnifibres Brush-On False Lashes
Now this product really caught my attention. I've never tried a fibre mascara before. With this you apply a coat of normally mascara, apply and coat of this and let let it dry for 60 seconds before applying another coat of your normal mascara to give a false lash effect. I will definitely being giving this a good test and reporting back on if it works.

So that's everything in the box. I'm excited to try all of the products and I think it is amazing value for money; you also get free postage and packing when you order. 

Latest In Beauty The Glamour Beauty Edit retails for £16.95. (the total value being £86.15!)

Will you be picking up this beauty box?

Tuesday 12 August 2014

Peachy Pink Perfection

I am definitely a bold lip kind of girl but sometimes I fancy a more natural look. I don't suit nudes that much however i've recently discovered the world of peachy pinks and they've become my new go to nudes.
Barry M Lip Gloss Shade 11
Revlon Super Lustrous Shine in Lovers Coral
Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Charm - £7.99.
I rediscovered this gem recently and oh my is it a beauty. Sadly this is a shade that isn't available in the UK but can be found online. It's the perfect pale peach shade and adds a nice amount of colour to the lips. It's become my new favourite peach, neutral shade because it feels like a balm yet leaves a stain behind.
Barry M Lip Gloss in shade 11 - £4.49.
I'm normally not a fan of glosses but the Barry M ones feel really nice on the lips and don't feel sticky at all. Shade 11 adds a nice sheer hint of coral to the lips. Some gloss are too sheer for my liking yet this one is nicely pigmented and looks even better when applied over the Revlon stain.
Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Orange Punch - £7.99.
I was in love with this shade last year. To me it's the perfect Summer lip colour as it as a good mix of orange and pink. I love this crayon lip products as they're so easy to apply on the lips, have great pigmentation and stay put on the lips.
Revlon Super Lustrous Shine Lipstick in Lovers Coral - £7.49.
I discovered this shade in the Spring and have been loving it ever since. I love this formula as it is very balmy and leaves a lovely sheen to the lips. The shade itself is the perfect peachy coral shade and isn't too pigmented so can look great with a natural makeup look.
Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya - £7.99.
This one is similar to the Revlon lipstick although is a little less pigmented and not as pink toned. I love the formula of the lip butters as they feel like a balm yet are nicely pigmented. This one is definitely one of the sheerer shades yet is perfect for an everyday look.
Peachy Pink Perfection
So those are my favourite peachy pink lip products at the moment. I've definitely been stepping away from the bright colours and reaching for these more neutral shades recently. What are your favourite peachy pink lip products?

Sunday 10 August 2014

The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum - Reviewed!

Until last year I didn't use products to help with my dehydrated skin. So I got rid of anything that was stripping and replaced them with products that can pack in the moisture. Although I love the Hydraluron serum I was on the hunt for something a little cheaper which is when I came across this gem from the body shop.
The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum
The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum
The packaging is nice and simple and comes with a pump; i've found one pump is the perfect amount of product to cover the whole face. The whole Aloe range is designed for sensitive skin so the serum is fragrance and alcohol free. The serum is a gel consistency and is light in texture so doesn't feel heavy on the skin whilst providing extra hydration.
The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum
The serum can be used morning and night and won't 'overload' the skin. In Summer I find oils a little do heavy on the skin so I mix a few drops of oil in with the serum to hydrate my skin without leaving it feeling greasy. When using this I do find my skin feels a lot softer and hydrated, because of this I find my moisturiser sinks in better and my makeup applies easier. It is definitely the best alternative i've found to hydraluron and it's a bit more purse friendly. You could actually buy two of these for the same price as one tube of hydraluron.

If you're looking for a light serum that can pack some serious hydration to the skin I would definitely recommend this, especially if you have oily/dehydrated skin. 

The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum retails for £12.00 for 30ml.

Have you tried this? What is your favourite hydrating face serum?

Friday 8 August 2014

5 Under £5 - Makeup

I'm definitely a drugstore girl at heart so doing a 5 under £5 just seemed like something I would have to do. I've made this just about makeup, I might do one for skincare soon if I can find some great products but for now here's some of my favourite makeup products that are under £5. 
5 Under £5
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liners
Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Liner - £3.99.
When planning this post I knew I had to include these. I have the shades Nude, Taupe and Bright Blue and I love them all. These apply really nicely, are cream so you can blend them but once they've set they don't budge all day. The nude is perfect on the waterline to brighten things up and the bright blue is really vibrant, for these price these are worth every penny. 
Collection Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream
Collection Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream - £2.99.
I've recently rediscovered my love for these. I have the shades, Powder Puff, Cotton Candy and Fairy Cake. These are really creamy and apply nicely onto the lips. They dry matte leaving a nice stain of colour yet don't feel drying on the lips. They're definitely one of my favourite matte lip products.
Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer
Natural Collection Moisture Shine Lipstick in Raspberry - £1.99.
I have a few of these lipsticks but this shade is a real stand out. It's creamy and feels balmy on the lips. The shade raspberry is a nice pinky/plum shade which I love in the colder months yet isn't too dark; perfect for everyday wear.
Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer -  £4.49.
This one just fits under the £5 cut off and is one of my favourite drugstore proudcts; it's actually one of my favourite concealers. First thing, the shade fair is actually fair. It applies creamy and covers really well without looking cakey and stays put all day. 
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Blusher in Loved Me The Best
Makeup Revolution Vivid Baked Blusher in Loved Me The Best - £2.50.
A pretty new product for me which I think is just really amazing. This baked blush is so pigmented and applies lovely onto the skin. It has a slight sheen to it which helps to give a healthy glow to the skin. This shade is the perfect plum shade which I can see myself using even more in the colder months. 

So those are my 5 under £5 makeup products. There's definitely more I could have included so no doubt there will be another one of these posts in the future. What are some of your favourite products that cost £5 or less?