Monday 30 March 2015

5 Beauty Tips Worth Knowing

I've been wearing makeup for a long time and after making more mistakes than I would rather not admit i've come up with some tips that i've learnt along the way. Today I thought I would share my top 5 makeup related beauty tips that I rely on a lot when doing my makeup.
5 Beauty Tips Worth Knowing
5. Remove mascara mistake once it has dried - This happens to me a lot, you're applying mascara and you smudge it on you eyelid. Instead of trying to fix it straight away, let it dry then remove with a cotton bud. The mascara should whip away without disturbing your eyeshadow. You can even dip the cotton bud in some moisturiser if it is being really stubborn.
4. Apply cream blush before powder - After apply foundation applying cream blush before powder will make it blend a lot easier. When you apply a cream over powder it can often look patchy. Also applying  light layer of powder over the cream blush would help it last longer.
3. Your fingers are your best tool - Cream products especially apply best with clean fingers. Concealer and blush can be applied with a tapping motion onto the skin, the heat from your fingers will help the product to blend easier and give a nice finish.
2. Let your foundation set - I used to apply powder straight after my foundation and found it never looked as good. Instead now I apply my base, move onto eyes then set with powder, this allows to base to 'set' and I find I need less powder and it looks less cakey.
1. Use blush as a contour - Another mistake I used to make was applying blush on the apples of my cheeks. As someone who has redness in their cheeks I found this way of applying blush would make this more obvious. Instead now I apply blush more on the high points of the cheeks as a contour, this helps to add shape to the face and give more definition. This works best with blushes that are matte or have a brown undertone to them.

So those are some makeup tips which I hope are useful and once that I use a lot. Feel free to share some of your tips in the comments section.

Saturday 28 March 2015

March Beauty Favourites

March is coming to an end so it's time to share this months favourites. The weather is finally starting to warm up so i've been trying to dig out some more Spring themed products. I also pick up a few new bits which i've been really enjoying.
March Beauty Favourites
March Beauty Favourites
Collection Eyes Uncovered Nude Bronze Palette
EYES:
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Ultra Black Mascara - £9.99 - This has been the mascara i've been reaching for a lot when i've wanted a more dramatic lash look. It's very black and adds lots of volume and length to the lashes. It's definitely one to try if you like that false lash effect.
Collection Eyes Uncovered Nude Bronze Palette - £3.99 - This has been one of my favourite releases this year so far. These eyeshadows are the perfect bronze tones, they're pigmented and blend really nicely whilst having a great wear time. I'm definitely going to pick up the other nude palette they do soon.
Max Factor Miracle Touch Cream Blush in Soft Pink
CHEEKS:
Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream in Lillium - £16.00 - I've dug out my cream blushes as I love to wear them in the Spring. This is one of my favourites as it is so easy to use and wear nicely on the skin. Lillium is the perfect dusky pink the adds a nice glow to the cheeks.
Max Factor Miracle Touch Cream Blush in Soft Pink - £6.99 - This is another favourite of mine and the one I reach for when I want a brighter pink look. This still looks natural yet is a little bolder so adds a nice amount of colour to the cheeks.
Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss in Glorious Grapefruit
NAILS AND LIPS:
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Huckleburry - £3.99 - Another Spring addition that i've brought back in rotation. I love pastel shades when Spring comes around, the pale blue shade is one of my favourites as it is just the right mix of blue and white without being too pale.
Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss in Glorious Grapefruit - £6.19 - One of the things I like in Spring is a pale, sheer lip. I normally don't like glosses but I really enjoy the formula of these as they're not sticky at all. This shade is a lovely peach shade which is so wearable, especially when paired with a bronze eye.
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Facial Pads
SKINCARE:
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Facial Pads - £12.99 - These were a new addition to me this month and i've really been enjoying them. I use them most nights after cleansing and they leave my skin feeling nice and smooth and the appearance of my skin looks betters. They nice and gentle so haven't irritated my skin either.
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner
BRUSH CLEANER:
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner - £5.00 - I been loving using this before I apply my makeup to make sure my brushes are clean before I use them. I like these especially for base brushes and I was surprised how clean it makes the brushes with little effort.

So those are this months beauty favourites, a few new bits and some old favourites for good measure. What have been some of your favourite products during the month of March?

Thursday 26 March 2015

March Empties!

I'm back with another load of empty beauty products to share with you. There's some products that I use a lot as well as some things that i've had in my stash for a long time and have finally finished. Last month I finished a lot of shampoos, this month is no different!
March Empties!
The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Shampoo for Coloured Hair
HAIRCARE:
Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo - I really like this shampoo and it was a favourite of mine for a long time. It's smells really nice and is perfect for fine hair as it doesn't leave a heavy feeling, instead the hair feels clean with a bit of added volume. Repurchase? Yes.
The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Shampoo for Coloured Hair - Another amazing smelling product, I used this a lot when my scalp was a bit sensitive as it didn't irritate it. It's a nice shampoo, nothing ground braking but nice if you like a more 'natural' shampoo. Repurchase? No.
Dove Damage Solutions Colour Radiance Shampoo - Can you tell i'm a fan of Dove haircare? This again was a really great everyday shampoo as it left the hair feeling clean without being weighed down. Repurchase? Yes, but not straight away.
Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser for Dry Skin
BODYCARE:
Sainsbury's Sensitive Shave Gel - I've mentioned this a good few times, it is my go to shave gel as it's very affordable, does the job and doesn't irritate my skin. Repurchase? Yes.
Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser for Dry Skin - I've had a few of these now and I really like them for when i'm in a rush or want to get dressed quickly after a shower. It has the classic Nivea scent and leaves the skin feeling nice and soft. Repurchase? Yes, but I might try another scent.
The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser
SKINCARE:
Super Facialist By Una Brennan Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask - I've had this for a while now; so much so they've now changed the packaging. It is definitely one of the best affordable clay mask as it leaves the skin feeling clean without stripping it. A great option when you want a quick fix or a deep clean. Repurchase? Yes.
The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser - I picked this up when my skin was having a bit of a freak out and it really helped to calm things down. It's a very basic cleanser but if you have sensitive skin it is definitely one to check out. Repurchase? Yes, once i've finished a few other cleansers.
Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara
MAKEUP:
Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara - I was really surprised by how much I liked this mascara. I found it added a nice amount of volume and length to the lashes without looking clumpy. The only downside is that it seemed to dry out quickly. Repurchase? No.

So those are this months empties. I'm slowly getting my way through my crazy big shampoo stash and actually have some space in my cupboard for the first time in a while. Have you used up any of your favourite products this month?

Tuesday 24 March 2015

Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner - Reviewed!

I think like most people I find the process of cleaning makeup brushes pretty boring and I often find myself putting it off as long as I can. I'd tried spot cleaners for makeup brushes before and wasn't blown away so when Makeup Revolution brought out their version I was interested to try it, especially since it is anti bacterial.
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner
The packaging is nice and simple which I love, the white bottle actual goes really nicely with my decor on my dressing table. It also comes in a spray bottle which makes dispensing the product onto the brushes without leaving the brushes too wet.
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner
This spray is designed to keep brushes clean and free from bacteria and even pro long the life of your brushes. The way i've been using this is either before or after I apply my makeup to remove any of the surface dirt on the brushes and sterilize them before I apply my makeup.
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner
I was really pleased with the results of this, the first test I did was on my buffing brush which was in need of a deep clean. I sprayed around 2-3 sprays on the brush then whipped it on an old flannel and was surprised how clean it got the brush with little effort. The product has a pleasant clean scent to it, however I have had no irritation on the skin from using it.I think this would be a great product to use if you are breaking out a lot and don't want to spread any germs while applying makeup. It's works well on eye brushes as well but I find it most useful to use with my base brushes which get the dirtiest. The brush can feel a little damp after use, however I would recommend using it after applying makeup so the brushes are clean and ready for their next use.

This has been a nice addition to my dressing table and will continue to use it whenever I use my makeup brushes and in between deep brush cleans. They also do a brush shampoo version which i'm tempted to give a try.


How often do you clean your makeup brushes? Do you use a spot cleaner between applications?

Sunday 22 March 2015

March Health Favourites

We're coming to the end of March so I thought I would share some more health favourites. This month has been the easiest so far, i've had no real cravings for unhealthy savory foods, some craving for sweet things but not as strong as earlier month. I'm definitely starting to feel strong and healthier, my skin has also seen an improvement, i've had a lot less breakouts this month compared to what I used to get.
March Health Favourites
COOKBOOKS + PINTEREST:
I haven't picked up any new cookbooks this month, i've still been loving the Deliciously Ella book and have made even more recipes including the Energy Balls and the Simply Oat Cookies which were so tasty. Pinterest has been a favourite this month for finding healthy treats, one bowl meals and healthy sides. It's become a bit of a weekend ritual to browse through Pinterest to find things to try and make in the week. A favourite treat to make has been these Raw Brownies which I found the recipe on Minimalist Baker, they're one of my favourite blogs and these tasted so good and were very good and satisfying the sweet craving.
DRINKS:
I've been stepping away from the hot chocolates on a night time and one of the things i've swapped it for is the CharBrew Chocolate Orange tea which tastes really good and a great healthier option to try. Another thing I spotted whilst doing the food shop is the Oat-ly! Chocolate Oat Drink, I recently started using oat milk in my porridge and I saw this and it's so good and perfect when you want something a bit naughty that has a decent ingredients list. Per glass this is only 55 calories which is a lot less than normal chocolate milk.
March Health Favourites
NEW RECIPES:
I've been making meals in bulk and then putting a few portions in the freezer which I think is a great way to stay on track with eating healthy as well as being great if you don't have a lot of time to cook. The Black and Kidney Bean Chili is something I always have a portion of in the freezer. I spotted a recipe for Courgette Fritters on Pinterest and they were easy to make and tasted really good. They were surprisingly filling and a good side to have with a main meal.  
BREAKFAST:
Most stay i've been sticking to my porridge as I love it and it keeps me full all morning. Apple and blueberries is a current favourite combination and i've been adding chia seeds and flaxseeds to get an extra nutrition boost. I spotted this Crownfield Milled Linseed which has sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, goji berries and chia seeds and is nice to put on top. I found this in Lidl and was only around £2 and is really nice.

My workouts haven't changed too much, i've been trying to do 20-30 minutes 5-6 days and week plus i've been doing a lot more walking now the weather is improving. This month i've definitely enjoyed trying new things more than ever which is definitely helping to keep things interesting. Have you had any health favourites this month?

Friday 20 March 2015

5 Makeup Bag Staples

Every now and then I find that there's a set of makeup products that I end up using everyday because I know they work really well. Most time I use them with other things depending on the look I am going for or I can even use them alone to do a quick, simple face.
5 Makeup Bag Staples
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
BASE:
Bourjois Healthy Balance Unifying Powder - £8.99 - I've mentioned this a good amount of times as it has been my powder of choice for a while now, as you can see it is well loved. I like the fact that this is a fine powder that doesn't feel cakey on the skin yet keeps things at place and help with oil control.
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - £5.99 - This is another product that is well loved and is my go to concealer for covering redness and blemishes. It is light and creamy so you can definitely use it under the eyes as well. The shade 15 is pale with the perfect mix of yellow and pink undertones.
Max Factor Miracle Creamy Blush in Soft Pink
CHEEKS:
Max Factor Miracle Creamy Blush in Soft Pink - £6.99 - I recently rediscovered this cream blush and i've been using it a lot lately. It's very compact which is great for traveling and although it is pigmented it's hard to apply too much product onto the skin. I use my ring finger and tap the product on the apples of the cheeks and it gives a lovely, healthy flush to the skin.
Soap & Glory Archery Pencil
BROWS:
Soap & Glory Archery Pencil - £8.00 - This has fast become my favourite brow product, it so easy to apply and defines the brows whilst looking natural. The shade Blondeshell is a great match is you have blonde or light brown hair as it isn't too warm toned. It's also not to creamy which helps to fill in any gaps and give shape to the brows.
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black
EYES:
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black - £9.99 - This is the mascara that i've been using a lot lately and really enjoying. It is very black so is a great mascara to wear alone for a dramatic lash look. You can apply one coat which gives length and volume to the lashes or apply more product to give almost a false lash effect.

I've been loving and using all of these products a lot lately so would definitely recommend checking them out. What are some of your makeup staples that you've been loving recently?

Wednesday 18 March 2015

Beauty Haul | The Body Shop, Nip + Fab, Herbal Essences etc.

I've been really good in not over spending on beauty products recently but I was starting to run out of a few products so I placed a Superdrug and The Body Shop order to repurchase a few bits as well as try out some new products.
Beuty Haul | The Body Shop, Nip + Fab, Herbal Essences etc.
The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet
THE BODY SHOP:
Aloe Protective Serum - £12.00 -  This was a repurchase, when my skin was freaking out last year this really helped to calm it down so now I never like to be without it. This is my third bottle and it actually lasts a long time and is very gentle yet hydrates and soothes the skin.
Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet - £12.00 - I've been wanting to try this ever since it came out but I had other things to use up first. I'm finally coming to the end of my day cream so I thought I would try this next. The texture is a thick gel that feels so light and makes the skin so soft.
Superdrug Simply Pure Calming Cleanser
Nivea Regenerating Night Cream for Normal to Combination Skin - £4.35 - My night cream is also running low and I wanted to try something affordable. I love Nivea products so I thought I would try this out, i've tried the day cream version and really liked it so i'm hoping this is just as good.
Superdrug Simply Pure Calming Cleanser - £2.59 - My morning cleanser is running out so I thought I would try this as it is very basic and cheap so if I don't love it I haven't wasted a lot of money. It's created for sensitive skin so i'm hoping it is nice and mild to use in the morning.
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Pads
Nip + Fab Bee Sting Fix Lifting Mask - £9.95 - Nip + Fab products are on offer at Superdrug at better than half price off so I thought it was the perfect time to try some things I had my eye on. This mask really caught my eye a few months back as it sounds really interesting. It's meant to smooth the skin and make things look plumper and tighter. Expect a review once i've put it to the test.
Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Pads - £12.95 - This was also on offer and i've heard a lot of good things put the price put me off. You get 60 pads which are meant to exfoliate and resurface the skin. I've been into these types of pads recently so i'm looking forward to trying this version.
Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Volume Shampoo
Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Volume Shampoo - £3.99 - This was also on offer at better than half price off so I had to repurchase it as it is my new favourite shampoo. I am trying to use up some shampoos but I wanted to have this back in my stock as it makes my hair feel so clean and adds volume whilst smelling really good.
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner
Makeup Revolution Pro Hygiene Anti Bacterial Brush Cleaner - £5.00 - I heard about this a few months back I finally got it to try out. I like the idea of having a brush cleaner I can use to spot clean at my dressing table between apply my makeup, especially with base brushes.
Balance Me Radiance Face Mask Sample
Balance Me Radiance Face Mask Sample - Glamour magazine this month have some great Balance Me samples, there are four to choose from and I had already tried some of the others but this mask sounded like something I would enjoy. It seems to be the one that is hardest to find as well but the mask is meant to polish and hydrate this skin which is something I look for in a mask. For £2 it's worth getting the magazine for the sample alone.

So those are so beauty bits I picked up recently. Most of the things I managed to get on really good offers so I didn't break my good spending too badly. Have you picked up any beauty products recently or found any good deals?

Monday 16 March 2015

The Edit | Spring Nails

Spring is finally coming around which means it's time to but away the darker polishes and bring out the pastels again. I've put together five of my favourites which are all available from the highstreet which are some of my favourites.
The Edit | Spring Nails
The Edit | Spring Nails
The Edit | Spring Nails
Revlon Blue Lagoon - I love a nice pastel blue this time of year, it's definitely one of the most Spring like colours. This one is a little different as it has a slight glitter finish to it which I like because it makes it a bit more interesting to wear.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine in Sugar Apple  - I have a lot of mint polishes as they're one of my favourite shades. This one is a glossy mint that has the perfect mix of blue and green tones. The Gelly range of polishes are really long-wearing which is an added bonus.
Essie Go Ginza - I had to include a lilac shade and this is one of my most reached shade. It was from a collection a few years ago so if you can't find it Essie do have a few similar shades in their permanent collection. I love this shade as it is the perfect mix of a pastel that isn't too white. 
Barry M Nail Paint in Peach Melba - This is an old favourite of mine that I always love reaching for. A good pastel peach shade can be hard to find for some reason and this is still the best one i've come across. It's the perfect peach shade without being too pale.
Revlon Colorstay Nail Enamel Buttercup - Yellow nail polishes is one of the hardest colours to pull off in my opinion, however a pastel yellow is a lot more wearable. This shade is a really nice pale yellow that always reminds me of Spring. I actually love using this for nail art, especially when paired with a white. 
The Edit | Spring Nails
L-R Blue Lagoon, Sugar Apple, Go Ginza, Peach Melba, Buttercup
So those are my Spring nail picks, all of these shades are perfect for Spring and I can see myself reaching for them a lot. What are some of your favourite Spring polishes?

Saturday 14 March 2015

The Base Rotation

I can never seem to be someone who uses the same base products everyday. Depending on how my skin is feeling or how long i'm going to be wearing my makeup influences what I want in my base. Today I thought I would share the four that I have been reaching for the most in the past few months.
The Base Rotation
The Base Rotation
THE LIGHT BASE:
Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser - This is a go to of mine in the Summer and now it's started to warm up i've been liking the lighter option. Although this is a light coverage it manages to even out the skintone and make my skin look really healthy, it also has SPF which is an added bonus.
Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation - This is my most recent edition and i'm still somewhat on the fence about it. It's a very liquid formula so blends easily and gives a light to medium coverage; you can definitely build up the coverage. Depending on how my skin is the wear time can be average if i'm oily. I think this is a good option if I want something that looks natural and i'm not needing it to stay perfect all day.
THE ALL IN ONE:
Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Foundation
Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Foundation - This has been one of my favourite new foundation releases. It really is the perfect all in one base. The coverage is medium without feeling heavy or looking cakey, the wear time is good as is the shade range. This has been my go to everyday option most of the time recently.
THE ALL DAY OPTION:
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation
Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation - This is my all time favourite base, it has a little more coverage than the Rimmel one yet still looks natural. If i'm having a bad skin day or i'm going to be wearing my base for a long time this is what I reach for as it doesn't fade and keeps my skin fairly matte.
The Base Rotation
L-R NARS, Maybelline, Rimmel, Bourjois
The Base Rotation
So those are the bases i've been reaching for a lot lately; most of these have actually been favourites of mine for a while. What are your go to bases at the moment?

Thursday 12 March 2015

Shopping The Stash #5

I gave my beauty stash a Spring clean the other week and in doing that found some old favourites that I haven't used in a while so I thought it was time to do another shopping the stash post. All of these I love and i'm happy to be adding them back into rotation.
Shopping The Stash #5
Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Bare Light
With the weather finally warming up i've been enjoying some lighter bases so I had to dig out the NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (review) which is my go to light base, especially when i'm having a good skin day. This manages to even out the skin and add a glow whilst looking very natural. I've also been wanting to highlight more so I dug out the Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Bare Light which is my favourite liquid highlighter. It's a golden colour that looks natural yet adds a lovely glow and sheen to the skin.
Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream
To go with the lighter base i've wanted something with less coverage under the eyes. A favourite for this is the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Eye Cream (review), this is light on the skin, blends easily and really brightens under the eyes.
Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink
For the cheeks i've dug out the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink. This is the perfect pink colour which adds a healthy flush to the cheeks. Applied in a tapping motion on the apples of the cheeks it can be very subtle or built up for a more obvious blush look.
Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss in Glorious Grapefruit
Another Spring themed rediscover is the Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss in Glorious Grapefruit. I love these glosses as they're not sticky and feel more like a balm on the lips, this shade is a lovely peachy colour, perfect for everyday wear.
Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Huckleburry
Finally ending with a beautiful nail polishes. I decided to step away from the dark nails which i've been going for throughout Winter and go for something more pastel. When sorting through my polishes I found the Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint in Huckleburry which is the perfect pale blue shade. It does take 2-3 coats but also stays on the nail chip free for a good amount of time.

So those are the products i've rediscovered and will be adding back into rotation. Have you shopped your stash recently, if so have you dug out any old favourites?

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black - Reviewed!

Mascara is one of those products I can normally tell if i'm going to love or hate it from first application. This one I was really impressed with straight away and after wearing it for a few weeks I had to give it a review as it definitely deserves it.
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black
The packaging is a little bulky compared to some other mascaras however it still fits in a makeup bag or drawer storage nicely. The black and gold goes with the theme of the Ultra Black range which I like. They claim it will give a clump free finish whilst coating the whole lash with product.
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black
Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara in Ultra Black
The brush does seem a little big however it is actually pretty easy to apply to product to the lashes. You can definitely build up the product; one coat will give a more natural look where as 2 to 3 coats can give a more dramatic, defined look which is how I tend to use it. When applied this way the lashes look thick, defined and very black. The mascara also helps to hold a curve which makes the lashes look even better. You can definitely get a false lash look with this mascara which I love. To top this there is no flaking or smudging on the lower lash line, even after wearing the mascara all day.

This is definitely one of the best, affordable mascaras i've tried and if you love a dramatic lash look I would definitely recommend giving it a go. 


Have you tried this mascara? What is your go to mascara for a dramatic lash look?