Monday 30 November 2015

First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases

Whilst doing some Christmas shopping last week I spotted that a lot of brands have some great free gifts with purchases. Bourjois, L'oreal and Max Factor have all got them for when you spend over £15. I'd been meaning to pick up some Max Factor bits so it was the perfect opportunity. 
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
The first thing I picked up was the Excess Shimmer Shimmer Eyeshadow in Copper. This is a lovely pale bronze colour. Although it has glitter in it, the glitter isn't too intense and instead leaves a sheen on the lid. The shadow is very creamy so easy to blend and works well as a base or on it's own. The wear time is also really good, it lasts all day on my lids without creasing or fading. 
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
The other product I picked up was the Creme Puff Blush in Lovely Pink. I've heard such good things about these I was definitely excited to try one. The shade Lovely Pink is a pale pink shade with a lovely shimmer running through it. On the cheeks it leaves a nice pink colour and glow to the skin. It also last well on the skin which makes me want to pick up some more shades. 
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
Onto the free gift. You get four full size products, the first being the False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara in Brown/Black. I've had this before and it's a really great mascara. You also get the Masterpiece Colour Precision Eyeshadow in Night Sky. This isn't a colour I would normally go for but I think it would make a nice base to some taupe shadows. 
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
You get a Glossfinity Nail Varnish in Stay Cheerful which is a bright pink shade with a slight cool toned shimmer running through it. I'm currently wearing this on my nails and it looks so pretty and the formula leaves a nice glossy finish. Finally, my favourite item is the Colour Elixir Lipstick in Scarlet Ghost. This is a pinky, plum shade which is perfect for this time of year. The formula of this feels creamy and slightly sheer so feels very comfortable on the lips. 
First Impressions | Recent Max Factor Purchases
L-R Lovely Pink, Copper, Night Sky, Scarlet Ghost
So those are some recent Max Factor purchases. I love the blush and cream shadow I got on the free gift is too good to miss. The lipstick is a true stand out and is a colour I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this festive season. You also get a £2 off voucher for one of their foundations which i'm tempted to pick up. What are some of your favourite Max Factor products?

Thursday 26 November 2015

November Empties!

I don't feel like i've managed to use up a lot of products this month however it's gotten a lot colder so i've been going through moisturiser like there's no tomorrow to help with my dry skin on both my body and face. 
November Empties!
November Empties!
HAIRCARE:
Dove Oxygen Moisture Shampoo - When this came out I really enjoyed it. It's a great shampoo if you have fine, flat hair that needs a bit of volume. It works well but there's other shampoos which I prefer now. Repurchase? No.
Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - It wouldn't be an empites without some dry shampoo. Working full time and having very early starts means dry shampoo has been even more of a must recently. Repurchase? Yes. 
November Empties!
BODYCARE:
The Body Shop Satsuma Body Butter - This is one of the best smelling body products as it's fruity and lingers on the skin for a long time. The only downside is that I find this one to feel a little greasy so I only really use it on my legs and feet. Repurchase? No.
Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter - This is one of the nicest feeling body butters but i've had so much of it over the years that i'm starting to get a bit sick of the scent. Repurchase? No. 
November Empties!
SKINCARE:
Simple Kind To Skin+ Protecting Moisture Cream SPF30 - I loved this moisturiser in the Summer as it felt nice on the skin whilst having a good SPF to protect the skin. It's a great budget find which I randomly came across when I wanted to try something new. Repurchase? Yes. 
The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Mask - I was said to see this mask finish as I really loved using it. It's creamy, yet has oats in it which help to make the skin feel smooth. It's hydrating yet gives the skin a deep clean. It's the perfect all in one mask, especially for this time of year. Repurchase? Yes. 
November Empties!
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation - I like to dig this foundation whenever the weather gets colder and I recently went to use it and nothing would come out. It's a serum based foundation so feels so comfortable on the skin whilst giving a nice finish. It's great for drier skin types as it doesn't cling to any dry patches. Repurchase? Yes.


So those are this months empties. There's some really favourites this month which I will definitely have to go out and purchase, mainly that mask from The Body Shop. What products have you used up this month? 

Monday 23 November 2015

November Beauty Favourites

This month seems to have gone so fast, mainly because i've been working for most of it. I have been trying a few new products as well as discovering some old favourites include a great mask which has been getting rid of that congested skin feeling at the end of a long week. There's also some great lip colours for good measure. 
November Beauty Favourites
November Beauty Favourites
Starting with said mask, I repurchased the Soap & Glory The Fab Pore Mask and it as been so good to put on after a long day when my skin needs a deep clean. It's gentle yet works really well. It works especially well around the nose and t-zone to get rid of excess oil and leave the skin smooth. 
November Beauty Favourites
I've really gotten back into highlighting again recently, mainly because of this little beauty. The Collection Speedy Highlighter* is a stick highlighter that isn't too bold, blends easily and lasts well on the skin. It's a great budget find to give a nice glow. 
November Beauty Favourites
I was in need of a new mascara so I picked up the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara and I love it. It's a plastic brush that lengthens the lashes without looking clumpy yet gives a defined lash look. You can build this up to be more dramatic which is an added bonus. 
November Beauty Favourites
November Beauty Favourites
L-R Best Of The Best, Craving
On my days off i've been loving a bright lip and a new favourite is Rimmel Best Of The Best as it's the perfect cherry red colour that's creamy and feels lovely on the lips. I definitely need to get some more of these as the formula is so nice. For work i've been liking some more neutral which is why i've been loving MAC Craving which is still fairly bold but is still a berry toned nude. I don't love nude lip colours where as this shade is very wearable for me and perfect for everyday. 


So those are this months beauty favourites. As Christmas is getting closer I plan on spending less on myself so some shopping the stash is going to happen next month. What have been your beauty favourites this month?

Thursday 19 November 2015

Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory, The Body Shop, Maybelline

I did a bit of beauty shopping last week for the first time in a while; mainly because I had actually ran out of a few bits plus it's hard to stay away when Boots have their 3 for 2 offer on. So here's what I picked up and some initial thoughts on them.
Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory, The Body Shop, Maybelline
Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory, The Body Shop, Maybelline
From The Body Shop I picked up their Balance Shampoo as I was in need of some clarifying as I find I can get a lot of build up in my hair. I'm trying to use up some shampoos but i'm excited to give this a go. I also got a new foot cream as working in retail full time has left me with sore feet. I've had this African Honey and Beeswax Foot Butter before and loved it. It's one of the best creams i've used. 
Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory, The Body Shop, Maybelline
Onto the Boots bits, I got a sachet of the Sanctuary Thermal Charcoal Mask. My skin was feeling congested and this is a great mask for that as it is warm and really deeply cleans the skin. Definitely need to get the full size. An impulse purchase was the Boots Simply Sensitive Micellar Water as I hadn't seen it before and seemed like something I would enjoy. 
Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory, The Body Shop, Maybelline
I was in need of a new primer to make my foundation last all day so I picked up the Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot as it was new and felt nice on my hand. This feels lovely on the skin and makes a nice base of makeup but i'm yet to really notice if it helps with the wear of my foundation. 
Beauty Haul | Soap & Glory, The Body Shop, Maybelline
These new Rimmel The Only 1 Lipsticks have been catching my eye ever since they came out. I picked up the shade Best Of The Best which is a lovely bright pink toned red. These are creamy so feel comfortable on the lips yet the colour lasts really well without bleeding or fading. Big thumbs up. I needed a new mascara so I finally decided to give the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara a try and I have to say it's a new favourite. This lengthens really well and doesn't make my lashes look clumpy. 


So those are some recent beauty purchases. I try and not buy too much this time of year as Christmas is an expensive occasion that is getting very near, however I couldn't resists getting a few bits. What beauty purchases have you made recently?

Monday 16 November 2015

Collection Speedy Highlighter - Reviewed!

I love highlighters but often forget to use them in my mad rush of getting ready in the morning. A good highlight can really brighten the skin and give a healthy glow. Stick highlight are becoming more common and their easy application and subtle finish is very appealing. 
Collection Speedy Highlighter
Collection Speedy Highlighter
The stick style applicator means you can easily apply product onto the cheeks, brow bone and anywhere the light would natural hit the face. It is a subtle glow which makes for an even easier application because you can't really put too much product on.
Collection Speedy Highlighter
Collection Speedy Highlighter
The highlight is a pearl, pink toned which works really well on fair skin tones. The best thing is there are no chunks of glitter in it so it looks very natural on the skin. The colour lasts on the skin well and doesn't break down or go patchy. This is very easy to wear in the day time but you could also apply a little more for a bolder night time look. 


If you are new to highlighting or have fair skin I would highly recommend this highlight as it is easy to use and looks nice and natural on the skin whilst adding a nice glow. This is definitely a great bargain find.

Collection Speedy Highlighter* retails for £3.99.

Have you tried this? What is your favourite natural highlighter?


*PR Sample

Friday 13 November 2015

The Edit | The Work Face

I've been working full time in a new job for a couple of weeks now so I thought I would share what makeup i've been wearing. I have to wake up at 5:30 so often do my makeup when it's still dark so i've been reaching for the same few products although I do plan on changing things up a little so I use everything in my collection. 
Starting with the base i'm still loving the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer as it makes my foundation last so much longer. I actually need to pick up a new tube soon as i've used it so much. My foundation is choice has been the Bourjois Air Mat as it feels lovely on the skin, as decent coverage and lasts really long without going patchy. Perfect for a long shift. 
My concealer has really changed much. I'm still using the Seventeen Stay Time 18 Hour Concealer on blemishes and the L'oreal Lumi Magique under the eyes which covers and brightens around the eyes which is needed for very early mornings. 
For powder i've dug out the Vichy Dermablend powder as it is very light and feels smooth on the skin. I had totally forgotten about this product but it is really great for making your foundation lasts longer. For bronzer i've gone back to an old classic; and well loved NARS Laguna bronzer. I find this adds a nice warmth without looking too dark. I've also been using the NARS Deep Throat blush as it is one of my favourites and is a great peachy pink shade. 
For eyes i've been liking a bronze smokey eye and one of my favourite palettes for that is the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette. I really like the cream, gold and matte brown shades in this palette and i've been choosing between these colours most days. 
Mascara i've been using the Maybelline Plumped Up Colossal Volume Mascara, this is okay but nothing ground braking. I'm definitely looking to try something new that adds volume and definition to the lashes. Recommendations are very much welcome. For brows I've been loving the Smashbox Brow Tech Matte Pencil in Taupe. I love the shade of this as it matches my hair perfect as well as lasting really well. For lips i've been using MAC Craving most days. I love that this is a neutral colour whilst still be somewhat bold on. It also last really well and I only have to reapply at lunch. 


So those are been the products i've been reaching for work recently. All of these last well and I don't have to touch up during the day. What products do you reach for on a work day?

Wednesday 11 November 2015

Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation - Reviewed!

This year Collection have really stepped up their game and have brought out a bunch of new products that are really great. This foundation is one of those products. Glowing foundation are something that you tend to mainly see from high end brands so it's nice to see some more affordable brands bringing out their versions.
Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation
Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation
The foundation come in a frosted glass bottle with a black top. I really like the packaging, it's nice and neat and very functional. The pump is easy to use and doesn't dispense too much product. The foundation is designed to be illuminating, light on the skin whilst having a decent wear time. 
Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation
Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation
It comes in 6 shades which isn't a lot but there is a good mix of yellow and pink toned shades which helps making finding a good match easier. I tend to use shades 1 or 2. Both work well for my light skin tone. The foundation has a creamy light texture and blends on the skin nicely. You can build it up in the areas you need creating a light to medium coverage. It covers well without looking like a mask on the skin. 
Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation
It gives a nice glow to the skin without looking shimmery. You can't see any glitter particles on the skin instead it leaves a natural glow to the skin. The wear time is good, although I do find I can get a little oily by the end of the day; I do have combination skin so this can be common for me. I think the foundation would work well for most skin tones. It doesn't cling to dry patches so it would work for dry, normal to combination skin nicely. 


For this price this is a great natural looking everyday foundation. The texture of the foundation definitely feels more high end than I expected when I first tried it. 


Collection Illuminating Touch Foundation* retails for £3.99.

Have you tried this foundation? What are some of your favourite Collection products?

*PR Sample

Monday 9 November 2015

Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lacquer - Reviewed!

The other weekend I went coat shopping and somehow ended up browsing the 3 for 2 makeup in Superdrug; this happens too often. I picked up a few bits from Makeup Revolution and this was the first thing that caught my eye. The mixture of rose gold packaging and the promise of a long wearing lip product had me sold. 
Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lacquer
Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lacquer
As I said the lacquer comes in a rose gold box and the the actual gloss has a black lid with rose gold lettering. I love the packaging as it's neat and it's easy to spot the different shades. The product itself is a matte gloss that is very pigmented and is meant to last for hours whilst still looking bold and in place.
Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lacquer What I Believe
Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lacquer What I Believe
To apply I would recommend less is more then build it up. The first time I applied it I put way too much on and had to use an oil based makeup remover to remove it. Then I learned to removes some of the product from the applicator, put on a light layer then add more. After about 5 minutes you definitely feel it get more matte and start to set. For a matte lip product it still feels comfortable on the lips and doesn't seem to cling to any dry patches. 
Makeup Revolution Salvation Velvet Lacquer What I Believe
The shade What I Believe is a lovely peachy pink shade. On the lips it isn't too in your face and would be a great everyday option. The wear time is definitely to best part of these. I wore this for going on a meal out and it survived a pasta dish and some chocolate cake; it was still visible without looking patchy when I went to remove it. 


If you are on the hunt for a long wearing lip product that you don't need to touch up I would definitely check these out. They have a great selection of shades from nudes to even a purple. 


Have you tried these? What is your favourite Makeup Revolution product?

Friday 6 November 2015

What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition

It's been a little while since I did a what's in my bag so I thought it was about time I showed what bits I carry around in my bag on the weekend; mainly lip products. I just gave my bag a clear out of old receipts and some old mints but no doubt it will be full again in no time. 
What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition
What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition
The bag is from Forever 21 a little while ago. I've had some many compliments on this bag and lots of people thinking it's real leather. It's not and cost about £14 and is wearing so well. It's structured but you can fit a decent amount in it. The front zip I keep my headphones, vouchers and train tickets in so they're to hand. 
What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition
I still keep my sunglasses with me mainly for driving as I get serious squinty face if I don't wear them when it sunny. My purse is by Fossil and was a birthday present from my Mum. It's black leather with gold detail. This inside is a bright peach side which I love. 
What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition
Winter means my hands are always dry so I have some hand cream with me always. I also have some hand gel which comes in useful when i'm out all day. I also have my keys which are normally buried at the bottom of my bag which results in me taking ages to find them. 
What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition
What's In My Bag | Weekend Edition
Finally onto the lip products. I've been liking the nudes a lot more recently, my favourite being the NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee. I've been layering that over this Covergirl Jumbo Crayon in this peachy pink shade. For something brighter i'm still loving the Wet n Wild Lipstick in Cherry Picking which is such an amazing colour. Whilst out the other weekend I picked up this Makeup Revolution Lipstick in Dazzle the shade which is a nice bold pink colour. 


So that's the bits i've been carrying around in my bag on the weekends. I try not to bring too much with me when i'm out but i'm definitly guilty of having lots of lip products in my bag. I think my record might be 10! What is in your bag on the weekends?

Wednesday 4 November 2015

Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara - Reviewed!

This is the mascara i've been using ever since I got back from America and totally forgot I hadn't put together a review for it. I've been really enjoying it and definitely have used it long enough to write about it. 
Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
The packaging is bright green which I kind of love. It's bold and stands out; Covergirl are definitely known for their bright coloured mascaras. Unlike the original lashblast mascara this one has a curved brush. I like this as it helps with application as well as giving a curl to the lashes. 
Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
Covergirl LashBlast Clump Crusher Mascara
The mascara itself gives a nice definition to the lashes and as you build the product up it doesn't go clumpy instead it makes the lashes look black, bold and with a nice curl. It lasts really well throughout the day without leaving any fallout and still has a decent amount of curl and definition when you remove it. 


I think this is a great mascara and i've loved using it. The only downside I can find is that it has started to dry up after just under 2 months worth of use. I normally throw out my mascaras ever 3 months but this one definitely got a little hard to use near the end quicker than others i've used. 


I would still recommend checking this out and I think it's even better than the original lash blast mascara as it gives a lot more definition. Have you tried the clump crusher mascara?