Face of the Day with Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in 'Au Naturel'

Technically this is a Face of the Day from about 2 weeks ago but hey, no one needs to know that I'm sitting here with my greasy hair in a massive pineapple, with mascara smeared across my face! 

Base

Foundation

Dior Star

This foundation is definitely a grower not a shower. At first I liked it but didn't really have much of an opinion. I've only really started to appreciate it now I'm halfway through the bottle. This gives a medium coverage but looks really natural on the skin, if you are fan of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua I'm sure you would love this.

Concealer

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque, Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon and Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

The Bobbi Brown Corrector is quickly becoming my best friend, it just gets rid of those horrible dark circles instantly! 

I have now finished the Josie Maran Crayon and like the foundation, this really grew on me. I loved the creaminess of this concealer and the pretty highlight effect it gave. 

You cant go wrong with the Collection concealer it costs less than a fiver and is so good at covering pesky spots.

Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfection Micro Powder

Hideously expensive but worth every penny, as this is the best powder I have ever found!

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

If you have fair skin and struggle to find a bronzer pale enough, then you need to try one of these bronzers by The Body Shop. Perfect for Winter bronzing or fair skinned ladies!

Blush

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

I have been using this blush pretty consistently for the last two months. It just gives the perfect natural flush, which I love in these Winter months. 

Eyes

Eyeshadow

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in #13

I love cream shadows because they are so quick and easy to apply and they never look flat or boring. Shimmery/metallic creams are by far my favourite and this gold offering by Makeup Up For Ever is my current love. Very seasonal, it just gives me that wide eyed awake look.

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Yep still loving this duo.

Eyebrows

Soap and Glory Archery Eyebrow Pencil and L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper

I have now finished this Soap and Glory pencil and gone back to my beloved Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil. I did love the Soap and Glory and would highly, highly recommend it, but as I prefer a bushy full brow, the Hourglass pencil will always have my heart.

Lips

Lipstick

Buxom True Nude Lip Foundation in 'Au Naturel'

I mentioned how much I was loving this in my Sephora Goodies Post so I thought I better show you what it looks like on. I love the matte finish, personally I find it comfortable on the lips and this is coming from someone who has tried a lot of matte lip products! I just love the colour and the pencil application is genius! If I get to America next year I definitely want to explore the rest of the shades in the range.

Face of the Day with Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Champagne Diamonds

Its pretty obvious I love makeup but I am falling in love with it all over again. I don't know whether its the change in seasons, or all the new exciting product launches but I could just spend all day talking about the stuff and slapping it on my face! 

I promise I am not an entirely shallow person!

Face

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation

Love this foundation but I have now used up every last drop. Gives great, long lasting but natural looking coverage.

Concealer

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque, Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon and 

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Three concealers, I know completely ridiculous! Basically the Josie Maran crayon is too creamy for blemishes/redness so I rely on my trusty Collection concealer. I like the Josie Maran crayon to highlight but I need a bit more coverage under my eyes so I use it in conjunction with the Bobbi Brown corrector. 

Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Skin Perfecting Micro Powder

This is the best powder I have ever used. It feels like velvet, doesn't cake and keeps oil at bay, the price could bring me to tears though! I hardly have any of this left and although I definitely will buy it again, I  just can't justify the cost while I still have other powders to use up.

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

This is a bloody good bronzer, just as good as the Guerlain Terracotta bronzers but a third of the price.

Blush

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in Natural

One of my all time favourite blushers. It gives such a beautiful flush to the cheeks which is perfect for this time of year. I also like that it has a bit of shimmer so you don't need a separate highlighter.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Soap & Glory Archery Eyebrow Pencil and L'oreal Brow Artist Plumper

There was a time when you couldn't find any eyebrow products in the 'drugstore' but now there are some really great, affordable ones available. I recommend Archery as an eyebrow pencil to everyone and this brow gel not only keeps your brows in place but also adds a natural tint. 

Eyeshadow

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon Eyeshadow Pencil in Champagne Diamonds and Trish McEvoy 24 Hour Eyeshadow and Liner in Topaz

I am a little bit lazy when it comes to eyeshadow which is why I love cream eyeshadows. I am particularly loving eyeshadow pencils at the moment (post on its way) and these are two of my favourites. Champagne Diamonds is so sparkly, you really need to see it in person.

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

I have stuck to this mascara combination for months now and wont be changing any time soon.

Lips

Lip Balm

Sephora Kiss Me Balm in Candy Apple

My mum bought me back this lip balm from Sephora and it hasn't left my lips since. I love a tinted lip balm because you get the best of both worlds, colour and moisture. This was such a good discovery, I would definitely recommend trying one if you find yourself in a Sephora.

Face of the Day with Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette in Starstruck

So after my natural, post holiday Face of the Day yesterday, today I have the polar opposite! I was feeling very Autumnal and went to town with a smoky bronze eye and deeper lip. 

I actually really love this look and can already tell I will be re-creating it a lot. 

I am starting a new job tomorrow at Cosmopolitan magazine (ahhhhh!) and one of the things I am really excited about is getting to wear slightly more daring makeup. My previous office job wasn't really strict on dress code but in a sea of grey and beige, anything out of the ordinary stood out!

Face

Primer

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

I'm down to my last few drops of this and even though I was using a long wear foundation, I like to wear a primer just to prep my skin. 

Foundation

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation

What I love about this foundation is that its long wearing but not heavy. Most long wearing foundations feel and look like a mask on your skin, this is the only one I have found that gives a pretty natural finish. 

Under Eye Concealer 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter

To brighten those pesky dark circles!

Bronzer

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder in Shade 03

I wear bronzer all year round but now we are reaching the Winter months I wanted one that was a bit paler. I have heard a lot of rave reviews about this Body Shop bronzer and I can verify its worth the hype! I think its very comparable to the Guerlain bronzers which cost £30+ and the shade range is great for paler skins!

Powder

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

Best budget powder out there, controls shine without giving you cake face.

Highlighter

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

Still loving this highlight after my review here. I just love the warm glow it gives my skin.

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

I always wear an eyeshadow primer because it helps my eyeshadow last all day. I apply this all over my lid and also underneath my lower lash line. 

Eyeshadow

Kat Von D True Romance Eyeshadow Palette - Starstruck

This is the perfect Autumnal eyeshadow palette. All of the shades are buttery soft and bright, the top left colour 'Fallen' is bar my favourite. 

For this look I used 'Fallen' all over my lid and blended it underneath my lower lash line. To add some darkness to the outer corner I used 'Pagan Poetry' (bottom left) and 'Hermit' (bottom right). 'Hermit' looks a bit intimidating but the red mixed with the brown just adds a beautiful warmth, perfect for blue/green eyes. I don't think this palette is available anymore but her Monarch palette looks similar.

Eyeliner

MAC Teddy Eye Kohl

Sticking with the warm brown tones, I used a brown eyeliner rather than a black. Brown is less harsh than black and will also emphasise blue eyes. 

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

Sticking with my favourite mascara combination of the moment.

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

As both my eyes and lips were quite dark I wanted to keep my eyebrows on the lighter side. That's why I love the Hourglass pencil, because its soft and never looks harsh. 

Lips

Lip Liner

MAC Burgundy Lip Liner

I wasn't planning on wearing a lip liner but because I had patted my lipstick on with my finger, I needed to use one to stop it bleeding. Any dark lip liner will do, I just think MAC have the biggest colour variety.

Lipstick

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107

Its back! Is it sad that I was mainly excited for Autumn because I get to wear this lipstick again?! This lipstick costs £5.49 but its just as good as any MAC lipstick. Its a dark red berry colour but if you want to wear it a bit lighter like I have in these pictures, just lightly pat on your lips and blend with your finger. Honestly if you want to revamp your makeup bag for Autumn, this is the one thing you need. 

The Beauty Graveyard

Time for a round up of all the products I have used up lately. If you haven't read one of my Beauty Graveyard posts before *'s indicate how many times a product has featured in previous Beauty Graveyard posts.

Bumble & Bumble Surf Foam Wash Shampoo **

I am a massive fan of the Bumble & Bumble Surf shampoo and conditioner. They leave my hair feeling squeaky clean and bouncy, plus help me achieve the tousled effect I love.

Oribe Apres Beach Wave and Shine Spray **

This stuff is sickeningly expensive but it works so good I cant be without it! This gives me that tousled bed hair I love without any stickiness. In fact when I use this it doesn't even feel like I have anything in my hair at all. Plus it smells amazing and I always get compliments on my perfume when I use this!

Living Proof Full Discovery Kit

I have used up everything in this kit except the thickening cream. I did a full review on the kit here and I would highly recommend trying it, as its really good value for money. One thing I would add to my original review though, I didn't really rate the shampoo and conditioner but when used in conjunction with the thickening cream and root lifting spray, I really did notice a major difference in the volume of my hair!

Garnier Body Repair Anti-Dryness Restoring Lotion *****

One of my favourite body moisturisers. 

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion*

I really don't like the smell of this moisturiser, I think it must be the oat in it. Its not a bad moisturiser but the bottle is too small I use it up in no time at all. I probably wouldn't buy this again.

Clarins Body Shaping Supplement

I nicked this off my Mum as she wasn't using it. First of all I don't believe that any cream or lotion will shape your body in any way shape or form but as this is an oil you mix in with your normal body lotion, I thought it might be nice to use when your skin is drier in the Winter months. 

I don't have anything good to say about this, of course I noticed no "body shaping" results and it wasn't even particularly hydrating. Don't waste your money!

The Body Shop Deep Sleep Dreamy Pillow and Body Mist

I definitely think these kind of products are used as a placebo but it was quite enjoyable spraying this on my pillow before bed and smelling the calming scent. I am a bit of a sucker at times, so I probably will purchase something similar to this again one day.

Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Masks

I did a full review on these masks in this post but I have to say I wont be repurchasing. In this pack you get 4 masks for £20.00 and I would just rather buy a tube of hydraluron for the money.

Yes to Cucumber Soothing Daily Calming Moisturiser *

You know I love the Yes to range because of their natural ingredients. I have tried all their moisturisers now, Cucumber, Carrot and Tomato. They feel nice and light on my skin, which is good for me as I cant stand heavy moisturisers on my face.

Neal's Yard Rehydrating Rose Toner

I really liked using this toner after cleansing as it left my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. It didn't feel at all stripping or drying, just very gentle. I would definitely buy this again.

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel **

I forgot how much I loved this cleanser. For one reason or another, when I used up my last tube I didn't repurchase it. Then the other month I remembered how much I loved it and since then I have bought 2 tubes! I use this with a muslin cloth, it takes my makeup off so easily and feels really luxurious on the skin.

L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation

I really loved this foundation. It gave a light to medium coverage and felt really light on my skin. I would definitely buy another bottle of this. More in depth review here

L'oreal Miss Manga Mascara

This mascara really grew on me the more I used it. I felt like it really lengthened my lashes and gave volume but wasn't at all clumpy. I have done a full review here and again I would definitely repurchase this.

Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

Crappy packaging aside, this is a really good setting powder. It kept my oil at bay for the whole day which is important for me, as apart from lipstick I don't tend to touch up my makeup during the day. You do need to be careful with this though, as if you apply too much it can look a little cakey.

Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Lip and Cheek Balm *

My all time favourite lip balm. This was in a limited edition peachy shade which they released a few years ago. I wish they would release more of these in different shades. 

This is a staple for me and I will forever be repurchasing it.

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel **

Another staple, the best brow gel I have found. Not only does this groom your brows and keep them looking natural. It also has amazing hold, I like to brush my brows upwards and this keeps them in place all day.

Sunday Manicure

I'm not a fan of Sunday traditions, roast dinners and The Antiques Roadshow, followed by cheese and crackers. Its all a bit depressing, although I am partial to a bit of Countryfile, hello Matt Baker ;)

I do have my own Sunday tradition though, which is the manicure. I change my nail polish all the time (every 2-3 days) but on a Sunday I go the whole hog. Nail painting is an art and badly painted nails are my biggest pet peeve. I studied Beauty Therapy and learning how to paint nails was the best thing about that year! 

Follow my step by step manicure and never flood your cuticles again!

First up, gather your equipment. You will need:

Cotton wool - Pads are the best

Nail Polish Remover

4 Sided Nail Buffer

Nail File

Cuticle Remover

Orange Stick

Base Coat

Nail Polish - Any colour!

Top Coat

Cuticle Oil

1. Remove your nail polish - The most obvious step, but I know some people (Chloe) are guilty of painting over their chipped polish! This will also prep your nails and remove the natural oils from your nails, which will extend the wear of your polish. My favourite nail polish remover is the Zoya Remove +

 2. Cuticle time - Cuticles are a pain, if yours are overgrown your nail polish wont go on smoothly and it will shorten the length of your nail bed. I like the Sally Hansen Gel Cuticle Remover, apply a small amount to each of your nails and leave on for around 2 minutes. After 2 minutes use an orange stick to push back the cuticle and remove the excess.

3. Repeat step 1 - After using the cuticle gel make sure you go over each nail again with nail polish remover, just a quick swipe is needed! This will remove the excess gel and make your nail polish last longer. Its like applying foundation, if you apply your foundation immediately after you've moisturised it wont last as long. Same applies to your nails, make sure they are prepped!

4. File - Choose your preferred shape, if you have short, chubby fingers like me, go for an oval shape it will make your fingers appear longer!

5. Buff - My nail buffer is my secret weapon and will make your nail polish last all week. I always use the Models Own buffer which you can buy from Boots. The buffer has 4 sides, side 1 is a really rubbish file which I never use, so I start with step 2. buff, followed by step 3. smooth and step 4. shine.
Not only does buffing your nails make your polish last longer, it also helps reduce ridges in your nails and if you have stained your nails it will help take the stain out.

 6. Base - You must, must, must use a base coat. Think of it like a primer, smoothing out the surface of your nail making your polish apply evenly. It also prevents staining and increases your polish wear. Any base coat will do, I'm currently using this OPI Natural Nail Base Coat which I really like, I would also recommend the Essie Nourish Me base coat. If you have bad ridges in your nails use a ridge filling base coat, these are thicker and will fill in the ridges.

7. Paint - I'm currently having a Buffy Summers season 1 moment and loving white nail polish. OPI Alpine Snow is my favourite white but I only have it in this diddy bottle and its basically all gone now :'( Always do 2 coats, I very, very rarely do three coats. Paint in three stripes, one in the middle and 2 either side. Remember you are painting your nails, not your cuticles or skin. The more you practise the better you will get!

8. Shine - Top coat, please don't skip it! It makes all the difference and adds shine. Its like the perfect sandwich, base coat, 2 coats of polish and top coat. The top coat seals everything in and is the final step in increasing your polish wear time. The only top coat I use is the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. A life changing product, my nails are dry within 5 minutes. I would never be without this!





9. Oil -  Cuticle oil stops your cuticles becoming dry and ragged. I love Solar Oil but have just finished my bottle so picked this Almond Nail and Cuticle Oil up from The Body Shop. It comes in a handy clicky pen, so you can chuck it in your bag and apply it anytime.

Taaa Daaaaa!

And not a flooded cuticle in sight!

The Beauty Graveyard

As well as buying far too many make up and beauty products these past few months, I have also been using them up at a range of knots, which is something that strangely gives me great pleasure and a strange feeling of satisfaction!

Lee Stafford Treatment for hair that never grows past a certain length x 2! - I love love love this stuff it truly is holy grail for me and I cannot be without it. As soon as this ran out I had to go and buy a new one the next day. Its quite pricey, £7.99 in Boots but they often do 3 for 2 offers on the Lee Stafford range so you can get a good deal. I'm sure you can tell by the name what this stuff is supposed to do and I honestly believe it works, i genuinely have seen quite a difference in my hair length and a real improvement in the condition of my hair.
You use this in between shampoo and conditioner. I use this every time I wash my hair without fail. I must have used 6 tubs of the stuff by now. Run to Boots and try this!

The Body Shop Strawberry Body Butter - This smells deeeelicious, when I use it you can actually smell it from all the way downstairs. I love it but I think The Body Shop Body Butters are ridiculously expensive at £12.50! For that reason its not an everyday type moisturiser.

James Brown London Scandalous Rock Chick Wave Spray - In short a sea salt spray. I adore the packaging on James Brown's Scandalous range I think its gorgeous but there's definitely some things they can improve. The spray on this was utterly crap, instead of spraying out a fine mist it just spurted out big drips of product so it was horrible to apply and made my hair feel knotty and crispy. I can't really give a true review on the actual formula of the spray because of this but I wouldn't bother repurchasing because theres a lot of sea salt sprays out there which I'm sure work a lot better.

Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo for Mid Brown hair - I very rarely use dry shampoo now after I had quite a horrific experience with it. All I will say is make sure you rub it in thoroughly at the back of your head and if you have dark hair use a coloured powder like this one. I really like Lee Stafford's range and again I would recommend his dry shampoos. There are 3 colours, normal, mid brown and dark all available in Boots

Johnson's Baby Moisturising Cream - I will admit I just got this because I wanted to smell as sweet as a baby! Quite a nice moisturiser though ;)

bnatural Sleep time Pillow Spray - I swear this stuff gave me the most vivid dreams whenever I used it! Honestly since stopping using it I cant even remember my dreams. I wouldn't buy this again because it freaked me out a bit but if you want to give it a try I got it from Sainsbury's! Good luck......

Cherry Pop Lip Shine - You will never guess where I got this lip balm from...Tesco's, in the children's party bag section for £1 and I actually really liked it. 1 - 0 to me then.

Chanel Bronze Universal or Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel - If you are an avid beauty blog reader or YouTube watcher then you know all about Chanel's cream bronzer. It gets mixed reviews some love it, some hate it. When I first got this I was unsure it was kind of orangey and I just couldn't seem to get it to work but once you master it (I personally think its all in the brush and I loved to apply it with a Body Shop Kabuki brush) then you fall in love. I really debated repurchasing this but I decided to give it a break for a while and use up some other products but I will definitely be buying this again. In fact writing this mini review is making me want it now! Argh I'm a bad influence on myself!

Waitrose Essential 3 in 1 Facial Cleansing Wipes - The best budget make up wipes out there. I don't think I'm the only one who's noticed this either as whenever they are on offer in my local Waitrose they always sell out!

MAC Shell Cream Colour Base - I love cream colour bases for highlighters, I wouldn't really use them for anything else as I don't think they are long wearing enough for the eye area. I guess if you got the right colour they would make a nice cream blush but anyway I just use them for a highlight. Shell is a lovely pinky colour with shimmer. I'm really trying to avoid using the description frosty pink here because no one wants to hear that but if I said a good frosty pink would you believe me? Probably not! Anyway this makes a lovely highlighter and I would recommend!

Chanel No5 Eau Premiere - This was released as the modern, younger and lighter version of the classic No5. It is a lovely comforting smell, kind of like wrapping yourself up in a warm blanket and giving yourself a cuddle. Sometimes you need a perfume like that!

Juicy Couture, Couture Couture perfume - I think I got that right! Probably not the best perfume if you like the bottle more then the actual scent!