Sunday, 29 November 2015

How much makeup can you finish in a year?

Its no secret that I'm a makeup addict, Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, NARS, Bobbi Brown, are all my drugs of choice and we all know addictions don't come cheap. 

Last year I finally got my dream job, working on a magazine and I'm now in the position where I can get makeup for free through my job, something I'm sure Natwest are incredibly relieved about. 

As I stopped buying so much makeup, I started to realise just how much stuff I had, sitting in drawers going unused and it made me feel pretty guilty. At the end of last year I decided to make a conscious effort to downsize my makeup collection by using up the products that I had. 
Rather than using different products every day, I tried to use the same product until it was finished. Slightly boring from a blogging point of view, but it actually meant I used stuff up.

I kept all my makeup empties in a bag (Sephora of course) and have been saving them for a whole year, since last November. I also kept a note of how much everything I finished cost, just for that added shame value.

So, this is what a year of used of makeup looks like.

Primers

Diorskin Nude Glow Natural Glow Complexion Enhancer £28.50
Adds radiance to your face, without any shimmer. Not amazing and now discontinued.

Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray £21.00
This stuff genuinely works, although I do prefer the De Slick version.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer £29.00
Pricey, not particularly illuminating and didn't make any difference to the wear time of my makeup.

MAC Prep & Prime Skin Base £21.00
Slightly thicker primer but keeps your makeup on like glue. I used this on my Sister for her wedding makeup and it lasted all day in the summer heat.  

Foundation
Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup £27.00
This foundation photographs beautifully, I often use it for Wedding makeup and wore it myself when I was a bridesmaid for my Sisters wedding.

Diorskin Star Foundation £32.00
One of my favourite foundations of the year, lightweight and very natural looking.

Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation £36.50
A long lasting foundation, that looks natural and doesn't suck the moisture out of your skin. Worth the hefty price tag.

MAC Studio Fix Fluid £21.50
This was probably the oldest foundation in my collection. High coverage, smells like paint, not for me.

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation £12.50
My favourite summer foundation, gives you a glow that rivals Jennifer Lopez without feeling like you are wearing foundation. I would definitely buy this again.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation £25.50
Not the best for oily skins but on normal to dry skin this gives some serious glow.

BB/CC Creams/Tinted Moisturisers

Diorskin Nude BB Creme £30.00
This was a godsend after months of wearing MAC Studio Fix Fluid. The perfect BB Cream for oilier skin types.

Rachel K Original CC Cream £26.00
A traditional CC cream from Korea, nothing like the westernised tinted moisturisers we have. Brightening, mattifying and actually worked really well as a primer.

Origins VitaZing £29.00
Not really a makeup item, more of a moisturiser with a hint of tint, no coverage at all.

Concealers/Correctors

MAC Prep & Prime Highlight in 'Light Boost' £19.00
This pale yellow colour makes for a great under eye highlight. This is the 3rd of 4th tube I have gone through.
MAC Prep & Prime Highlight in 'Light Boost' £19.00
A peachy tone for correcting dark circles under the eyes. Light Boost is better.

Bobbi Brown Corrector in 'Light Bisque' £19.00
An under eye miracle, if you suffer from dark circles make this your BFF.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer £17.00
Amazing concealer that you only need the tiniest amount of. Annoying packaging that pumps out too much.

Dior Hydra Life BB Eye Creme £30.00
Cannot put into words how average this is and I spent thirty bloody pounds on it.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer £17.50
My BAE, my ride or die, my angel. So much better than the NARS Radiant Creamy concealer.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer £8.49
A bit blah compared to the Lumi Magique foundation which I love.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19
Believe the hype.

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector £26.00
Not a patch on the Bobbi Brown Corrector.

Josie Maran Argan Creamy Concealer Crayon £13.00
I miss having this in my makeup bag. It was the one thing that would instantly pick me up if I was going straight out from work and had no time to re-do my makeup.

Powder

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder £33.00
The most expensive, but nicest powder I have ever used. Feels like velvet and genuinely does make your skin look flawless (I have another two in my drawer, ssshhh)

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder £24.00
Buy this if you want your skin to look ashy AF. Just buy Rimmel Stay Matte instead please.

MAC Prep & Prime CC Compact in 'Neutralize' £20.50
A yellow toned powder designed to brighten the face. Actually works really well but its so hard, its near impossible to pick any powder up with your brush.

MAC Blot Powder Pressed £20.50
Proof that you can't always trust the reviews on Makeupalley. I thought this was the secret to an oil free face…..spoiler, it wasn't

Bronzer

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel £32.00
The infamous cream bronzer, difficult to apply but worth persevering with if you like that bronzed look.  

MAC Alluring Aquatic Bronzer in 'Aphrodite's Shell' £24.00
Limited edition from one of MAC's summer collections. I really liked the sheen this gave my skin.

Highlighter

Kevyn Aucoin The Celestial Powder in 'Candlelight' £34.00
It was a sad day when I finally finished my beloved. This is my all time favourite highlighter and its taking all my will power not to run out and buy it again.

NARS Illuminator in 'Copacabana' £23.00
Mix a blob of this in with your foundation for some serious glow. 

Eyebrow Pencils

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in 'Soft Brunette' £ 26.00 each
My favourite brow pencil.
Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long Wear Brow Pencil in 'Taupe' and 'Grey' £29.50 each
Very similar to the Hourglass pencils, but not as good I'm afraid.
Smashbox Browtech Gloss Stick in 'Brunette' £16.50
Glossy brows might sound a bit weird but I kind of love this pencil and would definitely buy another.

Soap & Glory Archery in 'Brownie Points' £10.00
The best eyebrow pencil on the high street.

Eyeshadow

By Terry Ombre Blackstar's in 'Misty Rock' and 'Frozen Quartz' £29.00 each
My all time favourite cream eyeshadows. I wouldn't buy Frozen Quartz again but Misty Rock is the bomb dot com and I can guarantee anytime I wear this someone will ask what eyeshadow I'm wearing.

Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in 'Champagne Diamonds £19.00
I prefer the formula of the By Terry sticks to these, but the Charlotte Tilbury have some serious glitter in them, perfect for a quick night out eye.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in 'Golden Pink' £20.00
This is basically MAC's All That Glitters in cream eyeshadow form <3

Luna Twilight Bella Palette £19.00
I have zero shame in admitting this is a Twilight makeup palette. I'm all about the warm tones and you can't get much more warm toned than New Moon. 

Eyeliner

MAC Technakohl Liner in 'Brownborder' £14.00
Creamy but also prone to smudging, get their eye kohl in 'Teddy' instead.

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner in 'Grenat' £19.00
I loved this russet shade, which was a limited edition from their Christmas collection a couple of years ago.


Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Mascara £15.00 each
Possibly my all time favourite mascara…of course you can't buy it in the UK though :(

Bobbi Brown Smoky Eye Mascara £23.00
Never judge a book by its cover, this mascara is bloody amazing. Volume, length and zero smudging or flaking. One of my favourite discoveries of the year.

Clinique High Impact Mascara £8.00
A bit underwhelming.

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara £4.00
Lengthening, but not volumising. In hindsight maybe not as good as I originally thought.

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara £13.00
Sounds completely unnecessary but if you struggle to find a mascara that doesn't smudge on your bottom lashes, its completely necessary.

Lip Balm

Shell Lip Balm £14.99
If you have been into the world of beauty blogging/YouTube for a few years you will recognise these!

EOS Honeysuckle Lip Balm £5.95
Yes, that is what an empty EOS looks like. What does it say about my life if this is one of my proudest achievements?

Korres Lip Butter in 'Jasmine' £8.00
Highly moisturising and I love the range of colours.

Lipsticks

Revlon Lip Butter in 'Berry Smoothie' £7.99
Loved the colour, didn't love the fact it transferred to my teeth every day, without fail.

MAC Lipstick in 'Cosmo' £15.50
I didn't just buy this for the name I promise. My favourite kind of nude.

MAC Lipstick in 'Hug Me' £15.50
A brown toned nude, one that you can slap on without a mirror.

MAC Lipstick in 'Lustering' £15.50
Made me realise I hate MAC's lustre finish lipsticks. They have zero lasting time and really dry your lips out. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick in 'Boy' £25.00
A pretty everyday nude, but nothing particularly special.

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in 'Liar' £15.50
Love this lipstick and how full it made my lips look. Will definitely repurchase at some point.

NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in 'Montego Bay' £19.50
Another favourite and one that I have to keep stopping myself buying. 

Total used up makeup = £1,250.61p

BRB, just off to do some recycling




Sunday, 15 November 2015

The Sephora Pilgrimage

This blog post has taken me so long to write, I feel like Chaucer. Not that I'm comparing The Canterbury Tales to a blog on makeup……

Anyway, my biannual trip to the States and subsequent Sephora pilgrimage has been and gone (sob sob) and as is tradition, I am here to share all the makeup that I did not need, but yet still purchased. 

Just don't call it a 'haul'

Peter Thomas Roth Camu Camu Power C x 30 Vitamin C Brightening Moisturiser

I was planning on repurchasing my beloved Kate Somerville Goat's Milk moisturiser, but this caught my eye instead. The Camu Camu berry has 30 times the vitamin c content of an orange (fun fact) and this moisturiser is meant to revitalise dull, ageing skin. (It doesn't stop you getting a cold though FYI!)

I have used this quite a lot and I do really like it, it has a strong orange scent, which I love. It's slightly thicker than the normal moisturisers I go for, so perfect for this time of year. It absorbs quickly into my skin and gives it a real glow. 

FYI, you can buy Peter Thomas Roth products from Beauty Bay in the UK

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Excuse me ladies while I hitch up my skirt and jump on this bandwagon. Sunday Riley has been very much hailed in the blogging world, but it doesn't come cheap. I won't lie, I was definitely suckered in by the hype but at £85.00 I just couldn't bring myself to buy it. I decided to buy it in America, as it works out cheaper (I paid $105 which is about £69.00 excluding tax) plus holiday money isn't the same as real money…am I right?

I tried this the first night I got home because my skin just felt so horrible and dry after all that time on a plane. It is a very dark blue colour, which really reminds me of Formula 86 (if you've seen The Witches you will know what I'm talking about.)

It's not a very oily oil, great description I know, but it sinks into the skin quite quickly and isn't greasy feeling. I went to bed, literally expecting to wake up with a new face but instead when I woke up and rubbed my face, I was shocked at how smooth my skin felt. Honestly I was lying there for a good 5 minutes just gently stroking my cheeks (well, no one else will). I couldn't see a difference but I could feel it.

I'm sold and have been using it at least once a week. I imagine a bottle would last about a year, so at least I won't have to think about repurchasing it anytime soon.

In the UK you can purchase this from Space NK

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist

This was on my list to find in the US but I didn't realise Sephora stocked it. I was searching all the department stores trying to find it. BTW it's about time Macy's had a serious upgrade, as my friend said its like Allders in Croydon, but worse. Anyway I digress, I ended up stumbling across this in a Sephora in Seattle (woohoo).
This is a spray serum which as well as having skincare benefits, gives your skin the most beautiful radiant glow. I think I remember reading that Kim Kardashian's makeup artist uses this, which is where I first heard about it.
I have only used this once, but the glow was immense, you definitely don't need much of this stuff and its not something I would use everyday, but for special occasions or when I want to look healthy as fuck I will be liberally spraying this.

US only I'm afraid :(

Tony Moly Pocket Bunny Moist Mist

This was a moment of complete weakness because a) the packaging is adorable and b) they put it right by the till. Tony Moly is a Korean brand and Korea is known for its advanced beauty technology. This isn't a makeup setting spray, more of a reviver if your skin is feeling a bit dry, tired or sensitive. I don't know if it will do anything and I haven't tried it yet, but its in the shape of a bunny so I don't care.

US only (sorry)

Too Faced Born This Way Foundation

I ended up getting this in Portland where shopping is tax free (and the men are mighty fine). I had heard good reviews about it and thought what the hell, I'll throw it in the basket. I used it on holiday for a night out and have used it since on a couple more nights out. As you can probably tell for me its a definite night out foundation. Its a medium to full coverage and I just prefer something lighter in the day. This does give you flawless skin, which also photographs beautifully. My new favourite 'special occasion foundation' (how wanky).

Available in the UK from Debenhams

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer

Another item that was on my list to hunt down, but it proved quite difficult as it was sold out in every Sephora in Canada, but I finally found it in Seattle. I haven't tried this yet as I'm finishing my Tom Ford primer but just from testing this on my hand and the description alone, I am sure I will love it. I hate silicone primers and this is very light, with coconut water (side note, there was a Marc Jacobs coconut water primer which also felt amazing).

This isn't available in the UK yet but its coming early next year!

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

You would think that as I now get to write about makeup all day, the last thing I would wanna do is talk about makeup but no, I'm still as obsessed as ever. I love finding out what everyone is using and I always ask my fellow beauty writer, Lucy Parts what she's loving. Lucy has raved about this palette to me before, she's even used two of them up! You can get this in the UK, but I figured it might be a bit cheaper in the US so I waited. 
I used this the day after I bought it and I honestly don't know why I didn't try this before. I use this as an all over face powder, swirling my brush in all three colours. As you can tell, I love my skin to look luminous and this does exactly that. Its subtle, there's not glitter or shimmer but I can tell a big difference.

Available in the UK from Space NK

Kat Von D Lock-It Powder Foundation

I have been a huge fan of Kat's makeup line for years but I only bought two things on this trip as everything was sold out everywhere (grrr).
I don't touch up my makeup during the day, but I like to keep a powder foundation in my bag just in case of emergencies and for sweaty nights out.
I haven't tried this yet as I'm still finishing up my MAC Studio Fix powder, but if its anything like the rest of her makeup line, I know I will love it.

Sephora only 

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in 'Moonstone'

Word of warning, never 'swatch' one of these highlighters in a shop because if you do, you will have to buy it. I have the Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop shade, but I was weak and decided I wanted this one too. Its a bit lighter than Champagne Pop, less gold so you don't need to be as light handed.

Available in the UK from Space NK

Tarte Coloured Clay CC Under Eye Corrector

Once you have used an under eye corrector, its difficult to go back to just a concealer. They brighten dark shadows so much more than regular concealer. My favourite by far is the Bobbi Brown Corrector in Light Bisque, but I thought I would try this and see how it compares.

Not available in the UK (boo)


(Note - I clearly gravitate towards a certain shade of lipstick!)

Bite Agave Lip Mask in 'Smashed'

You can't get Bite Beauty in the UK, so I was desperate to try something from the brand. The whole ethos behind Bite is that their ingredients are all food graded, so technically you could actually eat them.
Their Lip Mask is their hero product but as I always have to wear some kind of lip colour, I opted for the tinted version. The is basically an amped up version of a regular lip balm. I used this after the plane and it felt very moisturing, plus I loved the sheer red colour.

Sephora only :(

Bite Butter Cream Lipstick in 'Heather'

These lipsticks are 'hand cut' that's why its squared off. Apparently this removes the outer waxy layer of the lipstick, so you are left with the creamy centre. I don't know about all that, I just liked the colour.

Sephora only :(

Marc Jacobs New Nudes Sheer Lip Gel in 'Let Them Eat Cake'

I love the packaging of the new line of Marc Jacobs lipsticks and this was really the only shade I liked. This is my first Marc Jacobs lipstick, so I have nothing to compare it to. The finish is quite glossy and you can build up the colour, depending on how opaque you want it to be.

Sephora only :(

Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in 'Lolita'

Really I wanted to try some of Kat's Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks but I kid you not, they were sold out everywhere. I ended up picking this lipstick because Lolita is her cult shade and its normally always sold out as well. I like that these have a matte finish but I have to say, they are definitely more of a drying matte. Make sure you have a lip balm to hand!

Sephora only :(

Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour Brush

Another Kat Von D item that was almost impossible to find! I didn't buy her contour palette because I already have the Anastasia contour kit and to be honest I don't ever really contour…who has the time?! 
I love the idea of this brush, especially for travel but I have to say I'm not blown away by it. The bristles are soft and it does come in its very own coffin, which is kind of cool, but I just don't think its anything special. I will use it but its definitely not a must have.

Sephora only :(

Kate Spade Walk on Air Rollerball Perfume

So technically I bought this in Nordstrom, not Sephora but never mind. I'm pretty loyal to my Bobbi Brown perfume, so I wasn't looking for a new scent but when I sniffed this I fell in love. This is a very fresh, clean scent, which I like. Its quite light, as the name suggests. I did contemplate getting the full size but decided a roller ball would do.

Available in the UK from Kate Spade


Sephora In the Nude Hair Ties

Because these are the best hairbands. They don't stretch out, snap, or break, but you can still loose them. 

Sephora only :(

Anastasia Brow Wiz in 'Caramel'

I have fallen in love with these eyebrow pencils recently. I'm normally super loyal to my Hourglass pencil but I fancied a change and it pains me to say it, but I think I prefer these. Its funny because I tried this a few years ago and hated it, I actually gave it to my friend I dislike it so much. I don't know if its me that's changed or my eyebrows, but either way I love the fine nib, you can draw very fine hairs so your eyebrows looks neat but not drawn on.

Available from Cult Beauty in the UK


Sunday, 25 October 2015

American Drugstore Excitement

What is it about foreign supermarkets that makes them so appealing? Don't get me wrong I do love a good Waitrose trip, but its not the same as Walgreens. Two floors of undiscovered American bargains but lets be real, I'm only there for one thing…the sicky tasting chocolate. Actually, make that two things, the sicky tasting chocolate and the mother load of drugstore makeup.

Walking down the CoverGirl aisle and seeing hundreds of mascaras in cardboard packaging, brings me a joy that my heart never knew existed. 

Now I am back from my travels with a heavy dose of post holiday blues, I thought I would share my purchases. I'm sure I will put up a post with some actual holiday pictures to prove that I did see some culture, as well as drugstores ;)

CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara

I'm not even a massive Star Wars fan, this was purely me getting lost in the moment and finding myself riding a wagon. I haven't tried this mascara before, so if its any good I'm sure it will be mentioned on here again.

Maybelline Full 'N Soft Mascara

As well as new unchartered mascara territory, Americans still have every single mascara that has ever been discontinued in England. As you can probably tell by the basic bitch packaging, Full 'N Soft is old. In fact I can remember Sarah Michelle Gellar used to advertise this back in the day.
I have used this mascara before and loved it. If you like dramatic lashes, you won't like this, but I love the natural look it gives and sometimes its nice to not have crispy looking lashes! 

CoverGirl Ready Set Gorgeous Foundation and Concealer

This foundation was on my radar to try, as I had seen a lot of American's raving about it on YouTube. I know technically Max Factor is the same as CoverGirl so I'm sure there is a UK equivalent.
 I ended up picking up the concealer to try as well because I am a sucker!

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles

You can get this concealer in the UK but you can't get this shade. This is the brightening colour which is designed specially for correcting darkness under the eyes. I have tried the original concealer and liked it, so I thought I would give this a whirl.

EOS Vanilla Mint Lip Balm

I need another lip balm like I need a hole in the head but EOS are like Pokemon and even though you can buy them over here, they are sold for about £6.00, compared to $3.00 in the US



Physicians Formula Argan Wear Ultra Nourishing Argan Oil Blush in Rose

Catchy name…
Name aside, I love the Physicians Formula Happy Booster blushers and this one was too pretty to leave. I don't know how a blusher can be 'infused with argan oil' but lets just ignore that and stare at it for a bit longer. I'm pretty sure the gold is an over spray which will wear off after a couple of uses though.

Eyebrow Razors 

Saved the best till last didn't I ;) 
Whenever I go to the States I always buy a pack of these, they are genius. No I don't shave my eyebrows, but they are good for getting all those blonde fine eyebrow hairs and I won't lie, definitely have used these on the old 'tache once or twice. 

Next post….a Sephora haul OMFG

Sunday, 13 September 2015

August Favourites

So, I'm being a bit crap with this blogging malarky at the moment but lets ignore the fact we're midway through September and I am just posting my August Favourites….ok, cool.


Fleur de Force Lashes by Eylure "Fleur Loves"

Eylure are my go to brand for false lashes and apart from Kandee Johnson, Fleur is the YouTuber that I have been watching the longest, so needless to say I was excited about this collaboration.
 I tested out the entire range on the Cosmopolitan website (link!) and was genuinely impressed. This is definitely not something Fleur has just slapped her name on.
Out of the range, the Fleur Loves lashes are definitely my favourites. These are 3/4 length lashes which look very natural but give a beautiful cat eyed, Angelina Jolie effect. I found these really easy to apply because you don't get that annoying thing of them pinging up in the corners, plus this is the first time I have come across these kind of lashes on the high street. Love.


Bumble and Bumble Don't Blow It

Believe it or not although I'm obsessed with all things beauty, I don't actually own a hair dryer. 
I never, ever dry my hair, I wash it at night and sleep on it wet and in the morning its dry, ta daaaaa. The main reason is that I'm lazy when it comes to hair, but also I have very straight hair naturally and when I use a hair dryer my hair goes so straight and flat, I hate it. I like my hair to have a natural Olsen twin wave, in a completely effortless 'I woke up like this' way, so this new release from Bumble and Bumble is basically my dream hair product.
Normally I spray a sea salt spray in my hair to achieve that look but what I love about this, is it gives me the messy waves, without the feeling or texture of sea salt spray. Just rub a blob of this through the length and ends of your hair and leave to dry. You can't feel this in your hair, but you can see the results. Since getting this, I haven't used a sea salt spray at all. 


No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

No7 aren't a brand that excite me, but this is still one of my favourite foundations. This genuinely does what it says on the tin, gives a radiance boost to tired and stressed skin. This feels really light on the skin and gives a beautiful glow. The coverage and lasting power aren't amazing admittedly, but if you need an instant pick me up, this will do the job.


Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup

I won't lie to you, I definitely bought this foundation because its what Kim Kardashians makeup artist claimed he used on her, on her (3rd) wedding day (stop it, I can feel you judging me!)
Whether Kimmy actually used it or not, I still use it and love it. 
I use this foundation a lot on other people when I do wedding makeup, as it photographs really well, is quite undetectable on the skin and doesn't have any SPF. This has a very runny consistency (which I love) and provides a decent amount of coverage, whilst still looking really natural. This also a great foundation for mixing. 
The No7 foundation is a bit too dark for my, I haven't been on holiday all year skin, but works really well when mixed with this. 
If you like natural looking and feeling foundation try this.


OPI Nail Envy Strength in Colour Collection "Hawaiian Orchid"

2015, the year I turned into a nail polish bore. This dusky, rose colour is all I've worn on my nails this month and I won't apologise because I love it. 
Nail Envy is a nail strengthener, you apply two coats and then one coat every day for the next 5 days, before removing it and starting the process again. OPI had the genius idea of tinting their Nail Envy's, because who wants to wear clear nail varnish in 2015 (probably me soon). 
I will say that I am far too lazy to go through that rigmarole though and have just been wearing this like a normal nail polish. Either way, I am obsessed with this colour.


Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick "Las Salinas"

Its not secret that I am a teeny, tiny bit obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury's line and these Beach Sticks aren't helping matters. I already had the colour 'Formentera' which I love and 'Las Salinas' is my latest addition. You can see what it looks like on in this post but its basically a more subtle, cream version of NARS Orgasm. Finally a cream blush that doesn't put a hole in your foundation.


Zoeva Silk Finish Face Brush

I love my rose gold Zoeva brush set and they are definitely my go to brand for makeup brushes now. They are really high quality, soft, don't shed and they apply makeup beautifully. 
I started to notice that my foundation was looking a bit streaky with my beloved Real Techniques Buffing Brush so switched to this. This blended my foundation in seconds, with zero streaks.


Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick "Amazing Grace"

I banged on about this lipstick in my last post, so without repeating myself, its amazing, favourite lipstick discovery of the year and I feel like Miranda Kerr whenever I wear it. BUY IT



Ciate Precious Metal Eyeshadow "Lincoln Road"

Nail brands venturing into makeup makes me nervous, but after trying this eyeshadow I'm all for it. Definitely the best loose pigment eyeshadow I have tried (better than MAC pigments)
Ciate I'm sorry for doubting you! 
If you want to see what this looks like on, I am wearing it in my last post as well.

Thursday, 3 September 2015

Face of the Day with Charlotte Tilbury Amazing Grace Lipstick

I go through stages of having different makeup muses and at the moment, Miranda Kerr is my muse. I love her bronzey eyes and bright pink, just bitten (not by Orlando any more) lips. I like to find makeup muses with a similar colouring to me because its much easier to copy their makeup.

Sadly colouring, is the only similarity me and Miranda have in common (oh hey Orlando).

Face

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water
I'm going to be honest and say I'm not entirely convinced this isn't just regular water from a tap. 
I spray this all over my face before I apply my makeup, and it leaves my face very wet, just like water from a tap would. I then have to frantically fan my face with my hands in an attempt to dry it, so I can put my makeup on and I haven't noticed any improvement in the wear time of my makeup since using it.
Honestly? I don't think it does anything.

Cover FX Illuminating Primer
Another meh product, again I just don't think it does much. Its not particularly illuminating and it doesn't extend the wear of my makeup, which is what I want it to do!

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation
I went from hating this foundation, to loving it. 
As its a gel, its slightly thicker in consistency, but it gives the skin a beautiful glow. This would be a lovely foundation to use in Winter when your skin is dryer and looking a bit blah.

MAC Prep & Prime Highlighter's in "Bright Forecast" and Light Boost"
I really love these highlighter pens by MAC. Bright Forecast is a peachy colour which I use first to correct any darkness under my eyes. I apply Light Boost over the top because the pale yellow colour is the perfect under eye highlight.

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel
This cream bronzer is perfect for warming up your entire complexion. Definitely one for the summer months though.

Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in "Las Salinas"
I love Charlotte Tilbury's Beach Sticks and I am obsessed with this colour. Its a pink with gold shimmer, think NARS Orgasm but less in your face. I hate cream blushers that move your foundation, but these Beach Sticks dry down to an almost powder finish so they don't move your makeup. 

MAC Blot Powder
After reading some amazing reviews about this powder on Makeup Alley, I really thought this powder would be life changing, turns out it wasn't and life is still shit. This powder was so hard that my brush hardly picked any of it up. It did an OK job at oil control but nothing amazing, I was still oily by the end of the day as per usual. I have now used this up and I wouldn't bother buying it again.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in "Champagne Pop"
AKA the most intense highlight ever! I'm still obsessed with this, although do be careful how much you apply, because this baby ain't subtle.


Eyes

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in "Soft Brunette" 
Of course! Although, spoiler I am currently trying a new brow pencil which I love. I know I said I wouldn't stray from my beloved Hourglass again, but we will be reunited soon enough.

L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in "Dark Brunette"
Love this stuff, although I'm starting to wonder if I should buy a new one as this is over a year old!

Ciate Precious Metal Eyeshadow in "Lincoln Road"
When I heard that Ciate had released a makeup line I had zero interest in trying it TBH but this eyeshadow is my favourite makeup discovery in a while. In the top there is an eyeshadow primer, which actually works really well and I have oily eyelids. Then you unscrew the bottom to get to the loose pigment. This colour, "Lincoln Road" is a beautiful bronzed brown, perfect for my whole Miranda Kerr vibe. It lasts all day, there is minimal fall out, which is amazing for a loose pigment and yes I want every colour now!

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara
I love me some Bobbi but until recently I would have never in a million years tried a mascara by her. Yet again I have been proved wrong, because this mascara is the bomb dot com. It gives amazing volume and length, zero clumping and it doesn't smudge or flake. NOT EVEN ON MY BOTTOM LASHES. I haven't even been using my beloved Clinique Bottom Lash, because with this guy I don't need to.

Lips

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in "Amazing Grace"
I am in love with this lipstick, its definitely in my top 3 lipsticks of all time #justsaying and when Charlotte Tilbury did Miranda Kerr's makeup, this is the lipstick she used. You don't have to tell me I'm a creep…I know ;)
I got to interview Charlotte Tilbury for work and I managed to keep the fan girling to a minimum, apart from telling her that I was a) wearing this lipstick and b) how obsessed I am with it
Its just perfect, everything from the colour, to the matte finish. I would happily throw out all my other lipsticks and just keep this (of course I would never throw away my children!)