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

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.

Boots £5.25

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. 

Bumble and Bumble £23.00

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.

Boots £12.50

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.

Debenhams £27.00

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.

Debenhams £19.50

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.

Charlotte Tilbury £30.00

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.

Beauty Bay £11.50

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

Charlotte Tilbury £23.00

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.

Ciate £18.00

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!)

Project Pan - Update 7

At the end of last year I decided to make a conscious effort to use up my makeup. I felt like I had too much and wasn't using what I had before buying something new. Rather than having a big clear out, I wanted to finish the products I had spent my money on and trust me its a lot more satisfying.

I still have way too much makeup but what can I say, its my hobby! 

Last month I only managed to finish three things which is a bit rubbish, but this month I've already got through 5 things.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara £19.00

Oh this mascara, I don't even know where to start. At first I hated it, I detested it, as far as I was concerned it was the worst mascara I had ever used. After a couple of hours it flaked all down my face it was dreadful, but after a few weeks the flaking stopped and I could appreciate the amazing volume it gave. This gives you huge, black, voluminous lashes in seconds but I'm still on the fence whether I could go through all that flaking again.

Giorgio Armani Master Corrector £26.00

With the Bobbi Brown corrector I notice an instant difference and I don't even need to use a separate concealer. With this I didn't really notice a difference, so still needed a separate concealer. This doesn't come close to the Bobbi Brown so for that reason I wouldn't buy it again.

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in 'Liar' £15.50

I loved this lipstick and I miss it already. It was a pinky brown nude with a glossy finish that made my lips look a lot fuller than they really are. This is the first Urban Decay lipstick I have tried and it definitely won't be the last. I really want to try the matte version of these lipsticks now.

Total used up makeup = £60.50

July Favourites

Better late than never!

Eylure Naturals False Lashes No 020

I have my friend Chloe to thank for discovering these bad boys. In my youth I loved a strip lash, but in recent years I've tended to go for individual lashes, because they look a lot more natural. As much as I love individuals, they are quite time consuming, which is why I love these. These are so easy to apply because they are so light and thin, you really can't go wrong and it doesn't look like you are wearing lashes. I love these so much, I went and bought the multipack.

Boots £5.29

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop

I am a big Jaclyn Hill fan, so when I heard she was releasing this highlighter with Becca, I knew it would have to be mine. I ended up ordering mine from Sephora and paying shipping and tax because you know, I needed it. If you live in the UK don't do that, Becca are releasing it over here around September time so try and follow Take That's advice. 

I know everyone in the beauty blogosphere has been raving about this, but it is one of those few products that really is worth the hype. If you love your warm tones and your highlights, you will love this. 

I am genuinely considering buying another one when its released in the UK.

You know it's good if it makes you slightly crazy ;)

$38 Sephora

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Colour in "Jenna"

I only include products in my favourites that I have worn all month long, but I have made an exception for this lipstick. I only wore this once, to a wedding, but its such a beautiful lipstick and I loved it so much, that I had to include it.

Jenna is a bright orange red, its completely matte and literally lasts all night. I topped up once but I didn't need to. The formula, the colour, perfect. 

£20.00 Bobbi Brown

Dior Lip Glow Colour Reviver Balm

I got obsessed with this a couple of years ago and I think this is my second or third tube. This is a lip balm which depending on the temperature of your lips, changes to a lighter or darker shade of pink.

Whenever I wear this I always feel my lips look really healthy, which is a weird statement I know, but they just look really plump and juicy! Its perfect for those no makeup days, where you don't want to wear a lipstick but still want some colour on your lips. I think I will always have a tube of this in my collection.

£24.00 Boots

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

This isn't something I would have ever bought with my own money, not because I don't love Bobbi Brown but I would never associate her brand with mascara. I got this from my work and it has been a revelation, its such a good mascara and Bobbi I'm sorry for ever doubting you.

This gives volume and length, after one coat I was loving it and there was minimal clumping. I was also sure this was would smudge but it doesn't smudge or flake, it doesn't even smudge on my bottom lashes and trust me everything smudges on my bottom lashes.

£23.00 John Lewis

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

I really should have put this in my favourites last month but I completely forgot and now its nearly all gone *wah*

This concealer is the shit, it is the bomb.com, it is everything, it is life, it is oxygen, it is the Angel to my Buffy and you need it in your life. 

Reasons why:

1) Its creamy enough to use under your eyes for those pesky dark circles but its also got enough coverage to cover redness and spots. So you only need one concealer.

2) Unlike the NARS concealer, the brush doesn't drag on your skin. I know that might sound ridiculous but that really peed me off about the NARS one. 

3) It lasts all day

4) It's so damn creamy

Just buy it and thank me later

£17.50 John Lewis

NARS The Multiple in Orgasm

This has been in my makeup collection for so long and every time I have a clear out I come this close to chucking it out, but then I remember I bought it because J.Lo used it and it gives me hope that I could look like J.Lo and my life would be like Maid in Manhattan, although knowing me Anaconda is more likely.

In all seriousness though (serious makeup face) this is a really pretty blush/highlighter combo. The coral gold colour is perfect for summer time and I really should dig this out more often.

£29.00 Space NK

Face of the Day with Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Colour in Naked Bronze

I have had this face of the post day sitting in my drafts for weeks and I thought I would finally get off my arse, although to be fair I didn't even have to get off my arse (I'm currently horizontal) and write it.

Basically this is all the makeup I slapped on my face to go to the pub the other week. Turns out I needn't have bothered, as we ended up leaving early, getting a subway and getting the last bus home. Side note never let me get a subway again, its a prime example of somewhere I would never step foot in, but after 3 drinks there I am, ordering a meatball marinara on hearty Italian. 

Eating meatballs at a bus stop, and I wonder why I'm single!

Base

Primer

Cover FX Illuminating Primer

I am a bit 'meh' about this primer, I don't notice any difference with the wear time of my makeup, it does give a glow when you apply it, but once you put you foundation on it goes. It's not bad, I've just tried better.

Foundation

MAC Studio Fix Fluid

Still loving this foundation, but I will say its not the best in warm weather. I find by the end of the day it feels a bit greasy on my face, but to be fair there's not a lot of foundations that could last all day and endure a sweaty commute. 

Corrector

Giorgio Armani Skin Master Corrector Shade 1

Don't buy this, the Bobbi Brown corrector is so much better #justsayin'

Concealer

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer

This concealer is AHHMAZING, round of applause Urban Decay. I know everyone raves about the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer but this stuff is so much better. Its really creamy but still gives great coverage. I can use it both under my eyes and on spots and redness and unlike the NARS one, this doesn't drag on my skin when I apply it. It's love.

Bronzer

Chanel Soleil tan de Chanel

I love this cream bronzer in the summer, it really gives my skin a warm, natural glow. This is strictly a summer product though, it would definitely look OTT come the winter months.

Powder

Too Faced Primed & Poreless Pressed Powder

Not my favourite powder there are better, cheaper options out there.

Blush

Clinique Cheek Pop in 'Melon Pop'

These blushes are adorable and this peach colour is very pretty for everyday wear. Completely non offensive with a slight sheen which gives your cheeks a real glow.

Highlight

Kevyn Aucoin Celestial Powder in 'Candlelight'

Extortionately expensive but worth every penny. My favourite ever highlighter, looks really natural on the skin but still has the 'wow' factor.

Eyes

Eyebrows

Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Long-Wear Brow Pencil in 'Taupe'

Good brow pencil and the shade range is massive, but for the price you just don't get enough product. I got through one of these in a month.

L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper in 'Dark Brunette'

When it comes to brows I don't dabble, I find something I like and stick to it. This sets my brows and provides an extra tint of colour, I have been using this all year and don't see that changing any time soon.

Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Colour in Naked Bronze

I'm sorry to be a cock tease because these beauties are no longer available, but they are every bit as beautiful as they look. The cream shadow is pretty but to be honest there are a lot of similar colours out there, I'm thinking Max Factor do a very similar copper shade, but when you add the glitter shade on top, BOOM magic happens. The glitter really reminds me of the glitter shade in the Charlotte Tilbury eyeshadow palettes, so if you have one of those I'm sure you could achieve a similar look.

Eyeliner

MAC Eye Kohl in 'Powersurge' 

The best bronzy gold eye liner. 

Powersurge, Teddy and Prunella, the only three eye liners you need from MAC.

Mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

I hated this mascara with a passion because it flaked so, so badly on me after only a couple of hours. But after a few weeks, the flaking has stopped and I can't believe I'm saying this but I actually think I like it. This gives serious volume instantly…..if you can put up with 2 weeks worth of panda eyes!

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Pretty much every single mascara ever made smudges on my bottom lashes, so this is a staple for me.

Lips

Lipstick

Illamasqua Lipstick in 'Bare'

This is Angelina Jolie lips in a tube. Thing matte, full and barely there colour, I love it. 

My Favourite Sea Salt Sprays

There is something you should know about me, I am a bit obsessed with looking like I just walked off a beach, if you can walk off a beach in all black ;)

For me, Jennifer Aniston is the epitome of #beautygoals the sun kissed hair, the golden tan and those, I put no effort in but really I've spent 2 hours in a salon waves. 

In my desperate attempt to become the Suburban Jen, I have become obsessed with sea salt sprays. I am too lazy to do anything to my hair and if I dry it with a hair dryer I look like the girl from the grudge. So instead I always wash it at night, sea salt spray it when its wet and go to bed. That is pretty much my hair routine, but its the only way my naturally straight hair can get any type of natural wave.

I have tried a fair few sea salt sprays so I thought I would save you the trouble and let you know what ones work best.

John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray

You know how certain smells take you back? One whiff of this and I'm 14 again on my family holiday, lying on the beach, listening to the Backstreet Boys and praying for a boyfriend (not much has changed!) Seriously, this stuff just smells like holiday in a bottle.

This sea salt spray was a bit of a game changer for me. Prior to rediscovering this, I would happily shell out on more expensive sprays, but now I know how good this is I don't know if I would. 

This gives me soft, noticeable waves, without any crispiness. You can't feel it in your hair but you definitely notice the results. Proof that you don't always get what you pay for. 

Based on the affordable price and amazing results, this is by far my pick of the bunch.

£4.00 Boots

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

I do love a cult beauty item and this one definitely deserves its place in the beauty hall of fame. Out of all the sea salt sprays, this gives me the best and biggest waves. If I spray this in my hair at night when its wet, I will wake up in the morning with actual curls, which is a miracle for me. The only downside is that this can get a little bit crispy and you can definitely feel it in your hair, but I'm prepared to put up with that.

£21.50 Boots

Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion

When I first heard about this I was so excited and immediately made a Boots trip. Sadly my excitement didn't last long and for my hair type this is the worst of the bunch. Like I said, I love the original B&B Surf but sometimes it can get a little bit crispy, so I hoped this would give me the same amazing waves but with some much needed softness, both in look and feel. 

Sadly this didn't give my hair my hair any kind of wave. The oil in it really weighed my hair down and it looked pretty lank and greasy. To be fair, this is recommended for dry, coarse hair types, which my hair isn't but I was still left feeling pretty gutted. 

£21.50 Boots

Oribe Après Beach Wave and Shine Spray

At £34.00 this is a very decadent sea salt spray. I love the smell of this stuff, all Oribe products have the same amazing scent and every time I spray this someone will ask me what perfume I'm wearing. I really like that this comes in an aerosol, as the mist is very fine and you get a good, even distribution.

This gives my hair a natural wave, without any stickiness or crispiness. 

I do really like this, but since discovering the John Frieda, I don't think I could justify repurchasing this, even if it does smell like heaven. 

£34.00 Space NK

Sachajuan Ocean Mist

The whole aesthetic of this bottle really pleases me, especially the colour. I can just stare at it and visualise a summer holiday far away. Now apparently Jennifer Aniston actually uses this, so of course I had to try it ;)

The first time I used this I wasn't impressed. I think I sprayed too much and it left my hair without much wave and looking a bit lank. I tried it again, this time using a lot less product and I was left with subtle, beachy waves. This did the job that the Bumble and Bumble Surf Infusion didn't, soft waves, with zero crisp.

£18.00 Beauty Bay