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

September Favourites

Its scary how quickly Christmas is approaching but I'm not complaining because that is my favourite time of the year. 

As I was on holiday in September I feel like my monthly favourites are slightly redundant now because they are not really in keeping with the season, but if you are going away for a bit of Winter sun maybe these will inspire you!

YSL Couture Palette 03 Afrique

What originally attracted me to this eyeshadow palette was just how beautiful and wearable all the colours were. You know how there's always that one colour in a palette you will never wear, well that's not the case with this. However, despite that being the initial appeal, I have only used one colour in this palette so far but in fairness that's because its so damn pretty. The perfect peachy bronze, which makes blue eyes stand out and looked awesome with my post holiday tan, which has now well and truly faded. Welcome back corned beef arms, you weren't missed.

Available from Boots £39.50

Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible Oil Heat/UV Protective Primer

I am predicting that hair primers are going to be the next big thing, you prime your face, why not your hair? Having tried and loved Living Proof's primer, I was intrigued to see how the Bumble and Bumble version compared. I have to say they are quite different but I love both. Living Proof's primer is a styling product, it makes it easier to style your hair and makes your style last far longer. Bumble and Bumble's primer is more like a leave in conditioner. It's multi purpose so it acts as a detangler, heat protectant and frizz tamer all in one. I do also find it gives my hair a bit that bed head look, which I love. 

Available from Boots £19.00

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

This does exactly what it says on the tube and gives a radiant boost for tired, stressed skin. This applies like a tinted moisturiser but with more coverage and I just love the glow it gives my skin. Healthy skin in a bottle and for a pretty reasonable price as well, whats not to love?

Available from Boots £12.50

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Heftiest Hibiscus

Definitely not a seasonally appropriate shade now but I loved this bright orange/coral colour on holiday. Its really flattering for such a bright shade and I love the stain it leaves on my lips, as it means you don't have to constantly worry about touching up your lipstick!

Available from Clinique £17.00

MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy

 I have finally fallen back in love with eyeliner and its mainly down to this little guy. This metallic brown is not as harsh as black and is also a really beautiful shade for emphasising blue or green eyes. I like to apply this and smudge it out, just for  little something, something ;)

Available from MAC £14.00

Charlotte Tilbury Air Brush Flawless Finish Micro Powder

I have a love hate relationship with this powder, I love how soft it is (it feels like velvet on your skin) and its so finally milled it never looks cakey. However I hate that after only two weeks I had already made a hole in it :( you really should get more product for the amount of money this costs. 

If you are feeling a little indulgent go for it, but don't say I didn't warn you!

Available from Charlotte Tilbury £33.00

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Rose Gold

This highlighter is beautiful, the light copper colour is really unique and gives a bit of colour as well as glow. Its limited edition and already out of stock on Space NK but you can still find it online!

Available from QVC £26.00

True Detective

I always like to include a non beauty favourite, to prove there is more to life than makeup! 

My friends will tell you about my future dream southern life. It involves me living in the deep south, in a beautiful wooden house with a porch all the way around it, with my husband who is permanently topless and in dungarees. That's my dream, so as you can imagine I have a slight Matthew McConaughey obsession (its the voice). If you haven't watched True Detective yet, you need to get on it. I loved the relationship between Woody and Matthew's characters and they are both played so brilliantly. 

Face of the Day with Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 'Nude-ist'

With my tan fading rapidly, I have been trying to make the most of that post holiday glow. As much as I love applying my makeup, it is nice to wear less foundation and give your skin a bit of a break every now and then.

Having said that, I have another Face of the Day post for tomorrow which is very Autumnal! 

Face

Foundation

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

I used to use a lot of No7 makeup when I was younger. I loved their mascaras and there was one particular lipstick that I was obsessed with. I very rarely visit the No7 counter these days, its probably because I'm a magpie and their branding just doesn't stand out to me. 

I have had this foundation for a while but because its quite a dark shade, I can only wear it when I have a tan. I took this foundation with me on holiday and have been wearing it ever since. This really gives my skin a lovely glow and the coverage is light enough that my freckles show through. 

No7 have such a huge foundation range now maybe I shouldn't be passing them by!

Available from Boots £12.50

Under Eye Concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Brush on Glow BB Highlighter

Every beauty brand and their mother have their own version of the highlighter clicky pens, which all started with YSL's Touche Eclat. To be honest, in general they are all much of a muchness but this Estee Lauder one does provide some extra coverage as well as highlighting, which is always a winner.

Available from Boots £23.50

Bronzer

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Alluring Aquatic

Limited edition and no longer available I'm afraid, but as you can see I'm nearing the end now anyway. This bronzer isn't completely matte and it almost has a slight sheen to it, this translates well on the skin giving a very subtle glow. If MAC re-releases these bronzers I recommend trying them out.

Highlight

MAC Cream Colour Base in Improper Copper

This is one of those products that stays in my drawer all year round but I get it out every time I go on holiday. As the name suggests, this is a copper toned highlighter which looks amazing on darker skin tones. As you can tell when I have a tan I'm all about that Victoria's Secret esque glow.

Available from MAC £15.50

Eyes

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

I have gone back to my favourite combination, just because I hate doing my eyebrows and the Hourglass pencil makes the whole process a lot quicker!

Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil Available from John Lewis £26.00

Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel Available from Illamasqua £11.50

Eyeshadow Base

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

My favourite eye primer, allows my eyeshadow to last all day.

Available from John Lewis £19.50

Eyeshadow

MAC Tan Pigment

When it comes to loose pigments, I generally don't have much time for them because it can all get a bit messy. However there a few pigments by MAC which are worth the hassle because the colour payoff is so beautiful and impossible to achieve from a pressed eyeshadow. Tan is one of those colours and my favourite. If I did a MAC starter kit post, this would definitely be in there!

Available from MAC £17.00

Mascara

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes and Clinique Bottom Lash

Still loving this mascara combination, so annoying that you cant get the Tarte mascara in the UK but Benefit's They're Real gives a similar effect.

Tarte Lights Camera Flashes Available from Sephora $23.00

Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara Available from Boots £13.00

Lips

Lipstick

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 07 'Nude-ist'

My friend at work recommended this to me and it sounded right up my street,

Pinky/brown natural colour, check

Matte finish, check

This is like a liquid lipstick but its completely matte and extremely pigmented. The colour is perfect for me and I love how long lasting this is. It almost stains your lips and even as it fades it still looks good. They do these in brighter colours as well which I imagine are just as beautiful but I'm happy with my natural, everyday colour.

Available from Boots £8.99

All Things Holiday

Anyone else out there struggling with a serious case of the post holiday blues?

I was in desperate need of some chill time and it was so nice to just laze around, read, swim in the pool and eat nice food. It was also really refreshing to have a week not using my phone or the internet. Its kind of scary how reliant we all are on those two things now, but having a break just reminds you that you don't need to be!

I love reading on holiday and its something that I really want to make a conscious effort to make more time for. If you are looking for a new book recommendation, I read and loved "The Girl With All The Gifts". I hadn't heard anything about this book but the cover intrigued me and it turned out to be one of my favourite reads in a long time.

I have also finally started the first Game of Thrones book but that is quite the tomb, hence why I need to make more time for reading!

I had to share with you the amazing nail polish that has been gracing my nails for the past week. Its by Pop Beauty and its seriously the brightest neon orange nail polish I have ever used. Pop Beauty used to be available in the UK but now it only seems to be available online, although you can get Pop Beauty in Walgreens if you are in the US. 

If you are looking for a radioactive nail polish then you need to try this. 

Pop Beauty Orange Nail Polish £6.50

My holiday makeup was seriously minimal this year. I never wear makeup in the day on holiday, as I spend about 90% of my day underwater but in the evenings I do slap on a bit. I actually ended up doing the exact same makeup look every night because I liked it so much and it was just really quick and easy.

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation in Soft Rose

This is a really lovely foundation because it gives your skin the healthiest glow. The coverage is quite light but that suits me as I cant bear the feeling of heavy foundation on my face and I like that it doesn't cover my freckles. 

Available from Boots £12.50

YSL Couture Palette in 03 Afrique

This was a bit of a naughty purchase but I somehow justified it to myself by saying that there wasn't a single colour in the palette that I wouldn't use. Of course I have only ever used one of the shades and that is the colour on the top left hand side. I just blend this all over my lid and it gives the prettiest peachy gold glow.

Available from Boots £39.50

MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy

I couldn't find my favourite brown eyeliner anywhere so I had to buy a replacement Teddy in duty free. I just apply this to my tight line and a tiny bit to the outer corners of my eye and smudge out.

Available from MAC £14.00

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Heftiest Hibiscus

I have my friend Nat to thank for this discovery. She wore it on a night out and I loved it so much I had to go out and get it. This is a red toned coral which you can either blend in for more of a subtle look or go all out for a full on bright pout.

Available from Boots £17.00

Of course I made a couple of cheeky purchases in duty free. 

First of all I had to replace my beloved MAC Teddy Eye Kohl and trust me, if my original one turns up I wont be happy! 

My Laura Mercier Foundation Primer only has a few drops left in it so I needed a replacement primer. I used MAC's Skin Base on my Sister on her Wedding day and I was so impressed with how well her makeup lasted that I wanted to get this for myself. 

Finally a completely unnecessary purchase, another nail polish! 

I am just a little bit in love with OPI's new Nordic collection and I also have a bit of a thing for green nail polish so of course I chose "My Dogsled is a Hybrid". There is also a beautiful dark purple colour from the collection which I think I will have to get "Viking in a Vinter Vonderland" OPI have the best colour names!

So I guess Summer is officially over now, at least my orange nail polish will be acceptable for Halloween!

Face Of The Day

Face of the day

Moisturiser:

Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturiser

Face:

MAC Face & Body Foundation

Benefit Eye Bright

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural

Benefit Powderflage

Nars Bronzer 'Casino'

Natural Collection Cream Blusher 'Rosy Pink'

MAC Cream Colour Base 'Shell

Eyes:

MAC Prep & Prime Eye 'Light'

Make-Up Barbara Daly @ Tesco Souffle Eye Shadow 'Driftwood'

Nars Eye Shadow 'Mekong'

YSL Faux Cils Mascara 'Brown'

Playboy Perfect Pair Brow Liner & Gel 'Blonde Bombshell'

Lips:

No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick 'Attract'

And here I was going for the 'natural look'.........