TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipsticks + Swatches

At heart I'm a lipstick kind of girl, they are so nostalgic to me but recently, liquid lipsticks have taken over the beauty world and I have to admit that they have taken over my 'currently using' makeup drawer too.

A couple of weeks ago an incredibly exciting email arrived and it did make me squeal slightly as it was from the super lovely and generous people at TheBalm EU about trying some of their products so you'll imagine my excitement when a package completely filled with products from TheBalm arrived *I was in beauty blogger heaven*. So over the next couple of weeks I'll be reviewing and swatching all of the products and today's post is the first!

*TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Charming (£15, 7.4ml)

The first products I'm going to review are three of the gorgeous liquid lipsticks from TheBalm; they all come in the cutest retro packaging! They claim to be long lasting with a comfortable matte finish. The liquid lipsticks have a minty chocolate scent that reminds me of minty Areo chocolate bars, it's making me want to eat them...

I've tried quite a few liquid lipsticks from various brands and the ones that have a matte finish are usually aren't that easy to apply but these from TheBalm are perfect! They have such a smooth formula that makes them a dream to apply and they set within 15-20 seconds so you have time to apply a god layer before it sets.

The shade Charming is a gorgeous deep pink berry shade that I think is a great all year round shade and it will be great with so many skin tones. I have been using this shade the most as a thin layer but it can be layered to be a deep, dark vampy shade that would be perfect for autumn/winter.

*TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Charismatic (£15, 7.4ml) 

Next up is the lightest shade I have and it's my least favourite of the three but it's still so comfortable to wear, lightweight, easy to apply and the lasting power is fantastic. Charismatic is a typical 90's brown nude shade that everyone loves! It is a great everyday shade that would be perfect for work as it's fairly natural and the longevity is amazing - on me these liquid lipsticks last for about eight hours even through eating and drinking normally but if I was very careful then they could definitely last a little longer.

With some liquid lipsticks they can crack or flake off throughout the day which isn't ideal at all but thankfully these don't! They remain comfortable, lightweight and intact for most of the day even after eating which is the big test for long lasting lip products.

Top - Bottom: Charming, Charismatic, Reliable

*TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Reliable (£15, 7.4ml)

Last but not least, a shade that is pretty much tied with Charming as my favourite! Reliable is a deep red toned berry shade, on me it's a 'my lips but better and darker' shade *that phrase isn't going to catch on is it?*. I adore this shade as well as the velvety smooth formula that almost feels like a lip oil to apply - I definitely recommend all three of these gorgeous liquid lipsticks!

Overall, I adore the packaging, the shades are gorgeous and very wearable and the application is dreamy - most liquid lipsticks set so quickly that you have be apply them perfectly first time round but these are different, the formula is so smooth and easy to apply that it makes them foolproof to apply pretty perfectly. They don't feel heavy, sticky or drying on the lips which is fantastic. The longevity is fantastic at between seven to nine hours on me, even though drinking and eating they last so well and when they do wear off, it's fairly evenly and subtly. These are definitely some of the best liquid lipsticks I've tried! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried these liquid lipsticks? Have you tried anything from TheBalm? 

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TheBalm Mad Lash Mascara

Before I received this incredible package of goodies from the wonderful people at TheBalmEU, I had only tried TheBalm Mary Loumanizer which is one of the best highlighters I've ever tried but now I have so many products to try out and I've found another favourite.

Usually I go for waterproof mascaras as I live in Manchester and rain is just a constant but during the warmer months I can get away with a regular mascara which is amazing when it comes to removal! I was sent *TheBalm Mad Lash Black Mascara (£16.75) which came in the cutest, retro packaging.

The mascara 'transforms your lashes to new levels of height and fullness as well as providing 'intense volume and definition'. Usually I don't go for mascaras with plastic wands as I always end up jabbing myself in the eye and plastic wands can be painful! However, this has a plastic wand and I love it as it gives my lashes so much definition and length, more so than any other mascara I've been using recently.

One thing I look for in a mascara is the ability to be able to take my time to apply the mascara as otherwise I'll either make a mess or injure myself and this formula is perfect for that as it doesn't dry down, flake or clump. It does have a slight curve in the wand which I'm not a massive fan of.

I love the way it leaves my lashes, it's a fantastic everyday mascara for me as I personally don't love huge clumpy lashes but that's not to say that this mascara can't be built up as it definitely can. It holds a curl fairly well and it lasts throughout the day on me, unless it's completely pouring down, which has been happening recently because, England.

Overall, I adore the packaging and I really like the formula as it leaves my lashes very black, longer and fluttery which is what I want on a everyday basis. Even though it has a plastic wand, it's easy to use and it doesn't just dump a load of mascara on my lashes weighing them down.  If you want huge or clump lashes then it won't really be for you but I have been loving this mascara. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Have you tried this mascara or anything else from TheBalm? 

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Go To Summer Beauty Essentials + Video

I'll be honest and say that even though summer is filled with birthdays, sunny days in the garden and my birthday as well as holidays, it's my least favourite season (can it be autumn now?) but one thing I do like about summer along with the light evenings, is glowy summer makeup! I've been kindly sent a range of makeup from some lovely brands that would be perfect for a summer makeup look and the products are some of my June and July favourites.

*Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation (£45, 30ml - Fair)

I have been using the same two foundations for so long and I love them but I wanted to try something new and the lovely people at Perricone MD sent over the No Foundation Foundation which is a product that I've wanted to try for years! I'm so glad that I was able to try it as it's one of the best foundations I've tried in a very long time and it's also perfect for this time of the year as it has a more skin like to matte finish which is an essential for the humid weather we've been having in the UK recently!

The shade Fair when blended down my neck is a great shade match for my ghostly pale skin although it would be even better if it was slightly lighter (thankfully they're coming out with a lighter shade later this year!). The foundation blends like a dream, it has a light to medium coverage and it looks so natural on the skin. I have sensitive to dry skin normally but in this heat my t-zone has been so oily and this foundation manages to apply, look and last so well on the drier areas and my more oily t-zone. It's perfect with a brush, beauty blender and a silicone sponge but the only thing I don't like about the foundation is the pump which sticks and then foundation goes flying at the wall...Other than that issue, it's amazing and I cannot recommend this foundation enough!

*AHB Cosmetics Highlight & Strobe Kit (£59.95)

Summer calls for glowy, light makeup and a good highlighter palette is an essential, especially for travelling as you have numerous products in one palette. It's designed in the UK and is free from parabens - it's also cruelty free which is amazing. The palette contains four highlighters and two baked blushers in one gorgeous palette that has rose gold detailing...yes! For my ghostly pale skin, the lightest highlighter (London Frost) is perfect and it's the shade that I've been using the most. The Miami Sun shade which is a warm tan shade is also gorgeous and adds a golden summery glow.

As I'm so pale, the shades Parisian Dawn (golden bronze) and Dubai Haze (warm, pinky bronze) don't work as highlighters but I have been using them as eyeshadows as they're so pretty and great as an all over the lid shade! The two baked blushes are perfect for someone like me, who doesn't wear blush most of the time, as they aren't very pigmented but they can be built up easily. All of the highlighters and blushers apply and blend perfectly with the *AHB Cosmetics Blush & Highlighter Brush (£20) as the brush is incredibly soft and smooth. The brush is double sided so you can use one side of the brush for blush and the other for highlighting. They are offering free delivery this weekend!

*TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Ador. Palette (£39)

I've been using TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Ador and the Meet Matt(e) Nude palettes constantly for the past couple of months as the packaging is super cute, the eyeshadows are so pigmented and smooth and all of the shades blend wonderfully. The Matte Matt(e) Ador palette contains nine shades that are perfect for an everyday to evening palette as all of the shades are matte and there's a great range of shades from skin tones shades to browns and black and navy - check out the video below for swatches of the AHB Cosmetics palettes and TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Ador palette.

I've been using the shades Matt Johansson, Matt Munoz and Matt Williams the most but they are all fantastic and this palette is lightweight, thin and contains a large mirror so it will be perfect to travel with - I'm definitely going to take one of the two from TheBalm with me on holiday this August!

*TheBalm Bahama Mama Bronzer (£17.49)

Bronzer is a summer essential but if you're as pale as I am, then it is a bit of a dangerous product too as you can easily go from ghostly pale to being an umpa lumpa (oompa loompa?...). Everything from TheBalm has the cutest packaging and this one is no different. The bronzer is matte, it's pigmented and easy to blend. The shade adds warmth to the skin but it isn't too dark or warm toned for my pale skin.

*Essence My Must Haves Palette & Eyeshadows (£1.50)

Essence is one of my favourite high street makeup brands and they've recently come out with a build your own type palette which is £1.50 for the empty palette and each shadow is £1.50 (there's also a eight pan palette). The shadows are pretty pigmented, creamy and shimmery - perfect for summer and as you can customise it, it would be great for travelling as you'll only take the shades you need.

I've already reviewed the Crown Brushes as well as TheBalm Mad Lash mascara which you can check out or you can watch the video below for swatches and a tutorial using the products I've featured in this post. I can't recommend these products enough, especially the Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation, both of TheBalm palettes and the AHB Cosmetics Palette and Brush!

Have you tried any of these products? What are your summer essentials or current favourites? 

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Makeup Dupes ft. Beauty Base

Back in the early days of blogging there were certain posts that everyone published including monthly favourites, OOTDs, empties, week in photographs posts and of course, dupe posts. If you don't know, a dupe is a product that is similar to another (in terms of shade, formula, packaging etc) but dupes are usually cheaper. I haven't seen any dupes posts for so long and I also haven't seen many favourites posts but I'll be bringing you both this month!

Today's post is all about three dupes that I've found recently via Beauty Base who kindly sent me these products to try out. Beauty Base has a great range of makeup from brands such as Milani, LA Girl, Eylure (which is a brand you already know that I adore) and many others, all at great prices.

*Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme (£9.95)

I have tried one of these before and liked it but this one is even better! I have the shade '10 adorable' which is a perfect 90's nude shade that's great of everyday. I have tried a lot of liquid lipsticks from Crown Brushes, TheBalm, Colorpop, The Body Shop and so many other brands and it can be very hit or miss. Some can be flaky, dry and very matte and others can be sticky, patchy or oily feeling but this one is fantastic.

The shade is gorgeous, it applies like a dream and it lasts really well so I can't recommend it enough. I think it's better than the The Body Shop options, in my opinion. I didn't like the other shade I tried as it was flaky but the shade '10 adorable's is perfection. I also think that even though they are cheaper, they are comparable to TheBalm liquid lipsticks too.

*W7 Mighty Mattes Palette (£6.99 - sale)

I've tried a couple of products from W7 previously and I liked them for the price but this palette has to be my favourite product from W7! I'm all about matte eyeshadows, I don't like shimmery shades or metallic shades so an all matte palette is just perfect. I like the packaging as it isn't cardboard, it's a metal tin and the shades aren't too dark - there are a lot of lighter shades.

I have quite a few matte palettes and while I adore them all, particularly TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Ador and TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Nude palettes (they are definitely worth checking out), I think this palette is almost just as good! The pigmentation is fantastic, they apply well and for less than £10, you really can't go wrong!

*Milani Prep + Set + Go Powder (£12.95)

We all know how much I love the Vichy Dermablend Powder and don't get me wrong I still do and I'll continue to use it but I find it being a loose powder a bit annoying so this Milani pressed powder is a great dupe. It has the same mattifying and setting abilities as the Vichy powder but it is in a pressed powder compact which makes it easier and quicker to use! I do think the Vichy powder is a little better but for the convenience of the Milani powder, I'll be using it more and it's cheaper too.

I cannot recommend these products enough, they were all fantastic and turned out to be very similar and great dupes for some more expensive or harder to find products! Now onto my quick video which features swatches of all of the products from Beauty Base and a mini tutorial for a quick, everyday makeup look.

Have you tried any of these products or brands? Do you have any great dupes? 

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Autumnal Makeup ft. Blank Canvas Cosmetics

Blank Canvas Cosmetics is a brand I've seen so many times on blogs and youtube and every time their products receive rave reviews so I was very excited when I received a package including the much talked about *Pippa Palette (£31.58) as well as the *Blank Canvas Cosmetics E24 Brush (£6.31, sale). 

Blank Canvas Cosmetics collaborated with Pippa O'Connor Ormond to create a gorgeous palette containing six eyeshadows, a highlighter, blush and bronzer. The packaging is so cute and even though it is cardboard, it still feels durable and sturdy. Usually cardboard palettes have an awful magnetic closure but this one is great so it would actually be fantastic for travelling. 

The shades are so wearable and perfect for everyday! Initially they all look matte but a few do contain a tiny amount of fine glitter but on me the glitter doesn't really translate to the skin once blended. Here's a run down of the shades included: 

K.D: Deep Matte Black
Dodo: Warm Matte Cocoa Brown
Susu: Medium Tan Brown
Tobi: Pink Beige
Ollie: Creamy Light Beige
Lily: Slightly Shimmery Cream
Lulu: Shimmery Golden Highlighter
Pipsy: Matte Peachy Pink Blush
Amour: Matte Warm Light Brown Bronzer 

The shadows have a creamy, smooth texture that makes them incredible quick, easy and fuss free to blend. The pigmentation is great for all of the shades, they wear really well - there is minimal creasing at the end of the day even without a primer and they blend perfectly with the E24 brush. I used the Lily shade on the brow bone and inner corner, the Ollie shade all over the lid and a combination of the Tobi and Susu shades in the outer corner, crease and lower lash line. 

The blush shade is so pretty and natural on the skin and the bronzer is great to add some warmth to my very pale skin but unlike some bronzers it doesn't look orange or muddy. The highlight shade looks so gorgeous too. I have been using it as a brow bone and a cheek bone highlight. It does look shimmery on the skin but it is still relatively subtle although it can be built up until it is such a beautiful, intense golden highlight. The highlighter is SO similar to Mary Loumanizer by TheBalm! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

The *Blank Canvas Cosmetics E24 Brush on the website looks like it would be a little scratchy but it's so incredibly soft and smooth. It is great for laying down a base colour, blending eyeshadow along the lower lash line and apply my brow bone highlight. For the price, the brush is fantastic and I can't recommend it enough. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Overall, I think this palette is a perfect all round palette and the quality is amazing! The shadows are pigmented, smooth, creamy and easy to blend and wear well throughout the day. I love all of the shades and they are great for everyday wear. The blush, highlight and bronzer are also a nice addition to the palette - especially the highlighter which is such a close dupe to Mary Loumanizer by TheBalm. The only negative I have is that a couple of the eyeshadows are a bit powdery/chalky but other than that it's amazing! The brush is also great, super affordable and I cannot recommend these products enough.

Have you tried anything from Blank Canvas Cosmetics? What do you think of this palette or the look I created? 

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Initial Impressions: Chanel Les Beiges Multi-Colour No 1. Light Harmony

I have a whole series of 'initial impressions' blog posts coming soon with multiple products in each post but for today I thought I would share my opinions and initial impressions of the new Chanel Les beiges Health Glow Multi-Colour (SPF15 PA++) (£39). This is my very first Chanel purchase!

I bought this product from House of Fraser as soon as I saw it as I think it is going to be a sell out product this summer! I bought the shade 'No 1 Light Harmony' which is the lightest shade of two. With the compact you receive a pouch (very fancy) and a semi circular brush which is fantastic! The powder consists of a top highlight layer, followed by a bronzer and finally a blusher. The highlighter does have fine shimmer in it and the bronzer/blusher also have shimmer in them but it is very very fine, it is hardly noticeable in the compact. 

Can we just have a moments silence for the packaging....how gorgeous, luxe and freakin beautiful is this compact - even the brush and powder have 'chanel' written on them. Usually I throw away brushes but as this is Chanel there is no way this brush is going in the bin - and the brush is fantastic! The brush is super smooth, soft and effective for the highlight, bronzer and blusher. The brush is big but thin so it is great for contouring when used on its side and when used flat it is great for sweeping the product over the high points of the face that would catch the sun. 

Now onto the powders, the highlighter is a soft creamy champagne colour with noticeable fine shimmer. It is a super soft powder that is very easy to apply and blend. The shimmer isn't really noticeable on the skin, it just gives a subtle, lit from within glow *most used phrase in blogging ever*. I expected the pigmentation to be a little better as I do like a strong highlighter (such as TheBalm's Mary Loumanizer) but it is nice to have a more subtle sophisticated glow. 

Secondly the bronzer, I have only recently started to get into bronzer fully and I am loving the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer. I was slightly concerned while buying this compact that the bronzer would be too strong, dark or orange on my super pale skin but it isn't. As you can see from the swatches above, the bronzer as well as the other powders isn't very pigmented which may be a negative for some people but for me it is great as it means I will not look like a muddy, orange tangoed mess! It does not look orange or dark on my skin, it blends so well that it looks very natural. I like the subtle glow the bronzer gives and it is fantastic for contouring - it is not shimmery at all so it is nice for a bronzy summer contour. 

Lastly the blush, if you have been following my blog for a while you will know that I am definitely not a blusher kind of girl but since using TheBalm's How 'Bout Them Apples Lip & Cheek Colour, I am a convert! I use the same Chanel brush for all of the powders and it works well. The blusher is the most pigmented when swatched but on the skin it is just like the highlighter and bronzer - subtle but gorgeous. I can easily get away with swirling the brush through all three powders then dusting it on the high points of the face for a lovely subtle, healthy glow - hence the name. 

Overall, I adore the packaging and the compact. I am very happy with my first Chanel purchase. All three powders are beautiful to use and give a lovely, subtle and glowing radiance to the skin. It would be great for travelling as you have three products (well five in one, if you count the mirror and brush) together. Some people will be disappointed with the subtle pigmentation but I love it, it is perfect for my very pale skin. I am knocking one star off for the price and the scent of the powders (which is nice and floral but I would have preferred it to be unscented). I will definitely get a lot of use out of this compact, I hope it isn't limited edition! ★★★★☆, 4/5 (almost 5/5).

What was your first Chanel purchase? Will this highlighter/bronzer/blusher compact be on your summer beauty wish list?

Check out my international blog giveaway ft. Tom Ford and Benefit Cosmetics but HURRY it ends in less than 11 hours!! 

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Cohorted March Beauty Box

Beauty boxes were such a big hit over the past few years and I, like most of my other bloggers and beauty lovers, subscribed and for a long time the boxes were fantastic (I think Birchbox was my favourite as well as the pretty amazing My Little Box) but they seemed to be in decline now. However, there is one that always seems to catch my eye - the Cohorted boxes!

Now, I'll be honest and say that the first Cohorted box, which I bought, was a bit disappointing but now they seem to be so impressive every time a new box comes out. I was kindly sent the *Cohorted March Box (£35), however the value of the box is a whopping £88.50 so it's such amazing value for money. I don't know how long this box will be available for but when I do, I'll update this post.

The contents of this box, for me, are so impressive and I'm happy with all of them! The box they come in is great too as it can be re-used and you also get a booklet that tells you about each product and how to use them. All but one of the products included in this box are full size, unlike most other beauty boxes I've tried when the majority of the products are sample sizes or the worst thing ever...sample sachets!

- TheBalm Nude 'Tude Eyeshadow Palette (RRP £35): I have wanted this eyeshadow palette for at least two years so I am happy that I finally have it and it doesn't disappoint. The packaging is gorgeous, it is lightweight, thin and has a magnetic closure so it would be great for travelling and the range of shades is perfect. The shades go from light, neutral shimmery shades to deep bronze and brown shades and rich matte browns and blacks.

There are eight shimmery/metallic shades and four matte shades in this palette and if I was being picky then I would say that I wish there was a matte beige or matte white but sadly there isn't so this won't be my all round go to palette but it's still SO pretty. The shades are all smooth, creamy and pigmented and they blend well. Check out my video at the end of this post for closeups and swatches!

- TheBalm Put A Lid On It Eyelid Primer (£5, 0.125ml): I haven't been impressed with an eyeshadow primer since the amazing Nars smudge proof eyeshadow primer came into my makeup collection three years ago so I don't have very high hopes for this primer but I'll definitely give it a go.

- Bare Escentuals Heavenly Face Brush (£25): Now, I don't know if it is just me but I'm always confused by Bare Escentuals and Bare Minerals - are they the same brand? Anyway, as well as eyeshadow palettes, I also love brushes - I have so many, it's a bit of a problem. This brush is a super soft flat top kabuki style brush that I know will be perfect for my loose mineral powder foundation by Antipodes.

- Nails Inc London Polish in Cadogan Square (£9, 10ml): Nails Inc make some of my all time favourite polishes and I do love the formula and shades; however this shade just isn't for me. I think it would have been better to include a base coat, top coat or a nail strengthener in this box rather than a shade that some people, myself included, might not like.

- Pixi Crayon Combo in Super Natural (£14.50): I have only tried the Pixi liners before, nothing else from the brand so I'm interested to see how this product works for me. The shades are pretty and wearable so I think I could get a lot of use out of them.
Overall, I am really impressed with this box as with some beauty boxes you just get samples but four out of the five products in this box are full size and from well know and famous brands! I love the eyeshadow palette, brush and the Pixi eyeshadow/liner crayon. From my experience of this box, I'd definitely recommend it and I'd love to see what the April box contains! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.

Have you tried any of the Cohorted beauty boxes? Do you have any of these products? 

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NYE Makeup + Long Lasting Makeup Recommendations

How is it New Years eve tomorrow! I feel as though it was the beginning of 2017 was only a couple of months ago...where has this year gone! As much as I'm shocked at how fast the year has gone by, I'm excited and motivated for 2018 with more exciting and varied blog content, veganuary and hopefully a more active lifestyle with a couple of big events already planned for spring 2018.

However, before all of that, we have New Years eve which for me is usually spent with neighbours and friends which I absolutely love but I always feel like there is so much pressure to go somewhere or do something special for New Years eve and along with that goes glam, sparkly makeup looks...I'm all for glitter but I don't what to be wearing that until the small hours.

Today's post will be the final post of 2017 and I'm going to be showing you some of my current beauty favourites, what I will be wearing for New Years eve/New Years day and some product recommendations for a long lasting makeup look. I'm not going with the typical glitter filled makeup for NYE but it is long lasting, polished, simple and easy to create as well as something you don't have to worry about or touch up.

I was kindly sent these lovely, long lasting products from the amazing people over at Just My Look, who I've been lucky enough to work with before. Just My Look has an amazing range of makeup from brands such as Milani, The Ordinary, Sleek, TheBalm, Urban Decay and many more as well as haircare, body and nail products.

*The Orindary High Adherence Silicone Primer (£3.90)

Let's start with the primer as this makeup look has to last for much longer than my makeup usually has to last so primer is key. I've tried The Ordinary High Spreadability Fluid Primer which I love but this is much more convenient as it's in a tube container and it helps to create a smooth base for my foundation and concealer. I'd definitely recommend either of these primers, especially if you need your makeup to last much longer than it normally would. The Nars Pro Prime and Too Faced Hangover Primer are great options too!

*Milani Conceal + Perfect 2 in 1 Foundation (£12.95)

Most of my foundations are quite long lasting, even if they don't specifically claim to be but one that is guaranteed to stay put (at least on my normal to dry and sensitive skin) is this offering from Milani. I have the shade 00A Porcelain which is the lightest shade of foundation that I own, it's almost too pale but it's great for my skin tone during the winter months. On me, this foundation lasts all day, it has great coverage, the shade is fantastic for anyone who is ghostly pale and it's water/sweatproof. I'd also recommend the Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation for another long lasting foundation for those with dry skin. Buy any two Milani products and get a free Milani eyeshadow palette with the code: MILANI.

*Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (£4.99)

During the colder months, my skin becomes even more dry so primers, moisturisers and makeup sponges are essentials. I love the Real Techniques foundation sponges to apply and blend my foundation, concealer and even powder for a polished, perfectly blended finish especially on my dry skin. Buy any two Real Techniques products and get a free brush cleanser using the code: REALTECH.

*Sleek Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream (£4.75)

I have wanted to try this product for so long but I always forgot about it or something new intrigues me more but it's a fantastic, inexpensive lip product. I have the shade 'birthday suit' which is a gorgeous everyday, rosy pink that applies like a dream even on chapped lips. It does dry down to a more matte finish but it still feels comfortable and it lasts for a while on me without really transferring. I'd also recommend TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Hughes Liquid Lipsticks for another long lasting lip colour recommendation. Buy any two Sleek items and get a free silicone makeup sponge using the code: SLEEK.

What will you be doing for NYE? Staying in or going out? Do you have any long lasting makeup recommendations? 

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2017 Beauty Favourites

It's finally time to publish my 2017 beauty favourites post which was so difficult to narrow down but here it is! I have some brand new favourites and some from 2016 as well which have been consistently my favourite products so I couldn't leave them out even if they have appeared in other favourites posts. Let's start with the best category, makeup:

Makeup

I'm not going to rank any of the products but one of my very top favourites has to be the fantastic Temple Spa Concealer which was sent as a surprise blogger mail package and I've loved it since I received it. If you have dry skin as I do then you'll know how difficult it can be to use a foundation or concealer that doesn't emphasis dryness which this one doesn't so it's been perfect for the colder months!

I have two palettes that I've been loving in 2017, one of which is an old favourite and it's the Too Faced Semi Sweet Palette which has pretty much everything I need in one palette! I've also been loving TheBalm Meet Matt(e) Palette which is great too and I cannot recommend them enough. A mascara that has wowed me this year is the DHC Double Protection Mascara as it is so gentle and easy to remove with just warm water.

Lastly for the base products, the first is the Real Techniques Miracle Sponge (from face.co.uk) which is a great alternative to the very expensive Beauty Blender. My favourite foundation of the past couple of years as been the Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation and I ran out of it while I was half way through my makeup for New Years eve! Now that I'm having to use other foundations, I'm realising how much I loved it and how wonderful it made my skin look. The final makeup is my much loved Essence Fixing Powder which has been a favourite of mine for the past two to three years.

Skincare 

I only have two new skincare favourites this year, the first being the Eucerin AtoControl Cream which I'm using now and I'm loving it for my eczema prone skin and secondly the Merci Handy Facial Mists which were essentials during the ridiculously how summer days we had last year. I've also been loving all of my Antipodes skincare and I cannot recommend their products enough!

Bodycare & Misc 

My final category is body care, haircare and miscellaneous products but I'll start with the most impressive semi-permanent hair colour I've ever used which is the Joico Colour Butters! 2017 was the year that I bleached the ends of my hair and dyed it a range of colours. The Jocio Colour Butters were the most incredibly vibrant, quick (less than ten minutes to develop) and long lasting semi-permanent hair colours ever!

For my other haircare favourites, I've loved all of the Colab dry shampoos I've tried and I've just bought a few more as they're fantastic. I was very kindly sent the GHD Ruby Styler last year and it's been one of the few few hair tools I've used and I cannot recommend GHDs enough.

Finally onto the bodycare products, a couple of essentials that I loved in 2017 include the Organii Lavender Liquid Soap which smells heavenly, the Cetraben Lotion that is a miracle product for the eczema on my hands and the Bomb Cosmetics Hand Treatment which is one of my favourite and creams ever!

Another heavenly product has to be the Crabtree and Evelyn Lavender and Espresso Body Butter which is the most relaxing and unique smelling body butter and one of the most moisturising. I also have to mention the Feather and Down Pillow Spray which I've been using for a while now and I cannot recommend it enough and finally for my favourites, the Lush Get Closer Dusting Powder which is a great multi-use talc.

Honourable Mentions

I obviously have to include a few honourable mentions in this post as there were so many wonderful products from 2017 such as the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dolce Vita, the Antipodes Manuka Honey Eye Cream, the Essence All Eyes On Me Waterproof Mascara, Eylure Brow Gel and the Bumble and Bumble Pre-a-Powder.

Have you tried any of these products? What were your favourites from 2017? 

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Summer Glow + Sculpt Makeup For Pale Skin

I have wanted to write a post about contouring for pale skin for months but I have had so many other posts to publish instead but I am finally going to talk about my favourite highlight and sculpting products for pale skin tones which is a great on trend look for summer. Also a number of my lovely followers have asked for tutorials, so I hope to do more in the future. 

1. Conceal: I am using the Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation which is almost full coverage and it gives the most gorgeous luminous, radiant glow to the skin - it is fantastic for my dry skin. I am using the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, from the core collection to apply and blend the foundation. Remember to take the foundation onto your jaw, neck and around the ears and hairline. If you have flaky skin then dampen a foundation sponge (the Cosmopolitan one is fantastic) and press the foundation onto the skin. 

2. Under-Eye Concealing: My under eye dark circles are one of my main skin concerns, the foundation does a good job of covering them but I do need more coverage, so I am using my Nars Radiant Cream Concealer which is a recent purchase of mine and I love it! Pat under eye concealer in with finger tips so you don't pull the skin. 

3. Bronze & Contour: I have very pale skin so bronzing and contouring can look a little messy so I have been applying my bronzer which in this case is my contour, with the Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush which is a duo fibre brush so it picks up less product and blends it lightly/evenly. Make sure you blend your bronzer and or contour well, you don't want the line to be very stark but there should be a contrast.  Suck in your cheeks, make the fishy face *it's super attractive* and apply the bronzer along the line created, then buff the excess bronzer onto the cheeks, temples and jaw line. I love the Benefit Hoola Bronzer and the new Chanel Healthy Glow Multi-Colour as they both give a wonderful radiance and bronzed look to the skin but they are also suitable for pale/fair skin tones. A cheaper alternative is the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer which is an amazing drugstore buy!

4. Highlight: For me you cannot really use bronzer or contour without using a highlighter as well, the two just work well together and give a sculpted look to the face which is perfect for summer! I use the incredible TheBalm Mary Loumanizer Highlighter which is a creamy champagne highlight, great for my pale skin. Apply the highlighter to the top of the cheeks and link it up in a C shape to the brow bone (just under the arch of your brows) for a dewy, healthy glow. 

5. Final Touches: I finished my glowing and sculpted summer look with an Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow Stick all over the lid (shade, Sin) and into the inner corner for extra glow and it makes the eyes look bigger and more awake. Curl the lashes and apply mascara to the top lashes only, this again creates the illusion of bigger eyes. I love this eye look as it looks so fresh and naturally pretty; it is also a quick and easy makeup for those hotter summer days. Lastly, a touch of the Korres Tinted Lipbalm (Rose) to hydrate and tint the lips a lovely pinky shade. 

There you have my glowing, sculpted summer makeup look with a few of my favourite products! Let me know if you re-create this look! This is my entry into the Fragrance Direct blogger competition - This competition is open to all bloggers, for T&Cs go to http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/page/competition.

Have you tried any of these products before? What do you think of my look?

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Halloween Look: Space Girl ft. Vision Direct

For the past few years I have been creating Halloween looks every October and this year is no different, although I am going to be posting less than usual. I've already posted my first Halloween look of 2017 which was a very simple skull look featuring items from Johnny Loves Rosie. Today's post is all about how to create this simple but effective galaxy/space inspired Halloween make up look!

Today's post is in collaboration with Vision Direct who kindly sent me some coloured contact lenses to use for a couple of halloween looks, the second of which will be live next week! I have the *FreshLook Coloured Contact Lenses (£14.99 per box and there are two lenses per pack). I used the shade Amethyst which is a gorgeous purple shade but obviously you don't have to use the shades that I have used as there are 12 to choose from so any will be perfect for Halloween, depending on what look you’re trying to create.

They do look obvious close up but from a distance as they blend/enhance your natural eye colour, they don’t look incredibly visible, especially this purple shade. They are monthly lenses so they can be used for 30 consecutive days but then they have to be thrown away – they are just like my normal contact lenses. You can use them for cosmetic/fancy dress purposes or as prescription, every day lenses. They have a high water content which means that your eyes will stay hydrated and they will be comfortable for as long as you need to wear them but remember you can’t sleep with them in!

I have been wearing contact lenses for the past seven or eight years so they're very easy for me to put in and take out but if it's your first time using contact lenses then you will need time to practice. I don't find these any different to my regular contacts when putting them in, taking them out or the feel of them as they are comfortable and easy to use. I applied the lenses after creating the look but then I wore them all day and they were just as comfortable and clear as my regular contact lenses. Just a quick note, if you are going to be re-using these lenses then make sure you put them in a contact lens case filled with contact lens solution/saline solution – not water! Also don’t wash them in water, always saline solution!

Before we get into the step-by-step tutorial, let's list all of the products are used. Obviously you don’t need to use the exact products I used but anything similar will work fine - also use whatever shades you want!

Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation
Glossier Stretch Concealer
Essence Fixing Powder
TheBalm Schwing Liquid Liner
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero
Eylure Brow Pencil in Dark Brown
Eye Of Horus Brow Pencil
Kiss Lash Couture Lashes (67750)
Ciate London Wonderwand Mascara in Black
Tweezerman Brow Mousse
Makeup Revolution House Of Glam Dolls Palette
Dolly Wink Eyelash Glue
Eye Of Horus Ancient Pewter Liquid Metals Liner
Makeup Revolution Lipstick in Make Me Magnificent
The Body Shop Shade Adjusting Drops - Lightening
AHB Cosmetics Highlighter Palette
Crown Brushes/Tweezerman Tweezers

The first few steps is the easiest part as I just created my base as I normally do with the amazing Bourjois foundation, the new Glossier concealer and the essence fixing powder. I also added a quick coat of the Ciate mascara and I did my brows as I do everyday. I didn't really know what I wanted to do with the eyes, so I just created a simple wing and applied the black pencil eyeliner to the waterline all around my eyes and connected it in the outer corner to the wing which I think tuned out well with the rest of the look as I think a smokey eye wouldn't have looked right.

For the next part it would be best to tie up your hair as we are going to apply the eyeshadows right up to the hairline and into it a little bit. I started with the darkest colours as I wanted them to be around the edges of the face and then for it to gradually become lighter towards the centre of the face. I used blacks and navy shades around the edges of the face and hairline to create depth and shadow. I then blended in slightly lighter shades of blue and purple closer to the centre of the face. I also added in some lighter blues pinks and purples around the blue shade so it didn't look so one-dimensional. I looked on Pinterest for inspiration photos.

When you have a well blended patchwork of shades that you're happy with for your galaxy, take whatever eyeliner you want and start to create dots aka stars over the top of the eyeshadow. As well as the eyeliner I also used The Body Shop shade adjusting drops in the lightning shade to add more brighter white stars to the look which really stood out so I’d definitely recommend using an opaque white foundation or white eyeliner for the stars.

For the lips I just used the same black eyeliner that are used on the waterline all over my lips; I then used the Makeup Revolution purple shimmery lipstick over the top which gave a glittery effect and complimented the shades already used on the rest of the face. Keeping the shimmery lipstick mostly to the centre of the lips gave it an almost ombre look. You could just use a black or purple lipstick for this rather than a combination of the two or an eyeliner.

We are onto the final few steps! I cut up some false lashes and applied a few of them to the middle and outer corners of my own lashes and applied some more mascara over the top. I then put in the amethyst contact lenses from Vision Direct which were so easy to put in, they were just like my normal contact lenses. I think they really add to the look and would be perfect for Halloween! If you're not comfortable with contact lenses then don't worry are these so easy to put in and take out but you will need to practice.

Here's a quick guide on how I put in my contact lenses - I wash my hands then place the contact lens on my middle finger so it looks like a little clear bowl and tilt my head down and place the contact lens on my eye - try not to blink. You really don’t need to pull your eye open to put contact lenses in! Whenever I see someone who doesn’t usually wear contact lenses (aka. halloween looks on Youtube) trying to put them in, they always make it seem so incredibly dramatic and painful but it isn’t at all if you do it correctly!

What do you think of this halloween look? Have you tried coloured contact lenses? 

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2014 Favourites: Makeup & Nails

I cannot believe how quickly the year has gone by! It is now time for my yearly favourites, I will split the products up into categories such as makeup & nails, skincare, body care and fragrance. I have already published my favourite blogs of 2014 (here) and my 2014 favourite skincare (here). This year I have decided to pick a winner from each product type and a runner up otherwise this list would be even longer!

Primer (eye/face) Winner: Nars Pro Prime Eyeshadow Primer

Runner Up: Maybelline The Smoother Face Primer

Foundation Winner: Max Factor Smooth Effect Foundation

Runner Up: Max Factor Luminizer Foundation

Concealer Winner: Clinique Airbrush Concealer

Runner Up: Essence Stay All Day Concealer

Powder Winner: Essence All About Matt Fixing Powder 

Runner Up: Revlon Nearly Naked Powder

Bronzer Winner: Chanel Multi-Colour Healthy Glow (01)

Runner Up: Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer & Smashbox Baked Fusion Soft Lights

Highlighter Winner: TheBalm Mary Loumanizer 

Runner Up: Kryolan For GlossyBox Cashmere Highlighter

Contour/Blush Winner: NYX Blush (Taupe)
Runner Up: Nars Douceur Blush

Mascara Winner: Yves Rocher Sexy Plump Mascara 

Runner Up: Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara 

Liquid Eyeliner Winner: Essence Liquid Ink 

Runners Up: Sephora Waterproof Liquid Liner & Stila Stay All Day Liner

Lip Stain Winner: Loreal Splash Stain (Lolita)

Runner Up: Rimmel Provocalips Lip Colour, Soap & Glory Lip Lacquer & Topshop Gloss Ink

Lip Gloss Winner: Laura Mercier Lip Glace 

Runner Up: Maybelline Colour Elixir 

Eyeshadow Quad/Palette Winner: Makeup Revolution Palettes 

Runner Up: Soap & Glory 'What's Nude' Quad

Makeup Brushes Winner: Spectrum Brushes 

Runner Up: Real Techniques Brushes & Bare Minerals Face Brushes

Nails Winner: H&M Nail Polish Pot Remover 

Runners up: Revlon Parfumerie Polishes & Colorstay Top Coat

Now for a few honourable mentions for products that I have also loved during 2014 but didn't quite make the final cut:

Firstly, the Sewlomax makeup bags! I have three of them and I took one of them on holiday with me back in august and I loved using it! Also the Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, Clarins Extra Comfort Foundation and the Essence Nail Polish Corrector Pen have been fantastic long term favourites!

What are your 2014 makeup/nail favourites? Have you tried any of the products I have mentioned? 

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First Halloween Look Of 2017 ft. Johnny Loves Rosie

Halloween is my favourite season, not just because of all the scary and creepy books, TV shows and films I can watch but because of the time of the year and makeup looks I get to create. Over the past couple of years I've created halloween looks on my blog and this year will be no different although I probably won't create quite as many this time around.

So far I've created a vampire witch, cheshire cat, mermaid, joker, skull, pop art, zombie, doll and corpse bride look so I wanted to create something a little different to those but still keep it easy to create and quick using widely available products.

This is my first halloween look of the year and I wanted to start with an easy but striking look featuring products from Johnny Loves Rosie. It was very easy to create this look as most of it is just my usual makeup routine with some halloween extras. Here's a list of the products that I used:

Too Faced Hangover Primer (review)
Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation (review)
Essence All About Matt Fixing Powder
Eye Of Horus Brow Pencil (review)
Eylure Brow Pencil (review)
TheBalm Schwing Liquid Liner
Glossier Stretch Concealer
NYX Taupe Blush
Crown Brushes Matte Lip Stain (review)
Ciate Wonderwand Mascara (review)
AHB Cosmetics Highlighter Palette (review)
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette (review)

I also used the *Johnny Loves Rosie Skeleton Face Tattoo (£16) which I was kindly sent a couple of weeks ago - it's part of their halloween collection along with so many other great halloween accessories. The design came pre-laid out as to how you should use the stickers but I changed it up a bit and I'm really happy with the outcome!

Firstly, I started with my primer, foundation, concealer and powder as my base. I added more coverage than normal; I also used my new Glossier stretch concealer (which I'm really liking on my dry skin). Whenever I apply my makeup, I always use my contour products as my face would look like a beach ball without them and when halloween comes around, I can get away with a strong contour.

Next up, highlighter, powder and then the Johnny Loves Rosie skeleton face tattoo. Instead of using the red rhinestones around the eyes, I added most of them to my lips and as they were adhesive already, they didn't need glue. I cut up the mouth section and just added it to the sides of my mouth and I used the chin decoration too; the only items I didn't use were the eyebrow stickers.

After filling in my brows as I normally do, I applied the shades 'YDK', 'Chopper' and 'Foxy' to the lids and blended well as this is quite a neat look. I also added winged liner with TheBalms Schwing liquid liner which is so easy to use and applied my mascara.

I'm really happy with how it turned out, it was very easy to create and the stickers were easy to remove although for the stickers, not the rhinestones, I did have to glue them down with eyelash glue. I think it's a simple but striking halloween look that will go with so many costumes and you can just add the Johnny Loves Rosie skeleton face tattoo over the top of your work/school makeup.

Have you bought anything from Johnny Loves Rosie? What are you going as for halloween this year? Do you celebrate halloween? 

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Birchbox: April + May

I re-subscribe to Birchbox every so often if a box looks pretty good or it is a collaboration with another company. A couple of years ago I was subscribed to both Birchbox and Glossybox but I cancelled both subscriptions as I wasn't receiving another good. However, I noticed a code on the blog A Little Obsessed for a free May Birchbox, if you bought the April one so two boxes for the price of one seemed like a great deal. 

April Birchbox (£12.95): I was excited to try a few things from this box (although I didn't get the Laura Mercier lotion I wanted). I wanted to try the Yes To Cucumbers wipes as I have been interested in this range for a while; also the TheBalm Lip & Cheek Colour looks so cute! I was disappointed with the wipes as they did irritate my skin but I will use them to remove swatches. I have heard other people with sensitive skin saying that these wipes irritated their skin too. I sold the eyeliner, lotion and nail polish. The amazing product was the lip/cheek colour, firstly the packaging is pretty amazing....and the product is great too - I am not a cheek colour kind of girl but I loved the rosy flush this gave. Overall, the box was quite poor in my opinion - ★★☆☆☆, 2/5. 

May Birchbox - Harpers Bazar (£12.95): This box is a collaboration with the magazine Harpers Bazar and the box is very colourful and cute. The box contains some positives and some negatives overall for me. I am happy with the Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oil and I will definitely try out the shampoo and conditioner travel sizes from Beauty Protection. Also the nail polish came in the most luxe packaging ever but sadly the shade doesn't suit my skin tone. I do not like the Benefit They're Real Mascara *I'm the only one who doesn't love it* and the Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish irritates my skin sadly as I did love it a few years ago but then my eczema started and I haven't been able to use it since. I will keep the mascara and cleanser packaged up for a giveaway in August! Overall, this box was a good mix but I'm not very impressed - ★★★☆☆, 3/5. 

*The code wasn't explained well on their blog post so you don't get your May box free but you get two May boxes, the second one is free - I haven't received my second box yet (v. disappointed that the code wasn't explained, I probably wouldn't have resubscribed)*

Did you received either of these boxes, if so, what did you think?

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