Six Product Face

Today was a very different make up day, after waking up after my Facial Friday yesterday my skin was better than normal so I decided to go bare faced! Well nearly, I did my eyes and lips and went foundation-less, something I never do!

I used Emotional Brilliance (By Lush) Dynamic as a cream eyeshadow base and paired it with Rimmel Stars eyeshadow in 'Special Eyes' and Lush EB Independent eyeliner and Benefit They're Real Mascara.

I added a bit of colour to my cheeks with Rimmel Blush in 'Coral Rose' and used my Revlon Balm Stain in 'Crush'.

As you can see, my skin is by no means perfect but going base-less was a big thing for me today and it was nice to make more of an effort with eyeshadow.

Tag: The Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty

Greed

What is your most expensive beauty item?

I suck at spending money on beauty products, as much as I lust after high end brands! If you don't count freebies from events then I have nothing that exceeds about £6 like my Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation. Even when it comes to nail varnish I have Models Own and Essie but get them cheap!

Wrath

Which beauty item do you have a love/hate relationship with?

Definitely eyeliner, I love the effect it can have on your make up but hate applying it because I'm rubbish!

 

Gluttony

What brand makes up the biggest chunk of your make up collection?

Rimmel! The best lip products and foundation.

Sloth

What product do you neglect to use due to laziness?

Eyelash curlers, I just don't see the point!

Pride

What beauty product gives you the most confidence?

Mascara, my eyes just don't look the same without it. BB cream comes a close second, along with concealer but on a good skin day, mascara takes it.

Lush

Which item is at the top of your beauty wish list?

Nars Orgasm and Albatross blusher and highlighter.

Envy

What make up product/look is great on others but not on yourself?

Bronzer, I need a masterclass! It just doesn't seem to work on my pale skin, even for contouring.

Thanks for tagging me Emily, I tag:

Ellie

Sally

Joanna

Gemma

and Sophia

I shall go to the ball!

As 4 years of uni is finished for me now it was time for a celebration with my best friends at our 'Teachers Ball', basically a Graduation Ball for just our course.

The Dress-

I found this maxi dress in Debenhams and fell in love with it, I love the colour and it was the perfect length for me (something I normally struggle with). It was little cut outs at the waist which are surprisingly flattering!

Accessories-

I went for a simple silver clutch bag from Accessorize and then some Navy sparkly sandals from Primark because of the length of the dress and because I wanted to be comfy!

I did my fingers and toenails the same using 17 Holographic polish with Models Own 'Juicy Jules' on top, very glittery!

For Make Up I went for quick a subtle look. I used MUA's Undressed pallette on the eyes using a darker colour in the crease and to line the eye. I then used a turquoise eyeliner pencil on the water line for a subtle pop of colour. I wore Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey on my lips.

The finished look-

I had a fantastic evening, the ball was held at a hotel and we had three lovely courses of food: Asparagus tart, Chicken in creamy sauce and the richest chocolate brownie ever!

 

We also got a picture from the photographers, these are some of my favourite people:

I'm on the top left :)

Review: Make Believe Bronzer

Having not heard of makebelieve as a brand when I tried their highlighter (reviewed here) and being a bronzer virgin I was excited to try out this product. As I have very pale skin I was pleased that this bronzer was on the lighter side.

Firstly, I like the packaging, although it's on the bulky side, the kabuki brush is lovely quality and so soft.

When using the bronzer it was well pigmented but didn't come out too dark and was buildable. I'm still not sold on bronzer for my pale skin but was pleased with the subtle look this created.

April Favourites

Sorry I'm a bit late on this one. I'm now in my final two weeks of uni ever so it's interview and essay central, busy busy busy! Anyway, most of this month's favourites are goodies from my #NottsBBMeet goody bag because I've been playing with them all and trying them out.

Neal & Wolf Daily Cleansing Shampoo- Neal & Wolf are not a brand I had heard of actually but I have been loving how soft and healthy this has made my hair feel. Also, because it's cleansing I find I can leave my hair unwashed for an extra day and it gets a lot less greasy so I'm very impressed! Available on the Neal & Wolf website for £10.95.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser- If you've read my Battle of the Cleansers part 2 post you'll know how much I rave about this luxurious feeling cleanser. Starter Kit available for £14.95.

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic- I have only just started using toner and this is one i'm enjoying, it does freshen and brighten my skin and makes it feel super clean after cleansing. Available here for £13.25.

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser- I think I have found the perfect moisturiser, I love this because I hate heavy- feeling moisturisers that take a while to sink in. This absorbs instantly and feels like I'm wearing nothing at all but still stops my skin from getting sore and dry. Available here for only £3.79.

Keihl's Actively Correcting & Beautifying BB Cream- Now I'm new onto the BB cream market but I've been loving using this! It gives great coverage and when I remove my make up I can see that it has actually done my skin good- smaller pores, more even skin-tone. It doesn't smell great but that quickly fades, full review coming soon. Available here for £23.50.

W7 Lashtastic False Liquid Lashes Mascara- I wasn't expecting much from this mascara but I was very impressed! The plastic brush is great for lengthening and separating lashes and the formula is long lasting. Unfortunately, after about a week it started to clump but for the price it is still pretty amazing! Available here for only £1.50. 

Sigma mini Blending brush E25- After wanting a blending brush for ages, this is brilliant and so soft. Full Size available here for £13.99

Sigma mini Eyeliner brush E05- This has literally changed the way I do eyeliner, no more thick lines. This helps me apply a really thin line perfectly. Full Size available here for £13.95.

MUA Undressed Eyeshadow palette- I'm late on the bandwagon for this but I have a new found love for neutrals. There are so many looks I can do with this palette and I'm loving experimenting! Available here for only £4.00..

I still can't believe I was lucky enough to try lots of these things for free!

What have you been loving in April?

Review: Make Believe enhance luminize skin highlighter

I got this highlighter from the giveaway I won (see here) and I think it is actually my first highlighter!It's a 'celestial pink' colour, similar to a champagne colour.

At first I thought it was a powder highlighter, which I think I would prefer. It's actually a cream highlighter so I find I have to use my finger instead of a brush. I find applying it hard actually as I find it doesn't glide well onto the cheeks. 

It's a shame because it actually leaves a really nice finish and has a goldy shimmer to it. Wearing this, I have enjoyed wearing highlighter but personally would prefer to try a powder (I have my eye on Nars Albatross).

Make Believe enhance luminize skin highlighter is available from Boots for £6.89.

Have you tried any Make Believe products (I have a bronzer review coming soon)?

Review: Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer

I've been using this concealer for a while now and it has been very hyped in the blogger world. 

So, is it worth the hype?

Definitely

This is the longest wearing concealer I have ever tried, it has quite a matte finish and you can instantly tell when blending that it's going stay put! 

Literally the only problem with this is that the packaging is not as long lasting, the label has worn almost completely off, at least it doesn't effect the use!

The applicator is great for targeting a spot or for under the eyes and then I use my fingers to blend. I have shade 2: Light but think I may go for shade 1 as I find this a little dark for blemishes. This concealer literally lasts all day which is perfect, you wouldn't want you spot becoming obvious in the middle of a day out now, would you?

Applied to my hand.

When blended, you can see the coverage on my freckles is good and an even and matte coverage.

Review: Nivea Lip Butter Vanilla & Macadamia

So today I would like to share with you something I have been loving for a while now. This Nivea Lip Butter is certainly my go-to lip balm at the mo. 

Now originally, the reason I bought this was the smell and the fact that it said vanilla! If you don't know by now, I'm obsessed with anything vanilla-ry and this is no exception. It smells devine and I just love it.

This 'lip butter' has a thicker texture than Vaseline and feels more nourishing on my list with a lasting feel. It pretty much does feel like butter on your lips, but tastier obviously!

The product is in a little tin, like Vaseline, which unfortunately likes to gather dust if you don't wash your hands right before you use it. Personally, I think I would prefer it in a twist-up variety but it hasn't stopped me using it lots!

I would recommend the Nivea Lip Butter's highly but haven't tried any other flavours, this one is too good!

Nivea Lip Butter's are available at Boots for £2.25

February Favourites

I haven't really been buying many products this month but here are my favourites!

I'll start with Nails as I forgot them last month, If you saw my Essie for £1.99 post you'll see that I got 'We're all in this together', a lovely light pink, and ''Bikini so Teeny', the light blue. I've been loving these and am massively impressed with the lasting power and application of essie, I definitely can tell a difference!

I also got the No7 Stay Perfect Top Coat with a £5 off voucher and love it! It really does keep my nails perfect, it applies well, dries quickly and protects my nails for longer.

Onto Hair, my aussie products ran out and when I popped to Boots I noticed the Tresemme on 2 for £5. I decided to give the 'Split Remedy' a go because my hair is due for a cut and looking fried at the ends, I've only used this a couple of times I have already noticed a difference. I also worried that since I'm used to using intensely moisturising hair products that I might notice it getting drier with these but it hasn't.

I've put my real techniques stippling brush in here again as I continue to be wowed by it! I can use it with all consistencies of foundation and BB cream and it always gives a great finish.

I purchased the Rimmel Scandeleyes waterproof eyeliner as I struggle with smudging, using this really does make it stay in place longer. I also like that it's a creamer nib and not a pencil that can be stratchy sometimes.

When buying the Rimmel eyeliner I also bought the Match Perfection Foundation in Porcelain. Unfortunately It's a little light for me but I have been mixing it with another foundation and it works well. I love the runnier consistency as it gives good coverage.

And as Rimmel was on 3 for 2 I bought my first ever lipstick, Kate Moss lipstick in 16. I love this pinky coral colour and am getting on well with it, despite it being quite matte.

Are any of these products in your favourites this month?

What's in my Travel Make Up Bag?

So I'm back home from Uni for a few days and I thought I'd share what's in my 'travel' make up bag.

I start with my Nivea Express Hydration Primer for Dry /Sensitive skin and skip the moisturizing step, I then use my sample size Benefit The Pore-fessional.

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Porcelain: This is a little light for me but I love the coverage and formula, I currently blend it with the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in Ivory as that's a little darker but a thicker consistency. The two together make a flawless finish that matches me better.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light: Loving this at the moment, especially with my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Peach Glow. I finish off with my Rimmel Blusher in Santa Rose.

Next is my MUA Professional Eye Primer then I packed my MUA trio in Chocolate Box to save me packing a palette, these three are lovely neutral brown and peachy shades. Then my trusty Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara.

I then have my Lush Sweet Lips Lip Scrub, because I can't live without it, and a twist up lipbalm from Flava Craze in Grape to save the mess.

Then, just because I like choice, I packed my Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 16, and my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains in Honey and Lovesick.

No prizes for guessing my favourite 'drugstore' brand!

The brushes I packed were Ecotools eyeshadow, concealer and brush brush, Real techniques Stippling brush and some tweezers!

And that all fits nicely into my make up bag! Do you have any of these items in your make up bag?

February Wishlist

I'm back with another wishlist!

Ted Baker Orchid washbag £29: Isn't this so pretty?! I love the new Ted Baker handbag, purse and ipad case range.

Ted Baker Bird iPhone Case £14.70: I struggle to spend money on iPhone cases as there are so many cheap ones out there but I should really invest in a sturdy pretty one (I love this one in pale pink but can only find it for sale in black).

Paul's Boutique Bird Purse £27: I've had my eye on this for a while too, loving all the bird prints.

Bare Minerals Foundation £25: I've been wanting to try a powder foundation as I think the finish is nice and it's quicker and easier to apply.

Personal Planner £14.99- £19.99: I love these as you can personalize so many elements, I'm always on the search for the perfect diary, I'm just sad I found these after the new year. I may have to get an academic year one.

PediPro £19.99: Not a very glamorous want but I really need to sort my feet out!

What's on your wishlist this month?
Thanks for reading x

January Favourites

I'm actually on time this month with my January favourites.
I have quite a lot this month as I got lots of new products to try for Christmas and also because I skipped December favourites to do a 2012 yearly favourites so products I only started to use in December got missed out.

Soap & Glory

I have been absolutely loving soap & glory all month and have been using lots from my 'Best of All' set. 

Smoothie Star Body Milk- I absolutely love the smell of this, it's oaty and yoghurty. This leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft and I'm actually finding it easier to use than a body butter as it spreads much easier and soaks in like a dream.

Peaches & Clean Cleansing Milk- I have been loving this cleanser, too. I don't know how much it does to prevent spots and unclog pores but it certainly takes my make up off well. I have sensitive eyes too and have been impressed that my eyes don't sting when I use this. I don't actually love the smell of this as it's very sweet and fake but It's bearable.

Sugar Crush Body Scrub- I love the smell of this, it's limey and has brown sugar particles. It's great for exfoliating while not too drying. A shower must- have.

Lush Snow Fairy- My favourite shower gel ever! I'm trying to make it last as long as possible as it's limited edition for Christmas. It has a lovely sweet bubblegummy scent.

Aussie Mega Shampoo- as someone who is normally pretty cheap when it comes to my shampoo I thought I'd branch out and treat myself. I'm so glad I did as my hair is feeling and looking so healthy and smelling amazing. As I've been using this as well as my Aussie 3 minute miracle about once a week I thought my hair might get a bit greasy from too many heavy conditioning products but it really hasn't!

Aussie Mega Instant Conditioner- This is brilliant to use when I'm not using the 3 minute miracle as it's lighter but still leaves my hair feeling soft and nourished.

 Nivea express hydration primer- I reviewed this here and have been loving it. My skin is soft and less damaged and my make up stays on fantastically. I would recommend it to anyone.

Nip &Fab Spot Fix- reviewed here. This is great for drying my spots up really quickly, sadly it doesn't prevent others from arising!

MUA palette in Starry Night- I'm a big fan of the smokey eye and this palette is perfect. I love the formula and they last well.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey- reviewed here. Honey is the perfect shade because it's subtle but pretty, I've been reaching for it every day!

Collection 200 Lasting Perfection concealer- Weirdly the label wore off this but the product itself is so hard wearing. I'm very impressed and can see exactly where the hype came from, I love it!

That's it for this month, thanks for reading :)