Spring Picks

I decided not to do a March favourites due to the fact that it would have been a pretty boring post. Throughout March I have continued to use all of February favourites and other products from my vast stash. To make up for it I have decided to treat you with an insight into my Spring picks.

Last year I purchased the Diorskin Nude BB Creme. A lovely, light consistency this is one for warm Spring days when you don't want your face clogged with a heavy base. As you will have seen from my last post, my most recent purchase of the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Booster will be an essential for my spring makeup bag. It can be used as a highlight or mixed in with your foundation/BB creme/whatever to create a radiant, dewy finish. Finally, an even more recent purchase is the recently launched Estee Lauder Double Wear All-Day Glow BB creme. If you know the lengths I have been to, to find this you may be surprised. I searched a gaazillion Estee Lauder concessions to find that shade one (darn fair skin complexion) had not be launched. However, I'm finally united, and I'm seriously happy. Expect a detailed post soon. 

When it comes to Spring I prefer a lighter finish on my lips. I will always reach out for a balm textured product. I love the Bourjois Color Boost Balm and Revlon Just Bitten Kissable stains (see my review here) for a subtle pop of colour. However, if I want something more prominent then Topshop Lipstick in Pillowtalk is a lovely, light shade of pink that just screams Hey, I'm a Spring shaded lipstick!

As it gets warmer I will always tend to reduce the thickness of my base. If I'm having a good complexion day I may even go naked: no BB cream, nothin'. As a result I will apply a cream blusher, usually Stilla Convertible Colour in gerbera. A warming, peach-pinked tone that perks me up just finee. At the moment I am still in the honeymoon stage with my Hourglass Blusher in dim Infusion. As a light pinken gold it is the perfect shade to take me forward into Spring. 

Last but not least, the nail varnish shades. Will I ever find a nail varnish I like that's not Essie or Nails Inc? I apologise if you're bored by my repetitive brand taste. However, I think these shades are pretty Spring perfect. Firstly, (left to right) is Essie in the shade Maximillian strasse her. Whilst this doesn't photograph well, it is a lovely green shade of blue; a more detailed review will be up soon! I'm always a blue kind of gal - I explained it all in my Blue post - and so this Nails Inc shade in Chelsea psychic garden will make me happy just from the sight of the bottle. Although I will be a truthful fan to my shades of blues, I will make this (two if I include Essie Watermelon) exception for Essie's Lilacism, what better way to introduce Spring than a shade of lilac. 

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Instant boost

The purchase of the Clarins Instant Light was what I call a binge spree: i.e. I had intended to buy something else, they didn't have it in stock and in disappointed needed something in replacement as I had so intended for the original. Unhealthy purchase, I know.

However, I'm not going to be full of regrets here. I had read a lot about this product on ghostparties and nouvelle daily, and was very intrigued to give it a test. My skin recently (as you will have read my complaints) has been looking seriously lack lustre: dull, a little grey and stuck in Winter. It really hasn't done a lot for my mood!

Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Complexion Base (as its true title) is designed to target this need. I mix mine in with my bb cream to create a dewy boost. I was instantly impressed by the results; it definitely does the trick at enhancing your base.

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A new skin wonder

For many, many years now I have religiously used the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanse and polish. Morning and night I have been a loyal follower of this product, and it has worked wonders with my skin at times. However, since January my skin has been undergoing a bit of an annoying change. Small dry patches everywhere, sensitivity, hidden, under the skin blemishes on my forehead and just a horrible, dull complexion: this is just not what I'm used too. Whether it has been stress or weather related my skin has been calling out for saviour.

I do aaaaah-lot of beauty blog reading. Indeed, the first thing I do when I hit my laptop is click for my favourite blogs. So, with such productive reading and adapted knowledge I realised that there was a lot of hype (particularly from my favourite Vivianna Does Makeup )behind the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. After thinking and thinking (and even more thinking) I realised it was time to hit cult beauty, be risky and purchase.

I'm used to a cream, thick substance cleanser, so the Oskia was a bit of big change when I pressed down on the pump. An orange-toned, slightly bitty balm comes out which is then applied onto dry skin and emulsifies into a balm. It has an oily texture and, massaged into the skin, generates a small amount of heat. After a wipe on a warm muslin cloth the difference was instantly recognisable. My skin had immediately gained a radiant complexion.

It has now been a week of using the cleansing gel and so far so good. My skin feels more radiant, plump and smooth, spots have gone and even more pores look more reduced. Although my dryness hasn't completely gone yet, they have dramatically reduced, so I don't look like such the scaly monster anymore!

Although expensive in price, my philosophy never changes with skincare: sometimes you have to invest to get some results. Good ingredients are not always cheap, but our skin, in drastic times, needs some tlc.

You can purchase the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing gel from Cult Beauty.

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Turning for Watermelon

As I have previously revealed, I have an intense love, almost verging on obsession, for blue nail varnish. Whether its navy blue, pastel blue or my favourite shade of duck egg blue I am automatically drawn to the love of my life shades. 

However, there is a particular shade of pink which will ALWAYS turn me from my alliance with blue. That is Essie's shade of watermelon.  A bright, vibrant pink that is not a shade of tacky Barbie pink. It's the perfect shade of a classy, ripe watermelon that always cheers up my mood.

London weather has been rather beautiful this week and so the shade of watermelon has graced my fingertips to get me in the mood for the spring and summer months. What are your nail varnishes that help you get in that Summer mood?

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February Favourites

I suppose the dream of clean, un-blemished skin couldn't last forever and so February punished me with some of the worst skin problems I've had in a long time. My skin was so dry and sensitive that everytime I put products on it seemed to hurt. Twice a week I applied the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask, which I have definitely raved about before. This product works moisturising miracles for dry skin; applied before going to bed you wake up in the morning with guaranteed moisturise-ness. Oh, and  the smell is mmmmmahmazing.

After a lucky promo code I found on Nail's Inc facebook (yes 50% off code) I finally got round to purchasing the hero shade of Porchester Square. Although it may to some seem grey and boring I promise upon application it is one of those sophisticated/goes-with-anything-shades. I have also found that the gel effect means I don't needs a top coat and it definitely is more chip-free proof than other polishes.

As my last post revealed I have been luuuuving the Revlon lip balms in the more on trend orange tones. These will most definitely continue on to be other monthly favourites. Check out the full post here.

The beauty blogging world went crazy for the launch of the Hourglass blushers. Naturally, and after instagram persuasion, I had to buy one. I choose the shade dim infusion and have fallen in love with its natural, healthy pink finish. Hourglass are well known for their highlighters and their blushers incorporate a subtle successful highlight. Although a taaad overpriced (unfortunately, even more than my Nars creamy concealor) they are worth it if you are looking for a good, high end blusher.

I've also included in my favourites my little Emma Bridgewater candle. I was given this by my mum for Christmas but only started lighting it last month. This one has almond and vanilla tones and leaves a strong scent in the room which is just what I like.

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Revlon Colour Burst

The launch of the new and updated Revlon Just Bitten Kissable and Colourburst Matt Balm has drawn quite a bit of attention of the blogger world. My obsessive readings of other sites had led me to produce a list of things I needed from Boots.

Approaching the Revlon aisles I assumed it would have been the pink shades I would have been drawn too, particularly Unapologetic as modelled by Alex on I Covet thee. However, after a lot of swatching I decided to be brave, in season, and purchase some orange shades: Audacious and Rendezvous.

Slightly wary as to how orange might compliment a brunette I was quiet pleased when I looked in the mirror! I have really enjoyed used the Colourburst Matt Balm, morning and night. Easy to apply, they come out subtle in tone so the more you apply the more you can build up your pop of colour. I think these are going to be some of my favourite shades for summer!

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The Bedroom tour

I don't do many lifestyle posts despite my love for reading others. After a recent room decoration and change around I decided experiment with my new camera. As my photography improves I hope to do more similar posts...

 Owl Lamp - Dunelm- Mill

Owl Bookheaders - Laura Ashley (If you couldn't tell I have a thing for owls!)

After I finished senior school I bought a glass frame and board from Hobby Craft and decided to make a big collage of my memories and favourite fashion moments and celebrities. This is one of my favourite things in my room and think it is a great way to display photos. I'm currently in process of collecting items for my new one!

Bird cage lamp - Laura Ashley

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February Favourites

First up, January's cold blasts have left my lips in a bit of a state: chapped and uncomfortably crusty (at least I'm being honest gals) has not been a particularly enjoyable experience. I have therefore been relying on my NUEX Reve de miel Baume Levres Nourisshing Lip Balm. The consistency is rich and thick and thus application feels like it provides a thorough nourishment. The smell is simply delicious. A little pricey for your average lip balm but this stuff does miracles in just one application...and I really mean that.

For a while now I have wanted to purchase Soap and Glory's Whipped Clean Shower Butter, and a bit of 'fed-upness' motivation finally made me move!  The smell is definitely a dupe for Laura Mercier's Pistachio range; its almond/pistachio/shea butter heaven. Its formula is similarly luxurious: thick and creamy, a splodge and lather into the skin instantly turns into foam. The only negative thing I can say about this is it's more of a nighttime, relaxing smell...but is that really even a negative? It's the perfect post-day shower essential. Next on my list is the moisturiser...Soap and Glory aisle, I'm coming for ya'.

After a horrible stressful month of exams and the most ridiculous amount of words I have ever had to write, the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil had to be purchased. I had read a lot of praise for this product and was really intrigued to try it. Although serum is a regular part of my skin care regime an oil was something I had never tried before. At first it was very weird to apply, the oil was just too much for me to handle. But after a few every-other-night sessions this stuff really did illuminate my skin in the morning. It's lavender scent was of course perfect for bed, and it really did seem to re-moisture and renew my skin. This is a definitely must for those bad times of the month!

Nars Creamy Concealor  is the most expensive makeup number, for what it actually is, I have ever purchased. I was bribed (yes, definitely bribed) to be put on a waiting list at my local Space NK...I was literally forced to say yes. Dramatisation over, it really was worth every penny. This concealor is so easy to blend and my shade, vanilla, is perfect for my skin-tone.

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An ode to Nars

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Favourite Skincare of 2013

My love for skincare has dramatically increased throughout 2013; obsessive researching, youtube watching and a lot of testing has resulted in a routine that my skin has grown to love.

When it comes to taking away the makeup then look no further than Bioderma. My friends laughed at me once for telling them how bad makeup wipes are for taking off the makeup even though they had never watched this genius Caroline Hirons, whose advice is responsible for these purchases! Bioderma is a non-alcholic/nasty chemical water that removes all makeup. Therefore it does not harm the skin.

Praises are also sung to The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof eye-makeup remover which does wonders when removing stubborn mascara - my rave is more developed here.

Before I go to bed I apply Origins Night-A-Mins. A small amount provides thorough moisturisation aswell as a happy face to wake up too; as soon as I apply this my skin instantly becomes brighter and more nourished. However, what may seem like soulmate love has to take a step aside to more advanced! number. If I could only choose one product to live with forever then it would have to be Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Serum. Oh my goodness, this product is amazing. I have never tried something as effective as this; it heals spots, dryness, redness, dullness, do I need say anymore?! This product is worth every one of its many pennies. A similar product is hydraluron; used in the morning it creates extra moisture so only a little bit of your moisturiser is needed to last all day long. Most of these serums have created a nice little harmony in my skin routine...cheesy I know.

However, when things aren't looking too great  I reach for Ren's Clarifying Clay Cleanser. Charcole based it gets really deep into the pores to remove all that dirt! A bad patch of skin is easily solved with a few washes from this. Similarly, there is the Origins Clear Improvements mask. A hot little number that is there for those nights when you and your skin just need pampering. Throughout the year I used this when feeling slightly fed up with my skin. Not only does it help with getting rid of blemishes it also  helps to create a brighter complexion. A well rounded mask I say. 

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Favourite makeup of 2013

After a ridiculous amount of essays, revision and job demands I am finally free!! Due to such business I have, unfortunately, had to disregard the blog for a while...but now I am back with the better late than never post of my favourite beauty products of 2013.

So, to start right off with the business, my favourite "base" has been Estee Lauder Day Wear BB cream. Purchasing it early on in the year I think I have used this almost everyday since my pin was entered. It provides a light coverage, aswell as a light texture allowing it to blend into the skin really well. Despite being a BB cream I have found it does the job well when it comes to covering up a blemish or two.

As appeared in last years favourites post the Benefit Brow Zings triumphs again. When it comes to the brows (or the big brows in my case) I never look anywhere else. With a wax one side and a power the other this little kit is great value for money (it also includes tiny tweezers and two brushes - too cute). I can guarantee your brows will always look perfectly defined from use of this kit.

Then it is all praises to Nars. Their creamy concealor has to be one of the best in the beauty product world. It blends in perfectly with your base whilst brightening the under eye area. If you suffer from dark under eye circles like me then you'll find that the creamy texture is designed to solve this problem. Thanks to my wonderful friend Chloe (check her blog here) I was introduced to the oh-mah-god factor result of the Nars Orgasm. If you are a user of this then perhaps you will know why it has been titled orgasm! This has become my all time favourite blusher. It's pink, gold shimmer tone is the perfect pick me up. To apply this fancy one the MAC 163 has been doing wonders; contouring, blushing, highlighting, its a fantastic brush. 

When trying to solve my addiction for MAC eye-pencils I discovered Rimmel Scandal Eyes kohl eyeliner in Bronze. The perfect golden brown eyeliner that defines my eyes just how I like: a little bit of smudge and bronze simmer.  I owe Rimmel more than providing me with my favourite eyeliner, they saved my purse from MAC's soaring prices.

I had a little difficultly when thinking about what eye shadow I used the most over the year, for the most part of the year I definitely didn't try hard enough when it comes to shadow - a resolution that I have put forward to 2014! However, I then remembered my love for the Clinique Chubby Stick for eyes in Ample Amber: a beautiful rose tinted light gold that creates a wide eyed effect. My many lazy student days were saved by the quick application of this stick.

For the nail department I would look nowhere else than Essie. They consistently offer a wide range of shades, the brush provides easy application and the formula contains an excellent shine that doesn't always need a top coat. In the photo I have chosen the shade solemate but I could easily have included watermelon, or chinchilly or lapiz of luxury. Despite my Essie obsession I could not ignore the colour of my summer, Bourjois nail enamel in turquoise. I bloomin' love this shade, when wearing a neutral wardrobe it always finished off a look.

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Luxury Beauty Christmas Wish List

Luxury Beauty Christmas Wishlist by folkesthinks 

With a week to go I thought I would share with you some of my favourite luxury beauty items. 

1. The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I unfortunately don't own palette 1 or 2, but 3 certainly seems the best so far. With a full range of colours to create a neautral, matt or smokey look it is a great, adaptable palette. I have my eyes on the far right purple colour for a smokey look!

2. Where would we be without Nars Orgasm and Deep Throat blusher. So the invention of the Nars One Night Stand palette was just genius. Bravo Nars. A whole palette of there blushers really would send me to Nars heaven. 

3. Kiehl's Creme de Corps body moisturiser is one of the most incredible smells I have every experience. And I mean that. A combination of soya milk and honey I just want to smooth this into my skin all day long.

4. The new Shu Uemura eye lash curlers may look like a weird contraption but they are designed now to catch the teeny corners of your eyelashes, creating a wider, fuller lash. 

5. Laura Mercier Souflee Body Creme Sampler Collection would not only look perfect in my bathroom but feel and smell perfect. My Auntie is a big Laura Mercier fan and whenever I stay at her's I always make sure I can use some after a bath. Yes, this whole set would make me very happy indeed!

6. Clinique's Black Honey nail enamel would be the perfect partner for my Clinique Black Honey Eyeshadow. A sophisticated, deep, burgundy red which will nicely welcome in the New Year!

7. This Works Dream Team is apparently not an essential to some of my friends, but I think they're wrong. If you love sleep, like me, but stress, again like me, then this is a must have! It contains the This Work Pillow Spray - a refreshing mist for your pillow containing sleeping send-off smells - and their Deep Sleep Stress Less roller ball to provide you with even more aroma's for a perfect night sleep. 

8. Last, but most certainly not least, is this Diptyque set. Diptyque is certainly not a cheep company, however you get what you pay for and they smell and look beautifully expensive!! This set is supposed to be lit all at once to create a wonderful unison of smells!  

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November Favourites

My favourite thing throughout the month of November has been my Diptyque Christmas Candle. A diptyque candle has been on my wish list for a while now. Whilst some may think they are extortionately priced - which yes, I guess they kindaaaa are - they really do make the room smell wonderful in minutes, and of course the jar is rather beautiful. Mine smells of Indian Incense and it has thoroughly cheered me up through the cold winter of November!

The Origins Super Spot Remover has saved my skin this month. As the turn of the winter weather (and the increase of chocolate) has sent my skin a bit crazy recently, I have been using this to cure the blemishes. I have even used it on my boyfriend and it wiped his clean overnight. I thoroughly recommend this if you want those pesky spots to be gone in a hurry.

As my 7ams and work demands have increased November has been a month where I haven't had much time to spend on my makeup routine. So, to speed things up, I have been relying on the Clinique Chubby Sticks for eyes. The shades Ample Amber and Fuller Fudge have satisfied my neutral palette quite nicely! They are seriously simple to apply and just a blending out with the thumb will not only speed up your routine but make you look like you've spent time trying!

Finally, the random purchase of Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Shampoo and Conditioner left me and my hair slightly speechless! In the hunt for some small products to take the gym I simply picked these up just by chance. However, without sounding hyperbolic, they really are the best shampoo and conditioner I have ever used. I suffer from quite dry, fine hair and they both bulk up the moisture and leave hair looking wonderfully shiny.

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Winter Lipsticks

For a while now I have being trying to gain more confidence when it comes to lipsticks. I've always been a balm girl and believed too much colour meant too much "trying". However, I think its time now I realised my mistakes when it comes to the pouting department. Vivid lipcolour is in trend. It is ok to be bold; enhancing your confidence and femininity. What a way to bring in the Christmas season with a bold, sumptuous red pout!

And so, as my confidence has grown, so has my collection. So I'm going to share with you my favourite colours that I think will be great for the winter, and of corse, Christmas months!

So, (from left to right)...

Body Shop Colour Burst Lipstick Enraptured Red. This really is a "boom, Ive got colour (holla)" shade. (If you know what I mean ladies!). I always feeling like Lady Scarlet when applying this. Applied with careful precision, this is an excellent formula for long lasting colour.

Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter - Raspberry Shortcake. I have quite a few products from the Lip Butter range. Yes, this technically isnt a lipstick, but it provides a lovely, hint of natural, raspberry toned colour which is perfect for winter. For a day time look when I perhaps don't want to be too bold (or, simply, can't be bothered) this does the job perfectly.

MAC - Dare You. A smoothy, promiscuous, yet slightly innocent red. This isn't as vivid as the Body Shop red yet still provides a full, shimmering red colour. If you're looking for a seducing pout then I thoroughly recommend 'Dare you'.

MAC- 'O'. My friends are always asking to borrow this on nights out. Being a frost formula the shade provides quite a glossy finish. This is one of my favourite lipsticks. A great step up for someone trying to branch their way slowly in to the world of bold lip colour.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Glam plum Fulham. Whilst providing a tremendous amount of eye-popping shade this lipstick provides an unbelieveable moisturising finish. Easy to apply, fab colour and an affordable price. This lipstick, if you are to get any, is most definitely the one to go for!

Topshop - Beguiled. One can never go wrong with a Topshop lipstick. This, whilst perhaps looking a little terrifying in colour, this shade is a great daaaark red. Matt in texture this is perfect is you are looking for a more vampy red.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Black Cherry. As you will see from my last post, this really is a very dark shade. Like a black forest gateau (excuse the food reference) it provides a dark, red colour and certainly one that will get heads turning (not based on personal experience!). If you're daring then I really do recommend giving this shade a go!

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What I wore #4

Recent celebrations for my friend's birthday meant another occurrence of yay-birthday-makeup excitement: a tragic case for the beauty obsessed! In my books, the best bit about going out is the getting ready: sad, I know!

So, a swooping of Revelon Nearly Naked Foundation made an appearance again. I don't use this often (I'm not a foundation lover, it has to be said) however, every time I dig it out I feel bad for neglecting it - it really give great coverage for a high street product. With a smudge of Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer I was prepped for my favourite palette from Clarins - a limited edition Christmas 2012 set. A hint of matte bronzer, with a layer of gold pigment sparkle always makes me ready for a night ahead! However, I always add my trusty Nars Eyeshadow in the shade Meekong for extra smoke. With a layering of Rimmel Scandel Eyes kohl in the shade bronze and lashings of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme mascara (a product I still need to buy full size!) the eyes were all set.

Of corse a shading in of the brows with the oh-so-amazing Benefit Brow Zings never goes a miss. I then decided for a bronzed look, and so out popped the Nars Laguna Bronzer for some tanned contouring. If you haven't heard me mention this before, then this really is the only bronzer a girl will ever need! Of corse, topped off with Nars blusher in orgasm the face was all paired up - the combination of these two Nars products really does work a treat!

Finally, I used my new Revelon Super Lustrous lipstick in the shade black cherry. A little daunted at first - this is the darkest shade I own - however, I felt this was the perfect, winter shade and will definitely be making use of it more this season. 

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A Spot of bother

The turn from Autumn to Winter is not one I particularly look forward to. A dramatic dip in temperature, extra layering and hat hair have a huge dislike in my books. However, the main problem is the havoc the change does to my skin.

Yes thats right, it has all finally caught up with me and my skin has had to suffer! Dryness, blemishes and a dull complexion: my skin really has had its ups and downs the past two weeks. So, with a bit of some TLC and with the help of some 'wuuuuunderful' products, I have finally got my skin back on the right track. 

The main player has been the Ren Clarifying Clay Cleanser, a number I mentioned on my October Favourites. I have been replacing this with my Liz Earle at night time. It does smell a little funky yet one pump really has done wonders. A clay based cleanser always works when your skin is conjested with blemishes. It works to get rid of the nasties by a thoroughly deep cleanse. The only negative is its drying properties so a good moisturiser is the crucial next step.

I have then been using the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask. I have read a heck of a lot about this mask and felt it was the best thing to cure my intense dryness. My thoughts after just the first use was WOW. I really don't know where this product has been throughout my life! You apply it before you go to bed which I wasn't 100% comfortable with at first. However, its beautiful smell of peaches and passionfruit soon sorted out that fear. The next morning my face felt fresh, rejuvenated and full of moisture. This product really does what it says on its packaging!

Finally, the Origins Super Spot Remover has been the zapper for my pimples! Its tingling sensation made it feel like it was doing it's job, and boy it most certainly has! A pretty pricey number for its size however your blemishes will soon go with a spot of this over your annoyance!

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October Favourites

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in the shade Glam Plum Fulham has been the perfect autumnal plum colour. Admittedly, a little tricky to apply on my small lips I have had to spend time with a lip blush applying this one. However, that goes out of the question when thinking about the colour and the moisturising texture of this lipstick. Rimmel need a round of applause for the successful update of the collection.

Bobbie Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in the shade Forest. This was a little treat bought for me by a friend in September. However, it's full use was demonstrated in the last month when I decided to spice things up in my makeup looks.

Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream
I don't think I gave this product enough recommendation in my Body Sop Haul. It really does give wonderful and accurate coverage: coming out of the tube as white and adapting to your skin tone upon application. This truly provides you with a perfect natural glow.

A second praise to the Body Shop for their Brown and Liner Kit. Over the autumnal October I have been using the lighter brown shade to create a subtle contour rather than going OTT with Nars Laguna which I think looks a little false in the colder months.

Finally, a little gem which has become part of my skin routine. Ren Clarifying Clay Cleanser has been helping me beat those spots (yes, I've been unfortunately suffering from the dreaded S word) from my stress! I have been using this every night and it has calmed my skin a-hell of a lot down!

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Body Shop Haul

As you saw from my post about their increeedible eye make up remover, I have been having a slight affection for the Body Shop recently. For many years this has not been the case. I only regarded them as an alright-moisturiser-place, an eco-friendly, struggling chain for the suffering high street.

However, this has all now changed. I cant apologise enough for my misconceived opinions. Since their recent makeover, and due to my hours spent of research on   on Vivianna Does makeup (thank you you Beauty Blogger goddess!) I have finally branched out within the Body Shop and made many makeup purchases.

So lets get started...

Firstly, I have been loving their colour crush eyeshadows especially in the shade CCoconuts About You. In my opinion this is Mac Satin Taupe without the shimmer.  With a quick application of their  Eye Definier in shade Rich Brown a subtle grey smokey smudge has been the result: a wonderful everyday  I'm-going-to-try shade!


Since growing in confidence I moved up the scale when I purchased one of their Colour Crush Lipsticks in the shade Enraptured Red. A vibrant, scarlet red, has been a bold step up...and I've been loving it! With a matt finish this lipstick is perfectly on trend for this Autumn/Winter.


Now my new Oh my god/amaaazing product is their Brow and Liner Kit in the shade 02. As we move into the colder, winter months I can sometimes find the bronzer look to be a bit too desperate. And so, after taking advice from Vivianna, I have been applying the darker shade of this to contour my face. This subtle definition has been a perfect pairing with my autumnal blushers resulting in one happy look I've got cheek bones look!

Finally, after much deliberation, I purchased the All-In-One BB Cream. This has been a whole new world in BB creams; coming out white and turning your shade once applied to the skin. This has created a perfect every day nature base. Admittedly it does not cover spots, but for the good days, I can guarantee this is the one!

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September Favourites

September is always a favourite month of mine. No, not just because it is my birthday. But because of the organisational, back to school, warm autumnal days time. Yes, I love going back to a routine and September usually means a bit of a sort out with storage and life!

This month I've decided to keep it nice and simple. I cannot admit that I have been wearing a lot of makeup as I have been unfortunately too busy to bother but, more crucially, I have been wanting to show off my skin. This I believe has been all down to the Origins High potency Night-A-Mins moisturiser. This has been on my wish list for a while now and my birthday month gave me the excuse to purchase. I find it to be a high intensity, thick creme, which means a small amount of application goes a long way. My skin has felt dewy and glowing and I fully believe it is down to this!

An unusual number next, but Body Shop Camomile waterproof eye & lip makeup remover is amazing. Want to know more then read my post.

As the bold lips have become more trendier I have decided to be more braver. With a whip of Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm in the shade Lovesick on my lips I have been confidently rocking this shade out. Even to lectures may I admit. I love how this gives a shade of colour but is a balm formula, meaning I don't look caked in lip product.

My Nars blusher in the shade orgasm has been an every day saviour. Thank you style scout for my present. It is just the perfect, natural pink blush. I really do mean perfect.

Finally, I have been loving an application of Rimmel Scandal Eyes waterproof kohl in 012 bronze. It is so 'creamy' and easy to apply and creates an intense smokey effect.

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Body Shop Camomile Eye make-up remover

With my oily eyelids waterproof mascara is a necessity.  An odd feature I know, but if waterproof wasn't applied I would look like I was going for a halloween/mascara run down look everyday. Now, nobody wants to see that look do they! 

As a girl with expensive taste the Clarins make-up remover has been on my wish list for sometime. Why? Because my cheap simple remover, which claims to remove waterproof mascara does not work. I am left constantly rubbing my eye with a drenched cotton pad of remover and nothing is budging....However, this was my old routine.

 I heard a rumour out there that the Body Shop's Camomile make-up remover does the same job as Clarins and at half the price. I was, obviously, sold and went out straight away to purchase this needed item. I am pleased to announce that this boy does the trick. It is a dream to use. Simply shake to activate, squeeze a bit on a cotton pad, place over the eye for about 5 seconds and Voilà: all my eye make-up, yes my tough to remover waterproof eye make-up is gone!! Safe to say I have since removed the Clarins number from my wish list and replaced it with my replen of this. 

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