February Favourites

It will come as no surprise that I have been loving the Max Factor Clump Defy Volumizing Mascara. Wow. Ah-mazing. Length, natural, no clumps, need I say anymore. Big thumbs up and I highly, highly recommend.

I had a slight haul with the new Real Techniques Bold Metals collection. My favourite has been the Tapered Blush Brush. It picks up the product so well and the angled effect helps for application. And of course what's not to love about the colour and shape of these brushes?! I can't wait to burn down my diptique and display them.

Now I have to apologise about this one. I have been using the Rimmel Finishing Touch Top Coat for a while now and have been rather silent on the wonders of it. If you're an avid beauty blog reader then I'm sure you will have heard the famous sec he viche top coat. Admittedly it is one heck of a good top coat but my experience saw quiet a few clumpy incidents which meant it chipped easily and was easy -and addictive- to pull off. However, I would have to say that I prefer the Rimmel. It's price and the effect it gives makes me one happy nail painter…! It provides an amazing shine and has helped my manicures last for a good seven days! I can't rave enough about this top coat. Bravo Rimmel.

Continuing on with the manicure theme I have been praising the Mavala Mavadry spray. In my opinion its genius: spray, speed, go. The past few weeks has seen me go from one nail polish to another and I've loved having to not sit around and wait till they're dry.

This month has seen me return to an old Mac favourite: the Pro Longwear Blush in Rosy Outlook. This is such a lovely light pink colour that I've really enjoyed using as an everyday, natural blush.

What have been your favourites this month?

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January Favourites

So I've finally broken the silence over here. With a very busy few weeks of essay writing, starting my final term at uni and my dissertation (God help me) I feel like I can be excused. Anyway, to start off my first post of 2015 I thought I'd do a favourites.

 

First off is the Aesop Resurrection Hand Balm. My hands have seriously suffered in this bloomin' cold weather. Whilst the most sensible option would have been to invest in a pair of gloves I decided to opt for this. The smell is rather luxurious and its such an intensely rich formula that it absorbs into my hands rather quickly creating an instant result. This hand balm is also good for cuticles and has helped with my nails too.

For Christmas one of my makeup presents was the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emmerville. A gold eye shadow in a cream formula is always a hit in my books. This is so easy to apply and has really good staying power. Can I praise the packaging too?! This really is a little gem.

Along with the theme of dryness, my face went through a patch of disliking my origins moisturiser. After looking through some samples I thought I'd give the Kiels Ultra Face Cream a go. It's a weird one if I'm honest. It's not an overly rich or thick formula yet it gives so much moisturising! This time last year I suffered with bad dry, almost flaky patches on my cheeks. But not this time around. I am loving this cream, day and night.

After hearing a lot of raves from Amelia Liana and Hello October about this product I thought I'd give it ago. The Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in East End Snob is my first neutral lip liner, believe it or not. I've never really understood the point of them. However, I have really go into the swing of this. It makes my lips look fuller and acts as a really good base coat for my everyday fave Mac Patisserie!

Last, but certainly not least, is the Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Descanso. I was one very lucky girl this Christmas and under my tree was the Nars Digital World Lip Pencil set. So far this one is my favourite. A lovely, pink-nude everyday staple.

 

What have been your favourites this month?

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November Favourites

The majority of November has seen me hidden away in the library researching and writing essays. As a result my blog has had a bit of a neglect and my favourites this month are somewhat limited.

The skin savour of November has to be the Omorovicza Queen of Hungry Mist. As the cold weather has taken its drying tolls on my skin this has just become an everyday essential. It is a hydrating toner enriched with rather fancy (and expensive) minerals that really do help give my skin that extra moisture. Cleanse, spritz, serum, done.

The issue of "dryness" continues on with the lips. Who doesn't suffer with dry, chapped lips this time of the year?! Of course I have to reach for the number one lip balm: Nuxe Rieve de Miel. This stuff, I think, works as an exfoliator and a moisturiser. It works so quickly that using this multiple times a day has seriously solved the lip pains. A handbag hero.  

There's rarely a talk about hair on this blog. I have to admit when it comes to hair I am not a pro, but that's another story. After an embarrassing trip to the hair dressers in october I decided to take better care of my dry locks. The Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Intense Rescue Balm has seriously left me noticing results. A hard balm in the tub, rub between your fingers to create an oil, smooth through the locks, leave for 20 minutes and then wash with shampoo and conditioner. My hair has looked shiner and felt so much healthier and stronger.

After a lovely care package from home I received a special request of MAC lipstick in Plumful. Desire after watching Lily Pebbles' vlogs this has been no disappointment. As a lustre formula it leaves a subtle amount of colour and sheen. I have loved wearing this when I've gone for a natural-barely there make up look with a splash of plum on the lips. Seriously recommend this if you're a brunette like me. 

Last on the list is a return to an old favourite: the Chanel Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow in 14 Mystic Eyes. The bottom right shade is my favourite kinda brown, shimmery and subtle and is such a dream to apply. I don't bother with anything complicated, just a swish of this all of the eye and job done.

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October Favourites

If you've been reading my blog closely this month then I suppose these favourites won't come as a surprise. Personally, I'm proud of the plum theme. Finally I'm moving away from the blues and braving the bold!

Anyway, I haven't stopped used Clinique Even Better Foundation. My face has been suffering with a serious case of the grey and dull at the moment, and this has been such an easy solution. Easy to blend, and excellent (but not too heavy) coverage. A little bit has gone a long way! I suppose I've had a Clinique loving month with also reaching for their eyeshadow in Black Honey. A rich brown colour with that slight hint of red, I've really enjoyed wearing this as an everyday all over shadow or accompanying my Charlotte Tilbury palette on an evening!

Perhaps you will be sick of me talking about the Soap and Glory Archery 2-in-1 brow pencil but WOW I love this. Despite taking me a while to get use to the art of graceful brow strokes this has been my favourite tool to create a naturally defined brow. 

In terms of them plum tones, I've found Nails Inc Gel Effects in New Oxford Street. I love the colour and the formula is seriously long lasting. This colour has geekily got me in the autumnal mood!

I don't need to talk too much about the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Glam Plum Fulham. It does what is says: moisturising and a whole lotta perfect plum. My favourite Autumn lipstick for sure. 

Happy Halloween everyone! What have been your favourites of the past month?

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May Favourites

This month saw me reaching back to some dusty, previous favourites. As the weather has been slightly more summery I wanted something lighter as my base. The Diorskin Nude BB Creme, a last summer purchase, works like a dream; a light, liquid formula that blends easily into the skin creating a smooth, thin layer of coverage.

The summer feelin' has also left me wanting some pop o' pink. I found my old love of the Topshop Lipstick in Brighton Rock. This shade always makes me feel summery and I find I don't need to bother too much with blush and bronze when this is on the pout.

After hearing a lot of hype about the Body Shop this month I had two things on my wish list. And boooy have they lived up to the hype. First is the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. I have a lot of love for the eye make-up remover (read here) and so was willing to try the oil. I have been using this before my Liz Earle Cleanser to remove all my face makeup. Correct naming from the Body Shop as this really does feel silky to the skin. It gives me so much pleasure to take off my makeup with this stuff! It does the job and is lovely and gentle to the skin.

My second purchase was the Early-Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub. This stuff smells and even feels like jam. With raspberry seeds it  gave my skin a thorough exfoliation and left it feeling silky smooth when I came out the bath. If you walk past a body shop anytime soon you seriously have to smell this one!

In my Everyday makeup routine post you will have seen me use the Hourglass Brow Sculpting Pencil. Despite feeling seriously guilty as I handed over my card in space nk I have absolutely LOVED using this. I love using the spooley end to get my brows tamed into shape.

I finally bought something from the Tanya Burr range. Now I'm not just raving about this cause I love her so much, I have seriously enjoyed wearing this lipgloss in the shade chic. It has been the perfect everyday, natural shade and hallelujah it is not sticky. It also smells deliciously of strawberries.

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April Favourites

In the midst of revising and writing, not much affection has been been paid to my beauty obsessions. However, I did decide to pay some attention to my hair (looking at your split ends can be a big activity during procrastination). Searching through my beauty box I came across the Redken all soft argan-6 oil something I had purchased a while ago. After washing my hair I put a big drop of this on to my hand and rubbed it through. I have noticed a massive difference in condition and length!

Whilst this one has been in a few skin care posts I'm not sure if I've raved about it enough. The Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum is, without a doubt, the best thing I own. A big statement to make, I know. However, I don't think I've ever used a product were I can see such a difference from its use so quickly. During my stresses of essay writing my skin usually takes a toll. Applying this every evening helps sooth my skin, making it brighter and more 'fuller.' Everything always looks alright with this. If you've never tried it before I cannot emphasise enough how much you need to!

I bought the Loréal Telescopic Mascara a while back after ViviannaDoesMakeup's constant raves. However, when got it home and looked at the brush I wondered what on earth she was talking about! After using it almost every day this month I have realised its wonders. I detest clunky, thick lashes. This separates and lengthens and despite not being a waterproof formula pretty much lasts all day.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting blush in dim infusion. I know this has featured in the last few posts but it really has been my go to product since its purchase. It is the perfect pick me up and I love how it doubles up as a highlight. It really is lovely on the skin and a great piece for the makeup bag.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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August Favourites

After a depressing moan about the dry and awful condition of my hair I decided to purchase L'oréal Ever Riche No Sulphates shampoo for Dry Fine Hair. For the price of this shampoo it should almost be described as miraculous! After one wash I couldn't get over how smooth and healthy my hair felt to touch and it's noticeable added shine. I thoroughly recommend this shampoo if you have currently fallen out with your un-manageable locks!

I love a good skin care regime and bought the Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask a while back now. However, throughout the month of August I made a conscious effort to use this one a week rather than every now and again. I have definitely noticed the difference: smaller pores, a clear glow and not to mention NO SPOTS throughout the month. NO SPOTS AT ALL. I mean it, hence capitals.

When YSL discontinued my favourite liquid eyeliner I have been searching the shelves for a similar dupe. What I so loved about this eyeliner was how thin the pen/brush was. If you're a eye-liner flick amateur like me then you'll know that a smaller brush is easier to create a flick. This month I discovered the Barry M Blink precision eyeliner. This is the first time I have bought something from Barry M and have been seriously impressed. It was easy to use and stayed on my eyes all day/evening; a big achievement when it comes to my non-stick eyelids!

August has been a pleasant summery month and to translate this summer hype I have been regularly using a highlighter. For this I have turned to MAC Mineralise skin finish in the shade Soft & Gentle. On first glance this product can look far too shimmery but applied to the cheek bones it creates a soft and natural shimmer that can cheat and make you look energetic and healthy!

Finally, I've been using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush all summer to apply my cream blushers. I realise I hadn't given it enough hype and thought this would be the best opportunity to declare that this is the perfect brush to create the natural, apple of the cheeks blush!

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July Favourites

July was an absolute scorcher! Hurray, we were finally able to celebrate summer. The perfect weather had, after what seemed like a wait of eternity, arrived in the England and one could top up the tan and chill with a British BBQ and pimms!
On the makeup front however, problems were soon to arise, such as 'aaaah, how is this stuff not going to melt off my face' scenario!

Therefore, the top of my list has to be Diorskin Nude BB Creme. Now I know some of us may all disregard the BB and CC nonsense but this really is a beautiful product. It provided me with a light coverage that was so needed in the hot weather, whilst also creating a healthy glow. I couldn't help but notice my skin in the mirror and, apologies, have a good old vain stare!

In the summer months I always tend to stay away from powder blushers and so I brought this product back up from the depths of my makeup bag! Bobbie Brown Sheer Colour Cheek tint in the shade sheer pink is the prettiest, cheeky pink that I can only describe as giving you the cute, little girl colour. Blended into the Dior it worked a treat on my skin!

To keep up the tan I purchased (after a Tanya Burr recommendation of course!) the  Clarins Bronzing Duo. This has been a wonderful number which has allowed me to finally put the Nars Laguna down. I have found the Clarins the perfect bronzer for a daytime look. Applied with a Mac 236 brush it has created shape and a lovely summer time glow!

On my nails I have been using Bourjois 1 second nail gel in the shade turquoise block. After the Vivianna Does make-up post I couldn't not say no. Easy to apply and a brilliant, vibrant colour. This shade has wonderfully enhanced my tanned hands!

For Lips I have returned back to my Revlon Colour burst lip butter's, particularly the shade Strawberry Shortcake. These lip butters give wonderful shine and colour and are not as heavy as lipsticks which I prefer for nights out or the winter!

Finally, my July scent has obviously had to be Esteé Lauder Bronze Goddess. I purchased this at the airport (duty free savings and all that!) and enjoyed a luxurious spray a day on holiday. It smells of all things holiday. It really is just summer in a bottle. I thoroughly recommend giving it a sniff next time you are near a concession!

Enjoy the sun while you can and let me know what your Summer Staples have been. I love a good beauty discussion!

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February Favourites

How can it be March already?! 2013 is going far too quickly, though I'm sure I say that every year. My new busy uni/reading schedule has meant a recent rejection of my blog: I apologise. However, here I try and make amends and share with you my February faveourites...

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in the colour Cosmic - This eyeshadow really does what it says on the tin. An excellent stay on shadow, and they definitely mean one that stays on. Praise the lord for those of us with oily eyelids! Although in the photo Cosmic looks very burgendy toned, when painted on it creates a lovely, dark, glittery-brown effect. I have been wearing this just by itself for a daytime natural look and then making it more smokey in the evening with the addition of a darker brown such as Nars Mekong.

Soap and Glory Scrub Your Nose In it Exfoliator - I came across this product after a Sunday Girl recommendation. I don't have a particularly oily T-zone (which the product says it helps) as so was slightly apprehensive that it might be too strong and making me come out in blemishes! However, this product really is worth a GLORY award!! For £8 it is fantastic. I have been a user of the Clarins exfoliator for a while now, and believe this does the exact same job if not better! It works really well; deep cleaning and helping to refine those pesky pores!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara - We know I love this (see why here) I'd be lost without this one!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - When I had my Estee Lauder haul I was given a few samples to try out. At the time I had quite a few cheeky blemishes on my face and they advised me to use this serum. Despite it's worldwide beauty hype I have never wanted to bring a serum into my skin care regime. I have constantly believed that they are unnecessary and would clog up my pores resulting in more blemishes. However, I was wrong. Indeed I have been far too stubborn. This serum has worked wonders. Not only have my blemishes disappeared but my whole complexion has dramatically improved. The only unfortunate outcome now is I need to save up to by the proper sized bottle..

Illasmasqua Speckle Nail Varnish - My last post saw my hype about this polish. Since then and the wider recognition of this uber-cool polishes ASOS have now sold out the collection. If you are lucky enough to find one of these varnish's please do. Your daily compliments will be never ending!

Nars blusher in Deep Throat - During the colder months I like to stay off the bronzer and up the blusher. Deep throat has been able to substitue my bronzer addiction. It is a lovely pink/coral tone with a slight hint of shimmer. This blusher definitely provides you with a daily pick me!

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January Favourites

Bare Minerals Original Foundation - I am not a huge lover of foundation but over January I fell in love with this raved about product. It sits really well on the skin, and being a of a mineral consistency it had a lovely lightweight coverage. Moreover, with spf 15 this product also acts as a moisturiser. This foundation is perfect if you are looking for a light, natural coverage.

Clarins Ombre Minerale 4 Couleurs Palette in Odyssey - I was treated to this bad boy palette for Christmas, and it really has lived up to my excited expectations. This palette was part of Clarins' Christmas collection and (unsurprisingly) sold out instantly! Being a lover of natural eyeshadows these colours create the perfect day time and night time smokey look! They are beautifully pigmented and of corse the packaging makes me feel like Im unwrapping a present every time I use it. 

Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleansing Spray - I have a love hate relationship with one. Its a fantastic product in that it does what it says on the tin. It really is a FAB dry shampoo - it instantly cleans your hair and does not leave the overwhelming white remaints. However, the smell is really not to my liking. It describes its smell as 'Soap Bark Tree', and this really is not my thing. Yet, please don't be disheartened. This product does its job, and in my opinion, is better than Batise dry shampoo.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter - I think we can all admit that the Body Shop have had a rocky road with marketing over the past few years. I was given this product in my complimentary bag at the Company Magazine event and I really have fallen in love with it. It gives AMAZING moisturisation and lasts all day. It has made me remember why we used to love the Body Shop butters in the first place! 

Benefit Brow Zings - Im sure I mentioned about this product in my favourite products of 2012 post...I cant remember. If so, I am emphasising my brow love. In my process of trying to grow Delevigne brows (don't mock me now) this has helped create that look. More importantly, it has helped to recreate this look NATURALLY. It does not create a drawn in with permanent marker look but creates a natural finish. With a how-to-guide this is, in my opinion, the best brow product out there!

Dior Blush in Sugar & Spice - I have had this product in my makeup draw for a while now, but fell in love with it again over January. In the winter months I don't particularly like a light, coral colour for my pale tones. This Dior blush however created the perfect balance between giving me a bronze and plum look; giving my face the warm lift my complexion so needed from the cold!

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Favourite products of 2012

 I know we have a few days of 2012 left to go, but with exams looming I wanted to write this before I was overwhelmed by pre-exam stress! As my friends know I am cosmetic obsessed. I could talk about makeup and beauty related products for hours, so it is no surprise that the majority of the post is makeup related!

So in no order I will start off with Real Techniques brushes. I only own two myself but they really are well worth the beauty-blogging hype! Whether you believe it or not, whatever branded product you have, you will only achieve an effect and long-lasting look by the application from the right tools! These brushes not only provide that excellent application, but are affordable!
I know my friends and I will preach that the 'stippling' and 'buffing' brush are essential if you are trying to achieve a flawless foundation look.


Next is my Nars Laguna bronzer...

Nars Bronzer in shade 'Laguna' 

This really is a one-pan wonder! On first glance it looks quite shimmery and orangey, but if you are looking for a natural, healthy glow then look no further than this bronzer. It's a classic that a makeup bag CANNOT be without. It is no surprise that it's Nars' best selling product. For £25 I promise this is not a regretful purchase.

Mac Cremeblend Blush 'Something Special' £17.50

Now yes I know you will be thinking how awful this product looks. Unfortunately the brush I use for likes to leave its bristles behind! However, this is normally the beautiful cream blush in 'Something Special' by MAC. I believe that it is essential to NOT slap your face in foundation every day if you want clean, blemish free skin. If you are still looking for a nice colour on your cheeks then make sure you use a cream blush. For me, my go to product will always be this! Although it looks quite dark, indeed when I received this I though what the hell have I ordered, but once applied on to the skin it creates a lovely natural pink colour.

Mac eyeshadow in 'Woodwinked' £14

My next favourite product (another MAC) is their eyeshadow in the shade 'Woodwinked'. A brilliantly, pigmented colour, it really is gold in a tin! This shadow blends really well and so it works well as just one shade for a day time event, or blended into a darker brown for a smouldering smokey eye evening look!

Then we have the Marrakesh High Tide Conditioner. When the Morrocan oil hype came about, my student budget would unfortunately not stretch. When researching for an alternative I eventually decided to try this. If you have long hair, enjoy heated styling and thus suffer from dry hair then this really should be your go-to conditioner. It smells wonderful and its thick consistency really gets to work on those slip ends, resulting in a shiny, healthy hair look...what better result could you want?!

Apologies again for another MAC product, but here is their eyeliner in coffe.

Mac Eye pencil in Coffe £13.50

 I have always had quite pale skin and have come to the decision that black eyeliner just doesn't suit me. It is far too dark and I end up looking ill or gothic...both of which are not looks I'm trying to achieve. So for me I will NEVER look no further than coffe. A pencil which achieves a dark-brown shadow and is just (without sounding big-headed) perfect!

Here we have the Yves Saint Laurent .Now I'm sure there are other products that achieve exactly the same effect for half the price. But if you are like me and love slick packaging and want to feel like Bardot and Hepburn when applying your eyeliner then this is the product! This was the first liquid eyeliner I bought. I remember being so nervous when trying to create the famous flick, but this product seems to make it so easy! The liquid is not heavily black like maybelline and it is not fidley like a pot gel liner.

Finally, though (apologies) my photo doesn't show it clearly, is the Benefit brow zing kit. For 2012 Cara Delveigne took the modelling world by storm. Who hasn't fallen in love with her and her beautiful eyebrows?! Now I have never been one for colouring in my brows and I cannot stand seeing someone who has coloured them in so much that they achieve a sharpie-like style! No, if you are looking for a natural way to just make your eyebrows look thicker then this clever kit will help you achieve that. One side is a power to help you colour in, the other a wax to help you set. With brush and guide provided you will not be having an eyebrow disaster!

Now I know that was a long post but I love recommending products, and these really have become my every-day makeup bag essentials! I promise you they are worth the hype. I would love to know what have been your 2012 loves so as to discover some hidden gems!!

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