2016 FAVOURITE FAVOURITES | PART 2

I hadn't originally intended to make my 2016 Favourites into a two parter but when I found what is now Part 1 taking on a long life of it's own I decided to carry on today with the eyes and the lips.

Lorac Pro Palettes are well known in blog circles and they are still one of the now few US releases that are difficult to get hold of in the UK, and even if you're lucky enough to head to the US tracking down an Ulta that have them in stock is your next problem. I'm lucky to have a US Beauty mule in the form of my friend Rose who placed an order for me and shipped it over and I'm so thankful she did. On first impressions I thought the Lorac Pro Palette 3 was a little disappointing compared to Lorac Palettes 1 and 2 which I also have. Was this palette just a little too neutral and boring for even little old me who is not skilled with eye make up. The answer is not at all and this is a palette I reach for, and have reached for on an almost daily basis. So much is the love that I'm due to embark on a declutter of my make up and think it's time to part ways with some of my eyeshadows that are left behind and unloved.

One eyeshadow range I will not be parting with are my small, but growing collection of L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadows. I first picked up Amber Rush and Bronze Taupe in the US during ravings years ago and since then Amber Rush, a US exclusive at the time although it seems the range has been discontinued in the UK completely now,  has appear in favourites posts for March and June last year.

These pressed pigments are amazing and really pigmented and one of the few ranges with some shimmer that work with 'older eyelids'. I added another couple to my collection in October when I visited Las Vegas with Iced Latte the pictured shade and a favourite during December. This in particularly is apparently a dupe for Urban Decay Kitten which I can neither confirm nor deny but I can tell you its a wonderful shade that worked perfectly over the festive season.

Interestingly I have found myself neglecting my favourite Mac 217 of late for the Zoeva 227 Brush*. I find this softer than the 217 and therefore easier for blending and creating the look with my unskilled hand. I still of course have love for the 217 and it's still the product I always treat myself to in Duty Free but I think it's time to add a few more 227 to the mix.

Finally it's the brows. I know brows have been big and I should really be singing the praises of various brow pomades and the like, which I do use but it's the L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper that I've reached for this year. Taking the place of my previous favourite, Maybelline's Brow Drama the L'Oreal addition to the line up of such products has a much more appropriate brush to work with. I have dark and thick brows so I find a sweep of this product is sufficient for 'every day make up' looks. Yes if I'm putting more effort in I'll reach for products such as the Anastasia Brow Wiz but it's not something I favour working with.

I've tried to work through my mascara stash during 2016 but the favourite product which has already been repurchased on two occasions and heading for it's third purchase is the Tarte Lights Camera Lashes. I'm tempted with the duo available on QVC such is my love although I've just seen there is one available with a bottom lash mascara which is very temping to try as I've been applying mascara to my bottom lashes more often than I have previously. This is one of few mascaras that I find gives my lashes that false lash effect and doesn't have any fall out. If I have a long night ahead this is what I'll reach for.

That said a good competitor is the L'Oreal False Lash Superstar Red Carpet Mascara which isn't as good but at a drugstore price it hits the spot. I'm even more tempted to try the Superstar X Fibre version which has been released recently as it offers a black primer as opposed to the formers white. I don't find any issue with the white but I wonder if the black improves things. If you've tried both I'd love to hear your thoughts.

As I enter 2017 I do want to address my make up collection and lipsticks is one of those areas where I have certain favourites and therefore wonder why I have so many others. Here are some picks which have been in steady rotation starting with the KIKO Impressionist Red* which was part of The Artist Collection. This is the perfect red for Summer and one I took on holiday with me loving it's staying power and creamy formula that does not dry out lips. I've only tried two lipsticks from KIKO and this collection but I would be interested in trying more based on this foray. I'll also give special mention to the complimenting lip liners which work just as well on their own if you're looking for a more matte look.

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip in Devotion has fallen out of favour recently but was a lip product I'd often reach for on working days when I didn't want to think about my make up too much nor worry about keeping a red shade topped up. For a matte lip they are not drying at all and if you're a fan of Rimmel East End Snob Liner (which is another favourite I recently finished) you'll love this.

A more recent favourite has been the L'Oreal Gold Obsession Lipstick in Rouge Gold. This is a wonderful shade of red shot through with a gold that adds a shimmer you don't often find in a red but doesn't give off an old fashion glittery look. I have travelled with this shade as I find it works well for as a red for all seasons thanks to the 'hidden gold' element.

Finally for lip favourites are the Maybelline Color Jolts or Paints depending where you are in the world. Mine have come from the US and the shade names certainly vary. These aren't the longest lasting lip products but they last longer than I expect for a product of it's type and I like the ease of which they're applied. I do fear their size and my usage means these will be used up very quickly.

Finally the products that finish off any make up look. I've used some artistic licence and have photographed the Maybelline Setting Spray when it has been the L'Oreal Fixing Mist I have in fact used and recently made its way to the empties pile. That said both my versions which were picked up in the US, and again I believe are different from the UK equivalents do have the same ingredients so I assume they are one and the same bar branding.

I was unsure how I felt about setting sprays and how much of a difference they make but they sit on my dressing table and I give a spritz before walking out the door. Mac Fix Plus has made more of an impact that latter half of the year about seeing Laura discussing the various ways she's been using and I've adopted one or two myself. I've gone so far as pop this handy travel size into my make up bag and it really does perk up the skin on a long day. I feel this could be a staple for 2017.

That brings a close of my make up favourites in 2016, don't forget to give Part 1 a read if you haven't already done so and do share your favourites for the past year and any thoughts you have on my picks.

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

What beauty products can you really pack in your hand luggage

A couple of months ago I headed out to Ibiza for a couple of nights, hand luggage only which caused no end of concerns as everything I needed beauty wise in liquid, gel, cream form (so basically everything) had to fit in a 20cm by 20cm clear plastic bag.

So what beauty products you can really fit in your hand luggage? Or specifically one of those small plastic bags is what I'll be answering today.

Travelling light is not something I'm good at and when it comes to beauty even less so. Yes I could settle for face wipes but I'd still want a moisturiser so I think I might as well use a regular cleanser. And then there's the make up, from mascara to your favourite liquid lipstick it all needs to go in 'that bag'. You've seen some My Holiday Essentials so how was I going to reduce that further?

Often types such as this will show a selection of products that I don't believe would fit in on of these tiny plastic bags and often suggest decanting which just doesn't make sense to me. You often end up with bulkier bottles and pots that once empty you have to return home and clean for reuse. At least with various tubes, sachets and smaller sized bottles once they've been used on your trip you can throw straight into the bin.

Firstly I use the Sephora Beauty on the Fly Travel Bag. This is actually my second as perhaps the fact I have been known to and can overstuff this is the reason why. These TSA friendly bags are zipped which stops products falling out when going through security and more importantly you can plan ahead and have all your products packed and stored without a scrabble at the security desk. For $4.95 this bag is essential for all my flights.

Starting with skincare, I took along AEOS Dew Facial Wash* which worked for both day and night cleansing. I didn't wear too much heavy make up or SPF on my trip so this facial wash was great to use.  I paired that with AEOS Refreshing Hydrating Mist* which has been tagging along to all my trips. I'm not a big fan of it's botanical scent but it's hydrating qualities have worked well, especially on long haul flights.

I probably would've forgone serum for two nights but mum handily had a sample of the Clarins Double Serum which you may remember from my Pycnogenol Challenge. Eyes were covered by Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair*, another in flight favourite thanks to it's hydrating qualities. The biggest concern was SPF and I was saved by the new release of Garnier Moisturise Bomb 3 in 1 Day Cream and it's appearance in sachet form in a number of magazines. I gathered them up and they saw me through my trip.

Another sachet I did have and enjoyed instantly was L'Oreal Paris Revitalift Magic Blur Instant Skin Smoother Finishing Cream. I found it thicker than I expected and did see my skin smooth out. I'd definitely be interested in purchasing this in full size to use regularly and see if it continues to meet my expectations.

Moving on hair, an area I could've settled with simply shampoo and conditioner but I refused to be without my Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray or a volumising dry shampoo, in this instance Percy & Reed Big, Bold & Beautiful Dry Instant Volumising Spray* which is great to add a bit of oomph to my hair between washes although perhaps more than I'd like to spend in full size. Handily I had some sachets of Bedhead by TIGI Volume Shampoo and Conditioner which with my short hair and being conseravative I was able to use for the three days and two nights and had no need for the back up from L'Oreal.

When it came to make up I returned to an old favourite, Erborian BB Creme Au Ginseng Dore. It's tube was a travel friendly size, it had SPF and was a light enough coverage for in the sun whilst adequate for a fuller face. I added the Maybelline Eye Eraser, again as it's packaging slotted nicely into the travel bag although I have to admit what was once a favourite is not evoking the love any longer. A handy Chanel Mascara in mini size was the perfect accompaniment and lipsticks, the hardest part to edit came from KIKO, Revlon and Benecos.

Other items I couldn't do without were Liz Earle Hand cream, my Diptyque Rollerball, Arm & Hammer Toothpaste and of course a Soap & Glory shower gel and spare contact lenses.

I think you can see I managed to pack quite a lot into my hand luggage beauty bag and all that was left for me to do was pop to the supermarket and pick up some disposable razors. Anything you think I missed or was unnecessary?

Let me know how you would pack your hand luggage and hope this helps if you're heading off for some Winter sun.

*this post contains press sample and affiliate links

Summer Brights from Orly and Kiko

When I received the press release for the Orly Pacific Coast Highway Collection my eyes lit up. I don't think there was one colour that I wouldn't wear and any would be a perfect nail choice for my Summer holiday.

I was lucky to be sent two shades from the range; Life's A Beach* and Scenic Route*, the latter being the shade I chose to wear for my week away. On receiving the nail varnishes I treated my toes to Life's A Beach, a beach appropriate subtle neon orange. Whilst a lovely shade and were I returning to Ibiza this year I'm sure I would've been swayed by this shade but I wasn't ready to commit the colour to my nails and I prefer to match my toes and nails when holidaying.

I was very tempted by Scenic Route for my trip as it is a bright enough shade whilst complementing my outfit choices. Before committing I tested for a week on my natural nails (I treated myself to acrylic stiletto nails for my trip for longevity). This was my first time using Orly polishes and Scenic Route was a little difficult to work with. There is a thin brush rather than the short, square designs I prefer and find easier when painting nails myself. For such a strong shade I found application a little patchy and it did require a number of coats. Even when applied in the salon onto my acrylic nails it took some work for an opaque finish and I was left in front of a dryer for some time due to the thick layer.

Those issues aside once the colour was on my natural nails I was impressed with how long it lasted without chipping and when many people commented on the shade I knew it would be the one I would happily commit to for a week away. If you're looking for creamy, fun and bright nail shades for your holidays definitely check out this collection available from Grafton Beauty.

Sticking with the 'Summer Brights' I took advantage of an offer from KIKO a couple of months ago and purchase a couple of their Water Eyeshadows with two shades, 218 Grapefruit Pink and 219 Flamingo Pink (the purchase not swayed by the name I promise!). Both shades are very similar with 219 being more pink to 218's orange and admittedly you could easily manage with one or the other but I couldn't choose. Both came on holiday with me and it was 218 that received a little more love during the week. The shades are nicely pigmented and apply smoothly on the lid. The shimmer when dry as I used them isn't overpowering and has a slight shimmer rather than too much sparkle which suits someone older such as myself. I was cautious as to whether these shades would work for me but was very happy.

What Summer Brights have you been discovering?

*this post contains press samples

KIKO | The Artist Collection

My local branch of KIKO at Westfield Stratford is always filled to the rafters with beauty lovers and part of the reason why I rarely enter and have yet to explore the brand properly. Despite rave reviews and a lot of blog coverage recently I don't know where to start when I enter the store as it can be quite overwhelming. Luckily for me KIKO heard my plight and were kind enough to send me some items from a recent limited edition collection so I could explore what they have to offer in the comfort of my home.

The items I was able to sample were from The Artist collection. I'll start with the packaging which I've rather enjoyed. Their regular range is carried in fairly standard, nondescript black but in this instance brilliant white with paintbrush strokes of colour really make this stand out and look far more expensive than the price tag.

The first item I was able to sample was the Glacial Light Soft Sifter Foundation* in 05 Warm Beige which I'll start by saying is too dark for me. I was able to make it work although one male friend at work did comment on 'how bronzed' I was looking during one day of testing. A water-based and brightening foundation housed in a pot with the most intriguing part to me being the 'soft sifter'. As I've been currently testing the new L'Oreal Cushion Foundation I was interested to see if this would be a similar experience. I have to admit I'm a little confused about the point of 'soft sifter' and perhaps see it more of a gimmick. Unlike cushion foundations that you are encouraged to use the enclosed sponge this still requires you to use your fingers or a brush and I find the packaging can get a little messy. Of course it's still preferable than pouring product onto your hands so I guess you can argue it's like having your own artists palette to work with and I'm sure you use less this way but I think I'd rather have the formula either in a tub, tube or bottle.

Packaging aside the foundation is nice to work with. I've found it to be a medium coverage depending on how you choose to build it up and really does brighten up my complexion. I'd compare it to a heavier coverage than my favoured Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid but with the same 'glow'. I use with a primer but have been forgetting any setting sprays lately as I rush out the door in the morning yet still find this foundation stays in place. I do think if you're on the oily side this might be one to struggle with and I'll have to test it a little more in the Summer when the colour is a better match and things get a little sweaty but until then it's one I shan't be parting with any time soon.

Following a similar packaging design are the Artist Stroke Mineral Loose Eyeshadows* available in six shades of which I have 05 Skill Blue. A pot of eyeshadow with the 'soft sifter' again you dab away and apply as required. Again things can get a little messy by way of product 'everywhere' but surprisingly when applying there was little fall out which I expected both from the formula and colour.

The stand out products for me were those for the lips. I was sent 02 Fantastic Coral* and 04 Impressionist Red* in the corresponding lipsticks and lip pencils. My favourite is most definitely Impressionist Red and the lip pencils are amazing. I went in on my first try to simply line and the pigmentation was so immense that I carried on filling in my whole lips and wore alone without even picking up the lipstick. If I were tight on space I could happily travel with the lip pencil alone and not have to worry about the liquids luggage allowance. Both shades are great for Spring but I cannot wait to wear more frequently in the Summer. I find peachy orange lipsticks won't always suit me but Fantastic Coral is a bright vibrant orange which if I do say myself looked rather good. Again the lip pencil can be worn alone although I find paired with my NYX Butter Gloss in Cherry Cheesecake works fabulously and I have a feeling it'll be a frequent combo worn.

With such a successful experience with KIKO I have added a few more products from the extensive range to my collection which I'll be sharing with you in due course but do share you recommendations from the brand.

*this post contains press samples