New In Make Up | June 2017

There has been a lot of make up coming way this month so today I wanted to start with a few pieces that have mixed results, starting with the GOSH Contour'n Strobe Kit* in Light. I'm new to the GOSH brand and the Contour'n Strobe Kit has been a great place to start.

My first impressions on receiving this quad were that the highlighter was a little too subtle and the blush lacking in to make it something I would reach for often - how wrong I was. This is the perfect pick up and go palette when I'm over running for work and want to have a full face of make up without hunting out individual products.

The highlighter is subtle, but not that it goes unnoticed but balances well for office wear and the blush is in the same ilk as Wet n Wild's Rose Champagne and Milani's Luminoso in that that add something to the cheeks but compliment my often worn red lip perfectly.

I'm not really one for contouring and tend to swirl my brush in the two shades and warm up my face as I see fit but the option is there should I need it. I must also give a nod to the size of each of the four pans. So often palettes of this type can have tiny pans which means you can barely run an eyeshadow brush across them.

All the four powders have a silky texture with no dustiness meaning the shades aren't in danger of mixing, in fact despite it's use I think it's one of my cleanest looks palettes. I'm still struggling to not reach for this daily and show some love to other products but when something appeals to my laziness whilst delivering what can I do. 

I'm already earmarking this as perfect for my trip to Florida later in the year. Knowing that I will be making a few purchases on the trip I want to travel as minimally as possible where my cosmetics are concerned this would be perfect as well as working for what I expect will be a daily red lip.

There was much excitement when Sleek's Distorted Dreams collection* arrived with the comment 'oh I like Sleek' from my sister in law and my niece demanding that I put some on her which is why I broke the bloggers cardinal role and you will see one of the pans has a finger swipe in it before I was able to photograph.

Unfortunately my excitement didn't match theirs but I must stress I think my age and making peace with my lifestyle means that the current trend for metallics and holographics is not really one for me although I did have some fun playing with it.

First up is the Sleek Make Up Distorted Dreams Highlighting Palette* which is just something that will not work for my mature skin and oily eyelids I'm afraid. I found the holographic pigments were too chunky and the creams too oily. On my cheeks it highlighted every pore and whilst I loved the blue and greens on my eyes they're definitely something I'd need to apply over a base to give them a chance of holding.

If I was heading to Ibiza, festivals or had some such event on the cards I would be inclined to keep hold of this but otherwise it's heading to my sparkle loving sister. I think it's something a more younger person would enjoy although at £10.99 it is perhaps a little more pricey than I would expect to pay.

Likewise the Sleek Make Up Metallic Matte Me Lip Cream* in Roman Copper is just something I won't be rocking in the office but do like nonetheless. If I were heading off on my holidays or perhaps still in my redundancy then I'd find myself wearing this more over the Summer and it has a great pigment and metallic shine whilst still comfortable to wear. I am currently trying to streamline my make up collection and working on lips at the moment and I have faced facts that I do not enjoy a matte nude lip, but throw this metallic lip cream over the top and I'm good to go. These lip creams are only priced £4.99 and currently on 3 for 2 so they're a more affordable way to follow the trend this Summer.

Next is a 'dupe' for the beauty blender and the B. Blending Sponge* which I think on first appearances most of us would be unable to tell the difference. Having developed such a love for my Beauty Blender and being put off by the B. Sponges firmness in comparison it took me some weeks before I finally got to working with this affordable version. At just over £3 this is a worthy contender, even just for use on those in between days when you're washing your tools. I've found I have to dampen the B. Blending Sponge more so than the higher priced version but with a dowsing of Mac Fix+ it's doing great things especially for blending my concealer.

Finally is a product from the much talked about Nip+Fab Make Up range of which I'll have a post coming up next week but today it's the mascara, my favourite product that I'm sharing with you today. The Nip+Fab Make Up Mascara* formula reminds me so much of my once beloved YSL which is perhaps why I'm so in love. From the cone shaped brush which I find makes application a breeze to a thick formula which elongates and curls the lashes that even I ask myself if I'm false eyelashes. As mentioned its formula really reminds me of YSL so much so in the latter weeks I've been using as it's drying out I feel it getting thicker and drier - not that it's affecting it's application. We are in the midst of hayfever season right now but I can't believe I'm not experiencing any fall out or smudging from this mascara - it could very easily become a holy grail and is certainly filling the gap since I said goodbye to Tartes Lights Camera Lashes.

What new make up have you discovered this month?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

My Boots Beauty Box

I was sent a beauty box from Boots last December but too much festive spirit prevented me from sharing the contents with you then. The products have still made up my beauty kit and Christmas isn't the only time we like to party so I thought it was still appropriate to share.

Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette* has come to the attention even more recently when Jaclyn Hill raved about it on her channel. Unlike Sleeks usual black packing they've emphasised the 'highlighting' elements by using rose gold packaging, thus appealing to every blogger across the land.

Inside the palette you will find four highlighting products; one cream and three powders, two of which are baked. The cream is Ecliptic, a shimmery rose beige and Hemisphere is a baked highlighter in lilac which gives a frosty finish. Subsolar is pale gold and finally is Equinox in a more peach tone.

I find that I use Hemisphere the least and I like Subsolar for more of a blush to add some warmth to my skin but all shades can be used to that luminous sheen we're all looking for during Summer - especially when the sun isn't actually shining for us!

If you're off on your travels and trying to keep your products to a minimum this is perfect as it'll give you multiple options in Sleek (see what I did there!) packaging - and the mirror comes in handy too.

Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit* doesn't come in the fanciest of packaging but £6.49 isn't a bad price for the product inside. Three powders; a highlighter, and two shades of brown, medium and dark. The highlighting shade isn't for me, especially when paired alongside the Sleek palette but the contour shades work well and actually blend quite nicely. The high street is certainly upping their game where contouring is concerned. I tend to use the middle shade most frequently so whether I'd actually purchase this for just that one product is another matter.

I had a great experience with the Collection Little Mix Eyeshadow palettes so it wasn't a surprise that the Collection #YouStyleYourMood Eyeshadow Palette* was a success also. The price of eyeshadow palettes is sky rocketing it seems so it's great to find one under £10 on the high street. The only downside for me is the lack of mattes to use as transition shades and of course the packaging is a little blah but otherwise it's perfect for creating a number of looks.

Unfortunately there was a disappointment in the Boots Beauty Box and that was the Nail Apothecary Gel Effect Top Coat by Elegant Touch*. Unfortunately I've found this doesn't give a glossy finish and if anything dulls the look of my polish. I also found the brush too long that it was fiddly to work with. On a positive note it did help with avoiding chipping and nails did last a good few days but the finish spoiled it for me.

And the final product I haven't had an opportunity to use and they are limited edition so even you won't be able to try them out is the Eyelure Party Lashes Frozen Beauty*. These are amazing and I do hope that I will have an excuse and opportunity to wear them one day. Lashes interspersed with silver ribbons these are made for a special occasions.

*this post contains press sample and affiliate links

Happy Halloween with Sleek

As we rapidly approach Halloween weekend it's time to have a rummage in our make up bags to see what products are appropriate for the season or treat ourselves to something new. Maybe you're not into dressing up and just want to add some appropriately orange touches to your make up routine next weekend and Sleek certainly has some perfectly named products to choose from. 

First on the list is the Sleek's Blush by 3 Palette in Californ-i-a*. We all know by now how good Sleek Blushers are, they certainly give Nars a run for their money and for £9.99 it's a bargain for some of the longest lasting blush around. Some people have complained about the mix of power and cream blush in these palettes so this time there are three creams to choose from and no complaints necessary. If you're a cream blush fan and enjoy shades of peach and coral. The three shades housed in the familiar black casing are; Newport Beach a pinky coral with a radiant and dewy finish, The Surf a lighter peach with a gold shimmer which applies quite sheer but works nicely combined with Newport Beach or alone as a highlighter for a more natural look and finally OC a dewy finish of coral colour and the most buildable of the bunch.

All shades are creamy and easy to blend and last me well into the late hours of the day. My favoured application technique is fingers when I'm feeling lazy or a stippling brush if I'm paying greater attention.

The appropriately named Tangerine Scream True Colour Lipstick* from Sleek is the perfect orange shade for those Halloween parties and you'll certainly stand out in this bright and bold colour. One colour you might already have in your lipstick collection is Papaya Punch True Colour Lipstick* as it's been a very popular shade over the years. A matte shade with a touch of pink and coral that provide a more subtle nod to Halloween festivities. Of course don't forget to pick pick up a complementing Eau La La Liner with Pumpkin* being the perfect accompaniment.

Painting your nails a deepest darkest black is possibly the easiest way to add a Halloween touch to your day and Sleek Loves Nails colour in Raven* is perfect for a homage to Alfred Hitchcocks film The Birds. Blacks can often appear patchy and require lots of effort to build up but Sleek have created an jet-black shade which will apply with full opacity.

Finally the easiest way to create any Halloween make up look is by lining your lips in black. I've used this trick many times over the years adding a spooky look to my usual red lipsticks. Pick up Noir Eau La La Liner* from Sleek for a creamy, long lasting application. 

Sleek also have put together at Halloween Bundle including the fabulous Enchanted Forest eye shadow palette which you can find online at Boots or all products are currently 3 for 2. 

*This post contains press samples

July 2015 Favourites

A late appearance for July's favourites but before illness struck here is what topped the list for the month.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Skin Therapy Oil Spray*
It's no secret that I'm more partial to the snooze button than leaping out of bed in the mornings and this leads to some speedy running around to catch my train to work. If ever there is a step to skip in my routine then it will be body lotion which isn't always ideal, especially if my legs are out for all to see.

Thankfully Palmer's new oil spray is perfect for quick application. I literally can spray this liberally like I would a body spray, sometimes giving a cursory rub in but often just leaving it to do it's work and off I go.

Whilst not greasy this is more oily as it's name would suggest but than I would have expected from this type of product. I say this as a compliment as I expected to spray and that was that. Instead I would find that my legs were suitably softened well after the working day is done.

As you can see I'm using the rosehip fragrance which was more for testing purposes expecting to not like it and concentrate on the familar Coconut one but I've rather enjoyed it's floral scent - quite unlike me!

Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner
Carrying on the theme of lazy last minute routines, since my holidays I've got into a habit of allowing my hair to dry naturally. I find when doing this, best results come from using my Bumble & Bumble Surf Shampoo and Conditioner to give me a tousled beachy look, that I can even get away with in the office. I do throw in a few spritzs of the Surf Spray too and this trio is definitely one I would always travel with for ease.

Of course as one would expect from this sort of range it can leave your hair a little dry but as a greasy haired suffer this isn't actually an issue I have a problem with. I think it's time to commit to full sizes of these beauties.

Essence get BIG! lashes triple black mascara
I picked up the get BIG! lashes mascara whilst on holiday in June and it became a firm favourite in my make up bag through July. For my make up look that month I was very much about my NYX Coral Red Lipstick and less going on in the eye area. When I say less going on, of course I don't mean in the lashes area and found that some liner and the Essence mascara created just the right look adding volume and length. I'm definitely a big fan of the Essence mascara range and will be looking at adding more to my collection. See the rest of my Essence haul here.

Elemis Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm
The Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm was a product I came across well before beauty blogging was a thing on Florence and Mary. I think it was on its initial release it that they gave it away as a magazine freebie and such was my love back then that I purchased in full size. As time has gone on clearly beauty blogging has taken over and other products have been introduced into my routine. The poor Pro Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm has somehow been relegated to the back of a drawer, until now.

With strobing all the rage this is the perfect moisturiser to start adding the glow. My routine has been applying the flash balm, followed by my base of choice mixed with Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector. It can be quite a drying product so I do find it's better suited to my Summer skin, or certainly when more on the oily side but otherwise it's a lovely product to use. I also find it makes a perfect primer so I can skip that step when using.

Sleek Creme to Powder Blush, Crimson*
I'm a big fan of Sleek Blushers and am partial to a cream variety so when Sleek released their cream to powder version I was pleased to receive a couple to try. I am not afraid of a red blush and like to wear them with my red lip but I will admit to being a little apprehensive when I saw Crimson in the pan - perhaps it would be more suited to Autumn?

Casting fears aside I tried it and it was love at first sight and sat firmly in my make up bag for the longest time. As we've come to expect from Sleek these blushes are heavily pigmented that just a mere dab of colour on the cheeks is needed and easily blends without fingers making it perfect for on the go application.

Crimson adds a pinky red flush to my cheeks that makes me look wide awake even if I don't feel like and like I've spent a day in the open air. The soft texture blends into a powdery effect which when used with a brush makes for an even better appearance. They actually remind me very much of Chanel's Cream Blush range which makes them a big hit in my eye.

For only £5.99 you can't go wrong especially with its new 'sleek' (sorry, I couldn't resist!) Nars-esq packaging. Why pay more?

What has made your favourites this month?

*This post contains press samples.

Skincare Empties June 2015

I have ploughed through my skincare products lately and a random mascara thrown in for good measure. You know how these posts work so let's get to it. 

Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Cleanser
Repackaged and renamed Peaches & Clean Cream Cleanser this is a product I enjoyed using. It was my regular morning cleanse and the pump bottle was perfect. I would definitely repurchase for it's peachy scent.

Sleek I'm Conditional Mascara*
Promoting strong, long and healthy lashes I'm Conditional formula aids growth. The thick double bristle brush gave some amazing length and I was disappointed that the mascara went off before I had a chance to use in its entirety.

L'Occitane Angelica Hydra Vital Cream
I took this pot to Dubai with me but really didn't enjoy using it. I did persevere but it's balmy texture was not enjoyable to use as a moisturising step and I found the scent too waxy.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo[+]
Another one of those products that is always cropping up in these posts. You can read the Effaclar Duo Review here or take my word for it that this is a must have for those who suffer from frequent blemishes or the odd one or two.

Proactiv Skincare Regime*
You can read my full review on the Proactiv Skincare Regime in this post. In short I was a fan of the regime although it's nothing something I would repurchase long term as 'at my age' I require a few more hardier products in my routine.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
An oldie but a goodie. Whenever I travel I can always rely on Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish and this tube making it's way into empties shows it's had some love during recent trips. I will certainly repurchase for future trips.

Dr Organic Snail Gel Facial Serum*
Would you use 'snail gel' on your face? Well I did. A whole bottle of it and loved it. You can read my review of Dr Organics Snail Gel Facial Serum for a full rundown but let me tell you this is one of the nicest smelling serums I have used. 

Soveral Floral Rain Hydrating Face Mist*
If you have already read my Holiday Skin Regime you will know that I was not a fan of Soveral Hydrating Mist. It was quite simply 'too floral' for me. This would not be a scent I would've repurchased for myself but frangrance aside it was a nice product to use.

Prai 24k Gold Wrinkle Repair Souffle*
This product is definitely a case of packaging over product. Very attractive it may be but I was disappointed to see how little product was inside such a large tub. Furthermore despite it's 'innovative algae active' I didn't find this cream any better than other more affordable options. It's also heavily fragranced and felt like quite an 'old lady' product. On the other hand I don't think I necessarily look any more wrinkled since using it so it's not all bad.

What skincare products have you been finishing lately?

*PR Sample

Sleek Dancing Till Dusk | Perfect for Travel

Sleek Eye & Cheek Palette in Dancing Till Dusk* link

I cannot tell you the stress that Easyjet's luggage allowance caused me when I headed to Edinburgh last month. I'm so used to long haul travel with multiple suitcases and often lighter, thinner holiday clothing so packing for two days and two nights where the weather required hats, scarves and coats amongst other things required a lot of thought.

When it comes to make up I like options and options were something I'd be limited with here. As I looked across my make up collection I remembered the Sleek Eye & Cheek Palettes, and specifically how perfect the Dancing Till Dusk option would be. Containing my standard eye combinations of browns but with two different blushes to change the look for day and night.

Thrown in with a couple of red lipsticks and some other double duty products and I was good to go. The packaging meant it could easily be slotted into my case and I had a nice size mirror to reach for should I need it.

If like me you're a fan of changing your blush but sticking to a neutral eye this is definitely a compact to look into if you're off on your travels soon. And if you like the look of the other palette See You At Midnight it makes up part of the Make Up Party Box from Sleek which you can order at a reduced price here until 17 February.

Do you have any palettes you rely on for your travels?

*PR Sample

Lipstick Extremes with Sleek

Sleek Lipstick in Naked* linkSleek Lipgloss in Angel Falls* link

Maybe it's because I'm not great at mastering or wearing the heavy smoky eye and rely on my lipstick for colour but the nude lip trend isn't really one for me. That said Naked Lipstick from Sleek is perfect for those you of you looking for a yellow toned nude. I didn't hate this on me it's just very different from my pinks and reds I lean towards. I did found especially as the colour is so nude that it accentuated any dry patches so exfoliating of the lips would be required for a clean look. For gloss lovers out there, and a look I much prefer with a paler or nude lip do try Angel Falls Lipgloss. The lipgloss is very creamy and the applicator is slightly bizarre shape of being long and square like so application can be a little fiddly especially as this is a highly pigmented gloss but I managed to make it work.

Sleek Lipstick in Smother* link
Sleek Lipgloss in Phoenix Rising* link

On the other end of the spectrum but still somewhat removed from my usual colours are the deep dark plum shades. Smother is another creamy lip colour from Sleek that is scary to look at but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this on applying. I expected all the colour to be drained from my face and a resemblance to Morticia to take place but I was wrong. It's definitely the sort of colour my mum would go 'oh scary' but I don't think she'd be too concerned that I had suddenly adopted goth tendencies. If you want to go a little subtle, or add some gloss to the shade then reach for Phoenix Rising. It's a similar shade but in gloss form so slightly and I do mean only slightly more subtle. I'd love to wear this and adopt some dark, vampy and villainous persona wearing long black gloves but it's definitely an after dark shade and not office appropriate. I just hope I get the occasion.

So for me dark purple gets the thumbs up and nude is on the back burner. Where do you sit on the scale?

*PR Sample

Sleek Make Up | New Releases

Last week I was lucky enough to attend the Sleek Gold press event for their new A/W releases which may I say rather exciting. The event itself was hosted by Sarah-Jane Crawford of Xtra Factor fame with music from the Festival Foxes and a catwalk show to keep us entertained. I was also able to get my nails painted which was an opportunity to try out the Sleek Gel nail colours which have a pretty impressive opaque look in one coat.

But let's talk about the new releases, two eye and cheek palettes and a swoon worthy highlighting palette which I'll put out there right away is my favourite of the three.

Both palettes featuring two blushes and four eyeshadows from the Sleek range. See You At Midnight is what I'd refer to as the evening palette and for those wanting a darker look. The eyeshadow's are from the Romance i-Diving Palette and the blushes are Pomegranate and Antique. The blushes are perfect for the Autumn season and both are shades I have in my collection as singles. Pomegranate is a berry shade which whilst a light hand is needed is gorgeous and for the shimmery lovers Antique hits the spot. Eyeshadows are shades of blue and purple and perfect for taking a simple eye look from day to night so this is definitely one I'll be stashing in my drawer at work to take me from desk to disco as the party season approaches.

Dancing Till Dusk is also autumnal in its tones or orange and brown and probably the more wearable of the two and the one I would naturally reach for on a daily basis. I could happily throw this in my make up bag and put together a look for the office or a day shopping at the weekend. Eyeshadows are from the Au Naturel i-Divine palette and the blushes are mirrored pink and Sahara neither blush I had tried before this.

Both palettes are a bargain at £9.99 and a worthy make up staple.

Moving on to my favourite item from the collection, the Precious Metals Highlighting Palette which contains three cream and one powder blush. The palette itself has moved away from the traditional 'sleek' black packaging and is a shiny gold which was a b*****d to photograph hence it's been omitted from this post. My highlighting collection doesn't contain any cream products so it was great to try something new.

The palette features a white/silver shade called Platinum and two not dissimilar colours Royal and Renaissance Gold which are obviously gold. Antique Bronze the powder highlighter is a, again as the name suggests, bronze tone which a lighter is needed. I find this not too disimilar to Magnetic Appeal from Mac which I have been using of late to give both colour and highlight in one swipe.

As I repeatedly share with you in my posts I pop my make up on during my journey to work so a palette such as this is great as of course cream products lend themselves very well to finger application.

I can't wait to get more use out of this and the eye and cheek palettes as the party season approaches.

And finally to end on please enjoy my littel gif I put together from the fashion show at the event, when two pictures call for such a creation you can't ignore it.

e You at M

Do any of these palettes sound like something you'll be looking out for? And for those of you interested in swatches check out my Instagram throughout the day. 

*Pr Sample

August Empties

It's that time again when I dive into my empties bag and share with you the products I've used up this month. Some products I will have mentioned before so I will link up to the previous post to keep things short. Let's dive in.

Radox Passion Splash Shower Gel* link
Despite Mango Madness being my favourite scent last month it's Passion Splash that I finished first! There are multiple posts on Radox throughout this here blog so you'll know I'm a fan. I love their shower gels and find they work just as well for leg shaving duties whilst I abandon the L'Occitane Almond Oil due to fake tanning.

OSMO Deep Moisturising Shampoo* link
You can find the full review for this shampoo here but in short I'm a fan. The only downside is not being able to pick up this product in local stores and I'm not really one for ordering beauty online.

Clinque 7 Day Scrub link
If you read my review here you'll know whilst I had use for the 7 Day Scrub it wasn't something I'd rush to repurchase. That said my evening skincare regime has been shocking recently and I really feel a good scrub is in order.

Soap & Glory Calm One link
Sad to say that I wasn't a fan of this bubble bath from Soap & Glory. I didn't find there was any scent to speak of which is important to me when I'm having a soak in the bath and surprising for a Soap & Glory product.

Sure Maximum Protection link
Another product I've mentioned on numerous occasions and reviewed in full here. Safe to say this will be perpetually emptied and repurchased.

Clinque High Impact Lipstick in Rosette link
I received this lipstick as part of a bonus time gift and really enjoyed using and the colour and thanks to it's petite size is the first lipstick I've used up in some time. I used the lipgloss (in Kissyfit) sporadically with and without the lipstick but if it came to repurchasing it would be Rosette I would choose.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer -  link
Unfortunately it looks, or rather smells like the use by date of this product is up. This has been a concealer I've enjoyed using for my under eye area but last week I noticed there was a unpleasant smell so it was time to add it to the empties pile. Not having used this product in it's entirety due to a small number of other concealers in rotation has further cemented my view that it's time to pair back the make up stash to ensure minimal wastage.

Barry M Cor Balmy Tinted Lip Balm link
I'm on the fence about this product even more so as I threw this into the empties photography having brought home from work as I wasn't enjoying using it but applying as I type this paragraph I'm reluctant to get rid. It is certainly moisturising and the shade Jam Jar is rather pigmented for a lip balm, even a tinted one. For work it was ideal to bridge the gap between lipstick reapplication but I found it a little messy and wasn't reaching for it enough. I think I'll keep it on my coffee table for another week or two yet and see how it fairs.

Sleek Brow Stylist Pencil in Medium link
There was instant panic when I wound up this eyebrow pencil to realise that I had finished it as it was completely unexpected despite it being on of my favourites over the month. I'm having something of a brow moment lately and found this eyebrow pencil from Sleek a great product for those not too lazy days when I use something like BROWdrama from Maybelline but ones that I haven't got the time or inclination to pay complete attention with the thinner Brow Wiz from Anastasia (which I'm also having a reignited love affair with). I have since repurchased as you will see in a forthcoming post and comforted to have it back in my make up bag.

Murad Skin Perfecting Primer link
I mentioned this primer from Murad in my round of those in my collection here and took to using this on a regular basis as such a small bottle I thought I would get through it quite quickly. As I mentioned in the previous post this was a nice product to provide a base for any foundations and the like but with a very light coverage to even things out.

Nina Ricci La Tentation de Nina Eau de Toilette
Mum brought my this perfume created with Laduree for my birthday earlier in the year and whilst I was swept up in the cute bottle (apparently based on the tale of a girl who has bitten an apple and succumbed to the ultimate temptation, doesn't that sound familiar!) and loveliness of macaron's. Unfortunately if I'm honest whilst I didn't dislike the smell it was a little too sweet for my usual tastes  and not something I would repurchase. In an effort to use it throughout the Summer I think I bored myself of it even more although my niece and friends were fans of this fragrance so don't let my more heavier taste put you off.

Palmers Eventone Dark Spot Corrector* link
I don't have much issue with dark spots that I need correcting but those I have definitely saw improvement from using the Eventone Dark Spot Corrector from Palmers. The packaging of this product is great in that it has a pump which dispenses just enough of the light gel like fluid for us on the skin. The only downside to this product is the heavily artificial fragrance which I didn't enjoy at all and was the only reason I'd not repurchase. If only their skincare had that lovely cocoa butter scent.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Refreshing Toner link
I'm as equally in love with this toner - which you would have first seen in my Morning Skincare Regime post here - as I am Liz Earle's Skin Tonic and have since repurchased both so I can split between my morning and evening regimes. Definitely one to try even though it pains me it's for 'mature skin'!

Well it doesn't look like I kept that as short and sweet as I'd initially intended but you will have had plenty to read about a varied selection of products. Don't forget to link me up to your empties post, I'd love to read them.

*PR Sample

What's on my face // Cheering myself up

Before I went off to Las Vegas I put myself on a spending ban knowing full well I would be spending more than enough in the likes of Sephora and Walgreens. Of course this was easier said when after a bad day at work I decided to cheer myself up with a few purchase in Superdrug.

My chosen cheer me up beauty buys were L'Oreal's Eau de Teint Foundation, Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in As You Want Victoria (of course!) and a Sleek Blush in Antique. As is often the case with week day purchases I don't find the time to experiment with them till the weekend when I tend to pile them all on at once - as well as a few other products from my stash including Mac Omega, Cranapple Liner, Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara* and Chanel Illuminating Powder.

It definitely made a change to sport a full face of make up on a lazy Sunday and I'm pretty pleased with the choices I made.

*PR Sample

#theSOproject // Bronzer

Another week, another #theSOproject post and now things are getting interesting as we start talking about dare I say the fun stuff. We have our fabulous bases thanks to last weeks Foundation post which you can find here and now it's the turn of the products that add colour and life to faces, this week Bronzer.

Bronzer is traditionally used to give our skins a bit of colour . If you want to add a golden or bronze glow to your skin, reach for the bronzer, not your foundation a shade darker.

I've always been a little clueless where Bronzer has been concerned. I'm not sure why, maybe it's my previous inability to apply or at least know how to apply properly or simply picking the wrong shade but there is the fear that I will make myself look less bronzed and more orange.

As you can see from my photo I don't have a heavy stash of bronzers, the first and most used from Clarins which I only brought back in May following my desire to recreate a Tanya Burr tutorial. Since then it is a staple in my make up bag and I tend to apply to the recommended highpoints of my face rather than frantically swirling all over until I resemble an Oompa Loompa. That said sometimes I need a light dusting all over depending on the base I'm using that day.

Of course now we are also using Bronzers for contouring which is when I reach for either the Sleek Contour Kit or my Barry M Natural Dazzle* both being matte and fit for purpose. I won't delve too much into contouring for this post as it's still something I'm getting to grips with and certainly not something I would do on a daily basis.

It's always good to learn from someone else mistakes so here is what I've learnt about Bronzer.

• Your bronzer should only be two shades darker than your natural skin tone which if you choose to go a step further into contouring will help create your blank canvas for contouring.
• Always apply in light coats and build up the colour until you get the look you desire
• Apply to the top of your forehead, your cheekbones and along your jawline forming a 3 shape on either side of the face.
• Choose a matte bronzer rather than one with shimmer if you're masking imperfections

On what Bronzers are on my wishlist because I surely must add to my stash, well of course it goes without saying Nars Laguna (I can't wait to see if this features in numerous posts this evening!) and when I visit the US next month I'm hoping to pick up Tarte Amazonian Clay.

*PR Sample

August Pay Day Haul

This month's pay day haul was specialised around a masked ball that I was due to attend on the following weekend and a desire to try out this tutorial from Pixiwoo.

Firstly I jumped online and ordered the Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette from Cult Beauty. A much raved about product I was intrigued to try and I'm pleased to say I'm in love. This pencil is a breeze to apply and is far easier to grab than my previously used Mac Charcoal Brown Shadow and brush.

Next there was a trip to Space NK for a threading appointment which of course allowed for the opportunity to spend some cold hard cash. Bloggers seem to opt for the Xen Tan Absolute Luxe which I was going to try but after seeing the price tag and remembering that it was Deep Bronze Luxe cheaper that a friend had applied on me previously I thought I'd stick with that option. Caudalie Divine Legs has been on my wish list for sometime and just in case the Xen Tan experiment went awry I decided to have that on standby (thankfully it wasn't necessary!). As I would be wearing my Cinderella sandals  my feet need some sprucing up with Margaret Dabbs Exfoliating Foot Mousse. I'm a bit on the fence with this product. It was a completely blogger brain washed purchase and I think I could've got the same results from a cheaper product and to be quite honest, it doesn't even smell very nice.

From Superdrug I picked up some goodies from Sleek, their Contour Kit and Luminous Pressed Powder and onto Mac for some new brushes to add to my collection; the 239 and 210. Unfortunately Painterly Paint Pot was out of stock so it was over to Boots and the suggested alternative, Benefit's Creaseless Cream Shadow in Birthday Suit. The Boots haul didn't end there of course. Whilst I've been avoiding acrylic nails and doing my best to get my nails into an acceptable state without some Impress Nails they wouldn't be up to scratch for a black tie function. Unfortunately whilst initially thrilled with the results, simple to apply etc the thumb nail didn't last the night (thank god for the eyelash glue in my bag) and by day 2 the remaining nails were rising up and my hair was getting caught up in them and all sorts that I pulled them off. I was pleased with how easy they were to remove and whilst I wasn't wowed I would use this product again for a one night occasion.

Barry M Dazzle Dust and Bumble & Bumble Finishing Spray were the final products, the latter being a product my mum and I had seen on a recent shopping trip.  Thinking it was only £6.50 we both picked one up and decided against them when they were rung up at £10. Then we spent the whole shopping trip admiring our hair with it's finish that we had to return and buy them. I thought it would be perfect for my up do at the masked ball yet completely forgot to add a spritz when I left the hairdressers, typical.

A slight cheat to the haul is the Garnier Perfect Blur as my friend passed this over to me as she wasn't a fan. I've yet to try myself but I'll keep you posted on my findings.

Now it's time to halt the spending as I'm off to Las Vegas next month and I need all my cash to go wild in Sephora!