My St Lucia Make Up Routine

I'd be embarrassed to show how much make up I actually took to St Lucia and instead am sharing some of the highlights and the products I reached for most during my holiday. Starting with my first dabble with the Lottie London brand and the Insta Filter Power Eraser Stick*.

This was the first time I've used a Pore Eraser Stick so I was unsure what to expect having used only 'cream' products in the past but I was really impressed with how much I enjoyed using it. It was so easy to use, simply apply the product from the stick directly to skin and then blend out with fingers. Used in conjunction with my favourite foundation, L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation it created such a flawless finish. In fact one night as we arrived home and reviewed the evenings photos I commented on how shiny my face was in comparison to previous nights and then I remembered it was because I'd forgotten to apply the Lottie London pore eraser on that occasion.

Sticking with the 'base family' my concealer of choice was Wet n Wild Illumi-Naughty Highlighting and Concealing Pen, the very cheap 'interpretation' of the YSL Touche Eclat which I did have in mind to purchase in Duty Free yet decided to stick with it's poor packaging imitation. This highlighting and concealing pen is great for just a few dollars and I'm currently debating as it appears to be making it's way into the empties pile is it something I 'must' purchase when I'm in the US at the end of the year. It's a very light concealer so definitely not one for concealing very dark circles but one assumes on holiday you're better rested than any other time. The highlighting aspects are exceptional and it really does brighten up under the eye, in fact as my face became more tanner during my trip I had to abandon using this as it was just a little too light for me.

It's no surprise that Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer was my bronzer of choice. I dabble with contouring but certainly not on holiday and prefer instead to simply bronze up the face hoping that 'beach glow' is already doing it's thing. I find when using this bronzer more than any other I'm less inclined to feel the need for contour even back home in the less beachy conditions.

An old favourite from Milani has climbed back to the top since my return, the blogger favourite Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso. I tend to lean towards pink blush tones rather than peaches but Luminoso has managed to steal my heart. I'm always conscious that too much blush will interfere with my red lip of choice but Luminoso managed to balance that hint of colour without overpowering. Due to its sheen if you're happy with only a subtle highlight you might be happy that this provides just enough.  

I was on holiday so I wanted a little more glow and despite it's un-travel-friendly size I took the Wet n Wild To Reflect Shimmer Palette in Boozy Brunch (formerly part of the Fergie collection) as it's been a favourite leading up to the holiday. Before I go on I must say much of this make up has made up that which I've reached for on days when I've applied make up whilst at home, other than switching products in out as I'm trying to declutter before I head back to work and daily make up wearing. On that note I have to say for those Champagne Pop lovers I prefer this highlighter. It doesn't pack as much of a punch but I find this blends into the skin and suits my mature skin much more than the Becca classic. The pink and gold swirled together really does create a beautiful rose gold highlight that will compliment many make up looks. And if you want more glow keep piling it on.

Moving onto the eyes which I will always admit are not my strongest area for make up application and skill and certainly not an area I want to experiment with on holiday. My trusty Lorac Pro 3 Palette was my staple but I mixed things up with one or two of my favoured L'Oreal Infalliable Eyeshadows. Of course Amber Rush was there but it was Golden Emerald which was the shade I enjoyed reaching for having a bit of fun with, if you can wear green eyeshadow on holiday when can you wear it. As we know these have all but disappeared in the UK so I'm hoping I can stock up some more in Florida when I visit in November.

I was sent Joan Collins Class Act Mascara* prior to my trip and thought that would be perfect conditions to test out. Sadly it's not something, and I have persevered since returning, that has worked out for me. Aesthetically I love everything about it, the gorgeous, weighty gold packaging, the thick brush and indeed the appearance of the mascara on my eye lashes. Unfortunately this is such a wet mascara and the minute I apply it is all over my eyes. Hours later I'm spending half the evening removing fall. I had hoped perhaps the heat was adding to these woes but it has continued on my return and I've had one or two near misses as I tried to make it work and I almost went into interviews with panda eyes. On a positive my mum has popped midway through drafting today's post and quite unplanned thanked me for the mascara I had given her, indeed the Joan Collins Class Act one. For her it is working a treat and she said how full her lashes look wearing it so it would seem what didn't work for me works for her and may do for others.

Lip products are those that I typically over pack for holiday, especially when I consistently reach for a red lip. The first was one you'll have seen in my monthly favourites, the L'Oreal Lip Paint in Red Actually which I picked up at the airport - because of course I didn't have enough packed already. I've eyed up other shades but nothing has particularly jumped out but I'm thinking of taking another look at Red Fiction which I believe is more of a true red and think it could be a big hit.

Ciate London score top marks for the packaging of their Pretty Stix Lipstick* which I was able to try in bright shades Me Me Me and First Love. I'm not too much of a bright pink wearer, in fact I'm currently decluttering those I own but Me Me Me has earned a place in my collection. These are like the more sophisticated older sister of the Maybelline Baby Lips. The pigmentation is that of a regular lipstick but thanks to Brazilian Murumuru Butter you're receiving the moisturising properties of a balm. They are slick and shine so make a great day to night option for the Summer.

As keen as I'm to try the Ciate London Pretty Stix in the nude shades it was the Benefit They're Real Double the Lip in Nude Scandal* that performed the job in St Lucia. On the nights when I dabbled with my L'Oreal Infallible Green eyeshadow it was this lip shade I reached for. The more I use the new lip release from Benefit the less I 'get' the whole double shade combo but that doesn't mean I love them any the less and this still remains one of my favourite nude shades.

By day I didn't want to worry about lipstick smudges whilst exploring St Lucia but I still wanted a little something for those all important selfies. Joan Collins Glorious Gloss in Piper* provided enough of a pink tint without looking like I'd packed on the make up. I'm not usually one for glosses, as a smoker if they're too sticky its a no no but I was found this was creamy rather than sticky whilst still giving the gloss finish.

Finally a couple of brushes I'll give a mention to for their cute but functional travel friendly size. The Sephora Mini Multitasker Brush has accompanied me on many holidays and works a dream for apply foundation. I love my beauty blender but I find it a tad cumbersome for travel.

QVS is a new brand that I can't help confusing with the well known shopping channel. I was sent a selection of brushes from their range and you'll see one or two others popping up in future posts but today it's the Flat Top Blusher and Blender Brush* which I'm singing the praises of. I used this with the aforementioned Milani blush and despite typically using rounded brushes for blusher found that I could work well with it and it's been packed into my travel bag for future trips.

As I say this list wasn't exhaustive but these were the 'favourites' if you like and certainly products I've lazily reached for since my return knowing the results work for me.

Do you overpack make up on your holidays?

*this post contains press samples and / or affiliate links

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

High End US Beauty Haul

When my BFF Rose announced she was moving to America I should’ve been distraught. And of course I was that she would no longer be a short drive away when we wanted to catch up but on the other hand I was over the moon that I now had a ‘US Beauty Shopper’. Any beauty product that I would previously lust after longingly could now be mine without the costly expensive of an international fight or worries about customs charges. Fantastic news!

I must say in the time that Rose has been living in the US she has been amazing at helping me tick items off my US Beauty Wishlist and recently I put in some requests for two ‘must have’ products, one of which I certainly would’ve struggled to get hold of had it not been for her US mailing address. That is of course the Lorac Pro 3 Palette. Which you will have had a teaser for in last months favourites.

I’m lucky enough to have all three of the Lorac Pro Eyeshadow Palettes thank to my lovely American dwelling friends. Rose sent me the Lorac Pro Palette for my birthday and Grace was kind enough to send the Lorac Pro Palette 2 as an act of kindness last year. I mused whether the lust and love for the Lorac Pro Palette is as much for them being so hard to get hold of. As more and more US brands are accessible to us Brits, Ulta the stockist of Lorac still does not ship to the UK, nor does the brand itself and the stores are typically in locations outside of the usual tourist shopping malls.

As soon as I saw the Lorac Pro Palette 3 I put Rose on standby and she went above and beyond when she received an email from Ulta advising her that she was able to take advantage of an early release date. Yay for me. As I said in my favourites videos this palette is no different in format to the previous two. Slim, sturdy packaging that makes them ideal for travel, in fact this is currently on holiday with me in Italy. You have sixteen shades, eight mattes, eight shimmers and there are so many ways of wearing them that even an eyeshadow amateur such as myself can do great things.  

Admittedly when this palette arrived I wasn’t as excited as I thought I would be as I thought it was a little boring but those initial reservations have long gone. This is the ‘little black dress’ of make up palettes, the perfect selection of neutrals, the comfy black pants you’re wearing under that killer outfit. As I’ve said I chose to take this on holiday with me as one of the reasons for my trip is a christening. So whilst many of the days away will be spent ‘casually’ I wanted to ensure I had the make up to make a little more effort for the special occasion and this is just the ticket with its pigmented and buttery formula. Any novice can go to work with these shadows with minimal mistakes.

The Sephora Lip Cream in the shade Strawberry Kiss was actually a gift from my sister-in-law when she visited the US for work and was a request after enjoying Always Red and wanting to add another to my collection. I really love this shade and it’s a great alternative to red when I still want a bright lip but some pinks look a little garish on me. I was so happy with the colour I actually gave space to it in my make up bag when I went to Menorca last month and wore it often. I do find that after prolonged wear by the end of the day my lips can be suffering a little and this is perhaps one of the worst lip products that I can be left with nothing but a stark ‘lip liner’ look if I’m not careful but that doesn’t stop me loving them.

Finally in my small ‘haul’ is the much hyped product, the BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette, a brand/YoutTuber collaboration that has sparked much controversy but nonetheless has lot of love and hype around. I’m not really a highlighter person, or when I say that it’s an area that is so very new to me I’m only just finding my feet. If I were to walk into the office with a beam of light coming off my cheeks I’m sure my colleagues would question my sanity but highlighters are a product I’m growing to love and are becoming part of my everyday make up look.

When Champagne Pop was first released the blogging world went crazy and everyone was praising how amazing it was but for my aforementioned reasons I was happy to hold back. If I’d been in the US and stumbled across a Sephora I’m sure it would’ve made its way home with me but it wasn’t something I was desperate for and when it was made available in the UK I was worried about the delicate nature of it leading to many smashed pans and the fact I’m not really one for online beauty shopping.

Fast forward to the palettes’ release and I decided now was the time to jump on the bandwagon. It made sense, not just the ‘famous’ Champagne Pop but three blushes and a new highlighter shade all encased in some pretty amazing packaging. A side note on this packaging it was very luxurious but weighty. I did have in mind that this would make a perfect travel accessory but I’d be cautious now due to its size.

We’ll start by saying that I’m not overly enamored with this palette. It’s nice, and I don’t know if I can blame the hype, the controversy or my make up skills but I’m just not feeling the love. As many have reviewed the powders in this palette are dryer than the individual pans and I’m so used to hearing Jaclyn Hill talk about how ‘buttery’ her highlighters are I’m a little disappointed.

If you’re a fan of the palette or have investigate thoroughly you will know that there are five shades for you to play with, two highlighters and three blushes. The two highlighters are the famous Champagne Pop and the newer Prosecco Pop, both shades of gold the former with orange undertones and the later yellow. For me, an amateur MUA at best, there isn’t enough of a difference between these two highlighters to make me go ‘wow’ and where gold highlighters are concerned my preference is Mac Magnetic Appeal and the yellow tones would be Charlotte Tilbury’s Bar of Gold Highlighter.

Moving on to the blushes which again don’t spark any joy unfortunately. I have enjoyed using Rose Spritz a little but in comparison to my newly purchased Make Up Revolution Rose Gold Lights it leaves me wanting. I don’t find there’s enough variation in this palette to make it something I can’t live without nor are the products achieving anything I can’t find elsewhere and with more pleasing results. I will continue to play with this palette as I’m sure I just need to find the way it can work for me but if I had the opportunity again I don’t think I would’ve hit ‘buy now’.

A mixed bag from this US Beauty Haul but us beauty fans must take the good with the bad. Have you tried any of these products from the US?

Monthly Beauty Favourites | July 2016

Each month I refer to the list I’ve made over the weeks or take a look around my bathroom at what products I’ve enjoyed and will make ‘the favourites post’. July was easy and I’d go so far to say that most of the products are not simply ‘favourites’ they are ones I am loving and still using well into August. In fact I'm so late posting this by the unwritten blogger rules for monthly favourites I could've renamed this 'August Favourites' and it would have happily applied.

First up has to be Estee LauderBronze Goddess perfume which I picked up in my last trip through Duty Free. Yes it’s all the clichés, ‘Summer in a bottle’ and oh so basic but I’m ok with that because I’ve been spraying this with abandon and enjoying every second. My only concern at this point is that I won’t be able to justify packing such a weighty bottle when I travel to Italy at the end of the month. Once again I make the plea that next Summer they’ll release a travel friendly purse spray.

The next item I’m expressing my love for is the Lorac Pro Palette 3 which I realise I’m not quite sharing with you beyond its outer packaging. The Lorac Pro Palettes are much coveted for their buttery eyeshadows and inability to get hold of them in the UK. Even if you're lucky to visit the USA their locations are not found in the usual tourist destinations or in shopping malls so they can be rather coveted. Luckily for me I have a friend living in the US who was able to place the order for me and send it over when it went on early release at Ulta. In short this is the expected Lorac Pro Palette formula of eight shimmers and eight mattes that are pigmented and a joy to apply. Whilst on first appearance I was left thinking this was a little boring and bland compared to Palettes 2 and 3 I’ve been using this frequently and loving what I come up with. The shades are fabulous for the time of year and I’m keen to take on holiday and view in the sunshine. Shades of brown and rose golds make for a pleasing neutral eyeshadow look that you can deepen as you see fit. I am often overwhelmed when I open eyeshadow palettes and unsure where to start but this offering inspires confidence rather fear.

Paired with my Lorac Pro Palette has been Benefits Air Patrol which is a sample size I think I received through the post during one of their promotions. We all know that Benefit are renowned for their press packages bloggers receive but I have to say I'm more impressed that whenever new products are launched there are an abundance of samples available to try whether from counters, applying online or as freebies with magazines.

I'm picky with my eye primers and usually find I'm let down, but not by Benefit Air Patrol Eye Primer I'm pleased to say. Whilst I expect Lorac eyeshadows to stick around longer than most I have tried this with others in my collection and it's done it's job well. I'll be popping this small tube aside so it can accompany me on holiday next month. 

Without sounding like I’m hard to please and despite being a fan of La Roche Posay when their infamous Serozinc* finally launched into the UK I was bemused at what made fans practically swim the channel to get hold of a can. Essentially a facial mist toner, yet featuring Zinc Sulphate (the key ingredient) I found it didn’t do anything particularly amazing for me and it fell to the back of the drawer. As I work through my stash I pulled it out to show it a little love and it has ticked a box quite nicely.

Serozinc is part of the Effaclar range and is designed to target oily, blemish prone skin of which I don’t really have so is perhaps why it never set of any sparks for me. But one of its other qualities is that it can be used either as a toner or to mattify skin. This element is what has been working for me. I always claim my skin becomes oily in warmer months and that is true but it would seem the skincare I’m using at the moment is making it less so, Serozinc being one of those products.  

Whilst talking skincare it seems appropriate to mention another aimed at oily skin, Caudalie VinosourceMoisturising Sorbet*. Unlike Bronze Goddess this moisturiser is travel friendly in its pretty pink tube and I’ve been reaching for it daily. Whilst I like a lighter moisturiser in the Summer to avoid additional oiliness I still need to ensure my skin is hydrated and this is a moisturiser that ticks both boxes. 

Caudalie have a whole Vinosource range 'powered by the grape' and you'll see some sample tubes of the serum popping up in my empties post this month. Caudalie say that this cream will turn into a patch of water on contact with the skin and soothes, moisturises and strengthens. I'm not sure about the 'patch of water' claims but I can agree with the later. It is a gel-cream formula which is light enough at this time of year without compromising hydration. Skin looks fresh and dewy and I've found my foundations sit nicely on top and I look than I might feel.

I'm having a 'can't be bothered' with my nails moment since discovering a new nail salon had opened locally. Instead of giving myself at home manicures I've been enjoying the luxury of letting the professionals do their work. Unfortunately those professionals ticked me off about the state of my cuticles and how dry they are, which considering how much hand cream I apply throughout the day means I needed to give them some extra attention. Buried deep in a draw somewhere was OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil to save the day. Luckily I had a couple of bottles so one sits in my bedside draw and another in my 'sofa beauty draw' so that I can tick the job off my list at least once a day. I really must find another to leave on my desk at work.

Finally the Beauty Blender, a product I've been scared of for so long but now I've finally faced my fear and used mine there is no going back. During multiple trips to the US I'd always bypassed the Beauty Blender. Despite the rave reviews I didn't think it was for me, wasn't sure how to use it and still had the voice in the back of my head telling me to 'put that cosmetic sponge down'.

Of course this beauty sponge is very different to the ones I remember and it applies foundation fabulously. As I put make up on in my bedroom I was concerned about the dampening element but I've been using my Pixi Hydration Mist for the job and it works perfectly. I feel somewhere between silly and a MUA pro as I bounce foundation into my skin but it's worth the effort. I was concerned that applying my foundation would take longer with the Beauty Blender, and admittedly it does take a little longer and not something I reach for if I'm in a rush but it's a matter of an extra couple of minutes.

Whilst I love the flawless finish of my foundation, concealer too blenders so nicely with the Beauty Blender. The only area I'm finding fiddly and I was to resort to blending rather than bouncing is around the jawline and down the neck as it feels unnatural but practice makes perfect. I've already talked to friends about how they must get one a Beauty Blender and if you've not tried one yet I think you should too!

What have you been enjoying recently?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Products I'm trying to use up

As we entered 2016 I decided it was time to try and use up products they have. In fact I've got a post on the cards about how long make up and other products really last as some, despite regular use appear to go on for days but that's a topic for another time.

Today's post is a jumble of products that are nearing the end of their life so it's time to try and ensure I help them along their journey. First up is Maybelline Rewind Concealer of which I've become a big fan of. Despite my initial reluctance to use it when I first purchased it's now the one I reach for regularly. It overs my dark circles, blends nicely and doesn't crease. It's one I'll be repurchasing and even the sponge applicator that people shy away from doesn't offend me.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid is a product I really don't want to say goodbye to as I love it but it's getting to the stage where I have to put a bit more effort into squeezing the product out when I use it. Purchased after using a sample this gives a light coverage for those good skin days and a luminosity to the skin perfect for those Summer evenings. Whilst Chanel Les Beiges Foundation is on my birthday list have no doubt I will be repurchasing the lighter base when the time comes for me to say goodbye to this tube. 

The next product on my list is the Lorac eye primer which I'm using on a daily basis (unless short on time) and I would be worried that I'm unable to replace in the UK were it not for a second tube in my stash and the original favourite Urban Decays Primer Potion alongside it. I thought out picking up a back up in Florida earlier in the year but decided to stick with the buy and replace attitude I'm trying to adopt.

What a name the Kiehls Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Eye Cream has and some pretty big claims. As I've said many times I'm never sure where I stand with eye creams, do I have some lines around my eyes, certainly but are they 'bad', I don't think so so these products must be doing something or can I claim good genes? Nonetheless I've enjoyed using this eye cream and it will be seen in next months empties and would repurchase if, again there were not numerous other offerings in my healthy stashes. I preferred to use of an evening but it's a light almost gel like texture that wouldn't interfere with make up too much and certainly kept the area hydrated. 

The product in this list I think I'll struggle to use up quickly is Eloquence Protect and Repair Cream*. I had decided to use this product up having used a healthy amount during Christmas and New Year (the serum and eye creams have already found their way into the empties pile) but in the spirit of 'first world problems' I'm lucky to receive a lot of skincare to test and as such this has been somewhat cast aside. Perhaps I'll pop it back in my dressing tables skincare draw to reach for sporadically during those testing products.

Finally is Lush Lord of Misrule, the Halloween favourite of many. I brought this last Halloween and never used it up at the time. With a bathroom filled with numerous shower gels I chop and change at whim but decided it was time to use this small bottle up in it's entirety. Well don't let this small bottle fool you, it last forevers and it seemed like it would just not go down and to be honest I was bored with it and in a tantrum of sorts I passed it on to my brother as I just couldn't bear to look at it! Another word of warning, it'll make your bathroom look like Slimer from Ghostbusters has been for a visit. 

So there's a look at products I'm trying to use up so keep a look out for them appearing in an empties post in the near future. What are you trying to use up at the moment? 

*this post contains press samples

Maybelline USA Beauty Haul

There were a number of products from Maybelline that were newly released when I visited America and others simply not available on the UK high street I wanted to pick up. As you can see I did quite well. I thought I'd start today with sharing some of my thoughts on what I was able to purchase.

First up were new products, the Vivid Matte Liquid Lipsticks. There were not too many options available when I saw the display but I was able to pick up a red and a nude for comparison purposes. Those shades are Orange Shot and Nude Flush. I actually took to wearing Orange Shot quite a lot whilst in Florida and was impressed with how long it stuck around on me. My SIL on the other hand picked up some of these after my first impressions and found the opposite to be the case so I think it's a bit hit and miss depending on shades.

Application is via a long thin doe foot applicator and the most important thing to note is whilst being called matte, they are not. They take some time to dry down but I didn't find them to be drying. Orange Shot is a fantastic shade I'm still really enjoying and reach for more often that Nude Flush but I do find there is some smudging and it moves around as the day wears on.

I dithered about purchasing any of the Maybelline Master Prime Eyeshadow Base and somehow ended up with both its version, matte and illuminating. So far I'm yet to find a drugstore eyeshadow primer that stops creasing and sadly these are not making the cut either. The matte version feels like my faithful Lorac Eye Primer but that's where comparison ends. Creasing still appears although admittedly this is the best high street version I've found so far. I also preferred applying with the doe foot applicator than my finger as it's easier to blend.

As for it's illuminating sister this didn't really seem to make any difference when eye make up was applied over it and again the creasing appeared in due course. What I have found a use for is a subtle highlight down the bridge of my nose.

It's well known I'm a fan of Maybelline Concealers, the Fit Me Concealer has long been a staple and just a few months ago the Instant Age Rewind Eraser Concealer appeared in my monthly favourites. For some reason, known only to Maybelline there is a Brightening version only available in America so I wanted to pick it up to try for myself. It's still in my testing pile but I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts. The other concealer, only available outside the US is the Master Conceal. I picked this up in the shade 20 Light. I've only used a couple of times but it's another thumbs up from me.

The final two products I added to my basket were Master Fix Setting Powder and Fixing Spray. Off the bat I can tell you straight away that the Maybelline Fixing Spray is identical in both packaging and ingredients as the L'Oreal version. This is not surprising as they are both owned by L'Oreal and I can't speak for the versions we're seeing in the UK (packaging is different from the US branded products) but it's worth looking at before you think about purchasing both.

The Setting Powder is a product I've really come to enjoy using and I'm looking forward to comparing to another that I also picked up from another brand. I've rarely been a powder user other than my Chanel Les Beiges Powder but this is a whole different product.  Finely milled I literally see my skin blurred out and have seen my make up lasting far longer than without. I do have to be careful if skin is on the drier side as the effect is less than perfect so be mindful if you're dry skinned. The only other negative is the packaging could make travelling with it preventative. Usually with these types of products which have the fine holes in the packaging to shake product out there's a way to cover them up to stop wastage. There is of course a lid to the packaging and you could perhaps use some sellotape as a temporary measure but I'll cross that bridge when it occurs.

Are you a Maybelline fan and what products from the US would you like to find on the high street?

US Drugstore Beauty Gifts

Whilst I miss my friend terribly since she moved to the USA I can't deny that I do love it when she sends me a parcel, particularly like the one I received at Christmas. Filled with beauty products from the US, many I was or am unable to get hold of in my local Boots made it all the more special.

First we'll start with the dinky kit from Benefit featuring my favourite primer, Porefessional and Licenced to Blot Mattifyer in handy travel sizes. Both accompanied me on my recent trip to Florida. Admittedly I didn't need to use Licenced to Blot but the primer was used daily as it often is back home and it was great not to have to take up space with the larger tube.

The Star Wars Mascara recently featured in my favourites post and was an instant hit despite my scepticism of the thin wand. Lashes Long Are Mine - apologies but couldn't resist a Yoda style speech! Following the Star Wars theme was one of the nail colours from the collection in my signature red. I've yet to try this out yet but I'll report back.

Another favourite from the past month was the Lorac Riesling Romance palette from the 2015 holiday collection. Again Lorac has not let me down and this palette is perfect for throwing in your make up bag and covering all eventualities.

The Milani offering on my recent trip to Florida was limited so I was even more glad that Rose included the Fierce Foil Eyeshine Quad in Florence in my gifts. I've not yet used this but I've had a swatch and they seem very interesting. The two darker shades are very pigmented, especially the bronze shade and I imagine it'll be lovely. The lighter two seem to have more of a shimmer or shine but as I say I need to play with them a little more before passing judgement. They're damp in texture and very creamy so it's going to be an interesting one.

Finally is a lipstick from Elf and their moisturising lipstick line, in the shade Velvet Rope. This is more of an orangey red so I'm saving this for when the sun shines a little brighter and it might even be a competitor for my favoured NYX Butter Lipstick in Coral Red.

What product from the USA would be on your beauty wishlist?

January 2016 Beauty Favourites

I had intended to resume posting last week but with today, 1st February being a Monday and life still offering it's daily challenges I thought I'd give myself the extra week to get ahead with scheduling.

You will have noticed I missed out on Decembers favourites and whilst that was because I only had two offerings and their favoured state remained throughout the past couple of week I've bundled together to share with you today.

Starting with the Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette. Whilst December should've been a time for glitter and sparkles, and yes there was some of that, for the most part time was short and as such leisurely make up routines were not high on the agenda. That said I wasn't ready for make up free and still wanted to look my best and the Tarte palette is perfect for that. Everything you need bar your usual base, mascara and lipstick are housed in this palette taking any decision making about what to wear away. After applying base I can pick up this palette, throw the additional products in my bag and put on in a matter of minutes. You can see some swatches and in my earlier post.

Another palette which I've swiftly fallen in love with is the Lorac Riesling Romance Eyeshadow Palette which was released as part of the Christmas 2015 collection and sadly no longer available to buy. My friend Rose sent this as part of my Christmas gift and whilst I'm sure the shades of brown are blah to some of you to me it was perfect and was the only eyeshadow selection I took on holiday to Florida with me. Like all Lorac eyeshadows the colours are pigmented and creamy and blend like a dream.

Another gift from Rose was the Covergirl Star Wars Darkside Mascara. I'm by no means an uber Star Wars fan but I do love themed packaging and a bit of fun and was excited to try this. I was surprised considering the chunky packaging that there was such a thin plastic brush but it's worked a dream. The size of the brush allows you to coat all your lashes and they fan out and lengthen nicely to give the right balance for a dramatic day look. I rarely coat my bottom lashes in mascara but have used this. Covergirls offering shows gimmicks aside you can still create a good product.

Whilst I'm desperate to try the new foundation from Chanel's Les Beiges range it was Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid that accompanied me to Florida last month and reminded me how much I love it. Whilst holidaying my skin tends to be in much better condition as I'm better rested and relaxed and strangely tend to be more diligent with skincare regimes. This is a light coverage base which makes skin look as 'healthy' as they claim. I've spoke of it before and you may remember it was one use from a magazine sample that led me to making the full sized purchase. Despite being such a light coverage it gives a flawless natural base and I was quite pleased how my skin would look in my Disney selfies. My enthusiastic use means I'm currently squeezing every last drop as it reaches empty and I will definitely be repurchasing.

And finally Jo Malone Ginger Biscuit perfume the scent I might love even more than my 'signature' Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. A limited edition from yesteryear, recently returned and only available at the flagship store on Regent Street it was well worth every penny. Cheesily it's like a comforting hug especially at this time of year. I left this fragrance behind whilst on holiday and it brought an immediate smile back to my face when I returned and the chilly weather meant I was able to return to spritzing this long lasting, sweet yet mature scent.

What have you been loving this month?

November Beauty Favourites

Once again I feel the need to 'apologise' for my late November favourites despite the fact I'm still wading through similar videos and blog post as I battle the Blog and Vlogmas numbers piling through my subscription boxes.

Anyway let's talk about the products, all make up this month and first is the Lorac Pro Palette, famous in blogger circles not least because it's unavailable in the UK. I was lucky enough to receive the palette for my birthday way back in April from a friend who moved to the US. After my initial euphoria at finally owning the much lusted for palette for one reason and another it ended up in the back of the make up drawer. I do seem to love an eyeshadow palette these days but it's only recently I have had the confidence to dive in and experiment, with successful results. As I've mentioned before as a working blogger, and by that I mean my day job is very much outside the beauty and blogging communities, my make up is applied bleary eyed in the mornings before jumping on the train to work. Yes you heard that right I'm managing to put my make up on before I get on the underground. Application must be quick and I'm not looking for dramatic smokey eyes, just a pleasing result and any mistakes would have to be seen in public or at best result in running late for work as I remove and start again.

I can't offer any new information on the Lorac Pro Palette than you might already know. The packaging is slim cardboard which isn't to everyone's tastes but I think it's faired quite well for being thrown around if not a little grubby. I think the magnetic closure is pretty impressive and I've travelled with this palette without any damage to speak off.

There's something about the colour offering in this palette that balances a choice of neutrals without being bland. Sixteen shade, half mattes, half shimmers it's hard to go wrong. Champagne and Taupe seem to be my most used although I've dipped into most colours at some point or another. White doesn't get much love and Black and Expresso are used more for lining purposes. As I plan for my trip to Florida in the new year this is definitely a palette I'm considering coming along with me.

I realise as I continue with my next product, Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Plum Rose that this is a rather 'US' centred favourites. Not intention but possibly subliminally thinking ahead to my US wishlist. Milani is another brand that we do not find in the UK. Whilst I know that some US brands are finding there way to UK shores and/or are available to buy online I still prefer to shop in store whilst on holiday. So many US imports are on the local high street now I almost miss the days when you could buy something that 'no one else had' in the UK.

Climbing down from my soapbox the Milani Colour Statement Lipsticks are a product I had clearly heard talked about from American YouTubers and found across many a Pinterest dupes board. Milani Plum Rose is a dupe of Mac Craving. On one of my last trips I know I had a long list of cheaper Mac dupes that I decided to buy by way of trying the US drugstore brands whilst experimenting with colours I might want to purchase in the higher end Mac versions.

As it happened in most cases I was more than happy with the dupes and whilst I've not said goodbye to a lipstick in many years I'm slightly concerned to notice the Plum Rose bullet diminishing rather rapidly and maybe it's time to stock up.

Plum Rose is as the name suggests is the perfect Autumn/Winter berry shade. It's a wearable colour and makes a nice transition to the season and a change from my usual reds. I think I wore this all last Autumn and have done again the past months. It's a non drying, creamy formula which reminds of a more heavily pigmented Mac Creamsheen. Many are not a fan but I love the heavy Watermelon scent

I'm sure if I found this on the UK high street I'd turn my nose up at its cheap and tacky gold packaging but as they say, never judge a book by it's cover.

Continuing with the US drugstore purchases is the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles. This kept popping up both by way of an excellent under eye concealer and much talk about the Brightening and Neutralising versions only available in the US - in the UK we only see two versions, Nude and Light. My overwhelmed state at seeing all the products on offer and everything I wanted I ended up coming home with the Eraser Dark Circles in a colour I could've picked up in Boots. So it was a fail on the exclusive shopping front but when I finally decided to try something other than my favoured Fit Me Concealer also by Maybelline I was impressed. And dare I say this might almost, almost be better than the Fit Me?

Everyone moans about the sponge applicator and the hygiene benefits but overlooking the state I leave my brushes in on occasion as I'm not actually using this on blemishes, my skin/hands have been cleaned before I dive in with concealers it's not something I'm concerned with. And if you're really worried apparently Maybelline have added some effort to ensure this is antibacterial ingredient. I've managed to keep it as 'clean' as can be with no complaints.

As an under eye concealer this is the dream. As I hurtle towards the end of my thirties anything that doesn't settle into the fine lines that are starting to appear gets a massive thumbs up from me. And those sleepless nights, you would believe I've slept like a baby when I use this.

I realise this post is getting rather long so I'll try to rapidly whip thought my final two items; Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation* and NYX Blusher* in Mocha. The foundation I've talked about in detail here and my grumbles aside I've been reaching for this on an almost daily basis. May I  also take some pride in this almost flawless Instagram Selfie #nofiler when wearing this foundation.

Mocha blush, unlike you would expect is a dusky pink matte blush that is a strong competitor for my favourite Mac Peaches & Cream from the Osbourne collection. This gives a subtle colour to the cheeks which makes a great shade to wear whether by day or night when stronger lip colours or smokey eyes are at play.

If you made it to the end of this post thank you, do share your recent favourites.

*this post contains press samples

September 2015 Favourites

Throughout the month I have a page in my notebook where I list down products or 'things' that I have been enjoying throughout the month. Whilst there were a few other things of note it was these three that stood out to me and I decided, less is more.

First up we have my latest obsession, Snapchat. I've downloaded the app numerous times but did not have a clue what I was doing. Not to mention with all the other areas of social media I'm trying to keep up with did I need another? Apparently I do. For those who don't know its for you to upload a 10 second video or image, your 'snap' where it will sit for 24 hours and then disappear into the world wide web.

As someone who is interested in vlogging but lacks the time and skill at present to film and edit 'proper' vlogs this is perfect. Just recently you will have seen me snapping the tidy up of my dressing table as well as sneak peeks at products I'm testing at the moment. The images are great for when you have something not quite instagram worthy but still want to share.

You can find me under username FlorenceandMary.

Next is an old favourite, Mac Syrup lipstick. I have had this lipstick for years and as you can see its well loved. More recently I've swerved the neutrals for my reds and to be honest I don't reach for Mac that often but lately I've been craving a nude lip of sorts as I play around with darker eyeshadows and this does the trick. It's now found a 'permanent' home in my everyday make up bag.

A product I forgot to include in the photograph (and didn't like the ones I retook yesterday!) but still wanted to mention is the Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. I'm lucky enough to own both Lorac Pro Palettes and with each of those comes an eye primer. I always reach for eye primers before big nights out but on a day to day basis it's something I skip. As I'm having a sort through of my make up collection I wanted to test this out and see how it compared to the Urban Decay eye primer I would usually use and whether it was something to keep. The first thing I've noticed subsequently is both the Urban Decay and Lorac eye primers are comparable and work well at maintaining the longevity of my eye make up but it's the Lorac one that stood out initially as I'd not used the UD one for so long and thought the Lorac was amazing. In short eye primers are now part of my daily make up routine.

Finally is the Sensationail at home gel nail kit*. You may have read my review post here but if not in short this is a quick, simple and long lasting gel kit that you can do in the comfort of your home, taking the same time as any normal nail paint job. The nails lasted a good two weeks with some minor chipping towards the end which I think was as much to do with my not sealing the ends of the nails as general wear. I also found it didn't lift as obviously as salon gel manicures yet when I went to remove them it came off far easier. My overall experience with this kit is a good one and it was telling that as soon as I removed them I wanted to reapply again for ease but I was restrained and allowed my nails a rest for a week.

So there you have a short and sweet favourites post this month, what have you been loving?

*This post contains press samples