High Street Beauty | B. Make Up Review

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

B. is a vegan make up brand which if you're a regular in the aisles of Superdrug, where it is available exclusively, will no doubt be familiar with and one I've had an opportunity to explore over the past year.

It's brands such as B. why many moons ago I started covering more beauty posts as I wanted to explore and learn more about beauty brands on the high street. Whilst it's wonderful to visit a high end beauty counter and treat oneself to a Chanel lipstick or Dior blush sometimes you're stomping along your local high street in need of a pick me up and want to treat yourself to a little something and B. is a brand worth looking at.

Having been sent some products from the extensive and affordable range I've discovered some favourites, one you may remember from Part 1 of my 2017 Favourites, the B. Pro Contour Stick in Universal Shade. I used this often last Summer under my Bare Minerals Powder Foundation but it works on top of liquid foundations just as well. Cream stick products can run from too greasy or stiff but the B. Pro Contour Stick sits nicely in the middle to work wonders without fear of slipping off your face.

Its size works wonders for any attempts at contouring the nose and is sufficient for my amateur contouring to accentuate my cheekbones. The Universal shade name is obviously a misnomer as it clearly will not be suitable for all but it works well for my skintone.

I don't really bother with the highlight shade, if I'm free with time I will have a swipe but it's the contour shade I favour and suspect once that has run out I'll move onto a new one rather than wait to finish the lighter shade.

My much talked about declutter is happening now to all my lipsticks as I face facts and that is 99% of the time I am wearing a red lip. I have my favourites so why other lesser products or indeed shades sit in my make up collection is anyones guess and unfortunately the shades of the B. lip products I received are those I would not wear. I had a little swatch and play of them hoping that the B. Matte Lipstick in the shade Snatched might sway me or be my 'perfect nude' but atlas it was far too pale for me. Likewise the B. Velvet Matte Liquid Lipstick in the shade Ravenous is a dark shade which I'd like to think I would dabble with in cooler months or should the occasion arise but I know I would just reach for the safer option of Milani Plum Rose.

Next up is the B.Duo Liner and B. Lip and Cheek Tint in the shade Crimson Caress, products which were both success but not for me. I've long given up on attempting winged eyeliner, between hooded eyes and a desire for the extra 5 mins in bed that it's a wonder I get any make up on my face before I walk out the door I passed this over to my sister-in-law who is a fan of that look and she loved the product so much she has subsequently replaced it since the one I gave her dried out.

The lip and cheek tint is a lovely product and definitely one for those who want a multi-use product so ideal for anyone travelling on a budget airline this Summer. The shade Crimson Caress is not as scary as it looks on the pain and whilst a little stiff in formula it blends out quickly and easily. This now hides in my locker at work as a quick fix if I have an impromptu night out and need some colour in my cheeks. As a lip product it is indeed only a tint and as already mentioned I'm a fan of the red lip but this gives a nice little something to the lips and I especially enjoyed it when I had used an oil or balm on my lips.

Have you got any favourites from the brand or recommendations for me as B. is currently available at Superdrug Buy 1 Get 2nd 1/2 price on selected products until 22nd May so it's a good time to buy.

Christmas Gifts for your teens

Whilst I can always think of some beauty essential to add to my Christmas list as a beauty blogger and with an abundance of products already at my disposal I do miss my younger days when there would be an array of beauty gifts I'd be wishing for and sitting with the Boots catalogue circling products I neeeeeded.

I've rounded up a selection of beauty favourites that have come my way during the festive season which might be ideal for any of the younger ladies on your Christmas list, starting with the Magnitone which in fact you don't need to be a teen to enjoy. The Magnitone Precious Collection* is perfect for the holiday season in its jewel tones, in my case I have the Glitter Gold version. Cleansing brushes garner mixed opinions but despite being cautious when I first tried the Magnitone out in the Summer I'm really enjoying it. The Magnitone range is more affordable than many options and if you're looking to encourage a cleansing routine this is a good place to start.

There were worries that a cleansing brush such as the Magnitone would be too harsh, the horror of purging but I find it simply gives me skin a thorough clean and is no less abrasive than using a flannel. I use mine a couple of times a week, especially finding it useful on days when I've been lax in my usual routine and skin needs some extra attention.

Sticking with the skincare, Dermalogica is a brand I've used a lot during 2016 and the Dermalogica Clear Start* kit is great for those with oily and acne prone skins. A festively packaged set of three products that calm and rebalance the skin leaving it clear and refreshed.

A Cleansing Wash, a moisturiser for day and an overnight formula to go to work on a congested complexion in decent 15ml sizes that will allow you to try before you commit to larger sized products.

If in doubt make up can always be a hit Studio London* at Superdrug has many products in their range and I love the set of three sparkly nail varnish which can be worn alone or over the top of your existing nail colour ready for Christmas Day or planning ahead to your New Years Eve celebrations.

A sure fire hit with an hit is a product from on of our more famous YouTubers and the Tanya Burr 'It's Kissmas' Lip Gloss Duo* is already en route to the US to be opened by a special younger lady I know.

I love my Beauty Blender but it's not the most affordable option so I was intrigued to see how the Flutter Make Up Sponge* for only £1 would fair. Ok it's no comparison, it's certainly firmer than the beauty blender and is smaller in size but it works and it's been performing adequately when the former needs cleaning. This is a great stocking filler, especially with its cute packaging.

My final offering is Tribe Eau De Toilette* which if you're in your thirties like I am may remember, especially as they were sponsors of one of Take That's tours 'back in the day'. I was a regular wearer of this scent in my teens and I was transported straight back when I received a bottle of the scent making a comeback. If you want to share some memories with one of your younger charges this is a lovely gift to evoke some nostalgia.

What is on your teens wishlist this year?

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

High End Beauty Expectations

One of the reasons I changed the direction of my blog and started blogging about beauty was because I wanted to know what products were worth purchasing. Back in the day I didn't wear make up daily, I worshiped at the ground of Mac eyeshadows, lived for YSL mascaras and the only base product I wore was the now discontinued Benefit You Rebel Tinted Moisturiser.

Often I'd find myself in the local supermarket and think to myself I'd like to treat myself to something, just a 'cheap' lipstick or similar and would become blinded by choice and walk out empty handed and then there was the shopping trips with mum where we'd swoon at high end beauty counters and treat ourselves to whatever caught our eye. My obsession with Chanel Nail Polishes has already been well documented.

Nostalgic ramblings aside bring me to the point of today's post. High End expectations. I've certainly discovered a love for drugstore products in recent years and whatever your preferences it's safe to say there are some great products available for 'affordable' prices but that has led to my expectations of those more expensive luxe products being much higher.

Whilst I'm not against picking up a drugstore product or two when I treat myself to a new make up product it's often from a higher end brand, particularly when their limited edition collections can be so hard to come by.

Therein is the first problem. Chanel's Rouge Noir Collection for example, we're subjected to various images and reviews in advance of launch dates and being lusting over the the collection, mentally listing what pieces we want to purchase. Then launch date arrives and if you don't hit the store on opening there is a distinct possibility you will miss out. How often have you missed a Mac collection despite being online line at 10.01 and adding things into the basket.

After all that effort if you are lucky enough to nab the item you wanted there's a hit of euphoria. You post on instagram with a little smugness as others share their tale of woe that they missed out and if you're a blogger it'll remain untouched, stared at and stroked until you take the necessary photos and write a blog post.

Next you are finally about to add to your make up routine and after all that build up, effort you, or certainly I have some pretty high expectations. If you're anything like me you'll often have designed in your mind the perfect justification for why you 'needed' such a product. Take the NARSissist Eyeshadow Palette. When this was covered by bloggers I decided this palette would change my life despite not being that familiar with the Nars brand. A large selection of eyeshadows in neutral shades this would be my go to eyeshadow palette. All I would need. One step away from bringing peace to the world. It wasn't cheap but it was worth it, I just knew it. Unfortunately I dithered and missed out on it's first run which as is often the case when you can't have something, you want it more so when it's next release occurred I was ready.

I phoned Selfridges, had one put aside and dragged myself from bed and into London to purchase. I was happy. Euphoric. Life was good. But some time later would I purchase it again? I don't think so. Are the eyeshadows good, yes there are? But is the palette more loved than my Bourjois Smokey Eye Quad? Probably not.

It was a similar story with the Chanel Entrelacs Eyeshadow Palette, again it was going to change my life, all I would need but unfortunately the pigmentation was just a little off and it's paled in comparison to other products in my collection.

It's not all bad and you could argue I should research more, investigate the product at counters but as I've already mentioned sometimes you don't have the luxury of time. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette is a favourite amongst bloggers and I remember the high when I managed to purchase in the US, despite it not being on the counter at Sephora one of the assistants checked out back and they'd been released and then it fell to the back of my collection. Recently I've been using this product and starting to love it but it's definitely been a slow burn.

In contrast if I buy a lipstick from Collection or Rimmel and it doesn't favour well I'll happily cast aside without another thought but it's the high end items I have the higher expectations of. Do you think that's fair? What are your thoughts?

Products I'm trying to use up #2

Last month I gathered another pile of beauty products that sit somewhere between being on the cusp of being finished or half used. The intention is simple to add them to my everyday rotation and help them on their way to the 'empties' bag that sits in my airing cupboard.

The first product I added to this pile was the No 7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation. As I look through my blog to see when I first purchased this foundation I note it was 2014 and think perhaps rather than use up I can have a pass to throw it out? Use by dates aside and no obvious worries with formula or smell I was happily working my way through this foundation and remembered why it was one of my foundation favourites at the time, even including it in my travel make up bag due to it's travel friendly plastic packaging.

I remember being shade matched in store and using some of those No 7 vouchers it seems I'm given with every other Boots purchase. The coverage is light-medium and wears well throughout the day. It claims to be non-pore blocking, which as someone who can be lax with evening skincare can vouch for as I don't suffer any breakouts when wearing this foundation. As it claims it's a lightweight foundation that sits nicely on the skin giving a luminous finish whilst evening out the complexion.

At the end of last year I was able to try some products from The Body Shop Oils of Life collection and the least favourite of those I tried was the Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Bi-Phase Essence Lotion* or quite simply, to me at least, a toner. That criticism aside and it's perhaps excessive £15 price point I do rather like this product. I am currently using in the mornings as refresher and imagine I'll work through this quite swiftly although it's a sizable bottle.

Once again I'm reminded how old a product is with the Jelly Belly Lip Balm*. Perhaps this shouldn't be Products I'm trying to use up but Products I need to throw away! Nonetheless I'm determined and what you can see in the picture is all that is left and there is nothing like the sense of achievement at using a product to it's very end. I wrote a full review of these balms way back when. Where I have lip balms hidden all over my flat and desk at work this offering does what it should with a fun twist.

Spoiler alert I can confirm I have successfully used up Nip+Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix* even before I had an opportunity to post about it. To be honest I was cheating a little to include it as it hadn't moved from my dressing table since my initial review of the Viper Venom range so it was inevitable that I would use it up quickly.

As I said in that initial review this is a pleasant primer to use, and whilst it did work to 'blur and mattify' the skin I didn't find it as obvious as Benefit Porefessional for example although this offering is more expensive than Nip+Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix and if you're not a fan of the silicone this where you should be looking.

You will have seen Essence's I Love Extreme Mascara in my monthly favourites so it's safe to say I'm being diligent in using this product and enjoying it. I can already feel it's drying out a little so it'll be time to move onto something new soon, I'm thinking a waterproof version for my holiday so please leave your recommendations.

And finally another product on the list is Xen-Tan Dark Intense Weekly Tan. This was a blogger inspired purchase and was what Bondi Sands is today. That said I was actually introduced to it by a friend who popped it on me before we headed out for a night on the town and I still to this day look at the photos from that night and admire how bronzed I'm looking. Other tans have come and gone and I find I work much easier with mousse but practice makes perfect. With the weather being what it is lately (cold!) a rare occasion to get my legs out whilst also enjoying the luxury of still wearing tights means popping this on in hurry works well for me.

Keep an eye out for these products appearing in an empties post soon and feel free to give me a telling off if I happen to buy replacements before that happens!

You can read my previous post on products I'm trying to use up here and let me know what you're trying to finish.

*this post contains press samples and affiliate links

Art Deco Arctic Collection Review

It's Spring and I'm fully aware that I should be sharing products from Art Deco like their Field of Flowers Blush or their new bronzing collection but it's rather grey and wet in London today so it seems almost appropriate.

The Arctic Collection from ArtDeco was released for Winter 2015 and I was lucky enough to receive products from there range and as there are still some available and my sister in law is still raving about the range I thought it was worth a post.

Starting with getting the blurb out of the way, ArtDeco is Germany's no.1 selling make up brand and it's slowly making waves in the UK and deservedly so. The Arctic Collection drew its inspiration from the arctics ice crystals, auroras and glacial landscapes. To me if feels and looks like it's a grown up Frozen make up line so if you're looking to channel your inner Queen Elsa then look no further.

Diving straight into the range with four nail colours. I've used ArtDeco nail lacquers before and these are all pearly, icy shades which I would not really be drawn to wearing. My SIL on the other hand loves them and has even found layering on darker shades create some wonderful effects so they're worth experimenting with.

Shade 04, Couture Crushed Ice* is a pearlescent, shimmery shade, as is 08 Couture Frozen Land* but in a silver tone. If you're into a nude nail with a pink overtone then the milkier coloured 608 Couture Pearl* or 955 Couture Ice Flower* might be for you and one I'm going to return to using these as I do like a nude nail when wearing falsies.

ArtDeco nail lacquers are great in opacity, even in these lighter shades, although not so forgiving on natural nails which have damage such as ridges etc. I'm using a top coat from ArtDeco at the moment which is working well and worth trying out.

The stars of the range for me are undoubtedly the Arctic Beauty Blush* and Highlighter*. Perhaps understandably so I was using the Highlighter incorrectly at first and explains why I was a little disappointed. I assumed it was for the face and lets be honest, grey does not work well as a highlighter, certainly on my skin, although interestingly the pink worked well if I could angle my brush appropriately. In fact this highlighter is in fact eyeshadow and I can totally see how this would work and I will be diving back into my pile to use it as such.

The blush on the other is simply a blush and is right up my street by way of colours. I do enjoy a blusher that has a mix of tones to swirl your brush in and liven up the face. The sun may be attempting to show its face but I'm still demonstrating the paler skin of winter so will take all the help I can get.

Moving onto the Arctic Beauty Lipsticks* which on first glance I thought were going to be a little dated for me and perhaps ageing but aside from 103 Cool Coral* which is in fact a pale shimmery shade better suited for the younger make up lovers amongst us but both 101 Cool Orchid* and 105 Cool Peach* (I must say the names don't match the colour you're seeing in my opinion) have remained to hand and are creamy texture which feel comfortable in the hand and are ideal for a natural look.

Similarly the Arctic Beauty Glam Stars Lipglosses*, which of course work well alongside the aforementioned lipsticks are a bit hit and miss shade wise for me. 31 Frozen Orchid is a perfect accompaniment to nudes when you want a little depth or worn alone if your preference. 35 Frozen Flower is a very pale, milky shade with the shimmer evident across all the range. It can be worn over lipsticks but along it's not something I'm a fan of. Again my younger friends might be more inclined.

The final products to share from the collection are where we get into full on glitter and sparkle territory. I'm not a fan but again my sister in law is wearing these constantly. As usual when I commented on her eye makeup whilst in Florida she responded 'it's the make up you gave me' (I was lucky enough to receive duplicates of the range).

The Glam Vintage Shimmer Cream* and Glam Stars Liquid Eye Liner* are fun products but not onces I can make work for me. The Shimmer Cream can be used across the body or simply on the eyes and it's wet texture makes it ideal to pat over matte shades to add some depth although it's a little too chunky for my liking. The ship has sailed where glittery eye liners are concerned but I did enjoy having a play around with it as a liner or adding a touch of sparkle to my lashes. 

And lastly a product I loved and whilst unlikely to use again, I'm rather taken with the beautiful packaging is the Arctic Beauty Dust*. Make no mistake one pump from this and you'll be sparkling so it's certainly fun for any parties or perhaps children would love a dusting of this in their hair.

Are you a fan of glitter and sparkle?

*this post contains press samples

Beauty Empties | October 2015

Along with my late October favourites, so too is that month's empties. In fact empties have fallen by the wayside more that any other posts of late so there are few jumbled posts that will appear but for now let's focus on what has recently made it's way into the pile.

Quite a few of this months empties have already been repurchased and that includes KMS California AddVolume Shampoo and Maybelline BrowDrama. Both these products are staples and ones I can rely on. For different jobs obviously. KMS California AddVolume Shampoo* isn't the cheapest product but I love the volume it gives my hair and I recently found a bottle at a reduced price in my local Homesense so I couldn't resist picking it up. See my review on more KMS California products here.

Maybelline BrowDrama I've discussed many times. Day to day I'm too lazy for penciling in individual hairs, even with products that make that easy. Instead a quick swipe from this Brow 'mascara' and I'm happy with the look. I have of course replaced already and am tempted to try other versions for comparison but I always resist preferring to stick with what I know. 

Two favourite skincare items ended up in the pile this month, Vichy Idealia Eyes* and L'oreal Age Perfect RefreshingToner. Both of this affordable items hold their own against luxury brands. Vichy is one of my go to high street brands, particularly the Idealia range. The products are perfect for my 30plus skin that I don't always treat as well as I should. With dreadful sleeping patterns and habits dark circles can be a problem for me but Idealia Eyes makes me look more awake than I feel. Toners are always difficult to talk about for me, this isn't the 'refreshing' spritz, nor the tingly acid tone type but it's one I like for those inbetween days when you want something more than just the refreshing spray but not too much for exfoliating toners. There is a lovely masculine scent to this toner which I enjoy and I always feel like my skin looks better for using this.

Unfortunately the Nanokeratin System Re-Vive Invigorating Shampoo and Conditioner* was not as much as a favourite as KMS was. Nothing to dislike just nothing to love either - especially for the price point and from a salon brand. Despite being specially formulated for 'virgin hair' like mine it never gave results that I couldn't get from cheaper alternatives. I do have another couple of sachets of this product to use so I will try again and see if I notice better results.

Another month, another hand cream and Vaseline Intensive Care Healthy Hands + Stronger Nails* is perfect for this time of year and a great size for those of you like me who use a lot of hand cream and an even better price. This isn't the fanciest of hand creams but it keeps hands moisturised, isn't greasy and has a subtle scent. 

Even before we reach the end of 2015 I think I can safely say 007 Fragrance for Women* was my surprise hit of the year. As I talked about in my initial review I had a slightly snobbish opinion of what I would class as a novelty fragrance and was proved very wrong. The 007 fragrance became as loved as my Chanel classics and for a much more affordable price. Perfume is something I usually request for Christmas or might treat myself to in duty free but this is one I could easily justify treating myself to 'just because'. 

If you saw this instagram post then you'll be aware of my love for Sure Maximum Protection deodorant. It literally won't let you down, or me at least. I've dabbled with other deodorants, as much as recently in fact and they just don't compete with this favourite. Sexy it isn't but I'm a sweaty betty and have spent years tackling wet patches under the arms and trying every deodorant known to man and this is the first that ticks all the boxes. My only complaint is I seem to go through them sooooo quickly. 

And finally is a boring product but one I mention for a number of reasons. Firstly, I was introduced to The Breath Co via a press sample and secondly it's important for me that my readers see that I will continue use products beyond the 'freebie' and purchasing with my own money - especially in this case when I could by far cheaper versions. This is a toothpaste that I recommend for anyone who doesn't like that minty toothpaste flavour. Minty it says but it has none of that overpowering flavour that would make you gag if you took a sip of orange juice. If you're interested keep an eye on the usual Boots offers, you can usually get it discounted. Read my original review here. 

Did you spot any products you use in my trash?

*this post contains press samples

Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Trios

Wet n Wild Walking on Eggshells link

I have had the photos for both of these trios available for some time and likewise used each trio on a couple of occasions but not sufficiently to take note for the purposes of a review post. When I put each of these palettes in my make up to start my testing process I had the intention of writing independent reviews of both but having used both during the same period but in actual fact it makes more sense to review both in the one post.

Ok so let's deal with the basics I love Wet N Wild as you will see from my numerous posts featuring them. Their quality and pigmentation is second to none and battles well against Mac and other high end competitors. This trio is only a few dollars and you wouldn't believe such good eyeshadows were available for that cost - if only they were more readily available in the UK. Whilst the packaging is fairly cheap with these trios that doesn't bother me if the product does what it should and both these trios do. Each trio tells you were to apply the eyeshadows; eyelid, crease and brow bone. The only thing missing for me is often a darker colour as I tend to use a powder liner but I can certainly get round that.

Walking on Eggshells has something of a cult status in the blog world, most notably for the shades being MAC dupes. The eyelid for Naked Lunch, the crease shade for Cork and brow bone highlight for Shroom. I only have Naked Lunch for comparison purposes and can say they are very alike. I did try taking some swatches but they didn't come out as I'd like so you'll have to take my word for it.

This is definitely a slightly more subtle palette than Sweet as Candy which is pinker but both eyelid shades are on the frosty side and at first when I was using more frequently for the purposes of this post I was unsure if I liked them but on frequent use I've found them both to be perfect paired with my favoured red lipsticks

Wet n Wild Sweet as Candy link

Both of these palettes have been taking precedence over others in my make up bag and they've become the ones I go to when I know I'm heading out of an evening and want a simple but effective make up look.

Have you tried any eyeshadows from Wet n Wild?

Chanel Cream Blush in Affinite

Chanel Le Blush Creme - Affinite link

Chanel Cream Blush made an appearance as winner of the 'best cream blusher' in InStyle's Beauty Awards this year and I can see why as they are a lovely product.

I have the shade Affinite which is a bright pink that creates the perfect flush of colour on cheeks. I always reach for this blush when I want something I can rely on, know it will suit most fashion looks and can be applied either with a stippling brush or fingers.

For the reason it can applied so easily I often have this in my in flight make up bag as you may remember from this post. Heavily pigmented a few dabs on the cheeks can be blended out nicely to give the perfect look.

Chamade a red tone has been on mind for sometime and I think the fact it's never lost my consciousness its time to put those Boots Advantage Card points to use.

Have you used Chanel Cream Blushes?

Mary Greenwell and Me

As sad as it may be there's nothing that makes me feel happier than seeing products I own appearing in a magazine and you can imagine my delight when I saw make-up artist Mary Greenwell sharing the contents of her make-up bag and I noted that we had some favourite products in common.

Chanel Les Beiges All In One Healthy Glow Fluid link
Like me, Mary wears Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid in the Summer months. This product accompanies my Healthy Glow Powder and appeared in my Foundation Favourites 2014 post.

As I discussed in that post this is a product I purchased after trying a sample and falling instantly in love and I will repurchase time and again. It's a light coverage and certainly one for good skin days but if you want that just stepped off the beach glow give this a try yourself.

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminious Eyeshadow link
I only own cream eyeshadow from Chanel but Fantasme is a good one. I reviewed in in this post last year and even received a compliment from the sales assistant in Chanel on my eye make up so that's got to be a glowing endorsement. One or two new colours from this range appear in Chanel's limited editions and I often toy with adding a few more to my collection.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler link
Judge me all you like but ever since the Shu Uemura Eyelash curler was referenced in the Devil Wears Prada movie I wanted to get my hands on one. It finally happened in August 2013. It's raved by everyone in the beauty biz and is the must have beauty tool. What do I think of it? Well you'll have to stay turned for a forthcoming post on eyelash curlers to find out.

Do you recognise any products that you share?

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash Macara link

It's hard to miss when Benefit launches a new product and never more so than with only their second mascara, Roller Lash. I have to say due to the huge promotional campaigns I'm often bored of the product before it even hits stores. Don't get me wrong it'd be amazing to be part of the blogger list who receives the amazing parcels many receive but sometimes the numerous blog posts can be overkill. That said here I am with a review of Roller Lash as I quite obviously couldn't resist picking up a free copy included in this month's Elle Magazine.

Benefit already own the title of They're Real Mascara being one of the UKs best selling mascara's which tends to be either loved or hated. I do own They're Real but have actually never tried it. Well that's not actually true. When I picked up my copy of Elle I thought I could do a review and comparison of both. After wearing They're Real once I wasn't particularly impressed and cast aside briefly to try Roller Lash and haven't put it down since. 

So that in a nutshell tells you all you need to know, I'm a big fan of Roller Lash. I'm fairly 'new' to mascaras in that it's never been my 'must have' product, nor the one I'd feel naked without and something my mum always used to chastise me about not wearing. Partly because of my apathy with mascara I'm not clearer than ever about what I do and don't like from them.

And what do I like about Roller Lash? I love their patented curved brush and find it so simple to apply. placing at the root of the lash and wiggling to the tip to pretty much coat all lashes at once. So quick and easy. There is no fall out nor clumping to speak of and you're left with the lift and curl they promise as well as seeing your lashes separated nicely which I hope is represented well in the photo below.

For a former non mascara wearer I seem to have rather a large stash of mascaras but this has definitely found it's way into my heart. I love the appearance of my lashes wearing Roller Lash and would definitely repurchase in the full size.

As for They're Real I'll give it another try and report back and maybe even try as Benefit suggest layered on over Roller Lash.

Have you picked up your copy of Elle and Roller Lash yet?

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

December Empties

Like my December favourites I'm 'late' with the products I used up last month and I better get posting as January's are hot on the heels. Towards the end of 2014 I made a conscious decision to start using products I own rather than adding more 'just because'.

Batiste Dry Shampoo, Dark & Deep Brown link
A staple in my haircare line up is Batiste Dry Shampoo. I wear the Dark & Deep Brown shade which obviously compliments my darker hair that other brands and shades don't. I tend to wash my hair daily but find this dry shampoo refreshens nicely before a night out or equally on a lazy day at home. Will I repurchase? Of course, and stay tuned for a haul in which I demonstrate that! It's up - you can read it here.

Tarte Lights Camera Lashes Mascara link
I probably could've got some more wear out of the Tarte mascara which I would say was one of my favourites for 2014. Unfortunately as the photo shows the regular lid broke towards the end of it's like and it was made difficult to open without using my teeth - not ideal. I would definitely repurchase again although my collection of mascaras is excessive and as such I need to work my way through those first.

The Body Shop Body Polish, Vanilla Bliss link
Vanilla Bliss Body Polish is just that, bliss. A present from Christmas 2013 that I put away as we went into Summer and brought out again last Winter. I love the scent of vanilla and I can definitely vouch it was more of a polish than a scrub. It's creamy yet softly gritty texture meant you could use alone without adding a regular shower gel. I do have the shower gel to compliment this and it's currently in my bathroom being used. I would definitely repurchase this as an alternative to other scrubs when I was something to gently exfoliate my skin rather than going in heavy duty.

The Wet Brush link
I have posted about my love for The Wet Brush, battled against the Tangle Teezer in this post and my stance hasn't changed. So much love do I have for this brush that as it was starting to show signs of regular use I paid the UK price via Cult Beauty (repurchase post here) to replace it. A traditional shaped brush that works through hair like a dream, it's another 2014 favourite.

Vichy Idealia Smoothing & Illuminating Cream* link
I love the Vichy Idealia Range and you will have seen this moisturiser pop up in morning skincare regime as well as the Idealia Serum and Eyes products in this post. And spoiler... it's also going to feature in my 2014 skincare favourites coming up later this week. Until I was introduced to the 'smoothing and illuminating cream' I hadn't found a day moisturisers that particularly wowed me. I love the light almost gel like consistency of this product and how my skin appears even before I slap on the make up. It's light enough for Summer and looking online I see there is one available for dry skin which would work for this time of year when my skin is on that side of the fence. Again I would repurchase and the only reason I haven't yet is my challenge to use products I already own.

Chanel Nail Polish link
Last Friday I posted about my Chanel nail polish collection and how following some use of the festive period I was using them to confirm my fears that the formula just isn't for me. Two at least have been used in their entirety, 18 Rouge Noir the classic shade we all know and love and 127 Irresistible which was a limited edition shade from some years ago. As last weeks post alludes I will not be replacing and am now on the hunt for a Rouge Noir dupe as it is a favourite shade of mine.

Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleansing Clothes: Brightening link
Shock horror - cleansing wipes! It will come as no surprise that during December, the month of late nights and hangovers I emptied a pack of cleansing wipes. Whilst I generally follow a more pleasing skincare regime there are just some occasions when the fact I use a face wipes should be considered a success rather than what my pillow wipes off during the night. I purchased this face wipes during one of my US trips following some talk on the usual blogs and YouTube channels. I wasn't particularly impressed. Ultimately I don't want to use face wipes as they can lead me to be lazy. I purchased these under the heading 'if I'm going to be 'bad' use a better brand' but I didn't find them any better than the Simple wipes I used during an overnight stop off. Of course I'm sure if I looked into ingredients etc then  I might be swayed but for the few occasions I use face wipes I can't justify the cost. As such this would be a no to repurchasing.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water link
I 'battled' the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water against the L'Oreal Version in this post and Garnier won. Whilst there was little difference I noticed at the time Garnier just pipped the post. Having finished this bottle and took to using a bottle from L'Oreal I had in my drawer before repurchasing I've noticed a bigger difference in how dry my skin feels. As I've mentioned my skin is drier at this time of year so likely doesn't help but I definitely find a slight tightness in my skin from L'Oreal which I don't with Garnier. I use a micellar water to remove my eye and/or face make up before going in with a cleanser of an evening. I seem to be going through the L'Oreal version far quicker than the Garnier but as soon as that bottle sees itself in an empties post I will be repurchasing.

Soap & Glory Hand Food link
Finally, no surprises is another hand cream. This small travel size has floated around in bags, hand luggage and the like and finally come to it's end. A full size sits on my desk at work and I'm sure I'll repurchase another travel size for my Summer holidays. The scent is amazing and product itself does what it should. If you're interested in giving it a try they currently have 3 for 2 on Soap & Glory products so it's a good time to stock up.

I'd love to know your thoughts on any of these products, especially face wipes and micellar waters.

*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