March 2016 Beauty Favourites

My blogging mojo has certainly returned the past couple of months and I feel like I've found 'my groove'. As such I've been testing, rediscovering and enjoying many products which I will have already shared, or plan to in their own posts. This month's 'dedicated' favourites post features those which I haven't yet shared with you.

First up is a product I am seriously regretting buying in the smaller size, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish in the the Limited Edition Sweet Orange and Mint scent. I've discussed Cleanse and Polish numerous times and it remains one of my favourite cleansers to rely on. I wasn't actually in the market for a cleanser when I stumbled across the new limited editions last year, one sniff and I couldn't resist with some attempt at 'being sensible' with this small size. As I'm starting to recognise the extra effort required from a pump I can sense I may be nearing the end. I prefer to use this in the mornings although it works perfectly fine as an evening cleanse depending on the amount of make up you may be wearing. For that reason Cleanse & Polish is often the one I'll take on holiday with me for ease. On the bright side I did give the newest scent from Liz Earle, Rose and Cedant a sniff the other day and once again Liz Earle have managed to create a rose scent I like.

Next up is Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, two cult products that once again I've had for some time but never really paid attention to. I had some sporadic use of Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo and must admit it didn't have much of an impact on me but since I've got into a regular routine of using once a week I've certainly goldieforway a difference in my hair. A weekly detox to remove all product residue, hard water minerals, pollutants and the like. I'm not one for using numerous products on my my hair but it does get particularly greasy and along with another shampoo and conditioner duo I'm using that hasn't been too much of a problem. It's on the pricey side but despite weekly use I'm not finding I'm going through it at too rapid a rate to make it seem too expensive to repurchase.

Clarin's Beauty Flash Balm was a gift with purchase I can't even remember and it's sat in the draw for far too long. As I was having my 'must use what I have moment' and enjoying testing out various primers, of which this is recommended for use I moved it onto my dressing table.

It does seem to be something of a marmite product in the beauty world, you either love it or hate it. Some say it adds a glow to your skin and they claim to 'erase traces of dull, lifeless skin' and others just complain it does nothing for them or makes them look oily. I can understand that and don't think it's a product I'll be using as the weather warms up but during Spring it's coming up a treat. I reach for it when I've had a sleepless night or maybe a night on the town and want to perk up my skin and really feel like it does. Combing with Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid really does amp up the glow and it stops Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Foundation appear too flat.

I do apologise for repeating myself but as I work my way through the Spring Cleaning of my make up stash I've been moving products onto my dressing table to decide if they should stay or go. Two that have been under scrutiny and passed the test are Benefit's Hervana Blush and L'Oreal Amber Rush Infallible Eyeshadow.

I literally cannot give you an explanation for why I original purchased Hervana, was it blogger influenced I don't know as when I look at it, or certainly until recently it wasn't a blush that made me particularly excited. Suddenly I can't be parted from it and it's not be moved on so I can test other products I'm enjoying having it regularly to hand. A mix of shades that I just swirl my brush in it gives a subtle stain finish which brightens up my day time look. Perfect paired with a brighter lip or smokey eye I'm glad to have rediscovered it.

L'Oreal Amber Rush I do remember purchasing. This is one of those 'only available in the US' products and was on every 'things to buy when visiting the US' post. Duly I did as instructed and then admittedly, as we many eyeshadows I cast aside. Why I ask myself. Only the other day I was in the bathroom washing my hands as a friend tried to talk to me and I had to apologise as I was not listening and admiring my sparkly eyes. I don't have the best eyelids, or shall I say smoothest and perhaps it's time to leave the sparkle to others but I'm not ready yet. It's a perfect one shadow colour paired with some mascara and perhaps liner.

Finally it's too lip products that in colour are not too dissimilar but certainly are in finish.  Benecos Lipstick in Marry Me* I've only just recently shared with you and that's how it's found it's way into my favourites pile. Initially tested and then added to the every growing pile of lipsticks I can't bear to part with I started wearing again to remind myself what I thought for the blog post. Suddenly it's in the everyday pile and I'm reaching for it often. As I explained in my Benecos review its a reddish pink perfect for the current season.

Likewise NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in San Paulo is a the opposite of Marry Me in formula but the shade a raspberry pink works well, again for those days when I'm not feeling a bold lip but want more colour than a nude.

Stay tuned for another selection of favourites from my bathroom and don't forget to share with me what you've been loving this month.

US Drugstore Lip Haul and Reviews

To try and manage my excitement when shopping for make up in the US I like to make sure I only purchase products that I cannot get my hands on in the UK. Yes there's eBay, Amazon and other online retailers but I prefer to pick up products, swatch if I can or at least look at them with my own eyes.

Despite that sweeping statement I seem to have ignored that advice and picked up a number of NYX products despite them being found in Boots, Selfridges and if rumours are true, their own stand alone stores. But what can you do when a shade or formula catches your eye.

Those I picked up were the NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair, NYX Soft Matte Cream in San Paulo and Butter Lipstick in Fruit Punch, the latter clearly with my eye on the Summer.

Also to catch my eye and carrying on with what appears to a be a common colour theme were two products from Wet n Wild. First the Megaslicks Lip Gloss in Rasp-berry Voice and High Shine Lip Stain in Runaway Red.

The strangest thing about a number of these purchases are I'm usual not a fan of gloss nor nude lip colours. Towards the end of last year I was favouring pinky nudes as much as my reds and clearly I was keen to explore more.

A stand out product was Rimmel's liner in East End Snob and that under or with most of these lip products has made them all favourites and reaching for on various rotations.

The stand out favourite is NYX Matte Cream in San Paulo. A creamy matte that does not dry the lips. Perfect for the transitional time of year and the middle ground between my love of reds and nudes.

My favourite from the Wet n Wild pairing is the Mega Slick Lip Gloss, not too sticky and with a subtle colour that makes a gorgeous look over the aforementioned East End Snob liner. It's a look I'm loving and allowing me to experiment more with darker eye make up.

The lip stain is not sticky at all, a slight tackiness but I do find it pools around the edges of lips and I need to be a bit more mindful when applying and wearing.

Fruit Punch is yet to be worn but I already know I love Butter Lipsticks with one of their reds being my most worn in 2015. Unfortunately the Butter Gloss in Eclair may be a little too pale for me but I need to play around a little more before I write it off completely.

What have been your favourite lip products lately?

Products I've used up | January 2016

My first empties post of 2016 featuring a variety of products starting with the last product to make it's way into the pile, Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo. This is an old favourite of mine but as I rotated products around my bathroom I'd shifted this larger bottle into my travel stash and would use to decant into smaller bottles I had. I took those smaller bottles to Florida with me and fell in love once again with this shampoo I'm definitely tempted to make a repurchase very soon. 

I'm a big fan of La Roche Posay and the Physiological Cleansing Gel* didn't disappoint for it's formula, packaging and ability to see when it was sadly coming to an end. Apparently the formula contains ingredients so gentle that they're used in contact lens solutions but that doesn't mean that it's too soft to remove all make up and grime from your face at the end of the day. 

Regular readers will know I'm loyal to Sure Maximum Protection for my deodorant needs but I'm not against trying new products. In this instance it was Dr Organic Coconut Oil Deodorant* which whilst not a competitor for my regular product was a pleasant one to use at night time. If you're a coconut lover this is one for you. Another deodorant I tried was from Soft & Gentle* and unfortunately it just didn't pack the punch I need either. Just call me sweaty betty!

Hot on the heels of the shampoo is L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Conditioner, both of which are great products for giving thick, glossy locks. Definitely one for the repurchase list. 

The MonuSpa Body Buffer* was a complete luxury product that I loved using and shows why sometimes it's worth spending the extra few pounds for bath time product. Whilst I have a healthy stash of Soap & Glory Body Scrubs to work through I will be considering a repurchase for when I want an additional pamper. 

I've had the Elegant Touch Drama Queen false nails have sat in a draw at home for some time and they finally made an appearance for a friends birthday dinner after Christmas. Despite my intentions of a full on manicure as usual time escaped me and instead I reached for these. Unlike the House of Holland nails I'd used these were much smaller in size and whilst still giving me talons I was able to 'function' much easier. They did mean I was unable to type as freely as I would like so I did soak them off the next day but it was worth it for a quick fix before a night out. 

Cocoa Brown Tan* is well known for being a well performing affordable tanning product and I can see why. I seem to have a rather large collection of tanning products without the frequent use and I'm trying to change that, hence Cocoa Brown's tanner finding its way into the empty pile. 

I used Bobbi Brown Corrector for years and whilst there is still a small offering left an end of year declutter I decided to put this in the trash. I haven't reached for it in months and other products are used with more frequency. Yes it knocks out the colour of my dark circles and will not sit in my fine lines but I have other products that I prefer these days. 

A product thats more function rather than one I have much to say on, Nails Inc Base Coat was my go to first step in my nail regimes. Again my end of year declutter highlights the abundance of nail products available to me so there is no need for a repurchase yet and I'm comfortable that many base coat products I've used do the same job.

As I enter 2016 I've decided I need to be more strict with my mascara and rather than flog to death, let them go when the time is needed. Two that have had the boot recently are NYX Propel My Lashes* which I loved and will repurchase when the time comes and L'Oreal Lash Architect Mascara* from Just My Look which I didn't. I didn't enjoy the spindly brush nor clumpy look of my lashes. One very much, for the bin. 

I had been using YSL Touche Eclat for years and repurchased constantly. As I became less brand loyal, or shall we say experimental with my product ranges this product fell to the back of the draw and I don't know how long it's sat there. I have used sporadically throughout the year but as part of the already mentioned declutter it was time to let go. Yes I have my eyes on that collectors edition, stay tuned. 

Whilst on holiday and browsing the Sephora aisles I dithered whether to repurchase Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black in full size knowing the small rollerball had reached the end of it's life. In the end I decided to hold fire, sure I'll be in the US later in the year when I have less perfume lining my dressing table. 

And finally is Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Lotion which was an amazing find last year. To target Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin as it's known it's worth the price tag. I'm lucky that I only have a small patch on one of my legs but this cleared it up a treat. As usual with my usage I'm sporadic but nonetheless when used properly this product works a treat. The only reason I won't be repurchasing yet is I managed to pick up an alternative in the US, once again stay tuned!

*this post contains press samples 

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

Shopping my stash - The Halloween Edition

As Halloween fast approaches I decided to have a look through my make up collection and see what products I have that can help me get into the Halloween spirit this weekend and was pleased with what I found.

I think we all have a black liquid liner in our stashes and Pixi Cat Eye Ink* in Intense Black is one I've been using lately. The slanted tip makes it easier for me to create an almost perfect cat eye flick that lasts long into witching hours. 

Winged eyeliner is the perfect accompaniment to any smoky eye and if you want to keep things dark my find was Drama Eyes Eye Inspire Catwalk Quad from MeMeMe*. Four baked eyeshadows that can be applied wet or dry depending on intensity wanted in shades of black, blue and grey. A heavy dark smokey eye will transform any little black dress into something from the darkside.

If you want to be a bolder with your choice then I love Barry M Dazzle Dust*. At just under £5 and often available on 3 for 2 they make a more affordable choice than Mac Pigments when looking for some more colourful options. I have shades 72 - bright emerald, 73 - pinky orange and 74 -violet purple and all can be applied lightly and built up for a heavily pigmented statement eye. A little goes a long way with the Barry M Dazzle Dusts but adding definition in the crease and a heavy cat eye it makes for a wearable look that will make you stand out from the crowd.

The next item might not strictly be a 'Halloween colour' on the lips but it'd certainly be fun to pull out Barry M Genie Lipstick* whilst attending your parties. I love this lipstick as firstly it's a great shade of pink (and perhaps better suited to Summer wearing) but peoples faces when they see me applying it on the train is priceless. I might just take this along for my niece to enjoy while we're trick or treating on Saturday. For those interested Barry M also have a Halloween Bundle available from Boots here. 

Finally are two favourite products of mine which are very wearable and often sported during the Autumn months. Desert Festival is one of Fergies palettes with Wet n Wild, a set of five all you need eyeshadows which can create day to night looks without any fuss. I wore this a lot last year as you might have read in my review here and it's one I'll definitely be returning to way after Halloween. 

And finally another lip product that will compliment any pumpkin theme is NYX Cherry Cheesecake Butter Lip Gloss* which you can now find in Boots - hooray. NYX Butter Glosses have been raved all over the blogosphere and I can see why. I'm not typically a gloss fan but these are not sticky and give a medium to sheer coverage I can wait to buy more.

What do you have in your make up bag that you could use for a Halloween make over?

*This post contains press samples

In Flight Essentials | Short Haul Flights

Most of my previous flights to date have been long haul and therefore my in flight essentials have been hardier than what was needed for a two hour trip to Ibiza. That said I still wanted to have one or two items with me to ensure that I didn't look too travel wearing when I arrived at my hotel.

Avenue Thermal Water Spray*
Yes this is essentially a can of water but it's nonetheless a travel essential for me and always appears in my beach bag or as part of my sightseeing kit. For flights it's just the thing to refresh the face and combat dehydration from the cabin air. It's also handy to have on hand for sunburn and other irritations you might experience on your trip.

Soft & Gentle Orange Blossom & Grapefruit Deodorant*
This is in no way a contender for Sure Maximum Protection but it's perfectly adequate to freshen up before your land and board a sweaty coach to your destination. It was also handy to throw into my bag when I travelled to visit my parents on the Island or reach for when needed. Sometimes a spray is what you need to feel the gap when a cream would be too messy.

Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer
I travelled to the airport by train for this trip so on top of that, the flight and a coach journey a hand sanitizer was definitely required. I also knew I was in a middle seat on the plane and unsure how easy I'd be able to get in and out of my seat so wanted to ensure I could still keep my hands clean as necessary. The current flavour I'm using is Candy Apple from the Halloween range - it makes me smile every time I use it as it reminds me Apple Sourz from my youth!

Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour Cheek Gelee, Getaway Red
I love this Cheek Gelee from Josie Maran I often wonder why I haven't purchased more from the range. In any case this is a perfect blush for travelling as it requires no brushes and adds a flush of colour which can be needed if feeling a little peaky from travelling.

Trilogy CoQ10 Age Proof Eye Recovery Concentration*
I've become quite taken with this rollerball from Trilogy since featuring it in my Hydrating Skincare Favourites post. When I was putting together my inflight kit I knew this was perfect for travelling with me. For a two hour flight I knew I wouldn't be bothered with removing make up and applying creams and such but also that my eyes would suffer more than most. Having this rollerball to hand for reapplying when my eyes needed it ensured I didn't look like I'd spent the night in club already.


NYX Butter Lipstick, Coral Red*
Since appearing in my April Favourites I've found it hard to turn to any other lipstick lately, fearing this might actually be one I used up before the end of the year I use it so frequently. As I mentioned in that post it's the perfect red for the time of year and the formulation doesn't leave lips dry.

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Powder
My Holy Grail Product and one I'm never without. A touch up of this powder and an addition of the aforementioned lipstick and cheek gelee and I was good to go on arrival. Obviously this powder was also perfect for tackling shine throughout my holiday.

Roger & Gallet Fleur d'Osmanthus Hand Balm*
I used this hand cream religiously on holiday. I don't know what was going on but whatever I seemed to do my hands were crying out for moisture. This was a fruity fragrance just perfect for a Summer holiday.

DrPawPaw Original Clear Balm*
Not only perfect for your holidays this is a product that could also come in handy during the festival season. A balm containing papaya, olive oil and Aloe Vera oil that is perfect for skin irritations such as sunburn. This tiny tube can be used to stray hairs, massage into cuticles and as a lip balm. I had it on hand mainly for it's lip balm properties but during the week I was away it was nice to have something for looking after my nails. Even better it's a UK made product.

So there's a peek at what I take on a flight with me, what are your essentials?

*PR Samples

April 2015 BEAUTY FAVOURITES

This months favourites are a mix of things that certainly show I'm getting into the Spring spirit as well as one or two more hardy products that have helped me out of a spot or two. Let's dive straight in. 

MicroCell Nail Repair* link

MicroCell is a new to me brand that has recently hit the UK after making waves in Germany where it is one of their top sellers. As typical with products of this type a diligent daily application is required for things to take effect so laziness had prevented me from entering into a test period to put together a full review for the blog. I remember asking the rep at the time whether you could apply MicroCell and put a colour on top and she said yes, but you would need to remove every night and reapply as directed. Hmmmm well that wasn't going to happen.

Then my base coat ran out and I reached for the bottle thinking maybe I would be encouraged to test throughly. In short this did not happy but I was pretty impressed days later when with the aid of my eyeCandy top coat my nails were looking better than ever. I won't delve much further as I am hoping whilst on holiday next week and doing some chopping and changing of nail colours and of course the more relaxed regime of sitting on my backside by the pool will give my nails a chance to improve further and give a better basis for a full review. That said, despite not following the instructions 'to the letter' there has been a marked improvement in the strength (and therefore length!) of my nails

 

Chanel Nail Colour, Rose Insolent link

My dad went to the US a year or so ago and whilst he wouldn't be visiting a Sephora anytime soon I couldn't miss the opportunity to pick me up one or two items. Instead I decided to give him a Chanel shopping list which he would be able to hand over at the Duty Free counter. On that list was Rose Insolent and this is possibly one of my most favourite Chanel nail colours. If you read my post about how disappointing Chanel nail colours are for wear and tear thankfully due to my trusty eyeCandy top coat I have breathed new life into them.

Rose Insolent is the perfect transisitional pink for Spring. Not too pastel, not too neon just right. It makes a change from my standard reds and its been a colour I reached for more frequently throughout May.

The Body Shop Soothing Gel* link

When I originally posted about the Aloe skincare range from The Body Shop the soothing gel was the product I'd had the opportunity to use least. Some months on it's become the product I reach for most and wonder how I lived without.

Overzealous with my epilator, reach for the soothing gel. Redness from threading, reach for the soothing gel. It's defintely an essential but never more so than a couple of weeks ago when I was roasting a chicken and managed to pour chicken fat onto my arm. Despite wearing a sweatshirt, which was removed swifly far still managed to make it's way through to my arm.

After water was thrown over me I reached straight away for the soothing gel and continued to apply over the days that followed. This product was a lifesaver. Yes there is a mark from the burn but applying the soothing gel meant I didn't experience any blistering to the burn and weeks later the mark is fading nicely and I hope scarring will be kept to a minimum.

This is a product everyone should have at home.
 

NYX Butter Lipstick, Coral Red* link

I wear a lot of red lipsticks to work so when someone comments on one I'm wearing I know it must be good. Coral Red from the NYX Butter line is the perfect shade for Spring. I still like and wear my true reds when the occasion is right but this is one that I can wear by day, feel like myself but also like I'm embracing the new season. As for the lipstick itself, pigmentation and wear are spot on and it's become a regular in my make up rotation.
 

Roger & Gallet Hand Cream, Fleur de Figuer* link

I posted about the Roger & Gallet Hand Creams last week but Fleur de Figuer is the stand out favourite. The scent is delicious and the hand cream itself a good one. I only wish there were a larger size as I can see myself going through these small (but practical) tubes very quickly.

What have you been loving this month?

CLOSED / US Drugstore Beauty Giveaway

Whilst I was in the US last year I threw a few extra beauty bits into my shopping bags to share with readers. For whatever reason they were hidden in the back of a cupboard and I think it's high time I got my giveaway ready for you.

One lucky person could win a goodie bag filled with the following:

The Wet Brush Mini link
I love my Wet Brush as you will know if you're read this post and whilst luggage allowances restricted me to bringing home a full sized one for you I hope a mini to throw in your handbag will be just as pleasing.

NYX Matte Lipstick in Shocking Pink link
If you're looking for a dupe of Mac's Candy Yum Yum then Shocking Pink from the NYX Matte Lipstick range is just for you. This is a long lasting, non drying formula I really enjoying wearing. In fact typing this post it's time to dig my own out.

Victoria Secret Rollerball in Heavenly link
I can't actually tell you from my own experience what Heavenly by Victoria Secret smells like as this was a free gift during one of many large sprees in store. It's apparently one of their first fragrances and I can tell you from reading online that it is a warm fragrance with white musk, sandalwood, vanilla and white peony notes. If you're lucky enough to win report back and share what you made of it.

Milani Baked Blush in Deliziouso Pink link
Milani Baked Blushes are highly regarded in beauty circles and deservedly so. Don't let this bright pink blusher scare you its very wearable with a light hand. It's perfect as we head into Spring. Whilst I have this blush in my own collection I've never reviewed it here but you can find all you need to know on Temptalia here

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara link
I actually brought this mascara for myself but due to an excessive collection of mascara's I decided to throw it in to the giveaway pile. If it made it's way onto my shopping list I had obviously seen it reviewed somewhere.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk link
Another product I picked up was also seen on American YouTuber's channels and I reviewed my copy here. Unfortunately it creases on me but as an eyeshadow base it's fantastic. Reviews are mixed across the board so I hope that if you're lucky enough to win you'll be in the thumbs up camp.

Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizers in Pumpkin Pecan Waffles & Vanilla Berry Sorbet link
You also have the opportunity to win two of the famous Bath & Bodyworks hand sanitizers. I picked up two different scents for you, Pumpkin Pecan Waffles and Vanilla Berry Sorbet. Both smell amazing and who can fault any of these little bottles.

Wet n Wild Comfort Zone Eyeshadow Palette link
I'm a big fan of Wet n Wild's afforable eyeshadow palettes and they're quality is comparible to Mac and other high end brands. I reviewed the Comfort Zone palette in this post and the fact remains I'm still a big fan and love to bust this out regularly.

This giveaway is open to all UK residents (sorry overseas friends)

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

May Favourites

This month has been spent testing and trialling both new and existing items in my cupboards as I try and declutter the hoards of products filling cupboards and drawer space so today's favourites feature a mix from those. In the case of the products I'm talking about today they are the ones I reached for when I didn't want to risk trying something new and wanted something I could rely on or knew would be a hit.

Bare Minerals Original SPF 15 Foundation link
This was the first foundation I decided to use when I turned 30 and felt I needed more coverage but wasn't keen on the typical liquid alternatives. With a lax skincare regime at the time one of it's selling points was that if I did fail to remove it there was less damage being caused to my skin. I have repurchased this on a number of occasions and it's come in handy on the few hot days we've had when I didn't want to risk foundation slipping off my face.

Nars NARSissist Eye Palette link
Sold out in the UK but still available from Sephora if you're desperate to get your hands on this was my first Nars purchase and I'm more than happy I made the dash to Selfridges to pick it up. 15 eyeshadows in a sleek palette enabling multiple looks it has been thrown in my make up bag on many occasions this month. Despite buying on it's initial release I'd been reluctant to dive in  and do not know why I waited so long. This palette is perfect for travel and will certainly be accompanying me on my next holiday. 

Maybelline Master Glaze Cream Blush, Pink Fever link
I picked up three of these Maybelline cream blush sticks in the US last month and love how easy they are to use - literally swipe, blend and go. I will be popping a full review of these up very soon as whilst I appreciate they are not available in the UK they are well worth tracking down and are great for days when you don't want to think too much about putting on blush.

NYX Matte Lipstick, Shocking Pink link
Another US purchase I picked up as a dupe for Mac's Candy Yum Yum. Despite it's matte finish this has a creamy application and I don't find my lips dry out at all which is often the case with many matte lipsticks I wear. For day I dab this on the lips lightly and it lasts longer than many other lipsticks do on me. If I'm heading out after work I swipe more heavily and build it up for the brighter more 'shocking pink' tone.

Once Upon a Time link

This month has most definitely been dominated by the TV series Once Upon a Time. In just two weeks I managed to work my way through two series of the show having missed its initial airing. From creators of the series Lost, Once Upon a Time features our well known and loved fairy tale characters who due to a curse have had their memories wiped and now live in the present day in a town called Storybrook. Each episode has two stories, one in Storybrook and another from the past as their ‘real’ storybook character which provides us the history of who they are today. Spoiler Alert - By series two the curse has been lifted but not a return to the Enchanted Forest so again more trials and tribulations are ahead.

The series had a possibility that it could’ve been rather cheesy but that is not the case and I’m pleased to see the female characters are particularly dominating very much changing our Disney perceptions of Snow White. I especially loved the early episodes as you saw two versions of the same person and how they differ in their new world from the old and where there are some personality traits that won’t go away – I always think it’s testament to an actor when they can essentially play two parts in the same show and convince the actor of the differences, much like Elena and Catherine in The Vampire Diaries, which I despite being another show I love it’s nice to have one that isn’t about Vampires. 

What have you been loving this month, let me know in the comments. Now I'm off to try and track down where I can watch Series 3 of Once Upon a Time.

American Beauty Haul

I won't go into too much detail on the items photographed above and I'm somewhat ashamed to admit this isn't inclusive of everything I hauled back from the US following April's American adventure but I thought you'd enjoy a nose into my shopping bags.

As you can tell from the photos there is a lot of drugstore goodies from the likes of Physician's Formula and Milani which we can't get hold of in the UK and even, shock horror, face wipes which I've used on a couple of occasions since my return and am thoroughly enjoying.

I am still getting around to trying out many of the other products and finding what are the hits and misses from my new stash and I hope to bring you some more in depth posts on the items featured but I will say I used one of the Milani lipsticks last week and I've never known a lipstick to last so long on my lips.

Let me know if there is anything you're particularly interested in hearing more about.

NYX Natural Eyeshadow Palette Review

My shopping ambition whilst on holiday was to pick up products that I couldn’t get at home which now that Sephora is shipping overseas has been made easier or in the case of NYX those that I could see in person before purchasing. I’d read online that the NYX Natural palette was a dupe for the Urban Decay Basics palette and another from Stila. I own neither so this is not a comparison review but that of the product in its own right.

Some people complain about the quality of drugstore products and yes this palette is housed in ‘cheap’ plastic packaging but I have no fault with that. A mirror would have been nice but I have 2 or 3 other products in my make up bag that have those so it’s not an issue and it’s clear casing makes it easy to see the shadows which actually in the case of high end packaging is often not the case.

Inside we have six eye shadows; a soft ivory, shimmery champagne, matte peach, satin taupe and matte brown – all one would need we’d think? Well as you can see from the swatches with the exception of the two brown shades there is barely any pigment at all to the lighter shades, I was quite disappointed when I photographed this before using it. The texture of the shadows is chalky and it takes some effort to add these to ones lids. I appreciate this is for a 'natural' look but I assume if you're applying eyeshadow you want some evidence of it?

I used this palette every day last week, with and without Mac paint points, NYX Jumbo Eye crayon in Milk and nothing worked to either help with the pigmentation or longevity. They were patchy at best and creasing was dreadful. The champagne highlight was too yellow and sparkly and not in keeping with the natural feel and would look cheap and it was the darkest brown proving best as a liner only. The lighter colours don’t even perform worthy of a mention – even for a natural look.

For only about $8 I can’t complain too much but what does make me sad is that those delving into their first make up journeys will start at the drugstore and pick up palettes like this. Armed with no pigmentation and poor lasting time – and don’t get me started on the sponge applicators, why are we still finding these – they will not achieve a look to be proud of.

If you’re looking for good quality and pigmentation from the drugstore I’d definitely stick with Wet n Wild – cheaper at half the price.