NYX Taupe Blush Review

Time to review a beauty cult product - the NYX powder blush in 'Taupe'. I had seen so many people rave about this, saying it's a great highstreet contour powder, and I'd have to agree!

This is only £6, and my first ever NYX purchase, and I really REALLY like it. 

The colour is a cool toned browny-taupe colour, probably why it's called 'taupe' right?
Now I'm super pale, and I normally find bronzers or contour powders just look like orange strokes on me. Never good!

However, this works beautifully as a contour powder, as it doesn't have any orange tones, so looks really natural on the skin. I love using this to define my cheekbones and contour my stubby nose. 

The blush itself has a really soft texture, and feels really smooth on the skin. I find it really easy to apply, and it blends in beautifully.

It also works great as an eyeshadow - so versatile eh?

I like blending this into my crease, or even a sweep on the lid, and it looks great.

An overall great product, and for £6 you really can't go wrong!

Have you tried this out?

Until next time,

Garnier BB Skin Perfector - Combination/Oily review

I've really tried to like BB creams, I promise you.

I've bought so many different ones, all promising great things - except my skin doesn't like them. Nope.

No BB cream has ever looked nice on my skin, it's always been patchy, orange or just plain wrong.

So when Garnier brought out a BB cream for combination/oily skin, I just had to try it!

It retails for £9.99 - a standard price really.

I picked mine up in 'Light', which to be honest with you, isn't light. It's really yellow toned, and definitely two shades too dark for my skin tone. Luckily, it is easy to blend, and with a little powder it does work. I find it works best when I've just fake tanned. 

In terms of it responding with oily skin, I found it did work, to a point. My skin is pretty oily, and nothing is yet to banish the shine, but this doesn't make it any worse. The coverage is light but buildable, but I do find you have to use a few layers for it to really cover up blemishes or redness. 

I think this is a product that you need to be percevere with, as Garnier claims over time it will improve the condition of your skin. 

My overall opinion - I do like it, but not enough to wear everyday. I find you have to apply full coverage concealer to hide any blemishes, and I still need powder to properly mattify it.

I  think this is best for those who have oily skin, but doesn't need full coverage.

What do you think of this, have you tried it?

Until next time, 

Benefit They're Real! Push-up Liner review

So I'm back with another Benefit review today, and this one is probably one of the most talked about products out there.

Benefit's They're Real! push up liner is the first gel liner in a pen formation, with a pointed tip to make gel liner easier, apparently. Now I know there has been probably thousands of reviews online, but I wanted to say my peace with this product.

Firstly, the packaging is really nice - sleek, with a diamond cross pattern subtly running through it. 

To reveal the pen, you have to twist the top off, sounds silly but I really hate this feature - I much prefer a normal pen-lid type. First world problems right there eh?

Onto the product - you twist the bottom to release the gel, but a fair warning - you don't need much! I personally find one twist is good enough for the lid, and another if you want to do a flick.

 

The colour is super pigmented, but has quite a dry texture. I feel like you're really dragging the product across the eye. You can disperse more product, but then you're left with too much.

It definitely takes a while to get used to as well. I certainly didn't master this the first go - you have to be patient and just keep practising until you're used to it. However, I do like it. It gives the best black liner look, without being glossy, and I find creating a flick super easy as the nib itself is pointed.

This is a great alternative to gel liner with a brush (which I have never liked), but it does take a while to get used to, and I can't imagine everyone will take to this.

And it is worth its £18.50 price mark? Personally I think that's pretty steep for a liner, but it is justifiable. 

Have you tried this product yet?

Until next time,

Benefit the POREfessional: agent zero shine Review

Now I have oily skin, I never shut complaining about it and probably never will; I will try anything that is said to reduce the shiny face, and this product is one of those items.

This powder is kind of new-ish, and I've seen so many reviews and blog posts talking about it.

So I decided to pick it up and give it a whirl. 

The Benefit POREfessional: agent zero shine powder costs £23.50 in Boots, and you get a pretty average 7g of powder. 

Now what attracted me to this powder is the claim that it helps to reduce oil levels and large pores.

The powder itself is translucent, and comes in this rather adorable cone type packaging.

I'm a big fan of Benefit's cheesy gimmicky packaging, and this is one of my favourites.

You twist the top and dispense the powder into the lid, using the even cuter mini kabuki brush that twists out of the bottom of the packaging.

This is a really great idea if you are going travelling or need to carry little makeup, as it serves as a powder and a brush holder at the same time - GENIUS.

But does it actually work?

Well, I'm a fan! It doesn't soak up the oiliness 100% (although I doubt anything ever will, sob), but it does help to soften and mattify the skin.

I use this on my t-zone in the morning, and then use this to blot the shiny/gross/mess of a face throughout the day.

It is pricey for a powder, yes, but it does work and c'mon - how cute is the packaging?!

Tip: if you have a melting face like me, yay, I always use blotting tissues first to soak up the oil, as I find using just powder turns it into a melting cakey mess. Yuck.

Have you tried this powder?

Until next time,

Makeup Revolution Haul & Review

I love finding new brands, especially ones that don't upset your bank balance!

Make Up Revolution is a new brand on the market, and sells makeup at stupidly good prices - so of course I had to make a cheeky purchase...

I ended up buying five things, which came to a beautiful £10. £10?! That's not even half a concealer from Benefit! So do you get what you pay for? 

I am in love. Simple as! I'm astounded at the pigmentation, and long lasting wear of these products! I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much from such cheap prices, but good God it's geat stuff! 

I picked up three Eye Dusts, the Blush & Contour palette and a lipstick.

Ultra Blush and Contour Palette - Sugar and Spice, £6

This was the product that really got my attention - you can't really buy contour palettes in drug stores these days, so I couldn't resist for £6!

It comes with 6 matte shades - 2 contour and 4 blushes, a baked blush and a highlighter. 

All the shades are really pigmented and blend beautifully. I love that all the blushes have slightly different tones so you can go pretty dramatic, or really toned down.

The contour colours are really nice too - I love using them to warm my face up (pale, boo)

The baked blush is also beautiful - it really gives my cheeks a lift, and placing the highlighter on top is the perfect dewy-look. LOVE.

 Amazing Lipstick in 'Sweetheart', £1

A pound lipstick I hear you cry?! Yes, I know! And it's lovely too.

These lipsticks are amazing quality for £1, and I love the baby pink colour this one has. It smells like sugar, and I find it is hydrating and not sticky at all. It has quite a sheer application, but it great for a light colour day-to-day.

Eye Dust, £1

These little beauties are AMAZING. If you're tempted by the MAC pigments, wait - buy these instead!

I've never really used pigments, but I certainly will be after using these!

I ended up buying Indirect, Supreme and Angelic, and I'm in love with all three.

You can apply them wet or dry, and they give the most amazing metallic shine to the eyes - perfect for a special occasion or night out.

 Final verdict? I'm amazed to be honest. I really wasn't expecting such high quality with low prices, but I'm really impressed. I'll certainly be shopping with them again!

If you're counting the pennies, or simply like finding a bargain, Make Up Revolution is for you. Think MUA x 10000.

My absolute favourite have to be the eye dusts. A dupe for MAC's loose pigment, and at £1 each I'll be buying the whole lot soon!

So what do you think of Make Up Revolution?

Until next time, 

Rimmel Wonder'full Argan Oil mascara review

Following the lovely Kirstie from A Yellow Brick Blog's suggestion, I decided to pick up this mascara!

Now I've never been a big mascara addict, in the sense that my lashes are rubbish anyway so nothing's going to fix them...

Well this mascara certainly helps!

This is the Rimmel Wonder'full mascara with Argan Oil, sounds fancy right?!

The packaging is your standard drug store style - with this pretty snazzy bronze colour flowing through it.

I was really intrigued by the argan oil element, as I'm a big fan of the stuff. Rimmel claims that the argan oil produces clump-free smooth lashes, and I'd have to agree. My lashes didn't stick together at all.

The wand is a plastic bendy-type, with slightly tapered spikes running through it. 

I find this wand super easy to use, and it clings to my lashes really well.

After a few zig-zaggy motions, my lashes appear much longer.

The result?

Long lashes! I know right, this never happens to me!

I find a couple of coats of this really gives my lashes volume, and I love how it doesn't clump them together at all.

My verdict?  IN LOVE.

Rimmel did good with this one!

And even better, it's £5.99 - barry bargain!

Have you tried this mascara out yet?

Until next time,

St Tropez Starter Kit Review

Anyone that knows me will know that I don't tan. I never have, and probably never will. My skin, once greeted by the sun, turns freckly and red. So attractive I know! Having two older brothers with ginger hair meant of course I inherited the ginger skin. 

So I decided to take a stand - I will no longer suffer as a stark pale person, who could quite easily blend into the background of a snowy mountain (preferably with Jon Snow, for all you GOT fans). 

So I bought myself some fake tan. I almost hyperventilated taking it to the counter - images of TOWIE and Oompa Loompas came to mind, but I handed my money over any way,

I ended up buying the St Tropez Starter Kit - this cute little box comes with mini polish, moisturiser and bronzing mousse. Oh, and a handy tanning mit too. Not bad for £15! (I bought this from trusty M&S, although I know Boots also sell it)

Onto the tanning, eek! 

So I first off exfoliated my skin by using the polish - making sure any rough patches like elbows, knees and ankles were baby smooth. I then slathered on the moisturiser, and waited for it to dry.

After dancing around to the Frozen soundtrack, I put on the mit and pumped the mousse onto it. I started rubbing it onto my skin, and was greeted by a lovely golden glow. I was genuinely amazed. 

Feeling like a bronze goddess, I applied the product over my body and waited for it to dry.

I used two pumps for each arm and my chest, and four for my legs.

Now this product doesn't really have a strong 'biscuit-like' fake tan smell, in fact it was quite pleasant at first. It does slightly develop into a rich tea scent, but nothing offensive or terribly noticeable.

After it had dried, I threw on some baggy PJs and went about my evening (watching Holby City, wild I know!)

A tip: Try to not sit down or interfer with the tan for as long as possible - it's the best way to avoid patches!

I then went to bed with the  guide colour still on, and awoke to an amazing golden tan!

I was genuinely shocked at how tanned my skin was - and no patches, streaks of weird colour.

I washed the guide colour off, and was left with a lovely tan - au revior pale skin!

I have found it lasts about 4-5 days depending on how much you moisturise and exfoliate. You can also top up the tan with tan boosters or even another application of the bronzing mousse if you need to.

My overall opinion? A MA ZING. You need this in your life - I've now bought a full size bronzing mousse for months of tan, YAY!

Have you tried St Tropez tan?

Until next time,

Boohoo Ideal Festival Blogger Challenge

Ello ello again,

The lovely people at Boohoo have challenged me to the 'Ideal Festival Blogger' challenge!

This challenge includes a list of festival-based question for my noggin to answer, lovely.

I would share a tent with...

I would say Bradley Cooper, but we know that is out of the question, so my lovely friends of course! (The clean ones anyway)

My headliners would be…

My ideal headliners would be Arctic Monkeys, Red Hot Chili Peppers and One Direction Eminem

….. would be free for all attending.

Glowsticks, because come on, everyone loves glowsticks (I felt irresponsible writing alcohol...)

The item that I could not go without would be…

Anti-bacterial gel. Those toilets give me nightmares

Wellies or Wedges?

Wellies every time. Although wedges are ideal for someone 5"1 like me!

Beach or Field?

Field! I love the beach, but there's nothing like sitting on a field surrounded by loud music and unhealthy food

The theme would be…

Fairytale! There is nothing better than seeing grown men in tights and sparkly fairy wings

Celeb spot of the weekend would be…

I would love to say The Queen, but I'll go for Jennifer Lawrence because I want her to be my best friend

This is what I would wear…         

1. Hannah Chain Necklace

2. Alea Vintage Flower Print Tassel Kimono

3. Zara Slash Neck Crop Top

4. Jayda Small Floral Hair Garland

5. Kate Ring Stacking Set

6. Pink Hair Chalk

7. Callista Dip Dye Denim Hot Pants

8. Teegan Bead And Spike Multi Row Bracelet

9. Amarash Showerproof Festival Poncho

10. Abbie Multi Buckle & strap Chunky Flats

11. Kate Chain Trim Tassel Belt Bag

12. Tamera Round Lennon Sunglasses

I really enjoyed this challenge, thanks Boohoo!

What would you wear to a festival?

Until next time,

The Liebster Award

Thank you to the stunning Atlanta from Alantas Alley who nominated my blog for the Liebster Award - go say hello!

I was really shocked to be tagged, as I'm still a newbie to this Beauty Blogging, and it's so lovely to know people take the time to read my blog. Don't know what the rules are? Well, here you go!

THE RULES

• I thank the blogger who tagged me.
• I say 11 facts about me.
• I answer the 11 questions written by the person who tagged me.
• I write my own 11 questions.
• I tag 11 up and coming bloggers.
• 
  

11 SLIGHTLY INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ME

1. I live on a little island called the Isle of Wight, and sometimes I really love it

2. Self-confessed cat woman right here 

3. I have 11 piercings and 3 tattoos

4. Big boats/ships scare the hell out of me. Seriously

5. I cried like a baby when I passed my driving test first time

6. I'm obsessed with perfumes. No-no to BO thank you

7. My favourite song ever is Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers

8. My idea of fun is taking a road trip, whilst blaring out cheesy music

9. I have a massive crush on Ian Somerhalder. Mmmm

10. Lefty

11. Buy me a Disaronno and I'll be your best friend

ANSWERS FOR QUESTIONS 

1. What are you mostly looking forward to?  - The Isle of Wight Festival; I need a weekend of loud music, drunk people and greasy food
2. Do you have an idol? If so who? - My Dad, he's been through hell and back and never once moaned about it. He just gets on with it. He would do anything for his family, and would put himself last. Incredible man, more men should be like him.
3. If you won a lot of money what would you do with it? -  Give my loved ones some of course, then a massive shopping spree, and finally take my friends on a massive holiday (first class of course)
4. Where would you like to travel to? - America, Italy, Australia, New Zealand (EuroMillions please?)
5. If you had one wish, what would you use it for? - To make sure no one I love is ever hurt (awww)
6. If you could have your hair any colour what would it be? - I would love to be blonde, but I'd look hideous! I wish I could suit naturally blonde hair.
7. Do you regret anything? - We all regret things!
8. Do you have any pets? If not would you like one? - I have two cats who are like my children. No joke.
9. Who's your favourite blogger? - I love A Yellow Brick Blog, if you haven't, go check it out!
10. What would you tell your self if you could back in time? - Don't let stupid arguments end friendships!
11. Do you have a favourite item? If so what is it? - My opal ring my Grandparents gave me one Christmas

My Questions For Bloggers

1. What is one trend/style you don't like?

2. Why did you start blogging?

3. If you could only buy one beauty brand, what would it be?

4. Do you prefer drug store or high end products?

5. Who is your favourite blogger?

6. What is one product you couldn't you live without? 

7. What's your biggest fear?

8. Favourite food?

9. If you could meet anyone, who would it be?

10. If you could see any band/performer live, who would it be?

11. Do you prefer online or in-store shopping?

I nominate these lovely people:

Peachileo

Jnylng

Megs Makeup Bag

Mama Beauty

Luna Closet

Beauty By Chloe

Todays Beauty Obsession

Roses & Lipsticks

Anna Merritt

Unstyled

Beauty By Emily

May Favourites 2014

I know everyone says this, but I cannot believe it is June already.

What?!

I've fallen in love with several products as I do every month, and thought I'd share them with you.

Enjoy!

Clarins Ever Matte, £27

This foundation is my holy grail. My whole outlook on foundation has changed since using this - my skin looks so much smoother, shine-free and corrected. This foundation has an SPF 15, which will be great in the summer, and the coverage is build-able so feels light on the skin. The coverage is light to medium, but you can layer if you need more correcting. 

Clarins Ultra-Matte Rebalancing Lotion 50ml, £26

I bought this after using a sample, and I really love it. I apply this before moisturiser, and it helps to unclog my pores, and mattify the face. I use two pumps, and this will cover the entire face. It also smells really fresh which is nice in the morning. If you have dry skin, I would avoid this - but for oily-skinned girls this will be your life saver!

Clarins Lotus Face Oil 30ml, £32

I also bought this after loving a sample, and I use this as my night moisturiser now. I've also found this has dramatically changed the oiliness in my skin, and I don't suffer with it much now (which is a blessing!!) 

I apply this after toner - warm up in the palms and pat all over the face. It smells incredible, and it sinks in over time and makes the skin super soft.

I have blemish-prone skin and this oil hasn't interfered with it too much. 

Maybelline Super Stay Stain in 'Forever Fuschia', £6.99

This has been a complete re-discovery!

I prefer lip stains anyway, but I love this one as it's super hydrating and glossy.

It smells really fruity, but the smell doesn't liner for too long.

And this really does stain too! I find this will last all day  on just one application - and the colour doesn't fade hardly at all.

If you're looking for a really pigmented stay-put lip stick, you will love this!

Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion 50ml, £6

This is only a small size, but I already know I'll be buying a full sized one!

This is the same as BB Prep, but for coloured hair. I spritz this on wet hair on the roots, and then brush through. I find this helps my hair styles last longer, and it seems to amplify the volume in the roots.

 It also smells of mint which is super refreshing!

Tresemme Shine Spray 75ml, £4.99

I love this gloss spray as it makes my hair look super shiny!

I spray this on both wet and dry hair, and it gives my hair so much silkiness and gloss.

I also prefer this to oil sometimes, as I find this a little heavy on the hair sometimes.

The Body Shop InstaBlur 25ml, £14

Oh. My. God. I love this. 

This is the best primer I've EVER used - it beats any other pore-unclogging primer!

This has a very silicone, soft texture and glides on to the skin easily.

It creates a soft layer on the skin, and gives my foundation a balanced flawless look. I find it soaks up any excess oil, and banishes shine all day.

Oily skin? You need this. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 'Ivory', £5.49

I've been using the same under-eye concealer for so long, that I wanted to try something else.

I really love this as it makes my skin glow, and lifts it instantly. The colour matches perfectly, and blends like a dream.

For a drug store product, it's really really good!

Benefit High Brow £15.50

I use this under the brow and around the tear duct to highlight and light the eyes.

I love this product - it's really creamy, and luminates the brow and eyes beautifully.

As always, Benefit did good.

That's my May favourites, what are yours?

Until next time,

Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder review

Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder 4.8g, £18

I love Smashbox. I mean I really do.

I  have stopped going into Boots to stop the natural gravitation I have towards the Smashbox counter.

However, as always, I ended up buying something from them.

Since picking this up a few weeks ago, I cannot believe I waited so long to use it!

Oily-skin people? You need this in your life. PRONTO.

The powder is white, but once blended onto the skin, it has literally no colour. This doesn't affect or alter my foundation at all.

I apply this all over my face once my foundation has set, and it gives my skin a soft, matte finish that lasts all day. 

My oiliness is no more, and my makeup doesn't melt away. Yay!

You don't get a huge amount of product, but you only need a small amount to cover the whole face.

I really love this, as I actually hate smothering my face with powder - but this is super lightweight and doesn't make me look like I've rolled around in powder.

In a nutshell, is it worth it? HELL YES.

The beauty assistant also said you can blot this over lipstick to stop it bleeding and fading throughout the day - I haven't tried this yet, but I will have to.

Have you tried this powder yet?

Until next time,