Cosmic Bronze Eyeshadow Quad by Fleur de Force

When it was announced Fleur was releasing a makeup range I was really excited - she was the first beauty blogger I started following and I always turn to her when I'm looking for a review of a product as I find she's almost always right and has brilliant taste in makeup. I knew her makeup line would be special, because I couldn't imagine her releasing something she wasn't 100% happy with. It's taken me a little while to get my hands on her products, but better late than never!

A Passion For Palettes

Eyeshadow palettes are most probably the products I yearn for the most. I so often will see a new eyeshadow palette release and go all lovey dovey eyed over the sleek, glamorous packaging, the array of beautiful colours, the shimmer, the intense mattes.....I just get drawn in!
I thought I'd share the top 3 in my current wish list.

The Easy Liquid Eyeliner

When a lot of people hear the words 'liquid eyeliner' they get a bit freaked out. It's notoriously difficult to apply, and fairly tricky to get even…it does however give a beautiful look, and if you're looking to get a cat eye flick then there is no better way.
Gel eyeliners may look the best, but if you're a beginner or don't have a steady hand it can be difficult to get right, and you may end up with uneven flicks, or black smudges around your eyes. Thankfully there is a product to save the day….enter Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner (£6).

I'm sure you've all seen these felt-tip style eyeliners before, they're everywhere! I have tried a few of them before, but the best one I have come across is by Soap & Glory.
Some eyeliners in this style have been a bit of a nightmare for me, whether it's the bulky tip, the short pen or the actual product not coming out well (resulting in streaky eyeliner…not a good look), I've had my issues with them, however the S&G fine marker style tip and easy to hold packaging are a dream, and the look it gives is faultless.
The packaging itself just looks like a pen, but I love that it's quite a long tube; it makes it so much easier to use. The fine point tip is amazing because you can get whatever desired look you want to go for; whether it's a tiny bit of definition on the upper lash line or a more intense look with a flick, you're sorted! The liquid is fantastic; it's jet black, fast drying, smooth and intense.
So, if you're struggling to get on with gel eyeliner, or you just want a product to turn to when you're in a hurry then look no further, Soap & Glory have got it covered with their Supercat Eyeliner.

Balance Me Moisture Rich Face Cream AND Upcoming Beauty Events

Balance Me is a brand I hadn't tried until recently, but it's a brand I'd heard a lot about and was very excited to try. What really stands out to me is how great their ethos and aim behind the brand; Balance Me uses naturally active botanicals, hi-tech natural formulations and pure grade essential oils to deliver a skincare range that both has aromatherapy inspired aromas and beautiful textures that can be used across all skin types. Their philosophy is 'beauty that works naturally', and they want to restore balance in the skin. Pretty great huh?!

I tried their Moisture Rich Face Cream* (£15), which is targeting at normal to dry/sensitive skin - great for me, as my skin does get quite dry and is definitely sensitive.
My first impression of this product was a bit disheartening, the smell is really rather strong of roses. I tend to stay clear off scented products because they don't normally agree with me skin, and I find them a bit odd when they're very strong and linger. However, if you're into nicely scented face creams I'm sure you'd love it, and if not (like me) it isn't really a big deal.
The cream itself does feel rich, but it isn't at all heavy which I really liked. The texture is very smooth, silky and works into the skin really well. I do find that after applied it made my face feel quite stiff and tight, but that does go away after a little while…it is a bit annoying though.
Now, the big question, have I noticed a change in my skin since using this face cream? Yes, I have. Nothing ground-breaking, but my skin has felt soft, it's looked plumper and the moisturising claims are correct.
So, I was impressed with this moisturiser…I'm not sure it's going to be a holy-grail product for me, but I do like it and would recommend it. I'm excited to try more Balance Me products!


BALANCE ME, MARIE CLAIRE AND DEBENHAMS EVENTS
If you're a Balance Me fan, or would like to know more about the brand then this may interest you.
Balance Me are teaming up with Marie Claire and Debenhams to host 4 in-store events this September and October. Discover personalised skin, body and haircare, and refresh your beauty regime with 15% discount off Balance Me products. You can also talk to skincare experts about your individual needs or skin concerns, as well as getting a personal skin-reading session with Balance Me's mobile skin scanner. They'll be a free-prize draw for the chance to win a Balance Me hamper worth £150, AND you can chat with the members of the Marie Claire team for top beauty tips.
Tickets are £10, this includes a goodie bag worth £75!

All the information here!

30th September - Oxford Street
2nd October - Cardiff
8th October - Chester

Have fun!

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My All Time Favourite Lipgloss

I've always very much been a lipstick over lipgloss type of gal. I'm not one for constant reapplication, I don't enjoy the sticky feeling, and I certainly don't appreciate the inevitable hair stuck to lips situation, however the NARS lipgloss in Stolen Kisses* (£18.50) (one of their new ones!) has got me reaching for it ever so often.

So, what's so great about  this lipgloss? Well, it's just miles better in every possible way to anything I've tried…(I mean, it really should be considering the price).
The packaging is classic NARS, very simple yet it feels classy and expensive, and you do get a fair amount of product.
Now, the gloss itself is extremely pigmenting, and the colour payoff is stunning. Stolen Kisses is a very natural shade, almost 'my lips but better' but darker and much prettier with a slight hint of shimmer…that to be honest is barely noticeable, but I like that. The colour goes well with any makeup look, I've worn it with a smokey eye and with a 'no-makeup' look and both look pretty gorgeous. I do get complimented when I wear it as well…always a bonus.
The texture is spot on, it's not thick and gloopy nor is it running, and it ranks very low on the stickiness scale; meaning it's extremely comfortable to wear and it doesn't feel like my lips are being glued together.
When it comes down to how long the lipgloss actually stays on the lips I was highly impressed, without eating or drink the shade was still there a good 3 or 4 hours later, obviously it fades over time but nowhere near as much as I had expected from a gloss…I was really surprised!
So, NARS, I applaud you!

Sheer Red For Summer

Revlon Lip Butters are on of my all time favourite lip products, and definitely my favourite for Summer time. They're moisturising, not heavy, have a good colour pay off and the range of shades is fantastic.
For my birthday, back in March, I got the shade Wild Watermelon, which I've wanted for such a long time.

Sheer swatch
Built up swatch

Wild Watermelon is going to be my must have lip product for Summer, it's a beautiful bright red with pink undertones, it can be sheered out or built up to look rather intense. I quite like wearing it sheered out slightly, just so it's not so full on for an everyday look. However, I am going on holiday to Menorca in just over 2 weeks (eeeeek, prepare for an envy filling blogpost when I get back) and I reckon this shade will look oh so beautiful with a tan, especially when it's built up to a gorgeously bold colour.

When the weather is hot I really don't like wearing 'proper' lipsticks, you know the heavy ones, that can be quite matte, or have a thick constancy. They feel too much like they're suffocating my lips and I always have the urge to get a tissue and get rid! I always opt for the sheerer or more creamy products. Revlon Lip Butters fit the bill perfectly!

Good To Glow

Summer is all about glowy skin. Not all of us are blessed with having that delightful natural radiance, but here's some tips on how to be good to glow -

Drink plenty of water. Health inside the body reflects on how you look on the outside. If you don't drink enough water it will show on your skin, hair and nails. Try to drink 2 litres a day, it may sound like a lot but once you get into the habit it's so easy and you will notice a difference. Hydration is key!
Exfoliate 2-3 times a week. If you have blemish prone skin don't use those nasty exfoliators with large beads in as they'll spread infection and irritate the skin, acidic exfoliating toners, like this one from Clarins, are much better. They will remove dead skin cells and help your skin to look fresh and a lot less dull.
Make sure you moisturise too, using a serum before moisturising will help lock in the goodness and you'll have baby soft skin in no time. I love Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate.
Fake it with makeup! Stay away from the full coverage foundation, yes it may be good at hiding blemishes but you don't need it smothered all over your skin, especially in the warmer months. Let your skin breathe! Let your natural skin shine through and cover any imperfections you're more self conscious of with concealer, but try and embrace how you are naturally…honestly, no-one cares and if they do then they're not worth your time or energy.
Liquid highlighters or illuminators work the best for getting that summertime glow. NARS 413 BLKR is my current obsession. You can just dab a bit where you'd like to highlight (cheekbones, down the nose, on the brow bone), or mix a little in with your foundation for an all over dewy look. Another amazing tip is to mix a bit in with body moisturiser, or dab some down the centre of your leg to create the illusion of slimmer legs…thank me later, ladies!

What's your favourite product

to help you achieve

glowing skin?

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NARS Lovin'

Makeup lovers everywhere love NARS, everyone loves NARS, right? Right. So, when NARS sent me a little message saying they'd like to send me some products for being a loyal 'NARSissit' I was over the moon!

Only 2 days later I received 3 full size products in the post, all wrapped up in gorgeous black tissue paper and a ribbon. I got a duo eyeshadow in Tropical Princess, one of their illuminators in 413 BLKR and a lipgloss in Stolen Kisses.

The Tropical Princess duo eyeshadow (limited edition) definitely isn't a product I would have personally picked out, I'm very much a neutrals girl, however after swatching them I think I can make them work! I can blend the purple shade into champagne eyeshadow which would look very pretty, and the green shadow will bring out my brown eyes. It's always good to try new things.
The 413 BLKR illuminator is actually a product I've wanted for a while. The only highlighters I own are powders, so I was excited to try one in a liquid form, especially as summer is coming up and it'll give that gorgeous dewy effect. I have tried this out and I totally adore it, I can tell I'm going to be using it a lot!
Last, but certainly not least is my favourite of the bunch - Stolen Kisses lipgloss (from their new collection). I'm not the biggest lipgloss wearer, as I find they don't last long on me and you have to keep reapplying which is a bit of a faff, but I have been converted by this! The colour is absolutely beautiful, a very natural 'my lips but better' shade with slight shimmer running through it, and oh how it really does make my lips look better. It's gorgeously glossy, well pigmented, non-sticky, and it actually lasts a very, very long time. I need more from this range!

I want to say a huge thankyou to NARS for being so kind and generous. They didn't ask me to write this post, sponsor me or anything like that. I think it's so lovely to see such a huge brand valuing their costumers. I now adore NARS even more!

Do you own any NARS products?

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Getting The Most Out Of Online Beauty Shopping

When it comes to online shopping I get really drawn in…I always manage to find so many things I want, and the mass of online deals or discounts makes it even harder to resist the urge to splurge.
If you're good at sticking to just the things you originally intended to buy then firstly well done, but also online shopping can actually really save you some money.


FeelUnique is a beauty bloggers favourite, with free worldwide delivery over £10, discounted prices, often the promise of free samples, and a 10% extra off on your first it's a definite winner. The site stocks a lot of brilliant brands too, ranging from high street brands like Rimmel and L'Oreal to high end beauty from Dior, YSL and more. What I particularly love is that if you're signed up with them you'll receive email updates with their offers, and trust me there are a lot of them! I constantly receive emails with a 10% off code, or 3 for 2 offer, it's brilliant.

CultBeauty is another site I love to browse. As the name suggests they stock all the 'cult' beauty favourites, so you know everything on there is of a high quality. Brands include Elizabeth Arden, Jouer, Alpha H and Kevin Aucoin. There are products on there that are difficult or impossible to purchase in the UK as well, so that's handy! However, you do have to pay for postage if your order is under £50 which is a bummer (however, if you sign up to their newsletter you get free shipping on your first order)!

LookFantastic is a more recent discovery of mine, but oh it is certainly fantastic. First things first, free delivery - winner! The site is full of offers, different ones every day…yesterday there was 'Beat The Clock', the idea is you can save up to 20% on your beauty buys, but the discount will reduce by 1% on the hour every hour. Today's is save 12% on your order when you spend £50. Other offers currently include - 25% OFF bareMinerals, FREE Benefit Lollitint Deluxe Mini when you buy 2 or more Benefit products and 3 for 2 on tanning products.

HQHair is another recent discovery, and it's a site I don't hear many people talking about…I don't know why! Firstly, ignore the name, this site isn't just a haircare site - they stock makeup and skincare too. Again, there's free worldwide delivery which scores it massive bonus points with me.
They stock some amazing brands, including NARS, Fudge, REN, TIGI and Urban Decay. They also constantly have a lot of offers going on, currently there's 20% Real Techniques, 3 for 2 on L'Oreal and 3 for 2 on nails.

There are a lot of online beauty shops out there, but those are my personal favourites and the ones I always check to see what current deals they've got going on.
If you're new to online beauty shopping I suggest signing up the sites newsletters, as this often gives you a discount on your first order - yippee!

Do you online beauty shop?

If so, where?

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What's In My Work Bag?

I've just started doing some work at Kiss FM radio station in London, which is really exciting! I have to travel up from where I live near Brighton to Oxford Street in London. The things I carry in my bag are a bit different to what I carry day to day, so I thought I'd share the contents of my work bag with you.

My work bag itself is a cheapy, from Primark! I can't remember the exact price but it was no more than £12. It's a fantastic size and style for work, and has handy compartments inside.
Let's get the more boring things out the way first. An umbrella, I live in the UK so rain is to be expected and I don't want to be caught in a downpour. I always have paracetamol, Strepsils and plasters on me, because you never know when you might need them. When you're in London hand sanitizer is a must, especially as I have to get the tube, the one I have is just a simple Detol one, but it does the job.
I have a nail strengthening nail varnish, as I have unbelievably weak nails and I like to always make sure I have this varnish on as it helps a lot.
Chewing gum! Another must. I hate not having fresh breath, or having a funny taste in my mouth, so minty Extra gum is great for sorting that out. I always have a piece after my lunch.
Then we have my keys, my freelance pass so I can get into the building, and a very handy device - a portable iPhone charger. Any iPhone owner will know that these phones are great, but the battery life isn't very impressive. The Anker pink portable charger is a complete lifesaver. And of course, I always have my iPhone with me, as well as my iPod for music on the train.
A notebook and pen, part of my job is doing research for the radio shows so it's great to keep things jotted down.
My purse, which I've had for quite a while but I really like it. It's from Topshop, it's very simple but I like that's soft, not bulky and heavy but has enough compartments in it for all my cards (I have quite a few loyalty cards…they're the best).
My new sunglasses! It's May, so the sun is making an appearance more and more, and I have very sensitive eyes, these sunglasses from Warehouse are really gorgeous.

Lastly, the thing I think you'll be interested in the most, my makeup bag. I don't take many things with
me for work, but just a few in case I need to top up during the day. I know the day I don't take it will be the day I need something in it! Garnier hand cream - I hate having dry hands, and this one is non-sticky and quick drying - winner. Nars Luguna Bronzer, I actually carry this more for the mirror instead as it's a great size. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - my favourite! Real Techniques Blush Brush, it's a great multi-tasker. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, just for some touch ups. Rimmel Eyebrow pencil. Burt's Bees Mango Lip Balm, because who likes chapped lips?! And, of course, I have a couple of lip product choices, always. These ones are Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in 19, and Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie.

What's the number one thing you have to carry in your

handbag?

x

P.S The Cosmopolitan Blog Awards are coming up! I'd be so happy if you could nominate me for 'Best New Beauty Blog' http://www.cosmopolitan.co.uk/campus/cash-and-careers/student-careers/enter  :)

Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Galaxy*

If you haven't heard of the Apocalips Lip Lacquers from Rimmel then where have you been?! On Mars? The Moon? Were you born yesterday? These products have been talked about a lot in the blogging world since their release early last year, with everyone raving about them and buying all the shades. I did try them when they first came out and thought they were great, but I kind of forgot about them..until the lovely people at HQHair.com sent me the shade Galaxy to try out.

Galaxy isn't a shade I would have immediately opted for, especially around this time of year. It's quite a dark berry/plum shade with shimmer running through it, very much an Autumn/Winter colour. Don't get me wrong, it's super pretty and I'll definitely be reaching for it in the colder months, but for Spring/Summer it wouldn't be my personal choice.
The formation of these lip lacquers is lovely. They're a bit of a lipstick/lipgloss hybrid, as they apply like a lipgloss and have that liquid consistency but they're a lot thicker and extremely pigmented. When they dry they have quite a satin finish, and they're surprisingly matte, which can lead them to being a tad drying after a few hours but a quick top up solves that problem. The staying power is what really wins me over with these, they last ages! I didn't expect them to be quite so long lasting, but even if you're eating and drinking they'll last a good few hours, in my experience.

The packaging of the apocalips is one of my favourites from the high street. The tube is regular sized, but it's been jazzed up. You can see the shade of your lip lacquer at the bottom, then it fades up to black and the lid is shaped into almost an irregular prism shape, which I think is edgy, interesting and sticks to the 'apocalyptic' theme. I also adore the doe-foot applicator, so easy to use and picks up product really well.

Overal I think the Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquers are fantastic, real gems of the high street lip products. There are 10 shades, ranging from nude, to pink, to red, there's something for everyone. I'd definitely recommend trying these out if you haven't already, at £5.99 with free delivery at HQhair.com you can't go wrong.

Have you tried this product?

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The Products I Reach For The Most - Spring 2014

I like to switch around products I use quite a lot, but I thought I would share with you the things I have been reaching for almost every single day throughout the last few months.

I've always been had a problem with foundation not sitting right on my skin. It takes me ages to buff it in so it looks natural, and it can look either cakey or cling to dry patches (whatever foundation I choose), but recently I've been using the Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver and it's been sorting that problem out for me, it's becoming a holy grail product. Full review here.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation has quickly become my favourite foundation ever. I feel it just works well for my skin, it feels moisturising and fresh but still gives me a good coverage that isn't heavy.
NYX Blush in Taupe, I use this to contour. It's the absolute best shade for creating a shadow effect under the cheekbones on pale skin, far better than using a bronzer.
Urban Decay Naked 2 eyeshadow palette. The best. All the shades are beautiful, creamy, pigmented, blendable and a dream. I use this every day! You can create so many different looks with it.
MAC Lipstick in Fanfare. I got this for my birthday in March and I adore it! It's a cremesheen finish, and I adore that formulation, the colour is so pretty and perfect for Spring.
Last but not least - Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent  is just the best powder for me. I have dry skin so I don't like powder to be heavy, which Stay Matte isn't. It's nice and light but manages to keep foundation and concealer set in place for a long time.

Which products do you reach for the most?

I'd love to know!

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Garnier Oil Beauty Nourishing Lotion | Review

I'm always after really moisturising body lotions, moisturisers or body butters. I absolutely love the Soap & Glory butter butters, the scents are incredible and they make my skin so soft, but they can be a bit pricey. Recently I've been using this Garnier Oil-Infused Nourishing Body Lotion and I adore it.

This is an oil infused body lotion, that contains 4 nourishing and beautifying oils - argon, macadamia, almond and rose, all of which are amazing for the skin. The consistency of the product is lovely, it's not watery but it's not really thick, it glides so smoothly onto the skin and almost feels like it's really melting in and working it's magic to make the skin hydrated. The smell of the lotion is amazing, I can really pick up the oil scents and it reminds of holidays - I always just want to sniff my arms after applying it because it's so good. Not only does it apply nicely but it's non-sticky, non-greasy and quick drying…hurrah! My skin feels ultra soft after using this product and that smoothness really lasts a long time, not just a few hours like some body moisturisers. I feel like this lotion is actually doing my skin good, nourishing it and making it appear more radiant.
The Garnier Oil Beauty Lotion retails for £4.99 for 250ml, and it is a definite winner in my book!

What's your favourite body moisturiser? 

OH and have a wonderful 4 day weekend!

Happy Easter 

x

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish | Review

I don't often buy nail varnish, and when I do I almost always go for Rimmel because they're cheap, but brilliant quality with the best brush ever. However, I was in Boots looking for some neutral shades and none from the Rimmel line took my fancy, so I went over to the Maybelline stand after hearing good things about their nail varnishes and I picked up two shades from the Color Show collection.
I'm quite fussy with nail varnish, there's lots of things I look for as I'm impatient waiting for them to dry (anyone else always suddenly find loads of things to do just as they finish painting their nails?!), the formulation has to be the perfect consistency i.e. not runny but not gloopy, and the brush can't be too thin. So, does Maybelline Color Show get the thumbs up from me?

The shades I chose were Love This Sweater, which is a pink/mauve nude shade and Cool touch which is a bluey grey. I thought these shades would be really lovely for Spring time, and they'd go with almost anything.
I really like the packaging…it's simple but there's something about it that makes it feel nice, and not cheap. I prefer it to Rimmel, but the preferences don't extend any more than that.
The brush is quite thin, it's not the thinnest I've seen but not so thick you can do your nail with 1 or 2 swipes, which is annoying.
The formulation is fairly watery, by no means do I like gloopy nail varnish but I do like it thick enough that I could get away with doing one coat if I'm in a hurry. With Maybelline I need at least two coats, but I normally opt for three, otherwise the colour looks too sheer.
Drying time, which is another thing I find important, is not terrible but not anything amazing either. I left it about 3-4 minutes between coats, and that was long enough.
The wear is better than expected considering the fairly thin consistency, normally nail varnish chips within a couple of days on me, this one lasted about 3 or 4…that's with a base coat but no top coat.

Overall I don't think I would repurchase this brand of nail varnish again…I'm glad I bought the two polishes because I really do like the shades, but the formulation doesn't cut it, however for the price of £2.99 I didn't expect anything outstanding.

What's your favourite brand of nail polish?

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A Product That's Made A Real Difference

I have quite dry skin, and get hormonal blemishes, so using nothing in between my moisturiser and foundation often led to either the foundation not going on as smoothly as I would like, the foundation breaking apart on my skin throughout the day or it just left my skin looking quite dull. In the past I've tried different primers, moisturisers especially for dull skin and tried lots of foundations but nothing quite did the trick, until I found the Vitamin C Skin Reviver by The Body Shop.

The Vitamin C Skin Reviver is a serum type product that you apply after moisturiser but pre-foundation. The serum itself has a lovely smooth texture, and once applied to the skin it just feels really luxurious. Although I don't notice a huge amount of difference used alone, when I apply my foundation over the top I really see a big improvement compared to how my skin would look without the serum.
Firstly it's actually great if you're in a rush because your foundation will require less buffing and blending, as the skin reviver really helps to smooth everything out. Rather than my foundation looking so obvious, a bit dry and generally just not the best, it looks amazing. My skin feels and looks velvety soft, and my foundation blends perfectly. As well as this the product contains 'light reflecting particles', which I was concerned about as I hate those products that have glitter in them (Rimmel Wake Me Up, I'm looking at you!), however the skin reviver doesn't actually contain much, if any glitter, or shimmer, it's more of a pearlescent finish and any glittery particles it may contain don't transfer on the skin when blended, so rather than looking sparkly and unnatural you just look glowing, healthy and radiant. The product also contains fruit extracts and brazil nut oil which makes it feel really fresh, perfect for mornings, and will help to keep your skin feeling hydrated.

I really adore this product. I don't quite now how I'd live without it now! Before I would feel quite self conscious about how my foundation might look, and I'd spend ages getting it to look okay, but now I don't need to worry as this little product really helps me out. I've even had compliments from other people when I've used this, so it must be making a noticeable difference!
It's not the cheapest at £14 for 30ml but you only need the tiniest amount to cover your whole face, so it should last a long time, and for the quality and difference it makes I'd definitely say it's worth it!

No.7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick in Classic Rose | Review

I think I've mentioned before I don't often try cream blushes, I'm not sure why because the ones I do have I really like and I think they're particularly great for Spring and Summer but I always seem to opt for powder. However, I recently tried the new No.7 Pop & Glow Blush Stick in Classic Rose and it's pretty darn good.

Firstly, I really do adore the packaging of this blush, it's in a stick form (much like Nars multiples) so you can just twist it up, dab it onto your check, smudge with your fingers or a brush and you're good to go! The application of this product is really great, it's easy to get a sheer wash of colour when blended or you can build it up to a more intense look if you wish, which still would only take a couple of swipes as the colour payoff is outstanding (swatches above).
The shade I have is Classic Rose which is a gorgeous hot pink, I think this is beautiful for Spring and Summer! I had my doubts that the colour would suit me, but I find it warms up my complexion and gives me a healthy glow - the fact it has a sheen helps with that.
Often cream blushes can be very sticky, but this blush stick is far from it - it almost feels powder like once it's dried. It's creamy, easy to blend and sets into the skin really well. But as it's that cream formula it hasn't got the longest staying power  -  I'd say it lasted about 5 hours maximum before it faded on me, however if you put powder over the top it will make it last longer and you can always carry this around in your bag for touchups during the day!
Overall I would definitely recommend this chubby stick style blush if you're new to cream blushes, or perhaps you're not keen on them because of the stickiness or difficult application but like the look they give, this will ease you in. They do 2 more blush shades and 1 highlighter in the same packaging and formulation which I must pick up! The price (£9.95) is definitely a bit much for a high street brand, I would say it shouldn't be more than £7…but if you'd like to treat yourself it's worth it for a lovely product.

Have you tried this yet?

What is your thoughts on cream blushes?

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La Roche Posay Rosaliac CC Creme* | Review

I've never been one for BB creams, or CC creams as I do like a medium coverage at least and I always find BB or CC creams don't seem to last a terribly long time on the skin. However, I was recently sent the La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Creme to try out and review by Escental and I do actually like it!

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Creme is skincare and foundation hybrid. It will cover redness on the skin, correct colour flaws, hydrate the skin and protect your face from UV rays as there's as SPF30.
The CC Creme comes in one universal shade, which is meant to be for fair-medium skin tones, I did find the colour to be a little orangey but once blended it looks perfectly natural (see pictures), however very fair girls may struggle to make it work.
The coverage obviously isn't very high as it's a CC creme, but it does cover redness and correct uneven skin tone well. It also blends very smoothly which gives that 'no makeup makeup look'. The product feels very light, hydrating, non-sticky and smooth when applied, which impressed me because the BB and CC creams I have tried have always felt a bit too much like a moisturiser and taken ages to set into the skin. I really love the packaging, there's a pump and it's in a fairly slim bottle which isn't glass or that hard plastic that most foundations come in. This type of packaging is much easier to carry around with you and you don't feel like you're going to break it, bravo La Roche Posay.
Most days I do opt for a medium coverage foundation, I just feel more confident when wearing that, however this great product will be absolutely perfect for summer with the light-weight feel, SPF30, easy application (just use your fingers) and it lasts a long time too. It's also a product worth getting if you're someone who often wears very minimal makeup, it'll be a good base for you.
You can get this product from Escental where it's currently 1/3 off! £13 down from £19.50.

Have you tried CC creams?

What do you think of them?

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The Face Five Challenge - Tag!

I was recently tagged by the lovely Daniela from Daniela Scribbles to do the 'face five challenge'!
The challenge is to create a makeup look using only 5 products….which is a bit tricky for me because I do definitely use more than 5 products on a day to day basis, but I have done it!

Rather than go for a foundation I've opted for just using concealer as a base. I don't think it's always necessary to have a full face of foundation, especially if you're having a good skin day or you're just hanging around the house or popping down to the shops to get a few bits and pieces. Maybelline Fit Me in shade 15 is my current favourite, it's much more creamy and less drying than the Collection Lasting Perfection and gives good coverage - great for under my eyes or any problem areas I want to hide!
I never feel right unless I've filled my brows in a bit so I've gone for the Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil in 001 Black Brown, and I can use this as subtle bit of liner on my eyes too! To finish the eyes I've gone with Maybelline The Falsies mascara which I totally love!
For cheeks I normally contour, add blush and highlight too but as this is very minimal I've just gone for Rimmel Lasting Finish Blush in Pink Rose, it's a really pretty pink colour with shimmer running through it so it will add a bit of glow and highlighter effect to the face.
Lastly, my favourite part, lips! I didn't want to go for anything too bright as this is a natural look, so Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey is great. Honey is a lovely dusky pink colour, and it lasts for ages.

Rather than tag individual people I just tag any of you who want to do it! Do leave me a link in the comments below if you do, I'd love to check it out

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My Favourite Powder

Whether you have oily skin or dry skin powdering your foundation is a good idea to set everything in place and to help it last all day.

I've used the Rimmel Stay Matte powder for years now, I've repurchased it countless times and will continue to because it's so brilliant and a bargain at only £3.99.
It's quite a light pressed powder that comes in 5 different shades, and transparent too (which is what I use) so whatever skin tone you have you can use it.
I love the transparent one because it won't give me more coverage but it helps to minimise pores, control any shine I may have, helps foundation to look even better and really does set everything in place well so your makeup lasts a lot longer.
The powder contains natural minerals, is free from fragrance, oils, parabens and talc so it won't clog your pores and it feels silky soft and natural on the skin.
Rimmel Stay Matte does everything I want in a powder, and it's great for my dry skin as it's not heavy and doesn't accentuate any patches.
The only gripe I have with this product is the packaging, I'd much prefer something with a flip up lid and mirror….but for the low price I suppose I can't really complain when the product inside is so good.

What powder do you use?

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Makeup I Got For My Birthday

It was my birthday yesterday! I had a lovely day spent with my family, just relaxing at home, opening presents, having a nice lunch and then in the evening me, my mum (whose birthday it was too), my dad and my sister went out for dinner at a restaurant called Bill's.
I am very lucky to have got amazing presents, and I thought I'd share with you the makeup bits I got! I'm only doing beauty presents because this is mainly a beauty blog and I figured that's what would interest you the most, but if you'd like to see some of my other presents do let me know.

(Disclaimer - I know some people find these sort of posts boastful, but I really hope it doesn't come across that way. I'm in no way boasting or showing off, I feel very lucky and I'm so grateful for all my presents and I just thought it would be nice to share them with you)


I finally got the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette! I've wanted this ever since I really got into makeup. Everyone raves about it and it's definitely a 'cult' product, along with the other two naked palettes. Naked 2 was definitely my preference out of the 3, it's got the most wearable shades in it for me and you can create so many different looks. I've already tried the palette out when I went for dinner and it's a dream to use, the shadows are amazing quality, they look beautiful on and last a long time.
I got my first MAC lipstick…I know, I know, I should have got one sooner. The shade is Fanfare and it's a gorgeous yellow toned mid pink that has almost coral tones to it as well, I think this lipstick looks different on everyone though. It's a cremesheen finish, which means it's gorgeously creamy and has a more glossy finish. I love it! (FYI it looks darker in the picture than it does in real life).
I got another lip product, which is the Revlon lip butter in Wild Watermelon. It's the most beautiful pinky red shade, perfect for Spring and Summer. I wore this last night and I just adore it.
I also got a new eyeliner. I've really been enjoying creating flicks with gel eyeliner recently, but that can take a bit of time and it's annoying having to clean the brush every single time. This Supercat liner from Soap And Glory is a pen style, so it's super easy and quick to use…perfect!
Last but not least, is the NYX blush in Taupe. You don't use this as a blush but instead as a brilliant contour shade for pale skin. It's great as it's well pigmented, not dark, not orangey, easily blended and creates the illusion of a shadow very well.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what beauty things I got for my birthday, I love reading these sort of posts.

If you'd like an in depth review of anything mentioned do let me know in the comments!

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