MAC Lipstick in Fanfare

Everyone raves about MAC lipsticks, and for good reason. There are certain shades that get a hell of a lot of attention, but Fanfare is one that I think is overlooked.

MAC Fanfare (£15) is described as a 'mid-toned yellow pink' on the MAC website. I'd agree with that, but the description does it no justice. It's such a gorgeous mid toned pink that isn't at all dull, not blue-toned, it's bright, cheerful and just so pretty.
Fanfare is a cremesheen formula, this means it's a creamy formulation with mid level colour payoff and a slightly glossy finish. Cremesheen lipsticks give a gorgeous look on the lips, they're really soft (keep out of the sun!) and they're not at all drying. As they are quite creamy they aren't the longest wearing, but for me this lasts a good 3 hours, minimum, which I think is pretty damn good.
I absolutely love this lipstick; it feels so luxurious, both because of the branding and the formulation and the shade is stunning. It looks great when my skin is more tanned, but looks equally nice when I'm on the paler side. Fanfare is a winner!

What's your favourite MAC lipstick?

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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!

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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Spring Blushes - NYX

Officially Spring doesn't begin for another couple of weeks, but the weather is getting a bit sunnier and there's a definite feeling of Spring in the air. I feel like Spring is the season for pink blush, I tend to go for more coral or peach in the summer but pink is the perfect transition for Spring.
NYX do some really brilliant and affordable blushes in a huge shade range, I thought I'd share two of them with you that I'll be using this season.

Cream blush in Natural

Powder blush in Peach

The first is a cream blush in the shade 'Natural' (£5.50). I nearly always opt for powder blushes, I just prefer them a lot more but this blush is really gorgeous. It's a really natural colour like the name suggests, it looks darker in the pan than it is when it's all blended into the skin, and it gives a beautiful glow. I thought this might be difficult to apply but I found it surprisingly easy - the best way is to blend it in with your fingers. As it's a cream formula it isn't super long lasting, I'd say it lasts for around 4 hours on it's on, but if you powder a bit over the top it'll last that bit longer.
The second blush is a powder in the shade 'Peach' (£6)….I have no idea what NYX were thinking when they named this product as it's not a peach shade at all, it's a cool toned medium baby pink. Normally cool toned blushes don't look good on me at all, but I find Peach really suits me and gives me a natural glow without any shimmer. It can be sheered out for a subtle wash of colour, or built up for a more intense look. The formulation of this blush is amazing, very pigmented, easy to blend, feels nice and silky and lasts a good 7 hours on the cheeks.
Both blushes are packaged well, nothing outstanding but for the price I didn't expect anything fancy.

Cream blush in Natural (LEFT)
Powder blush in Peach (RIGHT)

I'd highly recommend checking NYX blushes out! They're brilliant quality for the money and the shade range is so vast there'll be something for everyone.
Unfortunately they're a US brand but you can buy them from their UK website or Amazon.

What's your favourite Spring blush?

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My GIVEAWAY is still running! But not for long. ENTER HERE! :)

The Best Nude Lipstick

A nude or very natural lipstick is a staple in any makeup bag! I find it a struggle to find the perfect nude lipstick for me. Either they make my complexion look washed out, give me the look of 'foundation lips', are too pale or too dark, or cling to any dry skin, however I have finally found a nude lippy that does none of these things.

Kate Moss for Rimmel lipstick in 03 has become one of my most worn lipstick's since I got it a few months ago. I'm a massive fan of the formulation of this lipstick range, I have about 6 of the collection and I'm always after more! The 03 shade didn't disappoint.
It's a gorgeous pinky, slightly brown, nude lipstick. I'm fairly pale but it looks fine against my skin tone, doesn't make me look washed out and gives my lips a tiny wash of colour (it doesn't blank them out, huuurrrah).
The formulation is phenomenal, super pigmented and wonderfully creamy. It applies like a dream and stays put for about 4 hours, maybe more.

This lipstick has been a very welcome edition to my collection and I'm glad I bought it! I'm happy I found my perfect nude, to pair with smokey eyes or just for a minimal makeup look.
This retails for the bargainous price of £5.49! You can buy it here!

What's your favourite nude lipstick?

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