April Favourites.

I can't believe we're almost finished the third day of May already! What a farce. Anyway, here are a few of my favourites from last month.

♥ Garnier Summer Body: I have never understood why people spend so much money on St. Tropez and Fake Bake when there are gradual tanners like this which give you such an amazing glow. One application of this makes me the perfect golden colour, no streaks, no orange hue. Just a lovely tan. I've never tried anything expensive to be honest, and I have no plans to. I hate the orange tinge and looking fake! I really recommend this product, you can't go wrong with it.

♥ Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish in Rose Libertine: This is the perfect colour of pink! I am completely in love with this, what a beautiful shade. It's slightly coral, and just such a lovely colour. I never really buy anything from Rimmel but I couldn't resist! I've been wearing this so much recently. You can probably tell from the second picture that my nails are awful, I hate painting my nails. I'm really impatient so if it doesn't dry in 2 seconds, I'll ruin it by trying to do ten things at once. Sadly, nail care is just not for me. But this colour is too gorgeous to pass up.

♥ Sigma Flat-Top Kabuki brush: This kabuki brush, which I mentioned here, has become my favourite brush recently for putting on powder (my powder of choice is my MAC MSF natural in light medium). It works really well to buff in the powder to set my makeup. I personally don't see the point in wearing foundation if you're not going to wear powder, it really sets your face and lasts so much longer & as well as keeping the shine under control so we don't look like Lauren from TOWIE.

♥ MAC Fluidline in Backtrack: I recently mentioned that I couldn't do eyeliner flicks (I will never be perfect, it makes it even harder that we were blessed with two eyes, which means we have to do TWO eyeliner flicks & they have to match) but using this product with my MAC 209SE brush makes it so much easier. I'm still getting the hang of it, and I find it harder to correct any mistakes (which I guess is a sign that it lasts longer!) but it is a really good product. Hopefully with some practice, I will become a massive fan of it.

♥ Garnier Youthful Radiance Day & Night Cream; I recently invested in two good moisturisers. These are probably meant for "First Signs of Ageing" skin which isn't quite me yet (I'm 20) but I don't think you can really start too early on these things. The night cream is lovely and thick and my skin has already improved from using a night cream. The day cream is a little less viscous, which makes it easier to apply & absorb. Both really great products, which will hopefully improve my overall complexion.

♥ Body Shop Vitamin E Cleanser & Toner; I got these the other day when it was 20% off for card holders and I've used them every night ever since. My skin feels so clean after use, and I really feel like they remove every last trace of my makeup whilst leaving it feeling soft and refreshed.

There are a few other products which I have been loving recently but they deserve their own post! Stay tuned.

NARS Orgasm & MAC Pink Nouveau

Bottom to Top: NARS Orgasm Powder Blush & MAC Pink Nouveau Lipstick swatches.

I FINALLY went and bought NARS Orgasm blush. It was one of those impulse moments after work last night, I needed a little cheer up treat and I've wanted this blush for so long.
Needless to say, it really lives up to the hype! Such a gorgeous peachy pink colour with a gold shimmer. It's similar to my favourite MAC Springsheen blush, but more pink than coral.
After my make up collection post, you're probably thinking I really don't need anymore makeup. I'm really trying to cut down, especially on cheap makeup (I know that makes no sense) but instead of buying a heap of Barry M etc. makeup that I'll only wear sometimes & have only bought it because it's cheap, I'm going to spend my money wisely on things that I've wanted for ages and will actually use!

I also bought a MAC lipstick. Naughty, I know. Whenever I go to the MAC counter, I always pick up the lipsticks and blushes that I like and look at the shade on the bottom. I have noticed that I ALWAYS pick up the ones I already have. Seriously, I pick up Speed Dial about ten times! I'm drawn to the ones I love, which I guess is a good sign. Although, I think I need to branch out a bit with my shades.

As you can see, Pink Nouveau is a lovely bright magenta pink. I'm loving bright lipsticks at the moment (in case you haven't noticed!). I'm not actually wearing the lipstick in the picture, it's Topshops lipgloss in Ablaze. I didn't want to take the attention off the Orgasm blush.

I was going to ask Graeme to get me Orgasm at the airport or whatever, but I knew he would feel a bit uncomfortable asking for it at the counter!

Peachy Apparel.

H&M Top, Skirt & Necklace// MAC Costa Chic lipstick

I had a bit of a shopping binge in H&M today, although I bought a fair bit it didn't cost all that much and I was pleasantly surprised when I got to the till. I'm in love with this skirt! It reminds me of the one from American Apparel! But obviously heaps cheaper. 

I also bought it in grey because it's such a bargain at £6.99!

I really, really need something done to my hair! I'm thinking of getting either a sweeping side fringe or a straight fringe cut in, but I'm not sure. Any suggestions? I have no idea which salon to visit in Leeds either! Does anyone have any suggestions?

I also stopped off at the MAC counter on the way back, I picked up Costa Chic lipstick and a blusher in Springsheen. I've been after Costa Chic for so long now, it's a gorgeous coral colour. I picked up the Springsheen blush because it's not like anything I have (that I can think of, my blush collection is massive!) and it's quite a dark peachy/coral colour with gold speckles. It kind of reminds me of the NARS Orgasm or Super Orgasm blushes.

L-R: Costa Chic lipstick & Springsheen powder blush swatches. 

I absolutely love them! I'm wearing Costa Chic in the outfit pictures and it looks gorgeous!

What does everyone think? 

6 Favourites: Blushes.

L-R: Bourjois Blush Pot in Rose D'or, MAC Wonder Woman Blush in Amazon Princess, Smashbox blush in Proof Sheet, MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power, MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty & MAC Mineralize Blush in Hang Loose.

I've done full posts on most of these products but I thought I would just do a quick post about the six blushes I've been reaching for recently. Usually it would have been 5 Favourites but I couldn't pick five!

Bourjois blush in Rose D'or is probably a blush most people have, and one which I absolutely adore. I've had a few compliments recently on this blush, not just in blog comments but in person too which is lovely. I've been told I really suit this blush so it's one that I wear most. Its a gorgeous pink with a gold iridescent glow to it. It looks really lovely on and it lasts for such a long time too. It really is that perfect natural colour.

MAC Wonder Woman Blush in Amazon Princess is also one I wear often, it's different from the pink blushes I usually wear as it's a bit brighter and also has blue/purple undertones. It only takes a small amount to look gorgeous so I can imagine it lasting a long time, it also stays on all well which is handy for wearing during the day.

Smashbox blush in Proof Sheet is another pink colour blush, but it's also leaning towards a nice coral colour. This is similar to the Bourjous Rose D'or and MAC Dainty but it doesn't have the glitter through it which makes it slightly more natural and matte. I wear this to work a lot to give me a nice glow.

MAC Fleur Power is a darker pink which I also absolutely love. It doesn't have any glitter in it, which is sometimes nice for a change, especially as you can mix and match with different highlighters. It's such a gorgeous colour, and the quality of MAC blushes is excellent. Well worth the price! This is actually the only powder blush I have by MAC that isn't mineralize (I think...) but this is probably going to change soon.

MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty is the first MAC blush I purchased and I think what began my blush buying frenzy. It's a light pink colour with a gorgeous glitter through it. I have a few light pink blushes because I think it's my natural glow anyway so I suit it best. It's also not too daring for daytime either.
Probably one of my most used blushes, it looks good on anyone.

MAC Mineralize Blush in Hang Loose from the Limited Edition In the Groove collection that everyone went mad for. It's a nice light pink teamed with a lilac/lavender colour. I have never seen a lilac blush before, and I wouldn't ever wear the lilac alone but blended together it looks so lovely.
I've only worn this a few times, but I like it because it's not like any other colour I own.



L-R: Bourjois Blush Pot in Rose D'or, Smashbox blush in Proof Sheet & MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty.



Bottom to Top: MAC WW Blush in Amazon Princess, MAC Mineralize Blush in Hang Loose & MAC blush in Fleur Power.

I'm a bit of a blush obsessive so I change which blush I use everyday. What are your thoughts?

MAC Haul Inc. Wonder Woman

This morning my MAC delivery turned up, including my MAC Wonder Woman powder blush in Amazon Princess. I was going to buy Mighty Aphrodite but it sold out while I was choosing what else to buy! However, I am so glad I bought Amazon Princess as it's absolutely gorgeous. 

It's a bright magenta shade with a small section of plum. Quite a bright blusher so I wasn't sure if it would suit me. I was actually planning on getting Mighty Aphrodite in the shop today and selling this one but I've fallen in love. 

I absolutely love the packaging. I can never bring myself to throw away MAC packaging for some reason (although I always eventually do). 

I would never have picked this up in the shop, it seems far too bright for me and also a bit dark but I absolutely love it. It doesn't look a magenta shade when it's on, more like a lovely pink, a bit like I've just been out for a walk in the snow which is what I aim for. 

I also bought two eyeshadows, in Naked Lunch and Pink Venus which I didn't swatch because I didn't have my SLR (hence the rubbish picture quality) and also because I'm sure everyone has seen these colours before! If not, Naked Lunch is a lovely light gold beige and Pink Venus is a sparkly but subtle pink. 

I also bought this frost lipstick in Sandy B, which I bought because I'd seen it somewhere (on a blog) and totally loved it. BUT I had a problem putting my order through (as the Mighty Aphrodite sold out whilst I was shopping) so had to go back and re-do my basket, but I accidentally selected Frost instead of Matte. Slightly gutted, because this doesn't really suit me so I might have a blog sale in the near future. 

I definitely recommend the blush and the eyeshadows. Did anyone else get anything from the WW collection? 

February Favourites.

On a scale of 1 to 10, how bad is it that I still don't know how to spell February? Well anyway, I thought I'd get a few of my favourite things together that I've been loving this month. 

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator: I have an undying love for Liz Earle products, and this is another product that always delivers. A good exfoliator is something everyone should invest in. Much like the famous Cleanse&Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, it is a thick cream holding fine jojoba beads to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells. An exfoliator which is too abrasive can scratch and irritate skin so this is perfect due to the size of the exfoliating beads, it is also contains cocoa butter and eucalyptus to calm skin. An absolute must have. 
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer: The ultimate concealer for amazing coverage, I use this under foundation as I think it's slightly too easy to wear on top. I end up with flawless skin and a little goes a long way. Can't argue with that!
Models Own Nail Polish in Nude Beige: Such a lovely natural colour, I'd never think of wearing this on my nails but it's gorgeous. 
Perfect but not too perfect eyebrows: I love my eyebrows, defined but not drawn on with a Sharpie pen. Eyebrows really frame the face and complete a look, so I think a brow brush, a small angled brush and some eyeshadow are all you need to create a perfect arched brow. 
Fresh summer scents: I love light and fresh perfumes, my most recent addition was my Marc Jacobs Eau So Fresh Daisy perfume but I also have other ones such as Chanel Chance and Chloe. They're really easy to wear and just add a gorgeous scent which isn't too overpowering. 
Film Cameras: Getting photos developed is one of my favourite things, I have quite a few film cameras and I think they're wonderful. They always come out so dreamy and pretty. I'm trying to hunt down polaroid film for my polaroid camera. 
What were your February Favourites? 

MAC & Topshop LE Haul.

I decided to treat myself to a little bit of MAC today, so I picked up the Fanfare Cremesheen lipstick and Fleur Power Powder Blush.

Both colours look amazing, I can't wait to try them out.

I also got a couple of things from the Limited Ed. Topshop collection, including a gloss stick in "Ablaze" and a crayon in "Equinox" which are both lovely.

L-R: Topshop Crayon in Equinox, Topshop Gloss in Ablaze, MAC blush in Fleur Power and MAC lipstick in Fanfare

In this picture I'm wearing The Topshop crayon on my eyes and the Topshop gloss on my lips. 

I've really been enjoying Topshop makeup and I can't wait to get more pieces when they come in in the next couple of weeks. 

Tomorrow, Graeme is playing in Mint Lounge in Manchester so I'm going too. Haven't decided on what to wear yet, but I think my Topshop makeup will make an appearance. 

What's everyones plans for the weekend? 

5 Of the Best: Highlighters.

I think using a highlighter makes such a difference, especially as I don't have the best skin. A good highlighter will brighten dull skin, have light-reflecting pigments to cover blemishes and imperfections, and smooth over skin, hiding pores. For me, this is essential in my everyday makeup routine. 

A highlighter can brighten your overall appearance, and make tired-looking skin looking full of life. 

I'm going to introduce you to my five favourite highlighters, some of which are creams whilst others are powders. 

MAC Strobe Cream

I'm sure everyone has at least heard of this product. I use this every day, and I love how it transforms my skin. I've been using it for a few months now and I love it. MAC say "Brightens and clarifies with iridescent particles and antioxidants. Enhances the effects of light on all skin" which is exactly what we want. It uses botanicals, vitamins and green tea to add some life to your skin. I use this all over my face, on top of moisturiser. Although it can be used on its own (I wish!) I always wear foundation on top, which gives me a lovely healthy glow. I've recently had a few compliments on my complexion and it's all down to this little lovely. If you don't already have this in your makeup bag, then I'd really recommend it. It doesn't make skin shine, just simply adds a subtle but gorgeous sheen.

Benefits High Beam

Ahh the famed High Beam. I can guarantee that everyone has this in their collection, it's just one of those cult products isn't it. High Beam is a "complexion enhancer" which creates "that natural, radiant glow you've always desired" say Benefit. I've been using this product for years now, and we've been through a turbulent relationship in this time but I've finally accepted this product for what it is. Whilst I use MAC Strobe Cream all over my face, High Beam is destined for those special areas you want to be noticed, such as your cheekbones, your brow bone or down your nose. I use this usually only on my brow bone, which I think works amazingly well. High Beam is quite pigmented, more so than MAC strobe cream I would say (but it is more of a pink undertone as the picture shows). I used to apply this over my foundation to my cheek bones, but I found that it didn't blend in so well with my foundation. I now use a powder for this area. Once I had worked that out, I began to see High Beam in a whole new light. 

High Beam is a lot thicker than other liquid highlighters such as Strobe Cream, and it's also quite gloopy. 

Although I do recommend this product, you really have to find out what works for you. I absolutely love High Beam just under my eyebrow to accentuate the arch but you may find other uses for this. 

Smashbox Soft Fusion Lights in Baked Stardust

This is one of the first Smashbox products I've tried and I don't think I've put it down since. Smashbox say "The illuminating formula softens the way light reflects on your skin and wakes up your complexion for a radiant look" which is what it does. I apply this to my cheekbones (sorry High Beam!) to give a subtle sheen and a lovely glow. I don't use a bronzer, but this does have a slight bronzed look to it, so this sort of is my bronzer. I can't fault this product, it's less noticeable than other powder highlighters I've tried and the 5 different colours give such a nice natural glow. I'm quite pale (NW20) and happy with that, so it's nice to have a small amount of bronze added to your face which will catch the light and brighten your appearance. 

I guess you could sweep this product around your face, but I find it works best with just a small amount on my cheeks. 

Bourjois Illuminating Touch

I've always been a massive fan of Bourjois little pots, especially their blush pots. I found this about a year ago, and it's always been something I reach for. It's more iridescent than the other highlighters i've mentioned, and a lovely natural peach colour. Although it's a bit more glittery, it gives a subtle glow which helps to sculpt the face. I think this is a bit more natural than the other highlighters. 

I'd definitely recommend this product, it goes really well with a nice pink/peach blush and really injects some glow into your skin. 

Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam

Okay so I know I only bought this a few days ago, but I am seriously in love. This product is so lovely and pigmented, Topshop say it is a "Shimmering silky golden highlighter to add lightness and radiance to face and body". 

I know this will become a permanent product in my life, the lovely golden colour is gorgeous and it really does give you a gorgeous glow. I use this along my cheekbones and on my temples, but it can be used all over the body - on the collarbones or around your cleavage. 

This looks amazing on my slightly pale skin, but I know it will look lovely in the summer with a tan as well. 

If you don't already have this, you really need this in your life. 

So there is my 5 Best Highlighters, let me know what you think. I'm thinking about making this a regular feature so if you want to suggest something for me to review, I'd definitely be up for it. 

In other news, I'm selling two of my favourite dresses on ebay, which can be found here. 

Valentines, FOTD & Topshop.

Ahh Valentines Day! Just another day to me usually, I didn't get anything for Graeme but we had a nice dinner on Saturday and we're having another one tonight. Graeme got me my Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume which I posted about earlier, but this morning these came for me! No one has ever given me roses before! The card says "from your secret admirer ;)" awww :) 

Today I bought this gorgeous Topshop Highlighter in Sunbeam. I had been looking at it before, it's an amazing colour and so pigmented. I think one sweep on your cheekbones is enough, I can't ever imagine finishing this product, even if I used it four times a day. 

It gives a subtle glow to wherever you use it, I use it on my cheekbones. So lovely! Even my boyfriend noticed it. 

I also got a new blusher brush (pictured below) because I was getting sick of my ELF bamboo one. Hopefully I will have more luck with the Topshop one. I love new brushes, so soft. 

I got this headband from Topshop as well, but not sure how I feel about it... The bow is quite big and flappy and I'm not sure if it's very me but I love the colour. 

Another FOTD, but I was enjoying my makeup quite a lot today so I thought why not? The products I used are the same as yesterday except I finally used my Sleek Storm palette! From the palette I used the second from the left on the top row for the lid & up to my brow, and then the first from the left on the bottom row for the crease and outer lid. 

What did everyone do for Valentines? So excited to read everyones posts! 

Last nights FOTD.

Last night Graeme and I decided to go out for some drinks in Leeds, so I thought I'd put up some pictures of my outfit & makeup.
I basically just wore the same outfit as yesterday, the peter pan collared crop top and black bodycon skirt, but put my cameo necklace on and some lovely Topshop heart suspenders.

I got them a while ago, probably in October/November but I love them! I don't like the Henry Holland suspender tights because I think they look odd (why the three suspender straps?!) but these are so cute.
I also added some eyeshadow from my Too Faced Natural Eye Palette and a touch of Topshop Brighton Rock lipstick.

MAC Studio Fix foundation 

L'oreal Touche Magique concealer

MAC Strobe Cream

Topshop Blush in Pinch

Smashbox Soft Fusions Highlighter

Benefit Brow Zings

Too Faced Natural Eye Palette 

MAC Prolong Lash

Rimmel Liner 

Nude Beach on my brow bone. 

Honey Pot on lid. 

Cocoa Puff on crease. 

And obviously my homemade studded leather jacket! 

Planning on doing absolutely nothing today! I love sundays. 

Makeup Bag.

First of all, I'm so sorry about the quality of the pictures. It's 9pm and quite dark so they're not great (I also had to use the flash and it highlighted how dirty my makeup is... lovely) but this is just an overview of my daily make up (similar to the Skincare post I did).
Obviously I have literally tons of makeup stored away but this is what I leave out and use daily, and also take with me a lot of time if I'm going out or whatever.

My makeup bag used to be gorgeous, I bought this from Superdrug around 4 years ago and I can't bear to throw it away (even though its dirty, faded, the zip is broken and my makeup doesnt actually all fit in it). Its purple and has a black damask pattern all over it (now tragically faded, RIP).

Okay so I think it's important to prime my skin first, since my skin is yuck and bumpy and not lovely like everyone elses. I don't always use all these products, but these are the ones I use more than others. They are: 

Benefit High Beam: I use this as a highlighter on my brow bone and cheek bones.

ELF All Over Cover Stick: I use this to cover any blemishes pre-foundation.
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer: A cult product, excellent primer to smooth out skin.
MAC Strobe Cream: Lovely used a primer, gives a subtle sheen and brightens dull skin.
MAC Matte Gel: Absorbs any oils, giving a matte appearance. I sometimes use this instead of the other primers.
YSL Touche Eclat: Another cult product which I use to hide my eye-bags.
Smashbox Under Eye Brightener: I sometimes use this alone or under Touche Eclat.
ELF Eyelid Primer: Excellent eyelid primer, makes sure my eyeliner & mascara doesn't leave black marks on my eyelids & holds on eyeshadow when I wear it. 

Terrible picture. My two favourite foundations and my absolute favourite concealer.
MAC Pro Longwear foundation NW20: amazing, amazing, amazing!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation NW20: I didn't like this at first and I prefer my Pro Longwear but sometimes I mix them together, and have only recently started wearing this alone for a more dewy look.
L'Oreal Touche Magique Concealer: The best concealer money can buy, such a bargain and better than my MAC Prolong wear concealer!

 

I have a heap of powders, blushes and highlighters as you can see. These are my main ones, and I swap them around each day.

Sleek One Finishing Powder: A recent purchase, but really nice and fine.
MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty: Lovely rosy gold blush with a subtle glow. Perfect!

Smashbox Highlighter Fusion Soft Lights in Baked Stardust: Awesome highlighter.

MAC Select Sheer Loose Powder NW25: Slightly darker than my foundation, so I don't use this too much. Good for blending in & use it most at night.

MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Powder: Sets makeup, doesn't look cakey.
Bourjois Blush in Rose D'or: A new purchase, but definitely a favourite. Similar to the MAC Dainty blush. Very pink with a shimmer.

Bourjois Illuminating Touch: A great highlighter for cheekbones.

Topshop Cream Blush in Pinch: Another new purchase but so good!

I actually don't wear eyeshadow all that much... I'm not sure why! I use a few different mascaras at once though, but this one is my favourite at the moment. 

Sleek Storm Palette: I've actually never used this, it's too pretty! I need to experiment, I love the colours.

Mac Pro Longwear Mascara: I didn't like this at first but I use it every day now.

Rimmel Professional Liquid Liner: You can't beat this, and it lasts for so long!

Benefit Eye Bright: A great highlighter for eyes, I use it in the corners of my eyes to make them look wider and brighter.

Benefit Brow Zings in Medium: I love Brow Zings, I use it with a small angled brush (see below).

Two of my favourite lipsticks.
MAC Cremesheen in Speed Dial: Lovely pink colour, but not over the top.
Revlon Lipstick in Pink in the Afternoon: More of a daytime colour.
17 Lipliner in Rose Blush: This goes perfectly with the Revlon lipstick. 

My main brushes which are all different brands.
Models Own Eye Shading Brush: Just in case I decide to wear eye shadow.
MAC 190 Foundation Brush: I think everyone has this. Excellent foundation brush (although I don't always use it and I'm really lazy and never wash it!)

ELF Small Angled Brush: Perfect for eyebrows.
ELF Angled Blush Brush: I'm actually a bit sick of this, I don't like it as much as I used to so looking for a new one to replace this.
H&M Powder brush: I love H&M brushes, I used to have one for blush too. Lovely and soft, they stay like this for years and they're only a few pounds. 

So there you have it. An insight into my makeup bag, and all my daily products. If this post has taught me anything, it's that I need to keep my products cleaner and wash my brushes more regularly!