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Last year I managed to pick up the second Cult Beauty Starter Kit (worth over £70) which sold out within days (see my Cult Beauty Start Kit review) and I for one was very pleased with the selection/contents of the box.
So, when Cult Beauty dropped their latest box this morning, which is still in stock for now, I know I had to tell you about it.
Read below for box content breakdown and if I think it's as good as the last Cult Beauty Starter Kit!
Today I wanted to talk about the best drugstore brands for lipstick because as a fan of mainly premium branded lipsticks I've like to think I've still found some amazing rival drugstore brands along the way.
These are one the lipsticks I love and use just as much as my favourite Charlotte Tilbury and MAC lipsticks and are of such good quality with a much lower price tag! Read on to discover three drugstore brands that know how to do lipstick!
While it would be easy to drop a list of skin care products into a blog post and tell you how amazingly well they worked for me and therefore you should maybe give them a try, the reality is we are all becoming more savvy spenders by the day.
From using up products we own before buying more, to no-spend goals and of course opting for skincare dupes to save a little hard-earned money; I think it's safe to say the days of makeup and skincare hauls are over.
So with this very much in mind, I wanted to share one of the hottest skincare tips with you that really is foolproof for all skincare type and doesn't cost a dime!
From the most gorgeous flat lay-style makeup bag I've come across to large makeup storage on a budget and even a few amazing travel makeup bag options. I really feel this post shows how much makeup storage has evolved in the last year and I'm so here for it! Hope you find a few bargain items from this little lot.
This post contains affiliate links.
Velvet Portable Flat Lay Makeup Bag - £4.99 HERE
Flat lay makeup pouches are 100% the new makeup storage trend and I for one am here for them! Simply explained it's a drawstring makeup pouch that fully opens to layout as a flat circle meaning you can have all your makeup spread out and then gather back up into the bag with a pull of two drawstrings.
I love this idea and design but I can't say I'm a fan on the waterproof type material they are often made from. However, I did manage to find this stunning velvet makeup pouch that comes in 7 different colours and looks so pretty!
White Acrylic Large Makeup Desk Tidy - £8.79 HERE
If you like structured makeup storage that will keep everything organised and neat then this bargain offering may just be for you. The makeup drawer organiser comes in 5 colours and contains two drawers and seven different compartments, perfect for storing all your toiletries or everyday makeup in easy reach. For the price I'm so impressed!
8 x Modular Drawer Inserts - £6.99 HERE
If you are someone with countless messy junk drawers then you will find drawer organisers a lifesaver. Simply slotted into any drawer they divide up space and allow you to be more organised. This specific set comes in both black and white and includes eight different sized trays to organise one or more drawers. I need to get some of these!
Plastic Makeup Organiser - £4.75 HERE
Next, a storage organiser I could see being perfect for hair styling tools and hair products, or even skincare. I personally love the tiered compartments so everything is visible and in easy reach and the muted pink shade, although it does also come in grey and white.
Rotating Makeup Display Organiser - £10.35 HERE
Last year rotating makeup storage became popular and I loved the idea... however the white or black plastic seemed bulky and unpleasing to the eye. So I'm now very happy to see different designs emerging like this pink acrylic unit. Rotating makeup storage really makes sense, especially if you love having your everyday makeup organised and in easy reach at all times.
Hexagonal Makeup Brush Holder - £3.61 HERE
If you own a lot of makeup brushes then keeping them organised in pots is a must. I personally like to store mine in groups, with all eye brushes kept together and face brushes together, along with the beauty blending I'm currently using. So this little organiser would be ideal!
48 Nail Polish Storage Box - £9.35 HERE
Another new makeup storage solution I'm excited to share is this handy nail polish storage box that is double-sided and holds a whopping 48 nail polishes. This is ideal if you won't want to display nail polishes on a shelf or keep them unorganised in a random box. It's also perfect for bringing out when you need to re-do your nails, allowing you to look over all the shades you have in one go.
Makeup Organiser Travel Box - from £14.99 HERE
If you are someone that likes to keep your makeup in a makeup bag but doesn't like how unorganised it gets then look no further than this travel makeup bag. While you could remove the sections this makeup bag keeps everything organised and neat. It even includes a zipped pocket and space for makeup brushes that even covered and protected when closed. I also love the designs of these so much!
Decorative Cotton Pad Dispenser - £3.29 HERE
How to store cotton pads seems such a first world problem doesn't it. But unless you keep cotton pads in their original packaging they get everywhere and are hard to store and keep dust-free. Which is why I love the idea of keeping them in a dispenser, looking much neater. A simple makeup storage solution but one I think I need!
Covered Makeup Pod Storage - from £14.99 HERE
Around 10 years ago I wrote a post on what the beauty industry would look like in 2020 and if I have touched upon makeup storage I know I'd have described something as futuristic-looking as this makeup organiser!
What are your thoughts on such a contemporary/almost futuristic-looking design? I kind of love the idea of keeping all my products dust-free with the clear cover but it keeps on reminding me of an astronaut - I'm just not sure!
Quilted Makeup Bag - £5.22 HERE
Another makeup bag option here that while isn't anything new design-wise I had to include for the 90's vibes. It's cheap and tacky looking but I kind of love the holographic finish and colours mixed with the quilted material. I also really like this style of makeup bag as they really do hold a lot.
Travel Makeup Storage Box with LED Mirror - £26.39 HERE
Another futuristic design here that incorporates a makeup storage box with a very handy LED mirror, which can be used attached to the storage box or completely separate. This is a design that makes sense, although I'm hoping it will become a little cheaper!
Holographic Makeup Storage Organiser - £26.09 HERE
Another makeup storage desk tidy I really love is this holographic beauty that really stands out. This is from Domu, a brand on eBay that offer amazing quality makeup storage items that I've bought from a few times now and always been impressed by.
Not only does this unit come with 5 sizable compartments but an extra-wide drawer that will hold a lot of makeup.
Beauty Sponge Case - 99p HERE
Last year it was all about the beauty blender egg cup style holder, but this year it's gone one step further with a ventilated case for your makeup sponge. I really love this idea as it no longer means staining my makeup sponge when I throw it in my makeup bag along with my liquid eyeliner! It also seems a much more hygienic way of storing it, keeping it dust-free and from touching over products.
Glitter Planets Makeup Bag - £3.54 HERE
As you may be able to tell I do love a cheap-looking makeup bag, actually I love makeup bags in general, but this caught my eye as it was something different and fun. It comes in a range of different colours and I love that it encases both fluffy pom poms and glitter. It's also such a bargain!
6-Tier Acrylic Makeup Tower Storage - £23.98 HERE
Lastly, if like me you're a huge fan of acrylic makeup storage towers then you may want to check this out as I feel it could hold an entire makeup collection. Most acrylic makeup units include slim drawers but this offers much more room for different size products which I really love. For the price, this is such a good deal.
Let me know your favourite makeup storage organizer here - I've love to know!
Fee xo.
In recent years there's been a surge of love for eyeshadow palette which has essentially fazed out the need to buy single compact eyeshadows. There's without a doubt less single options around and I know I personally only ever pick up single eyeshadows when they are extra special or in pan form to add into a custom palette.
However, I've recently come across a new and improved single eyeshadow range that is not only spectacularly pigmented but costs only £1.50! They also come with the cutest seasonal shade names, such as Gingerbread, Cinnamon and Pecan.
Read below to find out where you can pick up these amazing budget eyeshadows along with some swoon-worthy swatches!
There is no denying makeup launches are coming thick and fast these days and with Christmas on the way it literally seems impossible to keep up and know what's worth buying and what isn't. Yes, choice is an amazing thing but I can't help but feel over faced at times with the rate of new makeup releases from even my most favourite brands, such as Charlotte Tilbury, Makeup Revolution and all their spin-off brands and Too Faced to name but a few.
Basically, I've been going through New Makeup Release Fatigue! Seeing everything but not buying anything because, arghhhh, why so much?!
Thankfully I've got myself out of this head funk and so I wanted to share what I've done to combat it. So that if you are feeling the same as we are bombarded with new makeup launches and Christmas gift sets you can see the wood for the trees and buy like it's 2005 again! Bare with me, I know this all sounds a bit of a ramble but I feel I have a point to make with this post!
Concealer is one of those makeup bag essentials that everyone owns. It's often a multipurpose wiz, used on dark circles, blemishes, pigmentation and is even there to correct makeup mistakes and more. There's basically no denying how invaluable concealer is!
But for that very reason, the beauty industry is awash with every kind of concealer imaginable. From sweatproof to photo proof and industrial strength, in all formulas - we as beauty lovers are spoilt for choice. But as you will likely know, not all concealers live up to expectation - lacking in coverage, blendable, longevity and even shade range.
So today I have one of the lastest concealer launches to share with you that ticks all boxes, being an amazing budget base offering that requires shouting about!
They say to never judge a book by its cover, and while that may be true for literature, I've generally found a good looking beauty product to live up to its outward appearance. Of course, you are going to discover some duds, but a brand that goes the extra mile with the appearance of their product often has attention to detail that goes beyond just packaging.
I personally love buying/collecting aesthetically pleasing makeup - it really does bring me joy!
So today I thought I'd walk you through some of my more recent pretty beauty products that not only I've been enjoying the appearance of but also how they perform. From budget brands to premium brands there's something to suit all budgets. But as we are all makeup savvy around here you may want to check out my blog post on really pretty makeup without the price tag sharing my favourite drugstore brands that offer some stunning products to boot.
Spending on beauty when you already have a cosmetic bag full of makeup can be a luxury affair. Even a 5-minute trip into Boots to stock up on 'essentials' can be a costly these days! Which is why I personally love to seek out bargains where I can, especially when they don't scrimp on quality!
Below I have listed five of my favourite affordable beauty products that definitely don't scrimp on quality both in their formulas and packaging. And to the end of this budget-friendly post, you will find a round-up of my favourite beauty & skincare brands that seem to constantly produce high-quality products as low prices.
Now that the dust has finally settled down around Glossier launching in the UK (online only, mind) I thought it was about time to share my thoughts on the brand as a whole and reviews of the products I picked up so far.
First, let's rewind a bit back to 2015 when In The Gloss, owner by Glossier founder, Emily Weiss, asked Into The Gloss readers to describe their dream fash wash in hopes of creating in their own words "the best darn cleanser the world has ever seen". Which they did indeed launch, creating the first-ever Glossier product (review of the facial wash further down)! Now with around 24 products under their belt and I'm sure more to come they have amassed quite a following, I mean, they have their own merch in the form of an on-trend grey sweater with the Glossier logo, which kinda' shows the level of love around the brand in my opinion, though it could just be a sign of how on the pulse Glossier are! Rambling aside, Glossier has come out with some amazing products, along with some lacklustre ones, and today I thought I would share what I decided to spend on and how these products have been working for me.
I should also point out that the Glossier UK website is UK based, so there's no risk of being hit with customs fees! Also if you do like any of the products you see here you can use my referral link HERE to receive 10% off your first order!
For me base products are the most important to get right. From finding a flawless looking foundation that matches your skin tone to an opaque concealer that doesn't look cakey under the eyes. If you've got a good base then everything else will follow and look put together in my option.
Drugstore or high street makeup as we call it here in the UK has moved on leaps and bounds in the last few years and with brands such as Bourjois and NYX you can find products to rival high end ones. Below are my top 5 favourite base products from primer to setting powder that I use to achieve an affordable yet flawless base.
1. PRIME
Bourjois Happy Light Serum Primer
When priming the skin in winter I like to go for something that will create a dewy base, so I always reach for an illuminating primer. My go-to for this is the chic Bourjois serum primer that is a joy to use. Not only is it beautifully scented but the serum formula just sinks into the skin creating a lovely hydrated and slightly brighter base for foundation to be applied onto. Unlike other illuminating primer this contains no obvious flecks of glitter so you won't turn into a human disco ball but it will bring more life to the skin and gives you a more awake complexion.
2.BASE
Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
For a your-skin-but-better finish you really can't go wrong with the Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation as it blends into the skin a dream, offering just the right amount of coverage to even out skin tone. I love this lightweight foundation as it cancels out all redness for me yet leaves my skin looking like skin with only blemishes and the under eye needing to be covered up.
3.CONCEAL
NYC HD Photogenic Concealer
Next is the all important step of concealer and for this I like something opaque and creamy. The NYX HD Photogenic Concealer also known as the the Hi Definition Photo Concealer is a product perfect for the job and is often compared to much higher end concealers. This is full coverage concealer which blends under the eyes and over blemishes seamlessly and most importantly stays put throughout the day, especially when set with a little powder. Both my concealer and foundation favourites are actually loved by Kim Kardashian and Emma Stone which is more than reassuring to know! You can find more top drugstore products with this handy celebrity makeup guide that details what low-priced makeup products celebrities actually use!
4. SET
Gosh Prime 'n Set Setting Powder
Although I love a dewy glow, setting my T-zone and under eye concealer is a must for me. My favourite loose powder for this job is something I've been using for years now and is hands down the most effective product if you want to mattify the skin - great for oily gals! With a damp beauty sponge I like to bake my under eye area à la Kylie Jenner and with a large powder brush I sweep the Gosh translucent powder across my forehead and down my nose.
5. ILLUMINATE
MUA Luxe Strobe & Glow Highlight Kit
Lastly to add some glow and sheen to my face I love this multi formula compact that offers both a powder and cream formula. Generally I will just opt for a dusting of the highlight powder over my cheekbones but for a full on glow I will first dab on the pearlescent cream highlight and then set it with the highlight powder which gives such long lasting and intense pigmentation. This really is amazing for a drugstore product and something I'd highly recommend checking out when you are next shopping. In fact the entire MUA Luxe range is pretty damn amazing!
I love knowing others low-cost favourites so make sure to let me know your own budget concealer and foundation in the comments below!
Fee xo.
This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Magic Freebies UK. However all views are 100% my own!
This week has just been a nightmare week - I planned to slowly prepare for a family wedding on Friday and be all relaxed and organised and then I got ill! So I thought I deserved to write a rambly sort of post and just ramble away about new makeup etc!
Let me get all my negative energy out of the way and complain about being so ill and then I can move onto the nice dress and wedding makeup!
So like I mentioned about having a nice stress-free week planned to lead up to going to a lovely wedding on Friday. My boyfriend even booked time off work and we planned to go wedding present and dress shopping at the Trafford Centre in Manchester on the Monday. But the weekend before I developed a mouth ulcer - now this wasn't any normal ulcer it was the size of my face! Okay, a slight over exaggeration but it was on the large side and was so painful - but something I could cope with. But then I developed a lump on my jawline and what seems like one side of my face swelled up...and oh the pain! Anyway, to cut a long and boring story short I went to the GP on Monday and basically my mouth ulcer had caused a secondary infection and so he prescribed some antibiotics. My main thought being I wouldn't be able to have a drink or two (or six) at the wedding! But I guess at least it's helped with the elephant face.
So on Wednesday I finally dragged myself off to the Trafford Centre at 11am and at 11pm I got home quite exhausted but with the dress above and a beautiful wedding present!
I'm still not too sure on the dress... though I definitely think it is quite spring-time wedding appropriate and I do like the hint of coral with the tie.
My next slight drama was that I got sun burnt - yes in April and yes, indoors! Yesterday was actually the hottest day of the year so far (to be honest it was quite warm) and of course I thought nothing of only wearing a SPF 15 in with my Max Factor Xperience foundation. But the Trafford Centre does have a glass roof and I did spend about half an hour outside in the lovely Barton Square area eating a Selfridges brownie (to aid recovery time).
So this morning I woke up with bright red hot cheeks and a red nose - I'm still not quite sure how I'm going to conceal this problem on Friday if it's not gone but I'm quite thankful that I decided to Xen Tan and it is making the red...less red at least!
Moaning aside!
I decided with the dress having a hint of coral and it being a spring wedding I would keep my makeup quite fresh and dewy with a lovely soft but vibrant coral lip. I was tempted to buy some MAC Face & Body while in Selfridges but seeing as I don't tan that often I wouldn't end up using the darker shade of F&B I would of had to purchase. So I decided to get the free sample of the Bare Essential mineral foundation (the offer ended yesterday) in lightly fair I think (which actually isn't that fair as it's maybe a shade lighter than my tanned skin at the moment). I also picked up a sample of the Estee Lauder Double Wear light which matches perfectly and I'm hoping will look good in photos.
I decided with the dress having a hint of coral and it being a spring wedding I would keep my makeup quite fresh and dewy with a lovely soft but vibrant coral lip. I was tempted to buy some MAC Face & Body while in Selfridges but seeing as I don't tan that often I wouldn't end up using the darker shade of F&B I would of had to purchase. So I decided to get the free sample of the Bare Essential mineral foundation (the offer ended yesterday) in lightly fair I think (which actually isn't that fair as it's maybe a shade lighter than my tanned skin at the moment). I also picked up a sample of the Estee Lauder Double Wear light which matches perfectly and I'm hoping will look good in photos.
I also bought a liquid highlighter in Superdrugs from Accessorize (£7.00) to apply as a base over the DHC Velvet Touch primer - which definitely hides a multitude of sins (and pores) to add a dewy touch to the foundation.
As I was in a 'coral' mood I also bought the new Paraguaya Sleek palette which has some lovely shades and quite afew matte ones which means they definitely could be used as blush!
Though after deciding of going for a dewy coral look with a bold lip - I think just a matte bronzer to contour and a dab of highlighter on the brow bone with be enough! As I'm pretty sure the any type or shade of blush would class with a coral lip and the same with eyeshadow, it would just be too much, so I'm just going to even out my lids with some Primer Potion and smudge abit of No7 Amazing Eyes pencil in Brown into the upper lash line and then finish with a lovely coat of YSL Faux Cils.
It will feel quite odd not wearing eyeshadow as I do love my Naked Palette but I know a simple but beautiful dewy look calls for bare lids and just abit of bronzer.
As for hair I'm going to pin part of it up with the pretty white flowers from H&M (£1.99 for two) at the back and leave the rest down with a slightly curl using the Babyliss Conical Wand.
I also freshly dyed my hair so no roots will be on show - something I can't stand to see in photos of myself!
On a side note I really didn't think going to a wedding would take so much preparation! I mean first there's the wedding present and a nice unique wedding card and lovely wrapping paper. Then there's having to find the right dress and decide on nice looking high heels but comfy enough to wear all day! Then you have to sort out the other half ie - pluck overgrown eyebrows and force him to moisturize!
Then you realize that you don't actually own the perfect sheer coral/orange lipstick that will last more than 20 minutes and hydrate the lips!
So yes, high street coral lip shades suggestions would be highly appreciated before Friday afternoon!
As for nails - To match or to not match! I am very tempted to just paint them with Collection 2000 Fruit Salad as it perfectly matches the coral tie on the dress and will show off my tan . But then I do love abit of sparkle on the nails and love the combination of Nails Inc Caramel and Gosh Silver Silver or Kiko's amazing clear glitter.
Again would love to know what you all think - to match or to opt for nude glittery nails.
I'm probably over thinking all of this - but I do have 2 more weddings to attend this summer and then my own next year!!
So I guess this is all good practice!
Continuing on with my Affordable Makeup series I thought I would do a quick look at cheap lip products. I say quick because half of my makeup is in storage due to moving house (I must mention this in every post now) however by the end of 2010 I will do more detailed posts on lip balms, lip glosses and lipsticks and dedicate a post to each one.
Affordable Lipstick
I can't say I wear lipstick alot, mainly due to my lips always feeling abit dry, so I try to stick to sheer lipsticks that "moisturise". They say moisturise but none are that amazing I've found...just better than normal lipsticks that can dry the lips out throughout the day.
I forgot too mention Natural Collection lipsticks in here, but I do highly recommend them if you are on a budget or don't want to spend that much. At £1.99 they are really great. Ofcourse very basic packaging but ideal for anyone just getting use to wearing lipstick as they are quite sheer and not too drying! Also 17 lipsticks are quite good value for money at £3.49.
I have included a lipstick by Max Factor as I love the shade, however I can't say the rest of the range appeals to me and at £7.99 I do see this as hugely overpriced!
L-R - M&S Pink Sorbet, Rimmel Nude Praline, Barry M Marshmallow, Max Factor Moccha Latte.
Marks & Spencer Pink Sorbet (£2.50) - I've mentioned this lipstick afew times now because I use it so much, but every time I wonder why I don't own anymore from the range! But to be honest I'm not a M&S type of girl, so I don't go in there very often.
This is the only lipstick that I can say actually hydrates my lips and doesn't dry them out! Just works perfectly if you are prone to dry lips. It is quite sheer but also a vivid bright pink shade, so it makes for a good balance really. The range actually consists of 19 lipsticks from nudes to dark berry shades. I currently have my eye on Tea Rose, Golden Sands and Mallow.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Praline (£4.49) - From the swatch above this looks quite dark, but it's an almost 'your lips but better' kind of lipstick. Just really evens out the lips and makes them look abit more pouty & soft. Also tastes of marzipan which I love and it isn't that drying. All in all just a really lovely everyday lipstick.
Barry M Lip Paint Marshmallow (£4.25) - For me this is definately a going out lipstick when I want a really nude look to my lips. However apply this on dry lips and it will look awful. If I'm going to be wearing this I first apply Bepanthen nappy cream to my lips before I start applying any makeup, then at the last minute I use a cotton bud and kind of twirl it to remove the cream and any dry skin. THEN I apply the Barry M lip paint. So this isn't a slap on and go lipstick, but I do still love it (That is when I am tanned, pale skin doesn't work with this lipstick, unless you are going for the corpse look!)
Max Factor Moccha Latte (£7.99) -This is my "grown up" lipstick that I apply with a lip brush as it is quite dark compared to my natural lip colour. Can't say I love the old fashioned lipstick smell to it, but love that is lasts hours and looks perfect when applied well.
Affordable Lip gloss
I use lipgloss alot, however I am quite fussy. Anything over perfumed is a no-no as is anything overly sticky (long hair & sticky lipgloss isn't a good look, especially in the wind). Also anything too thick & gloopy isn't great either - I can't say I love the slug lip look either!
Marks & Spencer Pink Sorbet (£2.50) - I've mentioned this lipstick afew times now because I use it so much, but every time I wonder why I don't own anymore from the range! But to be honest I'm not a M&S type of girl, so I don't go in there very often.
This is the only lipstick that I can say actually hydrates my lips and doesn't dry them out! Just works perfectly if you are prone to dry lips. It is quite sheer but also a vivid bright pink shade, so it makes for a good balance really. The range actually consists of 19 lipsticks from nudes to dark berry shades. I currently have my eye on Tea Rose, Golden Sands and Mallow.
They also have a Mini lipstick set (£5.00) especially for Christmas containing geranium, coral, fuchsia, mallow and blackcurrant, that is worth a look if you've never tried anything from the range before!
Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude Praline (£4.49) - From the swatch above this looks quite dark, but it's an almost 'your lips but better' kind of lipstick. Just really evens out the lips and makes them look abit more pouty & soft. Also tastes of marzipan which I love and it isn't that drying. All in all just a really lovely everyday lipstick.
Barry M Lip Paint Marshmallow (£4.25) - For me this is definately a going out lipstick when I want a really nude look to my lips. However apply this on dry lips and it will look awful. If I'm going to be wearing this I first apply Bepanthen nappy cream to my lips before I start applying any makeup, then at the last minute I use a cotton bud and kind of twirl it to remove the cream and any dry skin. THEN I apply the Barry M lip paint. So this isn't a slap on and go lipstick, but I do still love it (That is when I am tanned, pale skin doesn't work with this lipstick, unless you are going for the corpse look!)
Max Factor Moccha Latte (£7.99) -This is my "grown up" lipstick that I apply with a lip brush as it is quite dark compared to my natural lip colour. Can't say I love the old fashioned lipstick smell to it, but love that is lasts hours and looks perfect when applied well.
Affordable Lip gloss
I use lipgloss alot, however I am quite fussy. Anything over perfumed is a no-no as is anything overly sticky (long hair & sticky lipgloss isn't a good look, especially in the wind). Also anything too thick & gloopy isn't great either - I can't say I love the slug lip look either!
L-R - Barry M Toffee, Natural Collection Fondant, Natural Collection Sherbet Fizz, Models Own Fuchsia-full.
Barry M Lip Gloss Wand Toffee 02 (£4.25) - This is my favourite lipgloss ever (that sounds like such a sad statement, but I'm sure any makeup lover will understand). I must have re-purchased this the most out of all my makeup because it's just so great! It's a perfect shade, not sticky and smells soooo good. The whole range is great really.
Natural Collection Juicy Lip Gloss Fondant & Natural Collection Juicy Lip Gloss Sherbet Fizz (£1.99) -For the price these are really great, very similar to the Barry M Lip glosses in smell and shades. However not as glosses are Barry M and they are slightly gritty. But it's something that you can get over. They also have a nice wide range of shades to pick from and are normally on 3 for £5 at Boots!
Models Own Lip Balm Fuchsia-full (£5.00) - Only tried 3 lip balms out of the range and I have found them to be abit hit and miss, but I really like this one.
It is really pigmented with a lovely berry scent to it. Still not sure if I'd class it as a lip balm though. However still lovely!
As always I'd love to know what your lipstick/lip gloss of choice is!
Also make sure to look out for Affordable Bronzers soon (something that's quite hard to get right on a budget!)
As this is part two I'm going to look at pressed eyeshadows, you can read part one here
if you want reviews of affordable liquid/mousse metallic eyeshadows.
There has to be so many metallic eyeshadow on the highstreet or in drugstores but there are so many that are quite sheer with too much glitter or they give so much fall out. So I've had a look through all the ones I own and picked out afew that are really highly pigmented and have a nice consistency to them .
17 Solo Eye Shadow 'Mardi Gras' 'Statuesque' - £3.49
I only started to buy 17 products afew months ago, even though I use to use alot of there products as a teenager and I have really re-discovered why I liked the brand in the first place! For the price these are really great - they all have a lovely texture to them and are nicely pigmented. They also blend out really nicely and actually look alot more expensive then they are. There is also a really nice range of shades from quite bright to neutral shades to some really dark shades. In texture and staying power these are very similar to the eyeshadows in the Sleek palettes.
If you ever get over whelmed with the amount of metallic eyeshadows by every brands, Number 17 is always a safe bet!
I only started to buy 17 products afew months ago, even though I use to use alot of there products as a teenager and I have really re-discovered why I liked the brand in the first place! For the price these are really great - they all have a lovely texture to them and are nicely pigmented. They also blend out really nicely and actually look alot more expensive then they are. There is also a really nice range of shades from quite bright to neutral shades to some really dark shades. In texture and staying power these are very similar to the eyeshadows in the Sleek palettes.
If you ever get over whelmed with the amount of metallic eyeshadows by every brands, Number 17 is always a safe bet!
Beauty UK Metallic Eye Quad 'No.1' - £3.49
I actually don't know why there aren't hundreds of reviews on these eye quads over the internet, as for the price they are actually great. I think in the Beauty uk range there's 4 or 5 eye quads a bronze palette (the one above) a lilac quad, a green one and I think maybe a grey/silver quad and all £3.49 each! These really are lovely, lovely shades and the texture is actually quite buttery and just feel alot better than you would expect for the price. However the one downside to the texture is there is fall out, having said that layering the eyeshadows, by building up the colour gradually then blending then putting more on, really does help. But for four highly pigmented eyeshadow the price is great, as are the shades and even the little palette that it comes in!
I actually don't know why there aren't hundreds of reviews on these eye quads over the internet, as for the price they are actually great. I think in the Beauty uk range there's 4 or 5 eye quads a bronze palette (the one above) a lilac quad, a green one and I think maybe a grey/silver quad and all £3.49 each! These really are lovely, lovely shades and the texture is actually quite buttery and just feel alot better than you would expect for the price. However the one downside to the texture is there is fall out, having said that layering the eyeshadows, by building up the colour gradually then blending then putting more on, really does help. But for four highly pigmented eyeshadow the price is great, as are the shades and even the little palette that it comes in!
Sleek i Divine Palette 'Storm' - £5.99
I know, I know...another review of a Sleek Palette. But just in case someone stumbles across Makeup Savvy looking for a cheap metallic eyeshadow palette I thought I should review it and ofcourse it does deserve a mention as I use this a hell of alot.
Out of the 12 eyeshadow, nine are actually metallic - however I am quite glad there are afew matte eyeshadows in there in neutral shades. Always quite handy.
As you can see these are all really gorgeous shades, especially the burnt bronze shades and the lovely blues. Just a really good range for only £6 - however as these are mineral eyeshadows there is some fall out especially noticeable with the darker shades. So I either do my eyes first and then foundation or I sweep away the fall out on my cheek with a soft powder brush.
I really do think the swatches just speak volumes for this palette - my favourite out of all the palettes and just amazing pigment.
If you haven't got this already and love really metallic shades, then this really needs to be on your shopping list!
17 Trio Eye Shadow 'Metallic Toffee' - £4.99
I was umming and arring whether to include this as I only recently bought this after being recommended it by someone on twitter (if you are that nice person just leave me a comment and I will include your twitter link). So I have only being using this for around two weeks, but I really do like it as it's definitely metallic but it also has a softness to it, that is really wearable in the day. As you can see from just slightly blending them together with my finger as I swatched the eyeshadows these are really blendable and also buildable. They also have a wide range of shades to the collection that also look really appealing.
Not as cheap per eyeshadow as the others but still really, really nice shades.
As for products I wouldn't recommend - The Stargazer eyeshadows all look really metallic and lovely in the pan, however they are abit of a let down. I much prefer the eyeshadow dusts. Also the Model's own duo eyeshadows are also nothing to write home about - quite chalky and not that pigmented.
Products that I didn't mention but are still great - Bourjois eyeshadow pots, the darker shades seem to be more pigments especially when used damp. Also any gold/bronze shades from NYX are always nice.
Make sure to watch out for Part 3 - metallic eyeshadow pigments (then I promise to shut up about all things bronze or gold!)
To read about other affordable makeup products just click here!
I was umming and arring whether to include this as I only recently bought this after being recommended it by someone on twitter (if you are that nice person just leave me a comment and I will include your twitter link). So I have only being using this for around two weeks, but I really do like it as it's definitely metallic but it also has a softness to it, that is really wearable in the day. As you can see from just slightly blending them together with my finger as I swatched the eyeshadows these are really blendable and also buildable. They also have a wide range of shades to the collection that also look really appealing.
Not as cheap per eyeshadow as the others but still really, really nice shades.
As for products I wouldn't recommend - The Stargazer eyeshadows all look really metallic and lovely in the pan, however they are abit of a let down. I much prefer the eyeshadow dusts. Also the Model's own duo eyeshadows are also nothing to write home about - quite chalky and not that pigmented.
Products that I didn't mention but are still great - Bourjois eyeshadow pots, the darker shades seem to be more pigments especially when used damp. Also any gold/bronze shades from NYX are always nice.
Make sure to watch out for Part 3 - metallic eyeshadow pigments (then I promise to shut up about all things bronze or gold!)
To read about other affordable makeup products just click here!
Affordable Blushers, Tick. Affordable Highlighters, Tick! Now onto my epic three part ramble about cheap eyeshadows. If you are wondering why it's going to be in three parts...well ofcourse there are just so many types of eyeshadow, even though the 3 parts are all going to be just on metallic eyeshadows...so actually it could become 5 posts just on eyeshadow if you take into account matte eyeshadows and eyeshadow palettes. All important subjects that I just can't leave out, right?
So as you may of noticed I do quite like eyeshadows and in particular anything metallic or shimmery- there are just so many lovely shades out there.
Especially when it comes to cream/mousse or liquid eyeshadows you really get that intensity, which it what I really love in metallic eyeshadows.
Also all the eyeshadows I'm going to mention really do last on the eye all day without even priming the eyes first! Ok well maybe the All About Face one need an eye primer - but it is only £1.50!
Bourjois Shimmer Shine Liquid Eyeshadow 'Brun Magnetique' - £6.84
Now I have to admit this is a new product for me but I have used it afew times already and really do love it - I actually asked everyone on Twitter what there favourite affordable metallic eyeshadow was and the lovely Katy came to my call saying that she loved the Shimmer Shine Bourjois eyeshadows and to be honest when a talented makeup artist like Katy mentions a product, I take notice. So off I trotted (well I actually just walked) to Boots to have a look at the range and proceed to apply far to much of the product onto the back of my hand and had shimmery hands for the rest of the day. However I picked up the bronze shade out of the collection and oh it really is lovely. The top screws off to reveal this little sponge applicator that you can either dab directly onto the eye or put the product onto the back of the hand so that you can use your fingers or a brush. I personally like using my ring finger to tap this on and blend out. As this is water based it has quite a unique refreshing sensation when applied, which really is crease proof and long lasting. Once dry this really doesn't move and it's sticky in the least. A really lovely product that I think I will be purchasing more of! Oh and also a good 8.5ml of product.
I had a little look online for these on Boots.com and Superdrug however they don't seem to be there..however they do stock them instore and on HQ Hair.com
No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse 'Vanilla' & 'Fudge' - £8.75
Okay, maybe these aren't the cheapest of eyeshadows however on 3 for 2 or for a little treat these are really lovely. There are six shades to the range, all quite soft shades and very wearable for the day and you really do need the smallest of amounts when applying this so they do last forever. The Vanilla eye mousse makes for a perfect base for all eyeshadows and really intensifies anything you put over it and will makes it last all day. Also perfect for applying all over the lid then placing a darker colour into the socket and then really blending out. I have to say I use Vanilla alot. As for 'Fudge' the swatch really does the talking...just a gorgeous shade and really lovely blended out. I can also imagine these being perfect on more mature skin - as the mousse really glides over the eye lid and doesn't settle into any lines. Just a really nice, easy to use product that will last you ages! - Also a little birdy tells me there are lots of sample sizes of the eye mousses on Ebay.
All About Face Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil ' Bronze' - £1.50
For the price I had to include this, it's just a really soft creamy eyeshadow that you can use directly onto the lids. It did say that it was crease-less...however that is very untrue and really does need some kind of base or eye primer to keep it in place or by the end of the day this will look awful....trust me! Having said that everything else about it is perfect.
It's really pigmented and just glides on. This also comes in a silver shade and I think maybe a pastel purple...but this my far the nicest of the shades.
Really worth a try if you are on a budget!
Rimmel Colour Mousse 8hr 'Breezy' - £5.00
These are very similar to the Bourjois Shimmering Shine eyeshadows in the fact that the mousse has that same cooling effect on the eyelid - not sure it makes the eyeshadow look any prettier but it is a nice feature! Also one of the shinier of all the liquid/ mousse eyeshadows I own, something to do with being 25% purified water or something. But anyways these come in a wide range of shades and can be bought from Asos.com, Boots etc . They also have afew darker shade such as Black Pearl and Midnight Blue which could be really worth a look.
Again this is a product that you need such a little amount.
As for favourites, I think they are all great!
However another product that is worth a try is the Urban Decay cream eyeshadows that are actually only £5.50 at the moment at Asos down from £11.00!
Make sure to look out for Part 2 - Affordable metallic loose eyeshadows.
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