Another haul today!
This is quite a large haul for me but everything here was purchased over the last month or so. With a mix of sale items and products bought on the Boots 3 for 2 offer - I've got quite a few bargains to share with you here.
When it comes to beauty shopping I surprisingly don't do it that often but rather I build up a list of products I want, then finally go shopping. However for once I headed to Boots without a list and decided to just swatch away and have a good look at all the new products. I was surprised just how many new products have launched lately and could have easily spent a small fortune in there. However I restricted myself to the 3 for 2 offer and a few other products then did the rest of my shopping online, grabbing some great bargains.
My dream makeup bag...
Ahhhh finally a Ted Baker makeup bag to call my own! I have lusted after a Ted Baker Wash Bag for such a long time now but couldn't justify the price as I knew I wouldn't be using it day-to-day as I store my makeup in Muji acrylic drawers. But when I spotted this in the ASOS sale with an extra 10% off I had to get it. The 5th Avenue design may just be my favourite style of the Ted Baker wash bags so far (now out of stock sadly). The tone of it is perfect and I love the art deco design - very chic and original. I will be making good use of this next month when I go on holiday!
Yet more nail polish...
Another ASOS sale purchase here with Rimmel Salon Pro Nail Polishes by Kate in Hip Hop and Reggae Splash (£3.49 - ASOS here) - two shades perfect for summer. I surprisingly haven't tried any shades from this range even though I love the Rimmel Kate Lipsticks and the shade range of the polishes are just perfect.
I also ended up getting yet another top coat to add to my nail polish collection in Boots in the form of Maybelline's Colorshow Top Coat in Alley Attitude (£3.99 - Boots here). I'm not even sure what shade base nail polish I would pair this with but it just looked so pretty in the bottle that I couldn't leave it behind. Will be definitely featuring this in a nail post very soon when I find a perfect nail polish to wear it with.
Bargain gift set & High Street picks...
Ahhh how I got sucked in to buying this Philosophy set after I smelling the products in Debenhams, then seeing that it was reduced to £10 from £24! The Fruitcake Mix Gift Set contains Cranberry Medley Body Lotion, Vanilla Cake Mix Shower Gel & Bubble Bath and Candied Pecan Salt Body Scrub. I'm well aware Philosophy products are packed full of chemicals/fragrance but for once I just couldn't resist as every item in the set smells heavenly... though I will be using the shower gel as hand wash as it contains sulfates but it does smell just like cake mix making it too good to waste. As for the scrub I literally keep smelling it every time I'm in my bathroom as it smells like the yummiest cookies you can imagine. As for the Cranberry Medley body lotion again it just smells amazing, quite warm and very yummy smelling. So pleased with this set.
As part of the 3 for 2 offer in Boots I decided to pick up two other Maybelline products that weren't previously on my radar but I loved the look of after swatching them. First up I picked out quite a light nude lipstick with Sultry Sand from the new Coloursens Nude Lipstick range (£6.99 - Boots here) as I have so many lipsticks in my collection that I feel apply too dark against my pale skin tone so this will be a great nude base to lighten up any lipstick. I also picked up a new concealer with Maybelline's Cover Stick in Ivory (£3.99 - Boots here) as I was strangely attracted to the rounded tip and the lightest shade really matched my skintone, though I'm not too sure how great the coverage will be.
Amazing bath time treats...
I'm not even a bath lovers however when I came across these two amazing glittery Bath Blasters from Bomb Cosmetics (£2.99 each) I vowed I would have to become a bath lover! Really just how amazing are these... I'm surprised Bomb Cosmetics aren't more well known/stocked in the likes of Boots. I will admit I went for these two bath bombs due to their glitter toppings over their scent however they both smell lovely and come with equally lovely names - Bright Lights, Big City (top, silver glitter) and Passionfruit Dream (bottom, red glitter). I think I may have to write a post on these with photos documenting how they melt in the bath.
Zesty scents and 'that' makeup sponge...
As spring is so nearly here I have been seeking fresh uplifting scents which started when I came across a Lily Flame Candle in Rhubarb in Debenhams for £8.00 (£5.90 - Amazon here). I think I may have stood there for 5 minutes inhaling the sweet/creamy Rhubarb and custard scent. I haven't yet burnt this but I have my fingers firmly crossed in hope that the scent is just as strong when lit.
Another amazing zesty scent I discovered last month was the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub (£8.00 - Boots here), I'm already a huge fan of The Breakfast Scrub from S&G for it's amazing yummy scent but I think I may have just discovered a new favourite with Sugar Crush, especially for summer. The scent is just so zingy with a mix of fresh lime and almond. Also the sugar scrub constancy is just the right amount of exfoliation for the skin and doesn't leave a residue behind which pleases me no end!
Last but not least I decided to finally try out the much talked about Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (£4.24 - Amazon here) as my Cosmopolitan one is now looking a little worse for wear. I have yet to use this but eager to try it with the new Bourjois CC Cream which I actually forgot to include in this haul!
One last haul to come next week with lots of diet/health items.
If you'd like me to review any product featured in this post just let me know!
Fee xo.
The internet is an easy place to make your life seem perfect. Casually staged cute items on a pristine desk to no makeup, makeup that actually takes more products than normal makeup!
But we are all human... so here are a few of my own beauty flaws/confessions that I felt I needed to share :)
I often only paint my nails on one hand for blog photos... then go out like that.
I've never tried Bioderma. Can't say I'm that fussed really... it's only makeup remover after all.
Even more surprisingly I've never purchased a single MAC eyeshadow.
But we are all human... so here are a few of my own beauty flaws/confessions that I felt I needed to share :)
I often only paint my nails on one hand for blog photos... then go out like that.
I've never tried Bioderma. Can't say I'm that fussed really... it's only makeup remover after all.
Even more surprisingly I've never purchased a single MAC eyeshadow.
Toenail polish stays on for as long as it will last.... so around 5 months! eeep.
I love Muji acrylic storage but makeup fingerprints are a nightmare and I'm too lazy to empty all the drawers to clean them.
I still dislike going up to makeup counters because I hate being 'sold' makeup.
On lazy nights I cleanse with an oil cleanser in bed and remove it with a baby wipe! Oh dear.
I'm surprised the Stylfile by Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau is such a popular product. Yes, it is a good quality nail file but the S shape is pointless! Sorry Tom.
I'm too lazy for fake tan, false eyelashes or artificial nails, however important the occasion.
I've tasted yummy smelling body products on multiple occasions... I wouldn't advise it.
I sometimes get obsessed with the blackheads on my nose and squeeze them out! Never a good idea.
I really think high street makeup is getting too expensive!
Please, please share your own beauty confessions with me in the comments! I'd love to read them.
Fee xo.
I still dislike going up to makeup counters because I hate being 'sold' makeup.
On lazy nights I cleanse with an oil cleanser in bed and remove it with a baby wipe! Oh dear.
I'm surprised the Stylfile by Apprentice winner Tom Pellereau is such a popular product. Yes, it is a good quality nail file but the S shape is pointless! Sorry Tom.
I'm too lazy for fake tan, false eyelashes or artificial nails, however important the occasion.
I've tasted yummy smelling body products on multiple occasions... I wouldn't advise it.
I sometimes get obsessed with the blackheads on my nose and squeeze them out! Never a good idea.
I really think high street makeup is getting too expensive!
Please, please share your own beauty confessions with me in the comments! I'd love to read them.
Fee xo.
As I didn't have many favourites from February I decided to write a 'Currently Loving' post, especially as two of the products I've only been using in the last two weeks though quite religiously.
I feel my product choices here may look a little bland however these are all things I'm sure I will be still using in 6 months time.
Urban Decay Naked Basic Palette
£20.00 - Beauty Bay here
At the end of January I finally caved and purchased the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I was sure I'd love it due to swatches I'd seen and I knew it would be perfect for travelling with. However I didn't anticipate just how much I'd love it and be using it! Naked 2 has been left redundant for the momeny as the Basics palette has become a day-to-day makeup staple. My daytime eye consists of Venus over the lid, and then Naked 2 and a little amount of Faint (also good for brows) blending into the crease. I also love using Crave on an angled liner brush smoked into the lash line. Just a perfect palette for daytime looks and my favourite of the 3 palette for pale skin so far.
At the end of January I finally caved and purchased the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I was sure I'd love it due to swatches I'd seen and I knew it would be perfect for travelling with. However I didn't anticipate just how much I'd love it and be using it! Naked 2 has been left redundant for the momeny as the Basics palette has become a day-to-day makeup staple. My daytime eye consists of Venus over the lid, and then Naked 2 and a little amount of Faint (also good for brows) blending into the crease. I also love using Crave on an angled liner brush smoked into the lash line. Just a perfect palette for daytime looks and my favourite of the 3 palette for pale skin so far.
Organic Surge Orange Flower Toner
200ml/£6.50 - here
In the past 2-3 months I have had a total overhaul of my skincare routine and the last product I hadn't got spot on was a toner. So I was pleased when the new Organic Surge Toner dropped though my door as I've always got on well with their products. From first use I could tell I was going to like the toner as it was so fresh and uplifting to the skin - no nasties here! Since mid February I have been using the toner daily even during the day when not wearing makeup just to awaken and hydrate my skin from over using central heating. This isn't a miracle product but a great multi-purpose toner for using after cleansing to make sure all residue is removed and to also freshen the skin in the morning and during the day.
The smell of this is also great - perfectly light and with a natural uplifting orange flower scent.
In the past 2-3 months I have had a total overhaul of my skincare routine and the last product I hadn't got spot on was a toner. So I was pleased when the new Organic Surge Toner dropped though my door as I've always got on well with their products. From first use I could tell I was going to like the toner as it was so fresh and uplifting to the skin - no nasties here! Since mid February I have been using the toner daily even during the day when not wearing makeup just to awaken and hydrate my skin from over using central heating. This isn't a miracle product but a great multi-purpose toner for using after cleansing to make sure all residue is removed and to also freshen the skin in the morning and during the day.
The smell of this is also great - perfectly light and with a natural uplifting orange flower scent.
Elemis FreshSkin Quenching Lip Balm
£5.99 - Amazon here
With a lip balm addiction I'm constantly trying out new lip balms and for the month of February into March this has been my go-to favourite. This zingy peppermint lip balm is more greasy than I'm use to however that is why I love it so much. The applicator and formula just glides over the lips giving them a glossy sheen and non-sticky feel. The lip balm soon gets to work and within minutes my lips feel smooth and soft.
With a lip balm addiction I'm constantly trying out new lip balms and for the month of February into March this has been my go-to favourite. This zingy peppermint lip balm is more greasy than I'm use to however that is why I love it so much. The applicator and formula just glides over the lips giving them a glossy sheen and non-sticky feel. The lip balm soon gets to work and within minutes my lips feel smooth and soft.
Lumecare Carbomer Eye Gel
£2.66 - Amazon here or Boots
Quite a random favourite here but one I needed to mention as I'd never even heard of such a product before I came across in it Boots looking for new eyedrops. Over the past few years I've developed drier eyes from allergies and wearing contact lenses so before applying makeup in the morning I like to use eye drops, which generally miss and roll down my face or flood my eyes making my vision a bit blurry for a minute or so - I just haven't got use to them. However Lumecare Carmbomer Eye Gel, also known as Long Lasting Tear Gel is just what I needed. Instead of a liquid dropper this is a gel that you drop/place into the bottom lid space meaning no drenched face ever again. On top of this, the eye gel lubricates the eyes so well that you can instantly feel a difference, which lasts pretty much all day. If you suffer from dry, tired or itchy eyes then I couldn't recommend this enough.
Quite a random favourite here but one I needed to mention as I'd never even heard of such a product before I came across in it Boots looking for new eyedrops. Over the past few years I've developed drier eyes from allergies and wearing contact lenses so before applying makeup in the morning I like to use eye drops, which generally miss and roll down my face or flood my eyes making my vision a bit blurry for a minute or so - I just haven't got use to them. However Lumecare Carmbomer Eye Gel, also known as Long Lasting Tear Gel is just what I needed. Instead of a liquid dropper this is a gel that you drop/place into the bottom lid space meaning no drenched face ever again. On top of this, the eye gel lubricates the eyes so well that you can instantly feel a difference, which lasts pretty much all day. If you suffer from dry, tired or itchy eyes then I couldn't recommend this enough.
Lanolips Lip Ointment with Colour in Apples
£8.16 - Boots here
A true nourishing lip care product with colour! Lanolips Lip Ointments are genuinely my favourite thing to wear on my lips during the day as the formula is so comfortable and nourishing, plus the shade range is so perfect. 'Apples' is a wonderful pigmented yet sheer red lip colour that is perfect for a fresh look and lasts well on the lips. I've tried nothing similar to this in that way that it's an intensively nourishing lip balm but also a lip colour at the same time. I can see myself buying up the whole shade range!
If you have a favourite post up for February make sure to leave the link below for me so I can have a read. You can never have enough product recommendations!
Fee xo.
A true nourishing lip care product with colour! Lanolips Lip Ointments are genuinely my favourite thing to wear on my lips during the day as the formula is so comfortable and nourishing, plus the shade range is so perfect. 'Apples' is a wonderful pigmented yet sheer red lip colour that is perfect for a fresh look and lasts well on the lips. I've tried nothing similar to this in that way that it's an intensively nourishing lip balm but also a lip colour at the same time. I can see myself buying up the whole shade range!
If you have a favourite post up for February make sure to leave the link below for me so I can have a read. You can never have enough product recommendations!
Fee xo.
Finally I get to share with you my nail polish wall!
This post has been a long time coming as I stalled on painting the shelves and organising all my nail polishes... well I say all, but I could have done with another shelf or two it now seems?!
I thought I would share with you this part of my makeup room so you can mainly swoon with me at the prettiness! But also to inspire a few of you looking for a good nail polish storage solution. This was a total DIY project that cost only £30 to make and is fairly simple to do.
However if a DIY project isn't for you but you like the look this gives, you can opt for Ikea Ribba Picture Ledges (£8.25 each here) which are just a little shorter (by 7cm) than my own DIY shelves.
To create the shelves you do need some DIY expertise but it definitely is a simple enough project. You will need unpainted wooden batons of your desired length from a hardware/DIY store (the ones I purchased were 122cm and of course deep enough for a nail polish to sit on it), a drill, a spirit level and pencil, long screws, wood filler and satin wood paint.
HOW-TO
To start I would suggest pencilling where you want the shelves to go by using a spirit level and tape measure to make sure the shelves will be straight and evenly apart. This will take some time but you need to get it correct! Next you want to drill the front of the batons to the wall using 3 long screws for each. This is easier to do on a structural wall than a studded wall so you should keep that in mind when deciding where you want the shelves. Once they are up you will need to take some wood filler and fill in the screw holes, using a knife or wallpaper scraper to make it flush with the wood. Then all you have to do is paint them! This makes it sound quite simple but it actually is. You just need to make sure you hold the batons level and to go slow as you are drilling as you will be going against the grain of the wood and don't want to split it.
I'm so pleased with how the shelves turned out and can't believe they hold so many nail polishes! I was tempted to organise them in colour order however for ease I decided to place them on the shelves by brand.
Another nail storage post to come soon on the rest of my nail polishes and nail art and nail care supplies!
Fee xo.
When not blogging I spend most of my time on the internet reading blogs and as I haven't recommended any in such a long time I thought I would dedicate a post to 10 wonderful beauty blogs.
With blogs so well execution as the ones below it really is no wonder magazine circulation figures have been taking a nose dive this year. Enjoy!
Jemima & Ted
Beautiful photography, makeup artist knowledge and a whole load of lifestyle posts to browse through. Jemima & Ted wrote by Kat is an easy enjoyable read that I thoroughly enjoy catching up on at the weekend.
Luxe Life Aspirations
A high end beauty focused blog that makes me add to my splurge wish list quite often even though I'm a scrooge at heart. This blog features some really well put together posts with lovely clear images.
Nothin' Fancy Really
Far from nothin' fancy, this is a beauty blog that is just lovely to read. I find myself clicking the achieves to read more from Ziva who is a Slovenia based blogger (which also means European product reviews as well!).
Sandra Holmbom
If you want to feel inspired and in awe then head over to Sandra's blog. Every post/makeup look just blows me away. Just serious skill and creativity.
The Choi-ful Nail Diary
An amazing nail/nail art blog here. Choi is a fellow Essie, Barry M, Color Club and China Glaze lover meaning I 'ooo' and 'ahh' at most of her nail swatches and then add them to my to-buy list. If you enjoy nail art you need to be following this blog.
Zoe Newlove
It literally makes my day when I come across a makeup artist that also writes a beauty blog and when I discovered Zoe's blog only a few weeks ago I actually spent a good few hours reading through it. Along with amazing makup and skincare knowledge the blog also features great photography making this a must read for any beauty lover.
Talking about M
Another amazing blog and recent discovery. I feel Megan has such similar taste in makeup as me meaning I'm constantly waiting for another blog post to read from her. Just go read and you see what I mean!
Beautiful Solutions
Ahhh how I love a well wrote beauty blog on high street brands! I don't actually go shopping that often so this blog keeps me up to date with brands such as MUA, N-Spa and Rimmel. Stacey is also a fellow Fragrance Direct and eBay lover which makes me very happy!
Bow Tied Beauty
A simplistic beauty blog with easy to read reviews. This also includes lots of organic product reviews and DIY recipes which is a bonus for me.
Jenny Purr
Oh, how I love this blog. From the set layout of each post to how beautifully wrote this blog is, I just can't get enough of it. Another blog that adds to my to-buy on a constant basis. Love, love, love.
Really hope I have given you quite a few new blogs to read! Just make you don't forget Makeup Savvy now ;)
Fee xo.
Beautiful photography, makeup artist knowledge and a whole load of lifestyle posts to browse through. Jemima & Ted wrote by Kat is an easy enjoyable read that I thoroughly enjoy catching up on at the weekend.
Luxe Life Aspirations
A high end beauty focused blog that makes me add to my splurge wish list quite often even though I'm a scrooge at heart. This blog features some really well put together posts with lovely clear images.
Nothin' Fancy Really
Far from nothin' fancy, this is a beauty blog that is just lovely to read. I find myself clicking the achieves to read more from Ziva who is a Slovenia based blogger (which also means European product reviews as well!).
Sandra Holmbom
If you want to feel inspired and in awe then head over to Sandra's blog. Every post/makeup look just blows me away. Just serious skill and creativity.
The Choi-ful Nail Diary
An amazing nail/nail art blog here. Choi is a fellow Essie, Barry M, Color Club and China Glaze lover meaning I 'ooo' and 'ahh' at most of her nail swatches and then add them to my to-buy list. If you enjoy nail art you need to be following this blog.
Zoe Newlove
It literally makes my day when I come across a makeup artist that also writes a beauty blog and when I discovered Zoe's blog only a few weeks ago I actually spent a good few hours reading through it. Along with amazing makup and skincare knowledge the blog also features great photography making this a must read for any beauty lover.
Talking about M
Another amazing blog and recent discovery. I feel Megan has such similar taste in makeup as me meaning I'm constantly waiting for another blog post to read from her. Just go read and you see what I mean!
Beautiful Solutions
Ahhh how I love a well wrote beauty blog on high street brands! I don't actually go shopping that often so this blog keeps me up to date with brands such as MUA, N-Spa and Rimmel. Stacey is also a fellow Fragrance Direct and eBay lover which makes me very happy!
Bow Tied Beauty
A simplistic beauty blog with easy to read reviews. This also includes lots of organic product reviews and DIY recipes which is a bonus for me.
Jenny Purr
Oh, how I love this blog. From the set layout of each post to how beautifully wrote this blog is, I just can't get enough of it. Another blog that adds to my to-buy on a constant basis. Love, love, love.
Really hope I have given you quite a few new blogs to read! Just make you don't forget Makeup Savvy now ;)
Fee xo.
When in comes to makeup shopping I do enjoy looking on the high street in places such as Boots & Superdrug however in the back of my mind I always know which products & brands I will be able to find much cheaper online.
So I thought I would share with you my favourite websites that I know I can rely on and products that I will always be able to find online with free P&P and a good discount.
Just to give you an example of how much you can save I took all the products above and worked out if you purchased then all online instead of in Boots you would save a huge £28!
Amazon
Amazon is now much more than a website to purchase books and dvds from, it sells everything you can imagine and is particularly good for cosmetics at a discount that are direct from the brand itself and shipped through Amazon - so a safer way to shop. I actually love Amazon as much as I love eBay now as you can find such bargain and I even think it's easier to browse.
Fragrance Direct
Oh, how I love Fragrance Direct! For the past two years I have been placing quite frequent orders and have yet to be disappointed in the products I have picked. This really is the ultimate discount website with Essie, OPI and Sally Hansen nail polishes and makeup brands such as Bourjois, Revlon, Rimel L'Oreal etc. You can save so much with this website and I often spend £15-30 and receive so much compared to if I shoped in Superdrug or Boots and spent the same.
Current bargains - OPI Nail Polishes £3.99 here, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure £1.49 here, Essie Nail Polishes £1.99 here (all updated often). Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick £1.99 here, Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss £1.99 here, Maybelline Fit Me Foundation £4.50 here.
eBay
Buying makeup from eBay can be a tricky thing as there are so many counterfeit products. So I would suggest to stay away from all Benefit and MAC products and look at what else the seller is selling (to spot any products you haven't seen that specific brand do before - a warning sign the seller is selling fake products). However you generally don't need to worry at all if the products are from high street brands such as Rimmel, L'Oreal, Maybeline, Revlon etc. But it you want to be totally sure then go for eBay sellers that also have makeup websites such as Direct Cosmetics.
Current bargains - Maybelline Color Tattoo in Eternal Gold £3.50 here Metallic Pomegrante £3.84 here (soooo want this shade for Autumn!), Essie Mini Duo £3.64 here, Makeup Blender Sponge 99p here, Bourjois Little Pot Eyeshadows £2.45 here.
Cheap Smells
Last but not least a trusty website that you can pick up some good bargain from especially hair care products (I've purchased a few Tigi shampoos and a Macadamia Mask for such low prices in the past). Also this has the added benefit of free delivery. I don't seem to use this website as often now as I prefer Fragrance Direct. However when re-purchasing hair products this is always my first call. Also they are good for gift sets.
Current bargains - Model Co Smokey Eyes Set £8.95 here, L'Oreal Glam Shine Fresh Lip Gloss £4.50 here, Orofluido Beauty Elixir Hair Oil £13.65 here.
Hopefully some of you have found this helpful if you don't shop online that often.
Will be posting up a huge Fragrance Direct haul very soon - I went a bit crazy!
Fee xo.
When Summer comes around I total change up how I do my makeup. Eyeshadows are pretty much abandoned along with most foundations and I become slightly obsessed with lip products.
From a bright bold lip to just a wash of colour with a tint, I will always be wearing something on my lips along with a flick of eyeliner and sweep of mascara for a pretty & fresh look.
Here are five lipsticks that I have been truly loving already this summer...
Revlon Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya
£7.99 Boots - here
I will admit I was very late to the Revlon Lip Butter bandwagon however now having a few shades I can 100% see why these have been such a hit. This specific shade is fairly pigmented yet still sheer and wonderfully glossy on the lips... making me think of juicy 'just eaten fruit' lips. One to be worn with minimal makeup and a tan - I can see this being a holiday staple of mine.
The only thing that would make this better would be if it was scented and actually juicy!
Astor Shine Deluxe Lipstick in Rich
£1.99 Amazon - here
This cheap lipstick purchase a few months ago actually turned in to a great find. I added it in my basket as it was so cheap, never even hearing of the brand 'Astor' before and it's turned out to be one lipstick that's never out of my handbag. As you can see the shape of the metal lipstick tube is very similar to the Revlon Lip Butter and in fact the feel and consistency is very similar. However this is sweetly scented, even more glossy then the lip butters and has a shimmer to it. My only criticism would be that is it slightly gritty feeling on the lips but if you love your high shine lipsticks then this is so worth trying out.
Sleek Sheen Lipstick in Tangerine Scream
£4.99 Superdrug or Sleek online - here
When it comes to lipsticks Sleek know how to do brights! Tangerine Scream isn't for the light hearted but trust me, if you are in to your bold lips then this will not disappoint. The pigmentation is the best I've seen from any high street brand and isn't uncomfortable to wear. Also the darker your skin the brighter this looks!
Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Tulip Pink
£1.99 Amazon - here
It's no secret that I love Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipsticks (I have raved about them quite a bit recently) and thankfully you can pick up quite a lot of the shades at £1-2 online instead of the high street £6.30, so I do have a fair few now. But Tulip Pink is without a doubt my favourite for summer. The shade is just the prettiest bold pink that isn't too in your face and one that can be worn both day and night. The finish as you can see is glossy and the formula is actually quite creamy. Though just a heads up that this is quite a scented lipstick.... I'm fine with this but I know it can put some people off.
Models Own Colour Lip Stix in Beauty Blush
£5.00 Models Own online or Boots - here
Two words - In Love! I know every brand and their sister now has a line of lipstick crayons but the fairly new Models Own Lip Stixs have just totally won me over. This dusky pink shade and the satin finish are just perfection. I cannot explain how pretty this looks on the lips (I will try to do a full review of it with lip swatches) but trust me the finish just makes this so elegant and English rose-esqe for summer days. Again this is a scented product and is quite sweet and perfumed.
What is your go-to lipstick this summer?
Fee xo.
Youtube is an amazing place to gain knowledge on beauty & skincare but with hundreds of thousands of videos it's easy to watch ones that aren't giving the most educated advise!
So here I've rounded up my most favourite videos on skincare from those that are truly in the know.
So here I've rounded up my most favourite videos on skincare from those that are truly in the know.
Happy Sunday Watching!
Before discounted Essie nail polishes were available online from websites such as Fragrance Direct and Xtras my Essie collection count was zero. With a single Essie polish retailing for £8-10 I couldn't justify purchasing any, especially as I do like to build up a collection within each nail polish brand.
However with Fragrance Direct now offering Essie nail polishes for only £1.99 here (and Xtras for £3.99 here) my collection has rapidly grown.
I now have 10 full size Essie nail polishes and 4 minis (Essie Winter Mini Collection - here with nail swatches) and I'm sure that number will only grow as long as Fragrance Direct continue to offer them at such a low price.
With the new improved brush that is wider and thicker formulas I really cannot fault Essie polishes. The application is easy, most shades are opaque with 2 coats, they last on my nails for around 4-5 days without chipping, plus the shade range is huge.
Essie Ridge Filler Base Coat
This is technically not a nail polish but I wanted to include it as this is an amazing nail care product for anyone that has ridged nails (for excessive nail polish wearers or mature nails). This creates a smooth base for any nail polish and with ridged nails myself I couldn't be without it. This also prevents the nails from being stained. I highly recommend this even at full price.
Waltz
(Full nail swatch here - Loodie Loodie Loodie)
This is a sheer milky white that can applied with 2 coats for a sheer visible nail line finish or built up for a more opaque white nails finish. I personally purchased this as I love using glitter nail polishes over a nail polish like this and it also great for creating jelly sandwich nails (sheer nail polish, then glitter, then another coat of sheer nail polish - example here).
Brooch The Subject
(Full nail swatch here - The Posh Polish)
Firstly I should mention that my own swatch of this above looks extremely dark for some reason (the swatch in the last image is more accurate), so looking at the full nail swatch is advised. Against my pale skin this is definitely a light brown shade however on warmer/ darker toned skin this would definitely be a nude nail polish. This isn't one of my favourites to be honest as I was expecting it to be more nude looking - damn you pale skin.
Nice Is Nice
(Full nail swatch here - Polish Chest)
I received this shade in a Glossy Box and was so pleased with it as it's a shade I would purchase. This for me is a muted/neutral lavender shade that really looks great against pale skin. Ideal for spring/summer if you don't love bright shades but want an alternative to pastels. I haven't tried it out but I imagine this will look great under glitter nail polishes as well.
Bikini So Teeny
(Full nail swatch here - Polished Cousins)
This is my most recent Essie purchase from Fragrance Direct, who currently have a lot of shades from the 2012 Summer collection in stock, for only £1.99! I have yet to try this out on my nails but can already tell it will be a great one for summer as it's quite a refreshing blue tone that will look good with anything.
Navigate Her
(Full nail swatch here - Me!)
I don't really have many greens in my nail polish collection as they don't appeal to me, but this lovely pistachio shade did as it's quite unique for a green. It isn't a bright at all, but more of a muted pastel green. A great one for spring/summer.
Orange, It's Obvious
(Full nail swatch here - Right on the Nails)
This is a hot tangerine/tomato orange this looks great against any skin tone and on both the fingers and toes in summer. This does need 3 coats unlike most of the others but it means that it is a super bright sunny orange on the nails. I know I will be wearing this a lot this summer.
Tour De Finance
(Full nail swatch here - Miss Budget Beauty)
This is one of the more interesting shades I own from Essie as the finish has a slight blue iridescence to it, making it not your typical summer time pink. Another great one for on the fingers and toes and it looks even better against a tan. Application of this is great and the iridescent finish makes it appear quite glossy.
Chubby Cheeks
(Full nail swatch here - Becoming Hugo)
Chubby Cheeks is a bit of an odd one for me as I don't really love this unique shade but it does make an ideal nail polish come Autumn and used along side China Glaze Electrify (swatch here) which is the ultimate autumn glitter, it is amazing. This muted coral isn't something I'd pick up in summer but still one I'm glad to have in my collection. If you do pick this up at a discounted price it may also be the old style brush as the shade was originally part of 2009 Summer collection.
Mojito Madness
(Full nail swatch here - My Life in Polish)
As mentioned earlier in this post I'm not really a green nail polish wearer, but I do love floral nail art, so I actually picked this up to use as the green for leaf details as it's quite an opaque shade. I would however consider wearing this on my nails fully after looking at nail swatches and discovering it is the exact shade of the Starbucks green that they use in their logo and straws (yes, I am that sad, but I love me a good frap!). Plus it is quite a grass-y green shade making it a nice polish for spring/summer.
With each nail polish brand in my collection I feel like they all offer something different and with Essie nail polishes I feel they offer me great staple shades from brights to muted pastels, along with a constant high quality formula and finish.
My favourite Essie shades in my collection would have to be - Where's My Chauffeur? and Beyond Cozy (swatches here), along with Nice is Nice (the first Nice is the Nice in France FYI).
Hope you enjoyed this look at my Essie collection and remember to check out the Essie polishes on Fragrance Direct (direct page here) as they are always updating the shades.
Fee xo.
Skin is a difficult old thing isn't it!
From my teens until my twenties I was adamant my temperamental combination skin didn't need moisturising. I had visions of any cream making my skin more oily and breaking me out, so I stayed well away from moisturisers.
From my teens until my twenties I was adamant my temperamental combination skin didn't need moisturising. I had visions of any cream making my skin more oily and breaking me out, so I stayed well away from moisturisers.
However over the past 5 years my knowledge of skincare has grown so much and I now realise I should have been using a moisturiser all along, even on the dry areas of my face at the very least. With better skincare knowledge I have now incorporated a few light moisturisers that have really helped my skin out. It did take a lot of trial and error with moisturisers that were too thick/heavy but I finally have three moisturisers I wouldn't be without.
This was the first moisturiser that I felt I could use daily and it wouldn't over hydrating my skin. It is light, gentle and plumps up the skin slightly before foundation, which it creates a nice base for. When I have a dry patch (normally on my head or the sides of my nose) I really moisturise this on to the area and the dry skin vanishes.
If you feel your skin type is confused with the odd blemish and dry patch then this is definitely worth giving ago when the No7 £5 off skincare vouchers are around... which is now!
Positives - Specifically for normal to oily skin, contains SPF, Hypo - allergenic.
Negatives - It's in a pot; not hygienic, not fragrance free.
Kiko Skin Glow Light Effect Day Cream
£12.90 - here
Kiko is still a bit hard to get hold of in the UK, unless you live in London and can visit one of two amazing stores. However you can shop online but delivery costs are a bit steep at £5.90 (as the products come direct from Italy!). But if you are shopping at Kiko because it's actually an amazing brand (think MAC for the shade ranges but a lot cheaper) then this day cream is a must for summer for all skin types. I say this because it is just so light and soaks into the skin immediately.
So even though this cream isn't specifically for oily/combination skin types it will work well with it... unless you have super oily skin and don't want to add a glow/shimmer. For me I use this on days when my skin is feeling quite balanced - not too oily, not too dry and it just add a subtle glow to my skin before I apply my foundation. This could also be used on it's own for makeup-free days. I have tried many creams that have an added shimmer but this one is just spot on as you can't detect the shimmer when it's absorbed into the skin. It just brightener the whole face somehow. Really impressed.
Positives - Super light, brightening, contains SPF, nice packaging.
Negatives - Only 40ml, not fragrance free.
Super Facialist Tea Flower Mattifying Moisturiser
£12.99 - here Boots online or in-store
This is the moisturiser I turn to when skin isn't behaving and is becoming overly oily in areas and I'm seeing breakouts. The mattifying moisturiser of course does just that - mattifies the skin before applying makeup but it also re-balances the skin after continuous use. So as I mentioned, if my skin is feeling a bit rubbish I ditch my other moisturisers and stick with this for a week or so and with spot treatments (Origins Spot Remover) my skin does get back to normal.
Also for the price this really does feel like the ingredients are beneficial for the skin and a lot of thought has gone into making it a moisturiser that is just right for oily skin that is feeling unbalanced and needs sorting out.
Positives -The ingredients - contains Salicylic Acid, great quality for the price, larger than normal volume with 75ml.
Negatives - None that I can see!
It is tempting as a beauty blogger to try out more moisturisers (and skincare products in general!) but I have realised my skin is happy with the products I use and know adding more in to the mix is risking breakouts etc. So for now I have my No7 Day Cream which I use the most, the Kiko Skin Glow for when I want a glowy, fresh finish and to enhance when my skin is at it's best and finally the Super Facialist moisturiser for when my skin needs some good ingredients to get it back on track after being rubbish. I also sometimes use the Organic Surge Blissful Daily Moisturiser (£8.49/50ml) if I have any really dry patches that need sorting out instantly.
Finding a moisturiser when you have oily/combination skin can be difficult, but trust me finding the right one for your skin is more than worth it!
Fee xo.
Today I thought I would do a slightly different post with all the DIY storage ideas that I have been seeing around the internet and ones that I have also thought up.
Hope some of you try out these ideas!
Over the past few weeks I have found my makeup collection on my desk becoming more and more cluttered. I know it's because I need to invest in more acrylic Muji storage. But first I thought I would have a good sort out and tidy things up.
I've never done a makeup collection post so I thought while I was organising everything I would take a few photos and show what I use daily.
The above messy before image is my 'base' drawer which contained a few foundations I didn't use and was just a bit overcrowded.
I moved both my Max Factor Xperience foundation (great, but too light in coverage for winter) and Stila Foundation (don't really like this - too waxy feeling) to my surplus makeup storage and added two new BB cream that I want to try out - The Body Shop BB Cream and a mini one from DR Jart. I also removed two No7 Stay Perfect Concealers (my skin is too dry at the moment) and added two Lush Skin Tints into the drawer - the Feeling Younger Skin Tint is a liquid highlighter and Charisma Skin Tint is a liquid bronzer/tint which I love to mix with my foundations.
I then placed all my concealers at the back of the drawer. My favourite at the moment has to be the Witch Liquid Concealer which is in a click pen design.
I also tried to organise the top drawer of my muji storage unit that houses my most worn lipsticks but this is definitely were I need more storage, probably two more drawers for extra lipsticks/lipstick pens and also lipglosses. Favourites here have to be the NYX Round Lipsticks as the formula is the best I have ever tried.
I then decided to create separate drawers for my blushers and bronzers as I use to have them all in one drawer which meant half of them didn't fit so were stacked up on my desk. Now I have more room to add more blushers and I can see all my favourite bronzers. At the moment I'm really enjoying the Make Believe Enhance Sunbeam Bronzer - the kabuki brush that comes with it is also so soft. Also loving my recent purchase of the Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heals.
In addition to this I have a powders/primers drawer and an eyeshadow and gel eyeliner drawer to sort out but I got a bit bored so will do that another time!
Once I add to my Muji Storage I think I will do a makeup collection post and go through what each drawer contains.
Fee xo.
Actually scrap that, I think all beauty lovers would enjoy a Chanel nail polish phone case!
I spotted these yesterday on a website called Shop Fancy and instantly wanted to get one so had to share my find with you all.
Now the price for a phone case is a little steep - $35... which is around £22, but as far as I can see that also includes shipping costs. The cases come in Fracas (iPhone 4/4S - here iPhone 5 - here) and Blue Satin (iPhone 4/4s - here iPhone 5 - not available). Also for the Galaxy s3.
I love how realistic the image is of the nail polish especially the actually nail polish, it is spot on! For anyone in Australia, U.S or Canada you can actually purchase the cases quite a bit cheaper and with more colour options on Etsy from a seller called The Custom Art.
Now that I have discovered these I am being greedy and wishing for a Chanel Peridot Nail Polish case!
Fee xo.
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