My Everyday Makeup

I thought I would do a little post about the makeup I currently use on a daily basis. I always get into a little routine with the same products then once I get bored, I'll switch it up a bit and change the colour products around like lipstick, blush and eyeshadow. I've been rocking a dark or bright lip for so long, that I wanted to dull it down a bit and go a bit more natural. I'm enjoying it a lot. I feel like my face looks a bit more fresh. These are the current products i'm using!

Nars Sheer Glow in "Mont Blanc"

Maybelline FitMe Concealer in "Light"

Erase Paste Concealer in "No.1"

Sleek Blush Face Contour Kit in "Light"

Sleek Blush in "Mirrored Pink"

HD Brows Kit in "Vamp" 

Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Duo in "Raisins"

Benefit "They're Real" Mascara

Stila Smudge Stick in "Damsel"

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in "13 - Peach Passion"

I hope you enjoyed this little update. I love having a nosey into everyone's makeup bags and I also find it useful to see what others are loving so I thought you'd like to see mine too. I want to review a few of the products mentioned separately as they deserve an individual rave, but for now I thought it'd keep it sweet and simple.

♥
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Illamasqua I'mperfection Spring Collection

As a huge fan of Illamasqua since they first came on the beauty scene, I like seeing all their new and exciting collections. One thing I love about the brand, is that each collection will be so well thought out, and have so much meaning behind each product and specific "look". I was recently invited along to see the new Illamasqua Spring Collection and I wanted to share my thoughts with you all. 

One cannot simply snap away at new products without a comedy shot of their best friend inside a blusher compact...

The collection is titled "I'mperfection" (get it... I'M PERFECTION = IMPERFECTION) Personally, I think this is one the best collection names i've ever heard. So simply but SO clever. The difference an apostrophe can make! It's all about embracing the things that are typically seen as imperfections and highlighting them instead of hiding them away. 

Alex Box describes the collection as "a stand against the homogenised nature of the beauty industry today, and a celebration of freckles, scars and birthmarks - the things that make us who we are. To borrow a line from Marilyn Monroe, "Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it's better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring". I love that quote! 

The first thing in the collection that caught my eye was this gorgeous blusher duo in "Lover & Hussy*", both gorgeous matte shades. The colour that stood out to me the most was the orange/peach tone, as these shades really compliment my skin in the summer once i've had a bit of sunlight on my face! Illamasqua blushers are my favourite thing about the brand. They are far more pigmented than plenty of others I have tried and the consistency of them is really lovely to use and blend. 

Next up is the lipstick. Lipstick was the first item of makeup I ever bought from Illamasqua as they had such a vast and interesting colour range. They have the best selection of matte lipsticks you will ever find, and the colour payoff is amazing. This shade is called "Immodest*" and it's a gorgeous vibrant, fuchsia pink. The lipsticks are really long lasting and contain vitamin e for nourishment, which is almost a necessity when wearing matte lipsticks as many people stay well away in case of major dry lips. 

Above are swatches of the lipstick "Immodest" and both blush colours from the "Lover and Hussy" duo, as you can see, all three are extremely pigmented.

Next is a brush* which really excited me! Illamasqua have designed this brush for a more chiselled and precise blush technique when applying. This new "brush up" design has an ellipse shaped head designed to tuck directly under the cheekbone. Gone are the days of big rosy round cheeks, it's all about creating more shape and structure to your face (hello fake cheekbones) and the best way of doing that is a more precise way of applying your blusher. I am so excited to start using this on my face, although it definitely sounds a lot easier than it probably is, and could take a few attempts in order to make it look just right. 

Besides the brush, I was also really intrigued by the new nail polishes that Illamasqua had brought out with this collection. Each nail polish is in a pretty pastel shade with a speckled finish inspired by the beauty of a bird's egg. At first I raised an eyebrow at this bizarre concept, thinking it looked a little like sparse glitter, but the more I looked at these, and when I saw them on the nails, I was completely sold. They look SO good! The two shades I have above are "Freckle"* and "Speckle"*. Speckle being my favourite in a gorgeous pastel purple. I can't wait to do my next manicure with this and I also think it would look great on toes!

In keeping with the campaign and collection, they had also designed a speckled effect for the eyes using the precision ink liners in black (Abyss) and white (Scribe). I would have never thought to do anything like it but it looked amazing on the girls, and sounded so easy to do. I also love the other creative ways of using other colours with your eyeliner. Who would have thought white cat-eye liner would look really good with a neutral eyeshadow? Not me, but now I really want to try it. 

The one amazing thing about Illamasqua is that their collections aren't just "pretty" but inspiring, and the campaigns that run alongside new collections are really interesting and make you think outside the box. If there is ever a brand to open your eyes to the creative world of makeup, it's Illamasqua. You don't have to be daring in your makeup choices in order to indulge in any of the products, but keep an open mind and be inspired. Makeup can become a very boring chore in our every day lives, but it's nice to keep everything a bit fresh and exciting, and I always feel like Illamasqua do that. 

Buy items from the new I'mperfection collection here on the Illamasqua website

What are your favourite items from the new collection? Anything you'd love to buy and try for yourself?

♥

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Topshop Makeup | Lipstick Crayons/Pencils

                  Top to bottom: Powder Room, Clueless, Hedonist

Topshop Lipstick Crayons £7*

Next up in the Topshop Makeup "series", is the Lipstick Crayons/Pencils or however else you'd like to name them. I don't see these talked about as much as the actual lipsticks, and I guess that could be because lipsticks are more likely to be favoured over them. Unlike the lipsticks in the Topshop makeup range, these offer a matte finish. I enjoy applying these, as the longer, slimmer packaging allows you to get more precision, almost like you are colouring in your lips with a chubby pencil. They are long lasting and have great pigmentation. If you prefer to wear matte colours on your lips as opposed to something a little more moisturising or frosty, these will be perfect for you. I don't often opt for a matte lip as I much prefer something a little more moisturising on my lips as they are quite dry but sometimes matte lips can look much more effective, and tend to last a lot longer. Although they are matte, they are still very creamy and go on like a dream. Let's also not forget the cute packaging! I absolutely love Topshop packaging, and these are so nifty just to throw in your handbag/clutch and be on your way. 

The only thing about these that I don't like, is that you have to sharpen them in order to get more product once it's worn down. Although i'm sure it's not a major fault for most of you, it's just one less thing you really want to do when you could just grab a lipstick and twist it up, no hassle. It certainly won't stop me using them, as I love to pop a little bit of lipgloss on top to give them a much shinier finish, and be on my way. I'm a particular fan of the orange one (Hedonist) but then does that really surprise you? ;)

Do you own any of these? What do you think of lip crayons in general?

♥

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New Lipstick Love | Sisley Hydrating Lipstick

Sisley Hydrating Long Lasting Lipstick* L31 Rose Fushia £31

As most of you will be aware, I am the biggest lipstick junkie. Always on the scout for a new and exciting member to add to my ever growing collection. Sisley isn't a brand i'd ever think to look for lipsticks, but after being introduced to this one, I feel that I NEED all of them in the collection. This definitely isn't a lipstick for those of you on a tight budget. Priced at £31 a pop, they are the cream of the crop & a complete luxury makeup splurge item, which i'm aware not all of you can justify. However, if like me, you tend to make naughty little purchases on that one makeup item that makes you feel a bit special, then this may be for you. There is not one thing I disslike about this lipstick (besides the slightly higher price tag, resulting in me not being able to buy the whole lot all at once). They glide on so effortlessly, with a beautiful super pigmented shine. They don't feel drying on the lips at all, in fact they feel almost like a balm, you could easily forget you are wearing this. With moisturising lipsticks, you don't expect them to stay on for very long, as they slide right off, but this one does not do that, and for £31, you wouldn't expect it to. One of my favourite things about the lipstick, is the overall look of it. Shallow yes, but looks how beautiful it is! The packaging is amazing, and the shape of the lipstick is not only fabulous, but makes application easy too.

If you can afford to buy these lipsticks, possibly as a little treat, I would totally recommend them. I'm already looking at purchasing different shades when a rainy day comes along. This is BY FAR, the most amazing lipstick in my collection. It makes all the others seem like paupers! It's everything a lipstick should be, I just wish they were a little more purse friendly.

♥

Topshop Make up | Lipsticks

As most of you may be aware, Topshop released their own makeup range in 2010. Although it didn't really interest me at the time, over the past year I have grown quite the collection. There may not be a vast array to choose from, but what they do have, is of excellent value for money, and spot on in my book. I grew very bored of high street makeup, and Topshop came along just at the right time, and injected a bit of excitement back into my makeup bag, without me having to break open the piggy bank.

I'm going to do a series of blog posts on the different items that I own from the Topshop Makeup range, but first up, is my absolute favourite, the lipsticks.

Nevada, Desert, Pillow Talk, Brighton Rock, Ohh La La, Infared, Rio Rio, Beguiled

When Mac bumped up the price of their lipsticks to £13.50, I knew it was probably time to find a good substitute, as I am a huge sucker for lipsticks but couldn't possibly carry on buying them at £13.50 a pop (except on special occasions, or very rare, expensive, rainy days). There is not one thing I can fault with Topshop lipsticks, they tick every box in my opinion. Cute yet sturdy packaging made of metal, rounded with flat top and bottom, making it easy to store standing upright. They have names. Yes, slightly strange that this is even taken into consideration when reviewing a lipstick, but don't you hate lipsticks with numbers instead of names, they almost lack in personality...poor numbered lipsticks. Not to mention how difficult it would be to remember when out looting them. They have great pigmentation (nothing worse than no colour pay off) They aren't drying, and don't leave your lips chapped beyond repair, but also have great staying power. They're only £8-£9 & although this may seem pricey for a high street lipstick, there are plenty in Boots or Superdrug in the £7-£8 mark (Revlon for example) so it's all relative. I also think the quality is comparable to Mac's, so at £8, it's a great replacement.

Infared, Desert, Nevada

Brighton Rock, Rio Rio, Beguiled

Ohh La La, Pillow Talk (Part of a collection)

It's obvious to many of you which is my favourite of all the shades I own, as it is mostly all I wore through the summer, and that's Infared. I'm tempted to do a whole blog post about that in a little more detail.

If you're a lipstick sucker like me, and feel a little bored with what's available on the high street and in the pharmacies, but can't quite stretch to a Mac or Chanel lipstick but want something with a little bit of class, then check out the Topshop lipsticks. They are my new obsession & they are slowly breeding in my lipstick tin.

♥

The best things in life are free.

For a while now, I've been depotting my mac eye shadows & popping them into palettes, as it saves space & makes things a lot easier when looking for certain colours. Obviously not everyone thinks this way, and for those of you who prefer to have the indivdual pots, this blog post may sway you slightly. I'd been saving all my eye shadow pots in a little bag & I had then shoved them in a draw & completely forgot about them. It was always something on my "to do list". For those of you who aren't aware of the Back to Mac scheme, it's basically just a good way of recycling empty packaging & Mac give you something back in return for 6 empties. Usually a lipstick. I took along my 18 eye shadow empties & picked out 3 new colours. It would have cost me £40.50 but got 100% discount. Very satisfying indeed. These 3 are the colours that I had been oggling for a while, and obviously with the lipstick now retailing at £13.50 (stop mac, seriously, stop with the price increases) now is a good time to take back your empties. I picked up Chatterbox, Creme Cup & Shy Girl.

Lush also do a recycling scheme, where if you take back 5 empty black pots, you get a free fresh face mask. I don't find it very hard emptying any lush black pots, especially if you regularly buy the fresh face masks anyway, they only have a shelf (or fridge) life of 2-3 weeks, so after this time it should all be used up. I am definitely guilty of throwing a few away in the past...and now i regret it. I picked up "Catastrophe Cosmetic". It's my absolute favourite face mask. I love everything about it, the smell, the colour, the texture, the way it makes my skin look. I'll be buying these over and over and over, and then hopefully being rewarded for recyling buy recieving a free one every now and then :)

Overall, quite a satisfying little shop, since I ended up spending no money on things I actually want and love. So, ladies and gentlemen, the moral of this blog post is SAVE YOUR EMPTIES & SAVE THE PLANET. :)

♥

New Lipstick Obsession - Bourjois Docteur Glamour

I was perusing the isles in Superdrug last week, and i came across this lipstick by Bourjois called "Docteur Glamour".

These lipsticks are promoted as an "Intensive Moisturising Treatment".

If like me, your lips suffer a lot during the colder months, and you find it harder to wear lipstick without your lips looking all flaky and dry, then something like this is an absolute dream. Not a lot of lipsticks I own are that moisturising so when I saw this, I immediately starting swatching the small collection of colours to find one I liked. Surprisingly, they had a gorgeous nude-pink (colour 11 - rose retabli) which had been tested right down to a little nub, unlike the other colours which remained almost untouched. This was obviously a popular colour.

The lipsticks contain mango & Shea butter so glide on so easily & really do look & feel moisturising.

I also picked up colour 13 which is an orangey toned pink..it was a mistake, I'll be honest haha, but i have grown to love it just as much.

The packaging is..well, it's okay. I wouldn't say it's all that special or "glamourous" but it does the job nicely. The lipstick also lasts a sufficient amount of time. Perfect for winter lips & I love the colour. It's a "my lips but better & slightly more nude & hydrated looking" shade.

RRP: £7.49

♥

She Made Me Do It...

I have been walking past the YSL counter for almost half a year, contemplating whether or not to spend £20 on a lipstick.

Can you justify that sort of money on a lipstick?
I never could, and i'd never been with anyone at the time who was remotely interested in lipstick, and possibly thought i was a freak for even considering spending that amount of moolah on a bit of lip colour.
However, about 3 months ago, i was strolling past the YSL counter with my friend, and she actually pointed out the "Rouge Volupte's", saying everything that always crossed my mind when i walked past them myself.

"Oh my gosh, the packaging..the colours..they look fab"

So do you know what i did?
Yeh.
I bought one.
and so did she.

The colour is No. 2 - Sensual Silk

So, what do i think of them 3 months on?

Texture: Amazing. This is what every lipstick should feel like when applying it to your lips. It feels moisturising when applying, isnt cakey, and has a slight shine.
Taste: Watermelon, seriously, you can't go wrong. My favourite lip scent/flavour above all other lipsticks tried.
Drying?: I'd love to be able to say that this didnt dry my lips at all, but unfortunatley, after about an hour of wearing this, i do get very dry lips. Something i really thought i wouldn't get, as when first applied, it is amazingly soft and moisturising...does anyone else have this problem? I know of a few who have agreed with me.
Durability: As this is quite a moisturising consistency, it obviously doesnt stay as well as a matte lipstick would, and i do find myself reapplying this a fair few times through the day.
Pigmentation: These are pigmented, but as i said above, dont last all that long.
Packaging: Just look at it, it's stunning. I do feel special pulling this from my handbag i must say haha. & the cute little mirror on the top of the lid is a bonus for on the go.
Price: Hm, at £20 a pop, these really are high end lipsticks. In my opinion, i don't think they need to be so expensive, but as they are "designer", i guess thats the price you'd expect to be paying.

Overall thoughts
This was a bit of a luxury, "fuck it" purchase. I'm really happy i have this in my collection, and i do think everyone should own at least one of these. They are gorgeous, but the price is a little bit of a kick in the teeth for me. Unless i had alot of money, in which case picking up more of these would be a regular thing.
Despite it being a tad drying, and having to re-apply more than i'd have liked, i am pleased i have this lipstick & if i came into alot of money (crosses fingers) then i would buy more.

♥

FOTD - Cherries in the Snow

Today, i decided to brighten up the poopy wet day with some "Cherries in the Snow"
No. I was not eating cherries...in the snow..
I had it on my lips, and i can safetly say, that through the duration of the day, i only had to reappply this once, and it wasn't because it was all gone. Only because it had faded slightly.
I ate, drank..talked...licked my lips, and no transfering.
I had heard about this delight from HellCandy at first, as she was on a mission to find it, and then the ever so gorgeous Laura started wearing it, and it looked gorgeous.
Revlon are onto something with these lipsticks.
I can't say it would be the same for something less pigmented but i'm sure as hell going back to look at more.
Dare i say it, this lipstick had impressed me far more than any mac lipstick ever has.
Will do a more in depth review for you if you so wish :)

Here's me, myself & I today...

I am a goon.
But, i'm also LOVING my hair atm. Im using a new shampoo and conditioner called "Fat Hair"
& i don't know if you'd agree but this is my hair with no hairspray, no mousse, nada..and it's looking alot more "fat" than normal.

Hope you had a lovely day
♥

New Barry M Lip Paint Collection.

I was lucky enough to be sent 2 of the 4 new pink shades that Barry M will be launching mid June.

The lip paints are SO popular, and I'm so glad the company have picked up on this and decided to launch this new pink collection, as they all look so pretty, and as we know from all the Spring/Summer makeup collections from other brands, pink is very much in.

Yay, who doesn't love a classic pink lip?

The two shades i have are Dolly Pink - Top Photo on the left (146) and Peachy Pink- On the Right (147)

the other shades that will be available are Cerise Pink (144 - Far Left in above photo) and Punky Pink (145 - Second from the left)

I am loving the creamy-ness of these lipsticks, unlike the 101 (which is quite drying but SO bearable considering the finish and the price) these are much like the famous Lavendar 129 and have a lovely creamy consistency.

When i first opened Dolly Pink i was expecting something alot less bright, but i am going gaga over this colour. As alot of you will know, one of my favourite lipsticks is Mac's Show Orchid, the shade was made famous by the likes of Cheryl Cole, and this colour reminded me of that straight away. Although i actually think this colour is alot more wearable as it is a little less vibrant and at £4.25 why wouldn't you?

[Dolly Pink]

Peachy Pink is definately my favourite. I haven't actually seen a colour like this one before, so a round of applause for Barry M for coming up with this one. Again, it's got a really nice consistency and the gorgeous coral colour will fit right in with the trend this summer. Would look fab with bronzed skin, or neutral to pale. I really can't imagine this not suiting anyone!

[Peachy Pink]

I hope this has got your tongues wagging? If you are as much as a Barry M fan as me then i'm sure it will have. I can't wait until mid June for when i can get my hands on the other two.

Like all Barry M products you will able to purchase these in Boots, Superdrug and online at http://www.barrym.com/ for £4.25

and for those of you in the US, i feel your pain...and hopefully you will be able to get your hands on these through swaps!

♥

Next to Nothing Nudes

High end brands, such as Mac, Nars, Bobbi Brown, YSL have some Amazing nudes in their collections, but lets not forget that some little gems lie beneath the drugstore ranges.

Recently i have purchased these 4 lipsticks from Boots, Superdrug & a House Of Fraser Outlet.

From top to bottom: NYX India, Rimmel Foxy, Natural Collection Lotus & Natural Collection Apple Blossom


NYX in "India"
This Lipstick is best described as a pinky nude coral, perfect shade for summer. The consistency is really creamy and it goes on VERY pigmented. So much so that i have to be careful when applying it. This cost me about £4 in my nearest House of Fraser outlet. For any of you UK girls who want to try NYX i would search for your nearest outlet as there is a HUGGEE range in the one near me. Lipglosess, eyeshadow trio's, blushes etc...

Rimmel Volume Booster Lipstick in "102 -Foxy"
I love this one. It's definately a "my lips but better" shade. And the slight hint of pink makes it the perfect shade. Like a plumping lipgloss this has the same fuzzy feeling, i didn't notice any plumping but the shade and consistency are gorgeous. This one was around £5 i think.

Natural Collection Sheer Natural in "LotusThis lipstick is VERY dissapointing...yes it's £1.95...but you'd at least expect some sort of colour payoff? I suppose i miss-judged the "Sheer" title. Save yourself some pennies, and steer clear of the "Sheer" range in natural collection lipsticks...what poop.

Natural Collection Moisture Shine in "Apple Blossom"

Now this lipstick on the other hand...Is SO worth the money. This one is alot more creamy and much more pigmented. For £1.95 i don't think you can go wrong. I had been looking for this colour for ages, as the tester looked so pretty (a dupe for GOSH Darling i think) and there was NEVER any to buy. So eventually i found one which had been put back in the wrong place. I love this lipstick, and for the price, i can just apply it all day and not feel guilty about it running out. I'm not a huge fan of the shape of the liptick itself, but it still applies the same :)

Rimmel Moisture Renew in Nude DelightNow i've had this pottering around for a while but thought it deserved an honourable mention in this post. Love love love this one. Comparable to Mac's Creme D'nude. Is also around the £4-5 mark.

On a slight tangent, I have been watching Kandee's Youtube channel alot recently (Shes amazing you should definately check her out) and i noticed how stunningly white her teeth were, and i am so envious of people in america who can get there hands on whitening products in there local drugstores. Don't get me wrong...we have whitening treatments in ours too...but they are poop. I think i know at least 1 or 2 people who have tried everything the UK has to offer, and none with amazing results. If you want amazing glowy teeth here, you have to pay alot of moolah for it, and get it done in a surgery...so anyway, she uses Plus White, and i have heard of this before...and have just ordered some to try. I was just wandering if those of you that live in the US can reccommend this? Or maybe even one that works better?

♥

Lipstick Love.

I thought I would share my current lippie collection, as it's something I quite enjoy people showing me.

The Mac Lippies ♥

From Left to right: Show Orchid (love), Pleasureseeker, Vanitys Child (looks scary but it's my favourite nude), Myth (we're currently not on speaking terms), Bare slimshine.

The Barry M Lippies ♥

From left to right: 130, 136, 132, 129

Others ♥

Left to Right: GOSH darling, Nina Ricci in col. 41 Satin (Amazing, I need more of these & so do you!) & lastly we have an ALDI lipstick in col. 100

My favourites have to be Mac's Show Orchid, Nina Ricci satin, Mac'sVanitys Child and Barry M's 129.

Enjoy! ♥

P.S. As you can see, I am in need of the perfect red but I don't want anything too bright.

Anybody have any suggestions?