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Wednesday 3 April 2013

March Favourites


Where has this month gone? In fact, where is this year going?! Nothing highlights how fast the years begin to go by when you're getting old like a good ol' monthly favourites post. Last week saw the clocks go forward ready for Spring. I must admit, getting an extra hour of daylight each day is a blogger's dream - no longer have I got to get up at the crack of dawn to photograph products like a mad woman! I missed the boat for my monthly favourites last month, so I relished picking out some of my favourites from the past few weeks for March's offering (explains why I have 10 - a little more than usual..apologies!). Here's my mini-reviews and thoughts for you to dip into this month..

Ecotools Bamboo Kabuki Brush | £9.99 | 
I've been wanting a brush for a while that I can apply bronzer to my face with, but one that offers a sheer, even coverage. This one is perfect. I'd never tried Ecotools before but I really like them (I've also picked up an eye brush recently) - the bristles are so soft and smooth and the chunky handle is really good for grip. Also fairly lightweight and small in size, this brush has been my perfect bronzing companion.

Mac 'Plink' Lipstick (lustre) | £14.50
Another Mac lipstick. I swear I adopt a new favourite Mac lipstick every month! A while back I did a collection post on my Mac lippies - but I'm going to have to redo it in Summer as the selection I have seems to have bred slightly... This colour is beautiful for everyday. It's a lovely seashell pink with a little bit of shimmer to it.  It shows up on the lips even though it's a lustre finish, and is a perfect 'your lips but better' colour that brightens the complexion and looks lovely with a natural blush and neutral eyes. I love it.

YSL Rouge Volupte 'Nude Beige (#1)' | £24.50
I bought this a while back whilst on holiday but it's a lipstick I always go back to. I really love the formulation - although it's very soft and can be quite slippery to apply, the colour pay-off is second to none and the colour is really natural and pretty. It's a lovely nude shade with hints of warm, light pink. Very flattering on my paler skin throughout these colder months.

HD Brows Palette in 'Bombshell' | Bought in a blog sale 
I've wanted a HD Brows palette for ages. When I saw this one in a blog sale recently I snapped it up! I had my eyes on the dark version but threw caution to the wind and went for it anyway. I'm so glad I did, as the colours are spot on for me. The powders are wonderful - really silky and smooth and apply really evenly, and the little brush and mirror that come with the palette is really handy. They also last amazingly well and the dark shade, 'Carbon' works very well as an eyeshadow. I might do a more in-depth post for this palette soon which I why I've skipped on the swatches.
Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Polish in 'Blueberry' | £3.99 
I did a post on these beauties a while back including swatches (you can find that here). I love them even more than the regular Barry M polishes and dashed out to grab more or less the whole spectrum of colours. They apply really nicely (2 coats and you're done) and dry very glossy.  Blue is my favourite colour to wear on my nails so I've been getting a lot of use out of this one (Greenberry is also a current fave!)

Hugo Boss 'Orange' Perfume | £32 (30ml)
One of my lovely colleagues at work bought me this a couple of years ago for Christmas. It's not a fragrance I'd have chosen for myself but when I got a whiff of it I fell in love. I've since bought 2 more bottles and am currently spritzing my way down this one! I'm not one for describing scents, but it smells really fruity - but not in the way you'd expect - very luxurious and a little spicy. I currently have my eye on the summer version,  'Orange Sunset' - definitely one to whack on the summer wish-list!

St Tropez Everyday Moisturiser for Face in 'Medium Dark' 
I'm very loyal to my St Tropez. I love their tanning mousse and very rarely cheat on it with other fake tans. This one I've recently started using again. It's a summer staple for me and I apply it when I want a bit of colour in my face! It's quite thick, so some of you may be put off by this, and it also smells a little more 'tan-like' than the mousse. But it does the job and I never look orange from using this - my skin always looks really smooth and even.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream (mini)
I got this as a sample ages ago. I've been using this the past few weeks and typically, I've fallen in love with it. I reckon the full-size is about £20 - so it isn't in the bargain bin of all the eye creams available on the market, but it's one that really does what it says on the tin. It's really smooth and has a gel-like consistency that applies like a dream and doesn't leave a sticky residue like a lot of eye creams I've tried. It feels really refreshing and de-puffs your eyeballs in an instant. Result.

Maybelline Dream Touch Blush in Shade 2 - 'Peach' | £6.49
I was so intrigued by the formula of these blushes and when I found out they had a peach shade, I was sold.  It's not exactly mousse-like (definitely not the same as the Dream Matte Mousse formula - if you're wondering!), but it's very smooth and creamy, and really light and silky to the touch. Unlike any other cream blushes I own consistency wise, this one has become a current favourite and It's so easy to apply either with your fingers or with a stippling blush. It looks natural, and feels so light on the skin. It also blends incredibly well. A winner in my books! I wish they'd bring out a couple more shades!

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 'Soft Beige' | £6.99
I won't say too much about this, as I'm planning a full review soon. But my goodness, is this a good drugstore foundation.  As much as I love my YSL Touche Eclat (review here), I wanted an alternative for days when I wasn't going to be out long or just needed a quick fix. I've been wearing this for a good month now and have to say I really, really like it.  It's knocked 'Wake Me Up' out of the water for me and I much prefer the consistency of this one. It's less dewy, and gives a semi-matte/satin finish on the skin.  It can show up dry patches but I haven't really had many problems with this, and I currently have dry skin! A really good all-rounder that is worth a try if you're in the market for a good, medium coverage and lasting foundation that doesn't look overly dewy or overly matte.


What have you been loving this month? Anything here that tickles your fancy?
 

76 comments:

  1. I've wanted a HD brows palette for so long! wish I could find them to buy online:( xo

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    1. I know - i reckon i'd have bought one if they were readily available! Keep your eyes peeled for blog sales! xx

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    2. I bought mine online, I'll find the link for you when I'm not on my phone :) xx

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    3. oo thankyou this will be handy for future! :) x

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    4. http://shop.nouveaubeautygroup.com/eye-brow-palette/

      That's where I bought mine :) xx

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  2. The dream touch blush is such a gorgeous colour :) x

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    1. Its lush isnt it :) I have a thing for peach-y tones! x

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  3. I too have Hugo Boss Orange, it was on offer around Valentines in Superdrug so I picked it up, I adore it :)

    Plink was my first ever MAC lipstick so it will hold a place in my heart, it is such a lovely colour.

    Great favourites for March!

    Amy xx
    A Little Boat Sailing

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    1. Its gorgeous isnt it! I will forever repurchase that scent - its amazeeee

      Ahh its a lovely shade - as soon as it runs out i know ill have to buy it again. Its gorgeous xx

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  4. That YSL lippy is gorgeous! I swear just their packaging alone is perfect, I just wish my wallet loved them as much as I do! Xo

    Cat
    MaybeBabyXo.com

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    1. I know! its beautiful isnt it! Love the little gold ysl details around the sides :) x

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  5. Plink looks so lovely! i love my HD brow palette too. So amazing.
    xx

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    1. Wanted the HD Brows palette for ages - have no idea how i lived without it for so long! x

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  6. Mac plink looks gorgeous - I've not come accross that shade before, it almost reminds me of hue! I've tried the rimmel foundation and I just can't get on with it - perhaps I'll give it another try.

    Jess xo
    http://lovelyjubblyblog.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Oh noess - definitely try it again but i suppose everyone's skin will take to it differently. I find when I use a primer it applies more smoothly :) x

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  7. Oh all of these products look lovely! You're making me want to go and spend all my pennies beth haha!


    Lindsay Frances | UK Beauty & Fashion Blog

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    1. eek! sorry lovely :P Hope you're ok beaut x

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  8. I'll never look back after using one of the HD Brow kit. Think I'll go for this palette shade next time though!

    Kirsty, xo
    - Clothes, Shoes & Boys with Tattoos

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    1. Im glad I got this shade - if i'd bought online I would have bought the wrong colour! Even though this is for blondes its still fairly dark-ish - its perfect though! x

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  9. Can't go wrong with the YSL lipsticks, I want every colour, how unrealistic ha ha! I've never tried the 'Dream Touch Blush' although every time I've walked past them in the store I've wanted to try one. Definitely a good little bargain if you like cream blushers. I also had the Boss perfume, perfect little scent for Spring.

    Fab favourites ❤
    Lots of love.
    xxxxxxxxx

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    1. Nooo its not unrealistic i want every colour too! haha Really want to try the Sheer Candy ones as well! OO pick one up! They're lovely - especially the peach shade :) I don't usually get on with cream blushers as I find they go patchy on me but this one doesn't :) x

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  10. MAC Plink looks like a gorgeous colour!

    fashion--geek.blogspot.com
    xo

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  11. Plink looks gorgeous, I must remember to swatch it next time I'm at a counter. & the sound of hugo boss orange just makes me think of summer!

    http://www.beautywithmelanieclare.com

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    1. Ahh yes it's such a summery scent! I can't wait til the weather warms up! Reminds me of sunny, happy days :) x

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  12. I don't usually wear blush but you've made me want to go and test the maybelline one in the nearest superdrug! x

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    1. yaay! Give it a whirl - i love it :)! x

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  13. I'm loving the gelly paints and that blush looks gorgeous:) x

    www.thebeautymist.com

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    1. the gelly paints are my favourites right now - cant beat them! They last forever! x

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  14. I love the look of Plink, looks like such a good spring shade :). I have the Dream Touch Blush in Peach and its definitely one of my faves at the moment!

    Rosie
    x
    therunwayrose.blogspot.com

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    1. Yess its perfect for Spring! It finishes off makeup without making you look overdone :) x

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  15. I have the Rimmel foundation in the same shade but it's a tad dark for me, I still love it though! I may have to repurchase a lighter one and keep this one for the summer.

    hollylikestoblog.blogspot.com

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    1. I had a feeling it was too dark for me too - but it seems to blend in ok. Its a great foundation though isn't it! I keep reaching for it! x

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  16. this foundation looks right up my street, i look forward to your full review!

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  17. Youve got so much good favourites!!! I am in love with my Blueberry gelly polish too xx

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    1. haha muchos good favourites ;) Ah yes its my favey right now. Im addicted to blue polish! xx

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  18. MAC Plink looks like a lovely shade :)

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  19. Lovely favourites beaut, I have been wanting to try the HD Brows for the longest of time, it sounds fab. And our nails are like twins again because I have been wearing blueberry on my nails this month constantly and its made its way into my monthly faves too hehe xx

    Miss Sunshine & Sparkle

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    1. thanks gorge! Yaay we are such nail twinnies arent we! We always have matching nails! haha we will have to do the floral matchy-nails again in summer :P xx

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  20. Hi that a really nice collection, love the Boss perfume! I need to restock my make up bag so i look into these products.

    http://www.annanuttall.com/

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    1. definitely look into them lovely :) The Maybelline blush is a good'un! x

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  21. The Hugo Boss perfume sounds lovely!
    I love citrus scents.
    xxx

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    1. Its perfect! I don't usually like overly citrus scents but this one is just right - it lasts ages too! x

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  22. I have the Hugo Boss Orange perfume too and it's lovely! Great post Beth :) xx

    belle-amiebeauty.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. thanks lovely :) Oo yes its a definite signature scent of mine! I adore it :) x

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  23. ahh hugo boss orange is one of my faves!! plink looks like suchhh a gorgeous color.. might need to try it myself :P xoxo

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    1. oo do it :P You mustttt own it - honestly - its like instant love :) haha x

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  24. I'm loving the foundation too and those lipsticks both look beautiful. Onto the wishlist they go! xx

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    1. eek sorry for adding to your wishlist Sian :P haha
      The foundation is amazing isnt it! Cant beat it for the price! x

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  25. Lovely post Beth! Great set of products, both of the lipsticks look so pretty. The Hugo Boss Orange perfume is so nice :)
    xx
    www.zdevania.blogspot.com

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  26. MAC's Plink looks such a gorgeous colour. More than likely will be the next MAC colour on the list. :)

    Your latest follower, Lauren x
    http://laurelbay-bird.blogspot.co.uk/

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  27. Aw I love the look of Plink, I think that might have to be my next mac lipstick, which formula is it? And I've been lusting after the YSL lipsticks for so long I think I'm going to have to take the plunge when I get my next student loan! SO luxurious

    http://hollslucy.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. I like your favourites :) I love match perfection and HD brow palette too! xx

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  29. Those lippy's look amazing x

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  30. Lovely post - really like the Maybelline peach blusher!

    grannygee.blogspot.com

    x

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  31. Great post hun! I need to get this Maybelline blush asap! It's such a fab shade! <33 Orange is one of my favorite perfumes of all times!

    I am having an International Giveaway on my blog and I'd love it if you enter for the chance to win Chanel lipstick and some Maybelline goodies! :))

    XO,
    http://www.rosychicc.com/

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  32. Ooh you have some lovely faves this month beaut :) i LOVE LOVE LOVE the hugo boss orange i need to buy some more :P

    Love Emily xx

    love-x-beauty.blogspot.co.uk

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  33. I really wanna try Hugo Boos Orange but I can never justify buying perfumes cause they're so expensive!

    letitiaharriet.blogspot.com

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  34. I've been wanting to give the foundation a go but I'm such a sucker for high end brands - I might try it and give my bank account a break! x

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  35. ooo I love these sorts of posts! I adore those two lip colours, they are both so perfectly pink & gorgeous<3

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  36. I love my HD Brows palette so much! The maybelline blusher looks beautiful too xx

    Lucy Loves To Blog

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  37. Those lipstick colours look so so gorgeous. I NEED!

    eyelashwishes-x.blogspot.co.uk

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  38. I need plink in my life, it looks like the perfect nude! x

    http://www.thebeautyvisual.blogspot.co.uk

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  39. Amazing blog absolutely loved this
    Www.elledeesbeauty.blogspot.com

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  40. Great choices. It's like looking at my favourites, I have the YSL lipstick and I love it, the packaging is beautiful. Hugo Boss Orange used to be my staple perfume but I haven't repurchased it for a while, was hoping I'd get more for Christmas :P.

    Sally x
    Rainydayfaces.com

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  41. Mac plink is on my wish list x

    mac lipstick giveaway 1stepclosereveryday.blogspot.com

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  42. I love the look of plink, the first time I have seen it too. You have a really lovely blog and this is my first (of hopefully many) visits xx

    http://beautyqueenuk.blogspot.co.uk/

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  43. I so so so need new makeup! damn.
    btw. Can i ask you what kind of site you use to make the ribbons on your pics?

    Following you on bloglovin ❤❤
    CC // http://www.fitspoblog.com/

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  44. Gorgeous picks! I love the look of MAC Plink.. what a beauty! I adore that shade of YSL Rouge Volupte too, all of their lipsticks are amazing! xxx

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  45. I am obsessed with the peach dream touch blush, such a fave! lovely post :) xxx

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  46. Just LOVE those lipsticks.. Ill be adding them to my wish list. :) Great swatches too!

    http://prettylittledoodahs.blogspot.co.uk

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  47. The Barry M Gelly polishes are the best thing I've worn on my nails without signs of immediate chipping! Glad to see others are loving them too.

    Rozie x

    http://trustbeautydreams.blogspot.co.uk

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I always read all of my lovely comments. Make sure you check back as i often reply but if you do have a specific question and want a quicker response then please do email me over at birds.words@yahoo.co.uk or tweet me (@Beth_BirdsWords). Thank you for all your support! x