Monthly Favourites | December

Evenin' all! I do hope you've all had an amazing Christmas. I don't know about you but it's gone far too quick for me. I love the whole build up to the big day and the past few weeks really do seem to have flown by - I don't feel as if I've had chance to fully take it all in.  It's always over in the blink of an eye.  We're now onto the dregs of the Quality Street tin (the ones that nobody likes) and I can't help but feel slightly sad that I won't be able to pop into Costa for a cheeky orange hot chocolate anymore. Anyway, post-Christmas glum-ness aside, I thought I'd put together my final favourites post of the year. I wasn't going to do a December favourites this month considering I'm in the process of typing up my '2014' collective posts, but it seemed a shame not to to sum up the final month of the year with a few bits and pieces...

Chanel // Soleil Tan De Chanel 'Bronze Universel'  // £32.00 // Link

I adore this product - it's one that I always go back to.  It's such a nice little touch of luxury to have in my collection. I've been using it as an all over bronzing base recently and it just looks so much more natural as opposed to a powder bronzer.  I've been buffing this into the skin (after applying my foundation) using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and it just gives the most amazing, smooth and flawless finish.  I concentrate it around the outside of my face - buffing into the sides of the forehead, temples and outer cheekbones to give a naturally bronzed and sculpted look.  

Mac Lipstick in 'Half n Half' // £15.50 // Link

Oo not another 90s inspired nude lip! Although I'm a big fan of the infamous 'Velvet Teddy' lipstick, I much prefer the constancy of 'Half n Half' and think it's very much an unsung hero of the Mac lipstick world.  It's virtually the same shade - maybe slightly lighter - but is much creamier and glossy due to the 'amplified' finish. I adore it.  For a closer look, head on over to my 'Mac Lipstick Collection' post here. 

Boutique at Sainsburies Lip Gloss in 'All the Tea in China' // £6.00 //

You've got to hand it to Sainsburies - they've got an absolutely smashing lip gloss here! It's more akin to a lip laquer in terms of application and pigmentation - the colour is almost opaque (if you've ever tried Tanya Burr's range I'd liken it to those) and is so understated and classy.  I bought this a few months ago and it looked far too 'foundation-y' on my summer skin, but now that I'm paler it works a treat.  It works well on its own, giving a beautifully glossy nude appearance, but also works well layered on top of brown toned lipsticks.  The taupe hint really compliments brown undertones and looks very on trend for the season. 

Arran Aromatics 'Honey and Lemon' Lip Balm // £3.50* // Link

I've already featured this product in a recent post here, but I just had to include it again. It's become my bedside staple! I apply it every night before bed and let it work it's magic overnight.  I'll also apply it in the morning before I apply my makeup as it sinks in really nicely, instantly making the lips feel smoother and perfectly prepped for further product.  It gives a lovely glossy appearance to the lips and works well over lipsticks if you're applying it through the day.  The scent is so soothing and gentle, and the screw-top pot is so handy and lightweight - I've thrown it into my handbag on a couple of occasions and much prefer this over a typical lip-balm stick (they're often too waxy for my liking).  This one is super quenching and treats dry lips in an instant.

Illamasqua Powder Blush in 'Lover' // £21.50 // Link

I really didn't expect to see this blush popping up on the bloggles anytime soon considering it's one of my summer favourites.  However, a year or so ago, I remember really enjoying it through the winter months.  I'd wear it to my uni lectures in a bid to make myself look slightly more awake (even if i felt far from it!) and I just find the finish of it so lovely.  It's a gorgeous bright pastel-y peach which works so well on both tanned and pale skin - the matte finish is also really flattering and gives that perfect 'flawless' finish.  I have to say this is one of my most loved blushes ever - it might even be my all-time favourite.  There's something about it that just works for me and despite being quite a bright, unique shade - i find it so easy to wear.

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Highlighter / Illuminator (LE) 

Ahh I hate featuring Limited Edition products in posts because there's no way of providing links (sorry!). This was actually a summer product released a couple of years ago so I apologise for the lack of availability.  I never actually used it when I first got it (my mum gave it to me) simply because I didn't think it was my sort of shade - however, I've really been enjoying it recently. I've mainly been using it on my décolletage for evenings out as it just makes your skin look so delicate and perfected. It looks lovely on the tops of the cheekbones though, especially when worn with a matte blush and subtle bronzer.  The rose gold colour is really pretty at this time of year and not to mention the packaging - the matching rose gold compact is just beautiful.

Jane Iredale Pure Pressed Blush in 'Whisper' // £17.25 // Link

I won't say too much about this blush as I already have a full post here - but I adore this gorgeous pinky-coral shade from Jane Iredale.  The blush has a slight sheen running through it which is really fab for dull winter skin.  I've been alternating a lot between this shade and my Illamasqua blush, often applying it over my Benefit 'Majorette' cream blush which I featured in last month's favourites.  

Swatches L-R // Chanel Bronze Universel // Illamasqua Lover // Jane Iredale 'Whisper' // Elizabeth Arden Illuminator // Mac 'Half n Half' // Boutique Gloss in 'All the Tea in China'

Have you tried and loved any of these products? Is there anything here that tickles your fancy!?

My Autumn/Winter Blush Wardrobe

I must confess that I'm a bit of a blush hoarder.  If there's anything I tend to experiment with aside from my lip shade - it's the colour I dust on my cheeks of a morning!  I love that something so simple and quick can completely bring together a make-up look in an instant and brighten up your entire complexion.  I've had a bit of a make-up overhaul recently and thought I'd introduce you to my Autumn/Winter 'blush wardrobe' - because for a beauty blogger, it doesn't stop at swapping your cami tops for polo-necks does it?! Ohh no - I've swapped around my entire cosmetic collection and placed some of my more wintery shades within grabbing distance.  It's time to put the bright corals to bed! Without further ado, here's 7 of my 'go to' shades for the autumn/winter season and why I'll be reaching for them over the next few months...

Illamasqua | 'Tremble' // The Winter Bright //

I must admit, I'm really not a big fan of pinks - I find that I need a bit of warmth in my blush colour due to my skin-tone but Illamasqua's 'Tremble' is probably one of the only bright pink shades I can get away with. It's showing up a little more cool toned on camera but this is seriously bright - it's not for the faint hearted but when applied lightly it gives such a lovely flush of colour to the cheeks. If you're a fan of Illamasqua's 'Lover' blush (it's one of my all time summer favourites) this is like its pink, wintery cousin... it still has the same brightness to it but looks a little more natural and flattering on dull, winter skin.  I love Illamasqua's blushes - they always look so immaculate and flawless on the skin and are incredibly long lasting. If you're looking for pigmentation - look no further.  I have an ancient review of Tremble here.

Deborah Milano | 'Spicy' // The 'Any Season' Coral //

I know I said I've put my corals to bed but this is the only one I find myself reaching for all year round.  Trust me when I say that this little compact is well loved! If you're looking for a versatile, year-round colour then this shade will be right up your street.  It looks just as flattering on my winter skin as it does when I have a tan - it looks so natural. It's the perfect coral because it isn't too orange or bright - it works whatever the weather, whatever your skin tone and whatever make-up you've applied.  I love the texture of the powder too - it applies so smoothly and effortlessy and it's really nicely pigmented - I've used this to death for around a year and I've barely worn down the surface - well worth the money! I have a full review of it here.

Nars | 'Orgasm' // The Perfect Healthy Glow //

Ooo Beauty blogger classic alert (just look how battered mine is - the poor thing!) Although I can't say this blush is one of my all-time favourites, it's one that I find myself reaching for through the winter months.  It's got a bit of shimmer running through it so it's perfect for those days when you just can't be bothered to highlight as it brings a healthy, natural glow to the face - killing 2 birds with one stone, as they say! I like to use this colour when I'm feeling a little bit under the weather - rosy pink blushes are actually proven to help counteract dull tones and dark shadows under your eyes, and 'Orgasm' does a fabulous job of making me look bright eyed and bushy tailed even when I'm far from it. Its rosy appearance does a fabulous job of brightening the skin and gives a naturally 'blushed' appearance. It's definitely one of my more understated blushes (despite the shimmer) - it's the type of blush I'd pop on for a quick flush of colour if I'm off for a winter walk somewhere.

Nars | 'Deep Throat' // The 'Everyday' Winter Staple //

Oh crikey me - Nars and their naughty names make me blush even before I've swept them on to my cheeks! Despite it's 'out there' name, this blush really is such a great everyday staple. It's like a slightly lighter, less shimmery version of 'Orgasm' with a hint of peachy pink.  I must admit I was never sold on this until I had it applied on me by an MUA in Space NK - it looks completely different once you have it on your cheeks and gives such a healthy flush of peachy-pink to the cheeks. If, like me, you lean towards corals and oranges and want something suitable for the season, I really recommend you check this one out.  It's a lovely 'in-between' sort of shade - I can wear this all year round because it has a good bit of warmth running through it.  It's a good option for paler skin too as it's not overly pigmented - it's very buildable.  I have a full review and photographs here.

Benefit | 'Rockateur' // The Subtle Touch //

I really didn't expect this to become one of my autumn staples, but it has! I actually find this to be quite similar to Nars' 'Deep Throat' blush - just a slightly lighter version.  Again, it's peachy-pink hints work really well on winter skin and the satin finish is really flattering.  It has a subtle hint of shimmer which gives such a healthy glow - another fabulous option if dull skin is your main concern. I find this blush works well for layering becuase it's quite subtle. It's formula is very buildable and if you wish to achieve the colour in the pan, you can, but I actually really enjoy using this alongside Benefit's 'Majorette' - layering this on top of a bright coral works really well. I have a full review here.

Mac | 'Blushbaby' // The 'Depths of Winter' Flush //

Again, this isn't one of my all-time favourites but I really enjoy using this shade in the winter months.  It's a gorgeous, natural shade with a slight hint of mauve - a little more cool-toned than what I usually reach for but with the right make-up it looks so beautiful. I always pop this on if I'm wearing a darker lip colour or if I've opted for a mauve/purple toned lip. It swatches a little warmer than it looks in the pan - it's definitely got a hint of 'brick' running through it (have a nosey at the swatches, you'll see what I mean!) Think bobble hats, cosy knits and hot chocolates - this shade really is my 'depths of winter' blush - perfect for snowy days. I love the matte finish - it works really well with a flawless base and a teeny fleck of highlighter on the tops of the cheekbones.

Mac | 'Harmony' // The Sculpting Shade //

I adore this shade.  It's so multi-functional as it works as a contour shade as well as a blush. It's a cool toned 'brick' sort of colour - very difficult to explain but one that works incredibly well at softly sculpting the cheeks. If you're new to contouring, I really recommend this - all you need to do is sweep some of this onto your cheeks and et voila - instant cheekbones. If I'm in a rush, I'll quickly dust some of this on using a blush brush, but i find that it works really nicely if you use a slightly smaller tapered or 'domed' brush and place the colour on your natural contour line.With 'Harmony', it's so easy to achieve that sculpted appearance without the fuss.  As with most Mac blushes, it's really soft and easy to blend - but isn't so overly pigmented it's difficult to work with. Definitely a staple shade in my collection. I have a full review here.

Swatches L-R | Illamasqua 'Tremble' / Deborah Milano 'Spicy' / Nars 'Orgasm' / Nars 'Deep Throat' / Benefit 'Rockateur' / Mac 'Blushbaby' / Mac 'Harmony'

So there we have it - my Autumn/Winter blush wardrobe. I also love Benefit's 'Majorette' and Illamasqua's 'Lover' blush - but the shades I've featured are definitely the ones I'll be reaching for when the weather really does take a turn for the worst!  My ultimate favourites have to be Deborah Milano's 'Spicy' and Nars' 'Deep Throat' - and Mac's 'Harmony' really is a winter contouring must-have if you're a fan of a sculpted cheek like me.

What's in your autumn/winter blush wardrobe this season?

Monthly Favourites | February

You know when you have one of those months where you seem to switch up everything in your usual routine and find a tonne of new products to get your mitts into? Well, February was one of those months for me.  I fell in love with yet another contouring product, discovered that I actually do suit pink blush and I found an amazing alternative to endless root-backcombing. Waheyy! Sounds like a jolly good month, I hear you say? Without further ado, I shall get cracking with my February favourites. Grab a brew - there's a few ;)

Mac Lipstick in 'Fanfare'

I've finally found my perfect 'every day' pink lip. The kind that isn't so nude it looks barely there or washed out, but just vibrant enough to make an impression - Mac's 'Fanfare' really is such a stunner.  I wrote a full post on this beauty earlier in the week (you can have a read of that here) and I really cannot live without this in my handbag at the moment.  It brightens up my complexion in a flash and is so super creamy and pigmented.  It seems to work really well against my skin tone.

Nars Blush in 'Deep Throat'

I don't usually reach for pink blushes.  I tend to opt for corals, peaches and oranges purely because I feel safer with them and I often think my skin tone works best with a warmer flush of colour. However, this month, I've fallen head over heels for Nars' 'Deep Throat' - a beautiful pink with slight coral undertones (which is why I think it works so well for me).  It's so warming and brightening on the complexion and is super buildable and easy to blend.  I adore it. I wrote a full post on this blush earlier in the month (you can find it here) so if you fancy reading more on my thoughts, head on over!

Illamasqua Sculpting Duo

Oh look! Another contouring product is featured on Beth's blog... I have written a full post on this product here, so I won't go into this one too much - but I think I may have found my new favourite contour powder.  The highlighting shade is simply stunning - honestly, I can't even begin to explain how much I love it.  Just the lightest touch of a brush is all you need and it brings light to the face without going all 'disco ball, jazz hands and glitter' - perfect! The contour shade leans ever so slightly grey - making it the perfect companion for scultping out those cheekbones.  Slightly pricey - but worth every penny if you're a contouring addict like me.

Lauren's Way Glam Tan - Darker than Dark Spray*

I must admit, I wasn't expecting to love this half as much as I do.  But I'm addicted! I'm planning on doing a full post on this soon so I won't say too much - but it really is such an amazing fake tan and I can see why it receives so much hype on Twitter! I usually opt for mousses or gel-like consistencies when it comes to my fake tan, but I reckon Lauren's Way has converted me to a spray.  I simply spray a few pumps onto a mitt, or onto my skin depending on where I'm tanning, and blend away.  It's easy to see where you've been and it's so easy to blend - honestly, it's fool proof! No streaky business here! What I love about it though is the fact it doesn't smell whatsoever. Seriously?! Has anyone else tried this and been super impressed at the lack of biscuit aroma?! Blow me down with a feather - I'm amazed! I usually put off fake tanning purely because I can't stand smelling like a digestive for an entire night/day - but I could quite happily let this develop for the 8 hours without getting a whiff of fake tan whatsoever.  The colour is also really natural - it's quite dark, but it's very olive toned and doesn't look false at all. Hats off to you Lauren - your fake tan really is as good as everyone says.

Benefit Gimme Brow*

Again, I've already written a full review of these earlier in the month (link).  They received a rave review from me and I'm still loving them just as much.  They've completely altered my brow routine and for someone who's brows lack in the volume department, they're a god send.  I love the fact they're so buildable and provide such natural results. My eyebrows have never looked so defined! They really do stay put all day as well.

Lord & Berry Smudge Proof Liner in 'Smoke'*

Why wear black when you can go grey?! I've discovered a love for grey liner this month - it provides definition to the eyes without looking too smokey or heavy for day time.  I usually find black can look a little heavy and has a tendency to smudge on me - but Lord & Berry's 'Smoke' pencil stays put all day without fail and gives my eyes that much desired definition without looking too 'OTT'.  I received this in one of my Love Me Beauty boxes (post here) and was impressed with it from the start - the texture is quite waxy but it's very easy to apply and it lasts amazingly well.

Loreal '#TXT' Volume Supersizing Spray

Again, another product I wasn't expecting miracles from but I was pleasantly surprised. This stuff is seriously good! It beats any volume powder I've tried by a mile.  It smells beautiful and fresh too.  Just a quick spritz of this through roots/mid-lengths of my hair and a quick 'fluff' about,  and I'm left with  a seriously voluminous barnet in a jiffy.   It doesn't last amazingly well, however, it's perfect when you need a bit of a boost and it puts some much needed 'oomph' back in when your hair has lost it's mojo.  I take this everywhere with me now. I couldn't live without it. . I've had this can for a few weeks now too - so you definitely get your money's worth. 

Sanctuary Skin Comforting Body Butter

I know body butters aren't the most exciting product to speak about but I reckon I've found a new favourite.  I adore the texture of this one - it's so moisturising and blends and sinks into the skin like an absolute dream. It smells really pretty - like almonds, milk and powdery-freshness (fab explanation there, Beth...) I'm going to dash out and repurchase another tub as soon as this one runs out - I really recommend trying this if you're after a richly moisturising body butter.  It leaves the skin feeling so baby soft and smooth.

Organic Surge 2 Minute Moisture Mask*

I have a lot to thank this hair mask for, I really do.  It is so easy to use and works a treat on thirst-deprived hair.  It leaves my hair feeling silky, smooth and easier to manage and gets rid of any frizz.  I was actually sent this a while back (you can read my review here) and I will 100% be grabbing myself another tub now that I've finished this one. 

Have you tried and loved any of these products as much as me?

Illamasqua | Sculpting Powder Duo

Illamasqua | Sculpting Powder Duo | £26.00 | Link

Fellow bloggers, allow me to introduce you to another new addition to my cosmetic collection - Illamasqua's 'Sculpting Powder Duo'.  I swear I'm like a broken record on this blog, aren't I? I'm forever harping on about contouring products! I shan't tell porkies - it was another one of my little impulse purchases - but it's one that I knew for a fact I wouldn't regret. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know that I'm a bit obsessed when it comes to all things contouring related - I'm a big fan of defined and sculpted cheekbones and my makeup never feels quite complete without a dusting of powder and a touch of highlighter.  As soon as I saw this duo on the ASOS website, I snapped it up right away.  I adore Illamasqua blushes and have recently purchased their 'Blush Up' brush which is perfect for contouring (post here) - so I knew I'd get lots of use from this compact - Illamasqua are always spot on with their pigmentation and consistency and I'm still yet to be disappointed by their products.

The palette consists of two shades - a matte contour named 'Heliopolis' and a champagne toned highlighter, 'Lumos'.  I personally don't think there's a great selection of sculpting products on the high street that work a treat - unless you want to pay a fortune! (Kevin Aucoin anyone?) Sleek's Contour Kit was as good as it got for me - and although I love it to bits, I have to admit I always find the contour shade far too bronze and orange toned for a perfectly natural look. That's why I jumped for joy when I stumbled upon Illamasqua's offering.  At £26, it isn't the cheapest duo on the market but it's one of the best powder contour products I've come across.  The matte contour shade is perfect for my skin tone - it isn't too dark or too light - it's just the perfect colour and I can imagine it will still blend seamlessly when I get a bit of a tan during the summer months.  Although it still has a slight hint of bronze, it doesn't have that orange tone that a lot of 'contour' products seem to have and it definitely leans more grey - perfect for creating a natural shadow. It lacks that warm tone that a lot of products on the market seem to have. I was unsure as to whether I'd like 'Lumos' or not - I'm admittedly hard to please when it comes to highlighters and I often find them too glittery or false looking.  But I've been pleasantly surprised - 'Lumos' is stunning. It's a gorgeous champagne tone which blends into the skin seamlessly and effortlessly and doesn't contain any glitter flecks (yay!). It gives that much desired 'soft-focus' finish and the consistency is unbelievably buttery - honestly, it's so soft and creamy! Only the lightest touch of a brush is needed so the palette is all set to last quite some time.

To apply, I simply use my Real Techniques Contouring Brush or a tapered contour brush that I have in my collection from Elf. I've also found that the Illamasqua 'Blush Up' brush mentioned above works wonders - especially with the matte bronze shade.  The duo gives a really subtle finish that can be built up for a stronger more defined look depending on what you're going for, and doesn't look harsh in daylight. I've also been using this kit for contouring the jawline and highlighting the brow bone.

Overall, it's a massive thumbs up from me.  I really cannot fault this duo one bit.  I was worried it might be too small to be worth the £26.00 price tag - but you get quite a decent bit of product for your money.  The compact is bigger than Illamasqua's standard blushes (I didn't know this as I've never owned any of their duos and just assumed it would be the same size) - it also comes with a mirror and is really lightweight - perfect for me as I will be taking this away on holiday over the summer! It gives that naturally enhanced look to the cheekbones without looking like you've tried to fake it - and the quality and pigmentation is second to none. Illamasqua has gone and done it again! 

Have you tried this palette? What's your favourite contouring product at the minute?

My New Contouring Companion | Illamasqua's Blush Up Brush

Illamasqua 'Blush Up' Brush | £28.50 | Link | Link

Fellow bloggers and beauty fanatics, let me introduce to you my new partner in crime and latest addition to my make-up brush collection - Illamasqua's 'Blush Up' Brush. After months and months of lusting after the Nars Ita 'Kabuki' Brush (google it - it's a beauty!) and not being able to find it anywhere (honestly...it's like gold dust), I took it upon myself to look for a similar alternative. Brushes like this are quite hard to come across - most contour brushes on the market seem to take on that classic 'dome' tapered sort of shape - but I wanted something a little different from the norm.  Illamasqua's offering seemed like the most similar alternative I could find, and after reading a few reviews about it I decided I'd give it a whirl. 

'Challenging conventional blusher application, Illamasqua's all-new Blush Up Brush has an innovative, ellipse shaped head, designed to tuck directly under the cheekbone. Creating a soft diffusion of colour up onto the cheekbone, combine the Blush Up Brush with your favourite Powder Blusher Duo shades for a look that defines, elongates and slims the face in one simple movement' - (Illamasqua Website)

Now, I've made no secret of the fact I'm a complete contouring obsessive on this blog- so after reading the above information I'm sure it's fairly obvious why I needed this little beauty sitting in my brush pot! The brush is made for sculpting and defining the cheekbones and it fits perfectly along the contour line, making application of powder products a complete doddle. I often find that dome shaped/tapered contour brushes aren't precise enough for me so the shape of this one means that it's easy to get that much desired blended 'line'. The bristles are soft, but quite dense - meaning that the brush isn't overly flexible.  Personally, I find this works in its favour as it makes application more precise without skimping on blending capabilities. A simple sweeping motion in an upwards direction and my contour colour looks perfectly blended and it's so easy to get that much desired airbrush finish. It works amazingly well at sculpting the face and it has completely changed my contouring routine - I think it provides a much more professional finish and is the perfect brush to use when you want that strong 'Kim K' typed contour.

At £28, this baby ain't cheap! But if you're a fan of contouring and want to experiment with a more unique type of brush, it's really worth considering. I'm not usually one to spend a fortune on my brushes but I make an exception with more unique styles like this - it's one I knew I'd get a lot of use out of.  It comes packaged in its own little pouch and the sleek black handle and elegant finish really pull this brush together. I've been using it with some of my Illamasqua powder blushes too and together they really are a complete dream team! Just a few sweeping motions and your blush looks perfectly applied. Needless to say, you do need to be careful not to apply to much powder to the brush - you need to work up the colour rather than going 'full on' with it due to the nature of the bristles and the flat head, but once you've got that knack - you're sorted. Overall - I'm so glad I bought this. If you're a fellow contouring fan and want to try something new then it's really worth a look - it makes it so, so easy to achieve that defined look and I always seem to think my cheekbones look much more sculpted and strong when I've used this compared with the softer finish of a tapered contour brush. Of course, it depends on the look you're going for but it's nice to have that choice between a softer contour and a more defined one.  I bought my brush via ASOS (and grabbed a cheeky bit of student discount to lessen the blow) but it's quite widely available at the moment so if you're interested in snapping one up - it's worth having a little browse about.

Have you tried Illamasqua's Blush Up Brush? Whats your favourite contouring brush at the minute?

Mini Egg Nails | Illamasqua Nail Varnish in 'Fragile'

Illamasqua I'mperfection Nail Varnish in 'Fragile' | £14.50 | Link

Evening birdlings! Bit of a change of photography-scenery for me tonight (must be feeling a little rebellious!) I placed an order on Illamasqua's website last week as I had been lusting after their I'mperfction nail polishes for quite some time. When the shade I had my beady eyes on went out of stock on ASOS, I decided it was about time I put an order in.  As some of you may know, I'm a sucker for blue nails - so 'Fragile' just had to be mine. I must say, I was superly-duperly impressed with delivery. It arrived safe and sound within a couple of days, packaged beautifully and above all, delivery didn't cost me a penny. Yippee! 

I'm never really one for gimmicky polishes. Fur-effect, bobbly or 'caviar' nails really don't float my boat if i'm honest (#sorrynotsorry) and I'm much more of a painted nail art or classic glossy-nail look kind of girl. The furthest I go when it comes to any kind of effect in a polish is Model's Own Beetlejuice or glitter gradients, hardly daring! So, when I first saw these polishes online I was sold. They're interesting without being 'over the top'. Inspired by natural speckled patterns on bird's eggs, the polish contain little flecks of darker colour, giving a different, unique pattern and finish every time. The whole I'mperfection line aims to celebrate the little quirks that make us unique - a fabulous concept for a make-up line if I don't say so myself.  You're probably all aware by now that I have a teensy-weensy obsession for all things bird-related.. so I thought it was about time I treated myself to a polish that was just a little bit out of the ordinary for me!  Forgive me for my slightly experimental photography with the Mini-eggs (had to be done.. it's Easter soon don't you know?!) - but this polish really is such a fun little addition to have in my collection - and the finish reminds me of the famous Cadbury easter treats - making this polish perfect for the time of year (spend-age justified).

The application is fantastic. I was really impressed at how easy it was to achieve the finish I wanted. It only takes 2 coats to make the design fully opaque, and I love that each time the finish is slightly different. Illamasqua definitely haven't skimped on the little 'flecks' of colour either - you get a nice even coverage of speckles for every nail, as you can see from my swatches above! The polish dries quite glossy, but I prefer using a top coat anyway. The far right swatch on the nail wheel shows how the polish looks with the top coat applied - It blends the whole look together a little more and 'seals' in the little flecks at the same time as adding a glossy effect on top.  The polishes are chip resistant and lasted well on my nails. I got about 3 days wear without any chipping and removing it was also a doddle.  I'm now dabbling with the idea of grabbing myself the purple version too (after all, if you like something you should grab it in every colour, right?)... They really are like little Mini Eggs for your talons. Genius (who says your nails shouldn't get a piece of Easter action anyway?!...)

What are your thoughts on the Im'Perfection polishes? Are they a yay or a ney?

 ♥

Illamasqua Powder Blush in 'Tremble'

Illamasqua Powder Blush in 'Tremble' | £18.00 |

Illamasqua's blushes have to be among some of my ultimate beauty 'must-haves'. I think it's fair to say that I have fallen completely, head over heels in love with them ever since I first bought their 'Lover' blush around 2 years or so ago now (seen in this post) - in fact, I cherish their very existence. Massively-over-the-top statement there, but I kid you not - I'd be lost without my little collection.  The newest addition to my Illamasqua 'blush-crew' is Tremble - a beautiful warm toned soft pink. I've had my eyes on this one for ages - its such a pretty colour and one that compliments my paler skin throughout the winter - it brightens up my complexion and wakes up dull skin in a flash.

I've found that their powder blushes on the whole are very pigmented and provide impressive colour pay off - they can be sheered out for a subtle wash of colour or built up to provide a more intense 'doll-like' finish. I apply them with my Real Techniques powder brush (seen in my collection post here) and they sweep onto the cheeks so smoothly and effortlessly - they don't feel chalky at all and are incredibly soft and smooth. I genuinely think my skin looks instantly brighter and smoother when I've applied these blushes - and they also stay put all day, providing the perfect finishing touch to your makeup. Also, they last an AGE, let me tell you! I've had the 'Lover' blush for quite some time now and I've barely made a dent in the surface - and that's with daily use over the course of a good year or so! 

Tremble gives a matte/slightly satin finish to the cheeks - there's no shimmer in there at all which I personally prefer - I believe this helps to even out the skin and also gives a natural finish. The colour is also really girly and fresh - I often opt for peach tones on my cheeks so this one fills the gap in my collection for a really flattering warm-pink. There is no doubt that I'll be buying more of these blushes - if you're after some top notch colour pay-off for your cheeks then they are really worth investing in - they're worth every penny and the shade range is just fabulous - there's some really beautiful colours and tones available. Actually, I defy you all not to have a little nosey! - you can find the range here at Debenhams Online.

If you wish to see a 'face of the day' with this blush - then it's the one I wore in my photograph for my '50 facts about me tag' here.

Have you tried Illamasqua blushes? Love them as much as me? What are you favourite shades?

♥

My Christmas Face of the Day

Swatches L-R | Urban Decay Naked2 'Bootycall' /  Urban Decay Naked2 'YDK' / Illamasqua Blush in 'Lover' / Nars Highligher in 'Albatross' / Revlon 'Red Laquer

Evenin' my little birdlings! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and enjoyed a few days of guilt free chocolate scoffing and alcoholic beverage consuming like myself. I thought I'd post a little 'face of the day' for you all today... As some of you may know, Mr Claus rather generously popped a new camera under my tree this year, and no member of my family has managed to escape my snap-happy-ness let me tell you! Today has been the first chance I've had to sit down and log on to Blogger, and I'm so looking forward to reading through all of your Christmas related offerings! 

Christmas Day is not like any other day when it comes to makeup. It has to last through present opening, family dinners and afternoon naps on the sofa, and above all it has to look a little bit more 'spesh' than the usual everyday slap! My family and I always go out for Christmas dinner at a local restaurant near us - it gives us all an excuse to get a bit dressed up! (and out of our pj's!). It's beautiful - it's a really traditional little building with low ceilings and wooden floors, complete with log fires and burning candles - and the staff always decorate it amazingly well. I usually go all out with the eye makeup on Christmas Day but this year I decided to go really natural and neutral on my eyes - and paired it with a sheer red/coral lip and simple blush. I also took it as an excuse to use my new Nars highlighter (there's a post coming soon)... and i'm also proud to inform you all I have been fake tan free for a whole month! After being a bit poorly, I decided it would be a good excuse to cut it out of my routine for a while and my skin has thanked me no end (aside from looking a little pale) - I really recommend doing it if your pores are feeling a little bit clogged!

Eyes

Urban Decay | Naked 2 Palette | 'Bootycall' (lid) & 'YDK' (outer lid)

Loreal | Super Liner Carbon Gloss in 'Black' (top lash line)

Maybelline | The Falsies mascara

Barry M | Eyeliner in 'white' (waterline and inner corner)

Face

Loreal | Studio Secrets Professional Primer

YSL | Touche Eclat Foundation in 'B40' (review here)

Estee Lauder | Double Wear Concealer in 'Light Medium 02' (featured in this post)

Mac | Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in 'medium' (review here)

Illamasqua | Powder blush in 'Lover' (post here)

Nars |  Highlighting Powder in 'Albatross'

Lips

Revlon | Lipstick in 'Red Laquer'

My Dress

Oh My Love at Topshop | £36 

How was your Christmas? What did Santa bring you this year?♥