Topshop Makeup at Feel Unique | A Few New Favourites...

I've always been fond of Topshop Makeup.  I reckon part of it is down to their quirky, monochrome packaging (such a design geek) but I've definitely found a few gems since they launched their cosmetics a few years back now - I really do think they hit the nail on the head when it comes to affordable, unique and on-trend makeup.  They're constantly updating their range and whenever I'm in town I always pop in to have a little nosey as to what's new.  However, as I no longer work in the town centre, I don't get as many chances to pop in for a browse.  This is why I was a very very happy bunny to discover that the Topshop Makeup range is now stocked on FeelUnique - as I don't get as many chances to shop in town anymore, it's very handy for me to be able to stock up my beauty bits online! I was lucky enough to get my mitts on some of their new additions just recently and I have to say, I've found a couple of new favourites... Without further ado, I'll give you the low-down on some of the latest Toppyshoppy offerings...

Topshop Beauty | The Concealer Palette | £12.00* | Link

I love concealer palettes like this.  I find them very handy to pop into my handbag or to take away with me thanks to the variety of shades all in one place, but I rarely find one that ticks all my boxes - good quality packaging, a creamy consistency with a good bit of staying power and a good mix of shades for different purposes.  I've tried my fair share (Soap & Glory, Elf and Makeup Altier Paris to name a few) but Topshop's version has to be my favourite - hands down. The palette contains 3 shades of creamy concealers as well as a handy setting powder and mirror all contained in a nicely designed, slim case.  The concealers are all super creamy and provide such good coverage.  The middle shade is absolutely perfect for covering dark circles of a morning - the peachy undertone helps to cancel out dull tones and the thick yet smooth consistency means that it stays put on the skin, instantly covering imperfections and blending into the skin with ease.  I sometimes find that thicker concealers can be too cakey and slightly drying but Topshop really have got the texture just right.  My main concern has always been dark circles and this palette really does blow the others i've tried out of the water in that respect.   I think they work best applied with fingers and dabbed onto the skin - the warmth from your fingertips helps to blend out the product and makes for a more seamless application. My only quibble is that I seemed to have hit pan rather quickly - but then again I may have been over-applying at the beginning whist I was getting used to the consistency. Overall though - if you're after a good quality concealer palette which will help camouflage dark circles, discolouration and imperfections then I really do recommend this. I'll definitely be grabbing another one of these!

Topshop Beauty | Cheek Jelly in 'Sibling' | £7.00* | Link

The concept of a cheek jelly really intrigued me as it's something I've never really used before.  I do love a cream blush but this product just offers something a little different - it's like a stain but in a more subtle, sheer and blendable form akin to that of a lip stain in a pot.  I have the shade 'Sibling', and although it looks rather terrifying in the pot, it's much more wearable when swatched.  I've tried this on a couple of occasions now and I'm not sure I'm entirely sold on it just yet.  I'm not sure whether or not it's just the shade that doesn't quite work for me but I much prefer a standard cream blush.  I've actually started using it as a lip stain just patted on throughout the day for a 'just bitten' look - I can't deny the fact that it's a fun and versatile product but I think i'll take a little more convincing with this one.  I can see these being a winner through summer when I want something very lightweight and sheer to wear on hot days so for now I shall reserve judgement...

Topshop Beauty | Lip Polish in 'Gallery' | £8.00* | Link

I absolutely adore this colour.  I feel as if I've got to start weening myself off the vampy reds now that spring is coming around the corner, but I refuse to put them down just yet.  Especially now that this little beauty has landed in my collection! 'Gallery' is a beautiful deep burgundy shade with a gothic edge. Topshop's lip products have always impressed me anyway but I really have enjoyed their 'lip polish' formula.  It has a buildable, slightly glossy finish which provides amazing pigmentation along with a gel-like texture that simply glides onto the lips.  It feels so moisturising and smooth to apply.  Once swatched, the colour isn't as dark as it appears in the bullet but oh-my-goodness - it's gorgeous! Its like a slightly glossier, less full-on version of my beloved Mac Dark Side lipstick. You do need to use a lip liner with it as the colour can bleed slightly through the day, but once the colour is on it's so long lasting and even if I don't top up through the day, it's still visible after I've finished work.  I have to say this has been another winning discovery for me and I really can't wait to stock up on some summery shades.

Swatches L-R | Concealer Shades - Palette | Cheeky Jelly 'Sibling' | Lip Polish 'Gallery'

Overall, a fab selection of products from the Topshop range.  I reckon I'll be stocking up on some more bits as soon as pay-day rolls around - I'm dying to try some of their highlighters and a few of their lip crayons so keep your eyes peeled for some more things popping up on my blog very soon! Do leave me your recommendations as I really do seem to have fallen back in love with the brand just recently.   You can find a wide range of Topshop Makeup on FeelUnique.com. 

What's your favourite product from the Topshop Makeup range? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Drugstore Gems | Recent Finds...

As a blogger, it's very easy to get sucked in to the luxury product hype - swishy packaging and the lure of a glitzy high-end counter certainly have the power to sway a purchase.  Whilst I'm not denying that you do sometimes get what you pay for (some of my high-end favourites simply cannot be beaten in my opinion) - I do think there's plenty of 'drugstore' products out there that perform just as well as - if not better than some of the high-end brands. I've become such a bargain hunter just recently (just call me David Dickinson) and I seem to have uncovered a small selection of fabulous 'drugstore' products that I absolutely love - I've been on a roll!  Of course, I often find cheaper products I enjoy and use on a regular basis, but these 6 most recent finds have seriously impressed me -  they're much more than fleeting favourites.  We're a fickle bunch, us bloggers, so to say that this little collection of my latest 'drugstore gems' top the mark as some of my most recommended is saying something! Here's why I think they're jolly good contenders to rival their higher-end versions...

Seventeen | Falsifeye HD Mascara | £6.99 | Link

I'll kick off with my most favourite shall I?!  If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll know I'm rarely impressed with mascaras - I'm ridiculously fussy.  I've been using Maybelline's 'The Falsies' for a good 5 years or so now and I never really vary from this (Benefit's 'They're Real' is my only other 'go to' but I use this as more a 'treat' because it's quite expensive). It's fair to say I'm very stuck in my ways when it comes to mascara.  However - I think I may have discovered my new obsession in the form of Seventeen's Falsifeye HD Mascara.  It's seriously amazing. First impressions were good before I even left the store as it actually comes in a box - and we all know how much bloggers love their boxed products... It didn't stop there though.  I was blown away as soon as I applied it - it coats every.single.lash. The wand doesn't look anything special but trust me, it works a charm at coating even the smallest eyelashes and it's so easy to use. Usually, with volumising 'false lash effect' mascaras, the wands can be quite cumbersome but this one is just perfection.   It reminds me of a simplfied version of Benefit's 'They're Real' whilst being easier to use. 

The formula doesn't clump at all - I can easily apply 3 coats without my lashes clumping together and it also holds a curl really nicely. My lashes look fuller than ever and incredibly defined, and even though it's not waterproof, it doesn't smudge, flake or crumble.  I must admit I don't use it on my bottom lashes as the only mascara that doesn't smudge on me is Clinique's 'Bottom Lash Mascara' - but I can't sing this product's praises enough. I definitely think it's a good rival for Benefit's 'They're Real'. I think I'll be buying this from now on instead of the Maybelline one I've been using for 5 years... that's how much I adore it.

Seventeen | Instant Glow Bronzer in Medium Bronze | £4.49 | Link

Seventeen really have upped their game the past year or so! I'm loving the brand at the moment and their new image is definitely a winner in my books. This is another one of my recent purchases but as it's already featured twice on my blog so I shan't get in to it too much - you're probably sick of the sights of it! I picked this up on a whim at the airport before a holiday and my goodness, am I glad I did! It's such a good 'all rounder' bronzer and works so well for all over bronzing and subtle contouring. It's the perfect shade to add warmth to the complexion and even though it's pigmented, it's virtually impossible to over-apply as it blends like a dream.  I've been applying it even though my skin is paler now and it just gives the most incredible healthy glow without looking like I've piled on a shed load of bronzer.  I really loved Guerlain's 'Terracotta' bronzer earlier this year but I have to admit this one has had much more use.  It's matte so it provides a really lovely, natural finish and gives a nice bit of definition to the facial features.  I posted about it in a summer beauty haul here, and also in a recent favourites post here.  My love for it is still going strong...

MUA | Power Pout Lip Crayon in 'Rendezvous' | £3.00 | Link

I had to re-use a photograph I've taken of this product for a past post because my camera ran out of battery just before I'd finished this one - but trust me - this lip crayon is very well loved.  It's lived in my hand-bag since the day I bought it and it's not making a move out of there any time soon! I really love MUA's lip crayon offering - this colour is just the perfect every day shade and I've been using it over some of my Mac favourites just recently.  It's super moisturising, yet long-lasting and easy to apply on-the-go. I really don't think you have to spend the earth if you want a good quality lip crayon - I can't see why this one isn't just as good as some of the more expensive versions I've seen on the high-street.  I have a full post about the product here.

Collection | Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer | £4.99 £3.99  | Link

Currently on offer for just £3.99, this concealer is my most recent discovery.  Now, I have to admit that my ultimate holy-grail favourite is Estee Lauder's Double Wear Concealer and I don't think I'll ever find anything else to rival it - but since it's so expensive (£21.00 a pop!) I wanted something to use under my eyes on those days when I'm not wearing a great deal of makeup.  I wanted something a little more brightening than Collection's 'Lasting Perfection' (another drugstore gem) as I mainly use concealer underneath my eyes to conceal dark circles. I've been blown away by this one! I was so amazed at how well it hid my dark circles - it's literally like a brightening version of their Lasting Perfection. The formula is quite thick (similar to L.P), so it's a little more hard-wearing than other brightening concealers I've tried before.  I've also used YSL's Touche Eclat in the past and prefer this cheaper version by a mile!

Bourjois | 123 Perfect CC Cream in '32 - Light Beige' | £9.99* | Link

I was actually sent this product a while back but as soon as this tube runs out (and it's getting rather low) I'll be purchasing another straight away.  As much as I love my Nars Sheer Glow foundation, it can be a little heavy for everyday wear and I sometimes crave a slightly lighter coverage. My high-end 'go to' for a dewy base is YSL's Touche Eclat foundation but for a cheaper alternative, this Bourjois offering is fantastic. It does everything it promises - the colour correction really does seem to work and I instantly look more awake when I've applied this.  The coverage is so impressive and comparable to a light-medium foundation - so don't let the fact it's a CC Cream as opposed to an actual foundation base put you off.  If i'm ever having a 'dry skin day'  I use this because its a little more hydrating than an average foundation.  It evens out the complexion in an instant and looks virtually undetectable, especially when I've applied it with my RT Buffing Brush. I have a review of it here, and it also featured in a favourites post here.

Look Beauty Eyeshadow | Shade 13 - 'Luxe' | £4.00 | Link

Ok. So this isn't exactly a recent find - I've had this shade in my collection for quite some time now but it's definitely a re-discovery! If you're looking for pigmentation, 'Look' Statement Eyes Eye shadows really are amazing - they put some high-end brands to shame. This eyeshadow has to be one of the most pigmented shades I own and it gives that statement metallic lid look - perfect for the upcoming festive season. It's so creamy and buttery-soft to the touch and the gorgeous antique-gold colour is so flattering. Admittedly, due to the fact it's so pigmented you do get a little bit of fallout but it's easy to overlook- I just protect my under-eyes with a tissue and 'dab' the shadow on with an eyeshadow brush. 

Swatches L-R // Collection Concealer | Bourjois CC Cream | Seventeen Bronzer | Look Eyeshadow | MUA Crayon

So there we have it, some recent drugstore finds that I've been seriously impressed with.  Of course, I have plenty of other favourites but these are products I've discovered in the past few weeks/months.  Do let me know if you'd like me to do a post on some of my other drugstore gems - I have a fair few that definitely rival their higher end versions.

Have you found any drugstore gems recently? Let me know!

Brand Introduction | Makeup Atelier Paris

As a blogger, I love discovering new brands and trying out things I might not have tried otherwise.  I'd never heard of 'Makeup Atelier Paris' until recently.  I'd seen it appear on a few blogs and was really intrigued by some of the palettes - so I was really excited to be given the chance to give some of their products a try and see what the brand is all about.  Originating from France, Makeup Atelier Paris is a professional makeup brand which offers a vast array of products - from eye shadows of all colours of the rainbow to brushes and skin products.  I thought I'd give you the rundown on what I thought of each product...

Corrector Concealer Palette | £25* | link

I was really excited about this one.  I've recently ran out of one of my beloved Sephora concealer palettes and this one looked like just the thing to replace it.  The palette contains a mix of shades with a green toned concealer for redness, and comes packaged in a neat little plastic box.  The concealers themselves are fairly creamy, and when applied with a concealer brush blend really easily into the skin.  It's great for concealing small blemishes and redness, although dark circles require an extra layer or two. I like the fact that they don't feel oily and remain fairly matte once on the skin.

Cream Blush in 'Ambering Rose' | £12* | link

Of the lot, this has to be my favourite (no surprise there then! I love a good cream blush, me ;)). The shade is so pretty - a rose pink shade with a slight coral tint to it that adds warmth to the skin and looks dewy and fresh when applied.  I found the pigmentation to be really good and it blends really nicely.  It's not quite what I'd call 'cream to powder' but it doesn't feel greasy or heavy on the skin - it's just a nice little mid-ground cream blush that can be built up or worn subtlely. It adds a bit of moisture without looking 'shiny' - the formulation is definitely the type of thing I lean towards. I apply this using either my fingers or a stippling brush - and both ways provide a lovely finish.  I love this one!

Eyeshadow in 'Blue Marine' | £8* | link

I'm still undecided with this one.  I don't tend to wear a lot of colour and I've never really thought of wearing a navy shadow before.  That being said, I headed over to Pinterest (as you do...) and found heaps of inspiration for creating a gold & navy smokey eye.  I'm promising myself I will try and be brave and create more of a colourful look next time I'm heading out for the night and feel a bit daring with my makeup! I didn't find the eyeshadow to be the most pigmented shade I own, nor is it the softest - it took a bit of working up to build up an intense colour but I found it worked better with a really soft blending brush.  

Eyeliner Cake in Black | £12.50* | link

At first, I'll admit I wasn't keen on this one. I found it quite hard to work into and when applied I had to use a few layers before it looked like an intense black. I also found it a little uneven to apply at times. However, when I decided to give it one last try with a wet brush I found myself eating my words! To get the full potential from the cake eyeliner you have to use it wet - it gives a really, deep intense black colour that smooths on really easily and dries quickly.  You can see the difference of colour from the swatches above (the top photograph shows it applied with a wet eyeliner brush, the bottom one shows the eyeliner applied dry). Once it's on, it's on - although it does smudge a little in places throughout the day if you're not careful.  I've never used an eyeliner like this before, so it's been quite a refreshing change for me.  It's really grown on me!

I think it's safe to say the cream products came up tops for me - the cream blush and the cake eyeliner being the favourites by far! I wasn't so blown away by the eyeshadow, sadly - although this may be partly because it's not a shade I'd normally lean to anyway and i prefer a more creamy feel to my powder shadows.  I really want to try more of their cream products - inparticularly the HD Blush and Iridescent Highlighter. And of course I'm tempted to give the lipsticks a try (typical Beth...)   At the moment, I believe you can only buy them online from the actual website (you can find it here) - but I definitely look forward to hearing more about the brand in future and hope to give some more of the cream products a try!  I'd be interested to know other people's thoughts on the products as they seem to be a bit 'hit and miss' for me - but I cannot deny that I have found a couple of new additions to my makeup collection that I know I will use often.

Have you tried anything by Makeup Atelier Paris? I'd be interested to know your thoughts!

November Favourites

Before I dive into this month's favourites, I just want to apologise for my slight lag in usual blogging habits. I've had a tonne of uni work on my shoulders and as a result I had completely and utterly lost my blogging mojo. Fear not though my pretties, the blogging mojo is BACK. I found it. And I've very much missed it. What better way to kick off a month of normal blogging than with my monthly favourites?

Yves Saint Laurent | Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation | £28 - I recently posted a full review of this product here - I've been using it non-stop since I caved in and bought it, and I really do love it to pieces. It's not the most long-lasting foundation on the planet but the finish is just incredible and it blurs every single imperfection making your skin appear perfectly smooth. It's very creamy and luxurious in texture and glides on like a dream.

Soap & Glory | For Daily Youth 6 in 1 Superboost Moisture Lotion | £12.00 - Oof, what a mouthful! I've had this moisturiser for a while and use it when my skin is in particular need of a good bit of moisture. I've had dry patches around my cheeks just recently, and this has cleared it up with ease. My skin gets slightly oily around my t-zone, so I don't like to use heavy moisturisers - this one is just the perfect in-between and just the right amount for me. It use it in the morning before applying my primer, and again at night so it can sink in overnight. It claims to help to renew the skin and boost collagen, and with regular use I often notice my skin appears smoother and brighter.

Maybelline Volume Express Lift-Up Mascara | £6.19 - I have an addiction to Maybelline mascaras. Ever since I tried their 'Falsies' mascara, i've never looked back and I just find their mascaras work for me. I have long lashes, but very straight ones that mean I have to curl them every morning to get any kind of volume. I still have to curl my eyelashes when I use this, but it keeps them in place really well, and gives an amazing bit of volume. I usually prefer my mascaras once they've dried out slightly, but this one was perfect from day one and the wand has just the right amount of curve to it. A new favourite - I hope they bring out a waterproof version.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer | £20 - Ever since I discovered Estee Lauder's concealers, I haven't touched my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection (a very much loved concealer amongst the blogger community!) They last longer on the skin, they don't cake when reapplied and they last for ages in the tube. I did a review earlier this year on their 'Smoothing Creme Concealer' here, but I find the Double Wear slightly better for my winter skin. Honestly, if you want a really good concealer for both blemishes and under-eyes, look no further.

Mac Lipstick in 'Creme Cup' | £14 - A firm favourite in my lipstick collection. I use it through summer and winter for an everyday nude/pink lip. It's a cremesheen formula, which has to be my favourite formula from Mac - slightly more moisturising and adds a lovely finish to the lips.

Revlop Lip Butter in 'Creme Brulee' | £7.99 - I love the Revlon Lip Butters - especially now winter has crept around the corner and my lips are feeling a little bit deprived of moisture! This is my second tube of 'Creme Brulee' now - it's just the perfect addition to my make-up bag and I wear it every day without fail. I apply it like a lip-balm every couple of hours or so, and it just adds a really subtle wash of nude to the lips which is really flattering and effortless. The lip butter formula means it looks slightly glossy when applied, and it masks any imperfections.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Liner in 'Spice' | £16 - I've been using this lip pencil a lot just recently, it's a slightly reddish-nude shade that manages to blend well with most lipsticks. It lasts for ages, and because it's only slightly darker than my natural lip colour it looks really natural and adds a lot of volume to the lips without looking false.

♥