Latest in Beauty | The GLAMOUR Beauty Edit

Latest in Beauty | The GLAMOUR Beauty Edit Box | £14.95 | Link

When I saw all the hype surrounding the 'Latest in Beauty GLAMOUR Edit' box, I knew it wouldn't be long before I caved.  I wasn't wrong. A few days after I first heard of it, a little package arrived safe and sound on my doorstep and I tore it open like a kid at Christmas.  I loved the fact that you could just buy the one box without commitment or signing up to further boxes, and the contents totally blew me away. The box is worth a whopping £65 in total - so for just £14.95 - it really was a bargain and the perfect treat. I'm sure you've all heard about it by now as I really was a little late on the bandwagon, but I thought I'd give you the lowdown on what's in the box nonetheless...

HD Brows | Eye & Brow Palette in 'Foxy' 

I'm a massive fan of the HD Brows kits but they're hard to get your mitts on unless you want to pay a fortune! So when I saw that the box contained a full size HD Brows palette, I was sold! I usually use the shade 'Bombshell', but on comparing the 2, there really isn't a great deal of shade difference between the two.  If you've never tried HD Brows, I really recommend them. The powders are amazingly pigmented and soft, and don't smudge or fade through the day.  They're also great to use for eyeshadow and I've often blended the brown shades onto my eyelids and through the crease for a beautiful neutral look.   I have a review of my 'Bombshell' palette over here if you want to have a read up!

Eyeko | Lash Curlers

I adore eyelash curlers! I've been faithful to my beloved Tweezermans since secondary school now and nothing has ever come close, so I'm really looking forward to trying these beauties to see what they have to offer! I've heard such good things and the velvet handles are to die for! Who can say no to a dash of purple velvet?! Not me, i'll say...

Maybelline | Baby Lips in 'Hydrate'

Beauty bloggers have gone crazy for this cult favourite! I already own the peach coloured version and I must admit it's a lip balm I do tend to reach for a great deal - it's not super hydrating but there's something about the cute packaging and yummy scents that attract me to them. I find them to be hydrating enough for daytime wear without feeling too heavy or sticky on the lips and they add a little bit off glossiness. I have a full review of the Baby Lips here if you fancy a read.

Benefit | They're Real Mascara (travel size)

I'm extremely fussy with mascaras but this one has to be one of my all time favourites so I was glad to be getting another one in the box!  It's so intensely black and fans your lashes out like nothing else. I'm usually not too keen on plastic brushes but this one does it's job amazingly well and if you still haven't tried 'They're Real' I really recommend it.  I adore it.  I have a full review of the mascara here if you're interested in reading about it in detail.

Philip Kingsly | One More Day | 50ml Size

I'm a massive fan of dry shampoo. I hardly ever wash my hair daily and tend to use  dry shampoo on the second day to revive my hair at the root and add a bit of volume and texture.  I'm really excited to start trying this once my usual bottle has ran out - it's said to absorb excess sebum without drying out the scalp or leaving residue - which is one problem with the majority of dry shampoos out there. 

Balance Me | Extra Care Radiance Face Oil | 10ml

I've never really caught on to face oils.  There's something about them that scares me a little bit but I'm planning on using this in the new year once the weather really does take it's hold over my skin and I get more dry areas. I must admit, I've always got on well with Balance Me and their products seem to suit my skin quite well - so I'm quite excited about trying this one. It has a rollerball applicator which is so handy - as I hate pour-y bottles (I'm clumsy...). Balance Me say the products is the 'perfect rescue and repair for partied-out, sleep deprived skin' and is said to 'nourish, condition and glowify'. I don't know about you but my skin could do with some glowify-ing!

Toni & Guy | Glamour Firm Hold Hairspray | 75ml

This hairspray is said to provide firm hold without stickyness or weighing the hair down.   I usually use Elnett due to it's light, weightless feel as I like my hair to look natural and still have movement when it's styled - but this one might be great for rainy or windy days where I need a little extra something to help keep stray away hair at bay! Nobody likes a mop head.

Overall, a fabulous box and all for £14.95! I'm so glad I got one and there isn't a single product in there that I wouldn't want to use, test and try out for myself.  I love HD Brows (mine's starting to hit pan) so buying the box was well worth it as a full sized palette on it's own is already worth more than the £14.95 the box cost me! Amazing.  As well as this, the box is packaged beautifully and you really feel as if you've treated yourself when you open the box to the pretty tissue paper wrapping and glossy information cards. I definitely won't be throwing out the box either, that's for sure.  It's really sturdy and of a great size so I might store something in there (wow I don't sound like a recycling geek at all do i?). I also love the fact that you can choose some samples to throw in to your order as well for a few pounds each - I'm so glad I've found out about Latest in Beauty and will definitely be keeping my eyes peeled on their website in the future!

Did you grab a Latest in Beauty box? What was your favourite product?

Monthly Favourites | September

Happy October my fellow birds! Ok. I have to admit. Even though I'm really not an autumn/winter person, I have to admit that I really do enjoy October. There's something about turning the clocks back and the slight chill in the air that makes it quite a 'cosy' month before real winter-y weather sets in.  There is nothing like coming home from work, snuggling up in a baggy jumper with a cup of tea, and putting on your fleecy reindeer print leggings. (yep..that's right. Who said it's too early?! As soon as John Lewis whip out the Christmas baubles, I bring out the festive attire in a swish)!.  September has been a bit of a hectic month for me.  I'm now into my final year at uni which has also meant a big step up in workload and a little extra stress on my shoulders.  There's no more room for 'mistakes' now - what I get for my modules this year is what will determine my degree. Yikes. But even with all my essays (yep, they threw one upon us on our first day back for jokes and giggles...), lectures and overflowing to do lists, I have still managed to find time to try new beauty products. A beauty obsessed female will always find the time to discover new cosmetics, right!? Here's what has been floating my boat in September...

Loreal Ever Riche | Nourishing and Taming Conditioner.

I'm now on my 3rd bottle of this stuff.  My motherbear actually introduced me to this range a few months ago now, and I've been a fan ever since (big thumbs up, Ma!).  One of it's biggest plus points, is that it contains no sulphates.  If you haven't heard of the benefits of using a 'sulphate free' shampoo/conditioner then it's worth having a look into - it's much more gentle and healthier on your scalp, which in turn can help to reduce hair fall and increase volume and condition of the hair.  I'm such a big fan of this conditioner - my hair has been so dry and brittle of late, and due to the thick consistency, I find this one to be extremely moisturising and rich. It gives me that 'deep conditioned' feel without having to leave it on for much time at all.  It also smells divine.  Really worth the money and works wonders on hair that feels a little 'parched'.

Maybelline | Brow Drama - Brow Mascara in 'Medium Brown'

Now then, I've heard mixed reviews on this one.  But I'm very much in the 'love it' camp.  I love brow gels - and I do prefer them to have some sort of colour to them (Mac's Beguile is my go-to brow gel) due to my eyebrows being so light!  The 360 degree wand allows for a really good application of the colour through the brows and is slightly easier to use when compared with Mac's version.  The colour isn't as intense, but the staying power is pretty much just as good, and it manages to keep my brows looking defined and in place for a good few hours.  A really good finishing touch if you're looking for some extra definition for your eyebrows.

Arran Cosmetics | Lavender and Tea Tree Facial Gel Wash*

A face wash I hear you say? Well - yes. I didn't expect to be raving about a face wash this month either but this product is one of my new additions to the skin care routine.  I received this in August's LoveMeBeauty box (post here) and I've been really enjoying using it.  I'm not the biggest fan of lavender, but I find using this before bed really relaxing, as the mix of the tea tree and with the floral hint works so well together and creates a wonderful, spa-like scent.  You know when you stay in posh hotels and you get a lovely luxurious face wash and a fluffy bathrobe? THIS is that product!  The consistency is quite unlike any 'run of the mill' face wash and the gel texture feels very cooling and refreshing on tired skin.  It also has tiny little beads in it that gently exfoliate but it isn't harsh at all. In fact, you can hardly feel them - but the end result is skin that feels soft and smooth. I've noticed my skin feeling a lot more 'calm' since using this - I really do like it!

Shu Uemura | Essence Absolue Oil*

I've already reviewed this product this month, so I won't bore you by repeating myself.  It's basically my favourite oil of the moment and I will without a doubt be repurchasing in a flash.  It's the only oil I'm able to use on both wet, damp and dry hair and my hair has never felt so soft.  You can find my review here along with a 20% off discount code if you fancy giving it a whirl!

Deborah Milano | Natural Blush*

Again, I've already reviewed this product over the course of the month (link) but it's become my favourite blush of the season.  It has completely blown all my other coral/peach blushes out of the water and I'm finding it really suitable for the time of year due to the slight dusky undertones.  It doesn't look too bright or false, and the texture is so incredibly soft and blendable.

Lord & Berry Kissproof Lip Liner in 'Blossom'*

My trusty Estee Lauder lip liner in 'Spice' is reaching an end *sheds tear*, but I've found my perfect replacement for the time being.  It's a lovely shade to line the lips with - and it is one that compliments my natural lip colour and enhances it slightly.  I use this with a variety of my 'everyday' lipsticks and find it so easy to wear.  It's also incredibly pigmented, soft and long lasting - just what you want from a lip liner!

Hugo Boss |'Jour'

I'm not usually one for including perfumes on my blog as they're such a personal thing and simply impossible to review due to how unique they turn out to be on each individual.  But I couldn't leave this little beauty out.  I adore Hugo Boss fragrances.  'Orange' is my signature scent (i'm now on my 4th or 5th bottle) and I always find their fragrances to be really feminine and sophisticated.  'Jour' is such a stunning fragrance - and it smells gorgeous even when it begins to wear off after the day is done. It's light, slightly musky but incredibly soft and gentle and just has such a calming effect on me.   I won't sit here and continue to throw fancy adjectives at you in order to sell it to you - I don't think that would be of any use - but if you're a fan of Hugo Boss 'Orange' or are looking for a sophisticated, luxuriously smelling fragrance for everyday wear, then i'd really recommend giving this a sniff! Your nostrils will thank you for it...

And so there we have it! Another month, another bunch of beauty stuff!  I just want to thank those of you who took part in my 'Anxiety' survey for my new design project at uni over the weekend.  It's been overwhelming to see the response and it will come in so handy for my design development - I suffer with panic attacks and it's been really useful to see the responses.  Everyone's experience of anxiety really is completely unique - so it is fascinating to see the results pop up on my little analysis chart (wow I don't sound like a geek at all do i?! Pass me the nerd glasses!).  I will be taking the results and using them mid-week, so if you still fancy helping me out (it's just 10 questions, all completely anonymous) all you need to do is head on over >> here << :)  

What products have you been loving this month?

Not Another Maybelline Baby Lips...

Oh yes. I went there. I swore to myself that I would not become a member of 'The Maybelline Baby Lips crew'. But I did. I also swore that I wouldn't post about it. But I have.  For a good while now, us Brits have been deprived of such a cult Maybelline product and have been left twiddling our thumbs wondering if and when the infamous Baby Lips would ever arrive in the UK. And so you can imagine the excitement when finally, after all that time, we could finally get our mitts on our very own without having to book a flight half-way across the world. BIG yays. Sounds silly really. After all, it is just a lip balm. There's plenty of other lip balms in the world to satisfy our lip balm-y needs, but Baby Lips just has that 'got to have it' appeal. Maybe it's the endearing plastic packaging that half-reminds us of our 'tweenager' days, maybe it's the promise of deliciously fruity flavours, or maybe it's just because it's one of the most hyped up lip balms I've yet to come across. Either way, we all dashed to our nearest Maybelline stands in the blink of an eye.  I'm aware that the bloggosphere is simply flooded with reviews and whatnot - but I thought I'd add my two pennies worth anyway...

After a great deal of decision making, I finally settled on 'Peach Kiss'.  Anything 'peachy' is a winner in my books. The colour pay off isn't amazing - but neither did I expect it to be.  It shows up better on my arm than it does on the lips - in fact, there would be no point in trying to take a photo of it in action, as the shade does nothing more than maybe smooth out my natural lip colour slightly.  I do like a lip balm to be more or less colourless anyway as I often apply lipstick over the top. If you like a bit more colour pay off for your money then it's worth opting for 'Cherry Me' or some of the more pink-y shades.  As for the actual moisturising properties - yeah, it's quite good.  Better than some lip balms I've tried. It doesn't have that 'waxy' feel that a lot of balms tend to have. It's definitely a lot more smooth and it feels nice to apply.  I half imagined it to wear off as soon as I'd popped some on, but it doesn't. It stays on quite nicely and although it doesn't live up to the '8 Hour' claim, it stays put a lot better than some of my other balms. I love the fact it contains SPF20 - always a nice little addition! It definitely does 'quench' the lips when you apply it - and the amazing fruity smell just makes it even more addictive.

Overall, (dare I say it) I really like Maybelline's Baby Lips. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's the best lip balm ever, because it's not.  It's definitely not one I'd recommend if you were really suffering with dry lips, but it's a great everyday addition to your handbag and it's nice to apply before lipstick to prevent dry patches. It's not sticky, it doesn't 'sit' on the lips and it doesn't feel greasy or gloopy - pretty good for £2.99 - but don't expect miracles! Would I buy another one? Probably. But I reckon it's more the fun packaging and novelty factor rather than actual moisturising properties.   

There's no denying it's a fun, quirky little lip balm to own - and I half want to rush out and buy myself a pink fluffy pencilcase to store it in along with lots of glitter gel pens and miniature notebook keyrings... There's something about it that just reminds me of products I used to stuff in my pencilcase in my school days. Is that just me?...

Have you given in to Maybelline's Baby Lips yet? What's your favourite one?! Did you love it, or hate it?

Make-Up Bag Staple | Maybelline Colour Tattoos

Swatches L-R | Top Row - Turquoise Forever / Eternal Gold / Pink-Gold | Bottom Row - On & On Bronze / Permanent Taupe / Metallic Pomegranate

I realised the other day that I've built up quite a stash of Maybelline Colour Tattoo eye shadows.  I've loved them ever since they were launched a good while ago now and they've become somewhat of a 'holy grail' item in my cosmetic collection.  For me, they're just the perfect cream eyeshadow and I constantly find myself reaching for them when I'm in a bit of a rush or just want a simple wash of colour on my eyelids.  The staying power is really impressive - one swipe across your lids and you'll be good to go for the rest of the day (trust me - even a nightmare-ish shift at the shoe shop couldn't shift these babies from my peepers!).  The pigmentation is simply amazing, and the consistency and formula mean that they make a fabulous base for layering powder eye shadows - they really are such versatile products and I simply cannot live without them sitting in my makeup drawer now. 

No prizes for guessing the favourite of the bunch? ;) 'On & On Bronze' has to be my go-to shade for both day and night (I'm aware my pot of it looks a little mauled to say the least!) - it's such a lovely shade that works as both a subtle bronzed look for daytime or for layering up with darker browns for a smokey eye at night.  I also like to wear it paired with a little bit of 'Eternal Gold' towards the inner corner of the eye and smudged underneath the lash line slightly for a really subtle brown smokey sort of look.  

My newest addition to the 'tattoo crew' is 'Metallic Pomegranate' - a stunning red brown shade. As soon as autumn rolls around I'll be reaching for this one heck of a lot. Last year, I really got into wearing Mac's Cranberry eyeshadow on my lids, so I figured this would make the perfect base for those warmer autumnal shades as well as looking really striking on it's own. It's colourful enough to be that little bit different but not so much so that it makes me want to run for the hills (It's no secret that I favour a neutral eye - I'm definitely not a dare devil in the colour stakes...) Saying this, although I do prefer my trusty browns and golds, 'Turquoise Forever' somehow managed to find it's way into my basket on a stroll through the aisles of Boots one day.  I've only ever used it once (oops...) but it's a lovely bright blue shade that looks rather striking when applied with a liner brush under the lower lash line.  It's undeniably a beautiful shade - I just need to learn how I can use it subtlety for a more understated eye look...

I really recommend these little pots - if you haven't picked one up already that is (I'm sure that's not many of you ;)) They're amazing and I really hope they continue to release more colours - I also heard through the grapevine that Maybelline have bought out pigment versions of these tattoos so I will certainly be keeping my beady eyes peeled for those! 

Have you tried the Maybelline Colour Tattoos? What's your favourite shade?

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?

 ♥

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.

♥

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation | Review

 Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in '120 Classic Ivory' - £7

When I first heard through the grapevine about Maybelline's Fit Me foundation, I was so excited to try it. It's not often I get excited about drugstore foundations - I struggle so much to find a shade that truely matches my skin and I find looking for a new foundation a bit of a disheartening experience to say the least. This is what I love about this foundation - it's not often you see a drugstore range offer colours to match different undertones in your skin...

Personally, I'm very cool/yellow toned and I often find generic shades either too pink or orange for me. With the Fit Me range, it's easy to pick out a shade which suits these undertones (yellow or pink), and there is a colour guide placed next to the product range to help you choose your perfect match. I've never found picking a shade so easy - it normally takes me ages (and often a bit of trial and error and wasting money on wrong shades) for me to find a colour to suit me. This was not the case this time around. I can honestly say, hands down, this colour is the best match for my skin I have ever found with a drugstore foundation. It blends in instantly and I never thought i'd be able to achieve such a fabulous colour tone match so easily.

The best thing about this foundation for me, and the thing that intrigued me the most, is the fact that it contains no oils or waxes.. 'no nonsense' being the selling point of the Fit Me range. The texture is very gel-like and light - it is quite runny but it doesn't leave a greasy feel to the skin that most foundations tend to give. The consistency is what has made me love this foundation over any other drugstore foundation i've tried - it feels very natural, and for once I feel as if my skin is able to breathe. It also doesn't have a yucky, overpowering scent. I only need one pump of this to cover my whole face, as a little goes a long way. Applied with my stippling brush this really does give a flawless finish - and does not appear like I have caked my entire face in makeup. It blurs all of my imperfections really well, and blends effortlessly. It gives a really smooth finish and doesn't 'sit' on top of the skin.  I must say, those of you who prefer a heavy coverage might not like this foundation too much - i'd say its a light to medium coverage and it does feel very light on the skin.

The only downside i have found, is longevity. You do need to use a primer and a setting powder for it to last the majority of the day (i use Loreal's Smoothing Resurfacing primer and it seems to hold it quite well!) It can tend to slide off the area around my T-zone slightly if I haven't primed my skin properly - and i know this is what has been an issue for some people. But i sometimes top up half way through the day, and because the texture is so light, it doesn't feel as if you are 'layering' up product on your face. This personally doesn't bother me, and with my primer and powder it lasts all day at uni without the need to top up at all. Just be aware of this if you do have oilier skin - it's great that it doesn't contain oils, but it can wear off a bit quicker than heavier foundations. Overall, it's a really good little foundation and the packaging is lovely too. The pump can get a little messy but apart from that I can't really fault it. 

Have you tried the Fit Me range? What did you think?

 ♥

October Favourites

 Swatches L-R / 1. Fashionista Blush 'Rose Thrill' / 2. Nars Eyeshadow in 'Mekong' / 3. Urban Decay 'Bootycall' / 4. Urban Decay 'Suspect' / 5. Barry M lipgloss in 'Toffee' / 6. Mac Brow Set in 'Beguile'

Where did October go? I feel like this year has just completely flown by and I just can't keep up - I've gone from suncream and bikinis to pumpkins and fleecy pyjamas in the blink of an eye! Here's a rundown of my most reached for products of the month of October... I'm aware there's quite a few of them!

Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protection Shine Spray | £5.50 - I must admit, i struggle very much to get excited over heat protection sprays. They're just part of my daily routine but I'm a bit of a goody-two-shoes when it comes to using them - I'll never touch my hair with the straighteners unless I've sprayed a decent amount of the stuff onto the lengths. Just recently, my hair has felt really dry and lifeless - I felt awful having to keep using more heat on it only for it to look even worse once I'd finished. This seems to help keep my hair looking smooth and shiny, and I've noticed my style seems to look more polished when I've used it. If you're in the market for a new heat protectant, then give this a whirl.

Fashionista Blush in 'Rose Thrill' | £4 - My current winter blush favourite! I've been wanting a cool toned bright pink for ages now and since I'd never tried Fashionista as a brand, I thought I'd give it a go. Needless to say, I'm in love. It's really pigmented, so you don't need a lot at all, and it brings a bit of extra brightness to wintery skin. It's very buildable, so if you wanted to create a more 'doll like' finish then it would be really easy to achieve with this. The texture is wonderfully soft and velvety - and the matte finish helps to achieve a flawless look that's just perfect for this time of year.

Real Techniques Blush Brush | £9.99 - Real Techniques brushes have filled the gap in the market for really good quality make up brushes at an affordable price. I have quite the collection now but this one has just blown me away. It picks up just the right amount of product and disperses it perfectly, and the bristles are so incredibly soft. Honestly, it's like heaven for your cheeks. I could literally sit here all day and stroke my face on it....  wow. Not strange at all Beth... (and now you're all having strange thoughts of me sitting at my laptop running a brush across my face aren't you...)

Mac Brow Set in 'Beguile' | £12.50 - I won't say too much about this since I typed up a hefty review for you all last week (if you wish to read it, you can see my review here) - but this product has been the finishing step in my 'eyebrow routine' and it gives such a lovely, groomed appearance to the brows that is unachievable through waxes and powders alone.

Nars Eyeshadow in 'Mekong' | £16.50 - My first Nars eyeshadow, and I'm sure it's going to be the first of many! I'm amazed at the colour pay off and pigmentation of this product. Just the tiniest touch of an eyeshadow brush picks up so much colour and it applies amazingly. It stays put all day, and is surprisingly versatile. I apply this in the outer corners of my eye for a daytime smokey look. I can't wait to build up a collection of these shadows - they're an indulgence for sure, but the quality is just exceptional and in my opinion, really worth the the splurge.

Barry M Lipgloss in 'Toffee' | £4.49 - Since I've been wearing darker eyeshadows and a more defined eye look just recently, I've also been wearing a lot of sheer, nude colours on my lips. I'm really not a lipgloss person at all since I hate feeling of them on my lips, but Barry M is the only brand so far that has managed to change my opinion. This one smells good enough to eat (it actually smells like toffee!) and looks beautiful when applied over my nude lipsticks. A really good all-rounder and one to try if you're a bit of a lipgloss-avoider like me as it doesn't feel sticky or gloopy.

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette | £36 - Again, I've just recently done a more in-depth post about the Naked Palettes (you can read this here), but I've been reaching for this palette so much this month. In particularly the colours 'Bootycall' and 'Suspect'. 'Bootycall' just looks amazing when applied in the tear duct/inner corner of the eye as it really wakes you up and makes you appear generally more bright eyed and bushy tailed.  'Suspect' is such a good colour for both day and night and looks really nice blended into the crease for a bit of definition.

Maybelline 'Fit Me' foundation in '120' | £7 - I really don't want to say too much, as I have a review of this foundation scheduled for later this week. I've really come to like this product. It's not the most long wearing of foundations and you do have to use a primer/powder with it, but it's the best match for my skin tone I've ever found in a drugstore and I've never had a foundation that blends in so well to my skin. It provides a fairly light coverage, but it's one that blurs all imperfections and doesn't give you that 'caked on' look, even if you need to top up throughout the day.

What are your favourite beauty products of this month?

 ♥

 

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow in 'Pink Gold'

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow in 'Pink Gold' - £4.99

My love for Maybelline's 24Hour Colour Tattoo Eyeshadows is one that just continues to grow. I use them either on their own or as a base for my powder eyeshadows as they act as a fabulous primer (think Mac Paint Pots but at a much more appealing price tag!) Maybelline aren't telling porky pies about the wear time of these beauties - they stay put through the toughest of days. I just think the creamy/gel consistency is perfect for those days when you need to do your make-up quickly - you don't need to use a brush; one quick swipe and you're good to go.The only thing I didn't like so much when they arrived in the shops, was the shade range here in the UK. Previous to 'Pink Gold' being released, I only bought into 2 shades ('On and On Bronze' and 'Eternal Gold' - seen here) - I really do think Maybelline are on to something with these eyeshadows and it would be fabulous to see them release a few more shades. A smokey eye range maybe?

Pink Gold is such a pretty shade. I've never been one for wearing pink on my eyes but this one is such a wearable colour - either on it's own or beneath my powder shadows -  it brings out the colour of Mac's Cranberry so beautifully (seen in my recent haul here). The metallic finish is really noticeable with this shade - and it catches the light perfectly.  I'm enjoying having this gorgeous colour in my makeup bag right now - it really wakes up my eyes when I use it, and brightens up dull, wintery skin.

What do you think of the Maybelline Colour Tattoos? Will you be making a cheeky purchase on this shade?

 ♥