My Very Late September Favourites

Hi guys, sorry this post is so late I've been meaning to get it up for ages but was waiting for the weather to perk up a bit to take some half decent photographs of the products. They still aren't perfect but seeing as we are heading into the darker months it can't really be helped. If only I had the money for some studio lighting! Anyway, as you can see I have quite a few favourites from the month of September, which are basically all make up related products compared to last month's which were more hair orientated.

001. Bourjois Bronzing Primer: When I first picked this up I used it to warm up my complexion all over my face before popping over a lighter base during the summer. However, I've really started to enjoy using it as a cream contour. I'm no expert in contouring so I find this product makes it really easy to build up the colour and blend in to make a much more natural finish. It's a really handy little pot which has a lot of uses. You can read my full review by clicking on the product name above.

002. Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'Metallic Pomegranate': I am in love with these paint pot dupes from Maybelline and have nearly all the colours now. I picked up this shade months ago and it has really come into its own now that the seasons have changed. A deep purpley pink with hints of glitter, it looks lovely all over the lid by itself or as primer for similar shades of eye shadows. I can't wait to do a full review of this soon and show you some swatches.

003. MAC MSF in 'Soft and Gentle': I'm already reviewed this in full a while back but it is still a staple in my make up bag. I love it most for evening looks but if applied with a light hand it is beautiful in the day too. A lovely warm toned highlight, it perks up my complexion and completes my look. After pretty much daily use since I got it, the dome has only just flattened so it is great value for money too. Highlighters are one of my favourite make up items (after lipsticks of course) and this is a must have for any collection.

004. Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons: Another Bourjois favourite this month is the recent release of their lip crayons. The concept of these type of products in general is a winner for me, but what pleased me most about Bourjois' offering are the shades which, although limited, are all so pretty, and the super glossy finish. They also last really well and are perfect for day or evening wear. Again I will be putting up a full review with swatches in the near future.

005. Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush: Real Techniques are the perfect brand for affordable but fantastic quality make up brushes. While the buffing brush is the star of the core collection this brush in particular is amazing from the eye set as I find it so multi-functional. Not only is it fab for blending and all over colour, the soft dense bristles make it perfect for blending under eye concealer which is now its main use. 

006. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation: A long lost favourite from last year, I pulled this out of my foundation box to replace the super light bases of summer. Full coverage that can be sheered out, blendable, matte and long lasting, this is definitley one of my favourite foundations ever. The only negative is the flash back face it gives but for days when flash photography won't be in use this is perfect for long, busy days.

What were your favourites for September? Do you like any of my picks? xxx

Bourjois Bronzing Primer

Bourjois Bronzing Primer // 18g // £9.99

First of all, excuse the pictures! My pot was like this when I bought it so doesn't look that pretty for the photos. Secondly, you may have noticed this is my first post in a while. Life got in the way and I have been super busy but I am hoping to get back to my normal routine soon. Now lets get on with the review...

Last year I did a review on the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer - if you read it you would know that I fell in love. Fast forward a year and there was recently news about a whole Chocolate range being released, which made me really excited! This product in particular intrigued me as there was whisperings that it is a dupe for Chanel's infamous Soleil Tan de Chanel, which I have been lusting after for many months now.

The tub is quite small for the price, but for a fraction of the price of the Chanel version I can't grumble too much. With one colour to suit all it can seem a little daunting in the pot and upon first swatch, as it is not too dissimilar in appearance to milk chocolate mousse (it looks a little orange in my pictures) However, if properly blended, you are left with a subtle glow. If you are as fair as me I would approach this with caution - its quite easy to over do it so use a little at a time, blend well and add more if needed. I normally use my fingers for this but a stippling brush would probably be good too. It has a really soft, silky texture and smells a bit like holidays, so a little different to the chocolate bronzer.

I personally liked this best when I had a touch of a natural tan and used it instead of foundation, but used underneath a foundation or BB cream it brings a warmth to your complexion which looks natural. This also means I've found you use less of whatever base you follow up with, giving a more natural look which is perfect for the warmer months. The bronzing primer definitely lives up to its claims as a smoothing primer, which evens the texture and tone of my skin, however it did little for my pores. It is also meant to mattify which is true to an extent - it definitely doesn't add to the oiliness of my skin but it doesn't seem to keep it at bay either. The longevity is also quite good, but no better or worse than a normal base. I'm not normally a massive fan of primers for this reason as I've only ever found one which really prolonged my make up.

Overall this is a lovely summer product which I will certainly be getting a lot of use out. I'm also interested in the big bronzer they have bought out and the BB Bronzing Cream. Have you tried this product? What is your favourite item from Bourjois? xxx

P.S. This is the first time I've done a 'face' picture as I don't normally like putting my face on the blog, but a hand swatch wouldn't really show this product properly. I hope it's ok (it was also spur of the moment so my hair is still a bit wet!)