Lipstick Review: MAC | Candy Yum Yum |

MAC - Candy Yum Yum - £15.50

Everyone knows I love a good shade of pink. The majority of my lipsticks are made up of this colour but I have to say that this shade has become not only my favourite pink but one of my favourite lip products in my entire make up collection.

'Candy Yum Yum' used to be limited edition but due to its popularity it got its own place within the permanent line up of MAC lipsticks, which is when I got it. It is so different to anything I own and is just so beautiful, although notably difficult to photograph. I would describe the colour as a deep yet almost neon pink that has a definite blue tone running through it which was hard to capture but I urge you to swatch it yourself. It is also long lasting through eating and drinking with wear to only the centre of my mouth but nothing too noticeable. The formula is matte but it is still creamy and non drying. Like all bright colours, especially those that are less hydrating, I would recommend using a good lip scrub before otherwise it will highlight those imperfections. Most people would probably see this as a dramatic evening colour but I enjoy wearing it in the day too to pep up a monochrome outfit with pared down make up on the rest of my face.

I'm not wearing a lip liner in either of this pictures so if you have a recommendation of something that would match it well that would be perfect. Like all MAC prices the lipsticks seem to be rising all the time and they are now priced at £15.50 each. The shade range and quality is fabulous though so I can understand why people are willing to pay the price. You can pick this up at your local MAC store or online.

What's your favourite MAC lipstick? xxx

Monthly Favourites | January 2014 |

Hello! As it's the end of January (already...!) it's time for the first installment of monthly favourites for the year. This month features a lot of make up, mostly lip-centric with a little bit of skin care thrown in for good measure. If you are more of a listener than a reader, I've included a video that I filmed to accompany this post too.

1. Revlon Lip Butter in 'Pink Lemonade': I'm a massive fan of the lip butter range and this shade is one of my top shades. A soft peachy pink, its easy to slick on and go and pairs perfectly with natural make up looks or to soften a smokey eye. I also find the formula nice and nourishing which is great for this time of year.

2. Topshop Lipstick in 'Idol': A while ago now I did a post on my Topshop lipstick collection, which now I have bought quite a few more I'm looking to update in the near future. This lipstick featured in it and it is still one of my favourite pinks. It's a bright, Barbie-esque pink which I've been wearing as a pop of colour with pared down make up.

3. Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in 'Brink Pink': This has been posted on really recently, so for an in depth review click here. As you can tell I'm well and truly in a pink phase at the moment, with this lip cream being the brightest and most statement lip out of the 3. 

4. Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm: The last of the lip products, this is an absolute must have for the colder weather. I like to use it before bed as it leaves a slight layer on your lips. It is so nourishing and smells delicious and works really well when used in conjunction with a lip scrub.

5. Benefit 'Million $ Mocha' Eyeshadow: A beautiful shimmery brown shade with pink undertones, I've been using this all over the lid for a really simple day time appropriate smokey eye. The formula is really buttery and easy to blend with no fall out at all. 

6. Estee Lauder Double Wear & Real Techniques Expert Face Brush: This duo is a perfect pairing in my opinion! With this brush you only need a tiny amount of the foundation and when buffed in properly it leaves a lovely natural, airbrushed finish. Double Wear doesn't have to be cakey! I also have a full review on this foundation.

7. Estee Lauder Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher: After receiving this for Christmas I've used this every day as my morning serum. I think its best suited for the day as it is so light weight, and as it melts into skin immediately it leaves a super smooth base, perfect for make up. The pump bottle is also a nice addition as it gives just enough for your whole face without being messy.

8. Clarins Lotus Oil: A whole post has been dedicated to how much I love this oil already! If you have oily/combo skin I urge you to try this as it has really changed my skin for the better. It is a really light oil which won't clog your pores or break you out, while still hydrating your skin really well.

What are your favourites for this month? xxx

Ted Baker | I Wanna Be Loved By You |

This cute little set from Ted Baker was one of my Christmas gifts and I thought it would be lovely to share with you. I love Ted Baker and already have their large pink patent plastic make up bag and gold glitter iPad case (which I use as a clutch bag!) so when I opened this up I was really happy! I'd been after a smaller make up bag to contain the products needed for when I'm out and about which can easily be popped into a handbag and this fits the bill perfectly.

Inside there are 4 mini products: a hand cream, a body spray, lip balm and a candle, which I think is a really lovely selection. My favourite is the body spray which I've been using every day as it has quite a strong floral scent it sticks around quite well and is nice and dinky to keep around in case I need to freshen up during the day. I've also been enjoying using the hand cream as it is thick and nourishing without being greasy and manages to sink it well within a minute. 

The lip balm features the same floral notes as the other products and is great for using on top of lip sticks as a top up but it isn't the most nourishing I've used and is quite a similar texture to Vaseline. I've not had a chance to use the candle yet, but I think its a cute little extra which will look lovely burning in my bedroom.

I don't think this particular set is still for sale but there are lots of similar gifts on their website and at Boots.

Have you tried Ted Baker beauty before? xxx

Review: Sleek | Matte Me Lip Cream | 'Brink Pink'

Sorry for the not so great picture-  best of a bad bunch!

Sleek - Matte Me Ultra Smooth Matte Lip Cream - 'Brink Pink' - £4.99

Sleek is a brand that I've wanted to delve into for a long time and everyone knows I have a penchant for lip products, so when the Matte Me lip creams were released it was the perfect time to pick up a few colours to test out (along with a few blushers which will be reviewed soon!)

Today I'll be talking about 'Brink Pink' - a bright magenta colour that is almost fluro in real life but difficult to capture completely on camera. Take my word for it though, its beaut! The formula is really smooth and easy to apply, especially due to the firm doe foot wand, and is really opaque which is a massive plus point. I've found the best way to use this product is to apply one thin layer, wait around 30 seconds for it to dry and then add another layer on top. If you try and add layers too quickly it just spreads the product around your lips. 

The formula dries down to a matte finish in less than a minute and has great sticking power. Tested during a normal day this stuff doesn't budge even when drinking. It even survived a three course meal really well with only slight wear at the very centre of my lips, which was rectified with a quick slick of lip balm to blend everything together again.

As you would imagine, due to the nature of the matte formulation you need to make sure you have exfoliated your lips well as it will cling to any dry patches. I always apply a lip balm before doing my make up so when I get to my lips they are nourished enough for the lip cream. I also find that after a while it can feel like there is a coating on your lips, so it isn't as comfortable as a normal lipstick but this has been true of all the lip creams I've tried, not just with Sleek's offering. Another plus point is when it has started to feel a bit dry I've been able to slick on some lip balm without disturbing the lip cream at all.

Overall, I've been really impressed with this product from Sleek. Everything from the colour to the formulation ticks all the right boxes and I can't wait to pick up some more colours!

What are your favourite lip creams? Have you tried anything from Sleek before? xxx

NOTD: O.P.I & Models Own | Pink upon Pink |

O.P.I. // 'Be A Dahlia Won't You // £11.50  // Models Own // 'Hot Stuff' // Mirrorball Collection // £5.00

As you probably already know, I am a huge fan of the colour pink. Teamed with pink sparkles, it is pretty much the best combo out there. The base shade of this duo, O.P.I's 'Be A Dahlia Won't You', is one of my favourite nail varnishes in my collection, which I received as a gift a few Christmases ago from my sister. A deep shimmery hot pink, it adds dimension and depth compared to my other opaque polishes. I love both kinds of finish, but for this time of year I think shimmer looks a bit more festive. I love the look of O.P.I bottles, and the wide brush makes application easy and quick. The formula is also lovely and thin which makes it easy to build up layers and an opaque colour in max 3 coats. Minimal tip wear occurs in 1-2 days - not the best but there is no major chipping which is a plus point.

To jazz it up a bit more, I chose Models Own 'Hot Stuff' for an accent nail which is featured in their Mirrorball collection, that in my opinion one of their best launches. A clear polish, it features large chunks of gold, pink and iridescent glitter. I also like the colour coded top makes it easy to pick out of my ever growing nail varnish stash. In order to get a good coating this needs a few layers but it looks so nice once layered up. The only annoyance is that it is such a pain to get off but I suppose that is the case with all glitters. 

I think these nail varnishes together make such a good pairing - even the lady who served me in the Body Shop said how much she liked it, which is always a good sign! I also have a lip product which matches this perfectly which I will be popping up a review of soon. It is annoying that the colour hasn't come out as well on camera but I'm blaming the gloomy lighting! What is your favourite pink nail varnish? xxx

NOTD: Barry M | Gelly Nail Paint in 'Dragon Fruit' |

Barry M // Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint // £3.99 // 

There have been plenty of posts already where I've harped on about my love for Barry M, and I've been steadily adding to my stash of their latest release of Gelly polishes. This particular colour has gained a place as one of my favourites of the moment. Dragon Fruit is a perfect Barbie pink, with the tiniest hint of sparkle giving the polish more dimension, which you can see the best in the bottom picture. I think this colour looks best on finger tips as on my skin tone it looks a bit dull on the toes unless you jazz it up with some glitter.

The texture is thicker than normal polishes but took around two layers to become streak free with this particular shade. I also really like that the shine doesn't dull after a few days wear and I was chip free until around the 3/4 day. These version of nail paints have been really hyped up with people either loving or hating them, but I am most definitely on the love side! I've got my eye on a few darker shades for Autumn and Winter so am looking forward to picking them up and testing them out.

What are your opinions on the Gelly range? xxx

Review: Lush | Think Pink Bath Bomb |

Think Pink Bath Bomb // £2.50 // 

Last night I was really craving a bath, so thought writing up this post may help to satisfy my cravings! I received 'Think Pink' as birthday present from Matt, and I don't think there is bath bomb that sums me up better. 

The bomb is a good size, as sometimes at Lush they can be so large I feel like I am wasting it when using it all in one use, where as with the bubble bars you get multiple uses out of them. The flowers on top of the bomb which also dissolve are made of candy, but the best surprise was in the middle of the bomb - loads of pink confetti hearts that float around the hot pink water (which I did a crap job of capturing on camera!) As usual, the scent fills the bathroom, this time its lavender, tonka, vanilla and neroli combined together to create the smell of sweets.

It's safe to say this is a definite repurchase for me as this is a perfect girly bath bomb. What are you favourites from Lush? xxx

Wednesday Wishlist: 21st Birthday Edition

Everyone seems to hate January as it brings the post-Christmas blues, freezing weather and broken resolutions but I love it because this month brings my birthday! And this year I will be the big 21 which is really scary but also exciting. Therefore, this week's wishlist features some of the beauty bits that I am wishing to receive for my birthday.

001. Clarisonic Mia 2: I love muslin cloths but they just don't seem to be cutting it. There have been so many rave reviews about facial brushes and I've been dying for one for ages! The new Clarisonic really floats my boat and could potentially help clear up some of my skincare woes that have occurred recently - and naturally I would like it in pink!

002. Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation: Don't get me wrong I'm still in love with Estee Lauder Double Wear for times when I need flawless skin, however the one draw back is the ridiculous flash back it gives in photos :( After asking Anna's advice, I've put this one down on my list for those special occasions. 

003. MAC 217 Blending Brush: I only own two other MAC brushes - the rest of my collection made up of Real Techniques or odds and sods. Although I'm not really bothered about the rest, this particular brush seems to be a must have after hearing it blends like a dream, hopefully making my eyeshadow look a bit more professional!

004. REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask: As an avid mask user, I'm constantly on the look out for different types to combat the issues I have with my skin. I don't currently own one for radiance, which would be perfect for this type of year, and have also wanted to try the brand for so long!

005. MAC lipstick in 'patisserie': I don't know about you but I have a long list of MAC lipsticks that I would like to own in the future. Upon a trip to Covent Garden a few weeks ago I scratched 2 off the list after excessive swatching, with the second being a toss up between St Germain and Patisserie. Ever since I left with the former (amazing colour btw) I havn't been able to get this shade off my mind...

006. Bobbi Brown Corrector and Concealer Duo: At the moment I use Benefit's Erasepaste for under eye circles, which I've had a bit of an up and down relationship with. Personally I think I suffer from quite dark circles (Matt is convinced its because I don't drink enough water) and its difficult to cover them up with out creasing. I'm hoping this could be the holy grail I've been looking for.

Have you used any of these products before? What is on your wishlist this week? xxx

Review: FashionistA Blush Palette

L-R: (top) Juicy Apricot - Blushing Coral // (bottom) London - Rose Shine

L-R: Blushing Coral - Juicy Apricot

L-R: London - Rose Shine

£5 for the Palette // Blush £4 each

I love the idea of creating my own palette and the choice of a red or black one from FashionistA seemed a great place to start. I already have a number of eyeshadow palettes and because of my love affair with blushers recently I thought the best quad to get would be full of some new blushers, although you can mix and match with bronzers, blushers and eyeshadows. You can buy the shades individually or buy a palette and 4 shades to fill it at a discount price (I think around £10-15 for all of them together).

I chose the colour red as it is a bit different and looks quite smart. The actual quad is very sturdy and sleek with a large mirror making it perfect for on the go. The individual blushes come in sleek black containers which you can use individually or pop them out to fit into your palette. I chose the colours Juicy Apricot, Rose Shine, London and Blushing Coral.

All the blushes I chose are very pigmented so a light hand is needed but this pigmentation also means a little goes a long way and therefore the product will last longer. They are also prone to fall out but this didn't bother me too much. I found each shade very long wearing, although I never really have a problem with blushes fading in the first place.

I think my favourite out of the blushes have to be the two peachier shades as I didn't have anything similar in my collection before. Juicy Apricot is a bright peachy shade with gold flecks in it but these don't translate onto the skin like a disco ball, instead it just gives a lovely glow. London is the prettiest out of them all consisting of a shimmering peachy base with veins of pink running through. Both of these have been reached for a lot on days when I want to perk up my complexion in a not so obvious way. Blushing Coral is a very dark pink which I reach for more on nights out as it is quite a bright colour. As you can see from the pictures I managed to make a big dent in it with my nail before I'd even used it when putting it into the palette - so annoying!  This blush is very easy to over apply due to being so pigmented, however a light dusting along the cheek bones can really pull a look together. Lastly is Rose Shine, which I wore in a recent outfit post. It gives a lovely soft pink matte glow to your cheeks which would look really pretty on the apples as well as cheek bones and gives a wind bitten flush to your face.

I think this quad is great value for beginners to fill up with what they would like to experiment with. It is great for travel and versatile due to being suitable for eye shadows, bronzers and blushes and the fact you can switch the items in the palette and replace with new ones depending on your mood or the occasion. The quality of the blushes are great considering how cheap they are and I recommend you all pop down to Superdrug and give them a go! 

What would you fill up your quad with? Do you have any other recommendations for do it yourself palettes? xxx

NOTD: Princess Nails

No7 Stay Perfect in 'Pinky Pure' £5.50 // Barry M Glitter Nail Paint in 'Pink Iridescent' £2.99

At the moment I've been really into layering glitter over the top of my plain nail varnishes to make them a bit more interesting and brighten up the dull weather. In this NOTD I've started with a few coats of Stay Perfect by No7 in 'Pinky Pure' and then layered on Barry M's 'pink iridescent'. I really like the combination of the two as I think it looks girly while still being a little understated and elegant and that's why I named it princess nails :). I havn't included a picture of the No7 bottle as it is pretty grotty and old but you can see the glitter above. This combination lasted up to a week on my nails without any serious chips which I think is really good going. I never normally wear 'pinky pure' by itself as I think it can look a bit streaky, needing 3-4 coats to get an even and opaque finish, but with the glitter I get a lot of compliments on my nails and think it is a great combination for many occasions.

Have you tried any of these colours before? What would you recommend from both brands? xxx

Review: Rimmel Vinyl Max Lipgloss

Top: Addictive, Bottom: Dazzle // £5.49 each at Boots

On a recent shopping trip I picked these up on a whim from Superdrug. I'm running out of my current light pink gloss from Avon and was looking for a replacement when I saw these. I ended up buying a hot pink too because the colour was gorgeous and if I bought a second I got a free eyeliner (I love a deal!)

I really like the packaging although it might not be to everyone's taste. It is a chunky tube with a huge doe foot applicator which I think is meant to represent the 'max' aspect of the product and was quite a surprise when I pulled it out the tube! The brush is meant to enable you to apply the product in one quick swipe, although I think it takes a bit more precision than that with such a large applicator. The actual formula is very pigmented, glossy and sparkly which is a big plus point and is very long wearing on the lips - this is probably due to the very sticky and thick nature of the gloss which I know a lot of people probably wouldn't be a fan of. I'm not the biggest fan of the stickiness but for some reason it still hasn't put me off the product. I've used them alone and on top of lipsticks and like the finish both times. A little product goes a long way and due to the size of the tubes I reckon these will last me quite a long time, making them good value for money.

Although it has aspects which might not be to everyone's taste, I've actually really enjoyed using these glosses and think they are great for the day or a night out, providing intense gloss, pigment and longevity.

Have you tried these before? xxx

Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

RRP £7.99 at Boots

There have been a million and one reviews of this product but I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and do one myself as I've had this product for a while and have been meaning to do it for ages. There has been so much hype around Revlon recently, about both this product and the lip butters. My personal preference is definitely for the latter (see my review here). I can't compare these to the Clinique Chubby Sticks as I havn't tried them but it is common knowledge that these are considered a good dupe for them.

I really like the packaging of this product as it is sleek but sturdy, you can easily tell the colour of it in your make up drawer and to get more product you screw the bottom instead of having to look for a sharpener. Although the tube and tip are quite chunky, you can still get precision and it is easy to apply. The actual formula is pretty moisturising when first applied leaving a slight gloss to your lips but I think that fades quite quickly and can feel a little sticky. It also gives a tingle sensation that I really like and smells kind of minty/soily which I know some people hate but I don't mind as it wears off quite quickly.  I also think that although it is meant to be a stain it doesn't actually last as long as I would like.

As always, the colour selection is greater in America but I guess that is just something we have to get used to in the UK. I have the shade 'Cherish Devotion' and think it is an easy to wear soft pink that is great for the day, offering something a little different to the 'my lips but better' daytime pinks I already have. I would also wear this in the evening if I was wearing a heavier eye. Another aspect I like is that you can build up the opaqueness on your lips from a slight wash of colour to a bolder, brighter shade. Other shades that I have my eye on are 'Honey' as a lovely every day neutral and 'Lovesick' as we all know how much I love my bright pinks!

Although this product hasn't wowed me as much as the lip butters, I still enjoy using it as I love all in one products which are easy to pop in your handbag and use on the go with little fuss. It offers something different formula and packaging-wise to my many other lip products so I am pleased I bought it.

Have you tried this lip product from Revlon? What shades are your favourite? Do you know of any other Chubby Stick dupes? xxx

EDIT: I have also reviewed the shade 'Crush' here. (23/9/13)

Oops I Did It Again...!

Hello everyone, at the moment I'm back in Exeter :)! The other day Matt and I decided to go into the centre of the city and enjoy some retail therapy to celebrate that he has just got a new job! After spending a good few hours in town, I came back with more than I expected (although some were gifts) and Matt came back with... nothing! Woops! Apologies for the not so wonderful pictures, but the weather was pretty gloomy so the lighting wasn't fab. 

                 

Leopard Print studs are a gift for a friend.

 Revlon Just Bitten in 'Cherish Devotion'

 Mini peace hoop earrings from Urban Outfitters (gifted)

 Soap & Glory Supercat Liquid Eyeliner

 Kirsten high waisted jeans from Topshop - £20 in the sale!! Half price! Bargain!

 Dark Blue Jeans from Topshop (gifted) - I really needed a new pair of jeans as my previous trusty Pippa ones from Topshop were threadbare after 3 years of wear!

Bargain of the day: Stila make up for £1 EACH in Poundland!!!!

This is a broad overview of what I purchased - expect detailed reviews of the mentioned products to be up in the near future. On the whole I am really happy with what I got especially as I wasn't planning on buying a lot apart from a much needed pair of jeans, plus I managed to pick up some real bargains :)

What do you think of my haul? xxx

July Favourites

This is my first ever favourites post! I love reading other people's posts and watching YT videos like this as it makes me confident at trying products I've been thinking about sampling and also gives me some new suggestions to have a look at. This post features a mixture of skin care and make up :)

Skincare

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish: Ever since purchasing this last month I have loved it! From the packaging to the product it hasn't let me down and I understand now why there were so many rave reviews. I may be late on the bandwagon, but now I've got this brand on my radar I'm looking forward to trying some of their other products and will be keeping this as a staple in my skincare routine. I'm not going to go into too much detail as I have an upcoming post dedicated to this lovely product. (Edit: see review here!)

Neutrogena Grapefruit Facial Wash: Again, there is an upcoming review of this on my blog and is a new item in my facial skincare regime. I'm really enjoying using it in the mornings as the scent and formula wakes me up and refreshes my face nicely. 

Make Up

Revlon Lip Butters: I've just done a post on these so you can see how much I love them and why here! An update since then though is that I have recently purchased my third in the shade 'Creme Brulee' and I love it just as much as the others! I've been getting into my nude lips recently and this is a wonderful addition - it is a lovely soft nude, which is sheer enough to let some of my natural lip show through while still giving shine and a wash of colour with lots of nourishment. If you aren't that big into lipsticks and colour but want to dabble in lip products this is an excellent way to introduce yourself to both.

Urban Decay Naked Palette: This has been such a good investment purchase. Since buying it I've used it nearly every day and love the selection of matte and glittery shades, the quality of the eyeshadows and their colour payoff. You can create so many looks for day and evening by combining the different shades and I suggest it is a good palette to buy if you are into the natural look or are wanting to experiment. You can see my full review here. 

17 BB Cream: This has been a key staple in my every day make up routine this summer. I've been shunning foundation for the summer and this has to be my favourite BB cream that I have tried so far as it has good oil control, added SPF and good coverage. Every time I use it I like it even more :) If you want to read my full review for this you can read it here. I am looking forward to trying some other BB creams and am going to do a post soon on all the ones I have tried and what I think of them.

Hope you enjoyed reading my favourites :) Are any of these featured in your favourites post? xxx