First Impressions: Max Factor Excess Shimmer Eyeshadow in Bronze

Max Factor Excess Shimmer Eyeshadow in Bronze

Today I have a first impressions post except I've worn it about 3 times already. But at least I have a more thorough idea about the product. When I first saw that Max Factor had released these eyeshadows I knew I'd end up with at least one. I'll go for anything remotely bronze coloured so the shade named 'Bronze' was obviously right up my street. It's looks amazing in the pot but sadly I don't think it transfers as well on to the eyes. As soon as it's blended out it just becomes sort of..... brown. The gorgeous colour in the pot gets a bit lost. I wanted this to have a wet look on the eyes and the name 'excess shimmer' would suggest that it would do but the only time I really noticed the shimmer was when the brown colour had started to wear off and gold glitter was left sticking around on my eyes. I've found the best way to apply this is by putting a bit on the back of your hand then using a brush to apply it to the lid as straight from the pot it goes on a bit patchy. In a cream eyeshadow I want a quick application but the mousse like texture and the darkness of the shade means it actually takes longer than a powder eyeshadow would. 

I'm starting to sound like a real negative nancy here, but I also think the price (£7.99) is a little steep for what it is. 

I have used this a few times so I obviously didn't hate it that much and I actually didn't realise I had that many bad things to say until I sat down to write this post. I'm sure I'll use it again at some point, possibly if I have longer to do my makeup one day and fancy a dark, smokey eye. 

Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love, 

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November Favourites

 Mac Twig Lipstick 

Mac Teddy Eyeliner

I'm feeling a little bit sheepish today after an unintentionally long absence from my blog. I have a list of excuses but I'm sure you all understand that sometimes things get a bit hectic and November was one of those months for me. Hence why I've only got two favourites for this post and they happen to both be Mac products. The first is a satin formula lipstick in the shade Twig which I wrote about in this blogpost. I found myself grabbing for it almost everyday because it goes with every makeup look and is so easy to wear. The next is a kohl eyeliner in the shade Teddy. This is another product I ordered from Fragrance Direct after hearing so much about it. I've been loving using this to line my tightline, a step I used to regularly miss out . It gives my eyelashes more impact and makes my eyes pop. I also like the way it lightly transfers on to my waterline as it intensifies the eyes even more. It's a gorgeous dark brown colour with shimmer running through it and the formula is super soft which is great but makes for lots of sharpening. 

That's pretty much everything for today. Apologies for the iffy photography and that I've reused the same picture in two blogposts but what can you do when it goes dark at four? Thanks for stopping by and see you again soon! Love,

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Red Eyeshadow?

Bedhead Cyberoptics Eyeshadow in Velvet - £2.99 from Tk Maxx

Hello everyone :) 

For today's post I decided to show you a product I've picked up on one of my trips to Tk Maxx. If you're familiar with any of my other posts you will recognise that I am firmly in the neutral eyeshadow camp but when I saw this rusty red colour for just £2.99 I couldn't see a reason not to try it out. It's also by Bed Head (Tigi) which is unusual as I've never seen any makeup by them before (and it turns out it's rather hard to get hold of in the UK). 

This is one of those colours that as I'm putting it on all I can think is 'oh god I've made a terrible mistake' however once it's blended out it's really got that 'grunge' look down to a T. I like to blend it as far up to the brow bone as possible and heavily on the lower lashline as well as I think the 'messier' the better with this kind of colour. Plus some warm brown tones through the crease never hurt anyone. 

I think it's easy to be afraid of colours like this one but I'm so glad I experimented as it's perfect for this time of the year when berry and dark red tones are introduced into our makeup more and more. 

I don't wear this everyday but when I feel like mixing it up this is an excellent option.

Thanks for stopping by, lots of love,

Mac Twig Lipstick

Mac Twig 

Hello everyone! Sorry about my prolonged absence, there are many reasons which I won't bore you with now but I'm back with a post I've wanted to do for a while. I was on Fragrance Direct one day and noticed that they'd started stocking some Mac products and I was doomed from that moment forth. They have a good selection of lipsticks in different formulas. Most of the matte formulas were sold out but the satin lipsticks seemed well stocked. After a mammoth google session I decided on Twig which is a brown- pink nude colour. I'm not the biggest fan of nude lipstick hence why this was the perfect choice for me. It's a dark nude so it still packs a certain punch but it's not so over the top that you can't wear a dramatic eye look with it. I think this would look really good with darker skin tones as well as lighter ones and is the perfect day and evening colour. Oh and I got it for £13.99 instead of £15.50. I know it's not a massive saving but every little helps. 

Thanks for stopping by! See you soon, 

(After linking it I've realised that it's now sold out on Fragrance Direct, sorry!)

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October Favourites

Pressed Flower Phone Case 

These phone cases are made using real pressed flowers and I think they are absolutely gorgeous and the best thing is they make them for Iphone 5cs which many proud 5c owners will know is rare.

 Pandora Ring

H&M Necklace

I've been wearing my Pandora ring since I got it for my birthday in August. I love how delicate it is and even though it's not my birthstone (thanks for nothing Pandora employee) I still think it's a really nice colour. I also love this necklace from H&M and have been wearing it non stop.  

 Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil and Brush a.k.a the only thing I've been using to fill in my brows this month.

 Stila Sunset Eyeshadow (In the Light Palette)

As you can tell I've been using this shade loads recently. It's a light bronze that you literally cannot go wrong with but sadly it doesn't come on it's own so when it's gone, it's gone. I couldn't possibly justify buying another palette just for that shade........ could I? (no)

Nars Laguna Bronzer 

Goes without saying and I will stop going on about this one day. BUT IT IS NOT THIS DAY

Food Network Red Velvet Cupcake Candle

One of my many Tk Maxx purchases and sadly one you can't get anywhere else in the U.K. A mammoth google search has led me nowhere and many tears have been shed. I've never had a candle that throws the scent so strongly and the scent is incredible. If you live in the USA and have easy access to this you have to try it. So. Fricking. Good.

I had so many favourites this month, it was actually quite hard to choose them. Thanks for stopping by and see you soon! Lots of love, 

Ren Radiance Gift Set Review

Ren Radiance Gift Set

Hello everyone and welcome to another review! About a week after running out of my Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm my skin went severely downhill and the beauty section of bigger Marks and Spencers' is a dangerous place. They have Nuxe, Stila, Korres and loads more including Ren. I've wanted the Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask for ages but always resisted because of the £30 price tag. But this tin had a full size mask as well as a mini Micro Polish Cleanser, Satin Perfection BB Cream and a sachet of their Resurfacing AHA Concentrate all for £30. This deal coupled with my desperation led to a rather naughty purchase.

Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask: I put this on every Sunday as a way to start off the next week with a fresh face. It's slightly tingly and smells very citrusy. I can't see changes immediately after using it but my skin always looks clear and calm the morning after. My skin has calmed down so much since using this and changing nothing else in my routine. I had lots of under the skin bumps which have gone and my skin finally feels normal again. Yay!

Micro Polish Cleanser: This cleanser is meant to be used 2-3 times a week probably because of it's exfoliating qualities; it's packed with little beads and has quite a rough texture. I forget to use this that often but when I do my skin feels so soft and I just wish I could get into the habit of using it more often.

Satin Perfection BB Cream in Light Medium: I haven't actually used this because a) I am not big on BB creams because I like a foundation with more coverage and b) I think the colour is slightly too dark.

Resurfacing AHA Concentrate: This costs £30 for 30ml so you only get a tiny sachet (which I used and threw away) and while it was lovely to use for the couple of days it lasted I didn't notice any dramatic changes and my skin hasn't got any worse since finishing it. Maybe prolonged use is the key.

I think this would make a great gift for skincare lovers or a treat to yourself as I can really recommend 2 out of the 4 products you get in this set. Plus it comes in a tin and who doesn't love a tin.

Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love,

Burberry at a Bargain

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Taupe Brown

Burberry Lip Velvet in Bright Poppy

If you saw this post  you will know that I work in a Tk Maxx and will forever sing it's praises for having some amazing bargains. I love putting out stock on the Body and Bath section because I get to see all the makeup and skincare that comes in before anyone else. Which means I got first pick of the huge box full of Burberry makeup that got delivered one morning. I was like a kid in a sweet shop (or a beauty blogger in a makeup shop as it were). Both of these products currently retail for £22.50 and I got them for £12.99 each so you can imagine my glee. 

The eyeshadow is a cool toned taupe brown shade as the name would suggest. It's very nicely pigmented considering it's called a sheer eyeshadow but leaves a lovely wash of colour across the eyelids. The packaging is stunning and it even comes with a little pouch which I obviously still keep it in. 

The lipstick looks nothing like you think it would with a name like Bright Poppy. It looks like a dark burgundy red in the bullet but comes out much more plummy on the lips. It's quite matte which is why I chose it and I love the little engravings on it. But the best thing about it and I'm sure you'll all agree is the magnetic lid. So satisfying. 

Are you running down to your nearest Tk Maxx as we speak? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love, 

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Lust List #1

Hello all and welcome to another post in which I lust after makeup and clothes I can't really afford (my life in one sentence). I hope you enjoy!

Jewellery:  If you can't tell by the above picture and previous blog posts, I love delicate and fine jewellery, particularly rings and 'hand jewellery'. It's my (not particularly successful) way of disguising my man hands. Asos have such a wide range of rings at reasonable prices and the hand harness is something I really want to try for the boho vibe it gives.

Trousers: As someone who has to wear black for work I am always looking for black trousers and as someone who loves to wear black that is totally fine with me. Black trousers go with everything and I think everyone should have a pair in their wardrobe. However in an attempt to switch things up (but not that much) I think I'd get a lot of wear out of a grey pair. Both the trousers are from Topshop so, expensive but gorgeous.

Nail Varnish: If I had it my way I would wear autumn nail colours all year round. Essie's Bordeaux is a stunning dark burgundy and After School Boy Blazer is a definite blogger favourite and is currently on Fragrance Direct for £2.49 so I may have to place an order before it gets snapped up. 

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers: I'm getting pretty sick of stealing my sister's eyelash curlers to be honest and I'd finally like a pair of my own. 

Dark Red Lipstick: I mentioned in my last post that I was looking for a pure dark red lipstick without any plum or berry undertones and Mac's Diva and Nars Audacious lipstick in Olivia look to be the perfect fit however I'd need to swatch them first before taking the twenty four pound plunge.

The Virtual Domination Palette: I saved the best til last. Have you ever seen anything more beautiful? The Virtual Domination Palette from Nars is exclusive to Space NK, it features two limited edition blushers and the ever popular Deep Throat blusher plus a highlighter and Laguna bronzer and it is per-fec-tion. It comes in at £45 which is rather hefty but that's what perfection costs I guess. 

Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love,

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Autumn Lips for Under £10

Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Liner in Wine

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107

Hello everyone! I thought today I would show you a lip combination I've been enjoying lately. I know the Rimmel 107 lipstick was very big last autumn/winter but I will keep cracking this baby out every year because it's a gorgeous dark red shade that compliments many skin tones and lasts a long time especially if you take the time to work it in and build up the colour. The lip liner is basically the exact same colour as the lipstick so they make a perfect combination and also helps to make the colour last longer. It goes really nicely with a bronze eye and if you're on a budget it's a great autumn look. My only complaint is that there are hints of plum in both the lip liner and the lipstick so it's not a true dark red which is something I am struggling to track down at the moment. 

When I'm feeling like a bold lip (which is always) this is something I really like to wear and the best thing is the whole thing comes in at under £10. Thanks for stopping by, lots of love,

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Nars Appreciation

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Nars Laguna Bronzer

If you are a regular reader of this blog (all one of you, probably my sister) you may have noticed Nars products popping up more and more. I got Sheer Glow in August and I can honestly say I've used it everyday since. It has achieved holy grail status and I don't see myself using a different foundation anytime soon. My love for this foundation has sparked a desire for more Nars products hence why I have acquired two more face products from their range. The creamy concealer is a gorgeous consistency with a perfect amount of coverage without going cakey. The shade is very light which makes it perfect for under the eyes. It's a little light for my blemishes because Deauville is the teeniest bit dark for my skin tone but with blending and powder it works out. The combination of Sheer Glow and the Radiant Creamy Concealer is perfect. Once I've got it on I don't even worry about my complexion. I haven't had the moment of looking in the mirror after work and being mortified in months which would suggest these are working for me and I would highly recommend them to everyone. I also got another cult favourite recently which is the bronzing powder in the shade Laguna. This is a such a popular bronzer and it is easy to see why. It's the perfect mix of warm and cool tones so it can be used for contouring or an all over bronze. I was a little worried that it might be too dark on me as I've heard that it's not as good on fair skin tones but I find it suits me really well. 

I am totally obsessed with all of these and my raving has even convinced my sister to get Sheer Glow and Laguna and I think she would tell you that they are worth the hype. Next on my list is to try some colour products such as eyeshadows or lipsticks so let me know if you have any recommendations in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love, 

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Face of the Day #7

Nars Sheer Glow in Deauville

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Soap & Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil & Brush 

MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre

MAC Eyeshadow in Sable

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick in Bad Girl Bronze

Kat Von Dee Tattoo Liner

L'Oreal False Lash Flutter Midnights

Bourjois Contour Clubbing Eyeliner in Up and Brown

Nars Laguna Bronzer

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow

NYX Powder Blusher in Mauve

Soap & Glory Super-Colour Fabulipstick in Naked Beige

 Hi everyone! Sorry about my recent absence. Work has been very busy and all that jazz. Anyway I did this makeup look yesterday and really liked how it turned out so I tried it again today to photograph it for my blog aaaaaand it looks no way near as good and has also photographed terribly. But I figured I'd show you anyway just so I could get something up on here. The main focus in this look is the eyes, I wanted to get a wearable brown smokey eye for the day that looked sultry and grungey. After putting MAC's Sable all over the lid I then put the Rimmel Shadow stick through the crease. I did a thin line of liquid liner close to my lashline then I went over the liner with Sable again to make the liquid liner much less defined and more smokey. I kept going over this until I had a good intensity. I absolutely piled on the mascara and finished my face off with my usual routine except for a new addition which is Nars Laguna and I am totally in love with it.

Sorry this post is a bit shite but I hope you enjoyed it anyway. Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love,

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ASOS Right On Time Chelsea Boots

ASOS Right On Time Chelsea Ankle Boots

Remember how I said I can't wear boots because of my cankles? Well that's still true. But I think I've found the exception to the rule. I featured these in my autumn wishlist here and gave in to the urge way quicker than I would like to admit (i.e before the wishlist even went live on my blog, oooppss). 

Thankfully they fit really well and after the initial rubbing of the heel they are really comfy. But mostly I love how they look. They have a perfect amount of heel so they are easy to walk in and they don't go too high up the ankle so they aren't unflattering to one's leg shape. I love the slight grungy look to them as well.

 I've been wearing them non stop ever since I got them and I would highly recommend them if you're still on the hunt for a reasonably priced autumn/winter boot. 

Thanks for stopping by! Lots of love,