Haul / Boots pt.2

Second part of the Boots haul - you can check the 1st part here!

Soap & Glory Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder - yet another setting powder, you guessed it (see the Bourjois here) but this was kinda of a spur of the moment purchase. I was browsing in store and swatched it randomly; it has such a weird slippery/silicony texture. It looks yellow in the pan but it’s pretty translucent on the skin. I think it could be good to set undereye concealer. What’s everyone opinion on this product?

I’ve been eyeing the Rimmel  London Glam'Eyes HD 5 Colour Eye Shadow palette in 022 Brixton Brown for a while; it doesn’t appear to be anything special but... oh boy, it is. For £6.99 you get 5 pretty and versatile colours and quality is good too; as you can see in the pic above, the centre shade is a revelation: it pulls quite orangy/copper in the swatch and it looks beautiful when layered on top of one of the browns. 

I ran out of my trusty Rimmel London 5in1 Base & Top Coat and went for the Revlon Colorstay Gel-Smooth Base Coat this time. I love the Colourstay range: it’s formaldehyde, toluene and DBP free, too.

I had a Soap & Glory Bath Pillow years ago from a Xmas giftset but sadly broke; I’ve been looking into replacing it and decided to pick up another S&G one. This one is huge!! Too big, actually and it's kinda of awkward to attach to the bath so I cannot recommend it, unfortunately. :(

Boots Essentials Eye Make-Up Remover Pads - I used these years ago; they are cheap as chips (£1.50 for 40 disks) and the wee container keeps them wet until the very last one. I went back to them to deal with stubborn mascara (yep, I’m talking about you Benefit They’re Real). They are very oily, tho – which doesn’t bother me because the product rinses easily – but be aware if you don’t like the feeling of it. They are also great for travelling and fragrance free.

I picked up the A-Derma Sensifluid Cleansing Lotion (to use in conjunction with a toner in the morning) and Garnier Cleansing Wipes Start Afresh (for the gym). The cleansing milk is thicker than others that I used before so I find that half a pump is enough for the whole face; the wipes have a gentle texturised surface, a lovely scent but I'd like them to be a tad bit wetter. 

I'm been wanting to try Una Brennan line for few months and I decided to start with this Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Brighten Dark Circles Eye Cream; definitely interested to check if it delivers with the brightening claims (and that will probably swing me in trying other products or not). I didn't think it was that cheap (12.99GBP) and so far, I'm not a fan of the flowery scent.

Finally for the body:
Garnier Ultimate Anti-Cellulite Oil - they've just come out with 3/4 different types; I chose the anti-cellulite, naturally. I already love it! The grapefruit scent is divine and it's definitely a great budget product for everyday hydration.
Argan 5 + Body Sculpting Serum is a firming body cream and Bionsen Dermoprotective Roll-On Deodorant which is aluminium and paraben free.

*** Have you entered the Spring Giveaway yet??! ***

Nails 2013 / Q3

A collection of nail looks (don't think they classify as nail art) from the last quarter of the year… I'm not super creative when it comes to nails but nails are always a popular subject… let me know if you like this type of posts! :)

Played with a bit of french manicure here:

Revlon Top Speed in 607 Hazy as base and Revlon ColourStay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night for the tips. 

Blue polishes are my absolute favourites!

Execution leaves a bit to be desired but I think the matte/glossy combo looks fantastic!
I used Nails Inc in Lily from the Gossip Girl Collection; I don't really like Nails Inc polishes because they take ages to dry but I got to say that this colour lasted well and it's still fluid after few years. For the matte coat - I used Rimmel Matte Finish Top Coat.

I like the liquid sand effect of OPI What Wizardry Is This? It gives such foolproof results, especially if you're in a hurry. I added Pupa Lasting Colour Gel in 18 Delicate Crimson on my ring finger for a pop of colour.

Finally, a Christmasy look: I used a Ted Baker Gold colour from last year giftset and Essence Happy Holidays Nail Sweets that my sister brought me from Italy :)

I've also been using these Revlon Quick Dry Top Coats - one is a 'proper' transparent polish, whilst the second are drops. I like them both equally and don't smudge. I've used Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Speed Dry Drops in the past (which I like a lot!) and definitely recommend these too, for a cheaper alternative.

p.s.: sorry for the poor quality of these photos. Something went wrong when I uploaded them and I've already deleted them from the memory card :(

Shopping My Stash / #8 + Giveaway Reminder!!!

Another week, another shopping my stash!

For the base I used Stila One Step Correct Brightening Serum and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation in 42 vanilla - both favourites of mine. The primer is not oily or heavy and the foundation gives a beautiful, flawless finish to the skin. My skin has been oilier than usual lately so I'm really taking care to use a powder to set - Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium is a trusty ally that never looks cakey.

I've also been in the mood for bold red lips so I used a combination of Mac Marilyn Monroe Lipstick in scarlet ibis and Maybelline Baby Lips in cherry me to top up the moist, throughout the day.

I chose Mac Sheertone Blush in blushbaby which is the perfect 'neutral' blush but with a red/brick undertone to tie with the lips perfectly.

I like big & bright eyes with a red lip - I used the Nars Trio Eyeshadow in ramatuelle and built up the lashes with Kiko False Lashes Concentrate Building Base Mascara and Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara. I thickened the top lashline with Bourjois Intuitive liner and added Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Line in nude to further open the eyes.

***Giveaway Reminder - enter here***

Shopping My Stash / #5

Still pretty keen with mineral foundation lately - I find that the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF30 + Laura Mercier Mineral Powder SPF15 in real sand are the perfect combo!

For the base, I also used Stila One Step Correct Colour Corrector to even out skintone and Topshop Blush in butterscotch as an highlighter. I hit pan!!! I don't think it has ever happened before - I do love this item and I will have to limit the usage now, since I think it's discontinued. :(

Finally added a touch of Neal's Yard Remedies Mineral Blusher in 54 peony which is an iced pink and cool toned.

For the eyes I went with this FOTD look, using Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in 003 Bad Girl Bronze on the upper lid and Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 014 Bright Blue on the bottom; I like the motorized brush of the Bourjois Volume Fast & Perfect mascara but I think it's a bit drying and hard to remove.

The lip were effortlessly simple with 100% Pure Lip Glaze in peach bellini.

What have you been wearing lately? :)

FOTD / another look with the marvelous Pur Minerals palette!

Face: Bobbi Brown spf50 Protective Face Base, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in shade 5, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in medium, Benefit Cha Chat tint, Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel in 65 Sable d'Or;

Eyes: Pur Minerals Beautiful Creatures palette (shades: spellbound, fate, forbidden), Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in 005 nude, Kiko False Lashes Concentrate Building Base Mascara, Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara;

Lips: Mac Sheen Supreme lipstick in Full Speed.

Shopping My Stash / #1

I recently started a new job - I used to work from home for years but now that I need to go to the office, I use make up pretty much everyday.

I enjoy reading the 'shopping my stash' posts from other bloggers so I decided to start this series too... 

This past week, I've been loving wearing... not all at once, mind you! ;) ---->

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow: I wasn't really blown away by this foundation at the beginning... but I've grown to like it. It does last all day on me and the spf25 comes in handy now that is 'summer' (brackets needed for Scotland);

Mac Mineralize SkinFinish Natural in medium: I have just been using this as a setting powder to prolong the longevity of the foundation. It can look a bit cake so realllly soft hand;

As an highlighter I chose Benefit Moon Beam and kept my lip neutral with Bobbi Brown Rich Lip Colour spf12 in #18 Soft Nude to complement the colourful eyelook.

For the cheeks, I've been rotating between Clinique Fresh Bloom Blush in Peony, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush in Exposed and Nars Blush in Sex Appeal; I forgot how pretty Peony looks! it's half highlighter so looks really radiant and fresh on the cheeks. The Tarte blush (with the Buxom lip cream below) are new acquisitions from a US swap: couldn't wait to try them out but I will share the swap in more details soon. :)

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in Mudslide: as I said this is new but I already want more from this line. I've been using it as a lipgloss to top up the lipstick because it can be too brown for me and mudslide adds the perfect touch of pink!

For the lashes it's been Pur Minerals Big Blink Mascara all the way and to conceal my under-eye area:  Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in medium and Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink.

For the eyes, I've been choosing between these combos: 

1) Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion + Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow Palette in Brandied Bronze + Collection 2000 Idol'Eyes in Bling

2) Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr in Permanent Taupe + no7 Stay Perfect Liquid Eye Liner in Mermaid + Max Factor Liquid Effect Pencil in Black Fire

3) Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Eyeshadow Stick in 003 Bad Girl Bronze + Neve Pastello in Petrolio

Do you use any of these products? 

Nails 2013 / Q1

I know many people enjoy nails posts so I collected some looks from the past few months...

Revlon Top Speed in 607 Hazy

I've been wanting this colour for a long time... until it was no more available on the high street.

I recently picked up a bottle on ebay - lookes great as a Spring pastel!

Rimmel I Heart Lasting Finish in 700 Block Your Green

Recent acquisition - Haul here - Purple is a match made in heaven!

teamed with Zoya in Neeka

I'm obsessed with the L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat!

I love it with pastels but looks great with bright colours too.

Base: Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night

... and finally more nail stamping experimenting ;)

Maybelline MNY in 749, 665

What's your favourite look? :)

x

Mini Haul

I've been intrigued by the Konad Stamping Nail Sets for a while but not enough to order a kit, I suppose.

Then, I read on a couple of blogs that a cheaper version had been spotted in Poundland recently so I went and got myself a chance at trying nail stamping, too - *exciting times*

I got to say it's quite fun and dead simple - I was worried the designs would be too cheesy but they are cute and wearable. Only criticism: some of the patterns are too big for my short nails so just need to adapt or use part of them.

Anyway, I'm glad I bought it - I'm definitively having some fun and getting creative. 

Rimmel 053 Apricot Punch - Bourjois no.17

I got this necklace in Primark - impulse buy but no question at £2. I like the native americans/tribal vibe with the feather and the turquoise and the rose gold heart is a nice addiction, too. 

Haul / Boots

Few weeks ago I placed an order on Boots.com to take advantage of the 3for2 offer that included make up, skincare and body care.

Recently, I mentioned in my March' Empties that I finished The Beauty Parlour Boob Tubes but wasn't really impressed.

I love Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula - and how the products smell - so I picked up the Bust Cream which is also reasonably priced at under 7 pounds. The consistency seems a bit on the thick side, like a body butter, but it absorbs really well, I haven't experienced any break out so far and you only need a small amount.

Then, I stocked up on some body cream: I haven't tried the No7 Smooth & Improve Cellulite Treatment and at £22 I wouldn't normally buy it without being sure it works. So I thought it was the right chance to give it a go. I'm not too fussed with the gimmicky applicator, I just have high hopes on the formulation, really.

Finally, I bought the Tweezerman Deluxe Hair Cutting Shears; I cut my fringe every couple of weeks and currently I'm using a pair with texturising teeth which is really effortless to use. I decided to get a regular pair, in case I want to try a more dramatic, blunt style. they are vvvvery sharp!

I also HAD to get some make up... of course!!! ;)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr in On and On Bronze: Big fan of these pots! I already have a couple and been wanting the bronze shade for a while. I've been pretty much used it every day since I got it - it lets you create a beautiful look, effortlessly and quickly. You don't need anything else on top... this is really a case where less is more.

Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel in 180 Indigo Night: Prologue - I love blue polishes but a nice, bright midnight blue was missing from my collection. 

I decided to get the Revlon because I've been wanting to try this line since it came out; I'm pleased with both consistency and longevity but £7.99 is a bit steep for an high street polish, in my opinion... I mean you can get an Essie for that price, right?! High street-wise, Rimmel is still my favourite around the 4quid range.

Real Techniques Your Eyes/Enhanced Starter Kit: another product I'm crossing off my wishlist.

I'm a bit fan of RT brushes - I already wrote about them here & here.

I mainly wanted to try the deluxe crease brush for concealer since my dark circles are so bad and I figured every little helps. I'm finding the base shadow brush great to apply cream shadows/color tattoos and the accent brush for undereye smudging.

I don't really have any use for the pixel-point eyeliner brush and brow brush so I will keep them to give away in my next giveaway. ;)

Have you tried any of these items? What are your thoughts?
x

FOTD - Blue Eyeliner

I had a go at the blue eye look on Easter Monday - it was a sunny afternoon and seemed a good day for experimenting ;)

I just used the blue pencil on the lower waterline and I got to say that I'm pretty pleased - I like it a lot!

That lip butter is not working out for me, tho - far too pale for my skintone. :(

Face: Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer, Nars Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer SPF30 in light 2 Alaska, Becca Fine Pressed Powder in Sesame, Giorgio Armani Master Corrector in pink, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in medium, Mac Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom;

Eyes: Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in 003 Bad Girl Bronze, Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in 014 Brigh Blue, Revlon GrowLuscious mascara, Mac Paint Pot in Painterly;

Lips: Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake.

*** I'm off to Amsterdam soon - cya in a few days :) ***