June Favourites

1. MAC Duchess Palette

I've really been enjoying using this palette this past month. I love all the warm, natural tones in it, and rhymes really seem to suit my eye colour and skin tone. Unfortunately, this was part of a limited edition collection and is now unavailable. I've been loving the gold tones eyeshadow as an all-over lid colour.

2. Beauty Blender

This came in my June Birchbox, and since I've had it, I've really been enjoying using it to apply my foundation with. I've noticed however, that it works a lot better when it's clean. When it's dirty, it doesn't leave as such a nice finish to the skin

3. Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer

Ok, so it's not actually the concealer that I like about this product, it's the powder that comes with it. I'm really not a fan of the concealer (no coverage and clings to every dry bit!), but I have really been liking  it to set my under eye concealer with. It's a light, transparent powder, which is perfect for the under eye area, and concealer in general.

4. Maleficent

Sleeping Beauty is my all time favourite Disney film, so as soon as I heard about this new take on the classic, I knew it was one of them films I just couldn't say no to. And it definitely didn't disappoint. I loved it! It really made you question the original film, and made you sympathise with the enemy. I'm not a big fan of Angelina Jolie, but I think she did an incredible job!

5. Endless Love

This was a film I wanted to see at the cinema when I first saw it advertised, but somehow never ended up going. But it's recently been on SkyMovies, so when I saw it, I downloaded it. I really liked it! Ok, so it's your typical bad boy love story, (girl falls for bad boy, parents don't like him, boy leaves girl, girl and boy get back together) but sometimes you really can't beat these type of films!!

6. The Fault in Our Stars

I think this is probably going to be on everyone's favourites these next couple of months, but I'm jumping on the bandwagon! After reading the book earlier in the year, I've been really looking forward to the film coming out. And I think it really did the book justice, and portrayed it honestly. Even though it was a sad film, it really makes you question just what's important to you, and what's worth stressing out over. Shailene Woodley is my favourite actress, and I loved her portrayal of Hazel Grace in the film.

7. Gossip Girl

June was the month I got my Gossip girl back on! I loved it when it was first on the TV, and I love it even more now!! I'm currently on season 3, and love it getting in from work and watching an episode (or three) tucked up in bed. The only problem with falling back in love with this show, is it's really, really, really fuelling my need (nope, not want) to visit NYC!

8. Love by Jana Kramer

I think 2014 is going to be a good year music wise for me, as a lot of my favourite singers/bands are releasing new albums this year. And to start the countdown off, Jana Kramer (Alex Dupre from OTH) has released her new single off her second album called "Love". As soon as I heard it, I had it stuck in my head! It's such a gorgoues song, and the storyline is what I love the most. It's a really feel-good song for those who still dream and believe even if life has beaten them down. It's one of the few songs that if someone asked me what song best describes you/your view on life, I would immediately pick this song. I would highly recommend it when you're feeling uninspired and need a pick me up. 

What have been some if your favourites this past month?

P.S. Can you believe we're already half way through 2014?!

May Favourites

1. Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream in Light Beige

I've really been liking this on days where I don't want a heavy foundation. It has really decent coverage, considering it's only a CC cream, but it's still light and doesn't feel like you're wearing makeup. It also contains SPF15, making it a great Summer base. It leaves a lovely natural finish, not completely matte, but not dewy either, somewhere in the middle. I would really recommend this.

2. Real Techniques Powder Brush

Since picking this up in my birthday shopping trip, I've been using this to set my makeup with the Maybelline Super Stay Waterproof Powder, and it's been working so well! I notice that my makeup lasts a lot longer. I give the brush a big swirl in the powder and then just apply it all over, pushing it into the skin, though, not sweeping. The brush just seems to get just the right amount of powder, without making you look cakey, and it's great for blending blush out aswell.

3. Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Stick in Nudist

I actually used this when I had a job interview, as I really wasn't in the mood for an overly obvious lip colour. I'm so glad I did! I've been quite a little bit obsessed with this since. It's a perfect everyday lip product, as it adds a hint of colour to your lips, which just makes them look healthy and alive (I don't know about you, but sometimes mine go really pale which is not a good look!). It's very moisturising, doesn't cling to dry patches, and lasts a considerable amount of time. I'll definitely be trying some more out!

4. NYX Powder Blush in Angel

This has been the only blush I've been using during the month of May. It looks very pale in the pan, but when you apply it to your face, it gives a lovely natural, warm flush colour. It seems a very strange colour (good strange), I think it's going to be one of those that looks different on absolutely everyone (even though every blush is like this). Depending on your skin tone, it can look more pink, and on other skintones, it looks more peachy. This will be another product I'll be trying more of!

5. MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighting Powder

I finally managed to get my hands on this a couple of months back now, but it got put to the back of my drawer, and I just didn't reach for it, that is until the month of May. I saw Shannon's (from RaspberryKiss) review and soon found mine out of the drawer again. It is a lovely highlighter, considering it's only £3! It's not too shimmery, but you do need a gentle hand with it,  otherwise you can look disco ball face. Colour wise, it's a pearly pink colour, and this is the only downside, in my opinion. I would prefer it if it was a more golden colour as that suits my skin tone more, but it doesn't bother me that much. This is one of those products that are hard to get hold of, so if ever you see it, pick it up fast!

6. Dan + Shay - Where It All Began

I have been in love with this album since watching Megan & Liz's cover of their song "19 You and Me". I find that this is the perfect Sunday-afternoon chillax album. The songs are really relaxed, and easy-going, but also really catchy and well written. It is technically classed as country, but don't let that put you off if you're not a fan, as it's not full of twang and y'all's.

7. Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times...This Is How We Roll

This is another album I found thanks to a Megan & Liz cover! Compared to Dan + Shay, this is a really country album, so of you don't like that type of music, this album is definitely not for you. I think that this is a perfect Summer feel-good, Saturday night album. A lot of the songs are about having a good time, and are so catchy. My favourites are "Tell Me How You Like It", "This Is How We Roll", and "Take It Out On Me".

8. The Originals

I can't believe that I haven't mentioned this in a favourites post yet! This has to be one of my favourite TV shows that has been on lately! Unfortunately, it has now finished its first season, and won't be back until about October time, but I have been slightly obsessed with this show. I loved the series finale, I think it was even one of the best finales that I've seen in a while! It is a spin-off of "The Vampire Diaries," but I don't think you need to have watched TVD to keep up with this show. I would highly recommend this show if you're in need of something new to watch.

9. The One by Kiera Cass

If you saw my March Favourites, then you'll know that there were two books that I loved, called The Selection and The Elite. Well, this is the third and final book in that trilogy. I think I read this in about two days! That's how much in love I was with it. I was desperate to find out the end, and see who America ended up with. I was surprised at how much of a story was actually in the book. I was just expected a short storyline at the beginning, and then there'd be the wedding etc, but there were a lot of twists and turns, all leading up to the ending. This was a good ending to the series, and answered any unanswered questions well. I was very satisfied with the ending, and think anyone who has read the previous books will be too.

Birthday Shopping Haul!

I always get slightly excited when a new month comes, but even more so when April comes around, as it's my birthday month. I meant to post this earlier, but after my little break, I'm only getting round to it now (please excuse me!). I turned 22 on the 23rd April, and had a lovely day. I received money off my parents and I had been saving some money, so I knew a big shopping day was in order! Here are the goodies I picked up! Enjoy!

First up is Next. I'd heard a while back that Next had started to stock NYX cosmetics, and after doing a bit of a scout around the store, I finally found the stand! To be honest, I was a little disappointed, as there wasn't an awful lot there and there was no testers, but I did pick up a couple of things. This was my first time trying NYX products, so I went with the things that bloggers rave about; one of their Mega Shine Lipglosses and one of their Powder Blushes. The shades I picked up were Beige (lipgloss) and Angel (blush). Then, when I was on my way to the till, this makeup bag just seemed to shout me over, and somehow just seemed to hypnotise me to buy it!

Of course I had to nip into Superdrug and Boots. I was mainly after the Nicole by OPI Carrie Underwood collection, but they didn't sell these at them, and also Tanya Burr's lipglosses and polishes! There weren't many left on the Tanya Burr stand, so I went with Chic and First Date. I didn't have a big powder brush, so I picked up the Real Techniques one, and also added the Shading Brush to my basket, as there was an offer on. After seeing many swatches and reviews of the Barry M nail polish for Superdrug's 50th birthday, I knew it would be one I had to pick up. I also picked up one of the True Colour Lipstick's from Sleek in Barely There, as it just caught my eye. Plus, it's my first time trying their lipsticks and I've heard a lot about them. Then, when going past the NYC stand, I saw that they actually had the Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny, which I constantly hear American YouTubers rave about! This is the first time I've actually seen this for sale over here, so I don't know if it's a new release or they just haven't sold it at the other Superdrug's I've looked in. They also had the VO5 Refresh Me Quick dry shampoo at half price, so I picked up one of those just as a back up. On another trip, I really fancied going ombre on my hair, so I picked up the L'Oreal Wild Ombres kit in number 2, and also some of the metal free hair bands.

Boots was doing their very dangerous 3 for 2 across all cosmetics offer, so I did take a little bit of advantage of this, picking up the Sleek Au Natural eye palette, Soap & Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in Guavarama and one of the new Models Own Sticky Fingers. I had also heard that the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray was a dupe for the raved about Oribe Dry Texturising Spray, so wanted to give that a try. I also picked up the mousse aswell.

While in Debenhams, I was browsing their skincare section and saw that all of the Love + Toast range was half price! I remember seeing this a while back and really liked the sound of the Sugar Grapefruit hand cream, but being £12+ put me off, but at half price I couldn't say no! I also saw that they did a Blood Orange lip butter, which I was hoping would be like the Orange flavour ChapLips that they did years ago, because I was OBSESSED with that smell! Unfortunately, it's not.

Okay, so we're on to the exciting, high-end stuff now! I really wanted to treat myself to a Jo Malone candle, so off I went into the shop, and came out with a beautifully wrapped and beautifully smelling bag. I ended up going for the Peony and Blush Suede scent, which is a lovely Spring/Summer light, floral scent. The packaging of this though! They even sprayed the tissue paper with perfume!

So, this might be the most exciting purchase I made. It's the Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in 54 Boy. After years of lusting over a Chanel lipstick, I finally bit the bullet and went for it. I decided on a very natural colour, as I didn't want to spend all that money on a lipstick that I could only wear once on a blue moon.

Another naughty purchase here, as I wasn't actually planning on buying this. I was browsing the Debenhams website after my shopping trip and saw they did this gift set of the Touche Eclat, a sample of the Doll Eyes mascara and a mini sample of the Youth Liberator Eye Cream for the same price as the individual Touche Eclat. I then found that the YSL Beauty website sold it with free delivery and free samples, and brought it before my conscience could catch up with my fingers! Look at that mini-lipstick  that came as a free sample!!

I was actually in the MAC store the day the new Alluring Aquatic collection was released in store, so when I saw that there, I knew I had to pick something up from it, because the packaging is absolutely gorgeous! I ended up going for the Cremesheen Lipstick in Mystical, which is a deeper natural your-lips-but-better shade.

So, I think that's me all shopped out for the next 6 months!! You may not see any hauls for a little while now!

What's on your beauty wishlist?

April Favourites

 

1. TRESEmme Keratin Smooth 7 Day Smooth

This was a new product that came out sometime in April, and as soon as I saw the advert, and heard 7 days smooth, frizz free hair, even after washing, I knew I had to try it. To be honest, I'm not particularly impressed by the shampoo and conditioner, they just seem any normal one, but I do like the special treatment. It does keep my hair smooth and frizz free, especially the first couple of days before I wash it again. After I wash it, it is back to being a bit frizzy, but not so much.

2. MAC Hue

This has been one of my go-to lip looks this last month. This month I was more experimental with lipstick and lipgloss and really started getting into wearing it, as previously I was lucky if I wore a tinted lip balm. I've been using this with the other products I'm showing, and it creates a gorgeous spring lip colour.

3. Collection Volume Sensation in 13 Satin Bow

This is my favourite as I think it is a drug store dupe for the above MAC Hue. Next time you're in Superdrug or boots, swatch it. It's a gorgeous nude colour, that's on the peachy side.

4. MAC Fleur Power blush

I've been back to loving this blush to add a lovely natural, spring time flush. It's not too dark, not too light. I think it's a great one for a no-makeup-makeup look, as it's a perfect your flush but better shade.

5. Seventeen Lip Gloss Stash particularly coral one

I got this set in the Boots New Year sale, and have just come around to using some of the lip glosses in it. My favourite is the coral shade one. Unfortunately the colours don't have names, so I don't know which one it is. And I don't know if these are in their permanent line. But I've been wearing this over MAC's Hue or the Collection lipstick, and it creates a lovely spring/summer time coral lip. Plus, this colour really seems to suit my skintone.

6. Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

On first use, I wasn't that impressed with this sponge, but after sticking with it, I have begun to love it! It creates a really flawless, natural base, and makes it look as if you're not wearing foundation. Plus, if you suffer from dry patches, like me, then this just helps foundation glide over them, and doesn't make the foundation cling to them. It really is a great product!

7. Simple Moisture Boost Hydro Mist

A rediscovery for me this month, and one I'm so glad I found out again! I was applying my usual makeup one morning and noticed that my skin was looking extra dry that day, and it just didn't look nice. So, upon searching for something to try to fix it, I came across this in my drawer. I sprayed over the top of my makeup, and my goodness! The change! Goodbye dry, dull, cakes face, hello, glowy, radiant skin! I now use this over the top of my makeup whenever I apply it. It doesn't move the makeup, but it also doesn't set it. Just a couple of spritz and my skin looks so healthy! I would highly, highly recommend this if you suffer from dry, dehydrated, dull skin, and want an added glow.

8. Botanics Hydrating Night Cream

I picked this on a whim really, as it was on offer, and I needed a new night cream. But since I been using it, I've really been enjoying using it. It's another an overly fancy night cream, it doesn't claim to do much, just to hydrate the skin, and that is exactly what it does. It sinks into the skin quickly, and doesn't leave any residue or sticky feeling.

9. Game of Thrones season 4

April was the month that Game of Thrones came back on our screens. I only got into this show about this time last year, so I'm quite new to the world of Westeros, but it's such a good show!  It's one of those edge-of-your seats, OMG shows. I've so far been liking the series, (especially episode 2 (I won't give any spoilers). However since getting into the series, I have found it slightly action-less compared to the other series. I think it needs to start getting going now.

10. Divergent movie

I have waiting and waiting for this movie to come out, and it finally did this month! After reading the book, I was so excited to see the world of Divergent come to life on the big screen, and I definitely wasn't disappointed! It stayed true to most of the book, and I loved the actors! Theo James made a great Four, and Shailene Woodley is probably my favourite actress right now. She portrayed Tris perfectly, showcasing her selflessness, her bravery and also her vulnerability. I now can't wait to see how the next films turn out. I would highly recommend this film for anyone.

What have been some of your favourites during April? 

Would You Rather Tag! Beauty Edition

Can I please just start off by saying I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while! I've recently been really quite ill after pulling a muscle in my back (pathetic when you say it, but man it's pure agony!). Anyway, I'm now pretty much fully healed, and ready to get back into the swing of things. So to start us off I thought I would do a fun TAG post. The one I chose was the Would You Rather? Beauty Edition TAG! Let's get into it!

1. Would you rather lose all your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lip glosses, or lose all your palettes and eye-shadows?

My palettes and eyeshadows, as I'm not big on wearing eyeshadow on a day-to-day basis.

2. Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

Never be able to cut it again. When I was little, I always wanted hair like Rapunzel!

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or pink cheek?

A pink cheek.

4. If you had $10,000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

Makeup! Most definitely! Imagine all the things you could buy with that?!

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner or eyeliner as lipstick?

Ew, just thinking of applying lipstick as eyeliner is slightly making me squirm. Just the thought of putting lipstick anywhere near your eyes seems wrong to me. So, I would go with eyeliner was lipstick. Plus, look at all the colours eyeliner comes in now!

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Sephora. You could get anything there, whereas MAC just sells MAC stuff.

7. Would you rather only use one eyeshadow colour or only one lip colour for the rest of your life?

One eyeshadow colour. As I said before, I'm not a big eyeshadow wearer, so it wouldn't really bother me wearing the same colour the rest of my life. Plus, wearing one colour, you could wear any lip colour you wanted!

8.  Would you rather wear Winter clothes in the Summer or Summer clothes in the Winter?

Summer clothes in the Winter. I really can not stand being too hot, so Winter clothes in the Summer is a definite no for me!

9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Bright nails!

10. Would you rather give up your favourite lip product or your favourite eye product?

Oh, does that mean things like lip balm and mascara? In that case, I'd probably prefer to give up my favourite eye product, as I need a lip balm on me 24/7!

11. Would you rather only be allowed to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

Ha. These are both my go-top hairstyles. I rarely wear my hair down, so this is a tough one for me. But I would choose ponytail.

12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails or never be able to wear lip gloss?

Never be able to wear lip gloss.

13. Would you rather shave off all your eyebrows or have to Sharpie them in everyday?

As much as I hate the drawn on eyebrow look, I would have to choose to Sharpie them in everyday. 

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

Without nail polish. I definitely couldn't live without makeup now.

Hope you enjoyed. I tag everyone who reads this.

Empties #4

It seems that my drawer of empty products has filled up again! So, you know what that means; an empties post.

John Frieda Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight here

I go into this in more detail in my Empties #3 post, but I love this for when I blow dry my hair, as it keeps it more straighter for longer, and keeps frizz at bay. I have repurchased this.

TRESemmé Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo here

Again, more detail in previous Empties post, but this is my favourite dry shampoo. It doesn't leave a grey-cast (as long as you don't over do it), and has a lovely smell. I have repurchased this.

L'Oreal 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution here

This is what I use to remove my makeup before I use my cleanser. I liked the way this removed my makeup, but it seemed to leave a bit of a residue behind after using, which left my skin feeling a little tight if I didn't immediately follow up with my cleansing and toning routine. I have since purchased the new Garnier micellar water, and seem to prefer that one more than the L'Oreal one.

Michael Todd Tropical Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant Scrub here

This was probably one of my favourite products that I tried from the Michael Todd Dry Sensitive skin regime. I really enjoyed using this scrub. I used it pretty much every other day, and it did really help to keep dry patches away. It is on the more grainy side of scrubs, but I think that's why I liked it so much.  I would probably consider repurchasing this in the future.

Philosophy Sugar Plum Fairy Shower Gel no longer available

Oh, gosh. I finally used this up. Considering this is a £16 shower gel (!), I really wasn't overly impressed with this product. It's meant to be a 3-in-1 product, which can used as shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo. I personally, didn't fancy using it for a shampoo, as I have really oily hair which doesn't take much to make it even more oily. It was okay for a shower gel and bubble bath. Scent wise, I didn't really notice it much. There was a hint of something sweet, but that's about it. I was really disappointed in this, and won't be buying again.

Lacura AQUA-Complete Multi-Intensive Serum unavailable online

This is part of the ALDI skincare range. For £3.49, I really can't complain about this serum. It did what it said it would. I didn't really think it did much when I was using it, but since using it up, I haven't had another one, and I have noticed that my skin is a lot drier now. I wake up with dry flakes, and never noticed this when I was using it. It could be just a coincidence, and be something else, or it could be that it really was doing my skin some good. I think I may pick up another bottle next time I go shopping.

Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm here

I've got a full review of this here, which goes into more detail, but I did really like this cleansing balm. It helped moisturise and hydrate my skin, and removed all traces of leftover makeup. It didn't break me out, and didn't leave a residue. I am thinking of repurchasing.

Lush Sweetie Pie Shower Jelly here

This lasted soooo long! I don't know about anyone else, but I tend to get sick of using the same shower gel for ages, and just start using loads at a time to use it up (anyone else?). This was one of those products. I loved the smell of it, but at first, I couldn't quite figure out how to use it. I ended up just rubbing a loofah over the top of it, which was the best way I found. It is a very weird, but fun product. It's just like jelly; but as fun as it sounds, it gets a bit messy in the shower. I found if you break a bit off, and try to rub it into the skin, it would just slide out of your hands, and end up on the bottom of the shower, which you now have to be careful not to stand on otherwise you'd slip on it. In theory it sounds so much fun, but not so sure in reality. But if you find a great way of using it, you do get your money's worth as it lasts for ages!

March Favourites

1. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum here

This used to be my favourite foundation, and then I just seemed to stop wearing it. However, I found it out again this month, and fell in love with it! It is probably one of my all-time favourite founations. I love the way it leaves my skin looking, and it doesn't cling to my dry patches. I need to pick up a new tube as well, I'm pretty much to the end of my current one!

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water here

I picked this up this month after using up all of my L'Oreal version. I liked the L'Oreal one, but it seemed to leave some sort of residue on my skin, which I wasn't keen on, so gave this a try when it was on offer. I much prefer this one to the L'Oreal one! It doesn't leave a residue, and seems slightly more hydrating. Plus, you get double the amount for pretty much the same price! Bonus!

3. Hydraluron here

After hearing so many people rave about this, I finally plucked up the courage to spend the money and buy it! I fully agree with people that say they don't notice this doing anything, until they stop using it. I've only been using this the past two weeks, so can't give a full review yet, but I have already noticed a difference in my skin; it's more glowy and smooth.

4. Soap and Glory Scrubatomic here

I was in need of a  new scrub after using up all of my Michael Todd Fruit Enzyme scrub, and saw that FleurDeForce recommended this one in her Top 10 under 10: Skincare video. I've really enjoyed using  this scrub. It's one of the more gentler scrubs; it has little grainy bits in, but not big enough to make you feel you're ripping you're skin off! Plus, it smells so good! It reminds me a little of those fromage frais yogurts that you'd have when you were little!

5. PIXI Glow Tonic here

This is another product that has seemed to rave reviews about. I picked this up at the end of February, and have been using it for most of the month of March. I have noticed a big difference in my skin from using this. It looks more healthy and radiant. It did break me out at first, but that was just a purging stage which lasted about 2 weeks.

6. The SacconeJoly's here

I have really gotten back into watching The SacconeJoly's daily vlog. For those who haven't heard of them, they are an Irish couple (Jonathan and Anna) who have 6 dogs and a 18 month old called Emilia. Anna is also 9 months pregnant, and is due to give birth any day now. I used to watch these when I first got into YouTube, but then just sort of stopped. But I've really been enjoying watching about their lives. Emilia is the cutest baby! She is very sweet and very funny! Plus, it's exciting being on baby watch! 

7.  The Selection by Kiera Cass here

8. The Elite by Kiera Cass here

I first read this book last year, loved it, and then ordered the sequel when it was first released, but never got round to reading it. However, after reading my Christmas books, I re-read The Selection, and then read The Elite for the first time. I loved this series of books! As I said in my Versatile Blogger Award, I'm a sucker for fairy tales, so these are very much my sort of books. The story is basically a fairytale meets Hunger Games type of book. I can't wait for the final book in the trilogy to come out in May!

9. Cadbury Mini Eggs 

10. Cadbury Creme Egg

11. Hot Cross Buns

Easter brings about so many great things; Spring, pastel colours and best of all, some lovely goody treats! Every year about this time, Cadbury brings out their Easter range, and they are sooo good! My favourites are the Mini Eggs and the Creme Egg. I have also really, really loved Hot Cross Buns! I'd forgotten how tasty they were!

12. Innocent Cloudy Apple Juice

I can be very fussy with fruit juices. A lot of them give me mouth ulcers, as they are too acidic, so I do have to be careful about which ones I drink, but I have really been enjoying this one. It's not too tart or acidic, and best of all, it doesn't give me mouth ulcers!

13. E45 Cream here

I had never thought of using E45 on my face until I watched one of Sabrina's (from LoveLaughMakeup) videos, and she said that it was one of the best things for her dry skin. So, when I saw it at Superdrug, I picked up a tube to try out. I use it as a night cream, and it has really helped with my dry patches. It doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy or as if there's something really heavy on your face.

14. Once Upon a Time Season 3B

The beginning of March saw Once Upon a Time return from its Winter break, and I have loved it! I like where they're going with the rest of this season, and can't wait to get further into the season.

By the way, it's just been brought to my attention about the Boots discount codes on Voucher Cloud. There are some really good codes on right now, so if you're planning on doing some online shopping at Boots.com, take a nosey and see what they've got. You can't beat a bargain!

What have some of your favourites been during the past month?

February Favourites

1. Victoria's Secret Sheer Love Fragrance Mist

This has definitely been my go to scent of February. It's a very fresh scent, but has a sweet-ness to it aswell. It reminds me a lot of Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh.

2. Urban Decay Naked3 Palette

I've been loving this ever since receiving it for Christmas. The colours are so gorgeous, and flattering. I think that this may be my favourite Naked palette. If you want to read more of my thoughts on this post, then check out my post here.

3. Soap & Glory Glow All Out Powder

I have really been enjoying using this powder throughout mid-January and all of February. It's a perfect, everyday highlighter. It's the perfect product to add a glow to your face, that isn't glitter-ball. I've got a full review here.

4. MUA Clear Mascara

I picked this up when I was in Superdrug one day. I have never been one for filling in my eyebrows, or doing much with them other than brushing them out. But, I saw this and  thought for a £1, I would try it out. I have really been liking this. It's nothing special, but just keeps my eyebrows groomed and in place all day.

5. Soap & Glory Super-Colour-Fabulipstick in The Missing Pink

This has absolutely been my favourite lipstick over the past month and half. I have got a full review coming up in the next couple of days, so I wont go into too much detail here, but I love the way this makes my lips look. It also doesn't cling to my dry patches, just seems to glide over them. As for colour, it's the perfect your-lips-but-better-shade.

6. Stila Perfect and Correct Foundation in Tone

I have really enjoyed using this foundation, ever since buying it in the January sales. I've got a full review here, which goes into more detail, but what I love most about this, is that it's a very moisturising foundation, and leaves a lovely, dewy finish. It doesn't look as if you're wearing anything either; it looks like your skin.

7. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Contour Brush

I've been really liking this brush to apply the Glow All Out powder and just any highlighter in general. As it's duo-fibre, it doesn't pick up as much as a normal brush, so I don't need to worry as much about being too heavy-handed with the highlight, which I sometimes can.

8. Lanolips Lemonaid

I have fallen in love with this lip balm over the month of February! It is so moisturising, and I haven't had half as many problems with my dry lips as I used to have. A full review can be found here.

9. The Band Perry - Pioneer

I don't what it is, but I have been hooked on this album! Some of my favourites include: 'Don't Let Me Be Lonely', 'Pioneer' and 'I'm a Keeper'.

10. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette - Naked2 shade

I've really been loving the Naked2 shade in this palette for filling in my eyebrows. This has been the perfect shade for my blonde eyebrows. I only use a little of this, as I'm really not a fan of the really filled in brows. I use the Real Techniques Brow Brush with this powder, and then finish off with the MUA Clear Mascara.

11. Kacey Musgraves - Same Trailer Different Park

Again, this has been a go-to album I've been hooked on during February. I tend to put this on when I'm having an afternoon blogging. My favourites are 'Merry Go Round' and 'Follow Your Arrow'.

12. Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush

This has been my favourite powder brush, really for the same reason as the contour brush. It doesn't collect as much powder as a normal brush, so it doesn't make your makeup look cakey, and overly powdered.

What have some of your favourite products been the last month?

Stila Perfect and Correct Foundation

I uummed and ahhed over buying this for ages it seemed like. It was in the Stila January sale, and was reduced from £28.50 to £7.12! The reason I wasn't sure is they only had a few shades left. I ended up going for the shade Tone (the third lightest colour), which I originally thought might be too dark for me, but it's not too bad actually!

This is how the Stila Website describes this foundation:
"Swirl your way to a youthful and luminous complexion! With an advanced emollient system to hydrate and moisturise the skin, a unique multi-mineral complex and an array of skin soothing ingredients, skin perfection has never been easier to achieve.
Perfect and Correct Foundation offers lightweight, buildable coverage while improving the look and feel of skin. This innovative foundation delivers one high performance, high-definition, long-wearing, complexion-prefecting product."

The foundation comes in a plastic bottle, with a pump. To be honest, the packaging doesn't feel that high-end, which I would class this as, because of the full RRP. I would be disappointed in it if I had paid full price. But, how interesting does it look in that swirl pattern?! There is a mix of the colour foundation, a moisturiser and a primer, and when you pump the foundation out, they all mix together. The texture is really strange, aswell. It seems like a mix between a mousse and a gel, which is because of the translucent primer.

I was really impressed with this foundation! I completely agree with the above, in that it is a very moisturising and hydrating foundation. It doesn't cling to dry patches, just seems to glide over them. It doesn't settle in any fine lines or pores either. There are 8 shades in total, and they seem to cover a good range of skin tones, going from fair to deep, however I have noticed that from other reviews and swatches, this foundation does seem to run more yellow-toned. 

Because of the primer inside the formula, it lasts well, and fills in pores well (and I've got large pores!). They aren't as noticeable as other foundations I used. The foundation leaves a radiant/natural finish, and doesn't look like you're wearing makeup. It also doesn't look cakey. I've found that to get a more flawless finish, it is better to use a brush. I use the Real Techniques Buffing Brush. However, if you're not a fan of light coverage foundations, then this is probably not going to be one for you. I find that it's a light to medium, buildable coverage. It takes about two layers for me to achieve the coverage I like, and if it's a night-time look, I add a bit more on the areas it's needed.

I do really love this foundation. It's perfect for everyday, and with another quick touch-up is great for night-time. It has a decent wear-time, but setting it with powder makes it last a lot longer. This would be a great foundation for people with dry-dehydrated skin, or those who love a really natural and radiant finish.
I would highly recommend it.

2013 Favourites | Beauty

Today's post is continuing on from my previous post about my favourite products from 2013. This post is covering the beauty spectrum (anything that isn't makeup).

Nail Varnish:

Essie Fiji, Essie Neo Whimsical, Seche Vite Top Coat

Okay, so I couldn't really choose one product for this category. I'm not a big fan of dark shades on me, so I always go for pastel/light colours. 2013 was the year that I finally caved into the hype around Essie's Fiji, and I've got to say, I know why people love it so much! It't the perfect baby pink shade. Essie Neo Whimsical is a muted sort of grey-lilac, which I loved during the Autumn and Winter. And then, 2013 was also the year I brought the highly raved about Seche Vite top coat, and fell in love with how quick it dried my nail varnish! I'm one of those who once they've painted their nails, also find things that need to be done, so this has been a life saver for me!

Perfume:

Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift

This was without a doubt my go-to perfume. I did use a few different perfumes during the year, but I always seemed to go back to this one. It's a very sweet smelling scent, quite vanilla-y with a hint of musk and sandalwood. The lasting power is quite good aswell.

Haircare:

TRESemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo, Frizz-Ease 3-Day Straight

These were the two stand-out haircare products that I used during the year. The dry shampoo is the best one I've used. As long as you don't go overboard, it doesn't leave the white cast on your hair like a lot of others do, and the smell isn't too offensive. It also leaves your hair feeling and looking more refreshed. The 3-Day straight is what I use to blow-dry my hair, as naturally I have long curly hair, that takes a bit of taming, so this helps to smooth and straighten my hair, and helps keep it straighter that bit longer.

Body:

The Body Shop Peach Vineyard Body Butter

I love the smell of this! It smells so good! Literally like a peach! (Hard to believe, right?!) I love anything peach scented, so fell in love with this. This scent is a limited edition scent that The Body Shop only seem to bring out at summertime, so it may be available for a few months yet. This is a really thick body butter which absorbs into the skin really quickly and leaves it completely moisturised.

Skincare:

Lacura Aqua Complete Moisturiser

This has to be one of my best finds this past year! It is a really good moisturiser. It hydrates my skin really well, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and glowing. It has an SPF of 6, so it's not the best that way, but if you use a foundation or primer with higher SPF, this shouldn't really be a problem. And the best part I find is that it's only £1.99 from ALDI!

Lip Balm:

Balmi Raspberry

I picked this up on a whim, when I was after a new lip balm and saw it was on offer, and I have to say I'm so glad I picked it up! It really helps sooth my dry lips, and keeps them hydrated for a decent amount of time. Plus it smells so good as well, like raspberry ripple ice cream!

Stay tuned for my random favourites from 2013.

December Favourites

1. Daisy Eau So Fresh by Marc Jacobs here

2. MAC Groundwork Paint Pot here

3. Maybelline SuperStay 24hr Waterproof Powder in Ivory here

4. Pantene Smooth and Sleek Light Silicone Free Shampoo here

5. Frizz Ease Original Hair Serum here

6. Victoria's Secret Secret Craving fragrance mist here

7. Victoria's Secret Amber Romance fragrance mist here

8. MAC Lipstick in Hue here

9. MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power here

10. MaxFactor Whipped Creme Foundation in Natural here

11. Stila Custom Colour Blush in Self Adjusting Pink here

12. Soap and Glory Endless Glove Moisture Mask and Cream here

My Everyday Makeup Bag

I don't know about you, but I love reading about what other people have in their everyday makeup bag. It's a great way to gain so many ideas for new products that people adore and can't live without. So, for today's post, I thought I would show you what's in mine.

This is the bag I use for my everyday makeup. I picked it up from House of Fraser sometime in June, I think. This is the large version, and they also do a small version, but I can only find the small version online here, but Ted Baker have lots of beautiful designs here.

Foundations and Primers:

Urban Decay Pore Perfecting Primer

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in True Ivory

Witch Tinted Moisturiser in Medium

Stay Matte pressed powder in Transparent

Concealers:

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

Maybelline The Eye Eraser concealer in Light

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 3 Medium

Benefit Fake Up concealer in Light

Collection Illuminating Touch concealer in 2 Natural

Cheeks:

MUA Blush Perfection in Dolly

MUA Blush Perfection in Bittersweet

MAC Powder Blush in Fleur Power

Stila Custom Colour Bush in Self-Adjusting Pink

Eyes:

MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork

Maybelline The Rocket waterproof mascara

L'Oreal Waterproof False Lash Effect mascara

Benefit They're Real mascara

Lips:

MAC Lipstick in Hue

Maybelline Baby Lips in Mint Fresh

Tools:

Cosmopolitan Maximum Effect Lash Curler