Latest Lipstick Love - MAC's 'Flat out Fabulous'

If you would have said to me a year ago that I would not only be wearing, but actually enjoying a bright fuchsia lipstick, I would have thought you were a crazy person.

Yet, here I am, penning (or is that typing?) a blog post on my latest favourite lipstick, which is none other than a bright fuchsia colour.

Introducing MAC’s ‘Flat out Fabulous’, and isn’t she a beaut!

This is a beautiful bright pink with purple/blue undertones, which just screams Spring/Summer to me. I would recommend this as the perfect lipstick for those who are new to the bold lip bandwagon. The pink in the shade means that it is not offensive and extremely wearable. I find that the blue/purple hues suit my pale complexion, and I have also heard that blue makes your teeth look whiter!

The colour pay off is incredible. I was able to get the full colour to photograph with just one swatch. The longevity of the colour is very good; I wore the lipstick on a night out and did not have to touch up once. However, this is a ‘Retro Matte’ lipstick and as with all mattes, I did find it quite drying on the lips. To counteract this, I topped up with some of my Maybelline ‘Baby Lips’ and I found this made it better. Despite the dry texture, it did not drag when applied. I applied it straight from the bullet, but I think I would feel more confident using a brush. It is not very forgiving if, like me, you do not have a very steady hand.  On my night out, I wore a simple make up look to counteract the bold colour of the lips; a simple pale purple in the crease and black winged eyeliner.

I am not sure if I am brave enough to wear this for any day time occasions, but this does not mean it can’t be done. As I have said, it is a pink base which means it is versatile for night and day. This lipstick oozes confidence and undeniably gave me some when I wore it! 'Flat out Fabulous' definitely lives up to the name!

 

Have you tried this lipstick? Are you a fan of a bold lip?

Something about 'Torrid' - A NARS Product Review

I am going to hold my hands up here, and say that I had never heard of the make-up brand NARS until about a year ago when I first started obsessively watching YouTube videos and reading beauty blogs. I kept reading about their products and all of them sounded luxurious and gorgeous, I just had to give them a go!

Needless to say, I could not wait to purchase their Creamy Concealer and the infamous Sheer Glow Foundation, both of which have now firmly secured a place in my make-up collection. As you can imagine, it came as no surprise that I found myself heading straight to the NARS counter on a recent shopping trip, to potentially find my next ‘new favourite’.

I knew I wanted a coral blusher, and after looking at a few suggested by the assistant, I decided to buy a powder blush in the shade ‘Torrid’.

 

This blush is incredible and exactly what I was asking for! I am really annoyed at the picture because it really does not do the pigmentation in the pan justice. In the image, it looks really pink, but I can assure you it is the perfect mix of warm pink and orange tones. Initially, I was not so sure about the blush when the assistant pointed it out to me as it seemed to be quite glittery, here are specks of gold visible throughout the blush. But, when applied to the skin the glitter blends beautifully and is hardly noticeable, creating a gorgeous flush of colour. I was surprised to find that it applies quite sheer, but the colour is easily buildable and the blush is very buttery which makes blending a breeze.

 

I have tried this blush with a variety of looks; simple day time, evening makeup and even with a bold lip. I have to say that the blush really worked with all of these looks, but I particularly enjoyed it when matched with simple winged liner, and a bold fuchsia lip.

‘Torrid’ has now become my staple blush, and I have used it every day since I purchased it three weeks ago. I would really recommend it if your stash is missing a coral blush (or even if it’s not!)

Have you tried any NARS blushes? Which shades are your favourite?

Spring Pub Lunch Makeup Look.

Friday was one of those rare occasions, where my boyfriend and I had the same day off. The weather looked semi-sunny and dry, so we decided to go for a pub lunch. Whilst the boy was making some conference calls (in his pj’s!), I experimented with my makeup. I really liked the look I achieved so I thought I would share with you what I did.

I always start with my eye makeup, just in case there is any fall out which may ruin the base. I began by applying my favourite eye shadow primer, Urban Decay’s ‘Eyeshadow Primer Potion’. Then, I reached for my Naked palette, also by Urban Decay. Using the brush provided, I took the shade ‘Smog’ and placed it on the inner and middle third of the lid. I then took the shade ‘Darkhorse’ and placed on the outer third. I took a MAC 217 brush to blend the edge and where the two colours meet. The colour ‘Smog’ was also placed under the eye. I curled my lashes and applied the No7 Intense Volume mascara. I love this mascara at the minute and you can read all about it in my blog post here.

Now moving onto the base. I started by pressing in Benefit’s ‘Porefessional’ primer, concentrating on my t-zone. I then applied my MAC Mineralize Moisture foundation in the shade ‘NC20’, buffing in using my Real Techniques Stippling brush. I covered any blemishes with a bit of MAC’s Studio Finish concealer in the shade ‘NW20’, continuing to blend using the Stippling brush. My bags were banished by blending some of NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in the shade ‘Vanilla’ under my eyes and brow bone, using my fingers. Finally, I set it all using MAC Mineralise Skin Finish in the shade ‘Light Plus’.

I do not tend to do much with my brows. On this occasion, I gave them a quick brush and then filled in using the MAC Eyebrows in the shade ‘Fling’. I do not have to fill the middle much, but I did use it to create an arch.

I added some colour into my face by using MAC Pro Longwear Blush in the shade ‘Stay Pretty’ on the apples cheeks.

The look was finished with the lips. To create this colour I used MAC’s Lip Pencil in the shade ‘Hip ‘n’ Happy’ as an all over colour. I then went over top with MAC Cremesheen Glass in the shade ‘Japanese Spring’.

I was really happy with the look, and felt confident stepping out of the house.

Have you tried any of these products before? What would you wear for a pub lunch date?

Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who has the best lashes of them all? No7 Intense Volume Mascara Product Review.

This week’s blog post is going to be a review of a product I mentioned in my ‘March Favourite’s’ blog, which you can read – here. I brought this product in a flap, having spend ages trying to find a new mascara in Boots, and struggled to narrow down to one out of the vast range on offer.

 

On first application, I was struck by the thinness of the formula. It feels very light when applied. However, I was blown away with how well the lashes were coated and separated with just one sweep. I can often rush out the house with just one coat, and still feel good. It is also very buildable. Be careful though – you really do have to let each coat dry before applying the next, otherwise the lashes do tend to get stuck together.

With a name like ‘Intense Volume’, it is natural to expect big things. ‘Did your lashes look like they had more volume?’ I hear you cry! Hmmm. Volume? I’m not so sure. My lashes looked full and very well defined. However, a ‘false lash effect’ mascara this is not – or maybe I’m wearing the wrong falsies?! I applied this after I had curled my lashes and it held pretty well. I was happy with how my lashes looked at the end of the day. There were no clumps and no flaking.

 

Now I want to take a little time out to talk about the wand. I am completely puzzled over this new fascination with ‘flexy’ wands. I am just going to put it out there – I do not like them. I don’t see how they help, they just annoy me. I like my wand to be straight and inflexible – and this wand delivers. There is nothing different or gimmicky about this wand.  The spoolie is nice and long, with a tapered end. It is very easy to use and quick to apply.

I don’t really have much to say about the packaging for this product. It comes in the curved shape which is synonymous with most No7 mascaras. I do like the bronzed colour, but I am not jumping up and down over it. Anyway, it’s what’s inside that counts.

To my surprise, I absolutely love this product. Considering I purchased it, without much thought, I did not expect big things. I was pleasantly surprised by how great this product is, and at £9.95 it’s a ‘no-brainer’. You can purchase it online here, where it is part of an offer. If you buy 2 selected No7 products, you get a free gift!

Have you tried this mascara? Have you ever had any pleasant surprises when buying make up?