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?

March 2014 Favourites

So I thought I would end the month with a ‘Favourites’ blog. I love reading these kind of blogs and watching the videos on YouTube. I like the idea of having a quick overview of products, and I spend the next day deciding on which ones to buy myself. I also think they are a fantastic way of getting to know beauty bloggers a bit more, as they often include items that may not be beauty related. It’s also just pure luck they all publish around payday ;).

My first March favourite will be the Sleek Blush in ‘Rose Gold’. I bought this blush having seen all the hype around the internet about it. I must admit, I was unsure of what to expect, but I thought for the price I would give it a go. I was not disappointed. This blush is a beautiful pink shade, which can be sheer when first applied. However, the colour is really buildable, so if you want more of an impact this blush can satisfy. Mixed into the shade, are flecks of gold shimmer. They look quite daunting in the pan, but blend out nicely on the skin. However, if you do not like shimmery blushes, this may not be the one for you, as it does make quite an impact. The packaging is also simple and inoffensive – a black case which is very NARS-esque. I also read that this blush is a dupe for NARS ‘Orgasm’ blush, but I cannot confirm this. I have been wearing this blush with statement eyes and nude lips.

I also want to take a little bit of time to divert your attention to the No7 Extreme Volume mascara. I am not going to talk to you too much about this, and leave you on a cliff-hanger. I will be doing a full review on this product on my blog next week, so make sure you come back to read that. All I will tell you today is that it is AMAZING. I have never had so many compliments about my eyelashes than I have, since wearing this mascara.

Now for my non-beauty related favourites. This month I have been reading ‘Labyrinth’ by Kate Mosse. This book is set both in the Middle Ages and in 2005, where the stories of Alaïs and Alice are told in parallel. What unites these two ladie’s stories is their families – the protectors of the Holy Grail. As a reader, you follow Alaïs’ struggle to complete her father’s task of protecting the secrets of the Grail, as she is betrayed by her sister, husband and closest servant. You are then taken to the future to meet up with their direct descendents (of which Alice is one of Alaïs’) to continue the duty. I love books about people, and I am also partial to a little history, so I have been completely gripped by this book. There is a little bit for everyone, action, thrills, sadness and even a hint of romance. Definitely worth a read.

Finally, I would like to take some time to confess to you all a guilty pleasure. I love Taylor Swift. There, I said it. I am partial to a little country music (I am obsessed with the show ‘Nashville’), and Taylor satisfies this. I currently love her latest album, ‘Red’, which I listen to in the car, on the way home from work. She just has this ‘feel good’ factor, which is exactly what I need after a long day! My favourite tracks are ‘Red’ and ‘Holy Ground’. So, wind up the windows, crank up the volume and sing all your cares away - loudly!

Have you tried any of my March favourites? What do you think? What is your guilty music pleasure?

Leiber Award Post!

Wow! I have been nominated for a Liebster Award by the lovely Hayley over at http://hayleyjachz.blogspot.co.uk/.

I am new to blogging so I had no idea what it was, but I have since found out that it is an award given from blogger to blogger, helping those who are starting out to get some recognition.

 

I think this is a brilliant idea, and a fantastic way to spread the news about all the fantastic bloggers there are out there.

The rules for this are as follows:

1.You must link back to the person who awarded you.

2.You must answer the 11 questions given by the nominee before you.

3.You pick 11 nominees with under 200 followers to answer your questions.

4.You cannot nominate the person who nominated you.

5.You must tell your nominees that they have been nominated by you.

So here are my questions, given to me by Hayley – you may find something new out about me ;)

1.    What made you decide to start a blog?

Well, I had been reading beauty blogs, and watching YouTube videos for a few months – slowly becoming obsessed with all aspects. I love make-up and I also love writing so I thought I would give it a go!

 

2.    Have you stuck to your New Years resolutions? What were they?

I had those standard ones, eat healthily, go to the gym etc, which I have kept up pretty well. Obviously I have some days which are better than others but I am not going to punish myself for eating chocolate!

 

3.    What do you hope to be doing in 5 years time?

I hope that I am still writing my blog and to be in a job which makes me happy J

 

4.    What are five beauty products you could not live without?

 

No7 Extreme Lash Mascara, Urban Decay Naked palette, MAC ‘Hot Gossip’ Lipstick, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation and MAC ‘Stay Pretty’ Blush.

 

5.    MIC or TOWIE?

TOWIE hands down, I love how OTT everything is.

6.    Favourite LUSH product?

 

The Mask of Magnaminty is incredible! A lovely face mask which exfoliates the skin leaving it soft and clear!

 

7.    What's your favourite quote?

 

‘Never compare your beginning to somebody else’s end.’

 

8.    Favourite time of the year?

 

Now this is a difficult one. I think that summer definitely wins – holidays, warmth, ice cream, cider in beer gardens. Although, my favourite holiday is Christmas – I am like a 5 year old at Christmas.

 

9.    What’s your favourite brand and why?

 

I’m assuming this is beauty brands? It will be a closely fought battle between NARS and MAC. I love the NARS base products – foundation, concealer, blushes. They are all stunning. But MAC definitely wins for eye shadow and lipstick. They are so pigmented and can versatile!

 

10. Would you rather only have a wardrobe full of winter or summer clothes?

 

Hmmm summer clothes I think! At least it is easier to layer summer clothes if it is a bit colder!

 

11. If you could only wear one lipstick for the rest of your life what would it be?

 I’m going to have to back up my old favourite – MAC ‘Hot Gossip’. It is the most beautiful pink shade – giving a ‘Your Lips But Better’ effect.

 

I nominate the following people, who have less than 200 followers on Twitter or Instagram.

Harry http://themintapple.blogspot.co.uk/

Sophia http://www.shoppingweekly.blogspot.co.uk/

Miss Writer www.misswriter.co.uk

Millie http://www.millieroseallmadeup.co.vu/

Anna http://www.styleskittle.blogspot.co.uk/

Rachel  http://heartoceansecrets.blogspot.co.uk/

Stefanie www.ispysj.com

Imogen – www.imogen-fleur.blogspot.co.uk

Jessica http://poppingpout.blogspot.co.uk/

Emily http://emiloue.blogspot.co.uk/

Amy http://allaboutalt.blogspot.co.uk/

Now here are my questions to you:

1.    What is your favourite thing about blogging?

2.    What type of blogs do you enjoy reading yourself?

3.    What is the best thing about blogging?

4.    Is there a beauty product that you think is just over rated?

5.    What would be your idea of the perfect day/night out?

6.    Which is more important: love, money or happiness?

7.    Do you have a favourite food?

8.    Coke or Pepsi?

9.    Favourite YouTuber?

10. What would be your dream holiday destination?

11. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you did with your money?

Thank you again to Hayley for your nominations! I can’t wait to learn more about my nominees answering my questions J Keep up the love!

A Product Review - Avon Glimmerstick Eyeliners

Out of all the make-up brands, I really think that Avon is one which is really under rated. I must admit, I do not currently own many Avon products, but I have used different ones in the past and liked them. At the minute, I own and love these two Avon Glimmerstick eyeliners.

The first one I want to talk about is the Glimmerstick Cosmic in the shade ‘Blackened Night’. This is a black eyeliner, with specks of blue and silver glitter running through. Although it sounds pretty garish, when placed on the eye the glitter blends in and becomes a gorgeous shimmer. Unfortunately, I have had this one for quite a while, and it is now discontinued. But never fear – I had a look at the Avon website, and it looks like you can buy a similar colour called ‘Black Ice’ from the Glimmerstick Diamonds collection – here.

 

The second Glimmerstick I own, is one from the Diamonds range I mentioned above. This is the most gorgeous bronze shade called ‘Brown Glow’. As soon as I swatched this product, I was amazed by the metallic effect that this eyeliner pencil offers. Unlike ‘Blackened Night’, there are no glitter specks – yet it still gives a multi-dimensional shimmer effect. However, do not be put off by the brightness of the shade. It looks beautiful when used on its own with a little mascara (more of a daytime look for me), as it gives a little colour and creativity than just plain black. When used over top of eyeshadow, the colour is muted slightly without looking too dark and almost black. I particularly enjoy using it with my Naked 3 palette.

These eyeliners come in a twist up pencil, and have a creamy consistency which is very easy to blend. They are such a versatile product, they can be smudged with eyeshadows, q-tips or even fingers for a great smoky eye, or used with a steady hand to create a sharp line or even a wing. At £6.00 each, these really are bargains. In fact these eyeliners are currently part of the Avon ‘2 for £8.00’ deal which you can get on their website – here.

Have you tried the Avon Glimmersticks? What did you think?