MONTHLY FAVOURITES

MARCH BEAUTY FAVOURITES

Hello lovelies, today I have for you my March favourites most of them are quite new purchases but I have been using them non stop lately.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil - After trying out the Body Shop's Camomile cleansing balm I instantly fell in love with it, it made my skin feel super clean and nourished but I am a big fan of oils for quickness, so when I saw this on a whim whilst shopping a few weeks back I knew I had to pick it up. I have never looked back since! I always double cleanse on an evening and I find this the most sufficient and speedy for getting my make up off, even the most stubborn of mascaras and pigmented lippys. It doesn't leave a horrible residue on my face either and just leaves it feeling really soft and I have noticed my skin clearing up since using this product so win win, if like me when your tired you really don't fancy taking all your slap off after a hard day you really do need this in your life, it will literally take two minutes to get your make up off with a hot muslin cloth and your skin will love you for it afterwards. 

The Body Shop Shea Beautifying Oil - Again for quickness (lazy bones) I have been loving oils especially now I only have 5 weeks to pop it seems like sure a chore to rub lotion everywhere, which is also difficult as well as time consuming I'll have you know, an oil is just so much easier! I could even put a spritzer in the bottle and spray myself with the oil but I don't, I just dab it in to all the areas I need and rub it in, not like most oils being slimy and slow to sink into the skin this oil sinks in beautifully and fast so you can pop your clothes or pjs on straight away afterwards. It smells beautiful and I have actually noticed that no extra stretch marks have been appearing since using this oil! 

Max Factor Skin Luminizer Foundation in Light Ivory - I was really curious looking at this in boots a couple of weeks ago so what did I do like any other normal beauty blogger would do? I bought it to trial of-course! I am so glad I did, I didn't even read reviews before this purchase I just went for it, risky and brave but well worth it! I find it hard to get a foundation to completely match my skin and this does so wonderfully, I actually have this on as shown in the picture above. It feels so light weight on the skin like you have nothing on yet the coverage is amazing, I would say it is medium to full but you could have it as sheer as you like or build it to the coverage you like. It really does make my skin look radiant and glowy but surprisingly is quite a matte finish to the skin but it feels like velvet on my skin, it has tiny gold particles that I guess give it the radiant factor and it lasts me through out the day.  I love the pump that comes with it which makes it easier to control how much you need, the shade Light Ivory I think would be great for Mac users of a 15 like me, I use Mac studio fix in NC15 and this is a perfect match for my skin tone, I love this so much at the minute it is so light on the skin, it almost feels like a BB cream so is great for spring/summer.

Mac Mineralize Blusher in Dainty - If you read my post yesterday on my Mac makeover and mini haul I had a few weeks back I fell in love with this as soon as the make up artist applied this to my cheeks! I was never someone really into blushers at all I would be happy with a cheap palette as I tend to like cream blushers more but this is so beautiful. The perfect pink to give you glowy cheeks with a hint of colour, you could have this quite sheer as I have pictured above or build it to be very pigmented depending on the finish you like. It is super soft and lasts all day without needing to top it up. 

Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup - Again like the blusher I got this at the same time as my make over and I honestly haven't put it down since! Usually with my higher end lipsticks I like to use them but not too much as it makes me want to cry repurchasing a lipstick over £15 especially as I like to try different shades out all the time, I feel like this will be a forever repurchase! Watch out bank balance, it is the perfect nude with a subtle pinkness to it. It is super pretty and gives a gorgeous sheen to the lips without being over glossy and lasts a good 4-5 hours even longer if you wear a lip liner underneath. I don't know how I've managed in my life without this shade before, call me dramatic but once you finally swatch it and try it on your lips you will see what I mean! 

Stilla In The Light Palette shades Kitten, Bliss & Sunset - I have loved this palette overall but these three shades more specifically, I non stop wear Kitten alone which is odd as I never tend to go near shimmer shadows but I am all about the glow this spring! I am just wearing that shade above in the picture, it is perfect for under my brow bone when I am doing a smokey eye look or all over the lid to brighten them up, Bliss is usually the base shadow I tend to put all over my lid then I put Sunset in the crease to spice things up a little. All three are such stunning shades and very pigmented, for a day look I have even been using the darkest matte brown in the palette 'Sandstone' for eyeliner using a slanted make up brush to apply and it lasts all day. I would highly recommend adding this palette to your collection it has a great range of neutral shades perfect for day or night looks. 

What are your March favourites? I'd love to know in the comments below. 

What I've been loving this month.

Hello lovelies, I haven't been loving that many new products this month as I have pretty much been using the same things but these products have made me happy recently so I thought I would share them with you all.

Maybelline Lasting Drame Black Shock Gel Eyeliner -

I absolutely love this product, I have wrote about it already HERE but it just has tremendous lasting power, very pigmented and so easy to use. I'm not one of those people who can use the gel liner pots and have perfect lines, no that takes years of practice right? Some beauty blogger ay but this has everything you need in a pen form and affordable. 

One Love Organics Skin Savior Waterless Beauty Balm - 

This cleanser is absolutely gorgeous on the skin, it feels like a butter which is full of plant oils and natural oils, no nasties so great for your skin, it moisturises, hydrates and can even be used in conjunction with your foundation to make it look nice and dewy, if thats the complexion your after ofcourse. It smells divine, very citrusy and fresh. You can use this as a cleanser or moisturiser, I tend to use it more for a cleanser as it wipes my make up of so easily with a muslin cloth and makes my skin feel super clean and soft. A little really does go along way with this so £30 isn't too bad of a price for a full size tub. 

Body Shop Cucumber Concombre Freshing Water -

Sorry but this has actually been discontinued but I have been loving this especially as its getting hotter outside as it is super refreshing on my skin and really helps to cool you down. I have put this in an empty lush toner bottle as it has the spray applicator so not only do I use this as a toner in my skin care routine I have it for spritzing when needed during the day to cool me down. 

Rimmel 60 seconds Rita Ora's range polishes -

You may already know that I have a soft spot for these beauties, I love pastel shades all year round but there just so well suited in spring and I have adored wearing these on my nails I have mentioned them a little HERE and featured them in my 'whatsonmynailswednesdays' which is going really well so far, they just come in a great range of shades, fast drying and they're not easy chipable AND so cheap.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet - 

I think this was in my previous what I've been loving but this is my go to lipstick all the time at the moment as I never have time to keep re-applying lipstick through out the day or quite frankly can't be arsed when the only person who sees me is my son and I'm sure he doesn't care what lipstick I am wearing that day and I only really make an effort if I am going somewhere nice so these are perfect because they last all day, super pigmented and they feel great on the lips.

The Balm How 'Bout Them Apples Cheek & Lip Cream -

It is very rare that I ever use the lip & cheek combo's, I only ever use them for one or the other but I actually love this both ways, it is a very versatile product and can even be worn both at the same time! It is very subtle but can be buildable to the intensity you like. I quite like a subtle wash of colour on my cheeks and more vibrant on the lips, it feels so lovely and soft on the lips and quite nourishing, plus this size is perfect for your make up bag and great for two uses which means you don't need extra products in your bag, winner.

Non beauty favorites -

Blogs I have loved this month: And beauty or something, Miss Make Up Magpie, Buttons Blog, Coffee & Cosmetics  & Strangeness and Charm. All these blogs I have been catching up with this month all amazing bloggers and people various beauty and fashion posts mainly, Jess is in there again because since she has come back to blogging without long breaks she has really upped her blogging game, I always look forward to her new posts, go check them all out they're all wonderful.

I haven't really been keeping up with any Youtube video's lately but have been stalking/browsing on Instagram and have been loving these three Instagramers -

@sianmabbs - If you love vintage, Cath Kidston, girly, floraly type things you will love this lady's instagram. I just stare at all her beautiful pictures and lust after more Cath Kidston products, she also up cycles objects and makes them pretty and her own, she has lots of gorgeous dresses and evidently is a vintage queen. 

@ellieeveleigh - This girl has such beautiful pictures, she makes a fruit bowl look pretty and inviting, makes you want more make up in your life the way she presents them, not like you need arm twisting in mac stores and she also blogs which I have only just noticed over at Ellieeveleigh mainly about fashion and beauty.

@theillustratednail - I adore this instagram, whenever I am running out of ideas to have a little play on my nails I instantly look on their page for inspiration, they have a whole range of nail art on there for all types of people and tastes. Whoever is behind the nail art is super talented and I would love to get my nails done by them, they also have a super pretty tumblr page too here. 

I am still loving Breaking Bad and nearly near the end of the series, I am going to be so sad and won't know what to do with myself when its all over, me and Dan have also been loving Jamie Olivers 30 minute meals even though were both convinced it take's him longer but you know, great idea's and Dan wants to start cooking as soon as it's over, thanks Jamie! That's pretty much all I've been watching really I hardly watch much TV anymore not even the soaps, what's happening to me. I would love to know in the comments below what you have been loving.

A month of lipsticks, January 31st 2013.

Hello lovelies, for the final post on my month of lipsticks I thought it would be nice to get  others involved and let them share with you all there favorite lipsticks! Here are the lovely girls that got involved.

The lovely Amy who I am always chatting away to on Twitter who owns this gorgeous blog who I have become very close friends with. She is an amazing woman.

Aaamylouxo

Astor - 102 Catwalk Fuschia

 

This is probably a brand that many people haven't heard of but after trawling the Fragrance Direct website; I came across Astor lipsticks for 99p. This is from their Rogue Couture collection and is a gorgeous pinky purple colour, which is perfect for Autumn/Winter. It lasts for a good few hours and I find it doesn't smudge like alot of lipsticks. The lipstick itself is quite silky and highly pigmented, which I'm so pleased with. The colours are really bold, and you don't need to keep reapplying.

I love the shimmery effect that this lipstick has, it really helps to bring out the shine of the lips. As I have pale skin I think purple/pink lipsticks really help to bring colour to the face, especially the cheeks. I bought a few of the Astor lipsticks and they are great quality, especially for 99p.

 Have you ever tried Astor lispticks?

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The ever so beautiful Samantha, she has the most amazing unique hair ever and owns a lovely blog
Nashbag

Russian Red is MAC Cosmetics No1 best selling red lipstick. Described as an intense blue toned red Russian Red is rich and striking in colour and luxurious in texture. The deep, classic hue of the red and the matte formula makes it the most flattering colour to wear and suits everyone whatever age or skin tone. 

So why I hear you say, is Russian Red my favourite lipstick in the whole wide world out of the many thousands or so I own? What I love most about Russian Red is how timeless and elegant it is, yet it's so easy to wear in day to day life. The fact it fits like a glove with every skin tone imaginable not to mention it being a basic necessity in practically every girl's make up bag. If you're yet to try this gift from above, what is it you're waiting for? The pigmentation is to die for, as is the wonderful non drying matte formula. All of these reasons whipped up together is what gives Russian Red the name of My Favourite Lipstick in my make up bag!

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Alison, who I also love chatting away to on Twitter who owns this lovely blog

RockandGlitter

Although the majority of my lipsticks are made by MAC, the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in number 54 is my favourite lipstick because it has the most soft, gloss like texture without any sticky feeling. 

It’s easy to apply, with the most amazing glossy finish. It’s also the perfect ‘my lips but better’ colour and would be suitable for anyone. Although it’s expensive, I’ve owned this for well over 3 years and love it so much.

Much love, 

Alison xxx

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The sweet Mandy who owns this beautiful Australian blog

Hello,Mandy

I must admit, I'm totally in love with pinky, peachy lipsticks. My favourite lippy has got to be my Australis Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Honky Tonk, which is a really pretty fruity peach colour. It works well as a day-to-day lipstick, and looks lush on a night out. It's so soft and creamy, and very buildable, and is definitely my number one go-to lipstick.

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The gorgeous Hannah who owns this blog

Hannah Rosalie

Words by Hannah Rosalie...

I am obsessed with lip products! The bolder the colour the better!
As we are approaching Spring, I wanted to try and move away from my typical red/purple lip colours and go a little more fresher!
On a shopping trip recently I spotted the Lasting lip stains by Collection. I was spoilt for choice on colour and ended up purchasing 'Flirt 3', which is a Rosy matte stain.
 I loved this colour however I wanted it a little bit more glossy!
I decided to experiment a little and applied Benefit's Cha Cha tint over it.
The results where amazing! It ended up working really well and being just the colour I was after!
I find the tints and stains last so much longer the lipsticks and think this is my 'go to' technique for the season!

 xox
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This is Nik and she owns nikmakeupjunkie

Hii! It's @nikmakeupjunkie. 

My current favorite lipstick is the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Showy.

I actually have a review of it on my blog here

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Then lastly but defiantly not least the lovely Julie who owns this lovely blog
Lippylikes

With a name like LippyLikes it will be no surprise to anyone that I love my lippy, so when I was asked to contribute to a Lipstick post , how could I say no? Deciding to say yes was no problem at all. The only problem for me was what lipstick to choose. I have a real penchant for bright, bold lipsticks. Readers of my blog, LippyLikes know that I love a strong lip and my love for Mac Rebel, So Chaud and Flat Out Fabulous is known to all. But when I was asked to pick a favourite, I quite controversially chose Mac's Honey Love. 

Why? Because it is my perfect nude, goes with anything and lasts all day! Whats not to love about Honey Love x

Also some lovely tweeters took part when I asked what there favorite lipsticks where...

Hope you enjoyed my month of lipsticks lovelies and you didn't find it too boring, I can't actually believe I didn't fail! Hope you all had a lovely start to the year in January and have many more happier months and adventures xxx

May Favourites

Hello lovelies, Bit late this month with my monthly faves but here goes.

Skin Care Faves this month...

Mask of Magnaminty Face and Back Pack - LUSH

I have been loving this face mask in May as i have had awful blemishes for a couple of months i wanted to clear them up for good! I have seen this on other peoples blogs and read good reviews of this so thought why not try it? I usually use BB Seaweed from LUSH but this face mask is said to 'fight all types of outbreaks and put your skin back to tip top condition'. Using this and other spot fighting items it has cleared my skin up and my chin looks in much better condition. It also helps acne out if your acne prone on your face and skin i am not acne prone so didn't need to use this for my back but it has helped my blemishes out alot.

A picture of me sporting the face mask...

Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm - Emma Hardie

I have been wanting to test this cleanser out for so long but didn't want to part with a hefty fortyish pounds. So i was looking on QVC one day and noticed they had a little offer on Emma Hardie products! Which you can see here . How good is that if you want to test out a product but don't want to spend a fortune! I have totally been loving this product and can see it being a holy grail! It smells amazing of jasmine and rose with a hint of oranges. Its a thick balm containing moringa seeds, wild sea fennel and vitamin E to to help balance skin and minimise open pores. The jasmine and rose are in there to leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated and moisturised. You rub the thick balm together with a little warm water and rub all over your face to take away your make up or just to cleanse your face. It leaves my skin feeling silky smooth and refreshed. The Emma Hardie cloth that it comes with too is lovely!  

Divine Oil for body, face and hair - Caudalie

I've never been one for using oils before especially for my face. But this has transformed me! After getting this in a previous glossy box i thought it would just be tossed into my 'samples' box and it stay there but i thought id try it out. So glad i did now, at first i didn't like the feel of it on my face feeling greasy. But it has made my skin so much better so much more hydrated. Another holy grail i think! I apply this every night after i have cleansed and toned my skin. If like me you was a wimp to trying oils on your face i would really recommend this to you.

Make up Faves this month...

Revlon Lip Butter in Creme Brulee 

I have been loving a nude lip in May even with the lovely summer weather you can never go wrong with a nude lip it goes with any look and any outfit! These lip butters are so nourishing on your lips and give a gorgeous glossy shine. But for an extra gloss i have been adding my next make up fave bellapierre lip gloss which goes together beautifully. The revlon lip butter also smells divine as im quite fussy with product smells. If you dont like heavy lipsticks or lipglosses you will love this im sure.

Bellapierre cosmetics super lipgloss in Vanilla Pink

I also got this product in a previous glossy box and love it! I went of lip glosses but this isnt a typical tacky lip gloss its smooth and velvety on your lips. It's a champagne looking pink that's sheer on the lips but enough colour but like i said i have been teaming it up with my revlon lip butter which looks gorgeous together. Also the name 'vanilla pink' it smells like vanilla! Its gorgeous. 

Revlon Photo Ready Cream Blush in Coral Reef

Like being new dipping in to trying oils on my face i have also been abit dubious of using cream blushes on my face as i thought they were sticky and would ruin my foundation, but this cream blush is a dream in a pot to me. As im not a make up artist i try new things out and work with whats best for me. This is such an easy cream blush to work with too as you can have a sheer coverage or build it up to how you like it. It's a gorgeous coral colour that adds a lovely colour to your cheeks. I personally apply mine with my buffing brush and dab it on to my cheek bones. If like me you was worried about testing out a cream blush i would recommend this as its so easy to apply to your cheeks and i have totally been loving this recently and it's so light for the summer.

Nail faves of the month...

Nail Experts Liqid Freeze Quick Dry Nail Spray - AVON

My friend kindly gave this to me as she knows i love painting my nails and trying out new designs but very impatient waiting for them to dry. She recommended this to me but also gave it to me. How lovely of her *smiley face*. I have loved this and now use it ALL the time its amazing it honestly dry's your nails so quickly and gives your nails a glossy shine afterwards the only downfall to the product is that its a bit greasy on your fingers afterwards but you can clean that away quick enough. I will defiantly be re purchasing this once i have run out i was just wondering if anyone else knew of any similar products?

Nail Lacquer in A roll in the hague - OPI

This is such a beautiful bright orange summery colour for the summer and as the weather started to bright up in may i thought this is the colour i need to be wearing! It just makes me happy looking at my nails and i actually wore it all month! Only started to get chips a good 4/5 days after wear and i never even applied a top coat! Good going having a baby and a puppy to run round. If you love bright colours this is for you. I do have a picture if this on my nails but it really doesn't do it any justice or show the brightness of it ill try and get a picture of it in natural lighting for you, as it looks more red here.

Fave Yankee of the month...

Summer Scoop - Yankee Candle

I am so in love with this scent so summery and sweet all together. I just want to eat it it smells so good! Makes you think of a raspberry ice cream. Yummy i wont go into too much detail about it as my previous post was my Yankee collecton which is here if you wanted a recap.  

Hope you all enjoyed my faves of the month. What have you all been loving in May?