My Top Three Bases for Every Occasion

The market right now is saturated with Foundations/Tinted Moisturizers/BBs/CCs/EEs/Full Coverage/Sheer/Matte/Liquid/Powder- the list goes on and on, and all the while new releases are being added. 

Although my make up stash seems to be constantly expanding, I try to be quite disciplined when it comes to bases as they do have a shorter shelf life.
 There are many foundations out there right now that I really want to get my hands on, but for now I am sticking with these three until one of them runs out.

For my skin, I have the winning three that are in constant rotation as I have one to suit every need. 

For reference, I am 24 and my skin type is normal to dry and a bit dehydrated. I don't tend to suffer from blemishes so my base of choice is something that is glowy, hydrating and buildable if needed. 

I don't like flat matte finishes as they dry out my complexion. 

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk : I use the shade 4. This formula is more of a typical foundation than the other two listed, it is slightly thicker and takes more working in so I often use a brush to apply it, or at least to aid the final blend. 

This is a beautiful foundation that photographs like nobodies business- its a winner on a night out or any occasion where I feel like I have to bring my A game. The finish is incredibly natural, I think this foundation is very aptly named as it certainly makes the skin look luminous.  

People often compare this to the L'Oreal True Match, I am sorry but I have to disagree there. TM sank into my pores and left my skin looking a little cakey.
Luminous Silk does not as it smoothes over any texture in the skin and helps to disguise pores- though I hasted to add that as I have dry skin so enlarged pores are not a problem I often face. 

This provides a medium coverage with one pump but that can be bumped up to a fuller coverage with 2. This is long lasting and sometimes looks even better at the end of the day, but again I need to add that I don't tend to have issues with make up wearing off.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer : I use the shade Groenland. If I was forced into purging my entire base stash and I was only allowed to keep one- it would be this. 

Hands down, the best tinted moisturizer I have ever tried and this is the base I wear most regularly.

After I have cleansed my skin and applied my regular moisturizer, I apply this all over my skin, blending in with my fingers. 

Part of the reason this is so glorious is because it actually hydrates the skin whereas a lot of TMs don't - they masquerade as tinted moisturizers when all they really are is a sheer foundation. 

This adds a decent coverage but more can be added to problem areas, but it is the finish that keeps me coming back day after day - if you want skin that looks dewy, healthy, plump and delicious, just go for this 

It is SPF 30 so it is great in warmer weather (although if you are actually going to be sunbathing, please use a designated sun cream).
However due to the SPF it does flash back, so for nights out, I use either the above or....

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua : I use the shade B20. This is another total gem and a happy medium between the two above. 

Firstly I love the bottle as it's so travel friendly so if I am pushed for room in my make up bag I tend to only pack this.  

I prefer applying this with my fingers as the warmth really helps it to mesh with the skin. How much coverage you want is up to you, it is sheer to medium but it layers well.

This is such a perfecting foundation, I find people just comment on how good my skin is- not how good my foundation is which is the point of base products, right? I just want to look like a more perfected version of myself.

The finish of this is more glowy than the Armani but not as much as the Nars. I find this one handles primers really well so if I want to up the glow, I can use my Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow  or the Dior Glow Maximizer. 

I opt for this if I want something lighter than the Giorgio Armani (and it is much quicker to apply), or if I want more coverage than Nars.

It contains SPF 15, and I have to say that I don't really see the point in token amounts of SPF, but it photographs well and it is very travel friendly. 

Bottom Line : Whilst I have these three I don't see the need to try anything else. They all handle their specicifc needs perfectly, but when one runs out I will be looking into new bases to try! Maybe not with the Nars though...it's just that damn good.

What are your favourite bases? Any reccomendations? 

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Charlotte Tilbury Blush in First Love

If you have read this post you will know that as of late, this blush has really been floating my boat.

I bought this a while ago when my obsession with Charlotte Tilbury's Love Glow was at an all time high, so this was somewhat neglected.

First Love looks quite peculiar in the pan - it is a warm peachy/brown tone with a faint silver shimmer through out. Please don't let the silver sheen deter you because this thing is GORGEOUS.

This is so unlike everything I own. 

It just makes you look healthy, the shimmer is very subtle- have no fear of silver sparkles, think more gentle luminosity. 

Charlotte Tilbury blushes are among some of my favorites, I adore their creamy, smooth formula and I am glad that First Love is no exception.

This is a great summer blush as it adds that peachyness- I love layering it over my Chanel Bronzing Universal but I can imagine it working in colder months too sans tan. Summer has pretty much left the building so we shall find out soon enough. 

If you are looking for a classic, luminous pink cheek- opt for Love Glow, but if Peachy warmth is more your thing, choose First Love.

The blendabilty of these blushes is second to none and I don't think I will stop until I have them all...

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One of the most comfortable Lipsticks you will ever use...

I have tried quite an array of lipsticks in my time and although I have found some real gems, I have also found some crashing disappointments.

I love a great lipstick but I also hate a high maintenance product. Anything that requires a touch up every seven minutes or is so slippery I am permanently paranoid that it is on my teeth and chin or is so drying that I feel like I am walking round with dry, crusty prunes on my face- is not a winner in my books.

The Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick in Fuchsia in Rage is the first YSL lipstick I have tried and I am not going to lie I was pretty taken aback by it.

It is so smooth and creamy, making it by far the most lip balm like lippie I own.
It applies smoothly as hell- comfort is it's number one sell, but then I automatically assumed that this is going to be one of those products that drives me up the bloody wall with paranoia...but no.

It didn't bleed, it didn't smear, it held its own against a latte and actually left a stain behind. 

From the swatch below you can see that it is quite sheer:

However it  builds up incredibly easily to a gorgeous punchy colour that just perks up the complexion no end. I pair it with thick, black lashes and that's about it. It makes me look and feel awake whilst adding moisture to my lips- which is especially great if they are dry and chapped. It's probably the only lipstick I can wear regardless of my lip state.

Pigment is on point and even after building up, it still stays put.

I know this is a pricey lipstick but I will undoubtedly pick up more, this is one of the products in my stash where I hands down believe you get what you pay for. I don't even really understand how something can feel so buttery and glossy on the lips whilst being long lasting..

Have any of you tried this? Any shade recommendations?

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No 7 Shadow Sticks...A Dupe?

I have seen a lot of bloggers compare these to the By Terry Ombre Blackstars and as they are a fraction of the price I thought I would pick a few shades up. 

I'm just going to get this out of the way quick, I really don't think these are in any way a dupe- they are nowhere near as good and out of the four I have, there is only that I actually like. 

I have the shades Coffee Bean, Gunmetal Grey, Cool Mink and Deep Purple.

I will start off with the positive- Cool Mink is a nice cool taupe shade that adds some subtle interest to the eye.

I love that this can be quickly scribbled on in two seconds flat and it lasts all day.

L-R: Cool Mink, Deep Purple, Coffee Bean and Gunmetal Grey 

I bought Coffee Bean as it looked quite similar to By Terrys Brown Perfection and to be honest I wish I hadn't. I would have much rather put that £8 towards the By Terry offering.

It is quite a stiff formula, I would rather it was creamier so there was no dragging.

Once on and blended the colour seemed to dull down to a rather boring shade and most of the shimmers seemed to disappear. To add insult to injury it wasn't particularly long lasting and it did crease.

It's just really boring and fades to a grey brown.

I had similar issues (if not worse) with Deep Purple.
It worked fine when blended lightly on the lower lashline but all over the lid it skipped, dragged and moved like crazy.

Gunmetal wasn't as bad, it's not my colour so I don't really know why I bought it, so I think I am swayed by not liking the colour, but it does perform better than the others although it is hard to blend and sets that bit too quick making things look a little blocky.

In these pictures I am wearing Coffee Bean on the lid, Gunmetal Grey on the inner corners and Deep Purple on the lower lashline. 

See what I mean? The colours have dulled and there is creasing. 

L-R: Coffee Bean, Deep Purple, Gunmetal Grey and Cool Mink

 Bottom Line : The swatches make these shadow sticks look better than they are. I will definitely keep Cool Mink as an easy every day shade, but overall I am really unimpressed with these and I wont be picking up anymore. 

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Charlotte Tilbury : The Golden Goddess

Here we have the Charlotte Tilbury Golden Goddess Palette.

I have one more palette to bring you after this one, but now as we are in the month of August it seemed appropriate to talk about her summery offering!

I do really like this, but I prefer the others I have. You can read about The Sophisticate, The Vintage Vamp and The Rock Chick.

If you are a lover of neutrals- then you will really enjoy this. Don't get me wrong, I really do but I find it lacks the depth that the others have. 

The Prime shade is a pale gold which looks great on the inner corners, the Enhance is a unusual taupe shade that veers bronze- it looks quite different when in the pan and when swatched.

The Smoke shade is a beautiful bronze which is obviously needed in any summer collection and then the Pop is a gold pressed glitter pigment. 

The issue I have with this is that when the Enhance and the Smoke shade are blended together they can get a bit lost. 

It all seems to blend into one. 

I will either put the enhance or smoke over the lid whilst using the prime and pop.

The glitter pigment is stunning and I love adding it on top- it also works beautifully over any gold/bronzey cream eye shadow to take things to the next level. 

I think the glitter shade actually works best over a cream base and it gives it something to stick to.

Sometimes I can get a bit of fall out with the pop shade in this palette, which is not something I experience with the others.

Honestly I am not  bashing this palette- it is beautiful and I get a lot of use out of it, this is such a great little neautral palette that I think a lot of people will enjoy. 

When I am tanned and I want to do the whole bronze goddess thing, this comes with me, it has been on several holidays with me and it works well for subtle day time looks.

I just wish this could be built up more. If you are into neutral, shimmery basics, you will love this, but if you really want to up the amp and achieve a sexy smokey eye, it's quite hard to do with this. 

I find it easy with the other palettes to create some serious smokey oomph.

L-R : Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop

Bottom Line : Neutral lovers will adore this, those seeking some serious intensity, need not apply.

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Summery Cheeks with Becca's Beach Tint in Watermelon

I realize when I wrote this post on the Bourjois Aqua Blush, I said that I didn't own any liquid blushes...that's not the whole truth. I forgot that I bought this a while ago and it got a little lost in my stash. I have amended this situation and I am making sure to wear it regularly as it is a great little product.

The Becca Beach Tint is one of those two in one products- it can be used on the Cheeks and Lips. I find most products that promise both don't actually deliver both...that is somewhat the truth here. 

I adore this pinky/red shade on the cheeks as it gives such a dewy look to the skin and it is very easy to work with (unlike the Bourjois).

The best way to apply this is to pop a little bit on the back of my hand and then I gently rub my ring finger in and blend it a little. If I apply this straight to the cheeks it can be easy to over do as it spreads, if I spread it on the hand first, I can control it more. 

This applies very easily to the apples of the cheeks and once blended it gives such an effortless summer dewiness. 

I also find it long lasting which is a rarity with cream/liquid cheek products. 

Another reason why blending on the back of the hand is a good idea is because it can separate a little in the tube which is quite annoying, but blending restores the proper texture of the blush. 

This is such an easy little thing to take away with me and I am very keen to get my hands on Lychee, a bright pink shade.

This does work on the lips, but it creates a more matte look, which yes is longer lasting and it's nice having a matching product to your cheeks, but after a while it can feel a little drying. 

When I am in a rush, you can't really get easier than this and I will wear it both ways, but I hands down prefer this as a blush than lip product.

It does look lovely on the lips though!

It is a very flattering shade, but you can see it does highlight the lines in my lips so it's not as comfortable as my designated lip products.

What are your thoughts? I have been obsessed with Becca for ages but this is the only product I actually own!

Recommendations are welcome! 

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The New Thing....Egyptian Magic

I was given a sample of this a while ago in SpaceNK and to be honest....I had never heard of it before.

I opened up the little sachet thinking I would be greeted by your run of the mill face cream, alas no. This is some sort of hybrid between a cream/oil and balm. You only need a tiny amount and I mean TINY. A little goes a very long way.

Let me explain.

This cream contains only a handful of very basic, all natural ingredients. The entire inci list is as follows : Honey, Beeswax, Olive Oil, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen and Bee Propolis.

So that might give you some indication of what the texture is like as in the tub it looks like a dense honey (minus any granules) but once you rub it between your fingers it melts into this delicious oil.

This is a fantastic product and my new skin savior. I went away last week and I didn't pack this (for reasons unknown) and my skin let me know pretty quickly.

It has an array of benefits such as helping to heal, comfort and moisturize.

Due to the honey it is also antibacterial so if you have blemish prone skin this will also help to clear it.

I don't use this in the morning as it takes quite some time for this to absorb, I use about a 5 pence piece amount, massage it into my skin after cleansing and after using my Kiehls midnight recovery oil and my skin dramatically improves the next day.

I find it hard to come across multi-functional products but this does deliver what ever my skin is craving.

I can go to bed with dull/dry/spotty/dehydrated/course skin and ten wake up feeling so much better.

My skin feels moisturized whilst clearer and brighter.

It is somewhat of an all rounder as it can be used as a lip balm/on cuticles/ and burns.

Bottom Line : I adore this stuff. It is my skin care savior and now I can't imagine it being out my routine. It just goes to show that sometimes simplicity is best. I won't make the mistake of leaving it at home again. Also it comes in a massive jar so this will last for a long, long time.

Have any of you tried this wonder cream?

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By Terry Ombre Blackstar : Swatches and Review

The By Terry Ombre Blackstars do tend to polarize opinions.

I read far more favorable reviews than negative, but I feel like I sit in a weird no mans land because I do see their faults but I continue to love them anyway.

Does that make sense?

These cream eye shadows do not come cheap at £29- I only managed to justify them by redeeming by five quid off reward from SpaceNK.

I wish considering their price tag that they were perfect- I think for that amount of money a product should be flawless, but it is not.

I have two shades- Bronze Moon and Misty Rock.

Brown Perfection will be mine the moment I have enough Ndulge points. 

The consistency and texture of these sticks is divine- super creamy but not smeary, they apply like a dream- there is no dragging or scratching and the colours are my absolute favorites. 

L-R Bronze Moon and Misty Rock

Bronze Moon is as the name would suggest, a bronze shade with a lot of gleam to it- it almost looks wet on the eye. Such a easy shade to wear and perfect for when you are in a hurry.

I scribble on, blend through the crease and then apply a touch more over those pesky mascara smudges then BOOM. 

A wet look bronzey eye in 4 seconds.

The BM formula is the better of the two- I have far less issues with creasing and it lasts and lasts until I take it off.

The issue that I can face is that if I apply a bit too much/its a super hot day - creasing can happen. I don't really need a primer with this, but on a humid day, it is a must.

I love this so much and when it runs out, I will definitely repurchase, its so easy and such a unique bronze colour, but it is not perfect. 

Misty Rock is the more complex of the two. I love this shade big time- its a purple/taupe/silver- so unique and it just makes me feel so summery. 

Again, I would repurchase when it runs out without hesitation, but this CAN be quite difficult to work with.

I find if I prime my eyelids, and set with powder my problems do halve- but for £29 I think it's worth noting.

Every time I wear this people ask me what it is, it is easy and creamy to apply, it doesn't flake and it gives another beautiful wet look to the eye- but it can crease like a mofo. 

Exhibit A: 

See what I mean? It just seems to crack.

I don't have particularly oily lids but if you do I would either avoid or use a heavy duty primer.

Bronze Moon in action with a bit of Bobbi Browns Camel in the crease :

Here's just a little swatch to give you more of an idea of colour :

L-R: Bronze Moon and Misty Rock

Bottom Line : I will continue to use these around the clock- beautiful colours, super easy to apply, very travel friendly and long lasting. 

The con is obviously the creasing and normally that is a humongous no no from me, I can try to avoid it with primers and powders etc, but even if the cracks appear, I love these too much to be perturbed.

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July Beauty and Skincare Favorites

It's that time again! Time to have a little look at what I've been loving in the month of July...

Clarins Instant Light Lip Balm in Rose : This is so darn easy to wear which is why it has been my grab and go through the busy month of July. I've nearly finished it which is pretty unusual for a hoarder like myself.

If you are familiar with the Instant Light Glosses, then you will recognize the same caramel/vanilla scent. It's delicious.

This is such an easy little hand bag balm, it imparts a gentle glossy pink to the lips that is low maintenance but just helps polish off any look.

These are very comfortable and moisturizing but I believe it contains mineral oil which would explain why in the long run it can make my lips feel a little dry. However that does not deter me, I just make sure to use my trusty Nuxe Rev De Miel before bed.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Bronze Moon : For some reason it has taken my light years to write this review, but it will be up tomorrow.

Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow : I have had this since Christmas but as of late I have found it hard to go without.

It has a beautiful, delicate rose scent which is in no way over powering or irritating, but it the effect this gives that keeps me coming back for more. I seem to be working my way through this quite slowly though so that's good.

This is the only primer I have that actually adds a level of hydration. I love any kind of radiance primer for example the Dior Glow Maximiser, but although that does bring the glow, it doesn't feel that beneficial to my skin. Wonderglow just feels like another layer of moisturizer and as a dry skin girl, that helps.

It adds such a gorgeous, healthy golden sheen to the skin. It perks up my complexion especially if I am tired and/or hungover. Foundation sits beautifully on top as well.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nectar : I've now hit pan on this little guy! Although it looks small it has actually lasted me ages. I love this, it adds a very lovely pink dewiness to the cheeks and due to the teeny little size it is very travel friendly so it was the only blush I took with me when I went away. Also no brushes needed which makes life even easier.

For a full review with swatches, click here.

Sarah Chapman Rapid Radiance Cleanser : I finally tried something from Sarah Chapman! I normally prefer a balm cleanser, but as I already have my much loved Oskia Renassiance Cleansing Gel in my cabinet, I thought I would try this.

This is a clay based cleanser- which is not something I would really go for as I have dry skin, but this has actually worked wonders and I really missed it when I went away. I think that's always a good indiction of how much a product actually works for you.

I don't find this works well as an evening cleanser as I tend to prefer something more heavy duty to remove any remaining scraps of make up , but in the morning this is lovely.

I dispense two pumps onto my hands and rub onto my dry skin. I can imagine oily skin folk would love this but it also works for me as I feel like during the warmer months I can wake up feeling a little more greasy than usual and this makes me feel refreshed and balanced again.

You can also use this as a two minute radiance booster.

This cream cleanser is packed full of goodies such as Lactic Acid (great for dehydrated skins) and Salicylic Acid (your best friend if your skin is looking congested or dull)

I have found over the course or using this every morning my skin is looking brighter and healthier. I really look forward to using this in the AM.

Bumble and Bumble Pret a Powder : This little travel size has not left my handbag all month. I am still in love with it, for a full review, click here.

This Works Perfect Skin Miracle : This is a tinted moisturizer, but not in the way you might expect as it doesn't add any coverage.

This cream smells like cake, which is slightly odd but pleasant and is a dark mustard/gold in colour.

When dispensed into your hand it is mildly alarming, but when you rub it in it just adds a gently warmth to the complexion also whilst giving you a dose of hyluronic acid.

On good skin days I have just been wearing this with a touch of concealer on my dark circles.

Smashbox Contour Stick : I have been loving this all month. This comes in a set of three - a cool contour, warm bronzer and a matte cream highlight.

I have been using all three but the contour shade has definitely seen the most love. The texture is so creamy and blendable it is a cinch to use. I love it, for a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Swish and Pop Blush in First Love : Shock horror, another CT product!

I love this warm peachy blush, on days when I haven't been wearing the Liz Earle blush. I actually bough this a few months ago but I was so in love with Love Glow which I still am, but during the warmer months this has been everything.

It's a good one and a full review is on its way!

What have been your favorites of the month?

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