Current Skincare Favourites...

Hello everybody!

I apologize again for the radio silence. I have moved house and started a new job so everything has been pretty up in the air. 

I am fully settled now and I have missed blogging so much! There is lots to come now. 

I was thinking which post I should go for as I have been absent for so long, and then I realized that make up aside- its my skin care that has seen the most change, so I thought it was a good place to start!

Some of the above are old, some are new, but regardless, I am loving them right now. 

Una Brennan Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renewing Cleansing Oil: I have heard so many great things about this cleansing oil (mostly from Viviannadoesmakeup- one of my biggest enablers).

This does a fantastic job at breaking up makeup and it is gentle enough to use as a double cleanse. 

I don't think it performs as well as the Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil when it comes to pure make up removal, but it is a lovely, gentle non stripping oil that I enjoy. 

It's the first affordable cleanser that  I have liked in YEARS - I honestly have really high maintenance skin, so I like there is something on the high street that doesn't break the bank.

It does have a fragrance to it but its not overpowering and for me, not irritating. 

Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask : I am a huge fan of using acids on my skin- I barely ever use manual exfoliants these days. I use this mask once a week and I think it has done a really good job at brightening my skin that has been ravaged by excessive sugar consumption and central heating.

I make sure not to over exfoliate so I only do this once a week and with one or two swipes of my First Aid Beauty pads here and there. 

It makes my skin clearer and brighter. I will definitely pick up the full size.

Ren Flash One Minute Facial: This is so refreshing to use in the morning, its ever so slightly grainy and its weird that you only need to leave it on the skin for a minute, but it does help to perk up tired skin.

I think this could be pretty harsh so I only use it a couple of times a week, but its a pleasure every time. 

If you are super sensitive though, I would maybe ask for a sample- I can be pretty sensitive and its pretty easy for my skin to get blotchy and red looking- this however is fine for me.
I do find sometimes my skin can feel a little tight after use, but it does make my skin look great and its nothing that a little facial oil cant sort. 

I will pick up a full size when this runs out, but I have other brightening masks that I will finish first.

Emma Hardie Brillaince Facial Oil : I LOVE this stuff- a full review is on its way!

Egyptian Magic Cream : I have had his for ages and I'm only nearly a third of my way through. It's one of my holy grails. The packaging sucks though as all the writing has worn off.
For a full review, click here. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Tonic: I used this religiously for years but stopped to try new things. I'm glad this is back in my life! 

I really enjoy this in spritz form as a toner, to refresh throughout the day and also to spritz on after I've done my make up in case things are looking a little powdery.

Its become a permanent fixture in my make up bag. Non drying and refreshing. A win. 

Liz Earle Eyebright: If like me- you wear lenses, you will understand the agony of putting lenses in tired, dry eyes. 

It's horrible, but sometimes unavoidable. If I've had little sleep (which is often) I cant afford to wait forever for my eyes to adjust...

Enter this. I now keep this by my bedside, and after my first alarm has gone off, I drench two cotton discs with this calming solution and place on my eyes for 10 mins. 

I'm sure this would help with de-puffing, but I don't really have that problem- I more need something to bring my eyes to life. 

This does just that, soothes my eyes, wakes me up and tricks my eyes into thinking they're contact lense ready. Its a keeper. 

What are your current skin care faves? 

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Liz Earle Powder Blush : Swatch and Review

If you have read this post, you will be well aware that I totally adore the Liz Earle Cream Blushes. They are some of the best I have ever tried and really create that dewy flush of colour.

I realised whilst sorting through my make up stash that I had rather ignored their powder counterpart- so I just wanted to right this wrong!

This is the Liz Earle Powder Blush in Nude, which is described as a rosy apricot.

It has a matte finish, which is not usually something I go for- I like my blushes with a dose of glow, however this is one of the creamiest matte blushes I have tried.

It is surprisingly silky to the touch, it's not overly powdery, it kicks up very little powder at all in fact and it blends with ease considering it is a matte.

This colour does create a lovely natural flush and I really should make a effort to use it more often!

Do I prefer it to the cream blushes? No. I think if you are dithering between, the creams reign supreme. 

This is a lovely blush though so I have moved things around a bit so I have more easy access to it, the colour reads very autumnal to me and due to its rosy base, it suits a multitude of make up looks.

What do you guys prefer? Cream or Powder? 

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Currently Loving...

I try to shake up my make up quite regularly as I don't really like being stuck in a rut. but I noticed whilst putting on my make up this morning, that I have been reaching for these items almost daily.
So, without further ado...

Liz Earle Cream Blush in Blossom : Does any one know if this is discontinued? It's my favourite product from the entire LE line so I will be pretty gutted if that is the case. It's just my perfect cream blush, for a full review, click here. Also peeps, if this has gone, do you know of any dupes?

Nars Laguna Bronzer : What a cult product hey? Its a medium brown shade with a subtle gold shimmer throughout which never translates as obvious or chunky on the skin. I love applying it with my Bobbi Brown Bronzer brush to add a authentic warmth to my skin. I seem to go in waves of using this, but right now its my fave.

Mac Fluid Line in Blacktracks : I am clearly in a old school mood huh? I have had this for quite a while now so I was pretty certain it had all dried up - its 18 months old but it's still in perfect condition! I'm loving the thick opacity of gel eyeliners right now and this bad boy has some serious staying power. I use my real techniques eye liner brush to add a slim line and little flick to the top of my upper lashline. If smokes out really well so when I am not feeling the harsh look, I blend some eye shadow over top with a pencil brush and I am left with a soft smokey flick. I've used this daily and I won't be changing my ways anytime soon. I've missed you eyeliner.

Yves Saint Laurent Elle Eau de Parfum : Although I love to switch my fragrances up, if I were to have one signature scent, it would be this without fail. I have no idea how many of these I have got through in my time but it is a classic that I always come back to.
With notes of Patchouli, this is a woody and slightly spicy fragrance that has some real depth to it. There is a a floral element to it that stops it from being too heavy, but only a touch. It is very sophisticated and such a unique fragrance. I really cannot stand over the top floral fragrances as they make headachey. This is as 'floral' as I go.

Laura Geller Baked Eye Shadow Stripes in Plum Torte : This trio contains one white highlight, a bronze shimmer and a indigo shade. As pretty as this is to use on the eye, I have actually been using the white shade as a cheek highlight and it is glorious.
This baked white highlight produces the most incredible sheen on the cheek- it is so light catching but due to it being a baked product, it looks so natural and there is no glitter in sight.
I know Laura does a highlight duo which I may have to pick up because this is totally my favourite highlight right now. I dip my fan brush in and dust it on the high points of my face. This doesn't look white or obvious on the skin, it just captures light like nobodies business.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara : I have had this sample for a while now but for some reason I never gave it a proper go.
The brush on this is really quite big - it is a thick, long bristle brush - perhaps it was that which put me off, but I love it. It builds up volume super fast which I really appreciate as layering endless coats of mascara first thing in the morning isn't ideal. This creates very thick black lashes. I love it and when it runs out I will pick up the full size.

Essie Nail Polish in Chillato : I just can't get enough of Essie at the moment. This is part of their summer collection and I just had to pick it up. It's very unique in my nail polish collection, it is a pastel lime green, I have pastel mints a plenty, but a lime version is such an interesting addition. I have repainted this countless times.

What are your current favourites?

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My Top Ten Brushes

When I went away last week, I tried my hardest to scale my brushes down, so this post is half favourite brushes and half the brushes I take away with me. I have to say after taking pictures, I realized that there are a couple that on the whole I prefer (which I have written below) but these are the ones I take away with me as a lot of them are multipurpose. 

Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face : This is a great little multi-tasker so I always take this away with me. On the whole I prefer applying foundation with my fingers but some formulas do need a brush to help buff them in.
This brush is very soft, travel sized and is my favourite brush for blending foundation in seamlessly in no time.
I also use it to blend in cream products whether that be bronzer/blusher, but especially my Smashbox Contour Sticks  as not only does it work them in well, but it is small enough to blend in a contour without smearing it all over my face.

Real Techniques Setting Brush : I use this for concealer- again not all the time because I think with some concealer formulas you really need the warmth of your fingers to help blend in, but with my Urban Decay Concealer, when I do my upside triangles, this does a great job of blending without wiping away the coverage I have created or disturbing my foundation underneath. I need to pick up another one of these, its fab. 

Charlotte Tilbury Blush Brush : This is my favourite Blush Brush when it comes to working with sheerer blushes. Its the only brush I use for my Nars and Clinique blushes as they are not as crazy pigmented, so this helps to pick up that extra bit of product as the bristles are fairly dense. It's fairly soft as well, which is a bonus.

Charlotte Tilbury Powder and Sculpt Brush : This brush is great for contouring and highlighting (although it can pick up too much highlight so I have to tap off the excess), but I use it mostly to set the concealer under my eyes. To be honest, I often use it for everything, including blusher (If my CT blusher brush is dirty) as it is so small and tapered than you can get a really precise application. This is a real workhorse so I think it would fit most peoples needs. 

I have to say though if we are solely talking powder contour, then my Mac 168 is my absolute favourite as it really carves out the cheek bones whilst diffusing the edges, making everything look natural. 

I would have included that here, but I couldn't justify taking another brush away me when this brush is so multi functional. 

 Real Techniques Duo Fibre Brush : This is my favourite brush of all time. If I were only allowed to keep one face brush- this would be it.
It is soft, never picks up too much product, has many uses, washes like a dream, dries V quickly and manages to bounce back every time I squish it in my make up bag.
I use this for a fine dusting of powder, whether that be under my eyes or all over. You will never get a heavy, powdery look with this brush.
This works brilliantly at applying and diffusing bronzer- the brush is tapered so I can turn the brush on the side to blend out powder contour as well.
Even though this brush is larger, I use it for my more pigmented and creamy blushes as well, for example my Charlotte Tilbury blushes. It just makes them look so seamless on the skin.
This brush is very affordable - it comes in a three set which is priced at £23.99.
I don't use the other brushes a whole lot, but it is worth picking up for this brush alone.

Smashbox Fan Brush : I use this with my powder highlights- my super pigmented ones anyway, such as The Balms Mary Lou- Manizer and Kevyn Aucoins Starlight.

I don't want to look metallic or glittery and this fan brush picks up just enough product and applies a very light layer to the skin with precision. 

Mac 217 : I'm sure you all knew this little brush would make an appearance! If I am after a wash of colour all over the lid, this brush comes in handy, but it is my favourite crease brush for blending out powder eye shadows as somehow it helps me create that almost feline eye. I use it flat to deposit the colour in the crease and then I tun it on the side to blend out and it helps to diffuse my eye shadow upwards and outwards.

Mac 239 : This is my favourite brush for packing shadow onto the lid, it is fairly stiff and not as fluffy as the 217 so you can get a precise, dense application of shadow.

Liz Earle Blend and Contour Brush : I absolutely adore this brush. I use for a sheer wash of colour all over the lid but it is my favourite brush for blending out cream eye shadow. For a full review, click here.

Real Techniques Accent Brush : This is such a robust little brush I always take it with me. I use it to add my inner corner highlight and to clear up the mascara smudges on my eye lids as it is so tiny it applies the product exactly where I need it.

I also use it to smoke out my lower lash line.  I do prefer using my Mac pencil brush for that purpose as it is larger, but as this performs several functions, I took this instead. 

What are you're favourite brushes? 

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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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A glimpse of what is coming up....

Hello Everyone.

Just a quick little post here to show you what will be up on the blog soon!

I was feeling quite spendy in town on Saturday, so I picked up a few bits and bobs.

I have yet to try the new Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Luminous Bronze on my cheeks, but I swatched it in SpaceNK and holy crap it is stunning.

Here's hoping it looks as beautiful on the face otherwise I have made a very expensive mistake! 

 I have played with the Laura Mercier Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colour in Fuchsia Mauve- what a stunning colour!

You can see I have two little Elemis samples - the Papaya Enzyme Peel and the Pro- Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm, I picked them up in this months Marie Claire- definitely track a MC down if you can, I have only used these two a couple of times but so far so good.

All in all there are some beautiful things here so if you are interested, keep checking in as they will all be reviewed fully on the blog very soon! 

Have a good week everyone, 

XXX

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Liz Earle : Brushes

I can't believe it's taken me this long to do a post on brushes!

I love brushes....it is a weakness, but as oppose to just listing my favorites, I thought I should categorize them into brands.

Here we have the Liz Earle offering.

I LOVE these.

All of these brushes are synthetic, cruelty free, beautiful to look at, incredibly soft and I have yet to experience any shedding.

Lets start with the Powder Brush:

This is my newest one and I have wanted it for the longest time.

This works best with all powders- mineral foundation/bronzer/setting powder.

I don't use it to set under my eyes as it's a bit too big but honestly it is divine.

It's just so flipping soft.

I washed this for the first time last night- like the other 2 I have this washes so well.

It doesn't splay out of shape and it dries quickly.

The Blush Brush :

This is quite a dense brush so I don't use it for my really pigmented blushes as it tends to add too much product, but for sheerer blusher formulas it is lovely.

I have to say though I prefer it for other purposes- it makes a lovely liquid foundation brush.

It is so soft so a pleasure to use and the angle at which it is cut makes it super easier to manipulate foundation around the nose/eyes.

Also lovely for applying pressed powder foundations. 

The Blend & Contour Brush 

I use this everyday! I have had this for about a year and a half and it still hasn't shed and it has kept its shape and softness.

I have washed this LOADS and it is still good as new.

I use this every time I apply cream eye shadow to blend out the edges and the same goes with powder eye shadow. 

Also it works well at applying a nice wash of colour all over the lid.

I get a lot of use out of the Liz Earle brushes and they really are some of my favorites! I can't sing their praises high enough.

They are just so, so soft and they never shed.

Possibly the best thing is that they are actually quite affordable!

The Eye brush is £12.50, Blush £15.00 and Powder £20.00.

When you compare these to other brands out there - Mac or Bobbi Brown for example- these are a lot cheaper and just as good if not better!

PS- my favorite brush cleaner is the Liz Earle Shampoo- cleans these up beautifully and all the others in my collection, synthetic or not.

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Something To Add To The Summer Wishlist...

This barely left my cheeks last summer so I thought it was time to dig it out again! I'm nearly hitting pan so I thought I should do a review before it becomes a bit too unsightly.

This is the Liz Earle Radiant Glow Bronzer.

I believe it was limited addition last year but it's back again!

Although I'm not sure whether it's permanent, it tends to hang around for quite some time.

This bronzer features a quartet of different shades, varying from a lighter almost peachy/champagne shade to the deepest which has a bit more earthiness/terracotta to it- but it is not too dark and there is no orange in sight.

I swirl my brush around all for shades and dust over the high points of my face for a gorgeous sun kissed glow. It is quite hard to over do and even though all the shades are shimmery, somehow you don't end up looking like a disco ball.

I don't know how- but trust me! Even in sunlight, it is forgiving.

The one thing I would say though is that on the website they say you can use the darker shade for a subtle contour, which is something I personally wouldn't do, due to the high sheen of the product, it could look a bit obvious/unnatural.

Indoors

Sunlight

The swatches above show the lightest to darker shades, so you can see a decent level of variation.

I have never been disappointed when it comes down to a Liz Earle cheek products and in this compact you get a decent 10g, so I think it is well worth the money.

I have also just used the lightest shade as a highlighter and it looks so natural, a product that can be a bronzer and a highlighter at the same time gets two thumbs up from me.

I love to keep things simple and just get some tinted moistruizer on, mascara and brows and then swirl a big brush around this compact and then boom, a fresh summery bronzey look. 

Next time you hit up boots, give it a swatch, I just couldn't walk away...it had to be mine.

Have you tried anything from the Liz Earle Make Up line?

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Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush. Swatches and Review

L-R: Nectar and Blossom. 

I have tried quite a bit from the Liz Earle make up range an although I'd say all in all its a very good line, the Healthy Glow Cream Blushers are the best thing about it. 

I have two shades here and you can see the one of the left has been very well loved. 

These creams melt beautifully into the skin, but because they aren't a cream to powder formula, they're actually incredibly easy to blend.

L-R: Nectar and Blossom

The problem often faced with cream blush, is that it is assumed that one has to make a compromise. In order to have the very natural pink kissed cheeks, you have to accept that the product wont last very long on the skin.

Don't get me wrong here, that is a genuine problem with cream products, but the reason these blushers are fantastic, is that they are genuinely long lasting. 

Maybe if you have oily skin, you're results may differ, but on my normal to dry skin, they look as prominent in the evening as they did first thing in the morning. 

I love both of these shades, but I'd say my new addition, Blossom, is possibly my favourite as I can literally wear it with anything. 

It warms up your face when you're wearing a nude lip, but it also compliments a red.

If you had to get one from the line, I would suggest this one. 

These blushers have been very aptly named, they really do give a healthy glow to the skin. 

If you do buy these online, I feel its fair to warn you that these are quite small- but don't be alarmed as they are pigmented so you won't need a lot. Start with a small amount, and then build up if needed. 

I have had Nectar for over a year and I have yet to hit pan. 

These blushes cost £16.50 for 2g.

You can buy them here

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