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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Autumn Lip Options no.2 : Mac Plumful

If you read last weeks post on Charlotte Tilburys Love Liberty Lipstick, you will know I am really embracing the Autumn shades right now. 

When I am not in a berry mood or when I want something a little less intense, I have been reaching for Macs Plumful, as it is such an easy shade to pull off.

Plumful is described as a 'rose plum' so it sits on the neutral side of plum- it's not overly purple so it can be worn with pretty much every eye look as it has that rose base.

Plumful is part of the 'Lustre' range, if you are not familiar with the different range, lustre finishes are a very comfortable, balmy formula with a decent pigmentation and a slight sheen to them. 

I find this lipstick to be fairly long lasting and it really perks up the complexion.

Of course this can be worn all your round- as all lipsticks should be, I don't think you should ever feel like you have to limit yourself when the seasons change- if you wanna rock a neon orange in the depths of winter- then go for it! But I think if you want a autumnal shade that is not too in your face but adds that slight plummyness, this is such a lovely lipstick to go for.
This is the only Mac lipstick I own in the Lustre finish- what shades do you think I should add to my shopping list?

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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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Lip Liner : The Essentials

I love a good lip liner, I can be pretty cack handed when applying bold lipsticks so I find lip liners make the whole process a lot easier whilst also acting as a good base for the lipstick which helps with longevity.
I have narrowed my favorites down to this bunch here- I feel like I have all the bases down so whatever lip shade I am wearing, I have a liner that works with it.

You do not need to have an identical liner to every lipstick you have.

Mac Lip Liner in Soar : Soar is a pinky brown shade that is very easy to apply and due to its natural colour and matte finish it can you help you achieve a slightly fuller pout if desired.

I do find this drying though so I don't often wear it alone, but it looks beautiful under a lot of lipsticks. My two favorites to pair with this are Macs Mehr and Bobbi Brows Rose Brown.
Soar is also very long lasting. 

For a full review click here 

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Venom : This is the only lip liner I have tried from UD but I am keen to pick up more. This is very long lasting and comfortable to wear.
 I don't find it works that well as all over lip colour - I can get it to spread, I find it very easy to draw a neat line which is super helpful for a bold lip but i find if I wear this solo all over the lip it can cling to some dryness I might have.But I love using it to outline my lips when I use any dark shade.

I find this works with Charlotte Tilburys Night Crimson and Love Liberty - anything that is rich/deep/dark/burgundy/purple, this has me covered.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Liner in Coral : I bought this purely on Sali Hughes recommendation. I love her, she is unbelievably intelligent, chic, beautiful and she knows a hell of a lot about beauty.

If she likes something, I'm going to try it.

I saw a picture of her on her Instagram wearing this with the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Lana (for a review click here) and I became obsessed.

I am pleased to report that I love both and this works fantastically with any orange based lip colour- it suits Lana, The Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper, If you are looking for a long wearing coral that also works all over the lip, this is great. 

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Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk : This is hands down my favorite of the lot and if I were to only keep one liner, it would be this. 

This is my second and when this runs out, I will without question order a third.

If you are only going to get one thing from CT - get this, or if you can't be bothered with endless lip liners, this one has you covered as it works with everything.

That's the thing, you don't actually have to have a matching colour, a nude lip colour works just as well. I mean yes you can't go in after and add red liner to were there wasn't before, but this liner still adds definition and a base.

The colour is a beautiful natural pink mauve and it is long lasting whilst being creamy. It is comfortable whilst lasting- not like Soar which can end up being quite drying after some time. 

I get a lot of wear out of this and I often wear it alone. It's always in my make up bag. I totally love it and have yet to find someone that doesn't.
I use this will a whole multitude of lipsticks- it's my safety liner so I would never go without it. I use it with Charlotte Tilburys Penelope Pink and Bitch Perfect, Nars Barbara and Anita, YSL Fuchsia in Rage- as a base, Mac Mehr and Plumful, Urban Decay Fiend and Rapture. To be honest- anything. 

Mac Lip Liner in Cherry : This was one of my first ever lip liners and I bought specifically so I could use it with Macs Ruby Woo. 

This lip liner lasts for days on the lips and although can be drying is still a lovely red to add to your collection.

I don't feel the need to buy any other red liners as this has be covered. I use it with CT Red Carpet Red, Ruby Woo, Night Crimson if I want to redden it up, Bourjois Hot Pepper- it's a suit all classic red.

If you need one red liner- this is your guy. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in East End Snob : I love this almost as much as Pillow Talk and this is also my second. 

Again I will keep repurchasing it. 

This is another mauvy pink but with a touch more purple to it.

I love using this on its own- the angled cut of the nib makes it ridiculously easy to use and hard to mess up.

It is so creamy and comfortable, I cannot believe this thing sells for under a fiver. This is by far my favorite Rimmel Product.
 This does a very similar job to Pillow Talk but it is a lot cheaper.

The colour is very similar to Nars Anita. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pink Venus : This is noticeably more pink than Pillow Talk and East End Snob. 

This is a lovely warm pink shade that also possess the long lasting rich creaminess of CTs other offerings.

I like to use this when I want to warm up or lighten my nudes. It adds just an extra touch of pink to Bitch Perfect making it look so effortless and summer ready.
This is a lovely pink accompaniment for UD Streak Lipstick as well. 

L-R : Venom, Cherry, Coral, Soar, Pillow Talk, East End Snob and Pink Venus

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Mac Hush : Swatches and Review

If you have caught up on my June Favorites you will know that this has been my favorite highlighter of the moment.

This is very similar to Kevyn Aucoins Starlight highlighter (review here), Hush has the same peachy-ness to it but this is a cream rather than a powder and is has less noticeable shimmer particles making it the more subtle of the two- although both are stunning I don't think its necessary to have both so if you're more into cream maybe pick this one instead!

This just delivers such beautiful dewiness but in such a lovely subtle way.

You wont be left with obvious peach stripes on your face, once this is blended in it just catches the light and imparts such a natural radiance.

I don't have that many cream highlights but I think I will pick up a couple more of these, I just love the formula.

It doesn't slip and slide around, doesn't emphasize pores and I reckon it could also be more flattering on more mature skins that find powder highlights can emphasis fine lines and wrinkles.

I use this on the tops of my cheekbones, cupids bow, and the tops of the eyebrows.

It's just yummy and it looks super fresh on top of a bit of tinted moisturizer and leaving it at that. The peachiness adds a touch of warmth so sometimes I forgo bronzer and blush and just rock this. 

Are you more of a cream or powder fan? 

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June Make Up Favorites

Hello Everyone! 

I am so sorry it's been so long since my last post, I have been crazy busy BUT we will resume the normal schedule of Mon- Fri at 7am GMT.

I have a lot of posts coming up.

SO onto the favorites- there is a lot I have been loving in the month of June - a good mixture of make up and skin care, so I am splitting them into two sections as otherwise this post would take a month to read.

Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara : This is actually a repurchase for me.

I find mascara as a whole probably the most disappointing product you can get as they are laden with claim after claim of false lashes, huge volume, can be seen from space and to be honest nine times out of ten they do not deliver.

A lot of mascaras do nothing for my lashes but make them dark. This Mascara no no no. This is a good one. On the whole I love Max Factor mascaras and I do genuinely feel that they do some of the best out there.

 This mascara gives me length AND volume. Volume is what I want. I love this- it also wont break the bank so if you're in the market, give this guy a go.

Bobbi Brown Eye Shadow in 'Camel' : I have just been obsessed with this since I got it! It is the ultimate warm eye shadow and just brings such life to your eyes. If you want to read a full rave review, click here.

Clarins Ombre Eye Shadow in 'Aquatic Rose' : This has been another love of mine since I bought it. It's a beautiful pale rose gold that just makes you look fresh and awake. This is a limited summer release so pick it up quick if you're interested! I do also have Aquatic Grey which is a beauty, but Rose has been used a lot more. 

For a full review click here.

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 'Bitch Perfect' : At this time of year I tend to opt for a lighter, more low maintenance lip colour and this CT lipstick Bitch Perfect fits the bill.

When it's hot and you're sweating, you really don't want to be smearing dark burgundy all over your chin. 

With Bitch Perfect I find that the colour suits all make up looks, makes you look effortlessly polished and it is fairly moisturizing but hugs the lips nicely so it stays put. Also it fades evenly. I'm so into low maintenance right now. Bitch Perfect for the win. 

Clinique Cheek Pop in 'Heather Pop' : The formula of these cheek pops is out of this world. I love the luminous rosey glow of this blush, for full details click here.

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 'Misty Rock' : The formula of this isn't as perfect as I would like it to be- if I layer it up it can crease/flake like crazy so I have to make sure I apply it correctly but the shade is just sheer total and utter perfection. I can't think of any one of any colouring that would't suit it. It's a pretty taupy/purply/pink colour with a gorgeous shimmer running through. 

A full review is on its way. 

Mac Cream Colour Base in 'Hush' : I love a good cream highlighter. Done properly it is the most natural looking glow that you can get- Hush is no exception.

 I first starting coveting this whilst watching the Pixiwoo Sisters- Nic always looks so glowy and this is often the highlight she uses. Who doesn't love a peachy glow. Again, a full review is on its way.

Essie Peach Side Babe : This literally jumped out at me in Boots last week. It is part of the new Essie Summer collection, so I am assuming that means limited? If so, I am defintely picking up another one. I just don't want anything else on my nails. This is a beautiful almost neon orange based coral with a cream finish. It makes my hands look so tanned.

This also has really good lasting power, I can't be dealing with polish that chips after 5 mins- I have had this on for a few days now and we are still looking good.

 Literally in love. Get it. 

What are your recent favourites? Anything I need to add to the wish list?

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Mac Soar Lip Liner and Mehr Lipstick : Swatch and Review

These two items seem to be forever out of stock, I knew they were so hard to come by that to be honest...I wasn't that bothered by them.

I have my Charlotte Tilbury lip liner in 'Pillow Talk' so I wasn't super bothered about tracking Soar down, but something just happened to me in the shop the other day....

I was mooching round Mac in London St Pancras, I saw it on the shelf and literally grabbed it before anyone else had the chance.

I felt like I had achieved something by grabbing one of the few remaining that I thought it was fair to treat myself to Mehr. I saw Lily Pebbles wear it in this video and it looks gorgeous on her- and Soar and Mehr are meant to be friends, and to be honest that is enough justification for me to buy both.

All the hype aside- I am really enjoying these two products! Both are very natural and both are matte- I don't think I really own any colour like this in a matte formulation, so they are both getting a lot of wear. 

Lets start with Soar.

On the Mac website this colour is described as a 'mid tone pinkish brown' so it does fit into that 'your lips but better' thing and yes, if you do want to slightly over line your lips- you really can do that with this.

The colour is lovely and I think it looks great all over the lips.

Due to it being matte- it is long lasting and obviously creates a more realistic overdraw as glossy products highlight where your lips end.

This reminds me a lot of Bobbi Browns Art stick in Rose Brown - I feel if you have one you don't necessarily need the other- which is useful as Rose Brown is generally easier to find than Soar.

I do have both. but I also have hoarder problems, so we will move on. 

Here is Soar all over the lips:

I really like this. Do I like it more than my CT Pillow Talk? No, I don't think so...but my love affair with PT has been going on for nearly a year so it's tough competition!

But yes, a lovely lip liner, and I will get a lot of use out of this. 

Onto Mehr.

Look how pretty!
In this picture I am only wearing Mehr, a 'dirty blue pink' a matte lipstick that looks lovely with or without Soar. It is lighter without the lip liner and would make a brilliant everyday lipstick.

Even though it's matte, its not particularly drying and it has great wear time. 

I am happy I have this. 

Here are the swatches side by side to give you some idea of difference:

L- R: Mehr and Soar

You can see that Soar is browner.
I think if you can get your hands on these-check them out!
I reckon most people will get a lot of use out of them.
If you can't, I wouldn't worry too much, I can see some similiarities in my stash- the ones that come to mind are CT Pillow Talk, Rimmel East End Snob, Bobbi Brow Rose Brown.
When in Mac I thought the lipstick in 'Brave' was quite similar too.

Here is Soar all over the lips with Mehr on top:

Bottom Line : These two products are long lasting and very day time appropriate.

I love that I can apply them and not be super paranoid that it's wearing off or is all over my teeth. 

Have you tried either one of these products?

Soar has really added to my (almost getting out of hand) lip liner addiction....would anyone like to see a post on my favorite liners?

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