Face Of The Day

Here's a look at whats on my face today!

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua : This is one of my favorite foundations of all time. I use the shade B20 and it matches me perfectly, giving me a light/medium coverage that looks natural and glowy.

This is totally day time appropriate although I have worn it at night as well.

You have to give it a good shake as its a very watery foundation, but it just blends into nothing on the skin.

I sometimes use a brush with this, but as of late I have been loving just massaging it in with fingers.

If you love natural, glowy bases- check this one out.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush : I feel quite harsh talking about this beautiful palette as it was a limited edition, but the shade on the far left (Luminous Flush) and far right (Mood Exposure) are both permenant.

The middle shade Incandescent Electra was initially a palette exclusive, but I saw on Temptalia that Hourglass will soon be releasing this as a single, permanent shade!

I'm so glad because I adore this shade, everyone should have the chance to own it.

I love all of these blushes as a whole, baked products are my obsession at the moment as they look so natural.

These blushes look glowy and genuinely achieve that lit from within look. I love these- I highly recommend.

Also they are pigmented, but they blend in seamlessly so you don't get that harsh block of blush on your face.

Incandescent Electra is my go to whenever I'm tired as it perks up my face without being obvious and due to the subtle shimmer, it negates the need for highlighter.

Incandescent Electra

I don't know if that swatch helps at all! But it is a lovely peachy pink.

By Terry Ombre Black Star in Bronze Moon : I love this, if you weren't sure which shade to get, go for this one. The formula is exceptional, fairs better without primer (which is basically unheard of in my books) its appropriate for all occasions and its so damn easy to work with.

Just a note though, I also have the shade 'Misty Rock' and I think the Bronze Moon formula is better, as its just that bit smoother and doesn't crease at all. MR doesn't, but at the end of the day, I can see a few lines starting to appear and it looks ever so slightly patchy.

I love both of them, but if you're going to spend £29 on one eyeshadow, you want it to be perfect, and for me BM just takes the lead here.

I sweep this over my eyelid, the formula just glides across, and then I blend through the crease.

A gorgeous, sheeny bronze eye in no time. You will look polished with zero effort.

Perfect on days like today, when you just can't be bothered.

                                             

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Sexy Sienna : This is still my number one at the moment, read a full review here.

Benefit Gimme Brow : I love this stuff so much I've nearly run out. I have the shade medium/dark which is a perfect match, it's nice and ashy, none of that warm red undertone creeping through...I made that mistake in my teens. It didn't suit me.

If I am having a good brow day- if they have just been threaded, I only really need to use this on its own. When the brows are unruly, I tend to use my Benefit Browzing, but always with this after, to set and add texture.

I have sparse eyebrows, which annoys me as I have dark hair and dark eyes, yet not much in the way of eyebrows.

I'm not bothered about having Cara Delevinge brows, I just want my brows to look groomed, fuller and natural. Gimme brow does this by darkening the eyebrows that I do have, and adding volume making it look like I have more hairs than I do.

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curlers : I have to curl my lashes everyday and these do a lovely job at grabbing the lashes and giving them a good lift. Some curlers can pinch the lid (which is as unpleasant as it sounds) but I rarely run into that problem here.

I am also wearing Benefits 'They're Real' mascara - a full review is on its way!

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Disappointing Products : Mascara Edition

Mascara. I love it, and I think most people would agree, if they were told they were only allowed to use one product for the rest of their lives, it would be mascara.
I would cheat slightly and also use it in my eyebrows...btw I have actually done that before...desperate times.
Eyelashes and eyebrows are the two things I cannot forgo and it's often all I use day to day.

The issue with calling a mascara 'disappointing' is because mascara is such a subjective thing. What is holy grail for some, can be an utter crashing fail for others.
You can say a lipstick is matte or drying, or an eyeshadow is pigmented or powdery...there is less room for debate on that. A matte red lipstick, is a matte red lipstick.
It's harder to be that black and white on mascara, but I will try my utmost to get my points across!
If you are in the market for a new mascara, I hope I can shed some light on these.

Grab a cup of coffee - this is going to be a long one!

Urban Decay Perversion

Urban Decay Perversion : It makes me so sad that this didn't work for me! I feel like a lot of the mascaras I am mentioning are quite well loved by the blogging community, but they all did pretty much diddly squat for me.
This mascara is meant to give thick, full dramatic lashes- and I am all about that life.
My lashes are alright, they are fairly long so I don't mind too much about lengthening formulas, I just want heaps of volume. This just didn't deliver.
I thought the brush was clumsy and could be a bit messy...but I was just so underwhelmed...I tried building up and then that made my lashes clump and hence made them look thinner...like I had 5 super long lashes and that was it.
I just didn't receive any of the benefits promised and there was some smudging.
For me, not worth £17.50.

Too Faced Better Than Sex

Too Faced Better Than Sex : I feel like I am the only person in the world who didn't like this! If you share my views, please let me know!
This is the biggest disappointment of the all of them as it is so hyped up online, and even when I have seen people apply it, you see this mascara transform their lashes into thick, black, dense and volumised mega lashes...so I just had to get it.
Wow seriously...I don't get it. At all.
The brush gets everywhere, but I can get past that easily if the formula is good.
Nope. I get the same results using a bog standard drugstore mascara.
My lashes just looked average. This didn't hold a curl, it got clumpy and I just didn't see any of the volume that was promised. There was no thickness, no illusion of more lashes...nothing.
It smudged onto my brow bone, and it got quite flaky by the end of the day and as a contact lense wearer...we will never be friends.
So disappointed, not worth £19.

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes : This product is quite a sore one for me. I was so excited to try it, and when I first applied it- I fell in love. I thought I had found my holy grail- I had long, thick, volumised lashes. It seemed to have double the amount of lashes I had, they were seperated but still thick.
However, it doesn't last. Its epic in the morning, but after a couple of hours, the curl has gone, the volume has gone and it's like it crumbles off so your lashes look shorter.
If CT were to come out with a waterproof version, I think it would be bloody brilliant and I would definitely pick one up, but to have beautiful lashes upon application, and watch them slowly crumble away, its a no and I want more for £23.

Benefit Roller Lash

Benefit Roller Lash : I was lucky enough to pick up this mini mascara in Elle Magazine a while ago, I'm so glad I did as I would have been pretty upset if I had paid full price!
This mascara seems to be dividing people in the blogging community.
I have very straight lashes and I would never dream of not using my lash curlers, but when I heard that this was a specific curling mascara and it was so effective that you could forgo curlers- I was interested.
But for me? Hell no is that possible.
I felt like it made my lashes straighter and droopier. So it fails on its first promise there.
It made my lashes long and defined, but it didn't hold the curl well and there was no drama...it's just average.
I have to say I gave it another go, and if I layer it properly it's not horrendous and I like it ever so slightly more now compared to how much I hated it in the beginning...but I'd never buy full price.
Also I felt like the brush was a bit uncomfortable.
The trend that I am seeing is that you're either a 'Roller Lash' person or a 'They're Real' and as I'm not team RL, expect a TR review shortly...

L'oreal Miss Manga Waterproof

L'oreal Miss Manga Waterproof : I'm going to cut to the chase here, this is the worst one out of all of these.
Also the most confusing. Some people LOVE this mascara, and I have seen it applied beautifully....but on me, I don't even understand how we can be talking about the same one.
As you may know, this mascara has a bendy wand. I don't see how they thought that was a good idea.
When I am trying to wiggle it at the base of the lash, the wand then pings up and smacks into my eyebrow....it's just annoying. And messy.
I feel like it desposits such little product that it takes me ages to actually get stuff on my lashes.
Even when it is on my lashes, I feel like it adds minor length and that's it.
Don't like it, don't get it.
NEXT.

L'oreal False Lash Superstar

L'oreal False Lash Superstar : I only bought this recently, but I have given it a good, good go. I never write anything off immediately and even though the first time I wasn't impressed, I persisted.
But nope. Don't get this one either.
This is a two step mascara.
Step 1 is a 'Volumsing Primer' and I do actually like this part of it. It's white, so you obviously look a bit weird, but I layered this on and yes even though my lashes were white, they did look thick and very long. I was impressed. However...
Step 2 is a 'Lengthening Topcoat'. I don't like this at all. I felt like I had created all this volume with the primer, I then proceed to put this onto and before my eyes my lashes deflated like a popped balloon.
Just nothing. They literally flattened down, thinned out....it took all of the mojo out of my primed lashes and made me feel like I had totally wasted my time.
I don't like the topcoat alone either, but I have tried using the primer with my Max Factor 'Masterpiece Transform High Impact Volumsing Mascara' (a long name, but a good one- when in doubt, it's Max Factor all the way) but it didn't really work either...I feel like the primer alone is great, but it doesn't work with things on top of it, which defeats the whole point of it being called a primer...primers are meant to be built upon.
If this primer was jet black, I'd be all over it.


Sorry for a bit of a negative one here guys, but I hope it may have been in some way helpful to you!
I never really realized how much mascara I get through...I'm still searching for the one. My list seems to grow ever longer, but I am testing out Benefits They're Real and if that isn't the one for me....I might move over to Lancome.

What are your mascara disappointments?

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New Lipstick Love

Here we have Charlotte Tiburys Matte Revolution Lipstick in Sexy Sienna.

This is my third matte lipstick from CT, and a very welcome addition. The other two are dark and vampy, so I thought it was about time I picked up this coral summery shade as it's warming up in the UK.

CT describes this shade as a 'Golden Coral'. Its a warm, peachy/orange based coral and it's just effortless. The colour is by no means loud and it wont overwhelm your face. It looks fresh and girly paired with mascara and a pinky/coral cheek, but it looks modern and cool when worn with a wet look chocolate eye. 

When I look at the bullet, I think I can see some small flecks of gold- but trust me, that doesn't translate on the lips.

If you are looking to invest in a matte lipstick, please make it from this range.

They are so comfortable. This is in no way that heavy, Mac matte formula that really drains your lips of moisture.

It feels quite balm like when it goes on, it applies evenly and feels creamy, but it doesn't slide around. You can apply with reckless abandon but rest assured that it's not going to smear all over your face or end up on your teeth. It's also coffee proof. Which is another huge thumbs up from me.

I can wear this all day, top up if needed (they do have a good wear time) but its not like when you top up a matte where its gone all dry and crusty and by applying on top you're left with awkward flaking.

Nope. Its like applying a lip balm, over a lip balm.

Bottom Line: This is my favorite lipstick of the moment. A beautiful, warm, flattering colour, great wear time and it feels very comfortable. Don't get me wrong though, I love Mac mattes, but I feel they can be quite a commitment if you plan on wearing them for a full day, as by the end, I am desperate to bathe my lips in as much moisture as possible.

You just don't have to worry about that here.

There are 10 lipsticks in the range. 3 down, 7 to go.

Sexy Sienna costs £23, you can find it here

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Evening Skincare Routine

Sorry for the delay in getting this up! It has been a mad few days.
So, onto the Evening routine.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil: This is my third or fourth bottle of the stuff- its fantastic.
I only ever use this as a first cleanse in the evening to remove my make up, and then I go in with a more sophisticated second cleanser.
I take 2 pumps of this, massage it into dry, still made up skin, I really concentrate on my lashes and then I remove with a flannel. You can add water to emulsify it into a milk, but I never do that with any oils/balms. I think its pointless.
This cleanser removes pretty much all of my make up. So quick and easy. I can't be bothered using endless cotton pads with eye make up remover, this is the way forward.

BTW: I hate wipes, never use them. My opinions on them have nothing to do with the fact that it's like the cool thing in skincare to hate them, I've always disliked them. I have used them in the past to remove eye make up (now I have better alternatives) but on my skin, they always, always make my skin burn, feel tight and stingy. All of them.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm: This is a lovely, thick balm and as you can possibly see, I've nearly finished it.
This is a good cleanser, but I prefer to use it once a day in the evening, it helps remove the last traces of make up and its excellent for facial massage, but if I use it too much it can be a bit rich for me and make my skin a little aggravated.
You can see the Oskia gel is also there, (review here) I sometimes use this in the evening or if i'm not wearing any make up, I use that alone.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist : See more here

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment : See more here

Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate:  I have been using 3/4 drops of this a night for the last 4 months and I'm not even a third of the way through yet! I know £36 is quite a splurge, but honestly, it will last you for yonks.
This oil is lovely and I really enjoy using this in the evening, and spending a good few minutes really massaging it and working it into the skin. I find the whole ritual very soothing.
This product is very hydrating, however i'm unsure if I will repurchase this when it runs out...I know I will at some point, but right away? I don't know.
It definitely does what you need a facial oil to do, and I love using oils, but I want to see if I miss this one. I am intrigued to try Estee Lauders Night Repair and Sarah Chapmans Overnight Facial, but I do recommend this product to everyone- all skin types. Oils are good for you. Whether you are oily or dry.

Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins : The texture of this cream is really unusual...it's a night cream, and I would suggest you really do stick to using this at night as it leaves a sort of film on the skin, so it's really not a good base for make up. When I've had extra dry days, I've tried, but it never ends well.
I have to say though, I really don't like this stuff. It's pretty much finished so I gave it a good go, but its so silicone-y! It feels like a thick cream, and when you apply it you don't think its going to spread well, but then the texture transforms into this thinner,siliconey slidey consistency...I don't like using silicones in skincare, I understand why they are put in- to give the products more slip, but I don't like feeling it in the product, it makes me feel like i'm coating my skin with plastic. Silicone doesn't  have any skin care benefits, so whats the point in putting it on my skin? It feels heavy and when I have a bit of milia around my jaw line (if you want to know more on milia, read this, Caroline Hirons is awesome, read her entire blog, you won't regret it) silicone makes it worse.
In make up/hair care I'm not super bothered, and my Vichy serum contains it, but I can't feel it.
This cream is a no no for me, and I am now glad I have a large size of my Kiehls cream to use instead. Which is silicone free.

As you can see- my routine is quite simple and I use some of the same products morning and evening. Even though I have a few cleansers on the go, its not super necessary! I just like to have different options to cater to my skins needs.

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Charlotte Tilbury: Eyes To Mesmerise: Review and Swatches

Charlotte Tilbury has done it again.

I have been itching to get my hands on these ever since I saw sneak peeks online, just hoping that they were actually as beautiful and pigmented as they seemed.

I am very pleased to report that they are.

CT has released 6 new cream eye shadows called the 'Eyes to Mesmerise : Long-lasting Easy Cream Eyeshadow'. They promise highly pigmented, long wearing, glossy eyes with minimal effort but high impact. I think they have achieved this.

L-R: Veruschka and Cleopatra

Out of the 6 shades, there were 5 I was desperate to get my hands on, but I didn't want to order them all at once in case I didn't like the formula. At £22 each, I needed them to be good.

So I ordered 2, in the shades Veruschka and Cleopatra.

Lets start with Veruschka.

Veruschka is described as a 'minky-mossy golden grey-green', it seems like a long winded description but I do agree with this as it is full of complex shimmers, so the base often appears golden with green flecks, but then khaki with golden flecks.

I love it.

Veruschka

I think the swatch will show the colour more accurately, but its a lovely way to wear a golden/green shade that still remains in the neutral territory. it is in no way intimidating and very day time appropriate.

I will say that these fair better with a primer underneath (I use my Urban Decay Primer Potion), which for me isn't a problem at all as I never go without eye primers, but without the colour didn't show as vibrantly and did need more building up. I think if you have oily lids, a primer will be very important as I think these need a clean, matte texture to lie on.

On my left eye (your right) I didn't use a primer and I don't think it looks as even as the right.

These are easy to apply sheer, I dot a bit on with my finger, then gently blend with a buffing brush. For more impact, shown above, I added a couple more layers.

They don't crease on me, and when you touch your eyelids you can't feel anything. I find most cream eye shadows that contain a lot of shimmer often feel dry and crispy (nice). Not here.

Cleopatra is described as a 'Vibrant Peacock'

Cleopatra

Please excuse my lack of blending is this picture, I was more concerned about getting the colour on- trust me when I say these do blend very easily with a brush!

This is my absolute favorite. Just look at that colour, it is utterly stunning.

 I'm wearing it as I write this, I have had it on for about 12 hours now and it is STILL as glossy and vibrant as the picture above.

The moment I saw this swatch online I knew I had to have it.

This colour is obviously a step away from the neutrals, and I love that about it.

I have a few of Charlotte's 'Colour Chameleon Crayons', and although they're lovely, I was really hoping for something more bluey/green and more out there. I'm totally obsessed with this colour.

Charlotte suggests pairing this with the Marlene Midnight eye kohl, which I put on my waterline and it's lovely. You can see a swatch of that pencil here

If you have dark eyes/skin/hair- this will look incredible on you.

Even if this colour scares you, try it on your lower lashline, or put some of Macs 'Texture' in the crease to warm it up. This shade is wearable and not garish.

L-R: Veruschka and Cleopatra

Bottom Line: If you've haven't gathered by now, I love these and they are a very welcome addition to my make up collection. I enjoy their moussey, smooth texture and the fact that they actually last.

A primer will help and 2/3 layers will give you full impact.

I only dipped my finger into the pot once to achieve the swatches above, so these are pigmented, it's just if you blend they will sheer out a bit, so I added a bit more onto my mobile lid.

You can add as much as you want as this forgiving texture is so creamy it never looks cakey or uneven.

The three shades I need to save up for are Bette (amber gold), Mona Lisa (chocolate bronze) and Marie Antoinette (oyster gold), so I can add some warmer shades to the party. 

I love a good cream eye shadow and I own a few from By Terry to Trish Mcevoy to Maybelline and these are quickly becoming a favorite.

These cost £22 and you can buy them here

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Morning Skincare Routine

Hello everyone, I thought it was about time I did a proper post about my skincare routine.
Before we kick things off, I thought it would be helpful if I told you about my skin type, as what works for me, may not work for you.
I have (generally speaking) pretty good skin, I would class my skin as mostly normal to dehydrated and a little bit dry. My skin can be quite sensitive so I know there are some products/ingredients that I just cannot use.
I am 24, so I don't really have wrinkles...yet.

I always do my skincare routine, twice a day everyday. Of course products change as needs change and it's fun to try new things, but I ALWAYS do my routine. As should you. It helps your skin and it' relaxing. It's a win win.
Because my skin can freak if I mix things up too much, when I introduce a new product, I make sure to keep the rest constant, also because if I react to something, I want to know exactly what has caused it.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel : I know everybody and their cat talks about how amazing this cleanser is, but I just have to agree.
Don't be fooled by the world gel- it's more of an oil. A pinky orange oil that smells slightly of roses. It is utterly divine and a pleasure to use in the morning. I do not use this in the evening to take make up off. Ever. I find that a waste of a good cleanser, so I want it to treat my skin, not remove foundation.
I do about two pumps on dry skin, massage it all in, I massage this into the eyes as well, and then gently buff off with a warm flannel, then rinse with warm water.
After, my skin feels like its been to the spa. I feel refreshed, my skin looks alive and most importantly, it feels nourished and not stripped.
This cleaners contains pumpkin enzymes, vitamins C and E and a whole host of other good stuff. Sometimes I leave it on for a couple of minutes while I brush my teeth to act as a sort of mask so I can get as much goodness from this as possible. Also - this does not foam even though it says 'Gel', which is good. We don't want foams. I never use them as they suck all moisture out of my skin and make me feel like i'm wearing a mask.
This cleanser is on the more expensive side but it has lasted months. The only annoying thing is you can't see how much product is left, but regardless, the moment this runs out, I am immediately picking up another.

The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist : I think I'm on about my 7th bottle of this stuff. I basically soak my face in this after I've cleansed and leave it a minute or two. This does a lovely job of prepping the skin for the next step and adding in another layer of hydration. It contains glycerin and rose water, so it's gentle and soothing to the skin. It does contain parabens, but I hasten to add that I don't care. Parabens don't bother me in the slightest. I think its all scaremongering, but you do you.
I already have my 8th bottle waiting for me.

Kiehls Creamy Eye Treatment : Sometimes I just don't know if I see the point in eyecreams...I don't ever tend to notice a huge difference, but I figure it doesn't hurt to use one, right?
This cream does moisturise the eye area though, so I tap it all around my orbital bone. I do find the texture of this really intriguing as it starts as a think cream and then as you pat it in it almost turns into water. I kinda just enjoy using it! Also it helps to apply this before concealer so you don't look cakey.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum : An ingredient I know my skins loves, is hyaluronic acid, which this serum has so I picked this up a month or so ago and I am very impressed. It does contain silicone which I'd rather it didn't, but more on that later in my upcoming post of my evening skincare routine.
Regardless of that, this serum is lovely and does help plump up the skin. It absorbs fairly quickly so you can use this in the morning without it ruining your make up. I can't believe this serum is only in the realm of £17 when I have tried some that are 3 times that and been nowhere near as impressed. I would repurchase again, but I don't know if I will straight away as I really want to try the Sarah Chapman line.

Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream : I'm going to be bold here but this is my favourite moisturiser that I have ever tried. I just love it. Kielhs has yet to let me down, and honestly this cream will always be in my stash.
It's fragrance free, silicone free and it just makes my skin feel hydrated all day long, which is hard to do. It rich but it no way heavy and it doesn't claim to be anything fancy, it just does what it says.
This makes my skin feel awesome and I recommend it to all dry/dehydrated girls and boys out there. I think it would be fine on oily skin, but as I don't have oily skin, I can't fully comment.
I actually have been using this morning and night and I have just run out. I'm going to pick up a new one this week, as I've only been without it for about three days and I really miss it. Just try it- the people at Kiehls are always lovely and happy to give out a sample or two.


What are your skincare faves? Any recommendations for me to add to my list?

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Mini Charlotte Tilbury Haul and Sneak Peek....

Charlotte Tilbury HQ really have it down when it comes to wrapping up their goods.
Everything is burgundy and gold. I can't deal.

That aside,  I wanted to show you my new purchases.
Two items are new to the line, and one not so new.
I have coveted the Matte Lipstick in 'Sexy Sienna' for quite some time and I thought as the new 'Eyes to Mesmerise' have just been released, it was a good time for a little spending spree.

I will have swatches up in the next few days so check in if you're interested.
So far I have managed to abstain from playing with them until my camera has charged, but its been difficult.
I'm really hoping these creams are as pigmented and metallic as they promise to be.
I know CT had a hand in creating the Tom Ford make up line and everyone goes nuts for his cream shadows, so I'm hoping not to be disappointed here....

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