Review: No7 'Match Made' Concealer

I'm so sorry if I appear to be distant but I work full-time and tend to work lots of days in a row before having a day off - but now I am super excited to have 3 days off together (which is such a rare occurrence for me) so I'm planning days out and blog posts galore! I've lots of summer-themed posts planned from outfit ideas to hauls to make-up tutorials so keep your eyes peeled.

 

 

 

Personally, I always wear a concealer which is a shade lighter than my skin tone because I feel like it hides any blemishes and dark circles better and of course, I wear my foundation over it so it doesn't affect my overall skin tone. So the shade I use for this concealer is 'Cool Ivory' and I team this with No7's 'Stay Perfect' Foundation in 'Cool Vanilla.'

 

I absolutely love love love this concealer and it has definitely been a repeat-buy for me. I just haven't found any other product which can compare to this! I apply under the eyes, around the nose and on any other blemishes or dark bits around my face and blend it in with my foundation to leave me with a flawless coverage which lasts all day. I don't feel the need to carry it around with me because I just don't need to; it will last all day despite weather or conditions. This product retails at £7.50 which is a bargain for the way your skin looks afterwards - definitely a celebrity-style product at an affordable price.



How to look Instagramed - in real life!

Everyone always looks a million times better on Instagram and I've always wanted to look 'Instagramed' in real life, and you'd be surprised at how easy it actually is - so let me share the secret with you!

 

{PSSST! IT'S A SECRET}

1. It seems so obvious but using a good quality concealer - not just underneath your eyes but also on the inner corners of your eyes, will brighten up your whole face and give you an overall smoother and brighter complexion. I dab a few dots underneath my eyes as well as onto the inner corners, which I then blend with a concealer brush. I deliberately use a shade lighter than required.



2. I use a 2in1 Foundation & Primer by applying a small amount of this firstly to my cheeks, which should be blended outwards in slow, circular motions and then to my nose, chin and forehead. Again, applying in the same way and blending towards my ears using a flat foundation brush - which results in a flawless finish.

 

If you don't use a 2in1 Foundation & Primer, it's a great idea to mix the seperate primer and foundation together on your hand before applying, to create your own 2in1 product.

3. I then slowly brush my favourite bronzer upwards in a straight line from the corners of my mouth to the edge of my cheek bone using a blusher brush, which defined my cheek bones beautifully, whilst also adding shadow to my face making it seem much more natural and defined. I then applied a pink blusher (the brighter - the better) to the apples of my cheeks using a different blusher brush to before. I blended it slightly into the bronzer where possible.

4. I swept a white eyeshadow across my brow bone using an eyeshadow brush, to act as a highlighter. I keep going on about how much bright eyes contribute to this look - but they really do the trick when wanting to look 'Instagramed!'

5. Finally, I applied a very thin line of black eyeliner along the top of my eye, as close to the eyelashes as possible, followed by a couple of coats of my favourite mascara to define the eyes, but it still looks pretty natural.

 

 

THE FINISHED LOOK :)

Please note: None of the above images have been edited or filtered.



Products I use everyday

This is something that I have been intending to do for a long time because it sums up all of the products that I love, and perhaps don't give enough credit to. Also, I didn't realise how many things I actually view as 'essentials' before posting this... wow!

 

 

 

MAKE-UP:

Soap & Glory - Great Kisser Lip Balm in 'Juicy Peach'

Collection - Fast Stroke Eyeliner

Colletion - Lasting Perfection Concealer in 'Fair'

Soap & Glory - Show Good Face 2in1 Foundation & Primer in 'A Good Light'

Jelly Pong Pong - Fairy Lashes Mascara

Soap & Glory - Thick & Fast High Definition Mascara

Soap & Glory - Solar Powder Bronzer

 

Eco Tools - Foundation Brush

Forever 21 - Eyebrow Brush

Seventeen - Powder Brush

 

 

FACE & BODY:

Nivea - Facial Cleansing Wipes

Boots Natural Collection - 'Passionfruit' Body Lotion

Elizabeth Arden - Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant

Elizabeth Arden - Eight Hour Cream

Soap & Glory - Hand Food

Monu - Gentle Cleanser

Soap & Glory - 'Catch A Wrinkle In Time' Moisturiser & Anti-wrinkle Cream

 

 

HAIR:

TRESemmé - Heat Defence Spray

Silvikrin - Maximum Hold Hairspray

TRESemmmé - 24 Hour Body Blow Dry Lotion

Richard Ward - Hair Couture Volumising Spray

 

 

FRAGRANCE:

Marc Jacobs - Dot 100ml

Boots Natural Collection - Passionfruit Body Spray

Q - Body Spray

 

SHOWERING:

Alberto Balsam - 'Juicy Green Apple' Shampoo

Alberto Balsam - 'Mandarin & Papaya' Conditioner

Original Source - Lemon & Tea Tree Shower

Soap & Glory - Face Soap Clarity

 



Rimmel Kate 'Lasting Finish' Lipstick (01) REVIEW

Hey girlies! Today I am going to review my favourite lipstick of the moment, which is so fabulous that it has also made it into my May favourites.

 



Rimmel has brought out a new make-up collection 'by Kate' which is created by Kate Moss and features matte lipstick, nail polishes and lasting finish lipstick. I purchased the lasting finish lipstick in shade 01; I believe that the shades don't have names, just numbers which is unusual. There are 7 shades in the lasting finish lipstick range - so take your pick, there's bound to be one that suits you. The shade is a bold, dark red - such a classic look and if you have seen the advert on TV, it is the exact same lipstick that Kate is wearing!

 

 

This lipstick caught my eye immediately and I'm lucky enough to be able to pull off red lipsticks due to my skin tone and brown hair. It is super easy to apply and definitely lives up to its name - 'lasting finish' and promises to last for up to 8 hours, and I definitely agree that it does this. Its conistency is even and delivers a bold statement red. Even when wearing this on a night out, it didn't smudge or fade and I didn't even see an imprint of the product on glasses - which sounds weird but I've always found that with lipsticks, you often have to reapply if you've been drinking or eating. This product is a bargain costing just £5.49 from Boots, but it really does feel like you're wearing a high-end product. Fantastic quality and I am considering buying other products from the collection!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-Kate-Lasting-Finish-Lipstick_1230439/



May Favourites [features lots of S&G]

Hello lovelies! The weather is beautiful here in sunny Britain - it feels as though we are going to have a proper summer for once, which seems to be such a rare occurence. I have been super busy lately but things should be slowing down a little now so I will hopefully be able to post more often. Again, I apologise for being distant - I've been working a lot recently but I am pretty much back to normal now so am hoping to get back on track with my blogging.

 

ANYWAY there are several products that I have been loving this month and I am super excited to share them with you as I believe that a few of them haven't received as much recognition as they deserve.

 

Headline Colours - 'Poolside Party' Nail Polish

 

I received this nail polish in the May Glossybox and I absolutely love this! It is such an amazing quality and doesn't chip straight away and delivers a gorgeous, bright blue colour from just one coat. I received a number of compliments while wearing this and even though I don't often go for light-coloured nails, I believed that this was too stunning to not wear. Headline Colours are a fairly new brand but I could definitely see them going really far.

 

 

Soap & Glory - 'Hand Food' Hand Cream

 

So you'll notice that I have particularly been loving Soap & Glory products this month - I went a little crazy at Boots, as always. I'm usually really bad when it comes to using hand cream as most of them leave your hands feeling awkward and greasy. However, 'hand food' sinks into your hands really nicely and leaves them feeling soft and smelling beautiful. Id heard so many wonderful things about this product so I finally decided to try it out and yep, I agree with everyone else.

 

 

Soap & Glory - 'Solar Powder' Bronzer

 

I've always been a little scared of bronzers to be honest but I have finally found one which has become a massive essential to me. Solar Powder is light and easy to use and adds a bit of colour to your face, without looking orange. I apply this by brushing a small amount across my cheeks using a powder brush - and a little really does go a long way!

 

 

Soap & Glory - 'Face Soap Clarity' Face Wash

 

I know, I know... I have a serious S&G addiction! I was on the look out for a gentle, exfoliating daily face wash and I found exactly that with Face Soap Clarity. It's super easy to use: you squeeze a small amount on to your fingers, rub it in to create a foamy substance and rub in to your face for a squeeky clean and clear complexion. I've had so many problems with products like this making me break out in spots but I've not had a single blemish at all since using this - which is exactly how it should be. I now use this religiously every day - perfection in a bottle, wow!

 

 

Jelly Pong Pong - 'Fairy Lashes' Mascara

 

This is the second Glossybox product which has made it into my May Favourites; it was an amazing box this month! Jelly Pong Pong is such a little-heard-of brand but Fairy Lashes has got to now be my favourite mascara. Just a few strokes and my lashes are longer, thicker and remain this way all day. In fact, it's ridiculously hard to take off at night! This mascara is waterproof which is a bonus for the summer months and I will definitely be taking this on holiday with me as I know I won't have to worry about it leaking everywhere.

 

 

Rimmel - Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick in shade 01

 

I couldn't work out the full name of this shade but it is shade '01.' I was desperate for a simple, bold red lipstick and spotted this shade in Rimmel's new 'Kate' collection. The shade is a classic dark red and looks lovely with a simple smokey eyed look. I recently wore this on a night out and it behaved all night; it didn't smudge or fade and lasted for hours, which is fantastic considering it costs just £5.49 from Boots. I will probably buy more products from this range.

 

Are there any more great products that I need to know about?



Tag | Would you rather? Beauty Edition

I've been tagged by the lovely Amie @ belle-amiebeauty to do this post. I always love reading things like this as it's a great chance to get to know the blogger, because usually we don't often know a lot about them as a person. I've never done anything like this before so it's a refreshing change I suppose!

 

*I TAG ALL OF YOU TO DO THIS*

Remember to leave me a comment below if you decide to take part as I'd love to check it out :)

1. Would you rather lose all your mascaras, eye liners, lipsticks and lip glosses or all your palettes and eye shadows?

There's no doubt about it - I would rather lose my palettes and eye shadows because they aren't 'essential' pieces of make-up which I use everyday and I could easily live without them. Whereas, mascara and eyeliner are like a necessity to me which I can't leave the house without wearing.

 

2. Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

I would actually say to never be able to cut it again. My hair tends to go grow at snails pace anyway but I would just take extra care to keep it in top condition.

 

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?
Coral cheek because I prefer natural, subtle make-up.

 

4. If you had £1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

 Clothes, clothes, clothes! Id be on the next train to Manchester to buy anything I want.

 

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eye liner, or eye liner as lipstick?

 For some reason I think that eyeliner would work better as lipstick as opposed to lipstick as eyeliner. The thought of having lipstick on my eyes is... weird.

 

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

 MAC.

 

7. Would you rather only use one eye shadow or one lip colour for the rest of your life?

 I would rather use one eye shadows for the rest of my life because to be honest, I'm not massively adventrous when it comes to eye make-up; I like to keep it simple. Smokey eyes are my favourite!

 

8. Would you rather wear Winter clothes in the Summer, or Summer clothes in the Winter?

 I love summer clothes over winter clothes any day so that's what Id have to choose.

 

9. Would you rather wear dark nails or bright nails all year round?

 I usually opt for darker, bold coloured nails anyway - I love purple, blue, red or green nails! I really can't stand pastel shades, so I guess that's what Id choose.

 

10. Would you rather give up your favourite lip product or your favourite eye product?

 My favourite lip product is the Elizabeth Arden Lip Protection Stick which I seriously don't think I could live without - it's an absolute God-send! So Id have to live without my favourite eye product... *sob*

 

11. Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a pony tail or a messy bun?

 I rarely wear my hair up but if I had to, I would coose a messy bun.

 

12. Would you rather never being able to paint yours nails again or never use lip gloss?

 I feel naked without painted nails so I would rather never use lip gloss again - besides, that means I could still wear lipstick and other lip products.

 

13. Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all? Or Sharpie them in everyday?

I can't decide on this one - sorry! I have an evergrowing hatred for drawn on eyebrows. They just freak me out and look so, so ugly. But then the thought of having no eyebrows at all is really scary too... hmm.

 

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

 Oh gosh - I always have to have my nails painted and my make-up on; they're both such huge necessities to me. What a hard question! However, I think I would rather live without nail polish (I could use falsies hehe).

Elizabeth Arden Smokey Eyes Tutorial

It occured to me the other day that I have never actually done a make-up tutorial so I thought I would show you my favourite eye make-up style; my own version of a classic look, using the amazing Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Eyeshadow Quad.

In this pallette (from left to right):
- Sterling
- Sugar Cube
- Black Tie-Contour
- Graphite

 

 

Firstly, I applied concealer under my eyes using my middle finger; I've always prefered to apply concealer with my finger as opposed to using brushes because I believe it is much more accurate.

 

 

 

Then, I swept the Sugar Cube shade across my eyebrow bone to act as a highlighter - this really brightened up my eyes, which is needed considering it's such a 'dark' look. Then, I brushed the Sterling shade - which is light grey - all over my eye lid using the eyeshadow brush which came with the pallette.

 

 

I then began to darken the outer corners of my eyes using the Graphite shade, which is a lovely dark grey colour. Again, I did this using the eyeshadow brush which came with the pallette by brushing from the outer corner of my eyes and blending into the centre of my eyelid. Applying a darker shade to the outer corners of your eyes is probably the most vital part of achieving a smokey eyed look.

 

 

 

Then, using the darkest shade - Black-Tie Contour - which is a glistening off-black. I applied a small amount into my outer corners and into my creases. To complete the look, I brushed this shade along my water line, as opposed to using eyeliner.

 

 

 

Eyeshadow completed! I then applied a very thin line of black liquid eyeliner - I used Collection 2000 Liquid Eyeliner. If you wanted, you could also draw a flick too - but this isn't my strong point so I missed that part out. Finally, I applied a coat of my favourite mascara (Collection 2000 Extreme Mascara) to my top lashes only.

 

I've become a massive fan of Elizabeth Arden products after I recieved a goodie bag worth £77 for free! (Click here to read that blog post) This eyeshadow pallette was part of the gift, however I believe they don't usually sell these shades as a set of four but only in duos or as a single shade - however, I love them and seriously recommend them!

What have I been buying?

I've been shopping a few times recently so I thought it would be nice to show you my purchases. There's nothing massively exciting but they are mostly all little bits and pieces that I'm loving at the moment, so hopefully you'll like them too!

 

 

Seventeen blusher brush - Boots

Seventeen powder brush - Boots

EcoTools Bamboo foundation brush - Boots

I was in desperate need of more make-up brushes and while Boots still have their '3 for 2, mix & match' promotion on, I thought I may as well buy them now. The foundation brush is my favourite of the three (and the most expensive) as it blends my foundation evenly around my face and it is just generally a good quality brush. I'm not massive fans of the other two though; when I used the blusher brush, I felt like it just 'deposited' the blusher on my cheek rather than blending it in, no matter how hard I tried! I ended up switching back to my old brush. The powder brush isn't much better either.

 

Original Source lemon & tea tree shower gel - Most supermarkets stock this

 

I only purchased this one week ago and look how much I have used! I am obsessed with anything lemon-scented or lemon-flavoured so as soon as I saw this, I just had to buy it. A lot of beauty bloggers have recommended Original Source shower gels due to the unbelievable scent at such a bargain price. I paid just 99p for this from B&M Bargains, but I belive that most supermarkets sell this for around the same price. If you are an early bird and find it hard to wake up in the morning, purchase this and you'll feel wide awake and fresh instantly. The zesty scent will make you fall in love, I promise.

 

 

Chunky bracelets - Republic

Heart earrings set - Republic

 

I really wanted some more bracelets and at the moment, I'm loving chunky jewelry. I picked these up from Republic, which isn't usually a store I'd shop in but ended up doing so while shopping with friends. The bracelets really finish off a simple outfit and the colours go with pretty much anything. I like the earrings too; they are simple but look really cute and one of them is leopard print - and I love anything leopard print.

 

 

Floral scarf - Peacocks

 

I was in need of a cute, floral scarf for Spring and spotted this in Peacocks. The pattern is mostly pink, purple and green floral print on a chiffon, frilly style of scarf. It's definitely an essential during Spring, which finishes off any outfit and keeps you warm - as it is still a little cold here in Britain. I'm always wearing this now!

 

 

TRESemmé 24 hour body blow dry lotion - Boots

 

I am loving big hair at the moment but have noticed that my volume dies down throughout the day so I purchased this blow dry spray to add volume to my hair and maximise roots. To use, I spray evenly on to wet hair - particularly around the roots - and then blow dry as normal. For best results, it's good to brush hair upwards whilst blow drying and perhaps even tip your head upside down at some points. This spray is easy to use and added long-lasting volume to my hair. It works particularly well if you have lots of layers. It's a bargain too - it cost me less than £4!

Collection 2000: Make-up Haul

(Hey everyone! I apologise for being distant this past week - I've been pretty busy and haven't been dedicating as much time as I should be to this blog. But I'm back now and I have plenty of great posts planned for you! Follow for follow?)

So today I am doing a haul and review of my Collection 2000 make-up; I have very mixed opinions on their products. I love most of their products but there is a few I really don't like. It isn't exactly 'high-end' or 'luxury' but if your bank account is already suffering and you need a cheap make-up alternative - this is where you go to!

Boots are still offering their '3 for 2, mix & match' promotion and it does include a wide range of make-up products, including Collection 2000 - so now is a great time to take advantage. I am a self-confessed Boots addict!
 

 

Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Foundation (Shade = 3 Biscuit)

 

This is one of my all time favourite foundations, which is also affordable. The shade I use is 3 Biscuit which is a pale beige shade. This foundation gives you an amazing flawless coverage, with a 'photoshopped' effect. It blends in really well and lasts for hours; I rarely feel the need to reapply this throughout the day.

 

 

Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Powder

 

This powder isn't my favourite and I think it retails at around £2.99 - so I guess you get what you pay for. It is a cheap alternative which I usually apply throughout the day to keep my make-up looking good. However, I believe that this is only available in one shade - which is quite dark actually - so I usually only apply a small amount.

 

 

Extreme Coloured Length Mascara (Colour = Black)

 

I've tried lots of mascaras in the past but I have always found myself going back to this one! Not only is it an absolute bargain but it is an incredible product. This mascara defines lashes really well - making them thick but not clumpy. It lasts all day long yet is so easy to take off at night. It is great for an everyday, natural look and also for a more dramatic effect. I have stood by this mascara for years.

 

 

Lasting Perfection Concealer (Shade = Fair)

 

This concealer is often praised in the beauty community and I can see why. I use this concealer every single day. It is quick and easy to apply but has lasting effects. It covers up dark circles under the eyes as well as hiding any spots or other unwanted visitors on your face. It doesn't just 'conceal' them though - it blends into your face to create an unbelievable natural look.

 

 

Fast Stroke Eyeliner (Colour = Black)

 

I have only recently started to use this liquid eye liner. I don't have a steady hand so most days it gets very messy and I end up with it in my eyes and all over my face *sigh* but messiness aside, it's a good product. It looks amazing when applied and the applicator is thin enough to create a slik line. However, I've found that it can fade or rub off in some places - mainly tearducts - so it does need reapplying throughout the day.



Elizabeth Arden 'Beauty Gift' Haul/Review

On last weeks 'beauty deal of the week' I wrote about the Elizabeth Arden beauty gift worth £77, which you could get for free if you ordered two Elizabeth Arden products - at least one being skincare - from the Boots website. (Click HERE to read this post.) I just couldn't turn down this offer! After being converted to the brand through their amazing Eight Hour Lip Protectant, I had to give this a try. I believe that the offer has now ended - so it looks like I got in there at the right time.

 

I'll be honest; my first impression wasn't as amazing as I'd hoped but this was due to me being confused about some of the products! I'll go through them individually and give you my opinions - though after trying them all, I like every single one.

Oh and I think that the bag which the products came in will be very useful as a travel bag, filled with all my make-up and beauty bits. It's the perfect size and looks very cool and stylish too.

 

 



Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant - £25/50ml

 

This product is a massive essential in the world of beauty! Like I have said previously on my blog, I am not a huge fan of this product on my skin because it is basically a vey thick gel with an oily consistency so it is literally only best for particular dry or damaged parts of the skin, as opposed to using in various places. However, I have recently discovered this product as a lip balm and yes, I have been absolutely raving about this ever since this find. It is literally the best lip product I have ever come across. I have never been able to find a lip balm which comes anywhere close to this product; I've always had to put up with 'average' alternatives. I can't go anywhere without it now! One downside is that it is advertised as a fragrance-free product, but it definitely has some sort of scent, though I can't quite figure out what it is...

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Eight-Hour-Cream-Skin-Protectant-50ml_9783/?cm_re=ElizabethArden_Home-_-P2B-_-C9083_Link1&cm_sp=ElizabethArden-_-8_Hour_Cream-_-ElizabethArdenC9083_Link1

 

 

Visible Difference Skin-Balancing Exfoliating Cleanser - £17/125ml

 

I was really excited to try this product out - my favourite cleansers are those that you can use in the shower as it is much more convenient and less time consuming, especially if you have quite a busy lifestyle. It couldn't be any more easier to use: you put a pea-sized amount on to your finger tips, rub your fingers together and apply to a wet face, which creates a foaming substance and then you wash it off with warm water. I love how it feels on my skin and it contains microbeads - which is something I look for in face products! It is slightly cheaper than most of their other products but it is still great to use. My skin feels soft and squeeky clean! It makes my skin look much more bright and awake - so would be a perfect match for women with tired or dull skin.

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Visible-Difference-Skin-Balancing-Exfoliating-Cleanser-125ml_1268917/

 

 

Ceramide Capsules Daily Youth Restoring Serum - £80/90 Capsules

 

My first thoughts on this product was something like "what is this? How do I use this? They look so weird!" I did receive the sample version of this product, which contains 14 capsules, though I still think that this is a generous-sized sample. It must be the strangest, most confusing beauty product I have ever come across. To use, I  ripped open the end of the capsule - which did get a little messy so have some tissues ready if you are going to use. I then applied the product to my face and was very surprised at how quickly it sank into my skin. It's a very weird serum; it is like a clear oil, which doesn't sound convincing but I saw instant results. It moisturised my skin naturally, without the feeling of having products on my face. It removed any dry areas instantly and left me with a noticeably softer complexion. However, the full sized version of this product is very, very expensive and I don't think that I would be prepared to spend £80 on this!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Ceramide-Capsules-Daily-Youth-Restoring-Serum-90-Capsules_1291197/

 

2.2g Quad Beautiful Color Eyeshadows in Sterling, Sugar Cube and Black Tie-Contour - £20

I love the shades of all of these eye shadows and to be honest, this was the product I was most looking forward to trying. These four shades are perfect for either smokey-eye looks or even to just complete a different look. I have only tried the shade on the far right, which is a smooth mid-grey colour - which I applied from the outer corners of my eyes and into my crease and blended. I wore this with a thin line of black liquid eyeliner and black mascara for a classic, simple smokey eyes look. The quality of this product is flawless and I now definitely want to check out more make-up from Elizabeth Arden.

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-Beautiful-Colour-Eyeshadow-Duo_1276312/

 

 

PREVAGE Anti-Aging Moisture Cream - £105/50ml

 

Wow, this is a really expensive product! This cream works as a great moisturiser, though I believe that it would be more beneficial to 'older' people, as it is an anti-aging cream. I am unable to comment on the anti-aging side of this product - though I have read excellent reviews on this. But yes, it is a very extensive moisturiser which leaves skin feeling softer to the touch and lasts all day. You do only have to use a very small amount of this product for it to work, which I guess makes the hefty price tag seem a little less worrying as it will most likely last longer than most other moisturisers. It is also recommended to use on sun damaged skin as not only does it revive moisture but it also has a Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreens to help shield from the sun. I can see this being an essential during the summer months!

 

http://www.boots.com/en/Elizabeth-Arden-PREVAGE-Day-Intensive-Anti-aging-Moisture-Cream-SPF-30-50ml_1238614/