January Empties

My empties have been appalling the last two months, but I'm hoping my make-up resolutions this year will mean I'll have a lot more. I'm going to do a monthly empties post, so it can help me finishing stuff up and I hope it means I really figure out the stuff I LOVE and would definitely rebuy, so I stop making random, unnecessary purchases. 

1. Xen-Tan Dark Lotion Fake Tan £18.99

I, like so many others, love this lotion. I bought this bottle back in May and it's only just finished.  The tan last well on my skin, and I tend to apply every ten days or so. I have a medium olive skintone naturally,  Xen-Tan gives me a really nice subtle bit of colour which helps give a bit of confidence boost, and I adore the marzipan smell. My only negative is when I'm going out, or during the summer I have to apply two layers; one layer tends to give me a natural colour, but two makes it more obvious I'm tanned, and even then the colour is so natural. LOVE. I would love to try the Absolute Luxe but not sure I can justify the extra £10 or so! 

Rebuy? Definitely, once I use up the others in my collection. Best place to buy it is at Feel Unique here.

2.Liz Earle Cleanse&Polish 100ml £13.75 here

This is my third bottle, and although I love how it's smooth rich feel, and how clean my skin is afterwards I'm just not WOWED like so many others seem to me. I am going to try and see if I find anything else, and the lack of improvement on my skin is more than likely to my pill, so maybe I would see the benefits if I went back to it.

Rebuy? Possibly in the future, if I don't find anything else that gives me the same fresh feeling, while leaving my skin feeling supple. But I do think it's quite pricey for 100ml of product only.

3. MAC Fix+ Spray £12.50 here

Bought this in August and I've only just finished it. I owned Fix+ a couple years ago and really enjoyed it, not sure why I never repurchased it. But I'm very happy it's back in my life. Makes a great setting spray, and love a little spritz during long days to keep my make up looking fresh. It also comes in handy when you've got a little overboard with the powder, really stops you looking unnaturally matte. Works great for foiling eyeshadows as well.

Rebuy? Yep, although I was tempted with the Urban Decay spray, I decided to stick with what I knew best and rebought it on the weekend. It's great value for money, as it's lasted me since August, and I used about 5 sprays (at least!) a day.

4. Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in Natural £17.00 here

I technically finished this in November, but I had the teeniest bit left that I managed to scrap out last week. I've had it for about 9 months, but constantely found myself reaching for other concealers, especially since getting my MAC Pro Longwear.  I think the main problem was I didn't find it long wearing enough. It also creased under my eyes,  so I ended up using it more as a corrector, layering my other concealers over it.

Rebuy? Unfortunately, no.

If you'd like a fuller review of anything mentioned, or have any other questions please let me know!

Nic xxx

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Review: Eye Creams

Hello! (especially to the my new followers :))

This post has been sitting in my drafts for nearly two weeks, essays and attempting to revise have taken over my life. But for the sake of my sanity I wanted to do some blogging and finish off this post, which consists of 4 mini reviews of the eye-creams I have in my collection.

(sorry this has come out a little grainy!)

LUSH Enchanted Eye Cream 45g £10.95 (here)

Comes with a pump dispenser, great for hygiene, but also works great for controlling how much product is dispensed. It's a white, almost lotion like, cream which when dabbed gently round the eye area feels very light and sinks in quickly. It doesn't really smell like much, but a sensitive nose might detect a very light lavender scent. It contains lavender and honey to smooth and refresh the under eye area.  It does claim to reduce fine lines, but I don't have any so I can't comment unfortunately.

I really love how quickly the cream is absorbed, with no stickiness at all. It means my concealer applies nicely, and the delicate skins remains moisturised.  I use these day and night. You also get a whole lot of product for a very reasonable price.

8/10

Origins GinZing 15ml £21 (here)

This product seems to make a bucket load of claims, but in reality all it's doing is 'reducing the look' of darkness, and puffiness. It does contain caffeine, which helps to stimulate and tightens the capillaries stopping fluid from gathering under the eye area making it puffy, although I personally didn't see any change! The unique thing about GinZing is that it has 'natural optical brighteners' which are supposed to give a brightened look to the undereye, I guess by reflecting light. It's quite a thick cream, which has a pink, almost shimmery, colour to it.

I didn't find it to be too moisturising, and around October I needed something a bit more, and so I went back to LUSH. But it seemed to be fine during the summer months. The 'brightening' effect is actually what I disliked the most, it sort of left a slight white-ish, and very greasy looking residue behind, which didn't sink it quickly at all. (You can see in the third photo it almost looks like a highlighter!)  I found myself getting very frustrated by it, teaches me for impulse buying! If I had tested it first, I wouldn't have bought a full size. It just seemed so many people raved about it, I thought I'd love it too. Also, for someone that needs to wear concealer, any brightening effect is really lost, as you're covering up those 'optic brighteners'. This might work well for someone who doesn't need to further cover up, the greasy residue does fade, but not quick enough for me when I'm waiting to conceal. I did try placing it on top, but it made a mess and pulled my make up around and ended up looking awful!

5/10

Clinique All About Eyes 15ml £23 (here)

I received a 7ml sample free when I bought some other skin care, and I've just about finished it. I've actually really enjoyed using it. It's a cream/gel mix, so it's really like and does sink in super quick. It can be used over the eyelights as well. It claims to diminish dark circles, puffiness and fine lines/

It makes a really good base for make up, sinking in quickly and makes your skin feel so soft. I've been really happy using it. However, I don't think it would be great for very dry under-eyes, and you'll probably need something a bit more moisturising. The price tag does put me off a bit, especially as right now my concern isn't really fine lines, but more about moisture. I've tended to use the LUSH in the evening before bed, and this in the mornings the last 2 months. As you can see I've finished it, and really enjoyed the velvety feel it left behind.

7/10

Clarins Eye Contour Gel 20ml £26.50 (here)

I know this isn't an eye cream, but I recently rediscovered it after it lost amongst my skin care stuff. I got it for Christmas last year, and it's a really nice refreshing, cooling blue gel that you apply along the contours of your eye, so not just underneath. Clarins have a video on their website which shows you how to apply to certain pressure point to help with drainage. It helps to drain toxins, helping minimises the look of puffiness and dark circles. You can also apply it over make up during the day as a bit of a pick me up, which I really liked, and it helped ease any cakeyness/dryness from my concealer and I will be popping it into my make up bag once lectures start again.

I've been using it the last 2/3 weeks, and found it sinks in pretty quickly, but again not create for moisturising. Often, I use it in conjunction with an eye cream, just directly under the eye. It's quite pricey, but you do get 5ml extra than you usually do with an eye cream. It's a nice little splurge if you want to treat yourself. They've changed the packing since I got mine, but I can't say if the formula is exactly the same. I've really enjoyed rediscovering this, and will definitely be using it more often. I am mostly impressed by the unique function that you can layer it on top of make up, and I can vouch for the fact it doesn't smear or drag your make up at all, just freshens things up, making it look like you just applied your make up. LOVE.

9/10
(not taking moisturising into considering!)

Round Up
Although I'm impressed by LUSH and it was the winner, especially in terms of price and moisturising capabilities, it's not quite holy grail material, as when I compare it to the Clinique, my concealer doesn't apply AS smoothly.  Clinique would probably be my favourite and go to cream during the summer, but right now I definitely need something more. I will happily continue to use my LUSH till it runs out (which might be a while) but I'm eager to try out something new when that that times. The Clarins I am super impressed with and can't wait to use it more as a 'refresher', and think I will more than likely repurchase it.  During long days I often notice my under-eyes starting to look a little dull and drier and it really gives that freshly applied look. I will most definitely NOT be rebuying GinZing, but as mentioned above would recommend for those who don't use under-eye concealer.

I've included links to the official brand websites so if you want further details, such as claims, ingredients etc you can have a look!

(My rating was based on overall effectiveness, moisturising effects, feel and how it worked with my concealor, and to some extent price. Remember, my under-eyes aren't overly dry!)

Would love to hear any recommendations!

Thanks for reading and good luck to anyone else doing exams/ assignments as well!

Nic xxx

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Christmas Presents

I know this is a bit late, but wanted to share some of my presents from Christmas, and I've really enjoyed being nosey reading other posts, so thought it was fair I contributed. I was very spoilt considering we don't really do big Christmas presents, I'm going to share a few things I would normally feature on my blog, i.e. beauty & fashion related etc!

Top Left:  Yankee Candles. White Christmas which is a very fresh scent, reminds me of freshly washed clothes. Not something I would pick myself, but I've been burning it for the last few hours and I actually real like it. Medium candle in Farmer's Market which is a a very festive spicy scent. They were both from my lovely mother, who shares my love for candles.

Top Right: From my brother and his girlfriend was the Lush Christmas gift box, Happy Christmas. I did a little squel of delight when I opened it. It contained, Christmas Eve bubble bar, Satsumo Santa, Golder Wonder bath ballistic, Snowcake soap, Lil' Lush pudding and Candy can soap. Cannot wait to use them!

Bottom Left: Is from my gorgeous housemate for secret santa, and it was the Merry & Bright gift box, obviously from Lush. And had the Northern Lights soap, which is so fresh and citrus-y as well as the Glogg showergel which smells like spicey cinnamon!

Bottom Right: Perfume galore! I asked for two of these, Chanel Coco Mademoiselle from my dad, and Paco Rabanne's Lady Million, which I have been lusting over for ages. My lovely brother bought it for me. And the boy did very very well, I think I mentioned to him once back in September how much I loved Armani Diamonds Black Carat and he remembered, bless him! He apparently had to traipse around the Bull Ring looking for one.

Left: Soap & Glory Higher Shower & Perfume Atomiser. Lovelovelove the scent of the S&G bits, come's with a moisturizer, shower lotion, body spray as well as a rather fetching showe cap and poof! The atomiser is such a lovely little gift, I've thought about getting one, but never did. If only I could figure out how to get it to work!

Right: French Connection Purse. I spotted this bargain while scouring TK Maxx with my mom for last  minute gifts, and she kindly bought it for me and wrapped it for Christmas. It was only £15 and I was in desperate need for it a purse. It's a gorgeous deep green/blue and has lots of space for coins, and is real leather. Exactly what I've been looking for!

I also asked for some muji acrylic drawers, but they got delayed in the post, and when they did arrive one of the draws was broken! D'oh. Hopefully in the near future I'll do a make up storage post to show them off!

Hope everyone was as happy as I was with what they got. Big thank you to my lovely family who, like always, spoil me and buy me lovely, thoughtful things.

Nic xxx

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MAC Metal X FOTD & Review

Metal-X in Ventian Tarnish

Woah, I hardly ever have my hair up but this was the best full face shot I could get. The shade is in Venetian Tarnish, and as you can see it's a really wearable shade. Which you can easily darken  for a night out, or even just smudging out some eyeliner along the to and bottom lashes would look lovely.

I'm also wearing Studio Fix Fluid in NC25, with NARS Orgasm on the cheeks. (beautiful!) Loreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara as usual! I used MAC Brule as a highlight along the brow bone.

How does the product perform?

Mmm, I am very split on this product. I love the sheen, and the colour I am in love with. The Metal-X line itself, has very bad revies in terms on longevity. No, it will not last you like a paint pot will, but no where does MAC claim it's a long wearing product.  When Yu asked me how I was getting on with it, I made sure I applied it and checked it regularly to see how it lasted, and what the creasing was like.  Perhaps I don't have very creasy(??) eyelids, but I only had a problem with one single crease along the fold, which you can see below. The photo was taken after ten hours wear. The thing that bothered me more, was how it faded. I don't really have problem with creasing ever, but I've never had a cream eyeshadow fade like that before. It was a gradual fading, but I probably noticed it first about 3 hours and it just got worse as the hours progressed. Not impressed!

  Temptalia had a very negative review with major creasing issues, and honestly, if the post had been published before I made my rash purchase, I wouldn't have bought it. Plus, the MUA told me they were long wearing, so I was a bit ill informed as they aren't really, and I don't think they were intended to be. 

 Sorry, was taken on my phone, but you can see the crease line and the lack of colour which in the middle of my eyelid is almost worn away completely.

 Although the colours really are gorgeous, and have a lovely effect (not quite metal, but still a nice finish), I wouldn't recommend as it just doesn't last. I don't totally regret my purchase, I do wish I had waited to read some reviews first, because at £15.50 you expect a product to perform well and last. I'll probably just save it for occasions I'm only out for a few hours rather than all day, or all night wear. Really is a shame as it's such a waste of such a gorgeous colour.  You can see my swatch of it here.

Most of the shades (there are 9 in total) are sold out on the Debenham's website, but MAC still have in stock. Check out the Temptalia post I linked above to see swatches of the other shades.

Nic xxx

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Review: Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions

Over the last year, my skin has got progressively worse. I've never had perfect skin, but it's never been this bad, it's mostly the stubborn under the skin spots, which I've never had before! Considering I'm 21 this is beyond frustrating. So around mid- October I went to Clinique to have a chat and a mini-consultation. I ended walking away with the Cleansing Foam and Clarifying Lotion. ( I didn't get the moisturiser as I'd recently bought a new Liz Earle one.)

My Skin Type

Combination/ Oily. Prone to break outs. Undereyes/cheeks can get dry.

My routine (mid October- end November)

Liz Earle Cleanse+Polish to remove make up

Clinique Cleansing Foam

Clinique Clarifying Lotion

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Light

Cleansing Foam £13.00 125ml

Comes with a pump dispenser and I tend to use 1-1/2 pumps to a wet face, morning and night. 

Not only is it supposed to remove dirt, but also help to unclog pores and helps with excess oil production. I also read that it helps reduce redness, while it calms the skin. It does feel quite cool on the skin, and it definitely does feel quite refreshed afterwards. My skin didn't feel tight at all, which is always a plus.

Clarifying Lotion £16.50 200ml

This is the product I was most excited about using, I've been reading a lot about 'exfoliting' lotions/liquids. They clear old dried up skin cells, which basically if they remain on the skin can get trapped in the pores when mixed with excess oil and cause a spot to form. (This is a very brief, untechinical explanation, and is my basic understanding. There's loads online if you want to understand spots and exfoliating lotions, which I would recommend reading.) It also contains a powder which settles at the bottom, so you need to shake it up before use. This is supposed to be oil absorbing to help reduce shine. The smell might put people off, it is quite a strong almost chemical smell.

My Results

Unfortunately, I didn't notice any improvement after 5/6 weeks concerning my break outs. However, I've been doing a bit of reading about my pill, and a lot of people have commented how their skin got progressively worse while they were on. So, I've just come off it and will see if it makes a difference. And I don't think it would be fair to judge blemish control, if there's another factor which I don't believe the product will help.

One major major plus for me is that I no longer have oily skin in the slightest, which I am super happy about. My foundation lasts so much longer on me, and I don't have to worry about blotting/ powdering at all. But, my skin also dried up, the instructions do warn to reduce usage if drying occurs, which I didn't. So maybe that's my fault! The over all texture of my skin has definitely improved though, the appearance of my pores reduced and my skin definitely feels a lot smoother. So, I was very impressed by that.

Would I rebuy?

I think I would rebuy the toner and use it once a day instead of twice a day. I feel like a need a something a little more hardcore than my Liz Earle tonic (which I do love), but does nothing to help my break outs. I'm unsure about the foam, if my break outs control even though I'm off my pill, I might try it once more so it would be a bit more of a fair test. I am definitely impressed with the results in terms of texture though.

It is definitely worth trying out, and I would recommend it to anyone suffering with break outs, or looking for something with good oil control. Clinique also offer a 4 week returns policy, if you don't see any improvement then you can return and get your money back. Which is great especially when you're investing quite a lot of my money.

My skin at the moment

At the beginning of December I decided to stop neglecting my Clarisonic, I've stopped using the foam cleanser, even though I have a bit left because the dryness was doing my head in. I'm impressed at how long the product has lasted me though. I'm still using the lotion a few times a week. Been off my pill for 2 weeks and starting to notice a difference. I bought myself some Philosophy and I will do a review after a few weeks use.

Thanks for reading :)
Nic xxx

 

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A Few Make Up Resolutions

I really don't do resolutions, not for any particular reason, I just don't! But, I've got a few travelling plans for the summer, and unless I do some major saving I'm not going anywhere. So decided to enforce a few rules for myself, and also some to make sure I get the most out of my collection.

1.  No impulse buys. 

This is definitely my downfall, usually I have my eye on something but end up walking away with that PLUS something else. Hoping this will mean I will only buy products, I love, had my eye on for a while and have researched. No high end foundations without samples first!

2.  Stick to my budget!!!

3. Finish products before buying replacements.

This is mostly in regards to skin & body care, I want to properly use up products instead of giving up half way and trying the next thing. I also think I'm more likely to see results if I stick with it!

4. NO EYESHADOWS.

This is going to be ridiculously hard, but I have so many eyeshadows and so many are being ignored. I'm giving myself until July (my birthday) with a complete ban, and then I think maybe 6 shadows for the rest of the year.  An exception to this rule is if anything specular, undupe-able from my collection and limited edition comes along.

I'm hoping posting my resolutions will mean I have a stronger chance of sticking to them. If I fall short, I will report all and everyone can make me feel ridiculously guilty. I'm excited about the year ahead, and about finishing up some products and making sure I LOVE everything I own. After exams I'm going to have a big sort through of my stuff, and get rid of the stuff I'm meh about, or doesn't work for me.

Good luck for anyone else enforcing some make up rules for the year ahead!

Nic xxx

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Favourite Discoveries of 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Goodbye 2011

2011 has been a mega year for me in terms of make up, I have bought a considerable about more this year than I usually would. I'm pretty sure this has something to do with the fact I started reading blogs the beginning of the year.  I've always frivolously bought make up, but the last year I've tried to expand my collection, and buy stuff I really love. I've also tried to look after my collection better, and as a result my collection has expanded and become something I'm quite proud of.  So, onto my favourite products which I have bought for the first time over the last 12 months.

Eyes

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

MAC All That Glitters

Benefit BADgirl Waterproof Eyeliner

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers

Foundation

Chanel Mat Lumiere 

Cheeks

MAC Style Blush (Frost)

MAC Gold Trace Sheer Tone Blush

NARS Orgasm Blush

Bronzer

Chanel Bronze Universal (Summer)

Nars Laguna (Winter)

Lips
Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips
MAC Hue
MAC Ravishing

These are the products that immediately pop into my head, I've never really been big into blushes, which is why there are three, as I've really been loving them. Adore Mat Lumiere, although the shade I have is slightly pink and bit too dark for me at the moment, so I reserve it for nights out. The curlers have really been a big deal, my eyelashes never held a curl and they have helped me so much and really impressed me. Teaming with waterproof mascara means my lashes now touch my brow bone right up until bed time!

Please excuse the lack of photos, as I'm back home and tried to bring back minimal make up and use products that aren't getting enough love, so most of my favourites are back up at Uni!

Hope everyone had a smashing New Years Eve, what ever you got up to. I had a dinner party and was rushing to get ready so took no photos unfortunately, but I might recreate the look as I did a blue smokey eye which I've never done before!

All the best for 2012 and may all your dreams come true this year. If you would like any full reviews of any of the products please let me know.

Nic xxx

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