FOTD: Bronzed & YSL Touche Eclat Foundation

sorry, I'm lacking a plain wall with good enough lighting!

Despite my ridiculously bad hair day, I decided today I would stop hiding from the camera and do a FOTD. This has pretty much been my go to look during the day, I do like changing up my bronzer, but I've not parted way with my bronzed lids. Please excuse my tired eyes, I'm still getting used to getting up at 7.30 every morning! I'm also testing out the new YSL Foundation, which I am really enjoying, but as you can probably tell it's not quite warm enough for me. I should really learn to be more forceful when getting samples, neutral undertones don't work for me!

What's On My Face

Base

Bare Minerals Prime Time Primer

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation (B50)

applied with Sigma F80

Bare Minerals Original (Golden Medium)

not pictured, applied lightly with MAC 188

Chanel Loose Powder (Poudre Universelle Libre)

I did find the foundation left me a little too shiney for my liking, so a light dusting was needed.

Undereyes

Laura Mercier Undereye Rerfector (review here)

Dior Diorskin Sculpt Concealor (002)

YSL Touche Eclate (1)

Eyes

Maybelline Colour Tattoo On & On Bronze

Empro Felt Liner

Lancome Hypnose (waterproof)

Cheeks

NARS Luster

Lips

Maybelline Moisture Extreme Pinky Beige

which I layered over:

MAC Creme d'Nude 

Let's hope taking photos of myself becomes easier, and a little less awkward!

Any of your favourites amongst the products I used?

Nic xxx

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Mini MAC & Drugstore Haul

I don't know why but I seem to think birthday's are an excused to 'treat myself'. So I've spent quite a bit of money over the last few weeks, probably didn't help that my birthday also meant the end of my eyeshadow ban, and I've gone a little over the top, buying another 4 eyeshadows after treating myself to Burberry's Midnight Brown. But I could justify it, as 3 of them have survived a long wish list that has been whittled away.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo On & On Bronze

When these were released I knew I had to get my hands on this shade, so I waited patiently until my eyeshadow ban was over, and then immediately purchased it. I definitely haven't been let down. It's a gorgeous bronze (duh) that is beautifully pigmented and has been the perfect product to slap on, and blends well using just my fingers. Ideal when you need to get ready for work in a rush, especially when you tend to sleep through your alarm like I do!

Urban Decay All Nighter XL

 This was a complete spur of the moment purchase, and with my fix+ nearly run out I decided to pick one of these up, and managed to let the sales girl convince me to buy the bigger one. I have read great things about this setting spray so I'm hoping it impresses me. I keep forgetting to use it though, so once I've given it a proper test I will review it!

MAC Studio Fix Powder NC35

The liquid version has been a dear companion to me for many years now, and after Yu telling me how much she liked it, I decided to just go for it. The coverage is probably a little to light for me when I apply it using a normal powder brush, but I am looking forward to playing around with it, which I haven't had the chance to yet. Bear in mind, the colours of the powder don't correspond to the liquid version, so you you might have to go up a shade or three!!

MAC Club Eyeshadow

These two MAC shades have been carefully selected to fill my final two remaining spaces in my palettes (I have one neutral and one colour). I absolutely looove Club, and can't believe it's taken me so long to buy it. It's an amazing duochrome colour, that changes depending what light it's in. It's got great depth to it, and it looks great paired with goldy/brown shades as a base. Can't wait to experiment a bit more with it.

MAC Patina Eyeshadow

This is also a unique colour, although it has a fairly neutral browny base, it's got hints of pink, gold and purple to it. I think this is the sort of colour that will change depending on who is wearing it, which makes it a lot more complex and special that it might initially seems in the pan.

Loreal Infallible Eyeshadow Eternal Sunshine

My local Boots has a pretty small selection of these pressed eyeshadows, and I sort of grabbed this on a post-ban high, and then wished I had gone for the silvery one. But I am glad that I got this, it's super pigmented so you need to be careful it doesn't come out too yellow. But when you blend this softly and pair it with a bronze you get a beautiful golden/bronze smokey eye. 

Maybelline Ceramic Blue Nail Varnish

This was definitely influenced by Essie Button, and I'm a sucker for pastel shades any. Really love it, it's even got the most subtle shimmer/irridenscence running through it. Definitely one to look out for! I got so many compliments when I wore it. aOnce I soak off my gel I'll be doing a NOTD, it's such a beautiful colour and I think it would suit a lot of different skin tones.

I should really put down my debit card, but payday is so soon! Arghhh.

Any recent new purchases you're loving? 

Please so send me your links, as I'm looking for some new blogs to read. :)

Nic xxx

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My Holiday Make Up

I've been back from Barcelona for two weeks now, I had such a lovely time and am seriously missing the food. We ate like crazy people, you can find some of the photos from my trip on instagram (@nic704) if you fancy having a nosey.

This post isn't a full on 'whats in my travel make-up bag' because it would be far too long, and I've planned some full reviews for the other items I haven't included. There's a few new products included as well which I haven't used long enough to review individually.

MAC Fix+

Honestly, I don't think this helps extend the length of your make-up,  but it's refreshing, helps you to stop looking too powdery, and helps your make up look more natural. I  use it set my eye make-up, or when I need to foil any eyeshadows. 

NARS Luster

 I am absolutely loving this blusher, adds the perfect bit of colour to your cheeks, leaving a slightly sun kissed glow. Only problem I have with it, is that there is a lot of fall out, which upsets me as I feel like I'm blowing half my product away with each brush swipe. I have two other NARS blushers, and not had this problem, so either it's just Luster, or I've got a dodgy one.

Paco Rabanne Lady Million

I am obsessed with this scent, it's fresh, feminine, lasts ages, & makes me feel so summery. 

Korres Milk Bar Soap (for stressed skin).

 This little bar actually does a pretty good job of removing my foundation, it's completely paraben and chemical free and I feel good using it. As of the last two weeks, I haven't really used anything else to cleanse and my skin seems to be reacting really well to it, ie. it's clearing up.

Korres Lip Butter Quince

I don't know why it took me so long to pick up one of these up, love the way it feels on my lips, the colour pay off is pretty impressive too. Especially great on holiday, when you can't be bothered with lipstick, and just want something to slap on!

YSL Volupté Sheer Candy No10 Tangy Mandrine

I bought this just after Christmas, (not sure why I've not blogged about it yet). While it may just be an overpriced, non-moisturizing tinted balm (it's not drying though), the packaging is beautiful, the smell is amazing and I am in love with the orange stain is leaves behind. It goes on glossy, but that doesn't last too long, but the colour sticks around for ages, and on me that is impressive stuff. It's so light weight as well, it's like you're not wearing anything. It's the perfect thing to slap on while on holiday, or even on nights out when you can quickly apply it and forget about it. I don't think all the other colours from this range have a good colour pay off, so it's worth swatching or trying on in store.

L'oreal Telescopic Mascara (Waterproof)

This is hands down the best waterproof mascara I've found, it's also my every day mascara, and while I'm not 100% sold on the way it makes me lashes look, long but lacking body/thickness,  it hold a curl like crazy, and there is zero smudging, or flaking.

Garnier Caffiene Roll-On

While I don't really thinking anything will 100% take away my dark circles, this was on special just after I finished my exams, and I thought I might as well pick it up and try it out. I love how good the roller ball feels first thing in the morning, and I think it's worth it for just the cooling effect, especially seeing as I paid just over £5 for it.

MAC Cream Colour Base Hush

I have become a little obsessed with highlighters lately, and Hush is my most recent addition. This purchase was influenced by Kelly's (a blog of vain pleasures) post on her highlighter collection (which I am majorly envious of). So after my last exam I popped to MAC with a £5 on my Debenham's card and picked it up. I really love it, and am looking forward to getting a tan as think it will look even better when I have one. You can see a great swatch of it on Kelly's post here.

Chanel Tan de Soliel/ Bronze Universel

I didn't end up using this, but my love is still going strong for it over a year. I think it's because I don't use it too often, so when I do I really enjoy it. I sometimes use it as an over all base under my foundation, or use it lightly to contour when I've got a bit of a tan.


Phew, sorry that was a long one! In other news, I've started work today, as in full time, job for life. So scary knowing I'm not going back to Uni in September. But more importantly it's my birthday in two days and I'm sooo excited!

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend. And as usual if you wanna know any more detail on anything mentioned feel free to ask away.

Nic xxx

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What I've been loving lately #2

Hello all! (See there's a few new followers, so a special welcome to you, and don't be shy feel free to say hi!)

I know I've been a bit quiet on the blogging front, been back at home and we're packing up the house, looking for furniture, trying to earning some money and I'm attempting to do uni work inbetween that all, so blogging's taking a back seat. Really wanted to get a post out tonight, no matter how late it is! So without further ado, here are some products I've been loving lately.

Nars Orgasm Blush

Really been enjoying this when I want a bit of sheen in the cheeks during the day, for nights out I just build it up a bit more. Great shade with a big following and it really hasn't disappointed! You can see me wearing it on an older post here.

Chanel Pourdre Universelle Libre (Loose Powder) 30 Naturel

I've had this for a while now, and don't know why I haven't mentioned yet, I guess because wear mostly matte foundations I don't wear this all the time. Things have changed since picking up Healthy Mix I needed something to set it and remove the slightly dewy finish. This product is amazing, helps me stay matte, doesn't feel heavy or go cakey, has light reflecting properties that help to blur pores and give a smooth appearance. I also use it with my Illamasqua Rich Liquid for nights out, and I find it photographs quite well.

Bourjois Healthy Mix 53

A great, light weight foundation for days I'm not doing too much. It doesn't last as well as the claims, but it's nice enough and smells amazing. Find it leans a little pink for me, but I dust some Bare Minerals over it just to warm it up a bit.

LUSH Ocean Salt Facial Scrub

This stuff is amazing! It looks really scary in the pot, but once you add a bit of water the salt crystals dissolve as you exfoliate leaving you with quite a creamy scrub, and oooh my days, the way your skin feels afterwards is insane. I've never felt my face feel so soft before. I use it a couple times a week, it's really great. Definitely pick up a sample if you can.

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Like so many others, I have totally fallen for this brush. Really makes applying foundation a breeze, and I find it works really well for a variety of foundations, I do find if I want a bit heavier coverage I still opt for my F80.

Laura Mercier Under Eye Perfector Orange/Yellow

See my full review here. Really loving this, and it really does work great when I mix it in with my foundation. 

MAC Pinch O Peach Blush (Sheertone)

Picked this up from Seanna's blog sale towards the end of Feb (she's still got a few bits left so check it out! Quite a few MAC eyeshadows. link), and have really been loving it! The name is really misleading, as I don't detect any peach at all, not even a pinch, but it's a great pink shade that adds dimension and colour to my face. It's really buildable, and despite being a sheertone it's got great pigmentation.

Rimmel Nude Delight Lipstick

A personal fav of Yu, and with simliar skin tones, I thought this would suit me. It comes with me everywhere! Perfect nude lip, can slap it on without too much thought.

MAC Fanfare (Creamsheen)

This has been my go to colour when I want something a little brighter on my lips during the day. You can see the swatch here.

LUSH Big Shampoo (not pictured)

I totally forgot to include a photo, but I've actually only got a sample pot so it's a small black one, not much to see. This honestly is the first shampoo that I've used that makes a noticeable difference to the  volume of my hair. I thought I was seeing things, so switched back to another shampoo and low and behold my hair was sitting flat on my scalp. Definitely going to buy a full size! My sample was quite sizeable so it's lasted me a good few weeks!

Dove Nourishing Oil Care Daily Treatment Conditioner (not pictured)
I looooove this conditioner. It really works for me, and the reasoning it's a current favourite is because I actually left my one at home, so when I was at uni I was finishing up some others, so when I was reunited with it for the last 2 weeks of March I remember how I loved it. The ends of my hair look fresher for longer and smells amazing. I only apply it right to the ends- it's really great and I will definitely be purchasing my 4 bottle soon!

I love seeing favourite posts, and I've really enjoyed writing this! I don't do monthly ones because often it's the same things, so it would be incredibly boring to read. So hopefully you'll enjoy this, although they're a bit more scarce. Happy Belated Easter to all :)

Nic xxx

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A Little about FAME online & MAC By Request Collection

I briefly mentioned before that I have been welcomed on board the FAME team, (which is primarily an online based magazine that also does a quarterly print copy). It's a talent and lifestyle magazine for students and young people, with a focus on Fashion, Arts, Media and Entrepreneurship (FAME..geddit?). The thing I really love about FAME, is that it's completely voluntary; everyone gives up their time come together and produce content that they are passionate about. The team are mega supportive of all their volunteers, whether they are writers, editors or photographers, and really want to help us reach our dreams, and give us a chance to be involved in something special. I feel very lucky to be able to say I am the new beauty writer, and look forward to getting even more involved once I'm back home. (FAME is based in Hertfordshire, where I'm originally from.)

So why am I filling you in on this? Well, obviously I write beauty articles, and they are different to what I might feature on the blog but might still be of some interest for you. I've written one about some Kitchen Beauty (which is all about hair treatments you can find already in your kitchen). You can find that here.

My latest post is all about MAC's latest limited edition collection due to be released in October, which most of you probably know about, but for those of you who haven't I've written up a little article for FAME explaining how to get involved and become part of MAC history. In essence, it's up to us to vote for our favourite shades that have either been limited edition or discontinued- to be rereleased in the Autumn collection. Personally, I'm quite excited about it and to get a second change to get my mitts on some of MAC's most popular shades. Some of them I've heard of, and some of them I had to google for swatches, but there were definitely a few shades I would love to see released.

You can find out the full selection of items to vote for, and how to do so on my post here.

I voted for 3n in the lipstick category and it was a close called between Jete and Moth Brown for my eyeshadow choice, with Jete just taking the vote because it's the more unique shade out of the two, in my opinion. 

What have you voted for? Any personal favourites amongst the selection?

Nic xxx

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CLOSED: A Little Thank You: Giveaway

I really really wanted to say thank you to my first 50 followers, (but I think I've just gone over to 51 woo) so I was going to randomly select one of you lovely readers, but I totally forgot that Bloglovin' doesn't show who follows you, so I can't really tell and I wouldn't want to miss anyone out.

So,  I'm just going to do a conventional give away!

Enough chatting, on to the giveaway:

 MAC PAINTPOINT

OR 

A MAC Lipstick

These are two of my favourite products from MAC and so I thought it would be the perfect things to giveaway, and why not better than to give the winner the choice!

How to enter:

-you must be following me via GFC or Bloglovin (bit harder to tell but I don't have many followers on there so I'll be counting entries)

-please leave a comment below saying 'enter me'  

-(and if you would like to, any posts you would like to see, or if there's anything specially you've seen that I haven't reviewed fully. ) 

-please state which item you would like to win and which shade.

-please leave your email or twitter so I can contact the winner

-For an extra entry you can tweet about the giveaway (@nic704)

-Give away ends at 12pm on Monday 19th March and I will announce the winner later that afternoon. (Selected via random.org.)

GOOD LUCK AND AGAIN A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL. 

I know to some, the number isn't big, but I've enjoyed ranting away in this little blog of mine, and it's crazy to me people actually click that follow button!

Much Love

Nic xxx

UPDATE Monday 19th 12.34: Thank you for all your entries and for commenting on what you would like to see. I will be picking a winner shortly. xx

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Recent Hauling

I know I only just did a haul post a couple days ago, but I felt because this was one was make up it was okay. Sorry, if anyone find them a bit boring, I personally love seeing haul posts/videos!

Real Techniques Core Collection

I've wanted this for ages, but paying the postage costs always put me off a bit.  I originally bought the stippling brush nearly a year ago and have really been enjoying it, so was curious to try out some of the others. When I heard they were going to be sold in Boots I headed down, to find it sold out at first, but went back a week later to pick up the powder brush for Yu, and there it hung in all it's glory. First impressions are very good, and I've actually been choosing the buffing brush over my previous fav, the stippling brush!

Illamasqua Rich Liquid Foundation 233

I don't know why it's taken me so long to look into this foundation, but a recent foundation collection video from Yu reminded me that I had wanted to try it. So I went for a colour match and walked out with it, oops. In my defence, Illamasqua don't actually give out samples, (which is ridiculous if you ask me) and the colour match is pretty good, it's a bit dark for everyday use, but works great for nights out which is exactly why I wanted it, and hopefully in the summer it will be a better match. I've only used it a couple times, but plan to do a full review in the near future. 

MAC Viva Glam Nicki

I managed to nab one of those advance codes, and so I received it a bit earlier than the official release date, which excited me more than it probably should have. I really love this, although when I apply it, the hints of peach disappear, and I'm left with a very vibrant almost highlighter pink. I wore this last night, and let me warn you, this baby leaves a stain. After 8 hours sleep I woke up with my lips still pink.

Bare Minerals Original  Golden Beige

I was soo excited to pick this up, it's something I've sampled before but never took the plunge.  I was between shades so I went for the slighty darker one as I thought it will be perfect in the summer anyway, and I can make it work when I've fake tanned. At the moment I'm using it lightly as a setting powder and it's working well. Once again, I'm planning to do a fuller review once I'd had a bit more use out of it, but it really is as good as I've read, with suprisingly good coverage. 

Hope everyone is having a lovely weekend!

Nic xxx

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A small MAC haul, naturally.

As soon as I saw the promos of MAC Naturally collection, I was excited about the release of Redhead and Blonde MSFs (both limited edition), and for ages I didn't know which one I wanted, but I set aside the money for one and waited patiently. Last week, I finally made it in store to swatch and ended up walking away with Redhead, it's the perfect champagne pink and is beautifully pigmented. On my skin it works great as a blusher/brightener/highlighter all in one, and think it will look amazing with a tan. 

I also had some empties to back to mac and originally was after Blankety or Hug Me, as I wanted a brown based nude, but both look awful on me, so I went for Fanfare (from the permanent line.) which is a very wearable everyday yellow toned pink, with a slight sheen. Adds a great hint of colour without being too in your face, I'm very happy with my choice.

Redhead applies so beautifully, with no grittiness at all, and the colour really does instantly brighten up my face. I definitely feel I went for the right one, but in a world were money is endless, I definitely would have picked up both. (thanks to the boyfriend who helped me chose and for being very patient with me!) Fanfare is a cremesheen finish and is lovely and smooth on application, but perhaps not as sheeny as others in the line.

l: redhead r: fanfare


In other news, I've recently been asked to join the writing team over at FAME online, which is a student run online magazine, who also do a quartly print edition. All the writers volunteer their time to get involved, and talk about things that are passionate to them, and there's a broad range of great articles. I'm very excited to get started, should have my first article up in the next couple of weeks. I'll be writing for the beauty section, so now doubt I'll be linking to my articles, and would love it if you could check it out.




Nic xxx

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The One

For years, I disregarded the importance of using a primer on my eyelids, I've fleetingly used the ELF one (really impressive for the price) and UDPP which, to be honest, I really didn't like, it just didn't work for me, but neither became regulars in my eyeshadow application. But a lovely sales assistant in Santa Barbara opened my eyes, and I can happily say I've found the one.

MAC Painterly is a pale nude, which looks pink/flesh toned in the pot, but when it's applied to the lids it had a slight grey/purple tinge to it. But it is pretty neutral, and so it makes a perfect base for any colour to be applied on top. It sets quickly to a matte finish, and ensures my eyeshadow stays in place for hours. Although it's not technically a 'primer', it's worked better than any I've tried. (I may have on occasion gone to sleep with my eyeshadow still on from a night out (oops), and wake up the next day my eyeshadow looks perfect. Seriously perfect.)

It can, obviously, be worn alone, if you like a pale pink, but for me I solely use it as a base. MAC do offer other great shades, and finishes in the paint pot line and I'm very tempted to pick up another when my ban is over, something with a bit of shimmer perhaps. You can see the full collection here.

They retail for £14.50 and mine has been worth any penny!

Nic xxx

(ps. sorry about the dirty pot- it's been well loved.)

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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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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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EOTD: MAC Paradisco & Starviolet

 As promised, here's how I wore some of my new colours!

 The above were taken with the flash on,  you can see the lovely sheen of the colours. The bottom colour looks really pink, but the top one shows a truer colours, and you can see the peachyness of Paradisco coming through. Starviolet just adds a bit of depth, and can be built up if you wanted the edges darker.

 I used a wash of Paradisco, with my MAC 224 up to the brow bone, and then just blended Starviolet into on the outer 1/3 of my lid and slightly into the crease, with my No 7 blending brush.  I also used a bit of Bronze which I  lightly pressed right into the crease using my MAC 266 ( small angled brush). Then using my 224 I blended them all together.  Before applying my bottom eyeliner, I used my finger to just apply a bit of Paradisco along the lower lash as well.

For the eyeliner I used Estee Lauder's Double Wear Liner in Onyx, both upper and lower lash lines. Curled my lashes with Shu Uemura curlers. And for the mascara, I've actually forgtten what I used, which I know is a major blogging faux pas. It was either Loreal Telescopic (water proof) or Collection 2000 Skyscraper also in waterproof. For my eyebrows I used Christian Eyebrow Semi Permanent Powder in Irid brown, with my 266.

You can see individual swatches of the colours in my last post here. 

MAC eyeshadows are available at their official website here, or Debenhams who have 10% off still. here

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend, I'm back home from Uni now, and heading into London tomorrow my mom for some Christmas shopping. So excited!

Nic xxx

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MAC Haul

 I went to the MAC stand with the intention of picking up 1 pan to finish my neutral palette, and having a little swatch, but, I absolutely fell in love with the colours. They are so different to what I own already, and I couldn't resist. Debenham's had 15% off, plus I had £25 worth of Beauty Club points, so in my defense I didn't even spend that much!

Left: Bronze (Frost) gold brown with shimmer.

Right: Sketch (Velvet) deep burgundy/brown with a red shimmer. I went in thinking I wanted  Fig.1, but this just swatched so much better, and I like the added dimension with the shimmer, without being too obvious.

Left: Paradisco (Frost)  pinky-coral with a gorgeous pearl sheen. Think it would look great along the top of the cheekbones as well.

Right: Starviolet (Veluxe Pearl) pinky-brown plum, veluxe pearl finish are just to die for as well.

L-R. Bronze.Sketch. Paradisco.Starviolet.

(click to enlarge)

(how tiny my my little finger!!)

Metal X Cream Eye Shadow (Limited Edition) £15.50

Venetian Tarnish

After swatching for about half an hour, the lovely MUA showed me the new cream shadows, (which I had purposely been avoiding!) I've been really drawn cream finishes lately, so I knew it would be dangerous to even look. And then I ended up buying one! Total self control fail.

What MAC says: A powdery cream that almost instantly transforms into a blendable, buildable liquid metal finish.  A vibrant mélange of pigments, this highlighter quickly brings extreme brilliance, shine and multi-dimensional impact to eyes, cheeks, décolletage.

This is beyond gorgeous!! The colour is so dimensional, and I love that is multipurpose. I'm really looking forward to playing around with it. Might have to pick up another colour as well.

I love my new colours, and apart from Bronze, I've not seen too many people talking about them. So it's nice to make some discoveries on my own. All the finishes are great, and apply well, all the shimmery/sheenyness (not a word I know) is also perfect for festive season!

(I had planned to include photos of the new colours on my eyes, but decided to save it for another post, as it was a bit too photo heavy with them. So look out for that if you're interested in how to wear the more pinky/purpley colours)

Thanks for reading!

Nic xxx

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Ruby Woo, I Love You

I was really hoping to get some more posts out this last week, but I had my mom's 50th over the weekend so I was home celebrating, but wanted to get a quick one up to share my love for MAC's Ruby Woo lippie!

I tried taking photos in my attic room at Uni, but the lighting is so awful the colours always seem to come out wrong, so I've used some photos from when I've been out.  And anyway, unless you've been living under a rock, or are totally new to the beauty blogging/ youtube world, you will definitely have seen swatches before.

It's a Matte finish which has the most impressive staying power ever, and I don't actually find it too drying, but I moisture my lips obsessively.  Just make sure to exfoliated your lips before applying, and use a good balm about ten minutes before you apply.

I'm hoping the photos show just what a statement Ruby makes, a deep true red that I'm sure will suit most skin tones!

(remember to click to enlarge!)

 Both outtings have been fancy dress, Halloween and then the middle photo is from the other weekend, hopefully you can tell I'm meant to be Sandy from Grease, minus the blonde big curly hair. (Excuse my face in the middle one, doing a bit of an awkward pose.) I can tell you now, fancy dress is something I won't miss when I graduate!

My housemate has also fallen for Ruby Woo, and I'm pretty sure she's worn it more than I have!

So, yeah, I highly recommend Ruby Woo if you're looking for a bright, clean, statement red, that will last and last. It's the perfect lipstick for nights out, meals or for a pop of colour during the day. It's staying power  really is something else! There's really no point looking any further. At least I don't think there is.

You can find it at Debenham's online here, they have 10% off at the moment.


Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

Nic xxx

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FOTD: What Joy! & A Rediscovery

As mentioned in my previous post here is a FOTD featuring What Joy! from MAC. Kept my eyes really simple as the lipstick makes quite a statement on it's own.

Face

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NC25

MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC30

MAC MSFN Medium Deep to contour

MAC Trace Gold Shimertone Blush to highlight.

Eyes

MAC Brule all over up to browline

MAC Wedge  blended lightly from outer v into crease

Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Liner in Black

Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara in Black

A recent rediscovery for me is the Lancome mascara, I bought it so long ago that I can't even remember when. But I was really impressed. It wasn't clumpy at all and left my eyelashes looking really fluttery. Think I'm going to buy myself a new tube and give it a proper test as this one is quite dried out and so it flakes a bit.

I'm beginning to realise how much I rely on MAC products, even though I have a huge stash of non-MAC products. Think I'm going to have to venture out a bit more next week, and try use up some other products.  Maybe a MAC ban should be self imposed (foundation&concealer excluded!)

Nic xxx

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What Joy Comes in a White Little Bullet?

Hello and excuse the lame title, but I couldn't resist. I am beyond happy with my one and only purchase from the MAC Glitter & Ice Collection released a couple weeks ago now. (Although I'm hoping to pick up another on the weekend, Morning Frost Paint Pot, I am looking at you!)

Back in October, when the swatches went live on Temptalia I immediately added What Joy! lipstick to my wish list. It looked like the perfect berry red, a shade I had been searching for. So I sat waiting patiently for the release date.

Ouu so shiny!

I didn't even bother trying it on in store, just went to the till (after having a massive eye shadow/paint pot swatch session) and asked for it. I'm a bit of sucker for limited edition packaging, and I know some don't like the white, but I think it still looks sleek and not tacky at all. Plus the silver boxes are wicked!

How gorgeous does that look! In the bullet it almost appears like a deep reddy/brown but on the lips it transforms to it's true berry self.

Dabbed on as a stain / Applied properly.

This is what it looks like dabbed on slighty and then rubbed in with my fingers. It's a really nice wearable flush of colour. On my lips it does tend to lean a bit pink, but just dab on more for a deeper colour. It's really great during the day - not sure I'm brave enough to wear it full on during the sunshine hours.

As you can see it's a really deep, classy red. It is quite in your face, but very sophistacted at the same time. I am super happy I got my hands on it, it's like nothing I already own. The Satin finish means it's got a lovely sheen to it, and lasts really well. Lotta love for What Joy! Really is happiness in a bullet.

It's sold out on the MAC & Debenham's websites already, but may be available on local counters and concessions.

I'm going to do a full FOTD post later to show it off some more.

Nic xxx

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Colour Me In

The weather has been so depressing so I've been really enjoying bright lips. These are some recent additions to my lipstick collection.

L-R Impassioned / Show Orchid / Neon Orange

These are the truest representations of the colours.

I went into MAC in September when the Fall Colour Collection was released just wanting to pick up Show Orchid which I'd been after for a while, and walked out with all three.

All three are amplified finishes, and as a result are super pigmented and last ages. They have quite a sheen to them, and I haven't found them drying at all.

L-R Impassioned/ Show Orchid / Neon Orange

Impassioned

Impassioned is a hot pink, but on my lips its very warm and almost looks like a peach/pink to me. 

Show Orchid

I tried to capture the purple iridescence running through the bright fushia pink, which you can see quite well on the lip swatch. It is a really bright and eyecatching colour, when the light hits it it almost looks purple. It's gorgeous. Rely more on the hand swatch/ bullet for true colour though.

Neon Orange

This swatch is a little misleading, it's actually a very bright true orange, there's no red tones at all. The hand swatch shows it's true colour well. It's very simliar to MAC's Morange.

Neon Orange and Show Orchid are available permanently from the Pro collection, although Neon Orange is still available on the normal website. Impassioned is part the permanent line. 

Sorry the lipswatches aren't great representations, my camera seemed to dull down the colours the closer I brought it to my lips. Took multiple photos to try my best though.

Here's a little photo of Impassioned in action.

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Recent Empties No1

I love seeing empties posts, it's a great way to find out what products have been impressive enough to rebuy. They can be more reliable than intial first impressions, even after a couple weeks usage. So here are some products I've finished over the last couple weeks. 

Numbers four, five & six were all first time buys.

            one             two           three           

one. MAC Studio Fix Foundation NC25. 30 ml. £19.50

Lost count of the amount of bottles I've owned. Not quite HG status, but it works so well for me. Definite rebuy.

two. TRESemme Dry Shampoo. 200ml £2.65 at Superdrug.

This is the 5th bottle I've finished, great smell, doesn't leave white residue. Trying out a new (cheaper) dry shampoo, otherwise definite rebuy, it's replaced Batitse for me. Although on the expensive side as they never last too long.

three. Paco Rabanne Black XS EDT 50ml. £35.50

I received this bottle at Christmas, and I think it's my second bottle. I've only had one perfume since then, so it's run out really quickly! Described as 'amber and woody', it's got a very distinct, sweet smell. Love the bottle as well. Think will try something new, although probably repurchase in the future.

(i love the mens version as well, for men that is)

 

four            five               six

four. No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Make up Remover 100ml £7.75

Very gentle oil and water cleanser, I wear waterproof mascara daily, so need an oil cleanser. I bought it with a No7 voucher, works great but is very expensive for what it is. Nothing special basically. Will rebuy the Garnier remover for £2.99 for 200ml. here.

five. MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer NC30 £13.50

Bought at the beginning of the year. Doesn't come close to MAC's Studio Finish concealer, which has far better coverage and staying power. It's very creamy, and I found it creased under eyes. Will not be rebuying.

six. Boots Botanics Cleansing Body Scrub 250ml £4.59

Loved the idea of it being cleansing, loved the colour and the scent, which is very fresh. However, you need quite a lot of the scrub for full body so it has run out quickly. Leaves skin very soft,without being abrasive at all. Not sure if I will rebuy yet.

I finished an awful essay today so had a big of splurge in Debenhams today to help me feel a bit better about it. Which is something I actually do way too often. I spent last weekend back at home, (I go to Uni in Sheffield) and my mom and I had a lovely shopping trip to Brent Cross, where I picked up a few Lush bits and my mom treated me to a bit of MAC & Zara. She's a babe. Expect some haul posts soon!

Thanks for reading!

Nic xxx

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