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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Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow: Midnight Brown

Hellooo!

Wow, a full time job has really left me little time to get my blog on. I feel really annoyed at myself, yet I'm not ready to give up. I am going make sure I dedicated time to get at least a couple posts up a week. So starting off my new commitment is a very special birthday purchase, which also marks the end of my 6 month eyeshadow ban. Yaaay!

This has been on my lust list for months, I've read so many reviews, watched videos, looked at countless photos.. .call it an obsession if you must. Pale Barley and Midnight Brown were in tough competition, and I decided to go for the brown instead, as it stood out a little more to me when I was at the counter. I had a mini-make over and just loved the effect. I was a little let down by Pale Barley, and it wasn't until I was outside in the normal light that I really appreciated how beautiful it was, and what a great pair the two made. So I will definitely be going back for it!

Despite being labelled as 'sheer' eyeshadows, I can tell you there is absolutely nothing sheer about this range. Midnight Brown is beautifully pigmented, buttery smooth with a slight shimmer shimmer and blends like a dream. This hands down, is the most impressed I've been with an eyeshadow. It's everything you want and more. I honestly feel like rushing out and buying the whole collection.. and there are some more gorgeous options coming out with the autumn collection! Although at £23 each, this could be a very silly decision (although totally worth it!!).

                            

Everything about this product is beautiful; the feel of the sturdy, adorned casing, the embedded patterns, its velour case, the magnetic clip. I could honestly go on and on about this.. over a freakin' eyeshadow!! To summarise, I am in love. And I urge you all to go find your nearest counter, (selected John Lewis & Harrods) and have a swatch, get a make over, and fall in love like I did. They really are as good as everyone says they are.

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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A Couple No 7 Goodies

If you're anything like me, you collect No.7 vouchers and then either forget to spend them, or just lose them. Either way, in a bloggers world (or at least mine) it's practically a sin to not spend money when you're going to be saving.  So the other day, I picked up the Amazing Eye Pencil in Brown, and the Perfect Lips Pencil in Nude- they are two things I was after (not particularly from No 7, but at under £3 for each I thought why not!)

The lip pencil comes with its own little sharpener in the tip, which I though was a really nice touch. I actually ended up smooshing the end of my pencil while taking the photos so I had to use the sharpener and it worked really well. The lip pencil is a retractable, while the eyeliner is a standard one that needs to be sharpened. It also comes with a smudger at the end, which I do really like. The overall packing reminded me a LOT of the Estee Lauder Double Wear Pencil, but I guess you can't really differentiate too much when it comes to eyeliner packaging- so I'll forgive No 7 somewhat.

They are both impressively pigmented, and apply really smoothly. I've only worn the lip liner under lipstick a couple times, so it's obviously a little harder commenting on it's lasting power- but I guess I could say it lasts as long as your lipstick does? The eyeliner is really great, I've had it on for 8 hours now and it's still looking good! 

These two were great little deals, and have filled the holes in my collections. To pick them up for such a great price makes me very happy indeed! The eyeliner is £7.75 full price, and the lip liner £7.50, so with my two vouchers, I paid just over £5 for something that should have cost £15. I do find No 7 products greatly over priced, and only really consider them when the vouchers are available. Saying that, I had a little swatch of the new primer and it seems like it could be the such of airbrushed miracles! I should really try it properly before making such statements, I don't think relying on the effects it had on the back of my hand can counts.

The vouchers run out on Sunday, so if you've got some to use up I definitely recommend having a look at these, they both come in a selection of shades. 

Do you have any No 7 products you love? 

Nic xxx

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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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EOTD: MUA Quick Daytime Look

I've owned the MUA Dusk til Dawn eyeshadow palette for a while, but it's always sat quite unloved being passed over in favour of my MAC palettes. Yesterday, I decided to have a little play, and paired two colours which I thought worked really well together. The two I used are surprisingly buttery, so they apply and blend beautifully, with finish I can liken to the Veluxe Pearls from MAC.

I'm a bit rubbish at describing colours, so I'll let the photos do the talking. I admit, I was drawn to the purple, which is a colour I love wearing. I think it works really well with brown eyes, and I've heard purple is good for making the eyes look brighter and whiter. (Apparently applying purple mascara to the tips of your lashes also works a treat!)

I used shade 1 (numbered below) all over the lid on top of MAC's Painterly Paint Pot, and then blended 2. on the outer lid and into the crease.  I think it gives a really soft, wearable slightly smokey eye. I didn't curl my lashes, just whacked some Loreal Telescopic in waterproof on to keep the look as simple and fresh as possible. It's definitely a combo I'll be wearing again.

I won't go into too much detail on the palette as a whole, as I haven't used it enough to comment, but I really do like the few I'm used and find them so easy to apply. (Think I may use the more glittery shades on the weekend!) To be fair, for £3 you can't really go wrong, even if you only use a couple of the colours. They really are great value for money and can be found in Superdrug in store or online.

Do you have any favourite combinations from the Dusk till Dawn Palette?

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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My First Taste of Jemma Kidd

I won't deny, these two purchases were heavily influenced by Anna's raving reviews, I'd previously seen PawPaw on A Model Recommends so I didn't need to be told twice.

Dewy Glow Radiance Creme Iced Gold £17

I've really been getting into cream products, and thought it was only fair I added a cream highlighter, it leaves the most gorgeous soft shimmer, and sets beautifully on the skin BUT it is not compatible with powders, at least not the ones I use. It's hard to describe, but it goes a bit funny whether placed on top, or underneath a powder. So if you like to set with a powder, avoid doing it on the cheek bones etc. Basically where ever you want to highlight. The swatch really shows how beautiful it is, and I'm very tempted to buy the Rose Gold version as well.

The photos below are taken with my iPhone but I think they really show how beautiful Dewy Glow looks when the light hits it, and how it photographs. (No flash was used)

Blush Wear Creme Cheek Colour PawPaw £13

There's not too much to say about this, it's just lovely. It applies so nicely (I use a Real Techniques Stippling Brush)  and dries to a powder finish, that lasts really well on my skin. The colour is perfect for me, I love peaches on my cheeks, and find they suit my skin tone really well.  I've already added Pomegranate to my list, as I'm so impressed with the formula, and I don't have any blushes like it! It's not quite as bright and scary as it in in the pan, but my skintone mutes it slighty (NC25 for reference). It's blends out beautifully to create a barely there flush, but it's buildable when you want the colour to really stand out, so you can make it fit to your taste.


Jemma Kidd is available instore at SpaceNK, but they aren't that accessible for everyone, you can find it online at Beauty Bay or Feel Unique, who both offer free delivery.


It's really fun discovering new brands, and I've enjoyed my little adventure with Jemma Kidd, I'm hoping to get a Light As Air sample next time I'm home too.  Any other JK recommendations for me?

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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