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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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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Easter/ Westfield Haul

Helloooo, I'm back!

This posted was supposed to be up two weeks ago, but Uni has taken over my life, and when I do have some time I just don't seem to have to energy to think of anything to write that would not bore you to sleep, and I really didn't want to put up a half-arsed post! It's now 3am, and I've just finished my prep for my second essay and really felt motivated to get this up!

This is a bit of a mixed haul, but mostly it was from a little trip to Westfield while I was at home at Easter. It was mostly an excuse to meet up with Yu, and we had a lovely time- hope she appreciated me getting up before 9, that doesn't happen too often. We started off at Pain le Quotidien (great place for breakfast/brunch and reasonable too! Definitely recommend) and discussed our mutual appreciation for runny eggs before showing her my make up bag, and being told 'ouu you're one of those', (my used lipstick takes on a sort of scooped slop, rather than being flat.) We then spent a good few hours milling round the shops, swatching, oogling at handbags through windows, and spending too much money, more me than Yu, but I had cash burning a whole in my pocket. Anywho, on to my purchases...

Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser

Continuing on with the idea of simplifying my skincare, and reducing the amount unnecessary chemicals that go on my face I picked this up. I had already picked up the night cream version which I am actually in love with and will do a full review on it soon.  After a couple weeks use, I've really enjoyed this, although next time I think I'll go for the normal version, but it works really well as a mattifier, I just find with Double Wear (my foundation of choice) my skin doesn't really need extra mattifying.

Kleenex Facial Cleansing Wipes

These were on special in Tesco, and I'd read they're quite good and 'moist' (urgh, horrible word). I like to keep some wipes at my boyfriends house just incase I forget my make up remover, and I've only used these a couple times but I'm seriously unimpressed. I feel like they just tug on my skin a lot- maybe I got a bad pack, or it just doesn't work well with Double Wear.

NARS Luster Blush

Definitely influenced by Yu's raving about it, and although I wasn't planning on picking it up when I saw her, it had been on my wishlist for ages and I decided to just go for it. And I really really love it, and will definitely do a review and hopefully face of the day!

Benefit dr feelgood Primer

Yu and I looked at this at Westfield, but I didn't actually buy it until I was back up at uni. My best friend from home used to wear this when we were younger and I was always fascinated by it. My POREfessional had nearly run out so I decided to bite the bullet. At the moment I'm a little undecided about how I feel, and will do a full review when I've used it a bit more.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir 

Totally gave in to all the blogger hype, yes it's refreshing, but no I don't notice any improvements to my skin or brightening, no wows here and it's running out ridiculously quickly. So again, I'm very torn- it's a nice enought product, but I don't think it delivers on all it's claims. But then again, I've only been using it 3 weeks.

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil (for dehydrated skin)

I'm sososo glad I listened to Yu and picked this up, okay more like invested, as it's not cheap. It really deserves it's own post, gets a massive thumbs up from me! 

Topshop Innocent Lipstick

I originally wanted Infrared, but decided I don't wear my bright orange's enough so justify buying a third one, so when for a more wearable everyday pink. I had previously bought the Strawberry Shortcake Revlon lip butter, but lost it, so decided to go for something different!

Dove Nourishing Oil Conditioner

I've spoken about my love for the express treatment before, but decided to try out the normal version as well to see how it compared. I've only used it twice so far, and have really liked it, not sure if it's going to replace the express version though!


I would quickly like to wish everyone luck who's coming up to the end of year exams/assignments, or are doing them at the moment. It's really not a fun time of the year is it!?

Full reviews of some of the products above will be coming when I can squeeze them in.

Have you bought anything new lately? I love reading haul posts, so feel free to send me your links (and youtube channels).

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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What I've been loving lately #1

After multiple attempts at the awkward first post, I've decided to jump straight in and have a bit of a round up (which you might have figured out from the glaringly obvious title).

Face

No 7 Beautifully Matte Foundation

This was an absolute surprise for me- armed with No 7 Vouchers last month I decided to take a gamble. It seemed to promise everything I want from a foundation- shine free, long wearing and full coverage, and it really delivered.

MAC Trace Gold Sheertone Shimmer Blush

I bought this at the beginning of August and have worn it pretty much everyday. On my skin tone (somewhere between at NC25-30) it has a gorgeous subtle colour which really helps to brighten my face. Great for every day use.

NARS Laguna

Do I need to say much about this? I don't really use bronzer during the day, but find this great for contouring in the evenings.

Eyes

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

I use Painterly as a primer- helps my eyeshadow to last all day and is great for neutralising my eyelids which can be slightly red first things in the morning.

MAC Woodwinked E/S

Lately I've been applying this all over my eyelids and smudging some Badgal liner along the lash line and I'm good to go!

Benefit Waterproof Badgal EyeLiner

I usually have a problem with my eyeliner ending up all smudged under my eyes- even when applied to the upper lashline only- but not with this. About 6 months ago I tried out my moms and I was sold. I'm so impressed with it, at £14 it's not the cheapest option but so worth it in my opinion. 

Hair

LUSH Solid Shampoo- Jumping Juniper

Love how much this lathers and really makes my hair and scalp feel super clean.  Perfect!

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long Deep Treatment

Leaves my hair feeling so soft, and the smell is deeeevine and really lasts all day.

Macadamia Oil- Healing Oil Therapy

Received this as a birthday present in July, it pretty much does the same as all oil treatments which are around at the moment, but I have found I've reached for this over my VO5 one- I love the smell, and the way it makes my hair feels. My ends usually look very dried out on the second day after I've washed my hair, but I've not noticed this much since I've been using it.

Skin Care

Origins Clear Improvements Charcoal Face Mask

I usually suffer from quite a shiny T-Zone, especially during the Summer months but  I've been using this 1-2 times a week and found these has really helped. My skin really does feel great after using- although I haven't noticed that it's helped with decongestion much but worth it for it's mattifying effect. Pricey but I've had it for over 2 months and I can't even notice much missing from the tube.

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Face Mask

Smells of blueberries and really has a great calming effect on my skin, perfect for reducing inflammation and redness.

Before I end this mega post, I would like to give Yu from Let's Make Yu Up a big hello. If any one but her ever reads this, and hasn't read her blog they should definitely head on over. She is so lovely and uber friendly and really helped give me a bit of a push in starting this blog as well as  answering a lot of questions! So thanks a lot for all your help Yu.

And just to give you a bit of an insight into my obsession here is a photo of the make up I recently took with me for a three day trip to Vegas (apparently I have an inability to pack lightly).

Photo courtesy of my beautiful friend Olivia.

Nic xx

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