September Favourites

I cannot believe were are into October already, the weather has finally changed and the shelves are already lined with Christmas stock, this year has literally steamed by and although i was reluctant to say goodbye to Summer i must admit I'm liking the thought of all that Autumn and Winter brings! 

I haven't got a lot of new favorites but there are a few bits that i have been loving and felt deserved a mention. 

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette-

I think I'm correct in saying this was released before Christmas last year so that would mean i've had it for almost a year now. To be honest its not been my most used palette, however as soon as i get a hint of Autumn i find my makeup tastes change i start to go for vampy lip colours and to go with them i like a nice warm neutral eye which this palette is perfect for. I used it so much last month, i think its a very versatile palette and just perfect for this time of the year. 

Vichy Dermablend Foundation and Setting Powder-

The foundation was a massive favourite of mine a while back but since discovering Nars Sheer glow it hasn't seen as much love. However due to the dramatic turn for the worse my skin has taken lately i've found myself relying on it again as its the highest coverage foundation i own. The setting powder has massively grown on me since i first reviewed it, and paired with the foundation has been the perfect full coverage combination. The powder does definitely work so much better paired with the Vichy foundation and not only gives a great finish to the skin but helps it last so much longer. 

Bourjois Volume 1 Second Mascara-

I no i've only just recently reviewed this mascara but i had to give it a mention in my favourites as its the only mascara i've been using. It really is a great mascara it does everything i want it lengthens and volumises, without clumping up the lashes. Im so impressed with it and would recommend it to everyone, so go try it! 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Luminous Flush-

You may remember i gave this blush a glowing review back in August, and my love for this little beauty has in no way diminished since then! This is still my go to blusher and the absolute favourite i have ever tried or owned, it gives the prefect flush of pink to my cheeks and a luminous sheen that is just so pretty. Also for a blusher i use virtually everyday it looks like i've barely used it so i can see this lasting for ages.

So that was my September favourites, what have you been loving lately?

How to Wear Purple Lipstick Tutorial

I love a bold lip, for me its just a simple way to update my look and try something new. I love playing with colour and experimenting with my makeup but i understand that for some people they might long to try something new but have no idea where to start. I wrote a post a few weeks ago where i reviewed this Purple Sleek Lipstick so i thought i would do one showing how i would actually wear it and what i would do with my eye makeup just to help out anyone who might want some ideas. 

What I Used-

Face-

L'oreal Skin Perfection Magic Touch Instant Blur

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (Fuji)

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Light)

Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder

Nars Laguna Bronzer

Rimmel Stay Bushed (Pop of Pink)

Mac Mineralized Skinfinish (Soft and Gentle)

Eyes/Brows-

Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil (Hazel)

Benefit Gimmie Brow (Light/Medium)

Benefit Stay Don't Stray 

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow (Birthday Suit)

Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner (Black)

Bourjois Volume 1 Second Mascara (Black)

Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter 

Lips- 

Sleek True Colour Lipstick (Exxxagerate)

I decided that as the lips are stand out enough themselves that i would keep the eyes fairly simple with not too much colour going on. So for my eyes after putting on a bit of eye primer i applied a cream shadow in a neutral taupe brown shade over the entire lid and blended it out. I went for a cream shadow instead of a regular shadow as the lipstick is matte i didn't want the look to be too flat. My main idea for the eyes was to have more dramatic liner with a cat flick i think its bold enough to work well with the lips but still simple. Now i am rubbish with doing liquid liner and flicks but i use a little trick of putting a bit of tape from the outer corner of my eye at an angle up towards my eyebrow, you then simple use it as a guide of where to do your flick it really makes it so much easier! I then applied a few coats of mascara and thats was the eyes done.

The rest of the makeup is pretty natural a soft flush of pink on the cheeks using a cream blush and a bit of bronzer and highlighter. 

I hope you enjoyed seeing how i wear a bold purple lip, i think it works well for day and night and i personally love how it looks. 

How would you wear purple Lipstick?

Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder

Having oily skin setting my foundation properly is really important, i've tried a fair few face powders in my time and always carry one around in my bag for touch ups but lately i've been looking into setting my makeup better to start off with to keep my foundation lasting longer before i have to touch up. Setting powders are a bit different to the normal face powders you use them after applying your makeup and are designed to makeup last longer and also are usually designed to give a nice finish to the skin. 

Vichy is a brand that is relatively new to me, i've only tried one other product and thats their Dermablend foundation, i have reviewed it in the past and if you read it you would know it got a massive thumbs up from me its a high coverage foundation that believe me does covers everything, yet still feels light and not at all cakey. Having loved the foundation so much i was excited tot try the Setting powder for myself as i've also heard such good things about it.  

The Dermablend Setting powder claims to provide 16 hour hold and resistance to resistance to perspiration bathing and rubbing, its also Paraben free and hypo-allergenic. 

The powder comes in a round powder pot with a small powder puff included inside for application, i am no too keen on this sort of application i prefer to use my own brush for application of the powder, so to apply i shake a bit up through the holes and into the lid to dip my brush in but thats just my personally preference as i find it helps me really get a more even finish with the powder. This sort of application can be a bit messy which is obviously a bit of a downside with the loose powders compared to compacts, but it doesn't really bother my if I'm doing it at home after applying my makeup. 

The powder itself is incredibly fine and light, you do get a fair bit of product for your money too, there 28g of product and considering you really don't need a lot i can see it lasting for a long time, this is great as when i reviewed the Benefit Agent Zero Shine setting powder the small amount of product was a bit of a downside for me. 

Although for a Translucent powder it does look scarily white, don't let this put you off once blended into the skin it does disappear into nothing, you wont be left with a white ghost face even if you use a fair amount of it on the skin. 

I really love how my skin looks after applying this, it covers the pores and leaves my skin looking airbrushed and flawless and really is the perfect finish to my makeup. 

Now on to the important thing does it make it last? Vichy Dermablend claims to hold you foundation for 16hrs, and unfortunately this just didn't happen for me. I really wanted this to be the miracle powder that would set my makeup all day but i just didn't make my makeup last any longer than any of my other powders, after about four hours i would say the shine starts to show and i need to touch up with my compact. Of course if you don't have oily skin then you wouldn't have this problem, and so for the lightweight lovely finish it gives the skin i would recommend it, i just really wanted it to last longer! 

Vichy Dermablend Setting powder costs £15 and is available from Boots. 

Have you tried this Setting Powder? What did you think?

2013 Makeup Favorites

Hey lovelies, i like to try and do a favorites post each month, its just a good way to share the products I'm currently loving  and why i like them. I've decided not to do a december favorites, instead I'm going to do a couple of posts dedicated to my favorite products from 2013, the first makeup and the second beauty and random favorites.
This post is my makeup favorites from the past year,  i have picked a single winning favorite for each category like my own little makeup awards. It was hard to choose some of them but i went for the things that i find myself reaching for more than the rest and ones that have really stood out to me for whatever reason. Some are old favorites and some i may have only discovered in the last couple of months, all i expect you've heard me ramble on and on about all of them before but thats simply because i love them!

Primer- Estee Lauder Matte Perfecting Primer
I require a primer to be mattifying and this one really does the trick it also leaves my skin smooth and a great base for makeup.

Foundation- Vichy Dermablend
Foundation was a really hard one to choose, ive tried a few new foundations this year but Vichy dermablend is what i find my self reaching for when i want a flawless base that covers everything yet leaves your skin looking glowing.

Concealer- Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Great concealer at a great price, not a lot more to say than that really.

Blusher- Sleek Rose Gold Blush
Clear winner for me, the most beautiful flattering pink with gold shimmer.

Bronzer- Topshop Matte Bronzer in Sandcastle
Another clear favorite, i've mentioned it a shed load of times, i love the colour and i haven't used any other bronzer since i bought it.

Highlighter- Sleek Face Form Palette Highlighter, Benefit High Brow
(I know ive picked two highlighters but i use them both for different things so that should be allowed right?)
The Sleek highlighter is very subtle and pretty but thats why i love it, great for everyday use. I also love Benefits High Brow to  highlight the brow bone, inner corners of my eye and my cupids bow.

Powder- Rimmel Stay Matte
This is an old favorite, i've tried all sorts of face powders at all price ranges but i always come back to this one.

Eyebrow Product- Sleek Brow Kit
I like that you have a wax and a powder, it's the powder i use mainly its just a good colour for me.

Eye Palette- Urban Decay Naked 2
Naked 2 palette is a clear winner for me, i've used it to death over the past year, its been with me on all my travels as its got everything you need for a variety of looks.

Single Eye Product- Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Bikini-Tini
Massive fan of Benefits Creaseless Cream Shadows i have a few colours but this is my favorite i use it all the time as a simple complete eye look and also as a base for other colours.

Mascara- Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme
I have worked my way through a lot of mascara's this year but this one stands out to me, it gives longer fuller lashes and doesn't clump.

Eyeliner- Collection Extreme 24 hour Felt Tip Liner
Another great Collection product at a great price that does the trick. Good black black colour, i love the size of the nib, great for fool proof eyeliner application.

Lipstick- Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 380 Dark Night Waterl-Ooops
Found it hard to pick a favorite lipstick, there's so many that i love and this is hardly the most wearable of shades but its my favorite of the years new finds, i like that its something different and bolder for me.

Lipgloss- Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Peach on the Beach
This has been my most used lip product since i bought it, its just s great colour and i love how it just feels like I'm wearing a lip balm.

Lip Balm- The Body Shop Born Lippy in Watermelon
Soothes my lips nicely and smells so yummy.

So there you have it my favorite makeup products from 2013!

 Round of applause to the winning products, you have served me well my beauties and helped me to look slightly presentable over the past year and for that i thank you!

What are your favorite makeup products from the last year?

Zoe

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BBB Beauty Box II Christmas Edit!

Hey lovelies, back in July the British Beauty Blogger brought out her very own beauty box filled with her favorite products, and i was one of the lucky five hundred to purchase one of the boxes (review here) Due to the success of the first box she decided to bring out a second edition, the BBB Christmas edit box! The Christmas box went on sale on the 30th of October with seven hundred and fifty available this time, they were more expensive at £22.00 a box plus £5.95 p+p but with eighteen products (plus cute Union Jack stocking) that come to the value of £150 i think thats a pretty decent price! 

When i saw the amazing products in the second box i knew i had to get one and fast as it was sure to sell out quickly!

This is what was in the box-

L'Occitane Angelica Face Toner and Angelica Cleansing Gel-

I have never tried any skin care from L'Occitane before, the Angelica cleanser and toner contain Organic Angelica Water and Essential Oil and are very gentle on the skin so i look forward to tying these.

Mandera Spa Tropical Blooms Softening Bath Milk-

I love a nice bath product, i've already used this in the bath and not only does it smell good but my skin felt nice and soft too.

Maybelline Rocket Volume Express Mascara-

I haven't tried this mascara before so I'm looking forward to seeing what its like. 

Roger&Gallet Bois d'Orange Huille Sublime-

I'm loving oils at the minute they do great thing for the body, face and hair, this little beauty can be used on the skin and ends of the hair and has an amazing warm citrus fragrance.

La Roche-Posay Redermic [R] -

Im currently using and loving a couple of La Roche-Posay products right now the Effaclar Duo and Effaclar Matt (review) and although this is not probably something i would have bought myself being an anti-aging product, i am looking forward to tying it out and as they say prevention is better than cure! 

Vichy Idealia Soothing and Illuminating Cream-

Another little french skin-care wonder! This cream claims to soothe and illuminate the skin giving a youthful complexion, sounds good to me! 

Washi Hot Cloth-

This is a lighter more gentle flannel basically, great for giving the skin a really good cleanse.

L'Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream-

Im in love with this already it feels so luxurious and the Cherry Blossom scent is delicious.

Bourjois Khol&Contour Eyeliner-

I haven't tested this yet, it has a black end for sculpting and the other end is silver for illuminating the eyes.

CND Vinylux Week Long Wear Nail Polish and Topcoat-

I was excited to get this and am really looking forward to testing it out,  i love me my nail products!

Rouge Bunny Rouge Gleaming Temptation Lipgloss-

I've never tried anything from this make up brand before, the lipgloss i received was in the shade 031 Blameless which is a dark nude/dusky pink colour not really a colour i would have picked for myself but i will give it a go and see what i think.

Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask and Ren Invisible Pores Detox Mask-

These masks where two of the products i was most excited about in the box, everyone raves about Ren skin-care particularly the Glycolactic Renewal mask and i cant wait tot test these out.

Alterna Bamboo Range 48h Sustainable Volume Spray-

Ive tried a sea salt spray form this range before and i loved it so I'm hoping this will impress me too.

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Zodiac-

As a massive fan of the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette i was excited there was an Urban Decay eyeshadow in this box, i had no idea what colour Zodiac would be but i am in love!! It is just the most beautiful thing a mixture of green, black and purple sparkle, its so amazing i think it deserves its own post in dedication to it so look out for that. 

Rituals Car Fragrance-

Forgot to put this in the picture, this is the only product i wasn't excited about i don't have a car so this is a bit useless to me so ive given it away. 

Indeed Labs Hydraluron-

This has had a lot of hype around it lately, i believe its a serum hats meant to help your moisturizer, moisturize better.. if that makes any sense, sounds like a great product for keeping winter skin hydrated. 

Thats everything girls, i was really impressed with the contents of this box there is a great mixture of things and something that everyone will love, i think the British Beauty Blogger has done an amazing job, i was really happy with the last box but i think this one was even better!

If there is any products here anyone would like me to do a full review on please let me no in the comments. 

Zoe 

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What's in my Holiday Makeup Bag!

Hey lovely's,  I've seen people do these sorts of post before and i always like being nosey and seeing what other people choose to take away with them so i thought i would do one myself. When i was picking the bits of makeup it didn't seem like a lot until i spread it all out on my bed to take a picture, it does look like a stupid amount but i assure you it is all completely necessary, of course i need three different foundations and i 100% need all nine lip products for a seven day holiday i mean a girl needs to have options...

Base-
Benefit Professional,
Estee lauder Matte perfecting primer,
Garnier BB cream in (medium),
Estee Lauder Double wear Desert beige)
Vichy Dermablend (Nude),
Maybelline Dream Matt Mousse (Cameo),
Collection Illuminating Touch (Naked 1),
Estee Lauder Double wear Concealer (02 Light Medium)
Rimmel Stay Matt powder (Translucent)

Cheeks-
Sleek Face Form Pallete,
Topshop Bronzer (Sandcastle),
Borjois Blush Exclusif,
Bourjois Cream Blush (01),

Eyes-
Sleek Brow Kit (Light),
Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil,
Benefit High Brow,
Benefit Cream Shadow (Bikini-Tini),
Mua Intense Colour Eyeliner, Turquoise, Lovely Lilac, Jet Black,
Topshop Full on lashes Mascara,
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Lash Mascara,
Rimmel Glam Eyes Liquid liner.
Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette,
Benefit World famous Neutrals Pallete.

Lips-
Topshop, (Brighton Rock)(Tease)(Whimsical),
Loreal Colour Riche, (Crazy fuchia 370)(Rose Tendre 303),
Rimmel Apocalips (Nova),
Bourjois Colour Boost, (Peach on the beach) (Orange punch),
Piz Buin Sun lipstick SPF 30.

I know that is a lot of makeup, but don't be under the impression that i spend my holidays walking around with inch thick makeup on, during the day i will be makeup free, but as it is a girls holiday we will be getting ourselves dressed up in the evenings in our hot girl disguises before we let ourselves loose on the poor unsuspecting people of Puerto Rico, ha ha.

Zoe

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OOTD and FOTD, Casual Blues!

Hey lovely's, i've been wanting to add more fashion posts to my blog, i do the odd outfit post now and again, but i would like to try and do them a bit more often and also do a face of the day with it. I don't claim to be a "fashion blogger" i don't think I'm particularly out there with my style and am defiantly not a "trendsetter" most of my outfits are pretty casual and i sometimes think do people really want to see outfit post from me when its so boring in contrast with some other blogs. But i've decided sod it!  I enjoy doing them and sharing my style with you, and hopefully some of you like seeing them, and so on that note heres todays outfit and makeup....

Face-

Benefit professional,

Vichy Dermablend,

Topshop Bronzer,

Collection Illuminating Touch,

Benefit Cream Shadow Bikini-tini,

Benefit World Famous Neutrals Kit,

Sleek Brow Kit,

Topshop Mascara,

Benefit High Brow Glow,

Bourjois Blush Exclusive,

Loreal Color Riche in Crazy Fuchsia.

Jeans- Topshop Leigh Jeans,

Top- H&M,

Shoes- Primark,

Necklace- Republic.

Is it just me or has it just turned into miserable autumn weather overnight? Seems like summer has well and truly left us which means i shall be bringing out the jeans more often. I really need to pick up a couple of new pair of these jeans as i am obsessed with them, today i wore them with this pastel blue blouse from H&M. I am really glad the slipper shoe trend is staying for autumn/winter as i love them  and am hoping to pick up a couple of new pairs. I'm also still really into the statement necklaces, i think this amazing blue and pink one just adds the finishing touch to an otherwise very plain outfit. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post, i would love to know what you think and if your interested in seeing the makeup i'm wearing as well. 

Zoe 

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August Favourites!

Hello lovely's, i cant believe its september already! Where has this year gone? Its crazy to think its christmas in four months! I am very sad to be saying goodbye to summer but i must admit i do enjoy the cooler autumn/winter months and all that they bring.
Anyway.... here are my favourites from the last month.

ST. Moriz Bronzing Mouse-
I recently reviewed this fake tan and compared it to St tropez, in a post last month (read here) I am still loving it as much now as i was then, its the only fake tan i've been using, for me it just gives the perfect colour I'm looking for its super easy to apply and its also really cheap not that i see myself having to repurchase for a while as there still seems to be loads left in the bottle!

BarryM Jelly in Papaya-
I am so impressed with the BarryM Jelly polishes they have a brilliant finish, great staying power and an amazing colour range. I picked Papaya as a monthly favorite as i wore it last month and completely fell in love with it, its the perfect summer shade to go with a tan i could happily have worn it on my nails for the entire month!

Esstee Lauder Sparkling Clean Foaming Gel Cleanser-
I haven't mentioned this on the blog before, i was using this daily a few months back and was really enjoying using it. I only stopped as i got some new skincare to try, but recently i have rediscovered my love for it. Its a foaming gel cleanser for oily skin and it always leaves my skin fresh and doesn't dry it out at all, it is pricey for a cleanser but its lasted me for ages so far and there's still quiet a bit left.

Viva la Juicy Noir, Juicy Couture-
I received this perfume as a sample in my last Glossybox, i hadn't been overly enthused by perfume samples before but this little beaut has changed my mind! I fell in love with it right away it smells AMAZING i am definitely wanting to add a full sized bottle of this to my perfume collection.

Batiste Dry Shampoo for Blonde Hair-
Now i no this might seem like a bit of a boring thing to put on my monthly favorites as I'm pretty sure everyones used dry shampoo and its all pretty much the same, the reason i am giving a shout out to this one is because it has been my saviour over the last month. I am in serious need of some root attention, i have been trying to put off dying them to help keep my hair in better condition by dying it less. This is by no means a magical root disguising product but it does help hide them a bit.

Vichy Dermablend-
Yes i no i have only just posted a review on this foundation (literally my last post) but as you may tell from my glowing review if you've read it, i bloody love the stuff! So its only fair it gets a mention. Not much more to say on it really if you want to know more you can read the review..... (sneaky promotion)

Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastle-
So glad i purchased this, its been my bronzer of choice every day since i bought it! I have been completely converted to matt bronzers now i love the natural and healthy look that it gives, its not too dark perfect colour for lighter skins.

Hope you enjoyed reading about my favorite products from the last month. What have you been loving?

Zoe 

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Beauty Haul //2

Hello lovely's, i thought i would share with you a few beauty goodies i've purchased over the last month.

St Mortiz Tanning Mouse in Medium-
I had been wanting to try this fake tan for a while as its supposably a dupe of St Tropez, but at only £4.99 its a LOT cheaper! I spotted it in Boots and decided to give it a go i think for the price its  defiantly worth trying.

Vichy Dermablend in Nude-
This is another thing that i had really been wanting to try, i had heard a lot of good things about it being a great full coverage foundation with good staying power which is exactly what i want out of a foundation. This was £15.50 also from Boots.

Sleep IN Rollers-
The Sleep in Rollers were the last thing i picked up in Boots, i wasn't planning on getting them that day i was trying not to go to mad, however i spotted them and they just jumped into my hand and refused to be put back..... (hate it when that happens) I am so excited to properly test these out! They were £19.50.

Essie matte about you-

I looked for this in Boots but it had sold out (sad face) I thought Essie was only stocked in Boots but then spotted this in Superdrug and literally snatched it off the shelf, yay! I have seen videos and pictures of this being used and it looked so good i had to try it, got to keep up with the nail trends! This was £8.99.

Topshop Matte nails in Drink Pink-

Sticking with my whole new obsession with the matte nail trend i picked up this Topshop nail polish, it was £6.00.

Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastle-

I hadn't seen this bronzer before so i don't no if its new or they didn't stock it before in that Topshop, I had been on the lookout for a matt bronzer as i usually use shimmery ones and fancied something different. This bronzer comes in two shades i got the lighter shade Sandcastle and it was £9.00. 

Topshop Matt finish Lipstick in Whimsical-

I seem to have a problem when it comes to Topshop lipsticks and cant seem to leave the shop without a new one. I just tell myself that a girl can never have to many! I really do like this colour its a lovely nude peachy shade thats super wearable. Love it!! It was £8.00. 

So thats everything i have treated myself to on my latest shopping trip. I didn't realize till i typed this post up that every bit of make up i bought is a matt finish...i clearly have a new obsession i was unaware off! Thanks for reading, has anyone tried any of these products what did you think?

Zoe

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