What I want right now- February

So I was conscious I hadn't blogged and wanted to keep the momentum going, but with a hectic day (my boiler decided to pack in) I hadn't really prepped my content. 

However, at the moment I am finding myself constantly watching YouTube videos and reading beauty blogs, and the more I do so the more things I want! 

So here is what I'm lusting over this month: 

1. Anastasia Beverley Hills Liquid Lipsticks- these sound right up my street as I love the texture of a lipstick opposed to gloss and these are supposedly very highly pigmented. I'm not 100% sure these are available to order in the UK yet but you can get ABH products from beautybay.com. 

2. MAC lip liner in Soar- basically I'm on the Kylie Jenner lip hype and living the brown pink shades she is opting for numerous times. Problem is they are now currently out of stock all the time as everyone is going crazy for her go to lip liner shades. I recently bought a matte lip pencil from NARS called Sex Machine which wouldn't be a bad dupe for this look. 

3. Real Techniques Bold Metals brushes- basically want them all. Well mainly the rose gold. And most probably the angled foundation brush. 

4. The Body Shop Bouncy Sleep Mask- really want to try this after seeing it on Caroline Hirons blog. Sounds very similar to Origins Drink Up and I love that mask when I need some extra hydration. Plus I'm very intrigued with the 'bouncy' texture! 

5. Clinique Concealer Foundation (possibly not the right name)- seen this in a few mags now and also on Caroline Hirons blog and as I have run out of my YSL Touché Éclat foundation I'd love to try this as supposedly has a med to full coverage. Plus it is basically like a giant concealer with a wand, so you can apply as a foundation or use the wand for targeted areas you may want to cover. 

Sorry it's a little last min and with no links- will add these tomorrow! 

What are you lusting after this month? 

B x

Skincare- What I'm using now

I thought I'd share with you my current skincare routine and what products I'm using at the moment.

I've always loved skincare- I'm not entirely sure why, I think it's the smell and feel of products with the hope they will give you fresher glowing skin- and possibly also the spa like feel of many within the market today. 

So here's what I'm using: 

1. Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm- I got this for Christmas in a set (it's the 20g pot) and I have wanted to buy it loads within the past year but haven't quite been able to part with the £39.50 that is attached to this product! 

I tried a sample when it initially came out and instantly loved the smell and have then had is used on me in facials, loving the feel of it on my skin- for anyone who hasn't tried a cleansing balm before the texture is like a thick oily wax which upon contact with skin massages easily into a facial oil (this balm in particular turns milky after contact with water). 

The soothing scent and the fact there is no balmy residue left on your skin after, makes this cleansing balm a winner for me.  I have tried others such as the Boots Organics Hot Cloth cleansing balm which is definitely kinder on the purse strings but leaves an oily balmy film on the skin after. The other cleansing balm I have tried is the Balance Me which I got free with a magazine and I have to say I loved it (the fact it is in a tube makes it easier to get out and it has a slight exfoliating feel to it). 

Would I repurchase this? Definitely, but only when I want a real treat due to price. To be honest this little pot will probably last me a while as a little product goes a long way and I would only really use it when my skin is slightly drier. 

2. Garnier Miceller Cleansing Water- Love love love this product! I have been hooked on Miceller cleansers ever since the hype and have tried a couple of the recommended drug store versions (L'oreal being my other fave, B. Pure from Superdrug wasn't so good) and also higher end versions such as the Lancome one (I am yet to try Bioderma) but bought this when on offer in Boots have repurchased it since! 

It does what it says on the tin- removes make up and eye make-up, and what I like about it is it doesn't feel drying or leave skin feeling tight, your skin really does feel thoroughly clean. It is also perfect for removing heavy eye make-up, it tackles even the heaviest mascara. I've reccomended this to a friend and my mum and they both love it! Great value product with great results. 

3. Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser/Toner and Eye Bright- I've used the Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser since I was about 16 and have to say despite using numerous cleansers in between for a good few years, I have recently come back to using this product. My skin has been really tricky this year and I have suffered with a lot of redness and sensitivity, as well as dryness and oiliness so when this was on QVC on TSV I decided to treat myself in a bid to sorting my skin out. 

What I love about the cleanser is that it smells amazing, the scent is really soothing which straight away gives you the feeling it's going to be nice on the skin. I also really like cleansers that come with muslin cloths as I feel you get a better cleansing experience and have got rid of all make up and grime off the skin as well as giving it a nice little daily exfoliation. Obviously this product speaks for itself with it's accolade of awards, but it definitely is still at the top for me as well in the cleanser category. 

Moving on to the toner, I have to admit I don't usually get excited about toners but there is definitely something very fresh and cooling about this one and the smell is light and natural opposed to some that can smell chemical. 

The Eye Bright I had never tried before and is probably something I wouldn't have bought but being in the TSV pack obviously I have got to try it and I LOVE it! 

With eye make up removers I usually go for oily ones as I like to wear a lot of mascara (Lancome Bi Ficil is my all time favourite) but I have been pleasantly surprised with how much I love this. It is in no means oily whatsoever, but it is soooo soothing and feels so good after a long day, and a swipe in the morning really wakes you up and makes your eyes feel fresh. It also handles heavy eye make up perfectly too. Love it!!! 

4. MONU Recovery Balm- As I said this year I have struggled with redness and sensitivity so I have currently been trying this product to try and soothe my skin a little. I'm not sure that it actually reduces much redness, but it is certainly very soothing if you find you have sensitive skin or red patches that get aggregated after being in hot or cold temperatures. 

I've found lately that my skin can get the slightest bit angry by being in very cold weather or after a hot bath and I have gone to this product straight away to calm it down. It has a light texture and you don't need a lot of product at all. I tend to use this in a morning and occasionally after I've been in the shower or bath. 

5. Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Night Cream 50ml- I have to admit I can be a bit of a skincare snob and generally only tend to go for higher end skincare products from brands such as Elemis, Liz Earle, Clarins and Lancome, however I was trying to budget this last year and decided to try some drugstore products. I bought this at the same time as buying the Cleansing Balm and the facial oil as I think there was a promotion on the range. I used it for a bit and was pleasantly surprised how nice it was, however did feel it left a slight film on the skin so stopped using it and went on to something else. 

I've recently been determined to use products up I already have before buying new ones (I am terrible for doing that) and have started using this again and believe it or not really like it second time around! My skin has been very combination lately and I have found it has felt lovely after using this every night. My only advice would be not to slap loads on as you don't need to and it's only when you do this that you get the feeling of a film on the skin. Would definitely repurchase if sticking to a budget. 

Have you tried Boot Botanics products? 

All in all I am pretty happy with what I am using at the moment! My Garnier Miceller Water is running low so I will be looking to replace that soon- can you recommend any alternatives? I'm not sure if I would repurchase the MONU Recovery Balm, for as much as I do like it I would like a product that noticeably reduced the redness too. 

What are you using in your skincare routine right now? 

B x

I'm back!

After my failed attempt with this blog 4 years ago to personal commitments, it has been playing on my mind from the beginning of this year to try blogging again. I'm still under some thought as to how exactly I want it to be, but I am determined to give it a real go as I have the interest to do so and have always loved discovering content- something I have to do on a daily basis with my job. 

So for now you will have to watch this space for my first proper post as I'm going to do some planning on what I want to write about, but it will for sure be mostly beauty! 

See you all soon, 

B x

HERO PRODUCT NO' 3...

LABEL.M RESURECCTION STYLE DUST!

'Professionally formulated for fashion-led styling, styles can be re-worked and recreated instantly creating dynamic texture whilst reviving volume and providing an edgy matt finish.  This edge-driven styling essential takes all hair types and styles to new heights and enables effortless backcombing'.

Label.M Resurrection Style Dust

I am no fan on flat, deflated hair.  In fact my good friend Tom, once said to me in sheer horror....'B...Where is the big hair?'

I have always loved the look of big, volumised hair, you will never see me with straight hair that's for sure.  My straighteners are used for one thing, smoothing my fringe out and curling my locks.  An absolute 'pet hate' of mine is having flat roots, I sometimes refer to it as 'flat head syndrome' when hair is well and truly flattened to the scalp with no lift what so ever.

This product is amazing.  It's like a magic powder. Just a sprinkle of Label.M's Ressurection Style Dust on the roots and i'm away on the path to volumised, lifted, big hair.


- I use on both clean and dirty hair
- I use in conjunction with a dry-shampoo on non-clean hair days
- I use a little every day to give lift on my roots
- I use more when going out and wanting extra volume (I would section hair and add a little to the roots at each section).

This is the way I use the Resurrection Style Dust...

- I curl my hair as usual using my straighteners.
- I then literally sprinkle the product onto my roots (I try to evenly distribute the product along my parting).
- I then use my fingers to massage the dust in circular motions into my hair- the product will start to feel tacky.
- I then get a narrow-toothed comb and comb the root upwards to give lift.
- And voila....lifted roots!

Throughout the day I can find that if I move my hair or scrunch it upwards it will stay, when without using the product it would just fall flat against my head again.

I don't tend to wear my hair up very often but I can imagine if you wanted to create 'bee-hive' looking styles or back-combed looks this product would be fantastic.

I love Label.M as a brand in general and you may see many posts with their products in as I use quite a lot.  This product is a 'must-have' for any girl wanting BIG hair!

Have you tried Label.M products before? Let me know your take in the comment box below!

Bx

TOP 5 HERO PRODUCTS...NO' 2

Yesterday I posted how I would be sharing with you my Top 5 Hero Products for 5 days.  Hero Product number 2 will see me moving on from skin care (Hero Product No' 1, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant) to one of my 'must-have' make-up items...

So you're all asking yourselves what it could be, well it is in fact, Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara.

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

I have literally used this mascara from day 1 of ever putting a miniature little brush in front of my eye lids.  My mum, aunty and grandma all used this mascara and back in the days of pinching my mums make-up to play with, this little gem landed in my hands and I have used it since.

Many women like myself will admit to trying to find that 'Holy Grail' product, that promises to lengthen, volumise, curl and darken lashes- and then in fact deliver all 4 of those things.  They, like myself may try lower-end drug-store mascaras (some even pushing near the price of counter products) and try brand after brand of higher-end mascaras. 

Here are a few mascaras I have tried in my time:

- Bourjois Coup de Theatre
- Clinique High Impact
- Dior Show
- Chanel Imitable
- YSL Faux Cils
- Estee Lauder Magnoscopic
- MAC Zoom Lash
- Max Factor Faux Lash

As you can see most of the others I have ever tried are mainly higher-end brands; I think the reason being is that I can never find a mascara that touches this one and I am intrigued to see if the higher end brands live up to their hype.

I honestly cannot fault Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara, the reasons why are:

- it lengthens
- it seperates (unlike some mascaras that can cause lashes to stick together at the base)
- it darkens lashes (I like them jet black)
- it doesn't clog (even when its a little older it performs well)
- it volumises (it doesn't cause lashes to bend down like some mascaras can)

In a bid to try something different I did opt for the Max Factor Faux Lash mascara, however I found that this made my lashes bend down and also every time I put another coat on it seemed to take the initial one off, making my lashes cloggy.  The thing with 2000 Calorie is that it allows you to build layers of product and still have great end results.


Out of the above mascaras that I have tried in my time I have to say that Clinique High Impact is my other favourite alternative. I found myself that YSL Faux Cils dried out very quickly and I would often get colour pay-off on the skin below my lashes, and that Dior Show, although having great results to start, also dried out and clogged very quickly after using.

All in all, 2000 Calorie has never failed me!

Have you tried Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara?  Leave your take on the product in the comment box below!

B x

TOP 5 HERO PRODUCTS...

So I thought the best way to give a little indication about what brands and products I would undoubtedly recommend, I would do my Top 5 Hero Products over the next 5 days, these are products that to me, always deliver great results and I go back to time and time again.


Number 1 has to be Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I have been using this product as part of my daily skin care regime since August Last year.  I cannot describe how much this product has changed my skin!  For starters it isn't like any other exfoliater I have used. I have used many 'grainy' exfoliators before in the hope that they will banish my skin of dead cells and improve the overall surface radiance. 


However, this product is nothing of the sort.  It is a powder.  Yes, that's right a powder.  Dermalogica describes on the packaging that 'this unique Rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter'. 


It's texture is quite chalky but when combined with a little water in your palms it becomes a milky paste.  You only need a small amount of this product in order to create a good paste in your hands ready to massage into your damp face.  (The packaging reccomends a half teaspoon amount, yet sometimes I find I use less and still get enough of a consistency to rub onto my skin).


Directions: Sprinkle a tiny amount into the palm of your hand, add a bit of water, rub both palms together to create a chalk like paste then massage onto damp skin in circular motions.


I have to admit that I have found my skin to be much brighter, smoother and even since I have introduced this product into my regime; the packaging actually states that this increase in smoothness and balance in pigmentation is down to 'Our unique Skin Brigtening Compex of Aspergillus, Grapefruit and Licorice'.


A great product for both men and women!*


Check it out on  http://www.beautyexpert.co.uk/brands/dermalogica.list where I bought mine.


*Packaging states that this product is not recommended for users of medically-prescribed exfoliation products.

WHO'S THAT CHICK?

So i've finally plucked up the courage to start a blog after having the idea in the back of my mind for a while now.  I'm not going to bore you with a long, babbling introduction.

I love make-up.  I have always enjoyed playing with make-up from a young age and as I have got older I appreciate it as more of an art form than as a cosmetic tool, being able to create and change looks dramatically through colour, texture and application. 

Additionally skincare has become something I find myself giving much in-depth reading over, and drastically opening jar and tube in order to find that miracle natural cream that will diminish all signs of tiredness, polution, fine lines and dullness....the search goes on.

I want my blog to be exciting.  So as much as my passion for make-up goes on, you may find that elements of Fashion, Art and History link in to posts as well. I like to throw things in the mix.

Here is how I tick...

Obsession: Chanel Le Vernis

Wise Words: I keep this in mind often, my sibling has an alternative 'Get over it and move on'.
Postcard: My close friend Harry, who was painted by Gaskell. Loving my American boy.

Bejewelled: Vintage jewellery and costume jewellery, big, jewelled, bold.  My aunt works at an Antique Centre, I always get first dibbs.

Prints: I'm not a bland person. This is a tie which was my Grandad's x.

Guardian Angel: I am a family person. My Grandad gave the best advice, if not comical at times. I often question 'what would he think' about certain things I say/do.

Dream: My conquest in life is to go on a safari.  I got this pot from a charity shop.

Light Reading: I like to top up my knowledge. Liz Earle Skin Secret's is one of my favourites as is NARS for make-up looks.

Aaaaaa FASHION: I love the bold bright prints of original Versace works.

Bees: My close friends and family call me 'B'...kinda how this started.

Time: Where alot of my time can be spent.

'Quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn'