June Favourites

Can you believe it? We are halfway through the year already! It should be summer at the moment but what with the weird weather you wouldn't be able to tell...

left to right: Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer, Dr Jart BB Cream, Benefit They're Real Mascara, Soap & Glory Lid Stuff, Benefit Posietint

This month's makeup must-haves are mainly old favs with one re-discovered gem and newbie product.

I'll begin with skincare. Although my skin isn't overly dry, I do find that it can often be lacking hydration which is where the Simple Hydrating Light Moisturizer comes in- the clue's in the name. Light enough to wear under makeup yet perfect for blending in concealer, this really has been a stand out product for me. I have the mini travel size version, but the big boy bottle may be coming my way soon...

The newest addition to the cosmetics clan is a much raved about product by many other bloggers and now by me. The Dr Jart Water Fuse BB Cream (full post coming soon...) is a low coverage, lightweight, one-shade-fits-all product with huge skincare benefits. Without going into too much detail, it gives a dewy finish and I've been loving it.

Although my initial view on the popular mascara was very, well, critical, I decided to give They're Real another go. Although it is the hardest thing to get off my lashes, I can't stop using it! It really does lengthen, curl and volumize, but beware! If you do add layer upon layer it can get a tad clumpy. It really does show that giving things another go works, so I have a feeling that this best-selling mascara won't be going anywhere!

Onto another eye product- Soap & Glory's Lid Stuff. Although this eyeshadow quad has been in my possession for a while now, I seem to have a new-found love for it. Some days I've just been wanting a matte lid look, and this palette is perfect for it, so I'm sure you can imagine how devastated I was after the matte pink, Pink T, smashed! Oh well. I also find the sheer white, Vanilla, perfect for setting concealer under the eyes, as it has little pigment. The matte brown is perfect for the crease, and the shimmery almost purpley, shadow adds a bit of oomph to the eye. What more could you want?

And last, but not least, Benefit's Posietint has made an appearance in the makeup bag. Now that we have entered Summer, although the weather outside isn't reflecting it, dewy cheeks and lips are desirable for a healthy glow, and I find this sheer pink tint perfect!

The Youtuber/Blogger of this month is Zoella, or Zoe Sugg. She recently hit 1,000,000 subs on her channel, and uploaded her first tutorials this month. Yay!

Nail Polish(es) that I've been loving are the Rimmel Salon Pros, Nails Inc, and I bought Essie's Figi yesterday. Love it!


El
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May Favourites

left to right: Real Techniques Shading Brush, No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in Truffle, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze, Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volume Express and Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer

A whole new category has appeared on the blog, and its about time! A monthly favourites post has been lingering in my mind, and now I've finally put pen to paper (or rather hands to laptop) and written one.

May's makeup is somewhat more of a simple one. No messing about within a sea of eyeshadows or array of mascaras- you could even call me speedy when it comes to getting ready! I find that a few well chosen products can really brighten up a look, and switching up my makeup on a monthly basis means its all getting used, and I can try out different things every once in awhile.

Collection 2000's lasting perfection concealer has become somewhat of a cult product in my collection, but it is often used for more than just the conventional use. The perfect dupe for a primer, I find that smoothing this over my lid before a smokey or just neutral eye can increase the longevity.

Ever since the Real Techniques Shading Brush came into my makeup bag, I've found eyeshadow application even easier. I'm not saying I was an expert without it, but I could choose a few colours to sweep over my lid (basic inner corner highlight, neutral on the lid and a dark crease) but now I don't have to worry about packing on the shadow either. It's a perfect brush for base and blending, and the RT brush will be in my bag for quite some time...

My Maybelline Colour Tattoo is a beautiful colour. Pair this bronzy and almost Rose Gold cream shadow with No7's Truffle, and you have the perfect lid. I like to apply a fair amount- not too much, not too little-but I do like to smoke it out for an appropriate occasion. Blended out with my favourite brush and I'm left with a pretty eye with subtle definition.

After hearing the raves of beauty gurus such as Tanya Burr and Missglamorazzi, I finally bought the infamous Maybelline The Falsies Flared Volum' Express. Mouthful, yes, but you should hear the name of the waterproof formula! The big brush is perfect for lash-catching (ever attempted to coat those baby eyelashes and failed? Not with this!)

My favourite Beauty Blogger/ Youtuber of the month has to be Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup- her posts are so well written! I love reading her blog and watching her vids.

My favourite TV Programme of the month has to be Drop Dead Diva, which is a girly feel good show of 4 seasons that I have been catching up on on Netflix. I love it- just the right amount of cheesy-ness and reality! I've also just started watching Covert Affairs, and when I say just I mean Just the first series! One down, one to go. 
I'm obsessed with Doctor Who. Literally, obsessed, and so when the series finale aired, I was on the edge of my seat. And it was amazing! It you haven't seen it then you are seriously missing out!


El
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Empties #1

oh, and err, excuse the hair pin-woops! 

It's that time again when my skincare and beauty saviours start to hit the bucket, and I have to make the hard decision of which to repurchase. I haven't done an empties post before, as really, I don't often encounter them, but since drilling my skincare routine in and using more makeup, I often end up questioning myself about how on earth I could have used up a bottle of something, or why did I finish that so quickly? So what beauty babes and skincare favs I am without now?

I picked up the Colgate MaxWhite One on a whim- nothing new there!- as I feel that having whiter teeth gives you a more 'confident' smile. I didn't use this on a daily basis but in conjunction with another toothpaste as I often misplace the former, so I didn't get the really witness 'amazing' tooth-colour-changing properties! I think this one will be a repurchase though.

These cute Clarins minis from the Daily Energizer range (there's a post on that!) appeared on my skincare shelf after a successful trip to Boots, that included skincare advice from the lady at Clarins. I actually repurchased the Cleansing Gel, but as the other samples lasted me such a long time, I didn't bother buying them. I may do, however, in the future, but at the moment I'm very pleased with my current skincare routine.

Another skincare item is the sample-sized eye cream from Benefit - starting to spot a theme are we? The It's Potent! cream was another product that lasted me a long time, but I won't be buying the big sister to this mini as I still haven't fully used it up. Okay, it's not quite empty...

I couldn't believe it when I ran out of my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer! It seems like I only bought it yesterday. It's not strictly finished, but certainly on it's last legs, and this will definitely be repurchased!

The Boots' Own Eye Makeup Remover is one of those things that every girl needs- a box standard gel that I've mentioned in other posts. It isn't the best eye makeup remover ever, but it's good to have around if you're not too great at liner or bad at blusher...

El
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New Additions

I am fairly sure that since my budget for makeup has increased (slightly) I've gone really crazy for cosmetics. Really crazy. Not all of these are strictly 'new additions' but they are mainly products that have been purchased fairly recently, give or take a few months or so. And by using the help of Polyvore, I've managed to put them in picture form. Snazzy, I know.

1//Benefit's Badgal in Plum seems to have re-entered my life 2//The much raved about Real Techniques Brush(es) have joined the cosmetics crew 3//Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Flared Mascara- and breathe- was sneakily picked up whilst doing the weekly food shop. Good ol' Sainsburys! 4//Primers aren't my priority but when I tried this little baby I couldn't resist- Benefit the POREfessional 5//I've jumped on the bandwagon to pick up another cream shadow in the form of a Maybelline Colour Tattoo 6//Benefit's multitasking Posietint cheek and lip colour is gorg!

Hope you liked this kind of post- I may do something similar with Instagrammed photos!

El
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Cream Products - The Trend

left to right: the POREfessional, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, Barry M Kohl Pencil ,  Maybelline Colour Tattoo (looks more silvery here but is bronze in true form), Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadows in Birthday Suit and My Two Cents, Benefit Posietint

If there's one outstanding trend for this Spring/Summer Season then it has to be cream products. Whether it's a creamy concealer, eyeshadow or blush, this trend is all about banishing the powders and embracing natural dewy skin. Not only do creamy products blend really well and stay on all day, but they also speed up morning-makeup-time!

For a smooth flawless base, Benefit's the POREfessional Primer is the first step. Being a bare-faced babe, primers aren't really up my street, but after trying a sample of this, I can tell that just by smoothing out my skin a little (just a little though) it enhances my complexion. And being a creamy product, it's perfect for brush or hand application.

Collection 2000's Lasting Perfection Concealer is a product spoken about by me and practically every other beauty blogger, and with a creamy texture that can be easily blended under eyes or on stubborn spots, it definitely falls into this season's trend category. I'm fairly sure that this is the cheapest good concealer out there, and to find a product that costs less than a fiver and works is a miracle in itself!

I have to admit that I've really fallen for this luscious look, and eyeshadows of a slightly different texture to the norm are becoming a staple in my everyday routine. Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows in My Two Cents and Birthday Suit   are prime examples of creamy shadows. The former is a beautiful coppery colour, hence the name, and the latter a more silvery-taupe tint. The great thing about them is that they can be blended in to create a subtle smokey eye, or packed on and set with a powder for an intense look.

At the more affordable end of the scale we have the Maybelline Colour Tattoo. Being one of the most mentioned and most used product, it's obvious I love 'em, and the same beautiful eye can be created with these as with the Benefit ones for £10 cheaper. No brainer! 

A three pound whim. I buy most of my products by 'wingin' it' unless I've read a persuasive post on a particular product, but my Barry M Kohl Liner  has to be one of my more successful discoveries. By blending these into the lid with a finger, they give a sheer wash of colour that can be built up, and they're perfect for shadow-phobs and the less confident cream lovers.

Now for a slightly different item. Still from the creamy clan, Benefit's Posietint is a more-liquidy tint for cheeks and lips. The pinky colour suits all skin tones and can be easily blended into cheeks for a subtle hint of colour.

El
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Monday Moisturizers

As I am now posting more frequently, I thought now would be a good time to delve into the world of skincare products. From cleansers to lotions and creams to masks, the skincare category has it all. As my routine is pretty simple, I don't use many products, but apart from the traditional face wash, moisturizers are something that I use, and seem to have a few of...

left to right: Benefit Total Moisture, Simple Kind To Skin Light Moisturizer, Soap & Glory For Daily Youth

My favourite out of the hydrating trio has to be Benefit's Total Moisture. I have, sadly, finished up my little sample pot and am contemplating whether or not to buy the bigger tub for twenty quid (possibly not when there are alternatives for half the price!). The thing that really draws me to this moisturizer besides the pretty packaging is the smell. Understandably, not everyone likes scented products, because if it doesn't smell good, the user may also end up with the not-so-pleasant scent. But Benefit have really wowed me and my nose with the smell of this- it's so nice! The scent is one of a fresh and creamy nature, which pretty much sums up the moisturizer itself. It has a creamy texture and sinks into the skin really nicely.

A tub isn't the easiest or cleanest thing to store a face product in, so for all you hygienic lovers I recommend Soap & Glory's For Daily Youth. The pump makes it easy to apply just the right amount, and the pinky tint gives any dull face a glowy finish. I have been known to mix a pump of this with some of my concealer to make a tinted moisturizer. Sleek and compact, this is a good carry-around product as it isn't too huge for handbags.

For all you jet-setters, Simple Kind To Skin Light Moisturizer may be the answer. I picked up the travel size of this, and although the screw top lid isn't ideal, is it great for taking on planes and in car journeys. As it keeps working for 12 hours, you won't have to worry about dehydrated skin in hot or humid weather. At first the texture may look quite thick, but once applied to the skin, it soons thins out. Note: less is more with this one.

That's my moisturizer round up complete! All the ones that I have chosen are fairly affordable (bar the Benefit one) and all are great for different skin types.

El
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Less is More- Minimal Make Up

As not everyone gets up at the crack of dawn, goes for a morning stroll and is washed, dressed and fed by 7am, including a proper yet quick and easy make up routine isn't always simple. I for one have been known to skip steps in my skincare script and just used a cleansing water (such as Clarins Energizer Wake Up Booster) spritzed across a cotton pad and then briefly wiped across my face. Or rushed into my room to put on a quick coat of mascara before the school run to open up my eyes a little- everyone comprises in some aspect of their beauty regime! So how can busy mums or city working gals get a record look in record time?

left to right: Soap & Glory For Daily Youth, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow and Benefit Posietint 

Mixing your moisturizer and concealer is a real time saver; although it doesn't give much coverage, it brightens up your face. If you have the luxury of a couple more minutes, applying your foundation with fingers  instead of a brush also works. Apply a moisturizer prior to this to help your BB Cream or foundation blend into the skin.

For a five-minute face, buff in a cream eyeshadow over the lids with your ring finger- this is quick and simple. Seal it in with a powder shadow if possible (again applied with hands- no brush, less fuss!) and whack on a coat or two of mascara. Use a nude/white eyeliner in your bottom waterline to cancel out any redness, and then apply a creamy concealer to hide any bags. Using creamy products is best as they blend very easily.

Dip a finger in some cream blush and sweep over the cheeks and swiftly brush a bit of colour over you face with a bronzer if need be. Pop on a slick of lip balm, followed by some cream blusher or other multitasking product, and you're good to go! Tie up you hair in a rough pony or bun, grab your bag and skip out the door. Easy!

Just remember to start with a clean face and clean hands, and only use products that you really need. Setting out your make up and clothes the night before is another time saving tip- being organized is fairly underrated these days!

El
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Pocket-Sized Pals

If I'm on the go or travelling, pocket-sized make up products are a must have. Over the past few months, I've developed a bit of a collection of Baby Benefit products that can be easily slipped into a pocket or thrown in a purse, because, not many people want to be carrying around massive eyeshadow palettes or full size bottles of things!

Benefit is one of my favourite make up brands, no points for getting that right! The main thing that draws me in is the pretty packaging, and the smaller samples sizes make it all the cuter.

As I don't wear any foundation, a primer certainly wasn't at the top of my list, but after trying out a sample size of Benefit's silky smooth pore-reducing balm, I realized that an extra layer of coverage wasn't needed. The POREfessional, apart from having gorgeous packaging, just evens out my skintone a little. With less coverage than even a tinted moisturizer, it doesn't cover up anything, but mattifies any oily patches.

After hearing them being raved about, I was thinking about fully embracing the up and coming cream eyeshadow trend. At the same time, I had just bought Benefit's Most Glamorous Nudes Ever, which fortunately came with two of their best-selling cream shadows. The perfect size for dipping in a finger or a brush, the creamy little things are easy to apply and blend with other products.

When travelling, multitasking products can be a life saver. No searching in your purse or bag in the hope that there's a blush or lipstick- just pull this baby out your pocket and you're good to go! Posietint is great for this, as I can whip it out wherever I am and simply dab a little of the rosy liquid on my cheeks and lips for an instant glow.

Sample-sized mascaras are becoming somewhat of a cult favourite in my beauty bag; first Benefit's They're Real and now BADgal Lash Mascara. I prefer my lashes to look full and feathery rather to resemble spiders legs which is why I prefer the latter of the two products. There's no compromise on brush size or formula, and this BADgal ain't moving from my make up bag.

I love all of these cute little products, and having mini versions of things are great for touching up your make up!

El
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