Tom Ford Lipstick - 04 Indian Rose

Don't we all lust for luxurious lipsticks? *Excluding those that can easily afford 'Tom Ford' lipsicks, but this is one about my one and only Tom Ford lipstick.

"Rare and exotic ingredients including soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil create an ultra–creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application. Specially treated color pigments are blended to deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity."

-Selfridges website

Dressed in luxurious packaging, this lipstick is  my one little black and gold dime. As if it were real gold =P.
A little larger in size than regular lipsticks this thing is quite weighty. The lid has a very elegant 'TF' engraved into the top. Such simple but rather expensive looking design. It clips securely on and off so I've never had to worry about it coming off in my handbag and ruining the lipstick

Its very true about the moisture that's packed into this thing. I have felt moisturising lipsticks but I still have to apply lip balm. This glides on the lips effortlessly, oozing with pigments. The texture is very creamy but it doesn't bleed or slide. The formula is long lasting on the lips. It can be worn lightly dabbed on the lips or layered for a more intense colour.

Indian Rose was the colour I opted for out of all. Why? Its the shade that I could use most. I vary from NC25 - NC35 skintone (Mac) and this acts as a perfect everyday pink that I can make use of. I'm not spending £36 on a colour that I won't hardly use.

Overall, I love this lipstick, more than the only two Chanel ones I already own. I need to invest another!

What colours do you recommend? x

Thoughts & Review: Maybelline Fit Me concealer - shade 20

Today I have for you one of my favourite undereye concealers. The Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in shade 20.

*(Excuse the state of it - you can tell I've used it alot!)*

I have never really been into underye concealing until recent years. Ever since having my own business it has been a chore to try to sleep and it's alot more exhausting, so although my undereye circles aren't bad, they are visible.

Still being new to this whole undereye concealing thing I only picked this up after seeing that Jessica Harlow mentions it in one of her videos as one of her favourite concealers. Several other bloggers have raved about this too so I thought I'd give it a try.

Relatively inexpensive at £5.99 from Boots for 6.8ml of product you can't really go wrong?

It's a standard doe foot applicator which is just the right size to dot around the face or under eye eyes. The only thing is after a while, the product gets really messy around the rim of the tube, kinda like lipglosses do.

The consistency is creamy and blends very easily. It doesn't dry too quick which allows time to blend.

The first picture is my face with everything done with a light foundation, as you can see there's still some darkness peeking through.
Underneath is dabbed and blended. The results are that my under eye area is brighter and colour is more even. It doesn't accentuate any fine lines or crease through the day. You can either use a regular setting powder under or sometimes for extra brightness I use my Ben Nye Banana Powder to set and this stuff doesn't budge!

I can go a 11 hour day without my undereyes wearing and my foundation can be nearly non-existent.

As you can probably guess by now I'm coming to the end of my tube. I suggest getting this when Maybelline go for 3 for 2 at Superdrug's to get the best out of your money (Oh! And don't forget your points card! ;) ).

I also have the shades 25 and 35 for when I need spot concealing or something I can rely on to take on the go. In the summer I also just use this alone in 25 and no foundation. Anyhoo, more on that another time.

Now on the lookout for a new undereye concealer. What do you recommend? x

NYX Matte Bronzer - MBB03 Medium Review

For the majority of 2013 I have really loved contouring. It's a religious everyday routine that I cannot live without now. 

When you have a oval face shape, tying up your hair for work everyday is very unflattering so contouring is a must!!

Along my contour journey the NYX Matte Bronzer wandered into my path and said "oh hello, I'm completely Matte, and I'm affordable! Try me!"

The Bronzer comes in 5 shades - MBB01-05, Light, Deep, Medium, Dark Tan & Deep Tan.
My skin ranges from NW20 to NC/W30 throughout the year and this shade Medium has served me well.
I can't remember why I didn't go for Deep and went straight for Medium, I believe that some of the bronzers have more of a pink tone to them.

There sis 9.5g of product for GBP8.00 (but I got mine at IMATS London for around £5/6 I think?) which really I couldn't pass!

The colour is a little too warm for me in the winter when I have lighter skin. It comes off a little orange if you apply too much. So you can use a softer bronzer and then this on top if you want more definition. Otherwise its great when my skin is a little warmer.

The texture can be a little chalky and heavy but with a good blending/blush/contour brush it does the trick. Just make sure you don't apply this straight onto liquid foundation! It's so hard to blend out afterwards! Make sure you set your liquid foundation with a setting powder first and this blends beautifully.

I can also use this for a soft contour when I have false tan on for a night out. It doesn't show much but the intensity is buildable.

Below are pictures of before and after in daylight. I am currently Mac NW20 skintone.

*Skin with just foundation*

*With NYX Bronzer to contour cheekbones*

It actually looks harsher close up in pictures from the side than it does face forward. After using this I feel like my face is so much slimmer!

I love this bronzer for the price but the ONLY downfall it being that sometimes it's the minutest bit orange but then I guess I need the lighter shade for those lighter skin days.

For £8 a pop you can't really go wrong with this. I am hitting pan now which doesn't happen often with me. I would give it a try but find the right shade for you!

Have you tried this? Can you recommend any other drugstore matte bronzers? x

The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Cream Review

Body Shop are a worldwide brand yet not many beauty bloggers or youtubers 'rave' about Body Shop products. Many love their body butters and when they go on offer (which is like, all the time!) they're a bargain!

This time I have something else for you, The Body Shop ALMOND Hand and Nail Cream. 

This cream is a medium texture cream. Not as rich as some, quite lightweight in fact. It rubs into a more watery consistency and sinks into the skin very quickly.
This cream to me is more like a scented moisturising water, kinda like what face mists do for your face. A little in the long term, not much straight away. I can use this every 2 minutes and my hands still feel the same. It doesn't give any immediate effect to dryness so I skipped using this large version (I had the mini handbag version before). It smells very lightly of almond nothing too overpowering but the smell doesn't linger too long. *sad face*

The packaging is also a total hate relationship in my eyes. The mini one is made of the same packaging and it's a soft aluminium foil like material. When you bend it too much, holes appear and the metal somewhat snaps, then the product leaks. Made a mess in my handbag. Now I'm just trying the large size up for the sake of it.

This is one of my least favourite hand creams of alot that I've tried.

Have you tried this before? What do you think? x

New Nude Love - Loreal Collection Privee Cheryl

I'm not really a fan of nude lipsticks. My old time favourite was Mac's 'Faux' likpstick for a wearable everyday colour.

I have found a new fave! Loreals Collection Privee Lipstick - Cheryl's colour. 

At first I saw swatches and reviews online but the colour swatches never tempted me! But the packaging however.....phwoof! Matte black and shiny gold together is just so sexy! All this black and gold trend towards the end of 2013 was so me! The only other things I can think of black and gold (lipstick wise) were Chanel and Tom Ford. Who could resist hey? =) *smirk*  It's also kinda cute that they have all the celebrities signature on the fronts of them too!

The limited edition collection are tailor made nudes that each of the L'Oreal models wear. The models were - Julianne Moore,Freida Pinto, Doutzen Kroes, Eva Longoria, Cheryl Cole, and Liya. Each of the models have different skintones and are of different ethnicities so I figured, hey, I should be able to find something for me, and I did!

Originally I thought that the Eva one would suit me better because I am not extremely pale but I'm not overly dark either. But noooo it was a bit too browny purple toned for my skin. This was the best pink nude for me (currently NW20 in Mac).

Escuse my used lipstick marks, but how can you ignore the posh markings on the inside of the lipstick. They also smell like the good old soft sweet smell that Loreal lipsticks have. What would you describe it as? I dunno but it's beautiful!

The lipstick itself is very sheer but buildable which is great. On the lips it gives that little bit of colour without it being too overpowering. You also won't get your lips cracking with this at all it's so moisturising! Staying power is not the best but for me to find a nude that doesn't wash me out is like the best thing ever! I guess the sheerness and hydration factors are what make the lipsticks so universally attractive.

These are still currently on sale at Boots still for £8.19 here.

1 Year On - Clinique 3 Step System Review

During my quest to find my new favorite skincare range after finishing my Dermalogica set the Clinique 3 step system came into my path.
After attracting me to their counters with their fancy lights and magnifying glass things to "look closely at your skin" they persuaded me to try their range. So I bought the whole lot!
(Dumbass me thought they had a fancy magnifying glass with a microscope and a computer system. Turns out it's just a big ring magnifying glass with a light on it!)
Anyhoooo.. enough of that!

 They have 4 sets altogether:-

• Set1 - Dry to very dry 
• Set2 - Dry Combination (mine)
• Set3 - Oily
• Set4 - Very Oily

To begin with, I think they should have had a set for sensitive skin types or dry/sensitive instead of 2 oily kits and a combination. My sister is oilier than me and we always thought that she had oily skin and me dry, but we both got classed the same (Dry combination) at several Cliniqe counters.

All kits include a cleanser, "toner"(more on that later), and a "moisturiser" (again, more on that later!)

I have never used Clinique before this. At the counter I was told that the moisturiser in the kit would not be enough for my dry cheeks so it would be more beneficial to invest in a more intense cream. I also wanted to invest in an eye cream so I took one of theirs too.  I ended up splurging over £160 on the whole set which was like a smack in the face for me. BUT, if I use everything as they suggest I figured, it should work perfectly right?

*A makeup remover was also recommended to be used before the cleanser as the cleanser alone wouldn't do the trick*

Step 1 - Liquid Facial Soap

This is one of those cleansers that you rub onto bare skin first (as in after using makeup remover), then use water to rinse away. This cleanser works great purely as a cleanser and nothing else. Clinique were right in saying that it won't remove all makeup, just dirt on the surface of the skin. It doesn't sting or irritate the skin at all when my skin was very slightly oily on t-zone during summertime but do not go near this one if you are any less than normal skin type.

Step2 - Clarifying Lotion

I was told that this was not an original toner. It acts more as an exfoliant, or even a 2in1. Whilst using this I was advised that I would not need a seperate exfoilater because the use of this once a day just on my t-zone and just a little over the rest of my face in downward swiping motions on a cotton pad would do the trick .

This was great whilst my skin was a little oily during the warmer months however I found that using an exfoliater once a week made a difference to my skin. It was a lie to say that you don't need one. Now that my skin is very dry in these winter months I have stopped using this completely. It also has a very strong alcoholic smell to it and can sting the skin and irritate the eyes if you use it anywhere near the eyes. 

Step3 - Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

This is a lightweight moisturiser that is supposed to leave skin feeling soft and glowing. The  yellow tone gives the skin a healthier glowing complexion. Or does it?

In the summer months my skin is dry and slightly oily in the t-zone. In the winter my skin is dry all over. So generally quite dry. This moisturiser did nothing for my skin. I used this alongside the Moisturesurge intense as a night cream and in the morning and the Superdefense SPF25 as a daytime moisutriser. Sometimes I would skip this yellow step completely and it didn't make much of a difference.
It's very comfortable on the skin to wear and sinks right in and not sticky at all, but for any extra benefits to my skin I didn't find anything.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
The products overall are good for specific use. They were good together alongside my "extra necessities" but really I don't think it's worth the splurge. There are too many products to use all in one go. I count 6. NO THANKS. And it only works well when my skin is actually combination.
I would rather invest in a really good cleanser and moisturiser than exfoliate twice a week like I used to, rather than use a makeup remover AND a cleanser AND toner AND moisturiser And another moisturiser (you get the drift right?)

Out of the 3 products the cleanser is OK (5/10) but the other 2 I wouldn't repurchase again. I need to move on with my life again now.
Any suggestions for some good cleansers/toners/moisturisers for me to try in 2014 for my dry skin? x

MUFE HD Foundation in #N125

This is one of those products that have been raved about by make up artists and beauty bloggers for a long time. During my first recent trip to IMATS London this year I had the opportunity to swatch and test at a counter and I just had to get one! There is nowhere near Birmingham UK where I can get Makeup Forever products. 

I have been using this foundation on and off for the last 6 months so I think it's time for a good old review right?

Makeup Forever HD Foundation in N125

When I first swatched this at IMATS I didn't even think about the coverage or the finish. I was literally looking for the right shade and because I have heard such good things about this product I had a lot of faith in it. 

I ended up with the shade N125. N for neutral. I think they have a wide range of shades but not necessarily for each undertone like Mac do. Mac will do for example NC 20-40 and same 20-40 but NW. MUFE just do 123, 125, 157 and so one but 123 will be pinker than 127 which will be more cool. I found this a little frustrating because when swatching them they were either too cool or too light I just couldn't figure it out. The girl at the counter tried several on my face and I ended up with 125 which is a perfect match for me.

One thing I find so convenient is the packaging! It has a pump with a click on lid! Woo!! It dispenses just the right amount for the whole face. You can pump a little more out if you want more coverage.

This foundation is medium-buildable coverage. The texture is very runny and liquidy. I prefer to use a denser foundation brush for this for more coverage. Make up sponges and stippling brushes just don't do it for me. If you want a truly airbrushed look then a stippling brush will work great with this. As for the "buildableness" it's best to wait for the first layer to set before adding another straight away.
In the picture above I do have moisturiser and primer on so my skin is very radiant looking and the foundation just has a very slight sheen to it. It feels like second skin. I do prefer to set this powder aswel because of my combination skin but it has never made me break out, even when wearing for weeks in a row. Yayy! It also does a good job at covering any blemishes and doesn't accentuate any dry patches which is great because my skin gets very dry in the winter.
Lasting power is around a goof 8hours when used with setting powder.

I do like this foundation and I think it's great for those who work professionally on shoots etc or on clients in general. They have a wide shade range so it's great for mixing too. But for everyday use I would still like to try another.  I will use till it's empty but won't repurchase just yet. There's just sooo much more beauty products calling my name right now! lol!

Have you tried this product? What do you think? x

NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder

Helloooo there my beauts!
My recent thoughts for blogging have constantly been skincare as I have really been getting into more skincare products this year. There's no point putting makeup on nasty skin right? It'll just look worse! HOWEVER, I already did a skincare post last so without trying to bore you all here's a makeup review for you todayy =)

When you have a long and hard week at work without leaving yourself much time to look in the mirror AT ALL through the day you need your makeup to last flawlessly. Sound like you? Well if so you will know that setting powder is an essential in a makeup routine to make your makeup last all day!
It's certainly within my EVERYDAY routine!

My current HG is the Laura Mercier Universal Loose Setting Powder, but recently I have been using the NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder.

(I have new makeup brush storage in the background, aren't they prety :D:D:D. (I did have the old clear rectangular muji ones)) Needed a change...

anyway back on the subject!

The packaging is very basic. It did have a removable plastic sticky sheet that you peel off initially and when that's gone you get this basic round hard plastic container with little holes inside. With the amount of setting powders I've used I don't rate this at all. Everytime I twist this thing open there's too much powder out so when I dip my brush into it, half of it flies away. Bleh, messy.

The actual product itself however is very nice.
It's 6g for arond £10 (prices vary online) compared to 11.34g for £29 (Laura Mercier setting powder).
It's less than half the price for around half the amount.
I wouldn't say it's quite as finely milled as the higher end finishing powders but  when blended on the face it's exactly the same. It mattifies the face and makes my makeup last just as long as higher end powders have. It's also completely translucent and doesn't give a cakey white or dry layer over my face. I've used it in targeted areas, under my eyes, my slightly oily t-zone, and all over the face and never any problems.

Overall if you don't want to splurge your money on a high end setting powder, this will do the same job for a fraction of the price. Yes you get less product but you can buy 2 of these and it would still be cheaper than Laura Mercier or Makeup Forever.

I purchased mine from IMATS this year. In the UK I believe this is only available online.

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts? x

Clinique Superdefense Moisturiser SPF25 Review

 Helloooo my girlies! I'm back with another skincare review since this past year I have been reallllllly getting back into my skincare routine and looking out for new sincare saviours!

Clinique Superdefense moisturiser is one that I have tried and tested and now used up. So I have had plenty of use out of it. If you read my last post I have spoken about my latest skincare choice being the whole 3 step clinique range plus more. I spent alotttt of money that day...and I have been trying very hard to use it all up.

This is supposed to be an anti-aging ("age defense") moisturizer which protects your skin against UVA/UVB rays and pollution. I did also purchase the Moisture Surge intense as well to use as a night cream and this as a day cream alongside the 3 step system and an extra eye cream. (Yeh I know! So long right?)

Anyhoo, I find that this moisturizer does a great job with its thick cream texture that sinks into your skin almost instantly. It's great for a daytime moisturizer because of the SPF. And when used at night on top of the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion (3 step range) it does it's job.

HOWEVER. This is not much of a repairing moisturizer nor is it a miracle worker. I have been 'diagnosed' ad combination skin. Very mildly oily on the t-zone and totally dry in the winter. My skin can become flaky and is very dehydrated so I prefer a more intensive moisturizer that will restore the oils in my cheeks making them feel silky smooth in the morning. I have tried many moisturizers and even though my skin didn't get completely dry when I use this on a regular basis it just doesn't have that x factor for me. I eventually only use this for my daytime moisturiser and I have been trying other more intensive ones for the night.

OVERALL:

Pros:-

• Great for normal skin or mildly dry skin
• Has SPF 25
• Doesn't feel too thick or sticky

Cons:-

• Price is a little steep for what a minimal job it does for me (£38 for 50ml)
• Not enough hydration for my skin when used alone.
• Bulky & heavy packaging. Sleek but heavy.

I do like this moisturizer and I can recommend it to those with normal to dry skin. Mine is very dry to combination and it didn't work out for me. Also great for a daytime moisturizer but not enough repairing ingredients to use as a night time moisturizer. I don't think I would spend £38 on this again I would like to try something new.  7/10

L'oreal Volume Million Excess Waterproof Mascara Review

Lazy Sunday at home and my quest to join the gym is failing...bf is too lazy and I don't wana go alone...*sigh*

So I guess my quest for blogging begins here.. with a review =)

Funny enough its a mascara review even though I don't even use mascara that much..

L'oreal Volume Million Excess Waterproof Mascara.......bleh bleh bleh names a bit long right? They could of given it another name instead of adding "excess" and "waterproof" on the end of the original Volume Million lashes.

I had finished using my Maybelline falsies mascara and I loved it, but as a beauty junkie I like to try something different. This was my next step.
I have been using this for a few months now so it's drier than what it was. At first the formula was a little wet. The brush is great for separating the eyelashes but the formula itself isn't great for lengthening or volume. At first I had to layer 3 coats for my lashes to be visibly voluminous and it can get a bit clumpy after the first coat too.

These are my already curled lashes with one coat. It looks OK up close but in life its really very light. Not enough for my short Asian lashes. Works very well with the upper lashes and not so great for the lower. On the other hand it doesn't transfer onto my lids whilst drying so I can get right into the roots of my lashes for more umph.

Second coat. Now thats a better result! It can get a bit clumpy in places but a few more strokes takes the clumps out. My lashes are no longer than they were without mascara but they do seem fuller. As for the waterproofness..blehh I don't think its the most waterproof mascara I've tried but it does hold probably 90% of my curl.

OVERALL:
PROS: - 

• Holds curl.
• Separates Lashes
• Doesn't transfer

CONS:-

• Gets clumpy
• Doesn't thicken or give volume
• Not entirely waterproof - still wears off just a little on a normal day

Would I buy again? I don't think I will, although I love how it separates the lashes beautifully and holds my curl, there's nothing else about this mascara that makes me fall in love with it. It'll be great for those who have naturally luscious lashes already and just need that little extra something.For £11 I don't think its worth it.