Notting Hill Nude

 I am a very impressionable young lady, and if someone raves about a product enough, I will have to buy it. In this case, after hearing everyone bang on about the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Notting Hill Nude, it was inevitable that I would eventually cave and buy it. 

Other than the Kate Moss lipsticks, I've never tried any Rimmel lipsticks (until recently, I wasn't much of a drugstore lipstick kinda girl) so I didn't really know what to expect.

For a highstreet lipstick, the formula isn't bad. It's creamy (I would say comparable in application to MAC Cremesheen lippies) and doesn't tug on your lips, and the pigmentation is good. The wear isn't fantastic, as you would expect with any creamy formula, but it will last a couple of hours, and you'll make it til lunch with the aid of Lipcote.

As for the colour, it's less peachy than it appears in the above formula, for some reason it just doesn't photograph true to colour. I tried swatching on my hand and photos of me wearing it but none of the photos were particularly realistic. You can however, spot me wearing it in this selfie.

I've never been one for true nude lipsticks, I always reach for pink or peach tones, but this really is a true nude, and shock! it suits me! I can imagine this is going to suit anyone with pale-medium skin tones, it's super easy to wear, and I've been reaching for this when I don't know what lippy to wear. It keeps things neutral with natural makeup, or tones down a smoky eye for the day. 

In all, I'm really pleased with this product! I did look to pick up some more colours from the range, but it always tends to be badly stocked in Boots and Superdrug, and some of the colours are a bit suspect.

Have you tried any of these Rimmel lipsticks? What are your favourite highstreet lippies?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win an Urban Decay Lipstick here!

What's On My Face

I seem to have settled into a little bit of a makeup rut routine recently, I'm reaching for the same products pretty much every day at the moment, a lot of newish products to my stash, so I thought, hey, why not share them with you guys.

I tend to start with a primer, partly to disguise those big 'ol pores, and partly because the foundation I've been reaching for doesn't have the greatest lasting time. I've been trying out L'Oreal's Skin Perfection Magic Blur Primer, which does everything I wanted Benefit's The Porefessional to do. It completely smooths out your skin (I've had a cut on my nose this week that has been totally disguised by this) and makes your makeup last all day. It's much thicker than any other primer I've ever used, but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. Next I go in with my Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (not to be confused with Healthy Mix Radiance Reveal), which is the latest addition to my foundation wardrobe. It's very light, lighter than the Serum foundation, with fairly sheer coverage. It's quite moisturising and the colour match is perfect for me. A bit of concealer on the undereyes, and any nasties, I'm loving the MAC Mineralize Concealer. On top of this, I go in with my Bourjois Bronzing Primer in the hollows of my cheeks to give me a little definition. This is a super easy product to use for contouring, I just dab my Expert Face Brush from Real Techniques into the product, take off any excess in the lid, and then push the brush up under my cheekbones, and then blend the colour out. The colour of the product is great, it's not orange like it appears, and it's pretty foolproof, and very hard to go over the top with. For blush, I've been using my Chanel Creme Blush in Revelation, which I just love. I take a little bit of this onto my finger, and tap it on to the apples of my cheek, and then use the Expert Face Brush (it's been getting a lot of love recently) to blend it out and up my cheek. You can really build this blush up, it can be a natural flush or a more striking pop of colour for night.

Onto the eyes, and I've been keeping my brows super simple, and just setting them with the Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Blond (yes I know I'm not blond, but the colour is more like a light natural brown, which is perfect for days when I'm not after a bold brow, just a little definition) which just fills in any sparse areas and keeps them in place for the day. Then it's onto lids, and I've been keeping things really simple, just packing on my MAC Paint Pot in Constructivist, and then blending it out with my Real Techniques fluffy eye brush. I then use a detailer brush to take a little under the eye too, which I find just defines everything a bit more. Slap on whatever mascara I have to hand, this time it was Maybelline The Rocket which I bought a) because it's the closest I'll ever get to something with my name on, and b) because everyone and their dog seems to love this mascara. To be honest I'm not sure about it yet, but I haven't fallen in love at first stroke. We'll see.

I finish it all off with a bit of Soap and Glory's Glow All Out highlighter, which I dust onto my browbones and the top of my cheeks, for a subtle shimmer, and set the t-zone with my beloved Chanel Les Beiges. The only part of the routine that has really changed has been the lipstick, this time it was my Urban Decay Revolution lipstick in Fiend which is my perfect natural lip, but I've also been reaching for my Rimmel Notting Hill Nude and Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Pink Punch when I want something a bit brighter.

So that's the lowdown! When I write it all down it does seem like a lot of products, but what I'm left with is a natural look with a smoky autumnal eye, that literally takes me about five minutes in the morning.

What products have you been loving recently?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win an Urban Decay Lipstick here!

MAC Purchases

There have been a few purchases lingering on my MAC wishlist that I never quite get round to picking up, normally because I feel bad buying another lipstick, or I feel like the blush isn't quite the right shade. However, this week I finally picked up two items that I've been after for quite some time.

I'm a little, totally obsessed with cream eyeshadows lately, and other than my Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze (gorgeous colour but the formulas a little dry and a little sheer) this mostly means MAC Paint Pots. I reach for Painterly when I want a clean base to wear alone with winged black liner, or to work a little shadow into the crease for a neutral eye, and Rubenesque to wear with a slick of bronzed liner. What I wanted though, was a darker cream shadow, that I could slick on the eye and blend out for an easy smoky eye as we head into colder months (in my head, cold equals darker makeup), or pile on for a fuss free nighttime look. I'd never seen Constructivist in the store for some reason, but after spotting it online, I hunted it down in a pro store, and swatched it, but left undecided, since I didn't think it was that different to On and On Bronze. After comparing the swatch on my hand to Maybelline's offering back home, I realised that actually the colour is much richer, warmer and deeper, it's like pure chocolate as opposed to cool bronze. So I went for it. And I love it.
 

The second purchase was a concealer. I love my MAC Studio Finish concealer, it's great for covering up any nasties, but I needed something lighter, creamier, but still quite covering for my beastly under eye bags. After a little internet scouring I read very good things about the Mimeralize Concealer, but finally bit the bullet and picked it up this week. It's similar to my beloved Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer, but it packs a little more punch covering up the under eyes. Perfect. 

Have you tried either of these products? What did you think?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win an Urban Decay Lipstick here!

Short Hair Don't Care

Once upon a time (read: a year and a half ago) I thought that if I cut all my hair off, it would be easier to manage. HA. I could NOT have been more wrong.

It's a total myth that short hair is less time consuming. Sure, I spend less time blowdrying and straightening it (and believe me, it needs to be straightened) but the amount of time I then spend plying it with product and oils and trying to make the damn stuff grow is unreal.

Once I'm out of the shower, I spritz in a bit of the Pantene Instant Nourishing Spray, which says it's for fine hair, but I ignore that. It's a mix of a leave in conditioner and oil based spray, which not only detangles the mess that is my wet hair, but also helps lock in some of the moisture, making it appear a little shinier. Then, I take my organic Argan Oil infused with liquid gold, and run it through the ends of my damp hair. I totally credit this stuff with saving my hair.

Blowdrying with a non-descript whatever-I've-got-in-the-house heat defence spray done, and I section my hair off for straightening. Each section gets a liberal dose of Catwalk's Sleek Mystique Haute Iron spray, which smells good and makes my hair silky soft and straight. When all that's done, it's time to volumise the sweet Jesus out of my locks. I start by spraying approximately 3/4 of a can of V05's Give Me Texture dry texturising spray (I can't tell the difference between this and my Oribe Dry Texturising spray, and Bumble and Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish spray) into the roots of my hair, concentrating on my fringe and the top of my head to and volume. I then go in with either my L'Oreal Matt and Messy Spray, or my Bumble and Bumble Thickening spray (remember those mini's from Elle?) in the lengths (HA) of my hair, to make it a bit more...flicky. Then it's lots of jujjing with the hands, and set the lot with my beloved Fudge Urban Iced Raspberry and Vanilla hairspray, for sexy smelling hair that stays in place. Repeat process with day old hair, replacing V05 Spray with Batiste Dry Shampoo for dark brown hair, to refresh and revolumise.

And that's not counting all the pre/during shower treatments and masks I inflict on my hair! Maybe I'll do a post on those too soon.

What are your favourite styling products?

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win an Urban Decay Lipstick here!

Chocolate Oranges In The Morning

Confession time, I've never really been a moisturiserer. Body or face, I just tend to skip it out of my otherwise rigorous routine, thinking I was doing just fine without it. My skin sits right in the normal category these days, it's not oily or dry, so I never really felt like it was something I needed in my routine. I was so so wrong. 

When Origins announced this little release, I was not one of the hoards of beauty bloggers counting down the days, and wracking up purchases in Boots to get enough points to 'justify' picking it up. In fact, the launch came and went without bringing much attention from me. Then a couple of months back I walked past the stand and saw a tester at work, and thought I'd have a little look. 

I'll be totally honest, I bought it because it smelt nice, so thank god it works a treat too. This stuff genuinely smells like a cross between orange sherbert and chocolate oranges, and it's pretty strong. I really like it, and I use it in the mornings, so I find it really helps to wake me up!

It's pretty unlike your average moisturiser, it's not rich or creamy, and it's not thick. Instead it's a lightweight formula, that feels almost gel like in texture. It's lightness means a little goes a long way, and it sinks into your skin quickly and easily, without leaving it feeling greasy or tacky, and you can apply your makeup immediately after. No more waiting around! 

And as for what it's done for my skin? Well aside from the fact I'm sure I've had less little spots since I've been using this, my skin looks brighter and more radiant, plumper and generally healthier. I honestly didn't know what I was missing!

Now I just need to find my perfect evening moisturiser!

Have you guys tried this moisturiser? What did you think? Do you have any other Origins reccommendations?

Origins Ginzing Moisturiser, £23 from Boots

Don't forget to enter my giveaway to win an Urban Decay Lipstick here!

My Blog's First Birthday

 This cupcake got mushed in transit. Still tastes good though. Mmmm.

Sorry for the radio silence this week, I haven't been very well this week so I didn't have any posts queued up, so I had a little break but I'm back with you now, with something rather exciting...

On the 26th my blog will be exactly one year old. How exciting is that?! That's one whole year that this little corner of the internet has been devoted to my foray into the beauty world. There's been two fashion weeks, one Christmas, more Benefit launches than you can shake a stick at, way too much money spent and approximately 4,698,742 burgers eaten. I've made a lot of great friends, met some amazing people, been to a ton of parties and launches, and had a great year.

So I thought it would be fitting to give something back to you, my lovely readers! If I could I'd come and give you all a massive hug, but since apparently you're all quite far flung, I thought I'd settle for a giveaway!

I wanted to giveaway a product I love, and I settled on one of the new Urban Decay Revolution lipsticks, in the shade Lovelight. I absolutely love these lipsticks, the formula is infallible, creamy and hydrating, whilst staying put for ages. The shade Lovelight is a gorgeous coral nude, with a hint of shimmer running through it, although that doesn't really translate to the lips. I picked this one since it will suit pretty much everyone! I wear it all the time (not this exact one obviously, this one is new for you!)

So please fill in the Rafflecopter form below to enter, this giveaway will be open for exactly one month! Unfortunately this giveaway is not international, but anyone living in the United Kingdom, get entering!

Thank you all for an amazing year, I love every one of you! <3

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Revlon Lip Lackin'

MAC Lovelorn, Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie, Kate Moss for Rimmel 08

I think I might just hold the record for only Beauty Blogger to not go crazy for the Revlon Lip Butters. Sure they're okay, but to be honest, the colour range isn't great, it's extensive but they're all a bit weird, and I'm not sure how they get off marketing these as a lip butter on anything but formula, cause these things are not moisturising at all. 

Anywho, minor problems aside, I finally found one I like in the shade Wild Watermelon, which was a later release, but to be honest, I think I've only worn it twice, since I rarely sport a sheer red lip, lovely as it is.

Quite recently Boots and Superdrug had Revlon products on two for £10 to celebrate the release of the Lash Potion Mascara. I had my eye on said mascara (more on that at a later date) and since it retails at £9.99, it made sense to splurge an extra penny to pick up something else.

Since everyone and their mother seems to be in love with these damn lipsticks, I figured I'd dive back into the pool and have another look at the shade range, and after swatching every damn one, I plumped for Berry Smoothie, who's packaging definitely does not represent it's colour. Annoying much.

Now, the one I swatched in the shop was pretty mushed, and it actually looked much darker than mine does (sob), this shade is actually pretty similar to my natural lip colour (if they actually were hydrating, this would be okay, since it would be like a lip balm) but it actually means you can barely see it on me. In terms of formula, it's lovely, but there's just something missing from these. 

I tried, but I really am not sure what the hype around these lipsticks is, they're pretty pricey (£7.99) and there are a lot more lipsticks that are cheaper and better. Similarly, I think I'd rather spend an extra seven pounds for a MAC/Urban Decay/Benefit lipstick, than go for one of these again. I just don't get it. Definitively glad I only paid a penny for this!

Are you a fan of the Revlon Lip Butters? What do you think?

Taming The Frizz

I'm no stranger to the John Frieda Frizz Ease line, my mum, my sister and I are rarely without a tube of Secret Agent, for when curse of the curly haired girl attacks, but I have never delved any further into the line, until recently when the lovely PR team offered to send me a few products to have a play with.

I was particularly excited to try the shampoo and conditioner, since I've never really found one that works well for me, and I was pleasantly surprised by this. I used this for around two weeks, and found that my hair was consistently easier to manage when I used this. I did find that I had to take extra care when rinsing my hair out, any residual product did leave my hair feeling a little heavy, but spending an extra 30 seconds rinsing it all out didn't really bother me. Overall I quite liked these, and would definitely reach for them if I wanted to straighten my hair after, or wanted my hair a little less thick and frizzy looking.

The hair serum also got put through it's paces, since I'd just ran out of the one I was using, and I've just purchased the full size of it. One pump of this run through damp hair made combing, brushing and blowdrying much easier, and made my hair just a touch softer. 

As for the curls enhancing oil, well to start with I was a little baffled by this. I frequently use oils to treat my hair, but never to style it. This is a product you have to be very careful not to overload your hair with, greasy hair is not a good look, but when handled with care can turn my natural, untameable frizz, into rather glossy, nice looking curls. Mad thought that! 

I've been really impressed with these products, and it's made me look at the rest of the line a lot closer, and I think I may have to pop out and purchase some more of the shampoo and conditioner soon! These products are all available from Boots!

These products were provided to me by the John Frieda PR Team for consideration. As always, this does not effect my review! Read my full disclaimer here.

The (Two) Weekly Roundup #22

If you didn't already know, last week I spent five days in Italy with my mum, we stayed in a tiny town on Lake Maggiore, and ate pasta, explored on little boats and chilled out, which was rather lovely.

 I splurged a little in Duty Free, so next week you may see a post or two! And I ate my fill of proper italian ice cream, which I miss already! 

When I came back I headed straight back to my London flat, to have a sort out, and a catch up with my lovely friend Aftab (who's blog you can check out here) over a massive burger and fries.

The rest of the week has been pretty quite, I've been back in Bournemouth spending time with my family! 

Highlight of the (two) week(s): Scrummy Carbonara in Stressa followed by a boat across Lake Maggiore, after a day shopping in Milan.

Lowlight of the (two) week(s): Coming home :(

Skincare rotation: I've been pretty lax with my skincare, since I've barely been wearing makeup, it's pretty much been a case of Bioderma and Caudalie Beauty Elixir tag teaming my face, to get rid of dirt and purify the skin. Must try harder next week!

In the beauty bag: Ahhhh that Bobbi Brown palette, that happened into my possesion in Duty Free! Also, a lot of lip love for my Urban Decay Turn On lipstick, and Maybelline's Colour Sensational in Pink Punch (see yesterday's post). Also, I've been trying out the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation (I've previously only used the serum version) and I really quite like it.

Added to the wishlist: Surprisingly, there's nothing on the makeup front! I do need a new iPad case though, ready for going back to uni at the end of the month! 

What products have you guys been loving this month?

Top Five High Street Lip Products

 I did a post a few weeks back on my Top Five Mascaras, which got rather a good reception, so I took that as a nudge to continue the story. Lip products are a bit of a weakness of mine, so I couldn't narrow it down to just top five lip products across the board, so I split it into High Street and High End (which will come up next week).

This was quite hard to narrow down, since the majority of my most-reached for products are from the high street, and I normally have more than five floating around in the depths of each handbag, but I did a little recon, put everything back in it's rightful place, and picked out the five I reach for most. So without further ado, in no particular order, here are my Top Five High Street Lip Products.

Kate Moss for Rimmel London Matte Lipsticks: I've penned many an ode to this formula, I have the whole collection. My colour pick varies depending on my mood or the weather, more recently I've been reaching for 111 which is a slightly darker take on a traditional red lip (blame the grey skies). The formula is infallible, not as drying as most matte lippies (MAC I'm looking at you) and they stay put a good four hours before even feathering. I love these so much!

£5.49 from Boots

Maybelline ColorSensational Lipstick in Pink Punch: a recent addition to the Rockett Beauty Stash, that has barely left my lips since purchase. It's a bold pink that appears slightly darker on my lips, a perfect transitional colour for Autumn. Looks great patted into the lips as a stain, or slicked on for a bold splash of colour. Formulation is good, it's creamy so it doesn't last ages, but I like to seal colours this bright in with a slick of Lipcote anyway.

£7.19 from Superdrug

Bourjois Colour Boost in Red Sunrise: another fairly recent addition that made it's way into my stocks back at the end of July. I've always loved lip crayons, but this one is the holy mother. Pigmented, buildable, creamy, SPF, it's everything I've ever wanted, and the colour is just so damn wearable. Love this, but I do find the other colours in the range a bit off for my skin tone.

£7.99 from Superdrug

Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me: My love affair with Baby Lips has been long standing, it was coined in a CVS in a back street of Santa Monica nearly two years ago, and it hasn't waned. My favourite from the range is Cherry Me, hydration, with a sheer dark pink wash of colour. I love that I can easily apply this without a mirror, when my lips are a little on the dry side, but I want a bit of colour. And so freaking affordable.

£2.99 from Superdrug

Rimmel Apocalips in Celestial: It's been a rocky road for me and the Rimmel Apocalips. I really don't like Big Bang, but Celestial and I have become quite good friends. I still don't like the applicator, but I do reach for this when I want an easy, no fuss, pinky nude lip, that will stay put basically until I eat.

£6.49 from Boots

What are your favourite High Street lip picks? What do you think of these products?

This Summer's Most Loved

With last weekend being one long torrential downpour, I think it's safe to say that we have reached the end of our great British Summer. It's been a strange summer of sorts, very busy, I feel like I haven't really had a break! I am however, very excited for autumn, it's fashion, it's food, and mostly, snuggling up under a blanket, with a book, a cup of tea and an army of Yankee Candles.

I thought this would be a good time to show you my favourite products from the summer. I've been pretty faithful with my products over the last two months, so these products were easy to pick. 

Diorskin Nude BB Creme: without a doubt my favourite, most reached for base of the summer. Decent coverage, but it feels like you've got nothing on your skin. The colour match is pretty good, I have the shade 002, and it lasts all day on your skin.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer: I have worn this concealer EVERY SINGLE DAY since summer began, leading to my first Concealer repurchase EVER. This concealer is Holy Grail to me, I couldn't go a day without it's under eye brightening properties.

Benefit Coralista: the perfect summer glow flush blush. I've spoken about this here before, and it's been the blush I reach for daily.

Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara Waterproof: I spoke about this recently here, so you guys know the drill. Lengthy, thick lashes, that stay put until you attack them with oil.

MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque: base for complicated smokey eyes, worn alone with a slick of bronze liner, this pretty bronzey gold cream shadow has graced my lids pretty much every single day this summer.

Benefit Sunbeam: looks good on the cheekbones and under the brow bone. Gives the perfect shimmery, 'the light follows me wherever I go' look. 

Benefit Benetint: I've been pretty boring with lip colours, bright pink lips for work, and tinted gloss every other day. Putting this under bold lip colours helps them stay put longer, and under tinted gloss it gives a pop more colour. The perfect essential for last-all-day makeup.

Lush Ocean Salt: when you've been sweating it out in dirty central London in 30 degree heat, there's nothing nicer than getting in the shower at the end of the day and scrubbing off the dirt and dead skin from your face, so this has been getting a lot of love. It's also super moisturising.

Mark Hill Cover Up Protection Spray: my damaged hair's sun saviour. I spritzed this onto my hair any day I knew I'd be out in the sun. 

Avene Eau Thermale: face refresher and stuffy tube rescuer. I've gotten through nearly ten bottles of this this summer. That's how good it is!

I forgot to photograph my Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray, but that can't be left out! Without this I probably wouldn't have bothered to wear makeup at all this summer, since it just melts off!

What products have you been loving this summer?

Sephora Selections

 Granted, my immediate reaction when I spotted Sephora was to abandon my mother in the crowded Italian railway station and hand over my debit card, whilst phoning the bank to extend my overdraft, but after discovering that the card I had slipped into my 'essentials only' handbag was infact my Tesco clubcard and not my debit card, I realised that the name of the game had to be restraint. Luckily I have a lovely mummy who was willing to share the love on two things I just couldn't leave behind.

Since my last trip to Sephora (LA, February 2012) I've used my handbag essential rollerball perfume to death. In fact, until a few days ago, the empty rollerball was still languishing in the bottom of my handbag. Whilst Italian Sephora doesn't stock branded perfume rollerballs, they did have their own fruity and floral scented sprays, for a bargain 4.95€. After a while spraying with mum, we both picked one up, I went for mango whilst she opted for Vanilla. 

I ummed and ahhed over the Makeup Forever Counter, but ultimately decided that the prices were much higher than those in the states and therefore not worth it, but I did end up picking up one of Sephora's own makeup brushes, a twist up fluffy brush, reminiscent of the Chanel Les Beiges Brush, but at a bargainous 12.90€. It's super soft and fluffy, and perfect for keeping in the handbag for powder, blush and bronze touch ups. 

Rather restrained if I do say so myself, but that was made easier by the absence of Tarte, Buxom and Kat Von D's line! Rest assured though, my shopping list for future US trips is growing rapidly...

Are there any products on your Sephora wishlist?

Hand Dream Team

In one of this years' lesser publicised releases,  Soap and Glory released yet another hand cream. Already reining supreme in the category with the much loved Hand Food, and Endless Glove hand mask, for dry pawed folk like myself, I was quite surprised to find this on the shelf whilst stocking up on my regulation Breakfast Scrub (mmmmm, maple syrup!). 

Hand Dream sits slap bang in the middle of it's predecessors, more hydrating than Hand Food, but less intense that Endless Glove. Do you need it? No, of course not, if your half way through a tube of Hand Food, stick with it. But if, like me, you find that your mitts aren't quite satisfied by Hand Food, it might be worth giving this ago. Whilst I love my Hand Food in the summer, I do find myself reaching for Endless Glove more in the winter, just for that extra boost of moisture. However, the introduction of Hand Dream, means I can reserve my Endless Glove for nighttime hand treatments, complete with pink S&G gloves.

In terms of scent, it's just the same as the others, that signature sweet S&G scent, and to be honest, the packaging is almost identical to Hand Food, you could pick this up and not realise it wasn't Hand Food til you were home quite easily.

The verdict? Don't rush out and buy this, but next time you need a new hand cream, why not give it a whirl?

Are you a S&G Hand cream fan?

Chanel Love

 Oh god. I don't really have an excuse for this one, except I was with a ton of enabling bloggers who didn't stop me. I am of course talking about last Saturday at Sophie's London meetup (more on that later). This blush was already on my wishlist, but when I saw that my much coveted and adored Les Beiges powder was back in stock...well, nobody stopped me.

You all know the Les Beige spiel by now, it's a super finely milled powder that dusts over your face making you glowy and wonderful looking. Honestly it's fantastic. And well, just look at that packaging *swoon*. It also smells heavenly. 

I decided on Revelation from the blush collection, a dusky, natural looking pink. It's almost a cream to powder formula, which means it isn't at all sticky (ahem, Stila Convertible Colour, ahem, Topshop) and lasts longer than a traditional cream blush. And oh god it's pretty.

I honestly can't fault either of these products, I don't think I'll be buying anything else for a while, but it was so worth it.

Have you tried either of these products? What are your favourite things from Chanel?

Kiko Haulin'

Top, eyeshadow in 130, middle, Ultra Glossy Lipstick in Pink Flamingo, bottom, Kiss Balm in Blackberry

 I've spent many an hour swatching away in the giant Kiko store in Westfield, but I've never bit the bullet and actually bought anything. Last week, I spent five days in Italy, and whilst perusing duty free before my flight home, I spotted a Kiko store tucked into a corner of the airport, and what ensued was a half hour of time wasting, which finally ended in a few purchases.

The first thing I picked up was the eyeshadow, (shade 130, in Italy anyway!) as it reminded me of Stila's Kitten which I've just run out of. It's really similar, a shimmery peachy nude, and the quality is great, it's so soft! For 1.90, I really can't find fault with it! It's a great base colour. 

I then headed over to the lipsticks, where I settled for two (at three euro each I didn't feel too bad about it!). The first one is from the Kiss Balm range, a selection of lip balms with colour, much like the Maybelline Baby Lips, YSL Sheer Candys, Revlon Lip Butters and every other tinted lip balm on the market. The shade I went for is Blackberry, the 'darkest' shade from the range, which was the only one to tint my lips slightly darker than their natural colour. It's a sheer wash of a little darker than nude colour, which looks super natural.

The other lipstick I went for was from the Ultra Glossy range, in 803 Pink Flamingo, which is a slightly dulled down bright pink, that applies slightly sheer and glossy. I love this colour, it's such a me kind of colour, and this lipstick has SPF 15 too. 

There weren't really any nail polishes that caught my eye, since my collection is pretty extensive, but I did end up picking up this nail base which does a pretty damn good job at creating a smoother base for colour, since my nails are pretty damaged!

 The last purchase was a bit of a gamble, since I've never heard much about Kiko skincare, but I've been after a good peeling mask for a while, and it was on offer for 5€, so if it wasn't all that great it wouldn't have mattered, but I actually quite like this. I've only used it once but my skin felt and looked plumper, and more radiant than before. I'll keep you posted but this could be a winner.

Kiko products are fairly cheap anyway, but they are a lot cheaper in Milan, a difference of 1.90€ for an eyeshadow to £4.90, still cheap but more than double the Italian prices! Despite this, if I see anything I like in there in the future, I won't hesitate to buy it, since I really like everything I've bought so far!

Have you tried anything from Kiko? Do you have any recommendations?

The Wishlist #3

Chanel Creme Blush in Affinité £27 // Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Jilted and Turn On £15 each // Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Eye Palette £39.50 // Giorgio Armani Si Eau De Parfum £43.50 // All Star Burgandy Converse £45 // Topshop Nail Paint in Twilight Tease £6 // 

There's always something on my wishlist, but with a recent barrage of new releases, and new discoveries, my wishlist is getting pretty extensive at the moment.

High up on the list is Chanel's Creme blusher, isn't it pretty? I've been swatching it every shift at work and I've now decided it will be mine. As for that Bobbi Brown palette, who could resist those colours? The Urban Decay Lipsticks have been up there for a while now, but I can't decide between these two shades for first purchase. I desperately need some new Converse as I had to bid farewell to my last pair due to unfortunate circumstances, and I love these burgandy ones! I've been after a rose gold nail paint for a while now, and recently discovered Topshop's Twilight Tease which fits the bill nicely. And lastly, the new Giorgio Armani fragrance was sniffed and sprayed at work last week, and I can't stop thinking about it. It's a really refreshing, fruity fragrance, quite unlike anything I've smelt before.

What products are on your lust list?

Samplin'

 Whilst packing for my impromptu trip to Italy (where I'm restricted to hand luggage only...big exasperated sigh) I decided that the best thing to do would be to rummage around in my sample box, and substitute as many of my skincare and makeup products as humanly possible for sample sizes.

Samples are a lot easier to come buy than most people seem to think, most beauty counters have a stash hidden even if they are a little reluctant to hand them out. Places like Lush and Body Shop however are pretty free with their sample dispensing, so I always pick up a few if I know I'm going anywhere!

I have actually already purchased a full size of Lush's Grease Lightening spot treatment, but I still had a little sample pot of it so I topped that up and that's definitely coming with me. I got a sample of YSL's Manifesto a few months back before I started working there when had a bit of a splurge, it's a super fruity and sweet perfume so nice for holidays. You guys have heard me rave about Laura Mercier's Foundation Radiance Primer a thousand times already, so that was a given, and I'm quite fond of the Shu Uemera Cleansing Oil for shifting waterproof mascara so that got thrown in too.

Have you used any of these products before? What did you think?

August Favourites

 Another month has been and gone, and I'm starting to feel old. Where is my life going?!

I haven't done much this month as I've basically been working the entire time. But I still managed to rustle up a few favourites to share with you.

First up was a purchase I made back in July, the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. I used this years ago and decided to buy another one since everyone seems to rave about it. Anyway, it's definitely worth the hype, it's super creamy, feels lovely on your skin and gets makeup off a treat. 

I also finally bit the bullet and bought Grease Lightening, after picking up sample after sample and still being on the fence about it. I've come to the decision that I do really like it, it's a great spot treatment, it dries them out and gets rid of them super fast. Winner in my book.

The last skincare item is the Origins Ginzing Moisturiser. I'm not gonna say too much about this since I'll be doing a full review of this Wednesday, so come back then to see that! 

Two bases made the cut this month, the Diorskin Nude BB Creme for days when I want a little less coverage, and Max Factor Facefinity when I was at work or going out. I'm obsessed with the Dior BB Creme, it's the best BB Creme I've ever tried by far, with decent coverage but natural looking. Facefinity is my favourite high coverage foundation, it stays put all day and gives a gorgeous, flawless matte finish.

Two lip products that I bought this month and have been obsessed with, are the Baby Lips in Cherry Me and the Bourjois Colour Boost in Red Sunrise. I just love these!

Since I bought my NARS And God Created the Woman palette, my Isolde Duo has been neglected, but I've been loving wearing this a lot this month, paired with a flick of gel black eyeliner. 

Last up, on my nails has been Essie's Watermelon. I love the colour but I think there's something wrong with the formula since it's always really gritty. Strange.

What products have you been loving this month?