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Anyone who knows me, will know I am not usually one for nail art. In fact, I'm usually seen sporting a chipped two week old mani, with wild cuticles and torn nails. But hey, who really has the time?
Anyway, I had a spare half an hour this week so I decided to paint my nails, picking up a bright orange polish (Essie, Orange It's Obvious) and the L'Oreal Confetti Top Coat, which I figured was Halloween themed enough. After doing one nail I had a spur of the moment decision to whack out the dotting tools and a few more polish, and here's what I ended up with.
For the blood drip nails, I put on a few coats of a Maybelline white polish I had kicking about until it was opaque, and then dripped red polish directly from the brush onto the nail. I tried doing it with a dotting tool, but by using the brush to blob it on, it gave a more 3D looking effect which I liked more.
For the green nail I applied two coats of Models Own Toxic Apple (love the name). Once it was dry, I actually used my Soap and Glory Supercat liner to draw on stitches, it's more precise than a dotting tool and as long as you seal it in with a topcoat it stays put. I used the liner to do all the other nails too, except my left ring finger. For that, I used a dotting tool to drip white onto the black nail, and when that was dry, added a dot of black as a pupil. I didn't use the liner for this as I found it wasn't black enough on top of the white.
I sealed them all in with the Rimmel Nail Nurse topcoat which I am still on the fence about.
What do you think of my Halloween themed nails?
Please excuse my chipped nails, sob, I didn't realise until I was editing the photos!
I wasn't actually going to do a full review on this product, but after mentioning it briefly here, I had a lot of people asking me on Twitter what it was like, so instead of replying to everyone, here are the deets.
This product is advertised primarily as a bronzing primer to be used under your foundation. It's not going to prolong the wear of your base, but the idea is that it's going to give you a glow from within. I have tried using it that way a few times but I didn't really get on with it, I found that once I had added my foundation, or even tinted moisturiser, you couldn't see it at all. Now to me, that's just a waste of a product.
So after doing a little research, reading a few blogs and watching a few YouTube videos, I started experimenting with this on top of my chosen base. I was fairly apprehensive to start since it looks really freaking orange in the tub and as we established in this post, I'm not a fan of the oompa loompa look.
However, this stuff is pretty foolproof. After a fair bit of trial and error, I discovered that I like to apply this with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush the best, since it's great for blending, packing on colour, but it also sits just under my cheekbone nicely. I press the brush ever so lightly into the product and then brush any excess into the lid (I usually find that I can then do one side with what is on the brush, and the other from what is in the lid). From there I press the brush into the contours of my cheeks, creating a line, and then I just blend, simple as that. Sometimes I'll just blend the edges and keep it as a contour, and other times I'll blend up, using this as my sole cheek colour. I also add a touch of this on my temples to add definition there. It's pretty hard to go wrong with, despite how it looks the colour is not over pigmented and applies borderline sheer, leaving you looking glowy, not Essex.
In terms of formula, I set this with a sheer setting powder over the top and it lasts for most of the day. If I'm going out in the evening I like to top it up, but for the most part it's just fine.
As for comparisons to the Soleil Tan de Chanel, I've never owned it, since I'm not enough of a bronzer-upper to warrant spending that much money on it, but I have tried it on counter a few times, and whilst it's nice, I don't see enough of a difference between the two to warrant the dramatic price difference.
So the verdict? I really like this. As we head into the colder months, I've been reaching for my powder bronzers again, but for nights out, or when I need a natural looking, lasting contour, I'll still reach for this. Worth every penny.
Have you tried the Bourjois Bronzing Primer? What do you think?
I can't be the only one who finds walking into a Lush store pretty intimidating. With more bath bombs than I have had hot dinners, and a barrage of different sickly smells, it's pretty hard to know where to start. I've tried a fair few bits from Lush now (my dad doing a job in the factory when I was younger and coming back with boxes and boxes of freebies helped), so here are my recommendations for what to pick up next time you're in store.
Cinders Bath Ballistic: Starting off with one from the Christmas line, which I will be stocking up on to see me through the next few months. The idea of this bath bomb comes from crackling fires, and when you drop this in your bath you'll be met with golden waters and the sound of popping candy cracking under water, just like the sound of a roaring log fire. It contains Cinnamon and Almond Oils, but also Citrus notes, so it kind of smells like a spicy fruit punch. This is currently a definite contestant for my Christmas Eve bath.
You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt: This is actually the only one of the bath melts I like the scent of! It's a mango and lime fragrance which is super sweet and lovely. The main ingredient of this is Cocoa butter, so it's crazy hydrating and makes the water incredibly soft. I either use just this, or half of one of these paired with either Cinders or Fizzbanger to add a little hydration into the water. You can skip the body butter after a bath in this!
Fizzbanger Bath Ballistic: Looks pretty boring from the outside but don't be fooled. This spins round the bath, popping candy cracking, in spirals of yellow and blue, leaving you to soak in a green tub smelling of apple pie. Could there be a better bath scent?
Phoenix Rising Bath Ballistic: This is my absolute favourite bath accompaniment, it's got Shea and Cocoa butter in so it's crazy hydrating, it's purple with gold glitter, and the main scent is sweet cinnamon. It's a very comforting bath bomb, one I tend to reach for on cold rainy days, or if I'm missing home.
NEW! Shampoo Bar: I bought this after Sophie told me it helps stimulate hair growth! Once you get used to the bizarre feeling of rubbing a bar of soap into your hair, it's pretty good. The smell of this is incredibly strong when you get it but fades to a much more bearable cinnamon scent after a week or so. Exceptionally clarifying and makes hair super shiny.
Let The Good Times Roll: I'm sure you know by now that this is my FAVOURITE EVER LUSH PRODUCT. LIKE FAVOURITE EVER EVER. I'm so glad this has been bought back! It smells like caramel popcorn, which can only be a good thing, and gently exfoliates the face getting rid of dead skin cells, dirt, and keeping the skin looking radiant. I refuse to not have this in my house! Again, this contains Cinnamon but you can't smell it in this (are you sensing a cinnamon theme here yet?).
Ultrabland: This is an excellent makeup remover, but I wouldn't recommend using this as your sole cleanser. It's oil based so it removes even waterproof mascara like a dream, but it does leave a bit of a residue, so I reach for this when I'm wearing a lot of makeup, and then use a second cleanser after. Not one for oily skin, but if you have really dry skin, you'll want to slather this stuff on.
Ocean Salt: I keep this in the shower for giving my face a good scrub whilst I'm waiting for my conditioner to work it's magic. It's made with Vodka, limes and grapefruit, making it antiseptic, I tend to reach for this a lot more frequently when my skin is freaking out. It's got big chunks of sea salt piled on top of a creamy base, making it exfoliating, but also super hydrating on your skin. Love this stuff, just not the taste!
Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask: The best of the Lush face masks. Cammomile and Blueberries combined into a clay based mask which soothes every skin freak out and banishes spots overnight. It's preservative free which means it needs to be kept in the fridge and used within six weeks (you'll know when not to use it, when it starts developing spots of mould, nice).
Grease Lightening Spot Treatment: The only spot treatment I use now. If I get spots these days it tends to be down to either stress, hormones or food, so I know I either need to calm down, start popping Feminax or stop ordering Dominos to banish breakouts, but when I need a spot gone RIGHT NOW, I reach for this. It's completely natural with the exception of one preservative, which I don't mind because a little goes a long way with this stuff and I don't want to be chucking out most of it because it's out of date! It works by soothing, whilst being a combination of astringent, antibacterial and antisceptic, to get rid of nasties. I pop this on and it dries clear, and the next morning the spot is gone.
Popcorn Lip Scrub: Simple stuff, a combo of sugar and oils that you can scrub across your lips and lick off to leave them super smooth, a must have for Winter. This particular one is Salted Caramel Flavour, mmmmmmm.
Santa's Lip Scrub: This years Christmas edition of the lip scrub is bright red and cola flavoured. The formula of this one is less gritty and less abrasive so it's better for daily upkeep rather than tackling scaly lip bits.
Vanillary Solid Perfume: My go to Autumn Winter Fragrance. Vanilla, Jasmin and Caramel, it's grown up, sweet, and oh so comforting. Have a sniff, I'm awful at describing scents.
A Million Kisses Lip Tint: They don't actually do this colour any more but they do have this one instead. I love Lush Lip tints, they're crazy pigmented, you literally need the tiniest amount, they aren't drying, and the little tin packaging is so cute!
Honey Trap Lip Balm: This one is white chocolate and honey flavour. Yum, yum, yum. It's incredibly hydrating, similar in effect to Nuxe Reve De Miel but half the price. Again, I love the little tin it comes in.
What are your favourite Lush Products?
I've been on a using stuff up mission recently, I mean, I had eleven mascaras open. Eleven. I'm going to try and keep this short and sweet, but if you want to know more about any of these products, just let me know!
Herbal Essences Soft and Smooth Shampoo - I picked this up when I went home for a few weeks and forgot shampoo because it was on offer and it smelt nice, but I actually really liked this. It left my hair feeling super soft and silky.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection Shampoo and Conditioner* - I absolutely loved this shampoo and conditioner. It's lasted me forever, partly because I've only been using it every other hair wash, and partly because you don't need much. It smells good, and it has worked wonders on my bleach fried hair. When I use up the rest of the open shampoos and conditioners in my shower, I'm going to purchase the massive bottles of this.
Would I repurchase? Yes!
Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Intensive Repair mask - My favourite hair mask for improving the condition of my hair. I leave this on for around ten to twenty minutes in the bath instead of using conditioner, and then I try not to heat style my hair after that. I get through one of these every couple of months or so, I really does help my hair.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Tresemme Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment - I wasn't all that impressed with this, a lot of people talked about this and said it was great, but I really didn't think it did anything other than what a normal conditioner does.
Would I repurchase? No.
Batiste Dry Shampoo for Dark and Deep Brown hair* - I use this to style my hair every day, to add volume and texture to my hair. I like this because it doesn't leave a grey residue in my hair.
Would I repurchase? Already have.
Soap and Glory The Breakfast Scrub - This is my favourite body scrub, it's super gritty and it smells delicious, really gets your rough bits gone. Because this is so intense, a little goes a long way, and this pot has seen me through the better part of two months.
Would I repurchase? Yes, I'm currently using the S&G Sugar Crush one, but I think this one beats it! Plus the scent is more wintery!
Nivea In Shower Skin Conditioner - I thought this stuff was gonna be a gimmick but I'm a convert. Crappy packaging aside, this stuff is great. Traditional Nivea scent, good hydration, super quick and easy. What more could you want?
Would I repurchase? Already have!
Flourigard Daily Rinse Mouthwash - This is wildly unexciting, but since mouthwash is one of the few products in my stash I am loyal to, I thought I'd mention it. Yeah. It's good.
Would I repurchase? Already have.
Sicillian Lemon Oil Lamp Fragrance - my favourite fragrance for cosy nights in.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Gosh Blush in Electro Pink - The first blush I have ever used up. Gosh blushes have really good wear time & pigmentation, and this colour is gorgeous!
Would I repurchase? Yes.
YSL Shocking Volume Mascara* - My favourite mascara ever. Good volume, length, doesn't go clumpy and looks amazing. Only drawback is the price!
Would I repurchase? Yes.
NYC Big & Bold Mascara - This mascara is about three pounds and it gives massive volume and length. One of my favourite high street picks.
Would I repurchase? Yes.
Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Mascara - A decent mascara but there's no wow factor. It did go ages before it started to dry up though.
Would I repurchase? Probably not.
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - My go to under eye brightener. I love this stuff, it's light with good coverage, doesn't crease or cake and wears really well.
Would I repurchase? Already have!
Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask - This is my favourite face mask, I get through so much of this stuff! It's a total wonder product, banishing spots overnight.
Would I repurchase? Already have!
Rimmel Nail Polish in Black Cab - The first nail colour I've used up in a long time. I like this because it only really needs one coat and dries super quick. Rimmel nail polishes last ages on my nails too!
Would I repurchase? Yes.
What products have you used up recently? Have you tried any of these products?
(Apologies for the dodgy lighting in these photos, the sun kept disappearing behind the blackest cloud ever...)
Ohh foundation. It's so hard to find a foundation that does everything that you want it to. One piece of advice I can offer however, is that I didn't like this one.
Can we take a moment to point out the obvious here? LOOK HOW ORANGE MY FACE IS. JUST LOOK. I have not put a powder, or a bronzer on, just this on top of Benefit's Porefessional. Can I also point out, that this is the lightest colour in the range?
I picked up the Bourjois Happy Light Foundation after hearing a few people rave about it, and being tempted in by the introductory price (£.6.99, how good is that?!). I really like the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation, and the Healthy Mix Serum so I had no reason to think I wouldn't like this one.
Firstly, I should say that in the bottle this looks like my perfect shade. Even when I tested it on my face and neck in Boots, it looked like the closest match I've ever found in a foundation. But once I buffed this into my skin I could see it was too yellow for me, but it blended out okay, so it didn't seem like a major thing. However, half an hour later, the stuff had oxidised on my face and I was a fetching shade of Essex Oompa Loompa. It didn't even oxidise evenly, which you can tell in these photos.
Shade grumbles aside, I don't really rate the formula much either. Looking in the mirror, this foundation hasn't covered any redness and is actually highlighting my pores, something I've never experienced with a foundation before. I have really normal skin, it's not in any way oily or dry, but this is just clinging to the pores in my t-zone.
In other news, I've been sporting a purpley tinged eye this week, sweeping MAC Satin Taupe across the lids, and blending Brousse (top right) from the NARS Fairy's Kiss Palette to add definition. I'm also shunning liquid liner in favour for a matte black shadow (Pandora, bottom right in the NARS Palette) taken across the lash line and flicked slightly out, for a softer look. I used MAC Painterly Paint Pot as a base to make sure the colours were true to pan. I also swiped lashings of the Max Factor Lash Extension Effect mascara on my upper and lower lashes to lengthen them and make my eyes look more awake.
I can't speak highly enough of the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer at the moment, it's a dark circle magic eraser and I think it might just be worthy of Holy Grail concealing status. Big claims I know but it's bloody brilliant.
On my cheeks, I've been using the Nyx products I mentioned in yesterday's post, the blush in Taupe as a contour, and a little bit of peach for colour. I particularly like Taupe, it gives a really natural shadow under the cheekbone making you look naturally sculpted (you'd be able to tell better if I wasn't so FREAKING ORANGE!) I also popped the Xtreme Lip Cream in Pinky Nude (in what world is that a nude lip) on my lips and blotted it so it wasn't as intense.
For brows I settled on my go to pairing, I filled in the sparse areas with the darker shadow from the Br-Wow kit, and set them with my Maybelline Brow Drama.
Have you tried any of these products? What do you think about the Bourjois Foundation?
Despite having spent a fair amount of time in the US (I once got trapped there for the better part of six weeks during the ash cloud), and having dabbled in a fair few stateside beauty products, Nyx is a brand I had never tried before, so when it was announced that certain Next stores (namely, the one in Westfield) were going to be stocking the products, I got quite excited. I know Nyx deliver to the UK, but their delivery fee is £4.50 which I always felt was quite expensive for a few bits of drugstore makeup.
Now, I should point out that Nyx products are dramatically more expensive here than in the US, the Xtreme Lip creams retail at £7, and the Blushes at £6, whereas in the states, you'd be looking at $6 and $5 respectively, which is much more purse friendly, and I think a much better price for the quality you are looking at.
So the Xtreme Lip Cream is in the shade Pinky Nude, which is a total misnomer since there's nothing nude about this lip colour (spot me sporting it in tomorrow's post). These are similar to the Rimmel Apocalips in formula, it's more liquid lipstick than gloss, the pigmentation's good and it dries slightly matte. It's a pretty colour and it can be worn as a bold bright pink, or blotted as a pinky stain. I like this and definitely would pick up a few more.
The two blushes I got were in the shades Taupe and Peach (is the person who names Nyx products colourblind? That's not peach is it?). Taupe is one that I've heard a lot about, as it's ashy colour means it makes a great contour colour. Peach is a bright pink that I had a gap for in my collection, I like how the brightness of this colour really wakes your face up. Considering these retail for $5 in the US, I wasn't expecting massive things formula wise, and these are a little chalky, but they wear well and you still get a decent colour payoff.
So I do really like these products, but to be honest, you can find similar stuff in Boots and Superdrug for less. Next time I am in the states, I will most likely pick up a few other bits from Nyx to try, since I do like these products, but unless their prices are lowered a little, I doubt I'll be venturing into Next for them any time soon.
You can find a list of Next stores stocking Nyx products here.
Have you tried anything from Nyx? Will you be heading to a Next store to try anything out?
Autumn is without shadow of a doubt, my favourite time of year. Blustering winds, drizzling rain, golden leaves and dark days are the best, and when this time of year approaches, you'll find me stocking up on Zara Scarves, dark nail polishes, and spicy candles. I'm an autumnal girl through and through.
As with every change of season, the time has come for me to shake up my makeup and beauty routine, out with the corals and in with the plums, so I thought I'd show you the products I'm going for this season. I'll link in any full reviews I've done!
Face Bases
L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau De Teint - My current everyday pick. So light you can't feel it on your skin at all, but with enough coverage to even out the skin tone. Makes your skin feel almost powdered, and gives a matter finish. This is my favourite at the moment.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer - Oil Free - I thought I'd throw in a high end pick. During Autumn I tend to lean for matter finishes in my bases, but this is what I lean for when I want a bit of natural glow. Low coverage, light finish and all around lovely.
Max Factor Facefinity - For long days, nights out, or when I just need a little more coverage. My favourite full coverage foundation, lasts all day with a matte finish.
Nars Laguna - I tend to ditch the bronzer in winter, but I'm not quite ready to give it up yet. I've been using a cream bronzer in the last few weeks, but I'm heading back to my old faithful. Light on the skin and not orangey at all, just adds a little glow.
Sleek Flushed - A blush I reserve solely for the colder months. The perfect pink flush, I reach for this when I go neutral on the eyes and lips, as it's a little much otherwise.
Benefit Hervana - A natural, lilac tinged pink flush, warms up the complexion beautifully.
Eyes
Urban Decay Naked Palette - When the warmer months leave us, I shun my Naked 2 palette and reach for this. The warmer colours are perfect for the cold months. I particularly love the combo of Toasted & Hustle.
Bobbi Brown Rich Chocolate Palette - The perfect wintery palette for neutral lovers. Warm colours, with the perfect mix of matte and shimmer shades.
NARS Fairy's Kiss Palette - Beautiful purple tones, with that infallible NARS formula.
MAC Cranberry, Sketch, Blackberry & Satin Taupe - I have two MAC palettes, but this one is the one I reach for during Autumn/Winter. I love the warm berry shades, and Satin Taupe is just gorgeous. I'm going to do a post on my MAC palettes later this week!
MAC Constructivist Paint Pot - Melted chocolate in a pot. Perfect for when faffing with eyeshadow is not ideal.
Smashbox Eyeliners in Antique Gold, Bronze Citrine, Graphite & Imperial - Pretty liners that can be smudged along the lid, can work as a base, and generally look very pretty.
L-R MAC Russian Red, MAC All Out Gorgeous, Korres Lip Butter in Plum, MAC Sheen Supreme Lipglass Tint in Glorious Intent, Benefit Hydra-Smooth Lip Colour in Fling Thing, MAC Plumful & Rimmel Let's Get Naked
Lips
MAC Russian Red - I tend to save reds for Winter, they make me feel Christmassy, but Russian Red is a touch darker, than most reds.
MAC All Out Gorgeous - A berry toned red that's super glossy on the lips. I love berry colours in the Autumn!
Korres Lip Butter in Plum - Perfect for adding a touch of colour to dry lips. This is probably my favourite colour of the lot.
MAC Sheen Supreme Lipglass Tint in Glorious Intent - A lipstain reminiscent of the YSL glossy stains. Beautiful dark berry shade.
Benefit Hydra-Smooth Lip Colour in Fling Thing - subtle and it stays on all day. What more could you want?
MAC Plumful - A sheer berry plum colour.
Rimmel Let's Get Naked - When I'm going for a dark smokey eye, I love a nude lip. This is slightly peach toned so it doesn't wash me out!
Honourable mentions, Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet & MAC Brick O La
Nails
Barry M Texture Effect Nail Paint in Countess and Duchess - I love these glitter polishes, and these might just be my favourites.
Essie Chinchilly - Gorgeous mink grey colour.
Revlon Vixen - A beautiful red wine colour. Super sophisticated.
Skincare & Scents
Hand Dream Super Cream - Because perfectly manicured paws don't matter if they're dry and scaley! A little more intense than Hand Food.
Ultrabland - I tend to swap out my cleansers for heavier, oil based ones, that give my skin a little more hydration. I love Ultrabland because it gets all my makeup off in one go. Super easy.
Let The Good Times Roll - Ahh it's back! Keeping my skin breakout free and radiant, I always reach for this scrub in the colder months, mostly for the popcorn scent!
Trilogy Rosehip Oil - Instead of an evening moisturiser, I reach for this, which makes my skin crazy hydrated, soft & supple.
Nuxe Reve De Miel - Soft lips for matte lipsticks. This is the best of the bunch!
Gucci Guilty - A spicy, oriental scent, with Mandarin & Amber. Perfect spritzed onto scarves!
Lush Vanillary - Just what it says, Vanillary! Warm and comforting, this is a solid perfume that can be dabbed onto the wrists and necks and smells so yummy.
Phew! I need a lie down after that one!
What are your favourite autumn products?
I'm a low fuss sort of baker, I love the finished product, but if I'm gonna spend time cooking, I want it to be super easy, fairly speedy (so I don't loose interest) and use as few utensils as possible so I have less to clear up.
I had half an hour to kill this week and decided to whip something up using what we had in the cupboards. I much prefer to make things like cookies and flapjacks, it's so much cheaper and you can tailor them to your fancies. Plus these literally took me about ten minutes to make, and then I baked them while I got on with my work. I made these by adapting an American recipe so it works off cups, but if you don't have cup measures, just use a small coffee mug as 1 cup!
What You Need:
One cup of soft butter
One cup of sugar (you can use brown or white, they are more cakey with white and gooeyer with brown!)
Two medium sized eggs
One tbsp of Vanilla Essence
3 cups of self raising flour (or use plain and add baking powder)
Chocolate (you can use whatever chocolate you want! I used Dairy Milk Caramel as it was what I had in my cupboards, but you can use anything, or a mix! I used two bars but you need roughly 250g)
It's all super easy, pre heat your oven to 180c/350f and line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. Then, in a big mixing bowl beat the butter til smooth and then mix in the sugar. Add vanilla essence and eggs and beat together. Then slowly add the flour, mixing as you go. I found that after two cups, it was easier to use my hands to kneed it in as the mixture got a little thicker. The consistency shouldn't be too thick though!
Then it's chocolate chopping time! I cut each square into four, because I didn't want massive chunks, but you can cut it as big or small as you like, or have varying sizes in there (probably easier if you aren't using caramel chocolate!). Also, if you're planning on using caramel chocolate like I did, it's worth sticking the chocolate in the fridge for five minutes before you cut it, to stop all the caramel sticking to your knife! Then just mix it into the dough, it's as simple as that!
From there, it's simply a case of spooning the mixture onto the baking tray, and sticking them in the oven. I kept mine pretty small but they still ended up as monsters! If I did them again I'd probably do them a little smaller, since they ended up huge!
Baking them is a bit of a guessing game, I'd say around 8-9 minutes, but go buy the colour, I took them out when they started to go golden round the edges. They'll be squidgy still when you take them out, but they'll harden up as they cool. I stuck them on a wire rack to cool straight from the oven, and then put them on a wooden chopping board when they were cool and put them on the coffee table when the boyfriend got home! So domesticated!
Yum! Enjoy!
Do you have any quick and easy recipes?
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