April 2014 Favourites

Another month, another monthly favourites. Can you believe we are a third of the way through the year already? I certainly can't.

Before we get into favourites, a few admin bits. First off I want to thank everyone who has supported my blog this month, we have had the biggest readership growth this month since Bed in the Kitchen started over 18 months ago, and I honestly can't believe how many of you there are now! I'm planning a little giveaway when we hit 1000 Bloglovin' followers, I wish I could send you all something but this is the next best thing! If you have any suggestions for what I should giveaway then let me know in the comments! Secondly, I want to thank everyone that took part in my Photo A Day challenge over on Instagram, it's been awesome seeing your pictures! Thirdly, and finally, just a little notice that as of tomorrow all posts will be going live at 7am GMT instead of 9am, this is just a response to a few people who have said they enjoy reading blogs on  their morning commute! As always if you have any suggestions for posts you'd like to see let me know in the comments! Also, don't forget about my Lifestyle Blog and YouTube Channel, I'd love to see you guys over there too!

On with the show!

It's been a strange sort of month, I've been backwards and forwards between my home in Bournemouth and my flat in London more times than I care to count. This, I guess, is what happens when Uni cuts out for a few weeks. Anyway, the result was that I spent the better half of this month living out of a ramshackle collection of bags, so the options for my monthly beauty favourites were pretty limited! 

Let's start with the slightly less exciting item, but one that excites me greatly. Guys, this month I found my perfect foundation brush. This is the Blank Canvas Cosmetics F22 brush and it's utter perfection. Soft, tightly packed, domed bristles that are perfect for creating a fuller coverage look. And a total steal, coming in around the £10 mark.

I've had the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in my stash for a long time, but I only really picked it up and started paying it some attention at the end of last month. I'm now pretty much halfway through it I've used so much. This is such an easy concealer to reach for, it works for blemishes and dark circles, it's got good medium to full coverage, it stays put all day and you can apply it over makeup halfway through the day and it won't cake. What more could you want from a concealer?

I've only been using the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer for the last half of the month but I had to mention it. I've been using this all over my face before foundation to add an all over healthy glow, and mixing a little into my under eye concealer to perk up my undereyes. This stuff is amazing and if you don't have it yet, you need it.

When I went back home, I pretty much only took the Rimmel Glam Eyes Quad in Smokey Brown for my eyes. I love this little quad so much, four seriously pigmented, soft colours that can be used to create so many looks. And this palette is so affordable! A great one for travel, and a good staple for everyone's makeup collection.

My love for the L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara will never fade, but I was on the hunt this month for a more 'daytime' appropriate mascara, just something a little more natural looking. I picked up the L'Oreal Volume Million Lash Excess Mascara and it's just perfect. It lifts, curls, volumises and lengthens your lashes without making them look overly fake.

At the end of March I went to an event with the Lead International Makeup Artist for NARS, and in my goodie bag was a miniature of the NARS Deep Throat Blush. I do have this blush in a palette somewhere, but having a single of it has meant it's received a lot more loving, and has been my go-to blush this month. It's a gorgeous peachy pink blush shade with a very slight golden shimmer, a perfect every day blush shade. 

Nine times out of ten this month I've been wearing my MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick, a perfect nude for me, with just a hint of peach to it, but enough pink to stop it washing me out. It just goes with every makeup look and is so easy to wear, and it looks super pretty too. 

And finally, on my nails this month I have been loving the Maybelline Super Stay Gel Polish in Berry Stain, a gorgeous berry purple shade. Not massively appropriate for Spring, but I just can't get enough of this colour. The formula's spot on too, super glossy and pigmented, you only need one coat for perfect nails. 

Those are my April favourites, what are yours?

My Day In Photos - Monday April 28th

I'm not up to much at the moment, I'm dedicating most of my time to working on my blog, and planning my dissertation and final major project for Uni, so there's been nothing that's really blogpost worthy on it's own. However, my days are pretty busy, so I thought I'd show you what I get up to on an average day off. By day off I mean I'm not in Uni, but if anything I do more work these days than any other!

So my day started at 8.30am (this is early for me) when I was rudely awoken by my boyfriend's alarm. He insists on having this really loud, crashy, annoying Don Broco track as his alarm tone, and it's the single most horrendous song to have as an alarm tone. He then pottered off to Uni without even having the decency to make me a cup of tea. After all the noise he made getting ready, I couldn't fall back to sleep, so I had a read through my Bloglovin' feed, replied to a few emails and organised my diary for the week ahead.

I then got up, dressed and started setting up to film. I've had a few requests over the last couple of weeks to film an 'Everyday Makeup Get Ready With Me', so I wanted to give it a go and film myself putting my makeup on. It took so much longer than expected to set up and film. It took forever to set up the mirror and the camera so I could be seen and see in the mirror! Also my mum phoned in the middle of filming, handy.

Breakfast time! I say breakfast, but I finally sat down to eat this at 11.59am, so...brunch? I'm obsessed with asparagus right now, I literally have it with every meal. I watched a couple of YouTube Videos whilst chowing down on asparagus, bacon and a scrambled egg smothered in Smokey Chipotle Sauce. Yum.

 I try not to head into Central if I can help it, it's so busy and if I can go after Uni, I'd rather do it then! However, I needed to hit up Notting Hill's second hand book stores, on the hunt for some books to read around the topic of my dissertation (the more you know...). I managed to pick up a few which will be helpful, and I also got my mitts on a super old (1884) copy of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, as well as the Illustrated Works of Jane Austen. I'm a total classic book junkie. These pictures were taken in my favourite book store, The Book and Comic Exchange, you never know what you'll find in here, it's like Aladdin's Cave, the book edition.

I actually got the bus to Notting Hill, I never ever get buses, but it was actually really nice to see a bit more of London, I usually just see my destination and the Underground, so it was a nice change.

 I couldn't resist a trip to Whole Foods, since I was right around the corner. I could literally spend days and all my money in here. I ended up demolishing the most delicious (and free) pizza bread on the tube home, since I was inexplicably starving. 

I arrived home to an adorable little package from Alphabet Bags, look at that packaging, isn't it just perfect! Inside the package was a cute postcard, and I ended up using Washi tape to put that and a few postcards I picked up in Paperchase last week on the wall above my desk. I love how it looks!

 I was so good when I got in, cup of tea in hand getting on with blog stuff, and taking a stack of photos (including this one of my favourite new necklace, isn't it gorgeous?!). But when the boy got home an hour later, it kinda all went to pot and we ended up sat on our bed, watching the latest episode of Grimm, and tucking into a bag of Doritos with salsa, hummus and the BEST guacamole ever. Seriously, if you're ever near a Whole Foods, make sure you pick up their Hot and Spicy Guacamole, it's the best. I never ate dinner because I just ended up spooning guacamole into my mouth. Classy lady right here.

The Review: Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer

Over the last couple of months I've gotten my makeup-stained mitts on a few drugstore primers and have been testing them out for you. One of the first I picked up was the Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer, a relatively recent launch from Bourjois. I wasn't impressed at all with the foundation from this range, but other than that I've never tried a product from Bourjois I haven't liked, so I had high hopes. 

This primer is available in a matte formula or a 'luminous' version (the lovely Danniella has recently posted a review on the Luminous formula, you can read that here), and I went for the matte one since there don't seem to be as many matte primers available on the drugstore market.

The packaging is nice for this, it's nothing special but it's not bad. It's got a pump which distributes a near perfect amount for one application, so no complaints there. Also, there's quite a lot of product in there! 

As far as the formula goes, there's no funky smell which is a plus for me, and it feels really smooth on the skin. This definitely mattifies the skin and keeps it that way throughout the day, without making your skin feel at all dry, or highlight any dry patches. 

However, as a primer? I don't think this performs. I've been testing this for three or four weeks now and I haven't felt it's extended the wear of my foundation at all, which is a shame. I still like this for when I want a more matte look, but I feel like this isn't one for long days! 

The verdict? If you're after a mattifying product this is great, but for a primer? Look elsewhere!

What are your favourite primers?

Falling For Lipgloss

Now I know that lipgloss is a bit of a Marmite product, and I used to be firmly on the 'no thank you' side. However, I feel like there are a lot of lipglosses now that have amazing formulas that aren't in the slightest bit sticky! I love the look of gloss, particularly in the Spring and Summer months, and if it's not sticky, I'm all for it!

One of the best lipglosses for starting the transition from gloss hater to lover is the No7 BB Lips Beauty Balm, pictured above is the shade Berry Rose. These are a sort of balm-gloss hybrid, not sticky at all, more just like a liquid tinted balm. The colour of this is gorgeous, perfect for everyday, and the finish is so pretty, just a hint of sheen.

I've been a fan of the L'Oreal Glamshine Splash Stains for quite some time now. These apply as a super smooth gloss, but as they wear down they leave a stain to your lips, so you've still got colour a long time after the gloss has worn off.

Revlon's Super Lustrous Lip Glosses are probably some of the better known glosses out there. The colours look pretty terrifying in the tube, but these glosses are actually really quite sheer, leaving just a hint of colour. I normally have a couple of these kicking about in my handbag!

Probably my favourites for formula in this line up are the Benefit Ultra Plush Lipglosses, which you can barely feel on the lips. Super smooth and in a gorgeous colour line up, you really can't go wrong with these.

The newest additions to my Lipgloss lineup are the Tanya Burr Lipglosses. I wasn't expecting much of these but I am seriously impressed, not at all sticky and they almost 'set' to the lips and stay put for hours! I definitely want to pick up a few more of these.

You guys will remember that back in the beginning of the year I got hooked on a certain peach lipstick, well now I'm obsessed with that lipstick's counterpart. The Urban Decay Naked Gloss in Streak is light, non- sticky, pigmented, long wearing and a gorgeous colour. Again, this is a line I want to try more from!

And lastly, the lipgloss that started my obsession, the Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss. These have no hint of stickiness, the widest colour range ever, and they really add dimension to your lips.

Could you be persuaded to join the lipgloss bandwagon?

10 Happy Things #2

1. I've been on the hunt for a few new wardrobe pieces this week, since I feel like I'm always wearing the same clothes, and I've found a few pieces I love, particularly the tshirt in the top left image! 
2. I've been making an effort to eat healthier this week, and as a result have been eating a lot of salad! I'm obsessed with adding purple sprouting broccoli and asparagus to them, so tasty! Also, a little bit of wholewheat pesto pasta, mmmmm.
3. That being said, I made a giant stack of American Pancakes on Saturday morning, we ate them with apricot yoghurt and piled high with fruit, deeeee-lish.
4. I had a massive sort out of my desk this week, I picked up a couple of storage bits from Ikea, and I'm so pleased with how it looks! I might snap a few pictures and share them with you guys?
5. I went for a midweek pizza date with The Boy in central this week. If you haven't been to Franco Manca yet you should, awesome pizza and so cheap!
6. My awesome friend Vanessa from across the pond sent me a Bath and Bodyworks candle this week, and it is AMAZING. She's the best.
7. The boy and I have been eating big lunches and then having indoor picnics for dinner! The weather's been rubbish so we just curl up in the living room with leftovers, and big bowls of salad and fresh fruit, and just pick what we fancy!
8. Daphne and I went on a little road trip to Bicester Village this week. We didn't buy much but it was just nice to spend time together. We went to Busaba Eathai for lunch and it was reeeeaaally good. 
9. Ben's Cookies. That is all. 
10. Mindy Kaling's Book. I downloaded it on my iPad and am now about halfway through, it's given me a good few giggles this week!

I'm sorry that so many of these are about food.

What's On My Face: A Simple Spring Look

 Awkward smiling face is awkward. Sorry, best of a bad bunch there.

Right now I'm reaching for products that give a bit more of a subtle look. From about the age of fourteen I could probably count on one hand the number of days where my eyes haven't been rimmed with dark kohl liner, or sporting a smokey eye, I never feel quite right without heavy eye makeup. Recently, however, I've put down the darker shades and have been reaching for something more natural, so I thought I would show you how I created it!

I've been using the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer non-stop recently, it's just so, so good. It really brightens the whole face, and makes me look alive! On top of that I used the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation, which you guys know I love, natural and glowy. I used the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer around my nose and on my chin, and then mixed a little of that with the primer for under my eyes. I love mixing these two at the moment, it's just really counteracts dark circles! I don't normally set this foundation but I just felt like it on this day, so I just took a little of the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder across my t-zone. The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade has become a staple for setting my under eye concealer, I take it in a big triangle underneath my eyes and that makes a massive difference to how my skin looks, as well as doubling as my day-to-day highlight. 

I haven't been wearing bronzer all that much recently, but when I have I've been taking a little of The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer in 001 on the Real Techniques Blush Brush into the hollows of my cheeks and along my temples. I find this brush doesn't pick up that much product, so it gives a much more natural, subtle look. For cheeks, I'm totally obsessed with the Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, it's the perfect peach blush, so pretty! I'm seriously impressed with the wear time of this too.

I kept eyes pretty basic and primed them with the Urban Decay Anti Aging Primer Potion. So far I can't really tell a difference between this and the original, but every little helps in the fight against eye wrinkles, right? I then used the Wet and Wild Walking On Eggshells Palette, basically in the way it tells you to. I took the cream shade along my browbone and as an inner corner highlight, the pink champagne shade across my lid, and a tiny bit of the brown shade in the crease. I then decided I wanted to add a tiny bit of definition (old habits die hard) so I took the smallest amount of the Smashbox Eye Liner in Bronze Citrine along the outer corner of my lashes and smudged it in.

I've fallen back in love with my eyelash curlers and have been using them pretty much daily paired with the L'Oreal Volume Million Lash Excess Mascara (yes I realise it's not done up properly, it's bugging me too), which is my current lash love. For brows, I just combed them with a spoolie and then took the pencil end of the Soap And Glory Archery through the sparse areas.

And lastly, I went with a swipe of the Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Colour in Tutu, a colour that looks fairly bold in the bullet but applies as a sheer peachy nude, that can be built up, as above!

What's your go to Spring look?

The Best Of Highlighters

Highlighter was always a step that, until recently, I dismissed as being a faff. A lot of the blushes I wear have a little shimmer to them anyway, so I always thought it was enough. Boy, was I wrong. Taking the extra fifteen seconds to add a little extra highlight to the tops of my cheekbones has made such a massive difference to how healthy and glowy my skin looks, I don't think I could be without this now.

Day to day, I reach for the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade, since it doubles as a powder to set my under eyes (score). This is pretty subtle, no glitter here, just fine shimmer veins, so you can use it as a setting powder, should the mood strike you, for an all over glow, but I like to build this up under my eyes and across my cheeks for a subtle, day to day glow. Slightly more subtle, but a similar concept is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light, I don't tend to use this as a highlighter, but rather as a setting powder to soften the look of my skin, and add a natural glow. It's sister product Incandescent Light however, makes a great cheek and browbone highlight. Super subtle and no glitter.

A similar sort of finely milled powder, but one that's a lot less subtle, is the Topshop Moonbeam Powder Highlight. This is one I reserve for whacking out when I have a tan (HAH!)  and for the summer, it's a bit more in your face, and pretty golden, but ever so pretty all the same. Another more summery product is the Benefit Sunbeam Liquid Highlighter, more subtle than the Topshop offering, but still gives a good golden glow. One of my holiday must haves. Another Benefit offering, I've fallen back in love with the Benefit Watts Up Cream Highlighter, which looks a bit bizarre when first applied, but is gorgeous when blended out.

The most subtle highlight in this roundup is the Rimmel Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer Highlighter. I use this when I'm going super au-natural, it just adds a little light. Following the same theme of subtlety, I am currently in love with the Smashbox Halo Highlighting Wand, a great super fast option for adding a little glow to the cheeks.

I mostly use the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer, for it's intended purpose, as a primer, but if I still have a little left on the back of my hand I'll add this to my cheeks and brow. It's not really shimmery, it just sort of adds luminescence. And another drugstore favourite the Revlon Photoready Skinlights, which looks fab when blended across the cheekbones with a stippling brush.

Next on my highlighter hit-list is The Balm's Mary Lou-Manizer highlighter! What are your favourite highlighters?

The Reading List

I shudder to think what the accumulative time I spend reading on my phone is throughout the week. Every spare minute I have I'm flicking through my phone, so I thought I'd share some of my favourite reads of the week.

The story of this new app developed by a devoted boyfriend to keep his girlfriend safe, not only is the story adorable, but what an amazing app!

I've been re-jigging my wardrobe this week and these tips on how to build the perfect wardrobe couldn't have been happier!

As always, this blog has been feeding my wanderlust, and her Instagram too!

Caroline Hirons puts her foot down on the f-word.

The ingredients for this salad have gone on my shopping list for next week!

This article on refusing to be busy put a few things in perspective.

Loved this article on a fight against gender stereotypes.

And lastly, not a read, but give this video a watch if you're a Disney fan.

What have you loved reading this week?

The Hair Problem Solvers

My hair is probably my biggest problem area. It's dry, messy, easily affected by wind and rain, and my fringe never does as it's told. I spend a lot of time fiddling with my hair throughout the day, but I now have an arsenal of hair products in place for when it starts acting up!

THE PROBLEM: My hair is dry, damaged, and too short!

THE SOLUTION: Lee Stafford's Treatment For Hair That Never Grows Past a Certain Length. This stuff is a seriously heavy duty in-shower treatment, that blasts hair with the nutrients it needs to be in the optimum condition to grow! I'm never without a pot of this, it's seriously good stuff.

THE PROBLEM: All the hairsprays that work smell bad and make my hair crunchy.

THE SOLUTION: Fudge Urban Iced Vanilla and Raspberry Stron Hold Hairspray. Not only does this stuff smell amazing, but it holds your style firmly in place without making it look like there's anything in it at all. Bloody brilliant.

THE PROBLEM: Dry Shampoo leaves my hair feeling dirty and itchy, with a grey cast.

THE SOLUTION: Dove Hair Therapy Refresh & Care Dry Shampoo. This stuff is seriously the bomb. It makes your hair not only look clean, but feel clean too, it smells super fresh, and it doesn't leave a trace. Go buy it now. 

THE PROBLEM: Hair that looks dry after styling.

THE SOLUTION: Dove Style & Care Serum. I keep this in my handbag and if my hair starts to look dry throughout the day, I just take a pump of this and run it through the lengths of my hair. It instantly adds back a bit of shine and makes it look more healthy! 

THE PROBLEM: Frizzy, flyaway hair! 

THE SOLUTION: Frizz-Ease Secret Agent Flawless Finishing Creme. This is a family secret weapon in our house, even my dad uses this (but I never told you that!). A tiny pea sized blob ran through the lengths of hair instantly smooths and tames all frizz. Lifesaver!

And when all else fails, I always have a few grips and hairbands in my bag!

What are your go-to hair problem fixers?

The Review: Blank Canvas Brushes

The majority of my makeup brushes come from Real Techniques, with a couple MAC, a bit of Space NK, a few Topshop and one or two Eco Tools in the mix too, all stuff that is really readily available, but not very exciting. I've been umming and ahhing over ordering some Zoeva or Nanshy brushes, mostly because I wanted to try out some new eye brushes, especially since my MAC 217 bit the dust.

Whilst trying to settle the Zoeva/Nanshy battle, Daphne pointed me in the direction of Blank Canvas Cosmetics, and after showing me her MAC 217 and the Blank Canvas alternative (there is no difference!) I decided to place an order.

So first into the basket went the Blank Canvas Cosmetics E26 brush the aforementioned MAC 217 dupe. The only difference I can find between the two is that the E26 has a longer handle, which is actually quite handy (gettit?). It's got fairly long natural hairs, that are slightly flattened, making it easy to use for packing shadow on the lid, but since it's super fluffy it's great for blending too. A good multitasking eye brush. 

I also got the E10 brush* a small crease brush. This one is very small and slightly tapered, making it perfect for blending colours into the crease. It's got synthetic hairs so it's equally as great with cream products as powders, and I'm seriously impressed with this brush. It makes blending so easy! 

And lastly, I picked up the F22 brush, a domed synthetic fibre face brush. The bristles are densely packed but incredibly soft, making it perfect for achieving a full coverage look without being harsh on the skin. I've been using this brush every day for applying my base and I'm obsessed with it, it's perfect!

What are your favourite makeup brushes?

The Canadian Edit: First Impressions

 Shall we take a moment here to appreciate the beauty of makeup from the other side of the pond? I'm pretty sure I heard angels singing when I unwrapped these beauties. You'll have heard me talk about Daphne a lot here, but actually, she's one part of a trio, it's just the other part lives over-the-seas in Canada, (where they drink the blood of trees). I am of course talking about the one and only Vanessa (side note: if you haven't already you definitely need to check out Vanessa's blog, we don't call her the Queen of Blush for no reason! Plus her photography is just drool-worthy!). Now it was my birthday last month and Daphne's is approaching, and Vanessa very kindly sent us a joint birthday package of Canadian goodies. 

First off, I should point out that Vanessa FAR too kindly included her Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer for me, since it's my favourite primer and she didn't get on with it, but Daphne is currently holding it hostage from me! This was so kind of her though, I'm getting to the end of mine and was dreading repurchasing! She also popped in the Urban Decay Anti Ageing Primer Potion, which I am looking forward to trying since I love the Original Primer Potion (I'm not too offended that it's anti-ageing either, since she's older!). 

The Milani Baked Powder Blush in Luminoso has been on my wishlist for a really long time, so I was so excited to find it nestled in the package! And my my my, it didn't disappoint! The shade is like nothing else in my collection, it's a perfect peach shade with golden shimmer. It's probably the lightest blush I own but it's downright gorgeous and suits my skintone to a tee. The formula is fantastic too, I wore it all day yesterday and it was still perfect by bedtime. Not one for those who aren't a fan of shimmer, you definitely want to skip highlighter with this one! 

I guess I should have expected lots of blush products from the Queen of Blush! I recently tried the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush and fell in love, so I was thrilled to get the Tarte Cheek Stain in Tipsy. This is a totally unique product, I haven't ever tried or seen anything quite like this. It's kind of like a giant wind up stick cream blush, and the payoff is really sheer, meaning it's super easy to wear and very natural. I will report back when I've tried it out a bit more but so far, I love it!

One more blush, the Wet and Wild Colour Icon Blusher in Pearlescent Pink. I've never tried ANYTHING by Wet and Wild (I know, shock horror), so to see so much of the brand here! Anyway, this blush is a gorgeous warm pink with a hint of shimmer, the formula is soft and just pigmented enough (not so much that it's easy to go heavy handed, but enough that it won't take much to get the perfect blush). I can't wait to try this out properly! There was also a single eyeshadow, the  Wet and Wild Colour Icon Eyeshadow in Brulee a matte cream shade, bound to come in handy since the only shades I have similar are nestled in giant palettes! The formula is, of course, infallible. 

Onto the palettes then! First up the Walking on Eggshells Palette, is one I've lusted after for a while! There's a gorgeous shimmery cream highlight, a warm shimmery brown crease shade and a champagne shimmery shade for all over. Definitely a super wearable, everyday palette, that you can turn to when you want an eye look to rely on. 

The brightest of the trio is the I'm Getting Sunburned Palette, home to a gorgeous pearlescent rose shade, a deep brown shimmering crease shade, and a gorgeous golden brown shade. I can't wait to try this palette, it's something a little brighter than I'm used to but still really quite wearable. Stay tuned! 

And lastly, the palette that's stolen my heart, the Silent Treatment Palette, a pretty pink champagne shimmer, an almost-black brown somewhat reminiscent of Blackheart in the Naked 3 Palette, and the most perfect shimmering taupe I've ever seen. I can tell you now that I will use this palette to death! All these palettes have impeccable formulas, they wear really well and are still perfectly intact at the end of the day! So impressed!

I believe the culprit of the eye-watering delivery fee for Vanessa was the inclusion of the Peach Bellini Bath and Bodyworks Candle. *angels singing*. I have wanted to try a Bath and Bodyworks candle for like MY ENTIRE LIFE so I nearly cried when I saw this. Peach is my favourite scent in the world so it couldn't be more perfect. The scent throw of this candle is amazing, you don't even need to light it, and I think I'm in love! 

Also in the package was an assortment of tea, and a couple of samples, I'll let you know how they turn out.

Basically, Vanessa is the best friend ever, if you're reading this, thank you and I love you! 

Have you tried any of these products?

Mixing Bases

Sometimes it doesn't matter how hyped up or expensive a product is, they just don't work for you. This happened to be the case with both the MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation, and the Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser, both of which I bought on the recommendation of a lot of different people, they seem to be loved all around.

I love the finish and coverage the MAC Studio Sculpt, it covers everything but still has a satin, natural finish. However, this stuff can be a little heavy, and it breaks me out like nobodies business. As for the Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturiser, it's hailed by a lot of people as a tinted moisturiser with good coverage, but I don't find that to be the case at all. I actually find this doesn't really cover anything, it just adds a little colour to my face, and that colour happens to be slightly too dark. 

So neither of them are any good. But hey, I didn't want to waste them, so I tried mixing them together, and hey presto, I've got a perfect base. Good medium coverage, the perfect colour and finish. Not too heavy on the skin and not too light, and the best thing is, I can customise it to what I fancy. I usually go for a fifty fifty mix, but I'll use more Studio Sculpt for higher coverage, or less for more natural days.

Do you ever mix your bases?

Online Beauty Shopping

Being somewhat of an impulsive shopper, it's often wiser for me to purchase my latest beauty wares over the internet, that way I'm less likely to be distracted by my surroundings and end up spending more on makeup than my rent. So for this dreary Monday morning post I thought I'd point you in the direction of some of my favourite beauty sites, go on, brighten up your day with a cheeky order.

Escentual.com
My one stop shop for skincare. Escentual stock all my favourite french pharmacy brands, and it's much easier than trekking to Zest Pharmacy (which is often out of stock of what I want). They run fantastic offers regularly (they recently had a 1/3 off all french skincare), and I find they are often cheaper than the highstreet anyway. Makeup-wise, I often pick up products from Dior and Bare Minerals here too, since they're often on 20% off!
Delivery: Free if your order is over £30, but standard delivery is only £1.95 and it comes within two days anyway!
Add to your basket: Dior BB Creme, Bioderma Sensibo H20, Bioderma Sebium Pore Minimiser, Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow 2.0 The Epiphany (currently 1/3 off), Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm.

Fragrancedirect.co.uk
For all your beauty bargain needs. If you run out of your favourite perfume this is the place to restock since everything is always so cheap. Also fab for your favourite nail polish brands at discounted prices.
Delivery: Free on orders over £40, or £2.49 for standard 5-7 delivery.
Add to your basket: Ciate Mini Mani Month Calender, OPI Nail Polish in Kiss Me On My Tulips, Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, L'Oreal Colour Infallible Eyeshadow in Endless Chocolat, Essie Nail Polish in Fear & Desire.

Sephora.com
So Sephora now ships to the UK *throws party*, and we can finally get our makeup loving paws all over that US beauty goodness. I had a field day and filled my basket with Tarte and Josie Maran, but anything high end from the US you'll find here.
Delivery: There's a flat £10 shipping & customs rate if your order exceeds £75 (pretty easy to do) although there are restrictions on nail polish and fragrance.
Add to your basket: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Dollface, Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade, Josie Maran Coconut Watercolour Cheek Gelee, First Aid Beauty Fab Faves To Go Kit, Bite Beauty Luminous Créme Lipstick.

Cultbeauty.co.uk

The
site of many a lustful lunchtime scroll. This is where I go to find
something a bit different. Not cheap, but I have yet to try something
from here I haven't loved!

Delivery: They currently have a discount code for free online shipping, or standard is £3.95, so not cheap!

Add to your basket: Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade, Jouer Cheek and Lip Tint, CND Sticky Base Coat, RMS Living Luminizer, Therapie Himalayan Detox Salts.

Feelunique.com

The
home of everything, I love that this site has everything from Urban
Decay to Rimmel. Their delivery is so so fast too! Again, they often
have a lot of great discount codes, which makes it a more affordable way
to buy high end makeup!

Delivery: A bargain £1.50, or free if your order is over £10!

Add to your basket: Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick, Grumpy Cow Uplifting Body Lotion, Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Picnic in the Park, The Balm Mary Lou Manizer Highlighter.

Well I'm pretty sure that'll give you guys something to order to perk up your Monday!

Where are your favourite places to shop online?

10 Happy Things

1. I love these photos my sister snapped of me this week in the setting sun, I think they came out so well!
2. Being back in London is the best thing, I missed my boyfriend so much! The night I got back we popped out for a quick dinner in GBK on Baker Street, it was so nice to catch up and spend a quiet evening together! 
3. I've been looking for home decor inspiration this week, I want to make my flat feel more homely, and I came across this blog, and this blog, and fell in love, in particular with this apartment. My future home right here.
4. Costa Strawberry Lemonade. Need I say more?
5. I finally got to go to the cinema this week, I dragged my dad out to see the movie adaptation of my favourite book ever, Divergent. As far as movie adaptations go they did a pretty good job, and the movie was great (although not as good as the book ;)), but the best thing was spending time with my dad! We were half an hour early to the cinema so we went for Mocktails in TGI's first, and all in all had a great evening.
6. Last night we popped over to our friend's flat for dinner, and the three of us drank a bottle of Lanson with the balcony doors open, watching the sunset. Bliss. 
7. The boy and I are on a healthy eating kick, and did a massive food shop this week which was 90% fruit and veg. I had to explain why Cheese Coleslaw isn't healthy and is definitely not one of your five a day. It's been fun thinking up new recipes and healthy alternatives to our favourites. We aren't dieting, but we are trying to make healthier choices so we don't feel as bad when we have the occasional naughty burger! 
8. I cooked a big old roast today, which was mostly fresh veg and it was delicious! I won't feel too bad about tucking into my Easter Egg later! 
9. The boy bought me a gorgeous Easter Bouquet this week, and it's really brightening up our living room! Fresh flowers instantly make me happy! 
10. The lovely team over at Polabora got in touch this week and offered me some free photo prints! I received them on Thursday and I'm in love, especially with the Retro Strips which look like photobooth print outs! They're amazing quality and look perfect in my scrapbook! If you're in the market for some photo prints I'd highly recommend them!

What's made you happy this week?

This Week's Most Loved #13

Happy Easter! I hope your weekend is full of family, friends and chocolate! I'm back in London this weekend so normal life services will all resume this week, I'll be back at uni, prepping for my dissertation, able to take proper photos in my well lit apartment, and back with The Boy! Highlights of this last week? Discovering a delicious new Burger restaurant back in my hometown, seeing the movie version of my favourite book, spending time with my favourite small people (they're nine, not dwarves), and an impromptu dinner date with The Boy.

Last week I got my mitts on the new Collection Work The Colour Eyebrow Kit (FYI, if you buy this in Superdrug right now you'll get a free nail polish!) in an effort to try out a few new drugstore products. At first glance I didn't think that any of the shades would work for my brows, but surprisingly they all do! The kit contains three shadows, a mini brow gel and an angled brush to apply the powder. Despite the fact that the colours look wrong, because they aren't overly pigmented they work really well, and don't give you a serious case of Scouse Brow. I use the lighter shade on no-makeup days, and a blend of the darker brows for more definition. I love the brow gel in this kit, the wand is plastic with loads of teeth so it really grips every hair and holds them in place without them feeling crunchy. For £3.99 you can't go wrong.

I've fallen head over heels for the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer this week, I never want to be without a tube of this stuff! I've been using it as a primer, mixing it in with my under eye concealer, and dabbing it under my browbone, on the tops of my cheeks and down the centre of my nose, my skin has never looked so glowy! Really impressed with this stuff, a little goes a long way too, this is a huge bottle too!

I've worn the L'Oreal Collection Privée Cheryl's Nude Lipstick pretty much every day this week. The concept of this collection is great, five lipsticks that correlate to five different women, their 'perfect nudes', and you buy the lipstick of the woman who's skintone is the closest match to yours. However, the problem here is that the lipstick that should be my 'perfect nude' doesn't suit me, so I actually ended up going for the Cheryl's Nude shade. On the lips it's slightly sheer, which I like in nude lipsticks, and it's a gorgeous pink with a muted brown undertone. So easy to wear!

On my nails this week has been the Rimmel and Rita Ora 60 Second Polish in Pillow Talk. I think I may have found the perfect powder blue polish in this. It's slightly pearlescent in the bottle but that doesn't translate to the nails at all. I love these polishes because they're so glossy, you can skip a topcoat if you're in a rush and they still look great. 

I also wanted to mention the Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Mousse, I've been using this in the mornings instead of my usual cleanser, and not only does it help wake me up, but it leaves my skin feeling super clean and soft. I'm really impressed with this, and it's so cheap!

Also, I picked up the latest issue of Porter Magazine this week, this is only the second issue but it's by far my favourite magazine on the market right now. This issue is all about strong, independant women, and it's well worth a read.

What have you been loving this week?

The Drugstore Makeup Starter Kit

Ahhh drugstore makeup. Anyone who has read any blog post of mine before will know I am partial to a high end splurge, but that doesn't mean I don't have a place in my makeup-obsessed heart for a drugstore product or forty. Sometimes I can go months without finding anything new or exciting in the aisles of Boots, but other times I end up drooling over everything. The drugstores have without a doubt upped their game in recent months, even in the last year or so, to the point where really you don't need to splurge to get a good product anymore. I've pulled together the cream of the crop (in my opinion) from the drugstore, to give you a full makeup starter kit, all really affordable. 

When it comes to foundation, there are a few that I'm loving right now (L'Oreal Nude Magique, Bourjois Healthy Mix, Rimmel Match Perfection to name a few), but the award for good-for-all-skin types, buildable coverage, natural finish - the all rounder, if you will, goes to the L'Oreal True Match Foundation. This is my go-to foundation right now, it just does the job, no matter what the job you have in mind is.

I always like to have two reliable concealers in my army, one for blemishes, redness, stuff like that, and another for under-eyes. The Seventeen Phwoarr Paint is marketed as an under-eye concealer, but personally I prefer it for blemishes (it's a little dry for the eye area). It's a solid concealer that's pretty creamy when you apply it, but it sets to almost full coverage. Small enough to slip in the handbag, and it comes with a little mirror too, so it's great for on the go. I leave under-eyes to the hands of the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer, one of the only concealer's I've ever repurchased. It's got good medium coverage, but it's also super brightening, a win-win. When it comes to setting it all, I reach for the Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder, which is perfect for setting makeup, or even over just concealer to add a little coverage to minimal-makeup days. 

When it comes to cheek products from the drugstore, I actually prefer cream blushes to powder - I've never actually found a drugstore powder blush that lasts as long on my cheeks as a high end alternative, but the cream blushes rock. In particular, I really like the Topshop Cream Blush in Morning Dew, a gorgeous cream-to-powder blush that really perks up the complexion, and Max Factor's Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink, a gorgeous everyday, natural flush blush. As far as bronzer goes, I haven't found anything from the drugstore better than The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer, a matte bronzer that doesn't look muddy on my paler-than-pale skin, and can be used to add warmth or contour.

If you're just starting out in makeup, the Rimmel Glam Eyes Eyeshadow Quad in Smokey Brown will have all your eyeshadow needs covered. It's got a champagne highlight shade, a bronze, a taupe, and a dark shade for crease and lining. I'm constantly surprised with how many gorgeous eye looks I can create with this palette! If you're more of a one shadow does all kinda gal, I'd definitely recommend checking out the L'Oreal Colour Appeal Solo Eyeshadows, I'm personally a fan of the shades Brun Lame and Metal Plum (pictured). These are more like pressed pigments than eyeshadows, so so soft and incredibly pigmented, these have the 'one wash eyeshadow' thang down.

If liquid liner is your thing, I haven't found a liner better, drugstore or otherwise, than the Soap and Glory Supercat Liner. It's got a super thin felt tip nib, perfect for getting perfect winged liner. This stuff is jet black and long lasting which I love, and as an added bonus, it'll last you forever. I've had mine for coming up to a year now and it's still going. 

As far as I'm concerned, L'Oreal mascaras are hands down the best mascaras out there. My all time favourite has to be the L'Oreal False Lash Effect Telescopic Mascara which lengthens, lifts, curls and volumises. Basically, it's a holy tube of wonder. 

Brows are something else I usually let Soap and Glory handle. Last year I discovered the Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Pencil, and I haven't looked back. The tint end is perfect for drawing in hairs in sparse areas, whilst the pencil is perfect for defining them. For more natural days, or if I want to set my brows, I'll use the Maybelline Brow Drama a slightly tinted brow mascara that just adds a touch of colour to your brows whilst holding them in place.

As far as lips are concerned, I love the Maybelline Baby Lips Intense Care for moisture-on-the go. I also have a soft spot for the Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Let's Get Naked a gorgeous peachy nude. However, my favourite drugstore lip product has to be all the chubby stick dupes out there. In particular, I love the Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayons for glossy, bright lips (the shade Orange Punch is pictured above), and the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms (pictured above is the shade Elusive) for a matte lip that's not at all drying.

I think that'll have you covered from all angles! What are your favourite drugstore products? Could you live without any high end beauty bits?

My Only Spring Outfit

 I thought I'd share a few snaps my lovely sister grabbed of my outfit on Wednesday night. It had been a gorgeous day, clear blue skies and glaring sunshine, so I reached for my only real 'Spring Appropriate' Outfit. I was in most of the day but headed out to the Movies with my Dad in the evening, so I grabbed my trusty denim jacket and added a pair of tights for extra warmth (I know, they don't really go, but it was chilly in the cinema!). 

The outfit's pretty straightforward, and I think this is pretty much the only outfit I own that isn't entirely monochrome. The skirt really is the focus of the outfit and I love it. It's from Miss Selfridge, I got it on a 20% Student Discount day back in January, it was pricier than your average body con skirt, but it's really well made and quite thick too, it doesn't show your knicker line! Definitely worth it. Since this has quite a bold pattern on I always pair it with a plain tshirt, this time I picked light grey (more spring-y than my go to black). To tie in the coral on the skirt I picked out a gold and coral necklace and some coral sneakers too (I'm not really a ballet pumps sorta girl). I am obsessed with Forever 21 jewelery, it's always really reasonably priced and they have so many pretty things! It's my go to shop for statement jewelery! I picked up the shoes on my last trip to Primark, I thought they'd be perfect to chuck on and go to the beach in the summer, and for £3, it doesn't matter if they get trashed by sand and sea.

 I love the way the evening light is shining through my hair in these pictures!

 Top: H&M

Skirt: Miss Selfridge

Jacket: Primark

Necklace: Forever 21

Bag: Zara

Shoes: Primark

Picking a Naked Palette

It's definitely not necessary for any normal person to own all three Naked Palettes, but being the beauty junkie I am, I of course do. What I love about the Naked Palettes is the fact that if you've got one, you've got enough shades in one slimline palette to create any look you could possibly want to. From neutral eyes to dark smokey looks one palette has you covered. You definitely don't need all three so here's the details for decision making!

All the palettes seem to follow a similar format. Twelve shades, a brush and a large mirror. A matte (Virgin, Foxy Strange) and shimmer highlight shade (Sin, Bootycall, Dust), a warm golden shade (Half Baked, Chopper, Trick), a bronzey shade (Smog, Snakebite, Factory), a darker bronze with a purpley tinge (Hustle, Busted, Blackheart) and a dark liner shade (Creep, Blackout, Blackheart).  I can't fault any of the palettes in terms of formula, they're all pretty much the same, although sometimes lighter shimmer shades can have a little more fallout than others, for the most part all the shades are intensely pigmented and seriously soft.

The Naked 1 was a palette I didn't actually think it would suit me. I picked up the 2 first off, and only splurged on the 2 after seeing my friend Joanna's one, she had hit pan on a fair few shades, and you don't do that unless you're pretty in love with a product. Anyway, it's a palette of warmer shades, so I tend to reach for it more in the colder months, I just feel like a warm smokey eye is perfect for winter! This palette has two matte shades (Naked and Buck) that are perfect for in the crease, and work with pretty much every other colour in the palette, always a bonus. I find with this palette I tend to work in pairs, Toasted on the lid with Hustle in the crease, Half Baked on the lid with Smog in the crease, Smog on the lid with Darkhorse in the crease, even Sin on the lid with Naked in the crease. This is the original palette and the one I feel is the most versatile, it's got bronzes, taupes, browns, pinks and blues, all with a slightly bronzed, grungy feel. Not a palette for you if you aren't a fan of a bit of glitter, but to be fair, all three of these pack more shimmer shades than matte. It's got everything you could ask for in a neutral palette, but it's definitely more than your average neutral range!

Naked 2 was my first Urban Decay Palette love. I was drawn in by the gorgeous array of taupe shades, and at the time felt like the cooler tones suited my skin more (in reality, I'm pretty lucky in that both cool and warm eyeshadow colours suit me!). This is a palette I tend to whack out a lot more when the weather starts to warm up. This is definitely a bit tamer than it's predecessor, more neutral, shall we say. It's got a few gorgeous shades in there that are perfect for that 'one colour wash' eye look (namely Snakebite, Pistol and YDK), as well as a lot of colour combos that work well together. the inclusion of the shade Tease was clever too, a gorgeous matte taupe that works perfectly when popped in the crease against any other shadow in the palette. They also included a matte black in this palette which is super handy for smoking out a look, deepening the crease colour, and even as a liner! I think this will probably forever remain my favourite of the three, it's just so damn wearable. 

And the latest addition to my Naked family is the Naked 3, a smorgasbord of rosy-hued neutrals that I never in a million years thought would work for me. I succumbed to the hype after realising I hadn't heard a single negative review and I'm so glad I did. Whilst on first glance all the shades look really pink (a shade I would never wear on my eyes) once applied they actually work really well. Like the Naked 1, this is definitely a warmer range of colours, but the taupier darker shades mean that they can be made to look cooler too. I love that this palette is so diverse, it has a good handful of matte shades, some gorgeous shimmers and then a couple of full on glitters if you want to jazz up the look. It doesn't have as many dark shades as it's older siblings, but what it's got is definitely enough to work with. I am totally in love with the darker shades in this palette, Liar, Factory, Mugshot, Darkside and Blackheart all look great alone or paired up, and have pretty much been my go to shades the last couple of months.  I'd say give this one a chance, it's not as scary as it looks!

Whichever Naked Palette is the one for you, you can be sure it's a good investment. If I could only have one palette for the rest of my life it would without a doubt be one of these, they've just got everything you need! I inevitably end up taking one of these when I travel too, since I know I'll be able to create any kind of look!

What Naked Palette is your favourite?

Spring Nail Polish Picks

Ahh nail polish, the bane of my life. I'm always buying it, I'm borderline addicted to it. But I can't stand applying it. 

That doesn't mean, however, that I haven't picked out a bevvy of spring polish picks to admire, even if I'm partial to a shoddy paint job.

I'll keep my musings on the & Other Stories Nail Polish in Stonewash Jeans brief since I've spoken about it a fair few recently. My powder blue obsession has spread to my nails and this is the perfect milky blue with a pearlescent sheen.

I can't get enough of the Maybelline Super Stay Gel Nail Colour polishes right now, in particular the shade Hot Salsa. These are super glossy, intensely pigmented nail polishes, and for some reason this has photographed super pink, when in fact it's a gorgeous bright coral shade. 

Rimmel have recently released a collection of their 60 Second polishes in collaboration with Rita Ora. This shade, Breakfast in Bed, is a gorgeous shimmering pastel mint shade. Too much cute. 

Last year's OPI Spring collection was great, but for me the standout shade was You're Such a Budapest a pastel lilac shade (are you sensing a pastel theme here yet?). It's so pretty and it just goes with everything. 

And lastly, the boldest shade of choice, Essie's Orange It's Obvious. I never thought I was a bright orange nails sorta gal, but I LOVE this shade. It's so easy to wear, and obviously Essie polishes are such a dream. 

What are your favourite spring polishes?