The Drugstore Dupe #1

Welcome to the newest series on my blog! In the survey I asked you guys to take a look at a week ago, you mentioned you'd like to see more drugstore posts, and more product reviews, so here I am with two in one! 

Over the last year or so, I have found a fair few products from the highstreet that serve as perfect copies of high end products I know and love, so for the next few weeks, I'm gonna share those products in this new Saturday Series.

So the first one is a foundation! You guys know about my love for the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat it's my favourite high end foundation for sure. It's a medium coverage foundation that's really buildable, but still very natural looking. It's got a fairly dewy finish, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for oily skin, but for normal or dry skin it's a good'un. YSL is owned by L'Oreal, so it's hardly surprising that the dupe I found was from L'Oreal! 

I picked up the L'Oreal True Match Foundation when I was back home for Christmas, and I was surprised at how similar it was. When I got back to my London flat I compared the two, and they're identical, I even put both on my face at once, one on one side and one on the other, so I could compare, and they are completely the same, even in wear time.

The YSL offering comes in at £29, whilst the L'Oreal one is a third of the price, available for £8.49.

If you are looking for a medium coverage foundation that looks super natural, this is the one you want!

The Mascara Edit

 It's been a while since we've talked about mascara here, so today the plan is to change that! With most beauty products I'm pretty fickle, I flit between blushers and palettes and lipsticks like nobody's business, but I tend to only have two or three mascaras open at any given time, purely because they dry out really quickly, and then their no good. I don't like mascaras where I have to spend loads of time coating my lashes to make them look good, I like mascaras where one or two coats means I'm ready to go. These are the three mascaras I have open and in rotation at the moment! 

First up is Maybelline The Falsies (£7.99), a mascara I picked up because it was massively hyped in the blogging world, as most Maybelline mascaras generally are. I've previously owned The Rocket, which I didn't get on with, and Mega Plush which was okay, but this one I really like. It's got a curved wand which makes it easy to grab all your lashes, and gives a decent lift to them too. Like most Maybelline Mascaras the formula is pretty wet, which means you want to be careful for a minute or two after you apply it, or you'll end up with it all round your face, but it dries up nicely and wears well. It gives good volume and length, and is a nice all rounder for everyday, defined lashes, or built up for dramatic evening lashes.

Next is Max Factor's False Lash Effect Mascara (£10.99).  This is my go to mascara for evenings, or if I want thicker lashes, if I'm wearing darker eyeshadow. It's a plastic wand which I'm usually averse to, with short, thin, densely packed bristles, meaning it really grabs at each individual lash and coats them in mascara. The formula is great, not clumpy or heavy, and it lasts really well. 

Lancome's Hypnose Star Mascara (£22) is the first mascara I've tried from the brand. I'm a fan of YSL and L'Oreal mascaras so considering they are all made by the same company I figured I'd give this a whirl. I really like the shape of the wand, it's flared at the base and tapered at the end, meaning it's great for getting longer lashes, but also for getting right into the inner corner lashes, or your bottom lashes without over coating them in product. The formula is good, it can get a little flakey in the heat, but it's not marketed as a waterproof mascara so I'm okay with that (plus, if you didn't notice, it's winter). I do like this mascara, but I feel like it wasn't as good as I was expecting. It's definitely not as good as the likes of YSL Shocking Volume, or L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic. I feel like if there were a few more bristles on the wand it would be just as good, but the wand is a little sparse, meaning it doesn't deliver as well as it could on the volume front. It's a great lengthening mascara, I just personally prefer a little more in terms of volume. But damn, isn't the packaging pretty?

What mascara are you using at the moment? Have you tried any of these products, or do you have any recommendations?

The Cosmetic Company Outlet Haul

So last Friday I headed to Bicester Village with my Boyfriend and a friend for a wonder. I didn't buy much, but I did pop into the Cosmetic Company Outlet and pick up two things, which I am really pleased with. 

The first thing I grabbed was a MAC eyeshadow duo in Whims & Fancies from the 2012 Styleseeker collection. I am really loving purple eyeshadows at the moment so I just couldn't leave this behind! It contains two shades, Performance Art, a platinum silver shimmer colour with a pink sheen, and Shadowy Lady, a black plum shade. Both of these eyeshadows were exclusive to the collection, and right up my street! As always with MAC Shadows the pigmentation is excellent and the wear time is fantastic. This duo originally retailed for £22.50 (a saving in itself since individual MAC Shadows are £12.50) but I got it for £12. Bargain!

Whilst I debated over a Bobbi Brown Kit, and a few Bumble and Bumble products, the only other thing I left with was the Smashbox Beauty in Focus Kit. Smashbox is a brand I am pretty familiar with after attending the UK Launch party and receiving the biggest goody bag known to man. I have loved all the products from them I have tried, so I figured this was a safe bet. Inside the kit is a travel size of the Photo Finish Primer (£12.50), a cream blush in the shade Captivate (£14.00), a full sized liner in Brandy (£16.00), a mini lipgloss in Click (£15.00), and a Photo Op eyeshadow trio in Proof Sheet (£21.00), as well as a makeup bag. If I had bought all these products individually I'd have spent a massive £78.50, which makes the £20.50 I actually spent seem like peanuts! 

I've used the primer before and I love it, and am at the end of my previous tube so that's great, I'll definitely use that. The cream blush is a gorgeous natural pink colour, it's super pigmented so you only need a tiny amount, I like to just tap the end of a stippling brush into the product, and it lasts really well throughout the day. I've spoken about Smashbox Liners before, they are my absolute favourite, so I was thrilled to welcome another one into my collection. The shade Brandy is a really dark chocolate colour, it almost looks black, with a tiny amount of gold shimmer, it's really flattering as a strong liner, or smudged out at the lash line. I've used Smashbox lipglosses before and they've got a lovely, not sticky formula, and I seem to be getting really into lipgloss at the moment, so I'm sure it'll work it's way into my handbag! Eyeshadow is one thing I had never tried from Smashbox before, but I'm suitably impressed. The trio contains the shades Vanilla, a matte cream highlight colour, Crisp, a champagne shimmery pink, and Bittersweet, a taupe toned brown with a multicoloured shimmer. The three shades work together to create an easy, natural smokey eye look, and I'm suitably impressed with the formula. I'm even pretty pleased with the makeup bag, it's a really good size, and you can see through it to find things which is always handy.

 I could have picked up so much more in that shop, but I was trying to be good! I will definitely have to pop back soon!

What do you think of the bits I got? Are you a fan of Smashbox?

The Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation

I love me a good medium coverage foundation, so when this one was released a few months back I was super excited. However, at the time I had what could loosely be called a tan, and none of the shades matched up to me, they were either too orange or made me look dead. Fast forward to the darkest depths of winter, and I am back to a pale shade of Morticia Adams, and Ivory is a good match.

This foundation reminds me of my younger self. The first foundation, hell, the first beauty product I ever fell for was Maybellines's Dream Matte Mousse. This is kind of similar, but better. The reason I loved Dream Matte Mousse was the coverage it gave my acne-prone skin, and the finish. This has the same great coverage, and flawless matte finish, but it's lighter, not as drying.

It's not an easy foundation to figure out how to apply, it's thick and because of that it's easy to apply to much. I've taken to using half the amount I think I'll need, really warming the product up in between my fingers to soften it a bit, and then using my fingers to massage it into my skin, really working it and spreading it out. Brushes just don't work with this product, but I do occasionally use a buffing brush once it's applied to blend it out at the edges. 

The best thing about this foundation though, is it's staying power. You can honestly put this on first thing in the morning, go to work or school, go out in the evening, and come back even in the early hours to find this still perfectly intact. It's incredible. 

All in all, I really like this product. I wouldn't recommend it if you have really dry skin, but for normal or oily I'd go right ahead. If you're after a good coverage foundation that lasts all day, this is your guy!

Have you tried this foundation?

The Forgotten Favourites

I talk a lot about beauty here, it's definitely the central theme of my blog. However, new year, new changes and all that malarkey, I definitely want to include a lot more lifestyle themed posts here. I've done my December favourites recently, as well as my favourites for the whole of 2013, but I haven't really ever touched on the non-beauty side of things. So why not, here are some of my favourite things, not related to beauty.

Fashion

Zara leggings - you've probably already seen someone in these leggings, they've been very popular over the last few months, and for good reason. They're thicker than your average leggings which is good for two reasons, they aren't see-through on the bum, and they keep you warm! I love the design of these, they're a super flattering fit, and the large elasticised top panel holds your stomach in when you've eaten too many fries.

F&F Boots - I swear by F&F boots. I bought a pair of heeled lace up military boots four years ago and to this day they are still going strong, despite me wearing them to death, so when I saw these go in the sale from £24.99 to £12.99 I just had to snap them up. They're really comfy despite the low heel, and I love the gold detailing.

Zara coat - Oh Zara, high street queen of the coats. I picked this coat up in the winter sale last year and I love it. It was supposed to be just over a hundred pounds and I snagged it at the tail end of the sale for a bargain £25 - and it's worth every penny. Fantastic quality, super warm but still with room to fit a jumper underneath. I wear this coat all the damn time.

Ted Baker Cardigan - This is a recent addition to my wardrobe, I found this in the Ted Baker Outlet in Bicester Village, it was originally £99, but I payed under £40 for it. It's got a really heavy drape, and it's really long, I absolutely love it, it's so cozy!



TV & Movies

Breaking Bad - I'm a little late to the party with this one. I started watching it last year, and then lost interest, but with the final episode aired in September, my boyfriend and I decided to go back to the start and watch every episode. It was slow going because we've both been so busy with work, but we are getting there, and it's safe to say I'm hooked.

American Horror Story - I watched the start of the first season of AHS, but it got far too freaky for me, so I stopped. Same story with season two, but season three is amazing. I love Emma Roberts in this, and I'm gutted we have to wait til March for the next episode.

Modern Family - This is what the boyfriend and I watch after a long day to unwind, when you don't want to watch anything too taxing. We've seen every episode and it's hilariously funny.

Ravenswood & Pretty Little Liars - I'm combining these two since they are much of the same. I love these because they have a bit of everything, they've got drama, they make you jump, they're funny but they also have really strong characters & character relationships.

Revenge - URGH can I just be Emily? She's so cool. Stylish with ninja training.

Sherlock - Ahhh Sherlock, my favourite. I love this programme so much, although I'll admit that season 3 hasn't lived up to my expectations (it's still good, but they've gotten far too into telling the characters stories, as opposed to the previous two seasons which were all about solving crime with a little relationship thrown in. I don't care though, I still love it). I think that Benedict Cumberbatch plays the role of Sherlock fantastically.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire - I'll admit that the first movie didn't really do it for me. It was a let down after the book, but I saw Catching Fire just before Christmas and I loved it! Now that they're done trying to establish the background story, the film has a lot more action, I was gripped from start to finish.

Despicable Me - the child in me loved this film. If you haven't seen it, you should!

Random favourites

Yankee candle tart burners - I love a good candle, but I find that these tart burners actually have a better scent throw around my flat. At the moment I'm burning Merry Marshmallow in my bedroom, and Christmas Cookie in my living room.

iPad Mini - The handiest tech gadget I own. I use this to take notes at uni, write blogposts on the tube, read books in between lectures and check out blogs before bed. It's smaller and lighter than the standard iPad, so more practical for chucking in your handbag, but you only lose an inch on the screen.

Brush holder candle - This cute little brush holder is the jar of a candle I found in TKMaxx. Not only did the candle smell of apple and cinnamon (my favourite), but I absolutely loved the jar, so when the candle was all gone, I emptied out the remaining wax and now I keep smaller brushes, hair clips for when I straighten my hair, and nail files, and it's one of my favourite things in my room.

My throw - I've been obsessed with chunky knit blankets for a very long time, but they are all super expensive. Back in the summer, I found this one in TKMaxx (are you sensing a theme?) and fell in love instantly. I love how cosy and snugly it is, and if I'm home working or chilling out, I'm usually wrapped up in this.





What are your forgotten favourites? What things have you been loving this year?