The Nars Autumn Makeup Look

I have no patience. Its barely the end of August and I am Autumn ready. Well, its hardly summer weather so why wait with my makeup? So far I have restrained myself from wearing the berry lips already, but after a little Nars at House of Fraser browse I have been wearing berry in another form for my slightly punctual autumn look.

First up, like anyone who likes Nars foundation, their Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville (£31) is naturally what I use to help even out my skin, and I can see why this bottle gets so much hype now. On the days when I am not being lazy, my already autumn-esque skin (aka dry, flakey and dull) really benefits from the use of their Light Optimizing primer.  And to make me look a bit of life-full? Their blush in Unlawful.

Eye wise is where my berry tone have snuck in, and I have finally been pulled away from my Urban Decay Naked palette and fall for the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Kuala Lumpur (£25). Not sure of the relation of a Rose Gold & Boysenberry infused with gold eyeshadow and the Malaysian capital, but when a shadow is this pretty it really doesn't matter. I just smudged the darker berry colour under my lash line to show it off more. And why did no one tell me to try Nars's eyeshadows sooner? As I am not sure what I prefer, the colours or the pigmentation. 

To finish the look, I finally jumped on this Nars Velvet Matte Lipstick Pencil bandwagon with the shade Belle De Jour (£19). This pencil was made for smoky eyes - fact. The beige tones give that cliched 'your lips but better look', and also perfect for when you need to photograph the most awkward pout in the world (see above...).

Are you looking forward to Autumn makeup?

*collaborative feature

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The Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I have never made this claim before, this is unheard of. But, I have found a mascara that has replaced my high end Lancome Hypnose Drama. Yes, the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (£5.99) has done it. I know I am late to jump on the bandwagon with this, admittedly I was purely waiting for the price to drop. Maybelline mascaras for me are generally just average, so paying £7.99 for something I thought I wouldnt really like seemed like throwing money away.

What a regret, and WHY did I not buy this sooner? So anyone who did tell me to buy this, I apologise for ignoring you. Instantly remind me of the L’Oreal’s Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, as wand-wise this rubber offering defies normal rubberness failures of lack of volume and definition, to give me some good lashes. The brush head itself is also slightly curved, like L'Oreal Butterfly, which is the perfect tool for even coated and lengthened lashes. Rarely for a high street mascara the formula is spot on; not too wet nor dry, and there is probably a technical way to describe that. 

Mascara dupes are a common thing, but a dupe twice over? Not so much. So wand wise this is defiantly  L'Oreal Butterfly mascara in a pink tube, yet once this is on, it just screams Benefit Roller Lash. Like everyone has already said, yes I know, original point I made there. But this was without a doubt a case of 'When I see it, I'll I believe it', and I promise next time someone tells me to buy a mascara, I will listen.

Have you tried the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara?

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The Current Favourites: Part two

Like my last current favourites, this has no coloration to the end of the month like most consistent bloggers manage. But when three items are in constant use it just seems mean not to give them the mention they deserve. 

You can't pretend you've not heard me mention The Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette at some point on this blog. Eight powders, baked highlighters and a mirror included (Other brands take note.) are just three of the reasons why I have been using this daily. And I am going to throw another big claim out there and say these are some of the best quality i.e. not powdery Makeup Revolution product I've tried.

Normally more of a Palmers Cocoa Butter type of girl, but The Neal's Yard Remedies Bee Lovely Body Butter has taken over. Whether is the cute name, honey and orange essential oil or this just being utterly creamy has seen me shift the Palmers to living safely in my cupboard. Now this is rare, not often do I find anything to moisture my body that isn't greasy, heavy or basically just effort to use. But Neals Yard Remedies have only gone and done it, who would of thought I'd be using bees to leave my skin soft?

Well of course there would be a mascara, and in the form of Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara in BROWN. Capitals for a reason. a rich chocolate brown with a warm undertone. Really build the volume up without it looking clumpy and spidery. There are also bristles on the end of the wand, and I find this helps to 'hook' any annoying lashes. Its easy to coat both the inner and outer lashes, without causing a mess, or more importantly not poking my eye out.

What are some of your current favourites?

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Blogs Worth That Bookmark: Part Four

 

Like always, I am not sure if this is purely a 'Blogs Worth That Bookmark' type post, or something a bit deeper and a list of blog/bloggers I envy just that tad too much. Perhaps a mixture of both, but all four of these blogs are actually worth reading...I can promise that. 

Dorkface | So who wouldn't love a blog with that name? My point exactly. Throw in the fact that Jemma can write the most alluring posts, is a total sweetheart AND is so creative she has her own design service, you can more than likely see why Dorkface is more than a good name.

Fran's Beauty Blog | A newer find of mine, but Fran's blog really has me hooked. Fran herself is such darling, but her posts often make me chuckle before they have started. Well, anyone who admit to being lazy in their opening line has my heart.

Ravishing Roses | Someone who blames their mum for their flat hair (mums it is your fault btw) is always going to find a fan in me. Ana is a utter babe who covers everything beauty and fashioned related on her blog. Not to mention her love for tea...so you can see my reasoning for loving her blog goes beyond that fact she has half my name in hers...

Lelore | I would stop whatever you're doing right now if you don't follow Laura's blog. Another tea fan (sensing a theme?), she has beauty covered with her spot on reviews and features on makeup that I can only dream of owning. Her photography is one of my most envied around, and often used as my (failed) inspiration and ideas....Thinking about it, throw in the fact she is just loveliest lady I know, I am not sure why I don't hate her? Ideas on a postcard.

What blogs are worth your bookmark?

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Products to strobe with

Or whatever the correct terminology is, as that title doesn't seem to sound right, and seems more fitting for a Star Wars episode. But who would of thought, I have found a new 'thing' that I do think I prefer to its OTT cousin - the contour. I am sure at some point the word 'strobing' would of passed your ears, and I won't go on how to do this new trend, as I am still in the guesswork stage myself. But lets just say the good old highlight and contour, without the contour. Not all at once, or I'll still be in OTT terrority but there are three products that I've been using for a natural (unlike me) summer glow.

First is the Benefit High Beam. Who hasn't heard of this cream pot? I say cream, buts it more of a thick liquid that I've been applying on top of my cheek bones and on my brow bone for a pearlescent pink hue highlight. Next is basically for when budgets don't stretch to Benefit, the George at Asda Glow Shine Highlighter. A good £10 cheaper at £3. I was instantly sold the minute I swatched this, and yes I did sit on Asda's floor trying on makeup...classy. Tt has a beautiful sheen, and is incredibly pigmented and super reflective, very much like what High Beam offers.

Last is my favourite highlight palette to date, in the form of the Sleek Face & Body Precious Metals Highlighter.  four colours with three cream formulas and one powder make up this palette, although the powder is incredible creamy I barely noticed it was a powder. Top observation marks for me. The three cream shades vary in tone ranging from a pearly champagne colour to two more slightly golden warmer shades, whilst the powder highlighter is a little more on the bronze side.

What are your strobing products?

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Crownbrush Haul: Part Two

 

It is safe to say I am feeling 'pro' like with my new makeup toys. Especially as Crownbrush makeup for me is such a hidden gem in the makeup world. The reason I am feeling such a professional? The Crownbrush 15 Colour Crème to Powder Foundation palette (£20.99) to be exact. Not sure I'll be using all the shades, however much I'd like to attempt it. But this kit would be ideal for travel considering what you get inside. Surprisingly for a kit, these shades (the ones I've tried) are a absolute dream to blend, I had expected not to like this 

I also got some of their new eyeshadow trios, and straight away not only did I love the shades, I fell for their names. Hello fancy french names, you're making me feel all Parisian. So first we have the Capri Eyeshadow Trio, for a classic smokey eye with a matte black, metallic grey and a champagne highlighter. Well, who doesn't like champagne?

Next, reminds me of a yatch with Catalina Eyeshadow Trio. This one is the one with champagne (can't get enough) and light golden tones, finished with a dark matte brown. Last is the French Riviera Eyeshadows, and this is for a golden bronze smokey eye with a matte, shimmer and metallic shade. Like I did expect with Crownbrush, these are so pigmented and lovely to apply. They have lasted all day too, and I didn't get any fall outs on my face like some cheaper brands have done in the past. And we are now not friends, even if they would put champagne into their makeup.  

Have you tried the Crownbrush 15 Colour Crème to Powder Foundation palette or their Eyeshadow trios?

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The Monday Morning Saviour A.K.A Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeliner

 

This should just be renamed as the Monday morning eyeliner - what I'll be needing tomorrow for sure. And to be fair, most weekday (generally just mornings) this Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner has become one of the first things I reach for. Nude, this shade, is a beige-y/tan colour and more suited to me as I didn't want that harsh white kohl liner you can get. I am just too lazy to bother blending white liner in.

This eyeliner sticks to its namesake, and has been completely waterproof, and stay puts for around 6 hours. Not bad for a £3.99 liner. Yet I didn't expect this to be so creamy and smooth to apply (well it is £3.99) and Rimmel have done well here with this being one of the softest high street liners I've used. I can see why these Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliners are often compared to the Urban Decay's eyeliners, yet for me the only different I could tell is the colour choices, as if I remember correctly Urban Decay's have a hint of glitter, (?) whereas Rimmel Scandal Eyes is matte. Which I, and imagine most, would prefer as glitter kohl eyeliner has been ruined from teenage makeup attempts. Monday mornings, you have a lot to thank Rimmel for. 

Have you tried the Rimmel Scandal'Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner?

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Favourite accounts on Instagram: Part Three

Or as this post should be renamed, girl crushes and Instagram accounts I look at far too much. So if I can't share four of my favourites then Instagram really just becomes another waste of my time, in a way I've turned this into somewhat of a production thing. Or that is what I'm going to keep telling myself...

Molliermanning | Well Mollie is a photographer, so I do have a excuse for slightly overindulging in her account. Photos of makeup, her pretty face and her stupidly photogenic frenchie dog are the reasons the other 1383 people also are with me in loving Mollie.

Rainingcakeblog | I need to write myself a mental note before clicking on Julie's account. You'll either leave broke, hungry or more than likely in my case, both. All the makeup she posts just seem like a must have that I can't live one more day with out, and unfortunately for my skinny jeans, I have the same feelings towards to Krispy Kreme donuts she recently posted....

Queen of Carbs | Jessica makes everything look so good, and like I could actually wear it and not look too ridiculous for me. Throw in some food shots and lots of her pretty hair, and you can see why I just love her. Plus, she did post a pretty good "Donut worry, be happy" quote...can you see what is on my mind?

Ellenextdoor | Oh Ellie. Just look at her face. That explains why I obsessively double tap all her photos, often more than once a day. She does of course throw in food photos (seems to be my follow criteria) and dreamy shots of her life, which of course I don't envy....

Who are you favourite accounts on Instagram?

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The 'boring' skincare

Why do some companies do this? They make their products look utterly boring. There is a fine between my favourite sort of packaging (simple & classy) and just down right bland. I know, the old saying 'never judge a book by its cover', but come on now, who actually listens to this? I for one, certainly don't. A shame, as behind some mediocre packaging recently I found two gems in the beauty world that nearly didn't get a second look by my (shallow) eye.

First was the Dr Jackson's Face Oil (£30) A brand I'm not entirely familiar with, well not at all actually, but facial oils are always welcomed by my dehydrated skin. This one is full of oleic acid, linoleic acid and Baobab oil, which I obviously know what all three are....regardless the added Calendula (again, no idea) in this is what has taken down my skins redness and given me some smoother and retexurised skin.

Next is the Bamford Geranium Hand & Body Wash (£22). Cotswolds based, and a new brand in my bathroom, but one very welcomed. Smelling lovely and very spa-esque, I have been enjoying this slightly unusual scent of Geranium.

Even though I won't fully admit quite how shallow I am, I am glad I saw past both these somewhat unexciting packages, and what is underneath really does seem to count.

What is part of your boring skincare?

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Instagram Diary: Part 10

My new Makeup Revolution favourite | Hello male model I just had to write about | My new P.A | New furry (with added ear hair) friend | Why can't I run in heels? | What happens when you shop in Tesco | Potential new bedroom wall? | A peony that doesn't look like a peony | The face contrast

As always, consistency hasn't been strong point. So much so that I don't even want to see the last time I did a Instagram Diary...so lets just pretend I have been reliable. But as you can see not much has changed, flowers, makeup and cats are my main theme. (In the words of Chandler - "could I be anymore of a cliche?" Nope.) I have found a new cat friend outside my house which is taking all my strength not to 'borrow' to add to my slightly overflowing house of animals. The reason I have resisted is purely as imagining my face flashed up over the local news as a cat snatcher is humiliating...can't have everyone knowing my mad cat lady destiny, yet.

What have you been up to recently?

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