W7 Cosmetics Makeup Haul

I do like a good makeup haul, and W7 Cosmetics is a brand even though I've heard of, I've just never tried. So I was rather keen to try them, and I will give each item their own review, but in the meantime I couldn't not share all these goodies.

First is the gorgeous Golden Eye Single Shade Eyeshadows, and a similarly gorgeous bronzed Make Up & Glow Bronzing Base (Benefit packaging anyone!?). And this is very similar to the bronzing primer that Bourjois do (which is a Chanel dupe..if you're still following!). I was also in need of a new normal primer, but didn't know where to start so the Prime Magic Camera Ready Primer is very welcomed. And does remind me of the Smashbox primers.

Next is the gorgeous Green coloured Nail Polish, and I've heard such good things about W7 polishes, so I can't wait to get painting.  I also have the Full Time Lip Colour, a lipgloss is always a good addition to any makeup bag.

Lastly, and maybe my favourite items on first glance is the mascaras. I have the Lashtastic Black Mascara and Loads of Lashes Mascara to try out. The Lashtastic wand straight away reminds me of the Max Factor Clump Defy, and I am beyond excited for the Loads of Lashes, I mean it comes in its on tube, so it must be special right?

Have you tried W7 Cosmetics Makeup or any of these items?

*PR Sample/Gift

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What I've Been Loving This Week

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Oh how I missed doing one of these What I've Been Loving This Week posts last week. So I couldn't wait a week longer, and just had to share the love again. Although this week it seems to be more blogs rather than individual posts. So basically, even more loving. Enjoy. 

Jessica from Blonde of Carbs. I don't really read fashion blogs, they just make me feel even more unfashionable, but Jessica's style is just so lovely, I want her entire wardrobe. And face and hair would be fantastic. 

Girl Crush of the week - Chanelle Jade. Sorry bit of a running theme with this post...but I just can't help it. Chanelle is one of those girls who just effortless, and beautiful. Just have a look at her OOTD posts and you'll be joining me on my girl crush for sure. 

Emma from Emma Belle Fashion Pregnancy announcement. Okay, admittedly I am not one of those girls who ovaries ache at the site of babies, but when Emma announced she was pregnant this week I did feel happy for her and her new upcoming arrival.

Pinterest. Okay some please stop me, I have no self control. Downloading the app was the worse idea ever. This week I have not been able to stop at home and on the move pinning. Hopefully I am just going through a phase, just a rather long one...

What have you been loving this week?

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Focusing on Nude Makeup

I either know what suits me, or I am a complete bore, but despite makeup trends and looks I always fall back to nude makeup. I would rather think its that I know nude makeup suits me (I hope) rather than the complete colour wimp option...regardless I doubt I'll fall out of love with nude makeup any time soon, so I've put together my favourite nude makeup up items.

Naked 3 Palette | Bet you've never seen one of these before, I'm so original. But I just can't help it. The range of colours in this palette make it my absolute holy grail, and  there are so many different looks that can be achieved from one little-ish palette, that look natural. Unless you go towards to dark end of palette!

No7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter Stick | This light pinky, silvery tone highlighter is very much my dupe for Benefit Sunbeam. It is extremely flattering for a bronzer and looks effortlessly natural and subtle once blended in. Plus the stick makes its stupidly easily to apply, always a winner for me.

Benefit Cosmetics High Brow Pencil | I am beyond addicted to Benefit's High Brow, this light matte pink shade and I apply just under the arch of the brow to create the appearance that I have perfect, arched brows, even though that couldn't be further from the truth. 

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner | Another dupe, this time of Urban Decay's eyeliners. Rimmel have delivered a nude/beige liner, ideal to brighten up my eyes and hopefully make me feel more awake. So basically a Monday morning liner.

MAC Satin Finish Lipstick in Myth | One of the biggest nude taboos is the nude lip. Although its my favourite, I know many will disagree. Myth is a light neutral nude shade with a satin finish it is in-between matte and gloss, but technically neither. But I do find just tapping this lipstick on rather than smearing it looks much better, less harsh and less likely to end up looking like you've bitten a foundation sponge.

It might be my favourite, but do you like nude makeup? 

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5 Things Katy Perry Taught Us About Makeup

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Hey beauties. In news of one my favourite girl crushes, Katy Perry, announcing her Cover Girl Cosmetics collection, #instaGlam I thought this would be the perfect time to write a short post on the things she taught us about makeup, and just why I love her and her makeup so much. 

1. Green Hair. Just think how many years we have spent trying not to get green hair, especially during school swimming lessons. I'm not recommending that you go and purposely dye your hair green. But hey if it happens, it is okay.

2. Glitter can be adult.  Despite whatever our years as a teenager taught us, and how scared we are of glitter as result (thanks Urban Decay for that one), Katy Perry has put adult glitter back on the makeup map. 

3. Leopard print isn't always a tack fest (sorry!). Long associated with the likes of Bet Lynch rather than being a glamorous look. Katy Perry has definitely made it more acceptable, with the her hit 'Roar' being most responsible. More personal empowerment than the look of dodgy barmaids. 

4. Gothic makeup can look good. Again, whatever happened to us all during our teens with heavy kohl. Blame Avril Lavigne/Ashlee Simpson. Heavy eye makeup can look good, beautiful and maybe even sophisticated. 

5. No makeup is totally okay. Admittedly when her ex husband Russell Brand posted her no makeup face on Twitter, Katy may not of been to pleased. But it definitely helped show girls a more natural face, and yep, its completely fine! 

And one last lesson from Miss Perry? Have fun. Who cares, its only makeup, it just washes off. 

Are you a Katy Perry fan?

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Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner & Remover Sneak Preview

If there is ever a brand to create a hype around a new product launch, it has to be Benefit Cosmetics. And recently they have decided to create the world’s 'easiest, most goof-proof' eyeliner with the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner, the first ever lash-hugging gel liner pen to hit the makeup world apparently. I need goof-proof unfortunately, I am the girl who ends up with my gel pot of eyeliner on my cheeks, forehead etc etc.

The Push Up Liner leaflet came with such a good video inside that I just had to mention it. Plus it did give me a near heart attack as I opened it to be greeted by sirens. You can see a quick clip of it here. The packaging is of course just like the rest of the They're Real family, orange and black, but with a screw cap on rather than your typical push on. I like this because it means you actually put the lid back on correctly and it won't knock off in your makeup bag and dry out, or more fitting for me will be less likely to make a mess.

Wait. A click pen with gel formula inside? How is that going to work? Gel eyeliner formula is creamy and thicker, and surely needs the help of a brush to apply and spread? I’ve never seen it work outside of a pot, pen tips are best suited for a wetter formula. I was bewildered.

I'll start with this applicator, which isn't a brush or pen, more of what I would describe as rubber flexible angled tip, which pushes up gel to the centre of a tiny slit, powered by the twist base, it really does make getting to the inner corners and general application easy. Who would of thought. It's also a thick jet black, and slides across my lids almost like butter would (I'm guessing there, obviously).

However, I did find it dried rather quick, so no faffing about, you just need to sweep and go. I did have time to correct smaller smudges, but if your a winged liner novice just take note. This is just like a gel liner in every form, except the application. It a tiny bit patchy, but I really just need to get used to using this, I'm more a felt tip pen girl.

Also in my They're Real package was the infamous Benefit They're Real Mascara which I literally reviewed last week, so pop over there to see my full review of that mascara. There was also the They’re Real Remover (£14.50) I was almost turned off by the fact that it comes with its own makeup remover. Is it that much like cement it needs its own remover? Eek. Luckily it doesn't, normal remover does the job perfectly but the They're Real Remover does rid of the liner and They’re Real Mascara in one wipe.

I can see after a few more uses of this, I will be head over heels, as I am with the They're Real Mascara, but I would love to hear what you think of the look of this liner so far?

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner £18.50 from July.

Will you be trying the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner? 

*PR Sample/Gift

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George at Asda Quick Dry Nail Polishes

 

This isn't the first time I've been in Asda and picked up makeup, I just can't resist their prices. Last time it was a Benefit High Beam dupe for £3.50, and this week it was a £1 nail polish. Yes. £1. My strawberries cost more.

I picked up the shade Movie Star, admittedly not very summery, but then I never am and do struggle to tear myself away from my black clothing when the sun makes a appearance. These Quick Dry polishes are small bottles (5ml), but I rarely use a full bottle anyway, in fact I don’t think I ever have! Movie Star as you can see is a interesting shade, its a grey/mauve but has hints of subtle purple/pink sheen – tricky to photograph (and explain!) but hopefully you can see what I mean.

However, and here comes my little moan, I am slightly disappointed because of the quick dry formula, its dries so quickly, almost too quickly as there is no time for topping up if you didn’t get enough to cover the nail with the first brush stroke. Even painting my wheel was hard not to get it streaky. It did take 3 coats and then I could still my nail line through the polish, so I actually think it would need 4 thin coats but my patience ran out by then. This is such a shame as I love the colour, I love the price, I sort of love how quick it dries, but the streakiness? Not so much. Saying that, I'm sure I will still be picking more colours up.

Have you tried any of the George at Asda Quick Dry Nail Polishes?

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Baby B Browne Self Tan Lotion

If there is any prove needed that reverse psychology works, this post proves it. When Baby B Browne Tan first came out in Ireland and I couldn't get hold of it, I wanted more than any other tan, ever. Luckily its now available here in England, and I now have my very own bottle of the self tan lotion.

What stands out for me about Baby B Browne is that its specially for those with sensitive skin, plus it claims to not smell like your typical biscuit scent tan. And we all know that smell when you wake up after a morning of tanning! This lotion only comes in the one shade, medium, at the moment, but is actually designed to adapt to different skin tones. I'm not sure quite how that works, but science isn't my forte so I won't ask.

First off, I love the bottle, pink and white are my colours, and I like the fact that the pump swivels and locks rather than having a lid. I have a habit of losing lids. I applied this tan last week, and left it on overnight and rinsed off early the next morning to be greeted with a lovely brown golden glow. This definitely is more a brown tan than the Monu Fake Tan I tried last week, but I love this golden glow. In the photo below of my arm this is only with the one coat, so you can see just how natural this looks. 

But onto the main selling point of this tan, what does it smell of? Only my favourite smell, ever - vanilla. A very gorgeous vanilla scent, it also lasted till the morning too, so not biscuit smelling bedsheets for me. One thing I will say is it doesn't dry as quick in comparison to some other brands, but nothing too drastic, I am rather impatient so anything over 2 minutes of feeling a bit sticky is just too long and I fidget. Baby Browne dried in about 6-7 minutes, and after which it wasn't sticky.

I am very glad I finally got my hands on this, and it didn't disappoint at all, especially at this price. I'm just keen to see what Baby B Browne do next.

Baby B Browne Self Tan Lotion £14.95

Have you tried the Baby B Browne Self Tan Lotion?

*PR Sample/Gift

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Weekly Wax: Yankee Candle Simply Home Soft Cotton

I'm not sure if I tried this candle on a bad day and I'm being grumpy, or this just isn't a good scent, but either way I'll warn you now, I did not like Yankee Candle Simply Home Soft Cotton.  To be fair, clean fresh scents are not what I go for, so I am quite glad I 'borrowed' this from my mum rather than pay for it, but I was fooled by the pretty cream colour and cute name to think I would like this soft cotton scent. 

Described as 'Sun-dried cotton (sun-dried? Like a prune?) combined with green notes, white flowers, and a hint of lemon' this almost sounds not typical of your normal clean fresh scent. But I was wrong, and this is very similar to Yankee Candle Clean Cotton, and especially Fluffy Towels, so Soft Cotton is very worth considering if they are your a fan of those. 

The reason I don't like this is the similarity to Febreeze cleaning spray I think, and even for a cleaning addict like myself, I don't like my candles to smell of that. Thank God this isn't actually a strong scent, and doesn't overpower as much as some Yankee Candles do. And as you can tell, I don't have much in the way of pleasant words about this candle, so my grumpy self is going to find a strong, thick, sugar scented candle - pronto.

Yankee Candle Simply Home Soft Cotton £1 (Asda only appear to have the large jar online)

Have you tried Yankee Candle Simply Home Soft Cotton?

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Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara

So my mascara collection is in two categories, every day mascaras, and mascara I only wear on special occasions. Yes, I am that sad. And in my special occasion category is the same three mascaras, Yves Saint Laurent Shocking Mascara (You know the one I never shut up about), Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara, (with Lancôme Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara almost there) and of course, Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara. Considering just how much I love this mascara, I'm not entirely sure how I've never reviewed it. But I received a sample in May's BirchBox so thought this is the perfect time, and before the tube looks too tatty for any photographs!

They're Real Mascara is so hyped about, even now a few years after its release, yet it is fairly simple mascara, no OTT gimmicks, which is how a mascara should be in my opinion. The wand is made up of tiny bristles designed to catch every single lash, which it does, even those annoying short lashes on my lower lash line that never see a mascara coating. 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.

Another positive for me is that you can really build the volume up without it looking clumpy and spidery. But the only thing this mascara lacks is the curling ability, as it is a wet formula this weighs down the lashes a bit and might uncurl them over time. Not a issue for me, but if this is a problem for you, maybe try one of my other favourites, the Lancome Hypnose Series.

That being said I love this mascara, stupid amounts, and think everyone should try this at least once in their life.

Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara - £19.50 or I've just seen its currently £15.49 from QVC. Or, in Boots you can often pick up this size for around £9/10.

Have you tried Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara?

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What I've Been Loving This Week

Another 'What I've Been Loving Posts' as I just love writing them, and there is no harm in sharing the love around the blogging world. So here is my top blogging picks from the last week.

Cluttered Closet Top Five: Stila Makeup Post | As Stila are just one of those brands I lust after in Boots, but I'm yet to purchase from them, as quite frankly I didn't know where to start. Now thanks to Kal I know the One Step Correct Colour Corrector will be my first purchase, and not just as it looks pretty.

Joanna Loves Mascara Showdown | Well, any mascara post is obviously going to go down well with me, but one that is title a 'mascara showdown' is a clear winner. If there is one thing to beat a mascara post, its having six. And Joanna's comparisons are just wonderful.

Yankee Candle Summer Scoop No, I don't think my own post is fabulous (could you imagine) but its the candle that I am in love with. Ice cream in candle form. Need I say more?

(One of) My favourite bloggers this week is the lovely Hannah from Locked in Bow. She is just a complete sweetheart, and one of the reasons that the people I've met through blogging make blogging what it is. 

My new blog obsession | Rebekah Hannah. Not very often I do find a blog and fall in love with everything about it. Rebekah Hannah is just such a lovely read, and she posts the best recipes that make me want to start pulling out kitchen utensils at 11pm. Plus I have a huge girl crush on her. 

What have you been loving this week in the blogging world?

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Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Rose Hip

I am slightly late with the Barry M Spring 2014 collection, but I was trying to tell myself 'you do not need another pink'. But I caved. Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Nail Paint in Rose Hip is just too pretty to leave on the shelf. So I didn't. And I justified it even further as I was after Essie Nail Polish in Fiji, and in true Barry M style is half the price.

Rose Hip is much more of a milky toned pink shade than most I've tried, and the 'Gelly' finish does make them look professional, especially with my nail painting skills. One coat really isn't enough, but after the second coat their name comes into action and delivers the 'Hi-Shine' and 'Gelly' finish.  I do love a good pastel shade for making my hands look more tanned, and this shade is just so easy to wear as I am yet to find a outfit it clashes with...and we all know that dilemma.

Barry M Gelly Nails in Rose Hip £3.99

Have you tried the Barry M Rose Hip nail polish?

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John Frieda Luxurious Volume Blow Dry Spray

For some reason recently my hair is as flat as anything, and my usual mousse just seems to be weighing it down, and just making it worse. And flat hair just ruins the day. John Frieda are one brand that have always pleased me, and their Luxurious Volume Blow Dry Spray is currently on offer in Superdrug for £3.99, so it went straight into my basket. I was dubious though, as it must be my flat limp hair, but no volume products work on me, very strange. And watching numerous Victoria's Secret Catwalk Shows recently has just fuelled my desire for volumised hair even more. Nothing like having attainable goals eh.

I’ve been using this for over a week now, just spraying it on my towel dried roots, and...IT WORKS. Obviously I've not quite reached the Victoria's Secret stage with hair, but this spray helps lift my hair from being flat packed to my scalp, and like its naturally got volume, not that false sticky up look. Being a spray it is pretty lightweight, and it doesn't weigh my hair down at all, nor does it make it greasy or sticky and I am sure you can still use other products with this. Think of it as more a compliment to a blow dry routine rather than a overtake product. I do think if you have really thick hair this John Frieda spray may not quite be enough, but us fine hair people need to try this, and I am more than happy with my Victoria's Secret hair attempt. 

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Blow Dry Spray £3.99 from Superdrug

Have you tried the John Frieda Luxurious Volume Blow Dry Spray?

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Soigne Cerise Nail Lacquer

I picked up this Soigne Nail Lacquer from the May Birchbox, and they seem to be a Birchbox exclusive? Well, I can't find them on Google. But this was one of my top picks from the Birchbox, as I did fall in love with the packaging the minute I saw it. The box is very heavy duty, boxed with a polystyrene clamp inside, with my favourite classic and simple look. Resemblance to  Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle box anyone? The bottle is gorgeous; a sleek glass bottle with a simple label, very Butter London esque. And I love any bottle that make my dressing table look more expensive. Put a pretty label on and I'll buy it, I am a advertisers dream.

Moving from my box obsession, and onto the actual polish, this cerise dark pink is one of my favourite nail colours (after nude and red, yep exciting choices) as again I love the classic look, and this pink is deep enough not to be a Barbie shade, but one that is something I would wear with day and night outfits. The formula of this is lovely and thick, and not to opaque. I would say its up there with O.P.I and Nails Inc in terms of texture, and much thicker than Essie and Barry M, although the price may have given that one away, sorry Barry M. I also got away with using no top coat, and it lasted 2 days before it chipped. Even though Soigne don't have the greatest range of colours, for £11 I would definitely pick up more shades, and no, not just for the bottle. Soigne have themselves a brand new fan over here.

Soigne Nail Lacquer - £11

Have you tried the Soigne Nail Lacquers?

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Birchbox May 2014 in collaboration with Harper's Bazaar

Ever wondered what a magazine beauty director uses? Well last month now, Harper's Bazaar has teamed up with Birchbox, the monthly beauty subscription service, to reveal the beauty products that their editor Sophie Bloomfield can’t live without, with the theme of the Great Outdoors. The idea is that the warmer summer weather is (or at least should be) coming, we are out more, and these are the suitable products, apparently. This is my first ever dive into a beauty box (I know, I know) so I was very excited when the May Birchbox rocked up on my door step, and here is what came inside the infamous box.

Philip Kingsley One More Day Dry Shampoo | sample size

Philip Kingsley is one of those brands I love, just can't afford plus I'm always willing to try a new dry shampoo. Although I never would have purchased to try because it's a little more expensive and there's always the risk that I wouldn't like it and still prefer Baltise, so it's nice to be able to give it a try this way. Bring on second day hair.

Aromatherapy Associates 'Relax Light' Bath & Shower Oil | Sample Size

I've never been one for trying out oils, as the full size oils are pricey but I guess a good investment if there's a scent from the range that you particularly love. I'll be saving this little pot for when I need a little pick-me-up. 

Imedeen Derma One | Lifestyle Extra

These supplements promise to tackle anti-ageing from the inside and are packed with zinc and vitamin C. Not something I'm personally going to use as I do have a issue with taking tablets, pain killers don't even make it past my lips (and they contain fish extract...) but it's definitely an interesting lifestyle extra.

Soigne Nail Lacquer | Full Size

This is gorgeous fuchsia pink, just off a red colour.  It's non toxic too, which can only be a good thing. Retails for £11. The first thing that I noticed about this was the heavy duty packaging. I've never had a nail polish arrive in such packaging before. The box itself was beautiful it reminds me of (Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle box) and screams luxury, and I can see this making a very nice addition to my polish collection.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara | Sample Size

Without a doubt in the top three of my favourite mascaras ever. This is such a hyped mascara, by me included, and I've gone through tubes of this. My only complaint, I want a bigger tube.

Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish | Sample Size

Along with the mascara this was the one thing that got me very excited. I adore Laura Mercier but I've never tried their skincare, only foundation. And conveniently my skin has been resisting all forms of exfoliation recently so I am desperate to see if this skin polish can live up to the rest of the brand.

Birchbox £10 + P&P

Did you get the May Birchbox? Are you a monthly subscriber?

*PR Sample/Gift

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