The Nude Tom Ford and MUA Contrasts

If there ever was a makeup bag with contrasts in, it would be mine. I am talking prices here, not colours as its no secret I don't stray from nudes, but the cost of what I use? There is no limits, either ends. Admittedly I am a bit of a makeup snob so I guess the higher price limits have, well no limits, but the lower end makeup does need to be good enough to compete with the more pricey offerings in my bag. And the two items I wear the most at opposite ends of the spectrum? Tom Ford and MUA.

So, the Tom Ford Vanilla Suede Lipstick (£37) is a golden pink and beige-tinged lipstick which is just pure luxury (with a price to match). Even though I really don't want to run out of this, I can't stop using it, daily. Saving lipsticks for best? Not over here.

MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter (£3!) Not often will I purchase from MUA, mainly as their makeup stands are always empty, or just a complete mess where teenage girls have decided to reapply their makeup mid shopping trip. So this highlighter was quite the achievement for me, yet I can't stop wearing it. For £3? A total contrast to the Tom Ford lipstick, but it really is a case of opposites attract.

Are you the same? Do you have completely contrasting makeup items in your makeup bag?

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Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve

Who doesn't want that Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush dupe that is floating around the beauty blogging scene at the moment? Well exactly, and that is my reason for jumping on the bandwagon here with the one blush that everyone seems to own, the Max Factor Creme Puff Blush (£8.99).

Out of the six shades I opted for Nude Mauve, as well I do like a nude and most blushes make me look like I am yet to hit my teens. And as a lady in her 20's that isn't ideal. But the Nude Mauve has changed my opinion on blushes,  as being a blend of pale baby pink with a darker, dusky rose colour that has that mauve undertone as the name suggests.

They definitely don't have a cream consistency like their name suggests, but they do have the smooth texture that is about as creamy as a powder will get. I do think these are a updated version of their original cream blushes that I am sure our grandmas will remember. Or our mums, not that they might admit to it. On the cheek, this creme puff adds a subtle wash of warmth, without being too overpowering, and ideal for my nervous blush disposition. It might just be the shade that I picked up and I can't speak for the other five, but Nude Mauve adds definition without being too Kim K contoury and OTT. A game changer in the blusher world? I think so, and if I actually like a blush then I know it must be good, especially if I don't look like a pre-teen wearing it. 

Have you tried any of the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes?

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Favourite accounts on Instagram

Its no secret of my love for Instagram. Who doesn't love pretty, dreamy and slightly over edited photos? Plus you can stalk, sorry, browse your exes brothers girlfriends holiday shots from 2013 in complete secret. Unless you double tap...not speaking from experience of course...but back to what Instagram is really for, and that would be inspiration. And here are four of my favourite Instagram feeds that you need to be following.

agirlobsessedblog | This is makeup heaven for anyone who has a slight interest in makeup, and if you're obsessed you can guarantee this is a account to add to your life. Mandy has even made the Nintendo 3DS cool again. Yep, it can be done.

frockmeimfamous | The perfect mixture of beauty, fashion and lifestyle. But Hayley's OOTD pictures are my favourites. How can someone be that Pinterest worthy in life?

april_todd | Flowers and selfies, what more could you want from a account? Well not much else. Except it would help if April was ugly and a horrible person then I might not envy her as much.

hayleyappleford | Any meal documentations catch up my eye, but Hayley throws in some stunning pictures of herself (again, eurgh) and some lifestyle shots making her feed (no pun intended) one I get excited to see with a new upload.

Do you follow any of these on Instagram? Who else should I be following?

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FOTD: Spring Edition

I'll be honest, this post really has nothing to do with spring, except the fact that is the time of year we are in and my FOTD posts only seem to happen 3/4 times a year i.e. Summer and Winter so far. So don't expect a fluffy post full of pastels and cliches, I have already done that one.

Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in 06 Golden Brown, which is a dark bronze colour, It slides onto the lid without tugging and the formula doesn't feel heavy like other cream shadows. Someone could of told me before to use eyeshadow sticks. So, the Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara. Why I am wearing this? I don't really like it, but subconsciously I must. This 'Hook ‘n’ Roll' brush does grab my lashes well, and my bottom lashes benefited highly from this new slightly pirate sounding brush.

Tom Ford Vanilla Suede Lipstick is just nude lip perfection with its golden pink and beige-tinged tones, and with TF embossed on the bullet this adds a touch of luxury to my routine. Plus who doesn't want to pull out a Tom Ford lipstick in the ladies bathrooms?

Estee Lauder Double Wear without the cakey-ness? Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Foundation is the one. Even gliding over my dry patches without a issue. And its 100% build able, so its a easy competitor for Estee Lauder.

The Makeup Revolution Makeup Brushes are my budget brushes that have been making my face happen. The entire range can be purchased for £20, which I believe is about the same amount as one brush by a certain well know brand beginning with R-T...With the signature rose gold accents and all black look these look far more expensive and classy.

What makeup items are you wearing at this spring?

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The forgotten mascaras

Don't worry, I've not lost my mind and decided only small mascaras will do, (as if). But rummaging through my makeup had me finding a few sample mascara I forgot I had, yet I love and can't believe I forgot I owned. Its not like me to forget mascaras, house keys and phone? Yes. But mascara? Never. So as these three slipped through the net, its only fair they get their moment in the limelight. 

So, the Clinique Lash Doubling Mascara is such a underdog in the mascara world, if not, Clinique is. Not many seem of tried their mascaras, but if they have people just rave about them. And I am no different with this, as promising lash doubling it truly delivers and is one voluming mascara that can live up to the claim on the tube.

Benefit They're Real Mascara. Okay, so one everyone has probably tried, cliche blogger alert, but I am  fully in this club. The plastic brush really catches every lash, even the ones I didn't know I had, to the point of serious volume. I've heard some say this is difficult to remove but I've never come across such issues. But perhaps I wear too much mascara to notice things like that anyway. 

The Dior Diorshow Iconic High Definition Mascara is one mascara that is has caused a real love/hate relationship for me. Initially, I hated it, the 'oblique' brush, whatever that may be, left the formula too wet and a flat unworkable mess on my lids. However, my mind was changed and good job as I worried about myself disliking Dior, as this really does capture every lash and makes my lashes look pretty damn good. Even if I must say so myself.

Have you tried any of my forgot mascaras?

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Three Blogs I Read Daily: Part Two

Best form of procrastination? Reading blogs of course. I've gone from not even knowing blogs exist too borderline obsessively reading them. Well, they do say blogs are the new magazines right (Make me feel better)? I've already posted Three Blogs I Read Daily, and here are three more to my list.

Porcelain Beauty | Even though I should dislike Heather for being so switched on at 19, I just can't. Her blog is just filled of beauty and somehow her content just seems to flow (another reason to dislike her), and watching Porcelain Beauty grow really puts a smile on my face.

Charmed Charlee | Not only is Charlee a complete sweetheart her blog is the perfect mix of beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Without fail I go on to read her posts daily as its always excitement for me to see what she has posted that day. Wish lists to MAC collections, there is nothing this girl can't do. 

Every Little Thing 07 | A blog of just pure envy. Not only are Ella's posts amazing, they are filled with my wish list full of items, and so well put together she makes me want to buy everything. Even if I don't want it (which of course is rare). This is one blog I can guarantee I'll click on everyday and be lost in for hours.

What blogs do you read daily?

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The Hair Volume Saviours

If there is one issue I have with my hair it would be volume, well lack of technically. My hair seems to want to do anything except have volume. Kink? Yep. Frizz? Of course. Greasy? My hair has it sorted. That being said, I do have three items at the moment which are being complete God sends. For now at least.

Philip Kingsley Maximizer | My first port of call, I spray this all over my hair, although you could use this just on your roots, after shampooing and conditioning. In the directions, they suggest to gently blow dry for maximum volume, but to be honest I hate blow drying my hair so much, so it usually involves my head upside down and me wishing for volume. Luckily the Maximizer lives up to its name.

John Frieda Luxurious Volume Blow Dry Spray | If I'm not using the Maximizer in my quest for Victoria's Secrets hair then John Freda steps in.  Another blow dry spray that helps lift my hair from being flat packed to my scalp, and like its naturally got volume, not that false sticky up look.

Percy and Reed Bold & Beautiful Dry Instant Volumising Spray | And if my blow dry attempts have gone wrong (which is often) then I fall back on Percy and Reed. This is true to its names and instantly puts life into my hair. Totally non-sticky this spray plumps up my hair, bit like dry shampoo really, but with added opphhm. I just need to make sure I give my hair a good brush through after spraying or I do get that dry shampoo white look. Great for my roots of course. 

So while obviously I've not quite reached the Victoria's Secret stage with hair, I would like to think I am making my way there. One volumised hair flick at a time.

What are your volume saviours?

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The Rose Cream Obsessions

Like most things in life, I am a creature of habit. Nude lips? Check. Too much mascara? Check. But recently I have somehow ventured away from my scent of choice, vanilla, for a equally girly scent, rose, even if so far this only extends as far as creams. I do think I am now showing my age as I am using hand cream daily in the form of the Jurlique Rose Hand Cream* (£18). I finally see they fuss with not having dry, wrinkled hands (who would of thought?), and this cream is ideal for a beginner like me as its not greasy or sticky, so doesn't leave a awful after feel. Its lightly scented too, so even my vanilla tastes can fully accept this cream into my routine.

I've also been using the Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream* (£36 for the full size, not this sample one) which has been a luxurious treat for me since Palmers Cocoa Butter is as extravagant as I get. Cream wise at least. Of course this Aromatherapy Associates isn't a competitor in price wise (bit of a difference), but this does deliver in thickness, scent and well, just pure luxury. This is most heavenly body cream I've ever used, and this light floral rose is a very welcomed addition to my latest rose obsession. I just need to tackle a rose candle next. 

Are you a fan of rose scents?

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What I've Been Loving This Week

Like normal, its been a few weeks ( a month) since my last What I've Been Loving This Week post. And that isn't because I've not liked anything in the world, its just as the weeks go so fast, I can't keep up.  So anyone who actually manages these posts weekly, like the title suggest, has my full respect, (and a bit of jealously).

So on that note, I'll start with something I am utterly envious of, Carrie Brighton's new photography print shop. As I am not the best with photography, anyone who manages it well, and manages to sell it, is like a mystery to me. Imagine me trying to shift copies of all those trees I take photos of. Exactly. And the photo of Brighton Beach? Yes please.

How can one person make something look so easy? Well Chaitra from Pink Pot just manages perfectly (erugh), especially with her guide to editing photos.  In fact, I am surprised she actually shared her tips here, if I was that talented I would be a little more reluctant...Ha... One blog worth a mention for me is XPrincessJas, as I can't trust myself to read her blog without wanting a mile long wish list, on a good day. Nars, MAC, YSL? Jas has it sorted. Click with (extreme) caution.

My He-Shi Gold Foaming Mousse as thanks to the 70's trends floating around, off the shoulder tops have been making themselves known in my wardrobe. And my poor shoulders really weren't ready for the occasion, especially as they didn't match my already 'tanned' neck. Don't pretend you tan all your body in the winter.

What have you been loving this week?

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Tatler Magazine does Birchbox

 

This isn't Aprils box, which did of course confuse me, this is Tatler doing Birchbox. Even though Tatler isn't always my most read magazine, I was intrigued by this extra box from Birchbox. Keeping true to the magazine's roots, the theme of this contains a selection of British products, which happen to be of the luxurious kind. If anything, this box was a very quick geography lesson for me...

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream | £36 for 200ml (40ml sample size). London-based company, which I did think was American...ahem...this cream is pure rose heaven. Thick and luxurious, I feel like I've been lying in a rose bath, if there was such a thing.

Bamford Geranium Hand & Body Wash | £22 for 250ml (sample size). 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.

Ciate London Paint Pot | £9 (full size). Another London company, again who know? Yet for bottle cuteness Ciate always wins it for me, and this mink like shade comes out darker than it looks, but still gorgeous. 

Dr Jackson's Face Oil 03 | £30 (full size). Another brand I'm not really familiar with, well not at all actually, but facial oils are always welcomed by my dehydrated skin.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish + Muslin Cloth | £14 for 100ml (50ml sample size). Being the only person ever not to be overwhelmed by the Cleanse & Polish, I was overly excited by this sample. However, the muslin cloth has replaced my old one nicely, and my mum was very grateful for her Liz Earle fix.

Percy & Reed Instant Volumising Spray | £14 (full size). This spray is ah-mazing. Seeing as volumsing hair care products often don't win me over, I wasn't expecting much from Percy & Reed, yet this gave my hair some serious oomph. And acted like a dry shampoo.

So while I should be very British and say this is the best box ever, it isn't. I do like the lack of sachet samples and the range of items is really good, its not my favourite Birchbox. The box itself, well the contents, not the actual cardboard is worth £60, and the price is £30, so not cheap but not extortionate either, but this wasn't quite able to top my list of favourite Birchbox's. And yes, there is a list. 

What do you think of the Tatler Birchbox?

*PR Sample/Gift

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The Current Lip Favourites

Why am I so rubbish with lip products? They are one thing I am really not brave with. They are right there in the middle of your face, so if the colour is wrong everyone knows and can see my failed attempts at lip bravery. So while these favourites may verge on very safe choices, least with these I can guarantee 

First is a golden oldies, the MAC Snob Satin Lipstick. My Snob lips. This light neutral pink, that I've fallen back in lust with. More cool cool than neutral but is a lovely milky pink shade with a sort of lilac undertone. Yet being one of MACs Satin formula lipsticks, Snob almost appears to lean more on the matte side. My fail safe pink, and one I always feel like I am being brave with when I'm stepping out the nude world. 

The Jurlique Rose Love Balm* had to make appearance, because what is the point in any lipstick if my lips are chapped? Being a special edition of their Tangerine scent balm, this is free of nasties with just the right consistency for a – not too gloopy or soft, and the scent of roses isn’t too overpowering.

Another lipstick making itself known in my bag is the Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lipstick in Supernude. Oh just my nude favourite, my warmed toned nude that gives the your 'lips but better' look, and my first steps into the world of brown-ish lipsticks. Yet I do think in a few years I'll look back at photos with those 'what on earth was your thinking' thoughts. 

The lip liner, the Chanel Le Crayon Levres, the Precision Lip Definer in 34, A.KA the item Kylie Jenner made cool again. This beige, pinky-nude is one of those liners for a subtle fuller lip look as its practically the colour of most lips, mine at least. I would imagine it would be hard to go wrong with this liner, even if you're like me and had little (or no) talent in apply lip liner.

What are your current lip favourites?

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10 Makeup and Beauty Lessons I've Learnt (The Hard Way)

Image: victoriassecret.com

So, the Kiko Eyeshadow sticks. Why did no one tell me sooner to buy them? Well, in fact I am sure many did, but did I listen? Course not. There are just some things we will never listen too, and I've done a 10 Beauty Mistakes I Used to make post previously, but thought it would be a good follow up to share what I've actually learnt in my years of being a makeup obsessive, rather than highlighting my mistakes...

1. Always take off your makeup before you go to bed. Yep we all know this. And as my mum would say... “Those pillowcases were expensive, you know!”

2. Lipliner is tricky and should be used with extreme caution. I still am stupidly scared of a pencil for this exact reason. 

3. Braids are fully acceptable on holiday. Who can forget when Monica got cornrows on 'Friends' to combat her hair frizz? Exactly, good enough for her, good enough for me. 

4. Masking Tape for Eyeliner. Winged eyeliner sorted. And as a fan of the cat eye, this has come in handy, but please remove so so carefully. Eye waxes are not a thing for a reason.

5. After applying bronzer, use the extra powder left on the brush to bronze your ears. Especially if you fake tan. Took me surprisingly long to remember I actually have ears, and they don't want to be forgotten. 

6. White/Light kohl eyeliner. Total saviour to line my eyes and make me look way more awake than I feel.  

7. Don't neglect elbows. Moisturise. Moisturise. Moisturise. And people do look at elbows, especially if you fake tan and they are wrinkly and orange. 

8. Mascara wands = Brow brushes. Clean ones of course, unless you are going for the extreme brow. But once your old mascara wands are cleaned up they are just the perfect brow brush. Almost justifies my mascara addiction I reckon. 

9. You don’t have to be old to use an eye cream. Or maybe I am getting old thinking this way. But, prevention is better than curing right? 

10. Some people would kill to have what you think of as flaws. Important and true. 

What lessons have you learnt during your makeup using years?

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The Sunday Pick Me Ups

Thanks to a long week, time Sunday hits I need a pick me up, and when chocolate can't work its magic, the next best thing of course is makeup. Well, what else? And when my skin doesn't want to behave thanks to the slight weekend dehydration (wine) that may of happened, and my makeup doesn't want to sit right I can always rely on a couple of items to make me feel slightly better about my face.

First would be a lipstick, the MAC Japanese Maple to be exact. Lipstick is one item that always seems to go right no matter what state my face is in. This frosted light beige, which falls safely into the nude category with beige tones, is similar to that MAC's Myth, but Japanese Maple is a much more subtle shade due to the semi-opaque finish. That high shine gives a glossy affect making my lips appear more plumped, and just more alive than I am feeling.

And what else can can make you feel utterly glamorous when your face and body isn't feeling it? Jo Malone Peony and Suede Blush cologne. Previously mentioned as the The one that beats Chanel, this is a sweet and romantic scent that combines the freshness of red apple, jasmine, the luxury of peony (favourite flower) and the unusual mix of suede into the one heavenly fragrance.

Think a floral scent with a touch of leather won't work or too much for a Sunday? Think again. This has no trace of leather at all, so no worries that you'll smell like a new car. The combination leaves a scent I think is a tad musky but the floral edge leaves it warm and understated. Think Marc Jacobs Daisy or Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, but nicer. It’s that sort of scent that you’ll love but you won’t be sure exactly why. But boy, it really can make you feel glamorous and together, even when the chances are that is the exact opposite of how I'm feeling.

What are your Sunday pick me ups?

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Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow

Well this is a first. I have never done a review that is requested, and I'll just skip that is because no one has ever asked. But the lovely Shireen from Reflections of Sanity asked for a review on this Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow that I recently got in my Glamour Edit Spring Beauty Box from Latest in Beauty.

I've never used, or ventured into the world of eyeshadow sticks, as for me eyeshadow comes in a pot or a palette, so these sticks seem to fit the eyeliner category for me. But the entire beauty blogging world raves about the Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow (£6.90) so what do I know?

I got number 06 Golden Brown, which is a dark bronze colour, very similar to Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze. I don't do brights so this is prefect for my simple tastes. The packaging is simple, sleek and just what I would of expected from a Italian brand, with the colour shown at the end of the stick. The product itself is in a stick form, quite fat, with the rounded end. And do you realise how easy these things are too apply? It slides onto the lid without tugging and the formula doesn't feel heavy like other cream shadows. Someone could of told me before.

Formula wise, again eyeshadow sticks have amazed me, being so pigmented I expected it to crease right up, wear off, and just generally be a pain. But I am so glad to be of proved wrong, the result is flawless (even if I must say so myself), and last all day. Seriously, even my mascara was flagging, and once this was on, its on. A very handy little travel piece too, as being quick to apply and not taking up much bag room, mean you can get away with the quiet top ups in the bathroom. Not like mascara touch ups when you end up with your mouth wide open.

Unfortunately there aren’t really many of the KIKO stores here in the UK. Regent Street, London being their main shop, and they also have a store at Westfield Stratford, if you can brave the crowds. 

Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow (£6.90)

Have you tried the Kiko Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadows?

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