Lush Movis Facial Soap Cleanser

Cake or soap? Or bread perhaps? With a name like Movis Facial Soap Cleanser, this odd shaped thing from Lush sounds likes it should be a distance cousin of the bread brand Hovis. At least that is what I think. This is a soap, a soap in fact inspired by Mo Constantine, one of the founders of Lush, who loves to bake, and created this wheaty face soap.

Without a doubt the weirdest thing I have brought from Lush, this is sweet smelling squidgy bar uses wholemeal bread to exfoliate and revive the skin, and wheatgerm oil, hop oil and Fair Trade organic cocoa butter to soften. There is no other way to describe this other than its a grainy brown lump

During washing you do get some brown crumb like things, which actually do a good job at exfoliating gently while still leaving my skin soft. Since I have been using this lump, my dry skin areas have been much better, and my flakey nose skin? Gone. Movis isn't ridiculously expensive either, and admittedly this is a 'sample' size I have, but for 100g its £4.50. So compared to other brands, I won't be crying handing over my bank card. Lush, you have the bread/cake soap perfected, and not many can say that. 

Have you tried Lush Movis Facial Soap Cleanser?

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Three Blogs I Read Daily: Part Three

Blog post research, thats what it is. Not procrastination, nope. Daily I find myself reading different posts and blogs, but like always there are three at the moment I find that I click on daily, even if they haven't published a new posts. So instead of just seeming like a stalker (especially after my Three Blogs I Read Daily: Part Two), I decided to share just why I cant keep off.

Annie Writes Beauty | Not only do I stalk Alice's Instagram (just look at any of her selfie comments, I'm there...) I can always guarantee she will have a interest post for me to read. Being totally honest is one reason I am addicted, not many people would be that honest about a Stella McCartney.

Cocochic by Stephanie | Erm, so does Cocochic need a expiation? I fell in love the minute I click on, every post has me hooked; beauty, fashion or 150 to be happy. I am hook, line and sinker for Stephanie, and while I'm there, can we take a minute to look at her face?

Sophie etc | I just want Sophies wardrobe, and life, and of course like this post title suggests, I will go on her blog every day just to have a bit of fashion envy. She wears all the things I wish I could pull off. Printed trousers that don't look like I have forgot to get dressed? Nope I cant, but Sophie defiantly can.

What blogs do you read daily?

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The Perfect Mascara: Mascara Layering

You may of heard of a certain Miss Charlotte Tilburys claims that the perfect mascara doesn't exist, with a mixture of Chanel, Maybelline and Estee Lauder being the perfect combination (in that order). And I hate to jump on a bandwagon like this, but I completely agree. If a mascara offers volume, it lacks the length, and if it does offer length I am stuck with skinny eyelashes (Any other mascara claims don't interest me by the way). My answer? Something I have been doing for years bit didn't realise it was a 'thing', layering up my mascaras.

I start by voluming the lashes with the Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Mascara. This is the perfect eyelash catcher as there are also bristles on the end of the wand, and I find this helps to 'hook' any annoying lashes. Its easy to coat and build up both the inner and outer lashes, without causing a mess, or more importantly not poking my eye out.

And then I'll add the length with Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara, as this really isn't one for volume. Its also wet, with a 'Hook ‘n’ Roll' wand that doesnt seem to do much for me on my bare lashes. Despite this, once dried, and mascara eyelid mess cleaned up, my lashes certainly grow longer (can't judge curliness) and more defined.

So while I can't quite take credit for this idea (if only), I know that layering up two, or more if you fancy, mascaras is the recipe for perfect eyelashes. 

Do you layer up your mascaras?

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I got lucky with Yves Rocher

I hate losing. I really do, and when (if) I do, I am the worst loser. So of course, giveaways aren't something I enter as the odds are highly against me winning. Yet the other week something came over me and I entered Maddy from Unstitchedd Yves Rocher smokey eyes giveaway, and call this beginners luck, but I only went and won.

Naturally, the first thing to catch my eye was the Intense Kajal. Without a doubt the oddest shaped item in my makeup bag, and well in any bag I own. But this twisting lipstick-esque tapered end liner is surprisingly good at giving that intense smokey eye look. Plus its small enough to pop in my handbag, and I haven't had any comments on this, yet.

Obviously next for me was the Mascara Volume Vertige. This 'Reservoir Brush' spreads the slightly too wet formula through my lashes nicely. Not the most dramatic mascara I've used, but for day time its lovely. Bare in mind for my mascara choices I often opt for sticking up thick spider legs.

And I saved the best for last with the Quad Eyeshadow in Red-Hot Brown. Coppers and nudes are my shades of choice so naturally this palette is a winner for me. Coming with a smokey eye step by step, these dark/reddy brown shades have been getting a good using, even if they are a tad chalky. This was actually my first venture into Yves Rocher makeup, and if I keep winning gifts like this then I might just keep this up...Thank you Maddy!

Have you tried any Yves Rocher makeup?

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Sleek Face & Body Precious Metals Highlighter

 Can anybody care to explain why I hate shimmer in eyeshadow, yet seem to love a face highlighter? Any logic there? Didn't think so....oh well, guess its my perogatative as a girl to be so undecided in the important things in life. And my weapon of highlighter choice at the moment? The Sleek Face & Body Precious Metals Highlighter (£9.99) which I got thanks to the Cohorted March Beauty Box.

Sleek is one of my favourite high street brand for face makeup, and their face form contouring kit is my holy grail for a contour, so this Precious Metals Highlighter Palette did cause a slight squeal of excitement. Aiming to create a gorgeous all-over shimmer and 'complexion enhancing glow', this is the highlight (excuse the pun) of the Cohorted March Beauty Box.

Within this palette are four colours with three cream formulas and one powder, 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.

Luckily for my highlighting novice self, there is a little guide on the back of exactly where to put each shade. All are so pigmented, even the lighter shades, almost too much as I would imagine creating a disco ball look would be just too easy with this one. Precious Metals has defiantly become a partner in crime to my contour kit from Sleek, shimmer and all.

Have you tried the Sleek Face & Body Precious Metals Highlighter? 

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The High End Beauty Wishlist

Why do I never want cheap makeup? I have serious issues with this, it seems the higher the price the more I need it. I never seem to pine over Rimmel the way I do over Nars or Tom Ford, although I think my bank account wishes I would. So instead of making purchases in three digits this weekend I thought I would just write it down....

1. The Nars Christopher Kane Collection | A Selfridges exclusive so naturally I want it more. I'd happily give the blusher from the collection in Silent Nude a home. The bronze-y nude is just too nice to be sitting in the makeup stands.

2. Chantecaille The Glacier Eye Shade Trio | Visting the Nordic has been on my travel wish list for years, so its no surprise I want a eyeshadow palette inspired from that part of the world, plus just look at the (global warming inspired unfortunately) embossed glacier on each. Have you ever seen a palette with that?

3. Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream | Because I want a £105 jar of face cream, as I am convinced it will be like magic in a tub and I'll wake up looking like a blonde Kardashian sister.

4. Tom Ford Bronzing Powder | Does a gold Tom Ford bronzer really need a explanation? Yeah exactly.

5. Tom Ford Matte Lipstick | Oh why does Tom Ford have such a hold on me? Their lipsticks (and blushers apparently) are my downfall. And, if I am being fussy I'd take 'First Time' into my collection.

What beauty items are you lusting over at the moment?

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The Crownbrush Makeup Haul

 

You might of seen my Crownbrush Haul last week, where I might of mentioned I was in love with the brand. No shame. But I have been spoilt, as along with my brushes came their makeup, which shamefully I had no idea they did. To be fair, I only just got over the fact they weren't paint brushes so its allowed. And those lovely people in Crownbrush HQ must be psychic as not only did they replenish my liquid eye pen stock, they provided me with two of my current obsessions, lip liners.

The liner, the Ultra Skinny Eye Marker to be exact for a stupidly cheap price of £7.99. Must be one of the cheapest out there? With liners I need ease, I need to create a neat thinnish pigmented line along my lashes, with minimal effort. I don't ask for much really, and this Crownbrush offering delivers every time. Pigmented, neat, and easy to use all compliment the fact that is so long lasting and has out lived any other felt tip liners in my collection.

Mojave Rock on top, and Milk Chocolate on the bottom

Who doesn't like a makeup item with a food name? Especially when that food item is chocolate? The only thing Crownbrush could do to improve their Lip Liners name is call it Malteser, but they went for the next best with Milk Chocolate. And wait for it, all six of the range are £2.99. So you're practically stealing them.

Admittedly my lip liner standards a rather high, Chanel no less, so I was dubious to try the light brown called Milk Chocolate and the dusky pink Mojave Rock that arrived. And guess what happened next at my dressing table? I was blown away by the quality of both of these. Neither colours are too harsh, and are wearable with the majority of my lipstick collection, and the soft texture that glides on my lip just perfectly has made these two hard to pick between. I cant lie and say these are better than Chanel, but Crownbrush have delivered the next best I've tried. Naturally Cappuccino is next on my list, as coffee is just a must with Milk Chocolate right?

Have you tried any Crownbrush Makeup before?

*PR Sample/Gift

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The Jo Malone London & Narciso Rodriguez fragrances that stole my heart

A real sign of being a 'grown up' is having your own signature scent that everyone can recognise you by, right? Well then I am in trouble, as I have never settled down with the one fragrance, why have one when you can have two? I just don't know that I won't find another scent in a few years that I prefer and want to upgrade too. So for at least the next few months I have two perfumes that I can say I am spoken for. 

My most recent perfume edition is the Jo Malone London Lily of the Valley Cologne. This is a limited edition (so I am trying not to use it within the week) from their Rock of Ages collection. Lily of the Valley is apparently a older fashioned scent, ask Grandmothers, yet in true Jo Malone style they have put their own signature feel to it, and I'd imagine fans of Jo Malone Bluebell will also enjoy this. Not often I'll ever go for fresh florals, but this Ivy and cassis scented cologne has a more light feel to it, and allows me to wear it without thinking of toilet cleaners. Head over heels? Of course, but when can I ever say otherwise for Jo Malone. 

For when Jo Malone needs a rest, I have a understated beauty of the perfume world, the Narciso Rodriguez Narciso Eau De Parfum. Firstly, how many white perfumes have you seen? Exactly. This is the more feminine take of the Narciso Rodriguez For Her, just not as musky. What is meant to be Gardenia and Bulgarian Rose, with a amber muskiness and slightly woody cedar base can only be described by me in two words. Baby powder. I don't care this fits in the musky floral woody fragrance family, this white glass bottle is a classy take on baby powder, if there is such a thing. I can't pick between these two, but if I can have my cake and eat it, then that is just what I'll do. 

What fragrances at the moment have your heart?

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What I've Been Loving This Week

Trust me, I could take credit for this I would...Image Source

Let me just say this, we are in MAY. Wasn't is only February last week? Yes, I know its such a cliche thing to say but doesn't time just go rather quick? I have established that I can't seem to keep my 'What I've Been Loving This Week' posts weekly like the name suggests, so the little section of picks below aren't quite just this week...but who is counting....

Kitty Hearts Makeup Encounters | Kitty is actually my long lost twin as we both have the 'Miss Brighton' title to our names, so its no surprise I love every one of her posts. Here two of my favourite brands were put head to head in Kitty's post on her counter experiences...and I won't ruin it (as I'm nice like that) but one of my favourite brands really let me down.

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Nude Mauve | Who wouldn't want a blend of pale baby pink with a darker, dusky rose colour that has that mauve undertone as the name suggests kind of blush? Well up to about a month I would of said no thanks, but somehow I have been converted to the blush side of life, and there is no going back. 

Jordan Bunker's guide to his Instagram photos & how he edits them  | Because, 1. I love Instagram 2. I love VSCO Cam (which is the app he uses so sorry I ruined that) 3. I hate the in app editing in Instagram and 4. I just like being nosey to how people edit photos.

Blogrolls | This is almost a reminder to actually do my own blogroll, but how addictive are they? I won't name every single blog I've come across in the past week that offers them, but its safe to say, if you have a blog roll I will comment on every single one listed...yes I am sad like that. But please do leave your blog link below if you have a blogroll pretty please...

What have you been loving this week?

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The Crownbrush Haul

You know there is that medical condition when people are in love with objects? Well I have that, four times over. As you might of seen on my Twitter and Instagram last week I received some of my first brushes from Crownbrush. Yes I did think they were something to do with the paint company, so luckily Google corrected me before I wrote this post. But Crownbrush have caused me to fall head over heels for some makeup brushes, there is no point in being cool about this.

I’ve heard about Crownbrush mainly through the IMATS talk, and they were the first brush company I heard about (probably as I thought they were paint brushes) but for some reason, I had it in my head that they were very expensive. Not sure where I got that from as they are anything but. The four I now have are; 

Syntho Deluxe Powder Dome (SS019) £15.99

From their 'Syntho range' which are 100% vegan and of course synthetic brushes. Yet this powder brush doesn't feel stereotypically synthetic and is just the fluffiest thing I've ever used to apply my bronzer. As for the vegan part, and I no idea what a non vegan brush would feel like, but I'll stick to this gem. 

Pro Chisel Blush (C472) £8.99

Move over my Real Technique brushes, I have a new love to apply my foundation. The natural bristles on this again have made it so soft it feels like its been washed in hair conditioner, yet are dense enough to actually apply my foundation. I have never used a brush in my life that applies foundation so effortlessly, and even manages to make my Estee Lauder Double Wear undetectable. For the days when I brave the cream contour, this has also come rather handy. 

Tapered Duo Fibre Blush brush (C427) £10.49 

For those days when I feel like cheating on the Pro Chisel Blush, I have this Tapered Duo Fibre Blush brush.  Made of both natural and synthetic fibres, this is my second choice for foundation. It is also known for being a pretty good for a cream brush, but with my cream blush phobia I haven't been able to try that. I do like having the option in foundations, and both being so good I really can't pick my favourite.  

Pro Blending Fluff (C433) £6.09

Well this had me sold on the name, 'fluff'? Always. This one does speak for itself and is a blending brush, and is just ideal for applying, contouring or highlighting with those powder-based products. And wait for this...this is in fact made of 'soft goat hair'. Nice to see they left the hard strands out, but this beauty is always Crownbrush's MAC 217 dupe, for a much nicer price. But then again, that wouldn't be hard. 

So I can safely say those four words, I am in love, and never has makeup caused such a medical condition, nor have I fallen for anything including goats. But oh Crownbrush, you have done it. 

Have you tried Crownbrush before?

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The Clinique High Impact Mascara

I'm not sure I want to write this post...why do I want to give away all my secrets? Especially when it comes to mascara....but I am nice like that.  Clinique are defiantly more know for their skincare, yet their mascaras are their biggest secret. And my favourite unsung hero of their? The Clinique High Impact Mascara (£17.50).

Even though like the name suggest the claim is over 'high impact' I didn't actually expect that from a natural and understated brand like Clinique. The wand is a standard bristly mascara job, quite long and wide and well, just a non gimmicky wand. This is also a 100% Allergy Tested, Fragrance Free and Dermatologist Developed - Ophthalmologist (if thats a word) tested mascara (you can breathe now).  

This might actually win the award for the most buildable mascara I’ve ever used. So on those rare days when I want a barely there look, or the more likely option of a full on OTT look, this mascara takes me there. Two or three coats deliver without any clumps or crispiness, again, I’d be hesitant to call the look, 'extreme' like YSL Shocking (yes I mentioned that mascara again) but this is very worth the price tag. While it can be challenging to get right in to the inner and outer corners, I still adore this Clinique mascara and can't believe this has been hidden so long in there stands without the credit. 

So it just proves that sometimes not being overly innovative with flashy packaging can work out well, and High Impact does just was it says on the tin...but of course a bit of YSL gold wouldn't of gone a miss...

Have you tried the Clinique High Impact Mascara

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The Blush Addict Tag

Not often will I do tags, especially for a makeup item I barely wear. But considering I've only just done a post on my new favourite blush, how could I skip past The Blush Addict Tag that the gorgeous Ella from Every Little Thing 07 tagged me in? I just couldn't. And I do apologise now, it seems I only mention around 2 items in this. Blush variety? Not in this post...

1. What colour blush suits you the most?

Erm, none? Okay that is a bit hasty, but blushes are the one makeup item I have the most issue with. None really suit me, but I like them so oh well. I normally opt for deeper warmer shade like, or Nars Unlawful.

2. Pressed/Cream/Loose Blush?

Loose. Without a doubt. Anyone who can apply creams with ease deserves a blusher medel.

3. Favourite Shimmery Blush?

Well anyone who knows me will know shimmer is something I avoid like the plague, my face can't handle that much. Yet Nars Unlawful has my perfect shimmer amount. Aka, not much.

4. Favourite Matte Blush?

Bit more of my forte, and MAC always have this area spot on for me. Coppertone to be exact.

5. Favourite Cream Blush?

Err, none.

6. Favourite Drugstore Blush?

The recent purchase of the Max Factor Creme Puff Blushes steal this title for me. Notable mentions should be any of the Sleek ones, and the Makeup Revolution Ultra Blush and Contour palette in Golden Sugar. £6? A total steal from Makeup Revolution.

7. Favourite High End Blush?

Definitely Nars. Cliche? Perhaps. But Nars just don't fail and were in fact the first blushes to convince me away from just bronzer.

8. Favourite Bright Blush?

Well, none on me but I have been eyeing up the Nars Dual-Intensity Blush in Adoration and it looks stunning.

9.Biggest Blush Disappointment/Regret?

I don't have any blush disappointments. Considering I have only ever brought around 2 blushes in my entire life and after much much research this would be very hard. Saying that, on shoots I have had the joy of baby pinks applied to my cheeks, and its safe to say that makeup artist got the death stare.

10. Best Blush Packaging?

Chanel. Chanel packaging wins at everything, lets be honest.

11. What's On Your Blush Wishlist?

More Chanel, because that will always be my answer. With the Jardin De Chanel from their Spring 2015 collection purely for that pretty rose embossment.

12. Number 1 Holy Grail Blush?

I might of already mentioned this in this post, but Nars Unlawful.

Okay, so there were like 3 products mentioned, and don't worry I have noticed how shallow I am in regards to packaging. I tag Jessie from All Things Beautiful, Jess from Blonde of Carbs and Kirsty from Effortlessly Excessive. And anyone who wants to do this of course, as there isn't yet a blusher law. But you do have to send me the links....

What is your favourite blusher?

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