Latest in Beauty: Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Box

  

I'm not usually one for beauty subscription boxes. For a long time, I have watched on from afar, keen to sign up to one but forever disappointed with the monthly reveals. Generally, I don't find that there is much in them to tempt me, and on the rare occasion a product does, it seems to come in an underwhelming sachet size, which for things like skincare and foundation, is nowhere near enough to get a real feel for it.

Browsing the latest offerings a couple of weeks or so ago, however, I spotted something that I just couldn't ignore - The Get the Gloss Beauty Insider Box, from Latest in Beauty. I almost did a double take when my eyes zeroes in on the contents, and then again when I spied the bargain price - £19.95 (plus £3.95 shipping) for NINE luxury samples, and not a sachet in sight. And as if that wasn't enough, the collective total value of the products comes to a whopping £116 - need any more convincing?

If you do, then a run down of the products should do it for you.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer

A lightweight gel primer, enriched with vitamins. Apply prior to foundation or tinted moisturiser for a flawless base that lasts the distance. I've been using this for the past couple of weeks, and it definitely helps to improve longevity.

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner

This is a full-size sample. A felt-tip pen-style liner designed to create the perfect cat flick with ease. This is great for getting a precise line, whether thick or thin is your thing.

Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

A strengthening and repairing concentrate to reinforce skin's immunity and resist the premature signs of ageing.

Glam Glow Supermud Clearing Treatment

A detoxifying mud mask to brighten, even and smooth the skin. This one also aims to unclog pores by drawing the toxins out, improving elastin and collagen levels to boot (!?).

I'm not 100% sure how this one works, but it's been on my list of things to try for a long while - watch this space.

Therapie Roques ONeil Cherish Skin Repair Serum

A concentrated daily serum to boost moisture and revitalise cell function to improve the micro-circulation of the skin. Fortifying and nourishing, this is a luxurious product which protects the skin from everyday environmental stressors. Show me a person who couldn't do with a bit of extra help in that department.

Daniel Sandler Concealer Brush

An award-winning, handbag-sized taklon concealer brush that fits perfectly under the eye for concealing dark circles and bags. Definitely something I will benefit from!

Essie Nail Lacquer in Parka Perfect

Who doesn't love a new Essie nail polish? This one is a lovely opaque grey.

Essie Nail Lacquer in Shearling Darling

Not just one, but two. Shearling Darling is a rich wine shade, and perfect for the remaining weeks of Winter.

Balance Me Radiance Face Oil

A hydrating and replenishing face oil - 100% naturally active 'nectar for the skin'. This aims to plump, smooth, and address dull, dehydrated and uneven skin.

James Read Sleep Mask Tan

A hydrating overnight tanner which guarantees a subtle, golden glow by morning. Infused with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, cucumber, hyaluronic acid and red algae.

So there you have it - the nine beauty products that we should, apparently, all be reaching for in 2015. I have to say, I don't think they're far wrong, as half of these have been on my hit list for some while now. As for those that haven't, I'm looking forward to trying them out, and seeing what all the fuss is about!

Do you subscribe to beauty boxes? If so, what has been your favourite beauty discovery so far?

XX

New in from Charlotte Tilbury

During a recent trip to London for the #nyLDNmeet, I couldn't resist popping along to Selfridges to check out the now infamous Charlotte Tilbury counter. Having already given myself a good talking to about how much I was allowed to spend, I came to the decision that I would simply try out a couple of eyeshadow quads and choose one, but when I approached the ladies at the counter, I found myself swiftly being swept into a chair to have a full Charlotte Tilbury makeover. I can't say that I was upset - the chance to try out the full range of products, from skincare right down to the finishing touches is every beauty fiend's dream. So, I readily obliged, and let her get to work.

I won't go into all of the products used in this particular post - it seems futile, given that I don't have any accompanying pictures of the end result. What I will say, however, is that I left that counter with a list as long as my arm of products to try. I was particularly impressed by Charlotte's Magic Cream, the Wonder Glow Primer,  Light Wonder Foundation ( I was number 2) and The Retoucher (number 2 again), all of which worked together to create a perfectly dewy, flawless base.

In the end, I caved in, and while I managed to talk myself out of buying the base products just yet due to having just replenished my usual stocks from other brands, I couldn't resist treating myself to a Luxury Palette in The Golden Goddess, Rock 'n' Kohl Iconic Liquid Eye Pencil in Barbarella Brown, and the Filmstar Bronze & Glow Face Sculp and Highlight (which only as I'm writing this, have I realised is Bronze & Glow as opposed to Killer Cheekbones, which is the one I really wanted! Oh well - half the price, and all that).

I'm really excited to put these to the test and to see whether they live up to the huge amount of hype surrounding them, as well as everything else Charlotte Tilbury. If I'm honest, the packaging itself was enough to entice me - shallow, I know, but let's hope the products are up to scratch.

I'll keep you posted on how I get on. 

Have you tried anything from Charlotte Tilbury? If so, do you have any recommendations?

XX

The Daily Face

Well, it's been a while since I've done a 'Daily Face' post, and I thought it was about time I brought you bang up to date on which products have been making it into my daily routine of late. It's likely that they are quite different from the items I was using the last time I did a round-up, but I'm sure you will have seen a few of these pop up in The Weekly Selection weekly favourites posts or reviews at some point over the past couple of months.

Starting with my base of choice, it's undoubtedly the Laura Mercier Silk Cream foundation. Mine is in Porcelain Ivory, a shade which is sadly that little bit too pale for me at the moment, but I've been mixing it with a little bit of my Rimmel Wake Me Up in a darker shade for the perfect combination. Silk Cream is just fantastic, transforming the skin so that it glows with a natural radiance. I apply it over a base of the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer in 'Luminizing' for the perfect pairing, and it's safe to say that dull skin has become a thing of the past.

Brow-wise. the latest addition to my collection of products is the fabulous Benefit Gimme Brow. This is essentially a tinted brow gel, which is combed through to shape and fill, all in one go. I love this concept, as it saves on having to use too many different products to achieve the same effect. That said, I do still follow up with my MUA Pro Brow Kit, as I find I need to fill in the straggly ends a bit more. Obviously where the hairs are lacking, you can't really add much with Gimme Brow - and if you try, be prepared to get it smudged and smeared on your skin!

The L'oreal Superliner Blackbuster makes lining the eyes so much easier. It's a chunky felt tip type pen as opposed to a flimsy brush. My only gripe with this is that it isn't quite black enough and tends to fade a little too quickly for my liking. Until I find a suitable replacement, however, this is going to be staying in my makeup bag for convenience as much as anything else. It's a shame I am yet to perfect the winged liner look!

O'll generally apply this after a basic  nude or taupe eyeshadow, but I'm chopping and changing so much at the moment that I didn't have a particular one to share.

I finish off my eye makeup with Benefit They're Real mascara. I love this mascara, as it's so incredibly lengthening and gives my lashes oodles of volume.

A slick of Hourglass Rouge Opaque Liquid Lipstick in Riviera is what it's all about lip-wise at the moment. It's such a vibrant shade of orange, and just the sort of shade I go for at this time of year. It has excellent staying power, too, which is excellent if you're lazy at reapplying, like I am!

I finish my look with a light dusting of By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder to blur any imperfections and perfect my look. This stuff doesn't come cheap, so I don't necessarily use it every day - but I do reach for it on a fairly regular basis. You need to be sure to buff it into the skin to avoid it leaving a white caste on the skin, but if I ever get compliments on my skin, it's when I've been using this.

Do you have any every-day makeup essentials?

xx

The Weekly Selection

Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation  //  Hourglass Rouge Opaque Liquid Lipstick  //  Benefit They're Real Mascara //  By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder

Some weeks, I struggle to find a brand new selection of products that have made their way into my daily routine, as often I find that I am using the same things, bar one or two. But others, I have an absolute plethora of goodies I can't wait to share, and it depends largely on how much I've been beauty shopping of late, or in this case, whether I've recently had a birthday! This year, I was lucky enough to receive lots of beauty-related gifts in honour of the big day - a huge bundle of Benefit treats from the hubby, some long-coveted Space NK products from my mum, and a cheeky couple of items I treated myself to with some money I was kindly gifted by my grandfather.

This is one of those weeks where I feel genuinely excited about all of the products I've selected for this post, and I'm sure it's not difficult to see why.

I recently found myself in need of a new foundation, and during my birthday shopping trip I happened upon a Laura Mercier counter. The Silk Creme foundation (£34) has been on my to-try list since the year dot, but with there being a severe lack of counters in my city I've always had to keep it on the backburner until the opportunity arose. Yes, I know I could have bought it online, but when it comes to foundations I'm simply not willing to take the risk and play a guessing game with the shades. So, this time, I made a beeline for the lovely lady on the counter and she was happy to match me up. I went for the shade Beige Ivory, which turned out to be absolutely perfect ( none of the usual scenario where it looks great in store, but horrifically orange / Casper white once you get out into natural light). This foundation leaves me looking flawless and glowing with health, and is everything I had hoped it would be. Well worth the wait, I'd say, and I'm really pleased with my purchase.

The Benefit They're Real mascara (£19.50) is another product I had long put off trying, albeit for different reasons. I simply couldn't bring myself to fork out so much money for a mascara, especially when I was perfectly happy with my L'oreal Volume Million Lashes at half the price.  But when I cracked open a vintage tin packed with Benefit goodies on my birthday, I was more than happy to find this inside. Nevertheless, I wasn't convinced it would live up to the hype, and I must admit, I was wrong. This lengthens, separates and volumises all in one go, and never before have I tried a mascara that so fantastically defines my lower lashes. Suffice to say, I'm an absolute convert, and I'm dreading the day I reach the end of my tube as I know I'll be opening my purse.

Next are two products I had been dying to get my hands on for an absolute age, but every time I ventured onto the Space NK website I'd leave feeling sorry for myself, unable to bring myself to part with so many pennies for what is essentially a facial powder and a liquid lipstick. Luckily, birthdays are the perfect opportunity to be treated, and when someone else is kind enough to do so then it's only the excitement left to deal with.

The By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder (£42) has been the ultimate dream, but at over £40 for the pot, it's not a decision to be taken lightly when there are so many other powders on the market. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one earned me all the compliments I had imagined it might - not because I am fabulous, but because the product itself makes my skin look glowing and flawless. I dust this on over the top of my makeup for nights out, and it really finishes the look, leaving me feeling polished and ready to go.

Last up, it's the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick (£23), in the vibrant shade Riviera. A bright and punchy, very orange toned red, you apply with the doe foot applicator and leave to dry for a few seconds. This one stays put really well compared to some liquid lipsticks I've tried - Rimmel Apocalips, anyone?( I have, however, recently come across one with even more impressive staying power, which I'll be blogging about soon.) Riviera is an absolutely stunning shade and is perfect for summer. It doesn't leave my lips feeling dry or hydrated, and adds a gorgeous statement to the most pared down of makeup looks.

So all in all, a fabulous week of products. I absolutely adore all four of these, and they are bound to remain staples for a long time. 

Which products have you been loving this week? Have you splashed out on any real treats, and if so, did they live up to the hype?

xx

Cult Beauty Wishlist

Studio 10 Visible Lift Face Definer  //  Aromatherapy Associates Relax Balm  //  Anastasia Brow Wiz  //  Elemis Jasmine & Rose Bath Milk  //  Aesop Control  //  EOS Honeysuckle Honeydew Lip Balm  

So I might have been having a little bit of a browse on Cult Beauty lately, and if you think it was the first time then you'd be very wrong. I often find myself clicking between that site and Space NK, longing to fill my virtual shopping basket and skip happily to the checkout, but with the prices of premium brands these days it is rarely something that happens - and when it does, I'm more likely to be hanging my head with guilt.

But there's something about such products that are hard for a beauty blogger to resist - or anyone else who enjoys trying and testing high end makeup and skincare, for that matter.

I am completely new to Studio 10, and have never, ever tried any of their products. But the second I saw this Visible Lift Face Definer palette, I knew I had to have it. The muted taupe shade is completely perfect for contouring - with grey tones rather than orange, it would create a really realistic shadow, giving anyone cheekbones to die for. I'm intrigued by the gel blush, too, as I can't say I've ever come across such a formula in the past, but it certainly looks to be a gorgeous, bright shade for Summer. And who doesn't love a highlighter? At £30 for all three, I think it would be well worth the investment, and is a great way to sample a few products from a new brand, all in one go.

I'm a terrible stress head, and by that I mean that I worry and fret about almost everything. Sometimes I think I'm going to drive myself mad, and with my mind racing at a million miles an hour on a regular basis, I've tried pretty much every relaxation remedy out there.
So it comes as no surprise that I gravitated straight towards the Aromatherapy Associates Relax Balm. With a mix of vetyver, chamomile and sandalwood essential oils, this strikes me as quite a different blend from the ones I have tried before, and as such, I'm hopeful that it might provide some new relief!

I'm a little bit obsessed with defining my brows, as I think that doing so can make a real difference to any face. I'm always looking out for the best new brow products on the market, and the Anastasia Brow Wiz ticks all the boxes. With a skinny, mechanical nib it mimmicks even the finest of hairs, giving you absolute control with a really natural looking result.
I must admit, the last three items were added on a whim. I am in love with Elemis bath milks -when it comes to hydration and baby soft skin, nothing else comes close. At £42, I doubt I'd bite the bullet and purchase one myself (I was lucky enough to win one in the past), but it's always nice to dream.
EOS lip balms are always welcome in my handbag, as they smell amazing and get the job done in a pleasant and effective manner. The new honeysuckle honeydew offering sounds like just my cup of tea, and perfect to replace my minty winter Carmex.
I rarely get blemishes these days, but everyone could do with having a secret weapon on hand for the odd occasion they do decide to make an appearance. You can bet your bottom dollar it'll be the most inconvenient timing of all, so the Aesop Control is firmly on my radar. With witch hazel, lemon peel, rosemary leaf and sage oils - alongside antibacterial tea tree and exfoliating salicylic acid to chemically resurface and ease congestion, this one is bound to be a winner.
Better start saving my pennies!

Do you shop at Cult Beauty?
What's on your shopping list this week?

xx

The Weekly Selection

Helena Rubinstein Color Clone Foundation  //  Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polish  //  Nature's Extracts Indulgent Fig & Orange Oil Moisturising Body Butter

Life has been going a million miles an hour at the moment, but one thing is for certain: This beautiful sunshine we're having is well worth slowing down for! Yesterday, after work, we went and sat outside one of our favourite places on the harbour for a nice cold cider, and being able to actually do something with my evening and enjoy the daylight made me feel so much more alive. Afterwards, we met up with some friends for tapas and a cheeky cocktail or two - not my usual Monday evening, but I have to say, it was a more than welcome start to the week.

I hope you've been able to enjoy the lovely weather, wherever you are.

Anyway, onto the purpose of today's post, which is to share some of my most reached- for products of late. I'm aware that I usually tend to do this towards the end of the week, but hey, who makes the rules? Last week was so hectic that I didn't have the chance, so here we are, on a Tuesday instead. I don't mind if you don't.

After running out of my previous foundation, I stumbled upon Helena Rubinstein's Colour Clone (shade Vanilla), which had been sitting patiently on my beauty shelf since late last year. I picked this one up on my way back from Amsterdam, but it was one of those things where, once you get home, it just doesn't seem to be the right shade. Now that winter is over, however, and I've got a bit more colour in my cheeks, I have fallen head over heels in love with it. Color Clone gives the most unbelievably natural-looking coverage, almost to the point that it looks as though I'm not wearing foundation - only with beautifully flawless skin. It does an amazing job of evening things out, with special colour-cloning pigments which clone the skin's colour structure, and has an incredibly light, barely-there feel on the skin.

There's very little not to love about this, and I am definitely going to be hunting down some of Helena's other creations as soon as I have the chance.

Next up, it's the beautiful Topshop Glow Highlighter in the shade Polish. A light, pearly cream, this looks perfect smoothed onto cheekbones over a pretty cream blush for a natural-looking highlight without the glitter. For a more glamorous look, it can easily be layered up - and if I'm going out, I apply some down my nose, under my brows and across my Cupid's bow for an extra glow.

I can't imagine that I'm alone in my love for fruity scents once the warmer months roll round, and the M&S Nature's Extracts Indulgent Fig & Orange Oil Moisturising Body Butter (whew-can you say that in one breath!?) is just divine. Light, juicy, with a hint of 'green' this one sells really natural and is not at all overpowering or sickly. Smoothing this on after my shower is an absolute pleasure, and it leaves my skin silky soft.

All three of these are bound to remain favourites well into the summer months, although no doubt there will be a few more beauty treats joining them before long.

Which products have you been reaching for this week?

Have you discovered any new or exciting brands?

Enjoy the rest of your week.

XX

Topshop Makeup Haul

                            Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heels  //  Topshop Glow Highlighter in Polish  //  Topshop Lips in Beguiled

It wouldn't be a trip into town without a quick browse in Topshop - even if the original intention was just to go to the bank.

It had been a while since I last treated myself to some Topshop makeup, and I was keen to have a look at what was new to the shelves. Needless to say, a quick scan turned into a lengthy peruse, and I came away with these three covetable items.

The cream blush in Head Over Heels had been a long time coming, with it initially gracing my wish list this time last year. At the time, I settled for an equally impressive coral pink shade called Flush, but I could resist this peachy coral any longer.

Beguiled has always struck me as quite a wintry shade, but upon further inspection it became clear that it's more versatile than I'd given it credit for. A light layer gives a pretty matte finish, with the shade itself a wearable berry. I actually picked these up at the beginning of March, and this has been my go to shade as we've transitioned through from winter to spring.

Last into my shopping bag was one of the fairly new cream highlighters in the shade Polish. This is a stunning pearly formula which dresses up any daytime look ready for the evening, and it's safe to say I'm sold. Having gone through a minor obsession with highlighters a few years ago, I'd then fallen out of love in favour of a more natural look. But this one is subtle and beautiful, without being overly glitzy. Love it.

If you're considering any of these then I'll be posting reviews on them soon.

Have you made any Topshop makeup purchases lately? What are your favourite items?

XX

Review: Sleek Blush in Life's a Peach

I love Sleek blushes. They're cheap, highly pigmented and easy to work with, and they come in a generous compact with a huge mirror. What's not to like?

Life's a Peach s no exception to any of the above, and being a pretty, warm orangey-peach, it's the perfect shade for giving your cheeks that summer glow we all crave at this time of year. It might look a bit scary in the pan, but while it is very pigmented and easy to pick up on the brush, it's pretty buildable, giving you options about how you choose to wear it. A light wash of colour is really flattering on bronzed skin, but if you really want to stand out from the crowd then this blush will easily do that job too. 

While it is easy to work with, I must admit that it doesn't pick up on the brush quite as well as some of Sleek's other shades - but saying that, it does blend out more easily than, say, Rose Gold. It's also nice and finely milled, making it silky soft in texture, and wears really well without becoming streaky or patchy.

Left: blended out. Right: Swatched quite heavily. 
(Excuse the hairband mark on my arm in the middle of the blended swatch!)

This has quickly worked its way up in my blush repertoire and is up there in my top three for the summer months. 

Sleek Life's a Peach is available at a bargainous £4.49 from Superdrug.

Have you tried anything from Sleek?

If so, what is your favourite?

xx

Summer Blushin'

L-R: Topshop Cream Blush in Flush, Sleek blush in Life's a Peach, Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Peachykeen

Topshop Cream Blush in 'Flush'

                                                    

                                                                                          Sleek Blush in 'Life's a Peach'

       Mac Sheertone Shimmer Blush in 'Peachykeen'

There's nothing like a bright pop of colour on the cheeks to brighten up the dullest dud of a 'Summer's' day, and now that the UK is actually basking in sunshine for a change, a vibrant blush fits the bill more than ever before (well, at least this year).

I am very much a corals and peaches girl, and will use any excuse to crack them out when the warmer months begin to roll round. In fact, you'll often catch me trying to sneak them out in the cooler months too, especially in terms of blushes. I just find that they are so flattering, even on a paler skin tone, and really add a bit of extra oomph when I'm looking a bit washed out or lacklustre.

Today I thought I'd share with you my three most reached-for blushes for Summer 2013, and I can honestly say that since about March time, nothing but these beauties has graced my cheeks - that's how much I love them!

First up is the Topshop Cream Blush in Flush, which I reviewed within the last couple of weeks (for that post, click here). I think we all love a good cream blush at this time of year, and this one is no exception. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this bad boy is my favourite specimen of all time, and I have been loving the pinched effect I get by dotting this onto my cheeks and then blending it lightly with my Real Techniques stippling brush. In terms of the shade, it's absolute perfection - a bright coral pink that is highly pigmented but also buildable. I have been wearing and wearing this, and particularly love teaming it with Mac's Cremesheen lipstick in Coral Bliss. Love.

Next up is the newest addition to my blush collection (it finally arrived last week), a Sleek powder formulation in the shade Life's a  Peach. This is a really gorgeous peachy-apricot, and is a slightly different hue to the others I've got squirreled away in my arsenal of cheek products. My only gripe with it is that it's a little bit backwards in coming forward when it comes to swatching, but that said, it does seem to pick up reasonably well on a nice soft Eco Tools brush and blends out to give a lovely wash of colour that's bright without being too much. 

And last but by no means least is my Mac Sheertone Shimmer blush in Peachykeen (full review and swatch here). This is definitely a darker, dirtier peach, and contains a beautifully subtle hint of shimmer that I find provides a gorgeously luminous, healthy glow. While there is a hint of glitter in he pan if you look closely, it won't translate onto the cheeks, so no risk of the glitter ball effect here. I'd say that of the three, this is the best option for day to day, as it won't clash with any other bright makeup choices on the eyes or lips. When it comes to the other two, they really do do all the talking, and become the main feature of the look.

Are there any blushes you've found yourself reaching for over and over this season?

What are your favourite formulations for Summer?

xx

Topshop Brighten Concealer

As part of my birthday present, I received a few new items of Topshop makeup, one of those being the Brighten concealer in the shade Moonlight.

This product claims to be a long-wearing concealer which flawlessly disguises dark circles, with an even and seamless finish, so obviously from the off this was going to be my kind of product!

The concealer comes in a pen form with a brush applicator, not unlike the YSL Touche Eclat and the thousands of other imitations which have since appeared on the market. I do find this quite handy, especially for use on the go, but as with all pen concealers I tend to find it a little bit awkward to dispense. The first time I used this, I had to twist it up several zillion times before any product began to emerge, but while some pens tend to suddenly, unexpectedly overflow in an instant, this one doesn't. However, I do find that some time is wasted having to twist and click it before every use, as it's a little bit backwards in coming forwards. I find that for me, the brush tip is not sufficient for blending alone, and I generally use either my Real Techniques setting brush (hey, never mind the name - it does the job), or pat it in with my fingertips.

Moonlight is a pale salmon pink colour, and I find this doubles up as a pretty highlighter on the inner corners of the eye and on top of the cheekbones, though personally I don't often use it for that purpose as I have several highlighting products to choose from.

Now, this does do a fairly good job of disguising dark circles, but it's not for those of you who need something heavy duty as it's quite light. I enjoy using it on those days where I'm looking reasonably ok upon waking, and want to perk up my eyes a bit and go for a nice natural, no make-up look. In terms of actual coverage though, I still swear by my Mac Pro Longwear concealer, as that's the only one I've come across that really ticks all the boxes when I'm looking tired and run-down.

Have you tried any Topshop makeup?

What are your favourite products?

xx

Review: Mac Pro Longwear Concealer

Hi everyone, I've been a bit absent on here for the past week or so due to illness, as I did mention in Monday's post. I had a nasty bout of the flu, which knocked me for six a bit, and it's only today that I've been feeling back to myself and have got the energy to get on here and get back to blogging. I'm glad to be back, as I do hate leaving this little corner unattended. Normal service shall now resume!

I often complain about the dark circles I have under my eyes, and while they are hardly a severe example they do tend to put a dampener on my day in the mornings. I've tried countless concealers and eye creams, and while I have now discovered the Elemental Herbology Eye Elixir, which has worked very well for me in terms of darkness and puffiness, I was still on the hunt for that perfect concealer. Previously, I had been using Benefit Erase Paste, which I did quite like for some while, but essentially I began to notice that it was sinking into and emphasising fine lines just beneath my lower lash-line, and let's be honest, nobody wants to have to contend with that in their twenties. I had often wondered if the level of coverage Erase Paste gave was all there was - it's quite a thick paste, but still I could see the darkness through it.

So, on a fairly recent trip to Mac, I thought I would ask for some advice, having never tried their range of concealers in the past.

I was recommended the Pro Longwear Concealer, which is designed especially for the under-eye area. It comes in a small glass tube with a pump dispenser on the top - something which I quite like as it seems far more hygeinic than dipping your fingers into a pot or jar. The only down-side on that score is that often, one pump is too much, so you can end up wasting a bit of product here and there.

I was surprised to be recommended the shade NC30, which is a shade darker than my NW25 skin (I'm still unsure whether I'm really supposed to be an NW or NC, as I'm yet to find the perfect shade for me in Mac products). Anyway, I have always been of the belief that it was wise to go for a lighter shade under the eyes, since you are trying to counteract the darkness. However, the assistant very kindly applied some of the product for me, and I was astonished to see how much better a job it did of concealing my dark circles. It seems to me that using a lighter shade under the eyes only serves to highlight the problem, and if you're not careful you can easily end up with reverse panda eyes. Saying that, some people seem to swear by this method, so as usual, I suppose it's down to personal preference.

The concealer itself is a liquid, not unlike the Pro Longwear foundation in consistency, and blends effortlessly into the skin when applied with my Real Techniques setting brush (maybe not its intended purpose, but it works for me!). I find  the lasting power to be really good, even more so when I dust a small amount of powder over the top to set it - after eight hours it still looks pretty good, but it does depend on whether or not I've been absent-mindedly rubbing my eyes throughout the day or not, which does happen on occasion!

Overall I'm really pleased with this concealer, and I don't think I've ever been able to say that about any of the others I've tried. I'm going to stick with it, as used in conjunction with the afore-mentioned Eye Elixir, I'm finally feeling better about my dark circles and don't have that moment of despair in the mornings any more.

The Pro Longwear Concealer comes in at £14.50 for 9ml, and is available from the Mac store here.

What are your favourite under-eye concealers and creams? Have you ever tried anything that worked really well for you?

xx

Review: Mac Blush in Peachy Keen

As we all know very well, a girl can never have too many Mac blushes, and you might remember seeing in last month's beauty haul video that on my last trip to my closest shop, I picked up a new Sheertone Shimmer blush in the shade Peachykeen.

Sheertone Shimmer blushes are, as you would expect, quite sheer, but can be built up to achieve a bright pop of colour if that's the look you prefer. They also contain hint of shimmer, and while tiny flecks of glitter are detectable in the pan, they don't transfer onto the face at all, appearing only as a beautifully subtle golden sheen. 

 Peachykeen is described by Mac as a 'very baby peach', and I have to say, it looks nothing like the swatch on their website, which is more of a reddish plum shade. It's a good job we have beauty blogs to help us out with things like this! Personally, I'd describe Peachykeen as a dark pinky-peach - it's not a soft pastel peach, and there is definitely something a bit earthier about it.

I had actually had no intention of taking home a blush when I popped into the Mac shop, but the assistant there kindly swiped some onto my cheeks to complement a couple of other products I was trying out, which I purchased, satisfied, and left. But for the rest of the day, which I was spending doing a bit of clothes shopping, whenever I caught sight of myself in the mirror I was impressed with the healthy glow I seemed to be exuding. Of course, I had the blush to thank for this, and by the end of the day I had swiftly popped back and snapped it up. It's now become my most-used powder blush, as it's such a flattering, wearable shade, and the subtle, radiant glow it provides is enough to perk up any tired, run-down or lacklustre face. Although it's sheer, it's also highly pigmented, so a light hand is recommended when applying it. It wears well too, and is still going fairly strong by the time I get home after a day at work. For me, this was my first Sheertone Shimmer blush, and after it's success I have now got my eye on Springsheen and Peachtwist.

What's your favourite Mac blush formulation?

Have you tried any of the Sheertone Shimmer shades?

xx

Ingredients Exposed #1: Chemical Nasties

*This image is purely for illustration purposes, and I'm not suggesting that any/all of the products shown contain any or all of the chemicals below!

Parabens. Sulphates. Mineral Oil. We're constantly being told to avoid all manner of  'nasty' skincare ingredients, and I, for one, have bought right into it, my skincare collection now being almost entirely made up of natural and organic products. However, when it comes to makeup, giving such additions the swerve can pose much more of a challenge, so I thought it was about time we had a closer look at what exactly we are trying to avoid, and why we should (or shouldn't?) be doing so.

This is going to be a two part series, because despite what we are generally led to believe, natural skincare does have its pitfalls too, as I've recently discovered. But today it's all about those chemical critters, so read on for Part 1.

Parabens are a group of compounds used as preservatives, to prevent bacteria, fungus and other delights from taking hold and ruining whatever it is you've spent your hard-earned cash on.

Besides cosmetics, they are also found in pharmaceuticals, and even food products, so even the most vigilant among us would be hard pushed to eliminate them from their lifestyle completely. 

So, what is it that's so terrible about parabens? Well, studies have shown that they are able to mimic the hormone oestrogen, which is already known to have links to female cancers such as ovarian and breast cancer. In fact, tests run on breast tumours have actually confirmed the presence of parabens. While there is no solid evidence that there is a link between the two, it has certainly made me think twice about what I'm putting on my face, and while I often think I'm doing well by leaving it out of my skincare, it scares me a little bit to think that I'm then plastering it on anyway in the form of foundation, blush and all kinds of other cosmetics.

Sulphates, again, are found in countless beauty products, the most common of those being shampoos and foaming cleansers. You know that lovely thick lather you get when you wash your hair? That's all down to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and so is the foam from gel cleansers, which are often used by the oilier-skinned among us to achieve a squeaky-clean visage. Sulphates help water and oil to mix, enabling them to effectively lift dirt, oil and impurities and wash them away.

There is a common mis-conception that without bubbles, you're not getting the same deep clean. But actually, the addition of sulphates only means that you are stripping your skin of its natural oils and leaving it dry and dehydrated (hence the afore-mentioned squeaky-clean feeling). Now I know that some of you will be thinking that that's exactly what you want, but it's not - your skin does require a certain amount of the natural oils it produces, and if you take them away then it's only going to go into overdrive trying to replenish what it has lost.

The main concern with sulphates is the fact that they are quite strong irritants. If you get them in your eyes then you'll know about it! Those of you with sensitive skin are better off avoiding these where possible, and if you've got oily skin then why not try an oil cleanser if you haven't already? If you haven't already heard, they are extremely effective at removing grime and dirt from your pores, and contrary to the belief that they'll leave your skin even oilier, they are actually more likely to leave it feeling clean, plump and hydrated.

Mineral Oil is an inexpensive carrier oil, used to bulk out a large number of beauty products such as cleansers and serums. A by-product of the distilation of gasoline from crude oil (doesn't that sound appealing!? Mmm, I want to rub it all over my face....), it's clear, has no scent and won't spoil or go off.

Needless to say, it's a penny-pinching option for many of the big beauty brands out there who want to maximise their profits and minimise their costs.

So, what's the problem with mineral oil? Well, the skin has a pretty tough time trying to absorb it, resulting in a film being left over the skin which will then inevitably clog up pores, often resulting in breakouts. And as if that wasn't enough, when it is eventually absorbed, it passes through the liver and intestinal tract, mopping up any fat-soluble vitamins floating in its path and essentially robbing the body of much-needed nutrients. Lovely jubbly.

I don't know about you, but I'd never considered the direct impact of the products I was using on the outside of my body on the inner workings of it until recently, and frankly it's quite scary.

So, those are the three biggest baddies, or so we are told. Personally, I've always loved the idea of using natural ingredients on my skin rather than scary man-made chemicals, and the evidence is certainly enough to provide most of us with a push in the right direction. However, I will say that nowadays, it seems that pretty much everything has been linked to cancer or some other ailment in some form or other, so it's difficult to know where the truth really lies. Short of stopping breathing, it's impossible to completely avoid all the things we are being told to, and all we can do is inform ourselves and make the choices that we feel are right for us as individuals.

Next up, I'll be talking about some of the delicious-sounding natural ingredients often associated with skincare, and how they, too, can have a slightly unpleasant side.

Illamasqua Alter Ego Mystery Selection

As usual, despite having posted THIS video on what was inside my Ilamasqua Alter Ego Mystery Selection box, I thought it might be nice to do a post on the matter too. Maybe you didn't watch the video, or maybe you just fancy having a closer look at the products featured, but for anyone who is interested in what was inside this box of treats, read on.

When purchasing the gift set (I received mine as a Christmas present, but did drop some rather large hints about it), you are made aware that you will receive six full-size Illamasqua products, two of which are revealed on the box itself. Those two products are the best selling nail varnish shade Collide, which is a bright neon pink (much brighter than it looks in the image on the packaging), and the cult hit Liquid Metal in Electrum, which is essentially a cream pigment which can be used as an eyeshadow or highlighter. Illamasqua describe the shade as 'antique gold', which I think is pretty spot on.

Besides these two products, all you know is that inside the box, you will also find a lipstick, Intense lipgloss, powder blush and single powder eyeshadow, the shades of which are kept entirely under wraps.

So, which shades did I find inside mine, and what are my thoughts on them?

In my box, I received:

Powder Blush in Create

I would describe this as a sort of chestnut orangey-brown. Now, being very much a corals and peaches girl when it comes to blush, I couldn't immediately see myself going for this one. Really, it's more of a bronzer. I did have a go at contouring with this, which in hindsight was alittle ambitious as it's clearly too bold a shade for that. However, I have now found that a light dusting of this along my cheek bones can be quite flattering, and I think this will be a nice look when the warmer months roll round.

Powder Eyeshadow in Fame

This is a bright, highly pigmented emerald green. I have to admit, I'm not much of an eyeshadow wearer, much less when it comes to bright colours like this. I actually used to have an obsession with green eyeshadow in my late teens, but haven't worn it for years, and in fact I am only just getting back into wearing nude shades after some time going completely without. I am yet to give this shade a go, but perhaps it will encourage me back out of my comfort zone - however, I think this is definitely one for spring/summer, so might hold off on it until then.

Intense Lipgloss in Indulge

This is a shade that looks really quite scary in the tube, and while I love my pinks I feared that this one might be a bit too neon for me (it's pretty much the same colour as the Collide nail polish). I'm really not a fan of lipglosses and don't really wear them, much preferring lipsticks, but having given this one a go it does look quite pretty on the lips. It gives quite a subtle wash of colour, and is nowhere near as intense as it appears in the tube. However, it does of course have that sticky lipgloss consistency, which is not something I'm hugely keen on.

Lipstick in Flicker

Definitely the most disappointing item in the box. I was actually looking forward to finding out what shade the lipstick was more than anything else, so I was quite crest-fallen when I pulled off the lid. This is a sparkly golden-bronze number, and frankly something I'd just never, ever wear. I have tried it on my lips, and it's really not very flattering. Perhaps I could try using it as an eyeshadow or something, as it is quite dry in consistency as opposed to sticky, as some lipsticks can be.

All in all, I thought the contents of my selection box was ok, but unfortunately there was nothing in it that I can say I absolutely loved. This was actually my first foray into the world of Illamasqua, and I was expecting some bright shades. I think it could have been a lot worse, as I know that some people who had reviewed the box on the Debenhams website had got bright blue eyeshadows and neon orange blushes, which wouldn't have been my cup of tea at all.

I will be reviewing each of these products individually in the coming weeks, so keep your eyes open for those if you like the look of anything you've seen.

If you fancy dipping your toes into a bit of Illamasqua then you can get your hands on this set exclusively from Debenhams for just £25.33 at the moment. Down from £38 in the sale, which I think was already quite reasonable considering what you get inside, I'd say that's pretty bargainous!

Hope everyone has had a pleasant start to the week.

xx

Video: Illamasqua Alter Ego Gift Set, Revealed

Once again, another delightful thumbnail for you for today's video. I can't believe you have to wait until you have had a bout a zillion views or something just to be able to choose a decent one!

Anyway, onto the matter at hand. I was lucky enough to receive an Illamasqua Alter Ego gift set for Christmas, and while I was trying to decide whether or not to get one beforehand, I found that there was very limited information available on what other people had got inside theirs. So, I thought it might be nice to show you what was in mine, so you can make up your mind if you're thinking about picking one up for yourself in the sales, or if you just simply fancy a nose!

I will be doing a full blog post on this soon, but for now, here is a sneak peak.

Hope you enjoy it, and please like and subscribe to my channel if you do as I am currently uploading videos at least once a week, sometimes more.

Hope you're having a great week!

xx

Friday Favourites

I know, I know, it's Saturday! Sorry to be posting this a day late, but things have been really hectic what with Easter and family visiting! Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend!

The aim of Friday Favourites is to share, unsurprisingly, a few of my favourite beauty products and fashion items of the moment, so here goes.

MAC Amplified Creme lipstick in Vegas Volt, £13.50

I absolutely love this lipstick and just cannot stop wearing it at the moment! It's a gorgeous, creamy orange-coral and is another great shade for spring/summer. It's buildable, so you can achieve a gorgeous opaque finish, or you can apply a light layer and rub it in to your lips for a more subtle stain.

Love it!

Miss Selfridge Petites floral print playsuit, £37

My favourite Spring purchase so far, this playsuit is a really flattering cut, and I was thrilled to find it in the petites section as I'm a shortie. I usually find it hard to find dresses and playsuits in the right length for me, and most shops only have a very limited selection of items in their Petites range. I love the pastel colours of this one and will be wearing it dressed down with sandals and a skinny tan belt on hot summer days, and styling it up with a cropped blazer, heels and gold jewellery for nights out. If you want to see how I'm wearing it, I will be doing an OOTD post on it by the end of next week (camera permitting. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am currently having some issues with mine).

Miss Sporty Lasting Colour nail varnish in Red Tango,  £1.99, Superdrug

I didn't expect much of this cheap and cheerful nail varnish when I picked it up, at least not in terms of quality, but the bright, zingy colour was irresistible. Can you tell by now that I have a bit of a thing for orange-corals!?

Actually, these little polishes come with a graduated-tip brush, and the curved shape makes it extremely easy to paint your nails. Two coats and you are good to go.

I am also loving the gorgeous, shimmery pastel green shade (second from left), but sadly I don't know the name as it doesn't say on the bottle, and I can't find it anywhere online.

I really like the Miss Sporty colours, but I will say that they are not the most long-wearing of polishes, so are best for a quick fix.

Coral Crepe Shorts, £29, Miss Selfridge

Ok, I think my obsession with coral might be getting slightly out of hand! I didn't actually realise, until I started writing this post, that I had a running theme on the go!

But anyway, I recently picked up these shorts and they are a godsend for holidays as the material is really thin (yet not transparent, so don't worry about VPL!) and floaty, and airy. They are great with a plain white vest, and sandals for a casual daytime look. Day and night outfits post coming soon.

So that's it for the first installment of Friday Favourites! I hope you've enjoyed seeing what I'm loving at the moment.

Do you own, or have you at some point tried any of the items above? 

What did you think of them?

What are your current favourites?

xx