Monday 23 December 2013

Lord & Berry Vintage Pink Lipstick Pencil Review...




Although it's lovely to wear reds & deep burgundy colours on the lips throughout winter, it's also nice to wear something a little bit different. I have been longing to find the perfect shade of pale pink for ages. I wanted something that wasn't going to wash me out or look like I had gone for the foundation on the lips kind of look (yuk!) So I was watching Lisa Eldridge's most recent video on YouTube, looking stunning as always, and she was wearing the most beautiful lip colour. I quickly scrolled down to the description box to find that the lipstick was from Lord & Berry in the colour Vintage Pink. Lisa had included a link on where to buy and I was pleasantly surprised to find out it was only £8.

So I bought mine from Fenwicks last weekend while Christmas shopping and I really love it. As you can tell by the pictures it's actually a lip crayon, unfortunately it doesn't twist so you will need to sharpen after using it several times. It's a gorgeous pale pink with a real intensity of colour. It's very creamy so I like the way it applies and it also has a hint of shine. The bullet itself is quite small which makes it easier for you to be really precise. It doesn't last all day so you will need to carry it with you for regular top ups but it's a nice size to keep in your handbag. It also really reminds me of a MAC lipstick in 'Please Me', so if you love that kind of colour then you will really like this.

This is my first purchase from the Lord & Berry range but at such affordable prices and an excellent range of colours I think I will be happy to purchase something else.

If you want to see what it looks like on Lisa then click here and if you wish to purchase then click here.
As always thanks for reading...X

Wednesday 11 December 2013

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tints Review...



Ever since Clinique first released the very popular and very cute Chubby Stick lip balms I have been a little obsessed. I have a few colours from the range and love every single one. But this review isn't about the lips, it's all about the Chubby Stick shadows!

They were first launched earlier on in the year in a whooping 12 shades and just like the lip balms, they grew increasingly popular. With their super cute packaging and range of gorgeous shades I really struggled to pick my first one. As I have blue eyes the lady on the counter recommended the shade ample amber, a gorgeous bronze, gold colour which compliments my eyes beautifully.

The unique design of the sticks make them so easy to use. No need to ever sharpen just twist the end and apply to the lid. The formulation is also pretty great, the pigmentation & longevity is second to none and they are so easy to blend. I either use my fingers or a blending brush and often wear this colour just by it's self. It looks really nice with lashings of mascara for a glamorous look and smudged underneath the eye. They also come in handy when I only have 5 minutes to put my makeup on, quick and easy to apply, it gives a nice sophisticated touch for a daytime/work look. They also make for a lovely base for other eyeshadows. 

So all in all I love these shadow sticks and will definitely be adding more to my makeup bag. They are available for £17.00 each from all Clinique counters or you can purchase them online here.


Thursday 21 November 2013

L'Oreal Paris GlamShine Stain Splash...


I have been wanting to try the L'Oreal Paris GlamShine lip glosses ever since I heard they were a really good dupe for the YSL Glossy Stains. The YSL stain comes in at around £23.50, a pretty hefty price considering the L'Oreal ones are only £7.99. I actually prefer the packaging and overall look of these, they look so expensive and the colour I chose, Romy, is such a pretty pink.

The consistency of the stain feels slightly creamy when first applied but when built up it drys to a non-sticky, glossy finish that lasts for hours, even after eating. You do need a few coats to build up the colour, I find 3-4 gives a really good colour pay off. It also has quite a pleasant smell and the applicator makes it really quick and easy to apply. The one thing that really impressed me is how they wear off, they don't leave a horrible scummy mark on your lips, plus they really condition the lips as well.

The only downside is the colour range, it's pretty limited but what they do have to offer are all really nice. Colours Lolita and Juliet both look really pretty so I think I will definitely purchase a few more.

I don't own any of the YSL Glossy Stains so I can't compare the two products in too much detail, but for £7.99 I think I will definitely stick to the L'Oreal stains.




Wednesday 20 November 2013

Clinique take the day off cleansing balm review...


So I have been lusting after the Emma Hardie cleansing balm for months now but I just haven't been able to give in to the hefty price tag. It costs £35 which just makes my eyes water so I have been searching for something very similar. All hail the Clinique take the day off cleansing balm! I was so happy to see this in stock in my local Boots store after reading Caroline Hirons exceptional review. As some of you know Caroline is the queen of skincare so if she thinks something is good then take it as Gods words! 

At £21 for 125ml you will not find a better cleansing balm for the price. And this stuff is amazing, I have been using it for a month now and I cannot fault it. It's a pleasure to use, melts off every inch of makeup including water-proof mascara and leaves skin moisturised and so soft. It's fantastic for my dry, dehydrated skin but I also think it would suit all skin types. It doesn't leave an oily residue on the skin and as it's fragrance and essential oils free it's not going to irritate. Caroline recommends this for the most sensitive of skins.

A little goes a very long way, massage the product all over the face and with a hot muslin cloth or flannel gently wipe away. No fuss, no mess just super clean skin. I actually have a lot of redness  to my face but since using this it has really evened out my skin tone, my pores slowly seem to b disappearing as well!

I highly recommend this to everyone, if you were like me dreaming about the Emma Hardie balm but didn't want to pay the price then seriously give this a try. I'll be honest and say I am not a fan of any other Clinique's skin care products but this is on another level. Go on and treat your skin, it will seriously thank you for it.

Thursday 14 November 2013

Lanolips Banana Balm...


I have heard nothing but good things about Lanolips products and when the Banana Balm hit the shelves it seemed that YouTube guru's and bloggers went a little bit crazy! I absolutely love flavoured lip products so there was really only one reason I bought it, it's banana flavoured! It's also a great lip conditioner and protector with over 50% of ultra pure grade lanolin. It also contains actual banana extract, shea, beeswax and coco butter, all lovely things to keep your lips super soft during winter.

The smell and flavour is AH-Mazing but if you don't like bananas then this product isn't for you but if you do then this is a must! It also contains tiny flecks of shimmer so it looks really pretty on the lips. I am seriously impressed with this stuff, it's non-sticky, ultra-moisturising and long lasting (if you can sustain from constantly licking it off your lips as it tastes pretty good!)

If your not a fan of banana then don't let this put you off trying something else as Lanolips do plenty of other lip products. I've heard that Lemonaid is supposed to be pretty good as well. Check out the entire range here

The Banana Balm is exclusive to Victoria Health for £8.99.


Wednesday 23 October 2013

YSL Youth Liberator Foundation...


The Youth Liberator foundation from YSL launched early September this year. It's the first of it's kind to be made with Glycanacrif Complex which is designed to plump, revitalise youthful brightness and even out your complexion. The creamy coverage makes skin look rejuvenated and masks the appearance of any imperfections. It also contains vitamin E and SPF20.

The foundation is available in 7 made to measure shades, I use the shade BR20 which is the perfect match for my pale complexion. I have been wearing this foundation for nearly 2 weeks now so here are my thoughts...

First of all the packaging is uber chic, the glass bottle is a little on the heavy side but it looks beautiful sat on my dressing table. Take the black lid off and you will find a neat little pump that's easy and fuss free, I use 3 pumps to cover my whole face. 

The texture of the foundation is really creamy, the best way I find to apply it is with my Real Techniques buffing brush. Apply the desired amount onto the back of your hand, dab the brush into the foundation and evenly distribute across the face. I like to start from the centre of my face working outwards. The buffing brush creates a seamless finish and buffs the foundation into the skin really quickly, there is no need to blend with your fingers or any other brush which I really like.

It's medium to full coverage that is also really build-able. I find it's the perfect foundation to wear during the day and also perfect for nights out. It feels so comfortable and light-weight on the skin and the staying power is pretty incredible. I normally set the foundation with a pressed powder (currently using Rimmels Stay Matte powder) and that helps make the foundation last even longer. I was actually in Tenerife last week and wore the foundation every day. It was around 25degrees and this foundation didn't budge, I was so impressed! 

I have quite dry skin which can be a real pain but this foundation feels really moisturising and makes my skin feel really fresh. When you first apply it the skin looks really dewy which I love, but as my skin is dry it sets to leave a beautiful glow which lasts all day. Something I find really difficult to achieve with other foundations. I found it really smoothed out my uneven skin tone and didn't cling to any dry areas or cake around the nose (which the NARS Sheer Glow does) I also love how it diminishes the size of my pores.

For me this is best foundation I have tried to date and I can't recommend it enough. Price wise it comes in at £34 which is definitely on the more expensive side for a high end foundation. However I do think it's totally worth it, it's a 30ml bottle which will hopefully last me a long time even if I do wear it every day. When I did my course with Pixiwoo back in April they recommend that you invest in a high quality foundation and then you don't have to worry about purchasing expensive products for the rest of the face. I think as long as your base looks perfect then you can buy that cheaper bronzer & blush and still look really polished!

I really enjoy using this foundation and will definitely be re-purchasing. It beats my NARS Sheer Glow hands down and I will be wearing it pretty much every day. Unfortunately you can't get a sample of Youth Liberator foundation but I would definitely recommend you go to your nearest counter and get a colour match so you can see for your self how it looks and feels.

Let me know if you do purchase this or already have it, I would love to know what you think!



Monday 21 October 2013

Le Blush Creme De Chanel & Rouge Coco Shine...


My sister turned 21 on the 11th October so we took a trip to London and went to Selfridges. Our first stop was the beauty floor and OMG I was in heaven! Olivia wanted my help on spending her birthday money and I thought why not treat yourself to something from Chanel! I had been eyeing up some products for months now, especially the Chanel cream blushers so I thought that was a good place to start.

Le Blush Creme De Chanel - £27
Chanel first launched their cream blushers back on the 16th August and I have been eyeing up the pretty colours ever since. After Olivia & I swatched every shade the palest colour in the collection suited her complexion the best, colour 65 Inspiration. Described as a light, cool beige pink, Inspiration is a seriously beautiful colour. The oil-free formula is incredibly pigmented and really soft to the touch. It blends extremely well onto the cheeks and I find blending it with your fingers gives a really fresh finish. Although they initially feel and look really creamy, the finish is non-greasy and looks really velvety on the skin. Don't be afraid to use this if you have dry skin as the formula won't make your skin appear dry at all. There are 6 shades to choose from ranging from browns, pinks, peaches and burgundies so you are sure to find a perfect colour that suits you.

Rouge Coco Shine - £24
The next thing Olivia purchased was the gorgeous Rouge Coco Shine lipstick in colour 85 Secret. This pretty pale nude colour glides over lips giving them a burst of colour with some serious hydration. It feels extremely comfortable on the lips and you can't help but love whipping the beautiful Chanel case out of your handbag. The texture of the lipstick feels like a balm but reveals a stunning gloss effect on the lips with a natural shine. There are 18 shades to choose from and I literally want them all!

Let me know if you have purchased any of the above products and let me know what you think.


Friday 4 October 2013

nspa fruity goodness...



Just thought I would write a really quick post on my current favourite smellies. I love the smell of mango so I just had to pick these up on my recent trip to the super market. The shower gel seriously smells so good and the smell lasts a really long time on my skin. For an extra dose of fruity freshness I like to douse myself with the body mist. It's also really good substitute for perfume. Quick pop to the shops or whatever I like to use this instead of wasting expensive fragrance. 

They have so many different smells to choose from too, passion fruit, raspberry, vanilla, peach, coconut. I'm sure there are more but I can't remember them all. You can also pick up a body scrub and lotion as well. 

The cherry on top is the price, they are currently on offer at 3 for £5 at ASDA. My sister is loving the passion fruit spray so I may have to quickly run out and purchase that one as well!

Thanks for reading guys, Becca...X

Kerastase Hair Mask...




I have been wanting to buy a hair mask for some time & now that my hair is growing I really want to take good care of it. My hairdresser first introduced me to the Kerastase range a few months ago. Every time I go for a cut or colour she always uses a range of products on my hair. Whether it be shampoo, a leave in treatment, serum, or a hair mask. And each time the results are amazing.

So this weekend I went for a trim & I told my hairdresser that I was interested in buying a hair treatment and wanted to know which one would be the best for my hair type. She recommended that I go for the Kerastase Resistance Age Recharge Mask. When she mentioned 'Age Recharge' I instantly assumed that it was for older people, perhaps someone with grey hair. But the 'Age Recharge' range is actually suited to anyone who has longer hair. Just think how long the ends of your hair have been there for, how much heat & colour do we put them through! So this hair mask is perfect to put all those vital nutrients back into the hair & strengthen the length preventing your hair from snapping. Just use a 50p size blob and smooth onto the hair, mainly concentrating on the ends. Leave for 10-15 minutes and rinse.



Unfortunately the Kerastase range doesn't come cheap, this mask alone was £26 but I do think it is worth investing in good hair care products. I have used this mask several times and I love it. My hair feels extremely soft, the ends look great after just one use and I am loving the shine it gives. All in all I think this mask is worth the money and I would definitely recommend it.

However, I have managed to find a website that sells everything from the Kerastase range with up to 30% off products. Check out http://www.gorgeousshop.co.uk

Thanks for reading guys.

Becca...X


Monday 23 September 2013

Love at first blush...


Can we just take a moment to appreciate this gorgeous blush from Soap & Glory? I adore the cute girly packaging and the vintage pic on the case is right up my street. The compact itself contains 10 bars of delicate pearls and pinks, which when swirled together create a light dusty rose colour. I really like the amount of shimmer it gives and the lightest pearl colour looks wonderful as a highlight. It's an instant pick me up that gives a really youthful glow.

Dust once over the cheeks to give a subtle, warm flush or build up the colour to create a bespoke blusher. Either way this is one really lovely product from Soap & Glory and is wonderfully versatile for all skin tones. It looks just as gorgeous on the skin as it does in the packaging and I will definitely be picking something else up from the Soap & Glory range.

Thanks for reading guys, Becca...X





Tuesday 17 September 2013

Real Techniques miracle complexion sponge...


I absolutely love Real Techniques brushes, I have nearly every brush and I can't fault a single one. They are so affordable and give such a great finish to any look. One of my favourite brushes to apply foundation with is the expert face brush, I use it all the time with any foundation and I love it. However I have never used a sponge to apply foundation before so I was intrigued to see what a difference this would make.

This sponge hit the shops early September & it has already been featured on a lot of other beauty blogs. Nic from Pixiwoo also featured it in her recent Autumn favourites video on YouTube. 
So the sponge itself is quite unique, it has 3 different surfaces for different areas of the face. A flat surface to apply the makeup, a precision tip to concentrate on any problem areas and rounded sides for rolling, patting and blending the foundation perfectly into the skin. What I love about this sponge is that is really keeps it shape and is so gentle around the eyes, it's also fantastic at reducing the size of pores so you really get a flawless complexion.

The surface area of the sponge makes it easy and effortless to apply my foundation. I love patting it onto my skin around my nose to really hide my pores and the precision tip is perfect for covering any imperfections with a concealer. You can also use it to apply cream blushers as well.

Just like all the other brushes from Real Techniques this one doesn't disappoint. Sam Chapman really knows how to create the perfect base with this sponge and I am really glad I managed to get my hands on one. At only £5.99 it's definitely worth popping one into your makeup bag.








Monday 16 September 2013

Autograph Wild Geranium Lipstick...



I have never bought any makeup from the Marks & Spencer's Autograph range but this pretty lipstick caught my eye. Everyone loves a red lip and this one has a hint of coral undertones. It's really pigmented (more so than in the pics above) and is quite moisturising as well. The packaging is really sleek, you just press the underneath of the lipstick to release it.  I'm not too keen on the smell of the lipstick or the taste but it's not too strong so I still enjoy using it.

It gives a pretty glossy finish and staying power is not too bad. You will definitely have to keep it on you for touch ups throughout the day or evening. It's a nice lipstick to add to my collection so I am glad I purchased it. It also contains SPF 30 and is on sale for £6.50 on Marks & Spencer's website, there are 24 colours to choose from.

Thanks for reading guys, Becca...X

Tuesday 10 September 2013

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation...


Since watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation has been a staple amongst beauty gurus. I have been searching for the perfect foundation for dry skin for ages and I thought this could be the one. Pixiwoo in particular say it's great for dry skin and they seem to both use it a lot in their makeup tutorials.

This foundation is extremely pricey (£30.50) but I thought at that price and the praise it gets it must be worth it right? It must be some miracle foundation that works wonders! The first time I applied it I hated it! I applied it on clean, moisturised skin and I used a buffing brush to apply. You have to work quickly at buffing it in as it seems to cling to the skin. It was quite hard work to blend it all seamlessly and I wasn't particularly happy with the end result. My skin looked really matte, not glowing at all and I could see brush marks on my face. I then had to use my hands to blend it a second time. The colour match was great and the coverage was good, I was just really disappointed with the finish as NARS state the following: A glowing, natural radiant finish foundation with sheer and buildable coverage that immaculately evens skin tone. Replete with skincare benefits and the NARS Complexion Brightening Formula, it leaves skin hydrated, more luminous, softer and smoother. Used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin's brightness and texture.

My skin certainly didn't look radiant and I also noticed that the product just sat in my pores, making them look bigger, it was especially noticeable on my cheeks. Another downfall is that it has no pump! You have to pour it either directly onto the back of your hand or onto a brush. This is kind of annoying as you have to be super careful not to pour too much and waste the product. For £30.50 you would think a pump would be included.

The second time I used it I tried a different moisturiser, a slightly creamier one so I could blend the foundation better. It seemed to help, the foundation was easier to buff into the skin but I still wasn't getting a glowing, natural radiant finish that NARS were promising.

So today was the third time I tried it, again I used the creamier moisturiser and the same buffing brush as before.  I was slightly happier with the result, my skin didn't look as matte as before. Weirdly enough I think this is a product your skin has to get used to before you start liking it. It's like antibiotics or something, it takes a few days for the body to accept them before they work. I know that sounds crazy but NARS say if used daily, Sheer Glow Foundation improves the skin's brightness and texture, so my theory kind of makes sense!?

I'm going to continue using it hoping that each day gets better but either way I will report back. If you have tried this foundation I would love to hear what your thoughts are. Am I the only one who doesn't really like this product so far!?

Thanks for reading guys, love Becca...X

Thursday 5 September 2013

YSL Volupte Sheer Candy...


I love YSL lipsticks and this one from the Volupte Sheer Candy range is becoming one of my favorites. It's not a colour I would initially go for but I really wanted to go for something that I don't normally wear.

First of all the packaging is just so pretty, can a lipstick look any better than this? I love the band around the middle which is embossed with the iconic YSL logo. The colour of the band also indicates the colour of the lipstick, great if you quickly want to pick up a shade you are after. This one is number 13, Griotte Mocha.

So as you can guess by the name, the colour is actually really sheer, it looks gorgeously glossy on the lips and really moisturising, my lips feel instantly hydrated. I love the subtle colour pay off as well, it's an everyday colour that you could wear to school or work or you could easily pair this up with a smokey bold eye for a night out.

YSL state that it's a lipstick that thinks it's a lip balm! It's full of rich vitamins and antioxidants and smells like an exotic fruit bowl. They are quite pricey (£23.50) but then again it is YSL and who could resist popping this gorgeous product into their handbag to make them feel extra glamorous!


Tuesday 3 September 2013

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters...


So I know I am really late jumping on the bandwagon here but I just wanted to a write a post on the Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters. These have been out in the UK since March but I have only just got my hands on these now and I am so pleased I finally did!

To start the packaging is really cute (reminds me of the Chanel quilted bags) plus they are really moisturising on the lips and the colour pay off is great. There are 20 shades to choose from ranging from pale lilacs & pinks, to bright reds & corals to darker browns & berry tones. I have 4 shades, Lollipop, Peach Parfait, Sweet Tart & Strawberry Shortcake. I think the latter being my favourite one, followed by Lollipop which has fantastic staying power.

Revlon state that they contain mango, Shea & coconut butter but unfortunately they don't have a particular taste or smell. Some of you may prefer not to have a scent or taste but I like my lip balms to taste of something, mango would have been lovely!

So overall I give these a 10/10 and would like to add Candy Apple and Raspberry Pie to my collection. Let me know what colours are your favourites below...X






Friday 30 August 2013

MAC Refined Golden...



If your a fan of shimmery bronzers then this beautiful product from MAC could be well up your street. Refined Golden has a gorgeous shimmer going through the entire pan which looks great if you want to add extra dimension to your bronzer. MAC describes the powder as a lightly frosted tinted powder that gives skin sheer, natural colour effects and highlights. It's a suitable shade for all skin types, it blends well into the skin and you can build the product really well. Start off with a small amount and then build to your desired effect. 

As the bronzer is very shimmery I wouldn't advise to use it over the whole face but it looks perfect on the cheeks or dusted over the collar bone.

Have you tried any of the bronzing powders from MAC? Leave your comments below..X

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick...



This Shimmer Brick from Bobbi Brown (£32) is a gorgeous product to have in your makeup bag. The packaging is chic, just like all Bobbi Brown products plus it opens up to reveal a decent size mirror. It feels really sturdy so you don't have to worry about it cracking in your handbag.

The Shimmer Brick itself contains 5 bars of luminous colour which work well as individual eye shadows. I personally like to sweep a brush across all 5 bars and pop it over my cheekbones. I also like to take the lightest colour at the top to add highlight under my brow bone and cupids bow.

The colours are super pigmented and give a stunning glow to the face. This one is the 'bronze' brick so it's the perfect medium between a bronzer and a highlighter. I can imagine this product lasting me a really long time as you only need to use the tiniest amount to get a gorgeous affect.

The Shimmer Brick comes in a range of other different colours, I definitely want to try the Rose Shimmer Brick next, a compact filled with soft, rosy pinks!

Have you tried any of the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks?