February Beauty Favourites

It’s a new month which means, February beauty favourites blog post! The time where I gather up my favourite products of the month and share them all with you lovely people, so let’s get started!

Face

1. Benefit Hoola Bronzer

I’ve never been much of a bronzer girl, I always contour to slim my chubby cheeks down but It’s just not something I’ve ever felt like buying a high-end version of. It’s a lovely colour, not too orange but not to brown toned. Whether you’re a bronzer girl, contour girl or both, this is perfect for all.

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

If you haven’t heard of this concealer yet, then you’re clearly not a blog reader or avid YouTube watcher like me. It’s probably one of the most talked about drugstore concealers ever. I stopped using this for a while and I don’t know why, It gives such good coverage and not only that its super affordable. I don’t use this under my eyes because I think it’s a bit too heavy for such a delicate area. Why spend out when you can find such an amazing drugstore concealer.

3. Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder

Another very talked about product on blogs and Youtube. This is a lovely drugstore powder, I have the shade ‘Sandstorm’ which is perfect for me. This powder can look really natural on the skin, it gives you a little coverage, is super affordable and sets your make up in place. Job well done.

4. L’Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer

Another amazing drugstore product. This is my favourite under eye concealer at the moment, It’s not too heavy for the delicate under eye area,  gives coverage and highlights. This can also be used to highlight cheek bones, brow bones and the cupids bow.

5. Mac Mebla Blush

This is my go to blusher. Its one of MACs very well-known blushes and I can see why. I think it’s a shade that would suit many skin tones, it’s a soft coral peach. It’s such a wearable shade and gives you a warm peachy complexion to your cheeks.

Eyes

1. Maybelline Falsies Mascara

This is one of my favourite drugstore mascaras ever. It’s so easy to work with, you don’t have to apply layers and layers to get full long lashes. Two coats and my lashes have a lot of volume and length. I can’t speak highly enough about this mascara, try it!

2. & 4. Max Factor Excess Shimmer Eyeshadow

The thing that I was most drawn to about these eyeshadows where the fact they reminded me of the Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadows, not only that but these two gorgeous shades Bronze and Copper. They are a strange mousse-like creamy consistency and I love these used all over the eyelid paired with other shadows in the crease or used together. I have noticed some creasing after a long time wearing these alone on the eye lid, but all in all I really do love the shades and look of these on the eyes.

3. MAC Quad & Eyeshadows

From left to right, Shroom, Woodwinked, Wedge and Swiss Chocolate.

These are my first ever eyeshadows by MAC and I love creating looks with this quad. MAC describes shroom as a soft beige with shimmer, woodwinked as a warm antiqued gold, Wedge as a soft muted beige taupe and Swiss Chocolate as a muted reddish-brown. They all work together so well to create different looks, from day time natural looks to smokey looks. Although, I’m really unimpressed with Wedge, getting the swatch above was nearly impossible, I’m not sure if I just got a dodgy one.

Lips

1. & 2. MAC Lip Pencil (Stripdown) & MAC Lipstick (Honey Love)

 This has been currently favourite nude lip pencil and lipstick combo. In the picture above Stripdown looks a lot browner than it is and it looks very different on the lips. MAC describes Stripdown lip pencil as a creamy brown-beige, and Honey Love lipstick as a matte light beige tone with rose. It’s a very different shade nude to what I’ve had before as its more beige toned rather peachy toned, but it’s really grown on me and it’s quite moisturising for a matte lipstick.

2. Nuxe Reve De Miel Lipbalm

This is my all time favourite lip balm. Its one of the best lip balms you will ever try, it is a pricey £9.50 but I think it’s worth every penny. I apply this once before I do my makeup and once before bed and I never need to re apply it through out the day, unless my lips are particularly dry. I find some lip balms are moisturising whilst sitting on your lips, but once its worn off you need to re apply it. This is a thick, citrus scented and extremely hydrating lip balm. If you have chapped lips, this is your new best friend, you wont regret it.

3. MAC Lipstick (Crosswires)

Crosswires and Honey Love have both been my go to lipsticks in the month of February and I don’t see that changing any time soon. MAC describes this as a clean pinky orange. The formula of this is a creme sheen, which is MACS creamiest and most moisturising formula, which is why this lipstick is so comfortable to wear. It’s the perfect in-between bright and nude shade. Perfect for everyday wear.

Have tried any of these products?

Let me know in the comments one of your February favourites!

Anna

♥

January 2015 Birchbox Review

 I was typing the title to this blog post, when I began typing 2014, it then dawned on me this is my first blog post of 2015 and my first Birchbox review in a new year, where did the time go?! I hope all of your new years have started well and continue to do so!

Right, on to the reason I’m doing this blog post, my January Birchbox. This month Birchbox teamed up with ‘Womens Health’ (the magazine company) to create this New Year inspired box of goodies. I think it’s the perfect choice of theme considering a large amount of people’s new years resolutions will be to shift the pounds piled on over Christmas and to become fit and healthy by exercising more and eating healthier! Along with all the products I received in my box, came a little booklet containing challenges all aimed at promoting better health! If you want to find out more about Birchbox’s beauty box subscription or want to receive your own January Birchbox, check out birchbox.co.uk.

Activbod Cooling Finish Lotion, RRP: £12

The first product I received was a cooling lotion, This product contains a menthol formula to help cool you down after a work out. It contains scents such as pepper, zesty lemon and refreshing eucalyptus, it also contains vitamin E to repair and hydrate the skin. I can’t wait to work out, have a shower and try this out, it sounds really refreshing, which is exactly want you want after a hot and sweaty work out!

Green People Intensive Repair Shampoo, RRP: £11.95

Hair care is something I don’t get very excited about, I tend to just use a shampoo on offer from the supermarket such as Tresemme or Herbal Essences. That being said it is still nice have a change and try a higher end shampoo. This shampoo is for repairing dry, damaged and coloured hair, which is perfect considering I dye my hair.  Its free from parabans, chemicals and artificial nasties, containing ingredients like green tea, yucca, aloe vera, sandalwood and orange. I hope this product isn’t so hydrating it makes my hair limp and lifeless, I will definitely be popping this in the shower and giving it ago.

Korres Cirtus Shower Gel  RRP: £8

You can’t go wrong with receiving shower gel samples, you’re always going to need it, this one is in a lovely zesty citrus scent. The only problem is, I think Birchbox has sent me this in a previous box, which I don’t mind as it’s a lovely product but I’d prefer to receive something different. None the less this will get enjoyed and used.

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum, RRP: £45

The problem with me receiving skin care samples is I am often afraid to use them as I have such sensitive skin and blemish prone skin. I stick to the same skin care and don’t like to switch it about too much, that being said this product does sound perfect for my skin. You apply this before moisturising as you do with most serums, It’s for all skin types, oil free and free from irritating chemicals etc.

Stila Lip Glaze in the shade Kitten, RRP: £15

Ah a make up item, my favourite. I always love receiving make up items in my Birchbox’s as I am make up obsessed. I hear so much about Stila but have yet to try something from the brand, so I can’t wait to use this. It’s in a lovely nudey peach shade with gold shimmer running through it, it’s a very wearable shade and think it would look lovely over a nude lip. Very pleased with this.

Lifestyle Products

Embrace Matcha Green Tea (30 Servings), RPP: £24.99

The first lifestyle item I received is a sachet of green tea. I think this is a powder not a tea bag and it contains up 10 times more nutrients than a regular cup of green tea! Green tea is known for its health benefits and this one can not only be drank like a cup of tea, it can be blended into smoothies, juices and served hot or cold. I wish I could get used to the unusual taste of green tea but I have yet to be able to enjoy a cup, I will definitely give this one a go though. I love trying new teas and other healthy drinks or snacks.

Birchbox & Womens Health Exclusive Pilates Band

At first I thought this was a weird, rubbery over sized head band but after reading the card with the list of items in my Bichbox, I realised it was infact a resistance band used for exercising. I’m not sure whether this will get any use but it’s definitely something I might consider.

I don’t think this months box was my favourite but I’m never ungrateful as you can’t always love everything you receive in subscription boxes. Did you receive a Birchbox this month, what were your thoughts?

Anna
♥

1st Of December | Count Down To Christmas

So it’s the 1st of December, which means it’s officially the count down to Christmas. I know what you’re thinking ‘another over excited Christmas lover’ well its true! I could not help but write a blog post relating to Christmas, now I think it’s officially acceptable to get excited for it. For those of you shouting ‘bah humbug’ well you’ll either loath this blog post or maybe it will get you in the festive mood and you’ll love it. My blog from now until Christmas is going to be filled with blog posts such as gift guides, stocking fillers, party fashion, Christmas jumpers and festive make up looks!

As a start to my Christmassy blog posts, I thought why not share all the reasons I am looking forward to about this festive month.

♥ Putting up the Christmas tree and decorating the house

♥ Cute Christmas decorations

♥ Log fires

♥ Mince pies

♥ Wrapping presents

♥ Drinking mulled wine

♥ Family

♥ Christmas shopping

♥ Cosy, cute PJ’s

♥ Slippers and cosy socks

♥ Giving presents

♥ Receiving presents

♥ Christmas lights

♥ Pigs in blankets

♥ Christmas dinner

♥ Candles, candles and more candles

♥ Festive fashion and festive make up

♥ Baths with, Christmas Lush Cosmetics bath bombs

♥ My dog in her Christmas Santa jumper

♥ Christmas blog posts

♥ Scarves, hats, gloves, boots and coats

♥ Costa Coffee, black forest hot chocolates and chai tea lattes

♥ Listening to my favourite Christmas song ‘The Pogues – Fairytale Of New York’

 

What are you most looking forward to this Christmas? and what would you add to the list? Let me know in the comments!

Anna
♥

November 2014 Birchbox Review

Another Birchbox review and let me tell you this month is a gooden! Birchbox says ‘The November 2014 Cosy at Home Birchbox has come to the rescue with a selection of beauty fixes and pick me ups, perfect for the cold wintery days and nights ahead’. Sounds perfect, the winter air can really play havoc with our skin and hair! If you want to find out more about what Birchbox is or even want to order your own, head on over to the website HERE.

Dr. Jart+ V7 Relief Vita Drop, Full Size – £26

The first and big item I saw in the box was this Dr Jart+ moisturiser, for sensitive and stressed skin, this is like a cooling gel consistency which feels very light but is still meant to be super hydrating for your skin. I have been using this for past week and I must say I’m not that keen. It is just too light for me, I don’t feel like I’ve moisturised my skin properly. However it isn’t terrible I just prefer my current moisturiser and will be going back to it. I was very grateful and pleased to receive this full size product by a brand I’ve heard lots about but never tried. I think this might work for some people but it just didn’t for me.

Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask, Full size – £16

I remember getting a sample of the shampoo and conditioner by this brand in a previous Birchbox and I really liked it. I love the smell of this brands products. I’m not an avid hair mask user as my hair is very already very soft but I will defintely give these a go and hopefully they wont weigh my hair down. I think this is another generous sample size from Birchbox and I love that they come in little pots, which are easy to store in the shower (unlike little packet samples).

Lord & Berry Bronzer, Full Size £19

I’m not sure which shade the bronzer I received was as there were two you could have received. I’ve been using this cute sample size bronzer non stop for the past week and I really like it. It’s a perfect matte bronze shade for my skin, and I love contouring with it. I think it’s a decent sample size as although it looks small, it will last quite a while. Make up items are my favourite things to receive and I was very pleased with this item, so much so I might buy the full size!

OPI Coca-Cola Red, Full Size £11.95

This is possibly one of the products I was most excited to see in my box . I’ve never owned an OPI nail polish but know they are mean’t to be amazing, so I can’t wait to try this one! I love how christmassy this shade is, it’s a bright ‘coca-cola’ cherry red as the name suggests and its another full size product. The nail varnish alone is almost the cost of the Birchbox itself!

Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Oil, Full Size £14.95

I have never used a facial oil in fear it will make my skin greasy and cause a huge breakout. Birchbox says this facial oil is ‘Designed with sensitive and unbalanced skin types in mind and perfect protection against the elements for your skin’. I was pleased with the size of the sample as it means I can give it a good try. It isn’t the consistency I expected its more of a dry oil than a greasy oil which is great for someone like me who’s worried about making their skin too greasy. My skins been rubbish at the moment so its hard to tell if my skin liked this or not. It has definitely opened my mind to facial oils so I’m going to keep using it when my skin is extra dry!

Drinkwel Capsule Bottle, Full Size £32.99

This months lifestyle sample was something a little different. These are multi vitamin tablets with a difference, they are specifically designed to help with hangovers. You take 3 a day with food then after you’ve had a big night out, take 3 before you go to bed and apparently these will help you shift that hangover you’d normally get the next day! I’m not a big drinker so I will either let someone else try these or maybe I will give them ago next time I’m planning on getting drunk. I think it’s quite nice to receive something a little different!

That is everything I received in this months box and all and all I was very pleased.  What did you guys receive in your Birchbox and which product was your favourite?

Anna
♥

Nail Polish Shades | Perfect For The Colder Months

One thing I love about winter is all the seasonal colours. People tend to gravitate to warm berry and burgundy tones, deep navy blues, greys and blacks etc, whether it be clothes, make up or nails! As much as I love corals, pinks and pastel colours in the spring/summer, there is something I love about the darker shades that appear during the winter. I have been loving painting my nails with wintry shades, so I thought I would share some of my current favourites that I have been wearing throughout autumn and now winter. I may be keeping an eye out for some other shades such a dark forest green shade or a nice grey, because I clearly need more nail polishes (I don’t). You may see a theme with me and nail polishes, I love Barry M they are so affordable, they do an amazing range of shades and finishes and the formula and quality is amazing.

I love this purple shade called ‘Plum’, it’s a lovely dark plum that almost looks black. Nail polishes like this are perfect if you don’t want to go for completely black nails but still want something fairly dark. Very deep burgundys are also great for that to, such as Barry M’s ‘Black Red’.

This red shade is called ‘Red Wine’. What would my winter nail polish favourites be without a seasonal red within it! Red is such a timeless colour and is seen everywhere during christmas. If you fancy something a little deeper than a classic cherry red, this is a great choice.

I am in love with this colour. The shade is called ‘Blue Grape’ and its a perfect true cobalt blue shade. I love how this looks on the nails, it’s so eye-catching and it’s not like any other blue I own. Its bright but I think its still very winter appropriate shade.

This is my first ever matte nail polish and I was pleasantly surprised with the finish and colour, I wasn’t sure how I felt about matte nails before hand. This is in the shade ‘Crush’. Although it looks very similar in the bottle to the shade red wine mentioned earlier, it’s very different on the nails. It’s a lovely deep burgundy/maroon shade. This might be my favourite out of them all!

What are your favourite nail polish colours during the colder months? if you have any recommendations, feel free to leave them in the comments!

Anna

♥

Haunting, Gothic Vampire Halloween Make Up

 Halloween is nearly here and its the perfect opportunity to get creative with your makeup. Dramatic smokey eyes, dark lips and other things its hard to pull off on a normal day-to-day basis. I decided I wanted to do a step by step gothic/vampire make up look, which can be created using make up products, without the fuss of blood and face paints. I edited my eyes in the pictures to give them a more vampire esc feel, as my blue eyes didn’t really look the part! By adding contacts, fangs and even some fake blood if you wanted, I think this is an easy, pretty but haunting look for Halloween. I think I was trying to be mysterious and haunting in my photos, but came off as grumpy, so I do apologize (haha).

First of all you want to prep your skin with your usual moisturizer. Priming the skin will help your make up last longer and smooth out your skin. I used the MAC Prep And Prime primer. In films like twilight the vampires skin always looks pale and flawless. If you have a foundation a couple of shades paler than your normal skin tone then use that, to give you vampire pale skin. I applied a generous amount of the Mac Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 which is my usual shade, so I then used the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in the lightest shade they do to make my skin paler and cover up any redness or blemishes.

Next you want to fill out your brows, making them fuller, stronger and exaggerating the shape of them unlike you normally would. I used my usual Sleek Brow Kit in the shade dark. After that you want to prime your eye lids to make sure your eyeshadow lasts for as long as possible. I used the  Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion. Then apply the Maybelline EyeStudio Colour Tattoo Gel Eyeshadow in the shade vintage plum all your eyelid, don’t worry about applying this too neatly. This just gives a good base for the eye shadows your going to apply over the top and make them more opaque.

Unfortuanly the sleek palettes don’t have the name of each eye shadow on them so I’m going to do my best to describe which ones I used, all eyeshadow’s mentioned are from the Sleek, Oh So Special Palette. Firstly using the last eyeshadow on the second row which is a black eyeshadow you want to mark out a line on the outer corner of your eyes, almost like you would with winged eye liner. This creates a guide of where you want your eye shadow to stop, giving it a very harsh winged line. Then take the second eyeshadow on the second row,  which is a lovely lavender, purple colour with gold shimmer running through it, apply this all over the eye lid, making sure you don’t go past the guide line you drew.

Next using the last eyeshadow on the first row, which is a very deep gothic purple with brown undertones and gold shimmer running through it Apply this to the crease of your eye, slightly winging it out with your guide line focusing on making the outer corner darker but also taking it  deep into the inner socket of your eye towards your tear ducts, gently blending it out as you go.

Using the same black eyeshadow you created your guide line with, you want to take a small detailer brush and draw a darker line over the top of your earlier guideline, then following this all the way round above your crease colour, creating a harsh black line around the outside of your eyeshadow, stopping about 3/4 away across the eye. Next blend gently blend this line out so it doesn’t look quite as harsh, but still keeping the intensity of the black and the strong winged shape as you don’t want to make your self look like you’ve got two panda eyes. You can reapply the black line and blend until your happy with the intensity of the black and the shape. Take the lighter lavender shade you used all over your eyelids earlier and apply this on your lower lash line in the inner corners of your eyes. Then blend the darker purple along the lash line, also adding some of the black eyeshadow on the outer corner of your lower lash and blend.

Next you want to set your makeup into place, I used the  Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in the shade pink blossom.  Using the same Maybeline Gel Eyeshadow you used at the beginning, contour your cheek bones. Using this cool, greyish plum colour will give you a strong, harsh contour and give your pale skin a greyish, purple tone, like dead vampire skin. You can also apply this to the temples of your forehead and along your jaw line. Those of you with strong cheek bones can go to town with this and make your face really chiselled and creepy.

To make your eyes even more intense and dark apply gel liner in your waterline, I used the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner. Then take your favourite mascara and apply generous amounts to make your eyelashes thick and fluttery. The mascara I used was the Maybelline The Falsies Mascara, you could also apply dramatic false eye lashes to make your eyes lashes even bigger.

Last but not least line your lips with the same black gel eyeliner, creating a semi thick black line. Then apply red lipstick or stain on the areas left and slighty over the black to blend it in. I used the Rimmel Provocalips Lip Colour in the shade play with fire. I’m not sure I would recommend this, it was my first time using it so I’m not sure if it was the gel eyeliner or the lip product which was drying. As a last-minute touch you can either drip fake blood out of the corners of your mouth, or use some lip liner blended with some black gel eyeliner to create less messy blood drips.

Dress in your vampire costume and style your hair, add your fangs, contacts and accessories and you are good to go, pretty but haunting.

I hope you like this look as much as I do, let me know in the comments what you are going as this Halloween?

Anna
♥

October 2014 Birchbox Review

 

It’s October which means it’s also Autumn, which also means we’re nearing the festive seasons. This months Birchbox is all going about gearing up ready for end of year goals, Birchbox says ‘we’re here to help you work it through your 9 to 5 and beyond – everything from your signature look to your to-do list’. Birchbox have also got involved with breast cancer awareness charity ‘Coppafeel’ informing us ladies on how to check and notice early symptoms of breast cancer as its breast cancer awareness month. This months little leaflet contained a helpful guide on how to check and what to look for when checking your breasts, it important, so get to it girls!! If you want to order your very own Birchbox or find out more about this subscription box, head on over to the website and October’s box is still available if your quick (https://birchbox.co.uk/).

To see what I got in my box.. keep reading!

This months Birchbox contents came in a cute baby pink case, rather than the usual little Birchbox bag!

Shaveworks The Cool Fix

The first sample I received was Shaveworks The Cool Fix. This product is perfect for any of you girls or men who shave/wax and suffer with redness, soreness, razor bumps or ingrown hairs. My skin is very sensitive and unfortunately I suffer with all of the above. Birchbox says ‘It contains a moisturising medicalm complex that immediately soothes irritated skin’. It contains natural exfoliating properties with things like glycolic and salicylic acid, removing dead skin cells which can cause ingrown hairs and infections! I was delighted to receive this, I already use a product like this, so It will be really nice to try something new and see which is more effective for this pesky problem. Also another generous sample size by Birchbox!

KMS California Hair Play Playable Texture

KMS is a brand I’ve seen used in many salons, so its nice to receive a generous hair sample form a well-known high quality brand!  I’ve said before I’m not an avid hair product user but hairspray is something I do use! Birchbox says, this product builds texture and volume with repeated applications but without the stickiness and build up! I am looking forward to curling or styling my hair and using this non-sticky formula to hold it in place!

Balance Me Cleanse & Smooth Face Balm

I have recently bought a new cleanser and face cream, so I’m not sure I will use this, I will either give it to someone who would like to use it or use it when I run out of the my others, as this does sound like a lovely product. It’s a face cleanser for all ages and skin types, even dry and sensitive skin! It contains a huge list of beneficial ingredients and it even contains tiny grains oatmeal that gently buff away dead skin cells, but gentle enough to remove make up daily. Again really impressed with the size of the sample, which is important when trying out a product to decide if you want to go a head and purchase it!

Pixi By Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm (Honey Nectar)

This was the product I wanted to receive the most, so I was pretty happy when I saw it hiding in my little pink Birchbox case! I have been using this product a lot as you may be able to tell, by it not looking quite as perfect as it did when I first received it. I often find with tinted lip balms they have hardly any colour pay of and are never THAT moiturising. This lip balm on the other hand is lovely and creamy on the lips and smells like sweet shea butter. The colour pay off really surprised me and I love the peachy, nude shade I received, its something I would pick out for myself!  I really love this product a lot and would definitely purchase it when It runs out.

Cattier Pink Clay Mask For Sensitive Skin

Face masks are a big love of mine, perfect to pamper yourself with, especially during a warm bath in these colder months! Birchbox says that it contains things like shea Butter and peppermint which restore, refresh and nourish the skin. It also says this clay mask  is formulated for even the most reactive skin, so you can be sure that any skin type will stay calm, which is reassuring considering the state my skin has been in lately! I used this once and it did feel lovely on the skin, but after one go its hard to say if it does everything it says, but none the less I was very pleased to received these sachet’s, you could easily get two uses out of each one!

Birchbox Pink Lipstick Pen

This months lifestyle product was this cute lipstick Birchbox pen. Of course in the baby pink shade for breast cancer awareness, pens are always handy so I can’t complain about receiving this!

I really loved this months Birchbox, what did you receive in yours and were you as happy as I was with mine? and if you’re not subscribed, are thinking about subscribing after seeing the goodies I received?

Anna

♥

Step By Step Autumnal Make Up

I don’t know about anyone else but I am extremely excited for autumn. I love the deep plum, berry and burgundy colours that come into season, the darker lip and nail shades, the weather and the fact Christmas isn’t too far away, I just love autumn. Which is why I thought I’d get into the autumnal spirit and create a step by step autumn inspired make up look!

First of all I prepped my face and lips with my moisturiser and a good hydrating lip balm. Next I applied MAC Prep + Prime Skin Primer to smooth everything out ready to apply my foundation. I then used a Mac 190 Foundation Brush to apply MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in the shade ‘NC15’ all over my face. To conceal any redness, dark under eye circles or blemishes I used the Maybelline Better Skin Concealer and blended that in with a real techniques deluxe crease brush.

To fill in my eyebrows I used an Eco Tools Angled brush and applied the waxy side of the Sleek Brow Kit in the shade ‘Dark’ to lightly fill in my brows and give them a natural but fuller look. I would normally then take the Benefit Gimme Brow Gel in the shade ‘Light/Medium’ and set them in place but I had lost it at the time (I’ve found it now though, panic over haha).

  

On to one of the main features in this makeup look, the eyes. I wanted to use, pinky toned eye shadows to compliment the deep berry lips and a deep brown shade in the crease, all very wearable neutral shades. The three colours above are all from the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette. I firstly applied the Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my eye lids, then using the Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush, I applied the shade ‘Limit’ all over my eyelids as a base for the next shade. The next shade I used is called ‘Buzz’ and  I applied it over the top of ‘Limit’, making the shimmery shade ‘Buzz’ more opaque. I then took the deep shimmery brown shade ‘Factory’ and blended this through my crease and on the very outer corner of my eye, I also took this shade under my eyes and blended everything out. To add definition to the eyes without making it any more dramatic, I applied a brown Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in the shade ‘Corrupt’, which is a lovely deep brown shade with flecks of shimmer running through it. I only applied this half way across my lash line and the same on my lower lash line, I then blended this out to soften it. I used my By terry Shadow Stick in the shade ‘Blonde Opal’ on the inner corners of my eyes and slightly along my lower lash line. You can read a full review on this product HERE.

I set my foundation and concealer in place using the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in the shade ‘Medium’. I then took the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer and lightly contoured my cheeks, forehead and jaw using a Real Techniques Blush Brush. For blush I used my absolute current favourite MAC Mineralize Blush in the shade ‘New Romance’ over my cheeks again using the same blush brush. This shade is gorgeous and gives a slight healthy sheen to your cheeks as its mineral based. It’s a lovely everyday, easy to wear blush.

To finish of the eyes I curled my lashes and applied the Benefit They’re Real! Beyond Mascara (my current favourite mascara to use).

On to my favourite part of the whole look, the lips. This lipstick is MAC ‘Rebel’, a recent purchase of mine and I have fallen in love with it. It’s a lovely deep berry shade perfect for autumn and winter! This lipstick brings the whole look together and I think it brings out the pinky undertones in the eye shadow and pairs with it perfectly.

I hope you all love this look as much as I do!

Are you excited for Autumn?

Anna

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September 2014 Birchbox Review

Another month, another Birchbox. This months Birchbox theme is ‘Happy Days’. They decided to create this box with this particular theme because September is the month where a lot of people are going back to school.  If like me your not going back to school it’s also about reminiscing about happy memories from those times, but also being excited to create new happy memories at school or outside of, I think it’s a cute idea. If you like the look of what I got in my Birchbox make sure you head on over to the Birchbox website and order yours now!

Lets get started…

Caudalie Divine Oil 15ml – Full Size from 50 ml £18

The first item I received is the Caudalie Divine Oil. This dry oil is a multi purpose product which can be used on your hair, face and body. Caudalie is a really luxurious brand and I think this is quite generous sample size. This sample is in a glass bottle which makes it feel all the more luxurious(just me? it’s the simple things). Birchbox says ‘it has a delicate scent’, which I agree with, it does have a very pretty scent. Although I don’t use many oil products, I’m sure me or my mum will get some use out of this product. I am interested to see if it sinks in and doesn’t leave skin feeling greasy like it says.

Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream 3g – Fullsize £25.50

The next product I was very pleased to receive. Benefit is a high-end popular brand that do some lovely products, so being able to try samples from the brand makes me rather happy. My first thoughts were how blooming cute the tiny sample pot was! This product is meant to banish dark circles and smooth fine lines, you only need a tiny bit round your eyes so I think this sample will go quite far. I have used this a few times and did notice a few red blotches around my eyes, but I cant be sure its down to this product. All and all I was very happy to receive this.

Premae Mild Dermabrasion Face & Body Scrub Full Size £25

Another product I was quite happy to receive, as I have recently run out of face scrub! I’m not sure this little sample would be quite enough for the body so I’m going to be use be using it on my face. It’s a creamy consistency with olive granules to scrub yourself to smooth skin. The brand says its great for blemishes and blocked pores, so hopefully this doesn’t bring me out in spots, my skin seems to be very sensitive at the moment!

ModelCo Lip Laquer In ‘Morroco’ – Full Size £15

This was the only product I knew I was getting. At the end of august or start of  September the lovely Birchbox  gave everyone a chance to pick between a lip product in a shade from a few options or  a mascara. I chose a lip product because I am a bit obsessed with lip products. This is a really natural peachy nude and I have worn this already, it’s not sticky like some lip glosses can be! ModelCo says it provides a long-lasting colour and plenty of hydration!

Agave Healing Oil Treatment 4 ml – Fullsize from 60ml £16

I received another oil product in this months box which I wasn’t too pleased about, I think I might give this one to my mum as it sounds perfect for her hair! The brand describes this as an oil treatment that is light, smooths hair, build resiliency and boosts shine and colour.  As I’ve said before I’m not keen on using any smoothing or oil products on my hair just because my hairs so soft and straight as it is, I want to add volume and I don’t find these products do!

Birchbox Happy Days Photo Clip

This item links in with the theme of making new memories and remembering old ones by clipping a new or old favourite photo in Birchboxes very own ‘Happy Days’ photo clip. This is a cute little touch but I’m not sure if I will use it. They remind me of how I used to display pictures when I was younger, so I am a bit undecided!

Urban Fruit ‘Smashing Strawberry’

Last but not least, this months lifestyle item were these mini bags of  dried fruit. I got strawberry which I was pleased about because I love dried strawberry and you hardly ever see them in the supermarkets! I ate these just before writing this and they were so good, taste like sweets but are healthier!

When I saw the spoilers for this months box I wasn’t very excited but it turns out I quite liked this box!

If you got Birchbox’s September box, which was your favourite product you received?

Anna

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Natural/Back To School Drugstore Makeup

I am 20 years old so no I won’t be going back to school, nor am I going to college or uni, but I know there is a lot of you out there that are. When you’re going to school you want to look your best but not like your dolled up and wearing too much makeup, you also don’t want to have to wake up at the crack of dawn to do a heavy makeup look. The same goes for college and uni. This is the natural, quick-ish makeup look I have created for those going back to education or for anyone looking for a fresh and natural makeup look. I wanted to keep this look affordable using drugstore products only!

 Firstly I cleansed, moisturised and used a primer on my skin to make sure my face is clean and my makeup can be applied smoothly and last to its full potential. I then took my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and evenly buffed the Rimmel London Match Perfect Foundation in the shade classic ivory into my skin. You want to keep your foundation as natural as possible but still covering and smoothing out any parts of your skin you’re not happy with. Next I used the Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush to blend the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in the shade warm/medium (which is a little dark for me) under my eyes and over any blemishes or redness.

Next I brushed through my eyebrows and used an Angled Eco Tools Brush to apply the waxy side of my Sleek Brow Kit in the shade dark (check your big local Superdrug to buy in store). I lightly filled in my eyebrows in any places where the hairs are more spars,  also following the natural shape of my brows. When I was blending my concealer under my eyes I took my brush and lightly applied what was left on the brush to my eyelids, to act as a base for my eyeshadow.

To apply my eyeshadow  I used the Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush. The eyeshadow I chose was the  5th shade along the top row of the Sleek Storm Palette, I applied this all over my eyelid and  blended it out making sure there was no harsh lines. This is a lovely pinky, rose gold shade, that looks subtle yet pretty on the eyelids.To open and brighten up my eyes I used the 2nd shade on the top row of my storm palette and lightly dusted this on the inner corners, using my Real Techniques Accent Brush. This is  shimmery champagne, beige shade.

Last but not least for the eye make up, I took the Bourjois Smokey Eye Pencil in the shade intense black and applied this to the outer corners of my eyes and just over half way across my lash line. Eye pencil gives a more natural effect than liquid liner and is also easier/quicker to apply.

To set my foundation and concealer in place I used my Mac Mineralize Skin Finish in the shade medium. This is  currently the only powder I own, but  a great drugstore powder I would recommend is the Rimmel Say Matte Powder. I then lightly contoured and bronzed my cheeks, forehead and jaw line using my real techniques blush brush, with the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer (which I forgot to photograph oops).  Again using the Real Techniques Blush Brush I then took a Revlon Blush in the shade Mauvealous and applied it to the apples of my cheeks.

I then  curled my lashes using the Vintage Cosmetic Company  Eyelash Curlers and applied the Benefit They’re Real Mascara, again this is the only mascara I currently have but there are so many great drugstore mascaras such as Maybelline Falsies or Max Factor False Lash Effect. Last but not least, I chose the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Collection Privée in the shade Cheryl this lipstick is lovely and moisturising, it can be applied for as a sheer nude or built up. It’s that perfect my lips but better colour.

Let me know in the comments what you think about this drugstore look?

Anna

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