As you may have seen, I have loved BB and CC creams for so long now. So when I saw a Nude Magique BB powder I was overwhelmingly keen. What could this powder offer that my normal Rimmel Stay Matte powder couldn't?
Well, a lot now that I've done my research...
This powder goes above and beyond the call of duty for powders. With a 5 in 1 formula, you can expect a 'light coverage, velvet feel, 8 hour non drying mattifying finish, shine free and fresh looking skin' according to the blurb.
My verdict after a few weeks of use - it's lovely. It certainly delivers on the velvet feel element as my skin feels so soft even hours after us. I wouldn't say my skin felt fresher and I haven't noticed a lot of the shine free element of this, but overall I kind of would recommend this. It's the perfect colour for paler skin for one and for me, just how soft my skin goes with this is amazing. It's really, really soft - trust me.
I think if you live your bb/cc creams then this is perfect. But I'm not sure I'd rush to repurchase this as double the price of my usual/staple powder.
Before pay day even lands in my bank, I'm guilty of already spending my hard earned cash in my head. I'm constantly thinking about little trinkets I want for my room and ALWAYS obsessed with getting involved in some new beauty products.
So when the end of the month finally came around, I headed to Boots to not only top up on some of my staples that were running out, but to maybe take advantage of the 3 for 2 offers they have going on. Which lead to me finding a pretty gorgeous little lipstick in the L'Oreal section.
The Doezten's Nude lipstick is so different to how I thought it would be. Here's me thinking it would be a creamy, light pink shade. It actually goes on very sheer and has a lovely shimmer to it.
Truthfully, at first I hated this. I just thought it was really disappointing and I was glad I'd got it on a 3 for 2 offer. But, after I'd tried it a few times and took photos for the blog, it grew on me. It's subtle but really pretty, quite a nice change to the thick, creamy lipsticks I usually get.
I would definitely recommend this if you're looking to add something to your daytime beauty regime. If it's good enough for a Victoria's Secret angel, then I'm game!
I did one of these types of posts when I first started blogging last year and my make up bag has changed a lot since then. So I thought I'd walk you through the products that get me out the door and ready for the day.
Base
Nivea Rich Moisturising Day Cream, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
I love to keep my skin moisturized especially with putting make up on daily, but it's quite hard to find one that doesn't sit heavy on the skin and leave it oily. I picked this Nivea one up from Boots the other day and I really liked it. I've always liked Nivea and this addition to my daily routine is great as it's light and non-greasy.
I'm obsessed with Primers, I have tried loads but I find the ones with silicone in to make my make up look blotchy within a few hours. This is why I like the Stay Matte Primer from Rimmel so much. It's smooth and doesn't feel like a layer too many before my make up application.
Face
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, L'Oreal CC Cream Anti-Fatigue, Rimmel Stay Matte Transparent Powder, TOPSHOP Kabuki Brush, Benefit Boi-ing Concealer, Miss Sporty So Clear Concealer
Too many products to probably talk about in this part so I'll just highlight a few of my favourites.
I've tried the Anti-Dullness and Anti-Redness CC Creams from L'Oreal so I thought I'd switch it up and try the entire collection by picking up the Anti-Fatigue version from Boots. It gives me the right coverage without feeling too heavy and brightens my every growing bags under my eyes.
I've moved away from full on face powders but I've always stuck my Rimmel when I want to banish the shine. So this Transparent powder is great as it's not too heavy for my skin and also rids my skin of shine.
Colour
Bellapierre Mineral Bronzer, Barry M Blusher, Primark Face Brush, (I have no idea what the other bronzer is, I just know it's fab)
Oo, I love this BellaPierre Mineral Bronzer! It's something I like to get out when I'm going for a night out or cocktails with the girls. It adds a little highlight onto my cheeks with it's subtle golden shine. This Barry M blusher is lovely too, the pigment is really strong so I only have to use a little bit to get the colour I want.
Eyes
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette, MUA E1, E2 & E3 Make Up Brushes
I've been using my Basics palette on a daily basis recently. I use the shimmer in the inner corner of my eyes, apply a base and contour for a subtle smokey eye.
Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara, Helen E Brown Eyeliner, Barry M Liquid Liner
Brows
Maybelline Brow Drama Mascara, Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil
It's all about the brows and recently I've been trying to make my eyebrows as naturally bushy as possible. I use these two combined to firstly add shape with the Rimmel Pencil, followed by the brow mascara to almost make my eyebrows a little bit more 3D.
So that's it, everything I use to get myself ready. If you have any make up bag posts, leave them below. I'm looking for some good make up to add to this collection.
After a traumatic month, I chewed my nails off! All that work I'd done with Renunail ruined. And I'm struggling to get back in the nail growing swing of things.
So when I saw these Ted Baker nails over on In The Frow's blog, I couldn't resist. They're just so gorgeous!
It started with 'why don't you wear blusher like you used to in your Facebook profile pictures'
Elliot had obviously been stalking my Facebook and liked what he saw. I have in recent months toned down my blush, not for any reason, just kind of happened I guess.
So when I took a trip to Boots the other week, I stood with Elliot and asked him to point out which blusher he reckons would suit me best.
He picked out this Blusher from Barry M and after a few tries on my skin, I was convinced and a purchase was made.
This blusher has really grown on me now, going from a rather bronze coloured blusher from Sleek to this much bolder pink has given my make up a new lease of life.
Thanks Elliot, I think your taste is getting much better
I've been on a skin smoothing search recently. Looking for toners to decrease pore size, moisturisers that keep skin soft and primers that keep make up in place for as long as I need it to.
I came across this Flawless Poreless Primer from Seventeen when I couldn't seem to find any other primers in Boots. However, I am so glad that I didn't overlook this as I'm pretty impressed.
Not like primers I've used before, rather than coming from a tube or pump, this primer comes in a cream pot that you simply rub your fingers into and apply to your skin. I applied this to my problem areas (nose, cheeks and chin) and noticed my pores were instantly less visible.
I applied my new CC Cream and loved the results. If you're like me and hate the size of your pores, always seeking something to either shrink or cover them, then I think you're well worth giving this a try.
When I was walking around Boots the other day, trying on nearly every foundation and thinking 'too thick', I came across something that I am very happy to show you all.
The L'Oreal Paris CC Creams I found are my new favourite and most talked about beauty buy since I got the RiRi Woo lipstick.
What I love about these is the colour change; the Anti-Dullness cc cream comes out purple (known for brightening skin) and the Anti-Redness one comes out green (known for counteracting red pigments). However they both rub into skin and adapt to your skin shade. Amazing right!
I've been using these for a few days now and I can't get enough of them. I wish I'd had them sooner to be honest, I'm well and truly impressed by what L'Oreal have done here.
You can get your hands (and face) on these L'Oreal CC Creams from Boots
"If the earth's not nourished, you'll never grow beautiful flowers"
I've been looking forward to trying the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment for a while now. As some of you might know, I don't have amazing hair and this is due to the fact that over the years I have severely neglected my hair.
So here's a bit of hair history for you - To start from the age of 17 to 19 I had white blonde hair... which took a lot of dying and left my hair really dry and damaged. This style eventually lead to my long hair becoming shorter and shorter. Not good.
I then went on to commit further hair sin by gluing in extensions. As a stupid 19 year old I just wanted long hair but gluing in extensions left my real hair in the worst condition ever! Knotted with glue and left with bald patches I can't stress this enough, don't glue in extensions. It's definitely not worth the grief you get throughout and after doing it. Stick to clips or use the Halo to prevent damage.
And last but not least, constant dying of my hair, after having been a blondie for many, many years I decided that I wanted a taste of the brunette lifestyle and opted for a rather gorgeous chocolate brown. I loved this colour for ages and because of my hair being blonde before, I was left with rather natural looking highlights that looked sunkissed and rather gorgeous. Then I went really dark, not intending to, but I was left with almost black hair. Rocking this look for a few months I then stripped and dyed my hair to it's current shade of dark blonde. After a few months of leaving my hair alone it's now in a good condition.
It's just not long enough.
So as well as occasionally wearing extensions to feed me my long hair fix I've decided that I need something to work on my hair to really work in some magic.
This is where the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment comes into play. As a preliminary post I'll just say that I love the packaging and I want so hard to believe in the hype surrounding this hair miracle. After first use I notice my hair feels less tangled and the smell is divine.
I'll try this product out for a little while and let you know the results. But I'm excited to say that I hope this gives my short/medium hair a boost and that long locks are soon on their way for me.
This week you'll know that I went to see the gorgeous Rihanna for her Diamonds World Tour in Manchester.
When I was there I was loving watching the variety of fashion and styles going on, with everyone having their own take on the trends of now. This is probably one of my favourite things to do EVER! Rihanna has a lot of well dressed fans I can tell you that.
Whilst I was crowd spotting, I spotted a girl wearing a gorgeous leopard print top that I knew was from Topshop. I found this gorgeous dress in the same print and have fallen head over heels for it. So I've based this weeks Friday Favourites around this bold print, I hope you love it as much as I do.
1. Animal Print Ladder Back Dress - Topshop
2. Boxy Zip Clutch - Accessorize
3. Revlon Nail Art Moon Candy in Orbit - Boots
4. New Look Scour Platform Sandals - ASOS
5. Whistles Clover Key Ring - ASOS
6. Double Row Chain Bracelet - ASOS
I would wear this outfit for a cocktail night with my girlies
There is nothing more therapeutic for me than painting my nails.
I know to some people it's a fuss and too fiddly but I just love sitting down and putting it all together to create some gorgeous looking nails.
So I took to Pinterest and decided that my new Essie nail polishes hadn't been put to work yet.
So inspired the Essie french manicure with a twist.
I applied Flawless first, giving it 2 layers to get an opaque, beautiful finish. Then I used my Blanc Essie to do the tips, keeping in line with where my finger starts for a neat finish.
After drying I drew on my hearts using Essie Snap Happy to my feature nail.
Finishing this all off with a coat of Matte Finish by Rimmel.
Summery, smart and cute.
Perfect
Hope you like them