EEEP! Urban Decay - Naked 3 now at House of Fraser!

Urban Decay Naked 3 has finally been released online in the UK and you can order from House of Fraser here.. http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Urban+Decay+Naked3+Palette/193400614,default,pd.html at £37. 

For fellow students out there - don't forget to grab your student discount code from myunidays. My pallette's being delivered tomorrow. :-)

I just LOVELOVELOVE rose hue-d eyeshadow.

EXCITING!

NARS at 20% off with ASOS

So ASOS are having a 20% discount for students at the moment, which means I have filled my boots with all things NARS!

I have ordered the lipstick in HeatWave, Pro-Prime Primer, Larger than Life Longwear Eyeliner, Kalahari Eyeshadow Duo and Press Powder in Eden.

They are being delivered today and I am super excited.

(Although I have a funny feeling with the lipstick that I already have this shade in many other different brands but hey! it's best to go with what suits you when buying online and you can't swatch.. right?!)

Will post pictures later!

Beauty Wishlist

Okay, so I posted back in August about a beauty wish list and how I was to only buy items on the list… well… this didn't really happen. Although I did buy a lot on the list, I also made a few other cheeky purchases.

I really need to stop buying make-up, so I am posting an updated list.

Here is what was on my wish list:

1) Liz Earle - Cleans and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
2) Chanel - Le Blush Creme de Chanel - Inspiration
3) Chanel - Rouge Allure Lipstick - Passion
4) Nars - Blush - Deep Throat
5) Nars - Sheer Glow Foundation - Colour tbc
6) Bobbi Brown - Long Wear Gel Eyeliner - Colour tbc
7) Bobbi Brown - Shimmer Brick - Rose
8)  Smashbox - Cream Eyeshadow - Quartz
9) MAC Lipstick - Impassioned
10) Urban Decay - Naked Flushed Palette

I  bought the Nars Blush, Nars Sheer Glow Foundation, Smashbox Quartz eyeshadow. I love all 3. The Quartz eyeshadow does have some glitter fallout throughout the day, so I stick to wearing it on lazy weekends.

Having a list is helping me not to impulse buy quite so much, I have now decided that I no longer want the Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick or Gel Eyeliner, or the Chanel Blush. I also smelt the Liz Earle cleanser and it completely put me off. I think it smells horrible!! and there is no way I would be able to put that on my face. 

Here is an update of my top 10 items I have my eye on at the moment:
1. Nars Eyeshadow Primer Potion
2. Nars Creamy Conecealer - Vanilla
3. Urban Decay - Naked 3 Palette (When it's FINALLY released!!)
4. Estee Lauder Double Wear Light
5. MAC Lipstick - Impassioned
6. MAC Pro Long-wear Concealer
7. Chanel Pressed Powder
8. MAC Lipstick - Please Me
9. Origins Vita Zing Energy Booster Moisturiser
10. Benefit Pore-fessional Primer

Autumn Make Up Favourites

I realised today as I was walking through town that I was absolutely freezing!!! and suddenly it hit me *boom* Autumn is here!

Below is a list of my current go-to Autumn make-up favourites. Although I do like to change it about a bit, if I have over slept or have an important meeting these are my go to products which I know will not fail me:

Diorskin Forever Foundation - 020 

This foundation retails for £32 and can be found here: http://www.boots.com/en/DIOR-DIORSKIN-FOREVER-Fluid-Foundation-SPF-25-Flawless-Perfection-Fusion-Wear-Makeup-30ml_1234421/

This foundation covers extremely well, and with a primer stays on ALL day. I was in love with Nars Sheer Glow but was having issues with it as it just didn't stay put on my dry-normal skin and emphasised flakey patches. I find this foundation to be similar in consistency to Nars Sheer Glow but glides over the skin seamlessly, covers all redness and is still in place after a busy shift at work.

It isn't immediately full coverage, but is definitely build able. I normally use around 3 pumps in order to achieve the fuller coverage look I want. (Without being mask-like).

It also has SPF 25 which is decent (although not necessary for me in the UK Winter Weather!).

YSL Touch Eclat 

There isn't really anything to say that hasn't already been said about this little marvel. As the Diorskin forever foundation leans more towards Matte then glowy, I like to use this to highlight my face.

http://www.boots.com/en/Yves-Saint-Laurent-Touche-Eclat-Radiant-Touch-Highlighting-Pen_1214075/

Urban Decay Primer Potion - Eden

This primer potion is a yellow based colour and keeps my eyeshadow from creasing all day. It's great with the Matte Naked Basics palette.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Urban+Decay+Eyeshadow+Primer+Potion+Eden/153360125,default,pd.html

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

Lovely palette, can't go wrong with a nice few neutral shades and it's perfect for travelling with the big mirror. Also it's quite competitively priced at only £20, but it's often included in online promotions so you can normally pick it up for around £15.

http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123932023199_-1

Nars Deep Throat Blush & Laguna Bronzer

I LOVE this blush. It is so versatile and goes with any make up look. It's quite natural looking, and is by far one of my favourite items.

Also I need a bit of colour in the Autumn and this bronzer does the job well!

http://www.narscosmetics.co.uk/color/cheeks/blush/~/deep-throat-laguna-blush-bronzer-duo

Lipstick

Diorific 023 Diorella

This is a lovely shade (a rose muted red), and the scent makes a change from the usual MAC vanilla smell. It's easy to wear to work, and to wear casually for the weekends. Although I'm not mad keen on the packaging and price, I can overlook that for this lovely colour!

http://www.boots.com/en/DIOR-DIORIFIC-High-Fashion-Lipstick_13082/

Laura Mercier Artist's Palette For Eyes

Following all the rave reviews I've seen from fellow bloggers in the States that picked this palette up, I couldn't resist giving it a try. I picked it up from House of Fraser and it retails for £36.

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Laura+Mercier+Artist+Palette+for+Eyes/189892192,default,pd.html

This is my first venture into Laura Mercier eyeshadows, so fingers crossed it doesn't disappoint. The packaging is gorgeous, and I love the range of shades. The purples give me a bit of a change from my normal Neutral palettes without being too daring to take me too far out of my comfort zone!! I can't wait until I start using this, and will be posting a further review.

There are 12 eyeshadows, and each one is 1.00g or 0.03oz.

The shadows are split into:

Lustre Eye Colours - Africa Violet and Bamboo

Matte Eye Colours - Vanilla Nuts, Plum Smoke Violet Ink, Espresso Bean Truffle, Fresco

Sateen Eye Colours - Primrose, Guava, Kir Royal, Sparkling Dew.

Illamasqua Sale!

Hi All,

Thought I'd let you all know there is an illamasqua sale on at the moment. All you need to do is set up an account with your email and password and your in...

http://www.illamasqua.com

There are loads of nail polishes on for £5 and quite a few foundations for £7.50.

I've ordered some foundation and nail polishes. I'll upload my little haul when it arrives..

So far I am super impressed with illamasqua. It's free delivery, but couriered so it's signature and an allocated delivery slot, also, the rich liquid was showing as out of stock in my shade and when I rang up the helpline they located one for me. :-)

Fingers crossed it's the right shade.

Review - Clinique Even Better Concealer

 The Clinique Even Better Concealer retails for £18. I was actually colour matched to Buttermilk which is completely the wrong colour for me. It is far too light and I should have realised this in the store, but alas I trusted the sales assistant and when I got home I realised my error. However, as I'm in the UK it isn't as simple in the US to return it so I thought I would keep it and try to make it work for me.

It comes in a glass pot which is quite bulky considering it only comes with 3.5g of product. Apparently it features Vitamin C and conceals, brightens and corrects. 

I found this was too thick to use for under eye circles and caked up. It could perhaps cover the odd pimple, but on my skin it looks really dry and cakey.  (NOT a good look!)

Personally, I find this concealer too thick and I think it's needs a creamier texture. The packaging does look nice, but is a bit of a nuisance. I think you can get a lot better concealers out there for your money. I think I'll stick to my faithful old Collection 2000 for coverage of spots and Bobbi Brown for my dark circles. You can buy the Clinique Even Better Concealer from Boots. http://www.boots.com/en/Clinique-Even-Better-Concealer_1261506/

Review - Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush

I purchased a new powder brush to use with my Smashbox Photo Set Pressed Powder (Light) and also my Chanel loose powder.

I prefer synthetic brushes, and when I saw the Too Faced Powder Pouf brush on sale, I couldn't resist trying it out. The description says "Too Faced Powder Pouf Brush - Blends any powder formula flawlessly for an even, airbrushed finish. Teddy Bear Hair Brush".

I love that this brush has a pink handle and also the duo colour in the hairs. I think it's super cute that Too-Faced use "Teddy Bear Hair". Some may find this a bit gimmicky - but it's right up my street.
It retails for £26 and can be bought here: http://www.boots.com/en/Too-Faced-Poof-Brush_1222632/


The only con with this is it is a very light handled brush, I do prefer my brushes with a little bit more weight to them, but then again it's easy for travelling!

This is super soft so I would be worried about using this in a product that needed a lot of pigment. But for a light dusting of powder is perfect!

I'm yet to try the other Too-Faced brushes, I'm not sure how the eye brushes would hold up with powder. Have you used the Too-Faced brushes? Let me know what you think!

Urban Decay - Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush

I was looking for a new buffing brush as, at present I have been loving applying my foundation with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush which is part of their Core Collection and can be found here.. http://www.boots.com/en/Real-Techniques-Core-Collection-1403_1252038/

I have really been enjoying how my Mac ProLongwear foundation applies with the buffing brush, so thought I would give some others a try as it was becoming quite painful to wash the same buffing brush every night!

The Good Karma Optical Blurring Brush retails at around £19.50 and can be purchased here: http://www.lookfantastic.com/urban-decay-good-karma-optical-blurring-brush/10626439.html


 I have heard great things in the blogosphere about this brush, and here is the brief lowdown.

:) Cruelty Free - 'Vegan'
:) Packed in an individual box - handy for travel
:) Densely packed bristles (around 1 inch long)
:) Very soft - Not scratchy at all
:) Circular slightly domed shape
:) Airbrushed foundation look
:) There's a nice bit of weight to the brush. The handle is made out of recycled aluminium
:) No shedding so far...

:( A pain to clean as there's so many bristles! (And takes ages to dry!)

This definitely rivals the real techniques buffing brush and may be making it's way into my new favourites...

Please let me know if you can recommend any other similar buffing brushes to try.

Beauty Wishlist

In order to tone down my stash a little bit (and avoid impulse buying), I am attempting to not buy any more items unless they are on my wishlist....

Every month I will review and update my wishlist as I aim to only have 10 items on at one time. Please let me know if you have any opinions on items on my wishlist or if you have any of your own.

1) Liz Earle - Cleans and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
2) Chanel - Le Blush Creme de Chanel - Inspiration
3) Chanel - Rouge Allure Lipstick - Passion
4) Nars - Blush - Deep Throat
5) Nars - Sheer Glow Foundation - Colour tbc
6) Bobbi Brown - Long Wear Gel Eyeliner - Colour tbc
7) Bobbi Brown - Shimmer Brick - Rose
8)  Smashbox - Cream Eyeshadow - Quartz
9) MAC Lipstick - Impassioned
10) Urban Decay - Naked Flushed Palette

August Make-Up Favourites (Chanel, Smashbox, MAC).

These are the following beauty items which I have used consistently throughout August, and are my immediately reached for items.

Please let me know if you use any of these - or if you can recommend any similar items that I might enjoy :-)

1) Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (Ultra Light Skin Perfecting MakeUp SPF 15, 30ml, B20). 

This is so easy to blend, an almost perfect match for my skin and I love that the finish isn't overly dewy. I have dry to normal skin and find the consistency of this means it sits perfectly on my skin. The only downside to this, is I don't think I would wear it to work as although it lasts around 6 hours on me, I need something a little longer wearing for work days.

On 8 occasions this month whilst wearing this people have complimented me on my make-up! Although I am a packaging junkie and I love a classy glass foundation bottle, I love that this is so lightweight and is easy to pack and carry around.

2) Smashbox Photo Set Pressed Powder (Light, 0.21oz/6g).

This is a lovely powder. Previously I had been using loose powders and found they created a lot of mess and I needed something more compact for travelling. (And there is a good sized mirror included!) This is a very fine, gorgeous powder that sets the foundation without it looking cakey.

When purchasing, I mentioned to the counter assistant that I didn't like using the sponge applicators that came with powders and she kindly gave me a small travel powder brush which has actually turned out to be super soft with no shedding and I keep in my make up back for touch ups!

3) MAC Blush (Pink Cult, Matte, 0.21 oz/6g). 

 I picked this up from my local CCO a few months ago. I believe it was originally part of Mac's Jeanius collection back in 2011. It is a mid-tone neutral pink with a matte finish. It is super pigmented and very natural looking on the skin. I'm so pleased with this find!

4) Smashbox Limitless 15 Hour Wear Cream Shadow (Gemstone, 0.17oz/5g)

This was the first product I have ever bought from Smashbox and it certainly didn't disappoint. This is a medium neutral plum with light shimmer. It doesn't crease at all on me, and although I haven't used this as an eyeshadow base yet, I use this as a quick wash of colour when I don't have time to do my actual eyeshadow. On me, there is no glitter fall out, and I love the texture of this! Will definitely be looking at picking this up in other colours!

5) Chanel Rouge Coco Shine  (Boy, 0.10 oz)

A light browny pink with lots of shine and gentle shimmer. I find this is a lovely colour that goes with most make up looks and has a lovely light weight comfortable texture. This is an old favourite. <3

(Pics to be uploaded at the weekend).

Favourite Lipsticks (Bobbi Brown, YSL, Chanel, Clinique)

I was going through my make up stash today and throwing out some items which are way past their expiry date or which I simply no longer use, and it got me thinking.. Just how many lipsticks do I need?!

I have narrowed down my lippie stash to 5 lippies for every day wear, 1 classic red for when I'm out at night and a couple of balms.

If I get given any more as presents obviously I will happily add to my stash, but for now I'm making a promise to myself not to buy any more lipsticks until Christmas!

Here is my list: (Pics will be uploaded later).

Bobbi Brown - Lip Color Pale Mauve

A creamy texture, pale pink with slight blue undertones. It goes on very smoothly, and has lasting power of around 3-4 hours on me. This is a MLBB colour and is a perfect nudey pink, without any shimmer.

YSL Rouge Volupte - Peach Passion 

These are very comfortable lipsticks with such a lovely creamy texture. The Peach Passion is a peachy light coral with an opaque texture. The packaging is gorgeous, and lovely to pull out of your bag to touch up with!

YSL Rouge Volupte - Opera Rose

A medium pink with neutral undertones.They last around 2-3 hours on me, but I like the pop of colour to brighten up the face. 

Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour- Pirate 

This is my go-to fail safe red lipstick. It is a true deep jewel red with blue undertones. This flatters my skin colour, and glams up any outfit. The lipstick is incredibly long wearing and I tend to partner it with the lipliner for additional long wearing effect. I find this can last an incredible 6 hours without the need for touch ups.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Boy

A very natural lipstick that adds a bit of glamour to my work day. It's another mauvey pink but with a small amount of shimmer in. It's got a lovely balm type texture.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine - Monte Carlo

The same formula as Boy, but is a more pigmented colour. This is a semi-sheer pinked based red with a small amount of shimmer. 

Clinique Chubby Stick - Two-Ton Tomato and Oversized Orange 

Simple and easy to apply, flattering colours and easy to shove in the handbag for on the go application. The best thing about these is they look moisturising and shimmery but are not sticky in the slightest. Win!

Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Make-Up Haul

Being stuck at home has it's advantages sometimes! I have been able to compile a load of discount codes and grab some YSL Bargains! 

1) Touch Eclat Collector Radiant Touch Shade 1 (Rose Lumiere) LTD Edition 2013

I have used this highlighter before and love it! This was a repurchase, but in the special edition packaging as it was actually cheaper then the standard version. I figured why not save money, buy a back up and in this beautiful version? It's covered in what looks like cute little water droplets which I hear was inspired by a YSL evening dress from the 60's. It retails at £25, but I picked it up for £18 in a Boots promotion.

2) Rouge Volupte 29 Lipstick (Opera Rose)

I picked this up as I already had number 13 - Peach Passion and knew I loved the texture. This colour is a creamy medium pink with neutral undertones. It reminds me very much of Mac's Chatterbox. It's a nice bright pink. I LOVE LOVE the packaging and the smell. I can see this being my work go-to colour with a neutral eyeshadow palette. It retails at £24.50 full price, but I picked it up at 20% off in a Boots promotion.

3) Y Facettes Palette - 4 Wet & Dry Eyeshadows 

This is an eyeshadow quad inspired by a variety of precious stones. It is a Limited Edition from Spring 2013. It features a large mirror, 4 eye shadows, and two double ended applicators. Each colour is beautiful, and work dry for a quick, sheer wash of colour and a bit of glitter, or wet for a more intense, opaque finish.The colours are; Malachite - An intense, profound green, Flourite - A powdery, iridescent rose, Amethyst - A fresh, smoky violet, Azurite - A metallic, lustrous blue.  I picked this up in the Debenhams sale for around £20. If your quick there may be some left!!

4) Palette City Drive - Classy - 4 Wet & Dry Eyeshadows

This is another eyeshadow quad. This is a Limited Edition and was released alongside Arty. I went for Classy as it features shimmery neutrals which I am more likely to get wear out of. This also features a large mirror, 4 eye shadows, and two double ended applicators. (One for Wet and One for Dry). I picked this up for around £22 in the Debenhams sale. I'm not sure why it was priced at that as it was only released this month and is selling at full price at YSL counters but hey! I'm not gonna complain!

I prefer how these eye shadows look wet, and can see it rivalling my Urban Decay for neutrals!

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+

I have recently been very poorly and stuck inside while I recover, which has meant a lot of internet shopping and picking up some bargains in the bank holiday sales!

First up is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ in the 50ml. You can pick this up for around £17. I decided to get this as I my Clarins Creme Eclat Du Jous Daily Energizer Cream had run out and I figured it was time for a change.

I had read a lot of reviews online, some loving this new formula and some people absolutely hate the new formula. I haven't tried the old one, but am aware of how iconic and popular it was. I suffer from terribly dry skin so thought this may be a good moisturiser to try out as it is for "Very Dry to Dry Combination Skin" and as it is fragranced free hopefully it won't make me break out.

I have not tried any of Clinique's skin care regime before so we shall see how I get along with it. So far, I love the texture, it appears very moisturizing but I may just be using this as a nightcream as it appears very thick.

My next post will feature a YSL Haul, I have been able to get my hands on a new Touch Eclat, Rouge Volupte Lippie in shade 29 (Opera Rose) and 2 Eyeshadow Palettes. 

January 2013 Favourites

Hi all,

I thought I would post a bit about what I have been thoroughly enjoying using throughout January 2013.

The first product I want to rave about today, is the Dolce & Gabbana Pour Femme Eau De Parfum. This perfume is currently retailing at around £54 for the 50ml. I was lucky enough to pick it up in a promotion from Boots in a gift set in the Christmas sales.

When I smell this perfume, I can smell notes of raspberry, tangerines, jasmine whilst having prominent smells of vanilla, marshmallows and sandalwood. I feel this perfume is perfect for women just starting to look towards more sophisticated perfumes whilst wanting to retain the fruity smell. I have had loads of compliments whilst wearing this perfume, and the only way I can really describe it is pretty and feminine. It reminds me of spring time when the flowers start to come out, and the days are longer. However, I do feel this perfume may be a little heavy for the summer months.

The perfume liquid is a light pink, and I think the packaging feels really luxurious.

The next product I have been loving is the Ted Baker Body Souffle which retails for £6.50. This is a quite a thick, nourishing moisturiser (but a little lighter than a body butter) and I just love the scent! Although this scent is a little strong for during the day, it is so lovely to put on after a bath before bed time. The scent is rose and sandelwood, with raspberry and vanilla. I find it easy to spread and it doesn't leave the skin tacky like other thicker moisturisers can. Thoroughly recommend, and has been helping my dry skin over these cold winter months.

Next I have my hair care products. These are actually a repurchased product as I loved the old ones so much! They are the Lee Stafford - My Big Fat Healthy Hair conditioner and shampoo.

The first thing to say about these products is I absolutely LOVE the packaging. They come in clear tubes, which is so handy to find out how much you have left! The shampoo is clear while the conditioner is a cream colour.

The shampoo is quite a thick gel, but a little goes a long way. It gives a lovely lather and leaves the scalp in a great condition.

The conditioner is very light and smooth on the hair, and doesn't weigh my hair down at all. I find it compliments the shampoo perfectly.

I also think the scent of both of these products is gorgeous. These products are often on a 3 for 2 deal which is always a bonus!

Please let me know if you have tried any of these, or if you can recommend any similar products to me :) I am always on the look out for new things to try!

Much Love

Callie x