What's on my face right now.

As new products make their way into my hands, my make up/skincare routine has changed steadily over the past few months.  This is what I'm loving right now...

Dermalogica Microfoliant

This was thrust into my hands by my mother last time I went to visit, as I lamented the cost of a good cleanser.  Her sensitive skin doesn't need a daily exfoliator, but mine definitely is starting to show the benefits.  It's a funny old product - a water activated powder that promises to even skin tone, reduce uneven pigmentation and clarify.  And it seems to be working pretty well so far! Fingers crossed in a few months my spot scars will be gone and my concealer can be thrust aside.

Illamasqua Skin Base (#8)

As soon as I heard about this foundation I had to get it, but I decided to hold tight and wait until I could get into a store rather than guessing my shade online.  And boy I'm glad I did, as I was matched with a shade about 4 up from what I'd imagined! 

I know a lot of people have had issues with this, primarily due to flaking, but my combination/normal skin loves the stuff.  This may be due in part to the fact that I use a primer first, but the finish is fantastic and lasts ALL day.  One of the main selling points to me was that this doesn't contain SPF.  I don't know why so many foundations do as there will be so little protection from the little blob of foundation, and there is no way it will provide the same coverage as a good sunscreen. By eliminating the spf, the dreaded 'flashback' white face is avoided...hello cameras!!

Mac Prep & Prime Skin

Whilst on the subject of foundation/primer - this is my current 'go-to' primer.  It's my second tube and I am still loving it - just one pump covers my entire face and smoothes my skin perfectly before I apply foundation.  And it definitely cuts down the 'mid-afternoon shine' that has blighted me many a time.  Will it be another re-purchase when this one runs out? I think so!

L'Oreal Lash Architect 4D

I am a cynical mascara purchaser, to say the least.  Being a natural redhead I am 'blessed' with blonde lashes and brows, so a black mascara is never far from my clutches.  I'd heard a few good things about L'Oreal's latest offering and I am so glad I picked this up.  This adds the perfect amount of volume, length and colour without clumps. 

My mascara application method? As much as possible!

I bought this when on offer in Boots (which may be over but is still on at Superdrug) and got a free colour infallible eyeshadow to replace the Mac Brule I smashed a few months ago - thanks magnetic palettes! I am also a big fan of this shadow, which does in fact seem to last all day without a primer...pretty good for a 'drugstore' product.

Mac 'Musky Amethyst'

The only item I picked up from the Semi Precious collection that debuted a few weeks ago, this lipstick is a bit of an unseasonal purchase, but I had been after a rich plum/berry lipstick for about a year and this fitted the bill perfectly.  It's a frost finish so perfect lips are a must, but the colour is exactly what I was after, and the finish means it can be worn as a sheer stain or layered up for a rich vampy pout.  Perfect with soft dewy skin and I can see this sticking with me right through winter.

What are your beauty must haves right now?

Mac Quite Cute - Play Time

I did think that Candy Yum Yum and Quite Cute would be my only purchases from this collection, but after seeing a few pictures of Play Time lipstick and hearing about Mac's free Haute & Naughty mascara offer I thought it would be rude not to treat myself to one more!

This is a much more wearable lipstick than my other two; a soft, semi-sheer pinky purple. The creemsheen finish means it can be worn as a sheer wash of colour, or layered up for a more intense shade. I really like it. Whilst Playing Koi may be most peoples' more obvious everyday shade, this is much more me - especially for the summer.

So anyway, onto the important stuff - the swatches!

So...have you picked up anything from Quite Cute yet? Have you done what I have and gone back for seconds?

I will try and review the Haute & Naughty mascara this week too.  Anyone else taken advantage of this deal?

Mac Quite Cute - Yum Yum Indeed!

After hearing mumblings on Monday night, I was pleased to log onto the Mac website and be greeted with the Quite Cute collection...a good week earlier than expected!

I immediately popped two lipsticks into my basket and checked out with a free delivery code at about 11.30pm.  And to my delight, they were delivered today.

So what did I choose?  Well I couldn't resist Candy Yum Yum - a bright matt neon pink.  And the other?  After seeing a few swatches online, I chose to go for Quite Cute - a white lilac cremesheen, a lighter version of Blooming Lovely from the Liberty of London collection released last year...and one of my favourites.

So here they are -

Quite Cute, Candy Yum Yum

And the swatches...

Bare lips

Quite Cute

Candy Yum Yum

Apologies for the messy swatches...but hopefully you can see just how good these colours are!! I'm definitely impressed with both.  Candy Yum Yum is super bright, and despite the matte finish, is not at all drying on the lips.  Quite Cute is much more subtle, and would look great alone, or layered over another lipstick (or with a gloss) to 'lilac it up' - ha!!

I'm not sure when it hits the stores (guessing next week as the preview is next Wednesday!) and the website currently has orders suspended for a few days...but if you place the items in your bag and enter your email into the pop up on the site, you'll be informed of when it is up and running AND get a code for a free Haute and Naughty mascara - not bad eh?

So what do you think?  Will you be getting anything from Quite Cute? Let me know :)

Wish List Wednesday

Pay day this Friday - hurrah!! This is what I'll hopefully be making a beeline for once that money hits my bank account...

Antoni + Alison for Uniqlo Tees

I've always loved Antoni + Alison's designs and was delighted to see they had done a UT collaboration with Uniqlo.   Quirky tees for £12.99? Can't go wrong!! Annoyingly I'm yet to see these in store (ran into two before my lecture this evening to no avail) so I may have to make an online purchase...

Mac Quite Cute

An invite for a special preview evening popped into my inbox yesterday - which was a delight to see!! It isn't until 6th April so I'll have to put a little cash aside for at least one or two lippies...and oh well, go on then, one of the heart baked mineralise blushes as well.  Oh, and I need to remember to RSVP - I don't fancy the usual website scramble on a Tuesday lunchtime!

ASOS Satchel

How amazing is this yellow leather satchel?! Really don't think I can get away with the colour...but how I wish I could!!

So another wish list done - what's on your mind come payday?

Wish List Wednesday

Nautical



L-R Topshop dress, Topshop skirt, ASOS earrings, River Island tee, Gipsy (at ASOS) tights


Nauticals? For Spring? Groundbreaking.  Sorry - couldn't resist.  The original line may have attacked the predictability of florals but nautical designs are just as significant come spring.  Does this make me want them any less? Of course not!

It may still (just) be February but I'm already pulling on my breton tees and hoping that soon they won't be covered up by my big fat winter coat.  I'm also lusting after some of the latest nautical inspired offerings out on the high street - I particularly love Topshop's striped pencil skirt and boat print dress and the adorable anchor print tights by Gipsy at ASOS.

Viva Glam Gaga 2

I'm not normally a big nude lipstick kinda girl (pale blue tone pinks and brights have become my trademark) but I LOVE this colour! For some strange reason I held off getting the original Viva Glam Gaga until a couple of months ago but I will not be doing the same this time around.

The colour is a soft nude with a enough of a hint of peach to prevent me looking corpse like...I'm hoping it will do for me what Creme D'Nude (which remains unworn in my make up bag) does for others.  And not only that, every penny of the proceeds goes towards fighting AIDS.  Anyone know the release date for the UK?

Loafers

 



After previously dismissing loafers on the simple fact that I have big feet, I now have a real craving to grab a pair or two.  I've recently bought some mannish peg leg trousers and I think that loafers are the perfect accompaniment - as long as they are simple...and don't make my feet look like a man's! I think the Office version above are the current winners, but at £58 I'm definitely looking for a cheaper alternative - so let me know if you've seen any!

French Connection



Jumpsuit (£97) Maxi (£87) Dress (£115) Trousers (£75) *gulp*

 I really can't justify purchasing any of these lovely pieces (seriously FC, chill out on the prices) but I want them all - wah!

So that is my wishlist for another week...tell me...what's on yours?

Ins and Outs

IN

Autumn Days

The transitional seasons are definitely my favourite - I much prefer the promise that Spring and Autumn bring...full of change and potential! I love wrapping up in my new autumn clothes, sipping on hot chocolate and cooking 'proper' meals.

New Nails

Clockwise from top: Bermuda Shorts, Mint Candy Apple, Haute as Hello, Van D'Go, Demure Vixen, Pink Parka

Thanks to the ASOS sale and the infamous beautyzone2007, I have picked up just a few new Essie colours to add to my rather extensive nail varnish collection. My favourites so far? Van D'Go, which surprisingly applied pretty well (think my new OPI base coat helped!) and Demure Vixen - a lovely shimmery grey toned mauve. Any suggestions for what I should pick up next?

Bright Lips

I've been laying off the fake tan recently and have begun to embrace the pale. This has led to me picking up some of my favourite bright lipsticks as well as a new addition to my collection. Though bright lips can look a bit OTT with a full face of slap, with nude eyes, dewy skin and glossy black lashes I feel I can actually pull them off - even at work.

My current top four are: Givenchy Red Cancan, my perfect blue tone red, Mac Toxic Tale, which I only bought the other day but have already fallen in love with, Mac Impassioned, which I picked up in Florida in June and Mac Pink Burst, a vibrant subtly sparkling fuschia from the Spring Forecast collection.

So what about you ladies - are you embracing bright lips to brighten up these dark nights?

L-R Givenchy Rouge Cancan, Mac Toxic Tale, Mac Impassioned, Mac Pink Burst

As above!

Chocolate

Not to eat...to shower with...this smells AMAZING.

OUT

The annual winter boot struggle

Every year I try and find the perfect pair of winter boots, only to give up. The reason? I am cursed with big calves and tiny ankles, so if I do find a pair of boots to zip up my legs, they almost always end up baggy around my ankles! Last year I bought a pair of short studded Carvela boots which I love...but I am still keen to get some 'smart' boots...so if anyone spots any, please please let me know :)

The Rain

I had my hair cut a couple of weeks ago (I will get round to writing a post about it one day!) and had a fringe cut in...and it's rained almost everyday since. Not good!  Any 'keep fringe straight' tips would be most appreciated :)

Top 5 beauty products...right now.

So I've shown you my favourite 5 items in my wardrobe, so I thought I'd branch out a bit and show you my top 5 beauty products...right now. Yes, I am just as fickle with my make up as I am with my clothes, so once again these are bound to change.


Mac Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom. I only got this very recently but it has already found it's way into my daily make-up routine. I know Ripe Peach was the "one" to get, but after seeing swatches of both, I decided to go pink :) It's a lovely sheer colour and not as cool as it seems - very easy to layer up until you get the colour you need. Love it.


Maybelline Dream Satin foundation. This is another new addition to my collection and a pretty unexpected one. I've actually been waiting for Revlon Photoready foundation to hit the shops, but to no avail, as I have no idea when I'll ever see it! However I was in dire need of foundation and saw this on offer in Boots the other day. It was between this and Bourjois' healthy mix and I'm actually glad I went for the cheaper option. The consistency is lovely and the coverage is just what I needed - very easily blended and buildable.


Mac eyeshadow in Star Violet. This is my favourite eyeshadow of all time. It's a gorgeous shade - a deep reddy purple - goes with everything and really brings out my green eyes.


Mac lipstick in Snob. Following on from my favourite eyeshadow - my favourite lipstick...until I finally get my hands on Viva Glam Gaga!


Last but definitely not least - my beloved Ardell lashes and Duo glue - the ultimate night out accessory :)

So...what are your make-up bag essentials right now?? If you want any more in depth reviews of any of these just let me know :)

Recent Purchases...

First off, apologies for being a bit absent recently, I've been a little bit busy!

I just thought I'd show you the fruits of my recent 'labours' - namely a couple of trips into London and Westfields - there's nothing like catching up with friends whilst surrounded by fabulous shops and delicious food :)

First up is something I've been working on for a while - my first ever Mac palette. I've been collecting mac eyeshadows for years now and I finally decided it made sense to buy a palette and save myself a bit of money...as well as give myself something pretty to look at!

It's still 3 pans short (and I'm still not sure on the inclusion of Pink Venus) so any suggestions on what to fill it up with will be greatly appreciated :)


1st row: Nanogold, Pink Venus, Hypnotizing, Twinks
1nd row: Dazzlelight, Jete, Satin Taupe, Antiqued
3rd row: All That Glitters, Star Violet, Woodwinked, Carbon

I also popped into Topshop, but was pretty unimpressed by their offerings, apart from the shoes. I live in Topshop ballet pumps so whenever I see a pair I like, I get them and wear them to death. I have a real thing for anything horse related so of course thought these were ever so lovely - and for £28 they are great quality.



And last but not least is this little dress I found in Hollister. It's pretty summery but I think it'll help get me ready for spring and cheer me up in these cold days. It's super short so I'll probably only ever wear it with leggings, but I think this will get a lot of wear - especially in the sunshine :)



Anyone else picked up anything good recently? Am I mad for buying summer dresses when it's freezing outside?

Recent acquisitions and raves

Just thought I'd do a quick post of some of my lovely Christmas presents and some of my recent sales bargains...including a mini mac haul - you've got to love gift vouchers eh?

First up...the make up.



Mac Brow Set in Beguile

I've been desperate for a great eyebrow product, as I have super blonde eyebrows which seem to disappear every time a camera flashes in my face, so leaving them 'au naturale' isn't really an option. I had been using a prestige brow pencil but I was after something with a bit more staying power so I decided to try out Mac's brow set...and all I can say is I LOVE it. You do get a lot of product on the brush, so it's worth giving it a quick swipe before attacking the brows, but it is just what I needed.




Mac E/S in Hypnotizing

Part of the Love Lace collection, this is a gorgeous colour - I'd probably describe it as a taupy, purple-grey...lovely.



Mac E/S in Twinks

After picking up Hypnotizing I decided on Twinks as they compliment each other perfectly. I also love veluxe pearl finishes and this nice rich shade will fit right into my oh-so-adventurous collection of browns, bronzes and golds.

And also...


This is my sales bargain - half price in the sales, you've got to love Boots! Note Nicola's lashes are missing as I wore them Saturday night, though to be honest, not sure if I'm a fan...don't know if it's just me, but they seem huge?

Onto the rest of my goodies :)


With all this lovely weather we've been having, I've been looking around for a good pair of sturdy (and non-slip!) ankle boots and these Kurt Geiger ones fit the bill perfectly. I love the slightly faded leather and the studded straps...and at less than half price they were a bargain too.


I was also given these gorgeous earrings for Christmas - I've been after a pair of Westwood earrings for years, and this year I was lucky enough to be given a pair - I love the flower detail and the little bit of bling they bring to my everyday winter outfits :)