Review: Urban Decay Naked Cherry Palette

Pink eyeshadow. It sounds scary but the reality is, the beauty industry have made this the eyeshadow shade du jour. 

Since 2015, there have been numerous releases of pink-dominated eyeshadow palettes. I remember purchasing the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette and falling in love with the pale pink/rose gold tones. Next came the ABH Modern Renaissance palette and I remember being in awe of the bold pink shades and so excited to use them as they were so out of my comfort zone but also glad that there were some more wearable bronze and gold shades to balance out the pink.

The Naked Cherry, however, is in a league of it’s own. It’s unashamedly pink with hints of purple. Shimmery pink, matte pink, satin pink. Funnily enough, it’s super wearable and a really good mix of shimmer and matte shades to take you from day to night.

Review: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Liquid Concealer

I’m a sucker for a good concealer, it’s my favourite base product as it makes such a difference to how my make up looks overall. I use concealer not just to conceal but also to brighten the under eye area and centre of my face.

My love for Charlotte Tilbury make up hit new levels when I spotted and tried the new Magic Away concealer. It promises to reduce the appearance of dark circles, cover blemishes and instantly give the skin a fresh, second skin look. Best of all, it’s full coverage and contains Wild Indigo, renowned for enhancing luminosity.

Review: Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow

I’ve been loving cream eyeshadows A LOT recently. They’re so easy to use and a great way to get a wash of colour on the lids without the added faff of using brushes - I just pat them on to the lid with my finger and I’m good to go.

I’ve been especially fond of bronze and copper tones of late so when I saw the new Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow, I was immediately drawn to all 5 of the gold/bronze shades. I was also drawn to the idea of a cream, glitter eyeshadow. I have only ever used loose or liquid glitter.

Review: Too Faced Born This Way Super Coverage Mutli-Use Sculpting Concealer

It’s no secret that the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation is one of my favourite foundations. It’s medium to full coverage (I never opt for full coverage foundations) but almost undetectable once on the face. It looks flawless and blurs and imperfections.

The Born This Way collection also consists of a concealer and setting powder which I never got round to buying. That changed when Too Faced launched their latest addition to the Too Faced Born This Way family. The new Born This Way Super Coverage concealer was added straight to my basket on the day it launched in the UK. It was all over Instagram and all the hype had me very excited to see what the fuss was about.

Review: Zoeva Voyager Cocoa Blend & Caramel Melange Palette

I'm quite picky when it comes to eyeshadow palettes. I rarely buy matte palettes as I like to have the option of shimmer. One such palette was the Urban Decay Naked Heat Petite palette. Sure, it's super pretty but I already have the Naked Heat palette and I rarely wear an all matte eye so I gave it a miss.

I then came across the new Zoeva Voyager palettes - mini versions of the original Zoeva palettes. I never got round to buying any Zoeva palettes but always had my eye on them, particularly the Cocoa Blend palette. I spotted these cuties on Cult Beauty and immediately fell in love with the warm tones of the Caramel Melange palette. I'm loving warm tones of orange, bronze and gold at the moment so this was definitely going in to my basket! I then saw they had the mini version of the Cocoa Blend palette and since I had had my eye on the original palette, opted for this one too!

Review: Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation

Benefit are really killing the make up game at the moment with their new product releases. Remember the huge marketing campaign for the BADgal BANG! mascara?

I love Benefit products and have been really impressed with their range in the last year or so so I was intrigued when they started marketing their new Hello Happy foundation,  a soft blur foundation that "looks like skin and feels like nothing at all." 

The foundation is a sheer to medium coverage and contains SPF 15 (woohoo!). It promises natural looking coverage, 12 hour wear and claims to be weightless. I love my light coverage foundations for my everyday make up so this sounded right up my street.

Review: Nars - The 2018 Orgasm Collection

It's no secret that Nars is one of my favourite make up brands. From the sleek, chic packaging to the seriously incredible quality of their products - Nars can do no wrong. My first Nars purchase was Dolce Vita blush. You could say from then on it became an addiction.

It's always exciting when brands release new collections but something was different about the Nars 2018 Orgasm Collection. If you've been following my Instagram for a while then you'll know Orgasm is my favourite blusher EVER! So when Nars announced they were releasing a collection of Orgasm products, you know I am going to be first in line!

My Favourite "Everyday" Lipsticks

I think of all the make up that I wear, I'm mostly asked what lipstick I'm wearing. I'm a self-confessed lipstick junkie. I own a ridiculous number of lipsticks and I'm constantly adding to my collection. Mattes, satins, shimmers - you name it. This blog post was highly requested and I love to share what's in my collection.

If you know me then you'll know I love my pink and peach toned lipsticks for everyday. I was going to name this blog post "My favourite pink/nude lipsticks" but I don't think they necessarily fit those categories so instead I've managed to round up 10 of my favourite everyday lipsticks.

May 2018 Favourites!

Hellooo! Long time no blog post! It's been another hectic month or so so I've neglected my blog a little but I'm back today with a blog post on my current favourite make up bits. I'm not going to make this a monthly thing to blog about because I don't always switch my make up up very often, however, these are the things I've been loving of late (with a few new things in the mix)!

Review: L'Oréal Infallible Shaping Stick Foundation & L'Oréal Infallible Highlighter Stick

My blog can get a little high-end heavy but I can assure you, I love a good mooch down the make up aisles in Boots and Superdrug to keep an eye on any new releases or must-have products!

I was really looking forward to trying out the foundation stick from L'Oréal when I first saw the adverts on Instagram. I'm quite fussy when it comes to foundation but I was intrigued how this would look used as a cream contour. I don't really contour to be honest, I just use bronzer for an all over bronzed look and to warm up my skin but I haven't really dabbled with the whole cream contour thing and I felt like I was missing out a little!

Lacura Hot Cloth Cleanser - Liz Earle Dupe?!

If you're in to your beauty/skincare, you'll have heard of the iconic Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser that vloggers/bloggers swear by. It's a creamy cleanser with aromas of eucalyptus and rosemary that is applied directly on to the face before polishing it off with a wet, hand-hot muslin cloth. The results? Clean, fresh, soft skin.

I love the Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser. It's one of my favourite cleansers for the summer as it feels refreshing on the skin and the eucalyptus essential oil feels cooling. 

Liz Earle describes the product as being "suitable for all skin types" and claims to "instantly remove daily grime and make-up, even stubborn mascara." 

The formula contains active ingredients of cocoa butter to soften the skin and provide moisture and eucalyptus, rosemary and chamomile to soothe and purify.

Review: Benefit Gold Rush Blush

I am totally a blusher kinda gal. Pinks, corals, oranges - I love them all!

Benefit is one of my favourite brands for blushers. Why you may ask? The cute packaging, dinky (but often handy) little brush, brilliant pigmentation and amazing longevity are all reasons why I adore these boxes of blushes!

Last Spring, Benefit launched GALifornia - a pinky coral colour that is perfect for spring/summer time. This month sees the launch of Gold Rush, a golden, peach blush that doubles as a blusher and a highlighter - I'm all for multi-purpose products and anyone who knows me knows I LOVE shimmery blushers. I don't wear highlighter daily so this works well for me!

Cult Beauty launched the blusher exclusively on their website last week and being the Benefit addict I am, I just had to have it!

Review: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Ah, Charlotte Tilbury. Where do I begin? From the gorgeous, luxurious rose gold packaging, high quality products to her amazing make up artistry and energetic persona - I just love her and her brand!

Every time she launches something new, I just know it's going to be brilliant. This is what I love about her make up line - it is consistently good.

Earlier this month, she launched the Hollywood Flawless Filter - a primer/highlighter hybrid that promises an Instagram-esque filter to the face, blurring pores and fine lines and providing a "mega-watt" glow to the face. Charlotte describes this as a "revolutionary category in make up."

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette

Last month on 14th February, Anastasia Beverly Hills released her much awaited Soft Glam palette.

Anastasia Soare's daughter, who goes by the name Norvina on social media, created the palette for her mother who she says loves her neutral tones - hence the name Soft Glam. The palette has been created to take you from day to night.

The palette consists of 14 shimmery and iridescent gold, bronze and rose pink shades as well as a good selection of neutral matte shades.

Review: Benefit BADgal BANG Mascara

If you're on any kind of social media, you will have heard about this mascara! I don't think I've ever seen so much hype over a mascara!

Benefit had been teasing for a couple of weeks last month that something "out of this world" was going to land on their shelves soon. Obviously, the beauty world went crazy trying to guess what it could be. People were guessing a new highlighter or perhaps an eyeshadow palette. I must admit, with the space theme and the "out of this world" stuff, I was thinking it could be a highlighter/highlighter palette.

Review: Huda Beauty Mauve Obsessions Palette

Back in November, Huda Beauty released four mini palettes, the Obsessions Palettes, each featuring 9 shades.

The palettes were named Warm Obsessions, Smokey Obsessions, Electric Obsessions and Mauve Obsessions. The palettes are said to be the same formula as Huda Beauty's larger two palettes, Textured Shadows Palette - Rose Gold Edition and Desert Dusk Palette.

Warm Obsessions consists of warm browns and golds. Smokey Obsessions is a mix of taupe, silver and golds. Electric Obsessions an eclectic selection of bright, bold shimmers and mattes. Mauve Obsessions is a mix of mauve/pink tones.

The colours are lovely, bar the palest colour which doesn't really fit in. It's quite chalky and the shade isn't flattering but I suppose it could be used as a matte brow highlight.

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism Palette

I didn't buy in to the hype with the Modern Renaissance palette initially. It looked like a beautiful palette but I wasn't sure if I loved it enough. That was until one of my favourite Youtuber's, Arshia Moorjani, raved so much about it I just had to have it! It's now up there with my favourite palettes (a blog post coming on that soon!) and I am so glad I decided to splash by hard earned cash. I was so excited to see what ABH released next.

I was disappointed with the next release, the Subculture palette, as the colours just weren't "me" and though there were a few pretty shades, there weren't enough for me to justify buying it. Ah well, no biggy! That was until the Prism palette was released! I literally fell in love the first time I saw it on ABH's media. Filled with "prismatic" metallic shimmers in jewel tones, this palette spoke to me. The colours looked so rich and opulent - I knew I needed it. Ok, a bit dramatic. But, seriously, I couldn't wait to get my hands on it.

My Top 5 Favourite Red Lipsticks

I just love Insta Story polls! I asked if my next blog post should be my favourite red lipsticks or favourite pink lipsticks. Red won by a small margin! Those who voted for pinks - I have more blog posts in the pipeline for my favourite pink and nude lipsticks so stay tuned.

I used to love wearing a red lip on a night out. A winged liner and red lip was always a staple "out out" look for me. Over the years, my make up has changed and I don't often reach for red lipsticks anymore. I don't feel I necessarily need a bright lip to make a statement, however, every time I wear a red lipstick I'm reminded of how glam and polished it makes me feel!

It's actually crazy that as someone who has always had a love for red lipstick, I don't actually own as many as I thought. I am definitely more of a pink girl when it comes to lipstick but sometimes there is nothing quite like a red lipstick for a bold pop of colour.

My red lipsticks range from blood red shades to more orange-toned reds and matte finishes to satin. I prefer my red lipstick to be matte so all but one of these lipsticks are a matte finish (oops!) but I am always open to trying different formulas and shades of red.

So in no particular order, here are my favourite 5 red lipsticks...

What's In My Everyday Make Up Bag?

A while ago I asked by poll on Insta Stories what you would most like my next blog post to be - favourite winter lipsticks or a what's in my make up bag? You can guess which one was a winner!

Life has changed a lot since having a baby, as has my make up routine. Unless hubby is at home to watch munchkin whilst I get ready, I don't have an awful lot of time to spend doing my make up. Actually, I don't tend to wear any make up at all 90% of the time but the 10% of the time that I do, these products are what I reach for.

The make up products I have in my bag at the moment have been my go to products for the past couple of months. I do switch them up every now and then but these are the ones I am loving for my everyday make up lately...

Review: Stila Star-Studded Eight - Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set

I am going to admit it - I am addicted to liquid lipsticks. I've tried so many different formulas by different brands but funnily enough had not tried any from some of the first liquid lipsticks on the market - Stila's Stay All Day liquid lipsticks! 

These lipsticks were very popular a few of years ago as not many make up companies were producing liquid lipsticks and are still a favourite amongst make up lovers. I am a sucker for lipstick anyway but when it promises to be "long-lasting, full coverage and comfortable" I cannot resist! 

Review: Marc Jacobs Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon

Happy New Year, all. A teething/crawling baby meant I have had no time to blog recently plus life kind of just took over but I am back with lots of posts in the pipeline.

I was so excited to receive these eyeliners through the post from Influenster. I cannot remember the last time I purchased an eyeliner so I was looking forward to trying out something new and different. 

Marc Jacobs has just launched these gorgeous "matte-but-not-flat" gel eyeliners in an array of colours. The eyeliners claim to be waterproof and long-wearing which I always look for in an eyeliner.

I was glad to receive two eyeliners from the collection to test out. I was sent the colours (Earth)Quake and Pink Of Me. 

The eyeliners come housed in sleek, glossy, black cardboard packaging. I love the Marc Jacobs packaging as it is minimalist but looks great on my vanity. 

The eyeliners come in the form of a silver, retractable pencil which is easy to use as there is no need to sharpen. The colour of the eyeliner is easily identifiable by the coloured band across the top of the pencil which is always handy when you are in a rush and need to find something quickly!

I'm a huge fan of both brown and nude eyeliners so was really happy to be sent colours that I know I would definitely get a lot of wear out of. 

(Earth)Quake is a gorgeous, dark, rich brown shade that can be used to line the upper and lower lashline but also as an all over base to create a smokey eye. 

Pink Of Me is a nude/light pink which I would use on the lower waterline to create the illusion of bigger eyes and also to hide signs of tiredness (something I know a lot about at the moment!) and look more awake. 

I was so impressed when I swatched these on the back of my hand. (Earth)Quake was as pigmented as I expected it to be being a darker colour but I was surprised with just how pigmented Pink Of Me was for a such a light shade. Both were so creamy and smooth to apply and the colours are beautiful. The formula is definitely waterproof - it took a lot of scrubbing with a make up wipe to wipe these off! This is always a good sign!

I used (Earth)Quake to line my upper and lower lash lines and smudged it out for a soft, smokey eye. The eyeliner lasted all day on both my upper and lower lash lines and I managed to remove it with ease using my Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm and a muslin cloth.

I took a photo but the lighting was so terrible it did not do it justice. I will be sure to upload a photo of me wearing these soon!

Overall, I love these eyeliners and would love to try out more colours from the range which is available at John Lewis. These retail at £20 which is a little steep but worth every penny. I received a free deluxe-sized, black Marc Jacobs Highliner from Sephora for my birthday gift last year and using these has reminded me to dig the black one out of my collection as I've been loving using eyeliner on my lower lash line recently.

Will you be buying these?

* I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.