Monday, 12 June 2017

MAC x Fleur De Force

If there's one thing I love, it's a make up collaboration. From MAC x Ariana Grande to Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland I just can't help picking up the limited addition collections. So when I spotted that one of my favourite Blogger/You Tube personalities Fleur De Force was collaborating with MAC to release a lipstick, I instantly knew I needed to get my hands on.

 

The limited addition lipstick is a take on the classic Cremesheen Lipstick. With a creamy formula the product leave lips feeling soft & moisturised all day without any hint of dryness (perfect for those who aren't a fan of matte).

With a combination of soft pink & beige tones create a beautiful yet natural look that's perfect for any make-up look this summer (think family BBQ's to summer weddings). 

Unfortunately Fleur's lipstick is now sold out online, but click here to view other MAC products recommended by the beauty guru herself.  

Have you tried the MAC x Fleur De Force Lipstick?
What's your favourite make-up collaboration?
xxx

 


Sunday, 5 February 2017

Kailijumei Secret Flower Lipstick

Now I love a new lipstick as much as the next beauty blogger.. I get excited when MAC release a new collaboration & love when we enter autumn/winter so I can wear all the berry tones.. however there's one particular lipstick I've had my eye on for a long time now - the Secret Flower Lipstick.

This is a product I've seen on countless Instagram posts but never quite known where to actually find it - until the day finally came when I found a link to Kailijumei & my lipstick dreams finally came true.

*heart eyes emoji*
For those who aren't as obsessed as me, the "secret flower" lipstick is just as described - a lipstick with a "secret"/"hidden" flower inside. Whilst it may sound a little strange, as you can see above it's a thing of complete beauty with little flecks of gold glitter & a small pink flower sealed within.

Whilst the lipstick itself is actually clear, once applied it slowly transforms into a soft baby-pink - something I imagine will be perfect for Spring/Summer. The formulae of the lipstick is surprisingly soft & not at all drying. When it comes to application, I'll admit that I haven't worn this product for a full day yet, however after swatching the pink-colour remained in place pretty-much all day - even after I tried to scrub it off (much better than something that fades away annoyingly fast).

The lipstick itself is available in 4 different styles including Baby Doll Pink (the style I purchased), Dream Purple, Flame Red & Minuet Maid, each retailing at £11.99. However after a little research it seems that each lipstick wears as the same shade of baby-pink. This means the names only reflect the colours of the small flower within the product (something to be noted if you're hoping for a purple lipstick).

For £11.99 I think this is a gorgeous lipstick & something I'm so happy to have within my collection. If Kailijumei release a range that includes more shades (hint red & berry tones) I'll definitely be picking up more.

What are your thoughts on the Kailijumei Secret Flower lipstick?
I'd love to know in the comments. 
xxx

Sunday, 11 December 2016

Beautiful in Vegas - A Day to Night Look*

Since arriving home from my little Christmas break to Paris (watch this space for a post all about that) I can't help but think about my next holiday. One destinations that has made its way onto my wishlist has to be the one & only Las Vegas - in particular the stunningly beautiful Palazzo Hotel - the sister hotel of the world-famous Venetian Hotel.

From spa days to jaw-dropping shows, the Palazzo (& Vegas in general) seems to be a great place to really look your best - however (as something I imagine every beauty-lover knows all to well) getting ready can be pretty time consuming. A great way to avoid this is a simple day-night look. As someone who works full-time, day-night looks are something I often find myself creating as they're so quick. 


To start, I always top up my concealer to cover any pesky dark-marks or blemishes that may be reappearing  & then set everything back in place with my translucent powder. Next comes a quick application of bronzer & some trusty highlighter (I am not blessed with natural cheek-bones, thanks Dad!). I find this helps recreate that flawless base that comes with a fresh-face of makeup. 

The final make-up steps are two that I find really take the look from day-night; Eyeliner & Lipstick. Despite being a beauty lover, a cat-flick simply isn't something I've ever been able to master. However I find a simple black line across the upper lash-line is more than enough to add some definition. This - alongside a layer of lipstick - and the evening make-up is complete. 

To complete the look, a quick spritz of  Dry Shampoo to give my hair some added volume followed by some fresh perfume & I'm ready to head straight out to enjoy whatever the night has in store! 

If - like me - a trip to Vegas is something that takes your fancy, be sure to check out the amazing packages & offers currently available through Vegas.com. 

If you have any tips for taking a look from day-night,
I'd love to know in the comments below.
xxx



Sunday, 28 August 2016

Beauty Wishlist - Paul & Joe

Launched in 2002 by Sophie Mechaley, Paul & Joe is a brand that offers both adorable & sophisticated cosmetics with designs including floral patterns, cute cats & even a nostalgic collaboration with a Looney Tunes. Whilst this is a brand that I've only recently discovered (thank-you Instagram) I've quickly built up a large wishlist & couldn't resist sharing my favourites here.



Cheek Colour Pearls - £28.00 [x]
Looney Tunes Tom & Jerry Lipstick Case - £7.00 [x]
Perfect Make-up Primer - £30.00 [x]
"Catamaran" Lipstick Refill - £14.00 [x]
Waterproof Mascara - £19.00 [x]
Make-up Brush Holder - £14.00 [x]

Whilst a little more expensive than high-street brands (especially when you could purchase a Rimmel lipstick for the same price of a Paul & Joe lipstick case), I personally think the designs of these products makes spending little extra completely justifiable.. I mean, what other brand has little cat-shaped pearls in their blush or elements of your childhood on a lipstick case (I'm looking at you Tom & Jerry!). 

I can't wait to purchase a few of these items & see if they live up to their appearances.. watch this space. 

What are your thoughts on the products available from Paul & Joe?
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments, 
xxx

Sunday, 7 August 2016

Make-up Revolution - Lip Lacquer Liquid Lipstick

With both high-end and high-street brands jumping on the bandwagon, liquid lipstick are a craze that has taken the beauty world by storm. However with many different products available it can be a little daunting trying to decide which would be the best to try out.

As a huge fan of Make-up Revolution's lipsticks, I decided that a good place dip my toes in the world of liquid lipsticks could the brand's collection of Lip Lacquers. So - after what felt like a lifetime of comparing different shades - my love for all things berry-toned finally won & I walked away with a purple shade known as Rebel.


After purchasing this product, one of the first things I noticed was a promise that it would provide "intense colour pay off" as well as being both "touch proof" & "long wearing" - a very bold claim to come from any brand.

The first thing I noticed had to be the colour pay off - which I'm happy to say that really can't be faulted. As you can see from the swatch above, the deep purple shade is gorgeous & looks the exact same when applied as it does in the packaging (always a bonus!). However I wasn't quite as impressed when it came to lasting power. After application my lips were left feeling quite sticky as the product dried from liquid to matte (although admittedly this does disappear once dry). I also noticed that after eating & drinking the lipstick did begin to face/crack a little - probably due to the matte finish.

After multiple applications, I found that these problems are avoidable (try applying a small amount of product at a time with a finger & slowly building it up to create a stain & avoid the sticky-ness) however if you're looking for a simple/fuss free product, this may be a little too much hassle.

Retailing at only £3.00 this the Lip Lacquer is budget-friendly & in my opinion is a good product to buy as a test to see if Liquid Lipsticks will fit in with your beauty routine before splashing out the pricier alternatives.

Have you tried any of Make-up Revolution's Lip Lacquer's?
What are your thoughts on liquid lipsticks?
I'd love to know! 
xxx









Sunday, 26 June 2016

Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you may have seen me (constantly) posting about recent trip to Paris. One afternoon during the trip - after visiting one of the usual tourist spots - I just happened to wander past a Sephora store. For those who don't know, Sephora isn't something we're lucky enough to have here in the U.K, so (of course) I had to pop inside for a look around.

Whilst I did tell myself that I was only in to only look, it quickly became clear that I needed to pick at  least something up.. a souvenir of sorts. So after wondering around & around (& around) the different stalls I finally decided on one of Sephora's own brand products, - a Rouge Cream Lipstick.


The Rouge Cream Lipsticks come in a selection of gorgeous colours - which made it very difficult to chose just the one shade. However after swatching many, many different shades I finally opted for the shade, R02 Courtisane - a gorgeous deep "brick-red"colour that almost borders a coppery-brown. This is a shade I feel would look great during evenings or as part of a vampy-autumnal look once the colder weather re-appears.

Whilst the colour is gorgeous, Sephora also claims that The Rouge Cream Lipsticks offer a "hydrating formula" with a creamy & soft texture - all very bold claims for a lipstick. However after testing I was pleasantly surprised to find that the product left my lips feeling both soft & moisturised without any hint of drying or cracking skin - a huge pet peeve of mine. It should be noted that I did notice some transfer of product when eating & drinking, however I wouldn't say this is anymore noticeable than from lipsticks available on the high-street here in the U.K.

If you're looking to purchase this or any other shade available from the Rouge Cream selection, they currently retail for around the £10.00 mark which is something I feel is very reasonable for such a great product. *edit: this may be a little off as obviously I paid in Euros so the exchange may vary*.

I honestly love this lipstick & wish I was able to test more of the shades... If only Sephora would come to the U.K so I could test out the other shades in the collection *hint, hint*.

Have you tried any of the Rouge Cream Lipsticks? 
If so I'd love to know your thoughts. 
xxx





Sunday, 24 April 2016

Urban Decay - Alice Through The Looking Glass

Everyone who knows me will vouch for my Disney obsession.. So as I hear about a collaboration of any sorts - from Primark to MAC - I simply have to pick something up for myself. A particular favourite film of mine has to be Alice in Wonderland, so when Urban Decay recently announced they'd be collaborating with Disney to celebrate the release of Alice Through The Looking Glass, I know this would be something I'd be very interested in adding to my collection.  

Image source: x  x 

The first thing to catch  my eye was the very impressive eye-shadow palette. Made up of twenty shades that range from neutral matte pinks to sparkly deep teals make this perfect for any occasion. Bonus each eye-shadow is aptly named after various elements from the film - my favourites including; Gone Mad, Reflection & Heads Will Roll. Besides the eye-shadows themselves, the key part of this product has to be the packaging. The "pop-up" themed packaging combined with the bright kaleidoscope print not only looks gorgeous, but also fits perfectly with the theme of the film Urban Decay have completely outdone themselves with this palette & I'm sure it would look stunning on any dressing table. 

The next element to the collaboration is the collection of lipsticks. Similar to the palette, these lipsticks contain a range of nude to bright shades that are in keeping with the theme of the film. Whether you're a lover of neutral pinks (Alice is the shade for you) or bold purples (try Mad Hatter) there's a lipstick here for every look. I personally would love to get my hands on at least three of these shades including Alice, Mirana (the dark purple) & Iracebeth (the classic bright red). 

I've seen a few different dates stated throughout the beauty world, it seems the collection will be available online sometime in early May.. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled. However after some research I have found that the eye-shadow palette is rumoured to be retailing at around £45.00 & the lipsticks at around £16.00 each. Whilst this may seem a little on the pricey side compared so other products available, I personally feel a collection like this is worth the extra pennies. 


What are your thoughts on this collection?
xxx

Wednesday, 9 March 2016

The perfect nude ft. MAC

Whilst on a recent shopping trip in MAC it suddenly dawned on me that my *ever-growing* lipstick collection was missing one crucial element.. the "perfect nude". Of course, this then became my mission of the day.. and after what felt like hours of intense research (aka swatching pretty much every shade available) I was delighted to finally settle on the nude lipstick of my dreams.. MAC's Creme in Your Coffee. 



With a mixture of pinky-brown tones, Creme in Your Coffee is a shade that I find perfect for creating the effortless "your lips but better" effect. This is great for those either looking for a simple yet glamorous look - think quick application whilst running out of the door in the morning -  or for pairing with a dramatic smoky-eye during the evening.

Besides the gorgeous colour, anther element of this product that I instantly fell in love with had to be the beautifully soft consistency. After application I found that the formulae left a slight sheen to my lips whilst leaving my skin feeling moisturised & hydrated (not a dry or chapped lip to be seen - yay!).

The only thing that could be considered a slight downside to this product is the slightly pricey retail cost of £15.50. Of course it goes without saying that this is more expensive than other lipsticks that are available on the high-street.. However, I honestly think the extra pennies are worth it if you're either looking to build your lipstick collection or (like me) are struggling to find that "perfect nude".

If you're interested in picking up this lipstick for yourself, Creme in Your Coffee is currently available both online & in local MAC stores.

What's your favourite nude lipstick?
xxx



Sunday, 31 January 2016

MAC Viva Glam - Ariana Grande

Anyone who knows me will know all bout my lipstick obsession - especially berry tones. So when I learnt that Ariana Grande had teamed up with MAC & many other celebrity style icons (Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga & Rihanna to name a few) to bring out her own lipstick , I knew I needed it in my collection.

The lipstick - which currently retails for £15.50 - forms part of the brands Viva Glam range. For those who don't know,Viva Glam is a collection that donates all money (minus VAT) to the MAC Aids Fund to support men, women & children effected by HIV/Aids. So - by purchasing this product not only do you receive a stunning new lipstick, you also support those in need.


*heart eyes emoji*

Key Points: 

Packaging: Now I love MAC's classic sleek black "bullet" packaging. However the added pop of pink - something traditional to the Viva Glam range - is something that really catches my eye. I also love the added "signature" from the chosen celebrity which I feel really adds a fun little bonus.

Shade: As you can see from the swatch above, this product is a deep plum shade & one that I feel would suit most skin tones. This is the perfect shade to wear during the winter months or to use as a statement evening look.

Finish: As a lover of gloss finishes, I can find the thought of a matte lipstick a little daunting at times. Yet the matte finish of this product combined with the classic MAC formulae allows for an easy application which isn't at all drying. However for those like me that prefer gloss (or even suffer from dry lips) a simple layer of lip balm - or even lip gloss on top - adds the perfect dose of moisture to avoid any potential "cracking" or "drying" that can be associated with matte products. *Tip* apply a layer of product with a lip brush to help avoid any accidental smudging onto skin!*

Scent: Of course, this lipstick contains the traditional MAC lipstick scent. A gorgeous light vanilla smell that makes application that little more special.

It's safe to say that as soon as I opened the cute little box, it was love at first sight & I have been completely won over by this lipstick. I personally think this is a stunning product & it's made all the more special by knowing the proceeds are going to charity. I'll definitely be checking products from MAC's Viva Glam collection in the future.

What do you think of the Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick?
xxx

Sunday, 20 December 2015

Lipsticks | Winter Favourites

Lipstick is a product that I find myself reaching for on an almost daily basis... so now the colder weather is here & the autumn/winter clothes have been dragged from the back of the wardrobe, I've started to notice a slight pattern in my make-up routine. It seems that I have been repeatedly reaching for a mixture of the same four "autumnal" shades that have quickly become my currently favourite winter lipsticks.

Lipstick from Left to Right: Amethyst Shimmer, Rebel with a cause,
Kate Moss 01, Smitten

Model Co - Smitten
Whilst only a recent addition to my lipstick collection - I was lucky enough to receive Smitten within my December Birchbox - I've found this has quickly become one of my favourites. Not only is this lipstick both moisturising & long lasting, the deep tone of this lipstick offers a great twist to the classic statement red lip.


Rimmel Kate Moss - 01
Rimmel lipsticks will always have a special place in my heart when it comes to high-street beauty -  so I knew instantly that I would love the Kate Moss collection. Shade 01 highly pigmented & moisturising lipstick that works instantly to add a touch of glamour to any look. I personally love to pair this lipstick with a black outfit & other-wise neutral make-up - think Little Black Dress at the Christmas party. 

Make up Revolution - Rebel with a cause
For those of you who don't know, I love the lipsticks from Make-up Revolution. Not only are they extremely budget friendly (retailing at only £1) they're also amazing quality. "Rebel with a cause" is a deep purple shade that is perfect if - like me - you love to experiment with a slightly darker/vampy look throughout the winter. *Bonus* The little colour pot secured to the end of the product pops off to become a perfectly matching lip-liner.

Unlike the previous products mentioned in this post, Amethyst Shimmer is the perfect alternative to a statement lip. With subtle pink/purple undertones & a gorgeous sheen, this lipstick offers a slight "your lips but better" & works perfectly a dramatic or smokey-eye. I personally love to wear this as an every-day lipstick to add a touch of glamour to my look. 

Of course there are many lipsticks within my collection that I love, - *unashamed lipstick addict over here* -  but these are the four I've found myself using most regularly. If you've tried any of the above products - or have any favourite winter lipsticks of your own - please let me know in the comments! 

xxx

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

Autumnal Style Changes*

If you've read any of my recent posts, you'll know how excited I am for Autumn this year. So whilst thinking of content for my usual mid-week blog post - I realised the perfect way to celebrate this was to write about my favourite style changes for the autumn/winter months. 

Not style related - but what's more autumnal than a cute Starbucks cup?! 

It seemed only right to start this post with documenting my most recent change. As we're approaching the chillier months, I decided to opt for darker roots & an overall soft ombre look. Whilst nothing to drastic - my hair is definitely still blonde - this seemed like the perfect subtle change for autumn/winter. 

Next on my list is autumn/winter favourite amongst beauty bloggers - the beloved dark lipstick. Now don't get me wrong, I love bright red, pink & choral shades.. but there's just something about a dark lip that screams "autumn's here"! Plus - in my opinion - a dark lip is a quick & simple way to add a little glamour to any outfit. 

Last but not least is something I have been obsessing over recently - the colour burgundy. Whether it be a new dress, shade of nail varnish or lipstick, burgundy seems to be everywhere on the high-street this season. In my opinion this is a perfect autumn shade & is therefore something I simply can't seem to resist (much to my bank accounts dismay.. oops!).

If you're looking to change up your style for the autumn months, be sure to check out the Hair Colour Quiz set up by Madison Reed*. For those of you who don't know, Madison Reed is a company that specialises in offering high performance hair colour at home. The quiz consists of 8 simple questions to suggest which shades would work best for your hair. Perfect if want to make a change but need a little extra helping help making a decision. 

 How do you change your style for the autumn months?
I'm always on the look out for new ideas! 
xxx



Wednesday, 19 August 2015

Current Favourites: Lipsticks

If I was stranded on a desert island & could only take one make-up product it would be lipstick... 

Now don't get me wrong I love make-up & couldn't be without my mascara or foundation.. but in my opinion, there's no better product that can can take a look from casual to glamorous as effortlessly as a lipstick.

As much as I love each product within my lipstick collection - & yes, there are definitely a few too many lipsticks in that collection - I've recently found myself reaching for the same four shades on a regular basis. So I thought this would be the perfect excuse to share my current favourites & justify each purchase.. (I needed to buy them for my blog.. obviously). 




1.  "Falling Fast" from Top Shop's lipstick collection [x]
2. Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade No. 08 [x]
3. MAC's Disney Cinderella Collection in Royal Ball [x]
(Currently out of stock - So I've linked a similar shade)
4.  Amethyst Shimmer from Rimmel's Lasting Finish collection [x]


For a natural look, both MAC's Royal Ball & Kate Moss' shade 08 are two of my favourite go to shades. Both shades are low maintenance & long lasting which is perfect for busy days spent running about (who knew stopping to reapply lipstick doesn't count as urgent?!). 

However - on the other end of the scale - if I want to add a colour pop to a look, then I've found myself repeatedly reaching for  either Top Shop's Falling Fast or Rimmel's Amethyst Shimmer. Both are perfect for adding a hint of glamour to an otherwise neutral look... 

These four shades have become staples within my make-up collection as they offer the perfect balance of neutral & bright shades. 

What's your current favourite lipstick?
xxx


Wednesday, 3 June 2015

Makeup Revolution Lipstick - Review

After a particularly stressful end to a recent week at work I decided I really did deserve a little treat. In a bid to not be tempted into sweet-tasting treats *the flat stomach will thank me later* I found myself browsing the make-up counters in Superdrug.

As I've mentioned in a few of my recent posts, Make-up Revolution is a a brand that  has definitey caught my eye. In my opinion the items are of great quality at very affordable prices. This is perfect for experimenting with new products & styles.

I've been wanting to expand my lipstick collection for a while now.. So after browsing the Make-up Revolution counter I stumbled across the gorgeous dark purple "Rebel With A Cause" from the brand's Vamp Collection. (I know, I know.. Heading into summer it's all about the bright colours. However there's just something about a dark lip that I love for a night-time look.)


A little summary:
  • Packaging: This product may not be as glamorous to look at as other lipsticks available but it does offer a simple & clean packaging with rose-gold detailed lettering. Plus I love that you can easily see the shade through the plastic cap. 
  • Finish/Colour Pay Off: When I first tried this lipstick I applied it over a lip balm & found that it really neutralised the colour.. However when applying it directly to my lips the result was the dark & vampy look I was after. 
  • Price: This retails for an extremely affordable £1. Perfect for all budgets & for when you need a little, inexpensive treat.
  • Formulation: If you've read any of my previous lipstick reviews, you'll know that drying lip products are a pet peeve of mine.. however luckily this lipstick has a beautifully creamy formulation, leaving lips feeling happy & moisturised. 
  • Added Bonus: That "plastic cap" I mentioned earlier.. not only does it conveniently show which shade of lipstick is inside.. oh no.. it also pops off to reveal a mini pot of same-coloured product. This is perfect for use a lip liner when paired with a small lip-lining brush. 
In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this product & I'm sure I'll be treating myself to more lipsticks from Make-up revolution soon. 

Have you ever tried lipstick from Make-up Revolution?
What are your thoughts?
xxx


Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Topshop lipstick - Review

Topshop's beauty range is something I've been wanting to try for a long time now, however each time I wander into my local branch I seem to completely forget about the range & instead head straight for the shoes/clothes/accessories.

However on a recent trip to my local shopping centre I decided to finally make a long-over-due beauty purchase. As a newbie to this range I thought I'd play it relatively safe & go for a liptick - plus you can never have too may lipsticks, right? So with summer just around the corner (well hopefully.. you can never be to sure in England) I decided to go for a gorgeous coral shade known as "falling fast".



I've worn this lipstick a few times since purchasing it & so far I haven't been disappointed. 
  • Packaging: I love the design of both the box this lipstick originally comes in & lipstick packaging itself. They're both simple however there's something about the chalk effect that makes it stand out from other brands/products. 
  • Finish/Colour Pay Off: The Topshop website describes this product as having "fabulous colour" and a "matte finish". There's definitely no shine/glimmer from this product but this look can easily be created with a simple layer of gloss. I also agree with that the colour pay off is great. As you can see from the photos above it leaves a gorgeous coral shade to the lips - without looking to bright or orange toned. 
  • Price: At £8.00 this  is a very affordable product & would fit most beauty-lovers budgets.
  • Formulation: The lipstick is described as having a "creamy finish" which I'm happy to say I completely agree with. One of my pet peeves is lipsticks that are dry and/or difficult to put on.. but this product feels beautifully moisturising & creamy which makes it easy to apply.
  • Fragrance: Although only faint, there's a lovely vanilla scent to this lipstick - always an added bonus!

In my opinion this is the perfect lipstick shade to wear throughout spring/summer if you're looking for a coral that makes a subtle statement without being too out there. 

Usually I'm a complete Rimmel girl when it comes to lipsticks & - although I'll still be purchasing Rimmel lipsticks religiously - I'm so excited to try more lipsticks & other products in the Topshop beauty range. 

Click here to view Topshop's full beauty range. 

Have you tried any Topshop beauty products?
Which is your favourite?
xxx

Wednesday, 1 April 2015

MAC Cinderella Royal Ball - Review

If you read my previous post - - which you can click here to read - you'll know that  I ended up rambling on so much about simply buying this lipstick that I didn't managed to get around to actually reviewing it.. (although - for anyone who hasn't read the post - it really wasn't much of a simple process at all...  drama, drama, drama). 

This time I've decided to try keep myself on track & write a  review as planned.. Wish me luck!

MAC's Cinderella - Royal Ball

Be still my beating heart.

To keep myself from rambling on too much, I've decided to divide this review into what I think are the four key factors... 

Packaging: 
When I first saw MAC's Cinderella collection online, I was a little worried that the packaging would end up looking cheap/tacky - however I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised the first time I opened this. To start, the light purple/blue colour is fits perfectly with the Cinderella theme (the ball gown.. the glass slippers.. need I go on?!).. & I find the gold detailing adds a small touch of glamour. This colour also stands out beautifully amongst my other lipsticks.. Bonus! 
  
Lipstick Colour: 
Now I'll admit, when I first opened this lipstick I was slightly disappointed by the shade of the actual lipstick compared to what was shown on the website. I ultimately decided on Royal Ball as it was the "pinker" shade of the two lipsticks available, but in reality I would say this definitely more of a pale pink/nude shade. However - determined not to be upset - I applied the lipstick & found that this is actually a perfect nude for my lip tone *sequels with delight*. Despite it not being the pink shade I first had my heart set on, I actually love the colour more, as I've found that it's one I can easily wear day to day & with any outfit. 

Price: 
This lipstick retails at £17.00 & although it is more expensive than other MAC lipsticks (which usually retail at around the £15.00 mark) the extra £2.00 is one that I was more than happy to pay for the "Disney Cinderella" novelty. If you're a Disney fan & love MAC lipsticks I personally think this is more than an acceptable price - especially as (being a limited addition collection) it's something you'd only be able to treat yourself to the once. Think of it as an investment. 

Finish: 
There is a slight shimmer in the formula of this lipstick which adds a small but gorgeous shine to the lips when worn. In addition to this, the lipstick is lovely & moisturising -there's nothing more I hate than a lipstick that dries your lips & leaves them looks chipped & cracked.. ew. It also lasts a prety decent amount of time - taking into account day to day activities such as drinking that much needed morning coffee etc.

You can see the slight pink & shimmer here.                            Please s'cuse the "I've been working all day" hair. 


Overall I'd definitely say this product was worth the stress filled/sleepless night (take a peek at my previous post linked above if this leaves you slightly intrigued) & even the extra pennies spent.

As I said in my last post, I don't usually get over excited over limited edition collections - but as a Disney devotee, I'm more than happy with this purchase.. plus I'm now pretty sure that I'll get equally as excited if there's another Disney Princess themed collection *dreams happily about a Beauty & the Beast collection*.. Oh MAC you've successfully reeled me in!

Although mostly sold out online now, you can view the full collection here. 

What are your thoughts on the MAC Cinderella collection?
xxx

Sunday, 15 March 2015

MAC Cinderella Lipstick - Royal Ball

Now - I wouldn't usually say I get overly excited over new make-up collections. Maybe this was to do with being a student for the past few years & not really having the spare money to splurge on "non-essential" items (although lets be honest - make-up is definitely an essential).

But when I saw that MAC had confirmed the release of their Cinderella collection - I was more than a little interested. I wrote a blog post about it - which you can read here - and even set a countdown on my phone once the the date had been released *I'm not even ashamed about how crazy this may (definitely) make me seem*.

My excitement (crazy) levels continued to rise the closer the release date got.. I found myself looking at the #MACCinderella trend on Twitter, simply to read the thoughts & opinions of people who were as excited as me. Then.. the night finally came. Twitter was alive with nervous/excited chit chat.. What time would MAC release the collection? How fast would it sell out? Would we be able to get our hands on the items our hearts are set on?

All life changing questions - of course.

Now - like I said - I don't usually get super excited over new collection releases. However the night before this release I forced myself to stay up until midnight (Cinderella... Midnight... I thought this made sense for the release time) but was greeted with disappointment when alas it wasn't released. So I decided that, as I had work the following day, I couldn't/wouldn't be waking up every hour to check.. (although when I happened to wake up at 4am and when my boyfriend left for work at 6am I'll admit that I did quickly refresh the page on my phone.. just be to safe).

I even found myself dreaming that the collection had sold out - resulting in me waking up in a panic.. (You'd be right to think I was going slightly crazy here.. I thought it about myself too.. But, lipstick!!)

Unfortunately I had to accept that the world wouldn't be stopping because of the release of the MAC's most recent collection.. so I trotted off to work & excitedly explained to my colleagues all about my nervous night of waiting & the excitement (admittedly, most of who didn't quite understand what I was jabbering on about or why I was so excited).

I decided to have one more look at the MAC website - not expecting anything & accepting that there was a high chance that I would miss the launch - only to be delighted to see that.. wait.. what?!... it had launched.. (oh the joy).

It's safe to say I have never selected an item & checked out so fast in my life. If there was some sort of online shopping Olympics.. I certainly would have won gold. I contemplated going back to have a quick look at the other products but luckily thought against it, checked out and paid.

I then proceeded to happily skip around the office.. much to the amusement/confusion of most of the people I work with.

Two/Three days later.. on a dreary weekday morning, I wander into the office & what's that sat on my desk... is it from MAC?! OH MY GOD IT IS!! 


& finally.. here it is...

*heart eyes emoji*



I think from now on I'll definitely be showing a lot more excitement towards new make-up collections.. But hopefully there wont be any more panic-stricken dreams! 

This post did originally start out as a review.. but I ended up jabbering on about simply buying the lipstick (who knew it could be such a dramatic event?!) but I'll definitely look into doing a separate review post for this lipstick. 

Did you manage to get any products from the MAC Cinderella collection?
Which is your favourite product?

xxx



Monday, 20 October 2014

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick Review

I recently treated myself to some new lipsticks and decided to for Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick range and decided to write a little review based on the elements that I think make a good lip product; colour, texture, staying power packaging and price...


Who can resist new lipstick?!
Colour
These have a lovely pigmentation. On the left is Shade 08 and on the right is Shade 30. Number 08 is a lovely natural nude shade with a slight pinky tone which is perfect for when you want a little something on your lips, but nothing too bold  with a slight pinky tone to it and Number 30 is a deep purple/red shade which fits perfectly with the autumn/winter trends. 

Texture & Staying power
One of my pet make-up peeves is dry lipstick that fades quickly and leaves that weird patchy look on my lips (I hope it's not just me that experiences this...?) So when I used these lipsticks I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only do these have lovely colours, the texture of the Kate Moss Lipstick's is creamy, moisturising and has great staying power. 

Admittedly I did have to reapply the products a few times, but that's to be expected when drinking/eating *or maybe the odd kiss - cheeky*. 

Packaging: 
The packaging on this product creates a much higher end feel compared to some drug store/high street lipsticks and I feel the red "Kate" on the lid adds a small touch of glamour which separates the range from other Rimmel products. 

Price:
The lipsticks are priced at £5.49 each at Superdrug which I think is very reasonable.

Based on each of these factors, I would definitely recommend this product and will be purchasing some of the different shades on offer soon.

If anyone has any lipstick recommendations, let me know!

xxx
Showing posts with label lipstick. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lipstick. Show all posts

MAC x Fleur De Force

If there's one thing I love, it's a make up collaboration. From MAC x Ariana Grande to Urban Decay's Alice in Wonderland I just can't help picking up the limited addition collections. So when I spotted that one of my favourite Blogger/You Tube personalities Fleur De Force was collaborating with MAC to release a lipstick, I instantly knew I needed to get my hands on.

 

The limited addition lipstick is a take on the classic Cremesheen Lipstick. With a creamy formula the product leave lips feeling soft & moisturised all day without any hint of dryness (perfect for those who aren't a fan of matte).

With a combination of soft pink & beige tones create a beautiful yet natural look that's perfect for any make-up look this summer (think family BBQ's to summer weddings). 

Unfortunately Fleur's lipstick is now sold out online, but click here to view other MAC products recommended by the beauty guru herself.  

Have you tried the MAC x Fleur De Force Lipstick?
What's your favourite make-up collaboration?
xxx

 


Kailijumei Secret Flower Lipstick

Now I love a new lipstick as much as the next beauty blogger.. I get excited when MAC release a new collaboration & love when we enter autumn/winter so I can wear all the berry tones.. however there's one particular lipstick I've had my eye on for a long time now - the Secret Flower Lipstick.

This is a product I've seen on countless Instagram posts but never quite known where to actually find it - until the day finally came when I found a link to Kailijumei & my lipstick dreams finally came true.

*heart eyes emoji*
For those who aren't as obsessed as me, the "secret flower" lipstick is just as described - a lipstick with a "secret"/"hidden" flower inside. Whilst it may sound a little strange, as you can see above it's a thing of complete beauty with little flecks of gold glitter & a small pink flower sealed within.

Whilst the lipstick itself is actually clear, once applied it slowly transforms into a soft baby-pink - something I imagine will be perfect for Spring/Summer. The formulae of the lipstick is surprisingly soft & not at all drying. When it comes to application, I'll admit that I haven't worn this product for a full day yet, however after swatching the pink-colour remained in place pretty-much all day - even after I tried to scrub it off (much better than something that fades away annoyingly fast).

The lipstick itself is available in 4 different styles including Baby Doll Pink (the style I purchased), Dream Purple, Flame Red & Minuet Maid, each retailing at £11.99. However after a little research it seems that each lipstick wears as the same shade of baby-pink. This means the names only reflect the colours of the small flower within the product (something to be noted if you're hoping for a purple lipstick).

For £11.99 I think this is a gorgeous lipstick & something I'm so happy to have within my collection. If Kailijumei release a range that includes more shades (hint red & berry tones) I'll definitely be picking up more.

What are your thoughts on the Kailijumei Secret Flower lipstick?
I'd love to know in the comments. 
xxx

Beautiful in Vegas - A Day to Night Look*

Since arriving home from my little Christmas break to Paris (watch this space for a post all about that) I can't help but think about my next holiday. One destinations that has made its way onto my wishlist has to be the one & only Las Vegas - in particular the stunningly beautiful Palazzo Hotel - the sister hotel of the world-famous Venetian Hotel.

From spa days to jaw-dropping shows, the Palazzo (& Vegas in general) seems to be a great place to really look your best - however (as something I imagine every beauty-lover knows all to well) getting ready can be pretty time consuming. A great way to avoid this is a simple day-night look. As someone who works full-time, day-night looks are something I often find myself creating as they're so quick. 


To start, I always top up my concealer to cover any pesky dark-marks or blemishes that may be reappearing  & then set everything back in place with my translucent powder. Next comes a quick application of bronzer & some trusty highlighter (I am not blessed with natural cheek-bones, thanks Dad!). I find this helps recreate that flawless base that comes with a fresh-face of makeup. 

The final make-up steps are two that I find really take the look from day-night; Eyeliner & Lipstick. Despite being a beauty lover, a cat-flick simply isn't something I've ever been able to master. However I find a simple black line across the upper lash-line is more than enough to add some definition. This - alongside a layer of lipstick - and the evening make-up is complete. 

To complete the look, a quick spritz of  Dry Shampoo to give my hair some added volume followed by some fresh perfume & I'm ready to head straight out to enjoy whatever the night has in store! 

If - like me - a trip to Vegas is something that takes your fancy, be sure to check out the amazing packages & offers currently available through Vegas.com. 

If you have any tips for taking a look from day-night,
I'd love to know in the comments below.
xxx



Beauty Wishlist - Paul & Joe

Launched in 2002 by Sophie Mechaley, Paul & Joe is a brand that offers both adorable & sophisticated cosmetics with designs including floral patterns, cute cats & even a nostalgic collaboration with a Looney Tunes. Whilst this is a brand that I've only recently discovered (thank-you Instagram) I've quickly built up a large wishlist & couldn't resist sharing my favourites here.



Cheek Colour Pearls - £28.00 [x]
Looney Tunes Tom & Jerry Lipstick Case - £7.00 [x]
Perfect Make-up Primer - £30.00 [x]
"Catamaran" Lipstick Refill - £14.00 [x]
Waterproof Mascara - £19.00 [x]
Make-up Brush Holder - £14.00 [x]

Whilst a little more expensive than high-street brands (especially when you could purchase a Rimmel lipstick for the same price of a Paul & Joe lipstick case), I personally think the designs of these products makes spending little extra completely justifiable.. I mean, what other brand has little cat-shaped pearls in their blush or elements of your childhood on a lipstick case (I'm looking at you Tom & Jerry!). 

I can't wait to purchase a few of these items & see if they live up to their appearances.. watch this space. 

What are your thoughts on the products available from Paul & Joe?
I'd love to know your thoughts in the comments, 
xxx

Make-up Revolution - Lip Lacquer Liquid Lipstick

With both high-end and high-street brands jumping on the bandwagon, liquid lipstick are a craze that has taken the beauty world by storm. However with many different products available it can be a little daunting trying to decide which would be the best to try out.

As a huge fan of Make-up Revolution's lipsticks, I decided that a good place dip my toes in the world of liquid lipsticks could the brand's collection of Lip Lacquers. So - after what felt like a lifetime of comparing different shades - my love for all things berry-toned finally won & I walked away with a purple shade known as Rebel.


After purchasing this product, one of the first things I noticed was a promise that it would provide "intense colour pay off" as well as being both "touch proof" & "long wearing" - a very bold claim to come from any brand.

The first thing I noticed had to be the colour pay off - which I'm happy to say that really can't be faulted. As you can see from the swatch above, the deep purple shade is gorgeous & looks the exact same when applied as it does in the packaging (always a bonus!). However I wasn't quite as impressed when it came to lasting power. After application my lips were left feeling quite sticky as the product dried from liquid to matte (although admittedly this does disappear once dry). I also noticed that after eating & drinking the lipstick did begin to face/crack a little - probably due to the matte finish.

After multiple applications, I found that these problems are avoidable (try applying a small amount of product at a time with a finger & slowly building it up to create a stain & avoid the sticky-ness) however if you're looking for a simple/fuss free product, this may be a little too much hassle.

Retailing at only £3.00 this the Lip Lacquer is budget-friendly & in my opinion is a good product to buy as a test to see if Liquid Lipsticks will fit in with your beauty routine before splashing out the pricier alternatives.

Have you tried any of Make-up Revolution's Lip Lacquer's?
What are your thoughts on liquid lipsticks?
I'd love to know! 
xxx









Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick

If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter you may have seen me (constantly) posting about recent trip to Paris. One afternoon during the trip - after visiting one of the usual tourist spots - I just happened to wander past a Sephora store. For those who don't know, Sephora isn't something we're lucky enough to have here in the U.K, so (of course) I had to pop inside for a look around.

Whilst I did tell myself that I was only in to only look, it quickly became clear that I needed to pick at  least something up.. a souvenir of sorts. So after wondering around & around (& around) the different stalls I finally decided on one of Sephora's own brand products, - a Rouge Cream Lipstick.


The Rouge Cream Lipsticks come in a selection of gorgeous colours - which made it very difficult to chose just the one shade. However after swatching many, many different shades I finally opted for the shade, R02 Courtisane - a gorgeous deep "brick-red"colour that almost borders a coppery-brown. This is a shade I feel would look great during evenings or as part of a vampy-autumnal look once the colder weather re-appears.

Whilst the colour is gorgeous, Sephora also claims that The Rouge Cream Lipsticks offer a "hydrating formula" with a creamy & soft texture - all very bold claims for a lipstick. However after testing I was pleasantly surprised to find that the product left my lips feeling both soft & moisturised without any hint of drying or cracking skin - a huge pet peeve of mine. It should be noted that I did notice some transfer of product when eating & drinking, however I wouldn't say this is anymore noticeable than from lipsticks available on the high-street here in the U.K.

If you're looking to purchase this or any other shade available from the Rouge Cream selection, they currently retail for around the £10.00 mark which is something I feel is very reasonable for such a great product. *edit: this may be a little off as obviously I paid in Euros so the exchange may vary*.

I honestly love this lipstick & wish I was able to test more of the shades... If only Sephora would come to the U.K so I could test out the other shades in the collection *hint, hint*.

Have you tried any of the Rouge Cream Lipsticks? 
If so I'd love to know your thoughts. 
xxx





Urban Decay - Alice Through The Looking Glass

Everyone who knows me will vouch for my Disney obsession.. So as I hear about a collaboration of any sorts - from Primark to MAC - I simply have to pick something up for myself. A particular favourite film of mine has to be Alice in Wonderland, so when Urban Decay recently announced they'd be collaborating with Disney to celebrate the release of Alice Through The Looking Glass, I know this would be something I'd be very interested in adding to my collection.  

Image source: x  x 

The first thing to catch  my eye was the very impressive eye-shadow palette. Made up of twenty shades that range from neutral matte pinks to sparkly deep teals make this perfect for any occasion. Bonus each eye-shadow is aptly named after various elements from the film - my favourites including; Gone Mad, Reflection & Heads Will Roll. Besides the eye-shadows themselves, the key part of this product has to be the packaging. The "pop-up" themed packaging combined with the bright kaleidoscope print not only looks gorgeous, but also fits perfectly with the theme of the film Urban Decay have completely outdone themselves with this palette & I'm sure it would look stunning on any dressing table. 

The next element to the collaboration is the collection of lipsticks. Similar to the palette, these lipsticks contain a range of nude to bright shades that are in keeping with the theme of the film. Whether you're a lover of neutral pinks (Alice is the shade for you) or bold purples (try Mad Hatter) there's a lipstick here for every look. I personally would love to get my hands on at least three of these shades including Alice, Mirana (the dark purple) & Iracebeth (the classic bright red). 

I've seen a few different dates stated throughout the beauty world, it seems the collection will be available online sometime in early May.. So be sure to keep your eyes peeled. However after some research I have found that the eye-shadow palette is rumoured to be retailing at around £45.00 & the lipsticks at around £16.00 each. Whilst this may seem a little on the pricey side compared so other products available, I personally feel a collection like this is worth the extra pennies. 


What are your thoughts on this collection?
xxx

The perfect nude ft. MAC

Whilst on a recent shopping trip in MAC it suddenly dawned on me that my *ever-growing* lipstick collection was missing one crucial element.. the "perfect nude". Of course, this then became my mission of the day.. and after what felt like hours of intense research (aka swatching pretty much every shade available) I was delighted to finally settle on the nude lipstick of my dreams.. MAC's Creme in Your Coffee. 



With a mixture of pinky-brown tones, Creme in Your Coffee is a shade that I find perfect for creating the effortless "your lips but better" effect. This is great for those either looking for a simple yet glamorous look - think quick application whilst running out of the door in the morning -  or for pairing with a dramatic smoky-eye during the evening.

Besides the gorgeous colour, anther element of this product that I instantly fell in love with had to be the beautifully soft consistency. After application I found that the formulae left a slight sheen to my lips whilst leaving my skin feeling moisturised & hydrated (not a dry or chapped lip to be seen - yay!).

The only thing that could be considered a slight downside to this product is the slightly pricey retail cost of £15.50. Of course it goes without saying that this is more expensive than other lipsticks that are available on the high-street.. However, I honestly think the extra pennies are worth it if you're either looking to build your lipstick collection or (like me) are struggling to find that "perfect nude".

If you're interested in picking up this lipstick for yourself, Creme in Your Coffee is currently available both online & in local MAC stores.

What's your favourite nude lipstick?
xxx



MAC Viva Glam - Ariana Grande

Anyone who knows me will know all bout my lipstick obsession - especially berry tones. So when I learnt that Ariana Grande had teamed up with MAC & many other celebrity style icons (Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga & Rihanna to name a few) to bring out her own lipstick , I knew I needed it in my collection.

The lipstick - which currently retails for £15.50 - forms part of the brands Viva Glam range. For those who don't know,Viva Glam is a collection that donates all money (minus VAT) to the MAC Aids Fund to support men, women & children effected by HIV/Aids. So - by purchasing this product not only do you receive a stunning new lipstick, you also support those in need.


*heart eyes emoji*

Key Points: 

Packaging: Now I love MAC's classic sleek black "bullet" packaging. However the added pop of pink - something traditional to the Viva Glam range - is something that really catches my eye. I also love the added "signature" from the chosen celebrity which I feel really adds a fun little bonus.

Shade: As you can see from the swatch above, this product is a deep plum shade & one that I feel would suit most skin tones. This is the perfect shade to wear during the winter months or to use as a statement evening look.

Finish: As a lover of gloss finishes, I can find the thought of a matte lipstick a little daunting at times. Yet the matte finish of this product combined with the classic MAC formulae allows for an easy application which isn't at all drying. However for those like me that prefer gloss (or even suffer from dry lips) a simple layer of lip balm - or even lip gloss on top - adds the perfect dose of moisture to avoid any potential "cracking" or "drying" that can be associated with matte products. *Tip* apply a layer of product with a lip brush to help avoid any accidental smudging onto skin!*

Scent: Of course, this lipstick contains the traditional MAC lipstick scent. A gorgeous light vanilla smell that makes application that little more special.

It's safe to say that as soon as I opened the cute little box, it was love at first sight & I have been completely won over by this lipstick. I personally think this is a stunning product & it's made all the more special by knowing the proceeds are going to charity. I'll definitely be checking products from MAC's Viva Glam collection in the future.

What do you think of the Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick?
xxx

Lipsticks | Winter Favourites

Lipstick is a product that I find myself reaching for on an almost daily basis... so now the colder weather is here & the autumn/winter clothes have been dragged from the back of the wardrobe, I've started to notice a slight pattern in my make-up routine. It seems that I have been repeatedly reaching for a mixture of the same four "autumnal" shades that have quickly become my currently favourite winter lipsticks.

Lipstick from Left to Right: Amethyst Shimmer, Rebel with a cause,
Kate Moss 01, Smitten

Model Co - Smitten
Whilst only a recent addition to my lipstick collection - I was lucky enough to receive Smitten within my December Birchbox - I've found this has quickly become one of my favourites. Not only is this lipstick both moisturising & long lasting, the deep tone of this lipstick offers a great twist to the classic statement red lip.


Rimmel Kate Moss - 01
Rimmel lipsticks will always have a special place in my heart when it comes to high-street beauty -  so I knew instantly that I would love the Kate Moss collection. Shade 01 highly pigmented & moisturising lipstick that works instantly to add a touch of glamour to any look. I personally love to pair this lipstick with a black outfit & other-wise neutral make-up - think Little Black Dress at the Christmas party. 

Make up Revolution - Rebel with a cause
For those of you who don't know, I love the lipsticks from Make-up Revolution. Not only are they extremely budget friendly (retailing at only £1) they're also amazing quality. "Rebel with a cause" is a deep purple shade that is perfect if - like me - you love to experiment with a slightly darker/vampy look throughout the winter. *Bonus* The little colour pot secured to the end of the product pops off to become a perfectly matching lip-liner.

Unlike the previous products mentioned in this post, Amethyst Shimmer is the perfect alternative to a statement lip. With subtle pink/purple undertones & a gorgeous sheen, this lipstick offers a slight "your lips but better" & works perfectly a dramatic or smokey-eye. I personally love to wear this as an every-day lipstick to add a touch of glamour to my look. 

Of course there are many lipsticks within my collection that I love, - *unashamed lipstick addict over here* -  but these are the four I've found myself using most regularly. If you've tried any of the above products - or have any favourite winter lipsticks of your own - please let me know in the comments! 

xxx

Autumnal Style Changes*

If you've read any of my recent posts, you'll know how excited I am for Autumn this year. So whilst thinking of content for my usual mid-week blog post - I realised the perfect way to celebrate this was to write about my favourite style changes for the autumn/winter months. 

Not style related - but what's more autumnal than a cute Starbucks cup?! 

It seemed only right to start this post with documenting my most recent change. As we're approaching the chillier months, I decided to opt for darker roots & an overall soft ombre look. Whilst nothing to drastic - my hair is definitely still blonde - this seemed like the perfect subtle change for autumn/winter. 

Next on my list is autumn/winter favourite amongst beauty bloggers - the beloved dark lipstick. Now don't get me wrong, I love bright red, pink & choral shades.. but there's just something about a dark lip that screams "autumn's here"! Plus - in my opinion - a dark lip is a quick & simple way to add a little glamour to any outfit. 

Last but not least is something I have been obsessing over recently - the colour burgundy. Whether it be a new dress, shade of nail varnish or lipstick, burgundy seems to be everywhere on the high-street this season. In my opinion this is a perfect autumn shade & is therefore something I simply can't seem to resist (much to my bank accounts dismay.. oops!).

If you're looking to change up your style for the autumn months, be sure to check out the Hair Colour Quiz set up by Madison Reed*. For those of you who don't know, Madison Reed is a company that specialises in offering high performance hair colour at home. The quiz consists of 8 simple questions to suggest which shades would work best for your hair. Perfect if want to make a change but need a little extra helping help making a decision. 

 How do you change your style for the autumn months?
I'm always on the look out for new ideas! 
xxx



Current Favourites: Lipsticks

If I was stranded on a desert island & could only take one make-up product it would be lipstick... 

Now don't get me wrong I love make-up & couldn't be without my mascara or foundation.. but in my opinion, there's no better product that can can take a look from casual to glamorous as effortlessly as a lipstick.

As much as I love each product within my lipstick collection - & yes, there are definitely a few too many lipsticks in that collection - I've recently found myself reaching for the same four shades on a regular basis. So I thought this would be the perfect excuse to share my current favourites & justify each purchase.. (I needed to buy them for my blog.. obviously). 




1.  "Falling Fast" from Top Shop's lipstick collection [x]
2. Kate Moss for Rimmel in shade No. 08 [x]
3. MAC's Disney Cinderella Collection in Royal Ball [x]
(Currently out of stock - So I've linked a similar shade)
4.  Amethyst Shimmer from Rimmel's Lasting Finish collection [x]


For a natural look, both MAC's Royal Ball & Kate Moss' shade 08 are two of my favourite go to shades. Both shades are low maintenance & long lasting which is perfect for busy days spent running about (who knew stopping to reapply lipstick doesn't count as urgent?!). 

However - on the other end of the scale - if I want to add a colour pop to a look, then I've found myself repeatedly reaching for  either Top Shop's Falling Fast or Rimmel's Amethyst Shimmer. Both are perfect for adding a hint of glamour to an otherwise neutral look... 

These four shades have become staples within my make-up collection as they offer the perfect balance of neutral & bright shades. 

What's your current favourite lipstick?
xxx


Makeup Revolution Lipstick - Review

After a particularly stressful end to a recent week at work I decided I really did deserve a little treat. In a bid to not be tempted into sweet-tasting treats *the flat stomach will thank me later* I found myself browsing the make-up counters in Superdrug.

As I've mentioned in a few of my recent posts, Make-up Revolution is a a brand that  has definitey caught my eye. In my opinion the items are of great quality at very affordable prices. This is perfect for experimenting with new products & styles.

I've been wanting to expand my lipstick collection for a while now.. So after browsing the Make-up Revolution counter I stumbled across the gorgeous dark purple "Rebel With A Cause" from the brand's Vamp Collection. (I know, I know.. Heading into summer it's all about the bright colours. However there's just something about a dark lip that I love for a night-time look.)


A little summary:
  • Packaging: This product may not be as glamorous to look at as other lipsticks available but it does offer a simple & clean packaging with rose-gold detailed lettering. Plus I love that you can easily see the shade through the plastic cap. 
  • Finish/Colour Pay Off: When I first tried this lipstick I applied it over a lip balm & found that it really neutralised the colour.. However when applying it directly to my lips the result was the dark & vampy look I was after. 
  • Price: This retails for an extremely affordable £1. Perfect for all budgets & for when you need a little, inexpensive treat.
  • Formulation: If you've read any of my previous lipstick reviews, you'll know that drying lip products are a pet peeve of mine.. however luckily this lipstick has a beautifully creamy formulation, leaving lips feeling happy & moisturised. 
  • Added Bonus: That "plastic cap" I mentioned earlier.. not only does it conveniently show which shade of lipstick is inside.. oh no.. it also pops off to reveal a mini pot of same-coloured product. This is perfect for use a lip liner when paired with a small lip-lining brush. 
In my opinion, you really can't go wrong with this product & I'm sure I'll be treating myself to more lipsticks from Make-up revolution soon. 

Have you ever tried lipstick from Make-up Revolution?
What are your thoughts?
xxx


Topshop lipstick - Review

Topshop's beauty range is something I've been wanting to try for a long time now, however each time I wander into my local branch I seem to completely forget about the range & instead head straight for the shoes/clothes/accessories.

However on a recent trip to my local shopping centre I decided to finally make a long-over-due beauty purchase. As a newbie to this range I thought I'd play it relatively safe & go for a liptick - plus you can never have too may lipsticks, right? So with summer just around the corner (well hopefully.. you can never be to sure in England) I decided to go for a gorgeous coral shade known as "falling fast".



I've worn this lipstick a few times since purchasing it & so far I haven't been disappointed. 
  • Packaging: I love the design of both the box this lipstick originally comes in & lipstick packaging itself. They're both simple however there's something about the chalk effect that makes it stand out from other brands/products. 
  • Finish/Colour Pay Off: The Topshop website describes this product as having "fabulous colour" and a "matte finish". There's definitely no shine/glimmer from this product but this look can easily be created with a simple layer of gloss. I also agree with that the colour pay off is great. As you can see from the photos above it leaves a gorgeous coral shade to the lips - without looking to bright or orange toned. 
  • Price: At £8.00 this  is a very affordable product & would fit most beauty-lovers budgets.
  • Formulation: The lipstick is described as having a "creamy finish" which I'm happy to say I completely agree with. One of my pet peeves is lipsticks that are dry and/or difficult to put on.. but this product feels beautifully moisturising & creamy which makes it easy to apply.
  • Fragrance: Although only faint, there's a lovely vanilla scent to this lipstick - always an added bonus!

In my opinion this is the perfect lipstick shade to wear throughout spring/summer if you're looking for a coral that makes a subtle statement without being too out there. 

Usually I'm a complete Rimmel girl when it comes to lipsticks & - although I'll still be purchasing Rimmel lipsticks religiously - I'm so excited to try more lipsticks & other products in the Topshop beauty range. 

Click here to view Topshop's full beauty range. 

Have you tried any Topshop beauty products?
Which is your favourite?
xxx

MAC Cinderella Royal Ball - Review

If you read my previous post - - which you can click here to read - you'll know that  I ended up rambling on so much about simply buying this lipstick that I didn't managed to get around to actually reviewing it.. (although - for anyone who hasn't read the post - it really wasn't much of a simple process at all...  drama, drama, drama). 

This time I've decided to try keep myself on track & write a  review as planned.. Wish me luck!

MAC's Cinderella - Royal Ball

Be still my beating heart.

To keep myself from rambling on too much, I've decided to divide this review into what I think are the four key factors... 

Packaging: 
When I first saw MAC's Cinderella collection online, I was a little worried that the packaging would end up looking cheap/tacky - however I'm happy to say I was pleasantly surprised the first time I opened this. To start, the light purple/blue colour is fits perfectly with the Cinderella theme (the ball gown.. the glass slippers.. need I go on?!).. & I find the gold detailing adds a small touch of glamour. This colour also stands out beautifully amongst my other lipsticks.. Bonus! 
  
Lipstick Colour: 
Now I'll admit, when I first opened this lipstick I was slightly disappointed by the shade of the actual lipstick compared to what was shown on the website. I ultimately decided on Royal Ball as it was the "pinker" shade of the two lipsticks available, but in reality I would say this definitely more of a pale pink/nude shade. However - determined not to be upset - I applied the lipstick & found that this is actually a perfect nude for my lip tone *sequels with delight*. Despite it not being the pink shade I first had my heart set on, I actually love the colour more, as I've found that it's one I can easily wear day to day & with any outfit. 

Price: 
This lipstick retails at £17.00 & although it is more expensive than other MAC lipsticks (which usually retail at around the £15.00 mark) the extra £2.00 is one that I was more than happy to pay for the "Disney Cinderella" novelty. If you're a Disney fan & love MAC lipsticks I personally think this is more than an acceptable price - especially as (being a limited addition collection) it's something you'd only be able to treat yourself to the once. Think of it as an investment. 

Finish: 
There is a slight shimmer in the formula of this lipstick which adds a small but gorgeous shine to the lips when worn. In addition to this, the lipstick is lovely & moisturising -there's nothing more I hate than a lipstick that dries your lips & leaves them looks chipped & cracked.. ew. It also lasts a prety decent amount of time - taking into account day to day activities such as drinking that much needed morning coffee etc.

You can see the slight pink & shimmer here.                            Please s'cuse the "I've been working all day" hair. 


Overall I'd definitely say this product was worth the stress filled/sleepless night (take a peek at my previous post linked above if this leaves you slightly intrigued) & even the extra pennies spent.

As I said in my last post, I don't usually get over excited over limited edition collections - but as a Disney devotee, I'm more than happy with this purchase.. plus I'm now pretty sure that I'll get equally as excited if there's another Disney Princess themed collection *dreams happily about a Beauty & the Beast collection*.. Oh MAC you've successfully reeled me in!

Although mostly sold out online now, you can view the full collection here. 

What are your thoughts on the MAC Cinderella collection?
xxx

MAC Cinderella Lipstick - Royal Ball

Now - I wouldn't usually say I get overly excited over new make-up collections. Maybe this was to do with being a student for the past few years & not really having the spare money to splurge on "non-essential" items (although lets be honest - make-up is definitely an essential).

But when I saw that MAC had confirmed the release of their Cinderella collection - I was more than a little interested. I wrote a blog post about it - which you can read here - and even set a countdown on my phone once the the date had been released *I'm not even ashamed about how crazy this may (definitely) make me seem*.

My excitement (crazy) levels continued to rise the closer the release date got.. I found myself looking at the #MACCinderella trend on Twitter, simply to read the thoughts & opinions of people who were as excited as me. Then.. the night finally came. Twitter was alive with nervous/excited chit chat.. What time would MAC release the collection? How fast would it sell out? Would we be able to get our hands on the items our hearts are set on?

All life changing questions - of course.

Now - like I said - I don't usually get super excited over new collection releases. However the night before this release I forced myself to stay up until midnight (Cinderella... Midnight... I thought this made sense for the release time) but was greeted with disappointment when alas it wasn't released. So I decided that, as I had work the following day, I couldn't/wouldn't be waking up every hour to check.. (although when I happened to wake up at 4am and when my boyfriend left for work at 6am I'll admit that I did quickly refresh the page on my phone.. just be to safe).

I even found myself dreaming that the collection had sold out - resulting in me waking up in a panic.. (You'd be right to think I was going slightly crazy here.. I thought it about myself too.. But, lipstick!!)

Unfortunately I had to accept that the world wouldn't be stopping because of the release of the MAC's most recent collection.. so I trotted off to work & excitedly explained to my colleagues all about my nervous night of waiting & the excitement (admittedly, most of who didn't quite understand what I was jabbering on about or why I was so excited).

I decided to have one more look at the MAC website - not expecting anything & accepting that there was a high chance that I would miss the launch - only to be delighted to see that.. wait.. what?!... it had launched.. (oh the joy).

It's safe to say I have never selected an item & checked out so fast in my life. If there was some sort of online shopping Olympics.. I certainly would have won gold. I contemplated going back to have a quick look at the other products but luckily thought against it, checked out and paid.

I then proceeded to happily skip around the office.. much to the amusement/confusion of most of the people I work with.

Two/Three days later.. on a dreary weekday morning, I wander into the office & what's that sat on my desk... is it from MAC?! OH MY GOD IT IS!! 


& finally.. here it is...

*heart eyes emoji*



I think from now on I'll definitely be showing a lot more excitement towards new make-up collections.. But hopefully there wont be any more panic-stricken dreams! 

This post did originally start out as a review.. but I ended up jabbering on about simply buying the lipstick (who knew it could be such a dramatic event?!) but I'll definitely look into doing a separate review post for this lipstick. 

Did you manage to get any products from the MAC Cinderella collection?
Which is your favourite product?

xxx



Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick Review

I recently treated myself to some new lipsticks and decided to for Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick range and decided to write a little review based on the elements that I think make a good lip product; colour, texture, staying power packaging and price...


Who can resist new lipstick?!
Colour
These have a lovely pigmentation. On the left is Shade 08 and on the right is Shade 30. Number 08 is a lovely natural nude shade with a slight pinky tone which is perfect for when you want a little something on your lips, but nothing too bold  with a slight pinky tone to it and Number 30 is a deep purple/red shade which fits perfectly with the autumn/winter trends. 

Texture & Staying power
One of my pet make-up peeves is dry lipstick that fades quickly and leaves that weird patchy look on my lips (I hope it's not just me that experiences this...?) So when I used these lipsticks I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only do these have lovely colours, the texture of the Kate Moss Lipstick's is creamy, moisturising and has great staying power. 

Admittedly I did have to reapply the products a few times, but that's to be expected when drinking/eating *or maybe the odd kiss - cheeky*. 

Packaging: 
The packaging on this product creates a much higher end feel compared to some drug store/high street lipsticks and I feel the red "Kate" on the lid adds a small touch of glamour which separates the range from other Rimmel products. 

Price:
The lipsticks are priced at £5.49 each at Superdrug which I think is very reasonable.

Based on each of these factors, I would definitely recommend this product and will be purchasing some of the different shades on offer soon.

If anyone has any lipstick recommendations, let me know!

xxx