TRAVEL BEAUTY: NEW-IN FOR SUMMER

Hello everyone! So it is coming up to that time of year that a lot of us love (me included), that time being summer/summer holiday time. When it comes to this time of year there are always a bunch of new products available from makeup to skincare and also body products, which are perfect for those summer months. With that in mind i thought i would share a selection of my personal favourite new-in products for this summer... 

1. maybelline dream urban cover foundation | click to shop |

So i have always been a huge fan of Maybelline foundations, especially my all time favourite foundation the Fit Me and naturally when they launch a new foundation, i am going to want to try it asap. This foundation is an all new concept where makeup meets skincare, as the foundation is full coverage yet lightweight and has SPF50 which couldn't be more perfect for summer or whilst travelling to a hot climate. 

2. mario badescu summer shine body lotion | click to shop |

It is not just the winter months that tend to dry your skin out, the summer months can be just as bad if not worse as your body is more likely to become dehydrated quicker. That being said it is super important to keep your skin super moisturised and hydrated, this Mario Badescu body lotion is the perfect candidate for not only ticking those boxes but will also leave you with a beautiful summer glow.

3. mac cosmetics x aladdin friend like me lipstick | click to shop |

First of all i literally can't contain my excited for going to see the new Aladdin movie at the cinema this coming weekend, second of all this new limited edition lipstick by MAC couldn't be any more perfect if it tried. I am obsessed with nude lip shades in general but when it is the most perfect almost cool neutral beige toned nude, i was sold immediately and the packaging is also beautiful.

4. revolution glow revolution timeless bronze | click to shop |

If you have beauty products on your radar regularly, then you will have probably seen the ever so Instagram famous Iconic London glow spray and you might also know that it isn't the most affordable spray out there. That being said Revolution to the rescue once again, launching a dupe style product which will leave you with the most beautiful glowing skin, bronze finish and with money left in the bank as it costs just £10.

5. fenty beauty pro filt'r instant retouch primer | click to shop |

I have been wanting to try something from Fenty Beauty for a while now, so the fact you can now get your hands on the entire range at Boots now is great. Out of all of the products this is the thing that catches my eye the most, as if you can suffer from shine (and not the good kind) during the summer months then this primer claims to have your back but still leaves your skin looking radiant. Also how stunning is the packaging?

6. charlotte tilbury glowgasm face palette | click to shop |

I know i mentioned before about having a product that didn't break the bank, this new-in face palette by Charlotte Tilbury is the complete opposite but it doesn't stop it from being anything but beautiful. Unlike a spray i feel like powder palettes last a lot longer and give you more value for money, this palette is filled with four equally stunning shades and of course they are encased by the most stunning signature Charlotte Tilbury packaging.

7. rimmel candy queen jelly highlighter | click to shop |

Finally we have another highlighting/glow related product (you can't have enough glow during the summer) this time a jelly formulated highlighter, which is new-in by Rimmel. I already have a jelly formula highlight from Revolution which i love the formula of, so i also think this stunning almost rose gold shade called candy queen. I am hoping this product will be another summer favourite, that will leave me with a lovely natural summer glow.

Want to know what some of the makeup products that i like to travel with? Then you can catch up on some of my previous travel beauty posts for more...

what's in my travel makeup bag #1 

travel beauty: my ten product makeup bag

my three go-to travel highlight palettes

what's in my travel makeup bag #2

xo.

EVERYDAY GLOW-Y SPRING MAKEUP: DRUGSTORE EDITION

Hello everyone! I mentioned in my previous post about how excited i was for this month, mainly because it is finally going to be spring and hopefully better weather is on its way very soon. With that in mind as well as preparing my wardrobe for spring, i also wanted to give my everyday makeup a switch up too. I had touched on it in a previous post how i had been on makeup buying ban, as i really didn't need anymore makeup but i did want to add a few new things just to switch things up. So i ended up placing an order on Superdrug to try some new drugstore pieces and i have ended up loving how my everyday makeup has been looking recently...

1. MUA pro base primer oil | click to buy |

So first up is this primer oil by MUA that i have been using every single day before i apply my makeup since towards the end of January, it is also one of the products that i mentioned in my february must-buys post. I love using facial oil's for hydration before applying my makeup, as i just feel like my makeup applies/lasts so much longer when i do and to say this product is just £4 i feel like it is just as good if not better than some higher end products that i have tried in the past.

2. maybelline dream satin liquid foundation | click to buy |

When i first spotted this foundation on the Superdrug website i was little confused, as i feel like this was a foundation that already existed or have they just re-branded the product? Anyway i decided to pick one up and give it a try, as i love Maybelline foundations, as you will already know if you have read my posts in the past because the Fit Me foundation is my go-to. What i love about this foundation is how much like skin your face still looks once it has been applied, yet it still has really good coverage and it leaves you with this beautiful yet natural radiant look.

3. barry M all night long concealer | click to buy |

I had seen a fair few people talking about this concealer by barry M and i have tried/loved one of their concealers in the past, so naturally i was intrigued to give it a try. The coverage of this concealer for such an affordable price is so good and it ticks all of the boxes, coverage wise, lightweight feeling, long lasting and brightening.

4. MUA luxe bronze & sculpt contour kit | click to buy |

So this product isn't a new-in product to my collection, it is one that i have loved for a while and it is that perfect spring/summer bronze shade, you know the kind that looks perfect with a tan. This product is one of those great travel friendly items to have in your collection as it contains both a bronzer and highlighter but i do generally just reach for the bronzer shade.

5. revolution jewel collection jelly highlighter |click to buy |

Back to something that is newer to my collection and one that i wasn't sure whether i was going to like it or not, but once again i was left feeling shocked at how beautiful it was. This highlighter by Revolution is a jelly like consistency and it isn't the kind of highlighter i would usually opt for, as i am such a powder or cream kind of girl. That being said i love how easy this product was to apply and blend out, leaving my skin glowing yet it still looked super natural and fresh. Once the product is blended in, it actually reminded me of my favourite bareMinerals highlighter and that is a cream to powder highlight.

6. revolution opulence highlight | click to buy |

This particular highlighter is one that i had wanted to try for a while but as i was on a makeup spending ban, i never picked it up. That being said i am so glad i finally did as it is the most beautiful powder highlighter, that the shades can be used individually or all together. Recently i have been reaching for one of the two highlighters, all depending on which one i feel like using that day but what i do love using the lightest shade in this compact to highlight my inner corner of my eyes with.

7. revolution pro microblading precision brow pencil | click to buy |

Is is just me or does anyone else feel like Revolution are killing the drugstore makeup game once again? I been obsessing over this brow pencil, which is so strange as i am such a pomade girl but i must admit i love how this leaves my brows looking. As the product suggests you can be super precise with this pencil with your brows, so much so it actually reminds me of the Benefit precisely by brow pencil but super affordable of course.

8. MUA amplify statement lash mascara | click to buy |

The only product that i haven't switched up is my mascara as i am still really enjoying using this one, which is by MUA once again.  I love how this mascara separates your lashes, leaving them looking full, long and clump free. For everyday makeup looks, i will just apply mascara to my top lashes only as i actually prefer the way that looks now.

9. maybelline color sensational creamy mattes lipstick | click to buy |
Finally for lips i love this Maybelline matte lipstick shade for spring, as it is the most beautiful light peachy-pink beige shade that is perfect for everyday wear. This is a matte finish lipstick but it isn't overly drying that some matte bullet lipstick can be, but if you do want to add a little gloss you can do easily as it goes with pretty much any gloss.

Catch up on my previous post: here

xo.

BACK TO BASICS: QUICK MAKEUP IN TEN MINUTES

Hello everyone! So now that we are definitely back to normal after Christmas and New Year's, i am definitely back to doing quick ten minute makeup looks on an everyday basis. When it comes to doing a quick makeup look for me personally i like to focus on the base, then keep everything else pretty simple and neutral...

1. maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation | click to buy |

The first step once the clock starts after i have completed my skincare routine is of course foundation and if you have read my posts for a while, then you will already know this foundation is my go-to. This foundation for me lasts all day long without needing touch-ups, it applies/blends out effortlessly and looks flawless yet natural. I always pick mine up in the shade 220, which is natural beige and it always matches me perfectly. 

2. anastasia beverly hills dipbrow pomade | click to buy |

Next i like to go in quickly filling in my brows using another go-to product of mine and a favourite of many, of course i am talking about the famous Anastasia Beverly Hills dipbrow pomade. My brows are naturally super full these days, which luckily means i don't have to spend too much time on them and this definitely has cut the time i have to spend doing my makeup down by a lot.  

3. ps my perfect colour concealer | click to buy |

Going in with concealer next and i am back to using one of my favourite concealers, after a little hiatus due to the fact no Primark stores near me seemed to had any in stock. That being said i finally managed to pick some more up after they finally re-stocked in my local store. I love how this concealer is has great coverage, blends out effortlessly, doesn't crease and basically ticks all of the right boxes. Did i also mention that this concealer is just £2, such a bargain!

4. laura mercier translucent loose powder | click to buy |

For powder i have recently switched back to reaching for another old favourite, which i am really enjoying using again and i forgot how much i love the finish of. I have not used loose setting powder for a hot minute now, as i always tend to reach for my bareMinerals powder duo. As i do have normal/dry skin i can get away with using just a small amount of powder, i mainly just set all of the areas i have placed concealer and then with whatever is left set the rest of my face.

5. bareMinerals candlelight glow illuminator | click to shop bareMinerals |

When it comes to highlighter i do switch between a few of my different favourites, but they all always tend to be a golden shade. That being said for quick makeup looks this highlighter from bareMinerals is always one a gravitate towards, as it is quick to apply/blend out and has a beautiful natural cream to powder finish.

6. bareMinerals invisible bronze bronzer | click to shop bareMinerals |

Can you tell i love bareMinerals for base products? That being said this bronzer is definitely my favourite of the bunch, so much so i have barely reached for another bronzer ever since i tried it out. I have the shade Medium, which leaves you with a flawless yet natural bronze sun-kissed look to the skin that lasts all day without fading or going patchy. I will also go in with a small amount quickly on my eyes, rather than using eyeshadow. 

7. MUA amplify volume mascara | click to buy |

As i mentioned at the beginning of the post once my base makeup is complete, i like to keep things super simple and that means all that i apply to my eyes then is some mascara. This mascara is one that i recently picked up again, after loving it so much the first time around. I love how it separates your lashes, leaving them looking full, long and clump free. For everyday makeup looks, i will just apply mascara to my top lashes only. 

8. mac cosmetics matte lipstick in the shade kinda sexy |click to buy |

Finally all that is left to do is go in with lipstick and considering this particular shade of lipstick isn't my usual go-to kind of nude shade, i am still really enjoying wearing it on a everyday basis as it is just the most beautiful natural pinky-rose nude shade.

Catch up on my previous post: here

xo.

NOTHING BUT THE BAREMINERALS | EVERYDAY MAKEUP

Hello everyone! So fun fact i used to switch up my everyday makeup routine products every single month, now it is completely the opposite and i only ever switch a couple of things out every couple of months or so. This might seem boring but i have come to stick to what i like (i know we all do this more often than not) that being said now we are into autumn, i have switched up quite a few different products. With that in mind for today's post i thought why not share with you my current everyday go-to makeup...

maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation in the shade 220

First up is foundation and of course this is a foundation that hasn't been switched out for a while now, as it is my favourite foundation of all time. What i love about this foundation is it is so reliable and i know it isn't going to let me down, from its finish, the coverage, shade and how long-wearing it is. Talking of foundations i do really want to give the new Conceal + Define foundation by Revolution a try, as i still love love love the concealer.

revolution conceal + define concealer in the shade c6

As i just mentioned i am still completely in love with this concealer and i am currently reaching for it on a daily basis (so much so i am almost out). I honestly can't fault this concealer one single bit, it doesn't crease under the eyes even though it is a slightly thicker consistency as it is still hydrating. The coverage is medium-full/build-able and it comes in a such a wide range of different shades, to match so many different skin-tones.

bareMinerals invisible light translucent powder duo  

You will probably of figured out already but i am loving reaching for a lot of bareMinerals products at the moment, but that is simply because i can't fault their products whatsoever. I just love the finish and feel of this powder to set my makeup in place, it feels super light and looks flawless and as this is a powder duo you have both the matte finish powder and glow finish powder to play with.

bareMinerals gold obsession candlelight glow illuminator

So this product was actually limited edition from last Christmas and i am really hoping they bring it back this Christmas so i pick up another to have in stock, as i have honestly never tried anything like it before. This highlighter is so uniquely beautiful, as it is in fact a cream highlighter that once applied and blended into the skin transforms into a silky powder finish. Once applied you are left with the most beautiful yet natural golden glow to the skin, especially if you apply is with a damp beauty blender/sponge.

bareMinerals invisible bronzer bronzing powder in the shade medium

I had been loving using one of the bronzing powders from Primark over the summer, that being said i am still too caught up on this bronzer by bareMinerals and i always always always go back to it soon enough. This bronzer has probably featured in nine out of ten everyday makeup posts, as just like the Maybelline Fit Me foundation this bronzer never lets me down. The shade medium is the perfect shade for my skin, it applies flawlessly, warms up the skin yet still looks natural and of course it stays looking fresh all day long.

bareMinerals all over face colour in the shade warmth

So i have this small size in the all over face powder, which is the most beautiful deep yet warm bronze shade and i have actually been loving using it not on the face but on my eyes. The reason for this being is i do more often than not just use bronzer on my eyes, for a quick everyday eye look and as this product is more of a loose mineral product it takes zero effort to blend out. This product still leaves you with this beautiful warm/bronze wash of colour on the eyes, before i simply curl my lashes and pop some mascara on.

MAC Pro longwear waterproof brow set

As i always use the Revolution brow tint in the shade dark brown on my eyes two-three times a week, i only ever have to go in with some brow gel to finish my brows off once i have done my makeup. The brow tint has honestly cut the time it takes to do my makeup down by half, it is such a heaven sent product and i don't think i could go without it now. That being said i do still like to apply some brow gel to set the hairs in place and get rid of any small powder bits that might have got onto my brows, that is why i always leave this until the end.

MAC lip pencil in the shade spice + 

bareMinerals gen nude matte liquid lip colour in the shade cult

Finally we have the lip combination that i have been loving reaching for on an everyday basis at the moment, especially the lip liner by MAC in Spice as it is the perfect warm brown-ish nude liner for autumn. Then to lighten it up slightly i like to add a tiny amount of Cult liquid lipstick by bareMinerals to the middle of the lips before blending it in with my finger. The shade Cult is quite a light nude shade worn alone, yet paired with another lip colour it is simply stunning and not to mention long-wearing.

Want something else to read? Catch up on a suggest post: here

xo.

ALL TIME BEAUTY FAVOURITES

Hello everyone! So over the years it is safe to say we have all tried out our fair share of beauty products (me definitely included) and with that you will love some, you will not like some so much and then there will be those gems that will stick with you for years that you will reach for over and over again. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you, a selection of my all time beauty favourites that i not only always reach for almost daily/weekly but also those things that i re-purchase frequently...

| maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation in the shade 220 | shop here |

So i just had to kick off with definitely my most reached for and my favourite of them all, which is this gem of a foundation that you have probably seen me talking about constantly in previous posts. This is the foundation that i reach for almost every single day and even if i am using/trying something else, i always end up going back to this. I love every single thing about it, the texture, the coverage, the finish and the fact that it is super long-wearing. For me this foundation always gets a ten out of ten from me, as it looks fresh from start to finish.

| charlotte tilbury hot lips list lipstick in the shade KKW | shop here |

When it comes to lips it would always be so hard for me to select just one specific lipstick and for this post it was either going to be this one or Honey Love by MAC, that being said i decided to go with this one as this is the lipstick i always keep with me on the go. I love how for me personally it is the most perfect light pink-ish beige nude colour, it is creamy, hydrating, long-wearing and you can pair it with pretty much any nude lip liner.

| essie nail polish in the shade spin the bottle | shop here |

Another product that i have mentioned a lot over the years, as it is my all time favourite nude nail polish and one of those i have re-purchased so many times. Spin the Bottle is the most beautiful staple pale creamy-beige nude shade, so i find myself reaching for it so often as it is such a classic and pairs well with pretty much anything and for any occasion. The thing i love the most about Essie polishes is how long-wearing and chip resistant they are, compared to a lot of different brands that won't last quite as long on me personally.

| mac cosmetics eyeshadow in the shade kid | shop here |

When i went about decided to share some of my all time favourites i was unsure whether to actually include this eyeshadow, as i was certain MAC had discontinued this shade. That being said i just thought i would have a look on the site, which turns out they either decided to re-launch it or was i imagining things? This eyeshadow is the perfect everyday shade to simply blend through the crease and wear alone, as it is this beautiful and smooth neutral beige-cashmere shade.

| mac cosmetics pigment in the shade tan | shop here |

Finally we have another all time beauty eye favourite, again from MAC but this time in pigment form. Pigments are the perfect product to achieve a quick and easy put together eye-look, the shade Tan from MAC has always been a firm favourite of mine as it is the most beautiful bronze-brown shade with a slightly muted pink sheen to it. You can pick these pigments up in a full size, as well as a travel/mini size which i always recommend just opting for because with these pigments a little goes a long way and will last for you forever. 

Catch up on my new-in beauty wishlist post: here

xo.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR SUMMER HOLIDAY MAKEUP BAG

Hello everyone! So back at the start of summer i first shared a drugstore beach holiday makeup post, which focused mainly on more "day/beach" makeup products and not evening time/multi purpose products. With that in mind for today's post, i thought i would put a spin on things and share with you more of a must-pack post...

1. choose wisely when picking a makeup bag

Tip number one and probably one of the most important ones is, when it comes to choosing a makeup bag to take away with you. Personally i always use the ones from Skinnydip, as you can not only fit a large amount into a compact space, you can also see what you are searching for yet the designs are still really nice.

2. save space + pack mini/travel size products

This doesn't just apply to makeup but also toiletries like shower gels, shampoos and toothpastes. Although an important one for me is mini sized skincare products, which you can picks up in sets/gift with purchases or free as a beauty counter and i like to save them for when i am travelling anywhere. This is such a great way of taking all the products you are going to need, as well as saving space and not wasting product. 

3. skincare/hydrating products

Kind of sticking with the skincare mini/travels theme, a must pack for summer holiday is your skincare and more specifically hydrating products. The reason being is as you are more likely going to be in the sun a lot, you are going to want to re-hydrate your skin and add moisture back in from what the sun has soaked up.

4. different shades of foundation

This is a must pack thing for me also and that is two different shades of foundation, as at the start of the holiday you are obviously going to be less tanned than you will be during the mid-end of your holiday and that is where the darker shade will come in. Also by having two different shades, if you are an in-between shade you can simple mix a little of the two together to create a shade that matches you.

5. opt for a liquid highlighter/more natural highlighter

Wearing a liquid/cream highlighter on holiday is much more light weight than layering multiple products, also you are probably going to want to opt for something a little more natural (especially if it is humid in the evenings) nobody wants to be a shine-y mess.

6. setting powder/setting spray

Talking of a shine-y mess, another must pack item is definitely setting powders and setting sprays. Not only will this keep your makeup from moving around during the evening, but it will also keep you shine free and this even applies to me being a normal-dry skin type (so if you are more of and oily skin type you are definitely going to want to touch up). Setting sprays will also add another layer of shine protection, as well as hydrating your skin and allow you to feel a little more refreshed.

7. multiple lip products + different shades

I am all about the nudes but when it comes to being on holiday, you are going to want to be sassy from time to time and wearing a brighter/different coloured lip. A lot of lip products are super sleek/compact packaging wise, so you can afford to pack a handful if you wanted to (as long as you have different options).

8. opt for sleek/smaller packaged products

Finally and still talking about packing multiple products, you are also want to be wise about what size of product you are going to take. Definitely ditch your bulky eyeshadow/cheek palettes for the week and opt for something sleeker or smaller, this way you are freeing up space for other key essential products.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

MY EVERYDAY MAKEUP IN JULY | NATURAL + GLOW-Y

Hello everyone! Seeing as the weather has been super hot recently (hot for the UK anyway), i have been all about still looking put together when it comes down to my everyday makeup routine in July but i have tried to keep the products down to the minimum. If you saw my recent things i'm loving from Superdrug right now post then you will have read me talking about how i haven't really picked up anything new recently, except for the few new items in that post and a lot of the products i have been using everyday are ones from my collection already, with the addition of a couple of newer products of course...

maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation in the shade 220

So once i have completed my morning skincare routine and spritzed on some facial spray, i go straight in with foundation as the facial spray i use can be used as both a primer and a setting spray. If you have read my posts for a while you will already know that this foundation is a favourite of mine, as it is one of those foundations that would survive pretty much anything and ticks all of the boxes (sweat-proof, waterproof, long-wearing, great coverage and lightweight).

ps my perfect colour liquid concealer in the shade nude beige

This concealer has been a favourite of mine for the last few months and it is actually pretty similar to the Maybelline Fit Me concealer, except this one is even more affordable. The main thing for me when it comes to choosing/liking a concealer, is that they always have to be hydrating under the eyes and this one is just that. I actually prefer this concealer to a lot of the more high-end concealers i have tried and used over the years, which is insane as this concealer is only £2.

bareMinerals invisible light powder duo

So the only powder form product i have been using on those quick/everyday makeup days is my bareMinerals powder duo, i always like to use a mixture of the matte and glow side to set/brighten my under-eye area. As i do have a normal to mainly dry skin type, i am super lucky when it comes to not having to use too many powder products to set things into place. So when it comes to summer i can pick or choose if i want to use just powder or just cream/liquid products.

clinique chubby stick sculpting contour

For adding some shape and bronzing up my face recently, i have been loving reaching for the Clinique Chubby Stick again. This stick is actually perfect for summer as it is slightly deeper yet warmer in tone, so it give the illusion of a natural bronzed look to the face. What i love about this stick also is how easy it is to blend out, i like to use a damp beauty blender for a flawless finish and it also lasts all day long without fading away.

ps bronze dewy glow gold face + body butter
Another product from Primark i have been obsessed with reaching for on a regular basis, is this golden/bronze face and body butter and i like to use this on those quick makeup days for a more natural looking highlighted look, rather than something super glow-y. I like to apply some of this straight to a damp beauty blender before bouncing/blending it on the areas where you would normally place your highlighter and it also smells amazing like summer as it has a beautiful coconut scent.

revolution pro brow pomade in the shade dark brown + 
mac cosmetics pro long-wear waterproof brow set in the shade brown/ebony
For brows as i mentioned in my recent Superdrug post, i have been trying to not use the Revolution brow tint more than once a week so in-between i have been filling my brows in with the Revolution Pro brow pomade. Then of course to set things into place, i like to use my trusty favourite waterproof brow set from MAC and when you use this, you know you are good for the whole day.

urban decay naked heat palette + ps pro hd mascara
So for eyes i like to keep things super quick and simple, by using a single shade which is usually a warm almost orange/brick toned brown shade and i just apply that one shade and blend it out. Recently i have been reaching for the shade Sauced or Low Blow from the Urban Decay Naked Heat eyeshadow palette and then i simply finish that off by curling my lashes, before applying some mascara to both my top and bottom lashes.

mac cosmetics lip liner pencil in the shade stripdown +

l'Oréal les chocolats matte liquid lipstick in the shade sweet tooth

Finally for lips i have been obsessed with this warm nude lip combination, which is perfect for summer in both shade and with how long the combination lasts on the lips. Stripdown liner by MAC is one of those lip liners that goes with pretty much any nude applied on top, especially the new Chocolate Matte liquid lipsticks from L'Oréal. I have the shade Sweet Tooth which like i mentioned recently is the most beautiful light peachy-nude shade, making it perfect for summer.

Catch up with a suggested makeup routine related post HERE...

xo.

AMAZON'S CHOICE MUST-TRY BEAUTY PRODUCTS

Hello everyone! So Amazon is that place you can go to and pretty much find anything/everything, from books/dvd's, homeware, DIY, electronic products and of course beauty products. Amazon have a bunch of different makeup/beauty items which are sold directly from them and not other seller's, so you know you aren't going to be getting someone's already opened or over-priced unwanted purchases. Amazon also have a wide range of "Amazon's Choice" products, which are all products that come highly recommended. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of my personal favourite must-try beauty products, that are available under Amazon's Choice with free delivery on orders over £20 and selected subscribe and save items... 

l'Oréal paris infallible pro-glow foundation

So first up we have one of my favourite foundations of the year, which is in-fact an Amazon exclusive in the UK and it is the only official site that stocks the product. I did a first impression/review post which you can find all about the foundation in detail here.

maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation

Sticking with the foundation theme and another favourite of mine, this time my all time favourite foundation. I always used to pick mine up from either Boots or Superdrug, but that was until i realised it was well over £1 cheaper on Amazon...so now i bulk buy and i always have some in stock!

sleek makeup highlighting palette

If you are an avid YouTube watcher, then you will probably already know how these Sleek highlighter palettes are always highly spoken about. Not only do they have super luxurious metal packaging, they are also super pigmented and come with a mixture or super lightweight powder and cream highlighters.  

rimmel london 60 seconds super shine nail polish

So Amazon's choice for nail polish is also a huge favourite of mine and i always opt for these colours when i am not in the mood to wait for over an hour for my polish to dry, as they are the only "quick dry" polishes that i actually think work as they say they should. Not only are they quick to apply, they are super affordable, come in a wide shade range and are long-lasting without chipping. My personal favourite is the shade Let's Get Nude.

l'Oréal sublime bronze self-tan summer glow lotion

I am one of those people that much prefers to opt for gradual tan lotions when it comes to my tanning routine, as it is super easy and quick to do. I definitely have tried my fair share of gradual tan from different brands and this one is definitely in my top three, along side the st moriz gradual tan which you can also pick up on Amazon.

palmer's coconut oil formula leave-in conditioner

I am obsessed with anything with a coconut fragrance and i have used this particular leave-in conditioner summer after summer, as it not only helps keep frizz at bay but it also leaves your hair smelling like summer holiday's. Leave-in conditioners are perfect if you are in a rush, or if you simply struggle with tangled hair once you have washed it. You can also pick up other item's from the range, as well as other drugstore brands.

real techniques miracle complexion sponge x2

This particular Amazon's choice selection is not only an accurate choice but also a complete bargain, as they stock a two pack of the sponge for just £6.66 rather than £10.99 or more. I use this sponge pretty much every time i do my makeup and i couldn't be without it, as you get a flawless and even finish. 

prodigueux by Nuxe Shower Oil with Golden Shimmer

So for the final item that is definitely more of a splurge but definitely a must-try product, is this shower gel from Nuxe. My go-to facial oil is the multi dry oil from the brand, which i use every single day both morning and night. That being said i had only tried that one thing from the brand and wanted to give something else a try. This shower oil has the same scent as the oil, that leaves you with a slight golden shimmer but nothing too major and is perfect for summer. The fact that you can also pick up higher end brands from Amazon, makes ordering so much easier.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xo.

SUMMER BEAUTY HACKS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Hello everyone! Let's be honest Summer is pretty much the best season there is, right? I mean there is no better than feeling the sun/warm on your skin. That being said the warm weather can make your skin not be happy, leaving you looking like a sweaty mess when wearing your regular makeup, hair or skincare routine. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you some of my personal favourite Summer beauty hacks, that actually make a huge difference...

 1. switch out your winter favourites, replacing them with summer favourites

Ditch the super heavy smoky eye looks, replacing them with something light/simple like a shimmery gold eye look or a simple neutral shade blended out. Step away from the vamp-y lip shades, replacing them with a simple nude/glossy lip or tinted balm. Natural glowing skin, is a summer must.

2. how to stop your eyelids from creasing

I know for me something i do struggle with when the weather is warm is eyeshadow creasing, which never happens during the winter months. This is where a good eyeshadow primer does come in handy, such as the Urban Decay Primer Potion as nothing will budge if you are wearing this. 

3. how to stop your mascara from transferring

This is such a simple hack but an extremely effective one to stop your mascara from transferring onto your under-eye area or eye lids, which is to switch out your regular go-to mascara for the waterproof version. I know waterproof mascara can be a pain to get off at the end of the day, but with the right eye-makeup remover you will be mascara free in seconds.

4. use the foundation you know works well for you

If you are opting for foundation or a tinted moisturiser in the summer, make sure it is one that you know is going to last in the heat or one that is specifically designed to last the duration. Some of my favourites are the Maybelline Fit Me, Estée Lauder Double Wear or Double Wear Nude.

5. exfoliate/moisturise regularly

When it comes to summer taking care of your skin especially your legs, as you are obviously going to be shaving/removing hair more often than you probably would in winter. Exfoliating your skin is super important as it reduces the chances of getting ingrown hairs, as well as any dead skin. Moisturise your skin straight after shaving, that is going to drastically reduce any irritation.

6. argan oil/oil's will be your best friend

Humidity can be a pain, especially on certain hair types (mine included) you can do your hair perfectly straight until you step out into the heat, then you look more like Simba from the Lion King. A simple trick to prevent/ease frizz is by adding Argan Oil to the lengths of your hair after washing and before styling. Argan Oil is really good for also keeping your skin super hydrated.

7. keep your feet feeling/looking fresh

Obviously in summer you are wearing sandals/having your feet on display a lot more than you would during winter. So keeping your feet and heels, looking/feeling fresh is a must and an easy way to keep the cracked heels away is to simply apply either vaseline or foot cream to your feet every night before bed.

 8. invest in a setting spray

Another great way of keeping your makeup in place all day long, is to invest in a good setting spray. You can apply a small amount before and after applying makeup to help lock it into place, as well as applying more through-out the day to freshen/re-hydrate your skin. Setting spray is a great way of avoiding applying layers and layers of powders, when touching up.

9. use more cream/liquid form products rather than powders

During summer wearing too many powder form products can feel super heavy on the skin, just like i mentioned with the whole using setting spray over powder for touch-ups. The products you can switch from powder to cream/liquid form are blush, contour and highlighter. Cream/liquid products once blended out, also look a lot more natural unlike some powders.

10. disguising those tan lines

Hate wearing a certain outfit that shows off a different outfits/swimsuits awkward tine lines? You can disguise/cover them instantly simply by applying a little moisturiser to the white line areas before applying a little self-tan to the same areas, making sure you blend it out of course to make it look as natural as possible.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

DRUGSTORE BEACH HOLIDAY MAKEUP

Hello everyone! So when we are on holiday sometimes we want to go makeup free (with sunscreen of course) but there also might be times when we might want that little something extra, whether that be for taking pictures at the beach or maybe from only getting a few hours sleep the nights before. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you the four beach/summer makeup products from the drugstore that are the perfect combination for a natural yet glowing base...

nip + fab makeup primer water | £9.95 |

Of course the most important step before applying any makeup whether you are at the beach or in the sun in general, is to make sure you prep your skin by doing your regular skincare routine and applying face SPF. The next step is preping/priming, creating a base for other products to be applied on top of and a primer water is the perfect beach ready product. Unlike a cream based primer, a primer water is going to sink into the skin quicker and leave your skin feeling/looking hydrated. This one from Nip + Fab is definitely one of my favourites i have tried from the drugstore and of course it comes in at just under £10.

bourjois radiance reveal concealer | £7.99 |

This look can be achieved with or without foundation but if you are going to be catching some rays, you don't really want to be sat with something heavy on the face. That is why this particular concealer from Bourjois comes in perfect, as it is going to give your that radiant coverage yet it is super lightweight on the skin. You could simply just apply this to the under-eye area, down the bridge of the nose, forehead as well as the chin area and blend out with either a damp beauty blender or brush for more coverage.

rimmel insta contour stick | £6.99 |

This is one of those products that i pretty much reach for every single time i want to go for a more cream bronzed look and it happens to be perfect, especially for adding a natural sun-kissed bronze to the face. I was always super scared to use cream bronzer/contour products until i tried this one out, as it is super creamy and easy to blend out. I usually opt for the shade medium but it also comes in a light shade, which i am having to use at the moment because i am all out of medium. If you wanted to keep this to a bare minimum you could keep it down to three items, as this contour stick is dual ended and comes with a cream highlight shade on the other side.  

maybelline x gigi hadid strobing liquid in the shade gold | £9.99 |

Moving onto the final product which is personally my favourite and the one that is going to pull the whole look together, giving you a natural yet dewy golden/bronzed beach look. This strobing cream can be used multiple ways, which is what i like so much about this style of product. You can either apply some of this to the face and blend it out for an all over dewy skin look, mixed in with foundations and also to selected areas of the face where the light would naturally hit. Another favourite of mine from the drugstore which is equally as beautiful, is the MUA prism strobe cream in the shade golden ray which is just £4 from Superdrug.

Catch up on my latest travel makeup post HERE...

xo.

DRIPPING IN GOLD | MY THREE GO-TO GOLDEN GLOW HIGHLIGHTERS

Hello everyone! So through-out my blogging years i have done many a series talking about my "three go-to" items from lip liners, to travel palettes and blushes. With that in mind i thought seeing as i hadn't done one in a hot minute, why not give you all an update on the three highlighters which are my go-to's at the moment. I am such a highlighter hoarder, just as much if not more than nude lip products and i reach for so many on a regular basis, but that being said just recently i have been reaching/switching between these three particular ones...

1. laura geller baked gelato swirl illuminator | £16.50 |

So this particular highlighter can be picked up in three different shades but my personal favourite/the shade that i reach for all the time, is the ever so talked about about Gilded Honey. The formula of this highlighter is basically in the title as it is super silky soft/creamy just like gelato is, this highlighter is also super pigmented leaving you with a fresh looking golden glow all day long. I love highlighting powders that are super finely milled or baked, as they always tend to apply flawlessly and this one does just that. The only thing that annoys me about this product is that to me (and i know others have said this to), you feel as if the packaging lets the product down because it is quite cheap looking for its high-end price tag.

2. maybelline master chrome metal highlighting powder | £7.99 |

This is a highlighter that i actually mentioned in last months beauty favourites post, which is available in two different shades Molten Gold and Molten Bronze but personally for my skin-tone/personal preference is the Molten Gold shade. I actually think that the formula of this highlighter and the Laura Geller highlighter are super similar, but this one is slightly more pigmented as it has more of a glittery tone to it rather than being baked. Drugstore highlighters can be a hit or miss thing but this particular one is a must-try, along side the next highlighter i am currently obsessed with. 

3. revolution pro supreme highlighter | £6 |

Finally we have a trio of highlight shades in palette form, which comes in three different shades Gold, Ice and Metals but of course the one i have is the Gold palette. The pigmentation on these highlighters are absolutely insane, especially as these palettes only retail for £6 each...Yes £6! The formula/texture of these highlighters are also super silky soft/lightweight feeling, but as they are insanely pigmented a little goes a long way. I also love how the palette comes with three different gold tones, a Champagne shade, a Gold glittery shade and also a Rose Gold shade. Personally i mainly reach for the Gold and Rose Gold shade, somethings mixing a little bit or layering both shades together.

Catch up on a similar themed post HERE...

xo.

APRIL FAVOURITES | BEAUTY

Hello everyone! Here we are yet again at the end of another month, about to say hello to another as well as keeping our fingers crossed and saying goodbye to April showers. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of my favourite beauty items from this month...

1. revolution brow tint in the shade dark brown

First up, earlier this month i shared a five makeup favourites for £5 and under post and i mentioned how i after giving it a go for the first time, i was left wondering why i hadn't tried it before. This brow tint is literally a brow time saver/game changer for me, as you literally paint it on like you are filling in your brows, leave it on for up to two hours before peeling off and you are left with perfectly done brows for up to three days!

2. c.y.o matte an eyelid eyeshadow in the shade deep thought

This is actually another item from that same post i mentioned above, which is an eyeshadow that has become an everyday favourite of mine and is the perfect dupe for a favourite warm matte brown eyeshadow of mine that i have almost ran out of. This brand is new to the UK and you can pick them up in most Boots stores and online, this eyeshadow was a bargain at just £3.50 and it is super pigmented, easy to blend out without any fall-out.

3. essie nail colour in the shade spin the bottle + next rose gold glitter polish

Next up is two nail polishes that have definitely been my nails and toe nails combination of choice this month, especially now we have had a handful of opportunities to wear sandals this month. I have mentioned in so many posts through the years on how Spin The Bottle from Essie is my favourite nail polish, as nude nails are my thing. That being said i have been loving switching things up by adding in a couple of accent nails using this Rose Gold Glitter polish from Next, which just adds a new level of sass to your manicure. 

4. maybelline master chrome highlighter in the shade molten gold

This favourite is actually one that i forgot to mention in last months monthly favourites post, that being said i did mention it in my affordable/drugstore go-to flawless/glow-y base makeup post. Sometimes drugstore highlighters can be hit and miss, some are good and some are not as good but this one is definitely high-end level. If you are into the whole glowing from space highlighted look, then this highlighter is for you. It actually really reminds me of the ever so famous Laura Geller Gilded Honey highlighter but half the price, twice as big and actually more pigmented, which is crazy because that is pigmented!

5. l'oréal elvive dream lengths restoring shampoo

Finally i have really been enjoying reaching for this shampoo this month, which i decided to try-out since i know how much i love the No Haircut cream and i use that religiously whenever i have washed my hair. Since using this shampoo/conditioner and then the No Haircut cream, i have noticed a huge difference in my hair as it is stays cleaner looking longer, super silky soft and a lot healthier. I would of never of said that a product would be able to help prevent split ends but this one does just that. 

Catch up on my books i want to read in 2018 part two post HERE...

xo.

AFFORDABLE/DRUGSTORE | MY GO-TO FLAWLESS + GLOW-Y BASE

Hello everyone! So just recently i have been completely obsessed with how flawless and glowing my everyday makeup looks especially the base, which let's face it isn't that the best part? I honestly think recently that this comes down to a combination of the products i am using both makeup wise and skincare wise, along side the fact that my skin has been so good the past couple of months. That being said product wise i didn't realise until the other day when everything was laid out to pop in a makeup bag, that in fact that pretty much every single base product i am using on my face at the moment is either a drugstore item or an "affordable" item...

mario badescu facial spray with aloe, herbs + rosewater

Recently i have been completely obsessed with using this facial spray for simply spritzing on my face after i have gone in with my Nuxe Huile Prodigiuse Dry Oil, which is one of the non-affordable products but the Mario Badescu is considered "affordable" as it retails for £7 or £11 from BeautyBay and some drugstore brand facial sprays are around the £10 and over anyway. I love how hydrating/refreshing this feels and sits on the skin before and after makeup, which i do go back in with once i have finished my whole face just to set everything into place.

mua prism strobe cream in the shade golden ray or ps strobing cream

So once my skincare is all done, i don't ever really go in with a "primer" as such i would much rather go in with a strobe cream and recently i have been switching between these two different ones. Ever since the MUA Prism Strobe Cream launched i have been using it religiously, as it is simply beautiful and in-fact i am on my third tube now. The great thing about strobe creams is they give a "glow from within" glow rather than a glittery glow, they can also be used in multiple ways but i prefer to apply it directly to the skin before foundation but you could mix a little into your foundation too. The Primark strobe cream in the shade Champagne is a newer product to me but i seem to find myself alternating now between the two, the one by MUA is £4 and the Primark one is £2.

maybelline fit me matte + poreless foundation (220) + ps pro radiant drops

If you have read my posts for a while then you will probably already know that this foundation is probably my favourite foundation of all time and i did revert to reaching for something different for a while but i have jumped back into using this one, as i am just always so obsessed with how it looks, feels and lasts on my skin. Even though this is a "matte" foundation it doesn't in anyway look flat or matte, it definitely has a poreless/flawless natural finish and i love to add a tiny drop of the PS Pro Radiant Drops to it. I always blend out my foundation with a damp Beauty Blender but recently i have also been adding a tiny spritz of the Mario Badescu Facial Spray to the sponge, before blending out for a little longer than i usually would making sure everything is looking flawless.

primark my perfect colour liquid concealer in the shade nude beige

Yet another product i have been obsessed with recently, which i honestly thought i wouldn't even like before i tried it out but i was completely wrong and that is the My Perfect Colour Concealer from Primark of all places. This concealer is super hydrating, has great medium coverage that is also build-able and it actually reminds me a little of a mixture of the L'Oréal True Match Concealer and the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. As well as being super hydrating the winner with this concealer for me is the fact that it doesn't crease whatsoever under my eyes and usually that is a struggle for me. There is another product to come from the range that i am also obsessed with...

 maybelline fit me matte + poreless translucent powder

So the powder to set the areas which i have put concealer i usually reach for is the bareMinerals Invisible Light Powder Duo, but i also reach for this one from Maybelline regular too and it is super comparable to the matte shade in the bareMinerals duo. I don't have to set all of my face with powder as i don't have oily skin, but i still like to set the areas i placed my concealer to keep everything set in place and crease-free looking all day long. 

rimmel insta contour stick in the shade medium + 

primark my perfect colour mattifying powder in the shade caramel

Now that we are into Spring/Summer i have really got back into the whole cream contour look and i have been reaching for a favourite from last year on a daily basis, then set into place with a favourite bronzer as of lately. I love how creamy/hydrating the Rimmel contour sticks are, they are super easy to work with, apply evenly and blend out flawlessly. So i will simply apply the contour shade to my cheeks, nose and jaw before blending out with my Beauty Blender before going in with my bronzer to set everything into place and warming up the skin a little more. I never thought i would say this but i have been completely obsessed with using this Primark Mattifying face powder in the shade Caramel as a bronzer, it is such a steal at only £2 and it looks simply beautiful on the skin. I honestly never thought i would reach for this over my bareMinerals Invisible Bronze Bronzer but i do, i also love using this shade on my eyes for everyday.

maybelline master chrome highlighting powder in the shade molten gold

Finally we have the star of the show and of course one of my favourite steps, yes you got it... highlighter! I tend to switch my highlighter up on a daily basis because i am a complete highlighter hoarder and i tend to reach for what one i am feeling that day. That being said recently, i haven't been able to put this one from Maybelline down as it is simply blinding/beautiful and i am finally glad that we can get our hands on it in the UK. For me when it comes to highlighter i am all about that golden/bronze glow, so naturally i was going to be living for this shade.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.