Monday 30 April 2012

Topshop cream blush in neon rose




I really love the packaging of Topshop makeup, although with this product the white packaging doesn't stay that colour for long. 

Anyway the Topshop cream blushes are really raved about by bloggers and youtubers and I am going to continue the hype. When I saw the Neon Rose in the pan I was unsure how it was going to translate onto the skin as it is so bright. There was no need for worry as they blend like a dream. You can make each cheek look the same even if you accidentally put different amounts of products on.


I apply it with my fingers as I find it the easiest way to do it. I did try a brush but the effect it gave wasn't as natural.

The cream blushes come in a number of colours and cost £6 from Topshop.

Have you tried any Topshop Makeup?

Megan x

Thursday 19 April 2012

Bargain Satchel

Hi I'm Carrie from Not Just Skin Deep Beauty. My blog is mostly focused on beauty, though I do touch upon fashion now and again. I'm a fashion design student so really I should blog more about fashion than I do! 

In an attempt to be more fashion focussed, I thought I'd share with you a recent bargain purchase I made.

Recently I've been absolutely loving all the structured leather satchels that have been slowly popping up everywhere,and here are some of the bags I'd been lusting after:
L-R:  Red Satchel from ASOS, £85 - Blue Satchel from Just4Leather, £82 - Brown Satchel from ASOS, £105

 I love all the bold colours they come in, and the look of the strong cut leather - but the price tag is seriously off-putting. As a student with VERY little money, I really can't justify spending £100 on a handbag, no matter how nice it may be! 
I'd almost given up on the idea of owning one of these until I came across this beauty: 

The Satchel

I found this bag on eBay for £14.99 - a much kinder price than £100! This one is the beige colour, but it also comes in black and brown.
Obviously its a fake leather, but I think the bag is great quality.

The front pocket is quite flat against the main part of the bag, so I'm not really sure what you could fit in there! But the rest of the bag is big enough to fit everything I need. 

Personally I love bags with lots of compartments, and as you can see from the photo this bag is pretty much lacking in that area. But in the photo next to the one I mentioned, you can see it fits my bag organiser (I think it was £3 from Primark) perfectly! So I'm definitely happy with this purchase.

Just to give you an idea of its size, here it is in a rather awkward OOTD:


You can purchase the satchels here, and the seller also lists 2 cheaper/smaller versions.

Thank you Megan for letting me guest post! I hope you found this post helpful, and hopefully it's helped you save a few pennies! Do check out my blog here, I'd love to hear if you have any bargain buys you recommend!

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Especially Escada

Escada perfumes are really high quality, expensive looking but without a massive price tag like most perfumes. This 30ml bottle is £32 and although its not exactly cheap, its a lot cheaper than other perfumes of that size. 






Okay lets start off with the packaging, the outer box is very simple, hot pink with a gold lid and gold E's on the box. The bottle is definately the nicest perfume bottle I own although it was a tough decision as I also love the Marc Jacobs Oh Lola bottle but this won. It's a cube shaped glass bottle with a gold lid in the shape of 2 E's.






I am rubbish at describing scents so I will just show you what the Boots website says 


"Especially Escada … The FragranceEspecially Escada is built around a delicate rose accord. The result is a refined and sophisticated perfume that expresses soft femininity. Especially Escada says luxury but in a modern and light-hearted way.
The fragrance opens with an intense and sparkling top note of pear that combines with the exotic and musky notes of Ambrette seeds. Together they create a burst of sparkling freshness and the idyllic introduction to the all-important heart accord.At the heart of the fragrance lies the beautifully special scent of a fresh and dewy rose combined with a watery facet that captures the aroma of rose petals.In addition to the delicate rose notes, Ylang Ylang emanates a soft, floral and intensely feminine appeal. The luxurious combination of rose and Ylang radiate a fresh and natural aura of positivity; the uplifting ingredients synonymous with joy and happiness.Light musky notes to support the delicate floral bouquet complete the scent adding a subtle touch of femininity."

I really like the scent and it lasts about 5 hours on the skin which is quite good as I don't mind reapplying it throughout the day. It reminded me of Parma violets when I first sprayed it but I really liked it even though I hate the smell of Parma violets.

Have you got any perfume recommendations?

Megan xx

Monday 16 April 2012

Guest post: Rediscovered products

Hi everyone today's post is by Jemma from Bamboozle Beauty Blog which was one of the first blogs I ever read. 




First of all I'd like to say a huge THANK YOU to Megan for letting me write on her blog. It's such an honour as I love this blog lots! When I left for university, I restricted myself make up wise as I just didn't know how much room I was going to have. But this weekend, I went back home and I decided it was time to take some make up back with university with me. So after a week of playing around with my 'old' and 'unloved' make up, I'm here to show you my favourite rediscovered items!

When I first bought this foundation, I wasn't a big fan of it. This was mainly because it's very sheer and my skin is far from perfect. However, since going back home I've started using this as a sort of primer underneath my foundation. I do still use a primer but I use this afterwards to even out my skin tone and by doing this, I end up using a lot less foundation. It also keeps my skin moisturised all day long without it looking like an oily mess.

No7 Blush Perfect in Soft Damson - 
Unfortunately this product is now discontinued and as you can tell my the packaging, it's very old! But I love it so much. When I first started getting into make up, this found its way to the back of my drawers as it isn't quite as pretty as Nars' Deep Throat however now, I'm starting to see just how beautiful it is. It's completely matte and a musky peach shade that really awakens your complexion and sits lovely on the skin. I love this for every day use. 

Natural Collection Duo Eyeshadow in Blackcurrant/Violet (http://www.boots.com/en/Natural-Collection-Duo-Eyeshadow_24260/) -
I bought this when I was first getting into make up and quite frankly, I didn't have a clue what to do with eye shadow! But now that I do, I'm loving this. I wore it today for work and because I have green eyes, the purple tones really bring out the colour of my eyes and makes them stand out. The eye shadows are easy to blend and very pigmented. They also last all day long with a primer.

I'm obsessed with lip balms and I have over 30 so it's safe to say that many get thrown to the pack of my drawers. But I had forgotten to take one home with me when I went back so I had to use one of my 'unloved ones.' I adore this one! It tastes and smells beautiful and really moisturises the skin without leaving them feeling heavy.

Avon Glimmerstick Diamonds in Twilight Sparkle (http://shop.avon.com/shop/product.aspx?pf_id=43814) -
I can't believe that I didn't bring this Glimmerstick to university with me. You only have to look at the swatch to see how beautiful the colour is. It's blue and has some lovely sparkle in it. The pencil is also very easy to work with and can be blended out well. I also find that this lasts exceptionally well on my eyes even without a primer. I'm a big fan of this!

No7 Precision Brow Definer in Brown/Black:
And finally, another discontinued product unfortunately. I'm really not happy that No7 decided to discontinue this as it's hands down my favourite brow pencil yet. The colour matches my eyebrows lovely and the formula is very soft and glides gently over the skin. The best thing about this brow liner though is that you don't need to set your brows afterwards. This brow liner has something in it (I think) which acts as a wax and helps to keep them in place all day long!

Have you rediscovered any old make up items recently?'

Sunday 15 April 2012

Guest Post: Current Spring Favorites

Today's guest post is by Lizzy who has an amazing youtube channel and blog. I hope you all enjoy reading, I know some of these products are now on my wishlist.


Hey everyone, so today I thought I would share with you my current favourites! Hope you enjoy!




Revlon Colourstay Foundation (for Combination/Oily Skin in the shade '150 Buff'): I first tried out this foundation this month and I absolutely love it! It gives a nice matte, natural finish and I use it with my EcoTools Stippling Kabuki brush as I find this gives the most natural finish. It provides great coverage and obviously lasts very well. It's not my new miracle foundation as it does still come off on my ever-so-shiny nose but hey ho!

Natural Collection Eyeshadow Duo (in Mink/Sable): I have really been enjoying using these silky, natural eye colours for a quick, delicate every day eye. I think NC products are sometimes overlooked so I highly recommend you try this duo out!


Accessorize Lip Gloss (in 'Scandal'): this is a gorgeous lip gloss! Its a beautiful coral/pink colour! The texture of these are amazing! So smooth and creamy - no stickiness whatsoever! These will only cost you 300 pennies too! Amazing!

Clean & Clear Advantage Spot Treatment Gel: I picked this up when my Clearasil spot treatment just wasn't doing it for me anymore! I much prefer this spot treatment as it goes well under makeup and I feel as if it treats the spots in double the time the Clearasil one did! Very good product.


H&M Cuticle Cream: First of all, this smells incredible! It was extremely cheap in H&M so decided to risk it and am so glad I did!It is a lovely thick, but non greasy cream that really improved the appearance of my nails and cuticles! A definite re-purchase for me!



NYC Colour Wheel (in 'All Over Bronzed Glow'): this is a rediscovery of mine as I used to use it a lot last summer. Since the nicer weather has been coming in I have had the urge for a warmer complexion once again and this is just the product for that! This is a totally matte, natural, non-muddy looking bronzer that is cheap, accessible and does the job well!

No7 Vital Enlightening Highlighting Powder (from their spring collection): I purchased this at the beginning of the month with my trust No7 voucher and I am so glad I took the plunge to buy it! It is a lovely frosted pearl colour that brings a lovely radiant sheen to the skin! The packaging is lovely and the powder itself reminds me a lot of a Laura Mercier product! The only complaint I have about this product is that it is very fragile and has a shattered a little on me already so be careful!

Those were my current favourites & I hope you enjoyed this post! Be sure to check out my YouTube Channel, Blog & Twitter (linked below)!

Twitter: 
Beauty Blog:


Much Love,
Lizzy
xoxox


Friday 13 April 2012

Friday Five: Soap and Glory


I really love reading posts like this so decided to start a series of my own. Every Friday I will tell you about my top 5 items in a group, whether that's mascara, lipbalm or anything else. If you have any suggestions for next week please leave them in the comments below.


So this week I decided to post on my top 5  6 Soap and Glory products because I couldn't just choose 5.


The scrub of your life - I love using body scrubs to remove dry skin and I know every one loves flake away but I think this does a much better job of softening the skin while removing the dry and dead skin.


Eau de soap and glory - I have had this perfume for just under a year and really really love it. Its one of those everyday fragrances that's not too overpowering but still noticeable. 


Clean on me - This shower gel is my favourite shower gel ever and believe me I have tried a lot. I am on my third bottle but they last so long. I use 5-6 pumps every single day. A bottle seems to last me about 6 months so well worth the money.


Kick ass concealer - This is quite a recent addition to my soap and glory collection but it was exactly what I was looking for. At the time I had a huge red spot and blemish on my chin and nothing would cover it but this did the job perfectly. It has a undereye concealer, blemish concealer and a setting powder. I reviewed it here.


Show good face foundation - This is really the only highstreet foundation that do a colour light enough for me. I have the shade fairest of them all and really love it. Its got buildable coverage.


The righteous butter body lotion - I'm not normally a fan of body lotion as I hate the sticky feeling it gives but with this it sinks in very quickly and smells divine.


I hope you enjoyed this post, if you have any suggestions for next week please let me know.


Megan xx

Thursday 12 April 2012

Guest post: Summer clothing wants

Aloha! :)


I hope you're enjoying the weather (that is, whilst it lasts). Typical British weather!!


I'm Hannah from Welcome To My Floordrobe, its a blog predominately about fashion and style but mixed with the odd bit of beauty and nail polish! And if you don't know what a 'floordrobe' is, I suggest you look it up, it's a mixture of the words 'floor' and 'wardrobe' which "does what it says on the tin" (to be incredibly corny like that) its a wardrobe of clothes on the floor - in my case, laundry that I'm too lazy to put back in my cupboards and drawers.


Anyhow, Megan is going away on holiday (lucky her!) and so I'm writing this guest post for her.


On the theme of holidays, I'm gonna tell you what I will be wish I was wearing on my sunny holiday to Hawaii whilst sitting at home revising for exams. Not that I would be prancing around in my biking like Jenna Marbles!

L to RBlue Poppy Bikini ~ £26 ~ Next, Biba Face Print Bikini ~ £50 both ~ House of Fraser, Aqua 3D Laser Cut Bikini ~ Top £17 Briefs £10, and Light Organge 3D Flowers ~ Top £18  Briefs £12 ~ River Island
I love the two River Island bikinis, especially the blue one, for me they just scream summer!

For a cover up and any extra beach clothes, you'll need something summery and not too light.

L to RCream Crotchet Vest Top ~ £19.99 ~ New Look, Buddha Cross Mullet Bracelet Pack ~ £10 ~ Topshop, Cameo Rose Coral Tropical Print Playsuit ~ £14.99 ~ New Look, Coral Bandeau Dippy Maxi ~ £37 ~ Miss Selfridge, Floral Printed Denim Gilet ~ £19.99 ~ New Look, Peacock Metal Trim Sandals ~ £19 ~ Dorothy Perkins, Models Own Nail Polish in Top Turquoise ~ £5 ~ Boots 

As you can see, I am teeny tiny bit obsessed with the colours, coral and turquoise - how did you guess?! ;)


Of course, this is if you are lucky enough to be gallivanting across the Mediterranean, if you do happen to venture into the colder parts of the world, (*ahem* England with its bi-polar weather) a duvet and some hand warmers are your best friends!


For make-up, I like to keep it relatively simple...
source
If you're on holiday it's nice to have a natural look - a whole face of (non-waterproof) foundation after a dip in the pool could be slightly slimy so it's best just to use some concealer like Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer (review by Megan) and maybe a bit of blush - preferably not powder because that's more likely to fade quicker - Topshop do some good cream blushes!


You'll need a little bit of lip balm as well, Carmex Moisture Plus in Peach (review by Megan) is great because it gives you colour and SPF protection which is important if you are going anywhere, especially when sunning yourself on the beach.


And hair wise, like the photo, braiding your hair usually keeps it less knotty or you can go for the Elle Macpherson beachy waves with help from the *ahem* natural salty wind or Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray - slightly expensive but there are some good reviews about it out there.

I hope you enjoyed my guest post, my little corner of the web is over here!
I'd like to say a big thank you to Megan, who's probably having a fab time on holiday, and for letting me guest post on here - its an amazing blog!


~Hannah xx

Wednesday 11 April 2012

Diamond Jubilee lounge from Next


On the Next Blogger Network website I saw a blog idea about creating a 'Diamond Jubilee living room' I love next homeware range so thought it would be a fun thing to do.


Above is my mood board of ideas I had and the reasons why I think the items would be a good thing to have in a Jubilee living room.


Let me know what you think 


Megan x

Guest post: Revlon colourburst lipstick

Firstly, thanks to Megan for allowing me to guest post for her whilst she is away. I'm Charlotte and I blog over at Science Geek Chic. My blog is a mixture of both fashion & beauty, although I'm far from being an expert in either, it's just something I enjoy.

Today I'll be showing you a new favourite lipstick of mine. I bought this new lipstick a few weeks ago when Revlon was running a 2 for £10 offer. I'd been on the hunt for a Coral lipstick so after a friend suggested Revlon I decided I'd look at what they have to offer. I ended up picking up Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Coral along with another Colorburst which I'll review on my own blog another time.


First of all, the packaging! I love the quilting effect of the lipstick, one thing I would say is the quilted effect is only on the front or back so I have to double check I've put the lid on the right way as I'm picky like that. The top of the lid is colour coded to match the lipstick inside which is great if you have a few different colours from this brand.


The bullet....apologies for my out of focus picture, my camera didn't want to play ball today. What you can't see so well is that "Revlon" is etched into the bullet of the lipstick. One thing I was worried about with this bullet is that it isn't a traditionally 'pointed' bullet, so I wondered how easy application would be. I find it takes a little more precision but for those of you who apply with a brush, this obviously would be no problem.


On the lips, this lipsticks transfers into a lovely orange based red; not as coral as I may have liked, but thankfully not too orange. The formula of the lipsticks feels silky smooth and leaves a lovely glossy finish to the lips. I found the longevity of the lipstick to be very reasonable and when the feel of the lipstick disappears, there is a stain of colour left on the lips and it doesn't leave the dreaded ring of colour around the edge of the lips that I often find with a brighter lipstick.

All in all I was very impressed with this lipstick, the colour and the formula were spot on. The price I found was reasonable as I bought it on promotion, however when at normal price it cost £8 which is in the top end of a drugstore lipstick, but the quality does make up for this,

This was my first venture into Revlon make up but it's definitely made me want to try what else they have to offer!

Thanks again to Megan for allowing me to provide a guest post! Hope you all enjoyed my post and do give me any recommendations you have from Revlon! 

Charlotte
xx


Tuesday 10 April 2012

MUA Eye Primer





I love MUA products, they are such good value for money. They have their basic products which all cost £1 and some professional products which cost slightly more. The Professional eye primer costs £2.50 which is the cheapest on the market I believe. I haven't ever tried an eye primer so I cant really compare this one to anything.


MUA say "apply primer to eyelids before make up application to create a more vibrant eyeshadow colour for long-lasting wear without fading or creasing"


I really like this primer, its not one you can really use without eyeshadow as I find it makes your eyelids super white which isn't a good look. I think it defiantly does make the eyeshadow last much longer, mines normally faded after about 4 hours but with this it certainly lasts at least 8 hours. The lipgloss type applicator makes it so easy to apply the product straight to the eyelids.


I am very impressed with it for the price and I feel its good enough for me so I don't feel the need to try the primer potion from Urban Decay like I was initially going to.


If you have any other MUA recommendations please let me know in the comments and I will check them out.


Megan xxx





Monday 9 April 2012

Rimmel multi-tonal blush and update









While I was out shopping the other day I spotted this blush in Boots. It really caught my eye and I do really love Rimmel products so off I went to the checkout to pay for it. I got the shade 002 Summer Fever which is the only shade my Boots had.


Summer fever contains a light pink which is matte, a brown colour which is also matte and a reddy pink colour which is shimmery. When mixed together they give off a lovely colour as the bottom picture shows. I do find the blush quite chalky but it does look nice on the skin so I cant really complain.


Upon looking on the Boots website I realised that there is a blush for each season each containing 3 different colours. I think this is a really fun idea and I will be having a look at the other colours when I can.


They all retail for £5.19 so they are quite good value if you catch them on 3 for 2 or any other kind of offer.


Megan xx


PS. I am going to be having guest posts on this blog and posts I have scheduled as I am going to be unable to post for a few weeks with revision and other things. If you would like to write a guest post please let me know in the comments.

Sunday 8 April 2012

Perfumes Club





When I recently had the chance to review some products from the Perfumes Club I was so excited, I found it so difficult to decide what products I wanted. The Perfumes Club is basically an online site selling perfume, makeup and even sunglasses among other things. They are based in Majorca and have up to 75% of their products. 


There is over 4000 products from the most prestigous brands on the site, with items from Perfume brands Mark Jacobs and Juicy Couture to makeup brands from Elizabeth Arden and Chanel to choose from so i'm sure you can see why I struggled to choose. 


I placed my order with the site just as any paying customer would, so I could get a feel for the experience. I had problems (not being able to find the right options and things) but the customer service team is AMAZING and got back to me within about an hour so I was very impressed. You can pay by paypal, bank transfer and credit card so its easy for everyone.


The postage costs £6.90 or is free if you spend £130. After you order and pay you get a text message informing you that your order is being shipped and a day later you have your ups tracking code so you know when to wait in for the products. I think I ordered on a Wednesday and it arrived on the Tuesday so really quick delivery considering where its coming from.






Anyway I chose Burberry Body 60ml which costs £39.11 instead of the £70 Boots would squeeze out of you. I also got the Marc Jacobs Oh Lola 30ml which cost £28.73 instead of £46.50. Both of these are massive savings and I can tell you the Perfume is 100000% authentic its so good that it is such good prices. 


I chose Burbury body after trying a sample and loving it. Its quite a musky scent but still quite fresh. I love the golden bullet bottle, I think it looks very sophisticated.


Oh Lola by Marc Jacobs is the one I wasn't sure about, I liked it when I tried it in shops but it didn't wow me. Anyway the day before I choose these I went perfume smelling and really liked it that time and now its my favorite perfume. The bottle is gorgeous and as pink is my favorite colour looks lovely on my dressing table. I love the big plastic flowers that make up the lid.




I had a great experience with the Perfumes Club and will certainly be ordering from there the next time im in need of a perfume.


Megan xx

Saturday 7 April 2012

My everyday products


Today I thought I would show you all my 'everyday' products. I don't wear makeup everyday and I don't wear all the products when I do wear makeup, these are just the products I reach for the most. 


Base
Soap and Glory show good face foundation in fairest of them all
Soap and Glory kick ass concealer in light
Soap and Glory trick and treatment concealer
Rimmel multi tonal blush in summer fever
Soap and Glory love at first blush


Eyes
Soap and Glory lid stuff in whats nude
MUA Heaven & earth pallet
Clarins instant definition mascara
Maybelline one by one mascara


Lips
Soap and Glory a great kisser in juicy peach
Carmex mosture plus in peach


If you have any post requests please leave them in the comments below


Megan xx





Friday 6 April 2012

Beauty Wishlist



Revlon lip butter in Raspberry PieOPI Nicki Minaj mini nails collection, Rimmel wake me up foundation, Topshop cream blush in head over heels, Benefit hello flawless foundation, MAC Nicki Minaj lipstick, Nars blush bronzer trio, Topshop highlighter in sunbeam

Let me know if you like to see these kind of posts ?

Megan xx




Tuesday 3 April 2012

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator


If you have seen my past posts about Liz Earle products you will know I haven't as yet found fault in the company. This arrived beautifully packaged but I cant find the pictures I took of it wrapped up.

Anyway the Liz Earle gentle face exfoliator is a great product. It smells exactly like the cleanse and polish (minty) and is a creamy consistency. When looking at it, I notices that there are no apparent grains in the product because they are so tiny, you cant see them. The grains feel like sand on the face they are so tiny.


On the back of the product it says its suitable for all skin types except sensitive, but I have sensitive skin and its quite a gentle exfoliator so it doesn't damage my skin. I only use it 2-3 times a week though as I feel any more than that would be to abrasive.

The gentle face cleanser is available here for £13.50

I noticed today that Liz Earle also do a suncream, have any of you tried that?
Have you tried any Liz Earle products?

Megan xx

Monday 2 April 2012

March Favourites



Most of these products have appeared somewhere on my blog before, but this month I have rediscovered some great products along with some amazing new ones.


Soap and Glory Trick and Treatment - An undereye concealer which almost completely cancels out the purple darkness, it also has something in it that reduces bags. I will do a review soon.


Rimmel London Blusher in Summer Fever - Just a gorgeous everyday blush, this technically shouldn't be in a favorites as I only purchased it last week, but I have used it everyday since I got it.


RightGuard 3D Protection - Just does what an anti perspirant should.


Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer - A great concealer which I discovered this month. I have reviewed this here.


Japonesque Mineral Face Brush - This brush is amazing. Its flat topped and can be used for powder, blusher, bronzer and I suppose even foundation. The only downside is that I don't think they are very easily accessible in the UK.


Maybelliene one by one mascara - I have spoken about this mascara before, I have had it open for about 5 months and it hasn't dried up, isn't flaking, isn't smudging so I will be repurchasing when this runs out.


Simple anti blemish moisturiser - I love this moisturiser, it works so well especially on very dry skin although it does make the face very shiny after using so I tend to use it mainly at night.


Soap and Glory A Great Kisser in Juicy Peach - A great all round lipbalm, it is slightly sticky but I love it either way. I have reviewed this here

What are your March favourites?


Megan xx