Embracing Autumn

It's still dragging it's heels slightly but Autumn is most definitely making an appearance. All the signs are starting to peep through; from cold noses on fresh mornings to well, cold & flu and all the good stuff in between. 

First and foremost, the fresh scented candle exodus has begun in my home, replaced instead with spicy, warming scents like Gingerbread and sweet Sandalwood. I bought a candle from Home Bargains a few weeks ago (pictured) and have been itching for the lower temperatures so it felt right to take a match to it. It smells divine and, at £3, is a fraction of the cost of a Yankee the same size!

Relaxing by candle light in the evening is just made 100 times better with hot chocolate. It really is a cuddle in a cup and oh how I have missed it. I will be more than happy to welcome it back with open arms to my night time routine.

On to autumn clothing. This season's clothing is probably my favourite because it's pretty much how I dress all year. The colours of fall are a steadfast in my wardrobe, even when it's 30 degrees - as far as I'm concerned, only weak women can't wear black in high summer but I digress... My thigh high boots will be getting plenty of air time in the next few months. My pinterest spying has got me obsessed with thigh highs with oversized tees, a-line mini's and silky cami dresses. Topped off with a leather jacket and blanket scarves - heaven. 

Autumnal make up errs on the side of dark and everyone is rocking a plum lip but... What a pain in the proverbial! Plum/berry lips are high maintenance so I'm notching my neutral slightly darker and leaning toward plum hued eyes instead; I love the look of a purple toned halo shadow!

Finally, who doesn't love the events at this time of year? Halloween. Bonfire night. The countdown to Christmas?!?! It's so close, I can practically hear my heart strings being tugged by the inevitably beautiful John Lewis Ad.

Gotcha Covered Concealer

Gotcha Covered Concealer || £5.50

Full coverage. Dewy finish. All day wear. These are the three selling points of NYX's Gotcha Covered which, in anyone's book, would seem the perfect equation for a concealer. Does it deliver or is it just bait on the beauty fishing line? 

Rather than a doe foot applicator this comes in a squeezy tube, much like a foundation. As you would expect from a heavy duty concealer, the product is quite thick so it is doesn't dispense easily as the nozzle is quite thin.

On first applying to the skin this product feels horrible! It is thick and sticky - in fact, it really reminds me of that cheap Halloween grease paint. Regardless, I continued applying the concealer to the areas I wanted then blended out with my Beauty Blender. 

What. A. Difference.

The stickiness subsided and I was left with bright, dewy skin!

I went ahead and set it with the tiniest dusting of powder and it looked glorious. I was super impressed! The dark circles, redness and blemishes were hidden and they remained so all day. True to their word it stayed put, even on my oil slick face!

This is definitely a concealer for someone who likes to look 'made up' - even though it blends well, you're not going to pull off the natural look wearing it. However I love the finished result so if you can bear a couple of seconds of stickiness then this concealer is definitely worth it!

NYX Butter Gloss

I'm pretty much obsessed with NYX at the moment. I've loved everything I've tried, especially so with the single shadows and lip lingerie. I initially ventured over to the NYX stand to try out one of their foundations but chickened out and reached for my trusty Revlon Colorstay instead. However I couldn't walk away empty handed and picked up a Butter Gloss!

One of the things I love about the NYX lip stand is the picture boards where they feature certain colours on the lip. It was here I spotted and swooned over Sunday Mimosa. This super pretty punchy peach is quite the all rounder with just enough colour to compliment a smokey eye and enough colour to stop your everyday face looking washed out.

This is an opaque formula - you get a intense, rich colour pay off. The consistency of the gloss isn't too liquid either which means you get the colour without any settling or uneveness. 

On the subject of consistency, we then have to discuss texture. I don't know about anyone else but I'm really struggling to break away from the matte trend. I find glosses can be messy and high maintenance, not to mention a right royal pain when it becomes a magnet for hair on windy days. Long story short, I'm hesitant to welcome them back to the warm arms of my make up bag without good reason. However this product goes a long way in relieving my worries with an almost 'lip balm' feeling to it. My lips felt moisturised as opposed to sticky or gloopy. 

All in all, I'm still a matte lip kinda girl at heart but as gloss goes this is a pretty decent one. I love the colour and feel of it but I don't think I'm ready for the commitment of constant re-application again. Still, this will definitely be reached for when I want to feel a bit more glam!!

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask || £1.49

In a mission to balance out my dehydrated skin I've been been eagerly seeking out intensely moisturising products. I recently switched from night creams to facial oil and whilst this has made a marked improvement, I still wanted something with a bit of an oomph. 

The Moisture Bomb day cream is so good I couldn't resist the lure of this mask. It promises an entire weeks worth of hydration in just 1 mask as wells as a reduction in fine lines and radiant skin. So does it deliver?

Well, first things first, lets talk about the packaging. It's humongous! The mask itself is also designed to fit Mr Potato Head - I found it extremely hard to get the mask to fit the contours of my face. The eye holes are tiny, cheeks are massive and god only knows what the deal is with the nose/mouth openings. 

After fumbling around with the mask I eventually got it to fit my face and then peeled the protective layer off so I was able to smooth the mask down a little better.

The tissue is saturated with a gel like serum which made it almost slimy but cooling and refreshing. After 15 minutes I removed the mask and rubbed in the remaining serum. My skin felt moisturised and slightly plumped.

However the results aren't particularly long lasting. The next morning, my skin looked dry around my nose and I had little breakouts on my forehead. 

All in all, I probably wouldn't use this mask again. The immediate results are good but for me, it doesn't deliver any long lasting impact.

nspa Deep Hydrating Facial Oil

nspa Deep Hydrating Facial Oil 

Summer has come. And gone. And come back again - *yay*! Whilst the sunshine is beautifully pleasant, the effects that the ever indecisive weather are having on my skin is particularly unpleasant.

To add a bit of context to this post, let's talk about skin type. I have oily skin that is extremely breakout prone. Having clearer skin is a massive thing for me. I've had spot issues for over half my life and the introduction of Hibiscrub into my skincare routine has given me skin clarity that I never thought possible! However, the product is harsh and my skin is lacking some serious hydration which leaves it dull.

Although I use moisturisers daily, I'm still left feeling somewhat wanting for that inner glowiness. I had read about the benefits of facial oils for ages but the thought of adding oil to my already oily face absolutely terrifies me - then I saw this product when I was browsing and so took the plunge...

I'm obsessed by the packaging. A pipette dispenser gives the product a 'professional' feel which makes it feel more expensive than it is. Also, does a pipette make any one else want to pretend to be a mad scientist? No? Just me. Ok, moving on... 

The oil itself smells quite floral but the scent is quite light so it doesn't become overpowering. When I rubbed some of the oil between my fingers I was surprised at how un-oily it was. With a deep breath, I applied around 4-5 drops to my face and massaged in. Instantly my skin soaked it up without any residue or greasiness left behind. Fast absorbing or thirsty skin? I'm yet to decide... 

When I awoke the next morning I dragged myself into the bathroom and caught sight of my skin. Woah. It look blinking lovely!

The tone of my skin was even and smooth. My pores were smaller. There was no shine but my face looked brighter and full. 

Despite the £6 price tag this oil delivers some serious results. In fact, my first impressions of this oil were so impressive that I replaced my night cream with this immediately.  

Amen to facial oil!

Primark Beauty Essentials

Primark has been under the beauty spotlight over the last year. From make up to beauty tools to fake tan, Primark has all bases covered and all for a very reasonable price tag. Sometimes you get what you pay for so what items in the range are worth the hype?  

Beauty Blenders - £2.50 for four

I have tried several of the PS brushes and they are pretty good, but these mini blenders just blow my mind! These are great for blending concealer under my eyes and for contouring my nose. 

Lash Curlers - £1

Admittedly, I bought these because they look lovely. I used them when the cushion in my Eyeko curlers gave up and actually, they are really rather good.

The curve on the lash rest fits my eye shape well and the cushion is firm which gives lots of lift at the root. 

Tweezers - £1 for 2 pairs

Tweezers are tweezers. There's nothing about them that sets the world alight and yet we are all so quick to part with money for a branded pair. These work just as well as the higher end brands for just a fraction of the price. Plus they make your dresser effortlessly 'rose gold cliche' chic. What's not to love? 

Hair Grips - £1 for 60 grips 

My house is where hair grips come to die. They are all a one use wonder for me and where they end up after, who knows? Therefore I can only thank the Lord that Primark understand this and bang them out as cheap as chips. 

Have you found any beauty essentials in Primark? If so, what?

A Gloss for Rose Gold Addicts...

L'Oreal Infallible Dazzle Gloss in Disco Ball

In a world that's gone copper crazy, it seems there is no corner of the world that hasn't been painted in rose gold. Now it seems time for your lips to jump on the bandwagon with L'Oreal's Dazzle Gloss in Disco Ball!

I jumped the gloss ship many moons ago, opting for matte products instead but I saw this my inner magpie insisted on it's purchase.

The packaging is very simple but pull out the wand and wooaahh... The doe foot is bent into some crazy M shape! At first I thought it was damaged but upon further investigation it would appear that it's actually designed to hug the contours of your lips. Do I think it's better than a traditional doe foot? Perhaps not, but it applies fine all the same. 

I love the feel of this gloss, it's almost the consistency of a balm so it doesn't feel wet. It's also VERY shimmery, so if you don't really dig the glitter thing this won't be for you. However I think this will look great on the centre of the lips for really bronzey, 'beachy' looks! 

Anastasia Beverley Hills Dip Brow

For me, brows are the most important part of my make up routine. I have very light, sparse brows so I expect a lot from a product - especially if it's from a high end brand. 

I've been filling in my brows for almost 10 years now so I've tried most of the brow products on the market. Never have I used something I love more than this little pomade!

I first bought DipBrow around a year ago and if I'm honest, it took me a little while to love it. The name is somewhat deceiving; or am I too literal? Either way, I dipped my brush into this magical pot and drew two, enormous, wet looking slugs on to my face. Oh.

With a little trial and error I soon mastered the technique. Using a fine angled brush I apply the tiniest amount to the back of my hand - from there it's easier to control how much product is going on to your brows. 

With the gentlest pressure, I draw strokes in the direction of the natural hair and then brush through with a spoolie, alternating between the two until you are happy with the density!

If you're a brow person, I 100% recommend this product - there is literally nothing better... 

Styling : Nude Bandeau Dress

I like my outfits simple. I like simple clothing that carries accessories so I always pick items from a very limited colour range. I love a multitasker as well; something you can rock at a casual BBQ then sling on some killer heels that transform it into a perfect night out look.

Summer will usually be full of occasions that require a dress and if you could buy one to suit them all, wouldn't you? 

This bandeau midi from Boohoo screams 'wear me everywhere'! Its nude tone is crying out to be adorned with all kinds of accessories and the bandage fabric is going to pull all your curves into situ leaving you feeling all the Kim K vibes. 

This dress is a mere £20 but there's nowt wrong with milking a bargain in my book. A tikka sat on beachy waves with tan platforms will give you a slightly more refined beach babe vibe for summer nights in sunnier climes. 

To get wedding guest ready pair this dress with a soft white pashmina and rose gold barely there sandals. If you're going for a day at the races, simply slip a fascinator over a sleek chignon.

For a more casual feel, a sleeveless blazer and flat sandals will keep you rooftop bar appropriate!

Dress || Boohoo

Hair Tikka || La Moda

Shoes || eBay

July Birchbox

I have been rather forthcoming in my distaste for my last couple of boxes but this month the Birchbox gods have quashed my qualms with this beaut of a box!

First things first, how pretty is the box? It's so girly and summery, really setting the tone for the contents....

The 'choice' for July was a full size John Frieda product and I opted for the 7 Day Volume Treatment. I'm loving the big beachy waves at the moment so I'm hoping this will keep the limp at bay for a bit longer! 

Millie Mackintosh collaborated on this box and her offering didn't disappoint. This gloss crayon gives a pop of pink with a soft sheen that'll be beautiful paired with bronzed, glowing skin and the Nails Inc. polish 'Eton Avenue'. This pastel blue mini is the perfect size for a travel bag.

My skin has felt a little dehydrated as of late so I was thankful of the the moisturising products. I will switch the Elemis night cream between my usual moisturiser and inject a little extra moisture with the Hydraluron face mask sheets! 

June Favourites

It's July and officially less than six months until Christmas. Santa, come at me. 

June massively had me feeling constantly meh so I'm attempting to reboot my drive with a Favourites post.

Lets start with chokers; more so, bandana's as chokers. Did I think I could ever pull this off? Definitely not. Alas, I felt less like the Milkybar kid and all the tumblr feels. 

Lashes definitely didn't help my mood this month, with my good old Demi Wispies causing me more havoc than I ever thought possible. In the end, I slung 'em in the bin and moved on to the 100 lashes from Eylure. These feel like they were made for my eyeballs... 

 Hold the pitchforks but I've always been of the opinion that Laura Mercier is over priced and not worth entertaining so when I saw the sample, I was genuinely annoyed. I wanted to hate it but... The smell is divine. My skin felt amazing. I never thought I'd admit defeat but I am, all the way to a £45 basket.

Absinthe may be a mistake on a night out but it certainly isn't on your nails! I am obsessed with this khaki toned polish. Bravo L'Oréal. 

I love Primark and I could list a number of favourites from there but I've narrowed it down to just two. The Chloe dupe bag has done the rounds but this is the first with tassels which I kinda like. 

These brushes cost £1 and are honestly so good! Especially the eye contour brush which has become my go to. I'm excited to try other beauty tools from Primark and definitely have my eye on the new oval brushes!

NYX Pore Filler

Using this product was a first for me altogether. Although I'm always moaning about my humongous pores, I've never actually even considered a pore minimising primer so I seized the day and invested £11 in what is essentially Polyfilla for one's face.

The packaging is the matte, rubbery material that attracts hell'a lot of dirt and as it's part of a makeup routine, it's not staying white for long. 

The product has a dry mousse consistency which doesn't make it the easiest to dispense. When it does decide to make an appearance, it has a skin tone tint that keeps the finish natural. My skin felt baby soft where I had applied it but still lightweight. 

I didn't notice any immediate difference and if I'm honest I was slightly disappointed....

But then I applied foundation and realised just how wrong I was! My skin looked flawless and those pores were no more. I even had compliments about how good my skin looked (which NEVER happens!). 

NYX have wooed me yet again. Can they do any wrong? Not in my eyes!

NYX HD Concealer

Continuing on with my NYX obsession, today's post is about the HD concealer. I am wary of layering too many products under my eyes (wrinkles people!) so I wanted something  lightweight, full coverage and brightening - not much to ask huh?!

The first thing I noticed is the variety of shades available. Without tan, I'm ghostly and my face usually matches the lightest shade of most concealers I've used so I was pleased there was a lighter spectrum for me to choose from. Fair is the second lightest shade with a yellow base tone.

The product is thick but blends well. With alot of concealers I find that the product 'spreads' too much whereas this concealer keeps the coverage where you need it. The finish is semi matte and didn't settle in any fine lines even without setting.

The brightness this product achieves lasts most of the day but I would advise setting with a powder for a night out to give it a bit more oomph!