November 2013 Favourites

Another month, another lot of favourites. However I seemed to have gone back in time by a few months as all of these products seem to have a summery feel to them...

Summer complexion: bright and glowing. I have been loving the Origins Mega-Bright Serum (full review here) to give me a smooth and more radiant complexion over the past few weeks. I also find this to give a great base for applying makeup and helps to improve any redness in the skin. The Laura Mericer Silk Creme Foundation (reviewed here) has been another favourite of mine for giving me a more glowing look. 

Summer colours: pinks and corals. The Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Tipsy was my go-to blush over the warmer months and it has definitely made a return this month for days when I feel like my skin needs a little pick-me-up as it brightens up my makeup look, no matter how simplistic it is. A lip combo that just shouts summer, but has been adorning my lips in November is MAC Lovelorn and KORRES Lip Butter in Jasmine (read more here). This duo gives a bubblegum pink colour to the lips which I have been wearing almost everyday. 

See what I mean by a summery feel to this months favourites? It's OK to mix it up though - right? 

Red Cherry #415 Lashes

Lashes have become a recent obsession of mine, to the point where I am wearing them at any chance I get. Although I have already have some favourites, I am still on the hunt for my perfect  false lashes and these Red Cherry #415 Lashes* are a real contender...

These are the perfect lashes for adding a little bit of drama to your makeup with out looking over the top. With a combination of different lengths throughout the lashes, the #415 style creates a flirty, wide-eyed effect that can be worn everyday or for a special occasions. The spine of the lashes are clear, making them more natural looking however I still like to wear false lashes with a slick of eyeliner to make them seamless, plus I really like eyeliner. Once applied (which I like to do with tweezers), they are super comfortable to wear and you cannot even feel that they are on. Also, I have quite big eyes and these lashes were the perfect fit for me.

I can definitely see these getting a lot of use over the festive season, or just for days when I have a little extra time to get ready! What are your favourite false lashes?

Clarins Graphic Expression Face & Blush Powder

It is always a bonus when a product that works amazingly, looks amazing as well. And when it comes to finding a gorgeous product that you know will deliver, you don't need to look much further than Clarins. Each season they bring out something extra special, something that makes you swoon at first sight and this season it has to be the Graphic Expression Face & Blush Powder.

Encased in reflective gold packaging this powder looks very luxurious and definitely stands out in your makeup stash. The product itself is one of the prettiest I have seen, a simplistic yet effective design that you cannot help but stare at. Made up of peach, pink and soft brown shades this blush leaves you with a natural peach flush that accompanies any makeup look perfectly. There is also one stripe of gold shimmer running through this product, but this disappeared after the first use meaning that this product has a matte finish. Along side the blush a mirror, and quite a large one at that, making this really practical for travelling or just doing your makeup in the morning.

You all know my love for blush, and this one from Clarins is one of my favourites. I'm looking forward to seeing what they bring out next. What is your favourite blush?

Origins Mega-Bright Serum

I mentioned, here, last month about my newly developed love for serums. I thought I would continue to share the love by telling you about my new favourite serum in town - Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Serum.

Still on my quest for brighter looking skin, this serum has been on my list of things to buy for many, many months but with quite a hefty price tag I popped it on my birthday list instead. From the first use, I couldn't believe what a difference it had made to my skin. I like to apply this after cleansing and double toning, by simply patting it onto my face, leaving my skincare routine at that so that it can work it's magic overnight. The next morning my skin is glowing and radiant, something that I have never fully achieved before. My skin is also left feeling incredibly soft to the touch. The Mega-Bright Serum works by using White Peony and Licorice to improve the appearance of redness, dark spots and UV damage which in turn evens out any discolouration of the skin to give a much more luminous complexion. 

Although it is advised to apply this serum AM and PM, I only reach for this in the evenings, on rotation with other serums. However this is my favourite of the bunch so I tend to use this two to four times a week depending on what my skin needs. I would recommend this serum to anyone wanting a more brightened complexion as it is neither oily or dry in texture or the effect it has on your skin. 

Serums and I are currently having quite the love-affair - I just can't help myself! What are your favourite serums/treatments?

Benefit World Famous Neutrals: Most Glamorous Nudes Ever

I'm all about palettes at the moment. Blush, eye shadows... whatever, put it in a palette and the chances are I will want it. The prettier the palette, the better. I'm a little bit rubbish at choosing eye shadows that compliment each other, so palettes are essential for as they cut out all of the thinking - making getting ready in the morning a much quicker process. 

This pick from Benefit requires minimal thinking. Two creamy eyeshadow bases, four eye shadows and cute packing - what more could you want? Designed like a book, or mini makeup bible if you will, the Benefit World Famous Neutrals: Most Glamorous Nudes Ever palettes it a great way of getting to grips with eye shadow play for the less adventurous of us. Inside is a (removable) 'Tips and Tricks' fold out to make the process a little easier, giving you directions to create the perfect smokey eye. There is also a very handy, and quite large mirror in there too. 

Now on to the colours. If like me, you like to keep things pretty neutral on the eye front then this is for you! My Two Cents is more of an orange toned bronze, whereas Birthday Suit is more of a brown toned bronze. Both equally as pretty and both work great as a base to keep the eye shadows in place throughout the day and give the colour pay off a little more oomph. Call My Bluff is a illuminating soft cream, almost white shade that also works perfect as a base, It's Complicated is more on the chamagne side with a bit of shimmer running through it. Guilty Pleasure is the most golden of them all and is great for putting all over the lid. Kiss Me, I'm Tipsy is a warm brown shade with specks of glitter, this works best worked through the crease and outer corner. I get all day wear out of these shades when paired with the creamy eye shadow bases so the cute names are just a bonus. 

Another day, another palette and I already have my eye on my next one... hint: it begins with 'N' and ends in '3'.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

Finding a good cleanser, is like finding a good friend. There will be some duds out there, but one you have found the one, you know that they will always be there for you to rely on. A trusty worth cleanser that ticks all of the boxes can be hard to find, so say hello to your new bestie...

The Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm - long name, amazing product. Oily to the touch, this balm cleanser has a definite luxurious feel to it and the scent only adds to this. This non-offensive slight citrus scent helps to refresh and clean your skin, while leaving you soft and smooth to the touch. This product comes in as my double cleanser, I apply this to dry skin by taking a little scoop on my finger and then proceed to massage it onto face for a minuet or so then remove using a flannel and some hot water. Although I can't say my pores have been minimised as described on the box my skin is noticeably more hydrated, plump and silky smooth - even my boyfriend has commented on how 'soft my face is'.

From the first use I could notice the difference in my skin, but what amazed me most about this cleanser is it's ability to break down/remove makeup. When used as a double cleanser I can trust that every last scrap of my makeup, mainly mascara, is gone but when I'm feeling lazy I will only use this to remove my makeup and it does this perfectly! The lashings of mascara that I wear is no trouble for this product. I should also mention that this stuff lasts forever, you only need a tiny amount - I have been using mine every day for a couple months and I'm only about half way through.

I can't see myself being with out this cleanser in my collection, ever. It is just that good.

What is your favourite balm cleanser?

Essie After School Boy Blazer

When it comes to nail polish, Essie have us beauty fanatics go a little crazy - especially since releasing the diffusion line in our favourite drugstores a while back. The 3 for 2 offers are usually used to expand our ever growing stash, but nothing gets us quite as excited as the release of their seasonal collections. There is usually one cutely named polish that sells out immediately and has us searching high and low to find it... 

After School Boy Blazer is this years pick of the pack from Essie's autumn collection. A navy so dark it can be passed off as black, this shade has bought our manicures right into the fall season. We all love a vampy nail polish and After School Boy Blazer does it well and is a real contender for my favourite autumn polish. I've got blues and I've got blacks, but this stands out in my stash as being the only polish to balance out the two.

If you're lucky enough to see one of these in your nearest Boots, then be sure to make it yours... you won't be disappointed. 

KORRES Lip Butters

When it comes to lip products, I am all about the colour. Lipstick over lip balm - any day. However, over the past year or so I have discovered, what has now become my all time favourite lip product... the coloured lip butter. Maybe not a revolutionary discovery, but one that has made a big difference to my makeup routine by giving me a pop of colour whilst conditioning my lips.

The KORRES Lip Butters are the newest edition to my obsession. Light and non-sticky in texture with a hint of colour and a range of shades to meet your every needs. Wild Rose, the most autumnal out of my bunch, is a gorgeous plum shade with a slight burgundy undertone. A great choice when create a more vampy look for either day or night. Quince in more on the red side of the pink spectrum, but still a pretty shade. I like to pair this with a slick of eye liner and lashings of mascara to keep focus on the lips. Jasmine is my favourite. A pale pink that goes with absolutely everything, I love to wear this over pink lipsticks to give them a glossy shine. I should give a little mention to the cute packaging that makes them so very photogenic. 

As a side note, KORRES Lip Butters contain no nasty ingredients - no silicone, no mineral oil and they are dermatologically tested. 

I have now have a whole Muji drawer dedicated to tinted lip balms/lip butters and a list of ones to purchase, the Dior Creme De Rose keeps catching my eye... 

Life Lately #5

@adayinbeauty

1. The barn I stayed in for my birthday weekend | 2. A very toffee cake - toffee on toffee on toffee with a bit more toffee | 3. My little kitty is no longer that little | 4. Blogging life - waiting for my camera to charge | 5. My new MAC blush palette | 6. New Muji and new a Yankee Candle | 7. Some bits from FeelUnique | 8. Freshly organised makeup in my tower of Muji | 9. Makeup picks for the day | 10. Light or dark hair? | 11. NARS One Night Stand palette in all of it's glory | 12. Kevyn Aucoin purchase | 13. Halloween - I want to play a game... | 14. The morning after the night before | 15. Cosy socks | 16. A new blanket, a new candle.

Current favourite product: after a long time being faithful to mattifying powders I have dipped my toes in to the world of brightening powders with the Bourjois Java Rice Powder. This has become my favourite step in my makeup routine as it gives the most amazing finish, see my full review here.

Most lusted after product: as I love the Bourjois Java Rice Powder I feel it is only natural to progress with the brightening powders and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette seems like the perfect next step...

Building My MAC Blush Palette

The world of beauty blogging is currently dominated by palettes, in particular a blush palette - I'm looking at you NARS One Night Stand . So I thought what better time to share with you another palette that has recently been added into my collection.

After completing my first MAC eye shadow palette (pictures and swatches here), I decided it was time to start up a blush one. Now this wasn't an easy decision, did I want single blushes that I could easily rotate in my Muji drawers or did I want a palette, or two , that was a bit more travel friend? I chose to go for the palette (obviously) as I love the idea of customizing it to my own tastes and choices, plus I think the newer style of palettes from MAC look very sleek and the ability to see the shades through the transparent lid is always an added bonus.

I started off my palette with Frankly Scarlett, an super deep pink it is almost red shade which looks beautiful when used to add a pop of colour to your makeup whether it is a more simple or dramatic look. When it comes to blush I tend to stay with pinks and peaches and currently on my list to get are Well Dressed and Peaches but I would love to know what your favourite MAC blush shades are?

What are thoughts on blush palettes?

NARS One Night Stand Cheek Palette

Top L-R: Devotee, Mistinguette, Orgasm 

Bottom L-R: Laguna, Deep Throat, Goulue

Having missed out on the previous NARS blush palette that was released a couple of years ago, there was no way that I would be missing out this time around - especially after seeing the pictures. NARS blushes are a favourite of mine, not just for the cheeky names but the texture is dream to work with and black packaging gives the product a classic look. Now, there is no denying that this NARS and Guy Bourdin creation is a work of art, I just can't stop looking it at , so let's do a run down of the shades...

Devotee: the highlighter of the bunch and a nice finishing touch to any of the blushes. Packed full of shimmer, this pink-toned highlighter creates quite a striking look if used with a heavy hand, but for a more natural look I find this is best used with a duo-fibre brush for a soft application.  

Mistinguette: my favourite and the most stand-out shade from palette. A blue-toned bright pink shade, you all know how I love my pinks, adds a great pop of colour to any makeup look. I love this blush paired with lashing of mascara on pale skin  to create an almost doll like effect.

Orgasm: possibly the most popular blush shade, ever! Loaded with shimmer, this blush does look a little OTT - so use with caution. A little too ruddy for my complexion but this would be perfect for those of you lovely tanned people out there... it is best seller after all.

Laguna: the bronzer of the lot that works perfectly on both tanned and pale skin. A soft brown shade, with little to no red undertones makes this the ideal shade to not only bronze up your look, but to also contour with. Again, this is a best seller and with good reason.

Deep Throat: my first NARS blush and, still to this day, long term lover. A naughty name, but a very good shade, Deep Throat provides you with that peachy pink shade we all crave in the summer, and sometimes in the winter...

Goulue: the most autumnal shade from the pack. A plum shade with reddish undertones makes it perfect for the colder weather, whether paired with a simple makeup look for a bit of drama or used to a accompany a bolder look this shade is definitely the most pigmented.

If your a NARS lover, or a NARS newbie the One Night Stand palette is something that every beauty lover and their mother should own and with Christmas just around the corner it will make a great present for a loved one, or for youself.

P.S. each pan in this palette contains 4g of product so for £45 you are saving a load of money. Not that you need anymore incentive to purchase this ...

I Heart Fall Tag

01. Favourite Fall Lipstick: when the leaves start to change, so does my makeup and fall is all about the berry tones. MAC Rebel lipstick is the perfect shade for the colder months, a plum shade with a hint of fuchsia adds a dramatic look to the simplest of looks.

02. Favourite Fall Nail Polish: As with my makeup, my nail polish choices change too and I find my self reaching for plums, reds and any shade on the darker side of things. Essie Bahama Mama is my top pick, a lovely red toned plum - perfect for fall.

03. Favourite Fall Starbucks Drink: Little fact - I'm not a Starbucks fan, never have been. But my favourite fall drink is hot chocolate, with all the trimmings - marshmellows, whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate. Actually this is my favourite drink ever.

04. Favourite Fall Candle: Yankee Candles are my favourites, they are big and burn for weeks. For me, fall is all about the sickly sweet scent and the new Snowflake Cookie smells delicious. My other favourites include the original Christmas Cookie and Fireside Treat.

05. Favourite Fall Scarf or Accessory: My Mulberry Scarf wins this by far. A present from my boyfriend last year is easily my most worn accessory as the colours are perfect for fall and it is super cosy!

06. Haunted House, Haunted Hayride or Haunted Corn Maze: We don't really do haunted hayrides of corn mazes in the UK so a haunted house would have to be my top choice - plus, it would be nice to go through on with out keeping my eyes tightly shut.

07. Favourite Halloween Movie: Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It has to be the original, not one the many many remakes. This is the only horror movie that has ever actually terrified me and I loved it!

08. Favourite Candy to eat for Halloween: I'm not really a candy person but I am a chocolate person and chocolate is my favourite for any occasion; Halloween, Christmas, Easter, Tuesdays...

09. What are you dressing up as for Halloween: I am going as the jigsaw doll from the Saw movies, another favourite of mine. Although I am going to try and make it look a little more girly so not too be too creepy.

10. What is your favourite thing about fall: having the perfect excuse to have a cosy night in watching movies, drinking hot chocolate and snuggling up with a cosy blanket.