January Favourites

Another month has passed by so quickly. 2016 will be over before we know it, but let's not dwell on that (as I may cry). Instead, lets focus on my January Favourites. I've made some great discoveries this month and I can't wait to talk about them.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Highlighter

You've probably heard about this highlighter a million times but I'm going to talk about it because I have fallen in love with it. The packaging is the same as traditional Becca packaging for compacts. The actual highlighter is so soft and smooth. It has a lot of shimmer in it but it doesn't show up too intensely on the skin. Instead it gives the perfect glow that catches the light in such a beautiful way. It's limited edition and Space NK have started to sell it so get your hands on it before it's gone.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation

I have wanted this foundation for so long but couldn't justify buying a new foundation. Then my beloved Nars Sheer Glow ran out and I decided to go for a bit of a change. I went to Selfridges and got colour matched to shade 4. I feel like this shade is slightly too dark for me but I think I can just get away with it, my neck is very pale at the minute which doesn't help. The formula of this foundation is beautiful. It feels like there is nothing on the skin and it blends really easily but it has a lot of coverage at the same time. It is more matte than Sheer Glow which is much better for controlling my oily skin. I would definitely recommend this foundation. 

Laura Mercier Creme Smooth Lip Colour in Audrey

I picked this up on a whim at Sephora in the summer. I tested it while I was in the shop and thought the colour was quite unique so I bought it. When I got home and tested it again it was a completely different colour from what I remembered (I had tried on multiple lip products so the colours probably mixed a bit), so I didn't get much use out of it. Then this month I found it in my bag and gave it a quick swipe before I left the house and to my surprise I fell in love with it again. It's a beautiful deep rosy pink shade that isn't your typical everyday pink but isn't too dramatic at the same time. The formula is also great for everyday as it is creamy and can be built up to being pigmented. It's my go to lip colour at the moment and it's named after one of my favourite actresses of all time, what's not to love? 

Nars Steven Klein One Shocking Moment Palette

I debated about getting this palette Nars Blush and Contour Palette for a very long time. I told myself that I don't need more blushers and bronzers and that I could live without it. Then Jess bought it and it looked so nice and I was already buying something else on Space NK, so I just bought it impulsively. I regret nothing. The colours are really wearable with 4 different blush shades, I just pick the one I like best depending on my mood. This palette also has Laguna, the Nars bronzer to have, so it's really handy that it comes in a palette for when I travel.

Philip Kingsley Geranium and Neroli Elasticizer

This is my new favourite hair product. I have had mini versions of the regular elasticizer a few times but never purchased a full size one. I then found the new Geranium and Neroli one in the FeelUnique.com sale with a matching candle. The only difference from the regular one is the floral smell (which is divine FYI). I usually dampen my hair at night and apply mainly to my ends and then I put a shower cap on and sleep with it over night ready to wash off in the morning. This makes my hair so so soft and I have noticed my hair has a bit more life and bounce to it. 

Smith and Cult Nail Varnish in Lovers Creep, Shattered Souls and Kundalini Hustle

I'd heard a few reviews of this nail varnish from various bloggers and Youtubers and was intrigued. I then saw that one bottle costs £19 so decided not to buy any. Then when browsing the Space NK sale I found a pack of 3 full sized nail varnishes for only £23.50, reduced from £47. The shades are a deep purple, a classic red and gold glitter, and I knew I would get a lot of use out of them. They apply really nicely to the nails and the colours are really pretty, the packaging is also gorgeous with a unique metallic misshapen lid. I have noticed that they chip quite easily but I haven't used them that much yet so I will see if that is a recurring pattern or my inability to make nail varnish last.

Topshop Magic Liner in Engraved

I have been struggling to find a new eyeliner over the past few months. Recently I've tried some that have dried up quickly or are too stiff to get that perfect flick. I used to use the Stila eyeliner but I felt the black wasn't black enough, compared to the Marc Jacobs one I used to use, so I thought I'd try some drugstore alternatives. Then I found the Magic Liner in a set with some eyeshadow sticks in the sale and thought why not? It's not my favourite eyeliner ever but it is a pretty good one. The black is very black, which I love, and it lasts all day but the shape of the nib is a bit too elongated to create that perfect feline flick. 

Topshop Smoke Sticks

I don't usually buy Topshop makeup but when I was browsing the website I found a eye set with three eyeshadow sticks and the eyeliner I mentioned above. It was half price, a bargain at £10. The set includes the shades Conspire, a light pink shade, Deviant,  a shimmery champagne, and Dark Horse, a dark brown shade. These sticks are really easy to use and just sweep all over the lid for a quick day time eye. They are really long-lasting and blendable too. I usually apply one of the lighter colours and then apply powder eyeshadow over the top for a really intense eyeshadow look. 

Netflix

Netflix has definitely been one of my favourite things this month. During the Christmas holidays and in between revision I have been binge watching TV shows to my heart's content. I started with Jessica Jones, which is a Marvel superhero series set in New York City that isn't that "superheroey", so if you aren't that into superhero films this is still a good one to watch. I caught up on Homeland which I haven't watched in a few years. I also watched Making A Murderer because I love documentaries, especially about criminals and the American justice system. Now I am watching Suits, about a New York City law firm, which I also can't get enough of (I may be over half way through in 2 weeks).

What have been your favourites during January? 

What's In My Holiday Make-Up Bag?

As this post goes live I will be 30000 feet up in the air on my way to Valencia, Spain. I am taking a little 5 day mini break to the city with my sister after a stressful few weeks of exams where we can explore the city, relax on the beach, get some sunshine and of course drink plenty of sangria and eat far too much tapas.

My sister and I only have a suitcase between us which means I need to pack light (FYI, I am really not very good at packing light) and everything that goes into the suitcase is probably going to have a vigorous screening process by my sister followed by a few 'you don't need that', 'you won't use this' and 'we're not taking them'. I think there is going to have to be a little bit of sneaking things in the suitcase when her back his turned as think she will not understand why I need 2 mascaras, 3 concealers and 6 lipsticks for 5 days...

Firstly the make-up bags I am taking is this beautiful deep purple Saffiano leather DKNY bag which will hold all my make-up essentials, I am then taking this New York print white canvas bag also DKNY as my overflow make-up bag which holds my brushes, my Naked palette, perfume, nail varnish and other bits and bobs.

Starting with the purple bag I am taking: my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Porcelain and also a sample sized of the shade darker (Nude) to mix in if I tan, Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in Fair, MaxFactor Colour Correct stick for under eye circles, Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat, MAC blush in Taupe Shape (which I use as bronzer), Nars Deep Throat blusher, Rimmel Stay Matte powder, Laura Mercier Long Lash mascara, Chanel Le Volume De Chanel mascara, Maybelline Gel Liner in black, Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Bronze on Bronze, MAC eyeshadow duo of Omega and Concrete which I use for my brows and Natural Collection clear mascara which I also use for my brows.

And finally I am taking the following lipsticks: MAC Patisserie, Topshop Brighton Rock, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 05, Rimmel Apocalips in Across the Universe and L'Oreal Liquid Lipstick in 500 Molto Mauve. 

The white bag will hold my brushes and tools which get too squished in the purple bag, the original Naked palette, my Jo Malone perfume in English Pear and Freesia, the nail varnish on my toes which is Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in 416 Papaya, a few bits of jewelery and some hair accessories. 

For brushes I am taking: Real Techniques Stippling, Expert Face, Deluxe Crease and Base Shadow brushes, MAC 239, 217, 263 and 129, Topshop Large Shadow and Angled Brow brush, Bare Minerals Soft Sweep Cheek brush, Bobbi Brown Foundation Brush, an ELF Spoolie and Charlotte Tilbury Eyelash Curlers. 

That ended up being a long post! Reading back through this post maybe this is a bit excessive for 5 days, I'll let you know when I get back if my bossy sister made me leave anything behind... 

June Wishlist

There is so much I want this month, I feel very sorry for my bank account! I know I say this every month but I seriously can't believe its June already; we are half way through the year!

1. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

I got a sample of this in my Birchbox a few months ago which was a shade darker than my normal skin colour, I took it on holiday and used it when I was a bit more tanned and absolutely loved it. I am nearly out of foundation so I think I am going to buy this in my normal skin colour as replacement. It doesn't have much coverage but it does a good job of evening out tone and leaving skin looking dewy, healthy and natural. It is especially good for dry and dehydrated skin like mine.

2. Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow

Something from Charlotte Tilbury seems to pop up on my wish list every month and this month sees the turn of her Wonderglow Instant Soft-Focus Beauty Flash. The idea behind this is similar to the Clarins Instant Light Radiance Boosting Base which I am a big fan of and instantly brightens dull, tired and dehydrated skin.

3. Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner

June will see the much anticipated launch of Benefit's new gel pen eyeliner and I am so excited to try it. They describe it as a 'lash-hugging gel liner in a pen' with a matte black formula, by the look of the pictures it looks like the nib is angled which is excellent for me as I can only apply gel liner with a angled brush. I love the They're Real mascara so I am hoping this will be just as good. The launch date is the 28th June and will retail at £18.50.   

4. Matalan Block Heel Sandals

I want these shoes so badly but they keep selling out of my size. They are a simple nude and white block heel, with a very on trend 'barely-there' look about them. I think they would be the perfect shoes for summer- they can be dressed down during the day with a pair of skinny jeans but then dressed up with a dress or skirt. At £15 you can't really go wrong.

5. Urban Outfitters Scalloped Lace Shorts in Black

I tried these on in the shop the other day and really liked them, however I don't know if I'd wear them enough to justify spending £40 on them. I'm not really a shorts-wearing kinda girl to be honest, I much prefer wearing a skirt or dress. I think this is a case for my big shopping rule: if after a week you can't stop thinking about it; buy it. If you've not really thought about it; don't buy it.


6. Cos Printed Panel Top

I love the neon yellow trend that is going round at the minute but I'm not brave enough to wear and don't think I'll be able to pull it off, however, this simple yet stylish top is the perfect way to pop a bit of colour into an outfit. It will be perfect for casual summer days with a pair of skinny jeans.  

7. Tom Ford Brow Sculptor

I feel the time has come to add some Tom Ford to my make-up collection and it's between this eyebrow sculptor or a lipstick. I have so many lipsticks already I think it's time to be a little more adventurous with my brows- has anyone tried this, is it any good?

8. L'oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick


Finally this month are the L'oreal Liquid Lipsticks in a few different shades. Sophie recommended them to me recently and I picked up shade 500 Molto Mauve which I love; it's a perfect liquid lipstick with a lovely texture, smell, pigmentation and finish so I definitely want to be picking up some more shades- especially 601 Nude Ballet as it is what Kim Kardashain wore down the aisle a few weeks ago. 

What is on your wishlist this month? Drop a comment down below!

Shop The Post:

1. SpaceNK (£33.50)

2. Selfriges (£38.50)

3. Benefit (£18.50)

4. Matalan (£15.00)

5. Urban Outfitters (£38.00)

6. Cos (£19.00)

7. Selfridges (£34.00)

8. Boots (£8.99)

Haul #4: Beauty

A few weeks ago I went on a bit of an insane online beauty spending spree. I've been trying my hardest to limit the amount of beauty products I buy recently due to having way too much makeup that I don't use and spending money I should really be saving. However, I had a bit of a set back due to the Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme, that I've wanted for ages, came back in stock on the Birchbox website where I had £10 of reward points to spend.. and it all went a bit downhill from there.

Birchbox

The first and gateway purchase was the Laura Mercier Souffle Body Creme in Ambre Vanille from Birchbox. As I've been getting Birchboxes for a while now I have built up my reward points to 100 which means £10 to spend on anything in the Birchbox shop. Seeming as I'd wanted the body souffle for a while now I thought why not spend it on that which made it £34.50 instead of £44.50. I'm so glad that I finally purchased this product. I love the rich scent and texture and a little goes such a long way. This purchase was definitely worth it. However once one online purchase had been made it was difficult to stop. 

Space NK

Then I received an email for £10 of any purchase over £40 at Space NK and I couldn't resist. As you can probably tell I like a good bargain and can justify a purchase if I've saved money on it. Plus it gave me a chance to build up my Space NK reward points. With all the freedom to buy what I wanted out of a choice of so many great products I decided to buy a Nars Lipstick in Damage, a Nars Eyeshadow in Ashes to Ashes and a Stila Eyeshadow in Golightly. This came to a total of almost £40 including the £10 off, oops. However I'm so happy that I decided to make these purchases too! I love the Nars Lipstick! The grape colour is so pretty but sheer so it's great as a day time lipstick and the texture and the formula is so moisturizing. Also after recently trying and loving Nars eyeshadow from my recent purchase of the Nars Hearts New York set, I wanted to try some different shades out. My other purchase from Space NK was a Stila single eyeshadow in the colour Golightly. I've never tried Stila eyeshadow before and mainly purchased it because I loved the name (named after Holly Golightly played by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's) and the colour. It's a gorgeous gold/bronze shade similar to Mac's Woodwinked and the texture is so soft. I can tell I'm definitely going to get a lot of use out of it. 

Feel Unique

California Coral

Watermelon

Now my addiction was out of control and I just wanted to spend. Then I found a Feel Unique Voucher for 20% off. The next thing I know I had bought 2 Essie Nail Varnishes in California Coral and Watermelon and a Tanya Burr Lips and Nails lipgloss in Aurora. However I was quite glad I made these purchases as I'd had my eye on all 3 for a while now. I love the Essie Nail Varnish in Watermelon. At first I was a bit scared to wear such a bright pink nail varnish but I  love the bright shade now, it's perfect for summer. Also it lasts a really long time and has only just started to chip with no top coat after 5 days. I also love the colour California Coral. This is the perfect Spring/Summer shade and it isn't available in most shops like Boots and Superdrug. Also I'm glad I finally got the colour Aurora from the Tanya Burr Lips and Nails collection. After trying Afternoon Tea and liking the formula but feeling quite neutral about the light shade I decided to get one of the favourites from the collection which is a brighter pink shade called Aurora. I much prefer this colour and it's great for an everyday gloss. 

Selfridges

Finally my beauty haul ended at Selfridges and although I had already spent way more than I should have and finding many great products, this last product was essential. I had to replace my Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer as I've almost run out of my old one in the colour Custard. I bought the same shade this time around and although it is quite expensive at £22, I think it's 100% worth it as it's the best concealer I've tried and it has lasted me about 4 months, which is quite good considering I've used it nearly every single day.

Raiding My Sister's Make-Up Bag

 Don’t you just love going through other people’s make-up bags? This weekend I made a little spontaneous trip to London to see my sister and found myself riffling through her make-up bag to see what goodies I could find, the following are things that I would love to buy myself in my shade and other products I would like to sneak into my bag and take back with me…

1. Bobbi Brown Blush in Peony

This is the one I got most excited about as I had no idea she had it, it is Bobbi Brown’s much raved about blusher in the colour Peony. It looks a very scary bright pink in the compact but once applied it leaves a gorgeous, natural, healthy pink, matte finish.

2. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation in B20

I would love to be able to use this foundation but none of the Chanel shades ever seem to match my skintone, they are all far too yellow based for my pale-pinky skin.  My sister, Charlotte describes it as having a dewy finish with light to medium coverage, she says it's quick and easy to blend and leaves a nice natural finish. However, she does also point out that her shade isn't quite the perfect match and would benefit from having the shade B10 to mix in.

3. Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer

This again is a very raved about product in the blogging world and I’m sure at some point in the near future I won’t be able to resist any longer and make the purchase. The unique product has two shades – one to match the skin’s depth of colour and the other to match the undertone. You can either mix the two shades together on the back of your hand to create your perfect shade or use the more pinky to counteract under eye dark circles and the more yellow-based one to hide any blemishes.  I think Charlotte uses her fingers to apply which is good as it warms the product up but I would then buff over with a fluffy brush to leave a super flawless finish

4. YSL Baby Doll Mascara

I actually recommended this to my sister after hearing Sophie’s great reviews about it and Charlotte loves it. It is quite a subtle, natural looking mascara perfect for everyday wear with a brush that easily coats every lash, making the more voluminous, longer and defined. Also – a mascara that actually smells nice, finally!

5. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Compact Highlighter in Pink Quartz

I am a big fan of these shimmer bricks even though I’ve never actually owned one myself, I’ve always just stolen a bit from my sister or Sophie! They are powder highlighters with 5 slightly different shades inside which when mixed together create a lovely natural looking pink highlighter – perfect for the top of cheek bones, on the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye.

6. MAC Matte Lipstick in So Chaud

Now this is one statement lipstick! I’m surprised my sister has this as she is usually a very natural-looking-make up kind of girl. The best way to describe this colour is think of MAC’s famous Lady Danger Lipstick and add a bit more orange. MAC describe it as an intense reddish-orange, it also has the matte finish which I am really loving at the minute.

April Favourites

It's my turn for favourites this month! But to be honest, I can't think of that many. For the majority of April I was away on holiday so didn't use that many beauty products or have any fashion favourites - but here the things I have been reaching for this month.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser

I actually got this in a Birchbox a few months ago but was one shade too dark for my normal skin colour, however on holiday it was perfect - so perfect in fact I may pop down to John Lewis this week and pick up a full sized version in my normal skin colour! It left my skin looking healthy, radiant, even and dewy and it was so easy to apply too, I just gently massaged it into my face with my fingertips and done.

Revlon Colourburst Lip Butter in 001 Pink Truffle 

I bought this whilst I was away out in America and thought it would be perfect for beach days when I never wear full make-up but just need that little something. The colour is a really nice dull pink and the formula is so moisturising- it went straight into my handbag when I got home as I know it will be perfect for when im on the go.

Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Face Mask

This little guy was a bit of a life saver whilst I was away - I used it on the long haul flights to try and protect my skin against the dehydrating atmosphere then every night after I went skiing to try and keep my face hydrated after a day of sub-zero harsh winds. It also smells amazing and doesn't get all over your pillow at night which I was a little worried about at first.


Elizabeth Arden 8hr Cream

Bad blogger alert! - I've just realised I've left my 8hr cream back at home in Manchester and now I'm here at uni in Nottingham so sorry for the crappy online picture! Again, this was a life saver when I skiing - I always kept it handy in my ski coat pocket and used it mainly on my lips, I also got some really bad wind burn on my nose and it seemed to help that too.

Dermalogica Skin-Smoothing Cream 

This is definitely my all time favourite moisturiser, I only buy it when my skin is having a really problematic time as it is a little on the pricey side but it makes my skin feel so good. It leaves it completely hydrated and healthy looking and I also find it excellent to put make up on top as it leaves a really smooth base. I would recommend this to anyone who has skin like mine: dry, dehydrated and sensitive, because it really is amazing.

What have you been loving this month - also don't forget to come back in a few days and see Sophie's May Wishlist!

Haul #3: Beauty

This is a bit of a collective haul of bits and bobs I've bought over that last couple of weeks. It will probably be the last haul I do for a while as I have given up buying make-up for lent as I have decided I have a bit of an unhealthy obsession!

Topshop

Topshop Sheer Lip in 'Chuck'

I bought this lipstick for the sole reason that it was called 'Chuck' and it brought back nostalgic memories of Chuck Bass- yes, I am that sad that I bought a lipstick because it coincidently had the same name as a fictional television character. But after using it a few times I actually really like it. It is a really moisturising lip colour with a subtle glossy finish, the colour is easily buildable from a sheer balm to a deep stain - it is also really affordable at £8. I've never really tried Topshop make-up before but since trying this I think I will be going back for more, any good recommendations?

Boots

Charles Worthington Salon at Home

I am going to post a review of these soon so I won't waffle on for too long but I adore the Salon at Home range, they leave me hair looking healthy and shiny. I bought the Straight and Smooth Shampoo, Shine Booster Conditioner and the Style Setter Dry Shampoo. They are also reasonably priced at around £6 or £7.

Hydraluron

I bought this in boots after hearing numerous beauty bloggers recommendations and thought I would give it a whirl too. My skin is so dry and dehydrated at the minute so I though it could really use something like this. So far I've not noticed that much of a difference to my skin but obviously I will give it a full 6 weeks before deciding if its worth it or not- I will probably write a review in the future after a couple of months using it so look out for that.

SpaceNK

Laura Mercier Crème Brule Honey Bath

I've gone a bit crazy in SpaceNK recently, think I need to calm down a bit with the spending but I just couldn't resist the smell of this, oh my gosh it smells so good I just want to eat it. I've not tried it in the bath yet but may write a review along with the body cream in a couple of weeks.


Feel Unique

Tanya Burr Nail Polish in Little Duck

This was in my February Favourites so again I won't go on about it for too long, just click the link here, but I adore the colour of the nail varnish. It's a really spring/summery colour and I just love wearing it!

Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Afternoon Tea

I also picked up one of Tanya's lipglosses in Afternoon Tea, I've not really had chance to use it that much yet but on first impressions I love the texture, finish, colour payoff and brush. One thing I probably don't like is how light the colour is, I usually go for something a tiny bit darker but that is my fault for choosing the wrong colour! I think I will get the colour 'Aurora' and see if that suits me a bit better. Have you tried anything in Tanya's line yet? Sophie will be doing a review of both the nail varnish and lipgloss very soon so look out for that.


Charlotte Tilbury

Charlotte Tilbury Eyelash Curlers

If you read our blog often or follow us on Twitter (@Make_Man_Marc) you will know we are huge Charlotte Tilbury fans. I think she is such a fantastic make-up artist and all of her products I've tried are amazing (click here to see a review of her Vintage Vamp palette and here to see Sophie's Charlotte Tilbury Haul and Review). These eyelash curlers are great at really opening up the eye, making the eye look bigger- they also look super pretty in a gorgeous rose gold colour!

Have you done any shopping recently? Leave a comment with a link with any hauls you have done- I'm super nosey and love looking at what other people have been buying!