August Favourites

It's the beginning of September which means it's that time to look back on the past month and see what we have loved for the past 31 days. I've got quite a few new discoveries on my August Favourites this time around, and I can't get enough of all of them!

Rimmel Salon Pro by Kate Nail Varnish in Hip Hop

I have worn this nail varnish shade for almost the whole length of August. It's the perfect bright corally red shade for summer. It lasts a really long time which is quite a feat for me as most of my nail varnish chips after a few days. If you use two coats, and then add a clear coat of Rimmel Top Coat, it can last for about a week. I've had quite a few compliments about the colour too. The best part about this purchase it that it's only £4.49! I'm definitely going to try out some different shades next time I raid Boots.

Jo Malone Hand and Body Lotion in Nectarine Blossom and Honey

This was a 21st birthday gift from Jess and I absolutely love it. It smells incredible, like most Jo Malone products, I just want to eat it! The Nectarine Blossom and Honey scent is floral and fruity at the same time. The lotion is really moisturizing, and not too thick and sticky like some lotions can be. Another bonus is that it lasts a really long time and I can usually smell the product on me for the rest of the day.

Nars Audacious Lipstick in Anita

This was also a 21st birthday present off a friend, and I've used it so much. I already had the Nars Audacious Lipsticks in a dark red shade called Charlotte and a dark pink shade called Audrey, which I have worn on many a night out. So I was so happy that I got more of an everyday shade like Anita, I wore it to work quite a lot this month. It's a beautiful rosey pink shade and it's creamy but lasts a few hours without having to reapply. I love the sleek black packaging too, it makes the lipstick seem even more luxurious.

Stila Eyes Are the Window Eyeshadow Palette in Soul

I bought this palette in Sephora in my final days in New York. I'd read good reviews online and when I finally saw the palette in real life I just had to have it (I may have routed through a few drawers which I'm pretty sure customers aren't supposed to go in). It has a mixture of warm, cool, matte and shimmery shades. The colours blend really well and the colour pay off is amazing. I bought the palette in America but they are available online in the UK. There are 3 other versions of the palette too if this one doesn't float your boat.

Charlotte Tilbury Cream Eyeshadows in Norma Jean and Marie Antoinette

I'd been waiting for these bad boys to arrive for a long time and waited until I got some money for my birthday so I could splurge at the Charlotte Tilbury counter. I'm so glad I bought these. I love the two shades Norma Jean, a shimmery champagne colour, and Marie Antoinette, a taupe brown. The colour pay off is great and you only need a tiny bit to cover the whole eyelid. They also last all day long with barely any smudging or movement on the eyelids. 

Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 1975 Red

If you read my August Wishlist, you'll know I was going through a bit of an orangey-red lip phase during August. I tried a few including the Kendall Jenner limited edition lipstick and the Revlon Ultra HD lipstick in Poppy, but my favourite one was the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 1975 Red. It's orangey red but not too orange. The formula is matte but is really creamy and doesn't dry out the lips at all, and it lasts a long time. It's great for a summer night time lip or I like to apply a small amount and then blend it out on the lips for a more subtle day time look. 

Tiffany Key Necklace

I've got a bit of a theme going on here but this was also a 21st birthday present off my mum. I knew I wanted something Tiffany for my 21st so when my mum asked if I wanted anything I gave her a list of a few Tiffany items I'd wanted for a while. She chose this beautiful Knot Key Pendant. I've always wanted something from the Key collection since it was released. I love the knot pattern in the middle of the key and that it has the Tiffany Blue enamel. I wanted to save it for special occasions but I've worn it pretty much everyday since I got it. It's so pretty, I just can't help myself. 

What have your favourites been throughout August?

July Favourites

I know I say this every month, but how fast did July just go?! Each month seems to pass more quickly this year. July was a great month as it was both mine and Jess' birthdays and we had nice weather for once. It was also my last whole month in England for a while now as I'm going to be living in America for my year abroad in two weeks time! I also got a new camera which I used for this blog. Here are my favourites from the month of July.

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow

This was a later purchase in July but has still been bumped up to the top of the list. I have been lusting after this bronzer/highlighter duo since Charlotte Tilbury first released her makeup collection. Finally I bought it at her counter in London as a birthday treat for myself. I'm so glad I bought this product, it's beautiful! The shades are really natural yet you can really see a difference when contouring and highlighting. The rose gold luxurious packaging is also gorgeous too, as always with Charlotte Tilbury.

Charlotte Tilbury Powder and Sculpt Brush

As well as buying the Filmstar Bronze and Glow, I also purchased the Powder and Sculpt Brush to go with it. Usually I wouldn't spend this much money on a brush (I'm more of a Real Techniques fan), however I thought this brush was so unique to any other brush I own and I've heard great reviews, plus it was the day before my birthday. I love this brush, it is perfect for contouring and highlighting with the Filmstar Bronze and Glow because it is tapered but also could be used for any kind of powder. It's also really soft and I love the colour of the handle too. I can tell I will be getting a lot of use out of this brush.

Jo Malone Peony and Blush Suede Perfume

I bought this perfume a few months ago and fell in love with it. However, because it was so expensive and luxurious I was too scared to use it all the time and only spritzed it on special occasions while sticking to my Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh for everyday. During July I decided I was going to try and use it more frequently because it smells so good, and because I'd barely used any of the product yet. This fragrance is the perfect spring/summer fragrance due to all the floral notes. I also find it lasts for a long amount of time throughout the day. I've found myself grabbing for this in the morning a lot more this month.

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation in Deauville

This is a recent discovery of mine despite being quite popular among the beauty world already. I originally intended to buy this last year but accidentally picked up the Sheer Matte Foundation instead which I grew to love. However I got bored of the Sheer Matte as it was quite difficult to blend and I had a shade that was too dark for me so I tried the Sheer Glow instead. I love this foundation, it has just the right amount of coverage which can be build-able if needed and blends so easily into the skin. This shade is also much better for me and matches my skin so well.

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm

This is my new favourite cleanser! I have used this nearly every night to remove my makeup in July and I just can't get enough of it. It melts makeup away with just a small amount in the palm of your hand mixed with water and it feels and smells so luxurious. I've noticed such an improvement in my skin since using it. To find out more read my review here.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G in Bitch Perfect

Another one of my favourites once again is from the great Charlotte Tilbury, I seriously had to limit the amount of her makeup products I used on this post because I've used and loved so much of her products this month. This lipstick is the perfect pink-nude shade. It's so easy to apply and I usually don't use a lip liner with it so it's a great quick go-to lipstick in a morning. I also love the gorgeous rose gold packaging of her lipsticks. The formula smells so incredible too, better than any other makeup product scent!

Gossip Girl

As I'm moving to New York State for a year, and therefore will be spending as much time as possible in NYC, I thought I would re-watch Gossip Girl from the beginning, again. Gossip Girl was one of my favourite Tv shows of my teenage years and throughout high school and I've already watched the series a couple of times before. However this time I've watched it to get inspiration for how to spend my time in NYC as the whole series is based around the elite of New York. Also the fashion is to die for! I've really enjoyed re-watching the series again and cramming in at least 3 episodes a day throughout July.

What were your favourites in July?

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... 

Haul #2: Beauty

On Friday the 31st of January me and Jess went on a big day out to celebrate the end of our exams and to have a good catch up. We had such a good day in Nottingham starting off with some essential beauty shopping. Then we went to see The Wolf of Wall Street (which was so good!) and then we did a bit more shopping and then went out for a delicious meal at Piccolino's before going back to my house to watch The Great Gatsby on DVD. On our shopping trip we bought so many beauty products so both me and Jess decided to do a haul each (Click here to read Jess' haul). Here are the things that I bought:

MAC
MAC Eyeshadow in Retrospeck

The first product that I bought was a refill palette eyeshadow from MAC in the colour Retrospeck. I have a 15 eyeshadow palette and I had already filled 12 of the slots and I'm slowly building it up to complete it. Jess already has this shade and she recommended it to me so I thought I'd try it out. I absolutely love this shade, it's so glittery and I love a good neutral eyeshadow colour. It goes well with the other colours I have in my palette too, only 2 to go until it's finished!

John Lewis
YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Rose in Tension

After MAC we went to John Lewis which has one of the best beauty departments in Nottingham, in my opinion. I had been wanting a new lipstick for a while so I thought I'd treat myself to a luxury brand lipstick. I decided on a YSL one because I love the gorgeous packaging and the texture of the Volupte Shine Lipsticks. I also really love the colour Rose in Tension. It's a really unique pink colour that can be worn both in the daytime and at night. I haven't stopped wearing it since I bought it!

Boots and Superdrug
Apocalips Lip Lacquer in Celeste

I bought the Apocalips Lip Lacquer because I had heard so much about these lip glosses and I've heard a few good reviews about them so I thought why not try one of them out? (I think they were on offer too which helped me to decide to get one). There were so many colours to choose from but I thought I'd go for a more natural colour and ended up choosing Celeste. I love the pink colour and the wand is such a good shape for application too. The Apocalips Lip Lacquers have some gorgeous shades but the smell of them is quite distinct so if you don't like strong smelling products I wouldn't recommend these.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

When we were in Boots I picked up the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transparent because my current one has smashed and the lid had broken too so it was impossible to carry it around with me on the move. I decided to get transparent because I use the powder to set my foundation and minimize shine rather than using it for coverage. I love this powder because it looks light and natural on the skin and works so well for the amazing price of £3.99!

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

I am such a mascara lover, so love experimenting and trying new ones out all the time. I love trying both high end and drugstore mascaras and I've had many favourites over the years including the YSL Babydoll mascara, Diorshow mascara and Lancome Drama Hypnose mascara. I have to say that the Maybelline The Falsies Mascara is among those favourites. It really elongates and separates my lashes but also thickens and volumizes them at the same time and it is relatively cheap at only £7.99. If you are looking for a new mascara then definitely try this one out!

Essie Nail Varnish in Shearling Darling

I have blogged before about how much I love Essie Nail Varnishes from how long they last to the colours, I can't get enough of them. I also love the limited edition shades that Essie releases on a regular basis. The most recent limited edition collection was the Winter 2013 collection. I loved all the colours from a sparkly pink to a lilac colour but I decided on a dark purple called Shearling Darling (I also love the names of Essie Nail Varnish). This nail varnish is so pretty and it dries really quickly too.

Nivea In Shower Body Moisturiser

I bought this moisturiser from Boots because I love the idea of a moisturiser you can use in the shower and wash off without having to apply moisturiser once you've gotten out of the shower. Although I love some normal moisturisers like various Soap and Glory and Laura Mercier ones, I hate having heavy moisturiser on my skin that I have to wait for ages to dry meaning sometimes I have to not bother at all when I'm in a rush, however this Nivea moisturiser is the perfect solution! I got the one for normal skin and when I got out of the shower my skin felt so smooth and silky after just one use. It was also on offer in Boots with a third off the original price for the 400ml bottle. The scent is sea minerals and isn't very strong or distinct but it is a lovely fresh smelling moisturiser. Overall I would definitely recommend this product for those who are always running out of time in the mornings like me!

Soap and Glory No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask

Recently I have been having problems with my skin and even though it has been clearing up I've been trying to discover new products to help clear my skin and keep spots away without spending too much money, as I already use a few Dermalogica products that can add up to quite a bit of money. After watching Youtuber Fleur De Force, I came across the No Clogs Allowed Deep Pore Detox Mask which intrigued me. The formula heats up when applied and turns blue when you apply it to the skin. You can feel it working as soon as you apply it and my skin felt clean and refreshed after one use. Also Soap and Glory was also a 1/3 off in Boots which encouraged me to try it out.

House of Fraser
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers

I didn't buy the products from House of Fraser on our shopping trip but I thought I'd include them in my haul anyway because I ordered them online around the same time. I bought these eyelash curlers because I'd lost my previous ones and I've heard so many good things about the Shu Uemura ones. Although they are a little pricey at £20 they are supposed to be THE eyelash curlers to have and my first impression of them is that they are amazing! I can't wait to carry on using them and trying them out, especially with my new The Falsies Mascara.

Jo Malone Perfume in Peony and Blush Suede

This has to be my favourite purchase from the entire haul. I have wanted this perfume ever since I first smelled it in Selfridges over Christmas and I haven't stopped thinking about it since! Finally I decided to stop obsessing over it and I actually bought it, and I'm so happy that I did. The fragrance is floral with notes of Peony, Suede, Apple and Rose and it is the perfect spring fragrance. It is one of the most recent fragrances from Jo Malone and has had some raving reviews since its arrival. It came in such a cute box with a nice bow and black tissue paper inside too. I will proudly display this bottle on my vanity table!

Blogmas Day 18: Christmas Presents To Ourselves!

Today we finally had a catch up in Manchester after not seeing each other for about a month because of University, we both decided to treat ourselves to a Christmas present to put under the tree for Christmas day! This is what we bought...

Jess
If you've seen some of the other posts of Blogmas you will see Jo Malone pop up a few times, I'm slightly obsessed with all her fragrances and candles at the minute so decided to treat myself to a small cologne. I couldn't decide between three scents: Peony & Blush Suede, English Pear & Freesia and Earl Grey & Cucumber. After a lot of deliberation and umming and ahhing I decided to get English Pear & Freesia. It smells fresh and fruity with notes of pear, freesia and patchouli.  

Sophie
I've had a slight obsession with Nars makeup recently so my gift to myself is the Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien. I've had my eye on this lip pencil since August when we went to the Selfridges beauty event, where I purchased the Satin Lip Pencil in Yu. Although there were so many tempting shades to choose from when we were at the makeup counter, I decided to stick with this colour because I'd wanted it for so long. Rikugien is a gorgeous rosy pink shade with a slight shimmer when applied. I love the soft texture of these lip pencils because they apply so easily and this shade is especially buildable. I can't wait to use mine on Christmas Day. 

Blogmas Day 16: December Beauty Wish List

Here are all the beauty related things that I've seen this month which I really really want to get my hands on!

Tom Ford Lip Color in Crimson Noir

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

Louise Young Cosmetics Essential Eye Shadow Palette 

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Cologne

By Terry Hyaluronic Face Glow 

Jouer Cosmetics Creme Eye Shadow Crayon  

Hydraluron Moisture Booster

Charlotte Tilbury Bar Of Gold

Blogmas Day 14: My Favourite Christmas Candles

Left to right, from top:

John Lewis Winter Berry Gel Candle-
(http://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-winter-berry-gel-candle-medium/p523366)

Yankee Candle Merry Marshmallow- 
(http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/new-fragrances/merry-marshmallow/icat/merrymarshmallow)

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir-
( http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/3789/10082/For-The-Home/Home-Candles/Fruity/Pomegranate-Noir/Home-Candle/index.tmpl)

The White Company Winter Botanical Candle-
(http://www.thewhitecompany.com/candles-and-fragrance/candles/winter-botanical-candle--medium/)

Yankee Candle Christmas Eve-
(http://www.yankeecandle.co.uk/en/uk/shop-by-fragrance/christmas-eve/icat/christmaseve)

Diptyque Orange Chaya Christmas Candle-
(http://www.johnlewis.com/diptyque-orange-chaya-scented-christmas-candle-190g/p677309)

Blogmas Day 10: Top 5 Winter Fragrances



 

From left to right, top to bottom:

Chanel Coco Mademoiselle - (http://www.theperfumeshop.com/fcp/product/chanel/coco%20mademoiselle/1535)

Yves Saint Laurent Manifesto - (http://www.theperfumeshop.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=3387)

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique - (http://www.theperfumeshop.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=2385)

Dior J'adore - (http://www.theperfumeshop.com/pws/ProductDetails.ice?ProductID=1695)

Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir - (http://www.jomalone.co.uk/products/3607/Fragrances/The-Collections/Fruity/Pomegranate-Noir/index.tmpl)

Blogmas Day 4: Christmas Gifts for Her

Left to right, from top:

Alexander McQueen Skull-print silk-chiffon scarf- £165 (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/408112) 

Jo Malone Home Candle- £39.00 (http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/3789/10082/For-The-Home/Home-Candles/Fruity/Pomegranate-Noir/Home-Candle/index.tmpl)

Charlotte Tilbury The Sophisticate Luxury Palette -£38.00 (http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/Shop-Make-up-colour/Eyes/Colour-Coded-eyeshadow-palette_455-3003231-LUXURYPALETTE/?previewAttribute=The+dolce+vita)

Laura Mercier Bath and Body Duet -£30 (http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Laura+Mercier+Body+Bath+Duet/189954368,default,pd.html)

Michael Kors Jet Set Leather Wallet- £125 (http://www.selfridges.com/en/Womenswear/Categories/Shop-Accessories/Jet-Set-leather-wallet_128-3001451-32F92JSZ3L829/?previewAttribute=Mandarin)

Diane Von Furstenberg iPhone 5 case -£30 (http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/379104)