Makeup

Shopping My Beauty Stash December 2015

- Vicki 2 Comments

Shopping My Beauty Stash December 2015

I love rummaging through my stash each month and switching up products, its such a great way to rediscover old gems and also use products you’d completely forgot about. So these are the products I have added to my current makeup drawer,

HD Brows Quad in Foxy 

This was in a Glossybox quite a while ago and I used it a lot when I first got it, I really only use one of the shades & that is Warm Brown it was a good colour match for my brows. Then after I bought Benefit Gimme Brow this quad was pushed to the back of my collection. I do like filling in my brows but I am quite lazy so wouldn’t do it daily and that’s why I love Gimme Brow so much (its so easy & quick to use). I will try and use this HD Brow Quad more this month, I might try and depot the other colours & pass them on to people that will use them. Seems a waste to only use up one colour.

Clarins Skin Perfecting BB Cream SPF25

Oh I do love this base, it wasn’t forgotten about but I have so many base products that its hard to use them all up. This Clarins BB Cream gives my skin such an even and healthy look, its formula feels lightweight on the skin but still offers a good amount of coverage without feeling or looking too heavy (if that makes sense). Its so easy to blend and over the Winter months it tends to be slightly dark for me so I mix it up with a little of the Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator and that makes it just the perfect shade. This BB Cream has SPF25 so its a great everyday option.

Essence Blush Silky Touch Blush in Babydoll

I must make a confession that I don’t always wear blush I find that my cheeks are always a little pink and flushed and I don’t want to look too much like Aunt Sally. When I do wear blusher I like a subtle soft pinky peach colour and think they suit me best, I had totally forgot I had this beautiful Essence blush and thought I should show it a little love. Its a nice dusty pink shade, very soft and natural. I am excited to get some wear out of this & I love Essence makeup, its so affordable and incredible quality.

Shopping My Beauty Stash December 2015

Chanel Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Safari

I have three of these mono shadows and I love them, this is in the shade Safari and its a beautiful taupe with a slight shimmer. Its a really easy colour to wear alone all over the lid, Its subtle but pretty. The eyeshadow is easy to blend and lasts so long on my lids. I’m pleased to have this back in my everyday makeup bag and I will be using it a lot over the upcoming weeks. I also like the classic Chanel packaging and its such a pretty product to have in my collection

L’Oreal Colour Riche L’Ombre Pure Eyeshadow in Golden Nude

I have a couple of these single shadows and they’re all beautiful I would say this golden shade is the one I have used the least. I think thats because its not a shade I would wear daily but its so pretty and I wish I had found it in December so I could have used it in my Christmas Party makeup look. This shadow is so silky and buttery and the golden colour looks almost metallic and wet on the lid, it reflects the light which makes it so much more intense. Excited to have a play with this colour again.

Collection Lip Butter in Vintage Rose

These lip butters are so affordable and I love this colour. I have been wearing more berry shades over the past few weeks so this is a welcomed addition to my daily makeup bag. I find this soft peachy pink, is quite a subtle colour, but you can build it up to be more pigmented and bold. It makes my lips look healthy and brightens up my face. It is the perfect everyday shade, the formula is creamy and glossy on the lips.

Shopping My Makeup Stash December 2015

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

I always use a powder and have a few that I love and are on rotation this Soap & Glory one was my absolute go to powder in 2014 but I seem to have neglected it this past year. I must have used it a lot though because I have hit pan on it. I do get oily and this is great at keeping shine at bay, its lightweight and translucent so its not going to add any more colour to your base. Maybe I will be able to use this up over the next few weeks (thats exciting).

Bourjois Delice De Poudre Duo Bronzing Powder and Highlighter

I have had this for so long now & never used it, thats criminal because it looks so pretty. I like that you get a highlighter & bronzer in one product, I will be interested to see how it compares to my beloved Solar Powder from Soap & Glory, I use that all the time.

Look Incredible Beauty Box January 2015

- Vicki 6 Comments

Look Incredible Beauty Box January 2015 Look Incredible Box Jan 2015

If you’re a beauty addict like me then discovering new brands and products is something you enjoy doing and beauty boxes are a wonderful way of getting a selection of products directly to your door. I like that you receive products you wouldn’t normally try and also that you’re introduced to brands you have never heard of. Well there is a new Beauty Subscription Box on the scene called Look Incredible* and they promise you will receive 5 FULL sized products in each box.

‘Why we are different from other beauty box’s because our promise is that we will deliver you a minimum of 5 full size products meaning no tester , no travel size we deliver the Real deal full size product you would except when you buy from the high street so you can really test the product out’ Our beauty box can contain diverse range of skin care , hair care to makeup its a total surprise till you get your very own.

The January Box got me pretty excited when I opened the lid and saw what products were inside!

Contents of the Look Incredible beauty box

BareMinerals Redness Remedy £27

Reduce facial redness on contact and over time with this incredibly effective soothing treatment. It minimises the appearance of imperfections and imparts luminosity for a healthy-looking, more even-toned complexion. Appropriate for all skin types. Includes antibacterial-treated Soothing Compress Brush. I was excited to see not one but two bareMinerals products in this months box. I am excited that both of these products are new to me and I do suffer from redness in my cheeks so I have my fingers crossed that this helps reduce that. I love the double ended brush that you get in this kit too, you can never own too many makeup brushes.

BareMinerals Flawless Lash Mascara £17 

This is a jet black mascara with a tapered plastic bristle wand, it promises to lengthen, darken and give a lifted look, separating each individual lash for precision definition. I love trying new mascaras and I’m always on the hunt for that perfect one. I do like my lashes to look long and separated so this could be my perfect mascara, lets hope so.

Jan 2015 Beauty Box Contents

YSL Lip Twins £24.99

I had never heard of this product before but was quite excited to see a YSL product in a beauty box. This is a duo of lip colours that comes in sleek gold YSL packaging. This product is discontinued and it seems that it is not complete as when these Lip Twins were sold they came with a lip brush and unfortunately the product you receive in your box doesn’t come boxed or with the lip brush. I like the idea of trying a YSL lipstick but these seem a little gimmicky and I can see why they were discontinued. Also for the 1.7g of product you get I would never pay over £20 for that! After my initial excitement I was a little disappointed with the quality and the fact the product is incomplete.

Essie Stee-ling The Scene £8.50

This is a gorgeous silver pewter shade with a metallic finish and being someone that only owns 2 other Essie polishes I was very excited to see this in the box. Although when searching for a little more information about which collection the polish was from I noticed that it was released as part of the Essie Winter 2007 Collection. That seems a little odd to me although, the product is still 100% ok and has no separation. I do love the colour and I’m looking forward to using it.

Beauty Box Products

Laura Geller Baked ImPRESSions Blush £10

Laura Geller Baked Impressions Blush in Mocha Mauve. A baked and pressed powder in an ultra-smooth formula, complete with a mirror in the lid. I have never tried anything from Laura Geller but this is a pretty blush and a shade that I wouldn’t have picked out for myself. Its a nice pinky plum shade and I think its really pretty. Always good to have a new blush to try out. Let me know if this is a brand you have heard of & if you have any product recommendations. I was surprised that this blush was only £10 because the quality and pigmentation is so good, I would pay that in a heartbeat.

YSL in the Look Incredible Beauty Box

The Look Incredible Beauty Box is a monthly subscription & for £18.99 you will receive 5 Full Sized products each month. I think a couple products in this months box were a little underwhelming but on the whole I am impressed. I am looking forward to using the bareMinerals products and the Laura Geller Blush is gorgeous too. The contents of the January Box is over £87. I just wish the YSL product was current because if I loved it how would I purchase more if the product has been discontinued and also how old is the product in the box. If that was all sorted then this box would have been 10/10 for me.

It is nice to a new subscription box on the scene and one that won’t include small samples and sachets. I am excited to see what is in next months box if their previous months are anything to go by its going to be a good one. Let me know if you have used any of the products in this box & if you are tempted to sign up to this service.

*PR Sample

My 2015 Makeup Favourites

- Vicki 2 Comments

My 2015 Makeup Favourites

Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream

This gives a beautiful natural even finish and It does a very good job at covering the redness on my cheeks and a few old blemish scars around my chin. I also love that it blurs imperfections and makes your skin look so healthy and fresh. Its not heavy at all and wears beautifully throughout the day, it even stays put on those warmer days. I only have positive things to say about this product. So if you like a natural but good coverage, this is purse friendly option.

Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation

This foundation gives more coverage than the Bourjois CC Cream as you would expect but it still isn’t heavy on the skin and I would say it gives a medium coverage. This foundation has a very watery consistency which I think makes it very easy to blend and when it dries down on the skin it gives a gorgeous satin finish. It makes my skin look incredible & flawless, I find I don’t need to powder unless I want it to last all day & into the night which isn’t often.

Rimmel Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer

This is such a good brightening concealer, I use it under my eyes to counter my hideous dark circles. It is quite creamy and easy to blend out either with your finger or I have been using a beauty blender these past few months. This concealer makes my under eyes look awake and bright. I do like to use a lightweight powder over the top, it stays in place nicely all day. I love this concealer a lot & this tube has lasted me AGES.

L’Oreal Superliner Ultra Precision

I have to say that as a rule of thumb the L’Oreal liquid liners are some of the best I have used. They last the longest without drying out  & at the moment I’m using the Ultra Precision one. The pigmentation is so good – jet black, it wears all day without wearing off unevenly and it never transfers on to the upper part of my eye (I hate it when eyeliner does that). I love how flexible the nib is & how precise you can make your winged liner look! I always have at least one L’Oreal liner on the go at any one time.

My Top Beauty Products of 2015

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium Deep

This is one of my all time favourite products! Its all I have been using in my brows because It looks natural but gives them enough colour so they looked filled in, but not too dramatic. I also like that it holds my unruly brow hairs in place so they look neat and tidy on my face! The brush is just the perfect size, its small enough that you won’t get product all over your forehead and you will be able to tame those brows with precision. I have repurchased this on many an occasion, If you haven’t tried Gimme Brow you need to, its a must have in my opinion.

Eyes Uncovered Nude Bronze Palette

This Nude Bronze palette is beautiful and for an affordable brand the colours are pigmented and very good quality. All the shadows have some degree of shimmer in them, so if you want a more matte palette then the Nude Palette might be the one for you. The colours are easy to blend & have a little fall out but nothing that tapping your brush off won’t solve. This is a palette I have used the most during 2015, all the shadows are my kind of colours and I think they’re really pretty.

Charlotte Tilbury The Dolce Vita Quad

What a stunning palette this is & every time I use it it makes me love it even more. The shadows are just as beautiful as you imagine. All four shades have an element of frost / shimmer to them, you get four colours one to Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop. All the shadows apply and blend like a dream and even if I don’t wear the full on Dolce Vita eye look every day the Prime, Enhance and Smoke shades can be worn daily and look so pretty. This is an indulgent palette but worth every penny, its one of those products you never regret having in your collection.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in Seduction

I love that Charlotte Tilbury lip products have quite a sweet vanilla scent, they smell so good. Seduction is a gorgeous nude creamy beige shade which looks pretty and natural worn alone or paired with a lippy for more of a pop of colour. This gives the lips a glossy finish without feeling sticky or greasy, it feels comfortable and is so easy to reapply. It has reminded me that I need to wear gloss more often. The packaging of all the Charlotte Tilbury products feels luxurious and looks pretty. This is such a treat to wear & I am pleased I got quite a natural colour because I can wear it all the time!

Charlotte-Tilbury-Dolce-Vita

INIKA Mineral Foundation SPF15

I have reached for this almost daily for the past 3 months and its become one of my most used & loved products. It’s extremely easy to apply and it gives the skin a very flawless finish and can be built up to give a more medium coverage which is really good if like me you need to cover any redness or imperfections. Unlike liquid foundations this feels so natural and light on your skin and you don’t feel like you have a base on. This foundation has incredible staying power and doesn’t end up looking patchy or uneven after a few hours, it also holds up well in the heat which is great. I also like that it has SPF15 in & Its very easy to reapply throughout the day. Oh & it makes the most beautiful setting powder too, if you’re wearing a lightweight foundation & want a little more coverage & and velvet smooth finish to your skin then just apply this over the top and its just incredible. I love wearing it like that!

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Gorgeous Berries

I don’t wear that many blushers but I just adore this one. I do like a good baked blush and this beautiful Creme Puff one from Max Factor has to be the best I’ve tried. I have the shade Gorgeous Berries which is just stunning, it adds such a pretty warm rosy glow to your cheeks. I have read a few reviews comparing these blushes to the Hourglass Ambient Light Blushers which is exciting as I don’t think I could spend that kind of money on a blush. The shade I have gives your cheeks a really pretty wash of colour along with a sheen like glow, making it a two in one product. I’m impressed with the pigmentation and just how pretty this looks on my skin. I can’t believe I haven’t bought more of these (adds them to shopping list).

My Favourite Makeup of 2015

Soap & Glory Wonderbronze

This Wonderbronze is a gorgeous shimmer brick made up of 5 shades ranging from champagne to deep brown, all the shades have shimmer running through them. I tend to swirl my brush through all the shades and apply it to the tops of my cheeks & it gives a beautiful bronze glow. Its a bronzer and highlighter all in one now I apply it with a light hand I have mastered the subtle glow. You get a decent sized mirror which is always a bonus. I have to say the Soap & Glory face products are fantastic value for money. I think a Soap & Glory face product makes it in to my favourites almost every month!

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

I only treat myself to one of these each year, its my favourite ever mascara. One coat makes my lashes look long and fluttery. It never flakes off throughout the day and its pretty good at holding a curl. Even when I’m wearing no other makeup I wear mascara & this one makes my eyes look wide awake and makes such a difference. Its well worth the price tag!

Max Factor Lipfinity in Just Alluring

I think this is a pretty everyday shade, its a dusky pink and it looks so good on. This applies evenly on the lips and has a nice satin finish. The formula feels comfortable on the lips which is probably down to the fact these lipsticks contain 60% skincare ingredients including shea butter and acetylated lanolin, so your lips are being well looked after. I like the luxurious gold bullet & clear acrylic lid, it means you can immediately see the shade you’re looking for, which is very handy. This has been permanently in my handbag this year, its a good shade for any situation and it goes with most makeup looks too.

What were your favourite makeup products of 2015, have I mentioned any of your top picks?

Clinique Whole Lotta Chubby Set

- Vicki 3 Comments
Beautiful Chubby Stick Selection

Whole Lotta Chubby Set

Chubby Sticks Selection From Clinique

Before you get too excited, I don’t think this Whole Lotta Chubby Set* is still available, but I had to tell you about them because I have fallen for the Clinique Chubby offerings in a big way. First Clinique released their Chubby Lip Balms, and they proved to be popular so soon after came the Shadow Tints for Eyes and Clinique recently added to the Chubby Family and released the Cheek Colour Balms. All of which I really like!

Clinique always have great sets available, or you can purchase these products individually too. So don’t panic!

This Whole Lotta Chubby Set includes

  • Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Curvy Candy 1.2g
  • Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mightiest Maraschino 1.2g
  • Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Poppin Poppy 1.2 g
  • Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Bountiful Beige 1.7g
  • Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in Amped Up Apple 3.6g

Clinique Whole Lotta Chubby Set

Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Curvy Candy 

This gives the lips a sheer wash of colour, a little more than the Baby Tint, but still not too pigmented. Curvy Candy is a soft pink shade, and it looks natural and fresh on the lips. These lighter shades are so easy to apply, and you get a nice hint of colour and the balm keeps your lips hydrated and feeling soft. The Chubby Stick Lip Colour Balms are available in 17 beautiful shades.

Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Poppin Poppy

A bit of colour, a hefty helping of moisture. These sheers bloom on contact to bring out your lips’ natural tone. The colour is different for everyone.

This is a sheer lip balm that will look great on everyone. Poppin Poppy a subtle but pretty peachy pink tint to the lips, and it feels very moisturising too. It gives your lips a glossy, healthy look and is perfect for everyday wear. These Baby Tints are available in two shades.

Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Mightiest Maraschino

The Intense Chubby Sticks are as the name suggests, a lot more pigmented and bold on the lips. Mightiest Maraschino is a beautiful red toned pink with a lovely glossy finish. It lasts a good amount of time on the lips and after a little of the glossiness has worn off the colour becomes more of a stain. This pinky red colour is fresh and pretty on the lips, and you can build it up to be quite intense. The Chubby Stick Intense Lip Balms are available in 8 shades.

All the Chubby Stick Lip Balms are loaded with mango and shea butters, so not only do they give your lips a pop of colour, but they’re also very nourishing. I love the packaging and do like the ease of using a lip crayon, they’re twist up and never need sharpening so easy to throw in your makeup bag and re apply on the go.

Clinique Chubby Stick Swatches

L – R

Amp’d Up Apple / Bountiful Beige / Curvy Candy / Poppin Poppy / Mightiest Maraschino

I had only ever tried the Chubby Sticks for lips & so was excited to finally get to test out the Shadow Tint & Cheek Colour options. They come in much the same packaging & are cream products, just like the lip balms. I found them easy to apply and was impressed with their staying power, especially the Cheek Colour Balm.

Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Bountiful Beige

This Shadow Tint is creamy and applied smoothly to my eyelid, no dragging or patchy colour. After about a minute it dries to more of a powder finish, but you still get a gorgeous almost metallic finish. The shade I have is called Bountiful Beige, but I would say it is more of a shimmering champagne than a beige. It’s a gorgeous shade, and it really brightens up my eyes and wears for hours without creasing. I found this effortless to apply, long wearing, and I loved the pretty champagne colour, these also contain vitamin E for soothing and smoothing the delicate eye area, so your eyes are getting a little TLC whilst looking pretty too. The Shadow Tints come in 14 beautiful shades.

Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in 

If you like to wear cream blushes, then I think you will love this Clinique offering. The fact that it comes in a Chubby Stick makes it easy to apply, I dab it on to my cheek and blend it out with my fingers. Its as easy as that! It’s not greasy & the formula is oil free, so it’s not going to slip & slid all over your face. I have the shade Amp’d Up Apple, and it is such a pretty natural rose colour, it’s the perfect everyday blush. It gives my cheeks a warm flush of colour and is an easy colour to reach for on days I am wearing a minimal makeup look. I love the texture and finish of this cheek balm and as I said it wears well and the colour looks pretty and natural. The Cheek Colour Balms come in 4 easy to wear shades, I hope they add a few more colours to the range in 2016.

Beautiful Clinique Chubby Stick Selection

Have you tried any of the Clinique Chubby Stick range? Let me know if you have any favourites & and recommendations for colours I need to try.