Products For Getting That Glow

- Vicki 4 Comments
Glow getting products

Products For Radiant Skin

REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial

This comes out a really vibrant green shade which is cool and odd in equal measure! The product itself is so good and I have been through a few tubes of this over the past 2 years. Its amazing if you are pushed for time and want your skin to look fresh and bright as you only need to leave it on for 1 minute (so fast). You massage a small amount of warm water to activate the Vitamin C and let it get to work brightening your complexion. You leave the product on your skin for 1 minute then you rinse with warm water and that’s when the tiny exfoliating beads get to work by buffing and removing dead skin and help fight the signs of fatigue, boost skins radiance levels and reduce imperfections.

Soap & Glory Wonderbronze

This is a very pretty bronzing highlighter, it’s a great way of giving your skin that sun-kissed look without having been in the sunshine. I just swirl my brush round all the colours and apply it with my duo fibre brush, using this type of brush I find I don’t pick up too much product on my brush. I am all about a subtle glow. I really like Soap & Glory face powders and I also like the Solar Powder too for days I want an even more low-key look but still a nice subtle glow.

Liz Earle Eye Bright Soothing Eye Lotion

This is such a lovely part of my morning skincare routine, it’s so soothing and cooling. I keep it in the fridge so its nice and cold, I put a little liquid on each cotton pad then I hold them on my tired eyes for about a minute and it feels amazing. It contains naturally active ingredients including eyebright, witch hazel, aloe vera and cornflower to help tone, cool and refresh tired, puffy eyes. Nothing feels more soothing in the morning & I apply this whilst I’m waiting on the kettle to boil every morning. Does that count as multi tasking?!

Favourite Radiant Skincare Products

Glow Getting Products

Clinique Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in Bountiful Beige

This is quite a new discovery for me but I like how bright and pretty this cream shadow is. It’s a champagne colour and helps make your eyes look bright and awake. It’s a really nice everyday colour and I have been wearing it alone all over the lid. These apply really smoothly and are easy to blend, they contain vitamin E for soothing and smoothing the delicate eye area. So it’s an eyeshadow with a little extra skincare benefit too.

Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel

This mask came in a beauty box a while ago and I rediscovered it when I moved house last year and Its become my go to mask this Winter. The Facial Glow peel contains natural actives derived from apples, papayas, and orange peels to gently exfoliate dead skin cells; there’s also Kombuchka and Lumiskin to help refine the skin and boost radiance. It’s a great product for getting rid of dead skin leaving your face looking bright and glowing. I only have a small travel size but I will be purchasing the larger tub because I can’t be without this in my routine.

  • Apply peel to clean, damp skin from neck to forehead. Do not scrub.
  • Leave for 4 minutes.
  • Remove with a face cloth soaked in warm water.

Estée Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator

I have been mixing this with my foundation to give my skin that extra radiance. It’s not glittery or shimmery it just reflects the light and adds a luminous glow to your skin & mixed in with my foundation it looks natural and really healthy. Its oil free so it’s not going to make your skin look greasy its a really great product for brightening tried looking skin and I have been using it daily over the Winter months.

What are your favourite products for achieving that fresh-faced glow?

Max Factor Marilyn Monroe Lipsticks

- Vicki 4 Comments
Max Factor Marilyn Monroe Lipsticks

Marilyn Monroe Lipsticks Max Factor

If you’re looking for a pretty red lipstick, then Max Factor have released some beautiful options in their Marilyn Monroe Collection*. I am smitten with 3 Marilyn Berry, but they’re all stunning. Max Factor were behind the iconic Marilyn red lip with their Ruby Red, and Max Factor have added 3 new reds to their Marilyn Collection, so every woman can find her one true red.

Using undertones of orange, blue and purple, each shade works in harmony with individual skin tones of warm, cool and dark, to give a pop of bold colour. Which shade would you pick?

1 Marilyn Ruby Red

Inspired by Marilyn. The original shade loved by Marilyn, this iconic colour is a bold, true red inspired by her career-defining red lip. This is a gorgeous vibrant red and I think a truly glamorous red. I find it hard to pull off such a bold lip, but this is a showstopper of a red and If I had a glitzy party to attend this is the shade I would opt for.

2 Marilyn Sunset Red

Sunset red is a beautiful-burnt orange/red shade, which will pop in warm or olive toned skin tones. I think this will be a gorgeous lipstick for the warmer months, it’s not too fiery and is a very wearable orange toned red.

3 Marilyn Berry

This red will suit pale skin tones or cool skin tones. It has blue undertones which complement cooler complexions. This is my favourite of the four colours and I do tend to wear a lot of berry shades so this is well within my comfort zone. Its a beautiful and has a rich deep pink tone which looks a little more berry on the lips. I think this is the easiest of the four to wear, the most safe shade I guess. I think its gorgeous and I have worn it a lot these past few weeks.

4 Marilyn Cabernet

A rich, deep red with purple undertones, this is perfect for darker skin tones. Think luxurious full-bodied red wines. Gosh this is a bold stunning really deep red and is quite a statement on the lips. The colour is very glamorous and sophisticated, I haven’t worn this one out of the house yet, but I am building up to it.

Max Factor Marilyn Monroe Lipsticks

Max Factor Red Lipsticks Marilyn Monroe Collection

The formula is silky smooth and just effortlessly glides on the lips. All the shades are vibrant and pigmented, not to mention comfortable on the lips. They wear well, but if you want your lipstick to look polished and give you that perfect pout, then I would say use a lip liner – it will also ensure the colour doesn’t bleed throughout the day.

You can really build up the colour on these to be very bold or if you want a red that’s a little more subtle for daytime than just apply a small amount and blend it out with your finger. That’s what I have been doing.

These lipsticks are enriched with nourishing grapeseed oil and avocado butter, which will help keep your lips feeling soft and stop them drying out.

Marilyn Monroe Max Factor Lipstick Swatches

L-R Ruby Red / Sunset Red / Berry / Cabernet

New Max Factor Marilyn Monroe-Red Lipstick Collection

The packaging of this new collection is bold and gorgeous, in its bright red and gold, and stands out in my collection. I like that you can see the colour at the bottom of the bullet, so it’s easy to grab the shade you want. I wouldn’t of considered myself a red lipstick kind of girl, but I do like that Max Factor have created a collection that will suit everyone – very clever and If I had to pick my perfect red from the four it would 100% be Number 3 Marilyn Berry, although come the Summer I think I will be switching it up to Sunset Red.

Have you tried any of the new Marilyn Monroe Collection, or have you already found your perfect red?

Max Factor Marilyn Monroe Collection

*PR Sample

Updated Lip Balm Collection 2016

- Vicki 7 Comments
Favourite lipbalms

Current Lip Balm Collection

Soap & Glory Great Kisser in Juicy Peach

I got this in my stocking and I can’t wait to use it, it smells so good, quite sweet but omg so fruity. If you like peach scented products then this is for you. I have no idea what its like on the lips but I am going to put it in my car so I get a little use out of it. The tin is cute too.

Dr Paw Paw Original Balm

This is a multi-purpose balm with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, the main ingredient is fermented Pawpaw. The Pawpaw has been found to have many soothing properties for our skin and hair, making it a real ‘go to’ product. I swear by this product for preventing and healing chapped lips. I also like to apply it over lipsticks to give them a glossy look! I carry my tube with me everywhere & always recommended it to family and friends. If you suffer from chapped lips you need to invest in this Balm, It really works.

Clinique Superbalm Lip Treatment

This is a really good lip treatment and leaves my lips very soft, its much like the Dr PawPaw in texture. It is fragrance-free and colourless which I like. It protects your lips against moisture loss and is a good one to apply before bed because it’s not at all sticky and doesn’t leave your lips greasy. I like the squeeze tube it makes it hygienic and easy to apply. This is also a great price too, especially for more of a luxurious brand £13.

eos Strawberry Sorbet

Over the years I’ve tried almost all the flavours but the berry ones are by far my favourite. I like that they’re both quite sweet but fruity. So pleased that Boots sell them now, which means they’re a lot easier to get your hands on. There is something cute about a lip balm that’s a sphere, am I right? Which is your favourite scent?

My Lip Balm Selection

Vaseline Sugar Coated

Vaseline have started doing these limited edition tins more frequently and I am a sucker for anything like that. The tin is cute and the product isn’t too bad either, I wouldn’t say this is the most moisturising but it adds a pretty sheen to your lips and is nice to wear with minimal makeup. It also smells lovely and sweet.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour

I love that this is in stick form, I used to have the pot but I much prefer it like this. I use this all the time and have repurchased it over and over again it just works and that’s all there is to it. It keeps the moisture locked in and my lips feeling really healthy. Oh, and it has SPF 15 which I really like so I know my lips are protected from the sun.

Blistex Cherry Intensive Moisturiser

You can’t go wrong with a Blistex lip product, so inexpensive and their range is always growing. There isn’t a Blistex product I have tried and not liked. This Cherry one smells authentic and not too sickly sweet. It has Shea butter & beeswax so it will protect your lips and also it has SPF15. It ticks all the boxes.

The Body Shop Born Lippy in Watermelon

This looks so pretty and glossy on the lips and watermelon is quite a different scent for me but I like it. It smells like Summer. Nothing groundbreaking about this, it’s just a nice hydrating lip balm with a lovely scent.

Favourite Lipbalms

Olive & Pomegranate Lip Care

My mum bought me this from Greece & its quite soft and almost melts on to your lips. The scent is subtle and a little fruity. It’s a nice chap stick style lip balm to have in your handbag. It keeps my lips soft and hydrated for hours.

Sleek Pout Polish in The Show

I have had this for a while and I have no idea why I overlooked it for so long. It adds a very subtle pink gloss to your lips & looks pretty. It contains Almond Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E so it looks after your lips and it has SPF 15. I think the darker shades would be a little more pigmented but this a great everyday gloss.

Jurlique Love Balm

This is a great all-rounder, so it’s not only for your lips but works to soothe dry or chapped skin. I like to use it on my cuticles and find it works to soften them before I give myself a manicure. It’s a natural salve that’s infused with the natural scent of roses and the scent it subtle but pretty. I like to carry this with me when I travel and find it a great multi purpose product.

NUXE Réve de Miel Lip Balm 

For me the NUXE lip balm is more of a treatment because it is quite thick and not the kind of lip product I would wear during the day. I like to put it on last thing at night, so I wake up with soft hydrated lips. I don’t think its great at helping soothe chapped lips but it is good at keeping your lips feeling soft and moisturised. A pot lasts forever & don’t be put off by the fact it says honey because it really doesn’t smell of honey.

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.