Lash Sensational, quite possibly!

Finally a drugstore mascara I actually like.. A big hello my new BFF Maybelline® New York new Lash Sensational Mascara!

 
I'm always on the look out for a new mascara, basically because I've never found 'the one' when it comes to mascara's.. Now I'm not sure if I'm committing to a life long love of this mascara but for a drugstore mascara I have been very pleasantly surprised!

I have the normal, non waterproof one, I tend to steer clear of the waterproof ones just out of my general preference.

It holds a curl really well, has a lovely black payoff even after one coat and does a pretty dang good job of staying put all day. Minimal if no flaking and my sensitive eyes and skin have put up no objections towards it.

It definitely separates my lashes and makes them look lovely and long. I also really like the applicator which is like a rubber comb, which makes application super easy and I seem to be able to keep the mascara on my eyelashes and not on my eyelids, which makes for a nice surprise!

A couple of niggles I have are when I am taking it off at night it seems to come off in chunks, but hey that's nothing really to complain about, in the grand scheme of things its pretty good at coming off without too much fuss. And after a full days wear there is a small amount of transfer from where my lash ends touch my eyelids but nothing too noticeable.

All in all a winner for me!

Finally a drugstore mascara I like and can actually use! What's your favourite mascara?  As I'm always on the lookout for 'the one'!

Veruschka- Eyes To Mesmerise by Charlotte Tilbury

I love Charlotte Tilbury's Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencils so much that when I saw she was bringing out Eyes To Mesmerise in cream eye shadows, of course I had to have one.


Eyes to Mesmerise in Veruschka

After much deliberation on which colour was going to be my first purchase it ended up being Veruschka.

I wanted something a little different to what I already had in my collection, yet a colour that would be wearable for both day and night.

Now I must say I am a little on the fence when I comes to this product, there are elements of it I love and elements I, well lets just say, don't love.


First of all lets talk about the loves. The colour is very unusual it is like a greeny grey, the exact words they use on the website is a, "minky-mossy golden grey-green" which I guess it is. It does have beautiful golden shimmer throughout it and mines definitely more a grey than green. But a very apt description.

A truly unique pretty colour.

So I love the colour but I also love how there is no fall out as it is a cream eye shadow, probably didn't need to say that and my sensitive eyes also love it, another bonus.

So with all these loves why am I not head over heels in-love with it.

Well, personally for me it creases, really badly within a few hours of wear. I have tried using it with my MAC Painterly Paint Pot as a base and it helps out for a good few hours but inevitably it creases on me.

Although I must say I do have very oily eyelids, so a lot of things do crease on me. But I am slightly more disappointed as I got on so well with her Colour Chameleon Eye Shadow Pencils that I thought I'd be on to a winner here but alas not.

I also find it actually quite time consuming and messy to use, I put the majority of it on my eyelid with my finger and then have to go and wash my hand or rub the excess off somewhere and then grab a pencil brush to get into the inner corners of my eyes, where my fingers don't fit and then under my lower lash line. I guess I just wanted it to be as easy to use as an eye shadow pencil.

That being said I could just use a brush for the whole application, so perhaps I am just being picky. But I do think that you get a better colour pay off when applied with a finger.

An overall round up from me would be, love the colour and the feel of it on my eyelids but unfortunately it creases really badly on my lids and I find it quite time consuming to apply.

But if you don't have a creasing issue and are a dab hand at applying cream eye shadows for sure give them a go, all the colours look absolutely stunning.

Pink Makes The Boys Wink



Far left- Dainty, Far Right- Tenderling Forefront- Orgasm, Brush- MAC 168

I love MAC cosmetics blushes, well lets face it, I love a lot of MAC's products. 

But I do have a little sweet spot for NARS blushes as well, especially, of course, Orgasm.

For my every day make-up looks I seem to go between the following three blushes, MAC's Tenderling and Dainty and of course NARS's Orgasm.

Left- Tenderling, Centre- Orgasm, Right- Dainty

Dainty is a mineralize blush which is has a very powder pink colour to it. Very girlie and young. It has a very small amount of gold shimmer to it and I love it for when I need to look a little more alive but don't want to draw too much attention to my blush shade. Although all of the shades are long lasting, with the mineralise blushes they don't seem to last as long on me as the next two, but I do love the colour, so onto my list it went.

Tenderling is a sheertone blush and for my skin tone it is the perfect shade of blusher for an extremely natural look. Even though my natural blush is a lot pinker than this shade it works so well on my skin. So I grab this one when I want all the attention to be on either my eyes or lips and just want an everyday quick make-up look, that can be applied in seconds and you definitely won't look like Aunt Sally. I also find that this shade blends fantastically with any contour shade as well. It has absolutely no shimmer or sparkle to it.

Orgasm by NARS, I think most people have heard the hype or knows someone who owns it, but here's my take on it. Firstly I love it and I seem to grab it all the time. I use it when I want that healthy, I have seen sunlight/been for a lovely walk kind of glow. It's a pinky coral and has the most beautiful gold shimmer in it. Too much for some people but I love it. Buildable, blendable and fantastic.

I find some of the NARS blushes to be less pigmented than the MAC powder blush shades but this can be both a positive and a negative. On one hand they are slightly easier to work with as you are less likely to put on too much but then I guess eventually you will end up having to use more, but not enough for it to bother me at all in the slightest.

I absolutely love both brands and my husband seems to love the packaging of all the NARS products, maybe this will allow me to buy more.. Maybe..

For all three the staying power is pretty dang good, but the mineralize one falls behind slightly but I never think..  Did I put blush on today? Or even worse, where has half of my blush gone? Which has happened in the past with other brands.

I just love my trusty three for my everyday blush!

Matte Revolution

When Charlotte Tilbury launched her make-up line I was pretty, ok VERY, excited and went overboard and purchased lots and lots of goodies but one goodie I feel like I completely overlooked was her Matte Revolution lipsticks.

Charlotte Tilbury, Matte Revolution Lipsticks
Left- Sexy Sienna, Right- Lost Cherry

They are gorgeous.

Unlike any other matte lipstick I've tried, they don't actually feel matte when they are on the lips. They actually feel, dare I say it, moisturising.

Swatches, Left- Sexy Sienna, Right- Lost Cherry 

They wear beautifully, like an absolute dream. No dodgy ring left around the outside of your lip after you've eaten or had a drink.

They are buttery, yes seemingly a matte can be buttery, and doesn't show up any dry skin that you might have on your lips. Very forgiving.

Wearing Sexy Sienna

Whilst being long lasting they are not completely indestructible but you can easily top it up without your lips becoming thick and cakey. Don't get me wrong they are long lasting, a good few hours of gorgeous wear.

Wearing Lost Cherry

I personally don't even wear them with a lip pencil. With no bleeding out from your lip line.

I find the formula and level of matte-ness very wearable. Day or night. And of course, like everyone I, love the packaging, kind of reminds me of original gold Estee Lauder lipstick packaging, from way back. Love. And the unusual shape of the bullet, makes for easy application.

Her colour selection is pretty amazing and will definitely be adding more to my collection soon.

My Favourite Concealers

I feel like concealers and I have had a love/love relationship since my first (juicy) spot at the start of puberty, and although I have long grown out of my pubescent stage, my spots decided they loved me soo much they would stick around for the long haul- gee thanks!

From Top Left Clockwise, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3, NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Honey and Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-1

I am in love with these concealers, yes ok I am in love with most make-up but these just about save me nearly every single day!

So I have two favourites, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage and NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.  In the above photo I have two of each and this is so I have concealers for my summer tanned skin and my winter pale skin. 

I mix between them as the months progress and my tan either fades or deepens. 

I generally use them for different things, I use the Secret Camouflage to diffuse the big red angry spots, the ones I haven't picked yet, or haven't come to anything, so where the skin is still smooth, it works like a dream and the thick oil based texture of it makes it stay put as long as you set it with a powder.

Now when I first got this product I really couldn't understand it, it was hard I couldn't get it on to my brush or finger and it really just didn't work.. but.. as soon as I moved to a warmer climate oh me, oh my, so easy to use.

So I suggest if you live in a cooler climate you will really need to warm it up with your fingers before application and if like me you have the coldest fingers in the world and that doesn't work try scooping a small amount out and warming it out on the back of your hand.

 

I also use the Secret Camouflage as the first stage of a concealer for my dark under eyes and then I top it off with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

Two concealers for under the eyes, drastic I hear you say? I have extremely blue under eye circles and this is what it takes for me to look like I haven't lost a boxing match. Now they are both quite heavy so I go in with a light hand and powder straight away to have minimal creasing under the eyes. But I love the combination of them both on my blue eye bags.

The best coverage I have found.

 

Now for those dry scabby not quite gone spots I use the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer to deal with those bad boys, I also use the remainder on a Beauty Blender on any redness I have on my face that I want gone, round the nose and cheek area. Its just a little top up for anything my foundation didn't quite cover. It is exactly what the name suggests a -radiant, creamy, concealer. Great coverage and lasts all day.

If I am in a super rush or just heading the gym I just use a dap of the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer on my troublesome areas, mascara, blusher and run out the door. Super quick and easy and gives you that little bit of extra confidence. 

Now I would advise going and trying this on, if you can, to get the correct colour match as if a concealer (anyone) doesn't match your skin tone it's not going to do anything for you.

These concealers are definitely the ones I reach for every day and they are definitely worth trying out if like me you suffer from either gorgeous dark circles or sensational spots.

Christian Louboutin does RED

 

Look at how outrageously fabulous this nail polish is? From the giant spike as an applicator to the perfect little shoe like box it comes in. It is just fab.u.lous.

Might I add, it was a fabulous gift that came with a no doubt fabulous price tag to match, but none the less I love it! How couldn't I?

But lets get down to the nitty gritty, is it actually worth it?

Upon my first trial of it, I was beyond impressed with its colour pay off, normally with nail polishes I am definitely a two coats kindo gal. But the Christian Louboutin nail polish is definitely a one coat wonder and I mean one coat.

It goes on like a dream, no smearyness, no lines and you cannot see the whites of your nail tips through the polish and yes that is just after one coat. Very impressive. 

Now I did find it slightly tricky with my first application and having to paint it on with this large spike, but now that I've tried it out a few times I am completely used to it. And the applicator brush is a very nice indeed, no splaying and fanning out of the bristles when pressed down onto the nail.

When I didn't use a base and top coat I did notice some chipping after a few days, but with my trusty OPI base and top coat I have had a good two weeks wear out of it with no chipping. It just started to wear off the ends of my nails and grow out.

So again very impressed and naturally it has lasted even longer on my toes, dare I say 5 weeks, ok that is slightly gross, but they are still looking good. The colour has not faded and again no chipping.

Mmm now lets discuss the absolutely deliciously divine colour, it is in my opinion the most perfect red, it is just beautiful, so classic and oh so very chic.

It matches the soles of his shoes just perfectly. Numerous compliments guaranteed.

Knowing what I know now about this delightful nail polish I might have even been tempted to purchase it myself but if you are stuck for gifts for anyone who you know loves Christian Louboutin then perhaps you've found them the perfect gift.

I know I love mine more than I ever thought I would have.

Is it dinner time yet?

It's everything but Vanilla..

 

I'd heard about the Vanilla pigment from MAC Cosmetics for such a long time but I'd never actually purchased it until about six months ago, and boy oh boy... What was I waiting for?

This is pigment can used for nearly everything, nails to eyes to lips and so much more! The colour is beautiful, it's like a pearly white with a gorgeous shimmer. You can use it wet or dry for different looks, using it wet makes the colour much more intense, it looks like a completely different eye shadow. Super long lasting and doesn't cake up or crease, it's beautiful, a great all round product.

Vanilla Pigment intense dry swatch

My favourite places to use it is; in my tear ducts to open up my eyes, on the tops of my cheek bones as a highlighter, down the centre of my nose and just a touch on the top of my cupids bow. And when my décolletage is on show I dust a small amount over there just to give a nice healthy glow.A little goes a long way with this one, and its easy to make yourself look like an 80's Barbie or a techno robot if you use too much, although it this is what your looking for go for it!

I have heard that you can use pigments on top of wet nail polish, I've yet to try it with this pigment but I will totally be giving it a go. I think it would make a lovely gradient colour on top of any colour nail polish. A MAC pigment definitely worth investing in, my most used by far. 

Constructivist

 

My new favourite thing to wear on my eyes has to be MAC's Pro Longwear Paint Pot in the shade Constructivist. It was a recent purchase of mine whilst on holiday and I must say there has been a rare day since that I haven't put it on. I have numerous other shades of MAC's Paint Pots but this one and of course Painterly has to be my favourite.

They go on like a cream eye shadow, it blends really well and doesn't go patchy on me. You have some play time with it but once it's set it's tricky to rework it. They make amazing bases for your eye shadows as well, so if you have an eye shadow that has bad fallout or creases easily try one of these bad boys underneath them, it works a treat.

MAC Constructivist Paint Pot blended out, from intense to light. Love!

This colour is so versatile, you can layer it up to create a deep gorgeous brown or blend it out for a lovely daytime smokey look, which is how I have been wearing it most days.

It blends so well with any powder or cream eye shadow as well. I have been using it with either my new Armani Eye Tint in the shade 11 Rose Ashes or Charlotte Tilbury's Colour Chameleon in Champagne Diamonds.

I put either shade above all over my eyelid. Then I just pop my MAC brush 213 in my constructivist paint pot and start at my top outer lash line and blend up and out into the outer V corner of my eyes and up into my crease. Then just take the remainder on the brush under my lower lashes.

Done. A super simple look, or when I'm in a super rush I just use constructivist by itself. 

MAC's Constructivist Paint Pot on my eyes

It sits so well on my eyelids and for someone who has oily eyelids it makes a really good attempt at staying put all day and if its not too humid I have no creasing! Which is pretty impressive as most things crease on my eyelids. 

It is such a wearable colour, the versatility of this product is fantastic but be warned you must close the lid tightly after you've finished using them as they do dry out if the tub isn't sealed properly. A risk we run with all cream eye shadows I guess. So lets just give that lid a good old twist shut and we will be sorted.

I just love them, a product I keep going back to time and time again, la trusty paint pots!

The Perfect Red

I have written about this brand (Melt Cosmetics) before but I thought their red lipstick deserved a post dedicated all to itself, actually all their lipsticks probably deserve their own post, but for now lets concentrate on Belladonna 2. 

The formula is perfect, as I've said before Melt Cosmetics lipsticks are indestructible, they last all day and if and when you need a little touch up, no cakeyness, no rough bobbly bits appearing when reapplying, minimal/no smudging and well lets talk about the colour..

It is to die for.

MAC Cherry on the left and Belladonna 2 on the right

It looks sooo delicious it makes me want to eat it! And for a red it is an extremely versatile colour, just change the lip liner your using and you can adapt it to be more orange or more pink if that's your thing. Dab a little on for a less full on look or mix it up with plums or pinks and create the most beautiful ombré lip ever. My go to lip liners for Belladonna 2 are MAC's Cherry or Dynamo. 

Every single time I wear it people always stop me and ask where its from, guaranteed. It is such a pretty red that looks great on everyone. These lipsticks give you the confidence to wear a bright bold lip, and its down to the lipsticks formulation.

I have every faith that it wont be smudged down my face or half rubbed off after I've eaten or had a drink because like I said Melt Cosmetics lipsticks are indestructible and amazing!


Kissy kissy- Belladonna 2 with MAC's Cherry lip liner

After I've taken it off, or should I say tried to take it off, the stain it leaves on my lips is super pretty as well, I just go with it. A little bit of Lucas' Papaw Ointment on top and off I go. I am always pleasantly surprised at the amount of compliments I get with that lip combination, even after its off. Not quite as many as the full blown red colour but who doesn't love a compliment.

I just love this brand and dare I say it, I love their trusty lipsticks even more!

Bye-Bye Dry Eyes

This stuff is amazing! I genuinely want to tell everyone about it, it's the best thing ever! What is it? I hear you ask, well, it's lubricating eye drops, that are suitable for use with all contact lenses!! Aahhh *angels sing* Honestly I love this stuff!! 

After wearing contact lenses for over a decade I know the troubles of finding eye drops suitable to use with contact lenses. You either have to chuck them out after four weeks of opening or you can buy those individual sachets, which you can never find when you need them, scratchy to use and impossible to get open. 

So you can imagine my absolute delight when I discovered HYLO-FORTE^®  (also know as HYLO^® -GEL)  This my friends, is the answer to all your dry eye nightmares!

What makes it different to all the rest? It has the super cool (patented) pump thing at the bottom, which you press and it releases the perfect amount of drop right into your eye, so no tears running down your face or that horrible anticipation, waiting for the drop to eventually reach your eyeball.

The nifty container keeps the solution completely sealed, so no bacteria can get in there, making it preservative free and suitable for all contact lenses, hurra!!! As it's normally the preservatives in eye drops that react with most contact lenses, damaging the contact lenses.

You can keep it for up to 6 months after opening after that it is recommended to be discarded.  Although it normally lasts me around 4-5 months, so perfect timing. There is said to be around 300 drops in each packet.

When I put this in my eyes, I have immediate and long lasting relief, no more burning or dryness, it is aaamaazing! You can't actually feel it go in, it doesn't sting, burn or make your eyes cloudy.  It just kind of soothes your eyes, making them all happy, I guess once again living up to its name and lubricating your eyes!

I have definitely noticed a reduction in the little red veins in my eyes, thank goodness!  And of course I also use it on my beloved puggies if their eyes are looking a little dry or if they have something in them, and it is really easy to get in their eyes with the cool pump dispenser thing it has.

Now we have established that they are amazing and if you suffer from dry eyes and wear contact lenses, you have to get this, but here is a fun fact!  The ingredient that's in it to make it all silky and delicious on your eye ball is sodium hyaluronate also referred to as hyaluronic acid and is one of the most abundant components of your skin and is proven to help reverse and counteract the signs of aging caused by UVB. Ooo interesting.

If you look closely you'll find this ingredient in a lot of the expensive eye and face creams. So after using it in my eyes during the day, at night I pop a bit around my eyes, in-between my eyebrows and round my mouth, basically where I can see those lovely fine lines starting to appear. Funny thing is it actually feels lovely on my face as well!! Multi tasking product or what! 

Now it is expensive for an eye drop, around $32 (NZD) or £15 (GBP) but oh so worth it! I just get it from my local pharmacy and I have never regretted any money I've spent on this and you never know you might have even found yourself a less expensive anti-wrinkle cream! Bonus!!