5 Bases: I Always Go Back To

For me, foundation is the most important part of my makeup. Its the part that I feel like if I get it right, then the rest of my makeup follows. So I'm going to talk you through 5 foundation bases which are my absolute favourites! 

MAC Studio Fix Fluid 

Lets start with probably my most all time favourite. If I had to choose one foundation forever, it would be this one. This foundation just makes my skin look amazing, and flawless. I do have three bottles of this stuff, because I'm just too scared to run out. I did actually loose this foundation a couple of months back, and thats when I actually realised I couldn't live without it. So I purchased another one, then found the one I lost. The shade I use is NC15, however, I do have another shade which is more pink toned, so really not my shade, but I do sometimes use it, and mix it in with another foundation. But NC15 is just the best shade match for me. I could ramble on about this foundation forever, but its a full coverage and a matte finish. It's incredible. 

Estee Lauder Daywear BB cream

This is the lightest coverage foundation/BB cream in this post. But its amazing, I just it more in the summer months, however I do use it in the colder months too but just if I want more of a natural look, and I'm not really doing much, I reach for this one. Sometimes I do mix it with another foundation, which is coming soon... 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua 

This is the foundation that I mix in with the BB cream, together they just make the perfect shade and give a lovely dewy natural finish. Vitalumiere Aqua, just makes your skin look perfect but it doesn't have a lot of coverage, its a light to medium I would say. It's amazing packaging to travel with. Its expensive, but its Chanel at the end of the day, and it really is incredible. 

No7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation 

No7 is a brand that makes foundation easy, they  have a machine which matches your skin tone to the right shade. I am the shade calico, which is a perfect shade for me when I have no fake tan on. I use this foundation more in the summer months, because it is a lighter coverage. But its really light on the skin, and is a very natural finish. 

No7 Stay Perfect Superlight and Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, are very simular in packaging and in formula. I would say for me, the Chanel is more pigmented, so you don't need as much of it. But I didn't really notice until I was taking these pictures, how similar they actually are! Obviously the No7 foundation is a fraction of the price, so I would say try that one first, see if you like it, then you could try the Chanel one. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hours

Okay, so I think its fair to say I love my highend foundations, but I couldn't leave this one out. I would say this is just my go to drugstore foundation. Rimmel foundations on a whole are very good (apart from my recent review) *sad face*. This is a very full coverage, but its not matte, its more of a satin finish. Its really easy to blend, the colour match isn't too bad, however, it is extremely hard to match yourself in the drugstore. It's a very nice foundation, and excellent for the money.

 ♥

October Favourites 2016

Welcome to another monthly favourites! I love writing these posts because I just love looking back on the month, seeing what I have done and all the products I've been loving!

Clinique Chubby Stick in 02 whole lotta honey

I have been meaning to tell you about this product for a while, but I keep forgetting to put it in my favourites or another post. But this is basically a very moisturising lip crayon. Its the most gorgeous colour, goes with any makeup look, a very natural colour. Slightly browny shade (very on trade at the moment). Its very balmy and just beautiful to apply. I use this literally everyday, because in the morning I can never decide on a lipstick. I throw this colour on, then when I've arrived at work I will probably change to a more pigmented lipstick, so it lasts.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita

I haven't worn this an awful lot this month, if I'm completely honest. But I did a little shop on Debenhams my last post and I did fall in love with this shade, its a very similar shade to the Clinique Lip balm, a very on trend shade. The lipstick lasts for hours and hours, normally I have a lipstick in my bag to reapply, but I forgot to put this one in one day, and I actually didn't need to re-apply anyway, the staying power is amazing. I love the wand on this too, its very long so its quite easy to apply. My only downfall on this, is it takes me a while to apply the lipstick, to make it perfect, especially around my cupids bow. 

Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara, Feline

I love mascaras which have a curved wand, so it really curles my lashes because mine are very stubborn and straight. The brush is the thing that sold this mascara to me. It creates a lot of length and separation which is what I love. There is some volume, but not crazy volume. Its just a gorgeous mascara for a curl that is very natural.

Kat Von D Lolita (left) & Clinique Chubby 02 (right)

Zoeva Cocoa Blends Eyeshadow Palette

I apologise for mentioning this palette again, but Oh My I love it, so much! I reach for this daily. I wasn't planing on mentioning this palette this month, but I was like 'what have I been using on my eyes this month' and it was this. Normally I use 'bitter start' and 'sweeter end' as you can see, I've hit pan, haha. But this month I have been using the 3 shades underneath them, 'pure ganache' 'substitute for love' and 'freshly toasted' for the most amazing autumnal eye. AND, for my halloween makeup I used this palette so much, 'freshly toasted' was just the stand out shade, and the black shade in the palette 'beans are white' to create the contoured halloween makeup!

Estee Lauder Clear Difference Serum

This product is one I have used for a while now, but its amazing. If you suffer from blemish prone skin, then I would defiantly recommend investing in this. You just use it as a normal serum, so underneath your moisturiser. Its got a pump, so its easy to apply, I just use one pump in the morning and then another at night. It just clears up my skin and prevents blemishes. This month has been a spotty month, because the weather has changed so much and my skin just freaks OUT. But this has seriously been a life saver! I have a 50ml bottle, it is a pricey product, but totally worth it in my opinion. 

Elegant Touch False Nails, totally bare

I have really been loving applying false nails this month. I'm normally super scared to apply them, and I would just prefer to go to a salon. But they honestly last about a week, and they are around £5. Where as if I went to a salon, they will last me around 3 weeks, and they are getting on for £30. So its just been a no brainer for me this month. They don't take me long to apply, and I can paint these ones any colour I wish, because they are bare. The elegant touch nails come with glue, and have all different sizes in them. For me, I do run out of the smaller nails first, which is annoying, but what can be done, haha. 

Candles

I have been loving candles this month, every evening I light them all around the house and make the house all cosy and smelling insane. I don't have a particular candle which I have been loving, but I have been lighting my Yankee Candle - Snowflake cookie candle and I have discovered these cute little candles from Boots, super cheap and on 3 for 2!! Christmas pudding and Apple Crumble, amazing smells and I just love candles!

 ♥

August Favourites 2016

August has been a whirlwind of a month, it just has flown by, I've done so much and it just has been the best! I started off the month with a spontaneous trip to Dublin, Ireland (I promise I am working on some posts - they will be here in the next few weeks)! I have had a weekend in Bath, had my hair all cut off and styled and I just ended the month with a nightout with all my friends for the August Bank Holiday!! Anyway, thats why I haven't been posting on here too much, *slap wrists* sorry guys.

BASE: FOUNDATION
I have quite a few makeup products in this months favourites, and quite a few base products well 4, is that a lot? I guess so for one months favourites. Its been quite hot on and off for the July and August in the UK. When I say hot, that horrible sticky, sweaty hot when all you want to do is pray that the sky bursts with rain. Anyway, I have been mixing two foundation products together, one to be Estee Lauder BB Cream and the other to be my much raved about foundation Chanel Vitalumia Aqua Foundation. Both are light/medium coverages, but I just find mixed together gives a gorgeous coverage and dewy base. It's just what I have been reaching for this whole month. I do like to switch up my foundations depending on the colour of my skin, hense why most months there is a foundation in the monthly favourites. Basically I love these foundations, and together they are very expensive, but I would say if I had to pick one, my favourite would be the Chanel Vitalumia Aqua Foundation, its just gorgeous, feels so lightweight but has such buildable coverage, I don't think you could go overboard with this one.

BASE: CONTOUR
I have then been trying to find my cheekbones with the Clinique Chubby Contour Stick I got this product back in April, and I did like it, but I just thought it was one of those products I wouldn't use much. However, I have been loving cream bronzer/contour this month in particular. It looks so scary in the stick, but it blends like a dream... seriously. Also, it doesn't give anything too dramatic, it looks very natural and is a lovely colour.

BASE: CONCEALER
The concealer I have been loving this month is an oldie, well it's not too old, but it's one I have never really stopped loving, its just one I forget about and I don't really rave about enough. The Maybelline Anti-Age Eye Eraser, I just absolutely love this, you twist it from the bottom and then product comes out from the top of the sponge. It makes the skin so flawless, I use it under my eyes and a little bit on my forehead and chin.

Bondi Sands Dark Tan Moose
I go in stages with tanning, some times I just cannot be bothered and I embrace my paleness, and other times I just want to be a confident bronze goddess. This month was the later. My favourite all time tan was the St. Tropez Express Tan, WAS. I think that I prefer the Bondi Sands one more, for a few reasons, mainly the colour is super natural, it is more of an olive tan than an orange one. Even though I love the way I apply the St. Tropez and I do like the colour and I have done a whole blogpost dedicated to it, so click here to read! Bondi is just much more natural and I do like the smell. It's easy to apply and I think its a fall proof tan, if you are new to tanning or are just a tan junky, try this!

Soap and Glory Exfoliating Gloves
Basically I have discovered these because of the previous paragraph. When you tan, you need to exfoliate because you need a clean smooth surface for the tan to be applied. So I picked these gloves up from Boots and they are so easy to use. I just put them on both of my hands and squeeze some shower gel in them and rub them over my body to exfoliate.

Chanel Coco Mademosielle Shower Gel
This is probably the most expensive shower gel I am ever going to talk about. Retailing at £34, it is ridiculous, but such a luxury. Its great for someone who loves Chanel fragrance, and especially the popular Chanel Mademoiselle. Chanel Mademoiselle is just my signature scent, I love it. Whenever I smell it I just get reminded of so many beautiful memories. It really is gorgeous, it is a slightly floral, but very feminine scent. Anyway the shower gel, oh my... I love it! I only use this in the morning and only a tiny little bit, for obvious reasons. But its great for layering the scent, so the fragrance lasts longer. I would keep this in mind for Christmas, if someone likes Chanel fragrances, and you don't want to spend too much on them, or you always get them the fragrance and you want an alternative.

Zoella Girl Online Book 
This book was bought for me last Christmas, and its just been sat on my bedroom table, waiting to get read... and this month was the month! I haven't read a novel for quite a long time, and I really enjoyed just having such a page turner again. Its really got me into reading, I just missed the way a book can make your imagination run wild! I don't want to send any spoilers out, but its about a girl Penny, who has a blog called 'Girl Online' and she seems to be struggling with being a teenage girl, and ends up going to New York through the family business and in New York actually meets the love of her life... Noah. But Noah has a secret, which could break them?! I literally cannot wait to go to Waterstones and purchase the next Girl Online... ON TOUR!

♥

June Favourites 2016

Cannot believe that its now JULY!! Where on earth is the time going... anyway, heres some of the products I have been in love with this month.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation - I have never owned a foundation from Chanel before, or any makeup item if I'm honest. However, Mademosielle is just my all time favourite scent. I will be writing a more in-depth review on this foundation, but if you want a very luxury product which is amazing, very light-weight but can be built up to a light/medium coverage, you will love this product as much as me. I would say I do prefer more heavy coverage foundations like Mac Studio Fix, but this foundation is perfect for summer, it lets the skin breathe and is a water based foundation, so you need to shake it before application. I use the shade B10, which is the palest shade, I will just bronze my skin up for when I do (hopefully) get a summer tan!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer - I just want to say that I really don't like the foundation from this range, its way to full coverage and heavy for me, even though I just said I am more drawn to full coverage foundations, double wear just didn't agree with me, and every time I wore it I got breakouts *cry*. On the other hand, I adore this concealer, it has got a high coverage, but when worn with the Chanel foundation, its perfect because I just apply this were I need more coverage. I think this would be great for a day were you don't want much makeup on, and will skip foundation because this is a great product for coverage where you need it. (I am shade - 1C light cool)

Benefit Hoola - I'm sure I've mentioned this in a recent favourites, (I can't remember, sorry my bad). But I really love this bronzer, its got amazing pigmentation and just is the perfect bronzer shade, can be used on the high points of the face to give a natural bronze or is the right shade to use more in the contour of the face. Can't not mention the packaging, its super cute!!

Elizabeth Arden Lash Extending Mascara - In the summer days I prefer to have my lashes looking natural and separated, and this mascara is perfect for this. I use two coats, it gives amazing length and definition. Perfect for everyday and is just probably the best mascara I've found for separation.

NYX butter gloss - I have two versions of this product, one is 'INTENSE' and the other is just... normal!? I really like these because they just leave such a gorgeous gloss on the lips, which isn't sticky it just looks so pretty. I would say theres only one downfall with these and thats, that they don't really last too long. But at the end of the day, it's a lipgloss, they won't last for hours and hours. However, glosses are much easier to apply, so carrying it in your handbag and applying on the go works for me! Shades - Intense; chocolate crepe (90s deep shade) butter gloss normal; Peaches and cream, gorgeous pure summer pink. Love NYX shade names!

♥

My Guide To Mascaras

Oh hello there MONDAY! I'm sure you are all having a lovely day, with it being a bank holiday. Unless you do have to go to work, and that sucks. But today, whilst you are reading this I am currently with my boyfriend, in a city near/ish where we live, Cardiff.

In the drugstore and on premium counters there is just so much choice when it comes to makeup, it can all seem very stressful, because you want to choose the correct and most beneficial product to you. I know from my experiences I just don't know where to start.

Mascara is one of the most popular makeup items, I would say. Most people, of any age want lovely full, lifted and defined lashes. Wether it's a partner, or just a friend, eyes are where most conversations start, so you want your eyes to look as beautiful as you can.

You need to ask yourself two questions when picking a mascara, and then I will help you with the rest... "what do you want from your mascara?" (eg; length, volume, definition, lift/curl). Your answer is probably "well I want a bit of everything" Oh, you greedy thang! Some mascaras do claim to say that they do all of the above, when really they don't. I haven't ever tried a mascara where I get everything out of it. But thats okay, because most of the time you don't want everything, because it really is impossible, and they do kind of counteract each other.
The other question you need to ask yourself, is "which kind of brush do you prefer, plastic or bristles?" I prefer to go for a bristled brush, because I find it much softer on the lashes.

Length - A lengthening mascara will give you the most natural lashes, they will just be extended to look longer. These mostly come in plastic brushes, they are very thin and have very small bristles to really get close to the lash and extend them. L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara, is great for lengthening the lashes, it has lengthening fibres in to build the intensity.

Volume - This is probably the most common form of mascara, that most people want to achieve (I love having a lot of volume). However, some people are scared of having volume because they think  there lashes will just become clumpy and stuck together. This really isn't the case, having clumpy lashes is just from the amount of layers that you apply, or your mascara wand might just need some product removed from the brush. Mascaras that give volume, are brushes which are quite big, the biggest wand will give you volume, they come in plastic and bristled wants. Maxfactor Masterpiece Transform Mascara is great for volume, it builds on the lashes to give amazing big lashes.

Definition - This is very similar to length, the brush tends to look the same, however it will state on the mascara if its for definition. Most mascaras that give definition do give some length as well, it gives a very natural lash. But having definition is lovely, it really separates each lash and gives you the illusion of having lots of lashes which are very neat and tidy. Plastic brushes with lots of bristles, are best for definition. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Knockout Defining Lift & Fan Mascara, gives lovely defined lashes with a lovely lift.

Lift/curl - This is pretty much the same, the brushes for lifting and curling are probably the most recognisable brushes. They have a curve on them, which when placed to the lash (curved side facing you) really lifts the lashes, and therefore curls them. If you have quite straight lashes, this might be the mascara type for you. Again, they come in both bristled and plastic wands. No7 Dramatic Lift Mascara, this is my everyday mascara. It lifts the lashes and gives you a wide awake effect.

Most mascaras come in the shade 'black' and thats all, however you can get 'brown/black' mascaras which are just a little bit more subtle and softer, and is a nice alternative to black. If you don't wear a lot of makeup, 'brown/black' mascaras are good for you.

I touched on it earlier, (lift/curl) but if you have very straight lashes, or you just find after a few coats of mascara, your lashes are becoming straight and droopy. Eyelash curlers are needed, they really help. It's not as scary as you think either.

- Curl your lashes before you apply your mascara
- Start at the root of your lashes
- Apply pressure to your lashes, in short motions for around 5 seconds
- Make sure all along your lashes are curled
- Repeat if you need more curling (don't go overboard)

I am spoiling you now, but heres a few extra tips which can help you achieve the best application for your mascara. They might seem obvious, but I thought I would include them anyway:

- Don't pump your mascara wand to get extra product. This will get air into the mascara, which makes it dry up quicker, also will create bacteria in the mascara!
- Start at the root of your lashes, and 'wiggle' up to create your desired effect.
- Most people apply two coats, in between coats, allow 30 seconds. So it's not so wet.
- Tilt your head back when applying mascara to the top lashes and forwards when applying to bottom lashes. This will help minimise mistakes.
- If you do make any mistakes then just remove straight away with a dry cotton bud (wet will remove makeup).
- Using a smaller mascara for bottom lashes, will help you make less mistakes Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara. 
- If you are finding you are having a 'bad mascara day' then apply some mascara just to the tips of the lashes, this will help to separate lashes if they are getting all clumpy.


I hope this was helpful, just look on the packaging for what the mascara does, have a look at the brush and you will soon know what you want from your mascara. Ask for advice in store too, store assistants are happy to help, and thats what they are there for!

Rimmel Volume Colourist 

L'Oreal False Lash Architech (waterproof) 

No7 Dramatic Lift

MaxFactor MasterPiece Transform 

Urban Decay Perversion 

Lancome Hypnose Drama 

♥

Top Premium Lip Products

If you know me, or you have been following/reading me for a while. You will know I am a lipstick/lipgloss/lip balm addict. I just can't stop, I can't have nothing on my lips. I just think it pulls a look together perfectly. So as you can imagine, I have many lip products, and today I am going to share with you my favourite ones from premium brands, the reason I have chosen premium brands, is because I only really have two favourites from the drugstore/lower end, and they are the Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in 08 and No7 Stay Perfect in the shade Loganberry. So I didn't want to bore you too much, haha. I did write a post about my top 5 lipsticks, when I first started on this blog, so click here to read that.

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector - shade 05
Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss - 363 nude
Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy Lipstick - 210 Impulsive
M.A.C - Honey Love (matte)
Lancome Gloss in love - 146

Can I just say, these are all pinky/nude shades. When I was going through my favourite lipsticks, I put them on my bed and looked at them and thought... Oh no, they are all in the same category and I did nearly change some, and put some reds and oranges in there. But then I thought, no because that just isn't staying true to my favourites. So these really are my favourite lip products and the shades of each one. It was so hard picking my favourite M.A.C shade and also the Estee Lauder one, because I love these lipsticks and have quite a few different shades in those ones.

(M.A.C - other shades I love; whirl, ruby woo and patisserie)
(Estee Lauder - other shades  I love; powerful, Tumultuous Pink and Rebellious Rose)

♥

Morning Skincare Routine

heyyyy my little fuzzy bunnies! I thought I would chat skincare today, I am no where near a skincare expert. I don't use loads and loads of products, because I feel like if you use lots on your skin it just gets complicated and your skin will get confused. For the record my skin type is Normal/Combination. I get some dry bits around my cheeks, but throughout my t-zone I am quite oily.

But I thought this would be a perfect time to do a skincare routine, because I like to change my skincare seasonally because my skin gets used to products and tends to break out when the weather changes. Also, its now officially SPRING!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish and muslin cloth

I absolutely love this cleanser, it leaves the skin so soft and its just so perfect to use in the mornings. It has eucalyptus in so it makes you feel so awake and just makes your airways more open (does that make sense) - it's great if you have a cold. I use it in the morning as well because its great for just getting rid of any dirt from the night or even some makeup from the night before.

Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Cleanser

I then go in with another cleanser, just to make sure my skin is super clean. I have been using this cleanser for a year also now, it leaves your skin with that squeaky clean feeling, which at first I didn't really like, but it's quite nice after a while and I have got used to it. It doesn't break my skin out, and it just does the job of cleaning my skin.

La Roche-Posay Serozinc

This is an anti-blemish toner. Which is amazing for drying out and getting rid of spots. This is my most recent addition to my skincare routine, but its one I feel will stay for a while. I really have been impressed using this, and it's such a refreshing mist which you apply on your face, wait a few seconds for it to sink in, and its done - so easy and works!

Lancome visionaire serum

This is quiet a new edition to my skincare routine, before using this I used to use Estee Lauder Clear Difference Serum which is amazing, but my skin just isn't that spotty anymore, I only get a few blemishes around the time of the month (TMI). I have rambled on about how amazing this Lancome serum is in my March Favourites, but it is honestly amazing for minimising pores and you have got the anti ageing in there too.

Clinique turnaround daytime - rosy glow

This is a lovely moisturiser and I believe moisturiser is the most important aspect to skincare, your skin needs moisturiser even if its oily or dry or whatever your skin type is. This moisturiser comes in two shades, rosy glow or golden glow. It gives you a lovely natural glow, so if you aren't wearing makeup you won't look dull, but its amazing for makeup application on top, because it gives you that 'lit from within look'

Estee Lauder advanced eye repair

Eye cream is something I do struggle with because my eyes get so dry, on the lids and around them. This is the only product that sorts them out. But I don't apply it every day, its normally every other day. Apart from if my skin is going through that very dry period where it does go dry all around the eyes.

Vaseline

I just apply vaseline on my lips, to make them soft and hydrated for when I apply lipstick at the end of the makeup application.

I hope you enjoyed seeing what my skincare routine is like. Obviously it depends on how my skin is behaving to see what products I use. But I have been sticking to this routine for quite a while now, and I really like it. Thanks so much for reading!

♥