Champagne wishes lit kit

Champagne wishes lit kit £12.50 available online here

I picked this gorgeous treat up when I went to Peaches and Cream in Liverpool. I have never had one of these before and I thought it would be perfect for my bridal clients who liked a bit of sparkle on their special day! 

 

First impressions:

I tried this on myself and loved it!! I only put the tiniest bit on and it looked fab! It's is a gold glitter with tiny bits of holographic glitter in too to give it an extra dimension. 

 

Pros and cons:

This is really simple to use I dabbed the liquid onto my finger then onto my eyelid then dipped the brush into the glitter and tapped it onto my eyelid until I was happy with the amount. There was only a slight fallout off the brush but none came off my eyelid all day! This stuff really sticks on! 

Overall:

I am happy that I picked this up and after using it on a one of my brides she loved the effect and asked me to get her one! It gives a hint of sparkle without looking tacky or childish. The price is well worth it, if you get to go to Peaches make sure you check out their lit kits and their fine glitters! Or go to www.fabulousmakeup.co.uk to buy online.

 

A pic of me wearing the glitter:

 

 

Revlon super lustrious lipstick

Revlon Super Lustrious Lipstick in Carnival Spirit £7.49 available online here

I'm a sucker for bright bold lip colours! So when I had a voucher for £2 off any Revlon product I went straight for their new 'Rio Rush Collection' in particular the bright coral/red super lustrious lipstick in Carnival Spirit.

First Impressions:

I hadn't swatched this in the shop and I kind of wish I had, this is not true to it bright coral colour it is very sheer! I had expected this bright pigmented pop of colour but I came out more like a balm. I have never had one of Revlons Super Lustrious lipsticks before so I just guessed they were all like this formula. Don't get me wrong I love the colour and the formula is lovely it just wasn't what I expected. So after getting over the initial 'shock' I applied this onto my lips for work and thought nothing more about it but I seemed to get a few compliments on my lip colour so I guess I had made a good choice!! Although sheer, the coral still shows and it is lovely and feel very comfortable and almost moisturising on the lips. The texture is like a balm and appearance is also like the Lip Butters.

Pros and Cons:

Don't expect a pigmented pop of colour lipstick! Its a beautiful balmy lipstick and a lovely sheer coral colour. Bargain as I had got £2 off so it was £5.49 altogether, pretty decent for a Revlon lipstick. Definitely a nice surprise being a lovely wearable balm-like lipstick rather than one to use for nights out.

Overall:

I guess the moral is swatch, swatch, swatch!! Although it was a pleasant surprise in the end; just not what I originally expected! Glad I picked it up though and I would definitely pick up another Super Lustrious Lipstick as they feel lovely on the lips.

Glamglow Supermud clearing treatment and Youthmud tinglexfoliate treatment

  Glamglow mask duo £34.95 available online here

The set that I bought is unavailable at the moment but keep checking as its just out of stock!

In a bid to try and clear up a few blemishes I thought I would splurge on this set from Glamglow to help with my problem. I have a few blemishes around my chin that just wont shift and I had heard so much about these masks and the instant wow factor it has.

First Impression:

I definitely think I got a good bargain as just one of these masks can be £40 usually, so for me to get two is fab!! I was so excited to try this as it felt so luxurious to me. I actually have the Youthmud mask already so I know that works. I bought it mainly for the Supermud clearing mask for my blemishes. The packaging is sleek and looks high end, the instructions are there and are really simple to follow. For my first use; I had a shower and straight after I applied the Supermud mask, it still felt thick but a bit smoother than the Youthmud mask. This one doesn't tingle like the Youthmud and it seems to dry a lot quicker. I felt my face tighten quite a bit, it took about ten to fifteen minutes to fully dry and there was quite a lot of darker patches around my blemishes and pores which is where the magic happens it literally draws all your impurities out and you can actually see it! I removed it with a lukewarm muslin cloth and the result was pretty good - my blemishes looked a little less red and angry and also my skin was smoother all over. I think I will use this as an S.O.S skin treatment or on individual spots or blemishes to make it last longer! Having used the Youthmud mask before I will tell you that this is a great mask to use before a night out for its smoothing brightening properties, so that's what I usually do - it is a lot grittier than the Supermud mask which is the exfoliator, it still works like any other mud mask which dries hard and quick. Again, it instantly makes your skin look better and brighter.

The Youthmud mask:

The Supermud mask:

Pros and cons:

Usually the price is around £40 for one full sized mask but I managed to get one full size and a luxury sample sized mask for £34.95 which I felt was a bargain! I felt that this worked instantly so I was extremely happy and after 3 uses my blemishes have started to disappear! I suppose it isn't budget skincare but again like I always say; you pay for quality.

Overall:

I am so happy with my bargain and would recommend these two masks to anyone who needs to clear up blemished skin or just wants a luxurious mask that makes your skin look bright and feel smoother. They both deliver on quality and I would definitely repurchase if I could pick these up for the same price again!



Illamasqua Gleam; Aurora and cream pigment; hollow

Illamasqua Aurora £20.00 available online here Hollow £17.50 available online here

 

Ever since I started as a makeup artist I have loved the art of contouring, it's the best way to create that amazing professional flawless look. I usually do a full face of foundation as a base then build up the contour with powders with my clients. Recently I have been experimenting with other products to create this look. I have tried concealers, foundations and stick foundations and loved the effect but felt that I always needed an extra dimension to finish the look.

I was picking up some stuff that I was running low on and thought I would pop into Illamasqua to look at their makeup. The shop is beautiful and the colours of the blusters and lipsticks are amazing, I was talking to the rep in the shop and explained I was looking for a contouring product and something to create a highlight on my cheekbones he pointed me in the direction of these two products. I had seen these before but the price tag had always put me off. I purchased the two products and couldn't wait to see if they were worth the money.
 

First Impressions:
 

I felt the consistency and they both felt creamy and very smooth. I applied my foundation as normal then applied hollow with a small blending brush down the sides of my nose, top of my forehead and under my cheekbones. The colour is cool toned so when applied it looks more like a shadow which is exactly what you want from a contouring product. It blended like a dream and once I started to get used to it I found it so easy to apply. I then used aurora on the top of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose, on my brow bone and top of my cupids bow. I love the colour of this, its a beautiful champagne colour and really picks up the light. This was as easy to apply as hollow and looked stunning.

Left: Aurora Right: Hollow

 

 

Pros and Cons:

 

One of the nicest cream products I have ever used, they are both perfect for highlighting and contouring. The colours are beautiful and work lovely together. I suppose they are expensive but as they are very pigmented you only need a little amount to create the contoured look. I can see these lasting for ages!

 

 

Overall:

 

I am glad I tried both of these, I am now using them when I have time to properly contour as on an average day I don't have time! I have used these on a few clients and they love the effect. Id say they are definitely worth the price as they will last you ages and create a beautiful contour and highlight.

 

 

A picture of me wearing the highlight and contour:

 

Peaches pigments and experience

Peaches pigments £5.95 each available online here

Peaches website: http://www.fabulousmakeup.co.uk/

 

I had been wanting to visit the Peaches and Cream shop ever since I'd heard of them so I booked a Master class over the phone which was £30 for a tutorial for 3 looks. I went with a couple of friends and we all love makeup so we were super excited to see what they use and their tips and tricks. We were greeted by a girl who took our booking and told us to take a seat whilst they set up. When they were ready we went upstairs to the area where they teach the class. It was so bright, there were so many bulbs everywhere which was fab! The girl who taught the master class was Katie, she was very friendly and confident. and answered any questions you had to ask. She started off with a nude Smokey eye, then showed us a glitter smoke and a full on black Smokey eye. All very dramatic eye looks but done in different ways using varied products. I loved the glitter smoke as it was so different and dramatic. It all went very fast and we all wanted to know everything they used but it felt like a bit of a blur! After the class had ended we were able to look around the shop and make our purchases, I really wanted a few brushes but it seemed they were out of stock of a lot of items. I chose to go with the pack of their five pigments which were £18 as we had 10% off on the day (price is usually £20) and a lit kit (I will do a separate blog bost on this).

 

Pic of Nude Smokey Eye:

   

  

 

Pic of Full on black Smokey Eye and Glitter Smokey Eye:

 

 

 

Peaches Pigments:

 

 

Swatches:

 

Colours Left to Right: Wicked, Stella, Fierce, Hoochie and Wow.

 

First Impressions:

 

I think the loose shadows are fab, they are true to their colour and packed with pigment. I swatched them and just one swipe was very pigmented. I was impressed with the quality of these and with the colours I was given I definitely think they are wearable and I can create some beautiful looks with them.

 

 

Pros and cons:

Apart from pigments in general being messy (we all know they can get everywhere) I cant think of any cons as they blend like a dream and the colours are beautiful extremely wearable colours and very pigmented. I love the cute packaging too and cant wait to try the brushes next time I go!

 

 

Overall:

 

The whole experience was great for me, I got to see their work in action and try their products so I know they work and look amazing. I also know a few tips and tricks and loved the Masterclass experience. I would say anyone who loves makeup or just wants to learn a bit more should give it a go and book a class with them. 

 

 

Products Peaches and Cream favour:

 

MAC Vanilla Pigment - used as base for shadow and highlighter

MAC Kid Eyeshadow

Loreal True Match Foundation

Lancôme Teint Idole/Teint Miracle Foundation

MAC Blot Powder

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer

Barry M Lipliners

 

H and m lip tints

H and M Lip Tint £2.99 available online here

 

H and M is one of my favourite shops on the high street for clothing, I love their basic range and their value is unbeatable. I started noticing more and more makeup appearing in the shop and thought for the price of it why not give it a go?? I picked two colours from the Lip Tints, a bright coral and a vibrant pink.

 

 

 

 

First Impressions:

 

WOW!!!!! These are amazing, so pigmented and true to their colour. They are definitely not a 'tint' more like a paint! They rival the OCC Lip Tars and the Sleek Pout Paints, I couldn't believe the quality of these! As soon as I swatched these I wanted to go back and pick up all the colours available. The finish is satin/matte once on the lips and extremely vibrant, they seem to stain your lips too and take ages to wear off - bonus!!

 

Pros and Cons:

No.cons.at.all....simple; cheap, extremely good product and beautiful bright colours! Go to your nearest H and M and pick them up! You wont be disappointed!

Overall:

Wish I would have picked up more! I will be doing when im next in store or when I place an order online, I will be using these in my kit too, couldn't recommend these more I am so glad I bought them and cant wait till summer to wear them as they actually stain your lips too so they are very longlasting so no need to keep topping up your lippy!!

 

Maybelline baby skin

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer available online here

When it comes to primers I'm pretty obsessive! I can't ignore the latest primer especially if it's promise is 'baby skin'! I had to get this, although I had seen a few hit and miss reviews so was sceptical about its promise...

First impressions:

Packaging is cute and bright instantly caught my eye. The texture is like a lot of other silicone based primers, very smooth and silky. I applied this with my hands concentrating it in the areas where I have more pores. It applied easily, not sticky or greasy. My foundation looked great over the top of this. I couldn't say it created the look of 'baby skin' but my skin definitely looked smooth. The main reason I buy a primer is to make sure my makeup stays in place all day and my foundation applies more evenly and smoothly. I wore this on a typical day and found by lunchtime I did need to blot the oily areas on my skin and my face felt a little greasy.

Pros and cons:

Very affordable and readily available in boots and Superdrug. It definitely made my skin look smooth and a bit more perfected. Like I said before I did notice later on in the day I had greasy patches and my makeup was sliding a bit. I do have oily/combo skin so that's probably why. I would recommend this to anyone with normal combo skin, I have better primers but they are pricier so I guess for £7.99 and a drugstore primer you cant complain about the quality of it. I would use it again on days where I am working in the office, I wouldn't wear this for a night out though.

Overall:

I will definitely use this for day to day use. I won't be using it for nights out when I want my makeup to last all night. I am happy I tried it and guess you get what you pay for and for something you can pick up in your local boots for less than a tenner it works!! I definitely felt it made my foundation apply better and this would last all day for someone with dryer or mature skin. 

Picture of me with makeup on after applying primer:

Barry m Dazzle Dust Eye Shadow

Barry M Dazzle Dust Eye Shadow £4.59 available online here

I have used these before but had totally forgot how good these little beauties were! The reason I picked them up was because I wanted some neutral flattering pigments for my bridal clients. I use a lot of palettes and sometimes I want a bit of extra dimension which I feel these give! 

I chose 3 colours they don't have names but the lightest is 27 the copper colour is 44 and the brown is 39:

First impressions:

Cute small packaging, beautiful colours and cheap! They blend like a Dream and are so easy to apply! I chose a light colour with a gold reflective hint to it, a light brown and a copper colour which are stunning for brides! There was an offer on in Boots 3 for 2 these retail at 4.59 each so for 3 pigments it was just over £9! They are small but you don't need a lot! I used a small shadow brush to pack the pigments on, firstly applying the light gold colour all over then the light brown then blending in the copper colour in at the outer edges which looked gorgeous!

These are the swatches this is one dip and swipe the colour hasn't shown up well with the lighting but I can assure you they are stunning in real life; go to Boots and swatch them on the back of your hand and you will see how buttery and pigmented the colours are!

Pros and cons:

They are a bit messy but products like this always are! I just found them to blend so easily and minimal fall out when applying. I have a few other Brands like MAC and NYX etc. and these are just as good as those. I'm so glad I rediscovered these. There is no cons this product its easy to use, colour pay off is fab and its cheap - what more can I say?

Overall:

So glad I picked these up I will definitely be using them for my brides as they are perfect colours! Definitely as good as the high end pigments but a whole load cheaper!! I also tried sprayed a bit of MAC fix + to my brush then dipping the brush in before packing the pigment onto my eyes, it really brought out the intensity of the colour!

This is a pic if the finished result on my eyes.

L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Foundation

L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Foundation £9.99 available online here

 

Yes! Another foundation on the market claiming to last 24 hours! This was right up my alley, I'm all for full coverage long lasting foundation. Was this as good as my favourite Revlon colorstay foundation??

First impressions:
 

Basic packaging, sleek and great pump bottle. Coverage was medium but buildable, colour was slightly yellow but matched as I had fake tanned. There were 5 colours to choose from in my local Boots, this was the closest match. I like full coverage so would have loved it if this was a little more coverage although I applied a couple of layers so I was happy with it after doing so. This lasted quite well, although I found it sliding a little after 8 hours wear, so it's definitely not a 24hr wear foundation for my skin type unfortunately!

 

Pros and cons:

 

Average price point, doesn't compare to the coverage and the longevity of the Rimmel stay matte (see my blog post on this) but this foundation is probably suitable for more dry/normal skin types. For me, I have oily patches that appear usually 3-4 hours after applying makeup. I need something that stays on for 12+ hours! This would be fab for someone who had normal/combo or slightly dry skin and that wants a medium coverage foundation that is buildable in coverage.

Overall:

 

I do like this foundation but like I said it didn't wear for 24 hours like it claims! Maybe would last on a normal skin better? Would definitely wear this day to day as the finish is lovely and is perfect for my days in the office.

 

Me wearing the foundation:

 

Indeed Labs - Retinol reface

Indeed Labs Retinol reface - Retinol skin resurfacer serum 30ml £19.99 available online here 

 

So skincare has been my main topic of conversation recently, I'm in that category where I'm starting to fight the signs of ageing but still get spots, best of both worlds ey? So when I was introduced to this product after researching about helping both wrinkles and spots - Retinol was the answer. If you want to know more about the power of retinol look it up on YouTube and there's lots of videos about them - Wayne Goss has one that's very informative.

 

First impressions:

 

The formula feels like a moisturiser, light and easily absorbed. The promises of this product sounded great and just what I needed so when it performed I was overjoyed. My skin looked amazing the morning after the first use; soft, bright and less bumpy. It literally had resurfaced my skin! Wow - I needed more of these before they ran out!! I used this at night after my serum and the combination worked fabulously.

Pros and cons:

 

It isn't cheap skincare, its mid range. But, for the ingredients and the effectiveness of the product it is well worth it!! I would recommend this product to anyone looking to transform the look of their skin and to be amazed!! This product is magic. Absolutely no cons - I am so happy I took a chance on this and I love it, I couldn't say anything bad about it!

Overall:

 

Three words: Just buy it!

 

No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush and Instant Radiance highlighter

N07 Pop and Glow Cream Blush and Instant Radiance Highlight available online here

 

I picked these brand new products up after receiving a voucher with £3 off no7 makeup. These instantly caught my eye as it's coming up spring and coral is one of my favourite makeup colours to wear during Spring/Summer! The colour I chose was Mango Sorbet for the blush and the highlight was only in one shade. I wouldn't usually go for a cream blush but I thought I would give this a try as it was an offer 3 for 2.

 First impressions:

 

I must admit I'm not a massive cream blush wearer as I find it never stays on my cheeks! I love love love the packaging it's super cute, it's an easy to use product and lovely choice of colours. I applied the highlighter straight onto my face after applying my foundation and found it glided on easily and the glow was beautiful! It reminds me of watts up from benefit, I use this on the top of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose and on the inner corner of my eyes. I applied the blush straight onto my cheeks and blended it out with my fingers, which was easy enough. The colour was pretty bold and had a powdery finish which I thought may help with the longevity of this product. I was very happy with the results after finishing and setting the blush in place with translucent powder.

 

Pros and Cons:

 

I would say the price is mid range as they are nearly £10 each, although it was 3 for 2 and £3 off makeup for N07, I probably would have looked at these but not sure I would have paid £9.95 for the blush. The colours of these are beautiful and perfect for Spring/Summer but again I find that cream blushers do not last all day on me; I have oily/combo skin so that's probably why! Perfect for mature/dryer skin types. The highlighter is fab though, I would recommend this as this is a universal shade and extremely flattering on the skin.

 

Swatches below of the blush and highlighter:

 

 

Overall:

 

I am glad I picked these up and have found if I apply the blusher with a small stippling brush and buff it in then pop a little bit of setting powder over the top I get a better wear out of it. I will definitely use these on my more mature clients as they would be perfect for them. I feel their price point could have been more like £6.99-8 rather than nearing £10, the highlight is a perfect dupe for Benefit Watts up for less than half the price so definitely worth the £9.95 in my opinion! Get it while the offer is on and you will pick this up for £6.95!!

 

Me below with the highlighter and cream blush on:

 

Rimmel stay matte foundation

Rimmel stay matte liquid mousse foundation £5.99 available online here

I've done it...I think I've found my ultimate drugstore/pharmacy foundation!!! This little beauty rivals that of it's high end alternatives. It's hands down THE BEST foundation I have bought for under £6!! I love revlon colourstay and probably will always go back to it but couldn't actually believe how good this was.

 

First impressions:

I picked this up at Boots for £5.99 and thought why not give it a try i picked shade 200 soft beige. There was only two shades to pick from, I'm not sure if there is more as my local Boots is only small. I tried it this morning and I literally said 'wow' when I put it on. I used a Sigma F80 flat top kabuki to apply and I didn't need a lot. I do have blemishes and dark spots but the coverage is fab so I didn't even need to conceal once applied. It blended like a dream, was a good match and didn't feel too heavy! This is definitely only for people who like full coverage and matte skin, it isn't dewy or glowy it does exactly what it says!! It's a thick consistency and almost a mousse like texture. 

 

Pros and cons:

There are so many pros for this foundation, it's cheap for £5.99 and there's a 3 for 2 deal on at the moment so you could get 3 of these for under £12!! It's great coverage as I said and perfect for oily/combo skin. I didn't have high hopes for this foundation but Rimmel have done it again, they just keep getting better and better! I guess you could say 2 shades really isn't enough, Rimmel should bring out more shades of this it's such a good foundation!! 

 

Overall:

Definitely my go-to foundation from now on! It does what I want for a foundation and I can't believe how cheap it is! I can't say enough good things about this foundation if you're thinking about trying this do it!!! 

Me wearing the Foundation (no filter):

 

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliner and Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush

Maybelline Gel eyeliner £7.99 - available online here

Real Techniques Fine Liner £6.99 - available online here

This one is a double whammy! I bought these two products together because I knew what I wanted; a long wearing black gel eyeliner and a good brush to apply it with. The gel eyeliner comes with a small brush you are meant to apply it with - I find this brush pretty useless for that as its too thick and hard to control - is good to apply lip products with so I have kept it for that purpose!

First impressions:

I had researched what to buy by looking at reviews and testing whilst in store. The liner is very pigmented and has a smooth texture. I pick up the product straight from the pot onto the brush and dab off the excess in the lid, I find the eyeliner glides on easily and kind of sets which I suppose is needed for longevity. This is now my go-to eyeliner everyday now, I love it! I have used Bobbi Brown, Clinique, MAC and other drugstore versions but this is the best by far and I would recommend this to anyone looking for a long wearing black eyeliner.

The brush is a perfect tool to apply this eyeliner - its easy to use, light and it moves so easily to create your preferred look. I have a few of the Real Techniques brushes and they never let me down!

Pros and cons:

To me I cant say there are any cons for either of these products I am so happy I looked into what to buy beforehand as it paid off. The pros are they are both drugstore/chemist products so cheap and easy to get hold of plus there's usually a deal on in the drugstores!

Overall:

I am extremely happy I bought this eyeliner - it is exactly what I needed to create winged eyeliner or any kind of dramatic eye looks I want, it also stays put on the waterline which is a bonus! So if you are looking for the same things to add to your makeup collection.....look no further!