Review: Barry M Matte Me Up Lip Crayon

I've never tried a Barry M lip product before. It's been a mixture of not getting round to it and a shade range that to me wasn't that desirable. When this were released at the beginning of the month my eye was automatically caught.

Like I do with most new lip releases I went for the shade of red they've released, and in this case it was because none of the other shades looked like they would have suited me. I honestly didn't know what to make of it to be honest. It reminded me of other chubby stick-esque products on the market but was willing to give it a go. And I really like it.

The packaging reminds me ever so slightly of a Crayola crayon. I really like the ridge inside the lid that locks it into place, meaning I have no worries about the lid becoming loose or falling off in my handbag. My only issue with the packaging didn't have shade name on it just a number. I had to look it up on the Boots website and the colour I'm showing you is called Make A Statement.

Upon inital application I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like this product but after a bit of work it all fell into place. It looks shiny when first applied to the lips and moves around on the lip a bit especially when you're trying to neaten it up. Yet once it dries to a matte finish it doesn't budge. I ate and drank while I wore this and it didn't transfer one bit. It dries to a true matte texture but isn't extremely drying on the lips like some can be. My lips still felt really moisturised and soft when I took this off.

The shade itself looks like a blue toned red when I first applied it and reminded me slightly of Mac's Russian Red but as the day wore on it changed. It changed to more of an orangey red, almost tomato red. It still suited my skintone but because of the colour change throughout the day, it is a product to wear on a day where you're doing flawless skin and nothing else. When it comes to suitability of the shade, it would suit most skintones, the blue tones probably remaining longer on slightly darker skin tones. It's a brilliant shade for fair toned people, giving that real pop of a colour to a look.

If you're looking for a new Summer shade or are just like me and can't resist anything matte and red then this is definitely for you. Long lasting, non drying and a brilliant day or night shade this rivals some of my higher end lipsticks for a fraction of the price.

Available now from Boots

May Favourites

It's the last Monday of the month and that means it’s time for me to share the top 5 products I've been loving this month. This month I have a couple have some new favourites with a couple of old ones thrown in. I've also thrown in a random non beauty favourite this month.

Witch- Witch Hazel Bursting Beads Face Wash 
My first favourite is a new find for me. I happened upon it while strolling through the skincare aisle and it immediately caught my attention. It's a gel like formula with tiny balls of Witch Hazel which burst when rubbed into the skin. It leaves skin feeling refreshed as well as removing any bacteria that can cause blemishes. It isn't highly fragranced and doesn't irritate skin. I use it twice weekly to fight any excess make up or bacteria that's lingering on my skin and ever since my skin has felt softer and looked more radiant. 

Kleenex Soothing Nose and Lip Balm 
My second favourite of the month may seem like a strange one but to me is the key to super soft lips. Back when I found this in March/April I was suffering with a cold and my lips were in a terrible condition. No other lip balm worked for me and one day my mum offered me this. I originally tried this on my nose but found it didn't work so then tried it on my lips, don't worry though I made sure it was germ free beforehand. The results on my lips were fantastic, they looked softer, plumper and more hydrated which made it great for when I broke out my matte lipsticks. I think why it works so brilliantly is because there is no petroleum in it which can sometimes just dry lips out more and leave them greasy looking. 

Rimmel Wonder'Full Wake Me Up Mascara 
This mascara made me stray from my absolute favourite Maybelline one. I was originally drawn in by the packaging but was pleasantly surprised when the formula lived up to the hype. Packed with vitamins and soothing cucumber extract this leaves eyes feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Alongside the lash hugging brush that gives and holds a brilliant curl this product has seen more love than any other this month. I talk more in detail about in my review here.

L’Oréal 24hr Infallible Foundation in Porcelain 
This favourite is a long time favourite of mine which I'd originally put away until autumn came back round. However I found myself reaching for this a few weeks back when my usual foundation started to look different on me. This is a medium coverage foundation but can easily be built up to a full coverage. I like to concentrate this on any redness I have, using concealer to cover any other imperfections I want to hide. It's not one I'd advise to use all summer long but if the odd blemish or bit of redness needs concealing this is perfect.
 

Real Techniques Sculpting Brush
First off, please excuse how dirty my brush is. I washed it to take pictures of but ended up using it before I got the photos. This has become my new go to foundation brush. Densely packed bristles make it so so easy to apply pretty much any foundation. I really like the sloped shape of the brush, making it easier to slide in and across certain parts of my face. It worked hand in hand with my Infallible foundation giving me an almost airbrushed finish. My so longed for buffing brush has been left lonely in the pot as I can't stop reaching for it, the synthetic bristles brilliant against my sensitive skin. 

Munroe- Bloodlet 
My random favourite of the month is an EP. Bloodlet is the debut self-titled EP from Kathleen Munroe a.k.a Munroe. It has a very folksy laid back with stunning vocals and lyrics which occasionally lean towards gothic. Each song on the EP is unique and as a whole is very easy to get lost in on repeat. Whilst I love every song my favourite has to be On The Briars, there's just something about the opening notes that just catch my attention immediately. If you like something laid back to listen to I wholly advise you go check it out. I can't wait to see what she does next. 

What were you guys favourites this month? Were any of them the same as mine? Did you have any recommendations? 

Until next time beauties
xoxo

Top 3: Eye Make Up Removers

When it comes to eye make-up removers I've never been able to stick to one. They're either too greasy or don't remove my make up well enough. However over the last couple of months I found 3 that I rotate on a nightly basis.

L’Oréal Absolute Eye and Lip Make Up Remover
This is the only duo phase product that features in this Top 3. It is my favourite of three because it's one of the best drugstore eye make-up removers out there. Like most duo phase products this contains an oil that breaks down your eye make-up while the other half solution soothes the delicate eye area. However unlike other duo phase removers this doesn't leave a greasy residue on the skin. The formula is strong enough to break down all eye make-up and lip products but doesn't leave skin irritated afterwards. Non-drying and soothing on the eyes this remover is suitable for even sensitive eyes but still removes all traces of make-up.

Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make Up Remover
Between this and the Nivea one I couldn't say which one is better. They're both gentle formula's that require a little bit more work to make sure everything is removed. Like other products in the Simple range this has no fragrance and is packed with skin loving ingredients that makes it perfect for people with either sensitive skin or eyes. It doesn't leave skin greasy but does require slightly more work to get rid of every trace, I'd advise that you soak the cotton pad more than rub harshly at your eyes. If you're someone who likes to know what's in your skincare products than this is more than likely going to be better for you than the Nivea one.

Nivea Extra Gentle Eye Make Up Remover 
Even though it's not something I should care about, this product has the best scent out of the three of them. It smells just like the rest of the Nivea range which makes it quite refreshing on the skin. Just like the Simple one, this is a non duo phase formula designed to be extra gentle on eyes. It doesn't leave a greasy residue on the skin and leaves skin feeling refreshed and free from irritation. As with the Simple one it does take a bit more work to make sure everything's gone but I'd advise even with the L’Oréal one that you use more product on the cotton pad than rub at your eyes. I always used to wonder why I went through eye make-up remover so quickly and then it hit me one night that I was using more than was probably necessary just so I didn't irritate my eyes. Suitable for people with sensitive skin and eyes this is an alternative to the Simple one if you just want a good eye make-up remover and aren't worried about what goes into it. 

So that was my Top 3 Eye Make Up Removers. Have you tried any of these? Did you have any recommendations? If you please let me know, I'm always looking for new products to try.