Marks and Spencers Beauty Advent Calender Day Nineteen

Welcome back to Day Nineteen in my 24 Days of Beauty Series where I show you what I get in my Marks and Spencers Advent Calender. 

In today's box I recieved an Autograph Ultimate Shine Twist Up Lip Colour. I absolutely love these chubby stick esque lip products. It's a glossy finish, highly pigmented colour that is apparently going to last all day. It's in the shade nude but it's not one of those overly dark or overly light nudes. It's just the right colour to suit a whole host of skintones. However I won't be wearing it as it has a shimmer in it and I just can't get down with shimmery lips. I am going to see if someone in my family wants it and if they do I will get their thoughts on it so I can tell you all about it. 

I'll see you all tomorrow for Day Twenty. 

Marks and Spencers Beauty Advent Calender Day 11&12

Welcome back to Day Eleven and Twelve in my 24 Days of Beauty Series where I show you what I get in my Marks and Spencers Advent Calender. I have to apologise for not posting Day 11 on the 11th but I was out late and didn't get a chance to write the post. So I thought I'd pop the two days together. 

In Day 11 box I recieved a sample sized bottle of Josh Wood Full Bodied Shampoo. It's a shampoo designed to work with coloured hair and contains Rice Proteins to protect the hair. I don't have coloured hair so I won't be using this but my mum does so I may give it to her and get her thoughts on it for my calender review. 

And in Day Twelve I recieved a Diego Dalla Palma Lipstick. I believe it's a limited edition shade as when I looked at them online I couldn't find the shade anywhere. It's a beautiful peachy nude shade which I think they chose as it will suit a variety of skintones. It's a sheen finish lipstick which also makes a nude shade a good choice as they are so much easier to touch up than darker bolder shades. A full review will be posted once I've given it a proper try. 

I'll see you all tomorrow for Day 13.

Review: Kate Moss Nude Collection

I've never really been much of a nude lipstick kinda girl but when I saw this collection from Rimmel my interest was piqued. And since I brought this lipstick I've become obessessed with mid toned pinky nude lipsticks.

I've got a few of the Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipsticks so I knew what they were like when I decided to buy it. I picked the shade 45 which is a really nice almost pink toned shade. It can be multi tonal though and depending on what colour I'm wearing depends on how it looks on. When I'm wearing my work uniform it looks more brown toned on me but when I'm not in my uniform it looks more pink toned.

As for the formula of the lipstick, it's very creamy and can applied very thinly for a sheer appearence or can be built up to an opaque finish. As a sheen finish lipstick this means it does need touching up every so often but it's no hassle and last longer than I thought it would on the lips. It can be very drying on the lips so I recommend wearing a lip balm underneath it.

If you're not sure if nude lipsticks suit you then I highly recommend you check this collection out. There are 5 shades in the range which means that will definitely be one to suit you. Sleek packaging, creamy in texture and inexpensive this is the perfect lipstick to try if you fancy giving nude lips a go.

Available from Boots and Superdrug

Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick Review And Dupe

When it comes to make up I'm not someone who purchases a lot of high end make up but always make an exception when it comes to lipstick. However I still take a good couple of weeks to make my mind up on whether I actually want to buy the product. I did that with this lipstick from Smashbox and I'm so glad I kept going back to look at it.

It's one of the Be Legendary Matte Lipsticks, a small collection of matte finish lipsticks that come in a stunning matte black packaging. I picked up the shade Punch Drunk, a stunning deep raspberry shade. It swatched more of a berry tone in the shop but when on the lips is a stunning yet bright raspberry shade that is perfect for people who want to dip their toe into pinkier shades but don't want to go for bright hot pinks.

It has a very creamy texture which makes it a dream to apply to lips and doesn't go streaky if you go over it repeatedly. When it's first applied there is a slight sheen finish to it but after a few minutes it dries down to more of a satin finish than a matte finish. It's one thing that lets this product down. While the satin finish is comfortable to wear it doesn't last as long as other matte lipsticks I own and even though it's not a true matte finish is quite drying on the lips. I would recommend maybe popping a light layer of lip balm on before applying this.

 And now onto the exciting bit that I stumbled onto the other day without realising it. If you like the look of the Smashbox Be Legendary Collection but don't want to part with £16 then Soap and Glory do an excellent dupe for a good £5 cheaper. It's one of Soap and Glory's Matte Lipsticks in the shade Pom Pom. It is a more brown toned version of the Smashbox lipstick but still translates onto the lips as a deep raspberry shade. It has a creamy texture that makes application easier than most matte lipsticks and dries down to an actual matte finish. Whilst there is a slight bit of transfer Pom Pom last longer on the lips than Punch Drunk and doesn't dry lips out.

If you're looking for a raspberry shade to try out or you just don't want to go down the hot pink road I highly recommend you check both of these lipsticks out. If the Smashbox Liptick isn't your cup of tea because of the price and the finish, the Soap and Glory one maybe the one for you. I love both of these lipsticks and will happily wear them continuously but if I had known that they were practically the same when I was looking at them in Boots I would have more than likely just gone for the Soap and Glory one.

Have you tried either of these? Do you know any lipsticks that are similar? If so let me know in the comments.

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

Make Up Haul

Over the last couple of weeks I've picked up a few make up bits, some I've had my eye on for a while and some new releases that caught my eye. So I thought I'd share them with you as quick post between my normal weekly scheldule.

I picked up these two new colour releases from the Barry M Quick Dry Polish collection. There new releases are very summer based, all very bright and some even sparkly. There was only two colours that stood out to me, Need For Speed and Get Set Go. Need For Speed is a bright lavender toned purple and Get Set Go is a bright corally pink shade. Both polishes are opaque in one coat and leave a glossy shine to the nails. These will look amazing with a tan in the summer but for now I'm wearing Get Set Go on my tootsies to brighten them up a bit.

The next product I picked up was another Barry M polish and another new release. From their Gelly Hi Shine range I picked up Sugar Plum this beautiful pink almost raspberry shade. When it comes to these polishes I always make sure I pick up the latest shades when they come out. Thick formula, opaque in one coat and a high gloss finish, these are a must have in my collection. This shade will be beautiful in the summer but can also be used as a transition shade as we come into autumn.

I will admit I picked this up purely for the packaging. However after some reading up on it, I am excited to try this out. With a formula containing vitamins and cucumber, this product is supposed to wake eyes up and nourish lashes. I'm intrigued by this and from the look of the brush it's going to be right up my street. Also it smells of cucumber which is supposed to soothe tired eyes and help them look more awake and refreshed. I will be doing a review on this soon when I've given it a go.

This purchase has been months in the coming. After seeing everyone talking about this I thought it was about time I tried out the Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in EastEnd Snob. And I can see why everyone raves about it. I've worn this a couple of times and while I love the colour and the finish, I find the application can be tricky. I've only had it a couple of weeks and have already snapped some of it off. That aside I really like this lip liner and if you're looking for a pinky nude lip then this is definitely what to go for.

This is a new release from Loreal and to begin with I wasn't very interested. I thought that these new Infallible Glosses were exactly that, glosses. However I was pleasently surprised to find that they did matter shades as well. So obviously I had to pick one up. I got the shade Smoke Me Up which a brilliant raspberry pink shade, perfect all year round in my opinion. The applicator reminds of one I've seen from YSL recently and I'm intrigued to see how it applies. As with the mascara I will be doing a full review once I've worn it.

I'm not exactly thrilled by this product but I'm working on ways to make it work. This is the Kate Moss for Rimmel in 101. I've been on a nudey pink lip binge lately and when I swatched this I thought it would be perfect but it doesn't come across like that on the lips. It still looks quite shiny for a matte finish and the shade is one that doesn't quite suit my skintone. However I'm going to try and pair it over EastEnd Snob to see if it neutralises any of the baby pink tones in it.

The last product I picked up is probably a boring purchase to some but I think no one can ever have to many grey/grey toned nail polishes. I love the Colour Show nail polishes from Maybelline and this one is no different. Called Sidewalk Strut this is a part of a new range of nail varnishes releases to celebrate 100 years of Maybelline. Opaque in one coat but absolutley stunning with two coats, this is a beautiful colour that I'm going to wear all year round.

Have any of you tried any of these? Do you have any recommendations?

My Go To Autumn/Winter Lipsticks

As soon as September rolled around I more than gladly packed away my Summer lipsticks and brought out the much anticipated Autumn/ Winter shades. As it's that time of year now to reach for a red or a berry tone, I thought I'd give you a peak at some of my favorites including some old loves from last year and some new finds. 

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick 107 

This beautiful plum colour is great for day to night transitions. The long lasting non drying matte texture makes this lipstick wearable all day round. Transfer is minimal when eating and drinking, the dry texture of the lipstick itself pressing the colour onto the lips. This particular shade is stunning on everyone who wears it but I think it looks striking on anyone with a paler complexion.  It applies easily making a great product to take you from day to night or just to add a wash of colour to an outfit. 

 

 
Bourjois Rogue Edition Velvet Grand Cru
If you're looking for a long lasting formula this Autumn then these liquid lipsticks are for you. These liquid to powder lipsticks apply like a gloss but dry to a non drying matte texture, making them great for long days. If you're not used to wearing liquid lipsticks they can be tricky to apply but once you get the hang of application they leave you with a long wearing pop of colour that won't budge throughout the day. 

  Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm Standout 
I have a feeling you'll be sensing a theme by now. My third go to lipstick is another matte formula. Revlon Colourburst Balms can do no wrong in my eyes. This shade is the perfect Autumn/Winter shade and so very easy to apply. With a delicious peppermint smell, this product is another one that presses the colour onto the lips making it a stay put beauty. This stunning browny red shade looks fabulous on any skin tone and is definitely a product I'll be repeatedly reaching for. 

Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick 31
This stunning pinky red shade is one of my favourite sheen finish lipsticks. Unlike some sheen/gloss finish lipsticks this colour doesn't slide off lips, the colour pressing itself onto lips. Highly pigmented this lipstick applies smoothly onto lips, the long wearing formula great for those long days at work or a night out with the girls. Just like the Matte Kate Moss lipsticks this colour looks great on any skin tone but is a fantastic stand out lip for paler complexions.

MUA Lipstick Shade 01
Another of my favourite sheen finish lipsticks, this classic red shade is perfect for any skin tone. Application straight from the bullet is easier than some, the non drying formula gliding onto lips seamlessly. This tone of red is the one shade I reach for when I want my lips to stand out. The formula doesn't dry lips out however it does transfer easily making it harder for that perfect red pout to stay in place all day. My advice would be to blot between each layer of colour to really press this shade into the lips.

I hope you all enjoyed my picks. I would love to hear what your go to Autumn/Winter Lipsticks are?
Until next time lovelies xx