My Week in Make Up

Hey gorgeous ladies,

So the last few weeks I have been doing 'My Week in Lipstick' posts but as I can finally confess I am in love with lipsticks - slightly verging on obsessed - I have decided to start doing my week in make up posts.

I thought of this after posting last Sundays week in lipsticks so have started putting all of the products I used every day into a box so that I would know what I have used by the end of the week. I am also trying to use different products every day so as to share the loooove ;)

So I'm just gonna post pictures of what I used over the week and then if you would like a review on any of the products please feel free to let me know :)

So here are all the goodies I used this week - Enjoy xx

An Overview of all products used

Far right

Centre

Far left

I thought this was a good way of showing you what I use and then if anybody would like any reviews if you were thinking of getting similar products I could do a review for you.

Hope you enjoy

XX

Early Birthday Presents :)

Hello all you beauties,

My wonderful other half decided to spoil me today as it is my birthday on Wednesday but we are both working all week so we won't be able to do anything. So as wonderful as he is he took today off and whisked me off up to Newry which is about an hours drive away so I could make my very first visit to Superdrug. Needless to say I was sooooooo super excited. There are so many amazing brands in Superdrug that we just can't get down this side of the country. And the even better part is he put all my purchases through his card because all this is my Birthday present... yayyyyyy for thoughtful fiances. So I only purchased from brands that I cannot get a hold of here.

Just before I go on... I am not bragging or boasting so please do not leave me any negative comments. I am simply showing what I got as a present and letting my followers know what kind of products I will be reviewing in the future.

So here is what I got in Superdrug....

This is what £63.20 worth of make up looks like haha

The first stand I hit was 2true and I already have a concealer from them that Dee sent me but I wanted to get some more goodies and Kelly had recommended the foundation so I decided to give it a whirl.

These were really reasonably price £1.99 each or 3 for £4.99 so I got 6 bits.

2true smooth matte pressed powder in shade 2

2true smooth matte foundation in shade 2

2true lipstick in shade 1

2true plumptuous lip gloss in shade 20

2true fast dry quick colour nail polish in shade 1

2true glossywear nail polish in shade 10

I loooooove sleek and wasn't sure if the Superdrug I was going to would even have their stand but they did and it was massive and I love it. So i decided on

Sleek storm palette £6.49

Sleek pout polish in pink Cadillac £4.29

Sleek face contour kit in light £6.50

2 x Sleek lipsticks in mystic and barely there 2 for £6.00

These 3 were in the basket when I got to the till and I hadn't put them there haha the OH had decided he liked them and popped them in while I was oggling the Sleek stand.

These MeMeMe nail collection long lasting gloss were on 3 for 2 (my OH told me this and said that is why he picked 3 shades haha I love him so much) and they were £4.50 each so I got the three for £9.00

The shades are Impulsive (neon yellow) Enigmatic (Grey) and Elegant (Gold/Green)

Again the blue polish popped into my basket by the polish fairy :) I only got a little few things from Beauty UK but I do already have a little palette with thanks again to Dee.

BeautyUK baked blush in candy shop £3.99

BeautyUK glam nails in soft grey £1.99

BeautyUK glam nails in electric blue £1.99

BeautyUK lip lust in date night £2.99

Lastly are a few one off things. I was actually really disappointed because the Accessorize stand was almost empty but I had been craving this bronzer since I saw CazzyFox use it on youtube.

Accessorize Baked Bronzer Golden Sand shade 1 £7.00

MUA Eye Dust in Shade 1 £1.00

Superdrugs own eye shadow blending brush £1.99

So I have to say my very first Superdrug visit was amazing. I won't need to go back for a while but I definitely will be going back. I just wish they were somewhere a bit nearer.

So after we left Superdrug we started heading home and I was so busy looking through all my goodies in the car I didn't realise the the OH had taken the wrong road home. When I said it to him he said sure we are going to Blanchardstown now to get you some MAC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So we got to Blanchardstown and I was bamboozled cos there must have been about 5 girls getting their make up done. All I really wanted was the Face and Body foundation but the girl said they didn't stock it cos the shop was not big enough - whatever - the shop is plenty big. I know a few people are having this problem. I really think they should stock it. Anyway rant over... so instead I got another eyeshadow for my palette and a new lipstick from the Quite Cute collection.

Eyeshadow is Parfait Amour and was €11.50 and the lipstick is Play Time €17.50

Also before we left this morning my Mother and Father in law to be gave me some money for my birthday to spend while we were shopping so I picked up a curling wand. I still think my hair is a bit short but at least I can try now or even just practice for when it is longer.

Babyliss curling wand from Boots €33.99.

So that was my Birthday presents. My Mum already gave me hers last month it was a tattoo removal session so I can't see there being any more but I think I did pretty dang well. It'll take me months to play with all of this :)

Anyway lovely ladies enjoy the rest of your weekend. I may be quite cos I will be busy playing.

XX

MIA

Hi Lovelies,

I just wanted to write a quick post to apologise for being MIA this week. I haven't blogged since Monday and I feel terrible. Unfortunately there are some things going on in my personal life that I need to worry about at the minute so the old bloggy is taking a back seat for a bit. I will try to blog as much as I can though cos I do miss it.

So while I am on I am just gonna show you a couple of little bits I picked up lately. I had to pop into town this evening after work for something and really needed some cheering up, but am still conscious of my ban even though it is the least of my worries at the moment, so I contained myself but I did get two absolute bargains. These bags were originally €8.00 each in Primark/Pennys but I got them for €2.00 each and the best part is I had been eying up one of them for a while. I don't actually posses a tan bag so I said to hell with it at that price get em both.

Sorry about the horrible picture I am considering maybe a new camera soon - actually can I get a bit of feedback on my pics? are they ok or could I do with a better camera? unfortunately the lighting in my house is bloody awful.

Anyway last night I was getting petrol and had seen on Leannes blog before I had left the house about the freebie Nails Inc Polish in InStyle magazine so I picked one up. They only had 4 mags left, 3 had the green (electric teal) and the other had the fawn colour so i got a green one and it is really good stuff so shiny and I didn't even bother with a top coat.

So there you are a few little bargain pick me ups. I am just in bed now and watching the new Harry Potter film again and fingers crossed normal blogging will resume shortly

XX

NOTD - Nail Effects Pink'n'Black

Happy Bank Holiday Monday Lovelies,

Just a super quick post about my nail polish that I wore yesterday. I had a bit of inspiration on Saturday Night and wend a bit Pink'n'Black mad. I love these two colours especially together so here is my little creation.

What I used

As a base I used Essence Black on my index and ring finger and I use MUA pink on every other finger as it matched the Barry M Nail Effects Pink so well. Over the base I used Barry M Nail Effects in Pink and Black.

Black over pink on my middle finger and pink over black on my index finger.

You can see the difference between putting pink over black and then black over Pink. I think I almost prefer the pink over the black.

Which is your fave?

XX

My week in Lipsticks #2

Hey Ladies,

Hope you have all had a lovely weekend. I am looking forward to a Bank Holiday Monday Snooze on tomorrow but dreading back to work on Tuesday. Just updating you on week 2 of my quest to fall in love with lipsticks. Hope you like the new name :)

This week had it's ups and downs to be honest but I think I am on track to loving lippies :) I had the week off this week so there were a few days I didn't wear make up at all so my lipstick pile for this week is small, however, I did go a little bit mad buying lipsticks.

 I sold a few bits and bobs on eBay so had some PayPal money so I took the opportunity to invest in a few more NYX lipsticks. I have one NYX lipstick but went for a colour that did not match me so I am giving them another go. I purchased 2 sets of 3 lipsticks off 2 different sellers and went for Doll, Thalia, Aphrodite, Fig, Tea Rose and Rose Bud. I am hoping at least one will suit me.

I was also at the MAC counter on Tuesday and if you follow me on Twitter you will know that I have had a love hate relationship with the lipstick I purchased. As I said in last weeks update I got 17 Beehive because I wanted a nude and it did not seem to work on me. So I thought sod it I will go to MAC and spend that bit extra to be matched to a nice nude and do it right. FAIL. The girl in MAC 'matched' me, and I use the term lightly, to Myth which is a horrible colour on me and even the boyf said I looked like a corpse. It was horrible but I persisted with lipglosses and brushes trying to make it work. So in desperation last night I slapped it on again and popped Beehive over it and amazing, the look great together so my cheapy 17 lippy saved the day over the expensive crappy one.

Top: Myth, Middle: Beehive, Bottom: Myth with Beehive over it

I had a horrible night on Friday and honestly did not sleep a wink and had to pop into town for my sister really early on Saturday morning, so still feeling very sorry for myself after my sleepless night and feeling I deserved a treat of course I popped into Boots and as the 3 for 2 was on I had even more reason to treat myself so I got a 17 shadow which I am gonna do a review on a 17 mascara and another new lipstick (this is how I know I am starting to fall in love :) ) I purchased a Rimmel lipstick as I love the formulation of my Rimmel Asia (which is ancient). The colour I chose is Lasting Finish 'One of  Kind' and I will be colour matching myself to lipsticks in future cos it is gorrrrrgeous. It is a teeny bit berry-ish for spring but I am gonna live in it for winter.

So I also popped in a sneaky little ELF order on Thursday because of the Free delivery code you can't resist that, and what do you know 2 Lipsticks on that list too. After getting a mineral lipstick from Charli... and loving it I decided it was well worth investing in another one so I have ordered Mineral Pouty Petal and Regular Line Gypsy.

So in a week I have purchased 9 Lipstick (OMG didn't think of it like that) so I think it might be a sign I am falling for them.

As I said I haven't been wearing make up too much this week but I did reach for a few lipsticks when I was heading out. I have been keeping ELFs Classy lipstick in my bag for emergencies because I think it pretty much goes with anything and have also been slicking on Rimmel Asia quite often. If you have quite pigmented lips I think this is a really nice natural colour. In my pic I have also included Beehive and Myth because I am gonna wear them tomorrow and also my new Rimmel which I loooooove.

17 Beehive, ELF Classy, Rimmel Asia, MAC Myth, Rimmel One of a Kind

So this is my week in Lipstick - hopefully next Sunday I will be posting pics of all my new Lipsticks

If you have any recommendations please send em my way.

XX

April Faves with a new twist

Hey Lovelies

So before I started making my list for my April Faves I decided I was gonna do it a bit different this time. As you may have noticed from my previous blog posts you rarely see a bad review from me. There is a simple reason for this, I don't like saying mean things, even if they are true. As my Mum always says 'If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all'. This is the mentality I have taken with me into the blogging world. If I haven't blogged a good review about it, it's probably because I don't like it or own it one or the other.

But then I also think, if I don't like something surely I should say so on my blog so that others don't waste their money on it, so with this in mind I have decided to extend my monthly faves with a little section at the bottom detailing the products I have bought in that month that I don't like. This way if you would like more information on why etc you can let me know. I hope this will kind of be the best of both worlds.

So on to my April Faves. It is probably gonna be very similar to March as I haven't bought too much this month I am trying to follow Charli...'s ban by only spending money I have in my PayPal or using offers that I would miss otherwise :)

Here are my Faves - again slightly different lay out this Month - let me know if you like

FACE:

Primer: I have been reaching for 17 Photo Primer this month on a daily basis. It is a really good alternative to Smashbox with a very close consistency. I have done a full review of this on my blog if you wanna take a look.

Foundation: I have been splitting between my Rimmel 25hr foundation and my MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation this month with the good weather/fake tan etc. I am putting in my Rimmel foundation as I have used it in pictures etc and it shows up really well and its just such a good coverage foundation without looking cakey.

Concealer: Again this month it is ELF Under Eye Concealer. I am making it a mission this month to try some new concealers but I just find this one so good. It just stays put and blends in so well. One point though I have completely given up using the highlighting section because I don't think it makes much of a difference.

Setting Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I only started using this product this month after seeing it in Ms Budget Beauty's videos.

Also not pictured is ELF Complexion Perfection Powder which is a regular in my favourites.

Blushes, Bronzers and Highlighters:

Blush: So I have been reaching for 2 blushers this month a cream type blusher and a regular powder blush. The cream type blush has been ELF All Over Colour Stick in Pink Lemonade which has been doing such a good job at pro-longing the wear of my powder blush and it is also a really fab colour on it's own. The Powder blush I have been reaching for is NYX Pinky. I know it looks scary in the pan but it is not quite as loud on your cheeks and when it is blended out it is sooooo pretty. By far my fav blush for spring/summer. And the thing I really like about this is there is no glitter/shimmer in it which I prefer.

Contour: I have been using NYX raisin as a contour this month. I will be using this as a blush in Autumn/Winter but at the minute it goes so well with Pinky that it is just a gorgeous combo for spring/summer.

Highlight: I have actually been using 3 different products for highlight this month as I want to try to pull off that dewy glow for spring/summer. Firstly I apply ELF Studio Golden bronzer around the outside of my cheeks temples etc and then I apply ELF All Over Colour Stick in Spotlight as a cream base for my highlighter above my cheeks and then I apply ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance as a cheek highlighter.

Eye Products:

Primer: Although I have been using my Urban Decay Primer Potion this month I am still putting my ELF primer down as my Favourite. I am absolutely ripping with myself as I placed an ELF order yesterday and forgot to get a replacement grrrrr I ran out of this a week or two ago so must must must re-purchase.

Eyeshadow Base: I love using NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk as an eyeshadow base and always forget to add it to my favourites but not this month. I have a back up of this bad boy already and it is just the best thing every for making your eye shadows show up more. I wear alot of colours on my eyes and this just lets the colours show through a lot better.

Eyeshadow for lid & Highlight: Sorry about this but it is a Limited Edition I got from 17 when I spent over a certain amount. I got it a few years ago and liked it so much I actually went in and bought more 17 goodies just to get another freebe cos I knew it would disappear. It is a perfect colour for my highlight and all over my lid when I am feeling like a more neutral day.

Eyeshadow for crease: My absolute fave eyeshadow at the minute is this Accessorise in Moss I think it is called. I just compliments my eyes and although I am usually either a very bright or very dark eye kind of gal this colour has led me down a more neutral path which I am really enjoying exploring.

Eyeliners: This month I am gonna rave about 2 Gel eyeliners as I haven't really been using any khols/pencils. This month I am loving MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack on my waterline and then using ELF Metallic Olive on my lid (because it was made to be worn with my Accessorise shadow :) )

Mascara: I am still using my Falsies mascara which I am still loving but It is almost gone :( Can anyone suggest a new mascara for me to try please?

Lip Products:

Sorry I dunno why this pic is upside down kinda ooops

Lipbalm: I only go these on Tuesday but they have replaced my freebee CherryCulture one and they are Lip Smackers in Coca Cola and Cherry Coke flavour. I had heard about them on twitter and decided to give them a whirl at €1.95 couldn't resist and they are yummmmmmy

Lipstick: ELF Mineral in Ripe Rose. I got this from Charli...'s blogsale and it is my new fav lippie it is a little bit darker than my natural lip colour so I really like it and the formulation is really nice.

Lipgloss: I really like this Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss in Fashion Diva I think its so pretty but have to get it from the US so I am rationing it :)

Just had to stick this in here too.

Thank you so much to Kelly who recommended these. I love it. It is amazing. That is all :)

Now on to Items I will not be repurchasing

Sleek Palette in Circus: I am in love with my Sleek Bad Girl Palette and was so excited when I saw this on a blog sale and purchased it. Thank god I did not pay full whack. The colour pay off is brutal. I reckon I will stick with Sleeks darker colours.

Rimmel The Max Volume Mascara: Horrible formula very gloopy. Does nothing for my eyelashes

NYX Eye Pencil: Could be drawing on my waterline all day and would not get any colour off this pencil. It is pants.

Revlon Custom Eyes Shadow: Colour pay off is nill. I do like the colours in this but it's wayyyyy too sheer.

GOSH Mascara in Purple: Do like the brush etc but can't see it as purple when it goes on but saying that I may try the same mascara in regular old black and see how it goes.

GOSH Nail Polish in Holographic: SHOCK HORROR I know. I love the colour of this polish really really love it but I applied it at the weekend and realised I hate this polish. It took 4 coats and each one was a chore and then it chipped and chipped and chipped sorry I don't like it.

Lastly another shock horror 17 Beehive: It made my lips look really dry and icky and also is a bit sheer.

Hope you have enjoyed honeys please let me know some of your favourites cos I am always looking for new products to try out

XX

ELF Brushes

Hey Ladies

Today is the last day of my little ELF dedication week. Today's review is gonna be on their brush range. I was gonna do separate reviews on both ranges but decided to pop them both in on the one post. So there are 3 brush ranges that ELF supply, their regular range which are €1.70 each and then there are the studio range which are €4.00 each. There is also the Mineral range of brushes but I don't actually have any of them so can't give you a review on them sorry.

I am gonna review all the regular line brushes that I have purchased.

Foundation Brush: I can't say I liked this as a foundation brush but I have used it as a concealer brush for under my eyes and around my nose and find it quite handy for that.

Total Face Brush (Not Pictured): This brush I keep in my bag and use it to apply powder during the day. It is not the most wonderful brush in the world but it will do in a pinch. I think the problem is the fact that it is a 'total' face brush so its kinda good for everything but not brilliant at anything if you get me but still handy.

Blushing, Bronzing and Blending Brush: The head on this brush is a lot smaller than I expected it to be. For me I like my blusher brush to be a bit denser but I do use this brush daily for my contouring as it is slimmer and so is easier to pinpoint where I want to contour like the sides of my nose or temples.

Eyeliner Brush: By far the worst brush I have ever owned. I suppose I was mostly put off when it arrived and was hard and full of dust. As a user of angled eye liner brushes I just dunno what to be doing with this brush so it just sits in my brush stand I'm afraid. Definitely a no no.

Blending Eye Brush: This brush is the bomb I love it for blending out my darker colours that I use in the crease of my eye. In a pinch I have also used it simply to apply my eyeshadow. This is a must have brush.

Eye Crease Brush: Another must have brush from this range. Really nice for blending just in the crease. I have 2 of these brushes.

Eye Shadow Brush: This is the best brush in this range. I have about 6 of these now they are that good. They pick up eyeshadow brilliantly. They are just the right size for applying eyeshadow. If you fancy trying some ELF brushes definitely add this little beauty to your list.

So now I am going to move on to the collection of Studio Brushes that I have

Ohh apparently I do have a mineral Brush - this is the Mineral Kabuki Brush: I use this brush every single day. I will use it with my golden bronzer when I feel like being a bit more colourful. I also use this after I have applied my highlight blush and contour to blend it all in so that it looks more natural. I have actually just popped another onto my wishlist as it is that good. I also think I might pop the bigger body version on there too.

Complexion Brush: I like this brush to apply my highlight but that is really all I use it for. I am sure it could be used for applying your powder etc but I much prefer to apply my powders with the actual powder brush.
Stipple Brush: I have used this with my MAC moistureblend foundation and also with Studio Fix Fluid and Rimmel 25 hour and it works wonderfully every bit as good as the MAC version I have.

Powder Brush: This is such a good brush. I have two of these as recently I have started using one to apply my liquid foundation after seeing a YouTube video where the girl used it for foundation. It really is a super brush for foundation but I also use it for applying my Complexion Perfection powder and my Rimmel setting powder. These brushes are a must have.

Blush Brush: I think this is my most recent purchase from the Studio range and it is a great blush brush due to the shape. It has a nice oval tip to it so you can use it flat over wider spaces or side on for more detailed accurate application.

Overall Opinion:

I am really impressed with ELF brushes but what I have found is that if you want good face brushes go with the Studio line. The Studio line brushes are synthetic and are so so soft. The day I got my first powder brush I literally sat on the sofa watching TV and running it over my face.

On the other had if you are looking for eyeshadow/blending brushes I would say go for the regular line brushes. I am steadily collecting them and using nail polish on the bottom to remind me what colour I use them for. Eventually I would like a brush for each eyeshadow colour I use.

These brushes are well worth the money and if you are starting out they are a good way to get used to using brushes etc. The other thing I really like is rather than numbers they are actually labeled for their use.

Some day I hope to have them all :)

Hope you enjoyed my little ELF dedication. I have just placed another order and still have so many good products from them that I may well do this again shortly. Please let me know if you enjoyed this series and if you think it would be worthwhile maybe doing another. Also if there are any ELF products you would like to see me review.

Thanks Honeys

XX

If you wanna see what ELF say about these brushes head on over to their website www.eyeslipsface.co.uk.