POUNDLAND'S NEW MAKE UP GALLERY

Hi lovelies I have another bargain post for you today, but this time we're talking new affordable make-up on the high street from one of my favourite bargain stores POUNDLAND.

With each item in the 100 strong range costing just £1 there are an array of products that I am dying to check out including:

Long lasting foundation with UVA/UVB filters

Volumising and lengthening mascara with conditioning formula

Quick dry nail polish

Sheer lip gloss with moisturiser

Pressed powder with Vitamin E

as well as concealer, eye make-up and lipstick.

Initially the range is being rolled out in 480 stores so check out this link to find the nearest for you.

If you have already managed to pick up some items let me know what you chose and your thoughts in the comments below.

Image not my own.

Love to you all

Vicky xx

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Make-Up Face Product Favourites For 2013

Hi lovelies and Happy Thursday! Today I am going to do my first ever favourites post. I know it's rare for a blogger not to have favourites posts, but I just tend to review products as I use them. The end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014 however has got me thinking about products that I continue to use frequently. So here is my pick of favourite make-up face products for 2013.

Milani Glimmer Stripes All-Over Colour 05 Honey Glimmer

I picked up this multitasking product at Poundland in the summer. You can find that post here. I use the lightest 2 shades together or separately as a highlighter on my brow bone, cupids bow and tops of my cheeks. The darker shades I swirl together to use as a bronze blush. Swirling all of the palettes shades together gives lovely luminous bronzed glow to the cheeks so no need for a separate bronzer and highlight. I am just careful when using it in this way to make sure not to apply the product far below my cheekbones or too high. I can also create simple or smokey eye looks with this palette. I usually use 1, 2 or 3 of the shades. I think this palette may be discontinued, but I have seen it on Ebay and Amazon. I just wish I had picked up the other shaded palettes from this collection when they had them in Poundland. 

Chit Chat Foundation Oatmeal

This foundation I picked up in the same haul post mentioned above. This has a very light to medium coverage depending on how heavily you apply it. I love to use my fingers with this product. It's not runny or stiff. The formula is a cream texture that is very easy to work with. It has a clean and fresh scent when I sniff the bottle, but I don't feel that I notice any scent when applying it. I have never had any streaking or clinging to dry patches with this product. It actually feels quite moisturising. This shade is oatmeal which matches my pale skin very well. It's quite yellow toned. At the time I noticed another shade which was more pink toned, but I don't actually know the shade name. I would certainly pick this up again as it's so inexpensive and great for everyday wear. This 30ml tube I would say has lasted about 4 months as I have tried other products too.

Illamasqua Powder Blusher Expose

This is a gorgeous warm toned blush that works well both with my pale skin and with fake tan. It is quite pigmented so it's best to add a little at a time and build it up as desired. It gives a very natural, healthy glow. I have worn this shade through all seasons. I would definitely say it's an all skin tone shade. I am not sure if Illamasqua are discontinuing this blusher, but it is showing on the Debenhams website linked above. It has sold out, but hopefully you can pick it up in store. It is more on the expensive side of £18.00, but I will never get bored of using this blush and it is unmistakable in quality by the way it feels and looks on the skin.

E.L.F. Studio High Definition Powder Translucent

In my January 2013 E.L.F. Haul I picked up this product even though I still hadn't finished my previous tub because I love it that much and at 50% off I just couldn't resist. I have very dry skin and for a long time I didn't think that powder on my face was a good idea, but trust me with good skincare and the right products you can wear it. In the above haul link you will see my full review, but for flawless skin this product is magic. The only downside is that the tub does look messy, but as it's translucent it won't leave colour pigment wherever you are applying it so don't worry :) This tub is £6.00, but E.L.F. always have great sales so keep an eye out for those!

I have used a few face primers and concealers too, but I didn't feel that I loved them enough to put them into a yearly favourite. I will however let you know if I find exceptional products of this nature in 2014.

I am writing other favourites posts too including other make-up products and skincare so keep an eye out for those.

If you would like make-up looks using any or all of these products please let me know in the comments below along with any questions about them you may have.

Love to you all

FOTD: Will you be MesmerEyezd?

Ello ello beauties. How are you all on this dreadful rainy day? I feel for any of you that have had to venture out in this today. I have been sent some coloured contact lenses for free to review so I have this FOTD post for you :)

MesmerEyez Muliti-Purpose Solution, Lens Case and Lenses in left: Jade Green (Intense Range) & right: Royal Blue (Illusionz Range)

Left: Jade Green, Right: Royal Blue

I went for the Jade Green lenses for this FOTD as my eyes are already blue so you will hopefully see more of a difference.

 

This Jade Green shade is a little less intense than I had expected as I thought it was more of bright emerald green, but I still really like it. I quite like the misty effect that the lenses appear to have around the pupil area as it makes my pupils look a little smaller so that I think you notice the colour more. The edging of the lenses are very defined so I think that makes them look less natural than they could be, but I guess if you want your eyes to really pop it adds to that effect.

These were really easy to use for me, but then I am a contact lens wearer at least four days a week. You simply wash and dry yours hands, peel back the foil seal to the packet each lens is in and ensure that the lens is the correct way up for insertion into the eye. It's very easy to tell as the side with deep colouring is the side that will be on show. It should basically sit on the tip of your forefinger like a bowl with the edges curving inwards. Use the middle finger of your other hand to lift your top lid slightly and pull down with the middle finger of your hand with the lens to open the lower lid just a little and insert the lens with your forefinger. I can place mine straight onto the centre of my eye, but if yours need adjusting just look in different directions and the lens should slip into place. Blink a couple of times too as this sometimes helps.

The lenses I have are meant to last for 3 months once opened. To look at all of the fantastic range from MesmerEyez check out this link and use the colour studio to try the shades on the model. There are a variety of styles that are natural, intense, sexy or even wild. So if you fancy a change or just want something crazy to make those eyes pop these lenses could be a new addition to your night out.

3 Month lenses cost £19.99 (cleanser and lens case included). To purchase check this link.

Other products used in this FOTD are:

Helen É Cosmetics Stage Foundation Ultimate Performance Liquid Make-up For All Skin Types (Monroe - Very Fair Skin)*

Helen É Cosmetics Miracle Concealer*

E.L.F. Studio Translucent Matifying Powder

E.L.F. Studio Cool Bronzer

HD Brows Brow Beater

BellaPierre Cosmetics Lash Building Mascara Black

E.L.F. Studio Mist & Set

*Both Helen É Cosmetics were PR samples previously reviewed here.

Removing the lenses with clean hands pull down the lower lid gently, pinch the lens at the sides and pull out. You can look upwards if it makes it easier. Remove make-up AFTER removing lenses.

To store the lenses rinse to clean before placing in the lens case with solution for at least 6 hours. Rinse before placing the lenses into the eyes on next use. Change the solution in the lens case every week even if not in use. The lens case is labelled left and right, but I think it could be bolder so that it's a little easier to see.

I have been wearing these today for four hours and they have not bothered me at all. There is no irritation or discomfort. It is recommended to wear these for a maximum of 8 hours so I could not wear these to work as it's almost 12 hours for me from getting up to getting home. I would still wear them on a special occasion or night out though. These are not prescription lenses. They are only for cosmetic use.

 Many thanks to Amazing PR for sending these out to me. I have always been curious to try coloured lenses so thank you.

Are you a fan of coloured lenses? Do you have any favourite colours, styles or brands? Let me know in the comments below.



Love to you all 

 

E.L.F. 50% Off Haul

Hi my beautiful people. I am sitting here munching on some tasty strawberries and typing with one finger. Now that's dedicated blogging, ha ha ;) Recently I picked up some products in the E.L.F. 50% off sale so I thought why not show them to you with swatches included :)

Far Left: Mineral Face Cleanser, £6.00 for 50g

This water-activated, powder based cleanser works to clean and exfoliate the skin for a beautiful healthy glow. 

Moisten hands and face with water. Pour a small amount into hands and rub together. Gently massage into face and neck and rinse off. Use morning and night or as desired. 

I usually only exfoliate my face and neck twice a week with facial cleansers/scrubs, but I found I was able to use this type of product daily. I really enjoyed using the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant which I previously reviewed here. I thought this might be a cheaper alternative if it works just as well. The bottle has a flip top lid with three holes to shake the product out. The bottle is just over half full with product so it could be smaller.

2nd From Left: Studio Concealer Ivory, £3.75 for 3g

Conceal acne spots, discolouration, under-eye darkness or any other place desired with this twist up concealer. The creamy lightweight texture blends evenly for a natural full coverage that lasts.

Apply to areas that need additional coverage. Gently pat onto skin and blend with fingertips or a concealer brush.

This is a very peachy stick concealer that I purchased to use under the eyes, but I will see how it covers blemishes too. The stick is a little smaller than I thought it would be, but a good size to sweep easily under the eyes I think. I hope it will work well.

2nd From Right: Studio Translucent Matifying Powder, £3.75 for 3.8g

This translucent powder works on a wide variety of skin tones to help set your makeup in so it lasts longer. 

Use the sponge to blend in the powder over the face, neck and decolletage as a setting powder. Reapply as needed throughout the day for a refreshed look.

(Sponge Applicator contains Latex)

I previously reviewed this product here.

Far Right: Studio Makeup Mist & Set, £3.75 for 60ml

Keep your makeup in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold.

After you have applied your makeup spray a light mist 12-16 inches from your face with eyes closed to set your makeup in place or use for a quick touch up throughout the day to refresh your makeup. Let it dry naturally or blot with a tissue to help speed dry.

Previously reviewed here.

Left: Studio Daily Brush Cleaner, £3.75 for 60ml

An anti-bacterial daily brush cleanser for quick cleaning in-between makeup applications. Disinfects brushes to provide a fresh and clean application every time.

After using your brush, spray several times over the brush bristles. Gently wipe the brush onto a clean cloth to remove makeup. Allow brush to fully air dry before next use. 

Previously reviewed here.

Centre: Studio Mascara Primer, £3.75 for 2.5ml

An excellent conditioning base for mascara. 

Apply the Mascara Primer like you would any mascara, but allow Primer to fully dry. Layer on your Mascara as usual, for an enhanced look. Remove with makeup remover.

I have used a mascara primer before from Jane Iredale which I found really made my mascara look more volumised and held a curve in my lashes better. I am hoping this will do the same.

Right: Glitter Eyeshadow Flirt, Currently £1.75, usually £2.50 for 4g

Achieve radiant shimmering colour with this luxe Glitter Eyeshadow. 

Apply with fingertip for vibrant colour or with a brush for a subtle effect. For best results use with an Eyeshadow Primer. Apply wet for more intense looks.

This is looks lovely in the pan. A bold lilac shade with silver glitter particles. I think there will be fallout from this product, but perhaps it might not be too bad with an eye primer. I have had this swatch on my hand while blogging and the glitter particles have all fallen off. The colour seems to have faded also.

Left: Studio Glossy Gloss Ballet Slippers, £3.75 for 6.8g

High shine, pigmented Glossy Gloss delivers a beautiful sheen and a rich tint of colour to your pout. 

This is a nude skin tone shade that is quite peachy. It's creamy and looks like it could be worn nicely alone or over lipstick.

Right: Studio Glitter Gloss Dazzling Diamond, £3.75 for 6.8g

Dazzle and shine with this intense, show-stopping glitter filled gloss. Infused with light-reflecting micropearls, this non-sticky gloss illuminates lips with sheer brilliance and lots of colour. 

This is a clear gloss with gold and lilac glitter particles. It looks like it would be good over any lip shade if you like glittery lips.

Studio HD Blush in left to right Diva, Encore & Showstopper, £3.75 for 10ml each

Rich and creamy HD Blush naturally sculpts and highlights the cheekbones for a soft-focus effect that is great for everyday use.

Press down gently on the pump to release a very small amount of colour. Apply with finger or a stipple brush to the cheekbone in a tapping motion and blend in.

I find these very impressive and I would have bought all 5 shades, but the other 2 were sold out :( I actually got these mainly for the lips as I am hoping that they will be long lasting. A bit like an OCC Lip Tar. I am not sure how these will work on the cheeks as a little goes a very, very long way so they might be hard to blend in and control which will be frustrating if applied over face make-up. 

Diva ~ A cool pink with a blue undertone

Encore ~ A deep rose pink

Showstopper ~ A deep plum

I am disappointed that it looks as though my bottle of Showstopper has already been used as there is product around the outside of the spout. Be careful when first opening these too as the first one I opened (Diva) spurted out some liquid.

All prices shown in this post are full prices, but as I had 50% off these 12 products only cost £25.95 which included delivery. I am one happy bunny other than the what looks to be used Showstopper.

E.L.F. products are available from eyeslipsface.co.uk and eyeslipsface.com

Did you take part in this E.L.F. sale? If yes, which products did you pick up? What are your favourite and not so favourite E.L.F. products and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

 

Lips Of The Day: Sexy Pout Temporary Lip Tattoos By StarGazer

Hey loves. Happy Sunday to you. I have the house to my self today so I thought why not try out some temporary lip tattoos as you do. 

StarGazer Sexy Pout Temporary Lip Tattoos In Top: Red Hearts, Left: Red Cheetah & Right: Pink Tiger

I was sent the designs Red Hearts and Pink Tiger quite some time by StarGazer for free. They did not ask me to review them at the time, but I gave the Red Hearts design a go and was unsuccessful.

Kat from Touch Media recently sent the Red Cheetah design along with the Temporary Eye Tattoos which I recently reviewed here. I hate being beaten and not understanding how a product works so I gave this design a try.

Application:

• Ensure your lips are dry and clean as well as free from any other other lip products like lip balm or make-up.

• Pop the lip shapes out of the packaging. Snip to adjust the design to fit your lip shape and size. I found these designs quite large for my lips and although there are guidelines on them telling you not to cut from the top of the top lip or the bottom of the bottom lip I cut all around both in the end as they were just to large and an awkward shape to fit to my lips.

• It's not in the instructions, but you must peel the plastic from the front of the design and place the sticky side against your lips.

• Press a damp cloth or flannel against the design and try to keep the tattoos in place. This was a little difficult to do. I will warn you that it does feel weird and you will be trying not to drool (nice).

• You will see the design start to slip away. Gently peel off the backing after about 30-40 seconds of dampening. Use your cloth or flannel to gently press against the design now on your lips to mould it to your lips.

•  I applied the top lip first, but it's up to you which way you do it. Apply the design to your other lip in the same way trying not to let your top and bottom lips meet as these tattoos take 5 minutes to fully dry and seal.

• I applied these before any of my other make-up as I thought it would be easier. I had a little overlap on one corner which I managed to manoeuvre in place and then I applied the rest of my make-up. 

• To remove use gentle make-up remover or baby oil. Oily food may cause the design to be removed.

As you can see the design could be a little bigger on my lips, but I found it difficult to size and get a great fit. Nice attractive ring around the mouth (not).

Open mouthed to show you how it looks on the inner parts of the lips.

 

I do think these are a really fun and creative way to make your make-up stand out. However I think these are too fussy to apply and get the right size and shape for your mouth. I have been wearing the look while writing this post and already it's peeling from my lips dues to the saliva in my mouth as I haven't even had a drink. They are meant to last all day, but I don't see how they will stay in tact. I have one more of the designs to try which I will probably reserve for a Halloween look on my blog this year as I wouldn't feel comfortable or attractive when out in public and these start peeling away.

Other products in this LOTD/FOTD are:

Pure BB Cream (Light)

Helen É Cosmetics Miracle Concealer*

 

 E.L.F. Studio Translucent Matifying Powder

E.L.F. Studio Cool Bronzer

 

NYX Cosmetics Eyeshadow Base (White)

 

E.L.F. Mineral Eye Liner (Black)

 

 No7 Exceptional Definition Nutrient Enriched Mascara (Black)

HD Brows Brow Beater

*This Helen É Cosmetics Concealer was a PR sample that I reviewed in a FOTN post here.

There are many designs of these temporary lip tattoos which are available for £4.00 each here.

Are you a fan of temporary lip tattoos? Do you know how to make them stay on the lips for longer without peeling? Are there any products from StarGazer that you recommend? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

E.L.F. 50% Off Haul

Hi there gorgeous Beauty Addicts. I hope you are all doing good. Today is my first day back at work after two weeks off for the festive season. Did you have much time off or were you back into work mode straight away?

Just before Xmas I bought some things from E.L.F. (eyeslipsface.co.uk) as I needed to replace some products and wanted to take advantage of such a good discount so here is what I picked up.

Left: Studio Translucent Matte Powder £3.75, Link

This product looks lightly pigmented, but it does go on clear. I don't use the sponge it comes with. Instead I use a large powder brush and sweep it over my face after foundation and concealer to set it. This is a great product for those on the go. The compact is very slim and clicks shut so you know it's secure. It is not hard to open like some compacts can be. The mirror is so handy too. I use this every day as part of my make-up routine unless I am using the product to the right.

Right: Studio High Definition Powder (Translucent) £6.00, Link

I prefer the effect that this product gives, but it can be a little messy to open and close. Thankfully the powder particles are translucent so you are not left with coloured pigment all over the area where you apply your make-up. When I apply this I tip the container upside down, shake it side to side, tip it the right way up, open it and use the same powder brush that I use for the above product in the same way. I have tried the sponge, but it doesn't sweep over my make-up as I would like. I think this product is amazing. It really gives you a soft focus effect. I think it would look great on anyone as it just gives a softer look to the skin and makes my base make-up look a little more flawless. This now also comes in Colour Shimmer. A nude skin-tone shade and Colour Corrective Yellow which describes itself. I did think about getting the Colour Shimmer shade, but I am waiting for reviews on it as I don't know if I want a colour powder. The Colour Corrective Yellow shade I am unsure on. I believe yellow correctors are meant to tone down redness and even out skin-tones, but please correct me if I am wrong. I guess if you suffer with rosacea or have quite blemished skin then it may work well, but again I am waiting to see reviews on this.

Left: Studio Brush Shampoo £3.75, Link

I have already previously reviewed this product here so I won't harp on about it. Mine had run out so I had to replace it.

Right: Studio Powder Brush £3.75, Link

I still have one of these and it cleans up really well, but the top feels a bit loose so in case it comes off I thought I may as well get another while the sale was on. This brush is fantastic at applying my foundation. It is made from synthetic fibre and the brush hairs fan out into a flat top. They have movement, but are still quite dense. I apply my foundation section by section. I put my foundation on the back of my hand and dab the brush into just a little product for each part of my face. I then stipple the product on and voila I get a nice even finish. Sometimes I add more product to areas that are a little more red. 

Right: Studio Makeup Mist & Set £3.75, Link

I have already bought this product a few times, but I haven't used it for quite a while as I was waiting to order more things. I previously reviewed this product here.

Left: Studio Bronzer (Cool) £3.75, Link

I have always wanted to try this bronzer, but because I have so many already I felt too guilty to buy another. Because this was reduced to 50% off though I felt like it was okay to try. 

Swatches Described In Photo As In Palette

I think this is a nice palette to have. These matte shades I think are perfect as they are not to dark a bronzer for my pale skin tone. I wanted to get this palette also because I think it will double up as a great eyeshadow palette. Perfect for travellers and so compact with again a good sized mirror.

Top: Mineral Eye Liner (Black) £3.00, Link

I had to replace my previous one of these as I was rushing one day and twisted up too far before applying it. Needless to say it snapped off. It was my fault so I can't blame the product at all otherwise I wouldn't have bought another one. I also have this in the shades Coffee, Midnight & Ash. There is another shade called Metallic Purple too. I think this is such great value. It goes on very smoothly to create a thin or thick line. A great product for those who are new to using eye liner or just not that confident with it.

Bottom: Studio Matte Lip Color (Rich Red) £3.75, Link 

I already have this product in the shades Coral, Tea Rose & Praline I believe. There are other shades of Natural and Nearly Nude, but I thought I would go for something bold. I have yet to try this shade, but the ones I already have from this range are so easy to throw on for an every day look. This shade I will need to take more care when applying though or I will look like a clown.

 Top: Mineral Eye Liner (Black)

Bottom: Studio Matte Lip Color (Rich Red)

The lip color looks more fuchsia pink than red to me, but it is still a very nice bold shade.

All prices shown in this post so far have been the full price. For this haul with my 50% off discount including delivery I only paid £18.70 which I think is blooming brilliant for 8 products.

So that's everything cherubs. I hope these reviews were helpful. Did you take part in this 50% off sale? What are your E.L.F. likes/dislikes and why? Let me know in the comments below.

Love to you all

 

FOTD/Sleek MakeUP Pout Paints

Well hello lovelies. I enjoy writing all of my posts, but I really had fun with this one. I have been meaning to try out my Sleek MakeUP Pout Paints for quite some time. I will show you which ones I picked up and what the results were.

 

Left-Right: Cloud 9, Peek-A-Bloo, Pin Up, Lava & Port. These all retail at £4.99 each from Superdrug and sleekmakeup.com

 

Left: Peek-A-Bloo, Right: Cloud 9 

Although all of the Pout Paints can be mixed together these two paints are what I would call the mixers. The Peek-A-Bloo will add depth and warmth whereas the Cloud 9 will lighten a colour.

 Lava

Pin Up

Port

Now on to the mixing :)

1/2 Lava, 1/2 Cloud 9

I had to keep blotting this as I found this peachy shade to look a bit streaky, but once I did this it was fine.

Equal parts Lava, Cloud 9 & Port

1/2 Pin Up, 1/2 Cloud 9

 Equal parts Pin Up & Cloud 9. Then added 1/2 the amount of 1 equal part Peek-A-Bloo

1/2 Pin Up, 1/2 Peek-A-Bloo

1/2 Port, 1/2 Peek-A-Bloo

I then added a little Cloud 9 straight onto the lips from the centre outwards, but not to the edges of the lips.

The other products I used in this Face Of The Day are:

• Clarins Beauty Flash Balm ~ all over the face.

• Clinique Repairwear Anti-Aging Makeup SPF 15 (I assume it's this one as I was given a sample at the Clinique counter and told it would be discontinued. The other Repairwear called Laser Focus All-Smooth Makeup SPF 15 says it's new) ~ all over the face and down the neck.

• Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in 02 ~ on any blemishes.

• Primark Ta Ta For Now Magic Undereye Concealer in Light ~ under the eyes, down the nose and on the cupids bow.

• E.L.F. High Definition Powder ~ all over the face.

• Urban Decay Primer Potion ~ all over the eyes.

• MUA Eyeshadow in Shade 2 - Pearl ~ on the brow bone and on the inner tear ducts.

• NYX Eyeshadow in Root Beer ~ all over the eyelid and through the eyebrows.

• NYX Eyeshadow in Black ~ in the eye creases and on the outer v.

• 17 Clear Definition Mascara ~ on the eyebrows.

• MUA Eye Liner in Snow White ~ in the waterline.

• Jane Iredale Purelash Extender & Conditioner ~ on the eyelashes prior to mascara application.

• Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black ~ on the eyelashes.

• E.L.F. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder ~ the bronzer was applied under the cheekbones and up to the hairline, as well as on the temples and under the jawline in an E 3 motion. The blush was applied to the apples of the cheeks.

• E.L.F. Studio Makeup Mist & Set ~ all over the face.

This is not a look I would normally go for, but I love it. I could have gone on forever creating new colours with these paints. It is so much fun and I think for the price they are so worth it as you only need the tiniest amount on a lip brush to apply them. My only negative is that I did get some transfer onto my teeth.

Have you tried any of these Pout Paints? What are your favourites? What combinations have you come up with? How did you solve the teeth transfer issue?

Love to you all