Update

Apologies for the lack of posts recently, been in London for a couple of weeks, and at 'Endorse It in Dorset' festival hence the t shirt --> The heavy boozing, living out a suitcase, smoking and sleeping in makeup accounts for the pasty face and bad skin incase you were wondering!

I was also a bridesmaid for my Dad earlier in the month :)




Like everyone else I got my results for the first year of A levels this morning which i was pleasantly suprised (try gobsmacked) that i got an A in politics, B in English lit and B in psychology! woo hoo! hope everyone else got what they hoped for too..
xxxx 

p.s.  favourites for August are the Boots 17 blusher in 'First Kiss', a pink with a gold sheen, fast becoming one of my favourite types of blushers, like the Elf one that comes with a bronzer duo, sort of like the infamous 'Orgasm', and the Prestige liquid eyeliner, and natural collections eyeshadows in the light shades!

Makeup Look :)

 This was meant to be my 'fairy' makeup for a Shakespeare dress up party... I had to up it with the makeup seen as though my outfit didn't resemble a fairy one bit! I used green from a sleek palette and a purple bourjois colour (similar to Mac Cranberry!!!), and a dark green Bourjois Kohl Contour pencil eyeliner on the waterline!

I didn't use any bronzer and added just a bit of Benetint for a rose colour blush. 

Giveaway...

http://www.brittanylovex.com/2011/07/giveaway-sigma-travel-kit-naughty-in.html
Sigma Travel Kit! It's international, go to Brittany Love's blog ^ ends 15th of August :) x

Product of the week! /month/year :)

Boots Essentials Hair Serum - £1.99

This stuff is just as good as any expensive serum, my hair can get pretty dry at the ends so I try remember to use this when it's damp, or to just add shine and make it super soft when it's styled :)
 

Makeshift Brush/Makeup Holders!

I know most people use pen pots but for shorter or travel sized brushes or eyeliners (etc) I think these work better! (and most people can find them round their room anyway..) It was a moment of genius really, don't know if anyone else does this but I just took the lids off some hair products such as hairspray. I usually end up throwing them away but this is a much better use!

      I also decorated them with ribbon, an old bracelet an necklace and dotted the FCUK lid > with pink nail varnish dots! ..I'm aware this is a little sad, but when it comes to my makeup collection I go all out :D Try it... it passes time well

Krusha taking full advantage of makeup table...

excuse the mess, it is usually sqeaky clean promise :) 

What's in my bag...?

These are my favourite videos to watch on Youtube so thought i'd add a post :) 

- Sunglasses (usually) - RayBan aviators, or leopard print Primark ones...!

- Chewing gum, always

- Handgel - The carex 'Lavender and Rosewood' one:)

- Small perfume/spray

Topshop bag i use

- Comb and hairbands just in case!

- Small makeup bag with necesseties for touch ups such as: Bobbi Brown Foundation stick, gel eyeliner, powder and blusher (as blusher seems to be one of the things that fades!) I usually cram it into a small makeup bag but if i need more then i'll take my Benefit Gabbi Glickman case

- Whatever lipstick i'm wearing - usually Rimmel Spotlight Beige!

-  Ipod & Phone
- Mini Strawberry body butter from Body Shop

- Purse: by the make 'Ness', very fitting! It's cute though I am saving for a Ted Baker one in pale blue which I love :)

- Paperchase notebooks & pen! (for all my To Buy lists of course) 

- Water bottle!!!

Paperchase - pack of two notebooks

Ted Baker purse!

Mini Haul - Myface & NYC & Bourjois

Finally got the Myface foundation from Boots, I got it in 01 Fair (yes, the palest one...). I was trying to decipher a difference between 01 and 02 for agesss, so just went for the paler, probably the lesser of two evils! It isn't that pale really, and I like the foundation on my first impression. I used it with a stippling brush and it blended well and is basically what I expected, a lighter coverage is refreshing sometimes! It doesn't come with a pump however which is annoying and messy. it was £13:)

I also got the NYC Metro Quartet Eye Shadow in 'Union Square', which a small quad of neutral eyeshadows. There were two neutral browny quads and I couldn't really decide.. so again took a random guess! It was only £2.50 and it's fairly small so good for travel as it has the highlight, crease etc colours. The picture makes the browns look darker than they are, and the far left 'all over' colour is more of a copper, (they are all somewhat shimmery). I really like it and you can build it up to quite a dramatic look, though Emilynoel83 included it in her video of what she didn't like so much from NYC, so I guess it's different for everyone!

I also got the orange High Definition Volume mascara from NYC because I was in desperate need of one! It seems OKAY so far, pretty clumpy really. I don't like the brush as it doesn't taper at the end, so much more difficult for corner and lower lashes. After seeing some photos now I see both the other mascaras they have do have tapered ends, so I think I chose the wrong one! 

I got the colour wheel in 'Purple Rain', haven't tried it much yet but I like the shades in there and they all seem fairly pigmented, apart from the darkest shade which is unfortunately my favourite! But with a good primer it might pay off :)

I THEN got the colour wheel in 'Peach Glow', it's very smooth and applies well. I love peach blush but this actually applies slightly on the orange side for me, despite looking fairly light in the pan... As i'm very pale, i do still like it and for anyone who isn't that fair i think it'd add a nice peach glow.

I got the Bourjois 'delice de poudre'  bronzer, which is a good product. I actually crave the smell it's so good! i got it in 51 and it's a pretty good colour for me, so if you're not that pale i'd probably go for 52, as there are only two shades. Sparkle is very minimal which is good and although the packaging seems a little budget it's slim and fits into my makeup bag easily! 


Also tried the MUA powder, quite chalky and can see white filler in the container, however for only a quid it's okay :) 

New Sleek Palette!

This is on my crappy camera and they still look good!

 

Today I bought my second Sleek palette from the Caribbean collection in Superdrug - 'Curacao', I also have 'Storm', which I use all the time, and mix the brown & black for eyebrows. This palette is new out and i'm so glad I got it, they sell out pretty quick (go go go!) and I've missed most the others, such as Paraguaya :( :( But anyway, as you can see from the picture this is insanely bright and every colour is so so so pigmented, even the matte ones. There are a couple of colours i'm probably never going to use but that's just personal preference, and i've been looking for a good yellow orange and red for ages! (my crappy phone camera does not do justice to the orange!!!)

The blue is identical to Revlons Matte shade 'Venetian Blue', which I bought and loved, but it is much more pigmented (and the whole palette is like £1.50 more than the single shadow...) It is a little chalky however so remember to tap off the excess off your brush!

My favourite shade is probably the purple, and the aqua colour is lovely too. 

Storm

Not as wearable as the Storm palette but a good purchase :))

(£6.50 each)

:)

Favourites... (and worst)

I'm just going to keep this as a post i'll keep updating everytime I think of a product i've been using and love!

- Elf Studio Eyeshadow Primer - Choose this over an expensive one any day! I used the Estee Lauder one for a while and this definitely wins.

- Shu Uemera blush in Peach - 44. True matte peach colour and really subtle and summery, love it!

- Laura Mercier Illuminating Powder - previously mentioned.

- Collection 2000 concealer, already mentioned this

- Sleek palettes, just because they're so handy, fit into your makeup bag and useful colours in them all, i'm definitely thinking of expanding my collection

- Maybelline colour sensational cream gloss - love this stuff, i don't always wear lipgloss (!) but I love the nude shades here! 



There aren't loads of products I hate so thought i'd add them on here:

- Elf Mineral Infused Mascara - I ordered this because I needed a cheap mascara, I love the brush , small and tapered, and it was buildable and a good mascara but transferred to the top of my eyes and it was SO annoying having these little dots everytime I looked in the mirror, my mum found it transferred underneath too. I'd rather go for a Miss Sporty or Collection 2000 over this

Mac fluidline vs. Maybelline gel liner!

Yesterday I bought the maybelline gel eyeliner, it was a bit of a whim (seen as though I already have the mac one...) BUT i wanted the brush too and i like how they are when they're new and not dried out at all so...
Anyway, i really like the brush that came with it, so it's £8 for the product and the brush which is pretty good, whereas Blacktrack is £11 I think. I want to try the colour eggplant but I can't find it anywhere!!

I wore it all day today, on the waterline and in the corners too, and when I came home it was prettty smudgy, and was faded. Which is one of the reasons I sometimes prefer liquid eyeliners because they're more intense.
I think the Mac is more waterproof and better for the waterline, though the maybelline does apply well.
I'm ordering an E.L.F one to compare too, so will update this :) 

Typical Face/Foundation Routine

1) I do my makeup first thing so I moisturise straight away (i'm using Body Shop Aloe Vera day cream) so it has a little time to sink in
2) I spray body shop vitamin E mist on my face as a sort of primer/moisturiser - on hot days i only use this and skip the moisturiser
3) I do my concealer first, usually Collection 2000 lasting perfection, i got it in fair which is quite pale which is why i do it before foundation, so when i blend my foundation it blends it in. Sometimes use the No & blend and contour brush to apply and blend it
4) The foundation i use is usually Revlon Photoready, or Bourjois Healthy Mix, both I love, and use the Elf stippling brush, stipple it first then lightly buff it out
5) I use benefit high beam on my cheekbones
6) If i'm using a cream blush i'd do it now
7) I then lightly powder with No7 translucent powder - I didn't felt like this product did anything at first but as it's translucent it is light enough to mattify it slightly before the rest of powder products, so this is the one i reach for at this step over any others. I sometimes use the Elf flat top powder brush or a powder puff then knock the excess off with a fluffy brush
8) Then i apply bronzer with the benefit angled brush, though if i want an all over glow rather than contouring I go for a larger brush, like a powder brush. At the moment i'm using Bourjois Bronzing powder (chocolate one in shade 51) or L'oreal glam bronze brunette duo
9) Blusher with a smaller brush - love the Elf blush brush! One of my favourite blushes is Shu Uemera in Peach, but i also love the Elf one from the blush and contour duo. However in winter i prefer rose pinks and berry colours!
10) Use loose powder mixed with Laura Mercier Illuminating powder in Starlight to set, and some on it's own on the tops of cheekbones

I use Johnsons makeup wipes, they're the only ones i've tried and liked! And cleanse, tone and moisturise again with the Aloe vera set. (though i want to try the rest of the Body shop vitamin E range!)

Topshop...

 
 Love the summer dresses in Topshop at the moment!! This  < top orange one is my faaave, although I don't usually wear dresses, & what's the betting the Topshop in Lincoln has none of these, and if they do EVERYONE will have the same! Oh and i added this vest because it's called a 'Vanessa Vest', which is reason enough to buy it right! And someone pleaseeee buy me the turquoise dress, size 6 or 8, i'll be eternally grateful..! Loving turquoise at the moment :) xx

You say you feel all hollow, and you know it's cause you are

Elliot Smith - Between The Bars

Drink up with me now and forget all about
the pressure of days, do what i say
and i'll make you okay, and drive them away
the images stuck in your head
of people you've been
that you don't want around anymore

Drink up one more time, and i'll make you mine
keep you apart, deep in my heart
seperate from the rest, where i like you best

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPD-a1FjUtU&feature=BFp&list=PLF43AD3A9A00470A5&index=18

Never underestimate your power to change yourself

Motivation gets you started,habit keeps you going

Wish List!

I have to write lists for everything... To Do, To Buy etcccc. (it's usually To Buy really), this is what's on my wish list at the moment, it will no doubt be updated...

- Myface Lipliners - recommended by Lulu (and the strawberry fields lipstick looks good)
- Prestige liquid eyeliner - I used to have a blue one and it was really good, and I need a new black one :)
- NYC liquid liner - recommended by Emilynoel83
- Body shop honey and oat mask- recommended by DulceCandy
- Palmers Cocoa Butter formula lip balm - love the smell of this range and need a lip balm:)
- Elf complexion brush, for overall bronzer and powder
- Elf Cream eyeshadow in Bronzed
- Elf conditioning balm in Nice and Natural!
- Eco tools retractable Kabuki, or bronzer brush
- Elf HD powder
- Bare escentuals Faux Tan
- No 7 lipliner in Nude - created by Lisa Elridge
- No 7 stay perfect eye mousse in Vanilla
- Benefit That Gal - mine ran out ages ago and i've wanted it ever since
- Pen pots for my makeup brushes, the large ELF one looks pretty handy. (still reforming my makeup storage/collection and want it to look pretty!) i also want a pretty box of tissues... sad i know 

 

Benefit vs Mememe and 2true!

So with Glamour magazine this month they were giving away minature High Beam, Benetint and Posie Tint (as i previously mentioned), which yes i was a little excited about... Last year when they came out with Eye Bright, Bad Gal Liner and It stick concealer in FULL SIZE i got them all and eye bright has been a staple in my makeup ever since. I didn't get posie tint as i already tried it and didn't really need it.

Everyone loves these 'cult' products... High Beam is creamy and gives a dewy finish, which I really like, and Benetint is a rosy colour which i wear on my cheeks, but can be also used a lip stain.

Although the quality is good they are pretty expensive and don't think I'd buy the full size ones. Mememe, which is a low end brand sold in Superdrug do amaaazing dupes and are over half the price, and the quality is also good. The two shades are reminiscent of Moon Beam (a golden glow) and High Beam! If i was Benefit i'd be pissed off.

2true, also a cheap brand in Superdrug do a lip and cheek stain which is comparable to Benetint, and only £2! AND they do a pink one just like Posie Tint! When I run out of the miniature benefit products I will definitely reach for these, or save the small versions for travelling :)



May Favourite Products...

Products I've bought and liked in May... went for cheaper stuff this time! :)

1) Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - this stuff is ace, only £3.99 and good coverage. Definite new favourite...

2) 2true natural powder bronzer - saw this mentioned on Pixiwoo, it's matte and only 2 quid so i thought why not, I find it hard to get matte bronzers cheap so this was nice - little on the orange side for me but still can look natural.

3) Body Shop Vitamin E facial mist - Use this before foundation, as a sort of primer. I really wanted Mac Fix + for the same thing but i guess this is a cheaper alternative... My skin is fairly dry and i like it to be super moisturised before i start as it applies much better. I can see myself using this a light moisturiser in summer too!

4) Mememe illuminators - will do a seperate post on these

5) No 7 Eyeshadow and Contour Brush - I use this for concealer, it's good for blending under the eye. It's synthetic and works perfectly for concealer, it looks like it should be a concealer brush really, but I know my friend uses it for eyeshadow, versatile!

xxx