Holy grail skin products

Introducing my most repurchased skin/body items. Definitely a signal of holy grail status.

First up is a vanilla body butter from The Body Shop. Despite loving the strawberry and shea butter versions, I seem to always have the vanilla one in my stash. I adore the scent, it is luxuriously thick in consistency, it melts into the skin instantly and makes the skin so bloody soft.

Tea tree water by bath-bomb mavericks Lush is a holy grail skincare product of mine. It is classified as a toner and is targeted towards oily or blemish prone skin. I am the latter and I can 100% vouch for this product and claim it has helped clear and improve my skin. I spritz a little onto a cotton pad each morning and evening and it is incredibly cooling and refreshing, does not leave any tacky residue and most importantly it does not irritate or break me out. Hallelujah!

Lastly is a rather pricy moisturiser in the form of Clinique moisture surge. This little pot of goodness is perfect at hydrating dry skin. On the average day I would say I have combination skin - by midday my t-zone gets a little shiny with the rest of my face staying relatively matte. Recently, however, my skin has done a complete u-turn and has become incredibly dry and flakey (not easy to work with!) and this moisturiser has helped so much. I am going through these like there is no tomorrow, but I am partial to slather layers on before bed which is not cost effective. I blame the English weather.

I am definitely getting better at making my reviews more concise and less rambly. After all, I prefer short and to the point reviews. Have a great week - and I hope everyone effected by the flooding is safe.

Clinique Discolorations Superprimer review

When Clinique launched their new range of Superprimers I was super excited. I adore Clinique skincare so I wasn't sceptical at all with trying them. Released in six variations, each primer is targeted towards a specific skin concern. From covering redness to brightening the skin there is a primer for every skin need.

In all honesty, I could have bought any of the variations (perhaps not the one for deeper skin tones!) and they would have helped. However for trial purpose, I opted for the Discolouration version. It is designed to even out the skin tone whilst helping cover up any blemish or acne scars. And so far I am really happy. I find this primer does help cover up any current spots or old acne scarring marks by evening the skins overall colour. It also makes the skin feel extremely soft making foundation application much quicker and smoother. The product is a bright orange, yet doesn't transfer orange onto the skin. It quickly blends and feels super lightweight. 

My only criticism…it contains a lot of silicone ingredients. My skin is extremely sensitive to silicones, yet I wanted to try the product as I read many reviews of people with a similar skin tone as myself having found no problems. But, for me, I'm not so sure. I have broken out recently but this could be due to hormones, so I will report back. 

If you are lucky enough to be okay with silicones, then this primer is absoultely amazing. If you are sensitive to silica properties, I would suggest you stay clear.

June Beauty Favourites (+ randoms!)

I actually can't believe we're more than half way through the year. Before we know it it's gonna be Christmas, then new years, then 2014! I'm going to Dubai next week (ahh!) so expect a couple travel-type posts in the upcoming week :) Anyway, here are my June favourites - as always, links are at the bottom of the post!!!

NARS Powder Foundation (Fiji), Model Co Ultra Shine Lipgloss (Strip Tease), Urban Decay Naked Basics, Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Concealer, Rimmel Exaggerate Eyeliner, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

Clinique Haul

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara

I hate liking products, especially the unnecessarily expensive ones, simply because repurchasing them is a pain and hurts my wallet.

Long, Defined Lashes

Elf Brow Comb & Brush, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion, Tweezerman Eyelash Curlers, Benefit They're Real, Tweezerman Tweezers, MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

I'm someone who literally spends 20 minutes applying mascara in the morning. I don't wear falsies everyday so I like to make my mascara as though I am wearing them. Sometimes I like the clumpy look, other times I like the long and defined looked.

Everyday Makeup Routine

NARS bronzer in Laguna, BareMinerals Touch Up Veil, MAC blush in Harmony, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, Esteé Lauder Double Wear Foundation, Benefit thePorefessional, Maybelline One by One, Maybelline Illegal Lengths, Clinique High Impact mascara, MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Black, Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, MAC Brow Gel in Clear, Avon Brow Definer in Dark Brown and MAC lipstick in Hue

I call this my "everyday makeup routine" but, to be fair, it's really the routine I use when I actually wear makeup as I don't wear it everyday. I hardly have any time during school!

*Note: the links lead to separate reviews*

Taken by my iPhone, apologises for awful quality

For my face the first product I use is the Benefit Porefessional primer followed by my new found love, Esteé Lauder Double Wear foundation. I picked up a sample as I heard so many great things about this product, and after three uses, I can already tell it is going to be my new favourite foundation. The full size is on my wist list already! Using the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair I go over any redness or imperfections and then I set everything with the bareMinerals Ready Touch Up Veil in Translucent. To contour I use Harmony by MAC and then put some NARS Laguna bronzer all over the face. Done.

I use a lot of products on my eyes, I know. If I have time I'll pop a few eyeshadows on, but for everyday makeup I just put Bare Study Paint Pot by MAC all over the lid. I line my upper lash line by using the Maybelline Master Pecise Liquid Eyeliner in Black and my tight-line using Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Black. For mascara I use three: Maybelline One by One, Maybelline Illegal Lengths and Clinique High Impact. For my brows I use the Avon Brow Definer in Dark Brown followed by MAC Brow Gel in Clear.

Lastly I use my favourite MAC lipstick, Hue.

As for tools and brushes, I mainly use Real Techniques - their face brushes are perfection. For bronzer I use my MAC 129 as it collects the perfect amount of product.

What's your everyday routine like?

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I've already started my New York countdown: 15 DAYS TO GO!

August beauty favourites

I never do favourite posts mainly because, 9 times out of 10, the products are generally the same. This month I have some new products and as always, I include non-beauty favourites too! I know it's cliché but this year has seriously whizzed past; I start my final year of school next week, my birthday is in a month and then we have Christmas in 115 days! Before we know it, it will be 2013. Anyway, let's get started.

Maybelline One by One Volum' Express Mascara, Urban Decay De-Slick, Nars Laguna, Clinique Airbrush Concealer, Ted Baker S'lip Liquid Lip Colour and imPRESS Nails

These are the products that I've used pretty much every day this month, especially when I was in Italy. I love trying new mascaras and I think I've found my new favourite in the Maybelline One by One Volum' Express. It doesn't clump, it nicely separates the lashes and gives a decent amount of length. I would say it gives that much volume, but layered with another mascara would do the trick. I opted for the non-waterproof, and it still stays on all day. The powder I've been using every day is the Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder - it's perfect. It doesn't leave a white cast, it keeps my skin matte all day, it comes with a puff for touch-ups (if needed) and the packaging is awesome. I love it so much I have even hit pan. At £20, it is decently priced yet I do think it's worth it. Another product I've hit pan on is the infamous Nars Laguna bronzer. I was sceptical about taking this abroad as I've heard all of the horror stories about it breaking but mine was perfectly fine. I love this bronzer, it works for all skin-types and is perfect for those with pale skin tones as it doesn't make you look muddy or orange. My favourite concealer this month has been the Clinique Airbrush Concealer as it's easy to apply, blend and is very natural looking. It also works as a good highlighter for the cheekbones. I've been loving the new Ted Baker Liquid Lip Colour in light rose. It's a shimmery blue-tone pink and is perfect. It lasts for a really long time and smells amazing, too. My final favourite are the imPRESS stick-on false nails. The first pair I bought was in "Starstruck" and I loved them so much I bought another pair (I can't seem to find the name of these, but they're leopard print). They last a long time, look great, are easy to apply as well as easy to take off. They are on the pricey side, but I do think they're worth it for those special occasions!

Now for the non-beauty favourites.

Nylon magazine, Union Jack sunnies, Contagion, sketching pencils and my iPhone

I'm a magazine hoarder. Each month I buy at least ten different monthly magazines - keeping in mind they are roughly £3-£4 each! But I just love them. Anyway, this month I found American magazine Nylon with the gorgeous Ashley Greene on the cover. It's such a good magazine, check it out. Even though the Olympic fiasco is over, I've still been wearing my Union Jack Sunglasses that my dad bought me on eBay. They're in the style of Ray-Bans which, he knows, I love. My favourite movie this month has been Contagion. Brief synopsis: a deadly disease infects civilisation and a team of doctors have to deal with the outbreak and conjure up a cure. It's f**king amazing. It stars famous actors like Matt Damon, Kate Winslet and Jude Law, so it's a definite must-see. I'm just annoyed that I didn't go and see it at the cinema! I've been getting much more into art recently - hence the representation by the two sketching pencils. My dad bought me a really lovely leather sketching book which I've been constantly drawing in. Then we have my iPhone, sneakily disguised by, what I think, is the best case in the whole world. It looks like a Nintendo Game Boy! I don't know what I would do without my phone - I listen to music, play games, surf the web, read e-mails, call, text, set reminders, take pictures and so much more. #TeamiPhone

No favourites post would be the same without a run-through of my favourite songs!

• Little Talks - Of Monsters and Men
• All I Want Is You - U2
• Family Friend - The Vaccines
• Some Nights - Fun
• Baba O'Riley - The Who
• Where I Belong - Building 427
• Runaways - The Killers (best song ever, hands down)

YouTube them all, and then fall in love.

Suzanna xoxo

What's in my travel make-up bag?

This time tomorrow, I'll be boarding the plane to go to Rome! I am so excited as I've wanted to go to Italy ever since my dad came back from a business trip and told stories of how wonderful the atmosphere is there. Plus, we're going for my mum's birthday which makes it extra special.

Considering I've never done any "what's in my ___" posts, I thought I'd start with showing you what I am taking in my make-up bag for Rome. The make-up bag that I am taking with me is see-through so I can use the products on the plane if needed. It also makes it easier for me as I know where everything is!

This is everything I'm taking...

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara, Maybelline One by One Mascara, Clinique High Impact Mascara, Garnier Eye Roll On, MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder, MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion, Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Clinique Eyeshadow Duo in Victorian Pink, Avon Glimmersticks Brow Definer in Dark Brown and Blonde, MAC Brow Set in Clear, MAC Paint Pots in Bare Study, Nubile and Rubenesque, Benefit High Beam, Benefit The Porefessional, MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Semi-Precious Crystal Pink, Nars Bronzer in Laguna, Urban Decay De-Slick Translucent Powder, MAC Powder Blush in Harmony, Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake and Carmex!

(Underlined items link to reviews)

It sounds like a lot, but trust me, it's not!

I hope you're having a great summer and I'll be back towards the end of the week!

Suzanna xoxo

PS. I've mentioned this before, but I'm going to New York in October for my birthday. I've planned to do several posts before then including what I'm taking for skincare and what I'm taking for haircare. I might also do a whats in my bag post - if interested :)

Cat-eye makeup tutorial

Products Used
MAC Paint Pot in Nubile http://bit.ly/Lj7d3p
MAC Paint Pot in Idylic
Clinique eyeshadow duo
Maybelline Master Precise liquid eyeliner
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On eye pencil in Perversion http://bit.ly/JuyRiP
Avon SuperSHOCK gel liner in Blackest Black
Maybelline Illegal Length mascara http://bit.ly/Ju8e83
Maybelline The Falsies Flared mascara http://bit.ly/K2xyq8
MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Semi Precious Crystal Pink
No7 eyebrow pencil in Espresso
MAC Brow Set in Clear

1. Start with priming your eyelids, for this I used MAC's Paint Pot in Nubile however a similar alternative would be MAC's painterly paint pot or Urban Decay's primer potion.
2. Apply a dark plum shade to your crease; I used MAC's Paint Pot in Idylic to do this. Make sure you blend it so you see no harsh lines.
3. With a light brown, run it through the crease. Then with a light frosty champagne colour, apply it all over the lid with a flat shader brush. Go back with the light brown to blend any edges and to define the crease that extra bit more. Using a matte white shade, put this under the brow-bone and blend it into the crease colour. The eyeshadows I used are all from Clinique. Then with a champagne colour, I used MAC's Mineralise Skinfinish in Crystal Pink, put this in the inner-corner to brighten your eyes.
4. Using a liquid eyeliner, for this I used Maybelline's Master Precise, run it along the upper lash line. Start with a thin line and then build it up to a more thicker line. Create a cat-eye effect by continuing the eyeliner above your eye (see picture) as far as you wish.
5. Tight-line using your favourite black eyeliner and then line your waterline. I used both Urban Decay and Avon liners for this as I find they have the best staying power.
6. Curl your lashes and apply mascara to the top and bottom. I used Illegal Length for the bottom lashes and The Falsies Flared for the top lashes.

Hope you liked this! :)

Suzanna xoxo

Fashion and beauty haul

I am so sorry about the lack of posts this week! I've just had so many exams and have had to use my free time revising like crazy. Now that they are over until late June, I thought I'd do as many posts as I can starting off with a major haul. I went to Guildford today and they one of the best shopping complex's I know. I went to Urban Outfitters, DKNY,House of Fraser (department store), Boots and a really awesome American candy store which I am in love with. Let's start...

From department store House of Fraser, I got a Clinique High Impact mascara and a new Clinique "Take The Day Off" makeup remover. This is my third one in two months - not good. But it is the best. In Boots I got two Essie nail polishes; one in Mint Candy Apple (mint colour, obviously) and the other in Tart Deco (light coral). I got some essentials including a Nivea deodorant and a Nivea lip balm. I also picked up LO'real's new mascara called Mega Volume Collagene 24hr which is said to be amazing! My old eye lash curler broke, so I picked up a new one, and finally I got the Dove Summer Glow moisturiser with a subtle self tanner. I can't wait to review it for you.

And because I spent over £30 on Clinique products, I got a free gift which is pretty awesome! In the pretty makeup bag I got a lipstick, an eyeshadow duo, a sample of a Clinique mascara, a corrector pen, deep comfort hand cream and a rinse-off foaming cleanser. Sweet!

There was also a DNKY Jeans store so I picked up this khaki denim jacket for a really amazing price. Normally they are pretty expensive so I'm very happy with this. They only had a size XS in stock, but I tried it on and it fits perfectly - I'm a size 8 so I didn't think it would fit!

I went into my favourite clothing store ever, Urban Outfitters! I didn't take a picture of the stuff I got because it's all packaged nicely and it would take a while to get nice photos, so I'll just list them. I was in need of a new school bag as the one I got from Egypt last summer had broken completely. I saw a really gorgeous black bag (£49) and knew I had to get it. Plus, it fits A4 folders in which is a must! I got two aztec style t-shirts (both £28 each which is pretty hefty) and a cross shaped necklace for £8. 

Wouldn't it be great if Primark and Urban Outfitters could switch price tags?

Lastly, I went to an American candy store that sells, not just candy, but everything! I saw loads of condiments, drinks, cereals, food (mind you, they did look disgusting) and rows and rows of sweets and chocolate. Being a major peanut butter fan I got some peanut butter M&Ms as well as Reece's peanut butter cups (not in picture). My mum also got this Oh Henry fudge bar.

So, thats it for today! I hope you liked this. If you want me to review any of the products shown let me know in a comment. And again, I'm sorry for the lack of posts!

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I'm so sad One Tree Hill has ended. I've got the theme song stuck in my head! Listen here.

(A rather late) April favourites!

1. Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman powder brush
2. MAC 129
3. Colgate Wisp mini portable brushes (life saver!)
4. Nails Inc nail polish in Tate*
5. Moroccan Oil
6. LO'real gel eyeliner
7. Garnier Anti-Puff Roll On*
8. NARS bronzer in Laguna
9. Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Black
10. MAC brow set in Clear
11. Revon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
12. MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study
13. Clinique Anti-Blemish moisturiser*
14. Moov Massage Cream*
15. MAC Blot Film
16. Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder

★ 

Non-beauty favourites
- The song Payphone by Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa. To me, it's the best song I have heard this year, I absolutely love it. I've never really liked Maroon 5 before, but I do now!
What do you think of the song?  Have a listen here!
- Instagram for iPhone. It's the best app there is.
- Magazines! My favourites this month have been Company and Elle.
- Lord of the Flies by William Golding. Yes, it's one of those books everyone hates because they've studied it at school and yes, I am studying it at a school but I really like the story!
- My YMCMB grey hoodie. It's perfect for lounging which is what I love to do.

That's it! I hope you all have a wonderful May :)

Suzanna xoxo

Neutral eye makeup

Just a quick post today.

Eyes:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Semi Precious Crystal Pink
MAC eyeshadows in Cork, Carbon and Blanc Type
Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara - review
Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black
Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Black

Brows:
No7 brow pencil in Espresso
MAC brow set in Clear

That's it. See you mid-week :)

Suzanna xoxo

Eye makeup removers

The more make up you apply the harder it is to get off, right? Yes, depending on the eye make-up remover you're using. I've only just started getting into gel eyeliner which I have found is tricky to remove. Before I was just using a makeup wipe and soap with water - bad, I know! When I found how hard it was to remove eyeliner I bought several types of remover and was in a search to find my favourite.

After weeks of testing them out, I found my favourites.

They range from low end to high end which is a good thing as I can buy the cheaper alternative knowing it gets me near enough the same results as the more expensive ones!

So, here are my favourite four eye makeup removers:


MAC "Pro Eye Makeup Remover"
Price: £13.50
Pros: It takes every scrap of eye makeup off. It leaves nothing behind. A bonus is that it's really refreshing and has a cooling sensation which is nice.
Cons: It's rather pricey for what it is and does have a weird scent.

Rimmel London "Gentle Eye Make Up Remover" 
Price: around £6.50
Pros: Reasonable price and removes all makeup including waterproof mascara which is tricky to get off. It takes of my eyeliner perfectly.
Cons: It doesn't come of instantly, you need a good few pumps to make a difference.

Clinique "Take The Day Off Makeup Remover" (*)
Price: £15.00
Pros: The smallest amount get's rid of everything, even waterproof mascara and gel. Not only can it be used on your eyes, but your lips as well. Personally I haven't tried this and I don't think I will, but it does a  very good job on removing eye makeup!
Cons: Too expensive. £15 is ridiculous and I know there are way more expensive removers out there. I wouldn't spend more than £10 on a remover to be honest. Additionally, it makes my eye lids really greasy afterwards which isn't nice.

Avon "Conditioning Eye Makeup Remover" 
Price: £4
Pros: It's really cheap which is always a good thing when it comes to removers! And it works (even better!) but it does take some getting used to because...
Cons: ...it has the weirdest texture ever! It's like a cream and once you apply, it stays on your eyelid! It feels really odd as it sits on your eyelashes and makes them stick together which isn't very nice. The first time I use it I wasn't sure what to do, so I decided to rinse it off and it did get everything off in the end. It's a hassle but works.

Overall these are all really good eye make removers, but if I had to choose my absolute favourite, it would have to be Clinique. Even though it leaves a greasy residue and is bloody expensive, it removes every trace of makeup instantly. It does last a while too!

-

Talk to you soon,

Suzanna
XOXO

Everyday eye makeup routine

Eyes:

MAC paint pot in Nubile (dupe: Painterly)

MAC e/s in Naked Lunch

MAC e/s in Satin Taupe

MAC e/s in Kid

Clinique eyeshadow in Daybreak

Avon Supershock Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Black

Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Perversion

LO'real Telescopic Mascara

Garnier anti-puff eye roll on

Face (not in picture):

Garnier BB Cream in Medium

Benefit "the POREfessional" Primer

MAC Blot Powder

NARS Laguna bronzer

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Just a quick simple post, I hope you like :)

Have a great day.

Suzanna

XOXO

Ps: I've just ordered the Gold series classic GHD straighteners - when they arrive I'll be sure to do a review and comparison with other straighteners! Yay!

February Favourites!

Hello again! I'm sorry for the lack of posts, like I said in my last post I had a lot of exams and coursework this week. Luckily, I done my last three exams today which means I can make loads more blog posts! <3

Today I am going to do a "favourites" type post (like the ones popular on YouTube) including all of my favourite products/items from the past month. Expect lots of photos!

Oh and I'm sorry it's late!

*Websites of where to purchase the items shown will be linked below, as always*

1) Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel

This stuff is awesome and I found myself applying it much more in February than I have ever before. It does what it says, however I do find it can be very drying on the skin. Make sure you use a moisturiser before applying to prevent flaky skin (ew). Get it there!


2) Carmex moisturising lip balm

I've been using my EOS lip balm in Vanilla for quite some time now, so I decided to try Camex which is much talked about. After my first use, I absolutely love it! I use it every night religiously and it definitely replaces my EOS lip balm, for sure! Get it here, UK only


3) MAC Pressed Blot Power in Medium

This is my all time favourite face-powder. It doesn't give any coverage but it perfectly sets any make-up I may be wearing that day, and is perfect for touching up during the day. I use this with my MAC 182 kabuki brush for awesome results. Get the Kabuki here and the Blot Powder here!


4) Percy & Reed Hair Finishing Polish

I recently received this as a gift and was surprised to find out it actually works. After washing my hair I apply a pea-size amount (as instructed) and run it through my hair. It leaves it soft and shiny looking. My only problem with it is the horrible fragrance. Purchase here.


5) Sudocrem





























This stuff is freaking amazing. I've recently done a full blog post dedicated to this, so check that out *here*.


6) MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

This is one of all time favourite eyeliner for the waterline. Even though it doesn't last long, I love the colour and consistency so much that I don't care. My favourite shade is Smolder.

...and on top the non-beauty favourites...

7) Loads and loads of magazines

Magazines! I know, it's a weird favourite. But this month I've been obsessed with fashion magazines in particular: Marie Clare, ELLE, InStyle and Glamour (UK versions, obvs)! The base of my wardrobe is filled with piles upon piles of magazines. I'm literally obsessed. I can't exactly link you to buy these magazines, so just check your local newsagents!


8) Wildfox "LOVE" Baggy Beach Jumper

This sweater is my favourite sweater. I wished I had more of these bad boys, but yes they are extremely expensive (for what they are). This one was about £100 and at the time it was on sale! But, if you ever get the chance to pick up one of these, definitely do it. They are so comfortable and soft - it's unreal.  I always wear a white long sleeved top underneath as I find it can be a bit chilly, especially in the winter. Nevertheless, Wildfox are an amazing brand. I can't find this exact one, but here is a link to the website!

9) My favourite songs of the month

My stupid laptop won't let me print screen my iTunes page so instead I'll have to write my favourite, and most played, songs of the month:

• Where The Streets Have No Name - U2
• Like We Did - The Maine
• I'm A Bore, Mostly - Deaf Havana
• Learn My Lesson - Young Guns
• Good Life - One Republic

Btw, please check out my previous blog post, which convientently I wrote in February ;) about a song which is designed to target human trafficking. Link here - thank you.

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Well, I hoped you liked this post! It definitely takes long than my normal posts to do, but I hope it's worth it. If you like these videos, please leave a comment. Now, please excuse me while I was 90210 and drink my tea. Bye!

Suzanna

XOXO