New drugstore purchases

As if I didn't need any more products to try.

For the past few months I have been using Mac charcoal brown eyeshadow to fill in my brows. It's the perfect neutral medium brown, however since dying my hair dark (almost black) brown, I needed something new to use and after reading numerous positive to pick up the Sleek Brow Kit in dark. It comes with mini tweezers, two mini brushes, a dark brown wax and a dark brown powder making it perfect for on the go.

I bought a new mascara in the form of L'Oreal Miss Manga. I normally hate drugstore mascaras, but yet again, I got swayed by good reviews.

After watching this video, Kate spoke highly of the newly re-promoted Revlon Photoready Skinlights. They are marketed as face illuminators, yet can be used under foundation as a primer or over foundation to create a glowy appearance. I chose Bare Light - a beige, warm tone shade.

L'Oreal lumi magique is one of my favourite foundations, so I had to buy the new L'Oreal Lumi Magique powder. It appears to be a highly pigmented highlighting powder with a strong pink undertone.

New eyeliners! Rimmel Scandaleyes are one of my favourites in general and I use the nude colour religiously. Brown eyeliners are more subtle for daytime so I bought Taupe, a light brown. I also picked up a new liquid liner, L'Oreal Super Slim as I have been obsessed with a thin line of liquid liner on the upper lash line recently.

Xo

Stubborn Brown by MAC

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown, £14 

Stubborn Brown, described as a deep rich brown, is one of MACs powerpoint eye pencils. MAC have several eyeliner "types" with powerpoint being one - they are waterproof, long wearing and have either a metallic, shimmer or matte finish. As for application, they are easy to apply - they don't drag and can be used on the anywhere on the eye. MAC says they "won't transfer, smudge or budge". 

I use this eyeliner on my lower lash line (see picture) to open up my eyes. I find using it, or any eyeliner for that matter, on my waterline makes my eyes appear much smaller which I don't like. 

Due to the fact it's a brown means that it's not as harsh as a black eyeliner and is much more subtle. I would describe the colour as a dark bronze - minus the shimmer, as it's a matte eyeliner. It lasts all day on my lower lash line so in all honesty, it's perfect.

If you're in the market for a new brown eyeliner, look no further. 

Suzanna xo

Note: this is my 100th post, yay!

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 :)

The Body Shop "Eye Definers"

The Body Shop are most famous for their body products. Hence the name. Yet, they do have a rather large make-up section both in their stores and online. I never really knew about their make-up line - I rarely go inside the shops and have never been on their website. That is to say I do use their products, yet they're more of gifts rather than myself actually purchasing them. Either way, I love their products so when I saw that, free with Marie Clare magazine came either two eyeliners or a mascara, I was super thrilled. Being an eyeliner whore I decided to pick up the eyeliners. Plus, mascaras have an expiry date whereas eyeliners don't. Thank goodness!

The "eye definers" as we shall now call them come in two different shades: French Navy and Black. French Navy being a dark blue and black being, well black. Here are a few pictures:

Before swatching, they looked quite promising. However, once swatched they don't look as nice. They are very chalky, especially the blue one. To get a (decent) swatch of colour I had to go over the same spot several times before any colour could be seen. Plus, don't being funny, it hurt my hand! Yet, once warmed up a bit the colour payoff was lovely and the black one in particular was very nice.

Price: £8 each
Available: The Body Shop stores and The Body Shop online

Despite their crappy eye liners definers, I will be trying some of their other beauty products before I declare that the make-up section is totally shit. But for now, I think that The Body Shop should definitely stick to what their best at: body products.

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. First exam is on Tuesday, wish me luck!

24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Perversion by Urban Decay

Yes, another Urban Decay product review. Sorry!

Eyeliners are my favourite makeup product and with Urban Decay being one of my favourite brands, I thought I'd give their re-vamped black shade Perversion a try. I got mine from House of Fraser (where I buy pretty much all of my high-end makeup from) for £13.

To me, that's pretty expensive for an eyeliner, but I decided to buy it anyway...

Urban Decay claims that it is "creamy and brilliant been waterproof" - that doesn't make sense, but they do say its waterproof. I agree that is is creamy but I wouldn't say that it's waterproof. The online description also goes onto say that it "dries down to a long-lasting finish that will not budge". I do agree with the whole 24/7 concept behind the product.

When swatched, it looks really vibrant and pigmented. Note: I did try and take a picture but the footage crashed and it looked blurry and crappy. Google other images. Anyway, the swatch looks really pigmented and black. I had high hopes. When I applied it - to my waterline mind you - it didn't come across as vibrant and pigmented as it did when swatched. Perhaps it's because you're meant to put it on your lash line or maybe it just doesn't work with me. It's a shame really. I'm going to try it on my upper lash line and I'll let you know what I think. In addition, I love the range of colours on offer. From neutrals such as black, brown and white to metallics such as silver and tropical hues including blue, green and yellow, their is definitely a shade for everyone. I don't think, however, the quality justifies the hefty price tag. I've just looked and it's nearly $20 in American which is insane. I will probably try out a few more shades as I love the feel of them and they apply really nicely.

What are your thoughts and opinions on the 24/7 liners?

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I just got back from my mini-weekend break. I went with my friend Grace and her family to the New Forest (the south of England, right on the beach) and it was such a fun trip. I did take loads of photos and had some funny and interesting experiences that I might do a separate blog post on if you're interested. Let's just say we explored a legit haunted house...on our own...at night...in the middle of nowhere. It was fun! More blog posts are coming soon :)

All-time favourite pencil eyeliners

Out of gel, pencil and liquid, my favourite type of eyeliner is pencil. I find it so much easier to apply than the others and they are much more universal; you can use them to line your top and bottom lash line, waterline and tight line. I was going to do a post with all my favourite liners (gel, liquid and pencil) but I found that I had double the amount of pencils which says something! *I am still going to review the new LO'real gel liner by the way :)

So, without further ado, here are some of my all time favourites:

1. Avon SuperSHOCK Gel Eyeliner in Black
2. No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil in 10 Brown
3. Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 061 Jet Black
4. Avon In A Blink Liner in Espresso
5. MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown
6. MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating (full review here)
7. MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

Swatches!

First column: MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating
Second column: No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil in 10 Brown, MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown and Avon In A Blink Liner in Espresso
Third column: MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder, Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 061 Jet Black and Avon SuperSHOCK Gel Eyeliner in Black

Best black liner: Avon SuperSHOCK Gel Eyeliner in Black
Best brown liner: MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Subborn Brown
Best neutral liner: MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating

If I had to choose an overall favourite, it would have to be the SuperSHOCK by Avon. It is incredibly pigmented and is exactly like a gel but in a pencil form which I love! It is super inexpensive (around £6) and lasts a long time.

What's your favourite liner?

Suzanna xoxo

Fascinating Eye Kohl by MAC

On those days where I feel wearing black or brown eyeliner is too harsh or I just want the effortless "no make-up look", I always opt for a flesh-toned colour such as the MAC choreographic pencils. Unfortunately, those are limited edition and I couldn't find it anywhere.

I wanted to try a different colour so I picked up MAC's eye kohl in Fascinating. Described as an "intense matte white", it seems like a scary colour to wear on the eye. I wanted it for waterline purposes and, at first I was sceptical to buy it. Then I found out it was the eyeliner Kate Middleton used on her herself on her wedding day. That itself pretty much concluded my decision.

I'm wearing: MAC's eye kohl in Fascinating on the waterline with Clinique waterproof mascara and MAC's paint pot in Morning Frost (limited edition, sorry).

I really like this eyeliner! It's not too intense like the website says, for me it's more of an off white rather than an opaque white. However, I think that's why I like it! If it was too white then it would make me look dead! It's really creamy on the waterline and you don't have to press hard to get a decent amount of colour. For £14, it's definitely worth it. I do have to mention that if you have some black or brown eyeliner from the previous day left on the waterline, when you put Fascinating over the top, it will make it look muddy. So make sure you take every scrap of make-up off before hand.

Hope this helped some of you.

Suzanna xoxo

OOTD: Saturday, 17th March

Hola/bonjour/ciao! How are you all today? :)

I didn't know what to talk about on today's post so I thought I'd so a short outfit of the day, including a "face of the day" if that makes sense! My outfit today was simple and casual as all I did today was shop - I bought a card for Mothers Day. I've already got her present but I forgot the card, ha-ha. I got her this beautiful silver necklace from Tiffany & Co - I really hope she likes it!

Anyway, let's get started...

An overview. Omg, that is the most awkward pose EVER. I didn't know whether it took the picture so I was just about to get off the bed - yes I'm standing on bed - to check and...it went off. Oh well. 

Today I'm wearing some dark blue jeans from Gap, silver pumps from New Look, a baggy grey sweater from Gap, a gold necklace from Ernest Jones, a long chained silver necklace with a heart on from Accessorise and a white DNKY watch which isn't visible.

More pictures for your viewing pleasure:

Face of the day!

- Garnier BB Cream in Medium

- Benefit The Porefessional primer

- Random brown shadow for brows

- MAC kohl eyeliner in Smolder

- Rimmel London eyeliner in Black

- NARS bronzer in Laguna

- Vanilla EOS lip balm

- MAC lipglass in Underage

- Benefit "High Beam" highlighter

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Sorry that it's a short (and boring) post - I haven't had much time to prepare. There won't be a post tomorrow so, I'll see you mid-week. Have a great day!

Suzanna

XOXO

London's Westfield shopping haul

Hello everyone!

I literally just got back from Westfield shopping centre in London and I thought I'd show you what I picked up as, most of it, is interesting. I got some make-up items, art supplies, magazines and clothes :)

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American Apparel opened up in the mall so I went in their first. I'm not a fan of their clothing per say but I did love their nail polishes. They were £7 each (ok, compared to OPI and Butter London) and some of the colours were really unique. I picked up this one in "Smoke Dazzle" as it remind me of a cheaper alternative to the Chanel Quartz polish.

Magazines were on my list of things-to-get. I picked up the latest InStyle with Drew Barrymore on the cover along with Company with Florence (and the Machine) on the front! I limited myself to only two as these magazines can be expensive - especially if you buy loads in one go like me!

Just before leaving I saw the MAC shop and had to go in. I didn't pick up anything from their Shop MAC, Cook MAC collection as I didn't want to spent too much money. Instead I picked up the things I needed. I got a new eyeliner sharpener (only £3!) and two new eyeliners. I picked up Fascinating Eye Kohl and Stubborn Brown Penultimate Eyeliner. I've tried Fascinating before and loved it, but I've never tried - or heard of - Stubborn Brown. I can't wait to try it!

Even though I didn't take art as a GCSE option, I'm really getting into sketching so I bought a small sketching pad and some pencils! If I like any of my drawings, I'll definitely show you guys!

The main reason why I went to Westfield in the first place was to get some new jeans! Whilst painting my dad's garage a few weeks back, I destroyed my dark blue Forever 21 jeans. I wasn't that fussed, they were only cheap and I was in need of a new pair anyway! I went into Levi's but didn't like any colours and also went into True Religion, and yet again didn't like any that I didn't have. So, I went into Gap and found these. They are dark, dark blue and are very stretchy. They are described as Jean Leggings and I can totally see why. I absolutely love them. As an added bonus, they were a quite reasonable price!

Also from Gap I picked up a t-shirt but I forgot to take pics!

Anyway, that was all I purchased. Me and my mum also went into the Apple store and preordered the new iPad for my Dad's birthday next month which was exciting. I have also just ordered a present for my mum for Mothers Day next Sunday - I hope she likes it!

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I hope you're all having a great day.

Suzanna
XOXO

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

Top 5 Eyeliners For Your Waterline

Different eyeliners work for different people. Your friends absolute must-have might not necessarily work for you and vice versa. It takes a long time to find the perfect eyeliner that suits your specific needs, whether it be tight lining, for your waterline, lower or upper lash line etc. 

Today I'm going to talk about my top five favourite - black - eyeliners that are waterline safe. Please remember that these are just suggestions for you to try, not everything works for everyone. 

*These are in no specific order*

1. MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

Described as an "intense black", for me this eyeliner has a slight green tint to it. Despite this, it's one of my all time favourites for the waterline. It's too draggy for the upper lash line however it's the perfect consistency for the waterline. It's creamy but not so that it smudges once applied.

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2. MAC Kohl Power in Feline

Another MAC eyeliner! As a cult favourite, this eyeliner is commonly compared to Smolder yet they are different. Feline is much more creamy and more black that Smolder. I find that this one lasts slightly longer than Smolder but does take longer to settle. If it's used on the upper lash line I wouldn't recommend closing your eyes fully to prevent smudges. However, it's a great eyeliner.

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3. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero and Perversion

Zero is decried as black whereas Perversion is described as the blackest black. It's all down to personal preference when it comes to the UD eyeliners. Personally, I find the Zero more natural (well, for black eyeliner anyway) and less harsh especially for day time. Switch to Perversion if going out as it is much more vivid and in-your-face. They are both great, and last for about 6 hours (on me).

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4. Chantecaille Kohl Pencil in Black

This is probably the most expensive eye-liner in the world (slight exaggeration? maybe), yet it is amazing. If you want to define your eyes with a creamy, rich black colour then definitely choose this. Chantecaille are known for their luxurious products and their eye kohl's are no exception. They are available in many colours, but the black is my favourite.

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5. Rimmel London Soft Kohl in Black

For a drugstore/high-street product, this eyeliner is brilliant. It doesn't drag, doesn't smudge and doesn't leave those annoying lines on your eyelids after application like some eyeliners do. I use this probably more than my high-end eyeliners simply because if it runs out, then I can repurchase without making a huge dent in my wallet. It's around £7 in Boots and compared to the £32 Chantecaille and the £14.50 MAC eyeliners, it's worth it. 

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I hoped this helped! Leave me a comment and don't forget to follow my blog!

Suzanna

XOXO

Your Guide To: Upcoming MAC Collections

If you are an avid make-up fanatic then you'll absolutely love what MAC Cosmetics has to offer in their upcoming collections. All of these collections are being released (or have been released) between February and July. I'll do another post on the autumn and christmas collections when promo pictures are available (or when they've actually made the collection!)

MAC Vera

Flashy florals, butterfly brights, punchy patterns, and a light-as-air spirit fuse in a collection inspired by the art of textile designer, Vera Neumann. Limited Edition.

 Crushed Metallic Pigments

L-R; Strawberry Patch, Aloha and Butterfly Party

Pearlmatte Face Powder

L-R; Flower Fantasy and Sunday Afternoon

Plushglass

L-R; Pretty Plush, Fashion Fanatic (limited edition), Confetti (limited edition), On A Holiday (limited edition) and Butterfly Dream (limited edition)

Pearlglide Intense Eye Liner

L-R; Lord It Up, Industrial, Designer Purple, Undercurrent, Petrol Blue, Black Line and Black Swan

Nail Lacquer

L-R; Play Day and Midsummer's Dream

Cook MAC and Shop MAC

Cook M.A.C

Fluidline 

L-R; Wholesome, Midnight Snack and Added Goodness

Tendertone Lip Balm

L-R Clockwise; Tread Gently, Purring, Hush-Hush and Hot 'n' Saucy

Nail Lacquer

L-R; Kid Orange, Salad Dressing and Al Fredo

***

 Other products in this collection:

- Opulash Mascara

- Studio Careblend/Pressed Powder

- 211 Pointed Liner Brush

- 129SH Powder/Blush Brush

Shop M.A.C

Eye Shadow Quads

Top to Bottom; Call Me Bubbles, Colour Added and Shop & Drop

Call Me Bubbles

Colour Added

Shop & Drop

Lipstick

L-R; Innocence Beware!, Watch Me Simmer, Naughty Saute, Quick Sizzle, Dish It Up and  Runaway Red

Kissable Lipcolour

L-R; Enchantee, Woo Me, So Vain,  Scan-delicious and Flaunting It

Cremeblend Blush

Top to Bottom; Florida, Optimistic Orange and Restores Dazzle!

Florida

Optimistic Orange

Restores Dazzle!

 Beth Ditto for MAC Collections

Several weeks ago Beth Ditto announced that she'll be creating her own collection for MAC Cosmetics which will be released during the summer (available globally from June). From her own style we can suggest that the collection will include bold eyeliners, bright lipsticks and an array of coloured eye shadows which is very very exciting! 

We'll keep you posted.

MAC Viva Glam: Nicki Minaj and Ricky Martin for Viva Glam

The last time Nicki Minaj collaborated with MAC she created the infamous Pink Friday lipstick which sold out online in under 30 minutes of going on sale. This meant that they only released a limited amount every Friday (fitting, right?) for several weeks. Unfortunately, this mean't that loads of people couldn't get their hands on the lipstick and lead to people paying £40 on eBay! 

Fortunately, Nicki Minaj - and Ricky Martin - is collaborating again in what I'm sure will be another quick-selling collection.

This time they are releasing a lipstick titled Viva Glam Nicki and a Lip Condition, both embossed with their signatures. 

Viva Glam Nicki and Lip Conditioner

Make sure you note the date of release so you don't miss out! It's available February 15th for those in North America whereas it's international in March. Another surprise is that this collection will be available for the whole of 2012 until February of 2013.

MAC Lightfully New Collection

From the promotional pictures released, this collection looks amazing. And by 'looks' I mean the packaging. Is it bad wanting to buy this just for that reason alone? Well aside from the packaging, the products sound interesting.

In this collection, there is:

- Lightful Cleanser

- Lightful Softening Lotion

- Lightful Essence

- Lightful Moisture Creme

The positive to this collection is the packaging and the interesting names of the products. I haven't got the fainted idea what "Lightful Essence" is going to be. However, the negative is the preposterous price tag MAC seems to think I am going to spend on a little tub. All of these items are between £25 and $45 which, I think, is a little too much.

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So that's all for the upcoming MAC collections until June. I hope this helped you in any way. If prices will be useful, please let me know in a comment so that I can include it in future posts.

Thank you!

Suzanna

XOXO

Ps. I'm sorry at the length of this. If you read it all, the kudos to you.