High End Beauty Haul! 2014

First of all I apologise for not posting since the start of the year - back to college has been a little stressful to say the least and I also have my mock exams coming up next week. Instead of a review I thought I would share some of my recent high end beauty purchases, especially as I haven't hauled in a while. I bought everything from a House of Fraser store in one trip last week, yes, I know, it is a lot for one trip but I haven't splurged on any high end makeup since last year. Here's what I picked up.

When I reviewed the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation I mentioned how I wasn't completely happy with it and how I was debating whether to purchase the other foundation I had on my wish list. Evidently, I decided to pick up the cult favourite NARS Sheer Glow in the shade "Punjab" and I am super excited to try it out.

Another base product I picked up was the Laura Mercier oil-free tinted moisturiser. This is a repurchase of mine as I absolutely adore this stuff. If I am having a bad skin day I love to apply this under my foundation for extra coverage and it doesn't look at all cakey. It is super lightweight, the shade matches perfectly (I have mine in "Nude") and just works wonders all year round. In the summer, it is my favourite base to use as it has a good coverage, looks natural and also has a decent SPF rate. Check my review for more details.

I picked up two Benefit products. The first, yet another repurchase, in the form of They're Real mascara - an absolute holy grail of mine and one I am sure I will never be without. It lengths the lashes, creates huge volume, doesn't clump and one tube seems to last a really long time. For a mascara it is expensive, but I think it is 100% worth it. The other Benefit product is Hervana blush pox powder. As soon as I swatched it I knew I had to have it and I can't wait to try it out!

Lastly I wandered over to the MAC counter, a place where you either have an amazing experience or a complete confidence-shattering one. Thankfully, mine was the first and I ended up walking away with what I wanted...and more. I originally went to get the Pure Zen lipstick because I saw a tutorial by Lauren Curtis who used it on a night out and, being a sucker for a nude lipstick, I immediately added it to my wish list. I also picked up a blush called Desert Rose which is a gorgeous deep rose/pink shade. MAC blushes are one of my favourites (Bobbi Brown's may be slightly better imo) and seem to last forever. I also ended up getting a Studio Fix Powder + Foundation in the shade C3. Looking back I honestly don't know why I bought this - MAC face products break me out like crazy and I have heard the Studio Fix line can look cakey on the skin. And it wasn't the cheapest of products! I will probably do a separate review on this when I try it out - I have to admit I am a little sceptical about trying it!

So they are the products I picked up and overall I am happy with my purchases. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I will try my best to get up some more reviews. Lots of love!

November Beauty Favourites

A slightly late monthly favourites, but it's better late than never, right?

Starting of with the beauty favourites, I have been using the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot powder every single day. I purchased it a while back but found it way too matte. But now, paired with a light reflecting foundation, it keeps oils at bay for the majority of the day and I really do like it. As drugstore powders go, it is definitely one of my favourites. On my eyes I have been lining my waterline using Facinating Eye Kohl by Mac. It is basically just a white eyeliner, but it lasts all day and really opens up the eyes giving a more awake appearance. Rubenesque paint pot also by Mac is another favourite this month. On skin with a slight tan, the bronze undertones accentuate the colour and just looks amazing. Paint pots act as a great base by increasing the longevity of eyeshadows. 

Ever since I bought the Flair for Finery cremesheen lipglass I have been using it religiously on top of one of my favourite lipsticks, Angel. Both by Mac, both super wearable. Together they make the perfect pink based nude lip combination.

The primer I have been using everyday has been the L'Oreal Lumi Magique pure light primer which has become undoubtably my favourite primer to date. It is incredibly lightweight, feels amazing on the skin and literally brings the skin to life by creating a light reflecting radiance. I love pairing the primer with a matte foundation as it completely transforms the look - read this! It is just as good as the Laura Mercier offering.

My two skincare favourites this month have been Hydraluron (no surprise there) and a rediscovery in the La Roche Effaclar Mat moisturiser. I have dedicated a whole blog post on why I adore Hydraluron and why I think everyone should own it, so check that out. The La Roche Posay Effeclar Mat offering is a product I purchased a long time ago but when I first tried it, I was not a fan. Fast forward several months and I really do believe this helps control oils throughout the day and reduces sebum production - I only use this on my t-zone and use my Clinique moisturiser all over the face. I've really been enjoying pairing them together.

So there we have it. Normally in my monthly favourites post I include music, fashion and general favourites, yet it is already the 6th of December and I have other things to post. My December favourites will be jam packed though...

MAC Divine Night Flair For Finery lipstick and cremesheen lipglass

I was debating whether to post this as I believe both are already sold out on the Mac cosmetics website, but I have just checked other websites such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and Selfridges and they still have some of the products available. Hurry though, as they are limited edition!

By the way, I must start by saying the lipstick swatches on the website for this collection are horrifically wrong. On the website, the lipstick Flair for Finery appears as a medium, rose toned pink which is totally the opposite of what it is. Just make sure you research the shades before you buy online :)

Flair for Finery is the name of both the lipstick and cremesheen glass in the new Mac holiday collection called Divine Night. I would describe both as a light pink-based nude (just think of a hybrid of Creme D'Nude and Creme Cup). Basically, my idea of the perfect lip colour. The lipstick has really good colour payoff and, for a cremesheen formula, lasts a decent amount of time. And the cremesheen glass is really surprisingly pigmented and I absolutely adore the milky pink shade. Together they make a perfect nude lip.

I also love the packaging of the collection with gold accents instead of the regular silver. I'm not really a fan of completely revamped packaging (anyone remember the outrageous Hello Kitty collection?) so the simple addition of gold detailing this year looks really nice. My only criticism is not about the product itself but about the price! As they are limited edition the prices seem to rocket with the lipstick being £16.50 and the cremesheen glass at a crazy £19. Bit annoying, but all is redeemed by the shades.

Definitely check to see if they are still available online and in stores x

October favourites: Beauty, fashion, music

Happy first of the month!

It's favourites time yet again! October is definitely of one of my favourite months and I'm sad to see it ending, but it also signifies and brings into realisation that christmas is just around the corner (8 weeks, precisely). I have a wide array of favourite this month in all categories; beauty, fashion, music and, of course, randoms.

Starting with beauty favourites, I've been using Laura Mercier's oil free tinted moisturiser on a near enough everyday basis. I love how lightweight the product feels on the skin and yet still covers the majority of imperfections. I would class it as medium coverage with definitely the power to create fuller coverage. It's super easy to apply and helps to keep oils at bay for the whole day. Laura Mercier definitely know how to create perfect bases and this tinted moisturiser is one of my all time favourites in general.

Near enough all the rest of my beauty faves fit in the eye category. For my most used eyeshadow combo this month I have been loving applying Mac eyeshadow All That Glitters on the lid with Quarry quite heavily packed through the crease using a 217 brush. The 217 is the perfect tool for effortlessly applying colour to the crease and I can't live without it; I'm almost contemplating purchasing another. I have found myself reaching for L'Oreal's False Lash Telescopic more than my favourite American duo.  It lengthens the lashes like you would not believe and looks exceptionally amazing on the bottom lashes.

I've been wearing this Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream in the shade Tokyo and I really like it. The colour is a gorgeous rose pink and looks super pretty on. My only criticism is that, as they are so creamy, they don't have the best staying power and I find myself reapplying every hour or so. Annoying, but the colour is great.

- Urban Outfitters ecote motocross drape jacket, £68
- Zara checked shirt with contrasting collar, £25.99
- American Apparel corduroy circle skirt, £44
- Miss Selfridge gold trim faux leather biker jacket, £52
- American Apparel disco pants, £74

Autumn fashion basically involves layers. Now that we are transitioning into winter however I've been wearing tights with pretty much every outfit - yes, even with jeans. I get that cold. I love wearing tights with high waisted skirts, especially the American Apparel circle skirts (my favourites are burgundy and navy blue) - they come in very autumnal appropriate colours and go with almost anything. Collared shirts, in particular, look so cute tucked into skirts and very put together. This one by Zara, a tartan inspired checked shirt with contrasting white collar, is my absolute favourite. It can be simply dressed down by pairing it with dark skinny jeans or dressed up by adding leather shorts, black heels and statement jewellery.

Another go-to piece for autumn/winter has to be disco pants. For the best quality and colour range check out American Apparel (loving the cranberry colour)! Jackets are also a autumn into winter staple - not as warm as a fully lined coat, but still something for the cold weather. I love this Urban Outfitters ecote motocross drape jacket, it just looks amazing. For more warmth, faux leather jackets are a must. Pictured is a gorgeous biker jacket by Miss Selfridge which will go with almost every outfit and looks super stylish.

Music favourites!

I have been loving Miley Cyrus' album Bangerz which came out at the start of the month and especially the songs Maybe Your Right and Adore You. She has certainly received a negative reputation over the past few weeks, namely for her two recent music videos (you know the ones), but nevertheless the songs on her album are really well produced and executed. Definitely check my two favourites out, even if you're not particularly a fan of her. Haim's The Wire has been on repeat for this month. It's way too catchy and will get in your head and stay there for the whole day. I still love it regardless!

One of my closest friends has an obsession with the band Fall Out Boy. I never understood their obsession and wasn't a fan of their rock-esque music. Now after listening to their new album Save Rock and Roll I've completely my opinion. My favourite songs on the album are Young Volancoes and Just One Yesterday. Check out the full album here! Now it cannot be a proper music favourites without a One Direction song. Just yesterday they released Story Of My Life on iTunes and I have already played it over ten times. I'm so excited for their new album out at the end of November - hurry up!

Ok. I'll be honest. My "random" favourites this month hands down beat my fashion, beauty AND music favourites. And the collage above possibly is one of the most bizzare and unusual group of photos ever.

The first picture is of the cast of my new favourite show The Walking Dead. Quick synopsis: a group of Americans try to survive by killing zombies. Now I personally am not a fan of gore, and yes they didn't rate the show an 18 (or R in America) for no reason, but I thoroughly recommend watching an episode or two. I watched series 1, 2 and 3 in around two weeks, and now that season four has just started, I'm hooked again. I love the storyline, the characters are amazing with a good amount of British actors - Rick, the lead character, was in Love Actually, and it's so gripping. Definitely start from the first series though and I promise you'll be hooked in no time. Season four is on every Friday at 10pm on Fox.

Next is a book, The Fault In Our Stars, that I haven't been able to put down since I started reading it. I have yet to finish, but I am nearing the end, but I still think it deserves a mention in my favourites post. John Green, the author, perfectly depicts the life of a young girl suffering from cancer with heart and emotion yet with small doses of static humour and, of course, a beautiful love story intertwined. I've already cried, laughed and smiled like an absolute idiot at the pages, and I highly suggest you give it a read.

If you don't know who the boy in the third picture is then what is your life. I'm kidding, but still, Luke Friend from the current series of The X Factor is, in my opinion, the best contestant who I sincerely hope will win. He's so unique and has such an amazing voice. I'm no Simon Cowell, but it's a "yes" from me :P

Another favourites post complete, another month finished! I'm not particularly looking forward to November, but at least it means that December is getting closer. And we all love December, adios x x x

What Beauty Products Does Megan Fox Use? Skincare, Makeup Must Haves

As my what beauty products does Kim Kardashian use post was quite popular, I thought I'd continue the theme focusing on different female celebrities and what their favourite make-up products are. Next up is Megan Fox who is undeniably a beautiful woman and probably on everyones "girl crush" list. Yes, she's had a little surgery but her makeup always looks flawless and natural. Here's a rundown of her must haves.

Skincare
Megan goes by the mantra "less is more" when it comes to all things beauty. Yet as her skin struggles from acne stars, enlarged pores and the odd breakout, and being under the spotlight 24/7, her skincare routine is far from simple. She goes on regular visits to skin specialist Sonya Dakar and has the Diamond Peel Treament to help keep her skin clear. It's expensive, at $725 (yes, dollars, US only I'm afraid), but she's definitely a regular customer. She's also a Bliss skincare fan - she loves the Detoxifying Facial Toner and Steep Clean 15 Minute Facial Mask. For skin protection she uses the La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Extreme Fluid and the Mindi Walters Vitamin C Complex, once quoted saying "this is the only product with SPF that does not irritate my skin".




Face
Yet another celebrity who adores the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation! Also Kim Kardashian's favourite, Megan also loves to use this on herself and on the red carpet as it provides good coverage which is oil-free (perfect for picture taking) and lasts all day. Expensive, but worth it. Another foundation she uses is the Chanel Waterlights Sheer Make Up Stick in Sand and Wheat. For concealer, she loves the Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer (her shade is medium beige) as it coverages everything from acne scars to blemishes to tattoos.

To set everything, she uses the Dr. Hauschka Transcluent Face Powder for all over the face and, for brightening the under eye area, Megan uses the Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder in #2. She also uses this for brighten up her complexion, keeping her skin looking refreshed and healthy. Her go-to blush choice is Lorac Rose; a light coral pink.

Eyes
For brows, she loves the Chanel Crayon Sourcils Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil in the shade Soft Brown. For many red carpet looks, make up artists have also used the Lorac Take a Brow Wax Kit in Brunette for a more defined, fuller look. Megan loves to smudge the MAC Smolder Eye Kohl on the top and bottom lashes to create a more messy look. For a softer liner, MAC Omega is her favourite choice.  She recently said in an interview how she likes to use two mascaras for the different brushes. First she uses the Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill as "the thin brush means you can get into the base of your lashes", followed by the L'Oreal Voluminous on top to lengthen. On the red carpet, the most used duo is the Max Factor 2000 Calorie Straight Brush Mascara in Rich Black topped with some MAC Individual Lashes.

Lips
Megan's lipstick changes whenever her look does: from red-toned oranges with a neutral face and eye look, to deep wine reds with a smokey eye. To prep for whatever shade she uses the Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick followed by the Chanel Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer in Natural. Her staple deep red lipstick is Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani in 400. For an orange, MAC Morange is a staple. Her dark, berry shade of choice is the Dior Addict Lip Color in Decadent Plum and for a true blue based red use the Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Lipcolor in Absolute Rouge.

Like I said in my Kim post, obviously she uses many different products - these are just reoccurring products I've seen she has mentioned in interviews, forums etc over and over again. Next week: Kylie Jenner!

Full list of products: Sonya Dakar diamond peel treatment, Bliss Detoxifying Facial Toner, Bliss Steep Clean 15 Minute Facial Mask, La Roche-Posay Anthelios AC Extreme Fluid, Mindi Walters Vitamin C Complex, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation, Chanel Waterlights Sheer Makeup Stick in sand and wheat, Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in medium beige, Dr. Hauschka Translucent face powder, Laura Mercier Secret Brightening powder in #2, Lorac Rose blush, Chanel Crayon Sourcils sculpting eyebrow pencil in soft brown, Lorac Take a Brow wax kit in brunette, MAC Eye Kohl in smolder, MAC eyeshadow in omega, Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, MAC individual lashes, Dr. Hauschka Lip Care Stick, Chanel Le Crayon Lévres Precision Lip Definer in natural, Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani in 400, MAC Lipstick in morange, Dior Addict Lip Color in decadent plum, Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge lipcolor in absolute rouge

MAC x Rihanna RiRi Hearts Holiday Collection 2013

After two extremely successful collections, Rihanna and MAC are collaborating one last time for this years holiday collection. Here is a brief rundown of what is included:

Veluxe Pearlfusion Shadow
- Phresh Out
- 2x Dare

Superslick Eyeliner
- Pisces Persuasion (shimmery white, frost)
- Cockiness (shimmery rose gold, frost)

Lipstick
- Pleasure Bomb (matte fuchsia, matte)
- RiRi Woo (matte cool red, retro matte)
- Bad Girl RiRi (matte taupey nude, matte)

Bronzing Powder
- Love, Rihanna (soft golden brown with gold pearl)

Nail Lacquer
- RiRi Woo (matte cool red, cream)

Brush
- 217/239SE (double-ended)

Makeup Bag
- RiRi Hearts MAC Makeup Bag (rose gold)

Compared to her summer and fall collection, I don't think this is as exciting in my opinion. I love the white and rose gold packaging yet, aside from the new matte fuchsia lipstick being released (as well as the re-promote of RiRi Woo which I didn't snap up last time!), there isn't much else that grabs my attention. The collection will be in stores and online worldwide in December, keep your eyes out x x x

Photo source: Temptalia, edited by me

What Beauty Products Does Kim Kardashian Use? Create Her Signature Look

Kim's make up always looks perfect, whether it be on an Instagram selfie (she posts alot), a magazine cover or on their reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians. After some proper extensive research via the Kardashian sisters blogs, her make up artists and searching through their book I've found out what some of Kim's favourite, and most used, beauty products are. So, if you want the Kim K look, take note...

Skincare
It seems Kim loves drugstore skincare. She said in a recently interview that her most essential product has to go be the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in night calming. Also, one of her  regular make up artists, Joyce Bonelli loves to use the Aquaphor Healing Ointmen to spot treat dry patches of skin as well as using it to heal blemishes. Joyce also uses La Mer The Radiant Serum which is probably one of the most expensive serums ever at £233 for the small size! Before foundation Kim says she loves to apply the Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser as it makes the foundation stick to it.

Base
The key product to Kim's signature highlight is the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base in yellow. It's the product used on that photo released of her with a yellow face. The product brings out her naturally strong yellow undertone, thus enhancing the glow. Her make up artists also prime her skin with the Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer 7.

For foundation, she loves using - as well as her make up artists Mario Dedivanovic and Joyce Bonelli - the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk. She mixes three shades (5.75, 6 and 6.5); her natural shade, one lighter to add extra highlight and one darker to contour. On her blog she stated she loves to also use NARS Sheer Glow (her shade is Barcelona) as well as the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser. She loves to use the beauty blender to apply foundation. As for concealer, Mario Dedivanovic uses the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage in SC-3 for under the eyes. Kim also said in an interview that she uses the Cle De Peau concealer in Ochre on herself.

Face
Kim sets her makeup using the Make Up Forever HD Translucent Powder but has also been seen to use the MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC30. Ben Nye Banana Powder is also her favourite to set under eye concealer and to enhance her yellow undertones even more.

It's evident Kim loves using bronzer and her personal favourite (as well as her mua's) is the Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte. She uses it all around the face as well as to contour her nose. For blush, Mario mostly use Kevyn Aucoin Shadore and NARS Desire on Kim. I couldn't seem to find a highlighter that she constantly uses other than the Eye M Glam which she uses on her cheekbones, under her brow bone, inner corner of her eyes and on the cupids bow.

Eyes
Kim does use eye lash extensions, yet mascara is never skipped from her routine. She curls her lashes with the Shu Uemura eyelash curlers followed by her favourite mascaras which are the Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes mascara and MAC Zoom Lash. As for false lashes, her most used brand is Ardell.

Obviously she and her make up artists uses different eyeshadows every day. She has mentioned her favourite shades before which are: the NARS Surabaya duo, Urban Decay Vapor, MAC Carbon (a "must have for a smokey eye") and MAC Tan Pigment. As for black eyeliner, she always uses Stila Oynx Kajal.

For brows, Kim fills her eyebrows softlyses MAC Cork eyeshadow focusing more on the outer corners of the brow. Mario also loves using the MAC Eye Brows Pencil in lingering as it's "quick" and "easy to define". They use the Max Factor No Colour Brow Gel to set them in place.

Lips
Kim made the nude lip famous. If, in any picture she is sporting a nude or baby pink lip, 9/10 it is one of following pairings. Trust me. For a matte nude lip: MAC Subculture lip pencil + NARS Belle De Jour lipstick. For a glossy, pink/nude: MAC Stripdown lip pencil + MAC Angel lipstick + NARS Turkish Delight gloss.

Obviously Kim uses so many different products everyday and what various make up artists use differs accordingly, yet these are the products that she constantly uses, and ones highly rated, by herself. Have fun creating her looks!

Full list of Kim's products: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes in night calming, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, La Mer The Radiant Serum, Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturiser, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Makeup Color Base in yellow, Make Up Forever HD Microperfecting Primer 7, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation in 5.74, 6, 6.5, NARS Sheer Glow in Barcelona, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, the beauty blender, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage concealer in SC-3, Cle De Peau concealer in ochre, Make Up Forever HD Translucent Powder, MAC Select Sheer pressed powder in NC30, Ben Nye banana powder, Smashbox Bronze Lights in Suntan Matte, Kevyn Auocin Shadore blush, NARS Desire blush, Eye M Glam highlighter, Lancome Hypnose Doll eyes mascara, MAC Zoom Lash, Ardell false lashes, NARS Surabaya eyeshadow duo,  Urban Decay vapor eyeshadow, MAC Carbon, MAC Tan pigment, Stila Onyx Kajal eye liner, MAC Cork eyeshadow, MAC Eye Brows Pencil in lingering, Max Factor No Colour Brow Gel, MAC Subculture lip pencil, NARS Belle De Jour lipstick, MAC Stripdown lip pencil, MAC Angel lipstick and NARS Turkish Delight lip gloss.

September Favourites: Makeup, A/W Fashion, Music and Randoms!

Firstly, I can't believe it's October 1st. It's literally my favourite month with midterm coming up then halloween and my birthday. This year has gone so insanely fast. Secondly, writing favourites posts are always fun. Especially when I have products I've been truly loving. This month I have several beauty favourites as well my autumn/winter fashion picks, music obsessions and just some general favourites so, let's get started...

 Let me first of start by apologising that two of my seven favourites aren't available in the UK. I'm sorry.

You're probably sick of me talking about this, but it deserves another mention - Covergirl Lash Blast Volume mascara. This has definitely become a holy grail mascara of mine - it creates length, volume giving full looking lashes without the clumpy appearance. Please come to the UK.

Another favourite that needs to be bought over to the UK are the Wet n Wild Lip Colors. So cheap, yet so pigmented and come in the best variety of colours, from nudes to pinks to reds. I can't get enough of the four I own, they're so good. My current favourite has been "Spotlight Red", a bright, blue based red. I can see this being a constant favourite when we get into the winter season. It's very comparable to Russian Red by MAC, but notably cheaper...

Quarry eyeshadow by MAC is one of those shades that looks incredibly boring in the pan, but a must have nonetheless. It's the perfect transition, and crease, colour - especially if you have brown eyes as it has a slight purple undertone to it. I love using this shade smudged along the lower lash line to give warmth and some colour. It's more subtle that a black or brown, yet still really pretty for an everyday look.

My foundation favourite this month has been L'Oreal Lumi Magique (I have shade W3). I can't gush about it enough, click here for my full review for my full thoughts and stuff.

Rediscovering past obsessions is always nice. I used to use the NARS Powder Foundation all the damn time when I first bought it. Then it kind of got forgotten about. Now I've been reaching for it more, I remember how much I love using it. It's perfect to use either on top of liquid foundation to set everything and give extra coverage, or to use on it's own. For what it is, it's lightweight and doesn't look cakey. Pricey, but 100% worth it.

Gotta include Baby Lips! I love the shade Pink Punch, it smells heavenly and looks so nice on; really subtle.

Nordic rose cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Floral print kimono: Miss Guided
Burgundy and black camis: Topshop
Animal print cropped jumper: Urban Outfitters
High waisted jeans: New Look

Deciding my favourite clothing items of the month is easy: cropped jumpers, high waisted jeans, kimonos, plain cami tops and oversized cardigans.

Autumn weather in England is extremely bipolar; one minute it's raining and freezing, then the next it's warm and you just wanna take all your clothes off! For this I love wearing layers. I start with just a plain cami - easy to wear and come in so many colours. Then I throw on a baggy, oversized cardigan. I've been loving the ones from Urban Outfitters; they're thick, warm and some in some really lovely patterns. I then just throw on either high waisted shorts (plus tights!), or opt for some high waisted jeans. My most used are by New Look, especially the black and dark navy ones.

When the weather is more on the warm side, I've been really into kimonos. Miss Guided offers some really affordable yet super flattering varieties, plus I've seem them crop up on Asos and in stores. Pictured above is my favourite, black with green, blue and cream coloured flowers. I also love wearing cropped jumpers as they look amazing with high waisted jeans/shorts. Again, Urban Outfitters is the place to look for them.

I'm thinking about doing more posts dedicated to seasonal fashion picks. What do you think?







23 by Mike Will Made-It
It's probably the most catchiest song ever. The day I bought it on iTunes I played it 32 times in a row, yep, that addictive. It's featuring Miley Cyrus (who I love, but may not be everyones cup of tea), Wiz Khalifa and some person who I've never heard of in the likes of Juicy J. Seriously, what kind of name is that?

Wings by Birdy
This is such a cute, melancholic song that you need to listen to if you haven't already. Birdy has such a gorgeous voice for a 17 year old, and I love the video for this song too, it's very medieval.

Diana by One Direction
This song was leaked a few weeks back so I pray that you can still find it somewhere online. If not, then mark November 25th in your diary as thats the release of their new album. Anyway, the song Diana is supposed to be written for the fans who have suffered from depression or suicide. When you listen to the words it's really quite sad, but the song as a whole is really catchy and has some great hooks in it. Love!

Burn by Ellie Goulding
Yeah it's an old song, but I've been going through an Ellie phase and this is one of my definite favourites of hers. It's totally different to my regular style of music (to be honest, all of these songs I've mentioned are completely polar opposite to my usual style which is alternative/rock) but I just find myself listening to this all the time!

Yay for the random favourites!

First is iOS7 (for all you Apple users). At first I thought it was really childish but now I actually quite like it. It's simple to use and, I know it's stupid, but I love how the background colour is incorporated into the button colour and tab background, if you know what I mean (see pic!). And have you all seen the new iPhone in gold? *wants*

This past month the X Factor has been my guilty pleasure, it's pretty embarrassing. Well it's not as bad as my mum who downloaded the bloody app on her iPad. Nevertheless, I always watch on the weekends when I can. Team Shaz!

Ok a weird favourite this month is a YouTube channel that you've *probably* all heard of called SourceFed. A group of super likeable hosts post five videos a day each with current news stories. Yeah it may sound boring, but they present them with humour but actually convey important messages to keep us up to date with current affairs. They're short videos (3 mins on average) which make them perfect to quickly view if you don't have enough time to sit down and watch the full length news programmes.

Favourites completed! I really enjoyed writing this months post. Hope you did, too. Have an amazing October :)

PS, who's already downloaded their "countdown to Christmas" phone app? I have! 91 days to go...

Current Beauty Favourites

I have discovered some amazing products recently that I have been using religiously. It's too late in the month to call them August favourites so I'll just call them my current beauty favourites. I recommend everything :)

theBalm Mary Lou Manizer
I've been really into highlighters at the moment and this is probably the most talked about and I can see why. It's a beautiful golden-champagne shade that is super shimmery. And very pigmented. A little goes a long way but it's so lovely. I've also been loving this as an inner corner highlight on my eyes and on the cupids bow. Just saying.

My everyday MAC eyeshadow quad
I've created the perfect quad here people. It contains Shroom, another great inner corner highlight, All That Glitters, shimmery peach champagne perfectness, Quarry, a muted purple crease colour and Charcoal Brown, for smudging eyeliner out and for them brows.

Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer
I finished up my Maybelline The Eraser and instead of repurchasing I opted for this and I love it. It's great for under the eyes as it has a reflective, anti-fatigue finish. Definitely not for use on blemishes as it will enhance them, but for dark circles under the eyes, it's a gem.

Covergirl Last Blast Volume mascara in very black
When will the UK start stocking Covergirl?! This mascara provides volume (finally, a product that lives up to its name) and crazy length and thickness and just everything you would want in a mascara. When it runs out I will book a flight to America. No joke.

Milani Baked Blush in luminoso
Another USA only product that I'm in love. This one probably won't run out as fast as the mascara but still. It's such a beautiful shade that will compliment literally anyone. Check my in depth review for swatches and stuff.

Barry M lip gloss in toffee
Ok, there are three amazing things about this lipgloss. 1) It actually smells like toffee, 2) it's under five quid and 3) it's pigmented and lasts ages. It's a nude/pink mix, just think of the lipgloss version of MAC Creme Cup lipstick.

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow Pigment in perpetual purple
I am loving the infallible eyeshadows at the moment, but my favourite has to be this dark purple with silver reflects. If you have brown eyes, it looks amazing on the lower lash line. I really hope this isn't one of their US-only shades as I know some are.

I hope you're having a great weekend!

MAC Creme Cup Lipstick

MAC lipsticks are definitely one of my favourites. I think the different formulas are a great idea and, despite the price tag creeping up every damn year, they are worth the £15 in my opinion. Out of all the ones I own (which let's be honest, are all nude and pink hues), the "cremesheen" formula is by far my favourite. Granted, they don't last as long but the colour pay off is still exceptional and they feel so moisturising compared to say the matte formula. They also give such a lovely glossy finish.

The newest edition to my cremesheen lipsticks is probably the most popular shade (second to Hue, of course). It's the one you're advised to buy when you're just getting into MAC lipsticks - Creme Cup.

It's described as a light, blue tone pink - a hybrid of a muted pink with a nude undertone. Not being a pale, life-less shade makes it suitable for virtually all skin colours. It has a really nice glossy finish, hence why it's a cremesheen formula. I really do like it.

It the perfect everyday lipstick as it's a mix of the popular hues which also makes it perfect all ages and all skin types.

Just looking at my other lipsticks I can definitely see a few drugstore dupes including Wet n Wild Think Pink (click link for swatches) and Maybelline Pink Please. Getting started into MAC lipsticks? Yeah, it's a great colour. Wanting a similar shade and perhaps are looking for a cheaper alternative? Look in the drugstore.

I can't complain though. The quality is great and it's a lovely hue. Have a great day :)

MAC RiRi Hearts Fall Collection 2013

MAC collections seem to come out every month and I can't seem to keep up with them! There have only been a few collections I've been proper excited about and the upcoming RiRi Hearts fall collection is one of them.

The RiRi hearts summer collection was a massive success, selling out in a few hours so I'm glad they are re-promoting the products plus adding to it.

Lipsticks
Talk That Talk: dark plum (retro matte)
RiRi Woo: cool matte red (retro matte)
Who's That Chick: mid-tone orange (frost)
Nude: cool nude cream (matte)

Lipglass
RiRi Woo: cool red

Pro Longwear Lip Pencil
RiRi Woo: cool red
Talk That Talk: dark plum

Smoked Cocoa Eyeshadow Quad
Muted mid-tone grey (matte2)
Mid-tone cool champagne (veluxe pearl)
Black with silver pearl pigments (luxtre)
Black charcoal (satin)

Her Cocoa Eyeshadow Quad
Bright bronze gold (lustre)
Soft peach (satin)
Warm antique gold (veluxe pearl)
Chocolate bronze (lustre)

Lustre Drops
Barbados Girl: rose gold bronze

Powder Blush Duo
Hibiscus Kiss: cool coral blush and matte neutral bronze duo

Blush
Bad Girl Gone Good: warm copper (satin)

Cream Colour Base
Diamonds: soft pink beige with gold pearl pigments

Liquid Last Liner
Point Black

Mascara
Gigablack Extended Play

Veluxe Brow Liner
Deep Brunette
Deep Dark Brunette

Lashes
#35
#36

Brushes
187SE
282SE

So...basically, I feel sorry for our banks right now. The release date in America is October 3rd meaning international should be the following week. Photo source: houseofrihanna.

Top: Nude Lipsticks

NYX Black Label #India, MAC #Myth, MAC #Creme D'Nude, MAC #Hue, Barry M #154, Revlon Super Lustrous #Nude Attitude 001

(A non-skincare posts I know, I know)

Nude lipsticks are my favourite and I have so many, yet I've narrowed it down to my top 6!

May Beauty Favourites

Happy June 1st! I love this day for many reasons: it's a sign that we're already half way through the year and that summer is approaching, school is nearly over (2 weeks left for me) and it's also my parents wedding anniversary! 29 years today which is so crazy! Anyway...

I only ever do monthly beauty favourites when I actually have favourite products to talk about, normally they're just the same as any other month so I rarely do them, but this month I have a lot of top picks!

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer, Essie #Tart Deco, Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch, L'oreal True Match #W3, NYX #Sweetheart, Benefit They're Real, MAC Lip Liner #Saunter, MAC #Creme D'Nude

Laura Mercier Oil Free Foundation Primer
Best primer hands down! I've only just recently bought this and I'm already in love. Before I was using the Smashbox Photo Finish which was good as a primer but bad for my skin. It broke my out every time I used it so I stopped using primers for a while. On a whim I picked up the Laura Mercier one, in oil free, and I noticed the difference immediately. It contains no silicone which I think is what broke my out before and is so lightweight and refreshing as it's a cream product. I just love it and 100% recommend it to anyone needing a new primer or in the market to try a new one.

Essie #Tart Deco
One of my favourite summer nail polishes, it's such a nice coral colour which looks uh-may-zing with a tan! Boots normally do these on a 3 for 2 offer or something so check them out! I also love Mint Candy Apple which is a bright mint green.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Concealer
It's the best concealer/highlighter hybrid I've tried. It doesn't crease under the eyes, it covers up dark circles and also acts as a really nice highlighter on the cheekbone. It's super cheap as well (only around £7) and lasts forever. I'm not even half way through mine and I've been using it everyday since I bought it around two months ago. I have shade 2.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation
My favourite foundation of the moment. It's a medium coverage but can be built up for a more full coverage - it's quite thin in consistency meaning it feels lightweight and doesn't cake up. It applies really nicely over the Laura Mercier foundation primer and it's what I've been using everyday - I'm already on my second bottle. They bottle doesn't last that long however but for £10 I don't mind repurchasing. I'm in the shade W3 normally but when I tan I'm a W6, even W7.

NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss #Sweetheart
I love NYX lip glosses - they come in so many shades and are not sticky. Unfortunately they don't have the best staying powder, some are better than others. This month I've been wearing Sweetheart over the top of Creme D'Nude by MAC and it looks so nice. It's a shimmery pink nude shade.

MAC Lipstick #Creme D'Nude
This has been my most used lipstick of the month. Creme D'Nude is a peachy nude shade that is very smooth and has a gloss-like appearance. It's really creamy, hence why it's a cremesheen. For a nude it's really easy to wear, probably the easiest one I have. It's one of my favourite lipsticks ever and I've been particularly using it a lot this month.

MAC Lip Liner #Saunter
I hate putting limited edition products in favourites posts but I do believe you can get this on the House of Fraser website still. It's the perfect nude lipliner which can be used as a lip pencil as it's so opaque. It does cling to fine lines and dry areas so make sure you exfoliate and add loads of lip balm before. I like using this with Myth lipstick (practically the same colour) and then adding a pink gloss over the top like Sweetheart by NYX or even a Rimmel Apocalips lip laquer.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara
I got this with a magazine as a sample and I'm in love! It's marketed as the best mascara and the UK's most popular with 10 being sold every minute or something like that, so I always thought it was fake. So when it came with my favourite magazine as a sample I thought I'd give it a go and I'm so glad I did. It lengths the lashes perfectly and makes them look false, it doesn't give much volume which is what I'm normally used to but I can deal with that as it's so good. I'm really tempted to buy the full size even though it's nearly £20 and they run out so quickly! Ugh decisions...

Anyway they're my favourites, I hope you have a great forthcoming month!

xx

MAC Saint Germain

 

I think I've just found my new favourite lipstick. Ah, look how pretty!!!

MAC lipsticks are my weakness. There are so many other brands that dupe the same colours as MAC do, yet they just don't compare. The formula, the texture, the longevity (of most) and the smell of them are amazing.

The only thing that annoys me is the price. The first one I bought cost £11.50. Now, they are charging £14. It might not seem like a massive difference, yet over time, it adds up considerably. Anyway...

I picked up the ever-so-popular shade Saint Germain with summer soon approaching. I think this would look really good with a tan, or even muted down for everyday wear. It's super pigmented, better than most of my other ones and I just love it.

If you haven't tried it, you must!

Suzanna x

Best of 2012

I just wanna start of by saying happy new year!

My posts will lack during January because of my exams so I thought I would do a pretty extensive blog post reviewing all my favourite products (as well as books, movies and music favourites) of 2012 today. Links are added to reviews :)

Best eyeshadows (palette): Urban Decay Naked 2
Best mascara: Rimmel Volume Flash Scandal Eyes or Clinique High Impact
Best pencil liner: Avon Supershock or MAC Stubborn Brown or Rimmel Scandal Eyes in Nude
Best liquid liner: Maybelline Master Precise
Best eyeshadow base: MAC Paint Pots
Best eye lash glue: Revlon Precision Lash Adhesive
Best eyebrow product: Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash

I'm not a lip product fan, the only lip products I use are MAC lipsticks. My favourites, and most used, during 2012 have been: Myth or Hue or Honeylove or Sunny Seoul.

Best liquid foundation: Esteé Lauder Double Wear in Fresco and Desert Beige
Best powder foundation: NARS Powder Foundation in Fiji
Best primer: Smashbox Photofinish
Best concealer: Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection in Fair
Best bronzer: NARS Laguna
Best blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
Best powder: MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus

Best volumising product: TRESemmé Volume and Lift Mousse
Best dry shampoo: TRESemmé Instant Refresh
Best heat protector: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth
Best treatment: Moroccan Oil or Leo Bancroft Instant Sleek or Kerastase Nectar Thermique or Macadamia Oil
Best straightening balm: Redken Power Tame 16 or Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

Best self tanner: St Moriz Mousse in Dark
Best face moisturiser: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel
Best body moisturiser: Shea body butter from The Body Shop
Best hand cream: L'Occitane
Best universal cream: E45 or Sudocrem (not pictured)
Best acne/red skin treatment: Mario Badescu Control Cream

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Favourite books of the year

- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

- Unwind by Neal Shusterman

- Holy Bible (ESV)

- The Dog Stars by Peter Heller

Favourite movies (and shows) of the year

- Project X

- Ted

- Sherlock, both series

Favourite albums of the year

- Born To Die: Paradise Edition by Lana Del Rey

- Take Me Home by One Direction

- Life is Elsewhere by Little Comets

- Babel by Mumford & Sons

- Channel Orange by Frank Ocean

- What's The Story (Morning Glory)? by Oasis

So thats all of my favourite things of 2012. I hope you had an amazing year and I hope that the new year brings you happiness and lots of laughs.

Suzanna 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!