everyday makeup routine

 I thought I'd film my updated everyday makeup look...

Products used:

YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum

Olay Moisturiser

Collection 2000 Concealer - Medium

YSL Le Teint Touche Éclat Foundation - B40

Cosmopolitan Beauty Blender Sponge

YSL Touche Éclat - 01

NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

MAC Brule Eyeshadow

Barry M Eyeliner - White

YSL Mascara Volume Effect Faux Cils

GOSH Brow Ink

NARS Cactus Flower Cream Blush

Nivea Lip Balm

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makeup haul

Makeup Haul

Soo I really wasn't going to buy all of this stuff, but it sort off just happened, whoops! I only went into Debenhams to get samples of the YSL Touche Eclat foundation but I walked away with quite a bit more :O.I was matched to B40 in the foundation, it is such a perfect colour for me. The product itself is to die for, I was wearing it all weekend and I just didn't want to take it off.

YSL Touche Eclat Foundation - B40

Debenhams were also doing a deal on this set of 3, including the YSL Faux Cils Mascara, Touche Eclat Concealer and the Serum. So I decided, heck why not! I was going to save a lot of money plus I've wanted to try these products for a long time!

Set of 3

YSL Serum

YSL Faux Cils Mascara

YSL Touche Eclat Concealer - 01

Swatches

I bought NARs Cactus Flower blush off ASOS. I've wanted it for ages now and thought why not get it, and I'm so glad I did, the blush is beautiful, so creamy and pigmented, giving a nice flush to the cheeks.

NARs Cactus Flower

I can't wait to try these out more and do some reviews on them :). The thing is, since I work in pharmaceutical production I can't wear any makeup so I only get to slap it on at the weekends! Oh well ^_^ got to make the most of it.

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Review. Maybelline Colour Tattoo: Pink Gold

Review. Maybelline Colour Tattoo: Pink Gold

I absolutely love this little product. Initially I wasn't going to buy any more of these Colour Tattoos, as I don't really use the bronze one, but when I was in Boot's and saw this little gem, I had to have it. Mainly because the colour is rose gold. It can be applied lightly as a sheen or the colour can be built up. I tend to put my NARS eye primer on beforehand (everything creases on me!) and then whack on a bit of this. If you have blue eyes it really accentuates them which is always something I look for in e/s.

Swatch

Overall it's a really nice thing to have in your make-up collection if you're a bit lazy like me and want something that is quick, simple and doesn't cost a bomb. Plus it's a very natural shade, perfect for everyday wear :).

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Review. NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

I have extremely hooded lids, which means that eye shadows tend to crease quite badly on me. I only really discovered e/s primers a couple of years ago and I must say now, they're an absolute God send. I use to use the Urban Decay Primer Potion, but that started to fail on me and I started looking for other alternatives. 

Then I saw/heard/read that the Nars primer was suppose to be one of the best on the market. At £18 it's not the cheapest, but then again you don't use much product, so it will last a long time. The primer has a doe foot applicator and the product itself is white, and really easy to blend.

Pro's.

• Keeps e/s in place all day, with no creasing

• Enhances pigmentation of e/s

• No oily lids

• Easy application, product itself is creamy and smooth, making it easy to blend on the eyelid

Con's.

• Expensive (£18)

• Packaging can get dirty and there's no indication of how much product is left

• Because the product is clear it doesn't cover any discolouration on the lid

Overall I'm glad I purchased the Nars primer, even if it is a tad expensive. I personally believe it's worth the money and I know that when I wear e/s its going to stay put all day!

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Review. Mac Cherry Lip Pencil

Mac Cherry Lip Pencil, £11.50

I'm not one to wear bright bold lips, but when I saw swatches of this lip pencil I just had to have it. Like the name says it's a cherry red, which appeals to me more than just an "in your face" red. I do tend to apply a small amount of lip balm beforehand, just because I suffer from dry lips. Plus it makes the lip pencil go on better. The product itself is quite creamy & the pigmentation is spot on. I found it to last a long time on the lips and when it does fade, it still looks good. I like to wear this on its own because the colour is just that nice!

Swatch

If your after a red festive lip for Christmas I'd definitely recommend this little beauty :).

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Review. Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

I use to use sponges to apply my foundation all the time since I found that this method was the best for dry skin. Somehow I got out of that habit and started using my fingers instead. But a couple of months ago I picked up this Cosmopolitan Sponge after hearing that it was a dupe for the Beauty Blender. 

To begin with I wet the sponge and then squeeze out all the excess water. I first put concealer on my red cheeks (damn those red cheeks), and then pat the sponge over the top to blend the concealer in. I then pump my foundation onto the back of my hand and then dab the sponge in it, and then proceed to apply small amounts to my face. Once again using light patting motions, I blend the foundation in.

Pro's.

• I love the shape of this thing, it's perfect for getting into the smaller areas of the face, (nose and eyes) 

• Blends foundation seamlessly, leaving a natural finish

• When the sponge is wet it expands and works a lot better with products

• Easy to wash and clean

• Great value for money

• Beauty Blender Dupe

• Great makeup tool if you have dry skin.

Con's.

• Some parts of foam break off after several washes

• Needs to be cleaned after every use so that in itself is quite time consuming.

• Takes a long time to dry out

Overall its a fantastic little tool, which works little wonders.

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Review. Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude

Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude

Finally, we have an affordable nude eyeliner on the market. I pretty much ran to the shop when this was released because I knew they would be quickly snapped up. The liner itself is creamy and pigmented. It glides smoothly onto the waterline, no need for any "tuggage". I do tend to apply it a few times just to build the colour up a bit more. The staying power is pretty impressive and the overall quality is really nice. The only thing I would say about this is that I wish the shade itself was just that little bit lighter to make the eyes really stand out. 

Swatch

If you haven't yet tried this liner, you must! It's only a few quid and is a great little product.

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Mac Coppering Eyeshadow

Mac Coppering Eyeshadow

I love copper/rusty colours on the eyes, since mine are blue it makes them really stand out. I saw Coppering at my local CCO at a discounted price so I decided to grab it. It's a veluxe pearl, meaning it is has a lovely creamy texture and is highly pigmented. I tend to put this as a wash all over the eyes, because I'm a lazy ninny.

Mac "Firecracker" & "Coppering" Swatches

At the time I thought that Coppering and Firecracker were virtually the same but when I swatched them against each other they are actually quite different and could be used in combination with one another.

Do you guys recommend any other rusty eyeshadows?

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Review: Sleek Blush by Three Palette - Lace

 Sleek Blush by Three Palette - Lace

I am so unbelievably happy to have this little palette in my life. It's never been in stock in my local Superdrug whenever I have checked. So I pretty much gave up and just told myself I'd never get my mitts on it. Then last weekend I thought I'd check out the Sleek stand and walaa, there were lots of blush by three palettes just waiting there. I frantically looked for Lace and to my relief they had plenty! I grabbed one and headed to the till.

All three colours are beautiful and well pigmented. I know that Crochet will look really nice in the winter to give that flush of colour to the cheeks. Guipure is my favourite, its absolutely stunning, and very shimmery which I really like, especially when you have a tan. Chantilly is nice, I think I will layer this over my Mac Optimistic Orange. I have currently been using my Mac 188 to apply these blushes, since they are so pigmented you only need a little and this brush picks up and deposits just enough colour.

This palette retails for £9.99 which is such a bargainous price for three awesome blushes, so if you do happen to see this in the shops don't hesitate, because you will regret it later! I really want to try the other Blush by Three  palettes out now :).

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Review: Sleek Brow Kit in Dark

 Sleek Brow Kit in Dark (£8.50)

I'm always on the look out for new brow products, probably because they're my favourite things! If I can just stick my eyebrows on in the morning, I'll be happy. Anyways, since my brow pens were running out, I decided to do a bit of research and see what else was on the market. I had heard that the Sleek brow kit was rather good and so I popped into Superdrug at the weekend and picked up the colour in dark. 

In my Superdrug there was only 2 options, Light and Dark, which won't suit everybody. But I had a look on their website and they do Extra Dark and Black too. I still think people with really light brows would be missing out though, since I did swatch the 'Light' colour on my hand and it wasn't particularly that light, more medium if anything!

Swatches

I am in love with the wax, it's such a good colour and applies like a dream. The colour is perfect for my brows too. I like to use the wax to fill in any gaps in my brows as well as the front part of my brow. I found that it worked really well for this since it adds a subtle shade which is not too in your face and fake. The wax itself doesn't keep my brows in place but that's because I have thick hairs which tend to do whatever they please. So I just use some clear mascara for that.

The powder is a lovely dark brown shade, not too warm or cool in colour. I tend to only use the wax on an everyday basis but will use the powder for a more defined look. I tried to get the Mac 263 brush at the weekend to use with the powder but they didn't have it in stock.

As for the little tools in the kit, I really like the flat brush, its good for using with the wax. The angled brush is a little too flimsy so that takes a back seat. And I have yet to use the tweezers as my Tweezerman ones are the best things ever created, but they would be handy to have just incase I forgot my HG ones.

All in all I'm really enjoying using this product, and I would definitely recommend it!

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brow pens

A la Carte brow ink - Sable £22 & Gosh brow pen - Wheat £6.49

I had massive bushy eyebrows as a child and got teased quite a lot. When I was around 14 I took a tweezer to them. Bad mistake! I wish my Mum had taken me to a salon to get them shaped etc. If only I knew then what I know now. 

Since joining the beauty community I've learnt such a lot about brows. From powders, to pencils to pens!

I have dark brown eyebrows which are quite thick in places but do need a little filling in here and there. I've found that pens work the best for this.

I had the A la Carte one first, a little dark but I used it anyway. Since I was running out I decided to pop along to Superdrug to pick up the Gosh brow pen. I swatched Venetian Brown but it was far too light and Dark Brown had a strange green tinge to it. There was no Wheat tester but I decided to go with it anyway.

As you can see the Sable is much darker and more pigmented than Wheat. However when on my brow Wheat is much more subtle and fills in the gaps just as I want, plus it looks a lot more natural.

All in all the Gosh brow pens are much better value and do the exact same job as its more expensive counterpart.

What do you guys use to fill in your brows? Any recommendations?

Harriet x

fotd

I was in Boots just minding my own business when one of the Benefit MUAs swooped down on me.

I was taken by surprise and led off to the counter where I plonked myself down.

I then proceeded to have, what felt like, every Benefit product in history put on my face.

Hehe, it wasn't that bad really!

Benefit Face of the Day...

That Gal Face Primer

Hello Flawless Oxygen Foundation

Hoola Bronzer

Highbeam

They're Real! Mascara

In all honestly I really did like every product, but there's no way I can afford to splurge out on it!

In the end I purchased the mascara in the travel size cause its cheaper and that way I didn't feel bad for the MUA. I will probably end up getting Hoola too since I think it's rather marvellous!

Do you guys recommend any Benefit products?

Harriet

Glitzy Glam

Glitzy-Glam Personalised Waffle Weave Bag.

Look what came for me all the way from America!

I ordered this about 3 weeks ago when they were having their international free shipping.

I first saw these about 2 years ago and thought it was a really good idea. 

At the time it was quite expensive so I just left it and kind of forgot about it.

Then when I heard about the free shipping I thought "Oh go on then!" and ordered.

I chose the blue font with a brown background with a spotty ribbon to match.

It only cost me £11, which I thought was a great deal.

I really do love personalised things. When I was younger and looking at the keyrings with names on there was never a bloody Harriet/Hattie, pfft! Damn you Mother for calling me a weird name.

Anyways, I can't wait to fill this cute little thing up with all my makeup junk.

Harriet x

Mac Costa Chic

Mac Costa Chic Lipstick

The other day one of my friends from uni mentioned to me that she had Costa Chic and wasn't really getting on with it. She said it just didn't match her skin tone/hair colour and kindly asked me if I wanted it.
I said yes of course!

It's a vibrant pinky colour which is gorgeous when swatched.
Since it is a frost finish it can be a tad drying on the lips.
I find that if I apply this and some of Mac Crosswires it looks lovely and has a much more moisturising finish.

I really can't wait to wear this come summer.
A lovely bright lippie with a golden tan, you just can't go wrong.

Harriet x

Topshop Eclipse Nail Polish

Topshop 'Eclipse' Nail Polish

My first Topshop nail polish and I'm absolutely loving it! 

It has a nice big brush which makes application so quick and simple.

I applied 2 coats and they went on seamlessly.

The colour is gorgeous, not to mention it being an exact dupe for Chanel Peridot!

Definitely going to be investing more into these Topshop polishes!

Do you guys own any from Topshop? Which ones do you recommend?

Harriet x

Natural Collection: Peach Melba and Sweet Cheeks

Natural Collection: Peach Melba and Sweet Cheeks

There's so much hype about these little blushes from Natural Collection and when I was in Boots I thought why not try some. They are only £1.99 after all! I went for Sweet Cheeks and Peach Melba. The product itself is super soft and easily blended. It does take time to build the colour up but is totally worth it!

Harriet