My Current Makeup Favourites!

I have not writen up a favourites post in a while so I thought one was long overdue.I have recently discovered and rediscovered lots of makeup bits and pieces that I absolutely love so I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share them with you.

As many of you know, I study hair and media makeup at college so I am always testing out new products and adding to my ever growing kit.
I am always changing up my own makeup routine and trying new things so I love to share what products really stand out to me so I can hopefully help others who are uncertain of what products are worth their price tag and which aren't.

Illamasqua Eyebrow Cake, Thunder
I love filling in my eyebrows to give a clean and crisp finish and I have tried so many brow products but recently I feel like I have got myself into the perfect brow routine and I love the products I use. To add colour and shape I love to use Illamasqua's eyebrow cake in Thunder which is a matte brown powder that has a soft, thick consistency making it easy to gently draw subtle hairs or alternatively layer up or use with a wet brush to give a more defined result.
Although £17.50 is a lot of money for an eyebrow powder, I personally think that for the money you get a lot of product that will last you a long time as you only ever use a small amount each time.

Maybelline Brow Drama, Medium Brown 
My eyebrows are naturally very thick and I can never go without setting the hairs into place after applying a brow powder- I love using Maybelline Brow Drama brow gel which sets the hairs into place all day long whilst also adding extra definition and colour. This is by far the best brow gel I have tried and beats any expensive alternatives like Benefit Gimmie Brow which I personally think doesn't compare to how great this one from Maybelline is.

L'oreal False Lash Superstar Mascara 
L'oreal recently launched a new mascara, False Lash Superstar, that has two wands, one being a white coating priming wand and the other being a normal black mascara. My first impressions of this weren't great as I found the white coating wand to make my lashes thick and clumpy and then giving a horrible base for the following mascara however after speaking to a friend who has also been testing this mascara out and told me to try applying the second black wand straight away on top of the white coat instead of doing both eyes with the primer then going to the black coat as this lets the white coat time to set which dries out the lashes and gives a clumpy base.
I love using this mascara when I want to have long lasting, thick, separated defined lashes that I know will stay in place all day/night long. I have also just bought a back up for when my current one runs out as I love it so much and can see myself using it again and again.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 
Urban Decay are mainly known for their popular Naked pallets that contain 12 eye-shadows and will cost you a hefty £38 per pallet. I have never used one of their main pallets, mainly because of the price tag and because I usually tend to stick with MAC eye-shadow and I prefer to pick out colours that I know I will use enough for them to be worth the money.
On the other hand, Urban Decay also have smaller Naked pallets containing 6 shadows which are nude and basic shades that are great for everyday wear and will cost you a friendlier £23.
I was given the Naked Basics 2 pallet for my 18th birthday earlier in the year and I really love it.
The quality of these shadows is great and they have a 'buttery' consistency which makes blending the colours very easy and good for using on the go- especially with the handy mirror in the compact. My favourite and most used shades in the pallet are Skimp, Frisk and Cover although I use all the shades and couldn't pick out a bad one.

MAC Fluidline, Blackstrack
When it comes to eyeliner, I only ever use gel and it will usually always be MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack which I think is a must have essential in anyone's makeup kit. Blacktrack is a classic black gel eyeliner that I couldn't complete any smoky eye without! I love to use it with my Ben Nye AB-4 small angled brush to give the perfect sleek winged liner.
I think that the MAC Fluidline gel liners are worth the money because a small pot will last you a very long time as you only use a small amount each application and the product stays at the right consistency without drying out over time unlike many cheaper gel pot eye liners.

MAC Heroine Lipstick (Matte)
I have only owned this lipstick for a few weeks although I'm already in love with the bright purple, long lasting colour. I love wearing bold lipstick but I usually find it difficult to find bold, summer appropriate colours that aren't bright neon pink and orange that usually wash me out.
MAC Heroine is my perfect summer bold lipstick and I love how unique and different it is to any other lipsticks that I have already in my collection. Heroine is a matte formula which means it is very long lasting and like many other MAC matte lipsticks, this stains your lips even after removing the main colour which you may take as a good or bad thing!:')

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge & The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist
Finally, I wanted to mention a way that I have been loving to apply my makeup and that has been to use the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge sprayed with The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist which helps dampen the sponge to prevent any makeup being absorbed and wasted on the sponge and to also give some extra hydration to the face.
I was very intrigued to see how the makeup sponge would perform as I had never used one before and I have been very impressed. I have found the sponge to help blend my foundation into the skin flawlessly and also to be great for blending cream contour and highlight.
You can of course simply use water to get the sponge wet however I have found that using the face mist from The Body Shop works wonders paired with the sponge to also help hydrate my face.

What makeup products have you been loving recently? Let me know in the comments below! :)

3 Quick, Easy & Healthy Breakfast Ideas

I absolutely love breakfast and I am always experimenting with new recipes so I thought I'd share with you a few of my go to dishes that are quick and easy to make whilst still being super healthy to fuel your day ahead.

Breakfast is by far the most important meal of the day and I find it to be the best time to experiment with a variety of different foods; there will always be something for everyone, whether it is a fix for your sugar craving or a plate of tasty avocado and eggs.
Without breakfast you are more likely to over eat throughout the day and feel restless and tired so that's even more reason to eat up in the morning!

I like to think that I live a very healthy but varied lifestyle and I always see a massive difference in my overall mind set and attitude when I eat clean, nutritious foods in comparison to processed unhealthy options which can make me feel sluggish, moody and sad.

Here are three of my favourite breakfast recipes that I find always give me the best start to my day.

Blueberry, Banana & Coconut Smoothie Bowl 

This is a recent discovery for me but I am already head over heels in love with the delicious and refreshing sweet taste that this has. Smoothie bowls are a super thick and creamy alternative to the artificial sugar loaded yoghurt's that fool many people with their advertising low fat, 'slimming' factors when in fact they are filled with a ridiculous amount artificial flavourings and sugar.

Don't be fooled by the ready made smoothies on offer in supermarkets that are filled with sugar to give an artificial taste, making your own smoothies at home is not only 100 times better for you, but will also be a lot more friendly to your wallet as they are also a lot cheaper to make at home too.

You can obviously mix up the ingredients that you use in your smoothies depending on what you like however to make the consistency of your smoothie thicker, it will always help to use frozen bananas and something to bulk it up such as chia seeds, oats or medjool dates.

INGREDIENTS 
Serves 1 

-1 Banana (peeled, sliced and frozen the night before)

-60g Frozen blueberries 

-2 Medjool dates 

-150ml Coconut water OR Coconut milk 

-Topping Ideas: 

Dessicated coconut
Granola
Muesli
Nut butter
Flaked almonds
Chia seeds
Dried, fresh or frozen fruit

METHOD

-Whizz up all your ingredients expect the toppings in a blender or food processor (I use a Blend Active blender)
-Pour your smoothie into a bowl and finish with your chosen toppings.




Granola / Muesli 

This is always my go to breakfast for when I am in a rush and don't have time to cook up anything fancy. I choose between granola or muesli although I will always be careful to look out for certain brands that advertise their cereal to be healthy whilst still adding a ton of artificial sweeteners to fool people into thinking they are making the right choices when in fact they may as well be sat down with a bowl of crunchy nut.

I personally prefer to eat my granola or muesli with yoghurt rather than milk although normal cows milk or nut milks is just as good.

Using frozen fruit instead of fresh is a lot cheaper as the producers pick the fruit when it's cheapest in season and freeze it ready for you to buy all year round. Frozen fruit is also more convenient as fresh fruit has a very short fridge life.

INGREDIENTS 
Serves 1

- Yoghurt of your choice - try to stay away from yoghurts that are advertised as low fat and low calorie as these tend to be filled with artificial flavouring and sugars that are very bad for you. I like to use Danio fruit layered yoghurt because they are super thick, filled with protein and really tasty!

- Granola OR Muesli - stick to simple brands with simple ingredients. I like to use Quaker Oats granola and Rude Health Super Fruity muesli.

- Frozen fruit  - I like raspberries, blueberries and mango. Let the fruit defrost slightly or fully before eating.




Chia, Banana & Berry Overnight Oats 

I love to eat a big comforting bowl of porridge in the winter, however when the weather starts to warm up it's not so practical. Overnight oats are a fantastic way to still enjoy your porridge but they are a more convenient choice for early mornings as it's all made the night before and they make the perfect lazy breakfast for when the sun decides to make an appearance- leaving you with more time in your mornings to chill.

This recipe is extremely versatile so you can change things up depending on what you have in your cupboards and what you prefer. I always have frozen berries in the freezer and a never ending supply of bananas so they are always my go to fruit toppings. I also like to use chia seeds for added nutrients and to bulk up the oats to keep me going for longer.

If you're known for snoozing in the mornings then overnight oats are for you as all you have to do is grab them and go. Simply mix together the night before, pop in the fridge and let the magic happen whilst you sleep!

INGREDIENTS 
Serves 1

For the chia overnight oats:

-50 g Porridge oats 

-180ml Milk (I use almond or coconut milk but you can use whatever you prefer)

-1/2 Banana mashed 

-1 tsp Cinnamon 

Toppings 

-1/2 Banana mashed 

-Handful of frozen berries 

More topping ideas:

-Extra Chia seeds
-Nuts
-Dried fruit
-Granola/ Muesli
-Nut butter


METHOD

-The night before mix together all of your oat ingredients, pour into a mason jar/bowl and leave in the fridge overnight

-In the morning finish the oats with your chosen toppings and enjoy!

MAC Makeup Haul

To celebrate surviving a tricky week and finally passing my driving test, I decided to place an order with MAC to pick up a few new things to try out and treat myself :)

I love MAC eyeshadow's and already have a large collection, however I felt like I was missing some more adventurous bright colours that I know will come in handy as I recently got accepted to carry on my studies and I have a place on a Level 3 Media makeup class which will start in September- I am so excited! .
I decided to pick up Chrome Yellow and Stars 'n' Rockets because I have nothing like either and I know that they will be great for creating fun and crazy looks. The pigmentation of both shadows is great and they give the ability to build up super vibrant colours that will look amazing on photograph.

MAC sell their regular pigments in a large 4.5g pot for £17 and I personally think that considering you only need a small amount each time, one large pot would be almost impossible to finish so I was very pleased to see that MAC now have a few of their best selling pigments in smaller sized to go pots for just £10.
MAC pigments are brilliant multi- use products with amazing pigmentation and I already have the shade Naked which I love for adding a touch of shimmer on the eyes or face for a glistening look.

Melon is a soft bright golden peach and I think it will be perfect to wear in the summer all over the eyes with a sleek black winged liner and layers of mascara.

 After Kylie Jenner revealed that she uses MAC Soar lip liner to give herself fuller, plump lips, everyone ran to their nearest store and it has been almost impossible to get your hands on since. I must have struck lucky because whilst I was browsing online, I saw that Soar was back in stock so I quickly added it to my basket to see what all the fuss was about.

I already own a few lip liners from MAC and I think they are brilliant- the colour pigment and texture is always spot on. Soar is a mid-tone pinkish matte brown and I am very impressed so far.
It is definitely a more pink tone nude and I think that it looks great worn alone or paired with a pink toned nude lipstick, for example Rimmel Kate Moss 03 which is one of my favourite nude lipsticks.
I have found that it is easy to slightly over line my lips using this liner without making it too obvious and I can definitely see myself using it a lot over the upcoming months as we head into summer.

Finally, I picked up Heroine lipstick which I have been eyeing up for a long time and I am so glad that I finally caved because I have been wearing it non stop since it arrived!
I absolutely love wearing deep purple/ red toned lipstick however I find that it is sometimes only acceptable to wear shades like MAC Cyber in the winter so I was after a bold, dark lipstick that would be more 'summer appropriate.'
Heroine is a matte bright purple and absolutely love it. This lipstick is very unusual and it would be the perfect statement maker- I think that it would be great to wear with very simple, 'hardly there makeup' to make the colour really stand out without being too overpowering or tacky.

Do you have anything on your makeup wish list from MAC? I have always got a never ending list! :)

Shall I write an updated MAC lipstick and eyeshadow collection? Let me know in the comments!

My Perfect Nude: Velvet Teddy Dupe!

For me, it's always either bold or nothing when it comes to lipstick although recently i've fallen in love with a nude lipstick combination that has definitely made me jump on the 'Kylie Jenner' nude lip craze.

Everybody and their nan has been going crazy for MAC Velvet Teddy lipstick recently- it seems to be the beauty addicts go to nude. Personally, I wasn't willing to justify the MAC price for a lipstick that I was unsure about, so I went out searching for a cheaper alternative.

I love Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick collection so I thought this would be the perfect place to start my search. I came across the shade 03 that looked very similar to Velvet Teddy and I think it is the perfect drugstore dupe that will cost you just under £6!
The Rimmel lipstick is a flattering pink toned nude with a creamy, hydrating formula that has good lasting power.

Lip liner will always help your lipstick apply better and also guide you closer towards that Kylie Jenner pout! My favourite nude lip liner is MAC Spice- I love the formula of MAC lip liners and I can not fault them.

Paired together, this MAC lip liner and Rimmel lipstick make my perfect nude. It's noticeable that you're wearing something but at the same time it is easy to wear on any occasion. I also find that this combination lasts well considering most nude lipstick's I have tired tend to disappear within half an hour- this tends to last me a good few hours and also to last through eating which is always a sign of a good lipstick in my eyes!

Are you a fan of the nude lip craze? What is your perfect nude lipstick?

My Skincare Routine (Updated)

I always make the effort to take special care of my skin and I believe that a perfect face of makeup always starts with the perfect skincare routine.
Everybody's skin is different with different concerns/needs although I have decided to write up my own skincare routine that helps me keep my skin clear, spot free and healthy.

I have always had some sort of routine, whether it was simply a small layer of moisturiser or some lip balm when I was 12, I have always been interested.
I am now 18, my skin is very normal, occasionally being dry and dehydrated in certain climate conditions, although overall very well and healthy which I owe to my consistent routine.

In this post I will be talking you through my morning and evening skincare routine, from how I keep my skin hydrated, to how I keep spots at bay.


Morning 

Splashing my face with water and giving it a good wash will always helps wake me up in the morning. I have been using the Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream wash and Exfoliating Daily wash for years, I swear by them and I can thank them for my almost spot free teenage years.
I start by gently massaging the exfoliating wash onto my face, then simply washing off with a flannel and warm water. Normal exfoliation every day is harsh on the skin, however the beads in this wash are gentle enough to be used every day and my skin has never had any problems.
Next I will apply the cream wash that feels very cooling and leaves my face looking fresh and healthy.

Once I am ready to put my makeup on, I will use a moisturiser beforehand to hydrate and prep my skin. I love using either the Nivea Soft moisturising cream which is a fantastic, cheap cream that works on all skin types and will last you months. Another favourite of mine is the Garnier Moisture Match moisturiser for normal to dry skin; this collection from Garnier is brilliant as they have a variety of moisturisers for all different skin types, so whether your skin is extremely oily or incredibly dry, they will have a moisturiser for you.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour cream is my lip life saviour, you can use this cream in many different ways but I mainly use it on my lips. The texture is similar to Vaseline however I find that it deeply nourishes and hydrates my lips whilst also leaving a super glossy finish, it is also great to add a shine to a matte lipstick.

Evening 

Leaving a face of makeup on overnight is probably one of the worst things you can do to your skin so I always make sure that mine is completely off when I'm in bed.
Micellar water is fantastic to quickly remove all makeup and my favourite one from Garnier because it removes everything easily without being harsh on the skin- it feels like water.

If I want a more indulgent / pampering method of removing my makeup then I will use The Body Shop Silky Camomile cleansing oil which I massage all over my face (including the eyes) and then simply wipe away using a muslin cloth and warm water to be left with a fresh, makeup free face. I love this product as it effectively removes makeup (including eye makeup) and leaves my skin feeling clean and hydrated.

If I am wearing a lot of heavy eye makeup, I will use The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye- Makeup remover which is great at removing even waterproof makeup whilst not irritating my eyes.

Once I've removed any visible makeup, I then like to further cleanse my face to remove any left over product. I'm always trying out new cleansers however I particularly like and always go back to the Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean cleansing milk which feels very nourishing and smells great.

Using a toner isn't always necessary although if you want to target a specific concern, such as dehydration or acne, then it might be worth giving one a go. Every now and then I will use The Body Shop Vitamin E Hydrating toner and sweep some product all over my face on a cotton pad, it is nice to use and I like to think that my skin benefits from using it however I do not find it an essential part of my routine.

I have recently started using The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum which is targeted for dehydrated skin and I am enjoying using it so far, I apply one pump of product and massage it over my whole face then let it sink in before I apply my moisturiser.

For my evening moisturiser I like to use the Re Gen Cream which claims to help prevent stretch marks, scars, dry skin and blemishes. I picked this up in Home Bargins for under £5 and I am extremely impressed- the product isn't thick, but feels super hydrating and sinks into the skin quickly. I'm not sure if this will competently prevent spots from occurring, however I have found it to make the appearance of my skin to be better and I would also say that my skin has felt softer and more hydrated since using this.

Do you have any skincare secrets? What are your favourite products to use? Let me know in the comments !

3 From L'Oréal

Boots had their usual 3 for 2 offer on makeup and I couldn't resist picking up a few things from the L'oreal counter, especially when I spotted that my favourite foundation was in on the deal and I was also conveniently searching for a new mascara to try out! :')

In my eyes, L'oreal is the high end brand of the drugstore and I always expect great things from them. Keep reading if you want to hear my opinions on these new products (either for me or to the brand) and whether I would recommend them or not.

I am a big fan of Maybelline mascaras however when I saw that L'oreal had just launched their Flase Lash Superstar mascara that they were offering for a cheaper introductory price, I couldn't resist picking it up. The mascara has two wands, one that acts as a primer that coats your lashes white and of course the other is your usual black mascara wand to give length and definition. 

I personally do not like the white primer wand as I find it makes my lashes dry and therefore makes the following mascara very clumpy.

On the other hand I do love the main black mascara wand that has been working wonders for me. Mascara is a very personal product and what works for me may not work for you, however if you are after very long, separated, black lashes then this is worth a try. I think this mascara performs similarly to Maybelline The Falsies and Benefit They're Real, so if you like them, you may love this.

L'oreal recently launched their Infallible 24 hour Matte foundation, following their popular Infallible foundation. I was slightly put off by the name including the word 'matte' as I usually go for more dewy foundations however I was intrigued as to how this would perform considering there are not many full coverage, matte foundations available at the drugstore.  

To start, I would say that the finish is more satin/ velvet, not matte as it says on the bottle. I find it is perfect for blurring and perfecting the skin without looking flat and cakey. One of the main reasons why I love this foundation is the amazing skin perfecting coverage, with just one layer you will be left with a good medium-full coverage whilst still being able to build for a higher coverage.
My skin is normal and it applies perfectly alone, however if you have dry skin then I would recommend either using a hydrating moisturiser before or mixing the foundation with a hydrating/dewy foundation.

Finally, I decided to pick up the L'oreal Nude Magique BB powder as I wanted to try something different from my usual Rimmel Stay Matte powder to see how it compared.
This powder gives coverage as well mattifying the skin which is great if I am after a little extra coverage over foundation or alternatively to wear alone to give a light coverage. I have found that this powder works particularly well paired with the Infallible 24 hour Matte foundation that I mentioned above to give a long lasting, high coverage base- perfect for long summer days!
I love the packaging of this product which comes with a handy compact mirror and sponge for touch ups on the go.

Have you picked up any makeup from the drugstore recently? Let me know in the comments what products you're loving!
  

Tips for Longer Lasting Makeup

Makeup can tend to wear off quicker in the heat and because England seem to be going through an early summer right now, I thought I'd share my tips for keeping your makeup in place for longer. Whether you're going to a party or just having a day out with friends , these tricks should help keep you looking perfect all day (or night!) long.

Prep
Skin preparation is always important, having a good base will help your makeup apply smoothly and prevent any problems such as dry patches that may cling to foundation.
My favourite moisturiser to use before applying makeup is the Garnier Moisture Match for normal to dry skin which sinks in quickly, leaving my face feeling super soft.

Prime
Primers are designed to help keep your makeup in place for longer, as well as giving a good base for products to apply on top.My favourite one is the Smashbox Photo Finish primer (the original) as it works extremely well with my skin and I can always see a massive difference in the lasting powder of my makeup whenever I use it and whenever I don't. 
Using a primer isn't always essential although if you want your makeup to last all day long, I would definitely recommend using one. 

Choose a long lasting base 
Foundations marketed as giving a matte, full coverage finish usually always last the longest.
A recent discovery that I absolutely love is the L'oreal Infallible Matte foundation that claims to last up to 24 hours - I don't quite think that this claim is true however I have found it to be the longest lasting foundation that I have ever tried. The coverage is fantastic and used along with my Smashbox primer, it works a treat!

If you're like me and prefer to have a healthy glow to your face, this L'oreal foundation may not sound very appealing, however, I have been experimenting and have found that mixing a more dewy foundation such as the YSL Touché Éclat, or using a liquid highlighter such as the Seventeen Skin WOW 3 Way Highlighter and mixing either along with the L'oreal Infaliable foundation, you will achieve a full coverage, long lasting finish with a subtle dewy glow. 

Applying your foundation with a classic, flat foundation brush will give you a higher coverage and make the product last longer. My favourite foundation brush is the Ben Nye FCB-20. 

Set products in place
Setting your foundation in place is essential and my favourite product to do this is Rimmel's Stay Matte pressed powder. 
If your skin tends to get oily, you may need to re-apply powder throughout the day. 

I love pink flushed cheeks and a subtle contour; to achieve this I use Natural Collection blush in Sugar Plum and Sleek Face Contour Kit in light.

Brows
My brows have a mind of their own so setting the hairs in place is essential. Any clear brow gel will do or you could try a coloured brow gel that tints the hairs as well as setting them in place.

Long lasting colour
If your eyelids tend to get oily then I would recommend using an eyeshadow primer.
MAC Prolong wear paint pots are great used as an eyeshadow base to help make colours appear richer and last longer, I use MAC's paint pot in Painterly which is great for paler skin tones.
If your lids get especially oily, try dusting some loose setting powder on top of your base, before applying eyeshadow.
MAC eyeshadows are my favourite because they have a brilliant colour range and the quality is great, a few of my favourites include Naked Lunch, Charcoal Brown and Brun.

Gel eye liner is a great choice if you want your flicks to last all day. I love MAC Fluidline in Backtrack for a fantastic jet black liner that never flakes or smudges.

I personally never have trouble with mascara smudging, however if you do I would recommend using a waterproof version of your favourite mascara. Maybelline Great Last waterproof mascara is a good option.

Layer your lipstick
Lipstick can be tricky to keep looking fresh all day, however I have a 3 step routine that helps keep the colour in place.

Step One : Lip liner helps keep lipstick from bleeding (more common on mature skin) and acts as a barrier from the main lip colour. Whenever I'm wearing a red toned lipstick I always use MAC Cherry lip liner which is a perfect classic red that always works.

Step Two: Matte lipstick tends to have the longest lasting powder and I especially love those from MAC.
Maybelline have recently launched their Colour Drama lip crayons and I love them- they have a velvet finish and are very wearable whilst still giving long lasting colour. My favourite colour from the range is Fab Orange which is a red toned orange and I can see myself wearing it a lot this Spring/Summer.

Step Three: Finally, to further seal and lock my lip colour in place, I like to apply a layer of the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in Hot Pepper which pairs with the Maybelline crayon perfectly. These lip lacqures give a matte finish whilst staining the lips to give a long lasting colour.

I hope you have found my tips helpful and have maybe learnt something new. What do you think of the orange'y' red lip colour? I love it!