Best of Broadway

I love my UD Naked palettes don't get me wrong, I swear by them, but sometimes it just isn't practical to cart round a full 12 pan palette. I had been tempted by this NYC quad ever since lily pebbles picked it up and pointed out it was a near dupe for Chanel's Charming Ombre from their Christmas collection last year and at a mere £2.99 I couldn't resist for long. It was put it to the test this weekend when I had the almost impossible task of transforming my make up from 'work day' to 'weekend' on a busy, ever so shaky, northern rail train.

Armed with my bargain ebay brush I got to work... Let me say, the colours are perfect, all being slightly shimmery we have; a dark taupe brown, an offering of both chocolate and caramel and a peachy champagne colour. The whole shebang for a defined smokey eye!

Disappointingly the colour pay off wasn't great and the fall out was - I managed to get it everywhere (not an ideal situation in public) but once tided up I was left with a subtle bronzed look that didn't shout 'I cost less than the Starbucks peppermint mocha I'm sipping on'.

With that all well and good it was then time to tackle the eyeliner en route...

NYC Quattro Eye Shadow 'Best of Broadway' 815 - £2.99

L'Oreal Nails

Spring is trying ever so hard to make an appearance and there's nothing like pastels to give brighter days a little encouragement (and I don't just mean mini eggs). L'Oreal have released 4 gorgeous pastel shades in their Perfection Color Riche Nails range, and I couldn't help but pick up a couple on my latest 3 for 2 splurge.

I opted for the pastel yellow, as its one colour I am lacking in my polish collection; and the lilac shade purely because it reminded me of parma violets! Off white pastels are definitely a trend to look out for this spring/summer, they look so clean and fresh and will most certainly compliment a wonderful tan (wishful thinking eh brits?).

These offerings from L'Oreal are the perfect size too – we all know polishes do not last till the end… And the packing itself looks so pretty I want to keep them on display! With 4 shades in total, and at £4.99 each its hard to come up with an excuse to not buy them all.

One point I will make is that the wear time with these polishes isn't great but on the plus side, the brush is! You wine some, you loose some…

Have any of you guys picked these up?

Seventeen Cheek Stamp: Gimmick or Game Changer

Always one for gadgets (I have my dad and endless trips to staples to thank) I couldnt resist picking up this new launch from Seventeen. I mean, I used to go crazy for stamping when I was yay-high - you know that potato trick your mum would force upon you on a rainy day? I thought my stamping days were long gone, until I spotted this! Blusher in a stamp... who'd have thought it? Of course we have the likes of Benefit Fine One One and the Nars Multiples but I haven't seen anything in powder form.

First impressions - wow this seems cool, but does it actually do a good job? It did take a lot of getting used to and you have to get over the shock of looking very much like a clown in the few seconds before blending, but once you have conquered those fears it actually blends really well into a sun kissed rosy cheek. It reminded me a lot of the new Relvon highlighting palette actually, they both give you a similar amount of shimmer and add a very slight bronzed glow underneath the pink sheen.

To apply, I lightly (and I mean lightly!) stamp it right on the apples of my cheeks and use my blush brush from Real Techniques to get right in there and blend those perfectly stamped circles up the cheek bone towards my temples. There is a mirror on the lid of this product, which is always a great help for on the go, but I don't see this product as one to be thrown in my bag and applied on the move or throughout the day. It requires a lot of work to blend seamlessly and subtly - unfortunately not one of those blushes you can apply without actually thinking about it. One thing I did notice about this blush was it's staying power, it stayed put through a long days work and even out lasted my liquid eyeliner!

If you want a blush that gives you a wonderful glow that lasts, I would highly recommend this. However, if you don't have the patience to blend, blend, blend then maybe it's not for you.

Shade - Stare Struck £4.99

Topshop Lip Cream 'Double Take'

So I was recently jumped on by a YSL sales assistant and immediately colour matched to a lipstick, before my brain had even processed what was happening. You know, like that Michael McIntyre sketch where the sales assistant literally jumps into their lives - that was me. Anyway, the point is he actually picked out the most amazing plum shade from the Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick range and I instantly fell in love. 

Not feeling I could justify a purchase like that so spontaneously I fled the shop, and I am so glad I did... (trust me I'm going somewhere with this!) It just so happened that I stumbled across this beautiful lip cream in Topshop, which is almost identical in shade; and knowing full well how amazing Topshop's make up range is, I snapped it up immediately.

The texture is quite buttery and so applies smoothly, adding instant colour to your lips without needing to apply a lot of product. I found this lip cream lasts really well, almost like a stain. And can we just take a second to mention the colour again? dreammyyyy. It's a perfect transitional colour as we move into spring; not so bright that we're over anticipating summer's arrival, but not too dark that it should be paired with three layers and a woolly hat.

Topshop are on to another winner here, I simply cannot fault their make up range!

Bourjois Rice Java Powder Review

Right now my skin is about a temperamental as a two year old - having recently gone through a very dehydrated phase, it has suddenly done a 360 on me and often shines like there's no tomorrow. Before this purchase I only owned one powder (is that normal?), which is the old school Rimmel Stay Matte. Regrettably, this is normally thrown in my bag on a night out and applied more than needed, whilst balancing a gin and tonic in the other hand.

So when my skin felt like it needed a bit of TLC in the shine department I turned to this Bourjois powder. Released as part of their 150th anniversary, this powder was the brands first ever best selling product. You almost want to buy it purely on the historical factor (plus how cute is the packaging)!

Not being a big fan of face powders in general, I thought this loose 'feather light' powder would glide over my skin seamlessly whilst giving it a spot of radiance. I must admit, the product doesn't cake at all. It adds a airbrushed look and the finish is perfect; but disappointingly, and realistically, it does not last all day. Also, the smell reminds me of talc powder which I still haven't come to a verdict on...

This powder it great but it hasn't wowed me, anyone else feel the same?

Revlon Highlighting Palette

Revlon have been releasing some corkers recently (matte balms, I'm looking at you) and one of their newest editions is the highlighting palette. Available in 2 shades, Rose Glow and Bronze Glow, and without stating the obvious one palette is pink based and the other more brown.

The idea is to achieve a quick and easy 'sun kissed glow'. With 5 stripes of colour, Rose Glow blends together to create rosy cheeks with a natural glow that isn't too shimmery. This blush is easily build-able but it's also reeeeealy hard to be heavy handed with, which is always a bonus at 7am. With bronzey shades plus a highlighting shimmery pink, it's the whole package.

I really like this product and actually enjoy using it, I may even pick up Bronze Glow in the near future if this spring weather keeps up! Yay for warmth!

L'Oréal: in two minds

Maybe it's just me but every time that moment comes when you need to triple pump to get the last sorry remains of your foundation out of the bottle, it's a 'same old or try something new' situation.

So when my trusty Clinique foundation ran it's course I did some blog searchin' and found a whole lot of love for the L'Oreal True Match foundation (with it being likened to Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk foundation :O) and so hit the nail on the head and purchased the shade N1 Ivory ASAP. It just so happened that L'Oreal was buy one, get the second half price, and by magic my make up wish list grew by one (I was yet to decide what one was). Eventually picking up the Super Liner Blackbuster in a bid to wear eyeliner more.

So after a week of trial and testing I am in two minds about these L'Oreal products. I haven't used their make up before and so these recent purchases have well and truly split my opinion 50/50.

The foundation is perfect, maybe a little on the light side in terms of colour but the formula is a lightweight liquid that can be built up to a great medium coverage, with minimal product. It has a pump (score) and SPF 17 which is always a plus. I need a few more weeks wear to fully review this foundation, but I think I'm onto a winner!

Now for the eyeliner... What can I say - it ain't 'blackbusting' for a start! I found the colour was far from intense and it took me a while to build up a strong black line. The nib is good, not too hard and just the right size but you can't achieve a good cat flick in a few swipes, a complete no no for if you are on the move a lot (or mostly late for work).

It can be said, I'm quite a novice when it comes to liquid eye liner and I'm afraid I don't think this particular liner is going to help me on my journey to cat flick connoisseur.

Are there any L'Oreal products that are a must have? What am I missing out on?

spill...

Current Mascaras

It's a common theme in the beauty world to have multiple mascaras on the go all at once, all serving a slightly different purpose. Here are four drugstore mascaras I am currently trialing.

1. Collection Volumising Mascara(£3.99)

I very recently bought this mascara on a whim as the '£1 off' drew me in (poet and I didn't...). First impressions weren't too great but I am going to preserver with this one. The wand is huge with short plastic bristles, which I love. I find these types of brushes prevent clumps and I for one can't stand uneven lashes (picky, I know) so thumbs up there, BUT this 'volumising' mascara doesn't seem to add much more to my lashes - there's no oomph! Nevertheless, I'll give it a second chance.

2. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara (£7.99)

I have had this product for a while now and my love for it yoyo's. With quite a thin plastic wand it adds length to your lashes no doubt. I prefer my lashes to be thicker rather than longer and so I normally have to use this alongside another mascara to get the look that I want. I usually use this masacara as a quick fix on weekdays for work.

3. Soap & Glory Thick & Fast Mascara (£10.00)

S&G make up is regularly hyped up by bloggers - to the extent I feel I need more of the stuff in my life! This mascara came with the hugeeeee Christmas set that I most gratefully received from the rents. It's big fibre brush certainly does give you thicker lashes with minimal effort but I feel it's downfall is that you I can easily over apply and be sporting spider lashes in an instant. The formula is very wet and can be a bit messy, it probably needs a little drying before it's on top form.

4. Maybelline The Falsies Mascara (£7.99)

You may already know my thoughts towards this mascara so I won't go on for long... I'm a bit mehhhh about the whole thing. After all the hype around it I was sure I'd love it, but no. I do still use it every now and again to try and regain my confidence in it, but for now it's definitely the mascara that's most nearing the back of my draw.

BURT'S BEES Lifesaver

One of the things I hate most about winter is its effect on our bodies. Bitter winds plus over usage of central heating just sucks the moisture out of our skin and it's hit me hard this year. I feel like I have 10 (and then some) moisturisers on the go, all just not quite hitting the spot.

My hands have suffered considerably. Although, I must admit I have the worst habit of picking at my cuticles (TMI alert) and yes I am hanging my head in shame…BUT this little pot of lemony goodness has saved the day!

After getting severely frustrated with the state of my hands I hit good old Google and spotted this Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream on the majority of the top hits. Safe to say I was in boots no longer than 10 minutes later!

First thing to comment on is the smell, very very lemony - one of those smells that makes you think ‘this product is going to work wonders’ before you even try it. It’s quite a hard balm, slightly more solid than Vaseline and needs to be worked with your fingers to soften it before applying. Yes, it is greasy but rubbed in well enough it sinks into the skin within minutes (ahoy there girls on the go) and softens the skin immediately. 

I currently have this little magic pot glued to my desk so I can apply it throughout the day and after a few days I feel my hands are well on their way to recovery. On that note, I am also 5 days into a nail varnish boycott – hoping I can last two weeks without lacquering up my nails in order to give them a breather. 

Burts Bees Lemon Cuticle Cream 15g - £5.99

Budget Buy: Boots Leave-In Conditioner Spray

I have found a drugstore gem in the form of Boots own Coconut & Almond Leave-In Conditioner. These leave-in sprays hit the spotlight last summer and I have recently finished the Dove Nourishing Oil Spray and picked up the boots own version to try.

This spray is aimed at normal to dry hair. I towel dry my hair then spray it all over, from root to tip, and brush through. Instantly it makes my hair tangle free and so soft to touch, adding moisture and smoothing out those unruly strays. Even two days after washing my hair still felt smooth and tame. I also found it meant less straightening, which is a bonus for me and my hair!

The best part is that this 100ml bottle is only £1.39!! - I mean that's loose change (or boots points)!

My Empties

So here is my first empties post, an array of products I've been squeezing the dear life out of over the past month or so. I can safely say I have been loving all of the above products and here's why...

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Leave in Spray 200ml (£3.59) - I bought this product back in summer and I have only just got the bottom of the bottle, serious value for money here. It's a leave in conditioner to be sprayed on wet or dry hair and as I don't condition my hair in the shower, this was a great and easy product to apply to my hair before de-tangling and styling. I can honestly say it kept my hair in great condition preventing dry ends, especially in the summer months.  The smell is also amazing, it reminds me of hot summer days and cocktails!

Would I repurchase? YES - I am, however, currently trialing Boots own version of this.

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution 200ml (£3.33) - I purchased this when I had finished my beloved Bioderma Sensibio H20 as a possible alternative. At a miniscule of the price, this Loreal micellar works just the same. I feel it isn't as kind on the eyes (Loreal have since released a gentle eye make up remover in a similar range) but removes make up with ease and doesn't feel as if you are applying anything to your face at all.

Would I repurchase? YES

Lush Big Shampoo 330g (£11.50) - Now, this was a splurge! I'm usually one to pick up the cheapest shampoo on offer but when I impulsively had my locks chopped earlier this year I felt I needed some 'oomph' and in turn went for this Lush shampoo. The texture is exactly what it says on the tin pot - coarse lumps of rock salt - which is weird at first but this product certainly lathers up and once dried my hair felt voluminous yet soft. It's not an everyday shampoo but worth the money if you save it for nights out.

Would I repurchase? YES

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector 30ml (£5.00) - I won't go on about this product as I think every woman on earth has had their hands on this cream. A classic Body Shop hand cream that doesn't smell too good but really does sort out dry hands. Often on offer too - score!

Would I repurchase? NO... only because I wish to spread my hand cream wings...

Wilkinsons Fruity Citrus Instant Hand Sanitiser - I go through these like there's no tomorrow. Dries quick and isn't sticky, not much more you can ask for from a hand sanitiser. 

Would I repurchase? YES, battle that bacteria!

Mac Powder Sheertone Shimmer Blush in 'Peachtwist' (£18.00) - Very much a 'going out' blush here... almost a bronzer with a deep, shimmery peach tone. My view is that this product can work as a bronzer, blush and highlighter all in one and it brightens up the face with even the smallest amount of product.
Would I repurchase? NO, I tend to steer towards more affordable blushers on the highstreet. Sorry MAC!

Rimmel Scandaleyes LYCRA Flex Mascara in '001 black' - This is my all time favourite mascara!! I am really fussy about how my eyelashes look and this lycra flex mascara can be layered and layered without any clumps in sight. It's large brush is fantastic at separating lashes and giving a wide eyed fluttery look. In fact, the whole scandaleyes range is uhh-mazing!

Would I repurchase? YES (as soon as I get through these other mediocre ones I have on the go ;))

Soap & Glory Gloss Sticks

For me, Christmas 2013 was the year of Soap & Glory. I unwrapped ample S&G goodies and of course 'ahhhhh-ed' at the smell of every single product. Soap & Glory are one of my favourite brands, with their luxurious offerings of bath and body, and a side of humorous wit.

These Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks are described as super-light, ultra-hydrating lip crayon's and I couldn't have worded it better myself. These crayons are glossy but not at all sticky, no unfortunate hair-in-mouth disasters here! There is absolutely no hint of any tingling sensation (I'm looking at you Lip Plumping Gloss) and lashings of moisturising goodness.

This nifty gift set presents 3 colours. Covering all bases we have a nude, berry and bright shade...

'Nudist' as you may expect is a nude pink shade, perfect for every day wear. Can't go wrong.

'Fushia-Ristic' is the brightest of the bunch, but I feel it has the least colour pay off. The bright orange/pink colour adds major shine to your lips but not much else.

'Plum Jam' is a deep red and my favourite of the three. The easiest product to achieve a carefree bold lip EVER, ya'know for those days where you want to flaunt a red lip but don't have the time or energy for anything fancy.

If you are looking for highly pigmented lip laquers, these aren't the thing for you. But if you want a hint of sophisticated colour in the form of a nourishing gloss then look no further chums! Unfortunately I think this particular set was a Christmas limited edition however you can certainly still buy them separately online - with more shades too!

Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow by Maybelline

I don't think there is a single blogger out there that hasn't come across these little pots. However I have now found myself in the possession of three, so thought it was a perfect time to sing their praise.

The three editions to my maybeline trio include;

Permanent Taupe - A sophisticated shade perfect as a base for most smokey eye looks but also a great colour to compliment brown eyes.

On and on Bronze - The peoples fave! A simple bronze that is probably the easiest eye shadow ever to work with, even I can produce a fairly professional looking attempt at a smokey gold eye, in less than 3 minutes!!

Metallic Pomegranate - The red craze really came to town in 2013 and I predict it will continue throughout winter. Pomegranate is a very safe and subtle option for us scardy cats. Paired with a dark brown or charcoal shadow this ruby shade works a treat (and did so on Christmas Day!).

No doubt this collection will grow in no time, what shade next?

Drugstore Lovin' - November

This post involves the products I have been reaching for throughout November, and of course they are all high street/drugstore brands that are cheap and easily available for everyone!

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint - 'heavy duty under eye concealer'

I bought this on a whim in a 3for2 splurge in boots, and I am so glad I did. This is a great release from seventeen, and a first of its kind! This drugstore 'concealer in a pot' is thick and creamy, and with the warmth of my fingers when blending, it works absolute wonders on dark circles. I apply this under my foundation under my eyes and wherever my skin is slightly red. (£5.49)

Laidbare Pack Your Bags - 'lighten and tighten eye cream'

This is a slight cheat as I bought this from T K Maxx, but it was under a fiver so I thought I would include it. I have never been one for eye creams so again it was a spontaneous purchase. I apply this before I go to sleep and also when I wake up. Wow it helps - I mean my mega bags will never cease (I can thank my dad for that!) but I feel this cream definitely tightens the area under my eyes. (£4.99)

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour in 'permanent taupe' - 'gel cream eye shadow' 

This is a rediscovery from my make up collection, I bought this shade when there was a hype around the colour tattoos. Unfortunately I did not fall in love with it and so got tossed to the back of my drawer... until now! Having spied it on another blog post I thought it would give it a second chance, and since then it's been my go to everyday shadow. The taupe really emphasizes brown eyes and the formula is so easy to work with (even at 7am on a Monday ZZzz), so I am now giving this product a thumbs up and an apology for neglect. (£4.99)

Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends - 'split end protection intensive mask'

Now, I am not one to condition my hair, don't ask why - I don't have a specific reason. So therefore I make the conscious effort to treat my hair at least once a week. I picked this mask up from Morrisons for a nifty £2! It does what it says on the tin and I am happy with that. No gimmicks, just a intensive treatment to keep those horrid split ends at bay. (RRP £3.99)

Stay tuned for a drugstore Lovin' next month!