L'Oreal Superliner Perfect Slim

I love the perfect cat eye flick.  How it comes easy to some people I will never know.  Having hooded eyes I have accepted the fact it will never look glamorous on me.  However, the L'Oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim Liquid Eyeliner has got me that one step closer. By having a precis felt tip, I can apply eyeliner much easier than other liquid, gel and pencil eyeliners before.  This is definitely an intense black, which at first used to easily transfer to the hood of my eye. I now wait a few moments to make sure it is completely dry before carrying on with the rest of my makeup. Once it has dried I find this liner will last all day, even on my oily eyelids. The rubber handle also allows for grip and extra precision.  

This has put my confidence back into eyeliners and that one day with some practice I will perfect liner application.

L'Oreal L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick by Color Riche - Rose Symphony

When Boots were doing their 3 for 2 offer, I found this the perfect opportunity to try out those extra bits and bobs that you don't need but I want anyway. I was after a couple of products for a night out back in February and decided to dip into the new L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipstick range from L'Oreal. At this point I hadn't heard anything about this collection, recent posts have made up for it. 

I picked up 203 Rose Symphony which is a beautiful fushia shade. I did pick up the orange shade first but decided I have far too many orange shades of lipsticks. I wore this the night I bought it and it didn't disappoint. With an opaque glossy finish I have rediscovered my hidden love for the glossy lip. L'Extraordinaire Liquid Lipsticks create a nice stain on the lips so even as the colour does fade, it is undetectable to others. I did find I had to top this up every couple of hours or so which during the day is not ideal but the I am still a big fan of the formula. A massive move on from the Glam Shine Stain Splash things that had no colour payoff at all.

I love L'Oreal packaging and find this to be similar to YSL lip stains packaging, in terms of the square shape and the strip of shade colour down the side of the bullet. The shade number and name is printed on the top with the shade also shown on the bottom so these are easily recognisable in anyone's collection. Applied with a doe foot applicator which I find to be pretty precis even in those awkward places around the lips.

At £8.99 I think that is a fair price and with 9 shades in the range I'm sure there will be one to suit everyone. For an opaque finish in one swipe and a moisturising feel on the lips these are one of my favourite lip lacquers from the drugstore.

Best Beauty Finds of 2013

2013 was such an amazing year for me, I graduated, went on my first cruise as well as a girls holiday to Aiya Napa, started my YouTube channel but above all that I was lucky enough to roll straight into a full time job in my chosen career.  So I would like to take the time to point out that I am very grateful for 2013, I like many others, anticipated an unlucky year, but mine was far from it.

I would also like to show my appreciation for some absolutely amazing beauty products that were released in 2013 both highend and highstreet.  Makeup world you never fail me.  And for that I filmed a little video showing what my favourite beauty finds of 2013 were.

Enjoy and I hope you all have a prosperous 2014.

L'Oréal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution

I knew it wouldn't be long, but there is now a high street version of the infamous Bioderma cleanser. Available at Boots and other high street stores for around the £5 mark, though I have noticed various offers around at the moment.  Yes the name is a mouthful, but I assume everyone will soon know about this product.

I haven't tried Bioderma myself, so I cannot compare the two products. Though I will say that I really do not have the urge to purchase Bioderma as I absolutely love this cleanser.  This miceller solution looks and feels just like water.  It doesn't have a scent and so is suitable for sensitive skin.  My eyes get sore very easily, even with sensitive products but this has not caused me any irritation what so ever.  I am also so happy to report that this removed waterproof mascara like a dream.  L'Oreal claims that this cleanser dissolves makeup, unclogs pores, removes impurities and tones and soothes skin.  I don't know if I agree with these completely, but I do know that it removes my makeup perfectly and leaves my skin soft ready for the remainder of my skin routine.

My only issue with this product is that due to its consistency I always pour too much on to the cotton pad meaning that I am using more than I need so it does run out quickly.  But for the quality and price of this cleanser, I will definitely be recommending and repurchasing this product as a makeup remover for a very long time. Good job L'Oreal! 

Confessions of a Beauty Blogger: Highlight Collection

The UK weather has been teasing us the past week, dipping its toe in and out of 25 degrees.  Summer for me marks various seasonal treats: barbecues, being about to have a cider during the day without people thinking you have a problem, that sort of thing. But also the summer marks that time when highlight becomes my new best friend. I have a mixture of highlighting products and is one part of my makeup collection that I am happy with don't think it too excessive.

Full Collection

Powder Highlights

Acessorize Laguna Bronzer

Sleek Face Contour Kit

NYC Bronze Wheel

ELF Golden Bronzer

Soap and Glory Bronzer

 Favourite Powder Highlights

Accessorize Laguna Bronzer

Sleek Face Contour Kit

Liquid Highlights

No7 Skin Illuminator

Mememe Beat the Blues

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer

Colour Works Highlight

Favourite Liquid Highlights

No7 Skin Illuinator

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer

I enjoy looking at an overview of other peoples' collections. So if you do too, let me know in the comments below and I will put together some more posts like this.  

Eyeshadow Palette Collection: http://bit.ly/14LqHce

L'Oreal Base Primers - Lumi Magique and Anti-Redness

I have been getting into primers recently, but not just any primers, ones that help illuminate the skin or correct pigmentation.  Both of these I use under my foundation but can be used in other ways.  I would just like to add for me neither of these make my makeup last any longer like a regular primer would so I think of them more as base products rather than primers.

I really like the packaging.  I think these are good for travel as they aren't bulky and I love that they each have a pump.  Not messy and you don't have to try and put product back into the bottle because you've poured too much out.  I particularly like the Lumi Magique packaging colours as I like a bit of rose gold.

As you can see the primers spread so easily and only a little bit is needed to cover the entire face.  Both are lightweight so you can barely feel them on the skin and they don't leave a greasy residue.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique

I use this is various ways, under my foundation, on top of foundation on my cheek bones like a normal highlighter and mixed in with matte foundations to add some glow.

I find my skin looks radiant after using this product and haven't found that I get flashback on photograph or anything.  It can be a bit runny so I shake mine to make sure it is all mixed together before I pump any onto my hand.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets No.2 Anti-Redness

The other primer in this collection is the anti-shine mattifying No.1 that is in a white bottle.  I only tend to get red patches so I use this to correct areas around my nose or cheeks before applying my foundation. I find that I use less foundation and concealer when using this product and so find my makeup looks more natural as it doesn't look as heavy.  I don't use this every time I do my makeup as I do forget about it. 

Each primer retails for around £10 for 20ml which I think is really good as they will last a very long time.  Neither I think are essential products but if you are looking for something like this I would definitely say for you to pop into Boots/Superdrug and check out the L'Oreal stand. When I bought the illuminating primer the girl at the counter applied some to my hand so I could see the difference it made.

Empites

My first ever Empties post! Yay I am finally learning how to completely finish a product before moving on to another one.  I am doing project 10 pan so I hopefully should be finishing up some of those products throughout the coming months but surprising I have also finished off some other things. 

Empties posts are one of my favourite posts because you get to see what products people would actually repurchase and possibly the reasons why they wouldn't. 

Soap and Glory - Foam Call Body Wash

I love Soap & Glory bath and body products, not only for the cute packaging but the product inside is always good quality and smells amazing.  

500ml of product lasts so long especially when the bottle comes with a pump so you never squirt out too much.  It leaves my skin feeling moisturised which is an added bonus.  There are a few more scents that I want to try before saying I would repurchase this exact one again but I definitely want more of the Soap and Glory shower gels in my life.

Neutrogena - Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Wash and Mask

Firstly I just want to point out the packaging has been changed slightly from my one shown, but I believe the formula has been kept the same.  This actually took me a long time to use up because I didn't like it at all.  This was a cult product a few years back and I didn't try it out, but then one day I saw it on offer to decided to give it a try.  As I said I really did not get on with this product, it left my skin dry and very taut.  I really didn't think it did anything to combat spots either.  I do have dry skin so let me know you're thoughts if you also have dry skin.

The Body Shop - Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Gel

The product I have linked is not the exact same makeup remover that I am talking about, as this one was discontinued, but it is similar.

Me and my mum always used to use this and I have been holding on to the last of this bottle for too long.  This used to be the only thing that could remove my eye makeup without irritating my eyes. I now use Cetaphil and it does an amazing job.

L'Oreal - Extra Volume Collagene Mascara

I liked this mascara it really boosted my lashes with volume, though as it started drying it did become quite clumpy. I liked the big wand which was a bit of a funny shape (it was thinner in the middle than at the ends) and really liked how it applied. L'Oreal mascaras are getting to be pricey nowadays and though I did like it I think there may be something better for cheaper out there, somewhere.

Collection 2000 - Big Fake Mascara

This was another popular product a while ago and again I waited to try it out.  I really liked to use this mascara on top of a lengthening mascara.  It doesn't quite do enough on its own but for the price it did add a good enough amount of volume.  The let down for me was that it dried out very quickly, if you like to throw away your mascaras every few months then this wouldn't bother you but I'm naughty and throw mine away when they have run out.

Impulse - True Love Body Spray

Another product that has had a makeover so the new bottle doesn't have the same design as this one. Nevertheless, I used to love Impulse sprays, I actually used to collect them and think I have possibly owned every single one.  Hence why they are in my project pan, for some reason I am addicted to them.  They all smell quite sweet and girly, I have a few that came with limited edition Barry M glosses as well so yeah big fan over here.  I probably now wouldn't repurchase all of them but there are one or two scents that I could have in my handbag.  Yes I know I am 21 and not 12.

Boots - Nail Varnish Remover Pads

I always have a pot of these lying around, I think for £1.50 these are so good.  They are acetone free and leave the nails nourished.  They do a pretty good job of removing nail varnish too. What more would you want?

Boots - Double Faced Oval Pads

A really boring item to talk about, but I only realised how good these pads were after using the Superdrug version.  Superdrug doesn't have anything on these bad boys. The two sides each have a different surfaces so one side can be used to help remove makeup while the other side is nice to apply a toner with.  They don't full apart and cotton goes everywhere, these are also slightly bigger than the normal cotton pads so they get the job done quicker.  When I run out of the Superdrug ones I am definitely going back to using these ones.

February Favourites

I didn't wear a lot of makeup towards the end of the month so these are manly items that I was really enjoying before I got ill.  

No7 Essential Moisture Cream - I've had this for a while and seem to dabble in and out of it mainly because I wasn't a fan of its thick consistency. Since putting this in my Project 10 Pan I have learnt the importance about using the right products for my skin type. Having dry skin means I have had to get used to using a thicker formula than before and so now I really like this and can see a difference in my skin.

Models Own Northern Lights - Part of the Wonderland collection that was released in September I tried for ages to get hold of this but was sold out. I am not normally a fan of glitter nail polishes as they can take so long to get off. I made an exception for this shade as I really like it and looks really nice. You can see a NOTD using Northern Lights here.

HD Brow Kit - I received this back in the Summer via a Glossybox subscription. For me, this is one of those products that you don't realise how good it is until you use something else. I went back to my ELF brow kit and it did nothing for me. I prefer using powder over wax or pencils nowadays, it looks the most natural. This kit is lovely, mine is in shade Foxy, and all 4 matte shades can also be used as eyeshadows. I use the lighter brown shade for everyday and the darker shade for nights out because it balances out the fact I would be wearing more makeup than on an everyday basis. 

Maybelline Eyeshadow - I don't even remember buying this but I found it when I was rooting around for items to include in my Project 10 Pan, which seems to be taking over my life according to this post. Anyway, I really like this and I'm not saying it is a complete dupe but it does remind me a little of Sin by Urban Decay. It has more of a purple undertone and it sheerer but it is easier when travelling to take one single shadow than a full palette.

Sleek Blush by 3 Lace - I love this little palette of blushes, really good quality and lovely vibrant shades. I know Sleek love a bold colour but I really hope they bring out a more natural palette for everyday use. The red can be a bit scary at 9 o'clock Monday morning.

L'Oreal Caress Lipsticks - I love these and are probably my favourite lipsticks for a sheer moisturised look to my lips. I love the packaging, the shade range and how lovely they feel on the lips. I have a few of these now so I am planning on doing a collection/review on these as they are perfect for the warmer months when you don't want anything too heavy.

L'Oreal Free Box of Goodies

Last month I went into Boots to replace a 17 lipstick that I had lost, and before I knew it I was over at the L'Oreal stand and was swatching L'Oreal lipsticks left, right and centre. The events that happened afterwards are by no means my fault, or previously come to think of it.  A very helpful assistant came over to me to let me know that there was an offer that you receive a free box of L'Oreal goodies when you spend £12. 

I lost all control of myself and my purse!

I ran round to the other side and picked up an illuminating primer that I had wanted to get for a while and then started swatching eyeshadows, to cut a long story short, I spent way more than the £12 needed.

However, here is what I received in the 'Dress up in Diamonds' box. 

Includes

Volume Million Lashes Diamonds Mascara

Color Riche Diamantissime Lipstick - 325 Feeric Fuschia

Color Riche Nail Topcoat - 820 Crystalissme

Revitalift 10 Hour Total Repair 5ml

True Match Foundation Sachet

Nude Magique Sachet

£2 Coupon off True Match Foundation

If you saw my Christmas Makeup you may recognise this lipstick. I really love this shade, sadly my camera doesn't catch the shimmer that runs through the red, but I thought a close up of this lipstick was needed.  

I am really glad I got this as I love all the products that were included and considering there were 3 full sized products and a £2 off coupon, I thought this was a bargain.

This deal might not still be on as I got it before Christmas but I'm sure if some Boots still have them in stock you might be able to get a better deal as it is sale period. 

L'Oreal Colour Riche Nails - Boudoir Rose

I first tried these little beauties out in the summer, however, the colours that I had weren't very summery so I didn't really use them. I recently bought this shade Boudoir Rose (number 204) as I thought it was a lovely pink nude shade that would go with everything.

At £4.99 you may think that's really good for a L'Oreal nail varnish, however these only contain 5ml of product. Whereas, a Barry M has 10ml and a Models Own has 14ml of product, so not such a good deal price wise.

However, L'Oreal claim that these nail varnishes have a new LiquiGel technology which "offers easy application, even coverage and lasting glossy shine." As you can see in the above picture, L'Oreal have also created a paddle style brush which helps the application of the polish.  I actually really liked the brush, at first I didn't believe it would do anything, but it makes the application so much easier and a lot quicker than other polishes from other brands.

 As far as the LiquiGel technology, it is true that you would be left with a glossy finish that other varnishes do not have, and the reason I repurchased this product. However, they claim it is long lasting, but this shade did not last long on my nail at all. The first 24 hours were fine but after that a few chips started to appear, which to be honest did not bother me that much, (I know that some people cannot stand it though) but after 3/4 days I needed to repaint my nails completely,  therefore, I definitely would not call these long lasting nail varnishes.

It is really annoying that the colour does not last a little bit longer as I think L'Oreal Colour Riche nail varnish would be my favourite out of all the brands I have because the finish on the nails is so lovely and is so easy to apply. I think these would be brilliant for anyone that likes to change their nail colour every few days but wants a glossy finish without the faff of a topcoat. I personally am going to use these for when I go away for a few days or to a special occasion and want a nice quick manicured look.
Boots have a 3 for 2 offer at the moment so you could get 3 different shades for just over £3 each which I think is a good offer.

Mascara Collection and Mini Reviews

I have a small obsession with mascara, for years I've been on a quest to get the longest, fullest lashes possible.  I am so envious of people with naturally beautiful lashes, because I have the priveledge of sporting the shortest, shubbest lashes going.  Also this list is not necesarily in the order of most favoruite to least favourite, however, the ones to the right are slightly less used.

Benefit Bad Girl mascara

The first thing people notice is the large wand, and yes for my small eyes I would have thought that this would be a nightmare. I was pleasantly surprised with my first high end mascara, and more so after a week so it wasn't quite as wet.  Instantly lengthens and slightly fills out the lashes I probably wouldn't buy this full size version again but when Glamour magazine were including a mini sample a couple of months back I did snap it up for £2.

Maybelline Mascaras

For a long time Maybelline was my favourite brand for mascara, when I found out there was a new release on the high street, I would be the first one buzzing about the makeup stand. The ones I would by again are Falsies, and Colossal.  One by one, im not a big fan of the plastic brush and this is by no means a bad mascara, but personally I prefer the result of the others. 

Comb Mascaras

For people with small eyes like myself, mascaras that have a comb-like wand are a godsend to us. To give the effect of bigger or rounder eyes the lashes should be made longer preferably in the centre of the eye, rather than volumising or fanning the lashes at the end as this makes them look smaller and longer. L'oreal Telscopic and No7 Extreme Length are perfect examples of how to achieve long clump-less lashes, even as the mascara dries out.  I'm one of these people that use lots of different mascaras in order to get the finish I want.  I would use various volumising mascaras to add some depth and then finish off combing my lashes through with either combing mascara. Writing this post really makes me want to get the new telescopic mascara because probably all in all this is my favourite type of mascara because it captures all the lashes and leaves a very natural looking lash so can be used to create a simple daytime or more dramatic night time look.

Voluminous Mascaras

These types of mascaras work best for larger eyes as the volume elongates them and really makes big eyes pop.  My favourite from the bunch is the Max Factor False Lash Effect, again a large wand which could lead to panda eyes if you're not careful.  I overcome that by getting into the habit of putting my mascara on my bottom lashes before the top ones, this way when I tilt my head back I don't get a line of mascara at the top of my eyelid.  My least favourite is between Maybelline Volum' Express and 17 Ultimate Volume, neither for me make a lot of difference on the lashes and can transfer easily onto the skin.

Thanks for reading... But Shh remember, it's a secret

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