Valentine's Day Makeup with Superdry Beauty

There seems to be a LOT of pink going on on this blog of late. Today's post is no exception. I've got my hands on some gorgeous Valentine's Day themed items by Superdry Beauty and, seen as though I haven't shown my face on the blog in a while, I thought I'd put together a Valentine's makeup look to share with you. I've had so much fun playing with all these amazing products. 

Products I used...

Superdry Beauty Powder Blush - Rapture Pink*

Superdry Beauty Professional Lip Paint - Electric Pink*

Superdry Beauty Professional Volumising Mascara - Jet Black*

I also received the cutest makeup bag I've ever seen in my life (Valentine's themed or otherwise) and a great size kabuki-style face brush. I'm such a fan of the Superdry Beauty packaging and the products are really rather good! Back in September I posted about my Bento Beauty Box by Superdry which was every bit as cute and quirky.

I wanted to create a really simple, soft look for Valentine's Day, but also one that is super wearable for the upcoming Spring season. The blush really is perfect for that as it gives a really subtle pink flush to the cheeks. I had to build it up a little on myself as I'm quite medium-skinned but this would be an ideal shade for fair skins. I love the colour.

Croyde Crew Neck Cable Knit* - £44.99 Superdry (Link)

All emphasis with this look was on the lips. Electric Pink really is the star of the show. As a result I kept my eye makeup almost non existent and opted for just the Superdry Volumising Mascara. It's definitely more of a daytime look but all you'd need would be a slick of eyeliner and a dusting of a neutral eyeshadow to take it into the evening. That pink lippy though.... The shade is gorgeous and extremely wearable. The formula is hydrating and really comfortable to wear.

And, finally, I can't not mention this beautiful cable knit. It's the jewel of my Spring wardrobe so far! Perfect for all this in-betweeny weather we've been having. I'm going to absolutely live in it. I've been wearing it with my acid wash Topshop Joni jeans today but can't wait to dress it up with a black skirt, opaques and Chelsea boots.

You can browse the full range of Superdry Beauty Products at superdry.com.
 They have a fantastic range including makeup, nail polish and a range of mirrors and nail tools to go with them. I'm definitely a fan. I have more Superdry Beauty to share with you in the run up to Spring.

Have you discovered Superdry Beauty yet?? What are your favourite products?? Does Valentine's Day make you think pink??

My Xmas Face!

Hello there lovelies!!

I hope everyone had a truly wonderful Christmas and that you're not all stuck indoors full of flu like i am this New Years' Eve!! Brunette Beauty Banter has been extremely quiet over the festive period because myself and the fur-babies have been away visiting family in Derbyshire and Yorkshire for the past 10 days. That does NOT, however, mean that nothing has been happening and i have a couple of festive posts to go up tonight to end 2012. I thought i'd start with my Xmas FOTD and show you what my festive product choices were...

Forget the face for a sec, the first thing you'll probably notice is that i'm back to ombre, having removed all traces of the pink/red that was in my hair. Nothing against redheads at all, and it was fun while it lasted, but its all too messy and time consuming for me. And that's that. On to ze face....

Base:

I've got no time for anything mattifying at Christmas. It's all about the festive glow (helped along by lashings of pink bubbly and Baileys later on). The foundation i opted for was Max Factor Xperience in shade 80 (Dark Gypsum). I really rate this foundation for giving great coverage without being thick, heavy and generally obstructive. It's the ONLY drugstore foundation that i go back to again and again. The powder i went for was my Cover FX Illuminating Powder in Medium*. I have been very impressed by this powder, after being initially worried that it would be shine-city. It isn't at all and just gives a lovely glow to the skin as well as setting my foundation in place. 

Cheeks:

Kept it simple with just one product this year and it was Sleek Powder Blush in Fenberry (which i believe was a LE last year in the Berry Collection). I find this to be the perfect winter hue and gives a gorgeous warm flush to the cheeks. This blush only really gets used at Christmas, but i enjoy it all the more for saving it. I had intended to use a highlight as well, but i conveniently forgot to take it with me. Silly girl. In the end i didn't actually miss it. 

Eyes: 

Does this Mally "In the Buff" Palette* remind you of anything?? I'm going to do a full review of this palette VERY soon so i'm not going to go into detail just yet. I chose this for Christmas because i wanted a nice, neutral eye that wasn't overly shimmery and this palette has a great range of matte and shimmer shades so i could find that perfect balance. 

Eyes Ctd: 

These are all staple products in my makeup bag now. I use them EVERY day. I'm sure most of us can vouch for the awesome-ness of the HD Brows palette, although i'm using it less at the moment as i have a full fringe and that means i can get away with being lazy with my brows. HA! 17 Peep Show Mascara is my current favourite and i will be repurchasing it once its gone. It gives a lovely, long lash without being overly fibrous. My current Gel liner is the Maybelline version, but i plan on branching out in the new year and experimenting with other brands. 

Lashes: 

I'm not a massive wearer of lashes, but i chose these Eylure Katy Perry lashes in Sweetie Pie* for Christmas day because they are so pretty, yet aren't too RAWR. It wasn't a party party kind of Christmas this year, more of a family gathering so i went for the subtle-yet-sweet option. 

Lips:

This Christmas face was all about the lips. I knew immediately that this year i HAD to have MAC Ruby Woo (Retro Matte) lipstick. The lipliner i got to go with it was MAC Cherry lip pencil. I always seem to want a bold lip at Christmas and i adore the colour of Ruby Woo. It's so flattering. My only grumble is that its a little drying on my lips, but a dash of Carmex underneath is all it needs. 

So those were my Festive product heroes. Once again, i hope everyone had a magical Christmas and wish you all the best for 2013. I will be ushering in the new year eating Domino's and watching DVDs in bed witha BIG mug of Lemsip (Rock'n'Roll)

What products made your Christmas this year?? What shades make you feel festive??

Getting in the Xmas Spirit with Motel!

Hello again!

I've had the maddest, busiest week i've had in a LONG time this week! I attended some AMAZING events, which i am only just now starting to be able to write up because, as well as events, having friends visiting from back home and work, i am actually bloody EXHAUSTED!! But it's been so much fun and i've seen some amazing and exciting things. So here's the first installment of my crazy week! 

I was invited to go along to the Motel Rocks Xmas Bloggers' Party on Monday night, held at Floripa bar in Shoreditch! I went along with Alice as we'd been to other events together that night also (more on them to follow later this week). I'm so glad i was able to go as i got to catch up with a few blogging faces that i hadn't seen for way too long! I also got to see the latest booty from Motel along with pretty makeup from MyFace cosmetics and some practical hair demonstrations from someone VERY exciting indeed........

 What I Wore......

Playsuit: River Island

Belt: Primark

Brooch: Came with playsuit

Eyes: Sleek Avoir La Peche Palette, Maybelline Gel Liner, 17 Peep Show Mascara

Lipstick: MAC Chatterbox

Hair Extensions: Halo

I had a good old rummage through all the clothes on display. I'm now totally obsessed with getting myself some velvet trousers as they looked sooooo warm and comfy and PERFECT for the party season. I also loved the long-sleeved playsuits that were on offer in several different colours, but i think my ultimate lust item from the evening has to be the studded biker jacket (see top left above).

First thing Alice and i did when we got there (after furnishing ourselves with a cocktail of course) was make a beeline for the photobooth. Gotta love a photobooth! There were all manner of Xmas and other themed fancy dress items to choose from. I went as Santa Claus/Dame Edna haha! Don't we look like a pair of NUTTERS ;P

Now HERE is the highlight of the night, and year, for me! I got to be face to face with one of my all time most respected hair gurus, Mr Lee Stafford HIMSELF!! As a stylist myself, i got a bit giddy and may have attacked him a little bit for this photo. I had all kinds of questions for him, but he was very busy making lots of ladies look gorgeous so we had to part (sob). 

Motel did a fantastic job on the night! I think we got there a little after the main action had died down, unfortunately, but there was still plenty to see and bloggers to chat to and PRESENTS! I went home with some adorably gift-wrapped So...? perfumes that i haven't had since i was a teenager! They're lovely! Thank you Motel Rocks! 

To see all the latest collections from Motel visit their website HERE! They've got all your Xmas party wear requirements sorted! I think i'll be ordering that playsuit in the not too distant future! 

A Few Changes and a FOTN

Evening lovers!!

And it really IS evening.... i was determined to blog today but i had a dinner invitation from one of my besties that i do not see very often that i couldn't refuse (wine, curry and CAKE - need i say more). But, anyhoo, i'm home now and determined to get this post out there as tomorrow is reserved for my bloody Finance assignment for uni (Blehhh)

So there have been a few changes..... 

First change is that i have done back over to the Darkside. As my blog name suggests i am a Brunette through and through, HOWEVER, recently i have been experimenting with ombre, followed by mahogany, then back to ombre again (confused?? Yeah i was as well). In the end one just has to draw a line and say ENOUGH!! So i have returned to what i know best which is my medium/dark chocolate brown. 

It's a huge relief to have hair extensions that match again. My clip ins now blend perfectly once more and, although my 16" Halo Hair Halo is still dyed mahogany, a box of dye is all that is needed to rectify that. Although my natural hair has grown so MUCH that my hair at the front is beginning to overtake the Halo so i fear i may have to write it off and purchase a longer one!!

SECOND change, and one which i have been building up to for some time now, is that i now have METAL in my face!! I've been deliberating on Twitter for a few weeks whether or not now was the time to finally go for it and get the nose piercing that i have wanted on and off since i was a teenager. In the end the verdict was almost a unanimous GO FOR IT!! So guess what..... I DID IT YESTERDAY!!

And i am so pleased with it! I removed my tongue piercing several months ago, after 12yrs together, as i just felt like it was time to get rid of it. I don't think it's becoming of a (nearly) 30yr old to be having metal in their mouth. Plus i suspect i chipped a tooth on it, which finally persuaded me to part with it. I did miss it for a little while, and i did feel like i was lacking something as a result, but i'm over the moon with my nose stud. Much more grown up. It's pretty basic, but eventually i'd love a diamond/gold stud in it (better save the pennies). 

THIRD change is that i have FINALLY embraced Gel eyeliner. And it's a massive HIT!! Why didn't one of you force me to try it sooner?? Yeah i've read and seen photos of you beautiful ladies wearing your MAC Blacktrack and your Inglot Gel Liner and thought you all looked FABULOUS, but it never inspired me to stop buying lippy and focus on my waterline. Well NO MORE cos i've got it and it has completely revolutionised how i do my eye makeup! Also, when my hair is darker i seem to make a bigger deal of my eyeliner. So while i was at it with the photos for this post i decided to do a little FOTN (from last night when i went out to show off my new piercing) to go with it. 

FOTN....

Face: BeneFit PoreFessional Primer

Rimmel 'Wake me Up' Foundation in Classic Beige

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium

Cheeks: MAC Tres Cheek blush in 'LoveCloud'

Eyes: Maybelline Gel Liner in 001 'Intense Black'

(No eyeshadow - just didn't feel like i wanted it on this occasion)

Rimmel Day2Night Mascara in Black

Lips: A combo of MAC Myth and MAC Lovelorn

(Myth went on first then finished with a sweep of Lovelorn)

And that's all she wrote....

I'd like to make it known that i HATE Rimmel 'Wake me Up'. I do NOT have spot prone skin but this never fails to break me out. I don't find it lasts well AT ALL (patchy is an understatement), and it is only when i use it with my BeneFit primer that i like the finish. It actually looks a lot better on these photos (with flash, would you believe) than i think it does in natural light. But i would NOT recommend it to anyone. I know there are those who love it, and each to their own, but i also know a lot who feel the same as i do about it. I'm only still using it as i do not believe in wasting makeup. 

So i hope you didn't mind too much reading my waffle about my new discoveries. I've been so excited about it and had to do a little squealy post to mark the occasion.

What have you done to reinvent yourself lately??

Snake-Inspired FOTD with Urban Decay

Good afternoon lovelies!!

Been a bit of a barrage of lipstick posts on BBB lately and, i am one who likes to keep things a bit different and switch it up a bit. So today, when i was picking what i was going to wear i was very excited when i got a little bit inspired by my snake print leggings, and pulled out my 

Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV. 

I just think this palette is perfect for this particular look and colour selection. I haven't really mentioned it much since i did my initial post after getting it so it was about time it was given its moment of glory! I was going for a daytime look (cos it's daytime, duh) so i didn't want tons of eyeliner and wanted to let the shadow do the talking. 

FOTD:

Face: MAC Matchmaster Foundation (shade 4.0)

BeneFit Boi-Ing Concealer (shade 2)

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium

Cheeks: FashionistA blush in Butterscotch (from my palette)

Eyes: Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV 

Skimp (all over the lid)

Midnight Rodeo (in the crease with a fluffy brush and blended over slightly)

Cobra (applied right in the crease using a pencil brush, winging out slightly and along the lower lashline)

Zephyr (just in inner corners)

L'Oreal Lash Architect 4d Mascara in Black

Brows: Rimmel Single Eyeshadow in Brun Dusk

Lips: MAC Shy Girl (Cremesheen)

Avon Glimmerstick Lip Liner in Rich Ginger

MAC Shy Girl

I have no idea why i wasn't compelled to wear liner with this look, but i go through phases with it. Sometimes i'll go for liquid liner every day, but sometimes i don't fancy eyeliner at all. I was very pleased how Cobra came out under my lower lashes and didn't want it overshadowed by a thick black line. I did have a slight glitter fallout issue with Midnight Rodeo but nothing that a swipe of the foundation brush wouldn't fix. 

Please excuse my scouse-brow.... I tidied them up a little this morning, but had no desire to launch into a full scale de-fuzzing. Its my day off after all. 

All in all i'm really happy with my Snake-Inspired makeup and i just ADORE Shy Girl, nomatter what i'm wearing. Sorry if you guys were expecting something more dramatic but i just fancied something subtle, yet effective today. Off to the parents for tea later with the boy so thought i'd make a little effort at least. 

What inspires your makeup?? How do you use the shades from the UD palette?? 

Xmas MakeUp Look #2: Bright Eyes and Bold Lips

Evening my lovelies!!

Blogging late again tonight. Not a good habit to get into but i overdid it a bit over the weekend and have been sleeping a LOT in the day over the last couple of days. As a result..... Insomnia at night. Silly silly me ignoring my doctors orders! 

Anyways, to combat this insomnia i have spent quite a bit of time in my PJs, watching CSI and playing with my makeup stash, trying to come up with some festive looks for you all. In my previous post i concentrated mainly on the eyes (as it was all about the eye palette) so tonight i am blogging to show you a look in which the lips are the main feature. This morning i received the Sleek Berry Collection that i had ordered and i couldn't wait to play with it. I will post a full review with swatches in due course but I thought i'd share with you this look first....

I wanted this set because i've been so scared of reds and berry colours for so long, but have been so curious lately and when i saw this gorgeous little Christmas set from Sleek i just HAD to treat myself to it, Little gift to myself i suppose. For £10 i think it's a BARGAIN!! As you will see from the photos i am still practising and, despite using the pencil to line my lips the colour HAS bled a little, but for a first attempt at such a bold colour i don't think i did bad. I am a virgin after all!

(NB. Ignore the eyebrows, they are due for de-fuzzing along with the rest of my face on Xmas eve haha)

Here's what i used...

Face: Max Factor Xperience in 75 (Brown Hessian)

MAC MSFN in Medium Plus

Cheeks: Sleek Blush in Fenberry (Berry Collection)

Sleek Contour Kit in Medium (highlight shade only)

Eyes: Sin, Buck and Hustle from the UD Naked Palette

VIVO Cosmetics Black Kohl pencil with Smudger

Rimmel Day2Night Mascara (lengthening wand)

BeneFit BrowZings in Medium

Lips: Sleek Kohl pencil in Mossberry (to line the lips)

Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Cranberry (Matte)

Too Faced Lip Injection (as a clear gloss over the top)

For those of you without a Naked Palette, this eye look would work just as well with the MUA Heaven&Earth palette. I wanted to keep the eyes simple, neutral and bright to keep the focus on the lips. I'm thinking i might wear this look for Christmas lunch with the family as we are going out for it this year, but this could just as easily work as an evening look, with a little extra eye kohl or winged gel liner and false lashes. I still don't think i'd go too OTT or dark on the eyes though as the lips really carry the look. I think it looks better that the rest of the face is kept natural with glowy cheeks. Perfect for winter!

What colours are you going crazy for this festive season?? What have you treated yourself to?? 

Weekend Wedding: OOTN & FOTN

Hello ladies!

After not daring to post pictures of my deathly face for a few weeks while i was poorly i'm back with my second FOTD in a ROW!! Not totally intentional but I was invited to my friend Ange's wedding at the weekend and was so chuffed with my new dress i thought i'd put together a post showing you what i wore on my face as well as my outfit. I've never actually done an OOTD/N before!! Apologies that i don't have a full photograph of my dress but i didnt get a chance to ask someone to take one for me. 

Soooooo here's what i wore!!

Brand new dress £19.99 from New Look

I love the colour of this! They also had it Teal and Black but purple seemed like a perfect seasonal colour and i will most likely wear this for Christmas lunch with the family as we are eating OUT this year and i haven't spent Christmas day with them for the last 3 years due to either living abroad or having to work.

Coinsidentally the shoes are also from New Look (a few years ago now so i don't recall the price). I'd originally intended on black tights and black patent heels but thought that might be a bit too GOFFIK for a wedding so went for cream with tan tights (thread veins, cellulite and bruises prevent me from going bare legged). My handbag is missing from this OOTN as i don't actually own a cream bag and ended up having to borrow one off my mum.

Weirdly, this is the only item of jewellery i wore! Not quite sure why. It was about £5 from Virgin Vie (again a while ago so can't remember exactly). Its a little bit mucky so will have to break out the vodka and get polishing. YES vodka and a cotton tip is the BEST way i have found for cleaning silver jewellery. Strange but true!!

Because of the time of year i just HAD to accessorise my outfit with my poppy. Its so important to remember those who fought and those who fell AND those who are still fighting. Utmost respect to all our servicemen and women past and present. 

So onto my FACE....

Face: MAC Matchmaster foundation (Shade 4)

Bourjois Eclat Mineral Radiance Powder in 05 (Dore)

VIVO Cosmetics Baked Bronzer

Cheeks: MAC Sheertone Blush (Pink Swoon)

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish (Porcelain Pink) to highlight

Eyes: Avon Glitz&Glam eyeshadow quad (the white and dark purple shades)

The bright purple shade from the Sleek Acid Palette (just in the crease and along the lower lashline)

VIVO Cosmetics black kohl pencil

L'Oreal Lash Architect 4d Mascara (Black)

Lips: MAC Tinted Lipglass in C-Thru

I went to town a bit on this one as i really don't get out that often and i don't always get to play with that much of my make up collection on my everyday make up looks. Took full advantage of the purples in my collection to compliment the dress. 

I didn't do a lot with my hair. I just put a few hot rollers in my hair extensions while i was doing my make up just to give it a bit of movement and finished with a layer of hairspray. Still LOVING my new fringe too!!

Will finish the post with a photo of the GORGEOUS Mr and Mrs Carr. I had such a lovely evening and i'm so grateful to them for giving me the opportunity to get glammed up again!!

Awwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!! 

Don't you just love a good party?! What items in your make up bag do you keep for special occasions?? Will you be investing in a new party frock this Xmas??

Birthday Shopping FOTD

Hello ladies!!

Man, I'm KNACKERED!! Today was my BIRTHDAY!! I won't tell you my age but all i can say is that i'm older than 28 and younger than 30 (HA). True to form, when asked what i wanted to do for my birthday i replied that i wanted to take my mum SHOPPING to Meadowhall (which is the nearest MAC to me and i haven't been in over a year) and also to visit the lovely Tapas restaurant I ADORE every time i go there. Seriously, if you girls are ever peckish in Meadowhall, head to La Tasca. Their Tapas is AMAZING and their meal deals are such good value!

Anyway i wanted to do a FOTD post to mark the occasion. However, the sun didn't shine for me today. In fact is was almost DARK outside so i had to use flash for the photos, which has kind of brighted out my make up on this one. But I can't let today pass without marking it with a post because i had such a LOVELY day so i will try and make the best of what i've got. 

Mewwwwww..... you can't even see my eye make up!!! But I'll tell you what i used anyhoo.

Face: Max Factor Xperience Fdn - 75 Brown Hessian

Elf Studio Mineral Pressed Powder - Caramel

Bourjois Delice de Poudre (To contour)

MAC Semi Precious MSF - Goldstone (dusted lightly all over the face at the very end)

Cheeks: BeneFit Coralista

Eyes: Naked, Buck and DarkHorse from the UD Naked Palette

Bourjois Kohl pencil (Black)

Rimmel Day2Night Mascara (Black)

Eylure False Lashes (free in last month's Cosmo Mag)

Brows: BeneFit BrowZings - Medium

Lips: MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2

I hate this second photo (I look like i'm off my tits on something) but it shows the colours better i think.... 

I just LOVE Goldstone MSF from MAC. Just a sweep of it all over the face makes you look like you've had a fortnight in the sun!! And you only need the tiniest bit!! It works great as a bronzer or a highlighter too. Value for money right there!! 

In other News....

Well this is kinda the same piece of news but hey-ho. During the aforementioned shopping trip i was VERY excited to pick up a brand, spanking new HD Webcam. I've been itching to get onto YouTube for quite some time now as i've got so many things i wanna share with you girlies that just DON'T work in blog post format. My laptop webcam is next to USELESS for recording and my regular Nikon Coolpix just doesn't seem to want to record for me either so i was VERY excited when i heard about HD Webcams. 

My first video will be today's HAUL and i have all day tomorrow to play around with my new toy so PLEASE subscribe to my channel!! I'm ON MY WAY!!!

Click HERE to View my Channel!!

I wanna do da CHA CHA!

Afternoon my lovelies!!

I've been harping on about wanting BeneFit Cha Cha Tint since it first came out. Yes, I know I'm EXTREMELY late to the party on this one, but I've FINALLY got the chance to own it. I picked it up as part payment for my services as a BeneBabe last Saturday promoting 'They're Real' in Boots and i'm chuffed to pieces with it. This afternoon i have finally had the opportunity to play around with it properly and i thought i'd share the results with you lovely ladies....

You girls probably know the drill with BeneTints by now so i'll skim through it quickly...

Cha Cha Tint is a Mango-tinted lip and cheek stain. BeneFit describe it as a 'Tropical Sunset Hue'.

They recommend brushing three strokes onto the apples of the cheeks and blending with the fingers. HOWEVER, I find if i put a little on my hand then brush it on with the end of a foundation brush i get a more even result. That was a little trick a picked up from the girls last week and it works a treat! You can use a little or a lot depending on how TROPICAL you're feeling at the time. 

For the lips its a no-brainer really. Just dab it on and blend it with your fingertips. I usually pop a bit of Carmex over the top of these tints just to give a little shine and i did the same for these photos.

Gah.... once again my beard (which i thought i did away with after the last lip photos) has made a reappearance. Goddammit!!

This colour just screams VEGAS VOLT to me after seeing these pics. It's so similar in colour but is more subtle and definitely lasts longer. On the cheeks it gives a lovely glow. I put way more on for these photos than i normally would as i needed it to show up on camera, but its VERY pretty!! 

So there's the total-face ChaCha effect!! A bit much for a shift at work so i have since powdered over it like a maniac and replaced it on my lips with my ol' faithful Nude Rimmel lippy. 

I didn't find this a pain to apply or to blend. I did have issues with BeneTint but i think that has more to do with the shade than the product. PosieTint does not show up on my cheeks but I love it on my lips but, unlike PosieTint i would not wear Cha Cha Tint as an everyday lip colour. Well, not for work at least. 

What do you think of lip stains?? Do you own Cha Cha Tint or did you skip it??

Going GAGA for MAC!

Good afternoon my lovelies!!

One thing i particularly HATE about Bank Holidays (there are quite a few things i hate about them actually) is that the postmen/delivery men of this country are too busy nursing their HANGOVERS to fix up and whisk me my parcels in decent time. I've been waiting for mine (I call him the MAC Fairy) since last Friday and I'm not known for my patience. 

Anyhoo.... he turned up yesterday afternoon with my parcel of loveliness. 

The reason I was so excited and impatient is very simple.. I'd ordered THIS!! 

Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipstick!!!

Just lately I've been going a bit NUTS for nude lipsticks. I've loved my brights over the summer (Morange and Vegas Volt have featured heavily up to now) but now as it is cooling down I've reverted back to more natural, nude shades. When i saw Gaga 2 i just KNEW i had to own it. I'd toyed with buying Creme D'Nude but this one just grabbed me.... It's just a lovely beige nude which seems to actually lean a little towards pink on me. It's an Amplified (matte) finish but feels very creamy on the lips and a slick of gloss is all that's needed if you want more shine (Gaga 2 is also available as a gloss but any neutral or clear gloss will suffice)

Apologies for my facial tan FAIL... seriously can't i get a photo where something DOESN'T go wrong?? Meh!!

So i decided to do a little FOTD with it today. Felt like a bit of a numpty as i was only popping to the shops, but i had a few new things that I have been dying to play with so i thought I'd have a dabble today while i have time (and no work.. HURRAH). 

So here's what i have on... (Its nothing too fancy, just an everyday kinda make up)

Face: Max Factor Lasting Performance Fdn - Natural Bronze

BeneFit Boi-ing Concealer - Shade 2

Elf Pressed Powder - Caramel

Cheeks: MAC Sheertone Blush - Pink Swoon

Bourjois Delice De Poudre - 52

Eyes: Neutral and Pink shades from my Sleek 'Oh So Special' palette

Maybelline One-By-One Mascara - Black

Brows: BeneFit BrowZings - Medium

Lips: MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2

Overall view on Gaga 2 is that I really rather like it!! It is somewhat paler than my usual go-to nude lippy which is Rimmel Moisture Renew in (700) Nude Delight. I'm really quite taken with Gaga though. 

Special mention for this FOTD has to go to BeneFit BrowZings!! I'm very much a newbie for including my brows in my make up routine and have just never bothered with them in the past. But after using BrowZings for the first time today i realise how much BETTER they look!! I can see myself using this to DEATH! Expect a post on it in the very near future!!

I'll let you in on a little secret.... This isn't the first time I've gone GAGA!! Flashback to July this year and the day of Bakewell Carnival and i needed to find a costume for our Space Shuttle-Themed float (which won 1st PRIZE i might add). The only vaguely Space-ish look i could think of was LADY GAGA!! After all she did turn up to an awards ceremony in a COCOON!! And BOY did i have fun creating my look!! Check me out......

Gaga Oooh-La-La or WHAT!! 

What are your favourite Nude lip colours?? Did you go Gaga for Viva Glam??

Max Factor Xperience Review & FOTD

I haven't reviewed a foundation yet on this blog. Mainly because most of the foundations I've tried have been either NEARLY there or just not worth writing about. Each one I've tried has either been the wrong colour, the wrong texture, lasted 5mins or just didn't do what it said it would. 

This week i have been trying a new foundation. It is..

Max Factor Xperience

Here's what Max Factor say about it.....

Beautiful flawless skin – doesn't that mean a thick, full coverage foundation? Not with our new Xperience Weightless Foundation. Its formula contains natural jojoba extract, gives flawless coverage with a surprisingly air - light feel.

I say this... 

Max Factor are a great, affordable brand. This foundation costs £9.99 for 30ml from your local drugstore

I don't find this to be a full coverage foundation at all, although this is what MF say it is. I'd say it was a natural-looking medium that covers well. I love that it's oil free and contains SPF10 for summer wear and MF are spot on when they say it is weightless. It feels lovely on the skin and actually makes it feel silky soft! 

The thing that has really drawn me to this foundation is that i have finally found a PERFECT colour match for my skin. I chose 75 Brown Hessian. It's a neutral-looking light/medium brown tone which doesn't look grey OR orange on me. 

The formulation/consistency is very workable. It's not runny, but it's not thick and gloopy either. It went on well with my foundation brush. I haven't tried it with a sponge or my fingers yet (although fingers is the method recommended by MF), but I certainly will in the future. 

It lasts well. I had heard tell on Twitter that it would oxidise after a while but i did not find this to be the case (interestingly I DID find this with MF Lasting Performance). First time i wore it was for a shopping trip. It survived well for the 6hrs i wore it for which included 2hrs total on a bus and a rainy trek around Chesterfield. 

I find i get an oily T-Zone so the oil free formula really attracted me to this product. The SECOND time i wore this foundation was for a 3hr lunchtime shift in the kitchen at the pub where i work (which is EXTREME). When I got home my nose WAS shiny... but this product isn't about a matte finish, it's about a natural finish that lasts. With a good powder this would give a matte finish.  

To sum this product up you should definitely try this if...

- You want a natural finish with medium-full coverage

- You don't like a heavy foundation

- You have combination skin and want a product that will help to control oily areas while softening dry areas

Onto my FOTD for today....

I didn't go anywhere interesting today. Just a couple of hours at work. However, I am one of those people who HATES having to just wear black/uniform for work and tend to compensate elsewhere. 

It was quite sunny today so i decided to go for something natural, but summery (yeah, right, I wanted another excuse to use my Sleek Monaco palette hehe). And I wanted to look smart at the same time (after all I do serve on the counter at work as well and serve people at the table). 

So here's what I used....

Face: Vie Skin Dew (as a base), Max Factor Xperience foundation in 75 Brown Hessian

Bronzer: Bourjois Delice de Poudre in 52 (to contour)

Blush: BeneFit Coralista

Eyes: Sleek Monaco Palette Shadow in Washed Ashore (all over the lid), Rimmel Glam'eyes Shadow in Brun Dusk (crease and outer), Generic no-name brown liner pencil off Bakewell market (LOL)

Highlighter: BeneFit High Beam (browbone and cheekbones)

Lips: Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Silk Touch Lipgloss in 15 Coral

(Please note - In reference to the above review: In this FOTD i have used Xperience WITH the Skin Dew and this gives a more dewy finish. I also occasionally mix the two together so do not take this as the regular Xperience finish)

Hope you enjoyed my FOTD or found my Xperience review helpful. 

Got any other foundation recommendations for me? What are your opinions on Max Factor foundations?