TLC's Stars of 2013: Makeup

Time for the final installment of my Stars of 2013 Trilogy. I've already done Skincare and Haircare... Now onto the Makeup! I'm not gonna lie, 2013 wasn't a spectacular year for me in terms of buying makeup. I didn't go crazy buying lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes like I did in 2012. In fact, I didn't even WEAR as much lipstick and eyeshadow in general compared to previous years. There are a few clear Stars for the year though. Here's a selection of my favourites...

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation - Santa Fe

2013 was definitely the year I set out to find my Holy Grail Foundation. In fact, I found a couple. My drugstore choice (seriously, I will never purchase another drugstore foundation ever again) was definitely Bourjois Healthy Mix, but my ultimate favourite high end foundation product for the year has to be Sheer Glow. I had high expectations for it from the start and it certainly lived up to the hype. Due to the price, I've always kept it reserved for more special occasions than everyday wear but I love the texture, the finish and how it feels on my skin. WINNER!!

DHC Perfect Pro Liquid Eyeliner* in Black - dhcuk.co.uk

Last year was definitely a year of Holy Grail product finds for me. This one found ME! You'll notice that I haven't included any eyeshadow products in this year's favourites and that is because I've mainly opted for bold liner, lashings of mascara and a neutral lip. This liner is seriously the easiest to control, picks up a TON of product (gives a good coat on both eyes without having to double dip), really well pigmented and produces a clean black line. I will NEVER be without this product again. Ever! DHC were a new brand discovery for me in 2013 but I've been seriously impressed with their products. 

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Cover-Up in Honey

This one was another event discovery, and one that I have since repurchased TWICE! I use it in a multitude of ways. It's fantastic on its own in the summer when you don't want a heavy liquid foundation on your skin (works really well with a BB cream too) while, in the Winter, a dusting over my regular foundation helps to set my makeup and keep it in place. It is also a good one to take in your bag on a night out for quick bathroom touch ups. Just a great all rounder. (This photo was taken when it was all new and shiny - the one I have now has hit pan and definitely not ready for its close up haha)

Rodial Glamstick in Thrill* - rodial.co.uk

I didn't go mad for bold lippy at all in 2013. There were a couple of exceptions, including MAC Rebel at Christmas, but I generally opted for neutrals and nudes. This particular lipstick has been my best friend during the colder months especially as it has amazing moisturising properties, almost like a lip butter. Of course, because it's Rodial it's really nourishing to the lips. The colour is neutral, but noticeable. Sadly, it's a little out of my price range and I'm not sure I'll be able to repurchase it any time soon but I've really loved it as a product. 

Benefit Dallas Boxed Powder

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I can't remember the last time I used a blush that WASN'T this one. I have worn this blush religiously ever since Autumn came knocking. It's my favourite of all the Benefit boxed powders (the runner up being Coralista in the Summer months). It's just a perfect, rustic shade that also adds a contoured effect with zero effort. I keep saying this but it is soooo underrated compared to other Benefit blushes and I don't feel it gets enough attention. I urge anyone to give it a go. It's such a versatile shade. 

Bourjois Twist Up The Volume Mascara* in Black
I've tried a few new mascaras this year but this is the one that I have stuck with. I am a huge fan of a lengthening mascara and it was love at first use with this one. I've never actually tried twisting it down and using the volumising wand. I don't really need thicker lashes. This post could so easily have turned into a Bourjois Appreciation Society Newsletter as I have thoroughly adored almost everything they have brought out this year. I can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves for 2014!

So that wraps up my Stars of 2013. It's taken the best part of a month to get them all out there but I really hope you've enjoyed having a peep at the stuff I loved the most last year. If you missed either of the other two editions of this series you can find my Skincare picks Here and my Haircare favourites Here. Time to work on finding some new favourites for 2014, although I won't be letting go of this little lot any time soon either.

What makeup products did you love last year?? Any brands in particular stand out for you?? Did you notice yourself favouring a particular makeup look like I did??

Mini Haul: Nails Inc, Bourjois, NARS

 Evening all!!

I've been doing a bit of hauling this week so far! Nothing too major but exciting nonetheless. Couple of online orders followed by a little 3for2 whim in Superdrug. I've got Summer makeup firmly on my mind lately. Probably because the sunshine has begun to shine through a little. The products I've acquired this week are all PERFECT for Spring/Summer!

I've been  using a lot of Bourjois lately (see previous post) and I've been really enjoying the products. When I spotted their products on 3for2 in Superdrug I couldn't ignore it, could I?!

I guess it was the special edition packaging that suckered me into buying this little blush pot! The colour is so pretty though! It's a lovely peachy pink with a pearly shimmer through it. It comes with a teeny little blush brush (gotta love tiny versions of things, even though they aren't overly useful). I haven't actually tried any Bourjois blushers before so I look forward to experimenting with this over the coming warmer months! 

I've seen the new So Laque Glossy shades on so many blogs over the last week or so, I just had to pick one up! I went for Adora-Bleu, mainly because it was the one that I wanted the most, but also because it was the last bottle left in the shop out of the whole range haha. I guess its very similar to the BarryM Gelly polish in Blueberry but the colour looks more powdery blue. Blueberry is quite vivid in certain light. 

I've been loving the Rouge Edition lip shades I have so, I decided to give this pale pink/beige nude shade a bash while I was at it as the other shades I have are either dark or bright. It looks like one of those barely-there, effortless colours and I love how they feel on the lips. 

I did a cheeky Nails Inc online order last week and it was waiting for me when I got back to London from Uni last night!! So exciting!! I did the pick'n'mix 3 for £22 deal and took the opportunity to get my mitts on some Spring brights. And I'm talking NEON brights!! I also picked up Floral Street as I wanted a white as a base for glitters and other such polishes. I won't go into too much detail just yet as I'm going to follow with an official post about these polishes with swatches etc...

LOOK what arrived this morning in an ASOS shaped box.....!!!! Because I've been so good and not smoked a single cigarette in a whole WEEK (and no plans on doing so either), I threw caution to the wind the other night and ordered my DREAM bronzer from NARS cos I was feeling particularly proud of myself. Seriously, I've wanted this product for at least 2 years but I struggle to justify NARS purchases usually, unless there's someone there to enable me. It's just that little bit out of my price range. Having said that, I did also purchase Sheer Glow recently. Double splurge!!

Most of these products will probably feature again on this blog very soon so expect more information and swatches of everything in due course. I'm really pleased with how my Summer 2013 beauty bag is shaping up!

What have you been hauling lately?? Did you do the 3for2?? What products are calling your name for Summer??

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: Santa Fe

I've recently gone from 0-60 in terms of foundations. I'd used up the last of my MAC Matchmaster and was kind of just surviving on whatever was on offer at the drugstore with no clear idea of what I wanted to replace it with. Yes, I found some decent drugstore foundations along the way (read my recent review of the Look Beauty Airbrush Base Here), but nothing I instantly fell head over heels in love with. Then in the last month I've acquired 2 new foundations, 2 new BB Creams and my BeneFit Hello Flawless powder! Not bad going eh?! I've been aware of the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation for a little while now and, on a recent shopping jaunt up town with the lovely Jayne, I finally decided that enough was enough and treated myself from their Selfridges counter. 

 NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (Medium 2)

With all the heartache I've had with my skin lately (probably nothing compared to what some go through, but a hell of a lot more than I've ever had to deal with previously in my life), I really wanted a lightweight, hydrating product that gave a more radiant finish than what I usually go for. As a combination skinned girlie I usually shy away from glowy foundations but I'd heard some fantastic feedback about this one from other blogging ladies with similar skin types. Plus, I'm a sucker for NARS packaging and I made a vow in January that I would try more of their products this year.

 

Santa Fe is Medium toned shade which leans slightly warm. I find it to be on the lighter side of medium but it's a great match for me at the moment. Since NARS Sheer Glow does not come with a pump (seriously, for the price, they could have just thrown that in couldn't they??) I have been dotting it around my face with my fingers and then blending it out with my hands. The formula of this foundation was designed to be applied with the fingers so the product goes on very smoothly and spreads evenly when using this method. I haven't tried it with a brush yet. The coverage is good: not full coverage, but enough to even out and smooth the skin. I'd define it as medium but buildable if required.

I love how lightweight this foundation is. I can hardly feel it on my skin, yet it makes my face feel so soft and smooth. On me, it lasts most of the day, with my MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural over the top, without moving or oxidising. I'd only feel like touching it up if I was going on a night out. The radiant finish really brightens up my face and I feel like I look much healthier. No photo of it on my face as yet (the ones I snapped quickly on my phone didn't come out great) but I'm going to have time tomorrow to do proper photographs so will add one in when I can. 

In my opinion (despite the lack of pump), this foundation is worth every penny. My skin feels so smooth and I've had several compliments on my skin at work this week! Not bad considering that, a fortnight ago, I was tearing my hair out because of my face haha. I think this, teamed with my new BeneFit Fakeup concealer may be my dream base combination for the Spring!

NARS Sheer Glow retails for £30.50 (30ml bottle) from department stores, narscosmetics.co.uk and other online retailers.

Do you rate NARS Foundations?? Are you prepared to splash out that little bit extra for a great product?? What other NARS products float your boat??

Experiments in Blush

I never used to wear blushers. I very rarely had one in my make-up bag and if i did it was part of a free gift or a set that i had received as a gift. I've always automatically gone for bronzers over blushers and i've probably tried most of the more affordable brands of bronzers in my make-up buying past. 

Just lately, probably not long before i started this blog if i'm perfectly honest, I've had a growing interest in blushers. Not sure what changed really. I think it's been mostly to do with me being so ill and feeling washed out that I've had the desire for more colour on my face. Whatever the reason, I've suddenly gone from zero blushers in my bag to having 5!! And there is a burning desire for MORE!! 

Thought I'd do this post to tell you about my recent blush buys and which have worked for me and which have been pushed to the back of the pile. To be honest I haven't really bought one that i REALLY didn't like, for whatever reason, but there are definite favourites emerging.

 None of the blushes i own, bar one, are high end brands. All have been purchased from either Boots or Superdrug and have cost between £3-5. Once I am receiving treatment that works well enough for me to do more hours at work i hope to have a better budget with which to splurge on all the gorgeous things i read about and drool over in other's blogs and in magazines, but until then i am experimenting with what is available.

The first blush i bought was Barry M in shade no3 (Strawberry), which is a really nice shade that's not too pinky, not too peachy... in fact it's quite RED really but it seemed 'in-between' enough for a first purchase. It doesn't have any shimmer to it, which i quite like about it. I'm a Barry M FREAK so that was, naturally, the first place i was going to look as I've never had anything of theirs that i didn't like or LOVE.


Their blushers are quite a recent addition and, as you'd expect they are HIGHLY pigmented. The colours look intense in the pan and i thought maybe I'd been too ambitious for a first purchase. But it swatched nice and blends VERY well for a more subtle look (although you can layer it up as much as you dare) and I'm wearing it in my 'About Me' pic. I didn't like the brush it came with - It just seemed too small and flimsy and i like a big fat brush on my cheeks (if anyone can recommend a good brush I'd love to hear. The one i have is on it's last legs haha). I've used this one mainly for evening wear , which is why i haven't really reached for it often as nights out are rare at the moment.

BarryM Swatched... WHOA!!

Sleek Coral - Look who put their fingernail in it when they tried to open it 


 The next one i tried was a Sleek blush in Coral. I'd heard great things about Sleek blush from my good friend Natalie @ pixielashes.com and when I'd asked her about blush she had suggested these to me straight away. I can see why she did because they are GREAT for the price and some lovely colours and the packaging is very dinky and cute. Very well milled and easy to apply. Not as in your face in the pan as the Barry M and when i tried it for the first time i REALLY liked it. It's a much more subtle swatch too but, again you can build it up for a really pretty coral and it has a lovely sheen to it which you will see from the swatch. This has turned into a daytime staple for me and it is this one, along with one other that i reach for most often.

Sleek Swatched

 The next two were purchased together because the very lovely Adrienne of Adrienne Adores advised me so well. Well, actually she was consoling me more than anything because I was grieving for a NARS Orgasm i'd lost out on in a blog sale. She mentioned that she'd found some FANTASTIC 17 dupes: First Kiss for NARS Orgasm and First Flush for MAC Bite on an Apple. When i got into Boots i couldn't resist getting both. Unfortunately I do not (YET) own the real McCoy but you can see how they compare in Adrienne's post which can be found HERE!!

(L-R) Boots 17: First Kiss and First Flush

It is 17 First Kiss that is the other i have been reaching for most often, along with the Sleek. It is such a lovely pink with a  LITTLE hint of shimmer (but not too much, I'm not a massive shimmer freak if I'm honest). First Flush I have, like Barry M, been saving for evenings as it's much more intense pink. Both swatch REALLY well and are very soft and easy to apply as well as being long wearing (i didn't have to reapply through the day) They also blend like an absolute DREAM! I love love LOVE them! Not bad for £3.49 a piece from Boots!! I think these will be in my make-up bag for some time to come.

(L-R) First Kiss and First Flush swatches.

NARS Penny Lane

My ONLY disappointment just happens to be the ONLY high-end blush i own, which is NARS Penny Lane, which they describe as a 'Nude Pink'. I was excited to try this one as it's the first cream blush I've owned. Although I needn't have worried about the application (the texture is nice and it went on fine when i patted it on with my finger), the colour is almost INVISIBLE on me!! It's almost LIGHTER than the foundation i use. I have a pretty medium skin tone, certainly not dark but not pale at all, but I can imagine you having to have a pretty darn PALE skin for this to come up with any colour. Nude is one thing but non-existant is another. The only thing i have found it is useful for is as a base for First Kiss or other blush. It has a nice little sheen on it but that is the only effect it has on my skin AT ALL, no matter how much i build it up. When i swatched it just now for this post i did admire the little shimmer it had. Maybe i can use it to highlight rather than for colour. 

Penny Lane HEAVILY swatched.

So those are my 5 of the moment. I'm sure it won't stick at 5. I have my eye on a couple of ELF blushes as well as NARS Deep Throat, which is my ultimate blush LUST! I have reasoned with myself that, because I have First Kiss, it doesn't matter if i can't have Orgasm just yet so i am setting my sights FIRMLY on DT. Peach is a shade i do not have yet and this looks to be a gorgeous peachy pink and everyone seems to RAVE about it. I'm also keen to try more orangy, apricot or terracotta toned blushes. But there's plenty of time and blog space for that, isn't there. I don't HAVE to have them all NOW, do i?? Although it would be nice ;)

Apologies for my photography in this post. I'm still learning and today has been the most MISERABLE, gloomy day EVER. Just so happens that the sun JUST peered out.... TYPICAL!!

Are there any other MUST HAVE blushes that I should try? What did you think of Penny Lane? Let me know your thoughts...

xoxo