Today's Face #1

I had an early lecture this morning all about my dissertation (don't even get me started) so I opted for a slightly more minimal make up look with a sheer red lip to pull it all together.  

Benefit The POREfessional - This is my go to primer as of late as it does what it says on the tin as well as mattifies my skin. I'm currently using up a sample as I ran out of the full size product.  For full review, click here.

No7 Essentially Natural Foundation - This is such a great foundation that I picked up at the No7 counter after having my Match Made Service. It's lightweight and have the right amount of coverage and is a great match for my skin. I'll be posting a more in depth review within the next week!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - My holy grail high street concealer which gets rid of any blemish or stubborn redness.  

Collection 2000 Illuminating Touch Concealer - I've been trying this out for the past week and I really like it so far.  It's a dupe of the infamous YSL Touche Eclat but I think it's slightly thicker in consistency.  

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel - I've really been into cream products lately and today I opted for bronzer rather than blush.  This is such a luxurious product and it lasts all day on the skin.  

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - My powder of choice at the moment to set my T-zone.  

Benefit They're Real! Mascara - I LOVE this mascara, it's just so good.  If you want length and volume then this is definitely the mascara for you.  If you haven't got the budget for Benefit, have no fear there will be a blogpost coming soon about a cheaper alternative.  

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse Lipstick in Rebel Red - I got given this in my goody bag when I left More! magazine and I've never worn it. It's a sheer red balmy lipstick (not dissimilar to Revlon's Lip Butters) which is great for any of you who are scared to try a bold, matte red.  It's not that long wearing but it's really comfortable on the lips.  I also think it really brings out the blue in my eyes.  

The look is anything from fancy but it certainly does the job.  I think without the red lip it would work nicely as a very minimal, no make up, make up look.  

What's your go to 'easy' make up look?

Beauty Review: CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universal

It's quite a mouthful but this is possibly the most illusive bronzer on the market.  After receiving rave reviews from the beauty community, this product was no where to be seen.  I'd constantly be at my local Chanel counter asking after it to no avail.  Four months later I finally got my hands on the beauty (literally). I must admit, I was slightly dubious after the MUA at the Chanel counter tried it on me.  I think she had a heavy hand, or was in fact trying to make me look like an Oompa Loompa.  After further research I decided that I still wanted it.  

A month later and I've really been enjoying using the bronzer.  Like every other Chanel product I've tried, it has a gorgeous scent to it, which smells to me like holiday.  It's creamy in consistency and glides easily from brush to skin.  I use this with a buffing brush and a light hand, although a kabuki brush would also work well.  The key to using this product without looking like you're fresh from a night out at the Sugarhut is to completely blend it into the skin.  I find that even on my pale skin it gives a really subtle glow.  

You only need a small amount of product and after a months use I've barely scratched the surface. This is also a bit of a con, because if you put too much onto the brush it can be difficult to blend in - resulting in the not so desirable streaky look. At £29 it's not the cheapest product on the market either, but the fact that you don't need much means it's going to last you for a long time.  

Were you one of the lucky ones who managed to get hold of this product?

April 2012 Favourites

Another month gone, where is 2012 going? April was an extremely busy month with the magazine unit due (see the finished product here) and then work experience starting, I haven't really stopped.  When it came to my make up for this month it was quick and simple which is reflected in my favourites.  

For my base I've kept it light and dewy as I haven't really had the time to buff out a heavy duty foundation, plus my skin hasn't really needed that extra coverage. I've switched between my Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in shade 'I'm pure 4 sure' and my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B10.  These both give a dewy finish which leaves your skin looking really natural.  My brush of choice is the Sigma F80 flat top kabuki which makes life so much easier! It applies the foundation extremely quickly, leaving a flawless finish. 

To add warmth to my cheeks I've been using the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection.  As I am so fair at the moment, I use the tiniest amount otherwise I might look like an oompa loompa (sorry Roald Dahl, it was never a good look).  I'm looking forward to taking this on holiday and using it when I have a tan! I've also been picking up my Sleek Face Contour Kit and using the highlighter to brighten the inner corners of my eyes as there was a lot of early mornings and late nights through April.  

Keeping with the simple look, I haven't really done anything other than kohl liner on my tight line and mascara.  My mascara of choice is MUFE Smoky Lash in black which I will definitely be stocking up on when I go to Sephora in Spain next month.  For lips I've kept things pretty nude or sheer in colour.  My favourites have been the Clinique Chubby Stick in wooping watermelon and 17 Mirror Shine On Lipstick in Beehive.  

What have been your favourite products of April? 

New In: High End Purchases

Over the last few weeks I have picked up several products that I have had my eye on for a while.  When I buy a high end product, I like to make sure I actually want it, instead of being impulsive.  Here's what I've picked up!

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in I'm Pure 4 Sure

When I heard that Benefit were coming out with there first liquid foundation a few months back I knew I wanted to try it. After a trial run I decided to pick up the full size.  Since finding the right skincare routine for me, I've found I don't need, nor like, full coverage foundations so this and my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua are perfect. This foundation has a good amount of coverage and evens out skin tone, but instead of looking cakey, it leaves a healthy, flawless finish.  

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel 

I've been trying to track down this bad boy for at least six months! Since the blogging world went mad for this product, they haven't been able to keep it on the shelves and I was lucky enough to snap up the last one on Monday! I've used it once, and it's gorgeous.  I'm extremely fair so I need hardly any otherwise I might look like a Oompa Loompa.  I'm looking forward to using this more, especially on holiday when I tan.  

Kerastase Ciment Thermique 

I only purchased this yesterday and have yet to use it as it requires washed hair and I've been to the salon today.  I've heard to many great things about this, not only is it a great heat protectant but it helps strengthen the hair follicles - something I definitely need after bleaching and heat damaging my hair.  I'll let you know how I get on with it.  

Have any of you tried any of these products?