Wishlist | Products I'm Coveting

Hourglass Modernist Palette in Monochrome | NARS Creamy Concealer in Vanilla | Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Glastonberry | theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer | Oribe Dry Texturising Spray | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder | Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection

1. Hourglass Modernist Palette in Monochrome (Available in Space NK from 1st February); £56 - When Wayne Goss unveiled the newest product launch from Hourglass on his channel last week, there was a lot of heart eyed emoji going on. Hourglass will be launching six different palettes in the Modernist collection but Ive got my eye on Monochrome. Although the name would insinuate a black and white affair, it's actually quite the opposite - five beautiful warm shades with a pinky hue to them. Love. 

2. NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla; £22 - I have been coveting this concealer ever since it was launched, but many factors have led it to still being on my wishlist. The first was when it was first released, Vanilla was sold out everywhere, and secondly the price - I'm quite happy with my Collection Lasting Perfection at just under a quarter of the price. Nevertheless, I still need want this. 

3. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Glastonberry; £23 - I love a bold lip, they can completely transform your look with just one swipe and matte formulas are so much easier to wear as they are usually fairly long lasting. Glastonberry offers the best of both world, a matte formula and an incredible 'masala' colour.

4. theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer; £16 - 2015 is the year I'm going to master highlighter. No more walking out the door, cheekbones resembling disco balls. theBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer is highly talked about in the blogging community and it certainly looks gorgeous in the pan. Make me glow already. 

5. Oribe Dry Texturising Spray; £38 - I've gone to purchase this a handful of times, only to flinch at the eyewatering price tag... Nevertheless, after having the purse size version before, I know how incredible this product is and I can't help but think what it would do with the waves I create with my ghdCurve Classic Waving Wand. That, and it smells incredible. 

6. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder; £38 - I've mentioned these powders on the blog more than once and I still haven't picked one up. I'm never sure of the shade I should go for out of the six available so I might have to have a chat with my local Space NK lady. 

7. Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection; from £12 - Nic and Sam can do no wrong where Real Techniques brushes are concerned. There's not a single brush I own by them (and I own a lot) that I haven't found a use for at one time or another. The Bold Metals collection again has me a little heart eyed emoji. I'm particularly lusting after #200 Oval Shadow and #201 Pointed Crease for expert (kind of) eyeshadow application. 

What's on your wishlist?

Review | Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot

Setting liquid foundation will help to lock product into place and if you find the right powder, it can also keep oily skin at bay for a lot longer than without. I recently picked up Soap & Glory's 'One Heck of a Blot' after seeing it in my local Boots. I have never really explored the S&G makeup range but have heard only good things. My usual powder preference is MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, which serves its purpose just fine, but with an affinity for beauty products, I'm always looking for the game changer. 

One Heck of a Blot is a blotting powder by nature - it's main purpose is to absorb excess oil, control shine and mattify skin. The powder comes in a handy compact with mirror and a puff for on the go touch ups and is translucent making it suitable for all skin tones. I like a natural luminosity to my base, so I usually sweep this powder on with my Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush (available in the Nic's Picks brush set), which picks up just enough product to hold everything into place, without things getting too cakey. The wear time of my makeup is definitely increased when I use this product, only needing to touch up once during the day, usually just in my t-zone. 

Overall it's a nice powder that gets the job done in all the right places. Game changing? No, but it will definitely be in rotation with my MAC powder. 

Have you tried any of the Soap & Glory makeup range?

Inside: Travel Make Up Bag

When I'm out and about, like most girls, I like to have the daily face essentials on hand, ready to combat any oily sheen or lipstick malfunction.  I try not to carry around too much with me, just the bare necessities.  Powder is always the first thing to be thrown into the pouch and right now I'm between two powders, MAC's MSF Natural in Light and Rimmel's Stay Matte in Translucent.  This is to help keep my make up in place for longer, without threat of slipping as the day wears on.  I've been using the Real Techniques Contour Brush for powder, as I like to apply it where it's needed, rather than slather it on all over the place.  The next thing to make the cut is concealer and of course it's Collection Lasting Perfection - I think I'm on my fifth or sixth tube of the stuff but it really is as good as they say.  As it's quite a heavy coverage its great for on the go foundation touch ups as well as concealing.  I bring along the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for this job, it's great at creating a seamless finish no matter the heavy duty product.  

I also carry a rather grubby looking Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Nude, for times when my peepers need to look more awake.  The gel like formula means that this liner hardly budges but sometimes it's nice to have it with you, for touch up peace of mind.  My mascara of the day also comes along for the ride, as I find that sometimes it can end up under the eyes leaving you looking like a panda - never a good look no matter how cute they are.  I try to keep both a nude and a bright lipstick on me at all times so that I have options for whatever occasion might pop up during the day.  When I'm in a rush however, only the lipstick I'm wearing will get slung into the mix.  With the warmer weather finally arriving, I've been reaching for the Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Gloss Stick in Hibiscus, which as the name suggests is moisturising, glossy and pigmented as hell.  The perfect coral lipstick? I think so.  Other necessities that make the cut are a compact mirror - for on the go touch ups, lip balm as well as a hair tie and bobby pin, because you never know in this country whether rain will frazzle your 'do' or not.  

What are your travel essentials?

Liz Earle Natural Finish Pressed Powder

Liz Earle Natural Finish Pressed Powder in #01 Sheer Porcelain*

I always set my base with a powder as my skin can become quite oily during the day.  I've tried many different ones including MAC's Mineralize Skin Finish Natural and L'Oreal's True Match but both the shade ranges seemed to miss my pale skintone off the list.  Liz Earle's make up range caters to all with an extensive shade range, so I was intrigued to see if their powder would be a good choice for me.  I chose their Natural Finish Pressed Powder in #01 Sheer Porcelain, described as an "extra-fair shade that suits extra-fair skin".  

The powder comes packaged in a compact, complete with a powder puff underneath the product.  The powder is extremely soft and silky to the touch allowing it to blend into the skin easily.  The shade match is great, it's slightly darker than my skintone but it's not that noticeable.  I usually apply this with the Real Techniques contour brush, which is the perfect size to brush powder on where you need it, rather than all over the face.  I found the powder to be quite high in coverage, which I'm not used to, but with a light hand it works lovely.  

The included powder puff makes this the perfect portable product as I don't have to carry around a brush with me.  I find that the puff can make application a bit heavy, so I would dab the product on with one side and then use a clean side to blend the powder into the skin.  I find that when I use this product, I'm less likely to need a touch up as it controls shine really well and unlike some powders I've tried, it doesn't cake up during the day. 

At £19.50, the Natural Finish Pressed Powder sits in the middle between high street and high end prices.  If you're looking for a powder which controls shine throughout the day and is great for on the go touch ups, then I really recommend this product. 

What's your go to powder?

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nectar

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nectar 06*

There's no denying that when it comes to make up, one of my favourite products is blusher, so it was more than surprising when I realised I'd never tried a cream blush before.  Liz Earle have recently launched their full Colour collection and their Healthy Glow blushers have become a firm favourite amongst beauty lovers.  Liz Earle is a brand I love and use religiously when it comes to skincare, so I wondered if their make up would be just as good. When the product arrived on my doorstep, my first thoughts were "wow, this is a small, compact product" but little did I know the contents of the teeny tiny compact really packed a punch.  

Nectar is a gorgeous rose-pink shade, which is versatile for both day and night.  As the product name would suggest, it's creamy and velvety in texture and buffs into the skin easily for a fresh and glowing flush. To apply the product, I use my Real Techniques Buffing Brush which picks up enough of the colour without caking it on.  I find a quick hand works best to get the best out of this blusher.  I have to admit, at first I was a bit daunted by the pigmentation against my fair skin tone, but once I had a play I soon made the product work for me. For daytime, I use a lighter hand to create a more subtle and natural look and in the evening, I apply more for a pop of colour.  

The cream formulation leaves a dewiness to the skin which I love and it also brightens the complexion.  If you have oily skin, I would recommend setting it with a powder to keep it in place or trying the powder alternative. Depending on how my skin is I vary with powdering, although I feel less like I need to now that the chillier temperatures is drying my skin out.  On a day to day basis, the blusher lasts on my skin for around 5-6 hours before needing a top up.  

The blusher comes in a small, slim packaging which is fantastic for travelling as it can slide perfectly into handbag pockets for touch ups and takes up less space in my make up bag than my Benefit boxed blushers, for example. There are seven shades to choose from in the Healthy Glow range, targeted at all skin types.  At £16.50 I think this is a reasonable price for a high end brand and I like that all the colours come in both a cream and powder formulations.  I've definitely been converted to cream blushers and I've already got my eye on another of the shades in the range.  

Do you prefer cream or powder blushers? 

Benefit Boxed Powder in Hervana

Benefit has been a firm favourite in my make up collection for the past few years. Their packaging is always cute and the products inside are of amazing quality.  My favourite cosmetics by Benefit are definitely their boxed powders (blushers to you and me), of which there are eight to choose from.  My box of choice is their most recent addition to the family, Hervana - a 'good karma' powder set to give you an enlightened flush.  

With fair skin, I often find myself reaching for soft pinks over darker colours that I have in my collection.  I find that the softer colours compliment my complexion better, especially on days when I go for a natural make up look.  Benefit's Hervana has four different colour which swirled together create a gorgeous blush shade, perfect for all skin tones. It has great pigmentation and blends smoothly onto the apple of your cheeks. I like that you can also use the colours seperately, I tend to use the lightest shade as a highlighter for my brow bone, cupids bow and cheekbones.  

 The boxed powders all come with a brush, which I've tried but much prefer using my Real Techniques blush brush. The freebie applicator tends to leave a stripe of colour and is hard to blend with. Theres also a mirror included in the box, great for on the go touch ups.  At £23.50 these are a bit of a splurge for a blusher but I really enjoy using them.  

Which boxed powder is your favourite?

Travel Essentials

I'm back after a short break as I've been interning in London for the past two weeks (more about that later in the week). Travelling to and from London everyday, spending around 12-14 hours out of the house, I quickly perfected my travel essentials.  

I kept my make up minimal whilst working so that getting ready didn't take too long in the morning.  For touch ups during the day, I packed the essentials. For concealer I've been using the Make Up For Ever 'Full Cover', which is extremely high coverage, even able to cover scars and tattoo's if needs be.  My skin has been a bit all over the place over the last week thanks to mother nature and I feel like I've had Mount Everest growing upon my chin, so this has been a godsend at hiding the redness. The weather has been gorgeous this week, but alas it meant sweaty looking skin - not a good look when surrounded by groomed-to-perfection fashion and beauty journos.  To mattify my skin I took my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural and used the Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply the product. Although it's meant for contouring and highlighting, the brush wasn't bulky like the Powder Brush and allowed me a more precise product application.  I also popped in a sample size of Make Up For Ever's Smoky Lash mascara incase my lashes needed a pick me up and the lipstick of the day.  I've been loving this Jemma Kidd Hi-Shine Hydrating Glosstick in #04 Hibiscus, which admittedly I was given whilst at More! magazine after doing a favour for the beauty team.  It's a gorgeous product, creamy and highly pigmented and not at all sticky like a lipgloss.  

I always try to remember my perfume as it's always nice to freshen up at lunchtime or after stepping off the tube on your way home, with a spritz of your favourite scent. My go to everyday perfume is Stella McCartney 'Stella'.  I bought the Phil Smith Tame the Frizz serum a while ago as it's a handy travel size product and used it to manage any fly aways or hot weather frizz.  I never go anywhere without Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream now. It's a great lip balm, hand cream, cuticle cream and it's even good if you manage to cut yourself.  

On my first day I picked up some mints.  You've all been there, when someone's had something garlicky for their lunch and it's all you can smell whilst they are speaking to you.  Definitely not the embarrassing situation I wanted to get myself into.  Blister plasters, or plasters in general are always a must - there's nothing worse than limping around the office because your shoes are rubbing.  Paracetamols a given, no need to endure a headache when you've got plenty of work to be getting on with.  Hot weather + hair = frizzball, or at least it does for me anyway. I always carry around a hairband on my wrist or in my handbag for such occasions, or just to get my hair up off my face.  

Do you have any travel must haves?

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? 

Make Up Brush Collection + Reviews

The key to a flawless make up application is not solely reliant on the products you use, but also the brushes you use to apply them.  I've always been interested in make up from an early age, but up until recently, I either used my fingers or the applicators that came with make up.  I've been building up a decent brush collection for a few months now and I am finally ready to show you what I use and also if they work or not.  

I have a mixture of brushes from Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman, Sigma and Topshop.  I got my brush organiser from Muji, for around £2-£3.  Here are the brushes I use on a daily basis, as well as some that are a little bit rubbish. 

FACE

(L-R) Real Techniques Blush Brush, Real Techniques Powder Brush, Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush and Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki

Real Techniques Blush Brush - Before I picked this brush up, I used to use an Eco Tools blush brush for everything (contour, bronzing, blush and powder).  Now I have a separate brush for each I will never go back.  This brush is tapered allowing for precision when it comes to blusher.  It's extremely soft and like all the other RT brushes I use, washes extremely well.  

Real Techniques Powder Brush  - This brush is big, flexible and fluffy.  Perfect for all over powder application.  It hasn't shed at all, unlike my Eco Tools brush used to and like the Blush brush is extremely soft.  

Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection - I've heard this brush is excellent for a quick and easy foundation application but I have yet to try it for that purpose.  At the moment I use it after applying foundation and concealer to ensure that I have a flawless base with no lines or patchiness.  

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush from the Starter Set - I use this for under eye concealer and around my nose, rather than eyeshadow which is was the Pixiwoo girls do.  It's a ruddy fantastic brush and blends concealer seamlessly.  I wish all the brushes were sold separately as I'd love another for eyeshadow.  

Real Techniques Contour Brush from the Core Collection - Another brilliant brush.  I feel I can sculpt and highlight my face so much easier with this brush.  

Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki - I absolutely adore this brush and it's probably the only reason I haven't tried the RT buffing brush with foundation yet.  I've never been able to apply my foundation as flawlessly than I have with this brush.  It's dense but has enough flexibility to move around the nooks and crannies of the face.  The bristles are soft and wash up lovely without loosing shape.  

EYES

(Top - Bottom) Sigma Tapered Blending E40, Sigma Small Tapered Blending E45, Real Techniques Base Shadow, Real Techniques Accent and No.7 Eyeshadow Blending

Sigma Tapered Blending E40 - A brilliant brush for blending.  It's big and fluffy allowing to blur harsh lines quickly.  When I first got it, it shed a little but after using and washing it's now fine.  

Sigma Small Tapered Blending E45 - This brush is brilliant for crease work and precision eyeshadow application.  It's also good for the outer V and a brush I pick up most days when applying eyeshadow.  

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush from the Starter Set - A does the job brush.  Great for packing on eyeshadow.  

Real Techniques Accent Brush from the Starter Set - I use this brush to highlight the inner corner of my eye.  It's also good for applying eyeshadow underneath the bottom lash line.  

No.7 Eyeshadow Blending - I'm going to be honest.  This brush is rubbish and I no longer use it since getting my Sigma brushes.  In comparison the brush is tiny and doesn't blend well at all.  It's also extremely scratchy and irritates my eye area.  Whoever told me this was a dupe for the MAC 217 lied! 

MISCELLANEOUS

(Top - Bottom) Topshop Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush and Real Techniques Detailer Brush

Topshop Foundation Brush - I used to use this on a daily basis but found it didn't blend my foundation all that well.  It works well with some foundations, with others though it can be streaky.  

Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush from the Core Collection - I haven't used this brush yet, but I've been told it works well with concealer so I will give it a go soon.  

Real Techniques Detailer Brush from the Core Collection - I use this for applying bold lippie.  It works really well and gives me a precise application.  

So those are the brushes I use pretty much everyday.  I wash them in Johnsons Baby Shampoo and it works just as well as expensive brush cleaners for a smidgen of the price (plus they then smell gorgeous)!  It's also easily found in supermarkets and high street stores too.  

Have you got any of the Real Techniques or Sigma brushes or have any recommendations for other brushes to add to my collection?  

New In: Fashion & Beauty Haul

I've been doing a spot of shopping here and there for the past couple of weeks so thought I'd show you what I picked up.  I always find haul posts a bit long so I've done mine slightly different this time.  If you like the new layout, let me know down below (poet but didn't know it comes to mind...)

1. There comes a time (or maybe more in my case) in a girls life when you stumble upon the most gorgeous bag and pretty much know you need it in your life.  Walking around M&S, of all places, whilst my mum shopped for her holiday, I spied this beauty. It's a medium sized, leather structured bowler bag and is the perfect sized everyday bag.  It was a bit pricey (£79) but I thought it could be an early birthday present to myself.  

2. I've heard only good things about the Tweezerman tweezers and whilst in a lecture, my tutor kept banging on about them and as he's pretty hard to please in general, I thought they must be good. I picked these up at Benefit and were cheaper than any others I've seen.  

3.  A re-purchase of my new favourite concealer - Collection 2000 (soon to be rebranded as COLLECTION) Lasting Perfection in shade fair 1.  It covers a multitude of sins, breakouts, freckles, dark circles and I wouldn't do my make up without it.  Only downfall - the writing on the tube all rubs off after a few uses.  

4. If you're like me, YouTube has become my new TV and the Pixiwoo girls have become a firm favourite channel.  Sam released her own line of brushes called Real Techniques and received rave reviews.  They were quite hard to get hold of in the UK until this month, as they were launched in bigger Boots stores.  I picked up the Powder and Blush brushes as well as the Starter set for eyes.  I haven't used them yet but they are so soft! 

5. I rarely shop in Dorothy Perkins but they were offering 25% student discount so I thought I'd have a wander.  I picked up quite a lot, including this oversized, square cut top.  I live in things like this and it will look great paired with those loafers.

6. I placed my first ever order on Missguided and it came today.  The first thing I picked was these turquoise loafers, which look almost radioactive.  They are going to be great at adding a pop of colour to otherwise dreary outfits.  

7. Another of my Dorothy Perkins picks.  I bought an oversized silver triangle ring and an extremely long necklace with cross pendent.  I needed some silver pieces to go with my Links of London bracelet and hopefully my new watch (see birthday wishlist here).

8.  The main reason I went to Benefit was to get the new blush box in 'Hervana'.  The four colours swirled together are supposed to create a healthy rosy glow on the cheeks.  I'll let you know how I get on.  

9. I picked up another top in Dorothy Perkins, which has aztec print all over it.  Again, it's a baggy number and will get a lot of wear.  I'll either wear this with a plain black bodycon dress and tights or with jeggings.  

10.  My second purchase from Missguided was this leopard print skater dress, which I plan to wear for my birthday.  I was a bit worried it wouldn't fit as I'm top heavy, but it fits like a glove and I really like it.   It came with a black patent skinny belt, but I didn't like it so took it off.  I'll wear black tights, sky high heels, my biker jacket with this and plan to do my make up like this.  Would you like to see an OOTN?

11. While I was in Boots, practically happy dancing over the Real Techniques brushes, I noticed that all the Katy Perry lashes were in stock and I immediately knew I wanted to pick some up.  After the success of the Girls Aloud lashes, Eylure teamed up with Kitty Purry and brought out 5 different lashes.  I picked up Sweetie Pie (pink) for everyday and Oh, Honey! (yellow) for the evening.  

12.  Oh look, no roots! Fresh from the salon today my roots have been bleached up! My hairdresser was pretty surprised that my hair was in "excellent" condition, which I believe I have Macadamia products to thank.  Review coming soon!

Let me know your thoughts on the new way of doing my haul posts and feel free to ask questions about what I picked up in the comments section.  Have a lovely evening!