MAC Paint Pot - Bare Study Review

The other day, Tom and I were waiting in York for our ride home. It was absolutely throwing it down with rain, so we went to hide in Fenwicks. Of course, being a beauty junkie, I couldn't help but run around all the makeup counters feverishly swatching all the products. I'd heard a fair bit about the MAC Paint Pots in 'Painterly' and 'Bare Study' and also the Fix+, so I was having a good old nosey at those. Tom, being the wonderful boyfriend he is, decided to treat me to an item of makeup and I chose the 'Bare Study' Paint pot.

Bare Study is described on the MAC website as a "soft beige with gold pearl". I think this is fairly accurate, however I think it is more of a warm rose-gold pearl effect with tiny silver glitter particles. This colour looks stunning as a brow and inner corner highlight - and best of all it is totally crease-free and lasts ALL day. 

In comparison with UDPP, I think I prefer Bare Study as it doesn't do that horrible "clumping" thing that UDPP does when you accidentally apply a little too much. 

This colour looks beautiful on pale skin as it matches the colour subtly, but still adds a beautiful shimmer and a hint of colour to the skin. I found that this looked stunning worn alone with a bit of UD's 'Tease' in the crease for depth, but it also looks amazing layered under matte beige shades such as MAC's Orb, to add a little bit of subtle shimmer.

I absolutely love this paint pot - it is very similar to 'Painterly' but with more shimmer and a bit more yellow-toned. It is an absolutely gorgeous colour worn alone or with other eyeshadows and I can't wait to expand my Paint Pot collection after getting this one!

Do you like the MAC Paint Pots? Which is your favourite? 

Makeup Tag!

So this is a tag I've seen floating around the blogosphere a lot recently, and I really like this one. I've really enjoyed reading it on other bloggers blogs, so I hope you guys do too! I'm sorry about the text-heavy post! 

1) How long have you been wearing makeup?

I started wearing makeup when I was about 12 or 13. Like literally EVERY other girl, I had an "emo" phase so I started wearing foundation and eyeliner. I started getting really into makeup around age 15, and that's when I started wearing it "properly".

2) What was your favourite makeup product in the beginning?

I used to LOVE eyeliner and mascara - black pencil eyeliner (rimmel) and liquid liner! Like all girls, my favourite foundation was "dream matte mousse" - which did absolutely nothing for my dry skin. It's an absolute makeup abomination.

3) What is your favourite makeup product now?

Lipsticks and stains. Definitely lip products! Dark stains or nude lipsticks are my absolute favourite. I can't wait to try the new Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape!

4) What were some of your favourite makeup brands in the beginning?

I used to love Rimmel - for eyeliners, mascaras, etc. I loved Maybelline and Bourjois for their foundations - I still love Bourjois foundations. I also used to (and still do!) love Laura Paige nail polishes!

5) What are some of your favourite makeup brands now?

Although I don't own much from them, I love NARS. I constantly find myself lusting over the blushes and eyeshadows. The only problem I have with NARS is that their foundations are far too sheer for y liking. Illamasqua is another favourite - they're never afraid to take a risk and their foundations and precision liners are fantastic.

A high street favourite of mine is Revlon - I absolutely love their lip products. Also I love Sleek's powder products and MUA's eyeshadows.

6) How would you describe your makeup style?

Heavy and grungy, inspired by the 50s and 60s. I always wear a lot of foundation and concealer to try and hide all my freckles and create a clear complexion, I almost always do either a toned down eye with a dark lip (although now it's getting sunnier I've often been trying out a brighter lip!) or dark smudgy/smoky eyes with a nude lip.

7) What is your everyday makeup like?
At the moment I tend to do a clear base, with a hint of contouring (bronzer and highlighter). I tightline my eyes and curl my lashes before adding mascara to emphasise my eyes without using too much black product as I like to keep my eyeshadow simple - champagne shimmer or creamy and matte with a taupe cut-crease. On my lips I'll wear a dark colour - either Rimmel Kate Moss 04 (dark purple) or an old discontinued shade called Bordeaux by Rimmel which is discontinued. A similar colour is "starry-eyed" however.

8) What is your going out makeup like?My going out makeup is much the same except I almost always add a pair of fluffy eyelashes such as Ardell's Demi Wispies. I often do a cat-eye with this look, and wear a darker shimmer shade in my crease as opposed to a matt shade. Often I'll leave my face blank (no blush, and only a touch of contouring) and wear a deep brown smokey eye with a berry lip. 

9) What makeup look are you known for?
Probably caking on the foundation!! On a serious note, though, probably either winged eyeliner or berry lips - these have pretty much been my staples since I was 15.

10) What's the worst beauty crime you have committed?

Oh, I've probably committed them all in my time, unfortunately. What stands out most is my eyebrows. I've often been known to accidentally fill them in too dark for my hair and ended up looking a bit grey, or pluck them much too thin. Once I accidentally shaved them off!! I know, I know, what was I thinking. I also used to draw hearts on my face, like enormous beauty marks - oh God! I'm probably guilty of the concealer-lips look too, in the past. I have very pigmented lips so often use concealer as a base for my nude lipstick and sometimes I come out looking a little too "nude" in the lip department - like I have no lips at all! Also - lipstick on the teeth. Shudder.

11) What's the worst beauty crime you are proud you have not committed?

Too much bronzer or blush. I'm experimented with fake tan in the past - but I have NEVER had that horrific muddy orange face that I've seen some girls have. Nor have I ever packed on the blush so much that I've appeared feverish. 

12) What is one beauty trend you were part of but are now not a fan of?
Fake tan! I used to love it - especially in the summer! Now I'm all for embracing my natural (white) skin. Albeit I have been known to still put the occasional thin, light layer on just to add some colour before a holiday or a summer night out, but most of the time I just walk around accepting the fact that my pale body is blinding people!

13) What is one trend you are proud to say you were never a part of?

The blue eyeliner trend that rolls around every summer - I will never understand and never embrace it. I will admit, I have dabbled but it just makes me feel like an 80s throwback. It's really not a good look for me (or anyone) it's my opinion!

14) What is one trend you will never be part of?

Scouse brows. Thick brows in general! No. Just... no. Cara Delevigne, I'm looking at you. Make friends with your tweezers, girl!!

15) If you were brave enough to wear any look, what would it be?

I'm not sure. I'd like to think I'm very adventurous when it comes to makeup, and I'd try anything once. Maybe being a bit more bold with my eye colours. I do often wear colour on my eyes but only really reds, coppers, navy blues, olive greens etc. Slightly more "neutral". I'd like to be able to rock a brighter eye!

16) An old holy grail product of yours?
Rimmel's Bordeaux lipstick. It's discontinued (sob) and it's my absolute favourite red-wine/berry lip colour! It's gorgeous!!

17) A new holy grail product of yours?

Illamasqua foundations. I'm currently using the Skin Base foundation, and have been for a while, but I think I'd like to try the Rich Liquid foundation next. They are pretty much the only brand who make foundations pale enough for my skin - although if you have any other recommendations - hit me up! I'm always open to try new things!

Do you agree with me on any of these? Hope you guys have enjoyed reading this! Now it's your turn - I tag all of you to do this!

Apocalips Review!

From the top - Nova, Apocaliptic, and Stellar.

Pretty much everyone has heard of these new "lip lacquers" by Rimmel at the moment - if you haven't... where have you been?? 

I think I'm a bit late to the party on this one but I was so excited about trying them so I jumped at the chance when I was lucky enough to be given some to test out. I picked the colours Nova, Apocaliptic 

and Stellar as I hadn't seen many reviews on these colours yet.

L-R: Stellar, Apocaliptic, Nova

 Nova is a light blue-toned pink which looks absolutely beautiful on the lips - it's bright enough to be fun, but still classy and simple enough to be suitable for a work environment.

Apocaliptic is a bright, fuschia pink, not unlike Topshop's 'All About Me' which I reviewed here. This colour looks absolutely stunning on pale skin, in my opinion. It stands out so well and is such a beautiful colour.

Stellar (my absolute fave!) is a pinky-reddy-coral kind of colour. That's definitely not a technical term, but if you imagine Ruby Woo and Vegas Volt getting together and making a slightly more pink-toned baby - you've got the right idea. This one is 100% my favourite colour, however I think this will look best on tanned, olive skin.

How they look on the lips. This one is Stellar.

Wearing 'Apolcaliptic'

The formulation of these really surprised me. They're thick and incredibly pigmented, whilst still being glossy. I don't know what the wear time is like as I haven't tested it out yet, however I will say that they DO transfer all over your boyfriend's face if you kiss him whilst they're still damp. They are quite smudgy, however they have not budged off of my hand so I am assuming the lasting power is extraordinary.

I absolutely LOVE the name of the product - I think it's very witty and 'punny'. Everyone loves a play on words it seems, as many people have commented on this in their own posts.

Wearing 'Nova'

These lip lacquers are incredibly creamy and comfortable on the lips, they do not feel at all drying on me. I do find them difficult to apply, however I absolutely love the applicator. The doe-foot makes precision a lot easier than I think a brush would, and I love the little "reservoir" thing where the product can collect before you put it on your lips.

Top to bottom: Apocaliptic, Nova, Stellar

All in all, so far I think these area fabulous new addition to the world of drugstore lip products. Rimmel are probably my favourite brand for lipsticks in Boots, and these products are absolutely no exception. I can't wait to buy 'Big Bang' or one of the more nudey shades!

Do you own any 'Apocalips' yet? Did you love them or hate them?

Beauty/Hair/Skincare Haul?

This is the first time I'll have ever done a haul post. I don't really buy many things all at once, I tend to space them out, but I've been feeling pretty crappy recently with a chest infection, so my mom picked me up a couple of bits to cheer me up.

Clockwise from left:
1. John Frieda Frizz-Ease Thermal Protection Serum 50ml £5.99: My hair is very thick, dry, and porous whilst also being very curly, so I need a smoothing serum and heat protectant to keep it healthy. Recently I've been loving VO5's "Smooth me Softly" serum, as it smells great and is quite lightweight whilst still giving me soft, sleek, shiny hair. I've used the original version of this product before, and it is hailed as a cult "affordable" product in the beauty world, I've heard. It's a very thick serum aimed at hair just like mine - thick and frizzy - so I'm hoping this heat protecting version will measure up. Can't wait to try it!
2. Veet EasyGrip Ready To Use Wax Strips (Face) £6.69: I've given up on waiting for an appointment at my local salon for an eyebrow wax, and was also too nervous to see a different lady as so many people have messed up my eyebrows - so I decided to take matters into my own hands. I've used the bikini versions of these before and they were excellent, so hopefully these will be just as good.

3. John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioning Hair Mask 150ml £6.29: I have heard rave reviews about this product, and am always on the lookout for the next miracle conditioner to help me control my unruly, damaged hair. I will admit, I have used the shampoo and conditioner and thought they were awful - they felt heavy in my hair and made it look dull and greasy, but I thought I'd give this product a chance. Fingers crossed!

3. Vaseline Aloe-Fresh 24hour Protection Deodorant 250ml £2.80: Pretty boring thing to include in a haul post, but I thought I would anyway. This is actually repurchase of this product, and I do think it's a very good, moisturizing deodorant which smells very fresh and keeps you protected all day, which is excellent for only £2.80. I will say about this, it does tend to do that white-powder thing some deodorants do if you don't spray it far enough away!
4. Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Midnight in NY £6.99: I've read many brilliant reviews of this nail polish brand so asked my mom to pick one up whilst she was out. She picked up the shade "Midnight in NY" which is a lovely black colour infused with multicoloured glitter. These nail polishes claim to be a base, colour, and top coat in one so I absolutely cannot wait to try it out!
5. MasterPlast Heel Balm £1: This is a pretty boring and gross thing to include, but my mom picked this up for my boyfriend (who has very cracked heels - sorry Tom!) and I to try out. She says it's exactly the same as Flexitol but a bargain at only £1. We've already tested this out, and I have to admit it did soften and smooth our feet quite a bit!
6. The Body Shop Camomile Eye Make-Up Remover: This is actually a sample product my mom gave me, in the size 60ml. The full 250ml size retails for £8.00. I love love love this so I was glad she gave me this miniature one! I for one hate to scrub at my eyes with a makeup wipe of an evening, so I gently dab this over my eyes until it removes my makeup. It's extremely gentle and makes your skin feel so fresh afterward. It can be used on the face also. 

7. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara in Extreme Black £8.99: My HG mascara! I'd run out so I asked for another one from my mom's work. Look out for a review on this soon!

What beauty treats have you picked up recently? Have you tried and loved any of these? Send me your thoughts! 

quick post - clearasil pads

Just wanted to do a quick post to let you all know about this amazing skincare product!! They are rough pads soaked with a formula that is designed to keep spots at bay. Although they do dry my very very dry skin out quite a bit, they are FANTASTIC at keeping spots at bay and making skin smooth and clear looking.

They retail for £3.79 in Boots, I think, and are really good for every-day exfoliation. My skin always feels very clean after using these.

weekly wishlist: one

A wishlist is a feature I often see on a lot of beauty blogs and love. It's nice to see what other bloggers have tried and are lusting after, or are interested in etc. These and 'empties' posts are in fact two of my favourite types of post. 

My first wishlist features products I've heard amazing things about and products I need to repurchase. I plan  on making this a weekly feature on my blog!

Clockwise from left:

1. NYX Powder Blush in Taupe £5.50: I've heard this is an amazing, natural contour for ladies with pale skin, so (obviously!) am DESPERATE to try this for a natural razor sharp look. I'm sick of having muddy orange-brown patches on my cheeks where I've tried to contour with a bronzer. They're just far too warm for my skin tone and I think something like this will look a little more natural.

2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector £18: I have pretty bad dark rings around my eyes - just underneath my eyes and on the sides of the bridge of my nose (where glasses sit!) my skin is a horrible blue-grey-purple colour and I've heard about this being brilliant for correcting the colour and brightening the area, making you look more awake. At the moment I either use The Body Shop's 'Lightening Touch', which I HATE the smell of, or MAC's Studio Finish concealer, which is really drying and flaky, so I think this would be a good alternative to try.

3. Revlon 'Just Bitten' Kissable Balm Stain £7.99: I am constantly on a quest to find the perfect lip stain, and these are ones I've heard good things about. They are supposedly very moisturizing, which is a definite must for me in this cold weather, whilst still maintaining deep colour. I want to try nearly all the shades - but I think I'll start out with Crush and Cherish!

4. MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush £26: I desperately want an angled contour brush! A makeup artist used this one on me at the MAC store when I was trying out one of their blush colours at the counter one time, and since then I've been in love with the way it made the product look on my cheek. The blush looked far more 'controlled' than I've ever seen - it sat perfectly in the hollows of my cheeks, without over-blending the product. The large price tag puts me off a little though as I'm not sure I could justify it on a product such as this.

5. Kérastase Oleo-Relax Nutritive Serum: £17*: I used to use this serum back when I was 14 or so and had unruly, frizzy, over-dyed, thick, and curly hair that absolutely WOULD NOT behave no matter what I did to it - flat iron, deep condition, nothing. I used to massage 2-3 pumps of this serum into damp hair and then apply one more after blow-drying but before flat-ironing, and it made my sleek and soft like no other. I would kill to have this again to help make my crazy hair more easy to manage, whilst still keeping it straight and smooth and nourished.

Have you tried any of these products? What were your thoughts?

*I'm unsure of the actual price of this serum, as the internet says different prices for different sites. I know at my salon it costs £17.

topshop makeup - first impressions

I received some Topshop vouchers for Christmas, and have just used up the last of them on these two products. I'm a bit late to the parade here, but I've wanted to try a Topshop cream blush for a long time (even more so after trying Illamasqua's crush!), and also wanted to buy another Topshop lipstick after I lost my beloved Hazard. 

I think that these products are very pretty and a very reasonable price at £6 for a cream blush and £8 for a lipstick. 

I purchased the Topshop blusher in the colour 'Flush' (what is it with me and buying blush that rhymes with blush? Crush, flush.. What is that about??). I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS BLUSHER. It is the perfect inbetweeny-peachy-rosy shade, as you can see in the swatch below. It looks so so natural and applies so easily. It makes me look so healthy and 'alive'. The only downside is that this needs to be blended really really lightly, as it does have a tendency to move foundation around. I find this applied best with fingers.

Left: Flush blended, Right: two circular swipes.

I also purchased a lipstick in the shade 'All About Me' which is a very bright, neon fuschia shade. I have been CRAVING the colour pink recently and this satisfied my cravings wonderfully. It is SO PINK. I think it would look gorgeous with a simple black cat-eye and UD's 'Kinky'. 

'All About Me' applied straight from the bullet on top of E45 lip balm.

I find I have to wear this lipstick on top of a balm as the formula is very very drying due to it's matt texture. It lasts all day, however, even with a lip balm and doesn't feather or bleed which is always a plus.

The Topshop packaging is beautiful but I can see it becoming really grubby and gross in my makeup bag!

Have you tried the Topshop Makeup range yet? Do you love it or hate it?