FashionistA Custom Design Palette: Sultry, Golden Dragon, Bella, & Butterscotch- Review and Swatches

Hey everyone!

I am soooooo excited to share my latest beauty purchase with you.

I have wanted one of the FashionistA palette for absolutely ages- it was one of those things I always said I'd buy next time I went to Superdrug, but I never would.

I saw that FashionistA were having a sale in which you could fill a quad palette with any of their many (around 50 I think) eyeshadows/blushes for £10. Considering the single eyeshadow/blushes are £4 and the palette is £5, that's a saving of £11 for this palette. AMAZING!!!!

I got the red palette, black is also avaliable, it looks so sleek and feels really sturdy- it definitely feels like it's worth a lot more than a fiver!

The eyeshadows/blush come separately in these dinky black containers, which, will less glamorous than the palette, still feel really sturdy and quite expensive.

The containers don't come with a mirror, but a little window so the shade can be easily viewed.

The eyeshadow pops out of the container like shown above ^^

Each of the eyeshadows are wuite large, you get 2.5g of product which is more than companies like MAC provide. I have included the 10p above to show a size comparision.

Anyway...onto the shades

The colours I got were (clockwise from the top left)-

- Bella (eyeshadow)

- Sultry (eyeshadow)

- Butterscotch (blush)

- Golden Dragon (eyeshadow)

 Bella-

How gorgeous is this shade?! I was intending on getting two blush and two eyeshadow but I saw this and just HAD to have it. This would be the perfect highlight for the inner corners/tear duct area of my eyes, to make them brighter ^^

Look at that gold! It's stunning! 

Sultry-

I love this colour so much! It's a beautiful metallic marron, purple toned eyeshadow. It's not too sparkly and oh-so-creamy feeling. This color will be perfect for winter/autumn or any party looks ^^

Butterscotch-

I was actually intending on getting the "New York" blush, but it was sold out (next time it will be mine). It isn't at all chalky, it isn't sheer, but it isn't overly pigmented (which usually results in the infamous "clown" look). This is a really nice, natural pink blush with quite peachy undertones- a lot more than you would expect from looking at the pan. I really like this! It's perfect for my pale complexion ^^

Golden Dragon 

For some reason I was drawn to this shade, despite the fact I never really wear greens, but it's just so pretty! It was literally love and first swatch. This shade is also really creamy and the gold makes the green really flattering. Another stunner!

It's...so...pretty...

Swatches- 

Holy pigment, these really do have a lovely colour pay-off and the colours are so flattering! They have a gorgeous shine to them and the application is so creamy (I feel like the adjective "buttery" is appropriate here)

I'm going to have so much fun with these and I will definitely be buying more. They are fabulous quality and so inexpensive, with the offers that always seem to be avaliable in this range.

You can only seem to get the "quad palette for £10" offer in Superdrug stores, however, you can view the range here.

I'll be uploading some FOTD's featuring this palette in the near future.

Lots of love, Laura xx

Review: Rimmel Traffic Stopping Eyeshadow in "No Parking"

Hey everyone!

A quick review for you today of the Rimmel "Traffic Stopping Shadow" trio in No Parking.

First things first, I LURV Rimmel make up products! Their lipsticks are some of the best quality of a budget brand I have ever tried and I have tried a lot.

I actually didn't buy this, a friend gave it to me. To be honest, I wouldn't choose purple eyeshadow if I had to buy some eyeshadow, but I thought it may be handy to have some purples in my collection. 

Swatches-

Top- With primer, Bottom- With primer and a damp brush

As you can see, the pigmention isn't brilliant. The shadow itself is not really chalky but more dusty, if they makes any sense. Either way, there is quite a lot of fallout. 

I love it when there's a little guide. Perfect for make up novices.

FOTD using the eyeshadow

Yeah, I need to clean that mirror...remind me, will you? xD

Overall, I'm not impressed with this product. The look I achieved above I like, but I really had to pack the eyeshadow on to achieve it, which I really don't have the time or patience to do.

Rimmel has really been let down by their eyeshadow quality. I'm so sad D:

Lots of love, Laura xx

MAC Giveaway on Beauty Book blog! :'D

Hey everyone!

Just a quick shoutout to the "BeautyBook" blog who is having a MAC giveaway in celebration of reaching 250 followers! YAY! 

If you win you will recieve a lipstick or eyeshadow from MAC of your choice ^^

What are you waiting for?

Click here to enter

Good luck ^^

Lots of love, Laura xx

Review:MUA Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter

So, I'm a bit late to jump on this bandwagon but I've had this for a while and I just never got around to reviewing it xD

It is, of course, the new Make Up Academy Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter.

The most intriguing thing about this product is the appearance, the swirled embossment is so pretty and this, with the sleek white packaging, makes the product look a lot more expensive that the £3 I paid for it. The look has been likened to the MAC Skinfinishes, products that I have been drolling over for ages...one day *sighs*

The colour of this highlighter is quite champagne toned in the pan but is more pinkier on the skin, but not too pink for my yellow toned skin ^^ It's really flattering.

Pwetty!!! :3

Swatches-

The actual product I find can be a bit chalky if too much is applied, but the consistency is almost creamy otherwise.

Blended

Ingredients

On my face-

Here I have put the powder on my cheekbone and browbone ^^

It isn't too sparkly, which usually puts me off using highlighters, it's perfectly shimmery ^^

Overall, I really do like this product, another winner MUA! 

Lots of love, Laura xx

Review: MUA Lipstick Shade 4

Hey everyone! 

I have a review for you all today ^^

This is the lipstick I used in my Hayley William's "Still into You" tutorial ^^ You can check that out here.

Swatch :3

 I've been wearing this lipstick a lot lately and it's gorgeous! So gorgeous that I just had to show it to you all ^^

Application-
This lipstick is so goddamn creamy, it glides on the lips and feels so moisturising. It's lovely to wear.

Appearance-
When I first opened it I was terrified by the colour, the brightest most garish lipstick I have ever seen, but it's actually really sheer and gives more of a glossy pink tint to the lips, which I really like.

Smell-
Like all Make Up Academy lipsticks this smells very vanillary but the scent really can't be smelt after application. I don't really mind it, but others may have an issue with it.

I adore this lipstick and it really can't be beaten for the price- a mere £1. But, honestly, who hasn't heard of these lippies by now?? They are amazing quality for the price, so, if you haven't tried them, go and get them!

On the lips 

In sunlight

Inside

Just thought this looked pretty with the glare from the sun. :3

MUA Lipstick in Shade 4 can be bought in Superdrug or here for £1.

Lots of love, Laura xx

The Flower Series #1- "Cherry Blossom"

Hey everyone!

Cherry Blossom has to be one of prettiest flowers there is and it's everywhere at the moment! Hence why I got inspired to do this "cherry blossom" style make-up look ^^ Enjoy!

The picture this look was based on

Products used (Face)

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelian

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush 050 Live Pink

W7 Candy Floss Illuminating Powder

Eyes-

Barry M Green Eyeshadow Pencil

MUA Single Pearl Eyeshadow Shade 22

Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush 050 Live Pink- On the outer corners/brow-bone

MUA Eyeliner in Shade Snow White- Inner corner smudged out & lining the bottom inner "tear duct" area

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Kohl Liner in Black

Lips-

Natural Collection Lipstick in Rose Petal mixed with Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Glamourous Pink

I didn't make this look too bright as I always associate blossom with being really soft and delicate. This is a really pink and white based look, however, I lined my lash line with green to mimick the flower leaves.

Lots of love, Laura xx

P.S. I know those pink flowers aren't blossom but they're the closest thing I could find (don't hate me ;_;)

That "no make-up" make-up look- My version

Hey everyone!

Today I am showing you my adaption of the famous make-up look which is natural and perfect for everyday, one which looks like you are wearing "no make-up" ^^ Enjoy!

Tutorial-

1. First I used Benefit Porefessional to create a smooth skin base.

2. I used my fingers to apply a bit of Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelian, focusing on my t-zone and forehead, blending it out with a fluffy foundation brush.

3. I dusted a bit of Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transculent over these areas.

4. I concealed my under-eye area with Collection Lasting Perfection in Fair.

5. I lined my upper lash line with Avon Smokey Diamonds eyeliner and smudged it out slightly.

6. I applied my NYC Showtime Mascara to curled lashes.

7. Used MUA Powder Blush in Shade 4 on my cheeks and highlighted my cheeks and browbone with the MUA Shimmer Highlighter.

8. I finished the look with a slick of 17 Mirror Shine Lipstick in Beehive. 

Done! Nice and simple :3

That's it!

Lots of love, Laura xx

Skincare Sundays #1- Oily/Combination Skin

Hey everyone! 

So, I've decided to do a new segment on my blog which is "skincare sundays" where I focus on a specific skincare issue every week and offer my advice/recommendations etc.

Today, we're looking at battling oily/combination skin.

I'm kind of an expert (not really) when it comes to dealing with oily skin as I've had it for as long as I can remember.

Oily skin is a difficult thing to deal with as it can really knock your confidence when you look at your make-up at 4 o'clock in the afternoon and see it's slipped off your face, it can also feel really uncomfortable.

My advice
1. People say it all the time but it really does make a difference if you don't touch your face. Yes, I know it's tempting, but it really does help, it also prevents breakouts!

2. Do not think that using moisturiser will make it worse. Your skin is producing oil due to the lack of it on your face so, if anything, you should try and moisturise more. Make sure you use a light, oil-free, cream in the morning and before bed.

The night treatment gel

3. When it comes to skincare, I find that any cleansing/toning products that contain tea tree and/or witch hazel are really good for calming and mattifying your face. If your face is really oily then foam cleansers are the way to go, I was recommend this one from the Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Collection, as well as the night treament gel which prevents your skin feeling really oily and horrible when you wake up, as well combatting breakouts really well :D I also love their face wipes for travelling ^^



4. When it comes to make-up, primers and powder are your best friend. People often say that cream foundations are better for oily skin, but I never see a difference in using cream or liquid (I prefer liquid as it not as heavy). It's a good idea to carry powder with you during the day for touch-ups.

My recommmendations

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Face Powder in Translucent-  

This powder is amazing for keeping my face matte. It doesn't last amazingly long but a lot longer than anything else I've tried. Seriously, this is a cult favourite for oily lasses in the blogosphere.

2. Nivea Expression Hydration Primer for Combination/Oily skin- 

This primer is brilliant at creating a smooth base for a flawless foundation application. It's moisturising as well which is always an added bonus. Nivea also do a version for dry/normal skin. I love this primer so much, I really think this helps to make my foundation last longer and it really helps to control my oily complexion.

3. Lush Tea Tree Toner Water

This is another brilliant product, like the powder, which gives my skin a quick mattifying fix. This is lovely in the summer as well as it is so refreshing!

My Oily Skin Saviour

Every since I've used this Boots Skin Clear Oil Free Mattifying Lotion my complexion has been so much more managable, and noticably less oily. 

This is literally the liquid gold of oil control. If you have really oily skin like I did, you must buy this!! Within a week of using it before applying my makeup, I didn't need to use it anymore. What are you waiting for?? It's so cheap and so amazing! Buy it!

I hope you liked this post and that you found it useful. Be sure to come back next time ^^

Lots of love, Laura xx