Tuesday, 1 December 2015

November Favourites

It's been such a long time since I've wrote a favourites post. I think it's probably because for the past few months I've been travelling between Manchester, Leeds and Kent, all whilst using the same products from the same tiny make up bag. November has finally seemed to calm down a little and I've had a chance to rotate some products and there are some that I've been loving.


Paco Rabbane Olympea EDP - Here
Working in Duty Free means that I am constantly surrounded by gorgeous fragrances, but this one really has got me smitten. It is so unusual, yet isn't too out there, and it is so beautiful for this time of year. It's categorised as a 'Floriental' fragrance with Mandarin, Ginger Lily and Jasmine, to give it a floral boost, whilst the Salty Vanilla accord, and cashmere give it a slight oriental scent. I am absolutely in love with this, and will definitely replace it once I'v finished this bottle.


MUFE HD Foundation - Here
I know that MUFE have now released the Ultra HD foundation but I am a little late to the party with this one. This foundation has been my holy grail ever since purchase for a number of reasons. It gives me such a smooth even base, that looks almost flawless even with just the tiniest amount. The coverage is medium and buildable without looking cakey on the skin which is always a bonus. 

NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Sandstorm - Here
At the moment I'm all about brown lips, so this was always going to be a winner with me. This colour is quite unusual as it has a little grey undertone to it which is surprisingly flattering. The formula is so smooth and long wearing, with a fully matte texture. I find some liquid lipstick to stay a little tacky but this fully dries down and is so comfortable on the lips. I'll definitely be picking up more shades.

MAC Blusher in Mocha - Here
I love having a slightly darker blush in the winter months, and had lusted after MACs Mocha blush for a while. When I finally picked it up, it was definitely love. I find it gives me just the right amount of warmth and colour to my face without being too pigmented. It lasts all day and the matte finish is lovely, I can see this one getting a lot of further use.

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 - Here 
Urban Decay are one of my favourites for palettes, and as a big fan of the original Naked Basics palette, I had to get this one. I find that the cooler tones are much easier to work with and you can create so many eye looks from just six shades. As with all UD shadows, the pigmentation is insane and the shadows are so buttery soft so they blend like an absolute dream.

So those are my favourites for November, and I reckon that most of them will still be my favourites in December too! 
What have you been loving this month?


Saturday, 21 November 2015

Winter Time Tanning

Okay, so I think it's fair to say that we are definitely in winter now. The weather has got much colder and as much as I do love the winter season, I still long for summer. All year long, I like to keep a little bit of a tan. In summer, I will more often than not be sporting a deeper tan, but in winter I do like to have more of a softer glow rather than the deep bronze shade that goes hand in hand with the summer months.

It was only when I was discussing tanning with some friends at work, when I had the idea that I would share my favourite tanning products to use for that Winter Glow. 


This is by far and away the easiest tan to apply I'v ever used. It goes on extremely smoothly, and streak free. Out of the four in this post, this is the one that gives me the deepest tan, but is still very very natural. It dries down very quickly, so there's none of that waiting around like a puppet waiting to dress. It's not the most purse friendly tan product out there, but I guarantee it's one of the best you will try.

If you don't like instant tans, but want something with a very quick application time, then this is the one for you. This is an invisible spray, which is super easy to apply. Just spray directly onto your skin and that's it. I like to quickly run over it with a tanning mitt just to ensure that there are no streaks or patches.

When I'm in a hurry, or there are some spontaneous Christmas outings, this is the one I reach for. It's instant colour and quick drying time means I can get my glow on in next to no time. One thing with instant tans is that they often get patchy if you'r caught in the rain or they transfer onto clothes. However, with this one despite being medium/dark, you get a very soft tan, which stays put even in the wintery showers. 

My most used has to be this offering from Bondi Sands. Keeping soft skin in winter can be difficult due to the harsh weather and central heating, so using this gradual tanner which is moisturiser based helps to combat that. It includes cocoa butter which smells divine and is a god send for my skin. The tan that it gives is very natural, which is what I love about this tan.

Do you still enjoy to tan in the winter time? Which is your favourite?

Saturday, 7 November 2015

The Melt Crowd | November

At the start of every month I get really excited because I know that my Melt Crowd Box will be arriving any time soon. Every single month, I say that it is my favourite one yet, but this one really does live up to that claim. It's every thing I look for when buying candles, with such beautiful scents perfect for this time of year.



This month included a mix of delicate, fun, and fruity scents all of which are stunning for autumn/winter. 
The more delicate scents are Darjeeling Tea, Blackberry and Bay Leaf and Warm Vanilla Sugar. Darjeeling Tea is very soft and fresh but still packs a punch, whilst Blackberry and Bay reminds me very much of the Jo Malone fragrance of the same name. Warm Vanilla Sugar is a Melt Crowd exclusive, and is absolutely perfect for snuggling up on a cold winters night. 
Fruity scents are always a winner with me and Blackberry Jam has to be my absolute favourite in this box, it reminds me of when my grandma would make jam when I was younger and the sweet smell would fill the house. Violet and Lime is the perfect way to hang on to summer with the floral violets coupled with the fresh lime, they make a stunning pair. This next one was always going to be a winner with me as they are some of my favourite childhood sweets, the Parma Violets scent is beautifully sweet without being too sickly. 
Finally, to get us all in the Festive mood there are two Melt Crowd previews, for the new Christmas 2015 collection. Bah Humbug smells exactly like a bag of mint humbugs which will always remind of the festive period. Christmas Tree-O is a very strange yet lovely scent. It is fruity and spicy, like mulled wine but has the freshness of pine, which will be perfect for when I'm putting the christmas decorations up.

I really couldn't love this box any more, the scents are exactly what I would pick if I were to creat my own box. You can subscribe to The Melt Crowd here. 
Which would be your favourite?

Monday, 2 November 2015

Kiko Infinity Eyeshadows

Kiko is fast becoming one of my favourite brands. I used to pick up tons of products when I went to Westfield in Stratford on one of my many shopping trips with my Mother in Law to be. However, Kiko stores are now popping up everywhere so it makes it extremely easy to nip in and have a little swatching session, which is exactly what I did in the new Trafford Centre store this weekend. 
I picked up three of the Infinity Eyeshadows which were created for the Palette Clics System. These palettes allow you to build your ow custom range of shadows s that you know you will use all of the colours. 

I picked up three shades to start me off although I could quite easily go wild and pick a lot more of the shades.
I decided to go for shades that I don't really have in my collection and that I could wear on a daily basis, but there were so many shades that there is bound to be something for everyone.


204 Mat Apricot - I thought that this would make a really lovely blending out shade and it reminded me a little of Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie shadow. This is so smooth and blends like a dream, I absolutely love it.
205 Golden Coral - I've been after a rose gold shadow for such a long time but didn't want an overly pink shade This one looks stunning as a really light wash of colour over the lid, but the pigmentation is insane so a light hand is needed.
243 Satin Dark Burgundy - This is such a rich shade and glides so smoothly onto the lids, it is absolute perfection. It's perfect for this time of year, and looks beautiful all over the lid or smoked on the lower lashline.

The pigmentation and lasting power of these is amazing. They rival some of the pricier shadows from other brands. At £2.80 these are an absolute steal! You can get them from their website here.
Have you tried any of these? What is your favourite Kiko product?

Saturday, 31 October 2015

Top Five Nude Lips For Autumn|Winter

My favourite season is in full swing now and it's normally around this time of year that I would be turning to my deep, dark and vampy shades. However, I have surprised myself and stuck more to the nude shades on my lips and I have been loving it! 


The lastest edition to my collection and the darkest nude in this line up. On my lips this has a very slight grey undertone which I love! I thought that it might be slightly too dark for me to get away with but I have fully embraced the 90s brown lip revival with this shade!

I tried for months to get this and everytime I went to Superdrug and Boots it was always out of stock. I finally found one and I'm so glad I did. It's a very natural and flattering shade which looks great on occasion. 

The only non matte in my Top Five is this little beauty. With a beautiful formula, it is a slighter warmer nude and is almost a my lips but better colour. Its not overly shiny but more satin in finish which only adds to the beauty of it.

This is a shade I don't hear too much about in the blogging world, but it really deserves a bit more recognition. This is a paler nude than I would normally go for, but oh my it looks lovely. Another matter shade, but this one is very creamy. It's also my choice when you want to look extra glam without having too much colour.

For everyday, when I want something ice and easy to wear this is my choice. A milky beige shade which looks so pretty with a bronze smokey eye. It makes my lips look very healthy and full which I love, and the lasting power is just incredible!

I'll definitely be sharing my favourite deep shades for this season too but for now I'm definitely in the nude lip party.

Tuesday, 6 October 2015

The Melt Crowd | September and October

It was only when I received the October Melt Crowd that I realised I had not wrote about the September box. So this post is going to be a double dose of waxy goodness, featuring both boxes. 

September


Each melt in this box is just as lovely as the next one. It is the perfect mix of scents too so there is bound to be something for everyone. The most impressive for me have to be the fruity scents, Grapefruit, Orange and Lemon Peel and the Lemon and Lime Mojito. There are also some beautiful blended scents which are stunning. White Lilac and Rhubarb is one of those scents which I just couldn't imagine but once I smelt it, it was love. Rose and Marshmallow is beautifully sweet and floral at the same time, and reminds me a little of perfume. Earl Grey Tea and Cucumber is so classic, I can imagine this burning whilst having afternoon tea. Jamaican Cafe and Walnut, pleases the baker in me, it's delicately sweet but still with the kick a traditional Jamaica Cake has. Finally, for those who love a very sweet scent, Creme Brulee and Circus Candyfloss are perfect.

October


Every month I think "this is my favourite box", but this months box really is my favourite box. First of all, there is the inclusion of the Pink Ribbon Scent Melt which is in support of The Pink Ribbon Foundation, and £2 from every box is donated to this very worthy cause. It's great addition to the October box as it is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
There are some lovely, earthy and natural scents included in this box. Thunderstorm reminds me of that gorgeous smell you get just after it has rained heavily. Golden Woodlands is just amazing. It's a very masculine scent that reminds me of male fragrance, particularly Tom Ford Noir. 
Nutmeg and Ginger and Applecurrant Crumble, could easily fool people into thinking that I have been busy baking yummy treats in the kitchen all day! Pomegranate and White Fig, is so soft and delicate, with a floral touch to it,  it's a nice transition to autumn. Finally, the sweetest melt I've ever tried is Bubblegum. This takes me right back to being a kid and going to the sweet shop after school. 

Have you tried The Melt Crowd? You can sign up here.


Thursday, 1 October 2015

September Favourites

It's been a while since my last post here on RL, and to ease myself back in I thought I would share my favourite products from this month. The past few weeks have been really busy for me, so trying new products hasn't quite being top of my agenda. However, I have tried to rotate my makeup collection so that I'm getting some use out of my less used products.


Sleek Barekissed Illuminator in Cuba
I first saw these on Sleeks Instagram page and I knew I had to have them. I'm a big fan of highlighters, and multi use products so these were always going to be a big hit with me. I did want all of them, but I restrained myself and just picked up the shade Cuba. A beautiful rose-gold which add jut a flush of rosy colour and a lovely amount of brightening on the skin,

MAC Studio Fix Fluid NW20
This is a repurchase for me and I think it always will be. I don't wear this much in the summer, but now that the weather has got a bit colder this has been all I've reached for. It gives me a flawless finish and makes a really nice base for other products to go on top of. It lasts all day and a little goes a very long way.

Makeup Revolution Ultra Contour Palette
With every brand and their mum launching contour products, it's now easier than ever to jump onto the sculpted face wagon. I've been wanting to try this one for a while but it was never in  stock in my local Superdrug, and being away most of the month meant there was no point getting it posted to home. The contour powders are still a little warm for my liking but the highlighters are just amaze. 

Topshop Gloss Ink in Cruel
This is my ultimate autumn/winter lip. It's a glossy purple with a blue shimmer to it which jut looks incredible. Despite it being glossy, it lasts such a long time on the lips. I'm definitely going to go back and buy more from this line.

MAC Soft and Gentle MSF
Although I have been using the contour palette for my highlight, on days where I have wanted a stronger one I have been reaching for this. The powder is so soft and doesn't have big chunks of glitter so it looks so natural on my skin.

What have been your favourites this month?