September Favourites

It's S e p t e m b e r  Favourites Tiiime! Monthly favourites time always seems to come around so quickly. I was actually in 2 minds as to whether I was gonna do one this month, as halfway through the month I switched up my makeup bag to include more Autumnal makeup - which, FYI, you should know if you're an avid reader, ha! I had a look through at everything I've been using and realised, even with the switch up, there's still a few standout products of the month. So here they are!

INSTANATURAL AGE DEFYING SKIN CLEARING SERUM*
I've been using this serum from InstaNatural for about 3 weeks now (morning & night) and I'm loving how it's keeping my skin clear and smooth. I don't really suffer from many breakouts anyway, but it's definitely improved the surface texture and hydration of my skin. I like to use a serum after cleansing to add some extra hydration before my moisturiser, and after trying a few different ones from InstaNatural in the past, I've found this to be the best yet.

BENEFIT BENETINT

I rediscovered this little beauty when I got it in the Primping With The Stars Gift Set for my birthday last month. I've been using it as my blush of choice as I like to opt for a darker rosy blush when Autumn arrives & I really love it. It leaves the most healthy, flushed glow and lasts literally all day long!

MAC PAINT POT in PAINTERLY

Basically the perfect eyeshadow base for my skintone. I got this when I was in Liverpool in August and it's made it's way into my permanent stash. It's such a great non-creasing base for any eyeshadow and even worn alone it just neutralises the lid and makes me look a whole lot more awake. Something which I've certainly needed recently - babies, who'd av 'em?

NAKED SMOKY PALETTE
It was my birthday at the end of August, and I got this little beauty as a gift from my Auntie. How amazing? It's the most beautiful palette to look at, and as with all Urban Decay palettes, their pigmentation is spot on! The shade range is awesome aswell, meaning it's perfect for both daytime and evening wear. | Review

SEVENTEEN INSTANT GLOW SHIMMER BRICK*

Aswell as Naked Smoky, for the latter part of September I've also been using this as an eyeshadow palette. It's such a great little multitasker and perfect for Autumn. I did a post on Sunday about it if you wanna pop over and have a read - here.

ESSENCE IN THE NUDE LIP LINER

If you read my last post, you'll know I've been raving about the Essence Lip Liners as a whole, but especially the shade In The Nude. I was wearing it on it's own as a daily nude lip before I found it went perfectly with my MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick - my perfect nude lip combo was born! If you haven't tried the Essence Lip Liners yet, pop yourself into Wilko, they're only £1 and so so good!

What have you been loving during September?

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The Perfect Nude Lip Combo

Nude lips are having a bit of a thing of late, and I for one am loving it. Even though Autumn is upon us and it's all about the berry lip, a fail safe nude lip will never go out of season! I have a fair few nude lippes that I swap and change depending on my 'nude mood', but recently I've found my absolute favourite combo of 2 products that work perfectly together. 

I've spoken before about my love for the Essence Lip Liners (here), and when I noticed they'd added another nude shade into the mix I knew it had to be mine. Shade 11 In The Nude is a brown toned pinky nude. I'd describe the finish as satin (think MAC formulas), but so, so creamy. Given that, if you want to get a precise line around the lip, you've gotta make sure this bad boy is as sharp as a.. errm... pin. What I like to do is simply colour in my whole lip - no one likes an obvious lip line people! This actually looks really nice and very wearable on it's own, but paired with MAC's Peach Blossom it's a whole new level of prettiness. Peach Blossom is one of my absolute favourite MAC lipsticks, and one that I find is seriously underrated in the blogging community. Poor Peachy B. A peach toned pale pink, it's a cremesheen formula that feels ultra moisturising with added sheen. These 2 shades compliment each other so well, as the liner gives the pigmentation and lasting power, whilst the lipstick comes in and brightens the overall look.

What's your favourite nude lip combo?

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The Budget Multitasker

Don't you just love a multitasker? You know what's even better? A multitasker that won't break the bank! Have I found such a product? Ohhhh I have! I was very recently sent some products from SEVENTEEN (post here), and among them was the Instant Glow Shimmer Brick* in Gold Bronze. Hailed as a dupe for the highly coveted Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, this bad boy comes in 2 shades and better still, it's only £4.99.

Marketed as a bronzey glow-giving highlighting product, Shimmer bricks are often used by swirling a brush through all of the colours in the brick to create one beautiful highlight shade for the cheekbones. When used this way, the most stunning healthy glow is created and you're transformed into a golden goddess (just me?). The brick can also be used as a highlighting and contouring kit, but for me I prefer my contour shades to be matte and wouldn't fancy something as shimmery as this for my non-existent hollows. As well as these methods, the shades can also be used seperately as eyeshadows, which is how I've been loving using it. 

The brick contains 4 highly pigmented shades;

An Irridescent Champagne

A Soft Sandy Taupe

A Rich Golden Bronze &

A Deep Copper

Seriously, as a mini eyeshadow palette, this is so beautiful and all shades compliment each other so well. With my MAC Painterly Paint Pot as a base, I've been using all 4 shades create a warm, smoky eye, with just a little bit of matte bronzer in the crease for added definition. 

So not only is this an amazing, purse-friendly multitasker, it's also a year-round product; it'll give a gorgeous healthy glow in the summer, whilst giving a warm, autumnal smoky eye in the colder months.

If you buy anything this month, let it be this!

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Shrinking Violet At Home Kit | #GetShrinking

So basically, we all want to lose weight without having to actually get up and go to a gym! I really wish I had the motivation (or the time) to get into a good workout routine and actually enjoy it. Although, I also wish I had the will power to say no to sweets and crisps every night. Can't have it all can we! Body wraps have been around for a while in salons, which offer a quick fix to those wanting to lose weight the easy way. When I was contacted by the lovely people behind the Shrinking Violet brand on Twitter (@GetShrinking) asking if I would like to trial their new at-home kit, I jumped at the chance! (ooh see, a bit of exercise there). 

The Shrinking Violet At Home Kit* contains an oil based solution, a measuring cup, a tape measure and a very sexual astronaut-type 'Shrinky Suit'. The kit boasts that you could lose up to 2 inches in problem areas such as abdomen (my main issue after 2 babies), thighs, arms and bum. The magic oil contains a mix of essential oils and active ingredients which help to break down fat. The purpose of the suit is to slightly raise body temperature and allow the solution to get to work and increase the production of sweat (nice) in order to release the bad toxins in the body. 

It's so simple to use. You just measure one 25ml cup of the solution and apply to any problem areas, pop on the suit and go about your business for an hour. You can even work out in the suit if you wanted. I pottered around upstairs for an hour when I had mine on. They advise not to shower or do any heavy exercise for 12 hours after you've worn the suit, just to give the solution the chance to really soak in and work it's magic. 

I measured myself before and then 24 hours later I measured myself again and was quite surprised by the results..

Waist - 0.5 inch loss

Hips - 1 inch loss

Arms - 0 loss

Thighs - 0.5 inch loss

How amazing is that! After just ONE go! I'm gonna use it once a week and try and cut down on the sugary snacks and just see how much I can lose.

Shrinking Violet At Home Kit* | £99 | link

Find out more and read more reviews:

@GetShrinking

#GetShrinking

#ShrinkySuit

#GetYourShrinkyOn

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Autumn Fashion Wishlist

Hellooo gorgeous ones! Day 5 of #AutumnWeek is upon us. I do hope you've enjoyed the Autumnal posts every day this week. I've really enjoyed putting them together and think I'll try and do a weekly series more often (as and when appropriate). Today I'm sharing my Autumn fashion wishlist. I do love a bit of layering, chunky boots and dark colours. Here's my top picks of the season's trends;

Burgundy Joni Jeans | £36 | Topshop | link
Rita Wrap Front Bell Sleeve Skater Dress | £18 | boohoo | link
Checked Colour Block Wrap | £16 | F&F Tesco | link
Black Check Step Hem Roll Sleeve Shirt | £22.99 | New Look | link
Grey Chelsea Boots | £15 | Primark
Fitted Western Shirt | £29 | Topshop | link
Keira Navy Cable Twist Boyfriend Cardigan | £20 | boohoo | link
Black Suede Panel Tote | £29.99 | New Look | link

What's on your Autumn Fashion Wishlist?

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Autumn Everyday Makeup Menu

Day 4 of #AutumnWeek is here, and today I'm sharing my everyday Autumn makeup. If you hadn't guessed, I bloody love Autumn! I shared my love of the auburn toned season in a post last year if you wanna take a look - link. As I said in my Autumn Transition post on Monday, Autumn is all about swapping those coral lips and pink cheeks for darker nudes and berry tones, whilst the eyes will be graced with cranberry shades or bronzed smoky eyes. On an every day basis, I'll be mainly opting for a dewy base with medium coverage, a healthy dark pink glow on the cheeks, a darker nude lip and maybe even becoming brave and allowing a plum based red on the lids. Here's what will be living in my makeup bag for daily use:

Benefit Porefessional

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation | 103 True Ivory

Bourjois Blur & Brighten Concealer Crayon | Light

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder | Translucent

Seventeen Define & Conquer Contour Kit | Fair

Benefit Benetint

Smashbox Brow Tech To Go | Brunette

Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr | Metallic Pomegranate

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen

Seventeen HD Falsifeye Mascara

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish | Soft & Gentle

MAC Lipstick | Brave

What will you have in your everyday makeup bag? 

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Autumn Beauty Wishlist

Hellooo! Welcome to day 3 of #AutumnWeek (and officially the first day of Autumn). Today I'm sharing my Autumn Beauty Wishlist. Basically all the products I'm hankering after lately! Hey, a girl can dream!

Clinique Beyond Perfecting 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer - I tried a sample of this from a magazine a couple of months back and oh em geee! I fell in love and need the full size pronto! It's full coverage but leaves such a gorgeous, dewy finish and blends with ease even though it's fairly thick.

Zoeva Rose Golden Brush Set - Having never tried any Zoeva brushes before, this set has been on my wishlist since they were first released. I've heard they are absolutely amazing quality and they're so pretty to look at!

theBalm Mary Lou Manizer - I feel like I'm the only girl in the world who doesn't own this highlighter! 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Because who doesn't to up their brow game? I seriously haven't read a bad review about this product so naturally, it slipped and fell onto my wishlist!

MAC Rebel Lipstick - Every time I buy a MAC lipstick, the hunt starts for the next one. I've been eyeing up swatches of this online and it looks like the perfect Autumn shade.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream - As the cold weather hits, my dry skin starts to suffer, so I'm already on the look out for new skincare. I've heard this is a dupe for The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask, but since that's £24 and Garnier's offering is only £12.99... well we all know which one I'm gonna go for!

Essie Bordeaux Nail Polish - A deep, red wine shade. Everyone needs one of those for Autumn. Plus Essie's formulas are second to none!

Makeup Revolution New-Trals vs Neutrals Palette - Just because I absolutely adore Makeup Revolution (quality products at ridiculous prices). This palette contains some stunning shades and think it woud be perfect for the upcoming season.

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Autumn Nail Edit

Hi Beauts! Welcome to day 2 of Autumn Week on this here blog. Today I'm talking nails (again - see my previous Autumn Nail Pinspiration post here).  For me, Autumn nails are all about dark red/berry hues, greys and murky greens. Sounds awful but they really stand out on the nails, especially with a nice chunky jumper and a scarf! I raided my stash and found my top picks for Autumnal nails. So here they are;

Rimmel Salon Pro Kate Moss - Saturn | link
A polish like nothing I've ever tried. A metallic. holographic shade that looks olive green or bronzed brown, depending on the lighting. Stunning

Barry M Gelly Hi Shine - Chilli | link
A deep, brown toned red. Opaque in 2 coats.

Essie - Chinchilly | link
Taupey Grey. Probably needs 3 coats to get opaque.

Rimmel Salon Pro - Yestergrey | link
Green toned grey. I suspect this will look very different on different skintones.

Rimmel Salon Pro Kate Moss - Rhythm & Blues | link
A deep blue, that edges to black with each coat.

Essie - Bahama Mama | link
One of Essie's most popular shades. It's a deep, vampy red with purple/berry undertones which make it stand out from the usual vampy reds that often have black undertones.

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry - Pit Stop | link
For something a little bit lighter. Pit Stop is a cool toned, pastel grey that I find compliments my skintone perfectly.

What are your Autumn nail polish picks?

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Autumn Transition

The end of Summer is always bittersweet for me. I mean, I'm sad to say goodbye to my favourite bright lippies (yes, you MAC Costa Chic) and nice days out with the babies, but at the same time I absolutely love Autumn - cosy knitwear, crunchy leaves, beautiful colours and most of all... hot chocolate. Not only do we have to switch up our wardrobe at this time of year, but our makeup bags also have to have a bit of a change too. I've put together some of my favourite Autumn products and shades to take us from Summer to Autumn. I'm talking berries, bronzes, golds & dark pinky nudes.

EYES

For the eyes, of course, it's all about the bronzes, browns and reds. The original Urban Decay Naked palette is fantastic at all times of year to be honest, but some of  the shades are perfect for creating a warm smokey eye perfect for the transition into Autumn. Maybelline Color Tattoos are fantastic if you want your eyeshadow to last, a firm favourite amongst pretty much every blogger is the shade On and On Bronze, a beautiful metallic bronze, which can be worn alone and blended out and it speaks for itself. Another for when I'm feeling a bit brave, is Metallic Pomegranate, a rusty red with copper tones. It's one of the only reds I've tried which doesn't give the dreaded 'have you been crying?' look. I feel as though the Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paints had their moment a year or 2 back, but I still love the shade Rich Russet for this time of year. It's a highly pigmented metallic gold that won't budge an inch.

CHEEKS

For me, it's all about going a little bit darker on the cheeks this time of year, so I try to shy away from the barbie pinks and corals. If I want something to last the whole day, I'll opt for Benetint from Benefit. It's the most beautiful deep rose that gives the perfect 'I've just been for a run and still look gorgeous' kinda look. For something more everyday, I'll either opt for Sleek's Rose Gold Blush (a deep pink with gold shimmer) or MAC's Good Girl Gone Bad Blush (a rusty, warm copper) from the RiRi Hearts MAC Collection.

LIPS

The biggest change in my makeup bag is in the lip department. I'm saying goodbye to bright pinks, oranges and corals, and introducing darker nudes, berrys and deep reds. 

Berries - 

Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in Whimsical - deep, berry toned purple with shimmer.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Violet Pop - plum toned pink.

MUA Lipstick in Shade 2 - blue toned, deep pink.

Deep Reds - 

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish in 107 - vampy, deep red wine

Lancome Color Design Matte Lipstick in Stylista - matte, dark red

Dark Nudes - 

MAC Syrup - muted, purple toned pink

MAC Brave - dark, rosy nude pink

What are your Autumn picks?

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My Top 3 Perfumes

 

Ooooh I do love a good fragrance. But to be fair, who doesn't? I was having a sort through my many, many perfumes the other day, and realised I hadn't posted a perfume post in a long time. I decided to put together my top 3 perfumes and after long, hard deliberation I came to these three;

DKNY Women EDP | link

This! Definitely my favourite perfume of all time! I first discovered it back in school (I left school in 2003, which just shows how long I've loved it). I don't think I've ever been without it in my stash. It's one of those perfumes that as soon as I smell it on someone else (which is rare), I know what it is. It's so distinguishable and like nothing else I've ever smelt. It's so refreshing and uplifting, whilst being completely unusual and magical, which is why I love it.

Top Notes

Tomato Leaf, Orange, Apricot

Heart Notes

Water Lily, Cassia, , Yellow Narcissus, Jasmine

Base Notes

Sandalwood, Patchouli, Birch, Suede

Britney Spears Fantasy EDP | link

I couldn't not include this in my Top 3. A perfume I've been in love with for about 10 years now. It's one that Martin always compliments me on whenever I wear it. Another one of those perfumes that as soon as I smell it on someone else, I know what it is. It's very sweet, so if you're not into sweet, sickly perfumes then it might not be for you.

Top Notes

Red Lychee, Golden Quince, Kiwi

Heart Notes

Jasmine Petals, White Chocolate Orchid

Base Notes

Musk, Orris Root, Sensual Woods

Hugo Boss Hugo Woman EDP* | link

One of the newest perfumes in my collection. As soon as I received this I fell in love with it. It's my go-to everyday perfume. It's subtle and really soft, which makes it great for every day wear.

Top Notes

Boysenberry, Mandarin, Grass

Heart Notes

Jasmine, Black Tea, Plum, Iris

Base Notes

Amber, Sandalwood, Cedar

I think it's clear that I like fruity, woody scents! (I definitely struggle describing perfumes).

What are your favourites?

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Pinspiration #3 - Autumn Inspired Nails

Original Image: Pinterest

Autumn is almost upon us, which got me thinking about all of the Autumnal nail colours and nail art ideas out there. So of course, where best to get inspiration than from Pinterest? I've put together a few of my favourite ideas, from plain nails to a fancy bit of nail art. (I've incluided links to all the pins for credit purposes of course). 

Plain Manis

Pale Lilac Toned Grey | pin

Matte Grey | pin

Brown Toned Grey With Gold Accent | pin

Oxblood Red | pin

Nail Art

Autumn Colours with Jewel | pin

Off White Nude with Floral Design | pin

White with Gold Leaves | pin

Burgundy Chevrons | pin

Follow me on Pinterest here

& My N a i l s p i r a t i o n Board here

What are your favourite Autumn Nail looks?

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Benefit Primping With The Stars Gift Set

It was my birthday at the end of August and I got some pretty amazing pressies (I'm sure I've already said that LOADS haha). Among those presents, from my Brother who is always amazing at choosing presents I love, was the Benefit Primping With The Stars Gift Set (£26.50). 

The gift set is described as an all-time greatest “fake-its” kit. It comes housed in the cutest little book style case (which I certainly will be keeping). The kit contains 6 mini iconic products for the face, cheeks, eyes and lips, making it perfect for travel.

The kit contains:

Stay Don't Stray - Eyeshadow & Concealer Primer

The Porefessional - Primer

Some Kind-a Gorgeous - Foundation

Benetint - Lip & Cheek Stain

Girl Meets Pearl - Liquid Pearl

They're Real - Mascara

Some products I've used before & loved (They're Real, Benetint & Stay Don't Stray) so it's great to have handy travel versions, and the others I'm really excited to try.

Isn't it the cutest little set. Perfect Christmas idea. Yes, I did just use the C word! #101sleeps

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MAC Costa Chic Lipstick

Before we wave goodbye to Summer for good, I wanted to show you all the most Summery lipstick in my collection. MAC's Costa Chic is definitely my lipstick of the Summer. It's a stunning bright, bold coral-pink that I have no doubt will suit a lot of skintones, especially those with a tan. It's a frost finish, which I admit did put me off buying it at first as I worried about looking like I've stepped out of the 90's. I had no reason to worry though, it does contain frosty shimmer, but it's actually really flattering once on the lips. Costa Chic is highly pigmented, so one swipe is all you need to achieve a bright, bold lip. The frost finish means it's not too drying and feels quite moisturising on the lips, but not as creamy as a cremesheen. What I love about this lippy (apart from the shade, obv), is the fact that it fades really evenly, leaving behind a lovely stain in it's tracks. I've been loving this shade on a day to day basis with simple, neutral eyes ever since I got it a couple of months back. I'll be sad to leave it behind during Autumn/Winter.

Have you tried Costa Chic?

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