Tuesday, 28 February 2012

FOTD: Viva Glam Nicki lips

Hello

This lipstick inspired me on this, quite a bright,summery look. I'm loving this lipstick.
 Though I don't think I will normally wear this lipstick with briht eye shadows like these, I thought I wold just try something different today :)

Product list:

Face:
L'oreal true match foundation in Golden Ivory
Collection 2000 concealer in Fair
Illamasqua powder blush Lover
 VIVO baked bronzer in shade 3

Eyes:
Elf Mineral eyeshadow base
Sleek Natural eyeshadow palette
MUA palette Dusk til Dawn
MAC Zoom Lash Mascara

Lips:
Viva Glam Nicki Minaj lipstick

I think I need a good mascara that would give my lashes a dramatic look and would last, does anyone know a good one for short lashes? Please let me know if you do.

Thanks for reading,
Tanya xx

Monday, 27 February 2012

February Favourites

Hello everyone!

I'm showing you the products I've been loving this month and using almost on daily basis.
I'm loving those and I would definitely recommend you to try them.
You can see a lot of lipsticks here. This is because I'm addicted to those. Lipsticks are essential part in my make up. We all like when our eye shadows are vibrant and last long, don't we? I do anyway. I also like when my lips are pigmented and stay like that for ages. It is also important for me to find the right shade of lipstick to compliment the overall look.

Anyways, this month I've been loving nude & neutral lipstick shades. Even though neutral colours are pretty simple and sometimes you think they don't give you much colour etc. For some reason wearing these shades I actually thought I looked very nice. Though I like to wear bright colours myself, I also like to enhance my natural beauty and feel attractive. These shades are just great for everyday wear, when you don't have a lot of time for make up or fantasy and are great for complimenting the natural beauty. 

It's not only the colours I've been in love with, it;s also their formula's. 
I've been loving matte or semi-matte lipstick formula lately, especially for neutral shades. I just find them looking very natural and attractive at the same time. It is just difficult to describe the amazement of how good neutral matte shades can actually look. Matte shades can be quite drying, so be aware of that. I don't have problems with them personally.

OK, now the list of the lipsticks I currently LOVE:
  1. MAC Viva Glam II - gorgeous pink nude with an edge in my opinion, my favourite amongst them all, I feel natural and sexy wearing it, though many found this shade unwearable, so it makes it quite a difficult shade to pull off. I would suggest to try it first.
  2. Illamasqua Test - this makes my lips look so full and pretty, this is more a soft neutral pink shade, absolutely gorgeous lipstick, recommend it to everyone!
  3. MAC Honeylove - is another nude pink shade, that is warmer than Viva Glam II, but still gorgeous, looks extremely natural, looks great with many looks.
  4. MAC Brave- this is a beautiful warm sophisticated neutral pink shade. This shade looks very feminine and romantic.
  5. MAC A Perfect Day - is a little lighter than honeylove but still is a great nude shade. It makes my lips lighter without washing out. It's a shame this is limited edition, would love it to be available all the time.
Soap&Glory  SHOW GOOD FACE 2in1 skin energising foundation & primer in the shade- Fairest of them all
I've been loving this product lately, mainly because this foundation has such a natural finish almost like no foundation at all.. It looks just flawless..The only problem with this is covering spots. I have to use a good concealer with it. Other than that it's perfect and lasts a long time, does get a bit oily on my T zone at the end of the day, but it happens with any foundation I use, even those that suppose to control oiliness.

Illamasqua Freak fragrance
I have a few samples of this from my orders from Illamasqua website.
I love this perfume.
It's difficult to describe the sent, but this is definitely the type of sent I normally go for. It comes across as a dark, mysterious but still feminine and sophisticated sent. I can wear this day and night. This could be my signature sent.. but I still have to get hold of a bottle.. I hope one day it will be mine :)

 VIVO baked blush in Cinnamon Glow & Baked bronzer Healthy Glow in shade 3
They remind me of MAC mineralized finished. I think they give similar sort of effect. I love Cinnamon Glow colour, I wouldn't mind to find a matte or a cream blush with similar colour. I usually use this over other blusher to give a pinkier glow and bronzer gives a really nice healthy glow to the face. I absolutely love the Healthy Glow bronzer and I use almost every time. I think Healthy glow is the lightest bronzer shade from VIVO. It's gorgeous. Definitely check those out in Tesco's :)


Clearasil Spot Clearing Cream(vanishing)
The reason why I've been loving this product this months is because it helped me with my spot situation. My skin has improved with this and it is so easy to use. I applies like a moisturiser without drying the skin. This is a good product I enjoyed using this months.

I hope that wasn't too much info for you :)
Let me know your Feb favourites!

Thank you for reading,
Tanya xx

Elf Candid Coral & Giddy Gold studio blushes review

Hello,

I find Elf to be one of the best drugstore brands out there, if not the best, considering the value and the quality for money. I have couple of their studio blushes and I want to share my opinion on them.


Candid Coral
This was my first blush from Elf and I think one of the first purchases from the company. I think this the time when I started getting into make up and trying new products. 

I actually rediscovered this blush the other day day and reminded myself how gorgeous it is. candid coral is a nice coral pink blush in my opinion.
 It gives gorgeous glow to the face and looks fresh, soft, a little shimmery  and not too much in colour. I didn't really see anything as good in other drugstore brands, so I think Candid Coral is a must have, if you like shimmery blushes though. 

Some may say it's not pigmented enough, but I think it just give enough colour and isn't overpowering. Another fact is that it doesn't last long. Honestly, I have more expensive blushes that last just as long. So I would say this blush is great value for money and the colour is gorgeous. 

My only problem with this is shimmer. Lately I've been loving more matte blushes. I would definitely recommend to try this blush if you are starting out with make up from Elf or just looking for a good everyday blush.

Giddy Gold
I went through orange blush phase and I had to purchase this one. Again I didn't expect it to be that shimmery. It is also not very pigmented, which is a good thing in my case because the blush looks extremely orange. I usually apply this over coral or peachy blushes to give that extra bronze glow.

 I think this blush can be used to give a bronzed glow. I love to use it when I'm tanned. If you are looking for this kind of affect or an orange glow this is a good blush to get.

Elf studio Candid Coral and Giddy Gold blush swatches:

As I said, I think Elf blushes are good value and quality for money.
I think they are great staring point if you are just starting out with make up, looking for the shades that would suit you or if you are studying and not working etc.

 I would love to see matte shades from Elf. Otherwise I don't think I will be purchasing anymore from this line. I will be trying their cream blushes. 

What was your experience with Elf studio blush line or cream blush line?

Thank you for reading,
Tanya xx

MAC Viva Glam Nicki review & swatches

Hello everyone!

Just got my Viva Glam Nicki today.
 MAC Viva Glam Nicki in its packaging:
 This is such a gorgeous bright pink, almost(!) neon colour.
If you don't like bright pinks, this isn't something you would like, though I'd still recommend to try it.
You never know.
 Viva Glam Nicki is a warm yellow pink which really compliments my complexion even though I'm fair skinned. I have a strong yellow undertone in my skin.
 This colour isn't something I would be comfortable to wear to work, for example, but on other casual occasions or maybe parties I can see myself reaching for it very often. I also think this will look beautiful in summer with a little bit of tan.
Viva Glam Nicki is a Satin formula which is one of my favourites from MAC. Satins are fairly pigmented, creamier than matte formula but still quite long lasting. I find some satins are dryer than the others, but Viva Glam Nicki didn't dry my lips out.
MAC Viva Glam Nicki on my lips
Overall, I'm happy with this lipstick. I'm currently into pink lipsticks and this one is definitely on of my favourites.
I think MAC lipsticks offer excellent quality for a good price.

I compared it to other bright pinks I have:
I hope you found the swatches useful. What do you think about Viva Glam Nicki? Will you be buying it?

Thank you for reading.
Tanya xx

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

Witch anti-blemish skin clearing primer review

Hello everyone,

I recently purchased Witch anti-blemish skin clearing primer and decided to tell you what I think about it.

I originally was looking for a moisturiser with this sort of function, but ended up purchasing a primer. i choose primer because I thought it may help foundation to set on the skin better with moisturising and blemish fighting properties. This ticked it all.

 
Claims:
Holds make-up in place and helps protect skin from the causes of blemishes. Fragrance and oil free, this cosmetic covers and targets imperfections with the power of Witch Hazel. It helps calm and soothe the skin, hydrates and draws away excess oils.

My thoughts:
This product has a nice clear texture that is very blendable and easy to use. It makes my skin feel soft and smooth to touch. It definitely hydrates the skin. I have combination skin type and this product does leave my skin looking matte after application, but I would say that my oily areas get shiny after 6-8 hours. I do find that there is an action against my blemishes in terms of allowing to get rid of them quicker rather than preventing them. 

 Pros:
  •  Inexpensive (£5.99 from Boots)
  • hydrates
  • softens the skin and crates nice base for make up
  • fights blemishes
  • has a pump applicator 
  • you don't need a lot for one application
Cons:
  • doesn't control oiliness all day


Overall:

Product: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Ease of use: 5/5
Repurchase: Possibly

This primer ended up being quite a good product. I quite enjoy using it and well may repurchase. 

Thank you for reading.
Tanya xx

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Favourite drugstore pink lipsticks

 Hello Lovelies,

First of all, I'm a lipstick freak. I have an absolute loads of them from different brands. A lot of them are MAC, but I have some drugstore lovelies that I enjoy wearing just as much as MAC.

Lately I found myself gravitating more towards pink lipsticks and I found a few favourites from drugstore brands and decided to share with you guys.

I seem to enjoy warm, light to medium pinks and these are just gorgeous colours. I'm wearing these all year round.

 
NYX Fig
This was my first pink lipstick I've fallen in love with which lead to getting more.. )) This is a gorgeous watermelon pink shade that isn't to bright. I love the creamy texture of this lipstick, which reminds of MAC Amplified formula, the only difference is NYX doesn't last as long as MAC. The price is excellent for pigmentation and formula of the lipstick. I would recommend this one if you are looking for a nice warm pink lipstick with a creamy formula that would brighten up your warm complexion.

L'oreal Freshly Candy
This is the newest addition to my pink family. I couldn't stop staring at this lipstick in the store.. It is a such a gorgeous colour.. In the end I decided to buy it hoping it would be similar to NYX but would last longer. Again the formula is similar to NYX but I'm afraid it doesn't last as long as I expected. The shade is pretty similar, except Freshly Candy is a bit brighter and slightly cooler, but only very slightly I would say. To be honest, the quality is pretty similar to NYX but cost is about twice as much.. 

17 Beehive
This one is my favourite drugstore lipstick at the minute. It's they way it looks on the lips just so gorgeous. From the picture of the swatch and a lipstick you can see it's not very pigmented, but it doesn't look neither on the lips. On the lips it comes very close to Hue from MAC but still different. The end colour on your lips will depend on your lip pigmentation as this lipstick is very sheer so I can only speak from how it looks on me. On me this lipstick is slightly darker and pinkier version of Hue from MAC with a different glossier finish that reminds me of Lustre formula from MAC. Basically, on my lips this comes out as warm soft nude pink shade that is extremely wearable for every day. This would also look great with smoky eye and will note wash you out. I find 17 lipsticks aren't pigmented in general and this is the only one I like at the minute. I have some other shades but they were disappointing. I highly recommend this one. Definitely go and check this one one, you never know :) I wasn't sure about this one at first, but when I tried it on my lips.. I just fell in love :)


Thanks for reading,
Tanya xx

FOTD with MAC Lustering

Hello,
I was playing around with my new lipstick from MAC - Lustering.
The look I came up with:

 
This lipstick is a little on a cool side for my taste (I was expecting it to be warmer shade..) 
But it doesn't look bad at all and I ind it pretty wearable!

Product list:

Face:
Witch Anti-blemish primer
 Collection 200 lasting perfection concealer in Fair
Revlon Colourstay foundation in Buff
Gosh cream blush(name has rubbed off)
VIVO baked blush in Cinnamon Glow shade 3
Benefit Hoola bronzer

Eyes:
Elf Mineral Eyeshadow base
Sleek Storm Pallete (I used nude shades)
Elf Studio cream eye liner in Coffee
Elf Mineral Mascara 
Gosh Black velvet touch eye liner

Lips:
MAC Lustering lipstick

Monday, 20 February 2012

SHOP MAC Collection - Watch Me Simmer lipstick review

Hello lovelies!


One of my recent purchases from MAC is Watch Me Simmer lipstick from their new collection - Shop MAC.

Watch Me Simmer stood out the most out of this collection and it came out in the right time because I just found my passion for bright warm pink lipsticks. Watch Me Simmer isn't just warm pink, it has also got coral undertones to it, which makes it so vibrant and unique. It's so gorgeous and has definitely became one of my favourite lipsticks.

Many people describe this lipstick as coral, but for some reason on my skin tone it's more of a hot pink with coral undertone :) I guess it may depend on the skin tone. Although this lipstick may look different on each skin tone, I think it is still universally flattering.

MAC Watch Me Simmer on my lips:

MAC describes this lipstick as "Bright Pink Orange" and I agree with this.
 I think it is more than just a coral!

This lipstick is an amplified formula which is one of my favourites. It is very pigmented, opaque and creamy, in one word - just perfect! It's quite long lasting compared to other creamy formulas of lipsticks I've tried. 

I personally find this formula creamy enough and I don't need to top it up with a lip gloss. Especially I'm very happy with the colour and I wouldn't want to tame it down either. 

Going bright is definitely the way for me!
I definitely think this is great lipstick to have in the collection. 
I will be great for the summer as well.
Obviously I will use it not just in summer :)
Check it out. I think there will be enough for everyone this time as this lipstick comes out twice this year. 
I actually wish they would have it as permanent, like many other limited edition ones. They are just so good.

Does anyone know how similar it is to Mac Impassioned? This is another one I'm interested in.
What are your thoughts on Watch Me Simmer? Are you planning to buy it?

Thanks for reading,
Tanya xx



Last week in pictures (inc. Valentine's Day)

Hi lovelies :)

 I'm just posting some of the picture to show that I've done last week..)) No time for posting a lot of posts really :(

 Last week was a Valentines day on Tuesday. I had a lovely time with my other half. I made us a dinner and w spent all night together(like every other day..)))) It was lovely.. I forgot to take pictures of the meal, but it was nothing special to be honest.. I didn't have a lot of time to prepare it as I wanted to get it done before he came home from work :)

Then on Sunday we went for a walk on the Chase and to take lots of nice pictures.. Well, I'm not in taking pictures as mush as my other half, unless these are pictures of me :) hehe I don't think here was a lot out there to take pictures of to be honest :) We wanted to capture the deer, but they have been chased pf by the dogs :( And at the end of the day we had a lovely treat of Ultimate Mega Stack burger each lol You can see how big it is from the picture :) It was awesome.. I would definitely have it again yum yum... though not very often.. hehe

Last week I also got a small haul from Elf and a few lipsticks from MAC. I've only taken picture of one or now, as that one is from their new collection and I decided to do a review on it.


Monday, 6 February 2012

MAC Naturally Collection Perfect Day & Sweet Sunrise lipsticks haul(review, swatches, comparison)

Yes they finally reached UK just a few days ago.. Well, maybe more than a few, it took a while for MAC to deliver the goodies..  Anyways, I finally got them and I'm very happy I got hold of these nude lipsticks are amazing. 


I got Perfect Day(Amplified) and Sweet Sunrise(Lustre).
These are 2 wonderful pink nude shades. I wasn't sure whether I should get them at fist as I thought I had some pink nudes and I hardly ever worn them.. But still something got over me and I decided to purchase them, colours seemed very wearable and because these are my first limited edition babies! I'm very glad I got them as it ended up I have nothing else like them colour wise, although Elf Nostalgic is a bit similar to Perfect Day, but not near as good the quality of MAC.

Lips swatches:
Sweet Sunrise is gorgeous pale pink nude shade.. I fell in love with this lipstick straight away and I can see reaching for it very often and choosing it over Myth. It's just perfect pale coral nude(if this makes sense) that I was looking for ages. This would work great with a smokey or a bright eye look. This is a luster formula and isn't very opaque and pigmented.. which is a shame because I would love to see this gorgeous shade in Amplified formula! Lustre gives a nice glow and shine like lip gloss, but it also seems to run out very quick.. which is a bad thing as Sweet Sunrise is limited edition.. Well, I hope they bring in more colours like this and I would love to see them in permanent line.

Perfect Day.. What a perfect nude shade you are :) I can see this could be an easy nude shade that would go with almost everything and can see myself reaching for this lipstick every day. I love the shade, it's like my lips better shade but lighter. I can't seem to figure out what colour it is.. It seem to be pink beige coral nude, maybe? Colours seem to be very balanced, which makes me think that this lipstick would be universally flattering. I just adore the formula as well. It is so creamy and so easy to glide it on, and it just feels really nice on the lips. I think nudes are best with amplified creme formula, they just look perfect with that formula. I hope MAC will create more nudes with this formula.

I compared MAC Sweet Sunrise and Perfect Day lipsticks to other nude lipsticks I own(Myth, Plink, Viva Glam II and Freckletone) and included swatches as well:
To summarise:
I'm really happy to add Sweet Sunrise and Perfect Day nude lipsticks to my MAC lipstick collection. The only thing I'm not happy about is why all good things have to be limited edition? 

Has anyone of you bought any of Naturally collection products?

I decided just to stick with lipsticks as I have enough blushes and other things and I just adore MAC lipsticks. These shades are gorgeous and extremple wearable, and I don't regret at all that I got them.


Thanks for reading. I hope you found swatches helpful.