Review; Collection 2000 Pressed Powder

Hey guys,  

The Collection 2000 Pressed Powder is one of the best powders I have ever used, and recently I have been choosing that over my MAC MSF natural. I use both powders as a finishing powder to set my makeup and just generally make my makeup 'come together.'

Now since I'm ghostly pale, I need a powder that makes my foundation a little bit paler to match my skin. So I got the powder in Ivory instead of Translucent, to give that bit of colour to blend. I use either MAC Studio Fix in NC15 or Revlon Photoready in Vanilla foundation, both with are a little dark, but when used with this powder they match perfectly. 

You might be able to see the rather deep dip where I've nearly hit pan.

Another thing that's good about this powder is the smell! I know, it's a bit strange that a powder has a nice smell but it does! It smells clean, a bit like a baby. You can't smell it when it's on your face though, just in the pan. 

The powder is quite sheer, even though it has a colour -that's why there is no swatch, it just blended into my skin! You can layer this powder without it looking too cakey, but if you over apply it tends to make your makeup look like a mask! Not good!

I use this with my 'MAC' Hello Kitty Kabuki brush review here

 Also I do tend to have a lot, and I mean A LOT of fall out from the powder, unlike the MSF. It tends to fall onto clothes when applying too, which is so irritating!

Plus on a normal day, I do have to reapply the powder at least twice which can be annoying, but something I did with my MAC MSF anyway.

Overall, I think this powder is really good! It does what I need, with out the MAC price tag.

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

Face Wash Series

Hey guys!

Since my skin has been going crazy the past month, I've decided to do a mini collection post on all the face washes I've recently used and how they worked! 

Now I have been getting spots and blackheads since I was around 13, so for 5 years I have been trying to find products that actually work. I've never really been that bothered by blackheads more whiteheads as they in my opinion look worse - especially if they are the red and sore type! 

My skin type -freaking all over the place! I have dry cheeks and jaw line, oily t-zone, spot prone, blackhead prone, red patches and moderately sensitive. But this could all change tomorrow! Seriously one day my skin is dry as the Sahara desert, next oilier then the BP oil spill -____- Its a nightmare.

These are the face washes I will be reviewing

I will be reviewing;

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub

Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Wash

Soap and Glory Greatest Scrub Of All

Garnier Pure Anti Black Head Deep Pore Wash 

Lush's Coal Face

Lush's Fresh Farmacy 

and 

Clean and Clear Morning Energy Face Wash 
Witch Oil Controlling Foaming Face Wash


I have already reviewed the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant so you can check that one out already :)

Throughout the reviewing I will be using the same moisturizer and will be using my facial exfoliator brush - review here!

If you can recommend a face wash for me to try, that's under £5 , I will check it out and probably add it to the collection posts.

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

Lip Balm Junkie; Top 3 Lip Balms

Hey guys!

Since getting into lipsticks, I really needed to up my game on make my lips moist and soft. I currently have 12 lip balms in use dotted all over the house and in various pockets and bags, but I definitely have 3 I like the most, and today I will show you which ones. 

My current lip balms in use

Carmex SPF15 Cherry Moisturising Lip Balm 

This is the first Carmex product I have ever bought, I don't know why it's took me so long! This lip balm comes with a menthol fruity smell of cherry which reminds me of cough syrup. The squeezable tube packaging makes application extremely easy and effective - I’m not a fan of pot lip balms and would rather just apply lip balm straight to my lips. The actual lip balm is not sticky like a lot of other lip balms can be but really does live up to its claims and moisturises my lips well. 

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

This lip balm is so moisturising, but the smell makes me a little sick. It smells of fake chocolate, which I hate, nothing like the other Palmers products. It also has a tingly feeling on my lips which is nice and it glides on easy. It also makes my lips feel SUPER moisturized and nourished,  my lips feel much smoother and softer once it’s on too. The tube is a regular twist up tube, nothing special. Overall, if this product wasn't so moisturising I wouldn't use it, but because it is, I really like it. 

Montagne Jeunesse Natural Beeswax Lipbalms - Shea Butter & Mango

I've had this lip balm since Christmas and I love it. The first thing I loved about this lip balm is the lovely mango scent. It's fresh but fruity and smells just like the Rubicon mango drink! Yummy.  I like the way it moisturises my lips, as the moisture is retained for about 2 hours. It doesn't tint your lips but just leaves them so nice and soft. Perfect. 

What lip balms do you use? 

Leave me a comment,

Emily X

Updated; How much does your face cost?

Hello everyone!

Well, since I did this post way back in February lots of things have changed in my everyday routine. So I thought I would do an updated version, plus it was really fun last time!

Here is the February version.

Moisturiser: Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Body Lotion £2/3

 Primer: MAC Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage - £18.50

Foundation: Revlon Photoready £12.99

Concealer: MAC Pro Longwear Concealer £13

Powder: Collection 2000 Pressed Powder £1.99

Eyebrows: MUA eyeshadow - £1

Blush: MAC -HEY, SAILOR! Collection- Crew £21.50

Mascara: Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express -£7.99 and Maybelline One By One Volum' Express Mascara - £8.99

Eyeliner: Bourjois Clubbing Eyeliner £6.99 

Lip Balm: Carmex Cherry  - £2.00 

Lip Stick: MAC Snob - £13.50

Total; £110.45, Ive actually increase by £5! But technically lost one product, I used to use 12, now 11...

Right I TAG everyone in the world who wears makeup! *Yes you too!*

Leave me a comment, and a link if you do the post!

Emily x

Haul; Skincare and Lipcare

Hey guys,

Just a little haul to show you what I picked up in ASDA a few days ago :) 

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub - £2 on offer

Garnier Pure Anti Black Head Deep Pore Wash - £2 on offer

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm - £1 on offer

VO5 Miracle Concentrate - £4.96

Carmex SPF15 Cherry Moisturising Lip Balm - £2

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

June Empties

Hey guys!

I don't have many empties this month, I think it has been because I have been buying a whole load of new things. But here are my empties for June and whether I would repurchase them:

Lush's Its Raining Men - I love this but not as much as Honey I Washed The Kids, plus its really expensive for a shower gel... I probably wont repurchase - you can read a review here!

N-Spa's Hot Butter Fudge Syrup - yes, yes, yes I will repurchase! I already have! - you can read my review here.

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Triple Resist shampoo and conditioner - I would buy again, but they run out soooooo fast! I only got them at the start of June. 

L'Oréal Paris Elvive Nutri-Gloss Crystal shampoo and conditioner - Like the products before, they run out really quick! However I do love these, as they have little glitter bits in them which is super pretty and nice. The overall effect on my hair, was alright, it did make it feel nice but nothing special. 

Alberto Balsam Intensive Conditioning Treatment, Honey and Almond Extracts - This is a great cheap hair mask! I wouldn't recommend it for completely fried hair but for hair that needs a pick me up it's great. It's not too heavy and so won't weigh down, and leaves my hair smooth and soft with a nice fragrance! I love this stuff, and need to get another one!

Garnier Pure Anti Black Head Deep Pore Wash - this is my 3rd bottle of this wash and I really love it! I have already picked up a new one as I cant seem to have nice skin with out it! I dont find it helps my blackheads go away, but does help prevent whiteheads and reduces any that I have - fantastic!

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub (sample) - This was really harsh on my skin! The particles where rough and sharp, tbh it hurt D: I will not be buying this at all!

What have you been using this month? 

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

June Favourties

Hey guys,

Its that time again, another month over, another realization that time doesn't last forever. With the end of my school career this month, it has really dawned on me that I'm 18, currently not going to uni with no plans. I have seemed to hit a period in my life, where for once, I have nothing I really need to do each day. From going to school, waking up at 7, to staying at home in my pj's, applying for jobs, and presumably getting bored, my life has completely changed, and I'm not so sure I like it. Fair enough I will have my days frees, but I know I wont see my friends as much and that's sad! So for all you younging's enjoy your time at school, its cliche but they are the best times you will ever have!

Anyway, what I have been enjoying this month;

L-R (all MAC)

Viva Glam Nicki
Snob
Impassioned

(The pictures are my actual lips)

 Rubicon Guava -my second favourite drink in the world- its so delicious.

 Yankee Candle in Tropical Fruit - I have actually burnt this almost to the bottom! It smells divine, I mostly smell the mango in it, then a hint of Banana! Yummy.

Lastly is the shoes I haven't had off in, what like 2 1/2 weeks now?! Ah, I love them so much!

They are from Matalan for £16 and they are called the Geisha Wedge Heels.

Here's the link for the shoes :)

What have you been loving this month?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

Haul/Review; MAC's Hey, Sailor! Crew Highlighting Powder

Hey everyone :D

I had a little impulse buy yesterday...when do I not? Haha! I ended up getting MAC's Crew highlighting powder. This product launched in MAC's Hey, Sailor! Collection and is only around for a limited time, so I thought why not, and bought it.

Crew is a multi-colored highlighting powder that has three shades: soft peach-orange, a cool pink and a cool-toned pink-lilac. There’s also creamy beige overlay, but since it is an overlay of color it does not go all the way through.

When the product is swirled together, the end result turns out as a cool tone barbie pink on my cheeks. There is a very faint sheen, but it’s incredibly subtle. The texture is soft, smooth, and finely-milled.  

 Personally I wont use this as a highlighter but as a blush, it works well on my pale skin but may be a little light and chalky  if you have a medium-dark complexion.  

If you're looking for a traditional frosty highlighter, this won't be what you're looking for. But, if you're in the market for a natural, cool pink blush, definitely check this one out. 

Do you find limited edition packaging/product more enticing than regular products?  I do... I'm a sucker for a cute makeup theme!

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

Everyday Makeup Storage

Hello everyone, 

Today I wanted to show you my everyday makeup storage. I am always interested in how people store their makeup and I'm always watching these on YT so I thought I would share!

I have always wanted a pretty, little vanity table a bit like the one in the picture below! But it wouldn't go with my decoration in my room :( 

The desk I have now is probably as close as I will ever get to owning something like that :(

But anyway as the title says is my everyday make up, I dont use all these products everyday, but its the ones I tend to switch over on a daily bases. Currently its sitting on my desk, in the corner. The draws fit perfectly on my desk.


 As you can see I have my new mirror on there and a few other bits I tend you use everyday. 
I like having my everyday stuff away from the rest of my makeup as they are my favourite products. 

I also have my Hello Kitty "MAC" brush set on top, you can read my review here.

The draws are from Whsmiths, but I could not find them on their website. I could only find these cupcake draws, which are basically the same just a different pattern. If you are looking for these kind of draws, go have a look inside a store, they have much more stock than the website. 

These are the draws, on top I have some perfume, moisturizer, heat defense stuff and my brushes.

In the two Hello Kitty tins I store bobbles and bobby pins.

These are the three top draws. 

The first draw holds lip products, the second powder products and third mascaras plus eyeliners.

These two are the middle draws.

The left contains face stuff like primers, foundation and concealer.

The right holds pallets and random stuff like my spare razor, my Lush lipscrub, Benefit high beam sample and a few blushes. 

The last draw is the largest and holds a lot of random stuff.

In the black decorated pots are Lush body scrubs and a tinted moisturizer I made the other week.

 It also houses my eyelash curlers, my random samples and two memory sticks - I don't know why they are there o.O 

Closer look of the draws.

The 'handles' are little bits of ribbon.

Close look at the print - so pretty!

I hope you liked my post, if you decide to show your storage, please leave me a link! I would love to read the post <3

Also if you see anything you want a review on just leave me comment!

Emily x

(For the record, I am not bragging here, I just want to show my everyday storage)

Review; MAC Matchmaster Foundation

Good afternoon guys! 

It's official, I've finished my Alevels and I no longer need to go to school! It's really exciting but sad at the same time, as I will miss everyone who is leaving Newcastle to go to Uni somewhere else. I will also miss all my teachers as most of them have taught me for over 4 years - It seems really geeky and stupid to say that buts it's true! They are all great teachers and I will miss them and their lessons :(  The next time I will be in school is to sign off, then collect my results which is super scary to think about!

Today I will be reviewing another sample I got at MAC. When I had my makeup done in MAC (you can read a little more about it here) the lady used the Matchmaster foundation, which I then asked for a sample off as it seemed to be something  I would like. 

MAC promo image

What MAC says;

"With our all races credo, we’re redefined what a perfect match should be with new Matchmaster Foundation SPF 15 technology, using translucent pigments to create a formula that enables a fully personalized finish influenced by the subtleties of your own skin tone. Adding to Matchmaster’s true-to-life appeal is its moisturizing demi-matte finish, medium buildable coverage, and line-reducing soft focus powders. Add the fact that this formula reduces excess shine-creating oil, and who could resist?"

Typically, I match to NC15 or NW 15 in MAC foundations and the lightest colour in other brands, so in the Matchmaster I was matched with 1.0. I do think it is a really good match, more than my Studio Fix foundation anyway. 

As described by MAC, I would agree that this foundation has a medium coverage but I would say it was more on the lighter side of a medium. One layer didn't cover my imperfections such as my spots and redness so for me a second layer or concealer is a must. Layering the foundation doesn't make it appear cakey or mask-like, meaning you can build the coverage up easily.

Since Matchmaster is a medium coverage foundation, you can still see your skin. So it is great for those who maybe just want to even out their skin-tone but still want a natural look. The finish of this foundation is semi matte. It can be worn without powder leaving your skin with a glow, or with making it more of a matte finish. 

Matchmaster has a liquid texture, making it very blendable. I've didn't have a problem with blending this foundation into my skin and once applied, looked natural and matched perfectly. 

I have worn this foundation for up to 10 hours and it only needed a little powder touch up after 6 hours, it seemed to stay on my face really well, and didn't transfer unlike the Studio Sculpt which I reviewed on Monday - read it here. But I still don't think MAC can claim it "reduces excess shine-creating oil" as for me, it didn't. 

This foundation comes in 14 different shades, which are different to the normal system as all the colours have neutral under tones. 1.0 is the palest and 10.0  is the darkest. 

To be quite honest, this foundation didn't blow me away. Although it matched pretty much perfectly and stayed on well, I think there are cheaper foundations that do the same thing. Max Factor Lasting Performance is a foundation that does exactly what  Matchmaster does but for less than half the price. 

Max factor is around £10 and Matchmaster is  £24.50

Still don't get me wrong, this foundation is still lovely but I am not blown away to the extent where I'd rush out to purchase it. There really isn't anything that it does for me, that most of my other foundations can't. 

For now, I don't think that I'll be purchasing this foundation in a rush. 

Have you tried Matchmaster?

Leave me a comment, 

Emily X