Review; MAC Media

I've really wanted a dark plum for awhile now, something that will not show up too too dark and end up looking black, but something that is actually dark purple. Media is pretty perfect for that. It's dark, it's dramatic, but it's still flattering on my NC15 skin. I find Media pulls more purple on me, I have seen it look incredibly red on some skin tones though, so maybe try it on at a counter just to check. The formula is a satin but feels light like a luster, I do find that Media settles into my lip lines but I find using a lip liner quickly solves this. In my job I have to talk a lot, none stop really, so when I apply it in the morning by lunch it has faded to a pretty lighter plum, almost like a stain. 

Emily x

MAC Strong Woman

MAC Strong Woman is a lipstick that comes from the MAC Strength Collection, it is a deep violet lipstick with a matte finish that I cant stop wearing.

This is a true violet lipstick that is pretty on my pale skin, the colour is a deep berry vampy violet which makes my blue eyes stand out. The application goes on smoothly with a creamy texture that dries matte but doesn't make your lips feel dry. This colour also stains the lips so even after the 6 hour wear a hint of the colour is left. I have been wearing this with both smokey eyes or just simple wined eye-liner and I love both looks, it has become my favourite shade, in fact I bought a back up! 

Have you got anything from this collection?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

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MAC Candy Yum Yum

MAC finally added Candy Yum Yum Lipstick to its permanent line, I immediately picked one up.

 

 

Candy Yum Yum is a neon pink, bold, blue-based pink lipstick that really pops against my pale skin. It's bright but it's so pretty, I love how it brightens my face, and also lighten my mood by just looking at it. It's opaque and so pigmented it stains your lips, and despite the matte finish, feels creamy and glides on easily without being too drying. I get over 6 hours of wear without having to reapply, as the stain help blend the lipstick wearing off.

 

 

It is a great lipstick that will get you all the attention you want and is perfect for perking up both warm and cool complexions. If you love bright lip colors, definitely check this out!

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

 

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Burt's Bees Lip Balm Review; Pomegranate Oil and Acai Berry

I am a lip balm addict, I always have been and always will.

Raved about by beauty lovers out there, Burt's Bees are a brand that have been meaning to try for some time now, I am not entirely sure what has stopped me purchasing these before - other than perhaps, my HUGE collection of other lip balms. But last week I bit the bullet and bought two.

Burts Bees Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm;

To start I was really looking forward to using this, I love pomegranate and heard it left a tint on your lips. But initially I was disappointed, the smell is slightly herbally and to me nothing like pomegranate. Its not off putting but wasn't what I was expecting. I also found that it doesn't tint my lips, its described as a "hint of colour for an even-toned appearance" which I dont see at all. My natural lips might be too pinky for it to show up, which I think might be the case. The formula its self actually makes my lips pretty soft, and they stayed that way for a good few hours after it had worn of, which is great as I do find some balms don't leave much effect once they've worn off.

Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Acai Berry Lip Balm;

Now this one I picked up by chance, and I'm so glad I did. After a few days and nights using this it definitely rejuvenated my lips, and improved and smoothed their texture. It makes my lips soft and when it absorbs, my lips are moisturised and I don't feel I have to re-apply again. The smell of this balm is a pleasant bubblegum and berry fragrance similar to that of grapes. It applies smoothly as it very soft lip balm, and doesn't apply too thickly or feel heavy. This one doesn't have any colour to it, which I was surprised at but it does not make a difference as I normally stick a lipstick on top.

Overall I prefer the Acai Berry balm as the smell is lovely. Both nourished my lips but I don’t find them that spectacular compared to other brands like Carmex, Nivea and Vaseline. Saying that I'm happy to have them in my collection, and will use them up.

Have you tried any other Burts Bees products?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

 

 

 

 

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MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme - Love Forever

 

Love Forever from MAC is a beautiful lipstick, from the Pro Longwear line Love Forever provides intense colour in a long-lasting formula that glides smoothly on to your lips. The pigmentation is great, and gives a bright coating of colour with just a couple of swipes. I would describe the colour as a intense bubblegum pink, that looks really pretty with neutral or smokey eyes. There’s a bit of sheen to it, upon application but within a few minutes it goes matte, you can see this in the top photo of the swatch, it has more sheen than the one below which has been left for a few minutes. I can wear this shade for almost 5 hours, without too much drinking or eating, but even after then a pretty stain is left. For it being a long wearing lipstick which is matte, it’s amazing how it doesn’t really dry out my lips unlike most long wear lipstick lines. It is really creamy and a pleasure to use. I simply love this new shade, it will be found among my current top 5 lipsticks. I will be definitely trying new shades out!

Have you tried a Pro Longwear Lip Creme?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

 

 

 

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MAC Haul

Hello lovelies!

For Christmas of my boyfriend I got a MAC voucher for £50, now with that comes a makeup lesson with a mua which I redeemed yesterday! With the voucher I bought a few things, but I also bought a few items myself.

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Light

Eye Kohl - Smolder

Studio Sculpt Concealer - NC15

Eye Brows - Stud

Pro Palette Eye Shadow x 4

Eyeshadow - Sumptuous Olive

Eyeshadow -Humid

Sumptuous Olive on the left, Humid on the right.

Both of these shadows were used in my make up lesson and I loved the colours ! I've included a photo below of the makeup on, which really brought out my eyes.

What do you think of my choices?

Do you have a favourite MAC eye-shadow?

 

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

 

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Not My Cup Of Tea; MAC Saint Germain

Hi lovelies!

Time for another MAC lipstick review, and this time it's MAC's Saint Germain. I've had this since June but I've barely used it, not that I don't like the colour, but it just seems to slip of my lips and fall into the lines.

Saint Germain is described as a "clean pastel pink" and that's exactly what it is, a pastel Pepto Bismol colour. The lipstick has an amplified finish which means it is bright, opaque, but also really creamy too. However I just feel this lip colour should be matte. Like I said before the staying power is rubbish not even an hour, and that's without eating and drinking. It just slips of, and disappears? It's strange! No other lipstick does that! But that's not just it, the few minutes its on, it sinks into the lines in my lips and makes them look chapped *sigh* I just don't get on with this lipstick.

Even though I loved the idea of this type of pink, this one just doesn't work for me, and I kinda regret buying it.

What are your thoughts on this lipstick? Do you have a favourite MAC shade?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

 

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Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in 663 Va Va Violet Review

Hey guys,

I'd been eyeing up Revlon's Va Va Violet for awhile before I bought it, and decided to get it after AlisonLovesJB on YouTube showed it colour in her 'Favorite Fall Lipstick' video. I loved it as its such a dark and bold colour!

However it turns out it's quite sheer and doesn't look intense as what's in the tube, which I'm very disappointed at. The colour itself is a deep eggplant purple, which is very pretty, however the pay off is very odd, it is very sheer and quite glossy so it goes on really uneven. The only way to get around this, is to apply 3 layers and blot between each one, but even then it doesn't stay on very long maybe an hour at the most. For me this is just a impractical lipstick, one that looks better in photos than in real life.

If you have any deep purple lipsticks you love, tell me! I'm desperate to find a long lasting, preferably matt deep purple lipstick.

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

MAC Pink Nouveau

Hey everyone,

I've had Pink Nouveau for about half a year now and have only mentioned it a few times but never really got around to doing a full review on it, so today here it is!

 Pink Nouveau is a medium blue toned pink which is super flattering for any skin colour, warm or cool toned and I would even say any hair colour! Its quite bright but not an 'in your face' colour, and can be worn everyday. The lipstick has a satin finish, meaning it has a very smooth and creamy texture and this one is especially lovely! The pigmentation is amazing and I would say this lipstick lasting time is around 5 hours depending on what you eat or drink. However if you touch your lips, the color will transfer easily onto your fingers which I do not like. So don't go kissing people if you do not want them to have pink stains afterward!

I am in love with this lipstick and have pretty much been wearing it ever since I bought it. It's quickly becoming my signature color and I am definitely repurchasing.

Sorry about my chapped lips ^_^

Have you tired Pink Nouveau?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

MAC Viva Glam Nicki Review

Hi lovelies, 

Today I'm finally doing my review on MAC's Viva Glam Nicki. I've been wearing this lipstick since June and its become one of my favorite "look at me" lipsticks.

Viva Glam Nicki is such a stunning pink shade. MAC describes it as a bright yellow based pink, which is a spot on description of this lipstick. I've only been wearing this lipstick when I've applied fake tan, as on my pale skin I think it looks like the wrong shade of pink, but when I apply it with fake tan it's almost a neon coral, like a flamingo pink colour which I love! This lipstick is satin finish so it has a smooth and creamy texture, which when applied does not tug or pull on your lips. 

I love it. It is very bold and I can see why some people may find it a little bit scary but personally I think it is fabulous. 

Best of all about this lipstick? Because it’s a Viva Glam lippie, every penny made from this  goes straight towards the MAC Aids Fund!

What do you think of Viva Glam Nicki? 

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

MAC Lipstick in M.A.C Red

Hey guys!

I have another MAC lipstick review for you today in the shade M.A.C Red! 

MAC calls this shade a "vivid bright bluish-red" which I totally agree with. M.A.C Red is a blue based, true bright red which is very bright! The pigmentation is incredible and as its a satin finish it's not too drying or too shiny, its just the perfect balance. The lipstick glides onto your lips with no tugging and is very creamy, the staying power is another win with this lipstick as it lasts upto 6 hours including eating! 

Since the pigmentation is really high, you are left with a soft 'just bitten' stain on your lips once the lipstick has worn away. 

This past month I've been wearing this lipstick none stop, teaming it with heavy black eyeliner and a neutral face. In my opinion its a universally flattering shade that will look great on all skintones. I haven't heard a lot about this lipstick which is a shame as I really do love it!

What red lipstick do you use?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

MAC Speak Louder Lipstick

Hey guys,

Well I bought a new lipstick again, it was such an impulse buy!

I got MAC's Speak Louder Lipstick which is described as a “clean poppy blue pink.” To be honest, I'm not entirely sure what they mean by "clean" or "poppy" but I can make a guess. 

It’s a vibrant pink with I think poppy/reddish-orange undertones, not as blue as Pink Nouveau. It isn't as neon as Impassioned but still bright enough to make a statement, hence the 'poppy'?!

I think it is a easy colour to wear on all skin tones as it has just the right mix and hints of colour. The finish is a creamsheen, yet I think has a low-sheen finish but is creamy on the lips, hence the 'clean'?

It is an opaque colour with one swipe, and lasts around 4 hours. This does need well exfoliated lips as its not very hydrating and it does slightly tug when applying.

Have you tied Speak Louder?

Whats your favourite MAC Lippie?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

MAC Rebel Lipstick

 Hey guys,

This lipstick is my most recent purchase from MAC. I originally talked myself out of getting it because I really didn't need another lipstick, but I've had a really shit week and I was feeling down so I thought "Why the hell not?" and picked it up.

I was actually eyeing Cyber and Media, but Cyber wasn't the exact colour I wanted although it was very pretty and Media just felt too brown and flat, it looked horrible on me. Rebel is a really complex shade, in the bullet it look like a ribena colour but with one swipe gives off a sexy berry stain.

Rebel is a satin finish, and as with all MAC satin lipsticks this wears well and still feels nice and smooth to put on. The lipstick is full coverage with a tiny bit of sheen, but no shimmer or sparkle. I really love the finish of Rebel.

I found this lipstick is really long wearing, lasting up to 4/5 with out a touch up! It also leaves a pretty stain on the lips which I find helps reduce the look of patchy lips when the lipstick does wear off.

This is just one light swipe of the lipstick

Personally I find it very pretty on me as it really brings the blue out in my eyes, but also very flattering on my mam who is tan, with a warm golden bronze skin colour. I could see this being a shade that any skintone can wear, it has enough purple to be edgy but enough red to remain flattering.

My Lips

My mams lips - The colour had been on 3 hours when this was took.

The shade is very obvious and in your face, so only try this if that's the kinda thing you're looking for. I would highly recommend and will definitely repurchase. 

My next purchase from MAC will probably be Chatter Box or Cyber!

What's your favourite MAC lipstick?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

17 Photo Flawless Primer Review

Hi everyone,

I have another review for you today, and this time it is 17's Photo Flawless Primer.

Now this has been my go to primer for a long time, on and off for around a year I think! I have bought quite a few tubes of the primer as I do really like it.

You can get this for £4.99 from Boots 

Now 17 claims that the primer will "not only will it ensure your make-up is even by minimising pores, it will create the perfect canvas for your foundation allowing it to glide on seamlessly.”

The formulation is silky and smooth, which I think must contain silicone, although I can't find any ingredients online so I cannot be 100% sure! The product blends into the skin so easily and settles within a few seconds leaving you with velvety skin, which I think matches the description of the product. My make-up I feel does lasts longer when I use this too. Normally I have to touch up midday but I can push it a few hours longer using the primer. 

Now the only thing that I think doesn't live up to the claim is the pore minimising as I don't think this primer does that at all. I mean I don't think I have large pores, but I still don't see any difference in the size of them. So if that is the main reason you are thinking of trying this, I would probably skip it!

I also have a small issue with the tube. The tube is squeezable, meaning it lets air in when product is squeezed out, which then causes the primer to fly out when you next use it. It literally explodes out of the tube when you put a tiny bit of pressure on it! This can be solved by depotting it, but tbh I would rather not need to do that!

So yeah, I really like how it makes my skin feel and how it makes my make-up last longer, just not the tube. Plus for the money, I think it is very good!

I think I am going to try Revlons primer next, as I have heard good things about it :)

You can read my MAC Prep and Prime Skin Base Visage review here and my Benefit POREfessional review here!

Have you tried this? 
Which primers do you recommend?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

NYX Round Lipstick in Power Review

Hey guys,

Today I will be doing a review on NYX Round Lipstick in Power. I have owned this lipstick for over a month now and have grew to love this shade.

What NYX says; "NYX Round Lipstick is our classic lipstick for all-year round. The mineral-based emollient formula offers a beautiful velvet texture, saturated colour and it resists wear and smudging. It?s your go-to lipstick. From Pure Nude to Pink Lyric to Chic Red, Round Lipstick is available in a jaw-dropping 144 shades."

The colour looks very pink here, but it isn't that colour at all :S

The colour of Power is really interesting as I don't think I've ever seen a colour like it before. Its a cross between a grey-lavender and a bubblegum pink, and on my lips looks a lavender nude. So this is a very different lipstick for me as I've said this before and I will say it again, I am not a nude lipstick fan, I love brights! I mean some people would never consider it a 'true nude' but for me I it is.


I think this lipstick would look best on a cool skin as I think it may make people with a warm skin tone look like a corpse or a victim of hypothermia, not a good look unless its for Halloween!

Now the formulation of these lipsticks is the thing I don't like. I know people rave at how creamy these lipsticks are, but for me they are too creamy. This makes them easily slip off your lips and makes the lasting time really poor. Power lasts about 1 hour before I have to reapply, and that's without eating or drinking. 

Have you ever  tried NYX Round Lipsticks? What is your favourite? 

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

NYX Round Lipstick Haul & Swatches

Hey girls :)

Since getting my other NYX Round Lipstick and really liking them I decided to buy some more! I ordered on eBay and got 3 plus the free one the Lady forgot to include in my other order.

The texture off all the lipsticks are smooth and glides on the lips very easily, the finish is between matte and glossy. It depends on the shade you get. I love the pigmentation of these because only one swipe can give the right colour, the lasting power however is somewhat poor, only lasting around 3 hours so a reapply is a must! 

(L-R) I got the shades; Spell Bound, Gardenia, Femme and Paris

Spell Bound is is a dark but bright pink colour, somewhat like a mauve strawberry. It is a creamy lipstick; not glossy nor matte. 

Gardenia is a darker hot pink that's shimmery, but looks browny on me. I'm not a fan of this colour at all, and I regret buying it. 

Femme on the other hand is a beautiful colour, its a bright orange-coral with a satin finish. Its a very opaque colour that for me is very wearable. If you are a shy person with lipstick colours stay well away from this.

Paris is a blue-toned and almost a purple-ish pink, compared to powder is it more pink and is a little darker. I would still say it is a lavender lipstick though. 

Spell Bound, Gardenia, Femme and Paris

Over all I really love the colours I got, except Gardenia. They did melt a little in the post, so when I twist the lipstick up a small piece catches on the tube. This doesn't really bother me buts its worth mentioning it, as if you decided to buy some online the chances are it might happen. 

The lady who I ordered off has removed her account, so I cant link you but lots of people sell NYX on eBay!

You can read my other NYX's lipstick post here!

Have you heard about nyx? 

Have you tried any of their products? 

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

eBay Blush Palette Review

Hi girls,

Many of you may have seen the blush palette on E-bay, where you can purchase 10 blush's in a nice little palette. I spent a few days contemplating whether to buy it and in the end I did. 

I can't say I was expecting much and to be honest it was a bit of an impulse purchase, as I had decided my blush collection was lacking compared to mascara, powder etc.. and thought 10 for the price of £3.92 was a good offer. 

The palette comes with 10 different blush shades, ranging from pinks, to corals to more lilac-toned colours which are all gorgeous. There is also a mixture of semi-matte and shimmer finishes which is perfect for me. The palette is supposedly very similar to the BH cosmetics blush palette, but I haven't tried that so I cant say. 

All the colours are highly pigmented, smooth and look absolutely gorgeous with my skin tone. I was worried the more red orangy colours would look strange, but as shown when swatched below, they come off more of a coral colour.

Top row swatches

Bottom row swatches

The palette itself it made from black plastic that feels a little cheap, but sturdy. The bit where the blushes are held is thin plastic that can be removed easily. So if you use all the blushes up, you can remove it and use the pallet for something else.

As it comes from China I was a little worried it may arrive in pieces, but when I opened the parcel the palette was covered in bubble wrap and inside a box which was also wrapped in bubble wrap. It was very secure. Delivery wise, for me it took 12 days to arrive but it can take up to 23 working days

Overall I am so happy with my purchase and would highly recommend the product. The blushes are definitely worth more than they are priced!

I bought mine here and like I said before cost me £3.92 including delivery. 

Have you tried any blush palettes you can recommend?

Leave me a comment, 

Emily x

Review; Revlon Matte Lipstick in Stormy Pink

Hey girls,

Im here with another lipstick review today, it is another Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in the colour Stormy Pink. This colour was featured in the fall 2010 collection, Suede Rhapsody, however it is now been added to Revlon's permanent range. 

What Revlon says; "Revlon® Matte Lipstick gives suede-like application and maximum colour. Rich matte colour glides effortlessly across lips. Suede-like cushion without drying."

The colour of Stormy Pink in the bullet looks like a very vibrant candy pink, almost fuchsia with blue under tones. However when swatched the colour becomes more muted and doesn't look as bold. On my lips it looks it looks like a very toned down version of MAC's Pink Nouveau (comparison picture below) I do really like this shade and is a colour I didn't have in my collection.

The texture of this 'matte' lipstick is very moisturising, especially compared to Revlon's Pink Pout in the same range -review here. I would still exfoliate and apply a lip balm before hand, but it was a nice surprise to find it didn't dry my lips. When you do apply it to the lips the colour is slightly sheerer than I would like, but it can be easily built up with out it caking. The colour is still bold even though it is sheer, but not in a 'in your face' sort of way like MAC's Impassioned. 

The finish of this lipstick is nice, I wouldn't say it was matte but more like a MAC luster or satin finish as it gives a little bit of colour but also has a small amount of shine in it. Like I mentioned before this is very different to the other matte colour I have in this range. The lasting power of this lipstick is on the shorter side of what I would like, lasting around 3 hours. With eating or drinking, it would wear quicker. The lipstick has a very faint smell that I can't put my finger on. The smell is nice, and once on the lips completely disappears.

My other pink lipsticks swatched against Stormy Pink;

T-B

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Stormy Pink
2. MAC Lipstick in Pink Nouveau 

3. MAC Lipstick in Saint Germain

4. Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in Pink Pout

5. NYX Round Lipstick in Strawberry Pink

6. NYX Round Lipstick in Narcissus

Like I said I believe Stormy Pink is a muted version of MAC's Pink Nouveau, below it is swatched between  Pink Nouveau and Saint Germain.  

I think Stormy Pink fits well between these colours, although its not as pigmented I think looks like a mixture of both MAC lipsticks.

Overall, I really like Stormy Pink and am looking to trying other colours in the Revlon Super Lustrous range.

You can find this lipstick at Boots for £7.49  or on eBay, I got mind from this seller for only £3.50

Have you tried this lipstick? Or another good one from Revlon?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x