My Top 5 MAC Lipsticks

It was really hard for me to narrow down my 5 favourite MAC lipsticks, but I think I managed to choose the ones I get the most use out of. Of course, there are other MAC lipsticks I love, but I couldn't choose them all!

(In order from L-R)

Honey Love; Honey Love is a matte finish but I don't find it drying at all. The colour is very pigmented and is a medium beige nude with a dash of pink. This is definitely more of a natural nude so no dramatic corpse effect here, I'm talking to you Myth!

Girl About Town; Girl About Town is a bright pink shade with clear blue under tones. It's an Amplified finish, so it's really bright and has a little sheen to it, but to me is essentially a creamy matte.

Pink Plaid; Probably my most used, and my second tube. Pink plaid is a very cool toned blue based pink with matte finish, that I used as my everyday lipstick. Its easy to use with my pale skin and can suit all occasions.

Heroine; Heroine is a bright matte purple. It is described as a “bright violet/purple" but I find you will see anything from medium to dark purple, to neon purple, and to true magenta depending on your natural lip colour. It’s a really unique shade in my opinion and I love it.

Flat Out Fabulous; Another matte, can you tell I like them? Flat Out Fabulous is described as a “bright plum matte.” It’s a cool-toned, fuchsia-plum with a flat, matte finish. It is very opaque but does tug when applying and does leave my lips a bit dry. Still, I'll put up with that for the beautiful colour.

What are your favourite MAC Lipsticks?

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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Fake MAC Brushes Review

Hey guys,

I have another FAKE MAC brush review for you today. I bought these brushes two weeks back on eBay for £9.54, under the name '12Pcs Professional Make Up Cosmetic Makeup Brushes Kit Set Black Pouch/Case' and I really like them. These aren't my first fake MAC brushes, and I have no problems buying fakes as most of the time they are just as good and not even half the price of the real one, so you can totally understand why myself and people buy fakes.

The brushes come inside nice case with the 'MAC' logo on. The zip and the plastic materials its made of are of good quality, and I'm impressed. Inside the case the brushes sit in little pockets, with plastic covers on them. (I took them off) It also comes with a pouch that can be attached in the middle of the case, but I wasn't a fan so took it out. Just like real MAC brushes, none of which I have and don't intend to, each of these brushes have a specific number on. 

(Top row, left to right)

187 Duo Fibre Stipple Brush; I have used the 187 for just about every purpose; for mineral foundation, for liquid foundation, for powder, for blusher, for bronzer... There isn't much that this brush can't do. It is however a little plasticy and could be denser. I've had no shedding using this, and overall its useful to have.

136 Large Powder Brush; This brush is quite large and dense, and decently soft so as a powder brush, it's fantastic. It gives a very light and soft application of powder and is so versatile, you can use the edges and tip to apply tiny amounts of powder to the eye area, or you can use the whole of the brush to sweep powder over the face. 

168 Angled Contour Brush; This is the only brush that I'm not too fussed about. Its soft and dense, but I've found it sheds a lot on application. The size of the brush is nice and fits into the hollow of your cheek bones nicely. 

190 Foundation Brush; I really like this foundation brush, it feels silky smooth. The rounded edge is good for getting in corners around your nose and blending near the hairline. I know I wont use this all the time but its nice to have it.

(Bottom row, left to right)

316 Lip Brush; This brush comes with a metal cover, making it a retractable lip brush. It's soft with dark brown bristles, that can pack on colour with definition.

275 Angled Shading Brush; This brush is quite large, very dense, and very fluffy. It packs on colour, blends out colour, can be used for highlighting, defining the crease, getting into my inner eye area, and use it on your lower lashline to add a hint of colour. 

231 Small Shader Brush; There's not a lot to say about this brush, except its really soft. Its great for precise concealer application, gel eye liner, brow powder, high lighting in the inner corners of the eyes, and detailed shadow application.

212 Flat Definer; I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this brush, it is just too thick to do anything I want. 

219 Pencil Brush - My biggest complaint with it is that it is SCRATCHY. The shape is nice, and it works but it is uncomfortable to use.

214 Short Shader Brush - This brush is my favourite of all the eye brushes. It is really dense, and is small enough you can control it's every move and you can really get into the lash line and lower lash line which I love. 

209 Liner Brush - This brush is just too large to use with eyeliner, but will work to line your lips. The density is nice and the bristles are very soft and smooth.

263 Small Angle Brush - Putting on gel eyeliner has never been easier, this has the right about of give and firmness, and the angle is perfect. I've also used this to fill in my brows as its thin enough to allow for precision, and also large enough to fill in the brow quickly and without hassle.

So yes, I would definitely suggest you try these, they aren't real MAC but honestly it's just a name. 

What do you guys think about fake products?

Leave me a comment,

Emily X

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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Review: MUA Mega Volume Mascara

Mascara is the one item of makeup that I absolutely love. I love trying new ones out, and this past months has been MUAs Mega Volume mascara.

As you can see the packaging is simple in a barbie pink colour, and it has a large plastic comb wand, both I can't miss when looking for mascaras. I really like this wand as it gets each lash with every stroke, fans them out nicely, leaves them defined, jet black and without clumps. However, I really like big curly plump lashes, and this gives me more of a' natural' lift, so I do need to add lots of coats to get 'Mega Volume' - honestly about 4. Even with 4 coats on it stays on all day and doesn't crumble off, but with that said it is really easy to remove at the end of the day and looks as perfect as it did when it went on.

Overall I do like this, to me it's more of a "Quick! I've got two minutes to do my makeup" kind of mascara, great for a quick running out of the door application. Plus for £3 I think its worth it for an everyday mascara, but not something I would rush out for if I was wanting mega volume though.

Will you be giving this a try?

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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Lush's Enzymion Review

Enzymion, why weren't you in my life earlier?

So you guessed it, I really love Enzymion moisturiser from Lush. My skin is crazy at the moment and this is the only thing that keeps it under control and hasn't broken me out!

Enzymion is a light moisturiser intended for oily skin, made with lots of fruit juice to refresh and mattify your skin. The texture of Enzymion is liquidy compared to the normal texture you’d normally expect from a moisturiser, which adds to the cool and refreshing feeling. It's absorbed quickly without leaving any kind of sticky or tacky feeling, which makes it perfect under makeup, but it still leaves your skin feeling moisturised and nourished. However the first thing you notice is the smell; it's a really strong but lovely lemony orange smell. It lingers on your skin too, which is a bonus to me!

I would highly recommended Enzymion for oily skin but I don't think it would be hydrating enough for those with dry skin. I would also say if you have sensitive skin, go to lush and try some as a sample as the fresh juice might sting red or sore skin.

Enzymion is £13.75 for a 45g pot.

What's your favourite moisturiser?

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

Lush Oatifix Facemask Review

Lush's Oatifix is a staple in my skincare routine. 

Currently my skin is combination with an oily t zone but dry everywhere else, so this is a real treat for my skin! It contains oats, banana and vanilla which makes it smell like carrot cake mix, it actually makes me hungry! Since this mask was created to moisturise the skin, it won't dry or tighten but having more of a buttery feeling. I leave it on for a good half an hour and when I wash it off with warm water, all those little oat pieces become a really nice gentle exfoliant! Afterwards my skin feels so soft and looks really bright. It is left moistures for the rest of the day, but also refreshed - something I love!

Now just something to mention, Lushs facemask are made from all fresh ingredients, meaning that they are free of preservatives so need to be kept in the fridge. It also means that you have a time period to use them in, so get pampering!

Oatifix contains 75g of product, for £5.75 

Have you tried any Lush facemasks? 

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

Andrew Barton S.O.S Help Me! Hair Mask Review

Hello guys,

Awhile back Sophie from Duck and Egg did a post on the Andrew Barton S.O.S Help Me! Hair Mask, and since I really enjoy hair masks I went and picked it up. 

First off, I love the packaging. The simple black and red jar looks really appealing, plus since red is one of my favourite colours, it really stood out to me. Next, before even using it I fell in love with the smell! Its amazing, like warm vanilla cookies and hints of chocolate - yum! I mean even if you don't buy it, go and smell it, it's delicious.

The texture of the mask is really light, so much so I wouldn't call this a mask, more of a everyday conditioner - especially since my hair is pretty thick and damaged. My hair is pretty dry and the ends are porous, so I normally go for heavy duty conditioners so I wish this one was thicker, and did more to my hair. I find that my hair is shinier but there are no long lasting effects, plus I haven't noticed a difference to the smoothness or overall health to my hair which is canny disappointing.

That been said I'm glad I didn't pass this one up, I liked trying it and it smells lovely! I would recommended this mask to people with thin hair or people who don't need heavy conditioning. 

What's your favourite hair mask?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

Lush's Rub Rub Rub Review

Hey guys,

Now, since I work at Lush I thought I should tell you that for any Lush reviews I will do, I either got a sample to try or have paid for it myself. I do get discount but these are all my own views, so if I don't like it I'm going to tell you, and if I love it I will also tell you! So, with Rub Rub Rub I did get a sample of it but ended up really liking it so I bought a full sized one for myself. 

Rub Rub Rub is designed to be an exfoliator but also a shower gel, which is something I have never come across before! Its made from sea salt, lemon juice and lemon oil which remove the dead skin leaving you feeling refreshed, but with soft moisturised skin.  

The texture of  Rub Rub Rub changes when you use it. First if you like having a bit more exfoliation, apply it onto dry skin, then slowly add water which will dissolve the salt and get the gel into a lather. On wet skin you will get a less abrasive scrub, but still a really good exfoliation, then a lot of lather. It smells, to me, like the sea side, really salty but with a hint of lemon. Normally I love foody smells but I really like this too!

Have you tried this scrub before? 

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

Accessorize Intense Colour Lip Gloss Review

Well hello everyone :D

Today I'm going to do a review of  the Accessorize Intense Colour lip gloss as I have been loving it lately! 

The colour of the gloss is called Spark and is a strawberry/raspberry colour, which really stands out on the lips. The pigmentation is really good for a gloss, it's almost a liquid lipstick! There is no glitter or shimmer or sparkle in this which for me is great.

The formula is quite thick but not at all sticky, and has a lovely scent to it. Almost vanilla but for me, more like custard cream biscuits! The colour applies evenly and smoothly, plus it doesn't settle into the fine lines in your lips. 

The lasting power is also great as it lasts around 1-2 hours, but even when it does come off a slight raspberry tinge is left which is really pretty.

The packaging is also something I think is pretty, I mean some may hate it but I don't. I think it stands out from the crowd with the leopard print and rose lid which like I said I think is cute. The wand of the lip gloss is a doe foot applicator which I am not bothered about, I neither love or hate it. But I do like the fact it seems to just get the right amount of product on the applicator. 

So if you cant tell, I really like this! Plus when I last checked it was 1/2 in Superdrug. 

Have you tried anything from Accessorize?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x

Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub

Hey guys!

Another Lush product review today, which probably wont be a surprise if you've read my blog before since I really love Lush :D 

Now I'm sure you Lush fans out there would have already heard about the Lush lip scrubs. But for those that haven't they are basically a mix of fair trade sugar and moisturising castor oil, which you scrub into your lips to remove cracked dry skin.  I have very dry lips myself and they get even dryer in this current change of weather and this lip scrub has definitely made an immense improvement on them. 

There are three Lush lip scrubs to choose from Mint Julips, Sweet Lips and Bubblegum. Personally Bubblegum is my favourite as it smells delicious but it tastes delicious too! When using the lip scrub all you have to do is rub it into your lips with your fingers and then just lick it off. It's perfectly safe to eat since the scrub is made from castor sugar.  It is quite abrasive and can leave your lips feeling sore if used too often, so I choose just to use it every morning and occasionally in the evening before I go to bed. After I've scrubed my lips I just apply some lip balm and tada! Soft and smooth lips.

In short, I adore this product and now will never go without it! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has trouble with dry, chapped lips.

The Bubblegum Lip Scrub retails at £5.25 which is expensive for a small pot of sugar, but in my opinion completely worth it.

What's your favourite Lush product?

Leave me a comment,

Emily x