Collection Makeup Haul and Swatches

Everyone likes a good haul, don't they? I certainly do, and these products don't let me down at all. It was a haulage totally inspired by the amazing Vicki from Let's talk beauty (here) as she posted about the amazing Eyes Uncovered Palette in Nude Bronze (Currently £2.99, here) as well as the Work the Colour Lip Butter (£2.99, here), so I though... yes, I need. While I was there, a few other bits and pieces caught my eye, because you know... two of them were sparkly and the other... well, who doesn't love a good natural palette? I certainly do, and I know a good amount of bloggers that cannot say no to another neutral palette, because we cane never have too many, right? Especially when the formula's are amazing, and at less than £5 each, they're a steal - so if you're in the market, I say go for it. Seriously, the swatches will sway you. 

This is only going to be a quick little post, so the swatches aren't as amazing as I'd like them to be, but I'm sure once they get a post, all on their own, those eyeshadow palettes will sell themselves. Currently, they were just swatched to show the difference between the two palettes, as well as the lip butter and glitter eyeliners. The eyeshadows are lovely and soft on application, and whereas the Nude Palette is matte, the Nude Bronze Palette includes shimmer, so based on mood, you can go for either, or even mix and match - as although the second palette has that slightly more copper based set of colours, they would look divine blended into the crease and lash line of a champagne/taupe matte base. Plus, for £2.99 each, at the moment, these are a steal for less than £10, and there's still a bit left over to purchase a gorgeously soft lip butter. The shade is Vintage Rose and that colour is totally up my street - I do love a good classic deep pink, especially with a formula that just glides on the lips. I'm very impressed, and definitely looking into the two other shades.

Last, but not least, are my two Collection Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liners in Va Va Voom (the turquoise, almost teal blue with glitter) and Dig It (the gold with glitter) (£2.99, here) and these two just bring a bit of sparkle to any look, and combined with a simple eyeshadow, these certainly pop. Who doesn't love a bit of glitter, after all? What are your most Collection purchases? Has anything from their new releases caught your eye? 

Top row is the Collection Uncovered Palette in Nude, and on the bottom is Collection's Uncovered Palette in Nude Bronze. Both well pigmented, and a very good array of pale/light neutral shades on top before starting with a soft champagne, copper and gold on the bottom. 

In the below picture, the top row is the Uncovered Palette in Nude - which continues on with soft taupe colours before going into a darker brown, which makes a good change from having a charcoal/black. On the bottom row we have the Uncovered Palette in Nude Bronze, as we can see them darkening into bronze and rust esc shades. 

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream Review

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream is my first foray into fancy eye creams, as I've always usually bought them from the Una Brennan shelf in Boots but this, I felt, was a trusted purchase as I've read so much about it from other bloggers. There was a lot of hooplah when it first came out, and yes it was very impressive, but I'm always a bit wary of skincare as my skin is really sensitive - I like to see if bloggers are still loving it, a few months after the hype has died down. They were. Numerous bloggers, who I trust loved it, so I thought 'Hey, I need a new eye cream. Where's my nearest counter?' - the answer to that, was miiiiiles away, so I ordered it online before Christmas along with some other purchases, most of which were presents for other people. But, it's always a stressful period of the year, so why not treat myself to something lovely?

After using this for about three months, I finally feel that I can talk about it and give it a somewhat well rounded opinion; I know it doesn't look like I've used a lot, but I literally use a touch under each eye, morning and night, and that suits me perfectly fine. Origins GinZing eye cream is said to brighten and de-puff, and goodness knows, I could use all the help I can get in that department - as I have bad, hereditary dark circles, as well as puffiness when I haven't slept well enough. So this was a rather calculated buy, after consulting some fabulous blogging ladies on Twitter. With the combination of caffeine, Ginseng and Magnolia as well as optic brighteners, this claims to brighten and de-puff with wonderful results which I can agree with. There was a brightness and a certain amount of de-puffery going on, but for me, who looks like I've been punched under both eyes, it didn't make me go 'Wow, I look more awake and bright', instead I thought 'Huh, I must have slept better than I thought' and to me, that is far more important, even though they kinda sound like the same thing (must be the wording). It makes me think that I've had more sleep, slept better and awoken brighter as I'd much rather believe that it looks like I've had more sleep, rather than something simply disguising what I really look like when I wake up.

When I wake up, to the brightness of the light, I have a mirror placed right on my windowsill, so I can look at my skin before I can do anything to change its appearance. Using this does make me look healthy and less vampire like, which with pale skin and dark under eyes, I look like an unhealthy vampire at that. Like in the Vampire Diaries when they have yet to eat... yeah, it's kinda that bad. But anyway, the formula of this is somewhat thin but creamy, as I do think some creams can overpower the under eye, as well as some that don't moisturise it at all - for me, it's all about finding a good balance between not too much, and not too little. But this one, is juuuuust right (and yes, I did just make a Goldie Locks and the Three Bears reference). It sinks into the sink so well, as doesn't feel like it's just sitting there - it leaves the under eye area looking and feeling moisturised, as although I have oily/combination skin, I always think that my under eyes and chin are quite dry, so they do need a bit more moisture and love, than other parts of my face. If only I could use my facial oil on my under eyes, but that would just ...not be good. Too heavy and possibly even a breakout. Oh, that sounds ugly. 

It does say that this GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream is primarily to be used in the morning, to brighten and de-puff, but I do really like to use it at night as well, as its light texture does leave my skin looking moisturised, which I really do love. I'm not the only one that worries about fine lines around my eyes already, right? It's not that I'm scared for them to come, but I'd like to keep them hydrated and happy for as long as possible, before they start to weave their story on my face. Maybe when I'm older, I'll switch to perhaps a little something thicker, heavier in the night, but for now, this does very well on my skin. It also has that little citrusy smell to it, which when combined with the brightness of the orange packaging, just makes me think of tropical climes, and how I want to be there. 

I've noticed that through my research, the reviews do show a demographic of people using it, aged 20-30, more so than any other age group, which would lead me to think that this is kind of a transition eye cream, something to keep you looking lovely and bright, in your 20s before perhaps going onto something thicker, and more targeted at fine lines etc. Although I have read older women/men using it, it just seems to be especially popular with 20-30 year olds, which I think says a lot about the formula and its results. It looks quite pink in the pot (which has a screw lid, making it so easy to take around with you) but don't be scared by the colour, as if anything, it slightly disguises dark circles, as the pinky formula contrasts with the deep purple/blue of under eye circles. At £23 (here), I would say it's a bit pricy for an under eye cream, but I don't mind spending a bit more money on skincare, as I get older, because I only have one face/body, right? So why not pay that little bit more? It's not to say that the high street doesn't do wonderful eye creams, but based on what I had read, this suited my needs and to be honest, I'd been wanting to try it for a good long while. I'm really very impressed with it, for what my skin needs now that I'm 23 - now if only there was a magic cream to make my dark circles go away completely, instead of battling with them, and making the area seem more awake. Now that, would be amazing. Do you have any skincare from Origins? Have you tried any of the GinZing range? 

Makeup Revolution Goddess of Love Highlighter

I have seriously wanted this highlighter so much for the past few months, but I wanted to see its fabulousness in person, before ordering online. But thankfully, in the amazing Superdrug Beauty Studio in Cardiff, they have the most wonderful Makeup Revolution stand, so I immediately bought it when I saw that there was not only a tester, but several of the highlighters that I wanted. So yay! Look at it though, isn't it beautiful? It just reminds me of long, lazy Summer days, where mostly everyone has a glow about them, from the warmth and joy that season brings - I wanted Summer to come early, because it's cooooold and, basically, it was another excuse to have this highlighter.

I'm a huge fan of Makeup Revolution, and they seem to be going from strength to strength recently, which I cannot explain how much I love. It's a proper bloggers brand. They are super friendly on Twitter and Instagram, always chatting to fans of the products and that's something I really, really admire. If only all brands were like that. Some of my favourite brands are, but others... not so much. But back to this wonderful highlighter. Goddess of Love - even the name makes me think, 'Yeah, I will totally have that kinda glow that makes me look stunning and be the envy of everyone'. It works in theory. As I wore it, people said that I looked really healthy and glowy, and then I promptly pointed them in the direction of Makeup Revolution, and coerced a few orders, in which this was a star purchase...so, not necessarily the envy of everyone if they're already wearing it, but for those who don't have it... look out, I'm coming at you, and pointing you in the direction of Goddess of Love.

It's just gorgeous, and with a Too Faced esc (here) look about it, it looks and feels, far more expensive than it is. To me, the quality as well as the packaging, exceeds far more than the £4.99 I paid for it as it just gives the term 'glowing from within' a run for its money, as that can be totally faked. It's a subtle glow, one that I don't restrict only to the cheekbones with a powder blush brush. For me, it's applied all over the face with a Real Techniques Powder Brush (£12.99, here), in light airy strokes, with particular attention paid to the tops of my cheekbones and my t-zone - anywhere the sunlight would hit if I were to sunbathe. It makes skin look super healthy, and is such a fantastic way to cheat if you're feeling under the weather, or if your makeup is looking a bit flat. Once applied, I find that it lasts all day, and the soft champagne esc colour gives such a gentle, natural glow that I think would look fab on any skin colour. I will say to start off with light, airy strokes as more could definitely be added to make you look super dewy and more gorgeous than you are, already. It may look quite shimmery in the pan, but when applied, it looks very natural, and I for one have been wearing it everyday for the past week or so. I can't wait to try this when I get a teeny bit of a tan this year, as no only can it be used on the face, but I take it down to my collarbone as well - especially on an evening out. Glowing from within shouldn't just be restricted to your face, so a subtle dust with the same powder brush can not only give you a little boost, but it'll have people wondering what your secret is. I am terrible at keeping secrets - obviously, as otherwise I'd be keeping this little beauty all to myself ;) Have you tried any Makeup Revolution products? Will you be trying their Goddess of Love Highlighter?

REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial and Giveaway.

Hello my lovelies, this is my first giveaway in a while, and I wanted to thank my lovely followers for sticking with me, for the past month or so, as I have been so busy, and then I was in a car accident, which has really left me for worse, pain wise - nothing's broken though. Aside from some damage to my right wrist, shoulder and back, I'm surviving, but blogging has taken a bit of a backseat as I can't type as quickly as I could before, so this is taking a good while, with my left hand. But enough of that, let's talk about this little beauty, and then the giveaway! Excited? I certainly am.

After a bit of hassle with the delivery, I was so excited as soon as this landed in my hands as I'd read so much about it (can I say gonna be cult product?), but you know the weird thing about it? It's activated by water. I know it says that on the tube, but it's weeeeird. Like, you put it on your face, moisten your fingertips and massage your skin... it's so strange, but it works. I think it's the Vitamin C that leaves me skin looking quite glowy and smooth, and there's that citrus smell that is just always an amazing thing, in my books. It's not something to use all the time - about once a week or so, I've been using it, so the tube is going to last me a good while. Which is pretty good, as although it is £32 for a 75ml tube (I ordered mine from Marks & Spencer, here) it is going to last, otherwise I wouldn't be as impressed with it, as I am. I think the main thing, with the product, is getting over the oddness of it's application, as well as the idea of leaving it on for 1 minute, before taking it off. It's nothing like I've ever tried before, so REN for me, have completely revolutionised the way in which I give myself a facial, which takes a good 10 minutes or so, with various amounts of products used. This REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial is a bit of an odd product, as I suppose you don't really know what to expect until you try it, which is perhaps why I was slightly weary about it when I ordered it, but it has totally set my mind at ease. Not only does it have that gorgeous, sleek REN packaging, but it does what it says it will, and that's give you some glowy, healthy looking skin. So much so, I noticed a difference after the first use and I've recommended it to anyone that needed a bit of a rejuvenation, in terms of skincare.

From what I've read, it's appropriate for all skin types, except for those that are really quite sensitive, so I'd suggest a patch test before purchasing; generally behind your ear, or on your wrist. What I did was pop into M&S, dab a little behind my ear, and have a stroll around for a few hours if you're in a shopping mood, and then check to see if there was a reaction, using a well placed mirror and natural light. The formula doesn't seem too heavy or harsh on the skin, and I've really enjoyed using it.  Combined with my other little pieces of REN skincare, such as their Hot Cloth Cleanser, Daily Supplements Moisturiser and Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask, this Flash Facial is doing my skin a world of good, and I am so excited that someone else gets to try it!

As for the rules, I'll ship this internationally, so all you lovelies out there have the chance of winning it :) Good luck, and I'll be checking all the entries when the giveaway finishes on the 22nd of March.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Maybelline Superstay 7 Days Nail polish in Golden Brown

This is going to be a favourite, I can tell. A rose gold/bronze shade that is gorgeous worn on the nails, and combined with the amazing formula of Maybelline's Super Stay 7 Days Gel Nail colour in Golden Brown (£4.49, here), this polish is one to definitely keep an eye out for in the upcoming warmer weather. To me, it seems like the kind of colour that is really reminiscent of a hotter climate, where you go on an adventure and discover things; whether it's something small, like a restaurant that has blown your mind, or some ruins that leave you wondering about when it was built. I love polishes that invoke a memory, or an idea, and whenever you wear it, you're transported right back to that time. For me, this will be packed in my suitcase for my trip to Turkey, in May - imagine me, under my sun hat, with a slight tan, and rose gold on my fingertips. There's something about metallic polish that makes me think it'd be amazing on every skintone, and combined with the formula, it'd be five, maybe even seven glorious days of rosey metallic wonder. 

One of the amazing things about Maybelline's nail polishes, especially their Super Stay range, is not only the formula and range of colours, but the width of the brush, which covers the nail in two swipes, meaning even the most challenged with polish (ie me with a busted right hand) can even have a fabulous manicure with very minimal effort. I love that! Especially when combined with the drying time, which I think is super fast - so you can basically paint your nails, two coats, and a top coat and be out the door in 20 minutes. Seriously, I had to do that: my nails needed a bit of oomf, so I painted this on as quickly as I could, gave it a second coat, just to get the full colour payoff, top coated it using my Seche Vite - which I would say takes the most drying time, as I don't want it to smudge on my way out the door. I for one, am a huge fan of Maybelline's polishes, and this Super Stay offering does no where near disappoint. Well done Maybelline, you beauty. 

My Instagram Month - February.

February may be the shortest month, but it's certainly not been dull. I've been trying out new things, re-reading old blog posts, writing new ones and pouting that I cannot continue with writing more blog posts, as my right arm is in a splint, due to being in a car accident, a few days ago (see this picture here). It's very difficult to type with my left hand, which is why this is taking so long to write out but you know what's more difficult than typing with my left hand? Brushing my teeth, showering and eating. Eating risotto with my left hand, last night, was a nightmare. Pesky little grains. But other than that, I've been trying to be positive this month. There was a week of pug-sitting (two of them, so it's double the mischievousness), my first Valentine's Day with my boyfriend, and just general adoring  of Pinterest and blogs. It's also been a rather Lush centric month or so, as I seem to have become obsessed with their products. I did a collective Lush post here, so everyone can see how much I love them. Not only that, I'll be off to their Cardiff store for an event on Monday, should my arm/back/neck being okay enough to go - but it's also the day I go back to work, so we shall have to see. I'll probably update via my Twitter (@ohkalukalay), should there be anything going on.

What has your February been like? You can keep up to date with my Instagram, here.

A collective Lush Cosmetics Haircare post

My newest purchases from Lush, featuring some amazing haircare, as well as some seasonal bath products and a bath bomb made for dry skin. Read about it here. 

The only hair mask that, for me, soothes my irritated scalp and gives a spicy kick of moisture back into my hair. Read about it here. 

A hair moisturiser that needs no introduction, but I'm going to give it a small one, anyway. This will last ages, and your hair will love it. Read it here. 

My first adventure into Lush haircare, and how my hair was reacting to the change from silicon products to all natural goodness. Read about it here. 

Rediscovering Lush at their event in Cardiff, and the goodie bag that reignited my forgotten love for them and their products. Read about it here.