Drugstore Highlighter picks under £10

As you can imagine, three products that each come in under £10 each are going have a lot to say, and a lot to prove, especially when the highlighter market right now is filled with Anastasia Beverly Hills and Hourglass; both seem to be gracing thousands upon thousands of cheekbones around the world, and whether worn alone or combined, Drugstore highlighters have a lot to compete with. With two powder offerings and one cream, this trio covers it all. Makeup Revolution are such a standout brand for quality and pricing, and with two highlighters, both buttery and finely milled, you can bet that they are standard additions to my rather extensive makeup kit. The Radiance Palette from Makeup Revolution was something that I originally reviewed last year, and the same goes for the Goddess of Love Baked Highlighter, but y'know what? They're just so good, that they deserve so much more love. MakeupRevolution are still as impressive now, as they were when they first burst onto the scene with their makeup dupes and show-stopping formulations. 

Another addition, is from Boots' own brand, Seventeen, and their Skin Wow Primer (£5.99, here) is nothing short of pearly, glowy loveliness. It can be used as a primer, mixed with foundation and also used as a highlighter - for me, this is amazing as a highlight on my cheekbones. Mixed with foundation/used as a primer is asking for a sparkly, shiny face - and I have oily skin, I don't need to draw more attention to my skin when it gets shiny (I might blind someone..). I blend this onto the tops of my cheekbones after foundation, and it just gives a beautiful iridescent glow, and when I blend a little Goddess of Love (£4.99, here) on top, you can bet that there is some major fleek. Serious fleek. All the fleek. 

The Radiance Palette (£8, here) consists of three shades; Breathe, Exhale and Glow, all of which are perfectly pretty and gorgeous, though I would only use two on my cheekbones. I would use Glow (the more bronze shade) as either a bronzer, or even as an eyeshadow, as who doesn't love a multitasking product? Breathe and Exhale are shimmering champagne shades, with Exhale being the lightest and Breathe having a little more of a darker pigment, making it a highlighter for a medium skin tone. Exhale is the choice for paler ladies, much like myself, and I think that Glow would look gorgeous on pretty much anyone, although darker skin tones will definitely have a bronze glow to their cheekbones if they use it; if I used it on my cheekbones, I think I would look like I'd had a rather large makeup mishap! Which one of these have taken your fancy? Or are there any more Drugstore highlighters that I should be having a look at? 

From the top: Seventeen's Skin Wow Primer, Makeup Revolution's Goddess of Love Baked Highlighter, and MR's Radiance Palette in Breathe, Exhale and Glow. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks with swatches.

So Valentine's Day, eh? As much as I love a good celebration day, it can be a bit much. Red fluffy hearts, massive teddy bears and too much chocolate. I think I can get onboard with loads of chocolate, but would anyone else just rather have a good lipstick? Or makeup... give me all the makeup, regardless of the occasion. Birthday, Christmas, Valentine's Day... Easter? Humpday? Seriously, I'll just take it all. I'll pass on the teddy bears (unless they're shaped like dinosaurs) and red fluffy hearts... because why?! Yeah, I'm not really soppy... more romantic, in a kind of 'find a vaguely amusing and slightly offensive Valentine's day card and cackle endlessly in the Tesco card aisle'. So yes, in my effort to be less soppy and more romantic, I've decided to do a post on something every girl needs. Lipstick. And who better to show off, than Urban Decay? Whether creamy, matte or sheer... Urban Decay know how to do a lipstick. So for Valentine's Day, it's a battle between nude/pink and a pink/red... I already have a few firm favourites, so where does your heart lie in this matter? You can shop all of the colours that strike you from UrbanDecay.co.uk and maybe even leave the page open, on a certain shade... 'because, you know, these things are available from Debenhams, John Lewis... numerous places... *hint hint* *wink wink*

I thought that, going into this, the dark colours would have me. I love a good dark lipstick, so Manic*  and Fiend* were my first impression favourites, but I have to say that Naked* and Turn On* were a massive surprise. Whereas I think Obsessed* is the kind of colour that I'm not confident enough to pull off... a bright almost Barbie pink, that I applaud other people for wearing, but for me, I'd have to blot it down and make it seem more of a stain; otherwise, I'm not sure if I'd wear it outside of my house (let me know what you think it looks like on, below). 

But as you can see, the swatches on the back of my hand, and the lip swatches are fairly the same, but it's always nice to see them on, isn't it? My lips are quite pigmented, so finding lipsticks that can give the impression of 'My lips, only better' is a massive win, as I don't know, some days it's just reassuring to wear a natural lipstick, as I think it gives me a bit of a boost. Naked is the perfect nude lip, a really soft peachy pink that just looks so gorgeous on. Fiend is a deeper, nude pink mauve shade, one that I actually really love the look of... a total win as the original swatch stole my heart. I think it does swatch lighter for some, but I think my pigmented lips are making it a bit darker. Obsessed, like I mentioned earlier, is a super bright pink, ridiculously pigmented and beautiful in looks that other people have worn. I think it looks okay on me... but someone else would totally rock this look! Turn On is the darker of the pinks, a fuchsia shade that is so ridiculously pigmented that you need one swipe, and that's it! Manic is the last, and it's just so stunning. A soft wine shade that is just so beautiful slicked on at full force, or whether patted down and worn as a stain, it's just gorgeous. 

So far, I'm leaning either towards Naked or Manic for the big V-Day celebration, and by that, I mean day in work, and then back home to watch Netflix. Maybe Manic for the day with customers, and then a softer nude, like Naked for a night in? Hmmm. Let me know what you guys think I should choose! 

From left, the Revolution Lipsticks are; Turn On, Obsessed, Manic, Fiend and Naked.

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Fiend.

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Obsessed. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Turn On. 

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Manic. 

Flamingo Jar Candles

I'm just going to put this out there. These are amazing. I think I may actually prefer them to my Yankee Candles, as they don't give off such a dark, sootiness to them... if you know what I mean? Like the jar isn't blackened and dirty? That may just be the soy wax, but I'm not quite certain. Anyway! The scent of Pink Lemonade (here), Lemon Curd (here) and Cinnamon Sticks (sadly no longer available) are just beautiful. True to the name, not artificial smelling at all... and so far, after many, many hours or burning, I'm yet to make a real dent in any of them. I've been burning Pink Lemonade for days and days, and it's only just reached the top of the flamingo's head... so far, I'm very impressed. As well as being completely organic and a delight to burn, they're made in Britain (woo Wales), so I'm representing the Brits by burning one of these beauties. 

The Glass Jar Candles by Flamingo Candles are some of the best, and probably, some of the most beautiful. Bright or pastel, these colours and scents are a delight for the senses, with a whimsical flamingo on each jar in different shades, they really are a fabulous addition to any room. My Pink Lemonade is currently sat on my windowsill, illuminating and creating a warm glow as I work... I don't think there's anything better, on a chilly night, where the wind is howling, than snuggling up and having a candle burn, encasing the home in the scent. 

I fell in love with Pink Lemonade when I went to Blenheim Palace last year, and since then, I always find myself craving it, so what can be better than a candle to ease my need for it? It's sweet, not artificial, with a gentle lull of strawberries and lemon. Smells like a warm Summer day, when I have a drink in my hand and I'm lying on a beach. Heavenly. Lemon Curd is another favourite of mine. Sweet yet zesty lemon with a hint of vanilla... gorgeous, no matter what time of day. Fresh but warm and comforting. A gorgeous scent. And lastly, Cinnamon Sticks; a festive scent that's warm and spicy, a blend of spices that makes you crave mulled wine and a mince pie... perfect for cold weather and snuggles underneath a blanket. At £12 each, these are considerably cheaper than my previous favourites, Yankee Candles, and with much cuter jars in my opinion. These seem more.. homely, like something you would put homemade chutney in or something. I love how sweet they are. 

I've got my eye on a few (dozen) candles that I think will be sneaking their ways into my next order, such as these food themed ones: Raspberry and Salted Caramel (here), Macaroon and Almond High Tea (here), Créme Brûlée (here) as well as some cocktail drink themed ones: Mojito Cocktail (here), Cucumber and Melon (here), Thai Lime and Mango (here), Strawberries and Champagne (here) and Tropical Coconut Milk and Honey (here). Basically anything food or drink related.. and I'm there. Do you have any scents that I simply have to try? 

Valentine's Day: Aromatherapy Associates Bath and Shower Oils

The thing that I think I love most about bath oils, aside from how luxurious they are, is that they're not meant for just one type of person. We usually lump people who wear makeup into one category, those who don't into another, those who style their hair with loads of products, those who don't... those who look after their skin and those who go all au natural... so the thing with bath oils is that you can be the person who uses them religiously, or just once upon a time... they're just there, ready and waiting for you, should you ever feel the need for a relaxing moment. It doesn't matter if you're like me, who loves a good oily bath, and cannot go into Lush without buying anything... or if you're like my mum, who soaks her troubles away, and only uses the good oils for when she wants a treat. Alternatively, maybe you're like my dad. My dad isn't one to care about skincare or anything like that, but if his knee is bad (he had a knee replacement last year) then he'll feel no shame in spending some time letting the heat ease his pain, and if he happens to do that in a bath the smells like lavender or peppermint, I don't think he minds. 

That's what I love about Aromatherapy Associates. They're not specific to one type of person, or even gender, it's about relaxation, whether in the shower, or in the bath. These were two little purchases from an after Christmas sale, and I adore that they come in a little package, but that doesn't mean that a trio of oils such as this set, are any less of a small gift (if you're not really doing presents/big gifts like my boyfriend and I). Whether you're buying something for your partner, friend or family member, I think the present of relaxation and calm (totally what these oils bring) is a wonderful gift for anyone. And don't let someone saying 'I don't like bath oils' fool you, in my experience, they don't like the idea, and therefore aren't willing to try. I've won over many family members by basically shoving one of these oils in their face, and then telling them to get back to me for blog 'research'. Y'know what? They all loved them. 

Little baubles of oil are usually a seasonal thing, but there are still some sets to be found, such as this Skin and Body Ritual gift set and this Perfect Partners set. Aromatherapy Associates have a fantastic page here full of gifts that I think anyone would love to receive (especially me!), so if you want to give a little present of luxury this Valentine's Day, perhaps run a bath, light a candle and indulge in some bath oil? If it's a romantic feel that you want, have one together! If not, then a bath followed by some Netflix is always a winner by me!

(btw this isn't a sponsored post, I just have too much love for AA bath oils)

Kiko Milano Cream Crush Eyeshadows

In my first Kiko Milano purchase, I thought I'd play it safe and go for cream eyeshadows, because how wrong could they be? Well, they're not bad. Scratch that, they're amazing. Pigmented, creamy and super blendable in two colours that are so beautiful that I had the girl serving me in the store, look around for them, because I wanted them so much. 04 Mat Taupe and 06 Pearly Chocolate are just so beautiful. They translate from pot to swatch really well, and when worn they just look fabulous. I loved the idea of a matte cream shadow, so 04 was a perfect choice: Taupe is such a universal shade, that I think would look beautiful on every skintone, and what starts out as super creamy, dries to a long-lasting matte that just looks so good... I don't know if I can really say how amazing it is. With a champagne shade on the inner corner, and a slightly darker shade blended into a crease...it looks beautiful, and trust me, you don't need a lot of this, a little touch of this is all that you need to create an effortless look.

06 Pearly Chocolate is a shimmering bronze that blends out to a beautiful smokey eye with so little effort, and you don't even need to add a shadow on-top, it's a cream that has it's own shadows and highlights. Basically a pot that can take you from day to night with one shadow brush... or two, if you wanted to make sure that the edges are blended out. Kiko Milano opened a shop in Cardiff and trust me, I was so excited I almost ripped my boyfriends arm off, dragging him into the store. Seeing everything laid out perfectly was I think, something beauty enthusiasts dream about. Of course, everything being in stock is another element to that dream... but we can't all win, can we? But at £6.90 for such a fantastic product, I think it feels like a win - especially as Kiko, for me, was a brand that I could only use if I ordered online. Sometimes, I just prefer swatching in store. The pigment and formula are so important, and with these, there is no disappointment. And you know what's even better? These shadows are on offer right now! At £3.40, these are absolute bargains! 

January Monthly Favourites 2016

I think monthly favourites are some of my favourite posts to read and write, mainly because I'm extremely nosy and just love to see what other people are loving. There's a mix of products from the 'drugstore' or from the chemist, and those which are a bit higher end and I had to send for. But that doesn't make them any less amazing, let me tell you. 

Estée Lauder's Double Wear Light foundation is a light, glowy base that is just perfect for when you want coverage that's not too heavy or full on, and it's been one of my favourite base products for the past few weeks. It comes in a squeeze tube, which I think is wonderful, as you can bet that I'll be using up every single bit of this goodness until I buy another tube... yes, it's just that good. Next up we've got Seventeen's Stay Time Concealer which is a little bit too pale (even for me, that's saying something) but looks so beautiful on the skin when I use a paler foundation (I think it looks a bit light when I use a more neutral foundation) and really helps to make my skin look flawless, as well as covering under eye circles fairly well. Too Faced's Milk Chocolate Soliel Bronzer is my go-to matte bronzer right now; something that warms up my skin without making me look orange, a bit task with pale skin I find. Plus the smell is every chocoholics dream. Dusted onto the skin, it makes me look more alive and less like a member of the living dead - basically it just reminds me that I need a holiday. For blusher I have been turning to Hourglass' Ambient Lighting Blusher in Dim Infusion, a marbled mix of blush and their Ambient Lighting powder, making this compact super glowy and so easy to dab onto the apples of the cheeks; giving you a glow with the most minimal amount of effort. Such a win for me! Lastly for the base, it's one of my favourite highlighting powders ever, Makeup Revolution's Goddess of Love Highlighter, and it's just everything. I've told so many people to buy it, because it's just the perfect baked highlight, and they totally agree with me. We can't all be wrong, right? 

Anastasia Beverly Hills' Dip Brow Pomade is a favourite regardless of the month, or time of year, it's just such an amazing brow product - one that I definitely feel that I cannot be without. It's lasted for so, so long and I've barely made a dent. A product well worth the £15/16 price tag. Next up, a product that most beauty addicts have at least one of, and it's a Mac Paint Pot, mine is the in shade Bare Study, a soft champagne gold that is the perfect shade as a base, as well as illuminating the inner corner of the eye. It lasts for ages on the eyelids, even with my oily ones, and holds shadows on top so well. I never really find mascara's that wow me, unless it's L'Oreal's Telescopic Lash Mascara, which I actually have no words for... god I loved that mascara, sadly it's almost impossible to get anymore (*cries*), but this one is actually doing rather well. It's L'Oreal's Volume Millions Mascara in waterproof, and it's actually keep my eyelashes curled, which is a rare thing, believe me. It does however smudge a little, but I can overlook that as I like it so much. Lastly, is Clinique's Lip Pop Lipstick in Nude Pop, a stunning soft beige pinky nude shade that moisturises like a dream. I am a huge, huge fan of this entire Clinique range so I'm very excited whenever I use one, plus it stay for ages, and wears away so evenly too. 

What are your favourites this month? 

Handcare with Jurlique #Jurliquehands

At the start of a new month, I wanted to share something special to me. Not only handcare, and not only Jurlique, but the hands of my mum and I (in the first picture above). I can go on and on about how amazing hands are, what they go through and how we need to protect them, but that doesn't have the same personal touch, does it? So, i'm going to talk a little about me, and my mum... and about why #Jurliquehands was really special for us. Firstly, the video is here and I really recommend that you watch it. It's about one minute long, but there was something really emotional about it, and it really struck a cord in my family. Hands are so underrated. They really are. They do almost everything, and they bare the brunt of that on their appearance. I'm not saying that hands are ugly, not at all, as hands tell a story.

I try and look after my hands, as they always say that you can tell a person's age by their hands. I've always been one to carry hand cream around with me, and smother it on at night. My mum is on of those occasional wearers of hand cream; hands in and out of water all day, cooking, cleaning etc, all of the typical mum things, and whilst I try and do the best that I can, I still feel like her hands haven't been given enough love and care. So when I give her a manicure, I slather on some Jurlique hand cream, in whatever scent she fancies, and then it suddenly seems to brighten her up. My mum has done a lot for me. She's raised me and my older brother whilst my dad worked, until she went back to work herself; she made some of the best food that I've ever tasted, and she's been my comfort whether I've been sick, or upset... or just needed my mum. She's also been there to have a cup of tea with and sing the Pitch Perfect 2 soundtrack at. She's helped me build furniture and clean my University rooms, and she's been the reassuring voice at the end of the phone whenever I needed advice. My mum's hands tell a story of a life of hard work, of love and of family. Yes, they've also told tales of immense sadness and loss, which makes them strong and wise. Her hands are something that I love about her. They know, almost automatically how to make things and although they bare scars of cooking, cleaning and work, they make her who she is.

All she sees are broken nails, skin that can be smoother and a few scars from cooking, but what I see are the strongest hands, and the strongest person that I know. So when I asked my mum about being a hand model for me, she resisted at first... scared of showing her hands to the world, but I told her that it was about sharing experiences. So we both moisturised our hands, and took a few pictures, and then proceeded to keep moisturising our hands for the next few days, and now I think I've given my mum a new habit. At least it's a pretty good one to have. Plus, the scent of Jasmine wafts around any room that she's in, which is so wonderful.

Since I started thinking about Jurlique and #Jurliquehands it's made me realise just how much hands go through, and what mine go through too. They create, mend, caress, touch and so much more... how amazing is that? I think they're absolutely wonderful, so why not give them the best hand cream out there? I've been a massive fan of Jurlique's hand creams ever since my first one, so the Collection * was the ultimate step in my hand cream obsession. Rose, Citrus, Lavender and Jasmine, four scents that can calm you, no matter what mood you're in - for me, Rose and Citrus are the ones, though I do like to occasionally mix it up and put Lavender or Jasmine in my bag, so that I can take some of my favourite creams with me wherever I go.

What's your hand story? And what creams do you use to keep them looking their best?