Everyday 'What I put on my face' Makeup products.

I'm always very curious about what bloggers put on their faces each day. Do they stick to primarily high end products, drugstore/chemist products, or do they mix and match? I think the world of drugstore/chemist brands is better than ever, and getting stronger with each release. With Nyx in Boots and Sleek in Superdrug, these brands are more accessible than ever, making me question whether I really need to spend £20 + on a product when there is surely a dupe, or a similar product for less than half the price in my local chemist. With brands churning out amazing product after after product, it makes the makeup world more accessible to those with smaller budgets, and it's sprouting a new wave of beauty lovers and bloggers, who can afford to blog about the products they love without having to pinch a lot of pennies, or worry about the bills that are coming in. These products are a mixture of higher end, and those drugstore products that I cannot be without... plus some rather special appearances from some of my newest Nyx purchases. Read on to see more!

I think it was Nikkie from Nikkie Tutorials, the amazing Youtube makeup artist that first got me interested in foundation sticks again. Hers was from Makeup Forever, but when I saw the Mineral Foundation Stick from Nyx, I knew it had to be in my life! Easy to apply, even easier to blend, and with Nyx's amazing show of shades, this product doesn't leave darker skin tones out in the cold like numerous other brands do. It applies like a pan stick, with good coverage that still allows skin to show through, making it a medium coverage with the option of leaving skin to look natural and glowy, or go for a more full on look. I bought this in the lightest shade, and it's a tad too light for me (pale skin people rejoice!) but I've taken to warming up my skin tone with a bit of bronzer these days, just so I don't look like a ghost compared to those that have been on holiday, or have just spent some time out in the sunshine. Two other Nyx additions were one of their Eye Crayons in the shade Yoghurt, and Matte Lipstick in the shade Eurotrash; the former a soft champagne colour and the latter a more brown nude rose - such a good shade to use for a neutral glam look. I'm so impressed with the formulation and colour payoff, and the fact that there's a biiiiig stand of it in my local Boots excites me endlessly. 

Swatches for the Matte Lipstick in Eurotash, Eye Crayon in Yoghurt and Mineral Foundation Stick in 01 Fair.

It's not really a makeup post by me unless I include a little Estée Lauder, is it? I know, I have an obsession, but their Illuminating Perfecting Primer is one of the most glowy bases out there, perfect for creating luminous skin without a great deal of effort. I'm all about lazy makeup these days, i.e. makeup that doesn't take a great deal of blending or work, making it perfect for long Summer days when you just want to sit outside, with sunglasses, and a cocktail. Ahhhhh Summer. Combining this primer with Nyx's Mineral Foundation creates a really glowy, dewy base with a medium coverage, making it a real go-to for me when I can't be bother to go for a full on makeup look. It's natural, but with coverage... kinda the perfect duo for me right now. Another base product with serious clout is the Sleek Contour kit in light, which is a really good twosome of products, which includes a contour and highlight, with a huge mirror, for contouring on the go or just for touchups - or making that contour seriously amazing. This Sleek kit and the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow are two that I switch out, and use everyday, depending on how fancy I'm feeling - and to be honest, there isn't that much difference between them, although I do find the Sleek Contour a little darker for my skin, so perfect if I'm using more bronzer. 

One other love of my life right now is the Collection Nude Eyeshadow Palette called Eyes Uncovered, and it's such a simple palette - but that is what makes it so usable. Six shades that range from a soft, almost bone esc shade, right through to champagne, taupe and to a deeper almost ebony colour. It's a bargain of a palette, a real must have for beauty enthusiasts, whether you're mainly drugstore, high end or a collection of both. You need their wonderful palettes in your life. Sticking to eye products, and it's one of my all time favourite mascaras; the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara, which is all kinds of wonderful. Black, lengthening, curling and eye-opening - it's got it all going on. I remember straying from this mascara to another, and almost instantly regretting it. This combined with an eyelash curler is a duo that cannot be overlooked. As a girl whose eyelashes mainly point to the floor like a camel, this is the only thing that can keep them looking voluptuous all day long. 

And straying a little from eyes, we have they eyebrows... which are basically all everyone wants to know about these days. Fleek is the word of the moment, and eyebrows are all about being on fleek especially with Anastasia Beverly Hills' Dip Brow Pomade. I use the shade Medium brown, which is an almost perfect shade for me, but I think if my hair goes a bit lighter in the Summer sun, then I may need to apply it with a softer hand. It's such a creamy formulation, making it really easy to apply and simple to get the hang of (even my mum has taken to doing her brows with it, and she's really uncertain about it). Another thing that she's uncertain of is highlighter, but with a quick word or two, she'll let me apply it, and then just oooh and ahhh over it for the rest of the day as her cheekbones catch the light. She has killer cheekbones, so highlighting them a little bit makes them really stand out and nothing works better than MakeupRevolution's Goddess of Love Highlighter, which is pearly, glimmering goodness. Super finely milled, it looks gorgeous on the skin, no matter what age. 

Last, but not least, is another type of stick, this time it's a concealer stick from Amazing Cosmetics - their Perfection Stick, which can be used to conceal, highlight and enhance the skin. I use it to brighten up my under eyes, conceal those nasty little blemishes and contour a little down my nose and across my cheekbones, making it a wonderful multitasking product that's mess free and really suited for touch-ups on the go, or to throw in your makeup bag so it can take you from day to night. 

Wednesday Wink - my weekly blogger shoutout

Happy Hump Day my lovelies! Hope your Wednesdays are wonderful and now that's it's gone past the middle of the week, you know that it's gonna be the weekend soon! Now I work all weekend, but that isn't gonna stop me from going out and enjoying myself; that means a few drinks, food and laughing with one of my favourite people and since my boyfriend is away in America for a week, I think having some serious girlie time is exactly what I need! But I also need something else... and that's to add to my Wednesday Wink saga, with the third instalment of wonderful bloggers. You're gonna wanna follow them all, fyi ;)

We're gonna start things off with Kat from tales of a pale face, who as you can guess from the name, has beautifully pale skin and is pretty much one of my go-to's for what I should put on my equally as pale skin. Not only that, but she's got some really insightful posts, such as SEO centric post, brand new makeup and skincare, and wish lists that just make me want to buy everything! Next up is Jo from flourish and blotting who has a blog that I just love to scroll through. She writes so easily, almost as if she's having a conversation with the reader and I just really love to read her new posts when I'm snuggled up in bed with a cup of tea - plus she also posts some drool worthy food pictures on her Instagram. 

Olivia Jade from dungarees and donuts is such a positive influence on me, with posts that I find myself happily nodding along with and actually saying 'that's right' out loud, which totally confuses my boyfriend. She has a wonderful selection of posts, a mish-mash of topics that I never knew I needed in my life, and now cannot be without. Plus, she's just a massive ray of sunshine. Next up is Jemma from dorkface, the leader of one of my favourite hashtags, #thegirlgang and all around amazing lady! With a hashtag like #thegirlgang, wonderful people from all around the world have banded together to share positivity and uplift fellow bloggers, and Jemma really has nailed it with collection of beauty, lifestyle and advice posts, that make us all, me especially, to be better people. She's a star and one that will definitely brighten your day. 

My final two ladies are a duo that I really, really love. First up is Zoe from zoe newlove, a beauty blogger and makeup artist who is currently making everyone jealous by sunning it up in Ibiza, and posting far too many pictures that are making me green with envy. She's a major inspiration for my photography, as she has some serious skills, as well as the way she writes - it just makes me want to keep reading, and reading... and reading... until it's two in the morning and I'm reading her posts from July of 2012. Lastly, but not least, is the wonderful Vix from vix meldrew, who is by far one of the most hilarious, witty and goddamn awesome bloggers that I know (when I say that I know her.. I mean through stalking of blog and Instagram). She's had my boyfriend and I giggling over our dinner at her #vixswipes hashtag, but she's also the author of so many blog posts that just have me saying 'yes', 'definitely' with a lot of nodding. She's like an agony aunt for the 21st social media using, girl gang member, anti-fuck boy generation and I love it. 

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My wishful thinking 'Holiday Handbag'

This is my *sigh* I wish I was going on Holiday handbag, the one that I'd carry with me to have dinner, to have cocktails and to generally lounge the night away with. I'm not off on holiday for a long while, but I like to imagine myself on a beach somewhere, or just by a body of water, content and slathered in the right SPF with a little cocktail and lunch right around the corner. I mean that both in proximity and in time, because lunch is definitely one of the best meals of the day and whether I'm on a beach, or in work, the idea of lunch always makes me happy. 

Doesn't this clutch just say holiday? This marble effect clutch is from Primark and it needs to be taken abroad, see different sights and be set on the table next to some really wonderful food. It needs it! Okay, I might need it too... but until then, I'll give you a quick stroll through some holiday handbag essentials. Nuxe's Reve de Miel Lipbalm is an everyday must-have for me, so you can bet that I'll be carting it around Europe with me, regardless of the time of year. Chapped lips are a massive annoyance to me, so I try and keep one of these sticks with me at all times, or even the little Reve de Miel pot, which is like a little pot of liquid, honey scented gold. It saves my lips and flaky skin from being too dry for anything else to touch. Trust me, this is a must have for any handbag. Then we have one of my favourite bronzers of all time, the Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess bronzer which as well as coming in some beautiful tortoiseshell esc packaging, with a huuuuge mirror, the bronzer is equipped with it's own brush and doesn't appear too orange on the skin at all. There are so many positives about this product, I can't help but sigh dreamily at it whenever I see it.

A fragrance can sum up an entire journey, as that scent will always remind you of lazy days under the sun, or going on an adventure to somewhere new, which is why my fragrance of choice is Jo Malone's Lime Basil & Mandarin, a fresh, earthy scent that hit you with zesty fruit before balancing everything with a gentle lull of herbs. Ugh, it's one of my favourite scents of all time. Obsessed. And what better to accompany a sweet scent than fresh smelling breath? My Starbucks Spearmint Mints are ideally designed for after coffee, but I pop one whenever I feel like my breath needs a bit of freshness - perfect if you overindulge in garlic or anyone strong scented foods. The accessories can make or break an outfit, so by teaming marble with tortoiseshell (again) in the form of my sunglasses from Next, my woven 'I'm busy' floppy sunhat from Asos and a chunky pearl bracelet from Accessorize, these additions can make any outfit sing, whether it's a simple sundress or a printed kaftan - the options are endless.

What will you be including in your holiday handbag? These are what I've imagined to be in mine once I make my way to an Island at the end of September. I have high hopes for Greece, Italy or Spain, but we shall have to wait and see.

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Batiste Dry Shampoo in Marrakech

This is one of the only things that's keeping my hair in check between washes. Yes, I do have some good hair days, but for those regular days, when my hair is looking a bit lack-luster, this Batiste Dry Shampoo* has been a lifesaver. I can spray, leave my hair down, or put my hair up - depending on how long the day ahead is, and what I have planned. If it's going to be a looong hectic day, then I know that my hair is going up, but it's still gotta look reasonably nice. If I'm in a rush, or am not feeling well, then I'll throw my hair up and not care what it looks like, but that's usually when I catch sight of myself in the mirror and thinks, gosh I should have done something with my hair this morning. It would be nice to have this massive handbag, so I could cart around all of my hair tools and my makeup, so I'd look presentable at all times - but that's just not me. Plus I don't think my back would like me anymore... it doesn't need more strain, so I think that's out of the question.

On the good days, a little spritz of dry shampoo on the roots, a quick little scalp massage and then a quick run through with my fingers - then I'm good to go. It's a very quick way of keeping my hair looking fresh all day, as I do find that it may look good in the morning, and then by a few hours later, it's looking lank and just plain boring. So dry shampoo is an essential for keeping me looking presentable and tidy for the day ahead, any if my hair happens to smell really good because of the scented dry shampoos, who am I to complain? It's a subtle scent, nothing too overwhelming but fresh and a little spicy... making it the perfect accompaniment to any outfit, and pretty awesome if I forget to spritz myself with perfume before heading out this door. It's like a little scent buffer, and that's pretty damn awesome.

At £3.29, Batiste are an integral part of my haircare stash, because sometimes I really don't want to wake up really early to wash my hair, dry it and then style it. It's far too much effort. So this is the lazy girls way of getting ready without putting in tonnes of effort, plus there are numerous different scents to choose from - so that way, you can still get that extra 30 minutes of sleep whilst still having your hair smelling lovely and fresh. Win-win, right?

Wednesday Wink - my weekly blogger shoutout.

So I've decided to do this weekly addition, and it's going to be known as my 'Wednesday Wink' as in I'm tipping you the wink about which bloggers to follow and adore.... you get it? ;) Last week I posted my first blogger shoutout, and it felt really good to share the love. I want everyone who follows me to know the bloggers that inspire me, and drive me to becoming a better writer, photographer and artist. 

Celina from the celution is a Canadian blogger who always inspires me to up my photography game, whilst making me form the biggest wish lists from Sephora. Her posts about Bite Beauty, Tarte and all the lipsticks always have me pea green with envy because they're just so damn beautiful, and I need them all in my life. She swears by products that I lust after, and I trust her opinion, so you can bet that she's a massive enabler for me. 

Next up is Katie from katiedoesbeauty, a girlie that I know in real life, and since we've met, we've become this event going, pretty much bunch of besties, and it's really lovely because we can talk about blogging to each other and it makes sense. She's a Youtuber, which really inspires me, because I think it's terrifying, so I cannot be more proud of her, and all the other blogger that do that. Snapchat is scary enough for me. She's constantly upping her game with her blog and her Youtube; she's definitely one to watch! 

One of the first bloggers that I ever followed, or really ever spoke to was Amy from srslylou. She did my first ever blog design, and gave me so much confidence in the first few months of taking my blog seriously. With blog photography that's clean, simple and gorgeously effective, I can read her blog and know that everything she writes about is everything I need to have in my life. 

Stephanie from hope, freedom, love is a new favourite of mine; with her bright, airy photography, warm personality and amazing blog, I feel like I know Steph a bit more, every time I read her blog. She's getting more and more recognition and I couldn't be happier, as her blog is one of those that I love to read again and again. 

Lastly, but not least is Sarah from temporary:secretary, which I think might be one of my favourite go-to blogs of all time. Whether she's talking about cutting her own hair, the newest releases from Soap & Glory or giving me a seriously bad need to cuddle her oh-so fluffy poodle (look at this face!), I keep heading back to this blog again and again, because I know that Sarah will keep knocking it out of the park with amazing content. 

Check back next Wednesday for more of my blog lovin', and leave me any blog links please, for the future instalments of Wednesday Wink.

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The flat pack with New Look.

I'm obsessed with flat shoes at the moment, and not just any flats, lace up flats. I know that I'm incredible late to the party, as always, but I have to admit, these lace-ups are my go-to for footwear these days, regardless of outfit. It makes me think that one day I'll invest in those beautiful Aquazzura leather lace-ups that some amazing bloggers have, and they'll be a key piece that I'll wear whenever I need a staple shoe choice in my life. Without currently feeling the need to drop a few hundred on shoes, I've just been living and loving my two choices from New Look. One nude, one red - one suede effect, the other a leather effect - therefore both areas are covered, and so are both occasions. With a nude shoe, any outfit can be dressed up or dressed down - such as last night. Imagine those nude lace up points, with relaxed boyfriend jeans, a bronze-brown strappy suede top, a statement blue/white jacket and some gold/rosegold bling, all topped off with a soft grey bag. It was a good look. Casual but smart, perfect for a double date with some fabulous people. 

As for the red pair, they shone when worn with black skinny jeans and a strappy, floaty camisole and a statement scarf - it's a simple, almost minimalist style, but brightened up with a colourful touch or two. I'm a big fan of simple looks. Something I can put on, dress up slightly, and then go. I'll spend more time on my makeup than I will choosing an outfit, and that's the way I've always been, so I don't really expect that to change anytime soon; so I need key pieces that can make an outfit, and these shoes are the perfect mixture of smart, casual and just a little bit dressy (it's the laces).

I think New Look is one of my favourite destinations for shoes, as they're super stylish as well as being super comfortable - and have you seen their clothing right now? It's so amazing I have to stop myself from going in there, just so I don't leave with an entirely new wardrobe. I don't think you understand how hard this is, since I work about five shops away from it - believe me, it takes some serious will power. So, with key pieces in mind for the upcoming Summer months, these are the shoes that i'm lusting after - spot any that are catching your eye? 

This isn't a sponsored post, or even a post with pr items, I just genuinely love New Look shoes. 

Latest in Beauty BritBeautyBlogger Precious Petals Beauty Box

Happy Friday, my lovelies! And what says Friday better than a Beauty Box that simply put, has it all! I'll tell you what; there's nothing better. When this turned up on my doorstep, luckily I was already photographing other products, so I just jumped right into splaying petals all over the place and cooing over the amazing products. Of course, I already knew what was in there, but with names like L'Occitane, Melvita and Erborian, I knew that it would be love at first sight/try. And you know what? I was right. There's something so wonderfully enchanting about new skincare. It brightens my mood so much, especially as my skin has been in such a mood lately. It's been sullen, boring and just lacking in lustre, so when this arrived, I knew that my skin would get a good overhaul. 

I'm not going to lie, I think I was perhaps the most excited about the sample of L'Occitane's Divine Cream (8ml), as it's meant to be, well, diiiivine. But you know what? This sunshine, jewel of a pot holds something that I like to call 'glowy goodness'. I applied it last night, woke up this morning and it was like 'Helloooooo good skin, so this is what you wanted!'. My skin was so so happy. Yes, I still have a few dry patches, but those have been plaguing me all week, so it's not something I expected to be cleared up in the matter of a night, that really would have been divine intervention! It's texture is silky, smooth and glides onto the skin before being slurped up - I think it's something to do with the ingredients: organic immortelle and myrtle essential oils, which team up to increase circulation (hence the glowiness) and boost skin vitality. There's just something so beautiful about this moisturiser. I think I'll need a post all on it's own, but I definitely see me getting this fuller sized version of this - yes, it's that good, that fast.

Following on the L'Occitane journey, we have their wonderfully Summery Cherry Blossom hand cream (30ml), which smells so much like Summer and warm days, that I slept cuddling my hands under my chin so that I could smell the amazing scent. There's something so luxurious about a thick, moisturising hand cream, and this one from L'Occitane is right on the money! With Vitamin E and Shea butter (two of my favourite things to have in a hand cream) this Cherry Blossom cream is sweet, floral and just beautiful to use on the go, or when you have a moment to slather this on at home. I can see this being the perfect travel addition, as it's the perfect size for keeping hands supple when i'm out and about, and especially for holidays. The third glorious product from L'Occitane is the cult Almond Shower Oil (75ml), a favourite of numerous bloggers and another product that I hadn't tried before. I used to use, and adore the Verbena Shower Gel, and it was divine. I would leave the shower, scented like a lemon grove, and it was everything I never knew I wanted (*dreamy sigh*). I do very much like the idea of an oil to foam consistency, as not only does it nourish, but it also cleanses and leaves skin feeling very smooth. After one use, I'm impressed, but I always like to give shower products a good week or so of testing before giving a final judgement. If the scent is anything to go by, the sweet almond oil will be replacing all other shower cleansers this Summer. 

Next up, is Melvita. Whilst still being under the umbrella of L'Occitane, Melvita has created it's own identity, especially with one of their cult products, the L'Or Bio (17ml), which is an oil made of five rare and essential oils, argan, kendi, inca inchi, buriti and pracaxi. Not confined solely to skin or hair, this multi-tasking oil aids moisture, shine and a whole load of nourishment to wherever you apply; so much so, this has now been stolen by my mum, who doesn't plan to give it back anytime soon. Another person sucked in by the awe of this oil, leading me to think that this product really is cult!

One of the other Melvita products is their Rose Floral Water (28ml), and one that I was very excited about. I loooove a floral water. I love everything about them. They're refreshing, nourishing and the best pick-me-up for tired skin, without having a shot of coffee to perk you up. I did expect a spritz, which would give off more of a mist, but this spray just sprayed my face, which wasn't horrid at all, I think I've just been spoilt with my Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist and my Caudalie Beauty Elixr, both of which give off more of a mist. My skin looked really glowy and hydrated after using it, which I love, as my makeup does tend to look a bit dull through the day, so I love that this just perked it back up! As with some of my favourite skincare, this product contains essence of rose, mainly Iranian Rose Damask, which I always feel nourishes and looks after my skin. Plus the scent is always divine if you're a fan of roses. 

As my first Melvita products, I'm really impressed with them and would definitely look into owning more of their products, as I do have a soft spot for good, natural skincare, and I'm trying to involve more of it into my everyday skincare routine. 

Erborian is a brand that I've heard an awful lot about, but have never really seen in person. I think I once walked past a section in Boots with it, but I can't be certain - it may have been a figment of my imagination, but I really hope that it was there. Much like L'Occitane, Erborian has it's own cult following, and for a brand to have that many cult products under it's umbrella is really, really impressive. I love the idea of CC Creams (15ml), which aim to colour correct the skin, leaving you with a flawless look, whilst combining it with an SPF of 25, so there's some added sun protection thrown in there as well. I always add a little concealer, regardless of what I'm wearing, but since wearing this today, it gives a super light, smooth finish that balances out some redness that I have on my cheeks and nose, whilst contrasting the sallowness I get in some places, as well as the darkness under my eyes. I think this product will need a bit more testing, but I will say that I'm impressed with it so far. 

Lastly it's their Camellia Essence Serum (3ml), which sounds super exciting, as I always love a good serum, especially one that's been reviewed so highly by other bloggers. It claims to boost radiance, whilst repairing and protecting the skin, three claims that I love from my skincare - as I think I need all the radiance that I can get. It comes in a little sample, but don't be fooled, a little goes a long way. I was quite impressed with the application and how easily it sunk into the skin, but like all skincare, it needs some time to do its work right. I'll keep you lovelies posted on this thoroughly French skincare affair.

I'm so so so so so happy with this box from Latest in Beauty and Jane from BritBeautyBlogger, they have really created a lust worthy box here, and I cannot say this enough, but go and buy it. You will not regret this foray into L'Occitane, you just won't. It's £20, and can be found here on Latest in Beauty.