Wednesday 28 January 2015

Makeup Revolution I Heart Makeup Lip Lava || Review & Swatches



Last week you may have seen a post dedicated to some of my favourite released Makeup Revolution Lipsticks to date -  The Ultra Velour Lip Creams. Well today I'm back with another new release from the brand and one word comes to mind WOW! Makeup Revolution have done it again and have released some of most gorgeous lipsticks I've ever tried - Say hello to the Lip Lava's!

There are five shades in the Lip Lava collection, each one comes in a plastic squeezey tube and has an angled sponge applicator that releases the product once you've squeezed the tube. The first thing that really blew me away with these lipsticks has to be the pigmentation, I've honestly not seen anything like it in a lipstick for a long time; The Lip Lava is ultra glossy and leaves the most gorgeous high shine on your lips - If these wren't so pigmented you'd think they were a lipgloss, but with just one application your left with pretty much the exact colour that you see on the packaging. What I really love about these unique lipsticks is although they are mega glossy, they are not overly sticky and feel more like a lipstick on your lips rather than a gloss. 

I would say they're somewhat in-between a gloss and a lipstick - You really are getting the best of both here. When it comes to lipstick I must admit I usually opt for a matte finish just because staying power is always that extra bit longer and I always find gloss disappears too quickly. However I've found when wearing the Lip Lava's your lips stay glossy for a good few hours and even when the gloss has faded your lips are heavily stained and still look gorgeous - Which is perfect, especially if you don't have time for top ups.



Firestorm is one of the most gorgeous blue toned reds that I've set my eyes on, this shade is seriously gorgeous and I would describe as a 'vampire' red. It's such a beautiful colour and would look great for evenings, going out and parties. 



Forgiven is the nude in the Lip Lava collection - This shade is really light and is what I would call a brown nude, it's easy to wear and is perfect for everyday. Whilst I love this shade it is a little too light for me, but paired with a slightly blush nude lip liner, I find that this shade works a treat. 



Shockwave is such a bold, bright and daring purple and really does look amazing on but is not for the faint hearted. If you love making a statement with your lipstick and are looking to brighten up your look this spring, this is the perfect lipstick for you.



Tremor is probably my favourite shade in the collection, it's such a pretty girly pink thats just perfect - It's not too bright and not too pale, if you love your girly girl pinks this is the shade for you. I love how wearable this shade is for everyday wear, I think even paired with a dramatic smokey eye, this shade will look stunning.



Unleash is a bright neon coral shade that has lovely orange/red tones to it - It's the kind of shade that makes me wish it was summer already. This shade paired with a lovely golden tan is going to look gorgeous and I know I'm going to be reaching for this loads when the weather gets a little brighter.

So there we have it, five gorgeous shades from the Lip Lava collection, like I said I am so impressed with these melted lipsticks, not only are they gorgeous on, but they have incredible staying power and are a great addition to any lipstick collection. I would love to know your thoughts on the Lip Lava's and what shades your planning on picking up.

Lots of Love


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Monday 26 January 2015

Cocoa Brown Gradual Bronze || Review



You guys know by now that I love moisturisers, body butters - you name it! I'm also the kind of girl who loves to keep beautifully bronzed and am some what of a tanaholic! So when theres a product that combines moisturiser and tanning in one you know I've probably got a few stashed away on my skincare shelf. As much as I love doing a full intense weekly tan, sometimes it's just not piratical and these magical moisturisers that give you a golden glow at the same time are perfect for those busy weeks and for those of you who just sometimes don't have the time to tan. 

I've always used a gradual moisturiser and to be honest I didn't think that there would ever be a product that rivalled or would be better than my beloved Palmers Cocoa Butter Natural Bronzer, that was until I got my beauty mitts on the Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze. Before I get into detail as to why this gradual tanner is so amazing, I would just like to say I am in love with this product and it is the BEST gradual tanner I've tried by far - And that is quite the statement coming from me. 

The most important thing about a gradual tanner has to be the colour pay out and the Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze gives you such a gorgeous bronzed glow that looks really natural. With any gradual tan, I'll always apply at night time before bed as I love seeing the results the next morning and am able to wash any fake tan after smell off in the shower. After the first application of the Gentle Bronze, I was so impressed - My the tan had developed over night, but the colour was really subtle,  non streaky and looked as though I has spent a few hours in the sun the day before. Just one application would be perfect for those of you who worry about those fake tans that develop too dark or orangey - I would describe the colour as pretty light, but I just loved the tones to this tan, as I mentioned it was very natural looking - It made my rather dull winter skin look incredibly healthy.

After the third application on the Gentle Bronze I really was blown away as the light to medium coverage had developed into a more darker tan; It was like I had just done a full fake tan the night before, the colour was that good. I was so impressed at how golden my skin looked when using this and the best bit was that the application was so easy and fuss free. 

The moisturising part to this tanner really makes the tanning process an enjoyable one, the lotion is so buttery, feels lovely on your skin and does't have any nasty fake tan smells. The only time you get a whiff of that tanning smell is when the lotion starts to develop, and like I mentioned I'm usually asleep at this point, so no problems there. The moisturiser actually smells lovely, so you could easily get away with applying this first thing in the morning and let your tan develop though out the day.

As you can see from the picture the lotion does look pretty dark, which is so different to the other gradual tanning lotions I've previously used. For those non-tanners, don't be put off by its colour; As soon as you work the lotion into your skin no immediate colour is left behind - But you are left with a slight shimmer on your skin for a while, which just makes your skin look lovely. One great thing about this tan, is that it doesn't leave your skin feeling sticky and you don't have any of those awkward moments standing in your bathroom naked waiting for your tan to try - Your free to pretty much pop your clothes on straight after without the fear of any streaking.

Overall I love this product, I can't recommend it enough - Also how cute and girly is the packaging? I would love to know your thoughts on this gradual tan and if you've tried any of the other products from the Cocoa Brown Range.

Lots of Love



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Wednesday 21 January 2015

Makeup Revolution Ultra Velour Lip Cream || The Collection



Before Christmas I was lucky enough to try out and test the gorgeous new Makeup Revolution Ultra Velour Lip Creams, as you all know I love my lipsticks, especially ones that leave a velvety matt finish and are highly pigmented. Just looking at these, I knew immediately that these lip creams would be right up my street. I seriously think Makeup Revolution can do no wrong, they just continuously keep surprising us with new beauty collections and I have to say that the release of the 'Ultra Velour Lip Creams' have been some of my favourite.

As the name suggests, these lip creams have a gorgeous cream like velvet texture to them and leave a stunning semi matte finish on your lips. However because these lipsticks have this rich cream formula, they don't dry your lips out in anyway and almost gives the combined look of a wet lipstick too. These lip creams are totally different to the other lip creams that I've tried before, and they really do give that illusion of having 'velvet' lips. You will see from the swatches that these lipsticks are highly pigmented and look amazing on.



Finding the perfect natural nude shade can be pretty difficult, but if your on the hunt for a nude that creates that 'your lips but better' look then I would definitely suggest you pick up 'Their Eyes Can't Find Us'. This shade is just so perfect for everyday wear, it works with every makeup look and is perfect for those minimal makeup days. What I really love about this is how understated it is and it gives you a perfect healthy pout without looking as though you've tried too hard. 



For me the perfect nude is a rosy pink toned one and 'Can't we just make love instead' has that perfect pink undertone to it. Wearing this lipstick just makes my lips look really full and creates that perfect pout. If you were to pick up any of the Ultra Velour Lip Creams, this is the one that I would recommend you pop in your basket, its just gorgeous and will suit everyone,



Out of all the shades in the Ultra Velour collection, 'move your mouth forever' was probably the shade I was the least excited about as its extremely light and I think you have to have the right skin tone to pull it off, you fair skinned girls I'm looking at you! Whilst the shade is a bit too light for my all year round tanned skin, I do think that this is a stunning nude, and if angels were to leave behind kisses, they would be in this colour and shade - it really is beautiful.



Deep berry red toned lipsticks for me were so last season and since the new year began I've loved switching my lipsticks around. A great way to make a statement with your lipstick is to go purple! I always think that a purple lipstick is a little more daring and is a great way to shakeup your makeup look. Pink toned purples are always a great to have in your collection and 'Not one for playing games' is one of the most stunning purples I have come across, I love wearing it and get nothing but compliments every time that I do. This lip cream is not too dark, no way near boring and instantly livens up you're makeup look, I love it.



Again when it comes to the purple shades in the Ultra Velour collection, Makeup Revolution have gotten it spot on; 'All I think about is you' is the perfect plum shade that has pink berry undertones to it and it is seriously stunning. I think this lipstick is the perfect transitional colour from winter to spring, it's one of those shades that would never get bored of wearing and looks flattering on so many skin tones.



Every lipstick collection needs a classic pillar box red and the Ultra Velour collection has theirs with 'you're not the best, you're not the last'. I wore this colour non stop over the Christmas period, which is really surprising for me as I don't usually suit this shade of red. I would describe this red as a 'true' shade of red with slight orange undertones to it, making it perfect for all year round - It's bold, fun, vibrant and beautiful.



Out of all the swatches that you see in this post 'say yes, it's what we do best' is probably that one shade that hasn't photographed true to colour. In real life its actually a lot darker and is more of a brick red with slight brown tones to it. I find this to be such a unique shade of red, and its so refreshing to find something a little different. It's definitely more of a vampy red, so if you love your lips dark, you'll want to add this to your collection.



It's pretty obvious to you all that I love my lipstick, but its pink lipstick that is really the way to my heart, which I think is only natural given that I'm a total girly girl. Coral shades are such a perfect spring colour and 'don't bring me down' is one of those perfect girly coral shades - This one is such a vibrant pink and although its bright its really wearable and looks gorgeous on.



If you love your neon lipsticks, then I can promise you you'll adore 'sweet boy, with a big mouth'. This bright bubblegum pink shade of lipstick seriously makes a statement; It's one of those shades that are really fun to wear and will look amazing with a tan. This lipstick has a really light lilac/blue notes to it which really makes it different to anything else in my collection, its beautiful.



Last, but by no means least, completing the Ultra Velour collection has to be the shade 'what will it take to make you want me' which is possibly my favourite shade in the entire range. This lipstick is neon bright, its the perfect barbie pink shade and it looks stunning on. When summer is in full swing I know I'll be reaching for this daily. This hot pink has blue tones to it, which is great if your wanting to give to appearance of whiter teeth and it will work perfectly from day to evening. If there is one lip cream that you need to pick up, I would definitely recommend this one.

If you couldn't tell already I'm a huge fan of the Makeup Revolution Ultra Velour lip creams, the colour payout is just amazing, they wear beautifully on your lips, the doe foot applicator makes for a really easy application and not to mention they all smell like caramel which makes applying them dreamy. If your looking to introduce some new shades into your lipstick collection I can't recommend these enough. 

If you've tried any of these lip creams, be sure to let me know in the comments below which one is your favourite.

Lots of Love


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Wednesday 14 January 2015

New Year Nude Lips || Kylie Jenner Lipstick Dupe


When it comes to lipstick, it's definitley all about that 'Nude' and Kylie Jenner has brought us right back to the nineties giving the power back to the pout. Whilst I'm loving this trend I can't help feel a little frustrated that MAC's Velvet Teddy and Soar lipliner might as well be limited edition products as they're permanently sold out everywhere - How many of you out there are wanting these products in your collection as much as me?

Whilst I'm pretty sure Kylie Jenner must have plenty of back ups of her trusted Velvet Teddy, it's lead me to go on the hunt for some perfect drugstore dupes and the lip combo that I have been totally obsessed with is using Makeup Revolutions Lip Geek lipstick in 'Live For Today' combined with No7 Precision Lipliner in 'Blush'.   

As you can see from the pictures these lipstick shades have that beautiful rose tones to them, enhancing the natural colour of your own lips perfectly. As these two products both have a satin cream finish to them, I gently sweep a bit of powder over my pout to mattify the look - Creating that ultimate Kylie Jenner lip.


I have a feeling that by the time Velvet Teddy and Soar are back in stock, the nineties lip will probably be a trend that's way back in the past, so please let me know and share your dupes below - I would love to know what you've been using to create this look.

Lots of Love


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Tuesday 6 January 2015

2014 Favourites || Makeup


January maybe the month of the blues, but one thing that I always look forward too is rounding up all the makeup and beauty bits that I've been loving over the last twelve months and putting it all together for a yearly favourites post. I think over the last twelve months my makeup collection has probably doubled in size and upon reflecting I think it 2014 was definitely a year where I branched out and decided to try and test out more brands and try different types of makeup. I have to say I found it extremely difficult to narrow my yearly favourites down because I as I was looking though my collection there were so many beauty bits that I love; So the ones that have made it on to this post are the true treasures in my collection and the makeup items that I don't think I could have lived without last year. 




Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer 

Out of all the products that made it's way into my everyday makeup routine pretty much for the entire year has to be the Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer. I am so WOWed by this product and it for me it definitely reaches that holy gail status. The first time I applied this primer I noticed how much easier applying my foundation was and this primer continued to amaze me day after day - Whenever I use this my makeup stays put and last for hours - No touch ups needed. If there was one makeup product that would be at the top of my list to try this year, the Smashbox primer would be at the very it.



Benefit Brow Zings 

Not a day passed in 2014 where I didn't reach for my Benefit Brow Zings, this dream eyeshadow kit made its way into my last yearly favourites and you know its real love when you've been loving it even more for a second year running. As you can see from the pictures my kit is more than well loved and its about time I bought myself a new one. I find that the gel works perfectly at shaping and defining my brows, whilst the powder is the perfect shade for me and makes filling in my eyebrows so easy and fuss free. It's so beautifully compact that its perfect for popping in your makeup bag and for any touch ups on the go. I've tried and tested the HD palette but prefer the results of this one by miles. 



Revlon Colorstay Foundation & Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream 

For the best part of the year I would say I prefer a foundation thats a little more heavy duty, one that provides full coverage and works perfectly with my skin type. Not only that I want one to make my skin look pretty flawless too. I tried quite a few foundations during the last twelve months and the one that really stood out to me and got me making a few repurchaches is the Revlon Colour Stay Foundation for oily skin. I love that this is a high street foundation, so its super affordable and does the job brilliantly, I cannot fault it. My skin always looks even and pretty perfect whenever I use this and rarely do I need to touch it up though out the day, even on those hot sticky days during the height of summer.


One foundation that really took me by surprise this year and one that I bought based on recommendations and was some what a bit of a whim purchase for me is the Bourjois 123 Perfect CC Cream. Even though this is labelled a CC cream, its medium like coverage for me makes it more of a foundation and I'm quite happy just to wear this on my skin on its own. I love how radiant this makes my skin look and it always gives it a lovely dewy glow. I also love how the colour correcting side of this foundation cancels out any redness on my skin which makes it look perfect.



Bourjois Poudre Bronze Bronzing Powder 

Another beauty favourite of mine, which has been an all time staple in my makeup bag is the Bourjois chocolate bronzer. I've been using this for years and I've found no other bronzer compares to it. If you've been reading my blog for sometime you will know that I always rave about this product and I just cannot fault it. It works perfectly for contouring or for an all over sun kissed bronzed look. It's not too shimmery and for me is the perfect bronzer, I love it.



Bourjois One Seconde Ultra Black Mascara* 

I would have to say that mascara is the one beauty product that I'm never really loyal too and I think that is the same for the majority of us. There are just far too many out there and its the one beauty product that you can't really swatch or get a feel for whilst your out shopping. Whilst I'm always picking up new mascaras to try, there has been one in particular that has really stood out to me this year, which is the Bourjois One Seconde Ultra Black Mascara. I love it when a mascara gives my lashes plenty of volume, and this one does it beautifully. There are no need for falsies when you use this, and the ultra black formula really makes your lashes super black, which I find creates that illusion that they are longer.

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner 

In 2013 I was more of a gel liner kinda girls, but in 2014 I don't think I picked up my gel liner at all - It was liquid liner all the way. I don't know what brought on this change, but I just find that liquid liners last a lot longer and they look more 'black' when applying and don't seam to fade as much. One liquid liner that really stood out to me is the Revlon Colour Stay liner. This is the liner that just keeps on giving - I've been using it pretty much everyday since August and it doesn't seem any closer to running out. Once this liner is on it does't budge and throughout the day it still continues to look jet black - Theres nothing worse than liner fading as the day goes on. The fine nib of this liner also makes it really precise when doing your liner which is just what you need for those tricky cat flicks. 




Urban Decay Naked Palette 

I've had the original Urban Decay Naked Palette for around two years now and I don't think I'll ever get bored of it. As you can see form the picture my palette is looking a little worse for wear but I would prefer to call it well loved. I just adore so many of the warm toned shades in this palette, they work so well for everyday use,  are highly pigmented and long lasting. It's more of the lighter shades that I reach for, for an everyday makeup look - Sin, Sidecar, Buck and Half Baked are my most reached for shades. I think every beauty lover needs this palette in their collection, I can't recommend it enough, its perfect. 




Mac Chatterbox || Makeup Revolution Lip Geek* 'Ken Will Want Me'

If you know me well, you know I love lipstick, especially pink lipsticks they are my weakness. I'm always drawn to these barbie pink shades in particular, I find them really wearable and they seam to suit my skin tone well and most makeup looks. Mac Chatterbox is another one of those all-time favourites of mine, the one in the pictures looks pretty new, but its about my third one. Its one of Mac's amplified formulas so its really long lasting and super pigmented, I pretty much wear this everyday in summer. A new favourite that I found last year is such a beauty of a lipstick, and I equally love it as much as 'Chatterbox'. The beautiful lipstick that comes in this bright metallic pink and purple casing is the Makeup Revolution I Heart Makeup Lipgeek Lipstick in the shade 'Ken Will Want Me'. I was won over with the name of this lipstick before even trying it, and once on it looks stunning. Its this beautiful barbie pink toned lipstick that has a subtle blue undertone to it, its seriously gorgeous, I just can't fault it.


Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick* - Happy Nude Year

When Bourjois released the Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks last year I was one of those bloggers who instantly fell in love with its unique formula. I have seriously been obsessed with these lipsticks from the word go and have built up quite the collection since they're release date. I just love its velvet cream like formula that is in no way drying; Combined with the longevity of these lipsticks just makes them incredible. My favourite shade has to be one of Bourjois most recent releases which is 'Happy Nude Year' - This pink toned nude is the perfect everyday lipstick colour and matches every makeup look and every outfit, I love it.

So there we have it, my yearly round up of all the makeup bits I've been loving over the last twelve months. I love reading these posts, I don't know about anyone else but its a good excuse to start topping up my wish list again and I just love to know what everyone has been loving. If you've done a yearly favourites post please leave your link in the comments below - And of course let me know what you've been loving.

Lots of Love 




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