Wednesday Wish List

It has been forever since I posted a wish list up on my blog. Way back in the day when I first started blogging I used to make them a weekly feature and I think I might have overdone it a little. Anyhow, I've had some vouchers that I received over Christmas that have been burning away that back hole in my pocket. I don't know why, when I have vouchers I become really picky and choosy over what I spend them on, does anyone else get like this? So the last couple of weeks I've been browsing the internet and these are the beauty must haves that I've narrowed it down too and I thought I'd share my current wish list with you all.

NARS Foreplay Palette

When it comes to blush, you really can't go wrong with NARS. I used to swear by their Orgasm blush, but it's one of those products that I never got round to repurchasing and I have to say I miss it immensely in my beauty collection. I've been eyeing up the Foreplay palette as it just looks gorgeous!   Orgasm is included in this palette which makes it even more perfect for me, alongside a bright pink , a gorgeous peach shade and a shimmery gold highlight - Beautiful!

Smashbox Double Exposure Palette

I'm a huge fan of Shaaanxo on YouTube, how amazing are her videos? Ever since I saw her use the Smashbox Double Exposure palette on one of her tutorials I just knew I had to have it. Out of all the beauty bits on this wish list, this is the one I know I want in my collection for sure. Possibly because I've become quite obsessed with Smashbox, but that aside this palette looks and sounds amazing. It's a palette that has fourteen shadows, but they change when they come into contact with water, so your effectively getting 28 shades - Amazing. I cannot wait till I get my hands on this.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara

It seems as though every beauty girl and blogger cannot stop raving about the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. I haven't heard this much hype around a mascara since the release of the Benefit They're Real (which I'm still loving). Not only does the hype surrounding this mascara put it right up there on the top of my wish list, I also think the name is fab! Loving the name of a mascara shouldn't be a reason to make me want it, but I'm not going to lie, it totally does.

Mac Brave Lipstick

If you've taken a look at my January favourites post (here) you will know that I'm totally obsessed with the nineties lip right now and I've been wearing my Velvet Teddy non stop. Another lipstick that I'm longing to get my hands on is another one of those Kylie Jenner faves. Mac's Brave lipstick is another one that seems permanently sold out, but as soon as I see it back in stock you can bet I'm going to try and get my beauty mitts on it.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar

Another eye shadow palette makes it way onto my wish list, and it's one that I think just looks so amazing and beautiful. I've seen a lot of reviews on the blogosphere about the TooFaced Chocolate Bar palette, and not only am I told it smells just like chocolate, but the shades look so gorgeous. When it comes to eyeshadow I love warm toned browns and neutral shades and this palette has a good mixture of both. I cannot wait to add this to my collection, I'm hoping I'll be able to get my hands on it soon.

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I think I must be a bit palette obsessed at the moment, but I'm sure you all agree there are just so many good ones out there right now, how do you choose just one? Like I said previously I love creating a natural eye look and the Naked Basics looks as though its the perfect palette for the job. I've pretty much used all the neutral shades in my Naked palette, I absolutely adore them and reach for them most days. This palette would be perfect for me.

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner

This is one of those Benefit products that every beauty blogger raved about when it was first launched. Being one not to give into a hype right away, I kind of turned a blind eye to it as difficult as it was. However my best friend picked this up a little while ago and I've borrowed it a few times and have been blown away by it. It's now become one of those products that I need to get hold of myself and have in my own makeup bag. This liner makes doing that tricky winged liner super easy, which is something I need at 7am each morning.

Charlotte Tilbury Bronze & Glow

First of all how beautiful does this product look. I have been so impressed with Charlotte Tilbury and have yet to use a product that disappointed. I just love the way this sculpt and highlight product looks , the packaging is stunning and I've seen nothing but rave reviews about this product. I love contouring and am always on the lookout for products to give me that perfect glow and highlight. This product is a little pricey, but I'm sure it's worth every penny.

Zoeva Rose Golden Brush Set

I've seen this gorgeous rose gold brushes from Zoeva appear on so many beauty blogs and every time I see them I can't help but want them. Not only are they pretty to look at, they sound as though they are amazing when they're in action. Definitely need these in my life. 

So that's everything on my wish list, I know it's a bit of a luxury one but there is nothing wrong with a beauty girl dreaming big. Hopefully this year I'll get to try out some of these products and if I do, you know I'll be sharing them with you here on my blog.

I would love to know what beauty products are on your wish list right now and if you've got any of the products that I've mentioned please let me know what your thoughts are and if you think they are worth adding to my collection. 

Lots of Love

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January Favourites

I don't know about anyone else but I love the January favourites posts that crop up on everyones blogs, usually because throughout Jan were all trying and testing out the beauty products that we all got for Christmas - So normally there are some good finds and it's pretty fun to see the mini reviews of the makeup items that have been on our wish lists for ages. Last month I was loving loads of the new beauty bits that I received and everything featured in this post is a new favourite of mine. 

Mac Velvet Teddy

This lipstick has been on mine and every other beauty bloggers wish list for the longest of time. For months I would keep checking the Mac website alongside all the other beauty sites to see if it was back in stock, with no such luck. Until the other week that is. It was during one of the midweek beauty blogger chats and I was told that Mac had it back in stock! I wasted no time in heading over to the Mac site, popped one in my basket and ordered it right away. It arrived a few days later, and no joke its all I've worn since. I am in love with Velvet Teddy and I can totally see what all the fuss is about. It's such a gorgeous shade and looks great on. We all know that this is the lipstick Kylie Jenner uses, and I can totally see why - Paired with the right lipliner this lipstick creates that beautiful natural and fuller looking lip. I love it and have become a little obsessed with it.

Makeup Revolution Live For Today

At the beginning of the month Makeup Revolutions I Heart Makeup lipstick in the shade 'Live For Today' was the colour I was constantly wearing. Why? Because I found it to be a rather close dupe for Velvet Teddy. You see I was not exaggerating when I said just how much I wanted that lipstick in my life. At only £2.99 'Live For Today' is such a perfect dupe. It is a little bit warmer and darker in shade and it does have a slight shimmer, but with a little powder dusted over the top of your lips, you can achieve the perfect Kylie Jenner lip. If you would like to see how this looks on, head over to my post 'Nude Lips' post here.

No7 Precision Lipliner Blush

I don't think it's possible that the 'nineties' lip would work as well as it does without the use of a lip liner. During my lunch time break I accidentally stumbled into Boots - As you do! And in the clearance section found the No7 Precision Lipliner in Blush. Perfectly sealed I couldn't see why it was on the shelf, selling for only a £1.00? Especially as Boot's still sell it at full price. At that price it would have been rude to not buy one, and more so because it's the lipliner shade I had been looking for! Mac's Soar is another one of those products that have been on my wish list for sometime, and I thought that this lipliner looked pretty similar and would make a good dupe. The lipliner is this really pretty dusty pink shade that works perfectly with all the nude lipstick I've been wearing. I find that the pink tones in this liner just makes my lips look fuller and a little less washed out when I apply my favourite nudes. Not only is the colour amazing, but its really long lasting, has great wear and feels really creamy on your lips. It's amazing.

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner

Smashbox are quickly on their way to becoming one of my favourite high end brands. I keep being drawn to their products and each time I try one, I've never been disappointed. I received the Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner in one of the beauty gift sets I received for Christmas, and I've pretty much used it every day since and LOVE it. Firstly I love this liner so much (and the clue here is really in the name) this eyeliner sharpens it's self, which is amazing. Every time you twist the cap off, it sharpens the liner, always leaving a nice tip which is great for lining your peepers perfectly. Not only is application great, but the intensity of this liner is perfect to create a dramatic smokey eye, it also blends beautifully and stays put until you try and scrub it off at the end of the day. With it being waterproof, removing it can be a little tricky, but I love the way this looks, so it's well worth it.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

You guys must know just how much I love and adore the original Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - I swear by it, but for Christmas I received some little samples of the other primers Smashbox have to offer and have fallen in love with the hydrating one. Out of all the primers in the world, this is the one that I would never purchase myself and would probably avoid, just because my skin can be a little prone to oiliness, especially around my t-zone. However I thought seeing as it was in my collection, I'd give it ago and see how well it worked on my skin. Turns out I love it and it totally surprised me. I won't go into too much detail as I have a full review coming up on this very soon - But I loved the way that this hydrated my skin instantly and it still worked brilliantly at keeping my makeup in place all day.

Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze

To help myself feel a little bit better about the colder weather, I've started tanning regularly again. I'm determined to have not let those January blues get the better of me, and as they say, life is better with a tan. Not wanting to go all out and doing that long and intense process of tanning once a week, I've been using the Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze to slowly build up my tan. This is the best gradual tanner that I've used by far and I love the colour that this moisturiser develops into. I reviewed this on my blog earlier this week, so if you want to find out why I love it so much you can read my review here.

So thats everything that made it's way into my favourites this month, I would love to know what products you've been loving? Also I'm planning on scheduling my posts a little bit more on my blog because as of late I think my blog posts have been a bit here there and everywhere. I'm thinking of posting three times a week - On a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. So be sure to check back on Wednesday for the next instalment on Miss Sunshine & Sparkle.

Lots of Love

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

Makeup Revolution I Heart Makeup Lip Lava* £2.99 

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 

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

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

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 

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 

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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Cocoa Brown Gradual Bronze || Review

Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze* £5.99

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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Makeup Revolution Ultra Velour Lip Cream || The Collection

Makeup Revolution Ultra Velour Lip Creams* £3.00

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.

Their Eyes Can't Find Us

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. 

Can't We Just Make Love Instead

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,

Move Your Mouth Forever

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.

Not One For Playing Games

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.

All I think About Is You

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.

You're Not The Best, You're Not The Last

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.

Say Yes, It's What We Do Best

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.

Don't Bring Me Down

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.

Sweet Boy, With A Big Mouth

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.

What Will It Take To Make You Love Me

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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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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