Friday 13 June 2014

Handbag Cosmetic Essentials




As far as handbag cosmetics were concerned, I used to carry just a lipbalm, until I had one to many 'emergency' situations (tears, hayfever, colds etc) where I realised I needed to put something together to keep in my handbag. Today I thought I would give you a peak into my handbag makeup bag. This makeup permernanty stays in my handbag and is only used for touch ups and emergencies.

The makeup bag
The bag itself is the pefect compact size. It is a Ted Baker make-up bag, I have larger Ted Baker make-up bags that I use for travelling, they are always in such beautiful patterns. I usually purchase these in Boots. This one in particular was part of their Christmas collection. 

Ted Baker cosmetics
I have actually kept the original contents of the bag in there, as they are such great products. They are part of the Ted Baker Treasured Orchid Collection. The first being the Ted Baker Opulent Orchid Hand Cream. It smells so amazing I would definately purchase a full size version, it doesn't leave your hands feeling greasy or sticky either. The second product from this range is the body spray, again it smells absolutely amazing. It doesn't last all day like a perfume, but it's brilliant for a freshen up when your perfume may have faded. The final product that came with the bag itself is the lip balm, unfortunately it doesn't look like you can purchase this alone. However, it is another lovely product and hopefully the may introduce it into the permernant collection.

Swatching this it is quite thick bright coral colour, however on the lips it does become more subtle. I don't tend to put lipgloss on in the morning, I tend to stick to lipsticks. However, I do find it useful to carry a lipgloss in my handbag in case I went out after work or needed to freshen up my look. 

This is a great alternative if you love the Collection 2000 concealer. I picked this up one day in a makeup emergency so have kept it in my makeup bag ever since. It is a great concealer and super-afforable. It provides great coverage too. A concealer is an essential to carry with you.

I really like the brush on this mascara, it is really soft and full. It is unlike most of my other mascara's at home and I wouldn't usually purchase it myself. This mascara came as a free gift so I decided to use it as a spare in my handbag. I have used it to touch up and really like it. I carry this with me in case I want a more dramatic eye look.

This is one of my all time favourite gel eyeliners, it glides on and provides a really bold line. However, I have recently discovered the Rimmel Scandal Eyes eyeliner, which pretty much gives the same effect. I decided to keep the Super Shock in my makeup bag for applications later in the day.

It would be great to know what makeup products you keep in your handbag?

Sunday 8 June 2014

This week's most used products






I hope everyone has had a great weekend? I am sad it is coming to an end, but I am enjoying my writing my weekly sunday blog post tonight. This week I have been watching lots of YouTube videos in my spare time. I discovered Hannah Maggs this week and have been addicted to watching her videos, her family has a lot of personality, they are really fun to watch! I have also been purchasing some clothes ready for my new job, I am thinking of writing up a work wear post? I also ran the Race for Life this weekend, in the absolute pouring rain- you can see pictures on my Instagram account. I haven't done much today as I am aching so much!

There are four products I have been loving this week that have made a difference to my daily routine. I thought they were worth a particular mention as they have all been so fab!

Rimmel Salon Pro- Kate collection- 244 Goddess
I am in love with this nail polish, as well as being a great consistency- only two coats needed, the colour is really lovely. A nude peach that will go with any outfit and is really subtle, not one of those bright pastel peaches, this is much softer . It's one of those nail polishes that, at the end of the week, you take it off and apply it again. I have had this on for the week and will be reapplying tonight. There is also a soft pink colour in this collection that I may have to purchase next!

L'oreal Paris Nude Maqigue BB Powder
Recently my skin has become quite oily, my old powder wasn't really cutting it. So I decided to purchase this powder as it claimed to provide buildable coverage and provide a matte effect. It has really worked well for me, once my foundation has been applied, I lightly sweep this powder over the top and it completely mattifies the area and makes my skin look flawless.

Umberto Giannini Dazzling Shine Glossing Mist
I love Umberto Giannini, 1. for it's sleek packaging and 2. for it's beautiful smelling hair products. I use this spray at the end of blowdrying and styling, and I will be completely honest, I love this product mainly for it's amazing scent. It makes your hair super soft and smelling like you just stepped out of the salon. I love it as it doesn't provide any sort of stickiness to your hair, but just leaves a soft gloss to finish off your routine. I always worry about shine sprays that they will just make my hair look greasy, but this definitely wasn't the case. This is definitely worth a repurchase!

L'oreal Paris Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation
These beautiful foundation's are a third-time- repurchase for me. The formula is amazing, it feels really light to apply but provides amazing coverage. I purchased it in two shades as I can mix them together to get a perfect colour for my skin. I also wear fake tan a lot, so I can use the darker one alone on these days. It really is a glowing foundation. Recently I have been trying other foundation's but I found myself drifting back to Lumi Magique, as nothing else came close to them.

I will be back with a new post on Thursday, wishing everyone a happy week!

Tuesday 3 June 2014

No7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick



For those days when you want to feel brighter, highlighted and dewy, I would definitely recommend adding some cream blushes to your collection. I especially love them when my skin is tanned (from a bottle) and I am feeling more confident with bolder colours.

I first noticed No7 had added some new products to their collection a couple of months ago, they have definitely introduced some well needed, refreshing pieces. One of those is their Pop & Glow Cream Blush Sticks. Although only three shades are currently available, they are super smooth and creamy. I went for the shade 'Mango Sorbet' as I have a weakness for coral and orange colours. This is a great colour which highlights my cheeks, gives a dewy look and is a really buildable colour. Add as little or as much as you like. Start off sheer and build the colour to your needs.

At £9.95 they are more expensive than the Topshop Cream Blushes, which I love. However, Boots do have a 'buy one get one half price' offer on their No7 products at the moment. Plus, is there ever a time when you don't receive one of those £3 off No7 vouchers at the till? So I picked this up for £6.95, which overall is reasonable. 

Do remember, in this hot weather to keep your cream blushes in a cool drawer and out of direct sunlight. I have always lived by this ever since I left my beloved MAC Hue lipstick in the sun and found it in a sorry melted state on my car seat..

I shall upload a picture of the product on my cheeks this week. Have you tried any new No7 products?