Friday, 26 June 2015

MAC Creamsheen Lipstick Shy Girl




This was definitely a ViviannaDoesMakeup inspired purchase, and this was a lipstick that was very popular amongst the blogging community not too long ago. However, with the 90s lip still taking the makeup world by storm I feel as though this is a MAC gem that has become a little bit forgotten.

First of all, we must discuss the formula. I'm not actually that big of a fan of MAC lipsticks as I find them to accentuate my dry lips and so if I do invest in one it is normally because it is a colour that I can't find elsewhere. This is definitely one of those lipsticks, but as a creamsheen it is definitely more forgiving than some of the other finishes such as the frosts and mattes. The colour is peachy and natural without being orange nor concealer like. I feel as though this is the perfect lipstick to balance out a heavy eye, which is my go to look on nights out.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
This would definitely higher if the formula was just a little bit more creamy, but if your lips aren't as dry as mine then this will definitely be the perfect peach lipstick for you.

Available here for £15.50



Wednesday, 24 June 2015

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara




What it claims?
Claims to give four benefits to the lashes, lengthening, curling, volumising and conditioning.
Packaging
I feel like this is one of the main draws of the product. It really is unusual, most mascara tubes are very similar shapes and colours, this however is completely different with it being encased in a material. The material of the mascara tube is definitely helpful when it comes to applying the product, as it gives you more grip ensuring that you have more precision. The packaging is however, somewhat problematic as the material attracts finger marks, so if that bothers you then this is something to note. Having said this, I would like to note that i love the packaging it is a little tacky and gaudy but i really like it, its eye-catching and I like the textile nature of it.


Is it for you?
As with every product, it depends. If you love the look of lengthened and slightly volumised lashes, then yes, this is absolutely the perfect product for you. It ranks among the best mascaras I have ever used, and I think that this is due to the brush, it is thin and long with a lot of individual bristles that grab on to every lash. The brush bucks the trend for large cumbersome brush heads that I believe make it very difficult to apply mascara without blobbing on to the eyelid. i don't find that it particularly holds a curl, but then it doesn't claim to, although this may have something to do with it not being waterproof.

My only problem with the mascara is its formulation. I do not have particularly oily eyelids and never have the problem of flaking mascara, this is the first mascara I have used that gives me black flakes on my cheeks by the end of the day. Despite this, I still very much enjoy this product I just have to bit a little bit more dilligent about checking my face during the day.

Possible Dupe
i find this product to be incredibly similar to the original Rimmel London Lash Accelerator mascara which is a fraction of the cost, at just £7.99, of the Tarte equivalent. Not only are the brushes similar, but they both give a lengthened, separated and slightly volumised look.

Availability
You can purchase this mascara for £21.50 from QVC, here. Just in case you did not know tarte is only available in the UK exclusively from QVC, there are some fantastic deals to be had there which in many cases make the products cheaper than they would be in America, which i just think is fantastic.




Monday, 22 June 2015

MUA Single Eyeshadows

What are they?
These single eyeshadows claim to be highly pigmented and smooth to apply. For just £1 you get 2 grams of products encased in a sturdy package. Although the packaging is nothing special, they do not come loose, and will be safe within your make-up bag.

Without Flash
With Flash

Do they deliver?
The two colours showed above are Platinum, a beautiful multi-faceted silver, and Chamoisee a much more wearable bronze brown. I have to say I was not expecting to love these as much as I do. They really are fantastic and for just £1 I'd say they are definitely worth a look at and I will definitely be looking at getting some more. 

They are very pigmented and are true to colour, they look the same if not better on the skin as they do in the palette. Their only downside is their longevity, however, with a good base, I like MAC's Painterly Paint Pot, this can easily be overcome. There is a fantastic array of colours that i think will appeal to a wide audience.

Overall Rating 4.5/5
The only reason I knocked a 0.5 off the rating was for their lack of longevity but i think that for £1 these are absolutely fantastic. The quality of these shadows rivals some of singles that I own from MAC which are over £10 more expensive.

MUA Pearl Eyeshadows available to purchase here. A note on the website the swatches on their website are definitely true to life and as such are a fantastic tool to use when deciding which shadows to buy.

Friday, 19 June 2015

Dirty Looks Hair Extensions


First off lets address the elephant in the room, sorry for my use of snapchat photos. I have only really worn these extensions on night out and these are the only photos i have of me wearing them.

Dirty Looks
Formerly known as HeadKandi, Dirty Looks are a leading brand of remi hair extensions. Although a little on the pricey side it is clear that these are a high quality brand of hair extensions that will last a long time if correctly looked after. There are two brands to choose between on the website, either HK or Bobby Glam. Each offer differing looks and differing hair pieces that can make any hair style look even better.

What really stands out about this brand is their customer service, if you email them a picture of your hair they will match your hair colour up. They also offer this service on their facebook page which is what I did, I was however a little impatient and decided to buy what I thought would match before waiting for them to get back for me even though they did reply rather promptly.

What I Have
I already have quite long hair and so I mainly bought these extensions to add some thickness and a little bit of length. Thus, I did not need to buy a full head of extensions and instead I opted for two single wefts in the shade toasted highlights, this shade is now known as the colour Girlband. Despite buying the single wefts I am more than pleased with the amount of hair i received and there appears to be a lot more hair in these wefts than on other hair extensions that I have used in the past.

Overall Rating
I have purchased hair extensions from a couple of other brands before including Halo, but I have to say these are by far the best quality hair extensions I have ever owned. The clips are very secure and they do not slip like other brands I have tried. I love how these are highlighted hair extensions as they aren't a solid blonde colour which makes them look a lot more natural. They style very easily and although expensive they really are worth the money.

Dirty Looks Hair Extensions Available from £18.99 here.

Wednesday, 17 June 2015

Deals and Offers of the Week

Boots

  • As usual they are running their 3 for 2 across haircare. The products on offer can be viewed here.
  • They are also running offers that are brand specific with Soap and Glory, Maybelline, Max Factor and No7 skincare all offering 3 for 2.
  • If you have wanted to try out Origins skincare they are selling a minis kit of their bestsellers, which includes their infamous GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser, all for just £15. This kit can be found here.

FeelUnique
  • If you are a huge fan of the british skincare brand Elemis, then this may appeal to you. FeelUnique are giving a gift with purchase to customers who spend £80+ on Elemis products. The gift with purchase totals £41 and includes the pro-collagen cleansing balm. This offer can be seen here.
  • With summer coming up it is prime time to stock up on your sun protection. FeelUnique have put all Garnier Ambre Solaire on 2 for 1, find this offer here. This offer includes their spray fake tan which is a personal favourite of mine.
  • Another gift with purchase is running within the Philip Kingsley line, the gift is available with purchases made over £40 and the gift itself is worth £41 and includes the infamous Elasticizer. 

LookFantastic

  • They are currently running a 20% off across the site. Use the code AWARD20 at checkout.
  • Perhaps the best and most comprehensive offer is their 3 for 2 offer that includes many brands across the site such as RealTechniques, St Tropez, Fake Bake and Xen Tan. The products included can be found here.

Monday, 15 June 2015

Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick: Pearl Maron


What it claims?
Claims to actively improve the moisture levels of the lips as well as helping to achieve a smoother lip surface in one week. States that it provides a high pigment lip colour, as well as giving the appearance of fuller lips. The lipstick is made up of 60% emollients with added conditioners and antioxidants to help improve the condition of the lips.




















Colour
Obviously the colour of a lipstick is highly personal and I actually like this more than I thought I would. As a paler girl I can definitely see this looking a lot better when I am wearing a bit of fake tan as it does look a little stark against my skin tone. It does look quite shimmery in the bullet, however this only translates on the lips as a slight sheen as you can see above.

Does it fulfil its claims?
Well, yes and no. I'd definitely agree with its moisture claims, as someone with very dry lips i found this to glide on and not collect in the dry flaky parts of my lips. It has no longevity claims, and rightly so with it being such a balmy texture it doesn't last terribly long it is however a dream to reapply so I don't really think that this is too much of a problem. Where I do contend its claims is on the topics of the plumpness it gives the lips and it contributing to the improvement of the lips. I think that these photos show that other than defining the outline of the lip line, as all lipsticks do, which can make the lips look a little bigger, I do not find that it makes my lips look any plumper than my other lipsticks. The lipstick claims to smooth the lip surface within one week, however I can't see anyone wearing this enough to really test out those claims.

Overall Rating 4/5
I really like this lipstick and think that the formula is fantastic especially for the price. It is not for you if you enjoy a matte bold lipstick, rather it is an everyday moisturising formula that doesn't take much preparation or thinking about to apply.

You can purchase the lipstick here for £7.99, and they are currently on a 3 for 2 deal.