Mac Makeover and Haul.

For my birthday this year, one of my presents was a makeover (and a skincare chat) at a MAC store and then the opportunity to buy some products that they used during the makeover. This was the finished look!

The first things that I chose to buy were two eyeshadows (I bought the refill versions to go in my palettes). I chose the shades 'Twinks' and 'All That Glitters'. I use 'All That Glitters' all over my lids for a flush of golden colour and 'Twinks' in my outer corner and in the crease. 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/154/907/Products/Eyes/Shadow/Eye-Shadow-Pro-Palette-Refill-Pan/index.tmpl?tab=finish

The next thing I bought was a 'Pro Palette' with two slots. I bought this so if I'm travelling and I want to bring a few eyeshadows but I don't want to bring a full palette.

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/1556/17373/Products/Kit-Essentials/Pro-Palette/Pro-Palette-Eye-Shadow-x-2/index.tmpl

The next thing I bought was the 'Extended Play Lash' mascara. I tried this out in store and loved it so I decided to buy it. It has a wire wand so it separates the lashes, lengthens and volumises.

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/152/21069/Products/Eyes/Mascara/Extended-Play-Lash/index.tmpl

The final thing I bought was the 'Prep And Prime BB'. I have it in the shade 'Light Plus' which is about the equivalent of NW15. The coverage is much better than any other one that I've tried and the staying power is quite good.

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/160/17377/Products/Face/Primer/Prep-Prime-BB-Beauty-Balm-SPF-35/index.tmpl

Anna :)

Review: Benefit's Boi-ing Concealer.

Today I wanted to review my new favourite concealer, Benefit's 'Boi-ing'. As you can see in the picture above, the packing for the product is very pretty and girly. I think it really suits the product.

The plastic packaging (above) is also very secure and sturdy so it won't open or break in your makeup bag. 

I think that the coverage and staying power is unreal. I have been trying it for a few days now and I have been vey impressed. Not once have I had to touch it up or start over with it. It is called an 'Industrial Concealer' for a reason. It is so high coverage that you only have to use a tiny bit (see picture below) and it will cover any readness/dark circles that you want to cover. Below there is a swatch of the concealer, my camera didn't pick up on it too well but that's probably because it matches my skin tone perfectly! 

It is perfect for completely concealing dark circles and any blemishes and redness on the face. If you wanted to go for a lighter look I wouldn't use any foundation/tinted moisturiser/BB cream and just cover imperfections with this.

I was matched at a makeup counter so I have the perfect shade for me. I'm in shade number 2 and it blends seamlessly into my skin. There is a wide range of shades so one will definitely suit you. Another thing, the blending process is so easy because the product is so smooth and creamy. It is also very moisturising and refreshing to put on.

This product also looks like it will last a long time too (probably because you only use such a tiny bit!). So overall I would really recommend this product to anyone really, it is the perfect all round product!

Anna :)

Mini Primark Haul.

Recently I went to my local Primark to hopefully pick up some last minute things for my summer holiday and a few things for the Autumn time. Unfortunately I didn't find many things either in my size or the style that I wanted. So these are the few things that I picked up.

The first thing was a grey vest top with black umbrellas on it. I thought this would be good either during this summer it in the Autumn/Winter if there is a warmer day. There were loads there in my size so it was ok.

Primark- £3.00

The next thing was another vest top but in a simple black lace design. There wasn't one in my size but in the size above there was one so I would wear it underneath something or as a more slouchy top.

Primark- £2.50

Lastly I bought two pack of socks (interesting I know). The first pack has a grey, a white and a black pair and the second pack has a pink, a dark grey and a white. I bought these because they are useful and they had plenty in my size.

Primark- £2.00 (per pack)

I'm really enjoying these purchases so far. I hope you found this helpful!

Anna :)

Must-have Summer Nail Varnish Shades.

When it comes to summer it can be hard to choose a colour, style or texture for your nail varnish. It is also hard to find the perfect shade to suit the level of tan you have at that time. This summer I have decided to make more of an effort with what's on my nails. These nail varnishes are what I consider as my essentials for summer friendly nails.

The first nail polish that I love for summer time is the Jack Wills Radford Nail Polish in Light Purple. I love this shade for a natural look that isn't too bold. This works best to a medium to darker tan as it shows up better but it would suit anyone's skin tone. I particularly like this formula because it drys quickly and is quite chip resistant.

Jack Wills- £6.50- 14ml

http://m.jackwills.com/en-gb/product/radford-nail-varnish-10000076246

The next nail varnish that I love especially in the summer months is the Models Own Glitter nail varnish in Pink Fizz. I think this is such a pretty glitter in summer because the suns light reflects off of it. This makes it look so pretty. This looks great as a top coat over a nail varnish (I recommend a blue one) or on its own with a few coats.

In this picture I have applied one coat over a blue nail polish.

Models Own- £4.99- 14ml

http://www.modelsownit.com/products/nails/glitter-collection.html

My final favourite summer nail varnish is the Essie nail varnish in Bikini So Teeny. This is such a pretty pale blue shade with little specs of glitter. When you look closely they form a beautiful shimmer. The blue would suit anyone but especially people with a fairer skin tone.

Boots- £7.99- 13ml

http://m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Essie-Nail-Varnish-Bikini-So-Teeny-15ml_1347611/

The last thing I would like to mention is the Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat. This is my favourite top coat in every season because it is very chip resistant and helps my nail varnishes last longer. It also saves me so much if I'm in a rush because it drys so quickly (literally two seconds).

Boots- £5.99- 13.3ml

http://www.boots.com/en/Sally-Hansen-Insta-Dri-Anti-Chip-Top-Coat_1038032/

I hope this was helpful!

Anna :)

Evening Skincare Routine.

A few months ago my skin wasn't looking it's best so I adapted my routine. Now I use products that are simple but effective and work with my skin. I have normal to oilly skin so if you have a similar skin type this routine may work for you but you can always adapt it to suit your skin. 

The first step I take is to remove my makeup. I use the 'Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion'. I love this as it removes your makeup very gently yet effectively. This is also ridiculously cheap, it costs as little as £3.29 from Superdrug.

Superdrug- £3.29- 200ml

 http://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face/Cleansers-%26-Scrubs/Simple-Purifying-Cleansing-Lotion-200ml/p/949222#.U8omF4m9LCQ

Next I use my 'The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner'. This product is especially formulated for oily and blemished skin so I would definitely not recommend this for dry skin as it would just be too drying. For dry skin I suggest swapping this out for something like the 'Simple Soothing Facial Toner'. This is a lot more moisturising than the Body Shop one.

The Body Shop- £5.00- 250ml

http://m.thebodyshop.co.uk/mt/www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/tea-tree/tea-tree-facial-toner.aspx?un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_redirect

I now apply my 'The Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-in-oil'. This is an oil based serum so it isn't recommended for oily skin but I love it nevertheless. I'm careful with where I apply it- nowhere where I'm breaking out or in oily spots. It is guaranteed for eight hour moisturisation and when I wake up my skin feels refreshed and soft.

The Body Shop- £12.00- 28ml

http://m.thebodyshop.co.uk/mt/www.thebodyshop.co.uk/shop-by-range/vitamin-e/vitamin-e-overnight-serum-in-oil-28ml.aspx?un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_redirect

Finally I apply my 'Simple Protecting Light Moisturiser'. I used to love this product but recently they have reformuated it so it contains SPF 15 in it. This is a good thing but it makes the moisturiser act more like a sunscreen- sticky and a white colour that streaks easily. It used to be a gel based transparent consistency which I preferred but it is always useful to have an SPF I guess.

Superdrug- £4.99- 125ml

http://www.superdrug.com/Skin/Face/Face-Moisturisers/Simple-Protecting-Light-Moisturiser/p/719464#.U8oob4m9LCQ

After all these steps my skin has been feeling a lot better and more healthy. These are just the products that I use on my skin and they seem to work.

Anna :)

My Top Three Drugstore BB Creams.

I love BB creams. They always save me when my skins needs a pick me up but i don't want to put a full face of foundation on. Most of these three can be purchased in a local drugstore.

My first favourite is The Body Shop 'Vitamin E Cool BB Cream'. It is very light coverage so it is perfect for when I just want to throw something on. It comes in a universal shade (it is so light coverage it doesn't really matter) and is very moisturising. It lasts a fairly long time (I use it about three times a week, I have had it for two months and I'm half way through) so it's good value for money. The only bad thing about this product is that it is VERY light coverage which can sometimes be good but mostly bad).

The Body Shop - £11 - 50ml

http://m.thebodyshop.co.uk/mt/www.thebodyshop.co.uk/make-up/face/vitamin-e-cool-bb-cream.aspx?un_jtt_v_pdp=yes&un_jtt_redirect

The next product is the Topshop BB cream. I have it in the shade number 1.0 which is perfect in the summer (a little too orange toned in the winter). I love the packaging aswell, it's a stylish shiny mirror effect so it doesn't ever look dirty in your makeup bag. This product is more expensive than The Body Shop one but is worth it for the coverage difference. However, The Body Shop one would definitely be better than this one for skincare. The Body Shop one contains many nutrients and vitamins to care for your skin whereas the Topshop one doesn't. However, this also contains SPF 20 which is always a bonus!

Topshop - £10 - 30ml

http://m.topshop.com/mt/www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/make-up-431/face-1906567/bb-cream-in-light-spf20-2050075?bi=1&ps=24

My final and favourite BB cream is the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB. I have it in the shade medium. It suits my skin quite well but still is a bit dark. I love this product because, first of all, it contains SPF 30. This means that (because I'm lazy) I won't have to put sun cream on in the summer. It is also oil free and lasts all day. I prefer to use it without a moisturiser because I think the coverage can look a little light when used with moisturiser but it depends on personal preference. Finally, this is an awesome product because it is so easy to blend. You can even apply it without a brush and it will easily blend seamlessly into the skin, with no smudge marks or lines. 

Boots - £7.99 - 30ml

http://m.boots.com/mt/www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Dream-Fresh-BB-Cream_1251099/?un_jtt_v_color=Medium

I hope this was helpful!

Anna :)

Lush Obsessed.

Honestly, it's no secret that I'm Lush obsessed. In this post I wanted to share my favorites from Lush with you. These are the products that I reach for on a regular basis and I always seem to repurchase them.

The first product that I have been loving from Lush is the 'Think Pink' Bath Ballistic. I know that I am not the only one to join this craze as many people are always raving about it. It's also one of the most popular products from Lush.

I also love the colours on this bath bomb, it's bright pink with small flowers. It makes your bath look incredible.

The next product on my Lush favorites list is the 'Dragons Egg' Bath Ballistic. I especially love it because of the fresh lemony smell.

It is mainly white so you wouldn't think it would be very interesting but if you look closely you see little spots of all different colours. All of these colours then swirl together to make a gorgeous mixture.

This next product is a little more unknown and less popular. It's the 'Each Peach (and two's a pear)' Massage Bar. This product is the best because it takes the hassle out of moisturising. It's literally a hard oil that melts at skin temperature so it feels extremely nourishing. I find that this is way more convenient and doesn't leave you feeling sticky.

I also love the pattern on this Massage Bar. It looks almost like a cherry blossom tree. It also smells amazing, very peachy (hence the name) and fruity. This leaves you feeling refreshed.

Last but certainly not least is 'The Comforter' Bubble Bar. I love this because it creates big bubbles that smell AMAZING. They smell like a mixture of blackcurrant and raspberry.

 Not only does it smell and look amazing, it also is very moisturising and leaves my skin feeling very soft.

Anna :)