What's New | MAC 163 Brush and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

What's New | MAC 163 Brush and CLARINS Beauty Flash Balm..♥

How sad, I've saved this what's new post in my drafts for nearly a month now and I never got around to completing it until now.

Yes I know there are only two products in this post but I guess nearly every little beauty buy is worth mentioning right? Although the MAC 163 brush is currently sold out, the Clarins Beauty Balm is still available to buy. I have a feeling the MAC brush will be back in stock sooner or later as I've heard it's always in and out of stock but you have to keep an eye on the site as it is a limited edition brush!



MAC 163 Contour Brush

The MAC 163 brush came out with the MAC Face and Body Collection. It's a contour brush designed to be used with the MAC Sculpting Cream. The shape of the brush is really good for use on the cheekbones to achieve prominent face definition with either a contour cream or powder. After reading reviews of the MAC Sculpting Cream at the time of purchase, I decided not to get them (I was also unsure of which shade I'd use and I was too lazy to check them out in a MAC store). I am after a product with a cream finish that I can use to contour with. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Price: £26

Availability: MAC

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm



This is one of those products that there's so much hype around. I'd been contemplating buying it for a long time so when it finally went on a 3-day sale at CheapSmells for £13.99, I grabbed it as soon as I could. The product is a favourite of Tanya Burr (Pixi2woo) so I really wanted to see what it was about. It is said to be an instant radiance booster which gives a softer, smoother and healthier looking complexion. It also claims to "promote firmer looking features and reduce the appearance of fine lines and  "Enhances make-up's luminous appearance and lasting wear." Sounds appealing right?



RRP: £28

CheapSmells Price: £17.95



Did anyone manage to grab the MAC 163 brush?

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What's New | MAC 163 Brush and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

What's New | MAC 163 Brush and CLARINS Beauty Flash Balm..♥

How sad, I've saved this what's new post in my drafts for nearly a month now and I never got around to completing it until now.

Yes I know there are only two products in this post but I guess nearly every little beauty buy is worth mentioning right? Although the MAC 163 brush is currently sold out, the Clarins Beauty Balm is still available to buy. I have a feeling the MAC brush will be back in stock sooner or later as I've heard it's always in and out of stock but you have to keep an eye on the site as it is a limited edition brush!



MAC 163 Contour Brush

The MAC 163 brush came out with the MAC Face and Body Collection. It's a contour brush designed to be used with the MAC Sculpting Cream. The shape of the brush is really good for use on the cheekbones to achieve prominent face definition with either a contour cream or powder. After reading reviews of the MAC Sculpting Cream at the time of purchase, I decided not to get them (I was also unsure of which shade I'd use and I was too lazy to check them out in a MAC store). I am after a product with a cream finish that I can use to contour with. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!

Price: £26

Availability: MAC

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm



This is one of those products that there's so much hype around. I'd been contemplating buying it for a long time so when it finally went on a 3-day sale at CheapSmells for £13.99, I grabbed it as soon as I could. The product is a favourite of Tanya Burr (Pixi2woo) so I really wanted to see what it was about. It is said to be an instant radiance booster which gives a softer, smoother and healthier looking complexion. It also claims to "promote firmer looking features and reduce the appearance of fine lines and  "Enhances make-up's luminous appearance and lasting wear." Sounds appealing right?



RRP: £28

CheapSmells Price: £17.95



Did anyone manage to grab the MAC 163 brush?

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FOTD: Wearing MAC Morange Lipstick

FOTD: Wearing MAC Morange Lipstick..♥





As quite a few of you asked to see how MAC Morange lipstick looked, I thought I'd wear it today so that I could show you. There's been times where I've wanted to wear this lipstick out but been put off because I was scared as it is so bright. I think Morange and MAC Impassioned are the brightest lipsticks that I own from MAC and I haven't worn either of them out of the house. I always put them on then wipe it off just before I walk out the door.

Remember I said that Morange looked nice with MAC Red lip liner? Well I don't own that liner so I couldn't do the same combination. The red liner that I do own is from NYX and it didn't look as good so I just wore it with MAC Cork lip liner for you all to see. Cork did help tone down the colour a bit but I still don't think I'm brave enough for it yet. Maybe I should have opted for MAC So Chaud...

Face 

Moisturiser: Renew Intensive Skin Therapy

Primer: Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control and MAC Prep + Primer Skin Base Visage

Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24hr - #11

Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Deep Dark and Dark

Under Eye Concealer: MAC Prolongwear NC42 and Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Powder (to set)

Contour + Bronzer: COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer - Ebony

Blush: MAC Devil (Pro)

Brows

Eyebrows: MAC Stud + NW45 Studio Finish Concealer

Eyes

Eyeliner (top): Loreal Super Liner - Carbon Gloss

Eyeliner (bottom): Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes - Mat Black 0L 

Mascara: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

Eyelashes: Miss Adoro - #79 (I've worn this particular pair over 5 times!)

Lips

Lip Liner: MAC Cork

Lipstick: MAC Morange

Swatch

Will you be buying MAC Morange?

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FOTD: Wearing MAC Morange Lipstick

FOTD: Wearing MAC Morange Lipstick..♥





As quite a few of you asked to see how MAC Morange lipstick looked, I thought I'd wear it today so that I could show you. There's been times where I've wanted to wear this lipstick out but been put off because I was scared as it is so bright. I think Morange and MAC Impassioned are the brightest lipsticks that I own from MAC and I haven't worn either of them out of the house. I always put them on then wipe it off just before I walk out the door.

Remember I said that Morange looked nice with MAC Red lip liner? Well I don't own that liner so I couldn't do the same combination. The red liner that I do own is from NYX and it didn't look as good so I just wore it with MAC Cork lip liner for you all to see. Cork did help tone down the colour a bit but I still don't think I'm brave enough for it yet. Maybe I should have opted for MAC So Chaud...

Face 

Moisturiser: Renew Intensive Skin Therapy

Primer: Black Radiance Complexion Perfection Shine Control and MAC Prep + Primer Skin Base Visage

Foundation: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24hr - #11

Powder: Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Deep Dark and Dark

Under Eye Concealer: MAC Prolongwear NC42 and Black Opal Invisible Oil Blocking Powder (to set)

Contour + Bronzer: COVERGIRL Queen Collection Natural Hue Bronzer - Ebony

Blush: MAC Devil (Pro)

Brows

Eyebrows: MAC Stud + NW45 Studio Finish Concealer

Eyes

Eyeliner (top): Loreal Super Liner - Carbon Gloss

Eyeliner (bottom): Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes - Mat Black 0L 

Mascara: Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara

Eyelashes: Miss Adoro - #79 (I've worn this particular pair over 5 times!)

Lips

Lip Liner: MAC Cork

Lipstick: MAC Morange

Swatch

Will you be buying MAC Morange?

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What's New (Part 2): Tresemme, Aussie, MAC, Argan Oil, Superdrug

What's New (Part 2): Tresemme, Aussie, MAC, Argan Oil, Superdrug..♥

This part of my 'What's New' post focuses more on recent hair products that I've bought and very few makeup items. 

100% Cosmetic Argan Oil 

I was meant to feature this product on my blog when I first got back from Morocco but I completely forgot. As most of you already know Argan oil originates from Morocco so I thought this would obviously be the best place to purchase the oil. I use it on my Virgin hair and it makes it feel so soft and keeps it moisturised. I managed to bring 3 large sized bottles back to England. They were bought for 50 dirhams (I knocked the price down from 120 dirhams! Can you believe it?!) from the market in Marrakech. 50 dirhams is around £3.50. They had many different Argan oil products including black soap with Argan oil which I've forgotten to take a picture of! The soap was less than 10 dirhams.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner

My hair was bleached last month so it's really important that I'm using products that will keep it moisturised. So far I'm really liking the Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner because it has a lovely smell and makes your hair very soft! They are both larger versions which were bought from Costco but if you're not able to buy from Costco they have the slightly smaller sized ones in places like Superdrug. They are currently having a 2 for £6.99 offer on Aussie products in Superdrug if you're interested in buying them.

Tresemme Heat Defence Spray

My Tresemme Heat Defence leaked in my suitcase so it needed replacing. I always use this before blow drying or straightening hair. 

£4.69

Tresemme Smooth Memory Straightening Spray

I very rarely curl my hair anymore as I feel it just takes too long to do so I've been going more for the sleek straight look. Whilst looking for my Tresemme Heat Defence Spray, I came across this product which is meant to train hair to become straighter, smoother and less frizzy over time. It also includes Argan Oil which is a plus.

£4.99

Superdrug Makeup Sponges

These are just multipurpose makeup wedge sponges. I've only just realised they're quite small compared to the sponges I'm used to using. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

I know that I usually use the shade Dark but I wanted to try Dark Deep. For my skintone at the moment, I prefer Dark Deep and I've even been getting more compliments on my makeup since I've switched shades. I may go back to Dark during winter.  

£21.00

MAC Morange Lipstick

When I wrote my post about MAC Vegas Volt, I mentioned wanting another orange lipstick for the season and I wasn't too sure how I felt about the boldness of MAC Morange so I was going to go for MAC So Chaud. It was Back2MAC time, so I went to the MAC in Stratford Westfield to try both Morange and So Chaud on. After having them both on, I decided that I preferred MAC Morange though it is a very loud colour. I believe I can work with it. As one of my readers suggested, it can be used with a brown lip liner. After trying on So Chaud with a red liner, I still had on red liner whilst trying on Morange as it was hard to get off. Believe it or not but Morange with a red liner was a nice combination. This post obviously doesn't include a swatch of the colour but I will swatch it or do a FOTD post at a later date if you would like me to. 

£14.00  

That's the end of my 'What's New' posts until my next purchases. I know these products are not as exciting as my package from America but what are your thoughts? 

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What's New (Part 2): Tresemme, Aussie, MAC, Argan Oil, Superdrug

What's New (Part 2): Tresemme, Aussie, MAC, Argan Oil, Superdrug..♥

This part of my 'What's New' post focuses more on recent hair products that I've bought and very few makeup items. 

100% Cosmetic Argan Oil 

I was meant to feature this product on my blog when I first got back from Morocco but I completely forgot. As most of you already know Argan oil originates from Morocco so I thought this would obviously be the best place to purchase the oil. I use it on my Virgin hair and it makes it feel so soft and keeps it moisturised. I managed to bring 3 large sized bottles back to England. They were bought for 50 dirhams (I knocked the price down from 120 dirhams! Can you believe it?!) from the market in Marrakech. 50 dirhams is around £3.50. They had many different Argan oil products including black soap with Argan oil which I've forgotten to take a picture of! The soap was less than 10 dirhams.

Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo & Conditioner

My hair was bleached last month so it's really important that I'm using products that will keep it moisturised. So far I'm really liking the Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner because it has a lovely smell and makes your hair very soft! They are both larger versions which were bought from Costco but if you're not able to buy from Costco they have the slightly smaller sized ones in places like Superdrug. They are currently having a 2 for £6.99 offer on Aussie products in Superdrug if you're interested in buying them.

Tresemme Heat Defence Spray

My Tresemme Heat Defence leaked in my suitcase so it needed replacing. I always use this before blow drying or straightening hair. 

£4.69

Tresemme Smooth Memory Straightening Spray

I very rarely curl my hair anymore as I feel it just takes too long to do so I've been going more for the sleek straight look. Whilst looking for my Tresemme Heat Defence Spray, I came across this product which is meant to train hair to become straighter, smoother and less frizzy over time. It also includes Argan Oil which is a plus.

£4.99

Superdrug Makeup Sponges

These are just multipurpose makeup wedge sponges. I've only just realised they're quite small compared to the sponges I'm used to using. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

I know that I usually use the shade Dark but I wanted to try Dark Deep. For my skintone at the moment, I prefer Dark Deep and I've even been getting more compliments on my makeup since I've switched shades. I may go back to Dark during winter.  

£21.00

MAC Morange Lipstick

When I wrote my post about MAC Vegas Volt, I mentioned wanting another orange lipstick for the season and I wasn't too sure how I felt about the boldness of MAC Morange so I was going to go for MAC So Chaud. It was Back2MAC time, so I went to the MAC in Stratford Westfield to try both Morange and So Chaud on. After having them both on, I decided that I preferred MAC Morange though it is a very loud colour. I believe I can work with it. As one of my readers suggested, it can be used with a brown lip liner. After trying on So Chaud with a red liner, I still had on red liner whilst trying on Morange as it was hard to get off. Believe it or not but Morange with a red liner was a nice combination. This post obviously doesn't include a swatch of the colour but I will swatch it or do a FOTD post at a later date if you would like me to. 

£14.00  

That's the end of my 'What's New' posts until my next purchases. I know these products are not as exciting as my package from America but what are your thoughts? 

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Makeup Holiday Picks: Morocco

Makeup Holiday Picks: Morocco..♥

As I've just recently come back from a hot country, I thought I'd let you know which products I found myself reaching for. I walked around bare faced for the majority of my trip as I really couldn't deal with the heat. To be honest, wearing makeup in that country is quite pointless. On the rare occasion, say, going out for dinner for example or heading into the main town, I did feel the need to make some sort of effort. Though I did pack more products, I didn't use them. However, the products below are what I found myself picking out on those days.

Illamasqua Powdered Metal - Erzule

This product was actually my mums but basically I've stolen it and it's mine now =D

It's a beautiful bronze with shimmer that can be used on the face or body. On my way to Morocco, I used it as a cheek highlight but since I wasn't wearing makeup whilst I was there, I used it as a body shimmer instead. It gives your skin a beautiful sunkissed glow. Perfect for those days when you're wearing strapless tops! I believe it comes in about 3 shades. Erzule is the darkest out of the range but definitely check them out!

MAC Mineralize Loose Powder - Dark Deep

Though I think I made the mistake of buying the wrong shade of this powder, it is of great use now that I'm darker. On the days where I was getting bored of showing Morocco my bare face, I decided to use this powder. Please believe that it has an amazing coverage and for those of you who don't like liquid foundation, this is a great powder to use. It stayed on through the sweltering heat and even when I thought I had sweat it all off, when I looked in the mirror, it was still there!

 

I very rarely used the MAC Select Cover-Up, I probably only used it like once but I thought I would mention it anyway. Whilst I'm in England, I don't normally use concealer on my face since my foundation usually does what it's supposed to but since I was foundation free this holiday, this was used just to cover any marks. The other products pictured above are just your regular liquid eyeliner, mascara and eyebrow pencil.

As for lip products, aside my chapstick which I forgot to photograph, these are the only products I reached out for. In fact, I used the NYX Megashine lipgloss everyday. I think it's my favourite shade out of all the ones I own (click HERE to see my NYX Megashine lipgloss Collection). Occasionally, I would wear the YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick (click HERE for a swatch) underneath the NYX gloss as both shades complement each other. 

I decided to wear my new MAC Vegas Volt lipstick (click HERE for a swatch) on my birthday :)

What do you think of my holiday picks? Does anyone else own the Illamasqua Powdered Metal or has tried the MAC Mineralize Loose Powder?

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

Makeup Holiday Picks: Morocco

Makeup Holiday Picks: Morocco..♥

As I've just recently come back from a hot country, I thought I'd let you know which products I found myself reaching for. I walked around bare faced for the majority of my trip as I really couldn't deal with the heat. To be honest, wearing makeup in that country is quite pointless. On the rare occasion, say, going out for dinner for example or heading into the main town, I did feel the need to make some sort of effort. Though I did pack more products, I didn't use them. However, the products below are what I found myself picking out on those days.

Illamasqua Powdered Metal - Erzule

This product was actually my mums but basically I've stolen it and it's mine now =D

It's a beautiful bronze with shimmer that can be used on the face or body. On my way to Morocco, I used it as a cheek highlight but since I wasn't wearing makeup whilst I was there, I used it as a body shimmer instead. It gives your skin a beautiful sunkissed glow. Perfect for those days when you're wearing strapless tops! I believe it comes in about 3 shades. Erzule is the darkest out of the range but definitely check them out!

MAC Mineralize Loose Powder - Dark Deep

Though I think I made the mistake of buying the wrong shade of this powder, it is of great use now that I'm darker. On the days where I was getting bored of showing Morocco my bare face, I decided to use this powder. Please believe that it has an amazing coverage and for those of you who don't like liquid foundation, this is a great powder to use. It stayed on through the sweltering heat and even when I thought I had sweat it all off, when I looked in the mirror, it was still there!

 

I very rarely used the MAC Select Cover-Up, I probably only used it like once but I thought I would mention it anyway. Whilst I'm in England, I don't normally use concealer on my face since my foundation usually does what it's supposed to but since I was foundation free this holiday, this was used just to cover any marks. The other products pictured above are just your regular liquid eyeliner, mascara and eyebrow pencil.

As for lip products, aside my chapstick which I forgot to photograph, these are the only products I reached out for. In fact, I used the NYX Megashine lipgloss everyday. I think it's my favourite shade out of all the ones I own (click HERE to see my NYX Megashine lipgloss Collection). Occasionally, I would wear the YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick (click HERE for a swatch) underneath the NYX gloss as both shades complement each other. 

I decided to wear my new MAC Vegas Volt lipstick (click HERE for a swatch) on my birthday :)

What do you think of my holiday picks? Does anyone else own the Illamasqua Powdered Metal or has tried the MAC Mineralize Loose Powder?

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What's New: MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick

What's New: MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick..♥

I'm back from Morocco! Very hot country but I really enjoyed spending my birthday there :)

Being the beauty addict that I am, I almost missed my flight because of the duty free MAC in London Gatwick Airport. I've never run so fast in my life lol! Before the sprint, I did manage to get my hands on MAC Vegas Volt lipstick. I love this shade and I've tried this lipstick on before but for some reason I didn't like it on me. Recently, I tweeted about wanting an orange lippy and one of my followers suggested Vegas Volt. I decided to give it another try and I thought it actually looked okay! I know it's more of a coral than an orange but it's a beautiful shade regardless. 

As it is an 'Amplified' finish lipstick, Vegas Volt is very pigmented and creamy therefore not drying like their 'Matte' finishes. This lipstick paired with MAC Richer Lusher Cremesheen Glass is the perfect combination but Richer Lusher will still remain on my wishlist for now!

The swatch above was achieved with just one swipe. 

In my opinion, I think Vegas Volt looks especially nice against medium skin tones (J Lo/ Kim K). Definitely give it a try if you fall into that category!

Finish: Amplified

Collection: Permanent

Availability: Any MAC counter or maccosmetics.co.uk

Duty Free Price: £11.85 

Original Price: £14.00

Though I do have Vegas Volt now, I still want another orange lippy. I was thinking 'So Chaud' next as 'Morange' is a bit too daring for me. What do you think? Any suggestions?

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What's New: MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick

What's New: MAC Vegas Volt Lipstick..♥

I'm back from Morocco! Very hot country but I really enjoyed spending my birthday there :)

Being the beauty addict that I am, I almost missed my flight because of the duty free MAC in London Gatwick Airport. I've never run so fast in my life lol! Before the sprint, I did manage to get my hands on MAC Vegas Volt lipstick. I love this shade and I've tried this lipstick on before but for some reason I didn't like it on me. Recently, I tweeted about wanting an orange lippy and one of my followers suggested Vegas Volt. I decided to give it another try and I thought it actually looked okay! I know it's more of a coral than an orange but it's a beautiful shade regardless. 

As it is an 'Amplified' finish lipstick, Vegas Volt is very pigmented and creamy therefore not drying like their 'Matte' finishes. This lipstick paired with MAC Richer Lusher Cremesheen Glass is the perfect combination but Richer Lusher will still remain on my wishlist for now!

The swatch above was achieved with just one swipe. 

In my opinion, I think Vegas Volt looks especially nice against medium skin tones (J Lo/ Kim K). Definitely give it a try if you fall into that category!

Finish: Amplified

Collection: Permanent

Availability: Any MAC counter or maccosmetics.co.uk

Duty Free Price: £11.85 

Original Price: £14.00

Though I do have Vegas Volt now, I still want another orange lippy. I was thinking 'So Chaud' next as 'Morange' is a bit too daring for me. What do you think? Any suggestions?

Twitter ♥ Bloglovin

Blush for Darker Skin

Blush for Darker Skin..♥



Hey beauts!

I wanted to do a post to help out my darker skin ladies out there who are unsure about blush. In this post, by darker skin, I'm referring to women who are about my shade or darker (for reference I use MAC NC50). 

Why are a lot of darker women so scared of colour? There's really nothing to be afraid of when it comes to wearing blush. Do not let people fool you into thinking you can only pull off plum or berry shades or that you cannot wear blush at all! There are so many other colours that you can wear but obviously there's no need to take it too far and opt for the lightest pink available. It's all to do with the intensity of the shade chosen and you just have to be wise with your selection so you don't make the mistake of looking ashy. 

It's almost as if we have been trained to gravitate towards berry shades. Unless that is your preference, you are not limited to it. My first ever blush from MAC was Loverush (pictured below) but sooner or later, I realised that I wanted to explore and that I too could wear beautiful coral shades and other shades too!

To me, applying blush is a vital step during your makeup routine. In my opinion, it brightens, creates a youthful glow and also adds warmth to the skin giving that "natural glow from within" look. I very rarely leave home without wearing it. It just adds radiance to my skin and makes me look full of life which is the purpose of blush anyway.  

I'm aware that we don't blush naturally, but being darker skin, it is important that we make the right choice of colour. Rich, deep and warm shades are more complementary to our skin tone. Colours such as orange, brick red and coral look beautiful against our skin for a "natural" warm glow. 

Below is a selection of blush shades that you may possibly consider. You are in no way limited to these shades but I just wanted to give an example of the different shades that can be worn. 

L-H: MAC Devil, MAC Sweet As Cocoa, MAC Loverush, NARS Gina, MAC Love Joy, MAC Ambering Rose, NARS Gilda, MAC Raizin, MAC Format, NARS Taj Mahal

If you prefer, rich plum, berry and deep pink shades can also be worn and for added intensity. These shades particularly look nice against very deep skin tones. 

I on't think these shades are available to buy anymore

The blush you wear is entirely up to you but I hope I've helped someone out there who may be scared to wear blush or helped push someone into trying new colours.

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