Beauty | My Essential Drugstore Eyeshadow Palettes

For the past few years I've always been more of a liquid liner girl than a full on shadow kinda gal. I just bought out my shades for special occasions, or a neutral base to lengthen the stay of my liner. However, the past few months I've done a complete 180 and I believe these palettes have a little something to do with it. A range of colours, full or pigment, long lasting - and the best part? They're only £10 each.

Beauty | Product of the Month: October

Favourites posts are a massive thing in the blogging world, and whilst I love watching them I find it really hard to switch it up every month as I do use a lot of the same products. So I've decided to switch it up a bit and will instead just be choosing one product a month that I've loved more than anything else.

The Dupe | Benefit Roller Lash v Maybelline Lash Sensational

If you're like me you were completely swept away in the hyper of Benefit's newest mascara, Roller Lash. It lengthens, it seperates and it adds volume... What isn't there to love. Well, other than the packaging which is not my favourite. Honestly, it quickly went to the top of my mascara list... Until now that is. 

The Review | Maybelline The Nudes Palette

I do love me a nude palette, and when I see high street ones I get a little bit too excited. I was a bit disappointed by the L'Oreal La Palette Nude (which is why you haven't see it on here...) However I was quite excited by the Maybelline offering, thanks to the amazing quality of their cream eyeshadows. The main questions was whether or not they could bring the quality from those little pots, into a beautiful nude palette.

The How To | Stepping Aware from Liquid Liners

As you may know I'm a bit of a winged liner fan, I don't feel quite myself without that little solid black flick at the end of my eyes. However, one thing I know from experience is that liquid liners don't tend to fair brilliantly if hot weather and with summer coming up I thought I'd try some alternatives...

The Review | Maybelline Fit Me Powders

You may have seen in my recent mixed beauty haul video that I purchased two products from the Maybelline Fit Me range - the pressed powder and bronzer. Now I used to stay away from Maybelline products - thanks dream matte mousse foundation - but recently I've fallen so in love with so many of their products so when I was looking for a powder and new drugstore bronzer I decided to give them a whirl. So how have they faired?

The Review | Maybelline Color Drama

Before these I hadn't bought any new properly pigmented lip products in a long long time... So these now feel a little bit stupidly special to me (yes, I am a weird one). I saw these on Alix's YouTube and really wanted to give them a go. The Maybelline Color Drama Intense Lip Pencils are very highly pigmented and boast a ridiculously creamy texture.

The How To | Sleeping Beauty Lips

Malifiscent came out recently which made me crave Sleeping Beauty, so obviously I ended up with it and all throughout the film I was jealous of her lips, lips even the rose would be jealous of. Instead of thinking of them as red (as the script suggests) I see them a gorgeous deep rose pink, healthy, beautiful and just plain yum. So, I had a rummage through my collection of lip products to try and find those that helped me achieve Aurora's lips. 

Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede lipstick in Trendsetter is a gorgeous rose pink, blue toned and warm it adds a generous amount of colour to the lips. It's incredibly long lasting and really warms the tone of my skin and makes my eyes look brighter. However, this can look quite matte on the lips. So, to add a little more life and fun to the lips I've added Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Color in Fuchsia Flash. The perfect pairing to this lipstick. It gives the right amount of shine that isn't too slippery so that it takes away from the longevity of the lipstick. I love the look of these two together - and if it's the closest I can get to being a disney princess, well done, consider me a Sleeping Beauty.

How would you recreate Sleeping Beauty's lips?

The Review | Maybelline High Shine Lip Gloss

MAYBELLINE COLOURSENSATIONAL HIGH SHINE LIP GLOSS £6.19
L - R: GLORIOUS GRAPEFRUIT - FUCHSIA FLASH

Okay, that's it. I'm officially a lip gloss convert. There are a few products I've been trying lately that have completely won me over and these two are just the beginning. I'd read a lot of glowing reviews on these little glosses and I wanted in on the action. 

I picked up the colours Glorious Grapefruit, a beutiful peach perfect for the summer, and Fuchsia Flash, a brilliant bluey pink thats perfect for every day. Simple packaging and a doe foot applicator is exactly right for this product, but the thing I love the most? It's not sticky in the slightest! It's perfect. Lightweight and long lasting. The pigmentation isn't huge when applied on the lips, but it's just enough to show a difference.

Out of the two I think my favourite has to be Fuchsia Flash, I've been reaching for this more at the moment as I feel blue tones suit my skin colour more, however I can see myself reaching for Glorious Grapefruit non stop in the summer.

Overall I'm completely in love with these and definitely want to pick up some more. I would highly recommend these for any sticky gloss haters out there - these will convert anyone.

What's your favourite lip glosses?

The Review | Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer

MAYBELLINE THE ERASER EYE CONCEALER 

I've had this concealer in my collection for a little while and just not really been that bothered about sharing it with you guys until now. It was nice but for me it just wasn't worth shouting about. However, I've found that as it's getting warmer my usual concealer for under eyes (Soap & Glory Kiss Ass Concealer) is getting a bit too thick and it's just not staying put lately so I've been turning to this little product more and more, and honestly, I'm loving it.

Traditionally it's an under eye concealer - and it does a fab job at that. With the spongy tip it's so easy to use and apply to the contour of your under eye and really soft as well. It gives good coverage and looks natural. it's a very light concealer in terms of formula so I've found longevity isn't fantastic but it's definitely better than my Kiss Ass in the warmer months. 

If I'm honest I think this concealer really comes into it's own when used on blemishes. It's  case of popped the sponge on a blemish, roll for a second and it's vanished - in terms of make up anyway. It's a very yellow based toned concealer so it is better for blemishes than under my eyes I have found, but it still does a good job of hiding those dark circles - something I'm going to need when commuting to London every day soon!

What's your perfect under eye concealer for the summer?

The Comparison | Maybelline Baby Skin v

The new primer on the block has been likened to the beloved Porefessional many many times since it's introduction into the UK and I'm not surprised. As someone who loves Porefessional and finds it pretty much the only primer that will really do anything I was definitely interested in snapping up this cheaper version. So how does it actually marry up?

Porefessional is a skin toned matte-eque primer, it absorbs straight into the skin and smooths it. Baby Skin is a clear gel like formula, that again smooths the skin. Both do a really fab job of priming the complexion, they are both very mattifying so definitely get a thumbs up from me. One of the things I love about Porefessional is how mattifying it is and how it keeps my make up from looking too shiny throughout the day. Baby Skin does a very similar job however it just doesn't last quite as long as Porefessional.

Price wise Baby Skin wins this hands down for me - Porefessional is very pricey, I haven't actually ever bought a full version as I have so many little sample versions around and they last for a good little while. I'm sure I will cave soon and buy myself the full version, but Baby Skin has a much more attractive price tag, under a tenner, with Porefessional over twenty. 

The main difference for me is the affect it has on my skin. Porefessional I can wear again and again and it makes no difference to my skin. However Baby Skin really doesn't get on with mine. It just makes me break out something awful and I've had to put it aside for now. It's really annoying as otherwise it's almost as good as Porefessional. Otherwise the only real difference is how long it keeps the shine at bay throughout the day. 

I would still encourage you to try it if you really like Porefessional. Your skin might not react the same way as mine and if not then you've found yourself the perfect dupe.

Which of these do you prefer? 

Giveaway | September

I wanted to start a new little feature as a thank you to all of you guys. So what I'm going to do, instead of a favourites post at the end of every month, I'm going to do a wee little giveaway to say thanks to you guys for sticking with me. It will only be a small one every month, it will be the top 3 products that I've loved that month. I love my blog, but those days when I'm feeling blue and unloved the fact that you guys are still here and still reading really spurs me on so that's why I want to say a big thanks.

So this month I want to giveaway the following three items - ones that I couldn't have lived without this month and that I've been reaching for continuously.

1. Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Punch

2. Mac Fix+ 

3. Essie Chubby Cheeks

I've loved these three products this month and I hope you guys will too! So T&C's... You must be a follower of the blog on either here (GFC) or BlogLovin. I will be checking so no cheats please. There are also optional entries as well but that's the one must.

Also, only UK only I am afraid - I just don't have the funds to ship anything abroad atm, hopefully I will do soon so will let you know when that changes.

So! Just fill out the form below, competition will run for one week so get your entries in! Enjoy!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Make Up | Maybelline Immortal Charcoal

MAYBELLINE COLOR TATTOO 24HOUR CREAM EYESHADOW IN IMMORTAL CHARCOAL £4.99

So, after the amazingness that is On&On Bronze I wanted a new colour in these amazing eyeshadows. As a mostly neutral kinda gal I went for Immortal Charcoal. It's a metallic smokey dark silver that looks gorgeous once it's on.

I say once it's on because this is so much harder to apply then On & On Bronze. I found it really really stiff and just really hard to create an even finish as I can with the former mentioned colour. Very confused I have to say as the first one I used was so easy to use and apply, but this one I have real trouble with, which sucks as the colour is gorgeous - once you get it all on. 

As with On & On Bronze it is very long lasting and incredibly smudge proof - a really great thing about these products really in their lasting power. There isn't any fading and I love it for that.

If this colour was a bit easier to apply I'd be running out the door to buy others, but this has put me off a tad. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

Today I am off to lunch with the gorgeous Paige from paigejoanna.com so be prepared for some pics on Instagram and Twitter. I've been a bit sporadic in terms of posts this week - mainly just cause I've had a couple of things going on which have taken priority, and honestly it's been nice to take a bit of a back seat this week. Having said that I still got my 5 posts out this week so I can't really complain at myself! Hope you guys have a lovely weekend whatever you're doing!

What's your fave colour? What cream eyeshadows do you recommend?

The Favourites | 5 under £5

A few weeks ago I did a 10 products under £10 and really enjoyed doing it - and got a great reaction from your guys as well about it. So, I thought I would do the same for under £5. For those who read T&M you may know I am saving for a house this year so bargain products are a must for me, and these are my top 5...

B. Pure Micellar Water £4.99

I am a micellar water addict and this is the cheapest one I've tried, and also one of the best. It's a great little make up remover - probably not the best if you have sensitive skin as it is a little harsher than others I've tried - but it works perfectly for me.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow £4.99

The best eyeshadow I use in the entire world. It's a cream one, but not greasy and doesn't crease. Incredibly long lasting a large range of colours. I would recommend these shadows to anyone who asked and insist that you go and buy one now if you don't already have one - go go go!

Maybelline Baby Lips £2.99

Another Maybelline product and another cult product. These are basically just lip balms, three of the collections clear and the others tinted. I love the tinted ones and how moisturising they feel. Not 8 hours as promised but for £2.99 what do you expect. I love Pink Punch, fab little lip product.

17 Instant Glow Shimmer Brick £4.99

Bronzer and highlighter all in one, this is such good value for money this product. I love the way it brightens the skin and helps to subtly contour as well, a dupe for Bobbi Brown's shimmer brick and long lasting. I've used this everyday since New Years Eve and it's still going - so much product for your money!

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer £4.19

Another cult favourite. A really brilliant little concealer. It's thick enough to cover blemishes, but not too thick to be cakey (we don't do cakiness!). Only three shades available, but it blends very easily and quickly. Really easy to apply and just a great product for the price. 

So yes, I know a lot of these are cult classics and probably expected - but they are cult classics for a reason. These are my top 5 for under a fiver and I love them.

What's your top 5 under £5?

Make Up | Baby Lips

MAYBELLINE BABY LIPS IN PEACH KISS AND PINK PUNCH £2.99 EACH

Yup, so it happened. I caved to the hype and went and bought myself two of Maybelline's much coveted Baby Lips lip balm. 

If you weren't aware, these have just popped over from the US and the UK has gone crazy over them, which considering they are pretty much just a lip gloss seems a bit much but - are they worth the hype? They give intense care, 8 hours hydration and 20 SPF. There's 6 in the collection, 3 of which are clear and provide different types of care, and the other 3 are tinted balms.

I bought two of the tinted ones, Pink Punch and Peach Kiss. Pink Punch is a lovely baby pink, and Peach Kiss is a nude peach colour with a touch of shimmer to it. Both are silky smooth to apply and feel very hydrating on the lips. They have the real feel of a balm - not a gloss or lipstick an can be applied easily without a mirror - again just like a balm.

In terms of the hype it's received - I wouldn't say it was worth all of it. It's a lovely lip balm, I cannot deny that, and I do really like them and will be purchasing the rest at some point. For £2.99 they are great value and I would definitely recommend them. What I would say is don't expect them to change your life - they really are just tinted balms. But very nice ones.

Have you tried Baby Lips? What's your favourite?

Make Up | Colour Tattoo in On & On Bronze

MAYBELLINE COLOUR TATTOO 24HOUR EYESHADOW CREAM IN ON & ON BRONZE £4.99

Yes, I know, I am ridiculously late jumping on this bandwagon. I don't know why but everytime I popped one in my basket, it would find its way back out of the basket before I hit the checkout. So when I popped into Superdrug recently I put it in, and kept it there, telling myself it was about time I tried one! Let's face it, a £4.99 eyeshadow isn't really doing to break the bank.

So, this is a cream gel eyeshadow that is long lasting and comes in metallic shimmery shades. It's also meant to last for 24 hours (as the name suggests). I got On & On Bronze because I tend to wear this type of colour on my eyes all the bloody time, it's very predictable but hey, it works. I do also really want to try Everlasting Navy as well though, I am a navy lover!

So what did I think? Well, it's easy to apply - however I use my fingers and my nails keep digging into it which isn't ideal, but apart from my fingers I just can't get to grip with any other type of brush with cream shadows. Anywho, it glides onto the lids easily and blends like nothing else I've used, it's lovely and smooth. The colour is a gorgeous bronze that helps bring out the brown in my eyes. Longevity wise, it lasts for hooours and what I love most - it does NOT crease. I find cream shadows tend to gather in the creases, but this doesn't at all and I love it for that.

Overall, I am so glad I FINALLY bought this. It's a great little product and I will definitely be picking up more shades.

Have you tried these eyeshadows? What's your favourite shade? 

Trends | Matching Lips and Nails

This was purely by accident. I painted my nails my new Barry M shade of Pomegranate, then I popped on one of my new lippys from Revlon, Ultimate Suede range in Trendsetter, and then I looked at myself and OH! Look at me my lips are matching my nails... And I loved the affect.

The most colourful part of my make up is always my lips and nails, so really it should just make sense that it matches. My eyes usually stay a fairly neautral colour, with some black liner somewhere, so really my lips need to be that little bit different. This shade from Revlon is a gorgeous raspberry pink, the right mix of red and pink in a matte, suede finish. Long lasting and oh so incredibly gorgeous. Team that with Pomegranate, from Barry M's oh so durable Gelly range and voila. You have yourself a perfect match.

This is quite a nifty little trend, and one I will defintely be trying again - and on purpose this time! 

Do you match your nails and lips?

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB

I'm a foundation girl - always have been and thought I probably always would be. Granted I tend to use a tinted moisturizer in the summer as it's lighter and contains SPF. I just tend to find it doesn't cover my skins as well and hide my imperfections.

I was really intrigued to try Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream for two reasons

a) I needed a new type of daily coverage for the summer

b) I wanted to know what the hell BB cream is...

Ok so I wasn't sure if this was meant to be like a tinted moisturizer or a primer so I had a little look see.

It's meant to stand for either 'Blemish Balm' or 'Blemish Base'. It is meant to be an all signing, all dancing cream. It's meant to provide a good base for make up like a primer, even out complexion like a tinted moisturizer, cover minor imperfections and redness like a concealer, hydrate your skin like a day cream, brighten a dull complexion and some contain SPF.

If all of this is right I think I may have cut down my make up cabinet by half...

So does the Maybelline version match up to its impressive blurb?

Maybelline Dream Fresh BB in Light £7.99 from Boots

I chose the 'light' shade and it really does blend into the colour of my skin which is great. I love foundations that look invisible so, even though this isn't a foundation, I liked this part of it. It's a really light formula as well which is good as I had heard that some BB creams were quite thick so I was please with this.

It glides on really easily and doesn't feel oily which is great. It says to apply a light layer, however to achieve the coverage I like i have to apply a bit more then suggested - but once on it does coverage and as it suggests on the back it "blurs imperfections", but I wouldn't say it completely covers like a foundation so you do have to add a little concealer. My skin does feel lovely and soft after use which I like and I've not really found this with a lot of other foundations/tinted moisturizers.

It contains SPF 30 which is lovely as I always forget to use sun cream on my face (bad lisa!)

Overall I do like this product. It does give you a really fresh faced glow. I have had a couple of bad skin days so have added foundation on top and it does work as a primer as well which is handy! It is definitely a lazy day, cant be arsed with foundation products - or just if it's too hot for it!

The only thing I'm not 100% happy with is the size... it's not the biggest tube so I can't imagine it going very far which is a little frustrating but still, the product is a great product so I would buy it again and I would definitely recommend it :)

Have you tried any BB creams? Which would you recommend?

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner

I have always been really wary of gel or liquid eyeliners... And I personally have never found one that I got on with, until now!

May I introduce the Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner (yes long name mouthful!). 

It is ridiculously easy to use and comes with a brush so you don't have to worry about finding the perfect brush to go with it.

I found the gel so much easier to apply the liquid liner and it honestly stays on for ever! It actually lasts a drunken night out which makes for a very ugly next morning... It isn't the easiest bit of make up to remove!

You can create any look from casual to dramatic and it looks good!

My one and only complaint is that the gel sticks on the brush and you have to really pull it off which means I end up pulling out bristles from the brush as well.

This is my everyday look with the liner. It includes putting it along the bottom lid, just on the inside of the eye and on the top as well as you can see. It honestly does last throughout the day and really looks good.

I can't say enough good things about this product!

You can get it from both Boots and Superdrug for £7.99

The price doesn't bother me at all - not sure what you think - but although the pot looks tiny it lasts for ages, you only need a teeny bit so it is really good value as far as I'm concerned.

What's you favourite eye look?