MAC Lipstick Collection - September 2012

Hi everyone! 

I am going to show you my MAC lipstick collection today. I do not have a very big collection but I may be purchasing a few more when I go to Arizona in October!

I also wanted to quickly announce the winner of my 30 Follower MAC giveaway - Congratulations Clara - @florencia_clara and thank you for entering everyone!

Anyway, let's get back to the lipsticks!

 Left to right - Offshoot (Limited Edition), Peach Stock (Limited Edition), Creme Cup

MAC 'Offshoot' - Limited Edition - MAC Me Over Collection

I think this probably my favourite MAC lipstick that I own. It is darker than my natural lip colour but is still a pinky red toned lipstick and I just absolutely love the colour for Autumn!

MAC 'Peach stock' - Limited Edition - MAC Me Over Collection

Ok, so I actually really don't like this colour on myself. I think it is slightly too peachy and orange toned. I would be happy to sell this lipstick for a good price. If anyone is interested feel free to email me or tweet me!

MAC 'Creme Cup' - £14.00 from MAC

I am in love with this lipstick for any time of year. It is the perfect pale pink that goes well with any makeup look I choose to do. However, when I have chapped, dry lips this lipstick really sticks to dry patches. Other than that though, I absolutely adore it!

Hope you liked this post. If you would like to see an overview of my entire lip product collection then leave a comment!

Thanks for reading. 

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YSL Volupté Sheer Candy Lipstick - Number 4

Sorry for no post yesterday, my Dad's family are down so I went for lunch with them and I just didn't have any time to write something up for you all!! 

Anyway, today I am doing a review on the YSL Sheer Candy Lipstick in #4. Hope you enjoy! 

YSL Sheer Candy Lipstick 'Number 4' - £23.50 from Debenhams 

Pros:

- Hydrating. This lipstick feels like a lipbalm on the lips.  

- Packaging. The tube is silver with the Yves Saint Laurent logo in gold. It also has the colour of the lipstick on the outside which is also a nice feature. The tube feels heavy and luxurious. I am in love with the packaging!

- Scent/Taste. All YSL lip products smell amazing. They smell like watermelons and kiwi and lovely fruits. They also taste like they smell!

- Colour range. There are 10 shades which range from nude to berry. A colour to suit everyone!

Cons:

- Price. At £23.50 a tube, it is extremely expensive. However, I have had mine for a while and I don't feel like I have used much at all (I use it at least once a week, reapplying throughout the day.. You also have to take into account the packaging which is very snazzy and luxurious. You wouldn't mind pulling this out of your handbag thats for sure!!

- Staying power. I feel like I have to reapply this more than other lipsticks. That could be because they taste amazing though - I can't help but lick them off!

Overall:

Packaging - 5/5

Luxury - That's all I'm saying.

Product - 4/5

Easy to use. Good colour selection. Awesome scent.

Price - 2/5

I feel like there must be better sheer lipsticks out there for a much cheaper price. However, the packaging is so amazing. It depends if you want to pay that sort of money..

Thanks for reading.

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MAC Paint Pot Collection - Review and Swatches

So, as you can see, I have 9 of MAC's Paint Pots. These can be purchased for £14.50 each from MAC

Top row (Left to right) - Let's Skate!, Bare Study, Morning Frost

Middle row (Left to Right) - Nubile, Treasure Hunt, Rubenesque

Bottom row (Left to right) - Genuine Treasure, Idyllic, For Effect

MAC Let's Skate! - Glitter & Ice Collection

Light pink with gold shimmer. Doesn't look overly shimmery in the pot, but when swatched, it is very shimmery!

MAC Bare Study - Permanent Collection 

Cool toned beige. This is probably my favourite of my collection because as a primer it makes your eyes look much brighter. I also love using it as an inner corner and brow bone highlight, it's beautiful!

MAC Nubile - Posh Paradise Collection

Creamy peachy beige. This is a bit darker and pinker than my skin tone but I love using it as a base for my eyeshadow. This would be perfect for someone with a slightly darker skin tone.

MAC Morning Frost - Glitter & Ice Collection

Frosty taupe brown. I love using this on it's own if I'm feeling lazy! It makes your eyes look brighter and it is so simple to just sweep on in the morning!!

MAC Treasure Hunt - Posh Paradise Collection

Cool toned yellow gold. This is great as a base for golden shadow!

MAC Rubenesque - Permanent Collection

I love using this in the Summer. I will be taking it to America in October when I go on holiday. It is perfect for sweeping over the lid when you don't want much makeup on at all! Perfect summer colour.

MAC Genuine Treasure - Posh Paradise Collection

Glittery antique gold/bronze. Due to the glitter, the texture is pretty rough and gritty. It is also not as pigmented as any of my other Paint Pots. For those reasons, I don't use this very much..

MAC Idyllic - Posh Paradise Collection

Frosted burgundy red. I really like this colour but have not used it much at all. I think I will use it more when Autumn and Winter come around because it's definitely not a Spring or Summer colour. Very pretty though!!

MAC For Effect - Glitter & Ice Collection

Charcoal grey/black with silver shimmer. This is gorgeous as a base for a smokey eye. I will be using this more in Autumn and Winter because again, I don't think this is a very summery colour. 

Pros:

- Versatile. These can be used as a primer for your eyeshadow or can be used as a cream eyeshadow on their own or for a complete eye look.

- Quality. The MAC paint pots are extremely pigmented and creamy (with the exception of Genuine Treasure). They are also easy to work with as they are easily blend able and don't crease on me.

- Value. A 5g pot will last you a long time. I got my first Paint Pot (Bare Study) around 9 months ago and I have barely made a dent in it!

- Packaging. The glass pot makes the product feel very luxurious. However, if you don't like sticking (dirty) fingers in a pot, then maybe you could check out MAC's Paints which also retail for £14.50. If anyone has tried MAC Paints then comment below because I'd love to try one!!

Cons:

- Price. At £14.50 a pot, they are very expensive. However, they last a long time so you have to consider that too.

- Colour range. The colours in the permanent collection are all neutral. MAC release Paint Pots occasionally in limited edition collections but not that often.

Overall:

Packaging - 4/5

I love the luxurious feel of the product. Very impressive!

Product - 5/5

Long wearing. Easy to use. Pigmented. Creamy. Versatile. Awesome.

Price - 3/5

For how long they last, I can just about justify the price. For a cheaper alternative you could try Maybelline's Colour Tattoos which are £4.99

Tell me what you think of MAC Paint Pots in the comments!

Thanks for reading. xoxo

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Haul - Boots, Superdrug and H&M - 3/08/12

I went shopping yesterday and got a few fashion, makeup and skincare items. Hope you enjoy!!

Boots:

Botanics 'Shine Away Mattifying Day Cream SPF15' - £3.33 from Boots (normally £4.99)

Ok so firstly, I bought a new day cream. I am currently using the 'Kiehl's 'Ultra Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15' but that has almost run out (See here in my Current Morning Skincare Routine. The Kiehl's moisturiser is alright but I didn't really want to spend another £17 for such a small bottle. I went with this moisturiser because I wanted something with SPF (which this has) and also wanted something to help with my oiliness (which I don't think my Kiehl's one does). Also, this moisturiser smells amazing, slightly citrusy and orangey!! The one downside in my opinion is that it's in a jar instead of a bottle with a pump...


I was so intrigued by the Botanics Range in Boots and I really want to try the Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask, the 100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz and maybe even the 82% Organic Softening Cleanser when my Clinique cleanser runs out.

Soap & Glory 'The Fab Pore Facial Peel' - £8.00 from Boots (Currently on 3 for 2 promotion)
I bought this from reading the glowing reviews on the Boots website and because it was suited to my skin type, i.e. 'ideal for greasy, spot prone or problem skin, or for a strategic attack on a misbehaving T-zone. I also liked the idea that you could leave the mask on for 5 minutes for a 'quick refresher' or 15 minutes for a 'real deep-cleaning do it yourself kind of facial'. I also love that this mask contains Salicylic Acid. The texture of this mask is perfect. It is thick and creamy just how I think masks should be. However, it doesn't seem like much of a 'peel' to me..

Soap & Glory 'Off Your Face 25 Cleansing Cloths' - £4.50 from Boots (I got these FREE with the 3 for 2 deal)

Ok, so I am loving my No7 Wipes (which I bought with a £5 off voucher making them £2) at the moment but I am almost out so I needed some new face wipes. I wasn't about to fork out £7 for some more of the No7 wipes so I decided to get these as my free product. I don't know how I feel about these yet. Personally, I think my No7 wipes are better at taking off my makeup (particularly mascara) as they are slightly wetter. Also, I don't really like the smell, it is quite herbal and almost minty. Other than that, they are fairly good and also, the packaging is so stinking cute!

Soap & Glory 'Clean On Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel' - £5.50 from Boots (Currently on 3 for 2 promotion)
I needed a new shower gel and thought this looked really nice. This amazing smelling, creamy shower gel with built in body lotion comes in a 500ml pump bottle which should last a while! I used it last night and it lathers really well, and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth!! I love this stuff already and I've only used it once. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Yardley 'Hand Cream - Peony' - £3.99 from Boots
I didn't really need a new hand cream to be honest because I love Soap & Glory's 'Hand Food'. However, I walked past this and it immediately caught my eye because of the pink details! Anyway, I smelt it and honestly, this stuff smells so good - I put it in my basket straight away. I tried this when I got home and it is quite a thick hand cream which I like. It also sinks in really quickly and is not greasy at all. However, I did think my hands felt drier quicker when using this as apposed to my trusty Hand Food. However, I really like it and you also get a pretty decent amount (100ml).

Superdrug:

MeMeMe 'Flawless Cream Foundation - 01 Porcelain Pure' - £12.50 from MeMeMe Cosmetics

I wanted to try out a new foundation instead of my Revlon Colorstay Foundation and after watching Zoella's Foundation Review Video I decided to try this one out. I was a bit hesitant because of the price and the shoddy shade selection (only 4 colours in total) but I took the plunge and purchased the lightest of the 4 (which I tested on my hand in Superdrug and it looked fairly close to my skin colour). Anyway, when I got home, I tested it out again this time on my face and it matches ok but is slightly orange/yellow toned. I think this will match me perfectly when I fake tan so I am going to do that in the next few days when I get a chance! Other than that, I really like the airless pump bottle and think it looks sleek and stylish. I also think it is medium coverage but I can make it full with concealer and powder. However, I do think £12.50 is perhaps a bit steep!!

 MeMeMe 'Shimmer Stack - Bronze' - £9.99 from MeMeMe Cosmetics (On offer for £7.99 from Superdrug)
Swatches - Individual shades, then swirled together
I partly just bought this to do a comparison between this and Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick but also because it looked like such a pretty product and was on offer. I like the packaging and the big mirror however it is a bit bulky. I also like the fact that the individual colours can be sussed as eyeshadows as well. I think this is a multi-use product however after I have used it for a bit, I might give it to my sister because I do have the Bobbi Brown version and I don't need two of the same product..

Cosmopolitan 'Perfect Finish Make-Up Sponges' - £2.19 from Superdrug

I bought these sponges to try and do ombre nails. I will post a tutorial if I'm successful!! I also thought they were cuter than the other sponges because they were flower shaped :)

MUA 'Lip Boom - 02 Bring It' - £3 from Superdrug

This product has a matte lipstick at one end and a shimmery, glittery lipstick at the other. It also has a removable cap with some kind of product in. If anyone knows what this is or even if you are meant to use it then leave a comment because I am confused by it. Anyway, they lipstick is very pigmented and so is the gloss. They can be paired together or worn separately. I think the lipgloss looks like it might be a bit chunky so I'll see how I like that but otherwise it looks like a good product!

H&M:

H&M '4-Pack Hair Claws' - £1.99 from H&M

I bought these to just get my hair out of my face when I can't be bothered to do anything with it.. They are just simple, black hair clasps that you can pretty much find anywhere!

H&M Jumper - Navy and Coral - £14.99 each from H&M

I have this exact jumper in a cream colour and I love it for Summer in the UK because it's never really that hot. It is thin and soft and amazing and you should go and get one right now!!

WOW, that was a long post. Hope you didn't give up half way.

I will be doing a giveaway when I get to 20 followers and will be including some MUA products!

Thanks for reading. xoxo 

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Make Up Academy 'Immaculate Collection Palette' Review and Swatches

MUA 'Immaculate Collection Palette' - £8.00 from MUA Store

As you can see, this palette comes with 24 shades. There are 4 matte shades in this palette - Shade 4, Shade 13, Shade 16 and Shade 20.

My favourites out of these 12 shades are definitely Shade 2, Shade 7 and Shade 11. Shade 4, the matte black is fairly pigmented - I had to layer a few layers to get it that opaque though. 

My favourites out of these shades are Shade 14, Shade 15, Shade 18 and Shade 21. 

Shade 15 and 24 are both really pretty and unique. Shade 15 is a green/gold duo chrome and Shade 24 is a pink/purple duo chrome colour. 

Shade 16, a matte grey is fairly pigmented and would make a good crease / blending colour. 

However, the other two mattes in the palette - Shade 20 (matte white) and Shade 23 (matte brown) - are not pigmented at all. You have to really dig your finger in to get some colour!! 

All of the shimmery shades have good pigmentation and texture and the matte shades are questionable to say the least. 

Pros:

- Price. At £8 for 24 eyeshadows (around 33p per eyeshadow) - most with great pigmentation and texture- you can't really go wrong. 

- Quality. 20 of the eyeshadows have amazing pigmentation and texture!

- Colour selection. There is a great range of colours in this palette. You get everything from neutrals to brights!!

Cons: 

- Packaging. I don't know if its just mine or what but I struggle to open this palette. The opening is very stiff and I feel like I'm going to break it every time I open it - However, I haven't yet!!

- Mattes. Bad pigmentation for the most part.

Overall:

Packaging: 3/5

I like the clear window that allows you to see all the colours; however, the palette is fairly difficult to open. Perhaps to secure..

Product: 4/5

The majority of the shades have amazing pigmentation and texture. However, MUA need to work on the formulation of their matte shades.

Price: 5/5

£8 for 24 shadows (33p a shadow). Amazing!!!

Leave a comment with your thoughts on this palette!

Thanks for reading. xoxo

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Urban Decay 'Naked Palette' - Review and Swatches

Urban Decay 'Naked Palette' - £36 from House of Fraser

The palette came with a mini 'Eyeshadow Primer Potion' (in the old packaging) and a 'Good Karma Shadow Brush'. I really like this brush as the bristles are really soft and it is good for packing shadow onto the lid. I also love the Primer Potion. I bought a full size of this in the new packaging and I prefer that packaging but they both work!

The palette consists of 12 warm neutral shades. There are 2 matte shades in the palette.

Left to Right - Virgin, Sin, Naked, Sidecar, Buck, Half Baked.

Virgin - Frosty creamy beige - This makes a beautiful inner corner colour. Not as harsh as white.

Sin - Metallic light pink - More cool than the other shadows.

Naked - Matte light nude/brown - for darker skin tones, this would be a good brow bone highlight.

Sidecar - Metallic pink toned brown - This is one of my favourite colours to sweep over the lid.

Buck - Matte darker brown, slightly red toned - Nice, natural crease colour.

Half Baked - Metallic yellow gold - This is super buttery and applies like a dream.

Left to Right - Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted, Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal.

Smog - Metallic deeper golden bronze - This looks so pretty in the outer corner.

Darkhorse - Frosty dark brown with gold sheen - Great outer corner colour or liner colour.

Toasted - Frosty medium pinky brown - This is another one of my favourites. So pretty!

Hustle - Metallic purple toned brown - Great crease colour


Here come the swatches!!

Top Row: Virgin, Sin, Naked (matte)
2nd Row: Sidecar, Buck (matte), Half Baked
3rd Row: Smog, Darkhorse, Toasted
Bottom Row: Hustle, Creep, Gunmetal

Pros:
- Quality. The shadows are all really pigmented and buttery. They blend really well too!!
-Wearability. These shadows are all really wearable. I don't use Creep or Gunmetal as much as the other colours but that's just personal preference.
- Packaging. Magnetic flip-up lid with a mirror. Sturdy - Good for travelling.

Cons:
- Price. £36 is quite a lot to pay for some eyeshadow. However, that makes it £3 per shadow so it is good value for money if you look at it like that.

Overall
Packaging: 5/5
Feels really sturdy but is still easy to open.

Product: 5/5
I seem to reach for this all the time when applying eyeshadow. The shade selection is amazing. Perfect for everyday and special occasions. Shadows are good quality. Blend easily and are the perfect texture.

Price: 3/5
It is a lot of money for a one off purchase but if you think about it, it is really good value for money. It is just a lot of money to be paying at one time...


Tell me what you think of the Naked Palette in the comments!
Thanks for reading. xoxo

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