NYC Sephora Haul & Mini Reviews!

I went a little bit crazy in Sephora one could say. However on a quick side note, I found it insane how many Sephora's there are in New York, when I was there last month. They seemed to be as frequent as Starbucks! Not that I'm complaining, but they did do a tad bit of damage on my debit card statement.

 I have included prices where I could track them down on the inter-web. Also depending on where the products are available I put them in dollars ($) or pounds sterling (£).

I picked up my most sought after item, I have wanted to give this a go for over a year; The Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment (£35). I am not disappointed at all. It is known as a cult product with a celebrity fan base, which made me incredibly interested in it, but sceptical nonetheless. It truly pulls the oils from the skin, and creates a clearer and silkier complexion. Although it does smell like liquorice to me, and I am most certainly not a fan of that.

Then I browsed the highly recommended First Aid Beauty range. I ended up purchasing the Pure Skin Face Cleanser (£24), the Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser (£24), the Blemish Patrol Pads (£20.50) and the Facial Radiance Overnight Mask (£28). These products are much cheaper in the US however. I have been using all of them, and I can confirm they are all fantastic.The Blemish Patrol Pads are my favourite, as I love a quick easy product, a few swipes over the skin and your skin feels thoroughly cleaner.

I also bought an Origins Gift-Set to test out a few of their products. The pack contained a full size GinZing Moisturizer, and three sample sizes including the Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask, Modern Friction Gentle Dermabrasion and the No Puffery Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes. I discussed the moisturizer and the eye roll-on in My 5 Step Morning Skincare Routine (here). The charcoal mask and the dermabrasion treatment (which smells lovely by the way), are both very effective in smoothing and brightening.

Moreover, I have previously mentioned my Elizabeth and James White Nirvana Roller-ball ($22), but it is super floral, fresh, and great for Spring.

Now onto the good stuff, the fun stuff, the make up stuff. My Marc Jacobs Palette in 'The Dreamer' ($59) is phenomenal. I used it in My Everyday Make Up Look (here). Also my Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes ($20) which gives such fluttery and defines lashes. Love it. The Nars Illuminator in Copacabana (£23) produces a subtle and gorgeous shimmer that can be used as a highlighter, or add a little to your foundation to get an all over glow. However, I do think my favourite product I purchased is the Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Foundation ($38). It gives such flawless coverage, I adore it. It lasts perfectly throughout the day, and it makes me feel great to be honest. Kept for special occasions and nights out, or any time when you need a little something extra. Beautiful packaging too.

In addition I picked up a hefty amount of drugstore purchases too, which can be included in a post to follow, if you would like to see it. Let me know in the comments below... Also let me know any other products I should pick up in any future Sephora trips? 

My Everyday Make Up Look!

This is my typical everyday go to make up look. I switch up some of the products from time to time, but this is tried, tested and true. I adore all the products and appreciate how it all works together to create a simple yet sophisticated ensemble. 

Firstly to prep my skin I complete my morning skincare routine (click the link if you wish to see what that entails). 

Subsequently I begin with the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation, which we all know and love, as it was a classic beauty blogger staple a few years ago. I still enjoy it, as it gives good coverage, and a lovely radiance to the skin. I apply that with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, taking care to really buff it into the skin, so I don't look orange or patchy.

Then I touch up my under eye area and any red areas with my Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer, which has really nice coverage to it. Following this my Sleek Face Contour Kit comes into action, to contour and bronze up my skin. Next I use the highlighter in the kit to highlight my cheek bones. Afterwards I apply my Rimmel Stay Blushed Liquid Cheek Tint in 'Sunkissed Cherry'. I adore this formula, it looks intense when you put it onto the back of your hand, but when you smudge (very professional term right there) it out using a brush then it looks incredibly subtle on the skin. I then get my eyebrows filled in sharpish with the Soap and Glory Archery Brow Tint and Precision Shaping Pencil, it does the trick very well. 

Now that my base is complete, it is time for my most favourite product of all. Enter the Marc Jacobs Eye Shadow Palette in 'The Dreamer'. This is so beautiful, I could stare at it forever. The shadows are so buttery and blendable, and all the good things... plus it contains the most stunning shades; creams, browns, roses and golds (let me know if you want a full review on this palette, with swatches and what-not). I use the cream shade for my base, and the dark brown in my crease, as well as in my tight-line as eyeliner. I also then go over the full lid with a mixture of the gold and rose shades. To finish off the eye-shadowing I use the palest shade to highlight my inner corner and brow bone. Then with a touch of My Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara it helps to define and lengthen my lashes, making my eye look complete.

 After all this is finished, I put Rimmel Match Perfection 2-in-1 Concealer and Highlighter under my eyes to combat any dark circles. Followed by setting my face with my Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder, to keep everything in place throughout the day. 

Finally I finish off the look with my Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in the shade 08. 

I hope this gives some insight or inspiration, into how to easily achieve a natural (looking) daytime face. Or introduce you to some new products you may want to try out. Also let me know in the comments below what is one of your staple make up items that I should add to my collection... 

My 5 Step Morning Skincare Routine!

I am not a morning person, whatsoever. However, when I do eventually crawl out of bed, I always feel so much more fresh and awakened once I've completed my morning skincare routine. There are five steps to it, so not overly excessive. I can probably complete it in under 7 minutes (that's a guesstimation, and a precise one at that). Yet most importantly my skin has been in the best condition (overall, with the occasional blemish) it has ever been in, since properly getting into this routine. Obviously my night time skincare routine most likely plays a role in that too, but I do think this morning routine is making a positive difference to my skin. 

STEP ONE: CLEANSE. 

I am currently using the Evelom Morning Time Cleanser. I have a sample sized 50ml, the full size is 125ml (£40). First of all I love the power of marketing with this one. The fact it is called a 'Morning Time Cleanser' makes me remember to use it in the morning! Moreover though, it is such an incredible product. It is a lightweight balm cleanser that is to be applied all over a dry face, and then left for a couple of minutes before being washed off. It's so luxurious. It makes my skin feel incredibly soft and smooth afterwards, as well as completely clean. However (and this is a BIG however) it stinks. The smell of this product is really awful in my opinion, and it does linger slightly. So I am torn when it comes to it, because the results are lovely... if you can ignore the scent. 

STEP TWO: TONE.

The Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (£27) - A little tip with this one is that I was actually doing a large online shop from Liberty (well I was purchasing a beauty advent calendar) and so fished around online for a coupon code to get some kind of discount. I found one that was for £30 so I technically got this toner for free - I thoroughly enjoy that it comes in a spray bottle, as I can just spritz it all over my cleansed face, and be done with it. It feels so refreshing. In addition, the scent is a gorgeous lavender which reminds me of my Gran so makes me a happy bunny, but if you're not into lavender scents I would avoid this one. 

Also a cheaper alternative I have found is Lush's Eau Roma Water (£7.95) which is very similar in my opinion, if you don't want to spend big bucks on what can be essentially viewed as a face mist. 

STEP THREE: SERUM. 

This is a step you could skip over if you wanted to, but I enjoy the benefits of a serum. The Dr Sebagh Serum Repair (£69) contains the highly coveted ingredient hyaluronic acid, which aids the nourishment and replenishment of the skin. It basically makes you look more radiant and youthful (not that I need to look any younger, I'm always being ID'd, I was even ID'd for a scratchcard the other day, and you only have to be 16 to buy one!). 

STEP FOUR: MOISTURISE.

Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser (£23) is totally worth the hype. It does what it says on the jar. It is a lovely consistency, it is super moisturising, and it smells likes oranges. What's not to like? 

STEP FIVE: EYE CREAM.

Again trusty Origins. This time it's the No Puffery Cooling Roll-On For Puffy Eyes. I have a 7ml sample size, the full size is 15ml (£24). This comes with a metal roller-ball applicator which does indeed cool the under eye area immensely. It makes my under eye area feel hydrated and silky smooth. Nonetheless I am still on the look out for a product that can help my dark under eye circles, however that may be asking too much as I think a miracle worker would be needed to combat them... 

...And that's it! Overall I am a fan of all the products I have in my routine currently, despite a few issues here and there, mainly because I do find my skin to be happier as of late, and that in turn makes me happy. 

Let me know what skincare you have been loving lately, or if you are aware of any dupes for me when these rather hefty price tagged products run out... 


NOT a sponsored post, all products were purchased with my own money. 

The 40 Beauty Questions Tag!

I love a classic tag post. They are so much fun to ponder over, but I did amalgamate a couple of questions since they were related, to speed up the reading process. There are quite a few areas to cover, so lets get cracking!

Skincare

How many times a day do you wash your face?

Twice. Once in the morning, and once at night. I don't like to over cleanse my skin, in case it strips the skin of the natural oils, as then it will over produce oils wreaking havoc for the condition of my skin. 

What skin type do you have?

I have never had a professional skin assessment, but in my opinion I think I have combination skin. 

What is your current face wash? 

I am currently loving the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Facial Cleanser. Nevertheless I always have a couple of different cleansers on the go.

Do you exfoliate?

Yes, a couple of times a week. I am using St. Ives Timeless Skin Daily Microdermabrasion, at the moment. 

What moisturiser do you use?

The Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser. I highly recommend it, it has such a lovely sweet orange scent and makes your skin feel super hydrated.

Do you have freckles? 

Not nearly as many as I had when I was younger, but I do have fair skin, so they can make an appearance in the Summer.

Do you use eye cream? 

Yes. The Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack. 

Do you have acne prone skin, and did you ever have to use Pro-Activ? 

I do have skin prone to spots, but I never used Pro-Activ. 

Make Up

What foundation do you use?

My drugstore foundation is the trusty Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation, a classic. While my high-end favourite at the moment is Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation. My goodness I adore it, such a great full coverage foundation. 

What concealer do you use?

For blemishes I really like Seventeen's Phwoarr Paint. It has a really nice consistency and coverage. For the under eye area I enjoy Rimmel's Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer and Highlighter to brighten up my dark circles. 

Do you know your undertone colour?

Pink I think (hey that rhymes). 

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I think they can look gorgeous, but I have actually never dabbled in them. I do not see myself being able to apply them successfully at all. haha. 

Did you know you are supposed to dispose of mascara after three months?

Yes. Do I follow the rule? No. Woops. 

What mascara brand do you use?

Tarte and Rimmel. 

Sephora or Mac?

Sephora, so many choices. 

What make up application tools do you use?

brushes, a beauty blender, and eyelash curlers. 

Do you use primer?

I haven't found a primer I really like. I do not enjoy the silicone feeling of most, it feels yucky on my hands. It's like my personal equivalent of hearing nails being scraped down a chalkboard. Eek. 

What is your favourite eye shadow? 

Marc Jacobs palette in 'The Dreamer' all of the shades are beautiful and buttery. 

Pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Pencil, I am not the most skilled at liquid application. 

How often do you poke your eye with eyeliner?

On occasion. 

What do you think of pigment eye shadows?

They can look stunning, when used in moderation. Although they can be rather messy. 

Do you use mineral make up?

Nope, not currently. 

What is your favourite lipstick?

I am loving Soap and Glory's 'Mantrap' muted red at the moment, as well as Rimmel's Kate Moss shade in number 08. It is my everyday dark neutral colour. 

How about lipgloss?

I am more of a lipstick girl, but lipgloss wise I really like NYX's buttergloss in Tiramisu. It is such a lovely formula and such a fabulous neutral gloss. 

What is your favourite blusher?

Nars Deep Throat.

Do you buy your make up on Ebay?

Nope. 

Do you like drugstore make up?

YES. The majority of my make up collection is from the drugstore.

Have you ever considered taking make up classes?

Yes I have, but haven't taken the plunge yet. 

Are you clumsy in putting on make up?

I wouldn't say clumsy, but things certainly do not go as planned on occasion. 

Name a make up crime you hate? 

Super duper dark and overdrawn eyebrows when the persons hair is fair. I am all for slightly darkened and defined brows, but there is a limit. When your hair is bleach blonde, it is unlikely that you would have black eyebrows. But each to their own I guess!

Do you like colourful make up shades or neutral?

Both! I like neutral eyes, with bright lips. 

Which celebrity always has great make up?

Apologies for being cliche, but Kylie Jenner does have a great look. Trend setting some might say. 

If you could leave the house using only one make up item which would it be?

Concealer. Or mascara. 

Do you think you look good without any make up on?

Depends on the condition of my skin mostly. Usually that's a struggle for me, to think I do, but I have good days and not so good days. 

In your opinion what is the best make up brand?

Rimmel, Tarte or Sleek. 

What do you think of make up?

I adore it. It's so much fun to create different looks and styles. Plus it can be a confidence booster, but never let it define you. 


That was so much fun. If you fancy a go at this tag leave your blog post in the comments below so I can check out your thoughts and favourites. 

What's In My Bag? (March 2015)

The bigger the bag, the more you stuff it with rubbish. I have tried, and somewhat, I believe succeeded in keeping the rubbish to a minimal. I adore my Michael Kors Jet Set Travel textured-leather tote. It is perfect for a jet-set lifestyle, as the name suggests, or alternatively to be used for everyday purposes. I tend to use mine on a daily basis, it is a perfect size for all my uni books, as well as everything else. It is black textured leather with gold hardware; so easily cleaned, and not so easily scuffed.  There is an internal zipped compartment in the centre, and two open compartments either side, with zipped and unzipped pouch pockets too. Great for keeping everything organised. Now on to what's actually inside...

This is typically what I carry around day to day. The only things that are changed up are the snacks and my lipstick choices. I currently have Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick in number 12. This is a bright orangey-red, which I think is a fantastic transitional shade for the beginning of Spring. However I always carry a neutral shade too, in case I need a switch up. I have Revlon's Colourstay in 'Flashing Lights' in there right now. I love it! Such a subtle sheer shimmering neutral, that is easy to maintain. The only other make-up I carry is the Bigelow Apothecaries Rose Salve for my lip conditioning needs, as well as my Seventeen Phwoar paint concealer, and the Milani Even Touch Foundation in 01. These are just a few staples to touch up any make-up dishevelment throughout the day.

The bright is the no 12, the sheer is Flashing Lights.

Moving over to other beauty related products in my stash include my few sanitary products, a plaster and a packet of tissues for those caught short situations (we've all been there haven't we?) and then I also take citrus zest hand wipes from Marks and Spencer ,and Bath & Bodyworks 'Twisted Peppermint' scented hand sanitizer (smells lush!) incase I need to get out of a sticky situation (eating snacks on the go can lead to this). I follow this with The Body Shop's Pink Grapefruit hand cream, to keep things nice and smooth.

Speaking of sticky situations, I have a stomach that will grumble at every most embarrassing moment. Also known as in a silent lecture hall. Hence why I come prepared with snacks, to combat this happening. An Alpen bar, and a Weetabix 'Toffee Dazzler' oat bar (these are very very yummy). In addition I bring a bottle of water, purely to make sure I drink enough of it.

Sephora's 'Always Fresh' deodorant wipes are great if you're out all day, or travelling and need a quick spruce up. I also take my Elizabeth & James White Nirvana rollerball on outings, to keep smelling sweet. I love the fresh floral scent, and it lasts well too. Speaking of fresh, my out of season Merry Christmas tin contains mints, and then I have my little tub of Extra gum to keep minty fresh throughout the day too.

The other bits I keep handy are a hair bobble, as I always end up putting my hair up at some point, it just feels better out the way. As well as my USB for any work I need to procrastinate over, a notepad with 'Random Crap' on the front. That does contain just that. A few pens. My passport for ID. Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters. My Instax polaroid camera (LOVE). My iPhone 4s. Sony Earphones. My floral Primark wallet (very sturdy, but very worn).

Finally I have 'The Guest Cat' by Takashi Hiraide, which I am yet to start reading, but ready to do so. I wanted to escape my typical reading, and try something different. That is why I chose a novel set in Tokyo, written by a Japanese author. I look forward to delving into it. Plus I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but it is stunning.

Thanks for reading!

What are some of the typical (or unusual) things you carry day to day, that I should pop in my bag?