February Favourites

It's that time of the month again. February has come to an end and hopefully the end to all of the bad weather. Bring on March and Spring. Anyhow I thought I would include some of the things I have been loving for the past month. 

Make Up

Anastasia Contour Kit 

If you haven't heard about this, the chance is that you have been living under a rock for the past two months. This is certainly the most hyped product around right now with all of the Kardashians loving it. I am no stranger and for the past month... maybe longer have been loving it. I have the light/medium and its the perfect colouring for my skin tone. My favourite highlight is Banana while my favourite bronzer is Java. Couldn't recommend this product enough. 

Benefit - Roller Lash Mascara

Like above this is another product everybody has been after for the past month. The new Benefit mascara is nothing short of amazing. I have actually done a review of it which can be found here. This mascara extends and opens up your eyes to give you fuller looking lashes. I would never usually recommend spending for than £10 on mascara but I really think that this one is worth it. 

Rimmel 1000 Kisses Lipliner

Since losing my beloved Mac Soar lipliner (still mourning over this) I decided it probably wasn't a good idea to spend so much on a lipliner considering I would probably lose it again however I was in need of a new nude one. I had heard a lot of good things about Tiramisu and decided to check it out. At only £2.99 I thought I might as well give it a go and even it was no good it wasn't expensive. While its not as good as any of the Mac ones it does the job well. It is honestly the perfect colour to go under Mac Velvet Teddy which was more of the purpose. I would recommend picking up Rimmel lipliners because for what they cost they are amazing. 

Beauty

Tangle Teezer

I am so late to the hype of these since I only picked one up last month although I can honestly say this has actually changed my hair routine. The only thing that me off it was the price tag, I mean paying over £10 for a hairbrush seemed kind of ridiculous to me. Although I had to do something because my hair was so knotty and it was actually falling out every time I put a normal brush through it. This goes through my hair so easily and with no trouble... life saver. 

Una Brennan - Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil 

This was something I tried out at the start of the month and the review I did of it can be found here. I needed something which was going to help my skin because it was so prone to breakouts. I had heard so many people with oily skin talk about this so I decided to give it a try. It really is amazing all you need is a little tiny bit on your hands. It makes the skin feel super soft and clean. I would definitely recommend for those whose skin has them oily tendencies. 

Clothing

H&M Wool Coat

I actually got this coat for Christmas but for this past month I seem to have been wearing it more than anything. This coat is honestly so flattering. I was looking for a camel coloured coat and after searching high and low I finally saw this one. I love this because it makes any outfit look immediately smart and as though you put a lot of effort into it. The link for it can be found here (although only size 14 is left) 

TV

Gossip Girl

I'm really not one for TV shows but one I have been really getting into recently is Gossip Girl. I feel as though I am so far behind on the hype of this. While I am still only on Season 1 I cannot believe how hooked I am already. I can see myself getting through the series in the next month. If you haven't seen it yet I would recommend because it is so good and if you are anything like me and love New York then it will definitely be for you.

How Much Is My Night Out Face Worth?

FOTN

Mac Studio Fix Foundation - £21.50

Wake Me Up Concealer - £5.49

Mac Studio Finish Concealer - £15.50

Mac Studio Fix Powder - £21.50

Nars Virtual Domination Palette - £45

Anastasia Contour Kit - £39

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish - £23

Anastasia Brow Wiz - £15.50

Maybelline Brow Draw - £4.99

L'oreal Super Liner - £6.49

Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes Mascara - £17.76

Benefit Roller Lash (I only have the mini version but full size is) £19.50

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner - £3.99

Mac Lipstick - £15.50

Total: £254.22

When I saw how much it came to I was honestly pretty shocked. Whilst I know that I use mostly high end products and there are certainly cheaper alternatives that may be just as good if not in some cases better however I trust these products and know that they work for me. I think that this is probably more important than finding a cheap alternative just because it could mean saving a couple of pounds. 

The only thing that really justifies the amount of money is the fact that this is my 'night out' make up and therefore I wouldn't use this many products every day. While I product use similar products and maybe some of the same, I just wouldn't use as many. 

Whilst on this list I have included two face palettes, this is because I use a couple of products from each of them. It is easier than mentioning them separately and also quite possibly cheaper. From The Nars Virtual Domination palette I use Laguna and Sex Fantasy while in the Anastasia Contour Kit I use Banana, Java and Fawn. 

I think by looking at this it is clear that I have quite the obsession with MAC. As you can tell they are my favourite make up brand. 

I'm interested to see how much your face costs, let me know? 

Sanctuary Spa - 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask

If you have read my Una Brennan Super Facialist Review (found here) you will be aware of the horrendous break out I had a couple of weeks ago. Sanctuary Spa - 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask is the second part of my miracle skin care. 

Before buying this I had heard a lot of amazing reviews about this face mask however it was only when Gabby (velvetgh0st) recommend it... that I actually took note. This is purely due to the fact that we have very similar/oily skin types. 

Last week when I popped into Boots I noticed that it was on offer for £7 down from £10 (it's still on offer atm) therefore I knew that I had to pick it up. 

The Detox Mask is ideal for oily and congested skin although anyone can use it. It is mainly aimed at those with problem skin which is my skin type. The aim of this mask is to combat breakouts and blemishes to leave the skin feeling soothe and refreshed. It does this through containing essential oils of Myrrh. 

With combination skin it is important that only the congested areas are targeted with the mask due it being a deep cleanse facial. The main area of concern that Sanctuary Spa products target is; chin, nose and forehead, this is due to them being more prone to oil. It is better off to use a moisture enhancing mask for the cheeks because this may dry them out.

I find that the mask is also really handy for if you haven't got a lot of time because it only takes 5 minutes to work. Unlike a lot of other masks this one doesn't actually dry instead it heats up and then cools down when its ready to come off. The heat isn't at all uncomfortable just very soothing. For the best results I would say to use it a couple of times a week however if your skin is going through a breakout then I recommend using it every night. 

Sanctuary Spa say that it is best to apply it to make up removed damp face. 
Next is to massage a thin layer onto the problem areas of the skin. 
After this allow it to heat up and cool down for 5 minutes. 
Finally rinse off with warm water and a cloth and then pat dry. 

If you have Oily/Combination skin I would certainly recommend. What are your favourite face masks, let me know? 

5 Product Face Tag

On some lazy days, I'm just not in the mood for a full face of make up, therefore I thought I would combine my lazy day make up routine with the five product face tag. 

No matter what I'm doing I will always pick Mac Studio Fix Foundation, this foundation gives a matte full coverage finish and it is great for when the skin isn't looking that great. With this foundation because its full coverage there isn't always the need for concealer therefore taking one product out of consideration. 

The next product is for multi use which is the Hoola Bronzer, I'm including this because it can be used to bronze up the face but also for eyeshadow. I am loving bronzer for eyeshadow right now because of how matte it is. The bronzer adds depth to the eyes whilst still looking minimal. Next we have a new favourite which is Benefit's Roller Lash mascara (review can be found here) - I am so in love with this thing it gives thick full lashes within a couple of layers. I have the mini version however I will soon be buying the full sized version because this is honestly the best mascara I have ever used. Another product that I couldn't live without is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Ebony, this is my holy grail and I couldn't be without it. It is the best brow product I have ever used. 

Finally my favourite lipstick ever which is Mac Velvet Teddy, I use this lipstick every single day and I absolutely love it. I makes me lips look bigger than they actually are and finishes off the minimal look in the best way.

What are the 5 products you couldn't live without? 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara Review

Wearing Roller Lash. 

Yesterday, (12/02/15) saw the release of Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara. I picked up my mini version last month in March' issue of Elle.

This is the first Benefit mascara that I have tried out, surprisingly I have never used BADgal Lash or They're Real however I am aware of how highly regarded they are among beauty fanatics. Once seeing how anticipated everyone was over this reveal, I just knew I had to get my hands on it. The first thing I noticed with this mascara was how absolutely stunning the package is; black and pink is so incredibly simplistic that it just works so well.

Benefit claim that this mascara is super curling and lifting and for once I agree. First of all I think that it's the smallest applicator for a mascara I have ever seen. I think that this might be the secret behind its fantastic application. A smaller applicator means its a lot easier to apply into those horrible corners of the eye. Another thing I noticed was the plastic applicator and I think Benefit must be the only ones that can make a plastic applicator work. I'm not the biggest fan of them because I do find it harder to get them through my lashes although this is definitely an exception.

With Roller Lash I like to brush down my lashes and then brush upwards while adding a couple more coats. Whilst I think it is most certainly super curling, I also think that this mascara is great for the bottom lashes. With the applicator it is so easy to get underneath the bottom lashes without getting any of the product underneath the eye.

Before using Roller Lash I had never really been big on higher end mascara however I think Benefit have managed to convert me with this. I will certainly be picking up the full size.

What are your thoughts on this mascara, do you believe its worth the hype.

Super Facialist By Una Brennan Review

What I know about skin care could be written on the back of my hand, therefore before purchasing this I did some research. A couple of weeks ago I got an allergic reaction after using a product. Usually my skin doesn't react badly to products however this time it did. My upper lip, chin and around my nose completely broke out and therefore I was in need of a miracle.

So after doing a bit of research I heard a lot of being mentioning face oils, I can honestly say that I would have never thought about putting a face oil on, mainly because my skin is incredibly oily already and the thought of putting oil on top of it honestly confused me.

Well... however a week later and I can say I would recommend a face oil even for the oilest of skins. I think that its important to make sure that your skin is well looked after; something I didn't do before a couple of weeks ago. The oil smells like oranges and its a scent you're either going to love or hate. I can honestly say I love it. Its not particularly strong and overpowering therefore its bearable.

With this oil all you need to do is pop a couple drops onto your hands and then rub you hands onto your make up removed dry skin. Once you have rubbed it all over you then need to be a warm flannel and place it onto your face and slowly wash away all of the oil.

There is only one downside to this product and its getting it out. I find on more than one occasion that I'm having to be careful with how much product I pour out because its so easy to tip too much out therefore I think there needs to something in order to stop too much of it from leaking.

I hope you enjoyed this review.

New York Day 5

I am finally getting round to blogging about my last day in New York. Day 4 can be found here. 

The day started with an open top bus journey through New York City and down to the World Trade Centre. I can honestly say that if you have time whilst in New York I would recommend going on the tour because the guy that leads it is really great and tell you about everything you are driving past.

My favourite place we went through was Greenwich Village, I'm honestly gutted we didn't spend anytime there because it is one of the most picturesque places I have ever seen. The apartment buildings are exactly like those you see in films, I actually couldn't quite comprehend how a like they looked.

If you are in New York and have the time, I think its important to go down to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. The first time I came to New York the museum wasn't actually there so it was a first time seeing it for all of us. The museum is absolutely stunning and everything is laid out so perfect in honour of the survivors and those who lost their lives. The thing about the museum is you feel as though you know every victim, which is honestly more heartbreaking than anything. I won't go into too much detail about he Museum as I think its something you need to see to understand.

The walk over to the boat for the Statue Of Liberty was honestly a lot longer than I remember it to be however it is one of the most stunning walks ever. It is so relaxing and peaceful and a great way to take in the surroundings. Visiting The Statue of Liberty is again another tourist attraction however one I'm not too keen on. The reason being is because I absolutely hate boats therefore I sat inside and let my family take the pictures. (Credit to my brother for the above picture.)

Our last port of call for the day was to visit the Brooklyn Bridge and my dad thought that it would too far to walk and therefore we would catch the subway. Once we got on the subway we spoke to a local lady who told us we were on the wrong one... great. The subway we got on was the one to Brooklyn, ironically because that was the other side of the bridge. We got off the subway and walked the route from Brooklyn back to Manhattan. We walked the bridge around 6pm and all of the buildings we lit up and it was such a stunning view to see all of Manhattan lit up. A little last minute trip to Bloomingdales was in order to pick up a few last bits and then back to the hotel.

In the evening we ate at Uncle Jack's Steakhouse. Everyone had a steak aside from me, I am a vegetarian. This restaurant is very highly rated among New Yorkers and it's easy to understand why, the waiters were wonderful alongside the food.

I hope you've enjoyed my New York blogs I would love to hear your opinions, I have a trip to Italy planned in the summer so hopefully I will blog about that as well.

That Red Lip

I used to be the person that would always wear some sort of bright lip however a red was never one of them. I recently bought Russian Red by MAC whilst in New York and I can officially say that I have been converted. 

While for an everyday look it is very hard for me to stray away from my beloved Velvet Teddy however if I'm going out for an evening I will no longer reach for my favourite nude but now my favourite red. 

Russian Red is a classic matte red. A matte lipstick is so important when it comes to red because you need it to last and this is exactly what it does. Alongside this underneath I put my Exaggerate full colour lip liner in Red Diva by Rimmel. Which I can honestly say isn't particularly drying which is why its my favourite combination at the moment. This lip liner is more of a berry red than a classic bright red although I wear this lip liner for the longevity more than making it brighter. I can honestly say that this lipstick lasts 10 times longer with lipliner especially reds because they have the habit of bleeding which is never a good look. 

If you are looking for a classic red I always think that MAC do the best red shades although I am a big fan of Rimmel 107 which works just as well I find. 

What's your favourite red lip combo?