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? 

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? 

January Favourites

I am struggling to comprehend the fact that January is almost over. So I guess its time to round up my favourites throughout the month. 

Beauty

Mac Studio Fix Powder - NW20 

This product is a new holy grail for me. Since buying this in New York at the end of December I can officially say its a firm favourite. I can't honestly recommend this product enough, you can wear its on its own or with foundation. I love using this alongside my Studio Fix Foundation as its so high coverage. I think this going to be a favourite for a few more months yet.

Wake Me Up Concealer - 010 Ivory 

In my updated every day make up routine I said that I used my Collection one every day however that has changed. I have been meaning to try this for so long and when I saw it in Boots I just had to get it. I think this concealer is a little bit more water based than the collection one. I would recommend this one for under the eyes. I honestly think its really similar to the Nars creamy concealer. Its an amazing price and one I would definitely recommend picking up

Zoeva 102 - Silk Finish

I hate to admit it but my beloved Real Technique buffing brush has been replaced by this little one. I love all of my Zoeva brushes but this is definitely my favourite it makes blending foundation so easy and quick. This one leaves no brush marks on the face and no hairs escaping from the brush which was happening with my buffing brush.

Nars Sex Fantasy Blush

How could I do a January favourites without mentioning my absolute favourite palette. Sex Fantasy is part of the Virtual Domination palette and I can honestly say its a new favourite. I must admit I do still switch it up between this and Nars Orgasm as an old favourite. I think this blush goes great with the Benefit Hoola Bronzer. Sex Fantasy is such a lovely baby pink colour and of course with being Nars its amazingly pigmented. I honestly can't recommend Nars blushers enough, there is honestly nothing that compares to it.

Beauty Favourites

Skincare 

Micellar Cleansing Water

This has been a firm favourite for a good couple of months. This is seriously the best thing to remove your make up with. I love this because its so gentle on the skin and is possibly the first make up remover that hasn't broke me out. Its only costs about £4 and lasts for ages. I honestly would not stop purchasing this.

Fashion

Topshop Denim Jacket 

I bought this a few months ago but however before Christmas is raining too much for me to wear it however since its the rain has seemed to calm down, well at least down here it has. I have been wearing this almost everyday. Its so warm and comfy, I think a black leather jacket is a must and I'm so in love I can't rave about it enough.

Topshop MOTO Black Super Ripped Jamie Jeans

For the past month my legs have been rather cold, which is all thanks to these Topshop jeans. I love how go can dress these up or just wear them with a pair of boots. Alongside that they are super comfortable I have to admit that these night be replacing my Joni Jeans.

The ultimate jeans 

I hope you enjoyed my favourites. University interviews start this week so I sincerely apologise for not updating as regularly. Anyway I hope you have a wonderful week.

September favourites

I can't contemplate the fact that September is already over and that in only two months Christmas will be on its way. Anyhow I thought I would round off September nicely with a bunch of favourites. I feel like September is the month where all the summer clothes get thrown into the back of the wardrobe and out come the boots & scarves. Anyhow lets get started...

High Street make up favourites. 

My first favourite has to be my Rimmel - Wake Me Up foundation, I adore this foundation so so much. I think the coverage is great as it doesn't look too cakey. The amount of shades is amazing and the price is none to shabby either. 

L'oreal Superliner - I had been using the Soap & Glory supercat liner for ages but I wanted to try something a little bit different, I really wanted something to do a thinner line. I had heard Tanya Burr talk about this liner for absolutely ages so I thought I would try it out... and omg I'm so glad I did. It's so easy to apply and gives you a great winged look... onto a winner. 

L'oreal Miss Manga Mascara - I've heard mixed reviews about this mascara but I really wanted to try something which wasn't Maybelline. To start with I hated this mascara. I thought it wasn't very thick and did nothing to them. However after hearing from Gabby (velvetgh0st) about how you should apply lots of coats of this. I did that and now its a favourite! 

Next up would have a be Mac - New York Apple. I'm one of these people that will break out the berry lips as soon as possible. Dark red is my absolute favourite shade to wear on my lips. There are so many shades that you can choose from however this one isn't too dark to start the season off with. 

This denim jacket from Pretty Little Thing is one of only two jackets I had been wearing throughout September. I have always loved denim jackets however never actually felt the need to buy one until I saw this one, which I am completely in love with. 

Another of the jackets I have been wearing is this duster kimono from Topshop. I love this because it isn't particular heavy therefore I can wear it for Autumn as it isn't too thick. I love the fact that its black because that means that I can pair it with almost everything. 

This is probably the weirdest favourite I have ever done. But Fanta Zero has become my one true love. I hardly drink anything other than Juice and Water day to day, however I am now loving the fact that they do a Zero Fanta, which means I can drink it more often and not have to worry about it seriously rotting my teeth. 

Lastly I have to do a favourite person for the month. This month I have been seriously obsessed with Zoe's vlogs. (zoella, incase you were wondering...probably not) I'm not sure what it is but I find her vlogs so fascinating, it's probably got something to do with the fact that she has such a unique life. I would just also to say congrats to Zoe on Zoella Beauty; everything from the range looks absolutely amazing and I can't wait to try them... once they are back in stock. 

My Everyday Makeup Routine

So for the past two months or so I have been using the exact same everyday makeup routine, therefore I thought I would share with you the products I use.

To prime my skin I have been using Nivea Daily Essential Day Cream for normal to combination skin, I really love this moisturiser because it doesn't leave the skin feeling too sticky which has happened with my previous moisturisers. Next off I use my Body Shop primer 'Insta Blur' this is my favourite drugstore primer, I wouldn't say its as good as Benefit's 'The Porefessional' but I really love this. I apply both of these using my hands.

Next off for foundation I have two which I have been loving, the foundation I use almost all the time is my Revlon Colourstay for Oily Skin in Ivory. This foundation is probably the closest thing to my Mac Studio Fix I would go as far to say it is most probably a very accurate dupe. This foundation is medium to full coverage. It's amazing for my skin because it can get oily patches however this foundation seems to combat it. When I fake tan I use my Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation in True Ivory, this foundation does have a bit of a shine to it therefore when I wear this I do have to powder afterwards with my Stay Matte. To apply my foundations I have been using my Real Techniques 'Duo Fibre Face Brush.

For concealer I have two I use on a day to day basis. The first one I use is that one drugstore concealer that I think nearly everyone owns; my trusty collection lasting perfection concealer in shade 1. I love this concealer so much its quite creamy and therefore high coverage, it's really good for dark circles which as a student is very much appreciated. When I wear my Wake Me Up foundation I do still stick to my lasting perfection concealer however I do use shade 2 then. The other concealer that I use is my Mac Studio Finish concealer in NC15, again this concealer is very creamy and high coverage, however this concealer is great for covering any redness which is the reason I brought it. To apply my concealer I use my 'Real Techniques Contour Brush'

Next up for eyeshadow the only product I have been using of late is my Mac paintpot in 'Paintely.' I love Mac paintpots and this one is especially good to hide any veins and redness. This paintpot can also be used as a primer under other eyeshadows. When it comes to eyeliner I very rarely use it however if I do I use my Soap & Glory 'Supercat' this eyeliner is great for a winged look.

Next up I bronze my face using my Hoola Bronzer, using my Real Techniques Powder Brush. I like to give myself more of a bronze face because my Revlon Foundation is still a little dark for me right now.

Eyebrows. This is literally my most important part of my make up routine. To do my eyebrows I use Soap & Glory Brow Archery in Brunette and I use the pen tip end. I have to say that it is my favourite product to do my brows with and I have tried so many brow products. On top of that I use my Maybelline Brow Drama in dark brown just to keep my eyebrows in place.

Finally for mascara I use L'oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume in Black Angel.

I hope you have enjoyed reading about my everyday makeup!

Daily Makeup

If there is one thing that I love more than clothes than it's makeup, I have an obsession with high end and high street makeup. I tend to buy a lot of my makeup in Boots and Superdrug but I do occasionally splash out. This is makeup that you will tend to see me wearing on a typical day, it sometimes varies but this is what I tend to wear of a day or a night. 

Foundation - Studio Fix Fluid When I went to New York in 2010, I decided to try out Mac before then I had really trouble finding a colour with good coverage and one which wouldn't make me look orange. The makeup artists found my colour.. and I haven't looked back. I would recommend Mac foundation to everyone I know that it's a bit pricey but it's seriously worth the money I would never use another foundation again. 

Concealer - Collection Lasting Perfection - The amount of concealers I've gone through in the last few years is unreal I think I've tried every drugstore concealer there is. I have only been using this one for a few months and it's absolutely amazing the coverage is flawless, I think this is as good of a concealer as you can get. It is also seriously cheap so it makes up for the costly foundation. 

Face Powder - Maybelline FIT ME - I have to say I really liked this powder to start with but I've recently gone off it. The powder gives you really good coverage and lasts for a long time on your face. The only problem I find with this is that it can make you look incredibly orange on a high tech camera. I spend a lot of time in front the camera (i'm a film and televison student) and when finally in natural light it can make you look really dark. Would anybody be able to recommend a powder that won't make me go so orange? 

Blusher - Nars Orgasm - This blush is quite frankly the best thing I have ever bought, I brought this in the summer when I was in America and although I think that Nars is incredibly pricey it is such a good blusher that I would definitely get it again, the colour is sensational and last's all day which I think is really great as very few blushers do these days. 

Eye Shadow - Urban Decay -Naked 2 - This is the only eye shadow that I will wear, it is quite literally the best eye shadow out. Again this is very expensive but I think it is most definitely worth it. The is a variety of colours that you can mix to get different combinations. Each of the colours are great and I use every single one of them. 

Eyeliner - Rimmel Eyeliner Pencil and Rimmel Exaggerate-Eyeliner - When it comes to eyeliner I don't think there is anyone better than Rimmel, I swear by these. The exaggerate eyeliner is great if you know how to apply it, if you're a beginner I wouldn't recommend this as it can be tricky to apply. The colouring of this is great as it never fades, also similar to the pencil the colour never fades and doesn't make you look like you have bags after a long day. 

Eyebrow pencil - Rimmel Eyebrow Pencil - I have always hated my eyebrows because they were so dark, thick and bushy, but after learning how to take care of them I literally swear by this product, I think that eyebrow are the most important feature to your face, good eyebrows can go a long way. This product is incredibly cheap and worth the money if they have your colour. 

Lipsticks - There are two types of lipsticks that I stand by - MUA & Rimmel - Kate. MUA are great as they are only £1 and for a day to day lipstick I will use shade 6, I think it's a great bright colour which lasts all day. For an evening or going out look I always go to Rimmel and I recently purchased Kate 107. This lipstick is rated so highly and I know so many people that have got it. I think these are a must have. 

Make up brushes - MAC Foundation Brush and Real Techniques Blush Brush - MAC brushes are very expensive but they are absolutely amazing I think that they are worth it if you want a brush that is going to last you a long time and still manage to give you excellent coverage. The blush brush is the only Real Techniques brush that I own, I would love some more for Christmas I think that these are amazing because they are so soft and smooth, they feel so nice against your face. 

Until Next Time

Naomi xo 

I always worry when I buy Rimmel because they are a bit hit and miss. However their Kate Moss lipstick range is buy far the best on the high street. I tend to buy a lot more higher end makeup purely because they are a lot better quality. I think that these lipsticks can give Mac a run for their money they also happen to be £8 cheaper.

The long lasting finish is very accurate if you add some gloss on top then it will last you for hours. Their nude colours are all slightly different which is good for when it comes to skin tone. I'm currently using shade 17, I think that it's the best shade if you're dark haired or have a light to medium skin tone.

Similar to the high end lipsticks they are incredibly pigmented which is something that is very rare in drugstore makeup, these lipsticks are currently outselling everyone else on the high street. Although Rimmel can sometimes not be the best brand to use I recommend buying these because the colour is long lasting and very good quality for money.