Makeup Review: Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eyeliner Black 001

Hey everyone, hope you're having a good week. I AM! But I think I'm gonna update you all with an actual proper post later this week, I'll see. 

Today I am reviewing Rimmel's liquid eyeliner, something which I've used for many years now and it's an old favourite of mine for sure.

First of all, the packaging is fairly simple but I like it. You don't need alot of product for your eyes so each bottle does last you a good while and it's a good travel size too. You get alot of product in each bottle so you have to be careful when you open them and scrape a little off the wand before you apply it.

The applicator is great, it is very sturdy and doesn't slide everywhere like other eyeliners. I know people often struggle with liquid eyeliner but this is the perfect to start with because you can press as hard as you like and it doesn't shift much. You have complete control and the applicator allows you create the precise and smooth look that you want around your eyes.

The product is a very pigmented liquid and it is a bold, strong colour which lasts on the eyes even when it dries. It dries very quickly so you have to be quick and precise with what you want on your eyes. It lasts for a good while but 16 hours that Superdrug state isn't very true. It smudges and flakes a little after about 9-10 hours but that's still pretty good by my standards. I don't usually have my makeup on for near 10 hours anyway! Plus, it comes off really easily with makeup wipes, cleansers etc.

You can get it here for £5.29

Have you used this? What do you think of it?

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.

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Makeup Review: I Heart Makeup - Blushing Hearts Triple Baked Blusher

Hey, everyone!

I hope you're doing well and looking forward to this weekend. I have been mad busy with my dissertation so I haven't updated my blog much lately, sorry! But today I've got a quick makeup review for you. 

Today, I am reviewing I Heart Makeup's blusher in the shade Blushing Heart which is a fabulous little product.

I have been using this for almost a year and it hasn't even begun to run out at all yet! It is a perfect colour for Spring or Summer, it goes with anything if you apply the correct amount. I usually apply bit by bit to add a bit of subtle colour to my cheeks.

It is a lovely shade and it is very pigmented so you don't need alot on your cheeks. If you put too much on, it can look like you've been slapped!

The packaging is very, very cute but it is quite clearly a blatant copy of Too Faced's Sweetheart Blush, just at a very cheap price. I love using this and haven't found any other decent blushers just yet. I do think a few pounds should be knocked off the price because I wouldn't say it's worth a fiver considering the brand. But if you compare it to Too Faced, you're getting a hell of a deal and it lasts for ages! 

You can buy it here for £4.99

Have you used this? What do you think of it?

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.

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Makeup Review: MUA Eyebrow Pencil - Brunette.

Hi, guys! I've got another makeup review for you today. This time I am reviewing an eyebrow pencil from MUA so let's go!

MUA isn't the best brand of makeup I find but I have really enjoyed using this eyebrow pencil. I get the shade 'brunette' and it is only £1! To be honest, I haven't used any other eyebrow products, certainly not expensive ones.. for fear they won't work and I'll have wasted my money. But I think I'll try some others in the future. But right now, I really like this one.

For the price of it, it is very pigmented and works very well. I'd recommend it especially for those who are trying out eyebrow products for the first time. It's a great size as well. I kept my first one for well over a year and all for £1!

The brush at the end is great for blending out the pencil and making it look more natural and finish off your makeup look nicely. It's a little bit hard, bristle-wise, so I wouldn't press down too hard. Also, take care with sharpening the pencil itself. The product is fairly creamy and soft and does break off easily when pressed hard but it's great overall. You're always left with lovely eyebrows which is what everyone wants!

You can buy it here for just £1!

Have you tried this? Do you like it?

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.

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Makeup Review: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter.

Hey, everyone. I just realised I haven't done a review on anything makeup related in ages! But today I'm doing a review on The Balm's Mary-Lou Manizer's highlighter. I've been loving this recently and I know it's been raved about by other bloggers so here's my review!

First of all, I absolutely love the packaging. It's very unique and shows a classy, pin up girl on the front jailed for looking fabulous! I forgot to photograph the back of it as well so I had to use someone else's but it looks like this:

(x)

It looks so cool and retro. I love it!

The Mary-Lou Manizer states that it is an "innocent honey-hued lumanizer that catch everybody's eye .. your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow".

The colour is absolutely gorgeous and it is really shimmery. You don't need alot on your brush or finger, it is very pigmented. Gradually add more and more until you're happy with the result. Too much and you can end up looking like a disco ball! Actually, I wore this last night and I don't often post photos of myself on here but I did like how I did my makeup. Have a look:

Hopefully, you can see that highlighter looking on fleek! It really is worth the money and for the price of it, I'd say you should use this for special occasions and nights out rather than for every day use. I got this on sale but it's a higher end product. Get a cheaper one for everyday use because this is one is really too nice just for every day. It is entirely up to you but personally, I don't wear alot of make up every day for uni and stuff but each to their own.

What's more, you can also use this lovely product as an eyeshadow too! It comes out as a lovely yellow gold shimmer and it's really nice to wear on its own or to add a bit of sparkle on top of other eyeshadows for your eye look. Plus it has a compact mirror so you can pop it in your bag for whenever you need to top up.

You can buy it at Superdrug or Amazon for £17.50.

Have you used this? What did you think of it?

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.

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Organise your makeup!

Happy Sunday afternoon, everyone! 

Now I don't know about you but I feel so much better when everything is organised and clean. However, I am a lazy person and I leave everything in a mess everywhere! But once I get round to it, I actually love having everything sorted and organised. Especially when it's things I use everyday like make-up!

Now, usually I have eyeliners and lipsticks all over the place.. in my bags, boxes, on a table somewhere. I didn't have it all in one place and that needed to change!

So I got my act together and sorted through all of my make-up. I had a massive clear out and threw out make-up that was years old or not used anymore. If anyone has any recommendations on what to do with make-up that has been unopened, then please let me know. I'd love to donate make-up if directed to the right place (in the UK). 

I went online and found this lovely little make-up organiser on Amazon. 

It is made from clear acrylic and it's actually pretty good quality. It's small enough to neatly fit on your make-up table or chest of drawers. It comes with 12 lipstick holders and different compartments big enough for your foundations, powders, primers etc. It also comes with three drawers that fit most things in it, such as:

 Eyeliners (both glitter and normal), stick eyeshadows, eye pencils.

Mascaras, single eyeshadow and eyeliner pots.

Lipliners, lipglosses and lipsticks that don't fit in the holders.

It really is handy for keeping all of your everyday makeup together but it doesn't have much space to fit bronzers or contouring powders which I don't use. It also doesn't fit big eyeshadow palettes like the Urban Decay Naked palettes or anything that size. Small, single eyeshadow pots or anything like that are okay if you arrange them correctly. 

  I also bought a small pot for my brushes to keep those together as well. 

You can get the make-up organiser for just £25.99

& the pot for £3.90. 

Have you got something like this? How organised are you with your makeup?

Thankyou for reading.

Laura.

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Makeup Review: Barry M Bold Gold Waterproof Eyeliner.

Hi everyone. Sorry I haven't been posting much at all but today I have a review of a Barry M eyeliner for you to read. I think my review will be surprising as this has turned out to be a really much loved product by a lot of people. So let's get into it:

This is a waterproof eyeliner that cames in eight colours from Barry M that is supposedly long lasting (8 hours) and according to Superdrug and Boots it applies "as smoothly as a liquid with the precision of a pencil". First of all this product is £3.99 and for the price, I think it's ridiculous that it doesn't even do the job it's made for! 

 The nib of the pen fell off the very first time I used it! I swiped the product across my lower lash line very gently and the product is that soft or that crap that it instantly broke off and I couldn't even get the full experience of the eyeliner. 

  The swatch makes it looks like it could have been a nice colour on my eyes as well. I originally bought it to wear on Christmas day to make my look more glittery and vibrant but I didn't even get to try it out. I ordered it online from Superdrug and I don't know if mine wasn't as sturdy or as solid as the other eyeliners but I'm very unhappy with it! Everyone else absolutely loves it and have had a brilliant time with it. Unfortunately I am very unimpressed and it is literally the worst product I've ever attempted to use.

Have you ever used this? What did you think of it?

Thankyou for reading.

Laura. 

Makeup Brush Review: Real Techniques Core Collection Set by Nic & Samantha Chapman.

Hello everyone! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and Boxing Day, I know I sure did. Lots of wine, food, fab company and presents = fantastic day. If you don't celebrate Christmas then Happy Whatever-You-Celebrate! It even turned out to be a white Christmas as it snowed a fair bit last night!

Today I'm going to be reviewing the Real Techniques Core Collection by Nic and Samantha Chapman as I've had it now for quite a while and I think it's a good time to review it. Before I get into the review, I just want to apologise for the quality of the photos. The weather has been fairly dark and gloomy so the lighting isn't very good for my pictures at the moment. But let's get into the review anyway:

So like the Eyes Starter Set by Real Techniques (which I also reviewed), these are also designed by make-up artist Samantha Chapman and they're made up of synthetic taklon bristles (100% cruelty free!) and they're created to allow your make-up to be even and free of any streaks. They're non-porous and none of the product you're using, germs or dead skin cells get trapped within the bristles. Each brush head is shaped in such way that allows for precise application from thick coverage to a soft, delicate finish.

In this set there is a detailer brush, pointed foundation brush, buffing brush and a contour brush. They all come in a panoramic 2-in-1 brush case/stand as well so it's easy to travel with or keep on a table. Each name of the brushes is engraved on the handles so it is easier for you to know which one is which when creating your look.

 Detailer Brush

"Precision to cut effortlessly conceal problem areas; or use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition."

I use this brush for its intended use actually. It's fantastic as a concealer brush because you're more likely to get more bacteria on your face if you use the applicator that comes with your concealer like mine or even your fingers. It's easy to blend the concealer out as well into your foundation.

 Pointed Foundation Brush

"Use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage."

I don't actually use this as a foundation brush as I feel it's too flat and thin for me. However, I do use it to wipe away any streaks that may occur or to pat down my concealer around my eyes. But I would say this is my least-used brush out of the whole set.

Buffing Brush

"Ideal for full coverage application of powder and mineral foundation."

This is intended for powder but I actually use it to apply my foundation with. After a long time using my fingers to apply my foundation with, this brush is absolutely heavenly to use! It blends my foundation perfectly and I don't have to use as many layers now to cover my face. My favourite brush out of the lot!

Contour Brush

"Delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish."

I use this to put my powder on and also as a highlighting brush. Again it's fantastic to use and really blends in the product well to help me get that look I want.

These brushes can be a little dear if you're on a budget but they are definitely worth getting.

I did get these when they were on sale but you can usually get them from these places:

Amazon - Was £20.99 now £14.19 

Boots - £21.99

Superdrug - £20.99

Have you used these before? What do you think of them?

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Makeup Review: Barry M Natural Glow Palette 2 & Starry Eyed Palette.

Hey everyone, I hope you're all doing well and feeling ready for Christmas! Today I'm going to be reviewing two eye-shadow palettes from Barry M; Natural Glow Palette 2 and the Starry Eyed Palette. Both of these palettes are great and I highly suggest using them for Christmas nights out or for the day itself. I also used someone else's photos of the swatches because my iPad does not catch the beautiful colours very clearly so please beware that they aren't mine.

Firstly I'll be reviewing the Natural Glow Palette that is also paired with a primer. This is the sequel to Barry M's best selling 'Natural Glow' Eyeshadow and Blush Palette. It has warmer golden tones which is suitable for all skin types. 

This palette has three shimmer based eye-shadows and three matte colours with a tan coloured pimer which helps set your eye-shadow day and night. The colours are just lovely and very diverse, from left to right there is; a matte yellow based cream, a light matte grey, a gorgeous light mauve, a golden shimmery shade, a deep cool copper colour and a deep glittery purple.

(Photo source)

All of the shadows are well pigmented but fairly soft with a bit of fall out and the primer didn't work for me unfortunately due to my oily skin. The texture was far too creamy for my type of skin but it's not a problem as I didn't think I would like it in the first place. I think if you have drier skin, it may work better for you. But the main part, the eye-shadows, blend very easily with each other, they're very soft and with my regular primer they can last many hours.

The packaging is really cute and the size of the palette makes it easy to travel with.
You can get it at Boots or Superdrug for £6.49!

 

Lastly and definitely not least is the Starry Eyed Palette which replaces the primer with a lovely coral blush and it's definitely my favourite palette out of the two. However, it's a limited edition palette so I don't know how long it'll be in stock for so it's definitely worth getting your hands on to try out. 

 

The eye-shadows are absolutely stunning and as I have mentioned before, I do love my darker tones for my eyes. From left to right there is; a light yellowish tan matte colour, a beautiful metallic blue, a reddish brown, a cool golden brown, a matte deep chocolate tone and a brown with a red base.

(Photo source)

Again all of the eye-shadows are pretty pigmented and with a decent primer, they last for hours! The blush is really pretty and you definitely don't need a lot of it as a little goes a long way for sure. I also love the packaging on this palette as well just because it's purple and the lettering is in a lovely golden shade. Again it is light and small enough to travel with which is always handy and great to have in your collection.

You can buy this at Superdrug for £6.49 as well.

Have you tried these out? What do you think of them?
Do you have any other recommendations for me?

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.

Makeup Review/Favourites: Kiko, L'Oréal and MUA Primers.

It's the 1st of December!
Can anyone else not believe how quick it's come around? You think you have all the time in the world and then another year has gone before you know it. I hope you've all got plans to celebrate this special time with family and friends and enjoy every minute of it.

  
I'm going to kick off my December posts by reviewing and telling you about my 3 all-time, favourite primers that I use on a daily basis by; Kiko, L'Oréal and MUA. I have oily skin and I do use a couple of layers of foundation to cover up my blemishes and affected areas so I always need a good primer to make sure my make-up doesn't slide off.

 First up is the Mat Base Corrector by Kiko Make Up Milano. This is ideal if you have skin like mine or combination skin and it consists of 97% natural properties with sebum-absoring vegetable ingredients. It is also hypo-allergenic which reduces the chances of you having an allergic reaction which is always a good thing.

 At first, I didn't like this primer purely because the substance was a little bit stodgy, thick and yellowy-looking which isn't appealing at all. You also have to apply it quickly because once it's out of the tube, it starts to dry quite fast. But eventually once I got to used to it, I found that my make-up really stuck to it and created my desired matte finish. It really does get the best out of my foundation and reduces any visible pores, giving my skin a smooth look and velvety texture.

I got it when it was on offer but usually it comes to £8.90 on Kiko's site which I think is pretty reasonable if you want a good enough primer to hold your make-up.

 Secondly, this is the L'Oréal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer and the brand claims that it is "a pure light base which illuminates the skin. It may be used as a base or alone ... fresh, light and silky soft formula that provides 8 hours of hydration". They're right because it really does light up your skin and can easily be used as a highlighter for a subtle sheen.

 The product is white and pearl-like with minuscule specks of pink shimmer. The consistency is a little bit watery so you definitely don't need to use a lot in one go. One pump and you're good to go, trust me!

Despite having oily skin and normally liking the matte looks better, it doesn't leave a greasy film on my face and it absorbs very well. It gives my face a really healthy glow and wakes my skin up especially when it comes to those very early mornings for uni. It glides on perfectly, blends well, minimises my pores and allows my foundation to stay in place.

You can buy this at Superdrug or Boots for £9.99

 

Lastly and definitely not least, my ultimate favourite is the MUA Matte Perfect Primer and I have to say it is perfect.. well, almost. MUA Pro created this primer and claims that it balances your complexion and has "oil control". They say that it's "formulated for oil prone skin, will matify complexion and provide the perfect base for foundation. Can be worn alone, or under foundation". It is ideal for normal/combination and oily skin, so great for everyone really!

 I have to say at first I was surprised with the colour of the product but its texture is creamy and a little bit buttery. This primer lasts for ages and I mean, ages! I can have it on all day for uni and then all night for a night out, I love it. Like the L'Oréal one, I only need a pea sized amount per application to cover my entire face. It is so easy to apply as well, it glides on brilliantly and even before putting on foundation, I find that it leaves my skin feeling soft and silky while also matifying my face so you can easily wear this without anything else. 

The only problem I have with it is that it's not big enough! Also it doesn't have any tints or glowing pigments within it so it doesn't give you a glowing look if that's what you're after. Especially if you're wearing it alone without any foundation, your face tends to look flat.

However you can't complain as it really does give you a perfect matte look and not only that, it only comes to £4.00 in Superdrug! I think this is a brilliant price, especially for everyday use rather than just for those special occasions. Some have even called it a perfect dupe for Porefessional by Benefit so you know you have to give this one a try rather than splashing out £20+!

So those are my all-time favourite primers, have you tried any of them?
Or do you have any recommendations for me?

Thankyou for reading.
Laura.