Benefit Dallas Blusher

Once again I've left it far too long between posts! I've got so many posts planned, so many products to photograph and then the lighting has just been awful! I really struggle with my blog photography, I'm still getting to grips with my camera (as you can tell) and i'm so self critical. In the end I gave up a little and decided these photos would suffice for the sake of a post!

I'm not sure why but I think i'm on a bit of a Benefit mission right now, I haven't actually tried that many Benefit products, for some reason i'm hardly drawn to them... In all honesty the concept of their counter confuses me! - Are this product's on the side specifically for use on peoples faces or can you swatch them? I have no idea but the thought of swatching one and ending up with an angry counter lady frightens me so I've steered clear. However ramblings over - I'm trying to get over that fear, branch out more and try more Benefit products.

First up on my list of things to try was this blush in Dallas. I have no idea why I wanted to try this so much but out of everything, it was the thing I had to try. It's an interesting one, it's not like any other blush in my collection - Kind of a blusher/bronzer with a slight shimmer. I have to say I can't get enough of this right now. It's a beautiful colour, it really warms up your complexion and looks so healthy and glowy.

packaging wise, it's ok again cardboard... theres something about cardboard packaging that i'm really not into at all. It comes with a little brush, I haven't used this nor do I really plan too if i'm honest I don't use the applicators that come with products as I much prefer brush's that are in my collection.

If your in the market for a new blush to add to your collection i'd definitely recommend picking this up,  it's a beautiful product that i've been reaching for daily recently to get that healthy summer glow... even though spring is only just peeking through!

You can buy Benefit Dallas blush from House of Fraser or Debenhams for £23.50

Mac Plink! - One you need in your collection.

Swatched: : Left - pressed harder and several times | Right - one swipe

The latest addition to my Mac Lipstick collection (which is currently still small - I can feel more additions coming soon). I recently picked this up when I went to Liverpool, which is amazing for shopping by the way! I have so many 'nudes' in my collection but I felt a natural pinky nude was lacking. This was the one I actually picked up first and swatched on my hand and then put it back thinking it was too light and had too much sparkle to it for me and I carried on looking. A couple more swatches in and one of the counter girls must have seen the confusion on my face and stepped in. I told her what i was looking for (a natural pinky nude) - she whipped round the display and had 3 for me to try. I really like that the Mac girls seem so happy to help you, they really encourage you to try on the products to see what you think, they even give their honest opinion too which I like. Don't get me wrong I know they want a sale at the end of the day but if your at a beauty counter are you really 'just browsing'? She tried 3 on me and I didn't even bother looking at the names of them at all (1&2) I liked, 3 not so much... I went for the 2nd one she tried in the end and low and behold it was the very first shade I swatched... Plink!

I was shocked, I really liked it and I bought it immediately. I really happy with this one. Now i'm not going to describe it as a 'your lips but better' shade but it does enhance the natural colour of your lips. I prefer this one on days when i'm not wearing much make up or if I want more of a focus on my eye make up. The only warning I have is that you need to be light handed with your application, don't press too hard as it is a cool toned lipstick and you don't want to blank out those lips! Don't let that put you off though, it's not one of those concealer lips shades, it's just more of a frosty pink.

Plink! is from the Mac Lustre range. I'll be honest the lasting power isn't the best but I can deal with the for the fact that I like the shade too much.

Mac Pink is available from Mac counters or Online for £15.50
have you tried this shade? Are there any other Mac shades I need to add too my collection?

Two Mac lipsticks I can't get enough of

For today's post I wanted to share with you two Mac lipsticks I love. You can see from the photos one of the two I favour a little more but nonetheless, I love them both! I'd like to introduce you all to Mac, Viva Glam 2 and Mac Twig.  Bizarrely I actually purchased these both on the same day I remember being glued to the lipstick counter at Harvey Nichols in Leeds and after not being able to choose between them I left with both. In one sense they're similar, they both have a more browny undertone and are both nudey-pinks but yet I still class these as oh so different.

 Swatched Left: Twig, Right: Viva Glam 2

You can see they're both an all rounder lipstick, day or night (although I tend to favour Viva Glam 2 in the day and then Switch for Twig in an evening) Both lipsticks are from the satin finish range and both have the most amazing finish, moisturizing and kind of a semi-matte. I've seen a few people post about their dislike for this finish but in all honesty, I love it. If i'm ever stuck for what lipstick to go for, these two are the ones I always fall back on. I've actually never once finished a lipstick but in fact, I feel like I need to repurchase Viva Glam 2 (It really is that good). Both of these are kind of an, all skin-tone friendly shade and not too in your face. I really can't stop focusing on the fact the Velvet Teddy is also in the same colour family but every time I go to purchase it, it's out of stock! 

Do any of you have these shades? and Are their others that are ''similar yet different'' that I should try? You can purchase these from either a Mac counter or from Mac online.

Tom Ford Black Dahlia - The Clutch Bag Essential

So this post is a day late, oops! Apologies. So here it is, Tom Fords Black Dahlia part of the 2014 Holiday collection. I first saw Lily using this and I fell in love (although Lily could make me want to purchase anything) however, I kept watching her dark lip tutorial over and over and I couldn't keep resisting so I made a little order! This is my first ever Tom Ford lipstick so it was a pretty brave purchase for me to go for such a bold colour but my my i'm so glad I did!

It looks a lot more bold in the bullet than it looks on the lip, although I do apply it with a lip brush, rather than straight from the bullet. Its the most beautiful colour kind of a purpley red, I know that doesn't make it sound nice at all but it's lovely. I'd certainly say it was more for an evening, not that you can't wear it in the day but as the post title suggests it's an essential for a night out.  Now I know that Tom Ford lipsticks are expensive but wow this has so far been worth every penny! The finish is just beautiful and I've found it to last really well and you can barely even feel it on your lips either, so light and not to mention that packaging! Simple but so elegant! I'm so happy I invested, I can't even explain how beautiful it is, just wow.

You can buy Tom Fords Black Dahlia from Harrods £37 and please note. I asked for standard delivery and it arrived the next day, how amazing is that?

The Lipstick That Just Doesn't Suit Me...

Ahh the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in 13 Peach Passion; such a  beautiful shade of pink isn't it? I first saw Milly wearing this beautiful shade and I knew I had to have it, on her it looked perfect... I had to have it.

I got it, I couldn't wait to try it and as soon as I did?... Bitter disappointment. It looked beautiful on Milly and I've since seen it on Zoe (aka Zoella) and it looked gorgeous on her too, but me? No. Now this isn't an entirely negative post trust me, the formula to these lipsticks is just amazing, so hydrating, moisturising and creamy. The colour is so pigmented and lets face it YSL know exactly how to do packaging. it looks simply gorgeous. Sadly this colour just doesn't suit me, it doesn't go with my skin tone,., even when I have a tan! I wish it did suit me, I've tried numerous times but this just isn't my shade *crys a little* I can't explain it other than it looks like I've smeared strawberry ice cream on my lips... it's just not right. Has it put me off? No way, in-fact I'm dying to try Number 5, Fuchsia in Excess (a pretty bright but deep purpley/pink). Sadly this one lays in my collection longing for a day to be loved! But until then its beautiful to look at.

Have you tried this shade? Did you experience the same disappointment as me?
You can buy the YSL Rouge Volupte from House of Fraser or Debenhams, £25

Real Techniques Duo Fiber Brush Set

There's no secret Real Techniques are an affordable brand, the brushes are amazing quality and this little set did not disappoint.  I picked these up only around a week a go, but trust me a week is enough to know that In love them!

This brush set is different to the usual Real techniques brushes, the bristles are much softer and they make it impossible to pick up too much product, which is brilliant for those just starting out or I guess even those of us who can't quite grasp the difference between lightly powder to set and looking like you've applied 'talc' to your face.

The set includes a powder brush, a contour brush and a blending brush. My favourite of the set? it's got to be the powder brush. It just allows you to deposit the right amount of powder to your face, having said that it's the same for all of the brush's but the powder brush just... it's just good, really good! I was so impressed with every brush in this set, they're just beautiful, I also love the sleek black design of these however the writing on them is still colour  coded the same as the usual yellow/orange, pink and purple. I highly recommend this set and they'd also make a lovely gift for fellow make up lovers.

You can buy this set form Superdrug, £20.99

Luminous Flush from Hourglass

I'm sure you've all seen numerous reviews on the ambient lighting blush's but here's one more to throw into the mix! I received this beautiful blusher for my birthday and I've reached for it everyday since! It's the perfect pinky shade to add a glow to your skin and brighten up the rest of your face. This blusher it super pigmented, you really don't need to be heavy handed at all ( I made that mistake the first time I used it... oops) I've seen a lot of people saying that hourglass products barely show up but first time I used this, there was a little too much on my cheeks!

Packaging wise, its simple but elegant. I must say I was expecting it to be heavier, its very light due to the fact its just a gold coloured plastic I guess, I thought it would be more sturdy feeling but nevertheless it looks lovely. I 'd love to try another of the ambient lighting blushes, possibly dim infusion?

You can get the ambient lighting blushes online or in store at Space NK

Dior Skin Star Foundation

So here is the Dior Skin Star foundation, I've had this foundation pretty much since if first came out, I got a sample first to try it, I fell in love and went back to the Dior counter the next weekend to pick up a full bottle! This is the first Dior product I've ever had (I know right) and it's left me longing to try more.

The foundation is just beautiful it adds a luminous and radiant glow to my skin and is certainly my foundation of choice right now. The coverage I would say is medium but is certainly buildable for those of you who prefer more coverage.As for the weightless perfection claim? I'd agree, you can barely feel this on your skin and it blends in perfectly. If there were any issues I had it would be that towards the end of the day it seems to have almost separated in the areas of my face that tend to get a little oily ( T-zone and chin) but nothing a little powder can't fix. I have the shade 010.

The packaging is definitely luxurious, a glass bottle and a lid with CD printed on top and there's a pump! The one thing my beloved Nars Sheer Glow doesn't have (and they never seem to be in stock when I look). It's heavy but it's glass, it's what you expect!

Have you tried the Dior Star foundation? If so what did you think?

Meet Jeanne from the Nars Audacious Range

So this here is Jeanne a beautiful deep red from the Nars audacious lipstick range *stares at how beautiful it is* I picked this lipstick up a couple of weeks ago now and I must say, I'm loving using it! I'm never usually daring enough to go for a bright lip but after a little bit of a chat with the lady on the Nars counter and her trying this shade out on me, I caved.  Jeanne is a cherry red but with depth, me and bright bright reds don't mix. These lipsticks are really moisturising and I haven't found this to cling to any dry patches I may have at all and the formula  is really creamy however it drys with a matte feel to it. As for lasting power again, brilliant I did have to top up but I don't end up with a red smear on my face half way though the day. The packaging of these lipsticks is fab, I mean it's magnetic, whats not to love!? I really want to try more from this collection.

Have you tried any from this range?

Brand Focus: L'oreal

L'oreal is by far my favourite drugstore brand (don't get me wrong I like others) but L'oreal just does it for me every time. These are 5 of my current favourites from their range.

True Match Foundation: I don't think there are many beauty bloggers who haven't passed comment on this foundation, many have compared it to the Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk (i'm yet to try this so I can't comment yet) however; this foundation is certainly my current drugstore favourite. It leaves my skin looking fresh, it covers well but without looking cakey andits definitely a buildable coverage though depending on what you want. I tend to keep mine minimal and cover 'imperfections' with concealer, I thoroughly reccomend and just in case you wanted to know i'm shade N1.

Lumi Magique Primer: I really like this primer, it certainly makes your skin look more radiant and your skin look like it has a natural glow. If your skin is slightly on the dry side this would be good for you, if your oily i'd steer away! It's a really good base for your foundation and I certainly think it makes mine last the little while longer.

Cheryl's Nude: I literally love this lipstick, its so creamy! It's the perfect nude for my skin-tone (nobody likes foundation lips). This is my everyday lipstick, kind of a fail safe, I know it works and if in doubt go with what you know. The only issue is... what has happened to this lipstick!? I've raided every drugstore I've come across and it's just not there, my only guess is it's been discontinued and I really can't understand why! *inserts cry face emoji*

Glam Bronze Bronzing Powder: This really is a gem, I think I picked this up one day when there was a 3 for 2 on and I just didn't really know what else to get as my 3rd item, luckily I picked this and found rather a fabulous bronzer, I have shade 06 golden bronze. Its a lovely colour for a day to day contour or an all over warmth and it's a steal at just £7.99.

Brow Artist Plumper: The newest addition here and an obvious dupe for the benefit gimme brow. I never tried any of the other drugstore brow mascaras (is what even what you call them?) the wands just seemed a little too big for me. This is the perfect product for those, like me who struggle with their brows. My brows are more on the darker side and it seems every time i try a pencil I look like I've stuck those fake moustaches on my face (nice!). It just helps get my brows into place and adding a little more depth to them. I have the medium/dark shade.

Have you tried any of these products from L'oreal? Are there any others I should be trying?

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow

I've been seriously lusting over this ever since I saw Amelia using it in one of her youtube videos.
I've tried several bronzer's before  trying to achieve the perfectly sculpted face (my head is SERIOUSLY round guys) but none have really struck me as being that great. This is where Charlotte Tilbury comes in. With the most beautiful packaging I have ever seen this little set has been something I can't stop reaching for whether its my everyday make up or i'm going out. The Sculpt shade in this duo is literally perfect for creating that effortlessly 'sculpted' look, you know the one, very Kim Kardashian-esque (with the help of the Charlotte Tilbury Powder and Sculpt Brush) as for the highlight shade, its just stunning, there are no other words it leaves a healthy looking glow on my cheekbones once applied. The two together are the perfect combo the only thing that may hold you back is the price. At £49 it's not the most purse friendly purchase but I must say, its worth every penny! And it is christmas soon...?
Have you tried this or anything else from Charlotte Tilburys collection?

Zoeva Rose Golden Luxury Set

Ahhh the Zoeva rose golden brush set, I think pretty much everyone has been talking about these and I think it's safe to say, I understand why! Firstly, just look at them; how beautiful are they? The rose gold stands out and me, being like a magpie meant I was lured in instantly. Behind the beautiful appearance of these lies some seriously good make up brushes! I don't think there is any from the set that havent impressed me and at a price of £55 for the set these are a steal!

I highly recommend these Zoeva brushes and FYI the 102 silk/Silk Finish brush is fantastic!
Have you tried any Zoeva brushes yet? Are there any others I should be trying out?