e.l.f HD blush in Headliner | Review and Swatch

 As a brand, e.l.f is one of my favourites as it is affordable and most things are pretty good - a lot of their products feature in my everyday routine. A new(er) release in the UK is the HD blush, a supposed dupe for the makeupforever HD blush.

Facts

Cost: £3.75 ($3)

Available from: eyeslipsface.co.uk (.com for US)

Net weight: 10ml

Packaging: Small bottle with pump

e.l.f calims that their
Rich and creamy HD Blush naturally sculpts and highlights the cheekbones for a soft-focus effect that is great for everyday use.

(eyeslipsface.co.uk)

 The blush is a mousse consistensy - very thick.

It takes a while to blend - I suggest using a brush (ie the real techniques buffing brush). A little goes a long way so a whole pump would cover your entire face - just press lightly for a 1/4 pea sized amount.

The shade range contains 5 shades - better for darker skintones as they do verge on the deeper, more berry toned colours. Headliner and Superstar are better for paler skintones.

Hope this review was helpful.

What are your favourite elf products?

Love, Lizzie x

Small Haul #5 | Wilkinsons, Boots, Primark and more!

Since being on summer break I've done a bit of shopping (more to come!) and so wish to share it! It's just a small haul but each thing has a little story behind it so I'll just get into the purchases...

First up are the beauty bits. Herbal Essences Fresh Balance Shampoo (featured in this blog post) has been on my wishlist for a while after I ran out of my old clarifying shampoo - this was 1/2 price in boots and is really good! Also for hair is the Boots Style Works Heat Protectant; my faithful Tresseme was sold out but this is okay. I've wanted a tangle teezer for ages but this Tangle Attack was £1 in Poundland and is perfect! Hair Chalk was a bit of an impulse buy as I've been wanting to dip dye my hair lilac for ages but for fear that it won't come out before I go back to school I chose this as it is easy to use and washes out! Next is L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof Mascara - forever recommended by Anna I have been hunting for this and found it on Amazon for £7! Fab! Two nail polishes joined my collection recently - Sinful Colours 'Easy Going' was seen on Alix and named an essie fiji dupe so was a must and Collection Hot Looks 'Aztec Gold' looked like a really cool duo chrome gold and was a freebie! As a Beauty Mouth Blog addict I was told to use a cleansing balm and so bought this Botanics one from Boots; so far so good. A face mask from Mudd was MakeupSavvy recommended and is amazing for clearing up blemishes - will defo be purchasing the 10-appliaction pack! Last is this Water Spray from Poundland that is perfect for refreshing in this super hot weather that we've been experiencing here in the UK recently.

From Primark I bought a handbag organiser as it keeps everything organised in my bag as my handbag is a lipstick black hole! Next are Haribo sweets - whatever sweets, I need sugar!!! I've had a Primark nail file for years now and this is just a new one to replace the old one. These floral trousers will be featured soon as they are just so darn gorgeous! I've had my eye on this snood for a while but it was on sale for £2! Bargain! PJ Shorts are a must for heatwaves and these ones have a beautiful crotchet detail at the bottom that makes them look very Grecian! Last is this necklace from the River Island sale - I never really shop in RI but the sale jewellery caught my eye - this and a moustache ring that I cannot find were a bargainous £1 each!

Last is my beloved wilkinsons! I do love that shop for all sorts. I buy tissues in there as they're 85p and these have bicycles on them! I purchased a folder and lined paper for Italian summer homework - we have a lot of coursework! Then these flowers were on 3 for 2 so I bought white, pink and purple ones for blog photos!

Hope you enjoyed this post - what have you been buying recently?

Love, Lizzie x

PS I've been loving listening to the band Against the Current - I think they may be a new favoutite - watch out!

Ice-Cream Nails | Pastel Polish Picks

 I thought I'd share my freshly painted pastel manicure - perfect for summer and for eating icecream!

Pinkie: MUA "Lush Lilac"

Ring Finger: MUA "Pistachio Ice Cream"

Middle Finger: Sinful Colors "Easy Going"

Index Finger: 17 "Sherbet Lemon"

Thumb: NYC "Blue Sky"

Try out the ice cream mani!

Love, Lizzie x

What's in my overnight bag? (Brighton One Night Stay) | Packing Tips

At the end of the month I'm headed to Brighton for a night with my mum. I love the seaside and Brighton is one of my favourite places in the UK. As we are only staying for one night I packed light so I didn't need a trolley case - who wants to be rolling a suitcase around all day? The bag I'm taking is a Cath Kidston-esque bag that I found in Camden Market for about £15! It looks very similar to her bags and is really good quality plus it fits everything I need!

 First thing is my iPad - the most important as I can read, use the internet and find maps on it. This will be so useful and my iPad is my baby; I love it and cannot stop using it - would defo recommend!

 I have PJs - a pair of Primark shorts and a top with Moomins on it  cuuute! Obvs undies are essential too but I didn't think it was necessary t show you all my pants!

 For clothing I kept it simple with a purple bandeau and a rose printed vest - I'll be wearing jeans on the train down and so I'll also be wearing them on the next day. The khaki utility jacket is so useful for chucking over any outfit for extra warmth.

 I travel with my tangle attack as it is more compact than a hairbrush. My toiletries can all fit into a sandwich bag and if they leak they will not go everywhere.

 I won't be showering while I'm there as I'll wash my hair and body the morning before we go - one night is okay. For hair I take my sea salt spray by Toni and Guy for messy beachy locks. I have a sample size of a Sure deodorant - not my favourite but good for one night. For makeup removing I have these simple face wipes and my B. Pure Micellar Water decanted into a spray bottle - I'll also use that as a toner. For nightime cleansing I have a sample of the nude perfect cleansing oil and I'll use the REN Frankincense Night Cream. In the morning I'll use the REN Rose Cleansing Gel and the Vita Mineral Day Cream. I have a new toothbrush that I'll just chuck away the morning before we leave as I hate packing a wet toothbrush *makes yucky face* and a small toothpaste. Essentials include cotton pads and a muslin cloth. Lip Balm lives in my pocket.

 Now for the makeup - I've packed this little bag full of products that will see me through one day and night.

 

Brushes are the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, Blush Brush and Base Shadow Brush. A spoolie is also a necessity as well as eyelash curlers. For base I have my MUA Undress Your Skin Foundation because it isn't in a glass bottle and my concealers of choice are Collection Lasting Perfection and the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer. For setting I have my (you guessed it) Natural Collection Pressed Powder. My Sleek Face Form Kit it perfect for travel with a blusher, bronzer and hightlight! For eyes I have Too Faced Shadow Insurance and I'll use the contour and hightlight shades for the sleek kit as eyeshadow. Mascara is L'Oreal Telescopic Waterproof that stays on all day and layers beautifully. My face is not complete without eyebrows - Collection Eyebrow Pencil in Blonde is my current go-to. For lips I have two options - Revlon Super Lustrous in Pink in the Afternoon and 17 Mirror Shine in LA.

Other items in my bag will just be everyday handbag items.

What holidays do you have planned this summer?

Love, Lizzie x

:)

NYC All Day Long Smooth Skin Foundation in Shade 737 Classic Ivory | Drugstore Foundation Review

I am a bb cream/tinted moisturiser person. I don't wear foundation on an everyday basis but when I have a spell of heavy acne/a dinner out/if I want to I'll wear a medium to full coverage foundation. This was my first foundation purchase and it has remained unused in my makeup collection until more recently when I've started using it and LOVE IT!

So.. NYC's website says:

Benefits: Blurs fine lines, dark circles and wrinkles into dreamy nothingness.

Controls shine and stays put: even when the heat is on.

Smudge and rub proof means no annoying marks on your new tee!

Feels bouncy and comfortable on your skin…all day, everyday.

Soft and fresh, matt but not mask like.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin A: known to help your skin to renew itself, blitzing dry patches. 

Vitamin C: known to capture free radicals, and brighten and even the skin tone.

Vitamin E: A strong anti-oxidant that is known to protect from the stresses of city life. 

I say...

It has a semi-matte finish.

It stays for about 10 hours on a less humid day, more like 8 on a humid day.

It has a medium but buildable coverage.

You can feel it on your skin but not in a heavy way.

I really enjoy using this and for £3.99 you can't go wrong. Any questions feel free to ask!

What is your favourite drugstore foundation?

Love, Lizzie x

The Summertime Pamper | Herbal Essences Shampoo, Pantene Hair Mask, Mudd Face Mask and more!

 I don't know about you, but after a hot summer day all I want to do is relax. I do this with a pamper evening once a week - this is what I do and use!

 

 I start with a face mask - I like this Mudd Original Mask as it leaves my skin feeling super clean but any will do! I also like the superdrug sachet masks.

 My favourite razors are these Boots Smooth Care Disposable Triple Blade ones - they have a hydrating moisture bar that gives you a closer shave.

 Once a week I prefer to switch up my normal shampoo for a more clarifying one - I've been recommended the Herbal Essences Fresh Balance shampoo and it smells delicious!

 After using a clarifying shampoo I like to use a hydrating deep conditioner - Pantene's Aqua Light Intensive Mask is really moisturising and leaves my hair soft and silky.

To add some hydration and colour to my very pale body I love the Dove Summer Glow Gradual Tanner. I use this with the St Tropez Self-Tanner Mitt that I found at Boots for a streak-free tan. No biscuit smell either!

How do you pamper yourself?

Love, Lizzie x

NYC In A New York Colour Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish in 325 Raindrop | Swatch and Review

Raindrop is a beautiful powder blue nail polish  - it is very cool toned and perfect for spring/summer. 

The wear time is good - a few days without chipping when worn with a good base and top coat.

It only takes two coats to reach its full opacity as shown in the picture.

The drying time is phenomenal - when you've done one coat on every nail the first one painted will be dry!

For the price of £1.79 you really can't go wrong - Blue Sky will be mine next!

What's your favourite nail polish shade? 

Love, Lizzie x 


UPDATE: I actually think this is called Blue Sky but the label on superdrug bottles says Raindrop! Weird!

Soap and Glory Concealer Review | Kick Ass Concealer and Trick and Treatment

 As confessed in my last concealer post, I am a concealer junkie. I love them and I especially love this dynamic duo from Soap and Glory.

The Kick Ass Concealer is the favourite from most bloggers as it boasts a high coverage and super blendable creamy consistency. The powder is fabulous for setting the under-eye area as it is not cakey at all - a great touch-up product to carry in your bag.

The powder puff is cuuute!

Such lovely fingerprints. Well done Elizabeth.

Swatched!

 The Trick and Treatment Under Eye Concealer is equally as good but not equally as raved about. This claims to cover dark circles whilst also treating them with 'peptide dark circle reducers'. I'm not sure about the reducers but the concealer works a treat at covering my blueish bags and lasts a while too!

Swatchy swatchy...

I hope this review was helpful - any questions please leave in the comments x

 

What are your favourite concealers?

 

Love, Lizzie x

Bedtime Beauty #1 | What I Do Before I Go To Sleep

 After my nighttime skincare is complete (my nighttime skincare routine here) I watch a bit of TV and go to bed. However, in this muji drawer set on my bedside table are a few products I like to use just before I go to sleep.

 Savlon is my skin saviour - I put this on burns, cuts, grazes and dry skin. It smoothes everything out and helps my skin.

 I apply vaseline to my eyelashes and eyebrows to promote growth - I've seen a difference in the fullness and length of my eyebrows but not so much my lashes but I'll keep trying! I also need hand cream for my super dry hands and feet - this one from soap and glory smells and feels amazing!

 I need lip balm and this Nivea Lip Butter smells and feels fabulous - I'd definitely recommend this!

It has been so hot in England recently so I've been spraying my face and body with this aerosol of water from the 99p store - it's really refreshing and leaves my skin cool for sleep.

Hope this helped you out! What are your pre-sleep beauty tips and routine?

Love, Lizzie x

Weekend Haul #4 | Poundland, Primark, Superdrug, Tiger

 My summer holidays began on Wednesday and I celebrated with a shopping trip on Thursday - so it's not really a weekend haul but whatever! Let's get on with the pruchases then...

 This adorable jar spoke to me and made me buy it - it's from Tiger and was £4. It contains Danish butter cookies and says: These butter cookies are from Denmark, a small country full of fairy tales, kings and queens... and a rather large export of bacon. Our queen lives in a castle guarded by soldiers wearing Bearskin hats. The queen loves her sausage dogs, and they love Danish butter cookies for breakfast... I imagine. I also imagine how the Vikings would eat cookies in the afternoon. I eat mine in the evening with a nice glass of cold milk... Enjoy yours - as you like.

How freaking cute!

In Poundland I found some fab bargains. As you can probably see I have already enjoyed some of my Dairy Milk Oreo chocolate bar - the best chunky chocolate bar! The I also purchased Polos to keep my breath minty fresh! Two amazing finds were the Pantene Pro V Lightweight Nourishing Mask and the Dainty Doll Eyeshadow Base. The hair mask smells amazing and I'm sure will be fabulous! The eye base in 'Frankie Girl' is a bit like benefit lemon aid but with a bit of shimmer - they had all the eyeshadow shades but none of the blushes or lip products - I'd like to try the cream blush if they get them in for £1!

 From superdrug I bought 3 travel minis for £3  for my weekends away to Southhampton and Brighton this summer (what's in my travel bags coming soon x). I found the Sure deodorant - Dove green tea and cucumber is my favourite but I couldn't find it so I settled for this. Batiste is great if I don't want to wash my hair and I won't be for 1 night away so I bought this travel size in floral and flirty blush. Then this 7 pack of the simple face wipes will work as a makeup remover for travel - I've heard good things :) Next is the NYC Nail Polish in Raindrop -  a sort of Tiffany blue that is perfect for summer! Two coats is enoguh for full opacity. Then I bought another Look Lip Liner - this one is in Petal Nude a really pretty pink. B.Pure Micellar Water is my fave and I need back ups - it's on offer too so I'd better stock up!

 

 From Primark I found this gorgeous vest like my one with butterflies on. This is a sheer material and can be worn on its own but I like to wear them with bandeus underneath. It has purple and red roses over it in a sort of cross-stitch pattern and green leaves with pops of orange - super light and cute! I found this foldable shopping bag - I have a blue one and this one will be for my dad when he goes to the library.

I also bought some more cotton pads - these ones are the best value at £1 for 160. I almost fainted when I found this cute makeup bag as it's exactly what I have been looking for - it hangs up and has 3 clear compartments - perfect for travel. It was so much cheaper than other ones I've been looking at as it was only £4 - brilliant!

I hope you enjoyed this haul - follow me on bloglovin' (to the right) to be kept up to date with new posts! What have you bought recently?

Love, Lizzie x

Fashionista Blush Palette Review and Swatches | London, New York, Rose Thrill, Cinnamon

 My fashionista blush palette is well-loved and I use these colours all the time - I'd definitely recommend them!

I thought I'd swatch my palette - 4 shades that are all different but gorgeous!

 London

This orangey peach blush is one of my favourites and I wear it all the time + I had to get it because it's called London and I live in London LOL!

 Rose Thrill

A super pigmented hot pink that is really bright looks fabulous - you should use a light hand otherwise we'll end up looking like Aunt Sally.

 New York

The recommendations of MissBudgetBeauty swayed me into choosing this and I love it for glowy cheeks - this is good if you have a heavy hand as it is not too pigmented.

 Cinnamon

I love this for natural looks - it's a warm brown pink shade that is lovely for pale skin tones

Hope these swatches helped you - I'd buy your palette now as Fashionista and MUA have combined and there's a huge sale!

Love, Lizzie x