Review: Make Up For Ever HD Foundation.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation in 101

I feel like I should have my own series at the moment, like Mythbusters but with makeup. I've coined the name Hypebusters for this elaborate series.
Moving swiftly on, I felt a review of this foundation was essential as I've had it since IMATS in February and haven't really mentioned it a lot. To be absolutely truthful with you, I wasn't at all impressed with it until recently (funny how these things change) and now I've really started to enjoy it.

This is a really talked about product, probably as it's not readily available in UK stores (always makes everything more desirable!). I like this product as it does give really good coverage while still looking flawless, and the lasting power is great.
As always, I top up with a bit of powder to set and ensure I stay matte all day long.

Is it worth the hype? It's a grower, that's for sure. I wasn't keen the first few times and I wouldn't say it's as full coverage as I'd like, but the finish is natural without looking heavy and it does look lovely on my skin. I wouldn't say I'm overly buzzing about it, either. It's a great foundation and probably one I'll use for now and I may repurchase providing my skin stays okay!
I apply this either with a Sigma F80 brush or a Real Techniques buffing brush.

Have you tried this foundation? What were your thoughts?

Video: Adding Volume and Texture to Fine, Limp Hair.

I'm not sure if I'm getting better or worse with this YouTube bother! I'm still getting used to my Canon camera and I've also been really unwell recently (hence why I sound like I'm being smothered by a pillow). I'm really enjoying making videos, it's so much different than blogging as I've always loved writing and that comes naturally to me, but I'm definitely going to make more and keep on with my channel. Well, I hope anyway! As long as people keep watching.

Let me know your thoughts on the video, the picture above is just after blow-drying (no other tools or hairspray, backcombing etc.) just with the products mentioned in the video.

Ask away if you have any questions and remember to open the video up in YouTube to see the full description and list of products

Thank you. xo.

Video: Evening Skincare Routine.

My lastest video is all about the products I use in the evening on my skin. Open the video in YouTube to see the produdcts listed etc. and please subscribe to my channel as I have a lot of videos coming!

Let me know your thoughts.

Review: Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow Radiance Creme & Creme Cheek Colour.

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow Radiance Creme in Iced Gold - £17 *

Jemma Kidd Blushwear Creme Cheek Colour in Pawpaw - £13 *

There's a lot of hype surrounding Jemma Kidd at the moment, and I've been contemplating buying a few things from the range recently. 

I've heard good things about the Radiance Creme, and we all know I love highlighters so I was truly excited (yes, don't question it) to slap this on this morning. Radiance Creme is an all-over, multipurpose cream-based product with moisturising ingredients such as lanolin and jojoba oil to blend easily in to the skin without looking caked.
I generally don't use cream based products as I find I get on a lot better with products that are powders, but I got out my Real Techniques Stipling brush and applied my Radiance Creme to my cheeks. I was really impressed with how naturally it went on, as it was over my foundation. It gave my cheeks a glowing, flawless finish. The colour is lovely, a lovely light silvery gold which compliments any skintone.
The lasting power is great, I applied this this morning and it hasn't budged. I can tell I'll be getting a fair amount of usage from this product - especially on cheek bones and I may see how it works under foundation also. 

I shall start by saying cream blushers aren't my favourite, but this colour is gorgeous and I really couldn't resist giving this a go with the Radiance Creme. Pawpaw is a soft, orangey coral with the lightest formula. I applied this with my RT Stipling brush also, and it went on so well. It gives such a smooth finish with just the right amount of product on my cheeks. 

Considering how easily this applies and how lovely it looks on me, I think this will quickly become my go to blusher. It's so easy to work and impossible to get wrong. 

I'll definitely be making a few more Jemma Kidd purchases in the near future, with the Light as Air foundation being top of my list. What do you think of the range? 

Review: L'Occitane Limited Edition Pivoine Delicate Collection.

Pivoine Delicate Hand Cream - £13 *

Pivoine Delicate Eau De Toilette & Gloss Duo - £14 *

Pivoine Delicate Shimmering Powder - £22 *

I love L'Occitane and it's gorgeous scents and packagings, so when I was offered the chance to try out this range, I couldn't help myself. 

Pivoine Delicate is a limited edition collection from the natural line of beauty products, I was sent the Hand Cream, the Eau de Toilette and Gloss Duo and the Shimmering Powder.

From the packaging, I knew I would love this range. The pink, chic boxes really stood out to me and I know I would have picked this up first if I saw it in store. 

The overall scent is gorgeous, really floral yet light and fresh. It has notes of peony and rose and lily of the valley which really stand out. Like all L'Occitane products, the scent isn't too overwhelming, although I would say this probably isn't to everyones tastes. 

The underlying base notes of white musk come out when the fragrance has settled, which really appeals to me. As L'Occitane products are all natural, and usually organic, the scent isn't synthetic or chemically at all.
The hand cream comes in a lovely, easy to use tube which leaves little mess or waste. It absorbs quickly into my hands without feeling greasy or sticky and the scent lingers slightly leaving a lovely fresh smell.

The Eau de Toilette and Gloss Duo is one of my favourites from the collection, this will be so handy when I'm travelling. The gloss is a light, shimmery pink which isn't sticky at all. I know I'll be wearing this a lot.

Lastly, the shimmering powder, which has the best bottle! So classic and elegant, it looks lovely on my dressing table. This is a fine mist of iridescent, scented powder which can be applied to the hair and body. I think this will be nice used on the collar bones and shoulders for the evening. I'm in love with the bottle, it really is so gorgeous! 

What do you think of this range? 

Wishlist #12.

Sleek Blush By 3 in Lace - £10

NARS Highlighting Blush in Albatross - £21

Topshop Cropped Bleached Shirt - £28

ASOS Envelope Clutch - £18

Clarins Lotus Face Oil - £29

Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray - £19.50

As usual, Kate's wishlist is absolutely huge! I swear I never stop wanting - it's the downfall of blogs. I'm currently in bed ill with some kind of evil flu/iron deficiency so internet shopping has been a killer the past few days. Luckily, boredom has allowed me to shop around so I've picked up a few things on this wishlist but for a lot cheaper (a-thankya eBay!).

I've seen this Sleek Blush by 3 everywhere and I've convinced myself I must have it, even though I probably have 10 of each of those shades from various brands.

As you may be aware, NARS Albatross has been on my list of things I absolutely must get for some time now. Does anyone have this, and do you recommend? I love all NARS products so no doubt I will love this product too. 

I've been all over facial oils recently, and can't get this one from Clarins out of my head. I've recently been using a Clarins moisturiser, which I love, and this oil is meant for oily/combination skin. I'm hoping to give this a try, mixed in with my moisturiser. 

I love Bumble & Bumble products, they're probably my favourite hair care brand for my fine, limp hair. This Surf Spray aims to add texture and body to fine hair, so I can't wait to try it. 

Absolutely loving this cropped shirt from Topshop, I think it's an okay price for Toppers so I might treat myself if I see it in store. It would go well with this cute envelope clutch from ASOS and maybe my leather pleated skirt or disco pants and flatforms. 

What do you think of my wishlist? 

March Favourites.

Garnier Body Intensive Gel-Cream with Peach - £1.99
Sanctuary Therapists Facial Oil - £17.35 (*)

The Balm Frat Boy Blush - £16
MAC Fix + - £7

No7 Beautiful Skin Purifying Exfoliator - £8

A little bit late with this one, I was going to film a video but it's my first day to myself in London in a month and I have the flu so it's not happening!
Last month saw quite a mix of products being used, which I always love. It's great when you find products you have loved and forgotten about in your stash!

First up is the newest Garnier body gel-cream which is a great price - £1.99 for 250ml! I actually really liked their original version of this which I have somewhere, but decided to get this as I liked the sound of it. Let me start by saying, I actually hate the feel of this when I apply it. The gel-cream has a really strange consistency and texture, a bit like gunge! This would have put me off right away except that it leaves my skin feeling gorgeous. I've never really used a body moisturiser which has left my skin feeling this great. I usually apply it after a shower or bath at night and wake up with lovely soft and nourished skin. 

I've had this Sanctuary Facial Oil on my list for, quite literally, about a year. I never know if products like this are going to break me out, but even though I have normal/combination (slightly oily) skin, this really helps to keep my skin in tip top condition. I apply it at night, usually mixing it in with my serum or moisturiser, to give my skin one hell of a boost! I don't use this every night and only use a pea sized amount (I've been using this for months and there's only a small amount gone so it's worth the money) but it really does add so much to my skin. This product is great for all skin types, so don't feel put off if you have skin on the oily side - your skin needs this just as much as anyone else, but don't overdo it.

I'd never heard of theBalm before, but Lily got this blush in her Carmine box (RIP) and I fell in love. I hunted this down (I didn't want to pay the full £16 when I knew there would be someone who got it in their box and didn't fancy it) and Lucy came to my rescue. This is a gorgeous peachy pink blush which leaves my cheeks looking so smooth and flushed. I've not stopped using this since I got it, which is made as I must have over 50 blushers in my collection. A great blush/eyeshadow (I only use it as a blusher) and definitely one I would recommend.

I hadn't really heard a lot about MACs Fix +, but I wanted to see what it was like so I picked it up at Duty Free when I was flying home before Christmas. This is a mineral and vitamin based water which sets makeup and adds a lovely glow to skin. It contains lots of lovely ingredients to help skin and keep it hydrated. I spray it on after applying foundation, before powder, to give my skin a glow and to set makeup for the day.
I really do think this keeps my makeup in place for longer, and I know it really does benefit my skin so much. 

Lastly, I've been using No7s new exfoliator for a month or so now and i'm really enjoying it. It's quite a fine yet slightly abrasive exfoliator to gently but thoroughly buff skin, leaving it looking so fresh. I bought this with a voucher (they'll no doubt be back soon) so it was only £3 which is amazing for such a good product. I would probably even pay full price! 

What do you think of this (last) months favourites?

Review: L'Oreal Lumi Magique Collection.

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Foundation - £10.99*

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer - £9.99*

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Concealer - £8.49*

One of my favourite "drug store" foundations is L'Oreal's True Match and I've always found their products to be quite good when it comes to quality vs. price so I was keen to try this range.
L'Oreal has recently launched the Lumi Magique range which consists of three products to improve skins overall complexion and give a luminous finish.

The Pure Light Primer has quickly become one of my favourite products. It's a illuminating primer to give skin a natural glow and a flawless finish. I usually apply this after foundation with my fingers and the result is beautiful, glowing skin. I also like to mix it in to my foundation for a boost.
It leaves my skin looking so lovely and naturally radiant that I haven't stopped using it since I got it.
If you're looking for a primer which helps dull skin, then this is definitely worth picking up.

Although I received the shade "dark" in the concealer, I wasn't aware of this at first and used it under my eyes to conceal bags. I loved it so much that my usual eye products such as YSL Touche Eclat and Bobbi Brown Concealer Kit were left forgotten about in the bottom of my makeup bag. I haven't touched them in weeks as this Lumi Magique concealer has been my saviour. It's a really lightweight concealer which conceals dark circles so well. It doesn't cake or look heavy, but disguises any signs of a late night.
I've also used this on blemishes but I think it works best under my eyes. If you suffer from a small amount of undereye darkness, this is for you as it's a cheap yet high quality way to conceal.

Lastly, I received quite a dark shade of the foundation so I haven't been able to review this alone. I fake tanned recently and added a bit of this to my usual foundation (EL Double Wear) which gave lovely results. As I've already said, I'm a big fan of L'Oreal foundations so I have high hopes for this one. If I didn't already own over 20 foundations, I would be purchasing this in a lighter shade.

This is a lovely range from L'Oreal, the products have really impressed me and the prices are great also. I haven't been able to stop using the primer or concealer which is really unlike me as I do own a lot of high end products which you expect to be better quality.

Will you be trying this range? 

Review: YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick in Rose Paris.

YSL Rouge Volupté Lipstick in 27 Rose Paris - £23.50 (*)

After months of lusting after a Yves Saint Laurent lipstick, I purchased one a few months ago with a voucher I had from the Debenhams Press Day. These lipsticks are rather expensive so it took me some time to choose a shade, but I decided on Rose Paris as it's a beautiful pink rouge which appealed to me at the time. You can see me wearing this shade here.

I love the way the creamy formula applies so well to the lips, it really does glide on while leaving the most amazing colour which lasts for hours. These have a beautiful finish and the colour pay off is amazing, so although they're much more expensive than the likes of MAC and NARS, I would say they're also of much higher quality. I don't wear mine every day like I would a MAC lipstick though (although that may be because the colour really isn't something I would wear to the office) but keep it for special occasions, nights out or when it goes with my outfit.
I wish I had chosen a shade which is more wearable for day, but at the time I was after something bright and bold, and I'd recommend this shade if you're looking for something that stands out.

These lipsticks really are something every girl must own, the packaging is like nothing else - so luxurious and elegant! The shade range is great too, you are bound to find a few shades which are perfect for you.
The price is, of course, off-putting but I do believe you must try at least one YSL lipstick in your lifetime and I would pay full price for another.

What do you think of the Rouge Volupté lipsticks? 

Instaupdates #6.

starbucks; daily makeup; Jordan and baby; baby; chocolates on the train; outfit; dinner; deep cleanse; clean mulberry bag; MUA Alexandra Burke launch; face; collar & necklace; being a hand model x 4; cupcake for boyfriend; present from Jordan; out for dinner; ice cream; going out; us; my face; teefs. 

The last few weeks have been rather busy with Easter, going home (to Aberdeenshire) and also in Glasgow twice. I've spent so much time in Scotland recently, I don't usually come back this often but if there's an opportunity when we're both free, I take it!

Other things have included attending the MUA x Alexandra Burke launch for her new lip product which was good fun. I haven't been to any events for a while now, mainly because I've been away a lot.
On Friday I was a hand model for a tutorial a company are filming. I will post it on Twitter when it's up, I had four designs painted - the British flag, the Irish flag, black with silver tips and candy canes.

My boyfriend surprised me with Estee Lauders Advanced Night Repair when I got here on Friday night, I've been wanting this for a while but hadn't had a chance to pick it up. I've only used it once so far but I love it already!
I'm heading back to London tomorrow for work and then I'll have my first weekend to myself in a month to get some blog posts written up!

Review: Caudalie Beauty Elixir.

Caudalie Beauty Elixar (30ml) - £9.35

I bought this on a whim about a month ago, even though I'd never seen a review on it before. I like the sound of it and thought the price was great. I'm really glad I did as I've been using it most days since.

Caudalie's Beauty Elixir works like a toner to freshen skin and give it a glow while tightening pores and smoothing skin. It contains extract of grape, orange blossom and mint to give an "instant burst of radiance" to the skin.
I use this in the morning after my shower (before moisturiser) to wake up my skin and give it a boost. The peppermint (I really don't like peppermint after drinking a lot of peppermint tea in recent years) is quite noticeable and makes me feel a bit queasy first thing in the morning but I look past this as it really does add so much to my skin. It's a lot easier than a toner also, as you simply spray it on and skin is instantly more radiant.

I know this product has a big celebrity following, Victoria Beckham apparently sprays it after applying her makeup to set it for the day ahead and add an instant glow which is something I'm yet to try.
I find just spraying this on my face in the morning leaves my skin so much more brighter and awake.

For the price, I think this is an amazing product to add an instant boost to skin. The peppermint helps to wake up skin and create the perfect base. It's one of those products that doesn't seem like it will do a lot, yet you're pleasantly surprised each time. I'd say it's absolutely worth the money, I use one or two sprays each morning and I still have almost a full bottle so I know the 30ml will last some time.
If you're suffering from dull skin that needs a bit of radiance, or something to set makeup and wake up skin then this is for you, it's quickly become one of my favourite products and I know I'll be purchasing this continuously as it really is an amazing product.

What do you think of Beauty Elixir?

Review: Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - £26.50

After all the hype surrounding this foundation, I decided to purchase it earlier this year to see what all the fuss was about. I like a medium to full coverage foundation buffed in really well and one that stays all day without looking cakey.
I've heard mixed reviews about this foundation, especially regarding the "ghost face" it apparently gives due to the SPF, but I've never experienced this (I'm pale anyway so I suppose it doesn't matter).

Double Wear is a "stay in place" foundation which is lightweight, provides a natural finish and lasts up to 12 hours. I think this is the perfect description for this product, it provides excellent coverage without looking too heavy (providing you buff it in well) and lasts all day without transferring or separating.
I don't require a top up during the day, although as my skin is a little on the oily side, I usually add a touch of powder to my T-Zone.

This has been my perfect foundation over the last few months and I've recently purchased another bottle. It's perfect for me in terms of coverage, lasting power and finish and I'm yet to find something that works for me better than this. My skin hasn't been great recently but this foundation really covers all without looking like a mask. I love the natural finish that it gives which is slightly more matte while still looking flawless.

I am shade 1N1 (Ecru) but I recommend that you get matched up. I've been using this since January and my first bottle is almost empty (I think, I can't tell how much is in there which is annoying but it's feeling lighter) and that's after a fair bit spilt in my makeup bag, so it does last quite some time as I wear this every day. I apply it with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and buff it in well to give a flawless base.

Overall, this is the perfect foundation if you like medium to full coverage which stays all day. You only need a small amount and buffed in it creates a natural base which lasts all day.

What are your thoughts on this foundation?

Review: Liz Earle Brightening Mask & Hot Cloth Cleanser.

Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask - From £13.50 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser - From £12.75

I've been using Liz Earle products for some time now, I first used the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser probably over a year ago and I've been loyal ever since.

I regularly use this product in the evening to cleanse my skin of makeup and other dirt and I think it does a great job of removing everything whilst also keeping skin soft and reducing blemishes.

I do get the odd spot here and there, I've always had problem skin and I have no idea what causes it or helps it so I can't really say if this product helps at all as I tend to use my skincare products in cycles, but I think Cleanse and Polish agrees with my skin and I've been using it for a while now so it certainly helps keep my skin in good condition otherwise. 

To use this, I apply one or two pumps to dry skin in the evening. I wet the muslin cloth with warm water and place over my face for about 30 seconds and then use to gently remove makeup and exfoliate skin in circles. I use this over my eyes also and have no problem with it as it's so gentle. 

I think this is a great product and it removes all makeup (although I tend to take off my eye makeup first or do a double cleanse). 

I've recently been using the Liz Earle Brightening Mask as an added extra to give my sometimes dull skin a boost. I usually use clay masks as I think they do a lot more for my skin, but once or twice a week I will pat on this Brightening Mask to give my skin a bit of radiance. I do notice a difference with this product, it's a quick and easy way to make skin look more awake but I do use a more potent (usually clay) mask for a deep cleanse also. 

I saw that Ruth often mixes Cleanse and Polish with the Brightening Mask and leaves for 30 seconds before wiping off as usual. I've been doing this occasionally in the mornings when I don't have eye makeup to remove as it's a great way to skip a few steps and still have cleansed, radiant skin. 

Overall, I'm a loyal Liz fan - the products are always excellent quality and I'm yet to find something I don't like. 

What do you think of Liz Earle products? 

Instaupdates #5.

cake in a jar from the Maybelline event; sleepy Mouse the Owl; outfit; face of the day; Chanel blusher; Topshop lipsticks; New Look & MAC buys; Lush buys; outfit; Lolas cupcakes; sleepy face; hangover pizza; outfit; face; messy dressing table; neon pink jeans outfit; cupcakes for boyfriend; Jordan<3; disco pants outfit; Jordan & I; me; Jordan in Edinburgh; picnic in Edinburgh; me & Jordan! 

Decleor Double Radiance Scrub & Instant Purifying Mask.

Decleor Life Radiance Double Radiance Scrub - £23.40 

Decleor Aroma Purete Instant Purifying Mask - £18.50

For a while I've been after a good scrub and mask, I tried a sample of a Decleor mask from the last Feel Unique beauty box and really liked it, so I decided it was worth spending the money on a full size product.
In the end, I went for a different scrub than the sample I had (I bought the Double Radiance Scrub) and the Instant Purifying Mask to use with it. 

I try to exfoliate and use a mask once or twice a week, and I've been using these products for about a month now and they've really improved the overall appearance of my skin. 

The Double Radiance Scrub is a fresh smelling exfoliator with jojoba beads to gently buff away dead skin cells. As it contains jojoba beads, it's not massively abrasive which I was slightly disappointed about as I like to really polish my skin, but I've seen great results with this product and my skin has looked so radiant afterwards.
My skin is gently scrubbed to reveal a brighter complexion without feeling irritated or red.

I follow the scrub with the Instant Purifying Mask, which is aimed at combination/oily skin types. I prefer clay-based masks as I think they make more of a difference to my combination skin. This is meant to leave skin purified, imperfections reduced and a matte finish, which definitely appeals to me.
I've had a few blemishes as of late due to lack of sleep so I've really needed a bit of help from my skincare routine, and this has really helped my oily t-zone as well as helping to clear blemishes.

Although these two products aren't from the same range, I chose products which are aimed at what my skin needs - the scrub helps to brighten while the mask deals with excess sebum and imperfections - and I think these are really working for me.
The price is slightly steep, especially as both of these products are only 50ml, but you get what you pay for. My skin has been noticeably clearer and more radiant since I've started using these products and I'll definitely be trying more from Decleor. 

What Decleor products would you recommend? 

Life Updates.

Hello! I'm a terrible blogger. This is actually really unlike me to disappear for so long and I feel sad about it. I've had a massively busy couple of weeks, with working and then going to Glasgow when I can.
I've been in Glasgow with Jordan from Wednesday until Sunday last week, which was amazing. We had a picnic in Edinburgh with a box of wine and strawberries and then Jordan's band had a gig that night which was really good fun.

I'm heading back to Glasgow again tomorrow night after work for Easter, and then going home to my parents in Aberdeenshire to see the new baby (my nephew, Owen) which is so exciting! I haven't been home since I left after Christmas and I can't wait to meet the baby.

I'll be so tired after those few days but hopefully I'll manage to fit in some posts! Another reason for not  blogging is because I have finally got the newest version of Blogger and I hate it! I just can't get my head around it at all.

So, yes - I will be back. Thanks for sticking around. xo.