Elf Daily "Moisture" Stick - A not so favourable review...

Hii Lovelies!

The Elf Daily Moisture Stick has had some pretty rave reviews in the Youtubing world and dry skinned ol' me just had to test it out. I've spent a good few months on and off testing this out because i just didn't quite "get it". So I've been on the fence for a while as to whether i was going to review it or not... But here we are!

 The packaging is sleek and twists up to reveal a clear stick of product inside. My first issue with this is that it really cannot be very hygienic? I know there are a lot of products like this on the market (and i probably should have considered this before purchasing), but something about applying it in this way really screams to me BACTERIA BUILDUP. Anyways... My OCD tendencies aside, we'll get onto the actual product.

For a product thats dubbed "moisturising" even stating it in the name, well its not very damn moisturising at all! It applies in a thin layer and sinks into the skin very quickly not feeling any more hydrated than before. With a second layer it starts to get this tacky feeling that quite frankly grosses me out, certainly not a texture I'd like to apply makeup over. So I'd discovered that this really isn't a face product for me, so i tried it on my hands and elbows... Again no hint of hydration there either.

I JUST DON'T GET IT!

It also has a slightly higher price point than most Elf products, at £8, which I'm guessing is due to the "anti-aging ingredients and antioxidants" inside. Yes the packaging is a little reminiscent of that Benefit stick primer (again, hygiene issues put a stop to me buying that one too) but other than that it really just doesn't do anything. My last resort for this is dipping my cuticles in it and praying it does something, otherwise its going in the bin.

I do love a lot of the Elf product line but sadly this was a massive miss for me and one i cannot recommend. I'm just baffled as to how this is supposed to be used? What does it actually do? And why has it got such rave reviews... Do you know? Please tell me before it meets Mr Wheelie Bin!

Have you tried the Elf Moisture Stick?

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xox

Elf Makeup Mist & Set Review

Hii Lovelies!

Bit of a quickie post for you lot today!

A while back Elf had a 50% off sale or two and i just couldn't resist placing an order. I've previously owned the Elf Makeup Mist and Set but it sat on my shelf for over a year because i really wasn't fond of the scent (my nose is a little oversensitive when it comes to odd fragrances). But after seeing lots of rave reviews i decided to purchase another one in the sale because, why not?! I'm guessing either the formula has changed, mine was off or I'm just a big fuss pot because I'm pleased to report this one is much more pleasant!

I'm a big setting spray fan and totally adored my Urban Decay All Nighter but the cheapskate in me really does not like paying for it. The Elf Makeup Mist & Set comes in at a mere £3.75, yes its less product but still works out a hell of a lot cheaper in the long run, plus Elf often has huge sales or offers on their products making this even more of a bargain. I can be a bit heavy handed with my setting powder so a few spritzes of this seems to clear up the mess and give my skin a more dewy (less caked on) finish. I pretty much apply this every time i wear makeup as that last little finishing step.

Honestly, i can't really tell if this makes my makeup last any longer and I'm not claiming its a dupe for the Urban Decay or MAC options, but it does feel lovely and refreshing! And most importantly it is sating my need to spend silly amounts of money on the more expensive ones. Its something i will 100% repurchase although i might decant it into another bottle, purely because the nozzle/spray bit thingymajig doesn't give quite a fine a mist as i would like, but an old Fix + bottle should do the trick!

Overall i would highly recommend checking this little beauty out if you are looking for a budget friendly setting spray. Elf is available online on their website here and i believe they have one stand alone store in the UK, so keep your eyes peeled on their website for sales!

Have you tried Elf's Makeup Mist & Set?

Or do you have some affordable recommendations?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

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xox

Elf HD Blush - Review

Ello Lovelies!

Elf are brilliant for their sales and up until recently I've been very good at resisting them... Well that changed! I took full advantage of one of their recent 50% off sales and got a whopping £60 worth of products (that i don't really need) for a mere £30, considering how cheap Elf is already that means a LOT of stuff! If you've seen my recent Lust List post you would have spotted this little beauty on it, the only thing i actually "needed" from Elf. I previously purchased another, brighter shade and was desperate to get my hands a more wearable option, so here it is in the form of Headliner!

Elf HD Blushes are the copycat version of the MUFE HD ones, but not owning any of them i can't really compare the two, sorry! But after trying these i have no real urge to try the much more expensive option. Liquid blushes with a pump like these get rid of all the ickyness of having to dip your fingers into a pot to apply, just pump out what you like and blend away! I will say they do pump out far too much product, so a lot is wasted but at £3.75 for 10ml I'm really not complaining.

Headliner is one of the more wearable shades of the 5 available and I'm a little bit smitten with it. Its a gorgeous pink that in my opinion leans ever so slightly purple, making it great for fair - mediumish skin tones. These have a velvety smooth texture which is a little drier than all the cream blushes I've tried in the past, but i feel this adds to the wear time of it. They are extremely pigmented so a little bit goes a long, long way! Due to the drier formula they take a little bit more effort to blend than your average cream blush but it's not something that bothers me.

Overall I'm pretty darn pleased with this purchase from Elf. I'd go as far to say that in my opinion these might be the best cream/liquid "drugstore" blushes available on the market. Yep, a bold statement there from me but i really am impressed!

Have you tried Elf's HD blushes?

Let me know what you think!

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xox

 

A/W Lust List

Its been a long time since I've posted one of these and I've had my eye on quite a few goodies lately but sadly i am a no buy. Will power wise I'm doing well so far... But here is a few of the bits I'm desperate to get my paws on lately!

1. Elf Goodies

Elf UK currently have a 50% off sale and i am sat here twitching wanting to place an order... They've released quite a few new things since my last order and I'd like to grab a more wearable shade of their HD Blush because I'm loving the one i have already formula wise, its just too bright! In theory i could place a small order just for the blush, but the whole free shipping thing over £30 spend gets me every time...

2. Nars One Night Stand Palette - £45

I need it. Space NK is the only store with it left as far as i can see and the collector in me is going totally nuts over it. I was lucky enough to be gifted the Damnari palette for Christmas last year and i ADORE it. Yes, i already own two of the shades but I've hit pan on them so this is totally justifiable right?

3. MUA Velvet Lips

 I've been stalking my local Superdrug for these for a good few weeks. The displays are up but no stock. I will be getting my hands on these beauties when they finally get them in store!

4. Bubbi Brush Set - £54

Beauty Guru Bubbi has her own brush range and these look super cute! I've had my eye on them since their release but i just can't justify new brush right now... damn.

5. Michael Kors Large Black Studded Selma - £320 ish

My student overdraft breathed a sigh of relief when i saw that this isn't available on any site in the UK currently (if you see it, let me know!). This bag is gorgeous and there is something about it that makes me irrationally want to buy it. Its a real high end splurge but in comparison with other leather designer bags the price really isn't that bad. I've been considering getting the 13in tote from the Apple store website but it just isn't as pretty.

6. Origins Best of Ginger - £45

I love Origins, i love ginger scents but i can't be buying Christmas gift sets my myself! Origins have some lovely gift sets as always this Christmas at all price points, so if you're looking for a beauty gift, check them out!

So that's it! All the pretty things I'd love to buy, but can't. Some of these will probably end up in my Christmas Gift Guide posts (early thinker, i know!) which will be up soon!

What have you been lusting over lately?

Leave me a comment and let me know!

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xox

 

Nars Light Reflecting Loose Setting Powder - Review

Hiii Lovelies!

I've been on a little bit of a Nars kick lately so this is just one of the products I'll be reviewing in the coming weeks. I first spotted this little gem on Temptalia and after reading the rave review i knew i had to have it, I'm normally a pressed powder kinda gal but the loose offering recieved all round better reviews so i thought I'd purchase and test it out for myself.

 "Enhances the look of foundation without a trace of color and prolongs makeup wear. This invisible silky powder is infused with Photochromic Technology to diffuse light and adjust to new sources of light throughout the day. Fine lines, wrinkles and pores optically fade as skin is visibly smoothed. Soft, silky and luxurious to the touch, this weightless formula applies evenly and blends effortlessly. Ideal for touch-ups, it helps regulate shine and seamlessly sets foundation.Paraben-free. Fragrance-free. Non-Comedogenic." (Source: Narscosmetics.co.uk)

I love a good powder but i generally have quite dry skin so a lot of them really do not like me. For nights out i prefer a matte finish but a lot of powders will cling to dry areas and show up like a sore thumb so finding one that works great and works well with my skin type can be a real pain in the bum. So what did i think of this one?

I think i may have found my holy grail powder.

I apply this with my Real Techniques Powder Brush to set my liquid foundations and it applies like a dream. I use a small amount and press it into the areas i need it and buff it out ever so slightly. It really does give a diffused look to the skin that I wouldn't be able to describe eloquently enough. It mattifies without looking harsh or heavy and leaves my skin looking flawless. It even manages to make my pores look less defined on my cheeks, I absolutely love it. Priced at £25 it is a little bit of a splurge but i have nothing in my collection that rivals this in the slightest, it has a different texture to my much loved Elf HD powder that when going back to that feels almost heavy. I imagine this will last me quite a while when used with a light hand so i look at it as more as an investment.

Overall i think if you're looking for a new powder this is one to definitely consider. It'll be a repurchase for me for sure when this runs out and i can happily say I've ended my quest for the perfect setting powder for my skin type... But knowing me I'll be on the constant look out for a drugstore or high street alternative to keep an eye on my pennies!

Priced at £25 this is available online and from Nars counters.

What is you're favourite Nars product?

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xox

FOTD: Glasses Friendly Makeup

Hey lovelies!

I've been wearing glasses now for a good few months and finding makeup looks that don't look god awful with them has been a bit of a challenge. Mostly, I've been switching it up a lot with lipstick. Its been giving me a real excuse to have a good ol' rummage through my stash and pull out some unloved beauties as well as good some good use out of some of my old favourites.

I tried to escape wearing them on nights out as much as possible, but now I've been using them as a bit of a naughty excuse (to myself lol) not to wear a full on eye of makeup. So attempting flawless skin, a bright lip and a bit of winged liner has been the winning combo most of this month.

Eyes:
MUA - Eye Primer
Elf - Black Liquid Eyeliner
Anastasia - Brow Duo in Ash Blonde / Taupe

Lips:
YSL - Rouge Pur Couture The Mats 202

  Face:
 MAC - Strobe Cream
Benefit – Porefessional
Estee Lauder - Double Wear Foundation in Shell
Benefit - Hello Flawless Powder in Shell
Maybelline - Dream Lumi Concealer in Radiant
Laura Mercier - Secret Brightening Powder
NARS - Laguna Bronzer
Benefit - Bella Bamba Blush
MAC – Lightscapade
 MAC - Fix + 

What face have you been wearing lots this month? 

Link me your posts in the comments! 

xox

Collective Haul Youtube Video! Including Illamasqua, Synful Colors, FeelUnique and More...

Ello lovelies!

I filmed a bit of a huge collective haul the other week and after some debating with myself i finally decided to upload it! I recently purchased a new camera so hopefully no more filming on my iMac, but I've yet to get to grips with settings or had to time to play around with it with the mountain of university work to do.

But luckily i have a little over a week left at university this year so the second that last piece is submitted, usual blogging activities will commence! And boy I've got some goodies to share with you all.

So until then, here is a bit of a shabby collective haul with most of the things I've splurged on in the last month!

What products have you beauty addicts been splurging on?

Leave a comment and let me know!

xox

My Top 5 Eye Brushes

 

Hello Lovelies!

So today I've got the next instalment of my "Top 5" series! Like i mentioned in the first post i wasn't really keen on doing a "Collection" post, so i decided to do a Top 5 of all the things i love, which seemed like a much better idea than me! Although i may do a post on my storage, when i can finally manage to get it all tidy!

I'm not too fussy when it comes to eye brushes, I'm much more likely to spend a bit more on face brushes since shadow isn't something i wear every day. But even so I've got some firm favourites in my collection and i don't see these changing any time soon!

Crown Brush C433 Pro Blending Fluff
Now its not the particular brand of brush i like on this one, its the shape. As you're probably all aware its very similar to a popular Mac blending brush and there are plenty of copies or dupes available. I have similar brushes from Sigma and Bdellium Tools and love them all pretty much equally! I love the fact its multipurpose, i can use it for concealer, i can use it for blending or I've even used it for an entire lazy smokey eye in the past just using both sides of the brush. Personally, i think this type of brush is a collection staple, everyone should own one!

Sigma Small Angle E65

Again i have a Crown brush that works just as well as this one, but this is my brow staple! Its the only thing it gets used for as I'm not fond of gel liner. Its firm enough to be precise but not too firm its scratchy. Not too much to say about this one really.

Elf Professional Blending Eye Brush

This brush gets a LOT of love, and for good reason too! Okay so its not the softest brush in the world and it has shed slightly but i absolutely LOVE it for blending / crease work. I have 5 or 6 of these beauties as i went a little mad at the last 50% off sale but i don't regret buying them one bit. I have smaller eyes so this makes blending a dream and fits perfectly into my crease. For people with smaller eyes, or for more detailed work they do a crease brush that works wonders too. Its not fancy, but at £1.50 you can't complain!

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush

 This is a little bit of a cheat brush for this category. Its designed as an eye brush, but i mainly use it for concealer. But that's under the eye, so that counts, right? It blends concealer like a dream, better than i dare say the crown brush does. Real Techniques have brought out some corkers when it comes to brushes and although the face ones are my favourites, this one does not disappoint! I also love it for applying highlight to the brow bone.

Elf Professional Eye Shadow Brush

 Another great, no frills, bargain brush from Elf. Again i have about 5 or 6 of these and i wouldn't be without them. Yes they shed slightly, but for a basic lay down brush, they do the job! If you're after fancy brushes, this one isn't for you but if your after a bargain I'd go check their website!

So thats it for Eye Brushes! I did have a little trouble narrowing these down to 5 brushes, but if i had an extra I'd certainly pop in a pencil brush! Next in the series, Lipsticks!

Are these any of your favourites? What do you recommend?

 

xox

My Top 5 Face Brushes

Heya lovelies!

I thought I'd start a little series today, "My Top Five...", starting with my favourite face brushes!

Thinking back to a few years ago i actually only owned one brush, an Avon Kabuki that i used for powder and blush and was a bit lapse on cleaning (ewww). But now I've got quite a small collection of different brushes so i thought I'd share some of my favourites. Most of these are relatively budget friendly, i don't own Mac brushes because i am just too stingy to part with that much money. But the ones i have, i love, and they do the job!

Real Techniques Contour Brush

I've got into highlighter in a big way recently, and this little beauty has probably been half the reason so. I personally find it too small for its suggested purpose but i adore it for highlighting. If I'd of done this post a month or so ago it'd be 60% different. Real Techniques brushes are my new love. Okay, so some of the sets have a few less great brushes but the couple of gems in the face set more than make up for it! This brush is a tapered, gorgeously soft beauty that just works perfectly for powder highlighters!

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

There's a good reason why this brush is so hyped about! Works perfectly for most of my liquid foundations and tinted moisturisers and leaves a beautifully blended, airbrushed finish. Again, a month or so ago i would of sworn by my Sigma F80, as i guess a lot of people would of been before discovering this brush. Like all the others its wonderfully soft, and just applies liquid foundation like a dream. Its not overly dense which i think is actually a good thing, since this drys a hell of a lot faster than other brushes. I'm SO glad i purchased this!

Real Techniques Powder Brush
So now I'm starting to sound repetitive, right? This is probably my favourite brush right now. I'd been trying so hard to keep loving my Sigma F20, but the dye had started to run whilst it was washed and it shed so much it looked like i had facial hair! Seriously, it was that bad! So this brush was a welcome addition to my collection. I've been wearing less powder recently but I've been loving this for a quick, less precise application of bronzer.

Crown C141 Small Chisel Blush
I picked this beauty up at IMATS earlier in the year and has been a staple in my makeup bag ever since. Its great for contouring and precise application of blush. I've had this almost constantly in my handbag for blush touch ups while I'm out as its small enough to shove in a small makeup bag. I think i only payed around £5 for it too, bargain!

Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour

Whilst having a love / hate relationship with a lot of my other Sigma brushes this one has remained a firm favourite. My only slight niggle is that it does slightly splay at the edges and stains particularly easy. Other than that its one of my most reached for brushes, perfect for contour and blush.

So i didn't want this post to be essay long but i thought I'd add a few honourable mentions:

Bdellium Tools - 953 Small Duo Fibre
Sigma F05 - Small Contour

Elf- Complexion Brush
Elf - Powder Brush
Sigma F80 - Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki

I'm really looking forward to writing this series, as I'd never really wanted to do a collection post but this gives me the opportunity to share more of my favourite products in different categories. Up next, eye brushes and lipsticks!

What are your favourite face brushes?


xox