Current Favourites: Summer Edition!

Hello Lovelies!

As summer is looking well and truly over here in the UK (waaaah!) i thought I'd share the products I've been absolutely loving over the fast few months. I've decided rather than popping a current favourite post up every now and again I'd make it a seasonal affair, giving me lots of time to try out new things and rediscover things in my collection. This little bunch are all rediscoveries except for one cheeky Boots purchase from earlier in the year I've yet to blog about. My no buy is still going strong since June, but do not fear! I've still got a ton of products from my spending frenzy beforehand to share with you lovely lot!

Bourjois - 123 Perfect CC Cream

This is the only "newer" addition to my collection and shockingly the first Bourjois base product I've found that isn't too dark for my skin tone. I hadn't seen a lot of reviews online but really fell for the texture when i swatched it in store. Its an extremely light weight, runny texture with light to medium coverage and a satin finish. It blends beautifully and wears like a dream and has been my go-to foundation for the past few months. (£9.99, Boots)

Maybelline - Dream Lumi Concealer in Radiant

I'm not sure how many favourites this little beauty has made it in to but it has remained my favourite highlighting concealer for near on two years. Sadly this shade isn't available in the UK but i like to stock up when i visit the USA. It is the perfect pinky toned concealer to brighten under the eyes and use on the high points of the face without looking heavy or cakey. I'd put this as one of my holy grail products. (Other shades, £6.99, Boots)

Skin79 - VIP Gold BB Cream

Wait, what? This isn't the pink one?! I decided to give my beloved Skin79 Pink BB Cream a bit of a break this summer and try something (kind of) new. Their VIP Gold version BB cream is more targeted for dryer skin types and is a shade or so darker than their Pink edition. I find this to have a smidgen more coverage and colour than my old favourite and as I've had a little more sun this year has been perfect for my ever so slightly darker skin tone. With light coverage and a dewy finish, this with a light dusting of powder has been perfect for summer! (£8, eBay)  

Dior - Amber Diamonds Highlighter

 I really am ashamed to say that this has been sat unloved in my collection for over a year. I'm not sure why it wasn't love at first use, it is gorgeous, but for some reason I was firmly set in my MAC Soft and Gentle ways for quite a long time. This is an absolutely stunning peachy gold highlighter which I've been reaching for for my more goldy/bronzey eye looks. It adds a touch of glamour to the cheeks in the most beautiful way. I'm sorry Amber Diamonds, i promise to love you forever! (£32, Debenhams)

Elf - Peachy Keen Studio Blush

About a month ago or so I came to the realisation that i have a lot of Elf Studio Blushes that haven't seen the light of day for over a year or so. So i decided to crack them all out and Peachy Keen was the clear favourite for me. If you're not a fan of shimmer, then I'd steer clear of this one I'm afraid! I use this on days where I'm in a rush and use this as both a blush and highlight. Its a gorgeous soft, warm peach with a fine gold shimmer throughout. The shimmer is definitely noticeable but not in an obnoxious way. I really have been enjoying this hidden gem of a product! (£3.95, Eyeslipsface)

Elf - High Definition Undereye Setting Powder

Another product I tried once and threw in the back of my makeup storage. I'm running low on my beloved Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder and I just don't know if i can stomach paying £18 for it again so decided to try and find a cheaper alternative. While the Elf option isn't quite as finely milled and has some pesky pink glitter in i find it does do an adequate job. While it isn't quite as nice as the higher end offering I've really been enjoying it. Luckily the pink glitter doesn't tend to grab to the under eye area and just leaves my concealer nicely set. Sorry guys, after contacting Elf for the link to this i have found it has been discontinued in the UK! Looks like I'm still on the hunt for a drugstore concealer setting powder!

 

MAC - Lovelorn Lipstick

My lipstick collection was getting a little out of hand, considering the fact I am rubbish at wearing lipstick on a daily basis. So i made it my mission to crack out more of the wonderful lippies i own and Lovelorn has been a clear favourite this summer. Its a lovely semi sheer mid-tone pink in a Lustre finish that has pretty much stayed in my handbag for past three months. I've been cheating on matte lipsticks lately and opting for a more glossy finish lip and this has been just perfect for this. Its my no brainer lippy, great for just adding a touch of femininity and giving that "put together" finish on a look. (£15.50, MAC)

Well this post was longer than i anticipated, I'm glad i managed to narrow it down to just this set and not the other five or six products i was considering including...

What have you been loving this summer?

I for one am hoping the warmer weather here in the UK makes a late appearance this September! 

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin 

She Said Beauty | Youtube

xox

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?

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin 

She Said Beauty | Youtube

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!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin 

She Said Beauty | Youtube

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!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin 

She Said Beauty | Youtube

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!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin 

She Said Beauty | Youtube

xox

 

FOTD: Malted Milk Ball

Hey lovelies!

A quick little FOTD for you today!

I've been absolutely loving my new Too Faced palette so i thought I'd attempt a full face with it. I'm still on a real neutral kick and have been experimenting with more day time wearable smokey eyes. I've also been on a mission to shop my stash more often and I'm glad i did because I've fallen back in love with my Skin79 BB Cream. I'm a foundation whore and fall in and out of love with sheer and then full coverage foundations and I'm definitely favouring the sheer option at the moment.

Eyes:

Too Faced - Shadow Insurance
Too Faced - Marshmellow, Malted Milk Ball, Black Sugar, In The Buff and Lovey Dovey Eyeshadows.
Elf - Black Liquid Eyeliner
MUFE - Smoky Lash Mascara
MAC - Omega (Brows)

Face:

Skin79 - Hot Pink BB Cream
Maybelline - Dream Lumi Touch Concealer in Radiance
Laura Mercier - Secret Brightening Powder
Maybelline - Dream Matte Powder
Nars - Laguna Bronzer
Too Faced - Papa Don't Peach Blush
Too Faced - Candlelight Glow Highlighter    

 

I'll be posting a full review of this little beaut of a palette soon!

Have you rediscovered any of your stash lately?

xox

FOTD: Baby Its Cold Outside

Hey Lovelies!

Its officially two more sleeps until Christmas, eeee! I'm a tad bit excited if you can't already tell. I had a bit of a pamper day Saturday and decided to try out quite a few of the new goodies i picked up lately. And after battling with my camera trying desperately to capture the AMAZING Lit glitter i used, this was the best shot i could get, it does not do it even nearly enough justice. I also gave my Dinair airbrush system another bash, its definitely not perfect but i was pretty happy with the end results. Its really easy to go from not being able to see it to BAM too much, I'll get the hang of it eventually. I plan to do a full review on most of the new products used in this soon and hopefully *fingers crossed* be able to get a decent picture of the glitter, it is absolutely STUNNING.

Eyes:
MUA - Eye Primer
MAC - Vanilla, Omega and Phloof! Eyeshadows
Lit - Clearly Liquid Glitter Base
Lit - Champagne Wishes Glitter
Elf - Black Liquid Eyeliner
Makeup Forever - Smoky Lash Mascara
Anastasia - Brow Powder Duo

Lips:
YSL - Rouge Pur Couture The Mats Lipstick in 203
(I may actually be in love with this lipstick)

Face:
Darling Girl - About Face Velvet Gel Primer
Dinair - Airbrush Foundation
Laura Mercier - Secret Brightening Powder
Mac - Sculpting Powder in Sculpt
Mac – Lightscapade
The Balm - Frat Boy Blush  

(around 50 shots of my eye and this is the best i could get... boo!)

I've found three new products that I've fallen head over heals for; The YSL lipstick, Lit Glitters (need moar now) and my Dinair system. So needless to say i am one happy blogger right now.

Have you tried any of these products?

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

xox

My Month In Pictures

Heya Lovelies!

I'm pretty new to this Instagram business but i thought I'd give a new sort of post a whirl. I'm no genius when it comes to taking photos, I'm pretty much the opposite. But i thought I'd share some of the months favourite snaps with you lot!

 

1. Zoya Ivanka

2. Rearranging my indie cosmetics stash

3. USA goodies! ♥

4. Wagamama's pud

5. My fur baby Star

6. Perfume lusting

I'll be trying these sort of posts out on a monthly basis to start with, but if you'd like to keep up to date with me on Instagram follow katiexlou.

Do you have Instagram? Leave a comment with your user name!

xox

FOTD: Winter Is Coming

 Hey Lovelies!

 My blogs been choc full of hauls lately, so i thought I'd change it up a tad and share the look I've been wearing quite a bit over the past few weeks. I love the whole rock chick trend at the moment and I've been obsessing over anything studded and bold, berry lips! Its a simple look as I've been pretty lazy on the eyeshadow lately, which needs to change soon. I've not been brave enough to try a black, burgundy smokey eye, but that's next on my list!

Eyes:

MUA - Eye Primer

Elf - Black Liquid Eyeliner

Almay - Get Up And Grow Mascara

Anastasia - Brow Powder Duo

Lips:

Jack Black - Lip Balm 

Revlon - Kissable Balm Stain in Crush

Face:

 Darling Girl - Face Primer

Tarte - Amazonian Clay Foundation in Ivory
Maybelline - Dream Lumi Concealer in Radiance

Laura Mercier- Secret Brightening Powder

Nars- Laguna Brzoner

Mac - Lightscapade
Tarte - Amazonian Clay Blush in Flush

  

I really need to get some more stain like products, i love the Revlon Balm Stains, even though they are on the drying side! But i don't fear having clown mouth with them and they have superb wear time, love them!

Have you cracked any "wintery" shades out of your stash yet?

xox

My Travel Makeup Bag!

Heya lovelies!
Hopefully by the time this post is up i shall be in sunny Florida so thought it was apt to show you what i pack in my travel makeup bag! The bag itself if i remember rightly is Benefit's Gabbi Bag that i picked up many years ago and to be perfectly honest i kinda regret buying it, i think it was over £20 and has been used all of once... bad, i know! So i really wanted to try and get some use out of it, its sturdier than the rest of my makeup bags and has a little more padding which makes it great for trying to get bits and bobs home in one piece. I just wish i owned a few more travel sized brushes to pop in it!

For me this is packing light!

For normal trips around the UK my makeup bag is considerably bigger and I'd probably cart around a brush roll on top of all that. But bearing in mind the Florida heat and my love of shopping i thought packing the bare minimum was probably the best idea, if i desperately need something its just yet another excuse to go shopping! hehe! I spent a good while going through my collection working out what would be the best products to take, working out what could get damaged in travel or melt in the heat that i wouldn't die over if i lost, so i came up with this little lot.

See? It really is the bare minimum!

I'm quite pleased i managed to get this down to four brushes. My Elf Kabuki for blush, my Royal and Langnickel kabuki for powder, Crown Small Chisel Blush for contour and a travel size Sigma E25. I don't think I've ever gone with such a small range of brushes, but since you'll see my lack of eyeshadow later on that pretty much explains it. But these are just the basic four, so that if needs be, i can whack on a whole face of makeup pretty easily.

Okay, so i am a dinlo and have missed one of the key items out of this photo... My Sleek Contour Kit! There was no way i was lugging Lightscapade and Laguna round with me because there would be tears if i smashed or lost either of those, but Sleek's little kit is the perfect replacement!

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser and Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream are the only two base products I'm taking and honestly it was a real struggle for me not to pack more. I'm a foundation whore and wear multiple ones each week, but the Laura Mercier one is perfect for day wear as it has light coverage and if i need a little more coverage I'll whack out the Missha Perfect! The Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Conceal is  MUST, it hides my dark circles a treat and Maybelline Stay Matte powder thrown in to set it all. Deciding on blush was another hard one but in the end it came down to one powder, one cream! Nars Orgasm and Stila Petunia.

Again minimal products for lips and eyes, just enough to tame my brows, do a winged eyeliner and orangey-coral lip! All photographed it looks a hell of a lot more than it really is, i mean... no shadow?!

Hopefully I'll have a nice haul to share soon!

What are your travel essentials?

Thanks for reading!

xox