A more realistic wish list...

 

Top Row  

MUA Undress Your Skin Foundation

Mememe Seventh Heaven Moisturising Face Base

L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection  3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution 

Middle Row

L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Stain Splash

Real Techniques Setting Brush

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Bottom Row

Bourjois Intuitive Liner

Leighton Denny Small Crystal Nail File

Bourjois Paris Colour Boost Lip Crayon

An unexpected use for the Real Techniques Contour Brush

I have been cursed with skin that is dryer than the Sahara, and as a result I always seek out foundations and skincare that claim to be super moisturising. The downside to these products, however, is that my eye makeup often slides southward during the day, and as I have no plans to become the next Alice Cooper this is obviously a problem.

Earlier this year I'd bought the Real Techniques Core Collection, and as I don't use bronzer I had been at somewhat of a loss as to what I could use the contouring brush for. I hadn't even taken it out of the case, so when I packed my brushes before my holiday earlier this month it ended up coming along by default, and that's when I first used it to apply powder under my eyes. I seriously haven't looked back since - the shape is perfect for applying powder exactly where you want it and it just picks up the right amount of powder so you don't look super-caked.

Unfortunately it has made me look at other brushes I had dismissed as useful...this could get expensive!

What's my face worth...with a twist

This is an interesting take on the What's Your Face Worth tag...what's it worth vs how much you actually paid for it..

Base

Diorskin Eclat Satin: I was lucky enough to find a genuine bottle of this on ebay for £9.50. I have recently discovered that it has been discontinued but you can still get it from places like Feel Unique for £31 (which I believe was the price you would have paid in Debenhams etc).

Accessorize Sweetcheeks Cream Blush 1 Rose: I bought this recently in Superdrug, using £2 worth of Points, leaving me with a balance of £1.95 to pay

No7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder: I rarely use powder except for under my eyes to stop the dreaded mascara smudges so I'm ashamed to admit that I've had this for so long I can't remember what I paid for it. The Boots website states £11.50 which sounds about right so I'll stick with that.

Eyes

Le Volume de Chanel: I got a free sample of this from Stylist magazine, RRP is £24

Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner: This was on offer recently (buy one get one half price) so this worked out at £3.14

Rimmel Glam'Eyes Trio eye shadow: I use the darkest shade in this trio on my eyebrows. I'm not sure exactly what I paid for it (e.g. if it was on offer or a part payment with points) so I'll just list the full price of £6.49

  

Lips

Revlon Lip Butter: Repurchase along with the eyeliner, I paid the full price of £7.99

Brushes
I've been using two of the Real Techniques Core Collection recently, I bought them from Amazon using a £15 gift voucher that I had which brought the price down to £5.99 from £20.99

Totals

So there we have it, to replace my daily makeup right now would cost £112.21, however bargain hunter that I am I managed to get it for less than half price at £46.56. Not bad eh?

High End Wishlist

I know what you're thinking...what's a wishlist like this doing on a budget beauty blog? Well, a girl can dream can't she? Especially when going through duty free...

Top Row

Urban Decay Naked Basics

Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow

Middle Row

Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup

Nars Sheer Glow

Le Blanc de Chanel

Benefit High Beam

Bottom Row

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Lancome Hypnose Star Eyes Palette

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

London Calling...

This post should have gone up last week before I went on holiday, but unfortunately time and my laptop conspired against me and I didn’t quite manage it. But we’re only halfway through the summer and lots of you are still going on holiday so here’s what I took to London with me...

Boring Practicals

Wet wipes and body spray, for on-the-go freshening up (came in handy in 31 degree heat!), anti histamines which also came in handy when I came out in a wicked heat rash, painkillers, tissues and savlon (no idea why, I just chucked it in on the off chance).

Shower Essentials

Mini Aussie shampoo and conditioner – I’ve had these for a few years and just top them up from my big bottle whenever I go away as hotel toiletries never seem to do the trick!

St Ives exfoliator – this was a free sample from the Boots website and is the perfect size for travelling.

Mitchum deodorant – if you’re spending the day traipsing round tourist attractions in the middle of summer you’re gonna need something heavy duty to keep you feeling (and smelling) fresh.

Johnson’s baby softwash – what??? I like having baby soft skin!

Venus Spa Breeze razor and spare blade – these are the handiest things for travelling, no need to pack an separate bulky bottle of shaving gel, and this razor is so quick and easy to use that your pins are fuzz free in no time – a must on holiday.

Sunshine Sundries

Sunglasses – a bargain £7 from Tescos. I normally find it really hard to find sunglasses that fit my pea-head, but these were perfect :D

Ambre Solaire Factor 30 suncream – Big enough to see me through a few days away, and small enough to carry around with me. Unfortunately I still managed to get a bit burnt, but it was 31 degrees after all!

Boots Soltan after sun – I actually bought this over there, after the aforementioned burning incident. I love Soltan products, they do exactly what they say on the tin without breaking the bank.

Skincare

I received a gift set at Christmas full of miniatures of the exact skincare products that I use (someone did their research!) From l-r: No7 Cleanse & Care Eye Makeup Remover, No7 Soft & Soothed Cleanser, No7 Soft & Soothed Toner, Nivea Daily Essentials Light Moisturising Day Cream

Haircare

Shower comb – to gently ease out any tangles while conditioning, clip for sectioning during blow drying/straightening, Aussie Take the Heat leave-in spray, Boots Essentials hairspray, Body Shop mini hairbrush

Brush Roll

L-r: No7 Crease Brush, (rather old) No7 Eyeshadow Brush, Elf Blending Eye Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush, Real Techniques Pointed Foundation Brush, Real Techniques Detailer Brush, Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Nails of the Day & Review

This week I've been wearing Nails Inc South Molton Street, with L'Oreal Color Riche Nail Top Coat Confetti. South Molton Street is one of my favourite colours from Nails Inc, but as it's part of their french manicure set it's not really designed to be worn on its own - it's far too sheer and the white tips of your nails will shine through. Luckily, the L'Oreal top coat offers the perfect disguise, as well as hiding any chips or messy bits. This was the first time I've properly worn the confetti top coat and it took a few minutes to get the hang of. I found that trying to paint it on like a normal colour didn't work too well, but if I just laid the length of the brush on my nail and wiggled it slightly it turned out much better. I then used the tip of the brush to manipulate the speckles so that they were more evenly distributed on the nail.

Boots Essentials 2000W Hairdryer

My old hairdryer recently gave up the ghost, and to be honest, when it came to finding a replacement I was a little bamboozled. There can’t be that much difference in machines that blow hot air surely? I didn’t want to spend too much so I had a look on the Boots website for lower priced ones, and came across this little gem with rave reviews, and after using it for a couple of weeks I can see why.

 

It’s incredibly lightweight so your arm doesn’t get tired holding it, but it’s also so quick you wouldn’t have time to get a sore arm if it was heavier! There are 2 speed settings and three heat settings, and all work independently – gone are the days when your only choice was between boiling hot and quick, or slow and cold. It’s so handy for those who want to dry their hair quickly, but not ruin the condition with heat. There’s also a cool shot button, which delivers a blast of cold air to smooth down the hair once you’re finished for an ultra smooth shine.

Oh, and did I mention the price? This little beauty can be yours for the princely sum of £12.99 :D