MUA Blusher in Bubble Gum | Review + Swatches.

It's been a while! Time to catch up on some reviewing and some reading too. I must say I've kept up with a few of my favourite blogs, but it's not the same.

This is a product I bought a long time ago. MUA has been a firm favourite since Superdrug launched it back in around 2010. So affordable, most items are only £1 and they are surprisingly good quality. Their blushers are my favourite. I love that you can try out a different shade for only £1 and it doesn't matter if it doesn't suit you because it was only a pound and you can always pass it on to a friend of family member. Their lipsticks are also amazing for only £1.
Needless to say I was excited when they released some new blushers. This is one of the shades I bought, Bubble Gum.

FOTD | Simple.

Time for a wee FOTD post, not done one of these in quite some time. This was from a few weeks ago, you may notice that I used the first photo as my new blog icon.

MUA Undress Your Skin Highlighter | Review + Swatch.

Another little review for you guys today. This time it's the new MUA Undress Your Skin highlighter, £2. I think the £2 price tag is an introductory offer, but the full price is £3. Not much of a difference really, still an amazing price!

The packaging is simple, and pretty cheap looking, but it does the job. It's a lovely champagne colour, it looks very natural on the skin. It reminds me of the Topshop Crescent Moon highlighter - review here. So if you are looking for a cheaper alternative then this is it, although I will say this isn't as golden toned. I won't try and describe it any further, here are the photographs.

MUA Blush Pefection in Bittersweet | Review + Swatches.

Before I start I wanted to say that this is my 100th post! Woo. :)

The MUA cream blushers are something I've been wanting to try for weeks, if not months. Last week I finally found the shade I wanted, after it being constantly out of stock. This particular shade is called Bittersweet and it cost me £2. MUA is always such a bargain!

Bittersweet is only my second foray into cream blushers, my first being the Revlon Photoready blusher in the shade Flushed - featured here. I've worn this MUA blusher a couple of times now and I must say I really like it. I wouldn't go as far as love, but it's more than decent, especially for the price.

FOTD | Rimmel, Dainty Doll + FamousX Leopard palette.

Hello! Are you having a nice weekend? I do hope that you are.

I'm going to get stuck right in otherwise this will be yet another unnecessarily long, rambly post. This look incorporates some newish Dainty Doll products that I wanted to try out (reviews to follow tomorrow or Monday!) as well as some firm favourites.

On to the photos.

I'm getting a little better at liquid eyeliner - still some mistakes, but nearly there!

Face.

Collection (2000) Lasting Perfection Concealer.
Dainty Doll Foundation in 003 Medium.
ELF HD Powder in Translucent.

Eyes.

Maybelline Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara.
Miss Sporty Liquid Eyeliner.
FamousX Leopard palette shades Flash and Lavish.
MUA Pro Brow Kit.

Lips.

Dainty Doll Saucy Sailor.
Rimmel x Kate Moss Matte 107.

I sort of tried to do a cut crease type eye thing here, although I'm not sure I succeeded! I still like the way it came out though even if I didn't get the best photos. As you can see I had a bit of a break out, it's not very noticeable in those photos, other than the one on my chin. I think it may have been the Dainty Doll foundation as I had just started trialling it a couple of days before this and my skin didn't handle it well at all. More on that in the review.

February Favourites | 2013.

Better late than never! Although I have seen quite a few of these posts popping up today which makes me feel better about the slight lateness.
Having an enjoyable weekend? I had work yesterday which was alright, a little busy as can be expected for the first Saturday after payday! Today was spent mostly in my bed. I didn't set an alarm and ended up waking at 2.55pm. Oops, must have needed it though.

Anyway, on to my favourites. This is my first monthly favourites post ever, exciting stuff right?!

FOTD | Famous Palette, Rimmel + B.

You know when you think you're trying something new and it ends up being exactly the way you normally do it? Maybe it's just me, but I thought I was trying something a little different with my eye make up here but it just looks like everything else I've ever posted! So I've promised myself, and now you, that I'll be going out of my comfort zone and pushing for something a bit different this week! I must be stuck in a rut, I've got the hang of this kind of eye, but I must move on! 

Please excuse the slightly dopey expressions as per usual.

Lipstick Tag | Revlon, Rimmel + MAC.

L-R - Back Row - Revlon Mauve It Over, Really Red + Black Cherry. Middle Row - MAC Shy Girl, Russian Red + Hang Up. Front Row - Rimmel 101, 111 + 107.

1. When you were a child, did you use your mother's lipsticks?

I did once or twice. My mum tends to wear brown lipsticks or dark ones and as a child they never really appealed to me. Saying that I do remember trying them on.

2. How old were you when you bought your first lipstick?

I must have been about 10, I got a little set of minis (no idea where from) that I loved and they were all different colours. I mainly remember there being a couple of frost finish ones.

3. Pink or red lipstick?

Red, hands down!

4. The most expensive lipstick you have ever bought?

My Chanel lipstick, it was £25, but I got it on sale for £22.50.

5. And the cheapest?

Any of the ones from MUA or the BC ones from Bodycare.
You can see the cheapest ones I own in the photo below. None of them cost more than £2.50.

6. Do you use a lip brush to apply your lipstick?

Nah, I'm too lazy for that. I've always meant to try it though! It would really be a good idea though as I don't have the steadiest hand.

7. If you had to recommend a lipstick, which brand would you recommend and why?

Probably Rimmel or Revlon, they both have a great range of colours and finishes. The quality is brilliant, the price is affordable and they tend to be on offer in Boots of Superdrug.

I tag everyone! :)

MUA Matte Perfect Foundation + Pro-Brow Kit | Review.

MUA is a brand that I rate very highly, they are affordable, readily available and darn good quality if you ask me! I don't tend to have any problems with them at all. 

Here's the thing though, they suck at foundation shades. Now I'm aware there's not many drugstore brands that cater for very pale girls or very dark girls so I know they're not the only ones. To label this foundation as Fair though is ridiculous! It's barely even light. It also claims to be matte, and that it controls shine, which it does not. The somewhat embarrassing photo further down demonstrates this. This was a few minutes after I applied it by the way, I thought I'd give it time to sink in but it didn't. Perhaps if I'd left it a few more minutes it would have been fine but who has that long to sit about waiting for their foundation to dry?! 

I can't complain too much as I did expect this to happen and it only cost £2, but I wanted to put this information out there so perhaps some other people won't waste a couple of quid. This foundation will be given a new home asap, I'm sure one of my friends might be able to use it. Megan, I'm looking at you!

FOTD | Red Lips.

Another quick FOTD for you today. This is quite a simple look, bold lips and winged liner. I'd say it's my go-to make up really as it's simple, easy and classic!

Although saying that it takes me a while to get it just right, and a lot of products evidently!

Festive FOTD.

Ello there! Did everyone have a lovely festive season? I know it's technically still happening with it being Hogmanay and all but yeah...
Does everyone have exciting plans for new year? We're having a few friends up to the flat, should be an enjoyable night.

Now, I know I missed last weeks Wednesday Waffle, but I think I should be forgiven seeing as it was boxing day and I had to work! Yes? Ok. :)
This weeks will be extra special. Promise.

This post is just to show you my Christmas FOTD, or what I had planned to do (these photos are from a test run I did the week before) but I was too tired to do a full face of make-up on the actual day. My eye make-up was done though!
Please, as usual, ignore my strange expressions...

Products used.

Foundation - Rimmel Lasting Perfection - Shade 010.
Highlighter - Britney Fantasy palette.
Blush - Nars - Orgasm.
Lips -  ELF matte lip pencil - Tea Rose + clear gloss (also ELF).
Eyes - Benefit Passport to Posh eyeshadows + Naked palette (Darkhorse + Sin, if I remember correctly)
Brows - MUA eyebrow pencil - Brown + MUA clear mascara.
Eyelashes - Benefit Bad Gal Lash.

I think that's all the products I used, it has been 10 days since I did this so I hope I remembered everything! I wanted this look to be a bit more shimmery so that's why I used the Britney highlighter. The little palette it's from was hiding at the back of my drawer and I suddenly remembered about it, it's got a couple of nice eyeshadows in it too. Maybe a wee review is in order, although I don't know if it is still available to buy.
It's still a very natural look and pretty similar to my last look, I used a bit more dark shadow in the outer corner/crease this time for a slightly more dramatic look.

Did you do any special make up for Christmas day? What will you be doing for Hogmanay?

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Beauty Blogger Tag.

I feel like doing something a little different so it's time to answer some questions!

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?  
Well I've had this blog for about 3 years and I was originally sporadically posting my photography here, but I neglected it for a couple of years but I'd say I'm back for good this time! I still occasionally like to post my photos here as it's one of my main passions. I enjoy having something structured to do as I'm pretty lazy most of the time so I find it motivating to have something to write about.

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?  
The first beauty blog I followed was Beauty and Baggage. Seonaids blog is fantastic, so many interesting, honest reviews that I find really helpful. Along with beautiful make-up looks, photos and fantastic style. Ok, I think I'm finished gushing now!
On YouTube it was Grav3yardgirl or Bunny Meyer, she's just so inspirational in so many ways. I guarantee she'll make you laugh and she makes me feel better no matter what mood I'm in. 

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product you bought and was it worth the hype?
It was probably the Naked palette, although it was a gift from my boyfriend I did ask for it. I think it's totally worth it! See my post here.

What are your favourite five things about blogging and being a beauty blogger? 
1 - Being able to review things and helping other people find things that work for them, for example I have very pale skin and I like to share when I find a foundation that actually matches! It works both ways too obviously.
2 - It's nice to find people who are passionate about similar things.
3 - I love going out and buying new things to write about, that's an obvious one I think. It does make it easier to justify buying things! 
4 - It gives me something to do other than waste my time perusing the internet randomly. I feel very productive when I'm blogging.
5 - Speaking to new people and as cheesy as it may sound, making new friends. :)

What have you learnt from being a beauty blogger? 
So many things, even just in these past few months! I used to just watch YouTube videos about make up and things. I then found the blogs of the YouTubers. I've learned lots of tips and techniques for applying my make-up properly, I'm getting much better at applying eyeshadow. I've also learned to swatch things a lot more before buying. I usually swatch things a couple of times before I commit to buying now, I like to think about it and know I'm sure. Saves a lot of money not impulse buying all the time. Another thing is that just because something it hyped up or expensive it doesn't mean it's the right thing for you specifically. There's probably a lot more things.

Have you changed anything since being a beauty blogger?
I've changed the way I apply make-up as I mentioned before. It does take me longer to get ready if I'm putting make-up on though! I take better care of my skin, I only used to mosturise when I really had to. I do spend more money on beauty products now, but I'm not really buying clothes any more so it's alright I suppose.

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out?  
Well I'm still starting out, so I'll just talk about what I'm doing at the moment. Write about what you like, what you know and what interests you. Chances are there will be other people out there with similar opinions and beauty likes. Don't worry if you don't have many followers, it doesn't mean you have a bad blog or that no-one is reading it. As long as you're enjoying what you're writing, that's what matters! Also, you don't have to go out any buy loads of new things, you could start by writing about your Holy Grail products and things you've maybe overlooked in your collection. Reply to all comments you get, be friendly and comment on other peoples blogs too!

Name your top five brands!
Rimmel, MAC, Elf, MUA and Collection 2000 probably. Bit of a weird mixture, but I have a wide variety of brands, they're the ones I have most products from I'd say.

Recommend your top five favourite beauty products!
1 - A classic red lipstick - my favourites are Really Red by Revlon, 111 by Kate Moss Rimmel and Russian Red by MAC.
2 - Naked palette, really does live up to the hype if you like a nude or smoky eye.
3 - MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 Foundation in NC 15 - best foundation I've used so far.
4 - Any Aussie hair product, be it shampoo, conditioner or styling products. They are all fantastic and smell so yummy.
5 - Batiste dry shampoo in the scent Boho - if they ever stop making this I'll actually cry. It smells amazing and works wonders on my hair.

Yup, so that's it. I tag everyone because you should all do this, it's interesting and I want to see your answers! Comment if you're going to do it or if you already have :)

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Elf Blushers | Review + Swatches.

Remember a while back I posted about an elf haul? Well, here's another couple of products from said haul.This time it's two blushers, although one is really more of a highlighter. You'll see what I mean in a moment. These both cost £2.25, that's with 40% discount.

I decided it was time to try a few different shades of blush as for the past few years I've mainly stuck with baby pink. My all time favourite was from the Elite range, I bought it because I recognised the name from Americas Next Top Model. At the time it was the model agency the winner would be signed with. Silly reason for buying something, but I guess I'm easily influenced by things like that! I bought it in Superdrug and the range can't be found there any more, which is a shame as I lost my blusher shortly after hitting pan. Sobs.
I now use an MUA blusher in shade 1, which has a little bit of shimmer in it.

Anyway, I bought Candid Coral and Gotta Glow. As you will see Gotta glow is a cream colour with shimmer, so it works as a highlighter more than anything. Which is nice if you're wearing a matte blush and want to add a little glow to your look, as the name suggests!
I really like Candid Coral as well, it's also got some gold shimmer to it which is lovely and reminds me of some of the Nars blushers. The packaging is also reminiscent of Nars, not quite as sleek but for the price, who can complain!

Candid Coral.

The Perfect Nude Eyeshadow Palette.

When I was younger it was all about the crazy eyeshadow colours, and don't get me wrong it still is sometimes, but recently I've really been getting into neutral shades for my eyes. It makes it easier for wearing make-up at work, plus I love a bold lip so it's a bit much otherwise!

I'm going to compare/review a few different palettes that I have acquired recently, these are the Undressed palette by MUA, the NYX Nude on Nude set (which also contains lip colours), and lastly the Naked palette by Urban Decay. As you can probably tell already they range in price from £4 (MUA), to £14.99 (NYX) and finally £36 (UD). I will only directly compare the Undressed palette and the Naked palette because they are pretty much the same! There will be a small review of the NYX one at the end. Be warned, this is a very photo heavy post!

Undressed palette from MUA - Top L-R: Shade1, Shade 2, Shade 3, Shade 4, Shade 5, Shade 6. Bottom L-R: Shade 7, Shade 8, Shade 9, Shade 10, Shade 11, Shade 12.