Birthday Beauty Haul 2013................

March is always one of my favorite months of the year, one of the reasons is its my birthday.

Being the makeup addict that I am, one of the first things I like to buy from any money I may get is makeup, lol, now there's a surprise!!

This year has been no exception, there were a few items I had my eye on.

I am so excited to of finally go the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette, I love it :)

Hope you all have a fab day, thank you as always for watching!!

Mwah

March Favorites 2013......

Happy Easter everyone!!

I hope that you all had a lovely time with your families.

March is one of my favorite months of the year and I am always sad to see it gone. 

That said, this March really hasn't been like most what with all the snow and strange weather that we have had in the UK. Where has Spring gone??

I had some gorgeous beauty favorites this month, I have enjoyed popping a little bit of colour into my daily look. 

I have rediscovered some old favorites as well as some new ones.

What have you loved this month?

Mwah

Favorite Drugstore eyeshadows............

So a few weeks ago, I was thinking about what are my favorite drug store eye shadows.

I am quite adventurous with eye shadow and like to experiment with different colors, brands and textures.

Brands mentioned...

Revlon

Mua

NYX

Loreal

Wet'N'Wild

What drugstore shadows do you love?

Mwah

NYX Pinched, a NARS Orgasm Dupe......

If you follow my blog, you will of seen a post from me yesterday sharing with you my love of Pinched blush from NYX.

It wasn't until I was looking at the post before publishing it yesterday that I realized that I may have a dupe on my hands.

The soft pinkie coral with gold shimmer looks all to familiar to my much loved Orgasm from NARS.

So I got out both my Super Orgasm and Orgasm and had a lil swatch fest today to see if Pinched really is a dupe.

Super Orgasm and Pinched

Orgasm and Pinched

In the pan Super Orgasm shade wise looks identical, all be it with the edition of the glitter. In all honestly the glitter doesn't bother me, you can see from the pan how much love this blush has had.

In the pan Orgasm looks slightly paler, although again so similar.

Texture wise all three are very different. I find that NYX Pinched feels creamy in texture, Orgasm less creamy and almost firmer in texture. Super Orgasm in comparison feels hardest, down to the glitter I feel and a little more chunky in texture.

Swatch wise, I think you will agree, they all look the same, with the exception of Super Orgasms glitter.

L To R

Orgasm, Pinched and Super Orgasm

In my opinion this is the closest dupe I have seen to Orgasm, a shade that people always seem to want to copy. 

I for one love all three, I will continue to show pinched a lot of love. Orgasm will remain my ultimate bridal blusher, the firmer texture means that I don't need to be cautious when applying and can build the colour up easily without mistakes. As for super Orgasm, I still love this lil glitter bomb for nights out.

So what do you think?

Mwah

NYX Pinched blush.........

Hello, My name is Maria and I am addicted to blusher.
I have alot of makeup addictions and love all cosmetics, however I really do think that blusher is my one true love.

In my January Favorites I spoke to you about Peach from NYX a blush that I have been obsessed with. Today I have Pinched to share with you.

Pinched is a beautiful pinkie coral with some slight gold shimmer. There is no chunky glitter in this pretty blush, just a lovely subtle golden sheen.

This blush applies beautifully and is not at all chalky or powdery on the skin. It lasts all day and is super pigmented.

The blush costs £5.50, a great price for such a great quality drugstore blush.

I wish that we were able to get NYX in our beauty halls and drugstores like in the states, you can order online tho, so all is not lost!!

I get my NYX direct from www.nyxcosmeticsstore.co.uk

I am really enjoying NYX blushes at the moment, what colors of the NYX blush range do you

recommend?

Mwah

January Favorites 2013......

Who can believe that dreary January is already over, I for one am glad and cannot wait to see some of the better weather very soon. 

My favorites this month were harder to put together as I have been doing face of the week, although in some ways I enjoyed this, in others I have found that It has left me feeling a lil less excited about doing my face and finding what I love for the month.

I also feel like I didnt have as many favorites this month...

What do you think???

Mwah

Highend lipsticks, Drugstore dupes......

Today I have part two of my Dupe series to share with you, and its the turn of Lipstick!!

This is something I really enjoyed doing, as a bit of a lipstick whore, It didn't surprise me how many dupes I have of colors. I also discovered a couple of shades that seem to be favorites, lol, did someone mention Angel??? lol.

I have posted both the video I recorded and the photos of the swatches below, with a full list of all the colors I mention.

Top to Bottom, L To R

Mac Girl About Town---------Topshop All About Me

MAC Impassioned-------Models Own Pink Hawaiian 

MAC Naught Saute------Revlon Just Bitten KLS in Cherish 

YSL Lingerie Pink (No7)-------NYX Round Lipstick in Strawberry Milk

MAC Costa Chic------Topshop Oh Laa Laa

MUA No 16 Necta---NARS Barbarella---Sleek Barely There

Top to Bottom, L to R

Maybelline Coral Tonic---MAC Watch Me Simmer---Illamasqua Over---Topshop Confession

Across the top

MAC Angel

L to R

Me Me Me China Rose/Selena shade 5

Revlon Pink Pout 

Maybelline Born Wit It

Topshop Secret Admirer

What do you think of the dupes that I found?

Do you have any dupe recommendations?


Mwah

My favourite products of 2011.............

I though that this may make an interesting post, I wanted to share with you my top products from 2011. Most of them are products that I have discovered this year, several are now items that I will never be without. So without further ado.....

As you can see there is a little bit of everything, so I'm going to break it down into categories.

Favourite Brush

ELF's Studio stippling brush has been my stand out brush of the year.  It has been my brush of choice for foundation ever since I found it. It was £3.50 and a total bargain. LOVE IT!!!

Nail Products

OPI Nail Envy, No surprise there then. This is a holy grail product for me. Ive talked about it loads, if you would like to see why I love it check out my review.

Essie Fiji, possibly my favourite Nail colour of all time. I don't know why this has me under such a spell as it can be a pain in the bum to apply, but I really don't care I love it and am still wearing it at my wedding :))

Hair and Skin Care

Backcomb In A Bottle is something I discovered not to long ago after Cara mentioned it in a favourites. Its been an essential for me ever since. For more info see my Post.

VO5 Miracle Concentrate is a product that I discovered to replace my beloved Moroccan Oil. I reviewed it just this week after being totally blown away by it. Fantastic product and a great price.

Soap&Glory Wish Upon A Jar another holy grail product for me. This wonder moisturiser came into my life in March and has been a regular part of my skin care routine ever since. I love it when my skin is looking grey and life less, this revives and brightens leaving my skin alive and healthy. I did a full post on my saviour and you can see it here.

St Tropez Gradual Tan for Face has been my self tanner of choice for my face this year. It doesn't break me out, turn me orange or smell revolting. Its a winner all round and is just a gorgeous product.

Stand out new comer of the year...

MUA Professional MUA for me are the best new arrival on the high street this year. They offer amazing quality products at fantastic prices. Whether your budget is £1.00 or £8.00 there is something for everyone. A brilliant brand that I hope will be around for a long time and keep delivering fab products.

Lipgloss

Buxom is another range I discovered this year. I only have the one shade (Trixie) and i really enjoy this gloss when ever I wear it. It gives a nice plumpness to the lips with no irritation and isn't too sticky. Gorgeous.

MAC Plush Glass My favourite lipgloss formula from MAC. Plush glass again are slightly plumping. I find that they are long lasting and always leave my lips soft and moisturised when I wear them. This shade is Posh It Up and my favourite from the range.

Lipblam

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Lip Protectant For me there is only one, another Holy grail peeps.

Biggest Discover of the year

Lipstick is something that I have fallen in love with this year. I have some favourite brands and shades, but lipstick in general has definitely been my biggest discovery of the year.

Face Products

NARS Laguna Bronzer is something I have had in my collection for a fair few years now. However in all honesty I only found the love this year. I love the way it looks on my skin, it warms and brightens without making me look orange.

Dior Amber Diamond The ultimate in Highlighters, I held out for a long long time before buying this. As soon as I tried it I could see why its so popular. its light on the skin, doesn't clog and lasts FOREVER......

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural  (This is the natural, I just depotted it into my Wonder Woman compact, I like the mirror) This is my favourite setting powder. I only discovered it in April I think. I find that it keeps my skin shine free all day without it looking cakey or dry. I never thought I would love a powder so its a refreshing find for me.  

Eye Products

Wet'n'Wild Shadows Dinah sent me these in our swap and Ive been totally seduced by this drugstore favourite. I think its such a shame that we cant get these in the UK as the quality is fantastic and the the range of colours massive.

Chanel Fauve  This has quickly become my fail safe shadow of choice. Its been in my favourites more than once and will be for some time I'm sure. for swatches see here.

NYX HD Eyeshadow Primer This is a great product. It does everything that you need from a primer, its long lasting, non creasing and HD. For me I find this just as good as Urban Decay PP. I love the quality of NYX and this is no exception.

Estee Lauder and Mac Gel Liner  Up until recently I had only used Clinique and No7 gel liners. I was in 2 minds which to try and Nic over at Strawberry Blonde Beauty Blog suggested that I try the Estee Lauder Double Wear. Its a fab liner, it lasts brilliantly on the water line and stays put all day. I also gave the famous Blacktrack a go and that to is a great liner. I have chopped and changed between these two since I got them, they are both fab and I will def repurchase them.

So that's my favourites. Sorry it was such a long and rambling post. Hope you enjoyed it.

What have you been loving this year??

Mwah

NYX Round Lipsticks...........

As you all know, I have been having a love affair recently with Lipstick.

A couple of moths ago I picked up these lovelys, 6 NYX of the round lipsticks. I have previously only had one of these and saw a blog post by The lovely Stacey over at HQ of Beauty with a link to a EBay shop offering 6 lipsticks for about £12.00, Bargain.

These are the colours I picked....

L To R

Thalia, Indian Pink, B52, Strawberry Milk, Margarita and Fig

 I have been wearing these now for a good few weeks and am really enjoying them.

I promise to do some lip swatches for you over the next couple of weeks. What with the winter weather beginning to take hold, its a struggle to get good light.

What do you think of my choices???

Mwah

August Favs.........

I cant believe how quickly August has gone, the year is flashing by!!!

So without further ado, here are my August Favourites....

There have been alot of things I have loved this month, some old faith fulls and some newbies..

HAIRCARE

VO5 Ultimate Hold Hair spray- Brushes out brilliant, holds fantastically!!!

Moroccan Oil- An oldie but a fav!!!! see my review HERE!!!

SKINCARE

Bioderma - My new go to makeup remover, doesn't aggravate my eyes, review HERE!!

St Tropez Everyday Moisturiser for face (Med/Dark)- Still loving this light moisturising cream, the only self tanning product that doesn't break my face out in spots!!!

St Tropez Skin Illuminator in Gold- So pretty and now my favourite illuminators, they come in 3 beautiful shades, gold, rose and violet. They smell Divine and leave the skin with a beautiful glow.

Skin79 BB Cream- The perfect summer skin primer for me, helps keep the shine at bay in the heat.

TOENAILS

China Glaze Flip flop Fantasy and Orly Fancy Fuchsia, Ive had one of the other of these on my toes all month!!! I loveeee bright toenails.

MAKEUP

Bottom left up and round....

MAC MSF Natural- My favourite setting powder, doesn't cake on me and leaves my skin almost Radiant.

NYX HD foundation- A fantastic light formula that's long lasting and has a good cover without being heavy or sitting on my skin obviously. Blends amazingly.

NYX HD Eye Primer- Ive used this everyday since I got it and I love it!! Review HERE!!

Lipstick Mac PERVETTE, Urban Decay RUSH and Maybeline BORN WITH IT- I have been loving Lipstick and really haven't bothered with Lip gloss much at all this month. Over the month these have been my 3 faves.

MUA Trio shadows- In any colour, I have loved using these gorgeous trios, Ive done a couple of looks with them to have a look follow the links EDEN, SMOKE SCREEN,INNOCENCE.

Coloured Lower Lash Line- I put a couple of pencils in the picture, but its more using a bright colour on my lower lash line, I've been loving, blue, green and purple.

Miliani Blush- This lil pot of heaven came in my box from Dinah in my swap. Its my fav blush.....EVER!!

Elf Lip liner in Natural Blush- This is like my lips but better, I have been using it all over the lip before lipstick.

L To R

Maybeline Born With It, Urban Decay Rush, MAC Pervette, Milani Blush,

Below Elf Natural Blush.

Sorry this is such a long post this month, Ive just found I've really enjoyed alot of products this month....

What have your favourites been??

Mwah



FOTD...........

For today's FOTD I felt like doing something a little different. I used Golds/Neutrals on my eyelid...

And a bright blue on my lower lash line, this is something I do quite alot but usually with a darker eyelid.

I really like this look, I think its pretty for summer.

On my lips I used No7 lipstick in Bridget and Sleek Pout polish In Peachy Perfection.

I used

FACE

BB cream as a base

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

MAC MSF Natural in Medium Deep

Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Bronzer

NARS Super Orgasm Blush

EYES

Rimmel Brow pencil in Soft Brown

NYX HD Eye Primer

MAC Shadows in Honey Lust, Gold bit, Twinks and Electric Eel

Clinique Gel Liner in True Black

CoverGirl Lash Blast in Black

LIPS

No7 Lipstick in Bridgette LE

Sleek Pout Polish In Peachy Perfection

Have a sparklicious day!!!

Maria xxxxx

Katy Perry Last Friday Night Inspired makeup look.......

For my 2nd Make up tutorial I have found inspiration in Katy Perry's look in Last Friday Night...

A blue, purple and pink eye with pink cheeks and lips.

This is what i did...



I started with my BB cream as a primer. I then started with Mac Studio Fix Fluid, Mememe correct & perfect to conceal my blemishes and Garnier Eye roll on for my dark circles this was  followed with Pyhsicians formula translucent powder compact to set it. I used my Mac MSF natural to contour my face and Mememe blush box in Pink for my cheeks, I made the colour quite intense as Katy's is quite strong in this video.

Next up, Eyes...

I filled in my eye brows with Rimmell brow definer in blond and primed my eyes with NYX Jumbo Pencil in Pots&Pans. I blended this up to the socket line and ran it under my lower lash line.

 I start to add colour with the Models Own Powder Shadow in Bright Turquoise. I pressed this along the lash line and blended up to the socket again. I then took it under the lower lash line.

Next I took the purple on a pencil brush and placed the brush just above my socket, i followed the natural shape of my socket and flicked the colour at the edge of the eye like you would with eyeliner...

I then softened the line with Virgin From the Naked Palette and the Rose Quartz MSF from Mac. I applied a small amount of black Barry M Bold Black pencil along my last line and No7 waterproof pencil in the waterline and finished with lashings of black mascara, CoverGirl Lash Blast.

Lastly the lips...

The Lips I recreated for this look are a fair bit lighter than Katy's, for me tho it worked slightly better.

I lined the lips and filled them in with Mac pencil in In Sync and then followed with Maybelline Colour Sensational in 108 Pink Pearl. I pressed a little of the Mega Metal eye shadow in Top Of The Posh by Mac onto my lips and topped the lot off with Valentines Lipgelee.

See what you think.....

Final look..



Hope you like it?? I would wear this out and not feel to over done, because there are no fake lashes or heavy black liner, the colours look alot more wearable.

Mwah

Maria xxxxx