Favourite non-foundation bases

As much as I am both thrilled and intrigued by the plethora of foundations on the market, the truth is I don't really wear foundation that often.

I generally like my skin to look natural (except red lips, obviously) and glowing, so most of the time when I go out in public I reach for a base that offers some coverage, but isn't quite a foundation. BB Creams, Tinted Moisturisers and pigment-blurring potions are my friends and I use them all year round. They are just nice, low maintenance alternatives to full-blown foundations and every single one that I'm about to talk about blends away easily using just fingertips, so they're handbag-perfect and especially handy when you're in a rush.

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue*

I love pretty much everything about Complexion Rescue. From the mousse like texture through to the cooling effect on the skin, this is one seriously good skincare/makeup hybrid. The coverage of Complexion Rescue is definitely sheer- it just adds a bit of a tint to the skin and evens out skin tone for a nice natural finish. I wear shade Buttercream which is slightly yellow toned and gives my face a lovely glow throughout all four seasons- I just add a bit of bronzer in summer and it does the trick nicely. SPF 30.

MAC Prep + Prime Beauty Balm

I bought the Prep + Prime Beauty balm after using the Prep + Prime BB compact  and, whilst being impressed overall, felt the need for a little more hydration. Designed to be used as a primer or on its own, Prep + Prime creates a nice, even base that covers blemishes, pigmentation and dark circles without making you look too 'made up'. The coverage is heavier than Complexion Rescue and can leave me looking a tiny bit ghostly so I rarely use it completely on its own- for me, a pop of blush or bronzer is best. It's a thick, creamy texture that blends seamlessly and is a perfect foundation replacement on days when you don't feel like wearing a full face or simply can't be arsed. SPF 35. 

Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturising Balm

This citrus-scented pot of tinted hydration is my absolute favourite when the weather is really, really cold. I think I initially became interested in it because I'm irrationally drawn to any beauty product with the word 'balm' in the title. It's ridiculous, I know. The Tinted Moisturising Balm is one of my 'precious' products, which is probably due to the £35.50 price tag as well as the fact that it just feels so darn luxurious. Ultra rich, the emollient formula of the tinted moisturiser makes it very good for dry skins and not so great for oily complexions, which is why I only really use it when it's cold. In terms of coverage, this is in a similar league to complexion rescue- it just enhances and evens out the complexion rather than masks anything. If you live in a super freezing climate, have dry skin, or spend a lot of time in the alps, you need this in your makeup bag, stat. SPF 25.

Dermalogica Sheer Tint*

This one is extra special to me- it's the only base I took with me to Sardinia for my 30th last September. Not only did the Dermalogica Sheer Tint preserve my skin and stop me from getting horribly sunburnt, it made my skin look pretty good at the same time. I'm not a fan of wearing traditional sun cream on my face so this was a very good alternative that also gave my face a nice tint. I have the Sheer Tint in both Light and Medium shades so I can wear it all year round. The blend-ability of this one is particularly impressive, to the point that I could put it on while sitting on the beach using my phone camera as a mirror without looking weirdly patchy and not a tell tale tideline in sight. Success. SPF 20

What's your go-to non-foundation base? Let me know!

Mac Dita Von Teese Lipstick

MAC released the Dita Von Teese Lipstick last month to celebrate the launch of the Burlesque beauty's new book - Your Beauty Mark. I quite like Dita Von Teese and I really like MAC lipsticks so I accidentally ordered it just before Christmas in an eggnog-induced moment of compulsion.

The lipstick is a vivid, bold, beautiful red that pretty much screams Pin-Up Girl and is basically a lot of fun to wear. A matte formula, the lipstick stays on and lasts pretty well - though not as well as my beloved Ruby Woo for some reason. That stuff just does not budge.
I wore Von Teese to a wedding on New Years Eve and it made it through numerous glasses of bubbly, three courses, two gin and tonics and a coffee. It wasn't until the late night coronation chicken sandwiches that I felt the need to reapply. In other words, it has pretty good staying power.

The MAC Dita Von Teese lipstick is that little bit more special than your average lippy thanks to the addition of Dita's signature debossed on the bullet and printed on the tube.
The lipstick is sold out but is probably floating around on ebay somewhere at a much dearer price than the original £17.

MAC Velvet Teddy Review

My colleagues very kindly gave me a MAC gift voucher for my 30th last month and to be honest I had no idea what goodies to spend it on. I must have spent a good few hours on the MAC website on my phone, just pondering what products to go for. Am I the only person who has a harder time spending gift cards than actual money?! I haven't been in a MAC store for so long and lipsticks are really one of those things I like to try in person before handing over any cash. That said, Velvet Teddy is so raved about online and is a neutral shade that seems to suit pretty much everyone, so I figured it was a safe bet.

Because Velvet Teddy is a matte lipstick, I knew I'd love the finish and the staying power and thankfully I was right. 

I'm not going to pretend I look remotely like Kylie Jenner (12 year age gap aside) but I find it to be a very wearable lipstick that I can almost apply without a mirror. Almost.

The matte formula of Velvet Teddy does feel a little dry but I generally prefer the matte look so it's a price I'm willing to pay. A touch of By Terry Baume de Rose is the perfect primer for use with any of my matte lipsticks and as with pretty much any lipstick, I find that this one looks better and stays put for longer after using the apply, blot, reapply technique. It just goes on smoothly and more evenly when you get blotting!

The dusty rose/nude shade is subtle enough for an understated look and it just makes me feel a little prettier and put together when I've got it on. And that's what it's all about, right?

MAC Velvet Teddy is £15.50 at MAC stores, concessions and online.

'All Fired Up' MAC Retro Matte Lipstick Review

I've read more MAC All Fired Up lipstick reviews than I can poke a stick at, but there's always room for one more, right?
Matte MAC lipsticks have kind of ruined me for life. The intensity, the pigment, the hardcore staying power - they just deliver on all fronts and it's little wonder that they are such a firm favourite among so many lipstick junkies.
All Fired Up is my first lipstick from the Retro Matte collection and also my first fuchsia-tinted shade. I tried out a few different fuchsia shades at the MAC store at Kensington High St and decided that All Fired Up was most complementary to my skin tone due to its reddish undertones when compared to other more pinky-fuchsia hues. I am keen to try more true fuchsia colours though!
The retro matte lipstick wears similarly to Ruby Woo though I would say the texture is slightly creamier and applies more smoothly. It stays put like a dream and delivers a powerful punch of colour perfect for wear all year round. I dig it.
At the time of publishing MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up is £15.50 (ouch).

MAC Prep + Prime BB Compact Review

I have been absolutely loving the MAC Prep and Prime BB Compact this summer. From what I've read, this little compact has been subject to fairly mixed reviews so I was initially a little sceptical - I needn't have worried though because it now lives happily in my handbag and gets a lot of use.

The compact is a solid cream formula that 'illuminates' and evens the skin and leaves a semi-translucent finish - perfect for sunnier days when you just can't face a full on base. I ordered the MAC BB Compact online which is always a gamble when it comes to coloured bases, but I found a pretty decent match in the shade Light Plus. Though I should mention that I bought this a few months ago before my face caught the sun, so now a bit of bronzer is needed to warm things up.

MAC Prep + Prime BB Compact. The joys of photographing reflective surfaces are endless

I purchased the compact for a number of reasons. Firstly, I detest wearing foundation when it's hot outside so a light cover was exactly what I wanted. Secondly, I craved the convenience of a compact and thirdly, the BB cream is SPF 30 so my face is protected while it's made up.
I've got a couple of before and after pics below to give you an idea of the finish.

As you can (hopefully) tell from the pictures, the coverage is very sheer but it does kind of perk things up a bit. You can also see that the delightful spot on my forehead is slightly less noticeable in the second image. I also have to mention that I have no bronzer or blush on, just the BB, so this is a somewhat more ghostly look than what I would usually go for!
In terms of staying power, the MAC BB Compact makes no bold claims but I find that it lasts a good few hours in the humid heat we've been getting and I'd imagine it would perform pretty well as a primer too if you wanted to wear foundation over the top.

The compact is available in 12 shades from Dark Deep to Extra Light so most people should be able to find a pretty close match.
RRP £24.

MAC Pro Sculpting Cream

I'm not going to lie, the name of MAC Pro Sculpting Cream sucked me in completely. Sculpting Cream? For my face? You're telling me this cream will 'sculpt' my face?
Of course I'm going to buy it...

Designed to accentuate and contour features, this little pan is £17.50 a pop, and I bought mine with birthday money. We all know that birthday money doesn't count as actual money, right?

This cream to powder formula can be used to define cheek bones, brow bones and contour the face using either fingertips or an angled contouring/blusher brush.

There are six different shades to choose from depending on your natural skintone and how dramatic you'd like the 'sculpting' effect to be. 
I was recommended Naturally Defined, which is the second lightest shade.

The formula itself reminds me of a cream to powder foundation that's slightly too dark and I suppose that's essentially exactly what it is, but gimmicky products can be fun!
The fact that it applies as a cream means it's really quite easy to use, especially over a liquid foundation and the powder finish means it feels practically weightless.

Overall, I think this is quite a nice product, though my contouring abilities are below par to say the least!

Have you tried MAC Pro Sculpting Cream? 

Lipstick I Love: MAC Jubilee

My collection of muted and barely-there lip shades seems to be growing lately and my latest addition is the sheer and wearable MAC Jubilee.

A pretty beige nude shade, Jubilee is part of the lustre family so it applies smoothly and easily with a creamy gloss-like finish.

I love the formula of the lustre lipsticks because they are so easily applied and the soft texture feels hydrating and lovely with just the right amount of stickiness, though the product does sit quite heavy on the lips, if that makes sense.

Once again, this look is the complete opposite of what I usually go for but sometimes it's nice to skip the liquid eyeliner and trade my bold red lips for a more neutral nude shade.

You can pick up Jubilee at Look Fantastic for £17.50

Thank you for reading!

Handbag Friendly Beauty Essentials

Most handbags have at least one thing in common- among the miscellaneous and often nondescript bits and pieces lies a stash of go-to beauty products poised for beauty emergencies or general maintenance throughout the day.
Similar to a 'what's in my handbag' post, today I want to show you the products that go virtually everywhere with me, minus the gum wrappers, receipts and biscuit crumbs that you would be exposed to if I actually showed you what's in my bag...

Clarins Beauty Flash Balm

I bought this for the first time as an 18 year old back home in Australia. I had no idea what it was supposed to do or how to use it, all I knew was that the words 'beauty' and 'flash' used together could only be a good thing. Almost ten years later I use it to pep up my under eye area and pat it onto my cheeks for a dewy look. I especially love Beauty Flash Balm in the winter when applied as a mask- dry skin drinks it up.

Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment

Everyone should know about this stuff. It's one of those super products that does everything except make you a cup of tea. Produced in Queensland, Australia, the thick emollient balm instantly soothes dry skin, burns, cuts and insect bites and makes for a wonderful long lasting lip balm. I have been know to use this paw paw ointment to tame my eyebrows and highlight cheek bones. This isn't easy to find here in the UK but you can pick it up at the Australian shop in Covent Garden or get it online. *I haven't got my own photo of this because my man friend has stolen it!*

Moisturiser Sample

I've usually got a sample sized tube or pot of moisturiser that's the perfect size for popping in my bag. At the moment I'm using a rather generous sample of Kiehl's Rosa Arctica which is fantastic because it's a fairly thick, rich product., therefore has lasted me ages because I don't need much.

MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

This is a cult product for a reason and I can't help but worship at the altar of this beautiful colour. Highly pigmented, smile brightening and uber long lasting, I'm rarely without this lipstick in my bag or on my lips.

Foundation Sample

I've found that those little '7 day trial' bottles of foundation many beauty brands provide after a colour match are perfect for carrying around in my bag with me. They weigh virtually nothing, can hold quite a lot of product and often come with a little spatula which minimizes mess. Don't actually like the foundation you're trialling? Rinse the little bottle out and fill it with your regular foundation. I've de-cantered some of my YSL Touche Eclat Foundation into this little bottle so I can touch up without having to lug around the full sized product.

Benefit 'They're Real!' Mascara

I do love this mascara, but it stays in my bag rather than on my dresser because I'm currently in love with an Avon mascara I got with a magazine recently. I know, it makes no sense to me either.

Bourjois Rose D'Or Blush

The pearly gold bits in this are terribly good at waking up my face and the rosey-pink base of the blush is so wearable it's almost ridiculous. I like how sheer and easily blended the colour is and the scent is lovely. The teeny size of the compact complete with built in mirror and brush make it handbag perfect.

So there you have it. Those are the products that reside in my handbag ready to pretty me up when I'm away from home. Do any of these live in your handbag too?

Thanks for reading :)

Lipstick I Love: MAC Russian Red Review

You may have noticed that I'm pretty partial to a red lip and I'm fairly sure that it's one make up look that won't be going out of fashion any time soon. Though I'm usually seen in brighter hues (Ruby Woo, I'm looking at you girlfriend), sometimes I need to channel my inner vamp(ire) and whip out something a teeny bit darker.

It's times like these that I turn to the slightly sultry Russian Red by MAC Cosmetics.

Russian Red is a blue toned lipstick, therefore an instant smile brightener.

It's often compared to the cult MAC shade Ruby Woo, though it's slightly darker.

While both shades are a matte formula, I find that Russian Red is a little creamier and doesn't stick around as long as it's sister shade, but this minor glitch won't stop me wearing it. :0

You can find this vampy lippy at your nearest MAC counter with the extortionate price tag of £14, but perhaps this is a small price to pay to trot about feeling a bit like Rita Hayworth?

As always, thank you for reading :*

p.s. Does anyone else find MAC stores a bit scary? :0

MAC Prep + Prime Lash & Boldblack Lash Mascara

I realise this is my third consecutive MAC post, but I thought it would be wrong not to share the wonders of this mascara with you.

My sister was asked to be a face model for a trainee MAC make up artist last week and in return was presented with a Prep + Prime Lash and a Studio Fix Boldblack Lash.

My sister isn't a cosmetics hoarder like me, but she's seriously impressed with these products and suggested I blog about them.

 The Prep + Prime (rrp £11.00) is one of those 'white mascaras' that dries almost clear. It prepares the lashes for mascara by smoothing and conditioning each one and gives them a thicker base, intensifying the final lash look.
The Studio Fix Boldblack Lash mascara (rrp £14.00) is lengthening and long lasting. The brush with this one is narrow and has tiny bristles, but don't let that fool you because the results are seriously intense. Here are some shots of my lovely sister Prudence wearing the Prep + Prime and Boldblack Lash:

As you can see, my sister's rocking some seriously long and thick lashes! If you're reading this Prudence, consider these products stolen :)

Have you tried either of these?

Thanks for reading! :*

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation Review

Last week when I picked up the Viva Glam V lipstick at MAC, I also got matched up for one of their much-blogged-about foundations.

I swatched, sniffed and pondered a few formulas before deciding on Studio Sculpt thanks to its gel base and awesome staying power. I was matched to shade NW20

I was drawn to the 'gel base' aspect of this because of my love for Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (you can read my review of that here).
 My skin seems to get along rather well with the gel formulas, probably because they feel a bit nourishing and don't tend to stick to the dry bits on my face :/

The texture of this foundation is quite thick, yet smooth and somehow luxurious. You can achieve a medium to high coverage with this, so if you're happiest in tinted moisturiser this might not be your cup of tea.

The foundation doesn't feel particularly heavy on the face and I like the way it sort of peps up my complexion.

Studio Sculpt is long wearing and hydrating (double win) plus it has an SPF of 15 which we all know is oh so important in fending off premature wrinkles and crinkley bits, though I've already got my fair share of crows feet thanks to growing up in Australia and shunning sunglasses!

MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation is £30 for a 40ml tube at Look Fantastic.

Lipstick I Love: MAC Viva Glam V

I visited Harvey Nichols today with my mum for the first time in a very long time and accidentally ended up in a chair being colour matched for a Studio Sculpt foundation at MAC. Turns out I'm NW20, but more on that another day...

The purpose of this post is not to wax lyrical about foundation dear readers, but to introduce you to a new found love. We're an unlikely pair, me and this lipstick but from the moment the make up artist swatched this lippy on his wrist, I knew it was much more than a crush.

I wanted to jump on the Viva Glam wagon (you know, do my bit for charity and all), but Viva Glam Nicki was nowhere to be seen and Viva Glam VI was a bit too 'plummy' for my tastes.

Viva Glam V was launched in 2004, so it's been on MAC counters for a while, but I'm a bit of a MAC novice to be honest, so today was the first time I'd really looked at this in all it's shiny glory.


This lipstick is a neutral pink (which is weird for me because I love a loud lip), with flecks of lustrous shimmer (once again, unusual for me - I favour matte formulas).

without flash

with flash

 It's creamy and comfortable to wear and feels exceptionally hydrating on the lips - the polar opposite of the moisture-sappingly gorgeous Ruby Woo.

So what's a loud and proud lipstick loving girl like me doing with an inoffensive nude?

The answer is simple: Sometimes, I feel like being quiet :)

P.S. if you're looking for a nude everyday colour you can apply on a crowded train without a mirror, I couldn't recommend this one enough.

*I just want to mention, although this is a pricey lipstick, the entire £13.50 from the sale is donated directly to http://www.macaidsfund.org/

First FOTD

Hello! I'm posting on my iPhone again because the dongle I got just isn't coming through with the goods :(

Anyway, to the point: For my first (and possibly last!) ever FOTD post, I thought I'd just show you the makeup look I wear most days.
It's all about flicked black eyeliner and bold red lipstick. Pretty simple really and oh-so-easy to achieve.

This morning, I almost went without the token red lip in favour of a neutral pout...

But I ended up reaching for the Ruby Woo :)

So a run down of the products used:

Base:
bareMinerals Prime Time Primer
bareMinerals Foundation in Fairly Light
Bourjois Blush in 34 Rose D'Or

Eyes:
L'Oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss in Carbon Black
Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in Noir
Rimmel Eyebrow Definer in Black Brown

Lips:
Lucas Pawpaw Ointment
MAC Ruby Woo


So there you have it, hope you like it :)

Can't wait to be back online properly again :0
X

Wishful Listing: My Fantasy Christmas Wish List

Besides peace on Earth etc, there are many more unobtainable things I would like this Christmas so I thought it would be fun to put together a little fantasy wish list of shamelessly indulgent and completely unrealistic goodies.


Behold!:

• Anything that smells edible/ festive by Philosophy.

Philosophy has been my favourite bathing brand for years. I'm a sucker for beauty products with gourmand-esque scents, and Philosophy just do it so well!

I can't walk past this in Boots without giving it a sniff! Philosophy Old Fashioned Eggnog Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath - 14 gbp at Boots

warming + scrub + gingerbread fragrance = Awesome. 26 gbp  (part of a set including gingerbread  man shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath) from QVC UK

Melting Marshmallow including shower gel, body lotion & lip shine. 22 gbp from Boots. I don't think I need to explain my reasoning for adding this. :) 

• Flowerbomb has been my favourite perfume for years, but everyone I know hates it so much they refuse to buy it for me! This is Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Extreme Eau De Parfum - an amplified version of the sickly sweet original. Pleeeeeeease Santa?!?

67.50 gbp for 50ml at Boots

• Laura Mercier Creme Brulee Honey Bath. I've owned this before and I'm pretty sure my bathroom needs it again. One of the loveliest bathing products ever in my opinion.

31 gbp at Liberty  and other department stores

• Essence of John Galliano candle by Diptyque - a compelling oriental blend of white incense, bay leaves, rosewood and 'burnt leather'. I know Galliano isn't exactly in the good books at the moment but this candle is beyond indulgent.

40 gbp from Space NK

• Some goodies from MAC - including my most coveted lipstick, Ruby Woo. 

Cleanse Off Oil. 7 gbp. I've heard good things about this and would love to make my own judgement.

Lipstick in Ruby Woo. 13.50 gbp. I blog about beauty - I need this. Please. :)

Strobe Cream. 12 gbp. A little luminosity would be most welcome this Christmas.

• Tigi Bed Head Candy Fixations styling products. I'm happiest when my hair smells good and apparently these products are beautifully scented. If I don't find one (or all) of these under the tree, I'll be clicking over to Feel Unique for a sweet fix.

Left to Right: Sugar Dust micro-texture root powder, 9.35 gbp, Totally Baked volumizing & prepping hair meringue, 10.65 gbp, Sugar Shock hair bodyfying sugar spray, 10.00 gbp.

And finally, (though I could go on):

• The Luxury Essentials by Creme De La Mer. Decadence personified really...

260 gbp at Selfridges

So there you have it, a depressingly expensive selection of my most lusted after Christmas treats. Who knows, maybe one of them might make it into my stocking this year :o

P.S. sorry about the repetitive use of gbp (great british pounds). I'm using an Australian laptop tonight so therefore don't have a pound symbol on my keyboard!