Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara by Clinique | Summer Series

After the success of their Chubby Sticks for lips and cheeks, Clinique have extended their makeup range to Chubby Lash.

Disclaimer: I purchased the mascara in 'Portly Plum' and purples are renowned for not picking up on cameras, so apologies that the true colour is not represented in the photos.

I tried a few of the colours in store to see which one I wanted to purchase, I really liked how they gave enough definition to the lashes that the colour could be worn on it's own, but in the light gave a hint of colour.

I was sold the chubby mascara with their lash primer as it is white and when applied before the coloured mascara will help intensify the colour. 

Personally I don't feel the primer made much difference, and although the primer is white, it is not a dense colour on the lashes.

I do really like the brush, I'm finding myself more frequently turning to large silicone brushes as I like a lot of volume in my lashes.

The formula is quite thick, so I do wipe off a lot around the top of the packaging to avoid a gloopy mess on my lashes.

Over all I really like this coloured mascara, and I would even consider buying the black version for everyday.

They are fun to wear to summer parties with out over doing the pop of colour.

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Have you tried any coloured mascaras?

What have you tried from the Clinique Chubby range?

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Fabulously Flawless in 15 Minutes

Clarins have put together a clever edit of their hero products to create a fresh but made up look achievable in only 15 minutes.

They have also created a five and ten minute look and the products for 15 are additions to these looks. Perfect to go from work to a night out, which is ideal for me, as I work weekends and get a last minute invite out.

The products in the 15 minute look are

Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch

True Radiance foundation

Instant Light Brush on Perfector

3-Dot Liner

Rouge Eclat Lipstick

Perfect Eyes and Brows Palette

The beauty about these looks is that you can mix and match your products, like opting for a different foundation or lipstick colour.

I chose not to get the primer, used the Instant Liner instead of 3-Dot and a Joli Rouge lipstick

The products I added to the look were

Multi Blush

Ombre Matte Eyeshadow

Be Long Mascara

Instant Concealer

Another unique thing about these looks is that you don't need any brushes other than ones that are supplied, like in the eye and brow palette.

It was a nice change to apply foundation, concealer and eye shadow with my fingers as I am a keen brush user. 

The eyeshadow was easy to blend with my fingers, although it initially felt a little awkward.

The shades/ colours I used

True Radiance Foundation - 103 Ivory

Instant Light Brush on Perfector - 00 Light

Instant Liner - Black

Ombre Matte Eyeshadow - 08 Heather*

Joli Rouge Lipstick - 752 Rosewood**

Multi-blush - 02 Candy

Instant Concealer - 01 Light

Be Long Mascara (Sample) - Black

Perfect Eyes and Brows Palette - One Shade

Overall I really enjoyed trying to do my make up in 15, using my finger as applicators definately showed me it's achievable to do a full face of makeup without faffing over brushes and blending.

I took away from the experience that it's not about rushing to do your makeup in an allotted time, but by choosing the right products. 

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Will you try one of the 'You, only better, instantly' looks?

What's your favourite Clarins makeup product?

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*Available 2nd August

** Available 30th August 

Staying Matte

Ever found searching for a foundation for your oily/ combination/ blemished skin hard?

Everyone's skin is different, so what might work for one person may not for another. I've always found recommendations a good place to start, so I'm going to share with you some of the foundations I have used.

Sometimes it's nice to look back at existing products too, as so often blogs focus on new releases, and we don't get introduced to current products which may be super for you!

This is not exhaustive of all the foundations I have tried, but a small selection I got along with :)

One of the first foundations I tried was bareMinerals. Which is very popular among all different skin types. 

The coverage is buildable (medium-full), and because it's mineral it does feel light weight on the skin. When I initially tried it I really liked it, but I do prefer liquid foundations now.  It's not ideal to travel with, or even have in your hand bag as it is a loose powder; although I'm sure bareMinerals have a suitable alternative for that now.

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Then I moved on to Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Foundation. This was when I was trying to combat my blemishes from every angle!

It's a medium coverage, needless to say matte finish. I can't say I noticed any improvement of my blemishes from solely this foundation, but it didn't harm.

I started using Clarins Ever Matte as I liked that it had an SPF 15 (which as far as I'm aware none of the other foundations have any SPF)** and before, I was wearing their Everlasting foundation and I wanted to try to wear less coverage and 'show more skin', as at the time I was still trying to improve my blemishes and acne scars.

I do still wear this foundation, more day to day, as it's a medium coverage as well as occasionally the Everlasting+ Foundation (they reformulated it and it's much nicer). Ever Matte is oil free, which is a plus point for many people with an oily skin looking for a foundation.

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The newest addition to my foundation is Smashbox Studio Skin. This is the least matte of all of them, but still enough so that an oily skin could wear and it wouldn't melt off your skin. This foundation is also oil free, and medium-full coverage.

I've never worn a foundation that promises 15/ 18/ 24 hour wear and actually got that many hours out of it. Definately not on my T-zone anyway. And who has foundation on twenty four hours anyway? Gross.

I do however, take the fact that it's long lasting to mean it will stay on my skin a reasonable amount of time. Some people may be luckier.

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**Now I use a separate SPF over my moisturiser, so having a SPF in a foundation isn't a key factor for me any more

I hope that gives you a few suggestions of what foundations to try for an oilier skin

Let me know what foundations you have used for your skin type

Packaging Peeves | Smashbox 24 hour CC Concealer

Isn't it really annoying when you love a product, but the packaging doesn't do it justice?

Either you waste loads of product, can't get it all out or it's impossible to deliver the correct amount.

Why do you do this to us Beauty Industry. Why? WHY?!

On my hit list today is Smashbox 24 hour CC spot concealer.

I don't know what I can do to stop the product splurging out every time I reinsert the applicator.

The design is similar to liquid eyeliners, but obviously a different consistency.

I feel like I wipe away more product after each use than I initially put on my face.

I've even taken to using my own concealer brush and using the splurged product instead of the intended applicator as to not waste product.

What packaging is currently peeving you off?

Bobbi in the Carribean

Bobbi Brown has done the wonderful thing of creating a blusher-bronzer for a fair skin.

If I ever meet her she deserves my eternal gratitude and I will probably kiss the ground she walks on.

No more orangey tones and tangoed faces!

They are beautiful, gorgeous, sublime pink shimmery shades, called Antigua and Bermuda.

Antigua is the soft, dusky pink with silver flecks.

Bermuda is a warmer, bronzier, golden pink.

My pictures don't do the colours much justice, but you get a good idea of the sunshine radiance this is going to add to your face, even if you don't tan.

It's very pigmented and blends beautifully, so a little goes a long way

Below I have Bermuda on.

It's definately become a new favourite product and I'm going to enjoy wearing it over the summer months without having fair skin guilt.

Thank you Bobbi Brown.

My Hero.

What summer products are you loving at the moment?

Do you embrace your natural skin tone, or tan it up?

Buying Makeup - Tips and Tricks

Although I love buying makeup, sometimes it can me a bit of a 'mare; finding the right shade, best coverage or a long lasting palette.

I've been pondering about doing this post for a few weeks, as I'm sure a lot of you have your own criteria when it comes to buying makeup, and I didn't want to leave something out, because I felt it was too obvious.

So I thought I could post a few of my personal top tips, then people can suggest their go-to procedures in the comments too!

In no particular order here are some of my tips and tricks when buying makeup!

1. When trying out lip shades, most people apply the testers on the back of their hand, but if you apply it to your finger tip you get the colour which will show on your lips as there is a similar blood supply.

2. Need to know which mascara gives you the thickest lashes? Ask an assistant if they have disposable mascara wands to apply the product, this prevents cross-contamination between customers using the testers.
Alternatively, you can pick up a pack from a wholesalers and take your own.

3. Always test foundation on your face, preferably by the jawline to avoid getting the tide marks.

4. Leave the foundation on for a while, because some products oxidise, making them a shade or two darker over time.
This will also give you an indication as to how long-lasting the product is.

5. Go into daylight to double check the foundation is the correct shade. The fluorescent lighting in department store often don't show the products as their true colours. Remember to pack your compact mirror!

6. Wondering why that eyeliner makes three dots instead of a fluid line? Don't be afraid to ask how a certain product works; counter assistants have a vast knowledge of their products, and may be able to show you how to use a product in multiple ways.

7. Can't find the tester for the product you want to try? Don't open a sealed product, it will irritate the staff. I can speak from experience!

8. Want to test a kohl pencil or lip liner? Ask an assistant if there is a sharpener, this makes it hygienic for you and other customers.

9. Similarly, don't test a product on your face if you have a cold-sore, eye infection or other contagious skin problem. It's not nice to spread infection.

10. To test a face or eye primer, apply the product to your inner forearm, then apply a foundation or eye shadow over the top, then see how long it stays on your skin. Some eye primers even make the product more vivid, so great for a long-lasting evening look!

So there are 10 of my tips, did you do any of these? 

Or learn something new?

I'd love to hear some of your tips

Whats In My Drawers - Part Two

In part two of the 'whats in my drawer' post I'm letting you have a nose through the plastic stacked drawers I keep on top of my chest of drawers. I keep all the bits and pieces I want easy access too, but don't use on a daily basis, and don't keep on my dresser.

Pictured on the right is my jewellery box, which I haven't included the contents of in this post. 

So in the top drawer I have random hair accessories; backcomb brush, bun donut and an assortment of clips, ties.

The second drawer is a bit of an embarrassment! I keep all my makeup which I don't use everyday in here. It really has no organisation at all, and I'm sure I would get much more use out of products I have forgotten about if it were neater, but I quite like uncovering a long-lost cosmetic I'd forgotten about.

The last drawer is definately my favourite. I recently upgraded my nail varnish storage from a old No.7 gift box to this drawer. Before, the pots were over flowing, now having moved them into larger storage, I feel I need to invest in more as my collection only half fills the drawer.

I have various nail varnish brands including Nails Inc, OPI, and Barry M. I'm contemplating continuing the 'whats in my...' series and doing an entire post on all my nail colours; so watch this space.

I hope you enjoyed having a nosey through my drawers, storage posts are one of my favourites to read!

Whats On My Dresser

I've recently moved back to the town where I grew up (bye bye London), and although I miss many things about living in the city, I have gained a lot more living space returning to Sussex, along with a lovely dresser courtesy of my future Mother in Law.

Up until now I've never been able to do a 'Whats on my dresser' post as my various cosmetics have been scattered around my room or crammed in to a drawer looking like an utter mess, so I thought I'd share my new pride and joy with you :-)

So here it is!

I'm normally a rather messy-room person, but I have taken a lot of time and care into keeping my new dresser tidy. I try to keep only the essentials out as to not cause too much clutter, and it's easier to keep neat that way.

Yes I did make our bed especially for the photos, although in our defence we were up and out quite early as we were car shopping. A hefty investment living in the countryside- no night buses here, sob sob.

My jewellery tree I got from  my Sister in law a few Christmas's ago, and I love it for keeping all my favourite and more delicate pieces on. The red spotty print is right up my street, and I love how I can display my most treasured items without having to constantly wear them.

My best loved pieces are my Pandora bracelet, which almost everyone I love has bought me a charm for; and my 21 heart-key necklace which was a gift for my twenty-first birthday.

These products are the ones I use most regularly, and the cheaper alternatives to products I've used in the past (as I'm trying to save a few pennies). 

I'm not going to expand on what the products are as they are not of great interest; moisturiser/day cream, night cream, face oil, micellar cleansing water, deodorant, vitamins and my one luxury product at the moment- Darphins balm which I apply on my lips before bed for a super nourishing treatment!

My favourite section of my dresser- Fragrances! (Notice the cute little heart dish I also got for my twenty-first, adorable!)

I only have three fragrances as the moment, but I definately want to expand my collection, I love choosing a scent to compliment my mood, my outfit or even the weather!

In my accumulation so far is Benefit - Gina, I'd wished I'd saved the box for this as it's an adorable little house and helps the fragrance last longer. I also have the miniature which is great for my handbag.

Dolce and Gabanna - Intense, which featured in my wishlist post and I ended up treating my self too.

Last but not least Dior - Miss Dior EDT, my Mum bought this for me when she went on holiday at the airport (good ol' Mum) and when I left my old job they gave me the miniature EDP which is in the box behind. It's such a sweet box I should really include a picture of it...

I'm such a sucker for packaging!

I should also quickly mention in the pictures above is a dermaflannel which I got for my birthday but have yet to try out!

Finally the last section of my dresser; my wicker basket.

It has a few odd and ends in it like nail varnish remover and dry shampoo, along with my everyday make up and essentials like cotton pads and buds.

My makeup brushes I keep in a drawer as they caused too much clutter, and I'm going to do another 'whats in my drawers' post so you can have another good old nosey through my stuff!

Where do you keep your everyday go-to items?

Are you a neat freak or are your cosmetics a cluttered chaos?

Wish List #1 | Beauty

Here are a few things I've been lusting after recently...

1. Real Techniques Stipple Brush

2. Mac Mineralise Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

3. Estee Lauder Camouflage Makeup in Creamy Ivory Light

4. Colour Cosmetics False Lashes

5. Bésame Lipstick in Bésame Red

6. Anastasia Hypercolor Hair Powder in In The Pink

Real Techniques Stipple Brush

Everyone knows the Real Techniques brushes are great brushes, and although I already have two foundation brushes, if something promises you a 'flawless finish' you're going to want it, right?

Mac Mineralise Skinfinish - Soft and Gentle

I've recently dappled with experimentation of highlighting and contouring and a video on YouTube said this was 'the loveliest' highlighter ever, so gimme, gimme!

Estee Lauder Camouflage Makeup - Creamy Ivory Light

I already use the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, but the shade I use is slightly too warm for me (story of my life) so I went to the Estee Lauder counter in Boots to get colour matched for Camouflage makeup, and low and behold I needed the lightest shade, but they didn't have it in stock, so for now it's on my wish list until I've used up my current foundation.

Colour Cosmetics Lashes

If someone mentions the word "MAC Dupe" my ears prick up, and I wouldn't say I was one for wearing false lashes, but these, much like the MAC 31 Lash, come in natural fullness? (Does that make sense?) so they are very wearable, much like you have just perfected mascara application.

Bésame Lipstick - Bésame Red

Aren't the Bésame lipsticks just the most beautiful things ever? They have a demi-matte finish, so the staying power is superb, but they are luscious to wear and don't dry your lips up. There is a colour for everyone, as they describe the undertones so you can find your perfect red lip! Plus they're not widely available so add a bit of uniqueness to your makeup bag. I want!

Anastasia Hypercolour Hair powder - In The Pink

My hair has been through its fair share of colours, and going to college right by Oxford Street I often get hair envy of the fashion students who have that gorgeous lilac rinse going on, but I have now found a way to add that colour pop to my ombréd ends, with out the commitment issue.

Whats currently on your wish list? 

Where do you find your next want-to-try-out products?