Review | MAC Costa Chic Lipstick

 

 

Hi Ladies. So if you read my recent Birmingham Haul you may know that I purchased MAC Costa Chic when in Selfridges. I have had my eye on it for about a year, and whilst I wasn't originally planning on purchasing it, I'm sooo glad I did!

As usual, the packaging of MAC lipsticks is amazing. I love the way they are shaped like little bullets. My collection is slowly growing, but I love the way all of my lipsticks look together!

Costa Chic is a Frost finish. MAC describe Frost lipsticks as Excellent colour payoff with medium to high frosted shimmer and shine finish. This, obviously describes this lipstick perfectly. The pigmentation is incredible, and whilst the finish has a slight shimmer, it is very subtle and look stunning.

MAC describe the colour as a Frosty Light Coral. It is the perfect spring/ summer product, that is going to look gorgeous with a tan, but is not so bright that it looks a little odd with paler skin and washes you out.

Because it is quite glossy, you are looking at about 3-4 hours staying power, which is pretty good.

The price for MAC lipsticks is £14, and they can be bought from MAC online, in most department stores and MAC stores.

 

What are your thoughts on Costa Chic?

 

Eleanor

xxx

 

 

My Top 5 Nail Polishes for Spring

 

 Hi Ladies. Happy Easter! (A little late, I know)! I hope you all had a lovely day yesterday.  I am really looking forward to the days getting a little warmer (fingers crossed) and shops are full of spring shades at the moment. These are my top picks for nail varnishes in the spring months.

 

Models Own Soda Pop Pink: This is a really pretty almost pastel pink. I like it because it is still relatively bright, whilst being understated. The consistency is nice, the same as all Models Own polishes.

 

17 Woo Me: Woo Me is the perfect lilac colour. It is very flattering on the nails and although the staying power isn't outstanding, with a base and top coat you are looking at it staying on your nails for around 2 days.

 

Barry M Mint Green: Barry M Nail Polishes are one of my favourite high street polishes. They have an amazing colour range that are amazing quality and great value for money. I always get lots of compliments whilst wearing it. This is quite a good dupe for the very famous Essie Mint Candy Apple, because every one loves  a mint green nail polish!

Barry M NP 244: This one doesn't have a name, because I received it in a Barry M goody bag at the clothes show. It is a glitter polish with chunky lilac hexagons and subtle silver shimmer. It looks lovely paired with Woo Me.

Barry M Mushroom: This was the first Barry M nail polish I ever bought, and have loved it every since. It never fails to look classy on the nails, and although brown is a weird colour to wear on your nails, it does look very pretty.

What are your favourite spring time nail polishes?
Eleanor

xxx

Instagram Diary | Skiing, Meeting The Script & One Direction Concert

I've been a little absent from blogging over the past few months, so I thought I'd do a post to show you guys what I've been up to!

Firstly, I have had my long ombre hair cut off. My hair now falls just above the shoulders. The bleach in my hair meant it was always getting tangled and had started to look a bit messy. But I really like my new hair.
In February, me and my best friends went on a skiing trip to Austria, and had the most wonderful time, I still wish we were there now!

Two weeks ago, I had blonde highlights put in my newly cut hair. I love the way they look as I much prefer my hair when its a little lighter. I also had a side fringe cut in to give my hair a little more shape.
On the 16th, me and my two best friends went to see The Script in concert at the LG Arena in Birmingham. Holly's dad is a camera man, and is currently on tour with The Script, and he managed to not only get us tickets for the concert, but to meet them too! They were utterly charming and even said how nice I smelt, which was all down to my Laura Mercier Almond and Coconut set!

Throughout this past week, I have been sent some products to review. The Body Shop sent me some of the  Leona Lewis range and Mama Mio sent me a firming serum.
If you read my last post, you will know that on Saturday, I went to see One Direction, again in Birmingham. (Two concerts in two weeks! I'm so lucky)! They were amazing, I had one of the best nights of my life! There was such an energised vibe and I cant wait to see them again! I also did a spot of shopping whilst I was in Birmingham, my haul post is here.

What have you been up to recently?

Eleanor

xxx

Birmingham Haul | MAC, Boots, Hollister & Forever 21

Hi Ladies. I'm currently flying high as a kite, as last night I saw One Direction in concert! Its no secret that I adore them and my friends and I have been waiting over a year to see them! They were absolutely amazing and put on such a good show. I just wish I could relive it over again. (There is a pun there if you are familiar with 1D songs! Haha). Anyway, fangirl over; before the concert, we went shopping in one of my favourite places: Birmingham Bullring. So on with the haul!

 

I love Real Techniques Brushes, and I have quite a few already. I have been wanting the Core Collection for over a year, but every time I went to buy it, I managed to talk myself out of it. But I saw a 3 for 2 offer on in Boots and I couldn't resist! It consists of a Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush and Buffing Brush. I am really excited to use the Buffing Brush as every blogger/ youtuber raves about it!

RRP: £21.99

 



This is my second Rimmel Apocalips (review soon) and I really wanted to try this shade. It is a dusty mauve colour that looks stunning on the lips. I also have Big Bang which is a bright in your face, pillar box red. The consistency of these is awesome and there is a really good colour range!
RRP: £5.99

This time last year, there was a massive amount of hype around the Maybelline Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows. I still love them, and when I found out there was a new release, I had to have it! Now I have a teeny, tiny, completely controlled obsession with rose gold. I have my Michael Kors Rose Gold Watch, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, shoes, nail varnish theres just something about it! I thought this colour would be perfect for me, and as a bonus, I got it free on a 3 for 2 offer!
RRP: £4.49

When I went to MAC in Selfridges I had my heart set on two things from the Archie's Girl collection: Betty Bright lipstick and Kiss & Don't Tell Lipglass. Unfortunately, Betty Bright was sold out, but I still purchased this. Reviews are to follow, but it is described as a Bright Coral, and looks lovely alone or paired with another lipstick.
RRP: £15

I bought MAC Costa Chic instead of Betty Bright, which is another lipstick I have been lusting after. It is a Frost finish, and described as a Frosty Light Coral. I adore coral lips, and this colour is simply beautiful, and I know I will get a lot of use out of it!
RRP: £14

 

For the past 5 months, I have been using my beloved Bath and Body Works Honey Autumn Apple Body Spray that I bought in Florida. It is nearly all gone so I decided to replace it with a Hollister spray. This one is really summery, incredibly sweet, and smells like pineapple!

RRP: Me and my friends paid £7 each on the 3 for £24 offer.

 



I must admit, I've never been a huge fan of Hollister, and never actually bought anything until yesterday. It is usually incredibly overpriced for what it is. I really like the monochrome, black and white trend at the moment, and I saw this T-Shirt in the sale, and I really liked it. I think it will look nice with a pair of denim shorts.
RRP: £12.90

I love scarves, and wear them all the time. This turquoise pashmina in Forever caught my eye and I know I will get a lot of wear out of it in the spring months. It is really soft and lovely quality for the money!
RRP: £7

 

Last but not least, I couldn't not buy a programme for 1D!

 

What have you bought recently?

Eleanor

xxx



Review | Philosophy Hope in a Jar

 

 I featured this moisturiser in my previous February Favourites and promised a review, as it is well known for being a very controversial product- you either love it or you hate it! And I for one love it!

Philosophy as a brand has very mixed reviews. Undoubtedly most famous for their all in one shower gel/ shampoo/ bubble baths. Their skincare products are a little more low key, although there is a lot of hype around this moisturiser and the Micro-delivery Peel and Exfoliator.

 

I bought this in the sale after Christmas. It is a sample size, and set me back £5. (Usual price for £10). And I thought this was fairly reasonable, seeing as a full size pot will cost you £34. Steep huh?! Anyway, I didn't use it straight away as I needed to finish my Origins Moisturiser. I took Hope in a Jar skiing with me as it is light and travel friendly.

This moisturiser claims to be suitable for all skin types, which I was a bit sceptical about, but after testing it when I had both dry and oily skin, I can safely say that this is true!

The first time I used it, I had just come back from a long day skiing, and my skin was in desperate need of a little TLC as the cold weather and wind had wrecked havoc on it, leaving me with dry patches. On first impressions, I was a little shocked at the consistency; it is very thin, more like a lotion, but less runny. But once you begin to massage it into your skin, it becomes a little creamier.

 

It is absorbed really quickly, which is something I am very pleased with, as who wants a greasy face after applying moisturiser? After it had sunk in, my skin really did feel refreshed and smooth.

I have noticed I haven't broken out as much after using it, but I'm not sure its down to the moisturiser, or the fact I have stopped using my Clarisonic for a while. Anyway, my skin is in pretty good shape!

 

The one thing that puts a lot of people off about Hope in a Jar is the scent. At first, the overally herbal scent is quite overpowering, but you can hardly smell it when its on your face. Personally, I like it. To me, it smells just like Lush Dream Cream!

 

Overall, I love this moisturiser, and if it wasn't so darn expensive, I would defiantly be repurchasing the full size. And it really does work for all skin types!I guess I'll have to wait until next Christmas when they bring out smaller sizes!

Have you ever tried Hope in a Jar? Do you recommend any moisturiser for oily skin?

 

Eleanor

xxx

 

 

February Favourites

 

Hi Ladies, today I am sharing my favourite products from the month of February. It has been a great month for me; I recently just returned home from a skiing trip with my friends, where I had the time of my life. But I am glad its March, as on the 23rd, I am going to see One Direction concert. Anyway, onto the products...

 

Garnier Moisture Match for Oily to Combination Skin Moisturiser

I bought this on a whim in Superdrug when it was on offer; and I'm so glad I did. I am planning on doing a full review on it soon. It is a very light, mattifying day time lotion that is oil free. When I apply it, I always feel as though my skin looks really great. It is a mattifying product so it has that kind of 'grainy' feel on the skin, but that soon disappears, leaving you with a lovely shin free complexion. I have been using other products in conjunction with this, and I have really found that my skin doesn't get as oily throughout the day.

 

Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait

I got this on a 3 for 2 offer in Boots, and have worn it nearly every day since. It is a really pretty peachy colour with gold shimmer- perfect for the Spring Time. I love wearing peach/coral colours, as I find they compliment my skin tone well.

 

Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturiser

I bought this just after Christmas, when it was on sale. I had heard very mixed reviews on it and you are either going to love it or hate it. And I love it! I can see why some people may be put off as the 'herbal' scent it very over powering, and I must say I'm not a massive fan; but you don't smell it for long. (It actually smells very similar to Lush Dream Cream). It is super light and easily absorbed and I just love using it before I go to bed!

 

Maybelline The Rocket Mascara

Its not secret that Maybelline Mascaras are probably the best loved high street mascaras, and this one is no exception. I'm not sure whether I like it more than the Falsies, but it gives volume and length which is everything I look for in a mascara!

 

Revlon Colourstay Foundation

Again, I wont talk too much about this, as I am planning a review, but I am currently LOVING this foundation! It makes my skin look perfect. It has great coverage, but is not thick and cakey. It is the perfect shade for my skin, and really does stay on all day!

 

Maybelline 24H Gel Eyeliner







I wrote a review of this last year which you can find here. I have been wearing this everyday. Just a thin line on my top lashes in the day, and winging it out for a more dramatic night time look. I apply it with my Real Techniques Liner Brush, and find it really easy now to create the perfect flick. I guess practise really does make perfect!

 

Sleek Brow Kit

Since the new year, I have filled in my eyebrows every day with this product. I have a full review here. Filling in your brows really does finish off the makeup and without them filled in, my face feels bare! I love the natural look you ca achieve with this set, and is a great dupe and cheaper alternative to Benefits Brow Zings.

 

I hope you've enjoyed reading this post. What are your favourite products of the month?

 

Eleanor

xxx



Review | MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft N Gentle

 

Highlighters are the one makeup product that I have never really dabbled in before. I used to use a dupe for Benefits High Beam a few years ago, but I thought it was never really a necessity; I have oily skin, but the sweaty Betty look is not one I am particularly drawn to, but then again neither is the shimmering disco-ball-face look. But last year, after reading countless rave reviews of this Mineralize Skinfinish, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase whilst on holiday in Florida. I love MAC face products, and Mineralize Skinfinish Naturals and Blushes are staples in my every day routine.



 

Gilded peach bronze

 



I apply this to my cheek bones with my Real Techniques Setting Brush and love the natural gold/peachy glow that is added to my complexion. I find that it adds something a little extra to my makeup and really completes it. I don't wear it every day as I think it could be a little to heavy for when I want light makeup, but I love wearing it on weekends and in the evenings.

MSF last for absolutely ages, I've had my MSFN since last February, and whilst it is nearly gone and in desperate need of a repurchase, it is still being used- that's the sign of a good product!

Pigmentation is incredible, and it transfers exactly how it looks in the pan onto the skin. And come on, any lady who is a sucker for pretty, sparkly things, surely cant resist this, its simply stunning!

 

I defiantly want to branch out and add more MSF to my collection, but for now; Soft N Gentle is the only one for me right now! What are your thoughts? Have you tried Soft N Gentle?

 



Wishlist | Face & Skincare

Hello Ladies! Today I have put together a little wishlist of 'skin' products that I have had my eye on for a while! First is Alpha H Liquid Gold. I am always on the look out for that 'miricale skin product' that is going to give me perfect, glowing skin and leave me looking like Kim Kardashian. Whether or not this product is going to work is another story, but I have heard so many amazing reviews, saying that you really quickly see a difference so I am very intrigued to try it!
I have only ever used Revlon lip products, but I have always wanted to try face products from them. Revlon Photoready Primer & Revlon Colourstay Foundation seem like the duo for my oily skin.
Another product that seems to be having good reviews written about it recently is Origins Clear Improvement Clay Mask. I love Origins products, and some of my skincare staples are Origins, and I really want to try this to banish my blocked pores.
Strictly speaking, this isn't a 'skin' product, but I really want to try It's A 10 Miracle Leave in Product to keep my hair looking and feeling healthy.
My Origins moisturiser is nearly gone, so I ordered a small size of Philosophy Hope in a Jar Moisturiser. I am yet to try it, but I hope it woks well for me!
Lastly is a repurchase of one of my favourite and most used face products: MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural. I have had this for a year now, and it is nearly gone, so I definitely need to repurchase one!

Whats on your wishlist?

 

My Christmas Day & Haul

Firstly, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and sorry this post is a little belated! I have been so busy recently, I just haven't had the time to sit down and write it! Never the less, today, I am going to share with you the lovely gifts I received on Christmas Day. I would like to say thank you to all my family and friends for the wonderful presents.

 

When my family wake up on Christmas Day, we always go downstairs to open our stockings which we always hang in the living room.

 

 

Mines the one on the left which I have had all my life!

 

We then move onto the presents under the tree:

 

 

 

Then my grandparents came and we sat down for our delicious Christmas Dinner cooked by Dad.

 

 

Now onto the amazing presents!

 

 

 

 

Kindle Fire HD from Mum & Dad

 

 

iPhone 4 from Dad

 

 

 

 

 

Laura Mercier la petite patisserie quartet almond coconut milk set from my Godparents

 

 

Laura Mercier la petite patisserie sample hand creme quartet from Rebecca

 

 

MAC Lipstick in Rebel from my sister and YSL Shocking Mascara from Mum & Dad

 

 

Lush It's Raining Men Shower Gel from my sister

 

 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish from Mum & Dad

 

 

Il Fiorino Notebook from my best friend Alex to write down blogging ideas!

 

 

Earrings from my friend Lauren and Rose Gold Shambella Bracelet from Dad

 

 

 

Home Decor bits from Mum

 

I also got lots of lovely other bits, like a pair of converse from America, and boots from Target, also in America. I got a calender, more accessories and lots of sweets and chocolate!

 

So thank you to everyone for my gifts, and I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas!

 

♥