My Makeup Collection: Primers & Concealers

For the final installment of this series, I thought I would combine both primers and concealers as they are both base products, and I don't have many of either to warrant separate posts. These particular areas of my makeup collection are rather small as I have spent the last few years trialling different products, and managed to find the ones that work best for me and the ones I enjoy using. 

I'll start of talking about concealer as it is a pretty important product in my makeup collection, as it covers a whole multitude of sins - from breakouts to tired eyes, it gets me through the day looking less like an acne-prone zombie. Like I said, I have spent YEARS trying out different products, and now I think I have managed to find the best ones out there that work well with my skin. My all time favourite concealer is the Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer. This is the concealer that I always have a backup tube ready and waiting for the day I run out, as it is a staple in my everyday routine. I have been using this concealer on and off since I was about 12/13, and it has been an everyday staple for the last 3 or 4 years. It boasts a 16 hour wear, and I can definitely agree that it lasts a hell of a long time. I can put this on at 6am, and it will still be pretty much intact by the time I'm taking my makeup off at around 8pm. It is super-high coverage, making a perfect option for me and I know I will use it for years to come!

A more recent addition to my collection is the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer. I think this is an excellent all-round concealer, and is perfect for covering up the signs of a late night. I wouldn't say it was the best in terms of coverage, but it is pretty good! This is my favourite product to take with me on the go - I always have one in my car AND in my handbag for those little touch up emergencies! I honestly couldn't be without it! The Soap and Glory Kick Ass Concealer is another that is great for on the go touch ups. The handy little compact comes with two different concealer shades, a mirror, a setting powder and a powder pouffe. The concealer itself is pretty heavy duty and is the one I turn to when all else fails.

In terms of primers, I'm not too fused. I mainly apply them to keep my makeup on longer. So whatever the claims of a product I'm not too fussed. I own the Body Shop All-In-One Instablur and the Body Shop Tea Tree primer, but my favourite by far is the Benefit Porefessional. It is slightly tinted so I feel it offers a bit of coverage (which I seriously need atm). But if you're on a budget then the effects of the Instablur are pretty similar!

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January Favourites

How has January been and gone already? It only seems two minutes since we were popping open the bucks fizz at the start of the new year. But with the new year comes new beauty products, so there have been a few new bits I have been enjoying using - mainly skincare, but there has been a few other things (including a book) that I have loved throughout January!

First up is a skincare product that I have used at least once a week throughout January. I'd never tried an overnight face mask before, but I'd heard incredible things about it so picked it up halfway through December. The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Face Mask, has become somewhat of a staple in my skincare routine, and even though my skin isn't dry - I am prone to dehydrated looking skin that refuses to absorb anything to help sort itself out. Whilst I have been using this on the regular I have noticed that my skin is a lot smoother and hydrated, so I think that it is worth checking out if you suffer with dry skin or if the winter weather is wreaking havoc on your face. One thing I don't like about it is the smell - it has that sort of fake fruit smell that I find quite sickly with regular usage, but I can look past it for the brilliant results! Another skincare item that has been working wonders on my skin is the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate. This face oil feels so nourishing on the skin and it feels as though your are treating your skin to pamper evening without having to go through the effort of washing something off later on. I really want to get the daytime version to apply alongside it in the morning, but we'll have to see what my student budget will allow for in February. 

Last Sunday, my post talked about 'The Life Changing Magic of Tidying' book by Marie Kondo and how it had well and truly changed my life. Of course I had to include it in my favourites post for this month as it has well and truly been a favourite. Although I technically finished it at the start of the month, throughout the first week I was excited to pick it up and read another section, and the effects of reading it have lasted since picking it up at the end of December. It has changed my outlook on living and has made me kept my bedroom clean and tidy for an entire month!! That is absolutely unheard of for me and the only explanation must be this book! At the beginning of January a follow up book called 'Sparks Joy' was released by Marie, and I'm enjoying that just as much! 

For lips we'll start with  new NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams that have swept the UK like a storm over the last month or so. In my last post I mentioned that NYX has become more readily available in the UK and you can now buy it in Boots and on Feel Unique amongst a few other places. I picked up the shades Antwerp and Prague, and have been wearing them both quite regularly throughout January - but my favourite has to be the shade Prague as it's a gorgeous berry pink shade that is perfect for winter. They'd be ideal for those of you who like the idea of a matte finish but don't want anything to feel too dry on the lips, as they appear matte but feel incredibly creamy on the lips. There are tonnes of different shades available, and I absolutely love how they are all named after capital cities! I have also been enjoying wearing the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution in Love Liberty, and even though I mainly bought it to wear on Christmas Day, I have transitioned it though into the start of 2016. I adore the shade and will most definitely be wearing it regularly throughout the year! 

What have you been enjoying this month?
Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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The Beauty Haul

I love the excitement that comes from buying new things probably way more than I should. And whilst feeling a little sad about having to return to university after a long christmas break the other week, I decided one of the only things to do that would lift my mood was to treat myself to some new beauty products. There was a few new bits that I wanted to try, plus a few things that caught my eye whilst I was browsing the shops. 

If you haven't guessed already, I have a bit of an addiction with lip products and they are by far my favourite item. Since NYX has recently become more available (Boots, Selfridges, Feel Unique, Very), I picked up the Soft Matte Lip Creams in 'Antwerp' (mid-toned pink) and 'Prague' (dark raspberry). For years beauty bloggers have raved about their products, and after trying some of their nail varnishes a couple of years ago I was left extremely disappointed. One of the most talked about makeup products by far are the lip products, so I picked them up hoping they'd be a lot better than the nail varnishes. I'm pleased to report that they are miles better, and they are fast becoming a staple product. Not only are they cheap as chips, but the formula is really impressive as well. They have a matte finish like the name would suggest, but they aren't as matte as I thought they would be. They look matte, but they feel so creamy (hence the name lip cream duurrrrrr) and provide long lasting colour!

Again with the lip products, for months I have been searching for the Rimmel Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner in 'Eastend Snob', and it always seems to be sold out everywhere. But whilst in Boots, I spotted 1! It was the last one and was mixed in with another shade, so I was extremely happy when I finally got my hands on it! It is a gorgeous shade of warm pink, and I know a lot of people use it as more of lipstick instead of as a lip liner, and I had been dying to try it out. The shade is gorgeous, and looks beautiful by itself and when paired with a lipstick. I've been enjoying wearing it all over the lip and underneath my Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks.

Whilst I was breaking the bank in Leeds, my sister texted me asking her to get a couple of things from The Body Shop. Whilst I was in there I noticed there was a 3 for 2 offer on, so I cheekily picked up the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil. I've been looking at buying a few different face oils, and after receiving the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate at Christmas, I have been searching high and low for some alternatives. I tried the Body Shop one the same day of purchasing and I have fallen head over heels with it! I applied it underneath the Origins Calm To Your Senses overnight face mask (can you do that?) and my skin looking ahmazing when I woke up! It looked so refreshed, calm and hydrated! On days where I haven't used an overnight face mask, I have been using the Vichy Idealia Skin Sleep Night Cream. I've never tried anything from Vichy before, but I received a mini sample in with a bit of shopping and I loved it! It is quite a thin formula, quite like a lotion. and like nothing I have ever tried before. It is targeted at tired looking skin as it includes caffeine to reduce signs of fatigue to reveal a fresh, radiant complexion. 

Bought anything nice recently?
Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Festive Red Lipsticks

The festive season is finally upon us, and it brings with it a whole host of wonderful parties and celebrations. So this post is dedicated to those of you who are going out with family and friends, eating lots of delicious food and sipping lots a few cocktails, and simply just enjoying yourself! Like many makeup lovers, I love wearing a red lip in the run up to christmas. So I have finally decided to share my favourites so you are covered for the entire festive season! I wanted to share with you my top 5, but I just couldn't narrow it down! I managed to get it down to 6 lipsticks each with a variety of shades and finishes. For those of you just starting out in makeup or those that haven't yet ventured as far as a bold lip, I'd recommend the Revlon Colour Stay Lip Butter in 'Candy Apple'. It offers an easy to apply balm that adds just a touch of colour. It looks great with fresh, glory skin and simple eye makeup, and can be built up to a slightly bolder colour if desired. Also, as has a sheer finish you don't have to worry about it leaving a ring round your lips whilst eating - which is great if you're nibbling! 

If you're looking for something a little more opaque, yet still easy to apply throughout the festive season - then look no further than the NARS Satin Lip Pencils. Here I have the shade Mandore which is a gorgeous dark red. They are so creamy and there are tonnes of different shades to choose from, so if you aren't after a red you can have a look to see what else floats your boat! For something a little more long lasting, opt for a matte lipstick such as MAC's Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Ruby Woo'. It is quite a deep, sophisticated red that would go perfectly with almost any outfit. Charlotte Tilbury's Matte Revolution in 'Red Carpet Red' would also be a good option, but I don't have that particular shade in my collection yet. Ruby Woo is a bit of cult classic, and one most people tend to try out when they are looking for a new red lippy. Ruby Woo has an extremely matte finish which, if you can handle it, can switch up your look in an instant. Some people say that this lipstick is slightly drying, but I disagree. Although in the winter months, you will want to make sure your lips are properly hydrated before application. So if it is one that you reaaaaally like the look of - you can do what I do and apply a touch of lip balm whilst prepping your skin.

For a touch of luxury at a slightly cheaper cost, why not take a look at the Daniel Sandler Lipsticks. They are on a similar price level as MAC, but my oh my are they more luxurious. Here I have the shade Casablanca which a beautiful deep red. I'm 90% sure that this is the lipstick that I plan to wear on Christmas day. But I'm torn between it and the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Love Liberty - a slightly more berry toned red. The Daniel Sandler lipsticks however, are extremely hydrating and have more of a satin type finish - not matte at all! The Body Shop's Colour Crush Lipstick in 'Enraptured Red' is the one you want if you love (and I mean love) a glossy finish. I'd say it was almost like a lipgloss but without the unpleasant stickiness. It is similar in colour to the Miss Sporty Lipstick, although costs slightly more. And finally, if you aren't feeling the traditional shades of red, why not opt for something more on the berry side. The Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in '107' is one I have often reached for in the festive season. It is very similar in formula to the Daniel Sandler lipsticks, but obviously being off the high street it is a lot more affordable. Although this particular shade is one of my all time favourites, there are a couple of different toned reds in the same collection which are also well worth checking out!

If you have any recommendations, I'd love to hear them - as you all know I'm a sucker for lipsticks!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Where To Splurge, Where To Save

One of the most well argued debates in the makeup industry is the "is high end better?" debate. Now I have briefly touched on this subject before (in my 10 things I've learnt from beauty bloggers post) and mentioned that many high end brands also own drugstore/highstreet brands and therefore the products are made using similar formulations. 
But, I'm sure there are still people out there that want to have just a little touch of luxury in the lives. Soooooo, if this seems to describe you, keep on reading to hear my thoughts on which products you could splash out on and which you should save your pennies for something else. 

The general rule I tend to follow is 'how often will I use the product?'. Things like foundation usually get used up the fastest meaning that you have to repurchase it more frequently. Now I don't know about you, but I'd rather repurchase something that costs £6.99 rather than something that costs £36.99. So I try and avoid buying expensive foundations, concealers and powders now matter how amazing they sound. They could cure colds and I'd probably like to save my hard earned money for something else (waves goodbye to NARS Sheerglow and Dior Airflash foundations). 

Products I use less of or less frequently like lipstick, highlighter, blush and bronzer are the products I see the potential for spending more on. You often use less of these types of products so for the money you spend on them, the more you will get out of them. Money well spent!

Another rule I try to follow is 'will I still want to wear this in six months time?'. Theres no point splashing out on something when it's just a short lived trend. I want products that are classic and versatile. Many products have a good use-by date on them so will last you a long time if its something you really like and not something thats going to be sat in the back of a drawer gathering dust. 

What are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to spend or save?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Prime Time

Primers. Fairly old news for makeup artists and professionals, but a new and exciting cult product for everyone else. 

Being a student, I find that I wear makeup regularly for long periods of time. I apply it at 7am and it often has to last nearly 12 hours with minimal touching up.
Now I don't know about you, but when I get home I often look in the mirror and think "how long have I looked this bad?" as I look at the mascara dotted under my eyes, concealer and foundation sliding off my face and my t-zone being so shiny I could see myself in it. 
Eventually I got fed up. 

I had heard amazing reviews on The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser and decided to try it. 
Now, I don’t worry about visible pores or oily skin but recently I’ve noticed that my nose has been getting rather shiny and I thought the mattifying aspect of this would help.
It really helped smooth out the skin surface and made my makeup last considerably longer than it did before.
I wouldn't wear this over my entire face as my combination skin would then look dry in some places, but instead I apply it on my t-zone.

The YouTube and blogging community went crazy over this when it was released, and at first I didn't believe the hype. But eventually caved into buying it. Initially I was shocked by the price. I mean £14 for a tiny tube? Tad expensive. But on a summer 3 for 2 and with my student discount it worked out considerably cheaper. 
The first time I used this I was so surprised with the texture! It looked so lumpy, but I applied it anyway and was amazed! It was literally blurring my skin. I was so impressed! 
It balances the oils out on the face, giving a semi-matte finish so, for me, is highly preferable to the Tea Tree Pore Minimiser which gives a matte finish. 

What primers do you recommend? 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x