Avon Products: Lipstick & Mineral Foundation

Avon Extra Lasting Lipstick in Rose Creme, Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation in Shell.

 As I'm feeling not at all well, I thought I might as well get some blogging done before I hopefully head off to Dorset after work tomorrow! I have been asleep since I got home from work, eating and also watching some rather tasty male swimmers in the Olympics ;)- that made me feel a little better haha.

 Anyway, Avon: I have been a fan of this company since my early teens, they provide a door to door service delivering makeup which you order from a catalouge. In recent years they appear to have had a major overhaul, both in appearance and also in terms of the products they offer, with competitive prices for (I think) quite high quality items. Their Supershock gel eyeliner and mascara are best sellers and also very popular amongst the blogging/youtube community, I own both and can vouch for the hype surrounding them. Although you cannot really get an idea of the exact shades of products from the catalouge, they seem to be pretty accurate IRL, so you should be pleasantly surprised when ordering.

 I chose a long-lasting lipstick in a bright pinky red shade- Rose Creme. I'm really considering ordering a few more shades as they really do stay put, but most importantly don't dry out my lips. They are creamy and highly pigmented, I think I paid around the £3.50 mark, this was an introductory offer, but Avon seem to have these on all the time, so keep an eye out! These remind me of the MAC Sheen Supreme lipsticks, but at a fraction of the cost and offer more pigmentation. The packaging is secure and inoffensive, I can see this lasting me a very long time and also looking good worn under a lip gloss.

 I was thinking of getting the Laura Mercier mineral powder foundation, but I thought I would try a more affordable version and see if my skin approved. I think the only downside to this product is the amount which is dispensed- not a lot comes out at first, certainly not enough to provide the level of coverage my skin needs. It is buildable though, so after a good shake I can get enough powder to provide a nice even skintone. I use my Real Techniques buffing brush to apply this in light layers. My skin has benefitted from using this, it's certainly a lot lighter than my MAC/Estee Lauder foundations and also seems to have good staying power if set with some additional powder. This shade is a touch too orange for me, I have quite fair skin, so I think ordering down a shade might have been better. Overall a good way to get into mineral foundations, I do recommend it if you're looking for something lighter on the skin and also an affordable alternative to the higher-end brands. Avon is the way forward! Makeup shopping from the comfort of your own home- what's not to love?!

X.

currently: clothes & tea cup prints

Morrocan candle holder- Homebase.

Burt's Bees lip balm in Mango, Flora by Gucci EDT.

Zara skull tank, Topshop knit, AA Disco Pants, AX Paris skull shirt.

M&S undies!

How amazing is the print?! Tea cups!

 Just some things I have accumulated recently over the past few weeks. I have managed to spend most of my money and have very little to live on until payday. Sigh, stupid car tax and mots! I caved and got the disco pants though, I'm not quite sure how I feel about them at the moment, they make my bum look better however haha! I got the 50ml of Gucci for...£9. I kid you not. It was half price where I work and with my staff discount it was under a tenner! It lasts a surprisingly long time for an EDT, worth the money for sure.

 Today I am putting lots of stuff on ebay, and trying to have a syn free day on slimming world after scoffing my way through Wimbledon yesterday- what a match!?! Actually I also had a ridiculous amount of cake at work this past week, not sure those 2lbs I put on last week have gone anywhere...oopsy.

 How nice is that bra?? I love it! It's a special Jubilee celebration range M&S are doing and it's instore now if like me, you are a tea addict. I love M&S underwear, it fits properly and lasts ages.

 I also got my hair done the other day (hmm now I know where my money went), it's being bleached and toned a platinum silvery shade next month, using a brand new Loreal toner so I'm really looking forward to that. Love having freshly dyed hair :)

 Off to watch some tv now and wallow in my day off, look up some haunted hotels in York to stay in with Adam in October, drink more tea and maybe have a sneaky nap. But the Avon catalouge arrived this morning, it'd be rude not to have a peek!

X.

Liz Earle Colour

*I am only reviewing the Sheer Skin Tint and the Cream Blush, there are a lot more products in the range from Lip gloss to Bronzer, but I have not yet come across those/bought any. I paid for the blush with my own money, and the Skin Tint samples came with it. I am basing my review on these after trialing them for over two weeks.

 These products are my first experiences of the new makeup collection recently launched by Liz Earle, and after the success of their skincare range, I had very high hopes. Perhaps too high... I had been keen to try out a cream blusher for a while, so I went for a Liz Earle one. Usually I read how much product you receive for your cash, but on this occasion I failed to. For your money you get 2 grams of product, compared to 6 grams from mac for a very very similar price. I do feel a little cheated in that respect, but I'll admit it was something I should have checked beforehand. Lesson learned.
 The colour I chose was 04 (Rose), a very beautiful dark, dusky pink. I am impressed with the actual product, it applies well and I can build up the intensity of it easily. The formula is very creamy and lasts well on my skin, it can also be used as a matte lip colour which looks very pretty (dry lip sufferers beware! Use some lip balm beforehand!). Overall I love this blush, but I think I will look for a cheaper alternative in a similar shade when I use it up. If this was even £5 cheaper then I would give it top marks, but the pricing and quantity for money really lets it down for me.  

 Onto the Sheer Skin Tint. I was really excited to hear about this launch, finally a foundation from my favourite skincare company! Liz Earle are sending out quite generously sized samples of every shade with orders, you can try the samples out at home to find the best match for you, minimising disappointment if you buy online. Genius! I wish more companies offered this service. They also send you a colour chart with every single shade pictured for every product (see top picture).
 There are currently four shades available: Fair skin tones, Medium, Medium to Dark and Dark. In the pictures I have swatched them from fairest to darkest, in natural daylight. The keyword surrounding this product is in the name...Sheer. From the product information I gathered that you could achieve a reasonable amount of coverage, not so. If you have good skin or are in the search of a nice tinted moisturiser then this will be for you. However, even the dark didn't really look... dark, it came out rather orange. I tried the lightest shade, and then had to apply the medium as the light one sank into my skin and disappeared, it didn't correct any uneven skintone, it simply vanished! The medium was a little better, but no way would this cover blemishes. As an acne sufferer I want coverage, and lots of it!
 I was hoping this would be the answer to my foundation issues, light but buildable coverage for the warmer months, moisturising, and able to even out any redness. But for me, it just doesn't work, I'll be sticking to my mac Studio Fix fluid for now. I think this really is aimed at people with good skin, who require the minimum amount of coverage possible. Don't get me wrong, it is a lovely product but for the right person, and that sadly isn't me.

 I am keen to try more of this range, the bronzer looks promising and the lip products have some lovely shades. Hopefully Liz Earle might in the future make a foundation? Please?!

 Have you tried any of the Colour range? What are your thoughts?

X.

Leopard print & studs

 
 My studded collar shirt arrived from ebay so I thought I'd show it on here! I like to wear it under jumpers and tuck it in as it's a little big for me. My leopard print creepers also arrived but I think I might have to return them as they are a little small :( I'm hoping to find some more that are just as nice. There were some in Office but they are all sold out apart from size 5, typical!

 I'm having a day off work today, in fact I'm only working two days this week which is nice, then I'll be off to Dorset at the weekend to have a nice long weekend with Adam and hopefully visit some nice places :) I've got slimming world tonight, I'm half a pound away from my one and a half stone award, and I'm not sure I'll get it this week as I had quite an indulgent weekend haha ;)

Some stuff from mac arrived the other day, so I might spend today taking some pictures of it to post on here, and I might do a red lip product post as I've been enjoying wearing that type of thing recently.

 I also picked up my Pentax film camera again the other day after neglecting it for ages, I only have about six pictures to take before it needs developing. I also need to take advantage of having my other scanner before my brother takes it away, for some reason my Kodak scanner doesn't work properly. I might look into a cheap colour scanner that works with a mac. Any suggestions?

X.

what I bought today

Shorts: Levi's via Urban Outfitters, Initial Necklace Pendant: as before, Barry M Liquid Eyeliner in Black, Essie polishes in Watermelon, Turquoise & Calicos, Mink Muffs (haha, as shown above), Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes toning shampoo & conditioner, Maybelline Super Stay 10 hour tint gloss in Endless Ruby.

 Didn't find any shoes today so I've ordered the Topshop ones I liked online as I tried another version on in a different colour, so fit wise they should be fine :) I have wanted some black cut offs for ages, but after no success in finding some old Levis to customise in any charity shops, I caved and bought some from UO. I'll be hunting down some studs to put on the side/back pockets, as ready studded ones are so expensive, there were some for £85 in UO, who is going to pay that amount??? Crazy. 

 I also popped into Boots and got a few things, my old eyeliner is nearly dead so a backup one was a must have and I wanted another Essie polish (I sense a little addiction developing here...) I went for a weird shade, I seem to gravitate towards ugly, sort of natural shades, but I love 'em! This one's name made me chuckle too...it looks a little like a plummy chocolate on the nails and took two coats. I rather like it, it gives my nails quite a sophisticated look ;)

 I also picked up a lip stain product, I am loving stuff like this at the moment, so much easier to wear and apply than a normal lipstick, plus it's nice to layer under lipsticks and helps them wear off so much better, this one is lovely and I may do a little post on my lip stain collection.

 My mum bought me the initial pendant, I spotted it ages ago and it was originally £16 (UO WHY YOU SO PRICEY??) every time I went in I would check if it was still there or if it was discounted, but no luck. Today however I didn't bother checking, paid for my shorts and my mum appeared with the necklace and insisted on treating me, what a lovely person!

Hoping my shoes and hair dye arrive soon! I'm also waiting for a book on vintage hair styles so I can practice for when Goodwood Revival comes around, should be a pro by then ;)

X.

payday treats

I. Got paid (feels like forever since my last paycheck whooooo!), so I had some cash to fritter away (although I'm meant to be looking for a nice wedding outfit, cough cough), anyway might have got that sorted as I'm going to see my bf this weekend and dragging him off shopping! ;)

II. First up is the Loreal Telescopic Mascara, heard some very good things about this so expectations are high! There was a "2 for £14" deal on, as the mascara is £10.99 on it's own it was a good opportunity to get some more goodies...

III...which brings me to my second item: Colour Riche lipstick in Red Passion (or Cheryl's red as touted on the annoying adverts), I wasn't looking for another red but none of the other shades really grabbed me- all a little frosty looking with a massive amount of shimmer. This has surprised me, it's a nice, wearable red, there is shimmer but nothing too offensive and it's in no way drying on the lips. Very pleased since it only cost me £3 instead of £8- definitely not really worth that much!

IIII. My final purchase is probably my favourite- the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze- I have been hunting for this for absolutely ages, all gone in the big stores! I didn't expect this to be stocked in my little local Boots but there it was, and there was one left, so I grabbed it! It's very very similar to the mac paint pots, which I adore, and the container is also very familiar- very sturdy and made of thick glass with a screw top lid. The product isn't as thick in texture compared to my mac offering, but this stuff doesn't budge, even scrubbing it in a hot shower only just managed to remove it, although I think my Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish might be up to the job ;) Anyway, I'm really looking forward to using this and seeing if it can last more than 8 hours (not going to be sleeping in my makeup to test the 24hr claim thankyou!)

V. So looking forward to this weekend and some much needed retail therapy, also going to be using ebay to make me some more cash- I've only just recovered from the last lot of stuff I sold on there, I had a lot of trouble with royal mail and some very nasty buyers who desperately needed an attitude transplant...anyway, roll on Saturday afternoon and two days of freedom!!

X.

the Red lip

Shade No 2- Power by Poppy King for No7.

Picked this up with my £5 off No7 voucher 2 weeks ago and already I've worn it loads. I thought I didn't suit a red lip but this has made me think again. It's a very pinky based red, moisturising, and can be built up into a deeper, intense shade. No lip liner needed, and it's never feathered on me :) This retails for around £11 (full price), but if you have a spare voucher then this product is really worth a look. Next time this promotion is on I'm definitely going to pick up another shade. Win.

Got my Glossybox today, well worth the wait!

X.

Relics to Ruins

L-R: Shroom, Espresso, Beauty Marked, All That Glitters

Melba

This awaited my arrive home from work yesterday, made my day. I'm aiming to build up a 15 palette, but a quad will do for now- LOVE all the colours. Don't let Beauty Marked fool you- it's actually more of a charcoal on the skin with hardly any shimmer, but still beautiful- much easier to wear than an all over black lid. Zoom Lash is something I want to own in full size- separates my lashes perfectly and doesn't end up down my lower lid at the end of the day- totally recommend! Melba is for me, a less coral version of Benefit's Coralista, it stays amazingly well on my skin and doesn't wear off easily, something that I found Coralista does.
Went Christmas shopping on Monday- spent an obscene amount of cash and only bought two presents- the rest for myself...OOPS. Will show everything I got on here soon I expect. I didn't buy anything at Urban Outfitters, wayyyyy too pricey although I could have happily bought the whole shop- might have to beg for a few things for Xmas, including the Diana Lomography camera- amazing.

It's my brother's birthday tonight, so I've been making one of my infamous chocolate cakes, complete with wonky smartie writing haha! Time to get fat!

X.

MUA Eyeshadows

£1 each at Superdrug. L-R: Shade 30 & 11.

I picked these up on a whim whilst in a Superdrug last week, there isn't a store near where I live, so if I visit one then I have a through snoop. To be honest, I prefer high end cosmetics over cheap and cheerful products, but these are brilliant value (some go into the sale for 20p...) and they really are good beauty products. The one on the right (11) is my favourite, providing a sheer wash of colour that's also buildable, with minimal glitter, even though it looks very shimmery. The shade on the left (30)  is quite orange on the skin, but again, can be built up into quite an intense gold. For a quid each you can't go wrong. Although I will always favour MAC etc, these shadows will end up forming part of my make up bag staples. They last a surprisingly long time too, dare I say it, longer than my MAC shadows...?! I will be looking for a few more, hopefully in matte shades when I next go into a Superdrug.
Overall, if you're looking for a quick fix, bank balance friendly beauty product, one that has staying power and a good amount of pigment, then I would really recommend these :)

X.

All Hallows

Happy Halloween!! I love this time of year, been getting into it by carving a pumpkin I grew myself and making it into an evil witch, complete with ropey hair and hat! I was considering zombie-fying myself to show all the little trick or treaters how it's done, but I have to take my dad to the hospital later so it might be wise to give it a miss, or risk getting sectioned...


Got paid the other day (YESSS) so I bought myself some makeup I've had my eye on for a while, plus a Topshop sequin cross skirt (how appropriate for today) and a jumper from Dorothy Perkins.

VO5 MIRACLE CONCENTRATE ELIXIR, GARNIER BB CREAM, MUA EYESHADOWS IN SHADE 30 & 11, COLLECTION 2000 BIG FAKE MASCARA.

MUA SHADOWS IN 30 & 11. £1 EACH AT SUPERDRUG.

GARNIER BB CREAM IN LIGHT. £7.99 AT SUPERDRUG.

TOPSHOP SEQUIN CROSS SKIRT. £32.99. TOPSHOP.

AS ABOVE.

Sorry about the last two pictures, I'm considering getting a tripod. Surface heights and the light in my room just doesn't cut it. More on the makeup at a later date.

Mr Pumpkin, you are truely evil...

Have a great Halloween!

X.