NOTD: Carbon Grey from Maybelline

MAYBELLINE CARBON GREY NAIL POLISH

Recently I have been loving nail polishes, especially dark ones. I picked up this colour on a bit of a whim in Boots when the 3 for 2 was on. I didn't expect much but this is so so pretty. It is just a grey-black colour with silver sparkles in it - perfect for Christmas! The brush on this nail polish is insane - you barely need one brush stroke to cover your whole nail! It makes painting your nails so easy, which you wouldn't think from the picture as my nails don't look that great haha.

I can't wait until the Christmas hols so I can wear nail polish everyday, currently I can only wear it on the weekends because our school is so strict about nail polish, jewellery, hair colour.. etc. But they actually don't really mind too much about make up, I can get away with a full face of MAC Studio Fix Foundation which is pretty heavy coverage and doesn't look natural at all haha!

I'm currently listening to Miley Cyrus' new(ish) album, Bangerz, and I actually quite like it, despite not really liking some of her music videos..

Thanks for reading,

Olivia

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Bourjois Colour Edition 24 hour Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadows Review & Swatches

BOURJOIS COLOUR EDITION 24 HOUR CREAM TO POWDER EYESHADOWS IN:
03 PETALE DE GLACE

05 PRUNE NOCTURNE

Bourjois are one of my favourite highstreet brands - they do such good quality products at extremely low prices. Although I have been disappointed with some products (Healthy Mix I'm looking at you!!) these eyeshadows certainly do not disappoint.

03 Petale de Glace is the champagney peachy colour which is a perfect colour to sweep over the lid and then you're good to go. The shimmer is so pretty too, it just adds a bit of sparkle, which is definitely a must around Christmas and New Year. 

05 Prune Nocturne is the browny burgundy colour. The photos aren't capturing how pretty this colour is. It is much more red toned in real life, so if you can swatch it in store you must! The red tones are very subtle and actually look nice rather than looking like you've been punched in the eye ;)

These two shadows blend together seamlessly, they have been my go-to eyeshadow look for ages now. I like to put 03 Petale de Glace all over my lid and then 05 Prune Nocturne in my outer corner and crease. If you wanted to darken it and smoke it out, you can just add more of the darker colour and it makes a really nice quick night time appropriate eyeshadow look!

The formula is definitely better than the Maybelline Colour Tattoos. The formula is more cream to powder- which I prefer. And these feel lighter on the eye than  the Maybelline ones.

I definitely want some more of these - do you have any recommendations?

Thanks for reading,

Olivia

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NEW IN: Minimalistic Watch from Born Pretty

WRIST WATCH - BORNPRETTYSTORE.COM*

I'm usually not one for jewellery as I spend most of my time in school and we are only allowed to wear watches. I had been looking for a new wrist watch for ages, and I was thinking of getting a casio but they are pretty expensive in my opinion! As you can imagine, I was over the moon when Born Pretty offered to send me one of their women's watches. I chose the Dallas Watch as I like the minimalistic look of it, the quality is so nice - especially for the price of £3.69!! Born Pretty have some amazing other wrist watches if you aren't keen on this one! My personal favourite are either the bracelet watches or the LED watches - very cool.

This watch has been getting a lot of wear out of it, and will come in handy when I've got my mock GCSE exams in January (!!) so I can keep my eye on the time without having to look up every 5 mins - anyone else feel like the invigilators are judging you?!?!

Also Born Pretty are offering 10% off Born Pretty using the code:

OLIVIAKC10

So that makes Born Pretty extremely affordable - they sell so much stuff and there is free shipping world wide too!

Thanks for reading!

Olivia 

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Barry M Matte Nail Paint 'Vanilla'

BARRY M MATTE NAIL PAINT 'VANILLA' £3.99

Hello guys, it feels like sooo long since I last blogged and I suppose it was to be honest! Since I last blogged, I have been absolutely loving nail polish, especially dark ones for winter - which is a total contrast to this one haha.

'Vanilla' is one of the newly launched Barry M Matte Nail Paints. I have raved about another one I have, called 'Crush' before on my blog as I loved it so much. The photos aren't that clear here, but as you can see it looks a little bit like Models Own Utopia which I have and love, but I just expected this to be a little more.. nude? Kind of not as purple if that makes sense. Although the formula is great and it is very chip resistant, I'm just not too keen on the colour. I'm hoping this shade will grow on me when it comes to Spring/Summer and everyone is wearing pastels again.

Overall, I do like this nail polish but I have been reaching for much wintery shades recently instead of this!

Thanks for reading,

Olivia 

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MAC Mineralise Skin Finish 'Lightscapade' Review & Swatches

MAC MINERALISE SKIN FINISH 'LIGHTSCAPADE' - £21.50
Ahhhhh I absolutely adore this highlighter. I mentioned it in my MAC Haul not too long ago and I have been loving it ever since. LIGHTSCAPADE is a lovely champagne colour with veins of blue and gold running through. It's not exactly shimmery or glittery, it just creates a glowy sheen on the skin - perfect for creating the faux glow in winter. I have really pale skin so finding highlighters that are quite cool toned and not orange is pretty hard, but LIGHTSCAPADE is perfect! You can lightly sweep this on your cheekbones for a subtle glow, or you can build it up to be quite bold highlight. This is a little pricey at £21.50 but you get 10g of product so I definitely think it's worth it as it is bound to last you ages! 

I've got my eye on the ever-so-famous Soft & Gentle - but is one of these bad boys enough?

Olivia

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Barry M Matte Nail Polish in Crush Review & Swatches

 BARRY M MATTE NAIL PAINT 'CRUSH'

When I saw the Barry M Matte collection in my local Boots store I did a little squeal of joy. I had first seen the collection on Lily Melrose's blog and loved pretty much all the shades, but this one, Crush, stood out most to me, especially for the coming autumn/winter. A very deep burgundy - almost black matte polish, what more could you want? I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the application of this, it is streak free and opaque with one coat! I did two coats out of habit, but I think one coat would have been totally acceptable. I also love how quickly this dries down, it dries to a matte finish although it has got a sort of sheen to it, which I actually really like. I prefer the formula of this nail polish to any of the other nail polishes I have tried, it's just so thick and quick drying. The quality of this nail polish (and all other Barry M polishes!) is insane for the price tag of £3.99. I've got my eye on some more of the shades (I'm looking at you, Vanilla!).

I think Barry M have really hit the nail on the head with this polish - colour, formula  and finish are all spot on!

Have you tried the Barry M Matte polishes? Are you a fan?

Olivia

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MAC Haul

MAC MINERALISE SKIN FINISH IN LIGHTSCAPADE // MAC PAINT POT IN PAINTERLY // MAC EYESHADOW IN OMEGA // MAC FIX +

"Goodbye money, hello new make up" is something I say on a regular basis nowadays. I  absolutely love the products from MAC, but not their price tag, so I only really buy things I really want or when I've got a little extra money to spend, these products were a little birthday treat to myself, and I love all of them! I won't go into too much detail about them as there will most probably be some reviews coming shortly!

MAC Mineralise Skin Finishes are very popular in the blogging community, especially the shade 'Soft & Gentle'. I haven't seen much about the one I bought, 'Lightscapade' but it is gorgeous none the less. I went for this one as I thought 'Soft & Gentle' could have been a bit too bronzey for my skin tone.

The next thing I picked up was the MAC Paint Pot in 'Painterly'. I was originally going to get 'Bare Study' but when I asked on the #BBloggers chat which one was nicer as a base under shadows, many of the girls said 'Painterly' so I opted for that one. I actually haven't got round to using this that much, but so far it's been all good, and no creasing in sight!

MAC Eyeshadow in Omega is something I have been wanting for for such a long time. The perfect eyebrow shade for blonde gals. This is pretty similar to Naked 2 from the Urban Decay Naked Palette but I really like it all the same! There will be more on this in an upcoming post.

MAC Fix+ was actually a bit of an impulse purchase. I'd seen Chloe from Glitteralittle use it and she said it kept her make up in place for ages, so I had to buy it (darn you Chloe!). I think this will last me for bloody ages as the bottle is so big!

Do you like the look of any of these things?

Olivia

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Ego Professional Straighteners

EGO PROFESSIONAL STRAIGHTENERS*

For me, straightening my hair can be a bit of a chore, which is a problem as I tend to do it quite a lot, maybe once or twice a week. Since using the Ego Professional Straighteners, it hasn't been so much of a chore but, dare I say, a pleasure. 

Packaging wise, it is beautiful. I love the ombre design on both the both and the straightener itself. It also feels very sturdy, yet looks very sleek at the same time. Would it be wrong/weird to say the colours are supposedly "bang on trend" for Autumn/Winter? Either way, I am in love with the packaging and I don't think I could sing its praises enough.

On the dial, it appears the highest temperature is 210°C but don't be fooled, with added heat boost it can go up to 220°C with the flick of a switch. I have been using it with the heat boost at 220°C because it saves time. My hair is long, thick and pretty frizzy so it often takes a long time to straighten/curl/blow dry/basically anything. With the Ego Professional Straighteners I find it takes almost half as long as it does with my usual straighteners, and it seems to me that my hair stays straighter for longer, even when using exactly the same products.

My only slight problem with this is that it doesn't tell when the straighteners have heated up to the desired temperature. It could just be me being completely blind and stupid but I can't see any indication of when it has heated up! This is a bit of a problem as you don't want to waste time - especially if you're in a rush like me most of the time. And also, you don't want to be straightening your hair on a low heat when you actually wanted a high heat.

Overall, I have been loving using these and would definitely recommend them if you're on the hunt for some new hair tools! I've never tried GHDs so I wouldn't be able to compare, but I definitely think they're worth the money!

You can buy these from Beautybay.com, QVC and Instant Beauty Fix.

Thanks for reading,

Olivia

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September Favourites

Every year I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with September. I hate summer coming to an end and having to go back to school yet towards the end of the month it's my birthday and I also love how it is the start of autumn. It's been a pretty good month for beauty products so I though I'd do a favourites post.

MAGAZINE ORGANISERS - Tesco

I had been wanting a couple of these for a while to organise my school books and make sure I'm on top of all my school work. I think I would have preferred some plain ones but I do think the cow pattern is pretty cute. There are matching storage boxes with the same pattern which I also want to buy to put some of my old books in that I will need later in the year for revision. 

RIMMEL MATCH PERFECTION FOUNDATION - Boots

I picked this up on a bit of a whim from Boots a while ago when it was on offer. My friend uses this and her skin always looks pretty healthy and glowy so if thought if give it a whirl. The shade is a pretty good match for my skin as it is pale but isn't too pinky toned. The coverage is really light but definitely buildable, I find I do kind of have to buff it in quite a bit though. The finish is very dewy but natural looking at the same time. I really like it and I may do a full review on it soon!

REAL TECHNIQUES EXPERT FACE BRUSH - Boots

I bought this brush ages ago and I absolutely loved it! I feel as though I have sort of rediscovered this in a way because it has been pushed to the side a little since I bought my eBay beauty blender. The Expert Face Brush and the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation are perfect together and I feel as high I've fallen back in love with the Expert Face brush once again!

RIMMEL GLAM EYES LASH FLIRT MASCARA - Boots

This is definitely an underrated mascara, I haven't seen much coverage of it on blogs but it is an old favourite of mine. It has a plastic wand and a formula that isn't too wet nor too dry. This just makes my lashes look so long and full! Although as this starts running out and dries up it can flake off horrendously and you will end up with black speckles all under you eyes. This mascara is relatively cheap so definitely go and check it out, I'd 100% recommend.

SYNTHETIC EYEBRUSHES (set of 4) - eBay 

These only arrived the other day but I've been absolutely loving them nonetheless. In particular these two, they blend eyeshadow out perfectly and make concealer look flawless. I haven't washed these yet though so I'll let you know how I get on with that!

URBAN DECAY NAKED BASICS PALETTE - Debenhams

I have done a post on this already here so I won't ramble in too much! But I had to include it in this months favourites because it is such a nice palette. I have got so much use out of it, even though I don't wear eyeshadow everyday. I'm thinking of doing a post showing some looks with it so is you'd like that, let me know! 

CARMEX LIP BALM - Boots

The autumn weather has already taken its toll on my lips! They have been so dry lately and this has been the only thing that seems to sort them out. I apply this so much during the day at school, and it just keeps my lips moisturised and soft. That is one of the things I hate about he colder weather: my skin is so dry!

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Topshop Glow Highlighter in Gleam Review

TOPSHOP GLOW HIGHLIGHTER IN GLEAM - Topshop, £9.00

Highlighters are a defo must have in autumn/winter for me. My skin looks a little worse for wear, dull and in desperate need of a little sun. That is when this little beauty comes in, a shimmery, sheeny bronze cream highlighter which instantly brightens your complexion. At first I thought I wouldn't like this as it could have looked a little orangey on my awfully pale skin, however it doesn't add too much of a bronzey glow, just enough to give your skin that healthy glow which it can sometimes lack during the colder months.

In terms of staying power, this is pretty good. It is very creamy so I was surprised that it lasted pretty much all day, although we have been having some warmer weather so it has been fading a lot quicker but luckily it fades very naturally and doesn't go patchy or weird.

For the price, this is definitely something to have a look at when you're next in Topshop. I've got my eye on the other shade of this (Polish) which is an icy, cooler version!

Do you like the look of this?

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A/W 2013 Wishlist

 TROUSERS - Topshop / BEANIE - Newlook / CHAIN - h&m / MAC REBEL - Debenhams / BOOTS - Topshop / CARDIGAN - River Island

First of all I want to apologise for not posting in what feels like forever, but I've had a pretty busy week with school and then had to go to a wedding in Banbury at the weekend and then it was my birthday on Monday, so that's why I haven't posted since Friday.

I have seen a few people doing Autumn wishlists so I thought I'd have a little go of doing one too. A definite pattern that has been popping up all over blogs & in shops is tartan: scarves, trousers, jumpers. I have been wanting to try out a pair of Cigarette trousers for so long after seeing a pink pair of Grace & Braver's Blog which I think was over a year ago now! I think the tartan pair are so cute although I'm not sure I could pull them off! Beanies are something that I've always wanted to buy but never have and this year I am going to make myself buy one. They are so useful for keeping your head/ears warm when it's cold and of course, hiding bad/greasy hair days! Next up is the much raved about MAC Lipstick in Rebel, it is a really deep purpley plummy colour and I can imagine it looking great in the autumn/winter months! I spoke about the next item, these boots in my post 'Battle of the Cut Out Boots' and I think I'm defo going to get these. I think they would look really cute with the tartan trousers. This cardigan doesn't really fit in with the rest as it's a light colour whereas the other items are pretty dark but I think this cardi would go with pretty much anything and it looks so comfy & cosy!

What are you lusting over for A/W 2013?

Olivia

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L'Oréal Paris Skin Perfection 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution

L'OREAL PARIS SKIN PERFECTION 3 IN 1 PURIFYING MICELLAR SOLUTION - Boots £3.33 or Superdrug 2 for £5

I had seen the L'Oréal Purifying Micellar Solution on a few blogs and all of them had pretty positive reviews, so when I walked past it in Superdrug, I just couldn't help but have a little bit of a nosey at it. At first I wasn't going to buy it but then I noticed it was on offer for 2 for £5 whereas it is usually £4.99 anyway so I thought I'd give it a go! I also put the cream version of this so there should be a review on that soon too. 

This removes make up so well, for everyday make up I can just use 1 cotton pad but for when I have more make up on, like weekends, I usually use around 2 to 3. This doesn't make your eyes sting, or your skin feel tight. This isn't the best at removing heavy-ish eye make up / waterproof mascara, but I have a separate eye make up remover so it doesn't bother me too much.  This removes face make up like a dream, it is as though it is being 'dissolved'. I have pretty sensitive skin, but I don't experience that burning sensation when using this which is definitely a plus, although my cheeks can be a little red after use. I have combination skin and this doesn't make my skin feel any oilier, but also doesn't make it feel dry, but of course I still use my moisturiser. I'm not too sure about all of the claims, especially unclogging pores - I don't think my skin has improved majorly blemish wise, although it could be work in progress.

My skin definitely feels a lot cleaner after using this, and although I haven't really seen that much of an improvement in my skin (blemish wise) I shall definitely carry on using this!

Have you tried this, what do you think?

Olivia

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eBay Bargain: False Eyelashes

10 X PAIRS OF EYELASHES - eBay £1.89 (plus free P+P)

Everyone loves an eBay bargain whether it be make up related or not, you just can't deny how affordable some of the things are. I have bought many make up things for eBay before and the majority of them have been pretty high quality! In all honesty, I am a bit sceptical about buying actual make up from ebay, (i.e foundation, mascara etc) because you don't know the ingredients and many are just unbranded. That being said, I do like make up tools like eyelashes, brushes, sponges etc etc. which brings me on to this cheeky eBay purchase, 10 pairs of eyelashes for under £2, can you believe it?! The majority of the eyelashes you see in the shops are £5+. I know with most beauty products you do get what you pay for, but I am pretty new to false eyelashes and I was just looking for some really natural ones that I could wear to a wedding that I'm going to on Saturday. I didn't want to spend loads of money, just in case they looked awful on, which is why I bought these. They are so natural looking and I love how they look on. They just make my lashes look thicker, fuller and a lot longer, but at the same time they aren't too over the top. I tried some ones from Primark ages ago and I looked ridiculous haha. As far as shipping goes, the seller is in the UK so it only took a couple of days for them to arrive, which is defo a plus! If you can, please excuse how dodgily I have applied them - I'm not used to doing it and still getting used to it! Hopefully I will have sort of mastered it by Saturday!

Do you like the look of these eyelashes?

Olivia

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Autumn Lips

KATE MOSS FOR RIMMEL LONDON LIPSTICK 107 (bottom swatch) - Boots

ME NOW LIPLINER 107 (top swatch) - Banggood.com

I know some people hate autumn and wish it could just be summer, I am completely different and although I do like summer and the hot weather, I am defo an autumn/winter gal. My birthday is on 23 September, which could explain my love for the autumn months! I also love getting all cosy when it's cold and going to the German Markets in town and drinking hot chocolate in winter, ahhhh I can't wait! Anyway, dark reds/pinks are most peoples choice of lipstick when it's this time of year, and I'm no different! In all honesty, I'm not the biggest lipstick wearer but I think I'm definitely going to be sporting this look during more dressier winter evenings and things. I did a post like this all most a year ago which you can read (more like cringe) here. 

What I like to do is first apply some lip balm so my lips stay hydrated and also to help the next product blend a little better. Next, I take my Me Now Lipliner in 007 and messily apply this all over my lips. I then take a lip brush and just kind of blend it in a little. Then, I apply the Kate Moss for Rimmel Lipstick in 107 (how great would it be if the lip liner was number 107 too? It would be like they were made for each other) straight from the bullet and blend it in with my finger. As you can see from the hand swatch, they are actually very very similar, and you could always just wear one without the other, but I think putting the lip liner on underneath helps to increase the longevity of the lipstick. The picture of the products on my lips isn't really very true to life, my camera just wouldn't pick up the colour! It's a lot more of a berry colour than it appears to be in the picture. 

I really really can't wait for the clocks to go back so it gets dark earlier and it's chillier! I can't wait until October so I can start listening to Christmas tunes ;)

What are your favourite products for Autumn?

Olivia

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