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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Battle Of The Cut Out Boots

L-R

TOPSHOP MAJESTIC BOOTS, TOPSHOP MADAM BOOTS, H&M LEATHER BOOTS

I have been seeing more and more of these cut out style boots cropping up, whether it be on blogs, in shops, or on actual people. Okay, so the title is a tad dramatic but still, I have no idea which ones to go for! I've been looking for a pair for a while after seeing the Topshop Arabel boots on Lily Melrose's blog a few months ago. I wasn't prepared to pay £70 odd, even though I knew I'd get so much wear out of them and they'd be amazing quality, I just didn't have that kind of money to spend! Since then I've been on the hunt for a cheap-ish pair, and these are my top 3. First up are the TOPSHOP MAJESTIC BOOTS. I like a flat heel so they aren't too clompy so these definitely fit that requirement. I really like these but they just seem too.. plain?! I don't know what it is about them. They are 100% leather and retail for £45 so not bad in my opinion! Next up is another one from Topshop, the TOPSHOP MADAM BOOTS. I first saw these on Lydia from FashionInFlux's blog (which I love) and instantly wanted them! I don't know if they'll be too cut-outy for winter, so they won't keep my feet warm, if you get me? But I still adore them! They're around £38 which again is pretty amazing for Topshop! Next up is a pair from H&M. On the website they say they are online exclusive which I'm pretty annoyed about as I'd like to try them on but still these are soooo pretty! I'm not too sure if they'd be too clompy though? But I do like the buckles on this pair! Again being around the £40 they're definitely a bargain! These are also 100% leather too. 

I'm really not sure which pair to get, what do you think? 

Olivia

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Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette Review & Swatches

L-R venus, foxy, walk of shame, naked 2, faint, crave

URBAN DECAY NAKED BASICS - Debenhams, £20
I know I'm a bit late to jump on the bandwagon with this one but when everyone was raving about it earlier on it the year, it just wasn't something I was interested in. A few months down the line and this was on the top of my lust list! There is a lot more hype surrounding the Naked 1 & 2 palettes, but for someone who isn't all that fond of using eyeshadows, I thought this would be a better option.

The Naked Basics Palette comes with 6 shades - 5 matte and 1 shimmer. All of them are pretty pigmented, although I do find Foxy has probably the least pigmentation out of all of them, as you may be able to see in the swatches above. All the shades are neutral and so wearable, which I really like as I know I will get so much use out of this palette! The shadows are so buttery and easy to blend, and actually very versatile. Venus & Foxy are both amazing inner corner/brow highlights, W.O.S is a perfect all over the lid colour, Naked 2 is good at a soft defined crease (or something??) along with Faint if you want to smoke it up a little, and Crave is the perfect liner!

The price of this palette, in my opinion, is very reasonable. I really wanted some MAC shadows but I'm so glad I got this palette and saved myself a couple of pennies (although satin taupe is still on my list)! I don't have many eye brushes so I definitely want to invest in some, I know the MAC 217 brush is a holy grail blending brush but I don't think I'll be splashin da cash on that just yet - so if you have any alternatives / dupes, please let me know!!

I haven't had time to put a proper look together using all the shades and take photos, but I'm thinking of doing a separate post showing some looks, maybe 'Three Looks w/ One Palette' or something, what do you think?

Hope you're having a good start to the week, surprisingly mine hasn't been too bad although I have history first period tomorrow so it could all change!

Oooh I also have a new Instagram, @oliviaroses_ so I'd love it if you could give that a follow!

Olivia

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Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil in Vanilla Sky

COLLECTION WORK THE COLOUR EYESHADOW PENCIL IN VANILLA SKY 

£3.19 - Boots

The Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil in Vanilla Sky was a total impulse purchase for me whilst browsing my local boots. I swear I can't walk past a Boots and not buy anything! In my defence, it was pretty hard to resist as it was on offer for £2.50! Unfortunately that offer has now ended but it is on a buy one get one half price offer, which is still pretty good if you think about it. I have wanted to try out an eyeshadow pencil for ages, since the hype around the Clinique Chubby Stick Tint for eyes, but I thought the price was a bit steep and although so many highstreet brands have brought out cheaper versions, I have only just got round to trying one out now!

I have the Collection Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencil in Vanilla Sky which is a shimmery white shade. There aren't any big chunky pieces of glitter and it applies really smoothly onto the eyelid and blends like a dream! For me, the shade is a little too shimmery and bright to be worn on the eyelid alone, but used as a base under other eyeshadows it looks amazing, it also stays put all day and doesn't crease, which is definitely a plus! I do really enjoy using this as an inner corner highlight and on the waterline, it really makes my eyes look a lot brighter!

My only slight concern with this product is that it isn't a twisty pencil so you do have to sharpen it, which I do find a bit annoying because who owns a massive pencil sharpener?! It also wastes product, although this isn't exactly expensive so it's not a massive deal, just a bit of hassle really! I did try to take pictures of this on my eyes but the photos just weren't giving this pencil justice, so now I just have a load of selfies on my camera ;)

Have you tried any of these Work The Colour Eyeshadow Pencils, which one do you like the look of? I've definitely got my eye on the shade Hot Chocolate!

Olivia

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Callie Rose Accessories

infinity charm bracelet*
make a wish charm bracelet*
callie rose accessories

How gorgeous are these bracelets? I love the simplicity of them and how they go with everything I decide to throw on. I'm not one for loads and loads of jewellery and will often just keep the same stuff on all the time. Recently I have been alternating between the Make A Wish charm bracelet and the Infinity charm bracelet. I love the little 'MADE WITH LOVE' tag on the Infinity bracelet, it's a really nice touch! These bracelets are really quite dainty and I haven't seen many about in shops, so I'd definitely take a look at the Callie Rose Accessories website where everything is such a bargain! I'm currently lusting over the Wishbone earrings to match the bracelet!

Now that it's back to school time and at my school we have a no jewellery policy (unless you want to do lunch duty.. no thanks!) I'm hoping to hide the Infinity charm bracelet by keeping my blazer sleeves down, and also smuggle in the Make A Wish bracelet by wearing it an an anklet, which I have been doing over the summer and looks so cute!

Have you tried anything from Callie Rose Accessories?

Olivia

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*pr sample

Brand Spotlight: Derma V10

Sexy Messy Hair Salt Spray*

Q10 Innovations Day Cream*

Fake Tan Wipes*

Light Tinted Eye Roll On w/ Caffeine*

Q10 Innovations Deep Cleansing Milk*

Q10 Innovations Revitalising Toner*

SEXY MESSY HAIR SALT SPRAY 

Possibly my favourite from the bunch, this salt spray is amazing at creating some texture in my hair. It has a really nice scent to it and doesn't make your hair look greasy or oily if you spray it in your roots to give a little extra volume. Although summer is almost over, it's great at giving that 'beachy waves' look. The only downside is that using any kind of salt spray isn't going to be any good for your hair so using a good conditioner or hair mask will hopefully keep it healthy! I really like the Aussie 3 Minute Miracle one - it makes your hair feel so soft!

Q10 INNOVATIONS DAY CREAM

Going from one end of the scale to another, this is probably my least favourite. I'm not overly fussy with moisturisers, as long as they don't break me out and they do the job then it's all good. But this moisturiser smells so strongly of bar soap (the dove one in particular) which put me off a bit. I gave it a go nonetheless and I wasn't pleasantly surprised, it almost burned my skin if that makes sense? It made go red and feel tight, which is not what you want in a moisturiser! I didn't give it another go after that!

FAKE TAN WIPES

If you know me, you'll know I'm as white as a sheet! So fake tan is often something I'm excited to try and use but then I give up on it after a while! Does anyone else find that keeping up a faux tan is such high maintenance? Sometimes I just simply can't be bothered! You may be thinking that these fake tan wipes would probably just go streaky and you'd end up with orange hands, but you're wrong. The wipe form (?) makes it easy to apply and the colour actually is quite natural looking! As far as streaks go, these aren't too bad but there's no colour guard so you really have to be careful! As long as you wear gloves, there are no orange hands in sight!

LIGHT TINTED EYE ROLL ON WITH CAFFEINE

I've never tried one of these so I wasn't too sure what too expect. It applies the product with a roller ball which is really cooling under the eyes and reduces some of the puffiness. Although the actual colour is a bit dark for my skin, it blends in fine with my foundation. It is quite light so doesn't have much coverage, but because it is so light it means it doesn't crease nor does it settle into any fine lines! I think this will come in really handy for those early mornings when I'm back at prison school!

Q10 INNOVATIONS DEEP CLEANSING MILK
I'm a bit of n00b when it comes to skincare ;) I don't really know much about it, and I'm not keen on spending a lot of money on it, despite having awful skin. This cleanser removes make up like a dream, even waterproof mascaras! I don't really feel like this does much for my skin, but it takes off my make up well!

Q10 INNOVATIONS REVITALISING TONER
Just before I was about to use this, I thought 'what does a toner even do?' like I said, I have no idea. After a quick google, I used it, expecting excess oil to be removed and pores to be shrunk! For me, this did a good job at removing any make up that hadn't been removed but I can't say my pores had shrunk! I don't think I will be using this again, it is a bit of a waste of time as it didn't exactly do anything for me..

All products can be found from Poundland, B&M, Quality Save & Home Bargains.

Have you tried anything from Derma V10?

Olivia

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*pr sample