Thursday 31 July 2014

July Favourites Round-up


Wow the months are just whizzing by!

july favourites beauty blog round up

This month I have been loving...

Garnier Spray Mist Sunscreen


garnier ambre solaire dry mist sunscreen spf50

 With the sun having his hat on in the uk, i've been using this sunscreen spray. It's so light and easy to use without feeling greasy. Has a pleasant smell but not overpowering. I use this on my face as-well as body. SPF 50 in the form of a mist, can hardly tell your wearing it, there's no white streaks and rubs in nicely. 

MAC Chatterbox Lipstick
MAC chatterbox lipstick review swatches beauty blog

Since buying I have been wearing this every opportunity I get! It's a lovely pop of pink.
Lovely Amplified formula and of course recognisable vanilla scent.


Origins Clear Improvement 
Active Charcoal Clay Mask 
Origins Clear Improvement  Active Charcoal Clay Mask review
This month i have had a few breakouts, you know those annoying ones that are under the skin. Eek! So have been doing this clay mask twice a week. 
Have to say really like this mask, it's not at all drying and leaves your skin feeling lovely and soft. Along side my trusty effaclar duo+ and pixi glow toner, they are starting to clear up. fingers crossed!

Cocoa Brown 1 hour Tan.


cocoa brown 1 hour tan mousse self tan review

I'm not usually a self tan kinda girl but with the sun popping out to say hello, my milk bottle legs need to make an appearance so have been softening the blow with this self tan mouse. 
Love it, doesn't smell at all like tanner or biscuits instead has a pleasant flowery scent to it. Easy to use in a mouse formulation and gives a light tan depending on how long you leave it on for. I apply using a tan mitt, leave for about 2 hours then just rinse off to reveal a subtle glow.

Tv:


Orange is the new black #OITNB tv series netflix

Have finished the 2nd season of Orange is the New Black...desperately awaiting season 3!! Did you know that there is a book? and that it's actually based upon a true story?!!

Currently watching season 4 of Nurse Jackie, loving new girl and tv series the honourable woman and Utopia have me gripped!

Books: 
Jane Green tempting fate book
 Sophie Kinsella I've got you're number book review reading this month

Have finished Tempting Fate by Jane Green. As well as Sophie Kinsella I've got you're number. Go me! Enjoyed them both very much. I've got your number left me smiling from ear to ear, that's all i'm going to say! 
Now starting to read Shopaholic ties the knot by Sophie Kinsella. 
I read the secret dreamworld of a shopaholic ages ago long before the film and absolutely loved it.
Becky Bloomwood is a girl with similar interests to me shopping! Only mine is of-course beauty shopping!!

Very much looking forward to this next month of August as it's my birthday!! Yay!
Birthday months are always the best! Also I have a beauty shopping spree planned when I head down to London to visit my lovely sister.

So far I have:
Kiko
Beauty Mart in Topshop
John and Bell Pharmacy
Pixi
Muji - Will need to top up my storage!
That's if i can find them, my navigation skills are not the best!!

Any recommendations, would love to hear them....or products i need to try out... let me know in the comments.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Friday 25 July 2014

MAC CC Neutralize Powder Review

MAC 
Prep + Prime
'CC' 
Colour Correcting Compact 
in
'Neutralize' 
Review

Mac CC Colour Correcting Compact neutralize review swatch

I picked up the yellow toned powder, simply because I suffer from redness on my face especially my cheeks. Yellow counteracts this and helps to neutralize pink or red tones.

Mac CC Colour Correcting Compact neutralise beauty blog neutralize

Mac CC Colour Correcting Compact neutralize powder 
You would be forgiven for being a bit scared when looking at the colour in the pan as it is a very yellow colour....think simpsons!! 

However when swatched and applied onto the skin it is a lovely finely milled subtle shade almost transluscent that helps cover up and counter act any redness or discolouration. Don't worry you won't end up looking like Marge Simpson!!



Mac CC Colour Correcting Compact reduce redness rosacea

It is sheer, almost translucent so doesn't really add much colour but instead creates an invisible veil that helps illuminate, neutralize redness and prevent oiliness throughout the day. So can be used as a setting powder or finishing powder.

Is in a pressed powder form, within a compact which houses a mirror so is absolutely great for touch-ups when out and about.
So if like me you suffer from redness, rosacea then this would be a great finishing powder to set your make-up.
I like to use my Real Techniques Stippling brush to apply this to my cheeks, nose area and chin. Sort of push the powder onto the skin. 
Doesn't go cakey and can be touched up throughout the day.
It was difficult to take a swatch picture that showed up clearly, as it is so sheer and almost translucent!

Have you tried any of the MAC prep and prime CC powders? What did you think?

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Tuesday 22 July 2014

No7 Make Up Brush Cleanser Quick fix How to & Review


The product I use to cleanse my make up brushes in between a deep clean is the No7 Make Up Brush Cleanser

Did you know Boots No7 did a cleanser? 

I found out last time Boots had their No7 voucher I saw this and was able to use the voucher towards it! 
Really glad I did, as it is easy to use and ensures my brushes are hygienic and ready to use.
Leaves them feeling lovely and soft.


This is a on the spot cleansing, quick fix brush cleanser that removes the particles of make-up that build up, removes bacteria and eye-shadow colours. 
As well as ensuring they are germ free too. Suitable for synthetic and natural fibre brushes.
You get a big 185ml, a little bit goes a long way. It has a pump top that you can turn to close. Smell isn't overbearing at all and is gone once the brush dries.


How to use:
I spray 1 or 2 pumps onto a cotton pad or kitchen towel, then I swirl the bristles of the brush a few times. 
You can see all the make-up and dirt build up on the cotton pad.
I then set down and allow it to dry for a minute or two. 

Once dry, the brush is ready to use.
Highly recommend this cleanser for cleaning your make-up brushes in between a thorough deeper clean. Ensuring your brushes remain bacteria, product and residue free. 

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Saturday 19 July 2014

My 100th Blog Post Round-up


My 100th post!!


Can't quite believe I have posted 100 blog posts!!

Just want to say a big thank you to all my lovely followers and readers. I am so lucky to have found my blogging niche and to enjoy all aspects of putting together a post for my little blog. From shopping for beauty products, taking photos, editing / cropping said photos as well as scrambling together my thoughts about beauty & skincare to type out for you guys!
I hope that some of my reviews and posts have been useful. I always research a product before buying and I would like to think that someone else looks to me for that final push to buy!!

Over this past year, focusing on my blog really has seen me through some sad times, tough times as well as some personal struggles. My blog has been a shining beacon though-out!!

The comments I receive, really do make my day and are guaranteed to put a smile on my face. Everyone in the blogging community has been so friendly, welcoming and helpful. Especially when i'm having meltdowns over putting together my Facebook page, Blog buttons, html code and banners!.... Don't even get me started on social icons!! 
That was a stressful few days!

It has been a huge and I mean huge learning curve for me. Not just technical but i also feel i have grown in other ways too confidence in my abilities as well as sometimes stepping outside of my comfort zone.......... To find out it's really not all that bad after all! Red lipstick i'm looking at you!!

So thank you for reading and hope you continue to enjoy the content I produce. I have especially enjoyed joining in the twitter chats hosted throughout the week. Fellow bloggers have been so kind, helpful and encouraging. Last of all i want to say a big thank you to my friends and family who have been so supportive.
Especially my little sister Claire, who without her encouragement I know I wouldn't have had the confidence to click 'Publish'

Finally i thought i would do a little round-up of my blog posts for you to enjoy:

My Favourite Post: Of course has to be.... this one featuring Bare Minerals

My most viewed post of all time: This one featuring Nars

Close second with this one featuring Clinique

My website published post: Papaya Paw Paw Balm
Which you can view on their Website: Papayagold

My Favourite photos: I really enjoy taking all the photos and playing with different props and backgrounds. So am going to say this post because it took me LOTS of attempts to take a picture that I could actually use of my eyes!! 
MAC Eye-Shadow Quad

Most comments on a post: 
Bare Minerals The Dream Sequence

My Sister's Fave post:
Maybelline Colour Tattoos

So that's my 100 posts round up, hope you enjoyed this little trip down archive lane.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Friday 18 July 2014

MAC 217 Eye-shadow Blending Brush Review

The MAC brush you need in your life.....

MAC 217 eyeshadow blending brush

The MAC 217 is by far the best eye-shadow blending brush I have tried.


MAC 217 eye-shadow blending brush

 I was umming and ahrring whether to get this brush about a year ago now. 
The main thing that put me off was the price for one brush, but having used it every time I wear eye-shadow then I think it has paid for itself really. Plus I ended up waiting until Debenhams do their 10% off beauty so got it a little cheaper. I am so glad I did, wish I had got it sooner!!
MAC 217 blending brush review

What did I do before I had this brush??.....
 I must just have been walking around with un-blended bad eye-shadow!! 
I honestly could not be without it now.... if I think I have lost it, I go into a panic mode and search frantically!! 

MAC 217 brush review

best eye-shadow blending brush

MAC 217 pictures
This brush just does all the work for you. Has fine densely packed fibres that form a sort of oval shape. So soft and fluffy you can use it to apply eye-shadow to the lid, blend in the crease as well as apply inner corner highlighter and brow highlight. 
Makes light work of applying eye make-up.

MAC eyeshadow 217 brush

Have you tried the MAC 217 blending brush? 

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Tuesday 15 July 2014

MAC Chatterbox Lipstick Swatch & Review

MAC 
Chatterbox Lipstick
Swatch & Review

MAC Chatterbox amplified lipstick review swatches beauty blog

This is a really pretty bright pink lipstick but not a bold in your face more of a subtle pop of bright. 

Sunday 13 July 2014

Stella by Stella McCartney Perfume Review

STELLA 
by Stella McCartney 
Perfume Review


Stella Perfume is such a lovely refreshing fragrance to wear.
A perfect all rounder, for day or night. Whatever the occasion.

Saturday 12 July 2014

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer Review


Been on the look out for a matte bronzer without sparkles and glitter in.
I want to look tanned not like a disco ball!!
Saw that this bronzer had lots of rave reviews, so thought I'd give it a try myself and let you know what I think in a review.

Too faced milk chocolate soleil matte bronzer contour review swatch

First of all the packaging is so cute it reminds me of a giant chocolate coin!
Upon opening, the gorgeous scent of chocolate just hits you mmmmm!! 
Not in a sickly way just a subtle wave of sweetness.

Too faced milk chocolate soleil matte bronzer contour review swatch

I picked the colour Light/Medium which is just the perfect shade for my ivory / light skin tone.

Too faced milk chocolate soleil matte bronzer contour review swatch

Not orange, muddy or dirty looking. A healthy tan shade. That is matte and glitter-less!!

Too faced milk chocolate soleil matte bronzer contour review swatch

Has a mirror inside the lid, perfect for touch-ups on the go. 
Sleek sturdy, compact design just slips into a make-up bag.

Too faced milk chocolate soleil matte bronzer contour review swatch

This is such a lovely bronzer to use, it is so subtle can be used all over the face to add a sun-kissed look or built up for contouring the cheekbones.

The scent alone makes me smile when applying this. Not that noticeable once on the face though, more's the pity!
Next time you are at a Too Faced counter, smell this bronzer.. I challenge you not to smile when doing so!

If applying all over my face for a bronzed look, I use my real techniques powder brush or if contouring I use my real techniques contour brush.

Summer sunshine in a compact with an added bonus of a chocolate scent.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Friday 11 July 2014

Glamour Latest in Beauty Box Summer Edit

The GLAMOUR Beauty Edit

Glamour magazine have teamed up with 'latest in beauty' for a seasonal beauty box available for £16.95 including p&p.

I have previously reviewed their Spring edition here

This is the Summer Beauty Box review.


I was excited to purchase this box simply because all the products really appealed to me.
I have never tried Illamasqua make-up, so the fact it included a full size lipstick was a plus. The magnifibre lashes sound interesting, plus a quick google I discovered that this alone is worth £16! Contains the new BB instant tan from Rimmel ... and lots more exciting products! So all in all fantastic value.


Inside the box you get:

 





Illamasqua Glamore Lipstick
'Starkers'
Illamasqua glamore lipstick swatch review nude shades starkers



Satin finish and hydrating on the lips. A lovely creamy nude, full size lipstick. 
This is the first launch of the 'Glamore Nude Collection' lipsticks, which are available to buy from the 10th July 2014. Priced at £18.50! It is definitely worth picking up this box as the lipstick alone is more than the price of this beauty box delivered to your door!!

Magnifibres
Brush on false lashes
Magnifibres Brush on false lashes lengthen review
Basically these are false lashes without the glue and mess! 
Natural brush on fibres lengthen the lashes and make them appear longer and fuller.
Can be used with all types of mascara. This full size is worth £16 itself!!

Rimmel Sun Shimmer Instant Tan BB Cream

 Rimmel BB sun shimmer instant tan swatch medium matte

New from Rimmel their instant tan in a bb cream for an all over healthy glow and tan. With a matte finish and wash off formula.



Velvotan mitt.

velvotan mitt review
 
A great way to ensure a streak free finish to your false tan. I'm excited to use this with my cocoa brown tanning mouse. Love the fact it is purple.. my favourite colour!




Hawaiian Tropic Sun Protection SPF 30

hawaiian tropic sun protection sunscreen cream spf 30


Have not tried this brand of spf before but smells just like a holiday in a bottle! 
Will be using this summer.

DHC Cleansing oil

DHC Cleansing olive oil facial cleanser

Really enjoy using cleansing oils to clean my face, at the moment i have the body shop one on the go but will definitely be trying this one out as it contains olive oil. A nice size for travelling too!

Tony & Guy Volume Plumping Whip

Toni & Guy plumping hair whip

Anything to add volume at the roots, will be giving this a try.

Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Varnish
in
'Apple/Rouge Sublime'

Crabtree & Evelyn Nail Varnish in 'Apple/Rouge Sublime'

Didnt realize that this brand did nail varnish so will be nice to try it out. This shade looks like a nice one for my toes in this flip flop wearing weather!

Bourjois Cream Blush
in
Nude Velvet

Bourjois Cream Blush in Nude Velvet swatch review

Have never tried a cream blush....shocking i know being a beauty blogger!! 
So excited to try out this one and see how it fairs on my combination oily skin. 
It is a pretty coral nude shade which i think will work well with my complexion.

All in highly recommend you click this fantastic value beauty box, that's if they haven't already sold out!!

http://www.latestinbeauty.com/glamour/

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Thursday 10 July 2014

Black is the new black!! Change an eye look using BLACK Eye-shadow


Can you tell I am completely addicted to Orange is the New Black?!!

Today's post is about changing up an eye-shadow by using black as an eyelid base.
No I haven't gone over to the dark side...bare with me .... it works!!

Tuesday 8 July 2014

MAC Girl About Town Lipstick Swatch & Review

MAC 
Girl About Town
Lipstick
Swatch & Review

MAC Girl about town lipstick swatch review beauty blog

As with all MAC lipsticks, it's lovely and creamy to apply. 
Smells deliciously of vanilla and looks stunning on the lips.

Saturday 5 July 2014

Bare Minerals Ready Eye-shadow Quad 'The Dream Sequence' Review


My favourite of all the Bare Minerals Ready Eye-shadow quads has to be... 
The Dream Sequence.

bare minerals Dream sequence eye-shadow quad review purple eye looks



Contains:

500 thread count - This is a lovely silky off-white colour. Perfect for an all over base. Also great for inner corner or as a brow highlight
Romp - A slightly metallic purple
Boudoir - Is a pinky purple with slight metallic sheen to it
Night Cap - Is a dark matte purple great for lining or in the crease to define.


To apply I use my real techniques brushes. These colours together make such a pretty purple look.
The Ready eye-shadows from Bare Minerals contain seanutritive minerals, cold pressed borage oil, caffeine and cucumber to reduce puffiness and antioxidants for a smoother revitalised eye area.
They stay put and really do last all day. No creasing. I use their Bare Minerals primer underneath to prep the eye and to really ensure it sticks around.

bare minerals Dream sequence purple eye-shadow quad review bare escentuals beauty blog

My eye look was created using 500 Thread Count all over the eye lid & Inner corner of eye.
Romp and Boudoir on the middle of the eyelid.
Nightcap in the crease and outer corner.

bare minerals Dream sequence eye-shadow quad purple eye look MAC chatterbox lipstick

Lower lash Eye-liner: Bare Minerals Round the clock in 'Midnight' Review Here
Upper lash Eye-liner: Benefit They're Real Push-up gel liner Review Here
Mascara: 
Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Waterproof 
Lips: 
MAC Chatterbox
Face: 
Bare Minerals Original Foundation in 'Light' and Mineral Veil Review and how to here
MAC Mineralize skin finish in 'Soft & Gentle' Review Here

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.
Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo