Monday 31 August 2015

August 2015 Favourites Monthly Round-Up!

So, it's time for my August favourites round-up!




Whether the sun does actually make an appearance or not I have been using Kiehl's Ultra light daily defence spf 50 every single day. (Excuse me while I pat myself on the back!). This year I am determined for the redness on my cheeks not to get any worse. I find this a lovely light but moisturising spf which doesn't feel greasy or leave big white streaks on your face. 





Avene TriAcneal - Spot Treatment

This spot treatment, has really helped to clear up my spots around the chin area. I had very angry looking red spots which after a short while of using this, they have cleared up and the one or two I do have are on their way out (fingers crossed). So this along side La Roche Posay's Serozinc have both been really help to calm my skin and prevent huge breakouts. This treatment contains glycolic acid and retinal which both help to reduce and clear-up spots and redness.




Lipstick


I have been enjoying using MAC's 'Mehr' lipstick paired with MAC's 'Soar' lip pencil, as it gives a natural nude brown with a hint of pink lip.


Charlotte Tilbury 'Fallen Angel' 
Eye-shadow Quad


I have been lusting after this eye-shadow quad since it's release at Christmas time! So imagine my excitement when I found it on depop for sale! (Depop is a sale site similar to ebay). I have been mainly using the 3 shades for an everyday look.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil


I have been using 2-3 drops on my face at night, it's a lovely oil which isn't overly greasy and sinks nicely into the skin. The next morning you awaken with beautifully soft skin. I have definitely noticed the difference and I enjoy the ritual of slathering this on before bed.

TV & Books
Obviously I binged watched Season 3 of "Orange is the new black" absolutely love that show and liking the new addition of Ruby Rose. 
Really hope there is going to be a season 4!



Lastly books I have been on a super 'reading' roll this month! 


Saving Grace by Jane Green. I love Jane Green books and have been reading her books for years, however this book I spotted a few slight anomaly's which meant the story-line didn't quite add up for me. Having said that, it was a pleasant read if you don't try to read too much into it and try to figure it out yourself.
The year I met you by Cecelia Ahern. I absolutely loved this book, it was a lovely enjoyable emotional read and felt it was a little bit life affirming too!
I also finished reading Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn. I thoroughly loved this book, even though it is very different to my usual style of book I go for! I found this book very interesting and was absolutely hooked right to the end. 
Highly recommend this book, it really is addictive once you get stuck in you will want to know how it ends!

So that's it for this month's round-up xx

Sunday 23 August 2015

Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette - Swatch and review!


urban decay naked smoky palette swatch and review eyeshadow

Ok so I caved! My excuses are: It was my birthday and yes I absolutely DO need another eye-shadow palette (like a hole in the head!!) but this one was far too pretty to resist, that purple shade in the middle was calling to me!

Ok, so glad that's out of the way now I can get onto the fun stuff, swatches.... 

Warning - Lots of Photos coming your way!

urban decay naked smoky palette swatch and review eyeshadow

urban decay naked smoky palette swatch and review eyeshadow

urban decay naked smoky palette swatch and review eyeshadow

 L to R: 

High - Champagne shimmer
Dirtysweet - Light Bronze shade
Radar - Taupe
Armor - Silver-taupe with a sparkle
Slanted - Light metallic shade of gray
Dagger - Charcoal with slight shimmer
Black Market -  Jet black with a satin finish
Smolder - Deep plum purple with satin finish
Password - Taupe with a matte finish
Whiskey - Rich brown matte
Combust - Soft light pink
Thirteen - Creamy beige


urban decay naked smoky palette swatch and review eyeshadow

urban decay naked smoky palette swatch and review eyeshadow

My favourite shades have to be 'Dirtysweet' which is a gorgeous light bronze shade, 'Radar' a taupe-y-brown blended into the crease as-well as 'Smoulder' which is a smoky plum purple shade - so pretty! I have also been using 'Thirteen' as an under the brow highlight and popping it in the inner corner of my eye to open and brighten.

I am really impressed with this palette, the eye-shadows are butter soft to apply and lovely to blend with each other. The double ended brush is great to use and is a really good quality. I much prefer this case compared to the Naked 1 as this one is a sturdy plastic with magnetic closure making for easy transporting in my make-up bag and wiping clean.
Think Urban Decay have done really well with this latest palette, including some divine shades which you can mix and match to your hearts content. I am glad I added this to my collection and I look forward to creating and experimenting with some new eye looks.

Tuesday 18 August 2015

August's Cohorted Beauty Box - What was inside!

It's that time again! For the exciting unboxing of the Cohorted Beauty Box:
Here's what was inside this month's box:



  • Bare Minerals Skin Rev-er upper serum
  • Molton Brown mini body cream
  • Cargo Blush and bronzer palette


  • Laura Geller Eyeshadow duo




  • Bare Minerals Soft Focus Brush





Having not tried any of Laura Geller make-up I am looking forward to trying this eye-shadow, the plum purple tone looks lovely. Molton Brown is another brand i've not tried before, so I am thrilled to try this body cream. The Cargo quad looks great and the Bare Minerals brush and serum are by far the most exciting items for me, in this box, as I am a die-hard B.M fan!
Overall I am made-up with this month's box. 

I love the excitement of looking forward to it arriving. Not knowing what is inside beforehand makes it all the more intriguing!! 

Sunday 9 August 2015

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel- A mini review!

Just had to share my thoughts on this amazing face mask!!

A while ago I got this sample free with a magazine, I still  hadn't got around to using it.
My skin was feeling a bit dull and lacking a pick me up I was long over due! I was about to do my usual origins charcoal mask - as this does a fabulous job of helping de-funk my skin, but I spotted this one from Elemis in my skincare stash and thought I'd give it a whirl!


First of all I want to mention the scent .... It is HEAVENLY!! Seriously so fruity and delicious but not in an overpowering way. Just enough to smell exotic. Fruit enzymes from papaya and pineapple help to smooth and ex-foliate without the scrubby beads! Suitable for even sensitive skin.
It is a cream mask you apply to your face avoiding the eye area and leave for about ten minutes. 
It feels comfortable to wear, I even forgot I had it on! Doesn't tingle or sting at all.

Then the magic happens when you rinse it off with a warm flannel - My skin was left feeling so smooth and soft and thoroughly refreshed.
I have about  2 more applications left but this mask is seriously worth saving up those pennies for!

Have you tried this face mask? What were you're thoughts? x