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

NO7 Shade & Define Eyeshadow Stick 'Cool Mink'

I don't know about you but I nearly always end up stuffing the NO7 voucher you get with any purchase in Boots into my purse and forget it's there until of course it has expired! 

So this time, I actually used mine the day I got it... I headed straight for the NO7 Counter, towards the eyes section as I knew what I wanted.

Their "Stay perfect shade and define" eye-shadow stick.

I knew straight away which colour I wanted, my eye just picked it out.

I swatched it in store and it literally stayed on my hand until I got home and had to use a cleanser to remove, a great sign to start with, so once on this ain't going no where!!

The shade is 'Cool Mink' a lovely everyday pop of colour for the eyes.

Just a quick note: I had to work very hard to remove this swatch!!

The shade is a taupe mixed with a light brown beige, quite cool toned. But what i really liked about it was it didn't have any glittery bits or shimmer like a few of the other shades seemed to have. The sticks are really great for just swiping on the eyelids, no fuss or mess and you're done!

Oh and one more thing, I thought I had broken the end of the pencil but it turns out that there is actually a hidden sharpener tucked away!!

So don't forget about your money off NO7 Boots voucher! 
Can be used for NO7 make-up and skincare. £3 off Make-up and £5 off skincare.
 Valid until 1st February 2015!

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

2014 Beauty Favourites Round-Up

Goodbye to 2014 and hello to 2015!! 

Happy New Year!

I thought I would do a sort of round-up of my beauty and make-up favourites this past year.

If I round up every product I have used this past year we could be here for a while so I thought i'd pick the best of them, particularly the ones I would recommend in each category.

This year has been a busy one for me and full of some great beauty finds.

Lipstick

This year has been a good year for my lips! I have discovered bolder and brighter colours and am not quite so scared to wear them! 

Even if it is just around the house!

Top picks have been (L to R):

MAC's Show Orchid Lipstick: This is a blue-toned bright shocking pink shade. Great for making your teeth appear whiter. Mac's Show Orchid Review Here

MAC's Rebel Lipstick: This looks scarier in the bullet and on is a lovely deep plum berry shade. Mac Rebel

YSL Rouge Volupte silky lipstick in 'Red Muse'

A gorgeous creamy luxurious red shade that is sheer bliss to wear and smells heavenly too! (Can you tell I love the YSL lipsticks!!?) YSL #17 Review 

MAC's Girl about town lipstick: This was another new find for me this year, it is a lovely bright pink and guarantees you will be noticed! Mac's Girl About Town Review

Lip treatment: 

Nuxe rev de miel both stick and pot version, work really well for me on my dry chapped lips and to help prep the lips for my lipstick.

Review here nuxe-reve-de-miel-lip-balm-review

Eyes

Mascara:

I hate to say it but I used to be a bit of a mascara snob, tending to only use higher end brands such as Clinique's feathering and Bare minerals high definition but then i tried Maybelline's Rocket mascara  (waterproof version) and I feel it is so good that for me this is my current and has been for a while 'go to' mascara!

Eye-liner:

2014 saw That benefit eye-liner released. With a whole mixed review to follow. I loved it upon first few uses, found it very easy to use and I was also able to create a cat flick - first time ever it wasn't wonky!! However, not sure if it is because it may have dried up? but I have since  found the formula difficult to work with and have to say have switched to Soap and Glory's Super Cat Fat Liner. Which is basically a fat marker but is really easy at drawing flicks and best of all stays put.

The only two eye-liners for my waterline I have stuck to this past year have been, Urban Decay's Zero and Bare Minerals 'Around the Clock' in Midnight bare-minerals-around-clock-eyeliner review. 

Which I am sad to say is now discontinued, which has led me to be on the hunt for the next eye-liner. 

I am very fussy as I want it to be blacker than black but still stay put and not budge from my water line all day... I know, not asking much am I!! So any suggestions would be greatly received.

Have heard great things about Anastasia Beverly Hills 'covet' Eye-liners but unfortunately cult beauty are sold out. So leave any recommendations in the comments below.

Eyeshadows: 

My faves this year are my mac quad, consisting of Naked Lunch, All That Glitters, Wood-Winked and Satin Taupe. These 4 eye-shadows are forever in my make-up bag and find they all go really well together but equally gorgeous on their own. If you are looking to buy Mac eye-shadows and don't know where to start (the choice can be a bit over-whelming!) then I would say these are great ones to choose.

In depth review here my-ultimate-mac-eye-shadow-quad

The other eye-shadow I have got a lot of use out of is Mac's electric cool eye-shadow in super-watt. A kind of cream/mousse hybrid, It's really simple to use one swipe and you're done. Similar to Maybelline's colour tattoo in 'On and On Bronze'.

 Maybelline colour tattoos review

Face

Foundation

The majority of the time I stick to Bare Minerals Ready Foundation. Its quick and easy and covers what I need it to. However on those special occasions I have since discovered the new YSL fusion foundation and I love it! It is really light on barely feels on your face at all. I hate the feeling of heavy foundation on my face. It is a matte finish which for me is great as I have combination skin. YSL Fusion Ink Foundation Review

The other foundation launch I was so excited for was the bare minerals serum foundation. I don't know if I am just not putting it on right but can't seem to get the hang of it and it doesn't sit smoothly on my face, it goes patchy. Such a shame as I had high hopes!

Extra's

Mac's Soft and Gentle is a gorgeous highlighting blush, so pretty on! Mineralize Skin-Finish Natural in 'Light' is a lovely finishing powder helping to keep everything in place. 

This year I managed to get my hands on Ben Nye's Banana powder which is a great setting powder with a yellow tint, perfect for covering up any redness. If you want to know more my review is Mac Soft & Gentle Review

Maybelline's The Eraser Eye concealer has been great for covering up my under eye baggage! 

Most used brushes & tools:

Eyeko Eyelash Curler

These came free with a magazine a few months ago and are so good and easy to use! 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush, Blush brush and setting brush is great for concealer especially around the eyes. 

Most used eye brush has to be my mac 217, it has definitely been worth the price tag. It washes well and applies eye-shadow effortlessly. Mac 217 review

Last of all a

Honourable mention:

Limited edition releases...

Maleficent Red lipstick by Mac was a must have for me as the film was so good!

Urban Decay's Pulp Fiction Review here: Be cool hunny bunny!

So that's it from me my make-up favourites from 2014. Can't wait for what 2015 will bring!

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Blog Sale Bargains ...

Blog Sale Bargains

A great way to try out new products especially high end (which cost a lot brand new) is to bag a bargain from a beauty blog sale. Beauty bloggers who have too many beauty bits, more than they could ever use or have tried but didn't particularly enjoy or use something else that they consider better.

So here's what I picked up ....

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

MAC Chatterbox Lipstick Swatch & Review

MAC 
Chatterbox Lipstick
Swatch & Review

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

MAC Girl About Town Lipstick Swatch & Review

MAC 
Girl About Town

Lipstick
Swatch & Review

As with all MAC lipsticks, it's lovely and creamy to apply. 

Smells deliciously of vanilla and looks stunning on the lips.

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Gel Eye Liner Review

End of June saw the exciting launch of the 

Benefit They're REAL Push-Up Gel Eye-liner.

Mastering the cat-eye flick or even just getting the eye-liner not to go wonky along my upper lash line is something I really struggle with. Don't even get me started on getting the flicks the same on both sides!!

This is an eye-liner that is said to hug your lash line so apparently you can't really go wrong. 

When I heard that knew I needed it.

I have had this bad boy for nearly a week now and have to say I am extremely impressed.

I even managed to leave the house with 2 near perfect flicked eyes! 

Yes I know ...Ahmazing!

As for the longevity, this stuff does NOT budge. 

Which can be a blessing...stays put or a curse... when getting ready, your hand slips oops! 

I wore this for a full day, no smudging and it was still in place at the end of the day.

When it came to removing I am so glad I bought the they're real remover. My first instinct was the benefit counter girl was trying to sell me something I didn't need, but then I discovered for myself I did in fact need it!

I first tried to remove with my usual trusty micellar water and ended up looking as though had been in a fight with 2 very black panda eyes! 

Thankfully the remover made light work of fixing the mess!!

To use the remover you only need a small amount on your middle fingers and work into the lash-line and roots of your lashes for a good few seconds, then swipe away with a cotton pad. Et voila... line be gone!!

Overall I am very impressed. If like me you are not skilled at doing cat-eye-flicks and find it hard to keep the line straight, then you need this in your life.

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo 

Have you tried the they're real push-up gel eye-liner? What did you think?

MAC Pink Pigeon Lipstick is back

Did anyone see the Big Brother 2nd live eviction on Friday 20th June 2014? 

Which saw Pauline booted out of the house?

Well, if you did then most likely like me you will have noticed the stunning lip colour Emma Willis was rocking.

A quick 'google' and a tweet later.....

MAC Lustering Lipstick Review & Swatches

MAC

'Lustering'

Lipstick

Review & swatches.

MAC's lipstick in Lustering is a Lustre formula.

Magazine Freebies!! June 2014. Ren Hot Cloth Cleanser & Ciate Caviar Nail Varnish Set

June 2014 Magazine Freebies!!

(July Issue)

Yet again it's a great month for magazine freebies!

Here is a little round-up of the ones I picked up.....

Marie Claire 

You get 2 nail polishes from top nail brand Ciate. Well a nail varnish and a caviar.

Caviar are little beads, a bit like the sprinkles you put on top of cakes!

The idea is to sprinkle onto your wet nail. Adds a texture and a fab unique look to your nails.

Would say to perhaps do one nail on each hand to make it stand out! Or if you are highly skilled just do the tips. Possibilities are endless!

The caviar beads can be a little messy to apply! I remedied this by using a small pot 
(such as the little travel ones - got mine from primark £1 for set of 3 bottles, funnel and a pot)

I poured some beads into the pot, the whilst the one nail was still wet gently dipped it into the beads!

Pictured above 'Fairy Dust' Ciate set

'Sugar plum' nail varnish - pale lilac
with one nail of 'Ice Queen' Caviar beads.

There are 6 different colours to choose from:

Starry Night

Party Punch

Purple Rain

Sunset Shimmer

Fairy Dust

Peach Fizz

Considering the RRP is £10 each. 

£2.50 for the magazine and nail set is just good economical sense!

I chose 'Fairy Dust'

However... can't promise I won't be picking up 'Purple Rain' or 'Sunset Shimmer'

InStyle

This month they are giving a Ren hot cloth cleanser, as well as a flannel too.

Really excited to try this cleanser. 

This cleanser is new out!

Cleanses, purifies and removes make-up too.

Contains:

• Vitamin P from Rosa Centifolia protects the capillary venous system to decongest and soothe
• Triglycerides from Cocoa Seed Butter improve the skin barrier functions against moisture loss
• Rosa Damascena from Damask Rose Petals relieves and soothes skin

No parabens, mineral oil or other nasty chemicals.

  

 Love how you get a cloth too adds a nice touch. 

This size would be great for taking away on holiday.

Red Magazine are also giving a free Mavala nail varnish.

I was very good and resisted simply because I have too many nail varnishes and the colours didn't really appeal to me!

Hope this helps, now go pick them up before they fly off the shelves!!

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Pink Pong Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Review

Bourjois

Rouge Edition Velvet

06 Pink Pong

Review

This lip-gloss has an unusual velvety Matte finish to it yet still feels silky on the lips. 

Very strange texture - not quite a gloss, definitely not a lipstick but not as thin as a stain.

Once on this really stays put. Packs a punch and lasts through eating, drinking. You kind of forget it's there really. Its such a light formula. It's only when you occidentally touch your mouth and end up with pink all over your fingers you realize - yes it's still there!

I chose the colour PINK PONG which is a bright hot fuchsia pink.

I wanted something that was out of my nude / safe comfort zone and boy did i pick the right one.

It's a really nice bright shade to wear. Have not yet had the confidence to actually wear it outside, where there are actual people who will see me!!. One step at a time! 

I wore this around the house and it lasted all through breakfast, lunch and more. So they're staying power is amazing. Nice to wear not gloopy, sticky.

With it being a matte formula, i was worried it would highlight any dry flaky bits on my lips, some matte lipsticks have a tendency to do that, but not at all. Very hydrating and smooth on the lips.

There are more subtler shades in this range if your not ready to step into the bold category.

I will definitely be picking some more shades up.

Have you tried the Bourjois velvets? What shade did you pick up?

Take time for you. Take care and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv acesparklestar xoxo

Month of May Favourites

Can not believe it is now June! 

Thought I would do a little round up of things I have been using over the past month of May.

Liebster Blogging Award ....

I was nominated for a Liebster Blogging Award…

Sophie from Pretty and Polished nominated me for a Liebster Award 
You can visit her blog here

Now I am told this is awarded to bloggers with under 200 followers, a sort of well done and acknowledgement of your blog. 

THE RULES:

1. Thank the person who nominated you, and post a link to their blog on your blog.

2. Display the award on your blog

3. Answer 11 questions which provided to you by the person who nominated you

4. Provide 11 random facts about yourself

5. Nominate 5-11 blogs that you feel deserve the award

6. Create a new list of questions for the blogger to answer

7. List these rules in your post (you can copy and paste from here)

8. Inform the people/blogs that you nominated that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and provide a link for them to your post so that they can learn about it (because they might not have ever heard of it)

There are 11 questions she has set for me to answer...

So here goes…..on to the Questions:

1. Why did you start blogging?

I started blogging for some ‘me-time’ and to basically chatter and recommend beauty & skincare I love. 
Before I buy something I always research and look to blogs for information and swatches, I hope to be able to provide the same service to others unsure about a purchase.

2. What's your favourite thing about blogging?

I really enjoy taking the photo pictures and getting creative with the backgrounds and angles. I also love how I am learning so much such as html, how to do page headers and other essential blogging related items I did not know how to do before.

3. What made you choose your blog name?

My initials spell out A.C.E and as for the ‘sparkle star’ bit thought it sounded pretty.

4. Night in or night out?

Definitely a night in!!

Love nothing better than a candle lit bath, pampering face mask and a good film or series to watch. Snacks essential!!

5. Tea or coffee?

Without a doubt Tea. I’m not fully awake until i have had a cuppa tea in the morning.

Clipper’s Sleepy tea before bedtime really helps me to unwind and chamomile tea with a spoonful of honey is lovely to soothe tension.

6. Do you have any pets?

Erm 2 kids, does that count! I joke. Nope, no pets.

7. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I would love to go to New Zealand, looks amazing on the Lord Of the Rings!!

8. Dogs or cats?

Neither! Sorry, but I’m not really an animal person.

9. What's your favourite thing to write about?

Beauty of course, skin-care, lipstick and eye-shadows to name but a few!!

10. What's your favourite social media platform?

When i started, it was Facebook, however Twitter is rapidly becoming my favourite way to connect with other bloggers and join in the twitter chats.

11. Favourite thing you've ever bought?

That would be the ‘Bare Minerals foundation set’ since purchasing haven’t looked back! Their foundation really did change my skin for the better. It was a bit of an eureka moment when i had found what i had been searching for after trying several different foundations and my skin ending up irritated and red. 

My other favourite thing would be my CD player, I saved up for ages as a teenager, was over the moon when I got it! And do you know it is still going today!! Considering it was quite a while ago!! Good going! 

11 Facts about me

1. My initials spell out ACE!

2.I still haven’t perfected the art of winged eye-liner

3. My idea of a perfect day is beauty shopping around the department stores beauty halls, ideally with unlimited funds! Ha

4. I have 2 children who are my world.

5. I have a sister who is my sister by birth, best friend by choice. Is there when I need her.

6. I love anything tatty teddy (Me to you bear) - yes I know I am too old, but he is just so cute x

7. My favourite colour is Purple

8. My favourite flowers are Freesia’s

9. My top authors are Jane Green, Adele Parks, Sophie Kinsella (also known as Madeleine Wickham)

Cecelia Ahern too. P.S I Love you is such a good read.

10. I prefer romantic, drama type movies and films. Will not watch any scary films or horror as I am guaranteed to have nightmares for days!!

Love Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl, The Big Bang theory, How I Met Your Mother and Friends never fails to cheer me up.  Any drama series such as the white queen, luther, line of duty and of course Derek. (Think that show is just genius!)

11. Lastly if I could choose one brand of make-up it would definitely be Bare Minerals... But you probably guessed that didn’t you!?!

So there you have it 11 facts about me

Now I am going to nominate:

Ruth from The Beauty Scriptures here

Helen from LittlehelsB here

Ashleigh's Beautea Party here

Charley from Beau Elle here

Jenny from Caramel and cats here

My questions to you are:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. What’s your favourite part about blogging?

3. Where did the inspiration come from for your blog name?

4. Do you prefer a night in or out?

5. Describe your ideal day out.

6. What’s your favourite film and why

7. If you could choose only one brand of make-up what would it be

8. High-End or Drugstore?

9. What’s your favourite colour?

10. Do you have any pets, if so what?

11. What’s the one item of make-up you can not live without?

Thank you Sophie for the nomination!!

Hope this has provided a little snippet into the person behind Acesparklestar!

Take care, take time for you and look after yourself.

Thanks for popping by luv Acesparklestar xoxo