Wednesday 30 November 2011

Max Factor Xperience foundation

























I've had this foundation for yonks now and it's just on it's last legs so I thought I'd finally get round to reviewing it. Let me just start by saying this is the completely wrong shade for me - it's too pale and far too pink toned. The Xperience range from Max Factor have an amazing colour range for you pale ladies! Nothing for darker skins though which is a shame, why are there no drugstore brands that have the whole spectrum??
























*Why this swatch looks like the perfect match, I have no idea. ANYONE WANT TO GET ME A NEW CAMERA PLZ?

I'm gonna start by saying this is the nicest feeling foundation on my skin I have ever used. They market it as being 'weightless' and it literally is... it doesn't feel like you have anything on your skin at all, not even as thick as a moisturiser which means it's runny in consistency. It blends perfectly and is effortless to apply. Now I'm someone who loves a good medium-full coverage foundation and I'd say this is medium coverage. Isn't going to cover everything but hey, what is concealer for? Because it's so lightweight you can apply another layer and build it up to full coverage if you so wish. The only place this foundation falls down for me is oil control. It says that it's oil free, and that may be the case but it doesn't stop any oil from collecting on my skin (how gross does that sound?). It has a semi-matte finish, and lasts on the skin reasonably well (around 8hrs when powdered, for me).

I think this foundation would be ideal for dry/normal skins, and is a great one for oily skins as well - it just requires more effort. It retails for £9.99 in Boots.
NATALIE, XO

Tuesday 29 November 2011

I spent some ££...

Had a little shop with my Mum last week and I picked up some more wintery pieces which are keeping me nice and cosy, even though the weather has been quite mild! To think we had snow this time last year is a little bit mental...

























Zip Pocket T-Shirt | H&M £7.99
Really simple piece... I'm a fan of pointless pockets on the chest, lol, and I love the zip detail. It's a really nice light, jersey (?) material. I'm dying to get this in the pinky/rose/nude colour as well because the fit is so flattering, and so cheap!

Navy Cable Knit Cardigan | Primark £14.00
Love this cardigan! It's so cosy and looks a lot more expensive than Primark (they also have it in cream which looks identical to the Topshop and New Look ones). The only thing  that lets it down is the buttons really - they're supposed to look like those grandad leather ones, but are really plastic.

























Grey Heavy Knit Jumper | Zara £25.95
Cannot express my love for this jumper enough. Zara is a store I often wander in to but never really buy anything. I made an exception for this jumper though. It's just a regular knit jumper but the sleeves are cable knit. LOVE. They also have it in cream and camel, camel is next on my list.


























Lace Skater Dresses (Cream and Black) | H&M £14.99
I'm not normally someone who buys the same thing in a variation of colours, but I adored these dresses and I couldn't decide between the two. The fit and shape of these dresses are so, so flattering. Plus for £30 for two dresses, how could I possibly resist? Already go so much wear out of these! The cream one with a biker leather jacket and 80 derniers is a-mazing.



























Bourjois Mineral Radiance Powder, £9.49 | Revlon Nail Polish 'Facets of Fuschia', £6.49
Been meaning to pick up the Bourjois powder for an age, it was in one of my Month's Most Wanted and I really do love it. The Revlon nail polish speaks for itself really doesn't it? Seriously... just look at it.

And that's what I've picked up lately!
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 27 November 2011

My week in photographs






























































My Mum got some bad news early on in the week, so being the amazing daughter that I am, I drove round there with some lillies and cream cakes (opted for chocolate choux pastries and strawberry jam scones), nomnom.   |   The dog going absolutely berzerk over the broom, does anybody elses dog do this??   |   My Stepdad was driving and saw this 'stack of £50 notes' so pulled over to pick them up. Only to realise it was novelty tissues. LOL.   |   Got a sample of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua, hoping to dislike it. Loved it. Gonna have to buy it. Ouch.   |   Cooing over all of the sparkly shoes in New Look. Someone tell me the secret to walking in these?   |   I can't talk about this week without mentioning to Youtube Royal Wedding. Alli & Charles (CTFxC) got married this week and I urge you ALL to subscribe to them if you're not already. Was so beautiful! Even if you're not subscribed you have to watch this montage video because it is stunning. Dare you not to cry!
NATALIE, XO

Friday 25 November 2011

Month's Most Wanted
























Topshop Leopard Collared Playsuit: When Peter Pan style collars first came onto the scene I wasn't sure on them, but they've definitely grown on me. This Topshop playsuit reminds me of the leopard peter pan collared skater style dress everyone was loving last year. 
[£46.00]

Sleek Brow Kit: My holy grail brow product is the Elf Brow Kit, (repurchased 3 times) and this Sleek version is essentially the same thing. I love Sleek palettes but I haven't really ventured into any of their other products, think I'd like to get my hands on this one :)
[£6.99]

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua: The hype surrounding this foundation is immense. And now I know why. I got a sample and I loved it instantly upon application and equally as much at the end of the day. I was hoping I wouldn't like it so much - because now I have to purchase the full size and ouuuuuch. A lot of money. Well worth it though I think.
[£31.00]

Miss Selfridge Naples Shorts: I'm in need a of a good pair of high-waisted black shorts and these caught my eye whilst browsing on the Miss Selfridge website. Love the paperbag style waist as well.
[£32.00]

La Roche Posay Effaclar K: I've heard many a blogger rave about this, saying that it helps their breakouts but that it also doubles up as a really good primer. Sounds good to me?
[£13.00]

H&M Snake Print Chunky Heels: I love the subtle gold-metallic, snake print (?) chunky heel on these shoes. I'm loving chunky heels - they're on trend and doesn't give your feet as much hassle as a stiletto heel. The rest of the shoe is suede and I <3 them for party season.
[£29.99]

Aldo 'Whiton' Handbag: As tacky as this bag should be in theory, I think it looks very chic and classic. It's got iridescent/metallic silver top and handles with lots of sparkly silver glitter on the main body of the bag - sounds very 'essex'. But the shape and style of the bag is so classic I think it just balances out. IN LOVE.
[£40.00]

So that's what I've been lusting over this month, what about you?
NATALIE, XO

Wednesday 23 November 2011

Thrifty

Went on a quick trip to the town centre where my Mum lives yesterday, and we ended up strolling around a few charity shops. I think I've mentioned before - never charity shop without her, I never find anything if I don't! Picked up a few bits, not a lot, but finding anything in a charity shop you're in luck, right?















Denim Shirt (George) - £3.00
Been looking for the right denim shirt for absolutely ages, and there this was! Long - check, Midwash - check, Nice buttons - Check. The buttons are opalescent :)

Embellished Sheer Vest (F&F) - £2.50
Loved the studded/embellshed/beaded detail and the very sheer material. Can see this with leather look leggings and mega heels for a night out!

Ruffle Front Blouse (Jasper Conran) - £2.50
This was so different and I had to pick it up... think it will look amazing with a navy blazer and black skinny jeans. Fits like a glove as well.

























Across Body Stripe Bag (Dorothy Perkins) - £4.00
Star of the show! Instantly fell in love with this bag... the clasp is lovely, it has chain and (faux) leather strap and it actually has so much space inside!

Are you a fan of charity shopping? What's the best bargain you've ever picked up?
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 20 November 2011

My week in photographs








































It was Dean and I's 3 year anniversary on Tuesday, whoaa that's a long time, to me anyway!  My lovely roses from Dean. Him being a florist I expect nothing less. One for each year.  |  Red cups are back at Starbucks! Hazelnut Hot Chocolates are my winter tipple of choice ;) Working next to a Starbucks and not going in there everyday is the hardest thing.  |  My very healthy lunch, carrot sticks with dip! | The cat being absolutely adorable, if not a little crazy.  |  All of my healthy lunching undone by the Golden Arches, this wasn't all for me btw, although I definitely could've managed it. Again - working next to McDonalds, FAIL.  |  When we have family games nights Balderdash is our most loved game. Tried to have a game on Friday and failed miserably when we realised you can't play with only 3 players :(

Hope everyone's well! Any posts you'd like me to do? Let me know!
NATALIE, XO

Friday 18 November 2011

NYX Concealer in a Jar

I've just completely used up NYX's Concealer in a Jar, so I thought it was about time to do a review. I feel a little bit sick when I look at the amount of make up I own and the amount of money I must've spent on it all... so now I'm trying to use up products completely before I buy a new one.


























This concealer actually really reminds of a mix between MAC Studio Sculpt concealer and Studio Finish concealer. It has amazing coverage and is very opaque but I wouldn't say it was as heavy as Studio Finish. It melts really quickly when used with fingers and is easily blended (in that respect it's very similar to Studio Sculpt). I've used this under the eye a few times and I personally think it works better on blemishes as I did find it a tad cakey on the delicate skin under the eye. Also used this on my eyelids as a primer and I found it creased big time. If you're looking for something to cover blemishes, redness and spots I can't fault this concealer.

I buy all of my NYX products on Cherry Culture, which does come with a bit of a hefty delivery fee but if you buy a few things at a time it's really cost effective. It retails for $4.50 on Cherry Culture which equals around £2.83 which is an utter steal. Really recommend this concealer!

What's your must-have concealer?
NATALIE, XO

Tuesday 15 November 2011

Blushed Lips

A while ago now I showed you two cream blushers that I bought from NYX (you can see them in this haul here). And whilst I adore the formula, I really can't fault it, one of the shades just wasn't cutting it for me...



























The shade in question is Boho Chic, I found that it just made my skin look very dull and a little bit greyish. It also has small shimmers in it, and I usually favour the matte blush variety. Like I said - the formula is beautiful and I use the shade 'Natural' quite regularly (much more often than I anticipated). It's not greasy, but doesn't dry to a powder either, so leaves a nice sheen/glow.

Anyway, not to fear, I have put Boho Chic to good use and for the past 2/3 weeks it's been my go-to lip colour. I think the reason why these NYX cream blushes make such good lip product though is because they don't dry to a powder formula, they look glossy on the lips and are not drying at all - something I was worried about. So here it is in action...



























Are there any cheek products you like to use on your lips? Or a lipstick you use as a cream blush??
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 13 November 2011

My week in photographs













Finally got a chance to catch up on both of the 2hr specials that were Kim's Fairytale Wedding, and wasn't it just that? Seriously every little girls dream of a wedding. I can't help but loose (the little) respect I had for her... I adore her and I think she's beautiful but the whole wedding shenanigan has touched a nerve with me, maybe it's because I never liked Kris? Kourtney is my new fave. Oh I'm so fickle.

Went out with one of my besties Kelly during the week, had a right old feast at lunchtime in the Harvester; can't resist the salad bar, HELLO BACON BITS. In a spur of the moment thing I went down to the horse stables with her (she has a horsie... we weren't being weird) and as a result this is the state of my Chelsea boots. Hoping this comes out in the wash!

























Amazing fry up breakfast I cooked for myself with fried bread, ketchup and brown sauce in tow. - Amazing new Frijj milkshake that is delicious, if a little sickly. - Was craving these badboys, can anyone say Christmas? And no your eyes are not deceiving you, you only get four in this box. for £1.39. I feel robbed. Although perhaps it's a good thing after looking at the calorie content of the milkshake [450kcal]! - More! magazine is my favourite trashy (?) celeb mag, if not purely for the Men Overheard page at the back... never fails to amuse.

So here I am... belly full of Lindor Lindts and Honeycomb Choc Swirl milkshake whilst flicking through More! and getting through my backlog of youtube videos. Apologies to anyone who was on a diet reading this post!
NATALIE, XO

Saturday 12 November 2011

Chelsea Boots

In October's Most Wanted post, I mentioned that I was really lusting over the Topshop Chelsea boots. I really am loving Chelsea boots - heeled ones, flat ones, they just go with absolutely everything. But I managed to save myself from spending the £36 on some Topshop ones and managed to find these ones for a fraction of the price...

























I actually much prefer these ones to the Topshop ones, I love the rouching and it makes them look a little bit more worn. They're super comfortable and actually keep my feet warm for the winter! And where are they from? F&F at Tesco!! They were just £15 and I love them.

You can find them on the website here. Have you got yourself a pair of Chelsea boots?
NATALIE, XO

Thursday 10 November 2011

MAC order
























So this week I was feeling a bit down and probably a bit sorry for myself, so I got a McDonalds for dinner and a Starbucks on the way home from work then whacked the 'continue to checkout' on a few items from my MAC fantasy basket. All was right with the world.


Melba Pan Blush, Hue Glaze Lipstick, Studio Sculpt Concealer NC20, Matte Gel  
  
I sort of restrained myself, there were a whole bunch of other things I could've added, but I definitely would've felt a little bit sick if I had. I actually bought Hue from a blogsale, which makes me feel a tad better? Listen to me trying to justify myself, LOL.

What make up brand excites you the most?
NATALIE, XO

Sunday 6 November 2011

My week in photographs


























































































Obviously Saturday was fireworks night in the UK, which is probably my 2nd favourite holiday - the smell of bonfires and the sound of fireworks is <3 Can someone please explain to me why fireworks are so damn hard to photograph?? Don't judge!  |  Nice candlelit dinner in a pretty pub/bistro/restaurant.  |  Angry Birds docking station!!  |  Bunch of mushrooms growing on the side of the street, I felt compelled to take a photo because it reminded me of Alice in Wonderland?  |  Now the nights are getting colder, Peanut spends a lot of her time chilling cozying on my bed with me, how do cats look so comfortable all of the time??

Hope you all enjoyed fireworks night (if you celebrate it) tell me what the highlight of your week was! :)
NATALIE, XO

Friday 4 November 2011

Foundation Advice?





















I need to ask for all of your expertise! I've never bought a 'high end' foundation and I have no idea why... because it seems like the most sensible make up product to splash a bit of cash on? But anyways, I have no idea which to go for first? Of course I'm going to get samples before I purchase a full bottle because well, I'd be silly otherwise?

The above foundations are the ones I've got my eye on at the moment, but I'd like your opinions on what are the best (very helpful if you've tried any of the above). I have oily skin so I'd like a foundation to be matte, last on my skin a long time, have medium-full coverage and photograph nicely :) What can you recommend me??

All of your opinions and advice will be very much appreciated!
NATALIE, XO

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Korres Guava Lip Butter

I've always lusted over the Korres lip butters - they receive rave reviews of their texture and of their scent. So I finally caved in and ordered one (I got mine on ASOS) for £6.00. I found myself in a bit of a dilemma and I couldn't choose between Jasmine, which is a light baby pink, or Guava, which is a milky colour.



























I opted for the Guava because basically... I have very pigmented lips. And not in a nice 'just eaten fresh berries' kind of way, and I wanted something that was going to tone down my lip colour (and bright lipsticks) so that I don't feel like I have to wear lipstick all of the time.

I adore the packaging, it's so simplistic and sleek and I love the typeface, I swear I'm not a nerd. And I really do rate this product... totally worthy of the rave reviews. Guava doesn't have a very strong scent, it's pleasant but it's not OMGZ NEED TO EAT THIS NOW. I think Jasmine would probably smell nicer. It has a very buttery texture and keeps my lips well hydrated (it does well against the work air con so thumbs up for that).
















The top photo is my natural lip colour, with absolutely zero product. The bottom picture are my lips with a thin layer of the lip butter. Actually find this pretty impressive!

All in all, I really like this Korres lip butter and I will definitely be ordering Jasmine soon, and probably Mango if I'm honest. *I've just looked on ASOS and Guava is currently £5.10 :)

Have you tried the Korres lip butter, which is your fave shade? Korres is a brand I've never really ventured into, but now I'm intrigued. Any other gems I should know about?
NATALIE, XO