Battle Of The Brands #2

This week's choice of product for battle of the brands is lip crayons and I chose Bourjois vs Revlon. 

- so much shadow and bad photography, sob -

The Revlon matte balms have not long been released. They are available in Boots for £7.99 and Superdrug for a mere £5.99 among other stockists. There are a range of colours available for all skin tones. 

They are described to be stains with a velvety matte colour and lip balm feel. Lightweight and moisturising. 

I have the colour Striking which is a lovely red, nothing like the online swatch I must add. I agree it is matte and lightweight though I would not say it is velvety or moisturising. Though it isn't at all drying either. I had originally planned to tell you that it feels nothing like any lip balm I have used either but after a few more days of wear it actually does feel similar to a balm and is almost nourishing. It is rich and long lasting and I just love the colour.  

It goes on easily and is just lovely to wear. Revlon are really on the ball this year!

As for packaging it is a classic chubby stick style. The stick itself represents the colour inside, it has a silver end - just like the Bourjois Colour Boost - and is not too large in size. A staple handbag piece I'd say. 

Boujois Colour Boost lip crayon is Red Sunrise is more of a luscious glossy lipstick. The shade I have is a vibrant almost blue toned pink, perfect for S/S time. The packaging (and naming) is almost identical to Revlon's though Bourjois released the colour boost first. Is it OK to say there was some copying going on here?

The product is £7.99 is Boots and Superdrug and I personally think there is a much more attractive colour range. 

The lipstick itself is soft and moisturing, the lasting power is similar to Revlon though I find it does sometimes fade to that dreaded bad lip liner look. Oh no! 

From the swatches you can see both have excellent colour though I think Revlon is slightly more pigmented. They are both appropriately named (nothing crazy unlike some items you'll find) and I really like them equally. However, I do have to pick a winner since that is the whole idea of this series so I am going to chose Bourjois Colour Boost. 

Revlon are doing amazingly with their releases recently and I do love my new chubby stick but I just think Bourjois is that little bit better! 

Which is your favourite? Do you agree with the winner? Leave me a comment. 

Until next time

xx

Tag Tuesday | The Makeup Mishaps Tag

Becca from Becca's Fashion and Life created this tag not too long ago and I have since wanted to give it a go. Here are my answers... 

You're going to a high end beauty event - would you rather:

Have really thick, dark, sharpie eyebrows or a major neck/foundation line?

Thankfully this is a theoretical question because I don't think I could cope with either! haha I am going to say major foundation line because it's easiest to hide and I'm really self conscious about my brows. 

Have chipped nail polish or horribly faded lipstick?

I really hate horribly faded lipstick and my nails often go days, even a week being chipped before I  do them again so I pick chipped nail polish.

Have smudged all your eye make up or have lipstick on your teeth?

Without a doubt lipstick on my teeth because I usually wear lighter lipsticks that would be harder to notice on the teeth than smudged eye makeup. Eughh. Panda eyes!

Over highlight - a la disco ball - or over pluck those brows and look constantly surprised?

As much as I like a dewy finish I have to say over pluck those brows. Constantly looking surprised is better than looking like a disco ball any day, and I could fill them in to a nicer shape.

It's a typical working/school day, and unfortunately your beauty products have gone missing. You can only find a few things hidden at the bottom of your makeup bag, and have to use what you can find. What do you choose?

OTT unsubtle fake lashes or clear mascara?

I've never worn fake lashes. Can you believe it? I've often worn clear mascara though so I'll go with that. 

A foundation five shades too dark or five shades too light?

Five shades too light I think because I hate looking orange or dark especially if it doesn't match the rest of my body and I can make it look better with other products and a lotta concealer. 

Hair-gloss (a beautifully sticky gloss: perfect for getting your hair stuck to in the wind) or gorgeous concealer lips?

I hate the sound of both of these but I hate concealer lips most of all (even though I used to think it looked nice, oh dear) so I'm going with hair-gloss! I always have my hair tied back so it would be ok. 

Finally, it's the middle of summer - you can have either a manicure or a pedicure. However, the other set of nails have to be bare - what do you pick?

Manicure of course! I hate my feet so rarely ever have them on display however I love having my nails painted so definitely manicure. 

I really enjoyed doing this tag and encourage everyone else to give it ago. Specifically though, I tag Sophie, Jessica, Corinne and Rachel. 

Until next time

xx

Liebster Award 2!

I feel so honored to have been nominated for a second Liebster Award, this time by Jo from Joreina. She has a lovely blog with a little bit of everything from beauty and outfits to DIY! Thank you Jo for the nomination. 

I've already explained the rules of this award last time but in case you forgot, here they are courtesy of Google images - Musings of a muggle in converse to be more specific. 

This time I'm going to start with 11 facts about myself, oh goodness I have to think of 11 more?! Hmm lets see...

1. Big places that are busy and full of people scare me
2. I've had depression 
3. I have one brother and no sisters (unfortunately)
4. I'm a shoe size 9 - big for a girl, right?
5. If I was born just 20 minutes later I would be in the school year below and would not have left yet
6. I have applied for 20 jobs so far this year and been unsuccessful with them all. *Sigh*
7. I had my first filling in 2013 - yay for healthy teeth 
8. I am related to the Scottish poet Robbie Burns' wife
9. I am really struggling to thing of 11 interesting facts
10. I got an A in GCSE Textiles
11. I'm hate the sound of people clicking their bones, a girl at college is always doing it and I hate it!!!

Not the best facts for you there but they'll have to do, sorry! On to the questions. 

What are your hobbies?

Aside from blogging I like reading, horse riding, walking and watching YouTube. 

What do you aspire to be when you're older?

I would love to be a beauty and lifestyle blogging makeup artist!

What made you start blogging?

I just really wanted to do it after reading so many others so eventually I just did and I am so glad that I did because I love it.

Favourite film?

I'm terrible at choosing favourites but I'm going to say Water for Elephants. Ask me tomorrow and it will have changed. 

Favourite fashion item you own?

My cream knit cardigan, it goes with everything! You gotta love a good all rounder. 

Beauty product you swear by?

My Sleek contour kit. 

What are your 5 favourite blogs?

I'm actually planning a post on this next week so wait and see!

Favourite place to shop?

ASOS or New Look - New Look is much cheaper!

Biggest inspiration?

A lot of people inspire me, my friends and family members, bloggers and YTers. I really don't know. 

Biggest inspiration for makeup?

I just go with what I think looks nice on me but if I had to pick it would be somebody like Tanya Burr. 

Favourite lipstick colours?

Subtle pinks and corals but I love a red also, I think berry shades are my favourite though. 

I now nominate you to leave me 3 facts about yourself in the comments but also

Alice

Adel

Charlotte

Mollie

Becky

My questions are;

- What made you want to blog about what you do?

- Who is your role model?

- What is your favourite beauty brand?

- What is your favourite beauty product?

- Which subjects did you take for GCSE?

- What are your career aspirations?

- Where do you see your blog in a years time?

- Which post are you most proud of?

- Who is your favourite blogger?

- If you could have a life time supply of anything what would it be?

- What three things do you love about yourself?

Leave me your links below if you do this!

Until next time

xx

Barry M Silk Nail Paint

I did a little shopping on the Superdrug website last week and a Barry M Silk nail paint some how made its way into my basket. I got the shade Blossom - a pastel baby pink - because it's perfect for Spring, especially with a name like blossom.  
The brand describes these nail paints to have a pretty pearl finish, perfect for Spring. I agree. 

I like the formula, it's opaque in two coats and goes on easily with no streaks - don't hold me to this though, I have only painted my nails with it once as yet. I am really loving this nail polish though. 

The bush is just the same as all other Barry M polishes and works a treat. The only thing I think would make this a whole lot better is if it was wider. I can't be the only person who thinks a wide brush that does the whole nail in one sweep is the best kind of brush?

This picture is terrible. My iPhone just would not focus! You can see the colour well though and that is the aim of the image. Please ignore the other two nails, one is a rubbish attempt at nail art of Hop-Tu-Naa and the other is Tanya Burr Mini Marshmellows - all about that in another post! ;)

You can buy Blossom or any other shades from the range for £3.99 at Superdrug. Have you tried them already? What did you think?

Until next time
xx

Borghese Active Fango Mud Mask

A while ago, in fact in this post, I gave Borghese Active Fango Mud Mask a not so good review. After reading Fleur De Force rave about it - her post was titled Blackheads Be Gone - claiming it was the best thing for blackheads I bought it straight away and was not impressed. Today I'm eating my words.
I've gone back to this mask recently in an effort to sort my skin out and I have to admit that I am really pleased with the results. I don't know whether I just didn't give it a fair trial last time or if its because my skin type has altered slightly but whatever happened, I'm glad.

When I use the mud mask it dries nicely into my skin and I can really feel it working something. I must point out that it is quite strong so I only use it on my problematic areas (nose and chin).
I wash it off with warm water and a face cloth and my skin is honestly just SO silky soft and in the morning my skin looks clearer and cleaner. After a few uses I have noticed a small - but increasing - difference. 
The mask itself is a thick clay like mud and a little goes a long way.

I look forward to a happy future with this mask by my side! 

You can buy Borghese Active Fango Mud Mask for face and body here for £54.00 but it can be found for a much nicer price on eBay!

Have you tried this? What are your thoughts?

Until next time

xx

6 Lipsticks: For Spring

- I may or may not be guilty of going overboard on the Spring theme -

I have so many lipsticks in my collection that I thought I should make use of them all some how by giving them some love on my blog. What better way to let them know I appreciate them despite not wearing them often enough? Am I really personifying my lipsticks? Oh dear.. 

ANYWAY today I'd like to share with you 6 lipsticks from my collection that are perfect for wear throughout Spring 2014. 

As you can see I have chosen a range of bright Orange-y Reds & Pinks. These colours are really on trend this year - it's all about the bright lip and the orangier (is that a word? I think not) the better! Though sadly I don't own or suit many orange shades. 

Lets get the obvious over and done with. MAC Morange is the perfect orange toned red creme sheen lipstick that suits most if not all skin tones and has fantastic staying power. I like this a lot and as it is the nearest to full on orange I have, I'm sure this will be making an appearance a lot these coming months. Find it here on the MAC website for £15. 

This Zafi lipstick (which I'm not sure but from swatches online I believe to be shade 1645) was a super cheap buy from a random shop in Scotland. It is a pretty coral shade with a creamy formula. It is not at all drying and very flattering. Find it for £1.25 here. 

It is no secret that I am a fan of CK lipsticks. They are cheap, there is a huge range of colours and I love the formula. This beautiful red is a perfect transitional shade for Winter/Spring. I think it will suit all skin tones though the colour pay look slightly deeper on darker lips. Find it in it's new even better packaging on Amazon here for £3.79. 

Now onto the MUA lipsticks, of which I own a LOT. This beautiful bright pink is shade 11. It is ideal for Spring & Summer. Bright, light and oh so flirtatious. It's £1 in Superdrug.

MUA shade 3 is a lovely pink peachy orange colour. It is subtle and flattering on most skin tones yet the perfect beach look colour. Do you get what I mean or am I making no sense? I just really like this lipstick in S/S. 

Finally, one of my favourites is MUA shade 13. It is the perfect bright red, enough said!

I know half of this post was MUA but I just love how cheap they are yet such good quality - creamy and moisturising and a great colour range. A dream for us beauty bloggers, eh?

Which lipsticks will you be sporting through Spring?

Until next time

xx

Lylia Rose Haul & Impressions

I've been following Lylia Rose's Twitter account for a while and always love the cute accessories posted. I just kept thinking 'I have to buy one of these' or 'I need that in my jewellery box'. A couple of weeks ago I saw the Fab Owl Necklace and just had to give in to temptation. Last week I placed and order and a few days later (super fast delivery, fantastic service) a package arrived with my name on. 

-I'm a fan of the packaging. I love me some purple. -

There was a 20% sale on necklaces, I picked up three pieces at £3.99 each - amazing. 

The Cool Camera Necklace I saw and was immediately reminded of my best friend so I obviously just had to buy it for her and the others were treats for myself. Everything on the website is so cute and affordable. 

There second necklace is available is three colours; blue and pink, pink and yellow or pink and green. Each is as attractive as the other. I especially like the rose gold tinted chain. The description says 'Keep this symbol of wisdom with you at all times' and I just love it. 

Finally the adorable bird necklace (which I believe to be out of stock as it is no longer on the site) is SO cute. Don't you think? How could you not like this? I paired it with my red skater dress and brown boots for my Mum's birthday meal last night and it looks fab. I also wore it to college with a white knit jumper and jeans. 

So overall the products from Lylia Rose are cute, quirky and oh so cheap. They arrive fast and are of a high quality. I really like the accessories and wouldn't be surprised if I make a second order in the future. I recommend you having a look at the site if you haven't already. There is also a blog with a variety of wonderful posts you can find here and you can follow @LyliaRose on Twitter here. 

I have done this post today mainly because I wanted to feature my purchase on my blog as soon as possible and I have a bunch of things planned for the coming weeks, but also because I wasn't too happy with this morning's post. What do you think? Also have you bought from Lylia Rose before? Tell me your thoughts. 

Until next time

xx