MAC Wishlist

This has been a long over due post, but recently I've been getting into products for my lips - I know how that sounds but I've always been eye heavy so it's like a breath of fresh air to be focused on another aspect of my make up for a change. I will always love my basic pink, nude shades but I have been really experimenting with different shades of lipsticks and MAC has to be the ultimate queen of lip products, so I've made a wishlist of what shades I would like to get.

Now I haven't been blessed with having a MAC Counter near me, so I can't just go in, swatch and take the lipsticks home then and there. So I've taken to the internet along with millions of Google Image Searches to find out what colours I would use... After my latest MAC Google Image binge, I have made a list of the products I managed to narrowed it down to.

Lipsticks
Brave - light pink, nude
Candy Yum Yum - bright pink
Pink Nouveau - light bright pink
Rebel - plum
Ruby Woo - bright red
Russian Red - deep red
Twig - dark pink, nude
Viva Glam Miley - hot pink

Lip Pencils
Burgundy - deep red-ish purple
Dervish - light pink
Soar - dark pink
Spice - dark mauve
Stripdown - light nude
Subculture - light pink
Whirl - light mauve

Face
MAC Studio Fix Fluid - NW18
Pro Longwear Concealer - NC15

Emma xo

What's in your MAC wishlist?

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Top Ten Under £10

I love my high end products as much as the next girl, but nothing can beat a good drugstore find. I still spend most of my time (and money) browsing through my local drugstores searching for a new find and most of the time, they do not disappoint.

10 Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Stick | £4.49 RRP
I love these little sticks for when I'm in a rush in the morning. Powdered eyeshadows take a lot of time and skill to do, so I tend to spend longer on that area than the rest of my makeup. But sometimes I just don't have the time to spare, which is where these come in. I literally draw them on, blend, then I am good to go. Like with normal eyeshadow, I use the lightest shade in the inner corners of my eye and my brow bone, a medium shade over my lid and the darkest shade in my crease.

9 Bourjois Rogue Edition Velvet | £8.99 RRP
I'm not a glossy lip kind of girl. I love matte lips so, so much! But a lot of matte products can be quite drying and feel horrible on the lips. These however, are quite the opposite, they go on to your lips like a gloss then they dry with this gorgeous matte finish. They're amazingly pigmented and they have the best staying power I have ever seen from a drugstore lip product.

8 Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer | £7.99 RRP
I am quite crazy about concealers, I don't know why, but I have loads of them and I probably won't stop buying them until I have them all! But I honestly believe this is the best one you can get from drugstores. I don't like the Collection concealers for my undereyes which is a big selling point for me, I'd use them as a cream contour.

7 Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24hr Eyeshadow | £4.99 RRP
Cream eye shadows have quickly become a favourite of mine. I think they make a great base before applying a powder eye shadow! I think because of their creamy texture, powder eyeshadows cling on better therefore almost acting like a primer.

6 Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit | £6.49 RRP
I've been a bit contouring mad lately. It's very rare that I skip it out of my makeup routine. But I have a bit too many products to achieve one look, a bronzer, a highlight then the contour itself... So it's nice to have all three in one palette so I can achieve those 'chiselled cheeks' without the extra products.

5 Maybelline Lash Sensational | £7.99 RRP
After having most the blogging world hail it as a Benefit Roller Lash dupe, I fell in love with this mascara because it works wonders on my lashes, just as well, if not better than Roller Lash.

4 Lush Bubblegum & Popcorn Lip Scrub | £5.50 RRP
These are a new edition for me, but have fast become a favourite. Reason being is they work so much better than your normal lip balm! I find I tend to neglect lip balms until my lips start feeling dry, or a bit flakey (gross). But once your lips have got to that stage, balms take a little while to get them back to their normal moisturised self, where as these scrubs just remove all the unwanted dry skin. Plus they taste delicious!

3 Bourjois Paris Happy Light Luminous Serum Primer | £10.99 RRP
Okay this one is 99p over £10 but hear me out. It was the primer to convert me! I've never been bothered by primer but this one ticks all the boxes for me, but most of all it leaves me skin feeling soft and my makeup definitely tackles the day a lot better.

2 Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation | £8.99 RRP
This has been my favourite foundation for what feels like forever. It is, and probably always will be my most re-bought foundation ever. I just can't get enough of the shimmer! It's not in your face, it's gorgeous and subtle, you can see the shimmer when the sun is shining bright.

1 Real Techniques Face Expert Brush | £9.99 RRP
This has to be my favourite foundation brush. It's cheap, and as it's by Real Techniques it is of course good quality! I never really considering buying more than one of a brush, because if you already have it what would be the point... But, I think you can't have too many of this brush - as we all know what a pain it is to clean foundation brushes so I will definitely be investing in some more.

What are your favourite drugstore products?

Emma xo

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Witch Skincare | Review

I've been a massive fan of Witch for years now, I was first introduced to them roughly 5 or 6 years ago as I'd been complaining about having horrific breakouts to a friend of mine, so they recommended that I try them out because their products contain witch hazel which is well know for fighting blemishes. I honestly haven't looked back since, I've tried other brands but nothing has come close.

Witch Blemish Stick | £2.59 Boots

I have re-bought this little stick countless number of times now, it was one of the first products I bought from Witch! You know when a spot hasn't quite developed but it's so...angry, and it irritates the skin and becomes quite painful because of that? Well I can't recommend this more! It does tingle which makes it very tempting to itch at, but it will help the spot go down quicker. 

Witch Concealer | £3.79 Boots

This is another product I've bought a few times before. It's quite a strong concealer and helps reduce the apperance of spots rather well! I tend to use it twice, once before my foundation and once afterwards. I do this as the concealer has ingredients that help fight spots as well as hiding up the redness, it'd be a waste if it was just applied on top of foundation like I usually do! I would never use this concealer for anything other than a spot though, because it's a spot fighting product it is quite drying to the skin, not something you want to be using for your under eyes.

Witch Cleansing and Toning Wipes | £2.99 Superdrug

I used to use make up removing wipes daily, but after discovering that they can be bad for your skin if not washed off properly I started to use micellar water. But let's be honest, when you've gone for a night out and you get home, us girls will still have skincare in the back of our minds and wipes are the quickest and easiest thing for us when we're being lazy and just want to get into bed. They remove make up easily, mascara takes a bit longer to get off but I think that's the case for most make up removers. These are perfect to combat your spots whilst removing your make up, especially if you're in a rush, having a lazy day, or even travelling. 

Witch Overnight Clearing Serum | £5.99 Boots

As I mentioned earlier on, spot fighting products are usually quite drying for the skin, but not this one. Not only does this minimise blemishes, reduce redness and prevent future breakouts, it also leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft from the added Vitamin B3. My skin has been alright lately so I can't comment on the blemish reducing side of things yet (touch wood), but maybe this is why I haven't had any unwanted spots - who knows! Either way, my skin absorbs the serum pretty fast and feels so incredibly soft when I've woken up even from the first use.

Witch Hazel Bursting Beads Face Wash | £3.99 Superdrug

I've used face washes by other spot fighting brands and I haven't liked them to say the least. They tend to make my skin feel dry, tight and just really horrible. But desperate times call for desperate measures and all that! So I try to avoid them unless my skin has gotten bad. But this one actually leaves my skin feeling refreshed and soft which is such a nice feeling! Making it perfect for everyday use.

You can win all these skincare goodies in my current giveaway which ends Friday 5th June! 
Click here to enter.

Emma xo

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*PR gifted*

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theBalm Nude 'Tude | Review

You know how I'm a sucker for adorable packaging on my make up? Well I fell into that trap again. But I have no regrets! I absolutely loved theBalm's Mary Lou Manizer, so when I found out they did nude eyeshadows, which featured naked ladies on them, I was all in! (In the least creepy way that sounds)

What I love most about this palette (excluding the packaging) is the colour range. Most nude palettes have either blatantly duped, or have been inspired by one of the 3 Naked Palettes by Urban Decay and as much as I love my Naked Palettes, it's a breath of fresh air to see a palette being more versatile. You've got Sassy, the most pigmented white shade I have EVER seen, Sexy a gorgeous burgundy red and Silly, a matte brown with red and gold glitter. Did you also notice how all the shades' names start with an S? I only just noticed that as I was writing this...

I was seriously so impressed at how pigmented all the shades were. Even in expensive eye shadow palettes you usually get that one shade that's a lot less pigmented than the others but not with this one! That makes the palette so easy to work with, along with how blend-able the shades are and the very little fall out they have. I have one too many times ruined my make up because of eye shadow falling on to my cheeks, it is literally the most frustrating thing EVER.

As much as I love this palette, I have one tiny complaint... The brush. I really don't like the brush. It isn't a issue as I have plenty of eye shadow brushes but I just find it's too stiff, and I end up flicking eye shadow down my face... It might just be a preference thing, but it doesn't ruin how much I like this palette at all!

Have you tried anything from theBalm?

Emma xo

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Witch #stressfreeskin kit | GIVEAWAY

So yesterday was the last of my exams, I'm officially on my Summer holiday now - yay! Meaning I can focus more on my blog over the next few months so it's a win, win situation. I'll be honest though, I've been pretty stressed out with Uni work the past two months, and my skin really hasn't taken it well... But I was extremely lucky to have received a #stressfreeskin kit from Witch Skincare, which has helped with my skin, and more! Oh, and did I mention that one of you lucky guys will be able to get your hands on your own #stressfreeskin kit too!?

What you'll get inside:

• Witch Blemish Stick
• Witch Overnight Clearing Serum
• Witch Hazel Bursting Beads Face Wash
• Witch Concealer
• Witch Cleansing and Toning Wipes
• Twinings Calming Camomile Tea
• Snacks
• Sharpie Highlighters
• Pencils

That's a WHOLE lot of stuff! I honestly have been using my #stressfreeskin kit rather regularly and it has been an absolute godsend. Obviously during exam season, your skin is the least of your worries so it's so lovely to have a kit, that so much thought has gone into, made for you to cover all your exam season needs. Hungry? Have some popcorn, yogurt covered raisins or even a Nak'd bar! Have you got an unwelcomed spot? Fight, and cover it with the Witch Concealer stick! Feeling overwhelmed with all your revision? Open one of the pick-me-up cards!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Emma xo

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*PR gifted*

You may have noticed I removed some items on the list, there was a slight mix up in what the prizes were but the lovely ladies at Witch are kind enough to amend as much of the prizes as they possibly can, so sorry for the confusion! 

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OOTD & FOTD | Summer Ball

One thing you guys won't know about me is I never went to my prom in Year 11. Why you may be thinking? Well because I thought I was too cool for prom at the time... Regrets, many regrets. But I had a Summer Ball to attend after finishing my first year of University, so I of course took the opportunity to dress up! I honestly don't think I've ever put this much thought into an outfit before, so I thought I would share the outcome, considering I've not done an OOTD before either...

Dress - New Look £22.99
Blazer - H&M £14.99

Tights - Primark £3
Necklace - New Look £5.99

Heels - H&M £15

Bag - H&M £7.99
Earrings - H&M £5.99
Eyelashes - Eylure 107
Eyebrows - Anastasia Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Medium Brown
Eyeshadow - Naked 3
Tan - St Tropez Mousse Upper, Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Lower

My favourite thing about my outfit has to be the lower half of my dress. The dress its self was quite bodycon-ish, then there was a sheer overlay that was flowing in the wind, which was perfect as the main bit of the Summer Ball was outside!

I'll be honest, I probably won't do another OOTD, well not for a while anyway. But I'm no model as I squinted in all the photos that were taken of me and I feel well to embarrassed to pose in seriousness! I hope that you guys liked the post regardless :)

Emma xo

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My First (Mini) Lush Cosmetics Haul

For so long I was under the impression that I didn't live near a Lush store. Why? I couldn't tell you. So a friend of mine set me straight and showed me where our nearest store was, and it was literally on the same high street where I used to work... How did I not know?! Either way I had to go and buy something and show you guys what I got!

Bubble Gum and Popcorn Lip Scrubs

These have been on my wishlist for so long, ever since I discovered them online! Normal lip balms on their own are good, but these just make your lips so, so, sooooo soft removing any dry, flakey skin. And they also taste amazing! I couldn't pick between the two flavours so I bought both. 

Twilight Bath Bomb

I've used this up already... I was so excited to use it that I literally photographed it then jumped straight in to the bath! I actually broke some of the pink shell off whilst taking it home from the shop, which kind of bummed me out about, then my boyfriend was like "it'll still do the same thing" ...he doesn't understand. 

Anyway I have wanted to get my hands on Twilight for what feels like years! I knew that it had a blue interior and it fizzed up both blue and pink in the bath. But what I didn't know was that it turns the water a deep purple colour with little sparkles floating around... Really taking after it's name of Twilight, I was totally in love and I didn't want to ever leave the bath! I am 100% re-buying it again!

So my first trip was definitely a success! I loved everything I picked up, but I didn't get much, I just got the things that I've always want to try. But I will definitely go back again soon and get more, especially now I know where the closest store is!

What's your favourite Lush Cosmetics product?

Emma xo

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MAC Velvet Teddy Dupe

Who doesn't love a nude lip? I mean, it's simple and easy and goes with any look. Velvet Teddy is quite infamous for often being sold out and has been hailed as one of the MAC lipsticks used by the one and only Kylie Jenner, and who doesn't want her lips? It's a shame that she's had lip injections at such a young age, even if she is famous, but let's not go off topic...

Velvet Teddy left, Rich Truffle right

I was recently sent for review the new MeMeMe Lip Glides, one of the shades I received, 'Rich Truffle' really reminded me of MAC's Velvet Teddy, aka the only MAC lipstick I own... Don't worry I am going to get more, it's just hard not having a counter where I live, so it takes some thorough Google searching!

Anyway, I wanted to put this to the test so I swatched them both on my hand and I honestly couldn't believe how similar they were! The only difference is that Velvet Teddy is a tad lighter than Rich Truffle but when on the lips it really isn't noticeable.

Formula wise, MAC is hard to beat as you get what you pay for. But in my review of the Lip Glides, I mention how good the staying power is! So MeMeMe do give MAC a run for their money, and at half the price. One thing I do prefer about the Lip Glides is you don't need a lip pencil to help with precision... As it is a pencil! Maybe I'm just awful at applying lipstick (in fact I am) but I find I will always mess it up without my trusty lip liner.

What's your favourite MAC lipstick?

Emma xo

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Benefit Puff Off! | Review & Swatches

For many months since its release I have debated getting Benefit's Puff Off, but as I have been so sceptical towards it, I put off buying it. I do really want Puff Off to work, but at the same time it just looks so gimmicky (like the personalised Hoolas...which I still kind of wanted). But after eyeing it up in Boots and swatching it for the millionth time, I finally caved and bought it.

before and after

It's no secret that Benefit has amazing packaging on all of their products, and this one is no different - the packaging is adorable, with the little iron applicator and the lid that says 'smooth O-MATIC'... As much as I really love this, it also made me fear about the products capability, would I be paying more for the product inside, or the fancy packaging along with it? 

So I will be completely honest with you, when I took it home and started using it for the first time I could barely tell the difference and I very quickly came to the conclusion that it didn't work and it really was just gimmicky. 

I actually first tried it over the top of my makeup, like a concealer, as I assumed it would be like a highlighting concealer. But that didn't work. Then I asked my friend who works on a Benefit counter how it's meant to be applied, before or after makeup application, and she recommended to use it before. So I gave Puff Off a second chance before writing a bad review for you all to read...

This time around, I could see the difference, it hadn't reduced the puffiness of my eyes like an eye cream, but it had highlighted the darker areas of my under eyes and made them look smoother. So I was wrong, it does work and I can see the difference! But it was nothing life changing like I was expecting, but I think I was expecting too much from the product if I'm honest.

Have you tried Puff Off? Did you like it?

Emma xo

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Don't miss out my giveaway! WIN a heat styling tool of your choice! 

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Vidal Sassoon Infra Radiance Straightener | Review

As a person with un-naturally blonde hair I tend to shy away from using heat styling tools on my hair, and when I do, I must use all the heat defence that I possibly could to protect my hair! But Vidal Sassoon's Infra Radiance technology helps deliver the heat more evenly, keeping the natural moisture balance of your hair.

I've been using these straighteners roughly 3-4 times a week over the past month, a piece of me inside was like 'no Emma don't use them this much, what you doing, you never used your old straighteners this much, stop!!!' but I proceeded to use them anyway, and my hair honestly feels no different to usual! Admittedly I recently had a hair cut which has gotten rid of most my split ends but that was at the beginning of April and my hair feels (almost) as good as when I first left the Salon!

The very first thing I noticed when I begun using these straighteners was that they heat up quickly, I could turn them on and be using them within a minute! I've never really been a snob when it comes to my hair straighteners and I've always gone for Remington's over GHD's, but as much as I've loved them, they did take a while to heat up.

Another feature I am SO pleased about is the auto shut off! I am literally the clumsiest person EVER. My boyfriend can vouch there for me, as he is adamant that I tried to kill him when he noticed I left my straighteners turned on at his once... And I know I'm not the only one who's left their straighteners switched on at least once! But I dread to think what could happen if they hadn't of been found.

Overall I am super happy with these straighteners, I no longer dread touching my hair and my family's life's are no longer at risk from my clumsiness... Have you tried anything from Vidal Sassoon? You can find the rest of their Infra Radiance range here.

Emma xo

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Hair Straightener

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30 Blogpost Ideas

We've all been there... One minute you're breaming full of hundreds of ideas for interesting posts to share on your blog, then the next your mind draws a blank. But you don't want to not post, but at the same time you don't want to put a bad post out there either. I'm sure that every blogger out there can relate to that... So I've come up with 30 post ideas, which may not be original, but they go down a treat all the same.

Beauty/Fashion
1) Your Makeup/Hair/Skincare Routines
2) Highstreet Dupes of Highend Makeup
3) Empties
4) Storage
5) What's in your Makeup Bag
6) Brand Focus
7) Face Of The Day
8) Outfit Of The Day

Lifestyle
9) Thrifty Houseware
10) Room Tour
11) Weekly Summary
12) Instagram Summary
13) Favourite Recipes (I'm hoping to do this soon)

General
14) Guest Posters
15) Blogs You're Loving
16) Blog Goals
17) Blogging Equipment
18) What You've Learnt From Blogging
19) How You Edit Your Photos
20) Tags
21) Day In The Life
22) Q&A

Lists
23) Wishlists
24) Monthly Favourites
25) Top Ten Under £10
26) Top Five Under £5
27) What's In My Bag
28)  50 Facts About Me
29) Your Current Playlist
30) Your Must Haves

I hope these help beat any bloggers block! I know I've had a bit lately but I think I'm starting to over come it... What do you do when you get bloggers block?

Emma xo

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