Colourpop Lookbook: Sol & Brunch Date Palettes

Following on from my recent Colourpop haul I promised I would share some looks I have created with the two palettes. I decided to share three looks from each palette and I tried to use a range of shades. Starting with a quick rundown of each palette and a few points of note in case you didn’t see my haul post before showing the looks I created.

Sol Palette

This is one of Colourpop’s nine pan monochromatic palettes with a focus on orange hues. There is a pop of coral-red in this palette and also some great shades for everyday wear. There is an even mix of mattes and shimmers, four mattes and five shimmers. The palette performs well, is pigmented and I’m loving the warm tones – they match nicer with my hair than I thought they would!

Look #1 – Peach Bellini

Shades used: New Digs, Dynamite, Floaties and MAC’s Melon Pigment.

New Digs was applied all over the lid as a base shade before going in with Dynamite through the crease. Using my ring finger I applied Floaties all over the lid as well before topping that off with a light layer of MAC’s Melon pigment.

Look #2 – Sparkle Baby

Shades used: Unwind and Anthem.

Unwind was applied all over the lid and through the crease. Anthem was then applied over the top.

Look #3 – Tropical Sun

Shades used: New Digs, OOO, Motel and B+B.

New Digs was applied all over the lid as a base shade once again. OOO was used as a transition shade in the crease. Motel was used all over the lid below the crease and B+B was applied to the inner third to brighten things up.

Brunch Date Palette

This palette is part of the Zoella x Colourpop collaboration and the item that appealed to me most from the range. It is a twelve pan palette with shades names and packaging based around a cutesy, brunch theme. This palette also has a good mix of mattes (6) and shimmers (5), and also contains one satin shade. The shimmers in this palette are stunning and there is still ability to create different looks with the colours in this palette despite it being mostly neutral.

Look #1 – Pink Ice

Shades used: Mimosa, French Toast and Sundae Funday.

Mimosa was used all over the lid. French Toast was applied to the crease and the outer corner/outer V before using my finger to apply Sundae Funday to the main part of the eyelids.

Look #2 – Bronze Goddess

Shades used: Maple Syrup, Americano and Cinnamon Sugar.

Maple Syrup acted as the base shadow and I blended Americano into the crease. Cinnamon Sugar was applied over the top of Maple Syrup.

Look #3 – Sparkly Taupe

Shades used: Pancakes Please and Champagne Toast.

Pancakes Please was buffed all over the eyelids before using Champagne Toast on the inner half of the lids to create a soft, ombre effect.

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As you can see using three shades tends to be my go to for a simple, put together look; one shade all over the lids, one as a transition shade/to deepen the crease and a shimmer applied over top of the base shade. It’s quite easy but I don’t like complicated eye makeup and having to reach for a half a dozen brushes. The majority of the time I apply shimmers with my finger as it’s more effective than using a brush.

Which eye look is your favourite?

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Stila Magnificent Metals: Worth the Hype?

The Magnificent Metals by Stila are very much loved by bloggers and as someone who loves shimmer the thought of long lasting, sparkly eyes intrigued me. Magnificent Metals aim to be ultra smooth and give a sequin-like shine with plenty of glitz. For reference the set I am referring to in this post is the 3D Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow Set that was released as a limited edition festive trio in 2018. It contains the shades Golden Girl, Perlina and Kitten Karma.

The cost for one full sized shade wasn’t justifiable and the minis were roughly the same price as one full sized shade. They worked out better value for money too as I ended up with more product. One full sized shade contains 4.5ml and the set of minis contains 3 x 2.25ml – a total of 6.75ml.

Honestly, I’m on the fence over this set. I’ve been testing the colours out for four months now and the shades in the set perform differently to each other. I still haven’t found the way I prefer to wear these and the way the shadows perform best. I have tried applying the glitters to the eyelids on their own, applying them over top of a primer or a base shadow and applying a small amount as a glitter topper. I also can’t decide whether it’s more effective to apply and spread the shadows with the applicator or apply them to the middle of my eyelid with the applicator and spread the glitter with my finger. Personally I find the applicator is gentler and the glitters look more pigmented but if you’re applying the glitter over top of another eyeshadow the applicator picks up some of the colour underneath as you try to spread the product.

Top to bottom: Golden Girl, Perlina and Kitten Karma.

I’m going to rank the three shades from my least favourite to the best performing and give a quick rundown of each:

• Golden Girl – The formula is drier, streakier and less pigmented than the other two shades. There is also less glitter and the shade is a little lacklustre. This would be so much nicer if the glitter was more prominent.
• Perlina – This formula is more like what I was expecting and is more pigmented than Golden Girl. The formula gives you enough time to spread it without drying down as fast as Golden Girl. This shade is the most unique in the set and it tends to work best over top of other powder shadows. It pays not to wear too a pale colour underneath as the eyelids look washed out. Perlina will move the base colour and make it look like you’re wearing nothing on your eyelids and not in a good way.
• Kitten Karma – If I could give a piece of advice it would be to forget about buying this set and just purchase the full size of this shade if you’re curious to try the Magnificent Metals. Kitten Karma is a beautiful champagne with silver and copper sparkle and one of the most popular shades in the range. This shade is the most pigmented of the three and performs the best on it’s own without the need for additional eyeshadow.

Pros:

• Good value for the three piece set.
• All shades are wearable and go with a number of looks.
• Smaller size means less product to finish up and less risk of product drying out.
• Can easily see how much product is left.

Cons:

• Pigmentation of all shades is not the same.
• Not sure of the best application method.
• Applicator picks up eyeshadow underneath and can get dirty.
• Product doesn’t last all day.
• May not be good for sensitive eyes – the first couple of times I used these I experienced stinging for a few seconds. Thankfully the stinging went away quickly and didn’t cause any lasting irritation.

So, the important question: Are Stila’s Magnificent Metals worth the hype?

In my opinion, they aren’t. That’s not to say all the bloggers that rave about these and swear by them are wrong, products work differently for everyone and we all have our own preferences. I definitely think the shades I tried aren’t a good representation of the rest of the line and I’d hope there are more shades that perform like Kitten Karma in the range; pigmented shades that contain a decent amount of glitter/shimmer and don’t fade throughout the day. I don’t think I’ll be picking up any more of these to try. I am glad I got to give the product a go, even if it’s not something I reach for often. I will endeavour to use up each of these and hopefully by that time I have discovered an application method that works for me!

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Have you tried the Magnificent Metals, if so which shades? Are you a fan?

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Products I Want To Finish In 2018: Final Round Up

In January 2018 I shared 18 products I want to finish, kind of like a project pan. In this final update I list each product, how full it was at the beginning of 2018, how full it is currently, how many times I used it in December 2018 and how many times in I used each product in total over the course of 2018.

Face:

1. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: | Number of uses throughout 2018: 96

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: | Number of uses throughout 2018: 42

3. MAC Studio Moisture Cream 30ml – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: | Number of uses throughout 2018: 46

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – January: Mostly full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in December: 16 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 200

This concealer is so good, such a nice formula and the perfect colour match for my skin tone. The formula is still creamy even though it’s housed in a little pot. This doesn’t dry out which is great.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – January: Nearly full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: 11 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 131

At the start of 2018 this had only been used a couple of times and it proves to me I can finish up foundations if I use them consistently instead of using them on and off. I also began to enjoy this foundation again, with the right primer and concealer it does work well and is a good everyday foundation.

Eyes:

6. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in December: 4 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 60

This is one of my favourite products for a go to easy eye look if I’m running short on time or want a nice bit of shimmer.

7. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – January: 1/2 left. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: 16 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 225

This was used 225 times in 2018 alone which means it must have given me close to 700 uses in all the time I had it. I didn’t think I would finish this brow pencil but I went to sharpen it and there was no more lead left.

Lips:

8. BYS Fuschia Surprise – January: Almost empty. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: | Number of uses throughout 2018: 25

9. MAC – Syrup – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/6 full.
Number of uses in December: 6 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 32

I may not have finished this lipstick but I came close. I will try to finish this in 2019.

10. MAC – Patisserie – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/6 full.
Number of uses in December: 2 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 24

There is ever so slightly less of Patisserie left than Syrup. I will also try to finish this lipstick in 2019.

11. MAC – Blankety – January 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in December: 1 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 19

I didn’t use Blankety as much as I would have liked. Whilst it’s not my favourite nude I have learnt to appreciate it again and will enjoy using the rest of the lipstick up (probably won’t be in 2019 though).

12. Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry In Love – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in December: 1 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 14

I will try to make more of an effort to use this regularly.

13. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample) – January: 1/2 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: 7 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 28

This sample gave me so many uses. I would go through lip colours much quicker if they all came in sample sizes!

14. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – January: 1/2 full. Now:  full.
Number of uses in December: 4 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 16

I wore this more times in December than any other month in 2018.

Body/Fragrance:

15. The Body Shop Sparkler – January: 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in December: 0 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 18

I haven’t used this product since June sadly.

16. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in December: | Number of uses throughout 2018: 7

I resigned this product as I noticed when I did use it I would get a headache.

17. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: 15 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 120

I loved this fragrance mist to spritz before applying my perfume for the day or even wearing on it’s own if I’m just popping out somewhere. I have had the White Musk and Black Musk EDTs in the past and I’d say these fragrance mists last just as well. They are cheaper and contain more product, it’s a win win!

18. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in December: 9 | Number of uses throughout 2018: 98

See above.

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I’m really pleased I managed to hit my target of finishing half of the products, especially considering a few products I didn’t use as often as I would have liked. This project pan taught me I am good at being strict and sticking with products but sometimes I miss having freedom to create. I won’t be doing anything similar for 2019 but I will be trying not to buy makeup unless I run out of something and one of my goals for this year is not to buy ANY lipstick! (We’ll see how long I last).

Hope you enjoyed this series and seeing my progress!

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Products I Want To Finish In 2018 Update #5

In January I discussed 18 products I want to finish up in 2018, kind of like a project pan. In this update I will list each product, how full it was at the beginning of the year, how full it is currently and how many times I have used each product in a month.

Face:

1. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in October: 19 | Number of uses in November: 0

I finally finished this primer!

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in October:  | Number of uses in November:

3. MAC Studio Moisture Cream 30ml – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in October:  | Number of uses in November:

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – January: Mostly full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in October: 20 | Number of uses in November: 21

I am making good progress with this concealer. The more I use it the more I like it. I don’t know if I’ll hit pan in the next month but I’d still like to try.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – January: Nearly full. Now: 1/6 full.
Number of uses in October: 8 | Number of uses in November: 19

How far I’ve come with this product is a pleasant surprise, the bottle was almost full at the start of the year and now there’s only a small amount of product left. I will hopefully finish this one.

Eyes:

6. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in October: 5 | Number of uses in November: 6

This little pot goes a long way and while I know I won’t finish it, it is still one of the products I rely on for a quick and easy go to eye look!

7. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – January: 1/2 left. Now: 1/8 left.
Number of uses in October: 20 | Number of uses in November: 22

This brow pencil is still getting smaller but still going strong. Maybe I won’t finish this up before the end of the project.

Lips:

8. BYS Fuschia Surprise – January: Almost empty. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in October:  | Number of uses in November:

9. MAC – Syrup – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/6 full.
Number of uses in October: 2 | Number of uses in November: 4

Now that I’m working longer days I find myself reapplying lipstick (if I need to) after lunch so some days I’ve been getting two uses out of this shade per day as opposed to one.

10. MAC – Patisserie – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/6 full.
Number of uses in October: 2 | Number of uses in November: 4

Same as Syrup above.

11. MAC – Blankety – January 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in October: 0 | Number of uses in November: 2

Out of the light nude lipstick shades I own this is one of the prettiest. I have come to love this shade over the past few months again.

12. Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry In Love – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in October: 2 | Number of uses in November: 0

I keep forgetting to use this on my days off. Although, I have been busy on my days off recently and some of the time I have been wearing a full face of makeup.

13. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample) – January: 1/2 full. Now: Almost empty.
Number of uses in October: 2 | Number of uses in November: 4

I am so close to finishing this sample and really want to get it gone before the year is out. Part of me will be sad when I finish this but it is such a beautiful colour that if I miss it I may consider purchasing the full size.

14. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in October: 1 | Number of uses in November: 1

I don’t reach for a peach lip very often and if I do it’s usually Patisserie I’ll go for. I will finish this up but it won’t be this year.

Body/Fragrance:

15. The Body Shop Sparkler – January: 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in October: 0 | Number of uses in November: 0

I haven’t used this product since June sadly.

16. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in October:  | Number of uses in November:

I resigned this product as I noticed when I did use it I would get a headache.

17. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/8 full.
Number of uses in October: 14 | Number of uses in November: 13

This is getting closer to being finished each day. I am hopeful I will be able to use the rest of the mist up before the end of the month.

18. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/8 full.
Number of uses in October: 11 | Number of uses in November: 10

Same as above. The black musk mist has slightly less left than the white musk.

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Are you doing a project pan this year, how is it going?

In the New Year I will do one last update featuring the amount of times each product was used in December and a final recap of my progress.

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1,000 Followers Giveaway WINNER!

My 1,000 Followers Giveaway closed on Wednesday and today I get the joy of announcing the winner!

Firstly, thank you to those who took time to enter the giveaway! I honestly thought there would be more entries but on the plus side, the entries I did get had less competition and higher odds of being chosen!

AND THE WINNER IS…

Nadine from https://nadineblewett.wordpress.com/ 

As mentioned in the rules of the giveaway post in order to choose the winner I selected my five favourite entries based on adherence to the rules and general blog engagement. From there I assigned each entry up to three numbers (depending which platforms each person entered on) and the date of their comment.

I drew up a page in a notebook and recorded all the entries. The names with the asterisks beside were my five favourites. Further down the page I wrote a list of the five names and their assigned numbers.

The number generated ranged from 1-13 (as not everyone entered across all three platforms). I then used Google’s random number generator to select the overall winner!

I will be in contact shortly Nadine and I aim to package everything up and ship it off as soon as possible!

Thank you to everyone for their support during the giveaway and all of the nice words written about me and my blog. I loved seeing which product everyone was most excited to win!

A big thank you to the other four entrants who made it into my top five; I wish I could send all of you a prize ❤

Congratulations once again to a deserving winner!

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Products I Want To Finish In 2018 Update #4

In January I discussed 18 products I want to finish up in 2018, kind of like a project pan. In this update I will list each product, how full it was at the beginning of the year, how full it is currently and how many times I have used each product in a month.

Face:

1. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – January: 1/3 full. Now: 1/8 full.
Number of uses in August: 16 | Number of uses in September: 11

I am definitely getting down to the end of this primer now. I have to really squeeze the tube to get product to come out and the amount I normally use doesn’t come out as easily. I’d be surprised if I didn’t finish this in the next couple of weeks.

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in August: | Number of uses in September:

3. MAC Studio Moisture Cream 30ml – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in August: | Number of uses in September:

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – January: Mostly full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in August: 20 | Number of uses in September: 18

There is a significant dip in the middle of this concealer and while I don’t think I’ll finish it before the end of 2018 it will be interesting to see how far I can get and see whether or not I could even hit pan.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – January: Nearly full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in August: 16 | Number of uses in September: 15

If you said at the start of the year I could finish this foundation I probably wouldn’t have believed you but the progress I have made in two months since the last update is incredible. With the right combination of tools and products it has made me like this foundation again and it is good for everyday wear.

Eyes:

6. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in August: 4 | Number of uses in September: 3

I love this eyeshadow for days I’m running short on time or don’t know what to wear and can rely on this teamed with a bold lip. I prefer to layer this over top of another eyeshadow, The Body Shop’s Honey Bronzer or Max Factor’s Auburn Envy are good base shadows under this.

7. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – January: 1/2 left. Now: 1/4 left.
Number of uses in August: 20 | Number of uses in September: 18

This is the product that just keeps on giving. I don’t have to sharpen this often but it is getting to the stage where it’s getting small to hold.

Lips:

8. BYS Fuschia Surprise – January: Almost empty. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in August: | Number of uses in September:

9. MAC – Syrup – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/4 full.
Number of uses in August: 2 | Number of uses in September: 3

I’ve been loving Syrup more than usual lately. I do think now Fuschia Surprise is finished I am using the other lip colours a little more regularly.

10. MAC – Patisserie – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/4 full.
Number of uses in August: 2 | Number of uses in September: 4

This is ever so slightly closer to being finished than Syrup. It would be nice to finish another lip product by the end of the year.

11. MAC – Blankety – January 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in August: 3 | Number of uses in September: 3

I’m sure I’ve said this before but Blankety is really beautiful when it is paired with the right eye makeup. Some days it looks paler on the lips than others and I wouldn’t tend to wear Blankety with a light coloured eye look. The formula of Blankety is lovely and creamy but it’s not the most long lasting MAC lipstick.

12. Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry In Love – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in August: 2 | Number of uses in September: 1

I have been making more of an effort to apply this when I’m at home on my days off the past few months but I accept it probably won’t be a product I finish.

13. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample) – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in August: 3 | Number of uses in September: 3

After finishing Fuschia Surprise this is the first colour I turn to for a bold lip as the other lip products in this project are all neutrals. The pigmentation and lasting power of this for a semi-gloss is really good. The raspberry colour is really gorgeous too!

14. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in August: 1 | Number of uses in September: 2

This is another one of those lip products that looks nice and is fine for work but doesn’t have the longest staying power. I find this takes a few coats to build up to a nice, even peachy colour. I personally prefer the peachy-pink of Patisserie.

Body/Fragrance:

15. The Body Shop Sparkler – January: 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in August: 0 | Number of uses in September: 0

I haven’t tried this as a body glitter yet but I will for the summer.

16. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in August: 0 | Number of uses in September: 0

I resigned this product as I noticed when I did use it I would get a headache.

17. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/4 full.
Number of uses in August: 11 | Number of uses in September: 11

I am quietly confident I will finish this and the Black Musk mist. I try to use each one on alternate days but I actually have more of the White Musk mist left. White Musk is slightly stronger so I don’t spray as much.

18. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/4 full.
Number of uses in August: 9 | Number of uses in September: 8

See above.

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Are you doing a project pan this year, how is it going?

P.S. Don’t forget I’m running a beauty and lifestyle giveaway. CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Products I Want To Finish In 2018 Update #3

In January I discussed 18 products I want to finish up in 2018, kind of like a project pan. In this update I will list each product, how full it was at the beginning of the year, how full it is currently and how many times I have used each product in a month.

Face:

1. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – January: 1/3 full. Now: 1/4 full.
Number of uses in June: 5 | Number of uses in July: 9

I really didn’t anticipate there was as much primer left as there is, I thought I would have used this up by now. Don’t get me wrong I like this primer but it is a prime example (pardon the pun) of how many uses a product gives before it is actually finished, even though the tube feels lighter and you think there’s not much left it can be deceiving.

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in June: 9 | Number of uses in July: 9

Stashy commented on the last update about applying face mist before moisturiser and I loved that suggestion! It was how I used the face mist most in the last two months and I will try it with my other mist too.

3. MAC Studio Moisture Cream 30ml – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in June:  | Number of uses in July:

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – January: Mostly full. Now: 3/4 -2/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 15 | Number of uses in July: 22

Since incorporating facial oil into my evening skincare routine I have noticed less creasing around my nose which proves it’s not the product’s fault, it’s mine for having dry skin. This concealer is good at covering redness and layers up on itself well, if you apply layers to a certain area it doesn’t go patchy.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – January: Nearly full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 8 | Number of uses in July: 17

I can see a significant amount of glass now from the product I have used up since the last update. I am liking this foundation more again but still not enough to repurchase once I’ve finished this bottle.

Eyes:

6. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in June: 3 | Number of uses in July: 7

I have been experimenting with my Shaaanxo palette a lot lately so this has taken a bit of a back seat. It is still one of my go to products for a simple and easy eye look.

7. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – January: 1/2 left. Now: 1/3 left.
Number of uses in June: 15 | Number of uses in July: 22

This is starting to get really small. The end of the eyebrow pencil has actually snapped off a couple of times after I’ve sharpened it so that may have contributed to how short it’s getting but it all counts, right?! This product gets so much use and I would have used it roughly 400 times since I got it so it’s good value for money.

Lips:

8. BYS Fuschia Surprise – January: Almost empty. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in June: 3 | Number of uses in July: 6

Technically I finished this lipstick on August 2nd but because this post was written after the last use I’m calling it empty even though in the next bi-monthly update I will record two uses for August.

9. MAC – Syrup – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 2 | Number of uses in July: 3

I don’t know if I’ve shared this before but I always think of Syrup as the perfect first date lipstick, even though I’ve only worn it for one of my first dates. The colour is perfect if I’m not feeling in the mood for bold lips. I’d really like to finish Syrup but I’m not sure if I will considering there was less than 1/3 of Fuschia Surprise left at the beginning of the year and I just finished that.

10. MAC – Patisserie – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 2 | Number of uses in July: 2

Similar to Syrup, I’d like to finish Patisserie but because of how long it took to use up Fuschia Surprise I’m not sure I will. One of the lip products is finished now though so that does create the opening of me being able to use the rest of the reamining lip products more.

11. MAC – Blankety – January 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in June: 1 | Number of uses in July: 1

I already know when I finish this nude I won’t be repurchasing it. Blankety looks more pink in swatches and on other people’s lips than it is. One coat seems to be the magic number, it doesn’t layer as well as other lipsticks.

12. Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry In Love – January: 3/4 full. Now: 3/4 full.
Number of uses in June: 0 | Number of uses in July: 2

I’ve accepted that this is one of those products I enjoy when I do use it and I’m okay with the fact it may not be as regularly as the others.

13. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample) – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2-1/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 1 | Number of uses in July: 2

This is the perfect raspberry shade and the formula is ok, it’s not bad but I do prefer traditional lipsticks. I will happily use up this sample!

14. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in June: 0 | Number of uses in July: 1

This is such a pretty peach for simple makeup looks and I need to use it more. The formula is nice and creamy and doesn’t slip. I much prefer the formula of this lip pencil to MAC cremesheen lipsticks, it’s like a cremesheen finish without being patchy.

Body/Fragrance:

15. The Body Shop Sparkler – January: 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in June: 1 | Number of uses in July: 0

In all honesty, I have forgotten about this product lately. The glitter doesn’t look great on my work jumper like I thought it would and maybe I’m better off trying it as a body glitter on my neck and decolletage area.

16. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 1 | Number of uses in July: 0

I have stopped using this product as I noticed the scent gives me headaches.

17. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 7 | Number of uses in July: 11

This is more feminine and floral than black musk and whenever my mum wears this body mist (she has a bottle of her own) she gets complimented. I actually fell in love with this scent because of her and the smell reminds me of her.

18. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in June: 6 | Number of uses in July: 10

I’m still a fan of this with Juicy Couture’s I Love Juicy Couture perfume applied over the top. It’s a light, refreshing combination which is nice for work and everyday wear as neither of the scents are strong and heavy.

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I find the The Body Shop mists easy to use up, I apply them before my main perfume on work days and I’m hoping to finish both of these before the end of the year. I have made good progress on the face products as well, I finished the Vitamin C face mist and the Rimmel eyebrow pencil is getting tiny! I am really proud I finished the BYS lipstick, it is the first proper lipstick I bought for myself and it’s the first lipstick I’ve used up entirely. I’d still like to reach my goal of finishing up 50% of the products (nine) by the end of 2018.

Are you doing a project pan this year, how is it going?

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Shaaanxo The Remix Palette

Shannon Harris more commonly known as Shaaanxo is one of New Zealand’s biggest YouTube stars. Shannon also has her own makeup line called xoBeauty and in June I placed an order. I had been eyeing up The Remix Palette as I wanted to incorporate more colour into my eyeshadow looks. Shannon and BH Cosmetics teamed up to bring together nine earth toned mattes and shimmers as well as nine new neutrals and pops of colour.

I don’t own many eyeshadow palettes and the reason is all the different shades confuse me and I don’t have time for 10 different neutral palettes. If there’s an eyeshadow palette I like and use regularly I don’t feel the need to own dozens of palettes. Many eye looks go with my lip colours so I’d rather stick to tried and tested combinations and switch up my lip colour every day.

I have been using this palette almost non-stop for a month now and my first impressions haven’t changed. The texture of the shadows and the pigmentation on the eyes is lovely. The palette didn’t swatch well (I’m putting that down to the palette being new at the time) but the shadows apply well with brushes and fingers on the eyes. Personally, I feel this palette has it all, a mix of mattes and shimmers, neutrals and colour. The shadows blend like a dream, they last throughout the day without creasing and I don’t experience fallout. The double sided palette is good for someone like me who doesn’t like to feel overwhelmed and both sides work in conjunction with each other. This palette suits a range of people from beginners through to avid makeup collectors.

In short, I love this palette and I see this quickly becoming one of my favourites! I was lucky enough to received a palette signed by Shannon in my order which is even more special. The palette is currently SOLD OUT on xoBeauty. I am not sure if it will be restocked.

About the palette:

• Vegan
• Cruelty free
• Gluten free
• Dermatologist tested
• 18 colours – nine on each side
• Mirror on each side

Shades:

‘The Original’:

Row 1

Clarity – matte ivory

Holy Grail – champagne shimmer

Glow Baby – rose gold shimmer

Row 2

Buttercup – warm, matte yellow

Beach Babe – bronze shimmer

Terracotta – matte red-brown

Row 3

Toasted – taupe shimmer

Avocado – duochrome shimmer with flecks of blue-green and brown

Silhouette – charcoal matte

‘The Remix’:

Row 1

Island Glow – light golden shimmer

Need U – medium brown perfect for the crease

Dark Horse – cool toned matte brown

Row 2

Dream Girl – duochrome peach-pink

Stalker – matte maroon

Vampette – matte purple-brown

Row 3

Bestie – matte muted pink

Lover – matte lilac

Baby Girl – matte hot pink

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Eye Looks

Look 1: Moody Grunge

I applied Clarity as a base shade before running Terracotta through the crease. Using a flat eyeshadow brush (also from xoBeauty) I patted the darker duochrome shade, Avocado, all over the lid.

Look 2: Love Is Pink

Again using Clarity as a base shade, I then ran Baby Girl through the socket and crease and buffed out any harsh edges. Using my ring finger I patted Glow Baby over the lid.

Look 3: Ruby Sparkle

Clarity was applied first as a base. Stalker was blended through the crease and the first layer of Holy Grail was patted onto the eyelids. I added a smidge of Glow Baby over the top before going in with a second layer of Holy Grail to brighten things up. Vampette was the final step to deepen the crease and take away some of the redness of Stalker.

Look 4: Gilded

Surprise, Clarity is the base shade once again! Buttercup was blended into the crease before a light application of Island Glow was smattered over the lid.

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As you can gather I’m usually a three or four shadow girl – I don’t like complicated looks that take 20 minutes to blend out. I have experimented with all of the shadows in this palette but I picked my favourite looks to show you. Ironically they all feature a base shade, a matte crease shade and shimmer on the main part of the eyelid. The four looks were applied without primer, I wanted to test the longevity of the shadows on their own. Let me know your favourite look from the ones I created!

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I hope you enjoyed this review, I don’t often review products in depth on the blog but I loved writing this post and sharing my new favourite palette with you!

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Products I Want To Finish In 2018 Update #2

In January I discussed 18 products I want to finish up in 2018, kind of like a project pan. In this update I will list each product, how full it was at the beginning of the year, how full it is currently and how many times I have used each product in a month.

Face:

1. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – January: 1/3 full. Now: 1/4 full.
Number of uses in April: 5 | Number of uses in May: 4

I haven’t used this primer as much as I did the previous two months and I think my makeup looks nicer when I do apply it. I’m really starting to see why people talk about how important primer is. Which primer do you use that you love?

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – January: 1/3 full. Now: Almost empty – I’d say this has a couple of uses left.
Number of uses in April: 7 | Number of uses in May: 4

I’ve been using this face mist when my skin needs a moisture hit. Cold weather has well and truly arrived in NZ and this helps give my skin an extra boost of hydration.

3. MAC Studio Moisture Cream 30ml – January: 1/3 full. Now: Empty.
Number of uses in April: 18  | Number of uses in May:

I really like this product! I finished it back in April and I miss using it as part of my nightly routine. I have another tube as a backup but I’ve got a Palmer’s night cream I plan on using up first.

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – January: Mostly full. Now: 3/4 full – there is a significant dip.
Number of uses in April: 14  | Number of uses in May: 19

I have been testing out this concealer with Rimmel’s Match Perfection foundation since the last update. I have noticed this only creases if my skin is dry. If I set it with translucent powder I don’t get the creasing. I have also changed my daily face moisturiser which could also be leaving my skin more hydrated.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – January: Nearly full. Now: 3/4 full.
Number of uses in April: 9  | Number of uses in May: 10

Since the last update I have been sticking to applying one layer of this foundation rather than two. The formula doesn’t build as well as the old one and if I need more colour the foundation looks nice with my bronzer from The Body Shop.

Eyes:

6. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in April: 7  | Number of uses in May: 8

Even though this product still looks 1/2 full there is less noticeable product around the sides of the glass pot. Maybe I should to be more liberal when applying this.

7. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – January: 1/2 left. Now: 1/3 left.
Number of uses in April: 18  | Number of uses in May: 19

This pencil is still getting shorter. It performs well though and the colour is still the perfect match for my brows and gives them a nice, natural look.

Lips:

8. BYS Fuschia Surprise – January: Almost empty. Now: Closer to being empty – this is getting nearer to being a stub in the bullet.
Number of uses in April: 4  | Number of uses in May: 5

I wear this shade regularly, at least once a week and it is one of the best lipsticks in my collection. I already have a backup purchased.

9. MAC – Syrup – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in April: 3 | Number of uses in May: 2

Syrup will always be one of my favourite lipsticks. There is a small part of me that still doesn’t want to finish Syrup because it will be gone but I do have a similar colour from Revlon. I will be so proud if I manage to use up this lipstick before the end of the year.

10. MAC – Patisserie – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/3 full.
Number of uses in April: 2 | Number of uses in May: 1

I continue to champion Patisserie as being my favourite peach-pink lipstick. It gives my lips the perfect amount of warmth and can be worn with a simple, everyday look or with something more glam. I got Patisserie after Syrup but I’ve used Patisserie more.

11. MAC – Blankety – January 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in April: 3 | Number of uses in May: 3

If this nude isn’t paired with the right makeup and eye look it can wash me out a little bit. I wore this lipstick with my favourite Max Factor foundation and a simple brown eye look and it was perfect. It is a lovely minimalist shade but I don’t usually have many of those makeup days.

12. Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry In Love – January: 3/4 full. Now: 3/4 full.
Number of uses in April: 3 | Number of uses in May: 1

I try to use this but it often doesn’t end up happening. I need to get into the habit of slapping this on on my days off.

13. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample) – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2-1/3 full.
Number of uses in April: 2 | Number of uses in May: 1

I remember I mentioned this lip product in a 2017 monthly favourites post and said I would consider purchasing the full size but I have changed my mind. I would buy the colour definitely, but I prefer the formula of a traditional lipstick. This isn’t overly glossy or sticky but it’s not my favourite formula.

14. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – January: 1/2 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in April: 1 | Number of uses in May: 1

This lip pencil is pretty but in all honesty I probably wouldn’t have purchased it if it wasn’t part of the collection MAC did with Ellie Goulding. It isn’t as long lasting as most of my other lip products but I do like pairing it with a sparkly eye or when I want a more neutral lip shade.

Body/Fragrance:

15. The Body Shop Sparkler – January: 2/3 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in April: 5 | Number of uses in May: 4

I am yet to use this a body glitter but I do still enjoy spraying this on my uniform tops before I go to work. I must try it on my work pullover to see how sparkly it makes that.

16. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 2/3 full.
Number of uses in April: 0 | Number of uses in May: 2

The staying power of this mist is good and I don’t dislike the coconut scent unlike most other coconut products but every time I wear this I seem to get a headache. I might pass this along to a friend and will take it out of the product list for this project.

17. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in April: 10 | Number of uses in May: 10

Mists are nice to layer with my other perfumes and scents and I feel like the scents keep each other lasting longer than if I sprayed each one on their own.

18. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist – January: 3/4 full. Now: 1/2 full.
Number of uses in April: 9 | Number of uses in May: 10

I love this mist as a winter scent, it has such a beautiful peppery spice to it and it layers particularly well with Britney Spears’ Curious – In Control and Juicy Couture’s I Love Juicy Couture.

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I am continuing to make good progress with the body mists from The Body Shop, wearing them as a mist before spritzing my main perfume over the top seems to work well and I often get complimented on how nice I smell at work. I would like to use certain lip products more than I am which I will focus on for the next update. I have been less consistent with the face/base products as I’ve been using foundations other than Rimmel’s Match Perfection and trying to find the best combination of products for my dry skin and new facial moisturiser.

Are you doing a project pan this year, how is it going?

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Products I Want To Finish In 2018 Update #1

In January I talked about 18 products I want to finish up in 2018, kind of like a project pan. Originally I was going to do updates on how I was progressing every two months but the more I thought about it, the more I decided seasonal updates would be better instead. Without further ado let’s get into the first update. I will list each product, how full it was at the beginning of the year and how many times I have used each product in a month.

Face:

1. Makeup Revolution Ultra Face Base Primer – 1/3 full in January
Number of uses in February: 9 | Number of uses in March: 9

I really do think this is a nice primer. It works particularly well with the Rimmel foundation (also one of my 18 products). A little goes a long way.

2. The Body Shop Vitamin C Face Mist – 1/3 full in January
Number of uses in February: 4 | Number of uses in March: 5

I haven’t used this as much as the primer but it is good when I need an extra hit of hydration. The fresh, citrus scent is lovely.

3. MAC Studio Moisture Cream 30ml – 1/3 full in January
Number of uses in February: 5 | Number of uses in March: 18

This moisturiser was a saviour when my skin went through an extremely dry patch a few weeks back. To ensure I don’t waste product I have cute the top of the tube off and there is still so much product inside. I doubt I will be able to Back To MAC the packaging now though.

4. MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NW10 – Mostly full in January
Number of uses in February: 14 | Number of uses in March: 11

This concealer will take a while to use up but I am starting to see a dent in the product. This concealer doesn’t work the greatest with Rimmel’s Match Perfection foundation so it does limit when I use it. I will try the combination again to be sure but if it doesn’t work out I will only be able to use one or the other each time I do my makeup.

5. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 010 Light Porcelain – Nearly full in January
Number of uses in February: 5 | Number of uses in March: 8

I feel like I have talked about this foundation a lot over the past month. It used to be my favourite but now I find the formula thick. Used in conjunction with Collection’s Lasting Perfection concealer it’s fine for everyday use. I can now see glass where the level has gone down from use.

Eyes:

6. Max Factor Excess Shimmer in Copper – 1/2 full in January
Number of uses in February: 3 | Number of uses in March: 6

I didn’t just want to try and use up products that aren’t my favourite so I included some I really do like too. I have used this eyeshadow pot regularly since I bought it two years ago and continue to do so.

7. Rimmel Professional Brow Pencil in 002 Hazel – 1/2 left in January
Number of uses in February: 18 | Number of uses in March: 20

This pencil is starting to get quite small now. It is the only brow product I use it and I like it because it’s quick and easy.

Lips:

8. BYS Fuschia Surprise – Almost empty in January
Number of uses in February: 2 | Number of uses in March: 1

This is still almost empty. I have a feeling the last little bit will take the longest to use. I wear this shade regularly and it is one of the best lipsticks in my collection.

9. MAC – Syrup 1/2 full in January
Number of uses in February: 1 | Number of uses in March: 2

I’d say this is definitely heading in the direction of 1/3 full now. Another one of my well loved lip products.

10. MAC – Patisserie – 1/3 full in January
Number of uses in February: 1 | Number of uses in March: 1

Patisserie is my favourite nude lipstick that doesn’t have a hint of brown or mauve, it’s pure peach-pink nude and is so pretty. I love this shade with a sparkly eye and my NARS Orgasm-dupe blush.

11. MAC – Blankety – 2/3 full in January
Number of uses in February: 1 | Number of uses in March: 0

I think I have come to realise by the evidence of having barely worn this shade that it isn’t my favourite nude and in all honesty if I didn’t have it it wouldn’t be the end of the world. It’s still a nice shade but I don’t reach for it often.

12. Lancôme Juicy Shaker in Berry In Love – 3/4 full in January
Number of uses in February: 1 | Number of uses in March: 0

I don’t tend to use this product very often unless I am running errands and want something on my lips or I really feel like wearing it. It’s a pretty colour but it isn’t the longest lasting and it is better suited to chilled out days for me.

13. Elizabeth Arden Luscious Raspberry (Sample) – 1/2 full in January
Number of uses in February: 1 | Number of uses in March: 1

A good wear time for this product depends on how much I eat. If I am at work all day and have a decent sized lunch I notice this can wear off and start to feel a little drying. If I’m just having a snack though it’s fine and lasts all day.

14. MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Revved – 1/2 full in January
Number of uses in February: 1 | Number of uses in March: 2

In terms of peach this is the most peach shade I have in my collection and it is really nice. The staying power isn’t that of a normal lipstick but because it’s a light shade it fades evenly. I have enjoyed reaching for this over the past few months actually.

Body/Fragrance:

15. The Body Shop Sparkler – 2/3 full in January
Number of uses in February: 5 | Number of uses in March: 1

This glitter looks so nice on black clothing. I have black shirts for work and have worn this over them a couple of times. I haven’t tried it on my skin as a body glitter but I really should.

16. Bath & Body Works Waikiki Beach Coconut Fragrance Mist 3/4 full in January
Number of uses in February: 2 | Number of uses in March: 1

The staying power this mist has is really good. I haven’t been reaching for it as much as I would have liked.

17. The Body Shop White Musk Fragrance Mist – 3/4 full in January
Number of uses in February: 6 | Number of uses in March: 6

I have been using this and the Black Musk mist first before going in with a few spritzes of my perfume. I would normally use Impulse but I’ve got these so I may as well use them instead.

18. The Body Shop Black Musk Fragrance Mist – 3/4 full in January
Number of uses in February: 5 | Number of uses in March: 7

See above.

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I am making good progress with the base products and the body mists from The Body Shop but I need to be more consistent with the lip products otherwise I don’t think they will get finished. I do only wear makeup for 50% of the week so I am pleased with how I’m doing.

Are you doing a project pan this year, how is it going? What are you trying to finish up?

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