The Best Makeup Deals & Offers

Balance Me Firming Body Oil - I'm a bit unsure that firming body oils really do anything but the LimeLife one works beautifully so I would definitely give this one a go and it's had great reviews https://tidd.ly/3BuPhFn

2017 Favourites

Some of these were new this year, some were just new to me this year and some are old favourites that just haven't been beaten yet. I've marked the products that were released this year with a *

It's quite a long video but there was a lot to cram in. All products are listed below and any blog reviews are listed at the bottom.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year - see you in 2018!

Products:
Cowshed Grumpy Cow Shampoo
*Mane 'n Tail Conditioner
Amelia Moss Argan Oil
*Pixi x Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
*Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Pads
Origins Make a Difference + Cream
Origins GinZing Eye Cream
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%
Skin Owl Beauty Drops PM
*NARS Sun Wash Diffused Bronzer
Bourjois Smokey Stories in Over Rose
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder
*Rosie for Autograph Eye Shadow Sticks
*Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Younique Precision Lip Pencil in Popular
*Origins GinZing Tinted Moisturiser
Jao Brand LipJao
Eco Tools Brushes
Louise Young Eye Trio in Studio 54
Ilia Multistick
Ilia Illuminator
Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner
*Pixi Correction Concentrate
Maybelline Great Lash Big
*Daniel Sandler Customisable Colour for Cheeks
Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Rose Glow
Lord & Berry Kajal
Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Bitch Perfect
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Dangerous

Reviews:
Cowshed Grumpy Cow Shampoo
*Mane 'n Tail Conditioner
Amelia Moss Argan Oil
*Pixi x Caroline Hirons Double Cleanse
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel
*Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Pads
Origins Make a Difference + Cream
Origins GinZing Eye Cream
*The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%
Skin Owl Beauty Drops PM
*NARS Sun Wash Diffused Bronzer
Bourjois Smokey Stories in Over Rose
Hourglass Ambient Light Powder
*Rosie for Autograph Eye Shadow Sticks
*Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Origins GinZing Tinted Moisturiser
Jao Brand LipJao
Eco Tools Brushes
Ilia Multistick
Ilia Illuminator
Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner
*Pixi Correction Concentrate
*Daniel Sandler Customisable Colour for Cheeks
Lord & Berry Kajal

Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product for yourself

NARS Sun Wash Diffused Bronzer - Quick Review

I shouldn't love it but I do - see it in action below. I bought it the day before they announced that they would be selling in China. I have put a link to my original review at the bottom - I got trolled after I posted it, even though I don't claim to be a cruelty-free blogger, by someone who eventually suggested I use Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick instead. Bobbi Brown is owned by Estee Lauder... which sells in China. And the shimmer brick is completely different to this which is incredibly subtle. Which proves that trolls are know-nothing idiots. Now, where were we...

NARS Sun Wash Diffused Bronzer

Read my original review here

Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product for yourself

July 2017 News

You may have noticed that it's been a bit quiet here for the past month and that's because Jack arrived on 2nd July. Not a girl as predicted and almost exactly on time. He's been a little distracting so things may be a bit erratic over here for the next couple of months but I will try my best. All things baby related will be over on www.blueskyandbunting.com where I am also wageing a war against plastic.

New Releases

• Urban Decay Naked Heat - has finally been released and has sold out in quite a few places. I was lucky to be sent one which I am trying at the moment (it's on my lids as I type) so there will be a review of it up in the next couple of weeks. There's plenty around already but I'm going for everyday, wearable, quick and easy looks so I'll keep you posted 

News and Events

• UK to ban microbeads (microplastics) by 2018 - this is great news as they are terrible for the environment and do nothing for your skin. If you use any kind of exfoliator check to see what it is that is exfoliating your skin. 
• NARS to sell in China - this is last months news but there is now a petition with 65k signatures. I can't see what the point in this is really. I would love for them to change their minds but I don't see it happening.

June 2017 Favourites

There's something smug making about having filmed a favourites video that can then go up on the last day of the month. It so rarely happens. This month is mostly products that I've used for years and have recently come back to and one new one that is now a bit controversial.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in Dangerous
Urban Decay with Gwen Stefani Lip Pencils in 714 and Rock Steady
Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder
NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer
Eco Tools Define Brush (from the Define and Highlight Set)
Eco Tools Microblending Brush


Some links are affiliate links which means I will get a small commission if you click through and buy from them. There is no extra cost to you and if you are not comfortable with that then do feel free to open a separate window and google the product separately. 

NARS Sun Wash Diffusing Bronzer

It's rare for me to rush out and buy a new release because over the past 11 or so years of doing this I've had to learn some discipline. If I could I could quite happily spend hundreds of pounds on products within the next five minutes and still feel like I hadn't scratched the surface on my wish-list. I could bankrupt us on make-up and beauty.

But after reading a couple of good reviews for the new NARS Sun Washed Diffusing Bronzers and I wanted one. A bit weird as NARS is not one of my go-to brands (not deliberately I just feel like I'm so behind there I don't even know where to start ... I have a long wishlist) and I just don't really have a lot of bronzers for myself.

Then I realised that this, of course is exactly the reason. It is a genuinely legitimate purchase. I don't have a lot of bronzers, it's incredibly hard to find one that looks nice on me and not a bit over the top. I love the Luminous Bronze Light from the Ambient Light Edit palette but use it sparingly or look a fright. A good, wearable bronzer for those of use with pale skin who don't want to look super shiny is hard to find. And I think this is it.

5 Minute Heatwave Make-up

You probably know we have been having a heatwave here in the UK. I usually get cross with the term heatwave because, well it's summer, it's just summer not a heatwave, but 33 degrees celcius is pretty much as hot as the UK gets so I'll let it through this time (and even include it in the title of this video!).

It's not a glamorous look but it makes me feel less washed out and gross and like I can pick the kids up from nursery without making the other children weep with fright. This might be good if you work in an office and can't quite bear to wear foundation. It's too hot hear for me to even bother with tinted moisturiser - though I'm desperate to try the new one from Origins.

Glowy Summer Skin video

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Protect Lotion SPF 30
Nudestix Magnetic Eye Colour in Angel
No 7 Stay Perfect Shade & Define in Cool Mink
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer
Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara
Cover FX Setting Powder
Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara
NARS Sun Wash Bronzer in Seaside
Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner in Nobody's Baby
La Roche Posay Thermal Spring Water

May 2017 News

The news is a bit thin this month. Not because there aren't a ton of new releases and things but because I was away in the South of France for two weeks with no wifi which was a strange mix of bliss and frustration. Bliss because it's so nice to not be tied to the phone and frustration because I had not planned sufficiently for two weeks with no wifi and therefore had to keep dashing to wifi cafes.

One other unplanned development was the arrival of two, previously unseen, massive crevice-like lines on my top lip that need attention. Who was I to think that nearly two decades of smoking would leave me unsullied? So I'm on the look at for a good cream to help sort it out - thinking of trying the Merumaya Lipline Restoration Treatment, another recommendation from the lovely Tahira Herold. Anyone tried it, or have any other recommendations? 

New Releases 

• Bobbi Brown Eye Glosses - glossy lids have long been a trick up every make-up artists sleeve but not so easy to recreate at home but now you can with these new eye glosses. Three colours available.
• MAC Fruity Juicy collection - its nearly sold out everywhere I thnk but the Fruit A La La eye shadow palette and pearl matte face powder look particularly appealing.
• NARS Sun Wash Diffusing bronzer - for those of us who don't want a whole face full of shimmer this is a gorgeous technically-matte bronzer with 'soft blurring technology'. It's a flattering bronzer in good shades basically - if like me you struggle with bronzer then try this baby out.
• Sunday Riley CEO Protect & Repair Moisturiser - I find Sunday Riley's products a bit hit or miss but have heard great things about this and as you know I'm a sucker for anything with Vitamin C in it. If you have the budget and want something brightening and soothing that will help protect against UV rays and pollution then this is the one to go for.
• The Ordinary Serum Foundation - this is not a new, new release but fairly recent and every time I've seen it on someone it looks fantastic, the colour range is great and the price, as always very impressive. This brand can do no wrong at the moment and I can't wait to try this out. 

May 2017 Empties

The latest batch of empties. It's weird how you get through a ton of the same sort of products at the same time. This month it seems to be a lot of mascara's and conditioners. Links to products below and to my blog reviews.

If you haven't already then please subscribe to my channel

PRODUCTS:

Cowshed Grumpy Cow Shampoo
Waitrose Bath Foam
Mane & Tail Conditioner
Kukui Oil Conditioner by Ogx
Dove Soft Feel Anti-persperant
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation
Yves Rocher Total Radiance Treatment
Lancome Hypnose Drama mascara
Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara
NARS Audacious mascara
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

REVIEWS:
Cowshed Grumpy Cow Shampoo
Waitrose Bath Foam
Mane 'n Tail Conditioner
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation
Lancome Hypnose Drama Mascara  
Bobbi Brown Eye Opening Mascara
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

2017 Wishlist

For a couple of years I'd start compile a new year list of products I wanted to try that year. I haven't done it for a while but whilst doing a bit of blog planning I started a shopping list of all the products I wanted to try (I buy 90% of the stuff used/reviewed on this site) and thought it may be time to reinstate the list. Most of these products are newish but all are released - it goes without saying I love trying out new products but the majority of these are products that have been around for a bit that I just haven't got my mits on yet.

Once I decided to do this list (it's separate from the massive one I have on my phone should I ever been let loose on a make-up store minus children but with loads of money!) I tried to make it as varied as possible. There are loads of lip colours I'd love to try (MAC's Chateau M for one) but I tried to make myself choose something from each category - lips, base, skincare etc. It would be incredibly easy to just sit on websites and make a never ending list of products I'm desperate to try (I have a spreadsheet..) but there was something quite nice about having to be strict with myself. What do I really want to try? So here's the list...

Face of the day - 2nd July 2016 - Friday Video

So this face of the day features something I do a variation of most days... then I beef it up for the evening and slap on loads of extra products that you don't need to do. If you want to know some less expensive alternatives to a product then leave me a comment and I'll let you know.

I start off cross with the post office and end up sleepy with prosecco but... you get the idea.


Delph Factor 50
Lola Eye Primer
Louise Young Essential Eye Palette
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Make Up For Ever Ink Liner
NARS Audacious Mascara 
Benefit Hello Flawless Foundation
Dior Lip Maximiser
Maybelline Better Skin Concealer
Recover Correct & Conceal Red
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Daniel Sandler Water Colour Blush (Rose Glow)
Daniel Sandler Radiant Glow
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder (Diffused Light)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat (Pillow Talk)
Charlotte Tilbury Lip stick (Bitch Perfect)
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow

June 2016 Favourites - Friday Video

A few favourites and a quick look at this months giveaway. Sorry if I look and sound gross, the baby got me with his lurgy.

Foundation Chat with Leila - Friday Video

Right this is the longest video ever. We will do better next time and try to be more concise. We do discuss 21 foundations here though so it may be worth just skipping ones that aren't of interest to you. I've listed what we talk about in order below. Please do leave a comment if you want further info and we will get back to you.

This is the first proper video we've done together and foundations is a HUGE topic - Leila wasn't feeling great hence why I do a lot of the talking. I also have two ill little boys so my time editing this has been punctuated with brow mopping and cuddling.



NARS Sheer Glow
Chanel Vitalumier Aqua
Chanel Vitalumier
MAC Face & Body
Estee Lauder Daywear
Estee Lauder Double wear
Estee Lauder EE Cream
Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation
Bobbi Brown BBU Palette
Bobbi Brown BB Cream
MyFace MyMix Foundation
Benefit Hello Flawless
Chanel Pro Lumier
Dior Star Fluid
Laura Mercier Silk Creme
Hourglass Illusion Hyluaronic Skin Tint
Sisley Phyto Oil-free foundation
Babara Daly Face Lift
Chantecaille Just Skin
Dr Hauchka Day Tint
Daniel Sandler Invisible Radiance Foundation and Concealer

Monday's Make-up Muse - Jane Russell

from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

God I love Jane Russell. Everything about her. I'm even willing to overlook some of her beliefs that I don't necessarily agree with (she was a pro-life born-again Christian) because in a way they kind of emphasise her awesomeness. A great actress who spent her career living in the shadow of her more famous assets she was always the right side of tasteful and classy whilst having enough nous and sass to do what she needed to do to forge a successful career in the 1950s. The best example of this is the secret binning of the famous bra Howard Hughes had made for her to wear during the filming of The Outlaw and instead yanking her bra straps up for a little elevation. She knew what needed to be done, but she was going to do it her way.

with Marilyn Monroe

She was also not a classic 1950s movie star. At 5'7" she was taller than most of her contemporaries and never compromising on being a beautiful brunette (with occasional forays into red). As Dorthory Shaw she is the reason that Gentlemen Prefer Blondes is one of my favourite films - the outfits, the sass, the make-up. I love Marilyn too of course, but I feel I'm more Dorothy than Lorelei - and she's an unusually feisty lady to see in films of that time.

The fabulous thing about Jane Russell's beautiful brunette colouring is she could carry off a strong red lip, minimal eye make-up and her defined brows held the whole look together and was a style she carried through to old age. Her whole look is the classic pin-up, which is what she was for many US soldiers during the Second World War

Jane Russell Make-up Must Haves

Brows - Always defined, I suspect her of having pretty good, strong brows naturally but for those of you who need to cheat it then Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow is fantastic as are the Brow Whizz pencils.

©Luke Ford

Eyes - usually a nude shadow with a black liner flick. She actually had quite hooded lids so a classic feline liner is perfect for her eye shape - if you like to use a gel then I love Inglot AMC Eyeliner Gel.  To create a cats eye effect then corner lashes will elongate any eye - I love the Betty False Strip Lashes from The Vintage Cosmetics Company. The Tanya Burr Everyday Flutter lashes and the Ardell Accent Lashes (301) would also work.

Skin - not too heavy, with a natural finish but pretty perfect. I think Dior Star Fluid Foundation would be great for this. She has some light, cream contouring so either use a foundation in a slightly darker shade than your usual or try out the House of Glam Dolls Glam Base Wheel. Slight blush on the cheeks - I'd go for MAC powder blush in Harmony or Gingerly, but again, you need to suit your skin tone.

Lips - Jane Russell was able to carry off blue and orange reds but you'll know best what suits you. For more orange shades then NARS Satin Lip pencil in Timanfaya or Topshop's Lipstick in Headrush. For bluer reds, her more usual shade, then Estee Lauder Pure Colour Envy in Envious or Chanel Rouge Allure in Pirate is a classic. My favourite liners that work with most reds are MAC lip liner in Redd and Half-Red.

Friday Video - Face of the Day August 6th 2014

One of the reasons I set up my YouTube channel was to create 'Face of the Day' videos so if you were needing inspiration you could click on the relevant date and see what I wore on that day (I love doing that with Nigel Slater's The Kitchen Diaries).

The 6th August 2014 was hot but mostly overcast, I was wrangling the baby all day then a friend came over in the afternoon. The friend I've known since I was 7 but I don't see all that often so I wanted to look nice but not too done; light coverage, nice definition on eyes and lips.

Products used:

Urban Decay Naked palette
Lavera Soft Eye Liner in Black
Yves Rocher Sexy Pulp mascara in Black
NARS Sheer Glow foundation in Santa Fey
MUA Pro Conceal and Brighten in Natural Medium Rose
MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge
Eyeko Fat Brush mascara in Black
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow
Accesorize Baked Mineral Bronzer in Laguna
Sleek Makeup Luminous Pressed Powder in 01
MAC Lip Pencil in Dynamo (Limited Edition)
Blistex Lip Brilliance

Friday Video - July Favourites

Some genuinely life changing products this month. I know that nowadays we are bombarded with recommendations for skincare products but the three that I've been using in the last month have all made a visible difference to my skin and I'm finding it hard to find fault with any of them. That's any faults at all including packaging. The one thing I could think of that one squirt of the serum is too much per face but how fussy is that!

NARS Sheer Glow
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum
Kate Somerville Nourish

Friday Video - Quick Review: NARS Sheer Glow

I really didn't like this when I first bought it but it's been my most used foundation this summer. Great light to medium coverage, lovely finish but not suitable for oily skins or those who want to cover their freckles (I get asked about that... a lot). In the video I say it's only available in 7 shades, that's a lie, there are lots more but not all are always stocked, if that makes sense. The colour I'm wearing here is Santa Fe

Available from...

NARS
Space NK
House of Fraser

Friday Video - Afternoon Tea Bright Lip

It's been ages since I did a video - the weeks have slipped by in a wave of unpacking boxes but here's a really simple look that is sort of a modern version of the classic black liner and red lip.

If you don't already then subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos

Chanel Vita Lumier Aqua
NARS Sheer Glow
Sleek Makeup I-Divine Palette in Au Natural
Lavera Soft Eye Liner
YSL Babydoll Mascara
MAC Lip Pencil in Dynamo
MAC Lipstick in Impassioned
Marks and Spencer Limited Collection Bronzer
Accessorize Laguna Bronzer
Sleek Makeup Luminous Pressed Powder

Autumn/Winter Wedding Guest Make-up - Friday Video

I've had to refilm this three times due to camera teething problems and it's still not great but you get the general idea. I love doing my make-up when I'm off to an autumn/winter wedding as I feel I can go a bit more full-on than I would in summer. I also got to use my Clarins face powder, the smell of which reminds me of being young - I love it.

Products used:

Praeme Harmony Balm
Nars Sheer Glow in Santa Fey
Chanel Vitalumier Aqua in 10 Beige
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow/Liner in Skinny Jeans
Urban Decay Naked Palette
Inglot Gel Liner in 77
Avon Supershock Gel Liner in Black
Benefit Bad Gal Lash
L'Oreal Brow Artist in 03 Brunette
Illmasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow
Benefit Sugabomb
MAC Pro-Wear Lip Pencil in Dynamo
MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in All Fired Up
MAC Lipstick in Impassioned
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder
Clarins Face Powder
Real Techniques Brushes

Blue Liner - Friday Video

I always wear black eyeliner so the other day I was brave and went for blue instead... You don't have to use as many blues as I did and it's also a great look for those of you who hate using brushes most of this can be done without.

Products used:

NARS Sheer Glow in Santa Fey
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 03
Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in 13
Sleek Oh So Special Palette
Zao Pearly Eye Shadow in 104
Eyeko Skinny Liner in Navy Blue
Barry M Supersoft Pencil in No 4
Inika pencil in 08 Peacock Blue
Rimmel Scadal'eyes
Cover FX Setting Powder in Light
Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow
Maybelline Dreamtouch Blush
Lancome L'absolu rouge in 66
Real Techniques brushes