& Other Stories Haul!

Some of you may have noticed the & Other Stories blush that featured in my favourites post. That's right, I gave into the fuss that was surrounding this store and had to go and see it for myself.

I went and did this back in April, naughty me for not reporting back straight away, with a couple of my friends as we met up for a little bit of a shopping trip on Oxford St.

I'll start by saying it's not what I expected, I assumed that it would be a standard looking store with accessories together, clothes together, beauty together, but that just isn't the case as you walk into this store. You introduced to little snippits of items dotted around everywhere. The only consistent thing was the colour clusters by which they organised their items.

The clothes were quite classic looking, along with a price tag that made me just take a step back from anything I saw.

Anyway onto the beauty, the majority of this was grouped together toward the back of the store. Unfortunately, when we went there was barely anything there in terms of their makeup range, which was quite disappointing considering that their website just makes everything so appealing, yes I was stalking the website days before I was heading there.

Onto my first item got this blush in "Cabbage Pink". I really like the formulation of these blushes, they have a satin feel which is really pigmented and easy to blend. I love this colour, it's perfect for my skin tone. It's a lovely deep dusky rose colour. I'm really tempted to go back and buy another but I don't need anymore blush!

My next item is something I am glad to have purchased, that is the body lotion in "Moroccan Tea". This smells like a super luscious mint mojito, just really nice and fresh. I lurve this smell so much, I could just sniff it all day.

This lotion isn't the most hydrating, so I wouldn't recommend it to someone who had really dry skin. I love the fact that it has a pump, which makes life so much easier in the mornings. I love this for a quick all over slather, rather than faffing around with body butter (which I still do, but mainly on the weekends or when I have time). It has quite a runny cream consistency which makes it easy for the skin to soak up.

I would definitely recommend having a sniff at all their body items if you're around the area, there will be a smell there for you I'm certain.

It was just a shame that they only had two lipsticks available, the lady at the cash desk said that they were selling like hot cakes, so they must be really good.

Have any of you had a chance to go to this store? What do you think? What about roaming the site? It's so tempting.

♥ RP ♥

April/May Favourites!

This is a stupidly delayed favourites post. Considering that I didn't do an April favourites, this is going to be a combination of both April and May favourites.

So, getting into it…

Beauty

Make up:

Starting with my favourite combination to pair up in terms of makeup, my new No7 BB lips in "Blush Pink" it gives the most subtle tint of colour and sheen and combined with my newly bought & Other Stories blush in "Cabbage Pink" my face has been looking nicely made up without being "in your face". These two goes so beautifully together! It's not the most spring colouration but it suits my skin tone.

Next is my re discovery of the No7 Exceptional Definition mascara. I always go back to this mascara, it just defines (hence the name) my lashes like no other (that I've tired). I think this is my 4th tube…that says a lot right?

Moving onto a more spring like product, the Illamasqua cream blush in "Dixie" I just love the glow this gives. It's a perfect doll like colour, so makes you look fresh and ready for the day.

This last beauty item isn't a makeup product but a brush; the Real Techniques Setting Brush. I find that if I don't set my under eye concealer properly then I will get that darn unattractive creasing going on, I have found that this brush picks up the right amount of product and fits perfectly underneath my eye.

Skin care:

My skin care product that I've been enjoying is my Body Shop Aloe Soothing night cream, it's quite a thick night cream which feels really nice when your skin is needing a little TLC.

Leisure

Moving on to non beauty favourites.

TV/Movie:

Mad Men all I can say is I thought this would be boring but you get attached to the characters and it hypnotises you into watching it. If you like 60's makeup and fashion I would definitely recommend you watch it. The women in it are so well made up. It seems a bit odd in terms of the amount of smoking and sex (it's not explicit, don't worry...) but I still find myself watching it.

Iron Man 3…I love Robert Downey Jr in this role. He just plays it so well, helps that I have a slight crush on him. The third instalment did not disappoint me, definitely better than 2. The comedy element was perfect along with all the action.

Music:

I was properly introduced to Frank Ocean last month and I can't stop listening to his album. If you haven't checked it out you definitely need to, the lyrics are amazing. My favourite songs are "thinkin bout you", "pilot jones", "pyramids" & "bad religion", that's a lot of songs. Honestly I would say the whole album but I'm trying to be picky so you guys can pick a couple to listen to if you want to listen to something new.

I also went to a little gig with a couple of friends. I was introduced to The Felice Brothers because of my love for Mumford & Sons, my friend thought I would like them. I listened to them on youtube, but I wasn't completely sold. Then he told me they were having a little gig and if I wanted to go, we went, it was amazingly good. I would describe them as a rock/folk/country.

Sorry that this is a late post, I hope you don't mind, I've been lacking in the blogging mood, but hopefully this will ease me into the swing of things again.

Hope you are all well! =D

♥ RP ♥

BBQ OOTD!

So this weekend I went at a lovely BBQ celebrating my two friend getting engaged. It was especially sweet because they chose to do this on their anniversary of when they first started dating a long 9 years ago.

It was a lovely gathering of friends and family for them. There was lots of lovely food of course and happily the weather behaved and we were lucky to have sun (even if it was coming and going).

On to the outfit…

Dress - Boohoo | Belt - ASOS | Cardigan - Newlook | Ring - Accessorize | Bangle - H&M

For my face I went very simple, just a warm brown shadow across the lid with MAC's 'All that glitters' in the inner corner (I love that suff). Finished it off with a bit of Maybelline Gel Liner in black on the outer half of my upper lash line. I used a warm coral/brown dusted on the cheeks and 'spice' lip liner by Rimmel all over he lips, I put a touch of clear lip gloss just to give a bit of moisture to my lips…and voilà!

It was such a lovely afternoon/evening. Congratulations to the lovely couple!

What did you guys get up to this weekend? Anything interesting?

♥ RP ♥

Rose Petal Polishes!

I can't believe I haven't blogged for like a month. It's not that I haven't had inspiration, I've just been lazy. So to snap out of lazies grasp I am going to do a little post on rose polishes (yes…polishes again).

Inspiration struck when I went into boots a few days ago and saw two polishes which I inevitably bought…those were the No.7 one in "highland mist" and the Revlon one in "Vintage Rose".

I went back home to admire them again my other (hoard of) polishes. I swore to myself that I wouldn't buy any more until I finished one, but is it just me or do polishes never END! Their like the relative that just doesn't know when to leave no matter how much you love their company. Anywho, I thought I'd share some of my newly loved pink petal shades.

OPI "Grand Canyon sunset" - I bought this a couple of years ago thinking it was a beautiful colour and it is, but I don't think I've gotten enough use out of it…it's a bit too bright for my nails I feel, although now it's 'spring/summer' (I put the '' because, lets face it our one week of heat was as good as it was going to get) I will definitely be wearing this.

No.7 "Highland Mist" - I fell for this colour because it reminded me of the colours my mum used to wear when I was little, and the perfect pale dusky rose colour. I can't say too much about the longevity of it because they have reformulated these polishes and this is my first one since then.

Revlon Colorstay "Vintage Rose" - if you didn't see my post about my very first Colorstay formulation polish then check it out…best. formula. ever! they just last on the nails for so long, WITHOUT chipping! As long as you have smooth nails to put them on you're good to go for a week or so.

Essie "Not Just a Pretty Face" - This was my first ever pale pink/white colour and it's perfect for my skin tone, it's got the right balance of warm and cool undertones. The downfall is that it needs 3-4 coats to make it opaque. If you're doing a french manicure then one coat is enough. Just make sure you let the layers dry properly, otherwise you're going to get the whole….grrrr I messed up that one nail moment -_-

Lastly, another Revlon Colorstay "Pale Cashmere" - This is the pink that is literally bordering on white and I love it.

Which one do you like? Do you have any rose petal colours to share?

♥ RP ♥

Spring Polishes!

In theme with my blush *post* I thought I would just share a handful of polishes that I know I will be wearing a lot this spring.

I think it's quite obvious that I love pastel colours, and if it wasn't now you know, I just find they draw attention to my hands, I know what to colour polish to stay away from when I'm old and wrinkly >< My most recent favourite it the Models Own polish in 'Peach Puff', it's a light peach colour with a hint of orangey pink.

Along with pastel nails we can't forget the brights, for me it's my standard Barry M polish in 'Coral' and my favourite (of all time) pink polish by Nails inc. in 'Piccadilly Circus', although this isn't the brightest pink I have, it's more of an all round good'un, which makes it perfect for this spring

What are your favourite nail polishes going to be for this spring??

♥ RP ♥

My Pink Suede Lips!

Most of you hopefully would have seen my love for these products. I first picked them up back in December when I was in the US of A roaming around Target. I picked up 'Iconic' and 'Flashing Lights' which have featured a few posts. I've been wanting to do a post on them for so long but wanted to wait till they were out here in the UK.

Soo…without further ado onto the products themselves…

Product:

These beauts are from the Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede Lipsticks. It's supposed to combine moisture with staying power according to their website.

Price:

£8.99/$7.49

Results:

I love them, they are better than the lip butters simply because of their staying power. They really do apply with a suede texture, it's really hard to describe, it's a unique feeling when on the lips, I don't know any other brand to do a similar texture. They're a buildable formula, which is perfect for different looks.

Back to the colorstay aspect; the really do last all day, I apply it in the morning and it's there at the end of the day after eating/talking. The only time I've noticed that it's not there is when I have bitten my lips - naughty me.

'Iconic' is my absolute favourite colour that I have. It's a 'my-lips-but-better' colour! The only thing that that I have an issue with is the amount of glitter or I should say the size of the glitter in both 'Iconic' and 'Flashing Lights'.

'Couture' is a lovely red with pink shimmer in it, but unlike the other two it doesn't have large chunks, it's more refined.

Downsides; I don't think that they're particularly moisturising. On first application they are smooth which gives this feeling of hydration but then you find that the initial smooth feeling wears off and you're left with this slightly 'sticky' feeling. It's not a horrid feeling because you only feel it when you push your lips together, but it's not something that you should feel when it's supposed to be 'moisturising'.

The price; this is something that I hate looking at when it comes to the american brands, their price points are so different for dollars/pounds. Why do we have to pay more here in the UK?!

Shades; I love the colour range both here and America. I don't know if they change the shade names when they bring them over or they are completely different but it's confusing.

Overall:

I can't hate on these, Iconic is the lip product I grab when I'm in a rush and don't know what to wear on my lips. I even recommended them to a friend after all and to my delight she loved it.

If you're looking for a staying powered sheer-ish lipstick then I would recommend that you get one of these. If you're still not sold, I would still recommend going to the store and having a look at the colour range and give it a good test.

Have any of you seen these? Or tried them?

♥ RP ♥

Spring Flush!

Some of you may know, and if you don't now you do, that I'm a complete blush-aholic! Popping that pinky pigment on my cheeks just makes me happy. So with the sudden change in weather (and lets hope it lasts) I thought I would share with you some cheek-y (see what I did there) spring blushes that I know I will be grabbing this season.

So...Let's start with the more readily available blushes. I tend to go for more of a brighter cheek during the warmer months. I'll mention Sleek's blush in 'Life's a peach' which is one of my all time favourites and I think would suit any skin tone. It's a perfect apricot/peach colour and instantly brightens up the face.

Topshop's cream blushes are excellent for the warmer season because of their cream to powder finish. I find the best way to apply these is with a stippling brush, namely the real techniques one, it's amazing. Just use a patting motion, I find that this works best for most cream blushes, especially if you have used concealed blemishes on your cheeks, which I do.

Moving on to the 'higher end' brands, I'll start with my most recent purchase, which is Tarte's'Natural Blush'. It's the most perfect pink, the pigmentation is obviously incredible you literally need a the tiniest amount.

Another cream blush that I love when I haven't got a lot of makeup on is Illamasqua's blush in 'Dixie', it gives this lovely dewy flush. I suppose the only thing I would say about this one is that if you have super oily skin then I would stay away from this formulation, I can imagine that it would slip and slide on that type of skin.

All of these blushes have a good colour pay off and I personally think that they will be perfect during the warmer seasons. It's funny how the sun can influence little decisions like what you put on your cheek.

What would you recommend as your favourite blush for the Spring/Summer?

♥ RP ♥

Haul Time!

Why do I do this to my bank account? As if I need more beauty products! I suppose there is nothing like a little bit of retail therapy… like a girl needs an excuse to splurge once in a while.

Anyway, here are the products that I picked up in both superdrug and boots…

… Starting with the nail polishes, I had to try the Barry M Gelly Paints, there is so much hype around them and I wanted to see if they were worth the love. They are! I got them in 'Blackberry', which is the dark blue one. 'Watermelon', which is the green one and 'Blueberry', which is the pale lilac/bluy colour. The other polish is from the Revlon Colorstay range in 'Pale Cashmere', I had to get another polish from this line because it's such an amazing formula.

Next, the lip products, I bought another Revlon Suede after my love from the ones I got in America. This one is in 'Couture'.

And to get ready for the summer I got the Maybelline Color Sensation in 'Pink Punch'.

I can never help myself when it comes to Sleek, I got the Concealer Palette in 05. I just wanted to give it a go, I love their colour products but I haven't tired any of their skin products.

The blushes I got were from Superdrug; I got another Sleek Blush to add to my collection in 'Pomegranate' and a MUA cream blush in'Yummy'.

Lastly are my skin care products which were a must buy because I have run out of moisturiser and I also wanted to get a calming night cream. So I decided to get the Vichy Normaderm 'Hydrating Care' and I got the Aloe Soothing Night Cream from the Body Shop (which I got along with *these products*.

That's all for the haul. I know I'm going to get a lot of use out of all these products. There's nothing like using new makeup!

Have any of you tired any of these products? What are your thoughts?

♥ RP ♥

March Favourites!

It's that time of the month again, no ladies not mother nature calling, favourites time…so lets get to it.

Beauty

Skin care:

So this months skin care favourite is this recent purchase. I was smooching around in boots and I noticed a skin brand that I hadn't heard of before. I was looking at their range and decided to try this Sk:n Pore Refining Lotion. It's concentrated in Glycolic Acid which helps refine pores and I've noticed a vast difference in the visibility of my pores.

Next is a not so recent purchase but something that I tried because of my fellow bloggers on a #bbloggers chat recommended it to me when I was asking about exfoliators, it's the St Ives apricot scrub for oily skin. I am so happy that I tried it. It just makes my skin so smooth and makes the application of foundation so much nicer.

Make up time:

I have absolutely been loving the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in "Natural Beauty", it's been the perfect thing in this still cold weather to pop onto the apples of my cheeks and it works really well when I wear red lipsticks.

This isn't a make up item but I've fallen back in love with my DKNY Golden Delicious perfume. I'm not too fond of the other perfumes in this range, but this one I just love. I don't know why I stopped using it but I've pulled it back out this month and been spritzing away.

Leisure

TV/Movie:

Now if you haven't heard of this show you need to watch it, Girls, it's about a bunch of four girls in their early 20's trying to find themselves. I think we can all relate, it's a tad raunchy and explicit but it's quite a real show. The writer/creator/director Lena Dunham is amazing in it, as are all the other actresses and actors.

Random:

I have fallen in love with 9 Bars, their bars full of different seeds and honey…just yummy! Such a good alternative if you find yourself grabbing chocolates or biscuits for snacks.

Well, that's it for this month, I hope that all of you are doing well! I'm so looking forward to the lighter evenings and for the summer music to fill the air! And you know...the SUN, if it actually wants to warm the UK rather than just tease us!

♥ RP ♥

Deer Body Shop!

So yesterday I was lucky enough to go and meet Leona Lewis at Body Shop in Westfield. It was all a bit rushed and we (my friend and I) were the last people to see her, but she was launching her new collection which is promoting cruelty free beauty products around the world.

The Body Shop has been an advocate of cruelty free beauty products since 1993 and after 20 years the EU has finally put a ban on animal testing on beauty products. But the Body Shop want to go a step further and stop it all across the world. That's their latest campaign and a good one at that. If the EU can do it, even if it does prove slightly difficult for certain companies, then the world and follow. Here's a *link* to their web page where you can make your pledge to support cruelty free internationally.

The range includes two shimmer palettes, three lip glosses, a blusher brush and a fragrance. It's a cute collection, as a brush-a-holic I had to get the blusher brush, it is super super soft! And shape is different too, from the top it looks like a flower. I also got one of the shimmer palettes in the shade "Oh Deer! Bronze", it's super shimmery, I think it'll be perfect for WHEN the weather picks up a tad. Here's a *link* to her collection.

Have any of you looked at or tried the new collection? What do you think of the campaign?

♥ RP ♥

Nars Sheer Glow!

Sadly I had to lay to rest my much loved MAC Studio Fix Fluid. Luckily I have other foundations that I could use whilst considering what my next everyday foundation should be. I was really in two minds about getting the Nars Sheer Glow because I've read very mixed review, with most people loving it. Ultimately I decided to put my Selfridges Gift Card to good use and took the plunge. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, if not a month and here are my thoughts on it.

Product:

I got this product in 'Syracuse'. I didn't get matched up as I was already wearing makeup and I have been swatching different shades for a while. This was the best colour for my skin at the moment. The consistency isn't too runny, I would say the right type of consistency for a foundation, does that even make sense?

Price:

It's £30.50! It used to be £29! They keep putting up the prices!

Use:

I find that I get the best application either with my fingers or using my buffing brush. I just dot it around my face and then using my fingers or a buffing brush I blend it in. When I am having a good skin day (basically, when I have exfoliated and am treating my skin well) I prefer to use my fingers, it just melts into the skin.

Results:

I like this foundation, I find that it photographs well. The coverage is buildable, I would say that this foundation is medium to full coverage, I don't really know where the sheer part comes into it. I did however find that this does oxidise slightly, which personally I don't mind as long as I don't apply excessive amounts, but I would make sure that you check the match properly before purchasing.

I also found that my cheeks get quite oily after a few hours, which is never a good thing. The only time that I find that the oil doesn't appear is when I have powdered really well. I find that it covers my blemishes up really well, which is a massive thumbs up from me.

It really does feel like a second skin, it just blends so well that it doesn't look like you're wearing anything on the skin. My concealer/powder/blush all seem to blend into it well.

The major problem I have with this product is that it doesn't have a pump, I mean for a high end product you should expect a pump! Surely that's not much to ask for?

Overall I do like this foundation. I know they do a matte version so maybe when I finish this I will get a little sample of that to see how I like it, but this is a good replacement for my MAC foundation in terms of coverage and colour, which were my main qualms. If you have any tips on pumps or dispensing this product let me know in the comments! =)

Have you used this foundation? What do you think?

♥ RP ♥

Tag: Confessions Of a Beauty Blogger!

So this is a bit of a quick post I think, I was tagged by the lovely Meesha from Strawberry Hearts Chocolate Darts. Just a little thank you to her for personally tagging me =)

Let's get to it…

Q: When did you start blogging?

My first blog post was on the 3rd Feburary, 2012.

Q: Have you had an online presence before?

No, other than my social networking pages, this is the only place I have on the www.

Q: Why did you start blogging?

It was just a spur of the moment decision, I wanted to share my little tips and share my opinion on things after watching YouTube videos and reading other blogs and thinking 'Oh..I have a tip for their problem or this product would be good..' I was still very scared when I actually chose my name etc. because it's a big thing, putting your opinions out there, whether they are about beauty or anything. But I eventually clicked that publish button and there was no going back.

Q: When did you become serious about blogging?

I don't think I am serious about blogging, I mean what I say on here is serious but I don't do it as regularly as some. This is just a hobby, an easy place to share my thoughts on all things beauty with additions about my life and other things I enjoy. It's a bit like having an online diary, I can go back, look at posts and remember that part of my life.

Q: What was your first post?

My first post was a mini introduction, but my first 'proper' post was about my MAC Studio Finish Foundation. I just remember hearing lots of people bash that foundation because they didn't know how to apply it, so I wanted to share how I applied it, which was by buffing it in.

Q: What has been your biggest challenge about blogging?

Personally, it's taking pictures, I don't have a fancy camera, so when I started to blog I found that taking the pictures the way I wanted was such an issue. Now I have learnt to work with the strengths of my camera and angling. But, with my obsession with 'perfection' I find that if the pictures aren't right it puts me off writing the post. Which then causes me to not post for a week or something. I get annoyed at myself when I see I haven't posted for a while especially when I have things I want to get out there.

Q: Where do you see your blog in a year?

Hopefully in a years time I will have a better camera, so that I can take better pictures and that maybe I would have changed my layout again, not because I don't like this one just it's nice to switch it out once in a while.

Q: Whats the most rewarding thing to you about blogging?

The community is something that I just wasn't expecting, they were/are so welcoming. The communication between fellow bloggers and finding out about products before the masses, I love that. I love reading comments to my posts and replying, it's that interaction that I think is so key. When I see people not replying to comments I just think why bother. I get that they read them but it's nice to start some kind of dialogue with people who have taken the time out to comment on something you have written.

Q: Whats the most discouraging thing that happens to you?

I don't think there is something that personally has discouraged me per say, this is my space and I don't think anyone could discourage me. But, I suppose part of it goes back to what I was saying above, about how I don't understand some bloggers not replying to peoples comments. I understand that they don't get notified but they may come back to see if you have replied.

Q: What is your lasting inspiration/motivation?

Ah this is the question…I have to say my friends who know about my blog and actually read it. That's such a huge motivation, when they message me and say that they have read my posts, and that I've tempted them to buy something. I love that they have taken time out to support this hobby of mine. Also, the regular readers/commenters, I really feel like I actually have a friendship with them, is that creepy? lol.

I'm going to tag whoever reads this! Please leave a link to your posts if you have done one already, I'd love to read it!

♥ RP ♥

L'occitane Almond Shower Oil!

Product:

As some of you may have seen, I purchased the much raved about L'occatine Almond Shower Oil when I went to Paris. I really like l'occatine products so was interested to try this. It is one of their best selling products and it is suppose to leave the skin feeling soft and hydrated after use.

Price:

I bought this for €15.50 but in the UK it's £17.50 for 250ml.

Use:

I personally use this with a shower gel, just for that extra clean. You don't need a load of this product, a palmful will get around your body easily. Because you don't need a lot I know it's going to last me a while, especially because I don't use it everyday. I heard that you could get it in a pump form but I couldn't see that one which is something I would have preferred rather than the push cap.

Results:

It's really interesting to use because when poured out and rubbed into wet skin it turns into a milky type colour and texture. It leaves the skin noticeable softer. I use it when I exfoliate with my exfoliating mitts, I find this way my skin doesn't dry out like it would exfoliating without something to run into my skin. When I get out of the shower and have dried off I visibly notice that my skin is less dry and 'ashy'. I don't know how much of a difference this would be on super dry skin, I would think that you would still have to put on a emollient cream on if you had that skin type.

The website says that it foams, it doesn't. I'm slightly confused why they would say that but who knows maybe I'm not using the amount required which causes foaming.

Everyone raves about the smell of this product, I kind of get it, when I've washed it off and there is just the lovely hint of an almondy smell left on me, but the initial scent isn't to my taste, it's too strong, but then I suppose that's good if you want it to last after your shower.

Would I buy this product again? Probably not, I get the same results using normal baby oil by rubbing it into damp skin and patting it off. The difference would be that the l'occatine product doesn't leave any residue on your skin and there is no distinct smell with the baby oil. It is a lovely product, I just don't find it amazing.

Have any of you tried this product? What do you think of it? Would you try it?

♥ RP ♥

Purple Peek-a-Boo!

I'm sorry about the awful hair!

I haven't done a makeup post in a while and thought I would share what I wore out the other evening with you. It's a simple golden brown eye with a hint of colour using a purple liner.

So, let's get into it…

Face

My base consisted of my new NARS Sheer Glow. I tried to cover up my blemishes using my trusty MAC Studio Finish Concealer. I don't know why but my skin hasn't been looking that great =( but it's getting better. I used my Bare Minerals Mineral Veil to set everything. I did this after the eye makeup.

I used Sleeks blush in 'Coral' to add a touch of colour to my cheeks, you can contour if you like, but I chose not to.

Eyes

First I started by priming my eyes with Urban Decays Primer Potion.

Using a flat eyeshadow brush I packed on MACs 'Romp' to give me a good base to work with.

Next using the other side of the same brush pack on MACs 'Amberlights' eyeshadow and place in the inner corner and blend into the Romp.

Using the same brush pick up a mix of MACs 'Embark' and 'Antiqued' and place on the outer third of the eye and blend using a blending brush.

With what's left on the brush, gently blend into the crease, all the way in. Also, drag the excess underneath the eye.

Keep going with the packing on colour and blending until you are happy with the intensity

Now for the pop of colour, using Maybellines EyeStudio Gel Liner in 'Eggplant Aubergine'(it can be pencil or gel, whatever you have) draw a thin line all along the upper lash line

Build the colour on the outer edge and using a pencil brush blend to create a haze. Again, keep adding till you get the desired intensity.

Apply Mascara and you're done, I used the L'oreal Voluminous Extra-Volume Collagen.

Lips

I just used my MAC lippy in 'mocha', I choose this because I didn't want a pinky lip to distract from the purple in the eye.

And there you have it, using a different coloured liner is a nice way to change out a normal everyday eyeshadow look. You could even do this using matte colours, if you're not into shimmery colours on the lid.

Hope you enjoyed.

♥ RP ♥

February Favourites!

The end of February already! I think I will always be surprised as to how fast these months fly by. Nearly a quarter way through the year. I think I will do a little update on how my 'new years resolutions' are going at the end of march. Anyway, on to my monthly favourites.

Beauty

Make up:

L-R: MAC Viva Glam I; Topshop Hazard; Revlon CSUS Iconic

I can't believe that this particular lipstick hasn't been in my favourites, ever! =O This is literally my go to lipstick for when I want to do a red lip. It's MACs Viva glam II, it's this gorgeous deep red. I absolutely love it.

Another red lipstick that I have been loving is Topshops 'Hazard', this one is more of a true red colour. I love putting this one on and then layering it with a coat of the viva glam one. That to me is the ultimate red combination.

My final lip product that I have been in love with, the Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede in 055 'Iconic', the product has been my go to when I'm just popping out and need a bit of colour to my face. It just brightens everything up. It's the perfect my lips but better colour. I got it whilst in the US and I'm not even sure if they will be releasing here, but I hope they do.

My last beauty favourite is going to be my MAC quad. I have been turning to this when I don't want to make a fuss with my eyes, especially since I have been loving wearing lipsticks. Romp all over the lid with a bit of All that Glitters in the inner tear ducts. perfect. When you want to smoke it out a little at Tempting in the outer 'V'. Want a bit of colour, add in a bit of Cranberry.

Hair:

This has been my favourite product to use on my curled hair. it's the TIGI Bed Head 'Foxy Curls' I bought this product because it says it holds and defines curls, but when I first used it I wasn't impressed because it was slightly sticky and it made my hair go 'crispy', that's not what I had wanted, but after giving it another go, it really does the job. And my curls hold for up to 3 days, oh and the smell is ah-maze-ing! I get so many compliments on the smell (weird that people are sniffing my hair, but hey-ho, I'm taking the compliment).

Leisure

TV:

I have to be honest, when it comes to watching the actual TV, I'm not all that into it, I'd rather watch things on my laptop and be update with american programmes. But, saying that would be a lie for this month because I have absolutely being loving the ITV Drama 'Mr Selfridge'. If you like period drama's, this would be right up your street, but it's so much than that. It looks at this man who bought these grand ideas of how to change the way that we shop, we wouldn't even think of as ground breaking now-a-days. As well as that, it's got a few nice looking chaps in it too ;-)

Another programme that I have been enjoying is 'The wonders of Life', anything with Brian Cox in it and I'm there. I love that man, you know, on an intellectual level. He makes science interesting. And the camera work and graphics is incredible, as expected for a BBC documentary. If you like nerdy sciencey things then I would see go to iPlayer have a catch up.

Music:

I don't think there has been a point this month where my headphones haven't been in my ears. All my music is my favourite, it just depends on what mood I am in. But I've especially been enjoying going back to The XX album Coexist. It's a nice chilled album that is soothing to listen to.

Another set of albums that I have enjoyed revisiting is all the Beyonce albums. She's did her documentary for american TV preceding her World Tour 'Mrs Carter' (Great PR, she knows what she's doing). I really wanted to go to her show so I asked my friends if they wanted to go, they said yes. And guess what, we got tickets! They sold out in an hour, so we were super lucky, and I want to say a massive THANKS to Bineeta's brother for getting us the tickets =D

Well, that's it for this month. Till next month beauties!

♥ RP ♥

REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask!

I first heard of the REN Glycolactic R-R-Mask from Jessicabeautican on youtube. She mentioned it in one of her hauls and said that Millie Makintosh (from Made in Chelsea) uses this. Now if you're not into that show and don't know who she is, then that's fine, all you need to know is that she has absolutely amazing skin. I mean, wow, if I had skin like that I would be a very happy bunny!

Product:

REN is a brand that I'm very interested in, I love their ethos and their skin friendly ingredients. This products contains ingredients like; papaya, cranberry, black currant, the list goes on (click *here* to see the list of ingredients). The product is suppose to combat congestion, remove dead skin cells, make the skin look brighter and reduce fine lines.

The smell is an orange scent which I'm not too fond of, but I can live with it for the results that it seems to be giving me.

Use:

You apply a reasonable pumps worth and smear over the face (I may start using a makeup brush) and leave it on for 10 minutes. You're given a little muslin cloth that you use to remove it when the 10 minutes are up and then rinse your face.

Results:

I used it when I got back, to be honest I didn't see or feel any instant result. Needless to say I was slightly disappointed, but obviously it was never going to work with one use, so I have been applying it, as regularly as I remember, for the past 2 months. I have to say it has made my skin better, my blemishes have slowly been reduced and my pores seem smaller than ever before. That's a massive thumbs up from me. My skin feels slightly tighter when I have removed this so I do moisturise or put serum on my face afterward.

I can't really comment on whether it reduces fine lines on my face, but it has made my face look healthier (or at least contributed).

Price:

On to what some people might consider important part. I wanted to get it when it was 20% off on ASOS back in November, but they had instantly run out of this product. Luckily on my trip to America I went into Duty Free where to my surprise that had it! I got it for £25 rather than the £30 original price (for 50ml).

I'm trying to get better at taking care of my skin with regular intervals of masks, exfoliating, creams, serums and drinking plenty of water. I still have 'off' days where I don't like my skin but doing all this DOES makes for a better base for when applying makeup.

♥ RP ♥

Given Gems!

From the pictures I suppose you know what this post is going to be about. It's just a little post displaying the fantastic talent of my friend (and fellow blogger), Ling, has got.

I didn't even know she was this talented and I've known her for 5 years! She is a very creative person in general with a brilliant sense of style and unique eye for detail. She first told me about her passion back last year, around July time. She eagerly told me that she was going to make me a bracelet. I didn't know what to say, not only was this kind gesture unnecessary but ultimately lovely. She gave the first bracelet (above) with matching earrings! Does her talent not cease?

I was in awe. Then she made a few of my other friends some bracelet too; for no particular reason, just because she has a huge heart!

She then made me another bracelet (below), this time she had changed some of her materials and created an innovative pattern with the way she made these gems. The colours she has used to make my particular bracelets shows how well she knows me =)

I'm hoping that I can somehow repay her, I have no idea how though. Hopefully she will turn this little hobby into something that she can share with the rest of us. I would more than happily pay for one of these pieces.

I just wanted to tell you about this incredible talent and show my support for her to, sooner rather than later, start selling them. I know she won't anytime soon as she is studying for her ACCA's but hopefully she can find time. =D

THANKS LING!

♥ RP ♥

Baby Brother Love!

So this post is going to be dedicated to my brother. It's his Birthday today and I just had the urge to write this post. I know he won't appreciate it but I thought I would appreciate him. I don't know where I'm really going to go with this post, so be prepared it's going to be a rambley one.

His name is Vishal and he is my younger brother by 15 months.

I suppose I will start off with when we were little; I used to take care of him, not outrightly, I mean that was my mums job, but I was protective over him, although there is only 15 months between us I feel as though he is much more younger than me. We used to play games all the time, I treasure those moments. I used to stick up for him in school, not that he needed anyone sticking up for him because he didn't really get picked on as such, but if someone did and it was in front of me or he told me about it, lets just say that person should have been scared. lol.

On regular occasions, we would take so long eating our dinner, because I would be sitting there talking to him and making him laugh. I used to say that he was the only one that used to laugh at my jokes, they weren't even funny, we were like 8-9 years old.

He was a naughty bugger as well, he used to through his chapatis behind the fridge because he didn't want them, my dad had a lovely mouldy surprise waiting for him when he cleaned behind the fridge, lovely. He tried blaming me but that wasn't going to work! The cheek!

Don't get me wrong, we used to fight a lot, he even stabbed me with a pen, it was a minor scratch but I still have the scar on my arm. I used to (still do) feel so guilty when I upset him, so I used to run away and scream 'I'm sorry, I'm sorry' before he hit me, that's when he picked up the pen and saw red. I forgave him though, obviously.

I suppose the point of this post is to just tell you all how much I appreciate having such a lovely brother. All my friends have brothers and I think I'm the only one that complains about trivial things when it comes to moaning about their sibling. As we have grown up we've stopped fighting and screaming at each other, instead we gave each other space but still have long hearty conversations. If something is annoying me I am more than happy to moan to my brother, I suppose it's because he just sits there and listens lol.

I would do anything for my baby brother. He still hugs me (I know he is going to hate me for saying that), well I kind of force him to lol. He has grown up to be a man with good morals, a sensible head and strong mind.

We've been through a lot as a family and he could have ended up being a totally different person, but he has his head screwed on and is making his family proud. He still needs to grow up a bit but what 24 year old guy doesn't?!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VISH! =)

♥ RP ♥

25 Random Facts about Me! (Part 2)

I don't cry, I get really emotion and shed tears when I'm watching TV but not in my real life. The only time that I MAY cry is during that special time of the month when mother nature calls.

I was obsessed (still am) with my eyebrows. My friend first tweezed my caterpillar brows when I was 13 to a super defined shape, I was so upset when I saw what she had done. It wasn't that it looked bad it was just a shock for me, but since then I am the only person that touches my brows.

My lovely glasses!

I used to wear glasses. I wore them from the age of 6 till 21 when I decided to get laser eye surgery done. I used to hate wearing them, especially when you're growing up. I'm so glad that I got laser eye surgery done though, don't look back one bit.

I don't like wearing all black clothing, the reason being I'm superstitious and I think it brings me bad luck, I know logically that believing that is stupid but I can't help it. Plus I love wearing colour. I'm not an all black clothing type of person.

I love flying/speed. The smile that I have on my face when I'm on a plane and we're about to take off is stupid. My friends think I'm mad! But I love when we're on the runway and the plane is building up speed! Such a thrill seeker. I'd love to sit in the cockpit with the pilots for a whole journey, that's a dream of mine.

I used to get really bad anxiety before the first day of school or if I had any type of appointment. I couldn't get to sleep, I would just be thinking about the next day and all the things that could possibly go wrong. My stomach used to do summersaults. Not a nice feeling when you're young. But in the past 6 years I've never really had that feeling for things like that anymore. I don't know exactly why it's stopped. Think it was my mind set, glad it has stopped though.

I drew this when I was 14 for Art, this still is my fav chocolate

I love drawing. It was my favourite pass time when I was younger. I always thought I would do something in art. As soon as I got a pencil in my hand I used to start drawing, I mean forget about papers, the walls were fine. Ohh the anger that I caused my parents. It's funny, even when I used to have paper in front of me I chose to draw on the walls instead.

I love documentaries; history ones, science ones, medical ones. I just love learning about things like that. I think I get it from my Dad, he loves those types of programmes too, he used to make us watch them when we were little to encourage to learn new things. It certainly stuck with me, explains why I know such useless trivia.

I want to own enough books to cover a wall full of shelves with them. That's been a dream of mine since…I don't know when. The idea is lovely, although I don't know about the practicality of it or if I'd even own a wall like that.

I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was 16, still have the designs that I did back them in a folder.

I used to look like my Mum when I was younger but now look more like my Dad. I think it's because I have a big head like him! lol!

Well, there you have it, 25 Random Facts about myself, hope you found that remotely interesting, link similar posts in the comments section. I love reading them.

♥ RP ♥