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 ♥