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 ♥

NARS Taos!

As some of you know I bought a couple of things from NARS a month or so ago. The blush has featured in a past favourites but I haven't actually spoken about how much I do love it. Now, this is my second NARS blush, I don't think that I'm going to start collecting them. They are amazing but I feel you can equally get the same quality products from the high street. But here I am sharing my love about this product (may have to balance the books and share some of my favourite high street blushes ^^).

There are so many rave reviews about the infamous NARS blushes like 'orgasm' and 'deep throat'. But the others kind of get left out and they are just as amazing! My recent purchase of 'Taos' was attraction at first sight. The colour of this blush was one that I hadn't seen before and with that in mind I had to have it.

Price:
£21.00

Results:
It's a perfect colour for this time of year where deeper more amber blushes tend to get used. It's got flecks of gold shimmer in it, which gives a lovely glow to the skin. Obviously the packaging is amazing and sleek, the ultimate love of NARS products. The pigmentation, of course, is amazing. And as with all NARS blushes a definite tap should be given when the product is first picked up with a brush. I find that it lasts all day on me. My washed out face needs the colour so I notice if a blush has worn off throughout the day, and this isn't one of them.

I think that if you are going to invest in a blush, then there should be something particularly special about it. I think this one was definitely worth the price tag. The quality and smoothness of this blush is lovely but the colour is definitely what make it stand out from the crowd.

♥ RP ♥

Beauty Bits & Bobs!

As some of you may know I have been splurging lately in terms of beauty buys. I think where I haven't bought anything in a while, I have gone a little crazy! It's allowed, right? There are a few firsts in this post, so lets just get to it…

I'm going to start with my more 'expensive' purchases, as you may have read in my previous post I went into Selfridges on Saturday and these are the goodies I bought, along with some delicious Topshop beauty products.

I bought another NARS blush, in 'Taos'; I was attracted to its dark terracotta colour, I have never seen a colour like it. It's such a natural colour on my skin tone and it's warming to the face. As always the pigmentation is amazing, there is a slight sheen to the blush, but I can't see any glitter particles.

My next NARS purchase (which was a first) was the eye shadow duo in 'Surabaya'; I love these browns! I haven't worn anything else since purchasing this! They are so warming and you can definitely create a sultry smokey eye with this, there are gold shimmers in it, but they don't really transfer onto the lid, which is a bit of a shame but nevertheless, the colour pay off is really good. If you have blue eyes I would definitley tell you to go and have a look see.

Another first for me was buying something Laura Mercier. I got the blush quad in 'Pink Rose', again this was the warm toned blush out of the two pinks that were on display (can you see the trend?). This blush is completely matte, so perfect for the day time. Again the pigmentation is really good, I haven't worn this one but I know I will like it.

On to the Topshop stuff, now this was bought with student discount (my friends; so thank you to her for that!). I've been wanting to try one of their lipsticks for a while after hearing so many good things about them, so I picked up this lippy in 'Hazard'. I am clearly going through a phase of statement lips. The formula of this lipstick is matte, but it's moisturising and doesn't lose its pigmentation.

The last two Topshop items are nail polishes in 'Lead' and 'Panther' ,which is apart of their collection 'Dark side of Nude'. I love 'Lead' because in some light it looks like it has a green shimmer running through it and in others it looks like it has a purple shimmer running through it.

Now the next lot wasn't intended to go in this post but I figured it may as well. The first lot I got from Boot's on their 3 for 2 offer. I've been lusting after the Sally Hansen Insta-Dry top coat for a mighty long time and decided it was finally time I buy it.
Along with that I got the 'Expert Face Brush' and 'Setting Brush' from Real Techniques. I love this brand and all it's brushes (of which I have a majority). The quality, ethos and price tag always draws me back to this brand; whenever my friends ask me what brushes to get (especially to put foundation on with) I tell them to get Real Technique brushes, no question!

I have been needing a new mascara for a while as all the ones I have are all drying up and not performing to the best of their ability! So after hearing so much about the L'oreal 'Telescopic' (waterproof) mascara from the lovely and gorgeous Vivianna from Vivianna does makeup, I have been wanting to try it. So instead of buying my usual Maxfactor False Lash Effect I got this. I have only worn it once (right now) and it is holding it's curl, but I'm going to reserve judgement for now.
Next is another lipstick (naughty) from the Kate Moss collection for Rimmel, number '107'. The colour is a darker tone of Nails Inc 'Piccadilly Circus' (which I have been wanting to match forever). The formula is creamy and the finish is matte, there is a smell of rose which I'm not too fond of but I can get over it considering the colour and pigmentation.
Finally is this Blistex 'MedPlus' balm, I have been using this since I bought it which has only been a few days but my lips are noticeably softer and there is no cracking! I have been applying it before I go to sleep and in the mornings. I can tell this is going to get repurchased already!

L-R: Peach Puff | True Blue | Gold Digger

L-R:Motcomb Street | Northcumberland | Oakley Street | Pimlico | York Street

L-R: A List | Allure | Bordeaux

Finally I bought a whole load of polishes from TKMaxx, this is my final first, buying something from TKMaxx. I wanted to see if my store had any beauty bits in it, and to be honest these were the only gems I could find. I'm very happy with my purchases and can't wait to wear most of the shades I bought. I got all of them for a fraction of the RRP so I am not going to complain (unless they end up being rubbish).

That was a lot of stuff! And I know I am not going to spend money on beauty bits for a really long time! Here's hoping!

♥ RP ♥

May Favourites!

How is it the end of May ALREADY?! This year is going by mighty fast! Anyone else feel like that?

I thought I would share what I loved about the month of May seeing as it’s coming to an end.

Beauty

Skin care:

Let’s start with the only skin care product in this favourites. I’ve really been enjoying this Clinique 7 day scrub cream (Sample; 30ml). Now, the title implies you can use it everyday but personally I don’t think it’s particularly kind to scrub your skin everyday like that. So, I’ve been using it, probably, 3 times a week and I my skin feel’s so refreshed after using this. I got it as a sample in a magazine a couple of months ago (I want to say Glamour, but I’m not sure). It doesn’t make my skin feel dry like some other exfoliators do, so a thumbs up for me!

Make up time:

My one and only Nars Blush in Amour (*post here*). I have been reaching for this quite a bit for a subtle flushed look. Next is my trusty MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC42. At the bottom there is a my rediscovered love; Maxfactors False lash effect mascara.

This Bare Minerals 'Mineral Veil' (orignial) has been a real saviour in the recent heat wave we have been enjoying in the UK; a light dusting of this has really helped set my make up in place. (I think it’s better than MAC Mineralise Skin Finish =O, there I said it, lol.)

Final little pieces are my Sleek products, I didn’t mean to put a bunch of Sleek products in but I have been consistently using these products. And if they are good, they are good!

Going clockwise is the Sleek contour Kit in Medium. No explanation needed I think. Sleek Blush in Life’s a Peach, it gives a really ‘brightening’, ‘awake’ look to my face. Finally, the Au Naturel palette (*used here*) for quick and easy everyday looks.

Leisure

Books:

I am one of those who got sucked into reading the Hunger Games and I have to admit that I don’t regret it one bit. They are a fabulous read. I found the second book hard to get into, but the second half makes up for the slow beginning. I still haven't watched the film though, don't think I want to, it will probably be a disappointment. Anyone able to compare?

TV/Movie:

Source

Made in Chelsea is my ULTIMATE guilty pleasure. I know that it’s trash TV and completely falsified but I can’t help but watch it! I don’t watch any other reality TV because I can’t stand them, but this just goes to show you how addicted to crap you can get lol! My favourite people in the show are Millie Mackintosh and Francais Boulle. Do you guys watch it? It's alright to admit it...this is a safe place! Who's your favourite person?

Source

Now this I am NOT embarrassed about! I absolutely love this programme! And sadly the 3rd season of Vampire Diaries ended this month, much to my sadness. I remember when the first season came out and I thought it was just a rip off of Twilight, but it is SO much better. And there are far better looking people in this show! (Ahh Damon (left)...*Drolls*)

Source

And finally Avengers! Ahh this was an amazing film! That’s all I can say about it! A definite must watch. Even my friend, who doesn’t like these types of films loved it! Full of action and funny one liners!

Music:

Now these two men have the most amazing voices and are perfect summer ‘back ground’ tunes! I don’t think there has been a day since getting both their albums that I don’t play them. If I HAD to choose my favourite song from their ablums (which is hard!) it would be; for Ben Howard (left) – Promise. And from Michael Kiwanuka (right) – Rest. They both have soothing voices and if you like chilled type of music then I would definitely recommend checking them out!

Well, that was my long May Favourites! Hope you enjoyed that. Are you enjoying any of the things mentioned above? Would love to know! =) x

Natural Emphasis (FOTD)!

Well…here is another FOTD! Again it’s another neutral look. There is more shimmer in this look, although the camera hasn’t really picked it up.

 

Sorry looking so miserable…what was I thinking??! Oh yh...get at least one 'non blurry' picture!! Lol!

Products used(Clockwise):

MAC Studio Finish concealer (NC42)
MAC Paint in ‘Bamboom’
Sleek ‘Au Naturel’ Palette
MAC eyeshadow in ‘Paradisco’
Jemma Kidd Make up school ‘light as air’ foundation in ‘Medium Beige’
L’oreal Extra Volume Mascara in Black
Sleek Contour Kit in ‘Medium’
Bobbi Brown Corrector in ‘Dark Peach’
NARS blush in ‘Amour’

So this is one of my many palettes! Yes, I can't help buying them! I love this deep purple for the crease, its so subtle but a nice hint of colour when used alone.

Because this is a frost finish eyeshadow, the pay off isn't that great, that's why I used the base (below). The gold in this shadow is much more prominent than the pink, I love it as a wash over the lid.

These paints are the best primers ever, much better than paint pots, but when you open them up the product just spews out...and there is no way of stopping it! Therefore there is a lot of waste for such a nice product. This colour is a pink with fine gold shimmer. I love it!

Should I show what brushes I use next time I do a post like this? I would love to know! =) x

Amour amour amour!

I am so excited to share with you my recent purchase! I finally own a NARS blush! Cannot believe it has taken me this long to purchase one of their blushes, especially considering all the love that is out there for them. I know that people love NARS orgasm but, I’m sorry, I don’t get it, maybe because I don’t like a lot of shimmer in my blushes.

But Ooo…Ahhh…that packaging, it just makes me melt. I know that is a silly thing to say but it makes a difference, at least to me! It makes me feel as though it was money well spent.

I didn’t want to share this post until I had actually tried it on my face. Now, I own a NARS Multiple and that’s it when it comes to this much loved brand. There are many things on my wish list from this company but right now I can’t justify getting them.

So these are my thoughts on it; the colour I bought was in ‘Amour’, not a blush I have heard a lot about. It’s a dusky pink colour, it’s very (I mean very) pigmented and it cost me £21.00.

A warning I would give to those who have never used a NARS blush before is; tap off the excess and only lightly touch your brush into the pan! I underestimated the pigmentation; when I first applied it I had to blend it out with my foundation brush because I looked like a clown. Lol! But I can understand why people love NARS blushes so much. I think this is a blush that I am going to wear through the sunny days of Spring and Summer! =)

I am now eyeing up Sin, but we shall see. What NARS blushes would you recommend? Which is your favourite? =) x