Urban Decay - Naked Basics Pallette

I adore the Naked range from Urban Decay and this wee palette does not disappoint. Although it's expensive at £20 I love that it fits in perfectly with my travel make up. Lovely shades and high pigmentation. What more could you want? (apart from the lower price tag!)

Sorry for the sporadic posting. Life has become very hetic!

MUA Eyeshadow Swatches

I wanted some inexpensive eye-shadows to use for my student kit so I can save the more expensive products (like MAC for example) for my professional kit. I've tried so many brands and most seem too chalky or have poor pigmentation but the MUA single shadows are fab! I can't vouch for the palettes yet but the singles come in a range of shades with either a matte or pearl finish. For £1 you can't complain!

(Left to Right: 30 - Pearl, 19 - Matte, 11 - Pearl, 1 - Pearl)

 (Clockwise from bottom left: 9 - Pearl, 20 - Matte, 24 - Pearl, 6 - Pearl)

Review: Maybelline Colour Tattoo 24hr

 (35 - Bronze on Bronze, 05 - Eternal Gold, & 55 - Immortal Charcoal)

I managed to get my paws on three of these cream eyeshadows. They've caused quite a stir over the water and I can totally see why, I love them!

I'm allergic to most cream-based eyeshadows and have extremely sensitive eyelids, so attempting to wear these was a challenge, but one worth taking! I used "35 - On and on Bronze" all over the lid and didn't feel the need to apply any other shadow as it gave a wonderful lid colour as well as giving a defining socket colour. I used "55 - Immortal Charcoal" as a upper lid liner. The shadows are very creamy and easy to apply. I didn't experience any creasing at all.I wouldn't say they can survive a full 24 hours, after 10 the bronze had faded to a delicate champagne colour but it was still beautiful.

 (35 - Bronze on Bronze & 05 - Eternal Gold)

(55 - Immortal Charcoal)

As you can tell, the bronze on bronze is my current favourite and I have a feeling its going to be my "go to" shadow! Move over MAC paint pots! As far as I can tell, us UK lot will be getting seven shades, the three photographed, a purple, a taupe, a turquoise blue and a shimmery silver. Although I haven't seen the silver, the other shades are available at Superdrug for £4.99 each and there is currently a 3 for 2 offer on all Maybelline products.

Want one of the three colours photographed? Watch out for a giveaway in the next post coming very soon!

2011's Most Reached For! (Make up)

Part 2 is all about make up and looking back at what I've used most, I've realised I've definately favoured a more "nude" look in 2011. I don't do New Years resolutions, but I've vowed to try and inject more colour into my make up routine, I think I've become stuck in a make up rut and I'm determind to get out of it!

That being said, here's what I've been reaching for most:

(apologies for the poor lighting in this photo!)

Foundation - Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation

I was so excited for the launch of this foundation as it was being advertised as a version of BB cream, something that at the time, the UK had not been introduced to. After purchasing it, I was disappointed that it didnt seem to have the same traits of a 'traditional' BB cream. It seemed thick and a little difficult to work with but with a little practice, I discovered its a wonderful foundation that will last all day and not flake on me. It does go on quite thick but feels very light (if that makes sense).

Bronzer and Blush - Benefit Perfect 10 and NARS Laguna

Ok, I had to mention them both! NARS Laguna is a staple in many make up bags across the globe and I find it to be a natural looking bronzer. Benefit Perfect 10 is, well, perfect for those mornings where you need to dash!

Highlighter - NARS Cococabana Multiple

LOVE! I've reached for this product more than any other. The gorgeous pearl effect accentuates my face perfectly.

Setting Powder - ELF High Defination Powder

£6 for of product! And with the amount of wonderful discount code ELF offer, I'm sure you could purchase this wonderfully light powder at a great discount.

Eyeshadow Primer - Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

I must admit, I've been reluctant to try eyeshadow primers as I have very sensitive eyelids. I found out the hard way I'm allergic to Too Faced' Shadow Insurance. Urban Decay has done me proud though, and as the saying goes, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Eyeshadow Pigment - Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in Nude Beach

A lovely light champagne colour that can be used all over the lid or as a highlight. When used with a primer I can achieve a fair amount of staying power. I love using this for the times I don't want to think too much about my make up!

Eyeshadow - Boujouis 14

Boujouis eyeshadows are well known for their ease of use and range of colours. I love greys and this shadow has just the right pigment with a flattering sheen.

Eyeliner - Benefits Bad Gal

This was my first "high-end" eyeliner I bought back in the day and I loved it but it was soon lost and forgotten. I fell im love with MACs powerpoints and teaming them with a pencil brush I was able to achieve the perfect smokey eye, but I fancied a change and remember how much I love Bad Gal. But I couldn't seem to work with this eyeliner when I purchased it again. It annoyed me so much! Then I attempted using it more for a smokey line rather than a defined line. Perfect. And we've been best friends ever since.

Mascara - Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Volume and Length

This mascara has lasted me forever and although I do enjoy it, I'm sure there are better mascaras out there. I was as I can remember it was around £11 and for a drugstore mascara, that's just too much for me. Its a great product but I'd enjoy it more if it were cheaper.

Lipstick - MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in Sheen Supreme

I really didn't think I would be able to pull off such a bright pink but this lippy has been my go to I want to have a bit more of a bold lip. I loved the original Lady Gaga and Behave Yourself reminds me of it greatly and I find the sheen supreme formula to be a little more creamy with more staying power. Love.

Lipgloss - NARS Striptease

A very simple nude gloss that I find compliments many of my lipsticks. I'm sure duplicates are available for a lot cheaper so that's my mission this year!

Looking back on my choices of 2011, I realise that I could easily find dupes for the products I've reached for the most. Injected more colour and finding more purse friendly options is going to be my task of 2012! Are you setting yourself any make up related goals?

Nail products are up next!

Sleek - Oh So Special Palette

Each Sleek palette comes with 12 mineral based eyeshadows, a large sponge applicator and a large mirror within a closed casing. Some palettes are limited edition and are available online or at large Superdrug stores usually priced at £6.49. I would recommend that you use a eyeshadow primer such as Urban Decays Primer Potion to help the shadow stay in place. You may experience some fall out and sometimes a little creasing, but its nothing major. You may also notice that some of the palettes have similar eyeshadows within them but I really enjoy these palettes. They're travel-sized, great value and fab for experimenting with different colours.

Top Row - Left to right: Bow (Very light Cream), Organza (Shimmery Peach), Ribbon (Matte Pink with a hint of Peach), Gift Basket (Light shimmery Brown),  Glitz (Shimmery Grey/Charcoal), Celebrate (Sheer Purple with a hint of Red)

Bottom Row - Left to Right: Pamper (Similar to Ribbon but lighter), Gateau (A very light Pink with Gold shimmer), The Mail (Matte light Brown), Boxed (Dark matte Brown), Wrapped (Matte Purple) Noir (Matte Black)

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June Favourites!

Okay there's not many and I'm really late with it! But here are the products which have become a regular go-to for the month of June!

Boujous Eyeshadows in No. 8 and No. 14- I fancied a bit of a change from the regular MAC staples and these were a nice choice. I think I picked these up during a trip to Tescos! No. 8 is very much a skin tone colour for me but sometimes it's nice to know you have a 'lil something on.  No. 14 is great for creating a everyday smoky look but can be made into something for dramatic. The staying power in my opinion is fair but they wont last all day.

Katy Perry Perfume "Purr" - Really nice change from the normal "Juicy". Perfect for the summer.

MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in "Bare Again" - Okay, this is gonna seem odd - This lippie is a "mylipsbutbetter" with just a slight brown but it totally works. The formula of these particular lipsticks is a major love of mine anyway, but Bare Study is just a perfect natural lip with hint of colour?

Revlon Photoready Foundation - Great drugstore foundation. For a more natural look (if my skin is behaving) I simply mix in with some moisturizer. For a summer glow, I mix with NARS Primer with SPF.

Saviour of the Month! - Nivea 24/7 Deodorant! I don't think you really realise how good something is until you change. I picked up a Sure spray on wanting a change and it did sweet bugger all. Nivea keeps me dry all day.

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Heads Up!

If you like Wet n' Wild, Revlon, Rimmel and Covergirl and fancy grabbin' yourself a bargin, getting your butt down to Poundland!!

I don't know if they'll be doing this in all of their stores but if you have a rummage you can actually find some nice products. Some are a pound each but most have deals, like 3 items for a £1 (already packaged) or like the Wet n' Wild eyeshadows I picked up!

(The packaging is actually light pink and a metallic pink, I was just in hurry to tell you about these deals!)

So yeah, go and have a good ol' mooch. If you don't find any of the make up at least you can pick up some Wagon Wheels =D

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Mini Haul

Sleek Storm Palette, NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Belissima, NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Happy Days and Frivolous.

(Apologies for the mucky mirror.. well.. I had to have a play!)

What have you bought recently? x