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!

2011 Most Reached For! (Toiletries)

Well, I wanted to start 2012 off straight away and get this blog in full swing! And what better way to acknowledge the products I reached for the most during 2011. Looking back, I didn't realise just how much I was loving the "nude" look, so this year I intend on bringing some colour into my routine! So, first it's the toiletries.

Shampoo - Tesco Coconut Shampoo, Tesco

This stuff is a bargain at £1! The whole family enjoy the smell (kind of the nice version of suncream when you go on holiday, if that makes sense!) and balances my hair well. I notice a difference if I reach for a different product.

Shower Gel - It's Raining Men, LUSH

I was so happy when LUSH made this a permanent part of their range this year! It's soaps up wonderfully and always leaves my body feeling looked after!

Moisturiser - 7 Total Effects, Olay

This moisturiser comes in so many different forms, I tend to reach for the night version as I don't always like to use SPF. During the Summer months, my skin can tend to throw a wobbler and I found that Cetaphil really helped. Now were in winter, I'm back to Olay.

Hand Moisturiser - Cow Pat, Cowshed

Do not fear, I have not turned to rubbing faeces into my hands. I have finally discovered a hand cream that helps my eczema! I think out of everything listed in this post, this truly has been my saviour product. Yes, it's expensive, but if it works, it works. I love that it soaks into my hands straight away.

Skincare - Clarisonic Mia and Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash

I do love the Clarisonic Mia and I'd say that if you have the funds to totally go for it. If not, a good, soft face brush will do! I use mine in the shower (otherwise I have a tendency to get water EVERYWHERE) and I use the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit to help with my blackheads. I'm sure there's another product out there that would probably to the job that little bit better, but the Neutrogena has been the one I've reached for most this year.

Perfume - Viva La Juicy - Juicy Couture

Definitely my signature scent but I've also reached for Katy Perrys "Purr" if I fancied something a little different.

Keep a look out for the cosmetics post in the next few days! I hope you had a safe and wonderful New Years!

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July Favourites

Being honest, I kinda sucked on the make up front during July. I pretty much stuck with the June favourites! Changes are being made though! I need to have a good ol' bash at other products.

I'm keeping my eye on twitter, youtube and some blogs for a heads up on any products that people are raving about.

Apparently Benefits mascara "They're Real" is fab, I just can't justify £18.50 on a mascara =/

Whats your latest favourite?

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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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