Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo

The much-awaited Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo is here, and I am afraid to say it is a slight disappointment to me. Although the colour does stay all day like it claims, it creases like crazy on my eyelids.

I picked up shade 35 On-and-On Bronze, which is really gorgeous. I liked the taupe colour, but felt that it was too harsh for an everyday look, whilst the gold looked a little too yellow for me. This seemed to be the perfect middle ground that compliments my brown hair and glasses.

I like wearing this up to the crease. The pigmentation is great and it brings out the blue in my eyes which I really like. However, as I have mentioned before, it starts to crease very quickly. It has from the first time that I used it. I thought that maybe I had put to much product on, but after trying again and using the product very sparingly, it still ended up creating the same effect. I haven't tried using this gel-cream eyeshadow with a primer, simply because I don't often use eye shadows due to them creasing, so consequently I don't own a primer. Therefore I couldn't say if this would help hold the shadow in place for longer.

Overall I do like the product. The colour doesn't fade and it has a great pigmentation. Plus it's an easy product to wear as you can just wash the colour over your eyelid. The creasing does annoy me, but when I spot it I tend to try and pat it out across the lid again, which helps it last for a little while longer.

Have you tried these? What did you think? Let me know :)

This Week's Wish List!

(1) AllSaints Dress - £120 - Anglais Prom Dress. 100% Cotton. Machine Washable.

(2) Asos Playsuit - £50 - Asos Playsuit with Shirt Detail. Machine Washable.

(3) Topshop Skirt - £28 - Pleated Skirt. 100% Polyester. Machine Washable.

(4) Jack Wills Dress - £69 - Cottenham Dress. 100% Cotton. 

(5) River Island Earings - £3 - Silver Tone Heart Stud Earrings.

JolieBox Review - Taaj Makeup Remover

I can't say enough good things about this makeup remover. I have been using it every day since I received it in my Joliebox in February, and it has done a wonderful job.

As we all know, it is good to cleanse and clear your face of makeup before washing it in the evening. This helps to make sure that your pores don't get blocked and will deep clean your face a lot more efficiently. I had been using Neutrogena Deep Clean Makeup Remover for a while which works amazingly (review here) but thought there was no harm in giving a new product a go.

I have extremely sensitive skin but this is a lovely, gentle cleanser. All you have to do is soak some liquid into a cotton pad and then smooth it over your face until there is no make up coming off and the pad stays white. The liquid feels very soapy, and although the product claims that you don't have to rinse your face, I generally do. It makes my skin so soft and smooth, and I feel safe in the knowledge that it is paraben free.

It is a great size product (100ml) to receive as it will last me a while, considering I've used less than half in a month! I would definitely consider repurchasing this (£17.55 for 500ml) as it is so easy to use and seems to do the trick. Have you tried this product yet? What did you think? Let me know in the comments below.

My New Favourite Mystery Foundation!

Can you believe it?! The girl who swears by powder foundation and doesn't approve liquid foundation for oily skin, is enjoying a liquid foundation again.

Yes. It is true! After sampling some of this foundation from a sachet in a magazine, I knew I had to try it out properly. So I headed down to my local Boots and got colour matched. After this she gave me a little sample to try for a couple of days to see if I liked it. So I took my sample back to my house and couldn't wait to put it on the next day. I love finding foundations that work with my skin, mostly because they are hard to find, and secondly because if you have a great base, everything else is just an extra to me.

So I started applying this foundation for a few days and it sat like a dream on my skin. It didn't feel heavy at all, it didn't look cakey, and most importantly, it held the shine and didn't look greasy. I have even worn this foundation without powdering it at the beginning of the day - thats how good it is! The colour matches me perfectly, and adjusts to my skintone, just as the promotion said that it would. I would say the coverage is medium and is definitely buildable.

The only couple of flaws I find with this foundation is that it can make my pores look a little big under certain lighting, and it is a little bit pricey (£27). But I deal with this by (1) using a dab of Benefit Porefessional to conceal the pores and (2) saving up and hoping it lasts a while?

To be honest, I think it is worth it. It is that good. It sounds amazing doesn't it?

Do you want to know what it is?

Then look no further.

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Estée Lauder Invisible Fluid Makeup.
Go try it now.

March Men's Glossybox!

(1) Organic Homme By Green People - Active Fix Repair Serum (£16.50 for 50ml) Extraordinary age reversal plant formula with a clinically proven cell rejuvenator to actively reduce wrinkles.

The Boyfriend's opinion: I can't honestly say that I have ever used or contemplated using an age reversing serum or product of any sort. Although perhaps given that my 26th Birthday is only a couple of days away, this might well be the perfect time to start! The serum has a very strong smell to it which I believe to be olive leaf, although it is similar to that of the conifer tree that many of you are likely to have had to pull your football out of at some point in time. I shall give this product a go, although given it's strong smell and close proximity to the eyes, I'm a little worried that it might trigger my hay fever given the time of year.

(2) 4711 - The Original Eau De Cologne (10.95 for 50ml) Pour a generous amount of cologne into cupped hands and apply liberally around the neck, cheek and wrist area for instant refreshment.

The Boyfriend's opinion: I have had many perfumes of the years, thanks to having a very generous godmother who worked in perfumery for many years, and having a perfume addict for a girlfriend. However, I have never come across the '4711' brand. After initially smelling it from the sample bottle, I would have preferred for it to have stayed that way. I am definitely not a fan of this cologne. It reminds me of the type of perfume that my grandmother used to wear, and that's not a good thing for a male cologne.

(3) The Legends London - Alum Matchsticks (£1 per book) Natural after shave astringent.

The Boyfriend's opinion: Upon opening the box, this is the product which most intrigued me! I looked at the 'box' and thought.. Surely not? Matches in a beauty box? How peculiar. However after further examining the product and reading the back, I am informed that you wet the tip of one of the matches and run it over your skin to close your pores after shaving. I am actually quite excited about trying this product!

(4) FAB - Body Moisturiser (£13 per 226.8g) The ultimate travel companion for all skin types that provides irritant-free hydration.

The Boyfriend's opinion: This is unlike the type of body wash that I am used to, as it is actually a cleanser. It will be interesting to see what type of an effect it has on the  softness of the skin. I'm assuming that this is a unisex product as I seem to recall my girlfriend getting the same thing in her box? Which is a bit bizarre as sometimes male skin is a bit tougher. Anyway, hopefully it will prove to be a good product.

(5) Liz Earle For Men - Liz Earle for Men Face Scrub (£13.25 per 75ml) Pumice and jojoba beads exfoliate and help to clear blocked pores - leaves skin clearer and ultra-smooth.

The Boyfriend's opinion: It was a bit of a treasure hunt to find this product, as it came inside a big white paper bag. However, now I know what it is I am excited to try it. I have been using Elemis exfoliating face scrub for a couple of years now and it has become one of my favourite products. Therefore I think that this scrub will have a hard time beating it. The accountant in me is hoping that it'll prove a worthy adversary as it is only half the price. Let's wait and see how I get on!

(6) Kyoku For Men - Sake Infused Shave Cream (£25 per 170ml) Prevents redness, irritation and moisture loss and guarantees a razor slick glide for a smooth, calming shave.

The Boyfriend's opinion: OK, so perhaps this was even more peculiar than the matchsticks. After all, Sake is made for drinking and not shaving with surely? I am intrigued and excited about using this and hope it does not irritate my sensitive skin like other similarly priced shaving creams and gels (Elemis included).

(7) Dr Bronner's Magic Liquid Soaps - Lavander Hand Sanitiser (£3.99 per 59ml) A lavender scented hand sanitiser in a handy spray size perfect to carry around with you.

The Boyfriend's opinion: I thought that this was a bit of a weird product to find inside my Glossybox. Other than when visiting a friend in hospital, or performing minor surgery on my pet westie Benji, I don't see much use for this product as I've always been more than happy to use hand wash for sanitising my hands after cooking etc. For those of you who are interested, I would also like to point out that the smell of lavender is VERY strong.

Overall Opinion: In all honesty, I am a little bit disappointed by this box, especially compared to the contents of the first one. I would quite happily trade the hand sanitiser, body wash and cologne for something more exciting. Hopefully the next quarter will fly by slightly more quickly because I'm excited to see what will be in the next box!

  
  
  

Beauty Haul - Real Techniques, Revlon Lip Butters and more!

I am a girl who can't resist beauty deals, and if you didn't know, there's a large deal that has been draining my purse recently - Boots 3 for 2 on all Beauty items. So here we have it! All my Boots beauty splurges under one post! Hope your enjoy!

Number one: Real Techniques Blush Brush. To say that blush is my favourite beauty product, it would surprise you that I have never owned a blush brush. Yes, indeed! I have been using my MAC Kabuki brush for as long as I can remember, but thought it was time to treat myself to a new tool. There has been quite a lot of buzz going around about these brushes recently, so I figured there was no better time to pick one up. So far I am liking my new purchase, but a review shall follow shortly.

Number 2: Maybelline 24 Hour Colour Tattoo. We have been waiting ages for these in the UK, and now they are finally here, I went to bag myself my very own. I don't often wear eyeshadow because I don't think that the way the crease is very flattering. However, this product claims that it won't crease or budge at all, so I am interested to see how it works out. Watch this space!

Number 3: Revlon Nail Polish in Frosty Pink. This is more of a purchase that my mum made, but she kindly said I could review it before she used it. I am a huge fan of Revlon nail polishes ever since I bought Gold Coin a long long time ago! Let's hope that this one holds to the same high standards that Gold Coin has set.

Here we have the explosion. Yup! I went crazy on lip products. I just couldn't help myself. They have been my new obsession recently, so I went to feed my beauty addiction at Boots and it got a little out of hand. I ended up walking out with 5 products as you can see above. Left to Right: Revlon Lip Butter in 090 Sweet Tart, Revlon Lip Butter in 095 Creme Brulee, L'oreal Paris Causse Lipstick in 01 Fashionista Pink, Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in 002 Pink Pout and Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick in 08.

Swatches are below:

Did you buy anything from Boots in the Spring sale? I would love to hear about it if you have. After all, there is still time for me to head to Boots again! :)

Summer's Best Friend - L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique BB Cream

  

This is going to be a huge staple item for me this summer. I absolutely love it and would recommend it to everyone - especially those who have oily skin, and are looking for a BB Cream that doesn't make them look greasy.

L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique BB Cream is very unique. It comes out of the tube as a runny grey liquid. However, when you start to blend it into the skin, the pigments get released which turn it into a skin coloured liquid. This product is only sold in Fair and Medium which is a bit limiting. And I would also like to note that Fair is really quite dark. I have very light skin, and even the fair can make me look a little orange if I don't blend it well.

Having said this, the coverage is very good! On the left you can see me wearing my normal foundation - Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus - and on the right you can see the BB Cream, so as to compare the coverage I received. Of course it's not as flawless as the foundation, but for something that is light and lets your skin breathe in summer, the BB Cream is probably the one to go for.

It doesn't melt off your skin, nor does it feel greasy when you have blended it. It absorbs beautifully and helps to leave you with a radiant glow. I would like to add that this isn't a glow that people with oily skin should be afraid of. It doesn't make you look like a disco ball at all. It's just very subtle and pleasant.

The product includes SPF12 which is a great extra to have, as I don't particularly enjoy putting greasy suntan lotion on to my face. You only need a small amount to cover a large surface, so it would last you a long while, and at £9.99 I think it's a great product and maybe even a bit of a bargain.

I have tried tinted moisturisers like Laura Mercier Oil Free and it still makes me feel greasy, even after powdering, so this is a great alternative for me.

Get out and try it. I am sure you won't be disappointed.

March Joliebox!

Welcome to my March Joliebox! I had an absolutely amazing February Joliebox, so lets see if this one lives up to the expectations that one has set!

I love the new magazine! It gives you tonnes of reviews on products, with helpful tips and tricks. I am a Magazine Journalism student, so naturally I would :P

(1) Yardley Luxury Body Wash - A luxury body wash to cleanse and nourish the skin. Available in three floral scents.

My Opinion - It smells lovely. Unfortunately I only received this box yesterday so I haven't had the chance to try it out, but it is a really good size. I haven't actually heard of Yardley before, so it will be interesting to see how well I get on with the brand. I have extremely sensitive skin that reacts with almost all body washes, so we will see how it goes!

(2) Davines Authentic Moisturising Balm - A natural and conditioning balm to be used on face, hair and body. Contains ingredients such as jojoba and sesam oil.

My Opinion - This is probably my favourite product of this month's box. I absolutely love haircare, and if it can be used as something else as well, then that is just an added bonus in my eyes! It smells great, it feels great, and I can't wait to experiment with this further. The packaging is really lovely. I like the design of it and all-in-all it's a thumbs up. Review to come.

(3) Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner - This skinny eyeliner pencil provides precise definition and intense long-lasting colour. Available in six different shades.

My Opinion - I have received this in a previous Glossybox so therefore I am adding this product to the giveaway I am holding at the moment. If you are interesting in entering, then please click the link at the top of the side bar.

(4) LCN Nail Polish from the Free Your Mind 2012 Collection - A fast drying polish available in four on-trend pastel shades.

My Opinion - If they were giving these away in four different pastel shades, then I am not sure white would have been the one I would have picked. However, I don't own a white nail polish, so perhaps this is the perfect time to start. It's clean and fresh, plus this one has a little shimmer to it as well. It is always lovely receiving nail polish in a beauty box because it is something that everyone can use and will love. NOTD coming soon I am sure!

(5) JolieBox Mirror - A dainty compact mirror that will fit perfectly in your make-up bag.

My Opinion - This is a cute extra from the JolieBox team. A thoughtful little mirror to carry around in your makeup bag, for touch ups during the day. I like this, and it will come in handy.

Overall, not a bad box. Not as amazing as February but I still like it :) Thanks Joliebox!

For enlarged pictures of all products, see below :)

This Week's Wish List! (Topshop)

(1) Topshop Top - £18 - T-Back Suntop. 100% Cotton. Machine Washable.

(2) Topshop Top - £22 - Cross Vest by Realitee. 100% Viscose. Machine Washable.

(3) Topshop Top - £30 - Herringbone Strap Vest. 62% Polyester, 38% Viscose. Machine Washable.

(4) Topshop Dress - £55 - Rib Heart Back Prom Dress. 95% Polyester, 5% Elastane. Machine Washable.

(5) Topshop Earings - £7.50 - Peace Heart Multipack Earings. Mixed Metal. 1cm Length.

(6) Topshop Skirt - £16 - Grey Speckle Skater Skirt. 80% Polyester, 20% Linen. Machine Washable.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Sky Line Pink (Pearl)

So here we are with the next edition to my lipstick line! I can't believe I used to be a girl who wasn't at all fussed on lipsticks. They now excite me more than some of my all-time favourite products!
Sky Line Pink is a new edition to the line of Super Lustrous Lipsticks that Revlon have released. When I decided I wanted another one of these lipsticks, after receiving one in my blog swap box, it didn't take me look to shuffle my way down to boots. However, when it came to picking a colour, I think I got a little bit over-excited and ended up seeing this in the new line and picking it up without so much as a second thought. I think this is why I am a little bit disappointed with it.
The colour is fine, I just wish that I had picked up something else. The last lipstick I had from this line was a creme finish not a pearl. After trying both, I know now that I am much more of a creme girl. I don't overly love the pearly sheen it gives to my lips, but it does achieve what it says on the tin so to speak.
What are your opinions on this lipstick? Tried any of the Revlon lipsticks? 

Haul - River Island, L'Oreal, Revlon and more!

I literally feel like I have not been on a proper shopping trip for ages! I can't wait until I graduate and can celebrate with a little retail therapy, but as of now I am poor. However, to keep me ticking over, here are a few purchases I have made. One of which you will have seen in my Beauty Wish List! I just couldn't help myself.

First up we have this top from River Island (£15). I saw it and thought it looked quite 'rocker'-ish and would look cute with my AllSaints boots and a leather jacket so I picked it up. I like that the sleeves are sewn up a bit and think it will be nice to wear this spring/summer as an effortless throw-on piece.

Next we have a hair band (£6) that I don't even know how to wear. I have tried tying it all different ways and I just can't seem to make it look normal. If any of you own a hair band like this then please comment below and tell me how you tie it. It is one of those ones made out of black lace with a wire in the middle to help it hold its shape. This is also from River Island and I thought this would look cute with the top above.

As you may recognise, this product (£9.99) was featured on my Beauty Wish List a couple of days ago. I just couldn't wait any longer for it. Plus, all the L'Oreal products were three for two,  so I purchased two items and my friend Becky got a mascara. Therefore it all worked out for the best in the end. I am really intrigued by this product. I swatched it in the shop and it seems to have a really nice consistency. I am slightly worried that the colour is to dark for me though, but a full review will come later when I have experimented with it some more! 

Next we have another Revlon Lipstick (£7.49). I received one of these in my blog swap box a little while back and fell in love so I went to go purchase another one. Unforunately I didn't really pay attention to the shades that were available. I saw that this one of the new releases so I picked it up and headed to the til. Oops! We shall have to see how it works out. If you are interested in it yourself, it is called Sky Line Pink (Pearl Finish).

Here we have my second L'Oreal product. I have used this before so it is more of a repurchase item for me. This is the Super Liner Carbon Gloss Liquid Liner (£6.49) and I absolutely adore it. I shall review it properly in the coming week. However I will tell you now that its great and you should definitely go and check it out.

Finally we have the No7 Purifying mask (£12.50). I paid for part of this by using my No7 £5 voucher that they are giving out at boots at the moment. I really like the idea of it as it is meant to use heat to open your pores and clear them, and when you wash off the mask, the cold is meant to tighten your pores again. All very confusing and long-winded but a review shall be following shortly.

Have you bought anything exciting recently? Let me know in the comments below.