Showing posts with label flat lays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flat lays. Show all posts

Monday, 10 November 2014

SHINY NEW ADDITIONS //

What's new 'round 'ere?

Newbies

Those of you who have been following along may recall that I've been on a self-imposed makeup ban, in a bid to force myself to use what I have, rather than pointlessly hoarding a monstrous collection (something that I'm rather talented at doing...) On my birthday I made the first makeup purchase in a few months, Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen, and since then I've added a few other bits and pieces to my stash.

A big, hearty welcome to...
Becca Mineral Tint SPF 30+ Sunscreen in Medium - I first mentioned this early last month, and yes, ended up caving when I saw it discounted on Adore Beauty. My only concern was the shade match - I ended up purchasing 'Medium', which ended up being a good fit for my NC30-ish skin-tone. I've tested it out on a few occasions and I'm quite pleased with it - it's matte, but not too matte, which is ideal for my normal-to-dry skin, which tends to be on the slightly greasier side in warmer weather. At first I was disappointed with its lack of coverage, but then reminded myself that it's primarily a sunscreen with a hint of colour. It does what it claims - provides a bronzy tint, with no ghostly white cast. Plus it smells delicious, like caramel fudge!

EcoTools Retractable Kabuki - This brush was recommended to me by a friend, who said she found it handy for bringing with her to uni for touchups. I've been using it to apply translucent pressed powder, and I have no qualms about it. It's quite soft and perhaps on the denser side for a powder brush, but it works well for translucent powder, and is of a portable size, which I'm sure will come in useful for travel.

Clinique Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm in 03 Roly Poly Rosy - This was a gift from my lovely Godmother who spoils me excessively! I was after a cream (or non-powder) cheek product for warmer months and this sparked my interest. It has a most intriguing texture that seems almost...spongy. It's difficult to describe... But it looks beautiful on, and blends well to provide a natural-looking flush (I prefer to use my Real Techniques Stippling Brush for this purpose, rather than fingers). I also enjoy the stick packaging, which is more compact and hygienic, and means I don't have to keep dipping my fingers in.

Chi Chi Glamorous Sultry Eyeshadow Palette - Something my mother purchased on a whim... Though it wasn't my purchase, I've been getting a lot of use out of it (I'm grateful my mum doesn't mind sharing!). Admittedly, these shades aren't really what I naturally gravitate towards - I'd actually been eyeing the Chi Chi Glamorous Nudes Eyeshadow Palette for ages, which is supposedly a dupe of the Urban Decay Naked Palette, but for a fraction of the price. I was impressed that all of the shades are smooth and buttery, and most are also heavy pigmented (bar one or two matte shades), and they're generally all quite wearable colours, too. I've been using the matte indigo shade as eyeliner, and it works a treat.

Korres Lip Butter in Wild Rose - So my willpower has finally crumbled, it seems! I'd been eyeing these lip butters for literarily yonks, ever since I first spotted them sleepandwater, and decided I had to make them mine. When I found myself at a Mecca Maxima recently, I resolved to bite the bullet, and ended up taking home Wild Rose, though I was tossing up between that and Pomegranate for a little while. Had I not so many lip products in my stash already (as my Liptember series reminded me) I could easily have bought both, methinks. Overall, I'm quite thrilled with my purchase - it's a lovely, pigmented lip butter, and the berry-red shade is stunning. It could be applied lightly for a sheerer effect, or worked up to a bolder colour. I definitely prefer tinted lip balms or lip butters for everyday, and I can see this one fast becoming an integral member of the rotation.


What new beauty bits have you added (or are planning to add) to your collection this month? x

Monday, 31 March 2014

WEEK IN REVIEW // 5

A week of largely crappy weather, last-minute things-to-do, and a revisiting of old (old-ish) favourites.



Clarks boots - These have long been a favourite of mine since I bought them last year. With the rainfall this week I had the excuse to pull them out again.

Glassons knit sweater - I love the colour of this jumper (which goes perfectly with Revlon's ColorBurst Lip Butter in Raspberry Pie, btw), and had the chance to wear it with the cooler weather.

Packing for HK - I'm leaving for an overseas trip to the motherland in 5 days' time! I should probably start actually packing...

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel - With the dreary weather I've been reminiscing of Summer, which has made me pull this bronzing beauty out, in the desperate hope to retain (or at least fake my way to) my Summer tan.

Nivea Light Feel Daily Face Veil SPF 30 sunscreen - The last few days were surprisingly sunny, so I've loved layering this under MAC Face and Body, or wearing it on its own with concealer and a touch of cream blush for a no-fuss weekend face.

Maybelline Baby Lips Glow tinted lip balm - I've been using the untainted version for the past couple of weeks, but recently fished this one out of the depths of my makeup bag - perfect for days when I want a slight hint of colour and something that doesn't require precision in application.

Elizabeth Arden Pretty EDP - I've loved this perfume for years now, and have only recently gone back to using it, after switching over to her Pretty Hot sister.



Tuesday, 11 March 2014

'SATURDAY' SMOOTHIE // (AKA BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE)

Yup, using up bananas again - and this time making a quick smoothie inspired by the one my dad makes for us on Saturday mornings. It's definitely a more exciting alternative to muesli, cereal or toast. I must admit that my version is somewhat lacking, compared to the real deal...











Ingredients:
2 medium sized bananas, peeled and sliced
1.5 cups rice milk (or any other kind of milk)
A handful to half a cup of almonds
A drizzle of honey (optional)
A teaspoon of vanilla essence (optional)
Cinnamon (optional)



Throw it all into a blender and blend until smooth and frothy. Add more milk to thin, if necessary. Sprinkle with cinnamon and enjoy!


Tuesday, 18 February 2014

'MY FAVO(U)RITE THINGS' //

...is a great song. Though, come to think of it, practically anything featuring Julie Andrews could be considered 'great'. That lady is freakin' incredible. But I digress.

Given my established aversion to Awkward Introductions, rather than do a get-to-know-me 20 Questions, or a spiel in which I assault your ears with my fascinating life story, I thought I'd do a little summary instead. A (literal) snapshot, if you will.

"These are a few of my favourite things..."