Sunday 24 November 2013

Sleek Face Contour Kit Review

On a recent trip to Boots I noticed a Sleek stand in amongst the other make up brands. I'm only used to seeing Sleek in Superdrug so I guess its moved over to Boots, which I am not surprised about. I was actually really happy to see it especially as in Superdrug they no longer sell the Face Contour Kit, however instead the Face Form kit which comes with a blusher as well luckily Boots had the Face Contour Kit in Light and Dark shades. I had wanted to get this for a long time, so it was a combination of the 3 for 2 deal being on and seeing Sleek in Boots for the first time that made me want to grab it before they discontinued it or something along those lines. Especially as I have found out they have discontinued the Estee Lauder Eye shadows Duos, I regret not picking up Raisins when I could have.





The Sleek Contour Kit retails for £6.49 and comes in the shades: 'Light', 'Medium' and 'Dark' which essentially covers all skin tones. The palette is compacted within Sleek's typical black matte packaging, which always looks 'Sleek' and professional. Unfortunately it will not stay like this for long, the product starts to become messy and dirty straight away - its not really avoidable. You receive 14g of product which is a large amount, especially considering the Mac Mineralize Skin finishes usually have around 10g of product. I would always recommend Sleek for eyeshadows, blushers and bronzers, not only are they extremely pigmented however they are also relatively cheap and compare to the likes of Mac and Nars.
The palette comes with a large bronzing powder - this can be used for contouring and bronzing. There is also a smaller highlighter which can be applied to the cupids bow, temples and cheekbones. I'm not particularly a big fan of this highlighter as I just find I have others which I prefer, however due to convenience I usually apply it when using the bronzer. I have heard many people comment on how the bronzer is far too dark, however I believe this may be down to the pigmentation. The product is so pigmented, if you over apply you are bound to resemble something which has rolled around in the mud. A light hand or Duo Fibre brush always works perfectly with Sleek products. The product also comes with a small handy mirror, which means you can use it to apply at home and on the go. Essentially you will not need to pack a separate mirror as you already have one- giving you more space in your handbag for other useless things which we know we don't need. 
 'A duo compact with a contour powder perfect for contouring cheekbones and a shimmer highlighter perfect for illuminating your face giving you that perfect flawless finish. .'
I would agree the product is perfect as a contour instead of a bronzer. As the product is more matte, it works perfectly to make the cheekbones appear more defined and slimmer. I originally applied bronzer with the Expert face Brush from Real Techniques however I did not feel as if it gave the precise application I wanted. Therefore I swapped over to the Contour Brush from Real Techniques and BOOM - magic. I feel as if this brush applies bronzer perfectly to my cheekbones. I wouldn't exactly say the same goes for the highlighter. Have you noticed in palettes how they put lots of effort and precision into some of the products while the others are there just to fill the gaps? Yes the highlighter does give the cheekbones an illuminated effect, but not in a way you would always want it to. I would say this product would work well in the corner of the eyes or on the brow bone to give the appearance your eyes are bigger. 

I would repurchase this however I don't feel as if I would need to repurchase this for a very long time, the product has longevity so you don't even need to reapply throughout the day. A perfect little compact to carry around when travelling, a definite happy purchase go grab this little kit you won't regret it.

Thank you for reading:),
Livs x


Thursday 21 November 2013

The Sunshine Award

So luckily I was nominated for the sunshine award by Sopha Lou who is really lovely and you should go check out her blog. Thank you for nominating me! The award goes to those bloggers who are 'positive and creatively inspire others in the blogosphere' which is a very hearting warming statement if I say so myself. So to be nominating for such a positive award, especially as I haven't been feeling quite negative about how my blog looks and feels at the moment feels lovely and sweet thank you again.I would just like to say a big thank as I have just hit 100 Bloglovin followers which is really lovely and thank you to everyone who reads my blog to reach this milestone after only five months or so feels so welcoming, so I may possibly do a giveaway in conjunction with Christmas but I will see how things go.
 

The rules are very simple:
1) Share 11 facts about yourself
2) Answer the 11 question set by your nomination blogger
3) Nominate 11 bloggers
4)Include 11 questions for your nominees to answer
 
11 Facts about me-
1) I'm in my last year of high school so Year 11
2) My favourite food of all time is Reece's Cups but I would say Dominoes Pizza and Chinese was up there to.
3) I'm currently obsessed with Pretty Little Liars, I started watching them in August and finished watching them in August, you don't know how much of a pain it is to wait till January.
4) I love reading book series, and then watching and waiting for the films to come out however its really sad when they are all finished (Harry Potter then Twilight now the Hunger Games)
5) I really hate Jeans, I find them so uncomfortable and baggy occasionally.
6) I absolutely love English and would love to be a Journalist.
7) I'm such a fussy eater, however its a food I like I won't complain about how hot or cold it may be etc.
8) I find it very hard to trust people and my trust in someone can break in literally a second.
9) I'm in love with make up products and I think I have a weakness
10) Topshop and Primark are my favourite clothing stores
11) For my A Levels I want to take English Literature, Photography, Fine Art and Media Studies.

Questions from Sopha Lou:

 

1) Do you have any siblings?
I do indeed, I have three half brothers and one half sister.

2) What type of make up product is your favourite?
I think this would either be Blusher or Highlighter, I'm quite pale so these can make all the difference to my complexion.

3)What made you start a blog?
Not only are blogs intoxicating to read and you want to buy all the products a person has, you start to want to have a blog. Well that was my motivation, watching other do so well and have so much fun writing about the same sort of things which I love and I am interested to read about seems like a perfect opportunity to join in. I really give credit to those with amazing blog layouts and fancy html codes because I really am still confused by it all.

4) What is your favourite type of post others bloggers blog about?
I enjoy reading pretty much everything especially Monthly Favourites, Hauls and My Favourite... Blusher, Bronzer etc.

5) Which high end brand would you recommend to a friend?
To start off with as Cliché as it sounds Mac, but if they didn't mind paying a little more I would say Nars. Mac just do a good variety of products, particularly the lipsticks and eye shadows which aren't too expensive.

6) Favourite Nail Colour?
This is a really tough question, I love burgundy's and pastel colours  but specifically I love 'Raspberry' by Barry M, 'Mint Candy Apple' by Essie and 'Utopia' by Models Own.

7) Is there something about you which makes you unusual or different?
I don't like Nutella personally I think its seriously overrated and I play the piano that's pretty the things which make me stand out- so nothing really.

8)Bags, Jewellery or Shoes?
I would probably go with Jewellery, I love Bags and Shoes but I feel like a statement necklace or a watch can really add or make an outfit- just a personal preference.

9) What would your dream job be?
My absolute dream job would either be to be a You tuber or work at Pixar creating the drawings for films like Monsters Inc. and Toy story.

10) Go to Shoes?
Either my Doc Martens which I love as they flowery which makes them unique and quite girly  or my converses as they easy to chuck on and are comfortable.

11) Something you have your eye on which you really want to treat yourself to?
Oooooh I'm not sure, I'm dying to get my hands on a YSL Lipstick, they are the most beautifully packaging make up item I have ever seen.

My Nominees are:

My questions for my nominees?
1) What's your favourite colour lipstick to wear?
2) What is your favourite high end and drugstore brand?
3) What do you find an absolute chore where beauty regimes are concerned?
4) Would you rather buy lots of drugstore items or just a couple of high end items?
5) Clothes or Make up?
6) What's the meaning behind your blog name?
7) Why do you enjoy blogging?
8) What's your favourite season?
9) What seasonal drink do you order from Costa Coffee/ Starbucks?
10) Do you have any pets?
11) Whats your favourite make up product that you own?

Thank you for reading:) Please check to see whether your nominated above thank you all!:),
Livs x

Thursday 14 November 2013

Autumn Fashion Haul

Sorry I have been a little MIA, a week feels like a long time to not post for. I would give you some sort of excuse but I don't particularly have one, I got a new computer? Anyways as Autumn is well and truly here I thought it was time to get some fashion bits and bobs. I actually bought a coat however I took these photographs before, and I'm really lacking effort today. Anyways as I was saying I have been spending a lot lately- which is bad I know- but you know everything all pretty and cosy at the moment you know you just can't help yourself. Plus I think I am practically in love with the Tartan trend. I have found so many clothes and scarfs I have loved with this pattern. 
Tartan Scarf Primark £5
I originally really wanted the scarf which was red based but with a variety of different colours in-which I will still get my hands on- however when looking in Primark I literally grabbed this when I saw it. I knew I really wanted a tartan scarf and do plan to add more to my collection, besides the obvious- they keep you warm- they really go with anything: dresses, jumpers, tops. skirts whatever works for you. I always like a scarf to be super long so I can tie and loop it, which this scarf gives the ability to do. It also has tassels at the end and is lovely and a warm. A new staple in my wardrobe.

Tartan Pyjama Bottoms Primark £6
I swear they put up the price every year. Of course when Winter comes around- cliché but- I have to go to Primark to grab some new PJ's, I still want to grab some woolly ones but these will do till then. I actually saw a shorts version which someone had posted on their blog, however I literally couldn't find them anywhere so I went for the long version instead. They are very comfy and cosy the only negative is, they aren't cuffed at the bottom but it really isn't too much of a big deal. I love getting Primark bottoms are they won't last a very long time so can be replaced when you fancy a new warm pair. Can you notice a theme in this haul- Tartan. If they did a scarf of this, I don't think I would be able to help myself.
Cable Knit Primark Jumper £14
I actually bought this in October however I know they still do this jumper. At first sight it looks like a typical cable knit jumper, however its literally the baggiest and comfiest jumper I own. I did opt for the size up, but I would say you could easily have your size or down if you like jumpers to be tighter. Its such a thick warm material, you would think it would come from Top shop and should cost A LOT more. I really would check out Primark's jumpers this year, as they really look lovely. I think I may go check out some more-they do more shades. I am not a snob when it comes to Primark, I love love love it and think there is nothing wrong paying half the price for a jumper which you would pay double for somewhere else- however I can't resist Top shop either. Great with leggings and boots, sorted and ready to go. 

Top shop Coral Jumper £38
I do realise above I did say I like finding jumpers for cheap prices however I can't resist Top shop either. I actually love Zoellas videos and have been watching them for a long time- so I kind of of fell in love with her jumper and kind of bought it. It's so warm and would look perfect paired with a blouse and high waisted jeans or leggings. I really adore Top shop, and it will always be my favourite shop- not only do they do good clothes but also make up too. I would suggest if you wanted to get this jumper, get this in the size up so its lovely and baggy. Also beware as the bottom of the jumper has a weird cut, however I like the way its different compared to other jumpers I own, its also a batwing too. I think it should be a trend bring Spring colours into Autumn- making a difference. 
Top shop Tartan Leggings £28
3 out of 5 items in this haul are Tartan, and I am not sorry. I originally wanted some tartan shorts however after seeing these alone in my size I literally grabbed them, tried them on and then bought them. Although they are very striking, its nice to have something a little bit daring in your wardrobe. Its nice to have a change from black leggings and skirts. I do love these, and they have little cuff turn ups at the end. These are great to pair with a plain top and a pair of converses and brogues with a pair of frilly socks. They are tight, I'm just a little worried they will become baggy which I find happens with most leggings. Is anybody else obsessed with tartan, because I think I am. Sorry these photos aren't the greatest however I didn't want to stick things on hangers, I may have a possible look book coming soon.
 
So anyways thank you for reading:), and comment below I'm excited for Christmas!
Livs x

Saturday 2 November 2013

Haul Time

I was actually having a little spur of online shopping, and decided with the help of Ems that I really needed to grab this mineralize skin finish. During July/August Mac brought out their Tropical Taboo collection and when seen the collection in August after leaving the store and not buying anything from it, I regretted not buying 'Adored' straight away. As Mac tend to switch collections quite frequently, I thought I would never really get my hands on this however after still seeing this on the website I decided to grab it before it well and truly went out of stock. It is such a beautiful blush colour matched with soft and gentle as a highlight, this definitely being my favourite combo at the moment. 

You can buy this here

I can't really remember where I heard this from however I read from another blog post how Fragrance Direct had restocked their Essie nail polishes. Although Fragrance Direct do charge postage and packaging, the Essie nail polishes are still ridiculously cheap compared to their usually £8 price tag. Fragrance Direct sell old collections of Essie polishes for £1.99, so I had to grab some before they went again. I picked up the shades 'Bikini so Teeny' which is actually a repurchase and 'Tour de Finance' which is a metallic hot pink shade. You can actually see the glitter in Bikini so Teeny however it is a far more subtle blue on the nails. 

You can buy these here
After watching countless American Beauty Vloggers and seeing the vast amount of hand sanitizers from Bath and Body Works, I really wanted most of the scents from the collection. However one thing that stops us, we don't have Bath and Body Works in the UK so the only way to grab them is through either Ebay or Amazon. After deciphering for a while I choose 'Vanilla Cupcake' as I love love love sweet scents. I only really buy them when they are £1.99, however they can range in price depending on where you buy them from. I have actually ordered two more scents as I really was impressed the only really scented hand gels you can buy is the Soap and Glory version and then cucumber and strawberry scented smells. 
So as many of you know Lush has brought in their Christmas stock. Which is by far their best stock, I only really venture into Lush this time of year to grab some bits and bobs which are new and old favourites. After deciding not to pick up Snow Fairy last year, I really wanted to get my hands on it this year. I'm a massive fan of sweet scents so this is so perfect for my liking. The only thing I would say is that they are overpriced however they are a nice little treat once in a while. Look at this little pumpkin. This is actually a bubble bar, so you can crumble this under running hot water and I'm sure it will leave your bath, amazing shades of orange and yellow. I couldn't leave him there, he is so cute and wasn't really too bad in price for £2.75 as you could probably have more than one bath from this lickle bubble bar. Have you had a chance to look at the Christmas selection recently? 

Thank you for reading,
Livs x