Olympia beauty haul part 2: Swatches!

Happy friday people! I hope this week has treated you well?

As promised here are the swatches from my little Olympia beauty show haul. See part 1 here

My show purchases

NYX butter glosses

I always have at least one butter gloss in by bag at all times. They give a lovely wash of colour that isnt too over the top for every day wear. Definitely a make up bag must have for me.

Tiramisu & Madeline

Natural light without flash 

With flash

NYX Butter lipstick

Lovely feeling on the lips although very sheer. If you don’t like anything too heavy coverage wise then this is for you. I’d be interested in hearing what some of the darker colours are like though. So if you’ve tried them link me to reviews please 🙂

Snow cap

Without flash in natural light

With flash

NYX High voltage lipstick

This is my favourite lipstick ever! I love it more than (dare I say it) VELVET TEDDY!! It stays on for hours and is so pigmented you literally just need one sweep and it gives perfect coverage. I am 1005 buying more for my pro make up kit.

‘Stone’

Without flash in natural light

With flash

NYX Eyeshadows

These are really highly pigmented and for like £4.50 I think they were a bargain!

Without flash in natural light

With flash

Inglot amc gel liner in black 

I’m still new to wearing eye liner myself but this is a pretty intense black liner which can be hard to find. Its easy to apply and glides on like a dream. However once its on it will not budge so if (like me) you find it hard to get your liner right first time remember a little goes a long way, also have some make up remover and q tips handy for any mistakes so you can clean up quickly before it dries. Don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Gel liner in Black

Without flash in natural light

With flash

Milani Bronzer & Blush

These had been on my wishlist for some time. I mean just look at them, what girl wouldn’t love them?? And they didn’t fail to impress. I love a coral blush on myself and I also find it suits many other skin tones but some are afraid to try it & are put off by the colour thinking it wont suit them.

Go on, try it and let me know what you think!

Milani Bronzer in ‘Amber nectar’ & Blush in ‘Coral rose’

Simply beautiful!

Taken in natural light

This weeks manicure!

I’m still sporting shorties but went for a raspberry shade this week.

Gelish in ‘Rendezvous’

Have a fab weekend!

Sam 🙂 x

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30 day blogger challenge: my make up brushes

  
I never realised just how important make up brushes were until about a year ago. 

I’d always used my hands and a sponge applicator until I discovered the real techniques brushes on the pixiwoo channel. They literally changed my life. And I’m not exaggerating. It’s amazing how those tiny wooden sticks with fluff on the end can completely transform the way you apply your make up.

 I went on a bit of a mad one a while ago buying brushes in all different shapes and sizes and by different brands, high street & high end until I finally learned how to use them and what each one was for. It was an expensive mistake put it that way. As a lot of them I don’t even use. 
I’ll go through my favourites just to show how many from my collection I actually use regularly to hopefully give you an idea of what not to waste money on if you only wanted to invest in maybe one or two.

I have a mixture of brands from high end to high street: Real techniques, Mac, Sigma, Royal & Langnickel, Bare minerals, Lancôme, Illamasqua, Japonesque etc. And I used to be a firm believer in ‘buy cheap buy twice’ but to be completely honest with experience it isn’t necessary to spend a lot. 

 My Real techniques collection 

My ‘couldn’t live without’ brush has to be the real techniques buffing brush. (5th from right) 

I use it every day to buff in my foundation, it gives nice even coverage but can also be used to apply blush/bronzer/powder.

The expert face brush is a close second. (4th from right) I use this on the days where I need extra coverage. 

The sculpting brush (far right) is perfect for those that are new to contouring. But I personally prefer the actual contouring brush (3rd from right) it’s just a matter of preference. 

The stippling brush (second from right) is good for achieving that ‘airbrushed’ look. I use it on a night out where I sometimes wear a bit more make up. It’s also nice to apply cream products (cream blush or highlighter) 

  Mac contouring brush & real techniques sculpting brush. 

I do use my Mac contouring brush occasionally, it gives a more precise contour (if you like the really chiselled cheekbone look then this is for you) but I’d say it’s probably best for a make up artists kit rather than an everyday make up brush. So In my opinion don’t bother, it is on the pricey side too at just under £40.

 Eyes  L-r Sigma blending e25, Mac 239,253,212 & royal & langnickel bc445

The Mac 253 & 212 push liner brushes are my favourite for lining. I can’t apply liner to save my life wether it be from a pot,liquid liner, cake etc but these little lovelies make my life easier. The push liner gives a nice soft line for daytime when used with black or brown eyeshadow, also a perfect look for older ladies as it’s less harsh than a dark black liquid or pencil liner. 

The Mac 239 is again one I use every day, perfect for packing colour onto the lid. But it isn’t an essential. There are many more that will do the same but it was a brush I THOUGHT I needed months ago. 

The sigma e25 & R&L bc445 are my favourites for blending. Blending used to be something that was hit and miss for me but these brushes literally do all the hard work for me. So id definitely recommend them, they are reasonably priced too. I picked up the R&L brush at the Olympia beauty show for less than £6. And the sigma was less than £10 although customs charged me £14 for the set I purchased 😬 

Crown & karla brushes are on my wish list but if you’ve tried them let me know your recommendations! 

So they were my brushes! Hope you enjoyed! 

Do you have any favourite brushes that you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments! 

Tomorrow’s post is my favourite mascaras. 

Sam 🙂 x

30 day blogger challenge: Favourite palette

It’s day one of my ’30 day blogger challenge’ that I’m setting myself. 

 
Choosing my favourite palette was harder than I thought. It’s like someone asking you to chose your favourite child. But I decided on one in the end. It was the smell that won it. (Yes the smell!) No I haven’t lost the plot (yet) all will be revealed shortly.

The winner was……

Too faced semi-sweet chocolate palette! 

  

Eyeshadow & chocolate, 2 of my favourite things combined! What’s not to love? 

16 shades of chocolatey deliciousness made with 100% natural cocoa powder. The smell is to die for! But on the downside if you’re on a diet maybe this one isn’t for you. 

  
It’s a mixture of mattes & shimmers that can take you from day to night in an instant. And for those that sometimes struggle with which colours go with which or where to apply what, the too faced palettes will really help you out as they all come with the how to’s leaflets which will help you recreate some of the looks on there. 

Here’s a quick swatch taken in natural light   
 
Colours from top to bottom:

• Licorice 
• Coconut crème
• Nougat
• Truffled
• Hot fudge
• Cocoa chili 
• Pink sugar
• Puddin’ 
• Blueberry swirl
• Peanut butter
• Frosting
• Rum raisin
• Mousse
• Caramel
• Bon Bon 
• Butter pecan

See what I mean about the diet thing? Just listing the names has made my belly rumble.

I purchased this from Debenhams for £38 so it is on the pricey side. It’s not something I would buy on a whim and I had admired it from afar for over a month before taking the plunge. 

So that was my fave palette. Have you tried any of the too faced palettes? Which one is your favourite? Let me know in the comments 🙂 

 Day 2 of my challenge will be ‘things that stress me out’ so prepare for a long one! You have been warned 

Sam x 

August empties/ favourites

Here’s my first empties post!

In my entire life I don’t think I’ve ever used up an entire product before getting bored half way through and buying something different. But I’m on a spending ban enforced by myself in an attempt to try and use up the products I already own. (I did start last week but an unexpected trip to Tk Maxx set me back)

My first is:

Mac prep & prime fix+ (£17)

It’s quickly become one of my ‘can’t live without’ products. I now use it literally every single day. It had been in my kit for a while and I just assumed it was a setting spray hence the name ‘fix’ BUT I did some googling and discovered some uses that make up artists swear by. And they’ve changed my life! Okay maybe not my life exactly but my usual make up routine. Heres how I use fix+ :

Spritz some onto your face before or after your chosen moisturiser for an extra moisture boost (or both if your skins really suffering)

Spritz onto your foundation brush to help your foundation glide on more smoothly  

Spritz onto the face after applying foundation and concealer & allow to dry before applying powder to keep your make up in place longer

Spray onto your eyeshadow brush before applying your chosen eyeshadow to really make the colour ‘pop’ and intensify the colour

Use it to thin cream or compact foundation for a more sheer coverage (decant product, never spray into the compact)

I’ll definitely be repurchasing, it’s been a godsend for my usually dry skin. I would certainly recommend trying it if you haven’t already.

Have you tried any of the above tips or have any of your own to add?

Urban decay: Naked skin foundation in shade 2.0 (£27)

I allowed the consultant at the UD counter to match me up for this foundation. Which I should have known would be a mistake as no make up counter assistant ever selects the right shade for me wherever I go (#annoying ) however, it was okay to use on nights out as I go a little darker for evening make up.

So! Coverage was okay, I normally like something a little thicker so the liquid consistency took a little getting used to but it’s buildable which was good for me. I apply it with the real techniques buffing brush, allow to dry for a few minutes then use a beauty blender to add extra coverage where needed. And voila! ‘Naked’ skin that looks flawless and even, without the cakey look that some other foundations can give when they lie and say their product is buildable 😬

I will purchase this again after the spending ban 😉 but a lighter shade that will suit my pale complexion.

Stila stay all day 10 in 1 beauty balm (HD illuminating beauty balm spf 30 £26 duty free)

I purchased this on my flight to Cuba a few months ago. I used it whilst on holiday and it gave a lovely glow with a subtle hint of colour. I don’t usually leave the house without make up at home but this gave me the confidence to go foundation free so that’s definitely something that impressed me.

However now I’m home and tan-less I can no longer wear it alone & team it with my normal foundation on those days where your skin needs a little pick me up.

It would be lovely for a make up artists kit as it’s perfect under foundation for a nice dewy, slightly illuminated effect (similar to Mac strobe cream)

Will I repurchase? If I can find it again yes! I haven’t seen it anywhere since 😦 So if anyone knows where I can pick one up please let me know! As id definitely like to add it to my holiday make up bag.

Embryolisse lait-creme concentré 30ml (£13 boots.com)

What can I say, it’s amazing stuff, it instantly smooths my normally dry slightly flakey skin, and creates a smooth canvas for me to apply my make up. It also doubles as a primer (and has many other uses such as cleanser, make up remover, repairing mask, after shave cream, baby care product) My make up stays put all day without looking dry and it works great on my make up clients too as it stops shine on oiler/combination skins so it’s a win-win situation. Although the packaging was a bit pants as its a metal tube, so even when you squeeze a little out it still floods the cap.

Have you tried it? Let me know why you thought in the comments

I have already repurchased the larger-gold limited edition tube from boots.com £20 (pre spending ban!) the tube has been updated on the larger tube so no mess with that one.

George under eye concealer (Asda £4.50)

This baby Rivals the YSL touché éclat for me. NO LIE! And at £4.50 it’s a total bargain. There’s no reason for you not to try it. I use it after my correcting concealer to brighten my eye area and it can also be used for highlighting. A little really does go a long way and it does exactly what it says on the tube. I can’t remember what made me buy it as id never normally pick up a supermarket own brand (make up snobbery I know, I’m not proud of it) but I’m so glad I did. I can honestly say I love this product and I can see this being one of my make up bag staples.

September 30 day challenge.

In an attempt to blog more regularly I’ve created my own little September 30 day challenge. The posts will be short and sweet but I hope you guys will be able to get to know me a little better.

So if there’s anything you’d like to know or see here leave a comment for me 🙂

Sam x

Bloggers beauty award!

Sorry (again) it’s been a while I know. I promise to be more regular after the school holidays are over next week.

As you all know I haven’t been doing this for long at all, so it’s lovely that my little blog has been noticed by someone other than my family who read because they have to. Love you guys 😉

I’d like to thank Kaitlynskollection for the nomination! Make sure you stop by her blog!

So on with the post…..
The rules…

• Tag the blogger that nominated you
• Answer the questions you were given
• Nominate 10 people who’s blog is about beauty or fashion
• Make 10 questions for your nominees to answer
• Inform the bloggers you chose that you nominated them

My questions…

• What is your worst beauty habit? I don’t really have any habits but one of my beauty ‘problems’ as some (my husband) might say is being a brand whore. If there’s something new being released from my favourite brand I HAVE to have it. If I could find a brand that would swap items/people for products I’d be living in a box on the street with my make up collection and no family.
• What is your favourite beauty product? Collection – lasting finish concealer. Cannot live without that little beaut.
• What is your favourite beauty brand? I can’t choose just one! That’s like asking me to sacrifice my first born 🙊 I love Illamasqua, Too faced & Urban decay equally.
• Face or eyes first? On myself face first. But doing someone else’s make up eyes first.
• Do you keep the same make up look everyday or change it? I try to change it up everyday. Like I’m on a mission to wear every eyeshadow I own at least once. I should be done by the next millennium.
• Foundation or concealer first? Foundation then concealer but there are sometimes bad days when I need to repeat the process a few times to look slightly normal.
• Where would you most like to go on holiday? At this precise moment- anywhere! But I’d love to visit Dubai.
• What is your greatest acheivement? Buying our house. It was something I thought was far in the future. But we did it in December and couldn’t be happier.
• What keeps you motivated to blog? My followers. I love that people actually like reading my ramblings. Every time I see a like or a new follower on my blog it makes me smile. I want to be able to be honest and say exactly what I think about products I buy rather than lie because a company sent me something for free. If I waste my money on a product and my blog stopped 1 more person wasting their hard earned cash on the same thing then I’ve succeeded in what I set out to do.
• Who is your favourite blogger/Vlogger? I love pixiwoo! Sam & Nic are so normal and down to earth. It’s refreshing to watch. I particularly like their tutorials as they aren’t telling me to contour the crap out of myself so I look like a completely different person, to the point my husband wants to sue me when he wakes up next to me in the morning!

My nominations!

• Curly.spring.blossom
• Emmalovesbeautyx
• myloveforbeautyproducts
• mediaandmakeup
• Ryanpaynesworld
• Valsvoguexo
• Myfashionandbeautytales
• Realitydeity
• charlenesparklesbeauty
• B-17Bombshell beauty

Your questions:

• What inspired you to start blogging?
• What beauty product could you not live without? 
• What make up/fashion trends do you think will be big this year?
• Your favourite high street store? 
• What advice would you give to a new blogger? 
• What products are on your wish list? 
• Your best beauty/fashion tip?
• Your favourite holiday destination? 
• What’s your favourite perfume/aftershave? 
• Favourite make up brands? 

Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed. Looking forward to reading the nominees posts!

Samantha xx

Urban Decay: Naked smoky palette, review & swatches

 It’s here! Sorry this is a little late! Been a manic week!   

I actually recieved this on the 3rd just before store launch so I’ve been itching to swatch this baby since it arrived. 

First Impressions: The packaging is gorgeous,it looks and feels expensive. I think it looks so much nicer than the other naked palettes too. The colours look amazing and I’m already inspired just after a little peek. The looks you can create are endless. 

  
  I’m also loving the brush. There’s a small pencil brush which is great for fine details/lining the lower lashes etc one end and a blending brush the other. 

  
 The colours: There are 4 matte, 4 satin & 4 shimmer shades shown below with & without flash.

Matte shades: Top to bottom: Thirteen, Combust, Whiskey & Password

   

   

Satin shades: Top to bottom (Whiskey, Password,)Smolder, Black market, Dagger & Slanted

   
    

Shimmer shades: Top to bottom (Slanted), Armor, Radar, Dirtysweet & High

   
    

To be completely honest I wasn’t overly impressed with the pigmentation of the satin shades, they needed layering quite a bit which is a shame. However, I’m not normally a fan of shimmers but I’m loving Armor, Dirtysweet & Radar. They apply exactly how they look in the palette. 

Combust & thirteen are ideal base shades for all over the eyelid.
Whiskey is a perfect transition shade.
High is lovely for highlighting the inner corner of the eye & brow bone.
  
   
Top to bottom- Thirteen, combust, whiskey, password, Smolder, black market, dagger, slanted, Armor, radar, Dirtysweet, high.

I Had a quick play and did a soft smokey eye this morning using a few colours from this palette.
   
 
I’ve been partying pretty hard this weekend trying to relive my youth so excuse the dark circles (I’d call them bags but they are more like suitcases under my eyes!)
Eyes: Thirteen all over the lid up to brow, High on brow bone & inner corner, Whiskey in the crease & outer corner also used as liner on bottom lash line, Dirtsweet on the lid. Mascara is too faced better than sex in black
Face: Urban Decay naked foundation in 5.0, collection lasting finish concealer in fair. Mac prep & prime loose powder to set, Illamasqua blush in lover and Mac soft & gentle for the highlight. 

Have you purchased the smoky palette? What did you think? Let me know, would love to hear what you guys thought 🙂 

I have a few posts coming this week (lots of birthday make up purchases!) so keep your eyes peeled. 
See you soon 🙂 x

All that jazz: The Cocktails collection. Nail polish review

Hello again! 

So, I’ve gone a bit mental this week and splurged on way too many products! (I say that like it’s unusual) 

Don’t worry, I’ll certainly be sharing them with you all shortly.  But I’ll start off with the all that jazz cocktails polishes.

 They were released a while ago and I’ve had them for a few weeks, so yes I’m late! But I thought they were definitely worth a mention. I have a few colours from a their previous collections and have been very impressed. 

First impressions: Just wow! I do love my brights and these did not disappoint. There are 4 colours in the collection  

 L-R The margarita, The Cosmopolitan, The Mojito & The Jack rose 

The Margarita- Neon lime green

The cosmopolitan- Neon Barbie pink 

The Mojito- Lovely bright Teal

The Jack Rose- Neon orange/coral (My personal fave!) 

Application: The brushes are an absolute dream to paint with. And they give even colour application with ease. 

Coverage: With just one coat the coverage was pretty amazing.  

 I find with most neon polishes I need to do around 4 coats to get a decent amount of coverage & with that comes the dreadful drying time. But not with these babies!

 Completely dry in less that 8 minutes!  (yes I timed it!)

 I’ve been spoilt with my Gelish manicures being completely dry as soon as they are done but I think I’m converting back to my old ways of good old regular nail polish. 

So, back to coverage! After 2 thin coats I have complete, even coverage.

Shown here with All that Jazz top note- topcoat. 

Wearability: They were still going strong 13 days after application without the need to reapply top coat. (I removed them in the end as I needed a colour change for a night out.) which was The Jack rose, with some sparkle added to the cuticle area- shown below. 

 
Pros: Coverage & drying time 

Cons: I would have loved a neon blue or yellow instead of 2 greens but I suppose that isn’t really a con. However I had to put something 😉 

I must say this is now my go to brand for polishes which has over taken some high end brands that I usually love. 

Have you tried All that jazz? What did you think? Fave colours?  Let me know

For more swatches check out my Instagram: https://instagram.com/perfectlypolishedxx/

To view the full range & purchase : http://www.allthatjazzuk.com/product-details/2/118/327/professional-nail-lacquer/collections/the-cocktail-collection.htm 

This weeks manicure

Here’s this weeks mani if you hadn’t already noticed 😉
 

 I’m now off to have a play with my Urban decay Smoky palette for my next post 😍  It Arrived Monday morning but I haven’t had the chance to swatch it yet. Trust me, you guys will not be disappointed. It’s definitely been worth the wait! 

See you soon! 

Sam x

Kate moss for Rimmel lasting finish nudes collection

It’s the eve of my 30th birthday and I’m feeling a little depressed. So what better way to cheer myself up than with an unplanned purchase! YAY! (That’s what I call them so I don’t feel so bad. It’s not like I went in search of an item, it just well, happened you know? )

I’d heard about the Kate Moss for Rimmel London lasting finish nude collection but not really being a lipstick fan myself didn’t think much of it. 

Until I saw them…..

  
Aren’t they pretty? Even if I don’t use them they’ll look pretty in my make up kit.  

 First impressions, the lightest shade (40) looks like a concealer. It’s that pale! And I’ll probably save 48 for Halloween seeing as I already look like a ghost or ‘pale & interesting’ as some like to describe the Casper like shade of my skin. 

However for me shades 42, 43 & 45 look promising. 

   
 
L-R 40, 42, 43, 45, 48

Application: They glide on easily enough and the coverage is quite sheer from what I expected it to be but they are buildable. 

They felt a little dry after a short while (if you suffer with dry lips these probably aren’t for you) but the colour stayed put for around 2-3 hours.  So I’d definitely recommend throwing one in your bag for touch ups throughout the day especially for a night out.  

If you can only buy one I’d say 45 will be perfect for most skins. But they are nice to layer if you do decide to purchase more than one. 43 over 45 is lovely!  Have you tried them? What did you think? Let me know in the comments 

 
Me in shade 45 – excuse the dressing gown I was running late for work 😉 

For £5.49 I think they are a bargain. And buy one get one half price in Superdrug at the moment (for a limited time) plus a free make up bag when you spend over £15, so if you want the set your winning in life! Get them here: http://www.superdrug.com/Rimmel-dare-to-bare%3F/c/rimmel-dare-to-bare?q=%3Aname-asc%3Acategory%3Apt_make_up_lipstick&text=&minSel=4.0&maxSel=7.0&minSlider=4.0&maxSlider=7.0&resultsForPage=20&categorypt_make_up_lipstick=on

I’ll work out how to put those words that link you to the products eventually I promise! 

Just a quickie, I thought some of you might like to see which manicure I’m sporting with each post? If so let me know and leave a comment. 

So here’s my birthday mani to start it off:

 
My urban decay smoky palette is winging its way to me as I type! So as soon as it arrives I’ll have a little play & a swatch and get the next post up ASAP! 

Happy Saturday people! x 

Being ‘perfectly polished’

I’m throwing myself in at the deep end and going with the flow so to speak so This particular post might not make much sense but stay with me. Good things come to those who wait & all that jazz. 
I had a thought, an epiphany some might say. That seeing as I spend half my life on social media watching make up tutorials and the other half in M.A.C that I should try and do something with it.Which brings me here.
I’m not going to sit here & pretend that I’m a really interesting person. (Far from it)

Moi, yes I’m pants at selfies!

But I do buy some pretty good stuff! Well sometimes.
I have an old skool laptop, an iphone 6 and an obsession with make up & nails. So lets see how far we get as I’m not quite sure where/how/why/what im doing with this at present or how to work it. I don’t have a clue what tags are! But I’m hoping things will fall into place. (When all else fails wing it right?)

So, to begin my blogging journey here’s a ’10 things about me’ section so you can get to know me a little before I bore the hell out of you on a weekly basis
1. I’m from Essex! Make of that what you will. Yes I’m probably a bit stupid, with an annoying cockney accent & huge make up obsession- minus the orange tan, fake boobs & big bouncy blow dry. (only because I can’t afford them)

2. I’m a Nail technician, beauty therapist & aspiring make up artist. Although you wouldn’t think it to look at me. No I wasn’t born with it,and yes it is Maybelline.

3. I have a 10 year old daughter.And I have no idea how I’ve managed to keep another person other than myself alive for that long either.

4. The amount I’ve spent this year on make up I could probably put a deposit on another house. (I wont tell if you wont)

5. I’m turning 30 next month. Lets say no more on that

6. I have an obsessively clean, tidy husband who I drive crazy with my make up & nail varnish collections. Basically he’s going bald and I think I’m the reason

7. I’m scared of little flying bugs- Flies, moths, butterflies, flying ants, wasps. I flap around like an idiot if one even breathes on me. Moths always go for the throat! Why is that?

8. The taste of cucumber makes me gag, don’t ask why. I don’t know why I felt it relevant to tell you either but I needed a number 8

9. I need a pair of Louboutins to complete my life. Can’t take over the world in Primarni flip flops can I?

10. Hmmm, one of the most embarrassing moments of my life so far? Falling down a flight of stairs at a posh wedding of people I hardly knew. Landing at the bottom, arse up, dress around my waist, g-string on full view and no vodka in my system to blame it on. Not one of my finest moments I must admit.

So that’s a little bit of me to get us started.

I have some swatches coming up very soon of All that jazz cocktails collection nail lacquer. AND the new Urban decay smoky palette shall be in my possession very soon, For which I cannot contain my excitement!

Be there or be square! Xx