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

30 day blogger challenge: Why I started blogging.

First of all sorry I haven’t been around all weekend! 

I have been furthering my education so to speak. Hopefully what I have learned will also benefit you guys in the near future. But I don’t want to spoil the fun 😏 

So, why I started blogging. I briefly explained this in my first ever post, see it Here but ill go a little more into detail. 

  

Me in ‘velvet teddy’  🙂 

I’ve always loved make up, what girl  doesn’t? But in the past year (don’t ask where I’ve been) I properly discovered M.A.C cosmetics. I blame whoever thought it a good idea to put one 10 minutes from my house! But anyway, there I was minding my own business shopping on a Saturday then BOOM! There it was right in front of me, the black sign with those three white letters. I was like a moth to a flame, I tried to fight it but next thing you know I’m in the queue with my vanilla pigment & velvet teddy lipstick in hand talking to the counter girls about the next new product launches. 

As you can guess it spiralled from there and into other brands, and my obsession for palettes began. Then foundations, then primers, then eyeliners. You catch my drift? 

So a few months and a few thousand pounds later my sister in law asks me why don’t I start a blog? I have the make up collection, the make up & brand knowledge so what was stopping me? 

It made sense. I’m honest, very opinionated (you’ll often find me on the loose women Facebook page upsetting people with it) I don’t fall for the hype, I seek out and buy the latest make up & beauty items, and I love talking about them. So here I am! You lucky lot! 

Although I’m on a spending ban this month, I thought the 30 day challenge would  help me write about a few different things and my readers will get to know me a bit more and have a better idea of what’s yet to come.  

What has kept me blogging and not giving up after the first 2 posts? You guys! Each and every like or follower makes me happy. If I’m a saddo then so be it. I think it’s amazing people out there actually care what I’m writing about and genuinely want to see things written by little old me. Hopefully My babbling can keep you all entertained for a few months yet (at least) 😉

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday! 

Sam 🙂 x

30 day blogger challenge: My favourite mascara

I’ve bored you all with long posts all week so today’s is going to be short & sweet. 

My favourite mascaras. 

I don’t have 1 particular favourite, I tend to switch between 3. 

Too faced: Better than sex mascara £19.00 debenhams.com    
I don’t know why they’d call a mascara that because it’s definitely not true. I mean, yeah I get excited about make up but seriously? Nope 

The brush is brilliant, it picks up every single lash and makes my lashes look huge. But! And it’s a big but, the fallout is ridiculous. And it Makes me look like a panda by lunchtime. And you need to constantly wipe the brush on a tissue as there’s so much product build up. If they made a waterproof version of this it would be fantastic and be the only mascara I’d ever use as I haven’t found anything better which is why I’ve put it on my favourites list. Can’t have it all eh? 

Have you used this? How did you get on with it? I’d like to know if it’s just me that has this problem.

Max factor: False lash effect mascara £10.99 Boots.com

   

   
Another of my favourites false lash effect & false Lash effect waterproof. Obviously they are both the same mascara but one is waterproof (proof is in the name 😉 the original is great for every day use and makes my lashes look long and thick without crumbling off half way through the day. 

The waterproof is perfect for swimming, holidays,  sporting activities, gym etc the stuff literally doesn’t budge. I can’t fault it. But you will need a waterproof eye make up remover or you’ll never get it off! 

What’s your favourite mascara? Let me know in the comments.

See you tomorrow 🙂 

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

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