top ten products of twenty-ten.

As the year draws to a close and 2011 looms ever closer, I got to thinking about the year that has just past. Elections, world cups, friends, family and brand new makeup addictions have made twenty-ten a year to remember for a while. 2010 was really the year I got into makeup, got my first MAC lipstick and discovered my new found passion for all things beauty related, and of course the most important thing...

I started this blog.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your continual support with this blog. As I write this, I am only 5 followers off the 500 mark, and it still baffles me to think that people actually read what I write, so... thank you ♥

So now lets get down to the nitty gritty, to the amazing products that deserve the title of my 'ten ten products of twenty-ten'...

 In no particular order...

 Sleek I-Divine Storm Palette  12 beautiful pigmented colours that can be combined multiple ways to create gorgeous natural eye looks- win!

ELF Warm Bronzer  Hands down, favourite bronzer. I love this and its a perfect colour. The lighter colour is a lovely highlight and for £3.50, who can complain?!

 Cocoa Butter Vaseline  The newcomer to the prestigious Vaseline family, this gorgeous smelling little pot of joy is sooo nice on the lips.

MAC Hue Lipstick  The aforementioned 'first MAC lipstick', this is my most beautiful lipstick, the perfect shade for me!

 2True Cheek and Lip Tint  At only £2, this is a bargain dupe for Benefit's Benetint, and I love using it underneath ELF Blush in Berry Merry to create my favorite cheek combo.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara  All time favourite mascara. Fact.

ELF Cream Eyeliner  This year I have really discovered my love for cream/gel liner, and this is my favourite at the moment, gorgeous pigmentation and easy to work with.

ELF Powder Brush  Amazing value for money and perfect for applying liquid foundation, powder, blush and all types of makeup? Wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't tried it!

No7 Blend and Contour Brush  My absolute favourite crease brush, and perfect for blending out too. Love it!

Absolutely everything and anything LUSH. This year the LUSH fiend as been released in me. Be afraid, be very afraid.

I would love to know what your 2010 favourites are!

Happy New Years! ♥

Lets Get Elf-ie

As you can see from my many, many ELF product hauls and posts I'm a bit of an ELF addict, and of course, today is no different. I've got a little haul for you, which is by no means as mahooosive as my previous hauls, as it only dented my bank balance by £8, hurrahhh!

The main reason for my order was to get a new Under Eye Concealer and Highlighter from the studio range as I've just run out of my old one, and realised I just couldn't live without it.

Of course, while ordering this I had a great excuse to pick up a few bits I'd been lusting after for a while...

ELF Shadow Brush (£1.50)

This little beauty has been recommended to me many a time and I have to say it really is a lovely brush for its tiny price tag. Although some of the bristles are slightly harsh, there is little to no fallout and it is perfect for packing on colour or even to blend it out! Definitely a fantastically cheap buy with good results- go for it!

ELF Lipstick in Classy (£1.50)

To tell the truth, I'm not exactly 'keen' on this lipstick. The formula is a bit mehh, and does not compare to ELF's range of beautiful mineral lipsticks, of which I own 3. The colour just isn't me, a bright blue toned pink, not quite as barbie pink as it appears in the picture. It just doesn't suit my yellow toned skin and almost looks a little like 'granny' lipstick to me, i.e. settles into lines and dries out your lips. Not a winner for me I'm afraid, but hey, for £1.50 who can complain!?

ELF Individual Lash Kit (£1.50)

I haven't had a chance to get to grips with these yet, but I brought them as it seems I am a false lash virgin! I'm waiting for a special occasion to whip these out and get fluttery lashes and I can't wait!

And while I'm at it, here's a few tings I picked up from Avon in an effort to heal my poor damaged hair...

Bodifying Foam (£2.50 on sale)

Not impressed with this one. I find it makes my hair a little sticky and crunchy and not particularly volumised as it claims. However, I have not used this product enough to totally disregard it.

Dry Ends Serum (£2.50 on sale)

This lovely serum makes my hair look shiny and soft when applied to the ends, but beware of putting it too close to the roots, looking like you plunged your head into grease is never a good look!

Reconstructive Mask (£3.00 on sale)

This reconstructive mask can just be viewed really as a thick conditioner, but it does make my hair noticeably softer and a little shinier when using it. However I used this product the week after I had tried my Tresemme Deep Conditioner, and this product really is disappointing after you have used that. If you would be interested in a full comparison of these two conditioners pop in a comment down below... :)

That's it for my hauling lately! Have a good week girlie's!

The Oh So Versitile ELF Warm Bronzer

Over the last few months while my makeup addiction has really been taking off, I have been searching for the perfect all over face bronzer. Naturally, I have extremely pale, freckly skin, so I'm always on the hunt for something to make it look a little more healthy and glowey, without giving me that 'dirty' look that I'm sure we all crave! ;)

When I first discovered ELF Cosmetics I was astounded at their low low price tags which were perfectly priced for my frankly very low budget. Never in this world did I expect any of the oh-so cheap cosmetics to really impress me and make me want more.

That's just were I was wrong.

While many of the products I have ordered from ELF have impressed me, none so have made me fall in love with them quite as much as the Warm Bronzer from the Studio Line...

As you can see, mine is more than dented due to religious everyday use, this has become my favourite bronzer of all time. Word.

It has 4 square colours, which when swirled together (using my ELF Complexion Brush, of course ;) create the perfect bronze colour for your skin tone. It has a slight shimmer, which, rather than making me look a little Edward Cullen-ish, has the perfect effect of making you look radiant and healthy, with the tiny shimmers only visible in direct sunlight.

You can also take each colour individually, using them as a contour, highlight or blush, which makes this the perfect handbag essential, with the added bonus of a huge mirror.

 

 

Here's a few before and afters for y'all, just so you can see the magic yourself...

(Also wearing Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, ELF Cream Liner and Vaseline Rosy Lips)

Before

After

Eeeekkk, ignore the spots, having a bad skin day!
 

OK so the 'magic' doesn't show that great in the piccies, but trust me, I wouldn't lie to you, my lovely followers!

Another added bonus of this little palette is that you can even use it for eye colours, sweeping the pale yellow all over the lid and the darker browns in the crease...

 

Just £3.50 and you can get 3 looks out of it? Yes please :)

Does anyone else own this little beauty, and if so, what do you think of it?

*This product was bought with my own money and all opinions are my own!*

 

My Top Five Lipsticks...

Hey Dolls...

Out of all of the makeup products in the whole wide world, I would have to say that lipstick is one of my all time favourites. The variety of colours, the exciting textures and just the damn amazing gorgeous-ness of them puts lipstick at the forefront of all makeup in my opinion, and I feel that no shopping trip is complete unless I've got a beautifully wrapped little lippie sitting at the bottom of my shopping bags.

So today, in honour of my favourite makeup product, here are my top 5 lipsticks from my collection...

(L-R, Barry M Coral, ELF Nicely Nude, 17 Balmy Beige, MAC Hue, Gosh Darling)

My nude lips, just for comparison...

5

Barry M Lipstick in Coral

This is an extremely bright and beautiful, full on coral orange, with very fine sparkle running through it. I would say that this is a little drying, but I love it just for the stunning colour, that is perfect for Summer, if summer ever even arrives!

4

ELF Mineral Lipstick in Nicely Nude

Of course, by no means a 'nude' colour, but true to the other part of its name, it is extremely 'nice'. A beautiful warm pink, its perfect for everyday wear and looks beautiful teamed with a soft pink gloss. If your looking for a barbie pink then keep looking, but this is a softer, more wearable alternative. I feel that it is moisturising and so amazing to wear, such a perfect pink.

3

17 Lipstick in Balmy Beige

This beautiful, soft coral/orange/goldey colour is the perfect sheer top coat for other lipsticks, to add a little bit of dazzle to your lips. Although it doesn't give an amazing impression on its own, it looks beautiful teamed with nude lips, pink lips, coral lips, any old lips!

2

MAC Lipstick in Hue (Glaze)

This stunning, sheer nude pink lipstick is one of those 'your lips- but better' colours, which adds hints of colours without looking too full-on or overdone. Its got a beautiful texture and is perfect for doing nude lips without going too nude, and ending up looking dead...

And finally... first place goes too... *drum roll please*

1

Gosh Lipstick in Darling

Oh what can I say about my favourite lipstick in the world!? The perfect nude, with pink undertones, I think this colour would suit almost everybody, and is the perfect way for toning down overly bright colours, making smoky eyes pop and warming up the complexion. Used full pelt its a very pigmented nude which knocks out the colour in your lips, although I prefer to use it dabbed on my lips sparingly, just for the hint of a nude lip. Overall, an all round stunner!!

So girlie's, you've heard my list, but what about you?! Whats your favourite lipstick in the whole wide world!?

This is a scheduled post, as I'm on holiday at the moment, so apologies if I don't get back to you straight away...

August Favourites...

It really does feel like someone has pressed fast forward on 2010! Where did August go, and where was that fabulous summer we were all promised, whereas all that was delivered was dreary rainstorms, humph. :/

However, we do have something exciting to look forward to...

Christmas- Oh yeah, 115 Days to go! Horrahh!

Of course, now Summer's over the only thing on my mind is all the pressies that I may find in my stocking in a few months (I'm greedy like that ;) You should see my already miles long Christmas list, full of frivolous beauty products and you guessed it... makeup. What. A. Shocker.

Anywhoo, lets not get ahead of ourselves, here's some August Faves for y'all... 

ELF Powder Brush

As seen frequently in post after post on my blog, my new love, the ELF Powder Brush just had to be in my August favourites! The flat topped brush is perfect for applying liquid foundation, mineral foundation, blush, anything you need, BAMM, this brush can do it!

Barry M Lip Gloss in Toffee

Mmmmm... just thinking about this lip gloss makes me drool like a fool. The smell is literally of toffee and when applying it I have a hard time trying to stop myself from licking my lips. On top of that, the consistency is completely un-sticky and the colour perfect for any type of pink or nude lipstick. This really has restored my faith in lip glosses after a few disasters that I will not mention...

Barry M Dazzle Dust in Mushroom

A lot of love for Mr Barry M today :)

I never really realised the beauty of this eyeshadow colour until this summer, as in winter I feel it doesn't show its true magnificence. Its a mauve purple that shimmers in the light, with flecks of greens, blues, silvers and all the colours of the rainbow to make it multidimensional and ridiculously pretty.

Benefit Lust Duster in Snow Bunny

I received this as a prize from a giveaway earlier this month and I have to say this really is the best highlighting product I have come across so far. Its fine, shimmery dust glides across the cheekbones to create a beautiful 'candlelight' glow without looking chalky or overly Edward Cullen-like glittery. Big thumbs up from me.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara

How could I do an August Favourites post without including this little beauty, ehh? Hands down, the best mascara I have ever owned, and I am even on the verge of calling it my HG mascara, oh yes, prestigious or what? :)

Its the perfect mascara for thick, sexy lashes without clumping, flaking or smudging, and oh I do love this little beauty.

Owlie!

This little bird necklace seems to be living around my neck these days, and of course I have even pet named it as I do with most of my things (because I'm cool like that ;). This gorgeous little accessory is of course from Primark, and helps to casualise any outfit and add a little originality and cuteness.

So that's it for August! Bye bye disappointing summer, hello Autumn!

This is a scheduled post, as I'm on holiday at the moment, so apologies if I don't get back to you straight away...

Major ELF Haul...

Eeekk... it finally arrived!

My long awaited and lusted after ELF haul showed up this morning in a hugeee brown box (it should be huge for the £42.50 worth of stuff in it!!) with open me written all over it...

I was beyond excited at the prospect of all the lovely goodies inside that I had been wanting for.. well, forever!

Here's a little sneaky peaky at what I got...

Studio Powder Brush- If you've been reading my blog for a while you will no I am totally obsessed with this brush. After being out of stock for what seemed like years, I finally nabbed it and I have to say, I am not disappointed. Its perfect for applying mineral or liquid foundation flawlessly and I also love applying blush as it is the perfect size and shape. Overall, probably my favourite purchase of all! :)

Studio Fan Brush- On the other side or the spectrum, I am extremely disappointed with this brush. Its flimsy, slightly bent and really has no use for me. Its so thin I can't really think of what to do with it, anyone else tried this and have any ideas? But other than that, I would not recommend!

Mineral Eyeshadow Primer- So far in my extensive, ahem, testing of this product, I can conclude that it does work! Its so soft and pretty to put on, although I think I may have a dodgy one, mines a little lumpy, but it does make eyeshadows last a good 8 hours without creasing if used properly.

Waterproof Eyeliner Pen- This pen has a tip similar to a felt tip marker, which of course makes you feel like your just colouring in your eye- ohh er! Its a dark, dark black and in terms of waterproof-ness its pretty good, I had a stroke of it on my hand and it did not wash off, so big thumbs up from me!

Mineral Lipsticks in Runway Pink and Natural Nymph- I'm a huge fan of the mineral lipsticks in general, and being the owner of a very well used Nicely Nude, I was eager to try out a few more. Both colours are pigmented and extremely pretty, Runway Pink being a similar colour to Nicely Nude, but slightly lighter, and Natural Nymph being a great cheaper dupe for Gosh Darling, one of my all time favourite nudes!

Studio Eyebrow Kit in Dark- I picked this up thinking it would be perfect as I have gappy, but very dark brows, however I do feel this is a little dark for me. But, used sparingly, it can create a gorgeous brow and I really do like this product.

Studio Translucent Matte Powder- For shiny old me, this is a life saver. I pop it in my bag and its perfect for wiping up little bits of oil on my face and I'm loving how lovely and matte I look :)

Studio Blush in Gotta Glow- After reading about this being the perfect dupe of Nars Albatross, I just had to snap this little beauty up fast. I really like the champagne, yellowy colour, although I do feel a bit like a glitter ball applying this onto my face. Its a gorgeous highlight, but I think it should be more 'glowy' and less 'glittery-glamtastic'.

Studio Eyeshadow in Pebble- This is a beautiful colour which I love using in the crease of my eye, although I do feel it is quite under-pigmented as you can see in the swatch. However it is matte and a lovely colour, so no complaints here :)

Mineral Blush in Rose- This really is a stunningly coloured blush and I'm extremely excited to own this little pot of perfect. I'm a big fan of mineral blush and I'm an even bigger fan of this particular blush. Love. Love. Love!

Mineral Eyeshadow in Socialite- Again, a stunning eyeshadow colour and extremely pigmented. Its a smoky grey/dark brown with a beautiful sheen, really really lovely colour! Defiantly interested in trying more mineral eyeshadow!

And that's it for the hauling! If you have any questions or want recommendations about my favourite ELF products, just comment below :)

What ELF products have you been trying lately?!

Finally!

Finally, after months of lusting, complaining, nail biting and depressed roams around the ELF website, finally, the ELF Powder Brush is back in stock! Finally!

Of course, after hearing the news that the brush that is coveted by so many and never, ever seems to be in stock, was, shock horror, actually available, I hot footed it over to the website and speed shopped, not letting anything get in the way of me and my new favourite brush! Of course along the way of filling up my basket I seemed to pick up endless things that I want need, and ended up with a shocking £42.50 worth of bits and bobs in my basket! Whoops.

But hey ho, all of my goodies are on their way to me in the post at this very moment, so be expecting a rather humongous ELF haul in the coming days!

Have you ordered anything from ELF, if so, whattcha think?? :)

Major Brush Envy

Lately I've been realising more and more how pivotal the correct use of makeup brushes can be when wanting the perfect makeup finish. When rifling through my makeup collection, I found I was severely lacking in the brushes I want need, and I've been geeking up and doing some research into the beautiful brushes I just have to buy.

Here are some of the brushes I've been lusting after recently...

ELF Studio Powder Brush- Grrrr, why will you not come back in stock?!?

 

ELF Studio Fan Brush

Sigma F40

Sigma F15

Sigma F25

and many many more...

Ahh envy really is a sin... for my purse ;)

Why do brushes have to be so expensive ehh!?

What are your favourite and most useful makeup brushes, any recommendations? :)