I'm a Coconut Queen!

I hadn't actually ever heard of Coconut Lane until a few weeks back when I stumbled upon the twitter page and fell in love with some of their products after scrolling through their website, so when Jessica from the company got in contact and offered me the opportunity to be a 'Coconut Queen' I jumped at the chance.

Admittedly, I didn't really have any idea what this meant or included but Jessica very kindly explained they would simply provide me opportunities to guest post on the blog, host chats, come along to events, feature photos on their site, run giveaways and so much more! I was also provided with a discount code for my own use and also one to share with you guys- go and check out the site and use my code below for discounted charges!

My discount code is: tonigeorgia20 - simply enter it at the checkout for 20% off!!

My experience so far with the owners and runners of Coconut Lane is all positive, they are building a close knit and welcoming community for bloggers and offer opportunities to work alongside them to provide great products at even better prices! The website features a wide range on products including cushions, wall art, jewellery, phone cases, laptop covers, socks, sunglasses and a whole bunch of stationary. The products are designed by many different people and the company collaborate with designers and manufacturers to sell them worldwide. Products featured in this post include the 'Rules Wall Art' and the 'Melt Notebook'.

You can actually apply to be a 'Coconut Queen' if you're interested in becoming involved with and working this fantastic brand through your blog, click [here] to find out more.

Until next time, Toni. xo

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Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored, all opinions are my own. Discount code courtesy of Coconut Lane UK.

Black Head EX Pore Strip: Review

I will always remember the 1st time I watched the film 'Mean Girls' and I had no idea what Regina George was talking about when she said her pores were huge (I was like 8?) 

However, I have definitely felt her pain in the past few years and searched endlessly for the resolution to the problem so many people face and I'm happy to say I think I've found it - Regina you are welcome! After trying countless masks, scrubs, creams and even oils I came across a review on YouTube of these 'Black Head EX Pore Strips' and decided after seeing the results that I had to give them a go. After seeing the incredibly low price I doubted their reliability and the results they promised but bought a bunch anyway for something like £5 for 10?!

These strips come in sachets containing roughly 2 uses in each. The product is basically a black, tar-like mask that you apply in layers until thick and solid on your face. When the product is dry you pull it off slowly from the bottom upwards and literally watch your black heads and pores disappear. Admittedly the whole removal process is a bit gross and slightly eye watering but the final results are beyond worth it.

I use a strip once a week across my nose, chin, forehead and cheeks and have noticed a remarkable improvement in my skin. After a week I hardly need to use a strip but continue the weekly routine to keep my skin a good, clean condition and keep the black heads at bay.

The price, product and result are absolutely unbelievable and I could not recommend this enough. Even if you try one out for less than £1 and don't like it, at least you haven't spent hours searching around only to spend a fortune on a useless product you will probably never use again.

If only Regina could have found these answers to all her pore problems!

Until next time, Toni. xo

Shopper Savings

Happy August! Everyone loves saving money or even better being given free products, so I've gathered together a few of my favourite loyalty rewards cards this month that help save money and reward shopping for products I love with even more of those same products!



1.   The Boots card is by far my favourite card of those I’ve included. It’s a free membership you sign up to online at http://www.boots.com/en/Advantage-Card/ when you receive your card through the post with your name on you can start collecting 4 points every £1 you spend online and in store. Eventually these points will start to add up and allow you to use them like money – when you have enough points to pay for an item you wish to buy you will get the option to use them – effectively getting the product free! You also receive vouchers through the post allowing you to earn double points or even hundreds more than usual with a certain amount spent. It is by far the easiest card to use and own, rewarding you regularly, all for absolutely no price.

2.   The Body Shop card is equally as rewarding giving you 10% off all purchases for a year, free products when you have collected a certain amount of stamps, a free birthday present every year, exclusive offers, event accessibility and discounts as well as being the first to see new products. However, this card is not simply a reward scheme but a membership meaning it is a cost of £5 for sign up. I don’t think this is a large price to pay for what you are given and the exclusives you have access to for this quality product range. Sign up here: http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/loyalty/love-your-body/

3.   Debenhams rewards card is a card you can pick up in store and register over the counter or online here: http://www.debenhams.com/beauty/beauty-club/about-your-beauty-club-card . It works much like the Boots card as when you shop throughout the store on beauty products you collect points which amount to monetary rewards. The rewards include discounts, free samples, make over opportunities and even free online shopping delivery!



4.   The ‘Beautycard’ from Superdrug is offered over the counter with registration in store or online at: http://www.superdrug.com/beautycard?gclid=CPeDzOOFxcoCFWj3wgodJ8wBYg&gclsrc=aw.ds . The card gives you £1 to spend for every 100 points earnt; allowing you to be rewarded with discounts, exclusive offers and specialist pricing, free online delivery and even birthday gifts every year. There are also often online offers for card holders allowing triple points to be earnt with every purchase. This is one of the most popular cards on the market with the user friendly access and availability to start earning points straight away with no upfront costs or long winded sign ups.





5.   House of Fraser also offer a recognition rewards card that can be picked up in store and registered online here: http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Recognition+Rewards+card/recognitionLoyalty,default,pg.html  . This is a free membership points card that can be used online or in store with card and cash transactions. You are given 1 point for every £1 spent and when you collect 500 points you are given a £5 reward to spend how you like. The card also allows access to exclusive offers and discounts, events and even bonus points throughout you birthday month. With easy online management and tracking of your card you will always know how many points you have and any upcoming events and offers.

I would recommend all 5 of these beauty rewards cards to anyone who shops regularly for new products, keeping up to date with the newest beauty trends. Before you know it you will have enough points to earn yourself something free and you will be receiving offers and discounts from nearly all the leading cosmetic shops on the high street. Having vouchers, free testers and exclusives sent to you through the post to try before you buy is always helpful for any cosmetic enthusiast.

Until next time, Toni. xo

My Top 3 Mascaras

I think its fair to say that without these mascaras I would be lost when it comes to my lashes as these are what I like to call my holy grail products.

On my top lashes I always love to go OTT on the mascara, using several coats to thicken and lengthen every lash. The bottom I keep simple but effective with evenly coated and separated lashes. I never curl my lashes as I'm lucky to have naturally curly hair and lashes but do coat the back and front evenly which I find helps to lengthen and thicken.

On the top: I always go in first with the Soap and Glory Thick and Fast HD Mascara all over the lashes; front and back, several times to build up length and initial volume. I find this mascara an absolute dream to use with a perfectly shaped brush, long wand and smooth consistency. I think this mascara is great on its own and does exactly what it says on the packet but for personal preference I bulk it up with more.

On top of the first few coats of Thick and Fast, while still slightly wet, I go in with the Benefit They're Real! mascara. This is where the volume starts to build! After a few coats on the back and front with this, my lashes are looking long, thick and evenly coated. However, I do find the benefit mascara to be slightly clumpy on the tips of my eye lashes so go back with the thinner brush from the Soap and Glory mascara to separate the lashes to finish. The benefit mascara is very fast drying which I love so I don't smudge or run any of the product.

On the bottom: My bottom lashes are much more simple than the top in that I use one product only and coat the top side. I don't use too much product as my lashes are fairy long and I try to avoid the spider leg-look! For this I use the Nars Audacious Mascara. This mascara comes with the most perfect sized brush for my bottom lashes with small, thin bristles and a short wand which allows me more control. With 2/3 even coats of this mascara on my bottom lashes I'm finally finished and left with long, thick and separated lashes on both top and bottom!

Until next time, Toni. xo

Garnier Make Up Removal

Garnier has always been one of my favourite lines for skin care with creams and facial scrubs etc. so when I found out they were releasing a new make up remover and cleansing water I had to get my hands on it and give it a go!

 

It's fair to say I now love it and couldn't be without it.

 

The 2-in-1 Eye Make-up Remover product is made up of two parts, one slightly oily and the other a less dense, clear liquid. I've seen some people saying it leaves a greasy residue however I find that comes only if you don't shake the bottle which is the whole idea of the product. By shaking the bottle the two liquids mix and form a non-greasy, efficient and soft make up remover- DREAM!

 

The thing I love most about it is how gentle it is on my eyes. A lot of make up removers sting or irritate the skin around my eyes but as this is specifically designed to remove make up easily and quickly its not exactly 'heavy duty'. Although it removes all make up I wouldn't rely on this on it's own and still use other products to cleanse and tone my skin afterwards.

The Micellar Cleansing Water works wonders for quick and easy make-up removal which means it literally takes me a minute to soak a cotton pad in the formula and wipe the day's face away. Depending on how much make-up you're wearing it may take you a couple of cotton pads worth of the cleanser to remove all make-up and freshen up your face. Again, I don't rely on this as my cleanser and use it more as a make up-remover only, using my trusty No.7 products that you can see [HERE] after these products have done all I need them to.
 

 I have quite sensitive skin and find these products don't irritate or affect it in any way. I also have a 'combination' skin consistency which is neither solely greasy or dry

 but a mixture of both and I think these products work well across my entire face- yay!

These products have not only made my night skin routine 10 times quicker and easier, but also helped to maintain my skin condition keeping acne at bay and helping to increase the hydration level which I find to be a big chore: how bad of me! I would recommend these skin care items to anyone like me who loves make up but hates taking it off at the end of the day and just wants the process to be as quick and easy as possible; however, if you're looking for a 30 minute rejuvenation process these are not for you.

Until next time, Toni. xo

 



No7: No Noticeable Difference?

I have always sworn by No.7 products and the brand is normally my safety net for all things beauty. No.7 is actually the brand that started my interest and collection of make up. However, this time I'm not so impressed. A mascara I've been a fan of for as long as it has been on shelves has an extended version and being the lover of No.7 I am, I didn't question to give it a try.

The original mascara claims to offer a waterproof, extreme length effect which I can agree it does, it works wonders on my eye lashes and I'm proud to say I'm a repeat customer. It's extension claims to do that and more, with a 'fibre enriched formula' and new packaging, things looked promising! I have been testing the new and 'improved' version for a few months now and am still yet to see a difference or improvement.

No.7 have let me down on this one: the brush is the same, the product consistency looks the same, applies the same and lasts the same amount of time. Both products are good; both products extend lash length and both products I would recommend. I suppose my only question is what on earth is the difference?

The 'extend' claim is not visible in results on my lashes and as I've read other's reviews after purchasing and testing, the same conclusion comes from many people similar to myself. My advice to any No.7 lovers out there is try not to get too excited if similar extension products are released, wait for reviews before spending unnecessary money on a product you already have in your collection!

Original Mascara: here.

Extend Mascara: here.

Until next time, Toni. xo

The Perfect Red Lip

 

As party season is just around the corner and Christmas is in sight it's time to pull out the red lippy and with long days shopping and late nights out you need a trusty one to see you through. I have the answer. L'OREAL's 'Color Riche' collection holds some beautiful colours but one of my favourites by far is 'Blake's Pure Red'.

 

The colour is deep and powerful with a matte smooth finish on the lip, this is perfect for any occasion night or day. Matching with Christmas jumpers and dresses, there is every excuse to pull out a bold, bright and beautiful red.

 

Not only is the product itself beautiful to wear and look at, so is the packaging, a matte black animal print touched with gold detailing and print, this is an essential for your make up collection this year. The quality of the product is a steal at only £6.99 from your local drugstore. The level of pigment and staying power is something only dreams are made of and I've never quite had anything like it. The product doesn't bleed off the lip or smudge and loose the shape. It has held strong through all tests of eating, drinking, talking and even heavy rain - you could say it's a super lipstick.

 

This is a must buy for yourself or any fellow make up and lipstick lovers this Christmas with seasonal colours matching the deep red pigment perfectly. This has been my favourite red lipstick I've ever tried and potentially the best lipstick find this year. You simply must try it.

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

Beautiful Skin: Winter Routine

 

Usually winter time for my skin is bliss, the cold dries out any impurities and the crisp air keeps me feeling fresh and awake. However, this year my skin hasn't reacted so well to the change in weather conditions. The cold seems to have dried out my skin a little too well leaving me feeling tired and washed out, yet the odd spot still appears! This called for emergency intervention: No.7 came to hand.

 

I have always loved the cleanser but needed something stronger that would really clean off any dead skin cells and make me feel fresh and awake like normal. After looking through the endless product choices at the No.7 stand, I opted for the 'Radiance Exfoliator' from the same 'Beautiful Skin' collection as my usual cleanser.

 

My daily routine (morning and night) consists of 3 steps, wash/rinse face with warm water, cleanse with the No.7 Cleansing Gel and finally gently scrub with the No.7 Radiance Exfoliator. This not only leaves my skin feeling clear, fresh and awake but I have noticed a drastic improvement with the dryness and blemishes.

 

No.7 have yet again provided me with a holy grail skin care product I'm sure to repeat buy and from now on, swear by. If you are looking for a cleanser and exfoliator this winter I would highly recommend both products for anyone with normal/dry skin consistency. If you are in the market for something for oily skin go down to your local No.7 stand as their extensive product range is bound to hold something to solve all your skin related problems this winter! Happy hunting.



 

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

Smashbox Contour Sticks Trio

These have been at the top of my must have list for a while now and since opening the box I haven't put the Contour Sticks Trio back! It's clear to say I'm loving these products. They have a smooth and silky, cream texture making them so easy to apply and blend.

 

The box also comes with a sharpener to fit the pencil sticks so worrying about ever being left with an unusable product is not necessary! I had heard some great things about these sticks and wanted to try them as soon as I got my hands on them.

 

I find that the contour stick works best for me with the bronze stick as a touch up for the top of my head. However, the highlight is surprisingly too dark for me but it will be perfect for if I get a tan or want just a tiny touch of highlight on a basic make up day.

 

As well as the sharpener, the trio comes with an instruction sheet including guides on where to apply the different colours and how to use the sticks depending on your face shape and how you want to look. I found this very useful as I was able to see exactly what shapes to draw, where and with which sticks.

 



 

 

A lot of people I know and those that use the sticks, blend the product with a flat, buffing brush but I prefer to use a beauty blender purely because I feel like I have more control over the product on my face and the finish is a lot more flawless. Since using the product I've really got into getting a good contour on a night out or even just a bronzed touch on a day-to-day basis for a slightly more defined shape.

 

The product is £35 which I personally think is very reasonable for the quality of product. I've had this product nearly two months now and have used the contour stick every day, I am yet to need to sharpen it more than once! You don't need a lot of product per application as it is so well pigmented and blends so well, therefore the trio will last a long time and probably save you money in the long run in comparison to your usual product that may run down quickly, due to you needing to use a lot of it per day.

 

I would recommend the trio to people who are already into make up and want to explore and venture further into face sculpting as this is quite a complex, heavy product for someone just beginning to get into make up. Alternatively, I would recommend a simple bronzing powder not to irritate or harm the skin and gradually build to using heavier products such as this one. The staying power is fantastic so they can be used day and night, any weather, any occasion to give you the extra pop to your face structure! The hype is totally worth it and I'm so grateful I can finally say I own a set of these heavenly products. You can find the sticks trio here.

 

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

My Top 3 Drugstore Foundations

 

I've always stuck to No7 foundation throughout my make up loving years however a few weeks ago I decided to give a selection of drugstore foundations a go to see if going for slightly cheaper alternatives made much of a difference. Turns out a few of these foundations actually work wonders on my skin so I've picked my top 3 from those I purchased to talk about.

 



 

L'OREAL True Match Foundation (1.N Ivory)

This is the lightest foundation of all 3 but provides a great, even coverage. The pigmentation isn't amazing but the texture and easy application makes it perfect for those confident days when you're skin is looking fresh and clear. I've been using this a lot throughout the summer because it allows your skin to breathe without moving or streaking on your face. The colour I have this foundation in is 'Ivory' which I've found is a great colour match for me. The foundation also has an SPF of 17 which is perfect for me! This foundation ticks all the boxes for a light, even and breathable foundation: providing what feels like a new top layer of skin that stays throughout the day without caking or slipping. It is also only £9.99 which is a great price for just how great this product looks and feels on the skin.

 

 

 Max Factor Face Finity Foundation (Beige 55)

This foundation is the smoothest foundation I've ever used! It is titled to be 'Primer, Concealer and Foundation in one' which I can absolutely believe, when putting it on it glides onto my skin as if I have a base of primer and covers the darker areas or blemishes on my skin perfectly. I purchased this foundation in the colour 'Beige 55'. This foundation would be perfect as a first foundation for people just getting into make up; the consistency is smooth yet buildable but not cakey or drying. This foundation offers a high SPF of 20 which is unusual with a lot of drug store foundations. This foundation is a great quality product for a fantastic price of £12.99.

 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (010 Light Porcelain)

 My favourite out of three has got to be this one: everything about it ticks all my personal boxes! The colour, coverage, staying power, breathability, SPF and even the smell! My colour is 010 Porcelain and I honestly cannot get enough of it! This foundation brightens my skin, covers all my dark circles and imperfections but isn't heavy or cakey. I feel like this is the only foundation of the three I can feel going onto my face but after a light powdering you can't feel it on your skin. I would recommend this foundation to anyone and at only £8.99 its a bargain!

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

Another Bourjois Lipstick Love Affair

 

If you have seen my recent post [here] about my Bourjois discovery and new favourite lipstick, you will notice I have found yet another loveable lipstick from the Bourjois 'Rouge Edition' range in a much more toned down, yet equally as beautiful colour! This new shade is the colour '02 / Beige Trench'. I purchased this as I felt the softer nude tones with hints of peach throughout would be very flattering against my skin tone to live out the final few weeks of summer and possibly for an understated make up look when I go back to college.  



 



'18' Alongside '02'

 

The lipstick has a slightly smoother and silky finish meaning I find application a lot easier and quicker than the previous shade '18'. This lipstick works very well with Mac's 'Whirl' lipliner as a base but also a simple, slighlty darker nude outline. Staying power isn't perfect on this lipstick due to the softer finish however, I find it quite a hydrating lip stick making it perfect for all seasons!

The colour is buildable making it wearable for near enough anyone being able to adapt to all looks.

 

I've found myself wearing this lipstick with a slight pink/gold eye shadow and soft blush on the apples of my cheeks. I am planning to try it with a dark smokey eye and defined bronzer contour very soon as I am interested to see how adaptable this colour really is!

Until next time, Toni. xo

 



Glossybox: 3 Month Subscription Review

Glossybox is an online beauty subscription box that has been going for many years - I discovered the subscription service through instagram when a sponsored avertisement popped up on my feed - I was instantly intruiged as I had never thought to sign up to a service like this one. I realised this was a great way for me to try new and different products I may otherwise never have the opportunity to.

After looking on the Glossybox website [here] I opted for the 3 month plan where you pay a set amount and get boxes for 3 months - if you like the service after 3 months the service continues in the same way with payments being taken quarterly (you can opt out at any time). There are other payment plans including monthly, half yearly and annually.
The less often you pay the cheaper it becomes!

Monthly = £10
3 Month = £9.50
6 Month = £9
12 Month = £8.50
 

 

My first subscription box was for June and arrived very quickly! I will be totally honest in saying I was slightly disspointed with this box as none of the products were make up and I'm not a lover of nail varnish. However, the actual contents of the box were good quality and worth a lot more than what I paid for my month's subscription.

 

Each month Glossybox selects a number of products from different companies across the world, ranging in price and what you get in your particular box is the luck of the draw. I know in June there was also an Essence Lipgloss I would have liked to try but my box just so happened to contain the nail varnish.

 

Out of this box I have only so far used the wipes and the body mist. I've found the wipes very gentle on the skin and the fact they're non fragranced means that sensitive skin isn't irritated! The pack is also a very handy size making it perfect for festivals along with the gold and black body tattoos. The body mist's handy bottle size is great for the bottom of your bag when you're skin is having a bad day and needs a pick me up. I've found the oil based product is a great, deeply moisturing spray that leaves your skin non-sticky and feeling refreshed. As the product is very oil based I would reccomend it only for people with dry/normal skin textures as oily skin would see no benefit.

 

 

July saw a collector's edition, French inspired Glossybox that focused on skin care! This box was very exciting to open as the packaging was completely different and I didn't know what to expect. I love the care that goes into the boxes as the products are layered with shreded tissue paper and wrapped with a sheet of tissue paper. This paper is usually black and baby pink topped off with a black ribbon bow and Glossybox logo sticker.

The July box cleverly used French flag colours throughout the box including the tissue paper, ribbon and Glossybox sticker. It is small touches like this that made me love the Glossybox packaging as I imagined each box personally put together by hand and sent off to each subscriber - giving the worldwide service a very personal touch.

 

 

When it comes to the products I was very happy with the contents as each product was amazing quality and great size. The difference with this box was that one of the products was actually a make up bag/travel pouch which I've been loving for transporting my brushes away from home! My favourite product from the box was: The Lollipop's Lip Balm. This box also had several products that you may or may not get due to luck of the draw but after looking over the other possible products on the site I was over the moon with the product selection I was sent.

 

The Lipbalm glides onto the lips effortlessly and leaves a perfect shine on the surface with long staying power and a perfect hydration impact. This is actually a product I've nearly finished and will be looking to find and repurchase as soon as I have emptied the tube. I would reccomend this product to literally anyone, I've luckily never suffered badly with dry lips but find this product locks in the natural hydration my lips have. If you have dry lips this will provide the perfect sollution to stop your lips feeling chapped or sore. Even over the top of your favourite lipstick, on a no make up day or just to give your lips a little added extra with soft makeup, this works perfectly.

 

 

August's box was back to normal packaging but the product content blew every other box I had recieved out the water! This box had set products with every subscriber recieving the same contents, I can honestly say I love every single product and they are all being used regularly within my make up and skin care collections. I struggle to pick a favoruite product from the August box as each of them have become go-to products in the recent month! However the product I have been using religiously every day is the Naobay Toner, not only have I used this to remove any make up that may be left after cleansing but also on non make up days to give my face a refreshing and hydrating boost. The bottle size is very generous and will last a while, however I know I will buying more before I run down this bottle to ensure I don't go a day without it. This product is good for all skin types and is very delicate on the skin not to irritate any sensitive areas.

 

 

I will now change my subscription to annual payments to save money and revieve boxes until my heart desires! I would reccomend this service or any similar ones to anyone wanting to try new products regularly and for an extreamly reasonable price as this service brings high end and sometimes holy grail products straight to your door offering a personal, fast and top quality service!

 

 

Until next time, Toni. xo

Bourjois Buys

Bourjois is an unfamiliar high street brand to me and to be honest I've always just walked past the stand whenever I've been in a drugstore. However, a few weeks back my friend introduced me to one of their lipsticks which I ended up going out to buy just days later!

The lipstick was from the 'Rouge Edition' range and was in the colour '18/Violine Strass'. I actually saw the product in my friend's make up bag and was drawn to the packaging, but I was instantly put off by the deep colouring with purple undertones. I've never been brave when it comes to my lip colour and often stick to nudes or understated pinks so this was a big jump for me to take. However, my friend encouraged (basically forced) me to try it and my goodness am I glad she did! 

Although not at all similar to my usual picks and far from my comfort zone; I loved how it felt and looked on my lips and I suddenly found my comfort zone expanding to make room for this unexpected, new love for colour. The lipstick has a matte, yet slightly smoother finish (making it easy to smudge and move around throughout the day) so I find it best to wear with a base of lip liner or even powder to set it in place. 

As the colour is fairly dark I'm saving it for autumn and winter seasons: my favourite time of year! I'm already excited to pair this colour to dark and warm clothing colours and textures as well as big chunky knit wear. 

  Onto eyebrows now which aren't really a big priority for me, and up until a few years ago I did nothing with them! Now, I fill them in lightly and just keep them neat, so as I was already at the Bourjois stand something I also picked up was the Bourjois 'Sourcil Precision' eyebrow pencil in the colour '07 Noisette'. 

I have mixed feelings about this pencil, although the colour is a well matched, build-able and easily applied product the lasting power isn't the best. I find that half way through the day it has faded and even smudged sometimes. 

I am going to continue using the product and using it alone, as well as along side my previous favourites, however I don't think I will repurchase and will continue my search for the best eyebrow pencil for me. 

Be brave with make up choices and try things you never normally would - you never know, your comfort zone may change - you might even learn a thing or two about different undiscovered products! 

Until next time, Toni. xo

New Tries and Buys.

Recently I found myself becoming bored with my everyday make up and wanted to try a few new things out - so after reading some reviews and speaking to some friends I thought I would buy and try some different products - leaving my everyday make up becoming slightly different to what I'm used to whilst still staying in my comfort zone.

 

A product I've mentioned in the past which is one of my favourites is the colour match foundation that No.7 do here in the UK in a shop called Boots. I have always opted for the 'stay perfect' range as when speaking to the specialist originally I was looking for a long lasting foundation that evened skin tone, however I now have begun wanting something slightly different in the form of a matte finish and strong coverage foundation.

 

 

Therefore, staying with No.7 in the colour 'cool ivory' I have ventured into the range 'beautifully matte' and I love it! The foundation applies easier onto my face, provides better coverage and the perfect matte finish I was after. I also prefer the bottle this foundation is in as the pump moves up the bottle throughout use meaning less goes to waste and the bottle itself is also plastic instead of glass making it lighter to carry and less of a risk for me to break!

 

Eyeliner also plays an important part of my daily routine so I want to make sure its long lasting and easy application. I have always used liquid eyeliner and pencil for my water line however I have read a lot of people commenting on gel eyeliner so thought I would give it a go. I stumbled across a brand I had never actually heard of before called 'SmashBox' when I saw some contour pencils used in a demo from the same company, after some research I ordered a gel eyeliner pen.

 

 

Upon opening the package I knew I already loved this product from the appearance of the pen itself. The sleek and clean design with a rubber tip allows for precise and easy use and application which is exactly what I was after. After using the liner I now understand why so many people recommend gel! Not only is the application thicker on the lid but also provides an instant dry and matte finish which usually comes from minutes with your eyes closed using liquid liner. The results provided a perfect finish that not only myself noticed, it lasted all day (over 10 hours) without flaking or cracking and I honestly would recommend using the product to anyone who uses eyeliner as a key feature with their makeup.  

 

Another product I picked up from 'SmashBox' was a photo finish primer. On a daily basis I'm not a big user of primer but I recently ran out of my old primer and thought it may be the time for a change and to explore away from Benefit's golden oldie 'porefessional. ' I was sceptical at first as the price of this new one was actually slightly more than the one from benefit, that I know works wonders on my skin, however I took the plunge and went for it. Honestly, I feel that although the primer does smoothen my skin ready for my foundation application, the finish isn't as thick or long lasting as what I'm used to and however much I try I don't think I can love this as much as I do with porefessional. So for me 'Smashbox' is the place to go for eyeliner however I think I will stick with what I know and love in future when it comes to primer.

 

 

Lastly, LIPS! I have never really been a huge fan of having stand out lips and just applied some lip balm or gloss to complete a makeup look, however recently I have been relying on lip colour to be a main feature of my face! After trying and falling in love with some bare minerals colours 'pink champagne' and 'berry glace' I felt that my 'go to' collection needed expansion in the form of a nude. Kate Moss' 'Lasting Finish' collection by Rimmel is my new best friend - the colours '03' and '38' are the ones I picked up and I can honestly say I've never had a better lipstick. They really do what it says on the packaging in the format of long lasting but also perfect colour coverage. They also provide a smooth finish that doesn't dry out your lips like most lipsticks. I now cannot wait to try more shades from this collection- well done Kate Moss!

 

   

 

 Until next time, Toni. xo