August Makeup and Skincare Empties!

I've used up so many things recently, and here I'm going to give a brief review/thoughts on each of them. I think seeing what products people actually use up is the most interesting thing ever.

Here's an overview!

Now I'll deal with the products in smaller sections.

Skincare:

First on the left are the Simply Gentle organic Cotton Pads. Sorry, this is really boring but these are what I use to remove my makeup every evening and cleanse in the morning. These ones are alright, to me it doesn't really matter which cotton pads I buy, I either buy the cheapest ones or just ask my mum to get some for me.

Top middle is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Stress Control 3 in 1 daily cleansing lotion. I use this not to remove my makeup, but after removing my makeup to just make it even cleaner and fresh. I don't know, it just makes my skin feel really very chemically clean, and I like having one product in my skincare routine that does this. The Garnier pure active pore purifying toner next to it is a very similar sort of deal. I didn't use them both in conjunction with each other, just switched up which one of these I used. I would repurchase both of them, I really liked them. I'd like to think they've been keeping my skin good and spots under control.

Underneath is the Witch naturally clear 25 cleansing and toning wipes. You may have seen these in a very recent haul of mine, they were gone within about three weeks which really isn't long. I used these not to fully remove my makeup, but after using a more effective makeup remover to take off the brunt of my makeup, I'd use one of these and swipe it over the face just to make it feel more clean. I did like these, and it's been nice to rediscover makeup wipes after over half a year of not using them at all, but in terms of makeup wipes I do prefer the other two ones I featured in that haul, the Neutrogena spot treatment ones, and the Simple ones. Those are amazing.

Bodycare:

These products are all from The Body Shop! Their bodycare products are obviously amazing and I love everything I have from them.

The two body butters are in Spiced Vanilla and Spa Widsom Polynesia (which I'm pretty sure is a really old-school one, I seem to have had it for absolutely ages and only just used it up.) In terms of formula, I think I prefered the Monoi Body Balm one, maybe because it's a balm rather than a butter it implies it's going to be more moisturising and sink into the skin better? Because that's what I found it did. I don't know if they even do this stuff anymore, but it was very nice. The scent was really subtle but fresh, and the spiced vanilla one was sweet and strong with vanilla, as I'm sure you can imagine. I have so many body butters that I'm not sure I'll be repurchasing any time soon, but I do trust the Body Shop heavily for body butters so if I ever run out I'll probably continue to buy from there.

Next is the Moringa shower gel, and I love their shower gels. The scents are, as always, absolutely divine and I just really like using these body washes in the shower as they leave a slight scent and make me feel fresh and clean. I will 100% repurchase, they're not even expensive or anything, I think usually about £2.50 for a massive tub like that.

Hair and Nailcare:

In terms of haircare, I used up a product I've had for so so long, the much raved about Macadamia Natural Oil Deep repair Masque. It's an in-shower 10 minute hair mask. It's one of those products that you buy and it's so expensive that you're scared to use it, and very rarely do. I don't normally buy things this expensive, I normally just stick to drugstore, so purchasing this, especially as it's a haircare product, was very out of character for me. It is a haircare miracle. As mentioned, I used it very rarely on special occasions, and it really helped when my hair was feeling a bit dry and completely revitalised it, since my hair is naturally blonde and I dye it frequently dark brown. It immediately and in the short term (a few days) gave my hair new life, making it feel soft and smooth, but still workable. If I can find it within me to spend the money on this again, or if I can find it discounted at TK Maxx again, perhaps I will end up repurchasing this.

I also finished the Burt's Bees cuticle balm, and the sweet lemon scent is the most amazing thing ever, it's beautiful, if a scent can be. You may have seen it mentioned in my nailcare megapost, I swear by this stuff. I don't need to repuchase it as I already have a backup, a slightly bigger size too, but after that runs out I probably will. It basically just smooths down my cuticles and moisturises them, and I like to use this a few hours before painting my nails if I can be bothered. It's not a cream but more of a thick, moisturising paste. And yeah, I really liked this product.

Makeup:

It's hard to tell what the two powders even are because they're so grubby and worn down!

The top product is the Natural Collection pressed powder in the shade 01, cool. This was a really nice powder for the drugstore, as with the one under it which i'll talk about next.

Underneath is the Rimmel Stay Matte powder in 01 Transparent. This is the second one of these I've used up completely, and I have a newer one I've just started using. I think that says quite a lot about my feelings towards this powder. It's the only one I've ever repurchased I think, I have so many powders but this one works fine for me. It does keep me matte and sets my makeup in place. I'm sure there's loads of better powders (I do prefer my Mac Mineralize Skin Finish natural), but this one is so cheap and convenient, and like I said, it does the job. So I will continue to repurchase.

The final product is the L'Oreal Super Liner Black Lacquer. This is hands down my favourite eyeliner ever. I repurchased it as soon as I got signs of it starting to dry up because I was devastated. Saying that though, this has lasted me for an eternity. Literally ages and I always use it when I go out (which you'll probably know if you've been reading my new set of posts I've been doing showing you some fun eye makeup looks I've been experimenting with because it features in every single one). It lasts all night, and trust me I've put this to the test, it's an intense deep black and it's so easy to use because it's somewhere in between a thin flexible liner and a stiff one- it bends amazingly and allows you to pretty much do a whole wing in one swipe. If you haven't already, I implore you to try this product, you won't go back.

**

So there are all my empties! I really hope you enjoyed this, let me know your thoughts below in the comments.

Eye Makeup: Dramatic Purple and Silver

Tuesday 1st July Eye Makeup Look

I did this bright and bold purple and silver eye for a night out as part of my decision to be more bold and dramatic with my eye makeup looks this summer. I've just realised that I have so much makeup to test and so many cool colours that I usually never try out! It's so fun to do something creative and outside your comfort zone every once in a while.

This is similar to a look I did previously, except this time instead of doing purple on the outer third of the lid, I placed it right into the crease to make for a more dramatic pop of colour.

I absolutely love how this look turned out! Especially with my green eyes, it just looks so beautiful. I still do think that this is a look anyone could wear.

Wearing it felt super crazy and bold, but I got used to it and in pictures it didn't look too dramatic and mad purple.

I have really hooded eyes so I loved that even when my eyes were open and looking straight ahead, the purple was still really visible.

For me, a dramatic winged eyeliner is always the way! I didn't overload this look with too much mascara though- I kept it minimal.

I wore it clubbing and it lasted all night, you may have recently seen me haul the silver eyeshadow I used here. Update on the Max Factor 3 in 1 foundation I also hauled then: it's amazing, and has replaced the L'Oreal True Match as my ultimate favourite foundation, which is something I didn't think would ever be possible.

Here are the products I used!

I used the NYX Jumbo Eye pencil in Milk all over the entire lid up to the browbone as my base to make the colours pop and stick, and I also ran this under the lower lashline because I knew i'd be putting colours down there too. As a browbone highlight I used the matte off-white from the Soap and Glory Lid Stuff quad. The main star of the show is, of course, the Lime Crime Palette D'Antoinette, it's beautiful. I used the purple from that in the crease and on the outer half of the lower lashline. Instead of using the silver from the palette, I used the 'Smokey' L'oreal Color Riche L'Ombre Pure single eyeshadow, because the two are very similar but I hadn't tried this one actually on the eye yet. It's amazing, really buttery and soft, and super pigmented. The silver went all over the lid, in the inner corner and on the inner half of the lower lashline. As always I used the Maybelline The Rocket volume express mascara and the L'Oreal Superliner eyeliner, two favourites of mine.

Did you like this look? Is it something you'd recreate? Let me know in the comments below.

How I Spot Clean My Makeup Brushes! (Ft Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner)

Spot Cleaning my Makeup Brushes

I bought this a few weeks ago and have been absolutely loving it- can't believe I never owned a brush cleaner before this!

Spot cleaning your brushes is amazing for when you quickly want a few small brushes cleaned and don't have time to do a deep clean with shampoo and wait for them to dry. (I may do a post on my whole full cleaning routine also because it's so simple but many people are confused as to how to deep clean their brushes.)

What I need:

1. Dirty makeup brushes!
2. Toilet paper strips (you can use whatever tissue paper or even cotton pads if you want, but I find toilet paper is cheapest and works fine
3. A brush cleaner

The process:

I dip the very end of the brush into a capfull of the brush cleaner.

I then brush it across the tissue paper and as you can see, a lot of the product (most of it), comes off at this stage.

I then just do a few further swirls to get the rest of the product off, here I didn't need to re-dip into the cap again, but sometimes I do that just to make sure all the product is off.

And voila! A completely clean brush that'll be completely dry in only a few minutes. I just put it back into my makeup brushes holder, and repeat with other brushes.

That brush was a mac 242 by the way, I use this for packing on colour or applying a basecoat.

The next brush was the Real Techniques pointed foundation brush which I use on occasion for cream blush, and also for concealer.

Brushes before:

Brushes after:

It's so lovely to have clean brushes!!

I haven't deep cleaned my brushes in weeks, because I've been so busy and this is just way way easier that fully cleaning with shampoo seems like such a hassle to me now.

Overall I love this product, and when I'm writing this I literally have half or less than half left! So i'm definitely going to pick it up again when it runs out, and next time get an even bigger size.

The price isn't too much, this size was 8oz and it costs $24 from the cinema secrets website, and they ship worldwide. And I've gotta mention the smell! It leaves the brushes smelling fresh and fruity, it's really pleasant.

How do you clean your makeup brushes? Have you picked up any tips here? Let me know in the comments below.

Festival Makeup Bag

All my festival makeup essentials!

I went to Latitude (one of the major English festivals) in late July, and here are the things I took. As always I used my large makeup bag from E.L.F. (eyes lips face) which has lasted me well over the years (it's practical and smart!), except for the mirror on the inside which had smashed.

(Before I get started, I might do a festival essentials post on in general tips about festivals, what to take etc. Let me know if this interests you! I'm going to Reading festival late August and i'm sure some of you guys are too.)

Here's an overview of the bag and what I brought.

This was my third festival and I'm very happy with the stuff I bought- I found I had exactly what I needed, nothing more and nothing less. I also took a very similar selection (but maybe slightly more) when I went on girls' holiday the week before.

It's so important not to pack too much unnecessary stuff, with everything and not just makeup, because carrying a heavy bag all day to trek to your camp on day 1 and then on your final morning, is such a nightmare. So try and pack light!

Now I'm going to go through exactly what I brought with me and why. It's important to bring makeup you're used to using, that's tried and tested so you know it's stuff you can work with, and most importantly, that you know it will last all day long and into the early hours of the morning. Also, don't bring your most expensive products. There's always the chance (very small, but it's there) of stuff being stolen, and also through the trekking and commotion a chance stuff will get smashed.

Just think very carefully about what you'll bring- it's personal!

Tools:

A mirror is so so essential! I forgot this to my first festival- bad idea.

I also bought tweezers- 4 days is definitely a long time and I didn't want overgrown brows.

Primers:

My face primer was the very cheap but fairly good W7 Prime Magic Camera Ready primer (the green anti-redness one). It smoothes out the skin very nicely and kept me looking matte in the heat.

My eye primer was the NYX eyeshadow base in White, which is basically like a slightly creamier version of the NYX jumbo eye pencil (means it has the tendency to crease a little more too, but I'm working with it, and trying to use it up and if you fully set it it works amazingly. I took it on holiday with me and used it every day for a week, and fell in love with it). I need a brush to use with this, so I brought the Real Techniques deluxe crease brush which is a rounded-top synthetic brush- amazing for any sort of eye primer or eyeshadow base. I have absolutely loved this combo of products.

Concealer:

I didn't bring a foundation, and I'm glad I didn't because it was so so boiling hot during the day that it just would've melted off. Instead I brought my trusts Collection lasting perfection concealer (in 01, the lightest shade). I mainly used this under the eyes (to cover the fact I wasn't getting much sleep), and I've recently come to love using the Real Techniques contour brush for placing it there, it's perfect.

Powder:

I brought the Rimmel Stay Matte powder (in 001 Translucent) and this powder brush from Eco Tools. I have other powders, I just brought this because I know I can count on it, and I'm so glad I did because I packed tonnes of this on and it kept my face nice and matte, and not oily and gross.

Blush, Contour and Highlight:

It's so much easier having them all in one place, so I brought with me the Sleek Face Form palette in the shade light. All I need is right here. I've been loving the Real Techniques duo fibre face brush (limited edition) for bronzer/contour. It's absolutely amazing and flawless and doesn't give a line that's too harsh. For blush and highlight I used the ELF small stipple brush which is another amazing duo fibre brush.

Eyeshadow and Brows:

The Sleek Storm palette is perfect, it's basically all I need. It has the neutrals, you can go for a light or dark look, but it also has blues, greens and pinks, so you can do a variety of different looks and branch out a bit by doing a pop of colour. As you can see by the two colours I've hit pan on, I absolutely love this palette so so much, especially this summer I've got a lot of use out of it. The only problem is that there isn't an appropriate browbone highlight colour, so I used this single called 'Snowstorm' by Natural Collection- their singles are really amazing and only £2!! I even got this and 2 others free on Boots points woo.

I brought 3 coastal scents brushes, 2 blending brushes and one angled brush for eyebrows (I used the darkest matte brown in the Sleek Palette for my brows) and the Base Shadow brush by Real Techniques.

Mascara and Eyeliner:

I brought the Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night mascara which worked fine, I had also taken this one on holiday, the L'Oreal Linear Intense carbon black eyeliner (my favourite), and the MUA clear (it was once clear I promise) mascara which I use as an eyebrow gel. It's not amazing but it's only £1.

Moisturisers:

For my face I brought the Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Moisturiser because it has an SPF 30 which is so so necessary for festivals when you're spending the whole day outside in the blaring sun. I love this, if you have really oily skin it might be a bit too much, but it's quite good and it smells amazing, like oranges!

For lips I brought the thick Nivea lip butter in the scent Caramel Cream. It smells delicious and is very luxurious.

Glitter is such a festival essential, I brought this one from Stargazer. It has purple and blue reflects and looks amazing as it catches the light.

Was this post useful to you? What are your festival makeup essentials? Let me know in the comments below.

Batiste Dry Shampoo: Empty-Review

Empties: Mini Reviews

Today I finished this tiny travel sized floral scented dry shampoo from Batiste that I've had for about 9 months.

A dry shampoo is a product to use on 3rd day hair or when your hair is getting a bit greasy but you're not quite ready to wash it fully in the shower yet. I don't use a dry shampoo loads, but I do get it. I'm just not quite as obsessed with the idea of it as some other people are.

I bought this tiny size to take to Reading Festival- dry shampoo is definitely a festival essential! No one wants greasy hair but having a shower at festivals is more of a challenge and effort than you'd expect.

This product does leave a bit of a white cast on your hair- it needs to be rubbed in properly otherwise you'll have white hair! I bought this when I was blonde, so maybe when I repurchase this I'll buy a different version- Batiste have one specially for brunettes which is a deeper coloured spray.

Will I repurchase this product? I already have a large bottle of this (literally half the size of one of my arms) in my hair products drawer. I'll probably always want to have a dry shampoo in my possession, and I've heard from everyone who's tried this that this is the best one out there. So I don't necessarily see me trying any other brands of dry shampoos.

Do you use dry shampoo? Which scent from Batiste is your favourite? Let me know in the comments below.