the sun is shining, the weather is sweet

Here in London we have amazing weather! Our usual grey and gloomy skies have been replaced by bright blue, clear loveliness!!

However, all this beautiful weather highlights how terribly unprepared our city is for heat!  Our underground (metro/tube) has no air conditioning. So i will just leave it to your imagination how pleasant a rush hour train journey (squished together with a thousand other people) is at the end of a long hot day!  You really can end up looking like a hot mess!

But I have a handy set of beauty tips and products which help me stay looking fresh and feeling cooler.

At home:

- I steer away from foundation in the summer months, and use a tinted moisturizer/BB cream (or just concealer where necessary).  A lot of us girls become really dependent on foundation, when we actually don't need it!  You will really feel much fresher throughout the day without a heavy foundation!

If you do however prefer to use your usual foundation, make sure you apply a good primer before, and use a setting spray after! Primer and setting sprays are regularly available now from most make up brands in drugstores etc.

A friend once told me that she opens the freezer and pops her head in right after applying her foundation - this apparently helps set it too!!  (well it will at least cool you down! haha)

Out and about:

- Blotting sheets: There is nothing that icks me out more, than seeing sweaty faced ladies piling on powder!  I always carry a little pack of blotting sheets in my bag during the summer months, to gently blot and absorb the extra moisture on my face before applying any powder to matify. You can find these in everyday supermarkets, drugstores and high end make up brands. You could also just get a facial tissue, peel the layer sheets apart and blot your face with this!

1. Bobbi Brown blotting papers.  2. The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil Facial Blotting Tissue.  3. Boots Skin Clear Shine Blotting papers.  4. Clean&Clear Oil absorbing sheets


- Facial mist: After I've 'blotted' any extra unwanted moisture from my face, I then spray a mist of wanted moisture! haha..it cools you down straight away and absorbs into your skin in an instant!  I would recommend a water based mist, rather than the cream based options - more cooling and refreshing!You can find a variety of options, but I would recommend then Avene Eau Thermal Water Spray!

- Water: keep a small bottle with you all the time, and sip regularly throughout the day to keep hydrated.  But it's actually better to drink cool room temperature water, rather than very cold water, as your body will generate heat after to compensate for the heat loss.

 

You can also hold your wrist under a cold tap for a few seconds, this is a main pulse point so cools your blood down, which can help you feel cooler.

 

An one last random tip - the temperature of our feet really affect how hot/cool we feel.  So forget about any closed shoes, and embrace sandals/flipflops (anything strappy and airy) whilst you can!

 

 

 

Hope this was helpful! Enjoy the weekend!! : )

 

xxx

Magazine Freebies! - June/July 2013

It's that time again, where you can go grab a magazine and get a great product along with it!

Here's what you can get your hands on this month!

Red is giving away a free 15ml sample of Elemis' illuminating beauty flash balm (worth £11.50)!  I'm a fan of the Clarin's beauty flash balm so had to get this to compare!







In time for summer, Cosmopolitan's July edition is offering a pair of sunglasses (3 styles to choose from). I'm overrun with sunnies at the moment, but am quite tempted by the tortoise shell design!

Another summer time goodie, Elle is giving away a Rodial Brazilian Tan in clear/light/dark 58ml (worth £13.50).  I've never really fake tanned so this one wasn't for me.

Marie Claire has a free Ciate mini nail polish and caviar kit worth £10 with their July edition! I couldn't resist this! Have never applied 'caviar' to my nails so will have a go and show you the results!




Company are also giving away a make up bag with their July magazine! You have a choice from 3 patterns!




Need a new moisturiser? Instyle is giving away a 50 ml Neal's Yard Remedies Daily moisturiser (worth £12!).  Sounds lovely, their website states they've "blended "antioxidant-rich acai, bilberry and goji berry with moisturising hyaluronic acid in this lightweight, easily absorbed lotion, for beautifully nourished, radiant, healthy-looking skin"




Not bad this month! Let me know if you're interesting in a review of the Elemis Illuminating Beauty Flash balm!

Did you get any freebies?

Megan xxx

Magazine Freebies - May/June 2013

It's that time again, where we can get some really great magazines with an amazing freebie!

This month, UK magazines did not disappoint.  Here's what you can get with a good read too:

Elle's June edition (£4) offers a free sample size of Benefit's 'they're real' mascara (worth £9.50) with each magazine!  A great product and if you've wanted to try it out, now is definitely the time

Bazaar (£4.20) comes with a free sample of Ren's Moroccan Rose Otto Body cream (worth £10)!

You have a selection of 3 Nail's Inc Polishes: You're a Peach, Totes Pink or It's Red, babez (loving the names!) with InStyle Magazine (£3.90).  Each polish is worth £11, so a good deal!

Marie Claire (£3.80) are offering full size Avon products with their June edition: A gel eyeliner, Brow definer or Red lipstick.  They have also included a sample of their BB cream.

Have you got any of these great freebies?

Megan xxx

Ebay Wishlist!

I am quite a sucker for Ebay, I love it!! Recently, I have gathered quite a lot of things that I am itching to buy! 




1-Acrylic make-up storage.  2-Gold cuff gladiator sandals.  3-Collar tips.  4-Pro 88 eyeshadow palette

5-Calendar block.  6-Passport cover.  7-Claw bracelet.  8-Neon pink jumper.  9-Swirl sunglasses

 

 

Anything in your Ebay basket?

 

Megan xxx

 

Kiko Milano Cosmetics

I have to say I am relatively new to Kiko Cosmetics.  I first saw one of their stores here in Barcelona where I am currently working.  I had a quick browse through, but being the cautious type, I didn't buy anything. But when I saw a friend with their full-coverage concealer I decided to give it a whirl.  Haven't looked back!

Italian born Kiko Milano Cosmetics (http://www.kikocosmetics.com/eshop/uk/home), is relatively new (launched in 1997) and although not as mainstream as MAC cosmetics, I find it hard to differentiate them on quality and performance - they are also similar in terms of packaging.  




Theirs was the first compact foundation I've tried (Perfect Glow Compact foundation). And although I have nothing to compare it against (as I'm a liquid or mineral powder girl), I really enjoy using it.  The foundation has a light, creamy consistency and glides on, lasting all day.  However, I always powder after I apply it as I find it just a tad bit too 'glowly' for my taste (but this is a minor downside considering how much i love it). The fact that its ingredients include Ginseng, Ginko Biloba and vitamin C is an added bonus!





I have also been using their full coverage concealer (in 02 - natural) continously since purchasing it!  It's great!  Light yet offers a full coverage.  I can even apply it under my eyes without the area looking 'cakey' or over done.  Win!






I'm also loving their powder blushes! They apply and blend beautiful without looking streaky or harsh.  I have 'orange coral' - which is a gorgeous coral/pink  with gold specks -  and pastel pink.

Overall, Kiko is a great brand and I'm itching to try more from their range.  I've heard that their pencil lipglosses are amazing - and at £3.90 each!!  They have stores in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, UK and Spain.

 

xxx

Bargains!

I absolutely love hunting for cheap, great products.. where the price is definitely not a reflection of the quality!

Here are some of my favourite ones, which I love and repurchase constantly!

Makeup:

Elf Powder Brush:

I love this brush!  Although it is marketed for use with face powder or blush, I actually use it with liquid foundation.  This blends my foundation perfectly and as it is quite large, it takes next to no time to do my entire face.  Get it here!

Collection 2000 'The hlighlighter'

One of my favourite highlighters.  It is described as a multi purpose illuminating cream stick for cheeks, eyes, lips and body.  I have 2 of these - in 'Maldives' and 'Riviera' and use one of them literally every day (mainly as a highlighter on my cheekbones).  This product is so easy to apply, and blends effortlessly leaving a beautiful sublte shimmer.  They are also very cheap alternative to the Nars Multiples!!  However, these are no longer available in stores :(  but are always easily found on ebay

Collection 2000 'Last perfection concealer'

I have been using this concealer for about 4 months now, after hearing nothing but good things about it.  Although I don't think it actually last for the 16 hours that it claims to, it most definitely does a great job of covering any blemishes/flaws I have, without looking cakey. Love it!

MUA Heaven & Earth Palette

This is a great palette of 12 neutral shades which are very usable!  They may not be the best quality wise, but great for every day wear. These shadows blend well, and when applied over a base, last all day on my lids! At £4, why wouldn't you?! Check it out here

Skincare:

Johnson's facial cleansing wipes

I love these wipes! Although I would never recommend using wipes over your daily facial routine, we all have those times when we really cannot be bothered! This is for those times! I have used these wipes for years and have nothing to fault them on.  You can also usually find them on offer at Boots!

Vaseline

Another product which I have used for years!  However, I never apply this to my lips as I find it quite drying.   Instead, I use this product on my eyelashes and also on my cuticles at night before bed. Never without it! Find it here

Do you have any cheap essential products you love?

Megan xxx

An addiction...

As you can probably guess from the title of this blog, I develop addictions to products really easily.  In this blogpost, I wanted to share one of my addicitions with you!

Quite a while back, I heard alot about EOS balm throughout the beauty blogger and youtube world..

If you don't know about EOS balm, it is:

"95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth."

Aside from the fact that it was not available in the UK, I wasn't very interested to be honest.. but then, when travelling last year, I gave in and bought one! 

The first one I got was 'Summer Fruit' ....and that's it, i was hooked!

Then, one of my amazing sisters, (who lives in Shanghai), got me the 'Honey Suckle Honey Dew' - which I am equally in love with!

And now.... She has spoiled me greatly! and bought me the  'strawberry sorbet' and 'lemon drop' !

I am a fully fledged EOS balm addict now!  :-D  I know I now have enough lip blam to last me forever, but I still really want the other 2 flavors which I don't have  - 'sweet mint' and 'medicated tangerine'

I cannot decide which one I like most!  They really are great lipbalms!

Have you tried these?

Megan xxx 

25 Questions Tag!

I love reading this tag when other bloggers have done it, and thought it would help you to get to know me!

1. Do you apply your foundation with a brush, sponge, or fingers?
I have never actually used a sponge to apply my foundation.  I usually use a brush (the elf flat top powder brush) or my fingers.

2. Do you apply your eyeshadow from light to dark? or dark to light?

Always light to dark.

3. Do you prime your eyes?

On a day to day basis, no – as I don’t wear any eyeshadow (I just sweep some foundation lightly over my lids to keep them mattified.  But if I’m going on a night out or when I do wear eyeshadow, yes – (I use the NYX eyeshadow base).

4. Concealer first, or after foundation?

Foundation first – then concealer.  Or when I’m rushing, just concealer and face powder.

5. Go for manicures, or manicure yourself?

Manicure myself – I love to do it whilst watching youtube videos. Unless it’s a special occasion and I want to treat myself, then I will go for a professional one.

6. Exfoliate lips, face or both?

Both

7.    On average, how long does it take you to do your makeup?

For day to day - less than 10 mins. But if it’s for a night out, about 30 minutes.

8. Do you wear makeup everyday and everywhere?

I wear very light, basic makeup to work and for day to day wear (concealer, eyebrows and mascara), and the full sha-bang if I’m going out for dinner/drinks/partying etc.  But if I’m simply going to the supermarket, hanging out with friends or just running errands on a random day – then I am happy to be make-up free

9. What release are you most excited about? (Makeup)

I don’t really follow collections...

10. What's your weakness? Shoes, purses, clothes, jewelry, eyeshadow, lipstick or other?

I would say lipsticks.  I have a large number of them, some which have never been used once.

11. Do you whiten your teeth?

No, but I want to try the Crest whitening strips.

12. Wax eyebrows, or pluck?

Pluck

13. What do you use to contour?

Benefit Hoola bronzer

14. False lashes, or natural?

Natural for day to day, but for certain events I wear false lashes.  

15. Favourite makeup brand?

I don’t have one specific brand that I can call my favourite.  I use a range of brands that each have something that stand out to me.

16. Liquid eyeliner, pencil or gel?

Liquid and pencil – gel is too fussy for me.

17. Lipstick, lipgloss or chapstick?

Lipstick and chapstick.  I cannot handle lipgloss.  (am I cheating by always choosing 2? Haha)

18. Pigments, pressed or cream eyeshadow?

Pressed

19. If you had to wear only one thing, excluding foundation; what would it be?

Hmmm…Eyeliner.

20. Favourite colour?

In terms of eyeshadow..i would say browns.

21. Favourite colour combination?

I love sweeping a champagne-ish colour over my lid (like Urban Decay’s SIN), and adding an intense deep Taupe to the outer corners and crease of my eye.

22. Natural? or Dramatic? (Eye Makeup)

It depends on where I’m going – but I’d say dramatic

 23. Do you care more for quality or name brand?

Quality

24. Do you enjoy using face masks? If so which ones

I love face masks. I especially love hydrating masks.  I use the Origins Drink up Intensive overnight mask (whenever I remember to).  I also love my Laneige Water sleeping pack (my skin feels so amazing in the morning!). 

25. What is your current addiction? (example: lipsticks, eyeshadows, earrings..)

Lipbalm! I am currently alternating my EOS balm and Burts bees chapstick.  I literally cannot stop myself from buying new lipbalms, even if I have 4 in my handbag at time of purchase! J

I tag anyone out there who is interested to do this! Just leave a link to your blog in the comments below!

Megan xxx

Tips and Tricks!

Here are a few beauty tips and tricks I’ve picked up in the past. Thought it would be interesting to share them with you!

-        Want to keep your face mattified and even? Dab your finger over a stick deodorant and pat it onto the areas that you want to appear more matte and where you want the pores to be less visible.  It works!

-        Want to create a matte lip? – apply one coat of your chosen lipstick, then lightly dust on some face powder.  Follow with a second coat of lipstick.  The powder draws out the oil from the lipstick – giving a more mattified effect. This trick also makes your lipstick last significantly longer.

-        Have hard to curl eyelashes? – run your eyelash curlers under hot water or blast them for a few seconds with a hair dryer to make your own ‘heated eye lash curlers’.  You can also opt to use waterproof mascara as this formula dries faster than the regular one, and will help set the curl.

-        Do you get red patchy skin (like between your brows/chin/cheeks?) – steep a bag of green tea for 1 minute, then remove it from the water and let it cool down. Dab it all over your face, concentrating on your problem areas – the antioxidants in the tea reduce the redness/inflammation.

-        Run out of shaving cream? – use conditioner! I think this is actually better than shaving cream. The conditioner softens the hairs making it easier to shave, and also allows a closer shave.  As an added bonus, your legs are left silky smooth.

-        Tired of your perfume wearing off?- Dab some petroleum jelly (Vaseline) on the areas that you want to apply the perfume to (wrists, sides of neck etc) then spray your fragrance on top. The perfume adheres to this and doesn’t disappear as fast as it would from dry skin.  Also – if you’re wearing a dress/skirt, spray your perfume onto your knees and ankles, as scent rises.

-         Want thicker eyelashes? – With an eyeshadow brush, lightly dust a face powder or matte eyeshadow onto the tops of your eyelashes, then apply your usual mascara over this.  This instantly makes your eyelashes appear thicker.

-        Want to get rid of rough/dry skin? -  Cut a lemon and rub onto the areas you want to improve – (elbows/heels). The citric acid helps remove dead skin.  Be aware that this can also have a lightening effect.

-        Want your make-up to last?  - Typically it is advised to use a primer before and a setting spray after applying your make-up.  But if you don’t own or want to buy expensive primers/setting sprays there are other options: use aloe vera gel as a primer (which you can find cheaply anywhere e.g. here) this works well as a base for makeup. To set your face (now, have an open mind…), open the freezer after you have finished applying all your make-up, close your eyes and put your head close to let the cold air hit your face.  This will help set your makeup. You can also spray a fine mist of hair spray over your face.

-        And my final tip is not to always follow the rules with make up.  Use lip-stick on your cheeks, blusher/bronzer on your eyes etc.  When you start experimenting with your make up and using it in different ways, you will discover so many new looks.

I will update on tips/tricks regularly when I come across more!

 Are there are tips/tricks that you know of?

Megan xxx

Wish List

I am constantly lusting after things (skincare products, make up, fashion) – but do not always have the reflecting bank balance to get them. So..I always have a wish list.  A lot of the products on my list have been there for quite a long time..but hopefully I can cross them off soon!

So, here goes..

1.       Bumble and Bumble surf spray – I have heard so many amazing things about this product! I love the whole effortless beach hair look and cannot wait to try this. 

2.      Zara Sandals – I have a thing for nude heels – and am developing a slight obsession with the Perspex trend that’s going round.  This combines both and is a major lust item for me!

3.       Philip Kingsley Maximizer – As well as loving the beach look – I also love having big shiny hair. This is exactly what the Maximizer claims to do  - give super volume to fine hair whilst adding control and shine.

4.      Soap&Glory Sit Tight intense XS – Anything by Soap&Glory is attractive to me. This claims to be a super strength body firming serum – enough said!

5.     Yves Sant Laurent: Forever young liberator Serum – another serum, but this time for my face. Despite the hefty price tag – I have high hopes for this serum. The fact that it can be used across all age ranges also attracts me.

6.    Murad Vitalic T-zone pore refining gel – Another pricey product but with very positive reviews. It claims to clear and minimize pores whilst maintaining a balance between oily and dry skin.

7.   Nars Velvet gloss lip pencil – Everything that was good about the Matte lip pencil – but with a luminous glossy finish.  Need this!!

8.   Chanel Tan de Soleil – How can I not want this after the huge impression it has had across the beauty world?!

9.   Nars Multiple in G-Spot – I love rose gold. And this is described as a rich, gold infused rose. It is a gorgeous bronzey plum colour with a gold shimmer running through it.  I already have the multiple in 'Riviera' and can’t wait to get this one!

10. Caudalie Teint Divin Mineral Tinted Moisturizer – I am a fan of the Caudalie brand and have  the Beauty Elixir which is amazing! I regularly mix my foundation with my moisturiser to make my own tinted moisturizer – so would like to finally try one.

11. Joico K-Pak Deeppenetrating reconstructor – This contains keratin silicone complex and Quadramine Complex, which both infuse hair with strength, vitality and improved elasticity leaving hair soft, shiny and noticeably stronger.  Who wouldn’t want this?

Are any of these products on your wishlist? 

Do you own any of these? Should I get them?

 Megan xxx

What's in my travel make-up bag?

Us ladies have the prerogative to carry around all our essential make up items for touch up’s during the day.  To be honest, if I could, I would carry my whole bathroom cupboard with me!  But, for the sake of my shoulders, I try to stay restrained and only carry around the necessities.

My travel make up bag (from Primark a while back) is 2 sided – I love that its clear so I can see exactly what I want and where it is.

For my face:

 Mac select cover-up concealer in ‘NW30’ (which I apply with my fingers).
Mac Mineralise Skin Finish Natural in ‘Medium Dark’
Angled powder brush (for face powder)
Rimmel powder blush in ‘004 – Pink rose’
Jemma Kidd Stippling brush (for blush)

For my lips:

EOS lip balm
YSL Rouge pur lipstick in ‘128 – Tyrian purple’
Lipcote
Mini lipbrush

For my eyes:

Eyelash curlers
Bodyshop Eye definer in ‘Carbon Black’
Lancome Liner Design in ‘02’

General items:

Rose water
2 mini perfumes (YSL Elle and CK Shock)
Blotting sheets
L’Occitance hand cream
Hair slide
Extra gum
Tweezers
Mirror

This is generally what stays in my travel make-up bag all the time, however I usually have a range of different lipsticks stashed around my handbag!!

What make-up product can you not leave home without?

Megan xxx