My Ideal Makeup Bag (by brand)

The other day, I was talking to my friend Marija from Pocalocca when inevitably, discourse fell on the newly launched Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette (watch out for a post dedicated to it) and we both agreed that if someone had to ask us for the best eyeshadow brand (prices aside), we would suggest Urban Decay hands down. That got me thinking into writing up a post with different products that would constitute my ideal makeup bag by brand. Where possible, I shall list products from both drugstore and higher end brands to try and accommodate all budgets. 

Primer

Primer is an essential product in any makeup bag to make makeup last longer and I personally have a bunch of favourites. However, I would narrow my choice down to just two - Inglot Under The Makeup Base {€21} and MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ Skin Refresher/Finishing Mist {€18}. I like the Inglot one better for winter because of the 'heavier' texture since it is silicone based and I favour MAC Fix+ more in the summer because it delivers a fine mist that is lightweight on the skin. Both prolong the wear of makeup beautifully and since the price of most drugstore primers fluctuates in the same price range, I would just buy one of these without hesitation. 

Foundation

Foundation is a very personal thing for a lot of reasons - coverage, shade, finish, smell, etc all depend on the tastes of an individual. Sure, you can always splurge on a good foundation since it is the basis of a good makeup application but my favourites both come from drugstore brands. First off, my all time favourite NYX HD Photogenic Foundation {around €12} which has no SPF and consequently photographs beautifully. The other is the Catrice All Matt Plus{around €6} which offers higher coverage and is more suited for winter for that porcelain skin finish.

Concealer

Again, NYX and Catrice are the winning brands for me in this category with the HD Concealer {around €10} and Camouflage Cream {around €4} respectively. The NYX concealer is an all rounder while I prefer to use the Catrice one for blemishes as it tends to crease under my eyes. Another very good concealer is the Max Factor CC Colour Corrector in Yellow to correct under eye circles {€10.40}.

Setting Powder

Catrice is a winner here with their Prime and Fine Translucent Mattifying Powder Waterproof {€5.60}. It provides a longer wear to makeup and mattifies any look effortlessly.

Blush, Bronzer & Highlighter

I rarely use bronzer and highlighter and limit them just for contouring, for which my favourite products are the Napoleon Perdis Ultimate Contour Kit {$21} and the more budget friendly alternative Makeup Revolution Ultimate Contour Palette {£8}. As for blush, I would hands down choose MAC. Be it their Powder {€18} or their Mineralize Blushes {€21} (the ones I have), I love both of them for their excellent pigmentation and longevity of wear.

Eyeshadow

As explained above, for me, nothing beats Urban Decay eyeshadow's buttery soft texture and insane pigmentation, even from the lightest shades. The Naked 3 and the Naked Smoky {€54 each} palette are my favourites but I also have a couple of single eyeshadows {$19} which I use all the time. They come at a price but honestly, it is justified.

Mascara, Eye pencil & Eye liner

Max Factor is a winner here with their False Lash Effect Waterproof Mascara {around €12} and the Excess Intensity Eye Pencil. As for eyeliner, I choose MAC Fluidline {€18.50} for obvious reasons!

Lipstick & Lip liner

MAC lipstick {€19 each} is a cult favourite and no doubt I would choose their lipsticks over anything else anytime.

As for lip liners, Essence have some really good ones for around €2! If you want to splurge, I suggest you go for Revlon ColorStay which retail for around €10 if I am not mistaken.

Do you agree with the above suggestions? Anything else you would recommend?

Review | NYX HD Concealer CW03 Light

You know how much I loved Essence Stay Natural Concealer but for some reason, the last two tubes that I had seemed to oxidize really bad on my skin thus I had to look for an alternative. I didn't hesitate as to which brand I was going for as I already own the HD foundation from NYX so I figured I should go for their concealer as well.

I started looking up reviews on other blogs and Youtube and this concealer in particular was always given the thumbs up. I wanted it for my under eye area as for blemishes and the rest of my face I use Catrice Camouflage Cream which works exceptionally well!

So off I went to the NYX store in Sliema and Roseberry in Valletta but sadly neither of them had my shade so I had to purchase the concealer online from Ebay. It comes in a clear plastic tube with a doe foot applicator, very similar to a lipgloss and the shade CW03 fits my skin tone perfectly. I would describe it as a pale beige with pink undertones. In all, you get 3g of product.

The texture is on the creamy side and it is easily blended into the skin. Just be careful because a little goes a long way with this! I find it lasts pretty well and being HD, it is camera friendly so it photographs well without you ending up with two bright white patches under your eyes.

I would totally recommend this concealer and with 8 available skin shades and three corrective tones, you are sure to find your match!

NYX HD Concealer is available locally at the NYX Store in Sliema or Roseberry Valletta.

Monthly Favourites | February

Being just four days late on the February favourites isn't really late right? Here goes!

Just like the last month, Planter's Aloe Vera Natural & Young Cream coupled with Essence Studio Nails Moisturizing Cuticle Cream have been life savers for my hands against the cold and very low temperatures we were getting.

The rest of the makeup products and tools are actually all new with the exception of the KIKO eyeshadow palette. This was actually a limited edition palette and I'm really glad I got it because I wear all four colours a lot and I even like to use the medium taupe on my brows for a fuller look. Also from KIKO are the dual ended foundation brush which offers excellent coverage and the False Lashes Concentrate which turns every mascara into a waterproof version.

Lastly, I have Essence Effect Lipgloss in C04 Red Sugar and MUD Lipstick in Burlesque which I have been reaching for the most and NYX HD Concealer in CW03 Light which is my new favourite concealer for under eyes.

January & February Collective Haul

Phew it has been a hectic few days for me and I barely had time to switch on my laptop, let alone blog so please excuse my absence. Next week I will be flying to London for the first time in my life and I really have worked hard to restrain myself from buying all the good sale deals in order to save up for splurging there ;) Consequently I thought of doing one collective haul post for January and February since I didn't buy a lot of stuff. I did however treat myself to quite a few nail polishes but I will do a separate post on those.

The first purchase I want to share with you are these gorgeous boots from Nine West. I have been wanting a pair of heeled brown boots for a long time and now here they are! I got them on sale for €132 which I understand that it may be a little pricey for some but as long as the shoe is comfy and I know I will get a lot of wear out of, I put the price aside.

Next are a few sale bargains that I got from Jennyfer in Gozo and Asos (Caroline you're to blame for this one :p). I bought this faux leather skirt with laser cut-out details and scallop edges for just €7 (instead of €20) and the aviator jacket was marked down to €15 from €50 and they were both the last ones in my size - I would have been stupid to just leave them there! The Fashion Union dress from Asos was more of an impulse buy but at a mere €10 I think it's a nice little addition to my closet.

Next, here are some online purchases, all of which are from Ebay. I got a tangle teezer dupe as I already have one which I keep at work and I find it leaves my hair super soft, an XL stamper (more info coming soon), a flower ear cuff, a lipstick holder and NYX HD Concealer. I got the shade CW03 Light which is a perfect match for me.

During one of my lunch breaks at work, I caved and bought this gorgeous Max Factor Lipstick in 685 Mulberry and one of my quick trips to Sliema I popped into OVS and bought an assortment of Essence nail products, an Effect Lipgloss in the shade C04 Red Sugar and a cute pair of tweezers. From the NYX store, I bought the Jumbo Eye Pencil in 615 Slate and an Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in 924 Yellow, both of which I needed for carnival. 

Stay tuned for a nail products haul coming soon!

Review | NYX Round Lipsticks LSS619 Flower & LSS627 Fusion

When NYX opened their first store in Malta last summer, the products I wanted to try most were the Round Lipsticks which are very popular in the blogosphere and they always get very good reviews.

 

I have finally added two of these lipsticks in my collection, namely LSS619 Flower and LSS627 Fusion. Both have sleek, black packaging and the bullets go all the way down...a must for me so as not to nick the lipstick when replacing the cap.

 

One thing I'm fond of with these lipsticks is the swatch at the base so if you store your lipsticks upside down, you know which colour to pick. Also, being so small, these lipsticks are great to pop even in the tiniest of bags.

 

The formula of these lipsticks is very creamy indeed and glides on to deliver optimum colour pay-off that lasts for a good number of hours. Flower is a blue-based medium pink whilst Fusion is an iridescent plum shade. Both feature a pearly finish and feel very moisturising on the lips.

 

NYX Round Lipstick LSS619 Flower

NYX Round Lipstick LSS627 Fusion

As a concluding remark, I definitely recommend these lipsticks to beginners and professionals alike and I cannot wait to add more colours to my collection!

NYX Round Lipsticks are available at the NYX Cosmetics store on Tower Road in Sliema and retail for around €5 if I'm not mistaken.

 

Which Round Lipstick shades do you recommend me to get?

Monthly Favourites | October

Which products did I enjoy the most during October? Read on to find out!

First up is a new product which I have had for some time but I only got to use it now. I am speaking of NYX Eye/Eyebrow Pencil in the shade 940 Black Glitter. I don't see myself using this on my brows but it is a nice alternative to the usual black eye pencil for special occasions because it has a good glitter payoff. I have been using this for the various events I was invited to this month for a fun yet subtle change. I like the pigmentation and staying power so thumbs up NYX!

Whenever I want neutral eye makeup, I tend to reach for brown shades, especially during the day. My favourite eye pencils are both from Catrice and they are the Kajal Designer 150 Up&Brown&Up&Brown... and the Long Lasting Eye Liner Pen Stay On! 070 Puddle of Mudd. The Kajal Designer has proven to be a favourite to create a subtle smoky look like we learnt during the Biocare Makeup Workshop (read all about it here) because it is very easy to blend due to its creamy texture.
 

Another product I have to share with you is the Catrice Camouflage Cream. I had wanted to purchase this for a long time, then Davinia's review came along and totally convinced me to get this and I think it was the best €3.40 I have ever spent! The creamy consistency is comparable to that of the NYX Concealer in a Jar but it is less thick. I mainly use this to conceal minor skin imperfections and it lasts all day without fading or budging. I am in the shade 010 Ivory which matches my skin tone perfectly.
 

 

Speaking of skin imperfections, another favourite product this month is the Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot which is a targeted corrector for pimples with the intention of leaving no scars whatsoever on your skin. It is a clear gel which you can use under makeup if you like as it forms a barrier over the imperfection and heals it quite rapidly. If you have read my review, you would know I think it is one of the best skin care products I have ever tried.

The Body Shop never fail to amaze me with their products and the Brazil Nut Beautifying Oil is no exception. It leaves the skin silky smooth and I like to use it after a shower to lock in moisture. The smell is divine and it has fast become a staple product in my stash!
 

Next up is a hair product. I have very fine hair that gets oily very easy depending on what products I use to style it etc; so when I got this Schwarzkopf Bonacure Hair Therapy Oil Miracle in my goodie bag from the Dean Gera Hair Care opening event, I was very sceptical on using this on my own hair for fear that it will turn oily overnight. However, after seeing Steph's review and experience with this product, I decided to give it a go. Why didn't I try it before??? It left my hair super soft and manageable and gave me much better results when I straightened my hair!

Two new favourite hair products are the Philip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner. I only have these in sample size (quite generous I have to say) since they were given to me at the Philip Kingsley launch last week. I have only used them a couple of times so far and I have already seen a difference in the way my hair looks and feels. I have some products on my wishlist from the brand and I can't wait till I am able to buy them!

More beauty favourites, I have three lip products, namely M&S Limited Collection Lipstick in Grape and Lipgloss in Wine and NYX Lipstick LSS619 Flower. They all feel very moisturising on the lips and I like to pair the two M&S products for a shimmery plum lip.

 

My favourite blush this month has to be Essence Souffle Touch Blush in the shade 030 Cold Wildberry which gives me a nice, healthy pink tone on my cheeks. It blends nicely with my skin and I find that the best brush to apply it with is the E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush.
 

This month I also have a non-beauty favourite. I think most of you would have guessed it's the Michael Kors watch Johan gave me for my birthday :) I love it and I wear it almost everyday!
 

So that's it for my October favourites ladies :) Any new products you liked trying out during the first Autumn month?

Monthly Favourites | September

My my time is flying by! Here are my September favourites ladies.

 

Starting with make up, I have been wearing these two lip glosses almost everyday this month. Both are neutral shades with shimmer and they are perfect for both day and night wear. They last really good and I find them both to be very moisturising. I like to wear Catrice Colour Show 080 Nude-Tritious first and layer some Essence XXXL Shine 08 Glamour To Go in the middle to give the illusion of fuller lips.

This month, I have been delving into the world of filling brows to make them look fuller more often and I found myself reaching mostly for Essence Eyebrow Designer 04 Blonde and Essence Guerilla Gardening Trend Edition Eyebrow Mascara 01 Garden Girls. They are exactly the same shade of light 'ashy' brown and I discovered I much prefer to use eyebrow products that are slightly lighter than the actual colour of my brows. Thumbs up for both products for performance and ease of use, I just hope Essence introduce the mascara as part of their permanent line.

 

 

Catrice Glamour Doll Mascara is once again my favourite because I really like the way it separates my lashes, giving me a voluminous look that seems as though I am wearing lashes. The last eye product I have been favouring this month, is the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. An ever popular cult favourite, I like to use this product as a base for my eyeshadows to make the colours pop and it never disappoints!

 

The Ultimate Contour Palette from Napoleon Perdis is one of my all time favourite products for various reasons, the main ones being, the packaging, the texture of all three products and the matte bronzer that is not too dark for my skin tone. Need I say more?

 

I have a new favourite skin care product as well and it is none other than Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub. I will be reviewing this in full so all I am going to say for now is that I love how this feels on my skin and they way my skin looks after using it.

 

 

The hair brush is my favourite hair gadget this month. It was part of the goodie bag from the Dean Gera Hair Care opening earlier this month and I always favour wide bristled brushes for when I need to brush my hair while wet. This one also comes with a nifty small mirror at the back that you can take out to use while on the go.

 

Foundation sponges or rather Beauty Blenders and their dupes have been all over the blogsphere as of late and a few months back I bought two dupes off Ebay at a fraction of the price and I never went back to applying foundation with a brush ever since. I love how the foundation looks whena pplied with a wet sponge because it gives you the right amount of coverage without looking cakey.

 

Last but not least, the Aztec nails were a favourite with me and people who complimented me on them. They are really easy to re-create (check out the tutorial here) and the neon studs give the manicure a fashion forward feel.

 

Nail Polish Collection | Avon, Maybelline, NYX, Sally Hansen, Sinful Colors, Wet 'n' Wild

Next up are the American brands Avon, Maybelline, NYX, Sally Hansen, Sinful Colours and Wet 'n' Wild. I would love to get more Sinful Colors because I really like their range and the formulas look really nice to work with. I would really like to get my hands on another bottle of Maybelline Into The Sunset because it is such a beautiful colour, but apparently it is very rare and hard to find...

 

Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear 290 Crushed - metallic bright orange

Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear 300 White On - white crème

Hard As Nails Sheer French Colour Sheer Opal - opalescent pink

Crackle Overcoat 07 Cherry Smash - red with orange undertones. Dries to a crackle finish 

 

 

A009 Hollywood Walk Of Fame (Fergie Limited Edition - 2012) - multi-coloured stars and holographic silver bar glitter in a transparent base

395 Folly - medium Italian pink crème with red undertones

 

 

Wet Shine Diamonds Into The Sunset - coral pink with iridescent gold glitter

Color Show 280 Plum Paradise - metallic dark purple

 



146 Grapefruit - bright red crème

167 Dreamy Glitter - pearl pink stars and large iridescent hex glitter with small round iridescent glitter in a sheer baby pink base

 

 

S402 Red Wine - dark red crème

S404 Vamp It Up - vampy red crème