Summer MAC Lipstick Picks

Hello five photos of my face. Sorry all. Thought I'd share my favourite MAC lipsticks that I'll be wearing this summer that are suitable for all occasions! They range from bold to subtle, bright to soft so there's something for every taste, occasion and style!

MAC 'Crosswires' (£15.50)

Crosswires is a pinky red in a creme sheen finish so is super creamy and pigmented and lasts for a pretty long time. It goes lovely with any makeup look and add a pop of colour that isn't too bright or in your face. It's a subtle take on a red, a summer pinky red if you like!

MAC 'Impassioned' (£15.50)

This is the definition of bright pinks. It's in your face and has blue undertones which make your teeth look so white! This is an amplified formula so is heavily pigmented and lasts for a really long time. 

MAC 'Milan Mode' (£15.50)

Milan Mode is a subtle pink shade which somehow looks very similar to Plumful here but I promise you it's pink! It does have flecks of sparkle, but it's nothing 90's style, it enhances the light bouncing off your lips and gives them a nice sheen, nothing sparkly here! It has a lustre finish so is pretty sheer but still has high pigmentation, perfect for summer as it wears evenly and doesn't leave that horrible ring around your lips!

MAC 'Plumful' (£15.50)

The perfect purple. Another lustre that is beautifully subtle. I was wary about buying a purple lipstick but the lustre finish makes it very wearable and it's become one of my most favourite every day lippies! It goes with any look, but I love wearing it with a white shirt, don't ask me why!

MAC 'Vegas Volt' (£15.50)

A full power coral, the definition of summer, and a take on an orange lip. This looks fab with a tan, it just brings out the tan and looks beaut. It's another amplified so lasts for a really long time, a must for a bright lippy like this! 

What are your favourite summer lipsticks? Sorry for the face heavy post but I wanted to show true to colour swatches!

x

MAC | My Everyday Quad

Since completing my MAC palette I've not wanted to carry round my whole pro palette when I've been staying at my boyfriends or out on days where I would need to touch up, so I decided to buy the four pan palette which I can store my eyebrow shades but also my everyday eye look. It keeps everything simple and compact. 

The four shades I have included are Shroom, Patina, Omega, and Coquette. Combined they can create a simple golden eye or smoked out for a more evening appropriate look so this quad is perfect for everyday or even if last minute plans arise!

I simply comb my brows through with a spoolie and then use an angled brush to define the mid-part and wing of my brows with Coquette and then fill in the fronts and mid-parts with Omega. Simple as!

I'd be lost without my paintpot in Painterly as I use this everyday to smooth and even out my eyelids, I then set with a transparent setting powder to ensure this lasts even longer and leaves a more powdery base for the eyeshadows to blend on to. I then define and warm up my crease with Omega, taking this slightly above my crease so the deeper shade blends out evenly. I then define my outer corner and slightly through my crease with Coquette and blend out by mixing both wha's left on my brush with a bit of Omega. 

I then apply a small amount of my Barestudy paintpot to the mobile lid, focusing mainly on the inner part of my lid and putting a small amount on my inner corner. This will add an extra bit of shimmer but also help the next shade, Patina, to really pop. I apply this all over my lid, pushing it with a flat shader to help really build up the colour, then going back in with my blending brush to ensure all the colour are blended together. 

To finish I simply apply Shroom to my inner corner to brighten up my eyes, then go in with a few coats of mascara, I used a sample of MAC's False Lashes Extreme Black which I like, the spoolie is very soft of my lashes, it doesn't tug or pull at my lashes. 

I tend to pair this look with a nude lip for everyday, especially when I'm at work as it is low maintenance, today I've used MAC's Faux which is my current favourite! 

x

Review | MAC Plumful Lipstick

A recent purchase, a long lusted after shade, and a heavily influenced buy from Avi (@avisaxenaa on twitter and she also has started a new blog linked here). Plumful is a beautiful rose plum shade in a lustre finish which is perfect for the summer months. It gives a lovely wash of colour without being overpowering and too purple on the lips, and the finish also means that although the lasting power isn't amazing, it is low maintenance as it fades well and can be re-applied effortlessly. 

When it comes to MAC lipsticks my collection was pretty much reds and brights which is fab but I wanted more range. The lustre finish is a welcome addition as it gives a lovely finish, is moisturising and low upkeep for the summer months (or all year round). 

x

MAC eyeshadow - Dazzlelight

MAC - Dazzlelight (£10)

Behold, my new favourite eyeshadow for inner corner and browbone highlight - Dazzlelight. I bought this entirely on a whim (to bump up my Debenhams basket to £30 so I'd get a £5 off voucher) and I have zero regrets. It's described as a 'neutral with shimmer' and is the perfect all round highlighter with a little shimmer but by no means in your face or over the top. Tt can be worn heavily for nights out, due to its high pigmentation, but also dusted lightly for a little day time shimmer. Perfect for New Years Eve (I'll certainly be picking this out) but also to wake up tired eyes the next day! All round winner. 

easter/end of year treats

(L) 'All That Glitters' (R) 'Mystery'

My palette is slowly filling up!

So I was lucky enough to get money for easter so instead of spending it on boring things like food or cleaning products (who needs those anyway right?) I decided to treat myself for easter and because I have officially finished my first year of university! I handed in my last essay on Monday and it was such a relief. This year has flown by, but I'm lucky enough to still be living in my uni city this term, just to enjoy being independent and spending time with my bestest chums!

Of course my first stop was MAC, I simply cannot go into High Cross shopping centre without picking something up in there. I'm slowly but surely filling up my 15 pan palette so picked up two more shades 'All That Glitters' and 'Mystery' which fit with my neutral theme. I was desperate for another lipstick and after seeing someone instagram a photo of 'Crosswires' I kinda wanted it to be mine right away. It's a new formula compared to my other MAC lipsticks as it's a Cremesheen but still doesn't disappoint on pigmentation or moisturisation. Finally a mascara, something I'd never thought to go to MAC for until I received a tester of the 'Zoom Fast Black Lash' through with an online order and within one use I was sold. It wings out my lashes and gives them incredible length and volume. I like that it has a bristle brush which is tapered meaning that each lash is coated evenly with a strong black colour. 

Next was Topshop in search of something to wear tonight for our first night out back at uni, as soon as I walked through the door I spotted the white crop top with lace flower detailing and knew it was coming home with me. It's a fail safe which can be worn with shorts, jeans or patterned trousers and look great. I can tell I'll be wearing this non-stop in the summer.

Then the Body Shop where I picked up the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, a Kate from gh0stparties influenced purchase, am yet to try this, but promises great things! It smells wonderful and has a pump which I love for this sort of cleanser, it means you don't waste a single drop! 

And finally Primark, I just picked up a back up blouse for either tonight or another night, but could also be worn in the day time. It's a muted-fluroescent peach and just compliments my skin tone and hair colour well, I love my blouses and for £8 it was a bargain! Then a pair of simple black earrings to wear tonight or whenever, again for a pound, you can't go wrong. 

who has no self-control? *raises hand*

Once again, whilst browsing the MAC website and putting items into my basket I couldn't help but click "Confirm and Pay". Well who can pass up Free Delivery when is it so easy to spend £30 to qualify? MAC are so diverse in the products they sell, there is something for everyone and your entire makeup bag could be bought from them and you would be as happy as larry.

MAC Pro-Long Wear Paintpot in 'Painterly' (£15) 

MAC Pro-Palette Eyeshadows in 'Vanilla' and 'Mulch' (£10 each) 

MAC Zoom Fast Black Lash Sample (Complementary)

I am a strong lover of the Maybelline Colour Tattoo's and had heard that the MAC alternative was as good, if not better so I decided to take the plunge. As Maybelline do not offer a skin colour/natural base colour, I chose to purchase 'Painterly' which is a pink toned skin coloured cream base which applies like a dream. I simply just use my finger to blend all over my lid up to my brown bone and it leaves a smooth, even surface to apply shadow. On days where I don't want to wear shadow, I will simply use this alone to even out the skin tone on my eyelids. 

I am a big fan of MAC eyeshadows and have a 15 pan palette which I am (although slowly) filling with neutral shades. So far I have Satin Taupe and Charcoal Brown so thought I'd add Vanilla ('a peach ivory with reflects') and Mulch ('a red-brown with bronze peal'). I have a list as long as my arm of MAC eyeshadows to add to my palette and as my birthday is only a month away the names will be passed onto friends and family in the hope of adding to my collection if I am lucky enough! As always, the quality of these eyeshadows are just incredible. They blend well, the pigmentation is insane, the colour range is vast and they last all day - there isn't much more you could ask for! 

I was surprised when opening my black jiffy bag to find a complementary 'Zoom Fast Black Lash' mascara sample which sells for £14 full price. It has a bristel brush which doesn't tug on lashes, but glides through them giving volume and a strong black coating, it can easily be worn with just one coat, or be built up for an even fuller look. From a first try, I am inpressed and am considering buying the full size because £14 is a good price for what you get.

spring lipstick picks

Both MAC lipsticks = £15, Both Topshop lipsticks = £8, Both Bourjois Colour Boost lip crayons = £7.99

Whether looking for something creamy and smooth or something with a little shine when the sun his it, then the high street and low-high end has something for you! I love all these lip products for different occasions or looks and they are all affordable and well worth their money.

The two MAC lipsticks featured are of the 'Amplified' formula which means they are super creamy and easy to apply even without a lip liner. They can be applied and left for an intense colour or even blended out simply with your finger for a more subtle hue of colour. The colours are extremely vivid and pigmented and look lovely for all skin types and whether you have a tan or not. I have previously written a more in depth review of Vegas Volt here.

The two Topshop lipsticks are of a similar formula to the MAC amplified formula as they are also very creamy and easy to apply. The colours are a little less pigmented than the MAC alternative but are more in budget that MAC for some people, are are very good value for the money. I frequently find myself browsing the Topshop lipstick collection which is vast and has every colour you could think of! I have previously written a more in depth review of Ohh La La here.

The Bourjois Colour Boost lip crayons were extremely popular this time last year and every time I went into my local Boots store they were always sold out, especially in these two shades which epitomise summer and spring to me. The lip crayons are more like a cross between a lip balm and lip gloss as they have a 'sheeny' finish which does leave a slight tint to your lips even after the glossy effect has worn away. I wouldn't say they last the 10 hours that Bourjois claim, but they are lovely for something lighter for no makeup-makeup days when the sun is shining and your spending the day outside. They are a little more subtle than a lipstick and give a shine in the sun which I love when I don't want a creamy and very pigmented lip. 

All the options are pretty affordable and good for different occasions whether you're going out in the evening and want a heavier but still summery lip, or for in the day if you fancy a wash of colour and a gloss and all are handbag essentials for me during this time of year.

Which are your spring lipstick picks? Which of these lipsticks would you pick? Do you prefer the amplified creamy finish or glossy finish?

mac #217 dupe

I recently saw that Islay (Islaay) wrote a blog post about some MAC 217 brush dupes that she found on eBay and recommended, you can find the blog post here and the eBay link here. So of course, for the amazing price of just 99p each (!!) I couldn't refuse that sort of offer and even if the brushes were under par then I'd have only lost pence per brush. Although the brushes have been sent all the way from Hong Kong, they didn't take long to arrive and since I was in no dire need for them, I didn't mind waiting at all. 

I am very impressed with the quality of these brushes for the cheap price, they are so soft and seem like they will blend eyeshadow effortlessly and wash well (although I am yet to do either yet). Comparing to the original MAC 217 brush, the bristles are slightly longer, which I don't mind at all and the 'stem' of the brush (where you hold - I think it's called that, correct me if I'm wrong..) is slightly thicker, which again I don't mind at all. 

For the price, they are very very good dupes for someone just getting into makeup, if you love a good blending brush, or hate cleaning your brushes regularly (like me!). I bought two of these but I am tempted to order a few more because I'm so impressed and on a student budget I can't afford to stock up on real MAC 217's.

(On nails is Ciate 'Pepperminty')

"orangey reds"

Topshop 'Infrared'

MAC 'Lady Danger'

 More often that not, recently I have found myself constantly reaching for orange toned reds in a pathetic attempt to bring sunnier weather (which worked today, but this was purely coincidence) and now try and steer clear from deep reds such as Russian Red or Rimmel Kate Moss 107 which were firm favourites right the way through autumn/winter. 

Whether you prefer matte or a more sheer finish, both of these offerings have something for you. In the day, I tend to reach for Infrared as it gives a nice wash of colour which can be built up with more than one stroke across the lips so I love how versatile this lipstick is. It's an easy way to bring a pop of colour to a neutral eye and I pretty much wear this everyday to uni nowadays. 

On nights out or if I'm having a casual evening at the pub I go for Lady Danger because of it's lasting power and high pigmentation both due to the matte formula. It's difficult to wear this lipstick with dry lips as it does tend to drag across when applying but with a good base achieved using a lip scrub (I love Lush's bubblegum lip scrub) and a good lip balm (I reach for Carmex Cherry or Burts Bee's peppermint lip balm) then it drags less, your lips look smooth and the colour still lasts wonderfully with this firm base.

I love both these lipsticks equally but for obvious, very different reasons but I don't feel my collection would be complete without either!

sunday ootd

Grey cropped jumper (topshop) / black skater skirt (newlook) / black tights 

simple brown neutral eye (urban decay naked basics) / contour (mac 'harmony' blush) / revlon lip butter 'tutti frutti'

rose gold michael kors watch 

friendship 'wish' bracelet (etsy)

mac blush - harmony

mac blush - harmony (£16.00)

The holy grail for contouring; particularly if you have fair skin, as I do, as this colour isn't 'orange' or too dark to look fake and can create a beautiful shape if used correctly. You could even use this as a type of bronzer in the warmer months, or if you have a bit of a tan to give you face a radiant glow without the shimmer that a lot of bronzers have. Then you can just apply a subtle highlight and you're well away! 

Since I started contouring my face I noticed how this (also paired with filling in my brows) can frame you face and transform a dull washed out complexion into a wonderfully shaped face and if used in the right way can hide a few traits which you may prefer not to have (thanks for the chubby cheeks, mum!).

This is the first time I have bought a powder from mac (previously I have only owned lipsticks and the 217/266 brushes) and once again, they haven't failed to disappoint with the quality of their products for affordable prices. 

My Everyday Winter Makeup Routine

Well hello chums!

Here's a post that's a little different! I was about to do my makeup for uni the other day and thought I'd take photo's of the process to show you what I do on an everyday basis now that winter has rolled in!

So here's me: facially naked on the internet for the first time. Feeling rather nervous! But no one's perfect right?

So my main base is: Revlon Colour Stay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin

I then use the classic 'Collection Lasting Perfection Concealor' on any blemishes and under my eyes and set my T-Zone and under my eyes with Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

For my brows I use Sleek's Brow kit with a MAC 217 brush 

Wow, what was I thinking here?!

I use a bit of Burt's Bees lip balm which I love all year round but especially during winter. I keep it in my handbag at all times!

My eyeshadow base is 'Seventeen's' eye base in 'Wild Nude'

The shadows I use are MAC 'Satin Taupe' // MUA Number '' // Sleek iDivine Pallette in 'Au Naturel'

Brushes Galore!

I use the shimmery nude for my inner corners and the black for a bit of definition along the lash line and a tiny bit on the outer corners.

YSL Baby Doll mascara (Only a tester but it's on my Christmas list!)

Here's the finished eyes!

Now for contour and blush! Sleek contour kit and Seventeen's blush in 'First Flush'

*Poser alert!*

For this particular day I mixed two lipsticks: MAC Vegas Volt and Rimmel Kate Moss '' But I tend to wear red and berry shades during this time such as MAC Russian Red//Lady Danger

THE FINISHED LOOK! 

I also wore this makeup out in the evening to the cinema and to dinner last weekend but made the eyes slightly darker and added a little more mascara and I was good to go!