Bourjois – Page 3 – Clairey Sweetie

Hey Sweeties,

I thought today I would share with you my everyday makeup routine, it’s something I thought I might be competent and brave enough to film but… maybe next time eh? However, this did though give me a great excuse to play with the self timer on my new camera!

So, let’s begin…

Before I begin my makeup, I cleanse with Burt’s Bees cream cleanser (review here) before moisturising and applying primer -at the moment I am using Maybelline’s Babyskin (instant pore eraser). I have a selection of foundations but for the most part I reach for L’Oreal’s True Match (in C2 Rose Vanilla). I apply this with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush.

In the areas the need a bit more coverage -notably under my eyes, on my chin & forehead/t-zone- I use Collection’s Lasting Perfection concealer in shades 02 and 03. 02 (cool medium) for under my eyes which also serves to highlight, and 03 (warm medium) for the other areas. I apply this with a combination of the Real Techniques Pointed Foundation brush and my middle finger which allows the product to warm into my skin.

I then set this with Rimmel’s Stay Matte Powder.

Following this, I then apply bronzer, blusher and a little bit of highlighter. For bronzer I use Rimmel’s Natural Bronzer in 022 Sun Bronze and apply this using (an old) angled face brush which I use to define my cheek bones (by sucking in my cheeks to find the line). Then, in an ‘E’ formation, I take the product up and onto my forehead, and also down underneath my jaw bone blending as I go.

My day-to-day choice of blusher varies but since purchasing Sleek’s Pink Lemonade palette (review here), I reach for this most often at the moment, specifically shade, pink mint.

I take a little bit of Topshop’s highlighter in Sunbeam at the top of my cheekbones.

Then, the eyes! Since purchasing them, I love Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes, these for me have every look covered between the three of them but for the everyday, I use the first palette taking ‘Naked’ across my lid as a base colour, before applying ‘Buck’ into the crease and blending them both together.

At the moment I am really enjoying Benefit’s Roller Lash and this is my go to mascara currently (review here). I love how it opens up my eyes and holds in place all day.

When I have more time or if I am using another Naked Palette, such as no.3 and create a pink look, I like to add eyeliner -either Collection’s Fast Stroke liner or Benefit’s They’re Real Push Up liner.

Then finally (finally!), I complete my look with my eyebrows and I do this either using a pencil or a brown eyeshadow with a brush and setting in place with Rimmel’s Brow This Way gel.

Et voila, I am done and ready for the day!

I also often apply a bit of Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipstick in 09 Happy Nude Year

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know if there is anything else you would like me to do -always welcome to suggestions and new excuses to try out the camera more!

Until next time x

Hey Sweeties,

I have mentioned these gorgeous liquid lipsticks before but I thought it time to do one definitive post on the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks…which I love, love, love!

When I originally mentioned the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks back during Blogmas (here), I was reviewing 09 Happy Nude Year, since then I have added Nude-ist, Frambourjoise and Olé Flamingo! to my collection and I doubt it’ll end there.

The difference in colour between 09 Happy Nude Year and 07 Nude-ist is slight but 09 is slightly pinker. Both shades/nudes however are great for when you want to achieve a natural ‘my lips but better’ look and are great for the everyday.

02 Frambourjoise is a fruity red and 05 Olé Flamingo! is an amazing vibrant pink. These two colours particularly really add that pop of colour to a look and if you like a bold(er) lip and don’t want the hassle of a traditional lipstick, these are for you!

The formula of these products are deliciously thick and creamy but what I think is the best thing about these, asides from the great shades, is the durability. Once on, these products do not budge unless you literally wipe it off. Upon application, the product sets as matte before absorbing into the lips leaving them beautifully stained. They differ from normal lipsticks and arguably are somewhat better because you haven’t got to worry about re-application or product on your teeth. For the everyday, these are perfect.

In summary, the Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks are great quality, great colour and very affordable. Bourjois really have created something incredible here and totally nail the lipstick without the hassle. Bravo!

Until next time x

PS. What do you think of the new photography? The difference a quality camera makes to a post is incredible!

Hey Sweeties,

So I have made a few little cheeky purchases lately, mostly beauty but a bit of fashion too and I know how much we all love these kind of posts and videos (not on here necessarily, I mean in the blogosphere more broadly!). My last haul was in January which I filmed -possibly not very successfully- so I thought I would keep this one strictly to text and photographs. Also, rather than have a super long post involving everything, I figured it would make more sense to split this haul into two posts.

So let’s begin: Beauty…

From left – right:

Soap & Glory Peaches and Clean 3-in-one Deep Purifying Cleanser

I have a review of this cleanser going up on the blog next week which explains in more depth why this landed in my basket as I have yet to try anything from Soap & Glory. Without giving anymore away, you’ll have to wait until next week!

Rimmel Brow This Way in dark brown

My brows are a bit unruly at the moment which I am sure I have made no secret of, but while they could do with some professional maintenance, they aren’t so bad they need it yet I don’t think and with a good application of pencil, I am doing alright at disguising this. I have been meaning to get a brow gel for a while and I have been seeking out a cheaper alternative to Benefit’s Gimme Brow. In a recent haul post from another Blogger, Rimmel’s Brow This Way was mentioned and the review wasn’t bad so I thought I would give this one a shot. I’ll let you know how I get on! Anyone else tried this?

Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in 03 warm medium

This is a repurchase and I don’t think I need to explain why! It’s quite simply one of -if not the best- high street/drugstore concealer on the market.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 05 Ole Flamingo

I love these lipsticks from Bourjois, so much so that I just had to add this one to my collection which now stands at four, the other three being; Happy Nude Year, Nude-ist and Frambourjois. I have spoken about them on here before but not all together as they have each been purchased at different times, so I may do a post involving them all, if for no other reason than for a single referal point going forward.

Autograph Pure Luxe Multi-Blusher

I have had a voucher for M&S for a while but it has taken me ages to find anything I like in store and it was only the other day while mooching in Windsor that I stumbled upon their beauty section. This blusher caught my eye for it’s pretty flower embossing and a quick swatch suggested it was definitely worth a punt. However, had I not had a voucher, I might not have been so keen to spend £12.50 of my own cash on it without being sure it was worth it. So we’ll see, I’ll let you know in due course!

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25hr Foundation in 100 Ivory

Again, a re-purchase. My existing review of this product can be found here.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser

Something else I have been waiting to try for a while as although I have no doubt it’s not the best out there, I’ve not actually heard a bad review. I think this usually retails for around £7-8.00 but while in Asda last week they were doing a deal on their Maybelline products which meant I snapped this up for a cool £5! Currently I switch between sample sized tubes of Benefit’s Porefessional Primer and Smashbox’s Photo Finish Primer.

Primer is one of those products that are hit and miss across the beauty world with as many people insisting a primer forms part of their base, whereas others never touch the stuff. For me, I have just got into the habit of wearing primer and I do think it makes a difference. However, I struggle to justify spending a lot of money on primer so I have high hopes for Maybelline’s doing the job for the long term.

Sleek blush By 3 palette in Pink Lemonade

One drugstore brand to never underestimate or easily dismiss is Sleek, their products are not only very affordable, they are also good quality and well pigmented. Not that I really need any more blushers (said no woman ever) but this palette caught my eye and it involves two powder and one cream blush. Very pretty! I can’t wait to share a more in depth review of this palette in a future post with you guys!
The second part of my haul (fashion purchases) will be posted in a week or two, so stay tuned Sweeties!

Until next time x

Hey Sweeties,

On the penultimate day of Blogmas (*Sobs*) and before I get absorbed in the festivities with family here and in Devon, not to mention that today is also Beauty Review Tuesday… I felt it apt that we talk through a few 2014 favourites.

*FYI, it’s a long one so maybe pop & get yourself a cup of tea/coffee/juice/squash/wine…*

This year really has been a year of discovery, particularly in beauty (as discussed on Sunday’s post) and although I have tried loads of new products, many of which have been incorporated into my everyday stash, I couldn’t class them all as favourites. So for me, here is what made the cut this year in beauty & skincare:

Real Techniques Brushes:

I have the Core Collection, the Starter Set, the Blush Brush and the Expert Face Brush and I just love them. They apply and blend makeup fantastically and clean really easily. I have had some problems though with cleaning the expert face brush (which I use for foundation) and the pointed foundation brush (which I use for concealer) as I have found they clog up with product really easily. However, with these I will clean them with baby shampoo like the others but give these two brushes an additional clean with conditioner which I find does the trick.

Urban Decay Naked Palette 1&2:

It’s safe to say that I now rarely use any other eye shadow palettes as between these two I have pretty much every look covered. You’ll remember I got bought the Naked 2 first (here) and then I later purchased Naked 1 while on a shopping trip with my Mum a couple of months ago (read that post here) and I really have never looked back. Both palettes have a great mix of matte and shimmer shades, all well pigmented and easily to blend. Trust me, the Naked palettes are worth the splurge!

Benefit They’re Real Mascara and Push Up Liner:

I feel I have spent a lot of time with Benefit this year but the They’re Real Mascara has been a long time favourite since first purchasing it a couple of years ago. I don’t wear it everyday but when I know I have a long day ahead, maybe I am going out after work or it’s the weekend and I again, have a busy day out and about, I 9 times out of 10 reach for this product. I like that it’s thick but doesn’t clump together your lashes and it’s very long lasting.

You’ll remember that I was given a mystery new gel eyeliner to try out earlier this year (read that post here) which turned out to be Benefit’s They’re Real Push Up Liner. I appreciate that not everyone fell in love with this product but I really did. Although it can be a real bugger to get off, I just love how it applies and again, I reach for it when I know I need something to last all day.

I am excited to reveal Benefit’s new top secret product next month to you all! #CurlsBestFriend

Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet 09 Happy Nude Year:

I reviewed this product only last week so that post (here) will tell you why this has become a firm favourite.

Bourjois Blusher 95 Rose de Jaspe:

I purchased this product during a little Bourjois Haul a few months ago and this particular product has continued to be great to use. As I said originally (probably), the brush that comes inside the packaging is not worth using but I love the flush of colour this blush adds to my cheeks. Really well worth adding to your collection.

Rimmel Bronzer 022 Sun Bronze:

I have used this product for a long time and although I have other bronzers in my collection, I just find this one does the job day in day out. It is great for contouring as well as for providing an all over dusting of colour to warm up the face. I would struggle to find fault with this item, even if you paid me!

Rimmel Colour Rush Balms:

I know other brands have created very similar products to these Rimmel ones but as you all know, I just love these and to be honest they are a much more practical pop of colour for the everyday rather than choosing a lipstick if you were looking for something lighter to wear. For the summer months, these will be perfect and a firm staple. I have four in my collection -210 Boom Chic A Boom, 700 Not An Illusion, 300 Keep Mauving and Give Me A Cuddle (apologies the number has rubbed off on this one). For a better review of these products read an earlier favourites post here.

L’Oreal True Match Foundation in C2 Rose Vanilla:

Now, the only reason why I have tried several different foundations this year was so that I could break away from this particular foundation as to be honest, asides from Mac’s Studio Sculpt (which I used on nicer occasions), I hadn’t tried anything else. I got introduced to True Match by a friend several years ago and was hooked on day one and I am still hooked.. but, I don’t now use this all the time and do now have a varied collection to suit different seasons, moods and skin tones. But I do think this is probably the best drugstore foundation on the market and therefore I can’t not raise this above the others as my all time favourite.

Smashbox Lipstick in Fig:

As you can probably tell, lip products have played a really key role this year but I think they are probably the easiest products to try out as once you have found your eye palette and foundation and have a couple of good blushers, you’re generally sorted but lips, lips are different. A good lip product completes the look whether it’s a gloss, a balm or a lipstick and finding the right shades, types and colours can be a task in themselves. For me, I have discovered a real love for lipstick this year and this one from Smashbox, has become a favourite. You can read my original review of the lipstick here but having now tried it out several times, I can confirm that it does actually last really well but the trick is of course, to have dry lips to begin with otherwise this product will just slip off.

The Body Shop Almond Hand & nail Cream:

I love a good hand cream but I find I go through phases of using them rather than something I apply every day, although I will always have one with me. However lately I have been finding myself reaching for something slightly nicer than my basic one from Tesco and it’s been this one from The Body Shop which I got in my advent calendar last year. I like that it doesn’t overpower my hands in scent but it does nicely moisturise and absorbs quickly which I need from a hand cream.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter:

To think before discovering this product that I was just using face wipes and eye makeup remover lotion (*shakes head and tuts*), well no more! The way this product melts makeup off your face is almost poetic and I couldn’t recommend this more highly to you all to try. In fact just go, go now to your nearest store and purchase this item immediately!

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment (for combination skin):

The Body Shop as you have no doubt realised now pretty much is my go to place for skin care, and before 2014 I hadn’t been inside a store for years -maybe I’ll just include The Body Shop as a whole to be considered as part of my 2014 favourites? As you will remember, when I originally purchased this item and mentioned it in a haul post (here) this product had been recommended to me by one of the staff and it’s a shame I didn’t catch her name as she should now be on my Christmas card list! From the first pump this product has just worked so well for me and the difference it made to my face was noticed almost straight away. I don’t think it’s anything particularly magical but for a night treatment it basically hydrates my skin wonderfully while I sleep.

Phew! I think I am done!

It is actually quite difficult selecting the best of the bunch as like I said, there are other products I use on a routine basis that I also think are really great but unfortunately I can’t include them all. However, what I probably will do at some point (early) next year is bring more of my collection together and show you guys what I have. As I have said before (I hope), I don’t get sent products so everything I review I have gone out and bought myself or in some rare instances, I have been gifted them by family. Therefore having a monthly favourites or even a regular (ish) favourites post just doesn’t make sense as you mostly see everything I buy either in a haul and/or an individual review. But we’ll see, maybe 2015 will bring new opportunities for this kind of thing…

Let me know what your 2014 favourites are and if there is anything you strongly recommend!

Until tomorrow x

Hey Sweeties,

As promised, this week I am giving you guys not one but two beauty reviews! On Tuesday it was Bobbi Brown’s Tuxedo Black nail polish (read that review here) and today I am letting you know my thoughts on the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in shade 09 Happy Nude Year.

I am going to cut to the chase here and open by saying this product is most definitely a new favourite of mine, absolutely no question.

I was sceptical at first purchasing it and if I am honest I don’t feel the need to be one of these bloggers that tries and reviews everything as let’s be frank, if a product is good, unless the formula completely disagrees with certain skin types etc. we’re more than likely all going to agree & our reviews are unlikely to differ greatly from one another. Saying that, not everyone watches or reads everyone’s videos or blogs therefore readers and viewers will have their own individual preferences over whose opinions they take on board. For me, I very much value the opinions of Lily Pebbles, Anna (from Vivianna Does Makeup) and Fleur De Force; if I am on the fence about something, their opinion will invariably push me over or pull me back away from it. In the case of the above Bourjois product, this was very much Anna’s influence.

The packaging is simple but chic and sturdy and I like that you can see the product inside. The lid screws on/off to reveal the doe foot applicator and enough product for a first application. I definitely prefer this type of applicator as it allows for a much better, smoother and more accurate distribution of the product.

As you can see from the swatch, the formula applies wonderfully thick and creamy but dries leaving a matte finish to your lips. It doesn’t last like a good lipstick does, but it does leave behind a soft pinky nude stain once it has fully absorbed and this suits me fine. It means I can relax and not have to worry about touching it up or whether following a meal it looks a patchy mess. This product just works and I am so pleased I purchased it.

Until tomorrow x

My Everyday Makeup Routine

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My 2014 Beauty Favourites

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Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet 09 Review

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