Sleek Matte Me Liquid Lipstick in Velvet Slipper Beauty Review

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A couple of months ago, I made a few new beauty purchases (here) and as promised, I said I would review a few of the products individually for you. Last week I posted about the Sleek Cream Contour Palette, and today I am sharing my thoughts about the Sleek Matte Me liquid lipstick in shade, Velvet Slipper which I believe is one of the shades released as part of the new collection.

I am a big fan of Sleek makeup and they are arguably one of the best high street brands on the market right now, for both the quality of their products, and affordability.

Sleek Matte Me Velvet Slipper

Beauty Haul -Sleek Matte Me Lipstick

Described as an ‘ultra smooth matte lip cream‘ the matte me formula is very creamy and beautifully pigmented, and upon application it mattes down almost instantly so you do need to be quick (and accurate) when applying the product.

To really make your lips pop, I would recommend outlining your lips in concealer, just to really achieve a sharp line of definition but you do only need one layer of the product.

I love a good berry lip and you can’t go wrong with Velvet Slipper; a red-toned plum shade and I definitely think it’s your year-round berry lipstick if you’re someone like me, who often likes a bolder lip, even during summer.

As long as your lips are free from rough, flaky skin, the product leaves a lovely smooth finish which lasts extremely well.

I don’t feel as yet I can quite trust the product as much as I can the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet lipsticks, but I think when you’re wearing such a bold colour this is normal as when you eat or drink, you will naturally be constantly checking your lipstick hasn’t smudged and/or partly worn off.

Sleek Matte Me Velvet Slipper

Overall, I would thoroughly recommend this Sleek matte me lipstick, on both formula and shade and I would be keen to explore some of the other shades from the range; Birthday Suit I have heard is particularly popular among makeup lovers.

Have any of you tried the Sleek Matte Me liquid lipsticks? What are your thoughts?

Until next time x

What I got for my birthday 2016 featuring Clarins and Pandora

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What I got for my birthday 2016 – A couple of days ago it was my 29th birthday and I was a very lucky girl this year with some of the gifts I received. I was also treated to tickets to see Guys & Dolls in the West End which is currently starring Rebel Wilson; the show was brilliant and she was fabulous!

What I got for my birthday 2016

Birthday presents 2016

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L’Oreal 24hr Infallible Foundation Beauty Review | August Blogs

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Hey Sweeties,

At the start of ClaireySweetie, when I was in the beginnings of exploring my love for beauty and makeup, I said on several occasions that for years I hadn’t wavered my loyalty from the L’Oreal True Match foundation (review here). I then pledged that once I had finished my current bottle, I wouldn’t repurchase it until I had given a few other foundations a go, which I did. I have of course since brought the L’Oreal True Match foundation back in to my life, but I still do enjoy from time to time, trying out new foundations. Most recently, it’s the L’Oreal 24hhr Infallible foundation in shade 125 Natural Rose.

Infallible foundation

On first impressions, the foundation provides a nice, medium level of coverage and finish. I always struggle to accurately select the most appropriate shade, but while I agree I could go maybe a shade or two lighter, I do otherwise actually like the shade.

As packaging goes, I really like the shape and look of the bottle and while I love that it has a pump for product distribution, the amount of times this has got a bit clogged and then spluttered foundation across my dressing table and even onto my (work) clothes is unreal. Looking at the pumps of my other foundations, they look to have more of a nose on them that directs product down onto your hand/brush/sponge etc. whereas the pump on this foundation doesn’t have that and I wonder if that makes a difference to distribution? In product reviews I so often say that it could just be my bottle that has done whatever and I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt, but this time I’m not sure I want to be so forgiving. Fundamentally my first experience of using any kind of product, needs to determine if I would purchase it again. As I said earlier, I think the coverage of this foundation is perfectly acceptable and gives a nice finish, but I’m still not wholly wild about it. Lately I have been suffering with a few breakouts which I rarely have anymore, and while I can’t yet prove it, I do wonder if it’s this Infallible foundation that has caused it? I do also feel that I have to do a bit of shine control and get the powder out a couple of times during the day, which I don’t usually have to do with my other foundations.

Infallible foundation

Infallible foundation

The high street is clogged with foundations, and some really excellent ones at that, so I think it would be fair to say that most people are catered for and can find at least one that works for them. For me, I think I can be satisfied with knowing I’ve had the chance to try it out the L’Oreal 24hr Infallible foundation, rather than needing it to be one that joins my foundation collection that I continue to repurchase time and time again.

What do you guys think? Have any of you tried the L’Oreal Infallible foundation, thoughts?

Until next time x

Learning how to Contour & Sleek Cream Contour Palette Review | August Blogs

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Hey Sweeties,

In a recent beauty haul (here), I purchased the Sleek Cream Contour palette having decided that it was a makeup technique that I wanted to learn how to do. Of course I chisel out my cheek bones in my daily makeup routine, and add concealer under my eyes to brighten, but to actually properly contour is something still to master. I also within the same haul, purchased a blending sponge as on Instagram particularly, I had seen this as the preferred application and blending method by many.

Sleek Cream contour

Blending Sponge

I’ve got to say, I really have enjoyed using this Sleek cream contour palette and while I thought I might use it only a couple of times, I’ve used it pretty much every weekend as I’ve been really busy over the summer so far with plenty of opportunity to wear a full face a makeup. Being a novice, I have made full use of the contouring instructions that come with the palette; it simply just explains which contour colour should go wear which is useful for first timers.

Sleek Cream contour

Sleek Cream contour

While this particular blending sponge isn’t anything to get excited about, I can still certainly see the benefits of a blending sponge over brushes to achieve a particular kind of finish, and for blending cream products it’s definitely recommended. The first couple of times I used the palette, I used a makeup brush to apply the product to my face, and then used the sponge to blend it all together, but I have since used the sponge to apply and blend the products and it works just as well for both.

Sleek Cream contour

Sleek Cream contour

Once I have blended the Sleek cream contour palette together, I still continue to enhance some areas further with powder products as the cream formula I think benefits from being set with powder. The above photograph shows a completed face of makeup using the palette as well as other products on top and I have been wearing this look most weekends recently. Overall, I would thoroughly recommend the Sleek cream contour palette.

Do you guys like to contour? Do you prefer a cream or powder formula in your products?

Until next time x

A Rural Summer Wedding | Outfit, Makeup & Accessories I Wore

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Hey Sweeties,

One of my favourite things about going to a wedding, is seeing how much the day reflects the couple; from the venue, the attire, the decoration and so on. Last weekend, my husband and I were invited to a rural summer wedding reception of two friends and from the invite, we knew it would have a very relaxed vibe to it. For starters, it was buried within a valley and therefore heels were strongly advised against, and when we eventually made it to the location, we were greeted by picnic tables with jars of fresh flowers, and a large open-sided tent situated in the middle of the field. With the sun shining (thank goodness), the place couldn’t have been more reflective of the couple; it was beautiful.

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

What I wore:

I bought this dress a few months ago from ASOS and I am just so in love with it. I love the peach colour and the lace panelling; it screams summer wedding! As it was high necked, I didn’t need a necklace so I accessorised the look with gold coloured sandals, a light pinky-peach coloured clutch from Head over Heels, and a floral crown (which I think I purchased from H&M a summer or two ago) which was a huge hit with other guests. The only thing I didn’t think about was pairing my outfit with a pashmina for when the night got cold, but I did fortunately have a jumper with me to use as by that time of night, everyone adopted warmth over style.

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

Makeup

Considering the rural vibe of the wedding as well as taking into consideration my outfit, I wanted to create a look using a palette of pinks and peach tones. For my base I used the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation which I really love for summer, before seizing the opportunity to try out my new Sleek cream contour palette which I purchased in a recent haul (here), that I applied over the top. I have a formal review of the palette coming to the blog very soon so I won’t go into any more detail for now.

In addition to my base I used the Revlon shimmer brick which I am totally loving at the moment for that perfect light pink flush and highlight; a combination of shades from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette for my eyes; Bobbi Brown gel liner which I lightly smudged; and my favourite Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara in intense black. I also used the Hi Impact Brows palette. For a hot day it was a lot of makeup to wear but I loved the completed look and it lasted me well into the night.

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

As the sun went down, the fairy lights came on, the beats started to drop and the drink flow. The night ended with a large camp fire before we all retired to our tents.

Rural Summer Wedding

Rural Summer Wedding

What has been your favourite wedding to attend?

Until next time x

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