My FOT(E)D

Otherwise known as my 'face of the last 6 months'. Once I got out of the habit of blogging, I spent less and less time deliberating over what makeup to wear each day and simply reaching for my trusted favourites. I started working in February and since then, my no brainer routine has become essential.

Face
Vichy Idealia BB Cream in Light
Ellis Faas Concealer in S202
Bourjois Healthy Mix Face Powder in Vanille
RBR Blusher in Gracilis

Eyes
NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base
GOSH Velvet Touch Liner in Truly Brown
RBR Magnitude Mascara in black

Lips
BECCA Ultimate Colour Gloss in Hummingbird

As you can see, I've managed to hit pan on Solstice Halcyon and my GOSH Truly Brown eyeliner is a veritable stump. Although I use the RBR blusher and BECCA gloss daily, I don't appear to have made a significant dent in either.

I am on my second tube of Ellis Faas concealer. I really like the formula but unfortunately both pens I've owned have come apart from use (you may spot that the base has fallen off). I also have slightly mixed feelings about the RBR Magnitude Mascara and NARS Smugdeproof Eyeshadow Base. The RBR mascara gives me really full, long lashes but the downside is that it bleeds into my under eye concealer mid-afternoon. The NARS primer is excellent at preventing creasing but I also find it tricky to blend over. My tube is empty now and I haven't decided yet whether to repurchase or try UDPP.

I started using Vichy Idealia BB Cream when my NARS tinted moisturiser started running low. It certainly doesn't provide as much coverage as the NARS and I do have to powder to avoid looking too 'glowy', but I find it excellent at quickly evening out redness. I love the Vichy scent too which reminds me of summer holidays of my teens.

We have one in and one out here. I only have a tiny scraping of the NARS tinted moisturiser left (sad face). I suspect this is an item I will repurchase in the future, although at the moment I am determined to make my next purchase a foundation rather than a tinted moisturiser. The Maybelline 24h Color Tattoo in Permanent Taupe is my most recent purchase. I must have super greasy lids as this creases on me if I don't wear it over a primer. I was disappointed by this, as I was hoping to use it as a primer on its own under eyeshadow.

Finally, I thought I'd share what's kept me away from beauty blogging - knitting! I graduated from crochet to knitting, so that I could make some cute dresses for Miss MB and then I just couldn't stop. Once I got the hang of it, I found knitting very relaxing and browsing wool and patterns is just as addictive for me as buying taupe eyeshadows. Unfortunately, it's impossible to blog and knit at the same time.

My colour choices in wool are freakishly similar to my taste in eyeshadows as you can probably see. Above is the Madelinetosh Tosh Merino Light wool which I've just purchased from Loop Knitting to make a Vector Wrap (link to the pattern on Ravelry). Don't you think those colours would make a pretty eyeshadow palette?! Are their any other keen knitters out there?

DISCLOSURE: The RBR Magnitude Mascara and Vichy Idealia BB cream were received as PR samples.

Desert Island FoTD and Colour Ramblings

I discovered this FoTD post sat in drafts today and thought now would be a good moment to share. The products I am wearing are items I picked out for my Beauty Spotlight Desert Island visit. Based on my hair, these pictures were taken a while ago but the items I used remain firm favourites, irrespective of hairstyle.

Face
NARS Pure Radiant tinted moisturiser in Finland
rms 'Un' Cover-up in 11
Hourglass Aura Cheek Stain in Rouge

Eyes
Rouge Bunny Rouge Solstice Halcyon eyeshadow
Kjaer Weis Wisdom
MAC Teddy eye kohl
Maybelline The Falsies Flared mascara

Lips
Ilia Arabian Knights lip conditioner

I was having a moan today on Twitter about my habit of wasting time filling up virtual shopping baskets, only to talk myself out of the spend. I know I'm not alone in doing this but it is an incredibly frustrating habit. I was eyeing up the Clarins lipsticks that are currently reduced on Escentual, but had to concede that the colours I was looking at (Rouge Eclat in Pink Berry and Woodrose) bear a striking resemblance to about 50% of the lip colours I already own. I curse my own inner sensible side for refusing to allow more dupes for 'research purposes'.

Another reason for vetoing more lipstick purchases is my current obsession with what 'season' I might be. I suspect London MakeUp Girl's recent Sci/Art analysis has sparked a veritable tidal wave of similar curiosity. I am clueless about which colours genuinely suit my colouring. I have been told that my uniform of black and white aren't particularly flattering but knowing which colours don't suit me, hasn't particularly helped me deduce which do. I remain hopeful that pastels or yellow aren't the answer! Both Grace and Stiperstones have suggested I might be a Light Summer, so I have been looking at the appropriate colour recommendations on Pinterest. I rather like the suggested colours and have been messing about with coloured scarves that are similar to the colours in the swatches. This blue/green scarf is probably one of my favourites, not least because it matches the colours my streak has faded to.

I think the time has probably come for me to save some pennies and investigate who offers colour analysis locally, so that I can get a professional opinion. I will also be interested to hear whether my rapidly greying hair changes things in terms of what colours I should choose. Watch this space!

Current Favourites

I haven't done a proper favourites post in a very long time, probably because my favourites don't tend to change all that much. Both the RBR Murmurings lipstick and GOSH Truly Brown liner have been mentioned so many times on here, that I fear you may all get fed up with me banging on about them. At the moment I'm in a bit of a makeup funk and keep forgetting to put any on. I'm not entirely sure what's the matter with me, to (mis) quote an online friend, I think the cheese has fallen off my cracker somewhat. Whilst I've been having my little makeup moody, I've become quite reliant on the items below to put on a face without having to put any thought into it.

From top left, clockwise: RBR Gracilis blusher, NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, RBR Time Defying Foundation in Linen Cream, Lancome La Vie est Belle, Ellis Faas S202 concealer, GOSH Truly Brown eyeliner, RBR Murmurings, RBR Blusher Brush and NARS Smudge Brush (#15).

RBR Gracilis blusher* - this is a fairly recent addition to my collection but it's a colour I've been interested for a while. I worried that it might be too cool or pale for me based on swatch research but it's actually the perfect flush of pink. Although I tend to gravitate to more beige pinks, I find Gracilis is very good at instantly brightening my face and making me look less miserable! I have taken some comparison swatches which I will share in another post.

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base - I repurchased Too Faced Shadow Insurance several months ago and I'm not sure whether the formula has changed but I found the new tube just didn't work for me. The formula feels too wet and it didn't prevent creasing. I decided to give the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base a try based on both Visionary Beauty and Musing on Beauty's recommendation. Because I've not been wearing eyeshadow everyday, I haven't put it through it's paces sufficiently for a review but I have been very pleased with it so far.

RBR Time Defying Foundation in Linen Cream* - I'm close to finishing this sample pot of foundation and I have been reaching for it every time I do my face, instead of my usual tinted moisturisers. It has a heavier coverage than I normally wear but you can still my freckles so I wouldn't personally describe it as full coverage. Despite how it looks in the pot, this foundation is a touch lighter and pinker than the skin on my face but I think the depth of colour matches my neck better than my other bases. Particularly as my skin is at its palest at the moment.

I find the finish of this foundation is totally dependent on how my skin feels when I apply it. If I apply to primed or dry (i.e. not pre-moisturised) skin, it gives as semi-matte finish and has a satin-y feel to the touch. However, if I apply to skin that has a film of moisturiser, I find I get a more dewy finish and I do experience a bit of oil break-through on my T-zone later in the day. Unlike the Milk Aquarelle foundation, the Time Defying Foundation doesn't settle into my pores

Ellis Faas S202 concealer - I really like using this for concealing my undereye area and the redness around my nose and I find the coverage lasts quite well. Unlike some of the other Ellis Faas pens, it's not hard to prime. Asthetically speaking, the splaying of the brush bristles is rather annoying.

GOSH Truly Brown Velvet Touch eyeliner and NARS Smudge Brush (#15) - I've put these two items together as my favourite thing to do at the moment is apply the liner in a heavy line and then smudge with the NARS brush. I really like the definition it gives to my lash line. The NARS brush is firm enough to smudge well but the hairs are soft enough not to irritate my sensitive eyes.

RBR Murmurings sheer lipstick - I've said plenty about this lipstick before so I won't repeat myself except to say that I love this lipstick for both the colour and the moisturising feel. It's perfect for this time of year.
 
Lancome La Vie est Belle Perfume* - I love the smell of this Lancome fragrance. It has a sweet, slightly gourmand note to it and wearing it always cheers me up.

Lanolips Lip Ointment in Rose - On days when I haven't bothered with any makeup, I wear Rose to keep my lips moisturised. It doesn't add any colour to my lips particularly but it does give them a nice sophisticated shine.

a design Flat Topped Foundation Brush* - Although I still frequently apply foundation and tinted moisturiser with my fingers, I find buffing in foundation with this brush makes for a speedy application. It also gives a polished finish. The only negative is washing it can be quite a chore.

Left to right: Ellis Faas S202, RBR TD Foundation in Linen Cream, GOSH Truly Brown, RBR Murmurings and RBR Gracilis

Here's how it all looks applied. I did add a touch of Burberry Rosewood eyeshadow to the mobile lid but the hooding of my lids has obscured this.

What products do you turn to when you're in a makeup funk?

* Press samples are indicated with an asterisk

Winter Skincare Routine

Over the last month or so I have added a few new products to my routine so I thought it would be a good time to write an update about what I'm currently using and enjoying. I also wanted to mention a product that hasn't been such a success, which is probably just as useful to share.

MORNING

Nuxe Micellar Foam Cleanser
Before anyone tells me off, yes, yes, I know current wisdom suggests that it's a bad idea to use a foaming cleanser. However, my skin always feels rank if I completely stop using a foaming cleanser as part of my routine. I'm certainly not advocating them for everyone but I do like this one very much. I find the Nuxe similar to the Emma Hardie foaming cleanser in formula but the Nuxe foam feels a little creamier. I bought this from Escentual.com during a 1/3 off French Skincare promotion.

Nourish Radiance Refreshing Toning Mist*
I use this to dampen my face post cleanse, before using either the MuLondon moisturiser or Suti oil. It has quite a powerful spritzing action, a bit too powerful to be honest and it makes me miss the very delicate mist of the Live Native MSM toner.

MuLondon Organic Rose Moisturiser*
I thought it would be nice to revisit this moisturiser as my skin was feeling a little dry and weather beaten. You can find my original review here. It has a solid balm texture which melts with body heat. I tend to scrape up a small amount, melt it between my hands before massaging into my face and neck, which I dampen with toner beforehand. I prefer to dampen my skin as I don't need as much of the moisturiser that way and it makes it easier to spread. 

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm*
I'll sometimes use this in the morning if I didn't get opportunity to have a thorough cleanse the night before (see below for an explanation). It always leaves my skin feeling lovely and clean when used in conjunction with a hot flannel.

EVENING

The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
I finally allowed myself to re-purchase this old favourite after finishing off all my half used bottles of eye makeup remover. I've dabbled with bi-phasic and micellar removers but I much prefer this light cream formula. It's quick and effective, I also find that it can double as an all over makeup remover when I'm feeling very lazy.

No7 Radiance Boosting Hot Cloth Cleanser
I've returned to using this cleanser as it's very nearly empty and I'm still on a major drive to use up products. Although this was also an old favourite (I've been through several tubes in the past), I think the love affair is definitely over. I still like the creamy texture but the fragrance is too synthetic and I suspect it irritates my skin very slightly. I much prefer the Pai cleanser and Emma Hardie cleansing balm to this. I'm actually tempted to do the unthinkable and throw it away before it's empty. 

Bioderma Crealine Micellar Water
I've had to use this as a makeup remover quite a lot over the Christmas period. It's not ideal but unfortunately our bathroom backs on to my daughters room and if she's stirring as we go up to bed, running lots of water often wakes her up. I'll take a sticky face over getting her back to sleep any day! As I mentioned above, I will use the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm in the morning to make up for it.
 
Suti Rejuvenate Organic Facial Oil*
Although facial oils seem very popular in the beauty community, it's not something I use very often. I don't think I've ever managed to review an oil as I am incapable of applying daily for a 28 day period. However, an excellent guest review of the Suti Rejuvenate oil on London MakeUp Girl encouraged me to give this a proper try. I apply this in a similar way to the MuLondon moisturiser, I ensure my skin is thoroughly dampened with the toner spray before massaging in several drops of oil. When I use it in the evenings, I find I wake up with beautifully soft skin without a trace of greasiness.

Before I started using the Organic Rose moisturiser in the mornings, I often used the Suti oil and found it an excellent prep for foundation. I find that in winter, foundation can sometimes accentuate dry patches (even when you thought you had none) but both the MuLondon and the Suti oil are very good at counteracting this. The Vapour Soft Focus Skin Perfector is also very good for this.

OCCASIONAL

I noticed there was a bit of theme to these three supplementary items. The short days, winter winds and central heating all do an excellent job of making my skin look rather dull and grey. I use all of these products in the quest for more radiant skin.

Live Native Essential Earth Exfoliating Cleanser*
This lives in my shower and I use it a couple of times a week. It has quite a gentle exfoliating action so it doesn't feel over the top to have this and the exfoliating mask in my routine.

Omorovicza Radiance Renewal Serum*
Before I switched to using the Suti oil, I used this serum to supplement my moisturiser in the evenings. The moisturiser I had been using wasn't sufficiently hydrating on its own and I felt that the  serum helped to counteract this.

Sjal Pearl Enzyme Exfoliating Mask*
I used this on Christmas day and before my night out at the beginning of December. It's an expensive item that I can't see myself replacing, so I feel the need to eke it out! It smells very odd (and not in a good way) but the pay off is smooth, glowing skin. A cheaper, less smelly alternative is the Dr Darren McKeown Mask from Superdrug. 

DIDN'T LOVE

I really wanted to love the Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream and my initial impressions were good. It smells beautiful and the texture is lovely but much richer than you would expect for a light cream. Despite the rich texture, I found it behaved oddly on my skin. Rather than being absorbed or leaving a film, after a couple of minutes it would begin to dry on the surface of my skin. Whilst it didn't exactly make my skin tight, it was an uncomfortable feeling. I would also need to use something else before applying foundation as this left my skin too dry to apply directly. I'm hopeful that I can make it more servicable by adding a drop of oil as I apply it.

Have you discovered any new skincare favourites over the last couple of months or have you been re-united with your old winter favourites?

* The items shown here are a mixture of items purchased by me and PR samples. The samples are all indicated with an asterisk.

Recent Budget Finds: Maybelline The Falsies Flared Mascara and Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

A couple of weeks ago I popped into Boots on a mission to buy a new mascara and concealer. My intention was to pick up old faithful Max Factor Masterpiece Max and the Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer but neither was available in the shades I needed. This threw me somewhat, I'm terrible at making decisions in store especially when I'm accompanied by the whole family (I'm sure you can imagine how much my husband and 3 children love browsing the makeup aisles!). So, in my haste to pick something and get out of there, I bought Maybelline The Falsies Flared in Black and the Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer in Light 2.

Buying in a rush is usually a recipe for disaster but I'm very pleased to report that both of these products have been good budget finds. I was especially pleased about the Maybelline The Falsies Flared as the packaging prevented me from checking the wand first.

The brush is quite large but not so big that I end up with blobs everywhere, it also has slighty curved 'banana' shape. What I particularly like about this mascara is that it's very black and does a good job of winging the lashes out on the outer corner of my eyes. I have small eyes and puny lashes, so the winging out is good for making my eyes appear bigger. My lashes don't feel as flexible as they do with something like Hourglass Film Noir but the formula isn't brittle or flaky either.

I do have one minor grumble and that is the fragrance. I seem to recall my Maybelline Lash Stiletto was similarly scented. It's not an especially nice scent and my nose says nappy cream for some reason. Personally, I dislike the practise of adding fragrance to products like mascara as it is likely to mask the smell of contamination. Anyway, moving on...

I tend not to look at the Collection stand very often. Collection 2000, as it was, is a brand that I associate with my teenage years and not my 30-something self. However, I've seen this concealer used on Pixiwoo videos a few times and I was intrigued to see how I'd get on with it. It comes in a selection of four shades and I chose Light 2.

It has a doe-foot applicator which I use to dot the concealer on and then pat it in with my fingers. It has a liquid consistency not dissimilar to MAC Select Moisturecover and I find it easy to blend. It gives good undereye coverage, especially if I push it gently into the skin rather than rub from side to side. I also use this around my nose to cover winter redness. I don't find it lasts all day despite the 16 hour claims however, I do think it lasts better than some of my other concealers and I haven't noticed any creasing.

L-R: YSL Touche Eclat in #1, Ellis Faas S202 and Lasting Perfection in Light 2

I bought both of these from Boots, the Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara cost £7.99 and the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer cost £4.19.

The one where I pretend I'm 'Lost'!

It's my turn to do the Beauty Spotlight Team's Desert Island post and you're about to be subjected to my Lost fantasy. Of course, I have cast myself as Kate Austen (I have a very active imagination) and in order to maintain the interest of the two men in my life, I figured some of my favourite beautifiers might come in handy. Yes, I know they'd fallen from the sky, had no access to a bathroom and were running from a smoke monster but please don't try and tell me that Kate was going completely au naturel. I've seen those lashes!

So, if I was Kate, these are the makeup and beauty items I would have packed in my backpack (prior to the handcuffs) then carefully retrieve from the plane wreckage. When I wasn't suturing Jack's wounds or hiking through the rainforest of course.

NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser
This was my summer base and I think it would make an excellent desert island foundation. I deliberated over whether to take my BECCA Luminous Skin instead as it gives a sheerer coverage than the NARS but I find my skin gets upset if I wear the BECCA everyday (I suspect it's the sunscreen ingredients). The NARS tinted moisturiser also has an SPF of 30.

rms beauty 'Un' Cover Up Concealer
I spent rather a long time dithering over which concealer to take but I decided on the rms beauty concealer because it's creamy enough to use on the undereye area as well as blemishes. My old favourite RMK Super Basic Liquid Concealer would have been a good alternative too.

BECCA Turkish Rose or Hourglass Rouge Cheek Stain
I wanted to take a fairly natural looking blusher that would be easy to apply with my fingers. Turkish Rose immediately sprang to mind but after I had taken the pictures, I realised my Hourglass Aura Cheek Stain in Rouge might have been a better choice. The cheek stain has more of a translucent quality than Turkish Rose and is a little brighter, plus it's more likely to stay put in the heat and humidity.

Ilia Arabian Knights
Like the concealer, it was very hard to pick only one of my lipsticks. I have so many lovely sheer, moisturising lipsticks but I chose Arabian Knights because I felt it would keep my lips in the best condition and it's a nice bright berry shade. RBR Murmurings came a very close second.

Mascara
The Maybelline Falsies Flared isn't particularly a favourite, it's just what I'm currently using, but there's no way I'm going to be stranded without a tube of mascara. Max Factor Masterpiece or Hourglass Film Noir are my personal favourites.

MAC Teddy Eye Kohl
Although I do have a great number of brown pencils, Teddy is the one I'd choose to be stranded with. It looks great worn as a smudgy line, pairs well with Solstice Halcyon and it also makes a good base for a smoky eye.

Customised eyeshadow palette
Aren't you feeling better about me de-facing all those pretty Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadow pots now? This palette includes some of my most favourite eyeshadows ever, namely RBR Solstice Halycon, Delicate Hummingbird and Kjaer Weis Wisdom. I've also recently discovered that Gracious Arasari is an excellent colour for blending out dark colours at the crease. Unfortunately, sticking to only 12 items meant that I have been restricted to the small travel brush that sits in my palette. It's a good job I'm going for a no makeup look really...

Pencil Sharpener
It was a shame to lose one of my items on such a practical necessity but as I'm no good at whittling, I figured it had to come along.

Tweezers
I had to do some cheating^✝ to get this into my bag. The tweezers fought off stiff competition from brow pencils and brushes. Without tweezers, I fear the rogue hairs would gradually start to take over my face and I don't recall Kate ever looking like a Yeti.

Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm*
I felt it would be pointless taking along all this makeup without remembering to pack something to take it all off again. I find this balm takes absolutely everything off, including eye makeup with minimal effort which is pretty convenient if you're washing your face in a rainforest.

Flannel
We have another necessity taking up space that might have been filled with something else more exciting. However, if I pack the Emma Hardie, I need the flannel too.

Avene Antirougeurs Light Moisturiser SPF20
Like the mascara, the Avene Antirougeurs isn't necessarily a favourite product but it does contain an SPF. Plus, it would help to tame the telltale red cheeks once I started hitting the duty free bottles. Oh wait, maybe Kate didn't actually do that...

It was extremely difficult to stick to just 12 items, particularly when you realise that so many items require accessories to accompany them. Kate was a very resourceful girl though, so remaining in character, I can't promise I won't go back and rifle through other people's bags later to look for shampoo, razors and a couple of makeup brushes. Don't judge me!

^✝ Cheating
I mentioned cheating and I thought I better explain myself as this was an integral part of my desert island preparation! Rather than use up one of my 12 items with my Shu Uemura brow pencil, I decided to dye my eyebrows. I can credit Pixiwoo's Evangaline Lilly tutorial for planting the idea in my head. I've never dyed my brows before and I was nervous that it could be a disaster but I'm actually very pleased with the results. If I could have added a 13th item into my bag, I would have taken the kit with me to top up. I used the Eylure Dylash kit in Dark Brown for reference.

* I received the Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm as a press sample.

Currently obsessing over....Halloween (yes, really!)

My natural makeup style is really conservative, as you probably already know (hello, taupe eyeshadow and dark rosy lipstick!). However, in my teens, I had a secret desire to copy the hair and makeup of the goth girls in the year above. I thought they looked so cool and interesting whereas a lot of my friends just thought they looked strange. My dress sense was always a little quirky and that's probably still true now but I do wish I hadn't wasted the opportunity to be more expressive with my hair and makeup whilst I was younger.

Anyway, I guess that's a rather roundabout way of saying that Halloween gives me an excuse to be a bit different without having to really explain myself. The look that I just posted here was inspired by Pixiwoo's Vampire makeup and watching this set me off on a long binge of Youtube viewing. I was especially engrossed in videos by Sokolum79, Hollywood Noir Makeup and Letz Makeup but there were many others too. If you're looking for inspiration or you enjoy theatrical makeup, I'd highly recommend checking them out. Personal favourites include Pixiwoo's Miss Argentina Makeup, Sokolum's Hunger Games Capitol Makeup and the Victorian Gothic Circus by Hollywood Noir Makeup. I really want to have a go at this Lisbeth Salander look too.

In terms of deciding which look to re-create for this evening, I was somewhat restricted by which items I could purchase locally with my half-term entourage. My local Claire's didn't have any long black wigs or the Snazaroo Face Paint set that I was after, so that was my witch, vampire and Miss Argentina ideas out of the window. Instead, I picked up a neon pink wig and some two-tone fake lashes. After several failed attempts at copying Michelle Phan's Cyber Gothic Anime, I decided to have a go at re-creating Sokolum's Wide Eyed Doll.

This was my trial run from last night but I suspect I will make some adjustments today, like getting hold of some eye drops as bloodshot eyes wasn't part of the plan! I wish I could have justified some circle lens contacts as I think that really helps achieve the creepy doll-eyed effect. 

Will you be dressing up this evening? Do you like to be more adventurous with your makeup given the right occasion?

Skin Pampering Favourites

On Sunday, I tweeted about a trusted few products that helped perk up my skin and I thought I would share this here too. The majority of these are products that I have been using for a while, they are from a mixture of brands but the combination is a good one and guaranteed to make my skin look better immediately.

I started off with a thorough facial massage with Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm* (if you haven't read Face Goop's recent review, you really should). There's something about the texture and scent of this balm which encourages me to take more time over cleansing that I normally would. To remove the balm, I used a hot flannel which I left on my skin for a moment before wiping everything off. Rinse and repeat.

I followed up my cleanse with a spritz of Live Native Essential Mist MSM Toner*. I've been using this twice a day for a few months now and it's an absolute pleasure to use. It's refreshing, hydrating and smells beautiful. I find the Live Native concept of using raw ingredient in their skincare absolutely fascinating and it makes a lot of sense from a scientific perspective. There are some skincare ingredients that I assume are biological inactive (or unavailable, like collagen) once they hit your skin but oddly I'd never considered the impact of heat during the manufacturing process. It's certainly more food for thought.

With my skin still slightly damp from the Essential Mist toner, I applied a pump of Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator*. I still really rate this and find it does a good job of softening my fine lines, although the fishy smell does limit its popularity. I have to confess that last month I made a terrible mistake whilst using it. In a sleep bleary state I slapped it on moisturiser style, taking it down my neck and decolletage. Later that day, the skin on my chest was covered in fairly large bumps which took over a week to disappear. There's no doubting that the active ingredients in the Activator really are active!

My skin felt really good after using the EH Cleansing Balm, Live Native Essential Mist and Face Firming Activator and I consider these three to be a golden combination for my skin. Alongside the massage and the hot flannel, of course. Although my skin felt well hydrated at this point, I finished off with a moisturiser out of habit. I've just started using the Antipodes Rejoice Light Facial Day Cream so I will refrain from my making any comments but I will say that its scent did an excellent job of masking the post-Perricone smell. I also used the Zelens Triple-Action eye cream* which I previously reviewed here. Job done!

Do you have any trusted face favourites?

* PR Samples

September Empties

I know this is a little late for a September post but I had a computer meltdown recently that meant a lot of my prepared blog photos were held hostage on a hard drive that my laptop was failing to recognise. I was surprisingly devastated about the loss of these pictures as September was a particularly prolific month for empties. Thanks to my local Apple Genius and a new hard drive cable, I've been re-united with my precious photos of empty bottles (don't say a word)!

Melvita Berry Body Wash* // Neal & Wolf Daily Cleansing Shampoo* // Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in Odette // Apivita Baby & Kids Mild Body Was in Lavender and Honey* // Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in Samhain // Lise Watier Foaming Face Wash // Tresemme Naturals Conditioner

I won't write about all the items in detail as there are too many to talk about in one post, instead I will focus on the most notable mentions. The Melvita Berry Body Wash* was a delight to use. I love berry scents and this has a slightly tart edge which prevents it from smelling too synthetic or sickly. It didn't leave my skin dry either which is essential for a good shower gel.

I set myself on a mission to use up all of my stray pots of Haus of Gloi with the promise of a new full size pot of Samhain once I was done. Of the two pumpkin butters pictured above, Samhain is my favourite. I can't claim to be any good at describing it so I will point you in the direction of London MakeUp Girl as she is infinitely better at these things and always spot on. Odette was described as a clean linen smell on the HoG website and I think this is pretty accurate. I liked the scent best when first applied as one of the notes seemed to develop on my skin after a while and become a little over-powering, losing that initial clean fragrance.

I have been meaning to talk about the Apivita range for children for ages and now that the range is more accessible in the UK, I feel less guilty raving about it. My children absolutely loved having their own shampoo and shower gel to test for me. Fortunately, they weren't terrified by the strange looking girl's head with saucer eyes and the body of a bee either (just me then!). I loved the gentle scent of this Lavender and Honey body wash* and it made them smell positively angelic just before bed.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sketches on Water Tinted Moisturiser // Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover // Organic Surge Peach Passion Shower Gel // Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer Sample

I was very sad to finish my RBR Tinted Moisturiser as it's been one of favourite bases for a long time. I purchased it in the shade Adansonia which at times I felt might be a little too light, however it always blended in extremely well. I have tried samples of the RBR foundation (you can request samples from Zuneta) with a view to purchasing a foundation as replacement but I actually prefer the coverage of their tinted moisturiser. I suspect I will re-purchase in the future but I need to finish up a few more of my foundations and tinted moisturisers before I can justify any more purchases.

Both the Botanics Soothing Make Up Remover and Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer are worthy of mention as products I didn't really get on with. I'm still a bit 'meh' about the Hourglass Primer as I expected to love it and I believe it's one of their bestsellers. It didn't seem to do anything for my skin or the lasting power of my makeup, I have a suspicion it was the cause of a small breakout on my forehead too. I didn't get on with the Botanics remover at all. It's a bi-phase remover and I should realise from past experience that I find these way too greasy on my skin.

Avenoo Hand Cream // Haus of Gloi Spring Tonic #1 Whipped Soap // Haus of Gloi Pumpkin Butter in Hearth // Lady Mitchum Roll-On Anti-Perspirant

The Avenoo Hand Cream and Lady Mitchum Anti-Perspirant are both staples in my life. My hands turns painfully dry soon as we hit mid-September and the Avenoo is the only cream that really repairs and protects them. I've already re-purchased a tube as I can't be without. I realise that anti-perspirant is not the most glamourous beauty item but an essential nonetheless. I've been using Mitchum for years and it's failed me on very few occasions.

I loved using the Haus of Gloi Spring Tonic #1 Whipped Soap as I mentioned in my recent Shower Favourites post. It was gone all too quickly and I'm tempted to try more of the whipped soaps when I place my next HoG order. One item I won't be rushing back for is the Hearth Pumpkin Butter (Christmas release). The fragrance didn't suit me at all and Mr MB would always know when I'd applied my 'cake cream' as it scented our whole house. Of course, I martyred myself finishing it up rather than putting it in the bin like a normal sane person.

Thanks for reading if you managed to make it this far. You'll be relieved to hear that October's Empties won't be anywhere near as product heavy!

* PR samples are indicated with an asterisk

From the Archives: NARS Dogon

As I'm struggling to post at the moment, I thought it would be good to share something from the archives. I wrote about the NARS Dogon duo when I first got my hands on it last year. I've parted with NARS Rajasthan since then but Dogon remains a firm favourite. I still love the greenish hint to the taupe and find this is another eyeshadow that works well over a base.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector

Clinique Even Better Eyes has been a bit of a life saver for me recently. This peachy cream instantly gives the effect of brightening my dark circles and the unusual applicator nozzle is so cooling and soothing, it's very relaxing to apply. Given that my sleep is always disturbed and school problems have had me holding back the tears, you can see why something like this is a bit of a God send!

I'm not sure it has any lasting effects on the darkness under my eyes, I suspect that a lot more sleep and a better diet are the only way I'm going to make a serious difference. It is silicone based so I know it won't suit everybody. However, the soothing and instant brightening are quite sufficient for me to give it a big Mummy thumbs up.

Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector costs £28 for 10ml.

Disclosure: press sample

My Everyday Face

I feel like I need to start with a confession. This post is missing a vital ingredient, a picture of the products on my face. Things are dire at home at the moment, so faced with the choice of posting an incomplete piece or nothing at all, I went with the former and frankly writing about makeup is a welcome break from creating five point behaviour scales and reading social stories.

Although I was really worried about restricting my selection of products for a month, it's turned out to be very useful. Getting everyone ready and out to school is even more frantic than it was last year and fortuitously the products that I picked out for Operation Use it Up (plus a couple of additions) combine to make a quick and easy face.

I use a mix of Max Factor Second Skin and Bourjois Healthy Mix as a base and usually apply with a flat topped kabuki for speed. On the eyes I apply the Rouge Bunny Rouge Atlas Swallowtail cream eyeshadow from lashline to crease, line with BECCA automatic liner in Goa (sometimes taking it under the eye) and add a generous coat of mascara. The beauty of using Atlas Swallowtail is that it looks good on it's own but I can also add eyeshadow when I return home, if the mood takes me.

I use BECCA creme blush in Turkish Rose on my cheeks using my Hakuhodo G5552 brush. It has a slightly dewy finish so I can dispense with adding a separate highlighter if I haven't got time. Although I mostly favour Rouge Bunny Rouge Murmurings lipstick to complete this look, I have worn it with Chanel Bonheur, Hourglass Fresco and even Rouge Bunny Rouge Coy lipgloss.

I'm surprised how much I've enjoyed wearing the same thing pretty much everyday. It's quite nice to have a no-brainer look to reach for when I'm pushed for time and I fear it may have compounded my guilt at having so much makeup!

Simple Pleasure: My Shower Routine

Sometimes, it really is about the little things. I'm not really a morning person but the products above are currently combining to lift my mood before I step out of the shower.

Firstly, the Rahua Shampoo and Conditioner. I really hesitated over this purchase because of the cost but the products are so highly recommended, I had to give them a try. As promised, you don't need to use a lot to get the desired results and I'm thrilled to report that the shampoo foams and rinses away completely, which is something I've had trouble with previously with other SLS free formulas. I really like the smell too which is always a bonus.

The Live Native Essential Earth Exfoliating Cleanser* has a really unusual texture and looks a little strange. To use, you scoop out a small blob of the paste and mix with water to get the desired consistency. I prefer to use it in the shower as it creates less mess. It's recommended that you use a press and roll type action with it but I confess, I tried this and failed and resorted to my more usual massaging in large slow circles method. This works just fine for me and I think of it as my little cave woman moment!

I bought the Haus of Gloi Spring Tonic #1 Whipped Soap with my Valentine's order and it has sat patiently in a drawer ever since. I've not tried any of the whipped soaps before but I love the texture. It feels a bit like a very creamy shaving foam (the tradition variety). The Spring Tonic #1 scent is refreshingly zesty without being overpowering which is perfect for my grumpy morning self.

What are the simple pleasure in your morning routine?


*press sample

Current Skin Care Routine

I've been in a non-testing phase with skin care for the last month or so. I don't expect it to last, and I already have a few new things I intend to test for review, but sometimes it is nice to have a break and use things that I already know suit my skin. I'm also keen to use up some of my opened products.

This is just a general overview of the products I'm using. I have reviewed quite a few of the items mentioned and I will include the links where available.

Morning Routine

Face Wash - Själ Balans Deep Pore Cleanser* or Lise Watier HydraSmart Foaming Wash. It's important to mention that foaming face wash DOES NOT suit everybody. However, I like to use one as part of my routine and never use one that makes my skin feel tight or stripped. Neither of these are my favourite but I'm determined to use them up.

Toner - A spritz of Mineral Källa Energy Tonic* or Pai Bioaffinity Rice Plant & Rosemary Toner before moistuiser. I was a little disappointed by the Pai Toner, I wanted to love it but I think it doesn't suit my skin type. It has a slightly odd smell too which I don't get on with. I imagine I would have had more success with the hydrating version.

Moisturiser - I had been using the Emma Hardie Hydrating Lighter Lotion* but finished this up recently. I purchased the Avene Antirougers Jours SPF 20 as a replacement.

Eye Cream - Perricone MD Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream*. I'm on the fence about this cream, but I do think I have particularly fussy eyes. It feels nice and is fine if I apply during the day. If I apply at night, I wake up with a swollen undereye area. This is a problem I have experienced with most eye creams and the Zelens and BcomBio Serum are the only ones I have found so far that do not do this.

Evening Routine

Eye Makeup Remover - Gemey Eye makeup remover or Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. I used up my first bottle of the Gemey and am on to my second bottle. The Botanics is not to my taste, it's a bi-phase oil based remover, but I feel duty bound to use it up. It does remove heavy eye makeup swiftly which is in its favour.

Makeup Removal - Bioderma on lazy days, Zelens Radiance Cleaner* for most days and Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm* and a hot flannel when I feel like I need a thorough cleanse. Sometimes, I use the Moringa balm the morning after the night before. I'm not confessing to sleeping in my makeup but I will admit to being slap dash on occasion.

Second Cleanse - Face Wash, as above.

Moisturiser - Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturiser. Now that I've finished this completely, I'm having a go with the Suti Rejuvenate Organic Facial Oil*. If you want to know what prompted me to give it a try, please read the excellent guest review on London MakeUp Girl.

Eye Cream - Zelens Advanced Eye Cream*

Extras

Exfoliation - It's a long time since I routinely used a physical exfoliant but I received a little sample of the Pai Kukui and Jojoba Bead Exfoliator with an order. It's really enjoyable to use and feels a lot like using a cleansing balm but with texture. The first time I used it, it felt like it left a slight film on my skin after rinsing, so on subsequent uses I removed with a warm flannel. I've used up my sample now and I am considering buying the full size.

Glycolic Acid Treatments - Now, before I start worrying you by writing about two different products, I promise that I am not overdoing it with AHAs. I never use a glycolic acid treatment more than three times a week. I've ended up switching between two different products because I'm forgetful and the time of day that I remember dictates which product I use. If I remember in the morning, I use the Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator, and if I remember in the evening, I use Alpha H Liquid Gold*. Texture wise, my preference is for the Perricone Serum but the Liquid Gold is very quick and allows me to skip moisturising in the evening.

As usual, what seems like quite a simple routine, looks quite product heavy when written down like this. I hope it's useful, even if it is a little ramble-y. What products are you using at the moments? Do you have any recommendations or products you've found disappointing? 

* PR Samples

Rouge Bunny Rouge Blusher Brush (002)

I've had the Rouge Bunny Rouge Blusher Brush (002) for quite a long time now. I mentioned it when I reviewed the RMK Cheek Brush last year and fully intended to post a review soon after. At the time, I'd added a number of blusher brushes to my collection and this one got a bit side lined. In fact, my love of this brush has been quite a slow burner but I do think of it as one of my favourites now.

Top to Bottom: RBR Contour Brush, RBR Blusher Brush and RMK Blusher Brush

The RBR Blusher Brush is a super soft, paddle shaped brush. It doesn't provide resistance like the contour brushes that I generally favour for blush application and this is probably why it took a while to grow on me. Instead, what it is excellent for is adding a sweep of vibrant or shimmery colour. I pick up this brush when I want to apply a colour like NARS Orgasm, Desire or Illamasqua Morale. It feels so beautiful to the touch that I do have to fight the urge to go overboard with the colour!

I haven't experienced any shedding with this brush, like I did with the RBR Face Contour (012) brush. As with my other squirrel hair brushes, it does give off an animalic smell when wet but this fades once dry. I find it keeps its shape well through washing and storage.

The Rouge Bunny Rouge face brushes are expensive but I would say they are quality tools and comparable to Hakuhodo and RMK brushes, so worthy of an investment. I use both 012 and 002 to apply blusher, despite the fact that the 012 is designed for applying contour. If you're trying to decide on one rather than buying both, I would say that your blusher choice and/or style of application will dictate your decision somewhat. If you use mostly neutral pink or subtle blushers and like to work the colour in, you'll get on well with 012. If you like a sheer veil of vibrant colour, go for 002.

The Rouge Bunny Rouge Blusher Brush is available from Zuneta and costs £47. Rouge Bunny Rouge is also available from Beautyhabit.com for those of you in America.

Disclosure: PR Sample

My Weekend Makeup Bag

Despite my best intentions to keep things minimal, I have managed to completely fill my makeup bag just for a night away. I know I probably should have planned what makeup I wanted to wear in advance and packed accordingly, but I suck at being that organised. Anyway, I thought I'd share with you which items made the cut. I have included links to previous reviews where possible.

Basic Face Products
NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in Finland
Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Fresh Powder Makeup in 020
BECCA Creamy Concealer in Praline*
Shu Brow Pencil H9 Seal Brown
Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Tweezers and Pencil Sharpener

Eyeshadows and Liners
Rouge Bunny Rouge Eyeshadows in (left to right) Umber Firefinch, Bohemian Waxwing and Olive Violeteare
Lancome Erika F eyeshadow*
Sephora Jumbo Liner in Taupe
MAC Kohl Power Eye Pencil in Mystery
MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy
Ben Nye Eye Liner Pencil in Espresso EP-85
Kevyn Aucoin Liner in Basic Black*

I really wanted to take my LMdB Come One, Come All kaleidoscope but I'm too precious about my kaleidoscopes to travel with them. I wish I wasn't such a nervous ninny!

Cheek Products and Mascara
NARS Laguna Bronzer
No.7 Lash Adapt Mascara*
Laura Mercier Blusher in Petal Pink
By Terry Blusher, this was passed on from a friend and I'm afraid I don't know the shade.
Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility highlighter

Lipsticks and Nail Polishes
Orly Decoded* from the new Electronica collection
Illamasqua Bacterium
BECCA 2 in 1 top/base coat
Clinique Chubby Stick in Whole Lotta Honey*
Hourglass lipstick in Fresco
Rouge Bunny Rouge sheer lipstick in Murmurings

Brushes
Rouge Bunny Rouge Face Contour Brush* which I use for both blusher and bronzer
Illamasqua Blusher Brush #1, I'm hoping I will be able to use this with the Diorskin powder foundation
Adesign Flat Topped Foundation Brush*
Le Metier de Beaute Concealer Brush*
MAC 224, 219 and 239 brushes
Sigma E25 blending brush
Hakuhodo Kokutan ML Eye Brush
Ruby + Millie Angled Liner

Orly Decoded

I'd like to claim that it's unusal for me to walk around with one random nail painted but that would be a lie! I've had Orly Decoded on for my little finger for couple of days and it's lasted surprisingly well. I still can't make up my mind whether to wear this or Illamasqua Bacterium on Sunday which is the reason that both are travelling with me.

I don't tend to do clothes posts. I'm not the least bit fashionable (you'll be able to tell from the pictures below) but this is the outfit I'm planning to wear to the baptism. It's a black jersey faux wrap around dress and the cardigan is one I purchased the other day in the Lazy Lu sale. I intend to wear it with black tights, black boots and some chunky gold jewellery. I can't decide on which scarf to wear, as much as I love the one in the first picture, I fear that I'd be entering Bett Lynch territory combined with my zebra print bag! I may have a quick look for an alternative tomorrow if time permits.

My 'Bett Lynch' bag!

Right, it's time for me to rinse this hair dye off and find out exactly what 'blends in grey' really means!

Disclosure: PR samples are indicated with an asterisk.

My Week in Makeup

I woke up this morning, rejoiced because I have a day off and then duly set my mind to what to write today. Unfortunately, my mind was a total blank. This isn't especially unusual for me as I'm not really a morning person and my mind has been similarly blank as I've been getting ready each day this week. Makeup wise, I've relied on tried and tested items that I know will make me look human and prevent me from frightening the already anxious students.

Foundation - I used Max Factor Second Skin foundation* this week. It offers a bit more coverage than my usual Rouge Bunny Rouge tinted moisturiser but it's still quite a light foundation.

Concealers - BECCA Compact Concealer* in praline on blemishes and redness. YSL Touche Eclat* on the undereye area.

Cheek Products - NARS Laguna bronzer, BECCA Turkish Rose, Rouge Bunny Rouge Delicata and Laura Mercier in Petal Pink. I used various combinations of these depending on how drained I looked. My favourite combination at the moment is Delicata all over the cheek area with a tiny sweep of the Laura Mercier on the apples.

Brown Liners - I've used both the GOSH Truly Brown and Ben Nye liner in Espresso this week. I prefer the GOSH, I have to admit, as it is easier to apply and lasts longer without smudging.

Eyeshadows - I'm sure you won't be surprised by this taupe fest! I used Solstice Halcyon, Gracious Arasari, the mid brown from Guerlain Les Bois de Rose and various colours from Les Fumes. I also used the highlighter from the Dior Smoky Nude palette on a couple of occasions.

Yesterday I went for a bit of a smoky eye layering the darker colours from Les Fumes over MAC Dirty Greasepaint stick at the lash line then blending out using the pinky tan shade. I was really pleased with the end result and it still felt work appropriate.

Shu Uemura H9 Seal Brown brow pencil and Too Faced Shadow Insurance are both daily staples.

Mascara - No.7 Lash Adapt mascara*. I rather like this for everyday but the formula is a little on the dry side so I think that there's a limit to the number of layers you can apply.

Lipsticks - I wore Rouge Bunny Rouge Murmurings and Ilia Arabian Knights interchangeably almost everyday. Arabian Knights stays at home and whilst Murmurings lives in my handbag. I wore my old favourite Rouge Bunny Rouge Irreverence with the smoky eye yesterday.

Hopefully next week I can get myself organised and pack a makeup bag that I can grab for the early morning starts. I'm hoping to fit Edward Bess Dusk and Olive Violeteare in there for some more work appropriate smoky eyes.

Do you have a selection of products that you know won't let you down? Are you quite adventurous with your makeup at work or do you favour neutrals day-to-day?

* Items labelled with an asterisk were received as PR samples.