FOTD- Barry M Tan and Plum

For a few years Barry M makeup was being hyped all over the net. It seems to have been slightly forgotten recently, by me also. I regularly used to buy the Dazzle Dust pigments and used them almost every day.  I realised a few days ago that I haven’t bought one for ages and hadn’t used them for quite a while, so it was time to show them some love.

Haul and 1st Impressions- Boots, Collection 2000, MUA and W7

Ah, bargain shopping and the wonder that is the Boots No7 vouchers! I went to see Mr Popper’s Penguin’s yesterday and went for a wander around the shops afterwards. Of course I couldn’t resist dropping into Boots- the hypnotic allure of £5 off vouchers cannot be denied. Also, my local TJ Hughes is closing down so I picked up some W7 makeup, one of my favourite budget brands.

Thanks to vouchers and special offers I spent the grand total of… £7.67! So what did I buy?

FOTD- Shimmery Pastels

First of all, let me just say a big helllooooo to my new followers. I really appreciate knowing that people are reading and that my ramblings might have a point (for once in my life!)

I keep trying to make pastels work for me and, after trying numerous combinations, I’m coming to the conclusion that they never will. Anyway, after a few tries with various shades I decided to stick with this look for the day, paring it with the bright pink Ciate Ibiza gloss. I think this EOTD would look great on someone with a better tan than mine (what tan, right?), lighter hair and a less hooded eye. Mine need more contouring than pastel shades seem to provide. 

July favourites

It is a few days late, but here are my favourites from July. There are a few new buys and a few that are long time loves.

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Diva- This refreshes my summer wilted hair, giving me amazing volume. It smells divine and perfectly complements the oriental perfumes I like. I used to stick to the Original but fancied a change and this is now my staple dry shampoo.

Head and Shoulders Itchy Scalp Care- One of my hayfever symptoms is itching. I’ve been ripping my skin apart including my scalp. I don’t suffer from dandruff so can’t comment on how well it works for that, but this helps me to stop ravaging my skin. I was worried that the menthol would be overpowering but it was just enough to calm my skin. Yes, this has dried my hair out at the ends and stripped the colour but it’s worth it for the blessed relief.

Boots Soltan SPF25- Lasts well, moisturising, avoids sunburn, doesn’t stink. What else is there to say? (I know the picture is SPF15- I couldn't find the SPF25 so had to use my winter suncream bottle)

Buff Revlon Colorstay - An old favourite making a return for summer as the yellowness works with my ever so slightly warmed skin.

Witch Primer Anti Blemish Skin Clearing Primer- I’m planning to do a proper review of this, as it has very quickly become a holy grail item.

ELF Cool Bronzer- The perfect matte bronzer for contouring and adding a light amount of colour to my pasty skin. Another holy grail item that I use every day.

Maybelline Falsies Black Drama- Gives me the over the top lash look that I love. 

Black Elf Cream Liner- Lasts even through the worst hayfever days.

Urban Decay Toasted Eye shadow- A shimmery metallic copper eye shadow. I’ve used this so much this month as it’s versatile enough to go with neutral and bright looks. I use it in the crease, as a lid shade, as an eyeliner- it’s superb. I tend to neglect this over the winter, as it’s too warm for my skintone when the sun doesn’t shine.

ELF Super Glossy Lipshine in Watermelon- lovely bright shade for the summer that works with almost any summer look. The SPF 15 it contains is a real bonus. It’s also proof that you can make an affordable lipgloss that works (I’m looking at you Malibu Babes LipSlick!)

W7 Crackle Polish- The best crackle polish I have used so far. See my review

What are your summer favourites?

Review: Malibu Babes Lip Slick in Succulent Strawberry SPF20

I’ve been trying a lot of cheap products from Poundland recently. I’ve found some great bargains but I’ve also had some disappointments. Malibu Babes Lip Slicks is one of these. I was attracted to this because I’d used a Malibu Babes sunblock stick in the past and was happy with it as a budget handbag item. Also, the weird British summer we are having (lots of sunshine!) made the SPF level very appealing. I was hoping for a product similar to ELF’s Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF15, which I love.

I’m going to come out and say it immediately- I hate this. It’s a detestable waste of money. I don’t care if it’s only £1. I resent Malibu Babes Lip Slick’s very existence!

FOTD- Bronze, Green and Browns

Okay, perhaps this isn't a proper Face of the Day and more of an Eyes of the Day but I'm still summoning the courage to inflict my entire face upon the blogging world.