Beauty: The Makeup Diaries Issue 2 14.1.18

Welcome to 'The Makeup Diaries'. This week I have chosen some more new products to use in my beauty regime. So here's a look at the beauty products I have used this week. I have listed them below and provided a short summary of what I've thought of them.

1. Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium: This is my 'go-to' face base as it is lightweight and provides light coverage with a natural finish. Plus it has an SPF of 35!

2. MAC Concealer in NC35: This is another staple of my face base prep. I use this as an overall face concealer. It has long lasting staying power and matches my complexion well.

3. Kryolan Derma Color Camouflage Creme Concealer: This was a newbie and I bought it to see if it would provide me with flawless undereye coverage. I have dark circle and have become more conscious of how they look when I am out. This is creamy once you warm it up and it is intensely pigmented. So far, so good!

4. Urban Decay Naked Concealer: This is pretty good. It is so light you don't even feel it whilst applying it onto your skin. I use it as an undereye brightening concealer and it has great coverage and staying power.

5. Becca 'Glow on the Go' Highlighter Set in Opal: So this was bought in a set which includes the liquid highlighter in Opal as well as the pressed powder. I'm still undecided on these. I like how the liquid highlighter works as it does look beautiful and natural on the skin but not so sure about the powder highlight.

6. Inglot Cream Blush in 96 - I read reviews on the staying power and matte finish of this product. I opted for a coral shade as that is usually my favourite. I LOVE it. It's lightweight and easy to apply with a stipple brush. The staying power is seriously amazing! 

7. Sellma Studio Matte Lipstick in Latte and Lipshine in Biscuit: I have been using these for 2 weeks now and it is my new every day colour. It's a lovely nude light brown and the shine on top is lovely and glossy. This may be my new favourite for liquid lipsticks as it still wears great after you've eaten!

8. MAC Lipliner in Nice 'n' Spicy: I have been using this with the products above and it really accentuates my lips and makes them appear more fuller. 

The IsaDora eyeliners I believe I used last week so I won't review them as I have done before.

Other than that, I am liking that I am utilising new products and integrating them into my beauty regime.  After this month is over, I am thinking of doing a project pan of beauty products and a decluttering post - home and possibly beauty.

Have you tried any of these products? If not, which ones would you be tempted to try?

Love Sara xx

Beauty: My New Year Skincare Regime

Sara's New Year Skincare Regime

I don't think I have posted about skincare in a while but what better way than to kickstart the new year by doing so.

So, I have always been about makeup since I was 19/20 which is roughly when I started to wear it.  I have always worn skincare but I haven't been crazy about it.  Now with me being 30, I have realised the importance of looking after your skin. I am thankful that whilst I did go through a stage of teenage spots, my skin is looking at its best.

With regards, to skincare I don't think you have to purchase high end products. It's all about the products, ingredients and how they perform on your skin. For example, my skin is normal/dry whereas my sister's skin is sensitive so we don't tend to use the same products on our skin, as it reacts differently. I like to use a mix of products and I do switch it up at times, as over time some products stop working as your skin has become immune to it. 

I am going to list and provide a brief explanation of the products that are currently in my skincare regime for 2018.

My Skincare Regime ( Top - Bottom)

1. Soap & Glory 'Peaches and Clean' Cream Cleanser: I actually first heard of this from 'Yummy Mummy's Beauty Blog' ( I don't think she blogs anymore). I was intrigued and bought it whilst it was on a promo offer from Boots. I was literally hooked until after I purchased it and I continue to purchase it now. It is so creamy with a subtle peachy smell but the formula thoroughly cleanses my skin, leaving it smooth. For reference, I use this every morning and evening.

2. Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Water: My sister got me using Bioderma and I haven't looked back. I will admit I have used the red/pink  and green topped waters and have stayed with this one since forever. It is a fragrance free water which is to be used to cleanse the face of makeup. I use it as a cleanser and at times as a toner. It refreshes and hydrates my skin really well.

3. Paula's Choice 8% AHA Exfoliant Lotion: This product is new. I originally used the 2% BHA which was amazing at chemically exfoliating my skin, leaving it so smooth and radiant. But I decided to try this one, as apparently it is supposed to deep clean your pores more. So far, consistency is lightweight and fragrance free. It sinks into my skin well, but I will only know the results after about a month so I will keep you updated. Please note, if you use and AHA/BHA it is extremely important to wear SPF.

4. Soap & Glory No Pores Scrub: This is basically a product I have had from last year which is a gritty exfoliator. It is a good product but probably one I would not repurchase. I am aiming to use it up and focus on using the Paula's Choice ones.

5. Liz Earle SuperSkin Eye Bright Cream: I LOVED this so much last year and this is my third bottle. It is fragrance free, lightweight moisturiser for the eyes. I have found that it really brightens up the eye area especially when you massage it too. My only gripe is that the bottle is quite heavy for such little product. 

6. The Ordinary 'Buffet' Serum: Again, this is a new purchase. I am hoping it performs as well as the Kiehls Hydro Plumping Serum I used to have and the Bioderma Hydrabio. I bought this because of the rave reviews and the price too. Out of the serums I have previously tried, this is the cheapest one, so it will be interesting to see if it delivers results.

7.The Body Shop SPF 50 Essence: This is AMAZING! When I started to use AHA/BHA products I went on the hunt to find an inexpensive SPF and I read so many reviews hyping this one. I decided to give it a go and I have to agree with all the other reviewers. This essence is milky, lightweight and absorbs so well onto the skin. It provides enough protection and I will definitely repurchase when this is finished.

8. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil: I was watching an interview with Victoria Beckham a while back and she was listing some of her favourite skincare products. I originally used to use Vitamin E Oil but have now changed to Rose Hip Seed oil and find that it really nourishes my skin overnight leaving it super smooth in the morning. I have already re-purchased a back up!

So, did I mention any of your skincare products? What do you prefer to use? Let me know, below!

Sara xx

#Best of Beauty 2017

#Best of Beauty 2017

#Best of Beauty 2017

I really can't believe that 2017 has come and gone! In terms of beauty products, I have to say I don't think I have seen a busiest year. There have been constant launches with many beauty brands in competition with one another. Whilst I have purchased new products, I do have my 'Holy Grails' that I keep on coming back to. So without any further rambles, I will list below my star products of 2017.

L - R: 

Face: Bobbi Brown BB Cream in Medium, Garnier BB Cream for Combination Skin in Light/Medium, MAC Prolongwear Concealers in NC35 & NW20, MAC Prep+Prime in Peach Lustre.

Eyes: L'Oreal Feline Mascara, Inglot Gel Liner in 94 ( used as an eyeshadow, IsaDora liquid liner in black, MAC Black Swan eyeliner, Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Twice Baked, MAC Pearlglide liner in Petrol Blue.

Cheeks: Jouer Rose Gold Highlighter, MAC Give Me Sun MSF, Benefit Watts Up Highlighter, Max Factor Cream Blush in Soft Copper.

Lips: Jouer Lip Enhancer, MAC Oak Lipliner, NYX Mahogany Lipliner, Rimmel The Only Matte in 700, MAC Blankety Lipstick, MAC Myth Lipstick, Too Faced Melted Sugar Lipstick, Milani Cream Lipstick,  Sephora Lipstain in 03, Jouer Rose Gold Lip Topper & Kylie Cupid Lipgloss.

What have been your best beauty products? Comment below!

Love Sara xx

Beauty: The Makeup Diaries Issue 1 7.1.18

The Makeup Diaries Issue 1 - 7.1.18

L- R: Garnier BB Cream in Medium/Dark, Giorgio Armani Lipstick in 512, Laura Mercier Baked Bronzers in 03 & 04,
Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge in Blushed Rose, MAC Lipliner in Soar, Estee Lauder Heatwave Highlighter,
Too Faced BTL Mascara, Urban Decay Naked Concealer, Charlotte Tilbury AirBrush Powder in 03.

I wanted to add a new feature to my blog that would showcase my beauty products but with the primary aim of helping me to utilise my collection. Each week, I will be switching up some products in the bid to use my collection of beauty products more this year. I hope you enjoy it!

Sara xx

Happy 2018!

Happy New Year my lovelies!

Wishing you all a blessed 2018!

So, what's in store for 2018?

Well I am aiming to be minimal with everything, hopefully. I have recently been reading Meik Wiking's 'The Little Book of Hygge' and whilst I am enjoying the read, most things I have been doing in a 'hygge' way. I just wish to be more minimal if that makes sense.

If I am being honest I don't tend to 'make' resolutions as I stick to them for one month and then forget about them. However, my aim from 2018 onwards is to be more positive of myself and my teaching, grateful for all the small things, dedicate more time to my loved ones and finally enjoy all the opportunities that come my way.

Do you have any aims that you wish to fulfil as from 2018? 

I would love to know them, so please feel free to comment.

Lifestyle/Beauty: Brand of the Month - Jouer

BRAND OF THE MONTH

 JOUER

https://www.jouercosmetics.com/

L-R: Lip Enhancer in Clear, Lip Toppers in Rose Gold, Skinny Dip and Frostbite, Rose Gold Highlighter 

I heard about Jouer a few years ago online but never looked into any of their products. It wasn't until I started watching a few American beauty bloggers/makeup artists that I started to learn about the products they offer. Amrezy, was one of the first makeup artists/influencers who wore Jouer's best selling product the 'Lip Topper'. I was drawn in and wanted to try it out. So I think I remember purchasing the Skinny Dip Lip Topper along with the Lip Enhancer which is a lip balm treatment.

Since using those products I decided to invest in some of the Rose Gold Collection. I bought as shown below the highlighter and lip topper. At first I wasn't keen on the formula of the highlighter as it looked too chunky but I have literally been hooked after playing around and finding a way of applying it so it looks super natural on my skin. I have been using it since the Summer and still use it everyday, the pan is still going strong and I will definitely repurchase after I have used it up.

The Lip Toppers are AMAZING! I don't know what else to say other than they look so beautiful on top of any lipstick. They plump your lips and add extra dimension.

Lastly, I'll chat about the Lip Enhancer in Clear. I actually added this as an 'add-on' to get free shipping LOL! But I am so glad I did as I have since repurchased this three times. It is an amazingly light formula which sinks into the lips and moisturises them thoroughly. It claims to plump and the results are true. I notice smoothing of my lips and a natural fullness to them too. I hope the foreer continue to make this product as it is BOMB! 

Overall, I really like Jouer. They also stock foundations, eyeshadows, blushes amongst many other products. I am really keen on trying out their blushes and eyeshadows and seeing how they live up to their other products.

What do you think of Jouer?

Which are your favourite products?

Love Sara X

Beauty: As Seen On...Beauty Bloggers/Influencers

I am sure you are all aware of the rising number of beauty influencers/bloggers on social media these days. So I thought about which of them have influenced me to purchase products to based on their reviews. I have chosen products that I use quite often in my makeup application and given a brief overview which I hope you find useful.


Beauty Products as seen on....

1. RMCA Powder (as seen on Kathleen Lights). I remember this was in one of her 'Favourites' videos and as I had finished my Laura Mercier, I wanted to try a cheaper alternative. I really like how finely milled this powder is and how it blends nicely into the skin. I use this under my eyes and to set my makeup whenever I remember!

2. Carli Bybel Palette (as seen on Carli Bybel). I enjoy watching beauty bloggers who are passionate about what they do and Carli is one of them. She came out with her own palette in collaboration with BH Cosmetics and I have to say it does not fail at all. She has picked a great combination of colours perfect for day and evening too. I am currently wearing the browns and bronzes, as I created a smokey look.  Also, the highlighters in the palette are BEAUTIFUL! She has recently released a 'Deluxe' palette with more eyeshadows I believe and a few new colours.

3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Give Me Sun ( as seen on Holly Boon). I really think Holly Boon is a very talented makeup artist who loves to experiment with a range of products and who also loves tanning and highlighting! She had been using 'Give Me Sun' in a load of videos and I remember thinking how it gave her natural warmth to her skin. I use to use Laura Mercier's Baked Radiance Bronzers which I still love but wanted a touch more colour. So I eventually purchase this and haven't looked back. I use it to warm my skin up more and today I used it a touch more in replace of my usual blush and love the finished look.

4. MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth (as seen on Chrisspy). I LOVE a nude lip and my go-to has been Maybelline's Nude Delight for some time. But when I started to watch Chrisspy I wondered if I could pull it off too. It is amazing especially when combined with MAC's Oak Lipliner and Jouer's Skinny Dip Lip Topper or Cargo's Sahara Lipgloss. I'm actually almost due for a repurchase but have to agree with Chrisppy that it goes with any look!

5. MAC Amplified Lipstick in Blankety ( as seen on Anna Saccone). I loved this colour on Anna and have to admit at first I wasn't sure if it would suit me. But I caved in and bought it at Duty Free last year. I have worn this with lots of simple and natural make up looks and really love the colour, which is a muted dusky pink.

6. Jouer Lip Topper in Skinny Dip (as seen on Amrezy).  It is a lip gloss that is designed to be worn on top of lips for a shimmering effect. I love this lip topper and have used it lots on a variety of lip products. It adds more dimension to a lip colour and it isn't full on glitter. I find it quite subtle. I also have it in the shades: Frostbite and Rose Gold.

Which beauty influencers/bloggers have influenced you to purchase any products?

Do you rate them?

Love, Sara X