NARS | Digital World Lip Pencil Coffret

There is nothing more thrillingly exciting to a beauty blogger than discovering a pretty, little bargain especially from the higher end brands, yes I mean you NARS lip pencils! Whenever you come across an amazing bargain it literally feels like you are on cloud nine sipping tea. When writing my Christmas list down to Santa last year I did a little bit of hunting on Space UK website, as you do. I was on the verge of caving in and to just ask for a pastel pink Fujifilm Instax mini. Until my eyes darted towards this little bargain of 5 NARS lip pencils (bearing in mind one full size costs £18), this set was £32. Bargain. Who needs a pretty camera for memories anyways?! 

When I received these on Christmas day the excitement was too much, comparison as to what a kid is like when they receive the latest toy. This NARS digital world lip pencil coffret set (a mouthful to type!) includes 5 different shades: Torres Del Paine, Descanso, Yu, Lberico and Cruella. The first 3 shades are satin finishes and the last 2 are matte velvets, which is great as I love variety! 

These are incredible for long last wear especially Cruella and Yu I thought the pigmentation was amazing. You know those dark lipsticks/pencils that tend to wear off after an hour or two but leave a lighter shade? For example, you wear dark purple lipstick and an hour later your lips mistakenly look pink or red?! Anyways, these do not do that the colour stays put and doesn't wear off as quick. I found myself only topping up once throughout the day so these lip pencils are incredible for long lasting.

These are also really easy for applying, I would describe them as a 'little goes a long way' (especially the darker tones). The consistency is great too they don't smudge off or feel drying on the lips either which is great because the weather in the UK is dreadfully cold therefore keeping those lips moisturized is essential. Plus I like knowing I don't have to worry about adding any lip balm throughout the day.

For all of you busy bee's who are wanting a quick review here are my pros/cons:

Pros:

Great value for money

Long lasting

Pigmentation is amazing

Easy to apply

Add a little moisture

A shade for every occasion

Appealing packaging

Cons:

Out of stock a lot

Require a sharpener

Overall, I am really happy I came across these and was able to receive them before they went out of stock as it seems as though a lot of other bloggers have snapped this little bargain up too. My favourite shades are definitely Cruella and Descanso so I know I would purchase the full sized pencil in the future.

Have you tried this set??

Top 5 | Spot Treatments That Work

Whether it's one gigantic under the skin spot that lasts weeks and weeks or a pesky little breakout that has erupted out of nowhere - yes the drama is necessary. I think I speak for most people when I say they can be a right pain in the bum for getting rid of. I've had quite the experience when it comes to spots or 'imperfections' if we want to tidy it up a little. So with that been said I decided to create a post on my top 5 spot treatments that have worked for me over the years as well as give you's a little summary on my skin and how I dealt with having teenage breakouts.   

In my late teenage years (15-19) I was one of the un/fortunate girls that were faced with spots on a regular basis (hormones and whatnot). I wouldn't describe my skin as having acne or something that needed professional attention but, I did get teenage/hormonal spots which as a newbie to it I wasn't sure how to deal with it so, I was willing to try anything - which has its pros & cons. 

It's unfortunate to have had teenage breakouts because it meant keeping my skin locked away aka trustworthy makeup and not having the confidence to go bare-faced outside my house for quite some time. It's fortunate that I did get breakouts though because it has taught me so much about my skin as well as dealing with, tips and other things involving breakouts. I still get breakouts even at the age of 21 which is something I've learnt to deal with as in my eyes the more you think about them the worse they will seem. These 5 products have helped me get near to spot-free skin over the years and have helped me in my darkest days!

Skinetica* | Okay this isn't my no.1 go to product whenever I get a breakout but it is a product I would consider if you suffer from any sort of redness or pesky spots. I have used this in the past on my face and regarding any breakouts (that are not under the skin) this product slowly dries them out after a couple of days. But whenever I get any redness on my face or even blotches of redness elsewhere this product gets rid of this within one use which to me is brilliant. The downside to this product is its scent, it does smell incredibly strong and not nice but I do believe products that smell or look terrible tend to do the best trick.

Origins Super Spot Remover | This is an oldie but goodie that has lasted me a good few years now which sounds grouse but it just goes to show a little goes a long way. I go through fazes with this product some months I will use it and some I won't mostly because this tiny miracle worker costs money! I dab the tiniest amount of this onto any nasty spots that have appeared (don't cake your face in this!) this product isn't designed to get rid of everything it is designed to help reduce and remove any spot that is bothersome. I have made the mistake in covering my whole forehead in this once and the results weren't great so only focus on the one spot per application. The results are amazing you do see them fairly quickly, at one stage I could apply this in the morning and by the evening a spot is reduced is size. Total miracle worker. If you do get the odd spots here and there definitely try this!

Help Clear Skin* | This is an unusual one for me because I've never tried a treatment that is a powder you take with food/drink. However, this is incredible. I'll get the negative out there first and say yes this tastes grouse if not mixed in well (you can drink this with any drink hot or cold until dissolved) which takes away the taste or even mix it in with foods. I usually fill my milk bottle up with water (250ml) every morning or evening and down this through a straw. The results are amazing I was noticing changes by one day - my skin was feeling a lot calmer and any spots that I did have were reducing fairly quickly. For it being a powdery substance the results are really impressive, you take one of these sachets every day for a month or so. I would recommend these if you are bored or want to try something a little different to cream I think these are well worth the money. Their website is here for anyone who wants to read how others got on, which I found interesting.

Duac Once Daily Gel | I'll be honest, 4 or 5 years ago I was feeling really down about my skin so I decided to see a doctor to try and get something strong to kick those spots away. I was subscribed to this gel called Duac which you keep in your fridge (kind of like a LUSH face mask). Even though I don't get as many spots as I did as a teen I still like to use this to keep my skin at bay. Every evening just before sleep I apply this all over my skin on any redness or blemishes and by morning my skin looks and feels a lot clearer. I think this product is good for everything really, I've had experiences where this has shifted those painful under the skin spots, any pesky random breakouts or any areas with redness. This product has helped reduce all of these which is why I still continue to use this regularly. I know a lot of people think going to the doctors is when your skin is in a serious need of but, I don't agree. My skin probably doesn't need this as much as it used to but I like to know I have it.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo | This like the Origins spot remover is an oldie but goodie. I probably use this the most out of all 5 because I treat this as a moisturizer sometimes too. For me personally this product is a hit and miss, some days it works some it doesn't, which is a little weird but that's how it works for me. When I used this for the very first time the results were impressive and very similar to the Duac cream it reduced everything but the results were quicker! My skin has adapted to this product which means some days it works some not so much but, on the days it does work the results are really good for reducing the spots. I find this works great on any redness or scars I get from spots so on days I am not wearing makeup I like to apply this all over those areas and by teatime my skin looks better!

Those are my top 5 go to products for any breakouts, redness or scars. If you would like me to maybe write a post on tips or how to deal with them from my experience let me know and I will!

What is your favourite treatment for fighting blemishes??

Ted Baker Fragrant Fancies

Today I wanted to share with you all a little secret (not really but lets pretend!) that I recently discovered when guiltily browsing online. Okay, first things first if you get the emoji 'heart eyes' over anything rose gold, pastel coloured, dainty and dressing table displayable then (you have good taste) but you should also consider owning these! 

Ted Baker over the Christmas released these (among several other lovely products) fragrant fancies - which I recently discovered were reduced half price! Santa Claus aka my mam so kindly got me this set for Christmas which I was super excited to receive having circled this in the Boots magazine months before - fingers crossed that I would receive them. I annually receive a Ted Baker set every Christmas but 2014's range in Boots is the best so far for design and packaging in my opinion.

Can we all just take a moment (or two) and appreciate how beautifully designed this Ted Baker set is. I am obsessed with these perfume bottles they are so dainty and eye catching. Rose gold designs, pastel colours, packaging designed into a house what is not to look twice at seriously?! It has came to my attention that these beautiful perfumes are currently at half price (£6) online which is a bargain! Four miniature sized perfume bottles for £6 from Ted Baker is definitely something you want to get your hands on as Ted Baker as I am sure you are all aware can be a tad pricey.

This stunning selection of four seasoned Ted Baker fragrant fancies smell lovely and look beautiful on your dressing tables! I think these will also make great handbag staples to keep you smelling fresh all day long. Regarding the scent I can't really comment on 3 of them because I am keeping those for the appropriate seasons of course! but, the winter bottle smells very (make way for the bad desciption!) musky, a little sweet and very mature but in a nice way not too overpowering. Definitely a one I would continue to use in the colder months rather than summer.

I would definitely recommend picking some of these up even as gifts to someone else or savor them for someone this Christmas coming because Boots always change the designs of Ted Baker sets every year and this lovely design we will shortly be saying farewell too!

Are you loving these fragrant fancies??

My 5 Beauty Resolutions | 2015

Hi lovelies happy New Year and hope you all had a nice Christmas - I know I have had way too many mince pies and alcohol over the break but that is a totally different post! I was hesitating for a while about writing a New Year's resolution post because I never really make any I am much more of a 'do it when I want' kind of person, I never set myself goals just because it is a New Year. If there is something I want to do I will do it whenever I seem is best to. However, I was inspired by a blogging chat on Twitter to create a 'beauty resolutions' post which if I remember correctly I created last year - Which I did really well with so these are the beauty resolutions I am setting myself for 2015!

1. Use The Pretty, Special Makeup | Okay call me vain but there have been several times in the past I have purchased in/expensive products down to just being too darn pretty not to have 'cough cough' I am talking about you, Charlotte Tilbury. I am terrible for purchasing these pretty products and then not using them because I don't want to ruin them - ridiculous I know. It gets to the point where I forget I even own some makeup items because I abandon them. So I've decided to stop being such a pansy and use those pretty, special products because there is just no point in buying makeup for it to be thrown at the back of my drawer.

2. Stick At My Routines | Over the Christmas I sort of gave up with my skincare I would take my makeup off and that would be it no cleanse or nothing. My skin started to react to this (nasty breakouts!) which was a sign that my skin needed more attention. I sometimes go through lazy stages with my skin because I get bored of sticking with my routine, (skincare routine will be up one day soon!) I have quite a decent morning/evening routine but like I said I get bored easily, therefore, I stop at times. I've told myself to stick at my routine otherwise my skin will just keep breaking out.

3. De-clutter The Clutter | Similar to number 1 I buy things and then forget I own them and this builds up more and more to the point where I have drawers full of products that have been used several times then replaced. It is sad products don't deserve to be abandoned or if I am being realistic here my money doesn't deserve to be wasted! (being a student is hard at times!). So I think it's about time I de-clutter all of the products from my drawer and start using them up rather than constantly buying more and more!

4. Change Routines Up | Total differentiation to number 2 I know but I am talking about hair here not skincare. When I was jotting down my 2014 favourites I realized I have not changed much of my hair care if anything I still religiously use the same products. Which isn't a bad thing but, as just mentioned I get bored easily when it comes to beauty. So I think I should maybe change my hair care routine up a little whether that is my products or my hairstyle itself because I am starting to get a little bored of it. Any ideas feel free to tell me some.

5. Stop Getting Bored Easily | This one makes me laugh because all I have gone on about is being bored but yes I am setting myself a resolution not to get bored with products. Because if I get bored with products this happens: boredom = purchase new products = eventually get bored with new products. It is a forever circle. I don't get bored off everything I use of course but products I do get bored of overtime is skin and hair care. So instead of wasting products by disregarding them in my drawers, I have told myself to use these products up before I even consider purchasing something else. Seems an okay deal to me right?

Whether I stick at these resolutions is a mystery that we will soon discover at the end of the year. I would like to think I can stick to these resolutions because a lot of them involve waste which isn't an option when it comes to beauty products but we shall soon see!

What are your beauty resolutions??

My Drugstore Favourites | 2014

Hi, lovelies happy new year! I've been so excited to grab all my 2014 favourites and take photos of them for a few weeks now! It turns out quite a lot of makeup has impressed me this year - enough to create two posts one drugstore, one high end. These are my drugstore favourites of 2014 the products that have really wowed me and I would consider purchasing timelessly again and again!

Soap & Glory Solar Powder

I have owned this product for over half a year now and yet somehow never blogged about it! Shameful. This is my everyday staple when it comes to adding some colour, definition or shape to my face. It is by far the best product I have tried for blending out to fit your satisfactory, I know myself sometimes on those days where I feel too pale bronzers can make my face look orange. Yet, this product always blends in naturally without looking like you've become an Ompa Lumpa. This is like a 3 in 1: Highlighter, bronzer and contour so if you are on the hunt for something that will add some colour and definition without looking drastically brown then definitely try this! Plus you are saving yourself a bit of money if you are wanting both a highlight and bronzer. Bargain multipurpose product we have here!

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Sticks

I received these last Christmas and never did I imagine to still be continuously using these to this day. I like to use these sticks on days where I am feeling effortless regarding my lips but want something to brighten them up. They are incredibly easy to apply and last a fair couple of hours, they are also really moisturizing too which is a bonus. I definitely think if you are looking for a product that isn't time-consuming and adds a bit of colour - a sort of cliche 'your lips but better' then definitely try these. I always make sure I have one of these in my bag because for some reason when I am on the go I tend to forget about applying lipstick so these are a lot quicker but effective to carry around!

Makeup Revolution Iconic Dreams Palette

This is the latest favourite of mine but has quickly taken a rightful place in my 2014 favourites. I know I've only been using this for a month or two but I am too impressed not to include this. I use this eyeshadow palette on a daily basis because it has all the shades I would use. This has been great for creating autumnal, wintry looks and I think it will be great for summer too. This palette costs £6 which is a bargain in itself considering how many shades you receive but, that isn't the best part. These are incredibly pigmented it is mind blowing - a lot of people have been comparing this to high-end brands as well. These are so long-lasting (with eye primer of course!), pigmentation stays in place for hours and easy to blend out. Highly recommend this eyeshadow palette.

Garnier BB cream

I blogged about this product back in July and since then I still occasionally use this on days where I feel my skin doesn't need foundation. This product is amazing for coverage I only need a small amount of this and I am good to go. It blends in super easy and looks really healthy, glowy on the skin even after hours later. On the topic of hours this bb cream is still kept in place after a good 6 hours or more, I honestly can't fault this at all: great coverage, long lasting what more could you want from a product!

Soap & Glory Brow Archery

Another Soap & Glory product here! At first, I thought eyebrow palettes were the best thing until I came across this little beauty. Without this I would still be filling in my brows as we speak, this is the quickest, easiest product I have ever tried for filling, shaping brows. Before I used this I would take a good 10-15 minutes filling my brows in which is ridiculous but with this magic wand I can have my brows done within 5 minutes or less now. A total bibbidy bobbidy boo moment. This is super easy to use and gets your brows looking natural in no time. I also find the shade is great too if you are like me and struggle to find brow shades that are suitable for really fair brows then this is worth trying. I love how natural and easy this product is. It is like a magic wand!

Similar posts you may like:

High End Favourites | 2014

Makeup Revolution Iconic Dreams Palette

What are your 2014 drugstore favourites??