Favourite Drugstore Mascara

Hey guys, sorry I haven't blogged much lately, but Ive been busy sorting a post graduate placement, which has taken up quite a lot of my time. 

This post is about my favourite drugstore mascara, which I actually think, is my all time favourite mascara. Its the Barry M Lash Vegas mascara and it is incredible. I use this almost daily, even when I am going out at night. Its amazing, it is long lasting, it doesn't budge or fall down under the eyes throughout the day! 

This mascara not only lengthens, but adds volumes and thickens the lashes, it gives them a dramatic curl too. It almost looks like you have falsies on! 

I really can't rave about this mascara enough! I would recommend this to anyone, especially those that don't like shelling out a lot of money on mascara... like I don't. The Lash Vegas is only £6.99 from Boots or Superdrug and it'll last you for months! 

 Whats your favourite drugstore mascara? 

Christmas mini blog #3 Silver lovin'

These next two items, technically weren't presents as I treat myself, it was more of a merry christmas to me from me kinda thing. 

Ive had a real thing about metallic and glitter this christmas, something about everything being so sparkly this time of year, so I made these two purchases in the christmas sales. 

The first is the Guerlain 'The Eye Pencil' in the shade 05 Amber Silver. This is just a gorgeous silver taupe colour, with the slightest sheen to it, it glides on so smoothly, is very blend able and has a creme feel to it, making it really soft and easy to work with. 

The second is the Mavala nail polish in the shade 213 Pure Diamond. I love this, its a true silver colour, with loads of little sparkles and crystals in, making it a lovely top coat to add some sparkle. This is also lovely on its own as its build able depending on how sparkly you want it. 

These are perfect for any party, and just in time for New Years too. 

Danni x

Christmas mini blog #2 Benefit

My next present was probably one of my favourites as it came as a total shock from a lady I work with, and this was the 'Benefit Goodies A Go-Go' set. 

I LOVE this, I literally can't stress how much I love it. This is a cute little set in the shape of a house, that in itself is a winner. This set has four gorgeous shades of eyeshadows, a 'Stay don't Stray Eye Primer' and  a 'They're Real Mascara'. This sett is literally perfect. Ive had the Primer and Mascara before so I know they are amazing, but I've never tried Benefits eyeshadow before so I am excited to time them a go. I love the colours, and one in particular the 'Kiss me I'm typsy' is a deep purple-brown, looks amazing, definitely think this will be right up my street. 

This is the perfect gift to give any makeup lover of any age. 

                                                                        Danni x

Christmas Present Mini Series

Hey guys, Ive been away for a while, but a lot has happened in the last couple of months, so I have been super busy. 

Ive decided to start blogging again, and to get me back in the swing of things I'm going to do a mini series of blogs featuring some of the gifts I received for christmas. Ive thought of this idea as a fun way to blog, and to share gift ideas for yourself or for others, also for bit of fun. 

Each blog will be a small post with some pictures, and reviews on whether Ive tried them out, or disliked a item or fallen madly in love. 

I hope that some of you find it interesting and it gives you a little inspiration to go and treat yourself. 

Danni x

Current Drugstore Foundation Favourites

I always find it hard to find a foundation that I like and matches my skin tone. 

I hate testing in store, I find it cringey, and very messy to open up the little testing pots, which always seem to be covered in crap. 

However, recently I have been catching up on some beauty bloggers, and really 'stealing' ideas from them on which foundations to try on etc, mainly focusing on those who have the same skin tone as me, so I can just buy their shade. Risky I know, but luckily for me its paid off!

The two that I have been loving are both Rimmel, and both amazing!

The first is the Match Perfection, one I feel you will have all heard of. I love this, its so dewy and light. It leaves your skin looking so radiant and healthy without making your skin look cakey. 

The colour range for this is pretty good, as there is a few too choose from if you're of a light to medium skin tone. I wouldn't recommend this for oily skin, as I feel it would just slide off and make your face look shinier than you want. 

This foundation is so build-able and a great affordable price of £6.99.

The next is Rimmel's newest foundation; the Lasting Finish 25 hour. I love this, I have only used it once, but I can already tell it will be a staple in my make-up bag. 

This is a full coverage foundation, that does stay on for quite a long time, even through exercise. I love that this is skin perfecting, balancing out any imperfections and again it leaves your face really glowing and looking healthy. 

This is priced at £7.99, a great price for a new product, and a little bit really does go a long way!

I would 100% recommend this this new product out, if you're on the look for a new foundation.

What's your current foundation fave?

First Mini-Haul from Revolution MakeUp London

I have seen a lot of fuss about this new drug store brand, Revolution Make-up recently, and was very pleased to see my local Superdrug had started to stock it. 

This brand has been all over twitter and Instagram (I will leave links below) and has been talked about by quite a few infamous bloggers. 

I only picked up a couple of bits, as I was in a rush, and just picked things that caught my eye, however I will be going back as I am desperate to try one of their eye shadow palettes, that look amazing. 

 The first thing I got was a nail varnish in the shade Adore. This is just a really cute purple colour, that I thought would look lovely in the transition from Summer to Autumn. This is quite a deep colour and goes on really well in two coats, leaving a lovely shine, this was £1 and they have a variety of other colours to choose from. 

Next were two eye shadow's, again, I could've grabbed more but didn't really have the time. I picked up a silvery- blue shade, called Frozen (how cute?) and this reminds me of MAC's Electra but for a tenth of the cost. I love this, as an inner corner highlight, or to use with a smoky eye for a more dramatic effect. The next is in the shade Insomnia and is just an amazing glittery dark plum colour, again I thought this would look amazing in Autumn, and Winter too, as its dark but still adds a little sparkle to your eyes. These were both £1 each, and again there are many to choose from. 

Lastly was a cute little blush, in the shade Treat and is just a really cute light orange- coral colour. This is quite orange toned, but looks great on the tops of the cheeks, to give a little colour, perfect for creating that rosy winter cheek, without sticking to the generic pink. This was also £1 is definitely worth the money.

I love the packaging of this new range, its just simple and classic, and good sizes for travelling with, and the best part... If you loose an item, or break something, it doesn't cost a fortune to replace! 

What have you tried from this range? 

Wishlist Tag

I have never done one of these before, but I thought seeing as it's coming up to my birthday, I would blog a couple of things I have put on my wishlist, that I would love to get!

I want to make this into a beauty tag, to interact with other blogger's, so at the end I will tag some blog's and hopefully they will get involved. 

Tag: WishlistTag

The first is a MAC product; this is one of the Cremesheen lipsticks, called Creme Cup. A lipstick first introduced to me by VelvetGh0st, in quite a few of her earlier YouTube videos.

I love this, I think its the perfect pink, and I love MAC products. 

The second is a NARS product. I actually don't own any NARS and have been after trying this range for a while, but didn't really know where to start, its a high end brand, and its a lot of money to waste if you don't like it! However I have heard great things about the Laguna Bronzer, so I decided to add this to my list. I reckon this would look lovely in winter to brighten the face, and add contouring too.

 Olivia Burton, is a brand that I have only recently come into contact with, I work in John Lewis at the weekends, and we have started to stock these beautiful watches. I love them, it was really hard to pick one, but I am a massive fan of rose gold, and I think this watch is so elegant and perfect. 

Following on the rose gold theme, comes the Zoeva luxe rose gold brush set. OH EM GEE... I have never fallen in love with anything as much as these.

There's nothing I can say that would do these justice. They're amazing, beautiful rose gold colouring, with all the essential make-up bushed in a cute little pouch.

I am desperate to get these for my birthday!

Now this one, is more of specific buy, I have my University Graduation in November, and not only do I love this cute Ted baker bag, but it would go great with my dress. 

This is a small leather bag, that you can use as a clutch or use the strap to put it on you for hands free. 

It has a cute little bow on the front in rose gold, and is the perfect size to fit all you need in for a night out or special occasion!

Lastly, is the Urban Decay Naked Flushed palette. I have seen so many people recently pop up with great things to say about this product, and everytime I read a review, I feel I need it that little bit more. 

This is great, its a bronzer, highloghter and blush all in one. Great for travelling, as you have all three in a handy compact. I just think this would be a lovely product to own, and now that Urban Decay has come to John Lewis, the discount is great on it too! 

So this is my mini wishlist of 6 beautiful items, what would be on yours? 

Blogger's I have Tagged;

OliviaMulhearn

Emsalice 

PorcelainBeautyx

Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam

This product, was one I was very sceptical to try, I used to have the dream matte mouse as a foundation when I was about 15 and just starting out with make-up, so I wondered if this was going to be similar, but better (if that makes sense?)

I love this foundation, Its so light and blend-able, its not high coverage, so is great if you want a lighter make-up look, or you're on holiday and want slight coverage. 

It doesn't feel cakey when its on, or clog on the skin, it glides on smoothly and blends really well with either a brush or your fingers. 

The shade range is great, and is suits skin tones well, to give a natural finish, however I wouldn't recommend this for dry skin, as it dries it out further. 

I went for 020 Cameo, because I had that colour when I had the Dream Matte Mouse, which suited me very well. 

I also like that this has a pump, so you don't lose a lot of the product in a glass bottle where it pours out!

The Airfoam is very affordable, and does everything it says; gives a nude perfect finish, using its air infused foundation techniques. 

I would 100% recommend this, if you're starting out with make up, or just want a light coverage foundation, this is perfect for you!

 

Have you tried this before?

Bloglovin

Hey guys, I have just joined the marvellous BlogLovin, a great way to find new and exciting Blogs, with all things that interest you! I would be really grateful if you guys would follow me on there, or suggest me blog's you guys love. If you're new then definitely go and check it out! 

SEVENTEEN Blemish BB Balm

The first BB balm I have ever purchased, and I am quite impressed. I've been on the hunt for a blemish balm for the summer and I thought I would give this one a go. 

This is the Seventeen BB skincare and is great for lighter coverage. It's great for the summer where you don't want to wear much make-up or even have a tan. 

However, the shade range isn't fantastic, and it can feel quite heavy on the skin. Other than that for the price it does what it says, and it helps even skin tone, covers imperfections and helps oil control. I also really like that its SPF 25, which really makes a difference in the sun. 

I would recommend this if you suffer from oily skin, but I wouldn't recommend this for pale skin as it comes out quite dark. 

What other Blemish Balms would you guys suggest? 

MUA Heaven and Earth Palette

This is the MUA Heaven and Earth palette, and I have to confess this now, I love it! This is my second purchase, as I used up my favourite colour, and was really quick to rush out and re-buy it.
This is a beautiful eye-shadow palette with all gorgeous neutral shades, perfect for a light day wear or a heavier night look. The brush it comes with isn't very good, and normally I use a Real Techniques Eye-shadow brush, to get the best of the colours.
This palette is highly pigmented and all shades are full of shine and glimmer. And the best part is... its only £4!!! A real bargain if you ask me.

MAC Limited Edition Buttercream Pearlmatte Face Powder

Recently, I've been on the hunt for a good face powder, and after stumbling on this limited edition gem at an airport I couldn't resist buying it.

This is the MAC pink buttercream pearlmatte face powder and it is beautiful. If you're looking for a powder that is light in coverage but does the trick of getting rid of any shine then this is for you. It's beautiful girlie flower design and it's classic MAC packaging make this the prettiest edition to your make-up collection!

I gently dust this powder all over my face, and any dewy patches, and put a little extra on the tops of my cheek bones for a little subtle highlight. It's just perfect.

What powders would you guys recommend?

Mini review; Hollister body spray

I brought my first ever Hollister spray about 4 months ago, and It sat in the bag for ages, before I finally got it out and decided I needed to start using it, and I'm glad I did.
I brought the Hollister Tidelands Beach body mist, and it is amazing, they usually have an offer where you can buy 3 bottles for £21, which me and my sister did, so this only cost me £7. I use it quite a lot now, and it looks like I have hardly touched it. It has such a sweet floral smell, with a hint of strawberry, and lasts on you for ages, I sometimes spray it on my clothes and they smell sweet for ages too. I really would recommend checking this and the others in the range out, it is definitely worth the price and always makes me think of summer! What can be better than that?

What Hollister spray's have you tried?

DP. X

Mini Beauty Haul

So recently I have been pretty stressed out with exams and coursework, after handing my last piece in yesterday, I decided to head into Boots to pick up a couple of things as a reward for completing everything. I thought I would do a mini haul just briefly going through the bits I brought, hopefully giving you guys some inspiration to treat yourself too.

The first thing I brought was the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation, in the shade 52 vanilla. I absolutely love this foundation, it goes on so nicely, with a medium coverage and is really easy to blend. This is now retailing for £9.99 (which I'm pretty sure has gone up from what it was) but I know I will always re-purchase this as it is my every day foundation. 

                                                     

 As Boots where doing a buy one get one half price on Bourjois I opted for the Felt-tip/ eyeliner called Liner Feutre Ultra black, 24 hour lasting. I haven't tried this yet, but I am a big fan of felt liners, and I am running out of my old one which was a Barry M liner, and thought I would try something different. As this was half price instead of being £6.99 it was £3.49, which in my opinion is a complete bargain, so I am looking forward to giving this a go.

The next thing I brought was a real bargain in the clearance section, and it was the No7 Lip crayon in the shade Singing. This is already a favourite of mine, as when I purchased it I didn't realise it was an actual crayon (crazy I know) and it is brilliant. It comes with a sharpener in the lid, which is really handy, and its really moisturizing and super rich in colour, a complete bargain for only £2.

Lastly, the item that I actually went to Boots for was the Loreal Paris Collection Privee lipstick in the shade Cheryl's nude. I have seen a lot of beauty bloggers rave about this and after the stressful week I had I thought I would take the plunge and buy it. It was quite expensive for a lipstick, costing £8.19, which I think seeing as Mac ones aren't much more, its a lot of money. However I am glad I purchased it as its a beautiful nude colour that goes great with any outfit day or night. I would 100% recommend treating yourself to this lipstick, it will now stay in my bag with me forever.

What beauty bits have you brought recently? 

DP X.

Chanel Soliel Tan De Chanel Review

One of my favourite Christmas presents I received this year was the Chanel Soliel Tan De Chanel universal bronzer, and I have fallen in love! I was first introduced to the product through watching various Velvetgh0st YouTube videos, demonstrating how the product works, so I thought I would pop it on my Christmas list.

I haven't had much experience with bronzer's and have only really recently been introduced to the idea of contouring your cheeks, although a little pricey this is a brilliant place to start. Normally this retails for £31, but as I work for a department store I got it for considerably less; definitely a perk of the job. 

This is a lightly whipped mouse like cream, which is brilliant for lightly sweeping across the cheeks to contour, or building up to add a bronzed glow to the apples of your cheeks. The best applicant for this would be either a real techniques contour brush or a Mac blush brush. You literally dip the brush into the product, and it doesn't need much, and work into the desired area. The packaging is very high end and elegant, another plus to the amazing product! I would 100% recommend this to everyone, as a very good beauty investment. 

Let me know if you have tried this product, and what your favourite bronzer is!

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Review

I purchased this product a while ago (and mentioned it briefly in a previous post), but have only just started to use it... and boy do I LOVE it!!! This is one of the most amazing powder's I have ever used. This is a light textured powder, in various shades, the one I use is Light+, and retails I believe for around £20 (don't quote me on that ha ha), it sounds a lot of money, but I have used it a lot already and it doesn't look touched. I can tell this will last me quite a while. I use this for a gentle, light coverage over my foundation, to get rid of any dewiness or to powder any oily patches I may have on my skin at the time, I have particularly found this good on spots and blemishes, as it covers and leaves a flawless finish, I apply this with a real techniques powder brush, for a swift and quick cover. This is quickly becoming one of my day to day beauty must haves and I would highly recommend this to everyone.

Mac Mineralize Skinfinish natural

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Let me know what your favourite powder is, and your favourite applicant. 

Becoming a 'Youtuber'

As I'm sure many of you are aware, there are hundreds of people taking to YouTube to share their lives and fashion advice with us, giving us great fashion tips, make-up must haves, and life lessons and advice. I have watched, and at times re-watched, some of my favourite You-tubers (The one I love most has to be Velvetgh0st), each time wanting more and more to be able to do what they do. I am undeniably interested in make-up and fashion, and love seeing the latest must haves, for me to scurry to the shops and buy, and would love more than anything to become, in my eyes, a 'Beauty Guru'. This for me isn't something I will see as a career path or I am just doing to be 'Famous' but more for a relief from uni work, and a little extra fun, something I can get involved in, that's just for me. I have wondered, however, how you even get started, what camera to invest in, how to get 'noticed' what do people actually want to see, and of course the self doubting questions of 'will I be any good?' 'Will anyone actually like me?'

I am writing this as a call for help, for advice on how to get started, more than anything else, and to see whether any of you fellow bloggers, are wondering the same as me?

Lee Stafford Hair Product Favorites

It has taken me quite a while to find hair products that I absolutely love, but finally I have. My natural hair is very curly, very frizzy and it knots quite easily, I constantly straighten it using my GHD's, and do everything I can to tame the frizz! (and trust me there is a lot). So I have compiled a review of a few of my favorite products, to help those in need of hair help, or just fancy trying something from a new range, but haven't really heard anything about it.

The first and probably most important, in my opinion, is the Heat Protecting Spray. I have used this product for years, and I repurchase way before I run out. This product is amazing, and can protect your hair up to a very high heat. Not only does it come in a pretty pink bottle, but its a good price too. This has a lovely smell to it, which stays in your hair, without making it smell to strong. I always get complimented on how nice my hair smells, once I have used it. It is so easy to use, you just spray a couple of times at arms length, all over your hair, although I spray more on areas like my fringe, which I tend to go over more, as I want to make it extra straight. It also leaves your hair with a healthy shine to it. This can be found in Boots for around £7


The next product I have fallen for, is the Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray.  I have never tried this before, but a few beauty bloggers have raved about salt spray's, so I thought I would jump on the band wagon. This product works really well for when you haven't really got time to properly curl your hair, but you fancy adding a bit of texture to it, you literally spray it on a few times to the ends of your hair, and scrunch up words, until it is textured to your liking. This has sunflower extract which means it doesn't leave your hair dry or sticky, but it keeps it moisturized with a nice shine to it. This is also perfect for holidays, and for those of you with really thin hair that never seems to want any texture, definitely give this a go. I believe this is in Boots for around £5.99


This product I think, is one of my all time favorite hair products, in the world. Ever. I just cant get enough, it is the Treatment for hair that never grows past a certain length And it does exactly what it says on the tin. It is so simple to use, and really works. After shampooing your hair, take a scoop about the size of an egg (although this depends on hair length and thickness) I have to use a lot, because of my sheer amount of hair *humph* and rub it into your hair, concentrating on the roots and tips, leave it in for 5 minutes *Que singing and bopping around in the shower* rinse off then condition as normal. It leaves your hair so soft and luscious its amazing! It recommends you do this only when you feel like your hair needs it, or until you can start to see a visible growth difference in your hair, so I tend to use it for about a week- 2 weeks then I have like a month off. I cant preach enough love for this product. If you are like me and straighten your hair everyday, you know it kills your hair to the point of no return, so this really is a miracle worker. This is in Boots for around £8, so worth it!

The last product on my list, is one I have actually had a while, and seem to forget about, and when I rediscover it, I fall back in love and it gets used a lot. This is the Poker Straight Dehumidifier and this is a godsend for people with curly hair. This is just a very fine mist that smells amazing, You spray from half an arms length downwards from your roots to the tip. This helps reduce unsightly frizz during humid weather, exercise etc for ages, giving it a healthy shine and making it feel so smooth its insane, you wont stop touching your hair. It helps maintain straightness in your hair and is perfect for when you don't have much time to use other products or spend time on your hair before hitting the gym. Go and get this if you have curly hair you spend your life trying to straighten.




These are my favorites from the Lee Stafford Hair range, I hope you found this useful, If you have tried any of the other products, especially the Moroccan range, then please let me know.

Beauty Item's Review

So recently, I have been a bit naughty, and have splurged a bit of money on quite a few beauty items. I have really gotten into watching a few beauty bloggers on YouTube, and seeing some items that they have brought, and reviewed. Many of which I would never have been adventurous enough to buy without them demonstrating just how good they are. My top bloggers YouTube channels which I would highly recommend going to look at are VelvetGh0st, TheOMGDiaries and of course SprinkleOfGlittr and Zoella.




The first item, and probably the one I am most looking forward to trying is the 'Mac Mineralize  skin finish natural powder  in shade light'. I have heard a lot of good things about this product detailing how it helps to reduce shine on your face before or after foundation is applied. This is £22 and I brought mine from John Lewis, as I work for them and I get discount.

I have recently converted to liquid foundations and have been really enjoying the 'Borjouis Healthy mix foundation  in the shade 52- vanilla'. I am a total convert. I'm in love. It is really light and easy to apply, and blend with concealer and powder. This was £9.99 which is a really good price, because a little goes a long way. it gives a lovely non streak finish and stays on all day.








I have never used a BB cream before, but as you probably know they are fast becoming one of the must haves in the beauty world. I purchased 'Seventeens Blemish Balm in the shade Light'. I love it that much I have already brought another one, for when I run out. This has SPF 25, and it evens skin tone, covers
imperfections and has oil control, its quite a medium coverage and goes on really well, giving your face an instant healthy glow. This is priced at £7.99 and lasts for quite a while.




Maybeline 24hr Colour Tattoo in colour pink gold are quickly becoming the most talked about products among beauty bloggers, and I can understand why. its a really sheer pinky colour, with flecks of gold shimmer and goes on really smoothly without creasing for a simple girlie look. These come in a range of colour's, and I will be going back for more, at the price of £4.99.






Collection lasting perfection concealer in shade light is a really nice product, I suffer with dark eye circles and have been struggling for ages to find something good to cover them up, and I have finally found it. This is easily blendable, covers and blemishes or dark circles and doesn't crease on the eyes. This was, I believe around £4 and I will definitely be re-purchasing.






MUA is becoming a really popular brand, well known for its amazing prices. So finding one of their stands in a Superdrug I splurged a little on a few products.
The first items were two of the lipsticks in shades 1 and 13, considering these are only £1 I think they are great. They stay on for ages even after food and drink and they are really rich in colour, the only downside is the lids aren't that secure, and I worry that in a handbag they would come off... which isn't good.

 I also brought a Power Pout Colour Intense Tint and Balm in the shade Broken Hearted these are so similar to the Clinique chubby sticks but for a tenth of the price. They gloss your lips and moisturize them, mking them feel soft and the colour, again, stays on all day and is very rich. These are £3 and I will be going back to buy all colours.









The Pro base eye primer  is a product I have never used before, and I am very looking forward to trying, it was £2.50 and claims to brighten eye shadows, and help keep them on and colourful.








Probrow ultimate eyebrow kit  is the first eyebrow kit I have ever purchased, and it is brilliant. There are 3 shades, 2 for the eyebrows in a dark brown and a coffee colour, and a light palette to highlight the brow bone, along with a gel to keep the eyebrows tidy and sleek, it also has small tweezers and a double sided brush for easy application. This was £3.50 and its worth every penny.








The MUA  eye shadow's are amazing, they are £1 and come in a variety of colours, they are quite pigmented and easy to blend on the eye. I brought shade pearl, as I wanted a colour I could use as an eye, inner corner highlight, and this is perfect. its quite like some of the higher end eye shadows, but for no where near the price.






Everyone has been raving about the Sinful colours nail varnishes, and after buying two, I realized why, I brought Easy going which is a pale pink shade and Cinderella which is a sparkly blue colour (such a cute name) and I love them. The formula is really nice and glossy and doesn't gloop on your nails. There are a large amount of every kind of colour, and they are priced at £1.99, which is so cheap!






The Real Techniques brushes, are something I have had my eye on for a while, and when Boots were doing a buy one get one half price, I knew it was time to buy. I have the Expert Face Brush and the Blush Brush. There are no words for the amount of love I have for these. They apply the make up really well, allowing you to blend foundation or concealer in easily, or gently adding a touch of blush. The range is fantastic and I cant wait to build my collection up. They are £9.99, but prices vary depending on the brush.




Lastly, after buying my lovely new brushes, I needed to buy cleaner to look after them. I had a voucher for No7 which persuaded me to try their Make up Brush Cleanser, and so far I am very pleased, it clean's the brushes easily and quickly, not leaving any stickyness on them and you get a big size bottle of 185 ml for £8, which I got for £5 with my voucher. I do love a bargain.







That is everything beauty wise I have purchased lately, I hope you have found this helpful, and have seen something you like the look of. Let me know if you have any other recommendations, as I love hearing from you.

DP. X