NYX // Sculpt & Highlight Face Duo

Ever since NYX has released their products to Boots stores, no matter the store location, it seems to be an incredible to struggle to get to the NYX products. The swarms of young girls and their mothers is enough to make anyone want to run away and take cover, so the fact I even managed to pick up this item is a miracle in itself.

I mentioned the other day on Twitter that I was looking for a new contour kit, as my basic bronzer just wasn't making the cut. I've talked about my love for NYX lip liners in my previous post, so when my friend mentioned their contour kit I was eager to try it out. That was until I found out that they were pretty much sold out online everywhere - sad face. So you can imagine my delight when I found out I could grab one from my local Boots store, but oh no, they were sold out there too - sad face x2.. Instead, I opted for their new Sculpt & Highlight Face Duo in the hopes that this would just be a good, smaller, alternative.

I want to start off by saying that for the price of the stick, the product has a great consistency and a small amount goes a long way. Buffing a small amount of the contour just underneath my cheeks using my Real Techniques angled brush and buffing it in with my beauty blender, means I get a look that's not too heavy that I can build on if need be. I like to blend the contour with the 'highlighter' to prevent the colour looking slightly brash - I say it like this as I find it to be more useful as a concealer than a highlight. I picked up the lightest shade, yet the highlight blended in with my foundation so it doesn't really sit on the tops of my cheekbones well - I'll stick to the Benefit High Beam for now.

The creamy consistency means of the product means it clings to my skin like a dream and won't budge for the whole day/night, unlike some other powders I have tried. I feel it could be slightly more pigmented, but as I mentioned before it is buildable and a darker powder could be used on top to keep it set in place.

I still fully intend to purchase the NYX contour palette at a later date, but at £9 at Boots, I'm happy to keep using my Sculpt & Highlight stick until I get a few more pennies into my bank account.

Victoria

NYX // Lip Liners

I've been feeling a strong surge to upgrade my lip liner game as of late. Unfortunately for me, I find most brands of lipsticks incredibly drying on my lips, yes even moisturising ones. Because of this, lip liner is a must for over all lip protection staying power.

I recently purchased the NYX lip liners as I'd seen great reviews by fellow bloggers, in the hopes that my lipstick would last longer and I'm not really all about the bleeding lip life. The two normal pencil shades I picked were in the colours Nude Suede Shoes and Dark Soul. I really wanted a nude colour as pinky/beigey shades have been my staples lately and I feel my berry shades will look even better with extra precision. I also picked up a retractable liner in the shade Ruby Red - again precision is key for my darker shades.

Initially, I was very impressed with how well the shades matched their packaging - there's nothing worse than a red looking less ruby and more like that jumper you have to wear at Christmas because a family member knitted it for you. After a few trial and errors with using one shade in particular, bet you can't guess which one, I can safely say I'm extremely happy with the pigmentation of the pencils and can create a great base for my lipstick to sit on top.

L - R: Nude Suede Shoe/Dark Soul/Ruby

As well as the pigmentation, the longevity of the pencils on my lips means I can get a good few hours of colour before it starts to fade away - with a lack of bleeding I may add!

The biggest criticism I have is that the retractable liner does have a slight fluffier texture over the creaminess of the pencils, and doesn't glide on as well as the others. This is probably to give it a matte finish, but for me I find it a bit too fiddly to work with. Knowing this now, I'd probably go ahead and buy the red pencil over the mechanical one and at £5.50 per liner, you really can't go wrong!

Victoria

Spring Outfits '16

Whilst I'm well aware it's very nearly summer, I feel like I can get away with this post as the British weather is extremely unpredictable. So far, we've had about four days worth of a genuinely nice weather for spring - which doesn't really bode well for summer. 

That being said, I've made a small compilation of of my three spring staples which I feel I could transition well for the summer months.

 Bomber Jacket & Sleeveless Jumper - New Look

Jeans - Topshop // Shoes - Primark 

Sleeveless dress - Boohoo

Denim Pinafore - New Look

 Grey Cowl Neck - Select

Victoria

TV Show Recommendations #3

Yes, I'm back on the topic of period dramas. What with Game of Thrones coming back recently, I'm all about that dragon life again. But if you're into slightly more realistic/non-fictional TV shows, I may just have the thing for you.

Peaky Blinders

Let me start off by saying, this is a brilliant show to binge watch with their only being a few episodes per series. Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham, 1919, just after the First World War - quite a crucial point to the plot. The Peaky Blinders are a violent gang, lead by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). The story focuses on the Shelby family, and Tommy's ambition to set up a legal bookmakers in Birmingham, hoping to branch out to the rest of the UK and other parts of the world.

Throughout the series, you witness the gangs run in with the police and other groups whilst trying to protect their family and friends - leading to some very raw, gripping and emotional scenes.

The show also gives you a real insight into the hardships of the men who had some of the worst jobs in WWI, including tunnel warfare. This in-depth look at the brutality the men faced through flashbacks, really helps you understand their struggles and how the war changed them as people.

Though extremely violent and dangerous, you can't help falling for at least one of the Shelby brothers with their loyalty to their family and to the Peaky Blinders themselves.

With a big star cast from Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy to Helen McCrory, there's bound to be at least one person you've heard of. Though I will say, there is a fair amount of brutality in the show, so it is not for the faint hearted.

Ripper Street

Ripper Street is set Whitechapel, London in 1889 - six months after the Jack the Ripper killings. The story focuses on three detectives, living in the East End of London solving cases whilst having to deal with obstacles in their personal lives, which frequently intertwine. 

In the first series, The head of H Division, Detective Inspector Edmund Reid, unites with Sergeant Bennet Drake (big up Bronn) and Captain Homer Jackson - a former US Army Surgeon and Pinkerton. Together, they begin to investigate the murders of more women in the district.

The show doesn't just focus solely on the men either, Jacksons relationship with brothel owner Susan is one of my favourite parts of the show.

Again, this show can be slightly on the gory side - so I'd stay away if witnessing blood and organs isn't for you.

With Matthew Lewis recently being added to the cast, yes I do mean THE Neville Longbottom (Yorkshire represent), there's no reason why you shouldn't want to watch.

Victoria

Skincare Empties #1

We've all got them skincare products we couldn't live without don't we? Whether it's a cheap moisturiser or a full on cleansing kit, there are just some items that we buy religiously. 

Over the past month, I've been compiling a list of products which I feel have become staples for my skin in general. All the items included vary in price and can work on different types of skin.

1.Nivea In-Shower Moisturiser

To be honest, I've been using Nivea's in shower moisturiser for as long as I can remember now. I'm quite lazy when it comes to moisturising various parts of my skin which isn't my face, not going to lie, so being able to moisturise whilst in the shower saves a least 10 minutes off my normal routine. Despite having to rinse it off, you can genuinely feel the cream working into your skin - leaving it soft to touch. I would recommend that you thoroughly rinse off all the product once applied however, as I have been known to get the occasional blemish when in a rush.

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Cleansing Water is brilliant really isn't it? It helps you remove make up without having to complete a full cleanse, and does more when wipes just won't suffice. I personally use the Garnier Micellar Water to remove my eye make up as I feel it is more gentle on the delicate areas of my skin, yet is successful in preventing a panda look the next day whilst generally soothing my under eyes. They do need a lot of soothing, believe me.

Side note: if you aren't in a rush with your bedtime routine, I recommend the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish to remove make up. Bloggers have been raving about it for years and I promise you won't be left disappointed.

3. Neutrogena Body Wash
I've recommended the Neutrogena Body Wash before, and honestly it is still a firm favourite of mine. Since using it, any blemishes on my shoulders and back have been kept to a minimum and the product doesn't irritate the rest of my skin. With it's combination of acne fighting benefits and citrusy smell, I think I'll be repurchasing this wash for a long time to come.

4. St. Ives Facial Scrub
I've always preferred using a facial wash/scrub in the morning rather than cleansing. I suppose it just makes me feel more awake and prepares my skin for the day - aka, trying to avoid cosmetics which make me look like a streaky mess by the end of the day. The scrub is for blemish prone skin and whilst you are only meant to use it a few times a week, I find using a pea sized amount on a morning can really make a difference. Since using the wash, I have found that my spots are kept to a minimum and my skin feels really refreshed. As St. Ives do products for various types of skin, I whole heartedly recommend you try out something which could work for you.

5. La Roche-Posay Imperfection Corrector
Prior to receiving a La Roche gift set last Christmas, I hadn't actually heard of the brand. It's probably just me being rather ignorant and if they have been round for a while, then more fool me! Since using the corrector morning and night, I have noticed a big improvement with marks left on my face due to blemishes - especially on the worst area, my chin. The product doesn't get rid of acne, that's what their wash is for, but it does wonders for the overall appearance of my skin.

6. Soap & Glory Body Scrub (Sugar Crush)
Another long time favourite of mine, I always use this whilst in the shower. The exfoliant is great for leaving skin smooth and smelling like citrusy bliss. This has genuinely led me to encouraging other people to smell my legs, yep. I also find it isn't overly abrasive and will suit most skin types. This combined with Nivea's in shower moisturiser will make you feel like a dolphin, gracefully leaping in and out of the ocean. Though genuine finesse is not included, that would be up to you I'm afraid!

If you do use any of these products, don't be afraid to let me know what you think!

Victoria

P.S. - if you could check out my latest YouTube video, I'd really appreciate it! <3

My First Video

So.. did a YouTube video didn't I?

I'll be honest, it's the not the best questions video out there but you've got to start somewhere right?

After playing it back, I realise I may look like I'm a bit of a moody cow/have a slight attitude problem, but I was just severely unprepared and didn't want to disturb my grandparents downstairs. I'm a lot friendlier IRL - promise!

I've recently upgraded my camera after having my old one since I was thirteen, yes - THAT LONG. 

I'm still getting used to it and the focus is slightly out so sorry about that! It doesn't help that I'm editing the footage with Windows Movie Maker. My Mac is that old it doesn't even have iMovie, talk about first world problems.

As I mentioned in the video, if I do anymore in the future they won't really be focused on make up/fashion etc as I'd like to keep my content on my blog separate. My favourite videos to watch are skits/general observations, so that would be the types of videos I post.

Thanks for reading/watching!

Victoria

P.S - If you can guess my favourite TV show, 5 Dragon Eggs to you!

Maybelline Eyeshadow // Blushed Nudes

Not those kind of nudes, cheeky.

Ah spring. The new season means more cleaning, plenty of showers in April and a change up in the eye make up variety. Well, it doesn't really, but it does give you an excuse to buy some new products. Just think about all the lambs and chicks being born, then pretend your purchases are a metaphor for new life and you're away.

The blushed nudes palette is the newest addition to the Maybelline Nudes collection and features shimmery colours perfect for spring, ranging from light golds to deep pinks.
Similarly to its predecessor, many of the colours included are comparable to the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, but again at the fraction of the price at £9.99. As before, it also includes a guide with preference to blending certain colours. 
I am impressed with the slight alteration to the brush included, meaning you can combine the shades to achieve a really pretty look.

The palette does lack matte shades compared to the original, so I'd steer clear if you're not about that glittery shadow life.

The colours do range in intensity, but the bottom shades do have slightly more pigmentation. The top shades are slightly more sheer and would make for a great day look, providing you're not looking for something matte and heavy.

Again, I would recommend using a primer to lock the colours in place, but for eyeshadow on a budget you really can't go wrong.

Victoria