Review | L'Oreal False Lash Butterfly Wing Mascara

Hi lovelies! I have come to the conclusion that I am definitely sucked in by packaging on products. I wasn't intending on getting a new mascara at all but the 30% off L'Oreal products in Priceline sucked me in. 

Review | Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Colour and Lip Gloss

 Maybelline ColourSensational Lipcolour in Coffee Craze, Maybelline ColourSensational Gloss in Iced Chocolate

Hi lovelies! I think I need to preface this post by saying that I am in no way a lover of nude lips. I also as a general rule don't enjoy wearing lipgloss. To be honest I am not even a fan of sheeny lip balms. Which is why finding these two products from Maybelline was such a pleasant surprise. 

When I first heard Anna mention the ColourSensational glosses I have to admit I tuned it out a little bit. Bizarrely I have always been more comfortable in a strong matte lip colour than a nude gloss. When Priceline were having a 40% off cosmetics sale her words I decided to take her advice and pick one of the glosses. 

I was safe and opted for a creamy nude in the shade Iced Chocolate. And you know want I absolutely love it. The level of pigmentation is great and the shimmer in the tube doesn't make itself known on the lips. I tend to apply a layer and then pat it into my lips for a subtle sheen. 

To go with the gloss I also chose one of the ColourSensational Lipcolours. My one is in Coffee Craze and it makes the perfect companion to the gloss. I have also been wearing it by itself and find that it mutes out my natural lip colour just enough to make it a nude, but not so much that I look like a corpse. These lipsticks are really comfortable to wear and the balm like texture makes me think I will be getting a lot of use out of this in the upcoming cooler weather. 

The need for reapplication every few hours is still something I am getting used to, however the subtle colour means a mirror isn't necessary. Despite the above pictures, I have been veering away from my usual liquid liner and opting for a smokier look day to day. Both products are a great to pair with a smokey eye, for a pared down everyday look. 

Whilst I am still firmly a red lipstick girl at heart I can definitely see myself picking up a few more of these lip glosses in some more nude shades for a bit of variety day to day.

If these lip glosses can convert even the staunchest of matte lip lovers then they must be something special. I bought mine in store at Priceline, but they're available here and here. 

Have you tried any of this range? What colours would you recommend?

Jess x 

Review | Lime Crime Velveteen in 'Pink Velvet'

 Lime Crime Velvetine in 'Pink Velvet'

Hi lovelies! Recently I picked up the new shade from Lime Crime's Velveteen Range. I've really enjoyed the other two shades from the range and wanted to see if the new shade matched my expectations.

Skin | Growing Up

For as long as I can remember I have had sensitive and acne prone skin. I believe as a child I had a hormone imbalance that induced acne from a fairly young age and so I've been seeing dermatologists and using powerful prescription products for most of my life. Recently, thanks to a massive sale in Priceline, I purchased some products that I never thought I'd use. I've avoided anything that even sounded like hydration or oil in relation to skin products and here I am raving about it. 

Review | Lime Crime Velvetines

 Lime Crime Velvetines (L to R) Suedeberry, Red Velvet

Hi lovelies! How many red lip products can I buy before it's classed as an addiction? Or am I well and truly past that point now? The Lime Crime Velvetines are the latest addition to my collection and it's love. 

They meet all the criteria that I want in a lipstick: matte finish, long lasting and bold colour. Now I'm new to Lime Crime as a brand. After all the scandals revolving around the company I was a tad wary. However temptation outweighed the potential negatives and I am so glad it did. I've never tried any of their more "traditional" lipsticks so I can't comment on those, but the Velvetines are fantastic quality. 

At Home | Learning to Cope Without Built-Ins

I have had the pleasure of living with built-in wardrobes for my entire life. Until last year, I'd never even owned a chest of drawers. Alas, one cannot live in blissful ignorance forever so the process of moving out of home and into my first rental has required that I become well acquainted with external clothes storage. I prefer to have most of my clothes hanging so that I can view everything and not forget them when they get to the bottom of the drawer. I also can't afford to buy or transport a full-sized wardrobe. The option of clothing racks was shining clear and all I had to do was find the right ones for the right price - hello IKEA! 

Review | Illamasqua Blush Duo

Swatched. Top - Bronzerella Bottom - Beg

Hi lovelies! Today's post is going to be a review (slash rave) about a new Illamasqua product. Definitely one of my favourite makeup brands. They're always releasing something a little bit different and everything I've tried from the brand has been fantastic quality. 

Today is no different. This is their Blush Duo in Beg/Bronzerella. Bronzerella is a frosted copper. I must confess I am a little terrified of putting this colour on my cheeks without having a serious tanning session first, but I have been loving wearing it as an eyeshadow. It makes for a quick, one-shadow smokey eye that I have been wearing everyday since I bought it. Bronzerella is exclusive to the duo, and can't be bought separately.

Recipe | San Choy Bow

San Choy Bow is possible one of my favourite dishes of all time. I remember it being the most exciting part of dining at my family's local Vietnamese restaurant...aside from the karaoke of course. I made this dish recently when two dear friends came over for dinner to save me from loneliness that is an empty house.