Merry Christmas Everyone AND Thank you!

This isn't a beauty post as such, but I just want to say a few things before 2014 is over.

First things first, Christmas is always my favourite time of the year. People are always much more cheery, everything looks so pretty and wintery and fairy lights are scattered everywhere. The run up to Christmas always seems to last a while, and then you blink, and it's all over. Where does the time go? There are those few days for some of us between Christmas and the New Year for you to relax, watch tonnes of films and eat plenty of Christmas treats, as well as all the sale shopping. I almost don't want this lovely mid-week to end. I hope you all have an amazing Christmas, and that 2015 will be a good one. I have yet to decide whether I will be making any resolutions (I never do). Let me know what the highlights of your Christmas are & what did you get?

Secondly, Id like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout 2014! Thank you to all the awesome people who are giving me amazing opportunities,

and to all the lovely PR's and brands I work with, and will continue to work with.

Thank you to all my amazing friends for putting up with me being a constant stressed out lunatic over how much work I have, listening to me talk about blog stuff, and taking outfit photos for me without complaining. 

Thank you to my family, who keep up with and support my blog despite not quite understanding what it is, and the fact the majority of you have no interest in makeup/clothes at all. 

And finally, thank you to all of you. The ones reading this right now. Whether I know you, or we've never met, if you've been a reader for months or you're new, I honestly appreciate it so much. I'm so passionate about this blog, Thank You to everyone who takes the time out to comment and show such an interest in the things I have to say, I will continue to write just as long as you want to read, and I hope I've managed to help at least a handful of you in any area that you may have needed it.

Hope you all have a brilliant 2015!

I love you all! 

♥

Top 5 Mascaras

For many women, mascara is the one beauty item they would never leave the house without applying. With just a few easy strokes, mascara can transform eyes, making them look bright and open. However, not every woman wants the same thing for their lashes. Some are looking for length, others volume, and many want both. 

1) Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies: This may be my favourite drugstore mascara on the market. It’s got a great scoop brush that really lengthens lashes and adds just the right amount of dramatic volume.

2)Lancôme Hypnose Star: I like this quite a bit. Gives intense colour, curl and volume, the lashes definitely stand out. Never irritated my eyes and holds nicely all night. It's up there with EL Sumptuous, and Volume de Chanel for me.It can be slightly clumpy just as most volumizing mascaras.

3) Benefit 'They're Real' Mascara: I Actually haven't tried this mascara, but all the rave reviews I've read seem to sum up to this; If you’re a fan of Benefit’s ‘Bad Gal’ then you’re sure to love this too. This mascara really transforms the lashes giving the illusion that you just applied a set of fake eyelashes.

4) Clinique 'Bottom Lash': This micro-tiny wand is perfectly sized to enhance your lower lashes without leaving clumps.

5) Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara: This mascara claims to grow your eyelashes. I have bee using this for about 2 months now and i have noticed a difference! Its also quite volumizing and lengthening. 

♥

The Christmas Tag

1. What is/are your favourite Christmas movie/s? 

I love the Grinch, the one with Jim Carey, it's so funny but quite sweet at the same time. I also love Love Acually, Nativity, Muppets Christmas Carol, The Holiday and of course, Elf.

2. Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?

I used to always open my presents on Christmas morning with my family but since I spend Christmas Eve with my Mum I usually open one or two present there. And when I get to my Dads, usually some time on Christmas morning, I open EVERYTHING. 

3. Do you have a favourite Christmas memory?

I just love spending time with Family/Cousins/Grandparents/Aunts & Uncles.

4. Favourite Festive Food?

Roast potatoes are a firm favourite of mine. On the sweet side Cadbury's Roses - their wrappers just scream Christmas to me, or at least the old ones did. 

5. Favourite Christmas Gift?

Ahhhh, ummmm, I remember I used to love getting dolls. Now I'm not really pushed, but of course I'm going to love anything Make-up/Beauty/Fashion related.

6. Favourite Christmas Scent?

I love the smell of winter spice, mulled wine and cinnamon candles, those just sum up the smell of Christmas for me. Also the smell of a Christmas tree just reminds me of my Christmases as a child and decorating the tree with my family.

7. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

I've always had new pyjamas for Christmas Eve (In fact, I bought new 'christmassy' ones yesterday with reindeer on). I now have a nice dinner on Christmas Eve with my Mum, watch Christmas movies and of course, open presents.

8. What tops your tree?

It was always a star and it always will be. 

9. What is your favourite Christmas song?

For me nothing beats 'Fairytale of New York' by the Pogues and Kirsty McCall. Admittedly the lyrics aren't very Christmassy but I love the song so much and it really does make me think of Christmas anytime I hear it. I also love all those traditional songs  by Wham, Slade and Wizzard! 

♥

November Favourites

Wait... what? November is already over? HOW?

I am however so excited that it is December. I love Christmas, and everything to do with Christmas. Anyway onto my favourites.

I can honestly say that Essie are the best nail polishes I've ever used. Firstly, on application the colours look amazing and shiny like I've just had a professional shellac. Secondly, it lasts on my nails for a ages! Also, I'm loving the 'Christmassy'/Autumnal colours right now. Dark purples, Reds, And of course GLITTER!

Here's one of my favourite reds for the season, Essie Thigh High.

I used two coats for full opacity. Some have said that this is a dupe for Chanel Malice, but Malice is a lot darker and more vampy. 

Okay, I am going to start off by saying this is the best drugstore foundation I have ever used. It's amazing, after using it I don't think I can really go back to anything else; I'm so in love. I think I may even prefer this to my MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation, it has a slightly lighter coverage (although the coverage of this foundation is very good) and is a much cheaper dupe! I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this in a blogpost before, and there's a reason why its in my favourites. I just love it!

Next up are these boot, I bought them last weekend in H&M and I honestly love them SO much. They are super comfortable and go with everything! They also have a nice chunky heel. I will upload an outfit post wearing these beauties soon.

For lipsticks, well.. there's so many! In the winter time, and running up to Christmas I love a dark berry shade, or a classic red. I couldn't choose just one so these are a few that I've been absolutely loving.
From L-R

Mac's- Ruby woo
Mac's- Dark side

Mac's- Rebel



Last but not least, Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturizer.
This stuff works wonders for my skin.I bought this as the price compares v favourably with high end stuff and even lower end stuff, and the ingredients look good. I was getting a lot of surface flakiness from winter heating. One application at night and next day, and already it was noticeably different! Texture is nice, feels rich but not too much. On reflection, I think Light may have suited me better as I like the slip of lotions, I'm not that dry, and I prefer pump bottles, but this was still a good buy.

I also posted my Winter Skincare Routine so check that out too!
♥

Winter Skincare Routine

                  

Although my skin is usually on the oily/combination side, during winter it seems to dehydrate and get super dry. It needs just a few days of cold temperatures, wind and blasting central heating and it becomes an irritated, red mess. 

I tend to change up and switch my skincare routine after each season, targeting a richer night time ritual during winter and a high sun factor focus during summer months.

I've swapped my regular cleanser and toner for an oil based cleanser: I'm utterly in love with the Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing oil, with only a few drops massaged onto dry skin you can see all daytime makeup melt off in seconds. With a Liz Earle hot muslin cloth i take all the dirt away, leaving me with a clean, supple and hydrated skin. Instead of toner, i spritz a refreshing spray of La Roche Posay Thermal Water* - rich in minerals and antioxidants (selenium), soothes my skin without stripping. 

Whilst the skin is still damp, its time for a facial oil: this winter I've been reaching for Clarins Lotus Oil. Great for oily combination skin, so they will regulate the skin oil production while hydrate and nourish. I tend to massage it thoroughly with upwards movements to destress my features. I lock the moisture with the Vichy Aqualia Balm*, a very gentle and nourishing balm, rich in thermal water and with soothing and anti-redness properties. It may seem that its a lot, but i assure you that in the morning you will be having a smooth, hydrated and nourished skin.

If I'm extra dry or particularly irritated, i layer a generous amount of Lancome Nutrix* to regenerate and nourish. 

Once or twice a week i will apply a hydrating gel mask, like the Lancome Hydra Intense Gel Mask or Just a normal, simple face mask. Its like a bath for the skin! With its gel texture, rich in water it manages in just 10 minutes to lock in moisture and plump up the skin.

Are you changing your skincare routine depending the season?

Review: Lush Christmas - Cinders

This Bath Ballistic is also a lot smaller than your average bath bomb, around the same size as the So White

This one looks really pretty & i picked this up because of the smell.

When you smell this, is does smell really 'christmassy'. Lush describes it as a Spicy, Soda scented Ballistic.

Lush also claim that when you pop this in your bath, it fizzes and crackles as it has popping candy in it.

And let me tell you, it does!

I love Lush and I find a lot of their products are really moisturising and good for your skin, but with this, Unfortunately, It didn't really do anything to my skin.

(and it also leaves your bathwater a not-so-nice colour)

Overall, I think if you're after a genuinely nice, christmassy smelling bath product, this would be perfect. It did get me a little bit excited for Christmas.

42 sleeps 'til Christmas guys, 42.

♥

October Favourites

I know I don't do these every month, I find that alot of my favourites stay the same for quite some time, so I used to do one here and there. From now on I think i'll try and do one every month as a few of you guys really enjoy them and seem to like them alot, so here it is!

First up is the John Frieda - Sheer Blonde Moisturizing Conditioner.

I started using this conditioner about a month ago now, since i got Ombre done to my hair. I find this conditioner is super conditioning and leaves my hair super smooth and tangle free, it also has a lightening agent to give the hair a more 'blonder' blonde. Peronally, The best thing I find about this stuff is the smell! I don't know if it's chamomile or what but it's unique and quite lovely.

My second favourite is the Rimmel London Kate Moss Lipstick in (107)

This lipstick is a real dark-red, 'vampy' kind of shade. Since the Summer has actually passed, ive been loving these dark reds and berry shades. Perfect for Autumn!

My next favourite is this gorgeous scarf from Primark (Penneys) Its a tartan patterned, red and navy scarf. Lovely Autumnal colours and super warm!

    

Finally, My last favourite isn't a specific product, theres a few. 

As you may know, I LOVE lush. I love there Bath Bombs, there Soaps, Shampoos, Face Masks, Everything! These products listed below are my favourite Autumnal Lush products. Ill leave a link here so you can check out there amazing products -> https://www.lush.co.uk/

1.  Northern Lights Bath Bomb

2.  Sparkly Pumpkin Bubble Bar (although it does leave your skin quite glittery)

3.  Cinders Bath Bomb

My Top 5 "Go-To" Blushers.

Throughout the past few months, I have been using the same handful of blushers over & over.

I don't have a very large collection of blush but its not small either, but I just keep going back to these beauties.

At some point, I am going to have to give my other blushers some well deserved attention but for now, I will share with you the ones that I use most!

Mac's Powder Blush In "Well Dressed"

A favourite of many, is MAC's Well Dressed. This has been at the back of my make-up collection for quite some time, and recently, while looking through I remembered how much I loved it. A lovely milky pink with slight shimmer. It goes on smoothly, blends well and looks good with ANY makeup look. Pale or sun-kissed, this blush will suit my skin whichever. 

Mac's Blush In ''Harmony''

Another blush I found at the very back, oops! This blush is perfect to contour or use upon your cheeks because it hasn't an orange undertone. It's a warm-brown really subtle and with the possibility to build up to achieve the tone that you want. 

Mac's Matte Blush In ''Frankly Scarlett''

 I got this sent to me last year I believe and I never really used it until now, Its a dark-ish red so perfect for Autumn and Christmas. I find this blush quite pigmented so a light hand works best. This blush may look frightening in the pan, but if you know how to apply it, it is beautiful. It is a very intense bright red with a slight pink colour to it. I find that if I am using a lot of bronzer this blush pairs nicely with it and makes it look like I was just out in the sun for awhile (but not sun burnt) . 

Revlon Photoready Cream Blush In ''Coral Reef''

... let's be honest, I bought it because the colour was so weird! But I thought, it's so crazy, it just might work. It is a super bright orangey-coral colour. But I actually ended up really liking it! It goes on sheer but is buildable. I have medium-fair skin and it worked well on me. Professional makeup artists often say that the brightest sheer blushes always look the most natural, and they are totally right! This colour gives my cheeks a natural flush!

I like to apply this blush directly with my fingertips and blend it out on the apples of my cheeks. The colour really does last, and if you’re looking to pack more of a punch, as I said, they’re super-buildable, as well. Revlon is one of my favourite drugstore brands, and this blush is just another chapter in my love affair with them. Just look how pretty

L'oreal Blush In ''Rosewood''

(I did take this image off the Internet because the blush I own, is so not in its original packet anymore! Dropped it and cracked so I'm keeping it in an empty MAC container.)

This is my favourite blush, it looks completely like a natural flush on me. It's the one that I reach for almost everyday. Its a really lovely, slightly shimmery medium antique rose with a slight punch of apricot which looks natural and warm. I just don't like the package, Like I said, mine broke a looonnng time ago, and the brush that comes with it is useless (as happens to every brush-that-comes-with-the-blush)

Review: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

I just want to start off by saying I wasn't sent these items to review, I'd read all the hype and decided that I wanted to give it a go. 

Firstly, They have quite a large colour range, which in a way is good but I actually found it quite difficult deciding which one to buy because they were all fairly similar. 

This was my go-to foundation for quite a while. Bourjois actually had pretty good products and I think their prices are considered mid-end. It's no wonder that they have such great quality as they are a sister company to Chanel. My foundation shade was in 52 and I am around an NC20-25, closer to 25 though. The great thing about this foundation is that it's yellow-toned, yellow-toned foundation tends to give the skin a more healthy sheen thus the name really does what it claims to do. It also blends effortlessly on the skin and leaves you looking really nice and natural.

I don't think it dries to a powder finish though, this foundation was geared more to the normal-dry skin range but even though I have combination skin, it doesn't make any of my oily parts oilier and doesn't cling to dry patches either. Overall, this is a fantastic product. The coverage is medium but can definitely be built to medium-full.

My Favourite time of year!

Autumn is definitely my favourite times of the year! And alongside that, goes Winter (which calls for another blogpost) 

When you feel that first crisp breeze, you know that summer is gone and Fall is in the air. Every season has its upside; however, autumn has a particular beauty to it. Lovers of the season revel in its unique ability to turn the world into one big canvas with nature’s paintbrush.

From warm apple cider to camping trips, there are so many reasons to enjoy fall. Here are lots of things about the season that will bring out the autumn lover in you.

It means wearing boots and jackets,

 wrapping up warm, 

being cosy and layering. 

Wearing darker lipstick shades,

 wearing scarves and wooly hats. 

Crunchy leaves, pumpkins and bonfires.

 Rainy days and duvet days.

 Candles and baths, hot chocolate and evening getting dark.

 Halloween and horror films and evening walks in the crisp cold air.

I Love Autumn/Fall Tag

So I decided to do the I love Autumn/ Fall Tag, because let's face it, Summer is pretty much over. Autumn is definitely here, and there are quite a lot of obvious signs!

I found the questions on Ingrid Nilsen's (MissGlamorazzi) I love Fall tag Video, so here we go!

QUESTIONS:


1. Favorite Fall lip product? - Palmer's Cocoa Butter Lip Balm. It smells so good and super moisturizing. 


2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish? - I've been loving Essie- Bordeaux, its a lovely deep red colour.


3. Favorite Fall Drink? - I love Cold Coffee in Autumn, or a Chai tea latte is another fave.


4. Favorite Fall Candle?
 -  You might know, Candles are a massive weakness of mine, i love them! So I don't just have one, but FOUR. Yankee Candles "Red Apple Wreath" "Mackintosh Spice"  "November Rain"

& "Apple and Pine Needle"

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory? - I recently got a new tartan scarf from primark/penneys which I absolutely love!

6. Favorite Halloween movie? - Haven't seen THAT many, but Hocus Pocus is a good one.




7. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween? - I Don't think I have one! but Haribo do good Halloween sweets! 


8. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!
 - I have no idea.

9. What is your Favorite thing about Fall? - That Christmas is nearly here. And, of course layering and keeping cosy! 

Im going to tag:

Littlebeautysecretsblog.blogspot.co.uk

& glowta.blogspot.ie 

AND ANYONE ELSE THAT WANTS TO DO IT!

Top 5 Drugstore/HighStreet Foundations

 There are so many drugstore foundations out there and I try to test a really large amount of them. But these are my top 5, which really stand out for me and are just really great foundations.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation:

I love this foundation, I keep coming back to this one after getting sucked into the advertising of a new "high end" foundation and being left unsatisfied! It's very similar to a lot of Chanel foundations (in my opinion) but obviously a hell of a lot cheaper. It's very natural looking but covers well at the same time, and lasts well on the skin. I have to mix two shades together to get a good colour match but for the price it doesn't even matter!

Revlon Colourstay Foundation:

For those who suffer from foundation disappearing or turning into an oil slick in heat and humidity, this foundation is a godsend. Yes, it smells of chemicals and it's not for those with dry skin. And there's a low SPF so you'll need this in your primer or powder. But if you have combination or oily skin, maybe some spots or pigmentation you need help in covering and prefer or don't mind a matte finish, this is what you need in your life. The effect is natural and coverage is medium to full. But you have to work fast to blend it in and it's definitely best applied with a brush. I have other foundations I love for different reasons but for hot, sticky days or tropical moments(!), this ones is the best. And it doesn't break out my somewhat sensitive skin.

Avon Ideal Flawless Foundation:

I got this as a gift and I've always been skeptical as to how good Avon products actually are so i definitely wanted to give this a go. This foundation covered every blemish, discolouration on my skin, everything, it's truly brilliant at covering everything so i can see why they've given it the name 'flawless'! My only fault with this is that its very very heavy coverage and i was oily after less than an hour despite applying a lot of powder to set it and it stayed very oily, i also found i had a few more blemishes than usual since i started wearing this.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation:

I have been using the foundation in the shade True Ivory on and off now and I’m delighted with the results. The foundation has an almost gel-like consistency and applies just as well with your fingertips as with a foundation brush – providing great coverage and an almost flawless finish without looking caked on. The shade is a perfect match for my skin but keep in mind that when choosing a shade that the foundation is slightly darker than usual so make sure to test it before purchasing!

L'Oreal True Match:

I have this in multiple shades considering I'm lighter in the winter and darker in the summer. It's an amazing foundation. I went through almost every type of MAC foundation and nothing compares. I use True Match on the days where I want more coverage and the Face & Body from Mac when I want sheer coverage and it gives a gorgeous and flawless finish.

Autumn handbag Essentials

Seeing as its coming up to autumn(kind of already is) I decided to share with you my Autumn handbag essentials!

First up is my favourite lipstick, its by Sleek in the colour 'Cranberry'. This is a very nice dark berry shade which is perfect for Autumn. I always keep a lipstick in my handbag, whether it be Summer, Winter, Spring or Autumn its always nice to have it with you to touch up.

Next up, is a hand cream/moisturizer. As the weather obviously gets colder, your skin can get quite dry, especially your hands, as there constantly exposed to the cold air (unless you wear gloves). So keeping a moisturizer in your handbag can come in quite handy!

Another essential for me would be a nice woolly hat and scarf. In the colder seasons i usually leave the house with a hat and scarf on, by the end of the day it usually ends up in my bag, as i find the weather might have improved, messed up my hair, or most likely, just simply annoyed me.

And Finally, an umbrella. Because I live in Ireland, it does rain, a lot. This isn't just an A/W essential, but it can also be an 'all year round' essential (Although we did have quite a nice summer!) There's nothing worse than being stuck outside in the rain without and umbrella.

Current/Autumnal Makeup Favourites

Ive tried out a lot of new stuff lately, such as lipsticks, foundations, brozers, powders, eyeshadows and so on. My make-up bag at the moment is completely jam-packed! Autumn is well and truly upon us, folks, whether we like it or not.. SO i do like to mix it up a bit (hence my makeup bag being so full!) 

Its time to move away from the whole ‘beach bronzed goddess’ look that you've been rocking all Summer and turn your attention to more interesting shades of blusher to intensify your eye colour and add some much needed rosiness to your cheeks on those blustery days. Those dark orange/brown tones work wonderfully. My favourite bronzer at the moment would be The Body Shop's Honey Bronze

One of my favorite parts about Autumn/fall is wearing autumn lipsticks that complement the season. I love shades that represent the leaves changing colours and the dark shades that give an ominous warning that winter is on the way. Again, like bronzer we're going to move away from those bright or pinky colours and go dark, A dark berry shade is a must have. Or a dark purple/Aubergine is also lovely for Autumn. Three lipsticks i love right now would be, MAC - Rebel (Satin) Kate Moss lipstick for Rimmel - 107 and Sleek- Cranberry

And finally, just a random favourite, Is the Laura Mercier

silk crème foundation. I absolutely love this foundation. I have combination skin (oily in the T zone) The Silk Creme foundation is wonderful (at least for me)! It is oil-free with a slightly matte finish, long-wearing, and I don't need to use powder over it if I choose. Also, a small amount goes a long way, it's easy to apply, and has a nice, smooth texture.

         

My New Favourite Hair Product

A few weeks ago, I finally went to get my hair done. I was tired of the colour, and it just looked limp and boring. I wanted something different, but I didn't know what. It was then that I realised, YES! "Ombre". For those of you who don't know what Ombre is, Its basically a look of which it appears your hair has been lightened/sunkissed at the ends of your hair. Or that you're hair has grown out, leaving you with darker roots and lighter tips.  

To get this effect, you hair does need to get bleached, which is very bad for your hair. As my hair was quite dark previous, they couldn't get it as light as i would have wanted, I have thought about colouring my hair myself, which i have done before, but I didn't want to risk it.

 I was looking through boots and i found this, 'John Freida Sheer Blonde Lightening Spray' and i thought, Oh! Maybe this would help. This spray is a versatile, patent-pending formula with citrus and chamomile that works with styling heat to gradually lighten and brighten for a natural-looking, ''blonder blonde''. I've used it about 4/5 times on toweled dry hair, and I can already see difference. 

I can honestly say this product is amazing, and I'm super impressed with it. I will definitely be stocking up.

                                                                


                                                                          

Current Skincare Favourites

1. LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR PURIFYING CLEANSING GEL  This is your basic daily cleanser that is soap-free, alcohol-free, and oil-free. It has salicylic acid, which helps clean out and tighten the pores. It also keeps your skin pH balanced at 55. 

2. CLINIQUE CLARIFYING LOTION 3  This stuff makes your skin feel squeaky clean, but not dry and tight. It whisks away pore-clogging oil and flakes in one fell swoop. I've used for a few months now and love it!

 

3. LA ROCHE-POSAY THERMAL SPRING WATER  Although this step isn't necessary, it's a simple luxury that I feel makes a difference. This stuff is jam packed full of anti-oxidants and it's the perfect prep for additional treatments. I feel like it puts moisture back in my skin that has been pulled out through washing and toning. Because of the super fine mist it sprays, it's also a great mid-day refresher!

4. ORIGINS GINZING REFRESHING EYE CREAM  While I'm letting my serum really sink in, I go ahead and apply my eye cream. Between the caffeine it contains and it's pearlized color, it doesn't let under eye bags stand a chance. This is another thing in my routine that has stayed consistent for the past couple of months.

5.  LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR DUO  This stuff is so, so good. I will never go without. It has benzoyl peroxide to eliminate acne-causing bacteria and micro-exfoliating LHA, which refines pores and provides precise exfoliation. I use this as a spot treatment when needed. It's gentle and reduces breakouts in a flash. Have been using it for ages now, and absolutely love it.

6.  EMMA HARDIE CLEANSING BALM The cleansing balm itself is contains moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel and vitamin E to minimize the appearance of pores. Orange, Neroli and Mandarin extracts to rejuvenate and revitalise and Jasmine, Cedarwood and Rose to help re-hydrate and re-condition dry or dull skin. It also claims to be very calming on sensitive skin too. I really like the smell of the cleanser, it smells really fresh and natural (none of that strong artificial stuff).

LAURA MERCIER SILK CRÈME FOUNDATION

Foundation is my ultimate make-up product. I'd wanted to try this foundation for a very long time after reading some rave reviews online and I finally bought it last week. 

This is quite a thick liquid - extremely blendable, and a little goes a long way. It's very comfortable to wear and looks lovely on the skin.

I love the finish. It gives plenty of coverage - I usually skip concealer as I find I don't need it with this foundation, unless my under-eye bags are super bad that day. It's the best "glowy-yet-full-coverage" foundation I've used and if you master applying it, it looks very natural and photographs really well.

So far, this is one of my favorite high end foundations. And i will definitely be re-purchasing this.It lasts for ages on my skin, even without a primer. The only thing I would change about this product is the packaging, considering how much you pay, it comes in a plastic tube, and i would prefer a pump bottle, Otherwise, Its more or less ''Perfect''.

  

                                                  

A day at the Beach

Recently, the weather has just been so nice, and last Sunday we all decided to go to the beach! (we, as in my family and my cousins who were over from France for four weeks.) We took the boat to an Island near by, We anchored the boat and headed for land in the small dinghy. It was about a 30 minute walk to the beach, from where we left the boat, but it was definitely worth it as I saw lots of cute little houses and things!  

 

This is my cousin Nell, and thought it would be funny not to smile.. Cheers! Although she does have the cutest smile ever (whens she wants to)

 

It was such a warm sunny day! All the kids went swimming(In the absolute freezing ice cold water), while i decided to stay on the warm sand, listen to music and eat a few sneaky biscuits.

 

A super cute little gate I saw on the way to the beach!

 

Love,

Josie.

x