Monday, 23 November 2015

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Review

Hey Beauts,

So today I bring you a review of the Nyx Soft Matte Lip Creams. I for one have always hated matte lips. I hate the dryness that they bring and I hate the way they look one dimensional. However, I had never actually tried a matte lippy for myself - until now!


At IMATS last year, I was so super excited to be able to check out a NYX stand - especially as I have heard so many good things about their products. I decided 'what the heck' and picked up two Soft Matte Lip Creams in 'San Paulo', a lovely dusty rose shade and 'Monte Carlo', a vibrant red shade, both of which are colours that I am in love with, not to mention the names are brilliant too. 

Both of these formulas are amazing. Whereas 'Monte Carlo' looks slightly streaky in the swatches above, another coat would have easily evened out the streaks. 'San Paulo' on the other hand is beautiful in one swift stroke. The doe foot applicator applies the perfect amount of product to your lips and makes it really easy to get a neat line around the lips without the use of a lip-liner. The product takes a while to set, maybe half an hour at most, but once it has - the product does not move throughout daily talking and drinking. However, as ever with lip products, when eating the majority of product from the centre of the lips is removed. I have worn this for 8 hours before with light eating and no touch ups and the product has only just started to fade in the centre of the lips. I have to say that these products have a really matte finish, but don't feel matte due to the creaminess of the product when applied. They feel more like a lip cream until they have set to their full matte finish.

I have to say that I am absolutely in love with this product and cannot wait to pick up a few more shades. At $6 each (around £4) they definatly do not break the bank and are perfect for day to day wear. To top it off, they now sell NYX on the Boots website, BRILLIANT! I can't wait to order some more. Have you ever tried these products out? What is your favourite shade? and what would you recommend for me to try next from NYX? I would love to hear what you have to say so leave a comment in the box below. Remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' if you aren't already so you don't miss out on any future posts. 

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Friday, 20 November 2015

Lashes & Nails Haul!

Hey Beauts,

Sometimes in life you just have to go to Superdrug and buy the things that you want to make yourself happier. For me, that is nail polish and mascara. I also tried to buy Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealers, but they were out of stock. You obviously can't have everything! 


To begin with, nail polish always perks me up so I decided to check out Barry M and see what Nail Paints I wanted to treat myself to this time. I have been lusting over 'Lycee', a beautiful nude shade for months now and decided now would be the time to pick it up. I also wanted a vibrant orange shade as I only have one in my collection & I am not a fan of the formula so I chose 'Mango' to add to my collection. As they were on 3 for 2, I  had to pick up a third colour and so decided upon 'Dragon', a lovely candy pink shade as I don't have anything like it in my collection currently. Barry M Gelly Nail Paints are only £3.99 each, so an absolute bargain in my eyes. I was also after some green shades but couldn't actually find any in the Superdrug that I was in (It is a small Superdrug) so if you have any suggestions on where to buy some different shades of green nail polishes, please let me know in the comments down below! 

I have also recently been running out of my Telescopic/The Falsies mascara combination and whilst the L'Oreal Telescopic mascara is my all time favourite, I decided to try out a few others. I picked up The Falsies Waterproof again as I am determined to love this mascara. I also pick up The Colossal Volum' Express as I tried it once about 4 years or so ago and loved it but never purchased it. I know the formula has more than likely changed multiple times, however I really wanted to own it for myself and see if I love it as much as I did that one time I tried it. Lastly I picked up the Lash Sensational mascara as it has literally taken the blogging world by storm and I wanted to get a piece of the action. These mascaras were £7.99 each but were also on offer 3 for 2.

I am so happy with these purchases and cannot wait to start using them. Sometimes you just have to be self indulgent and have a bit of a spending spree when you're feeling low. Don't worry, at the time of writing this post, I am happy again! Have you tried the Lash Sensational yet? What did you think of it? And have you got any recommendations for green nail polishes? I would love to hear what you have to say so please leave your responses in the comments down below. If you aren't already and would like to be, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on any future posts.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Liz Earle Haul!

Hey Beauts,

After having the photos from my last Liz Earle haul on my computer since Chirstmas, I am forcing myself to post this Liz Earle haul before we have another bunch of wasted photos on our hands. Liz Earle is currently becoming my favourite skin care brand at the moment. The quickness of their shipping, and the offers on their website are so inviting and free products are a bonus when picking out what to try and order next. So without further adieu, here is a Liz Earle haul.  


The main reasoning behind this order was the fact that I had run out of my supply of the Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish (Review: Here) and I also wanted a travel friendly skin care kit to take away on holiday with me. I decided on purchasing the 150ml pump bottle of the Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish with 2 muslin cloths for around £20, plus the cannisters make great bath room decorations and are great for hiding ugly bottles in, in the bathroom. I hide baby powder in mine.  The travel kit was around £28 and came with a 50ml pump Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish with 1 muslin cloth, a 50ml tube of Skin Repair Moisturiser for normal/combination skin and a little 50ml bottle of Instant Boost Skin Tonic.

The total so far was around £48 and if you spend over £50 you got free shipping, so I purchased a 30ml spray bottle of Instant Boost Skin Tonic for £6.50 as this is my favourite way to apply the instant boost skin tonic. It is really refreshing to spray it over your face. By spending over £50 also meant that I got 3 free luxury travel size products from the website (it is pot luck what you get). I ended up with another 50ml bottle of Instant Boost Skin Tonic, A 50ml bottle of Shampoo and a 30ml tub of Hot Cloth Cleanse and Polish with 1 muslin cloth. Also, because it was the 20th anniversary of Liz Earle, I also received a 15ml of the Superskin Moisturiser worth £14.50 for free.

Overall, I am so happy with Liz Earle. The way they treat their customers and the presentation and speediness of delivery is brilliant and if you haven't already, I strongly recommend you try them out! Have you ever tried anything from Liz Earle before? What do you think of the brand? And what is your favourite product of theirs? Leave a comment down below as I love hearing your thoughts. If you aren't already and would like to be, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on any future posts!

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Benefit Gimme Brow - Review!

Hey Beauts,

So today I bring you a post from the make-up-less me. Well, an eye make-up-less me at least. It took me months and months to finally get on the eyebrow hype and whilst I am still not a pro on getting my eyebrows 'on flick', I definatly feel as though a nice defined eyebrow can completely transform your face from the average you, to a more confident you. To help me achieve a more confident me, I entrusted the help of Benefits Gimme Brow (£18.50) and all I can say is that it has changed my eyebrow game for good. 

Before

After

In the images above I have used the medium/deep shade of Benefits Gimmie Brow and whilst on my everyday eyebrow routine I would use a brown eye shadow to fill in my eyebrows first, for the purposes of this post I have only used the Benefit Gimmie Brow so we can see how great the product actually is.

The best thing about this product is the fact that it stays on all day long and keeps my eyebrows perfectly in place. The water resistance and smudge proof-ness of this product is absolutely brilliant. I never have a problem with my eyebrows smudging. We actually had a water fight at work yesterday and I was the only girl who didn't have to protect my eyebrows. (1-0 to me). I also love the fact that when I wear this, it doesn't look like my eyebrows are drawn on. MY EYEBROWS LOOK REAL. I put this down to the fibers in the gel and the fact that the product applies to both eyebrow hairs and skin to give a natural look and helps to ease with the application. The application is super easy and completely build-able if you want a more deeper or bushier eyebrow. The super small wand also helps make this product amazing as you don't end up getting the product all over your face and gives for more precise application.

I have to say though, I love this product and it definatly adds a finishing touch in my eyebrow routine - like icing on a cake.  Have you ever tried this product? What did you think? Do you think it is amazing too? What Benefit product do you think I should try next? I would love to hear your say, so leave a comment down below to let me know. If you aren't already, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on future posts. 

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Sunday, 19 July 2015

Easy & Spotty Nails!

Hey Beauts,

We all know how much I love painting my nails with easy and cute designs. Dots and spots being my favourite as they are super easy to create. If you follow me on Instagram (here), you will have seen these nails recently. I must apologise for the blurriness of the image though! 


To create these nails, all you have to do is paint your nails white as a base and then pick which colours you would like your dots to be for each nail. For each nail pick a light and a dark shade, then starting with your lighter colour of choice, place different sized dots about half way / three quarters of the way down your nails. Then on top, use your darker, corresponding nail polish to apply dots in the same way. And VoilĂ , your nails are complete. Feel free to use your favourite base and top coats for a manicure that lasts even longer.  

I am in love with this manicure and have been wearing this look a lot lately as it is really easy to manipulate. For example changing the colours, changing the base colour, making rainbow nails, etc, etc. Are you going to try this manicure out? If so, show me pictures! What are your nails like at the moment? And what if your favourite nail polish/colour? Leave your comments down below - I love reading them. If you aren't already and would like to be, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on future posts!

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Wednesday, 15 July 2015

Origins Out of Trouble Review!

Hey Beauts,

If you remember in a haul a few months back, I picked up three Origins masks. Whilst I LOVED the Drink-Up Intensive mask, I didn't really give the other two masks much of a chance. Whilst the third mask is still sitting in the back of a drawer unused, I have to say that the Out of Trouble mask is well and truly staying in my skin care routine for a long time to come. 


I'll be the first to admit that I have quite a spotty chin and whilst they don't scar (touch wood) they stay purple like a scar for a couple of weeks before they start to fade away. Well, not anymore. This product reduces them drastically and reduces the redness, harshness, and ugly looking-ness of any other spots that decide to pop up.

I personally only use this product on my chin, as to be honest, that is only where I get spots - apart from the odd spot here and there on other parts of my face. Not only does this mean I don't have to wait around with a clay like substance on my face for 15 minutes, It also means I get to save product as it is quite expensive at £23 for 100ml. The clay like mask has a very usual smell, almost herbally, like herbal sweets and has a very thick feel to it. I apply generously and wait for the products top layer to completely dry before I wash it off with a Liz Earle muslin cloth. After the first use of this, I noticed my spots reduce is size and redness, making them so much easier to conceal.

I don't really have anything else to say other than it is quite easily a miracle product for me at the moment. Have you ever tried this mask out? What did you think? And do you know of any cheaper alternatives that are just as great as this? Leave your responses in the comments below as I would love to hear what you have to say. If you aren't already and you would like to be, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on any future posts. 


Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Sunday, 12 July 2015

EATS: The Breakfast Club!

Hey Beauts,

Whilst I am not a huge fan of breakfast foods, I have to say I am a huge fan of The Breakfast Club. The food is gorgeous and presented so well. The industrial-esque theme of the décor is stunning and the staff are so friendly. Not to mention the smoothies, the quirky-ness, the Mayor and the huge fridge. Everything just fits together so well, yet not at all. It's brilliant!


Located at various locations around London, Spitalfields is the only one I have actually visited and after some research, it sounds like the best restaurant too. If you turn up and say to a staff member that you are 'here to see the mayor', you will be escorted off through a giant fridge door to a secret underground bar whilst you make your acquaintances with the mayor. As crazy as it seems, it is pretty fun and definatly a unique experience as the decoration in the secret room is different, but really cool.

As for the food, the portions are quite big and/or very filling as you can see above for about £10 a plate. The BBQ bacon and chicken sandwich was great for a savoury lunch, whilst the pancakes and berries were absolutely delicious for those with a more sweet tooth. Especially as the vanilla cream was to die for. As for drinks, well, the 'Big Breakfast' smoothie is super yummy. A bit like a thick strawberry milkshake but oh so good!

I definatly reccomend going and cannot wait to visit again, even if I am on a diet. Have you ever been? What would you reccommend? And do you know of any other amazing restaurants in London? I would love to here what you have to say in the comments below. Remember, if you like what you are reading and want to, follow this blog of GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on any future posts! 

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Thursday, 2 July 2015

Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain Review!

Hey Beauts,

Browsing the shelves of Boots is always a bad idea. You find things that you didn't need - especially when you have no money - And for some strange reason you end up taking all of these exciting new finds to the till and pay for them. Despite not needing them. It's a strange world we live in, but nonetheless this is how you find amazing products.


I have no idea why I decided to pick 005 Parisian Paris (£7.99) up when Summer is well and truly well under way. The deepness of the shade is very daring and maybe it's because I want to be confident enough to wear it when Autumn comes around. But for whatever reason, I am sure I will be loving it by November and the colour is beautiful. However, 015 Barcelona Nights is a stunning bright pink that I have been rocking a lot over the past few weeks! When first applied I really am not a fan of this product. The colour is left streaky and I'm not a fan of lip gloss as my hair always gets stuck in it and I end up with lipgloss all up my cheeks. But once the lipgloss has worn off, I am in love with these. A beautiful colour stains the lips (hence the name of the products) and leaves a vibrant colour that stains your lips for a good majority of the working day. The scent of these are quite chemically but it isn't so overpowering that you can smell them whilst applying the stain. 

Overall, I would have to say that this product has a lot of pros and cons. Despite the cons though, these are actually a great product. The colour selection available for these I would say is quite small and similar, however I cannot wait to pick up a red and/or coral shade to add the my collection. Do you own any of these Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stains? What do you think of them? Do you agree that the colour is a bit streaky when applied? Let me know in the comments below, I love reading your comments and thoughts. If you aren't already and you'd like to, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on future posts.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Friday, 27 March 2015

'Think Pink' - Review!

Hey Beauts,

So If you follow me on Instagram - here you will know how much I have been absolutely in love with baths at the current moment. Every night (unless I fall asleep early) I will be in the bath, reading books for hours on end and my best companion for this has been LUSH bath products!


This little beauty is called 'Think Pink', and you guessed it - It turns your bath water a lovely deep shade of pink. After a while, multi-coloured confetti hearts appear as if my magic to give your bath that extra bit of loveliness. The scent however is the best part of this bath bomb as it has an amazing scent of candy floss with a hint of vanilla and is perfect for when you're feeling all girly. Whilst I do love this bath bomb, I do think there are better bath bombs available and LUSH's bubble bars are even better. It retails at a lovely £2.65, lasts for one bath and is quite simply wonderful. 

Have you ever tried Think Pink before? If so what did you think of it? if not, what are your favourite LUSH products? and what bath products should I try next? Leave a comment down below letting me know. I hope you enjoyed this post and if you did, remember you can follow this blog on BlogLovin' and GFC so you don't miss out on any future posts.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Monday, 23 March 2015

Eye Kandy Glitter Review!

Hey Beauts,

So it is that time of year again, and IMATS tickets for London 2015 have been released! Whilst I won't be attending this year, I had the honour of going last year with a close friend who is a make-up artist and had a brilliant time. One thing I just had to pick up when I saw the display was some Eye Kandy glitters. I think I speak for everyone when I say Glitter is stunning and us girls are drawn to glitter like a dog is to a bone. 

Spearmint - Sizzlin' Cinnamon - Candy Coin - Double Bubble - Confetti - Marshmallow
Double Bubble & Candy Coin - Spearmint & Sizzlin' Cinnamon

The kit included 6 glitters of my choosing, a brush and some liquid sugar. It was a long time ago now, but I think it cost £30 which is a fantastic price for what I got. Full price on the Eye Kandy website it is £30 for the same set but it only includes 3 glitters and not of your choice, singular glitters being £6.50 each. So I would definatly say it is worth picking this up at IMATS if they are there again this year with similar deals. I have to start off by saying these are fantastic. I don't wear them that often - maybe on the odd night out - but when I do, they are stunning. It takes a little bit of getting used to, figuring our how much liquid sugar to use with how much glitter, but once you have that sussed you are ready to go!  I find it applies really well and you can customise the glitter mixtures to make them as opaque as you want. If you really want to, you can even mix colours (as pictured above) to custom create your own shades. I really like combining Double Bubble and Candy Coin for a beautiful rose gold shade that really is stunning on the eyes.

However, as with any glitter you do want some great packaging to really make sure the glitter doesn't get everywhere. Well, this packaging isn't that great and I have already had my fair share of spillages to deal with. I find working with these over the sink works well as you can just wash away any messes you create really easily. Just make sure you screw the lids on tight when you have finished.

As you can tell I really do love these (Who doesn't love glitter?!) and they come in some really stunning shades. I highly suggest checking them out, even if it's just to look at some pretty glitters! Have you ever tried them out before? If so, what do you think of them? I love creating looks just for the fun of it even if I'm not going out the house at all. Would you be interested in seeing them if I posted them in other blog posts? Let me know below, I love reading your comments and thoughts on these products! If you aren't already, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on future posts.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Sunday, 8 March 2015

My MAC Palette tour!

Hey Beauts,

Coming in as my all time favourite products is a three way for me - Lip Stick, Mascara and Eye shadow, concealer a close 4th (or 2nd, whichever way you look at it). Just these products is all I really need on an everyday basis. But one of my favourite things is seeing what palettes people have. There is something so satisfying about lusting over eye shadows. So here is my MAC palette tour! 


Shroom - All That Glitters - WoodWinked - Amber Lights - Antiqued
Honey Lust - Mulch 
Cork - Texture - Embark

Whilst my palette isn't complete yet, I am still in love with it and I think it will be some time before it is actually complete but for now, I find myself reaching for some shades on an almost everyday basis. We all know how great MAC eye shadows are (pigmented, long lasting and an incredible colour selection), but I find that these shadows are only great if you use a primer - NYX jumbo eye pencil in Milk being sufficient enough. Without that, they are a bit lifeless with dull colours being barely visible.

My favourite shade in this palette has to be without a doubt Amber Lights, It is absolutely stunning in my eyes, and the orange in it really brings out my blues eyes and just makes them pop. To go along with Amber Lights, I really like adding WoodWinked into the outer corner to deepen to the look a little, but on it's own it has a lovely golden sheen that really is stunning to wear just on its own. How can I mention my favourites in this palette without mentioning All That Glitters?! I'm sure everyone has heard of this shade and it is lovely for a light eye look, requiring no effort what so ever. Honey Lust, Another beautiful shade is basically All That Glitters with slightly more orange in it, again to make blue eyes pop. I think from these favourites you can tell that I am not much of a matte fan and love my shimmers, however the bottom layer are all mattes just for the eye sockets and for a little bit of variety in the palette.

Whilst I do love this palette, I think my INGLOT palette is still my favourite - What do you think? Are there any shades here that you have never seen before? And what shades do you think should fill the remaining spaces? Do you own a MAC palette? I would love to see yours so leave links down below to your MAC palette tours! If you would like to but aren't already, remember to follow on GFC and Blog Lovin' so you don't miss out on any future posts! 

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Thursday, 5 March 2015

Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask Review!

Hey Beauts,

I know that I am so late on this bandwagon, but a mask for dry skin coming in at £23 for 100ml, I really couldn't justify the price, especially whilst being a poor University student struggling along in life to make ends meet. But just before Christmas Boots had an amazing deal on Origins masks which meant that I managed to pick up this and two other Origins mask (all 75ml) for £23. Bargain!


There is a lot that I wasn't expecting with the product. As soon as you start applying this to your face, the aroma will fill your nose with a lovely fruity, almost tropical scent. I can't quite put my finger on the scent exactly, almost peachy, apricot, mango or pineapple scented. Whatever it is, it really does smell mouth-wateringly good. Then when you apply it to your skin, it is super soft and feels really smooth to apply. It glides on really easy, and applies clear despite coming out of the tube a milky white shade. I usually apply a little more than moisturiser and then tie my hair back to stop the strays sticking to my face. After the majority has soaked in, I will climb into bed, read a good book and fall asleep. The next morning everything will have soaked in and my skin will feel so soft and super-hydrated.

I don't exactly have dry skin, but I imagine this would be the perfect pick me up for those driest of dry skin days. Over the Winter months, this has been the perfect pick me up for little dry spots around my nose and between my eyebrows. However, even when I have oily skin days, this doesn't leave my skin oily. It almost balances out my skin which I really love. I would love to try this product out on a long haul flight as I think it would be perfect do combat the drying effects of a planes air con, but haven't yet had the opportunity to try this out. I can guarantee this mask will be coming with me on the way to Florida this September and I am sure I will report back to you late September.

I really have been enjoying this mask and I strongly suggest you bite the bullet and purchase it if you haven't yet but have been wanting too. It really is lovely and your skin will love you for it. However if you have tried this before, what were your thoughts? Did you get on with it? Did you enjoy the scent? Are there any other masks like this that you enjoy that I should try? Leave a comment down below and let me know, I'd love to hear your opinions. If you haven't already and would like to, you can follow on GFC and BlogLovin' so you don't miss out on any future posts. 

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Monday, 2 March 2015

Old Friends... - Magical Mondays!

Hey Beauts,

I don't know about you, but I am most definatly one of those people that lives for friends. I love making friends, I love spending time with friends, I love conversations with friends and I love seeing how people repay you for your friendships and react to friendships. It is just really interesting to watch. Saying that, It is common to fall out with friends and slowly lose touch with people that you absolutely love and lately I have just been getting fed up of losing friends over petty arguments or just being busy in general and not having enough time to talk to one another. Because of this, I have set myself a goal to have a conversation with at least 4 people a day (new or old) in an attempt to remind my friends that I do love them, but people just get busy.


One of my favourite sayings is 'The best type of friends are the ones where when you don't talk for ages and then when you talk again, it is like nothing has ever changed'.  Whilst I do agree with this to a certain point, I feel as though friends still need to feel appreciated in that time in between. By little conversations and wanting to spend time with each other. Being busy sometimes doesn't cut it. What I have learnt lately is by not communicating with friends, it leaves room for falseness to form. That is why it is good to talk to people.

Another thing I have been noticing a lot is the fact that technology is over taking the world. Do you remember going out and spending time with your friends? Going round a knocking on their door to see if they are free? Where technology makes it a lot easier to talk to one another, it takes away the idea of spending time together, and seeing each others smiles and happy faces while they are spending time in your company. That to me, is one of the best parts of friendship! So go and organise a meal out or a trip to the park.

I don't know, this is just what I have been thinking a lot about lately and I'm sorry if this kind of post doesn't appeal to you all that much, but friends are what makes the world go round! Do you have any tips in making friends? And are you one of those people that follows the same motto I do or do you try and talk to people as much as you can? Quite simply, what are your thoughts on this post? If you enjoyed this post and aren't already, you can follow on BlogLovin' and GFC so you don't miss out on any future posts. I hope you have a magical Monday.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Tuesday, 24 February 2015

Nails of the Day - 24/02/2015!

Hey Beauts,

Lately I have really been getting back into painting my nails and I think that is due to the fact that I will be starting back at work in a couple of weeks and we are not allowed to wear nail polish (Very boring, I know). So today I thought I would share with you beauts my favourite creation lately. 


This look was really simple to create, even though it doesn't look like it. I just painted all of my nails with a base coat then a nude colour, then went over my ring finger with a gold nail polish and then two different gold glitters, one fine, one chunky - just to really make that nail sparkle. I then used a dotting tool on my little and index fingers just to add a little accent dot in gold near to the nail beds. The flowers were created by dotting five white dots in a circular fashion using the dotting tool. I then added a gold dot in the center of the flowers and in the nude spaces I added little white dots. Lastly I went over all the nails with a top coat. If you don't own dotting tools, cotton buds are a great alternative. 

These are my nails at the moment, but what are your nails currently looking like? What colours do you usually paint your nails? I never use nude colours but I am really enjoying this shade! If you aren't already and don't want to miss out on future posts you can follow on GFC and BlogLovin'.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Monday, 23 February 2015

The Underdog!

Hey Beauts,

When hearing about MAC red lipsticks Russian Red and Ruby Woo are shouted about here, there and everywhere! But one lipstick I have never once heard being spoken about is Brave Red - My most favourite MAC lipstick. Let me tell you why...


As I am sure you can see from the above images, I have used this lipstick to nearly the end of it's life. The colour is fantastic. Who doesn't love a great red? The pigmentation is beautiful, but comes off a little lighter than in the tube (which I appreciate) and leaves my teeth looking really white. The formula is a cremesheen and so packs a lot of moisture. Never once has it left my lips feeling dry and chapped, It even leaves my lips looking slightly glossy and healthy. However because of the moisture filled properties, it isn't the best at staying put - especially after eating a meal.

At £15.50 MAC lipsticks are getting more and more expensive, but as soon as I get to a MAC counter, I will most definatly be repurchasing this, just to have a back-up. Have you ever tried Brave Red? Which is your favourite MAC red? Or do you have another brand red lipstick that you're in love with? I would love to know so leave a comment down below letting me know! If you liked this post remember to follow on BlogLovin' and GFC so you don't miss out on any future posts.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx

Wednesday, 11 February 2015

Barry M Nail Pens!

Hey Beauts,

One of my favourite things to do is just walk around Boots and look at all the products. When I come across something new, its always exciting to see what it claims to do or what novelty it has to pull people in to buy them. We all know how much I love nail polish and nail art and so this product was very interesting to me and right up my street, Nail Art Pens. 


I picked up the standard black and white as I thought they would be the most useful and versatile, however they also came in Pink, blue and Silver. At £4.99 it is still quite cheap, but more on the expensive end as far as Barry M is concerned. As you can see above, I had a little fun playing around with these pens, seeing how well they worked, what the opacity was like, the thickness of the pens and whatnot. It was definatly enjoyable and I loved playing around with the novelty factor with these pens - I definatly didn't have enough fingers on my hands! 

So as with the majority of nail polishes, one stroke of this could not achieve full opacity (no matter how much I tried) even though the black did do a better job than the white pen. When trying to achieve lovely details, I feel as though this would be an issue, especially when trying to achieve a thin line as the more you would go over the line, the thicker the line would become. One thing I did love about these pens was the fact that curved lines were really easy to do and the pens were really easy to control. On top of that, the formula came out a lot better than I was expecting and I have to say that I am very pleasantly surprised by these pens!

I will have to try out some actual nail art looks with these pens and post the results on here for you to see sometime in the future as I cannot wait to play some more with the pens! Have you ever tried these out or do you own any of the other colours? Are their formulas as nice as the black and white pens? Let me know your thoughts below in the comments. If you aren't already and do not want to miss out on future posts, remember to follow on GFC and BlogLovin' to join in on all the fun.

Be happyBe beautiful and Be YOU!
Ellie, xx