My Top 5 Autumn/Winter Lipsticks!

If you hadn't already noticed, I'm a little bit excited for A/W! They're my favourite seasons of the year. What's not to love about vampy lips, woolly jumpers and chunky boots?

I'm such a sucker for shades of berry and khaki greens - if I could get away with wearing them all year round I would (I do try). I'm talking about clothing here by the way, if you hadn't clicked on. I don't imagine khaki green lips would be very sexy! 

 

So, in true A/W style my top 5 'go to' lipsticks all fall into the berry/red end of the spectrum. 

First up is Revlon's Lip Butter in 'Berry Smoothie'.

I don't think I've ever used up a lipstick but I wore this baby so much last year that there isn't much left for this A/W! It's a definite repurchase. Berry/red lips can be a bit of a hassle sometimes to apply; this is great as it's super easy to slap on and it'll add a little 'oomph' to your daytime look. Just swipe on and smush your lips together and voila, you're sorted! 

Next on the list is MAC's 'Plumful'.

This is a relatively new purchase but I've been wearing it non-stop and I just know it's gonna get a lot of Gemma lovin' this A/W. A gorgeous purpley/berry shade that isn't too much for day time wear but would also be suited for a night out. Quite a few of you commented in this post that it's similar to Rimmel's Kate Moss 107 lippie so if you don't fancy shelling out £15 that may be worth a look!

While we're on the MAC bandwagon I'll talk about 'Rebel'.

Don't be afraid of it when you see the bullet. This is a deep purple and pink toned berry (my boyfriend thinks it looks like blackcurrant). I've never come across anything like it before. It's bloomin' gorgeous! More of a night out shade rather than day time wear for me though. If you want a more in depth review check out this post.

 

Next up is Rimmel's Lasting Finish by Kate Moss in the shade '01'.

I bought this last year and my roommate at uni swiped it from me after I let her use it one night (she fell head-over-heels!) so I'm hoping this year I'll get more use out of it. We have completely different skin tones and it suits us both. If you're a little afraid of wearing red on your lips like me - fear not! You can create a completely different look depending on how much you apply; I apply a little and blend it out for a more natural(ish) look or you can layer for a more dramatic lip. 

& last but certainly not least is Benefits lipstick in the shade 'No Competition'.

This was the very first berry-esque lipstick I ever purchased! In comparison to the likes of plumful and rebel it isn't actually that 'purpley'. In fact, it looks like it has much more of a brown tone to it. Nevertheless, it's a lovely colour to create a bold A/W lip.

What will your go to lippies be for this A/W be?

MAC 'Rebel' Lipstick

A few weeks ago I had a little splurge and picked up MAC's infamous satin finish lipstick in the shade 'Rebel'. Now I'm sure you've seen this floating around the blogosphere already (and if not I'm gonna presume you've been hiding under a rock) but nevertheless, I thought I'd put my two cents in.

 

Rebel can be a bit scary at first (especially if you're as white as Casper the ghost like me) but it's much less scary once applied to the lips. It's a gorgeous deep purple-y pink shade that adds instant drama to your look. My boyfriend actually said it reminded him of blackcurrant; and I think that's a pretty good comparison! Luckily for me, I love blackcurrant. 

 Like I said, Casper the ghost!

Formula wise, it offers an intense colour pay off and a semi matte finish. It isn't drying at all though, in fact it's quite moisturising compared to the other MAC finishes I've tried! The only niggle I have with this lippie is that it does "bleed". It's a pain in the a** to apply (I actually have to use a lip brush for this. Whuut?!) but that's something I can live with. I do think though that I'm going to have find a lip liner in a similar shade before I can wear this on a night out. If you have any recommendations please let me know (I'm hoping to find one on the high street)!

 

I haven't been brave enough to wear this while I'm out on my travels yet, but it's a definite 'go to' lippie for a night out on the town! I think it'll get a lot more use as we move closer into A/W. It just doesn't feel right wearing this sultry vampy shade when the sun is still shining outside!

Have you tried Rebel? What are your thoughts? 

Words of Wisdom Wednesday | #6

 

If you're anything like me, you'll be familiar with feelings of anxiety. I worry about lots of silly little things that most people wouldn't even bat an eyelid at. I think it's important for everyone to realise that worrying won't stop bad things from happening but it will stop you from enjoying the good. Try to worry a little less about the things that (let's face it) probably aren't as important as you think this week!

Happy Wednesday! :) 

Past 'Words of Wisdom Wednesdays'

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 //

Monday's Mani

When it comes to nude nails, I think it's a marmite sort of thing. You either love it or hate it. My boyfriend for example hates it with a passion, I on the other hand think they're so classy and chic. It's a shade that you can get away with wearing all year round too! 

Today I'm wearing one of my all time favourite nude polishes (much to my boyfriends dismay); Models Own in the shade 'Nude Beige'.  

Sorry for the crappy photo quality. Today was a bad photo day and this was the best of a very bad bunch!  

If I'm honest my bottle has seen better days. Its nearing its end I think cus' its gone all thick and gloopy. This may even be the last wear I can get out of it *sheds tear*. It's definitely a polish I will repurchase though.

The formula is quite thick and would probably be okay with just one coat but I prefer to apply two coats for a fully opaque finish. I'm not wearing a top coat in the above photo and I think you can see that it has quite an impressive glossy finish left alone. The only niggle I have with this polish is the brush; I wish it was a tiny bit thicker (like the one featured in my last monday's mani post) but its something I can put up with, all things considered. 

Have you tried anything from models own?

You can pick up nude beige to try for yourself for £5 at Boots.

Wishlist: The Autumn Edit!

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I'm definitely not a fashionable or stylish gal, and to be honest I don't normally like the current 'trends'. These cut out shoes however, have got me weak at the knees. I love love love them! I just can't justify spending £70 on them. Perhaps I'll ask for these as my Christmas present ;).

While we're on the subject of shoes; I've been after a pair of vans for years. I'd opt for burgundy just to switch it up from my mainly black shoe collection.

This hat from Monki is perfect for A/W. It looks like it would keep you nice and warm and the pattern/colours are so cute! £8 is a pretty darn good price too in my opinion.

Speaking of keeping warm, this year I swear I'm going to finally buy a coat. I haven't bought a coat since 2008! Last year I went without and nearly froze my ass off during the A/W months. This one from Dorothy Perkins looks like it would do the job nicely.

I've ran out of ALL of my perfumes. Yup, it's a sad time. Sadly, I don't have the funds to run out and restock (you need to get a bloomin' bank loan out nowadays to buy perfume!). Alien by Thierry Mugler is first on my list to buy though.

& last but not least; what autumnal wish list wouldn't include a spiced candle? I'm a huge fan of Yankee and Vanilla Chai sounds perfect for those cosy nights in.

What are you lusting after for A/W this year?

Words of Wisdom Wednesdays | #5

When I've got stuff on my mind there's nothing I love more than putting on my headphones and going for a long walk on my tod. It's times like that when I really appreciate where I live (a small country town with lots of quiet places to walk). Never underestimate the power of crisp fresh air and a little quiet time to think!

Happy Wednesday! :) 

Past 'Words of Wisdom Wednesdays'

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 //

MAC 'PLUMFUL' LIPSTICK

As promised in my sorry (not sorry) post today is a review of MAC's Plumful Lustre Lipstick (aka my new favourite thing). I'd been eyeing this baby up for months and let me tell ya, I'm so glad I finally bit the bullet and bought it. Without a word of a lie I have worn this every single day since it arrived and I don't see it moving out of my make up bag any time soon! I can't help it, I'm a self confessed lip junkie ha ha.

 

I like to buy MAC products from Debenhams online; they offer 10% off deals quite frequently meaning you can snap up a MAC lipstick for £13.50 rather than £15.00. Not a huge saving but still, it's better than nothing! You should keep an eye out for it.

 

This is only my second ever MAC lipstick and it happens to be my first 'lustre' finish. I already prefer this to their 'cremesheen' finishes. I can't really pin point what it is about the cremesheen finish that I don't like, but the lustre offers a sheer but buildable coverage. It's easy to apply and it doesn't completely dry my lips out. That being said though - it does make my lips feel a little dry, but thankfully it doesn't make them look dry.

The above swatch is the effect of one swipe. The swatch below shows just how buildable it is!

The shade is unlike anything I own. A gorgeous plum with more of a pink undertone to it (rather than purple/red) making it much less scary to wear opposed to some of the plum lipsticks out there! I'm a little weary when it comes to wearing darker shades because I'm so pale but I'm happy with how it looks. In fact, I'm smitten. 

What's your favourite lipstick for A/W?

Life Lately... #5

My boyfriend has been working away the past few weeks (he came back a few days ago so I'm a happy chappy again) but on a whole the past few weeks have dragged. A lot. The days I didn't spend depressing myself searching for a job were spent babysitting my nephew and their gorgeous dalmatian, Holly. Starting (and finishing) the walking dead game, celebrating one of my besties 21st birthdays and visiting wedding fairs with my mum for her wedding next year. 

  I'm aware I look goofy as hell in that pic but I think it's cute cus' we were caught off guard!

Not so glamorous, but nice all the same! 

Sorry (Not Sorry) Buys

Oops. There I go again, spending money I don't have. I can sort of justify the first purchase.. but the other two, well, there are no words. Sorry (not sorry).

Origins Zero Oil Cleanser     £18.00

When it comes to skincare anything that Kate recommends will sooner or later end up in my possession. This time it was Origins Zero Oil Deep Pore Cleanser that I got my mitts on. I've heard her rave about this product time and time again (and with my recent Clarisonic addition I've been on the hunt for a gentle 'foaming' cleanser to create a good ol' lather). I couldn't leave it hanging around on my wishlist any longer. 

MAC 'Plumful' Lipstick          £15.00 (£13.50 from Debenhams online at the time)

Much like Kate, any make up that Essie recommends will no doubt be added to my wishlist and looked at longingly until the day I finally decide to click 'add to basket'. When it comes to lip products this girl knows what's what! Plumful is such a gorgeous, unique shade which is unlike anything I own.

MAC 'Rebel' Lipstick            £15.00 (£13.50 from Debenhams online at the time)
This was bought on a complete whim. I think I got a little excited about A/W approaching and well, I have no self restraint. I'm not sorry though! Like 'plumful' this is not like anything I own. It looks scary as hell in the bullet but once applied you're left with gorgeous deep pink/plum lips. It's just B.E.A.UTIFUL!

I think it's a head-over-heels deal for both of these lipsticks so no doubt they will be making solo appearances on the blog. I'll be sure to link you to the full reviews! 

P.S. Keep an eye out on Debenhams online (they also have a beauty app for notifications sent straight to your phone) for any discounts. They often have 10% off all beauty items so the best time to treat yourself to a mac lipstick (or two) would be then! They also have super speedy delivery, mine got here within two days.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Shadow Paint (in Rich Russet)

Cream eyeshadows seem to be taking the market by storm lately and with so many offerings out there buying one can be quite an overwhelming task. I've found one that's long lasting, easy to apply (and blend), inexpensive AND they offer a good colour pay off. Interested?

I picked myself a tube of Rimmels Scandaleyes Shadow Paint's in the shade 'Rich Russet' (which I personally think is the most wearable shade in the range). It's a gorgeous warm toned taupe, and like the other shades available, has a metallic finish. There are four other shades in the range; so if this isn't your cup of tea there are a few others to choose from!

I've been wearing this alone most days, but I've found that it also acts as a great base to pop on before applying powder eyeshadows. I like to apply this before applying eyeshadows from my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette (to create a nice sultry look).

It has quite a thick consistency but blends out very easily. Be warned though, they dry very quickly (and once they're dry they will not budge!) so be sure to blend it out straight away.
It's super handy that it's packed in a little tube too - great for chucking into your makeup bag!

I would highly recommend that you try one out for yourself. I'm so impressed with the longevity and I think it's a great alternative to powder shadows. Great for lazy make up days!

You can pick these up in Boots and Superdrug for just £4.99.

Words of Wisdom Wednesday | #4

I'm sorry for the radio silence this past week; it has not been a good one for me. My very lovely nana (honestly, she really is the sweetest person in the world) was admitted to hospital last Wednesday and we've since received some not so good news so my life has been somewhat turned upside down the past few days. She's a tough cookie though so I have all my fingers and toes crossed for her to pull through. Make the most of the time you have with your friends and family this week; its precious and shouldn't be pushed to the side.

 

Hope you're all well. Happy Wednesday. x

Past 'Words of Wisdom Wednesdays'

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Words of Widsom Wednesday | #3

If you're ever having one of those 'down' days try to remember that. It's easy to feel drowned out sometimes in such a busy world but never forget that you are important. Take a little time out to remind yourself of that! 

Have a great Wednesday! :) 

Past 'Words of Wisdom Wednesdays'

1 // 2 //  

Vichy Dermablend Foundation Review (+ Before/After Shots!)

I'm not one to wear full coverage foundations on a daily basis, I like to save them for a night out or for those days when my skin is looking a little worse for wear. Today, is one of those days (break out central). Every cloud has a silver lining and what not, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to take some 'before and after' photos to show you just how well vichy's dermablend corrective foundation works. I'm extremely self conscious about my skin at the best of times so this is a HUGE deal for me. I personally prefer to see product reviews that actually show you the product in action so I bit the bullet and took some (rather horrendous) images for you. Please be nice! 

Before (skin prepped only with moisturiser, hence the scars from past blemishes)

After (I'm only wearing the foundation in this photo. No concealer etc.)

I think you can see from the photo's how well it covers redness, blemishes and scars. Unlike some fuller coverage foundations I've tried it doesn't look 'cakey' or cling to any blemishes/dry patches. I only use a small amount of the foundation (about a pea size) and you can see from the photo's that a little goes a long way. I think that's down to the 'high concentration of high coverage pigments'.

I used to be an Estée Lauder Double Wear gal through and through but I think I actually prefer this foundation. It doesn't create any make up lines or cakiness, it feels light and breathable and doesn't leave the skin looking dull. I think it's quite a rarity to find a full coverage foundation that allows the skin to somehow still look radiant. This foundation is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, non-acnegenic, fragrance free and offers an SPF of 35 - what's not to love? Oh, and even better, it won't break the bank! You can pick up a bottle for £13.60 from escentual. 

Have you tried vichy dermablend?

Monday's Manicure

When browsing ASDA on Saturday (I know, I have such a glamorous life) naturally I had a wander over to the beauty isle. I ended up leaving with two bottles of Maybelline's 'Forever Strong Super Stay 7 Days Gel Nail Color' as they were on offer at 2 for £6. I picked up the shade '130 Rose' (pictured below) and '265 Divine Wine' a beautiful pink toned berry shade perfect for A/W (maybe that will be next Monday's manicure!).

Apologies for the lighting in this photo. Trust me, this was the best of a bad bunch!

 

I haven't much heard about this nail polish range in the blogosphere but I think I've found a true gem. As formulas go, this is a good one. It glides on with ease and doesn't leave a streaky finish. But the brush! Oh, the brush is just... wowza. It's really wide so it fits near enough the whole nail in one swipe, making it SO easy to apply. It leaves a lovely glossy finish and dries in record time. The colour range is impressive too, I've got my eye on a few more I'd like to try next (I can see an obsessive collection coming along!). I'd highly recommend snapping some up to try for yourselves! I do love a good beauty bargain.

Have you tried any nail polishes in this range?

Autumn: To Do's

I've been staying at my mums the past few days visiting and last night we had a small get together with friends and neighbors for a BBQ. Luckily, the weather held up and we had a good night: however, I'm afraid its time to say au revior to the summer and hello to autumn. The nights are getting darker muchmuch earlier and the temperature has definitely dropped! I personally LOVE autumn so I'm welcoming it warmly. This year I've decided to compose a little 'to do' list for the autumn/winter period (inspired by the likes of Ann and Dan).

So lets kick this off! This year I intend to:

1. Experiment with baking. I've really gotten into baking of late and I'm excited to try some more autumnal recipes! 
2. Go to the gym 3-5 times a week (I signed up last Tuesday! I'd love to lose enough weight so that when summer comes back around and I take off the warm layers people will be like wowza). 
3. Do something special on bonfire night (I'm thinking a cosy night in with food and fireworks).
4. Burn cinnamon and spice scented candles. Oh and Yankee's 'Christmas tree' candle too!
5. Make some cute homemade gifts for my friends and family at Christmas.
6. Cosy nights in by the fire, watching films and drinking hot chocolate.
7. Watch the new series of homeland. And the walking dead. And the vampire diaries. I watch too many tv series, the list could go on.
8. Do some 5* worthy Christmas present wrapping!
9. Make some homemade jam.
10. Invest in a winter coat. Or any coat, for that matter.

What are you excited to do this autumn? I love this season. Bring on the woolly jumpers, scarves, yummy food and dark nights.