My Current Minimal Makeup Look

My Daily Go-To Makeup 

At present with two very small children I do not really have much time during the week other then testing products to put a full face on. So, I have managed to put a basic look together which looks presentable when I go to the mum and baby groups and means I look somewhat  half way presentable for the day ahead. I know a lot of you will be thinking that I should be putting being a mother first and foremost, which I do but I also believe that you also should feel good about yourself, especially when you are in the transition period of losing that baby weight and establishing routines etc etc. It is hard work. So, this little look takes little to no time to put together and does not look half bad. If I have extra time, then I will put some eyeshadow on but this is my basic look. 

My daily look consists of: 

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Light 2 Vanilla) - £22.50

George Tint N Pout Tinted Lip Oil (01 Barely There) - £4.00

George The Tamer 2 in 1 Lash Definer & Brow Tamer (01 Clear) - £3.00

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara - £19.00

MUA Luxe Radiant Illumination Highlight Kit - £6.00

Essence Mattifying Compact Powder (10 light beige) - £2.00

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - PS Pro Lip Primer Prep and Perfect

Lip Primer Prep& Perfect

I have to say I am not the biggest fan of primers, I don't see the point and do not see what they actually do. I just use a lip balm if needed. However, during a recent spending spree in Primark I noticed this product and I thought that I would give it a go.So, this product is currently under review and I will get back to you with my thoughts and views in the next few days.

Ruby Eyeshadow Brush

I am always on the hunt for new brands, especially when they sell makeup brushes. I do own a lot of brushes already but always striving to find the perfect brushes. When I received my recent Glossybox, this gem was part of the monthly picks. 

And, this is my new favourite eyeshadow blending brush. It is so soft and blends the product so well that it could be up there with the more high end brands. 

Ruby the brand has been developed by people who know there stuff about makeup and what is required by their customers. Check out their website here.

Current Eyeshadow Favourite

Current eyeshadow favourite combo 

At this moment in time,  I do not have much time on my hands so whatever I do makeup wise needs to be quick and easy. This combination is my current favourite. 

Makeup Revolution - Touch Me 

This colour is an ideal base and provides an even colour for the lid and for £1.00 you cannot really argue. The shadow is creamy and long lasting and one shadow that is a must for your kit. This shadow is available here.

Makeup Obsession - E139 Hypnotic 

You may think this eyeshadow looks a bit scary but I use it in several different ways. Sometimes I use it was a liner or I do a subtle smokey day eye or when I go out (which is not very often), you can layer and do a full on evening smokey eye. Again, this shadow is long lasting and there was little to no fall out which is a bonus. This shadow costs £2.00, yes you read that right and the collection is now a permanent fixture in my makeup kit both professionally and at home. This product is available here.

Beauty Products Used Up - Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water

I am not sure how many of these I have been through - I have seriously lost count. I use micellar waters every day to remove my initial makeup before I double cleanse. 

With micellar waters, I believe it is trial and error as to which one works best for you as  it is down to personal preferences. I have about four different brands I switch between and I know they work and remove my waterproof mascara. 

My advice if you have not tried the product see whether they have a travel size, as most of them do and purchase that before you take the plunge buying the full size. This micellar does not sting my eye, it does not leave any residue it just does its job of removing my initial layer of makeup before my skin care routine starts. 

Simple ensure all of their products are kind to your skin and gentle which is why I love the brand. This product would be ideal if you have teenage children to encourage them to cleanse their face and it is so cheap to purchase you don't mind them using it up. 

This is one product I would recommend to you all. 

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - MUA Luxe Radiant Illumination Highlighting Kit

I am so pleased to see the high street brands producing palettes like this as years ago, they pretty much did not exist or if they did they were not very good. 

MUA really work hard to meet the needs for their customers and strive to provide both quality and value for money. When I saw this palette I was very excited as I love a good highlighting palette and usually I have expensive tastes as I simply adore my Hourglass palette and cannot live without it.

This highlighting kit it states that it creates a light luminosity. There are six shades which can be layered together or applied separately for a glow to your complexion. 

I have just started to experiment with this palette and of course will report back to you as to my views on whether this should be on your shopping list and at £6.00 it is a bargain. Check this palette out here.

L'Oreal Professional Steampod Brazil Fantasy Limited Edition

I hope my sister is not reading this, but I have re-purchased this product for her for Xmas as I have fallen in love with this hair tool and it is going to be in my favourites for 2016, which will be on my blog towards the end of December.

I have tried many straighteners, and I am quite fussy as I am not the biggest fan of GHD's - I know all the other beauty bloggers love them, but I am just not a fan. I cannot put my finger on it. I am also, not a fan of poker straight hair and have a tendency to stray towards "beach waves". In addition, I am reluctant to continue to straighten my hair as I get concerned around the heat being continually used. 

This Steampod is amazing and uses a combination of steam and pro-keratin technology which helped to keep my hair smooth and shiny and aided with protecting my hair from heat damage. The continuous steam pressure helps to open the hair cuticles without losing any moisture. The "beach waves" lasted a lot longer which compared to my other straighteners really impressed me so I did not have to do it everyday. 

The Steampod can be used on all hair types.

✓ Long lasting 

✓ Can be used to straighten hair 

✓ You can create curls and waves 

The compliments I received after using this product was mind blowing, and a lot of the wives on camp have since purchased the Steampod and have ditched their GHD's. 

If you are struggling with either thinking of a gift for your partner or what you want for Christmas, I would highly recommend this product!! You will not be disappointed at all. Check these styling tools out here.

Beauty Products Currently Under Review - Revlon Colourstay Palette

Not Just Nudes Palette

I recently popped into my local Superdrug store and stumbled across this palette which I thought would be right up my street - I mean look at all of those nudes - just perfect. So, I have started to test this palette out and will get back to you and let you know my thoughts in due course. 

Christmas Gift Ideas Under £5 from Primark

Stocking Ideas

If you are stuck for ideas for present under £5.00 (which is not easy to find) or you need some ideas for stocking fillers it is worth having a look in your local Primark store as they have some great ideas to meet both of these needs. So, here are a couple of things I have picked up. 

Contour Crayons 

Lipstick and Liner 

Brow Kit 

Lipstick and Liner Kit 

Superdrug Haul - November 2016

Over the next couple of days I will be sharing a couple of hauls I have recently purchased. I know it is so near to Christmas but I just could not resist. I made the mistake of going into Superdrug and there were a couple of new bits and pieces I simply could not resist and to try out. 

I will be writing further reviews on each product once I have given them a go and let you know what my actual views are so stay tuned. 

L'Oreal True Match Highlight 101 Golden Glow - £6.99

MUA Luxe Glow Beam Liquid Highlight Cushion - £5.00

L'Oreal True Match Highlight 301 Icy Glow - £6.99

MUA Luxe Radiant Illumination Highlighting Kit - £6.00

Maybelline Master Precise Curvy Mascara - £6.99

George Asda Beauty Haul

I have done it again, my husband managed to fall for my persuasion skills and I managed to convince him to shop at Asda so I could have a look at the beauty counter. I simply could not resist some of the products and I managed to avoid completing the rest of the shop with the little one as he did it with him - Bonus!! So, I managed to purchase some exciting products and had 20 minutes peace and quiet. 

Here is my little haul, stay tuned as I will be putting these products to the test and of course will report back to you as to my views and impressions. 

Illuminating Primer - £5.00

George Tint N Pout Tinted Lip Oil (no 2 coral kiss) - £4.00

George Tint N Pout Tinted Lip Oil (No 1 barely there) - £4.00

George Blush (no 4 Sorbet) - £3.00

George Blush ( no 3 Cheeky) - £3.00

George Precision Lipliner (01 natural beige) - £2.75

Five Lip Products Purchases

Ok, this week I seemed to have been obsessed with buying lip products - as if I do not have enough. And, you will see from my purchases I have gone a bit Rimmel heavy as I have not really looked at the Rimmel stand for a long time and there are a lot of nudes - what can I say they are my favourite. So, here goes here are the lip products I have purchased: 

56 Boho Nude 

Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate £6.49 - here.

630 Seduction 

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolour £8.99 - here

700 Naughty Nude 

Rimmel The Only 1 Lipstick £6.99 - here

CP36 Nude Gold 

L'Oreal Gold Obsession Colour Riche £6.99 - here

700 Trendsetter 

Rimmel The Only 1 Matte Lipstick £6.99 - here

Essentials AA Skincare Collection Christmas Gift Set - Refresh and Renew Face Kit

Essentials AA Skincare Gift Set 

I am loving this time of year, as the Christmas sets are slowly being released and although I do purchase some for friends and family I do like to treat myself to the odd one or two. The Refresh and Renew Face Kit is one that would be top of my list and at £31.50 it is a bargain for four products. The

first thing I need to tell you all is the packaging the products are sent in is simply beautiful and luxurious and not a disappointment. 

You need to order your Christmas Gift Sets by Friday 16 December 2016 for UK delivery so order now to avoid disappointment. There are many gift sets to pick from and I guarantee there will be one you will love. Check out the website here 

Refresh & Renew Face Kit 

So, the gift set I picked was the Refresh & Renew Face Kit and I was not disappointed !!! Also, my mother decided to "borrow" some of the products and failed to return them after use and took them home with her as she was very impressed - and she is not easily impressed by beauty products as she likes her own specific skin care brands and had never tried Essential AA Skincare Collection products, but I believe she has recently purchased other products.

Seaweed & Aloe Refreshing Eye Gel 

Seaweed & Aloe Refreshing Eye Gel - it is so gentle and provides the eye area with extra hydration especially as the eye area is so delicate. If you have sensitive eyes, this product is perfect at providing a calming effect and leaves your eyes feeling refreshed and soothed. This product contains extracts of cornflower which aids in brightening and cornflower which helps to soothe, whilst the cucumber adds to the hydration and calming effect. 

This product is odourless so if you are sensitive to fragrance, this is a perfect product for you. 

Lavender & Tea Tree Cleansing Face Gel 

Lavender & Tea Tree Cleansing Face Gel - this gel contains the two popular / favourite essential oils. This gel is perfect if you have acne prone skin, spots, blemishes and other abrasions. This gel is a natural antiseptic, antibacterial and anti fungal. The lavender helps to calm and sooth your skin and heal any parts as required. This is one of my favourite cleansing gels currently on the market.

Neroli & Aloe Moisturising Face Cream 

Neroli & Aloe Moisturising Face Cream - this is a perfect daily moisturiser which helps to rejuvenate skin and reduces the signs of ageing. This helped to brighten and refresh my skin, to the extent this is the product my mother "borrowed" as she was very impressed at how my skin looked after using this product. Neroli helps to refresh and renew skin tone and together with the Aloe which provides a calming / soothing influence. This does provide natural sunscreen, but you also must wear sunscreen, yes even in Winter to ensure you skin is fully protected. 

Rosemary & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil 

Rosemary & Olive Deep Cleansing Oil - I am very fussy about oils, as I hate the way it feels on my hands but, this product is amazing with the simple pump dispenser which means it does not spill everywhere. 

The oil is deeply cleansing, moisturising and nourishing and removes all traces of dirt, grime and makeup from the day and it really does. I sometimes find with some oils it does not fully remove my makeup and for someone who wears waterproof mascara I need a product that fully removes the day dirt. I do not have time to mess around with lots of products and just want one product, which will just do the job and wont leave me looking like I am a panda. This product is amazing at removing all product and I would recommend this to those of you who wear waterproof makeup. 

Embryolisse Radiant Eye

I have never tried an eye product in this kind of packaging before, they have either been in small tubes or a cream in a pot so, I was intrigued to give this product a go. 

Embryolisse state this product is used by a lot of make-up artists because of the immediate brightening effect. I can see why this product is used by make-up artists as I saw an immediate effect and brightened up my very, very tired eyes. I used this product morning and evening with a simple swipe under both eyes, which led to the skin under my eyes feeling hydrated and smooth. Even when I had a no make-up day I found myself reaching for this product and it is a great asset to my skin care regime and a product that I would recommend, especially if you do not have much time. 

My under eyes do get very dry and when this happens it really ages me and makes me look terrible, however, after using this product a couple of times a day it provided hydration, smoothed the skin under my eyes and brightened the under eye area. For any busy mothers out there who just rely on a couple of hours sleep this is a must have product you have got to have in your life. 

You can use this product as many times as you wish or pop it in the fridge for a more cooling effect. 

Embryolisse is an amazing brand and I have raved about them in a previous post. This brand really know there stuff and are aware of what exactly their customers want. The ingredients used within each of their products are carefully selected and tried to ensure they meet their high standards. 

I love this product so much, I have repurchased again - that is how good it is! I know it is £20.50 which is quite expensive, however it is worth every penny. This product is available here.

Products Currently Under Review - Carli Bybel Eyeshadow and Highlighter Palette

I have never been so excited to try a palette as I have seen this everywhere. When this arrived yesterday, it definitely made my day!!! 

Stay tuned for my full review of this product. 

This product is available here.

New CID i - Glow Mini Compact Shimmer Powder Coral Crush

This is one my current favourite blushes it is simply so beautiful. 

I did not really know too much about this brand and I purchased this blush because it was available in a mini version and I thought this would be perfect for my mummy makeup bag. 

I love the fact that there is a hint of shimmer, but not sparkly and you can wear it subtly or build up the colour if you like a bit more definition. I think this may be my favourite blush of the year - yes, that is a bold statement but I think it may be (stay tuned for my products of 2016 which will be available in December). 

This blush is quite expensive at £26.00 but it is work every single penny and is available here.

Essence I Heart Colour Intensifying Eye Shadow Base

I really struggle to find a good eye shadow primer as I get really oily eyelids. I have yet to find a high street brand that can stop creasing. 

However, I have found a base that actually works for me and I have been using this product for a couple of weeks and I have yet to experience eye shadow creasing and it lasts all day. 

The formula is almost like a concealer consistency, but not as heavy and creamy in texture. Essence have stated this product can be worn alone - however, it is not something that I would do. The eye shadow colour clings nicely to this product and there is no blotchy colour and the shadow stayed all day. 

With primers unfortunately, I do believe it is all down to the individual whether they work for you and I have tried pretty much all primers and know there are a limited amount of primers I can use due to my oily issues so I am pleased this can be added to the very short list. This product costs £2.50 and is available here.