Fixation Friday: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

I've been away for a little while trying to sort my room out but I'm gonna try and keep on top of things. I am also thinking of doing a room tour once my room is finished (won't be until August/September) so let me know if that is something you would be interested in seeing :)

I first came across the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask when watching a video by Tati (GlamLifeGuru) on YouTube. She was pretty much raving about this and saying how its an intensive lip care that has a long lasting time. I will pretty much want anything that is recommended by Tati, she is just seriously amazing and I look up to her so much :) If you are interested in looking at her videos them click here and thank me later. 

Back to the lip mask. 

I do kind of feel like I've spoke about it before but oh well. 

So what does it do?

"This innovative, natural formula smooths, nourishes, and moisturizes lips with a bio-active blend of organic agave nectar, jojoba oil, vanilla CO2 extract, and triple the amount of antioxidant trans-resveratrol found in red wine. " via Sephora

I am all about lipcare and it's one of the thing I pay most attention to so you can imagine that anything that will be a step up from my current routine will definitely be on my hit list. 

The downside? Like most things I want, it comes at a cost. This gem costs around $26 which is around £19 to us Brits. Of course I am still on a spending ban but this we definitely be a top purchase for me when I go to New York - I anticipate doing some serious damage while I'm there. 

Have you tried this? What do you think?

Speak soon

Roo xx

You Can Only Pick One Beauty Tag

This tag was created by Rebecca-Louise Viner (Autumn Leaves) and when I saw it I instantly knew I wanted to do this tag. You should go and check out her original post here too and her other posts because they are seriously amazing. Let's start the tag!

Low end brand: Revlon. Took me a little time to think about this and I know there are plenty others that I could have said but honestly I think Revlon is great across the board. I particularly love their primers, powders and lipsticks.
High end brand: Urban Decay. Again, took me a while to choose but I am a huge UD fan. If you haven't tried their stuff then you are seriously missing out.

Primer: Becca Resurfacing Primer, for me this just does it all - It smooths, blurs pores, makes my skin look matte and keeps my make up in place. You can read my review here

Foundation/BB Cream/Tinted Moisturiser: Hands down Chanel Perfection Lumiere. I don't have to think about it, I just knew. This gives me all the coverage I need and has such a lovely finish. It has also just occurred to me that I have never done a post on this, so i really should.

Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. If there was ever a time to be hesitant about buying a high-end product it would be now. This is my ultimate concealer and I panic at the thought of buying an expensive one to find out that it just isn't as good. 

Bronzer: Elf St Lucia Bronzer. I actually only have 1 bronzer, as a pale girl I don't really go out of my way to get them but this one isn't orangey which is ideal. 

Blush:  Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat. This is a great shade for all, it is a little intense so a light hand is needed but it just gives you that pinched look. 

Powder: Maybelline Matte Maker Powder, I had been using other but when I ran out and needed an inexpensive option this came to my rescue. It does a great job at keeping oil and shine away.

Setting spray: Urban Decay De-Slick. I originally bought this because I saw Missglamorazzi on YouTube talk about it and it honestly does what I need it to. Unfortunately I ran out and haven't had the money to purchase a new one but I can only really compare it to hairspray for your face (without a horrible feeling).

Eyebrow product: Benefit Gimmebrow in Light. I dived for this product and surprisingly not very hesitant. I had issues with previous brow gels in the past but this just does everything I need it to, I can define my brows and also fill them in. 

Eyeshadow/Palette: Urban Decay Naked 2, I love all the Naked palettes but the main reason for choosing this is the fact it has a good highlight, a light matte colour, a matte taupe and a matte black. The amount of looks you can make from this palette alone are phenomenal.

Eyeliner: Collection 24Hr Extreme Liner, again a really inexpensive liner but absolutely does it's job. I have tried higher end liquid liners but none have made even a mark on what this does. 

Mascara: Lancome Hypnose Star. Best. Mascara. Ever.

Lipstick/lipgloss/lip balm: Recently I have been loving the cocoa butter lip balm from Palmers. Oh how I do love a good lip balm.
Nail polish: Nails Inc Baker Street - It is the most perfect cobalt blue I have ever seen!

Beauty tool: Real Techniques Exert Face Brush - it applies my foundation so immaculately! 

I hope you like this tag and I tag everyone because I love to see your thoughts, so leave your link below :)

Speak soon

Roo xx

My Top 5 Drugstore Must Haves

I have probably done a similar post to this in the past but I think it's probably time to do another which is never a bad thing. Essentially these are the products that if I was in a hurry would be my first choice.

I truly believe that some of the best make up comes from the drugstore and on many an occasion I have made a regretful high end purchase because it didn't live up to the cheaper alternative. This isn't going to be a naming and shaming of bad high end products because I feel like I bash too much even though I honestly love those brands. Anyway, I think I've yapped too much so we should just get started. 

1. Revlon Photoready Primer - £11.99

(Sorry for the messy bottle, it's a little worse for wear)

There are several drugstore primers that I could have mentioned but I feel that this one is by far the most deserving. I honestly think that this knocks out some high end brands, I think that it is really good across the board and worth every penny. This is a fairly thick primer but it doesn't feel drying, it doesn't interfere with my foundation and it's mattifying. The only real downside to this is that even with the lid on, the product ends up drying in the top of the pump so if you leave it for a while you will end up with a clump of dry primer that you can't use which is a little bit of a waste. Asides from that I totally recommend this as an essential, especially if you are new to the whole primer thing. 

2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - £4.19

You can tell I love this because I've managed to rub the label off. This particular concealer is a cult classic but really I would recommend concealer as a go to product because it can hide any redness and make you look more awake. Try and find one that will do a lot of cover up, it will end up being your best friend. 

3. Elf Eyebrow Kit - £3.95

Brows are super important to me. Somehow I managed to steer clear of the over plucking phenomenon when I was younger and not damaged my precious brows. I'm sure you have all seen the trends that have been happening over the past couple of years where brows are bigger, bolder and badder than ever and it is really important to make sure you have everything you need to ensure your brows will be looking their best. Thankfully, this little kit has a tinted brow wax and a powder to go with it. I like to take an angled liner brush (I recommend Ecotools) and define my brows with the wax, making the outline of the shape I am trying to achieve. Then I go in with the powder to make my brows look fuller. Your brows can take you look to the next level so treat them with a little respect. 

4. Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Mascara WP - £7.99

For me, mascara is like the finishing touches - whenever I have it on I feel like my look is completed. This is a great one because it adds a lot of volume and length without being clumpy, again you could choose another drugstore mascara (it's up to you) but I honestly feel that this should be one of the first things you reach for in terms of a quick make up look. It has the ability to make your eyes look more open and awake which really will help if you've just rolled out of bed. 

5. Blistex Relief Cream - £2.65

Long term readers of my blog will know my deal with this stuff. I am obsessed, you can pick any lip balm you want but it won't stand up to this stuff. This is obviously medicated but it's part of the reason I use it. No I don't have cold sores and it'll probably take a lot for me to get one because of my prolific use of this stuff. Trust me on this one, if you suffer from dry lips then get some o' dis, it will leave your lips moisturised, softened and chap-free. I would honestly choose this over a lipstick any day. Now if only they made a tinted version (hint hint).

 So those are my top 5, I'd love to know what your top drugstore must haves are - let me know in the comments below :)

Speak soon 

Roo xx

Nails of the Week: Essie and OPI

I really downplayed it this week, I felt like I wanted something more muted and natural so that's what I've gone for.

I used:

- Essie Vanity Fairest

- Essie Marshmallow

- OPI I Juggle Men

What do you think?

Speak soon

Roo xx

Life update

So the next two weeks are going to be a bit hectic for me. My room is about to be redone along with the bathroom so I have to focus my time on moving into our guest bedroom, not only that but I have some other personal things that I need to sort. I will try and post as much as possible but this is just a heads up so you don't think I've disappeared :)

Speak soon

Roo xx 

Fixation Friday: Nudestix

Another week, another FF. I've been slightly AWOL the past couple of weeks but I'm still here. I'm trying to get myself a proper schedule on the go so I feel like I know what I'm doing. Anyway, lets crack on.  

This week is all about Nudestix, which are a relatively new concept to me but as soon as I saw them I knew I wanted them. I first saw them on a video review by Wayne Goss (gossmakeupartist) and you can see that video here. I have been pretty much hooked with getting them. 

Now down to the specs. These pencil based products may seem small but I assure you they are mighty! This entire brand is based on the ideal of natural beauty, their products are supposed to be very minimalist but focus on highlighting all the best bits. This range includes concealer pencils, lip/cheek pencils, eye pencils and even a mascara (not a pencil but hey). None of the colours are too wow but they are also not supposed to be either, I am all for natural beauty because there are some days that I want to wear make up but I just want to feel like me. 

Really the only downside to me is the price. They are super pricey (especially for my budget) at £24 per pencil. At some point I will try them but in the meantime I will just lust after them. 

Have you tried Nudestix? What do you think?

Speak soon 

Roo xx

Nails of the Week: Mint Apple

I'm a little late with this post but hey better late than never. 

This week I have been wearing Sinful Colors in Mint Apple. I have actually been wearing this since Monday but I think that it actually works out because I can now cover longevity. 

So the colour is pretty much what it says - mint apple, it does carry a slight shimmer which isn't my favourite but I can live with it. 

The application was great! I used nearly 2 coats (1 and then topped up where necessary). The formula was nicely workable as it wasn't too thick or thin and I found that the opacity was pretty good too. 

After wearing this for a few days I have to say that actually it has worn so well. I will admit I have no base or top coat on (I know, sacrilege!) but it's holding up amazingly. The only signs of wear are where it has worn off on the tips but I do a lot of cleaning so I am really not surprised. 

Honestly I think I am really going to be on the hunt for more Sinful Colors polishes because they are only £1.99 from Boots and are pretty much always on BOGO Half Price. 

Have you tried Sinful Colors? 

Speak soon 

Roo xx

New York Hit List - Top 5

As you're probably aware, I'm off to New York in August and I am super excited for it! My main excitement comes from all the make up buying opportunities I will have and that I will actually be able to go into Sephora (you know, if I don't hyperventilate and faint beforehand). I thought I would share with you all the top 5 items that are on my hit list to buy whilst I am over there, so here we go!

1. Clarisonic

I don't honestly know how many times I have talked about this but I have wanted one for the longest time so this will be my opportunity to finally get one. If you haven't heard me talk about it before, or for that matter why exactly I want one then you can click here to see my post all about it!

2. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

You may have seen this floating about on blogs lately and that's because it just looks so amazing!! This was actually brought out a while ago as a limited item but because it was so popular it has become permanent (I think). I also did an FF for this too, you'll probably find that a lot of the things I want have an FF (Fixation Friday to my newer readers) attached and you can read that one here

3. Lorac Pro Palette

This is a total cult product that I have ever only heard good things about. It just looks so beautiful and very versatile. It contains 16 beautiful colours that to be honest I don't really need but I really just want so badly!. I hear there is also a second Pro Palette that has been released so if I can get my hands on it then I think I will have to buy it.

4. NARS Matte Multiple

Ok, so I know that I could easily get this over here (along with several others) but as I'm on a make up spending ban I want to wait and buy it when I go away. I don't necessarily have any colours picked out so I will just wing it when it comes to that. I have been totally fascinated by these ever since I saw them as they are so versatile - hence 'Multiple'.

5. Bite Agave Lip Mask

To be honest this is a product that I have only recently seen but as soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it. This is an intensive lip treatment that is excellent at hydrating. Mainly I hear that this is very long wearing which is great so you don't feel like you're digging for it every five minutes.

Those are my main five but I assure you there will be a load more to buy!

What you recommend from Sephora?

Speak soon
Roo xx

Fixation Friday - DOLCE & GABBANA Classic Cream Lipstick - Sicilian Jewels Collection

I have to apologise as I missed my FF post last week (I had loads going on :S) but anyway I have a really interesting one for you this week!

This is the Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick Sicilian Jewels Collection. I first came across this about 4-5 months ago (can't remember how) and then I did a little searching and found that Sephora stocks it (joy!!). These lipsticks are a little different to the average but that's why I love them, the colour selections are = Topazio (Golden amber-yellow), Rubino (Deep red), Ametista (Bright purple) and Smeraldo (Ice cold luminous green) and I am dying to get my hands on Smeraldo. 

You might be thinking several things, firstly 'Are you serious?!' - Absolutely! I have nothing like it and it would be a great addition to my expanding collection - Also I have faith that green will be big!. Secondly 'Oh I see, it's going to be a tint and not actually full on green, am i rite?' - No, this is an absolutely full on, super pigmented green. Why? Because why not! 

The other colour are a lot more wearable but there's no fun in that! So let me know what you guys think - would you be brave enough to wear green?

Speak soon

Roo xx

Nails Of The Week: Baker Street

I really want to get into doing a 'Nails Of The Week' series of posts. I used to be really into doing my nails and more specifically nail art (which you can see on my Instagram page - Kittysmurf1993), in fact I got to a point where I was doing my nails pretty much every day but then you get into a line of work where you can't paint your nails and it all just slips. I'm now back in a position where I can do my nails as often as I want and I think a nice way to start off would be to introduce a 'Nails Of The Week' post. I know it's already Wednesday but I think that I will be posting these on a Monday so the next one will come round quite soon. 

But without further ado, here are my nails for this week. Be warned, you WILL fall in love with this colour. 

I have been dying to get this colour for a looonnnnggg time! The photo doesn't even really do it justice, it is supposed to be a rich cobalt blue and it has instantly become my favourite polish colour of all time. I could quite easily wear this over and over and I am someone who quickly gets bored of a polish colour. 

This is by Nails Inc in the colour Baker Street and I believe the price is £11.00 so is a little bit more expensive than your average polish but absolutely worth every penny!

What do you think of this colour?

Speak soon

Roo xx

Benefit Samplers Review

Safe to say I think I'm a bad influence on my mum (or a good one depending on how you looks at things) as I have been encouraging her to buy more and more make up lately. One of the things I coaxed her into buying was a lovely little sampler set from Benefit. 

 (Silly me forgot to photo the box it came in)

This includes a very generous sample of Posie Tint, a sample of Bad Gal Lash mascara and a sample of the Porefessional primer. I have tried the Porefessional primer previous to this so I don't feel the need to go on about it but you can read my review here. 

So first up is the Posie Tint. This is a great multi-tasker as it's a lip and cheek stain. The pigment isn't overly strong which is great if you want something subtle, don't worry though because it is also quite buildable if you want a bit more of a pop of colour. 

I am a little hesitant to use on on my cheeks as you need to work super fast with it otherwise you will end up with a massively concentrated splotch of colour and not much everywhere else. Give me time and I'll get back to you all with a proper demo :)

Ahhh this has to be my favourite thing about this sampler box. I was left under-whelmed by Benefit's They're Real! mascara (I just didn't agree with the formula or applicator) but this totally surprised me. The wand is very reminiscent of the Smashbox Full Exposure mascara that I love so much and the formula is a total winner too! It wasn't flaky or crumbly and it really help to volumise and lengthen my piddly little lashes. 

I definitely will consider buying the full sizes to these products because it was such an awesome little kit to buy. Unfortunately I don't know the name of the kit but it was in Boots cost around £9.50 (bargain!)

Have you tried any of these? What Benefit products would you recommend?

Speak soon

Roo xx

May 2014 Favourites!

I can't believe that we are practically half way through the year, time has seriously flown!

This month I haven't really had a chance to try anything new but there are certainly thing that I have been loving :)

Sanex Dermo Invisible Deodorant

Ok, so this is a little strange to talk about deodorant but I need to tell you because there are no secrets here. I love this stuff! It is actually invisible, it keeps you smelling fresh and you get a ton of the stuff for only £2. I was using the Dove cucumber one but that's £5 and you don't get nearly as much. This doesn't necessarily have a great smell but the smell is super neutral which is all right by me.

Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lip Gloss in Nooner and MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup

I am aware that these have been a regular feature in my monthly favourites but only recently have I been putting the 2 together, they have to be my ultimate combination! The gloss just layers perfectly over over the lipstick. 

Benefit Porefessional Primer

I've been using this sample for a weeks and a bit and I have to say that I really like it. It smooths my skin and keeps my make up in place. I may have to invest in a full size.

Invisabobble

Again, this is something that I have only been trying out for a little while but I am starting to love. They work really well as a bobble even after they stretch out. The 2 in the picture haven't been used, you do get a pack of 3 but one is currently in my hair. The only issue is the question of 'Invisibility' I don't think that they are super noticeable but they are definitely not invisible. 

  Like I said, not many favourites for this month but oh well :)

What have you been loving this month? 

Speak soon

Roo xx

#BloggersDoItBetter - Sunshine!

I knew I would love this topic the moment I saw it. 

Currently in the UK the weather is having it's moments of sunshine which is nice as we are supposed to be edging towards summer. Though we have awful weather sometimes I think it is nice to make it feel like summer. I like to fake tan in the Summer (though I'm a total beginner!) and stay my naturally super pale self in the Winter, so this post it going to be about my essential steps to a perfect tan! 

I did a somewhat similar post to this a while ago but I never really went that in depth to important steps you should take to make sure your tan is the best it can be, so here we go. 

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!

This is an absolute must. Exfoliating your skin will remove any dry patches or flaky skin which will prevent your tan from looking blotchy and make it a nice even colour. It'll also help make your skin soft :)

2. Moisturise

You should never exfoliate without moisturising after. When you exfoliate you strip away the top layer and leave your skin exposed, moisturising will provide a nourishing barrier that will stop your skin from getting dry and prevent flaky patches. 

3. Diet and Exercise

Oh yes! Unless you have super amazing skin to begin with then you will need to do this. My skin always benefits from good diet and exercise it just helps balance out your skins needs and gives you all the nutrients that your body is craving. 

4. Water

Try and drink as much water as you can through the day, perhaps keep a bottle handy. You might end up having to pee a lot but your skin will be beautiful and glowing. 

5. Select your tan

Picking what tan you are going to use can be a little challenging. Get to know what suits your skin, you want to make sure that your tan looks flawless on you. Sort of brings me to my next point...

6. Use A Mitt

Application is one of the main reasons a tan goes wrong. Apply it with a mitt and it will come out even and smooth, apply it with your hands and it'll probably be streaky and you'll probably have tan hands. 

7. Practice!

If you're a novice tanner like me than give yourself a few practice runs before you début your tan, you don't want to look like a streaky orange mess. 

8. Bruises

If I had a pound for every bruise I have then I'd have about £8 :/ I know where my bruises come from but sometimes they appear and you can't help it but I like to try and be aware of my surroundings so that I can prevent getting them, they can kind of ruin the sexy tanned look you're going for. 

So they are my top tips for self tanning. Don't forget to always apply a sunscreen when you go out this summer and remember to find one with UVA and UVB protection with at least factor 30. Skin damage is not worth the tan.  

What are your top tips?

Speak soon

Roo xx