The Ordinary Serum Foundation

During the start of Lockdown 3, I ran out of my foundation. I was using the NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation for the last few years and absolutely loved it, however did want to try something else. Ordinarily a quick nip to the shops could avoid any disasters, however that option was not available and I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a shade that I wasn't 100% sure on. This led me to The Ordinary Serum Foundation which I thought I would review for you all. 

The Ordinary Serum Foundation  (£5.50/30ml) is affordable and amazing value for money, retailing at £5.50 for 30ml. What is surprising is how great the product looks in it's packaging, it doesn't feel like a foundation under £6, it looks as great as The Ordinary Skincare, designed to be used effectively and efficiently.  

A 'serum' foundation is the best term to describe this foundation, it has a watery, blend-able consistency that sinks into the skin rather than on top of the skin, like skincare. With a solid medium coverage too, this foundation actually leaves the skin looking like skin, which is honestly really great to see. It evens out the complexion effectively the way foundations are designed to do. Once you apply the rest of your makeup, you honestly cannot even tell you are wearing a foundation that costs under £6. This foundation lasts the test of time too, still looking great on my skin over 12 hours later which is hard to find with even luxury foundations! 

I have been pleasantly surprised by this foundation, initially I bought it to use whilst in lockdown, however I think a lot of people would be happy with the quality and value of this foundation, it's just the right amount of everything, not too high in coverage, not too matte nor too dewy, not too expensive and not too heavy on the skin. I think this is a great foundation for everyone especially as we are now used to wearing less, and I think this foundation really covers all the bases whilst still making me look like myself. 

Have you tried this foundation? If so, what did you think? Comment below to let me know!

How To Buy What You Want For Less

When I first got into blogging, I thought that it would be an expensive hobby. However I find that you can still buy things that you want, and can also get some kind of deal too - it all depends on how much you are willing to wait. I wanted to write this post to shine some light on how I currently shop for the things that I want, beauty or otherwise. 

Black Friday

Black Friday is one of my favourite US traditions that has now came over to the UK. Although the US has better deals, anything electrical such as my MacBook Air and Dyson Vacuum Cleaner are the best items to buy as both products had a substantial saving which was around £150 off the original price. I actually start thinking about any Black Friday purchases a few months in advance and begin to write a list of what things I want to scout around for - this makes it easier for shopping on the day - as it's mostly done online. The things on this list aren't urgent things I need to buy and so I can wait a few months to ensure I get a better discount. This is also a great time to think about Christmas presents too as you will be buying the same thing around a month earlier and hopefully with a discount! 

Duty Free 

If I am going away I know I can utilise Duty Free to get some discounts on makeup, skincare, perfumes and sunglasses. I always ensure that I use this as although the saving might not be big, it is still a way to get the products you want for a better price. Duty Free is also a great place to buy handbags at a better price. I went to Heathrow back in February and spotted a Gucci Bag that was over £1100 that ended up being just around £980 in Duty Free. So Duty Free is a place where you can also make substantial savings too. 

Store Discounts 

Sometimes if you aren't going anywhere and Black Friday is too far away, I settle for normal store discounts. This can range from 10-20% which is still great, especially in stores like House of Fraser and Debenhams on their beauty products. I feel like sometimes we need something straight away and then we end up paying full price during times when these discounts aren't there, whereas if we shopped a bit smarter we would be able to get the same products for a better price. I always try and shop for the 3 for 2 deals in Boots and Superdrug too, as they can also save a lot of money in the long run, especially on products that I know I love and will use. 

Designer Outlets 

If you know me, you will know that I am a massive fan of Bicester Village, and I used to go there around every 2-3 months prior to COVID-19. I think it's such a great place to get brands that you love for a more affordable price tag. I think the trick with designer outlets is to not go there with a specific thing you want e.g. The Gucci Dionysus bag or the Dior Book Tote, but to have a vague idea of the style of bag you want and to see what they do have. I have bought a more than a few items from Bicester Village from Gucci, Coach, DKNY, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss and Monica Vinader just to name a few over the past few years. 

Joining Mailing Lists/ Memberships

Similar to store discounts, shopping during sales can also be advantageous. I'm a fan of online sales, where you don't have to go through hordes of clothes to find the one thing you want. Joining mailing addresses of the shops you love can come in handy. I'm a member of the H&M club, which gives free delivery to every member and also notifies members 24 hours before their sale launches and gives members access to shop the sale before everyone else, so that nothing is really sold out or not in your size. I have ordered clothes so many times at such a great discount that being a member and being notified via email is more exciting than annoying. If there is a particular store or brand you like, then I think it is worth joining a mailing list to get notified of any sales or discounts. 

So these are my top 5 ways of how to buy what I want for less, and it is about buying less impulsively. I think sometimes having time to stew over purchases also helps too as if is a faze, you can identify that quickly, however if after 3 months you still want the item then it may be worth investing in. If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date! 

Where to Spend: Makeup Edition

So recently I wrote about 'Where to Save: Makeup Edition' which showcases the products I believe you can get right without becoming bankrupt. Today, I'll be talking about the opposite - products that I do think are worth the money. Like the last post, I will outline a few of my favourites that I have tried and tested too.

Foundation 

Foundation is the base of any makeup look so it's important that it looks seamless on the skin. With high-end foundations, there are usually more shades, variations in both coverage and formulas so there will be a foundation for the most palest, driest skin, to the more darker, more oilier skin. With purchasing high-end foundations, comes testing in store which is an experience that can really sell the foundation to you. I'm sure most people have picked a foundation in the wrong shade, texture and longevity - so trying before you buy leads to a much more informed decision, which means you will more likely be happier with your purchase! I've stuck with the same foundation for around 4 years now and it's still as good as when I first bought it! 

- NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation (£35.00/30ml)

- It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream (£31.00/32ml) 

Powder
Like foundation, it's important to have a good quality powder to set your makeup otherwise it can lead to a really cakey finish. Some high-end powders can initially seem like a bit much however I find that I don't tend to run out of powder quickly and so I'm happy to spend a bit more if it does last me longer. Also for products like this that I don't buy as regularly, the airport can really come in handy!
I tend to go more for translucent powders that I can use for baking and just setting my makeup. I've been using my Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder for the past few years and it's everything I look for in a powder, it sets my makeup without drying my skin out, blends into my skin seamlessly, and provides a really natural finish.
- Chanel Natural Finish Loose Powder (£40.00/30g)
- Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (£30.00/29g)

Blusher

With blusher, I think it's about getting the most for your money. You can keep powder products for two years and so if you had a go-to blusher that you used everyday, that was easy to blend, pigmented and lasted all day, then I think that's all you need! Again, the shade range in high-end brands tends to be better and as a person who has darker skin, it's really important to find shades that compliment my skin tone, so the more mauve, deeper shades rather than bubblegum pink that I tend to see on the high-street. 

- NARS Blush (£25.00/4.8g)

- M.A.C Mineralised Blush (£23.00/3.5g) 

- BareMinerals All Over Face Colour Warmth (£22.00/1.5g)

Highlighter

A few years ago, this probably wouldn't have made the list because it wasn't on anyone's radar as much. Like blusher, a highlighter is something that will last you, as a little goes a long way and so with that in mind, spending more money on a highlighter makes more sense, as you can just buy one and chances are that it'll last you for more than a year. More luxury highlighters tend to be more finer in formula, looking less like chunks of glitter and more like a glow from within. Becca is renowned for their highlighters, and I wholly recommend getting their highlighters due to the their formulas, shade range and build-ability. They also come out with mini sets, so you don't have to splash out on a full-sized version. 

- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter (£30.00/8g)

- Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (£30.00/30ml)

Eyeshadow 
The first luxury make-up product that I spent money on was the super iconic Urban Decay Naked Palette. To this day, I still believe people own a palette like that. Good quality eyeshadow is important, as a person with super oily skin, I do find that more luxury brands do tend to last longer and also don't tend to crease as much. Palettes are also a great way to get more bang for your buck, rather than just buying singles. More premium shadows tend to blend better, have less fallout and tend to be more pigmented which means that you tend to use less product anyway!
- Urban Decay Naked Petite Heat (£18.20/6 shades)
- M.A.C Burgundy Times 9 (£26.00/9 shades)
- bareMinerals Bare Naturals Palette (£39.00/ 14 shades) - Not currently sold

That's my round up of all the products I think is worth spending a little bit more on. It's mostly due to the products generally lasting longer and due to the choices in shade ranges. I'm also of the mindset that I would rather spend more and know I will use it most days, then spend less and not use it all due to it not being 100% what I wanted. I would love to know what products are on your own lists, what do you tend to spend more money on and why?
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Where to Save: Makeup Edition

I love a bargain. It's the best feeling when you can find a product where the quality vastly outshines the price. I own a mixture of luxury and affordable makeup and I have tried and tested all different categories of makeup to give you my picks on what makeup items are worth heading to your local high street for.

Mascara

I have tried my hardest to find a high-end mascara that curls my eyelashes, makes them thicker and fuller without weighing them down and I have not found one yet. Thing is, you can't trial a mascara out properly before purchasing it and so whenever I have purchased one from a luxury brand that claims to be the holy grail of mascaras, I'm always disappointed with the end result.
With mascara that is more affordable, I find that I can trial more out without spending a fortune, and so I do have a few go-to favourites that give me the results that I want - I will list and link them below!
-  Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara (£8.99/9ml)
- Kiko Unforgettable WP Mascara (£7.20/9ml)
- L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara (£10.99/9ml)

Eyeliner
I think it's so easy to find a brilliant eyeliner without spending too much. Eyeliner only lasts a few months, so I think if you can find something you like for under a tenner then you are definitely winning. From liquids to pencils - the high street has so much variety that I don't feel the need to look elsewhere! I've now found my holy grail liquid eyeliner for under £3, which I can create a thin and defined line, to a more bolder statement look:

- Collection Fast Stroke Eye Liner (£2.99/3.8g) 
- L'Oreal Paris Super Slim Eyeliner (£6.99)
- Rimmel London Scandal'Eyes WP Eyeliner  (£4.49)

Nails

If you are like me, and like to chop and change your nail colour weekly, then the high street can provide a variety of colours, textures and formulas to please anyone. I love finding the needle in the haystack when it comes to shopping for nail polishes, because I think every brand can vary so much (luxury polishes included!). Just because you might pay over £15 for a nail polish, doesn't mean that it's less likely to chip - nails are one thing that is affected by general wear and tear of your daily living. I've found some formulas in the high street that I would wholly recommend to anyone looking for nail polishes that can last for up to week without chipping. 

- Maybelline Forever Strong Gel Nail Polish (£4.49/10ml)

- Kiko Perfect Gel Duo (£7.99/2 polishes)

Lips

Similar to nail polishes, I think you can find a really nice selection of lip products on the high street, again with different textures, formulas and colours. I think because lip products are something that you will tend to reapply throughout the day, regardless of the price, you don't need to spend too much cash, whether you want to is a different story! I'm a massive fan of nude lip colours, and I'll list a few of my favourites below: 

- Nip and Fab Makeup Matte Liquid Lipstick (£7.95/2.6ml)

- Revlon Ultra HD Gel Lipcolour (£7.99)

Brushes 
No matter what makeup you purchase, it's so important to ensure that your tools are just as good as the products. In the last decade, we can see a massive increase of affordable but high quality makeup tools. I believe makeup tools are worth investing in, and finding the right ones for the right price can be difficult, but not impossible. Anything by Real Techniques is an automatic win - I've never been disappointed  in their products and they are so multi-purpose, sometimes I use them for what works for me, rather than what they are meant to be used for!
- Real Techniques Blush Brush (£9.99)
- Real Techniques Sculpting Set (£19.99)

- Kiko Blending Brush 200 (discontinued)
- The Body Shop Eyeshadow Brush (£9.00)

So that is my round up on all the makeup products that I think is worth getting for an affordable price tag. I would love to know if this is something you agree with, or whether there is something else you think is worth sticking on this list.
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Clarins x InTheFrow Collaboration

Today, I am writing to share a brilliant deal from the Clarins x InTheFrow collaboration. Clarins is a brand which seems to get it right - all their products are gentle, easy to use and encased in the perfect packaging. In this deal if you purchase one skincare item and any other product in their range in-stores you get a Summer Tote bag filled with three travel sized goodies which you can select yourself from a few choices. I'll show you what goodies I managed to grab and a quick first impression! 

First of all, can we admire this Summer Tote bag? It's perfect! It has a cute pattern, rope handles and is the perfect size for taking the essentials to the beach. 

The first product I was looking to buy was a new moisturiser, so I bought this My Clarins Re-Boost Refreshing Hydrating Cream (£22.00/50ml). I have never seen this range before, but from what I've heard it's more geared towards people under 30. Clarins has very helpfully divided their skincare based on the clients age, and so finding a moisturiser that will work for your current skin needs is really easy to find. This moisturiser is a cream-mousse formula which means it's super lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly. It feels really nice and cooling in the morning, part of me wants to stick it in the fridge so that experience is enhanced!The packaging looks light but it's actually quite weighty, so don't be fooled! 

Funnily enough, my second choice of moisturiser would have been the Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Silky Cream (£37.00/50ml) and so I selected this as one of the free products. This is just a super hydrating moisturiser that would suit all skin types. The only reason I didn't go for it was the price tag, this seems like a product where I could happily apply a lot onto my face just due to the texture. I'm happy to test-drive this 30ml travel sized version to see if it is really worth the money!

Recently, I have been taking more of an interest in my bath and shower products because that time to unwind is really important and I want to make sure I use products that just enhance the DIY spa experience that I try to create for myself. I grabbed the Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate (£20.00/200ml) in one of the free products (it's a 100ml version!) - it has a few essential oils which makes it a really luxurious product to use, the steam of the shower/bath mixed with this product just really helps you to inhale the scent and my muscles just relax instantly. I personally like to massage a bit of the product near my collarbone and temples as it enhances the smell and also the experience.

The last free product I chose is actually one that I have used in the past, and used to be one of Clarins best selling product which is the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract (£21.00/125ml). This cleanser is what it says on the tin, super gentle and it has some exfoliating beads which isn't too abrasive on the skin. I find that this product doesn't irritate my skin and it leaves my skin feeling cleansed without feeling stripped. This travel sized version contains 50ml of product. 

The second product I actually bought was this Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector (£18.50/12ml). I remember when these came out a few years ago, it was one of the products that I always wanted but never seemed to be at the top of the list. I have the shade 06 Rosewood Shimmer, which is the perfect nude shade for my skin-tone. It's super moisturising on the lips, with a gloss like finish that compliments most make-up looks. I have a feeling I will be reaching for this a lot! 

That's it in terms of my mini round up of this deal. I think it's still on for a few more days, so I would highly recommend checking it out because you do get a lot for your money. It's nice that they also give you a choice of products to choose from too!

I might do a full review of some of these products once I have tried it for a considerable amount of time! If you would like to read more posts then be sure to follow me on Bloglovin to stay up to date!

4 Beauty Repurchases

With the makeup and skincare industry being completely over-saturated, it’s difficult to know what products really hit the mark and are the holy grail of all products, especially if you are like me and love reading blogs or watching YouTube. For me, the tell-tale sign that someone absolutely loves a product is if they would spend their money on the product again. When I write blog posts, I like to state whether I would buy a product again or not, as I want to be smart with my money, and if a product is not worth it then I will not purchase it again…

So onto products that I have repurchased and will continue to repurchase until something else slides it out of place. I have two makeup favourites and two skincare bits to share with you.

The first makeup product I want to mention is the Kiko Milano Highlighting Effect Fluid Concealer (£7.20/2ml). This is a concealer that is great for highlighting features.  If you are new to my blog, then it should be known that I am a massive Kiko Milano fan, I think they have quality products for affordable prices and they are by far my favourite high-street makeup brand.

I use Shade 5 in this product, which is slightly lighter than my skin-tone, but is just as warm. I love that this product is super lightweight on the skin, so it's not too heavy on top of my foundation and blends in seamlessly while still providing coverage. I use it under my eyes and in the centre of my face (forehead, bridge of the nose, upper lip and chin). For a whole blog post on this product, go click on this link!

The second makeup repurchase that I wanted to mention would be the Collection Fast Stroke Liner (£2.99/3.8g). This eyeliner is amazing, affordable and accessible. What I love about this product is that it is super black and also so easy to apply. I’ve tried more expensive eyeliners in the past, and although I would recommend them, liquid eyeliner generally runs out quite quickly so I would rather find a brilliant product on the high-street and save my cash for products that will last longer.

So onto skincare, I’m going to breeze over this first product because I feel like I mention it in most of my skincare posts. It’s The Ordinary ‘Buffet’ serum (£12.70/30ml). If you have problematic, congested skin that might leave you with spots then this is the product to try. It contains helpful peptides that work to de-congest the skin. I’ve noticed so much difference in my skin since using the product, I used to have a lot of texture on my skin and used to be prone to breakouts too. Now my skin is smoother in texture and just feels breathable.

The next product I have repurchased is the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (£24.50/50ml). This is one of my all time favourite moisturisers. My skin just agrees with it. I love this one and also the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 (£24.50/50ml) too. I find with the Kiehl’s moisturisers that they hydrate your skin on the inside but also moisturise the top layer of your skin too which is important as your skin does battle the elements daily, so it’s important that it’s protected. I generally have oily skin, and I find that this doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy or heavy. They sink in well and leave a nice amount of residue on your skin so that it is prepped for the day. I would be more than happy to buy this product again because I haven’t found a moisturiser that delivers as well as this one does.

So that’s my four beauty repurchases, as you can tell I love these products and it’s just so nice when you find a product or brand that you agree with and can advocate to other people. I would love to know what products you have repurchased, as like I said at the start of this post, it’s just a really good indicator of whether it’s stood the test of time! So let me know in the comments below!

Review: Estèe Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelèe

If there is one product that is more of a princess product, it has to be highlighter. Even knowing that I still own about seven in my collection. I love them and I know I don’t need anymore – so I should exercise some self-control. Maybe. 

I actually prefer more of a subtle glowy look. It's not that natural that people won’t necessarily know, however people won’t get blinded if they look at me either - that's the look I generally go for. 

Back to the topic at hand, I will admit it now, I bought a highlighter. It’s the Estèe Lauder Bronze Goddess Illuminating Powder Gelèe ($47.00/7g) which is absolutely stunning. The packaging is nicely weighted and opens like an old fashioned compact, when opened you can see the product on one side and also a mirror on the other. The product itself looks lovely, it has this slightly mosaic design that gives it more of a luxury feel, with a spectrum of shimmery bronze tones.

 

I bought the colour ‘Mirage’, which was the darkest and I was concerned that perhaps it might be too dark, however it’s absolutely perfect, meshing in seamlessly with my bronzer. I think if you have darker skin, this might come up as being more golden, rather than bronze. This is a product where I feel like a Victoria's Secret Model when I have it on, it’s like that perfect amount of highlight to actually highlight your features, not too overpowering but not too subtle either - it’s the perfect medium - giving that glowy healthy look to the skin. Currently, it has been the product that I have been reaching for on a daily basis because I just feel like I can get away with it more than other highlighters in my collection - I am obsessed. 

I did buy this on the Estèe Lauder website when it was on promotion as a free product so I'm not sure that they sell this through their normal website, however I was able to locate it on their US website. If you do manage to see this product, swatch it because it just feels amazing, super soft and not powdery at all. So I think we can firmly say that I am besotted with this product! So if you want the Bronze Goddess look, then look no further! 

I hope you enjoyed this mini review of my latest obsession - did any of you manage to get this promotion? I would love to hear what your thoughts are on this product! 

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Product Empties!

Is it just me, or when I love products they just run out quicker? I have a a few empties that I wanted to share my thoughts on because I either haven't mentioned them or I have loved them so much that they deserve another shout-out!

The first product I want to talk about is the first thing I put on my face when it's freshly cleansed which is The Ordinary 'Buffet' Serum (£12.70/30ml). I have been using this product for the last 6 months, and I'm currently halfway into my second bottle and have a third in waiting. I am obsessed.  It's just a miracle worker, and the fact it's so affordable reinforces that you don't have to spend a lot of money for quality products. Anyone who has congested skin that is prone to breaking out would benefit from using this product as this just manages to stop spots from surfacing in the first place. Generally since using this product, the condition and texture of my skin has improved. I have used it religiously twice a day as the first step in my skincare, and follow up with a moisturiser. If my skin sounds similar to yours, then I urge you to try this product. 

I've finished two moisturisers too, both of which are more on the affordable end of high-end. The first is the travel sized Clinique Pep Start  Hydrorush SPF20 Moisturiser (£15.00/30ml). I like Clinique as a brand, their products generally agree with me and this Pep Start Range was no different. This moisturiser is fuss free and will appeal to most people but there is nothing particularly special about this product. I don't think I will buy it again, because there was nothing that stood out. I did use it all, and my skin didn't react badly to using it. I think when you start to spend more on skincare, you don't want it to be just something you don't mind using, the product should make you excited enough to continue to use it. The packing is cute as it's a colourful range but the material doesn't scream luxury either. I would say this is a product for the minimalist, who is happy with a product just doing it's job - nothing more and nothing less. 

The next moisturiser I finished was the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30 (£24.50/30ml). This product is the complete opposite, I absolutely loved this product, because I feel like it hydrates your skin on the inside and the outside. A lot of moisturisers are geared more for hydration and being lightweight, and although your skin does drink it up, I find that the surface of my skin hasn't really noticed a different. This moisturiser will leave your skin feeling like it's been moisturised, which some people will like and others might not. I have oily skin and this didn't break me out despite being perhaps a bit heavier than the Clinique Pep Start. This has SPF 30 which is brilliant as it fully protects your skin, and has a slight peppermint scent, which makes it more of morning moisturiser too. I love this product, I would buy it again for sure, and I have already purchased a travel-sized  of the original Ultra Facial Moisturiser from Sephora whilst I was in Boston. I would recommend this to anyone who wants their moisturiser to perform on both a hydration and moisturising level. 

In terms of makeup, I've used up all of my Sephora Collection Smoothing Primer (€12.00/15ml). This primer is that kind of slippy silicone primer, that's similar to L'Oreal Paris Infallible Mattifying Primer (£8.99/35ml), but just less of a greasy feel. Although I enjoyed using this product, I haven't actually seen it anywhere other than in France, so I'm not sure it's sold anymore. I've kind of turned away from using this type of primer anyway. I think I prefer more hydrating primers, that tend to make foundations last longer than primers that smooth over pores. I think I'm just less concerned with having 'flawless' skin and more about enhancing my skin instead. So if you do see this around, it's a cute product that's super functional and hygienic and I would recommend it to anyone who does like the L'Oreal Paris Infallible, but I wouldn't say it's a product you need to run out and purchase. 

The last product is one that I don't think I have mentioned much on my blog. It's the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (£29.00/29g). This product really nice - it's a finely milled powder that feels like nothing on the skin, and also doesn't make the skin look cakeyeither. I would love to purchase this product again, I'm aware that Laura Mercier has brought out a 'glow' version of this powder which I am super interested in. This is actually a product that I would recommend to anyone who needs a new powder, it lasts for ages and I've actually never heard a bad word about it either which is unusual! 

So that's about it for my empties, If you have tried any of these products I would be interested to hear your thoughts on them! So be sure to leave a comment! 

5 make-up pieces I struggle to let go of.

When rooting through my mini makeup collection to swap out items, I noticed that I had a few products which probably should be in the bin by now but I can't seem to let go of it. I wondered if anyone else did the same, and the idea for this post came about! It's just a bit of fun, but here are the products that I can't seem to let go of!

I have about a few mascaras that have product still in them, however the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof (£7.99/9.5ml) ran out a while ago, but I just keep holding on to it. I don't know what I think is going to happen- a national crisis where I will absolutely need this mascara. It's ridiculous. I did really enjoy this mascara though, it held up my lashes and just was reliable, so that's probably why it's hard to let go of! Also it looks an absolute wreck, so that's another reason to let it go!

The next item I wanted to mention was my Kiko Milano Highlighting Effect Fluid Concealer (£7.90/2ml). For brightening the undereye, this is one of the best concealers I have used, it's light on the skin, easy to blend out, has a bit of coverage and just looks great too. This ran out a few months ago, and I really need to get a new one, but I am trying to use up some other concealers first before buying this again. I think I'm holding on to this because it was just really good, however I do think it's time to throw it out just because there is no product left!

I've been talking a lot about products, however I wanted to mention a make-up tool. I have had these brushes with the red handle for around 6-7 years. It was the first makeup brush set I bought from Amazon when I wanted to experiment with makeup. I still use some of the brushes from that set to this day, the blush brush and their eyebrow brush I use on a daily basis. However this eyeshadow brush is just terrible, it's one of those that will take half of your eyeshadow off when you try to apply more product. The bristles are slightly scratchy and I never reach for it. I think I'm holding onto to this brush just because in the past I never had an excess amount of brushes, and now that has changed so I don't need this anymore and I never really thought of throwing it out until now. It's terrible so I just really need to start decluttering my collection. 

Eyeliner -  am I the only one who keeps a few? Does this happen to anyone else when your eyeliner runs out and a week later it magically has some products left in it? I think this is the reason I hang onto eyeliner, just incase I can get some more product out, especially if I really liked using a particular one. The Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Eyeliner (£14.50/0.55ml) was one of the eyeliners that was easy to apply and stayed put. I had both a full sized and a mini one, which has ran out however I just need to bite the bullet and throw it away since I have repurchased a new eyeliner recently! 

The last product I wanted to talk about was primers, I feel like I have a primer for every occasion, I have one for dehydrated skin, one to make my skin glowy, one to minimise pores, and the Sephora Collection Smoothing Primer (€12.00/15ml) to even out any texture on my skin which is more of a silicone primer. I'm a massive fan of primers, I think they are a barrier between skincare and makeup which is good to help stop things like pollution from reaching your skin. I like how different primers can change the finish of makeup or help with its longevity. Okay, I need to stop talking about the pro's of primer because this might end up in me buying more. I just need to finish this Sephora one, because it is actually really good but I got side tracked by my Two Faced Hangover Primer  (£27.00/38ml)...which probably isn't too surprising! 

I just think I am one of those people who buys and opens products for no reason, so I really should wait until I finish products properly. Does this post resonate with anyone else, because I hope I'm not alone in my hoarding ways. So please let me know through the comments whether there is anything you struggle to let go of - if you want to make this into a tag, feel free to have a go, I would love to have a read!
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My 3 go-to Summer Makeup essentials

Now that summer is in full swing, I've noticed that I reach for certain pieces of makeup that just encapsulate the summer vibe....

When I think of summer makeup, I think of a lighter more glowy base. The Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Filter (30ml/£30.00) is a product I use daily, I find that it just gives that 'lit from within' look, and even makes bare skin look at its optimum health. If you haven't tried it, I would really urge you to. I've written a full review here. The reason why it's in this little edit is because it adds the glow without overtly adding shimmer and shine to the cheeks - this is why it's an essential, it's something you can pop under makeup, over makeup, mix in with foundation, or with no makeup at all. I use the shade '5 Tan' this under my foundation, and just use a half pump of foundation, and just let this product do all the work. The result is basically a Victoria's Secret version of yourself - what's not to like? Scroll to the end to see swatches!

Like I've said earlier, when I think of summer makeup, I think more about skin and a healthy tan. I'm already tan all year round, but what I have been reaching for is my NARS 'Liberté' blush (£24.00/4.8g). I love NARS blushes, they have the right about of pigment and blendability, which means you can see them on the skin but they don't look crazily out of place either. This shade in particular is that mix between orange and peach, and so really emphasise a tan, giving you that healthy vibe. I just think this shade is extremely flattering, and so even if you aren't as tan, maybe looking for a more peachy shade of blush would be equally as flattering, as it adds some colour and depth to the face without being a heavy or unnatural layer.

The amount of times I have probably said healthy is probably too much, so luckily my next item is an eyeliner, so the word healthy wouldn't really work in this context! I've been reaching for the Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner (£2.99/3.8g) to complete my look as it just finishes my summer makeup off. I feel like without this I look like I have just woken up, eyeliner just has the ability to define the eye in such a way that you can notice it without  it overshadowing the entire look. I've just used this Collection one for the past week or so, but I quite like it, it's super black and the brush is easy to control too. I might do a more in-depth review of this product in a few weeks after it's had more of a road test! Another reason black liquid liner is a staple is because as it is a liquid, it doesn't tend to move around too much, and as it is black too it doesn't fade away as much as my brown pencil eyeliners and so it's become a summer necessity for me.

I've swatched the Flawless Filter on the right, the Collection Fast Stroke Liner in the middle and the NARS blush on the left. All the three products are pigmented and so are long lasting on the skin - perfect for summer!

These three types of items are just what I have been reaching for lately. I would love to know your go-to summer makeup essentials in the comments below. If you like my content please subscribe on Bloglovin to keep up to date with any new content! 

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

Charlotte Tilbury is a makeup artist that I really admire, her technique is all about enhancing features to show them in the best way - perfecting rather than masking. Charlotte's brand of makeup is a unique blend of products which can help to achieve that Hollywood glamorous look. When Charlotte Tilbury recently released the Hollywood Flawless Filter I was keen to give it a try...

The Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter (£30.00/30ml) is a complexion booster, a multipurpose product which makes the skin to look healthy and youthful. Charlotte describes this product as an 'instagram filter' as it can brighten dull skin and add a healthy glow to the complexion. The packaging is encased in a sleek and luxurious glass bottle which has a rose gold lid. Inside is a large doe foot applicator which is great for applying either on the hand or straight onto the face. The consistency of the product is a mixture like a liquid cream, which gives a natural finish to the skin. When I first applied it for some reason I thought it it would be a greasy oily texture, however once it's on the skin it morphs into more like skincare, merging with the skin slightly.

So onto the product itself, it can be used in a variety of different ways, such as a primer before foundation for a healthy glow; mixing it in with your foundation to achieve a dewy finish or by adding it on top of your foundation where you would normally apply highlighter. I have oily skin, so my favourite way to apply this product is as a primer, I find that it adds just the right amount of brightness that makes my skin look like it's hydrated and in the best condition. My skin doesn't look greasy in the slightest.

What I love is that I can control how much product I want to apply, and this is what really makes a difference. For an everyday look I apply this product as a primer on the tops of my cheekbones, and throughout the centre of my face, however for evenings I like to add this product on top of my foundation, so it really catches the light.

For all of you with perfect skin, you can use this product by itself on bare skin without makeup, it just adds this vitality and boost of health that makes it look like a Victoria's Secret model. It looks really natural, and has a slight blurring effect. This product also has a tiny bit of coverage which is surprisingly lightweight.

You can see above that I have applied the product on my hand, I use the shade 5. My hands are a bit more tanned than normal, however you can see the product side by side before and after it's blended out and how it adds a glow that catches the light in a natural way. Once you add foundation on top, you can see the hint of glow above, however it is not as detectable as the picture above.

All in all, this product is actually something that I use daily, it is a true complexion booster and compliments my makeup by enhancing the skin I have already got. I think this is a product that everyone would benefit from in some way or another, to use on bare skin, under or over the top of makeup. I think the price is good for the multi-purpose use of the product, and so is well worth the splurge!

I would love to know if you have tried this product, if so what do you think of it? If not, is it something you are thinking of purchasing? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to follow me on Bloglovin  to stay up to date with my newest posts!