Most Used Beauty Products || Summer 2014

Mood: Delighted

Listening to: Coldplay- A Sky Full of Stars

Hello beautiful bloggers,

As you may have noticed, I decided to change the theme of my blog to something more professional. I was fed up of making my own, spending hours making one for it not to look that good. I'm extremely happy with my blog's new look and hope you love it too. I downloaded the template from a site called

 http://www.pipdig.co/

I would definitely recommend using another template by them and the prices are very reasonable for what you receive.

Anyway, back to what I was originally meant to write about; I decided to create a post of all my most used summer products. I was maybe thinking of doing a series of summer/spring/autumn and winter favourites instead of the usual monthly favourites. I haven't fully decided if I will yet, but it's an idea I'm really fond of.

So, as summer is ending (less sun, more rain) I've been looking in my make-up bag and realised I've practically been using the same products more or less everyday. For me, summer 2014 was all about pink lips, winged eyeliner and dewy, highlighted skin. I've really enjoyed using all of these products, and they will always remind me of summer 2014.

Farewell to Summer

Most Used Products

elf Clear mascara/brow gel

elf Cream Blush in Seductress

Dove Summer Glow Moisturiser with gradual tan

Tanya Burr Lipgloss in Aurora

Mac Eyeshadow in Naked Lunch

YSL Rouge Volupte in 32 (could be the colour Jealous Coral?)

Benefit's Watt's Up! Highlighter

MAC lipstick in Bombshell

MUA Eyeshadow trio in Pink Sorbet

Eyeko Skinny Eyeliner in black

L-R- Aurora, Bombshell & Shade 32

These were the lip products I've loved wearing during the summer, I love wearing Aurora(gloss) over MAC's Bombshell lipstick for a gorgeous glossy finish. I can't tell you how much I love these YSL lipsticks, the creamy texture is to die for. The colour pay-off is fantastic and it has fruity scent which is lovely for summer.

Summer Glow

I may have mentioned the Dove summer glow previously in another post, but I swear this stuff is amazing. It gives me such a healthy glow as I'm pretty pale. It doesn't have a disgusting smell like some gradual tanners do and it's very subtle and natural which I love in a tan. Benefit's Watt's Up is such a beautiful champagne coloured highlighter and it's perfect accompaniment with the gradual tan to give your face a healthy summer glow.

A much loved product

Throughout the summer, I didn't bother with heavy eyshadows and dark colours, I stayed pretty neutral as I wanted the winged eyliner to be the star of the show. These eyeshadows are beautifully pigmented and complimented the eyeliner whilst shimmering in the sun's light. MUA products are such a steal and I can't recommend this trio enough.

Naked Lunch

This eyeshadow was my first ever MAC purchase along with the colour Satin Taupe. Although this is a re-purchase as my other one had run out, I still love it as much as when I first bought it. Before summer, it had been neglected and stashed away in my storage box for months, so I decided summertime was the perfect time for it to go on holiday into my make-up bag. When I wanted to keep my eye make-up simple I would just swipe some of this across my lids and it instantly brightens them up. It's a wonderful pale champagne colour and slightly pigmented and perfect for everyday use.

Perfect eyes

This Eyeko liquid eyeliner actually came free with Glamour(?) magazine which cost £2. I've never had such a good freebie and I even re-purchased the magazine just to get the liner in navy. I would definitely purchase this eyeliner full price as it's so easy to use and doesn't smudge. I've also been loving using this clear brow gel from elf, it's been great to keep those rogue eyebrow hairs in place and I like that it's double ended so you could use one for eyelashes and one for eyebrows if you wanted to.

Seductress

Last but not least for my summer favourites is this cream blush by elf. The colour seductress is a beautiful red/pink matte colour. I used a matte colour as it looks more natural and using a highlighter gave my skin the glow I wanted anyway. I was a bit scared to use this as it's quite a dark colour but I used a stippling brush to apply it and it came out natural looking and gave a subtle rosy cheek.

So that is all for my Summer 2014 favourites, I hope you enjoyed reading this post and let me know what products you've been loving this summer.

Love from Bethan

xox

First look at First Aid Beauty Products

Mood: Refreshed

Listening to: Love Runs Out- OneRepublic

Hello beautiful bloggers,

Although I may have been lacking in beauty posts the last few months it certainly hasn't stopped me from buying new ones, trying and testing them and planning blog posts. Out of them all, I was most excited to plan and post this blog post as I've really been enjoying using these products.

So two products have recently come to my attention and after doing my research online, I decided to splash out and try them as I've read so many great reviews. The products I'm talking about are from a brand called First Aid Beauty, I had never heard of the this brand previously so I was curious whether to try their product s or not. Fortunately for me, I went with my gut instinct (and great online reviews) and purchased them. The first of the two is a Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay and the second is the Skin Rescue Purifying Mask with Red Clay. Both skincare items are from their Skin Rescue range which is said to detoxify the skin.

Pretty simple packaging

What drew me to these products first of all was the deep red colour of them, obviously from the red clay used within them. After doing a little research I found out that Red Clay is great for brightening the skin and is fantastic for absorbing extra oils in your skin. So it's a great product if you have oily skin (don't panic, it's also pretty amazing if you have combination, sensitive or problem prone skin.)

Look a bit like Ketchup here!

I'll start off by talking a bit about the Deep Cleanser. Like I said previously it has a wonderful red colour to it and it's a gooey gel consistency. It's quite sticky compared to other gel cleansers I've used but it's something you will get used to after a few uses. Another great thing about the cleanser is that it slightly foams when you circle it on your face and I feel like it really works into my skin and removes any make-up giving it a deep cleanse. The cleanser also says it unclogs pores and reduces the size of them, which is an additional benefit to a fantastic product.

Now, moving on to the second product; the purifying mask. What I really love about this mask is the fact it's peel off. There is nothing more satisfying after waiting 20 minutes for the mask to dry just to peel it off. Just like the cleanser it's gel based and it tightens pores and controls the extra oils in your skin. But because of the deep cleansing of this product I would limit the use of it probably to once a week just because it's okay to let your skin have some of its natural oils in it. I've really enjoyed using both products together and it really does make a difference to your skin pretty much straight away.

Peel off Mask

Another thing I adore about these products is that they don't use any harsh chemicals, colours or parabens. These things can actually do more damage than good to your skin, so it's nice knowing with these skin products they'll actually do you skin good.

One little flaw to the product is the price, I know everyone can't afford to splash out on beauty items all the time so maybe if they do interest you it's worth putting it on your birthday /Christmas present list. 

I purchased both from FeelUnique.com at full price but now they're currently on sale.

Cleanser- £14.40 (original price £18.00)

Mask- £17.60 (original price £22.00)

I hope you enjoyed my review of the products and let me know if you've tried any of the other products by First Aid Beauty.

Love from Bethan

xox

New Beauty Products || May

Mood: Tired 

Listening to: Rita Ora- I Will Never Let You Down

Hey beautiful bloggers!

I feel like I haven't posted a proper beauty post in such a long time, so I thought I'd share some beauty products I've bought recently. I've only chosen five products because I've been on a spending ban for a while because I've been saving to go to London at the end of this month for a Hen Night. Most of my items are lip products, so I do apologise if your fed up of looking at lipsticks!

New Products

 1. Benefit's Watt's Up Highlighter! 

I absolutely adore this product, it genuinely makes your face glow when it catches the light (in a good way, obviously.) It is a bit pricey at £24 but it is one of my favourite highlighters. Its elegant champagne colour is perfect for any skin tone, and adds a touch of glamour to any make up look. Well done Benefit.

2. Topshop's Waterproof Eyeliner in Ebony

After what feels like years searching for a cheaper version of Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliner, I think I've found it. Topshop's waterprof liners are really an amazing product and are a steal at only £5. I chose the colour Ebony as I wanted a pure black eyeliner but they also do another colour called Gunpowder, which is a sleek grey colour, perfect if you find black too harsh.

3. Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Matte Lipstick in Frambourjoise

I must admit, the first time I tried this product on I was unsure whether I loved it or hated it but I gave it another chance and I really enjoy using it now. The first time I used it was during the day and I'm not one who usually uses such a bold colour in the day but I wore it out in the evening the second time and I much preferred it. The colour is very long lasting and has a wonderful matte finish. It's perfect for a night out because your not constantly topping up your lipstick throughout the night and stains your lips so it doesn't smudge.

4 + 5. Topshop Lipsticks in Brighton Rock and Ditsy

You don't know how long I've been meaning to buy these lipsticks and now I finally have them! They cost £8 each and I absolutely love both colours and they're perfect for summer. Brighton Rock is a stunning satin matte pink and Ditsy is a gorgeous velvet matte finished hot coral colour. They both apply well and have great colour pay off. I cannot wait until summer to wear them.

Well those are my recent beauty products, but I thought I might add in a bag I bought yesterday just to finish off the post. The bag is from Matalan and cost £12, I bought it for daytime shopping and it would look perfect with so many outfits.

I hope you've all had a great week, and let me know if you've bought any great products recently.

Love from Bethan

xox

Random Post & Catch up // Jan/Feb

Mood: Chilled

Listening to: Ellie Goulding- Explosions

Hello beautiful bloggers!

I've had a bit of a whirlwind two months and haven't had chance to blog properly. I have some great beauty posts coming up very soon, I just need to photograph a few products etc. Meanwhile I thought it would be a nice idea to let you know what I've been up to and what's going on in my life at the moment and let you know what non-beauty things I've been enjoying this month.

Even though January was supposed to be the most depressing month of the year, it was suprisingly good for me. My friend at work managed to get tickets to watch Celebrity Big Brother's Live Eviction and you could briefly see me and the girls from work on TV! I spoke to Made in Chelsea's Ollie Locke's sister and Lee Ryan from Blue's mum. Even though it was absolutely tipping down I had such a good evening and it was one of my favourite days in January.

Me and Lee Ryan's mum having a chat. I'm on the left of the circle she's on the right.

As some of you may know my sister was expecting a baby girl in February and on the 10th of February at 11.01am, my gorgeous niece Eliza was born weighing 7lb 13oz. Both baby and mother are doing really well, and I'm so happy to have another little niece! Some more fantastic news is that my other sister is having a baby in May AND my brother and girlfriend are expecting in July! So I will have four nieces/nephews by the end of the year!

Isabelle meeting her baby sister for the first time.

I would also like to wish Isabelle a happy 4th birthday as it was her birthday on February the 15th! Being the amazing Auntie I am, I volunteered to make her birthday cake this year and the theme was the film Tangled. I would like to mention I am no professional baker and I've never made a cake before so I was really happy with how it turned out!

Hard work!

Random Favourites This Month

Twinings Mint Green Tea

Lotus Crunchy Biscuit Spread

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott 

My Dolce Gusto Melody 3 coffee machine

These Boots (£80 from Topshop)

Lastly I just want to mention one beauty favourite. I've been using the Revlon lip butter in the colour Juicy Papaya so much lately. It's such a gorgeous everyday colour and I've loved using it for so many different looks. Here's a makeup look I've been using a lot lately using Juicy Papaya.

Other make-up used

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in Nude
Nars Blusher in Orgasm
MAC's Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish as a highlighter
Naked 3 Palette using the shades Dust and Nooner
Elf eyebrow kit in Ash
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
Bourjois Liner Feutre in Ultra black

I hope you've all had a great few weeks, let me know what you've been up to lately.

Love from Bethan

xox

e.l.f Haul! // February

Mood: Cheery 

Listening to: Pitbull ft Ke$ha- Timber

Hi beautiful bloggers!

(Before I start writing this post I want to say I purchased all of these products myself and have not been asked to promote any of these items or the brand itself.)

Recently I went in to the new e.l.f shop in Cardiff, it's currently the only store in Europe and I'm very lucky to live so close to it. I've only recently begun trying out e.l.f products, but oh my...I do really love some of their things and they are such good value for money!

After looking around the shop briefly, (I was short for time) I had to rush off to meet my brother for lunch and I had to leave the shop empty-handed. Fortunately I went to the online-store when I got home and I was able to purchase all of the lovely things I saw in-store.

L-R: Gypsy, Charming and Voodoo.

 Okay, so the packaging for these lipsticks may be a little tacky and flimsy and look pretty cheap. But these lipsticks are only £1.50 so you do get what you pay for with the packaging. The lipstick itself is actually pretty good. They have a variety of lovely colours, and they all smell different but very pleasant. The formula is quite creamy and they glide on easily. The colours are buildable and you can get a great pigmented lipstick after a few coats (3-4).

L-R: Charming, Voodoo and Gypsy.

The three colours I chose are very beautiful, Gypsy is a rosie pink/red and has blue undertones in it. Charming is a natural beige/pink and is great for everyday use. Lastly the colour Voodoo is a deep brown/red and is a great autumn/winter colour. I will happily purchase these again.

Blusher in Pink Passion

I am very impressed with this blush from e.l.f, it's matte, beautiful and I would compare it to blushes from Nars in texture. The packaging is also very similar to Nars as they both have the clean and simple black packaging. I paid around £3.75 for this and I can't wait to try other colours.

e.l.f baked blush in Pinktastic.

 So this is probably my favourite purchase, it's supposed to be a blush but I use it as a highlighter. It's so pigmented and shimmery it's gorgeous! It's almost the same as MAC's Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish but this is slightly more pink. I recently bought MAC'S Soft and Gentle and if I had found this before I would have saved myself a lot of money because it's only £3.75!

Studio Eyebrow Kit in Ash

 I saw this and I thought it would be great for my eyebrows. I bought it in the colour Ash as my brows and hair are naturally dark blonde but still pretty fair, plus I'm not quite convinced a darker, heavy brow suits me. I've used this a few few times but still not sure how I feel about it. The gel part of the product is a lot nicer than the powder. But I'm going to give it a go and try it out for a little while longer! Again this product was only £3.75 and is great value for money.

e.l.f Studio Lip Liner and Blending Brush in Wine and Pink Grapefruit.

Well I've purchased these lip liners before and they're honestly the best! I bought them in two different colours this time and they are so beautiful. I can see myself using the colour Pink Grapefruit a LOT throughout the summer! They look great used as a matte lipstick and they last for hours on your lips! Again they are around the £3.75 mark and I honestly can't say a bad word about them.

L-R:  Wine and Pink Grapefruit.

Here are the swatches of the lip liners, they are such beautiful colours! I will definitely be wearing Wine for nights out and for more of a vampy look and Pink Grapefruit is a beautiful coral pink colour and matches beautifully with MAC's lipstick in Crosswires.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and let me know if you've tried any of these products or if you recommend any other e.l.f products!

Love from Bethan

xox 

2014 Resolutions & What's in My Make-up Bag // January

Mood: Cheerful

Listening to: Ben Howard- Keep Your Head Up

Hello beautiful bloggers!

Firstly, I'd like to begin by saying I hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year, so here's to 2014 and I hope you all have a fabulous year!
As you may or may not have noticed I've been a terrible blogger the last few months and have only been posting once a month! One of my new years resolutions is to change this habit and post at least once a fortnight (Hopefully it will be more often than that but I'm going to just say a fortnight for now!)

Another resolution of mine is to get active and keep fit. So far it's not going great, but I am going to toughen up and wake up earlier to fit in a bit of exercise or even just go for a long walk after work, even if I don't feel like. So fingers crossed I will sort this resolution out by the end of January!

Moving swiftly on from new years resolutions to make-up! I wanted to do a What's in My Make-up Bag for quite a while and I thought since I had a new make-up bag for my birthday (December 23rd) I would finally make a post and show everyone what I currently have in my make-up bag.

Thank you to my sister for my gorgeous Cath Kidston make-up bag!

So I'll admit it, since the end of last year I rarely used a make-up bag and just threw my things into my handbag for work. But now I've learnt my lesson and I've become more organised by placing all of my things in make-up bag to prevent make-up breakages and spillages (I learnt the hard way!)

Some of my beauty favourites.

So here are a few face products I currently enjoy using, going from left to right they are:

1. Garnier 5 Second Perfect Blur Primer.
2. Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent.
3. Bourjois Happy Light Foundation in #51 Rose Vanilla.
4. Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in Vanilla.
5. Bourjois Cream Blush in Healthy Glow.
6. Nars Blush in Orgasm.

I seem to be loving Bourjois a lot lately, and I'm in love with their new cream blushes! I only bought this a few days ago and it's literally the perfect peachy colour and it looks so pretty on.

My favourite lip product of 2013!

Okay, so I may not need all three of these in my make-up bag but I love them so much I like to have a choice of which one I'm going to use. The three colours I have are:

1.Candy Apple
2. Juicy Papaya
3. Pink Truffle

More essentials!

Just before Christmas I went to boots and saw prettiest face powder I have ever seen! It was shimmering beautifully on the shelf and there was no way I was leaving boots without it! This product is the L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Pearl Powder in Rose Boudoir. Unfortunately the shimmer was only a dusting on top of the product and you can't see it in the picture. But if you're ever out and about I recommend to go and see how pretty they look! Product number two in this picture is the trustworthy Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in shade number 2 light. I honestly swear by it, it's the best concealer I've ever used!

My favourite mascara of 2013.

1. Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara.
2. Bourjois Liner Feutre in Ultra Black.
3. Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo in Pink-Gold.

So here are the last three items in my make-up bag. I was going to add in all of my brushes but I thought I'd just stick to make-up. I hope you've enjoyed looking at what's currently in my make-up bag. I always change different products and don't tend to stick to one product unless I absolutely love it.

Let me know if you've used any of these products and if you have any products you'd like to recommend. Hope you all have a great week!

Love from Bethan

xox