FAVES | September 2016

I say this every time, but HOW IS IT OCTOBER ALREADY?! This year is passing so quickly, I can't keep up. You may have seen most of these favourites before, in my USA Beauty Haul. I just can't stay away from them this month!

First up is Too Faced's Hangover RX Replenishing Primer. Right of the bat, the smell of this product got me. It's so fresh and fruity. I'm sold! It's hydrating, moisturizing, and feels lightweight on the skin. It's long-lasting too. My first time using it, my makeup was on 12+ hours. At the end of the day, it looked just as good as when I put it on! This product surprised me, I normally go for silicone based primers. It might even be my new favourite! The Hangover RX Replenishing Primer retails at €32, and is available from Debenhams.

Next up, the L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow 24 Hour Foundation. Another one that surprised me. I've tried the other foundations in the Infallible collection, and we did not get on. I only picked this one up because it said Pro Glow, and because I'm a believer in second chances. And third chances, it seems! It's a medium coverage foundation, with a glowy, luminous finish. My shade is 208 Sun Beige. I really, really like it. It blends and settles well into the skin. I found the rest of my makeup sat nicely on top too! If you have oily skin, I would suggest a matte primer. I personally don't mind the sweaty glow! I haven't found anything online about an Irish release, but I'll keep you updated!

Boy, am I late to the party on this one?! I am, of course, talking about the Becca Cosmetics X Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. While I'm a huge fan of Jaclyn, I was reluctant to purchase this product, for whatever reason. HOW WRONG WAS I? This is the highlight for me. I'd go so far as to call it a gift from the highlight gods! Bold, but necessary. Champagne Pop is a gorgeous white gold highlight, with major peachy, rose undertones. Obsessed! The formula is super smooth, buttery, and so so sooooo pigmented. It's buildable too, but I suggest just lashing it on 'til your hand's sore. Shame on me for ever doubting Mrs, Hill! Champagne Pop is available from Space NK and Cult Beauty, and retails at around the €38 mark. 

Now, you may, or may not, know that I have a little problem with liquid lipsticks. They're just so convenient. They don't require as much maintenance as regular lipstick, and they're nearly always matte. Obviously, I'm obsessed! So in saying that, I had to try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks. While I was in America, I picked up four: Dolce, Ashton, and the two featured today: Sepia and Trust Issues. These two shades are so perfect for the Autumn/Winter season. Sepia is a grey-brown, while Trust Issues is a winey-purple. The shade range is massive, and getting bigger with new releases all the time. The formula itself is long-wearing, pigmented and super matte. It is drying, so I'd avoid these if that's not for you! A major downside to these liquid lips, they're not available in Ireland yet. However if you don't mind the shipping costs, you can get you some over on the Anastasia website, or from Sephora. They retail at $20 each.

L: Sepia R:Trust Issues 

My last beauty favourite is a skincare gem. It's the Boscia Makeup Break Up Cool Cleansing Oil. The guy is amazing! He takes makeup off, even anything waterproof, in an instant. While it's a cleansing oil, there isn't an oily residue left on the skin. It's very gentle and soothing, ideal for anyone who's skin is any way sensitive. I bought the travel mini to try, but I'll definitely be buying a full size in the future. The 10ml mini retails at $10, while the 30ml full size is $30, available from Sephora.

This very last favourite might be my all time favourite thing I've ever purchased. I say that ALL the time, but I really mean it this time. For as long as I can remember, Beauty and The Beast has been my favourite Disney movie. It's number one on my list, no matter what mood I'm in. So obviously, I couldn't wait to get back to Disney World, where New Fantasyland was built. Equipped with Beast's Castle, Gaston's Tavern, and Belle's house, it was like being in the movie! I was so amazed. It was a dream come true! I couldn't leave without my fave little guy, Chip. I've looked all over the internet for a good quality Chip cup, but it was next to impossible. I even scoured Disneyland Paris, with no luck. Guess you have to go straight to the source! This guy retails at $21.99 plus tax, and can be found in gift shops throughout Magic Kingdom, and Disney Springs.

What made the cut for your September favourites?! 

Until next time, 

Elle x

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TOP 5 | Holy Grail Products

We're reviving the Top 5 series today, with my holy grail products. There are the products I'd need if I was stranded on a desert island with Zac Efron. Because why else would I need makeup on a desert island?!

1. L'Oreal True Match Foundation 

True Match has actually replaced Maybelline's Fit Me as my favourite drugstore foundation. It just ticks all my boxes! It is a medium coverage formula, but can be built up to full coverage very easily. The formula is super blendable, as advertised, and feels lightweight on the skin with a dewy finish. The shades are separated by skin tones - Warm, Neutral and Cool, with 32 shades between them. I do go between three shades, in and around the 5 to 6 region. Mainly because the actual shades I use can't be found in Ireland. Bummer! True Match Super Blendable Foundation can be found in Boots and most pharmacies, and retails at €14.99

L-R: 5N Sand, W5 Sand Beige, W6 Sun Beige

2. MAC Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish
This product started my love affair with highlight, and I haven't looked back since! Soft and Gentle is a warm, peachy champagne shade. The coverage is buildable, it can be semi-sheer or super opaque. Just depends on how you like your highlight. I personally go for the glow-worm look! While you'd think the finely milled glitter would be a bit overkill, it actually makes the skin look naturally luminous. Soft and Gentle retails at €31.50 currently, and can be found at MAC counters or on Brown Thomas online. 

3. Wet n Wild MegaLast Lipsticks

These are some of the best drugstore lipsticks around. Wet n Wild came to play! The formula is comfortable on the lips, even with it's matte finish. As for pigmentation, these lipsticks are opaque with one swipe. The colour range is huge, and the line is full of dupes for lots of high end lippies! To add to this all-rounder, they are super affordable too. Perfect for anyone starting a makeup collection, or a kit. They retail at €2.99 and stands can be found in Penneys, Dunnes and pharmacies nationwide.

L-R: Bare It All, Mauve Outta Here, Spiked With Rum, Sandstorm, Mochalicious

4. Benefit Hoola Bronzer
This is the only product I use for powder contour. I honestly can't look past it. It's such a universal shade, it suits all skin tones. The tone of the bronzer itself has a good balance, it's cool but not muddy, warm but not orange. It blends out nicely, and the coverage can be built up, depending on your taste! Hoola retails at €34, from Benefit counters.

5. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
I don't have a lot of dark pigmentation in my under eye area, so I love using this concealer just to brighten rather than conceal. The Fit Me concealer has a light to medium coverage, and works best if you have light dark circles. The formula is lightweight, creamy and blends out like a dream. It doesn't cake, and with a little bit of setting powder, there's no creasing. What more could you ask for?! The concealer retails at €8.99, and can be found on Maybelline stands in Boots and pharmacies nationwide.

What products make the cut for your Top 5?

Until next time,
Elle x

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REVIEW | 17 Miracle Matte Foundation

While I'm very adventurous with all other make-up, when it comes to foundation, I play it very safe! I've been using the Maybelline Fit Me foundation for close enough to a year now, and have found it hard to look past it! However, with the current 3 for 2 in Boots, I decided to get a little brave and branch out foundation wise!

I have an unhealthy obsession with matte finishes - lipstick, eyeshadow, powder, nail polish, you name it, I want it. But I'd never tried a matte foundation.. Until now! I purchased the 17 Miracle Matte Foundation in the shade Honey. It's marketed as having a "matte satin flawless finish" and "up to 16 hour shine control". I'm not going to lie, I was excited to use it. I had been stuck in my ways for too long, and I was ready for change!

My excitement, it seems, was short-lived. On first application, the foundation was cakey and patchy. Uh oh! After A LOT of blending and a dusting of translucent powder, it began to look somewhat presentable. Second time around, I applied a primer beforehand, and it was a disaster zone. My face looked muddy and discoloured in places. Not what you want before a night out. It looked so bad, I had to go back to my old faithful!

I'm not one to write products off without a fair trial, so I gave the Miracle Matte another shot. Third time's the charm, or so they tell me! Unlike the first two applications, I began by focusing on my cheeks, applying it to one at a time, and then the rest of my face. Surprisingly, it looked okay, for the most part. There were still some patchy areas near my jawline, it just needs some TLC!

My main issue with this foundation is it dries too quickly, making difficult to blend. No bueno! Because of it's quick drying, it also needs some time when applying. My best advice, take your time, go in stages! Coverage wise, it's a nice everyday foundation, I just prefer a higher coverage. When I'm determined to like something, I will not stop until I find some sort of redeeming quality!

Have you tried any matte foundations? Did you have better luck than me?

Until next time,
Elle.

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BEAUTY | Mini Boots Haul

Boots has become my downfall. I am totally obsessed, have you guessed yet? I can't seem to step a foot near the store without happily emptying my purse. Oops! Two recent visits to my local store resulted in this haul. With the 3 for 2 offer currently going on, it'd be rude not to partake, don't you think? I tend to get a little carried away, and it happens way more than I care to admit! Let's jump in. 

1. Seventeen Miracle Matte Foundation in Honey (€7.59)

2. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Shadowstick in Blackmail (€5.95)

3. Seventeen Stay Pout Lipstick in Going Steady (€5.69)

4. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof in Black (€7.49)

5. Collection Primed & Ready Smoothing Make-Up Primer (€9.59)

6. Barry M Lip Paint in 156 (€6.79)

7. Rimmel Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Liner in Nude (€5.49)

Do you have any weaknesses when it comes to drugstores/drugstore make up? Let me know in the comments. If you want a review on any products featured, be sure to tell me! 

Until next time, 

Elle.

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