Mac Rebel Lipstick

Next in my lipstick series is Mac Rebel which is from the satin range. Described by Mac as a vivid-pinkish purple. This is a bang on accurate description of this colour. It is a bold colour, which may be daring for some, but I find it totally wearable for both day and night, and for all seasons too!


It's a very long lasting formulation which I find barely needs touching up once I've applied a couple of coats. It also looks beautiful when worn as a lip stain, if you don't want such a 'full on' look. Incidentally, my other half loves this colour on me, he thinks the colour is unusual and not like any other I own. I have the tendency to agree here. It is a very different and unique shade.


Here it is in all it's glory........





This is a 'must have' shade for any make up collection in my humble opinion!

Illamasqua Vernau, Can Can & Obsidian Eye Shadows

I have three eye shadows from Illamasqua's Spring/Summer Human Fundamentalism collection.


"Human Fundamentalism is an explosion of your alter ego. It's becoming who you are and not who you're told to be. Because beauty isn't conformity, but the fundamental human desire to express your inner self on the outside".

Left to right, Obsidian (rich black), Can Can (bright lilac) and Vernau (yellow ochre).


These shadows are of a high quality, I find them not only densely pigmented but also extremely easy to apply and blend.





I am absolutely in love with Vernau. It looks amazing worn alone or blended into the crease. Beautiful colour!





I also have the Illamasqua sealing gel. which can turn any powder into a colour-intense, water-resistant paste.


''Blend with Powder Eye Shadow, Pure Pigment, Eye Brow Cake or Eye Liner Cake and use across the face and body for endless creative opportunities.''


I need to play around with this a bit more. You can see in the picture above I mixed a drop with some Can Can eye shadow, and it did indeed form a paste that dried and set rather quickly.  Once set I tried to rub it off with my fingers but it wouldn't budge so it appears to be long lasting too. Such a brilliant versatile product. I'm going to try mixing it with some of my pigments soon to see how it works with those.


Here is a look I created with all the three eye shadows.........








Yet another fabulous collection from Illamasqua!

RapidBrow Eyebrow Enhancing Serum Before & After: 5 Weeks On

Just a little update post on the RapidBrow Eyebrow Enhancing Serum. To see my initial post click here.


I've been using the RapidBrow each morning and evening for 5 weeks now. I must admit at this stage that I was very sceptical about this product to begin with. I doubted that the bald spots on my eyebrows could be corrected, but over the last week especially I have most certainly noticed an improvement in not only the density of my eyebrows, but have also noticed  that hairs have begun to grow where my bald patches once were, on the inner edges of my brows most notably.    

Don't get me wrong, it's not a 'knock me down with  feather duster' improvement, but it's going along the right tracks. Good things come to those who wait.... so the saying goes!

Here are some before and after pictures. I'd like to point out that I like to trim my eyebrows once per week, and I had just trimmed my eyebrows prior to these pictures being taken, to give a more accurate result. 





I'll do another update post in a few weeks time.

Fingers crossed for more growth!

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick Le Rouge 01

Next in my lipstick series is YSL Rouge Pur Couture in shade 01 Le Rouge.


This little beauty was in my stocking at Christmas time and I couldn't have been more thrilled to receive it. I'm an absolute sucker for a good red lipstick and I'm getting quite a collection. How many red lipsticks does one girl need? Well, probably not as many as I own but  I just can't resist!


This is a quite a true red with just the right amount of blue and orange tones, which makes it universally flattering for all complexions. It is so densely pigmented with a moisturising formula, and it lasts for a long while on my lips once applied. I don't find the longevity as good as some of my Mac lipsticks though if I'm being honest, but I still love it nevertheless, it's so gorgeous!


I simply adore the packaging on YSL lipsticks, stunning!


Here it is in action.......

Champneys Super Rich Cleansing Balm

I've been ill with flu for the last few weeks and boy have I felt run down. It's crazy how long it takes to get over the flu virus. This is the  fourth week now and it's still lingering around, but alas, my cough and congested nose are finally starting to clear and I'm beginning to feel human again, thank goodness!


The only problem is, my skin has been so dry and flaky since becoming unwell, especially around my nose. No matter how much cream I applied it just would not clear up. My skin really looked a bit worse for wear and I needed a solution to get it re-hydrated and back on track.


I nipped into boots and spent some time perusing the shelves in an attempt to not only cheer my miserable unwell self up, but to also find something to give my skin a much needed boost.  It needed some serious pampering. I clapped my eyes on this little gem in the Champneys range........




Champneys Spa Skin Super Rich Cleansing Balm.


''This super rich cleansing balm with avocado, jojoba and natural floral oils lift away every trace of make-up and impurities to renew your skin deeply cleansing, toning and exfoliating in one indulgent treatment.'' source



In light of the fact that my skin needed some serious exfoliation and re-hydration, this sounded like a complete skin saviour, I also loved the fact it contains natural floral oils, and with all this in mind.... it made it's way into my basket and through the till.




Champneys recommend using this once a week as part of your evening skin routine. Well I ignored the weekly bit and I've been using this every night instead seeing as my skin's been drier than Gandhi's left flip flop! It is the consistency of a soft balm. I pick up a bit at a time, massaging it into my dry skin, all over my face in circular motions.


I love the scent of this, it smells just like essential oils which I find it very relaxing and soothing. I like to lay in the bath with it on and let it sink in,  allowing it to penetrate all those pesky dry areas. Then I simply remove with a clean muslin cloth. It takes off all traces of foundation and eye make up effortlessly, and never leaves a residue on my skin. My skin feels thoroughly cleansed after using this. Sometimes I have to use a separate eye make up remover to get rid of all traces of mascara, but I tend to take my mascara off prior to cleansing anyway as a rule, so this isn't really an issue.


I've been using this now for nearly two weeks and I must say my prayers have been answered. My dry areas have now gone and my skin feels much more hydrated, plump and smooth. I highly recommend to any dry skin sufferers out there.


This product has certainly got me intrigued to try some different cleansing balms/oils on the market. This one is great, but is it the best? Who knows?  I won't know until I try out a few others. My next obsession perhaps?

Mac Club Eyeshadow

I went out for a few drinks on Saturday night and I thought I'd share with you my make up for the evening.


I opted to wear my favourite Mac eyeshadow of all time....Club!


This is the shadow I reach for the most for nights out. I love it that much I find it hard to choose anything else!


It's dark, smoky and sultry, and as it is a duo chrome, once applied it looks like you've put a lot more effort into your eye make up than you actually have. It appears that more than one colour has been applied when in reality it is just the one. It literally only takes a few minutes to apply and always looks amazing. It shimmers in the light and gives the eye almost a wet look under artificial lighting.


It is such an unusual colour. Just beautiful!









I'm wearing

Mac Studio Tech Foundation, NC30
Mac Brun (eyebrows)
Mac Club
Mac Mineralize Blush, Gleeful & Warm soul
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish, Glissade
Mac Strobe Cream
Mac Viva Glam II lipstick
Chanel Glossimer Lipgloss



No make up collection should be without Club. It will always be in mine!

A bag for life!

I saw this beautiful leather bag in H&M a couple of weeks ago and new I just had to have it in my life. I was waiting patiently for pay day to arrive so I could rush out and  buy it.  But I literally squealed with delight when I was given it as a Mothers Day gift instead. It was a complete surprise and I adore it. The best Mothers day present ever!





It's a timeless piece in my opinion, and as it is 100% leather, it should look better as it ages. It's nice and big too so I'll be able to fit a lot into it.....definitely needed when you've got 3 kids! I also love the rough textured  leather on the inside and it smells so bloody good!


This is definitely a bag for life...... I love!

Mac Half'n'Half Lipstick

Next up in my lipstick series is Mac Half'n'Half from the Amplified Creme range. Described by mac as a Creamy pink which is a pretty accurate description. It is a nice neutral shade that literally goes with any look. It is really dense in colour and lasts a very long time on my lips. I also find it sits on my lips nicely and is never drying.


All in all, it's a very inoffensive shade that works as either an every day lipstick, or for night time paired with a dramatic eye. It's the perfect nude for anyone that doesn't like the beige/concealer nude lip in my opinion.


Here is Half'n'Half in action........

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Here is Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. I bought this for when I'm having those pesky time of the month hormonal breakouts.


Queen Helene say:

''Mint Julep Masque is a natural home treatment to help dry up pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. Simply apply Mint Julep Masque to your clean face and neck. As it firms and hardens within minutes, it draws out impurities from your pores. After the masque is removed, your skin will feel clean, refreshed and smooth. Even for individuals who are fortunate to be free of skin problems, Mint Julep Masque is a refreshing facial treatment that helps relax tired muscles and ease tension lines on the face and neck''.




Now I really do like this product. I like to apply it and then relax with it on in the bath. I will only apply this to the areas that need it though. Mainly my chin, as I do find it quite drying to my skin. Probably because it contains clay and zinc amongst other things which are excellent for an oily skin type, but not so good for my dry skin. It does help to dry up pimples and leaves my face feeling deeply cleansed and refreshed afterwards.


The one thing I really can't stand though is the scent. I do like a minty aroma but this just smells like pure toothpaste. It knocks me sick to be honest. I wish it had more of a natural mint scent. However, it is worth putting up with this for the effect it has on my breakouts. It's not a miracle worker by any means, but it really does help to shrivel up any pimples and blemishes quickly. It's really inexpensive too which is a bonus.


I'm certainly keen to try some more products from the Queen Helene brand. The Mud Masque and Olive oil masque sound lovely.

No7 Purifying Sauna Mask & No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator

I bought these a while ago, and I have since repurchased one of them and binned the other.



No7 Purifying Sauna Mask


''No7 Purifying Sauna Mask 75ml ideal for normal to combination or blemish-prone skin, it heats on contact with water to open pores and wash away impurities. Then as you rinse it tightens pores to leave your skin feeling really healthy, fresh and incredibly clean.''

I just can't get along with this product at all. I love the sensation of heat it gives when applied to damp skin, it's really warming and relaxing, however the sensation is very short lived (around 3 seconds) and it is absolutely awful to remove. Even after wiping with a muslin cloth I can still feels a residue on my skin.  My skin feels heavy and greasy after using this. I don't think it opens pores at all. If anything it feels like it's clogging them further.  I don't think this is worth the £11.00 price tag to be honest. This ended up in the bin as I couldn't face using it up. I definitely won't be buying again.





No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator


''No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion Exfoliator works against fine lines, evens out skin tone and leaves skin softer, silky to touch and more refined.''

This is really nice and I'm actually onto my second tube. I love the fine grit that this exfoliator contains. It's rough enough to slough away dead skin, without  being harsh. I use this around once per week and it keeps my skin clear of flakes and helps to brighten up my complexion. My skin feels so smooth and fresh after using this. It also doesn't dry my skin out like some face scrubs do.  The only gripe I have with it is the scent. It's fragrance free but has an odd plastic smell. It's subtle but it's there. I'm willing to overlook this though as it's a great for my skin and once washed away, the smell has gone.


I've been using this now for around 6 months and I will be repurchasing again when it runs out.



What is your current favourite face scrub? Any recommendations?

Mac Our Pick Lipstick

Next up in my lipstick series is Mac Our Pick. Now this has long since been discontinued, but I blinkin' well love this colour, so I will have to include it here. It is a a taupe with a grey undertone and was a limited edition from Macs satin range.


Now if I apply this directly from the tube it looks a bit wrong and way too unnatural and heavy, making me look almost dead in fact. Instead, I apply it from the tube lightly and work it into my lips with my finger so it ends up looking more like a stain. It ends up looking so beautiful, a perfect nude/taupe shade on my lips. I think it looks incredibly  understated and chic.


I really wish Mac would make this colour part of the permanent collection. I haven't found another shade out there that  comes close. Well not yet anyway.


Here I am wearing Mac Our Pick Lipstick paired with Mac Smoke & Diamonds and Satin Taupe eyeshadows, which I think work wonderfully together......

If anyone out there knows a dupe of this gorgeous shade, would you please spill the beans? I'm all ears!

Max Factor Lash Extension Effect Mascara

This is the mascara I currently wear for work.





I absolutely love the brush....thin spiky plastic flexible bristles that comb through the lashes really well to give a nice coating of mascara. The result for me is the most perfect natural enhanced lashes. It does lengthen, and it is very build able. Believe it or not, I can apply 5 or 6 coats of this and it still doesn't clump!


As a nurse, I like to look well groomed but not overdone on the make up front. So this mascara is perfect for me as it almost doubles the length of my lashes in one coat and doesn't really look like I'm wearing any. The brush combs through my lashes and separates them  better than any other mascara wand I've used so far.


The picture below shows what the mascara looks like after one coat......

The result is a very natural effect. This wouldn't be my choice of mascara for a night out, but for work it couldn't be any more perfect.

I love it that much I've now onto my second tube!

Eucerin Hyaluron - Filler Day Cream

I saw this whilst perusing the aisles in  Boots a few months ago. I saw a man walk straight up to the Eucerin section bend down, pick up a box and then promptly walked off. There was no hesitation, he knew exactly what he wanted and wasn't lingering around. I was now really intrigued, whatever he was buying was obviously a re-purchase, what was it?


As soon as he'd gone a tootled on over and picked up the product he had just whipped away. It was Eucerin Hyaluron - Filler Day Cream. I read the box, and was immediately suckered in to the promise of 'Visible Results In 4 Weeks'. It must be good, especially if it's worthy of a re-purchase by a male, right? Imagining all my fine lines vanishing into thin air, it made it's way into my basket. Now at £25.52 it wasn't the cheapest of purchases but I just had to try it.


Eucerin say:

'' Eucerin Anti Ageing Hyaluron Filler Day Cream with wrinkle filling treatment plumps up the appearance of even deep wrinkles from the inside. With Hyaluronic Acid & Saponin.

Now I have to say that this is actually a lovely cream. It is a nice consistency and has a pleasant light scent. I find it non-irritating and it has never broken me out. It hydrates my skin well and makes a good base for make up as it is non greasy and sinks in quickly. But that's about it really. I used up the pot, and was using it for over 4 weeks but did not notice any difference in my fine lines etc. Maybe you need to use it longer than a month or so to notice a change, or maybe it's just another one of those false promise by a skincare company?


Nevertheless, it is a lovely quality moisturiser. However, I can definitely get the same effect from a moisturiser that's half the price. If this was cheaper I would certainly re-buy, but I'm not willing to shell out another 25 Quid on a cream that's just 'good'.


Wouldn't it be great to find that elusive moisturiser? One that really does give 'visible results''.  Erasing fine lines and taking 10 years off in the process.  Oh well.........a girl can dream can't she?

Keromask Camouflage Cream

Here I have Keromask Camouflage Cream (£14.99) in Light No.5.


Keromask's camouflage make-up range is designed for all skin types and is suitable for disguising all skin imperfections, including: acne, vitiligo, rosacea, scars, under-eye circles and unwanted tattoos.


Keromask has a long established history and was the first cosmetic brand to be recognised by the British Medical Association. It was first developed during the late 1950s by Innoxa USA as an effective make-up to camouflage port wine stains. It was recognised by the British Medical Association shortly afterwards and remains one of the few brands listed by the National Health Service as an effective solution for the 1 in 4 people in the UK who live with a skin condition .


The Camouflage Creams are available in 24 shades so there is a perfect colour match for everyone. Sample kits are also available to buy for £4.99  and each one contains a selection of shades to suit light, medium or dark skin tones, all four finishing powders as well as a white and yellow mixer, allowing you to experiment at home before committing to buy the full size. You can achieve a light, day time look with the camouflage cream by using a small amount all over the face, or, for covering under-eye shadows, pimples, or any skin imperfections, simply layer the cream for better coverage.





I simply twist the cap to reveal the nozzle and pump a tiny bit onto the back of my hand. You need such a minute amount of this product. A little goes a really long way as it's  highly pigmented and highly concentrated. Then I apply with my Beauty Blender sponge in a stippling motion to the area needing coverage. Slowly adding a bit more if necessary and blending out.


This stuff is industrial strength and is excellent to use on any imperfections you may want to mask. In my case dark circles and thread veins mainly, and it lasts all day when set properly with a powder. It can also be mixed with a moisturiser to achieve a lighter coverage for the whole face if needed.  It's a really versatile product which is 100% water proof, smudge proof and heat resistant, making it such a long lasting product. It will stay on my skin all day when set properly with a powder.


Shade Light No.5 matches my skin tone very well  without my fake tan (NC20/25). I would definitely need to go 1-2 shades darker with my tan on. I find it creamy,smooth and easy to apply and blend. You have to be careful though as applying too much at once can make the area appear heavy and cakey. An extremely careful light hand is required during the application process, to ensure a light and even coverage. Once you're used to the amount required though, it becomes really easy and quick to apply!


Here I have applied it to my under eye area to demonstrate its effectiveness.........






It not only does a lovely job masking any darkness, but also brightens up the area too! I highly recommend this!

Mac Lady Danger Lipstick

Next up in my lipstick series is Mac Lady Danger. It is a matte lipstick described by Mac as a vivid bright coral-red. Now this isn't for the faint hearted, it is a full on 'in your face' red. It is a night time red for me. I haven't yet had the guts to parade around in this in the daytime, I'm such a scardy cat!


This is the perfect bright red if you have yellow undertones in your skin. If you are cool toned it will probably not do much for your complexion to be honest, and could end up clashing as this is very much an orange based red. I do find Macs matte formulations quite drying, so I do have to ensure that my lips are flake free and well moisturised before applying.


It is such a long lasting lipstick and after applying a few coats with a lip brush, really working it into the lips, it literally lasts all night, and hardly needs (if any at all) touching up.


Here I am wearing  Lady Danger.....





This one will certainly get you noticed that's for sure!

Mac Early Morning Mineralize Blush

I gave into temptation and bought Mac mineralize blush in 'Early Morning' form the MAC Naturally Collection the other week. I just cannot resist the Mineralize Blushes. They are amazing!






Early Morning is such a beautiful shade. Described  by Mac as a peachy pink. I find it to be a deep coral with peachy undertones. It isn't glittery of shimmery at all, but leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin. Almost like a lit from within effect.


It is very pigmented so only the smallest amount is required to get the perfect flush of colour. it's best to build up slowly with this one otherwise you take the risk of  looking like a clown! It is incredibly smooth and easy to blend.


Now Mineralize blushes are expensive but I think they are worth the money. They last all day on my skin and the quality is phenomenal. I just know I will be collecting more in the future.


Here it is in all it's glory......





So pleased I bought this one. It was seriously too good to overlook!

Back To Basics: Pure Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is an incredible multi-tasking beauty product that won't break the bank. It is packed full of antioxidants and  medium chain fatty acids (MCFA), which are small molecules that penetrate through the skin very easily which can help prevent the formation and reaction of free radicals. This in turn helps to reduces drying of skin, fine lines, and wrinkles leaving skin smooth and supple. It apparently also helps reduce the appearance of liver spot's (or sun spots) over time and can help prevent more occurring in the future with regular use.


Coconut oil has also been shown to be beneficial to acne prone skin. Capric Acid and Lauric Acid are two of the most powerful anti microbial agents found in pure coconut oil, which can soothe irritation, dissolve the dirt and sebum buildup that is a contributing factor in acne out-breaks, and helps to keep pores clear. I've found it to be a fantastic make up remover as well as a moisturiser. It even removes stubborn mascara too.


Coconut oil is also aids exfoliation the outer layer of dead skin cells, making the skin smoother. Its low molecular weight makes it perfect for penetrating areas of dry, rough skin especially, and delivering hydration where it's needed most to give real positive changes in skin texture. It really make your skin glow with regular use.

It is also very nourishing for hair and helps add softness to hair follicles and prevents dryness and breakage. Coconut oil gives hair vitality and strength and is known to have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Therefore, it is excellent for scalp problems such as dandruff.





Pure coconut oil is solid in consistency below 24° C. To use the oil, you simply scoop a bit out and it literally melts, almost instantaneously on contact with body heat. You then apply to the skin or hair as required. You just have to make sure you keep it in a cool dark cupboard so that it keeps it fresher for longer.


I've been using this as a moisturiser at night time as my skin has been extremely tight/dry lately and this has been helping a lot. You only need such a small amount of this (too much would be greasy) and it sinks in really well, and much faster than you would imagine. It works its magic overnight and by morning, my skin is seriously soft and thoroughly hydrated! It's fantastic for all those rough areas of skin too, such as knees and elbows and for applying to legs after shaving, as it''s nice and soothing.


I also use this as a once weekly treatment on my hair. If I have time I will apply it to my dry hair before I go to bed and leave it on overnight. Again, only small amounts are needed to work through the lengths and ends of my hair. I will also massage into my scalp at the same time which stimulates the circulation and in turn, stimulates growth of the hair. I then just pop my hair into a top knot and that's it. When washed out in the morning my hair feels silky soft. It gets better too each week that I use it and has done wonders for my split ends!


It's such good value for money. I bought mine in Holland and Barrett for around 14 Quid and it is lasting me forever. I've been using it for a few months (since last September actually) and I've used less than a quarter of the tub.


It's an amazing mutitasker and worth every single  penny. I love it so much!