Makeup Haul | Cult Beauty + Boots

A guilty online shop and in-store spree has led to a building collection of newly purchased beauty products that I've decided to throw together into this one haul. I am excited to share with you all the new makeup that I haven't been able to resist parting with my cash for. 

The first purchase I made was the Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Series Cream Contour Kit; the cream version of the highly coveted palette of professional sculpting powders. This has only recently been made available over here in the UK thanks to the online, high-end beauty seller Cult Beauty. When I saw that the palette had landed online, I eagerly hopped over to the site to place my order and I am excited to finally add this to my collection. 

An innocent trip to Boots led to several unexpected purchases as I am always powerless to resist new products when they are right in front of my eyes. 

Starting at the Smashbox counter, I picked up the Photo Finish Primer Water; a product I had been desperate to get my hands on yet had constantly found to be out of stock both online and in store. This water claims to hydrate and refresh your skin, create a sheer canvas for makeup and leave you with a vibrant complexion.

The newly released Step-By-Step Contour Stick Trio also caught my attention and, although a seemingly futile purchase considering the recent addition of the ABH palette to my collection, I easily convinced myself that this was a necessity. 

These pencils are in universal contour, bronze and highlight shades for defining and sculpting all face shapes. They are easy to apply, blend seamlessly and are perfect for a quick contour when in a rush.

Lastly I stopped by the Sleek MakeUp display, which I am rarely able to indulge in as my local store doesn't stock their products. I picked up the Face Form palette in ‘Light’, which contains a matte, ashy-toned contouring powder, an illuminating highlighter and a blush. The blush in this palette stands out the most as it is a pigmented rosy pink with flecks of gorgeous gold shimmer. 

I also bought the Blush By 3 Palette in the shade 'Californ.I.A', a trio of peach-toned cream blushers. I love using cream blushes to add a natural, dewy flush and I know that I will use this palette endlessly throughout the summer. Inside are the shades Newport Peach, The Surf and OC; all of which are amazingly pigmented, buildable and easy to blend. 

That’s all for this mix and match makeup haul and I hope that you enjoyed hearing about the most recent additions to my collection. I would love to hear all about your recent purchases as well as your current go-to products.

Devon

xoxo

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Review | Tropic Radiance Clay Mask

Today I have a review of my latest Tropic Skincare discovery to share with you all. This saviour featured in my April Monthly Favourites and it is the Tropic Radiance Clay Mask; my current go-to product for calming down my problematic skin. Like all Tropic skincare, this mask is made from 100% natural plant extracts, is vegan, cruelty free and is ideal for anyone battling with combination, oily and acne prone skin.

An aspect that initially sets this mask aside from other brands is the packaging. Rather than being encased inside the usual annoying tube in which half of the product is left abandoned and unreachable at the bottom; these masks are packaged inside a round, sturdy glass pot that is not only practical but also a lovely addition to your bathroom counter.

It also doesn't disappoint in terms of formulation and results. It will help to tighten and unclog pores for a clear and radiant complexion. As well as drawing out impurities, it also acts as a gentle exfoliator meaning that my face is left feeling smooth and it is the perfect solution for dull, congested skin. Among the hero ingredients that the effectiveness of this mask can be attributed to is olive leaf; the active ingredient in fighting blemishes, willow bark; which naturally contains salicylic acid, guarana seed; to exfoliate and green clay; which draws out impurities. 

To apply I use the wooden spatula that accompanies the mask and spread a thin layer over my face. It initially applies as a dark green, then within 5-10 minutes the mask hardens to become a pale, mint colour. At first you feel a slight tingling sensation as the masks dries and the tea tree oil sets about decongesting your pores. 

When I wash the mask off I use warm water to gently massage my skin. As you add water, the mask reverts back to a dark green and transforms into a rich, creamy exfoliator. After exfoliating I wash the mask off and I am left with a soft, radiant and decongested complexion.

I love this mask and find that it is the perfect match for my skin type. However, if you are someone with normal to dry skin, this mask could be a little too harsh. I would suggest only applying it to the areas where you are suffering with breakouts or to try out the Tropic Warming Mineral Mask; perfect for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. 

I hope you enjoyed this skincare post and I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below as well as the face masks that you swear by. If you wish to learn more about Tropic skincare then you can read my previous post reviewing they basic ABC Skincare Line. 

Devon

xoxo

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The Best Drugstore Brushes | EcoTools

Although I can never resist the odd indulgence in high-end cosmetics, at heart, I will always be an advocate for drugstore beauty. There are so many amazing products to be found at a bargain price on your local high street and I love sharing my own discoveries. This post is another instalment of a series sharing my favourite Drugstore Brushes and today I am talking all about EcoTools. 

EcoTools is a leading brand in producing eco-conscious cosmetics and is best known for their collection of inexpensive makeup brushes. The brand allows a flawless finish to be achievable for any beauty lover, regardless of budget whilst also being 100% cruelty free and environmentally friendly. The brushes are made from high-quality, ultra soft synthetic bristles with bamboo and recycled aluminium handles. They are also packaged in recyclable materials and accompanied with re-usable pouches.

1. Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush - £5.49

The first EcoTools brush that I added to my collection was the Bamboo Deluxe Concealer Brush; I was left impressed and eager to try out more from the brand. This brush is slightly tapered and is perfect for concealing blemishes, scaring, dark circles and pigmentation. The bristles are amazingly soft and perfect for applying extra coverage onto the areas where it is needed. I also find that it works wonders as a blending brush for eyeshadow. 

2. Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set - £6.99

Next is one of my all-time favourite drugstore items; the Eye Enhancing Duo Brush Set. With this duo you essentially receive four brushes; the basic set for any beauty novice experimenting with eyeshadow for the first time. The type of brush is carved into the handle on each end to help anyone who is unsure on what to use wear. 

(BLEND)

(SMUDGE)

On one you have blend; a fluffy, ultra soft brush for blending shadow and smudge; a short, flat, chubby brush for smoking out shadow along the lash line. The second one has shade on one end; a basic flat shadow brush and define on the other; a thin, slightly slanted brush for applying product with ultimate precision.

(SHADE)

(DEFINE)

The duo is a complete bargain, the brushes are an amazing quality, highly affordable and all you need to get you started off in the world of eye makeup.

3. Fresh & Flawless 5 pc Complexion Set - £11.99

Another EcoTools set that I love and actually bought as a gift is the Fresh & Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set. This is ideal for anyone who isn’t quite a makeup fanatic, but wants to improve the way that they apply their makeup for a smoother finish. The brushes are ideal for travelling as they are miniature but will also look gorgeous on anyone's vanity table. They have the EcoTools signature wooden handle and then the aluminium section is in a different colour on each brush with an intricate leaf patten.

The brushes are numbered and inside there is a brief explanation of each one with the name of the brush and what it is to be used for. This is another reason that this set is the perfect gift for anyone slightly baffled my beauty or just starting to experiment and wishing for a simple way to improve their technique.

I truly do love this brand and think that the quality of brushes you receive for the price make their range one of the biggest bargains to be discovered at the drugstore. I am eager to add to my collection and can not wait to try out their stippling, blush and skin perfecting brushes.

I hope that you enjoyed this and be sure to read all about my previous The Best Drugstore Brushes post where I share my thoughts on the well-known Real Techniques line. I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments down below as well as the cosmetic brushes that you are currently loving.

Devon

xoxo 

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High-End Worthy of Price | #1 benefit POREfessional

This is a new series dedicated to sharing the High-End products that I believe are worthy of their price tag. I am sure that I am not alone in my constant desire for high-end cosmetics yet reluctance to invest in case an expensive product fails to live up to my expectations. I hope that sharing the items I have tried, love and deem worthy of their price, will help anyone wishing to treat themselves to a luxury item not to end up disappointed.

I am starting off with an essential to any makeup bag, whether you opt for little or heavy coverage, a natural or made-up look, everyone should invest in a primer. My ultimate favourite is the cult POREfessional by benefit.

Product Profile -

Name : the POREfessional

Brand : benefit

Price : £24.50

Size : 22ml

Claim : ‘quickly minimise the appearance of pores’

Appearance and Texture -

This primer is a universal nude shade that will blend seamlessly into all skin types. It has a smooth texture and leaves your skin feeling silky soft with a matte finish. It instantly irradiates shine and helps to subtly even out your skin tone by blurring imperfections. 

Application and Wear -

To apply, I simply squeeze a pea-sized amount onto my index finger and dot this around my t-zone. I gently rub it into the centre of my face where I struggle the most with enlarged pores, shine and keeping my makeup in place. I then allow this to settle for a minute before applying my foundation. The difference this primer makes in the application of your foundation alone is reason enough to invest. Whether my foundation be high-street or high-end it applies seamlessly to create a flawless, natural coverage. With the POREfessional as a base, it glides over any scaring, blemishes or redness to create a smooth, second-skin like finish.

The primer not only wins in terms of appearance but also wear. It ensures that the coverage I apply on top looks flawless for longer and it keeps my dreaded oily t-zone at bay. It is also ideal for using throughout the day, on top of your makeup to matte out any mid-day shine.

I believe that this primer is an essential in all and any makeup bags and I would be at a lost without it. I hope that this post, and this series, helps you decide on the luxury cosmetics that you wish to invest in. I would love to hear your thoughts down below as well as the high end products that you think are worth the price!

Devon

xoxo

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My Top 4 : Budget Summer Lipsticks

As the weather is finally warming up, I have been enjoying wearing less makeup but adorning a bright lip for an effortless pop of colour that is perfect for this time of year. When the sun is out I like to skip the heavy coverage and opt for a tinted moisturiser before throwing on a vibrant pout, to look effortlessly polished and put together. For today's post I have rooted through my drugstore lipstick collection to find my top 4 choices for a bright, affordable Summer lipstick.

1. Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain : ‘Rio Rush’ - £7.99

As someone who has always disliked the sticky, uncomfortable feeling of many glosses, these Moisture Stains are the perfect alternative. They create a high-shine, pigmented finish without leaving a tackiness on the lips. The bright colours are perfect for the warmer weather and I especially love ‘Rio Rush’; a bright yet wearable pink. 

The formulation of these stains are also ideal; they are creamy, moisturising and leave an impeccable shine without feeling heavy. An intense colour is left behind that stains your lips even once the shine has faded.

2. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick : ‘Cherries In The Snow’ - £7.49

This shade of the Super Lustrous range is my choice for a sheer finish during the warmer weather. It is one that I am sure most of you will have heard of before and has been a favourite of mine for some time. The shade is a bright, blue-toned pink and is amazingly moisturising, easy to apply and is the perfect finishing touch to a lazy, feminine summer look.

3. Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm : ‘Elusive’ - £7.99

Incase it wasn’t already clear, I am a massive fan of Revlon and find their lip products to be one of the best at the drugstore. For a matte yet moisturising finish I like to opt for their balm in the shade ‘Elusive'; a soft, warm-toned pink. This is ideal for adding a subtle pop of colour to your look and leaves a velvety soft finish. The consistency is creamy and smooth without being sticky or slipping and you can rely on the colour to stay in place in the heat.

4. L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Matte Lipstick : ‘228 VIP’ - £6.99  

My final choice is another matte yet creamy option but this time in a coral shade.  I recently picked this up at my local boots, however I think it is a more recent release and so I couldn't find a link to it online.

As someone who rarely dares to wear an orange-toned lipstick, this was a new venture for me and one that I am definitely glad I tried out. It is the perfect coral with orange, pink and peachy undertones. The colour is buildable and I like to wear it either patted on to my lips for a subtle stain, or smoothed all over for a full, long-wearing pop of colour.

I hope this mini collection of budget summer lip colours helps inspire you on the lipsticks to refresh your collection with this season. I would also love to hear your thoughts as well as the drugstore lip products that you are currently loving down below!

(Left to Right : Cherries in the Snow, Rio Rush Moisture Stain, Elusive, L'Oreal 228 VIP)

Devon

xoxo

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Monthly Favourites : April

As April has swiftly come to an end, it is time again for the low down on all the products that my attention has been captured by this month. April has been an exciting month of beauty discoveries, skincare saviours and the books that I have been loving in a conscious effort to read a little more and binge on Netflix a little less. 

Beauty

I have been enjoying the beauty goodies that I was fortunate enough to receive for my birthday at the end of March. This has included the stunning Charlotte Tilbury Rose Gold and Night Crimson makeup bag that has become a permanent addition to my handbag this month. It is the perfect size for carrying around all my makeup essentials (and the countless non-essentials) and I no longer find myself scrabbling around the bottom of my bag to locate my lipstick when on the go.

The ZOEVA Rose Golden Complete Eye Set was also a birthday gift and I have been endlessly experimenting with these brushes since. Not only do they make a gorgeous edition to your vanity table, but they are an amazing quality and blend eyeshadow like a dream. A couple that have particularly caught my attention are the 322 Brow Line Brush that I find works beautifully for applying my Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade and the 142 Concealer and Buffer Brush for a seamless coverage.

Skincare

This month I have been battling with my skin as mine has been playing up and constantly breaking out. To help keep my problematic skin under control I have turned to the Tropic Radiance Clay Mask and I have been so happy with the results. This masks contains 100% natural ingredients to detox and exfoliate your complexion and I am left with impeccably soft and smooth skin. 

Books

As someone who has always loved to read, I have recently not had, or simply been unwilling to make, the time for escaping into a good novel. Ever since I made the dangerous decision to subscribe to Netflix I have become hooked on watching (and re-watching) all my favourite TV shows. However, becoming slightly worried about the negative effects this might be having, I decided to aim to read at least two new books each month and I have fallen in love with reading again.

The first book I invested in this month was Me Before You by Jojo Moyes and I have now just finished off Wild by Cheryl Strayed. I can happily report that I thoroughly enjoyed both novels and would recommend them to anyone who is looking for a couple of new reads.

That's all for this month's favourites and I hope you all enjoyed hearing about the beauty and non-beauty products that I have been loving throughout April. I would love to hear all about your favourites this month as well as your thoughts on my picks in the comments down below!

Devon

xoxo

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