My Blusher Collection

Blusher is probably my biggest makeup obsession, second only to foundations. I can't help myself when it comes to the perfect flush, matte, shimmer, sheen, cream, mineral, gel, you name it I usually have to try it. This collection has been seriously paired down over the years, and I have separated them into my favourites, least favourites and really don't like but I can't bear to part with!
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Favourites:-

Back row L- R
Maybelline Pure Blush Minerals in Plum Alchemy and Quartz Peach, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Blush in Pink Sugar.

Middle row L - R
Bobbi Brown Blush in Coral, MAC Mineralize Blush in Love Rock and Moon River.

Front row L- R
Stila Palette containing Hint and Fade.

Roundup:-

I love all these blushes, the texture, colour, and staying power of them all keep me reaching for these day in day out.

Least Favourites:-

Back row L - R

MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Springsheen, Stila Convertable Colour in Lillium.

Front row L - R
MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Tippy, MAC Sheertone Blush in Coygirl.

Roundup:-

The main reason for my dislike of these blushes is the colour, they don't suit my colouring and also the texture, I find Springsheen makes my face look flat and the same with Coygirl.

I really don't like:-

Back row L - R

MAC Shimmer Blush in Bloomsbury/Tiger Lily, Cargo Blush in Lyon, Bourjois Blush in Lune D'Or.

Middle row L - R
Bourjois Blush in Lilas D'Or, NARS Duo in Casino and Sin, NARS Blush in Orgasm.

Front row L - R
Benefit 10, Benefit Dandelion.

Roundup:-

I do not like any of these, I can't see what all they hype is with NARS, Sin is foul and Orgasm isn't anything special in my book. Please if you can help em and give me any tips for any of the blushes in this group let me know!

June Favourites

It is almost the end of the month so I thought that I would take a moment to tell you my June favourites:-

1. Barry M Natural Dazzle : This is a fairly new addition to my bronzer collection but it is becoming by far the most frequently used! I love that the colour isn't orangey and I don't look like I've been tangoed. I am very fair and so finding a bronzer that it subtle and natural is great.

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2. Bourjois 10 Hour Sleep Effect Foundation : This is the foundation I have been reaching for most days, the finish is sheer, yet with great coverage and it lasts all day, with a dusting of MSF Natural on top - perfect!

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3. Neals Yard Nourishing Melissa Nail Balm : This has really helped my dry icky cuticles and my nails have grown so unbelievably fast since using it, it is a shame that I can't really handle typing at work with longer than average nails so snip snip. I put a thick layer on before bedtime and it sinks in quite quickly, really moisturising the cuticle area and nail bed.

4. Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash : I have only just rediscovered this in one of my many wicker baskets of goodies and thought I should start using it again to try and help clear the marks left from nasty monthly spots and I am really enjoying using it, and I am sure that it's fading the marks.

5. MAC All That Glitters : This has been my fail safe colour a couple of times this month when I don't have much time in the mornings, and combined with Satin Taupe in the crease, I have had compliments everyday that I have worn the combination.

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What have been your favourite products this month?

FOTD...

Happy Saturday everyone! I thought I would do my first FOTD:-

Products used:-

Face

Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturiser

MAC Studio Finish Concealer

MAC MSF Natural

Prestige Glam Tan

Stila Blush in Fade

Eyes

Bobbi Brown Eyebrow Kit

Estee Lauder Double Wear Eyeshadow in Ivory Lace

MAC Sugarshot

MAC Satin Taupe

Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner in Mahogany Ink

MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Engraved

Body Shop Super Volume Mascara

Lips

MAC Lollipop Loving Lipstick

Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Bronzed Pink.

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Have a great Saturday girlies!

Clothes Haul...

Today was the last day of my holiday, and the English weather was horrible to I decided to take a trip into Exeter (btw LOVE Exeter - anyone who lives there is so lucky!).

I went into Zara (twice!) and picked up some basic cardigans to wear over a tunic top and leggings. I think one was £20.00 and the other £14.00.

Then I wandered for a bit and went back into Zara to purchase this lovely white cotton camisole top and next to Topshop for this black flowery little camisole, which I thought would be ideal with a cardigan over the top, especially in this rainy, cloudy Devon weather!

I also got a white vest top and black calf leggings in Topshop but I am sure you don't need photos of those!

So all in all I was very pleased with my little gems and very impressed with Zara, I wish there was one nearer me at home, but the closest is Bluewater, and to go to Bluewater requires major cash because there is simply too much temptation!

Have you found any gems while out shopping lately?

Cuticle Salve...

I have been noticing recently that my cuticles are in an awful mess so I wanted to invest in a cuticle balm / salve / oil.

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Then I accidentally came across some J. R. Watkins Apothecary Red Clover Hand and Cuticle Salve in, of all places, a Garden Centre!

I've never heard of the brand before, but seeing as the tin was only a mere £1.99, I thought what the heck and headed for the till.

As you can imagine I was very excited to get into the little tin, so tore the little plastic protector off quicker than I could walk to the car, slightly more difficulty ensued in opening the tin mind you!

The salve is supposed to smell of Red Clover, whatever this smells like, please if you know, enlighten me. All I know is that it smells fairly pleasant and isn't too greasy.

When I got home I looked up J. R. Watkins, and it sadly seems to be a mainly US brand, and all the cuticle salves appear to be sold out, so this must be good stuff!

The website describes the salve as formulated around a premium beeswax base, this salve incorporates natural oils that moisturise, nourish and revitalise hard-working hands.

Best of all the brand seems to be pretty ethical, and uses no parabens etc in its products.

I think that I will persevere and see how this salve holds up.

Has anyone else heard of this brand? Do you recommend any other cuticle balms?

Orange Flower Facial Oil...

So I am away on holiday this week but have brought along with me a bottle of Neals Yard Orange Flower Facial Oil, which I bought in my local Boots (thank you Advantage Card!).

According to the Daily Express "Used daily, this organic blend of mandarin, ylang ylang, neroli and macadamia seed oil assists with the elimination of toxins from the face while keeping skin supple" so I was keen to try it!

One other reason for using this oil was that it has vitamin e in which I understand is good for fading scars...of wish I have many angry old hormonal acne scars on my chin, so we will see how it goes.

Has anyone else had any good experiences with this oil or any other such product?