Review: Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

I have been trying out Maybelline The Falsies mascara for the past few weeks..... and I absolutely adore it!! In fact, I'm beginning to think that this will be my new Holy Grail mascara.

The brush is curved, so it adds extra curl to your lashes, while thickening and lengthening. I was a bit anxious that it would give your lashes an extreme "false lash effect" which can be a bit too much during the day, but it adds the perfect about of volume and length.

Unlike other Maybelline mascara, this product doesn't have an overwhelmingly strong chemical stench. However, I believe there is a waterproof version of this which I would like to try out because this product runs when wet!

I will definitely be repurchasing this product - despite the waterproofing issues, it is flawless and really makes your lashes stand out..

Rating: ★★★★

Review: Seche Vite Top Coat

I recently picked up a bottle of Seche Vite "Dry Fast" Top Coat and I absolutely love it.

The packaging directs that you need to apply the product "thickly.... then set softly down" onto your nails. This is very important - if you don't apply the product liberally, it could cause your nail polish to streak. 

If you follow these directions, the product applies easily. Seche Vite dries your nail polish at the speed of light and prevents chipping for several days. It gives your nails a gorgeous glossy finish too.

There is one large downside to this product: the overwhelming stench. I would definitely recommend using this in an extremely well ventilated space.

According to reliable sources (ie: my friend) this product goes gloopy after a few months so it has to be used relatively quickly/regularly, and although it is a bit pricey, I definitely think it is well worth it and will, most certainly, repurchase this product when I run out.

Rating: ★★★★

London Makeup Haul

This weekend I was living it up in London and I had an absolute blast!! While there, I did a little shopping....

From left to right:

Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Benefit She Laq Makeup Sealer

Mac Lip Prep & Prime

Maybelline The Falsies Mascara

Soap and Glory Clear Here T-Zone Oil Control Lotion

NYC Nail Polish in Downtown

Me Me Me Little Angels Collection (incl. Pussy Cat, Beat the Blues x2 and Poppy Tint)

Mac Peachykeen Blush

Me Me Me Blush Me in Rouge

I will be reviewing these products in the coming weeks, so stay tuned if you're interested!!

Style Stalker: Frankie Sandford

Every time I see photos of this gorgeous lady, I am filled with both envy and inspiration. Her style choices are always spot on and simple enough to imitate. Here are some of my favourite of her outfits...

Outfit #1

I love this white military style blazer, such a classic and simple but totally elegant look.

Outfit #2 

 I really like how casual Frankie looks in this outfit, while still having a bit of a rocky edge... and I bloody love her shoes.

Outfit #3

I absolutely ADORE this cream jacket... Frankie looks really glam and sophisticated in this snap!! 

What do you think about Frankie's enviable wardrobe choices?

NOTD: Clay-ton, My Hero

Recently I popped into my local chemist and noticed a range of makeup and nail polish by a brand I had never heard of - Catrice Cosmetics. I picked up a couple of colours, including this one: Clay-ton, My Hero...

I absolutely love this colour, a shimmery pale brown colour with gold flecs. It looks really pretty and applies really easily. The consistency is perfect and the colour really intensifies with two coats.

I absolutely love these nail polishes, and I'm delighted I found this brand, as it only cost around €3 per bottle.

Review: Maybelline Dream Satin Liquid Foundation

Towards the end of November I ran out of my Holy Grail foundation (Benefit's Play Stick in Spin the Bottle) and decided to try something new (and cheaper) for a change...

I wandered into Boots and perused the displays for about 20 minutes (I am incredibly indecisive) until I approached the Maybelline stand. I religiously used the Dream Matte Mousse when I was younger, and absolutely loved it so I decided to retry it.... but unfortunately it was sold out in my colour!!

Then I spotted the Dream Satin Liquid foundation so I decided to give it a try, and I have absolutely fallen in love.

I applied this foundation using my 187 stippling brush, and it goes on easily and evenly. Unlike other Maybelline foundations I have used in the past, it doesn't cling to dry patches on the skin. The foundation dries within seconds, leaving a matte finish, an essential for someone with oily skin like mine. The product provides medium coverage, which can be built up to give fuller coverage if needed, without looking cakey.

I usually pair this foundation with my Mac Studio Fix powder as a top coat, because it adds to the mattified look (which I strive for). When paired together, my foundation stays firmly in place all day, even despite my oily skin. I absolutely adore this foundation, and have completely switched up my routine to include this and I haven't repurchased my Benefit foundation since first using this product.

Though there are downsides to this product (such as the small colour range, featuring only eight colours: nude, ivory, fawn, sand, cameo, sun beige, light porcelain and cocoa), the positives seriously outweigh them and I would definitely recommend trying this product, if you haven't already.

Rating: ★★★★★

Review: Soap & Glory - Knock Your Spots Off

This month I have been suffering badly with spotty skin. I tried using a couple of different products but nothing seemed to help. I wandered into Boots, browsing in search of something to help, when I noticed this...... Soap & Glory's Knock Your Spots Off Gel. This product is aimed a the lads, offering to minimise spots and "beard bumps" but I was desperate and it was €10 cheaper than the ladies alternative!!

I applied this product quite liberally over the affected areas before going to bed. As it turned out, this was a wise decision as the scent is quite strong. This product did zap the redness out of my spots, and the following morning they were noticeably smaller. However, I feel like it dried my skin out a bit too much.

I would suggest using this product sparingly, and only in drastic circumstances. I shan't be repurchasing this product, but I would definitely consider using it in the event of another outbreak!!

Rating: ★★★

Review: Essence Multi Action Mascara

Last month I came home for the weekend without any mascara so I quickly popped into the chemist to purchase a cheap-o replacement ahead of a night out.... I grabbed the first one I saw, and walked away with Essence's Multi Action Mascara.

Though I had never used this mascara, or anything else by Essence, my friend is a big fan so I decided to take a leap of faith..... and wow, am I glad I did!? This mascara is ridiculously cheap (I think it was around €2) and does a fantastic job. It applies nicely, and both thickens and lengthens without clumping. It has gone a little downhill with use/abuse but for €2, I really can't fault it. The smell is a little "chemically" but it's nothing that you can't grin and bear for the low price :)

Though I won't be making a permanent switch to this product, I will continue to use it and if I was ever in need of a quick fix, I definitely see myself repurchasing this bad boy!!

Rating: ★★★★

Have you tried Essence products, and if so, what do you make of them?

Review: A'kin Orange Blossom Body Wash

I'm a bit behind with the MyPure reviews this month, but the second product I was testing out in December was also by A'kin - I selected their Orange Blossom Body Wash, having really liked all their other products.

The very first thing I noticed about this product was the scent. I found the strong scent overwhelming and almost a bit sickening. After I got over the initial shock, I did notice that it is very floral scented, with an almost spicy quality to it. The MyPure website describes it as a "fresh delicate, sweet essence of orange blossoms" which supposedly brightens the spirit and calms the skin.

The actual product is clear and has a liquid consistency, however a little goes a very long way, forming a wonderful lather, and the product should last for a considerable amount of time.

You can read a bit more about this product over on the MyPure website. Personally, I won't be repurchasing this product, the smell has really put me off but I would consider trying it out in a different fragrance, because the product itself works nicely.

RRP: £7.49

Rating: ★★★

Please note: I was sent this product free of charge, but was not compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own - they are completely honest and unbiased. I am not affiliated with any of the above mentioned companies.

New Years Resolutions

Can you believe it's 2011 already? I know it sounds cliché but the past year really flew past in a blur. This week is extra special for me because on Wednesday my blog is 1 year old!! I cannot believe I've been doing this for 12 months - and what an amazing 12 months it has been, getting to know all you beautiful ladies and sharing my thoughts with you.

I wanted to jump on the youtube bandwagon and share my new years resolutions with you guys (you never know, this might help me stick with them)

1. Be Healthy

Year in, year out, losing weight is on my list of resolutions but this year I want to be more than "skinny" - I want to be healthy and fit. Having spent the past two weeks cooped up in bed with a bad dose of the flu and a chest infection, I am eager to get active!

2. Procrastinate Less

I have an uncanny ability to put off tasks until the very last minute.... but I don't handle stress very well, so this year I want to try and keep up with work and not waste time.

3. Relax More

This past semester was HECTIC and I completely burnt out afterwards (I think that might have been one of the factors that contributed to my flu, haha) - this year/semester I want to make more time for relaxing and having fun.

4. Blog More

I will blog more frequently this year - I have been neglectful for the past few months, what with exams and illness, but that's gonna change this year.

What are your resolutions for 2011?