Rimmel London's new Stay Matte Lip Colours

So I've recently joined the Influenster gang, and luckily enough my first voxbox package was these lovely Rimmel London Stay Matte Lip Colours! These really have been a fab introduction to the Influenster programme, and have made me rethink my daily makeup routine. They are quick and easy to use, and last throughout the work day. 

I was sent 5 new beautiful shades; Midnight, Blink Pink, Rose & Shine, Blush, and Latte To Go. So far I have only worn Blink Pink, Rose & Shine, and Blush, for either a night out or to go to work, as I believe those are the three that are better suited to my complexion. Don't worry I will be sharing more pics of how to pull off those other daring shades soon on my Insta!

Whilst trialing these products I was slightly skeptical, as I had previously heard reviews that they flake and come off fairly easily. I have to say I completely disagree, and that even when wearing the Blink Pink on a night out drinking, it still remained on my lips when I ventured back at around 1 in the morning. I think that this may indeed be affected by the smoothness of your lips, due to the matte nature of the lips colours they do tend to dry them out, so if you have naturally dry lips I'd give them a quick exfoliation before wearing these, as it's likely to improve the chances of them staying on for longer. 

I usually steer away from any products that even slightly resemble lip gloss, but these are a must! 

K.x

Beauty On a Budget: Rimmel vs Soap & Glory

I haven't done a beauty on a budget post for a while, but since my uni-work life transition, I've realised that I definitely still need to be saving-savvy with all my beauty products If I want to be able to have good makeup, nice clothes, and go out with my friends! I've decided to compare two of my favourite concealers, both under £10, and that I believe are an absolute bargain. 

1. Rimmel London's Wake Me Up Concealer

In the past, I have mentioned how this is one of the best concealers for the price you pay (a mere £5.49!). It's perfect to brighten your eyes in the morning and hide those horrible bags. I simply apply this product under my eyes, on my forehead, and on my chin, all in the shape of an upside down triangle, then blend with a concealer brush. It's as good as any benefit product that I've purchased and has been a clear favourite of mine for the past year. The only downside is that due to its liquid nature it tends to sweat off quite easily, which means re-applying it a number of times throughout the day. 

2. Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Blur and Brighten Crayon

I bought this product a little over 3 weeks ago, to try out a new concealer and see whether there is anything else about that is better quality and better value for money. I've been using it every morning since! This product is amazing. I apply it in the same way I previously stated (triangles under my eyes, the centre of my forehead, and on my chin), and it lasts all day long. I wake up for work and put on my makeup at around 7.30 each day and I don't need to re-apply this until I leave work at 5! It's slightly thicker in texture to the Wake Me Up concealer and seems to cover up blemishes a lot faster and easier. The best part? This Kick Ass product is only £6! 

Although I love both of these products to bits in this beauty on a budget battle there is one clear winner... Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Blue and Brighten Crayon!

I hope this helps you if you're looking for beauty on a budget!

K. x 

Beauty on a Budget

Being a University student, I know the trails and tribulations of trying to keep your makeup collection in good nick whilst abiding by  a limiting budget. So here are a few of my favourite products, all under £10!

Bourjois Bronzing Powder (£7.99)

This is the best drugstore powder out there! It is second to my favourite, Hoola, and is great for daily-wear due to its matte finish.

Seventeen High Drama Liquid Eyeliner (£3.99)

I never go too pricey with liquid eyeliner, there's no need! This beats Rimmel as it lasts a full day, so there's no need to top up on the run!

Maybelline Great Lash Very Black Mascara (£4.99)

This is up there with the greats, Lancome, Clinique and Benefit. ItS one of the only drugstore mascaras that leaves my lashes lush and long, avoiding clumpy black bumps.

No7 Concealer Brush & Eye Colour Brush (Both £8.00)

I got these in a set for Christmas and they are absolutely brilliant. I tend to wash them on a regular basis (I've previously ruined a few brushes from forgetting to do this) and use them daily. They are as good as Mac or Sephora, and way under half the price.

The Groovy Food Company Coconut Oil (£5.99)

I've only started using this in my beauty routine fairly recently, I used to think you could only cook with it. So i've got into using it for my dry hands in the evenings, and to shave my legs, leaving them smooth and hydrated. 

I hope this helps anyone trying to keep to a tight budget!

K.

Summer Bronzers 101

So this post may be slightly pre-emeted, but I just can't wait for Summer 2016! So let's get those summer vibes going with my top 6 Bronzers to give yourself that sun kissed glow...

Benefit

£23.50

Just turned 15! Hoola is benefit's world-wide loved matte bronzer. I can't get enough of it, I use it all-year-round! It's great for stroking over your cheeks to wake up your skin, I also use it when contouring for nights out.

Too Faced

£25.00

This is another beaut! Slightly dimmer than benefit's hole but suits all complexions, giving a chocolatey layer that can be used all over your face to help give you a more chic than bright-and-cheap look.

Rimmel

£5.99

This just has to be one of the best bronzers, as well as one of the cheapest, this is a definite steal! whether your 12 and buying your first bronzer or a 22 year old off to work, this is great for day-to-day wear. 

the Balm

£15.00

Now unfortunately I have not had the pleasure of trying the Balm's Bahama Mama, so this feature should alternatively be on the I WANT list. I have only heard great reviews, suggesting its on par with the likes of Benefit. So when I get my hands on this one you guys will be the first to know!

Bourjois

£6.39

This was probably my second love, after Rimmel, a timeless classic that will be there for me through and through. Whenever times are hard and i'm low on cash this is the best bronzer to give me my daily need.

Bobbi Brown

£33.00

This one is slightly cheeky of me, as Its not actually a frequent member of my own makeup bag, it's always in my mums! I can't help sneaking it into my clutch for a night out when i'm in a shimmer bronzer mood, rather than my usual matte (sorry mum!).

K.

Splurge Vs Steal

I've been wanting to do a Splurge Vs Steal post for a while, but because of being so busy with uni work have fallen behind with blog posts! So here it is, my very own Splurge Vs Steal, although my splurge may not be as upmarket as some peoples as I am a university student on a budget...

Round 1: Liquid Blusher

Benefit (£24.50)

 

This Lolli tint liquid blusher is one of my favourites, its a candy coloured cheek stain that leaves my cheeks looking great! It lasts a few hours and is perfect for adding a hint of colour.

Rimmel (£4.49)

This is the closest rival to the benefit Lolli tint! Rommel's Stay Blushes leaves your cheeks looking a sun-kissed pink, but unfortunately last for little over than an hour 

Winner: Benefit! 

Round 2: Make-up Remover 

Orico (£16)

Orico's Orange Micellar make-up remover not only smells amazing as it's infused with a citrus smell, but takes a few wipes to get your makeup off. What I really loves about this product was that it doesn't sting my face as I have really sensitive skin. It also has anti-inflammatory calendula flower extract, which soothed my eyes before heading to bed. The only downside to this product is the price! 

Soap and Glory (£6)

Drama Clean make-up remover is my current micellar water, its lush! The cucumber juice and peach fruit leaves your skin smelling sweet, feeling soft, and left soothed. It wipes your makeup off instantly, a no fuss remover for before bed! 

Garnier (£3.33)

There's no doubt that this is my ultimate make-up remover winner. It's the best value for money and removes dirt and purifies your skin within seconds. The only downside is that is doesn't have a fruity smell, but some people prefer it that way!

Winner: Garnier!

Round 3: Concealer

Rimmel (£3.49)

This concealer is great for simple every-day makeup to throw under your eyes and on your pimples as soon as you wake up in the mornings. Its a smooth quick-fix but doesn't last all day, so you'll need to touch up. 

Benefit (£17.50)

This is the best concealer for blemishes and spots, lasts for hours and a must-have for a night out as there's no chance of it melting off. Not one to pop under the eyes as it's not a smooth as some concealers and does tend to crumble when applied in large amounts.

Winner: Undecided

Round 4: Hand Cream 

Bodyshop (£4)

Honestly, the only positive I can say about this product is the smell as i love Bodyshop's coconut smelling products. I suffer from dry skin in-between my fingers during the winter and this product did not help at all, unfortunately it soothed my skin for minutes, before getting dry and continuing to itch hours later. 

Palmers (£1.99)

Not much I can say about this product, never disappoints, keeping my hands smooth all the way through the bitter weather.

Winner: Palmers!

Hope you enjoyed reading my first ever Splurge vs Steal!

K.

Halloween Makeup Tutorial : Ragdoll

Here's my second halloween makeup tutorial look - Ragdoll !

Step 1.

Using your choice of powder or face paint, cover your face to make it a pale white colour

Step 2. 

Use a thick white face paint to create a semi-circle shape underneath each eye

Step 3. 

Using black and green eye shadows create a bruised/bag effect underneath each eye

Step 4. 

Using black eyeliner, create a lash effect underneath the white semi-circles

Step 5. 

On your upper lids draw on a thick black liner to cover your whole lid using eyeliner and eyeshadows

Step 6. 

Above the thick liner draw on top lashes with black eyeliner

Step 7. 

Use a pink blush to lighten your cheeks

Step 8. 

Use a black eyeliner to create freckle-like dots on your cheeks

Step 9. 

Use a bright pink/red lipstick to create this half lip/heart shape

Your look is complete! Here is the makeup I used to create my look... 

K. 

Halloween Makeup Tutorial : Scarecrow

It's almost Halloween! So here the first of my spooky makeup tutorials....

 My First look is the Scarecrow, not a traditional halloween costume but a great last minute costume if you haven't got a pair of fangs or a broomstick! 

Step 1.

Simply using liquid eyeliner draw a curved line either side of your mouth. Then draw 5 small lines vertically along these lines giving them a T shaped edge.

Step 2. 

Again, using the liquid eyeliner, make a egg shape on your nose, them fill this with orange face paint.

Step 3.

Make stitch marks around the egg shaped patch.

Step 4. 

Using the orange face paint, draw a circle on each cheek.

Step 5.

Using white face paint and a thin makeup brush, draw a white mark on each orange spot.

Step 6.

Choose your selection of orange/coral lipstick

Step 7.

Using the liquid eyeliner, draw two thick lines below each eye.

Step 8.

Finally, add in black lines below your eye to create a stitched/ drawn on effect. 

Step 9.

Add your choice of costume and you're ready to go! 

Here are the products that I used to create my look...

K.