Being Cheeky....

Okay so I caved, don't judge. After writing my daily make up post I realised I really should step up my make-up collection. I have no excuse for not investing in some quality products, especially as I do suffer from problem areas such as blemishes. I've always really liked the brand Clinique and I have previously had a foundation from them, back when I very first started at university. It was a liquid foundation and I've always had a love/hate relationship with liquid foundations since I can remember. I don't think it was a bad foundation, it gave me good coverage and applied very easily but I just felt like it was missing something, but to this day I still cannot put my finger on it. At a hefty £20, I decided not to re-purchase the foundation after it ran out because I thought the price was ridiculous for what it was. However, compared to drug store brands I have tried (and there have been a lot), I now appreciate why these high end brands are at such a price. I find the drug store brands are very thick, cakey, heavy and packed full of fragrances that aggravate and irritate the skin. Clinique caters especially for these issues, claiming they are 100% fragrance free and I don't have a reason not to believe them. So, after watching a few youtube videos and in particular Pixie-woo's  review of Clinique foundations, I really liked the look of Super balanced powder foundation. As I've said I have a love/hate relationship with liquid foundations so thought I would invest in a quality powder formula. It is not cheap, coming in at £27.50 and is the first part of my 'Cheeky Purchase'.

Clinique Super Balanced Powder Foundation - Natural 2.5 

I opted for the colour Natural 2.5 because I felt it did not look too pale to wash me out but was not too dark for my skin tone. Obviously buying from the website you are never 100% certain that it is going to be the right match for you but I assume I could take it to a store and they would exchange it for me (well that's what I hope anyway!) and also was allowed to pick two free samples from them too which was quite nice. 

Naturally, buying a new foundation I thought I ought to get some new brushes. I have always tried to keep my brushes in good condition and clean but sometimes life gets in the way and you just can't do it as regularly as you would like. Luckily, the brushes I have aren't overly expensive so I don't mind so much that they are a bit worse for wear. I have a collection of Elf Brushes and also a collection a MAC Brushes (which believe it or not I barely use and don't particularly like), I have a few bare minerals brushes and I absolutely love their powder brush! All my little eye shadow and blending brushes from mac, elf and front cover are in great condition so I did not need to invest in any more of them. However, my foundation brushes have seen better days, particularly my elf ones. I have heard only good things about the real techniques brushes, which are by one of the pixie-woo sisters (as mentioned before), Samantha Chapman. Make-up brushes aren't cheap, particularly the high end brands such as MAC, and although £9.99 & £11.99 (for individual brushes) still aren't the cheapest brushes they are a lot more affordable than most. So I took the plunge and purchased the Stippling Brush and the Core Collection (which is £21.99) brushes to accompany my new foundation. 

Real Techniques Core Collection 

Real Techniques Stippling Brush

These can be purchased from Boots, which is where I got mine from as I receive advantage points which is always a plus as I'm saving them to get an expensive face cream :p. Amongst my brushes from boots I also ordered some bronzer from the brand 17, just because after forking out for the other stuff I wasn't prepared to pay £25 for a Clinique bronzer. All in all I'm quite happy with my purchases and I will definitely keep you updated on how these all fair! I hope they don't take too long to arrive! 

Much love, 

Louise! 

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Everyday Make-Up

Hi Guys, so I thought I'd give you a little look at my everyday make-up products. Now, don't expect anything fancy because I don't really invest in expensive products, even though I keep meaning to purchase a  good quality foundation but as of yet still have not got around to it. I do find my cheaper products do the job and that's all that matters right? 

Everything I use on a day to day basis. 

Face: 
Garnier BB Cream: Used as my 'foundation' for summer.
Collection 2000 Shine Away Compressed Powder: Used to eliminate shine and also acts as a 'setter'.
Natural Collection Blusher in Peach Melba: Used on my lower cheek bone for a splash of colour. 

Eyes:FCUK Eye Shadow Palette: First Eye Shadow used as a base, second colour in the crease and third on the edge and blended out.
Natural Collection Eye Shadows: Left one used to compliment the brown on the edge and the right one used to highlight inner corner.
NO7 Eyeliner: Used on bottom water line.
ELF Eye Primer: Used before applying eye shadow.
Collection 2000 Extreme Felt Tip Eyeliner: Used to create a winged look.
NO7 Mascra: Used first to create curl.
Rimmel Day 2 Night: Used over NO7 to add thickness and volume. 

Eyebrows: 
ELF Eyebrow Kit in Ash: Used to fill in and set eyebrows.
NO7 Eyebrow Pencil: Used to tame and shape eyebrows into place. 

Lips: 
Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie. 

Brushes: 

Left to Right: Bourjois Kabuki, ELF Kabuki, Bare Minerals Powder Brush, ELF Blending Brush, ELF Crease Brush, Front Cover Blend Brush, ELF Concealer Brush. 

And here is the look that is achieved, a very basic everyday look. 

:)

Love, 

Louise

x

Just a little something...

I had some errands to run this morning so while I was out I picked up these coasters for my bedroom. They came in a pack of 4 and have purple flowers on them. I wanted something for my candles to go on and also for my drinks so I don't ruin my wood. How pretty? :) I will do a skin care routine & daily make up routine for you some time this afternoon if I get time :)

Louise
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The Introductions

Hello, just thought I'd introduce myself properly and what better way than with a photo? So yeah, I'm Louise and I hope you enjoy my random posts! :)

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Holiday Snaps!

First Night: Spanish Festival Bonfire in Palma. 

Crescent Moon.

Found a little private and peaceful hide away. 

Just because. 

My mug for you all to enjoy!

Hotel did archery, rifle and pistol shooting. Mark in action there!

The love birds. 

Mumma Bear & Poppa Bear. 

:) 

Louise 

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Candlelight

My name by candlelight. Louise: An unselfish person with a carefree spirit. 

Another beautiful treasure from my holiday. 

Louise 

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New Love...

I got this beauty while at a market in Majorca. It's a lovely beige/light tan colour and is perfect for uni as it's a big size!

It also came with an inside section which doubles as it's own little bag, a purse and a strap that can be used on both the smaller inner section and the bag itself! I'm in love and can't wait to flaunt it around! :)

Much love, 

Louise 

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