April's Hits and Misses

I know I am ever so late with these, but I actually did write this post a couple of weeks ago - its just been hiding in my drafts!  This month, I've fallen in love with a few new products and rediscovered a couple of old favourites.

KMS Quick Blow Dry Spray

I discovered this through the now defunct Carmine box and its become a staple of my blow dry routine.  I'm not going to say too much about it as there will be a review coming up this week, but suffice to say, I have been very impressed.

Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom and Honey Cologne

This is so fresh and summery and feels very light, making it the perfect daytime perfume for warmer days.  It is sweet but not cloyingly so and lasts throughout most of the day for me.  I've been wearing it constantly and have had quite a few compliments on it!

Nars Orgasm Blush

This is much-loved as you can probably see!  Before I was properly into makeup, this was the only blush I owned and I wore it every day.  I've had this one for about three years and, although I now have lots of other blushes in my collection, this is always the one that I reach for if I am unsure about which blush to wear with a look.  It really does go with anything!

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Fruitti

 

I'm jumping on the Lip Butter bandwagon here but it is totally justified with this colour!  I reviewed it here, along with Lollipop and Creme Brule and although I adore all three shades I own, this tangerine is so flattering and just screams Summer.  

Dr Hauschka Facial Toner

I reviewed this last week here as part of the Dr Hauschka Cleansing Ritual and for me, this was the stand out product.  Refreshing and cooling, helping to close my pores after I've cleansed, I have been really enjoying using this toner on a  daily basis.  I never really understood the need for a toner before, and whilst I wouldn't say it is an essential part of your beauty routine, it is a nice addition and it has certainly left me skin feeling a lot softer as of late.

And now, over to this month's misses...

China Glaze Flip Flop Fantasy - review here

 

'Chiptastic' is probably the best way to describe this polish!  It took several coats, applied streaky and the formula was very difficult to control, and after the time and concentration I took to apply it, it chipped the following day!  Love the colour but it is very high maintenance!

Alpha-H Handcream - review here

 

I think I may have been expecting miracles with this handcream for the price I paid (£22!) but I was disappointed to find it couldn't compete with my trusty L'Occitaine hand creams.  You don't always get what you pay for!

What have you been loving recently?  Have you tried any of these products?

Mac Fleur Power Blush

I have an unhealthy obsession with peach blushes and whenever I see one, I am instantly drawn to it!  Mac's Fleur Power initially looked like just another peach blush, and nothing that couldn't be duped by something already in my collection.  However, there are many subtle differences that now make it one of my go-to blushers for day-to-day use. 

In the pan, the overwhelming colour is peach and it looks almost matte to the naked eye.  It is however, one of Mac's satin formulations, one of my favourite of their blush formula, as I find them almost foolproof to apply and blend.

When swatched, the colour transforms, and much more pink is apparent. I wouldn't say this is coral, more a pink / peachy hybrid which gives a gorgeous natural flush on the cheeks.  

It blends like a dream, and although it looks a little powdery in the swatch below, it is very finely milled, which makes application extremely easy to control.  I was impressed with the pigmentation too, and found that the satin finish of the blush meant that it didn't accentuate any of my pores - instead it gave a healthy, natural looking flush to my cheeks, which is buildable if you want to create a look that really 'pops'.

Lasting time for Fleur Power was similar to other Mac powder blushes, and I tend to get about six hours wear on my oily cheeks before it starts to fade a little.  Due to its peachy pink leanings, this would be a great blush for those who usually wear pink blush but would like to try something a little different.  It would also be perfect for those who like the look of Nars Orgasm, but are searching for something with less shimmer and sparkle.

I could see this  blush suiting most skintones, although it does lean a little to the warmer side.  I've been wearing it with a fairly neutral look of a coral gloss and lashings of mascara, and have been reaching for it a lot as it seems to go with more looks than I initially thought.

Verdict

I tend to be fairly impressed with Mac's powder blushes from their permanent line and Fleur Power is no exception.  As a shade which is much more complex than it initially seems, this is great for a natural pop of everyday colour, or it can be built up to be more intense, flamboyant look.

4/5

Price - £17.50

Where to Buy -  Mac, Debenhams, Selfridges, House of Fraser

February Favourites

My monthly favourites are a little boring this month as I haven't really been using any different product.

YSL Rouge Volupte in Rose (reviewed here) - A gorgeous, creamy shade which lasts and lasts.  It is very bright so not for any shirking violets, but I have been wearing it blotted down a little and it really cheers me up on dreary Monday mornings.

OPI Excuse Moi, Muppets Collection (reviewed here) - I've been wearing this super sparkly, pink glitter a lot recently as I've had quite a few events and evening outings where I needed to get glammed up.  I love the fun and frivolity of this polish and I find it pretty hard-wearing too, lasting for several days without chipping which is a rarity for me!

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Wild (reviewed here) - As I've been out quite a bit over the past month, I have often been using this Batiste to revive my hair when I haven't got time to wash it or when I am heading out straight after work.  It gives the much needed volume required to revive my barnett, and although I prefer the Tropical scent to this one, they all work in exactly the same way and the scent doesn't hang around too long unless someone is sticking their nose in your hair!

Mac Blushbaby (reviewed here) - a matte blush from Mac's permanent collection, this is a fairly neutral colour which would work on most skintones.  I use it when I am after a natural, quick look as it is lightly pigmented, but buildable, and very difficult to overdo.

L'Occitane Hibiscus Flower Hand Cream - I think this was a sample from a magazine some time ago, but I have only just got around to using it and I wish I had tried it earlier!  It absorbs effortlessly, leaving no greasy residue and smells amazing, leaving my hands beautifully soft.  This was my first experience of L'Occitane hand creams and I am definitely going to purchase more!

Do you have any favourite products from February?

Review: Mac Blushbaby Sheertone Blush

I’m not a blush fiend as, on the whole, I tend to stick to my tried and trusted peachy blushes such as Orgasm and Coralista. However I was in the mood for something different recently and decided to try a blush with less shimmer and a more subdued, matte finish for a change.

Mac Blushbaby is a Sheertone formulation, which is indeed very sheer but can be easily built up to be much more pigmented if you desire. 

The colour in the pan looks like a very ordinary cool-toned, pinky beige and doesn’t scream ‘use me now’! However, its understated first impressions belie the fact that it is a very hard worker and goes with a multitude of looks from smoky eyes to brighter lips giving a fresh, natural rosy look on the cheeks.

In the swatch, on the left you can see a pigmented swatch, whilst on the right, I have blended it a little to show that it can be sheered or built up as required. It is a very easy-to-wear everyday blush that I can see becoming one of my staples, and due to its buildability, both fair and medium-toned skins could wear this.

Verdict

Mac Blushbaby is not an all-singing-dancing shade, but it is superb neutral colour that I think will go with most skintones. I haven’t heard much about this blusher but I really think it is a suits-all gem hidden away in Mac’s permanent collection.

4/5

Price – £17.50

Where to Buy – Mac, Debenhams, Selfridges, House of Fraser