THE BEST OF: MAYBELLINE

Whilst having a look around my makeup drawers the other day, I seemed to notice I had a wide collection of Maybelline products; some that I use daily and some that I tend to push to the back. So, I thought it'd be a wise idea to do my take on a 'brand focus' esque post, and share what I think are the best bits of the brand.

LIPS: I have quite my fair share of lip products, but for when I'm on the go, I always seem to throw a Colorsensational lippy in my bag. I think it's because I can slap them on without a mirror and they just seem to work well. To show just how much I like them, I even had Coffee Craze as my prom lipstick shade.

EYES: I think everyone knows of the Colour Tattoos, and I have 6 of them myself. On and On Bronze is the classic shade, and mine has near enough completely run out (and I will definitely be buying another ASAP), and is the best option for when you want a look that seems as though you have put the effort in, but really it was a one sweep wonder. Maybelline also do pretty well with mascaras. the Lash Sensational is my personal favourite and I've repurchased this countless times, but the Collossal Go Extreme and the Rocket and pretty good options too. I love how waterproof Maybelline mascaras can be and I'm always safe from smudging.

BROWS: The Brow Drama is one of the best budget brow gels I have found, and also one of the only ones to actually sit on the aisles of the drugstore. I go for the transparent, but I have tried the tinted ones too and they do a pretty good job aswell - something a little extra for the brows. I also actually use the Colour Tattoo in Permanent Taupe for my brows, something I've now been doing for months and don't think I will actually move away from. Like a Dipbrow alternative, this pot of wonder costs just under a fiver and gives me the perfect shade of ashy brown for brows that could last for days.

NAILS: Maybelline nail polishes also aren't a bad option. The Super Stay options really wowed me when I first used them - they genuinely were ''super stay''. For something a little quicker, the Colour Show 60 Seconds polishes are quick drying, but also rather pigmented and some of them can actually work with a single coat.

So, pretty impressive overall. Although I don't tend to go for Maybelline for base products (I prefer Bourjois, Rimmel and L'Oreal), their product range is pretty solid with quite a few gems in there. Definitely one I wander towards each time I go into Boots...

CONCEALING FAVOURITES

Concealers can work wonders for the face, and I tend to rely on them pretty much every day for ensuring a (near) flawless looking complexion. Concealers have the ability to hide the worst of blemishes; if you know how to apply them properly. So, in a collaboration with my friends at Into the Gloss and checking out their Best Concealers post, I am here to share my favourites, tips and tricks.

I know most people seem to prefer high end concealers, but in my opinion if you know where to look you can find some gems among the high street instead (particularly good if you are a student and have a part time wage which is the opposite of generous). Usually, I go for the Collection Lasting Perfection for the skin, and heavy duty concealing. Using your fingers is probably the best option because it can look a bit more caked on with a brush. For quick touching up in the day I wouldn't go for this, I would probably pick the Bourjois Healthy Mix because I don't feel the need to powder this when I reapply.

There's always the old trick of buying a shade lighter for under your eyes, but I don't tend to do this. For me it seems to look a bit odd, but I think nowadays there are far better brightening options. The Rimmel Wake Me Up and the L'Oreal Lumi Magique seem to be pretty luminous and do a better job of brightening than a lighter shade probably will. The best way for me to do this is to apply a triangle sort of shape and use something like the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion makes it smooth to apply and tends to work the product into the skin far better. The key for under the eyes is to set it (very lightly) to avoid creasing, as well as avoiding a whole lot of layers - a  h u g e  mistake I used to make with stick concealers in my early teens and ended up looking like I had reptilian skin under my eyes.

Once you know how to start with concealing, it's pretty self explanatory and you'll find a routine good for you. There's plenty of posts over at Into the Gloss about concealers if you want to broaden your knowledge even further.

WHY YOU SHOULD INVEST IN A CALVIN KLEIN BRA

I'm pretty sure we have all seen the endless pictures of Kendall Jenner accompanied by #mycalvins and either openly or secretly wished we owned a pair to flaunt in the way she does. I was lucky enough to get a white Calvin Klein bra 'crop top' for my birthday and 2 weeks later I'm here to persuade you all to buy one for yourselves.

1. The comfort
Because this is kind of like a sports bra cut, forget the underwire, overly tight straps and hook and eye closures that cannot be undone with one hand, it is potentially the most comfortable thing I have worn. Of course it doesn't give as much support as a regular bra, but just don't wear this for the days you are marching round town doing Christmas shopping.

2. You can wear it literally anywhere
I have never been a person to wear a bra while sleeping (I know there is argument about whether you should, or shouldn't and what is best for you, but I just cannot be dealing with that discomfort when I'm trying to sleep), but this is one that is somewhat acceptable to wear in bed because of the comfort. I won't lie, it is pretty liberating to be wearing this and a pair of shorts in bed. I will wear this around the house aswell, and the days it is in the wash are sad ones.

3. It still looks good no matter how, or where you wear it (plus you feel bloody brilliant in it)
For me, this stands as my favourite bra now, forget the fancy lace numbers with all the enhancements - this is bra I feel the best in by a mile. For my age, and petite size I have quite large boobs, and I don't really enjoy the way they look most the time (of course those with a smaller pair will say the opposite and wish for them), but in this bra that isn't the case. This white one is a little on the sheer side in certain lighting (something to bear in mind if you are wearing it out), but it doesn't stop me rocking it on the daily.

If I haven't sold you these enough, take the fact that I am putting aside a chunk of my next paycheck to treat myself to both the grey and the black versions as your final hint...

AN ODE TO COLOUR TATTOS

If there is one thing that rules my makeup collection, it's my vast collection of cream shadows, from MAC to Smashbox, but more commonly, the Maybelline Colour Tattoos - a drugstore alternative and some of the best I've found to date.

On and On Bronze stands as my favourite for the 'one sweep wonder' eye look I tend to go for on pretty much every day with school or work, to maximise the amount of time I get in my bed. It's a shimmery, mid brown/bronze that just looks incredible however you wear it - I like to put it down to magic. Permanent Taupe still stands as my brow product of choice since I pretty much praised it a long while back as my new budget breakthrough as a gel brow product, and I still love it just as much. It is ashy and long wearing, and literally looks amazing even when my brows need a tweeze.

Pink gold is perhaps a less used one, maybe because I'm a little scared that my green eyes won't go with the pretty pink shimmer hue and instead will leave me looking like I've got an infection, but if I'm feeling brave I will reach for it here and there. Another less used one is the Leather Effect Chocolate Suede, a deep smoky brown which I only use for serious occasions because quite frankly in natural light I can't quite rock a smokey eye. Then there is Timeless Black, an offering I tend to go for as a gel liner substitute, as the colour is so jet black and it is pretty malleable on the lid to get a good wing, although saying that if you were more daring than I am you could go for a major smokey eye with this as your intense base.

What colour tattoos have you tried, and do they live up to the hype that many (including myself) have created?

THE BEST OF BENEFIT?

THE BEST OF BENEFIT SET

I got this Benefit set for Christmas 2014 from my grandparents and it claimed to have 'the best of' the brand featured inside, and I thought I'd give you the run down on the best from 'the best' seeing as I've had more than enough time to trial these minis. 

The PoreFessional Primer - When I first tried this I was a little skeptical, as it was a very silicone based primer, and on the first few uses my skin seemed a little unsure, but as I got into it I began to actually love how it made my makeup apply and appear, and I am now making my way through a full size and I can't bear the thought of a day without it. 

High Beam - This is another favourite, a liquid pink pearl highlight which gives the most amazing glow. With a light hand this is gorgeous on top of the cheekbones, brow bones (pretty much anywhere you would highlight), or use it mixed in with a less glowy foundation. I even mixed this in with my moisturiser a few times for a subtle hydrating glow. 

Benetint - One that I didn't know how to use without looking like a clown with dark pink circles on the cheeks, but now I seem to have managed the art of Benetint, you could say. A little patted into the fingertips then lightly pressed into the cheeks and lips gives a subtle tint - that literally stays all day.

Hoola Bronzer - The cult classic; the one everyone raves about. This is great - a warm matte bronzer that when applied with a light duofibre brush gives a natural looking bronzed glow. I have to remind myself to use this as I often just reach for Nars Laguna, but this mini compact is a firm high flyer in my bronzer stash nonetheless. 

They're Real Mascara - A word of warning; do not poke yourself in the eye with this wand. The plastic bristles and odd ball shaped end to the wand really does make you cry a little, but I guess it can be excused by the wonders it does to the lashes. Although perhaps a little to wet when I first got it, after being left to dry out for a while it was the perfect formula for my lashes - but this one gets quite a few mixed opinions in the blogging world. 

They're Real Gel Liner - Gel liner in a pen excited me, and it was alright while it lasted. This stuff ran out fast - mainly because I would twist the bottom for ages then a huge blob would appear. This was super black, and gave the most dramatic line I think I've ever worn - and I even got a few compliments from it. My only complaint is that if I rubbed my eye at all (not advised with liner anyway, but I was going for it), it would begin to flake off. I think this one is about preference to be honest, but the new coloured versions do excite me. 

Boi-ing Concealer - I liked that you got 2 colours of this, because with a tan I could mix the two and then when I was paler I could just reach for the top one. This is pretty brightening, so under the eye use was the best for me, although it didn't beat my love for the liquid formulas across my concealer stash. Admittedly, with a hydrating primer or eye cream underneath it sat better, but apply too much and you have a cakey situation. 

So, there you go. The best and the 'try for yourself because I'm not quite sure''s, but all in all I will admit that nothing was a mega disappointment, so I was pretty impressed by this set and would definitely buy this for someone who hadn't tried any Benefit products if it comes out again this year. 

ORIGINS CLEAN ENERGY CLEANSING OIL

I do enjoy a good oil cleanser, there's always something about the whole process of cleansing with them that I really love, and my skin seems to be thankful whenever I use them as well. I've had this for well over a month now and I thought it'd be a good time to write a review now I've gathered my thoughts about it.

The scent isn't brilliant, but nothing I absolutely hate, just quite a natural scent. I use this as my second cleanse after a micellar water/eye makeup remover to remove the majority of makeup, and massaging this onto dry skin seems to be the way to get the best results.

I often find that using cleansing oils helps fade scarring, not this one so much but I have seen a slight difference. This doesn't leave a greasy residue nor does it strip the skin - it genuinely leaves the perfect nourished balance to the skin, which is why I love it so much, and I would say that it could work for pretty much all skin types.

I got this in a CCO so didn't pay full price, but I am fairly tempted to do so when it runs out as I use it morning and night as a staple step of my skincare routine and can't imagine life without it (a bit dramatic perhaps), but I have been really enjoying its stay on my skincare shelf.

Do you have any recommendations for cleansing oils for when this runs out?

 

A PERFECTED COMPLEXION

I talk about my bad skin quite frequently on my blog, but all seems to be getting a little better, and hopefully after a recent prescription of some antibiotic treatments, things are looking good, which I thought was the perfect time to be showing what I use when my skin is looking better and how I achieve the perfect base.

Starting on the skincare front, I have started to branch out to more expensive brands because I feel like if your skin looks good, your makeup is almost guaranteed to look good as well. The Origins Clear Improvement Mask gets a use almost every Sunday, and although some people find it tight and drying, I love the effect it gives the next day when I wake up. The La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] has been getting a lot of use from me as a corrective serum product and I have been seeing improvements.

A new love for me is the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation, and although the colour is a touch too dark for me, I think with blending it looks pretty good because of its natural finish. Blended with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, it gives such a lovely finish - somewhat dewy without the shine.

I have indeed rekindled my love with the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer. In the winter this is a little drying but now the weather is slightly improving I am in love all over again. I think I could do with repurchasing this again, I'm struggling to get any product out. A slightly less heavy offering (but one that still brings coverage to the table) is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Concealer, which has a satin finish and looks really natural on the skin.

For powder, I'm sure most of us hate the stuff because no-one likes a cake face, but I have discovered that using a light dusting of the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder with a the Contour Brush in precise areas just banishes the shine without looking flat.

What are your secrets to the perfect complexion?

AN ODE TO SOAP AND GLORY

When it comes to pampering, Lush and Soap & Glory are my favourite brands to amp up the bath treats, and today I thought I would share some of my favourites from the 'original' line... I'm not sure that's correct, but what I mean is the products that share the typical Soap & Glory scent.

One that everyone and their mother adores is the Hand Food hand cream. This is a firm favourite for me too, a little goes a long way, its nourishing, and yet sinks in really quickly so no greasy hands here. I could tell how much of a cult this was when I saw people grabbing multiple of this and the hand wash duo in the Boxing Day sales - it must be a good'un.

The Righteous Butter currently sits at the top of the list when it comes to an evening body butter. In the same breath as the Hand Food, it is quick to sink in, leaves my limbs feeling baby soft, and what I like is that the smell stays with you for a while after application. My mum really likes the smell of this one too, so perhaps I'll persuade her to buy one for herself.

I have been more into scrubs at the moment, and after reaching for this one whilst in the bath the other day, I rekindled my love for The Scrub Of Your Life. I think somehow I love the novelty of how darn thick the consistency of this is (I am a child at heart), but honestly, it really gets any dryness off without feeling irritating or sore.

Finally, is the Clean On Me shower gel. I think this was the first thing I ever fell in love with from the brand a coupe of birthdays ago, when I bought a mini of it and ended up savouring the stuff. It foams well, leaves you feeling clean, and smells incredible - what more could you want?

Soap & Glory, you do serve me well...

A LOVE FOR LIP PRODUCTS BY L'OREAL

L'Oreal was a brand that I never really delved into until a recent lucky moment at a clearance bin in my local Tesco. I managed to stock up on their lip products which came in at £2 each and I can't get enough of them.

The first is probably the one product I am most excited about, in the form of the Caresse Glam Shine Stain Splash in Romy. Looking at the packaging, this seemed really glittery, but once I put it on there was a barely noticeable shimmer among the gorgeous muted pink colour. What I like about this is the texture - think of a buildable jelly formula, which is slightly sticky but it makes me want to apply it every 2 minutes because it is divine.

The other three products are the Caresse Rouge Lipsticks, in the shades Lovely Rose - which is a pretty pale pink, Aphrodite Scarlet - a sightly coral toned medium pink, and Impulsive Fuchsia - which is a brighter blue-pink colour, all of which are lovely. They come out sheerer than a lipstick, so can either be worn that way, or built up to give something more eye-catching.

I think one of the things that makes me love these is the packaging -  a luxe gold colour and  matching coloured lids to the colour in the bullet (although mine are missing out on this feature, which may be why they were in the clearance to begin with), but nonetheless, it feels really luxurious.

I feel like I may have to go back to Tesco to revisit the clearance section to see if I can snap up any more colours, because I really am obsessed...

THE RED-CORAL NAILS

When I don't know what to paint on my nails, there are three colour groups I will go for - either nude, mint green, or corals. As I was hunting through my (ridiculously large) stash, I found out that I actually have four corals that are pretty darn similar, some more affordable than others, and so I thought this would be a good post for those who want to get into the reddish-corals.

The first one you see is Ciaté Playdate which is more of a pink toned coral rather than the red-orange. The formula of Ciaté polishes is one of the best that I've tried as they last really well on me considering nail polish generally chips on me in about a day or two *cries*.

For more of an orange-toned take on the corals, we have Revlon Craving Coral, which is one of my favourites for my toes, and  can imagine I will be getting mucho use out of this one when the summer comes along and the sandals make an appearance.

Two that are very similar (almost identical on the nails - I've tried wearing both at the same time and there isn't any difference), are OPI Red Lights Ahead...Where? and GOSH Crispy Coral, which both sort of sit somewhere in the middle between the pink-toned ones and the orange-toned offerings. Fun Fact - the OPI one was actually my first ever OPI Nail Polish!

Something tells me that my nails will be seeing a lot of these shades in the warmer months... What are your favourite summer polishes?

A BEAUTY BLOGGER'S BEST FRIENDS

A little less of the pretty products in today's post, and I'm putting a little more focus on the basics - the things we all use and own but don't actually talk about. It's about time to give them some loving.

The first is a compact mirror. Okay, I'll admit, this No7 one actually looks rather nice (and comes with a protective pouch too), but I do have another from Poundland which I use as well. Another thing is Bobby Pins/Hair Grips and hair bands. These are the guys that help you out on a windy day when your hair is in your face, and we really should appreciate them handing around in the bottom of our bags more often.

Nail Wheels. I bought mine in bulk from Amazon, coming in at a couple of pounds for some clear ones and some cream ones. Whether you have bought a new polish and want to test out the consistency and colour when your nails are already painted, or for swatches in blog posts - they really are helpful.

Hand gel is a must, and I love the Cuticura Passion Flower and Mango Gel which smells good and leaves your hands feeling clean. I like to use this once before and after I do my makeup to remove any dirt or excess, or if any of you use public transport, this may be a good one for you.

I went through packets of the Kleenex Blotting Sheets like water in the summer, as I was blotting my face when I was hot, as well as handing them out to friends so that they could blot their faces too. I have a stash of 6 packs of these so I will certainly not be running low anytime soon, but they are hard to find at times so I guess I'm in luck at the desperate times.

Finally, eye drops. A lot of people are scared of using them, as was I, but once I got contact lenses and they totally dried my eyes out, I had no choice but to use eye drops otherwise my lenses would be too drying for me to wear. I use either the Blink ones or the Optrex ones that are suitable for contacts.

What are your unheard of beauty essentials?

THE SPRING POLISH PICKS

As Autumn and Winter leave us, and as Spring looks as if it is just around the corner, I have been ditching the vampy plums and reaching for the dainty pastels when it comes to polishes. There are definitely a few more types of colours I am looking to purchase, like pastel blues and pinks that are almost off whites - the L'Oreal new releases look promising. But, for now I have been enjoying using my current lineup.

An old favourite is the Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Greenberry. If it was possible to have a pastel mint green, with a hint of neon about it, this would be it. The formula scores full marks from me too - glossy and opaque. Stunning.
Who can resist a bubblegum pink? I certainly can't and Ciaté Candyfloss is the one I am loving. There's something about this milky pink that stands out among the rest of my collection of polishes that makes me want to paint it on my nails every day.
Another offering from Ciaté is Chinchilla, a powdery pale blue which looks really nice on my skin tone. The formula of this one isn't quite as good as my other Ciaté polishes, but I still love it nonetheless.

One that I never stop banging on about is the Revlon Colourstay in Provence, a dusty, slightly grey pale lilac, which I slap on my nails if I can't decide what to wear - it's basically my go-to.
I don't really like how oranges look on my nails, but GOSH Peachy* is slightly more pastel and muted, so I feel like it is one of the only oranges I enjoy wearing. I'm not sure if this is still available anywhere, but if it is, I recommend picking it up.
Finally, what would this post be without a true mint. This is the Rimmel Salon Pro polish is Peppermint, and it is the perfect blue-mint which has a great thick formula and I seriously don't understand why I haven't purchased more from the line because they really to rule.

So, that's what my pointers have been loving, but leave your suggestions of what to get for when Spring hits hard so I have my fair share of pastel lacquers...

P.S - This is my 200th post! *applause*