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...

CHARLES WORTHINGTON VOLUME AND BOUNCE TEXTURISING SPRAY

My hair often lacks volume, especially in the roots. Having my hair down usually ends up tucked behind my ears and flat to my face and ponytails end up making me resemble a boiled egg, so I'm pretty much always trialling new solutions to give me a bit of texture, and a bit of bounce too. 

The Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray offers me both of those requirements, so I thought it was about time to give it a try - especially considering this product has received a whole lot of hype in the past. I'd class this as a mix between a hairspray and a texturising spray, so not quite as powdery as some others, but it depends on your preference. For a budget option, it does serve rather well and helps me add the volume I need; especially useful for second day hair. 

The photo above is another way I use this product. Although you might be wondering why my hair isn't HUGE in the photo, by curls look pretty relaxed and soft - right? I find this spray a good option for loosening up curls so you don't have goldilocks ringlets all day, and instead something closer to a tousled curl. 

I'd totally recommend this if you are seeking a volume booster in the aisles of the drugstore, to avoid spending what might feel like an entire payslip on something from the likes of Oribe...

SWIMWEAR SEASON

It's getting close to the summer holiday season yet again, and you can guarantee I am sweating it out in the gym most days a week in the hope of pulling together some sort of glowing bikini body in the next month or two (we'll see about that one), but there is no point of all the exercise if I don't have any bikinis to rock.

Most years, I really struggle to find a well fitting bikini, because my boob size to be honest isn't quite as proportional to the rest of my body and everything tends to look a bit off. But this year, I've found two perfectly fitting bikinis from ASOS, the one place I can pretty much always rely on. I'm not sure if these are still available as they were sale finds, but they have very similar styles anyway so it's worth a look.

The first is the Fuller Bust Girly Woodblock Print Marilyn Bikini, a triangle style which ties into a halter neck. I like this because of the thick band - it tends to offer me more support than similar style bikinis without it. I also love the pattern on this one - a pretty floral design in pastel shades.
The second is a little more intense, a mash up of animal print and floral designs - something I wouldn't usually go for, but unusually love. This is the Fuller Bust (these work best for me) Tropical Animal Moulded Plunge Bikini, yet again offering me lots of support. This also ties to a halterneck, and has underwire in proper cups for a more structured style than the former.

As I said, these fit perfectly, and I'll definitely be heading to the ASOS Swimwear if I am after any more for my holidays, and to be honest, knowing these pretty bikinis are waiting for me makes me work that extra bit harder at the gym...

GETTING THE GLOW

It's safe to the the glow, THE glow, is something of popular culture nowadays. It seems that throughout an Instagram feed there is always mention of highlight and the absolute beauty of it. I've tried my fair share of highlighters, and I've finally found the glow getters that work for me. 

I've realised, it starts from the base. I use the Collection Reviving and Anti-Fatigue Illuminating Primer; which cost me something short of a fiver. I wasn't expecting much, but this really brightens my complexion and creates the perfect base for my foundation and concealer. This surprised me, and I'll definitely be purchasing again. Another option is to mix an illuminating product into your base, which I find really effective if you want to look naturally glowy. The Rimmel Wake Me Up one in Shimmering Sands, or the Dr Lewinns Skin Perfect Illuminiser both work really well at this instead of pinpoint highlighting because I find them slightly too intense alone, but really nice mixed. 

Sometimes it isn't just the highlight that can be glowing. Although I prefer matte bronzer and of course contour, a sheen for blush is sometimes rather pretty. A cream blush can do this pretty well, or if you want extra glow the Rimmel Wake Me Up Illuminator in Radiant Rose is a good bet. Not too sparkly, but just the right level of glow to add something extra to the cheeks. 

In terms of actual highlighting, I do love the one in the Sleek Contour Kit (not pictured, because I have literally used every single bit of mine), but I've also recently discovered two other options. The Benefit High Beam is a cult classic - and I have definitely understood why this is the case. The other is another recent release from Collection - the Speedy Highlighter. This one requires a little more blending because it is a 'stick' form, but the champagne glow it gives after the effort is completely worth it.

Although it seems my collection is already extensive enough, I desperately want to add more pretty highlight shades to my collection. Any recommendations?

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.

THE BOMBER JACKET

If there is one thing my wardrobe has been lusting for quite some time, make it a bomber jacket. Since they became a trend I've adored the style of them, and at last I filled the space (or lack of) in wardrobe with this khaki number.

This bomber was a TkMaxx find, but I've spotted several across the high street in varying colours. I felt like khaki was a bit of a common colour for a bomber and was what kind of put me off ever getting one in the first place, but as I tried it on in store it wasn't something I could leave behind, especially for the mere £25 it cost me.

I think khaki was a better move for me than a black one, because 90% of my wardrobe is already black and I feel like it therefore works with most of my all black ensembles while straying from an all black ensemble at the same time, yet still is a pretty good colour in terms of being wearable. It seems to be reached for rather regularly already so I can only see this becoming the firm favourite in terms of jackets from now on, even perhaps replacing me love for my leather jacket.

I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH COLOUR

 Jacket: Select

Top: New Look

Jeans: New Look

Bag: Primark

Shoes: River Island

Sunglasses: Primark

Earrings: H&M

Just a few outfit pictures I begged my sister into taking for me before I went into town the other weekend - a really simple all black look with some leopard slip ons and the Rimmel Kate 107 Matte Lipstick to spice things up a little. Perhaps not the best for the unforeseen sunshine but I struggled with the jacket on to maintain the look... The things I do for an outfit. Although maybe not to everyone's' tastes, I actually really like the clashing leopard and snake prints in the bag and shoes. 

SOAP AND GLORY GLOSS STICKS

Recently in Boots I was browsing the Soap and Glory stand and noticed that there were no longer the full size Sexy Mother Pucker balms and in their place were these Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks in mini sizes and new shades and of course I couldn't resist, especially on a buy one get one half price I'm surprised I'm not writing about the whole collection. I don't know whether it was just my particular store that didn't hold both the full and mini sizes or whether the bigger ones are gone for good, but I thought I'd draw up a comparison post nonetheless.

I picked up Nudist and Pinkaboo, and I already have Nudist from the original formula, however this one is definitely a different shade entirely and does stick to a more brown/neutral nude rather than the peachy hue the original has. Pinkaboo is a medium pink and although nothing stand out, something I thought would become a staple in my collection.

I think what I've noticed with these in comparison to the original formula is that they are a little less thick. I often found the original to be quite heavy feeling and although it still stands as one of my favourite lip products, I do like that these are slightly more lightweight, and a little bit closer to a 'gloss' formula. These are now £3.50, and although you don't get quite as much product, I'm near enough yet to finish any of the lip products I own, so not only is this perfect for handbag size it also helps me get through it a little better than other ones I'd pay more for.

Generally, although there isn't too much difference to the original, I really like the concept of these and I'll be taking them on holiday with me in my carry on as they are just the best size. I especially love wearing these with a matte strong lip liner just to give more of a youthful appearance to my look, and I kind of want to pick up the rest of the range, in particular Purple Rain as it draws closer to dark lip season.

FOUR DIFFERENT NUDE LIPS

What? Surely a nude is just, well -  a nude? Apparently not, as I reel off the 4 different types of nudes that rule my collection.

The Brown Nude - Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Coffee Craze. I hadn't tried out the brown-nude trend until very recently, because it did quite scare me. This Maybelline offering is a nice introductory option as it isn't super dark, and it is quite cool toned too. I have to be slightly more careful with this when pairing it will a full makeup look as I can sometimes tend to look washed out but it's pretty manageable.

The Orange Nude - Kiko Smart Lipstick in 901. This was my go-to nude for a good few months at the start of the year and a recent rediscovery for me too. It is basically a nude with a slighty peachy/orange tinge to it so nothing too dramatic, but I really love this one with my skin tone. This might be my favourite formula of the bunch too.

The Pale Nude - Natural Collection Sheer Natural Lipstick in Autumn Sunset. This was actually one of the first products I can actually remember buying for myself, and it's gone through multiple melt repairs, but it is a sheer, balmy, slightly paler peachy pink nude which is super pretty and subtle for those only just starting out with lipsticks - hence why it was one of my first buys.

The Purple Nude - Essence Long Lasting Lipstick in Cool Nude. This one is another more recent addition, and is quite the Kylie Jenner shade in my opinion. It is quite dark and intense, and also has a cool pink/tint of purple tone to it, which I really quite enjoy, and it works really well with a very simple matte eye and a slick of liner.

4 nudes, 4 different ways to wear them. Who wants to bet on how many more I'll be adding to the collection?

DAILY GRUNGE - THE MAKEUP

Benefit PoreFessional // Rimmel Match Perfection // Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer // Bobbi Brown Tinted Eye Brightener // Sleek Face Form // Rimmel Stay Matte Powder // Avon Eye Primer // MAC Malt Eyeshadow // Kiko Shadow 137 // Maybelline Quad Coral Drama // Essence Waterproof Pen Liner // Maybelline the Falsies // Too Faced Perfect Nude Lip Liner // GOSH Soft n Shine Lip Balm Scarlet

Okay, this is a long awaited post, I know. I kind of forgot I posted a PART 1 to this 'daily grunge' title a while back and only noticed pictures when I was having a trawl because there was too little natural lighting to take any more pictures. But here it is anyway, and although perhaps not quite the look for the sunny days - maybe it'll come in handy when the colours change in the upcoming months. Quite frankly it was so long ago that I can't remember all the products to list them, but the picture I strategically took has helped me out a bit.

I really enjoyed this look because of how relaxed it was - I feel like with grungier looks you can make it slightly more rugged and casual, and I can't wait to try it out more.

THE WHITE DENIM DRESS

DRESS: NEW LOOK // SUNGLASSES: PRIMARK

Denim is having a bit of a thing in my mind at the moment - and lustings for dungarees, cutoffs, mom jeans and dresses are becoming more than frequent, and I guess we should just thank my bank balance for not allowing such purchases to get out of hand. I spotted this dress in New Look the other day and instantly fell in love. The best part? It was only £12 in the sale. 

I picked this up thinking it wouldn't fit, being a UK size 8 (I'm generally a 10) - but I tried this on and it fit so well - nice and fitting at the top and looser at the skirt, made slightly more casual by the two large pockets on the front. It's quite a shift dress kind of style, however because of how it fits me the skirt looks a little more a-line which I like. 

The V Neck caught my attention as I like that style on me, but perhaps the most grabbing part of this dress for me was the raw hem - it seemed to give a really grungy and casual vibe to the piece, and that secured my want to purchase this. Being denim too, it feels like it has a good quality weight to it which I really enjoy, especially as it was so affordable. I cannot wait to start finding ways to style this both casually and slightly smarter. 

RECENT BEAUTY PURCHASES

Recently it would seem I've been spending quite a bit of money on things without realising, and besides the guilt I had another recurring thought that I should really compile them into a post as I got quite a good selection of items.

What I was pretty excited about was the Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Copper - quite an orange/brown shade which is unique to my collection, and has a very creamy, rather dewy finish to it which I like, as most of my blushes are either powders or set to a powder finish. To make things better it was in the clearance bin in Tesco. In the same clearance bucket of excitement I found the Bourjois Colour Edition 24H Cream to Powder Shadow in 02 Or Désir - quite a true gold. I'd been wanting to try out these shadows for a long time so what better way than for a reduced price?

The lipstick there is actually the colour I intend to wear for my Year 11 prom on Tuesday (I'm pretty excited) - and it is the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Coffee Craze - quite a brown nude that doesn't set too matte, and it is unlike anything in my collection. I wanted a very neutral nude that wasn't too pink nor peachy and this ticks those boxes pretty well. Also from Maybelline I got the Super Stay Gel Nail Colour in Rose Poudré, a very pretty pink nude shade, and I can confirm that this stuff seriously did last on me for 7 days, and it's so rare that a nail polish does on me (I'm pretty prone to chipping).

Also for prom intentions I picked up the Eyelure Lashfix, although I won't be using it. It is a striplash adhesive and I have individual lashes so it doesn't work too well, but it might come in handy in the future if I ever branch out into proper lashes. I got the Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip Balm quite a while back but I thought I'd throw it in because it is rather nice and does a good job of hydrating overnight.

Finally to conclude this haul I got the Botanics All Bright Radiance Concentrate Serum and I'm in the process of testing it out to give my verdict on it, but I like it so far. It's a very thin consistency and 2 drops covers my face quite well, though I'm yet to see any major glow going on - but I'll report back.

Perhaps a spending ban is in check? Have you been splurging recently?

THE CAMEL SUEDE VEST

Whilst shopping recently, two features have been attracting me to various clothing items. Camel colours, and suede textures. You can only imagine my reaction when I saw this cami in New Look that comprised both those things into a single item for £9.99.

Of course it isn't real suede, but the quality and handle of the fabric itself is still lovely. The fit of this is incredible too, I was wowed when I saw it on the hanger - and even more in love when I put it on in the changing rooms. It is such a flattering cut and hangs so well on my body. What I adore is how versatile this item is - I can wear it with jeans, shorts or skirts and make it both casual and formal.

The only minor grumble I have with this is that it has a small interfacing round the neckline on both the front and the back - and this tends to pop out the top quite regularly as it's only attached at the top - but I think a good press with the iron and maybe a couple of stitches to tack it own can solve the problem if it really bothers you, but for me I'll just tuck it back in and keep going.

Such a classic piece that I will be wearing for months to come I imagine... maybe I'll pick up the black version too.

SUNGLASSES SEASON

Perhaps a little typically British of me, but as soon as a hint of sun shows I go mad for sunglasses, rooting through my old collection as well as picking up some new ones. I am the type of person that leaves them lying around in the car or in the bottom of my bag and they end up looking tatty, so cheap and cheerful options are always what I go for, and I hit the jackpot with these £1.50 pair from Primark. They're oversized, but for once I don't look like some sort of bug.

What I like about these is the balance between them being square and slightly cat eyed at the edges, as they don't look too heavy and harsh on my face that is rather small. Sunglasses are one of the things I find hard to suit me, they are either too big, too small, too square or too round, and it is rare I find a good pair for me, especially in Primark where some of them look too plastic and cheap.

These also have a thick, shiny rim around them which I quite like, and I'm surprised at how fashionable these sunglasses actually look, and the seem sort of Céline to me, of course not quite matching the style, price and brand, but it must just be the classic style to them that does it for me. I'm hoping the sun sticks around, because I'm itching to wear these more.

WORKOUT GEAR ON A BUDGET

I've always wanted to be a regular work out do-er, but have never had the gear, the effort nor time and to be honest I deemed it as expensive and thought I needed branded clothing and a gym membership. A while back I started doing cardio videos in my living room from Youtube and got into it, but I only vest tops and leggings which served me well but wasn't quite cutting it. I searched around and ended up getting the bulk of my equipment at a really good price.

The Workout Mat you see behind is from Primark, and usually these cost £5 but mine was reduced to a mere £2, so a total bargain. If you can't get a Primark mat, I suggest looking in TkMaxx as I know mine has a lot of fitness wear as well as equipment. I also got a sports bra/top from Asda actually, and this cost me £6 and is a standard grey stretch material that is absorbent as well as giving plenty of support.

The rather exciting trousers/leggings are from Primark too, and these were £7. They were the nicest pair they had in my store, as I didn't want just black and they fit really nicely when I tried them on. They are hard to describe, but they sort of have a monochrome pattern which almost looks like a water marble nail design. These are cropped and sit around my mid shin, although I am 5'4" with short legs so bear that in mind.

I have been really enjoying working out at home with this gear, and I feel much more comfortable doing so too. This lot cost me £15, so is definitely worth it (although I have ordered some Nike Free Runs which could arrive any day now and if I like them/keep them I will certainly to a post on them). Right now I do a mix of dance cardio workouts and a Candice Swanepoel toning workout which really feels effective - you can certainly feel the burn.

REAL TECHNIQUES NIC'S PICKS

Real Techniques have ruled by brush collection for more than enough time for me to know I love their range, and when this set dubbed Nic's Picks came out I knew I would be getting my hands on it, a range of brushes chosen into a set by a professional herself, in stunning silver packaging - I was sold. Each brush holds a different purpose for me, and I love every single one.

The Duo Fibre Brush is the one I use daily for powdering my base, as it offers a light dusting and does not overpower any of my makeup. This is not dense at all, so you won't be looking flat faced at all, and this brush is a staple from me, and it's also brilliant if you are a bit scared of blush like myself, as it offers just a light sweep of colour.

The Cheek Brush is exclusive to the collection, and from looking at pictures I imagined it to be like the Expert Face Brush, but it is rather different, as it is larger, with longer bristles yet still rather dense (although not quite as much). This is also good for blush, especially cream products and bronzer too as it seems to get the same perfect for my face.

The Angled Shadow Brush is another exclusive to the set, and this is a good one for crease work, especially if you want to define with a matte shadow, as it fits right into the socket. I didn't think I would like this one so much, but I've got quite a lot of use from it and it is super handy for a range of eye looks, from everyday neutral to an intense smokey eye.

The Base Shadow Brush was the one I was really looking forward to trying, as I'd heard so much praise about it, and boy is it good. It applies colour and blends colour seamlessly and honestly if you only had to get one brush, make it this. It's slightly tapered making for easy blending and I use this no matter what look I am going for. It's a winner.

Finally, another exclusive in the form of the Eyeliner Brush, a short, firm angled brush which is superb for a strong gel liner wing, or even for pressing a dark brown or black shadow into the lashline for some less intense definition. I also like this for a strong brow with an eyeshadow, as you can be really precise with your application and with a little extra time you can almost mimic some hair strands as it is such a fine brush.

I certainly have me eye on the bold metals collection too, though I'm not sure my budget will allow for it, but the Flat Contour brush from that range is most certainly on my wishlist.

THE BASIC CHAMBRAY SHIRT

Neat Fit Chambray Shirt £29 // Topshop

This year, I want to start buying minimalist pieces for my wardrobe and begin to create a collection of investment items that I can style into multiple looks, so basically what I am saying is that I want a streamlined wardrobe rather than an overflowing one of bargains that I don't actually wear.

I had a £30 Topshop voucher from Christmas, and I was a bit unsure of what to get and spent a good week checking up online to see if I found anything, which I didn't. I left it and went into a Topshop store a while after, and saw a gorgeous shirt in the maternity section, pretty annoyed I wouldn't fit it, but then I found it hidden behind some other items after a rummage in my size and fit.

This was £29 which I think is a really good price, as the quality is outstanding. It's a chambray cotton shirt; giving the appearance of a light denim, just a lot less heavy and thick, which is why I love this so much. I was initially going to get the white version to satisfy my monochrome wardrobe but I surprised myself by filtering a slight element of colour in. I love the masculine baggy fit (I got a 10) with the only element of shaping being a single pleat in the back.

I am so pleased with this versatile purchase, it literally is love. I think I will find endless looks to pair this shirt with and just typing this makes me want to throw it on.

FIVE PIECE FOOLPROOF EYES

Over the Christmas break, I totally stripped back my eye makeup (getting up early on boxing day wasn't going to be a full on smokey eye look, was it?) and it's kind of stuck for school and such, and only involves 5 products, including tools.

For brows I was quickly etching them in with the Soap&Glory Archery Brow Pencil and Tint, a product I used to be sacred of for the fear of cartoon looking brows, but I've found the good light handed technique that leaves them looking the same as if I were to have used a shadow.

Speaking of shadow, I was using the MAC Malt matte eyeshadow all over the lid; it's a light taupe-pink sort of nude and just looks very barely there and natural, but still like you've got something on your lids. I just use the Real Techniques Base Shadow brush for this, as it applies colour and blends too, and sometimes I will take a bit of my bronzer of the day to define the crease slightly more.

Then, as it seems I can't go a day without a slick of liner any more, I use the Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner - one that took a bit of getting used to but with the right technique you can get an ultra black gel feline flick that balances nicely with the light sweep of shadow. Then, a few coats of They're Real Mascara seals everything together and gives me length and volume to the lashes.

What has your daily eye makeup routine been recently?

RIVER ISLAND LEOPARD SLIP ONS

Slip On/Skate Shoes are a trend that a lot of people enjoyed last year, and towards the back end of 2014 I got myself this leopard print pair from River Island for £10 in the sale, and it's started what I think to be a long term love regardless of whether the trend continues into 2015.

I did want some black croc textured ones (and still do) but of course they weren't included in the sale, being such a staple design, so instead I decided to go against my comfort zone of all black and try out these ones - slightly lustred, snakeskin textured leopard variations. I didn't know how I'd get on with them, but I'm really enjoying styling them into various looks (my personal favourite; black skinny jeans, and a thick deep green roll neck *outfit post coming soon*).

Upon the first 2-3 wears they did hurt the backs of my feet a little but with some plasters to help me through I managed to break them in and can go out fuss free. These have easily become my current favourite pair of shoes and I'm hoping my collection of slip ons will grow in the upcoming months - although purchasing my new blog design (what do you think?) has set me back on the spending slightly.

BOURJOIS BRONZING PRIMER

BOURJOIS BRONZING PRIMER £9.99

It's pretty rare that I will buy a product on a whim, fall in love with it and then review it within 2 weeks, but just that is happening right now with the Bourjois Bronzing Primer.

I don't actually use this as a full on face primer on a daily basis (but occasionally when I am feeling extra pasty it's always an option), but I prefer to focus it on my cheeks, temples, neck, and hairline (basically where you would generally apply a powder bronzer) either over or under my base product, and it just seems to look so natural and seamless.

When I wear this, I genuinely can't tell that I have anything on, despite the fact that you can see I am slightly bronzed -  it just looks and feel like my actual skin. I was thinking that the texture would be very silicone based, but it's actually not like that. It seems to be a soft, gel-like mousse in the pan, and that kind of works into the skin as well. It just seems to glow from my cheeks, and I have had people *cough* Megan, asking me what bronzer I was wearing whilst sporting this.

I have used this every day since I got it, and considering that I had just fallen for the Soap & Glory Solar Powder Bronzer, this stuff must be good.

For just under a tenner, this is seriously something I recommend going for if you want a little splurge in Boots.