Best of Beauty 2013: Makeup Part 1

Now we're on to the real good stuff. Makeup has always been my biggest weakness and I can already tell that this list is going to be huge.. so we're gonna have to make this Makeup - Part 1!

Face Primer: Benefit Porefessional

I have never been that big on face primers before as they've all either broken me out or just felt plain disgusting on the skin, but this has really changed my opinion on them. It feels silky and light on the face and really does create a smooth canvas for foundation. Applying this is now a regular step in my everyday routine, and I certainly notice on the days that I don't use it!

BB Cream: Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector for Oily/Combination Skin

Until I finally caved in and bought this, I had never had any luck with BB Creams. They always just looked weird on my skin, and never provided enough coverage. Some didn't even blend out nicely. This however is completely different, it blends effortlessly, has great coverage and lasts all day on the skin without looking weird or melting off. Definitely the best BB Cream I have tried thus far, and will no doubt be using it a lot this summer.

Foundation: Maybelline New York Fit Me Foundation Stick

Now I literally have only had this for a few weeks, but I am already hooked on this! I absolutely love the matte finish, which isn't actually too matte - it just looks like skin, but better! It also wears really well and lasts all day, and that's without even really setting it. The colour I have (115) will probably end up being too pale for me by the end of summer, but I can always warm it up with a bronzer. Otherwise though, this can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned!

Face Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte

I actually can't believe I waited so long before buying this, what was I thinking?? This stuff is amazing. Doesn't look cakey at all, and because I have it in the Translucent shade I don't have to worry about adding colour anytime I need to touch up - which to be honest, isn't very often with this! Definitely recommend buying it from ASOS if you are in New Zealand though, it's a fraction of the price.

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in "Thankful"

This blush is absolutely beautiful! The colour is amazing, and the payoff is fantastic! It is so pigmented that a little goes a long way. And it really does last 12 hours, it seems to stay put right up until you want it to go away. I want to collect them all!

Bronzer: Bourjois Bronzing Powder

I now understand why this is such a popular bronzer, it's beautiful on the skin! I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but luckily for me it doesn't last long after applying it. It has a very subtle shimmer in it, so subtle in fact that it tends to look matte on the skin - which I prefer, especially since I use this predominantly for contouring. Love it as an all over bronzer too... I just love it in general!

Highlighter: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette

Hands up if you saw that one coming, hahaha. I'm pretty sure anyone who was lucky enough to get one of these palettes hasn't stopped using it since! I absolutely adore it and use mine everyday - whether it be to set my undereye concealer, as an actual cheekbone highlight, to add a bronze glow or as an all over setting powder. It's probably my favourite thing that I purchased this year to be honest. Love it!

Look out for part 2!
Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Over on nzgirl: Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder

 

This has quickly become my favourite setting powder! It's the one that I constantly reach for, because I know that when I use it, I hardly ever have to touch it up. 

It's also the cheapest one I have bought (by far!) Check out the review and find out where I mangaged to get such an awesome deal, by clicking here.

Thanks for viewing!
oxo

Review: Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

I was lucky enough to be chosen to review the new Rimmel Scandaleyes mascara, which I’ve been using religiously for over a week now.
I am always on the hunt for a good mascara, and am hardly ever satisfied with one – so I tend to go through quite a few! I actually have a few unopened ones that are waiting to be used, but really wanted to try this one first.

The first thing that struck me was how big the brush is – this thing is huge! I know it says it’s 50% larger and everything, but I was still surprised when I saw it.

The formula itself is a little more liquidy (how’s that for a word?) than I would like it to be, I feel like it takes longer to dry – which can be a little annoying.  It is very black though, which I love. There is nothing worse, in my opinion, than buying a black mascara and it turning out to be more of a dull dark grey.

I have to say, I wasn’t really expecting great things from this. I have used Rimmel mascaras in the past, and haven’t been that impressed. They’ve always been fairly good, but never anything that I would actually repurchase.

At first, I found it quite tricky applying Scandaleyes, because the size of the brush felt so awkward! After a couple of uses though, I soon got used to it. As I said before, liquidy formulas annoy me because of the drying time – but oh my goodness, once it dries it really holds a curl! I mean, really. It also thickens and lengthens my lashes quite nicely, which every girl wants, I’m sure!

Overall, this is a mascara I will be purchasing and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending it. Give it a go for yourself and let me know what you think!

Thanks for viewing!
oxo