My Skincare Routine // 2016

Hi

This post is going on be on my current skincare routine, as with everything it’s constantly changing as I find new products and adapt it to my needs.  Just because a product works great for me, doesn’t mean it’ll work for you as my skin type is combination to oily and isn’t sensitive at all.

Starting off with a fresh face every morning, I always use my Garnier Miceller water for combination sensitive skin, I find that this just freshens my face up and removes any residue of makeup that I haven’t managed to get off my face the night before.

Next, I use the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix daily cleansing pads to gently exfoliate and tone my skin.  These have worked wonders for my skin and I’m finding that they have made a massive difference in the softness of my skin.  

Then I use my Olay complete moisturiser, this is a very light-weight moisturiser and is designed especially for normal to oily skin.  I find that it absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t leave any residue nor disturb my foundation.

At the end of the day I again use the Garnier Micellar water to remove my makeup and if I’m wearing any stubborn eyeshadow, waterproof eye makeup, or any false eyelashes, I use the simple duel effect eye makeup remover which as it is oil based, removes anything that I would usually have to scrub to remove with ease.

Alternating every other night I use my Nip+Fab Glycolic fix extreme night pads with the daily pads as recommended.  These are a little bit harsher on the skin and aren’t really recommended for use with sensitive skin.

After cleansing my face I make sure that my lips are ready for the next day by using a lip scrub from LUSH (they taste AMAZING) and then smothering them in vaseline.  I’ve been doing this for years and have never had any problems with my lips getting chapped or sore in the winter.

Luckily I don’t have any major problems with my skin apart from the odd hormonal spot and find that these products work really well.  When I’m in the shower I use the clean and clear exfoliating daily wash which I have used for years (I think since teenage years!) however I want to change to a product without microbeads, does anyone have any suggestions?

I’m still trying to figure out how to use my new camera properly but so far I’m really loving the picture quality.  I’m hoping to purchase a light box after Christmas to even better ones!

Love

Rhia xo

Starskin Detox Face Mask // Review

Hi Guys!

This post is going to be a review on a facemask that I was sent by Starskin Beauty in return for a review.  I wouldn’t ever blog about anything that I didn’t love – or if I did, I’d make it very clear.

The face mask is the “Master Cleanser Detox Sea Kelp Leaf Face Mask” which is a mouthful to say the least so I’ve named it the Detox Mask.

My face mask came in a little pack with instruction on back with how to use it (which was super easy) along with all of the information regarding the product itself.

Inside the little packet was the mask itself, a little sachet of the sea kelp cleanser and some further instructions and ingredients.  On the back of the packaging it says that it works best on cleansed skin – ideally using their sea kelp cleanser.

I used the cleanser provided which was a delight and left my skin feeling very clean, my makeup removed and no residue left on my face.  Then I followed the instructions and placed the mask on my face with the bottom part being placed on first then the top and all air bubbles pressed out.

I left the mask on for fifteen minutes as suggested then removed and massaged the remaining serum left on my face into my skin.  If I were to use the mask in the morning I would wipe my face with a flannel but as I’m going to bed I want all the benefits of the product!

After having the face mask on my skin feels tighter, less red and my pores are almost invisible.  Overall this facemask is an amazing product which I will definitely be purchasing this for myself even if it’s just for a treat (it retails at £12.50 on beautybay).

Let me know if you’ve tried any other face masks that you think I should check out!

Love

Rhia xo

 

Morphe 35O Dupe Palette // Reviews

Hi Guys!

Todays post is going to be a review of a Morphe 35O dupe.  I’ve not been fortunate enough to manage to get hold of an official Morphe 35O palette so once I saw someone posting about this dupe I made sure I pick it up super quick (special thanks to Amazon Prime for that!)

De’lanci eyeshadow – Link

This is the packaging for the palette.  It came in a black box the same as a Morphe palette but in my excitement I ripped it with the outer packaging (Oops!) The palette itself is slightly smaller than the original but the inside doesn’t disappoint.

There is a large range of warm shades ranging from a light cream – perfect for highlighting, all the way to a dark burnt orange perfect for smoking the eye out.

The performance of the shadows don’t disappoint either, they’re super creamy with an amazing colour pay off.  The mattes are a TINY bit chalky and that’s only if I’m being really critical to find a flaw.

I purchased this palette for £11.95 and got next day delivery with my Amazon Prime account.  This is £9.80 cheaper than the morphe palette and certainly more accessible. (price taken from cult beauty of £21.75)

My overall view of this palette is that it’s an amazing bargain and will be investing in the other ones by the same brand.

Also here’s a picture of Hektor not enjoying the cold weather!

Love

Rhia xo

Ride or Die Makeup Tag! // November 2016

Hi Guys!

It’s been a long time since I did an update on my ride or die makeup products and was inspired by the tag that’s going around on YouTube.

Starting with my base;

• Primer is the L’Oreal Infallible Mattifying Primer, this is a great drug store silicone based primer which really does help to make my foundation sit perfectly and not let my oils through throughout the day.
• Foundation has to be Esteé Lauder Double Wear in Shell, this is the BEST foundation for my oily skin.  I’ve tried all different sorts of foundations (well ones that go pale enough!) and this is by far the one that suits me the best.  It’s a full coverage foundation which is totally matte.
• Concealer is the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in the shade 1 – fair.  This is a super full coverage concealer which rivals (and beats) Mac Pro Longwear Concealer (which was my favorite for a long time).  The best part of this is that not only does it go pale enough for me, it lasts all day and doesn’t crease even though its full coverage.
• Setting powder is the NYX HD Studio Finishing Powder in translucent.  This is great for setting my whole face and mattifying it further (can you figure I like the whole matte look?).  Just an overall great powder and super affordable.

Now onto eyebrows which is a sensitive subject to me as I’m a natural ginger – meaning that my eyebrows are pretty much non-existent.  I remove most of my eyebrow hair myself (all the tails) as that’s my personal preference and draw them on every day.  Now I’ve been a firm believer that Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow was the best thing in the world till I got these little pots – They’re EXACTLY the same.  Freedom Eyebrow Pomade in the shades Auburn and Caramel Brown (I’ve been using both together) have replaced ABH!

As I’m a sickly shade of pale white, I struggle to find shades that suit me for both contouring and bronzing.  This NYX blush in the shade Taupe is the perfect contour shade for me as it has a slightly grey undertone which compliments my pale skin.

My favorite eyeliner is the benefit bad gal liner in black (waterproof) and it has been for YEARS.  I think I’ve had this one for about 2 years already and as you can see it’s only about half way gone.  It’s a super deep black, doesn’t run on the waterline and lasts all day.

Another couple of NYX products here are my two lip products that I’m just loving at the moment.  The first is a lipliner in the shade Nude Suede Shoes, it’s a super long-lasting lipliner which just glides on like cream.  It’s my perfect my lips but better shade and I love to wear it both on its own and with a lipstick or gloss on top.  The NYX Lip Lingerie in Embellishment has to make this list as my favorite liquid lipstick for the fall season, it’s got a grey undertone but is still pink enough not to wash you out.  The formula isn’t my favorite (that goes to Jeffree Star Cosmetic) as it doesn’t completely dry down flat but it doesn’t make you feel like your lips are going to crack off – let’s be honest nobody needs that in the winter!

My final product of this series in my favorite palette.  This is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette, there are no words to describe how beautiful this palette is but it’s a perfect pinky palette with a few other warm colours.  I’ve already hit pan on one of the shades which luckily you can buy individual – thank goodness!  I would recommend this palette to anyone who is looking for a high-end makeup palette due to both the pigmentation and the perfect shades in it.

That it guys, I hope you enjoyed all these products that I love so dearly.  What are your favorite products? Do we share any favorites?

Also.. Cat picture time!

Love

Rhia xo

 

Makeup of The Day // New Foundation!

Hi Guys,

Another apology is due, I’ve been super busy at work recently but I’m here this weekend!  This is going to be my first impression on a foundation that I’ve had in my draws for a while but haven’t used.  It’s the Benefit Better Than BB cream.  I have it in the shade 01 fair (naturally as I’m pale as a ghost).  The coverage is very light being a BB cream but still covers up the majority of big imperfections.  I’m enjoying using this foundation as I’m finding the weather a little too hot for my double wear.

The foundation goes on as a cream but then turns to a light powder on the skin so doesn’t need much setting, I just set it with some Mac Prep and Prime translucent setting powder in my T zone as I’m oily. 

  
Sorry for my eyebrows… I’m getting them done this week hopefully if my eyebrow stylist can get me in! 🙂 

This is a very simple look using the Naked 3 palette as I’m stuck on the sofa with a pulled back today but wanted to get ready to make myself feel a bit better 🙂 

  
I hope you are all having a lovely weekend and wherever you are it is sunny and bright! 

  
Love

Rhia xo

Sexy Mother Pucker // Review // MOTD and my first MUA experience?!

Hi Guys!!

So some good news first! I will be able to post much more now as I don’t have to revise anymore… I PASSED MY EXAM! Which means onwards and upwards to the second year 😀

This post is going to be a few different things in one, a MOTD that I did on Thursday, a review on a new lip gloss I got on Thursday and also a sneak preview into my first MUA experience which I’m going to do a whole post about a little later on.

Starting off with the review.  My lovely husband got me a lip gloss on Thursday which is the Soap and Glory’s “Sexy Mother Pucker” in the shade “Pink Apricot” (here)

I’m not one for lip glosses but I was super curious about this as it’s made by Soap and Glory as I love their products.  The colour is very translucent on the lips and gives a wash of a pinky-peach, If I was to wear this out I would pair it with a lipstick underneath.  The swatches below are without any other lip products on.

I found that the product did “plump” my lips as described but not a great deal.  The stinging isn’t unpleasant more of a tingling unlike some other products that claim to do the same “plumping” action.

Overall this is a nice lip gloss and I will definitely be trying it out with some other lipsticks underneath in the weeks to come.

The second part of this post is my MOTD,  I went for a very glittery-shimmery look compared to my usual matte preference but I decided I wanted something with the wow factor for the day of my exam to make me feel better.

• Foundation – Estee Lauder Doublewear
• Concealer – Mac Pro Longwear
• Powder – Mac Prep and Prime translucent setting powder
• Bronzer – Benefit Perfect 10 and Hoola
• Blush – Clinique Pink Love
• Highlighter – Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone
• Eyeshadow – Urban Decay Naked 2, Mac Pigment in Frost, Mac Glitter in Reflects Gold and MUA Pressed Eyeshadow in Oyster.
• Eyeliner – Benefit They’re Real Eyeliner in black and Benefit BadGal Eyeliner in Black
• Mascara – Benefit They’re Real Mascara in Black
• Eyebrows – Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Colour in Light
• Lashes – Red Cherry WSP and Duo Dark Lash Adhesive
• Lips – Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker in Pink Apricot

I hope you enjoy this makeup look, it’s quite bold for the every day but paired with a nude lip I think it makes it wearable in the day time.

Finally a sneak peek of my first MUA experience, one of my beautiful best friends asked me to do the makeup for her wedding, here’s a quick photo of the blushing bride (*hint* to the colours we used)

I can’t wait to see some more photos of her as I didn’t manage to get any on the day myself as I had a phone malfunction!

Hope you enjoyed this post and you are all having a great weekend.

Love

Rhia xo

Makeup of the Day // Dark Glittery Eye

Hi Guys!

I know it’s been a while since I posted one of these but at the moment my phone is broken (boohoo!) so the phone i’m using currently is terrible for selfies!

Today’s makeup look is cool toned eyeshadow look with a pop of golden glitter.

• Foundation – Estee Lauder Double Wear
• Primer – L’Oreal Infallible Matte Primer and Smashbox Photofinish Primer Water
• Concealer – Mac Pro Longwear
• Bronzer – Benefit Perfect 10 and Benefit Hoola
• Blush – Benefit Dandelion
• Highligher – Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone and MUA Undressed Highlighter (never enough highlight!)
• Eyeshadows – Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, MAC Reflects Gold Glitter, MAC Frost Pigment and MAC Painterly Paintpot
• Eyeliner – Benefit BAD GAL eyeliner, Maybelline Express Liner and Lancome Art Liner
• Mascara – MAC Studio Sculpt Lash and Benefit they’re real
• Lashes – DUO dark lash adhesive and Red Cherry WSP lashes
• Brows – MUA Brow Mascara in Midbrown
• Lips – MAC Whirl liner and MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

This look is inspired by me finding my MAC reflects gold glitter recently at the back of my draws as I wanted to try it out with a darker makeup look.  I also did a makeup trial on one of my gorgeous friends for her wedding next week which was really exciting!!

Hope you guys enjoyed this post! Again sorry for the picture quality! 😦

Love

Rhia xo

Cult Beauty Review // Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector // Moonstone

Hi Guys!

Sorry my posts this week have been few and far between, my exam is next week so I’ll be posting a lot more frequently when I’ve gotten past that hurdle!

Today’s post is going to be another installment in the cult beauty product review series, this time is is the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone.

Starting with the packaging:  The packaging is lovely, the compact is hand sized with a rubberized exterior and a metal plate on the top.  On the inside it has a nice sized mirror which is perfect for highlighter application on the go and whole 8 grams of product.

The highlighter itself is perfect for pale people such as myself, it’s not too overwhelming with undertones, but has a slight champagne one.  The product is super creamy and milled super finely so there are no glitter particles in it at all.  It feels like quality.  The price is a bit steep at £30 in the UK but depending on how thickly it is applied it should last quite some time.  The application is really easy, I use a Real Techniques setting brush (this one) which has been swept across the product super lightly to apply.  I find this method better than using a fan brush but I know a lot of people that successfully use fan brushes.

This swatch doesn’t do the product justice, I loooove the look of it on my skin and it give such a amazing highlight!

Overall I would 100% repurchase this product again and again!  Stay tuned for the next post in this season – Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation!

Love

Rhia xo

p.s bonus kitties!

First Impression // Review // Budget Makeup Brushes

Hi Guys!

So this is the first post in a series of budget makeup and accessories!  This first post is a set of makeup brushes which are supposed to be good dupes for the sigma brushes, from an eBay seller in the UK.  They were £5.99 including postage for 10 brushes which in my opinion is a good bargain.

This is them as they came packaged up, I took great self restraint to take photos before I got stuck in and started using them.

As you can see there are various different sizes of kabuki brushes, including flat and round topped.  My favorite is the flat topped one which is a dupe of the sigma F80, I’ve been using this nonstop since I got it to apply my foundation with an amazing airbrushed finish.

Next are the eye brushes, they again are in various different kabuki styles including fluffy, flat and round topped.  They are really good at blending out eyeshadow especially in the crease for a flawless makeup look.

Overall these are fantastic brushes and I can’t sing their praises enough, I am definitely going to be ordering another set as you can never have enough blending brushes!

I hope you enjoyed this review and let me know your impressions if you end up buying some of these brushes!

Love

Rhia xo

p.s don’t forget to enter the competition that’s ending at the end of the month for a Mac Viva Glam Lipstick! https://catsandcontours.wordpress.com/2015/06/29/giveaway-mac-viva-glam-v-lipstick/

Hit or Miss? // Dainty Doll Concealer

Hi guys!

Today’s post is on a new concealer I’ve gotten.  As a ginger, pale skinned person, I find that finding a concealer which actually highlights the skin tone (for under the eyes etc) a really hard prospect. However when I saw that there was a brand called Dainty Doll, designed for fair skinned people I snatched up the opportunity to try this concealer. 

The brand itself doesn’t exist anymore I don’t believe but I found this on a beauty site for half price (they were having a stock clearance)

The packaging is super cute and I love the little ginger afro!

The concealer itself is in a click pen style applicator which makes for easy application.

Unfortunately this is where the good about this product stops.  It took me a good few minutes of clicking to get any product to advance up into the brush and when it did it was a very oily constituency.

This is quite a lot of product applied to the back of my hand and it is still quite translucent. I got the shade 01 which was the lightest however I feel that it wasn’t that much lighter than my usual NC15 Mac pro longwear concealer.

Once I blended it out on my hand there was nothing left, I tried with a beauty blender and then with a brush but the same thing happened with both applications.  The product got absorbed straight into the skin, leaving a greasy residue on the surface and providing no coverage.

So this product is a massive miss!!

Don’t forget to enter the give away!

GIVEAWAY!! // Mac Viva Glam V Lipstick! – http://wp.me/p6dis1-4h

Love

Rhia xo

P.s I’m still on the look out for a pale persons concealer so any suggestions would be amazing!