Emma Hardie Amazing Face Natural lift and sculpt Moringa cleansing balm

This product has been raved about for the last few weeks and I love balm consistencies, so after hearing great things about it I ordered one last week. I've been using this every day since, morning and night, and I absolutely love it! I got the 'Professional cleansing system' which contains the Moringa balm (100ml) Rosehip exfoliating seeds and the 'Dual Action' cleansing cloth. I'll be doing a separate review of the Rosehip exfoliating seeds because they deserve one of their own!

So... It's basically a hydrating botanical cleansing balm. You can also leave it on as a mask and apply the balm to lips, cuticles, and dry areas of your skin so it's a multi use balm. It contains Moringa seeds, wild sea fennel and vitamin E to 'balance, purify and minimise the appearance of open pores'. It also contains orange, neroli, mandarin extracts, jasmine and rose which 'revitalise dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins'. That was long...! The first thing I've got to say is it smells sooo good! It's a herbal, relaxing scent which is perfect after a long day at work.

You're supposed to mix the balm with water to create a cream and apply it to your face. It's great doing it that way but I also like using the This Works 5 in 1 cleansing water to take the majority of my makeup off, and then do a second cleanse with the Moringa balm. I feel it can work more into my skin that way. I massage the balm into my skin using a small amount and then take the cleansing cloth, run it under warm water and wipe over my face. It melts into the skin so easily. Even if you think you've removed all your make up, you could be wrong! It takes all my makeup off like a dream and leaves my skin looking and feeling so clean and soft. It doesn't leave an oily film either.

The packaging feels so luxurious and it's such a treat to use. I usually hate taking my makeup off but I actually look forward to it because this has made it so easy and it doesn't feel so much like a chore! I would definitely recommend this product for any skin type, especially if you have dehydrated skin like myself. I can't say how much I love this product! I don't want to be without it! I feel like its going to last me ages with 100ml of product. We shall see...

I got the Cleansing system from Feel Unique for £42 but the balm on its own is £34. So worth the money! And yes.. i would 100% repurchase!

Have you tried the Moringa Balm yet?

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 'Rose Passion'

A few weeks ago I was having a read through some blogs and I came across Georgia's post on this lipstick. It looked beautiful! I was on one of my regular trips to Boots (I don't just shop in boots) and I saw these lipsticks and remembered Georgia's post. So I snapped one up in no. 160 'Rose Passion'. As soon as I got home I tried it on and loveddd the colour and the feel of it on my lips. It's pillarbox red. So pretty. I never usually wear a red lip but I would definitely wear this on a night out rather than during the day. It's a lovely formula, really creamy and definitely moisturising. It's quite sheer because of the moisturising properties so although it's fairly matt, i like the sheen it gives. It lasts quite well on my lips. It does bleed a little and is quite messy to apply but nothing that a lip liner can't sort out. This is my second drug store lipstick and probably the best one out of the two so i'd definitely recommend.

 The packaging is nice, it does feel cheap but the lipstick itself is worth the £6.29 price tag.

Check it out here. 

What do you think of these lipsticks? Have you tried them?

Follow me on Instagram: missmeganmakeup

New Blog Banner

I was having a browse through some blogs and I came across Leigh-Annes blog Violence & Fashion. She had just done a post on her new banner and I loved the style of it.

I contacted Lauren (LM Graphic Design) through her Facebook page and asked if she could take a look at my blog and design a banner for me. She replied within two days and started on it soon after that. All I said was what colours I like and left the rest to her. When she sent the finished banner, I loved it! It was exactly what i wanted. Shes so talented! She didnt even charge me for it.

Thank you so much Lauren!

If you'd like something designed for you, check out Lauren's Facebook page here where you can contact her.

She also has a tumblr.

Hope you guys like it!

Mac Studio Finish Concealer/Collection Lasting Perfection

Concealers are one of those products that are either a must have in your makeup collection, or something you like but don't reach for everyday. I never used concealer in the past due to laziness but I've found more use for it over the last couple years. I tend to use concealer mostly under my eyes. I don't have bad under eye circles but i prefer my whole face to be flawless and even. If there's a blemish that sticks out like a sore thumb, i would definitely reach for my concealer! I also use it to tidy up the edges of my eyebrows.

I usually use Mac's Studio Finish concealer in NC20 until recently when I picked up Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer. I had to try it after all the great things I've heard.

Studio Finish concealer is 'A lightweight, creamy, discreetly opaque concealer'. It claims to be long wearing, it has an ingredient which absorbs the skins oils and contains SPF 35. It comes in the standard Mac pot and retails at £14.50. It is definitely creamy and blends nicely but i find it sinks into the fine lines under my eyes and creases. The coverage is medium/full and covers any redness i get around my nose, but when i use this under the eye area i find it dries my skin out. By the end of a normal day, it's pretty much gone so it doesn't last all day on my skin. I like using it to tidy up the edges of my brows with a fine brush but that's pretty much all i use it for. The great thing about Mac in general, is their wide range of colours so most people will be able to match themselves up. There's 7g's of product so it will last you ages. I've had mine for months and i've hardly made a dent in it!

Top- Lasting Perfection
Bottom- Studio Finish

The Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is the 'ultimate wear concealer which provides full coverage for up to 16 hours of flawless skin'. It's oil free, water resistant and is a full coverage concealer. Its priced at a whopping £4.19, a fraction of the price of the Studio Finish. Since I got the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer, I've been using it religiously. I have the shade 03 medium, which is too dark, but it blends so easily I can get away with it for now. It's great for blemishes and imperfections. It's not classed as an under eye concealer but i still use it under my eyes... just not so much under my eye area at the moment because I like a lighter concealer to brighten. I love the consistency. It's a lot thicker than the Studio Finish concealer and I love that it lasts all day on me. It doesn't feel like it's going to slide of my face! It doesn't sink into my fine lines as much as Studio Finish, and i find it more hydrating so It doesn't dry my skin out. I definitely prefer the packaging. It's more hygienic and so much easier to use in a rush. It looks really smooth under the eyes whereas the Studio Finish looked too dry and opaque. The only downside to this concealer is the fact it only comes in 4 shades (Boo). I will definitely be purchasing a lighter shade to conceal under my eyes.

If I had to repurchase one it would definitely be Collection Lasting Perfection without a doubt. Aside from the significant price difference, it's definitely the concealer that suits me best.

What do you think of both concealers? Have you tried them?

(I have normal/combination skin)

Beauty Bits #1

As we have payday approaching us once again (fav time of the month), here are a few things that are currently on my wishlist.  

Emma Hardie Natural Lift Morenga cleansing balm £34

Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow 4.0 in 'The Soundtrack' £29

Caudalie Divine Oil £25

This Works Clean skin 5 in 1 water £21



Ive heard good things about the Emma Hardie Natural Lift Moringa cleansing balm. I love the idea of a cleansing balm rather than the usual water/milk. It contains plant extracts, vitamin C and lots of natural oils which are good for the skin. I cannot wait to get my hands on this!

I love the Bare Escentuals range but the eyeshadows are too messy for me. I definitely prefer eyeshadows to be pressed, no matter how good the pigmentation is. I was very excited to see they'd bought these out. Yay! I've already had a nose and decided which one I want to try first. I swatched a few and the pigmentation is amazing! I can't wait to try them.

Caudalie is a brand im really starting to love. I saw this in Harvey Nichols and was really tempted to buy it but as its £25 i thought i'd wait until payday. It's a multi use oil that can be used on hair, nails, and in the bath, (which by the way smells amazing).

This Works Clean skin 5 in 1 water is another product I've heard about over recent months. It's a cleanser containing rose water, olive and almond oils and wild water mint. I've heard about this through various bloggers so im excited to give this one a try.

Have you tried any of these before?

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

I've been dying to get my hands on one of these since I first heard they were coming out. They're comparable to the Clinique chubby sticks, which i havent tried but ive been really impressed with the Just bitten Kissable balm stains. They're described as a lightweight lipstain balm which moisturises, giving soft, smooth lips. They have a good range of colours, from nudes to pinks and reds, so I had a fair few to choose from.

I was in Boots (as always) and decided to pick one up. After swatching all the colours I went for 'Cherish', one of the lighter pinks in the range. Im trying to get out of that habit of going for nudes so I went for a pink.

I went to work the next day with it on and by the time i'd had lunch (4 hours later), it had remained on my lips but mostly on the outer edges (not so much that it looked like I had lined my lips with a pink lip liner though). I was quite impressed it was still on after eating and drinking.

The packaging, which I love, is really convenient. The balm is retractable so there's no need to sharpen. It applies so easily and I love that it's like a big crayon! The balm is also peppermint flavoured which I really like.

I find that they're moisturising but not that moisturising. They're not as drying as I thought they might be though and I didnt find them clinging to any drier patches either, which is always a good thing. With any type of lip stain I always apply a lip balm before hand so I definitely recommend doing that, especially if your lips are on the drier side.

Overall I really like this product. I'm definitely going to pick up 'Charm' which is a nude peach colour. I can't help myself. I just love my nudes!

They are £7.99 but are currently £5.99 in Boots and Superdrug.

Have you tried the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm stains yet?

The Liebster Blog Award

I've been recently been nominated for the Liebster blog award by the lovely Laura (loveontop) and Roisin (brutalfashionandbeauty). Yay! Thankyou so much. It means alot considering i'm still new to all this. I've still done Laura and Roisin's questions... all 22... so sorry if it's long winded!

The Liebster Blog Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.

The meaning of Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing and welcome.

The Rules:

1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.
2. Answer the questions the tagger has set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Go to their page and tell them.
5. Remember, no tag backs!

11 things about me:

1. I am a hairdresser

2. I have 3 brothers and a sister

3. I hate doctors and dentists

4. I'm a perfectionist

5. I want to go travelling next year

6. Im a sagittarius

7. I love cats (I have one at my Mums called Mitsy)

8. I've been with my boyfriend 3 years

9. I have 2 tattoos

10. I have my tongue pierced

11. I  love reality tv 

Laura's Questions:

1. What first got you into blogging?

I was inspired by other bloggers (Fleurdeforce, EssieButton)

2. Shoes or handbags?

Shoes 

3. What is your favourite high street store?

Topshop/H&M

4. How many times do you shop a month?

Quite a few but usually around the start of the month when i've just been payed. I go crazy!

5. What is your favourite tv show?

Most recent is Pretty Little Liars. Was addicted!

6. Sale rails or online sales?

Some sales stress me out, especially when it's like a jumble sale, so probably online sales.

7. What is the furthest place you have travelled to?

Dominican Republic.

8. What did/do you study?

I did a hairdressing course in college.

9. What is your favourite online fashion store?

Don't tend to shop online for clothing. I've got everything i need a 5 minute walk away :) Dangerous!

10. Do you have any bad habits?

I used to bite my nails..

11. What's at the top of your wishlist right now?

Mac's Vegas Volt lipstick.

Roisins Questions:

1. What's your wardrobe staple?

My plain black/white Tees.

2. What's you're favourite album of all times?

I really don't know! Sorry..

3. What's you're favourite beauty brand?

Mac. That's what i have the most of.

4. If you could go on holiday anywhere, where would you go (no round the world cheatings here)?

New York.

5. What superpower would you have?

Invisibility powers! haha

6. What's you're favourite makeup item (e.g blusher, eyeliner etc)?

Foundation.

7. Cats or dogs?

Cats.

8. Who is your favourite blogger?

Ah there's so many.. possibly Fleurdeforce.

9. What's your dream job?

To do behind the scenes hair & makeup for tv.

10. What's you're favourite snack?

Recently, Thai Chilli Rice crackers from Holland & Barrett. They're amazing!

11. What's you're favourite colour nail varnish?

Probably pinks. There's so many different shades to go for.

My 11 Questions:

1. Books or magazines?

2. Burger King or McDonalds?

3. What's a staple in your makeup collection?

4. Iphone or BlackBerry?

5. What's your favourite Disney movie?

6. Tea or coffee?

7. Summer or winter?

8. Who is your favourite blogger?

9. Do you have any tattoos?

10. What do you do as a job/ what do you study?

11. Wedges or flip flops?

My Nominations:

Carly

Natalie

Rubiiee

Ali

Georgia

(she's only just got 200 followers but i love her blog so had to nominate her)

(I know i've bent the rules and only nominated 5.. Sorry) 

Today's face #1

 Face

Primer - Benefit Porefessional

Foundation - Mac Studio Sculpt in NC25

Concealer - Mac Studio Finish in NC20

Powder - Mac Mineralize skin finish in 'Medium plus'

Bronzer - Nars 'Laguna'

Blush- Nars 'Orgasm'

Highlight - Mac Mineralize skin finish in 'Soft & Gentle'

Eyes

 

 

Primer - Urban Decay Primer Potion

Base - Mac paint pot in 'Painterly'

Shadow - Mac eyeshadow in 'Vanilla'

'Naked' & 'Creep' from the Urban Decay Naked palette

Eyebrows - Sleek brow it in 'Dark'

Mascara - L'Oreal Telescopic in 'Magnetic black'

  

Lips

Balm - Caudalie lip conditioner

Lipstick - Mac 'Creme d'Nude'

Do you own any of these products?

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector

I was in Boots the other day and saw that Clarins were on gift and I immediately thought of the Lip Perfector that I've heard about recently. I sat down and tried all three colours and I liked the pink and the apricot but I couldn't justify getting both, so I got '01 Rose Shimmer'. I love it. It's so easy to just throw on when you want something on your lips but not as much as a lipstick or as little as a balm. It gives a really nice natural colour and has no shimmer in it which I like. I'm not the biggest fan of glosses because of the stickiness of some but this isn't sticky in the slightest. Yay! It feels so smooth, moisturising and has a lovely sheen to it. It tastes/smells fruity which I like and I really like the sponge applicator. It's a squeezy tube and the product comes out through little holes in the sponge tip, so it's not messy. Im definitely going to get '02 Apricot Shimmer' next.

They're priced at £16 but if you're on a budget, i've heard No7 are doing one similar at £10.50.

What do you think of the Clarins Natural Lip Perfectors?

NOTD #1

Essie - Pansy

I love this colour! It's such a lovely pink. It was between this and a neon pink but as the weather hasn't been at its best lately, I thought I'd save the neon for a sunny day.

I've really been loving Essie recently! The colour range is amazing and they always last well. I've only got a few of their nail polishes but there are still so many I want to get... 'Figi'...'Bikini so teeny'..

These aren't my own nails obviously, they're acrylics. I've had them for years now & I can't imagine being without them. My nails are literally like paper underneath so i dont think i'll be having them off any time soon... if ever... Makes me cringe!  

What do you think of Essie polishes?

Empties #1

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - £9.90 for 30ml & £28.80 for 100ml

at Feel Unique

Garnier Summer body - Currently half price (£2.55) at Boots (yay)

Decleor Hydra Floral Moisturiser- £40 at House of Fraser

Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation- £33 at House of Fraser

The Little Bubble co, Vanilla Biscuit Bath & Shower gel- £2.99 at Boots 

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara- £10.99 at Boots

I loved using the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. It's so refreshing and calming on my skin, especially on a hot day. I used it more as a toner rather than to set my makeup. A lot of people don't like the scent but I like it! It's quite herbal and pretty strong but I'm used to that sort of smell and I think it's lovely. I'm looking forward to trying more of their products.

Would I repurchase? Definitely! I think the 30ml is good for my handbag and the 100ml for home.

I use fake tan every single week. I wouldnt be without it! I used to use fake tans in the mousse form but I found they dried my skin out too much. Then I found Garnier Summerbody! This is perfect for me because it moisturises as well as giving me a natural bronze glow. It smells of apricot to begin with and then after a couple hours the fake tan smell comes through but that doesn't bother me. It's no where near as strong smelling as other fake tans I've used!

Would I repurchase? Definitely! Love this stuff!

I love this moisturiser. It felt so nice on my skin , kept it moisturised, smooth and smells lovely. As i'd finished it, I decided to try another. I bought La Roche Posay Hydreane Riche which is for dehydrated, sensitive skin. I like it so far but I'm not sure if I'd repurchase it. It's quite thick in consistency so maybe I should have gone for the lighter version... It doesn't feel as nice as my Hydra Floral. 

Would I repurchase? I would... (if I can't find another I love as much).

Ah! I hate it when I run out of foundation. Especially if it's this one! It ran out just at the right time (payday Friday). 

See my post on the Laura Mercier foundation

here

Would I repurchase? Of course..!

I got this when I was in Boots for some kind of offer. The packaging was so cute I couldn't resist! It smells exactly like the Vanilla cupcake Yankee candle which is why I got it! My boyfriend hates the smell and to be honest I don't really want to smell like a vanilla biscuit!

Would I repurchase? Yes! But definitely going to try the Strawberry Sundae next time...

I love this mascara soooo much! It really does wonders with my lashes. Wouldn't use anything else.

Would I repurchase? 100% yes!

Have you tried any of these products before?

June favourites

Hey lovelies.

I thought i would do a post on my favourite products from the month of June (a bit early I know)

Benefit Porefessional

Aveda Dry Remedy shampoo & conditioner

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Molton Brown White Mulberry hand wash

Caudalie lip conditioner

YSL Rouge Volupte in Falbourg Peach #30

Viva la Juicy perfume

Sorry about the poor quality photo :/

I got Benefit Porefessional at the end of last month after hearing so much about it. I'm so glad I bought it. I've used a couple primers before, Mac Prep & Prime, BareEscentuals Prime time and I also tried the Laura Mercier primer (which I wasn't too fond of). I can definitely say I prefer them to be sillicone based. It's the best primer i've tried. I love the way it feels on my skin. It's so smooth and silky but doesn't clog my pores. It definitely helps my foundation last a bit longer. I apply it mainly on my t-zone and smooth the excess onto the rest of my face. Love it!

My hairs been pretty dry on the ends recently due to my previous 'dip dye' faze. Dry Remedy has really helped me with the condition and has made it feel ten times softer and more moisturised.

Here's a link to my post about it

Aveda Haircare 

I also got this Cetaphil cleanser at the end of last month and I've really enjoyed using it. We all hate taking our makeup off at the end of the day but this makes it that little bit better.

See my post on Cetaphil Gentle Skin cleanser here

My Newest Skincare Love 

I got the Molton Brown hand wash a couple weeks ago from one of my clients at work (so sweet). I've never really been a big fan of Molton Brown products. I only really like 2 of the scents from the hand wash range and this is one of them. I love it! It's very concentrated so you only need one pump every time. Really enjoying using this.

I only have a little bit of the Caudalie lip conditioner left and I've been using it a few months now. I put it on first thing in the morning when Im doing my makeup and before I go to bed, to smooth and hydrate my lips, and it works a treat. It has a subtle vanilla smell which I like and its in the stick form so it's nice and easy to apply.

I absolutely love the YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks. The formula is great and they last quite a while on me. I love how they smell! They actually smell like sweets! I've been loving wearing this to brighten me up, especially when the suns been out.

I purchased Viva la Juicy a while back and I love the scent. It's quite sweet smelling but not overpowering and I always get compliments when I wear it. Gonna have to get some more when I run out...

So there you have it :) What have your favourites been this month? 

My Top Foundation of the Moment

Today i'm going to talk about the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation. I'd heard a lot about her foundations and decided to give one a try.

I don't know where to start..

It's described as a long-wearing, rich and luminous oil-free foundation, offering full coverage while hydrating and protecting the skin. I can't disagree with any of that! There's 35ml of product and it's designed for all skin types.

I like my medium to full coverage foundations. I like the flawless look and this foundation definitely gives me that! Its quite thick in consistency and a little goes a long way so although its on the pricier side, it lasts me ages. The finish is dewy rather than matt which I prefer with my foundations.

I am in the colour 'Beige Ivory' (I fake tan!)

Some foundations tend to go patchy on my skin and this is one that doesn't. An example of a foundation that went patchy on me is the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua. There was a lot of hype over that foundation but I really didn't like it. I really wanted to like it.. but it just wasn't gonna happen! Slightly off track there...

I purchased my Silk Creme foundation back in March and I'm just running out now, so its lasted me quite a while. It lasts well on my skin (I work 9 hours a day) and I never have to touch up. I do wear primer but i don't have to with this foundation, I just prefer to. My skin has an an oilier T-zone at this time of year so I always set it with a powder (Mac Mineralize Skin finish) to help it last that little bit longer.

It's priced at £33 which I wouldn't normally spend on a foundation but because I love it so much, I have to have it & it's definitely worth every penny.

Overall this is one of my favourite foundations ever and i would definitely recommend it.

Check it out here
Link

Have you tried any Laura Mercier foundations before?

 

My Newest Skincare Love

I'm going to do a quick post on my Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.

I'm a lover of the Decleor Aroma cleansing milk, but as I was running out I thought I would have a look for another cleanser to try. I have normal/combination skin and I like my cleansers to be moisturising and balancing.

So I was in Boots having a mooch about when I saw the Cetaphil stand. I'd already heard of this cleanser through various YouTubers but I never thought of giving it a try because of the lack of availability in the UK.

It's a 'gentle' cleanser designed for all skin types and is especially good for sensitive skin. It's also designed for those with skin issues such as eczema, acne and psoriasis. It's soap and fragrance free so it doesn't really have a smell to it. It can be used as a face wash as well as a 'tissue off' cleanser. It's almost a gel consistency rather than a cream so it's quite cooling on the skin.

This is probably one of the only cleansers I've tried that leaves my skin feeling really healthy, soft and moisturised. I've got quite sensitive eyes when it comes to cleansers and eye products in general, even the Decleor cleanser made my eyes sting a little, but Cetaphil doesn't at all! It takes all my make up off so easily. I massage it into my skin and take it off with a cotton pad. 

I've been using this a little over a month and it's about half full (i wear makeup everyday) so it will give me another month of use.

It's priced at £8.99 which I think is a reasonable price for a good cleanser. 

I highly recommend it to people with sensitive or dry skin.

I will definitely be repurchasing it.

Check it out here

http://www.boots.com/en/Cetaphil-Gentle-Skin-Cleanser-236ml_1238606/#BVRRWidgetID

 Have you tried any Cetaphil products before?