MAC Haul ♡

The other day I went summer shopping to celebrate the end of my AS exams, i'm so relieved they're finally over! I was going for fashion bits and bobs rather than beauty but if you have been reading my blog for a while now you would know I have no self control when it comes to makeup. I avoided boots all day which was such an achievement for me but whilst I was in Selfridges I got sucked into the MAC counter.

I have a list on my phone where I write down makeup that I want to buy and have been trying to get rid of most of the MAC on there, as compared to the other things on that list, MAC is the most affordable.

I finally got the cult 'Soft & Gentle' highlighter and I don't even know how to explain how beautiful this is, the photo doesn't do it any justice! Its the most beautiful highlighter I have ever owned, i'm so obsessed with it. I usually just apply this on the top of my cheekbones, chin, cupids bow, forehead and down the bridge of my nose. This highlighter is anything but subtle, it is very pigmented so you have to apply with care or you might end up looking like the moon.

I re-purchased MAC 'Brave' lipstick as mine ran out. This is my go to lipstick and would say its my signature colour as I am always wearing it. I really love the way it looks on my skin tone, its really hard for me to actually find lipsticks that match with my skin as I am a very odd colour. Plus I have been doomed with very small lips making it even harder for lipstick to suit me.
You can never really go wrong with a MAC lipstick, plus I am also trying to get my collection to grow bigger so soon I can do a post on my MAC lipstick collection.

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MAC False Lashes Extreme Black Mascara ♡

I was gifted a sample with purchase of this mascara a few months ago and my sample just ran out, so I had to go buy the full size.

I have never tried a MAC mascara before as I haven't really heard much of them, people usually talk about all the other products they have and never mention mascaras. I took that as an indication that maybe their mascaras weren't so good, boy was a wrong.

Im so grateful I was given a small sample of this because it has changed my life!
I would really recommend trying out some of MACs mascaras next time you're in there, especially this one. It gives you really full and dramatic eyelashes, that would look amazing on a night out as it looks like you're wearing falsies. I wear this as an everyday mascara because I love to add that extra emphasis to my eyes, but I know this is a little much for everyday so that might not be for everyone.
Generally, i'm not too keen on mascara wands if they aren't plastic as I find that clumpyness can really be an issue, for me anyway. All the little bristles go everywhere and it just ends up as one big mess which I have to remove, which this one doesn't do so i'm so happy about that.
All in all I would highly recommend this mascara if you're on the hunt for a new one.

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Manicure Monday ♡

I know I did one of these about 2 weeks ago but I needed a change! Expect these every 2 weeks as i'm very easily bored when it comes to my nails.

I always have a look on Pintrest before I get my nails done for some fun designs, and I came across this one

I think that this is of Kylie Jenner's Instagram as I recognise her hands but either way, I fell in love with the white ones! I love simple minimalistic nail art. Plus, Kylie Jenner always has amazing nails! I wish the the salon she goes to was here in London, if you know of anywhere similar let me know! I have had my eye on her Versace nails for a while now but I cant find a place that can do such detailed nail art. 

I originally had mine long like Kylie's but they were just so impractical! I couldn't even text on my phone let alone write seeing as its currently exam time! So I went back and they filed them down to a normal/natural length for me. These are a lot shorter than I am used to but I really like the way they look and think i'm going to keep them as my summer nails.

I thought it would be fitting to include a few updates and what i've got coming up seeing as this is a short post. I'm so happy my exams are over on Wednesday so I will have a lot more time to dedicate to my blog and content. I have something very exciting starting on Wednesday called 'girl talk'  which hopefully you will enjoy as i'm really looking forward to doing more. I am also working on incorporating fashion posts as that was what this blog was initially for, which you might be able to tell by the name of this blog. So keep your eyes peeled for those, all social media links are down below so you can be updated when I post (shameless promo).

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Garnier Ultimate Blends: Sleek Perfector Coconut Oil ♡

I have been using this oil religiously in my hair the past 4 months when I get out of the shower. I bought it thinking it was argan oil and only realised about a week ago it wasn't when looking at the label. I wash my hair about 2/3 times a week, which I know to most people isn't much but as I have extremely thick hair it doesn't get oily. 

I usually pump twice and then rub the product in my hands to warm it up a little, then apply it to my hair. I use my hand as a comb and brush the product into my hair and then use whatever on my palm on the tips. I have noticed my hair is a lot softer and smoother to touch, which is what I was going for as my hair is SO dry and damaged. 

I also use this as a heat protector, usually when I straighten my hair. Once its straight it looks very dull/boring with no shine, this has changed that! It makes my hair really shiny (in a non oily way) and so healthy looking. It also smells good after straightening and your hair actually smells like coconuts rather than burnt after scent. Would 100% recommend this product for anyone with dry/dull hair. I personally haven't noticed any thickening so if you're after that then this isn't for you.

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Beauty Blender Review ♡

So, I have been using this sponge for quite some time now but I didn't think a review was necessary as the blogging community is full of them. I picked mine up at SpaceNK for £18 which is pretty ridiculous for a sponge which I can get from Boots for no more than £3. But I definitely think that it is worth the money.

How have I gone this long without this sponge! It makes my foundation/concealer look flawless and I even use it on my cream contour too. It applies makeup so evenly leaving it with the most natural finish. I haven't used face brushes since I got this as I don't feel the need to. The sponge is made out of latex which saves you makeup as it doesn't absorb it. It absorbs the water if you wet it and then the makeup is like a layer on top. If you every try a knock off you will instantly tell the difference.

 I use it damp but I have used it dry and still looks fine but I personally like that 'wet' look foundation so it helps with that. If you like a more matte look I would advise you use it dry. I have read that it is designed to be used wet , so you will get much better results with it wet. I know they make smaller Beauty Blenders for under eye concealer but I think this works fine for under eyes. I will probably pick up the smaller ones as they are so cute and would be good to have when this one is messy and I haven't got round to cleaning it.
Cleaning it is very easy, it comes with a small cute bar of soap that smells amazing! I have done a lot of reading on it and I have read that you do need to clean it everyday after you use it. People have experienced mould on their Beauty Blender if they haven't washed it as bacteria grows on the makeup. Ever since then I have washed it after use in fear it will happen to mine.

I have heard that Real Techniques do a very good dupe to this, I haven't tried it but I will at some point and so I can post a comparison. But if you don't want to spend £18 on a sponge which is completely understandable, then I would recommend you try it out.

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Manicure Monday ♡

I am currently in an episode of writers block. As exams are a week away like I mentioned in my last post, I don't have time to blog. I am still trying my best to be consistent and post twice/three times a week like before but it can get a bit stressful. As i'm not trying out new products, I cant review them. As i'm not really going out, I cant do outfit posts and lifestyle posts.

So I apologise for my content for the next month as its probably not going to be as good/interesting as it usually is.

I got my nails done about two weeks ago (ft concealer mark on hand) which I need to change for the summer. I kept it simple, shiny black nails with a X on just one nail. I don't personally like having over the top nails, but I also don't like having plain/boring nails.

Before I get my nails done I usually look to Kylie Jenner for nail inspiration and her nail game is pretty strong. 

Im just waiting for my last exam to come so I can go get more summery nails, i'm thinking white. 

I hope this post isn't too boring for you all, it will be better soon I promise!

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MAC Mineralize Concealer ♡

I haven't done a product review in so long, I have missed it as these really are my favourite type of posts to write. As my exams are a matter of weeks away I haven't had the time to try out many products. I went into MAC as I was looking for a natural looking, lighter concealer as summer is coming up and I want my face to breathe as much as possible and feel like its got as little makeup on.

The woman at MAC advised this one so I went with it as I haven't tried many concealers by MAC as my pro-long wear is my holy grail concealer and I swear by it. I cant be happier with the pro-long wear but its quite drying on the skin which is manageable in the winter but feels too dry in the summer so I needed a change.

I picked up the shade NC20 which is the shade I usually get and the match was perfect which I expected. I really recommend MAC if you have difficulty matching your skin colour, you're 100% going to find it at MAC they offer so many colours for all types of skin. 

To start of with, the coverage on this concealer is medium which isn't the look I usually go for. I personally go for the high coverage look when it comes to concealer as I have very dark under eyes and want to make sure no one can see them. At first I could deal with the coverage and throughout the day it felt light and very nice on the skin. Sadly, as the day goes on the concealer starts to crease and looks disgusting on the skin. If you take it around with you and are bothered to top up your concealer every hour then I would recommend it. But I personally don't check my makeup often whilst i'm out, so walking around with severely creased under eyes is not for me.

The brush applicator is different I didn't know MAC offered anything like this. The brush doesn't pick up much product which can get a little annoying. I don't generally like brushes for my concealer application but I have only ever used drugstore brush concealers so I thought that MAC as a high end brand would offer a better brush. I was very wrong.

All in all, I don't think this concealer is worth its price, I wouldn't repurchase it even if it only cost a couple pounds due to how disgusting it looks when it creases under the eyes. Im still on the hunt for a high coverage concealer which is reasonably priced for the summer so if you have any recommendations please let me know.

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