Japan 2014 Holiday Photos

Here are some of my photos from my holiday to Japan, we had an amazing time and I can't wait to go back. My sister currently lives there so it was great to see the life she has now and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to go. 

YSL Rouge pur Couture Glossy Lip Stain (9)

I am in love with red lips at the moment and have a growing collection of red lip glosses, lipsticks, lip stains and balms. I decided to treat myself and buy a YSL Glossy Lip Stain, I have wanted one of these for a while but never knew what colour I wanted, there's too many to choose from, but I finally just went for number 9. You can view the whole range HERE. I bought mine from Debenhams for £25.00, I also have my Debenhams Beauty Club Card so I get points every time I make a purchase.

YSL Glossy Stain in 9

I know some people think that £25.00 is a lot of money for a lip gloss/stain, but I love buying premium beauty products and I love designers. I also love some of the other YSL products and think they are all great quality and are worth it. This product gives me beautiful red, glossy (but not too glossy) lips which lasts until I eat a meal or take it off. 

The applicator is a really good shape, it's just perfect for applying it evenly and symmetrically to the lips, it also holds enough product and doesn't give an uneven finish. When I wear this I just feel glam, I really love the look it gives me and I love taking it out of my bag to apply it, the packaging is just beautiful. The colour 9 is a lovely bright true red, the kind of colour and tone that suits me best. They have so many colours though that you are sure to find one to suit you. If you don't want to pay the £25.00 price tag for this product a good dupe for these YSL Glossy Lip Stains is the L'Oreal Paris Glam Shine Stain Splash at just £7.99, you can see the full range of colours HERE.

I would say that the L'Oreal ones have less colours to choose from and don't last as long and aren't as pigmented, but I now have a few of these L'Oreal lip stains and I love them, they are so easy and probably do a better job of actually staining the lips so when anything does come off you still have the lovely colour underneath. Although I'm a big fan of the L'Oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash range, I really do like a little bit of luxury and feel that the YSL Glossy Lip Stains delivers just that. The colour is so rich, pigmented and think so it really gives a great colour payoff.

I want to buy more of these now in different colours!

Bourjois: Rouge Edtion Lipstick Rose Neon

In a recent three for two offer in Boots, I bought this lovely Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Rose Neon which is a lovely bright Barbie pink colour. It was £7.99 and there is a good range of colours to choose from HERE. I bought this because I just loved the colour, I really love pink and I didn't own a lipstick this shade of pink.

Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Rose Neon

The pigmentation is good, it feels just like a standard lipstick but looks just a bit more natural and not as thick as other lipsticks. I wear this with more day time looks and think its a perfect colour for spring/summer. It is actually quite moisturizing and claims it provides 10 hour hydration, I don't think they hydration lasts 10 hours but it really depends on how often you apply it. It does come off after eating which most lipsticks do so that doesn't bother me at all.

I own a lot of matte lipsticks because I love the effect but I thought I would branch out and try something different, this lipstick isn't too shiny but gives a soft sheen to the lips. I really like the packaging, its easy to find in my drawer as it has the colour on the bottom and I like the square shape to the bottle. I do find that the actual cut of the lipstick is a little too wide and doesn't really have that point that most lipsticks tend to have, this makes it a bit more difficult to apply a crisp line.

Overall I like this lipstick and I love the colour, I think I would like to try some of the other colours in this range as I love the more natural effect they give to my lips.

The Body Shop: Mint and Watermelon Lip Gloss

I recently purchased a couple of The Body Shop's lip glosses. It's been a while since I used a squishy tube of lip gloss and I wanted to give these a go, just for day time natural looks that I can apply with no mirror. The Body Shop has a huge range of lip glosses in all different flavours, click HERE if you want to see them. They are £7.00 each which I think is a fair price because lip glosses last ages.

Mint and Watermelon Lip Gloss by The Body Shop

I choose the mint and watermelon flavours because I love watermelon products and I fancied trying the mint one because it was clear and thought it would be more refreshing. Firstly, the mint one doesn't taste as nice as I had hoped its a more natural mint than what I am used to but at the same time I don't mind this because I do love more natural products. It gives a nice glossy sheen to the lips, it doesn't last long but these kind of lip glosses never really do and I don't mind that because I don't want them to be sticky and thick. 

I prefer the smell of the watermelon one, surprise surprise! I already love everything watermelon, and this has a nice sweet taste to it without tasting full of chemicals. Although it has a peachy pink colour in the tube the colour isn't as strong when you apply it to your lips, it does have a faint colour though and this was the look I was after, something natural and wearable for every day. Again this doesn't last long on the lips but they are both handy for applying over the top of lipstick if you want that extra glossy sheen. You don't need a mirror to apply them either which make it so much easier and quicker.

I like these lip glosses, I want to purchase some of the other flavours as the have a huge range, I think the Raspberry one will be next. It's nice to have this style of lip gloss again, it reminds me of being back in high school!

The Body Shop: Chocomania Body Scrub

Chocomaina Body Scrub

I have been obsessed with The Body Shop recently and I have been discovering loads of new products, one of them has been the Chocomaina range, I currently have the lip balm, soap and the body butter and now I have the body scrub as well.

Chocomania Body Scrub by The Body Shop

This body scrub smells AMAZING, that's actually what made me buy it, you can find out more about this amazing product here. I bought it for £12.50 but I also got 20% off as there was an in-store promotion for Love Your Body members.

"This exfoliating body scrub has a decadently chocolatey scent and leaves skin feeling softer and smoother. It contains real cocoa butter and organic cane sugar."

This is quite a thick body scrub and does leave a slight residue on the skin so I wouldn't use this before fake tanning, however the residue it leaves isn't oily or dirty feeling, it just feels like a sort of moisturising barrier. My skin is generally quite soft but after I use this I can really feel the difference, and when you are using it, it feels really invigorating on the skin. The chocolate scent doesn't last on your skin throughout then day, but for me I'm not really looking for that in a body scrub.

I have been using this once a week, although during summer I think I will start using it twice a week, I prefer to use this one at night before using some body butter and I save my Coconut Body Scrub (also by The Body Shop) for before fake tanning.

I just love the Chocomania range, they all smell fantastic and every product I have used has lived up to my expectations.

MUA Lip Liners

I have never bothered with lip liners before now, but when I saw they were only £1 at the MUA display I thought I could buy a couple of colour and see how I get on. There were four colours to choose from, you can view them all HERE.

The colours I choose were, Red Drama because I wear red lips a lot, and Softly Lined because I thought it would be nice for natural pink toned looks.

Red Drama and Softly Lined

Red Drama

Softly Lined

First of all, I really like a lot of the MUA products and buy and use loads of them, but for me I really didn't like the Softly Lined colour, it just gave a shimmer to the outsides of my lips which I wasn't really looking for, I guess when you swatch something onto your hands the colour comes up pure but when it actually applies to the lips your natural lip colour is darker and so the colour wont show up the same. I don't see how I can use this one and I know it looks nice in the swatch above but it really doesn't show up at all on my lips.

I do love the Red Drama colour though, as a big fan of red lips I think lip liner is essential in creating the cleanest, smoothest effect and before now I never even bothered with it. Whenever I'm going to wear a red lip now I will take an extra minute to line my lips with this MUA Red Drama lip liner. They are so easy to apply and liners themselves are soft and pigmented and come with a sharpener in the lid which is handy, they are such great value at only £1. Next time I'm in Superdrug I think I will buy the darker pink colour and hope that it will show up better on my lips.

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo

I bought this Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo the other day and have used it a couple of times since, I wanted to try it as I'm always on the search for volumising products as I have such fine hair. I usually have to wash my hair everyday anyway so I wasn't buying this as a dry shampoo just as a product I can use for volumising my hair day to day. I bought it for £3.99 from Boots, click HERE to find out more.

"Batiste Dry Shampoo Big and Bouncy XXL Volume revitalises hair, banishes oily roots and gives you so much body and texture, your Up-Do takes no time. A quick burst with our unique formula gives dull, lifeless hair the volumising makeover it needs. No water and no backcombing - just big-style glamour and a great clean, fresh feeling. No need to worry about skipping a shampoo."

Batiste XXL Volume Dry Shampoo

Because I'm blonde this product isn't noticeable in my hair but I think if your hair is darker you will notice it more, I actually really like it because it brightens my hair a bit especially my dull blonde roots. Overall I do like this product, it does give my hair more volume and lasts all day when you fluff it up occasionally or scrunch it a bit. It smells nice, just a clean sort of smell which I don't mind having in my hair, plus it fades quickly. The only thing I don't like is that it leaves my hair looking a little dry and frazzled (without actually being or feeling dry), it's not too bad and I can put up with it if I'm going for that fluffy look, I will try and condition before using this and see if it makes a difference, but its' not too bad and would rather use this than back combing my hair.

It does leave a funny feel in my hair, obviously it is the product and that's how it adds volume, but when I try brushing my hair it just has a horrible feeling, sort of sticky but dry if that makes sense. The volume it gives my hair makes the texture bearable, it still feels soft and smooth its only when your brushing your hair you feel it. I found it also separated my fringe into small sections which I hate but I think when I use it next I would put it in my fringe. I have to take into account the fact that I don't actually use this as a proper dry shampoo as I don't think it would make my hair look as dry if I did. I'm going to use up the bottle and if I get used to the feeling in my hair and maybe play about with moisturizing conditioners to help with the dry look, but overall I like it. For someone who has fine flat hair to get some nice bouncy volume for a change, I guess I can't complain.

The Body Shop: Almond Hand and Nail Cream

Hand cream is something I have never been that interested in, I like it and use it but that's all. Recently I started using the Body Shop's Almond Hand and Nail Cream and thought I would do a little review on it. 

"This effective daily hand cream cares for nails as well as hands and contains two manicurist’s essentials: sweet almond oil and panthenol."

I bought the smaller size at £5.00 because I wanted to try it first before buying the larger size, find out more HERE.

The Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail Cream

First off, this hand cream smells amazing and I love putting it on just for the smell. It dries in quickly which id important as I hate my hands getting everything I touch all greasy and mucky, it makes my hands feel really soft and smooth too. Although it is a nail cream as well, I haven't noticed any improvement in my nails since using it, although my nails have been in bad shape since I stopped biting them about eight years ago. Maybe it's something that will take more time and it is difficult to measure as nails get damaged everyday. 

I started off using this hand cream just at night as I hate having greasy hands, but when I gave this a chance during the day I found that it didn't leave my hands feeling greasy, just moisturised. Now I use it whenever I remember and keep this one in my bag, I think I will buy the bigger size for beside my bed and I can use that at night. 

My only criticism would be that the lid is sometimes difficult to get back on, especially with freshly moisturised hands, but it's not anything that would stop me from buying it. The tube is also flexible and allows you to roll in up and squeeze out any leftover product so nothing goes to waste. I am making a better effort with hand cream and trying to use it as often as I can, we are constantly using our hands and they will come into contact with chemicals, germs and goodness knows what so keeping them moisturised while using natural ingredients can only help protect the skin and help it to heal.

I usually bite the skin around my nails, I know it's horrible its just a bad habit that I'm trying to break, but since using this hand cream I have noticed that the appearance of them is a lot healthier looking, this could just be down to actually using hand cream more, but I love and believe in natural products and think that they might have something to do with this, either way it has encouraged me to take better care of both my hands and nails. Thank you Body Shop!

MUA Intense Kisses Lip Gloss

I bought these MUA Intense Kisses Lip Glosses a few weeks ago and have been using them ever since. I bought them for £2.00 in my local Superdrug, you can also purchase them from the MUA website HERE. I liked the red colour first, Pucker Up, and when I swatched it on my hand I couldn't believe how pigmented it was! For only £2.00 it was a steal!

"The newest lip gloss in the MUA range! Intense Kisses lip gloss £2 each. They are sealed with a kiss in a high-intensity gloss which comes in a wide range of bold colours adds just the right amount of glamour to lips whether you're strutting down the street or the red carpet. Wear alone or over your favourite MUA lipstick colour for gorgeous kissable lip effect."

Pucker Up and Sweet Nothings

I bought these two colours as most of the other colours on offer were out of stock. You can see from the swatches how pigmented they are and that is why I bought them. I like wearing lipstick because I like the colour payoff, but I have been looking for highly pigmented lip glosses for a while, most of them I found were disappointing and were too thick or sticky, but these just glide on beautifully and give a less intense effect than lipsticks. The packaging is nice, more of a square shape and they are a nice small size to fit easily into your handbag or pocket.

I wear the red one the most because I am in love with red lips at the moment but I think I will wear the pink shade more in spring/summer. These glosses last a decent amount of time on the lips, they come off if you eat which most lipsticks do anyway, but they are just so quick and easy to apply and are better for day to day wear. Another bonus is that you don't have to worry about it coming off on your teeth, and if it smudges a bit it doesn't stain the skin as much as lipstick does.

These lip glosses are amazing for only £2.00, well done MUA, I can't wait to buy more colours.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

For the past two years I have been using the amazing Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil, I switched my night time moisturiser for this after I read about the amazing benefits this oil and I have never looked back. I am now a huge fan of night time facial oils, I think they are so much better for your skin and whilst you are sleeping you may as well use something more intense and more oily. It is £16.50 in Boots which is where I buy it from, you can find out more HERE.

Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil

"Rosehip oil's potent natural actives make it highly effective for a variety of skin concerns including dehydrated and ageing skin. Trilogy’s rosehip expertise ensures the finest quality oil with minimum 80% essential fatty acids (omega 3 and 6) and fatty acid (omega 9) content. Independent clinical studies show it helps improve the appearance of scars, stretchmarks, fine lines and wrinkles. Also available in 45ml."

Since using this amazing product I have noticed a great difference in my skin, I always wake up and my skin feels and looks well rested, healthy and moisturised without being oily. Now I have been using it for two years I find it hard to remember what my skin was like before, but I have noticed that any spots or scarring from spots fades quicker than it used to. It is meant to be great for wrinkles, I don't have any to speak of yet but just knowing that I'm using this makes me feel better and I hope that I will thank myself in the future for using this.

I am a huge believer in natural and organic products, I use a lot of them and since switching to them my skin feels and looks so much better, people I don't know have even complimented me on my skin and family members and friends have noticed the difference as well. The oil smells fine, not like roses as you might expect, but just a few drops on your face is all you will need, I usually do a drop on each cheek, one for my forehead and one for my chin. If my skin is feeling drier or more tired I will add a couple of extra drops, I just massage it over my face and when I remember I do my neck as well, that's something I want to start doing every night. It doesn't leave your skin looking or feeling oily, it is a dry oil and so it sinks in to the skin quickly. I don't think I would use this during the day though, maybe if my skin got really dry or irritated, but I think wearing it under makeup might make my skin look oily by the end of the day.

I have combination skin and it kind of switches from being slightly drier to slightly more oily from week to week, I used to have really oily skin in my teens and have since been terrified of using any oily/intense moisturising products on my skin, but now it has settled down I love these oil based products. I will never be without my Organic Rosehip Oil now.

UTan California Sun Review

It's getting closer to summer, and ever closer to my holiday to Japan. I am usually so pale I actually look luminous in photos so during summer when more skin is on show I opt for some fake tan. I have recently been using the UTan California Sun Self-Tan Mousse, it costs £25.50 which I think is pretty expensive for a fake tan you can find out more HERE.

Please note, I didn't take any before and after photos, the colour really wasn't noticeable in any photos unfortunately which was what I needed it for, but I think it really does depend on lighting, in natural lighting you don't notice it as much, but in warmer lighting it looks better.
 

UTan California Sun

I decided to buy this one as I read so many amazing reviews about it and hoped that I too could have a flawless healthy looking tan that would naturally fade after five days. When I go to Japan in April, the weather will be nice and sunny, so I will pack some cute summer dresses and shorts, the only problem is I don't feel comfortable with my bright white skin. I know it's not really that bad and I don't live in a country where we get lots of sun so I just have to make do, some people have suggested I go to the sunbeds, I keep changing my mind about this though and I do feel more comfortable wearing fake tan.

My skin doesn't tan naturally anyway, it only burns then fades to white again so really a fake tan is my best option, but let me know if you use sunbeds and if you would recommend them for me? Anyway, I bought the UTan in California Sun and have used it a few times since buying it, the colour payoff really isn't that dark so it's much better suited for those with pale skin like mine, however I think I would have liked it to be a bit darker. It doesn't streak which it good, I apply it with a St Tropez Mitt which cost me £5.00, find out more HERE. I apply the fake tan after I have exfoliated the day before and straight after using one of my Body Shop Body Butters, I have tried with and without and I get the best colour pay off when using a body butter.

It does have a slight fake tan smell even when you wash it off in the morning (I apply the night before because I hate feeling sticky and smelling like fake tan all day). The smell is only noticeable, however, if you actually have your nose on your arm, so really its not an issue. I really like how this tan doesn't go patchy as it fades, it just fades out naturally but it can patch in dry areas a bit. I wantd something for Japan that I wouldn't have to apply every night so I wouldn't have to think or worry about it too much, but I don't think it lasts that long on me, only a couple of days and I was really hoping for more based on the reviews I have read.

All in all, I don't think I will buy this one again and now I need to look for another fake tan before mid April! What are your favourite fake tans? Do you know any that last longer with a good colour?

Max Factor: False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara Review

A few months ago I bought the Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion Mascara in a three for two offer, I have only now got round to using it. It is usually £11.99, click HERE to find out more.

Max Factor False Lash Effect Fusion in Black

I have used the original Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara and I really liked it but found that it flaked onto my cheeks throughout the day. " False Lash Effect Fusion is the sister product to Max Factor’s award-winning False Lash Effect. It fuses the brand’s most celebrated and award winning IFX brush with an innovative fibre lengthening formula, which contains the nylon fibres found in real lash extensions along with lash plumping particles.The breakthrough result is up to 2x* the volume and length for 100% lash glamour. It’s never been easier to create on-trend bold and glamorous eye looks"

My bare lashes only brushed with my MAC lash comb

With two coats of the Max Factor False Lash Fusion Mascara

Overall I like this mascara, but I do prefer the original False Lash Effect Mascara, I found it didn't clump as much and gave a better more even appearance to my lashes.

I like the purple colour of the bottle, it's also the same shape as False Lash Effect

The brush is also the same at the False Lash Effect Mascara, I think the formula is the only thing that is different.

The same brush as the False Lash Effect Mascara

Length: 3/5 This mascara did add some length to my lashes without weighing them down or clumping too much during application. I also liked the definition it gave to my lashes and made them noticeably longer from a distance, I usually find that my lashes disappear when I'm further from a mirror.

Overall Performance: 3/5 I liked this mascara but I do prefer the original False Lash Effect because I think the formula isn't so wet, I found the False Lash Effect Fusion to be slightly too wet which resulted in some clumping and made it difficult to build the mascara. The brush is amazing, the same as the original False Lash Effect, its chunky with graduated bristles that get smaller at the top, the bristles are really small and soft so they don't hurt your eye when applying. I think this mascara is good for separation and definition but I think that's down to the brush. 

It clumped a bit during application of a second coat but it was nothing too bad, it didn't flake or smudge during the day which was the one thing I didn't like about the original False Lash Effect Mascara as I found it flaked onto my cheeks. It came off easily with my normal makeup wipes.

Overall this mascara performed well but in comparison to the False Lash Effect Mascara, this one didn't give as good, even results, however it didn't flake during the day which was really good.

Volume: 4/5 This mascara added a decent amount of volume to my lashes, similar to the False Lash Effect Mascara, but the formula clumped a bit when I applied a second coat which was annoying. What I liked about the volume it gave my lashes was that it was visible from a distance which usually doesn't happen for me because my lashes are so fine.

Expense: 4/5 For £11.99 this mascara is a bit more expensive but I actually liked the results I got, and although I prefer the original False Lash Effect Mascara as the formula is better, I do prefer how the False Lash Fusion doesn't flake but still gives my lashes volume. I will keep this mascara in my makeup drawer but don't know if I will purchase it again because I'm just not in love with it.

If you have a mascara that you would like me to review just let me know, if I can purchase it easily and afford it I would love to try it.

L.O.V.E RESULT
     14/20

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

For the past few months I decided to buy the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge, it was new at the time so I hadn't read any reviews, I just bought it on a whim. It is only £5.99 which is a great price, you can purchase this amazing creation HERE.

"Real Techniques by Sam Chapman introduces its new innovative Miracle Complexion Sponge. The Miracle Complexion Sponge will give you the pixel perfect, flawless base you have always dreamed of. The sponge is completely unique, featuring 3 distinct surfaces that give you 3 ways to apply liquid foundation."

I had heard about beauty blenders before, I have seen loads of people use them I just never really got round to getting one. I usually applied my foundation with a brush or my fingers and from past experiences of using a sponges I thought they soaked up most of the product which was a waste. But the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge has totally changed my mind.

Just bought myself a brand new one, it will be handy when my other one is drying

The sponge is bright orange, which is cool and is sort of egg shaped with a point on the bottom and a flat oval on the top, each area you can use for different techniques and results.

• "Rounded sides - blend large areas of the face with a repeated "dabbing" or "stippling" motion"
• "Precision tip - covers blemishes and imperfections"
• "Flat edge - for the contours around the eyes and nose"

You can also use the sponge damp or dry, I  prefer using it a day after I have washed it, this way it still has moisture in it, but not too much. I tend to use the flat edge mostly, I first start of by wiping my foundation over my face then blending it out, for more coverage I use the flat edge again with a bit more foundation and just pat it onto my face, I find this technique is great for a flawless coverage and it works wonders with my foundation. I use my sponge with my Max Factor Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation in Creamy Ivory, you can find out more about this product by clicking HERE.

My current foundation

Creamy Ivory (40)

The sponge has totally transformed how I apply and wear my foundation, it really does give such an even, smooth flawless coverage, I always thought only foundations could do this but it goes to show that the tools you use are just as important.

You can sort of see the flat edge and the point at the bottom

I now own two of these amazing sponges, I wanted to have one to use if the other needed washed or was drying, I try to wash it once a week, some people wash them every time after use but I find once a week works best with my foundation and skin. For just £5.99 I think this Miracle Complexion Sponge is such a fantastic product, I have been using it for months now and I can find no faults with it and it has made me want to buy more of the Real Techniques products.

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter: Wild Watermelon

A couple of days ago I was in Boots buying some essentials when I noticed that the amazing three for two across makeup and beauty was on, I needed something to get for free so I took my time looking across the makeup counters and finally chose the new Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon. This usually sells for £7.99, I got it for free in the three for two, find out more HERE.

Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butter in Wild Watermelon

I have used some of the Revlon Lip Butters before and I really like them because they aren't too overpowering and are great for a more natural look, this colour Wild Watermelon is a pinky red, imagine a watermelon colour, great for spring/summer looks.

Wild Watermelon

I love this colour, I do like a red lip but this one is just a bit more natural looking so I will use this more for during the day and for more casual looks. The colour is just stunning, the pictures don't do it justice although I would say the first one is truer to the actual colour payoff when applied to lips. As with all of the Revlon Lip Butters they are more moisturising and the actual cut of the lipstick makes it easier to apply for me. 

The pigmentation is good, if you have used Revlon Lip Butters before you will know the consistency and the usual payoff, this one is no different. It is a more glossy, buttery texture and goes on to the lips similar to lipstick but slightly less thickly. I prefer using this to lipstick day to day as whenever I do wear lipstick I always find myself slightly paranoid and constantly checking in the mirror for smudges and that none has come off on my teeth.

The Revlon Lip Butters are a lot quicker to apply I find, usually when I apply lipstick it takes me ages to get it perfect, I can always do one side well then the other one looks completely different, with the Revlon Lip Butters depending on what colour you get you can almost apply it as you would lip balm, just use a mirror. Obviously because this colour is brighter than some of the others available I would take a bit more care when applying but even so it still doesn't take me long.

Because they are so buttery, they don't last as long on the lips as lipstick would but this really doesn't bother me as it only takes a few seconds. Overall I love this product and the colour Wild Watermelon, I love the name, I have a weird obsession with watermelon themed things! Now I want to go and buy some more Revlon ColourBurst Lip Butters!

Maybelline: Falsies Mascara Black Drama Review

Today I have a review for the Maybelline Falsies Black Drama Mascara in Black, I bought this mascara in Superdrug for £7.99, it was also on a three for two offer, find out more HERE.

Maybelline Falsies Drama in Black

I have used loads of Maybelline mascaras before and they have all been pretty good, there are so many of them that I take ages to choose what ones to buy but their website http://www.maybelline.co.uk/ it great because it shows you the different effects all of their mascaras create.

Bare lashes just brushed with my MAC lash comb

With one coat of Maybelline's Falsies Black Drama Mascara

Overall I actually quite like this mascara which is no surprise because I always find that Maybelline mascaras give good results. I also really like the packaging, I love lace and think the bottle looks glam and that was actually what made me buy this mascara.

Maybelline Falsies Black Drama

The brush is pretty good, it is slightly scooped

Length: 3/5 This mascara did add some length to my lashes, my lashes are naturally long so adding length is pretty difficult for a mascara and it's not something that bothers me too much, but for those looking for any great length I don't think this one added anything remarkable.

Overall Performance: 4/5 I liked this mascara, the formula was wetter than what I normally like but it actually worked really well and didn't get all over my eyelids and face when applying. I also found the formula to be think enough that I didn't need a second coat, I haven't tried many mascaras that I have only needed one coat before. The brush is a normal bristle styled brush with a slight scoop, this made applying my mascara easier as it scooped my lashes upward all together in the same direction which seemed to help with definition and separation. It didn't clump during application but I didn't need a second coat so if a second coat was applied some clumping might occur.

The mascara didn't flake, smudge or transfer during the day and comes off easily with my normal make up wipes. Overall this mascara made my lashes look really nice, sort of fluttery and fuller, my lashes are usually so fine and I want a mascara to separate my lashes to fan them out to make them look thicker.

Volume: 3/5 This mascara added a standard amount of volume to my lashes, a more natural volume which I actually quite like. I just don't think it gave them a 'false' look. My lashes are so fine that without mascara you can't even see them (see the photo above) so this mascara did well at defining them and giving them some volume.

Expense: 3/5 For £7.99 this mascara is a good price, and for the results I got I am pleased with this mascara all in all, I don't think I would buy it again only because I have other mascaras which give me a similar effect and it's not really the look I am searching for that I can use everyday.

If you have a mascara that you would like me to review just let me know, if I can purchase it easily and afford it I would love to try it.

L.O.V.E RESULT
     13/20

My Favourite Red Lipstick

I never bothered with lipstick before, I always thought it wouldn't suit me or that I couldn't pull it off because I'm so pale, but one day I was just playing about with my makeup and decided to give it a go, now I am in love with red lipstick. It's not a look I wear everyday but I wear it when I want to look a bit more glam or if I am going out. I have since bought a lot of red lipsticks but my favourite one by far is the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life, find out more HERE.

Rimmel Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life

I love the colour of this lipstick, it is my perfect red, I also prefer matte lipsticks at the moment but if I do want a more shiny, glossy look I can just add some clear gloss over the top, this doesn't compromise the colour at all.

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life

The packaging is nice, just standard as far as lipsticks go and the mechanism works well. I also love the little Kate signature on the lid of this lipstick, it just gives it a little something.

Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life

I absolutely love this lipstick, it is my favourite colour and lipstick I have every tried, I actually love this whole range of the Kate Matte lipsticks by Rimmel, they apply so beautifully and last really well, obviously if your eat the inner part of your lips will face but just re apply and your sorted. I bought this for just £5.49 in Superdrug which is an amazing price and it will last me for ages and considering the great price this has to be one of the best lipsticks out there in my opinion, what are your favourite lipsticks?

Juicy Couture: Viva La Juicy La Fleur

My new favourite perfume is the Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur, I got this for my birthday and I am in love with this fragrance. I have tried Juicy Couture perfumes in the past and I also currently own Couture La La. As you would imagine, this fragrance has a floral scent but it is sweet at the same time without being sickening.

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur

How gorgeous is the packaging? Like all of the Juicy Couture fragrances it has little charms and a big bow with a big glass lid. I love the style of Juicy Couture products and I think the style comes across in their fragrances as well, they are fresh, fun and youthful.

Cute bow and charms, typical Juicy Couture style

I have tried a lot of perfume and I seem to go through it really quickly so I'm always buying new fragrances and I haven't found one that I have stuck to but maybe this one is it, I think I will always have a bottle of this on my dresser.

I love the bottle and the floral pattern that shines through on the other side of the bottle