Product Wars: Bioderma vs L'oreal Skin Perfection Micellar Water

Bioderma has become quite a cult product in the beauty blogging world with everyone seemingly loving it.  I’m not going to lie I was quite sceptical at first.  I mean, it looks just like water and I didn’t see how it could be such a magical makeup remover.  However, after spotting it in a pharmacy in Covent Garden, I bought the travel version to see what all the hype was about.  After my first time using it I was hooked.  It removes waterproof mascara like nothing else I’ve tried and it doesn’t irritate my eyes or skin either – double bonus!

Get the Look: Clary Fray (The Mortal Instruments)

I'm a huge fan of the books and so I'm really excited for the release of the film.  Clary has quite an edgy look but it's also really easy to replicate using stuff you already have.  I've done a whole video on this look which you can checkout below, but if you prefer reading as opposed to watching then here's a written version too.

Leavers' Ball/Prom

I've just uploaded a video of 'Get Ready With Us: Leavers' Ball/Prom', however, there wasn't time to show all the products used.  So, here they are!  If you haven't seen the video, then check it out here:

The Great Gatsby Film Review and Makeup

I've been looking forward to seeing 'The Great Gatsby' for months as the release date kept getting pushed back.  Having studied the novel in English Literature, I was skeptical as to how the first person narration would work on the screen as well as getting across Fitzgerald's symbolic references.  I think Baz Luhrmann succeeded in doing this but like the rest of the film, this was done with a heavy hand.  From start to finish, the film is over-the-top and exuberant in its approach.  That is not to say it is a bad thing,  as the glittering party scenes are brought to life in a vivid, vibrant style of the 1920s.  However, the more somber exchanges regarding the Gatbsy - Daisy - Tom love triangle seem to fall a bit flat in comparison. It is as though Luhrmann's dazzling style is as stiffing as Mrytle's apartment, preventing the actors from just being able to act.

Nivea Express Hydration Primer Review

I've been hearing about this product from several bloggers recently so I decided to pick it up and try it for myself.  Nivea isn't a brand I buy many products from but I've been looking for a good primer and moisturizer and this combines both!

I like that it is available for two different skin types: Normal/Combination and Dry/Sensitive.  I have it in Normal/Combination and I'm really pleased with it.  An extra few minutes in bed each morning is always my priority, so having two products combined in one easy step is a big bonus in my books!

A Bite-free Vampire Transformation

If you haven't already seen my 'Bella Cullen Transformation Tutorial', then check it out below.  This post is just going to go over what products and clothes I used.

MUA Undressed Palette vs. Urban Decay Naked Palette

I've mentioned several times before how much I love my Urban Decay Naked Palette.  I got it last Christmas and it's been used pretty much everyday since.  However, I spotted MUA's Undressed Palette in Superdrug and thought it looked pretty similar....

After comparing them, the colours and almost identical and it's ideal dupe.  It's also just £4 whilst the Naked Palette retails for £36!

***I've just transferred everything across from my old blog, hence why my old blog address is on these photos - sorry!***

The Naked Palette has a velvet cover which everything sticks to!  The MUA palette is more practical but does feel cheaper and quite 'plasticy'.  However, the MUA palette does fit much better in my makeup bag so is a great size for travelling.

Barry M's 'Summer Ice Cream' Nail Varnish

Since I love my Barry M nail varnish in 'Mint Green', I went and bought another from the collection.  'Strawberry Ice Cream' is more of a summer colour but I'm a sucker for pink so got it anyway!

The polish applies really well and is a lovely, classic pink shade - I'd almost call it 'Barbie-pink!'.  I applied three coats but you could get away with just two.  The polish also lasted really well on my nails and looks really smooth and shiny!

Barry M Nail Paints retail for £2.99 and are available online as well as in Boots or Superdrug.

DIY Brush Holders

Makeup brushes can easily be left all over the place, especially if you're in a rush to get ready.  However, I've come up with a little DIY project to keep them all neat and tidy!

Organising Eyeshadow Quads/Mini Palettes

There came a time where I just had  to sort out my eyeshadow palettes.  I had lots of quads and mini palettes that came as part of a big set or just lots that had similar packaging.  As a result, I couldn't quickly work out which colours were in each so I ended up not reaching for them at all.

So, I decided to paint the top edge of each quad/palette with a corresponding nail varnish.  This way, it means I can tell which colours are where when they are all stacked up.

Purple nail varnish for these pretty lilac and mauve eyeshadows.

Gold nail varnish for my neutrals or metallics.

Here's the completed look!  It's much easier to find colours now and I'm reaching for these quads a lot more now!

Let me know if you have any good makeup organisation tips!

Let's Get this Color Show on the Road

Whilst I was in Canada I picked up a Maybelline Colour Show Nail Lacquer in 'Fierce n Tangy'.  I don't normally choose bright nail varnish (especially in yellow!) but this one was super cheap so I had to try it.

I applied two coats of the lacquer before finishing with my Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Topcoat.  I was really impressed with the opacity of this polish and the colour was really fun.  Yellow polishes are often never as they appear in the bottle so I was pleased that it was easy to achieve the same brightness as in the bottle.

The lacquer lasted really well on my nails for about a week before chipping.  I bought mine from Walmart for $2.97 so went I go back I will definitely pick up a few more colours!

Let me know if you've tried any polishes from this range :)

Feeling 'Passionate' about Lush's Liquid Lipsticks

LUSH's Liquid Lipsticks are part of their new 'Emotional Brilliance' range.  The idea is that you go in store, spin a colour wheel and pick out the colours that catch your attention.  These then correspond to different products in store.  I think the idea is a bit gimmicky but I loved the colour of this so had to try it out!