Favourite Brushes

So I've got a new brush set up going on (innit dreamy?) and I figured I would walk you through some of my favourite brushes! The brands I mostly use are Sigma, Mac, and elf. But I'm definitely looking to get some from other brands so let me know which brushes you love!

I've been on a BeautyBlender kick for a loooong time, but recently I've been back into my Sigma F84 Angled Kabuki brush for foundation. Since school has started back I find it much quicker to just blend this all over my face at warp speed and wah lah! Foundation done. As far as powder brushes go, I generally use either the Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush for all over my face or the elf Blush Brush for more controlled application. For bronzer I love the Sigma F40 Large Angled Contour Brush and for highlight the elf Small Tapered Brush is absolutely perfect! I haven't actually contoured in a while (I'm lazy) but when I do, I use the MAC 109!

As far as eye brushes, I have an embarrassing amount. I probably use the MAC 217 the most, I own three oops. It's perfect for blending, but also small enough to do some tighter shading in the crease. I'm also a hug fan of the elf Flawless Concealer Brush for blending the outer edges on shadow as it's so fluffy! The Sigma E30 Pencil Brush is excellent for using on the lower lashline and more controlled application in the crease. A new love I've recently found is the MAC 212 Flat Definer Brush, this is SO amazing for applying shadows to the upper waterline and into the lashes as it's so narrow. For brows, nothing can beat the MAC 263 Small Angled Brush. It is super duper fine and you can get very precise, controlled lines with it while still looking natural.

Right, I think those are all of my absolute favourite brushes! Although looking at the elf site has me thinking I may need to pick some more up! Also, any brush brands I need to look at?
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August Favourites

This month, my favourites have mostly been products that I've already prattled on about in other posts, so I'm going to keep this a wee bit short (or try to). We all know by now that I'be been quite into a really simple look recently (although I've been going more hard in the paint this week, post to come soon) so here are the products I've been reaching for!

I've already done a post about the Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer here, but recently I've found that it mixes with slightly fuller coverage bases BEAUTIFULLY. My favourite combo has been with the Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet, can you say naturally beautiful skin? I mean this combo seriously looks like I've just got a bit of moisturizer on, it's fab. Speaking of moisturizer, I've been loving my good ol' Glossier Priming Moisturizer in the mornings as it's the perfect base for my makeup. It really plumps up the skin and makes it look healthy, and having started classes back up I definitely need that. I've also been loving the Fresh Beauty Lotus Youth Preserve Face Cream at night as it's super light and skinks in quickly, but leaves my skin feeling really hydrated. It is hot as hades down in the south this time of year, so I'm having to give heavier night creams a miss. This is a trial size but I'm definitely going to pick up the full once I'm done!

Another love this month from Glossier is the Stretch Concealer. Rather than highlighting with concealer, I've been all about an even skin tone. So, I use this under my eyes as well as on any redness in my face. This formula is beautiful and really melts into the skin. I definitely need to set it under my eyes in this heat, but it's very comfortable to wear. As far as eyes go I've been keeping it light, swiping an easy shadow all over my lid. But for a bit of drama, I've been smudging the MAC Dipdown Fluidline into my upper lash line. This really defines the eyes without being too harsh! I finally found my beloved Glossier Generation G in 'Like' rattling around the bottom of my bookbag, and I haven't put it down since! The perfect my lips but better pink in a super-easy formula, love!

Lastly, I've been obsessed with my white walls. I painted them a little while ago and have posted some pictures on my Instagram, but I don't think I've put any up here. I also found this beaut of a mirror at Target (West Elm copy or nah?) and am in love!

What have you guys been loving this month? x 

Makeup Medley No. 2

I've been making a conscientious effort to reach for different products every day and not fall into another makeup rut, but there are a few things I've been using on a regular basis recently. So, I thought I'd do another Makeup Medley post!

I've had the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet for quite a while and go through phases of absolutely adoring it and never using it (not sure why as it's a lovely foundation). Recently, I've been mixing this in with lighter bases (ie tinted moisturizers) to add some more coverage whilst still looking super natural. I have a problem with concealers and literally own about six of the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in varying shades or the corrector version. Lately I've been using this under my eyes to really cover. It also works a treat on blemishes (I have one that I solely use for blemishes because ew, germs) since it's so creamy! The gorgeous NARS Isolde Duo is fairly new to my collection but with two beautiful warm golds, I've been finding it hard to use anything else.

I FINALLY found my Glossier Generation G in Like, I was really on the verge of ordering another one. It's a gorgeous my lips but better sheer pink and this formula is dreamy. In a turn of events, I've actually been wearing colour on my nails (shocking!). Obviously, I'm all about Essie, see my recent post. I've been alternating between Shall We Chalet? and Saltwater Happy. Both are beauts and super easy to apply, but for some reason Shall We Chalet? is a bitch to get off. Not because it stains or anything, but the pigment gets all over your fingers! It's so weird, it like slides off the nail onto your skin. I don't really know how to describe it, but worth the hassle for such a pretty red!

That's what I've been reaching for lately, what have you been using? Anything I need to save my pennies for?
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My Essie Collection

I reorganized my nail polish drawer the other day and realized I have several Essie polishes. Oops. It's one of my favourite formulas, so I thought I would share my collection with you guys! I also have a pretty long wishlist stacking up, so I'm always adding on! I love these because the brush size is just perfect, and they're generally really pigmented and require only two coats. I'm also a big fan of their nail treatments and such too, I have a separate post on those here. Into the colours!

Fill the Gap: A ridge filling base coat with keratin to help strengthen nails (love!)

Millionails: Nail strengthener with iron and amino acids (I wrote about this one in the post, it works like a charm!)

Birthday Suit: Described as a delicate nude, I think it leans more pink and is very, very sheer.

Wrap Me Up: This one is a cashmere matte in a nude-pink colour, I usually wear this with a shiny top coat.

Fiji: The classic baby pink, the only one I struggle with in terms of formula.

Topless & Barefoot: My absolute faaaave, I've bought this several times. A gorgeous soft beigey pink.

Ladylike: Another favourite, this one is a 'soft' mauve.

Chinchilly: So I really love greigey colours, this one is a 'granite' grey. Very chic.

Turquoise & Caicos: This is one of the first I ever bought, and probably needs replacing. A beautiful greeny-blue aqua.

Da Bush: This is one of those funky colours that's so ugly it's pretty, a pale creamy green that's apparently called 'celadon' (sounds like a dinosaur to me).

Vested Interest: I thought this might be an ugly-pretty when I bought it but it's actually just a BEAUTIFUL greyish-teal. Like, so beautiful I might tear up. Dramatic, but people always always ask me what this is.

Find Me an Oasis: Probably my favourite non-neutral, a super pale pale icy blue. The formula of this is an absolute dream which is rare for a colour like this (trust me, I've tried them all).

Saltwater Happy: Another gorg blue, this one is more of a pale cornflower blue.

Coat Azure: I've clearly developed a taste for blue nails, this is a very pretty medium blue with silver shimmer.

Truth or Flare: This is called a 'vintage blue denim,' it's grey undertone does make it look fairly denim-y!

Grow Stronger: Another lovely treatment, this one dried very glossy.

Fishnet Stockings: A dark cream red (but not super dark).

Shall We Chalet?: A brighter, classic red. Looks a bit darker on the nails.

Toggle to the Top: Magical sparkles that look like crushed rubies and garnets.

Those are all of my Essie babes! I did chuck quite a few because they were getting really old, what are your favourites so that I can replace them? Hehe

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Everyday Staples

I do a LOT of "edit" posts, or favourites in which I talk about what I'm loving lately; but, I've realized that I rarely talk about the products that I use on a daily basis. These are the things that I repurchase on a regular basis and are often featured in my "today's makeup" posts on instagram with little comment. So today I'm giving these quiet stars the limelight!

Glossier's Priming Moisturizer is one of my absolute favourites to use under makeup (in fact is all I ever really use in the day time). This lil gem really plumps up the skin, making it moisturized without being greasy. It almost leaves a satiny finish to the skin. It's got hyaluronic acid in it, which is super hydrating as well as honey and tea to help with redness. It also has an oxygenating agent (ooo, science) which helps improve skin's texture! I do wish it contained an SPF so I didn't have to layer another product, but I can't complain too much, eh? We all know that I constantly sing the praises of the Glossier Balm Dot Com because it is seriously the best lip balm/skin saviour I have ever used. Ever. It's super hydrating and really dense so it locks moisture in. If you want 20% off of your first order, you can use my link here! (Or if you'd rather not, the individual product links are not affiliate ones)

I think pretty much everyone loves the Too Faced HangoveRx Primer, and I do too (obvs)! I absolutely abhor silicone primers, I can't stand the feeling of them on my face (and I'm also not convinced that they aren't bad for your skin). Anywho, this one is silicone-free, yay and contains coconut water and probiotics to help your skin. I don't know if this has helped improve my skin as I've been using a lot of other products, but I definitely love it especially in conjunction with the priming moisturizer. My go-to concealer, and probably one of the only actual makeup products I've frequently repurchased, is the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer. I don't really know how to describe to you how amazing this is. It's called weightless for a reason, because it doesn't feel at ALL heavy (or like I'm wearing anything really). The coverage though, it's astonishing. It's packed with pigment, and has a satin-matte finish meaning it's long wearing but doesn't look fake. Also, the applicator is an absolute dream. I'm a huge fan of Bobbi Brown's Bronzers, and kind of own an embarrassing amount. The formula is beautiful and adds a nice, life-like amount of colour that lasts and lasts. I've also recently been loving the elf Bronzing Palette (and so cheap!).

Everyone and their mother uses Anastasia brow products, but they truly are the greatest. I love the DipBrow and Brow Wiz equally, and generally use them together everyday. I'm currently using the shade Medium Brown in both, but also sometimes use the DipBrow in Chocolate on the tail of my brow. The DipBrow does have a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it you can create both natural-looking brows and super dramatic ones. I use the Brow Wiz to sharpen the edges of my brows, but also use it to fill them in on lazy or light makeup days.

Those are my beloved, everyday products. What things do you guys use on a daily basis? Or do you tend to rotate a lot?
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An Origins Update

I've been using these two for about two months now, so rather than include an update in my August favourites I thought I'd do an update post. Since starting using my Clarisonic again, my skin was going through that awful purging period. I did have a few active breakouts, but mostly those nasty little under the skin bumps. I was also getting scarring from the acne I did get.

Products with acne medication in them have never really worked for me, so I picked up the Origins Original Skin Serum and the High-Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil (first impressions here). Both of these products are used to help improve skin's texture and tone. The Original Skin Serum is formulated with Willowherb, and targeted at women in their twenties and thirties. I think that those of us in that age group fall into an awkward category where we don't have acne-prone teenage skin nor wrinkle-prone mature skin. This line is great because it really does help fight the dullness that's been apparent in my skin. It's been incredibly brightening, and also surprisingly smoothing. I also love using it during the day (I use it at night as well) because it somehow calms down any redness I have. I'm honestly amazed by how much of a difference I've physically seen using this product!

Alright, now I need to sing the praises of the Night-A-Mins Oil, because I think that this is what has been fading my dark spots and improving my skin's texture. This does have salicylic acid in it, which surprised me since my skin usually doesn't react well to that. But in combination with the plant-based ingredients it's worked wonders! Since skin's metabolic rate is highest during the night, this oil works to improve that, helping to remove dead surface cells and revealing fresh, smooth skin. If you have reservations about putting oil on your skin don't worry, this sinks in really fast and I have no residue on my skin in the morning. The packaging is definitely a pain in the ass, but I think any other packaging for an oil would be equally annoying so c'est la vie.

I definitely think these two have gotten my skin to an amazing place and I'm really pleased with the results! Definitely staples in my routine from now on. Have you guys found any perfect skin treats recently?
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MAC Lipstick Collection

I realized quite recently that I've somehow acquired a large amount of MAC lipsticks. I also hardly use most of them, so in an effort to shop my stash I thought I would write about them. Now, this artsy fartsy photograph is going to be quite hard to navigate so listen up; I'm starting with the gold tube at the bottom and going up to the left, winding back down at the Viva Glam (red bullet), and then winding back up to the one with the square base. Got it? Good.

Mellow Mood (Lustre) is a light sheer pink that was a part of the Tartan Tale collection way back when. Yes, this lipstick is six years old people. But it's too pretty to throw away. So there.

Profusion (Amplified) is a pinky rose that I literally never ever wear anymore. It was, however, the very first lipstick I bought at the CCS I now work at! I can't part with it (read: I am a hoarder).

Russian Red (Matte) is my favourite bright red. It's a much darker, still blue toned version of Ruby Woo and much, much more comfortable to wear.

Whirl (Matte) is one of those that I talked about in my Favourite MAC Lipsticks post. It's a medium to dark rosy brown that is surprisingly flattering on pretty much everyone.

Angel (Frost) used to be MAC's most bought lipstick back in the day. It's a light warm pink that Kim K used to swear by, which is probably why my teenage self bought it. It is a lovely colour, just not particularly my style anymore.

Viva Glam Gaga (Lustre) is probably the most shocking in my collection. Why I bought myself a bright-ass pink, I will never remember, but I did wear it a lot.

Myth (Satin) was the very first MAC lipstick I ever bought. We were in the airport and I went into the MAC store all by myself and spent $11 on a lipstick (Yes, they used to be ELEVEN dollars). I used to pile this one on and went around with very unflattering far too nude lips. I now use it with a lipliner and somewhat pull it off. This is one that I've actually repurchased! Although I still have the eleven-year old tube somewhere (cringe).

Blankety (Amplified) is another one that I talked about it my favourites. It's a warm nude, and has quickly become one of my everyday lipsticks.

Honeylove (Matte) I curse my friend for allowing me to buy this, it looked like a nice matte nude. However on me, it's basically orange. Sometimes I'll wear it patted over a lip liner, but if you're quite fair beware.

Velvet Teddy (Matte) is probably MAC's new highest selling lipstick (those damn Kardashian-Jenners). It's a cool toned browny-beige.

Yash (Matte) is pretty similar to Velvet Teddy if you can't get your hands on it. Just a tad warmer, but would probably read neutral on people who aren't as pale as me.

Sin (Matte) might be my favourite lipstick of all time. The most flattering dark burgundy the world has ever seen, and it's cool tones make your teeth look white. I would wear this every day if I could be bothered.

Syrup (Lustre) is a neutral pink with a really pretty almost pearly sheen. I like wearing this one with really bronzey eyes, lovely!

Viva Glam Gaga II (Amplified) is a light warm beige that is also probably way too nude for me. I've never worn it, in fact it was still in it's box. No idea why, so I'm glad to have gotten it out!

Woodrose (Lustre) was a part of the Proenza Schouler collection and is a light pinky beige. I should've featured this in my Easy Lipstick Edit as it's another one that I put on and don't worry about!

What are your favourite MAC lipsticks? Any I neeeeed to pick up?
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The Blush Edit

If you know me, then you know I'm not really a blush person. However, recently I've been much more into giving my pale pale face some colour. So I thought I'd talk you through my favourite blushes (they're all quite similar aren't they?)!

Firstly we'll talk about the one that's not there, NARS Impassioned. Apparently, you can only buy this from the NARS website now, which is annoyingly why I haven't repurchased. Anyway, it's a beautiful light neutral-pink in a satiny-matte finish. NARS blushers are probably my favourite formula as they're so smooth. Right, let's work upwards shall we? Next is the H&M Beauty Blush in Cameo Pink. This one is sold out at the mo, but it's a lovely neutral pink (already pickin up on the theme?) This one has a fairly satiny finish, and leaves a beautiful sheen. Also, the packaging is gorgeous! Although it won't be winning any categories in feeling nice, it looks a beaut. Bobbi Brown's Desert Pink is probably one of my favourite ever colours. Another neutral-pink (shocking) it's one of those 'dusty' shades that is really flattering for everyone. I also particularly like using Bobbi Brown's Tawny Brown Bronzer as a duo bronzer and blush when I'm feeling lazy.

Tarte's Dollface (this is a travel sized version) is a fairly cool-toned pink, much brighter than I usually use but I love it! The formula of the Amazonian Clay blushes is dreamy. MAC's Blushbaby is an oldie but a goodie, a beige-pink in the Sheertone formula. This is actually quite pigmented despite the formula name, and really long wearing! Last but not least is Sleek's Blush in Suede. I think Sleek's blushes are quite underrated, they have lovely colours and a really really great formula. Suede is a very neutral slightly pink toned tawny brown, ignore the picture it's a terrible representation. This is a great blush for particularly colourful looks that isn't too overwhelming.

What are your favourite blushes? I think I need to add some new ones!
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Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer

In case you haven't noticed (I really don't know how, I won't shut up about it), I'm all about skincare recently. This means that I've been much more into lightweight bases that even out my skin instead of covering it up. Enter the Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Tinted Moisturizer, the perfect no makeup base. Bobbi describes this as, 'The ultimate nude look—this lightweight, creamy moisturizer invisibly covers redness and unevenness as it infuses skin with refreshing, sustained hydration. Skin looks like skin, but softer, smoother and naturally radiant.' This has quite a lot of mixed reviews as I think people (for whatever reason) expect to have more coverage. This is definitely just a tint, it helps to even out redness and discolouration, but it's not a foundation.

I bloody love it. It's replaced my NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint as my everyday base and my skin has never looked better. I say that every time I review a new base, but it's true people! Despite my new love of skincare, the bottom half of my face has been going through the dreaded Clarisonic purge. Along with these breakouts, I also have some old acne scarring. This obviously doesn't cover these at all, but it does even them out a bit and then I go back in and spot conceal. My favourite thing about this is that it isn't overly dewy like a lot of tinted moisturizers and it almost sets down. It's definitely not a matte finish, but it does really look like skin. It's also quite hydrating and leaves my skin looking plump. If you're quite oily I might stay away from this. As an added bonus, it contains SPF 15. It's not as high as some of Bobbi's other products but better than nothing!

This is definitely a 'my skin but better' type of product, and I am loving it! Have you guys tried this or anything similar?

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The Easy Lipstick Edit

The 'Easy Eyeshadow Edit' went over quite well, so I thought I would do the same with lipsticks today! Working extra long hours in the summer means that I can't be bothered to keep up with a lipstick (most days) so these are the ones that I can put on and not have to worry about for the rest of the day.

The ultimate 'no-hassle' lip product is, of course, a lip balm. My all time favourite is the Glossier Balm Dot Com, which is a multi-purpose skin salve that I mostly use on my lips and cuticles. I keep one of these suckers in my makeup drawer and one in my purse because I cannot get enough. In fact, I think I'm going to order a backup because I can't live without it. I was quite skeptical after all of they hype, but it's true people. This stuff is the bomb. If I want a bit more of a glossy look I'll use the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. This is a bit more slippy and less thick than Glossier's offering, so it has more of a glossy finish! Just as moisturizing, but because it's not as thick not quite as long wearing (but it's a lip balm so just slap some more on, duh).

Back to a bit of Glossier, I really, really love the Generation G Lipsticks. These are a sheer matte lip tint that looks like those 'popsicle-stained' pouts in the magazines. I like these because they have a matte finish but wear like a lip balm, so they aren't uncomfortable. They also fade beautifully so I generally don't even bother reapplying. I have the shades Jam, Cake, and Like. I seem to have lost Like, which is a bummer because it was my favourite. Looks like a Glossier order is in my future. I've long been on the hunt for the perfect nude, and I found it in the NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Flawless. I typically find nude lipsticks to lean too orange or pink on me, but this one has an almost greyed-beige undertone that I love. The High Voltage lipsticks are a cream formula, so I'm still looking for my perfect matte but I do love this formula. It is super super pigmented, and actually lasts a really long time before starting to fade nicely.

A newer addition is the Clinique Beige Pop Lip Colour, which is a pinky nude. These are the ones that have primer added in, I don't really find that these last much longer than a typical cream lipstick but they do fade nicely (see a theme here?). I probably wouldn't go for the brighter colours in this range, but I am excited to try out the new matte pops! My tried and true MAC lippies are some of my favourites, in fact I have a post about them here so I won't waffle on. These shades are Whirl, Syrup, and Blankety. Blankety is definitely my favourite everyday lipstick. I also really love the Lip Pencil in Have to Have It (this seems to have been discontinued, boo, but Subculture in quite close!) as it's quite close to my natural lip colour and I can even out the shape of my lips without looking like I'm wearing anything!

So, clearly, my idea of and easy lipstick is something that fades well and I don't really need to reapply. What are you favourite everyday lipsticks?
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New in Skin: Origins Night-A-Mins Oil

As you can probably tell I've been a bit obsessed with skincare recently. I've been having quite a few breakouts, which is quite unusual for me so I've tried to find some products that will help me. I picked up the Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins Skin Refining Oil (mouthful, eh?), and have been trying it out for a few weeks. Skincare is definitely something you have to use for a while to figure out if it's working, but I thought I would share my first impressions with you!

This is meant to be an overnight resurfacing oil to help hydrate, smooth, and brighten your skin. My skin hasn't been overly dry recently, but I have had a few patches and those annoying little bumps under the skin so I thought this would be perfect! I was quite worried about using an oil on my skin as I do have an oily t-zone, but I didn't have a problem and it sank in really nicely by the morning. I will say that I've noticed no difference in the actual spots on my face, but this is obviously not an acne treatment so I'm not surprised. I am surprised how much better the texture of the rest of my skin is. It's really smoothed out and has become much more even. My makeup goes on so much better (except for where these damn spots are) and I've really been wearing little to no foundation recently! I'm going to keep using this and hope to see the same results, I'll keep you updated in my favourites posts later!

Have you guys tried any facial oils? Also, what do you use to get rid of pesky spots?
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Contour and Highlight Using Inglot Eyeshadows?

I've been doing this for years and I'm not really sure why I never posted about it, except for maybe when I originally built this palette. As a fair skinned gal, it's pretty difficult to find contour shades that aren't muddy or orange and highlight shades that are light enough. It's slightly easier now than a few years ago, but generally quite expensive. I've been contouring with eyeshadows for quite a long time because I always think a taupey-brown looks like a real shadow rather than an obvious contour.

So, when I went to New York a few years ago I was determined to find my perfect contour shade among the millions of eyeshadows available at Inglot. I'd used Inglot eyeshadows before (that I ordered from Beautylish) and knew I loved the formula so I was excited to get some more. I built this palette, but these two shades are definitely my most used. Inglot shadows run at $7 a piece (a bloody bargain considering you get .09 oz per pan) and you can completely customise your palettes. The contour shade that I use is Matte 360, a cool taupey brown. This is perfect for contouring if you have quite pale skin but also a gorgeous crease colour! The highlight is the stuff of dreams, Pearl 395 is a golden-peach with a super high white sheen that really really pops. I love using these shadows on my skin as they are very finely milled and look really smooth. Sometimes face products can tend to skip or look patchy, but because these are so pigmented that never happens. A bit unconventional? Perhaps, but I definitely recommend trying it out even if you only use them as shadows!

What unconventional ways do you guys use beauty products? I'm curious to know if you have any tips or tricks!
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Nail Bits and Bobs

I went through a period of dry, peeling nails but I've finally gotten them back to normal so I thought I'd talk you through how I take care of them!

I'm a huge fan of Essie (can you tell?) and I really really like their base coats and treatments. I went through an entire bottle of the Grow Stronger Base Coat and recently finished up the Millionails Treatment. I don't know if you've ever looked at your nails head on, but if they are fairly flat then they are quite weak. Mine were flat at flimsy, but I used the Grow Stronger Base Coat every time I painted my nails and could actually feel them getting stronger. I used this about a year ago, and then switched to a regular base coat and my nails definitely got weak again. I decided to try the Millionails Treatment this time around and it worked wonders. Rather than being peely my nails had been splitting, and this is supposed to really help with that. It contains Kevlar (yes, bullet proof vest kevlar, crazy!), iron, and amino acids to help strengthen. Now that my nails are healthy, I've been using the Fill the Gap Base Coat because it provides a super-smooth finish. I also LOVE that this dries matte. I'm not a huge fan of wearing nail treatments alone when they are shiny, but because this is matte it looks great!

Right, now onto actual manicure products! I'm kind of insane about my cuticles looking nice as they grow so fast! I am always cutting them back. A lot of people say to not cut your cuticles, but I just cut the excess growth rather than cutting all the way to my nail beds. The Sally Hansen Instant Cuticle Remover is a product I've been using for years. It's super easy to remove excess skin and doesn't dry out my nails. I tend to buy cuticle clippers at Marshall's or TJ Maxx because they are cheap and I replace them super often so that they stay sharp. Keeping your nail beds hydrated is also super important for healthy nails (and avoiding awful hangnails), I'm always rubbing oils into them. I really love the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil, but recently I've been obsessed with the Butter London Handbag Holiday Cuticle Oil (which it seems you can't buy in the US anymore?). I found mine at TJ Maxx for a bargain! I also stock up on glass or crystal files here as they are much finer and better for your nails! Those rough grit emory boards can actually separate the layers of the nail plate and cause cracking or splitting.

As far as actual polishes go, I have a million different brands but definitely a few favourites. I love Essie's polishes along with their treatments as I find the formula really fluid and easy to use. The brush is also perfect. I like Formula X's colour range, and Monumental is my perfect nude. I will say that these ones get thick and gloopy kind of quickly which is quite annoying for the price. Barry M are some of my favourites and super inexpensive! For topcoat I usually stick to the Sally Hansen Mega Shine and I always use my trusty OPI Drying Drops.

Phew! That was a long one! What nail products do you guys use?
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The Easy Eyeshadow Edit

I've been quite lazy with my eyeshadow recently and focusing more on my base, so I thought I'd show you my favourite 'one-sweep' eyeshadows (calling all lazy girls!). As you can tell I stick mostly to the taupey-bronzey variety, so prepare yourself for me attempting to describe them differently.

Recently I've been swiping the NARS Hardwired Eyeshadow in Stud (post here) all over my lids because it's just so damn beautiful. Sephora describes this as a 'soft pewter bronze', but I definitely think it's more pewter than bronze. Either way, it's absolutely gorg! More on the actually bronzey side is Bobbi Brown's Burnt Sugar Eyeshadow. I don't think Bobbi's eyeshadows get enough credit. Not only are they beautifully formulated, you also get huge .09oz pans that can be (VERY easily) switched around and put it different palettes. I LOVE. Anyway, Burnt Sugar is a 'deep golden brown' that can be quite pigmented and intense, but a light wash looks really lovely. Another favourite from Bobbi is Malted, which is apparently no longer available (I almost cried). I think the most similar from Bobbi is Antique Rose or Cement, but it's quite similar to Urban Decay's Naked.

MAC's Tempting Eyeshadow is fairly similar to Burnt Sugar, but it pulls a bit more gold on me. This one is a lustre, so it's a wee bit difficult to work with but I love it just blended out over the lids rather than packed on. Cream shadows are the best for lazy girls, and elf's Smudge Pot in Cruisin' Chic is one of the easiest. These are a gel based formula so they glide right over the eyes and are a dream to blend out. I've only tried this taupey colour but for $3, I'm eyeing up some other shades. If you have super oily lids I would definitely use a primer and maybe set with a translucent powder, these are super creamy. I've talked about H&M's Shiitake Eyeshadow multiple times before, but it really is the perfect easy shadow. It can be packed on for a metallic finish or swept on with a MAC 217 for a bit of sparkle.

I generally use MAC's Pro Longwear Paint Pots as eyeshadow primers, but if I'm feeling really lazy I'll just swipe one of these all over my lids and call it a day. I do own several of the more 'colourful' aka bronze and shimmery shades, but these two are my favourite as they're similar to my skin tone. I use Soft Ochre the most by far as my skin is quite yellow, but if you have more neutral or pink undertones you'll love Painterly.

What shadows do you guys love for lazy days? Let me know so I can add to my collection, hehe
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Makeup Medley No. 01

Recently I've been reaching for the same products every day and doing quite a quick makeup, so I thought I would show you what I'm into at the minute. I think because I've been so into skincare, I've been quite lazy with my makeup and focusing on making my skin look nice than hassling with eyeshadow, etc.

I bought the NARS Velvet Matte Skin Tint back in February (?) on the day it released and did like it, but then I sort of forgot about it. My skin was a bit dry back then and I think I wasn't in love with how it made my skin look. Recently, I've been using it with the Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer (which I'm about to run out of, sad) and I am in LOVE. Despite being a 'skin tint' this is more of a foundation product, but I've been applying it with a brush on top of my super hydrated skin and it's gone on super smoothly whilst still looking like skin. I think previously I was using a beautyblender, and maybe I'll try it again, but I find smoothing it on with a kabuki brush leaves a gorgeous finish.

Since the skin tint is sort of a satiny finish, I've been leaving it mostly un-powdered. But to combat a bit of oil, I've been back into the classic MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural brushed over my t-zone, pressed around my nose, and used to set my undereye concealer. This leaves my skin looking natural (obvs) but not overly oily. Dreamy! Speaking of dreamy, when we got the Tom Ford Moodlight Skin Illuminating Powder Duo in at work I think I actually drooled. The contains two beautiful highlighters, and I've actually been mostly using the bottom rose-gold colour to add a bit of a bronzey glow to my face. I generally stick to those icy white or gold highlighters, so this has been a nice change. Also, the formula of the bottom shade is absolutely gorgeous! The top shade is slightly harder and a wee bit less pigmented for some reason, but Temptalia says if you use it wet you can get a more metallic finish so I will have to try that.

To finish off the skin I've been wearing blush. Shock, horror! I literally never ever wear blush. My coworker (and bff) Janay put some on the other day at work and I got jealous and started wearing it too. I forgot how much a little bit of blush really makes you look alive, and considering I have a ridiculously full drawer of the stuff I've been wearing it again! This Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Oasis is absolutely beautiful (how many times can I say that in one post?). I'm super bummed because it apparently only comes in the skin squad set (which is an awesome deal anyway), but it's quite similar to the shade Exposed as far as I can tell! For eyes I'm being super lazy and just dabbing a bit of either of the NARS Kalahari shades on my lids. They're both some of my favourite shadows ever, and so multi-dimensional it looks like I made an effort!

What products have you been reaching for recently?
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Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque

I've been having fairly problem skin recently, which is pretty unusual for me. I'm hoping it's the dreaded "purge" that comes from starting and sticking to a proper skincare routine (and using a Clarisonic). But, I went on a hunt to find something that would help me clear up my skin. I've been really into Kiehl's as an entire brand, especially recently, and I've heard some great reviews about the Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque so I picked it up.

The Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque ($28) is a clay cleansing mask meant to 'purify skin' and 'visibly minimize pores.' I've never really spent a lot of money on face masks (except for the GlamGlow one I got at work) because I feel like I go through them so quickly. This guy, however, comes in a whopping 5oz tub so you're definitely getting a lot of bang for your buck. I've been applying a thin layer of this all of my face after cleansing, leaving it on until it's dry (but not too dry) and then rinsing it off or using a warm wash cloth to remove. I was a little shocked the first time I used this, as it really does clean out your pores. I've tried countless black head removal strips, etc. but nothing made my poor nose look as clean as this does. My skin looks very fresh and glowy immediately after use, instead of red and irritated. It's also one of the only clay masks I've used that doesn't make my skin feel dry after using! I've definitely noticed that my breakouts are going away faster and my pores look less obvious. Emphasis on the look, because as I've said before, pore size is genetically determined and nothing will actually minimize them.

Overall, I'm really loving how clean my skin looks and feels after using this. I've been using it around twice a week with no irritation, but if you have sensitive skin I'd probably only use it once a week. I've also read some reviews saying it's great to use as an overnight spot treatment, so I will be trying that next!

Have you guys tried this yet? What's your favourite Kiehl's product?
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