Review // YSL Touche Éclat Foundation

After lusting over the Le Teint YSL Touche Éclat foundation since it's release, I've finally got it. The idea of the foundation is that it highlights the contours of your face, and acts as the sister to the infamous Touche Éclat.

 Can we just take a minute to appreciate the beauty of this packaging? The weighty glass bottle feels extremely expensive, and while this may seem impractical for travel, it's too beautiful to actually care. In addition, it comes with a pump which regulates how much of the foundation you use; I find only one pump is necessary for my whole face. 

My skin has been varying between oily and dry/combination recently due to spot treatments giving me a better position to judge how well the foundation is suited for various skin types. The great thing about this foundation on dry skin is that after applying moisturiser this will not cling to any dry patches and emphasise them. For those with oily skin, I have found that when using this foundation powder is vital as this will ensure it lasts throughout the day. Another point to note is that after applying the skin does tend to feel a bit wet, taking a while to sink in. After trialing a variety of techniques for application I find that using a buffing brush like the Zoeva Silk Finish (pictured( is the best at combating this problem, as it really works the foundation into the skin. 

Another distinctive element to take into account before letting go of your pennies on the £29foundation is that while applying it does have a strong scent, which may not appeal to many as well as possibly being an irritant on some. This, in my opinion is a pleasant fresh scent and while I have sensitive skin this foundation has not broken me out at all in the two months I have been wearing it. The average wearing time would be around 7 hours. The foundation never looks cakey and always look natural and glowing while not looking overly dewy. I would gladly repurchase the Le Teint Touche Éclat foundation when it runs out despite the hefty price tag as I feel it is most definitely worth it. 

Mac See Sheer Lipstick

 After constantly failing to find the perfect lipstick in MAC for me, I acquired inspiration from Essie Button's "Top 5 Mac Lipsticks" video. I had been wanting to buy a coral lipstick this summer, and I think I have found the perfect one for me. See Sheer has a lustre formula, which is in fact my favourite out of the many Mac formulas. For one, they are sheer and therefore easy to wear in the day, and secondly they glide smoothly over the lips whilst not emphasising any dry patches. See Sheer lasts around 3 hours on my lips before needing to reapply. The colour is described as a "grapefruit pink" according to Mac, it's a perfect summer colour but I don't imagine I will be getting much wear out of it this winter!

Top Picks // Eyeliners

Hi everyone today's post is going to be a wild venture into the world of eyeliner. We have chosen a product to represent each form -- liquid, gel, kohl and felt tip.

Our choice for liquid liner has to be the L'oreal Super Liner for its easy and precise application due to the felt tip-esque nib. Furthermore, the lasting power is incredible and it won't let you down, even in the hot summer months. Personally, liquid liners are my favourite as they are quick and easy to use plus they are highly unlikely to dry out.

Our preference for gel liner is the Maybelline Eye Studio Liner as it doesn't move in the slightest throughout the day and gives a perfect, very black cat eye in a few flicks of the decent brush provided. In terms of comparison with the sleek ink pot, this one is still the great creamy texture it was when I first bought it, unlike my sleek liner which has turned into a crumbly mess. (For more information on the Maybelline liner, I have spoken of it in greater detail over in my July favourites)

I think kohl liner is probably the first piece of makeup most start with. I really like the Topshop kohl liners as they glide on easily and wear well without being completely gone by the end of the day, as I have found with many other high street brands. They are very reasonably priced and an assortment of colours are available. 

Felt tip liners, such as the L'oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim, seem ideal for an easy method of getting the classic and iconic cat eye. However, I would not recommend them as they are quick to dry out at the tip and become practically unusable. If you were interested in felt tip liners, we would definitely recommend you to check out the 'dip liners' like the super liner mentioned above. 

What is your favourite liner? What form do you prefer?

x

July Favourites

It's not often that I accrue enough products that I'm loving to dedicate a whole post to my monthly favourites however July has brought me many a fave so without further ado, here are my July favourites. 

The Caudalie Divine Oil has been a saviour for me in recent weeks. As the sun has come out, so have my legs and they have been in desperate need of some TLC. The divine oil provide the perfect finishing touch after the whole leg prep ritual and as it soaks in so quickly, you're ready to walk out the door and strut your stuff almost straight away with super smooth legs that look moisturised but not greasy. 

At the end of June, 29th to be precise, it was my birthday!! I received an iPad Mini and haven't been able to get off it, my laptop has almost become obsolete! It's so handy to browse the web (or drool over things I'll probably never get *sighs*), write up blogposts, play games, watch films, read books, etc!!!! It's perfect for everything and is such a handy size, you can just chuck it in your bag and off you trot. 

I find that makeup is definitely one to be kept to a minimum in summer, especially around the eyes and I just look for the more bright and awake look. When I do decide to be slightly wild, I go for the classic winged liner. The Maybelline gel liner is perfect as it is easy to apply and doesn't budge. At. All. It's staying power is amazing however I do find this to be a bit of a pain when it gets to the end of the day because it is pretty adamant in not leaving when it comes to makeup removal, I have found the oil based eye make up removals work best. 

M x

Stila Convertible colour trio in"cool" 

To add a healthy glow to my face this summer I have been reaching for this handy trio of cream blushes. I have got the most use out of the darkest shade, Peony, because I find that if paired with bronzer, it can give a "I've been in the sun all day, look how fab I am" look. Cherry blossom is a really pretty baby pink which has been another favourite. 

Nars tinted moisturiser in Alaska

I was really disappointed in January when the MUA in Space NK gave me a colour too dark for my skin tone. Now it is summer and I have a bit of a tan, to my delight I have been able to use this product. This gives you a good amount of coverage, as well as being comfortable to wear in the summer. This also proves to give a glow and radiance to the skin. 

I bought the Laura Mercier baked bronzer after I finished my beloved Nars Laguna bronzer. This bronzer is completely matte, and quite sheer so it would be ideal for paler skin tones. However, you can build it up as well to give the desired look. I have been using this everyday over the high points of my face, paired with my stila cream blush Peony to fake a sun kissed look. 

L x

Review // Barry M Gelly Nail Polishes

The Barry M gelly nail varnishes have taken the good ol' blogosphere by storm and for good reason. With their hi-shine, glossy finishes, gorgeous shade selection and affordable prices, you really can't go wrong with these. Between us, we currently own greenberry - a lovely bright greeny-blue, perfect with a tan; papaya - a colour that leans more towards the orange side of coral; blueberry - a perfect pale blue, if you're looking for an on trend hit of pastel blue - this is it; grapefruit - a bright, girly, warm toned pink; and plum - a dark purple, great for the autumn or winter months!

(From L-R) Greenberry; Papaya; Blueberry; Grapefruit; Plum

The formula is quite thick in consistency and doesn't chip for at least 3 days, which, for me, is an achievement! I'd expect these to last for a longer length of time for someone less clumsy etc..

The brush is the same as the regular Barry M nail varnishes - does it's job but is nothing special. It provides you with the right amount of polish, which is then easily spread.

You can easily get away with one slightly thicker coat however I prefer to use two thinner coats as it's easier to control and direct the nail varnish and therefore leaving you with neater nails.

A topcoat isn't particularly necessary due to the glossiness of the polish already however it can increase its longevity and for those of you that desire extra shiny nails then I would definitely recommend trying one out!

What are you favourites/ have you got your eye on any?

The Barry M Gelly Nail Polishes cost £3.99 each although they are currently available in a 2 for £6 promotion at Superdrug.

Laura Mercier's Peach Whisper

A few months ago, I wanted to expand my blush collection with a peach blusher and while in Space.NK I picked up Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour in Peach Whisper for £20.50. The colour is a true matte peach and the formula is buttery, soft and pigmented.

To apply I either use the Real Techniques blush brush or stippling brush, and I love to pair it with my Nars Laguna Bronzer. On my cheeks it lasts around 4-6 hours. The packaging is secure and contains a mirror, so it is great to take travelling. 

Peach Whisper has definitely  been my most used blush this spring and I'm sure it will continue to be in the summer.

Nail Of The Day

This spring, every time I paint my nails, I am drawn to Rococo's Whispers of Envy. I bought this from Space.NK earlier this month for £12 and haven't stop using it since. The formula is such a dream, it glides on and only one coat is necessary to achieve the look shown above. I'd definitely recommend this to anyone stuck on what to wear on their nails this summer.