I need more HEROINE! + swatches.

Heeeeey! 
Helllloooo, how are you doing sweethearts? Its been quite a long time since I posted anything here ...

Okay so that title is very misleading if you do not know about MAC's cosmetics.. But I am talking about MAC's Heroine lipstick. I wanted to get this when the Reel Sexy collection came out last year, however, heroine seemed to be a favourite of everyone's  so I was unable to get it. I was determined to get it with the release of the fashion sets, but when I went on the MAC website it was showing that literally everything was out of stock! Distraught, I made some phone calls to MAC, to which they told me that they would be in store on Thursday 2nd May; however, knowing I was 2 trains away from the closest Mac counter, I just didn't think I would get this lippy. LUCKILY, I casually was browsing online and came across Selfridges selling HEROINE!! You can just imagine how quickly my debit card came out! I ordered 2 just in case lol

(Left to right: MAC Heroine by its self,  MAC Heroine with gloss)

Why is everyone in love with Heroine?
Well it because it is very versatile, can be worn on any skin tone, it also has a blue undertone which means it makes your teeth look white even if is not!
Though I love matte lipsticks, as I have big lips, I was not sure I liked Heroine matte; I preferred heroine with a bit of gloss, I believe it brings the colour to life!
Pros
No extra price, retails at the same price as normal mac lipsticks
Pigmented
Unique - I have yet to discover a dupe for this lippy
Blue undertones - pearly looking teeth
Looks matte, however, does not feel matte on lips

Cons
Limited edition; I will have to use this lippy wisely
Stains! - I had this colour on up until the next day, after I had worn it



I am probably late on posting this post, but only because I also wanted to also swatch the Rimmel Kate Moss in #04; which I was waiting to be delivered from ASOS.
I have been wanting to buy this lipstick, I just do not know what stopped me from getting it!

I am in love with this deep purple/plum lippy; I think it is a lipstick which is great on every skin tone. I am not sure of its lasting power as I have not worn it long enough to say.
Pros
Has a great smell, very sweet smelling
Very budget friendly
Moisturising; usually I prefer matte lipstick however, this creamy lipstick has won me over!
Very pigmented

Cons
I did not find any cons, however, people may not find the creamy formula of the lipstick very appealing as it may bleed.

Do you have any of these shades? How do you like them?

Clinique & Skincare

Hey Hunnies!!

I hope you're all doing good?

This post was originally a haul but then I started to go on how to treat your skin......

so here we go..

Have you ever washed your face and left it for a minute, then to realise that your face felt a little tight? Well that is because you face is dehydrated. To cater to your skin's needs, you first need to acknowledge what skin type you are. This is to avoid using any sort of moisturiser on your face as it would not help hydrate your skin. An example, a few people I know believe the answer to dry skin is cocoa butter, however, it is not, cocoa butter I know to clog up your skin, giving it no air to breath and creating blocked pores. You need to find a moisturiser that, firstly, caters to your skin type and, secondly, hydrates your skin.
Drinking lots of water can also help with the less tight feeling however, moisturiser is more important as it is 'water to your face'. If you are yet to realise this wash your face, then let it air dry (until no trace of water is on your face), start exercising your jaw and see how your face feels. If you can feel every pull with the opening of your jaw then your face is tight and requires moisture appropriate for your skin type. Exfoliators also help hydrate the skin however, avoid using harsh exfoliates (Clean & Clear is a good one to use).

  

I normally go for the smaller pack, which comes with the face wash, toner and gel cream, as I tend to use other products on my face as well. I am pretty much saying I am not consistent with these products hence I go for the smaller range. I am skin type three; which is combination skin.
So after topping up on my skincare goodies from Clinique, if you've ever ordered from Clinique, you know they give you 2 samples. I chose their moisture surge intense skin fortifying hydrator which is a gel base cream and their high impact mascara.

(Excuse my nail, I was testing out new nail varnishes.)

I cannot emphasise on how much these two products are just great!

High impact mascara

I hardly go for expensive mascara. To be honest with you I am happy with drugstore ones as I feel they do the trick. I was happy when Clinique sent this mascara out to me as it gave me a chance to experiment. THIS IS THE SHIT GUYS! I, honestly, cannot praise this mascara enough! The first ever mascara I have used which I did not have to use in conjunction with another, one that elongated my lashes without the spider look. I am in love. I think I have found THE one. I don't think I'll buy another drugstore mascara, this will be the one and only mascara in my makeup bag.

Moisture surge intense skin fortifying hydrator

I have combination skin (oily T-zone and normal/dry on the other parts), so it is hard to find a moisturiser which caters to both my skin types. Boy oh boy am I thankful to Clinique who just sent me the answer to all my searches. Though online it states that this is for skin types 1&2 when I received it, the packaging stated for skin types 1, 2 & 3. Although it is a sample, a little goes a long way. I have noticed, ever since I started using this product, my skin no longer feels tight when I wash it and leave it to dry; even my sister used it (who has dry skin) and noticed results straight away. It is a gel cream, which is light; it does not clog up the skin nor does it block pores, thus allowing the skin to breath.
Though the packaging states it is wearable under make up, I suggest if your are a skin type 3 is not advisable. I decided to wear it under make up and noticed, around my T-zone area, the shine I hate!
The only con is that it does not retail cheap, however, it is worth a buy as only a little bit is needed and thus is guaranteed to last long and, unlike other products, actually does what it says! If you do not want to buy it straight away ask for a sample at any Clinique counter.

 

Are you a fan of Clinique products?

Sugarpill Haul

Heeeey lovelies!!

Though I am on a spending ban, this is an exception as I ordered it way before I had decided to go on this spending ban.
I envy you Americans! You have all the stores I wish London had; Sephora, Sugarpill, Ulta and my never-ending list of your great stores continue!
I discovered sugarpill from a fellow blogger, who had been waiting patiently so she can purchase it at IMATS, however, we do not have a sugarpill UK store nor do they have a representation at IMATS UK. After endless researching I pretty much were satisfied and assured that these shadows were good value for your money (at 12 dollars per eye shadow - a steal if you ask me!) PLUS I was delighted to find that sugarpill do international shipping! (You should have seen my reaction when I popped onto their website. However, the eye shadows that I wanted were out of stock!! (Very annoying).
Despite being disappointed that I may not be able to make a order, I subscribed to their newsletter. Can you guess what happened next?
I got an inbox saying all the eye shadows had been restocked!! I think I just dove on my laptop and ordered straight away.. though, through all the excitement I forgot to purchase two eye shadows I initially wanted to purchase.
Nonetheless, after 3 weeks, I have received my package...

2am. A purple pigment

Acidberry. A lime green pigment

Buttercupcake. A yellow pigment

Dollipop. A fuchsia pigment 

Stella. A black pigment with sparkles engrossed 

Tako. A white pigment

Velocity. A royal blue pigment

I decided I wanted to try out the, very much raved about, duo lash adhesive. But, I was not keen on buying it in the UK as most retail stores sell in for 10 pounds, which, to me, did not seem like the smartest thing to spend 10 pounds on. So when I came across it on sugarpill for $6 you can imagine how ecstatic I was.

I also received some freebies; a sugarpill sticker and a sample eye shadow. Goldilux was actually on of the eye shadows I forgot to purchase so I was happy to receive the sample as I can try out whether I like the pigment or not.


PROS
Cute packaging
Very pigmented shadows
A generous amount of shadow per pan
Quick international shipping
No unpleasant smell from shadow
Affordable
Exciting selection of shades


CONS
If you live in the UK and want to purchase from this brand DO be prepared to pay customs! On their website they play around and say that you may, however it is GUARANTEED you will be paying customs charge as well as a royal mail handling fee.

Overall I am pleased with my purchase, though I will not be ordering from them as now I have found a UK stockist; Love MakeUp.

Have you yet to try any sugarpill products? If yes how did you find them?

Liebster Award!

Hey, Salut, Hola, Hello, Bonjour...

So I got nominated by the beautiful Lauren from www.http://l-c-g-xo.blogspot.co.uk

Which I am very grateful for!!

What is the Liebster Award?

The Liebster award is an award that is given to bloggers and their blogs with less than 200 followers. Its goal is to promote the bloggers that are nominated.

The rules

1. Nominees must link back to the blogger who nominated them...it's only fair to acknowledge the lovely person who went out of their way to nominate you :)

2. Once you're nominated, you must tell 11 random facts about yourself! 

3. You must answer the 11 questions that the blogger that nominated you asks, too!

4. and finally, create 11 questions for the 11 people you nominate for the Liebster Award! ^_^

11 random facts

I am middle child of 3 siblings 

I have 1 half brother, 1 full brother and 1 full sister

I study Criminology at University

When I was younger I shut my dads car door on my index finger which ripped of the entire nail 

When I was younger, I colour coordinated everything i wore

I cry whenever a movie/documentary/reality show features death

I am Gambian

I lived in Gambia for three years of my life

I am scared of the dark, yet I hate sleeping with the light on *problems*

I am a mummys girl 

I am a shopaholic *who is on a spending band until June*

Lauren's questions and answers

1. What is your ultimate goal in life?

To become a successful worker in the CPS as well as set up a salon in Gambia * specializing in makeup*

2. Where do you shop the most?

H&M and ASOS; I have to say I absolutely adore these two shops!!

3. What's one of the best most impacting lesson you have learned in life so far?

'Friends' will only be there for you if it benefits them. Keep your circle as small as the fingers you have on one hand

4. What's your guilty pleasure?

Playing in make up; knowing I have sensitive skin, I probably should be minimal with make up, however, whenever I get bored i just play in my huge collection of a makeup!

5. What can't you live without?  

My mum, family and music! These most important assets of my life!

6. Do you believe in love?

Yes I believe in love, however, I am yet to fall in love.

7. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? 

Gambia! I would like to live there one day as it is a beautiful country with pretty much no stress if you are able to live comfortably 

8. How do you think a girl should act, no matter what?

Like a lady. A girl who acts as though she has manners, educated etc is more likely to be respected by everyone.

9. If you could buy one thing, no matter how much it costs, what would it be?

I honestly cannot answer this question, as so many things come to mind yet I cannot choose one!

10. One pet peeve you hate?

Liars! there is nothing more I hate than someone lying to me. Especially if I know the truth!

11. Your favourite Blogger?
It is ElleSees from http://ellesees.blogspot.co.uk; she was one of the few followers I had and has just supported me a lot through her comments, not to add she is a very humble woman!

My nominees 

Right the thing is, most of my followers have more than 200 followers so I have nominated 6 and if you're under 200 then you're more than welcome to join along. I nominate YOU!!

Pages to Screens

Glamburger

DiaBlack

Fresh Lengths

Specialsmakeup4uo4
Eating Lipstick

My 11 questions

Describe yourself in 3 words?

When was it, that you discovered your passion for makeup?

What would you like your love for beauty to progress into in the foreseeable future?

One thing you cannot live without?

What is your favourite make up brand?

What are your aspirations?

What dream country would you like to visit?

Do you prefer bright colours or duller colours (In regards to clothing)?

Heels or flats?

Why have you chosen the blog name you have right now?

Online shopping or shopping in shops?

Its My Birthday!!!!

Hey, Salut, Hola!!

Since I have yet to make a post since the start of the new year, I would just like to take this moment to say...

HAPPY NEW YEAR LOVELIES!!

Today is my special day , I have officially turned 19 (my last year as a teen). I'm a tad sad that this year it fell on a Sunday, nonetheless, I get to spend the day with my loved ones.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE AQUARIANS BORN ON THIS DAY!

As it is my 19th, I was not going to do anything, however, my friend and family decided to take me out.
I luurrrvveee birthdays, well my own, as it gives me a chance to sit and acknowledge what I have accomplished in the last years, in this case 18 years, how proud I am of myself and to see how far I've come.
I am not one to make resolutions as then at the end  of the year if I have not fully achieved resolutions set then I would, somewhat, be disappointed in myself. However If every year on my birthday I relax and see what I have accomplished, then if I had not accomplished one thing last year there are many more birthdays to come to accomplish, in Gods will.

However, there is one thing I do not like about birthdays. That is that there is always one person who constantly reminds you that you are getting older!
So, what have I accomplished so far (top 3)?
1. I am  now in University, studying a course I am interested in and excelling in it!
2. I have chosen to take my knowledge of beauty (make up and so forth) and develop it further (college and freelance makeup artistry).
3. I have stopped talking to and doing favours to my 'friends', who only talk to me when they need favours.

FOMD

(Top 2nd picture: Earrings I got from F21

Bottom 1st picture: Hair after it was just done! Smiless)

Since it was a casual dinner I decided not too wear anything over the top. I chose not to wear any eyelashes as well as no eye shadow. My eyebrows are not heavily shaded in as I wanted a more natural look.

face

- Lush tea tree toner

- Dermalogica oil control lotion

- Sleek correcter and concealer - Shade 5

- YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation - BD70

- MAC MSF - Deep Dark

cheeks

- Sleek face contour/highlight kit - Dark

- Sleek Blush by 3 - Pink Spirit

brows

- Body shop Carbon eye definer - Brown

- Mary kay concealer - Bronze 2

eyes

- Clinique high impact mascara - Black

lips

- LA colors lipliner - Plum

- MAC lipstick - Rebel

- Nyx lip gloss - Queen of Africa

hair

-Toni & Guy styling tongs

- Silvikrin hairspray - Natural hold

For my hair, I went with soft curls; they look elegant yet appropriate for the occasion.

NOMD

I wanted to go for something short and natural looking, my girl Phong just knows whatever design you have in your head just drop her a few hints. I am just in love with the way she hooked me up. If you ever decide to go to her, tell her Yammy sent ya ;) .. I've linked her website to her name (mentioned above), so you can check out all her other design (she has loads!). 

More photos...

Anyone else born on this day/ is an Aquarian?

Essie Nail Swatches and review

Hey dolls!

Nails, Nails, Nails! 

When I did my autumn/fall haul, I mentioned I would do swatches of the nail polishes I bought. As promised, below are the swatches of the 3 Essie nail polishes I bought. This post is very much due considering the time I did that haul. These 3 colours are really pretty and the lasting power is immaculate (considering I do a lot of domestic work). In all the pictures below I applied 2 coats of the nail polishes

Footloose is a magenta colour

School of Hardrocks is a mixture of grey and olive in my opinion (perhaps a khaki colour?)

Pansy is a bright pink colour

Overall, I'm in LOVE with these nail polishes! I think I will be purchasing more of them in the future... I'm surprised that out of 3 of them, I love Pansy the most; this is unusual considering I am not a pink fan and have never bought a pink nail polish before (I decided to take a risk with these).

What is your favourite Essie nail polish colour?

Christmas Kisses ♥♥

Hey, Salut, Hello, Hola,Bonjour, Hi.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! and a Happy New Year...

I've missed blogging and its been long a lot has happened!! How are you guys?

I finished the first term of UNI, We entered December meaning that the new year is about to come (bring on 2013), I, sadly, lost my job AND most of all ITS CHRISTMASS!!

So I haven't been blogging mostly due to having broken my camera, so I had to get a new one in order to update you lovely people with my on goings.

Right now, I'm sitting slumped from ALL the food and drink I ate, it has been a blessed day. Normally I do not even enjoy Christmas in this country (I find it a tad bit boring), however, my family were round and it just felt that much cosier and special. Alright, enough about my day, how was yours? I hope it was as special as mine?... This post is going to show you what face I wore today and the many different lippies you can also use (hence the title 'Christmas kisses').

Christmas FOTD

face

- Lush tea tree toner

- Dermalogica oil control lotion

- Sleek correcter and concealer - Shade 5

- YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat foundation - BD70

- MAC MSF - Deep Dark

cheeks

- Sleek face contour/highlight kit - Dark

- Sleek Blush by 3 - Pink Spirit

brows

- Elf makeup mist and set

- Body shop Carbon eye definer - Brown

- Sleek correcter and concealer - Shade 5

- Mary kay concealer - Bronze 2

eyes

- HighTech instant lash extender mascara - Black

- Sleek eyeshadow palette  - Sunset palette

- Maybelline gel eyeliner - Black

- H&M eyeshadow - Hot sand

- Sleek face contour/highlight kit - Dark

- Barry M Glitter dust - Silver

- Elf liquid eyeliner - Black

- Fine lines individual eyelashes - Medium flare (my sister did them for me)

lips

- LA colors lipliner - Plum

- MAC lipstick - Rocker

hair

The hair was curled using the Remington pearl curling wand

- Silvikrin hairspray - Natural hold

I used MAC's Rocker to achieve this look, however, if you're not a fan of this lip colour you can always switch it up:

(Top- Left to right: Rimmel Kate Moss - 107  and Sleek Mystic,

Bottom - Left to right: MAC Ruby woo and MAC Fresh Brew paired with ELF glossy gloss Muted Mauve)

Rimmel Kate Moss - 107 - I used a red lip liner; in that picture I have also paired it with Elf glitter gloss in Jeweled Jam
Sleek Mystic - I used a plum lip liner
MAC Ruby woo - I used a red lip liner
MAC Fresh Brew - I used a brown lip liner and topped it off with ELF glossy gloss Muted Mauve
Another lippy which you can use, that I forgot to take a picture with, is MAC's Rebel or WNW Sugar Plum (Rebel dupe).

Well, that's it folks, stay tuned as I will be posting my winter haul which is mostly the gifts I bought myself before Christmas (really sad, I know) and also a bit of boxing day sales (If I can be bothered to go out, I'm lazy!)

How was your Christmas?