Vintage Inspired Beauty

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I flipping well love Bourjois.  After over-looking the brand for so long, now I can't get enough and is definitely my favourite 'durgstore' brand.  Another firm favourite product of theirs is the Java Rice Powder, or the 'Poudre de Rize de Java'. I'm sure you've seen this blogged about a million times already, and if you've not given in and gone out and bought it, then WHY??!  This is actually a re-release of one of Bourjois' original products that has been reformulated to celebrate their 150th anniversary.  I didn't realise Bourjois had been around that long, it's pretty amazing when you think about it, and almost worth a purchase based on that fact alone!

The powder is quite heavily scented, so if you have sensitive skin it could be something to bare in mind.  Once applied to the skin though the smell pretty much disappears so even if you're not a fan of heavily perfumed products, it's not really an issue.  It's rather glittery in the pot but this disappears on application so no disco-ball effect here. Instead, it just brightens the skin, while helping to blur out an fine lines or imperfections.  If you prefer a more matte finish, then this probably isn't for you.  However, I find something a little more luminous suits me better and this fits the bill perfectly.

I really do like the packaging too, it pays homage to the original with a vintage feel.  It's made of a sturdy plastic, with a twist mechanism inside to stop too much powder being distributed.  This certainly help things to stop getting too messy, although it's easy to still spill a little on your dressing table.  I'd be a little dubious of travelling with this, and do wish Bourjois would bring out a compact version too.  I've heard the powder is comparable to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders so, in theory, a compact version would certainly be possible.  I can only hope!

What do you think of this powder?

Makeup Menu: Everyday Staples

These are probably the handful of procuts I currently couldn't live without. Everything else I switch up a lot; whether it be lipstick, eyeshadow, blush or mascara.  I might go for a smokey eye, or an eyeliner & bold lip look for a night out, or something quick and easy during the day.  Like anyone, it varies from day to day, depending where I'm going, what I'm doing, or how much time I have! But these are the things that, if I'm wearing a full face of makeup, I absolutely must use!  

While I don't have massive pores, they can be a bit bothersome on occastion, especially around my nose.  I find a thin layer of Porefessional keeps them under control and helps my foundation stay put for longer.  This is especially imporant when my foundation of choice isn't the longest wearing, but I find with a primer and the Bourjois powder, my Chanel Vita-Lumiere Aqua lasts as long as I need it to.  I've gone through so many tubes of the Collection concealer, and see no reason to try anything else; it does a great job of reducing my dark circles, and gives a bit of extra coverage in any areas I need it. I just wish they'd sort the packaging out -  I hate how the writing wears off; look at the state of it!  Urban Decay Primer Potion is easily the makeup item I've been using the longest; I used it back in the day of the awful packaging, and no matter what other eye primers I've tried, I always go back to this.  The most staple-y of staples! Benefit's Hoola is a must; whether it's to just warm my complexion up a bit, or if I want a bit more of a contoured look.  I've used this every day for well over a year, and still have a decent amount left.  Lastly it's time to transform my non-existent brows with the help of a couple more Benefit products.  I'm no expert at brows, and I'm still on the lookout for the perfect brow products for me, but these two babies do a good enough job, I think I just need to work on my technique!

Another Winner for Bourjois...

 

I'm absolutely loving Bourjois lately. For so long, it was a brand I continuously overlooked in Boots, but after seeing them crop up in so many blog posts I decided to see what I'd been missing for so long. I'm so glad I did, I seem to have so many of their products now and it's the first stand I go to these days when I'm shopping.  One of their latest releases comes in the form of the Colorband Eyeshadow Crayons.  I'm sure you've heard of these by now; a collection of 2-in-1 eyeshadow/liner pencils in six natural, universally flattering shades.  I only have two of the collection so far, yet I'm sure I'll be picking up more very soon. 

Mauve Baroque is a lovely, dusky lavender shade, with silver shimmer.  This is a bit of a leap away from my usual choice of Naked-esque shades but with Spring on it's way I decided now was a good time to step outside my comfort zone and add a bit more colour to my lids.  While still very natural, it adds a lovely hint of purple to my lids without it being too in-your-face.  Brun Dadasite is a rich, brown coppery-bronze shade, with more of a golden shimmer.  Definitely more in line with my usual choice of eye colour, that's for sure! It actually has a very slight plum undertone, which I think makes it work really well with the mauve shade.  I didn't plan on wearing these together when I got them, but I find it really works!

Both shades are super pigmented, dead easy to apply, and stay put all day.  They are quite shimmery, which may put people off but I swear it's not over powering once on the lids, it's almost more of a sheen.  They do take a bit of effort to take off, but nothing a decent make up remover can't handle.  Like I said, I'll definitely be picking up more shades really soon!

Have you picked up any of these bad boys yet?

Makeup Menu: Springtime

Of all the new make up releases throughout the year, I always get most excited about what different brands are releasing in time for Spring.  Although I'm yet to properly check out this Springs new releases, now that the weather is slowly getting warmer I've been switching up my make up routine to incorporate a few past spring/summer releases as well as things that I've bought recently.

I picked up the Boots No7 Instant Radiance Highlighter last summer, along with one of the cream blush sticks, and later a lovely bronzing highlighter.  I definitely reach for this one most often though. The subtle nude/pink with a slight shimmer really does perk up my complexion without it being too much, and it stays put all day.  I love teaming this with Benefit's Lollitint for a fresh, natural look that's perfect for spring.  The Bourjois Happy Light serum is a relatively new edition, but something I've really been enjoying using.  I like to mix a bit with my foundation to add a very slight glow to my skin making me look more awake; perfect for those early starts at work! I'm a big fan of cream eyeshadows and Maybelline's On and On Bronze is the latest addition to my collection.  This really pretty golden bronze shade works really well as a base for other shadows, but works just as well on it's on for a hint of colour on the lids when you haven't got time to go all out with different colours. This Bourjois Shine Edition lipstick in Rose Xoxo is a lovely lilacy pink shade that's still very wearable and natural, yet just that bit different from my usual nude/pink shades.  Finally, Benefit's latest release, Roller Lash has quickly become a firm favourite amongst many a blogger, and I'm no exception. I find it gives me lovely, curly, fluttery lashes without the dreaded 'spider lashes' look and comes off easily enough at the end of the day.

What products will you be adding to your makeup routine this Spring?

5 products, 5 minutes

I'm sure we all have those mornings where for whatever reason we've left ourselves five minutes to do our make up. Whether you've over slept, have some last-minute plans, or just simply can't be bothered to do a full face of make up, we've all been there.  For me, most days, it's the latter.  I just can't bring myself to go all out with my make up when I'm going to work for various reasons, but put simply I don't see the point; anyone who's worked in a busy kitchen/restaurant/cafe will completely understand! That said, I still like to make a bit of an effort to look a little bit human, and I'm proud to say I've got my "work face" routine whittled down to just 5 products, all applied within just 5 minutes

A recent discovery for me is the Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation.  I've heard a lot of people complain that the shade range of Boujois isn't the best, and while there certainly isn't a great deal of shades, I'm one of the lucky ones as this is a pretty good match for my skin tone.  I'd say this foundation is leaning towards medium coverage, but it's very light weight and doesn't feel at all like you're wearing a mask.  It's quick and easy to blend into the skin, and doesn't accentuate any dry patches.  Concealer is a must for me, especially when I have a dreaded 7am start.  My trusty Collection concealer does a good job of minimising my dark circles; I've lost count of how many tubes of this I've gone through. I love it. I just wish they'd sort the packaging out; I hate how all the writing wears off after about a week!  Next up is a quick sweep of blusher to add a bit of much needed colour to my cheeks.  At the moment, I'm really liking this one by Boujois, but to be honest I just usually grab whichever one's closest! Almost done now, but not before a bit of bronzer.  I tend not to do any real contouring, I just sweep a light dusting all over, maybe concentrating slightly more under my cheek bones, nothing to drastic though, just enough to add a little shape.  Last but not least, mascara.  At the moment, I'm really enjoying the L'Oreal Miss Manga mascara.  I'd read mixed reviews on this, but decided to bite the bullet and give it a go, and I'm really pleased I did.

So that's my 5 minute face routine.  If I had a bit more time, I'd definitely do my eyebrows.  I'll occasionally use a bit of brow gel on them but for the most part I don't bother for work. Things like highlighter, eyeshadow and primer, I save for my days off.  This way, I know I'll look a bit different, and certainly feel that little bit more (dare I say?) glamorous on the days I've escaped from the madhouse that is work!

Five Minute Face

Ever had some last minute plans and had literally five minutes to put your 'face' on before you leave the house? Or you've left getting ready til the last minute? Or simply just can't be bothered to sit and do your makeup properly? These all happen to me on a regular basis so I thought I'd share with you what I used to make getting ready quick, easy and fuss free.

I start by applying Urban Decay's Naked Skin Foundation with my Real Techniques buffing brush.  The liquid formula of this foundation makes it really easy to blend, unlike some thicker foundations which can take a bit more work I've found.  I then dab Collection's Lasting Perfection concealer under my eyes and over any blemishes and blend with a Crown brush.

I have very thin, sparse eyebrows and even when in rush, I have to do something with them! For a quick fix I use Soap and Glory's Archery brow duo, which is a pencil on one and a felt tip on the other.  It doesn't do as good a job as my trusty Benefit Brow-Zings palette, but when I'm in a rush this does the job just fine.  No time for eyeshadow, I just blend a little of Urban Decay's Primer Potion in Eden over my lids.  This does a fab job of evening out my dark eyelids and makes me look more awake.  I then add plenty of mascara to add definition to my eyes.  

I add warmth to my face using Bourjois bronzing primer, and then highlight using Girl Meets Pearl by Benefit. My blush of choice lately has been Frat Boy by The Balm.  This is a matte blush but the glow from Girl Meets Pearl shines through for a lovely finish. I'll then either set with powder, or the Urban Decay setting spray pictured above.  All that's left is a lipstick; I'm a nude lippy kind of girl and my go to one at the moment is No7 Sheer Temptation in Delight.  I'm a big fan of these lip colours and this one is a lovely nude pink which works well with the simpleness of this look.  Lippy on and I'm good to go!

This is pretty much my go-to look most days, and I can do it in near enough five minutes.  If I have a bit more time I'll maybe add eyeshadows or eyeliner but when time is limited this little lot makes me look human enough! What are your favourite products to use when in a rush?