Highlighter Hero

Hi my names Ellen & I'm a make up addict.

I can't pass a Superdrug or Boots without "popping in" so when my birthday rolled around make up was top of my birthday list... and I was a lucky girl!

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit was top of my list from seeing so many other bloggers rave about it and after lusting over insta posts of girls with cheekbones for miles because of this thing!

There are different kit colours available:

That Glow (pictured above)

Sunburst – Bright, luminous gold with a metallic finish 
Golden Bronze – Sultry, warm bronze with a gold-flecked finish
Bubbly – Rose champagne with a pearlescent finish 
Dripping in Gold – Lavish gold with a vivid, reflective finish

Gleam - more of a blush glow than traditional highlight

Hard Candy – Mood-changing golden peach with a pink pearl reflective finish 
Mimosa – Radiant golden peach with a metallic finish
Starburst – Rush of cool pink with an iridescent finish 
Crushed Pearl – Glimmering pink and silver with a crystalized chrome finish

Sun Dipped - More suited to Olive or darker skin tones

Bronzed – Amber with a penny metal finish
Tourmaline – Warm taupe with a rose gold finish
Moonstone – Radiant quartz with a pearl finish
Summer – Luminous sand with a white gold finish

The kit is so highly pigmented and you only need a sweep for day but can be more build-able for night if your going for that wet highlight look favoured by the Insta elite! 

The colour lasts all day and gives a healthy glow - in short I'm in love!

The second addition to my already over flowing make up collection is The Make Up Revolution Radiance Highlighter Palette.

This is my first piece from the brand and has ignited a need to purchase more. The whole collection is so reasonably priced and so pretty! 

The palette is only £8 and part of the Superdrug 3 for 2 offer at the moment so theres really no excuse for me try more.... for research purposes for the blog obviously!

The colours aren't as highly pigmented as the Anastasia palette but at £31 cheaper its a great everyday alternative and the colours are still beautiful.

The final addition was the MAC All the Right Angles Contour Kit. This admittedly wasn't for my birthday but a gift from my lovely team on my last which was a day before my birthday. 

Its been a hectic weekend!

The kit contains a cream highlight underneath - perfect for under eyebrow highlight, plus powder highlight and bronzer on top. The bronzer is also perfect for my pale complexion a lot of all in one kits look great but the bronzer is always so dark and left unused. 

It's perfect size for travelling as its an all in one kit unlike the Glow Kit which is HUGE!

Whats your favourite highlighter? Any excuse to add to my collection!

Grounded Body Scrub Review

Coffee based scrubs have really taken off recently with any beauty blogger worth their salt posting a bathroom selfie covered in the stuff. I've always been a Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub devotee but with Boots 2 for 3 offer on recently I thought it was worth exploring the pricer options and seeing what all the hype was about.

I may have picked up a few other bits... anyone else have an issue going into Boots and just getting what they went in for?! Tell me its not just me!

I'm a sucker for packaging but whats inside is just as amazing, the scrub is all natural packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals and extra virgin coconut oil which is great for sensitive skin like mine as its really moisturising. 

I have eczema and have to be careful what I use on my skin but unlike a lot of other coffee scrubs available it has no micro beads, paragons, fillers or chemicals and it makes my skin feel AMAZING and the smell, my god the smell. It stays on your skin all day and fills your whole bathroom. 

I choose the coconut version but theres also chocolate orange and grapefruit which I really want to try next.

You can use the scrub all over your body and face and Grounded recommend using it 2 -3 times a week and once buffed into the skin leave it on your skin for 10 minutes. 

2-3 times a week is a bit much for me I feel I get the same results once a week and 10 minutes is a long time to sit in the bath or shower and wait. So I tend to use it when I'm washing my hair and have a full pamper. Scrub first then, hair mask, facial, shampoo, condition and then wash off while the conditioner is working.

The scrub is a loose one so it is a messy affair, but easy to clean up with a quick rinse and doesn't stain. It'll probably be easier in a shower but until our new bathroom is fitted bath it is!

But so worth it, I've honestly never known a scrub leave my skin so soft and smooth. Worth every penny and I'm officially converted. 

I really want to try the Coconut & Lime face scrub from the range which no doubt will end up in my basket when I "pop into Boots for essentials" next.

You can get Grounded products from Boots or order online here.

Foreo Luna Review

I've been wanting to try the Luna cleansing brush for a while now but the price tag meant with the house it moved further and further down my to buy list. When I spotted the lovely Zoe from Zoe's 101 hosting a giveaway on her Instagram I had to enter and I won! So I thought I'd review them for you.

Luna 2 | Luna Play

Foreo say:

"The revolutionary designed LUNA 2 is an enhanced T-Sonic™ face brush and anti-aging system that gives you a completely personalized cleansing. The LUNA 2 is now available with four specialized brush types for a tailor-made skin care experience."

I received the Luna 2 in mint which is for oily skin, I find it works best when I take my make up off with Micellar water first and then use my Liz Earle cleanser with the Luna to really clean deep into my pores. The brand says you can see results from using it just 2 minutes a day. 1 minute to cleanse using the bristles on the front (it pulses every 15 seconds to tell you to move to another area) and 1 minute on the reverse to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

I'm not too sure about the anti ageing promises but as a cleanser its amazing. My skin has never felt so clean or soft after using it for only a week. Its now a firm staple in my skin care routine, the fact its rechargeable and 100% water proof means it will be for some time! Plus they both also look great on my bathroom shelf!

The Luna Plays compact design means my skincare routine doesn't have to change when I'm on the move either. It isn't rechargeable but lasts for 100 uses!

Whats your skincare routine?

Top 5 Budget Beauty Must Haves

I love trying new beauty products, but I find myself coming back to the same gems time and time again and this top five regularly make it onto my face each day. So I thought I'd share the products I deem my favourites after trying numerous other beauty products and keeping Boots in business! You can thank me later for doing the leg work!

Collection - Lasting Perfection Concealer

This is the best concealer on the market in my opinion at hiding dark circles, now don't go trying to hide spots with this bad boy as its no good on oily skin but bags be gone on a morning with this! Its under five pounds, lasts all day and in shade 1 is brighting under the eye for that Kim K contoured look.

Maybelline - Lash Sensational Mascara

I am constantly looking for the holy grail of mascaras that will turn my short sparse eyelashes into bat worthy bombshell lashes, you can read my journey on loosing my lashes here that started the hunt. My current favourite for only £7.99 is Lash Sensational that makes lashes appear longer and thicker and can be built up with each coat.

Rimmel - Exaggerate Liquid Liner

This liner does. not. move. I put it on first thing and its still in place last thing at night. Its amazing for creating winged looks with its precision tip and its lasts ages without drying out for only £5.29 a true bargain and make up bag staple in my eyes.

Seventeen Skin Wow Highlighter and Primer 

Now that contouring is out and strobing is in, finding the perfect highlighter is key. I love Benefits High Beam but at nearly £20 Seventeens Skin Wow is a cheaper alternative for under £6 and it can be worn in so many ways. It acts as a primer if used all over the face before foundation, it can be mixed with foundation for a louminious dewy look or can be used on top of foundation to highlight cheek bones.  

Revlon ColourBurst Lacquer Balm

Finally this is my go to lip colour and one that I get so many compliments on when I wear and have converted many a friend to wearing. Similar to Clinique's chubby stick but again for £12 cheaper. The composition is creamy and moisturising on the lip and the colour is long lasting and can be built up. The shade I wear Demure is a soft pink that works for everyday or compliments a smoky eye on a night out.

Let me know your must have items - I'm always looking for an excuse to add to my beauty collection!

Glamour Beauty Box: The Power List Edit

I've tried my fair share of beauty boxes in the past, but after a few months of disappointing products or tester sizes masquerading as full size products I end up unsubscribing. Glamours collaboration with Latest in Beauty The Power List Edit however, didn't disappoint! 

I spotted an ad for it in Glamours Sept issue for £18.99 containing all sorts of goodies including a full size of Nails Inc Superfood Base Coat which is £15 alone and I was planning to buy - I figured it was a no brainer a few extra pounds I got what I wanted plus a few extra products to try. The box was curated by Alessandra Steinherr Glamours beauty director so you know theres going to be some gems inside!

The box is really good value for money, 5 full size products and 3 minis all worth £92.87 for £18.99.

Eyeko Mascara in Blue or Black 

This is a product thats been raved about a lot and I've always wanted to try, so pleased I got it in the black, if its good I'll be sure to post a review!

Rimmel 60 Seconds Supershine Nail Polish 

I'm a big fan of these formulas, high pigmented colour and fast drying, the soft pink colour I got would be perfect by itself or as part of a french manicure.

Philip Kingsley Geranium & Neroli Elasticizer 

Not a brand I've used before but I'm always on the look out for new products to treat my hair and infuse it with moisture. The treatment is a  "intensive and luxurious pre-shampoo conditioning treatment is infused with 100% natural neroli, geranium, lavender, rose and orange oils. The Multi-award winning Elasticizer adds elasticity, manageability, bounce and shine to all hair types."

 Kiko Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blush 

Another brand I've not bought from before but I'm keen to try, the colour I got is bright pink but blends into a natural blush.

Revlon Ultra HD™ Lipstick  

I love the Revlon colour burst sticks so I've got high hopes for this product though I wish I'd got the dark red berry shade as I think I'd of got more wear out of it compared to the pinky hue I got.

Garnier Miracle Sleeping Cream 

I am so excited to try this as my skin is looking particularly tired at the moment, it claims to "visibly help reduce the appearance of signs of fatigue during the night. Visible results from the 1st morning: Skin feels intensely re-hydrated, Skin looks less tired, Complexion looks fresh and radiant" I'm hoping to wake up glowing tomorrow! 

Nails Inc NailKale Superfood base coat 

I've recently stopped biting my nails and I'm desperately trying to strengthen my nails and really looking forward to seeing if this product will help.

Vita Liberata Self Tanning Night Moisture 

The final product is one I would probably use the least so I'm not fussed its tester size, a facial tanner that promises to create a natural all over tan without drying out skin!

Theres still some boxes in stock and you can get yours here or build your own and choose from loads of products here, something I'm thinking of doing next month!

Urban Decay Naked Palette Dupe

Urban Decays Naked palettes are somewhat of a staple in any girls make up collection, I am the proud owner of the third naked palette after my bestie bought me it last Christmas, its my go to for everything from everyday eyes to dark and smoky. Its my favourite of all the naked palettes as its rose tinted hues are much warmer on my paler skin and packaging is much nicer that is predecessors - such a sucker for Rose gold everything!

The palettes however are £40 a pop making them more of a treat than a must have in your Boots basket. Which is why when L'Oreal Paris released their LA Palette Nude in Rose for only £14.99 I figured I'd found a more cost effective dupe that I had to share!

Although there are only 10 shades in the L'Oreal palette and 12 in Urban Decay the key shades are replicated with only Liar and Burnout colours missing. All the colours are surprisingly highly pigmented and long lasting and the size makes it perfect for travelling. Plus its on offer at Boots at the moment for only £9.99 - Thank me later!

Skin Saviours - Origins Face Masks

We all have those days where your skin just isn't feeling it - whether its dry as a bone, blackheads or pimples and when my skin is having a temper tantrum I always reach for my Origins skin masks. 

I originally bought the mini versions back in Christmas to test them out and I was instantly converted and bought the full sizes. 

Each mask tackles a different skin issue I face:

Clear Improvements: Active Charcoal Mask

This mask "acts like a magnet to drawn-out deep dwelling pore cloggers" great for clearing the blackheads that insist on living around my nose.

Drink Up-Intensive: Over Night Mask

This mask "quenches skins thirst" and helps smooth over my dry areas and plump up my cheeks. It can work in two ways over night allowing it to properly sink in or a quick pick me up and then wipe of access after 20 minutes if your skin is oily.

Out of Trouble: 10 Minute Mask

This mask "rescues skin in 10 minutes" and boy does it! This is my favourite mask and is perfect for problematic T-zones or for when you can feel a spot coming on or desperate for a spot to go!  

I often treat my skin to a little pick me up and use all three and Multi-Mask - is Multi-Mask the latest beauty fad I hear you ask? Well yes and no, its the latest beauty buzz word but anything that cuts down on my skincare routine is a winner in my book. 

source

Multi- masking is using more than one mask at the same time allowing you to tackle all your skin issues in one pamper session, I tend to smooth Out of Trouble on my chin and forehead, slather Drink Up on my cheeks and Clear Improvements on my nose finishing up with under eye patches to smooth over those fine lines and dark circles under my eyes and voila beautiful skin!

Origins minis are back on sale for only £15 at Boots! Let me know what you think of any of the other masks you try!

At Home Gel Nails

Anyone that follows me knows I am a big nail lover, spending an afternoon of pampering getting my nails done is one of my favourite things to do. I've recently switched from getting acrylic nails to shellac as I've finally stopped bitting my nails and my nails are no longer stubs!

Those of you who have tried both will know that shellac does not stay perfect as long as a nail colour on acrylic. Which is why I've been on the hunt for an at home solution. 

I've tried most of the Gel alternatives like Barry M Gelly Nails but the drying time and how quickly they chipped left me unimpressed until I tried Revlon's latest offering! The colour stay gel envy is so easy to use. One coat of the colour then a coat of the diamond coat and voila! Shiny nails!

As its a new collection from Revlon theres currently only 8 colours and I only really like the bight coral "pocket aces" I've discovered that if you apply the diamond top coat as a base coat, then any other nail varnish colour and the diamond top coat again. You can you any colour for a Gel manicure - the drying time was the only thing letting it down so I invested in the Quick Dry Top Coat and now I can have Gel nails in any colour at home!

They are currently 2 for £8 in Boots - you can thank me later!

Quick Dry Top Coat - Colour Stay Gel Envy in Pocket Aces - Diamond Top Coat