nip&fab

Empties #17

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 46 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

Another empties post, although I haven’t done one of these for a while I know another one will be coming very soon. I can go a week or so without using anything up and then all of a sudden I finish everything at once. As I have quite a few products in my basket I thought I’d ensure there is a mix of products in each post just so there is something for everyone.

Benefit – Precisely my Brow Pencil in Shade 4 see here

So if you have read my blog for a while you will know that I LOVE this brow pencil, I am obsessed. I mentioned it in my Top 3 Eyebrow Products and it is still there grabbing the top spot. Up until recently though I used this mainly to finish off my brows and ensure that the shape was right, now I use it for my whole brow with the use of no other products and I have fallen in love with it even more – I didn’t know this was even possible. It creates such a natural brow and I love the finish. I did mention in my recent Sephora Haul that I will be comparing the ABH Brow Whiz as I now have both so watch out for that!

Obviously I have already purchased this and to be honest I have gone through so many I don’t see myself stopping buying anything else anytime soon. Benefit’s brow range really is great, if you are unsure on what to go for, head to your local Benefit and they are more than happy to test the products out on you and find the right one for you.

Too Faced – Better than Sex Mascara see here

So, a lot of people love this and I mean really praise that it is an amazing mascara. It took me a long time to finally accept that I needed to try it out and I was lucky enough to receive two at once for my birthday last year. Now, don’t get me wrong it’s a good mascara but was I wowed by it? No. It gives volume and my lashes look nice but I find this very flaky and it is rather annoying. I think there are better mascaras out there that are around the same price point or actually lower. If you still want to try it, I would suggest buying a mini version to make sure you like it.

I still have another one of these to get through but it’s just not something I reach for very often. I just have better mascaras in my collection which I much prefer. I’m sorry to all you fans out there of this mascara but it just isn’t my favourite. I don’t think after I have got through my next tube I will be repurchasing.

Gariner – Fresh Radiance Boosting Scrub see here

At first, I didn’t think was my cup of tea. I like a scrub that is fairly thick, I just feel like it works with my skin better and also my skin can take it. However, I persevered because the scent is amazing. It is this beautiful orange citrus scent that really does make me want to use this. I’m so glad I carried on because I really enjoyed this and I think my skin did too. Although the scrub in finer it still works wonders on the skin and I feel like my skin looks a whole load brighter after using this.

By the end I was gutted that it was all gone as I would happily continue using it. I have a lot of exfoliators/scrubs in my collection so I will use some of those up first but I will keep an eye out for it when I’m shopping for a new exfoliator.

Rimmel – Lasting Finish Foundation in 200 Soft Beige see here

I think, currently this is one of my favourite drug store foundations. I was so annoyed as I went to use this and realised it has pretty much run out. I very quickly repurchased this as I just find if my skin is not playing ball I can pop this foundation on and I feel a lot more presentable to the world. This is different to a lot of my foundations with it not being matte. I am more oily than anything else but I don’t have any problems with this at all. The longevity of this is incredible and although I have tested the whole 25 hour claim I would say a solid 14 hours and it’s still battling on.

It has been a massive saviour in the summer with SPF 20 in it, it’s just one less layer of cream on my face and it has saved me I’m sure when it comes to not burning my face. I don’t see this foundation being talked about an awful lot in the blogging community but for me I flipping love it. Whether you have dry, normal or combination skin I think you can happily makes this work.

Lush – Snow Fairy Shower Gel see here

You may be thinking, hun this has only just been released again. Yes I know, but I stock up around Christmas time so I can use this all year round. I love it too much to just appreciate it for only a couple months of the year. It is a little pricey for a shower gel but it is so worth it. If you are into your sweeter scents then this right up your street. If you have never tired it though, seriously where have you been!? I won’t delve into my love for this too much because I could write pages and pages, yes I am addicted.

I believe I still have another bottle in my stocks to use but I am sure I will be stocking up now I know it has been released again and of course it will be going on my Christmas list so if you want to get me something this right here makes my life complete!

Herbal Essences – Hello Hydration Conditioner see here

I am a big lover of Herbal Essences. I have tired a lot of their different ranges and there aren’t many I don’t like. This I would say is my favourite as dry ends is something I really struggle with. It helps that it’s cheap and cheerful but it really is good for the price point. I notice the difference when I change to a different brand, my hair just doesn’t seem the same. I recently had a hair cut – I hadn’t had once for over a year, I know it’s bad. But with the hair cut and using this my hair is in great condition!

I have a few conditioners to use in my collection before I go out and buy something new but I always go back to this especially when it’s on offer which it quite often is, I just can’t refuse.

MAC – Velvet Teddy Lipstick see here

Sorry, how in the world did did these lipsticks creep up to £17.50!? If you are going to buy a lipstick MAC is the place to go however, wow they are getting expensive. This is a proud moment for me because this is the first lipstick I have EVER finished. I knew it was going to be this because the shade is just great. This is the shade that set off my love affair with brown toned lips, I barely wear anything other than brown now. This is a great lipstick and if you are still on the fence about it I would totally put it on your wish-list. Especially with a lip liner underneath it’s just a beautiful shade.

This the one product I will be keeping hold of for my back-to-MAC I just need one more product to then be able to pick up a free eye shadow or lipstick. If I am honest I think I will just get this little baby because I really miss it in my collection but I’m not convinced I want to pay £17.50 for it!

Nip + Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix see here

Again if you have read any primer related posts from me you will know that this is currently my favourite primer, and to be honest I don’t see that changing any time soon. If you prefer a more silicone based primer then this is worth giving a go. I find that for my oily skin this works wonders and I am never left disappointed by it. You only need a little bit on your face and I really notice the difference when I don’t wear this. I have actually written a full review on this here so if you want to know more than this may help.

Of course I have already repurchased this and I will continue to for the foreseeable future. TK MAXX is a good place to pick up nip + fab a little cheaper than the drug store. Having said that drug stores always have offers on with nip + fab or 3 for 2 so it’s definitely worth looking into.

Primark – PS Oval Cotton Pads

Of course these are in here, they make an appearance near enough every empties post. These cotton pads really are the only ones I will use and I don’t see this changing anytime soon. Every time I pop into Primark I am always stocking up on these babies I mean for 90p you really can’t go wrong. They are a lot more durable than a lot of other cotton pads on the market. Seriously try them out for yourselves you won’t be disappointed!

Batiste – Dry Shampoo in Cherry see here

Last but by no means least, another regular empties product the holy grail hair product my dry shampoo. I honestly don’t know how I coped before using dry shampoo and in particular Batiste. It’s just incredible and to be honest I don’t need to try another dry shampoo because I know that this does the job. I can’t  just have one of these in my draws I always have to have another one as a back up in case I run out. What’s your favourite scent as I feel I just use the same two!

Congratulations if you made it to the end of the post! I didn’t realise how long this will be, but you all earn yourself a gold star. Let me know if you have tired any of these products and what your thoughts are on them. I’d love to know!

-A x

Top 3 Primers

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 10 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

So I am back with an old school post for me. When I first starting blogging back in 2016 I started a series of my Top 3 products. I really enjoyed writing them but there are only so many categories you can write about and to be honest I had other ideas and posts I wanted to write and this was forgotten about. Now, over 18 months on I thought it would be interesting to revisit the posts that I wrote and see what has stayed and what has changed.

If you would like to see my original Top 3 Primer post see here

Laura Mercier – Foundation Primer see here

This was actually in my original post and I am still absolutely loving it. I’ll be honest and admit I don’t use this every day, it’s the sort of product where it gets forgotten about for a little while and then as soon as you apply you fall in love all over again. I just can’t fault it at all. My skin always feels amazing when this is applied and every foundation loves it too. This is more of a silicone based primer which is what I probably lean towards as I find it creates a matte finish which is what I go for. I still can’t believe how expensive it is though but it’s one of the products where it’s worth those extra pennies.

Nip + Fab – Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix see here

If you have been reading my blog recently then you know I absolutely adore this primer. I have found love and I just constantly pick this one up to apply. I use this so often and the amount I have used it I’m surprised that there is still some left in the bottle. You get a lot of product for your money.

Annoyingly I think this is being discontinued which is really annoying but it is currently on sale so I would pick it up if you are interested in trying it out. I actually pick up a lot of my Nip + Fab products from TK MAXX – I’m a little bit of a bargain hunter! Again this is a more silicone/gel texture which gives more of a matte finish but is really hydrating for the skin. If you have tired the Laura Mercier foundation primer but can’t justify the price tag then it might be worth trying this baby as it’s half the price!

Loreal – Infallible Mattifying Primer  see here

Yes there is a theme here they are all mattifying and all silicone based – I can’t help what I like! This is well and truly a silicone primer and I love it. For me this is one of the best drugstore primers I have found. I use this slightly less than the other two primers I have mentioned as I whip this out when I am having a tough time with oils on my skin and I need something that is going to keep my face matte for as long as possible. I find it so easy to apply on the skin and works wonders with whatever foundation I choose to use. If you like silicone primers and haven’t tried this yet – then seriously you really need to, it’s a must in my opinion!

& there you have it! Let me know if you have tired any of these primers and how you got on with them. Also, do you have any recommendations for new primers to use – I must warn you I have a vast collection of primers but I am always up for a new addition!

-A x

IMATS Haul 2018

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 1 Comment

Hello my lovelies,

So this post is long overdue, this make up has been sitting in my room for a little while now and I finally have the time to write this post so I can get using the goodies I have brought. If you don’t know IMATS is a international make up artist trade show which travels over the world and comes to London once a year. It is a great day out by getting discounts from your favourite brands as well as finding new brands. You can also watch make up artists in action as well as talks from well known people within the make up industry.

This is my 5th year in going and for me is a massive date in my diary. This year I went with my older sister and one of my close friends who loves make up & beauty nearly as much as I do. I did go into this knowing roughly what I wanted to pick up but then I did get swayed by a lot also, I just can’t help it I’m an addict! We had such a lovely day and after the trade show we ventured to Westfield and sipped cocktails in the sunshine as well as doing a little more shopping, whoops..

If you want to see what I brought last year from IMATS see here

MAC

Skin Base Visage see here

I have wanted this for quite some time, I have received so many testers of this and never got round to buying the full size version so IMATS was the time to finally make the purchase. MAC had 25% off their products which I obviously couldn’t refuse. This is a primer that is extremely lightweight and works amazingly with pretty much any foundation. I’m so happy that this is now back in my life.

Prep & Prime, Fix + see here

I honestly don’t know how I have never picked this up before. I have always wanted to try this out but always told myself I shouldn’t buy it. This was a purchase that I wasn’t expecting to make but with the discount I thought this was the perfect time to add it to my collection. Let’s hope it lives up to the all the amazing reviews I have heard about it.

221S Brush see here

This brush was 100% on my list, I already own one of these babies and I knew I needed another one because I use it every single day. Now I know this is pretty pricey for a small brush but it is totally worth it and to be honest I don’t think I could live without it. For me, this is the perfect crease brush, I found the 217 waaaay to big for my eyes and this is just perfect. Seriously pick it up and try it out for yourself because I couldn’t create an eye look without this baby now, life changing!

Revolution/Revolution Pro

Regeneration – Revelation Eyeshadow Palette see here

One thing I said to myself is that I didn’t need any more eyeshadow palettes but here I am talking about one I brought, whoops.. I want to branch a little with some bright pinks which this really does have and to be honest I got sucked into it because of the glitter shades. I’m really looking forward to experimenting with this palette and for me Revolution are pretty good when it comes to the formula of their eye shadows.

Regeneration – Goldmine Eyeshadow Palette see here

I know, another eyeshadow palette! This one I did see first and I just fell in love with the orange tones of the palette. I am really loving an orange eye and although this isn’t for everyone I am totally rocking it with no shame. I always think if you are wanting to experiment with different colours buy an affordable palette like Revolution and then if you get on with the colour you can always invest in other palettes. I can’t wait to start creating looks with this little baby!

4K Highlighter Palette – Rose Gold see here

I’m a sucker for a highlighter palette and to be honest I didn’t even look at it. My sister just came across and said she was buying one and I was like yea I’ll get one to. Luckily she has good taste and I trust her opinion. These shades are completely up my street and to be honest I haven’t brought highlighter in a while and I thought this would be a perfect addition to my collection.

Supreme Matte Finishing Spray see here

I was running a little light on the amount of finishing sprays I have so I thought rather than buy one lets buy two different ones. I always try and go for a matte finishing spray as that’s the look I prefer especially with my oily complexion. I have tried a Revolution one before which I have just run of, I did actually mention this in my last Empties Post so I thought yeah lets buy another one!

Fast Base Foundation Stick in F6 see here

So lets all be honest this little baby is everywhere in the beauty world and I have tried to get my hands on this for the longest time and they have never had my shade in stock. I finally found my shade and I cannot wait to get using this little baby. I have heard so many things about this product and I also had a good recommendation from my older sister so to me it was a no brainer to try out. I’m sure I will be reporting back on my thoughts of this!

Conceal & Define Concealer in C7 and C3 see here

Yes I also found shades in these babies, I think these have to be my favourite purchase of the weekend because I have been wanting to get hold of these for the longest time. I brought two shades in the end C7 for concealing and C3 for my under eyes as a little brightener. I have been wanting to try these out ever since I brought them and I finally can. I have heard nothing but good things about these so I can’t wait to have perfect skin!

Urban Decay

All Nighter Foundation 2.0 see here

This is a product I knew I wanted to get and I had already been colour matched prior to the event so I knew exactly what I wanted. I cannot wait to try this, again another product I have heard so much about and I cannot wait to try this out. I hope it lives up to my expectations. I haven’t ever actually tried an Urban Decay foundation before but I am completely won over by the packaging – I mean who wouldn’t be!?

Naked Skin Concealer in Light Warm see here

Again another product that I knew I wanted to pick up, I was tempted to buy the All Nighter Concealer but thought that would be a bit too heavy so I thought this would be the perfect pairing with the All Nighter foundation. Seriously, I don’t think I’m going to need any base products anytime soon I’m completely stocked up!

Kat Von D – Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Requiem see here

My only liquid lipstick purchase of the haul – be proud! I have two of these in my collection already and I thought it was about time I added another one to my collection. This is something a little bit different to my collection but I thought it was time to mix it up a little. It’s a beautiful purple/pink colour which I think is going to look amazing in the summer months. I mean I’m definitely going to rock it whether people like it or not. I love the shade range that Kat Von D have as they have some really out there shades and to be honest I wish it was acceptable to wear them because I totally would.

OPV – Eyeshadow Palette in Gorgeous II see here

So I brought this on a complete whim but I was just drawn in by the colours and to be honest the pigmentation is insane. This reminded me so much of a Morphe Palette I own but a lot better quality to be honest. I cannot wait to get trying these shades and I just hope the pigmentation is transferred onto my lids. I have never heard of this brand before but I have just realised they are stocked on Beauty Bay so if I like this I may have to explore what else they have to offer.

Nip+Fab – Viper Venom Micro Blue Fix see here

This is my favourite primer and I am running low on the one I currently have and I just knew I needed to buy another. I didn’t actually buy this at IMATS I went to Superdrug after and brought this but I thought it was worthwhile putting this in here. I think this is being discontinued and I am actually gutted, this is amazing and I am obsessed with it. If you prefer silicone based primers then you need to try this. It transforms my skin and works with every single foundation I own. I think I am going to need to buy a few more so I can carry on using this!

That’s all folks, congratulations to you if you made it to the end. It was pretty lengthy! So pleased this is written because now I can start enjoying these products! Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what your thoughts are on them. Also if you have been to IMATS or would like to know a little more information about it let me know and I will answer your questions.

-A x

Spring Evening Skincare Routine

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 6 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

I haven’t done a skincare routine for quite some time and as it has changed quite a lot since the last time I shared my routine with you, so I thought I would share it with you. I would just mention before I get into this post that I don’t use all of these products in one evening. It depends whether I have a shower in the evening or what my skin is like on the day. Mainly my skincare is from the drugstore because actually it’s pretty blooming impressive, you don’t need to pay mega bucks to have good skin!

Cleanser: Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean Deep Cleansing Milk see here

This has been a firm favourite for well over a year and I have brought quite a few bottles of this now. It’s such a good cleanser and near enough removes all my make up including mascara. It never irritates my skin or eyes which is a major bonus. I think for £8 you really can’t go wrong and most evenings this is my cleanser of choice. I have actually reviewed this here if you want to read a little more into it.

Second Cleanse: Estee Lauder – Nutritious Micro-Algae Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly see here

This I actually picked up on a whim around 3 months ago and I have fallen in love with it. It does wonders for my pores and they dramatically look so much better. If you have problems with having large pores and a load of rubbish in them this is the product to sort it out. I don’t use this all the time only when I can be bothered to second cleanse but it really does make the world of difference. Highly recommend this little baby, a little pricey but well worth the investment.

Micellar Water: Garnier – Micellar Water see here

So if you have read any of my previous blog posts then you know I absolutely adore this product. I wouldn’t even like to admit how many of these babies I have brought. This is my savior product and if I had to choose only one skincare product for the rest of my life it would be this one. In my eyes it is simply the best micellar water and I will never try anything else. I use this every evening without fail normally just after cleansing to clear any residue that may of been left including on my eyes. I just find it so refreshing and the perfect product to then move onto the next part of my routine. Seriously if you haven’t used this yet you need to!

Night Moisturiser: Nip + Fab Glycolic Overnight Purifying Gel see here

Now this isn’t a moisturiser as such but I use it as a replacement, it works for me. This is a little sticky when first applied but it does sink into the skin relatively quickly and my skin always feels so much better in the morning. This really works well if you have acne prone skin or suffer with breakouts. My spots always look a lot better in the morning after using this.

Spot Remedy: La Roche Posay – Effaclar Duo see here

So this is quite a new addition to my skincare collection, I think I was definitely the last person in the world to pick this up. To be honest I don’t use it as much as I should and to be honest I use it when my skin is really struggling, mainly with spots and the scars that remain after. It really works wonders and isn’t a harsh treatment on your skin at all. I love using this and I have noticed that my outbreaks never last as long as they used to. I have written a full review on this product here if you want to find out a little more.

Exfolatior: Garnier Fresh Radiance Boosting Scrub see here

I use an exfoliator 2-3 times a week in the shower and to be honest that is enough for me. For years I have stuck near enough with the same exfoliator and this year I decided to mix it up a little. I much prefer an intensive exfoliant, I like to know it’s doing something to my skin and I use the products like a treatment to my face. To be honest I’m not the biggest fan of this one, the citrus smell is lovely but I don’t think it does much else for me. The person I am I don’t like to waste anything so because it’s not making my skin any worse I’ll use it up. Has anyone else tried this before?

Face Wash: Soap & Glory Vitamin C Facial Wash see here

Another product I have just started to mix up recently, again I don’t use this everyday I use it mainly in conjunction with my exfoliator. I’m actually really enjoying this, it also has little beads in so for me it’s like round two of exfoliation but not anywhere as near as harsh. This does the job, for me face washes are pretty standard products but there is something about this product that I just really like. I know you are meant to use a face wash daily but seriously I cleanse etc. I don’t have hours to complete a skincare routine!

Toner: Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Anti-Blemish Clarifying Tonic see here

Last but by no means least, my current toner. Now again I don’t use this daily and I would say I use it in conjunction on the days I exfoliate just because I want to ensure my skin is as clean as possible and has a little bit of a treatment rather than just removing makeup. I don’t believe in long skincare routine’s daily as surely your skin just gets used to it and the products just become null and void. Along with not having the time to do it every evening, this just works. I absolutely love this toner, mainly because it is so different to any toner I have used and instantly cools my skin. I have reviewed this here and would recommend you checking it out if you are on the hunt for a new toner.

& that’s my skincare routine. Although it seems like quite a few products I don’t use them all at the same time, I break it up. I’m sure some people will say I am missing out on key products like serums and eye creams but this is what works for me and my skin is happy the majority of the time. Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what your thoughts are of them.

-A x

Boots & TK Maxx Haul

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 4 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

So this was meant to be a shopping trip where I just pick up the essentials.. I don’t think many of this is essentials but I couldn’t help myself and who doesn’t love a haul!? There is nothing better when I have an hour or two to have a browse up and down the aisles of Boots and TK Maxx they are both amazing for getting some offers and I can never turn down a bargain!

Maybelline – Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation see here (Boots) 

So although this isn’t a new launch by Maybelline there seems to be a lot of talk about it recently and I thought what the heck lets give it a go. I’m all up for anything that is mattifying and will reduce the look of my pores. At the moment I don’t have many drug store favourite foundations, I just don’t seem to enjoy them much as others in my collection. I am hoping this will change things for me. I’m sure I will report back!

L’Oreal – Hydra Genius Moisturiser see here (Boots) 

This is a repurchase for me because I love it so much, I really enjoyed this so much so when I saw it in Boots I couldn’t not pick it up. It’s unlike anything I have tried before and will be perfect for the warmer months because it is such a light moisturiser. I have actually reviewed this here for a bit more information. But trust me is blooming lovely!

Garnier – Pure Active Daily Exfoliating Scrub see here (Boots) 

Another repurchase, this is my favourite EVER exfoliator. I am in love with this and I feel like this really makes a difference to my skin when I use this. It is a little intensive and tingles on the skin so it may not work for sensitive skin but for me it works wonders. I really feel like after I use this I notice a difference. Especially when I have a breakout this baby is here for me.  Seriously if you are on the hunt for a new exfoliator I would recommend this one.

Botanics – Softening Cleanser see here

I have really been trying to get into Botanics, I have a cleanser from them and I really enjoy it so I thought why not try another cleanser. I was on the hunt for a new one because for whatever reason I seem to be sticking to the same one. I am hoping this will break the rut I am in. I’m hoping I will love it as much as the product I already have. I’m sure I will report back on what I think.

Biovene – Black Peel-Off Mask see here (TK Maxx) 

I have wanted to try these peel off masks for the longest time but never got round to buying one. When I was in TK Maxx and this was £2.99 I decided now was the time to see whether it works or actually you go through the pain for no reason. I also want to put this on my boyfriend so see his reaction – aren’t I lovely!? It just seems so satisfying seeing all the rubbish being removed and you can visually see it. Anyway I shall let you know!

Garnier – Pure Active 3 in 1 Clay Mask Scrub see here (Boots) 

Another Garnier product, I just love their skincare. This product just made me quite curious a mask and a scrub!? I thought as I fell in love with their exfoliator in the same range why not give this a go. I mean if I don’t like it it’s not the end of the world. This was actually on buy one get one half price so it would be rude not to right? I shall let you know how I get on with this when I figure out where it will fit into my skincare routine. If anyone has tried this I’d love to know how/when you use it and whether it worked for you.

Nip + Fab – Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads see here (TK MAXX) 

So these actually caught my eye because I knew my sister was on the hunt to get these at a good price and when I saw them for £3.99 I was like hello I’m getting me some of them too! I have been loving the Nip and Fab products that I have tried and so many people have raved about them but I wasn’t prepared the near £14 price tag. I hope I love them as much as others do and my sister was a very happy bunny when I told them I picked them up for her.

That’s all folks, I hope you have enjoyed reading my recent purchases. Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what your thoughts are of them.

-A x

February Favourites

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 20 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

Well hasn’t February just flown by!? In my personal life February has been an awful month I battled with pneumonia, spent weeks in bed not able to do anything for myself. Spent valentines in hospital with my boyfriend, so romantic! Luckily I am now on the mend and actually the past week or so I have trying to do as much as I can without pushing myself too much. Why is it though when you are feeling unwell that your skin decides that it’s time for your skin to have a meltdown too, seriously!

Make Up Forever – Step One Radiant Primer see here

This is one of my first ever Make Up Forever products and I am seriously impressed. It’s a cream like consistency which sinks into the skin effortlessly. Although I’m not really one for radiance as this can just make the oils in my skin worse this has actually made me look healthy. When you are unwell you do not ‘have a glow about you’ in fact it’s the complete opposite and this has helped me feel more human. Keeping my foundation on I feel as though it is pretty average as primers go but radiance glow wise, complete live saver!

Stila – Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow in Bronzed Ball see here

So this was mentioned in my Cult Beauty Haul earlier in the year and this was the product I was most excited for. This would of been in my January Favourites however as much as I loved it from one application I couldn’t write how much I love it, it isn’t fair. Although for the amount of pigmentation and glitter from this little baby it’s hard to find occasions to wear this however I now wear it whenever I please. I want to wear it all the time. This is the best thing I have put on my eyelids for a long time. It has changed my life. These are complete glitter goals and the shade range is so impressive. If you like glitter, go pick one of these NOW.

Zoeva – Cocoa Blend Eyeshadow Palette see here

I know I have mentioned this in favourites posts before, I just love it so much. I love the colours in the palette, they blend beautifully and the pigmentation is pretty impressive. I have been creating a look recently which involves the shades: Substitute for Love, Freshly Toasted, Warm Notes and Pure Ganache. It creates the perfect soft cranberry smokey eye. I have had to consciously stop using this and bring out some other palettes as I am using this so much. Zoeva eyeshadow palettes are amazing, I have a couple now and I am still deciding on what one I want next, too many decisions!

Nip + Fab – Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel see here

I recently picked this up which I mentioned here and I was unsure if I was going to like this or not with it being an overnight mask and the whole sticky face vibe. I will have to eat my words a little because I am seriously impressed. I started using this when my skin started to just get worse and worse and nothing else was working. I popped this on after my skincare and yes it is fairly sticky but after around 5 minutes it goes, the product is sunk into the skin. Impressive right? I really think this has been a product that has helped my skin, my pores are reduced and my skin looks all round better! I will be doing a full review on this so keep your eyes peeled.

Estee Lauder – Pore Purifying Cleansing Jelly see here

Another skincare savior and recent purchase. I have been using this as my second cleanser and my goodness my skin loves this. It’s quite strange to apply as it’s fairly sticky for a cleanser but once you work it into the skin I have no idea what happens but my pores instantly look so much better. The amount of blackheads I find on my face has significantly reduced and all round my skin looks so much better. I definitely feel as though it’s down to this baby along with the Nip+Fab overnight ask. Very happy bunny and so pleased I picked this up.

Katy Perry – Killer Queen Perfume see here

It’s not very often I put a perfume into the mix in my favourites but here I am with quite a crazy perfume. By no means am I a Katy Perry mega fan. Years ago I was given this for a birthday/Christmas at the end of the day a scent is a scent right? I also love the bottle however it takes up a fair bit of room in my perfume collection! I started using this when I had a perfume shake up and I fell completely in love with this all over again. Although I would say it is on the sweeter side of the scale, at the same time it’s definitely an ‘adult’ scent. I don’t know if that makes sense but it’s not a silly girly scent it has some other notes to it I just can’t pick out what they are. If you ever see this in a shop, smell it weirdly it’s blooming lovely. Its the only scent I have worn this month I just am a little addicted.

That’s all folks! Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what your thoughts are on them. Hope you had a lovely February.

-A x

Collective Beauty Haul

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 34 Comments

Hello lovelies,

I love shopping. I am sucked in by deals and freebies. I only actually needed one of these items and look what I ended up buying from multiple places! Hey ho, I mean who is judging? My problem is that I lust on websites and before I know it I have paid and it’s already on it’s way to me before I even realise what I have done. Please tell me I’m not the only one who has this issue!?

House of Fraser

So the reason why I went spending at House of Fraser is that I had a gift voucher from Christmas and I really wanted to repurchase my Benefit Brow Pencil. Little did I know that this brow pencil is so damn popular! It’s constantly out of stock and I was waiting ages for it to come back into stock & I gave up. I decided to take advantage of the Estee Lauder gift with purchase because why the hell not!

Estee Lauder – Take it Away Total Makeup Remover see here

I had a little mini of this and I fell in love. It’s flipping brilliant and the perfect make up remover for me. Its light and takes my make up off with ease so I thought do you know I am going to buy the full size. I haven’t heard of this at all in the beauty world but I have no idea why because it’s a flipping great product. It’s not a hot cloth cleanser but I use it in the same way and it works wonders!

Estee Lauder – Nutritious Micro-Algae Pore Cleansing Jelly see here

So this product was calling my name because my pores are awful at the moment. They are so clogged up and nothing I seem to try helps. So I saw this was specifically for pore cleansing and I just knew I needed to try it out. I really hope that this helps me out because I feel like currently I am up against a loosing battle. Essentially it is another cleanser BUT this will be a second cleanser for me to ensure it’s just the pores I’m targeting. Lets hope it helps. Side note if you have any savior products for pores please let me know!

So because I brought two products from Estee Lauder I received a goodie bag which included:

Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Advanced Night Repair

Eyeshadow Palette

Advanced Night Repair Eye Cream

Day Wear Cream

Sumptuous Extreme Mascara

The Illuminator Radiant Perfecting Primer

Stila – Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Wanderlust see here

Annoyingly, House of Fraser don’t currently stock this shade but I promise I did buy it from here. I already own one of these liquid eye shadows and I have fallen in love. They are absolutely beautiful and has completely changed my eyeshadow game. I thought why the hell not buy another one. This shade is completely out of my comfort zone but I think sometimes you have to shake it up and try new things, lets hope it works well!

Cult Beauty

This is where I found my little eyebrow pencil in stock. I could of just brought this BUT that’s not me so I added a few things just to make it worth while and again I just got sucked in to the beautiful world of Cult Beauty. If you haven’t ever shopped on Cult Beauty then you really need to, they have amazing brands and the website is just dreamy!

Benefit – Precisely, My Brow Pencil in Shade 4 see here

I finally have what I was looking for, seriously this massive haul is for this one product. Crazy! I had no idea how popular this product was until I was quickly running out of my current one and I was panicking that I would run out. Cult Beauty saved the day! This is my brow pencil of choice and I adore it. It’s perfect, Benefit really are the winners for me when it comes to brow products. Seriously if you haven’t tried their brow products before head over to your local counter and they will be able to point you in the right direction of what product will suit you best as well as shades.

NYX – Concealer Wand in Light see here

I was on the search for a new concealer. I have been stuck in a rut with using the wonderful Collection Lasting Perfecting Concealer which is AMAZING but I was getting a little bored. I saw NYX was on Cult Beauty and thought do you know what it’s time for a change. I very rarely buy new concealers because I love the ones I have but I’m all up for a mix up and it’s so damn affordable!

Stila – Magnificent Metals Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow in Rose Gold Retro see here

Yes I know, another one! I just can’t help myself the colours are just so damn pretty. I am really getting into experimenting with different eyeshadow colours and who doesn’t want rose gold on their lids!? I cannot wait for occasions to wear this because the colour looks absolutely beautiful. I feel as though this is going to become an addiction because their colours are just too much, seriously tell me that they aren’t pretty.

TK MAXX

A trusty winner when it comes to buying beauty products. I would say go when it’s quiet because otherwise it ends up like a jumble sale and seriously it’s not worth it. I always go late at night and near enough have the whole section to myself and I can really find some amazing goodies. I can’t link them to their website because it’s not how they work but if you haven’t been to TK MAXX for beauty products then it’s a must who doesn’t love a bargain!

Nip + Fab – Glycolic Overnight Purifying Gel 

So I pick up all my Nip + Fab products up from TK MAXX because you can pick them up for a fraction of the price. I find the brand a little pricey so when you can pick this product for £6 instead of £15, to me it’s a no brainer. These whole overnight products interest me and I want to know what they exactly do. I’m not a massive fan of the whole sticky pillow face vibe but I’m willing to try. I will be doing a review on this product so keep your eyes peeled!

Eylure – Fleur de Force Brow Palette 

I have heard an awful lot of things about Fleur’s eyebrow range and for whatever reason I haven’t got round to picking anything up. I saw this for £2 and I thought well it’s silly not to try it out. I’m not the biggest fan of brow powder but I’m open to try new products and with so many people enjoying this product I thought come on girl change it up a bit. I like that their is two different colours so I report back and I’ll let you know how I get on.

That’s all folks! I have been on a spending ban for a couple of weeks so I don’t think their will be another haul anytime soon. I have so many new products to try out now and I cannot wait! Please let me know if you have tried any of these products and what your thoughts are on them.

-A x

Top 10 MakeUp Products of 2017

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 11 Comments

Hello my lovelies!

It’s nearly the end of 2017, I’m completely baffled by how quickly this year has gone. I thought it would be a good idea to give you a round up of my favourite products of 2017. If you have read my blog for a while some of these products will not be a surprise however some I absolutely adore and for whatever reason I haven’t mentioned before. I will also be doing a skincare version of this post so keep your eyes peeled!

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I Heart Makeup – Goddess of Love Triple Baked Highlighter see here

So if you know me, I blooming love highlighter. Who doesn’t!? I have brought so many new highlighters this year and my collection is a bit overwhelming. However, you know you have those days where you are indecisive so you stick to one. This is the one. I know for most this will be a bit of a strange choice but it’s so blooming gorgeous. I much prefer a golden highlight and for me this is just perfect. It creates such a beautiful glow on your cheeks and personally I just don’t think you can beat it.

I mean for me I’m not a massive a fan of the packaging, it’s a little young for me and it’s so bulky it takes up a lot of space in my collection. But, I can forgive it because it’s so damn beautiful. I love it even more because of the price because you get so much product. I mean I use this at least once a week and it still seems as though I haven’t made a dent in it. Seriously, if you haven’t tried this highlight it’s a must!

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Benefit – Hoola Bronzer see here

So most makeup lovers have this little baby in their collection, if you haven’t tried this why the hell not!? I have been upping my contour game this year, well attempting to anyway and this little baby has been with my every step of the way. Although it’s branded as a bronzer it’s the perfect contour shade for me. It has never let me down and it is the perfect shade for my skin tone. I hit pan earlier on in the year and I got so worried but it’s still going strong.

I am trying to use other contour products but I always go back to this wonderful product. I don’t know what it is, it’s just perfect. I love everything about it and I know that I won’t be giving up this baby anytime soon. I know I have mentioned this product in quite a few favourites I just love sharing how amazing this product is. I know it’s a very hyped up product but there is a good reason why!

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Nip + Fab – Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix Primer see here

So this is fairly recent purchase to my collection, again I have brought way to many primers this year! This has by far been my favourite. In fact I will go as far to say this is my favoruite primer in my collection currently. This is the only product I have from Nip + Fab and I seriously need to buy some more if this little baby is to go by. It is a little pricey at £20 but I believe it is on offer in Superdrug quite often and I found mine in TK MAXX for a fraction of the price.

I have written a full review of the product here so if you want a little more information on it then this will help. This is a clear gel primer that is more on the silicone side. I thought this was worth mentioning because people have different preferences. I absolutely adore this primer, super long wearing and makes all of my foundations look that much better. I seriously don’t think a primer can beat this, but we shall see!

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Anastasia Beverly Hills – Modern Renaissance Palette see here

Yes of course this little baby made on the list. I am OBSESSED with this palette. I absolutely love it. I was determined this year to shake up my eyeshadow looks and this little baby has opened my eyes to so much. The colours in this palette are just AMAZING. If you are thinking about buying this palette I seriously would go ahead and buy it. These are the best eye shadows I have ever used formula wise. They beat the likes of Urban Decay and Charlotte Tilbury.

The only annoying thing is that I have kind of wrecked the packaging. It’s beautiful packaging don’t get me wrong but seriously it gets so messy! I have completed a full review of this product here so if you are still on the fence this may help. I know I won’t stop using this palette for the longest time. I love you Modern Renaissance thank you so much to opening my eyes to beautiful colours.

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Soap & Glory – Kick Ass Instant Retouch Pressed Powder see here

I never thought I would see the day that I would rave about a powder. I mean seriously it’s the most boring product I apply to my face daily but I’m so impressed with this little baby. It just works with my skin and is great at oil control. It just sets my make up and I never feel like I need to touch up. I thought at first that it must be my primer but when I swapped my powder I noticed a difference. I never realised how important finding a good powder was.

I have mentioned this in recent favourite posts actually because I’m so impressed. I don’t have many make-up products from soap and glory because I feel it is slightly overpriced but the powder is seriously worth the money. I have gone through a couple of these little babies and I don’t think I will stop using this any time soon. If you are on the hunt for a new powder I recommend trying this out.

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Benefit – Roller Lash Mascara see here

Another Benefit product, I didn’t realise this until now – whoops! So I haven’t really featured this in my blog I don’t think. The reason why is because I don’t use it as my upper lash mascara. It just doesn’t do what I want it to do I have had it for a while but I didn’t want to throw it away because it’s a waterproof mascara. Unfortunately a lot of mascara I own when I apply to my bottom lashes transfer to under my eyes so I look like a panda.

So, this little baby I apply to my bottom lashes every single day. A little tip if your mascara is running out but you don’t want to throw it away until it’s completely used up I would use it as a bottom lash mascara. I don’t think I will repurchase because I have found so many wonderful mascaras but I do use this every single day so it was worth mentioning.

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MAC – 221 Brush see here

For whatever reason I don’t really talk about brushes, 2018 is the year I introduce you to my brush collection I will warn you it’s quite extensive! However, a couple of years ago I jumped on the hype of MAC’s 217 brush and although I love it, it just wasn’t working how I wanted it to. For my birthday this year I got my makeup done by MAC, it was so much fun! She started to work on my eyes and focusing on the crease and she used this brush and literally it has become the best brush I own.

It’s so flipping soft, it is perfect for crease work. You know when you never can replicate what people do to you even using the same products – I could replicate it. Now it’s not down to my skills it’s this blooming brush. I use it every single day, my crease always look AMAZING. I need to buy more of these because they are the best brush ever. With a £20 price tag though it does deter me.

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Urban Decay – Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original see here

Eyeshadow primer is a must for me, if you don’t use it WHY!? The best one I have ever tried is this little baby. It seriously is amazing and my eye shadow always looks so much better. I can’t apply eye shadow without using this. However, I really don’t like the new packaging I much prefer the whole squeezy tube than doe foot but the product inside is still amazing as ever.

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NYX – Lingerie Liquid Lipstick in Teddy see here

So this was really hard to only put one lip product in this post but I thought I would narrow it down to just one, the most worn. This shade is flipping gorgeous. This year has been this year of a brown lip for me. The formulation of these lipsticks are incredible and one of the best I have ever tried. For a drug store this product this is seriously impressive. I seriously need to get my hands on more shades and I am sure you will see more from me.

I have actually done a full review of this here so if you would like a little more information then this may help. If you haven’t tried this liquid lipstick then you seriously need to – there are so many beautiful colours in the range and if you are a lipstick junkie like me then you’ll love this!

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Benefit – Precisely, My Brow Pencil in Shade 4 see here

Last but by no means least my eyebrow savior. I know another Benefit product – I clearly have been loving the brand this year without even realising.  This is the best brow pencil EVER. I don’t use this product for the whole of my brows, I use it for the front to create a more natural brow as they are a little sparce. I absolutely love it, and I don’t think I am going to be using a different brow pencil any time soon.

This has made my Top 3| Eyebrow Products obviously. My only annoyance is that I just go through it so quickly, for the price I do expect a little more in it BUT it doesn’t take away the fact that it is flipping amazing. Benefit really are at the top of their game for brow products. There are brow products for everyone in the range – if you haven’t tried any go and the lovely people on the counter will always help match you to your correct shade.

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Hats off to you if you made it to the end of the post! Let me know if you have tried any of these products and how they work for you. Keep your eyes peeled for my top 10 skincare products of 2018!

-A x

Current Everyday MakeUp

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 9 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

So my makeup routine changes quite frequently, especially with the amount of new products I buy in a month – I am a beauty shopping addict. I think it’s a healthy thing to change up your makeup. I mean there are a few products that I simply cannot live without and I use religiously but who doesn’t!? I have recently been experimenting with my eye makeup and actually started to wear pink eyeshadow. For me this is a big thing and actually I am blooming loving it!

My last everyday routine is here so you will be able to see what I have changed up and what I am still using because they are that good!

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BASE

Nip+Fab – Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix Primer

MAC – Studio Fix Fluid (NW15)

NARS – Radiant Creamy Concealer (Light 2, Vanilla) Review here

Kat Von D – Setting Powder in Translucent

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EYEBROWS

Sleek – Brow Kit (Light)

Beautiful Brows – Eyeshadow Powder (Dark Brown)

Miss Sporty – Just Clear Mascara

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EYES 

Urban Decay – Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Anastasia Beverley Hill – Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette (Used: Burnt Orange, Realgar, Love Letter and Primavera)

Kat Von D – Tattoo Liner (Trooper Black)

Too Faced – Better Than Sex Mascara

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FACE 

Collection – Contour Kit (Just the contour shade)

NARS – Laguna Bronzer

Zoeva – Coral Spectrum Blush Palette (CR030)

MAC – Extra Dimension Skin Finish (Show Gold)

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LIPS 

L’Oreal – Lip Paint/Matte (212 Nude-Ist)

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Have you used any of these make up products? Let me know your thoughts, I am blooming loving this look at the moment!

-A x

REVIEW| Nip + Fab Viper Venom Micro Blur Fix

~ Beauty with Alice ~ 4 Comments

Hello my lovelies,

For me, primer is a very important part in my makeup routine. I know for many people this is a forgotten step but I cannot apply my base without applying primer. For one it helps your make up stay on longer throughout the day, it minimises the look of pores and it also gives your skin an even base to apply make up onto. So for the people that don’t wear primer take note of what you are missing out on!

Nip + Fab is a brand I have never ventured into before, I’m not sure why but for me the names of their products scare me. The prices are a little expensive and as I had never tried it before I didn’t want to waste my money on something I didn’t get on with. A few months ago, I found this primer in TK MAXX I thought it was the perfect time to actually try a product from them as obviously it was discounted. I actually brought this for around £10, I believe in the likes of Superdrug & Boots it costs around £20 – complete bargain right!?

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The name for me is a little weird ‘Viper Venom Micro Blur’ what made me pick it up was the micro blur part. Everyone needs that little helping hand when it comes to their skin and if I find a product that claims to blur the look of pores – I’m all for it. It is something I struggle with and I feel primer is the best way to try and combat that. The packaging is quite simple, but I love the pop of colour with the green as it catches the eye a little rather than a product with a black background and white writing.

The product itself comes out as a cloudy cream, which I suppose is quite standard for a primer nothing really that different. The first thing that does hit me with the product is the smell. I can’t really put my finger on what it actually smells like but it’s a refreshing scent which is fairly strong. I love it, but it may not to be to everyone’s cup of tea so please bare this in mind.

I thought this would be a silicone based primer but actually it is the complete opposite. As soon as you rub it into the skin it feels very water based and sinks into the skin almost immediately. I was worried when I first applied this that it wouldn’t then do anything because it just near enough disappeared. I left the primer on for a couple of minutes and I looked back into the mirror to actually find it had created this beautiful base for my foundation, I was so surprised. I have applied lots of different foundations with this and they all work like an absolute dream.

This really did help to reduce the look of my pores as well as keeping my foundation on for a good 12-14 hours with no issues. As I have oily skin by the end of the day my foundation normally always looks horrid, but when I have used this it is the complete opposite – it doesn’t move a muscle!

My only slight niggle is that it is a little sticky when it dries, but when you apply foundation on top that all goes away and you can’t feel a thing. I just blooming love it, it is very rare for me to get excited over a primer because I just feel they do a job and that’s it they can’t really go wrong but as soon I applied this for the first time I just fell in love. I don’t know what it is about it but I just can’t stop using it. I really do notice a difference when I don’t use this in the way my makeup sits on my face, it’s a complete new feeling to me.

Overall I blooming love it, I am so impressed by this product. So much so that when this runs out I would happily pay the price tag of £20 for it, yes it’s that good! You can buy it here I would really recommend this to anyone and I will continue to rave about it ’till forever more. I mentioned it in a recent favourites post because I’m just so in love with it. I really want to try some more products from the brand now, I think I may see what else I can get my hands on in TK MAXX before I start to pay full price though!

Let me know if you have this and what your thoughts are. Also, can anyone recommend what else I should try from Nip + Fab?

-A x