Monday 30 January 2012

Mii Cosmetics

Never heard of Mii Cosmetics? Here's a bit of background..

Mii recently launched in the UK and was developed with one idea in mind. That women shouldn't constantly feel the pressure of having to live up to the high standards we've all set for ourselves nowadays. Instead of trying to transform yourself into something you're not, the main focus is to be happy with who you are and to be content with yourself instead of crumbling to the pressure of 'being beautiful'. Having confidence in yourself is alone, beautiful so feel free to create an image that is entirely you - not based on someone else.
I was offered the chance to try two products from their range and after a long browse on their website I settled on the Glamorous Trio Bronzing Face Finish and their Moisturising Lip Lover Lipstick in 'Express'.
Glamorous Trio Bronzing Face Finish in 'Treasure - 01'.
Price: £23.50 for 10g
Only available in this shade
This gorgeous product contains two different shades of bronzer as well as a highlighter. I love products like this because they can be extremely versatile! For me, this wouldn't just be a bronzer this could also be used as an eyeshadow trio and the highlighter could be used all over the face.
Swirled together you achieve a beautiful bronzed glow that warms up the face and add a pretty sheen to the skin. I'm quite fussy about shimmer in products, any chunky glitter or a frosty finish enhances pores and I don't think it looks flattering on ANY skin tone so I was happy when I saw the shimmer in this was subtle. The pale, golden highlighter strip has a gorgeous pearlescent sheen to it and the two bronze shades have subtle shimmer running through them - combined creating the perfect bronzed glow.
The price might seem slightly steep for a brand that's not as well known but the quality is amazing. The Bronzing Face Finish is finely milled, buttery and creamy making it easy to blend, it's pigmented, with a gorgeous finish to each shade and the packaging is simplistic and sleek, as well as very sturdy with a large compact mirror.
Moisturising Lip Lover Lipstick in 'Express - 06'
£14.95 for 3.5g
Available in 12 shades
I went for Express because it looked like a beautiful variation of the classic red lip. Instead of a matte red you get a subtle, pale red with a slight golden shimmer which applies as a sheer wash of colour and can be built up for a more intense look. As the name suggests, this leaves lips nicely moisturised and doesn't highlight any dry areas - always a plus for colder months! I found this lasted a good few hours on my lips before I had to touch up and at no point did I get the dry, tight feeling some other red lipsticks leave you with.

For me, this is a great reminder that you don't have to stick to the usual large brands dotted around your local Debenhams. There are fantastic cosmetic companies about that are just as amazing! You can really see the care that's gone into the products, and the quality is fantastic. I'll definitely be purchasing a few of their eye shadows and I really want to try the Flawless Face Base too!
http://www.miicosmetics.com/

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Make-Up Storage


I've finally got around to decorating my room (not completely finished - but almost) so I thought I'd share with you my make-up storage and 'blogging area'.
I have a built in desk in the corner of my room that I painted white so it's easy to wipe clean then hung a vintage, slightly gothic mirror on the back wall. I'm right next to the window so I get natural light during the day and at night, I'm under the main light in my bedroom as well as having a lamp next to me and a light up mirror. On a whim, I brought myself a comfy white bar stool that was in the sale - definitely not a necessity but I think it was worth the money.
In terms of storage I picked up three of the Muji Wide 2 Drawer Acrylic Boxes that stack on top of each other and look scarily similar to the Glambox at just a third of the price. I also got given an acrylic lipstick/make-up organiser as a small birthday gift which I keep just next to these. For odd bits and bobs like lipbalm, large palettes I chuck them in a cute woven basket I picked up from the Range.
Once I've finally cleared up the shelf below that will be for body and hair products, nail varnishes and where I've been taking my blog photos lately.
Here's a close up view of the make-up storage for you, along with a snap of my choice of drink whilst typing away on the laptop - a healthy hot chocolate with whipped cream, mm!

Muji Storage Boxes - http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?V=1&Sec=9&Sub=39&PID=2424
I had the boxes delivered and after processing delivery was quick and everything came well packaged, highly recommended! I think in total I paid around £35.00, including postage & packaging.
Lipstick/Cosmetic Organiser can be found on Amazon
Bar Stool/Lamp from The Range
Mirror from Boots, No.7

Thursday 19 January 2012

Soap & Glory 'What's Nude' Palette

Price: £10.00 - 4 x 1.5g of product
Shade: What's Nude
Available: Boots

As one of my little stocking fillers I received the Soap & Glory Lid Stuff Palette in 'What's Nude'. I'd already tried their Kick Ass Concealer and wasn't a huge fan so I wasn't sure what to expect quality wise, however I've been quite impressed. This neutrals palette contains three matte shades and one shimmer, perfect for creating a wide eyed day time look or for transforming in to evening eyes.
My favourite way to use this palette is to apply Vanilla all over the lid and add a little bit of Pink T and Mudhoney in the crease or to use Aubersheen by itself. The only shade I was slightly disappointed with was Pink T as it doesn't show up on my skin very well. I did find some of the shadows ever so slightly chalky but otherwise they're well pigmented and easy to blend.
At just £10 this is a great, affordable palette especially if you can't afford higher end brands or want something to chuck in your handbag. I like this so much I've been using it every day for work!

Vanilla/Pink T/Mudhoney/Aubersheen

Wednesday 18 January 2012

Oops, I did it again. HAUL

Photobucket
As promised, here is my joint '21st Birthday & Treating Myself - aka. Any excuse to spend money' Haul.

Butter London Nail Varnish in 'Diamond Geezer'
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner
Sleek Pout Polish - Electro Peach
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Foundation - Natural Beige
Mac Prep & Prime Skin Base Visage Primer
Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural - Medium Plus
Mac Blush - Harmony
Sleek Pout Paint - Cloud 9
Natural Collection Lipstick - Apple Blossom
Mac 168 Brush
Mac Quad Palette - Vanilla/Silver Ring/Contrast/Mystery
Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - Medium/3
Lancome Hypnose Doll Eyes Mascara - Duo Pack, Two for £29.50
Guerlain Lingere De Peau Foundation
Mac Face and Body Foundation - C3
Mac Lipstick - Myth
LOOK Beauty Nail Pop's - Catwalk/Petticoat/Vintage
Barry M Nail Paints - Coral/Mint Green/Shocking Pink/Vivid Purple/Berry IceCream/Mushroom

Oh, the shame. I think I have a problem..
Feel free to let me know if you want reviews on any products mentioned!