My Holiday Makeup Bag 2015

*Products listed from left to right as shown above*

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Real Techniques Powder Brush

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara in Black

Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush

Sleek MakeUp Blush in Rose Gold

Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in Whimsical

No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Brown

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara in Black

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow

Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory

Real Techniques Cheek Brush

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As I am soon to be venturing off on a lush summer holiday and have been preparing myself over the last few weeks, I thought, to get myself even more excited, I would share what cosmetic products will be travelling with me for the evenings when I want to look a little more glamorous for dinner. 

First of all, I will be taking all my makeup in this adorable Beauty Bag from Zoella Beauty (mentioned in my last Fave Five!). This is the perfect size to fit not only my makeup products but my brushes too and the washable, plastic material makes it even better and more durable for travel. As you can probably see, I have been quite reserved with my choices for this holiday, my bag not carrying an abundance of the same products. Even here in the UK, where the weather isn't exactly off-the-scale scorching, I still find wearing a lot of face makeup quite uncomfortable out in the summer heat and find it just doesn't last on my skin. With this in mind, my facial makeup routine will most probably consist of a dusting of pressed powder and some blusher to add colour and shimmer to my complexion. For these I have chosen the Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder and the gorgeous Sleek MakeUp Blush in Rose Gold, the perfect shimmery, golden coral shade. The blusher I have included I have absolutely fallen in love with! It gives my cheeks a beautiful, healthy glow, adding shimmer to suit any occasion. If you visit Boots or Superdrug, have a little look at this shade, it's so pretty! I've also slotted in my Sleek MakeUp Contour Kit, mainly for the gorgeous highlighter to add a beautiful glow to my complexion, but also if I want to bronze myself up for a summer evening by the pool. I have also included the Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer, which I am not actually the biggest fan of, but purchased due to the fact my holy grail Collection Lasting Perfection concealer was out of stock every time I visited Boots or Superdrug! It is quite a light coverage concealer, alot better suited for summer weather, so it'll be coming with me just in case I want a little more coverage than just my powder. 

In terms of eyes, I have kept my selection very simple. You'll probably notice I haven't included any eyeshadows, which is very unlike me! I know that in the hot weather, any eyeshadow will just slide off my eyes and, as much as I love adding a splash of colour to my makeup with my eyeshadows, I don't want purple and pink powders half way down my face! I've stuck to just a brown eyeliner - I'm taking the No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil. I most probably won't wear this everyday but I'll smudge it across the top lash line for a more dramatic look some days - a quick, easy way to give my eyes a bit more depth. In terms of mascara, I'm taking my favourite mascara at the moment, the Maybellline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara as it makes my lashes so long and fluttery, perfect to compliment a subtle and simple makeup look for my evenings. I know that this will primarily be my go-to mascara on the trip but I am also packing a waterproof mascara - the Revlon Lash Potion By Grow Luscious Mascara - just in case.

My makeup this holiday will be all about the lips! With such simplistic eye and face makeup, I want to add a more glamorous feel with bright and colourful lips to compliment any outfit. If you know me, you'll know I stick to nude lips on an everyday basis. Both the lipsticks I have chosen will push me to be more daring with my lip colour and dress up any look. First is the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake. What I love about this product is it keeps your lips hydrated but it's also really buildable, perfect for someone like myself who isn't used to seeing strong colours on the lips. This bright, 'Barbie' pink is the perfect holiday colour and will give a lovely sheen to the lips too. I have also chosen the Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in Whimsical, a shimmery fuchsia shade. This is a really glamorous shade and compliments my complexion really nicely too. I know it will add a pop of colour to my simple makeup and always makes me feel confident and pretty when it's on my lips!

Finally, the brushes I will be taking with me are all, to no surprise, by Real Techniques. The Real Techniques Powder Brush is just amazing at applying soft and even powder across your face, perfect for building, depending on how much coverage you want. I know this will be the best brush for applying my powder on holiday as well as blending out blusher and bronzer. My other brushes are the Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush and the Real Techniques Cheek Brush, both of which are from the Nic's Picks Collection (Read a full review here!). I will use both for either bronzer or blusher application; the Duo-Fibre Face Brush giving a lighter touch and the Cheek Brush for a more defined and dramatic look, all depending on how I'm feeling! 

All in all, my holiday makeup bag doesn't look like that of the average 'makeup fanatic', but I know I love each and every product I will be taking and I won't have to worry about spending so long on getting ready and enjoy soaking up the sun! 

Are you off on holiday this year?

- Becca x

*prices listed in order of products above*

- RRP £10.99

- RRP £6.49

- RRP £7.99

- RRP £7.99

- RRP £29.99 (for whole 5 brush set including 'Cheek Brush')

- RRP £4.49

- RRP £7.99

- RRP £7.50

- RRP £9.99

- RRP £3.99

- RRP £5.49

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Fave Five: March 2015

It's been a long time since I shared my Fave Five of the month! The main reason for this is a complete lack of time with all the overtime I had done at work over most of both February and March, leaving little time for both shopping for new things to try and to sit down and write about them! I have, however, discovered some new favourites that have been staples for me over the month of March which I can't wait to share!

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen

To start is a makeup must-have that I can't seem to live a day without! The Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen is a jet-black liner that glides on for the perfect flick or just to add a little definition to your lash line. I had always been a khol eyeliner person and was scared to stray away from what I knew. I first purchased the Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner to get some practice in but found it dried up too quickly from my everyday use. I had heard good reviews of the Soap & Glory version, both online and from friends, so decided to purchase it, hoping for the best. I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of this liner, especially considering it's incredible price. The intensity of the colour has not faded in the months I've had it and the nip allows for both thin, subtle liner looks as well as the more dramatic cat flicks. If anyone is looking for an all-day-lasting felt tip liner that also boasts an easy applicator and highstreet price tag, this is definitely the liner to try!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Secondly, another beauty fave, is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. When this first came out, it seemed to be all everyone was using. I'm quite lazy when it comes to taking off makeup and always reach for my makeup wipes for a quick fix rather than taking the time to use a cleanser. For me, this cleansing water seemed like a perfect compromise, with it's promise to quickly dissolve makeup, aiding my desire for speed, yet the gentle and soothing ingredients not irritating my skin. This water, soaked up on a cotton wool pad, sweeps away your makeup quickly and easily without feeling harsh or heavy on the skin. I have used cleansers before that feel as though your skin is still clogged even after washing your face; I love the fresh feeling this leaves my skin with. The only thing I find tricky with this product is determining how much to apply to a cotton wool pad - too much leaves the water dripping down your face yet, not enough just doesn't work. Apart from this, I would recommend this to anyone trying to break the habit of reaching for makeup wipes in the evening. It's cheap, easy and perfect for all ages and skin types, making sure your skin is cared for after a long day.

The third product to add to this month's Fave Five is a fashion item. For a while now, black jeans have been the staple in my wardrobe that I can't live without. As my Next jeans began to fade in colour and loose their shape, I fled to the highstreet to find a replacement. High-waisted jeans were all over the shops, something I had never considered when first shopping. I tried on a pair from New Look and instantly fell in love with the fit and style. I was apprehensive at first to try this new style because I have a small waist and was scared it would make me look out of proportion. It did the complete opposite, complimenting my waist completely while also making my legs look longer. What's more, it's made me more adventurous with my wardrobe, daring to wear the pretty little crop tops (particularly helpful at the moment as 'crop tops' seem to dominate each and every high street shop!) and tucking in collared shirts for a different look. I can't wait to team these jeans with all my summer tops as the months become warmer!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara is my forth favourite from March. When it comes to mascara, my ultimate aim is long, fluttery lashes opposed to full and voluminous lashes that most mascara boast to achieve. When this mascara first hit the shelves, it seemed everyone was buying and loving it. The idea sounded really promising, separating your lashes to make them look fuller as well as lusciously long. Since I was given this product to try last month, I have used it every single day in my makeup routine. My preferences lie with plastic applicators anyway but, I love the arched shape of the wand that lifts and grips my lashes perfectly. Honestly, I'm not really sure if the flatter side with shorter bristles of the wand actually does anything for my lashes, so I stick with the long bristles on the other side. I find it does separate my lashes really well and achieves the beautifully long lashes that I desire. The formula is also easily buildable too, without clumping after applying a second coat. If you are after thick lashes with lots of volume, this probably isn't the product for you but, to get the perfect fluttery lashes to compliment any look, I highly recommend you give this a try!

My final favourite is very much linked to the beautiful sunshine that is starting to make an appearance here in the UK. For a week in March, my brother and I took a week off work to relax and take a break from our everyday, busy lives.We decided one day to dust off a map in one of our cupboards and plan a walk. The weather was absolutely perfect and we set out on a 2 hour adventure across the countryside. It was such a change from how we normally spend time together, it gave us a chance to just chat and enjoy each others company. We ended the wonderful walk with lunch at a little cafe, the best conclusion to one of the best days of the year so far! My brother and I get on like a house on fire and we love being able to spend time together on the days when we aren't working. It was so nice to do something out of the ordinary and I know we will both explore further afield on walks together as the months roll from spring into summer.

That's my top five favourites of March! Have you tried any of these products and loved just as much as I have?

- Becca x

P.S. Apologies for the fact this post has only just reached my blog. As my friends returned from University for the Easter Holidays, the days I would spend on my blog were spent meeting up for coffee or shopping with friends I haven't seen for months. With lots of posts and topics planned out, I'll start sorting my schedule out again! 

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme - RRP £6.00
Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - RRP £4.99 (for 400ml)
New Look High-waisted Black Disco Jeans - RRP £19.99
Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara - RRP £7.99

♡

My Everyday Spring Makeup Look!

The days are warmer, the sun is brighter and the brown and grey shades that consume winter are now overthrown by bright, beautiful colours. Spring is now on our doorstep and as soon as a vivid blue canvas and glowing sunshine is all I can see from my window, the coats are traded for jackets, the boots for trainers and my winter smokey eyes for this, colourful and fresh makeup look! 

FACE

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush

EYES

No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio in Organza (Middle Shade)

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara in Black

LIPS

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

Nude Lip Gloss

I always like to keep my makeup simple but bright in the spring/summer months. For my skin, I love to dust a little extra highlighter just lightly all over my face to give it a glistening quality. Also, I use a lot more highlighter on my brow bone than in winter to really open my eyes up. I tend to opt for a lighter dusting of pressed powder over my face in spring to aid a 'dewy' complexion. Apart from these little extras, my facial makeup remains the same through the months, contouring, highlighting my cheek bones and applying blusher as normal! 

For my eyes, the gorgeous shimmery lilac shade from the No7 Organza Trio is my best friend. It is such a pretty pastel purple colour that just screams spring! It also suits my fair complexion and really compliments my hazel eyes too! This year, my trusty kohl eyeliner has swapped for a felt tip liner. I much prefer this liner look as it creates a much thinner, subtle line to not overpower the beautiful eyeshadow but add a delicate accent to my top lash line. A simple flick wings out the edge of the liner helping to emphasise the shape of my eye. A mascara to give long, fluttery lashes is all that's left to complete this simple eye look. 

Finally, the lips is the most simplistic element of the whole look. Of course, a bright, pretty lip colour is just as perfect a compliment for a spring day yet, on an everyday basis, you can't go wrong with a shimmery, pink-toned lip gloss. Lip glosses are definitely my go-to lip products, their shine helping promote the desired 'dewy' look and how easy they are to just touch-up out on a spring walk or picnic! Another must for the springtime is applying plenty  of lip balm to keep your lips hydrated under the drying sun. 

What I love most about this everyday look is the transition it takes from the everyday winter looks I have sported from the last few months. Autumn and winter are all about bold lips, dark eyes and subtle blushed cheeks. This March, and the summery months that follow, will be all about turning this upside down, with glistening glosses, pretty pastel shadows and an all over sun-kissed glow. The sun could not be more welcomed from me this year! 

What winter staples are you excited to swap as the temperatures begin to creep up the scale? 

- Becca x

*prices in order of products listed above*

FACE

- RRP £4.19

- RRP £3.99

- RRP £6.49

- RRP £8.00

EYES

- RRP £9.50

- RRP £6.00

- RRP £7.99

LIPS

- RRP £2.69

- Nude Lip Gloss bought as part of set!

♡