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: August 2014

I did quite a bit of shopping this month and bought some new things that I have absolutely loved. This is quite a beauty-heavy Fave Five as I've discovered/re-discovered some gems this month! So, let's get started!

I have had quite a few big changes in my life recently. I have begun not 1, but 2 part-time jobs to raise funds to support my university life and studies. This has meant my weeks have become far busier and are moving along much quicker than I thought. This has been quite overwhelming and stressful at times but also enjoyable at others and it's exciting to think I'm now starting a completely new chapter of my life.

Superdrug Face Masks

The first product to feature in this month's Fave Five is something I have not used for a while but I am so happy to have re-discovered over the current period where 'me time' isn't exactly abundant. Face masks are one of the best ways to pamper yourself and relax while also making your skin look and feel great. I picked up a selection of the Superdrug face mask packets like the two pictured above. These are cheap and easy to apply and have left my skin soothed, as well as given me a chance to take a break and relax. You can find different masks that seek to achieve different goals, such as de-stressing or even anti-ageing. Each are packed with vitamins and extracts to help you put your feet up for a bit and give your skin the pampering it deserves! If I ever need a little break, I will definitely reach for these again and, even better, check Superdrug for these are always on little offers!

Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious

My second favourite I have actually already reviewed in a blog post on it's own, and that is the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious. It, of course, deserved a mention in this Fave Five for there has probably only been collectively 4 days in the entire month when I haven't actually used it! I used my previous mascara the other day as I was in a rush and the difference is so incredible, it made me love it even more. My lashes are not only long and fluttery but also look so much fuller than before. I think I probably spend the most time out of all my make-up on my lashes as they can add so much to an eye look. This mascara effortlessly lengthens and thickens my lashes - very noticeably as well as I've received many compliments! What's more, thanks to the waterproof formula that I picked up (it is also available as standard, non-waterproof mascara), it stays all day, not smudging below my eyes or losing it's amazing look. I would really recommend this to anyone who is searching for that perfect mascara to primarily lengthen their lashes but also add a touch of volume for a price not too over-budget for the great quality!

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms

Next is another product by Revlon and one that I didn't intend on buying but, am so glad I have now! My mum was on the search for some new lipsticks and we stumbled upon the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm. Like a pen, these lip colours are easy to apply and have a wide variety of vivid and beautiful colours. The effect is much deeper and vibrant compared to the Colorburst Lip Butters which I also own and are perfect for a quick and easy bright lip look that lasts well. I first wore this on a night out with my friends and was surprised to see how well it stayed put the whole night. The two colours I picked up were Flirtatious, a bright and deep red, and Whimsical, a glittery purple. Both shades are glamorous and glittery, although I find the glitter a lot more prominent in the purple shade. I adore the richness of both the colours and, now that I am adventuring into different lip colours rather than staying in the comfort zone of my lip balms and nude lip glosses, I am so excited to continue wearing both these gorgeous lipsticks. Another bonus is the balm aspect makes sure my lips don't become dry over the course of the day!

Collection 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner

Some of you might be surprised to read that, although I am a self-confessed beauty and make-up fanatic, I have always stayed clear of liquid eye liner. On an everyday basis, I sport khol pencil liner and have been too scared to attempt liquid eye liner. Constant complaints of the difficulty is what essentially put me off liquid eye liner, as I didn't want to spend hours trying to get both 'wings' to match. When on holiday, however, I didn't take any make-up apart from mascara and pressed powder and so, borrowed the eye liner that Hannah had brought. She had been using the Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner. I was surprised at how quickly I got the hang of applying this liner that is basically a felt tip pen, and the similarity to my familiar pencil liner. I purchased it myself when we got back and, even though I wasn't too adventurous on holiday, I have attempted a few different looks over this past month and have actually really enjoyed using it (something I never thought I would say about a liquid eye liner!). I haven't myself worn it for 24 hours to test that aspect of it, but it does stay put all day and looks really nice on the eye. I would definitely recommend this to rookies like myself and one of the best parts is the price at only £2.99!

Finally is a music feature and something I'm sure most of you are already aware of! I have been a fan of Ed Sheeran for absolutely ages and am in love with his voice and style of music. I was so excited to hear his new album X and must admit it has been constantly playing over the past month. I just love the feel good and happy vibes his music has given to my summer and how his wonderful songs have accompanied the good times I've spent with friends. My favourite songs are Don't, Thinking Out Loud and Bloodstream but, every single track is amazing and truly boasts the talent of Ed Sheeran. If you haven't given his album a listen, it's a definite must and you might end up obsessing like I have been the last month!

That's all this month! What have you loved through August? I hope you all had a wonderful and memorable summer!

- Becca x

Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (For 15ml Packet)
Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious - RRP £9.99
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - RRP £7.99
Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99 
X By Ed Sheeran - RRP £8.99/£10.99 (For Deluxe Edition) on iTunes or RRP £8.99/£12.99 (For Deluxe Edition) as Physical Copy

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Review: Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara By Grow Luscious

I naturally have long lashes so generally, when it comes to buying mascara, I tend to opt for cheaper options as I never found that it matters. There are a few negatives with cheaper mascaras though such as it tends to be more clumpy and maybe not look or apply as nicely as a more expensive or better brand of mascara would. When I received a No.7 mascara as a gift, I was immediately aware of the difference from this to my normal cheap mascaras and was encouraged to branch out and try a few different brands including Revlon, one that has now become one of my favourites. 

As the days of summer began, I knew a necessity would be a waterproof mascara, as well as a decent mascara in general that I could use on an everyday as mine was drying up. I picked up the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara in an offer and couldn't wait to try it out. 

The first time I used it, I was actually heading off to a BBQ and 'slip and slide' party with my friends - something that would involve water fights, sliding around on a soapy trampoline and just generally getting soaked! What better way to test the 'waterproof' label on this mascara, I thought. After a fun day, I checked to see if the mascara had stayed put and I was very happy. It had worked great considering all what we had been doing that day involving water and hadn't smudged or flaked off onto my face. 

What's more it does a great job of making lashes appear really fluttery and long. I wouldn't say it gives a great deal of volume to the lashes, something it does boast on the label, but for length it is great and I have since used it everyday! The brush itself is a real brush, not a plastic applicator, something I admit to using often through purchasing cheaper mascaras. I really like how easy it applies onto the lashes and the product isn't at all clumpy, in my opinion. 

Overall, I am really happy I picked up this mascara. It has definitely persuaded me that it's sometimes better to go for quality over price and hopefully, I'll branch out and treat myself and discover a few more makeup treasures. Even if you're not looking for a waterproof mascara, the normal Revlon Lash Potion Mascara can still be found for the same price! I would definitley recommend this for the wonders it does with length and for how it doesn't smudge or run, even on a day-to-day basis. (Look how pretty the packaging is too! Maybe not something you keep in mind when purchasing mascara but it had to be said!)

- Becca x 

Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara By Grow Luscious - RRP £9.99 

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Fave Five: May & June 2014

Due to revision and exams, I didn't have enough (or enough to talk about) for a Fave Five at the end of May. So, this post will be featuring five things I've enjoyed over the past two months, rather than just one. So, here we go!

My first favourite is something I have been addicted to over the last couple of months. It is a website and app called The Hunt. I first heard about it through watching one of Tyler Oakley's videos and the concept immediately appealed to me. For those who aren't familiar with The Hunt, it is an easy way to find clothes, make-up or other items that you've seen someone wear or you've seen in a Youtube video, for example, but aren't sure where you would be able to purchase the product yourself. The online community help you find the products you're hunting for and likewise, you can help them! I am constantly taking pictures of the TV or of my favourite Youtubers when I see an outfit I love and this site has helped me to find and discover so many items exactly the same or similar to those I am hunting for! I have really enjoyed how quick and easy it is to upload a picture as well as the freedom given to all the members to help one another. I must say I've contributed to more hunts than I have actually started but that's what makes this website so great, the fact you can help others too! I would truly encourage anyone who loves fashion, shopping and styling to give The Hunt a try through either the website or the free app from the App Store!
Click here to give my profile on The Hunt a look and feel free to follow to see my future hunts! 

Superdrug Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner

This next product was a gift I received from my lovely friend Katie. We had both been discussing what different beauty and skincare products we really wanted to try and start using and, after mentioning how I would be very interested in experimenting with a facial toner, Katie gave this to me to see what it was like. On first opening the lid of the product, I could smell just how strong it was and I should admit that to start, I was a little scared to use a product that seemed so strong on my skin which is fairly sensitive. This being said, I am now, and have been for the last couple of weeks, using this cleanser and toner 3 or 4 times a week without fail. My skin felt so soft, smooth and clean after using this for the first time and I was blown away by the exceptional results that appeared almost straight away! This product does everything it says it will and it was incredible to see just how much make-up and dirt isn't actually removed when you take it all off at night. I also found this Superdrug Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner to help reduce redness, blemishes and possibly scarring from spots. My skin was beginning to pay the price for the increased temperature and humidity levels that the summer time welcomes as I was experiencing a few more spots than I was used to. I believe using this, however, really helped to make my skin feel fresh and completely cleansed and I am so glad I started using it. What's more, it isn't at all expensive and, in my opinion, worth every penny! I do wish I had started using a facial toner earlier than I did and would recommend that it is incorporated into your skincare routines because the benefits are incredible! I would suggest, however, that those of you with very sensitive skin to opt for a product not so intense and strong such as the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner, of which I am also a fan!

Lace Frill Socks

 This next Fave Five item is rather different but nonetheless something I have loved as we roll into the summery weather. I picked up this pair of frilly lace socks (as well as a pair in white) from Primark a while ago. I thought they looked really cute and reminded me of my childhood when I used to wear my little frilly socks to Primary School. For the many months that followed this purchase I never wore the socks at all. I guess I was just not sure what to pair them with. However recently, teamed with a pair of hightops, these socks have been some of my favourite things to wear to make me feel really cute and summery. I have loved wearing these with the hightops with just the little frill peeking out over the top but believe they would look just as adorable with a pair of brogues or boots and I am excited to try different fashion combinations this summer. I have also received lots of compliments from friends, asking where I bought my little socks. Although I picked mine up, rather cheaply I must add, from Primark, I am sure they are available from a variety of other highstreet shops including New Look and Topshop and are available in all different colours too!

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

I have seen a lot of praise for these little lip butters from Revlon and had intended on buying at least one when I had the time to venture into Boots. So, once my exams were finished, I picked up this Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in the colour Strawberry Shortcake which is a cute pink colour. One of the things I love about these lip butters is the wide choice of colours they have available which in turn, encouraged me to spend about 30 mins deciding which colour to get. I never tend to wear any colour on my lips and am quite happy with just lip balm to make sure my lips stay hydrated. Yet, I really want to start wearing lipsticks and lip glosses that give my lips some colour and appear to dress me up a bit more. I wear a lot of pink as well as a lot of monochrome so I thought this colour was perfect. What's more, it's not too vibrant or shocking for my first proper taste of lipstick and could easily be worn on a daily basis, which I love. This pretty light pink colour also compliments my very fair skin complexion and applies really well onto my lips. These soft lip butters are beautiful and I would recommend them to anyone who wants a pretty lip colour without the strong intensity of a lipstick, something I was very scared about! Knowing I'd never really worn lipstick, I was scared that something like this wouldn't suit me and might be a waste of money but I was really pleasantly surprised and have worn this product almost every time I've gone out since I bought it, even if it's just down town!

Sandals from BHS

I am absolutely in LOVE with this final item of Fave Five. I have never really owned a pair of sandals which, as shocking as it sounds, just makes this purchase even more exciting. I knew that this summer would be a special one and I would be going out and doing a lot more things with my friends, so why not look the part too? When looking for a pair of sandals, I was in the position of knowing exactly what I wanted and not prepared to settle for something that didn't meet those requirements. I visited a lot of shops on many different shopping trips and found a few pairs, but nothing that caught my eye like these did in BHS. The colour is a soft tan and the little gold details make these sandals look really pretty. The colour is also something that could be teamed with almost any outfit. I really love that the buckles fasten above the ankle and the shape fits my small and narrow feet! Overall, I just love these sandals and I really don't think I can say any more to tell you that! I'm so glad I found this pair and can't wait to wear them this summer.

Hope you've enjoyed reading about my favourites for the past 2 months. The theme was very summery and hopefully you'll be inspired to try some of the things I've mentioned and will love them too! See you soon!

-Becca x

The Hunt - https://www.thehunt.com/
Superdrug Tea Tree Cleanser and Toner - RRP £3.29 (for 200ml)
Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner - RRP £2.99 (for 200ml)
Frilly Lace Socks - £1.50 (for 1 pair) from Primark
Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake - RRP £7.99
Tan Sandals - RRP £20 from BHS

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