Smashbox Primer Review

Smashbox Primer Review 

I recently purchased the Smashbox Photo Ready Primer, in a set with two others. Although it is a travel sized product I am still going strong with it and have managed to get many uses from it. 

I love the primer; previously my Holy Grail primer was the Benefit POREfessional, however, when alternating the primer with different foundations I realised some lasted better than others. Therefore I wanted to find a different primer that works with all of my preferred foundations. 

The primer has a gel like consistency and glides smoothly onto the face, instantly reducing the appearance of my pores and smoothing the texture. When applying foundation on top it glides on seamlessly, and does not set into any of my fine lines. Sometimes I have problems on my forehead where the foundation clings to the dry patches, it can appear patchy and as if I have been wearing it all day when really I have only just applied it. This primer prevents this from happening! 

All in all a great Primer and I will definitely be purchasing the full size when my travel one runs out. 

ShannonKims 

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Glam Glow First Impression

Recently I purchased the Glam Glow Mud Masks. I was very pleased to find these in my local M&S as I had thought they were only available in the US. I have heard many good things about the masks and when I had the opportunity to try it I jumped at the chance. 

The set comes with both the original mask and the exfoliating mask. I have yet to try the exfoliating one but am eager to do so. The original one comes in the white pot and is slightly larger, stating that there is up to 17 uses and I am anxious to see if this is actually the case. 

On first application it applies thick and gradually starts to dry. Soon enough the mask completely sets and it becomes very hard to move my mouth.  After waiting 15 minutes I remove it with warm water and a cloth. 

The results are amazing, I can already see that my pours have visibly reduced and my skin is so soft to touch. I love the way my skin looks without make up! It’s amazing really as normally I hate it! I love the way it looks so healthy and fresh. Definitely a good first impression! 

After Application 

Have you tried this product before, what did you think about it? 

ShannonKims 

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Favourite Lipstick of the Week

Favourite Lipstick of the Week

For this week I have been rocking the Nars Lipstick in the colour Red Lizard. The colour is semi matte so lasts a long time, without it feeling like it is pulling on the lips or drying them out. The colour is very vibrant and not too dark but still has the vamp look to it. 

I love to wear this lipstick during the day and I think it pairs well with a black dress, booties and my red coat (which makes me look Red Coat from Pretty Little Liars – shout out to those who know what I am on about!). 

This lipstick is a recently new purchase and I have been loving Nar’s products. I just need to find a lip liner that matches now! If you have any suggestions then please let me know!! 

ShannonKims 

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Topshop Haul

Topshop Haul

Last week I decided to go into to town for a little cup of tea and a look around some of the shops for an hour or two to get out of the flat! Being on campus is lovely but sometimes we just have to get out! 

After a wonderful spot of lunch (green tea and a toasted teacake) we went into only a few shops. Topshop is slowly becoming my weakness. The first and main item I picked up was this beautiful black dress for only £15.00 down from £46.00! The detailing is very chic and makes it better than just a plain black dress. I though I could pair it with a statement necklace or scarf and add a brown small belt around the waist. 

The next thing I got was this beanie hat. I do not normally wear hats but this was a steal at only £3.00. The colour if very beautiful as it is not quite brown and not quite mustard. It is an in-between colour and goes very well with my dark hair colour. Next, being a beauty blog, it wasn’t right that I walked past the make up stands. There was a small part where the make up was on sale I opted to get a lip paint in the colour Reminisce. It’s a very pretty coral colour and I think will look lovely over some of my MAC pink lipsticks. 

The final thing I bought was a pair of sunglasses, they are a pair of red round tortoise shell glasses, that I picked up for only £1.00! When I went to the till the lady told me the sunglasses come with a free case and cloth! Bargain! So all three items cost £1.00. However, I also receive student discount, so everything I purchased came to £19.80! 

ShannonKims 

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Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Review

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray Review 

Settings sprays are something I only very recently started to use. I have used the MAC Fix+ and also a NYX setting spray and really liked both. However, upon reading many good things about the Urban Decay setting sprays I wanted to test them for myself. 

I recently purchased the ‘All Nighter Setting Spray’ in a deluxe travel size edition from my local Debenhams. Upon first use I was very delighted that it refreshed my face and made it feel very hydrated. The mist is very fine and doesn’t feel like it is leaving a large layer of liquid on top of my make up. 

I have been using it for the last week and have seen a large improvement in the staying power of my make up. It has allowed it to last throughout the day without the need for any touch ups. It has also prevented any of my make up from starting to patch, which can sometimes be a common occurrence on my forehead and nose. 

The directions tell you to spray it in an ‘x’ shape across your face and then also down your ‘T’ section of the face. Sometimes my make up can clip away, of my face as I can get hot and sweaty throughout the day. It is an excellent product that is oil free and also paraben free, preventing the face from becoming oily at any point during the day.  

The All Nighter Setting Spray is a brilliant product and I am sure I will be purchasing the full sized version. However, the travel-sized spray is a brilliant size and perfect for tossing into your handbag or for a weekend away. 

ShannonKims 

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Bath Beauty Haul

Bath Beauty Haul 

Very recently on a trip into the town centre with my mum and dad, who came a visited me for the day, we went a little crazy whilst shopping. I am very pleased with everything I got as the majority of it had been on my wish list for sometime now. 

As previously mentioned in a blog post I got a few Urban Decay travel sized products, the first is the All Nighter Setting Spray and the next being the Eyeshadow Primer Potion. I am very excited to try both of these products and give further reviews later in the month. 

The next product I got was the Bare Minerals Quick Change Brush Cleaner, at only £10.00 is is less expensive than some of the ones I found. I also found the selection for daily spot cleaning brushes to be very limited as the majority are for deep cleaning ones. I like to deep clean my brushes once a week, and I wanted to be able to spot clean my brushes after every use. Next is a large bottle of Bioderma. It is very difficult to find this product but I am lucky enough to have a store in Bath that sells the whole range of Bioderma. They also had a offer where if you bought two or more products you received a free bb cream and make up bag. 

I also got another of the Bold Metals Brushes by Real Techniques. This particular brush is the 201Pointed Crease, and is the silver line for the eyes. I do not own a eyeshadow brush like this one and am excited to give it a try. 

In boots after Christmas they always have discounted beauty sets, I was lucky to pick up the Smashbox On The Rocks set. It has three mini primers, I have wanted to try a Smashbox Primer for a while now but they start at £25.00. So to pay £16.00 and have the opportunity to try all three I am very excited to see if they live up to my expectations. 

The final two products I got were from Nars and they are the Sheer Glow Foundation in the colour Gobi. I have wanted to try this foundation for the longest time! Unfortunately they did not have the pump to go with it and everywhere seems to be sold out which is a complete annoyance! Let me know if any other pumps fit this bottle! I also got a lipstick in the colour Red Lizard. I really wanted the matte lip crayon in the colour Cruella but this was unfortunately sold out. However, the lovely lady on the counter told me this lipstick was the closest colour to Cruella as it has blue undertones. Something I really wanted as it helps to make your teeth appear white! 

Have you got any lovely products recently? 

ShannonKims 

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New Video! Get Ready With Me | Featuring Gold Eyes

New Video! ‘Get Ready with Me | Gold Eyes 

What Products I Used! 

Smashbox Photo Ready Primer 

Nars Sheer Glow Foundation ‘Gobi’ 

MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer ‘NW15’

MAC's Studio Fix Powder Foundation ‘NW15’

Urban Decays Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Benefit’s Brow Zings ‘Medium’  

Urban Decays Naked 2 Basics

L’Oreal’s Colour Riche Eyeshadow ‘Lumiere’ 

Benefits Hoola Bronzer 

MAC's Blush in 'Dollymix'

L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara 

Nar’s Lipstick ‘Red Lizard’ 

Make sure to subscribe for new videos and to like the video. 

ShannonKims 

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Urban Decay Travel Sizes

Urban Decay Travel Sizes

I have wanted to try a few Urban Decay products for a long time now. I already have two of the Naked palettes which I love and but there were some different products I wanted to test out. When I went to Debenhams very recently I saw they were selling quite a few of the travel sizes. 

The first item I picked up is the Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray. I have wanted to try this product for a very long time after reading so many good reviews on it. I love my MAC Fix+ but I feel that it is not as long lasting as I would like from a setting spray. I have been trying this product for a few days and I absolutely love it! It makes my make up last all day and there is no need for me to reapply during the day. 

The Second travel sized product I got was the Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer Potion. I have only just gotten into eye shadow primers as I used to use things such as the NYX Jumbo Eye pencil as a base. It claims to deliver vibrant, crease-free eyeshadow for 24 hours. I am not sure who would want to wear eyeshadow for 24 hours but I am certainly ready to put it to the test! Be prepared for a full review on both products to see if I would purchase the full size! 

ShannonKims 

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First Ever Birchbox #1

First Ever Birchbox #1

When my mum offered to get me a subscription to Birchbox I couldn’t be happier. Free products each month and another excuse to write a blog post? Okay!!! I am very grateful to her for all she does and also in supporting me with everything I want to do. 

When I received my first box I was overcome with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. I eagerly wanted to know what was inside and couldn’t wait to find out what. 

As I opened the box I was greeted by a welcome card, welcoming me to the wonderful community of Birchbox and explaining all it has to offer. There are other cards with promotional offers and then one card explaining all of the products. The products are held inside a beautiful pouch, something which will be prefect to hold jewellery in whenever I go travelling. 

Now onto the products inside: 

The first is a Hit Refresh 12 Bite-Sized Challenges booklet. It has cool little motivations to get active and to also start eating healthier. 

Next is a Birchbox exclusive and it’s a Pilate’s Band, this is perfect for me as I aim to go to the gym every other day and on the in-between days I like to do an ab workout. This will definitely help me to keep fit and active. In the booklet there are many exercises to do whilst I am sat at my desk studying! 

The next is the Beauty Protector, which both protects and detangles the hair. It claims to add shine and protect from both UVA rays and heat damage, perfect for my long hair! 

Next is the Embrace Matcha Green Tea, this is so perfect for me as I do not like regular tea but love green tea! It claims to be 100% natural with 10 times the antioxidants of regular green tea. 

The Cool Fix Shaveworks is something I am very keen to try out, I suffer from ingrown hairs on my legs and also small bumps when I shave. This product is supposed to help with this problem and in time prevent it from happening. 

I also receive the Activod, which is a refreshing Feel Great Shower Concentrate shower gel. Perfect for use after a workout at the gym. 

An exciting product is the Stila Lip Glaze in the colour glow. I am very excited to try this product, as I have never used anything from the brand Stila before. 

The final product is the Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. I love facemasks and I also love Ren products, I am very excited to have the opportunity to try this facemask and see if it helps to improve the appearance of my skin. 

Do you subscribe to any beauty boxes? 

ShannonKims 

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January Wishlist

January Wishlist 

My mum has very recently started to like make up just as much as I do. Because of this wonderful thing, she has been researching a lot of make up and been sending what she likes to me to have a look at. 

This has sparked my own wanting in some of the products. Therefore, I have decided to state which products I would like this January to test out. 

The first is the Glamglow mud masks, I have heard a lot of good things about these masks and they are now being sold in M&S, something I really couldn’t believe when I saw them in my local. I have only heard of them being sold in Sephora so I was pleasantly surprised when I found this. 

Next are a few products from Nars, the first being the Sheer Glow Foundation and the next is the Creamy Concealer. Another product from Nars I would love to try is the Lip Crayon in he colour Cruella, a wonderful red colour. 

I would also like to try the Laura Mercier Silk Crème Foundation; I have purchased a Laura Mericer foundation before and was talked out of buying the Silk Crème Foundation by the assistant and talked into buying a lighter foundation. Something to this day I regret! 

What is on your product wish list? 

ShannonKims 

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Estee Lauder Lip Set

Estee Lauder Lip Set 

Over the Christmas holidays, in the January sales I got this gift set from Estee Lauder. It was an absolute steal at only £15.00. This is amazing as the price for all the products inside definitely has a value of over £35.00. 

The first thing in the set was a Lip Liner in the colour Wine, it is a beautiful deep red and is great for me as it goes with many of my deeper red colours. It glides on easily and does not feel dry at all. My only negative comment is that it is not a wind up liner but instead needs to be sharpened and therefore the perfect point of the liner may disappear. 

Next is my favourite part of set. It’s the Lasting Crème lipstick in the colour Fig. The colour is absolutely amazing and perfect for the winter. The lipstick is long lasting and also very moisturising. I have started to absolutely love red colours and particularly the darker ones. 

The final part is a Pure Colour Gloss in the colour Cherry Fever Shimmer. It is a beautiful deep wine colour and can be used on top of the lipstick or as a standalone colour. 

Did you get any beauty sets over Christmas at a discounted price? 

ShannonKims 

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OOTD: Black Dress with Statement Tartan Scarf

OOTD: Black Dress with Statement Tartan Scarf 

During the sales last summer I stumbled across this black a lined skirt and I knew I had to have it for the winter. It has seen many uses over the past couple of months, as it can be dressed up for an evening look or dressed down for a casual day look. 

During the day I like to add a belt to collect the dress in at the waist. The one I am wearing is from an old Primark dress that has long gone from my wardrobe but the belt still remains. I have also added a pair of super cosy tights from Primark and little ankle boots with gold metal detailing from Topshop - an absolute steal from the January sales! 

To make the outfit stand out and have some kind of definition I added a tartan statement scarf. The red, blue and green tartan design matches perfectly to the black dress. It not only provides a statement look but also comfort and warmth in the cold winder days. 

ShannonKims 

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MOTD: Make Up of the Day | Bold Lips

MOTD: Make Up of the Day | Bold Lips

Having a blog it is not uncommon that I like to try out new products. However, today I went through my make up collection to see if there was any of my own make up that I have not tested in a long time to see if I would start to re-love it again. 

I found my L’Oreal Infallible Foundation. I tested this foundation a couple of months ago and found I only liked it if I applied it with a damp beauty blender. However, testing out the product again I found that I did not like the finish look if I applied it with my beauty blender. So instead I used the Real Techniques expert face brush, as it is densely packed and created a flawless look. 

Then as usual I applied my MAC Pro Longwear Concealer and MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. Then using the new Real Techniques Contour Brush I created a very light contour using the Benefit Hoola Bronzer, nothing too harsh or in your face. Lightly to the apple of the cheeks I applied the NYX blush in the colour Pinched. 

For my eyes , I used the Revolution Eye Primer and then for shadows I turned to my ever trusty Naked Basics 2 Palette, and I put the colour ‘Stark’ into the crease, it is a brilliant transition colour and brightens the eye, as well as slightly contouring and defining the eye. 

I then lightly lined the top lashes with the MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil and to finish the eyes I applied the L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara. 

Then to finish the look I added my Estee Lauder Lip Liner in the colour Wine and the Estee Lauder Lipstick in the colour Fig. 

ShannonKims 

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A Very Natural Make Up Look

A Very Natural Make Up Look 

Throughout the week I love to change what make up I wear and how much. A look I opt for on a daily basis is a very natural and minimal look with not too much make up at all. I like to allow my skin to breath naturally throughout the day so that when it comes to nights out I have a fresh face to apply a little more make up to. 

I use manly high end make up, but there is definitely drugstore make up out there that will do the same job. I like to start by applying the POREfessional Primer by Benefit to give and even base to start with. 

Then I apply some of the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer under my eyes, along my forehead, down my nose and also a little on my chin. I blend this all in with a damp beauty blender. Over the top of this I will apply my MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation with the Real Techniques Powder brush the combination of the two gives a beautiful natural coverage and can be used alone or on top of foundation for a flawless look. 

Next I apply my ever favourite Hoola Bronzer by Benefit with an cheek brush by Real Techniques, contouring only slightly. Next I generally mix up which blusher I will apply but my favourite is the NYX Blush in Pinched with the Real Techniques Blusher Brush. 

For the Eyes I like to apply the Revolution Eye Primer as a base and then use my Naked Basics Palette for the eye look. I like to apply the shade Cover first, into the crease of my eye and then the lightest shade Skimp all over the eyelid to highlight. 

The two final products I apply are the Benefit Brow Zings to define my eyebrows and then any mascara I will be currently using, the one I am using at the moment is the L’Oreal Telescopic Mascara.Finally I finish up with a favourite lipstick, the one I have opted for is MAC's Speed Dial.   

What are your favourite everyday make up products? 

ShannonKims 

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The Revolution Blush Palette

The Revolution Blush Palette

I was never really a fan of blushes until very recently,I realised they helped to add dimension to the face whilst at the same time creating a subtle but beautiful loo. I do, however, find it slightly ironic that we cover up our own natural pinkness to then reapply some more on top. The revolution brand is something I have only recently taken an interest in. I love their eye primer and for a pound it is definitely worth the money. 

This blush palette cost only £6.00, a bargain if you ask me.It comes with 8 different colours and the two on the ends I care very little for as they are supposed to be a highlighting shade although they look beautiful they are not for me. The other six shades in the palette however, make up for the end two. They are super pigmented and you only need a light dusting of colour otherwise they would be way too intense. If the palette was the first six then it would be perfect! 

What is your favourite blush?

ShannonKims

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The Real Techniques 'Bold Metals Collection'

The Real Techniques 'Bold Metals Collection' 

The new Real techniques brushes are definitely not something that has been kept in the dark. The new brushes have been awaited for a while now, being on the list at boots to be emailed when they are released, I am sure that I was not the only person up for this. They were sold out online within the first few hours. I searched high and low in my local boots and home but to no avail, considering it is very small I was not surprised that I could not find them in my hometown store. 

However, as I alternate between Bath and my home I knew it would be possible to find them here. As the boots in Bath is very big I was very happy to see a large stand dedicated to these brushes and I just knew I had to pick some up! 

I picked two, and have yet to use them. However, one first glimpse it is not hard to realise why they are more expensive from the normal range. The wonderful bold colours are eye catching and very professional looking. Taking them out of their packaging they are so luxuriously soft and I am almost afraid to use them and damage the wonderful white bristles.  

I picked up the brushes ‘300 Tapered Blush; which is wonderfully small perfect for highlighting the cheek bones and applying a pop of colour to the apples of your cheeks. The second brush is the one that I wanted most out of the whole collection and being that it was the last one left I snatched it up quickly! It is the ‘301 Flat Contour’ brush. I have been wanting a brush this shape for a very long time. The rose gold metals mean they are the ‘finishing’ brushes, I love anything rose gold and am extremely pleased to have them in my collection. 

Have you tried any of the new brushes yet? 

ShannonKims

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A Wonderful Time of the Year: Boxing Day Sales Haul

A Wonderful Time of the Year: Boxing Day Sales Haul 

One brilliant thing about the end of Christmas Day is the Boxing Day sales that are sure to follow (although I never actually go on Boxing Day itself). I love finding brilliant bargains in amongst the racks and getting a better than cheap deal! 

First stop to Topshop! I love Topshop and what I love more is the Topshop sales, you can find some brilliant goodies in amongst the mess. Which is what I did! Firstly, I got a fluffy jumper in navy blue, it was an absolute bargain at £15.00. The next was a small orange cami, I thought these would match perfectly with high waist disco pants from £10 down to £3.00. Finally I got black ankle boots with gold detail £38.00 down to £25.00. 

Then I went to New Look, this is the place I got the majority of my bargains. Firstly, two fluffy jumpers one cream, £11.00, and the other purple at £6.00. Next were a pair of black ‘skorts’ that I got for £7.00, perfect for a night out. Then I picked up a knitted navy cardigan with detailing at the bottom, it is so comfy and cosy!A pair of tartan pyjamas for £5.00 and then finally a pair of boots for £7.00. 

Next up we went to Miss Selfridge to see if I could find anything for New Years Eve, I got a beautiful cropped top with amazing beading for a bargain price of only £15.00 from £35.00, and then with student discount it went down even further to £13.50! 

Beauty! 

From Amazon.co.uk I purchased the new Real Techniques, Limited Edition set for only £22.00! 

I then got the POREfessional with a sample of their face cream  from Beales for only £23.50. I also got a lip set from Estee Lauder for only £15.00, it came with a full sized lipstick, a lip liner and also an lip gloss – a complete bargain. 

What did you get in the sales?

ShannonKims

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