Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint Foundation - Review

As a huge fan of the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser I was interested to try the brands new foundation product, the Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint. I was delighted when, as part of my mothers day present this year, Mimi gifted me some Space NK goodies which included this foundation. I've been testing it out for a couple of weeks now so I feel that I have got a really good feel for the product and can give an accurate review.

The Year of the Highlighter - 2016

Of all the make up products in your drawer what is the one you get most excited about? Some people love mascara, some foundation, for me it has to be highlighter. I am always swatching products and searching for the most creamy, pigmented but not too shimmery glow that I long for. 

From the top L-R Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit, Jaclyn Hill X Becca, Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze & Glow Norman Parkinson Creme, Nars Steven Klein, Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze & Blow, Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish x 2, Becca Champagne Pop 

In the makeup world highlight is often pushed aside for it's cousin the contour which has taken the world by storm! (Thanks Kardashians!) But as a girl with a rather round face I have tried and tried and I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter how many ashy grey powders I try, I am not going to grow cheek bones any time soon! So...in comes the highlight! For me nothing beats a highlighted face. There is something so youthful and effortless about simple make up with an intense highlight. Think the boho beach babe - just rolled out of bed look!

Sephora Favorites - Superstars

While we were in Orlando recently we couldn't resist a couple of trips to Sephora. We always like to visit at this time of year as the seasonal gift sets are being released. After seeing the Superstars set unboxed on Glam Life Guru's YouTube channel we were dying to get our hands on this multi branded set with thirteen beauty items inside, seven of which are full size.

 

The set contains: 

Beautyblender Original 
Benefit They're Real Mascara
Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight
Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Extreme Longwear Eyeliner in Noir Intense 
Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Highlight 

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black
Tarte the Sculptor Contouring Face Slenderizer in Park Ave Princess
Tarte The Slenderizer Bamboo Contouring Brush
Touch in Sol Stretchex Stretch Lash Effect Mascara
Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Lounge
Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer Hydrating Primer / Base Step 1 Skin Equalizer
NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Himalia
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

This set offers excellent value for money and has some beautiful products inside. The stand outs for us are the NARS Dual Intensity Eye Shadow in Himalia which is an beautiful shadow in a gorgeous almost rose gold shade. On the NARS website it is described as a shimmering topaz and it can be used dry or wet for a more intense look. Perfect for the holiday season! We also really love the Urban Decay Eye Shadow in Lounge.This is one of those almost impossible to describe shadows that looks different in every light! It looks green until you start to apply and it takes on a dual chrome green, brownish red tone. Told you it was impossible to describe!! Another great holiday season shadow!
 

 

With some great staples like the Benefit They're Real Mascara and the holy grail Beauty Blender you really can't go wrong with this set. Whether you are treating yourself or buying it as a gift for a friend or relative we am sure any make up loving lady would adore this!
 

 
The Sephora Favorites - Superstars is now available in Sephora stores and online for $75. The total value of the contents is actually $207 so it is an absolute steal!

 

Have you managed to get your hands on the Sephora Superstars set? What are your thoughts?

Must Have Autumn/Fall Lipsticks

From the top: Nars Audacious, Kat Von D, Boujois Rouge Edition, NYX Soft Matte, Sephora Rouge Infusion

I must start by saying that I am obsessed with all things Autumn/Fall. Pumpkin spice, halloween, dressing in deep reds and black, wearing boots, wrapping up in comfy scarfs and of course the make up trend that always comes back around Berry Lips! I tend to have really dry sad chapped lips which does not work well with bold statement lip colours! However I think I have managed to find a few formulas and shades that work really well for me.

 

The first being Nars Audacious lipstick in Anna. I searched high and low for this shade after Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup posted about it on her blog but it was sold out everywhere. I did finally manage to get my hands on it and it did not disappoint! The lipstick formula is opaque and creamy but dry slightly matte and the shade is a gorgeous brown pink. It's the perfect Autumn nude lipstick.

 

The next came in a Sephora Loves sample box. Although I had heard a lot of hype around the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick before and especially about this shade Outlaw I had not tried any. It's an deep berry blue toned red which, once applied is not going anywhere! This formula is slightly drying on the lips but that can be excused as the staying power is so good.

 

Next up is the only traditional UK drug store option in the bunch, Boujois Rouge Edition Velvet liquid lipstick. This is almost a drugstore dupe for the Kat Von D lipsticks in formula apart from the fact that it is even better! The product goes on the lips like water and is very light weight. It dries almost instantly but doesn't dry out your lips! I love this orange red shade Hot Pepper however I have heard mixed reviews about some of the deeper shades in the range.

 

I love NYX products, they are hands down my favourite USA drug store brand and their lipstick selection does not disappoint. Everything I have tried from them I have loved especially the Soft Matte Lip Creams. This one in the shade Copenhagen is the perfect deep burgundy purple shade for this time of year! The next shade up, Transylvania looks amazing on my best friend who has black hair but unfortunately not so great on this blonde!

 

Lastly another liquid lipstick! (What can I say they are just so easy!!!) This is the Sephora Rogue Infusion liquid lipstick in the shade 10 Red Essence another hyped product but for a good reason. These lipsticks have a great long lasting formula and I love this red since its more brown toned than the others. Plus these smell amazing!!! 

 

What are your must have Autumn/Fall lipsticks? Let me know in the comments!

 

Mimi

What's In My Travel Make Up Bag?

The answer is.....probably way too much! Even though we try and prune our collection down to a reasonable size to travel with the truth is we always take too much and things come back unused. We always intend to do some beauty shopping when in Florida (watch this space for our holiday haul!) therefore we try to keep that in mind when eliminating products from our bulging make up bags!

 

Here are our 'must have' products that we simply cannot do without and that we took 4000 miles to Orlando with us.

Elle's Picks

 

The make up bag I took with me is the Sonia Kashuk Completely Organized Make Up Bag that I picked up in Target 2 years ago. I have 2 of these in different sizes and took the larger one with me. This is a nylon bag with so many pockets, zips and pouches you can probably put something in and never find it again! It is roomy and practical and in addition to the products I took in my carry on it fit everything alse I needed for my 3 week holiday:

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser: When I am in a hot country the last thing I want to be wearing is a heavy, full coverage foundation so I always reach for the old faithful Nars Tinted Moisturiser. It has a reasonable amount of coverage for a tinted moisturiser and evens out my skin tone nicely. It feels light on the skin and gives a natural and glowing finish which is perfect for a holiday look.

 

Nars Creamy Concealer: If I need any additional coverage I much prefer to use a concealer rather than a fuller coverage foundation. This concealer gives excellent coverage of blemishes and any spots that may decide to rear their ugly head!

 

Maybelline Instant Anti-Age The Eraser Eye Concealer: (light) This has been my go to under eye concealer for the past 2 years and I have yet to find something to compete. It has a light coverage and never settles in fine lines around the eyes which is perfect for older skin.

 

Naked Basics Pallet: I am wholly dependent on the Naked Basics pallet to create a natural eye make up look therefore it was a must have to take on this trip. On the plus side it is small and very portable so doesn't take up too much space.  

 

By Terry Ombre Blackstar: I packed two of these as I love them to sweep across the lid, quickly blend with a Sigma E25 and off you go! I am also a big fan of cream products in the summer and that includes a cream eye shadow. I took Misty Rock for a daytime look and Bronze Moon which is darker and gives a more intense evening look. 

 

Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow (Norman Parkinson Collection): This is a new product purchased especially for the summer and I LOVE it. It is simply gorgeous! I had my eye on this for around 3 months and was determined to get my hands on it for my holiday. It is the only bronzer and highlighter I took with me - all in one beautiful, handy compact.

 

Chanel Cream Blush: (Chamade) I love cream blush in the summer months and in addition to the remnants of my favourite discontinued YSL Crème Blush I packed my Chanel Cream Blush in Chamade. This is quite a bright pink and looks lovely with tanned skin.

 

Bourjois Colour Boost: (Proudly Naked) I am a huge fan of the Bourjois Colour Boost lip crayons and this beautiful natural pink-nude is my latest purchase in the line (I think I may have all of the other colours!) They are creamy and comfortable but long lasting. This one claims to last for 10 hours however as a constant lip product re-applier I have not put these claims to the test!

 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner: (East End Snob) I have literally been using this lip liner for years! It seems to be the current blogger fave (and apparently a dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury lip pencil in Pillow Talk) but when this Rimmel pencil is so good I see no need to splurge on something 4 x more expensive.

Mimi's Picks

 

I used my Vera Bradley Hanging Organiser as my travel make up bag this summer. Although this isn't technically a makeup bag it has a lot of different wipe clean, clear compartments so it's really easy to see and find everything. I also like how I can hang this up in the hotel bathroom and everything is ready to use. I used my Mr Bunny travel make up brush set from Sigma to carry my many makeup brushes as there is a lot of room for extra brushes and I like to use it to stand my brushes on the counter top when applying my makeup. 

 

Revlon Eyelash Curlers - I have repurchased these for years! They are cheap, do the job well and I don't get upset if they get a little beaten up. However as we are both had LVL Lash treatment just before our holiday they were never used!

 

Tarte Amazonian Clay BB Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen -

This is other product I purchased on whim in Sephora and was not disappointed. It basically does what it says on the tin. It’s a lovely light weight skin evening base. I was running very low on this so I repurchased this trip!

 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer - I love this for concealing and highlighting under my eyes it has a lightweight consistency and is very moisturising so it never looks cakey or heavy.　 

Anastasia Brow Wiz - This is my ultimate holy grail product. Need I say more? Heat proof and long lasting!

 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof - I am so fussy with mascara but this one is unbelievable! It curls and holds my straight lashes like no other mascara.

 

Chanel Bronze Universal - I stole this from Elle and I am obsessed! This is a gorgeous creamy bronzer which is really easy to use. It is very subtle but also buildable.

 

No 7 Pop and Glow Cream Blusher - I have this in both Mango Sorbet and Rose and I love both. The formula of these products is so creamy, smooth and pigmented! I have a big issue with my makeup disappearing throughout the day but these little blush sticks these really hang around. I like them so much I am thinking of purchasing the highlight stick and the bronze stick as well.

 

Naked 3 - This pallet is my go-to for every eyeshadow look. I love the cool toned matte colours for everyday and the high sheen glitters for a fun night-time look. My favourites everyday look is Nooner through the crease, some mascara and I'm ready to face the world.

 

We would love to hear about your favourite holiday make up! Tell us about some of your favourites below!