YSL Touche Eclat Foundation

As I mentioned in my March Favourites I was a little sceptical about this new formulation. The original was such a cult classic and a personal favourite of mine for giving that beautiful natural skin like finish. Thankfully I was pleasantly surprised with this formula. It still has the same beautiful finish but the coverage is much better this time and is buildable to a good medium. I am also really glad they kept the packaging the same, the pump dispenses just the right amount of foundation for a sheer coverage for my face, and two pumps for the fuller coverage. I like to apply it with my Beauty Blender which I just dampen a little with the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water for a really flawless skin like finish. 

They claim this to be a weightless foundation but honestly, no foundation that has a natural kind of finish is weightless. Unless you like a matte base like Estee Lauder Double Wear that will dry on to your skin, there is going to be some texture to wearing the foundation. So long as you don't apply too much of this though it does seam to stay put better than the original formulation and it does feel lighter than other more dewy foundations on account of this not feeling oily. To compare this to the last foundation I reviewed; the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow, this feels much lighter and long-lasting. I have done the same makeup here as my Ambient Lighting Look and up close this does look better than the Les Beiges. This has sheered over my skin where as the Les Beiges did cling to some dryness and crease around my eyes more. Now that is looking very closely at pictures, both foundations look nice in person but perhaps if you do have some dryness then this would be a good foundation for you to try moreover the Les Beiges. There are 22 shades available in the Touche Eclat and it can be purchased on all YSL concessions and online here. 

The Application Dream Team

When it comes to applying your base everyone is looking for a natural finish. Whether its sheer or full coverage you wear no one likes to look plastered in product. And after many trials and errors this little trio have surpassed all other applicators. I realise that the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water does sound like a bit of a waste of money to buy what is essentially a water spray, when you can just dampen your sponge under a tap. But honestly if you really want your makeup to stay put as long as possible then this is the way to go. I personally hate silicone based primers. I am more than happy to use toner and serum and moisturiser to prep my skin but I just don't like to feel like there is a layer between my skin and foundation. For me your base product should feel like skin as much as possible and not like it is sitting on top of it. I place a few dots of foundation on to the centre of my face then spritz the Beauty Blender till it is damp and bounce the product all over my face. Once my foundation has dried I do the same with concealer but then use the Micro Mini Beauty Blender as this seams to keep the concealer in place better than the original sponge. Here I have the Pure Sponge which comes in at £16, it is the same size as all the original blenders but for £18 you can buy the Pink Blender and Solid Soap Set which really is the best way to clean the sponges if you want to remove any product stains. I still love the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush *review for a slightly more speedy application but for days I have the time to really blend in my foundation and create that completely natural looking skin this little trio really does give a flawless looking finish. 

Everyday Makeup

I am a creature of habit when it comes to my everyday makeup look. As I wear rather a lot of makeup I like to keep things really simple or it can easily look too much for work and errands. I do like to mix up some of my products though, sometimes because I am trailing new things, but also because my skin really seams to change with the weather. With it being slightly warmer at the moment I have gone back to the Chanel Perfection Lumiere which I loved last summer. It is really good at being re-worked into the skin throughout the day so perfect if you are a little more oily in the warmth.

For powder I have been loving the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Ethereal Light just down the centre of my face to kick back excess oil but still have a natural glow. For blush I cannot stop using NXY High Definition Blush in shade Nude'tude on the apples of my cheeks and shade Taupe as a subtle contour and softly on my lower lash line. I also use a combination of the two through my lids and crease, not as a cut crease but just to add definition to my eyes. I have actually been using a new liquid liner recently which I don't find as easy to apply as the Maybelline Gel Liner but I wanted to get the hang of before my holiday so I don't have to pack the liner brush. It is the Revlon Coloursaty which looks really good and is a true black but I do find liquid liners drying so I think I will go back to the gel soonish.

Loreal False Lash Telescopic has been my mascara of choice a lot recently as I tend to be favouring longer lashes over volume. And for my browns NYX Tinted Brow Mascara is my go to for a really speedy application. Lastly, for my lips I tend to just wear balms, and as I have been wearing a bit of colour on my eyes I like the natural look of Elizabeth Arden Lip Repair Balm. 

Travel Makeup Bag

I am finally going on holiday this week to see my dad in Spain, and although I still plan on wearing a fairly full face of makeup I decided to really cut back on the products I take. I will after all be going to see my family so there is no reason to look overly fancy. For lips I am taking just three options, a tinted lip balm which is my everyday choice; By Terry Baume De Rose in shade Toffee Cream, MACs Lip Pencil in Soar for a mauve lip option and NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Abu Dhabi which is my favourite brown lip at the moment. My base of choice in warmer weather is Chanel Perfection Lumiere it just seams to work better on my skin when it is a little oiler. I am also taking the Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay in Place Concealer though just in case I get any blemishes. For my brows I am just taking NYX Tinted Brow Mascara and I am trying a new liner this time the  Revlon Colourstay Eyeliner which I have been trying out, I don't love it but it will do for the holiday. I have a travel size Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Mascara in black, I actually use the brown shade of this a lot so I know I love the formula. It looks really natural but can be built up for quite a bit of volume. And lastly make up wise I have packed 2 NYX High Definition Blushers in shade for a peachy blush, and as my contour. Both of which I love to wear as eyeshadow also. 

To apply my foundation I have packed an original Beauty Blender and a Micro Mini to apply concealer, both of which I dampen with the Liz Earle Skin Tonic to tone my skin while making a really natural looking base. Skincare wise I just have a travel size of the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm and Age Support Cream and a few sample serums I had saved up. I will be taking my Laura Mercier travel brush set as well but that will go in my hand luggage as I would be pretty mortified if I lost them. 
I will still have posts going up while I am away and hopefully I will have a holiday blog when I get back if I manage to take some nice pictures. For now though I hope you all have a good two weeks whatever your plans. Ciao xxx

Nip+Fab Dragon's Blood Serum

After trying the Rodial Dragons Blood Hyaluronic Night Cream I was really happy with how much healthier my skin was looking and really wanted to try some more from the range. Unfortunately I just do not have the budget for the full range but when shopping in boots last month I spotted that Nip + Fab have some similar products that are way more affordable and this little beauty has surpassed all expectations. Now I'm 24, I hardly have too many signs of ageing but I do have a couple of fine lines on my fore head that this has evened out completely. Before I used to like the Lancome Advanced Genifique Serum for helping my skin feel firmer and plumper but this is ten times better and a fraction of the price at £19.95 compared to £82 for the same 50ml bottle. I very rarely get excited about skincare as I do makeup but I have already been recommending this to my friends and it really is worth a go.

I feel I must mention this contains the sap from a dragon blood tree and there are no strange labs holding dragons to produce these products. The sap assists in soothing and restoring skin which makes for this being a lovely serum to apply in the morning; it really does feel like it is soothing your skin. It sinks in instantly, which does mean that you have to work it on to your skin pretty quick, but you don't get the tacky feeling on your skin after application which some serums leave. The serum also contains Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin which will help your skin to absorb and lock in moisture. If like myself you are not keen on wearing primers, I find serums are a good way to prep your skin for foundation and the fact that this completely absorbs into your skin means that you have a perfect base for foundation. I would love to hear your thoughts if you have tried this product also, and if you want to give it a try you can buy it online here and in larger Boots stores. 

March Favourites 2016

Time for another favourites and I know most people talk about how fast months have gone but March has been so slow for me! I am going to visit my dad in Spain and moving house in April so as you can imagine I currently feel like a kid at christmas and time is dragging. That said I have really enjoyed trying some new products this month and most of these are new discoveries. The first fave I have to mention is the Loreal Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo, it my not be the best dry shampoo but if you want your hair to smell beautiful then this is the way to go. Can they please make this a perfume or candle or something because it smells of beachy summers and I'm all up for smelling like that. Skincare wise I have picked up a few new bits recently but the Nip+ Fab Dragons Blood Serum is hands down the best thing I have tried possibly ever. I see instant results with this, my skin definitely feels and looks plumper and younger. I also tried NYX for the first time this month and it has changed my makeup game completely. I am in love with the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in shade Abu Dhabi not only is the shade perfect the formulation is on point; it is so long lasting but not at all drying. I have also been wearing the NYX Tinted Brow Mascara everyday this month, it keeps  things in place without it looking like you have product on your brows which is great if you have longer brows like myself. 

The product I was not sure I would like is the new formulation of the YSL Touche Eclat Foundation. I loved the old formula so much but this really is an improvement. I'll be reviewing it soon but in short, great coverage and same natural finish. My last favourite this month is the By Terry Baume De Rose Nutri-Couleur which I spoke about in my Balm Favourites Post. I love matte lips but my lips get so dry and this has such a beautiful texture and the rose scent is lovely. It's so expensive and not the most long lasting but I just can't keep this off my lips at the moment. So thats all the stuff Iv'e loved this month and I would love to hear your faves, so pop me a comment and post links bellow and I will have a nosey. x

Les Beiges Makeup

I would love to have a really creative makeup for you guys but I pretty much suck at taking pictures of my face, nevertheless I started the year saying I would try to show more makeup and less swatches so here is a little look at the makeup I have been reaching for recently. 

I start off by applying a little Soleil Tan De Chanel to warm up my complexion. I then apply my foundation and I have been using Chanel's Les Beiges Healthy Glow a lot recently, I really like the coverage and finish and it works a lot better with the Les Beiges Powder than other powders I have found. I like to use shade No10 as a base powder and No30 as a bronzer. On my eyes I have fallen back in love with Chanel's Illusion D'ombre in shade Emerveille, it as a beautiful shimmery pink that I think I will be wearing a lot in spring. 

The Loreal False Lash Telescopic Mascara I like to wear without eyeliner, I find it makes my lashes look so long that liner can make it look a little much sometimes, but this is by far my favourite high street mascara. To fill in my brows I next to always use the Soap and Glory Archery Pencil, I find it has great precision and shade Hot Chocolate is a really nice match. And to finish off the look I have been wearing another Chanel product, the Rouge Allure Luminous Intense Lip Colour in shade Indecise, the shade itself is nothing special but I love the packaging and lipstick should be something you enjoy applying.

Concealer Collection

I've shared my Contour Collection, Balm Favourites, my bundle of Cream Shadows and my Foundation Rotation so I thought it was about time I shared the cover up masters of my makeup stash. I don't wear concealer on a daily basis so when I do wear it I like it to have good coverage and a non crease formula. So far I have never needed any colour correcting or highlighting from my concealers so if it is just a cover up you are after, here are my faves.
Starting with the highest coverage of the bunch The Sensual Skin Enhancer from Kevyn Aucoin, this can camouflage any blemish with the tiniest amount of product and it will not budge once applied. Benefit Boi-ing I have used the longest out of all of these, it is a great one to keep in your bag, its creamy but doesn't crease and it blends really well on top of other product. Estee Lauder's Stay in Place High Cover Concealer I like for under my eyes, it is the least drying of all of these, it has really good coverage and it really does stay put. Also it's nice to have a mirror in the packaging if you are using it for touch ups. Their Stay in Place Flawless Wear I do find to be a little drying but it is perfect if your wearing a tinted moisturiser and just want to amp up the coverage in certain areas. 

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Ultra Lift and Firm I also tend to keep in my bag, it's another one that blends well on top of other product so it is a nice one to touch up with. It has less coverage than the others but also looks the most natural looking on the skin. The Eclat Lumiere Highlighter Face Pen is intended to be a highlight but I personally use this as a touch up for days I am wearing the Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet. I find the formulas compliment each other well and this has that little bit more coverage than the foundation with the same demi-matte finish. There are other concealers I have used in the past and loved but nothing I feel I am missing at the moment. I would like to give a special mention to the Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer though. If you are on a budget it costs just £5.99 and it has really good coverage and longevity. It does crease a little but that also means it does not make your skin feel dry. I may not have one in my current collection but I have been using it on and off since way before I started the blog. 

Beauty Haul: Boots & House of Fraser

This was supposed to be just a Boots haul, I planned on picking up some cheaper pieces to take to Spain with me next month so I would not be worried about anything breaking, but I was looking around and to be honest not much really caught my eye that I have not already got or have tried in the past, but I thought I would show you the few things I did pick up. I have heard so much about the Collection Eyes Uncovered palettes and I am loving the sepia toned make up trend at the moment; you all know I live for neutral tones, so I picked up the Nude palette to take away with me.

I have also seen a lot of people raving about this Elvive Extraordinary Clay range, it is what I have been after for years; something to dry out my excessively oily roots and nourish my dry ends so I have high hopes for this trio. NYX is a brand I have wanted to try for ages and annoyingly there were three shop assistants filling the eyeshadow section so I didn't get a chance to look but I decided to pick up two lip products. The Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm which I love the shade of but have to get used to the formula. And the Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Sandstorm which is my new everyday. Again the sepia tone is just beautiful, I was too young in the 90s and missed the brown lip trend but this shade is just beautiful and the formulation and finish is amazing. I have not had this off my lips partly thanks to its longevity. 

I also picked up the Tinted Brow Mascara, I have been growing my brows recently and fancied a faster application for days I don't want to use the Soap and Glory Archery Pencil which I picked up another two of. It's nice to have brow options though, and so far I am loving it. I think I will pick up a darker shade than Brunette next time and see which shade I prefer. 

Of course I had to pop to House of Fraser and pick up my beloved Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara *review because I just cannot be without it. I also picked up an Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer, I have been using this every day recently so I wanted to make sure I had one in for whenever my current one runs out. I also could not resit picking up the new formulation of the YSL Touch Eclat and after a few uses this is seriously nice, I didn't think I would be saying this but it has a much nicer coverage and feel than the older formulation, which was a firm favourite of mine. I plan on reviewing a couple of these products and using them in some makeup look posts so let me know if there is anything you want to see first, and if you have any NXY favourites jot them bellow, I'm really excited to try some more of their products. 

Contour Collection

You may already know I, like the rest of the world, am a little obsessed with contouring. Not the drawing tribal paint on my face kind but the cool toned, blendable, subtle powder kind. And it has become a bit of a mission for me to find all the best powders in that category that suit my skin tone. I realise I only have one face and therefore only really need one powder but clearly I don't pay attention to that reasoning and have built up a pretty hefty collection. Starting with my more recent obsession the Anastasia Beverly Hill Contour Kit £39 I have been absolutely loving the shade Fawn to chisel at my cheekbones. And now I have discovered you can buy refills for the palette for £14 my purse will be happy that my new favourite is the cheapest of the bunch. The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder in Medium I have probably used more religiously than the other powders in that  it is so compact you can fit it in any size make up bag. The shade is beautiful and well suited to lots of skin tones as it has a more ashy, cool tone to it than most other, there is also a light and dark sculpting powder available in the range though if you find this isn't a perfect match. At £35 it is pretty expensive but it does seam to last longer on my skin than some of the other powders *review.

The Blush Subtle Palettes were the fist contour powders I tried, I love the deeper powder in the 02 Nectar Lace palette which you can probably tell by how little powder I have left. The 01 Rose Flush palette has a much nicer blush and highlight shade that I get more use out of so this is the one I re-purchase these days. The powders are so buttery and blendable I wish they did a stand alone contour compact it is by far my favourite of the bunch but at £29 it just feels too expensive for such a small amount of the contour shade *review. The Smashbox Contour Kit I discovered last summer, the three powders have a more dusty or chalky texture than the other contour powders which came in very handy when my skin was more on the oily side. It retails at £35 and comes with a pretty decent brush, you can read my full review here but overall it is a really lovely palette I just wish the shades where a little cooler to match my winter skin. So thats my collection of contours, I would love to hear your faves, particularly if you have found any good cheaper options. I tend to love drugstore powders but I just can't seam to find any good cool toned contour powders like these ones.