WOMF: Graduation Edition

Hey there you lovely bunch! 

Today I have woken up with a new lease of life! I've spent the first half of this week in bed feeling sorry for myself - (damn you lurgy!), however today I have woken up feeling a lot perkier, and decided that it would be a good time to get a post I've been meaning to do for a while out of the way: my WOMF: Graduation Face post. 

Ok, so I didn't set out on Graduation day with the mindset of doing this post, hence the rather awful selection of close up photo's of my face... However I basically went for the fresh-faced, coral cheeked, neutral look, and here's how I did it! 

Oooh, little bit of patriotism going on with the Union Jack...Sorry if you aren't British and reading this. I'm not some crazy Brit-obsessed person, I just quite like my rug! 

Face: 

The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner

Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser

Rimmel BB Cream in 'Light'

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 'Soft Beige' (Both applied using my Real Techniques buffing brush) 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer 'Soft Beige' 

Soap And Glory Trick and Treatment Concealer

Bourjois Delice de Poudre Chocolate Bronzer (Applied using my ELF Professional Total Face Brush to contour cheekbones and add bronzed warmth to anywhere that would naturally catch a tan: temples, cheeks, nose etc) 

Benefit 10 (only lighter shade for highlighting cheekbones, forehead and browbone)

Benefit Coralista (applied to the apples of my cheeks using my Real Techniques contour brush)

Eyes: 

Superdrug Vitamin E Eye Cream

Soap and Glory It's About Prime Eye Primer

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette (Shades Venus, W.O.S, Naked 2 and Faint, applied using W7 eyeshadow brush and blended using my MAC 217 blending brush. Crave applied in place of eyeliner to upper lash line and outer corners) 

Eyelash Curlers, followed by Benefit They're Real Mascara

Lips:

ELF Lip Exfoliator 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Balm

The Body Shop Mango Lip Butter 

MAC Coral Bliss

Self ConGRADUATION Present | Free Gift With Purchase.

Hello! 

So Tuesday was a pretty special day for me. I graduated from University with a 2:1 BA Hons Degree! A full post series of the day will be coming shortly including face, hair and outfit posts! 

Anyway, yesterday I had the chance to relive the day again by seeing all of my gorgeous friends graduate and join in with the photographs and celebrations, and afterwards, had a chance to nip into town and pick myself up a little post-graduation treat in the form of Bourjois goodies!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation: I have wanted this for so long, but I have this weird thing with foundation. I always finish a bottle before buying a replacement. Until now. Yesterday I basically Told myself 'screw it!' and bought it.

Bourjois Colour Boost Lipstick in 'Orange Punch': The newest addition to the Bourjois family is the latest in the chubby stick range, but the first one I've picked up. I have to say I am not disappointed! 'Orange Punch' is the most perfect peachy orange tone and although i've only worn it once, I'm loving it so far. I'll give a full review once i've had a chance to get some wear out of it.

Bourjois So Laque Glossy Nail Polish in 'Adora Bleu': Boots had not only a free gift with purchase offer, but also were on a 3 for 2 offer. This nail polish was my free item. I have lusted over this shade for a while, however £6.99 for a nail polish is a tad steep, so I've held off. Whilst picking out my free item, I came across this shade again and realised it was the perfect opportunity to get it. The most perfect cornflower blue, it's different to anything else I own, and I just love the colour!

I also got a free gift, which was a pair of Bourjois sunglasses. I was pleasantly surprised with the style of these glasses; I didn't expect them to be so nice. They've definitely gotten a place in my sunglasses collection!

If you're in Boots any time soon, I'd definitely have a look at the Bourjois stand. There are some really great products from them at the moment, and with a 3 for 2 offer and a free pair of sunglasses, I'd definitely take advantage!

What's On My Face | The Everyday Edit.

Since breaking my finger, it's been made clear to me just how much I rely on my left hand for simple things like putting on my make up. Because of this, I haven't been switching my make-up around as much as usual, and have been using the same look, as it's easier. 

Bases

- Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 'Soft Beige': This is my go-to foundation for this time of year, as it gives a nice medium finish, with an SPF factor; always important!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer: This concealer has a peachy tint, which is great for counteracting the dark circles, although I wish it had a little more coverage. 

Soap & Glory Trick and Treatment Concealer: I'm suffering from some pretty impressive dark circles at the minute, hence the two concealers. I like to use this one on top of my Rimmel one for extra coverage. This one has a slight shimmer which illuminates the area, making dark circles appear reduced. 

Contour & Blush

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzing Powder: At the minute, i'm favouring a more matte finish, which means a bronzer with shimmer is a no-go. This one from Bourjois only has a very slight shimmer, which isn't really noticeable, and can be used as a sheer layer of warmth, or built up to create a more contoured look. 

Revlon Matte Blush in 'Rose Rapture': I bought this about 3/4 months ago, and have made a serious dent in it already. I absolutely love this blush - it's perfect for everyday wear, and as it has a matte finish, it's not too showy for the daytime, which is what I prefer. 

Eyes

It's About Prime Eye Primer: I bought this on a whim from Soap & Glory when they had an offer on. I think it retails at around £9, and I bought it as a cheaper alternative to the Urban Decay Primer Potion. It does create a base which helps the shadows to stay a few hours longer, however once this has run out, I think i'll be going back to the Urban Decay counter. 

Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette: I'm not going to bore you with yet another rave about how amazing these shadows are, I think it speaks for itself as to why these are a staple in my routine. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara: Again, there's no point telling you how amazing this mascara is, all I'll say is you need this in your life. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara: The only reason I've included this mascara is because I'm trying to use it up. It's one of the worst mascaras I've used in a long time. Not only is the formula dry and flakey, it just does nothing for my eye lashes other than make them clump together. 

Lips

ELF Studio Lip Exfoliator: This lip scrub is so convenient. It comes in lipstick form, which is so easy to use, and doesn't involve scooping product out of a tub, making priming my lips for lipstick so easy. It also leaves behind a balm-like finish, which moisturises. 

Calvin Klein Delicious Truth Lipstick in 'Illusion': I've been doing the minimal make up look thing lately, and this lipstick is the perfect colour for that effortless look. It's sheer, yet has a gorgeous light pink tone which just brightens up the face. The formula is very moisturising and doesn't feel too heavy on the lips. 

So there we have it, my everyday face of the moment. 

What have you been wearing lately? 

May Favourites!

Honestly, where has this month disappeared to? I can't actually wrap my head around the fact it's June tomorrow, which means it's 30 days until my days as a University student are over and I have to move back home. Crazy. Anyway, on with this months top 10 products... 

Over exposed image or what?! Sorry!! The lighting in my room is just weird today... I'll have to retake this one and replace it at another time... 

1. Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder: I have been loving this little chocolate flavoured beaut this month, and have worn it to contour my cheekbones practically every day. It's subtle enough for everyday use and definitely one of my favourite drugstore bronzers. 

2. Benefit They're Real Mascara: I am such a sheep, and when bloggers from all around started raving about this one, in typical Gem style, I had to have it. My student budget didn't quite stretch to the £18 full sized mascara, however a few weeks ago Elle Magazine had a mini sized freebie, so I snatched it up to see what all the fuss was about. I absolutely love it and wear it most days. I shall definitely be stretching the budget for a full sized version one I run out of this! 

3. The Body Shop Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15: As we've had a sprinkling of sunny days this month, I've been reaching for a lip balm that not only will keep my lips hydrated, but will also give me protection from the sun. This little balm does just that, and has been my most used balm of the month. 

4. The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner: I have the weirdest skin. Sometimes it's oily, sometimes it's dry, sometimes it's normal. This means I constantly have to have different types of skincare available for whatever mood my skin is in. This month, it's been oily, meaning i've been reaching for my most mattifying products. This toner has been great to use before bed, and helps to get rid of the last traces of make up, whilst banishing any excess oil. 

5. Benefit Coralista: Coralista is the most perfect peachy pink toned coral blush, and I've practically wore nothing else this month. It's fairly similar to Nars orgasm, in which it's highly pigmented with a nice shimmer running through. I've been loving wearing coral lips, and this blush is the perfect companion. 

6. Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser: Did I mention I've been producing oil by the bucketload this month? Out with my normal moisturiser, and in with the mattifying one. This is great at giving my skin a matte finish, whilst also moisturising and giving my skin the nourishment it needs. This also acts as a great base for make up; I feel like I don't need a primer when wearing this. 

7: Le Mas Des Collines Lavender Pillow Spray: I've been having real trouble sleeping over the last few months. I'm a worrier, things play on my mind, and before you know it, I'm wide awake and panicking about the silliest little things that are out of my control. I picked up this pillow spray at TK Maxx for £2.99 and although it hasn't really sent me straight to sleep, it helps to create a calming atmosphere, and i've found myself spraying it not only on my pillows, but on my wrists and pulse points. If you don't like lavender scents, i'd steer clear of this as it's very strong, but I quite like it as it reminds me of my Grandma's garden when I was younger. 

8. Next Eau Bloom Eau De Toilette: I wouldn't usually stick in a perfume unless it was something special, but i've been reaching for this one a daily basis; it's definitely a favourite for this month! I'm rubbish at describing scents, but it's very light and crisp, fruity yet almost floral. It's basically the perfect Spring/Summer fragrance, and it's very cheap. I picked up this little 10ml bottle for £3.50, and I'm already half way down so I may have to pick up the 30ml bottle for £6 soon! 

9. Miracle Oil with Argan Oil: This is Aldi's version of Argan Oil, and for saying it was only £3.99, it works a treat. I've used this after every wash and it's helped to keep my hair soft and protected at the ends. I'm not sure, as my hair grows fairly quickly, but i'm certain my hair has grown a bit more than usual since using it too! 

10. Goldwell Curl Love Curl Cream: I talked about this is my The Perm That Killed My Hair & The Products That Brought It Back To Life post, and it really good after a shower on towel dried hair to keep curls in place without making them frizz out, which is a problem with my hair. I've been wearing my hair naturally curly/wavy a lot more since having my perm, and this cream has been my go-to product for a natural style. 

What products have you been loving this month? 

Real Techniques Core Collection.

Hey there lovelies! 

Today's post is my review of the Real Techniques Core Collection. I've been meaning to do this post for a while but kept forgetting to take pictures, then when I did remember my brushes were dirty! I've finally gotten around to doing it so without further ado.... 

As I'm sure you're all aware, Real Techniques are designed by pro make up artist Samantha Chapman, and are designed with the aim of making professional looking make up easy for us normal peeps. 

The core collection consists of 4 brushes which are aimed at creating a flawless base. As Ms Chapman says, "great looks start with a flawless base". 

I'm not a massive fan of the cheap plastic packaging that this collection came in, however I usually throw packaging away so I guess it doesn't matter too much. I'd have preferred something sleeker looking, perhaps in a more eco friendly cardboard box? The set also comes with a black 2 in 1 case and stand. I travel a lot to see my boyfriend, (who very nicely bought me this set - good boyfriend points Arron! =)) so the travel case has been very handy for keeping my brushes together, and out of harms way. I doubt i'll ever use it as a stand, however. 

Each collection has a colour code. The core collection, as you can see, is gold. This is particularly handy if you are in a rush and need to find a certain brush quickly. There's nothing more annoying that having to empty your entire make up bag or pot of brushes just to find one thing! 

The buffing brush is probably my favourite from this collection, along with the contour brush. This brush is meant to be used with powder and mineral foundation. Now, I don't use powder foundation, so I have found a use for this brush as a stippling brush. It's a fairly similar shape and size to the Real Techniques stippling brush anyway, so I have been using this with my Rimmel Match Perfection foundation, and find that it creates a flawless look, giving a seamless finish, that my other foundation brushes just don't give. 

The contour brush is meant to be used with highlighter to contour the cheekbones. Again, I don't always use this brush as it's intended purpose. I find that this brush is perfect as a blusher brush. I like to apply blusher to the apples of my cheeks, and sometimes my blusher brush is just too big, however this one allows me to create more of a subtle glow. 

I think maybe you're starting to see a pattern here...I use this brush not as a foundation brush, but as a concealer brush, as I just find it too small to use with foundation. As a concealer brush however, it's the perfect size. 

Finally we have the detailer brush. This is my least used brush, as I have been trying to use it as an eye brush, and failing. I've recently actually looked at what this brush is meant for; concealer and/or lips, and hung my head in slight embarrassment. I've since began using it as a lip brush and I feel that I may get a bit more wear out of it now. 

Although I don't actually use the majority of these brushes for their intended purpose, I have found that they do work for me in my own way. All brushes are soft to the touch, don't absorb too much product and do help to create more of a flawless finish to my skin (however impossible a mission that may seem). I'd highly recommend this set as a starter kit for people who want to start using a higher end brand, but don't want to spend those higher end prices. This kit, and each of the others (I think) retail at £21.99 at boots, however Amazon occasionally sell them for a few pounds cheaper.