Review: Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette

An eyeshadow palette made with 100% natural cocoa powder? Surly not. Oh hell yeah, and it even smells like chocolate - I'd make sure you eat before using! Anyway, this post does contain some rather dodgy swatch photos so for that I'm sorry!

This palette offering from Too Faced isn't a particularly new release which surprises me as to why there are so little reviews, especially from British bloggers. I picked mine up from BeautyBay for the reduced price of £40.50 (is usually £45.00) and for 16 shadows, I think that's a bargain! Everything about this palette is corresponding to the nature of their use of cocoa in production of the shadows. The box is representative of the typical foil wrapped chocolate bars with the palette itself being a rich brown with a raised "chocolate pieces" design. Then there are the names; Black Forest Truffle, Cherry Cordial, Marzipan... I could go on. It's gorgeous. A majority of the shadows (aside from a few) are as buttery as any Naked palette and equally as pigmented. A real winner.

The tin itself is quite bulky, far deeper than the Naked palette's and has a magnetic fastening. It's alright, but if travelling I'd probably put a hair band round it, just in case. It features 6 matte shades, 4 micro-glitter shades and 6 sheen finishes. The micro glitter shade Cherry Cordial is the only shade which isn't true to colour and isn't as buttery as the rest. On me it came off more grey/ brown tinted than burgundy and is a bit of a disappointment. The only other let down would be Strawberry Bon Bon. It's just not quite as pigmented again and slightly more chalky. Such a shame as the name is adorable! On a positive, the two larger shades are perfect in every sense. White Chocolate is ideal for an all over the lid colour and Champagne Truffle is an ideal highlight.

As you can probably tell, I love this palette. Probably more so than my Naked 3 palette and I can see myself using every single eye-shadow this has to offer. My favourites are probably Amaretto, Hazelnut and Marzipan.

MAC Viva Glam Rihanna

MAC have produced several Viva Glam colaboartions before with the likes of Nicki Minaj and Lady Gaga and 2014 was the launch of Rihanna being their spokeswomen. Every penny generated through the sales of MAC's Viva Glam range support Men, Women and Children suffering with HIV/ AIDS.

This limited edition, blue toned red lipstick is a one of their "Frost" finishes so is glossy and has a slight shimmer. Unlike Ruby Woo, this red doesn't tug at the skin and feels nourishing as well as seeming to be long wearing (I have only worn it round the house so far - why not?). It's also worth noting that the packaging of this is so glorious to feel and hold. It's sort of rubberised!

This collaboration is sold online and in store(here), but it probably will go through stages of selling out!

 Yeah, I didn't think to look at what was lurking behind me before taking this. Rookie error.

Collective Cosmetics Haul

This is a somewhat of a collective cosmetics post with items that I have collected over the last few weeks and while this does contain not only group photos of what I purchased, I thought I'd take a series of photos to record the day for you! These haul posts that occur with Lucy seem to be a monthly occurrence now, in which way to much food is consumed and too much money is spent. Yesterday was no different and once again took place in Southampton. This time however, we found the Debenhams (who isn't keen to collect the points?) the staff there are soo much more friendlier than those at the John Lewis. I guess it's probably because they're not as busy and can spend the time chatting to you, but both ladies we spoke to (from Dior and Urban Decay) were lovely and I can not fault them! This is primarily where the damage was done to be honest. Dior were offering a free lipgloss (plus many serum samples) with any two purchases. From there we moved to Boots and then on to John Lewis and Next. I did buy some mugs in Next (cheating a little on cosmetics) but they were super cute and couldn't resist! I just hope you enjoy a lot of pictures.

OOTD (T-shirt = Topshop, Cardi = NW3 for Hobbs, Skirt = Primark, Trainers = Nike, Necklace = Stradavarius, Barry B nail polish in Blue Grape, Bracelts = all gifts)

Good ol' MAC lipsticks

Which results in the need of a make-up wipe

Gingerbread hot choc anyone?

Sneak peak into one of Lucy's purchases...

- Dior Addict Lip Glow
- Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick 08
- Dior lip pencil 663
- NYX blusher
- Barry M nail vanish Passion Fruit
- L'oreal Lumi Magique (a dupe for Touche eclat?)
- Mac Viva Glam Riri lipstick
- Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish set
- Next Mugs

Free gifts:
- Dior lip gloss (No name/ number)
- Clinique all about eyes sample

The Too Faces Chocolate bar palette. This calorie free chocolate bar is perfect and smells oh so gorgeous. If this interests you, I'll be doing a full review later this week!

Lastly I picked up the Real Techniques Blush, Stippling and Expert Face brushes at my local Asda (available here) as they are so cheap! I haven't taken photo's of these. Firstly, I forgot I'd bought them, and secondly  they've been photographed and reviewed to death. They're amazing. Enough said.  

Have you bought anything new recently? 

Smashbox Smokebox

My first ever mid end eye-shadow palette, it is honestly very sentimental to me. I purchased this from the Cosmetics Company back in 2012 and at the time I knew nothing of the Smashbox brand and just went for the beautiful range of colours, the burgundy was something I'd never owned before. I wore this constantly for at least a year before I branched out a little and I still haven't hit pan. I think I purchased it for £23, which is a bargain seeing as they still sell it in Boots for £32 - although it has had a minor revamp. In comparison with Mac, Urban Decay and Bobbi Brown, the product isn't as soft and luxurious to touch but still my favourites. That little extra grip means these shadows do not budge without primer and they are still super pigmented.

Going from left to right, top row first:

Alabaster: A matte peachy toned cream

Thunder: A rich grey with a silver sheen

Blackout: A deep black - probably the least pigmented however

Roast: A luxurious brown with gold shimmer

Blackcurrent: An almost matte burgundy, with a hint of pinky shimmer

Seaform: A creamy silver sheen

It's also worth noting that the mini double-ended brush isn't too shabby either. Yes you're never going to be able to blend colours into your crease with it, but it's dense enough to be able to pack colour on to your lid in a make-up emergency. 

Smashbox Heatwave palette

Oh how I love this palette. It's sort of neutrals with a slight twist featuring 5 warm, yellow based tones and 5 cool tones which are perfect for a subtle smokey eye or a wash of colour. These shadows aren't as buttery as Urban Decay and when packing on the colour, the shimmery shades tend to fall a little on to the cheek if you're not careful. However, they are very bendable and beautifully pigmented shades. Another slight negative is that they're not named, a concept I do find quite odd, and a little lazy on Smashbox's behalf. However, I have included some swatches below, all of which are true to the shades shown in the palette. I picked this up for £23 in The Cosmetics Company, however it is available in Boots (here). Word of warning, the picture used on the Boots website does not give these colours the justice they deserve!

A little make-up pick me up

Today was one of those days where I needed a little cheering up so the obvious thing to do was a little retail therapy. This isn't a huge haul but I did manage to pick up an item that was on my Spring/ Summer wishlist. This is purely a list of what I brought and I'll do reviews at a later date.

First off is the Elderflower unperfumed gel from The Body Shop (£7). Now I can not for the life of me remember who's blog it was I read that highly recommended this clear unassuming gel, but their wise words on how this controls puffy eye's and dark circles caused me to put this on my shopping list. I also picked up the Warming Mineral mask (£10) which was posited next to the gel. Now after using the pore reducing mask that Soap and glory had to offer I've had breakouts on my cheeks and chin so I was keen to pick up something different. Now I haven't tried any masks from The Body Shop before and I haven't read a review, this was just spontaneous purchase so stay tuned if you wish to find out how I got on.

Next on my list was Boots. A haul is not complete without Boots. From here I picked up the Samantha Chapman duo-fibre collection brushes (£23.99) as I was particularly interested in the face brush. From first inspection, these are super soft and I can't wait to use them. I then picked up the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer (£4.19) in 2 as my 3 gets a little dark when the fake tan starts to fade. From Essie I picked up the rich, dusty rose "In Stitches" as I love the colour and do not own anything even remotely similar and then from Revlon I picked up the Rose glow Highlighting palette (£8.99) which according to Lily, is a better dupe to the Bobbi Brown!

Last but by no means least is the Dior Trianon Edition blush in 763 Corail bagatelle (I assume that's the name?) it is beautiful, not just in colour but just so aesthetically pleasing too and definitely too pretty to use just yet.

I hope I haven't rambled too much, is there anything you have your eye on at the moment?

Naked Basics Palette

This was my only requested Christmas present for 2013. I wanted a primarily matte palette for using as as just a wash of colour, before creating the rest of my look. This handy little palette is so pigmented, better than my Naked 3 infact. Venus is the only shade with a slight shimmer which I use in the corner of my eye whereas the next 3 (Foxy, W.O.S. and Naked 2) I use as my base with faint and Crave adding definition. 

Venus*: A soft, off white

Foxy: A yellow based cream

Walk Of Shame: a pinky based nude

Naked 2*: A light taupe

Faint*: A warm, dusty brown

Crave*: A deep matte black

* Exclusive to Naked Basics

I find this and Naked 3 to be the perfect combination. Add the other Naked palette's and it's probably an over kill. However, I am a huge fan. The only this would be the packaging. It is so stiff to open! Great if you throw it in you handbag, not great if you don't want to be chipping nails in the process. 

Haul time (again)

Oh dear, I've been naughty again. When I said to myself this morning "what do I actually need from today?" My answer was simply "cotton pads and a potato masher". Well I have come back with the cotton pads (I'm sure boots do a constant buy one get one half price on them) but no masher, and bag fulls of more stuff! I personally love reading haul posts, and as everyone says, yes I sort quite a lot of money today, but I am not trying to brag. I work and have worked since I was 15. Some people spend their money on nights out, being a student, but this is how I chose to spend my money. It makes me so happy!

So today, blogger Lucy and I went to Southampton again on a little beauty gander (soton has mac, need I say more?) and although I'm not going to photograph every item I'll show you a collection of everything, with reviews to follow on soon!

First off I started in Zara. Now I had said that I wasn't impressed my Christmas sales, and I still stand by that, but I couldn't resist these two items. Firstly is the massive tartan scarf, and the other, the maroon/ mustard/ black bag. I think it's beautiful! I'd eyed up the scarf on a blog I'd read a few months back (sorry I can't remember who's) but it was always out of stock back home. Luck was on my side with it being in the sale!

Next was John Lewis. Oh dear oh dear. This was where the damage happened. From Mac I purchased:

- cremesheen lipstick "hot gossip"

- a large pro eyeshadow palette

- eyeshadows "sable" and "tempting" 

- studio fix fluid foundation in NW20

Then it was on to Liz Earle where I purchased the skin repair light moisturiser for combination/ oily skin. And from Laura Mercier, a set of 5 mini long wear creme eyeliners in; sage, espresso, cobalt, noir and violet. They were reduced to £15!! 

Boots was slightly more restrained with many brands featuring a buy one get one half price offer. Again sorry for the list, but :

-Maybelline colour tattoo in "on and in bronze" (wanted this for ages but it's always out if stock) 

- Maybelline sculpting brow mascara in dark brown

- Max Factor lip liners in "pink petal" and "mauve moment" 

- Bumble and Bumble mini surf spray and their bb texture (I want to try them out before I purchase full sizes)

- Bourjois 1 second gel vanish in "rose cupcake" (so gorgeous, and raved about by Liana)

- Bourjois colour booster in "red sunrise"

- Sally Hansen instant cuticle remover

- cotton pads

Tkmaxx - shocker. Lucy wanted me to show her how I shopped in there to find bargains and, luckily, I did it again! I picked up a Nars eyeliner stylo in "nabucco" and a pink Kilner jar which I'm going to use to keep my cotton pads in! 

Lastly, Next. Now I wasn't expecting to pick anything up, but Lucy was interested in a few of their candles, and after smelling their New York scent, I couldn't resist their room diffuser from the same line. However, after closer inspection (do not know how I got this so mixed up) I picked up their eau de perfum instead, so I'll have to exchange that at some point.

Few, I'm exhausted just reading through all that. If you want more information on any of the products mentioned, or perhaps one review quicker than another, please just leave a comment!

Pay Day Haul

So I did the inevitable. It was pay day and I couldn't resist the beckonings of the Cosmetics Company, Boots and Asda. So I decided to go a little crazy. I can't say that it wasn't needed, I really don't have a huge make-up collection and there are (were) definitely gaps to fill. 

 MAC satin powder blush in "Immortal Flower" and Smashbox blush in "Pop of Pink"

 Smashbox be legendary lipstick in "Posy Pink" 

 MAC cremesheen lipstick in "Speed Dial"

 MAC paint pot in "Mooncake"

 MAC electric cool eyeshadow in "Dynamo"

 Smashbox reflection high shine lip gloss in "Pop of Pink" (Sorry for the dodgy picture)

 Smashbox full exposure mascara

 Essie "So haute!" nail stickers

Essie 2013 winter collection "Shearling Darling", "Parka Perfect" and "Toggle to the Top". Essie "No Chips Ahead" top coat. 

 Clairol Nice'n easy, perfect 10 hair dye in "6 light brown".

This was a near perfect day of beauty shopping. I easily stood talking in the Cosmetics Company for an hour. As I mentioned in my Smashbox foundation review, Portsmouth is new to embrace Smashbox, and I think quite rightly so! It is quickly establishing itself between the likes of MAC and Bobbi Brown, minus the hype! It's niche is obviously in the primer market, so I thought buying a box set of items, I would have bought separately for double the price (The whole box set cost 24.50!). On first impressions, I love the lipstick, which is very similar in texture to the MAC cremesheens, the blush is soo pigmented and soft on the skin and whereas the mascara may not be the best for giving volume, the huge brush separates and curls beautifully. The lip gloss is however fairly sticky and really difficult to handle, seeing as if you squeeze from the end, you're then a log way away from your lips and control is lost. 

On to MAC. "Dynamo" is a beautiful burnt orange, which on me is really warming and great for my paler complexion at this time of year. I fear in the Summer, it may look a bit more terracotta and I'll start blending into Spanish villa's, but we'll see. Next is the blush. This really subtle colour is great for a "I'm not wearing make-up" kinda day. Giving your cheeks a hint of colour but not taking focus from a simple eye and lip feature. My highlights have to be my first ever paint pot and the lipstick. I adore the colour and the cremesheen isn't as drying as their matte finishes, but I'll have to wait and see how long it lasts on my lips. And the paint pot. Wow. No primer necessary and it lasted a whole 8 hour shift of me being in dish-wash and getting a steam facial every five minutes. I am so impressed, and when layered (like the swatch) looks more golden, but with a fine layer, your eyelids are just left sparkling and festive!

Finally, as you may glimpse from the pictures, I am currently wearing all of these Essie polishes and will upload a following post of my chosen accent nail. And also, the hair dye. I dyed my hair wash in wash out purple for halloween and it is STILL there. I've had enough, I hate it, it doesn't suit me and it is going! These hair dyes were on offer in ASDA for £4 so I bought two to make sure I cover my whole head. I'll let you know how it goes!

Smashbox studio skin 15 hour foundation

Last week, while on my quest for a final Christmas present for my Gran, I stumbled across the new Smashbox beauty desk in Boots on Portsmouth's high street. The whole "premium" make-up area has had a shift around, with Benefit replaces Dior *cry* and Smashbox taking over a previous display wall. I love Smashbox eyeshadow's and I prefer them to the MAC one's. I find them a little softer, but that's probably just me. Anyway, I got chatting to the lovely Lee about Marketing (I'm networking for Summer placements literally anywhere) and got persuaded to try some of their foundation. I received a sample of their Photo finish primer (the clear one) in Vogue some time in the last year and loved it! But with the lack of presence of Smashbox in Portsmouth, I bought pore professional instead. 

Back to the foundation, it has amazing coverage and over their hydrating primer, lasted all day with no budging what so ever. it was also a lot lighter than the Estee Lauder Double wear. I am very impressed! I got given a sample, which I plan to test on my next night out to see what it's like in slightly warmer situations, but so far so good.

One thing I will say is do not go by any colour samples on their website. I am the shade "Light Beige 2.1" which is perfect, but online looks like a washed out grey. Another example is their lipstick shades. I'll include an example of this below. The larger image of their red lipstick is exactly that, red, but their swatches on the side for their true red shade "legendary" is a berry colour... Think this needs sorting out!

Me wearing Smashbox studio skin 15 hour foundation 

Sample Review #1

I've had a small bag of samples that I've collected over the last few months and I thought it was about time to do a public review! It's so easy to collect sample's round the different make-up counters and whereas the sachets are a little irritating, only allowing you to test the product at most twice, and then on consecutive days where the chances are, your skin hasn't changed or you haven't done activities to really try out your product. I have oily combination complexion. 

FACE

First off is Estee Lauder's Double Wear, stay in place foundation in 3C2 Pebble. I've used their Futurist foundation for a while now but seeing as it's being discontinued at the end of the year, I figure I need to get my act together and see about replacing it. I love this. It does exactly what it says, staying in place all day (it claims 15 hours), without leaving me dry/ greasy and in breakouts the following day. I have used this on nights out, work and on an average day with no change in results. I think this could be my replacement! http://www.esteelauder.co.uk/products/643/Product-Catalog/Makeup/Face/Foundations/index.tmpl

I then have Benefit's Hello Flawless oxygen wow in Honey. This claims to be oil free but I found I constantly needed to reapply powder. I was impressed by the consistency and coverage but I would not buy this foundation. http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/hello-flawless-oxygen-wow

I have reviewed sample BB/ CC creams before (here) so I won't go into too much detail. I am yet to have the funds to buy one yet, but my firm favourite is still the Diorskin Bb creme in 002. http://www.johnlewis.com/diorskin-nude-tan-bb-creme/p466028?colour=001

The Dior Capture Totale One Essential is a serum that claims to give "instantly radiant and deeply revitalised skin" which it does do well. It isn't greasy and you don't have to use much for full face coverage, but at £80, I think I can find an alternative! http://www.johnlewis.com/dior-capture-totale-one-essential-50ml/p231132224

The Glamglow tingling and exfoliating mask is really "hot" with the Hollywood stars at the moment, with it's mud like consistency it boasts volcanic rock and large chunks of green tea, alongside the French sea clay. It takes between 8-10 minutes to dry and washing off is easier in the shower (personally) which is when you really feel the green tea ex-foliating. I do like this product, my skin feels amazing afterwards, but again I think it's too expensive. Buy a good exfoliator and mask for half the price, and will probably last longer too! http://www.marksandspencer.com/GLAMGLOW%C2%AE-Tingling-Exfoliating-Mask-15ml/dp/B00AND9XUW

EYES

Clinique high impact mascara in black is next on my list. Apart from their chubby sticks, I don't think Clinique is quite there with their make-up. This mascara defines my lashes, but doesn't give volume or thicken. This is probably just me wanted a more statement eye, as for subtlety this would be fine. It lasts well and is reasonably priced. http://www.clinique.co.uk/product/1606/5416/Makeup/Mascara/High-Impact-Mascara/index.tmpl

Bobbi Brown's smokey eye mascara is their newest mascara which has really grabbed the market. This mascara ticks off the big three with the first application. It effortlessly lengthens, gives volume and does not leave any clumps. I've been set in my ways for many years now with the Max Factor mascara (here), but I will be very sad when this little sample runs out. It really is a must have for anyone who likes thick lashes, without going fake. I won't be turning my back on this one! http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/5140/27021/Makeup/Eyes/Mascaras/Smokey-Eye-Mascara/New/index.tmpl

LIPS

Firstly for lips is the Benetint. I doubt this needs much explaining, it's a rose tinted lip and cheek stain. Although I haven't used this on my cheeks too much, I find this a saviour on my lips when wearing red lipstick as you avoid that awkward, half rubbed off on a glass look. This product is well worth the money as it lasts forever and I think is a staple piece, especially for Christmas lips! http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/benetint

Finally, a freebie from November's Vogue (I think). The Coralista Ultra Plush lip gloss from benefit is a rich coral shade which glides on easily without being too sticky. I love the shade and would like to own the full size, this is perfect for chucking in your clutch bag on a night out for an instant pout! http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/coralista-ultra-plush-lip-gloss

Well there you go. My collection of samples from around the beginning of September to today. I hope you found this useful and are tempted by some of the products you see here. I'd love your feedback!

18/11/13 - post!

It's so nice receiving post that isn't bill (sorry for sounding old)! The first package isn't at all exciting, it was my new phone case. I recently got an iPhone 5C, but I refuse to pay Apple 30 quid for a cheap plastic case which has holes in seeing as my phone could still get damaged. In fact I don't want to pay over 20 quid for a phone case, but having a phone that doesn't fit in any other case (iPhone 4 or 5) I was stuck. I scrolled eBay and Amazon with no luck until my friends boyfriend sent me the link to one he'd found. For 99p I had a range of 5 colours and postage was free. Bit more like it! I chose red for Christmas and sure enough after ordering on Friday, it arrived! It is only cheap plastic and very flimsy but it's fine for the moment. Hopefully someone will start making the 5C cases cheaply soon, and make them a bit more interesting!

Anyhow, the package I was most looking forward to came from Secretsales.com. On the 17th October I ordered the Benefit cream shadow in "slippin n dippin" and a Dolce and Gabbana ultra shine lipgloss in "delicious". The Benefit shade is very similar to their "sparkling champagne" from their latest range. It's a great nude tone with a hint of shimmer which will be the perfect base for eyeshadow. While shopping in the summer I had a makeover at a Dolce and Gabanna stand and really liked their lipgloss as it wasn't too sticky while it also stayed put. However I was put of by the £23 price tag. This shade is an orangey salmon and I love it! Just a shame it took nearly 5 weeks to deliver!! In total, I think I paid £20 for the two products.