MUA Lipstick in Shade 7 - Review

MUA Lipstick Shade 7 £1

I have two lipsticks from the MUA collection, Shade 7 and Shade 11 (review here). Just like Shade 11, this lipstick is moisturising, highly pigmented and a fabulous price. It glides on smoothly, offering a rich colour and lasts for several hours. As I mentioned in my previous review of MUA lipstick, Shade 11 is actually my favourite shade of the two. However, Shade 7 is still a lip colour that I use. My personal taste in lipstick means that this is more of an evening shade rather than day-to-day.

I would 100% recommend MUA lipsticks. They are a fantastic price. You could actually buy the whole collection for just £16! That's just a little bit more than the price of one MAC lipstick! It's totally worth a trip to Superdrug or ordering online and purchasing a few shades to find your favourite. I am definitely going to be buying more MUA lipstick in the future. Which shade should I go for next?

Have you tried a MUA lipstick? Which is your favourite shade from the collection?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Boots Haul

I did a bit of shopping on Saturday and went slightly crazy in Boots! I took advantage of the 3 for 2 offer and they also had an extra offer on Advantage Card Points. If you spent over £30, you got triple points. I definitely qualified for this offer as I spent a whopping £44. Considering I didn't 'need' anything and they are all 'wants' that is quite a lot. Last time I spent that much I was buying holiday essentials in July!

Real Techniques Blush Brush £9.99

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush £9.99

Real Techniques Setting Brush £8.99

Sanctuary Spa Body Wash £5.25

Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover £3.39

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent £3.99

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light 2 £4.19

Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer in Natural 2 £4.99

Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Bronze £3.99

Rimmel Precious Stones Glitter Nail Polish in Diamond Dust £3.99

Models Own 3 in 1 Nail Polish £5

Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in 101 £5.49

Balmi Raspberry Lip Balm £4.99

Real Techniques Blush Brush - I already have the Real Techniques Foundation Brush and the Real Techniques Powder Brush and I was so impressed with the quality of the two brushes that I knew I had to own more! I have read quite a few reviews of the Blush Brush, all positive, and I knew this brush would be perfect for me.

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - If you have read my review of the Real Techniques Foundation Brush you will know that I am not happy with the application of my liquid foundation with this brush. There is a lot of hype around the Buffing Brush, which is part of the Core Collection, and I was originally going to buy it but I only wanted the one brush so I didn't really want to pay £21.99. I read some more reviews and watched tutorials on the Real Techniques website and I decided that the Expert Face Brush is more suited to my needs. It is for liquid foundation and provides fuller coverage.

Real Techniques Setting Brush - I wanted this brush to apply powder under my eyes to stop my mascara and eye liner from running. It is also used for applying highlighter, which I want to get into the habit of using!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transparent - I think I used this a few years ago if it was out then. I don't know why I stopped though. There is quite a bit of hype on this product in the blogosphere and I thought I would give it another try. My current powder was a bit too yellow for my liking!

Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Bronze - I'm not sure what it is but suddenly I feel the need to have several blushers! I thought this would be a nice alternative to pink when I wanted more of a subtle blush.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick by Kate Moss in 101 - I haven't actually tried any of the Kate Moss lipsticks before. I really wanted to but I never found a shade that I thought would suit me. In Boots, I had tried a few different shades on the back of my hand, time and time again, finally I decided on this shade.

Rimmel Precious Stones Glitter Nail Polish in Diamond Dust - I couldn't resist this! I am loving glitter nails at the moment and didn't actually have a silver glitter for some reason. I tested it in the shop on one nail and it dried very fast but extremely matte. Hence why I bought a top coat as well!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light 2 - This is actually a repurchase even though I haven't ran out yet. But when I was looking for this shade the first time round, it was really hard to get hold of. I thought I might as well stock up while I can!

Collection Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer in Natural 2 - See above!

Models Own 3 in 1 Nail Polish - I have actually ran out of my base coat (even though my previous brand wasn't very good!) and I never had a top coat. Naughty me. I just used a clear nail polish but that never did the trick of making my nail polish last longer. When I tried out the Rimmel Precious Stones and saw it dried matte, I knew this was the perfect time to try a new top coat. I thought I would give this a go as 3 in 1 sounded promising.

Sanctuary Spa Body Wash - This is another repurchase. Out of all the body scrubs I have tried, all high street/drug store, this is my favourite. I actually really love the Sanctuary products but I haven't used them for a few months. I love the smell and this isn't too rough while still getting rid of any dead skin.

Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-Up Remover - This is actually one thing I needed. A lot of people don't like this but this is one eye make up remover that I have used that doesn't irritate my eyes. My eyes are quite sensitive and this works well at removing my eye make up. I then follow with Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish to remove any final traces and the rest of my make up.

Balmi Raspberry Lip Balm - I have seen a few reviews of this recently and I wanted it for the novelty factor. I went for the raspberry one as I have lots of strawberry lip products. It smells delicious!

I am planning to review all of these items on my blog over the next few weeks. If you would like to see a review of a certain product sooner, let me know and I will try to do that product first.

Have you recently bought any of these products? What should I put in my basket next time I'm in Boots?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick 

MUA Lipstick in Shade 11 - Review

MUA Lipstick Shade 11 £1

I've had this lipstick a few weeks now and I got it on a mini MUA haul that I ordered online. I have quite a few MUA products now and I am very impressed with the quality, the pigmentation and the price! Who could argue at £1 for a lipstick?! It's worth a try, even if you never wear it again! Out of all the MUA lipsticks, Shade 7 (review coming soon) and Shade 11 were the only shades I honestly thought I would wear. Out of the two shades, Shade 11 is my favourite. It's a deep, dark shade, which in my opinion, is more suitable for evening wear rather than day-to-day wear.

The texture of the lipstick is lovely and creamy, which provides great moisture while you wear the lipstick. It also means that the lipstick glides on your lips smoothly. As I mentioned earlier, all MUA products have fantastic pigments and this is no exception. The colour is buildable, which is fantastic. If you want a deeper, more intense shade, just apply more coats. The lipstick lasts for a few hours, which is fantastic for the price. The lipstick also has a delicious scent, it's a vanilla scent which I personally love as I hate the smell of lipstick usually.

Have you tried a MUA lipstick? Which is your favourite shade from the collection?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Lust List #3

1. Jaeger Alicia Embroidered Prom Dress £199

 2. H&M Leather Bag £39.99

3. ASOS Studded Bumbag £28

4. Topshop Lace Back Vest £28

5. Next Formal Buckle Rider Boots £85

6. French Connection Apollo Wool Classic Jacket £120

This dress is beautiful, perfect for Autumn and I think it would look lovely teamed with gold accessories, especially a gold belt. I really want another satchel bag for this year. I had a cream one last year, which I was never without. This one is a bit more interesting as it isn't plain and it's still suitable for every day. Again, perfect colours for Autumn. I nearly screamed when I saw this bum bag! I loved them as a child! This one has been brought up to date with gold studs. Who can say no to that? This vest would be ideal for a pub night. The back is gorgeous and would look fabulous with a pair of skinny jeans, heels and lots of accessories! I really, really, really want a pair of riding boots. I haven't decided whether I want them in black or brown yet. Or maybe I could get the black and brown ones... I think this blazer is a perfect cover up while still being dressy. It's plain black, which is classic and it would look amazing paired with the Topshop vest.

Which items are you lusting after this season? Which item is your favourite from this list?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Real Techniques Foundation Brush - Review

Real Techniques Foundation Brush £9.99

I actually picked this brush up in September, along with the Powder Brush (review here). I absolutely love the Powder Brush. However, I'm not too keen on the Foundation Brush. I think it's good but it could definitely be better. This brush is part of the 'base' collection and I use it to apply liquid foundation and blend concealer. The Real Techniques brushes are created by Samantha Chapman. Her tutorial video for the Foundation Brush can be found here.

The Foundation Brush has an angled cut, which lets you build the coverage you need for an 'airbrushed' look. This is actually great for reaching those hard to reach areas, like around the nose, and it really gets right under the eye, allowing great coverage of bags! The brush has a lightweight, aluminium handle, which makes it super easy to use and hold. The bristles are made from synthetic taklon and are 100% cruelty free. The bristles are super soft and feel so gentle and luxurious on your face. The base of the brush is flat, meaning it can stand up on its own.

I try to deep clean my brushes once a week, but I feel foundation builds up on the brush. I'm pretty sure this shouldn't happen as the bristles are synthetic, but I'm no expert. I think it would benefit from being cleaned twice a week as the build up means the bristles clump together, creating a stripy effect on my face. There is a lot of hype around the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, part of the Core Collection, and I really want to give this a go with my foundation. Maybe I will use that as my foundation brush and keep the actual Foundation Brush as my concealer brush.

Have you tried the Foundation Brush? What are your opinions? Which brush do you use to apply foundation?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Instagram #5

Watching Dirty Dancing for the first time, Finally bought these two drugstore favourites, New boots for Autumn/Winter, Benefit freebies from InStyle magazine, MUA in A-Z of the Beauty High Street, Review of No7 Foundation Match Made Service and Stay Perfect Foundation (you can read the review here), The beginnings of my MUJI Make Up Storage, Stocking up because it's 3 for 2 in Boots, Light reading.

I hope you've all had a fantastic week. I'm slowly getting back into my blogging routine. My nephew is in hospital and my blog was put on hold, then I had a stomach bug. But everything is looking up now and here I am!

My Instagram post was going to be a weekly feature, but for the time being, I have decided to make it a fortnightly feature. I just don't take enough photos each week. Maybe that's one to consider for a New Years Resolution!

Christmas is slowly approaching. On Friday night I actually listened to a few Christmas songs! Shhhh don't tell anyone. I can't wait for the festivities to begin.

What have you been up to this week? When do you start your Christmas festivities?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Wish List #3

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara - I have read fantastic reviews about this online. I desperately want to try it for myself! Is it worth the hype? £10.49

Topshop Nail Polish in Granite - I only have one Topshop Nail Polish at the moment, Pool Party (you can see my review here) but I am impressed with everything about it and this shade looks perfect for Autumn/Winter. £6.50

Real Techniques Core Collection - I mainly want this for the Buffing Brush but the whole collection looks lovely. I am so impressed with Real Techniques brushes. I currently have the Foundation Brush and Powder Brush (you can see my review here). This is a bargain in my opinion as it's only £21.99 and includes 4 full size brushes and a case.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light - This product is everywhere I look at the moment! I have chosen the light version as I suffer from spots and it's oil free. £25 (but you can buy travel sizes to try).

MUA The Artiste Collection - I am in love with MUA. Every single product that I have tried has impressed me and been of fantastic quality for low prices. How do they do it? This is one of the newer products and just looks beautiful! It's another bargain for £6!

What products are on your wish list? Have you used any of these products? Are they worth buying/the hype?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

No7 Foundation Match Made Service and Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico - Review

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico £14

Foundation Match Made Service

As soon as I heard that No7 was offering a 'Foundation Match Made Service' I knew it was something that I needed to experience. I'll be honest, I Just pick up the foundation shade that I think will suit me and I'm never happy once I get home. I actually popped along to my local Boots one weekend, just after the service had launched, and the No7 counter was so busy with people wanting a consultation. I decided it would be best if I returned one week day evening. I actually returned on a Tuesday evening and Boots was much quieter and an advisor was free to do my consultation.

No7 have spent 3 years analysing and researching different skin tones of over 2000 women and have created 17 shades of foundation in 7 different textures and finishes. It is a UK beauty first and is now available in your local Boots store. Once you have decided to take advantage of the Match Made Service, you will need to go into Boots and ask a No7 advisor for a consultation. A handheld device will be used, it is placed along your jaw line on each side and a photo is taken. Each time it clicks, 27 photos of your skin tone are taken, it will then tell you exactly which shade you are. Once you have your shade, you will have a consultation to find the texture and finish that is right for you. Please be aware that if you have make up on it will need to be removed to get your true shade. Either a patch will be taken off each side or you can choose to have it all taken off.

I was matched to the shade Calico. The No7 advisor then asked what finish I look for in a foundation. My reply was matte with a high coverage as I suffer from spots. After a few moments she returned with a few different foundations in my shade and explained the difference between each one. It was fantastic to finally have foundation advice! The two we narrowed it down to were Beautifully Matte and Stay Perfect Foundation. The consultant applied both foundations to the back of her hand, next to each other so I could see how they applied and the coverage they gave. Once dried, they both gave similar coverage to be honest, but Beautifully Matte was extremely matte. In my opinion, it was almost cakey and it dried very quickly, which doesn't give you much time to blend. Because of this, I chose Stay Perfect.

Stay Perfect Foundation

The consultant applied the foundation to one half of my face and not the other. This way I could see the coverage that the foundation offered alone. I was instantly impressed! She used a foundation brush to apply the foundation but said that you can use your fingers. Personally, I prefer a brush. I just allow the heat from my face to fully blend the foundation before applying any other make up. I have been using this foundation every day for about 3 to 4 weeks now and I am very happy. As I learnt the hard way, please make sure you shake the bottle before using. The packaging actually states this, but I got lazy and forgot a few days. Those days the foundation came out quite watery and didn't give the coverage I expected. However, once I remembered to shake the bottle every day before use, the texture and finish is back to normal, phew!

Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation claims to stay re-touch free for 16 hours. I have to completely agree. I apply my foundation at 6:30am and by 10:30pm my spots are still covered. Granted, my face doesn't look as 'fresh' as when I first apply my make up but I'm happy. If I was going to go out on a night out after wearing make up all day, I would remove it all and reapply or just touch up with concealer and bronzer etc. Another bonus of this foundation is that it offers SPF15, which my old foundation didn't. As I get older, I'm now 25, I am becoming more aware of the damage that the sun can do to your skin and I want to take precautions at an early age. I think this is something everyone should think about. Having SPF in your make up is an easy way to put your mind to rest about wrinkles and sun damage. I would much prefer preventing wrinkles than trying to remove them in later life.

I will definitely be purchasing this foundation again. Personally, I don't think the price is too high. I have been paying over £7 for years for Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse, which isn't my perfect shade, doesn't provide great coverage and doesn't last all day! I actually had one of the infamous No7 vouchers when I bought this, which have recently changed, saving me £3! Therefore, I only paid £11 for the foundation.

Have you tried No7 Foundation Match Made Service? What was your match?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick

Mini Haul #2

Topshop Lipstick in Rumour Has It £8

Topshop Nail Polish in Pool Party £5 (review here)

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation in Calico £14

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover £4.99

Origins Super Spot Remover - Review

 

Origins Super Spot Remover £13

After reading several million(!) reviews online and the fact that there was a massive hype about this product, I decided to purchase it. I actually bought it from the John Lewis counter in the Trafford Centre. On the day, there was 10% off everything. Bonus! I was served by a very helpful, young woman, she asked about my skin and told me about the different products that would be suitable for me. I actually really wanted to buy the Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Pads as well, but I decided to see if the gel worked first.

The directions on the packaging advise applying a thin layer 1 to 3 times daily. The woman that spoke to me at the counter advised me slightly differently. I followed her recommendations rather than the directions on the packaging. She suggested using the product once a day, at night time, after cleansing. This was based on the gel turning white after it had dried. However, since using it for a month I haven't noticed it turning white.

I suffer from mild acne, since using the gel my spots have improved slightly but this may be down to the antibiotics that I am on for them. I haven't noticed a difference in the small spots that I have but when I apply the gel (with a cotton bud) to new, bigger spots I do notice a difference in the size and redness but the spot doesn't disappear completely. Which I found disappointing as the product is called Super Spot Remover!

As I said above, I have been using this product for a month now. I apply it once a day, at night time, after I have used Liz Earle Daily Essentials. Since using Liz Earle skin care products, being on antibiotics and using this gel my skin has improved so much. But my spots haven't vanished completely, which is disappointing. I would have to say that I don't believe the gel is worth the hype or the £13, this is my personal opinion. There are lots of reviews out there and the majority can't praise it enough. But it doesn't do anything for me or my skin and for that reason, I will not repurchase. However, I will continue to use it till it's gone! Maybe, I will try to use it twice a day. I'm just unsure whether it can be applied on top of make up or not. I won't give up just yet!

Have you used Origins Super Spot Remover? Have you tried the Spot Blemish Treatment Pads?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick 

Lust List #2

1. Topshop Knitted Stud Shoulder Jumper £42

2. New Look Black Studded Biker Ankle Boots £29.99

3. Matalan Peplum Vest Top £12

4. ASOS ALDO Kozinski Barrel Bag £45

5. River Island Purple Dip Hem Chiffron Dress £35

These are perfect for Autumn. I love the jumper, it's not too bright, and not too dull and will look great teamed with the boots. I definitely need some studded boots in my life! I'm a big fan of peplum tops, and this is an affordable version for only £12. It's just a shame that Matalan don't do my size :( I love the colour of this ALDO bag, all my handbags seem to be the same colour and this will be a nice addition to my collection. When I came across this dress, I noticed a lot of dresses with sequins on. I'll be looking for my Christmas dress soon! If anyone has any suggestions please let me know.

Are you lusting after any of these items? What's on your lust list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic - Review

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic £12.50

I am a Liz Earle enthusiast. I love every single product that I have tried so far and that's a fair few! You can read my review of the Cleanse & Polish here.

The tonic is Liz Earle's version of a toner, but it is alcohol free. Therefore, it is non-drying and gentle on your skin. It has a beautiful floral scent, which is refreshing at anytime of the day, especially in the morning! It really wakes me up. I love the scent, I can smell all the naturally active ingredients, especially aloe vera and chamomile. Other ingredients include calendula, cucumber and vitamin E. These all help to refresh, sooth, brighten and revitalise the skin.

I use this morning and evening, after I have used Cleanse & Polish, and before applying my chosen Liz Earle moisturiser (review coming soon). I pour onto a cotton wool pad and sweep it over my face. In the evening, it removes any last traces of dirt and make up, leaving my skin beautifully clear. 

The tonic comes in a bottle of either 50ml or 200ml (pictured above). Alternatively, you can buy a spritzer, which is perfect to pop into your handbag and spray on your face throughout the day. The spritzer is also perfect on long journeys and in hot weather to cool you down.

I 100% recommend this product. It has improved the condition of my skin so much. I suffer from mild acne and my skin is so clear and my spots have calmed down a lot since using Liz Earle. 

Have you tried Liz Earle Skin Tonic? Do you include a toner in your routine?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick