NARS Orgasm Blush - Review

NARS Orgasm Blush £22.50

What they say; "The ultimate authority in blush, NARS offers the industry's most iconic shades for cheeks. Natural, healthy-looking colour that immediately enlivens the complexion. A light application of even the highest-intensity hues delivers a natural-looking flush."

This is actually my first ever NARS purchase and I bought it from Cohorted at a discounted price (I think I got it for about £18). I used the excuse 'I need this for my wedding' to justify buying a blush for almost £20 when I already have a draw full of them! Orgasm is such a highly raved about product in the beauty world with many people claiming it's their holy grail blusher. I just had to see what all the fuss is about!

NARS Orgasm Blush is a peachy-pink blush with a golden shimmer running through it. It apparently suits most skin tones and it definitely suits mine. Orgasm can be worn lightly for a natural blush or it can be built up for a more intense look. As it contains a golden shimmer, it can act as a 2-in-1 product, allowing you to save time in the morning and skip the highlight. At first, I wasn't sure about the shimmer for everyday but once it's blended, it's very subtle and looks beautiful. I imagine it looks stunning glistening in the low Autumn sunlight.

Is Orgasm a holy grail product for you? Which NARS products do you own?

Rachel x

August/September 2013 Favourites

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray // Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 // Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* // Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette // Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* // La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. // La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray - I use this to add a bit more moisture to my hair and to banish those tangles. It's a great detangler and combined with my Tangle Teezer, they are the perfect weapon against tangles! When I first bought this, I was worried that it was going to make my hair greasy but I have not had any problems. Sometimes, I accidently spray too much and my hair just absorbs it all. An extra bonus is that it can be used on wet or dry hair, perfect for those in between days when my hair just needs an extra moisture boost.  

Nivea Sun Invisible Protection SPF30 - I didn't go to a hot sunny country this year but we have been very lucky with the weather in the UK. Only this year has the importance of SPF been at the front of my mind and I think that's with the help of blogging and reading blogs. I always wore SPF when I was sunbathing, not necessarily just 'out' in the sun and I never went about 15. Now I wear it daily on my face either SPF 30 or 50 and on my body when it's exposed with at least factor 20. It's so important to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. I picked this up in Morrisons for £6 as we were buying picnic supplies one sunny day. It's perfect for on the go as there is no mess and it's non greasy. Spray, rub in and go!

Lush Light Yellow Colour Supplement* - I can't get enough of this little tub of foundation. I stopped using it for a week or so as I had no way of getting down to the bottom but then I managed to get hold of a mini spatula, which I use to apply the product to the back of my hand. The light yellow shade is the perfect shade for my skin tone and it blends in easily so it's almost invisible but it leaves a more flawless base, ready for the rest of my make up. It helps to disguise my blemishes and the little red scars that have been left behind by spots. I love the finish that the foundation gives, it's in between a dewy and matte foundation but more on the matte side which is my preferred finish.

Sleek Face Form Contouring and Blush Palette - I accidently picked this up as I was actually after the Face Contour Kit. However, I am so glad I made the mistake. It includes a contouring powder, a highlighting powder and Rose Gold blush, which is beautiful. The contour powder is completely matte, which makes it the perfect contour shade whilst the highlighting powder contains beautiful shimmer to highlight your best features. I love the blush in Rose Gold. It is quite glittery but the colour makes up for this as it is gorgeous. The palette is the perfect size for travelling and fits in any make up bag.

Kiehl's Skin Rescuer* - I received this at the Kiehl's launch event and I've been loving it ever since. Jen, the PR for Kiehl's, told me how she used it just in time for her wedding and it really improved her skin during stressful times in her life. I have been using it since I got my hands on it and I love everything about it. My spots definitely look calmer after application and I don't have any red patches on my face. I find I have to leave it a little longer than my usual moisturiser to soak in before applying my make up but it's not very long and not a problem. I'm going to continue using it on a daily basis but as my wedding's in august, I may have to repurchase it when it runs out!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. - La Roche-Posay is a fairly new brand to me. I've been using products for a few months now and as I have oily/combination skin, the Effaclar range suits my skin. I read a few reviews online and what Effaclar A.I. was for, and decided it was for me. It helps to calm my breakouts as its a targeted breakout corrector. I apply it to my spots and it works by 'purging imperfections in-depth to accelerate their resorption and prevent residual skin marking'. Scars are one thing that I do suffer from and I want to prevent any more appearing so I can deal with the current ones. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo - This is my second tube of Effaclar Duo which I use as a moisturiser. If I use it at night, I double up and apply an additional moisturiser once it's soaked in. During the day, it provides me with enough moisture under my make up but at night, I look for an extra moisture boost. It helps to improve the overall appearance of my skin by 'reducing the appearance of imperfections and purifying the pores'. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking clearer, while also moisturising my face. 

What have been your favourite products this month? Have any of my favourites made your list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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Natural Collection Blusher in Peach Melba - Review

Natural Collection Blusher in Peach Melba

Natural Collection was a brand I used as a teenager before I had a part time job and to be honest I had stopped using it once I had more money to spend on make up. That was until I started reading beauty blogs about two years ago. Since then, I have been introduced to the Lip Creams and this beautiful blush. For an absolutely bargain price of £1.99 (or 3 for £5), I cannot complain. Yes the packaging could be better but then it wouldn't cost less than £2. Although, the screw lid makes it secure and perfect for travel. Just throw it in your handbag and you're ready to go. 

The blush is a lovely natural shade and really compliments my fair skin tone. I'm not sure if it would show up on darker skin tones but there are four shades altogether in the collection so you would probably find a shade to suit you. The texture is quite powdery and has a powdery scent. Personally, this is something I can put up with as the shade is so pretty and the price is so amazing. The pigmentation is fairly good. Obviously not as good as high end blushers but great for £1.99. The blush is completely matte with no shimmer which makes it perfect for a subtle, daytime blush. 

Have you used any Natural Collection products? Are there any products you recommend for me? 

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

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Bourjois Cream Blush in 03 Rose Tender - Review

Bourjois Cream Blush in 03 Rose Tender £6.99

Bourjois are well known for their little round pots of powdered blush. 2013 so far, has been all about the cream blush in preparation from Summer. Say hello to Bourjois' new addition - cream blush in a little round pot! It's the first time in 150 years that Bourjois have reinvented their little round pots. I love that each pot contains a mirror, this makes it the perfect blush to travel with. Altogether there are four shades; 01 Nude Velvet, 02 Healthy Glow, 03 Rose Tender and 04 Sweet Cherry. As you can see from above, I picked up 03 Rose Tender, which is a lovely rosy, pink shade. All four shades have a cream to powder texture, which makes them feel velvety allowing for smooth application. The blush can be applied and blended with your fingers or a brush. I like to use my Real Techniques Blush Brush, although I do think a brush with flat bristles would be better at applying the colour. In my opinion, 03 is better suited to my skin tone, but I am tempted to purchase at least one more shade!

Have you purchased Bourjois' Cream Blushers yet? Do you prefer cream blush or powdered blush?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

Mini Haul #4

I am trying not to spend as much money on beauty. I have so many lipsticks and so many nail polishes and so many hair care products and so many MUA eye shadow palettes. But can I help myself? No! Everytime I go shopping, I seem to buy more stuff I don't need. I just want them! Being a beauty blogger definitely does not help! I see so many bloggers raving about the latest product and I just have to have it! I don't go shopping as much as I used to, which is a good start. But when I do go shopping, I go shopping! I spend money I don't have and time just passes before my eyes. I can't be the only one! 

Denman Classic Styling Brush  / Denman Dressing Out Brush / Denman Professional Comb

My hair is in very bad condition. Years of heat styling and colouring is not good for anyone's hair especially if it was dry to start with! I have always used cheap brushes and combs for my hair. I don't know why as my mum always has a Denman brush. I just thought I'm not spending that much money on a brush! Considering it's something I use everyday, several times a day, I should have just purchased the above years ago! I'm obviously tight with my money! 

I bought a Tangle Teezer the other month as my hair is always tangled and when using my 'cheap' brush I could actually hear my hair snapping! Not good! I thought what's the point in spending £10.99 on a Tangle Teezer when I continue to use cheap brushes as I'm not going to see the results. So I decided to take the plunge and invest in some good hair tools. I'm sure you're all aware it was 3 for 2 last month in Boots, which I definitely used to my advantage. I purchased a Denman Classic Styling Brush, which was only £6.99. I don't know why I thought they were more expensive. My hair is extremely thick and volume is something I try to avoid, rather than create, so a backcombing brush/comb was the last thing I thought I would buy. After watching a video on PixiwooMadness, I saw one being used to smooth hair rather than create volume or backcombing the hair. I knew I had to get myself one as I always have flyaways and frizzy bits of hair and I hate them! Sam actually said she bought a pink Denman one, obviously I had to have a pink one! So I bought the Denman Dressing Out Brush. I'm really looking forward to testing it out! 

As my hair is long and thick, I tend to always have a wide comb in the shower for when I am washing my hair. Yes, you guessed it, I am currently using a cheap one. It looks disgusting now as most of the paint has come off! It was definitely time for a new one and as it was 3 for 2, it would be rude not to! I stuck with Denman as I wanted quality brushes and combs in my collection. So I bought the Denman Professional Comb. I use my Tangle Teezer on wet hair once I'm out of the shower but the instructions said to keep heat away from it and I have my shower pretty hot so the comb is for in the shower. I usually comb my hair when a conditioner or hair mask is on. 

Tresemme Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment / Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray / VO5 Treat Me Right Deep Conditioning Treatment

I am a little bit obsessed with hair treatments at the moment. I use a mask almost everytime I wash my hair and usually always apply oil before drying my hair. Tresemme Platinum Strength Deep Conditioning Treatment is a fairly new product and many beauty bloggers have shared their love for the range. I caved into the hype and thought I would try the deep conditioning treatment. 

Another product that gets a lot of love is the Dove Nourishing Oil Care Leave-In Spray. I love applying oil to my hair and I have really noticed a difference in the texture of my hair. I'm looking forward to using an oil spray as it will leave less mess and I think it will allow for even distribution. The oil is lightweight and claims to defrizz hair - perfect! It can also be used on wet or dry hair. I shall report back on this. 

I have tried a couple of products from VO5 recently that I have really enjoyed using so I thought I would give the VO5 Treat Me Right Deep Conditioning Treatment a try. It claims to intensely condition, strengthen and repair dry, damaged hair and leave hair smooth, silky soft and radiantly shiny. Sounds promising! 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation / Collection Colour Lash Mascara in Clear / MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette / Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer / Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 16 / Topshop Lipstick in Innocent / Topshop Nail Polish / 17 Doll'd Up Mascara / Collection Cream Puff Lip Cream / Natural Collection Blusher in Peach Melba

To be honest, Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation wasn't a foundation that I was interested in. I prefer a matte finish with my foundation and Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation gives a healthy, radiant glow. There is a lot of hype around the foundation, with many bloggers preferring it over high end foundations, but that still didn't draw me in. Usually this foundation is £8.99 and in the end a special offer drew me in. One week when I was doing the weekly shop in Morrisons, I spotted it on offer for £4.99! It's definitely worth a try for that price.

Collection Colour Lash Mascara in Clear is a repurchase. I use this to set my brows and you can see what I think in more detail here. Mascaras don't have a great shelf life as it is but as I'm using this on my brows, my current one looks disgusting so I had to purchase another one. They're only £1.99 so I plan to repurchase every two to three months. 

I already have three MUA palettes but does that stop me wanting another? No! I already have the Undressed palette, which is a dupe for the Urban Decay Naked palette. So when I heard they had brought out a new palette, which was a dupe for the UD Naked 2 palette, I had to have it. I don't own either of the UD palettes but when I look at comparison posts they look so alike. MUA Undress Me Too Eyeshadow Palette looks amazing and I cannot wait to start using it. It's only £4 and all the other MUA palettes are amazing quality. 

Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer have taken the beauty world by storm. They are a hybrid lipstick and lipgloss product and offer a fresh take on lip products. It's taken me awhile to jump on the bandwagon mainly due to not knowing which shade to choose. In the end, I settled for Celestial and Nova. These look like perfect colours for me and from first impressions, I love their texture. 

I have two Rimmel lipsticks by Kate Moss but both are from the matte collection. When I was purchasing the Apocalips, it was 3 for 2 and I spotted Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 16. It looks like a beautiful Spring/Summer shade and I'm looking forward to seeing how the formula differs from the matte collection. Another lipstick I have purchased lately is the Topshop Lipstick in Innocent. This is actually a shade I have been wanting for a while but on this particular day, I couldn't resist. It's the third Topshop lipstick I have purchased and I love the others so no doubt I will love Innocent too. 

Whilst browsing the Topshop make up stand and purchasing Innocent, I spotted there was an offer on Topshop Nail Polish - two for £8. They are usually £5 or £6 so it isn't a massive saving but I simply couldn't resist. I love a blue nail polish so AWOL was so appealing to me and High Voltage is a lovely pink shade perfect for Summer. To be honest, I have lots of pink nail polishes but the Topshop formula is lovely and I couldn't resist the polka dot packaging. 

I have to be completely honest here - the only reason I purchased Seventeen Doll'd Up Mascara was because I had a voucher. The mascara is usually £6.29 but I got it for £2. Completely worth a try! Another product that was purchased because of a voucher was the Natural Collection Blusher in Peach Melba. I had a voucher to get extra points on my Boots Advantage card if I purchased something from Natural Collection.   I decided on the Peach Melba Blush as I had seen Lily Pebbles rate it so highly. She usually uses high end products so for a blusher that costs £1.99 to make it onto her face, it must be good!

Collection Cream Puff Lip Cream in Cotton Candy was only £2.99 and I had heard Llymlrs mention it in a few videos. I have already tried it before writing this post and I LOVE it. The formula is amazing - it feels very moisturising and dries matte and the colour is beautiful. It lasts several hours on the lips and for such a cheap product my first impressions are wow!

Which products have you purchased lately? Are there any products on your wish list?

Rachel x

Lost In Lipstick

MUA Shimmer Kisses Bronzer - Review

MUA Shimmer Kisses Bronzer £3

I love MUA products, that's no secret. I actually really like this palette but for some unknown reason, I very rarely reach for it. I'm not a massive fan of shimmery products and dewy skin but I still bought this. After all, I am getting better with eyeshadow! Although come summer, I think I'll reach for this more and more.

I love the four shades that come with this palette. All four can be swirled together for an all over bronzed, shimmery look or you can use the four shades individually to blush and highlight, which is what I do. The top left and bottom right shade I use to highlight. The top left is beautiful in the inner corner of my eye. The top right shade is a lovely peach colour, perfect for a blush. Finally, the bottom left shade is dusty rose colour and is a lovely blush shade.

Overall, I would have to say this makes a lovely blush and highlight product. The name can be a little misleading as it is far from a bronzer. MUA advertise the product perfectly on the back stating there are 'four shimmering tones for highlighting your complexion'. I recommend this product if you are looking for a really affordable blush and highlight palette. It's priced at the bargain price of £3 and MUA sometimes hold offers, making it even cheaper! The quality of the palette is lovely, as usual for MUA, but the pigmentation isn't great however, they are buildable if you're looking for a more intense look.

Have you tried the MUA Shimmer Kisses Bronzer? What do you use it for?

Rachel x
Lost In Lipstick