Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Lips Review

Hello lovelies!
 Today I thought I'd do a quick post about my all time FAVOURITE lip product ever! I'm in love... And I never thought I'd say this about anything that went on my lips (except perhaps a lip balm?).

Lipsticks are a very difficult thing for me: if you didn't already know I have very large facial features (big eyes, a big nose and big lips), therefore it is often hard to wear a lipstick without it looking too full on. I have, however always been extremely fascinated with lipstick and have been on a mission to find one that I feel comfortable in. In Boots a couple of weeks ago I stumbled across the Barry M Gelly Hi Shine and automatically knew I had to buy it.

Ever since my purchase I have been hooked!!!!The price of the product was only £3.99 which is such a bargain (thank goodness as I think I'll be re-purchasing it until I'm 100).

I am absolutely obsessed with how this lipstick looks, although it is a bright lipstick I feel totally comfortable and confident when wearing it! I love how it can completely change the way an outfit looks. The lipstick is also very versatile and can be worn with jeans and a plain top in the day, or with a dress and heals in the evening. BRILLIANT!!

It has such easy application, it glides on my lips and does not feel sticky at all once on. I also love that because it is a pencil it acts like a lipstick and a lip liner, which makes it look so much neater.

There are a few things that are quite annoying about the product,for example it has to be sharpened- yes, what a nightmare! This didn't bother me too much at first, until I realised that it also didn't fit in a normal makeup sharpener it only would fit in the Barry M one, hmm. The Barry M sharpener is only a couple of pounds so I quickly go over it, however it was quite frustrating knowing I already had one at home!
Another problem with it is that it does need to be topped up regularly throughout the day and I do feel like I'm constantly asking people if it looks okay, or having sneaky little check ups of it in a mirror. this is because it seems to wipe away or fade in some areas and not others, so it can go patchy (is that the correct word?).

Anyway, even I'm tired of my rambling now. Congratulations if you read this far!

Take care!
Megan xo

Clinique Even Better Concealer

When you have a fair amount of makeup you tend to neglect a lot of it and stick with what you know. Although I try not to do this, a lot of my makeup is pushed to the back and never thought of. Recently I moved around all my makeup and came across Clinique's Even Better concealer that I'd bought aaggeess ago, but had never given a chance.

The price of the concealer is usually around £18 (depending on deals, etc.) which, admittedly is on the expensive side. It's my only concealer within this price range and I can definitely feel the difference. It has a creamy, thick consistency, that's so easy to apply and blend, and gives a full coverage. I unfortunately inherited dark under-eye circles from my mum, and this baby covers them like a miracle (somehow without looking cakey), it's also perfect for spots as the application prevents unwanted spreading of  breakouts- yay!

Although the cute, handy glass pot looks too little to hold anything, it's just like a gel eyeliner- full of product! I love the simple design of the packaging, and I'm definitely proud of it when applying my makeup in public (although this tends to last all day so no top ups are necessary!).

Overall, as you can tell I love this product, I just can't believe it went unused for so long, or that I used to live without it! I'll be repurchasing it as soon as I start running out.

Have any of you used this, or know a similar product? Let me know, I'd love to try them out! xo

MUA Power Pouts Lipstick in Broken Hearted

After achieving the grades I 'd aimed for in my GCSEs, I decided to treat myself to a shop around Superdrug and Boots. Although I may have overspent and purchased a few too many products, since trying everything out over the past week there is most definitely one product that has stood out and I felt it was only right to share it with you!

 I picked up MUA's power pout Lipstick in Broken Hearted as a bit of a gamble. I've been looking at them since they first came out but I've always found something else that takes my fancy instead. Admittedly my expectations were, as always, rather high for MUA as for the price I've found the quality is always to an impressive standard, but I honestly didn't know if I was asking for too much with this product.

The Power Pout certainly lived up to my expectations! The pigmentation is probably my favourite thing about it. It's not as pigmented as MUA's lipsticks as it is very sheer, but with a few coats it's easily built up. I love the idea of this as it allows it to be worn for many different occasions. The texture of it is also great as it doesn't have that cheap plastic-y feel to it as many cheap lipsticks tend to have.

Since buying it I have been using it daily which is something I've never done with a lipstick. The only problem I have found with it is the smell/ taste. I think it is supposed to be a subtle mint which unfortunately reminds me of 2 hour old chewing gum. Luckily I can see past this and it fades after a while! From reviews I've read of  Bourjois' Colour Boost lip crayons,I imagine this to be a cheaper version but I will probably buy one to test this theory and let you know. Whether it is or isn't, I love this product and will definitely be purchasing some more. :)

Have any of you guys tried this product? What did you think? Perhaps you have already compared it to boujoirs' colour boost? Let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts! 

17 Backlash Mascara and Gel Eyeliner

For quite some time now I have been running low on mascara. It's completely understandable as I never find myself looking for it, or purchasing new bottles. I don't find them exciting, nor do I have a favourite- I tend to pick one up that looks good, or has pretty packaging.

After a short browse around Boots I came across 17 Backlash Mascara. Not only was the bottle like a mirror (so cute!) but their new eyeliner also came free with it. It was under £6 for them both!!! I've never used 17 before but as you've probably already assumed- I'm up to try new brands always. 

 The wand also pleasantly surprised me! I was expecting a little naff brush, however it was actually a good size. It was smaller than a lot of the pricier ones, but a lot bigger than other mascaras within this price range.

I'm very chuffed with the mascara and have high hopes! Even if it doesn't live up to expectations I won't feel I have wasted much money, and if it does live up to expectations then it's a winner! 

I've had the Collection 2000's gel eyeliner for the past year or so, and have only recently started using it. These little handy pots carry so much product, I love them! I'm 10000000% sure I'll make use of this freebie! 

I've already packed them both in my makeup back for my holiday on Monday! 

What's your favourite mascara? Do you have a must have?

Rimmel Apocalips in Apocaliptic

My holiday is approaching quick so I felt it was only right I treated myself to a new, bright, lipstick. I am definitely not one of those people who feels they can pull off bright lips, as- due to having MASSIVE lips- I am extremely conscious of them looking too bold and overpowering.
This summer I've decided to try and step out of my comfort zone and brighten up my look. Sometimes neutrals just look that little bit, I don't know... dull?

 I have been desperate to try out Rimmel's Apoclips ever since I read my first review on it. but the colours have always been way too scary for me. I couldn't think of a more perfect opportunity to buy it.

Although it's not quite a 'lipstick', it is, just as- if not more- pigmented, the only difference I've picked up on so far is it's more moisturising and glossy.

The applicator makes applying it smooth and easy which I'm so grateful for as was worried that as it being a pigmented liquid I would end up smearing it everywhere! Fingers crossed this will never be a problem.

When I first got out the shop I had another little peak at it causing me to question my purchase, as it looked 10 times brighter than before.

I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and dragged it across my lips. Although its brightness shocked me-once again- at first, I have since been wearing it all day (that one application  lasted all day) and have got used to the gorgeous hot pink colour. 

It hasn't dried out my lips like many other lipsticks do, so I give this product a strong 9/10. I have definitely surprised  myself by loving it so much- in fact I may go back and buy some more shades!!

Have you tried Rimmel Apocalips? What did you think? Let me know in the comments!

Hot Cloth Cleansers- the pricier the better?

Like the majority of people out there who haven't found that life changing product, complaining about the condition of my ever-changing skin was a daily occurrence. I felt I was constantly on the look for new skin care products that would improve the look and the health of my skin. Out of all different types of products, promising different things, e.g. 'cleanses pores!', or 'destroys blackheads!' I hadn't come across one that completely 'WOW'd' me, and *sigh* definitely not one that I would go out of my way to repurchase.

One day, I decided to see what all the fuss is about, by trying my mum's (highly raved about) 'Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish hot cloth cleanser'. Ever since, hot cloth polishes have been a part in my daily skin care regime, and I have noticed a definite difference in my skin! Unfortunately, the Liz Earle cleanser is slightly out of my budget and I have been struggling to pay for it as often as I need to (even though it does last ages!), so I have been on the lookout for another hot cloth cleanser that perhaps works just as well for my skin. 

So far I have tried three different brands, including Liz Earle, Superdrug, and Along Came Betty.

Before I start I'll just mention that my skin type is combination: with dry, normal, and oily patches! :) 

SUPERDRUG HOT CLOTH CLEANSER 150ml- £5.99

This is the cheapest out of the three products, but don't be fooled by the brand name or the price. I absolutely love this product! Of course, throughout different times of the month my skins changes and this is the cleanser I use to get my skin back on track during the bad times!  It not only tones my skin so I can wake up knowing it won't be patchy, but it also calms it down, preventing any greasiness or dryness. It's not the sort of product I'd show off, but it is definitely one I will keep repurchasing!

Packaging- 4/10
Product- 8/10
Price- 10/10

Overall- 8/10

ALONG CAME BETTY POREFECTLY CLEAN 100ml- £5.99

I got this cleanser when it just came out(I think) and was on for half price at my local TESCO Direct. Although I hadn't heard of the brand's name, I absolutely loved the vintage-y packaging, so picked it up, and I am quite glad I did. The first few days of using it my skin felt much smoother and softer, however after a while it started to break out in random places, so I don't use it as much any more (I tend to keep it on display in my bathroom, due to the wonderful packaging! It's also what I take when I go away). I'm not sure if I would go out of my way to repurchase this item, but if it was on sale again I would definitely grab one! 

Packaging- 10/10
Product- 5/10
Price- 9/10

Overall- 6/10

LIZ EARLE CLEANSE AND POLISH 200ml- £26.25

Ahhhh. I love this hot cloth cleanser, however the price means I can only afford this around twice a year (if I could afford it I would buy it much more than that, as even though it is a tad pricey it is worth every penny!). The product is all around good quality, and I would trust it with my life to improve my skin's condition in a matter of just a few days. I also know that this works with all skin types and all ages. The smell is natural, and although the bottle is simple (and perhaps plain), I do like it. All around amazing product!

Packaging- 8/10
Product- 9/10
Price- 5/10

Overall- 10/10

I would definitely agree with the term 'you get what you pay for' when it comes to skin care. The ingredients in the more expensive ones are much better, however if you are on a budget and are confident certain ingredients wont do any harm on your skin, give it a go, maybe you could save a few pounds!

Are you using any good hot cloth cleansers? Or do you prefer other products?
If so, which ones? 

A little bit of retail therapy

Since it's coming to the end of study leave and the beginning of summer, I never know how to spend my days. Instead of staying in doing nothing and getting bored, I jump at the opportunity to do anything, which meant this morning I found myself waking up 7am (earlier than I'd wake up for school!), and rushing out the house with my mum and brother to pick up his new hearing aid.
As you'd expect, by 9:30, when we were still waiting for his 9o'clock appointment, I found myself regretting saying yes, and wishing I'd just stayed in bed, but I was holding onto the promise of getting to visit a few shops afterwards, and I was beyond excited, as A) I hadn't been shopping in ages, and had some money burning a hole in my pocket, and B) I wanted to buy some new summery nail polishes!

I am no nail expert, (I can hardly even paint my left hand, never mind my right hand, or toenails) so I had no idea which nail polishes were good. All I knew is I wanted to spend as little time painting my nails as possible, and definitely did not want to have to do numerous coats (that thought horrifies me!) You can imagine my excitement when I came across 'Maybelline Color show' as it just sounds so pigmented (is that the word to describe nail paint?!) I would only need one or two coats. My excitement grew as I realised how pretty some of the colours were! I decided to give it a go, because there was nothing to lose (other than  the £3 they were each, but seriously, £3, what a bargain?!). The colours I chose were:

 265 PINK BOOM
I love the brightness of this colour! Not only is it super summery but it would match a variety of outfits. 

 352 DOWNTOWN RED
Okay, I admit. I got this because I fell in love with the mysterious name. I know it isn't exactly 'summery' but I thought it would look nice for an evening out; a red lipstick occasion.

120 URBAN TURQUOISE 
I tend to go for a warmer shade in nail polish. I don't know why? This was very different to what I would usually pick up, but I shocked myself by absolutely loving this colour, in fact this was the one I was most excited about!

342 CORAL CRAZE

This colour is extremely summery, I had to buy it! I'd never really considered an orangey-coral but I'll try it out! It was like no colour I previously owned, but what's the point in buying colours I already had?

77 NEBLINE

Lastly I got this beautiful baby pink. I thought this would be good for the next few weeks where I have to keep nipping in to school for exams (they're very strict on uniform) as it looks a more subtle colour- It will also make me feel that little bit more summery outside of school.

As soon as I got home I took off my chipped week old polish and put on the 'urban turquoise'. I was amazed by how easily I could put it on,and it only needed 1 coat (expect on the odd nail where two were needed). So far I'm impressed, but lets hope it just doesn't chip (I do NOT want to have to keep re-painting it!!!!!).

While I was there I had a quick browse (you can never have too much makeup) and bought the concealer EVERYONE is raving about.

 Of course, it's the 'Collection Lasting Perfection concealer'! After all its great reviews I have been wanting to buy this for ages! I haven't felt satisfied with a concealer in so long, and I'm hoping this will do the trick! Especially to say how cheap it was!

Anyway, sorry for rambling (as you've probably guessed, I'm new at blogging!).

Cheerio, Megan. x