Clinique Matte Pops

Clinique's latest launch is a matte version of their Pop Lipsticks. The new Matt Lip Colour + Primer has a creamy matte finish and the great same pigmentation as the original Lip Pop's. With the built in primer the lip colour hangs around all day without looking dry or cracked on the lips. I also love the matte formula on this one as it is so super creamy and comfortable, granted it isn't the most transfer proof because of this but it sure is nice to wear. The range of colours are very wearable indeed including nudes, pinks, and even a stunning true red. Here from left to right lined up I have: Blushing Pop, a mid tone nude that will be perfect for medium skin tones or those like me who like to wear a darker nude in the winter months. Beach Pop, a brown toned nude with almost a hint of berry, very unique but still wearable; almost a 'my lips but better' sort of shade. Coral Pop, a bright warm toned pink coral, is one of my favourites to my surprise as these colours don't usually suite me but I love this! Shock Pop is a bright pink with a cooler undertone and a hint of berry purple in it. It is a stunning pink that is uber bright and perfect for summer. Lastly I have Bold Pop which is a deep dark burgundy red that will be on rotation come autumn. The pigment on this one isn't quite as great (although you will find that a lot with these sorts of shades) but builded up it is still totally beautiful. For me the formula is a winner, the packaging is simple and elegant, the shades are to die for, and the best part is that for the quality they don't totally break the bank in comparison to some other higher end brands. It's safe to say I have my eye on a few more shades and next time I pass a counter Avant Garde Pop and Peony Pop are on my radar. Love...



*PR Samples, all opinions are my own. Refer to my disclaimer for more information.

1 comment Beauty, Makeup

Share:

Why Social Media is Changing a Generation

Social Media is the heart of the day and age we live in and quite honestly I don't think I love it. Where are the ol' days of actually speaking to people face to face, and not knowing everything that goes on in everyones lives; you know that clearly overrated thing called privacy? So what, it's a place where we share our 'so called lives' and especially on Instagram I feel it has become oh so fake. I can't help scrolling through my feed feeling like utter crap sometimes, whether I see old friends pages or some amazing bloggers; I just can't help felling down in the dumps about myself. Will I ever live up to having that perfect feed and why is so much pressure put on me as a blogger and influencer to have a 'perfect life' on platforms like Instagram. Does everything have to be so staged, bright, and beautiful? Then I get the times when I see my peers succeeding more than me, or moving into their new beautiful home and all I can think is when will that be me, when will I really achieve something; really just one huge pity party. Don't get me wrong it has some great points, like how I get to talk to all of you; my lovely readers. I am also incredibly lucky that I have never had any real nasty comments on my posts, but people get it and that is my biggest bug bear with social media. Why do people feel the need to be so nasty, yes we all judge people and I am not saying that I don't ever think that 'maybe that lipstick doesn't look the best on you' but I wouldn't ever post a comment saying it or judging anyone in any way at all. We all decide to live our lives they way we want to and people need to respect that and keep their nasty opinions to themselves. So what has made us think that we need to be so 'perfect'? In reality nobody is so, why do we try so hard to be? I put so much pressure on myself to post enough, to make sure photo quality is good enough, to tweet enough, to show more personality, to look a certain way, but I have had enough. I think with the introduction of Instagram Stories we can finally see that everyone is real and those bloggers or YouTubers who have perfect feeds and amazing bodies are just like you and me, they wakeup with no makeup on and in reality spend most of their days at their desk too. When it comes to growing as a blogger social media is one of the biggest parts to achieving it and it is a way that just doesn't work for me. I try and get involved, I really do, from twitter chats to following new people but it just isn't for me. I have made some great friends through blogging and social media but I just can't bring myself to be that social and outgoing, it just isn't me; in reality I am a true introvert. So in conclusion is this craze taking over our lives? Are we always going to be glued to our phones like we are now or will the storm eventually pass over? While it's a great place for us bloggers it's a toxic one too, so why do we continue to share our lives. I think simply because we care about our audience and it is the most convenient and best way to reach them, so I will continue posting what I want to and what I think is beautiful, and I will continue tweeting but I am noting going to change 'me' in order to grow.

What are your feelings on social media; friend or foe? Love...

Leave a Comment Lifestyle

Share:

My Perfect MAC Quad

I have been a big fan of MAC shadows for years now and even spent a long time creating my perfect 15 pan palette, which you can see HERE if you would like. I still love that palette and use it most days but recently I have been trying to slim down my everyday beauty stash. While doing this I realised that I generally only use four of my MAC shadows on a real day to day basis, so in turn created my pretty perfect quad. I think for most eye looks can be created with four shadows or less so if you want to keep your stash small or have a palette for travelling then a quad will be perfect. I love warm eyeshadows so that's how I have kept mine and I also like a mix of a couple of shimmer shades and more matte-ish colours, but thats all down to total preference. So starting in the top left corner we have Shroom which I mainly use as a highlight shade, it tips a little on the warm side but isn't to yellow which I love and it has just the perfect amount of shimmer without being too sparkly. Next to that I have All That Glitters which could possibly be my most worn shade. The shimmery rose gold looks beautiful all over lid by itself or paired with other tones in the crease. Talking of the crease I have Cork next which works really well there. Its warm tone really pairs well with All That Glitters and its matte finish adds just the right amount of definition. Lastly I have Texture, which is just so stunning. It is very warm and almost terracotta so may not be for everyone but I love it. My favourite way to wear it all over the lid with just lashings of mascara, and I especially love it paired with a berry lip come autumn. So what would be in your perfect quad? Love...

4 comments Beauty, Makeup

Share:

The Best Binge Worthy TV Shows

Top-ASOS| Jeans-Topshop| Lipstick- Matte Coral Pop| Throw-Nicole Miller Home| Cushions-Minted

TV is ma thang. I have never really been a huge movie girls, I mean I like a chick-flick now and again but TV is certainly my most watched on Netflix. I have watched a ton of shows on Netflix itself and other streaming services, so I thought I would share my top 15! I won't go into to much detail as I don't want to spoil things for you, but basically grab your laptop stick on one of these shows and get bingeing.

Homeland- Is my absolute favourite show ever. It is dramatic, realistic, and totally binge worthy! The show focuses on Carrie who works for the CIA and deals with some mental health issues. The first three seasons are based on a prisoner of war who returns to the US and has been 'turned' but from there on the fell of the shows changes for the better in my opinion. Available on Netflix

The Good Wife- Follows the wife of a shamed politician as she tries to get back on her feet and back into her old profession of Law. From her marriage to her job we follow her life and the ups and downs after an affair and a fall in society. There is certainly some courtroom drama here. Available on Netflix

The Affair- Another of my favourite shows follows the out come of an affair and all the consequences it holds. From murder to money this show pretty much covers it all. What I kind of love about it is that in part you end up routing for the couple who had the affair from their respective spouses, which you wouldn't expect too. Available on Sky and to buy per season on Amazon and itunes.

Suits- This is another courtroom drama but with a bit of a younger feel compared to The Good Wife. It follows mike who ends up working for a top New York law firm illegally, as he isn't actually a qualified lawyer. The fashion in this is also top notch and Jessica along with Rachel have killer wardrobes. Available on Netflix

Downton Abbey- If you love a good period drama then this is the king of them. It still shocks me how many people tell me that they haven't seen this! It follows the life of the Crawley's and their downstairs staff in the early 20th century, through love, war, peace, and financial hardship. Available on Amazon Prime

Covert Affairs- In a way I like to think of this as a lighter less emotionally heavy version of Homeland. Annie is a kickass spy who travels the globe catching the bad guys undercover. Along the way she has may love interests but her character never looses her female lead which I love. Available on Netflix

Gossip Girl- An oldie but a goodie and certainly a classic. If you want something slightly cheesy, easy to watch, and with glitz and glamour then this is the show for you. In case you don't know the rough plot follows a bunch of rich privileged high schoolers and the gossip site who writes about their lives. XOXO Gossip Girl.  Available on Netflix

Pretty Little Liars- I am pretty new to this one and only on season 3 but I am already obsessed! It follows four friends who's friend went missing a year earlier and now they are being tormented by a mysterious 'A' for their secrets. Available on Netflix

Revenge- This is an old favourite of mine and I still love to watch it now and again. Emily's farther was framed for a crime he didn't commit by the powerful family next door. Back in the Hamptons years later she is out for revenge no matter the consequences. Available on Netflix

House of Cards- I love Robin Wright and her role of Claire in the show is one of my favourite characters ever. It follows their rise (Frank her husband, the main character) in the political chain and they are one power couple that will let nothing get in the way. I love watching mainly to just see DC, especially these days as I miss it. Available on Netflix

Reign- My inner history nerd loves this show and I think you will to. Someone once said to me it is a PG version of GoT and I totally agree except this is based on real historical characters and in a real place, even if not at all accurate. The tale follows Mary Queen of Scots and her life from French court through to her moving back to Scotland and death (well we haven't go there yet but I can hope). Available on Netflix

Tudors- This is similar to Reign but set about 30 years before hand and in England instead of France.  If you love history like me then it is certainly one to watch and well it has Henry Cavil in it so who could say no? In short it follows Henry VIII and his six wives, but don't think boring think more sexy. Available on Netflix

Line of Duty- For me this was a slow burner and it took me a while to get into it but once I did I couldn't stop watching. It follows a police corruption team and the police officers they are trying to convict. The tales are gritty drama that is tantalizing to watch. Available on Netflix

Spooks- Another oldie that I remember my parents watching when I was a child and that I now love to watch. The whole (ten I think) series are on Netflix and it is gripping. It follows a team from MI-5 as they bring down threats to the UK. Oh and Adam, well he's just dreamy. Available on Netflix

Strike Back- Is similar to Spooks and even has some of the same actors but this time the storyline follows a team of Military Intelligence officers who crack down on terrorism across the globe. It is high action which I am usually not into but it is also totally gripping and there are still hint of romance that I love. Available on Amazon Prime

So what do you love to binge watch? Let me know in the comments as I need a new show after PLL. Love...

2 comments Home, Lifestyle

Share:

L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation

Cushion foundations have become all the rage over the past few years with numerous beauty brands jumping on the Korean trend. I have never been quite sure of them myself, I love the fact that they are handbagged size, easy to travel with and very unique but then I certainly think they have their down falls too. The first one to hit the mainstream drugstore shelves is the new L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation, which I must say I have become quite a fan of. Before I go into the product itself, I thought I would discuss what really is a cushion foundation and give you my thoughts on them as a whole. So the unique concept started in Korea as I mentioned above and over the past few years it has seem to have spread through the western market. Basically a 'cushion foundation' generally comes in a small compact like a powder but in layman's terms it is just a cushion soaked in the brands specific foundation formula, generally it is light, sheer, and natural looking. I love that you can get the perfect amount of product from the cushion but again it does have its drawbacks. For instance I can't help but feel that soggy sponge is a paradise ground for bacteria, so if you are bacterial breakout prone, be warned. The great thing with the L'Oreal option is that it is not to unfriendly on the purse strings so you can afford to toss it after a few months like you would a mascara. So onto the cushion in question. I really like the formula of this one in particular, in fact I think it may be one of my top cushion foundations I have tried. It has a light airy finish on the skin with buildable coverage from anywhere sheer to medium. It has a natural to dewy finish but isn't overly shiny which means even you oily gals will like this with a bit of powder. I like to apply it with either a beautyblender or some form of foundation buffing brush and both work equally as well. I tend to just give it a dip, or 'tap, tap, tap, tap' as L'Oreal say, into the compact and the go straight onto the face. All in all I honestly really love it and I know I will continue to use it no matter the season, from summer through to winter..... Oh that's the other thing; the shade range is pretty good if you are fair but the darker shades seem to be lacking, sort it out L'Oreal! The formula also offers SPF 25 giving you some light protection from the sun. Win. The last thing I should probably mention is that obviously compared to a traditional foundation it just isn't going to last you as long and things will begin to dry up, for me this is the only big issue but with the more affordable price you can get over it.

Have you tried a cushion foundation? What were your thoughts, let me know in the comments. Love...


P.S I do apologise if this post seems a little rambled, if you follow my Instagram Stories (If not why not? Haha, you can at nicola_darita) then you may have seen my misery when I wrote this the first time and it magically disappeared! Let's just say the rewrite was exhausting!

Leave a Comment Beauty, Makeup

Share:

Urban Decay Vice Lipsticks

Urban Decay have thrown their old lipsticks out of the window and are now offering 100 new shades in 6 different finishes, so it's safe to say you should find something you'll love. From Matte to Metallized and everything in between the new finishes off something for everyone. I have only five from the hundred on offer but I thought I would give you my thoughts on them today. So let's start with the new packaging, the slim gun metal bullet look stunning with the gold base and very luxurious. Of course in true Urban Decay fashion it is rather edgy but I love that it represents the brand so well. From the four different formulas I have tried I would say they are all pretty consistent in pigment pay off and feel comfortable and nice on the lips. 714 is a beautiful true red and a real stand out in the collection for me. I know that you can get a red in just about any lipstick collection but the Mega Matte formula of this shade is what makes it special. It has a almost 'powdery' finish, which I know sounds a little odd but it really makes the red pop. It doesn't feel drying at all on the lips but still has amazing staying power and is almost kiss proof. Another favourite of mine is Backtalk which is a Comfort Matte. The formula is still a matte but a little creamier and even more comfortable on the lips. I would say it is my favourite finish out of the four I have tried and works perfectly for everyday. The shade on this one is a mauve-y nude, think Kylie Jenner, so very on trend. In a cream formula Firebird is a vibrant fuchsia toned purple with a blue undertone to it. The finish is slightly glossy and a little slippy on the lips so with a bold colour like this you may want a lip liner, but it is truly stunning. Pandemonium is very out of my comfort zone and not one for me I don't think. It has the same Mega Matte formula as 714 but isn't as rich in pigment for some reason and can be a little patchy to apply. If you love a good purple lip (I mean Ruby Rose looks amazing in this shade on their website!) then it would be a cool one to try, but again I think you may need a liner. Lastly I have Big Bang which is a Metallized, it is super shimmery, super pink, and super girly. It has a semi sheer pigment so isn't to bold in colour but the intense silver shimmer running throughout is what really makes it stand out. Personally I am not a fan but I can still appreciate it. The shimmer is really fine which I prefer as you can't feel the graininess on the lips, but still I don't think it will be making its way into my everyday beauty stash. They are on sale now online and in departments stores such as Selfridges and House of Fraser.

Have you tried the new Vice Lipsticks? If so let me know you're thoughts and shade recommendations! Love...

Leave a Comment Beauty, Makeup

Share:

July Favourites 2016

I am back with a favourites!! All together now.... HURAHHH! Ok so it is probably just me who is excited about this but nonetheless I feel like I might finally be back on track. July has been a pretty stressful month, which I may go into at a later date but I am really just trying to justify my lack of posts to you guys. Just know I am trying my hardest but at the same time I want to get the best content on here possible so I won't be posting for the sake of posting. Anyway back to the favourites, I'm sorry can we believe it is August!! Where has this year gone? Summer is almost though, but I love autumn and winter; call me mad I know! As I said I haven't been on top form this month so my makeup routine has been pretty standard and just the rotation of the same products I trust and love, but I have been trying a lot of new skincare so stay tuned for that. On the skincare note, I am doing a whole post on my favourites and how to 'get into it', which will be up next week.

Ojon Thickening Spray- Ojon is a new brand to me when it comes to haircare but I have fallen in love with this thickening spray. I apply it through out my roots when my hair is damp and it adds the perfect amount of volume without feeling heavy, crispy, or greasy. I love that the spray is a liquid as I find thickening mouses to be just to sticky and it leaves you hair feeling clean but with added fluffiness, in a good way. I believe that it also acts as a heat protectant, so perfect if you are a blow dry junkie like me.

Monu Hydrating Moisturiser SPF15- I had also never heard of Monu Skin until this month. I discovered them at the Beauty Expert launch I attended a few weeks ago (which you can read all about HERE, if you so wish) we had a great talk from the brand as their wonderful cleanser is in the new exciting Beauty Expert box, but read more about that over on my post. We had their two lovely representatives sit on our table for lunch and it was so lovely speaking to them both. They were kind enough to gift us a few of their products and I have just fallen in love with the Hydrating Moisturiser. It has just enough hydration for daytime without feeling heavy or greasy and I love that it comes in a pump, vs sticking you fingers in a pot. I only wish the SPF was a little higher but it will do for cloudy days; aka everyday in the UK.

Tom Ford Extreme Waterproof Mascara- This baby rocks! So much so that when I last wore this out with Hannah she asked me if I was wearing falsies, no just this cry worthy expensive but amazing mascara! It is black as black can be which I love and it gives you the most perfect fanned out, thick, long, and voluminous lashes. It is extremely waterproof which will be a plus if your mascara smudges easily but for me that's not an issue. So for ease of removal I would be interested to try it in a non-waterproof formula.

Chanel Rouge Coco in Adrienne- This browny nude is so lovely and so easy to wear. It has been my go to lipstick most days and just matches any makeup look seamlessly. The formula is lovely and creamy but also lasts for a fair amount of time on the lips which is a real bonus. Of course that luxe packaging is a real bonus too, there is nothing quite as fancy as pulling it out of your bag.

Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil- Again I discovered this in the new Beauty Expert rose edition box/bag and I have fallen in love. Granted it doesn't smell the best but it does wonders for my skin. I feel like I have already mentioned this in a post recently but I will give you a few deets again. Basically it contains the oil from the rosehip fruit as well as the seed to make it extra powerful. I have always been a fan of rosehip oils and this is certainly my new favourite.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers- Now that I come to write this I am pretty sure these may have been in last month favourites, but oh well I love them that much. I got of to a rocky start with these and wasn't sure I loved them. I have since got to grips with them and love how 'curly' and upright they make my lashes.

L'Oreal Visible Lift Blur Concealer- Ok so I need to apologise for this one, I think it may not be sold any more. Which if that is the case then I am so so so so sad. I picked this up last summer and fell in love with it. As so much makeup makes its way though my collection sometimes items get pushed to the back and this was one of them. Recently I got it back out and fell in love all over again. The texture is light, so perfect for summer and the consistency is so thin that it can almost be used like a foundation on no makeup days. If indeed you can't get a hold of this then the Claris instant light concealer is rather similar, just pricier. Or maybe I am wrong it was just always a US thing?

Let me know in the comments what you have been loving in July and what your plans are for August! Any exciting holidays? Love...

2 comments Beauty, Fashion, Monthly Favorites

Share:

The Luxury Beauty Best Buys

If you have been round these parts before then you will know that I am seriously into my Luxury beauty/makeup items. There is nothing more indulgent than a beautifully embossed creamy lipstick, or that perfect eye quad in my opinion and the little splurge always thrills me. I always get so many questions asking 'what is the most splurge worthy product I should buy?' or 'what luxury beauty items really are worth it?' so I thought today it was about time for me to give you all the answers, well when it comes to luxury beauty that is. As I sat at my vanity to pick out some products, it occurred to me that I have so many favourites in this category and couldn't possibly tell you about them all in one post, I mean please I am sure most of you don't want to be reading this for the next few hours! So to answer the main question, yes I LOVE all of these products and believe they are all totally 'feelin spendy' worthy. They all have that luxurious feel and are a dream to use with real results. As I said I won't go into to much detail, but if you want to read more about a certain product I am going to link any posts about them I have done previously next to their names on the list, in those linked posts you will also find links to purchase the items!

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad's- (Shade sown Disco Dust)- Posts about these HERE & HERE.
Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Glow- (Shade shown Tansoleil)- Read post HERE.
Burberry Natural Blush in Earth- Featured HERE.
Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist- Post HERE.
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation- Rave review HERE.
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow- Mentioned HERE.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders, Strobing, Blush, & Setting- Read about all three, HERE, HERE, & HERE.
Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers
Guerlain Meteorites Base- Featured HERE.
Tom Ford Lip Colour's- Read about HERE, & HERE.
Burberry Kisses Lipstick's- Talked about HERE.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks- Mentioned HERE.
Marc Jacobs Re(Marc)able Full Cover Foundation- Written about HERE.
Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation- Listed HERE.
Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Gloss- Featured HERE.
Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation- Spoken about HERE.
Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss- Mentioned HERE.
Tom Ford Waterproof Extreme Mascara- Post HERE.
Marc Jacobs Hi-Shine Lip Laquer's- Post featuring HERE.
Guerlain Sheer Bronzing Powder- Listed HERE.
NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow's- Spoken briefly about HERE.
YSL Rouge Volupte Shine's- Raved about HERE.

Lot's of Love...

Leave a Comment Beauty, Makeup

Share: