Review: & Other Stories Makeup

If you haven't popped into & Other Stories then you really should make a trip. It's a shop for the cool cats, full of high-end inspired fashion cuts and a great vibe. For the beauty buffs, there are testers galore and cute sinks where you can wash off all the lipstick swatches (why isn't this everywhere?).

On my latest trip I picked up two eye shadows and a lipstick to test out the beauty range available. First off, I love the packaging. The lipstick especially feels pretty lux, but it's the font and style are right up my street. I plumped for 'Birrus Rust' a gorgeous coppery red shadow, 'Shetland Brown' a dark bronzy brown shadow and 'Sempiternum Brick' a peachy coral lipstick. All totally beautiful, with 'Birrus Rust' being my fav.

Onto the details. The shadows are £7.00 each and lipsticks £12.00 each, so not exactly cheap. I probably wouldn't recommend the lipsticks over other alternatives at that price and the shadows, whilst being gorgeous don't have the best lasting power. I can't deny my love for 'Birrus Rust' tho, so if you want to cast your own verdict I would recommend this particular shade. 

Have you been to & Other Stories? What were your thoughts?

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Winter lips.

I love how festive everyone looks during the winter months and a sweep of colour across your lips is a great way to spice up your everyday makeup ready for the Christmas party season. These are my favorite lip products right now...

Maybelline Color Sensational Shine Gloss in Stellar Berry. I literally wear this so much! I am one of those avid lip gloss haters as well, so this is quite surprising. I cant stand them if they are too shiny or sticky in anyway possible. This gloss is just perfect. I don't notice it on my lips and when it starts to fade after a cocktail or two (ok, maybe more...), there's still a nice stain on your lips. Love, love, LOVE. You can actually see the colour better in this fotd post, it's raining so hard here my room is like a cave!

Rimmel Kate Moss 01. Everyone needs a classic red lip, it's like the law. The Rimmel lipsticks from Kate Moss have a great formula and are really true to their colour. 01 is a classic red Hollywood shade, which makes you look super glamorous.

17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in Pink Power. Personally, I think bright and bold just works during the holiday season. Some people aren't a fan of a red lip and feel more comfortable in a pink shade. This lipstick from 17 is a great bright pink, that isn't too Barbie-esque. It also lasts forever and is less than a fiver!

Estee Lauder Pure Color in Fig. I'm not sure if they still do this particular shade, but it's basically a less in your face red. I like to wear these sorts of shades in the daytime as they give your makeup a little somethin-somethin, but you don't have to keep re-applying or worry that you look to done-up.

Miners Lip Colour in Mulled Wine. Such a Christmas appropriate name! This lipstick is a metallic-brown-bronze-kinda shade that I got in a Glossybox a while ago. I probably wouldn't pick it myself, but I really like the colour once applied. It's almost the best option if you don't want a nude lip or something too loud and bright either. I don't think this is easy to get hold of to be honest, but No7 have some great brown-nude shades too.

What are your go-to colours this season? Also, how hard is it to take this many photos of your own face?! The more I took the more psychotic or dead behind the eyes (sometimes a combo) I looked ha.

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Maybelline Must-haves

It's so gloomy today, so apologies but my photos are dark and rubbish! #bloggerproblems As you have probably figured from the title of this post, this is all about Maybelline. I've purchased a few things lately and I'm so impressed with them that they deserve a post all to their darn selves.

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo. I love these so much. I have the colours Pink Gold, On and On Bronze and Metallic Pomegranate and I use them all the time. Metallic Pomegranate is the newest addition to my collection and it is like Autumn/Fall in a little pot. They last for ages and are so easy to apply, you can just use your fingers to blend. If you are always in a bit of a morning rush/love your bed too much, these are perfect for you cause you look like you've done your makeup properly with one sweep.

Maybelline Color Show Nail Varnish. I have the colour Coral Craze, which was utilised a fair amount during the summer months this year. It's a great nail varnish, the formula goes on really well, it dries quickly and they have loads of amazing colours that I desperately want.

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick. These lipsticks are like a cross between a lipstick and a balm, so super moisturising and smooth. I really like the packaging for these lipsticks, they look a lot more expensive than they are. I have the colour Electric Orange, which is a bright orange/coral, which was another staple lipstick during the summer months for me.

Clockwise: Metallic Pomegranate, Pink Gold, Pink Punch, Electric Orange, Stellar Berry, On and On Bronze 

Maybelline Baby Lips. Quite a hyped product in the blogger world, so I had to grab myself one! I picked up Pink Punch, which is a baby pink balm. I've had loads of compliments when I've been wearing it, which considering it's just a tinted lip balm is great. It does all of the obvious things a lip balm does, but with a super pigmented colour, so you look more made up. The best bit though? The smell! ohmagahd it smells good my friends! 

Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss. I got this the other week on a whim, because it was 3 for 2 in Boots and I was going to get another of the colorsensational lipsticks. However, the colour of the gloss really caught my eye and when I swatched it, it didn't feel sticky or look to glittery so in the basket it went! I am so in love with this gloss right now I can't tell you. It feels really moisturising like the lipsticks, its not sticky at all and the lasting power is pretty amazing. I can see my collection getting a little bigger already...

What do you guys think of the Maybelline range? Do you have any favourites? I'm going to post a makeup look using the pomegranate colour tattoo and the Stellar Berry gloss this week, so stay tuned for that Autumn/Fall inspired look! 

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Top 5 Beauty Handbag Essentials: London Beauty Hub

 

Some of you will already know this if you read my blog normally, but I do a weekly post for a new beauty website called London Beauty Hub that launched in January this year. I basically do a 'Top 5' post every week where I pick a product or trend that I want to cover. I got the job because I wanted the writing experience and as I work flexi time (FYI: flexi is da bomb) I have a few afternoons spare when I've done my weekly hours. So, check it out if you want to, this is the link for this week's post 'Top 5 Beauty Handbag Essentials' 

 

Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for next week's topic! Also, I would love to know if you guys work for anyone else doing any writing or beauty related stuff :)

 

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Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is coming up next month and my mum asked me to think of a few things I would like. I was definitely in the mind frame of "I don't want anything/I can't think of anything!" until I hopped on line and now...I want everything!! Here's a few items that have caught my eye: 

Michael Kors Watch - I have a sliver watch, so I would like one that goes with gold jewellery too. I love the detailing of this particular one and I don't think it's too in your face.

Victoria's Secret Bikini - I'm going to Croatia with a bunch of mates and I really want an amazing bikini. VS have loads of really pretty patterns and maybe if I get one I will automatically become a VS model?!

Zara blazer/jacket - LOVE. The pattern and style of this jacket is so up my street and I think it's perfect for all year round.

Rimmel Apocalips - Seen these everywhere and would love to try them out, I have my eye on 'Luna'

Essie 'Mint Candy Apple' - Again, seen this everywhere and it looks like THE best colour for spring/summer.

Marc by Marc Jacobs bracelet - I like getting jewellery that is a little more expensive for my birthday and I thought this was the perfect mix of luxury meets every day, so you can wear it every day. 

Hugo Boss 'Deep Red' - One of my first ever perfumes that my boyfriend bought me and I realised I haven't had it for agesss and it smells gorgeous, so yeah on the wishlist it goes!

There's more than this (obviously), but I don't want to be greedy! Hope you've all had a good weekend, big love.

Lipstick Love

I've seen a few people posting their favourite lippies and so I thought 'Oh heyyy bandwagon, wait up there! I'm hopping on'. I intend to give you an idea about the lippies I have chosen via the following technical terms 'smudge-ability', 'pocket-emptier' and 'wow-factor'.

From left to right we have:

Kate Moss for Rimmel Matte No 107 - Everyone and their granny owns this little beast. It has definitely been difficult to get hold off since all the bloggers have been raving about it (I only just got mine, last week's #TreatTuesday). It's a raspberry/wine red colour, that adds a bit of glamour without being as bright as other reds. If bright did-you-know-im-wearing-lipstick-my-teeth-are-so-white-i'm-blind lipsticks aren't really your thang, then this would probably suit you well (just be prepared for the treasure hunt finding one).

smudge-ability: Like most reds, you can go from Hollywood starlet to the star of a zombie movie in a matter of moments. This lipstick isn't as matte as some out there, so don't kiss anyone too passionately before the end of the night! Having said that though, I think all the Kate Moss lipsticks are good at staying on without you having to re-apply a billion times, even after a few drinks
pocket-emptier: Just over £5 at Boots means your pockets aren't too empty, even if you buy the whole collection AND you get points - good times (I'm not encouraging that behaviour...)
wow-factor: The fact that everyone has this doesn't take away from the wow factor. It's perfect for the day or night and will definitely get some head's turning.

Topshop 'Hazard' - This is a classic sports car red that makes your make up pop with glamour. It's a matte lipstick, so you can go heavy on the highlighter elsewhere and not look shiny. This is one of my favourite Hollywood glamour lipsticks, which I would totally recommend.

smudge-ability: Again like most reds, it can be disastrous, but this one is very matte, so really does stay put. I do find that after a few hours it does start to go a bit funny, so you have to re-apply a few times.
pocket-emptier: It's priced at £8, which you can find here so not too pricey, but I'm not sure I would opt for the Topshop lippies over the Rimmel ones as all rounders.
wow-factor: Hollywood glamour at its best.

Bourjois Sweet Kiss lipstick in 'Rouge Intemporel/78' - Another Red! (I actually only had one or two reds and then got loads as gifts - from me to me - all in one go!) I have reviewed this one here. To recap, it is a purple kind of tone (i think so anyway) and really does look gorgeous on. It has a glossier finish than the other ones mentioned, giving a different look altogether. It also has beautiful packaging, which makes it feel very expensive.

smudge-ability: This one is a bit of a smudger as it's glossier, but it doesn't seem to loose its pigment (you might just have it round your face, reaaaaaally brightly).
pocket-emptier: I think the sweet kiss ones are £7.99, which again isn't too dear on the pocket. Plus, they feel like they are much more expensive in terms of packaging and finish.
wow-factor: I get loads of compliments when this lipstick is on and my friends always try and steal it, so it definitely has the wow-factor.

Natural Collection Sheer Natural in 'Sand' - This is a great nude lipstick for in the day when you want something really subtle. It has a touch of gloss and is super creamy, so it really feels like its nourishing rather than drying your lips out. I have re-purchased this one a fair few times, so that says something!

smudge-ability: It stays put and you only need to re-apply a few times meaning it lasts for ages.
pocket-emptier: 'SHUT THE DOOR!' this beaut comes in at just £1.99, absolute bargain.
wow-factor: I think this lipstick gives a different kind of wow-factor, as it enhances natural beauty and helps you achieve a polished natural look.

 

Same order, but from wrist upward!

Sleek 'Stiletto' - I got this in one of my GLOSSYBOX's (another red!) and I was really excited to try it, as I don't have much Sleek make up. It's a matte lipstick, in a really glamorous red called 'Stiletto' which makes me love it even more (it reminds me of a Louboutin shoe!).

smudge-ability: This has real staying power and just doesn't seem to budge or even need re-applying. If you need a red lipstick for a cocktail party or night out, this one has it covered.
pocket-emptier: These are £4.99 and there are 12 shades....amazing.
wow-factor: Like Topshop's 'Hazard this one projects classic Hollywood glamour.

Mac Cremesheen in 'Creme D'Nude' - I got this for Christmas and I really do love it. I think nude lipsticks are hard to get right because you don't want to conceal your lips completely (did anyone used to put foundation/concealer on theirs too?! The shame!). This is subtle with slight gloss and it smells amazing.

smudge-ability: Stays on great with only a few new applications needed. It also stays looking nice and glossy and doesn't dry out.
pocket-emptier: The most expensive of the lot at £14. I got my mum to get this during Debenhams 20% off sale, so make sure you look out for those throughout the year.
wow-factor: This lipstick makes you feel pretty and definitely gives a basic-natural every day look something extra.

 

A picture of my nan looking very Hollywood

 

Hope you all enjoyed this post, let me know some of your recommendations and what you think of the ones I have mentioned too!

December's Christmas GLOSSYBOX

December's GLOSSYBOX arrived and it was very very exciting! I happened to have the day off work so managed to get the delivery (side note: how are nigh time postmen not a thing yet? Gap in the market there for sure) and test everything, yes EVERYTHING. Now that you are brimming with excitement for December's GLOSSYBOX I will reveal its beautiful contents for you...

 In case you're excited the bird and star didn't come with #sadface

 



 Extra Christmassy tissue paper

 



 

Super large insert this time with lots of extra discounts!

Rituals 'Magic Touch'
Oh my god. I have never ever smelt a cream so good in my life and no, I am not being extreme. Starting with my favourite of the beauty box, this cream is just amazing. Not only does it smell so good (Cherry Blossom, damn that blossom smells fine), but it's made with rice milk which basically means it gets soaked into your skin super fast. I don't know about you guys, but moisturising can be so annoying if you are in a rush! I actually tend to skip it all together if it means my skinny jeans will go past my ankles and not create a wallpaper paste situation, so this is perfect. No word of a lie this delicious whipped magic cream is the bomb. £15 for 200ml & £5 for 70ml, worth every penny.

Argentum Apothecary 'La potion infinie'
December's GLOSSYBOX two sachets of this face cream, which is always a little bit annoying when you see mini tubs on the site and then you get some teeny sachets (booooo). However, that might be because this little beauty treat will set you back £147 a 70ml tub - ouch. Despite being a pricey little tub the cream itself was really luxurious and you only need a tiny bit (thankfully) each time, so even my first little sachet has lasted ages (it's for men and women, so you could split the price with your boyfriend?!). It has a really unique smell that suits both males and females and it promises to tighten you face, which you should feel working asap. I can vouch for this tightening of face feeling, which i think is down to the 'Xanthan Gum' and 'Aloe Barbedensis leaf 'extract. Overall, if you have the money I would recommend. 

The sachets came in this little envelope

 

Hopefully you can read this as it tells you more & there is a little bird which is always nice



Mary Greenwell 'Lemon by Mary Greenwell Eau de Parfum'
Just like the face cream, this perfume came in a teeny little tester which was really annoying because it smells so nice! Unlike the burberry one from November's GLOSSYBOX which you can see here this sample was too small as it was gone after 3 sprays. Despite the lack of it though this perfume is full of citrus notes that last all day long, so thumbs up to that.

Like I said tiny, but a delicious scent

Seche 'Seche Nail Lacquer'
I managed to get my hands on a seriously cute pink shade called 'Precious' which is unlike any other pinks I already own. It's a baby pink with a gorgeous shimmer to it which I thought looked just girly and cute. It lasted quite a while before noticeably chipping too, which is amaze because all my nail varnish chips off normally!

Another creepy hand shot from me

Sleek Makeup 'True Colour Lipstick'
I realised today that some people got the Sleek eyeshadow palette in their box which I am major jealous of, but at least I got a lipstick! I got a really glamorous red called 'Stiletto' which makes me love it even more (it reminds me of a Louboutin shoe!). It's a matte lipstick which I think will look amazing on everyone. I am a bit of a lipstick lover, these are £4.99 and there are 12 shades.... ahhh!

GLOSSYBOX Blusher
This was a bonus item thrown in as a Christmas gift! It's an unusual colour blush, like I think it has a kind of purple tone to it?! I was really excited to try this out and it didn't disappoint as the colour is really cool and I am glad it's different to my usual Laura Mercier one I use in the daytime.

I have included some pose-y snaps of me with the lipstick and blusher on so you can see it in action *Warning - poser alert* Let me know what you think of December's GLOSSYBOX!



Beauty Buys.

Aloha! I've been a bit naughty this week with my shopping habits and I have been getting sucked into every offer that I come across doing the classic 'But its 30% off!' and not really thinking that it's still 70% on...oops?!

Boots had a 'Buy one, get one half price' deal on this week and these were my two treats:

The first purchase is the Bourjois Sweet Kisses Lipstick in 'Rouge Intemporel' which is drunkenly modelled by me and my friend from the weekend in the last picture there. Its a great colour, although I thought it would be slightly pinker/purple rather than red when I bought it. I would definitely recommend it though, as after a fair few cocktails my lipstick was still pretty fresh! It's priced at £7.99 and comes in a really sleek case (cool button thing - whoohoo), so I would give 4.5/5 overall.

The second purchase was a 'Revlon PhotoReady Eye Primer' which was definitely a 'oh-my-god-I-get-something-half-price-quick-grab-something-now-that-really?-yes-I've-always-wanted-one' moment. I always have trouble with highlighters, as I haven't managed to find something that I adore. Sadly, I'm not a huge fan of this either! It has a clicky twisty button which ends up shooting the product out and the coverage is quite light. The original (non-deal) price is £9.99, so I would give this a 2.5/5 overall as you can probably find a cheaper one that will do the same thing.

I have bought a few new clothes AND jewels (naughty), so I will have to do another post for those, but if anyone can recommend a highlighter for me please do!

Peace, Emmy x