Maybelline Color Drama Velvet Lip Pencils POTW | BEAUTY

Hello!

"I had my eyes on this beauty for the longest of time. I'm talking months."

Purchase of the Week (or POTW) had become quite a series on BBXO (Read: POTW Chanel No 5). Until, one day, I kind of forgot about it. Okay, there were hauls featured (Read: Summer Holiday Haul) but the tag POTW was forgotten. Well, now we're bringing it back. Full force and in action! What better product to kickstart this series again than the oh-so-famous NARS velvet lip pencil drugstore dupe (wow, that's a mouthful): the Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet Pencil.

"I did also like the colour range, there's a nude, an orange, a coral, a few reds and a few pinks"

I had my eyes on this beauty for the longest of time. I'm talking months. But with exam season upon us when my obsession first began, I wasn't able to satisfy that need for this pencil... until now. Well, the wait was worth it, because I am LOVING this lip pencil.

If you're a fan of the velvet/matte finish (Read: Bourjois Velvet Rouge), this product is right up your street. The Bourjois Velvet Rouge had become my go-to lip product that I'd dab on for a soft, everyday look and apply a thicker layer for a bold, going out look. After reading the reviews of more Bourjois Velvet Rouge colours, I had found out the best formulation was with the shade 'Nude-ist', which was the shade I had. Therefore, I was looking for something with the same finish without lacking in the quality front. This seemed like the product for me.

Before I make this entire post about Bourjois Velvet Rouge (goodness, can I say that any more times?!), let's refer back to Color Drama. Maybelline Color Drama Intense Velvet is also quite versatile as it can be dabbed on for a softer, everyday look, or applied as a thicker layer for a bolder look.

"What better product to kickstart this series again than the oh-so-famous NARS velvet lip pencil drugstore dupe"

Be sure to have your lips moisturised before applying the product, though (something I should've done). In the bottom photo you can see the little transfer it has, and that was only a very short while after applying. So you don't need to worry about that mug lip stain!

All in all, a great product that won't break the bank (£4.99 each at Boots.com) and good for various occasions. I did also like the colour range: there's a nude, an orange, a coral, a few reds and a few pinks. You're bound to find something you like!

Tell me, what's your favourite finish of a lip product? Do you prefer a sheen, matte or something in between?

Clinique Chubby Stick: Woppin' Watermelon | BEAUTY

Hello!

" Just as I expected - I was not sold."

There was definitely a phase of tinted lip balms. You know the time, when Maybelline BabyLips was sold out pretty much everywhere? Well, Clinique had jumped on that bandwagon and released these beauties - the Chubby Stick. Although the packaging is a real beauty, the product itself? Not so sure...

I'm not going to lie, I never had much of an interest in the Maybelline BabyLips phase, and still to this day would rather just use my trusty Burt's Bee's Pomegranate Oil Lip Balm - good for the real moisture and adds a little bit of a tint. Perfect.

Being a subscriber of Glamour Magazine, this popped through my letterbox one morning, and I was reluctant to try it. Having had a history of allergies to many lip balms (yep, Carmex is not my friend), I didn't know if this could be trusted. Anyhow, I went for plunge and tried it out. Just as I expected - I was not sold.
(For the record: No Allergic Reaction in sight!)

"Although the packaging is a real beauty, the product itself? Not so sure..."

Maybe it was the shade they send, or maybe it was the actual sheerness of the balm that put me off. It was super sheer, and although I was pleased with the lack of sticky-gloss feeling, it still wasn't a winner in my eyes.

If you're a fan of the glossy look (I'm more of a matte girl myself), and need something you would like to apply regularly throughout the day, giving a slight tint but not much - this is the one.

For me, it just left a greyish colour on my lips, and although it was slightly moisturising, something about it didn't feel right. Plus, as I'm not a biggie on that shiny lip-gloss look, this product was probably never going to work in my favour.

"although I was pleased with the lack of sticky-gloss feeling, it still wasn't a winner in my eyes."

If this product was more pigmented, I think I would have liked it. As shown above, this is a swatch of many layers of the balm - and if that came out in one swipe, I might have been sold.

In terms of packaging, it's a seller - no need for any sharpening and it's a cute little pencil.
I think it's one of those 'love it or hate it' kind of things, and at £17 a stick - I'm not quite loving it. Oh well, you can't win every time!

Tell me, are you a Matte or Glossy kind of person? 

No 7 Auburn Whispers: POTW

Hello!

Being a creature of habit, I'm not much of a person to switch up lip colours really often.  At the moment I've been wearing Bourjois Nude-ist (post about it here) pretty much all the time. Eye makeup? Yes! Give me a new mascara and I'm good to go.. for 3 days until I swtich up the routine again! Yet, give me a lipstick, if I love the colour, I'll be wearing it for a pretty long time.

This lipstick was totally an impulse buy. Actually I was in the store and stumbled across the 'buy one get one half price' section, so just picked it up because it was, well, half price! Having never owned No 7 Lipsticks before, I was skeptic about their quality. Non-the-less, a swatch or two later, the texture of them seem just right! Moisturising with great colour payoff! 

Nothing too bold, and by dabbing the colour onto the lips rather than applying the colour properly, you can get a light wash of colour that looks almost-natural.

So, if you see me around after I've given this colour a whirl, you may see the same colour for a long time! 

Tell me, are you a creature of habit when it comes to lip-colours, or do you like to switch up really often?

No 7 Base + Top Coat, First Impressions : POTW

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"Popping into Boots and realising they had the buy one get one half price thing going on...I'd go for the No 7"

One thing I learnt from writing this post: taking pictures of clear things is very difficult. Okay, now that that's out there, let's move on. 

"I'm a sucker for the labelling and I am hoping it works wonders"

No 7 is not such a bad brand. Well, it's actually quite a good brand and when realising my go-to Barry M top coat was literally on it's last legs, with it taking much longer than it should to coat one nail with the clear shade, it was time to invest in a new one. Popping into Boots and realising they had the buy one get one half price thing going on, with a £3 off voucher, I thought I'd go for the No 7. 

"the wide brush is what sold it for me."

The fact that there's two different formulas for the base and top coat confuses me a little. What is the actual difference? I have no idea. However, I'm a sucker for the labelling and I am hoping it works wonders. In particular, the wide brush is what sold it for me. If you saw this post, you'd know how much easier it is to apply nail polish with this type of brush.
Who would've thought the size of the brush would drastically change your manicure routine?

LINKS:
No 7 Top Coat : Amazon, Boots
No 7 Base Coat : Amazon, Boots


What's your all time favourite top/base coats?

The Cutest Wellies Ever: POTW

Hello! 

"they lack the cheesy quality that wellies often have"

With the rain pouring down, it's not fun wearing suede shoes (reference to this post, these shoes are ruined now :( ). So to keep it appropriate for the weather, it was time to go out and buy new shoes. A reason to shop? Yes, please!

" Perfect for this time of year, a colour that will go with everything and at £10, you can't go wrong! "

Already being a fan of wellies meant these were something I'd buy - but the ultimate reason why I went for them is because they lack the cheesy quality that wellies often have. At the same time, the bow adds a girly touch without making the shoe look tacky. Another positive about them, is that the short, ankle-bootie height means these are so easy to put on and take off - who really wants to spend 10 minutes putting shoes on?!

"keep it appropriate for the weather"

Overall, a great find from none other than Primark. I swear, I rarely go there but when I do, there is always something that catches my eye! Perfect for this time of year, a colour that will go with everything and at £10, you can't go wrong!

Are you a fan of wellies?

The Body Shop HAUL: POTW

Hello!

"What a bargain."

With Christmas time comes good sales and with good sales comes LOTS of shopping! It's that time of year where you usually spend your time wandering around the stores in hope for finding something for your loved ones, however, I was a bit cheeky and spent time at my computer frantically searching the body shop website to treat myself! Well, with the prices I got the items for, you'll understand why! 

"I've up-ped my shower cream game for the winter"

First off, it's this scary looking thing. The bristles look like the ones that come at the end of a gardening broom, but trust me, they're not that hard! Dry brushing is amazing for your skin, see post here, and I had done a bit of running around from Boots to Superdrug to The Body Shop and settled on this one. All places had the same type of brush, but this one was my fav.

" high hopes for this one, and don't want it to disappoint."

RRP is £8, but I got it for £4.80. What a bargain. 

The next thing is the Brazil Nut Shower Cream. As you know from this post, I've up-ped my shower cream game for the winter, and this was the next on my 'to try' list. We turned that 'to try' into 'to buy' and here we are! The product smells amazing and I think the latter will be better than the Nivea. I have high hopes for this one, and don't want it to disappoint.

"shall use it more and see how well it serves its purpose."

Thirdly, I bought this. How adorable is the packaging? The heart is just so cute! Actually, this is a gift for a friend, she loves the original white musk scent so this slight variation will hopefully be a winner too! These would be great as stocking fillers.

"bristles look like the ones that come at the end of a gardening broom, but trust me, they're not that hard!"

Finally, I picked up a muslin cloth. RRP £2.50 and I picked it up for £1.50. Having used it yesterday, it is lovely to exfoliate the skin. I didn't expect it to be the material to be as it is. I had thought it'd be much more smooth. However, I shall use it more and see how well it serves its purpose.

"I was a bit cheeky and spent time at my computer frantically searching the body shop website"

Overall, I'm super happy with the purchase - the delivery was great from The Body Shop, and at 40% off, you can't go wrong!

What are your favourite things from The Body Shop?

POTW: Nivea Creme Coconut Shower Cream

Hello!

"whenever I used it in the morning, I would be able to occasionally whiff it throughout the day, and I loved it!"

If it says 'coconut' on the pack, I can almost guarantee you I will be a fan. Coconut snacks, coconut hair oil, coconut body butter, coconut lip balms and you guessed it, coconut shower creme. Well, you can imagine me jumping around the shop when I saw this on the shelf in Sainsburys. Definitely my most exciting grocery shop this month! 

"I doubt it'll have the same effect as it's washed off - I shall keep you updated "

The actual product itself is the bog-standard Nivea shower product. They have released the in-shower  moisturiser which I have been meaning to try, because somedays we just want to skip the moisturising step, you know the days when you spent the night before finishing a really interesting book which lead you to run 3 hours past your 'bedtime'. 

"If it says 'coconut' on the pack, I can almost guarantee you I will be a fan."

Having not used this product yet, I can only hope that it leaves a lingering smell throughout the day. I used to have the Body Shop Coconut body butter and whenever I used it in the morning, I would be able to occasionally whiff it throughout the day, and I loved it! Getting that again would be great, yet as it's not a body butter, I doubt it'll have the same effect as it's washed off - I shall keep you updated on that.

"after I got out, I had forgotten I used it in the morning."

Having owned the powerfruit delight shower gel, I've already had a little experience with Nivea's shower products. Although powerfruit delight has a pleasant, wakening scent in the shower, after I got out, I had forgotten I used it in the morning. The positive aspect of powerfruit delight was the amount of lather it created - let's hope the creme coconut is as good, if not better, than powerfruit delight.

Have you used Nivea products before, if so, what are your thoughts?

POTW: Marc Jacobs Daisy Delight - Limited Edition Fragrance

Hello! 

"Marc Jacobs is known for their packaging, and this one did not disappoint!"

Out of all the POTW series so far, there's been lipgloss, shoes and even deodorant, but there hasn't really been an appearance of perfumes... Well, today's the day! 

"'A luminous bouquet of fresh picked florals', the scent did not disappoint either"

Lucky me received this beauty as a present and I couldn't be happier! Not only is it limited edition, so won't be forever available to buy, but it's also incredibly pretty. Marc Jacobs is known for their packaging, and this one did not disappoint! 

"can see it becoming a favourite scent"

Described as 'A luminous bouquet of fresh picked florals', the scent did not disappoint either. If you know me, you'd know that DKNY Be Delicious is my go-to fragrance, and knowing that a top not of Daisy Delight is Apple makes me really happy - it's literally right up my alley and can see it becoming a favourite scent of mine.

"bottle can never fail to make one feel happy!"

Oh, and the bottle can never fail to make one feel happy!

Have you heard of the limited edition Marc Jacobs fragrances - possibly have a favourite?? Share! 

POTW: Bourjois Velvet Rouge Edition Lip Gloss - Nude-ist

Hello!

"knew it was a must-try"

Where have you been if you haven't heard of this product or the Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain, currently only available in the US, which are coincidently both very similar in packaging?! I must say I was VERY excited when they were sitting there in the store and knew it was a must-try, especially with all the hype in the online beauty world! 

"Anything that is hair-sticking free, count me in!"

The shade Nude-ist was the one that found its way in my basket - the matte finish lip stain/gloss was another aspect of the product that caught my eye. Anything that is hair-sticking free, count me in! 

"looks as though it will last all day"

Having tried it on today, the colour is really pigmented - much more than I had thought, it also seemed to dry matte very quickly and looks as though it will last all day. The overall effect of the stain looks lovely, although I would recommend you to exfoliate your lips to avoid the flake thing that can be nasty.

"you'll understand the hype about them in the beauty world!"

The colour is gorgeous - even the swatch shows the pigment of the product when a tiny bit was used. 

Overall, definitely check these products out, they are totally worth their RRP of £8.99 and I'm sure you'll understand the hype about them in the beauty world! 

But tell me, are you more of a glossy or matte lip kind of person? 

Nakd Bar: Cocoa Loco - First Impressions

Hello! 

"they're getting more and more popular by the day"

A different POTW, it's food related! You may have heard of these nakd bars as they're getting more and more popular by the day. Having tried Nakd bars previously (Cashew Cookie flavour), I was more than excited to try out a new flavour and went with Cocoa Loco.

"wheat free and one of your 5 a day!"

Having read the name, for some reason it reminded me of coconuts - even though it is not coconut flavour, they should invent one! But I went with this one anyway! It has Oats, Dates, Raisins, Peanuts, Apple Juice, Cocoa, Almonds and Walnuts. It is wheat free and one of your 5 a day!

"this would be a lifesaver"

The bars are quite compact and would be great to have in your purse - you know when you're out all day and end up hungry and don't know where to go, this would be a lifesaver ;)

"I totally recommend it, especially if you love cocoa"

The consistency is quite chewy, which I love, and the nuts add a nice crunch. I must admit that I prefer Cashew Cookie as it doesn't have the oats - the oats aren't my favourite part of the bar.

Overall, I love dates and nuts together, so this is definitely a brand to try. I totally recommend it, especially if you love cocoa (definitely can taste it) and nuts! I know I'll be buying more - trying different flavours, though! I saw the variety pack on their website but this works out to be more expensive than if you buy single ones of your choice in store - so be aware!

What's your favourite go-to Purse Snack?? 

Purchase of The Week: Sleek Face Form Palette + First Impressions

Hello! 

You know those days when you go shopping, not really expecting to buy anything, but end up buying everything - well last Thursday was one of those days...

This has been on my 'To Buy' list forever, so when a day like Thursday was upon me, it was about time I picked this up. Actually, I attended wedding last weekend and I wanted to wear the blush from this palette on her big day, so what better time to buy it, hey?

 Seeing as this is said to be a dupe for the oh-so famous NARS Orgasm blush, you know I was so excited to try it!

"look like they'd be more expensive than they are"

One thing that I do love about Sleek is the beautiful packaging! It's... well, sleek! The products from sleek look like they'd be more expensive than they are - which is always a plus! 

"dupe for the oh-so famous NARS Orgasm blush"

Having tried it on, I love the bronzer more than I thought I would, the highlighter is lovely too - however, the one I had most hopes for is what I am more disappointed with. The blush just was coming off as gold shimmer and not much pink/coral. So far, I am not happy with the blush but am in love with the other two. I will have to use the blush more to make a better decision on what I feel about it but for now, it's not that impressive. 

"I was so excited to try it!"

The face form has a RRP of £9.99 and can be bought from Superdrug.
The shade 'Light' and 'Fair' are the one with the blush shade whereas the other shades do not have the same blush shade - you can also buy the blush shade individually here.

"perfect for your bag"

Oh, and another plus side of this palette is the HUGE mirror! It is perfect for your bag and on-the-go makeup too!

What's been on your beauty wish list for a long time? 

Purchase of The Week: Vaseline Active Fresh Deodorant

Hello!

The name of this product is a bit of a mouthful, the packaging resembles a mushroom and the words 'Antiperspirant' and 'Cream' together makes me feel a little skeptical about this product. Well, you never know unless you try and that's why the POTW* is this very product.

Seeing as it is new, the product was on sale, so I thought 'What the hey?' and picked it up. Summer means sweaty people and sweaty people mean B.O. We can't prevent other people smelling up the train or the classroom but the best we can do is make sure we don't add to the smell!

See what I mean by 'Mushroom'?!

There are many ways to prevent smelling throughout the day, but it begins with a good deodorant in the morning. Later on, you can have a body splash in your bag - but anti-persirants are key!

Overall, the 'mushroom' head does seem quite practical as it would fit perfecting under the arms hence it's a good idea! Vaseline has a great reputation and lets hope it doesn't go against my high hopes!

What's your favourite deodorant for the summer? 

*POTW= Purchase Of The Week