WHAT'S IN MY MAKE-UP BAG?

I love reading these kinds of posts, if anything they are probably my favourite kind of post to read. I love seeing what people choose as their staple products and it's probably the best way to get recommendations from people. I do change my make-up around a lot, depending on the look I'm going for and the amount of coverage I'm looking for. I probably won't include brushes as they can really vary,  but most of the times I use Real Techniques brushes. 

L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Base.

I've been loving the more dewy finish lately - I don't have particularly dry skin, it's more combination - and as of late my skin has had a few dry patches so something like this doesn't necessarily highlight those dry patches! It also leaves you with a gorgeous glowy finish once you've allowed it to settle in. I like to leave my primer for about 5-10 minutes to really sink into my skin. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation/Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum/MAC Studio Fix Fluid.

I don't use three foundations all at once but at the moment these are the ones I've been switching between. MAC Studio Fix Fluid (in NW20) is a staple for me, I love the coverage, the smell, the way it looks on my skin - I'm absolutely in love with this foundation. However it is pricey, so I have two drugstore foundations that I like to mix together - the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation (in 200 Soft Beige) and Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum (in 53 Beige Clair). I mix a small amount of these together, directly on my face and buff them across my face. I've only done this a few times but I adored the results! It was full coverage, and had real staying power. I feel on it's own the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum is very low coverage for the amount that I like, but mixed with Rimmel Wake Me Up it was a whole new foundation.

MAC Mineralise Concealer.

This is the only concealer I've been using lately (and I tend to change up my concealers a lot) - on under eye circles, blemishes and as a highlighter - this is again in NW20. It's an amazing product! On good skin days I can just wear this and powder. Definitely a repurchase for me.

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder.

I adore this powder - even over the Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I went into MAC and asked what they recommended, and I was surprised that they didn't suggest the Studio Fix Powder, but I'm glad they didn't. This is the right amount for me, not too sheer and not too cakey - it gives the right amount of coverage. I love that the compact has a mirror and sponge too so I can apply on the go! I've found it's super buildable - especially when using the applicator sponge that you get with it, which is brilliant for me. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit.

This product is an absolute GODSEND. Oh my God. I love it. Waiting for this palette to arrive was probably the worst two weeks of my life (I ordered from USA as I couldn't find it in the UK). All of the shades are refills, so you can repurchase each pan which is such a good idea. I love all three shades of contour although one is too cool toned for me but that's brilliant for when I'm doing other peoples make-up. I love the shade 'Java' for contouring, and I love the shade 'Banana' for setting underneath my eyes. This banana shade is the first yellow setting powder I've used for concealer and I can really, really see a difference. (Post coming soon on the entire ABH Contour Kit)

Soap and Glory Solar Powder Bronzer.

I've seen so many people rave about this product and after using some other S&G make-up products I was expecting miracles. The bronzer has two tones - one really bronzed, one a bit more sunkissed and natural. Admittedly, it's not as pigmented as I'd hoped, but the two tones mixed together on your skin really create a natural bronzed glow. I don't necessarily use this to contour unless I want something a lot more natural, but this is brilliant for a nice, natural look rather than a full on contoured, bronze goddess.

Benefit Rockateur Blush.

This product is amazing - it's my first box blusher/bronzer from Benefit and I will be buying more for sure! I'm not even close to hitting pan yet and I use this every single time I wear make-up. It's a gorgeous glowy rose gold blusher with tiny bits of shimmer in it, so it can double as a highlighter. Brilliant when you're on the go!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz.

This brow product is amazing, it's double ended, one with a spooly and the other with a pencil/crayon. I have the brow wiz in Medium Brown (yes, I'm a blonde, but I have roots and they are dark!) I love this product, I actually can't do any make-up without filling in my brows now! It's funny how within the last year or so I've started really taking care of my eyebrows when I never used to care about them! Now I look back at pictures and I'm like 'Sophie! Where are your eyebrows!?'. This product is amazing, a good dupe for this is the Soap and Glory Brow Archery but the nib on this is a lot thinner which makes it easier to apply thin, hair like strokes. 

Eylure Brow Control and Shape Gel.

Eylure have recently launched a brow range after being notorious for their amazing eyelashes. This is only the second brow gel I've tried (the other was Rimmel Brow This Way) and I've found this is so much better, not as thick or wet. I found the Brow This Way quite goopy and this one is nowhere near as thick.

Rimmel Scandaleyes Kohl Kajal in Nude.

I love this pencil - I haven't recently been using much eyeliner, however I've been using a white/nude eyeliner in my waterline to really open up the eyes. Theres not really much to say about this eyeliner, it's creamy and longlasting. Really worth the price.

Make-Up Revolution Iconic 2 Palette.
I don't always carry this in my make-up bag and I quite often switch up between the Iconic palettes, but I quite often change between palettes or substitute bronzers, blushers and even highlighters for eyeshadows. These palettes by Make-Up revolution are so cheap compared to the Urban Decay Naked palettes, and the colour pigmentation and staying power are amazing. I actually used their eyeshadows for a live performance last week and they lasted all night under the stage lights.

Benefit They're Real Mascara.

This mascara is my staple mascara, I've used it every single day since I purchased it in August. It's got a really thick wand, covered head to toe in bristles, and the end has it's own little bristles in order to coat shorter lashes like the ones at the end or bottom lashes. It's jet black and lasts all day. The mascara is really buildable when it's wet, so get as much on as possible as quick as you can.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless.

This is the best drugstore mascara in the shops at the minute, it's perfect for making your lashes look super long and separated. It's amazing at giving that amazing doe-eyed look and really makes your lashes stand out!

Rimmel Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lipliner.

I've been wearing just this on my lips lately in the shade 011 spice. It's a gorgeous brown-nude shade. I use it to slightly overline my lips and then fill them in this colour and it's got amazing staying power for such an affordable price. I have quite a few Rimmel lipliners but I'm trying to build my liner collection as I've fallen in love with them very quickly.

Models Own Eyelash Curler.

I can't go anywhere without curling my eyelashes, make-up or no make-up. It really makes you look awake. I use the Models Own curler, they are still really stiff after so long meaning that they create an amazing curl compared to an older and less stiff eyelash curler. 

Nivea Lip Butter.

I have a couple of these but the original is my favourite by far. I tend to switch up my lip balms but I always end up going back to this one. Its really moisturising and clear, so adds no colour. It's perfect for prepping my lips for lip colour.

This is what's in my make-up bag at the moment, although I tend to switch it up sometimes depending on the day or what I'm doing that day.

What are your staple products in your make-up bag?

ZOELLA BEAUTY

I've been a Zoella lover for absolutely ages! I'm pretty sure I was a subscriber when she had like 50,000 subscribers so I can safely say we're the best of friends, right? So when Zoe announced that she was releasing a beauty range, I was so excited and no matter what it was, I was getting it. I haven't purchased the entire range but the two items I do own are favourites in my beauty collection.

Firstly, for all bath lovers and those, like me, who are allergic to Lush products (sighhh, I know), there is the Fizz Bar! I simply adore this product, I love the fact that you can use a little or a lot to add the appropriate amount of fizz to your bath. It's designed like a huge chocolate bar (well that's what it reminds me of anyway) so you can break off however many squares you desire for your bathtime treat. I like to use two at a time so that it's not too overwhelming and the bar lasts longer - I have to fight the urge to throw the whole bar in! All you have to do is put the chosen amount of squares into warm running water to turn a regular bath into a fresh and fragrant soak. I don't have baths often, so this is a huge treat for me! When this bar is done, I'll definitely be repurchasing!

The second item that I purchased was the Soak Opera bath and shower gel. As a student I love that this is a multi-purpose product - I've only used it as a shower gel so far and I absolutely love it, it creates a lather that is both fragrant, and moisturising. I'm eager to try this as a bubble bath alongside the Fizz bar to see what kind of madness it creates!

Both of the products (in my opinion) have the same scent - very floral and girly, I am in love with the packaging too! I'm eager to try the Blissful Mistful fragrance as well as the Zoella candle. The entire range sold out on the Superdrug website within minutes and I can see why! Well done Zoella!

You can buy the Zoella Beauty range in Superdrug and online at feelunique.com

Have you tried the Zoella Beauty range? What's your favourite product?

P.s - Sorry about the lack of posts - I've had about a month away from blogging to allow myself to get back into the swing of university work but I'll definitely be writing and scheduling more posts soon!

THE BODY SHOP CAMOMILE RANGE

I've always been a huge, huge fan of camomile - ever since I was about eight years old and I'd contracted chicken pox. Mum used to bathe me in camomile lotion to help soothe my skin and it worked a miracle. Today I purchased three of the four items in the camomile skincare range from The Body Shop - two eye make up removers - one claims to be a 'gentle' make up remover, which is a must for removing make up from such a sensitive area! The other claims to be a waterproof eye and lip make up remover, which again is brilliant as we all know how difficult it can be to remove some waterproof make up. I also purchased the sumptuous cleansing butter from the same range. The three items came to £20 altogether on a 3 for 2 deal in store - bargain!

Today was the first time I had used the products (admittedly I only used one make up remover, not both) and I was pleasantly surprised with the results - although I may switch around the order in which I use them.

Firstly I wet my face with a face cloth, and rubbed the wet face cloth into the cleansing balm - the balm is extremely soft and gentle, and moisturising on my skin. I have very sensitive and blemish prone skin on my face so I wanted something gentle that wouldn't provoke a break out. I felt as though my face was being thoroughly cleaned without being overly scrubbed at.

Next, I used the waterproof eye and lip make up remover on two cotton pads - one for each eye - setting the pad on the eye and gently rubbing for a few seconds, without pulling or being too rough on the eyelids. This removes even the most stubborn of mascaras - I was wearing the They're Real mascara by Benefit, something I've been struggling to remove lately. Again, a pleasant surprise from this product!

The product I didn't choose to use was the gentle eye make up remover - and this was purely because I knew that my mascara was stubborn to remove and I wanted to see if a waterproof make up remover would do the job, which it did. I'm saving this for a day when I'm wearing more make up, or at a time when my eyes are really stinging, which is usually after a night out or a long day of lectures.

All of these products are available in store or online right now and are suitable for all skin types. I did follow with a moisturiser and eye cream after cleansing.

Have you shopped at The Body Shop before? What did you buy?

BENEFIT SKINCARE

I've been playing with skincare for about a year now, and I've been breaking out continuously for the past four months - something I absolutely hate, just like everyone else. I've tried the Simple face washes - the foaming cleanser, and the moisturising face wash and they definitely weren't doing it for me. I've always wanted to try the Benefit skincare range - I knew that their cosmetics range was amazing, I was hoping that their skincare range would be the same.

I decided to buy a set of minis - there was no way I was paying the hefty price tags of the full size range if it wasn't going to work for me. The skincare set I bought consists of six pieces, all in miniature:

• Triple Performance Facial Emulsion SPF 
• Moisture Prep Toning Lotion
• Foamingly Clean Facial Wash
• Refined Finish Facial Polish
• Total Moisture Facial Cream
• It’s Potent Eye Cream

I started using the skincare range after two weeks of no make-up as a way of trying to clear my skin. I found that after these two weeks, my skin had definitely cleared significantly however I wanted to keep it clear and begin a skincare routine that admittedly, I should have started years ago.

I begin by wetting my face, usually with a wet face cloth as I have a weird complex about getting water in my eyes.. I start with a small amount (especially as I'm limited due to having travel sizes of the products) of the Foamingly Clean Facial Wash and gently rub this into my face, avoiding my eyes. Once I've distributed the product across my face, I wet my hands and use them to create much more of a later. I love the smell of the product, and straight away after this step I automatically feel much more 'clean' and fresh. When I'm done, I rinse my face with a wet face cloth.

My next step is always the Refined Finish Facial Polish which is a gentle exfoliant with small exfoliating beads that are massaged into the skin - again I wet my hands and begin to really work this into the skin. I feel as though this really helps to clear my pores and prevent any further breakouts and de-clog my skin. Again, I rinse my face with a wet face cloth before patting dry.

I've used a toner before, and if I remember rightly it was a No7 toner that I found amongst my Mums make-up collection. I loved the feel of that on my skin so I knew that I would love the Moisture Prep Toning Lotion. I apply a small amount of this onto a cotton pad and dab onto my t-zone, cheeks and chin. I use the cotton pad to work this into the skin - it's quite sticky compared to previous toners that I have used but I feel it works amazingly.

I could stop there.. But I've been feeling adventurous..

The Triple Performance Facial Emulsion is a facial moisturiser with SPF, however I only use this on days where I leave the house with no make-up on.. I know a skincare regime is supposed to be good, however I don't really want to use too many products on my skin. I've only used this product once and it kept my skin moisturised without feeling too cakey or sticky. I have however used the Total Moisture Facial Cream and I absolutely love it! I feel that a little really does go a very long way with this product. I apply this after toner, it smells gorgeous and leaves my skin feeling silky smooth!

My final step, and something I've never used before is an eye cream. The It's Potent Eye Cream is a winner - although I'm not noticing a huge difference, I'm sure there will be a difference in the long run. The only thing I've found, to my dismay and my boyfriends amusement, is that it really stings when you get it in your eye!! I love the feeling it leaves after it's applied, it leaves my skin smooth and hydrated, and there's no wrinkles just yet ;-) what more could you want!

I'm not sure whether it's the combination of all six products, or the distinct change in skincare that I've been using, but regardless of what I'm doing differently, my skin is definitely loving it!

Have you tried the Benefit skincare range? What did you think?

A MAC-MADE IN HEAVEN

I actually have no idea how I've lived my make-up loving life for so long without using a single MAC product, but within the space a month I've purchased three - and surprise, surprise, not a single lipstick in sight.

My best friend dragged me to my nearest MAC counter so that I could get matched for a foundation. I've been using the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation for ages and decided it was time for a change. I have normal skin however I rarely get dry patches and frequently break out when I don't have my skin under control. I decided on the Studio Fix Fluid foundation which has an SPF of 15. It's a medium-heavy coverage and is extremely buildable, something that I love. I love to be able to build my coverage depending on where I'm going or how long I'm going to need my make-up on for.   I love the finish it gives, and contrary to popular belief, I love the smell of this foundation. I use a Real Techniques expert face brush to lightly buff this into the skin. I tend to use around two small pumps of this to give the best, most even and natural coverage.

More recently I decided that I wanted a concealer and powder to go alongside the foundation - so I went to a completely different counter and asked for their advice. I actually went along on a naked face day so I couldn't compare the products against the foundation on my skin, however when the assistant tried the concealer on my bare skin I was pleasantly surprised. It's amazing what a little bit of concealer can do! I chose the MAC Mineralize Concealer, it applied so well- although it's not very buildable, a light amount of this concealer gives very high coverage. I use the brush that comes with the concealer to apply a small amount under my eyes and on any areas that I want to highlight or conceal, and then use a damp beauty blender to pat this into the skin. I then set the concealer with powder.

I love to set my foundation with a powder - more often than not I'm wearing make-up for long periods of time such as days out, events or shifts at work so I like to be able to set it. My absolute favourite drugstore powder is the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder but I wanted a more high end alternative. The assistant used the Select Sheer Cover Pressed Powder, and although I was only wearing the concealer beforehand, it really made a difference. It's a light powder that really allows your skin to breathe and doesn't feel particularly heavy on the skin or make you look overly cakey. I use a Real Techniques multi-task brush to apply the powder all over my face, however if I am using the powder to set concealer I'll use a Real Techniques setting brush (Can we tell that I like Real Techniques brushes yet? ;-) )

When these three products are combined, I really feel as though I have a flawless base to work with - I absolutely love the finish of these products. I can't believe I'd gone so long without ever using a MAC product and now that I've really started to build my kit it's definitely a necessity.

What are your favourite MAC products?

BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA

Since the launch of Benefit's They're Real mascara, I've been eager to try it but as a student, I'd never been able to justify it's £19.50 price tag. It might not be a lot of money, but realistically almost £20 for a mascara is pretty hefty! So when ASOS had 25% student discount I took this opportunity to purchase it! As an ASOS premier account holder, I didn't need to wait long as it arrived the next day, which was good as I am the most impatient person when it comes to waiting for parcels to arrive.

 The first thing I noticed was the packaging - it seemed to be a smaller, sleeker mascara than my others - making me consider whether I'd purchased a smaller version than usual - however after doing some research I'm assured that I had purchased a full size. I used it straight away - only applying to one eye at first so that I was able to see the difference. The difference was phenomenal - I have quite long, full eyelashes anyway but after a good curl and a generous coating of this mascara you can see a massive difference.

The mascara itself applied perfectly - it's a very, very intense black. I found that when applied carefully and with precision, it really does work wonders! It's very buildable, however if you try to give your lashes another coat once it's dry, it can create quite a spidery lash effect.

The mascara wand is thick, with plastic bristles, but the best thing about it is definitely the fact that the wand coats 97% of your lashes at once! I've never, ever come across a wand like it. The best thing about the wand is that there is a small set of bristles on the tip of the brush, making it perfect for those shorter, more difficult to reach lashes.

If you're thinking of branching away from the drugstore for a mascara, I'd definitely recommend the They're Real mascara for natural eyes during the day or a much more vampy night time look!

Have you tried the They're Real mascara?