Rimmel Colour Rush Balm: Rumour Has It

Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balm in Rumour Has It via Boots

I recently arrived home from work and found a new lipstick laying on my bed. Turns out my lovely mum had taken a trip to our local Boots, and seemingly taken full advantage of their amazingly dangerous 3 for 2 offer. She picked up this new little beauty as her free item, and decided to pass it onto me as she knows I'm obsessed with my pink lip colours!

A few years back, Clinique bought out their very own Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm. Since then, lip balm crayons have been a big hit in the beauty market. After the success of Clinique's Chubby Stick, high street brands such Revlon and Bourjois (to name a few...) have jumped on the bandwagon and released their own version of the lip crayon.

The Rimmel Lasting Finish Colour Rush Balm is a moisturizing coloured balm in a crayon form. It's available in a whole range of different colours, from delicate nudes to shocking reds. This balm are creamy, pigmented, moisturising and have a lovely finish. Rimmel's colour crayon gives more of a lipstick feel, rather than the glossy finish that I was initially expecting. The lightweight formula means that it's not sticky and doesn't feel tacky when applied.

After using this product for the past week, my lips feel soft and hydrated throughout the day. Best of all, it tends to stain the lips. This provides a long lasting coverage, even through eating and drinking! 'Rumour Has It' is a gorgeous bold pink colour, which looks perfect for both day and night. Big up to my mum for picking such a beautiful shade from the collection!

I'm not too sure how these would compare to other brands, because I have personally never tried them. However, I think this Rimmel version is perfect for everyday wear. After having a quick look at their range, each shade appears flattering for most skin tones. I love all of their colours and would personally wear every single one of them. I can't wait to pick a nude shade during my next trip to Boots!

Has anyone else tried these? How do you think they compare to other brands out there?

Benefit Purchases

Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer

Benefit Eye Bright Pencil

Whilst browsing in my local Debenhams store, I decided to spontaneously pick up a few bits from the Benefit counter. I've really grown to Benefit over the past year. Even though their products are slightly above my budget, they tend to last for aaaaages, so it's totally worth spending that extra bit of dollar.

Stay Flawless 15 Hour Primer: £24.50

Admittedly, I've never used a primer in my life. Ever. I'm quite lucky with my skin complexion as I don't tend to get a lot of spots or open pores. The soul reason I opted for this primer is because I wanted something to help keep my face looking flawless for hours on end... Having patchy foundation throughout the day is definitely not the best look! I've been using this primer daily for a week to see just how well it works.

The packaging is super cute and is rather similar to Topshop's makeup range with the polka dots and plastic style. It comes as a stick applicator, meaning application is mess free and perfect if you're constantly on-the-go.

Benefit Stay Flawless is a light beige colour which applies transparent, meaning it's suitable for all skin tones. The primer should be applied directly to cleansed but dry skin before immediately applying your foundation to help 'lock in' your base products. The initial idea is that the primer acts as a makeup magnet, helping you to achieve an immaculate look for up to 15 hours.

Since using this product, my makeup stays looking fresh all day. I would say that their 15 hour claim is a slight exaggeration... But it's enough to keep me going through my 8 hour shifts at work. I'm super happy to have found a product to help keep everything in place all day long, I'll definitely be purchasing this after it has run out.

Eye Bright Pencil: £15.50

Sometimes my hectic days at work are a little tough to keep up with, and I'm normally left feeling totally drained on a Monday morning after a jam-packed weekend. I've recently noticed that my lack of sleep leaves me with tired looking eyes with dark circles underneath. Luckily, I've discovered Benefit's Eye Bright Pencil for a perfect pick-me-up that I need throughout the week.

Touted as a 'coffee break in a stick', Eye Bright is designed to help brighten your eyes and help you look more awake. It's an almost-white milky pink shade, which is the perfect colour to give a subtle glow to suit all skin tones. The formula is creamy and smooth, making it super easy to apply and blend around the eyes.

Eye Bright is a versatile product that can go way beyond your eyes. You can use this product to brighten different areas of your face, such as under your brows and highlighting cheekbones. I do find that the colour can dissapear before long when used around the inner corners of my eyes. However, this product is really effective when used on the lower water line. The soft pink tone instantly creates a more open, brighter eye and is easy to top up on the go due to it's compact size.

The only drawback with the Eye Bright is that I do feel it is a little pricey. I'm hoping that it should last for a long time, otherwise I will begin my hunt for the perfect dupe.

What's your favourite Benefit product? Have you tried either of these?

Real Techniques Make Up Brushes

Real Techniques Powder Brush via iHerb

Real Techniques Core Collection (Contour Brush Pointed Foundation Brush, Detailer Brush, Buffing Brush) via iHerb

Real Techniques Blush Brush via iHerb

Yay! My Real Techniques brushes have finally arrived! I've been wanting these for so long now. I already own the Real Techniques Foundation Brush, which I got from Boots some time ago, and it is honestly one of the best brushes I've ever owned.

As most of you know, Real Techniques is a make-up brush brand by beauty guru Samantha Chapman at Pixiwoo. The brushes use synthetic hair, which not only means they are 100% cruelty free but they are extremely soft to help create a flawless, high-definition look. I absolutely love the appearance of these brushes - the gold & pink metallic finish make them look really sophisticated. The white tips also mean that you can keep your brushes super clean and hygenic, as you'll be able to tell when they're really dirty!

I purchased these brushes via a website called iHerb, which is based in the US. I came across the site and noticed that you could obtain brushes a lot cheaper than here in the UK. In total, I paid £27 for the lot. If I had bought these from my local Boots, it would have cost me £44.97. After ordering, my package landed in the UK just three days later. Admittedly, there was a bit of a dispute with DHL because my parcel got delivered to the wrong address by the driver (!), but my brand new brushes landed on my doorstep in a total of five days.

Contour Brush (Core Collection): This brush definitely lives up to it's name - the full and plush texture means you can apply bronzing and highlighting powders accurately to define your features. I normally use Benefit Hoola Powder when contouring, but the random brush provided often makes my face look patchy. After investing in this baby, that horrible little brush provided by Benefit is long gone!

Pointed Foundation Brush (Core Collection): Personally, I found this brush a bit too small for applying foundation - I would be in front of the mirror for hours! However, it makes a great highlighting tool for under my brow and cheek bones as it is very precise.

Detailer Brush (Core Collection): When I took this teeny tiny little brush out of the packaging for the first time, I thought to myself... What on earth could I possibly use this for? Since I don't wear concealer, I find this brush a bit redundant from my everyday make up routine. However, it can be used for touching up the edge of your lipstick and applying eyeshadow to the inner corners.

Buffing Brush (Core Collection): I was so excited to use this brush as I have heard such good things about it. And wow, it certinately lived up to my high expectation! This brush is fabulously well-balanced in density and flexibility, which makes it perfect for blending my liquid foundation without leaving any streaks. It provides a natural and even finish. This has definitely pushed my old foundation brush out of my collection!

Powder Brush: Now this is the biggest brush of the whole collection, but don't be put off! Like all of the Real Techniques brushes, the bristles are super soft and feel like satin against my skin. Just one swirl around my loose powder and it picks up enough product to effortlessly cover my whole face.

Blush Brush: This has a lot more movement compared to the rest of the brushes and it really easy to use with powder blush. The size and shape of this brush provides a natural flushed looked and perfectly blends my blusher across the apples of my cheeks without making me look like a clown!

If you decide you want to jump on the Real Techniques bandwagon, I highly recommend ordering from iHerb. Make sure you enter the code BCR859 at the checkout to bag yourself $10 off all orders over $40, or $5 off all orders under.... You're welcome :)

I'm so happy that I finally have these brushes in my life! What's your favourite Real Techniques brush?

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in 201 Classic Beige

For the past year or so, I have religiously used MAC foundation day in and day out. I found that most drugstore foundations made my skin appear blotchy and slightly orange, which means the colour of my face and neck wouldn't match up properly! When I started using the MAC Studio Fix Fluid, I honestly thought I would never step away, It gives such a flawless coverage and I will always stand by this product, despite the slightly expensive price tag. However, as the spring season creeps upon us, I feel that my MAC foundation may be a bit too heavy for warmer days and I'm currently craving something lighter which will allow my skin to breathe.

I've stumbled across tons of reviews on Rimmel's Wake Me Up Foundation, so thought I would give it a whirl! I must admit, I haven't really payed much attention to drugstore foundations over recent years... I was so surprised by all the unfamiliar bottles on display in my local Boots store. However, this bottle stood out instantly due to the bright orange bottle lid - such a lovely touch and instantly made me think of summer. Also, I like the fact it comes in a glass bottle as it appears more luxurious than most high street foundation.

The first thing I noticed when applying the liquid was its gorgeous scent. I guess most make up out there isn't meant to smell particularly good, but this one tickled my senses nicely. It is quite a creamy texture and applies lightly onto my skin - it makes such a difference after using a heavy matte foundation for so long. The bottle claims that the foundation will provide you with an "anti-fatigue effect and radiant glow", and I must say, it definitely lived up to it's word. The liquid contains teeny tiny sparkles, which helps to give an instant flawless look. Surprisingly, coverage lasts most of the day. I tend to add a slight dusting of my trusty MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in the afternoon to keep my face looking immaculate. 

It's fair to say that my faith in drugstore base make-up has been restored, thanks to this little beauty! What's your favourite foundation on the high street?

Michael Kors Selma Tote

Michael Kors Selma Tote Bag in Black via Nordstrom

Say hello to my gorgeous Michael Kors Selma Tote, most definitely my favourite handbag of all time. I purchased this beauty almost two months ago, and we haven't spent a day apart since!

I'd previously been eyeing up this bag for a good part of a year, but kept umming and ahhing because of the price... Could I really justify spending £315 on a handbag? After landing myself a new job at the end of last year and earning my first bonus, I finally gave into temptation. I just HAD to have it.

After trawling the internet search engines, I came to the realisation that the Selma Tote in Black had completely sold out in the UK. I eventually ordered the bag from Nordstrom, a famous department store in the US. With taxes and shipping included, my order came to a total of £320 (an extra £5, so worth it!). Around 12 days later, my new Kors landed on my doorstep here in the UK. And boy, was I excited to see her!

After tearing open the box, I knew instantly I'd made the right choice! The Selma Tote is a classic design that will never go out of fashion. The black colour means it goes with literally EVERYTHING in my wardrobe and instantly glams up any outfit. The 'wings' at each side helps to make a big statement, and the gold hardware looks very sophisticated. The leather is strong and durable, proving that this bag was worth the investment and will stay with me for years to come. Inside the tote is spacious with one large zip pocket and four smaller compartments, so your random bits and bobs won't get lost at the bottom. It also has a removable shoulder strap incase it becomes a bit too heavy to lug around.

So, what d'ya think of my Kors? Anyone else out there a Selma fan?

Bootea 14 Day Teatox

Bootea 28 day teatox

At the beginning of 2014, I promised myself that this would be the year I finally get back into shape after gaining a hideous amount of weight whist living away at University. Two and a half months into the New Year and I have stuck to my resolution for the first time EVER, super proud of myself!

I've always heard good things about 'teatoxes' and decided to try it out for myself. I came across the 14 day Bootea teatox packs and was instantly sold as it includes pure & natural ingredients to help detox your body. After getting my mum to jump on the Bootea bandwagon, we ordered the 28 day teatox and shared out the teabags between us which worked out a lot cheaper than buying two sets of tea.

After receiving my order within the next two days, I began my teatox. I can genuinely say that I enjoyed drinking the Daytime Cleanse tea. The noticeable taste of lemongrass left me feeling awake for most of the morning - I could have easily drank multiple cups of this for the rest of they day! However, I couldn't say the same for my Bedtime Cleanse... The strong taste of peppermint was not to my liking at all!

I purposely began my detox on a Friday morning, as the website suggested that you should start your cleanse on the weekend. This is because the Bedtime tea can have a laxative effect, all I can say is that I strongly recommend you follow this advice...!

Unfortunately, I experienced stomach pains throughout the night that kept me awake as my body started to de-bloat. Not ideal when you have to be up for work at 7am. I also felt nauseous for most of the day each time I drank the Bedtime Cleanse. I stuck to the detox as I was desperate to see the results at the end and find out if Bootea really was as good as it has appeared in marketing campaigns.

As my two weeks came to an end, I was a little dissapointed with the outcome. There is no denying that the tea helped to clear out my system, but I haven't noticed much difference in terms of bloating. I lost 5lb during my teatox, however I have been religiously dieting & hitting the gym since January and felt that this didn't really speed up the process of my weight loss.

All in all, I don't think I will be rushing to place my next order any time soon. I am genuinely gutted that my Daytime Cleanse teabags have finished due to the amaaaazing taste. However, the side effects I have experienced from the Bedtime Cleanse have completely put me off trying this again.


Has anyone else tried the Bootea Teatox? What did you think?

Leopard Print Heeled Sandals

Reiko Leopard Ponyskin Heeled Sandals - Missguided

Did I mention that I'm a little bit obsessed with leopard print?

I was browsing Missguided's website after they sent me a 15% off code (yay!) and came across these absolute beauties. It was definitely love at first sight!

I have been eyeing up all sorts of heeled sandals for a few weeks now, but these ones just fitted the bill perfectly. I was a bit reluctant of splurging at first, purely because opened toed shoes don't really appeal to me... Having your toes hanging out of the end of a shoe is so off putting. However, I literally couldn't resist pressing that order button when this gorgeous set appeared on my screen.

Apart from the animal print, the first thing that instantly drew me in was the block heel. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to high heeled shoes, so having a sturdy heel means I don't have the worry of getting sore feet. The golden trim around the heel perfectly compliments the style and helps take away the potential 'tackiness' that leopard print can sometimes give off.

This gorgeous pair can be worn both day and night, meaning the style possibilities are endless! I'll be pairing these with shorts, skirts and harem trousers during the summer months. These shoes definitely have that tough, yet chic vibe I've been craving for a while. I can't wait to wear them with my new LBD for my sister's birthday next weekend.

MAC Lipstick: Lovelorn

MAC Lovelorn Lustre Lipstick

As a birthday gift last month, I received my first ever MAC lipstick... I know what you're thinking, where have I been hiding?! I have become an absolute sucker for MAC products over the past year, so was pretty damn chuffed to receive my brand new Lovelorn lippy!

I have a ton of pink lipsticks in my collection and this one has instantly become a part of my everyday make-up routine. The Lustre finish gives off a glossy look, almost like a lipgloss. The lipstick applies smoothly due to the moisturising finish and leaves my dry lips feeling super soft.  Lovelorn's creamy texture means that it stays on for hours at a time and doesn't rub off immediately after eating or drinking.

The shade is a gorgeous, neutral soft pink which can be worn both day and night. I tend to wear one layer at the office, then build layers up for a deeper colour during the evening. The blue-based undertone compliments my skin colour perfectly to help give off that perfect girly shimmer without it looking too drastic. I will definitely be repurchasing this little necessity once I have used it all up.

What's your favourite MAC lipstick shade?