CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE MASK

CLINIQUE MOISTURE SURGE OVERNIGHT MASK 

I've been loving alot of different face masks lately, mainly hydrating masks because my skin is fairly dry and I tend to get patches around my face where my skin becomes tighter. In the past they have been more budget, purse friendly face masks but I've wanted to try Clinique's Moisture Surge Range since it was released because it's had such rave reviews. 

The Mask itself is by far the best moisture, hydrating mask I've used so far. Despite the price I've seen more instant changes in my skin from this than I have from any other mask in the past. It's a pink-y/white gel type cream, very similar in colour and texture to the Moisture Surge Face Cream. Very hydrating and sinks in almost immediately leaving a light, hydrating film over my skin once everything has sunk in. Once I applied it before bed and let it sink in and I wake up with smooth, dewy skin. Usually when I wake up my skin is quite irritable with a few dry patches dotted around but after using this mask before bed there was none of this, my skin felt so soft and plump. My fave face mask so far!

AUTUMN WISHLIST

ESSIE BORDEAUX - SKINNY JEANS - CHELSEA BOOTS - MARC JACOBS WATCH  

PLEATED CAMI - DENIM JACKET - BOBBI BROWN BROW KIT 

Autumn is in full swing and it's finally here, leaves are across the ground and the mild weather and darker nights and settled in. I'm slowly adding more and more to my so called 'imaginary' list but I needed something in concrete so I could focus more. Some of these items/products have been on my list or even in my mind for a while, a good few months anyway and others I've just stumbled across and thought they'd be great and a perfect staple piece to take me through to the new year.

I probably have a longer beauty wishlist than fashion because although I am into fashion I tend to pick up a new piece here and there whereas when it comes to beauty, if there's a new launch I have to have it or if a blogger has boasted about how good a product is I have to get my hands on it. I find it easier to blog about beauty as well because that's what I'm most interested in and what I find comes quite simple although you never know things may change, as they always do... 

On the other hand, I shall must update my wardrobe through the different seasons, because of my recent holiday my wardrobe seems to be 3/4 full of summer clothes that I just can't wear here. I may get away with them if there's another heatwave sometime soon but I highly doubt that, so for Autumn/Winter weather I need more clothes, more suitable clothes. Any Excuse to go shopping, this one isn't an excuse though! 

SEPTEMBER FAVOURITES

MAC 217 BRUSH - MAC LIPSTICK - TOM FORD PERFUME - COLLECTION PALETTE - BOURJOIS HIGHLIGHTER/BRONZER - RIMMEL BLUSH - SIMPLE CREAM

This Month I've been loving a far few new products, I just couldn't help myself. I have spent most
 of this month away from home on holiday but this give me a chance to use specific products that I wouldn't normally use at home. I also took a few new beauty buys away with me as well as picking some up in the Duty Free, of course!

The MAC 217 Blending Brush I wrote about in my Favourite Five Brushes and this one is an instant favourite of mine and will be for a long time. It's so easy to use, packs everything on with no fall out and there's no fuss when it comes to washing it.

MAC lipstick in Creme Cup, I am in love with this colour. It's a beautiful, understated pink tone that's a your lips but better colour. It's the same tone and shade as my own lips so this only makes them look fuller and plumper. Applies seemlessly, doesn't dry out my lips or flake through the day. 

Tom Ford Velvet Orchid is my favourite perfume and will be for a very long time, you can't go wrong with Tom Ford. The scent isn't overpowering or sickly and lingers for a long time without  having to continually re-spray wasting the perfume. I love this, I mean LOVE.

The Collection Work the Colour Nude Eye Palette I recently posted about here, for the price I paid I never expected so much from this. The shadows are so creamy and last so long, they apply and pack on beautifully, really long lasting without any fall out and there's no glitter!

Bourjois Highlighter and Bronzer in one is a product I'll always take away with me, especially when. It's so easy to use, smells fantastic and the products apply so naturally. Again they blend beautifully and look so natural and flawless on the skin, I can only say great things about Bourjois. 

Rimmel Blush in Santa Rose, a very understated cult beauty product. This blush is so gorgeous on the skin and applies only as if it's your own skin flushing. It's a very subtle yet buildable blush and  you can never go over board, although it is buildable it's very hard to apply too much. 

Simple Illuminating Radiance Face Cream is something I've been using constantly since around August time, so not long enough to tell a difference but long enough to know whether my skin likes it or not. This is so moisturising and soothing but it's so simple, as the name suggests. 
It adds radiance to your skin, a little sheen without making you look like a disco ball from the 80's.



THE BEST OF BRUSHES

BAREMINERALS FACE BRUSH - REAL TECHNIQUES BLUSH BRUSH - REAL TECHNIQUES CORE COLLECTION - MAC 217 BLENDING BRUSH - REAL TECHNIQUES STARTER SET

We all have our favourites brushes we can't let go of, even when we really should. Although coming to the realisation as to which brushes are your favourite takes some time, I've been collecting brushes over the past few years.

FACE: The BareMinerals Full Flawless Face Brush is something I'll never part with, I already have a few back-ups at the ready. The packaging is so simple and sleek, it's easy to wash and dries super quickly. The bristles are so soft and buff my powdered products in perfectly, when I use them with a liquid foundation I tend to have a few hairs stuck to my face, slightly awkward...

The Real Techniques Blush Brush is a CULT make-up brush that can be used for several different things. Foundation, Blusher, Bronzer - you name it, this has probably already done it!
It blends everything in effortlessly, with no fall out from the product or the bristles on the brush. What I love the most is how long the handle is which makes it easier to grip when you're buffing products into the skin. 

The Real Techniques Contour Brush is part of the Core Collection and I use this more for concealer just because of the domed end which is good for getting into the corner of your eyes. It's so soft and blends concealer in so seamlessly. 

EYES: If you've read my recent Duty Free you'll see I finally got my hands on the MAC 217 Blending Brush and all I can say is Wow, where have I been! This is perfect for Eyeshadow and I've been using this non-stop, I'll use any excuse just to use it.  This makes eyeshadow look flawless because it packs everything on, with no fall out and blends perfectly.

Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush is another budget favourite of mine, it's easy to use, no hassle or fuss and this comes in the Real Techniques Starter Set. There's no fall out from the brush and I love how each different set of brushes come in different colours so they're alot easier to identify. This brush packs everything on, blends beautifully and you can use this either with shadows or concealer due to the rounded end it has compared to other flatter, thicker eyeshadow brushes.

BEACH BAG: HOLIDAY EDITION

I'm sure you could of guessed this was coming, I just had to do this post as I was away. It's a must when someone goes away as I am fairly nosey, I say fairly. What's in my beach bag? It's pretty typical of a standard beach bag, similar to what you'd put in.

Sandals of course have to be Havaiana's just because they're so comfy and durable, easy to wear and don't tear my feet apart. I mentioned in a previous post I was reading The Rivers of London, still plodding along slowly but surely I'm getting there. River Island Sunglasses, (from the mens section of course) these ones are really comfy and stylish and go with any outfit I wear.

Of course there's my staple and well loved Palmer's Cocoa Butter, for when I'm lacking a little moisture, perfect for when you want hydration quick and easy. An SPF Lip Balm, I can't leave home without one because the last thing I want is dry, burnt lips whilst I'm away. Simple Radiance Cream is what I've recently switched to, my skin is loving it and I'll be reviewing this beauty further down the line. A standard Primark Beach Towel and lastly Piz Buin which can never do any wrong, I always use this stuff and swear by it every holiday, I slowly work myself down the SPF Ladder from 30 to 10.

THE PERFECT PALETTE ON A BUDGET

Before I came away I was looking for a small and compact eye shadow palette that was easy to take away with me and didn't break the bank. Collection Work the Colour have two Palettes worth spending your dinner money on and starving till tea time comes. The Nude Eye Palette and Smoky Eye Palette both have a great selection of shades and although the packaging isn't too special or fancy, for the price you're paying who cares!?
The Nude Eye Palette has a total of nine shades, all perfect for a nude eye and each one is suited to different skin tones. There's also a highlight shade to use either on your cheekbones or eyes, it really is multi-functional.  

The Shades are so rich and creamy and all have great colour pay off, they're easily blendable and glide on like a dream, there's no fall out or glitter and it packs on perfectly.This one is great for shoving in your bag when you don't have time to do a eye make-up look but it's really easy to apply and use wherever, whenver. This is the Palette I'll be re-stocking up on when push comes to shove. Collection have definitely hit the nail on the head with this one, for me anyway! This Palette is only around the £3 mark and it's a perfect choice instead of choosing something unhealthy for dinner, been there, done that

THE COLOURS OF CANCUN

On a recent post I mentioned I was off on my holidays to the Carribean but didn't specify where, I think you've all guessed by the title! I'm topping up my tan and sunning myself out in Mexico with a Bailey's in one hand and a Book in the other, I'm currently reading the Rivers of London. So far so good, it's more of a crime book but based on a ghost story so I've really been getting into it.
But more to the point the Bailey's are going down exceptionally well and my tan is coming along nicely. It's a perfect break before winter sets in back home, by the time I get home it'll be October and that just means Christmas is not too far away.
Being on Holiday and posting everyday while you're on holiday for two weeks is something only superhereos can do, me on the other hand I tried that and I failed, miserably. I wrote posts that weren't even interesting, the pictures were lacking in quality and detail and the writing was rushed and to be honest everything seemed a little rubbish. Not that my blog is perfect because I have only just started out but to me things weren't up to standards plus it gives me a little time to relax and un-wind.
Out here, everything is so beautifully colourful and they have so much to offer. Not only isit good weather all year round but people are friendly, everyone is happy. I love all the colours in everything I pass, it all looks so stunning set out in the glorious Mexican Sunshine.
Hope you're all well, Lots of Love, Kate. x 

EYES WIDE OPEN

I've been searching for a nude eyeliner that does it's job well but doesn't break the bank and to be honest, no-one wants to spend a ton on a liner! Rimmel had just the thing, a perfect affordable nude liner that lines my eyes beautifully.

Rimmel ScandalEyes Nude Eyeliner is a very creamy, easy to use liner that stays put on my water line. Using a nude liner on your lower water eye line opens your eyes, makes you look and appear more awake and lifts your eyes.(Perfect for when you haven't had much sleep!) 

It's super creamy and glides on easily without tugging or pulling at the eye and it's completely waterproof so this is perfect to use on the water line. The colour pay off is great just from one stroke, very pigmented and bright in colour. Also claims to be smudge-proof, sweat-proof and heat-proof so it won't budge at all through the day. You can pick this up for around £4, complete bargain!

DUTY FREE

You know the drill, You walk through Duty Free and wish you could buy everything. I must admit, I treated myself to a few things but I think there's a limit and that limit is when you've basically spent everything in your purse and more!

Remember my brush wishlist a few weeks ago? I'll link it here if you don't. But anyway, I listed the MAC 217 Blending Brush as part of my wishlist and it's something I've wanted to buy for a while. Every beauty blogger seemed to have it but me. That is until now, I headed over to MAC straight away knowing what I wanted to buy in my head. Not only did I buy the MAC 217 brush but I also bought a Lipstick in Creme Cup. I'll admit I saw this on Hello October and immediately fell in love with the colour. It's a your lips but better, very natural and subtle but really helps you lips look plump and beautifully nude. It's my new everyday staple and something I'll continually go back to and reach for.

This one I just had to, The Tom Ford Velvet Orchid is a beautiful piece to own, the smell is so distinctive yet subtle and the packaging is like no other. Stunning Gold on Purple just glimmers in the light.

BEAUTY ABROAD

The one thing I struggle with when I'm going away is Make-up, whether to take it or not and how much I take. I try to take my everyday make-up but then a few little extras, powders, creams and a contrast of dark to light colours. But I need it all compact in order to fit into my make-up bag, plus I know I'm not gonna use alot.

First thing is foundation, one that suits my natural skin tone then another that is slightly darker to suit my tanned complexion and I want something light that I'm used to but also something that will suit my skin type and one that I know I can trust and what my skin gets on with. (Not forgetting the concealer for those late nights and jet lag!)

Next is Bronzers, Blushers and Highlight shades which I need powders and cream versions in most so I can wear some during the day on its own at the pool or at night over my foundation when I want a full face of make-up on.

Eyebrows and Eyeliners are a must when it comes to me as my eyebrows are something I have to have drawn and perfected. I need a coloured gel I can use when I want a more natural look but also a pencil when I need to fill them in after a much needed tweezing session! I need to take a Nude Eyeliner as well to make me look like I've had my eight hours sleep every night and not been drinking or lacking in energy.

I need lipglosses, I'm only taking two this time plus a lip balm because the last thing I want to fuss with is this. I'm taking two Revlon Lip Stains, one a more neutral pink shade and another alot more brighter and out there pink-y red.

And Lastly, Eyeshadows and a mix of colours I can change looks either from a natural bronzed eye or a heavy smokey look. Everything has to be compact and in a palette, that alone makes everything a million times easier! I love experimenting with different looks but don't often find the time but on holiday I want to make more of an effort, but also be able to spend two minutes on my make-up and be happy with it so I can enjoy myself.

CARRY-ON CRUCIALS

If I said I'm excited that would be an understatement because Today I'm off on my holidays, it's been a long time waiting but it's finally here thank god! Off on a plane to the Caribbean Sunshine, sipping cocktails all day long and laying in the sun catching a tan. (I can't complain!)

Skincare on a plane is a must for me especially on a ten hour flight because my skin dries out and then I turn into an irritable, grump idiot. My choice of hand cream is fairly obvious as this one is a staple for me that is constantly being repurchased. Palmer's Cocoa Butter, it's really moisturising and smells delicious (Like Holidays!)  

 

Simple Radiance Face Cream is a new find for me but oh man it's a good one, its great for sensitive skin and doesn't irritate or make me feel uncomfortable. Leaves my skin feeling soft, plump and moisturisied and it comes in a 50ml bottle so it's fab for travelling. 

Obviously I'm taking a Lip Balm, I can't stand my lips being dry and cracked especially on a ten hour flight where I have no access to a balm. I always have one in my bag, or on my desk at home even if I'm close to shop I'll go and buy one if I'm in need of one.

Another must on a plane is a Portable Charger in case my iPhone or iPad dies from being used too much, mine is from Asda and it's fairly simple and easy to use and lasts for a few charges. Tissues, because on every flight no matter what my nose runs like mad. I tend to feel like I have a cold on a flight and never have a tissue on hand. Earphone Splitter, just because this is a must when there's two of you and only one of you has the newest music, (and the best I'd like to add!)  

Then there's a Magazine, do I even have to say why. Sunglasses are a staple for when I reach the other end and the sun's shining.

3 IN 1 CLEANSING WATER

You know the drill guys, I needed a new cleanser and I was looking for something new to try and this just happened to catch my eye, (mainly because it was on offer!) 
 

This is great because it's for sensitive skin so it is gentler and calming on the skin and it's a 3 in 1 so it's kind of a multi-purpose product when it comes to taking your makeup off or wiping away all the dirt you've collected through the day. This is meant to cleanse deep into the skin, remove dirt and make-up and moisturise all in one.
 

It removes all my make-up quickly without me having to drag at my skin or go over areas where make-up's harder to remove. This is very simple and makes everything quick and easy! It doesn't leave my skin dry or tight, it leaves everything soft and smooth but doesn't strip my skin of any moisture. This cleanser makes the tiring task of taking my make-up off at the end of the day alot less annoying. It's definitely a new favourite of mine and I can never find a cleanser that ticks all the boxes but still leaves my skin soft and clean, this one however does everything I need it to!

CURRENTLY LOVING #4

NO7 MINERAL PERFECTION FOUNDATION

BEAUTY TO TRY THIS SEPTEMBER

BEAUTY HAUL

PRODUCT EMPTIES

ELF BEAUTY BOOK BRONZED LOOK

MAKE-UP BRUSHES WISHLIST

REVLON COLOURSTAY MOISTURE STAINS

SECRETS BEHIND FULLER, THICKER HAIR