I Couldn't Help Myself... | Feel Unique

I Couldn't Help Myself... | Feel Unique

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Don't we all just feel the need to treat ourselves every once in a while?! Well, this month let's say I've treated myself maybe a little more than planned - resulting in my card sulking in the corner, pleading for me not to touch it for the next few months...

How could I not purchase something from FeelUnique at the minute though? They always have so many offers, deals and sales dropping into my emails I just couldn't resist. I also had a voucher from my last purchase that allowed me to reduce the final cost by £5 - a very happy bunny I was :-) 

Straight in my online basket was the most beautiful eyeshadow I've ever laid my eyes on - SERIOUSLY! The Moondust collection from Urban Decay is stunning and being an addict to all things glistening I just had to get it. The 'iridescent sparkle' and '3-D metallic' tones bounce off the eyeshadow in sunlight, making it super pretty to gaze at. The foundation colour of the shadow is a salmon pink but the layering glitters range from silvers, purples, blues and greens. Solstice really matches the intergalactic theme of the range and reminds me of everything space related. GET ON MY LIDS - that sounded weird?!

My second main purchase was the Mary-Lou Manizer from the Balm. I'm in love with the gorgeous champagne colour the pigmented formula creates with a swipe of a brush. There is so much product in this compact so it is totally worth the money and also holds a large mirror for handy travel purposes. I cannot wait to wear this throughout the colder months to keep me glowing. Highlighting the inner corner and brow bone with this would further be an option for me; champagne toned highlights look beautiful on the eye. 

Finally, I decided to add a couple cheaper items to my basket so I could nab myself a couple of samples. I was in need of a new red liner so a Rimmel Exaggerate lip liner (Red Diva) was added followed closely by some flutter-y T-Burr lashes. I've wanted Bambi Eyes for a while now; they are so natural looking and perfect for wearing on a day-to-day basis when my eye lashes are looking sparse and feeble. My two free samples included the Emma Hardie Protect and Prime and a 50ml sample of the the St. Moriz Self Tanning lotion. 

Have you purchased from FeelUnique before?! What beauty products have you bought this month? 

Love

Drugstore Dupes for those Highend Holy Grails

Drugstore Dupes for those Highend Holy Grails

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What could a beauty blog viewer love more than being introduced to a bargainous version of their fave product(s)/one they've been longing for for about 13 and a half years?! Take a wild guess at what I've got in store for you all today? I'm thrilled to announce that I'm back to beauty (finally!!!) - I've missed this too much. So...what other way can I make up my insane lack of makeup based content than a cheeky deal for you all to get your hands on - it's a good 'un! It get's better...I thought I really owed it to you so I've made sure to find a few dupes for some all time favourite highend beauty products.

Mac Studio Fix NC15 VS Bourjois 123 Perfect 51

In terms of colour, both in the bottle and on the face, these foundations are identical. They are both cool-toned, which is fabulous to counteract my blotchy red areas and are the closest matches to my skin colour I've ever found. When it comes to coverage, these are the ones I go to for that medium-full, flawless finish. Each dry to give a satin/matte finish, which you may think is strange considering I have dry skin. However, neither cling to dry matches or focus on any rough areas I may so have. The only problem is, the MAC one can become very cakey looking on the face so to avoid that, apply thin even coats on top of each other making sure to buff lightly into the skin. Onto lasting power now, I must say that if you like your makeup to last all night, I advise to pay that little bit extra and purchase the MAC option. This is because it last roughly 4 hours more than the drugstore one.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer VS NYX HD Photogenic Concealer

For those looking to eliminate dark circles, imperfections and redness, don't hesistate to carry on reading! Not only do these both give an insane full coverage (a fundamental feature in my case - when choosing a concealer to hide those dark, zombie undereyes) but they both glide effortlessly onto the skin without dragging or irritating my skin. I've found in the past that some concealer wants can be quite rough and make my eyes red/sore. The only difference I can state about these two is that the NARS one feels much more luxurious and fulfilling on the skin, the formula is heavenly and sinks perfectly in places you wish to be rid of and correct. Finally, both concealers have a great tendency to last the entire day without creasing - HUGE BONUS! Grab your hands on either of these if anything above ticked your concealer hunting list.

Benefit Rockateur VS Bourjois Jasper Rose

In the photos, we can see that there colours look slightly 'off' - Rockateur has minor peachy tones whereas Jasper Rose is just plain pink. Despite this colour mishap at first glance, when applied to the cheeks, I kid you not, they give off the same healthy, rosy glow. A little goes a long way; each product being so high on the pigmentation scale means only a sweep on the brush can give you your desired look. Anyone who is still unsure of splashing out £24 on a single blush, I suggest you go down to boots and get your hands on this before purchasing. 

Benefit They're Real VS Collection Lenthening Mascara

The couple claiming to both lengthen and define are neck and neck. Using Collection's mascara sincerely surprised me - I was not expecting it to match that of Benefit's infamous They're Real. With alike wands, the formula is applied in the exact same way. Bottom lash application is also simple as the wand ends are very slim so are able to get in there without being too messy. Honestly, I cannot fault the Collection mascara in any way; the final look on the eyes are very very V E R Y similar so similar I may do an in depth review on these two just to prove how much. The only things I could mention, if I was to be really picky, is that the Benefit one is easier to remove and overall slightly lengthens the lashes by 1mm more. THE BEST DUPE OF THE POST!

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss Liar VS Barry M Toffee Ligloss

Urban Decay's Naked collection is an evergrowing love of every beauty fanatic nowadays. More recently, I have seen people purchasing the beautiful rose gold lipgloss tubes, which I have to say I'm in love with deeply. In my collection, I realised I have a lipgloss that can be compared quite closely. Regardless of the differentation in colours (seen in swatches above) the Barry M lipglosses have a dupe-like formula to that of the Urban Decay lip products. Both with a smooth glossy finish, you would not be able to tell the difference on the lips aesthetically and personally - a great bargain if I do say so myself. The only downfall is that the UD ones have better pigmentation and the Barry M ones can become rather sticky after several layers of applicance. 

Chanel Coco Rouge Lipshine Satisfaction VS L'Oreal Collection Privee Cheryl's Nude 

My all time favourite nude is Chanel's Satisfaction - not too pale, not too dark. Personally, I believe this to be a very sophisticated and flattering colour regardless of skin tone/preference. L'Oreal's nude collection could mirror that of this gorgeous Chanel shade; with 6 colours in the range, you can find your perfect nude for a cheaper price. In my opinion, Cheryl's Nude strikes drugstore Satisfaction to a T - I'm really into a nude lip this Summer. If you want that more luxurious feel and richness on the lips, you can go all the way and pay £25 for Satisfaction! Equally, each have a very subtle finish and pigmentation on the lips which makes it evermore the classier - I'm just in love with this lippie!

Mac Lady Danger VS E.L.F Velvet Rope

Hot, orange goodness to brighten up your Summer, Mac's Lady Danger and E.L.F's Velvet Rope can help you make a statement this season. Despite the different finishes, you can save £12 to get an exact colour match. As Lady Danger is has a matte finish, it is therefore longer lasting and can honestly stay on your lips for an entire day/night. On the other hand, E.L.F's moisturizing formula has a slightly glossier finish so can end up rubbing off in a couple of hours. It's down to you to decide - moisturzing, cheap but not long-lasting or matte, long-lasting but expensive?

Nars Audacious Charlotte VS Rimmel Kate Moss 107

Colour - With Rimmel's Kate Moss 107 shade being the Autumn craze over the last few years, I would like to inform all you owners of this berry beast that it mimicks that of the Nars Audacious Lipstick collection. Deep berries are my go-to every Autumn/Winter, like most beauty bloggers, so I thought I'd share this good lil dupe. The shades are very alike in the swatches above, as well as looking identical on the lip. Lasting power is 10/10 for both but the formula can become very drying and flake with the Rimmel option. To avoid this from happening, all you need is a little bit of lip balm to apply beforehand and your flaking nightmare will be over. 

Mac Rebel Lipstick VS Maybelline Colour Drama Berry Much

Colour - I won't declare this as the classic 'save the best till last' but this dupe comes close to one of my faves. Being a huge fan of the Maybelline Colour Drama pencils has become no surprise to me, the easy application, the rich colour, the variety in colour range and longevity of the product has been a massive YES from me! I would totally compare the darkest shade, Berry Much, to one of my Mac holy grails - REBEL! Similar in both satin finish, formula and intense berry colour you cannot go wrong with this dupe. For a third of the price, I would totally recommend all of my viewers to get your hands on this, especially before Autumn approaches.

What are your favourite dupes? 

Lots of love

Top Ten High End Beauty Picks | Collab w/ WILDFLOWERMAKEUP

Top Ten High End Beauty Picks | Collab w/ WILDFLOWERMAKEUP

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Today I've paired up with a new fellow blogger friend - Daisy Watkins - to give you all a taste of my top ten high end makeup products and Daisy's top ten drugstore makeup products. Her links will be at the bottom of the post so do NOT forget to check her blog out. Let's take it away..just incase this post becomes too long!

Estee Laude Bronze Goddess ~ A wonderful warm-toned bronzer, perfect for all skin types, with a powder formula that is just as pigmented as any cream based one. It can be very easy to go overboard with bronzing/contouring so the easy-to-build pigmentation of the product fits the job! Not only is this featured in my top ten, it is my number one bronzer, a staple in my collection and I'm sure it will be for a long time! A swipe of this and you're a glowing 'goddess' - the tiny golden glitters running throughout make this great for the coming Summer months!

Mac Studio Fix Fluid (NC15) ~ For those who love a good ol' full coverage foundation, then this one is for you also. Mac's Studio Fix Fluid will leave your skin looking completely flawless with no redness or blemishes in sight. However, I would be careful not to over apply the product as it can become cakey looking on the face. Overall, this product leaves you with a sleek satin finish base.

Mac Woodwinked ~ Hands down the best eyeshadow that has worked for me in my life. Woodwinked would look great on anyone as the gold glitter and olive undertones can ultimately accentuate any eye colour. Due to the varying colours within the shadow, the final effect on the lid looks incredible - a definite must-have in my opinion.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed ~ This is a fabulous Summer-compact holding a coral blush, warm bronzer and a peachy champagne highlight. An amazing palette that has 3 products in 1 for a price of just £22.50 - insane if you ask me, considering just a single highend face product costs the same amount as this. Urban Decay is a brand to look out for - especially the entire NAKED collection.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ~ This has been a new addition to my collection in the last week and I have fallen head over heels for it. It is the best concealer I've ever used - the soft, creamy formula makes the product blendable as well as feeling expensive on the face. Personally, I've loved using this concealer under my eyes to cover my horrific under eye circles or 'bags', brightening the centre of my face and highlighting specific areas that I wish to define.

Benefit Porefessional ~ Lightweight, silkiness and lasting power of products on top are things that I look for in my idyllic primer. Benefit's Porefessional covers my three main criteria as well as extending its fabulousness to minimize the appearance of pores. I don't have a huge issues with my pores but this just helps to even out my skin before applying a base; not forgeting the silky finish it leaves on your face.

Mac Fleur Power ~ For a pop of pink for Summer 2015, you have nothing better to rely on than Mac's gorgeous Fleur Power. This powder blush leaves the apples of your cheeks rosy and pink. Also, the colour is great for all year round - I would layer it up in Winter to give that realistic cold feeling but more subtely in summer, giving a sweet, girly sense. 

Bobbi Brown Mascara ~ I've owned this sample size for a couple of months and have utterly fallen in love with it - so much as I'm 100% purchasing the full size. I've only ever tried out samples of highend mascaras as I'm a bit tentative to spend a lot on something that expires quickly/runs out fast. However, I have found to be exceedingly suprised with this one due to its ability to separate, lengthen and thicken my lashes - not forgetting how long wearing it is.

Chanel Coco Rouge Shine Satisfaction ~ I've talked about this bad boy enough so go and check it out in another post if you want to see it up close and personal. Satisfaction has to be the world's perfect nude lipstick, a great lasting power and a silky, luxurious feel to the lips. With a visually crazy price of £25 for a lipstick, you are not wasting your money! 

Mac Rebel ~ Another of my favourite lipsticks that I've mentioned 100s of times. This lipstick is my go-to dark lip; an intense dark purple - another product that suits absolutely anyone. The only thing to look out for is the insane staying power - so much as it leaves your lips stained for a while...

If all of my options are a bit too pricey for your eye or are looking for a dupe that doesn't cost quite as much, definitely check out Daisy's post by clicking HERE! Don't forget to check out her instagram account too - @wildflowermakeup. I've loved working with her and she is a fab girl <3

Love

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss ~ LIAR

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss ~ LIAR

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Packaging

Encased in a rose gold tube with 'NAKED' embossed largely in the centre, it is safe to say that Urband Decay have one of the most beautifully styled products on the market. This nifty gloss is compact in a fairly thin tube, perfect for travelling, as well as holding a hell of a lot of product. So far, so good...and we've only been talking about the aesthetics?! The applicator is  doe-foot, further helping to create precisice appliance.

Shade

Colourwise, I would describe this to be a muted pink with equitably warm and cool undertones; the finish is slightly glossy but not excessively shiny. This has to be an ultimate spring shade, gorgeous paired with a pink top or pink accessories.  

Formulation

 A mix between a luxe balm and rich gloss, this product is laced with nourishing ingredients that are good for your skin/lips - such as Avocado Oil, Vitamin E and Shea Butter to hydrate and condition your lips. The formula is completely lightweight and great for those who despise sticky glosses, as this is in no way sticky at all!

Pigementation 

When discussing pigmentation, I would say these glosses aren't overly pigmented (the lighter colours are fairly sheer when I swatched in store). The fact the colour pay off isn't intense makes them ideal to use over a similar coloured lipstick, or alone for a simple and more natural wash of colour.

Left - LIAR alone, Liar paired with Revlon Matte Balm in Elusive

Love

Pink Lips, Winged Liner & Simple Shadow

Pink Lips, Winged Liner & Simple Shadow

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Products used:

Primer - Smashbox Photofinish

Foundation - Mac Studio Fix Fluid NC15

Concealer - Maybelline Instant Anti-Age Eraser in Light

Contour - Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess (Temples and Cheekbones)

Blush - Mac Fleur Power 

Highlight - Benefit Watts Up

Eyebrows - Rimmel Pencil in 001 Dark Brown

Eyeshadow - Naked Basics 2 palette (Stark on lid and Cover in crease) 

Eyeliner - Soap and Glory Super Cat Liner

Mascara - Revlon Lash Potion

Lipstick - Mac Lovelorn 

I thought that today I would upload a pretty simple makeup look because I haven't in a while and lot of people enjoyed them previously. I love how gorgeous the finish is of the Mac foundation - I luuurve high coverage. The lipstick adds a lovely pop of colour to the look, as I decided to do simple eyes for those, like myself, who haven't yet mastered the art of eyeshadow-ing! I've also been really into winged liner recently and it fits perfectly with this little daytime designed face. 

Hope you all have an amazing weekend!

Love

P.S. Hoping to upload tomorrow too if I get the chance (Hint - It's all about concealers)

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

Urban Decay Naked Basics 2

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If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I am a crazy Urban Decay fan - especially when it comes to their ultra pigmented, buttery eyeshadows. I have been using this little palette throughout the whole of January and I cannot get enough of it! 

Naked Basics 2 holds all matte shadows (with the execption of skimp - it is slightly shimmery), all of which are neutral and highly wearable for anyone. I am in love with all the names - all cheekily related to the whole 'Naked' range. There are two lighter shades and the rest of the palette is orientated around taup-ier/grey colours...very similar to the Naked 2 which happens to be my most used and very well loved palette. 

Over the past month, I have been really into subtle eyeshadow with a slick feline flick. I have been wearing stark all over the lid, cover in the outer corner(also mixed with frisk in the crease) and finally skimp on the inner corner and brow bone. As skimp is the only shade that isn't purely matte, it looks beautiful when highlighting the brow bone. I'm also really into the warm tone cover beholds, as it really accentuates the eye shape and compliments hazel/brown eyes. Finally, when discussing the colours, I love how the darkest shade, undone, is not an intense black, as seen in the first Naked Basics palette. I think a muted black is far more wearable, perfect for wearing as smoked liner and nicer for creating more natural looks.

On the topic of formulation, this palette does not fail to meet my expectations. Like all my other Urban Decay palettes, the shades are all very buttery and pigmented. This makes it so much easier to blend the shadows, especially those being applied in the crease. I do this usually with my E.L.F Professional Eye Blending Brush. 

Overall, I must conclude that this is a definite must-have for those who are a cool-toned shadow fan, love matte shadows, are a lover of Urban Decay palettes, obsessed with neutral eyes or anyone who travels alot, since the palette is small and compact. I cannot compare this to the first and I don't own it/never tried it but let me know in the comments below if you loved it! 

What are your favourite products from Urban Decay? Do you like their eyeshadows as much as I do?

Love