Tuesday, April 30, 2013

April empties....

I'm sure we're all thinking 'where is this year going?!'  Am sure it's a sign of getting older!

I have quite a few empties this month and first of all I apologise for the quality of the photos in this post-I finished some things in my first trip to Cairo earlier in April and didn't want to bring them back to Dubai so took photos of them in the hotel. Then today when I was trying to take the rest of the photos I had somewhat of a camera mis-function then a very grumpy boyfriend who has come home and gone straight to bed meaning the rest of the photos have been taken on my iphone.  Note to self-must plan better!

I also thought this week I would be in Cairo for work and would then heading straight from Cairo to London for my friends wedding so this post *should* have gone up whilst I was in Cairo so I wanted to schedule it for the 30th.  However that trip has actually fallen through meaning a panicked flight cancellation and re-booking from Dubai to London and £800 down the drain thanks to the awkwardness of a certain airline I shall not name.  But I am waffling...let's get on to April's empties.

Lush Big Sea Salt shampoo and Bath and Body Works Sleep body wash

Lush Big Sea Salt shampoo

Loved this sea salt heavy shampoo.  It was featured in my April 7/11 post so you can read all about it there and how it's weird but good!  I must buy some more when I am in the UK as I discovered it was DOUBLE the retail price at Lush in Dubai-shame on you Lush!

Would I repurchase?  Yes!

What have I replaced it with?  Currently using VO5 Gloss Me Smoothly

Bath and Body Works 'Sleep' Body Wash

I wouldn't usually review a shower gel as I normally just buy supermarket brands-AND I know you can't get BABW in the UK so it's a bit mean to include it but I really do love this shower gel.  It smells delicious-really calming and soothing and perfect before bed.  It's a really thick and luxurious gel and well worth spending a few extra pounds/dollars/dirhams on.  Because it is such good quality you automatically need to use less and so this lasted me ages.

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced it with?  L'Occitane Cherry Princess

The Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub

Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub

This is a creamy but abrasive body scrub.  I didn't like it as much as the Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body scrub which I reviewed here.  The kernels in this scrub are set in a cream whereas the kernals in the lemon version are set in a gel.  I found the lemon scrub to be so lovely to use, it didn't feel as abrasive but was equally as effective and was so easy to wash off.  This scrub was more difficult to wash off without leaving residue.

Would I repurchase?  No-I preferred the lovely lemony scrub

What have I replaced it with?  An Origins body scrub I am loving with spearmint in it

L'Occitane Ultra Rich Lotion

L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Lotion

This was a travel size lotion I received in a birthday gift.  I was a little reluctant to try it because I thought it might be very heavy and sticky but I was so pleasantly surprised!!  It was lovely and rich yet felt light and easily absorbed on the skin leaving a lovely sheen and moisturised skin all day.  I much prefer this to a body butter.  I literally devoured this bottle, I loved it!  It was not heavily scented so won't interfere with your perfume if you apply it after your morning shower.

Would I repurchase?  Absolutely!

What have I replaced it with?  Bath and Body Works Ginger and Orange Body Cream

Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 make up remover and Simple Eye Make Up Remover

Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 make up remover and Simple Eye Make Up Remover

If you have read any of my other empties posts you'll probably not be surprised to see this delightful duo featured again!!  These 2 are my holy grail eye make up removers!  You can read my reviews here of why I love these two so much!

Would I repurchase?  Is the Pope Catholic?

What have I replaced it with?  The same products!

Jane Iredale Dot The I

Jane Iredale Dot The I

I picked up these handy make up remover swabs from Cult Beauty and I love just having them in my handbag to clean up any mascara smudges.  Very effective and easy to use, my only criticism is that it would be better if they were individually wrapped so I didn't have to carry the whole box around with me and could just chuck a couple in my handbag.

Would I repurchase?  On the fence really...have found since using an eyelash primer I haven't been suffering any mascara smudges-I do think these are useful though.

What have I replaced this with?  I have thrown a miniature Lancome Bi Facil in my make up bag plus some individually wrapped cotton buds from Suqqu

Mac Blot Powder

Mac Blot Powder

Mac Blot Powder

Another product I go through regularly-again I won't review it again but you can read why this is another HG product for me here

Would I repurchase?  Already have-there is always one in my make up bag

What have I replaced this with?  See above!

Illamasqua Loose Powder in 010 and Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

Illamasqua Loose Powder in 010 and Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

Illamasqua Loose Powder in 010

This is one of Illamasqua's most popular products and is the translucent 'white' shade.  I couldn't get this in any of the Dubai concessions and ended up buying this in the UK and having it shipped it me.

Plus sides-this didn't leave the 'ashen' powdery effect I found when I used the Make Up For Ever version of this powder.  The smell is delicious-it's like sweets!  It lasted ages and ages.
The downsides-You can't travel with it as the powder just falls into the lid meaning when you open it it's full of powder and very messy.  I travel a lot so I left this at home and took the below Nars powder with me which was similar but in a pressed format.

Great for setting your make-up without adding extra colour.  More suited to paler skins I think

Would I repurchase?  I'd probably try something different to be honest

What have I replaced it with?  Various powders on the go at the moment-but the setting powder I am using is the Mac Prep and Prime translucent setting powder.

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Powder

This is a great product that again I featured in my March 7/11 post.  It's not chalky at all and leaves a really nice sheen on the skin.  Brilliant for travelling, my only criticism is that I hit pan really quickly and it didn't last more than a month.

Would I repurchase?  It's such a difficult call because there are some amazing new powder launches at the moment-Hourglass have brought out their amazing range of Ambient Light powders and Chanel have brought out Les Beiges.  I love discovering something new.

What have I replaced this with?  Using Hourglass Diffused Light Ambient Powder which is brilliant

Espa Lift and Firm Intensive Eye Serum, Clarins Eye Contour Balm

Espa Lift and Firm Intense Eye Serum

This was a trial size which I am honestly glad about as I didn't like it at all.  I was glad I hadn't splashed out and bought a full size tube as it retails at £55 for a 15ml tube.  This serum is supposed to firm, hydrate and diminish the appearance of fine lines whilst de-puffing and brightening.  I found the texture to be horribly runny and you wasted a lot of product squeezing it out of the tube.  However I think the full size version may have a pump which would avoid this problem.  I used this in the evenings and didn't experience any visible benefit.  I didn't even feel it was luxurious and nourishing to apply.  A thumbs down from me sorry Espa

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced this with?  Eysilix

Clarins Eye Contour Balm

This soothing lotion has been my morning eye cream for what seems like months!  It's the never ending tube of eye cream!  It's more of a lotion than a balm and I found it to be quite basic-very suitable for sensitive skin and provides a nice smooth base for under eye make up.

Would I repurchase?  Probably not although I think this was my second or third tube of it

What have I replaced it with?  Origins Ginzing

Mac Prep and Prime lash primer and Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash

Mac Prep and Prime lash primer

One of my favourite discoveries of 2013!  This lash primer literally doubles the length and thickness of your lashes, stops any mascara smudges throughout the day and means your mascara looks as perfect at 8pm as it did at 7am.  It's literally amazing.  It has a slightly thick texture you apply before mascara before the primer is dry.

Would I repurchase?  Yes definitely

What have I replaced this with?  I am now convinced that lash primers are a vital part of my every day make up routine!!  I have bought the Lancome Oscillation Power Booster lash serum to try and it has a much thinner texture than the Mac one.  I don't like it as much as it doesn't seem to make my lashes quite as full.

Mac Prep and Prime lash primer and Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash

Make Up For Ever Aqua Smoky Lash masacra (sample size)

This was a GWP I picked up last summer.  This is the waterproof version of the best selling smoky lash mascara.  Being waterproof I would have expected it to be smudgeproof but I found when I applied it to my lashes it did smudge under my eyes.  That's a big turn off for me when it comes to mascara.  However, I did find that on a particularly emotional day I did put the waterproof aspect to the test and it was indeed waterproof.  When I combined it with the Mac Prep and Prime lash the smudging disappeared.  It definitely volumises and lengthens (again I think this is the effect of the lash primer) and is very black-which is a big plus in my book.  However, it's not as amazing as mascara's such as the Lancome Hypnose Star and YSL Faux Cils and the brush shape made it difficult to get right to the roots of the lashes.

Would I repurchase?  No

What have I replaced this with?  Chanel Le Volume De Chanel

Ralph Lauren Romance Eau De Parfum

Ralph Lauren Romance

I used to wear this when I was younger and it has a certain nostalgia and evokes certain memories in me.  I bought this back in December and have been wearing it-I like the fact it's light and suitable for day.  I also like it when certain smells evoke certain happy memories-who doesn't?

Would I repurchase?  Yes

What have I replaced this with?  Having a bit of a perfume binge at the moment and mixing it up between several Jo Malone perfumes, Isse
y Miyake and Molecule 01.

Bath and Body Works candles in Cranberry Pear Bellini and Energy

Finally I finished up these 2 Bath and Body Works candles.  These are the travel size ones and I pack them on my business trips to burn in the room and make it feel more homely and less like a thousand people have stayed in the room before me.

I love the light and fruity Cranberry Pear Bellini and the Energy candle is flavoured with Orange and Ginger for a burst of sharp scented energy.  I've got lots of Bath And Body Works candles so I would probably wouldn't repurchase these specific ones as BABW are always bringing out new varieties.  I will however always travel with one of their candles as they make me feel quite comforted in foreign climes!

I love reading empties posts so please link me to yours below!!

If you like my blog I would love you to say hi and follow me on

Bloglovin        Twitter          Instagram or on GFC!

I also have a blogsale running at the moment-check it out here

Share:

Monday, April 29, 2013

What I wore last week-The Lip Edit




Top row (Left) Mac Mineralize Rich Lipstick in Grande Dame (Right) Mac Cremesheen in Hot Gossip

Middle row (Left) Mac Lustre finish in See Sheer (Right) Mac cremesheen in On Hold

Bottom row (Left) Rimmel Apocolips in Celestial (Right) Stila lip glaze in Sugar Plum

If you like my blog I would love you to say hi and follow me on

Bloglovin        Twitter          Instagram or on GFC!

I also have a blogsale running at the moment-check it out here


Share:

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Back to Mac

Mac cremesheen lipstick in ????

I think I have discovered a new favourite Mac lipstick-and quite by accident too!

Back to Mac is a scheme Mac runs to encourage recycling of it's packaging.  They accept anything made of plastic so even items like the empty Mac make up remover wipes qualify.  Once you have 6 empties you can pop into any Mac store or concession (or you can send them to Mac) and in return, Mac will give you a free lipstick.


I recently found myself with the required 6 empties-2 Mineralize SkinFinish, 2 Blot Powders, a lipstick and an empty eye make up remover so I headed down to the Mac concession in Harvey Nichols at Mall of the Emirates.

I had no idea what I was going to get in terms of the lipstick-owning over 30 Mac lipsticks already means I know what I like and what formulas I prefer.  I wanted something new-and after a lot of umming and ahhing I settled on a cremesheen formula called On Hold.  I had never even heard of this lipstick before and I could pretty much reel off 50 Mac lipstick names off the top of my head right now.


Mac On Hold

And it is LOVE.  Oh my goodness.  This is a red-y, pink-y, coral-y pigmented colour that is gorgeous on the lips.  Mac describe it as a 'mid tone yellow raspberry'.  In certain lights I can definitely pick up a golden tint to it.   It lasts ages and fades nicely and doesn't bleed.  Even my boss said 'nice lipstick!' when I walked in the office yesterday morning.  It's definitely a new favourite!  I'm amazed that this isn't already in my collection.

Mac cremesheen lipstick in On Hold

The process was very easy, I literally walked in with my 6 empties and signed for my brand new beautiful lipstick-simple!

Back to Mac is available worldwide or via mail directly back to Mac.

If you like my blog I would love you to say hi and follow me on

Bloglovin        Twitter          Instagram or on GFC!



Share:

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Blog sale part 2!

Hi guys,

I am travelling to the UK again on Thursday (2nd May) and have decided to do another blog sale!

Again the boring stuff first.....

The "rules"

1-Prices are in GBP and I would prefer to only post to the UK-if you are an international buyer please leave me a comment and I will quote you on postage
2-Postage will be £2.50 extra and will be sent on a trackable service.
3-Payment is by paypal only-please leave me a comment or email me with you paypal address and I will invoice you
4-If you tell me you want an item between now and Wednesday 1st May it will be posted to you on the 2nd or 3rd of May.  If you would like to buy something after the 5th May unfortunately I will not be able to post it until the 16th May when I am again in the UK again for a couple of days
5-Payments must be made within 24 hours

Please use google for swatches-I have been honest about the size and condition of each item.

From my first blog sale there are a couple of items left-click here to see what is left-basically its the mini Ciate polishes, the L'oreal and the Illamasqua lipsticks.

Now for the fun stuff!!

Dior Addict lipstick in Bow

Dior Addict Lipstick in Bow from the Spring 2013 Cherie Bow collection-used once. £8 + pp  SOLD

Givenchy Gelee Interdit Gloss in Acoustic Wild Rose

Givenchy Limited Edition Gelee Interdit Gloss in Acoustic Wild Rose-brand new in box £8 + pp
This is a clear gloss with pink and plum sparkles.

Virgin Vie Satin Shine Lip Gloss in Coral Creme

Virgin Vie Satin Shine Lip Gloss in Coral Creme-brand new in box £4 + pp

Too Faced Status Gloss in Sugar Daddy

Too Faced Status Gloss in Sugar Daddy-brand new-£4 + pp

Another picture of the 3 glosses above.
Stila Silk Shimmer Gloss in Kitten

Stila Silk Shimmer Gloss in Kitten (2 pieces) both brand new in box.  One of the boxes is slightly damaged. £3 + pp each

Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss in Pulse (left) and Opium (right)

Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss in Pulse (left) and Opium (right).  Here is a link to these glosses from Space NK
Pulse I have used once and am selling for £5 + pp
Opium is brand new and never used and am selling for £6 + pp
Suggest you google swatches online


Mac Syrup lipstick (left) and Ravishing (right)

Mac Syrup lipstick-lustre formula-used only once £7 +pp  SOLD
Mac Ravishing lipstick-cremesheen formula-swatched only £7 +pp  SOLD


Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede lipsticks in Socialite (left), High Heels (middle) and Couture (right)

Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede lipsticks in Socialite (left), High Heels (middle) and Couture (right)

Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede Lipsticks
Socialite-swatched only £4+pp  SOLD
Couture-swatched only £4+pp
High Heels-swatched and used once £3+pp  SOLD

Swatches here

Aerin lip gloss in Cassis

Aerin Lip Gloss in Cassis-from the Spring 2013 collection.  Brand new. £5+pp

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Enrapture

Illamasqua Liquid Metal in Enrapture-brand new in box-Product info here
£7+pp

Benefit Cabana Glama set


Benefit Cabana Glama set-brand new in box £12+pp- SOLD

Urban Decay Smoked Palette

Urban Decay Smoked Palette-brand new in box, not even swatched-contains free eyeshadow primer £22.50 +pp


Nars The Happening palette

Limited edition Nars The Happening Palette-contains Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer-neither have been touched-not even swatched, and 4 eyeshadows-these have been swatched only £17 +pp

Wet n Wild eyeshadow palette in Blue Had Me At Hello

Wet n Wild eyeshadow palette in Blue Had Me At Hello-swatched only.  I love this palette but I have the very expensive Tom Ford version and there is no way I will use up both-this is super pigmented-check out my post on it here £4+pp

Kiehl's Strenthening and Hydrating Oil in Cream

Kiehl's Strenthening and Hydrating Oil in Cream-opened but unused-£8+pp.  See Kiehls website for details.

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer

Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer-used once-sold out almost everywhere-full size £9+pp


Skin Food Coffee Creamy Colour Fit shadow quad

Skin Food Coffee Creamy Colour Fit shadow quad-swatched only- £4+pp

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadow in Mica 4

Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eye Shadow in Mica 4-used twice, check the internet for swatches £5+pp
SOLD


2 acrylic lipstick holders

1 acrylic lipstick holder-brand new-£5 +pp (have sold the 2nd one)
SOLD

Laura Mercier full size Radiance Primer and travel size Foundation Primer
Laura Mercier full size Radiance Primer and travel size Foundation Primer
Full size Laura Mercier Radiance Primer-used twice-£10+pp  SOLD
Travel size Laura Mercier Foundation primer-used once-£4.50+pp  SOLD

Sally Hanson Inst-dry polish in Straw-ready

Sally Hanson Inst-dry polish in Straw-ready.  Used once. £3+pp

Benefit Erase Paste in 2 Medium
Benefit Erase Paste in 2 Medium-this is NOT the full size one, it is the one included in the Concealaholic set-I have this but I am shade 1 so this is the Medium shade-perfect for anyone umming and ahhing over whether to get it.  It's a decent size, I would estimate a least one/two months use depending how much you use it.  Brand new and unopened £4+pp SOLD

Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic, travel size (4g)
 Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc in Golden Mosaic, travel size (4g), brand new £4.50 +pp
SOLD

Too Faced intense eyeshadow in Magic Mushroom
Too Faced intense eyeshadow in Magic Mushroom-brand new-£2.50+pp

Finally would love to blogsale this little monkey but I think my other half might have something to say about that......



Happy shopping!  Any questions please just ask.

Lots of love

Stacey xxx

Share:

UK/US trip haul-Part 5-US drugstore!!

I would be lying if I said part of my mums surprise trip to New York for her birthday wasn't also the perfect opportunity for me to pick up some US drugstore make-up!!

So I managed to go through both Manchester and Heathrow airport and not buy ANY beauty products-although I did nip into Mulberry at Heathrow and buy myself a belated birthday gift! 

Once we got to the Big Apple my drugstore of choice was Duane Reade which seem to be almost on every corner.  The best ones I found included the 'Look Boutique' which has been recently introduced into larger stores and stock a huge variety of brands.  Check out the one close to Macys (one block up and apparently the biggest in Manhattan) and the one on the corner of 43rd and 8th avenue.  And it's SO cheap-brands like Essie, Opi and Revlon are so much cheaper in the US than the UK.  My poor mum, I think we went to at least 8 Duane Reade's whilst we were there-but we also stocked up on some yummy US candy as well whilst we were there!

Duane Reade haul
Physicians Formula products

I picked up the 'Sexy Booster' blusher (how amazing is that heel pattern) and the Sexy Booster glossy stain (love the heel charm on the lid) from Physicians Formula.  Both products claim to have a pheromone boosting blend and seductive scent!  I also picked up two 'Happy Booster' blushers which are adorable with their heart shaped pattern.  The compact is quite deceiving-its deep so you think you are getting loads of product but in fact it houses a mirror and brush as well inside the compact.  I picked up the shades Rose and Warm-I have used both and they're great!  I also picked up the Eye Booster liquid eyeliner after reading good reviews on it.

Physicians Formula Rose (left) and Warm (right)

Next I moved to the Wet n Wild stand where I wish I had spent more time-in the end I only picked up 2 eyeshadow palettes-Comfort Zone and Walking on Eggshells.  I can't wait to try these compacts-especially as I already own one which I reviewed here and it offers great pigmentation.

Wet n Wild eyeshadow compacts

Considering I had said to myself 'I don't really need any more eyeshadow I then picked up these palettes from Cargo, The Balm and Pop.  I read somewhere this week that Cargo is coming back to the UK-perhaps into Debenhams??


Loving the neutrals in the Cargo and Pop palette

I picked up a few nail polishes along the way-firstly the Mariah Carey Liquid Sand collection.

Mariah Carey Liquid Sand-Get Your Number, Can't Let Go, The Impossible and Stay The Night

I love mini polishes, the perfect size to try out colours you wouldn't usually wear.  I love Stay The Night-an inky burgundy shot with red particles.

Opi and Essie Sssssexy and Repstyle (snakeprint magnetic polishes)

Seche Vite and Sally Hanson Straw-ready (just seen)
Effaclar products from Le Roche Posay

I've been using the Effaclar Duo and decided to pick up these 2 complimentary products.  The serum was reviewed here by Tiffany at Will Work For Makeup (one of my favourite blogs) but I think it's a US product only as I couldn't get the exact same product here in Dubai.

Maybelline Colour Tattoos in Bad to the Bronze (called On and on bronze in the UK) and Tough as Taupe

Finally the lipsticks and glosses!

Funnily enough on the plane I read about the new Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede lipsticks launching in the UK.  I had a look in Manchester as they sounded quite nice but I couldn't see them in the UK.  They were however in the US so I picked up 3 of them.  I don't know if the same shades are launching in the UK but I bought High Heels, Couture and Socialite.  To me, they are packaged as drugstore lipsticks-the packaging is very simple and plastic-y, I don't think its the most alluring or attractive lipstick.  It will be interesting to see what the UK packaging is like.

Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede, Liptini stain and glosses and an NYC gloss

Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede lipstick swatches (L-R) High Heels, Socialite and Couture

I picked up 3 glosses from a brand called Liptini-these were quite expensive to be honest-about $20 each but they are super shiny as you can see from the swatches.

Themed around cocktails, SoCo Lip Liqueur is a lip and cheek stain-akin to benefit Benetint.  Topper Lip Gloss in Cherry Fizz and Strawberry Rita are super glossy and perfect alone or over SoCo.

Liptini swatches-SoCo Lip and Cheek Stain, Cherry Fizz and Strawberry Rita.  NYC gloss in Coral To The Max

NYC Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss

The NYC gloss has quite simply the biggest applicator I have ever seen!!!  This was ridiculously cheap-like $2 I think??

Size comparison, the Revlon lipstick versus JUST the applicator of the NYC gloss!!  It's a giant!
I really enjoyed the US drugstores, I'm excited to see the quality of the products compared to my normally more costly make up.

Next up-my Sephora haul-oh yes, the big guns are out for this one-it's going to be MONSTER!!

If you like my blog I would love you to say hi and follow me on

Bloglovin        Twitter          Instagram or on GFC! 



Share:
© Expat Make Up Addict | All rights reserved.
Blog Design Handcrafted by pipdig