Naughty Naughty! Copycat products

So yesterday, in my ELF haul I mentioned the uncanny resemblance of the Studio blush to a NARS blusher.  

Can you see the similarities?

Same clasp opening, same outer packaging, same inner packaging. The only difference is that ELF is shiny plastic and NARS is rubbery and matte. Also, the ELF blush has a window below the mirror. 

Even more so, take a look at the bottom of the blushers, they both have the raised bottoms in the same shape AND as you can see on the right, they are the exact same size.

Needless to say, the product isn't comparable in the slightest. Full review of that to come.

Still not convinced? Look at the film inserts in the blushers.

 Also on my naughty list for today are the MeMeMe benefit dupes. I only own Benefit Poppy Tint (how old is my bottle? I''m pretty sure I bought this when it first came out ugh! But I do know that MeMeMe stock a range of tints/highlights that are all too comparable in name and packaging. Below is the only one I own from MeMeMe, the Pussy Cat tint (Reviewed here).

Here is the full range that they sell:

L-R Pussy Cat (Benetint), Poppy Tint (Posie Tint), Sun Beam (Moon Beam), Beat the Blues (High Beam)

Source

Have any of you tried these? Are they benefit-comparable or is it just in the packaging/product/name?

Honestly I love dupes and I get quite a buzz from finding them, however in these two instances I think it's a step too far.

I would love to hear your opinion..

H xoxo

My First ELF Order & First Impressions

Yay! What a haul, and all for the grand total of £14!

The lip products I got are the Hypershine Lipgloss in 'Bubblegum' and Liquid lipsticks in Strawberry and Raspberry.

My first impression was that I picked two seriously wrong colours in the lipsticks. At first I thought it was my own fault, but when I looked on the ELF website I found this:

Ok, so 'Strawberry' is essentially red, completely unlike what I thought it was, a peachy pink. The 'Raspberry' is a pinky mauve colour, not the mid-pink displayed. Humph.

I wanted to try the normal line of brushes too, the Concealer brush and Bronzing brush. I love the concealer brush, it seems dense and perfectly sized. I intend to use the bronzing brush for contouring, it is not as dense as I would have hoped, but what can you expect for €1.70?

The only studio line product I picked up was the blusher in 'Fushia Fusion', I honestly cannot believe how much of a NARS copy the packaging is! From the clasp and film sheet inside to the corrugated cardboard inside of the packaging, it is just so similar. I also got a much raved about All Over Colour Stick in 'Pink Lemonade'. First impression? This is teeny!

Finally, I needed new eyelash curlers so these are ideal. I haven't tried them yet, but they seem sturdy and good quality!

Expect reviews on all of these soon :o)

What do you think?

Did you ever get seriously mislead by the sample colours shown on websites?

H xoxo

PS. Have you checked out my Blog Sale yet?

NOTD- OPI 'Do You Think I'm Tex-y?'

Everywhere I look in the beauty blogesphere, people are fully embracing the pastel nail trend for Spring. Unfortunately, I go into the salon supplies shop and am instantly attracted to the brights. I can't help myself! This was an impulse purchase as I was intending to attempt a nail polish buying hiatus. Oh well! Anyway they had just got the Texas collection in stock so I got one only one! Self control, right!!

Do You Think I'm Tex-y?

Texas Collection

I would describe this as a raspberry fuchsia colour. It has a really glassy finish to it which after a little research I found out was a new jelly finish. I really like it!

Natural daylight, no flash...

And with flash... 

This was kind of a daft purchase really, as I do have two OPI's on their way from eBay, one being a fuschia pink.. oops! Oh well, no more OPI. Until next week anyway...

H xoxo

The Shoe of my Summer (Already!)

You know what, I am not a 'shoes' girl. Yeah I have some lovely ones, and a great selection of pumps, boots, heels etc. but they just don't get me hot under the collar read: Carrie Bradshaw she ain't. However, I know a good pair of shoes when I see them and believe me with these it was love. I will stop talking and let the shoes do the talking!

 Just incase you haven't seen enough of these, here is me 'modelling' them!

Well, do you love them?

I do!!

I love the tan colour, the espadrille-esque detailing, the shape, the straps everything.

I wore these to work on Sunday also and I am happy to report minimal pain! The heel height is around 2 inches, so these babies are perfect for daytime wear.

They are from New Look and cost around €40 (£30-35, I'd imagine) which is kinda pricey. This is completely justified though as these are real leather.

Do you love them?

H xoxo 

Hello Mr.Postman!

So, if you follow me on Twitter, you will know that I am super excited to have gotten a PayPal account..finally! If any of you were wondering, I got a 3V card which you can top up and then use online as a Visa card. I topped up mine by €50 to try it out and I may have spent it all already. Oops!

Anyway here are some goodies that got delivered today:

 The Carmex isn't very exciting, but I bought it as on ASOS my transaction had to come to £20 to use my Diet Coke code for a fiver off. I love the cherry flavour, although I wish I had been more adventurous and gone for the mint.

Next I got my very first Benefit lipstick in the shade 'Nice Knickers'. I have managed to cut off the top of the picture here but it is a sheer raspberry red. There will definitely be a Lipstick Lover Review about this very soon!

Next was another 'first', my first purchase from Illamasqua. I have heard quite a lot about this brand lately, especially their Lipglosses. It is an Intense Lipgloss in 'Indulge'. These look incredibly pigmented from my pre-purchase research and I honestly don't have a neon pink like this in my slightly extensive lip gloss collection. I really think this is going to be a winner! I love it already.

That is all that I bought from ASOS, just thought I'd let you all know that you can use your Diet Coke vouchers on sale items. It was a pleasant surprise for me when I was checking out!

Today I also got a very exciting package from the lovely Karen from Band of Blushers (check out her blog, it's fabbo!). It is a NARS lipgloss in 'Orgasm', I am really hoping that it will match my much loved Orgasm blusher. 

 Also I must mention the extremely exciting package that I received from Aussie on Friday!

As I am an honorary Aussie Angel, I was asked to take part in their Lusciously Lighter challenge- I chose 'Style' which will involve me trying out some potential hairstyles for a style overhaul! They also gave me a bottle of their Luscious Long Conditioner which I will be trying out very soon.

What do you think of my  purchases?

H xoxo

PS. What do you think of my Blog layout change? I love it!

PPS. I am thinking of starting a continuous Blog sale page featuring make up and some clothing, let me know if that is something you may be interested in.

Lipstick Lover Review: MAC 'Angel'

This was my very first MAC lipstick, so much research went into the purchase of this. Many people describe this as the MAC lippie that everyone needs to have in their collection. This shade was made famous by Kim Kardashian, let's face it, who doesn't want to look like her!

Colour/Scent? a soft, mid tone pink. The scent is the signature delicious vanilla scent, as with all MAC lip sticks.

Consistency? Smooth in application, yet the colour applies quite thickly leaving a good coating in one swipe.

Longevity? Very good, 2 + hours at least. 

Pigmentation? Amazing! Although this is supposed to be of a frost finish, no metallic/shimmer is evident in this lipstick. 

 Packaging? The usual sleek black MAC bullet.

Price? £13.50 or €17.50

Other shades available? Right now there are 30 'frost' lipsticks available on maccosmetics.com

The verdict... As much as I love this lipstick, I do feel that when I am quite heavily tanned it looks far too pale on me. However days like today when I am 'normal', I think this is such a flattering lipcolour. I love the way Kim Kardashian makes this look much more nude with NARS Turkish Delight gloss. I think she looks fabulous!

Image source

Do any of you own this lipstick? What do you think?

H xxx

REVIEW Jemma Kidd Make Up School: Eye 'Enchanted Summer'

  A while ago I did a review on a Jemma Kidd blusher, when I purchased that I also bought this little eyeshadow palette. 

The packaging is a sleek matte black, not dissimilar in feel to a NARS blusher.

 Inside you get four eyeshadows (plus a nice big mirror!). The reason I was drawn to this particular palette is because of the  colours are not something that I would usually pick, but I would quite like to experiment with. Below I have swatched the shades in the same order they come in the palette. The 'beige' shade doesn't particularly show up on my skin, but if you click to enlarge the image you can see it clearly.

Blue: A deep sky blue, highly pigmented with green and purple iridescence.

Mauve: Deep purple with lilac iridescence.

Beige: I would describe this to be more of a pale gold shade, yet it has silver shimmer running through it.

Brown: A mid-brown shade with bronze (almost pinkish) shimmer.

I created my EOTD with this palette:

I used 'beige' on the inner 1/4 and underneath my eye, 'brown' all over the lid and 'mauve' on the crease, just to add a little depth.

I haven't used the blue yet, because I really don't know how to! I think it wouldn't look very nice on me all over the lid, and paired with any of the other colours I think it will look daft in the crease.

Any suggestions lovelies?

What do you think about this palette?

Love, H xoxo

In and Out #3

IN
MAC Paint Pot in Rubenesque: Do any of you remember the fuss that I kicked up about the PaintPot that I bought on a whim as part of March's Project monthly MAC? Well, turns out I love it! See, I was of the notion that it was a cream eyeshadow and disappointed that it didn't show up on my eyelid. What it is, in fact is *the* most amazing cream base. It makes colour pop like no other! A cheap dupe is Barry M Eye Crayon in  'Bronze'. It even has the same subtle pink shimmer running through it. However Barry M creases your eyeshadow and MAC does not!

All 200 of You! Thank you all so so much :o) I am already getting super excited to go shopping for some giveaway treats to mark this exciting occasion!

Stuck in Study-mode:  My end of year Uni exams begin on the 28th and stretch right on to May 19th. *sigh* So right now I am study central. I wouldn't mind so much but whenever I have big exams I get seriously stressed. Every time, without fail!

Peter Kay: My brother turns 18 next month (the day I finish my exams, actually!) and to celebrate, my family and I are going to see Peter Kay in Dublin on the 30th March! I am so excited, he is one of my absolute favourite comedians plus a shopping trip in Dublin is on the cards. Yay!

Will n' Kate's big day: I am most excited to see a) what Kate's wedding dress is like and b) what a five month pregnant Victoria Beckham wears! No doubt they will both look amazing :o)

OUT
Losers and Haters: Last night two of my dearest blogger friends (I am not going to name names, I doubt they would want to draw attention to the situation or give the idiot in question any more attention) received some very nasty comments/questions via Formspring. Now come on, did their parents never teach them that if you haven't got anything nice to say, don't say anything at all? I know I speak for many bloggers out there when I say that the Beauty Blogger community has no place whatsoever for 'hater' comments. So 'they' may take their little nastiness elsewhere.

Complete Blog Secrecy: I told my Mum about my blog! I'm so happy because she gets it completely and she is so supportive. I always knew she would be, it was more a case of plucking up the courage to tell her. She keeps thinking of ideas for posts for me too :o). One major thing that she has done is told me that I have to start making YouTube videos. I feel like this is the push I need to get out there and do it! What do you all think? Should I give it a go? :o)

Control of the TV: Football, EVERY SINGLE EVENING. I cannot deal with it! I understand that you would match if United (big Man U supporters in my house, except Dad, he supports City!) were playing. But when, for example Tottehnam are playing Outer Mongolia?! Not so much.

How cute? Courtesy of weheartit.com

FOTD using NARS Orgasm blush

I hauled NARS's cult blush 'Orgasm' in my ASOS Groupon collective haul, and since Mr. Postie delivered it it has been used every day.

                              

♡ 

No7 Intelligent Balance Mousse Foundation 'Tan'

 ♡ Isa Dora Bronzer 'Teracotta Glow' (to contour) 

♡ NARS 'Orgasm' Blush  

♡ MAC PaintPot 'Rubenesque' 

♡

Benefit Eyeshadow in  'Moody' (highlight) and 'Soft Shoulder' (lid)

♡ 

L'Oreal 

Telescopic Mascara 

                    ♡

 Barry M Eyeliner 'Navy Blue'

 

                    ♡

NARS lipstick 'Catfight' 

                    ♡ Barry M Gloss 'Toffee' 

 

Orgasm blusher is described as a 'peachy pink with shimmer', honestly I have nothing quite like this in my collection. Shimmery blushers never appealed to me as I always thought that it would enlarge my pores and look like I had dunked my head in glitter, as is the case with many cheaper blushers. However, this blush is so finely milled that the golden shimmer is subtle yet effective. The application honestly is foolproof. I would say that this is of better quality than any MAC blusher that I have used. I am a NARS convert!

 

Have you tried this?

Do you love it? 

Love H xoxo

What I bought with my ASOS Groupon Vouchers!

Oh yes, the ASOS Groupon! I will be surprised if any of you didn't take up this incredible offer (£9 for a £20 voucher at ASOS.com). I did take up the offer, in fact I purchased no less than three vouchers! I decided that I would use it to buy items that I wouldn't usually be able to afford, and as ASOS have started stocking NARS cosmetics, it seemed the perfect opportunity to try this brand.

In order to use the voucher, your order must total £21 or more. To reach this total, I purchased some Models Own nail polishes.

L-R Beths Blue (NOTD here), Champagne, Cement Mixer

Nars Lipsticks...

L-R Catfight (Semi Matte), Roman Holiday (Sheer) - Review Here

And swatched....  (click to enlarge!)

Finally, the item that I am most excited about. This is the cult make up product that is NARS Orgasm blusher. I can tell already that this is my HG busher, the gold shimmer in it gives a sort of 'lit from within' look. Anyway, I am not going to give too much away, believe me a full post on this is coming to a blogesphere near YOU soon! :o)

Did you avail of this offer? What did you buy?

Let me know and link me up if you decide to do a post like this!

Happy Friday!

H xoxox

 <3 

The Most Important thing about Make-Up? Taking it off!!

I never really intended to write about skincare on my blog as I am not a beautician and I have no idea about what different skin products will do for different skin types. However I wish to share the cleansing system I have been using for over 6 months. My skin type is dry and sensitive, if you are similar this could work for you!

The line up: Simply essentials cleansing wipes, Simply essentials 2-in-1 make up remover, Fresh essentials eye makeup remover, Soft essentials cleansing milk & Fresh essentials toner.

Fresh essentials is geared toward Normal/Combination skin

Soft essentials is for Dry Skin

Simply essentials is for Sensitive Skin

I did not intend to mix these up, I have just purchased these over time and they work for me!

Simply Essentials Wipes: These textured wipes are very thick and full of moisture. These are great for throwing in your handbag if you are staying over somewhere.

Simply Essentials 2-in-1 Make Up Remover: This product is relatively new to me so I cannot comment on the long term effects. It is made up of a blue oil and cleansing water. The idea is that you shake it up and pour it out onto a cotton wool pad. I do like this however it is a bit of a pain that if you do not act fast the oil floats to the top and you are left with that, ugh!

Fresh Essentials Eye Make Up remover: This is not my HG eye make up remover as it does still leave traces sometimes. However if you lay a cotton wool pad soaked in this on your eye for a few seconds, it does do quite a thorough job!

Soft Essentials Cleansing Milk: This was the first product I ever bought from this line and I have repurchased countless times. It is a very gentle, moisturising prouduct that literally ploughs through any remaining make up. I usually cleanse once to remove traces of make up and once more to cleanse my skin.

Fresh Essentials Toner: This is the final step of my makeup removal routine, I have tried harsh toners in the past however this one has never made my skin sting, so I like it!

What do you think about the Garnier line of skincare?

Do you own or have you tried any of these?

H xoxo

NOTD- OPI 'You Don't Know Jacques!'

In quite a swift change from my slightly tacky yet beautiful previous NOTD, I bring you something much more sophisticated! This colour was the 'in' thing over A/W10 and yet again I was slow to catch the trend, however I am glad I did because I love this.

You Don't Know Jacques!

Collection de France

I would describe the shade as a browny taupe. It is a cream formula and is totally opaque (and gorgeous) in two coats.

The name of this polish is genius! There is something about the way that OPI names their shades, it's so endearing or something. :o)

 I applied this on Saturday and I am happy to report that we have minimal chipping, just the tip had worn off nothing that an extra coat couldn't fix!

The funny thing is, if you had told me a few years ago that I would be sporting a brown nail polish and with pride I would have never believed you. However I can't help feeling all sophisticated wearing this before the good weather finally arrives and I am launched into wearing pastels and brights until next autumn!

What do you think? Does this tickle your (french) fancy?

Or are my jokes just L A M E?

:o)

Let me know, Love H xoxo

Payday Treats! Vol III

Early on Friday morning I dashed out to the shops for a little payday splurge! On Saturday, my mum and I went on another little splurge!! These are the results....

First up, the lip products!

 My first purchase was my very first Soap and Glory purchase! This is the much raved about 'Sexy Mother Pucker" gloss in Peach. I have tried many 'plumping' glosses, but this one is special. If you haven't tried it, you need to (Boots has 1/3 off S&G at the moment!).

I do have a lot of love for Urban Decay 'The Iconic' lipsticks, and this one in the shade Wanted is a welcome addition to my collection. Do not be put off by the extremely dark colour in the bullet, the colour payoff is a mauve-pink.

I picked up this Barry M gloss in Toffee on a whim and I love it, it is the perfect neutral gloss. Most importantly it lives up to its name and is infused with a toffee scent. Yum.

My very first Benefit Eyeshadow!

I picked these up in two shades, Soft Shoulder and Moody.

Cleverly not I have mixed up the swatches, on the left is Moody, a greige colour similar to what has been extremely popular in nail polish lately. Soft Shoulder is a brown with a slightly rusty undertone. It looks gorgeous as an all over lid colour.

A few random bits; Isa Dora bronzer, Stila glitter eyeliner and Sally Hansen blush brush.

 I am unsure if Isa Dora products are available in the UK, it is a drugstore brand in Ireland though. I picked up this bronzer in the shade Terracotta Glow mainly just to experiment with contouring. The swatch is barely visible on my skin tone, but I quite like it.

No idea why I chose this Stila glitter eyeliner.. I do like it, and it is of a reasonable quality. The shade I picked is Sea Green, if you enlarge the photo you can see the swatch more clearly. Any suggestions as to what I could use this for?

Finally... a couple of random purchases!

Do any of you use Radox Shower Smoothies? I absolutey love them however I think the price is quite excessive for a shower gel. This is the second flavour I have tried, and honestly these are good enough to eat! This one was on offer in Boots so I snapped it up. It smells like coconut yum yum!

Finally, a practical purchase. I have been known to lug 400ml cans of Elnett around in my handbag for fear that my hair would fall flat during the day shock! horror! This mini can of Garnier hairspray will now have pride of place in my handbag for those emergency touch ups.

What do you all think? Please let me know :o)

Love H xoxo