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The Drugstore Only Month

Sunday 28 May 2017


30 days ago I decided to only purchase drugstore/budget friendly makeup for a month. Recently I've been spending a little above my means, and I am determined that I will not get myself into any kind of debt (asides from my student loan and ginormous 35 year mortgage, of course *sob.) I know that some people will be wondering why I didn't just stop buying makeup for a month, which is a fair question, but honestly I know myself well enough to understand that if I restrict myself to that extent, the next month I will binge shop, which is actually more dangerous for my bank balance! I've discovered some amazing new products that I love, and also some not so loveable ones, which I'm going to share with you.
Bourjois Concealers


Bourjois are probably my favourite drugstore brand,  I adore their Healthy Mix foundation so much that I always buy two bottles before I go on holiday in different shades, so that I can mix them if I get a tan. I was super excited when I saw that they had bought out a concealer version, and I purchased it in the lightest shade, 51 - light, the shade that I usually take in the foundation. The coverage is fantastic, even better than my usual Nars Creamy Concealer, and it stays in place for hours without creasing or fading. Sadly, the lightest shade is just way too dark for me, it left actual orange marks on my skin which I couldn't budge without removing my whole base and starting again. 

Feeling disappointed, but not defeated, I decided to try another of the new Bourjois concealers, Radiance Reveal. I chose the lightest shade, 01 but this time it was a good match (I've swatched them both below so you can see the difference). Radiance Reveal is a nice concealer, I like using it under my eyes because it's so brightening, and it hasn't creased up on me, however the coverage just isn't there for blemish concealing, which is a shame!


I'm definitely going to keep hold of the Healthy Mix concealer for the summer, as I'm sure it will be a perfect match for me when I have more of a tan, but for the meantime I think I'm going to go back to high end, I've got my eye on the NARS soft matte concealer! 

Tanya Burr Cosmetics


I've watched Tanya Burr's videos for a long time now, and though I don't have much time for youtube anymore, I still like to pop in occasionally to catch up on her tutorials. I had never tried her makeup range before, so I decided to pick up a couple of bits from Superdrug: the My Paradise eyeshadow palette, Holiday Happiness Cheek Illuminator, and a lipstick in the shade Big Kiss.  

The eyeshadow palette contains 4 warm toned, everyday wearable shades. I'm a "one shade over the lid" kinda girl, and most of these shades work well for me. The only one I can't see myself using is Hammock, which just seems to look dirty and patchy on my skin. I have to mention that the packaging of this palette is right up my street, the cute little pineapple embossing is a lovely addition to such an affordable product.

Next up is the Cheek Illuminator, which I actually grabbed because it's a total packaging dupe for Charlotte Tilbury's Beach Stick. The colour looks like such a vibrant pink in the tube that I was too nervous to dab it straight on to my cheek, but using a brush it actually adds just a sheer wash of colour, and an extra hit of glow. 

I decided not to go for a nude lipstick this time, because I already own more than I could possibly use, so instead I picked up Big Kiss, which is a beautiful vibrant pinky red. The lasting power of these lipsticks isn't amazing, so you're probably not going to want to wear this shade before heading out to dinner, but it is such a beautiful colour that I'll probably get a lot of wear out of. 

NYX Epic Ink Liner + Soap and Glory Archery Brow Pencil 


I was actually recommended the NYX Epic Ink Liner by a friend who said it was a dupe for the Kat Von D Tattoo liner. Though I can't vouch for that claim, since my Kat Von D liner dried out before I had a chance to use it, it definitely looks similar with it's super thin nib and is so easy to apply, it glides across my lid leaving a perfectly straight, jet black line. It may have knocked my old favourite, Soap and Glory's Supercat, off of it's top spot. 

I also repurchased Soap and Glory's Archery Brow Pencil which I like to use just to fill in any gaps in my already full brows. Because I didn't pluck when I was younger, I'm very fortunate that I can get away with not having to use a product at all, but they do look a bit more finished when I use this pencil. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational 


I originally picked up the waterproof version of this mascara, which was horrible, but I still really wanted to try the original because it is so well loved on Instagram! Though it could never replace my beloved Too Faced Better Than Sex, this mascara is actually really nice! It definitely adds extra volume to my almost non-existent lashes, and it doesn't flake at all where my BTS one does, but I could do with a bit of extra lift, as my lashes are also very straight, which this just didn't provide.  

No7


Perhaps the best thing to have come out of my drugstore only month is my discovery of No7 makeup. I picked up the bronzer in the shade Maple and it was love at first swatch. I find it very difficult to find bronze shades that work for my super pale skin without leaving an orange looking stain, but this one is perfect. Pale skinned girls, get down to Boots and give this one a swatch ASAP! 

The second No7 product that I discovered (and fell in love with) was the Instant Radiance Highlighter. I like to apply this before my foundation for a subtle glow, and after foundation for a full on dewy look. It applies really easily, without moving my makeup around, and adds a healthy hit of glow without a single sparkle of glitter in sight. I love that it's a creamy formula, rather than powder, because it helps my makeup to look fresh and avoids the cakey look. 

Overall, drugstore only month was a success! Though I ended up picking up loads of products and probably not saving much extra cash, I have found some new favourites which I will use in place of my old high-end options, which will save me money in the long run. Let me know what drugstore bits you've been loving.

Fx 

Beauty and Style Updates For The Warmer Weather*

Sunday 21 May 2017


It's May which means the warmer weather has finally arrived! Since I pretty much live one season ahead at all times (I started to prepare for spring on the 1st of January this year!) I have already started to transition my skincare, makeup and clothing, so I thought I would share some of these changes with you!


Style 



Of course the biggest changes that I make as the temperature begins to rise are to my wardrobe. At the first hint of sunshine I immediately put away my winter coat, swapping it out for lighter jacket. I'll admit that I'm not the most style savvy person, but luckily Jack Wills have compiled a guide called How To Style a Trench Coat which talks through all of the different ways the Trench can be worn, and it even gives you a little bit of history which is really fascinating! I'm loving the sound of the "simply timeless" style described in the guide, worn with a white tee and high waisted jeans. I already own a black trench style jacket from ASOS but since reading the guide I definitely want to try a more traditional one, and Jack Wills have the women's trench coat covered with a range of styles to choose from. My favourite is definitely the Duncombe, although I have to admit that I am seriously tempted by the baby pink DollyHill too (no surprises there!) 

I'm also finding myself switching out some of my heavier jumpers for thinner long-sleeved tops, like this pink high collared top from Topshop which I have been wearing so much recently.


Makeup 


As we head into the warmer months my dry skin tends to heal itself, even becoming a little bit oily in places, so it's important that I use a good setting powder to ensure that my makeup stays put. Charlotte Tilbury's Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is my absolute favourite right now, it feels light on the skin and looks so incredibly natural, and most importantly it isn't cakey at all! 



I like to keep up the illusion of a healthy glow the whole way through the year, but in the summer I feel that I can be a little more heavy handed with the highlighter. Jouer's Rose Gold highlighter is super pigmented, giving a "lit from within" dewy look to my skin, which doesn't emphasise my blemishes at all. The only downside to this one is that sometimes I pick up a fleck of glitter on my blush, which I just flick off (I actually don't mind a bit of glitter on nights out, but for daily wear I prefer my highlight to look as natural as possible!)


If you follow me on Instagram then I'm sure you will have seen Charlotte Tilbury's Hot Lips Lipstick in Super Cindy all over my feed. The shade is a peachy nude, a little lighter and brighter than my natural lip colour, which is perfect for everyday wear. For a matte finish lipstick the formula is amazing, it actually feels quite hydrating on my lips, which makes a lovely change from the heavy, more drying formulas I find myself wearing throughout the winter months. I can see myself wearing this shade everyday for the foreseeable future (or until I purchase Kidman's Kiss - the next shade on my wishlist!) 

Skincare 


My skin is usually a little clearer in the summer months, so I tend to wear less makeup. Micellar waters are amazing for removing lighter bases, and right now I'm loving the Sebium H20* version from Bioderma, which is gentle and non-drying, but also removes all traces my foundation, and makes a good attempt at my eye makeup too. 

Another product which I always change up as the temperature rises is my moisturiser. I love Clinique's Moisture Surge more than any other I've tried, but it can be a little too heavy for the summer months, especially when I'm on holiday in really warm climates. Right now I'm trialling Estee Lauder's DayWear Creme which smells like watermelon (it's incredible) and is very light wearing, plus it contains SPF which is perfect for days spent in the sun. So far I'm really liking it, but I'll let you know how I get on after a couple of weeks! 


Fragrance 


There's something about the warm weather that makes me want to spritz perfume constantly, which is why I like to wear body mists in the summertime (they are so much more affordable than perfumes!) I've been loving the new range of mists from So ...? * which smell so fresh and feminine. My favourite scents are Floriental and White Petals because I just love a light floral fragrance (Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.

With such beautiful weather forecasted for the next week, what changes will you be making to your wardrobe and beauty routine? 
Fx


This post is sponsored by Jack Wills, all opinions expressed are my own 

*PR sample, my review expresses my own honest opinions 

10 Of The Most Beautiful Instagram Accounts

Friday 19 May 2017


I've been wanting to write one of these posts for such a long time now, it's definitely overdue! I'm going to share with you some of the most beautiful Instagram accounts I've found during my 7 months on the 'gram, the accounts that inspire me every day to try to take better photos and produce better content. I hope they will inspire you too! 

Franciscamayyy
I thought I'd kick this post off with my all time favourite account, Franciscamayyy. Fran manages to capture the beauty in everything, she can make me buy products I had never even considered previously with just one of her beautiful photos, which is both amazing and tragic for my bank account! She produces consistently stunning photography, so I actually find myself looking forward to her posts everyday. I also have to add that she is honestly one of the nicest people I've ever spoken to, she's so supportive and kind and completely adorable, I feel blessed to be able to call her a friend. 

Catherine.mw
Catherine's feed reflects the way the world looks in my dreams, it's pink and gold and sparkly and completely beautiful. In addition to being an amazing photographer and blogger, Catherine also makes the most stunning cakes I've ever seen (including those little cupcakes in the screenshot above), is there anything she doesn't do amazingly well?! She's a beautiful person, inside and out, so go and give her a follow! 

Gemellisx

Gemma takes some of the most stunning beauty flatlays on the whole of Instagram, in amongst photos of her adorable little boy, and her flawless makeup looks. Gemma's feed has a perfect variety of posts, so you never get too much of any type of image, just the right amount. Her photos manage to be feminine without being overly pink, which is a skill I am yet to master! 

its_not_snyx
I've been following Valentine since I first started my account, she's been a big source of inspiration to me. Her pastel toned images are soft and dreamy, I feel a sense of calm as I scroll through her feed. She manages to stick to her theme flawlessly but still produces creative and interesting photos with every post, she also features a good amount of drugstore products, so her account is bank account friendly! 

Jodiemelissaxo
I first met Jodie through a comment pod and I immediately fell in love with her feed. She has always posted gorgeous photos of beauty products, but recently she's started to introduce more fashion and lifestyle content, which is also beautiful! If you love bloggers like Kate La Vie and From Roses, then you're going to love Jodie too (it's also worth checking out her blog - it's one of my fav's!) 

tt_mirror 

Caitlin has a heart the size of the Eiffel Tower, knowing her is like having your own personal cheerleader - She celebrates all of your successes, and will happily rant with you for hours about anything thats upset you, plus she's one of the funniest people I have ever met! Go and leave her a comment and you're guaranteed to get a super sweet or witty reply (seriously, go and try it!) Of course she wouldn't be on this list unless she had a truly beautiful account, it's bright, pink and feminine, and her photography knowledge is amazing too. 


Lauramillsmakeup 
Be still my beating heart! Laura's Instagram needs no words, just look at the screenshot above! In addition to her gorgeous flatlays, she also takes the most beautiful selfies, showcasing her amazing makeup skills. Laura's feed is one that I always head to when I need some inspiration, just looking at it makes me want to take better photos (also I have to mention that she's a total sweetheart!) 

amelia.lottie
If Amelia photographs a product, I buy it. She has an eye for the most beautiful things, and she somehow manages to make them look even more beautiful with her incredible photography. Amelia is another one who's posts I actually look forward to, even though my bank account weeps a little with every new photo!  


actuallyaash
Occasionally I come across a truly beautiful account like Ash's, and I scream at my phone "how does she not have more followers?!" This girl deserves for thousands of people to see her gorgeous posts, but I'm glad that I'm one of the lucky ones who has discovered her! Her feed is a luxury beauty lovers dream, her makeup collection is truly enviable. 

pintsizedphoto
Of course I couldn't write about the most beautiful accounts on Instagram and not mention Lily's. Lily's account is probably the one I have loved for the longest, she's been a huge inspiration to me, and many other bloggers who are just starting out. I love her bright white and pink theme, and she uses the most adorable props too! Lily is the ultimate beauty blogger guru; she knows so much about the world of blogging, and is such a sweet person, that I never feel shy about asking her for advice.
 
So those are 10 of my favourite accounts on Instagram, I could easily name another 10 that I love so I plan to do another post soon! Let me know which accounts you've been loving recently in the comments! 

Fx 

A Springtime Haul With Fragrance Direct*

Sunday 7 May 2017


I know it's not very "cool" to say, but when an email from Fragrance Direct landed in my inbox I let out a genuine squeal of happiness. I've actually been on the Fragrance Direct website lots of times before because they always have offers on my favourite brands (including Clinique, Clarins, NARS, Marc Jacobs and so many others), so I like to check before I make a purchase. I've picked out some of my springtime favourites to share with you, but I recommend also checking out the website for yourself because they have more amazing products than I can mention! 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Blush Fragrance *

Fragrance Direct are obviously best known for their fragrances, so I spent a while just scrolling through pages and pages before I settled on possibly the most Faye-like perfume in existence, Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Blush. It's a light floral scent, with a hint of rose (by now you'll know how much I adore rose scents!) which is just perfect for springtime. The bottle is absolutely beautiful with the little pink flowers and the gold detailing which makes it look so luxe, it's definitely one I'm proud to display. 

Clinique Take The Day Off Milk*

I have a love-hate relationship with Clinique's The Day Off balm. I love that it removes all traces of makeup easily and quickly, but I hate the lardy smell, and having to scrape the product out of the pot with my fingers (which doesn't feel very hygienic), When I noticed that there was a lotion version I knew I needed to try it, and of course Fragrance Direct sell it! The liquid formula is not quite as powerful as the balm equivalent but it still does an amazing job of removing makeup, it even makes a good attempt at waterproof mascara. The lotion is definitely the more hydrating option, leaving my skin feeling super soft and smooth. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ *

I've confessed my love for Clinique's Moisture Surge range many times, but as my skin tends to be a little less dry in the warmer months, I decided I would try one of their lighter moisturising products. Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+ is actually part of Clinique's 3 step routine, but I decided to try out just one product from the range to begin with. This moisturiser is super hydrating for something so light, but it is also quite oily, so if you have an oily skin type, or even combination then I would probably avoid this. I'm still undecided on wether I will purchase this moisturiser when the tube runs out, but I think it's more likely I'll stick to my trusty Moisture Surge. 

Clarins Multi Blush in Peach*

In the springtime I like to transition from powder products to cream and liquid formulas where possible, as they feel so much lighter and give more of a dewy look to my skin. Clarins Multi Blush in the shade peach leaves a gorgeous natural looking tint when applied lightly with fingertips, which lasts all day without budging. The shade is described as peach, but it's actually more on the pink side, so I don't have to worry about having orange blotches on my cheeks! 

Rimmel 60 Second Nail Polish *

Fragrance Direct have a huge range of nail polish brands to choose from, including OPI and Essie, so this was another category I poured over for a while. In the end I opted for Rimmel's 60 second Nail Polish in the shade Princess Pink, which is a beautiful "my nails but better" shade. I'm sorry to confess that I didn't actually get my stopwatch out (who even owns a stopwatch anymore?!) so I'm not sure if the 60 second claim is true, but this nail polish did dry really quickly and applied in just one stroke.

Revlon Skin Lights Face Illuminator*

Of course it wouldn't be a Friday Faye blogpost if I didn't include a highlighting product somewhere, and today it comes in the form of Revlon's Skinlights Face Illuminator in the shade Pink Light. I've mainly been using this as a primer underneath my foundation, and I'm happy to report that I can't actually see much of a difference when compared to my NARS Copacabana Illuminator (potential dupe alert!) As I have quite a pale complexion the light pink tone is an ideal match, and it helps my full coverage foundation to look much dewier, perfect for the spring. 

So those are my top 6 springtime picks from Fragrance Direct. I could have easily picked another 20 products to feature, so you should definitely check out the website for yourself! Let me know if you spot anything you like. 
Fx  

*PR sample, my review expresses my own honest opinions 
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