TAG: The One & Only

Source

After seeing this tag on Angelica's blog (original post here) it really got me thinking. Would I be able to narrow down each category to just one product? The simple answer is no, I'm a fickle being but I'm not gonna be a rule breaker, so what I'm going to do is choose products I reach for most often or am currently obsessed with. They're all gooduns though, I wouldn't use them otherwise.

So the point of this tag is to pick just ONE product for each question. I know, it's hard, I'm breaking out in a bit of a sweat just thinking about it as there's certain products I switch up on an almost daily basis. I'll add links if I've reviewed/swatched the products mentioned.

The Question: If you could only have one ______ what would it be? And in a few short words, why?

Primer:

I very rarely use a primer and don't have a favourite but I'm currently testing out one which is new to me. I find my moisturisers work good enough on their own.

Base:

Pur Minerals CC Cream - Over the last few month's this is the base product I've reached for almost everytime I do my makeup. I still don't believe the skincare claims and it hasn't made it into my Holy Grail list but I like how I can apply it with my fingers for light coverage or build it up with a brush when my skin is going through a 'scare the kids' phase. It feels nice on the skin and for me it's the perfect finish - not too dewy, not too matte. It also contains SPF 40. (link)

Concealer:

Garnier Tinted Eye Roll On - Again, it isn't Holy Grail worthy but it's what I usually reach for on a daily basis. It's affordable, coverage is decent and it doesn't crease too badly. I usually add a few dabs of YSL Touche Eclat on top.

Powder:

Clarins Graphic Expression Face & Blush Powder - Obsessed doesn't even slightly describe how I feel about this powder. It's such a multi-purpose product. You can read my review here and find out how I use it. I would go as far as saying it's one of the best make up products I've ever bought. 

Blush (cream or powder):

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush 'Blossom 02' - I don't have a favourite blush but this one from Liz Earle goes with any makeup look and can even be used on the lips. It dries down and doesn't feel greasy or tacky which makes it great for both the warm and cold months. (link)

Bronzer:

Clarins Bronzing Duo 'Medium' - I really believe this is the only bronzer I will ever need (not that I don't own others or won't buy more) It comes in 3 shades - light, medium & dark. Each pan is split into two halves with a darker and lighter shade which allows you to adjust the colour to suit your skin tone all year round. It does contain some shimmer but it isn't noticeable so could be used to bronze and contour. (link) 

Highlighter:

Elizabeth Arden Pure Finish Highlighter 'Rose Illumination' - I love everything about this highlighter, it's the most gorgeous rose gold shade and can be as subtle or in your face as you want. It lasts all day on the skin and I don't find it highlights enlarged pores or fine lines. (link)

Make-Up Brush (Single):

Sephora Classic Mineral Powder Brush #45 - I adore this brush and plan to pick up a few more when I go to Paris in the next few weeks. It can be used with both liquid and mineral foundation and if I had to I could use to to blend concealer, contour and apply blusher with a light hand. I've had it for months now and there still hasn't been any shedding. (link)

Eyebrow Product:

Liz Earle Brow Pencil 'Fair' - Back in the day I had almost jet black blushy brows that needed plucked every other day. Now thanks to thyroid problems they're sparse and are a lot thinner than I would like. Instead of just filling them in I need to draw and add parts on and so far this is the only brow product I've found that gives me definition and doesn't look too red or green like all other brow pencils do. It lasts all day and doesn't budge or smear even if I'm caught in the rain. (link)

Eye Shadow (Single):

MAC Paint Pot 'Painterly' - 'Sin' from Urban Decay is my favourite eyeshadow shade of all time but I don't wear shadow on a daily basis which is why I haven't picked it for this question. 'Painterly' blanks out any discolouration on the lid and looks completely natural. MAC isn't the be all and end all for me but this is one product I'll always repurchase. (link)

Eyeliner:

Sephora Waterproof Contour Eye Pencil 'Flirting Game' - Sephora can do no wrong in my eyes when it comes to their own brand of make up products. This pencil glides on so easily and lasts untill you wash it off. I'm going to Paris soon and plan to hit the Sephora products with a bang! Let me know in the comments if there's anything I NEED to get. (link)

Mascara:

Revlon Grow Luscious - This is my current fave. It's very black, volumising and lengthening plus it doesn't irritate my eyes, smudge or flake as the day goes on. I very rarely repurchase the same mascara but I'll definitely be buying this again. 

Lipstick, Lip Gloss or Lip Stain:

MAC Creme Cup - A bit of a boring pick but it's the type of colour that would go with any make up look and the cremesheen formula is my absolute fave.

Lip Liner:

I never wear lip liner.

Lip Balm:

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid - One of the best lip products I've ever tried! If my lips are chapped to the point were it feels like they're going to split if I laugh, Lanolips is the only thing that fixes the problem almost overnight. It's a fantastic product and smells lovely too. (link)

Nail Polish:

L'Oreal 'Opera Ballerina' - This pale milky pink is my most repurchased nail colour ever. One coat gives an almost clear, healthy look to the nails but 3 coats gives an opaque pale pink finish. The colour goes with everything and wouldn't look out of place at any event. (link) 

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Tag: 10 Products I would Repurchase

I very rarely do tag posts but after seeing this tag on Evelyn's blog I though it'd be a good one to do. Its always nice to see what products people would repurchase. It gives you a good idea of what really works and if its worth splashing the cash on.

Cleanse & Polish*: I've been using C&P for years now. I might try other cleansers from time to time but I'll always have a few tubes in the cupboard. It removes my eye make up better than all make up removers I've tried, never breaks me out, leaves my skin baby soft and I love the scent too! It just works for me and I'll more than likely always use it.

Real Techniques Brushes: The Delux Crease Brush & Buffing Brush are 2 brushes I never want to be without! They're brilliant quality, super soft, dont shed, easy to wash and dry quickly. If you dont already own these, its about time you believed the hype and got yourself to Boots.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat: I've got so much love for YSL because of this foundation. I feel like it was made exactly for my skin type, skin tone, everything. I know the packaging isnt whats important but it just looks so luxe and makes me feel special everytime I use it. If I could marry a foundation this would be the one. You can read my full review here (link)

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Emerveille: I dont like anything too fancy when it comes to eyeshadow. I stick to shades that make me look awake and can be worn alone. I'm not going to lie, when I first handed over £23 for a single shadow I left feeling like I'd been mugged. I've slowly but surely gotten over that now and would happly hand over the cash again. The colour is so easy to wear and it lasts all day without creasing. You can see my swatches here (link)

L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream: I was always under the impression this would be super greasy because its so thick and moisturisng. I love a good handcream but if its greasy it gets binned. A sample came with a recent Debenhams order and I was sold straight away (take note brands - samples sell products!) Its the thickest handcream I've ever tried but for some reason it just sinks so quickly and improves the look of your hands straight away. I like the scent too, it reminds me of soap. I might be alone here but I love soapy/powdery scents so this is perfect for me.

Liz Earle Brow Pencil in Fair*: Liz is a genius. This is the only brow pencil I've ever been able to use without ending up with red/brown brows. I hope to God its never discontinued or a river will be cried.

Tangle Teezer: If I didnt own this lump of plastic I would be bald by now, honestly. Trying to get a comb through my hair when its wet is like trying to take eyeliner off Kim Kardashian - its not gonna happen.

L'Oreal Color Riche Nail in Opera Ballerina: My all time favourite nail colour. Its quite sheer and needs 3 coats to be opaque but paired with a milky base coat like O.P.I Ridge Filler with only one coat of Opera Ballerina = match made in heaven!

Diesel Loverdose: I'm not usually a fan of Diesel fragrances but theres just something about Loverdose that makes me feel happy. Its more of a winter fragrance but I wear it during the warmer months too. I think its the vanilla I love so much. The scent lasts all day and strangers always ask what I'm wearing.

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid*: I'll never forget the first time I used this, I woke up the next morning and my lips felt brand new. If I could only use one lip balm/treatment for the rest of my life, this would be it. I love the smell and texture too.

Theres loads of other products I would repurchase (and have numerous times) but these are the 10 that stood out. I tag all of you to do this post. Let me know if you own any of these products and your thoughts on them.

*PR sample

Shopping My Stash #2

Two weeks ago I done my first 'Shopping My Stash' post. I decided to go for fortnighly rather than weekly posts as it gives me a good amount of time to put each product to use. I really enjoyed shaking up my make up bag a bit and felt a lot less stuck in a make up rut.

This fortnight my weapons of choice are:

Murad Skin Perfecting Dewy Finish Primer: I believe this came in a Glossybox months and months ago. I did use it a few times but wasnt blown away so chucked it into the dephs of the drawer of neglect.

Jemma Kidd I-Glamour Volume Mascara: I havent tried this mascara yet, it was a magazine freebie at some point but I have high hopes as the Jemma Kidd range is almost always raved about.

bareMinerals Foundation in Medium Beige: I would, and probably always will pick liquid foundation over minerals. I know people say you cant tell your wearing foundation when you use this but I always can and it seems to give me wrinkles where I dont have any! I need to give this another go, hopefully I'll love it by the end of the fortnight.

Laura Geller The Real Deal Concealer: The Real Deal is a brilliant full coverage concealer. It covers everything but it does have some bad points. I'll get a review up this week.

Lanolips Lemonaid*: Possibly the best lip product ever. I've neglected it lately but with the weather changing my lips have started to get a bit sore.

MAC Viva Glam Nicki: Not my favourite lipstick ever. Infact I'd say its probably the worst lippy I own but I'm determined to get some use out of it.

Do you own any of these products?

*PR sample

Lately I've Been Lovin' #3

Quite a lot of the products I've been loving and using to death lately are all in the same type of 'family'. I cant get enough of spritzers/toners and the two I've been using are the complete opposite of eachother.

The Love List

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - I started off with the 30ml bottle but after just a few days I knew it was a keeper! I went online and ordered the 100ml bottle which should be around £32 but I found it on GorgeousShop for £25. I havent even used 1/4 of the 100ml bottle yet but when Zuneta were having a flash sale I managed to get my hands on a Caudalie gift set containing 100ml Beauty Elixir, mask and moisturiser for under £26! Bargain. For me it isnt some miracle product, to be honest I havent noticed any difference in my skin, it hasnt tightened my pores and I cant say it adds a burst of radiance either but I love the tingling feeling it leaves on the skin, especially when my cheeks flare up. I dont find it adds any moisture to the skin so if thats something you're looking for then I wouldnt recommend this. I personally love the smell, its really fresh and calming but I know a lot of people cant stomach it. I've done a full review, you can read it here.(link)

Elizabeths Daughter The Skin Spritz* - If you're looking for a toner/spritz that adds a lot of moisture then this is one to have a look at. It can be used on the face and body but I mainly use it on my face. Elizabeths Daugther is an organic brand and none of the products contain harmful ingredients. The scent is gorgeous but I'm not sure exactly what it is, its just lovely. The spritz contains Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Strawberry Cells, Rose Water and glycoproteins from Mountain Balm. Used after cleansing, my skin feels as if it doesnt even need moisturiser. It soothes any irritated skin and has a brightening effect. I know its how well the product works that counts but like the Caudalie Beauty Elixir, The Skin Spritz feels special because of the glass packaging and the fine mist ensure you dont end up with product dripping off your face. The Skin Spritz £15 from ElizabethsDaughter.

Lavera All Round Cream - As the name suggests, its a brilliant all round cream! Sinks into the skin quickly, isnt heavy or greasy and has a fresh lemon sherbet type scent.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation - I really dont know why I turned my nose up at this for so long! Read my full review here (link). I havent been wearing it in this weather, I havent been wearing any makeup at all but if any redness flares up I'll just buff on a tiny bit to cover it. £26.50 from Estee Lauder counters.

Lanolips* - By far the best lip treatment I've ever tried! My local Boots doesnt seem to stock Lanolips but I'll definitely pick up a few more at some point. The colour ointment contains SPF so its great for this weather. You can read more here (link). £7.99/£9.18

Nails Inc Peach Sorbet - Gorgeous colour - awful gloopy consistency, which makes it an absolute nightmare to apply but the colours just so summery and pretty :)

Benefit Brow Zings - I've mentioned this brow kit a few times before. I love it but was only ever using the wax as the powder was a bit too full on for me, I always ended up looking like someone had stuck two strips of felt above my eyes but lately I've been mixing the powder and wax together on the angled brush and it works great.

Green And Spring Reviving Face Mask* - I'm such a mask hoe! I'm flipping between about 6 different masks at the minute depending on what my skin needs but every 'mask night' I keep reaching for this, the rest arent even getting a look in. Full review will be up soon.

I'm still loving everything from my last Love List but I'm going off L'Oreal False Lash Telescopic a bit. It doesnt seem to have much hold so within a few hours my lashes drop and are almost straight, not a good look. If you've found any mascaras that are great at holding a curl let me know. :)

Lanolips: Lip Ointment With Colour | Lemonaid Lip Aid.

Lanolips Lip Ointment With Colour & SPF 15* | Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid*

I'm sure most of you have heard of or tried Lanolips by now. Its somewhat of a cult product and I've read lots of blog reviews, mostly positive so I was really excited to give it a try. I'm not going to lie, the thought of rubbing the sebum from sheeps wool on my mouth did make me cringe. I was imaging the product to smell/taste like wet dog (I would have said wet sheep but I've yet to have my senses assulted by that smell) BUT, I'm pleased to say I was wrong.

Lanolips Lip Ointment With Colour SPF 15. 12.5g £7.99*

The shade I received is 'Rhubarb - The prettiest fruity deep pink'. I know people can be a bit funny over lanolin in products but the lanolin used in Lanolips is ultra pure medical grade lanolin. Theres 5 colours in total - Rose, Apples, Sunshine, Dark Honey and Rhubarb. All contain an SPF of 15 aswell as pure pigment, Vitamin E, natural oils and of course lanolin. The texture is quite thick but easy to apply and a little goes a long way. The tube holds 12.5g of product and because so little product is needed each time I can see it lasting months upon months. The colour looks really pigmented in the tube but once on the lips its barely noticeable unless you apply quite a lot. I'm not sure if its the same for the other colours but its true for Rhubarb.

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid With Organic Lemon Oil 12.5g £9.18*

Lemonaid is an ultra rich and creamy lanolin lip treatment and as you can see from the last pic, its thicker than Rhubarb. Its harder to squeeze from the tube but out of the two I prefer how Lemonaid feels on the lips. It contains organic lemon oil which naturally exfoliates, it states that you may feel a tingle when applied but I didnt. There is a slight lemon scent but not over powering at all. Lemonaid Lip Aid is colour free but contains some micro shimmer, its not very noticeable but makes the lips look slightly fuller and healthier.

Swatched - Lemonaid | Rhubarb

Both are thick and glossy but without the usual sticky feeling you get from a gloss. They moisturise the lips like no other product I've used before and the added SPF in the colour version makes it great for using on holiday as well as at home. The only thing that would make Lanolips even better is if the tube contained a slanted applicator to make application on the go a bit easier but this isnt something that would put me off from purchasing more. Instead I just squeeze some product out and dab it on my lips directly from the tube or if I use my finger to apply it I'll use whatevers left on my finger on my cuticles.

Have any of you tried Lanolips before?

Lanolips is available at Victoriahealth.com and Boots stores nation wide.

*PR sample