Pressed Vs Loose Powder | MUA Loose Powder Review

Hi guys, 

This post is basically just gunna compare the two types of powder… As loose powder seems to be the craze at the moment, I wanted to see if it was worth the hype. Also I’m going to let you know what I think of the one I purchased.

I was debating yesterday whether to repurchase my go to powder, Rimmels Stay Matte Pressed Powder or try a loose powder. In every YouTube video I watch at the moment every one is going loose. Especially with the whole “baking” craze. So I looked for one to try, and actually theres not that many highstreet ones out there. I only wanted to go cheap to see if it suited me. I saw the MUA one has tons of good reviews and was only £3! Wasn’t really expecting much for that price to be honest.

The powder comes in one shade, which I assume is transparent but actually is coloured so I’m guessing wouldn’t work on dark skin. However it does blend out colourless. The tub is quite big, and has a lid with tiny holes to dispense a tiny amount. 

I haven’t tried baking but with the powder I’m not sure if it would work, as it isn’t white. I will give it a try though! But as a general powder it is so silky and smooth! It disappears once applied and leaves the skin matte, glowing and flawless. I was so suprised how good this product is. A little goes a very long way. 

As much as I like my pressed powder, it annoys me how quickly I go through it as I hit pan so quickly. Also it takes a lot of pressure to get a good amount on my brush and then on my face.

The loose powder is so easy and fast to apply. And on the rare super hot day I tested it (also when I had a big verification at work and was sweating like a crazy woman) my skin was still matte and glowing by the end of the day.

So I’m totally converted. And in the future I might try high end products, I hear Laura Merciers is good. But for now this is an absolute bargain.

Let me know your opinions and any good powder tips and tricks to try. 

Lauren xx

My 10 top highstreet products!

Hi guys,

As much as I love splashing out on some gorgous high end products, most of the time my money goes on reliable brands in boots and superdrug, especially with the state of my student loan…

Anyway, some products don’t need you need to waste your money on high end, because they do a pretty damn good job anyway. So these are my favourite go to affordable products…

1. Revlon Colourstay Foundation.

So if you’ve read any of my previous posts you’ll know my absolute love for this. It’s now my only foundation that I chose over many high end products. And recently I repurchased and it now comes with a pump… Win!

2. Makeup revolution blush palette in ultra spice

So this blush palette contains 8 shades, including 2 baked shimmers. The bronze colours I also use as eyeshadow or a sort of bronzer in the summer. It’s quite pigmented and contains a range of colours.

3. Kiko Milano bronzer

I love this bronzer, it’s matte and perfect for both an all over sun kissed look, and as a contour. It’s blendable and pigmented. It also comes with a mirror perfect for in your handbag.

4. MUA shimmer highlighter

This is a recent perchase and I’ll admit, it’s not the same quality as high end products but for £3! You can’t go wrong. It’s super pigmented and easy to apply.

5. Maybelline lash sensational mascara

I’ve spoke about this a million times… Best. Mascara. EVER! And now I’ve saw a new version released with oil to nurish the lashes…

6. Revlon colour burst balm stain

I got this free in a set recently and didn’t have high hopes. But I actually love it for every day. It’s super moisturising and makes your lips look healthy. It provides the right amount of pigment perfect for a day look. Also it smells amazing. 

7. Makeup revolution lipstick in rebel with cause

I’ve had this lipstick a while and I love it. It doesn’t dry your lips and stays on well… All for a pound! 

8. Kate moss lipstick in 01 

Another absolute favourite of mine. I wear this nearly every day I love it. And it’s matte but doesn’t dry your lips.

9. MUA lip liner in caramel nougat

This is also a pound! I always pair it with the Kate moss lipstick. It may need reapplying a few times through out the day but it’s the perfect nude. 

From top: Revlon Balm Stain, Revolutoin Rebel with cause, Kate Moss Lipstick, MUA lipliner

10. Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent powder 

I do want to try a loose powder eventually but for now this is perfect and well loved as you can see. I always carry it with me for top ups throughout the day.

That’s is for now. Let me know any others I can try!

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Lauren x

Nyx soft matte lip cream (Transylvania) – Review

I’ve been dying to do a review on this because before I bought it there were very few reviews, and they all varied so I thought I’d try it myself. Some people raved about it. Some people didn’t rate it. So this is my honest review.

Price: £5.99

Shop: Boots

Colour: Transylvania. I’ve been looking for a dark colour, I wanted a vivid dark plum shade to grunge up my outfit on a night out. It’s dark but not black, it’s slightly warm tone comes through.


Packaging: I know packaging isn’t the most important thing in the world but I wanted to include it. The tube is relatively small, with a twist cap and fluffy applicator. Although the size is handy it doesn’t look like it has that much product in. 

Smell: Caramelly sweet and pleasant. 

Application: The formula is creamy when first applied, and apples smoothly. However it becomes patchy and not dark enough so required a few coats. Also trying to get an accurate smooth line is impossible. Lip liner is a must but even with that I made a mess that stained and took all my foundation off. 

Texture: The product takes a while to dry but is very matte when it does. Only problem is it really drys your lips out so before exfoliate and moisturise.

Staying power: This is the bit I’m most disappointed with. It does not last. Granted I was out and drinking a lot but I had to apply SO MANY TIMES. And when it starts coming off it looks awful. Like your lips are bleeding and scabby. This makes reapplying hard. 

Verdict: Not worth your money. Yeah the colours great but I think they aimed for a liquid lipstick and didn’t make the mark. Higher end lipsticks are going to be a better formula I’m guessing. Good for in the day but not for long periods of time or when drinking. I think the lighter colours will be better.

Rating: 4/10
Hope you find this useful. Let me know if you’ve tried it. Also any better brands I could try?

Lauren x

MOTD: Bronze summer makeup look.

It’s been too long since I last posted, I’ve been so busy! June seems to be such a manic time for everyone just lately. I thought I share a makeup look I’ve been loving lately, to start embracing the summer!

This look is one you can wear in the day or night, with glowing skin and a statement lip. 

Products used:

Nars sheer glow foundation 

Rimmel stay matte powder

Beauty uk brow powder 

Rimmel clear brow gel

Revolution eyeshadow palette 

Collection felt tip liner

Lashsensational mascara

Kiki Milano bronzer

Mua baked highlighter

Rimmel lasting finish lip liner in spice 

Collection lipstick in rosewood

I wanted to keep my skin really light and dewy so I used my sheer glow foundation. I didn’t use any blusher, just heaps on bronzer to create the sun kissed look. I did a slight contour but nothing harsh, then added lots of highlighter to the tops of my cheeks, lips and nose.

For the eyes I applied a neutral base, then blended a dark brown in the crease. I added a shimmery rose gold to the lid and a highlight under my brow. I then did my usual flick eyeliner and mascara.

Then I wacked on my liner an lipstick. This lipstick is so moisturising but really pigmented.  

I loveeee this look at the moment, it goes with nearly every outfit. You could always swap the lip colour for any other bold colour, maybe a bright pink or red? The base and eyes will go with any bold lip so mix it up. 

Hope this gives you some inspiration!

Like and comment! 

Lauren xx

Boots and Superdrug Haul

Hi guys,

I thought I’d share what I’ve been buying the last few days! Especially because there’s some really good deals on at the moment!

L’oreal Elvive Nutri-Gloss Luminiser Shampoo

I’ve been religiously using herbal essences for years now but I wanted a change. I wanted something to give my hair some life, and this states it adds shine  for full hair. It smells delicious. I’ll keep you updated on what I think! They’re half price in superdrug and boots at the moment, the whole range.

L’oreal Elvive Full Restore CICA mask

I loveeeee hair masks. My hair craves them now it’s been dyed. As I only wash my hair a few times a week I thought I’d get this instead of a normal conditioner, as I only like my hair after masks now. This claims to be a repairing mask, to add strength and density which is what I need for my damaged ends right now. This is also half price at 2.45.

Dove Derma Spa Gradual Tan Lotion

This packaging! So gorgous! This was a spontaneous buy. I don’t continuously use tan, just sometimes an instant when I go out. But I saw this also half price and was desperate to try it. Gradual tans are great to add a hint of colour this time of year. Plus it’s dove so it smells great. Hopefully it will give my pastey legs some colour! 

MUA Makeup

I’m not gunna lie, this is cheap makeup. I was buying the lip liner which is great that I’ve had before.  It’s the shade caramel nougat and is a perfect nude and kylie Jenner dupe. It’s a pound also which is fab. I thought I’d try a lipstick to go with it as it was only a pound but ew. No. It’s like almost white and is so dry. Grim. The highlighter is okay, not very pigmented so I add a white powder underneath. You get what you pay for basically.

That’s it for now! The moral of this post… Run to boots for hair products!

Like and comment! 

Follow me on Instagram- @laurenfairfax

Or snapchat – lauren.fairfax

Lauren xx

Ootd: Spring smart casual look!

I had the luxury of going shopping with my mom this weekend and ended up with a few new items to help me get into spring (if the rain ever goes away).

So this was an outfit I wore to a family birthday meal last night that I thought I’d share with you.

Firstly the jeans are my beloved miss Selfridge steffi jeans which are comfy and supportive, help suck everything in! 

Then my new top is from H&M in their coachella collection. I’ve been after a white bardot top for a while and this is so gorgous, pairing with denim shorts in summer will look awesome!

Then I have my leather jacket from forever 21. You can never go wrong with a leather jacket. They’ll always be in fashion and make every look a bit more edgy.

Then there’s my new gorgous shoes! These are really for my holiday but I couldn’t resist trying them out! They were on sale in new look and are the perfect nude heels to go with any look! A chunky heel also means I can actually walk with out breaking my neck! 

I teamed my look with my Michael Kors clutch and jewellery, a glittery smokey eye, and I didn’t have time to do anything with my hair so it’s au nateral. 

Let me know what you think!

Like and comment below. 

Instagram @laurenfairfax

Snapchat lauren.fairfax 

Lauren xx

Little Mini Haul

The reason this is a “little mini” haul is because, well, I’m very poor at the moment. Student life is a killer. But nevertheless less I went and had a little spend to make myself feel better…

Shoes – Oasis in House of Fraser £5

Oh these beautys. I’ve been looking for some of these for ages but my abnormally skinny feet means none fit. But these were the last pair in house of Fraser and were reduced to a fiver!! And they fit! They are a smaller size than I normally get which is probably why they actually fit, but for a fiver I couldn’t complain. They were originally £30. These are perfect for the spring, wearing with leggings, white jeans or maybe a skirt? Bargain.

Soap and Glory Body Mist – Boots £1.75

From one bargain to another… What can I say it’s a gift. If you have a boots locally then run! I saw these were reduced to £3 a few weeks ago and for some reason didn’t get one. Now they’re £1.75!! They smell delicious and are perfect as a day fragrance for school or work. I don’t think people have cottoned on as there are loads left everywhere I’ve been so get yours quick!

Radox feel calm shower gel – Boots £1 

I’ve recently ran out of my lush so I needed a new yummy smelling shower gel and this looked ideal. There’s a huge variety all £1 at the moment in boots. And the “calm” bit is what sold it to me.

Marks and Spencer’s Lavender and Chamomile Room spray – £5

There is a reason behind me getting this, which involves a little trip to the minor illnesses ward and day off work with chest pains. Long story short, I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety this week which left me feeling really ill. So my mom suggested I get some lavender room spray as it’s known for relaxation. This ones smells absolutely delicious and I would recomend anyway. They have a big range and all smell amazing.

Simple Cleansing Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes are for my lazy days where cleanser is pushed to the side. These leave your skin feeling super refreshed and soft.

Khloe Kardashian Strong looks better naked – the works £5

I included this in an earlier post this week and actually purchased it last weekend but I wanted to include it to give a little review. The kardashians have a bad rep, which to be honest is valid due to naked selfies and lack of talent. But what you can’t argue with is their exercise and health advice. And this book is exactly what you need if you need some motivating words and tips. Plus Chloe is the funny more down to earth one. The book includes a bit of a biography, motivational words, recipes, and exercise advice. Don’t judge the book by its cover… Literally!

That’s its for now. If you want to hear more about how I cope (or don’t) with stress and anxiety let me know.

Like and comment below!

Follow me on Instagram @laurenfairfax

Thanks for reading!

Lauren

High end vs highstreet – Revlon Colourstay Foundation

Hey guys,

So as you might know I finally splashed out on my nars foundation at Christmas, and when it costs a small fortune I didn’t want to use it every day when I’m just going to work or popping into town. So I decided to buy a cheaper alternative, and this revlon one was on offer so I decided to give it a try.

And oh my goodness I can’t even begin to tell you how amazing it is. So much so it’s my new go to foundation, move aside nars!

I think when you fork out so much for something you convince yourself it’s great.

Nars sheer glow:

The colour is pretty spot on tbh, and once on the skin it does look completely natural and matte. Downsides are it takes a fair few pumps to get a decent coverage, it’s not very blendable, and I need to keep powdering the hell out of my forehead to keep it to not resemble a mirror. £31 shade Gobi.

Revlon Colourstay:

The first good thing is that the shade is pretty much identical to my nars. They have a good range of colours. Next, they have two types, one for oily skin one for normal/dry. Which means I don’t need to powder. Honestly, all day and it looks exactly as when I applied it. It doesn’t move! And the coverage is flawless. It’s natural yet pretty full coverage. No cakeyness.

So yeah. I’m sold. And my bank balance will look much better.
If you’re looking to buy a high end foundation, give this a try instead.
It’s available pretty much everywhere and costs around £12 although look out for offers.

Let me know what you think!
Lauren x

My fave lipsticks.

  
I was pondering over what to post today and I thought, why not stick with what you know. Which is lipsticks…

I do love me a good lipstick. And you’ll notice in the photo above there are no designer lipsticks. I do own a few, ysl and Estée Lauder, but they didn’t make the top picks. Probably because I love popping into superdrug that often to try a million new colours, and my student budget appreciates the low prices. That being said, for how cheap these are they are pretty amazing.

  
Working left to right:

Rimmel Kate Moss

The first two are ones I’ve included in a recent post, and I can’t emphasise enough how much I love them. I get so many compliments and they are just so easy to wear. Super affordable and easy to get a hold of. Shades 08 and 101.

Collection Lasting Colour

I’d been looking for the perfect brown shade for a while, and I saw this for I think around 3 pound. It’s really creamy and not too dark. I’d say using a lip liner would help in getting more definition as its soft creamy texture wouldn’t quite stay put, but I was definitely happily suprised with this. Shade Rosewood.

Barbra Daley

This is one my mom recently got for me, she obviously knows about my addiction. This range is exclusive to tesco and it was part of a Christmas set that they were selling off. It also contained a crayon and lipstick gloss, all for £1.30. Yep. But it’s such a good colour for me. Slightly red on, which is something different for me. And is quite matte which I also love. Shade stylish.

Makeup Revolution 

Now I probably don’t need to go into detail about how good these are. They’re a pound. A pound! Which is perfect when you don’t feel super guilty buying a million. This is probably my favourite ever lipstick. I love this bold purple plum shade. It compliments my light skin and it perfect to pop on for a night out or when your feeling a bit of boldness. It’s light and glides on easy. Definitely try it. Shade rebel with cause.

Flormar

Now this is a lipstick I got on holiday in Turkey last year. They don’t currently sell in the uk but they do have shops in lots of other countries, so if your ever on holiday, keep an eye out . But it’s a lovely coral pink and super matte. Shade 207.

  
Let me know if you’ve tried any, or any others I could add.

Lauren x

Valentines day makeup look…

So valentines day is coming up, and if you’re anything like me you plan your makeup before outfits. And while most people try to aim for ‘natural’ looks for these dates, I don’t intend to tone down my makeup, maybe just ‘girly’ it up a bit…

I’m not a professional in makeup, but this is my take on a valentines day look and might hopefully give you some inspiration if you’re going on a date or hanging out with your girlfriends.

Products used:

Nars Sheer glow foundation

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

Rimmel Stay Matte Translucent powder

Kiko Bronzing powder in 101

Beauty UK brow palette

Rimmel Clear brow gel

Revolution Blush Palette in sugar and spice

Revolution Eye shaddow palette

L’oreal Super Liner

Maybelline Lash sensation mascara

Flamar Lip liner

Stila Lipgloss in starfruit

This is my finished look.

I did a subtle contour and highlight, which isn’t picked up great in this picture. I used the shimmery shades in the blush palette as a highlight. I used a pinky brown matte eye shade as a base for my shimmery shades, and finished with a little eyeliner flick. I also like to add a lipliner before glosses, to give more definition.

Eventually I will do something more exciting with my hair and wear something special.

My only advice… dress to make you happy, not just to impress someone else.

Hope you all have a great valentines!

Lauren x