20160428

April Favourites


I'm honestly quite glad to see the end of April! With all the deadlines and exams I've had it's been a pretty stressful month. I've been trying not to indulge too much but there are some new things in this month's favourites as well as one of two that I've had for a while but only truly discovered recently.

Morphe Elite Brushes | £4.75-15.95 | post

It's no secret I've experimented with Morphe Brushes with mixed results, however I've now discovered the Elite range and every brush I've tried from it has been fantastic! The face brushes I have are the E3 Precision Pointed Powder and E4 Angled Contour and the eye brushes are the E18 Round Crease, E27 Pro Round Blender and E28 Round Blender. I think my favourites are probably the E28 and E4. The E28 is my perfect soft crease brush - I love it especially for blending in a transition shade (with a bit of 'windscreen wiper' action!) The E4 is just perfect for an everyday natural contour - you can go more precise or softer depending on which angle you use it at. 

L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation | £14.32 | post

I bet this isn't something you expected to see in a favourites post of mine! I tried this when it first came out in the UK and strongly disliked it. It only came out in about 6 shades and mine was the darkest. They all seemed to have pink undertones that made my skin look dead; overall I just really disliked how it sat on my skin. I knew they had a decent shade range in the US and also wondered if the formula might be a little different so ordered it from Vitamin Grocer (shipping details are in the linked post). Not only is the shade a million times better (I'm shade 104 in winter for reference) but I much prefer the formula. It's incredibly long-lasting and doesn't feel dry or heavy on my skin. It actually reminds me a lot of Nars Sheer Glow except it's a tad more matte and has slightly fuller coverage. If you couldn't find a match or didn't quite get on with the UK version then I definitely recommend checking this out instead. I will definitely be picking the next darker shade up for summer as I think I'm nearing the end of the time of year that I can get away with this colour!


Kaepop Cheek Shock in Bronze Me | $8 | post

I've always been sort-of aware of cream bronzer products but most of them only seem to come in one shade and I never really found one that worked for me. However this is just amazing. It's labelled as 'Matte' but has a very subtle gold seen running through it. It's a gorgeous warm deep brown, which is just perfect for my skin tone. The formula is the perfect consistency; nothing too slippery or greasy but still blends out naturally and easily with my Crownbrush SS035. If you're doing a ColourPop order (my shipping method is in the post I've linked) then I really recommend checking out their bronzers because they seem really underrated!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit in That Glow | £39 | post

This was a very naughty purchase but one I can't say that I regret! These are just the perfect, subtle, dewy highlighting shades if you love gold and bronze tones. The texture is so beautiful that they practically glide onto the skin. They're pigmented but not to over the top. I honestly use every shade in this but my absolute favourite is probably Dripping in Gold - a sort of golden-champagne, as it's just a great everyday colour.

KIKO Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter in 100 Gold | £8.50 

There's quite a bit in my KIKO haul I've not had a chance to fully test but I've been trying this out a lot over the past couple of weeks and love it so far. I don't know why it took me so long to pick up one of these given what a fan I am of the Velvet Touch Creamy Stick Blushes but I'm really glad I did. This is just a beautiful warm, light pearly-gold highlighting shade with a really nice, subtle sheen. It's nothing too glittery or over the top and, like my beloved blush sticks from KIKO, it looks natural but not at all greasy on the skin.

KIKO Water Eyeshadow in 208 Light Gold | £8.90 | post

The colour of this is actually very similar to the Radiant Touch highlighter (though it's a touch deeper) but the formula is just so unique! It's really pretty used dry and I actually really like it as a highlighter on my face. However you can also use these wet and the pigmentation when you do is insane. It's such a great product for under £10 - I really recommend checking it out.

Kaepop Super Shock Eyeshadow in Sunset Blvd | $5 | post

I actually got this in the set because I loved all the shades but you can buy these individually and they're no worse value. My favourite has to be Sunset Blvd - a nude colour with a golden-champagne shimmer running through. I love it for low maintenance days; you can just swipe it on and it won't crease, even without a primer!

Makeup Geek Eyeshadows in Peach Smoothie and Creme Brûlée | £4.95 each

When I first swatched these two cult shades, I really wasn't blown away considering the hype they get - I kind of just thought there were shades in my Makeup Geek stash that I liked better. However my mind completely changed when I tried them! Creme Brûlée is a light-medium brown that's not too warm or cool in tone whereas Peach Smoothie is a light peach colour - both have a matte finish that's incredibly pigmented and creamy in formula. However individually or combined together they make amazing transition shades. It's really hard to pinpoint but they just give this next-level dimension to any eyeshadow look!


When I first tried this I liked it a lot but it wasn't a love. A month or so later, I dug it back out and I've fallen for it big time. I love the tiny little wand and how it allows me to get right into the roots of my lashes and give even the smallest ones a good coating. It makes my lashes look long and fluttery whilst still adding some volume, which is exactly what I go for. Lash Sensational is still my favourite but this is definitely in my top five!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina | £15

There's nothing quite as nice as getting something for free! I'd heard a lot about these and the shade Patina looked right up my street so I invested the Boots Advantage Card Points I'd been diligently saving up on it. I wasn't disappointed as you may have guessed. I think Stila is such an underrated brand and although I don't have loads of their products, I love all the ones I do have. I really appreciate how non-drying this feels on my lips but how matte, pigmented and long-lasting it remains. It's a gorgeous mauve colour that's vibrant enough that it doesn't feel too Autumnal.

Jo Malone Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne | £42 (30ml)

I actually got this for Valentine's Day but I sat on it for a while whilst I got away with wearing heavy winter scents for as long as possible! However this month I decided it was time to make the switch to something fresher and I've been wearing this just about every day. It sounds like an odd combination on paper but something about the scents just really works for me! It doesn't last that long compared to some of my others but it's a lovely splash of fragrance for this time of year.

Topshop Nails in Hayden* | £6 | post

I really love the Topshop nail polish formula and they recently released a pretty novel new range of them, themed around their different styles and colours of jeans. This is obviously inspired by their Hayden Jean and is just that perfect mid-wash shade that's not too vibrant but still has some colour to it. It's completely opaque in just one coat, which is always a winner for me. I just wish it was a little easier to completely remove! You can see how it look applied here.

Avene Eau Thermale Water* | £7 | post

I'm absolutely loving this for a skin refresh, especially if I've just used a bit of an intensive treatment and it's feeling a little thirsty. If I want to add a little dewiness to my base then I also spray it over makeup. It's refreshing, hydrating and will really calm sensitive skin.



What do you think of this month's favourites? What were some of yours?





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*DISCLOSURE - PRODUCTS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK ARE PR SAMPLES/GIFTS. 
ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. PLEASE VISIT MY DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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59 comments

  1. I always love your monthly favourites posts. The kiko eyeshadow looks perfect for the inner corner and I think those two makeup geek shadows are top of my list! I honestly want everything on this list girl! xx

    Blog:: Hannah Rose

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    1. It's so gorgeous as a slightly more dramatic inner-corner highlight :) xx

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  2. Love the sound of the Jo Malone fragrance, I'm the same I had been saving my more summery fragrances up until recently. The Anastasia Glow Kit looks amazing!

    L x

    www.loulabeth.co.uk

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  3. Great post! I really want to get my hands on makeup geek eyeshadows. The pigmentation seems unbelievable.

    Sophie | www.itscultured.com

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  4. I love Avene thermal water, it's great for flying, i always get a small can for my hand luggage!
    Tenz
    www.shesabouthatlife.com
    xxx

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    Replies
    1. I've just got a mini so it's definitely coming in mine too! xx

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  5. AHHH the Anastasia Glow Kit looks absolutely incredible!!! I really want to try morphe brushes as well! They seem to be a hit!

    Amelia | http://amelia-g.blogspot.com.au/

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  6. It's been possibly two weeks than I want to order some ColourPop bronzers yet, because the process is quite long and complicated, I was quite hesitant but I believe you've just convinced me!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  7. The L'Oreal US Foundation has been one of my favourites this month too! Im really impressed with it over the UK formula.

    Emmy | Emmys Beauty Cave | Bloglovin

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  8. I really want to give the US version of the L'Oreal foundation a go. The one we have in Australia is the same as the UK one but the lightest shade here is the second lightest in the UK, which is annoying because I feel like the lightest one here is too dark for me. I'm thinking of doing a Shopandbox haul soon, so that will be going on the list of things to get.

    The Jo Malone Earl Grey and Cucumber is the next scent on my wishlist. While I was on holiday, I wanted to get myself on of them from London, either that one or the Wood Sage and Sea Salt which I ended up getting. That one is a really fresh scent as well. The combination of tea and cucumber sounds odd but the smell is nice. I love cucumbers, I always have one for lunch everyday, but I'm not a fan of tea, so it's seems weird for me to like it!

    Lauren | Dose of Wardrobe

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  9. The KIKO highlighter sounds amazing! I would love to give the US L'Oreal foundation a go! I do love the UK one but that one sounds so much better!
    Fix Me In Forty Five - A Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
    Blog Lovin' // Instagram
    xx

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  10. I swatches one of those Kiko shadows the other day and wow are they pigmented, I love the shade you've featured here! x

    www.abeautyromance.com
    www.abeautyromance.com

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  11. I'm so obsessed with your blog! Great post.

    Anika | anikamay.co.uk

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  12. I have heard soooo much about the L'Oreal lash sculpt mascara, I really need to give it a try!! And loving your favourites btw, I've been on hiatus for 3 months and your posts are more fab than ever xxxx

    A
    www.thegirlfromthenorth.com

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  13. I def want to try this perfume! I heard so much about them, never tried them yet!!
    Of course, gorgeous favourites!

    xoxo, Colli
    tobeyoutiful

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  14. Ok, I need to try that US version of L'Oreal foundation and see how much different is from the UK one :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  15. I really really want the ABH glow kit! Looks amazing!
    Alisha x | www.beautywithalisha.blogspot.co.uk

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  16. I'm also so obsessed with the glow kit! I didn't think I would like it that much when I first saw the pictures but after swatching it in person I had to buy it.

    Perfect Shade of Mauve

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    Replies
    1. I definitely didn't *need* it but I do really love it so can't complain too much! xx

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  17. Lovely post as always Jasmine! Love the look of the highlighting palette, so beautiful

    Jasmine | jasminehardingmakeup.com xx

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  18. So many amazing favorites <3 One of my favorites this month has been the MAC Strobe Cream :-) x

    Makeup, Beauty & Fashion

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  19. The ABH highlight quad is soooo pretty-OMG!! I'm putting myself on a highlighter buying ban for a bit, though! I've probably bought 5 or so in that last few months - eek!! :)

    She Likes to Shop

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  20. I absolutely love the shade of the Stila liquid lipstick x
    btw your blog is amazing :)

    - http://theglamdemarry.blogspot.co.uk

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  21. Patina looks like such a gorgeous shade! Intrigued by the mascara too, I remember seeing the wand and thinking it was strange so will maybe have to try it for myself!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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  22. Creme Brulee is my all time favourite crease shade.. I haven't tried one that works as well that! I need to order Peach Smoothie - I've heard nothing but good things. I'm huge fan of the Stila Liquid lipsticks and that shade is so pretty I must check it! And the ABH glow palette looks so pretty! xx

    LPage Beauty 

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  23. I have not had the chance to try the ABH highlighters...how would you compare them to becca? are they worth it?

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    Replies
    1. They aren't as bold and pigmented as the Becca and I think I probably prefer Champagne Pop overall but they're a great everyday, more subtle option and much better value for money xx

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  24. The Kiko highlighter is gorgeous! It must look so pretty and glowy on your skin, I think it would match mine as well :) The Patina liquid lipstick is indeed super long lasting, but I'm not too sure about the shade though - doesn't look that great on me unfortunately :(

    Julia x
    Last post: my favourite nude nail polishes | http://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.fr/2016/04/my-nude-nails-top-picks.html

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  25. You always have such amazing blog posts! I love reading them all so much and I love your photography jasmine! I love the April favourites you've chosen, I really would like to try out the loreal foundation seeing as I'm looking for a new foundation :)

    www.leahrachelgoth.blogspot.com

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  26. I have the Infallible foundation too and while I really like it, it's a bit too heavy for me. It's a great formula though! So weird that the US and UK formula's are different but I'm glad you liked one of them. Colourpop is everything!

    Nereyda│ This Girl Is Obsessed

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  27. I still need to try out the infallible foundation as I'm still worried it will be too drying and not glowy enough for me! I also love the shade patina in the stila liquid lipsticks I definitely need to check those out!

    Lucy | lucyalana.blogspot.co.uk

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  28. I love the look of the Kiko Water Eyeshadows, but haven't had a chance to pick some up yet. I definitely need to do something about that! I just wish there were more Kiko stores so I could get to one & swatch things before buying *sigh*. Very strange about the difference in formula between the UK & US foundations. I wonder why they do that? I'm glad you've found a shade that suits you & that the formula is better in the version with a good shade match. Xx

    Tania | When Tania Talks

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    Replies
    1. You'd really think it'd be cheaper/easier just to import the US versions! xx

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  29. That stila liquid lipstick is in such a gorgeous shade! In regards to the foundation I remember you writing a post about it when you hated it and now reading this I'm so glad you're a changed women haha! It's such a good foundation!
    Charlotte // www.charlottespicks.com

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    Replies
    1. To be honest as far as I'm concerned it's a completely different product to the UK version! xx

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  30. I bought that mascara after reading you raving about it and I must say that while the formula is very wet, it gets better each days and I am also liking it. Can't wait for a month or so to pass when the formula will dry down more, I think it'll be much better.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  31. That Stila lipstck is gorgeous!I'm definitely going to pick up one of those ABH highlighter palettes. Great post! xx

    Beautylymin

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  32. I have the glow kit in Gleam, but I really want to get this one too! Lovely post as usual :)

    http://claresloves.blogspot.com/

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  33. Ah, such beautiful picks! I have been waaay tempted by the Anastasia Glow kits- so much larger than I first expected and the shades are stunning- and wow, Stila Patina looks like such a lovely everyday Spring shade! xo

    -Jen

    www.vibrantbeautyblog.com

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  34. Stila Patina is my favorite! I've also been loving Kaepop Bronze Me. It's such a great bronzer for spring/summer :)
    xx
    Nida | Caked To The Nines

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  35. Loving the April Favourites! I'm hearing quite a lot of good things about Kiko these days but still haven't got round to trying it yet, will definitely check out their products.

    Lorraine
    Lorrainewhitney.com

    x

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  36. yessss!!! i love l'oreal's foundation! its amazing.
    www.peachplz.com

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  37. I so need MUG peach smoothie! I have actually been in love with a Morphe brush just now too, its like a MAC 217, but I think I actually prefer it. It was less than £5 too. But seriously you need to get the Peach palette, I am in love - and I think you'll love it too :) Away to do a full post on it now.

    http://www.makeerinover.co.uk

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    1. Ooh well I will keep an eye out for your post ;) xx

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  38. The Kiko water shadows are sooooo good! The pigmentation is there and they are so beautiful as highlighters. I have the 200 Champagne version, which suits my skin tone a bit better, and I love it as an inner corner highlight, or just like you as a highlighter on the cheeks!

    Love, Charline | Charline Has a Blog

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  39. Patina looks so beautiful, love colors like this one!

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

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  40. Thank you for your comments! :) xx

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  41. Jasmine, I'm starting to think I should make a standard comment that I could copy and paste in your comments section each time...hahaha! I won't but I could lol! I want everything here that I don't have already. I was ready to believe Morphe Brushes was all hype...might have to take a proper look now. Love Patina...and such a perfect way to spend Boots points. Woohoo! xxx

    Sal | UmmBaby Beauty

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  42. Nice to read your experiences. I'd love to try some of those brushes. I've been looking something that works but that's not too pricey. I will for sure check out your brush review! :)

    Best, Nora / http://dreamerachiever.com

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  43. The KIKO Highlighter looks so beautiful! x
    Louise | helloteddy.co.uk

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  44. The glow in your favourites right now is everything! I love 208 and the highlight stick from kiko - ABH that glow is on my birthday wishlist but seems to be sold out everywhere which is so sad D: hopefully it comes back in stock next week :(

    Iqra | The Blushing Giraffe

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