20160803

The July Beauty Report | Favourites, Disappointments & Products on Trial


I've been playing around with the idea of switching up my Monthly Favourites for a while so last month I did a Twitter poll and it seemed you guys were into the concept too! So this month is a bit of a trial for my Monthly Beauty Report (do let me know if you enjoy this format in the comments). Of course I'll run you through my favourites but I'll also let you know about the products that didn't work out for me and my thoughts on the new ones I've been trialling this month. I don't foresee doing this every single month because if I don't have any disappointments or products I'm testing out then it will be a normal Favourites but let's see how this goes...

Favourites




Illamasqua Beyond Powder in Epic* | £32 | review | This is a stunning highlighter for Summer and it’s beautiful even just in the pan. It applies like this super-dewy liquid metal in this gorgeous golden-bronze shade. It doesn’t contain a hint of glitter either. I love how soft and finely-milled it is. You can apply it dry for a more natural everyday look or spray your brush with a bit of water or Fix + for a more intense highlight.

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Face Collection Palette | £48 | review | I can’t  say the eyeshadow debacle didn’t put a dampener on this product for me, however luckily there wasn’t an issue with the star of the collection. The blushers are stunning and this just contains everything I really need for a Summer makeup look (I often go away and can just pack this for my cheeks). The Luminous blush Rose Spritz is honestly stunning and the formula is like a colour version of their legendary Pressed Shimmering Skin Perfectors. Amaretto is a nude-peach-brown Mineral Blush I love for the daytime. I use Pamplemousse (the bright pink Mineral shade) a little less but it’s still nice for an evening look. Of course there’s Champagne Pop in there but the gold-toned Prosecco has been a real revelation for me too. I know you can’t get this palette any more however the Split Pans with these shades are still available in Space NK stores.

Becca Mineral Blush in Songbird | £26 | post | After using the palette I really wanted to try some more Becca blushes and settled on Songbird. It’s the most gorgeous neutral-peach shade that’s still got incredible pigmentation but the colour is really natural on me. It has a gorgeous golden sheen to it. I find the formula so easy to apply and it wears really well on my cheeks. All-in-all I’m in love with this blusher; it just always seems to work no matter what makeup look I’m going for! The only downside is that the expiry on this one is 6 months despite it being a powder formula. I will definitely be disregarding that…

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette | £41 | review | This really is the eyeshadow palette of the moment! I’m a massive fan of Anastasia eyeshadows and it definitely measures up to the quality and formulation of the singles I have. I find the formula to be so pigmented, easy to blend but not so smooth that the wear-time is compromised (their longevity is amazing). The colours are a stunning selection of warm neutrals with a few little pops of colour. It is an overwhelmingly matte palette, which isn’t my usual thing, however I’m into it!

Benefit Gimme Brow Gel* | £18.50 | review | How had I never tried this before? Hoooowwww?! I completely see what all the hype is around this product; it’s perfect for people blessed with naturally even brows who just want to add a bit of volume and hold or for those minimal makeup days when you want to give your brows a little ‘something’ but only have a few seconds to spare. I really like the formula because it gives me hold without any crispiness and although it’s tinted, it never looks like I have loads of product on. I love the little wand because I can really control where the product goes and the new packaging is really cool.

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Matte Revolution Lipstick in Super Cindy | £23 | I’m actually planning a post on the new lipsticks I’ve picked up lately, however in the meantime you can find a swatch of this and my next favourite below. I’m a big fan of the unique Matte Revolution formula but didn’t actually own any nudes in it. It’s very easy to apply and the product glides onto the lips smoothly with no skipping. It’s not the most pigmented, long-wearing or completely-matte products I’ve tried (even in comparison with the others from this range), however I love it for a wearable everyday pinky-peach nude lip.

Urban Decay Vice Comfort Matte Lipstick in Carnal | £15 | This is another new lipstick I’ve been obsessed with this month. It’s part of Urban Decay’s newly-relaunched lipstick collection and is in their Comfort Matte finish. It has incredible pigmentation, a very creamy texture but still has minimal sheen and lasts incredibly well. I love the warm mid-toned nude shade of Carnal.

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Clay Crush | £7.95 | post | This actually isn’t dissimilar to the Charlotte Tilbury formula, though the colour range is too different to consider these to be dupes. I love how comfortable it feels on my lips and it’s a gorgeous warm nude shade with terracotta undertones. I really like the lighter and warmer colour of this as an alternative to my usual darker brown nudes.

Nars Audacious Lipstick in Jane | £24 | post | Yes, it’s another lipstick! This is a bit more of a Summery shade for me and (slightly) different to my usual nude lips. It’s a gorgeous warm terracotta shade that’s not quite a full-on colour but is a little more fun than a neutral lip. I love the Audacious formula because it’s just so creamy and has insane colour payoff. It has a little bit of a sheen on the lip but I’d still say the longevity is good.

MAC Prep & Prime Fix + | £17.50 | I finally got onto the MAC Fix + hype! At the moment I’ve been loving finishing my base with a spritz of this because it just helps everything look healthy, seamless and glowing, plus stops my makeup ever looking cakey. It’s also amazing for intensifying the look of eyeshadows.

Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Body Mist* | £17 | I actually didn’t get my hands on this until towards the end of the month but I’ve used it every single day since. It’s a spray that feels barely any heavier than water on the skin. However it’s packed full of super-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid that leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. I get dry skin even in Summer but I don’t always want to spend ages slathering on a heavy body butter or trying to stop a spray lotion from going everywhere, then having to work the product in. This is so quick and easy yet still leaves my skin really hydrated. I also love the packaging because you can see how much is in there so you know when you’re running low.

Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Or Shimmering Dry Oil | £19 | This is a totally different kind of body product but still one I’ve been loving lately (especially in Spain at the end of last month). It’s Nuxe’s super-nourishing (and amazing-smelling) dry oil with a subtle golden shimmer running through it. It’s gorgeous for on the beach or adding a little glow if you’re going bare-legged.

Sinful Colors Kylie Matte Nail Polish in Taupe is Chic | £3 | nail swatch | This was such a random purchase; I caught sight of a stand with Kylie Jenner on it wearing this gorgeous matte nail colour. I kind of assumed it would be expensive a la her Lip Kits, however I stopped to peruse and was surprised to see they were just £3 each. I deduced that the shade she had on was probably Taupe is Chic and managed to snap up the last bottle on the stand! I’d never tried a matte nail polish before however I absolutely love the finish of this. Despite being a light cool-toned pinky-beige colour, it went on very opaquely. I gave it two coats to be safe and it lasted me a good 4 days before starting to chip slightly (without a top coat because I didn’t have a matte one). Overall I was really impressed with it and you can’t go wrong for £3!

Disappointments



Soap & Glory Supercat Skinny Eyeliner* | £6 | I honestly thought this would be a match made in heaven because I'm the biggest fan of the original Supercat but I do prefer something a little more precise for an everyday look. However this was a bit of a let-down; I find the nib too scratchy on my eyelids and it's not as inky black and pigmented as the original. It also seems to apply as though it's running out, even though it's brand new. Overall I'd recommend just picking up the original and using the very tip if you want a precise look.

Look Good Feel Better Foam Application Wand* | £10.99 | This is one of those things that's totally down to personal preference. I have grown to appreciate a softer sponge applicator with a little more movement, whereas this is quite firm. If you do prefer a more solid sponge then definitely give it a go, however it's not really for me. I do love the idea of the sponge on a handle though and it actually works pretty well in that respect (the sponge is very securely-attached, in case you were wondering). Although things didn't work out with the Wand, I really love the LGFB brushes overall so I definitely recommend checking their range out also because a portion of every sale goes towards supporting women with cancer.

Products on Trial



Soap & Glory Eyeshadow Palettes in Kick into Neutral & The Ultimatte* | £11 each | The packaging of these new palettes is quite sleek and compact but feels secure and of course I love the design. These are at a similar price-point to offerings by L'Oreal and Maybelline but they're such amazing quality. Under £15, I really don't think you're going to do much better than this!

Kick Into Neutral is definitely an little bit Urban Decay 2-esque however it definitely has a few slightly warmer tones in there and only contains one matte shade (it's a mid brown-taupe so does go with pretty much any look you could do with the palette however this is still a bit of a drawback for me). I was really impressed with how pigmented the shadows were and the impact they had on the eyelids. They're very easy to blend out and work with too and by the end of the day my eyeshadow is still more or less intact! My favourite shades so far are Cuddly Bare (a taupe-brown matte), Rich Tea (a true gold shimmer), Cocoa Cabana (a brown-bronze shimmer) and Mice-tro (a dark charcoal brown shimmer).



The Ultimatte is an all-matte palette that contains pretty much everything you need in terms of neutrals; from peaches to greys to browns. I really wasn't sure how I'd feel about this, as I almost never rock a completely matte eye. I'm not completely converted, however this is perfect to use with a shimmery cream eyeshadow as a base or pressed on top because it contains everything else you need (though I'm not convinced so many light shades are necessary when they'll all look pretty similar on the lid). Soap & Glory usually has some sort of a deal going, so if you can then I'd definitely pick up both because they work so well together! The mattes in this palette are amazing in terms of formula; they have really good colour payoff and a very creamy texture. When I first used one of the shades, I kind of assumed it would be a bit powdery and wishy-washy and loaded up my crease brush with colour then had a bit of a shock when I applied it! Again, I was really impressed with the longevity of these shadows. So far I'm loving Okey Cocoa (a cool-toned brown),  Conker All (a warm-toned brown), Pebble Power (a taupe) and Mauve Over (a peachy-mauve).

Soap & Glory Made You Blush Cheek Colours in Rosy Chic, Twinkle Rose & Pink* | £9 each | I'm really impressed with Soap & Glory's new blushers too. The matte shades have that 'good crumbly' texture that makes them so easy to apply and blend out. I really like how evenly they go on and how well they wear throughout the day. The muted pinky-peach nude colour of Rosy Chic is a perfect everyday cheek shade. Pink is a cool Barbie-pink colour. Twinkle Rose is similar but a little warmer and has a golden sheen running through it. It's very easy to blend and the shimmer is very fine and natural-looking on the skin. Again, I do find this lasts me the day without any patchy fade. I like the packaging because it's quite small and compact, which is great for travelling. It does come with a little brush but personally I never use those. I really hope they come out with more of these!



Delilah Colour Intense Cream Lipstick in Hush* | £24 | This is a really creamy, semi-sheer formula with a bit of a sheen to it. It's nice for just throwing on for an everyday look. Though it isn't the longest-lasting lip product ever, it doesn't fade unevenly and is really easy to touch-up even if you're in a rush. Hush is a very 'me' shade; a sort of rosy-mauve colour. So far I'm really liking this and can see it being an everyday go-to when Autumn comes around.

Saturated Colour Lipstick in 1st Base* | £7 | This is the more moisturising formula by lipstick brand Saturated Colour, however the colour payoff is still really good. It's a pretty  warm-toned pinky-brown nude shade that's right up my street. Again, I would say that the moisturising formula means it isn't quite so long-wearing but the nude colour stops any 'lip liner' effect when it starts to wear away.

Saturated Colour Lipstick Colour Switch* | £9 | I was seriously dubious about this! It's a white lipstick that's supposed to change the colour of whatever lipstick you wear underneath. It is a little bit gimmicky but it's actually quite fun! I've tried it with a few different lip shades and it changed a deep rust-toned nude into a mid-toned pinky-mauve and a coral-nude into a lighter, cooler 'my lips but better' shade. It is a little bit messy (I wipe off the white bullet on the back of my hand after using it to get rid of the lip colour) and I'm not sure I'd be bothered to take this out and touch up my lipstick and then this on top of it, but it's a cute product and the sort of thing that, come Christmas, would be a great little stocking-filler for a beauty-lover.

Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Mud Mask* | £11.99 | This is a really amazing dupe for the Origins Clear Improvement mask. It dries down to the same unusual plastic-y finish as opposed to a hard clay mask. I have been using this once or twice a week this month because at the start of July I was getting really bad breakouts. It feels quite intense and invigorating but doesn't suck your face and soul dry of all moisture. My skin feels clean and looks far more fresh and glowing after I use this. The morning after, any active breakouts have shrunk considerably and I do notice that the appearance of my large pores is improved a little.

Sebamed Liquid Face and Body Wash* | £6.49 | I know this doesn't look like much from the outside but don't be fooled by the packaging because this is a seriously great product! I often suffer from sensitivity flare-ups on my face and though they're usually restricted to Winter, I do occasionally get minor sensitivity during the rest of the year. This is a liquid gel formula and foams slightly but leaves my skin feeling hydrated as opposed to stripped. It isn't heavy like some of the other anti-sensitivity products out there; it just leaves my skin feeling clean, calm and clear. I don't really get the redness or sensitivity on my body after 'growing out of' eczema years ago, however from the way it works on my face, I can imagine it being amazing if you do. I can see it being a favourite during the Winter months - I'll keep you posted.




What do you think of this month’s favourites? What have been some of yours?




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

  1. Those palettes are gorgeous! I'm a huge fan of soap and glory make-up. T x
    http://teganlily.co.uk/

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  2. You have THE best eye shadow palettes! www.indigoandmouse.blogspot.com

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  3. It's good to hear the Kylie polishes are nice as I've been wanting to try them but wasn't too sure of the quality!

    nueyork.blogspot.com

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  4. Great post, I like hearing about both good and bad products and find it really helpful! I really want to try the new hand chemistry body mist - it sounds perfect for me!
    Philippa x

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    Replies
    1. It's so hydrating and refreshing, plus very quick and easy to apply! xx

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  5. I've tried the Sebamed face wash, it was really nice, very economical... you only need a tiny bit for each application.

    Kez | acaciasdreams.com

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  6. Sorry to hear about the bad products.I thought the application wand sounds gimmicky tho I agree, yeah, it's down to personal preference in the end.

    Selene Addicted

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  7. I enjoyed this updated way of doing your monthly favourites! I am dying to try the new Anastasia eyeshadow palette, I haven't actually tried anything form the brand before but I can't wait to get my hands on something from them! xx

    Blushhx

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  8. Great post! I love seeing products people love but equally are disappointed with. Saves me spending the pennies! The soap and glory ultimatte palette looks beautiful! Excited to hear your opinion on it.

    Sophie | It's Cultured

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  9. I've really been wanting the Anastasia Renaissance palette, so I'm glad it's in your favorites! It looks like such a beautiful palette and perfect for Fall!

    www.youarebeaut.blogspot.com

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  10. Sorry about the Soap and Glory eyeliner. It happens, right? We live and we learn. Ah, everyone is raving about the Anastasia eyeshadow palette. I want to try!

    S .x http://ramblingsofayoungprgirl.blogspot.com

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  11. I really want to try the ABH palette, its just the price that puts me off.
    That illamaqua powder looks amazing!

    Jaynie Shannon * / Morphe & Zoeva Giveaway Running

    xx

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  12. I've been loving the S&G matte palette and Rosy Chic! The Hand Chemistry body mist sounds amazing!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

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    Replies
    1. It's well worth trying - very underrated :) xx

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  13. I love this new format! It does make the blog post a little bit longer than usual, but I personally don't mind! I've been trying very hard to not spend my money on the ABH Modern renaissance palette but I feel like I might give in to temptation, as the fact that it is quite matte doesn't bother me at all, on the contrary!!!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

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  14. The Illamasqua highlighter looks amazing, I have to get my hands on it. I'm all about that golden glow during the summer. Such an amazing post!
    xx Dany | The Queens Empire

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  15. Becca champagne glow is the best thing becca came out with. Totally in love with it. And finally ordered the Anastasia palette can't wait to get it :D

    Sam || Beautydetour

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  16. The Charlotte Tilbury lipstick and ABH eyeshadow palette look gorgeous! Great favourites!

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    Replies
    1. I'm surprised how wearable the Anastasia shades are! xx

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  17. UD vice lipstick in carnal looks my kinda shade. I wanted to buy Abh modern Renaissance palette but I think I'm drawn towards the deep pinks and oranges only from this palette. I may or may not buy this. If not, definitely closest shades from MUG. Like you, I love a good mix of mattes, shimmers and foiled finishes in my palette. And omg you wrote quite a lot but a good roundup Jasmine xx

    Ash | www.mstantrum.com

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  18. I really need to get my hands on Maybelline Creamy Matte lipsticks, so many have raved about them. And you have no idea how happy you made me with this post, Jasmine. I just won a S&G giveaway by makeup monster which has two of the new palettes and three blushers so to read that you're happy with them just made me more excited for them!

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

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  19. Oh wow, the colors of the eyeshadow palette 'kick into neutral' look amazing!
    I think I'm gonna buy this palette. :)
    Thanks for sharing!

    Have a wonderful day,
    Olivia
    www.1001kleid.blogspot.com

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  20. I really want to get the Anastasia Eyeshadow Palette, it looks so pretty! I was going to get the new Soap & Glory Eyeliner because I love the original one but maybe I'll just stick to the original instead x

    http://emmaboughtwhat.blogspot.co.uk/

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  21. Yes I love this new style which you're trying out. Tbh I'm more annoyed at the fact that I missed this poll haha! I always try to stay away from the brushes which have sponges on as more or less of the time they're normally so stiff you can't work with them or anything!
    Charlotte // www.charlottespicks.com

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  22. I absolutely love the sound of the Hyaluronic Body Mist & the look of the Illamasqua Highlighter & Becca individual blush! That brush with the sponge applicator just seems bizarre to me! xx

    Beautylymin| Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct Giveaway

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  23. I really enjoyed this kind of post! The S&G blushes sound very nice and Twinkle Rose and rosy Chic are gorgeous! x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  24. love your new post format, such a cool idea :) So good to read things which are disappointing! Sucks about the supercat, I love the standard one, so sucks it isn't as good! I very highly recommend the seventeen wet look liner for a more precise look :)

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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    Replies
    1. I tend to go for the Stila eyeliner for a wet look - I loved Supercat for the matte finish but thanks anyway! xx

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  25. I am seriously in need of getting my paws on that ABH palette, haven't heard a single negative!
    ♥ Fran - www.frannymac.com xx

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  26. I love this new concept! I'm huge fan of the CP Face palette and the ABH one. I really want to check the out some of Becca's blushes, I love the sound of songbird. I pick a couple of the UD vice lipsticks, one was from the comfort matte line, I love the formula too. I need that shade you have. GREAT POST :) xx

    LPage Beauty

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    Replies
    1. I'm sure you'd love Carnal - we seem to have similar taste in dark nudes! xx

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  27. Cant wait to hear your final thoughts on the Soap and Glory palettes. I'm kind of in love with the look of their blushers at the moment. The body mist sounds amazing and if I see it anytime soon I think I'll definitely be picking it up because you've sold me on it x

    Darling Jordan

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  28. You've got to try so many amazing products! That becca blush sounds lovely. I don't own many coral shades but Im definitely tempted to check that one out :)

    Georgia | The Weekend Attic

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  29. I am tempted to try s&g blushes and supercat skinny, I will pass the eyeliner but will check out the blushes. Twinkle rose and rosy chic are pretty! x

    Ela BellaWorld

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  30. I've been waiting for your word on the new S&G makeup...its a shame about the liner. I really thought they were onto another winner there. The blush in Rosy Chic looks incredible! xxx
    Sal | UmmBaby Beauty

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  31. I tend to hear very good reviews about what used to Kiss Cosmetics. However I could never see myself purchasing their products simple because of what they are. They are a company that was created through a massive amount of focus groups on facebook, twitter etc. They focus grouped the hell out of every single step of the way. They took their groups advice, then eventually went the other way with everything. To me, that speaks volumes about their ethics and I would rather not hand them my money.
    Angie | Chocolate & Lipstick | Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle Blog

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    Replies
    1. I don't think that gathering feedback is a bad thing for a new brand and you're not always obliged to follow feedback if you have a good reason not to!

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  32. Now that you've said that the Yes To Tomatoes Mask is like the Origins Clear Improvement Mask, I really want to try it! I think this new Monthly "favourites" format is great - interesting and informative.



    Beauty Isles

    My Mommy Years

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  33. I was actually looking at the skinny liner the other day thinking the same - the original is just slightly too thick for me also to achieve a precise wing but since the bad review I don't think I'll bother! Not good that it doesn't come off bold either !
    Cally x
    xcallyloves.blogspot.co.uk

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  34. Maybelline is such an incredibly drug store brand!
    Jabeen x
    http://www.spilling-the-beans.co.uk/

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  35. You're a girl after my own makeup heart Jasmine! Delilah Hush and 1st Base look divine, have you tried either the Longwearing/Matte/Liquid lipsticks from Essence? They cost absolute tuppence but I love shade LW06. I'm not usually that into Illamasqua but a new highlighter is always going to peak my interest..

    www.Barely There Beauty.com | British Beauty & Lifestyle blog

    xx

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    Replies
    1. I actually haven't but will be doing now! ;) xx

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  36. You have been killing me with these gorgeous palettes! I need them all. I have not been in a beauty store in weeks! *gasp* I need to catch up on my life. haha Thanks for feeding the addiction. ;)
    http://www.lipstickisalife.com/

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  37. Thank you for your comments - I'm glad you liked the new format! xx

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  38. I still haven't tried any CT lippies. I must be the last beauty junkie on earth who hasn't haha. Super Cindy looks so gorgeous and perfect for every day!

    xx
    Nida | Caked To The Nines

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  39. I like this style of favourites a lot! Can't wait to hear more about the soap and glory blushes, love the pigmentation of them!

    Neelam // www.neelamjayna.blogspot.co.uk x

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  40. I love this concept Jasmine, so detailed but not too much of a long read - looking forwards to more in the future ^_^
    Super cindy looks very pretty and do the soap and glory blushers! Its a shame that the skinny liner from S&G didn't work out, as I know you're the biggest fan of their supercat!

    Iqra | The Blushing Giraffe x

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  41. I've decided that I need that UD Carnal lipstick... it's gorgeous and right up my alley! Glad you're enjoying Benefit Gimme Brow, it's my HG brow product! xx

    Daniela | MissNewBeauty.net

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