Blog Sale

Hey everyone,

I've got a few beauty bits and pieces to pass on so decided to pop them in a wee blog sale. I'm moving flat in a few weeks so I've added a few bits and reduced prices or pulled together some bundles at lower prices. I'll consider offers on a bulk purchase.

The general rules/instructions are noted below but do let me know if you have any questions. Happy browsing!

• All items have been purchased by me and either tested or lightly used (unless otherwise specified) 
• UK shipping is £3.00, there's no extra charge for additional items
• Contact me for international shipping rates
• Please comment on this post or email stacey.mckane@googlemail.com with your request and Paypal email address 
• Payment via Paypal only - please pay within a couple of days 
• Parcels will be shipped within two days of payment receipt

Now, onto the goodies!

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder foundation in Natural Beige - used 6-8x - £16 now £10

MAC Studio Sculpt foundation in NC40 - used 5x - £12 now £9

MAC Mineralize concealer in NC35 - used 1x - £8 now £5 

NARS blush in Exhibit A - used 3x - £14 now £9
NARS blush in Gina - 85% remaining - £8

Illamasqua blush in Sophie - used 6-8x - £9 now £6

BeneFit Watt’s Up highlighter stick (smudger lid missing) - 90% remaining - £8 now £5

MAC Pro Longwear eyeshadow in Sweet Satisfaction - 90% remaining - £7 now £4
Laura Mercier creme eyeliner in Violet - 85% remaining, still very creamy - £5

Sleek eyeshadow palette in Vintage Romance - used some shades 4-5x - £3 now £1.50
Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pink Gold - 85% remaining - £1

Lancome Le Crayon Sourcils in 030 Brun - sharpened 2x - £4 now £2

Wet’n’Wild eyeshadow in Envy - used 1x - £1

YSL liquid liner in Gunmetal Grey - swatched - £1
No7 Stay Perfect Metallic Eyes eyeliner in Camouflage - swatched - £1.50
OR ALL 6 FOR £4

Essie Bikini So Teeny - used 2x - £3

Essie Sand Tropez - used 4x - £2

Essie Navigate Her - used 2x - £2

Essie A Crewed Interest - used 2x - £2

OR ALL 4 FOR £4.50

 Butter London in Pillar Box Red - used 2x - £4
Nails Inc in New Oxford Street - used 2x - £4
Deborah Lippmann in Hit Me With Your Best Shot - used 3x - £5
OPI in Live Love Carnival - used 2x - £3
OPI in Ogre The Top Blue - used 3x - £3

Super Facialist by Una Brennan in Rose Hydrate moisture mask - used 3x - £3 now £1.50 

The Sanctury Time Reversal face mask - used 2x - £3 now £1.50

Nip+Fab Glycolic Instant Fix face mask - used 1x - £4 now £2

Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver - used 1x - £5 now £2.50

Garnier Moisture Match for Dull Skin - used 1x - £1 now 50p

Body Shop Honeymania cream body scrub - tested, 95% remaining - £4 now £2

Body Shop Vineyard Peach cream body scrub - new - £4 now £2

December/January Empties

I've not posted an empties post in a long time - mostly because it's taken me this long to gather up enough empties to post about. Do any of you remember the months where my empties posts would have squillions of products in them?! My beauty routine has definitely been simplified recently (read: I've been lazy) so it's taking me much longer to use anything up.

Boots Expert Dry Shampoo

When my favourite Tresemme dry shampoo isn't on offer, I usually buy this one instead. It's almost as good and about a third of the price. 

Boots Essentials Nail Polish Remover

My all time favourite polish remover! I've not been able to repurchase this yet so I'm trying another one and it just doesn't compare. 

Weleda Almond Soothing Facial Lotion

This was nice but not nice enough for me to rush out and repurchase it. I'm in need of a new night time moisturiser though so if you have any suggestions, please leave them in the comments!

The Body Shop Spiced Vanilla Body Butter

I realise this was from last year's Christmas collection but I promise I only opened it in September! As with all Body Shop body butters it's nice and moisturising. I wasn't a huge fan of the scent though.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium 3

Does this product even require an explanation? It's one of my most used and repurchased beauty products by far. If you've not tried it, you should. I'm already well on my way to using up another tube.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation in Golden Beige

I must admit, when I picked this up back in August, I wasn't expecting a great deal. I've been pleasantly surprised; this is an excellent every day foundation. I'll be posting a full review soon...and buying a new bottle!

BeneFit They're Real 

This is the first of three mascaras I've used up recently and it's the only one I've rushed out to buy again. It's hands down my favourite mascara.

L'Oreal Volume Million Waterproof

I enjoyed using this mascara and it's the only one that's come close to being as good as They're Real. It's much easier to remove though, despite being waterproof! 

LUSH Eyes Right*

Formula-wise this mascara is nice. It looks really natural which is great for everyday use. I definitely won't be repurchasing it - the packaging is terrible.

Have you posted an empties post recently? Leave me a link!

Stace xx

Worth The Hype? BeneFit They're Real Mascara

I reviewed BeneFit's They're Real many moons ago when I tried it out for the first time but the photos are hideous and given that I'm about to purchase my fourth tube of this mascara, I figured it was worth revisiting.

 They're Real received a huge amount of attention when it launched and that always makes me incredibly skeptical; surely it couldn't be as good as everyone was claiming, right? Any concerns I had regarding this product vanished after the first few times I used it and for the last year every other mascara I've tried has failed to live up to the standard set by They're Real. 

So why is it so good?

Have you ever tried a mascara and loved the brush only to find the formula was a bit rubbish or vice versa? I find that quite often; They're Real is one of the few exceptions for me. The brush has lots of plastic bristles which coat individual lashes with just the right amount of product. It also has a little spiked ball on the end of the wand which is great for reaching smaller lashes or adding extra product to the outer lashes. The formula is great; it doesn't run or smudge on me at all which is almost a miracle! It also holds a curl amazingly well.

Before

The main gripes people seem to have with They're Real is that it looks too full on or a bit clumpy and that it can be difficult to remove. To prevent spider-lashes I avoid applying more than two coats and when the mascara is brand new I might use a spoolie to eradicate any clumps. As for removing this mascara I find that Philosophy's Purity Made Simple cleanser works best.

After one coat

Is BeneFit They're Real worth the hype?

Undeniably, YES! If you want a mascara to give you longer, thicker lashes I implore you to give They're Real a go if you haven't already. 

Debenhams are currently selling They're Real for £16.65. It's normally £18.50 from any BeneFit stockist.

Stace xx

What's in my make up bag? [Using my Naked palette]

Everytime I look through my eye make up I spot my Urban Decay Naked palette and quietly scold myself for not using it more. I'm determined to make good use of it over the next couple of weeks!

I'm mixing up the base products I'm using (with the exception of concealers) to incorporate my new bottle of NARS Sheer Glow. I don't normally use a setting powder with this foundation but if I need one I've included LUSH's Emotional Brilliance loose powder. If I want to use a primer I have a little Murad primer sample to use up. For concealer, I'm sticking with my trusty duo of Collection Lasting Perfection and Rimmel Wake Me Up. I've also thrown in a BeneFit Sunbeam highlighter sample which I used for the first time today; I like it!

For blush I'm giving myself a bright shimmery coral option with S.O.P.H.I.E. from Illamasqua and a natural satin option in NARS Madly. Madly is definitely my most used blush and has been for about six months now whereas S.O.P.H.I.E. is brand new and crying out to be used for the first time. Both shades should work fairly well with the Naked palette's shadows. 

For eyes I have, of course, my Naked palette; I plan on wearing at least one eyeshadow every day! I'm going to use NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base underneath the shadows and LUSH's Eyes Right mascara. I've added a couple of Milani Liquf'Eye liners in black and brown in case I fancy using one. For my brows I have Smashbox Brow Tech but I realised this morning that I've lost (for the second time!) the brush I love to use with this so I may have to switch it out and use my Lancome brow pencil instead.

For lips I have two neutral shades; 17's Mirror Shine lipstick in Beehive and Rimmel by Kate Moss in 19. Beehive is lighter and glossier whereas 19 is a rosier shade with great staying power. If I want to wear a bolder colour it's going to be either Rimmel by Kate Moss Matte in 107 which is a medium berry shade or a warm toned pink in the form of Illamasqua's medium pencil in Titivate.

What's in your make up bag this week?

Stace xx

Wishlist Wednesday: Christmas Gift Sets Under £15

It's just over a month until Christmas and if you're anything like me you'll be thinking about what you'd like to find wrapped up under the tree. If, unlike me, you're a bit more selfless you're probably thinking about what you're going to buy for the special people in your life. Lots of brands release great value kits and sets around this time of year so whether you're looking for a treat for yourself or someone else the next three Wishlist Wednesday posts will be dedicated to my top picks. This week I've chosen sets under the £15 mark so they're great as stocking fillers or secret Santa gifts. Everything can be found on ASOS.com.

Pixi Lid Last Shadow Pen Duo

£12

This set contains two versatile shades of cream shadow in an easy-to-use pen/pencil form. The darker shade would work well as a base for a smoky eye or as a liner whereas the lighter shade would look great blended out as a sheer wash of colour if you're in a rush or as a highlight on the brow bone. I've not tried a lot of Pixi products myself but I've heard good things about these pencils and at £6 each they're not going to break the bank.

BeneFit POREfect Radiance Kit

£9.50

I'm not typically a fan of sets which contain only trial sized products but I can make an exception for this one. The kit contains mini versions of BeneFit's POREfessional primer, It's Potent eye cream and Triple Performing facial emulsion. The idea behind the kit is that the three products work together to create the perfect base for make up. I've not tried the facial emulsion (read: lightweight moisturiser with a silly name) but I have used and enjoyed the primer and eye cream before. If used correctly the products in the kit should last around a month. The products should work on most skin types.

Cath Kidston Polka Dot Emery Boards

£4

Whilst these pretty emery boards wouldn't be a great gift on their own I'd love to receive these as a stocking filler. Every girl needs about fifty nail files anyway; I'm forever losing mine! 

Stila Merry & Bright Palette and Lip Glaze Set
£12.50
Stila offer some great gift set options; this little palette and lip glaze is just one example. There are six fairly neutral shadows, a 'highlighter' (which looks more like a blush to me) and a lip glaze in the set so it's prefect for a younger relative who's new to make up or someone who likes to travel light. I've found the quality of Stila products to be excellent so would expect the same from this set.

Ciate Velvet Manicure - Blue Suede
£14
Okay, so this one definitely won't be for everyone and I'd probably never spend £14 this for myself but I'd (not so) secretly like to try a velvet manicure. It comes in a variety of shades but this dark blue has caught my eye. 


Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

Stace xx

BeneFit Sunbeam Free with InStyle Magazine

I just thought I'd hop on and blog about a little freebie I came across today. I don't usually buy magazines for free products but I've been wanting to try BeneFit's Sunbeam for a while and the magazine was only £2.50 in Tesco (normally £3.80).

The sample is a dinky 4ml but contains more than enough product to try for a little while, at least. I was under the impression that this was a really dark golden colour and that's part of the reason I've not purchased the full size already. I was worried it'd be too dark to use as a highlighting product. However, as you can see in the swatch, it's more of a dark champagne shade which is a perfect highlight colour for me. When blended out it looks pretty subtle but I can't wait to try it out on my face very soon. 

If you're not interested in trying Sunbeam you could pick up a mini BeneTint or Cha Cha Tint instead. The magazine is full of high street finds this month so I'm probably going to spend part of this evening reading that!

Have you tried Sunbeam?

Stace xx

Wishlist Wednesday: Feel Unique

I love the 'wish list' function on Feel Unique; I'm constantly adding items to it so I thought I'd share my most recent additions in today's wish list!

bareMinerals Ready Touch Up Veil - Translucent

£16.50

link

I always wanted to try the loose version of this powder but I was put off by the fact I'd probably spill it everywhere so when this pressed version was released, it went straight on to my wish list! My current face powder is on its way out so I really need to pick up another soon.

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Sorbet

£19.80

link

I used to own this but the packaging was different; it was a pump bottle which didn't work very well and eventually broke. The issues with the packaging put me off repurchasing it but I'd happily use it again now that it's changed. This moisturiser is great for dehydrated skin so works well for me. 

Seche Vite Top Coat

£8.87

link

This product is always on my wish list because I alternate between this and Sally Hansen's Insta Dri and I'm running low on the latter. I find that Seche Vite doesn't get as goopy as quickly as the Sally Hansen so don't mind paying an extra few pounds for it.

Jemma Kidd Light As Air Foundation

£20

link

I've not purchased a new foundation for a very long time and have always had my eye on this one. Anna from Viviannadoesmakeup rates it highly so I want to see what all the fuss is about!

BeneFit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss in Bella Bamba

£13.50

link

I know these glosses haven't been rated highly but for some reason I still want to try one. The swatches look quite sheer so I want to try Bella Bamba as I imagine it'll be the most pigmented of the six.

If you own or have tried any of these products, please let me know what you think of them in the comments!

Stace xx

July Empties

If you've read any of my previous empties posts you'll think this one pales in comparison; it definitely wasn't my month for using up lots of products! 

The Body Shop Brazil Nut Body Butter

I love this body butter, the scent might not be for everyone as it is a bit sickly but I like it. I tend to use this particular body butter more on drier areas such as my elbows and knees.

The Body Shop Africa Spa Hand & Foot Butter

I've already repurchased this; it's an excellent foot cream. I can't imagine using it as a hand cream, though.

The Body Shop Dewberry Shower Gel

Can you tell that I'm a fan of products from The Body Shop? This isn't my favourite scent but it's nice. Raspberry Ripple is my favourite scent from this range.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalising Gel Body Oil

This isn't technically an empty but I just can't bring myself to use it any more. It's horrendously greasy and takes forever and a day to sink into my skin no matter how little I use so it has to go!

Dr Bronner's Lavender Hand Sanitizing Spray

I'm going to be honest and say that I didn't love the scent of this but it was quite handy to use. I kept it by my bed in the hope that the lavender scent would help me get to sleep more easily.

Cuticura Citrus Hand Hygiene Gel

This is a bit big for my handbag so I kept it by my make up/skincare to use if I needed to. It's a good budget product to have around.

Bath & Body Works Fresh Picked Pairs Pocket Bacs

This smells absolutely delicious; I'm sad that I've used it all up. If I ever make it to the States, I'm going to buy hundreds of these Pocket Bacs because they're great for my handbag.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment

This is another product that I've not technically used up. It's very moisturising and sinks in quickly, which is great but it absolutely stinks!

L'Occitaine Shea Butter Hand Cream

I bought the smaller sized tube of this to pop in my bag and I've been impressed by it. It's definitely up there with my other favourite hand creams.

Head & Shoulders Citrus Fresh Shampoo

I always go back to this product when my scalp is playing up. It works well on my grease-prone hair and isn't irritating at all.

Clarins Water Purify One Step Cleanser

This is a decent cleansing water but I do think there are other similar products that are cheaper. 

Lierac Energizing Soothing Cream Sample

This has been my most used moisturiser recently and I've really enjoyed using it. 

Thierry Mugler Angel EDT Sample

I love the scent of this perfume, it reminds me of my granny because that's why she wears. 

BeneFit PoreFessional Primer Sample

I got this free with a magazine and it lasted me a good month or so. PoreFessional is one of my favourite primers.

Comfort Zone Renight Recover Cream Sample

It feels like forever since I finished up this sample. It's very thick so I can't see myself wanting to purchase the full size. 

Burberry Body EDP Sample

I've had so many samples of this perfume, it's ridiculous! It's just okay to be honest.

That's it! Let me know if you used up many products this month in the comments.

Stace xx

My Current Make Up Routine

I've been using almost exactly the same products every time I wear make up at the moment so I thought I'd share! I've not been feeling too adventurous, as you will see. 

Face

BeneFit POREFessional Primer 

Bobbi Brown Corrector in Peach

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium 3 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B40 

Clarins Ever Matte Powder in Medium Transparent 

NARS Orgasm Blush

TheBalm Mary Lou-Manizer

Eyes

Smashbox Brow Tech in Taupe/Soft Brown

MUA Clear Mascara

NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base

L'Oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadow in Sahara Treasure

Maybelline One by One Mascara in Black

It takes less than ten minutes and lasts pretty well throughout the day. In the photos I'm wearing the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Evasion. Once we've graduated and got settled into our new flat I'm going to have to make an effort to mix up my make up a bit!

If anyone has any tips on taking photos of their own face, please let me know. I was great at it when I was 16 but for some reason I'm terrible at it now!

Stace xx

PS - I have a blog sale going on if you're interested, almost everything is half price or less and the shipping is a flat rate so you can buy as much as you like without having to pay more for shipping!

My Travel Make Up Bag

Okay, so I brought far too much make up on holiday. I hardly wore any of it but I wanted to cover all bases and I could fit it all into a small make up bag. We went to Crete for a week and had a very relaxing time, hence why I didn't wear much make up. If we'd been going out every night, I would have probably made more effort.

For face products I brought my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B40 as it's the darkest foundation I own. Sadly it's a touch too light for me now so I only wore it once, the same goes for my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in Medium 3. If anyone has any recommendations for darker concealers in the drugstore, please let me know as I need one to fill the gap until I'm pale enough to wear what I already have. I brought my Illamasqua cream blush in Rude in case I wanted to wear blush but I ended up not using it. I brought the Illamasqua Highlighter brush to use with the blush and/or the foundation but again I didn't use it.

For lips I brought two balms - one from Yves Rocher which a lovely girl sent me in a swap. It's the best stick lip balm I've ever tried and I wish it was sold here in the UK. The other is just a Boots Soltan SPF 30 balm and I used both balms, obviously! I brought two Revlon lip butters; Tutti Frutti which I didn't use and Fig Jam which I did use because it's one of the five lip products I'm trying to use up. The two glosses I brought are also in my lip product challenge and I used both the Dior Lip Polish in 001 and Estee Lauder Pure Color gloss in Electric Cherry. I added the Sleek Eau La La liner in Moulin Rouge in case I fancied a red lip but of course, I was too lazy to use it!

For eyes I brought my NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base which I used a couple of times under shadows from the Wet'n'Wild The Gilded Age trio (sadly this is was limited edition but if you can ever get your hands on it, BUY IT!!) that I applied with the only eye brush I brought; the ELF Eyeshadow brush. I also brought an Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil in Rehab but didn't use it. I used BeneFit's They're Real mascara a few times - it's not waterproof so I didn't wear it during the day but it was fine in the evenings. The only brow product I brought was some MUA clear mascara.

I went a bit overboard with nail polish and brought five Essie minis. I ended up putting Fishnet Stockings on my toes halfway through the holiday and Lady Like on my nails but I didn't use Size Matters, Very Structured or Bangle Jangle but that was mostly due to the nasty nail polish remover pads I brought with me and because I forgot my top coat.

So there you go, that's what was in my travel make up bag and what I actually used. I hope that was useful! Let me know what your travel make up essentials are.

Stace xx