I Was Going To Do A July Favourites Post But...

I looked through my stash to see what I'd been using the most and there weren't a lot of things I've been using all the time. Due to running out foundations and trying one which broke me out I've been chopping and changing the foundation, concealer and powder I've been using. I've been reaching for all sorts of different eyeshadows and lip products too so I can't really choose definite favourites. 

Instead I thought I'd tell you about the two sorts of products I've been using almost every day; cream blush and cream/gel eyeliner.

Cream Blush:

L-R: Sonia Kashuk Creme Blush in Petal, Illamasqua Cream Blusher in Dixie

NYC Blushable Creme Stick in South St Seashell

Swatches: SK Petal, Illamasqua Dixie, NYC South St Seashell

I've been applying all three of these with my E.L.F. Studio Powder brush. Now, I bought a MAC 188 to use with cream blush and I do use it with my Rich Coral Cream Colour Base from MAC but when I tried to use it with these three, it wasn't picking up the right amount of colour or distributing it evenly. I didn't know what to do - I'd tried applying the blushes with my fingers (or directly to my face with the NYC) and it didn't look great. I either put on too much or rubbed it in to the point where it was barely visible. I had a look at my brushes and thought I'd give the E.L.F. a go - I have two of these, one which I used to use for foundation and one that I use occasionally for powder blush. I just dot the brush on the top of the product (or rub some of the NYC on top of the brush) and dab it on to my face. Then I blend it out. And it looks great! I've not touched a powder blush for a while now thanks to finally working out how to use cream blushes! 

The Sonia Kashuk blush dries down to a slightly more powdery finish than the Illamasaqua. The NYC leaves quite a nice sheen. I couldn't choose a favourite out of these three!

Cream/Gel Liners:

L-R: Bobbi Brown Sepia Ink Long Wear Cream Liner, Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Cream Liners for Brown Eyes (brown, black, purple)

BB Sepia Ink, PF Brown

PF Black, PF Purple

Sephora Bent Liner Brush

L-R: PF Purple, PF Black, PF Brown, BB Sepia Ink

I did a post recently about how much I love Bobbi Brown gel liners and Sepia Ink was the one I used most this month. I received the Physicians Formula trio in a swap with a lovely girl on Makeupalley this month and I think these are great quality! I love the purple on my brown eyes and I think the brown shade is very similar to Sepia Ink. They don't wear as long as the Bobbi Brown liners but they still last a good 6 hours on my eyes (this is good for me!) and are pretty good on the waterline too.

The brush is really what has made me gravitate towards these liners. It was a random addition to a blog sale purchase but it has made applying gel liners so easy! I tried a similar one from E.L.F. and it was rubbish. I don't think this one is anything special and I'm sure there are loads of similar versions here in the UK. You seriously need one in your collection!

So...are you a fan of cream blushes and liners? What are your favourites?

Stace xx

American Swap Goodies & Swatches!

I just got back from a trip back home to Northern Ireland and waiting for me was a huge box of goodies from the lovely Michele. She's from the US and we arranged to do a swap. I sent her some UK things she was after and she sent me things from the US that we can't get here. She was really generous and sent lots of cute extras (including some cute little toys for our cat!). The whole experience was great and I'm sure we'll swap again in the future! 


So, to the fun bit! Here are some photos and swatches of what I received:

Bath & Body Works Pocket Bacs

I love these! They all smell amazing and the formula of these anti bacterial gels isn't as drying as other similar products.

Corallina

Rose D'Oro

L-R: Corallina, Rose D'Oro

L-R: Rose D'Oro, Corallina

L-R: Rose D'Oro, Corallina

Milani Baked Blushes in Rose D'Oro & Corallina

I've been lemming these ever since I swapped for another blush in this range called Luminoso. The pigmentation is lovely! I think Rose D'Oro is my new favourite. 

Milani HD Advanced Concealer in Medium

I've been wanting to try this for a long time too after hearing some good reviews on YouTube. I think I'll only be using this as an under eye concealer as it's quite pink-toned so it wouldn't work on my yellow-toned skin. It's a nice texture though. I've only tried it once and it worked pretty well - I do prefer concealers with a more liquid texture for the under eye texture so this is great as it covers well but doesn't look cakey.

Honeysuckle Honeydew

Top L-R: Honeysuckle Honeydew, Lemon Drop

Bottom L-R: Lemon Drop, Summer Fruit

Summer Fruit

EOS Lip Balms

I love these! The Lemon Drop is my favourite so I'm glad I have two of them! They are easy to apply and pretty moisturizing. I love the packaging!

NYC Blushable Creme Stick in South St Sea Shell

I initially wasn't going to request this but now I'm so glad I did! It's a lovely colour and the texture is really nice. It's easy to apply and dries down to a powder finish so it's not sticky at all.

NYX Soft Matte Cream in San Paulo

This was another product I was unsure of but I really like it! The colour is nothing like how it's shown on the NYX site but that's what I love most about it: it's a vibrant deep pink. The texture is also much nicer than I expected. It feels like velvet and lasts forever. I tried putting a gloss on top too and that didn't effect the product already on my lips. I want more of these now!

Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume Waterproof in Very Black

I can't wait to try this once I've gotten through all the other open mascaras I have! I've heard good things. I'm sure there will be a review in the future!

NYX Round Lipstick in Tea Rose

I used to own this but swapped it away and then regretted it! I love these lipsticks and this colour is very pretty. It's a nice natural looking lipstick which goes well with lots of different looks.

That's everything! As I said, she sent lots of lovely extras too.

Have you done any swapping recently? Do you have any recommendations for great US drugstore products?

Stace xx