Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in 03

Yes, I have an unhealthy obsession with Kate Moss' take on these Rimmel Lasting Finish Lippies. I hold my hands up. Guilty.

If you haven't already tried these lipsticks... you should now.

I have quite the collection of these Rimmel Lasting Finish lipsticks now, and I can not praise them highly enough.

I picked up this one in shade 03 a few weeks ago, and the colour is so me. I wanted the shade for ages after  eyeing it up in Boots, but I couldn't really find many reviews or swatches on the internet of this colour. I took the plunge anyway, as, at around £5.49 a pop, you can't really go wrong.

It turns out this colour is quite a nude lipstick, but does have a very slight undertone colour of pink. 

To see the rest of the Kate Moss colour range, click here. They retail at around £5.49 each.

The left swatch is a full swatch, whereas the right swatch is a very light swatch, as you can see. The photo doesn't really do it justice!

What is your favourite brand of lipstick?

xxxx

Review: No 7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in 40 Pink Lemonade

Hey sweeties, hope you are all well.

Today we have a overall first thoughts on the No 7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in 40 Pink Lemonade. I love the name of this lipstick, it reminds me of sitting in the garden sunbathing in the Summer, which I think this lipstick would go hand -in-hand with. 

Its a beautiful pink, which is VERY moisturising (I didn't need lip balm at all with this) it makes my lips feel really soft. It is slightly sheer, but the colour itself I think looks lovely as it is, if you are going for a more subtle day look perhaps.

The packaging, as the majority of No 7 products is very sturdy, sophisticated and sleek. I think that the gold lettering makes it look that little more fancy.

I would personally buy this again, and probably venture out into a few of their other lipstick ranges, as I am pretty impressed with this one. 

I would give this a 9/10. 

This retails at £10, and is available exclusively at Boots. You can see the entire No 7 Moisture Drench lipstick range here.

Don't forget, if you have a £5 off No 7 voucher, use it as it will make it just £5! 

What is your favourite No 7 product?

xxxx

Maxfactor Free Gift With Purchase of £15..Worth it?

I'd seen a  few 'free gift if you spend £' deals flying around in Boots recently, including this one and another amazing one by 17. It wasn't available when I went to get it, so though I'd pick this up instead as it looked really good. I picked out two lipsticks which I'll show you in a haul soon :) (which evidentially turned out to be the exact same lipstick. Twice! What am I like!?! Just glad I like it haha) and then tootled up to the till with this bad boy.

Now, I am not usually one to make a blog post to moan about a brand in particular. Don't get me wrong, I do like the brand Max factor, I was just a little disappointed with this to be honest.  

Boots claims that this free Summer set is worth £26... no way! It wouldn't even be worth £26 if they were FULL size products, which is what it states. I'm not very impressed. 

I know this set is a free gift, and I would of spent the £15 anyway, but I just thought it was a bit ridiculous that they advertised this as worth £26. I know some people may just spent £15 to get this free gift as it looks deceiving, and as my blog is about budget beauty, I thought I would see whether it really is worth £26?

It comes with this cute tin, a little Make Up Artist Tips flyer and a £3 off Max Factor Foundation, which is quite good. 

Maxfactor Nailfinity in 549 Red Passion (36m)

I was a little dissapointed to see this product in here, as I have previously owned it  (this exact colour, infact!) about 2 years ago and really didn't like it. It is a mini, but it is probably the only half decent product size provided in this set. I will probably give this to someone, although if I remember correctly, it was a really strange texture and took ages to dry so I don't know who will want it!

Maxfactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in 14 Soft Pink

I'm not joking, this is TINY. They give bigger free samples out at High End counters like MAC. It actual states 'tester' at the back of the box. I am not the biggest of cream blushes anyway, so I doubt this will ever be used by me. It just looks a bit stingy really!

Maxfactor Masterpiece MaxHigh Volume & Definition Mascara in Black ((5.3ml)

This is probably the only item I was happy with and plan to repurchase at full size! I was a bit wary as I prefer bigger, fatter brushes, but with one application on the eyes, my eyelashes looked a lot longer and thicker. I really do like this, and its ideal for your clutch on a night out so thumbs up from me.

Max Factor Colour Collections in 510 English Rose (36m)

This is the smallest lipstick I have ever seen. The colour is lovely, but really, the way the lipstick is, it isn't nice to apply at all. 

I've done a little research as to how these products retail at full price if you are interested....

Max Factor Colour Collections  full size - as little as £4

Maxfactor Masterpiece MaxHigh Volume & Definition Mascara £9.99

Maxfactor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush as little as £4.93

Maxfactor Nailfinity as little as £2

The full size products you can get for £20, probably even less with a little more bargain hunting! I know I probably sound stingy as this is a 'free' gift, but I think its a bit of a swizz!

I'm sorry if this was a negative post but I like to be honest with my readers about things I've picked up! Its okay for free, but I think it is false advertisement when they claim its worth £26 when it is probably worth less than £5!

Have you picked this deal up?

What other deals have you seen around lately? Share below!

xxx

Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Lipstick in 19

Another Rimmel Lipstick review for you, well, not so much a review, a little praisal I suppose that this shade has finally came into my life. Yes, I am sad I know.

Rimmel London introduced the Kate Moss Lasting Finish lipsticks a while back (maybe a year or so now? I'm not sure). They have recently launched new colours to this range for Summer, and they are differentiated by the other Kate lipsticks as the little 'Kate' signature on the top of the lid is a light pink, rather than the usual red. Very cute, and handy if you are in a rush to find a lippie and know that those ones are good for Summer. 

I always rave about Rimmel Londons packaging as it always looks sleek and pretty. The lipstick itself is a a rosy biege colour, the picture actually makes it look more pink, sorry about my rubbish lighting and camera skills, but the swatch below does it justice. 

It has a very cream texture to it which is soft on the lips, and does not tend to crease with chapped lips. It is quite moisturizing, and lasts for a good 6 hours, which is not bad for a drugstore lipstick.

These lipsticks retail at £5.49, and are available from Boots and Superdrug in the UK. To see the other colours, click on the Boots website link here.

What is your favourite colour lipstick?

xxxx

Update post + The end of the shopping ban!

Hello lovelies, as of Tuesday this week, my shopping ban ended! 

All in all, I have saved a little bit of cash, learnt that I can survive the rest of my life without buying an Essie nail polish I really really want think I want, and that I can reuse things that I already own and mix them up to make them into something new again. I was a little rebellious and broken the ban a few times, but not on anything way overboard, so I am really pleased with myself. 

I am not planning on particularly going back to my old ways, but I think I should begin to buy myself things when I truly deserve something OR only if I actually need it.

So yes, I survied the 100 day shopping ban challenge, and you can to if you so wish! It has been very difficult, and like I said, I have had some jitters and break outs along the way, but it does just show (without sounded too clich'e) that it IS achievable, if you really want to do it.  

As I mentioned in a previous post, I have passed my degree at University, and very happy with my results! This is a sweet little card my Grandma gave me, so sweet.

As I have more time on my hands due to finishing University, I have more time to relax, see my family, meet up with my friends and see my OH, which is brilliant as I have missed all of these aspects being consistent part of my life! I also have much more time to blog, so if you'd like to see any particular posts coming my way, give me a shout!

I reached 100 followers on my blog a few weeks ago, and I am so, so happy and overwhelmed by this, you don't know how chuffed I am/1 So thank you to you all for making me such a happy girl!

I am planning on doing a give away if I reach 150 or 200 followers, it wont be anything extravagant as you know I haven't got much moolah, but I hope you understand that and wanted to give you a little something back as a thank you for being so amazing!

Lots of smiles and things to celebrate from me over the past two months!

Also, I have finally joined the bandwaggon and got Instagram. My username is zoeliannex so do follow me! I'm still a little confused by it all but I'm sure with practice I will get to grips with it!

I am debating whether to do a weekly/fortnightly or monthly Instagram post, but I know this is a little overdone and unsure whether you guys would like to see this type of post. Let me know :-)

I have no plans for the Summer, I really am jealous of all my friends jet setting off and going on their jolly holidays, but I have a lot of job searching to do so I am sure that will keep me busy.

What are your plans for Summer?

Hope you are all well and having a great week!

Follow me on twitter :)

xxxxx

Review: New MUA Lipstick in Shade 14 Bare

I was having a wonder in Superdrug the other day and saw that there were finally some of the new lipsticks from MUA on the shelves. I was drawn to this colour, so I picked it up.

I must say, before anything, that I am so glad that MUA have now given names to their new lipstick collection. It is so much more easier to find a lipstick with a name and number, not just number alone! That, too, I think the name relates to the shade so if you are in a rush, it saves time. So YAY to MUA!

As for packaging, it is the same as all of their previous lipsticks, although, I don't know whether this is just me, but the small 'pot' of lipgloss at the end of the bullet will not for the love of anything come off and open! Have you had this problem?

Back to the lipstick. I picked this colour as my Bourjois Lovely Brille (in 02 Sable fin) has almost gone, and I wanted a nude similar to it, but a little less expensive. That particular range of Bourjois lipstick has now (to my knowledge) been discontiued so I can't get hold of it anyway, which is a true shame because I use mine pretty much every day for work. But yes, again, me rambling. Off course MUA blew its own trumpet at the teeny tiny price of £1!

Swatches above, left swatch is a more used swatch, right is a light swatch

Shade 14 Bare on the lips

All photographs are my own and are owned by me.

I've worn this lipstick to work this week and I am mighty impressed with its staying power. Its a very natural tone which compliments my skin tone and eye colour very well.

Am I impressed? Very. I will most definitely be repurchasing this little beauty again! MUA never cease to amaze me!  9/10.

Have you tried any of the new MUA lipstick shades? :)

xxxx

Make Up Collection Part One: Lip Balms

Hi lovelies, I am going to do a series of blog posts on my make-up collection, as it has been requested. As I haven't got a humongous collection, I thought I would split it into sections.

As you can see, this is the lip balm collection post. Most people would wonder why on earth you have a collection of lip balms? But I am a self-confessed lip balm hoarder and tend to pick up lip balms everywhere I go. 

The storage I use to store the majority of my make-up is a desk organiser from WH Smith. This is a single draw which stores the majority of my lip balms. I do have a few random lip balms on-top of these hiding in my room somewhere, but I can't find them!

Firstly, I have three Nivea Pearly Shine lip balms. These are one of my favourite lip balms, as they are slightly pink tinted, and are really affordable and they smell lovely. I have another of these in my handbag also, I am a little obsessed! I also have the Nivea Essential Care lip balm, which is a clear, standard lip balm. I get my Nivea lip balms from Superdrug and Boots, but I have seen the Essential Care lip balm in Poundland, so very inexpensive.

Next, I have the blogger's holy grail lip balms. They are raved about a lot on beauty blogs, and I must admit they are a love of mine too. I have used Carmex for years, and this Cherry flavoured lip balm is no exception. It smells and tastes just like cherries, is very moisturising on the lips, and also has SPF 15 which is good in the Summer months. I am not the biggest fan of the tube applicator, and much prefer the tub, but I couldn't find the Cherry carmex in tub form when I brought it.

As well as Carmex, I have the well loved Palmers Cocoa Butter Formula. I am not the biggest fan of the consistentancy, as I find it a little 'bitty' - but it is very moisturising.

You can get these products from most Grocery Stores and Drugstores.

These two little cuties were feautured on my blog recently, which you can see here. They are lovely little lip balms which are slightly scented, which I picked up from Home Bargains for a bargainalicious price tag of 49p each! 

Here are the two current tub lip balms I have, which are Superdrug's Little Pink Tin (which I obviously brought for the colour pink :D) and The I love... Strawberries & Milkshake Glossy Lip Balm. 

I have a love//hate relationship with these tins. They are basically Superdrug's own 'Vaseline' tubs. I love that it is SPF 15, and love that it can be used on skin and hair, but my only hate is that I can never open the tin!! 

I keep it at home with the tin constantly open, because I had it for about 3 months without being able to get into it.

I'll be honest, I only brought the second tub because of the gorgeous scent! It is surprisingly absolutely lovely on the lips too, and looks great with or without lipstick. I picked mine up from Superdrug, but I am sure you can get these products from Grocery Stores and other drugstores.

I think every girl loves a Lip Smackers lip balm, and with Primark, Topshop and Claires Accessories selling them from as little as £1 each, there is more reason to pick one up at the counter. I have the original Coca Cola lip balm, along with Fanta Orange and Sprite. They are slightly scented, and do just the job for the price. The Fanta balm, especially tastes very sweet and tangy! I've noticed they have started selling the Dr Pepper lip balm which I am yet to try! They also sell different varieties of Coca Cola and Fanta flavours such as cherry and vanilla, and have also started selling sets of lip balms and lip glosses in these 'drink' flavours, so I'm sure I will pick some up soon.

My lovely mother brought me this set of 5 'sweetie' lip balms a while back, which you can see above. They are all very scented and just lovely to have in your bag, my favourite is the Refreshers lip balm, it reminds me of being at School! I'm not sure where you can pick these up from as they were a gift, I'm afraid.

A lot of people don't understand why I get so excited with lip balms, and I'm not sure why either, I just love them. I know my collection may seem small to some, or way too much to others, but lip balms are an essential item I use several times daily, so I do get good use out of them, and they don't really break the bank.

What is your favourite lip balm?

What lip balm would you suggest me trying?

xxxxxxx

The Best of the Summer Sales!!

Summer is upon us, and you know what that means! SUN SUN SUN SUMMER SALES :D

Here are my top 3!

Top 3 of...The Body Shop 

   1.   DELIPSCIOUS SHEER LIP COLOUR IN 03 = WAS £3, NOW £2
 2.   RASPBERRY RIPPLE BATH & SHOWER GEL, 250ml = was £4, now £2
3. gift bag - strawberry = was £10, now £5

Top 3 of...Dorothy Perkins

                

1. INDIGO STRETCH LEGGINGS = WAS £25, NOW £20

2. LEOPARD PRINT PLATFORM COURTS = WAS £65, NOW £45

3. SEMI PRECIOUS TRIANGLE PENDANT = WAS £7.50, NOW £3.75


Top 3 of... Debenhams

 




1. DAISY PRINT SHIFT DRESS = WAS £99, NOW £59
2. PAUL SMITH OPTIMISTIC WOMEN EDT 100 ML = WAS £57, NOW £28.50
3. TOO FACED LIP OF LUXURY = WAS £16.50, NOW £8.25

I have listed just three stores sales, as these are the stores I shop at most and think there are some huge savings to be had! 

Selfridges and Next also have some amazing sales on right now, along with a few other stores!

See all of the amazing sales here:

Next

Selfridges

The Body Shop

Debenhams

Dorothy Perkins

New Look

Topshop

What have you picked up in the sales?

xxxxxxx

Shopping Ban Update: Week 13!

Yay - 9 more days and I am free of the ban!

This week I have religiously stuck to the ban, I haven't been shopping or brought anything other than food/drink and driving lessons... are you proud? 

Admittedly, it is a little late for me to finally get back on track with only a week and a half left to go, but still.

Image found from Weheartit

I have had a few lusts this week though, including:

• Essie Nail Colour in 76 Merino Cool and 93 Mezmerised £7.99 each
• Umberto Giannini Get The Look: Vintage £12
• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Sassy Daring Wild £2.99
• Batiste Dry Shampoo in Seductive Elegant Lace £2.99
• Blackcurrant Ditsy Midi Dress from Topshop £48
• Aztec Black Studded Phone Necklace Case from Newlook £5.99
• Usher: Looking For Myself Album £10
• Family Guy DVD Season 10 £13 and Season 11 £29 

I'm planning on doing something special once my ban is over (but I don't want to go back to my big bad spending ways!). 

Have you any ideas? Let me know :)

xxx

Shopping Ban Update: Week 12!

To be honest with you, this shopping ban is kind of failing as of late :(
I haven't been shopping particularly or anything, just a few odds and sods for a few pounds here and there, but still find it so difficult to stop spending even a little bit.

I haven't really got a lot to tell you, I haven't brought anything really this week but money has gone towards travel, food, driving lessons and a few toiletry bits, along with a meal out and a trip to the cinemas.

I must also mention that now I have finished University (still cant believe it) I dont have a lot to focus my time on-which makes me want to go shopping! Does anyone else have this problem?

Sorry for the lack of posts and content on these shopping ban posts, I just feel a little rubbish about them as I have done so badly with my ban the last 3 weeks :( so sorry, I need a spring back in my step!

Hope you are all well :)
xx

Review: Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Liqueur

Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Liqueur 775

Formula: Sheen

Price: £4

Swatch and on lips

All photographs are of my own.

This gorgeous lipstick in Liqueur applies really easily to the lips, and looks lovely built up. The colour stays for around 6 hours, which is good for such a little bargain. The packaging, as most Sleek products, is gorgeous, slick and sophisticated, with even the smallest pretty detail made to the lipstick box. 

This lipstick has been my every day lipstick for the past few days, I really love it and think it compliments my skin tone. I'm not sure whether I would wear it on a night out, but its beautiful for every day / casual wear. 

I'm really impressed with this lipstick, and haven't found any faults with it so far.

9/10.

Hope you enjoyed this mini review!

If you would like to see any more Sleek reviews, comment below!

I have the new Sleek mascara as well as a few their other products, so if you would like to see that let me know!

Zoe xxxx