Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

You know when you see/hear someone rave about something for ages, and it makes you wonder could it be that good? Well that's what happened to me with the Milani Blush in Luminoso. The beautiful Amelia from Liana Beauty raves about this all the time, so I just had to pick it up to see what all the fuss was about. (Any excuse right) ;)

These blushes from Milani are baked blushes, meaning that a liquid product is heated for up to 24 hours on Terra cotta tiles to achieve the desired effect, consistency etc. These baked products can then be used wet or dry to achieve whatever effect you desire.
Luminoso is like nothing I've ever tried before.  Its a beautiful peach shade that is packed with the really fine gold shimmer.

When applied to the face it leaves a a natural flush of colour on the cheeks in fact when its on it doesn't look peach at all, while the shimmer provides a gorgeous subtle glow to the cheeks which just makes your skin look so much healthier.
I never usually am impressed with a product straight away, bar maybe one or two. But I've been using this constantly since I bought it last month, and I don't think another blush has got near my cheeks since. Its very neutral so whether you're going for a smokey eye, or a bright statement lip, you can wear this safe in the knowledge it won't distract from either.

Unfortunately though I got this in America. So bad news is its not readily available in Ireland.. Good news is if you're a fan of online shopping, you can pick this up on Cherry Culture!
Have you tried any Milani products?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I must admit, I didn't get very excited about the release of either Naked 1 or Naked 2. They were neutral shadows and I didn't feel like splashing out 40 euro on browns and golds. I picked up the MUA Undressed and Undress Me Too as they were the most obvious dupes at the time, and they did and to this day still do the job fantastically well for palettes that cost me just 4 pounds each. The Naked 3 though, was a completely different story. As soon as I saw the pictures that had leaked on to the Internet I was willing it to be true, as it was just so pretty, and completely me. So I knew, at some stage, whenever it would be, that it would be mine. And now it is, so lets see how I got on with it!

First of all the packaging, I totally love the look of it. The shadows themselves are encased in a Rose Gold almost tin like case, with what seems like slight waves going through it. On opening the palette though it doesn't feel the most sturdy. It feels like if I were to let if fall, (which is highly possible with clumsy old me),that the case itself would just break in two, which shouldn't be with something that's not exactly cheap. I may have just got a dud case, who knows, but anyway its not highly important, just something to be aware of.
The actual eyeshadows themselves, I seriously love. All pink toned neutrals, varying from light highlight shades, perfect for under the brow bone and inner corner,  to darker shades which are perfect for crease work and blending out into the outer V.
The shades in the palette are as follows:

• Strange: (Matte), 
• Dust (Shimmer)
• Burnout (Shimmer)
• Limit: (Matte)
• Buzz: (Shimmer)
• Trick: (Shimmer 
• Nooner: (Matte)
• Liar: (Shimmer)
• Factory: (Shimmer)
• Mugshot: (Shimmer)
• Darkside: (Matte)
• Blackhorse: (Shimmer)

Everything I've read about Urban Decay shadows, I 100 percent agree with. Soft, buttery, and so easy to blend. I'm not very good at doing elaborate eye looks, but with this palette and the easiness with which the shadows blend, I'm giving it a good go at least! The only slight problem is the fallout from the shimmery shadows. This problem isn't exclusive to UD shadows however, as it occurs with most other shimmery shadows that I've tried. But aslong as you do your eye make up before your foundation etc, its not too much of an issue. I have to say I'm really impressed with the mattes in the palette. I tend to use shimmery shadow's more often, because they tend to be more pigmented and last longer on me. The mattes in this though are really good, and actually are full of pigment and don't fade away after just a few hours. I particularly love using Nooner as a  quick all over the lid colour for every day. 

But I really really fell head over heels for the shimmers within the palette. When they're applied on to the eyes I think they just look beautiful. My particular favourites are Dust, and Buzz, and used individually they just give a lovely wash of colour to the lids. If I'm going on a night out or to an occasion, and I want my eye make up to look a bit more 'done', I tend to go for the darker shades, say Factory and Mugshot, with a bit of Blackheart blended into the Outer V and it gives a really lovely effect, it looks like you've put in loads of effort, when in reality its only taken a couple of minutes. 

Another thing I am so impressed with is the brush that comes with it, there's a flat side perfect for packing on colour, and a larger fluffier brush which is great for blending. It actually works really well, but then again when its a higher ended brand and you're parting with the guts of 50 euro, they can't really give you one of those sponge applicators now can they? 

It also  comes with some samples of the various Primer Potions that UD do, I've only used one of them so far, but to be honest I found it didn't prolong the wear of the shadows a whole lot, but I only used a small bit at a time,  so that could be why.
Overall, I am genuinely delighted that I bought this, and am not in anyway disappointed with the purchase. I know its a lot of money to spend on eyeshadow, but I thought about it long and hard before I bought it, and I saved up for it, so I don't feel too bad. If you like me fell for the pink hues of this, but don't want to spend that amount of money, ,then Make Up Revolution have released what is reported to be a very good dupe of Naked 3, for just 4 pounds! (They also have so many other amazing products that I shall definitely be checking out soon) ;)

Have you any of the Naked Palettes?
Which is your favourite?
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

                                       Swatches with flash...

                                         Swatches without flash...

Physicians Formula Wishlist

If you've been living under a rock you'll have missed the news that another American drugstore brand Physician's Formula will be sitting pretty in pharmacies across the country from June 1st! I was personally delighted to hear this as I haven't tried anything from the brand, and when I had the opportunity to pick up some bits I didn't take it, silly me!

Today I thought I'd take the opportunity to show you all what I'll be hotfooting it to the stands for when we can get our hands on the brand!

1: Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow And Liner Collection: Seriously long winded name there, and it seems to be the same with most of the products. I have a ridiculous amount of nude eye shadow palettes, but I really wouldn't mind adding this to my collection. I was under the illusion there was a liner with this, but it seems to be that if you use it wet it transforms the shadow's into liner. Interesting! There was a few colour options available in this, but everyone loves a good nude palette I think!

2: Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin CC Curl and Care Mascara: I admit I just want this for the seriously cute packaging! However PF also say this conditions and nourishes lashes, which I've never heard of from a mascara before!

3: Happy Booster Glow And Mood Boosting Blush: PF totally have me hooked with the presentation of all they products.. I mean, how could anyone leave this blush with those cute little hearts behind? The really interesting thing with this is that there is an ingredient in this blush called 'euphoryl' which is a natural plant extract which apparently have been shown to actually promote a happy feeling in the person wearing it by mimicking the effects of endorphins. Interesting eh??

4: Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush: I'm a sucker for blush, but I'm really a sucker for natural looking blush that just make you're skin look more awake rather than anything too bright, and this looks just perfect.

5: Oh So Sexy Eye Shadow Quad: I have to confess... I'm not really a master of eye shadow. I mean most of the time I literally just throw one wash all over and I'm good to go. However on nights out I'm trying a bit better to add in the crease colour and blend and all that stuff, so this looks like it would be the perfect start to a natural looking smokey eye for day time. And look at those little embellishments in the product!

6: PH Matchmaker PH Powered Lip Gloss: This lip gloss is a genius idea. It contains ingredients which adjust to your own individual PH level, and therefore creates your own individual lip colour! Amazing! And the little light in the top is perfect for topping up your lipgloss in the back of a taxi! :)

So my lovelies, they are the bits I personally can't wait to get my hands on. What about you? Anything catching your eyes?

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Nails Inc Gel Effect Polish

I had heard so many rave reviews about the new Gel Effect Polish from Nails Inc, but they don't do them in my local Brown Thomas in Galway, (at least I don't think they do, correct me if I'm wrong), so when I was in Sephora I decided I'd pick one up because it was convenient. There was some really nice shades to choose from, but in the end I opted for a colour I always do. Green. Well, Soho Place to be more precise. It cost 14 dollars, so just over 10 euro, which is the most I've ever spent on a nail polish in my life, so I was really really hoping for amazing results as I know so many popular beauty bloggers love them. I'm afraid I don't share the same love for them though. The idea of the Gel Effect Polish is fairly obvious. It claims to offer a high shine glossy finish akin to a gel manicure, without the need for UV lamps and having to soak it off afterwards. This all sounds good in theory, but it just didn't do it for me.

Why? Well first off all, to me there didn't seem to be much of a 'high shine'. I applied two coats like I do with every other nail polish, and granted there was some shine, but not as much as I would expect there to be for a polish that is meant to give the same effect a manicure that was done by a professional in a salon. I also expected it not to chip that easily. If it lasted 3 days at a minimum I would have been happy. Well, I applied it on a Thursday, and by the afternoon on Friday it was chipped. And not just one or two tiny ones, I could have dealt with that. Nope, they were fairly big chips on quite a few of my nails, which was very disappointing. But then the time came for removal. I'm lazy and don't use a base coat much, and some polishes do stain my nails but I have never suffered staining as bad as I have with this polish. My nails were a horrible green/grey colour, and I instantly covered my nails with another polish so people wouldn't think I was dirty and never washed my hands.
Overall I am so disappointed with these. I know they advise on the website to use a base and a top coat, which really I don't understand, as surely the formula itself is strong enough to warrant not needing either? That all said, I won't be purchasing anymore of them, and will be sticking with my trusty Barry M Gelly Hi-Shines in the future!

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Sharing the Love: Maybelline

Maybelline is a brand that I would never have really looked at in previous years. Not because I thought there was anything wrong with the brand, but I just tended to stick to Rimmel and Catrice products because they worked for me. Recently though I have absolutely been loving Maybelline as a brand, and a lot of my everyday make-up is from them. Cheap as chips products, great quality, what's not to love! So today I thought I'd share with you all my top picks from the brand, and who know's maybe you'll come across things you've never tried that you may want to give a go to! :)

Fit Me Foundation: This has been my go to foundation as of late. Its exactly the kind of coverage I like, light weight foundation but it is buildable. It just gives a nice healthy glow to the skin, which I love, as matte foundations just make my skin look too flat. The idea behind this foundation is its make up that fits you and your skin tone. The colours are divided into pink toned and yellow toned, making it easier for you to find your perfect match. The colour I was previously using, (120), was a tad too dark, so I just used it whenever I used fake tan. But I picked it up in 115, which is a much better match to my skin tone, so its getting lots of use! Its a brilliant price too at only 11.99!

Fit Me Concealer:  From the same family as the foundation, this concealer has been compared to the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, but as I don't have it I can't say 'yay or nay' to the comparison. However I can say I love this concealer. Its a light creamy concealer, which can be used under the eye to brighten up or used on blemishes as it has enough pigmentation. And it doesn't settle in to the nooks and crannies under my eyes woo! And its only 8.99! :)

24 Hour Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow: Everyone knows the deal with these now so I don't have to go on and on about them again, but they are fantastic to use as bases for eyeshadows! I often use On And On Bronze on its own if I can't be bothered with heavy eyeshadow, but some of the others I find very patchy looking on their own, so I tend to reserve them solely as bases, but they do a fantastic job of keeping eyeshadow in place! My personal favourite shades are On And On Bronze and Pink Gold! These are only 10 euro each, and they do last for an eternity!

Colour Sensational Lipsticks: This was the first product that made me realise I needed more Maybelline in my life. Its been a while since I've used these so I really must give them more love over the summer! The colours I own are 'Hot Plum' and 'Shocking Coral' which as the names suggest are really bright in your face colours, perfect for the summer evenings! The pigmentation is great, and they don't dry out your lips, which is  great as its my pet peeve in lip products! Again these are only a tenner, so its a great way to try out bright lipsticks without spending a huge amount of money!

The Eraser Under Eye Concealer: Another concealer, but its love! This undereye concealer was a god send for me when I was suffering from really bad dark circles, nothing else I tried worked. Until I tried this and it instantly got rid of those blue/purple undertones from under my eyes and it made me look more awake and refreshed in seconds! Its 11.99 so again, not badly priced!

Maybelline Colour Elixirs: I had heard so much of these on Essie Buttons channel that I had to pick up a couple, and now I'm raging that I didn't pick up some more because these are one of the most comfortable lip products I've ever had. They are similar to a gloss, but they're so much more pigmented than a standard gloss, and they are so creamy! And even after the gloss has disappeared, there's a slight stain left on the lips! These weren't expensive, maybe around 7/8 dollars, but I'm really hoping they appear on Maybelline Stands here soon!

So that's it ladies... Not a lot here, but still, the few bits that are here are really great, or at least I think they are anyway!
What products are you loving lately?

Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx

Benefit Vending Machines.

I was in JFK last Tuesday, and after being disappointed in myself for not doing as much shopping as I could have (rookie mistake), I'd decided I was going to make the most of airport shopping and spend a chunk of the dollars that I had left. Until I got to the terminal and saw that the shopping was complete and utter rubbish. We were flying out from Terminal 5 and maybe its one of the smaller terminals at the airport or something but shopping was very limited. There was a tiny shop with some perfumes and cigarettes, a few stands with a couple of beauty brands outside it, but that was it for beauty shopping. I was well and truly disgusted because I thought there may have been some MAC, but nope!
But then... I came across a vending machine. Not much excitement there until I looked in and saw it was selling Benefit Products! How mental is that! I don't own much Benefit bar the Dandelion blush, and the ever popular Porefessional primer, so I thought I may aswell try some new bits to see were they as good as the other two!

                                                            The vending machine itself...

But the really important question is... What did I buy?
I had thought about purchasing Sugarbomb blush as I love Dandelion so much, but then I decided it would be more beneficial to try some of the mini's instead.
So I opted for the 'Beauty Score' kit, which seemed better value for 36 dollars compared to 1 blush at 28 dollars, (beauty maths right there).
It contains 10 mini sized products which are the perfect size for travelling, and out of the 10 I've only ever tried one, which is good going!

The products it contains are:

• Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain (2.5mls)
• Highbeam  Highlighter  (2.5mls)
• Stay Don't Stray Primer (2.5mls)
• Ooh La Lift Under Eye Brightener (2.5mls)
• The Porefessional Primer (7.5mls)
• That Gal Highlighter (7.5mls)
• It's Potent Eye Cream (3.0grms)
• Hoola Bronzer (3.0grms)
• BelleBamba Blush (3.0grms)
• They're Real Mascara (3.0grms0

All in all I'm really impressed with what's in this, and I think its fantastic value, considering it works out to be about 25 euro! I know they're all smaller sizes, but realistically they will last me for ages, as I had a sample this size of the Porefessional before, and it last me a good 6/8 weeks! I'm especially looking forward to trying the Hoola Bronzer and the Ooh La Lift brightener! :)

Have any of you tried any of these products? What do you think of Benefit overall? 

Thanks for reading,

Alisha xxx

Derma V10 Cleansing Milk

I ran out of my favourite Lancome Cleansing Milk before I went away last week, and for the sake of packing, I didn't want to be bringing a huge bottle of micellar water and a hot cloth cleanser with me, so I decided for the week that was in it I'd make do with one cleanser instead. I opted for something cheap and cheerful and picked up this Derma V10 Deep Cleansing Milk in Tesco for 1.99 as I'd heard of the brand and figured it would be grand. It contains Sweet Almond Oil, and is free of parabens and other nastys. All this sounded so good to me I didn't think twice about it and packed it in my toiletry bag without even trying it before I went away. Which I really really should have!

This stuff just did not work for me at all! I used it twice a day, morning and nighttime. Nighttime it was OK because it just took off my makeup really, but in the morning when I was giving my skin a freshening up it just left this greasy residue across my face, and even trying to wipe of the excess with cottonpads didn't work, because the cotton pads just stuck to it, leaving my face covered in bits of fluff! This residue that was left behind also made it fairly hard for me to carry on with my skincare routine and my eye cream and moisturiser didn't work as well as they should have, in my opinion. For the week I was there and using this, my boyfriend also commented on how patchy and streaky my make up was, and I figured it had to be bad for him to comment on it, because he never comments on my make up, ever. The only thing I had changed up in my routine was my cleanser, so the only thing I can put the change in how my make up looked was down to that. Maybe its unfair of me to do so, but I honestly can't think of any other reasons, considering as soon as I came home and went back to using a micellar water until I picked up another cleanser, I have had no problems with streaky make up. Overall its not the end of the world, it was only cheap, but I just couldn't be bothered to bring it home because I knew I wasn't going to use it again so I left it at the hotel (hence the lack of pictures), so its either gone straight in the bin or maybe the cleaning lady has found a new holy grail cleanser! :P
All in all it just wasn't for me, and I have since purchased a new Garnier cleansing milk to try, but if you have any other suggestions, please let me know!
Thanks for reading,
Alisha xxx