Salt n Pepper

L'Oreal Glam Bronze Wild Instinct Bronzing Powder

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse

'Lips say yes to this Caresse'.What a funny little slogan. But in fact, they have a point, because that is exactly what my lips are saying.

L'Oreal Rouge Caresse is a cross between a lipstick and a balm. It is very lightweight on the lips, and feels incredibly soft. What I love most about 07 Cheeky Magenta is that it adds a bright pop of colour without being too bold. I have nothing against a stand-out lip, but there is a time and place, and when it isn't the time or the place, this suits me just fine. It has a moisturising glossy finish without the stickiness of a lipgloss. It doesn't really smell of anything, but when it's on my lips I can taste Refreshers (the sweets), but it so light that I'm not sure I can taste anything after all...hmm.

There are 10 shades in this collection, which include pinks, reds and nudes. I am also keen on trying Aphrodite Scarlet, which looks like a raspberry-ish colour, and Dating Coral. Unfortunately I am yet to come upon any one of these which hasn't been smushed to death. :-/

Lumi Magique Primer

What they say: A light replenishing base which illuminates the skin. It may be used as a base or alone. A fresh, light and silky soft formula that provides 8 hours of hydration.


When I first saw this, I didn't really think much of it. That is, until I saw it on Anna's blog, and she likened it to the BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector, something that I have had my eye on after seeing it feature heavily in the Pixiwoo and Lisa Eldridge makeup videos.

At first glance, the product appears very shimmery. But when applied to my face, it is not the case, and I think I prefer this. I think it may be because of my darker skin tone. I wear it underneath my foundation as a base, and it makes my skin look more illuminating and healthier. It feels silky smooth when applied, and gives a dewy finish, which I definitely enjoy.

It isn't at all drying to my skin, and it works very well as a primer. I don't use a primer on a day-to-day basis, only if I'm going out and thus wearing more make-up than normal, but I have been using this, and I found that my make-up lasted much better, and by the evening it was still in excellent condition.

In the summer months, when I don't like wearing foundation, I look forward to using this on top of my moisturiser. It retails at £9.99 for 20ml, which I think is pretty reasonable.

Do you use any illuminating products?

P.S To my 4 followers, thank you! Woohoo!

Morning madness

Anyone who knows me will know that I love my sleep. I would much rather spend an extra fifteen minutes in bed than get up when my alarm tells me to. As you can imagine, this means I have to get ready at a supersonic speed. So that I don't waste time in the mornings, I usually choose my outfit the night before. If I didn't, I would be umming and aahing the entire time!

Onto my everyday make-up routine. I don't really wear a lot of make-up during the day, so if I'm lucky, it takes me a maximum of 10 minutes. There have been so many times where I just cannot be bothered, but my bare face may be enough to frighten some unfortunate commuters, so I like to think I'm doing my best for mankind.

After cleansing, I moisturise. I've recently started using the much-raved about Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre. I can't say I've noticed a huge difference in my skin yet, but it has only been a few days. After this I apply a thin layer of Illamasqua Skin Base on the areas that really need it. The only cake I like is edible. I use Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer, and although it covers well, I find it quite creasey.

The one thing I probably can't go without is eyeliner, as this really opens up my eyes. I've been using Clinique cream liner for ages, but have now switched to L'Oreal Super Liner as I find this much quicker. I've never really been a fan of pen liners, but I would definitely recommend this one. The tip is firm but not hard, and the colour is very black. Sometimes with the Clinique I find it can go sheer and I need to apply more coats.

As I'm lazy, on most days I give mascara a miss. If I have a few seconds to spare, I use Rimmel Scandal Eyes mascara. But curl first, otherwise it goes clumpy!

Depending on my mood, (and the weather), I either pop on a pink blush or a bronzer. And there we have it. I did put a clock in my bathroom so I can keep an eye on the time, but about a week later the batteries died and I haven't replaced them since. Epic fail.

Fifteen minutes later I'm running out the door with a snack to eat on the way, thinking why didn't I wake up on time?! Maybe I'll wake up earlier tomorrow, but then maybe I won't...

*insert cheesy photo here*

How long do you spend on your morning routine? Do you find it difficult getting up?