Make-up and Fashion Haul ♥

As you all know, recently, I have started to build up my make-up collection and have begun to collect more fashion accessories too. So, over the past few weeks I have collected a few items and thought I'd put them together in a mini-haul post. I hope you enjoy this and let me know what your thoughts are on the products mentioned.

DISCLAIMER: I am not bragging about my purchases and I have bought everything with my own money.

1) Urban Decay- Eyeshadow Primer Potion

This is a product that I have used before and I have LOVED it! For those who are suffering from oily eyelids, especially in this summer heat, it is definitely something to consider trying out. I have used many primers and my last favourite was 'Too Faced- Eye Insurance'. Personally, I believe that there isn't much of a difference between the two, but the Urban Decay primer makes your eye make-up last just a bit longer.

Although I wasn't looking to buy an eye-shadow primer, I was not going to throw away the opportunity of paying just £3.33 for this amazing product. Yes, just a small sum of £3.33!

 I guess you all want to know how and why?

Well, let me break it down for you...

SALES AND SAVING UP FREE VOUCHERS!

2) 3 Sleek Palettes 

The three palettes I purchased are called:

i-Divine Au Natural Palette

i-Divine Vintage Romance Palette

i-Divine Original Palette

I was shocked by the whole product. I was not expecting such a great product for only £7.99. Not only are the eye-shadows well pigmented, the packaging is high quality and great for travelling. As cheesy as it sounds, the product is actually pretty "sleek", minus the applicator that was supplied, I binned it straight away!

Even-though the pigmentation is great, the colours look 10 times better with a high quality primer on the lids.

3) MUA Heaven and Earth Palette

Image taken from "www.sarahassansblog.com"

Considering that this palette was only £4, I was pleasantly surprised by how good the quality of the shadows was. The packaging was flimsy, but I guess you can expect that from an inexpensive product. In comparison with the sleek shadows, both sets of shadows look brilliant with a high quality primer when applied properly. However, I am someone who judges a product by the way it looks, so I prefer the Sleek palettes due to their packaging. 

4) Victoria's Secret Fragrance Set

I think I might be 'slightly' obsessed. Okay, so when I say 'slightly', I mean VERY! If you have never smelt the amazing fragrances, you are missing out. The body mist and moisturiser have a strong but beautiful smell and it lingers for a long time, so you don't need to worry about constantly topping up. Out of all the fragrance in the entire range, my favourite is 'Pure Seduction' as it is perfect to use all year around. 

I purchased this for £13 as it was half price. The original price is £26.

 5) Victoria Secret- "Love Spell" Body Butter

This body butter is perfect to use after your bath, followed by a spray of the "Love Spell" body mist. As it is a body butter, it obviously leaves your skin feeling soft like a baby's bum, but a tiny amount can make your room smell of beautiful blossoms. Also, this lasts for a long time period, so the £11 you spend buying this are well spent!

6) Black Leather Look- Metal Corner Tote

This was actually my first official fashion purchase and I was proud of it! Am I the only person who is extremely picky with bags or is it just me? I think I only ever fall in love with a bag once every two years, so when I saw this, I had to buy it. If I hadn't purchased it then, knowing my luck, I would probably never find it again. Yes, this means that I got my college bag approximately 5 months before college starts- I am sad like that.

The price of this bag was £24.99.

7) Black New Look Heels

I saw these and instantly fell in love! They are simple and elegant heels that can be matched with any outfit to make it look amazing- whether you are going out to a casual or formal outing. I find that they are super comfy and they do not leave me with any foot pains. 

I have to admit, New Look do sell high quality shoes with lovely designs!

8) Black Flat shoes- Shoe Zone

The reason I got these shoes was basically because they were comfy and I needed some new ones for work. That is basically it for these shoes. They were super inexpensive, retailing at £12.99, and they remain in good condition for a long period of time.There's not much I can say about these... I have definitely persuaded you to buy these shoes haven't I? #LOOL

9) Batiste Dry Shampoo- Boots

If I am completely honest, I am not a huge fan of this dry shampoo. Not because the product itself is rubbish, it's due to the fact that I have dark brown hair. I would usually buy the bottle for brunette hair, but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures- I was having a hair emergency. 

Although dry shampoo is a life saver for most of the worlds population, the white visible residue is such a big pain. Who is going to invent an invisible one? 

...and now time for the awesome FREEBIE!

Getting a freebie feels amazing right? This time around I was lucky enough to receive a sample of 'Total Moisture' from Benefit. Despite smelling amazing, the cream leaves my skin feeling amazing for 24 hours! However, instead of wearing it during the day, I love wearing it before bed.

Next time I go into Benefit, I will be researching more into the product to see whether it is suited for my skin, and may purchase it in the near future.

Have you purchased any new products recently or have any of the products mentioned above? Let me know about them in the comment below!

If you would like any indepth reviews on any of these products, make sure to let me know x

My Beauty Must-Haves!

From the title I am sure that you have guessed what this post is about. Yes, it is basically my beauty wishlist of Summer 2014.

You will be surprised when you only see that I have spoken about 5 products in depth, but I think that it is beneficial for all of us. It means that you are less likely to discover new products and want to buy them- thank me later.

DISCLAIMER: Having the urge to splurge on some new goodies may be a side-effect of reading this. Make sure that your purse is as far away from you as possible.

1) Urban Decay- The perfect 3some

Image taken from "www.dolcevanity.com"

Everything about this collection of palettes is amazing: the range of colours, the packaging, the colour pigmentation, basically everything about it! I am not a crazy fan of everything Urban Decay, but I do think they are a brilliant brand for eyes- their eye primers are definitely the best on the market! As I am Asian, I believe that the colour range in 'Naked' will suit my skin colour rather than the lighter and pinky shades in the 'Naked 3'. It is such a shame because the shades in 'Naked 3' are stunning! Saying that, I have never actually swatched the shades onto my skin so before I make my final judgement, I should definitely do that. Also, I should bare in mind that the 'Urban Decay- Eye Potion Primer' works magic and makes any eye-shadow shade look stunning. Can you tell that I just want them all?

Each palette retails at £37 

Image taken from "www.khaleejesque.com"

I actually don't own a pair of fake lashes! You must be thinking that I am crazy, but I do have a reasonable and simple explanation for this. Huda Beauty Lashes were the first set of fake lashes that I saw and instantly fell in love with; however, they are not available in the UK *cries*. Since I became obsessed with these, I cannot find any other lashes that look as natural and beautiful as the Huda Beauty range. I have seen so many photos and tutorials where these lashes make a simple make-up look transform into a billion dollar look- I am not even exaggerating. Therefore, I refuse to purchase any lashes until I find these in England. 

Make sure you check out the beautiful range of lashes because there is a set of lashes for all your different make-up looks.

3) Zoeva Brush Set- Rose Gold

Image taken from "www.zoella.co.uk"

These brushes are ROSE GOLD! Who doesn't love ROSE GOLD? Not only is the overall product beautiful, each brush works out for roughly £6 if you purchase the set shown in the photo- great value for a great quality product. At the moment, I feel that my 'Real Techniques' brushes are working well so I aren't jumping for this purchase, but I will definitely expand my brush collection in the next few months.

I actually haven't seen these brushes in store or felt them, but before I purchase any product I make sure I spend a few weeks researching into them. For this product, and Huda Beauty Lashes, I have been reading reviews by a number of different bloggers and their opinions on the products look promising. 

4) Benefit Hoola Bronzer

Image taken from "www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk"

Well, wasn't it a bit obvious that I was going to mention Benefit somewhere? Just in-case I didn't make it clear in my last post, I am "slightly" obsessed with Benefit Cosmetics. I am a huge fan of their powder boxes and currently own 'Dallas', which is a stunning colour especially for the darker skin tones. However, I do feel that it is something that you can only wear on special occasions or on a night out. Therefore, I think that buying Hoola would be a good investment because it is a matte powder that you can wear on a daily basis. Also, because it is matte, a small amount can help define your facial features and it is much better if you have oily skin.

All box powders- £23.50

5) Paco Rabanne- Eau My Gold 

Image taken from "www.fragrantica.com"

 

I don't think it is possible to express how beautiful this perfume smells. This is the perfect summer fragrance and I am just obsessed. Out of all my 'Beauty Must-Haves!', this is one thing that I want right now- who wants to buy it for me? Now, I am going to attempt to describe the smell and let me just warn you, I am terrible at describing stuff.

Although this fragrance is in the 'Lady Million' range, it is very different from the original. When I sprayed this onto my skin for the first time, I was expecting something similar to the original, but I was wrong. I could smell a strong sensation of tangy mango and citrus orange blossom. From this moment, I was sold! I would have paid the £43.50 right there and then, but thankfully my friends dragged me out of the shop before I did any damage to my purse. Okay, I give up. I cannot explain how beautiful this smell is, I suggest everyone goes out and smells this!

50ml- £43.50

I am going to be a little naughty now and add a list of other things that I want to buy in the next few months years : I promise it won't be too much stuff.

Let the list continue...

6) The whole of Benefit Cosmetics- I am so specific don't you think?
7) The whole of MAC Cosmetics
8) Marc Jacobs- Pink Honey
9) ghd V Lagoon Professional Styler- THE COLOUR IS STUNNING!
10) Sanctuary Deep Cleanse Facial 5 Minute Detox Face Mask

What products are on your beauty wishlist?

The Beauty Blogger Tag!

Welcome back guys! Today I am doing a beauty tag and I hope you all enjoy it. 

I tag everyone who is reading this.

Photo taken from Google

Why did you start blogging and how long have you been blogging for?

I started blogging because I have a HUUUGE passion for make-up. Although I have loved make-up for many years, I never actually purchased any products until recently. Therefore, I thought that someone out there might appreciate it if I started a blog where I would slowly build up my beauty collection and also develop as a person

Whose blog did you fall in love with first?

This is a difficult one because I have been reading blogs for AGEES! One that I remember very clearly is Zoella's blog. She is also someone who I aspire to be like in the future. Who doesn't love Zoella?

She was actually one of the main reasons that I started up my own blog. She taught me that anything is possible. Zoella started up her blog when she was going through a rough time and look where she is now!

Whenever in doubt about anything, remember that things always happen for a good reason!

What was the first blogosphere hyped about product that you bought? Was it worth the hype?

This one is pretty easy for me. It was Benefit- They're real! If I had the chance to crown this best mascara in the world, I WOULD! However, I never used to love it this much. When I first purchased this product, it used to clump up my lashes, so I basically wasted most of the product because I kept taking it off- this was back in the day (about 5 months ago) when I didn't understand the importance of an eyelash curler. Since I invested in an eyelash curler, I began to understand the hype about this product. If you haven't tried it out, what are you waiting for!?!? For the best results with this mascara, I would advise using a good quality eyelash curler- I purchased one from Models Own and it does a brilliant job. 

What are your three favourite things about blogging and being a Beauty Blogger?

 Buying new things- Obviously a beauty blogger needs to buy new products to talk about, right? Yes, I have finally come up with an excuse to shop. I wonder who will sign me up to shopping rehab first?
Writing the blogs- Although it takes me forever to write a blog, I really enjoy it. It makes me feel good knowing that I can start giving my honest opinions on products that will help others. I know we all Google reviews before we purchase expensive things- what are beauty bloggers for ay.
Reading other blogs- I can spend hours reading different blogs. Not only do they give me inspiration for my blog, they also encourage me to buy something I do not need- I guess my bank account doesn't agree with this favourite.

What have you learnt from being a Beauty Blogger? 

Well, one thing that I have learnt about blogging is that it is harder than it looks- I now understand why so many people get paid for it! I haven't been a blogger for long so I haven't learnt much yet; however, I am beginning to learn how to be more organized and I am also developing time management skills. One day, I will be posting blog posts atleast two times a week but 'New Girl' is such a big distraction.

Have you changed anything since becoming a Beauty Blogger? 

The more questions I answer in this tag, the more I realise that I should have done it at a later date because I have no experience at all in blogging. All I have changed is that I have made myself more organized so that I can give you guys a blog post atleast once a week. Apart from that, naaah.

Oh, I nearly forgot... one thing that has changed is my urge to purchase new fashion and beauty items, I just want to buy everything, but thankfully I have controlled myself.

(I have definitely repeated myself in the last two questions- sorry). 

What advice would you give to a beauty blogger just starting out? 

This is only my second post so I can't really give you advice because I am not an expert. But I will share with you what I think to myself to maintain my self esteem.
We all know that blogging is an extremely competitive industry and we should never compare ourselves to bloggers who have double, or even triple, the amount of followers that we have. Just remember that they have been doing it for many years and put the hard word into what they have achieved and if you continue doing what you are currently doing, you could achieve twice as more than they could ever achieve. Look at me right now, I have no followers on this blog, but that isn't stopping me from posting anything else. Why? Because I know that in  order to gain a successful blog, I need to find my feet in blogging and make sure that I make YOU, the readers, happy with the content of the blogs that I am providing.

What are your top 3 makeup brands?

Sleek- I LOVE sleek eyeshadow palettes. I think I own three of these and they are not at all expensive. When you see an affordable make-up product, you always doubt the quality, but Sleek eyeshadows are well pigmented and stay on for ages- wearing a good eye primer make the results 10 times better.

Benefit - I love everything Benefit, from their products to their packaging! Can you tell that I just want everything from their shop? I guess I am officially a Bene-babe!

Soap & Glory - This is one brand that everyone must love. They have a massive range of products and I think I love it all. Do not get me started on their body-care section... the smell! It is very affordable (most of their products are £10 or below) and the best brand for beginners. 

Recommend your top 5 beauty products.. 

Benefit They're Real Mascara- I'm sure I don't need to tell you all about this, but it's my most favourite mascara ever. Whenever I wear this mascara, I always get asked if "They're Real"- I guess it was a well thought out slogan.

L'oreal Super Liner Perfect Slim- In my opinion, this is the easiest liquid liner to apply because it is in a pen form- perfect application. I used to hate applying eye liner until I purchased this. The tip is so fine which makes the liquid easy to apply and it lasts for ages! Definitely repurchasing.   
Benefit Groovy Kind-a love - This was one of my first beauty gift sets that I received and my gosh, I was not disappointed. Benefit Cosmetics never fails to please. This set includes everything you need for a day out, which makes it very travel friendly, and all of Benefits selection of their favourite products. I am not 100% sure if they still this product, but click here to see what products were included in the set because they are all brilliant.

What is your favourite Benefit product?

Real Technique Brushes- I wasn't 100% sure if I could include these brushes in this section of the tag, but I needed to mention how amazing they were somewhere! I was a tad bit behind on the hype, but I am so glad that I have invested into these high quality make-up brushes. Compared to other brushes, these are inexpensive so I recommend them.


Did you enjoy this tag? Let me know what you think and whether you appreciated the advice on blogging and the beauty products.
What would you like to see next week? Post any ideas below:)
Miss Ani x

(I originally saw this tag on Chloe's Way).