June Loves, Likes & Loathes

It's the 1st of July meaning it's time for June Loves, Likes and Loathes. If you're new to my blog and haven't got a clue what my loves, likes and loathes posts are, I basically select a couple of products I've been loving, liking and loathing each month. I typically select 2 loves, 2 likes and 2 loathes but due to me not really disliking anything last month, I only have 1 loathe. I also added a lithe (mix between like and loathe) as there's a product I like and loathe. If you want to know what my June Loves, Likes and Loathes are, keep on reading. 

Loves

Inglot Colour Play Lipstick Palette - £10.00 (Palettes) & £4.50 (Lipsticks)

I'm not going to go into much detail about this palette as I did a huge review on it not long ago (can be found here) but all you need to know is that I absolutely LOVE this palette. Since buying the palette I haven't used any other lipstick as the palette is so versatile, you can wear the lipsticks alone or they can be mixed together to create a unique shade. I often mix my lipsticks as I like to be different and whenever I'm wearing one of my custom shades, I always get compliments. The lipsticks are pigmented, have great colour pay off, apply really well, are long lasting and they are VERY affordable. I also like how the lipsticks can be used on the eyes and face as well as the lips. The palette is great for Makeup Artists or anyone who isn't colour shy. 

MAC Face & Body Foundation - £26.50

I have to admit, I'm not a massive fan of MAC foundations but I absolutely LOVE Face & Body, I use it on my clients as well as myself and I will continue to purchase it in the future as I love it that much. MAC Face & Body is a water based foundation therefore it can be used on all skin types, it doesn't contain SPF either meaning it's an ideal foundation to use for photography (bridal, proms, fashion shoots etc). The great thing with Face & Body is that you can use it on your face and body (does what it says on the tin) and it's also build-able meaning you can wear it sheer, light, medium or full. Face & Body also sets once it's dry meaning it won't slip off. I love this foundation, and if you haven't tried it you need to! I also want to mention that the 'C' range would be ideal for anyone who has a warm undertone (yellow) and the 'N' range would be ideal for anyone who has a cool undertone (pink). 

Likes

MAC Fluidline in 'Blacktrack' - £14.00

If you watch me on YouTube you'll know that I sport a winged eye nearly everyday without fail as it's become part of my everyday makeup. If eyeliner was ever banished from earth, I honestly think I'd have a mental breakdown. Whenever I wear winged eyeliner, I always use my trusty MAC Fluidline in 'Blacktrack' to create it as it's possibly my favourite gel eyeliner. The eyeliner is creamy, smooth, applies like a dream and lasts all days without fading or flaking off. I've also had the eyeliner for a year and it hasn't dried out yet which is another good thing as gel eyeliners tend to dry out after a few months. The only negative thing I could possibly say about the eyeliner is that the colour pay off needs to be improved as I have to apply between 2-3 coats in order to achieve a true black. Other than that, I can't fault it. 

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara - £24.00

I sad to say I loved this mascara at one point and I feel it's slowly withering its way into my loathe section. When I first bought this mascara it did an excellent job at making my eyelashes appear longer and more voluminous but after a month it's nearly dried up and now it makes my eyelashes look clumpy and thick, in the words of Melmphs, it makes me look like I have 3 eyelashes. I really like the mascara, I just don't like how it dries up after a month. If I was in the position to buy a new one every month I would but I'm not so I think I'll have to stick to my Clinique High Impact Mascara. Don't be surprised if I include this mascara in a future loathe. 

Lithe

MAC Prep & Prime Skin - £19.50

This is a bit of a funny one as I like the product, I just don't like it on me. The product itself is fantastic as it makes foundation last longer and it also helps foundation go on a lot more smoothly. Not only that but it soothes the skin, evens out skin tone, blots away excess oil and reduces redness. I used this on both my sister and her friend for their prom and I have to say that their makeup lasted all day/night, I applied it to Emily (Sister's friend) at 12pm and her makeup looked the same at 2.30am, the same goes for my sister, I applied it to her at 2pm and her makeup looked the same at 2.30am. It's a great under makeup base, it's just a shame I can't use it. The reason why I cannot use it is because it breaks me out so bad, I literally develop a face full of spots. I have really sensitive skin so I'm presuming it contains something my skin doesn't agree with. If like me you have sensitive skin, this baby will probably break you out too. 

Loathe

Inglot Matte AMC Gel Eyeliner in '77' - £10.00

I originally bought this eyeliner after seeing great reviews online. Several people were stating that the eyeliner was the blackest eyeliner they’d ever come across, as I wear winged eyeliner nearly everyday I thought I’d invest in it as I’m always on the look out for a blacker than black eyeliner. There’s nothing better than blacker than black winged eyeliner.

When the eyeliner first arrived I was in my element as the eyeliner was soft, creamy, waterproof, smudge-proof, it applied nicely and like the online reviews stated, it was blacker than black. However, it was too good to be true. I have used the eyeliner 5 times (at the most) and it’s dried up already. As the photo below shows, there’s a huge crack down the centre and it’s as dry as a bone. The worrying thing is that I own several of the Inglot AMC gel eyeliners so I’m presuming they’ve done the same. 

I'm so disappointed that it's dried up already as it is a wonderful eyeliner, I think Inglot need to re-think their formula. 

I've now told you what I've been loving, liking and loathing in the month of June, what have you been loving, liking and loathing? 

Much love,

Cole

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May Loves, Likes & Loathes

So it's this time of the month where I tell you what I've been loving, liking and loathing. Below you'll be able to see what I loved, liked and loathed in the month of may. I usually include 2 loves, likes and loathes but since I haven't really been loathing anything lately I've only included one loathe. Oh and I've included a lithe too, a mix between a like and a loathe! 

Loves

Chubby Stick Shadow Tint for Eyes in 'Lots O' Latte' - £16.00

I have to admit, I have used my chubby stick near enough every single day since buying it. I don't tend to stick to using the same product every day as I like to use different products but I love my chubby stick so much that I honestly don't want to use anything else. I usually apply one layer of the eyeshadow, blend it out into the crease and then apply a second layer on my eyelid. This creates a lovely smokey eye and it literally takes 2 minutes to do, if that! I love my chubby stick and I'll certainly to buying more shades in the near future. Even though the chubby sticks for eyes retail at £16.00, I feel this is a fair price as they're absolutely brilliant. 
The chubby sticks for eyes are extremely pigmented, they are quick and easy to apply, they blend very easily, they don't crease, fade or budge and they can be worn alone as an eyeshadow or as a base for eyeshadow. The chubby sticks for eyes would be ideal for anyone who has little time to apply makeup in the morning and for anyone who has difficulty applying makeup.
The chubby stick for eyes are available in 12 different shades, retail at £16.00 each and they can be bought from Boots, Debenhams or Selfridges.

MAC Pigment in 'Vanilla' - £16.50

Again, like my chubby stick for eyes, I use this pigment near enough every single day. I primarily use the pigment as a highlight as I like to highlight my brow bone, cupids bow and cheekbones with it. It's a lovely cream pigment with particles of gold and it gives a lovely shimmery finish, this is the main reason why I use it as a highlight. I sometimes use it as an eyeshadow too for on the days where I just want a wash of shimmer on my eyelids.
The great thing with the pigment is that you only need to use a tiny amount due to it being so pigmented. I think the design of the pot could be a little better as I always end up covered in pigment whenever I use it which would be good if I wanted to look like a walking disco ball but funnily enough, I don't. MAC have also increased the prices of the pigments to £16.50 which is a little sneaky but then again you get what you pay for as the pigments are brilliant and you only have to use the smallest amount meaning one pigment will last you a lifetime.

Likes

Inglot Kohl Pencil in '01 Black' - £9.00

I recently bought this eyeliner when I went to London with Adam. I'd seen rave reviews online about the eyeliner about it being blacker than black and water resistant so I wanted to give it a whirl, not that I needed another black eyeliner as I literally have about 50 (and that's no exaggeration!). I can 100% say that the eyeliner is blacker than black, even blacker than Urban Decay's 'Perversion' (how is that even possible?!) the only problem is that the eyeliner claims to be water resistant, meaning it's ideal for the waterline but I'm sad to say that the eyeliner fades on the waterline after a couple of hours and it also smudges down onto the lash line which can look a little unattractive. I solely use the eyeliner on the lash line for when I want to create a smudgey grungy look and I also use it as a base for eyeshadow. I really like the eyeliner as it is blacker than black and I also like the £9.00 price tag, it's just a shame I can't really use it on the waterline. I didn't include the eyeliner in my loathes as it's a great eyeliner, just not for the waterline.

Eucerin Even Brighter Day Moisturiser - £22.50

I recently received the Eucerin moisturiser and I have to say I wasn't really expecting anything great from it as my skin tends to hate moisturiser but I have to say that since using it, there has been a massive improvement in my skin. My skin hasn't reacted to it in any way, shape or form, if anything, my skin loves the stuff! As you all know, I have really dry, lizard like, skin which prevents me from wearing some foundations as they tend to stick to my dry skin but since using the Eucerin moisturiser, my skin hasn't appeared to be flaky or dry. I've been able to use any foundation that I want to since using the moisturiser. My dry skin has improved and my red thread veins don't seem to be as obvious.
I can't comment on the brightening aspect or the sun spot reducing aspect of the moisturiser but what I will say is if you have dry skin, you need to try this moisturiser. It really has worked wonders for me.
Another great thing is that the moisturiser is fragrance free, sinks into the skin and it doesn't leave residue on your skin.

Lithe (Like/Loathe)

Sinful Colours Nail Polish in '24/7' - £1.99

Okay so I didn't know whether to put this in my likes or loathes because I like the colour but I loathe the product, hence why I created my own word 'lithe', it's a mix of the two. I really like the colour of the nail polish as it's uber bright and summery but the nail polish itself is rubbish. The nail polish applies streaky, you need at least three coats and it chips after an hour. I know it's only £1.99 but I don't expect a nail polish to chip after an hour, I really may as well have thrown £1.99 on the floor.

Loathes

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in 'Vanilla' - £21.00

I really don't know what else to say other than this concealer is absolutely diabolical. The concealer is meant to be long lasting and crease proof but it's about as crease proof as crepe paper. I have applied this concealer using my fingers, a brush, a sponge and countless other methods but nothing seems to work. The concealer literally lasts around 30 minutes and then it's creasemania from then onwards. I also feel it lacks radiance, there's absolutely nothing radiant about the concealer, and it doesn't cover my lovely bags either. The only positive thing I have to say about the concealer is that it has a nice consistency. I have well and truly wasted £21.00.

Left to Right: 'Lots O' Latte', '01 Black', 'Vanilla' (Pigment), 'Vanilla' (Concealer)

Video Version

I hope you liked my loves, likes and loathes and if you have any questions about any of the products I've mentioned please feel free to ask away!

Much love,

Cole

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June Loves, Likes & Loathes

If you watch my Youtube videos you will know that I do monthly loves, likes and loathes as opposed to doing monthly favourites. I like showing both good and bad products as it shows you what to buy and what not to buy. So here are my June loves, likes & loathes!

Loves

Estée Lauder Daywear Sheer Tint Release

£36.00 / 50ml

If you're not familiar with the Estée Lauder daywear sheer tint release, it's basically a jazzy green tinted moisturiser. The tinted moisturiser comes out green but matches to the colour of your skin once blended (pretty magical don't you think!). It contains beads of pigment that burst as you apply it, hence the colour change. 

This tinted moisturiser is actually my mammas but I'll definitely be buying myself a bottle before I set off on my jolly holidays because I love it. It's a lovely tinted moisturiser that blends into the skin nicely, I have used both my fingers and a brush to blend this in and both methods work well. It also gives the skin such a lovely, healthy glow, it also adds a touch of radiance to the skin. I also find that it doesn't irritate my skin or settle into my dry bits which is a massive plus point for me as the majority of foundations/tinted moisturisers highlight my facial sins. It has little coverage so it won't hide any form of imperfection (e.g my sexy cheek pigmentation) but that is expected as it is a tinted moisturiser, not many tinted moisturisers do have brilliant coverage. I hate wearing foundation in Summer as it feels heavy and unpleasant on my skin so something like this is perfect for me. It's as light as air and honestly feels like you're not wearing anything on your skin.

If you have dry skin, hate wearing foundation in summer and fancy giving yourself a golden glow, check out the Estée Lauder daywear sheer tint release. It's fandabbydosey. 

Fashionista Custom Palette

Palette / £5.00

Blush refills / £4.00

Nars blush alternative anyone? Honest to god, if you were considering splashing out £20 on ONE Nars blush you really need to consider checking out Fashionista blushes before you do! The Fashionista blushes remind me of Nars blushes so much, in terms of amazing pigmentation, longevity and texture etc. They last on the cheeks all day without fading and you only need to use the tiniest amount. Fashionista have a large selection of blushes to choose from (probably more than Nars) and best of all, they only cost £4... yes... £4.00!!!!! 

I have used this palette every single day for about 2 months, it's a brilliant little blush palette and I can safely say that it'll be coming on holiday with me as the palette it so thin and light. My MAC blushes have well and truly been abandoned, I think they're feeling a lack of love if truth be told. 

Likes

Caudalie Cleansing Water

£15.00 / 200ml

The Caudalie cleansing water is basically a makeup remover, it takes off makeup (even waterproof makeup) in a flash. It reminds me very much of the infamous Bio Derma and the ThisWorks 5 in 1 cleansing water in the same respect that you apply the product to a cotton pad and then whazz the pad all over your face until your makeup has been removed. 

The Caudalie cleansing water does an excellent job of removing makeup, especially waterproof makeup, and it's simple and easy to use. I wouldn't say that it gives the skin a thorough cleanse as it's solely used to remove makeup but it does leave skin looking fresh and feeling soft. Out of all the makeup removers I've tried, this has to be the nicest one as it doesn't feel oily, it cools and soothes the skin and more importantly it doesn't make my eyes sting (unlike Bio Derma). It is a little pricey considering you only get 200ml of product but I'd rather pay more for a product that doesn't irritate my eyes. 

The only downfall to the Caudalie cleansing water is the smell. It smells like a field of cucumbers but not just any field of cucumbers, a field of sugary cucumbers.  I dislike cucumbers with a passion so when I used this for the first time I felt a little ill. But despite the horrendous sugary cucumbery smell, it's a great cleanser!

Note: if you hate cucumbers, don't whiff this in Boots. 

Sleek Eau La La Liner in 'Noir'

£4.00

This is possibly the best high street black eyeliner that I've ever tried in my life. It's blacker than black, glides on easily, doesn't budge until you remove it and only costs £4.00. 

I've found it hard to find a black eyeliner that stays put on the waterline all day but thanks to Sleek, I've found the perfect one! 

The only minor issue I have with this eyeliner is that if you put the lid on too tight, excess product shoots up once you take off the lid so you're unable to sharpen the pencil properly (Picture above). It's not a massive issue for me but it's just a little annoying when it happens.

If you can deal with the 'product shooting upwards' situation, I'd HIGHLY recommend checking out this eyeliner because it's utterly brilliant. Even more brilliant than the Avon Super Shock Gel Eyeliner!

Loathes

Models Own WAH Nail Art Pen

£6.00

A lot of people think that this is the jesus of all nail products but I'm really not of the same opinion whatsoever. I personally think that it's a waste of space and would never buy another one again.

I think the nib bit is great for doing spots or leopard print but the brush bit is as shoddy as anything. The brush isn't straight in the slightest and as you can see from the above photo, there's stray brush hairs. How I'm meant to do a perfect straight line is beyond me, it'd end up looking more like a wavy line.

I'm going to stick to using my black nail paint and thin nail brush. It's cheaper, a better investment in the long run and it enables me to do perfect straight lines. The nail paint costs £2.00 and the brush costs £1.50 so that's £3.50 for a pot of paint and brush. Seems a lot more logical than buying a £6.00 shoddy nail pen if you ask me. 

Essie Good To Go Top Coat

£8.99

Worst top coat in the world, and that is no exaggeration. It's so bad that I'm considering writing a formal complaint. My nail varnish chipped after a couple of hours and by the next day, it had completely come off my nails. To be fair the top coat dried in a flash and it did make my nails look shiny but I don't expect my nail varnish to last one day, if that.

Please don't even considering buying this top coat as you'll be wasting your money.

Essie, I'm disappointed. 

Video Version

I hope you liked my June loves, likes and loathes and if you have any questions about any of the products I've featured, please feel free to ask away in the comments box below!

Thanks for reading/watching!

:)

March Loves, Likes & Loathes

It's this time of the month where every beauty blogger posts about their monthly favourites. I initially thought of doing a March favourites but I wanted to do something a little different in the form of 'loves, likes & loathes'. Not only can I tell you all about the products I've been loving, I can tell you all about the products I've been hating. I get a lot of people asking me to do posts/videos about products I dislike so I thought it'd be good to do a post that included products I both like and dislike.

I'm only going to include a couple of products into each category because if were to include lots of products into each category, this blog post would take a month to read and I'm pretty sure you've all got more bigger fish to fry.

So let's start off with my March loves...

Loves

Real Techniques Contour Brush 

(As part of the 'Core Collection' kit)

£20.00

I use this brush for two things, for contouring and for applying blush. Although it's commonly used for contouring and is branded as a contouring brush, it can be used for other things too. I've washed this brush numerous times and it hasn't lost its shape at all, I don't find that it sheds either. This brush honestly looks the same as it did when I bought it. 

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer

£9.99

I recently posted about this primer and I have to say that it's absolutely amazing. Not only does this primer help your foundation to last longer on the skin, it also gives you a lovely radiant glow. I wear this foundation alone and also underneath all of my foundations.
It's a wonderful primer with a wonderful price tag. My Nars multi-protect primer has been well and truly been banished to the back of my draw until this beauty runs out.
For a full review on the primer, here is the link: L'Oreal Lumi Magique Pure Light Primer

L'Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation

£10.99

There's one word to describe this foundation and that's perfection. This foundation is perfect for my dry skin as it covers dry patches as opposed to sticking to them. It has a lovely light weight texture and doesn't feel heavy on the skin at all. It has a build-able coverage which is great for all seasons of the year as you're able to wear a light coverage in summer and a heavier coverage in winter.
For a full review on this foundation, here is the link: L'Oreal Lumi Magique Light Infusing Foundation

MAC Lipstick in 'Quick Sizzle'

£13.50

This lipstick was recently released in the MAC Shop collection, it's a lovely bright pink colour with a matte finish. As soon as I saw this lipstick I knew I had to have it, it's pink, girlie and right up my street.
What I love most about this lipstick is its pigmentation and longevity. This lipstick is uberly pigmented to the point where you only need one swipe and it also lasts around 12 hours on the lips, if not more. To remove this lipstick you really do have to scrub at your lips for about 15 minutes, and that really isn't an exaggeration. Due to it's amazing 'staining' power, see what I did there, you need to be very careful when applying it as you could get yourself into a tricky situation. I applied this straight from the tube and it ended up all around my mouth which led to having a pink stained face, attractive. So word of advice, use a lip brush!
For a full review on this lipstick, here is the link: MAC Quick Sizzle Lipstick

MAC Paint Pot in 'Bare Study'

£14.50

I have 101 eyeshadows primers and more to the point, 101 paint pots. I recently noticed that my beloved 'Bare Study' has started to dry up so in attempt to save it I've started to use it daily. MAC paint pots work as great eyeshadow bases as they prevent eyeshadow from creasing, fading and more to the point, they help eyeshadow to stay in place all day.
'Bare Study' is a lovely beige/neutral colour with subtle shimmer. I usually wear it alone but I also wear it underneath eyeshadows and I also blend eyeshadows into it, it really is a multi functional paint pot. 

Likes

Inglot Blush

£10.00

I have to admit, I wasn't particularly fond of the blush at first but after using it a few times this month, I've started to like it. It applies to the skin very well and it has great pigmentation, one dab will cover both cheeks and more. It's also a great blush to use when wearing bronzer as it just gives the cheeks a subtle colour, it also contains shimmer which is great as it gives the cheeks a nice a glow. I wouldn't wear this blush alone (without bronzer) as the colour is quite flat and it gives a slight 'dead' look to the face. I do like the blush and will definitely use it throughout summer, the only reason why I didn't include the blush in my 'loves' is the fact that I don't reach for it on a daily basis. 

Illamasqua Precision Ink in 'Abyss' 

£17.00

I love winged eyeliner and I must admit that I'm a bit of a felt tip liner connoisseur. I have tried so many different ones over the years so I know which are good, bad and down right horrendous. The Illamasqua precision ink liners are possibly the best felt tip liners that I've ever tried, they last all day long without running, fading and flaking, the nib is small and fine which enables precise application and pigmentation is absolutely amazing. 'Abyss' is probably the best black felt tip liner I've tried due to its intense blackness, it's most definitely a true black. My only gripe with 'Abyss' is that if you don't apply it precisely, it settles into fine lines and cracks. I notice this happens more when using MAC paint pots and MUFE aqua creams so the trick is to only use this eyeliner when wearing eyeshadow. If this bad boy didn't settle into fine lines, it'd be well and truly in my 'loves'. 

Topshop Nail Varnish in 'Pool Party'

£5.00

I bought this not long ago after hunting for a mint green nail varnish. I came across 'Pool Party' on the Topshop website, it looked perfect mint green but how wrong was I because in the flesh it looks more of a turquoise colour. I'm not unhappy with the colour it's just not what I was looking for, I guess it's just another lovely shade I can add to my collection. With regards to the quality of the nail varnish, it couldn't be better, it lasts around 5-6 without chipping and it also dries super fast. I don't have to use a top coat and more to the point, I don't have to wait half an hour for it to dry. Overall I think it's a lovely colour for summer it's just a shame it isn't mint green. Damn Topshop and their deceiving photographs. 

Loathes

Estee Lauder BB Cream 
£32.00

I couldn't take a photograph of the BB cream as I only got a sample of it so apologies for that.

I cannot stress how awful this BB cream is, it fades and slides off the skin after a couple hours and it also sticks to dry patches of skin.  I would never buy this BB cream and it really isn't worth the £32.00 price tag. It's a big fat sham. 

Nivea Deodorant

Aprrox. £2.00

3 words. Horrendous, horrendous, horrendous. This has to be the worst deodorant that I've ever tried in my whole entire life. When you spray this underneath your armpits you're left with big balls of deodorant that cling to your clothes, arms and even your hair. The only decent thing about this deodorant is that it has pink on the packaging. Honest to god, if you're not fancying balls on your armpits and clothes, do not buy this deodorant. 

Lee Stafford My Big Fat Texturised Hair Super Spray

£9.99

I'm not going to talk about this spray in depth as I reviewed it on my blog not long ago and if I'm being perfectly honest it was a pretty negative review. If you wish to look at the review then here it is: Lee Stafford My Big Fat Texturised Hair Super Spray

This spray claims to give you big hair, a matte finish and it's also meant to give the hold of a hair spray. Does it do any of these?.. no. It' leaves hair looking flat, greasy and dull, the opposite of what it's meant to do. What's worse is that one bottle of 'super' spray will set you back £9.99, not good when it's a shocking product. Please do not buy this product as you'll be well and truly disappointed, you could spend the £9.99 on something a lot better.

I hope you liked my March loves, likes and loathes and I hope that you found it a little different to favourites.

What products have you been loving/hating?
:)