MAC Brun Eye Shadow Review

Hi everyone

-

So I was on one of my many MAC visits today and I asked one of the lovely gorgeous employees if they could recommend a brow colour. She grabbed Mystery and Brun and tried Brun on my brows and I really loved it. As I have ran out of space in my quad I have actually been keeping some pans in the packets they came in, but today I bought I would buy this one in the black pot. The colour is like a mix between Embark and Concrete which creates the perfect brow shade. It's obviously matte and also natural which is the look I obviously prefer as I opted for this over the pencil.

-

 -

The swatch on the back of my hand hasn't come up very well but the non blended swatch on my ring finger is a little better. Also yes I have already chipped it when I dropped it on my tile floor. Today I also bought Flake Away from Soap And Glory which smells incredible by the way. So this colour is a great colour as it serves a multi-purpose function - brows and smoky eye. Have  a lovely day guys!

Love Claudia

xx

My Beauty Shopping List

Hey Guys!

-

Today I am going to be telling you what is next on my beauty shopping list. So I have a range of products that are on my list and I will be getting all the photos from the internet as obviously I don't own these yet. I get a certain amount of money per week so I save up for two weeks then take that money into town and buy 1-4 products which I have listed, separated and put into groups based on price.

-

-

1. Nars Sheer Glow

2. Urban Decay Eye Primer

3. Urban Decay Setting Spray

4. Barry M White Nail Varnish

5. Lush Carrot Soap

6. Lush Rockstar Soap

7. Lush Porridge Soap

8. MAC Wedge Eyeshadow

9. MAC Mystery Eyeshadow

10. MAC Shroom Eyeshadow

11. MAC Pure Zen Lipstick

12. MAC Speed Dial Lipstick

13. Jo Malone Blackberry And Bay Fragrance

14. MAC Select Cover Up Concealer

15. Benefit The Porefessional Primer

16. MAC Soft And Gentle Mineralize Skin Finish

-

So this is just some of the things on my beauty shopping list and my list actually takes me up to Christmas to buy everything. I think in total I must have over 50 items on my lists which I have split into SS and AW. Have a lovely day and I hope this post has inspired you to add to your wishlists!

Love Claudia

xx

Products I Regret Buying

Hey guys!

-

So today I am doing my products I regret buying post because recently I have been regretting spending money on a few products. There are a range of products from lipstick to nail varnish and from drugstore to high end so I'm not being biased to any particular brand or product. 

-

 So I might have mentioned this product before in a previous post but I'm not sure. Basically I bought this foundation a while ago from a Clinique counter. I think this was one of my first foundations. So I got this foundation I think it was around £20 and I think it's a mix between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation. Firstly, even though I had this foundation matched it's far too dark, it's literally orange. Also I find it really stick, difficult to blend and patchy. I mean I guess if this was a drugstore foundation I wouldn't really mind because some you like, some you don't, but because I paid £20 for this foundation I feel like I regret buying it.

 So this is a Clinique mascara called 'High Impact'. I have no idea how expensive this mascara is or where I got it specifically, but I really am not a fan. I find it really clumpy and clogs up my lashes so they end up looking like 3 individual lashes. I guess because they aren't plastic teeth, they furry and have thick fur on the wand so I guess that doesn't help.

 This is a lipstick from Rimmel and I'm not sure what this means but it's in shiny plastic casing instead of matte black or pink, so I reckon this means it's a different finish but I have no idea what finish it is. I also have no idea why I thought it would suit me. It's like a dark red/purple and just makes me look really pale.

I am really not a fan of matte lipsticks so I don't know why I bought this Barry M matte lipstick. If I wear a lot of lip balm under it I do prefer it and the colour is really pretty, I'm just not a fan of the finish.

Finally this Jack Wills nail varnish is one of my least favourite nail varnish's because it chips so easily. Also the colours is so light that I end up using a quarter of the bottle on one hand (slight exaggeration, but eh).

-

So these are just some of the products I regret buying and I hope you guys found this post helpful in some way? Well have a lovely day guys!

Love Claudia 

xx

April Favourites So Far

Hello guys!

-

It feels so good to be back blogging after my holiday! I promised some holiday pictures, and you can find these on my Instagram (claudiabxo). If you follow my twitter (@allsparklesblog), I tweeted a picture of my new YSL lipstick which I am in love with! I actually picked up the wrong colour in the duty free because there were so many different collections and I ended up picking up a really dark red colour which I didn't think would be used on holiday, so I swapped it for a different kind of coral colour. It has more of a cremesheen finish than MACs Coral Bliss however they are similar colours. I was going to do a review of the lipstick but instead I decided to do my April favourites so far because there are a few products I have been loving at the minute! Its been quite a long intro so I'll just get on with the post now.

-

 Pointed Foundation Brush

 Bourjois Number 8 Eye shadow

 MAC Staunchly Stylish Lip Pencil

 YSL RougeVolupte Shine no.15

Benefit They're Real Mascara

-

So the first item on my list is the Real Techniques brush which I am currently using as a brush for powder highlighter. I find the brush is too long and is not dense enough for foundation, however it is a good brush for highlighting cheek bones. The next item is the Bourjois eyeshadow in number 8 which is a really pretty shimmery colour which I am actually using as a highlighter. I know that sounds ridiculous but honestly it's one of the best highlighters I have ever used. It turns out I am not a fan of the Topshop highlighter, however this eye shadow gives a natural finish and it has the perfect texture. Then a recently rediscovered item is the MAC lip liner. It's quite a dark red colour, but it doesn't show up well in the photo as my camera wouldn't focus, but I think that I will use this more in Autumn/Winter, but I still love to use the pencil at the minute too. Then of course is my YSL lipstick in a gorgeous pinky coral colour. It's pretty opaque and feels like a lip balm when you put it on so there's no need for a lip gloss. Then finally is my Benefit mascara which is also a rediscovered product after raiding my mascara pot I found this mascara lurking the bottom so I gave it a go and remembered how much I loved it!

-

So comment your guys favourite products at the minute! I will be uploading a lot hopefully in this week because I'm trying to up my blogging game! Have a lovely day in the sort of sunshine! 

Love Claudia

xx

Haul

Hi guys!

-

I am doing a slightly smaller haul than planned today because I did find some items in Topshop however many of them weren't in my size so I ended up with two pairs of jeans. Then I headed to John Lewis and picked up a navy jumper from their KIN collection, I then got some JuJu's from Urban Outfitters, some nude pointed flats from Next, some flip flops from Accessorize, a set of rings from Topshop, perfume from Zara, and a nightie from Next.

-

 So on the left are my black jellies which are from Urban Outfitters, some nude pointed flats from Next and some gold flip flops from Accessorize.

 Then I got some rings from Topshop which have 3 midi rings and 3 finger rings. They have tiny flowers on, little ridges and come in gold and silver.

 I got some jeans from Topshop which are Joni jeans and I have been wanting some white jeans for ages as I have loads of colourful camisole's which I thought would be a great pop of colour in summer.

 This is my jumper from KIN. I actually wore it last night and it was so comfy. It's navy so it can go with anything and itsn't too heavy.

This is my NEXT nightie/playsuit from the nightwear collection and it's really cute! 

-

So I didn't photograph my other pair of jeans because I'm actually wearing them right now but they are also Joni jeans from Topshop however they are a really light blue colour. I also didn't photograph my perfume because I put a picture on my Twitter yesterday (@allsparklesblog) so you can see it there. I'm not sure of the prices of the items but if you really want to know you can comment below and I will try and find out for you. Have a lovely day!

Love Claudia

xx

Carry-On Essentials

Hi everyone!

-

I am going on holiday soon, then in May and then in August, and I have mainly been planning for my holiday in August, however I'm going on holiday next week and I am starting to plan what I'm going to take. I want to take a beach bag this year which I tweeted about earlier today (follow me @Allsparklesblog) and I did see a really nice one in Primark that I might buy on Saturday so I will post a picture on twitter, however I am starting to think about what to take on the plane with me. I used to find this a difficult choice what to take on a plane, however I think I have it sussed now so I wanted to show you guys what I will be taking and I think I'm going to use this post as kind of a check list when packing so I'm super organised. I also will be posting some holiday snaps when I get home so expect a lot of pictures!

-

-

1. I take gum with me everywhere because it's something that you can take everywhere with you and refresh you throughout the day.

2. I also take my Burt's Bee's lipbalm with me everywhere because it's one of the best lip balms ever that can hydrate my lips in moments.

3. Next is of course something to read which is usually an ELLE or VOGUE magazine that I can pick up in the airport for £4. They keep me occupied for ages and I can read them on the plane or in the airport.

4. A spray is something that I wouldn't really take in my bag because obviously you aren't allowed liquids on the plane, but it's good to spray before you leave and you can still spray to keep smelling fresh!

5. I always take earphones on the plane so I can watch films and listen to music.

6. I also take an extra cardigan or jumper to wear on the plane because I always get cold on the plane. The one pictured is from Zara.

7. Obviously you need sunglasses for when get off the plane because unless your on a night flight, chances are it's going to be sunny. The ones pictured are from New Look and they cost just £4.99.

8. I take either my IPad or my Nexus so I can either read an ebook, listen to a book on Audible.com or or watch a film on Netflix.

9. I take a hair band all the time because I always end up putting my hair up as it can get in my face and annoying during the flight, and it can be nice to get it out of my face when I get off the plane.

10. Finally I always take hand sanitiser or handy wipes to of course keep my hands clean in the airport as I am a bit of a clean freak and like to keep a handy sanitiser in my bag, however wipes are a better option for the plane as they are not a liquid.

-

So I hope this has helped you guys planning for what you want to take in a carry on for your holidays as much as it helped me! Have a nice evening guys.

Love Claudia

xx

Do Or Don't: Eyebrow Waxing

Hey guys

-

Today I am going to be debating the question everyone wants the answer to - should I wax my eyebrows?. Now let's clear one thing up - always go to a salon. I had my eyebrows waxed for the first time last Thursday and it's an understatement to say that I was nervous. I went to a local salon and it cost me £7, and let's be honest that isn't going to break the bank. So I went in to the little room at the back and filled out a form then they cleaned the area, showed me in a mirror what they were going to take off, applied the wax which wasn't that hot, then just went right in with the waxing. I was in and out in literally two minutes. I know my eyebrows were not the easiest to work with because there were overplucked at the front and back, and underplucked underneath. I have such a low pain threshold that I can barely pluck two hairs without my eyes watering and putting down the tweezers in self pity, so they're never really 'perfect'. This meant that when they actually were waxed the lovely lady couldn't remove parts of my brows because they still had to fill in. I'm not going to lie this did confuse me a bit because let's be honest who wants patchy brows. So basically when I got home I just quickly plucked the few stray hairs to neaten them up a bit. Now they did tell me that it's not recommended to put make up on that area after but let me tell you they were red raw, so of course I attacked them with concealer, and of course, I ended up with some spotty brows. So let this be a warning to you - if you get your eyebrows waxed, DO NOT put make up on afterwards! The spots have cleared up now and I am genuinely pleased with them. I'm not going to take a picture because I have no make up on at the minute so I will spare you of that horror for today, however if I post any eyeshadow looks I have been loving etc on twitter then you may catch a glimpse. I'm going to rank the methods in terms of pain, 1 being the easiest and 4 being the most painful. Now this is just my experience so please don't go getting your eyebrows waxed because I said it was fine then end up crying in the shop - be sure to go off what you know best, this is just from my experience.

-

1. Waxing (Didn't hurt at all)

2. Shaving (Not recommended - been there, done that)

3.Plucking (Not my favourite)

4. Threading (I literally cried in the shop and they had to call my mum down)

-

So there is just my overview on the subject. I would say go for it - at the end of the day you pay around £10 for a good shape and clean look. I don't find that it hurts anywhere near as much as threading or even plucking. The plucking that the lady did after the waxing actually hurt more. Well enjoy the sunshine guys and I am actually going away soon so I won't be posting for a while, however when I do expect lots of holiday essentials, airport looks, and what's in my beach bag posts! 

Love Claudia

xx

May Edition ELLE Overview

Hi guys!

-

I bought an ELLE magazine today and I have had a lot of thoughts on this issue. So I'm going to get stuck in with my personal overview of this issue.

-

So starting with a beauty product I have seen appearing all over the shop are the stick form foundations, and the NARS Matte Multiple. I saw two adverts, one for the NARS Matte Multiple and one for the Bobbi Brown Foundation Sticks. Both are quite different as the NARS products are for lips and cheeks, and Bobbi Brown products are foundation. I have also seen Topshop bring out yet another form of highlighter, this time in stick form.

-

Another thing that I have seen that I am very very interested in is this whole idea of 'dark summer'. This is so intriguing because I have seen a lot of navy, camel and stone colours which is something I have never seen before. However in controversy to this I saw one article with all white garments on the high street edit.
-
The final thing I was interested in was the 'New Metal' article which I knew was going to come back, I mean it was such a big hit last year especially because it's not like a specific garment or colour scheme like pastels, it's just an all round trend that can be worn all the time.
-
I am really impressed with the May issue and I just have to mention this perfume that smelt amazing from Jour d'Hermes from Hermes Paris. I also loved Daisy from Marc Jacobs. Have a good evening everyone!
Love Claudia
xx

NOTW: Barry M Strawberry Ice Cream

Hey guys!

-

I'm doing a NOTW post today which is something I have never done before. I have been wearing this nail varnish all week long because it's so pretty! It's from Barry M and is in the colour Strawberry Ice Cream. It's like a pastel pink which is really spring and looks like Tanya Burr's 'Mini Marshmallows' nail varnish, but is only £2.99. I know that Barry M have loads of ranges of finishes and textures, but to be honest the plain nail varnish is my favourite because it's cheaper, it dries quickly and gives a glossy, classic finish. It doesn't chip easily and goes on smooth, and it's not difficult to remove, however you do have to apply a few coats because it's quite a light colour until you layer it up. 

-

-

I really recommend this colour for you guys because it's a beautiful spring pink! Follow me on Instagram for a picture of my nails with this colour at @claudiabxo. Have a good evening everyone!

Love Claudia

xx

Product Of The Week #1: MAC 217 Brush

Hey guys!

-

 I am doing a product of the week post today however the product I am going to talk about is a make up brush so I'm not sure if this really qualifies as a product but oh well. I bought this brush on Wednesday last week and I have some photos of it on my Instagram (@iceicebby04) and I have fallen in love. It's a soft fluffy brush that has a lot of really light real hair bristles which makes it light but effective. It's purpose is blending and that's always what I use it for. It was £18 which I feel happy paying for the brush I have been searching for. I don't think Real Techniques do a make up brush like this one, I mean I might be wrong but I have never seen it. So anyway I haven't photographed the brush because once again my phone storage is full so I just have the picture from the MAC website! Just a little side note my mum loved the Tom Ford lipstick (it's the lipstick I did a review of the other day)! 

-

-

So this is my product of the week because it's so fluffy and soft which makes it a great blending brush for a smoky eye. Have a lovely day everyone!

Love Claudia

xx